TELFORD, Pa., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grace Inspired Ministries (GIM), along with development partner LNWA (Leon N. Weiner Associates, Inc.), announce plans for the formal groundbreaking this spring for Sellersville Senior Apartments. This new venture is an affordable rental community, comprised of 50 apartments, eight of which will be dedicated as supportive housing. The Residences will be built to the highest energy efficiency standards utilizing the Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready program.

Affordable Housing for Seniors Coming to Bucks County, PA. Sellersville Senior Apartments will bring much needed affordable and supportive housing to the area.

Dan McKee, President and CEO of Grace Inspired Ministries, stated, "Sellersville Senior Apartments will bring much needed affordable and supportive housing to an area with a growing cost of living and a very limited supply of high-quality, cost-effective, rental housing for seniors."

LNWA and GIM were awarded highly competitive Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and have also closed on financing with partners S&T Bank, the County of Bucks, the Redevelopment Authority for the County of Bucks, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. In addition, the Bucks County Housing Authority and the Bucks County Office of Housing and Community Development will team with a local foundation to coordinate supportive services which will include continuity and management of care to support full and satisfying lives for community residents.

McKee sees this project as an extension of already long roots established in the area by GIM's two life plan communities, the Lutheran Community at Telford and The Community at Rockhill. While honored to join forces with LNWA for development of the project, McKee further stated that the GIM Board of Directors and company leadership have pledged to raise $350,000 to further support the Sellersville Senior Apartments venture.

LNWA is a Delaware based developer of apartment housing with a footprint in ten states and a lengthy track record in Pennsylvania. "We are thrilled to join our partner Grace Inspired Ministries in building 50 units of affordable housing in Bucks County," said Sean Kelly, Executive Vice President at LNWA. "Sellersville is an area where there is ample access to local amenities, banks, and restaurants, all of which make us very confident that our residents will be delighted to call this community their home. We also have the excellent team of Architectural Alliance, Gilmore and Associates Engineers, and Harkins Builders onboard to deliver the highest quality building on this former industrial site."

Grace Inspired Ministries (GIM) was formed in 2017 through the affiliation of the Lutheran Community at Telford and The Community at Rockhill. GIM is a not-for-profit, faith-based entity dedicated to serving older adults. Sellersville Senior Apartments aligns with GIM's vision to lead by identifying and meeting community needs with innovation and accountability.

Contact: Linda Pancio

Company: Grace Inspired Ministries

Phone: 267.429.3311

Mobile: 215.896.9392

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.graceim.org/

Developer Website: www.lnwa.com

SOURCE Grace Inspired Ministries

Related Links

https://www.graceim.org/


A Newville mother is charged with assault and theft after police say she lied about her young daughters illness and raised money to help pay the girls medical bills.

Shelley M. Noreika, 47, began giving false and misleading information to medical professionals about her daughter in 2016, according to state police.

The girl is 6 years old, police said.

Because of the false information provided by her mother, the girl was treated for conditions she didnt have, police said. One treatment involved surgically placing a feeding tube directly into her intestines.

This tube caused complications, and the girl became sick, police said.

The girl was placed on various medications and had medical devices to help her walk, police said.

For five years, Noreika gave doctors false diagnoses and medical histories for her daughter, which were later determined to not apply to the girl, police said.

During these years, Noreika also posted requests for donations to help pay the medical bills on GoFundMe, Facebook and Amazon Wishlist, police said. Donations, in the form of money, gift cards and other rewards were collected through social media and fundraisers put on by local churches and businesses, police said.

Approximately $5,402.15 of donations were given to Noreika, police said.

Charged with aggravated assault of a victim younger than 13, simple assault, child endangerment and theft by deception, Noreika was taken into custody on Monday and was released on $25,000 unsecured bail, according to online court dockets.

Read more on PennLive:
OTTAWA - A new federal study found that people released from prison were much more likely than the general population to have trouble finding gainful employment  even over a decade after returning to society.

The Mission Correctional Institution in Mission, B.C. is pictured Tuesday, April 14, 2020. A new federal study found that people released from prison were much more likely than the general population to have trouble finding gainful employment, even over a decade after returning to society. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

OTTAWA - A new federal study found that people released from prison were much more likely than the general population to have trouble finding gainful employment  even over a decade after returning to society.

Researchers from Public Safety Canada and the Correctional Service also concluded women and Indigenous offenders faced additional hurdles in trying to make a living after leaving a federal institution.

The study says securing work following release is key to successful reintegration and is associated with lower rates of reoffending.

It recommends measures to improve the employment prospects of newly released people  from strengthening anti-discrimination laws to identifying inmates most in need of support  in the interest of public safety.

The study looked at thousands of federal offenders admitted to Correctional Service institutions across Canada between Jan. 4, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2001, who were also tax filers in 2014.

On average, participants had lived 14 years in the community and were 47 years old in 2014.

"We found that the economic outcomes of Canadian federal offenders are quite poor, even after an average of 14 years following release from a correctional institution," the study says.

Only about half of released offenders who filed tax forms were in the labour market, compared with 69 per cent of the general Canadian population. Consequently, many were earning below the poverty line, the researchers found.

Those who reported employment income made an average of $14,000, compared with earnings in the general Canadian population that year of $39,580 for men and $27,750 for women.

As a result, it is not surprising that many individuals with a criminal record rely much more heavily on government support agencies than those in the general population, the study says.

Women released from a federal prison who had an income earned on average just under $10,000, substantially less than their male counterparts. In addition, Indigenous people made less money than non-Indigenous offenders following release.

"Given that federal offenders vary in their ability to secure gainful employment, identifying offenders who require additional support before release is essential," the report says.

"The current study suggests that older individuals, women and Indigenous offenders would benefit from greater support in securing employment in the community."

Among the other recommendations:

 Strengthen employment discrimination laws in Canada or amend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to add criminal history as a special status that should not be discriminated against;

 Use tools to identify steps in the job-search process, such as resume writing and interviewing, where individuals might need extra support or training.

The throne speech delivered last fall pledged federal legislation and money to address systemic inequities in all phases of the criminal justice system.

The commitments came amid mounting concerns about unfair treatment of Black and Indigenous people, who are overrepresented in courts and jails.

In this week's federal budget, the Liberals signalled they are moving ahead with plans to make it easier and less expensive to obtain a criminal pardon, which can help open the door to a job.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair "has long suggested there is a need for reform to the pardon system in order to confront some the challenges to employment faced by offenders convicted of certain crimes," said Mary-Liz Power, a spokeswoman for the minister.

"We look forward to having more to say in the future."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.
Petition to Undo Whitmers COVID-19 Executive Orders Has Enough Valid Signatures

A petition drive in Michigan seeking to repeal a law that underpins many of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmers restrictive COVID-19 executive orders has enough valid signatures to proceed up the chain that leads to the state Legislature, documents show.

The conservative-led initiative, called Unlock Michigan, needed 340,047 signatures to obtain certification from the states Bureau of Elections, a necessary precondition to send the matter to the states Republican-led Legislature. An April 19 staff report from the Michigan Secretary of States office (pdf) estimated at a 100 percent confidence level that the petition drive had amassed 460,358 valid signatures out of a total filing that contained just over 538,000 signatures. The document also features a recommendation that the petition be certified.

The staff report is a precursor to a meeting of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, which is composed of two Democrats and two Republicans and will convene April 22 (pdf) to consider whether the petition filed by Unlock Michigan is satisfactory.

Michigan Republicans have argued that Whitmers lockdowns damaged the economy and the livelihood of residents. Unlock Michigan spokesman Fred Wszolek hailed the reports recommendation in a tweet.

The MI Bureau of Elections recommends that the #UnlockMichigan petition be certified. With over 460,000 VALID signatures, its not even a close call. @GovWhitmer maybe now youll try working WITH the legislature, instead of governing by decree? Wszolek wrote.

Whitmer has signed nearly 130 executive orders since May 2020, imposing a bevy of COVID-19 restrictions that opponents have called both onerous and arbitrary, initially relying on a 1976 emergency powers law and later pivoting to an archaic 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act to undergird her actions. The governor has repeatedly insisted the measures were necessary to protect Michiganders from the outbreak.

If the Board of State Canvassers validates the Unlock Michigan petition, it will head to the state Legislature, which could enact a repeal of the 1945 act and avoid a Whitmer veto. Alternatively, the Legislature could opt not to take up the matter and instead put it on a 2022 ballot for voters to decide, but Unlock Michigan expects the Legislature will move to repeal, according to The Detroit News.

An opposition group, Keep Michigan Safe, which backs Whitmers use of state of emergency powers, has challenged the petition. In a legal complaint filed on April 9, the group called for a criminal investigation into how the signatures were collected, claiming evidence of forged and duplicated signatures and arguing that the language on the petition was misleading and failed to explain the repercussions of repealing the 1945 law.

Keep Michigan Safe spokesman Mark Fisk said in a statement that by letting Unlock Michigan off the hook for its illegal and unethical practices, turning a blind eye to conflicts of interest and glossing over the Boards own abject failure to promulgate rules, this report has made a mockery of the initiative process.

Were disappointed but we will make our case to the Board of Canvassers and the courts to stop this ill-conceived and irresponsible petition drive.

Responding to the complaint, Wszolek told MLive that the allegations brought forward by Keep Michigan Safe were frivolous and preposterous.

We just didnt need to [mislead] at all, he told the outlet. We had no problem getting people to sign this petition. The demand for overturning the governors abuse of emergency powers was pretty sweeping.

Less than two weeks after Unlock Michigan launched its petition drive, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 1945 law is unconstitutional and that Michigan governors dont have the authority to issue executive orders on its basis.

Wszolek told MLive in early April that, regardless of the Supreme Courts ruling, Unlock Michigan was determined to see through the repeal.

A different Supreme Court, like we currently have, could come to a different conclusion, he said. We think that dumb ideas never really die in Lansing, they just take naps. This one needs to get strangled.

Whitmer recently said her state wont carry out another COVID-19-related lockdown amid a spring spike in cases, following Republican-led lawsuits in 2020 that argued she overstepped her constitutional authority.

I have been sued by my Legislature. I have lost in a Republican-controlled Supreme Court, and I dont have all of the exact same tools [that I had 15 months ago], Whitmer, a Democrat, told NBCs Meet the Press on April 18.

Despite not planning any lockdowns, Whitmer urged Michiganders to continue with public health measures in the face of the CCP virus.

Well, at the end of the day, this is going to come down to whether or not everyone does their part. Thats the most important thing, Whitmer said. Were imploring people to take this seriously, mask up, get tested.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Transgender youth, parents and advocates on Tuesday urged the Alabama House of Representatives, as well as the states governor, to reject legislation that would ban the use of puberty-blockers or hormones to treat transgender minors.

Arkansas earlier this month became the first state to approve such legislation. Alabama could be the second if House members approve the Senate-passed bill. Parents, medical providers and a transgender teenager spoke out against the Alabama bill during a virtual press conference hosted by the Human Rights Campaign.

I ask you to take a look at our family. How am I hurting me or anyone else by wanting medical hormonal treatment? I do not want to be a pawn in a political agenda in which I was never consulted about, Phineas Smith, a 16-year-old transgender boy, said.

The Alabama bill would make it a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for a doctor to prescribe puberty-blockers or hormones or perform surgery to aid in the gender transition of people 18-years-old or younger. The measure cleared the state Senate in early March and awaits a vote in the House of Representatives, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 76-27.

Opponents, including parents and trans youth, say such measures interfere with medical decisions and target trans individuals for the sake of politics. Sponsors counter that they are trying to protect children from decisions that should wait until adulthood.

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon last week said House members are trying to educate themselves on the issue and he could not estimate when the bill might see a floor vote. The session is tentatively scheduled to end May 17.

Anytime you get a bill thats that significant, that deals with those kinds of issues, members want to make sure that they are educated on it before they make a vote on it. And I respect that. And because of that, were not trying to rush that bill through either, McCutcheon said.

Story continues

Carmarion D. Anderson, Alabama director for the Human Rights Campaign, said the bill is part of a wave of anti-trans legislation being introduced nationally. She said that depression and suicide rates increase among trans youth denied access to gender-affirming medical care.

Denying them the chance to be who they are isnt just wrong, its actually putting these kids in danger. The disinformation peddled by the proponents of this bill is dangerous, said Carmarion D. Anderson, Alabama director for the Human Rights Campaign.

Lawmakers in Alabama and 16 other states have introduced measures targeting health care for transgender youth amid a campaign encouraged by the Alliance Defending Freedom, the Heritage Foundation and other groups aligned with the Republican Party.

Trace Trice, Phineas Smiths mother, said legislators "have taken something that is a private matter and used it for their own agendas and made it very clear that they have a true lack of understanding about trans youth and their families.

In a message to the legislators sponsoring the bills, Smith said his parents taught him that real men admit their mistakes and there would be no shame in pulling the bill.

Theres shame in not stopping a mistake you know is hurting people. Trans youths from all over Alabama told you this is hurting us, he said.

The Legislature also recently gave final approval to a bill that would ban transgender public school students from playing sports of the gender with which they identify. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey told reporters Tuesday she will take a good look at the bill when it reaches her desk but did not elaborate on whether she will sign it.
One of the regions oldest wineries still in operation is Linganore Winecellars, tucked away on one of the rolling hills on the outskirts of Mount Airy and 4.5 miles northeast of historic New Market, Maryland.

It will take about an hour and 45 minutes to drive there from Harrisburg and less than an hour from Baltimore.

Linganore celebrated its 45nd birthday on March 25, and youll be hard-pressed to find many others on the East Coast that have deeper roots.

The place was founded by Jack Aellen, a manufacturing chemist who was born in Queens, New York, and wife Lucille, born in Brooklyn and raised in an Italian winemaking family. They left the metropolitan area and headed south, purchasing the 230-acre farm and then planting their first grapes in 1972.

The address is 13601 Glissans Mill Road. Linganore Winecellars is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Anthony Aellen, one of Lucille and Jacks sons, remains the winerys executive winemaker although his daughter, Melissa, continues to take more responsibility in the cellar as a third-generation winemaker there along with Ray Mitcham.

For years, they were best known for their sweeter wines, including fruit wine and mead along with dandelion wine. But that has changed rather dramatically the past couple of years as the winery looks toward balancing its portfolio with more dry wines and other products.

Michael Borum, director of marketing, summed up the transition in an email for a story written several years ago.

The vineyard has long been renowned for its large wine festivals and sweet wines, which were a necessity in the early years when the objective was simply to get people out to the winery, he wrote. Linganore was the very first winery on the Eastern Seaboard to host such events. The challenge is that there is a perception among the local community that Linganore Winecellars is simply a sweet winery that puts on large festivals.

But the change in climate and an increase in viticulture knowledge, he said, has allowed the winery to plant and source more vinifera grapes, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Merlot, Barbera, and Albarino. These are varieties that the areas original wineries couldnt grow in this region 40 years ago, he wrote.

Linganore now makes a number of award-winning dry wines such as Albarino, Chardonnay Reserve, Saperavi and Cabernet Franc Reserve in addition to several white and red blends. Those complement the existing mix of sweeter red, white and fruit wines along with several sparkling and Port wines.

In 2014, the owners also opened Red Shedman Farm Brewery on the premises, featuring a selection of craft beers, and barrel-aged and seasonal/brewers choice beers. Its open Wednesdays through Sundays.

While not activity-heavy like some other area wineries, Linganore does host its share of public and private events.

Two of Linganore Winecellars' award-winning dry wines, its Cabernet Franc and Albarino.

Below is the latest in the 6 Questions series of interviews with winemakers and owners of East Coast wineries, which looks behind at what has been a turbulent year and, with optimism, looks ahead. Thanks to Anthony Aellen, the executive winemaker and VP, for taking these on.

Q, Just on the vineyard how did it survive the winter? Are you seeing any of the lanternflies there? And are you planting or replanting anything this spring?

A, Vineyards look good, everything seems to have come through the winter just fine. We dodged the late spring frost in 20 because of our frost fans. We are in bud break right now so everything is coming back to life! As far as planting, just the normal interplanting on a few vines that were weak going into the winter and a small block of an Italian variety called San Marco. Our 2019 Saperavi, which was 4th leaf fruit, won double gold at the Md Gov Cup. Thank God, no lanternfly so far!

Q, You have so much outdoor space there did it help at all in bringing customers in during this pandemic? And did you make any changes that you think you will continue post-pandemic?

A, We enjoy a great deal of open outdoor space, which allowed folks to come up and enjoy as soon as the state would allow. Since we were not able to do our normal tastings in our tasting room we have changed our tastings to a more upscaled intimate sit-down format which allows for more precise information about the wines and food pairing. People really seem to enjoy this and we have a number of different levels of experiences we now offer and will most likely continue to offer when things get back to whatever the new normal will be. The way we see it, the more educated you can make the consumer the better a consumer they are.

Q, You mentioned the strange last 13 months. How has it been there and what has it been like in a people-type business not being able to welcome many people?

A, It has been a really weird time. I guess you have also figured out that we all are social animals and to be locked up away from people has taken a toll on all of us. It is such a pleasure to again have the opportunity to walk around and talk with customers. You know me, I will talk to anyone! Haha

Q, We have talked about the Albarino in the past. I saw that got recognized along with the Cab Franc. How much of the Cab Franc do you grow and why is that grape so successful in the mid-Atlantic? So many Cab Francs do so well and I assume sell so well, including yours. Do you make it any different now than when you started working with it?

A, About the Cab Franc. We only have about 2 acres of it and have been trying different growing systems over the past 10 or so years. We are working with Lucie Morton now for the last few years and are really seeing a difference in quality at the winery. It does take a lot of hand work to get the quality up there but its definitely worth it. Even though the grape is not as well known commercially, since Cab Sauvignon steals the limelight, East Coast wineries are finding that Cab Franc is rapidly gaining acceptance among their customers and I believe you will see acreage expand in this variety.

A look at the courtyard and a bit of the outdoor space at Linganore Winecellars in central Maryland.

Q, Im looking at the wine list tell me about the Aperture and Bacioni both are fairly new, yes? What should my readers know about each of them?

A, There is a story behind the Aperture and the Bacioni. First: the Bacioni has been produced here for probably 20+ years. It has always been a blend of different reds from the estate. We have honed the varieties and the percentages down over the years in an effort to produce an Italian-style dinner wine. We now use Chamboucin, Barbera, Merlot, and Cab Franc. This blend gives us a nice fruit nose with a complex red fruit white pepper finish. We then age in oak to impart a bit more tannin and some nice oak nuances.

The Aperture is a real surprise. Quite a few years ago we decided that we should treat our hybrid grapes the same way as we treat the vinifera. So we took a new planting of Chambourcin, we have 15 acres now, put it on VSP trellising and worked with it as we would Cab Sauv or Cab Franc. Shoot thinning, cluster thinning, leaf removal, ect.. the whole bit. Then aged in New American Oak and Voila! Aperture! An absolutely gorgeous red wine from Chambourcin grapes! I dont know what it is but we have been told by numerous people that there is something about our farm and the soil that produces a Chambourcin like no other. We dont know what is the cause but we love growing and making wine from it.

Q, Only because Ive known you for so long is this still fun? Still enjoy the day-to-day? Maybe its unfair asking off such a tough year because of the. pandemic, but I know youre candid and say whats on your mind.

A, As for still being fun when the winery started I was 17 and working with my dad. I have always really enjoyed the artistic aspect of winemaking, the taking of a raw material and turning it into a piece of art. The way I look at wine is that it is art in a glass and each winemaker has his or her own signature art form that shows through with each vintage. I am finding that the passion is still there at 61 but my body is trying to tell me I am not 24 anymore. Silly body. Every vintage, and I dont care how many years you are in this, offers another chance to make what you feel is your best wine from the fruit you are given that particular year. And that still intrigues me. Its inviting and enticing to see what you start with and where it goes as it matures. That process I dont believe will ever get old. All the physical labor involved? Yeah, that gets old really fast but after 40+ years in this business, you find you are blessed with another generation of people who are just as passionate about the process and have been blessed to have a great winemaking team to work with! Ray Mitcham and my daughter Melissa along with their crew are showing a bright future for our winery.

ALSO READ: A Virginia winery where Cab Franc is king, but its far from the only product there with a long reign of success

ALSO READ: So what is San Marco? The answer to that and more on one of N.J.s most accommodating wineries
George Bush has quite the gift for timing.

Just as Democrats whip up riots, threaten juries, plot to pack the Supreme Court, beaver away to end the filibuster, force Critical Race Theory down schoolchildren's throats, open the border to a cartel profit bonanza with untold migrant misery, and spend up a storm, out he comes, loudly criticizing his own party.

According to Politico:

Former President George W. Bush described the modern-day GOP as "isolationist, protectionist, and to a certain extent, nativist" in an interview Tuesday that was packed with implicit criticism of the most recent Republican president. "It's not exactly my vision" for the party, Bush told NBC's "Today" show in a rare live TV appearance. "But, you know, I'm just an old guy they put out to pasture."

He also threw in this:

As for the Jan. 6 insurrection perpetrated by supporters of former President Donald Trump, "it did make me sick. I felt ill. And I just couldn't believe it," Bush said. "What's really troubling is how much misinformation there is and the capacity of people to spread all kinds of untruth," he added. "And I don't know what we're going to do about that."

Well, leftists do. They're censoring conservative thinking of all stripes on social media and creating a cancel culture that makes any American with a viewpoint different from the wokesters into pariahs, silencing them, keeping them out of schools and jobs, cutting off their access to e-commerce, expelling them from retail contracts, tearing down statues, rewriting history to their leftist specifications, imitating Mao Zedong on brainwashing and re-education, and doing everything possible to make the idea of free speech and open debate a sorry joke.

Bush? He just likes the result, even if he can't quite bring himself to demonstrate the kind of brazen "courage" the leftists have to say so openly.

Any question as to why people despise him?

He trotted out the old tropes about conservatives, painting them the same way someone like maybe Kamala Harris, our most far-left vice president, would do:

"It's a beautiful country we have. And yet, it's not beautiful when we condemn [and] call people names and scare people about immigration," he said. "It's an easy issue to frighten some of the electorate. And I'm trying to have a different kind of voice."

What the heck was that about? Conservatives love immigrants. What they don't love is anyone who illegally breaks into the U.S., partakes of the privileges of citizenship, cancels our votes, drains our welfare system, clogs our hospitals, drags our schools down, presents us with his bills, offers zero education, initiative, or even willingness to learn English in return, and then tells us he's entitled to it, ahead of all the others patiently waiting in the legal immigration lines.

That's xenophobia? And human waves of illegal border-crossers surging across our border and paying cartels big bucks to do it is calling people names or scaring people about immigration? What planet does this fool live on? He's trotting out the Democrat talking points without once addressing the actual problem going on with the open border and Joe Biden's invitation to child migrants traveling alone to come on in. To paint conservatives as xenophobes simply for recognizing the huge human misery this open-border issue has created is disgusting.

Here's another thing for this ignorant junior: legal immigrants in huge numbers  such as the Mexican-Americans in Texas border towns and the Cuban-, Colombian-, Nicaraguan-, and Venezuelan-Americans who fled the horrors of communism  are big-time supporters of President Trump, who's the target of Bush's blather. They voted for him in record numbers, certainly bigger numbers than Bush himself drew. Here's another thing: this sudden rise in Latino support for Trump is all over, as an Axios report describing a leftist consultant study found. I wrote about that here. Bush is jumping in, then, to hurl rotten tomatoes at Latinos for doing it, same as Democrats are.

To be sure, Bush offered some gentle criticism of Joe Biden for pulling out of Afghanistan as of Sept. 11, not because U.S. troops shouldn't be sitting ducks in harm's way till kingdom come in some Stone-Age hellhole, but because:

Bush said he was "deeply concerned about the plight of women and girls" in Afghanistan and feared they were "going to have real trouble with the Taliban" after American troops left the country. "I think the administration hopes that the girls are going to be okay through diplomacy. We'll find out," Bush said. "All I know is the Taliban, when they had their run of the place, they were brutal. Brutal."

Still all about the Afghan girls, a group of people who are not all that interested in "reform" and plenty of whom eventually grow up to marry Taliban militants. Thousands of U.S. troops have and should have died in his mind, all because of the Afghani girls and their literacy programs. Let's just say his focus is rather small. He used to talk like that a lot when he was in office, too, what, 13 years ago? He seems to be frozen in amber, forever focused on all those Afghani girls. He hasn't read up on anything new about the matter, or focused on the NGO corruption surrounding all those literacy programs, or, more to the point, changed a bit.

Then he talks about all that "misinformation" out there, which is probably the most galling of all. Obviously, it's a reference to President Trump's charge that the election was stolen from him. Bush who was elected by very skeevy means in 2000, seems to be a fan of fraud, not just because he hates Trump, but because he himself may have benefited from it in 2000, with the Al Gore hanging chad fiasco, which put him over the top in a close election by a narrow margin and began the polarization of the country we have seen since then. He should be the loudest voice out there to speak out against fraud, and here he goes, repeating the Democratic talking points again.

Worse still, he patronizes Republican voters who know the deal about this election fraud and want only free and fair elections, same as his precious burka-clad Afghani women have had with their ink-stained fingers. He ought to be loudly denouncing election fraud if for nothing else to take attention off his own suspect election, and standing up for the voters and state legislators of Georgia, who are trying to plug the holes in their election system. It shouldn't even be hard for him to do, given Georgia governor Brian Kemp's known loathing of President Trump, as well as the even worse stuff seen in Kemp's lieutenants.

But noooo, he wants to repeat the Democrat talking points and, rather than directly attack Republicans who are against election fraud, declare them ignorant boobs.

He's a hateful, bitter guy, all right, ignoring the rampant leftism of the ascendant, cheating Democrats, who are now extending their corruption, and governing as if they have a full mandate for socialism. There are so many issues he could speak out about  Democrat voter fraud, Democrat jury intimidation, Democrat incitement, Critical Race Theory, cancel culture, the Democrats' monster expansion of government, the Democrats' tax hikes, solid blue cities full of racists, the real Jim Crow and which party was behind it, the distinction between legal and illegal immigration, the importance of projecting national strength to our enemies, even the wisdom of endless wars...an amazing array of issues  but instead, he's decided that now's the time to criticize Republicans.

Too bad the GOP can't rebuke him and kick him out of the Republican Party. This bitter creep is a Democrat in his loyalties, worse than Mitt Romney or Liz Cheney, with his only wish now in his desire to stab his own Republican voters in the back in exchange for media adulation.

Get the hook.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
A modest crowd of about 40 people gathered Tuesday evening in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in MacGregor Park, where Black Lives Matter organizers and other activists delivered impassioned remarks about the guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Ashton Woods, founder of Black Lives Matter Houston, drew the crowds attention to local efforts to curb police violence. He urged people to demand accountability from city hall and to pay attention to the changes implemented by the Houston Police Oversight Board, created last year by Mayor Sylvester Turner in the wake of other local police shootings.

So when we talk about George Floyd, we have to talk about everything, he said. We have to talk about who to hold accountable. We can't stop here. Im telling yall, be happy right now, but be willing to do the work. Be willing to take the sacrifice.

Now Playing: Video: Houston Chronicle

Attendees took turns speaking to the crowd from a bullhorn, including Janie Torres. She identified herself as the sister of Joe Campos Torres, who in 1977 was brutally beaten to death by six Houston police officers. His body was later found washed up on the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

The killing reverberated throughout the Mexican-American community locally and nationwide. Riots broke out in Houston on the first anniversary of the death. Janie Torres, who was ten years old at the time, said she is still fighting police brutality in her 50s.

I know what the family is going through right now, and I know what the family will go through 10 years from now, she said. Im still here. Im still going to continue to be here, because I know they are now in my shoes  we are now connected.

Nykeisha Bryer, 31, said as a local teacher, it pains her to think about the injustice that her Black students face on a daily basis.

Similar to Woods, she felt Tuesdays verdict should only serve as a starting point for widespread reform.

Hopefully, this one little piece of accountability, it begins to bring forth a conversation about change and people actually start to listen, she said.

Shelly Baker said she created Say Her Name Texas last year in the wake of the killing of Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by plaintclothes police officers who forcibly entered her Kentucky home.

As an activist, she said she feels her youth has been taken from her by a continuous stream of police violence against Black people.

Im tired, she said. Im exhausted. I know all of us are, and we need more than just a conviction. Justice is George Floyd being alive. All that happened today is the laws that are in place worked the way they said they were going to.
FLINT, MI -- Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Saginaw Mayor Brenda F. Moore are among a coalition of Black mayors calling on Michigan lawmakers to reject Republican-sponsored voting bills they say would deeply assault the ability of many residents to fulfill their right to vote.

The two were among nine mayors who signed an open letter Tuesday, April 20, opposing 39 voting bills introduced after the election of President Joe Biden -- legislation that would require voters to submit a photo ID, prohibit the unsolicited mass mailing of absentee ballot applications, and restrict the hours in which people could drop their ballot in curbside boxes.

Every vote counts. No more. No less. Certainly, no matter our race, color or creed, we can agree on this, the letter says in part. The right to vote itself is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet it is also undeniable that people of color have historically and systematically been denied access to this right.

From literacy tests to intimidation at the polls, we have been blocked from this basic American right. This new package of bills follows in those shameful footsteps by purposely and overtly seeking to limit voter access. These limits will affect all people but they will disproportionately stand in the way of democracy and voting rights for the poor and for people of color.

Neeley and Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad also met privately today with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist to discuss the impact of the bills, according to a news release from the city of Flint.

In addition to Neeley, Moore and Muhammad, Tuesdays letter was signed by Monique Owens of Eastpointe, Valerie Kindle of Harper Woods, Hubert Yopp of Highland Park, Patrick Winberly of Inkster, and Walter Watt of Muskegon Heights.

Earlier this month, a group of elected officials and pastors in Flint also urged lawmakers to reject the election bills.

Read more on MLive:

Flint area leaders vow to fight crazy state election bills

Residents in Genesee County vow to fight voter suppression efforts across the country

Ananich, Flint area pastors say theyll fight voter suppression
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 01:40:20|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for efforts to transform mankind's relationship with nature and protect the ocean, the life support system of the planet.

In his video message to launch the second World Ocean Assessment report, the UN chief said that "we must transform our relationship with nature. This includes our relationship with the ocean, the life support system of our planet."

Noting the findings from the report "are alarming," the secretary-general said that "pressures from many human activities continue to degrade the ocean and destroy essential habitats - such as mangrove forests and coral reefs - hindering their capacity to help address climate change impacts."

"These pressures also come from human activities on land and coastal areas, which bring dangerous pollutants into the ocean, including plastic waste," said the top UN official.

The secretary-general also called attention to overfishing, ocean warming and acidification "that destroy biodiversity," as well as sea level rise that threatens the coastlines.

"The number of so-called 'dead zones' in the ocean has increased from more than 400 globally in 2008 to about 700 in 2019," the UN chief said, adding that "around 90 percent of mangrove, seagrass, and marsh plant species - as well as 31 percent of species of seabirds - are now threatened with extinction."

The secretary-general cited the report as saying that "many benefits that the ocean provides to humankind are increasingly being undermined by our actions."

He went on to say that "the experts attribute this to our general failure to achieve integrated sustainable management of coasts and the ocean."

Guterres urged all stakeholders to heed this and other warnings, noting that "better understanding of the ocean is essential."

He stressed that "ocean sustainability depends on us all working together - including through joint research, capacity development and the sharing of data, information and technology."

"The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which started this year, provides a global framework to act as one to achieve this goal," said Guterres. "The findings of this assessment underscore the urgency of ambitious outcomes in this year's UN biodiversity, climate and other high-level summits and events."

"Together, we can foster not only a green- but also a blue - recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and help ensure a long term resilient and sustainable relationship with the ocean," the secretary-general concluded. Enditem
PITTSBURGH, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "In our experiences as firefighters for over 20 years, we often used safety harnesses in fire and rescue situations," said one of two co-inventors from Monticello, Fla. Concerned with the effectiveness of conventional harnesses, however, we came up with a safer option."

They developed SAFETY HARNESS to provide better protection against injury and death than standard safety harnesses. Thus, it facilitates enhanced safety conditions and affords peace of mind for workers. At the same time, it increases productivity and reduces Workers' Compensation claims. It is also durable, practical, comfortable and easy to use. In addition, users will appreciate how convenient, effective and affordably priced it is.

The original design was submitted to the National Sales office of InventHelp. It is patent-pending and is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-JMC,2319 InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com

SOURCE InventHelp

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Economist Adewale "Wally" Adeyemo listens to questions during his Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, in Washington, D.C., U.S. (Photo : Greg Nash/Pool via REUTERS)

A top Treasury Department official met on Tuesday with 20 top bankers to discuss President Joe Biden's $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan and ways to use public-private partnerships to expand economic inclusion, the agency said in a statement.



U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told 20 bank chief executives who are members of the nonpartisan Bank Policy Institute research group, that "now is the moment to reimagine and rebuild a new American economy" that rewards work, not wealth, and create a tax code that helps end "profit shifting and tax games."



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Adeyemo and the CEOs also discussed economic inclusion and ways to improve access to credit for low- and moderate-income communities, particularly with regard to mortgage finance as a pathway to building wealth, the statement said.



BPI represents the nation's leading banks, which collectively employ nearly 2 million Americans.



Adeyemo said Biden's infrastructure and jobs plan would create millions of well-paying jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and position the U.S. to outcompete China, Treasury said.



The Biden administration has made ending systemic racism and disparities a central part of its overall economic policy.



He also focused on the Treasury Department's continuing review of U.S. economic and financial sanctions policies adopted by former President Donald Trump, and said it was look to identify both "successes and opportunities for change or improvements."



Adeyemo told academics and other experts on sanctions earlier this month that he viewed sanctions as a "potential and valuable tool for policymakers" and it was important to ensure they remained a viable option for years to come.


A mechanistic understanding of brain development requires a systematic survey of neural progenitor cell types, their lineage specification and maturation of postmitotic neurons. Cumulative evidences based on single-cell transcriptomic analysis have revealed the heterogeneity of cortical neural progenitors, their temporal patterning and the developmental trajectories of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the developing neocortex. Nevertheless, the developmental hierarchy of the hypothalamus, which contains an astounding diversity of neurons that regulate endocrine, autonomic and behavioral functions, has not been well understood.

Recently, however, Prof. WU Qingfeng's group from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) conducted a study focusing on the origin of this neuronal diversity. For their work, they profiled the transcriptome of 43,261 hypothalamic neural cells to map the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus and mapped the trajectory of radial glial cells (RGCs), intermediate progeny+++tor cells (IPCs), nascent neurons and peptidergic neurons.

The researchers found that RGCs adopt a conserved strategy for multipotential differentiation, but generate both Ascl1+ and Neurog2+ IPCs. Ascl1+ IPCs differ from their telencephalic counterpart by displaying fate bifurcation whereby they can differentiate into both glutamatergic (excitatory) and GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons. Postmitotic nascent neurons derived from IPCs further resolve into multiple peptidergic neuronal subtypes. Clonal analysis also demonstrates that single RGCs can produce multiple neuronal subtypes.

This finding reveals that multiple cell types along the lineage hierarchy contribute to the fate diversification of hypothalamic neurons in a stepwise fashion, thus uncovering an effective strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity.

Furthermore, this study provides a developmental perspective for understanding hypothalamus plasticity and gaining valuable insights into hypothalamic diseases such as anorexia, narcolepsy and insomnia.
U.S. files lawsuit against Danske Bank, attorney says

A Danske bank sign is seen on a bank's headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark (Photo : REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen)

The United States of America and the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) have filed a lawsuit against Danske Bank and its former CEO in the Copenhagen city court, according to the attorney representing the parties.



Shares in Danske Bank fell around 8% after the news, which was first reported by the business daily Borsen.



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The suit is linked to Danske's involvement in a major money laundering scandal, according to Borsen.



It said the parties were initially claiming compensation of 10 million Danish crowns ($1.62 million), but that the number could rise to hundreds of millions.



Between 2007 and 2015, 200 billion euros ($235 billion) in transactions were channelled through its small branch in Estonia, many of which the bank has said were suspicious.



The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages almost $600 billion in federal retirement funds, lost money after buying shares in Danske Bank, according to Borsen.



The bank faces several similar civil lawsuits, with total claims amounting to 12.4 billion Danish crowns ($2 billion) at the end of last year, according to the bank's annual report.



"We will update any potential development on a quarterly basis, however, the sum of claims does not deviate materially from already disclosed numbers," Danske said in a statement on Tuesday following the news.



"Danske Bank intends to defend itself against these claims. The timing of completion of any such lawsuits and their outcome are uncertain," it added.



A spokesman for the Danish bank could not confirm or deny the lawsuit.



Thomas Donatzky, the lawyer representing the claimants, confirmed the lawsuit when contacted by Reuters, but declined to give further details.



Officials from for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FRTIB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



Danske's former CEO Thomas Borgen's lawyer Peter Schradieck declined to comment. Borgen left Danske in 2018 in the wake of the money-laundering scandal.



Danske Bank is also being investigated by the DOJ over its role in the Estonia case.



Shares in Danske closed 7.6% lower at 111.45 crowns each, the lowest level in two months.



($1 = 6.1831 Danish crowns)


San Francisco leaders considered a controversial  and costly  proposal Wednesday that would require the city to provide shelter for all unhoused people, which would likely mean expanding sanctioned tent encampments until enough permanent housing is available.

Dozens of advocates, residents and business owners spoke passionately for and against the proposal during an hours-long public comment at a budget committee hearing as the city grapples with worsening homelessness and debates the most effective way to tackle the crisis.

If approved, supervisor Rafael Mandelmans Place for All proposal  introduced last year  would direct the city to create a plan to shelter unhoused people within four months and identify and set up sites within two years. Shelter could be tents, tiny homes or other options, although Mandelman told The Chronicle he believed the city would have to rely at first on Safe Sleeping Sites  sanctioned encampments.

Mandelman agreed with critics that the proposal was not a solution to homelessness. But he said that despite San Franciscos significant investments, the city still falls short of its housing goals, evidenced by street conditions criticized by the United Nations.

I believe a Place for All aligns with the values and sensibilities of a majority of San Franciscans who want an end to street homelessness but also believe that no person should have to sleep on the street, Mandelman said. I do think we need to focus more resources on policies that will actually find an alternative to the sidewalk for folks that we do not have housing for.

The plan faced skepticism from fellow supervisors Wednesday, especially given the $61,000-per-tent cost of similar sites set up during the pandemic. Supervisor Matt Haney blasted Safe Sleeping Sites, calling them a failed approach in so many ways that did little to move people into permanent housing. He said the city, which created them during the pandemic, should have doubled down on moving people into shelter-in-place hotels.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai said the city needs to focus on purchasing hotels with an unprecedented opportunity to do so with Prop. C, a corporate tax which will raise $250 million to $300 million per year.

Supervisor Gordon Mar said he agreed with Mandelman that theres a need to expand shelter options until permanent housing is available. He said there is a role for a thoughtful expansion of safe sleeping sites but any expansion needs to be right sized and ensure that it doesnt divert precious resources and undermine our focus on permanent solutions to homelessness.

Mandelman he was disappointed by the reception and said the core of the legislation is having a place where people can go  which doesnt necessarily mean tents. His supporters  mostly business owners and residents  argued the proposal was a temporary and necessary solution given the lack of affordable housing.

Opponents said money could be better invested in rental subsidies and purchasing hotels. One caller experiencing homelessness said we want houses, not tents. Others feared the mandate could lead to more police enforcement of street sweeping and criticized the proposal as pacifying well-to-do residents.

Mary Kate Bacalao, director of external affairs and policy at Compass Family Services and co-chair of the Homeless Emergency Service Providers Association, said its undeniable that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.

But whats important to acknowledge is that we cant shelter our way out of homelessness, Bacalao said. If we create this massive expansion in shelter that isnt part of an overall comprehensive vision that wants to lift people out of poverty and get people inside and put them in housing, were creating problems over the long term.

In the last official count in 2019, there were more than 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco. Records of homeless individuals who use city services indicate that the number throughout the year could be greater than 17,500.

With shelters scaled back in capacity 75% during the pandemic, the city is running five Safe Sleeping sites that provide some services including security, bathrooms and food. The cost is $61,000 per tent a year  2.5 times the median rent for a one-bedroom.

The average per-night cost for the sites  $190  is $82 less than what the city pays to shelter someone in its homeless hotel program. That program is reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the end of September.

Most of what made the sites so expensive were labor costs and scale, with a high ratio of staff to tents. Mandelman cited a city report that said if sites were scaled up, they could be run for $93 a night, less than $34,000 a year.

Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said brainstorming by the Prop C steering committee to bring down site costs have been unsuccessful.

The Bay Area Council, which analyzed the program budgets, pointed out Safe Sleeping Site costs didnt include land, with one site leased on private land for $1.2 million. Other solutions, including Navigation Centers, shelters with services, which cost $43,000 per unit, are cheaper.

Advocates also worried the proposal would increase police enforcement sweeping encampments. Mandelmans legislation is silent on enforcement, but he told The Chronicle there is a reasonable expectation it would lead to an end to street camping if people were offered another option.

Los Angeles, which has a similar crisis, had its hand forced in the direction of Mandelmans proposal this week. A federal judge ordered the city and county on Tuesday to offer some form of shelter or housing to the entire homeless population of skid row by October, the Los Angeles Times reported. The judge argued that the city had wrongly focused on permanent housing at the expense of temporary shelter, which led to more people dying on the streets.

The budget committee approved amendments to the proposal Wednesday. The vote on whether to advance it to the full board was pushed to a later date.

Chronicle staff writer Trisha Thadani contributed reporting.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench
VANCOUVER - Discount U.S. airline JetBlue is expanding its operations with its first flights to Canada.

A traveler wearing a protective mask, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, walks through the nearly empty JetBlue terminal at Logan Airport in Boston, Friday, May 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Charles Krupa

VANCOUVER - Discount U.S. airline JetBlue is expanding its operations with its first flights to Canada.

The New York-based airline says it will launch flights between Vancouver and New York, as well as seasonal service to Boston, starting in the summer of 2022.

The move is part of plans to add seven destinations to its route map from New York or Boston starting later this year. It is also adding Honduras.

JetBlue says in a news release the expansion is part of the next phase of the alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines that was authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this year.

The move comes ahead of what the travel industry hopes will be a surge in travel from pent-up demand as COVID-19 vaccinations expand and the pandemic wanes.

Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning at JetBlue, says customers and crew members have been asking to add flights to the middle of the U.S. and into Canada.

"We cant wait to shake up the status quo in these markets currently dominated by high-fare carriers," he stated.

JetBlue will have to compete with Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet Airlines.

Vancouver Airport Authority CEO Tamara Vrooman says it is "delighted" that JetBlue has selected Vancouver as its first Canadian destination.

"As we move through the pandemic and prepare for a safe and healthy return to non-essential travel, this new service, scheduled for Summer 2022, gives us all something to look forward to."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:AC)
The Centre is planning to rope in Indian Air Force (IAF) for flying in containers and equipment from abroad that can be used for carrying oxygen. It is one of the measures to enhance capacity and supply of oxygen across the country amid severe shortage due to the second wave of COVID-19.

Ample oxygen is available in the country but transportation is a problem due to an acute deficiency of containers required to carry it, India Today reported while quoting government sources. Availability of containers and equipment to transport oxygen will help iron out the kinks in nationwide supply of oxygen to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

Indian Air Force has already been operating on war footing to help with the COVID relief operations. In the initial days of COVID-19 outbreak, IAF ran several sorties to deliver medicines, medical and other essentials, and other paraphernalia required to combat the coronavirus pandemic, as well as brought back expats stuck abroad.

The Indian Air Force has swung into action carrying out sorties from various parts of the country to airlift oxygen containers, cylinders, essential medicine, equipment and medical personnel in the battle against the fresh surge of COVID-19 cases.

Air Force officials said doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bangalore were flown to Delhi towards setting up of COVID-19 hospital set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Delhi.
In an unprecedented move, Columbus, Ohio police showed body camera footage of the shooting of a 16-year-old girl by a Columbus police officer just hours after the incident on the Southeast Side.

The shooting, which happened about 20 minutes before a guilty verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd, prompted hundreds to protest at the shooting site and Downtown.

The video shows an officer approaching a driveway with a group of young people standing there. In the video, it appears that the 16-year-old, identified now as MaKhia Bryant, who was moments later shot by police, pushes or swings at a person, who falls to the ground.

Bryant then appears to swing a knife at a girl who is on the hood of a car, and the officer fires his weapon what sounds like four times, striking Bryant, who died a short time later.

Its a tragic day in the city of Columbus. Its a horrible, heartbreaking situation, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said. We felt transparency in sharing this footage, as incomplete as it is at this time was critical.

Franklin County Childrens Services confirmed on Tuesday night that the girl killed was 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant and that she was in foster care and in the custody of Childrens Services.

Police received a 911 call at 4:35 p.m. about an attempted stabbing on the 3100 block of Legion Lane, which is located north of Chatterton Road. The caller reported a female was trying to stab them, then the caller hung up.

Officers responded to the scene and at 4:45 p.m. an officer-involved shooting was reported.

Columbus Fire medics were cleared to come into the scene at 4:46 p.m., police said. The wounded person was transported in critical condition to Mount Carmel East hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m., police said.

Columbus police stressed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the case, but the city wanted to release the body camera to give the public more information.

Interim Columbus Police Chief Michael Woods said officers are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves or a third party. He said the investigation still needs to be completed to determine if the actions of the officers were justified. He said the officer, who was not named, has been placed on administrative leave.

Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. urged the public to be patient as the investigation continues, and city officials again called for peace.

She could be my grandchild, said Pettus. In any way you look at this, its a tragedy.

Hazel Bryant told The Dispatch that she is the aunt of MaKhia Bryant. The girl lived in a foster home there on Legion Lane and got into an altercation with someone else at the home, she said.

Bryant said her niece had a knife, but maintained that the girl dropped the knife before she was shot multiple times by a police officer.

Protesters with Black Lives Matter signs, megaphones and a loudspeaker joined the crowd gathered behind crime scene tape about a half-block away from the shooting scene. About 50 people had gathered by 8:30 p.m.

We dont get to celebrate nothing, K.C. Taynor said through a megaphone of the Chauvin verdict. ... In the end, you know what, you cant be Black.

Kiara Yakita, founder of the Black Liberation Movement Central Ohio, said she is not surprised that another police shooting happened. Why did they kill this baby? she asked aloud.

Mike Fair, 63, of the East Side, brought an amplifier and a microphone to the scene, and expressed his anger, suggesting there should be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Were not going to sit here and just sit around while you kill us, then go back in the suburbs, one protester said.

Over and over, keep killing us another protester said.

Hana Abdur-Rahim, with the Black Abolitionists Collective, said, We are in a literal genocide. We are fighting for our lives.

During a council committee hearing Tuesday evening that allowed members to meet nominees for a new police civilian review board to investigate officers uses of force, Council president Shannon Hardin announced that there had been another police shooting.

We dont know very much as it stands, and as we watched the verdict from Minneapolis many talked about the sigh of relief  but there is a truth that for so many in our community there is no relief. This is not all right, its not OK, and it cant continue on.

Were going to need to have the utmost transparency as we go through and learn more (about the latest incident). But the truth is that nothing that we will do will bring this young baby girl back. Nothing will stop the family from grieving.

Hardin told the panel members being interviewed that the latest shooting shows why the city needs a civilian review board, and we need to fundamentally rethink safety in our city.

It certainly does put in stark view what you have been called to do in our community, each and every one of you: to provide oversight, accountability and transparency when it comes to policing in our community, he said.



(Columbus Dispatch reporters Marc Kovac and Bill Bush contributed to this story.)

2021 www.dispatch.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Punjab Police in Amritsar is in hot water these days and the reason is a complaint filed by the Border Security Force to register an FIR against a pigeon who came from the other side of the border.

Border Security Forces in its communication to Punjab Police has written, "It is to inform to you that, on 17 April 2021 at about 18:25 Hrs a pigeon came and sat on the shoulder of No 121019903 CT Niraj Kumar in BOP Roranwala while the individual was performing the camp guard duty. No 121019903 CT Niraj Kumar simply caught that pigeon and informed post comdr who was present near camp guard area. Post comdr Insp Ompal Singh searched that pigeon and found a white paper with a Number 03024103346 may be any landline number written and warped with adhesive tape around the left leg of the pigeon".

The letter has also mentioned that the pigeon is white in colour with a black head and BSF has also recovered a white paper written Number 03024103346 at a distance of 350 Mtrs from the Fence of Indo Pakistan International Border in Amritsar.

Border Security Forces has requested Punjab Police to register an FIR against the recovered pigeon at Border Out Post Roranwala and asked for a copy of the same for their course of action.

So far, Punjab Police has not registered an FIR as they have sought legal opinion in this matter. When asked whether the numbers written were by the owner of the pigeon or some signal from across the border, Gurpartap Singh Sahota, DSP Attari told Republic Media Network that it is a matter of investigation and will be probed after getting a legal opinion.

The matter has been recorded in the daily diary register (DDR) and till the time legal opinion comes, the pigeon has been sent to the forest department.

Update at 11:57 pm:

BSF Punjab issues statement:

On 17th Apr 2021, BSF troops of BOP Roranwala recovered a pigeon with a number written on a paper tied to its leg. Police was informed about this matter as it was a number that may be an actionable information. However, it was inadvertently mentioned to register FIR. Matter already apprised to district police officers about the inadvertent mention with a request for suitable necessary action.

(Image Credits-PTI/representational)
New Delhi:

Congress, India oldest political party who has been struggling for its revival since 2014 Lok Sabha elections on Sunday found much-needed boost by trouncing BJP in its stronghold Gurdaspur in Punjab by-election.

Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar defeated BJP's Swaran Salaria in Gurdaspur by poll, a seat that got vacant after the death of BJP leader and Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna.

Jakhar defeated BJPs Swaran Salaria with a massive margin of 1,93,219 votes. He got 4,99,752 votes while Salaria polled 3,06,533.

Terming the victory as a very good sign emerging on the national scene, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, things are now looking up for Congress.

Also Read: Witty Rahul takes dig at PM Modi over growing US-Pak ties, says "Trump needs another hug"

He said Congress victory in Gurdaspur by-election was a "strong message of resentment" sent by the people to BJP led Centre government.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former BJP leader who joined Congress during assembly elections in Punjab, said the Gurdaspur defeat was a hard slap to BJP and a shot in the arm for Congress.

While the victory is seen as a sign of improvement for Congress, it surely raises the concerns for BJP ahead of upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

The ruling party has been facing nationwide criticism for its handling of the economy and poorly planned and implemented major demonetisation and GST move.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Arnett Thomas, who spent 21 years in a New Jersey prison for murder, knows hes not an angel. But former President Donald Trump, he says, is a true sociopath for his mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Thomas, 71, of Orange, who calls himself a recovering criminal, has filed a class-action federal lawsuit against Trump seeking damages of $1 trillion, along with punitive damages and federal legislation to ensure another breach of this kind will never occur again.

Donald Trump is a living pariah, a true sociopath. I dont think people understood the threat he poses, Thomas told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. The filing of the lawsuit U.S. District Court was first reported by NorthJersey.com.

It is alleged that former President Donald Trump handled and controlled COVID-19 through his coronavirus task force (with) such negligence that his management of the pandemic was criminal, states the suit, which Thomas filed pro se, meaning on behalf of himself without a lawyer, on Feb. 19.

Thomas says the 29-page lawsuit was the result of years of paralegal classes he took in state prisons, where found himself as a repeat offender for decades, he said.

I was in prison for 21 years and I have 21 years out, Thomas said. My worst day out here is better than my best day in prison.

He grew up poor in Elizabeth and says he and his four siblings walked the streets huddled in blankets after their mother couldnt pay the rent and was evicted. Thomas said he found himself steeped in a mindset of criminality.

Just out of high school, he robbed drug dealers in three states for a living. I was full of acid and piss and all of that. I just hated everybody, he said.

One day, a planned robbery went terribly wrong. I wound up killing a drug dealer in Jersey, Thomas said.

Thomas and three accomplices were sent to prison in 1980. The accomplices, who Thomas thought were his friends, ended up testifying against him in court. That resulted in him receiving the harshest sentence  life and change, he said.

The experience sparked a transition that began with an understanding and appreciation for the legal system and a respect for courts in the United States.

I got into the law library real deep. I lifted weights and I learned how to navigate the controlled mental hospital, which is what a prison is, Thomas said. But most importantly, I learned the law.

Thomas says he painstakingly put together the class-action lawsuit against Trump because one thing hes learned over the years is that judges get around to reading all lawsuits.

This lawsuit was important and I wanted to be coherent. Donald Trump needs everything thrown at him that can be thrown at him, Thomas said.

Thomas filed the suit on behalf of himself, plaintiffs who survived or succumbed, and those who suffered financial losses due to COVID-19. He, however, has not contracted the coronavirus during the outbreak.

This former president wielded the powers coming from the White House in a personal and oftentimes malicious manner, calling out his detractors using defamatory and unflattering names, he states in the complaint.

Trump did not kill just one person on Fifth Avenue in New York City and got away with that murder, he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people across the expanse of America, his alleges in his suit.

Asked whether he expects to recover a judgment in the case, Thomas  who is disabled and lives with his wife in a senior community  says he just feels honored to reside in a society where free speech is allowed.

You get the freedom to write, to bring up issues, Thomas said. Ive learned to plea matters, to bring things to the courts attention and to do it with respect so they listen.

In prison, certain people speak up and certain people dont, he said. When I was in prison, it was left up to me to speak up. Same thing out here. Im speaking up about things that matter.

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.
During an inspection tour to the university on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for building world-class universities with Chinese characteristics to serve national rejuvenation.

The visit comes days ahead of the university's 110th anniversary. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, congratulated the faculty, students and alumni of the university on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

China needs scientific knowledge 'more than ever'

Xi visited the Academy of Arts and Design, a laboratory on imaging and intelligence, an exhibition on the university's key education and scientific research achievements, and a gymnasium.

He also learned about Tsinghua's reform, human resources development, innovation in education and scientific research, as well as the university's role in serving national development, before meeting representatives of the faculty and students at a symposium and delivering a key speech.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Xi noted, adding that 2021 is also the start of China's new journey toward socialist modernization. "The development of China and its ruling party needs higher education, scientific knowledge and excellent talent more than ever," he stressed.

He encouraged Chinese youth to shoulder their historic responsibilities and strive for national rejuvenation.

According to the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, China will pursue innovation-driven development and strive to make major breakthroughs in key and core technologies.

"Innovation is at the heart of China's modernization drive," the blueprint said, calling for enhancing self-reliance in science and technology.

It also vowed to support the development of high-quality research universities and cultivate more first-rate talent in science and technology.

Xi urged Tsinghua University to upgrade the system of disciplines and specialties, and cultivate talent in frontier and key areas of science and technology. He called for efforts to break through the bottleneck of key and core technologies.

Xi and Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University was established in 1911 in Beijing in the final months of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the university was molded into a polytechnic institute focusing on engineering. Since the launch of China's reform and opening-up policy in 1978, it has gradually developed into a comprehensive research university with 21 schools and 59 departments.

Xi studied basic organic synthesis at the university's Department of Chemical Engineering from 1975-1979 in his 20s.

When Xi was a senior official in southeast China's Fujian Province, he attended an in-service graduate program in Marxist theory and ideological and political education at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the university from 1998-2002 and was awarded a Doctor of Law degree.

The tour on Monday was Xi's second visit to Tsinghua University in just over a year. On March 2, 2020, Xi visited the School of Medicine at the university and learned about the progress of scientific research on COVID-19.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-19/Chinese-President-Xi-Jinping-inspects-Tsinghua-University-ZAlAUAd2zC/index.html

SOURCE CGTN

For further information: Jiang Simin, +86-188-2655-3286, [email protected], www.cgtn.com

Related Links

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Boris Johnson Defends Text Exchange With James Dyson Amid Allegation of Impropriety

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected allegations that he gave preferential treatment to Dyson in March last year, after Sir James Dyson lobbied him via text messages.

According to the BBC, in a text exchange last March, Boris Johnson personally promised Sir James Dyson he would fix an issue over the tax status of his employees after he was directly lobbied by the entrepreneur.

British industrial design engineer and founder of the Dyson company, James Dyson, poses next to the model of an engine during a photo session at a hotel in Paris on Oct. 11, 2018. (Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images)

At the Prime Ministers Questions, Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of giving favours to his rich friends, calling it another case of Tory sleaze following recent revelations that former Prime Minister David Cameron had lobbied ministers on behalf of finance firm Greensill Capital.

But Johnson said he would give absolutely no apology at all for doing all he could to secure ventilators for the National Health Service (NHS), which were in short supply during the early stages of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic.

Id like to remind the house what we were facing in March last year, Mr. Speaker, which was when we had a new virus, which was capable of killing people in ways that we didnt understand, he told the House of Commons.

We had 9,000 ventilators in this country, Mr. Speaker. We secured 22,000 as a result of that ventilator challenge. I think it was entirely the right thing to doto work with all potential makers of ventilators at that time, he said.

The text exchange took place last March, when the UK government was appealing to companies to supply ventilators to help the NHS fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sir James, whose firm is now based in Singapore, wanted an assurance that his staff would not have to pay additional tax if they came to the UK to work on the project.

Labour said there is evidence that Boris Johnson breached the ministerial code. But a government spokesman said it was right to take action in extraordinary times to ensure the NHS had the equipment it needed.

The government is already conducting a review into lobbying after David Cameron reportedly contacted ministers on behalf of Greensill, including sending text messages to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and arranging a drink between banker Lex Greensill and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Cameron said in a statement on April 11 that he did not break any codes of conduct or government rules and that ultimately the outcome of the discussions on Greensills proposals on a loan were not taken up.

AP and Reuters contributed to this report.
Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, 31, allegedly walked into a Long Island supermarket he'd just been fired from on Tuesday and shot one of his former bosses dead

An ex-supermarket worker walked back into the shop he'd just been fired from, demanded his old job back - then shot a manager dead when he was refused, it was claimed.

Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, 31, is said to have killed Ray Wishropp, a manager at the Stop & Shop store in West Hempstead, Long Island, on Tuesday hours after his dismissal.

Thomas Moran, whose mom also works as a manager at the store, told NBC: 'He just came into the store.'

'He went upstairs, asked for his job back, manager said no and he just pulled out a gun.'

Wishropp was a 49 year-old dad of six, while Wilson worked organizing carts at the front of the store.

Police have yet to confirm a motive for the killing, but a source said it was related to a workplace dispute, according to the New York Post. It is unclear whether Wishropp was the person who fired Wilson, with two others also shot and injured.

Both were taken to hospital, and are recovering from their injuries.

DeWitt Wilson made his first court appearance Wednesday, and was filmed making a perp walk into Nassau County District Courthouse wearing a white hazmat suit.

He denied a charge of second-degree murder, as well as four counts of attempted murder.

District Attorney Jared Rosenblatt told the court how Wilson entered the Stop & Shop in West Hempstead just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday and started talking to some of the employees.

Nearly 40 minutes later, Rosenblatt said, Wilson went back up to the manager's office on the second floor with a loaded gun.

Wilson was escorted to the Nassau County courthouse on Wednesday from the nearby police headquarters

Wilson, pictured in Nassau County on Tuesday, is charged with second-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder

Wilson barely spoke during Wednesday's hearing, but denied charges of murder and attempted murder

The shooting began just before 11:30 a.m. inside offices upstairs from the shopping floor.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said there were around 'a couple hundred' people inside the store at the time of the murder.

The principal at the school two of Wishropp's children attend sent out a message to residents on Tuesday, informing them that the victim had been a community member.

'I ask that you keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,' the message from Valley Stream South High School Principal Maureen Henry read. 'I will let you know what you can do to support the family in this terrible time.'

Ray Wishropp was the Stop & Shop manager killed in the shooting. He is a father of six.

Wishropp's cousins, Gordon and Tara Stevenson, have since created an online fundraiser to help the family with any funeral arrangements and costs associated with his funeral.

The other two victims, who are 26 and 50, were also identified as a Stop & Shop personnel.

They were taken to a local hospital, where they were conscious and alert, reportedly assisting the police with its investigation.

By mid-afternoon, police had cordoned off streets around an apartment complex where they believe the suspect had fled to after the shooting.

Wilson was carrying a small handgun as he fled westbound on Hempstead Turnpike after the shooting, wearing all black.

He was taken into custody at around 3:15 p.m., at an apartment building about two miles away from the scene.

The shooting broke out inside the supermarket in the Long Island neighborhood of West Hempstead just before 11.30am on Tuesday morning

Wilson is said to have confronted his bosses about his firing in an upstairs office, then opened fire when they refused to give him his old job back, it is claimed

Dozens of ambulances and police vehicles remain on the scene outside the West Hempstead store on Tuesday. Officers carrying long guns could be seen patrolling in the parking lot

Police told NBC they were waiting for a search warrant for Wilson's apartment to see if they could find the .380 caliber pistol Wilson allegedly used. It had not been found as of Wednesday, the Long Island Herald reported.

Dozens of ambulances and police vehicles remained on the scene outside the store in the hours that followed.

Officers carrying long guns could be seen patrolling in the parking lot.

Police had urged local residents to remain indoors in the hours before the suspect was taken into custody.

The West Hempstead and other nearby school districts immediately went into lockdown following the shooting.

By Tuesday afternoon, police had cordoned off streets around an apartment complex in Hempstead where they believed Wilson to be

Wilson, whose Hempstead apartment is pictured on Tuesday afternoon, is accused of killing Wishropp while hundreds of customers browsed the Stop & Shop

Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid issued a statement in which he said the company was 'shocked and heartbroken.'

'Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our associates, customers and the first responders who have responded heroically to this tragic situation,' Reid said, adding that the store would be closed until further notice.

Wilson has previously been arrested in his former hometown of Baltimore, M.D. on gun and marijuana possession charges.

In 2006, he was also arrested for assault, the Nassau County police reported.

He has been treated once for mental illness, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.

If convicted on the murder and attempted murder trials, Wilson could face 25 years to life in prison.

He was released on bail on Wednesday, and is due back in court on Friday.
By Ritah Kemigisah

In a move meant to boost entrepreneurial aspirations of Ugandas young people, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda in partnership with the Inclusion Works Consortium has rewarded finalists of the Innovation Challenge for Youth with Disabilities with $5,000 (Shs18m).

These were presented by Emilly Ajjambo, the Commissioner for Disability and Elderly Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development in Kampala.

Ajambo says its only through a combined effort that the country can address the needs of persons with disabilities.

This innovation challenge initiative is part of the Banks Diversity & Inclusion agenda initiated a means to empower youth with disabilities as job creators through self-motivated innovations.

Standard Chartered Bank and Sightsavers launched the innovation challenge in December 2020, attracting a total of 32 applicants.

On 3rd December, the 11 shortlisted applicants pitched their ideas to a panel of judges who then selected the 5 applicants. These have since then been undergoing a mentorship programme where they received sufficient business skills from experienced business mentors and online resources.

On her part, the Standard Chartered Bank Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Regina Mukiri says the initiative is a move to recognize the hidden abilities of persons with disabilities.
Arizona governor vetoes strict sex education legislation View Photo

PHOENIX (AP)  Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have made the states sex education laws some of the strictest in the nation when it comes to teaching about LGBTQ issues.

The governor called the legislation overly broad and vague and said it would lead to unintended consequences. He also said he was concerned a ban on sex education before 5th grade could put vulnerable children at risk by limiting sexual abuse prevention education.

At the same time, the Republican issued an executive order adopting some of the transparency portions of the measure.

The proposed law, Senate Bill 1456, would have barred all discussions about gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV/AIDS in sex education classes unless parents are notified in advance and specifically opt in for the instruction.

The proposal applied outside of sex ed classes as well, requiring parents to agree to have their children learn about historical events such as a discussion of the modern gay rights movement that sprang from the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York.

It also banned any sex ed classes before 5th grade, which opponents have said will put young students who now learn about good touch-bad touch to avoid molestation at greater risk.

Social conservative groups that backed the measure call it a needed parental rights issue, arguing that parents deserve to know and approve of what their children are taught in school. Arizona currently allows parents to review all learning material and already requires an opt-in for sex ed classes.

The states top elected schools official, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, praised the governor for the veto.

Ducey made the right decision by vetoing SB1456 and I want to thank him for standing up to bigotry and intolerance, Hoffman said in a tweet. All students are welcome in Arizonas public schools and todays veto reaffirms that.

The bill passed the Republican-controlled Legislation over unified opposition from Democrats, who called it dangerous for LGBTQ students who are already marginalized. They also said it put young children who would no longer be taught how to avoid molesters at risk.

Duceys executive order requires schools to post sex ed curricula online and to provide extensive notice of school board meetings where sex ed is to be discussed. Those were parts of the proposed law.

Arizona is and will remain a national leader in parental rights, Ducey said in a statement. Too often, parents are left out of this process, and the importance is even greater when it comes to educating students about deeply personal matters like sex education.

He said the executive order will ensure parents are fully informed.

The legislation came two years after the Republican governor signed a repeal of a 1991 law banning HIV/AIDS instruction that promotes a homosexual lifestyle. That bill emerged as the state faced a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law that the Republican attorney general and Democratic schools chief refused to fight.

Arizona is among several Republican-led states where lawmakers considered similar changes to sex education this year.

Moving to give parents more control over what their children may be taught about LGBTQ issues is new. It comes amid other efforts pushing back on social changes, including legislation in some states to ban transgender athletes from competing on school teams of their identified sex, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights group that tracks such legislation.

Arizona is one of five states that already require parents permission before children can attend sex education classes, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The new proposal would essentially require a double opt-in for HIV/AIDS instruction that addresses sexual orientation or gender identity. Additional permission would be needed for LGBTQ discussions in any other class.

Idaho legislation also would require notifications and opt-ins, including for discussion of sexual orientation outside of sex education classes. It has passed the House and awaits Senate action.

Lawmakers in Tennessee enacted a measure the governor pledged to sign and the Missouri Legislature is considering one that would require parents to be notified before instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity but would exclude historical references.

In Montana, the Legislature passed a bill earlier this month initially aimed at requiring parents to opt in to sex education. But the legislation was changed after criticism from education groups. It now allows parents to opt their children out of sex ed and awaits action by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Advocates for comprehensive sex education say such legislation can have far-reaching negative effects under the guise of parental rights by limiting fact-based education that young people need to stay safe.

By BOB CHRISTIE

Associated Press
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A jury found a Brazil man not guilty after he was accused and charged with child molesting.

Michael Hunter learned his fate on Wednesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Hunter was accused of touching a five-year-old child in a restroom inside Walmart on Terre Haute's east side. The accusations were made in April of 2019.

It took the jury around three hours to come to their not guilty verdict.
UPDATE: Truck driver killed in senseless shooting at Wawa leaves behind wife and 3 children, company says

A man took his own life soon after killing one person and wounding another early Wednesday morning outside a Wawa in Upper Macungie Township, authorities report.

Authorities have not identified the gunman or any of the victims.

We dont have any motive at this point. It appears that the three shootings ... were indiscriminate and unrelated, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said.

The shooting spree began early Wednesday morning when the gunman, driving a white Toyota Corolla, shot at a woman driving a white car on Route 22 near Route 309.

The woman, who is being interviewed by police, said she heard a loud bang, but did not realize she heard a gunshot until she stopped at the Wawa to get a sandwich and saw a bullet hole in the car, Martin said.

It was pure happenstance and coincidence she came here, Martin said as he stood near the store.

The gunman also drove to the Wawa at 7572 Schantz Road in Upper Macungie Township, where he shot two people, killing one, Martin said.

The gunman first shot a person in a Jeep, and then shot and killed the driver of a tractor-trailer cab, who was pumping gas, authorities said. The second person was injured and is receiving treatment, Martin said, but his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

Police were called for shots fired at about 4:48 a.m., Martin said.

The gunman then ran about a quarter-mile south on Route 100 to the Brookside Childrens Early Education Center, where he fatally shot himself in the hand and the chest, Martin said.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office will determine the cause and manner of the deaths. Authorities have recovered the gun.

The center, which sits off of Route 100 near Industrial Boulevard, said on Facebook it was not open at the time the shooter was at their Parkland campus.

The Brookside Childrens Early Education Center off of Route 100, where authorities say a gunman fatally shot himself after shooting two people, killing one of them.Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com

Fogelsville Elementary School sits across Route 100 from the center. The district has hybrid classes at this time, and students had online classes Wednesday and were not in the building, Superintendent Richard Sniscak said.

Staff were able to be notified before heading to the school building and were working from home Wednesday, he said.

Martin credited a Wawa employee with preventing more carnage.

The employee was taking out the trash, heard the shots and ushered two people into the store. The worker then told other employees to shelter in place and locked the convenience store doors.

All credit to him, Martin said.

A Wawa spokeswoman said the company is truly grateful for the actions of one of our associates, who acted swiftly to protect customers and fellow associates.

The company is focused on the wellbeing of the stores teams and cooperating with law enforcement.

The incident is still under investigation, and Martin said investigators are at other locations in Lehigh County.

Route 100 reopened a little after 11 a.m., while the Wawa remained closed, with yellow police tape strung at the entrances and around the three vehicles involved.

The white Toyota drivers side window was shattered, and the passenger side door of the orange truck cab was open.

In an unrelated incident, a trooper directing traffic from Route 100 to Industrial Boulevard was struck by a vehicle.

Trooper Robert Clymer had put flares down and was holding a flare when Miguel Ramos Cruz, 64, of Allentown, drove through the intersection, state police said. Clymer tried to avoid getting hit as Cruz traveled north on Route 100, but was struck on the leg, troopers said.

The trooper was treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and released, Trooper Nate Branosky said.

This is a breaking news post and it will be updated.

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

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.

Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
New Delhi, April 21 : Concerned with the increasing number of Covid cases in the national capital, the BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on Wednesday announced to convert its primary school buildings and community halls into Covid isolation centres, subject to the approval of the Delhi government.

The chairman of the SDMC's education committee, Mukesh Suryan, said that the process to identify school buildings and community halls where isolation centres could be set up has been completed.

"In order to contain the spread of Covid-19, the SDMC is ready to work in association with the Delhi government, but the latter will have to show its willingness. Though the corporation can start isolation centres, it requires permission from the Delhi government.

"The Delhi government will have to ensure proper supply of oxygen, besides other necessary arrangements and facilities," Suryan said.

According to the official, all the isolation centres will have 30-bed facilities, other required medical equipment and medicines, oxygen cylinders, oximeters, infrared thermometers, glucometers, BP machines, wheel-chairs, electric steamers etc.

"These centres will be linked to the major hospitals and Covid care centres so that the patients could be referred there if their condition deteriorates," he said.

Earlier, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation had offered its schools and community centres to create infrastructure for around 8,000 Covid beds.

North Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash had said, "We have made arrangements for the Delhi government to make beds available for Corona patients in various institutes of the corporation and if the Delhi government provides beds and oxygen facilities, the polyclinics of North Corporation can be developed into mini hospitals. In the 71 schools under our jurisdiction, which have 1,700 rooms, 6,800 beds can be arranged if four beds are put in one room." Prakash further stated that there are 12 big community centres of the corporation, in which 700 beds can be accommodated and 2,000 to 2,500 beds could be arranged in the 17 polyclinics, which could be linked to any major hospital for emergency.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
An 8-year-old boy was hospitalized after he ingested LSD that he found in his moms freezer, Washington police said.

Deputies with the Clallam County Sheriffs Office responded to the call in Port Angeles Tuesday evening, according to a news release from the sheriff. Paramedics immediately took the boy, who was conscious but [unresponsive], to Olympic Medical Center before he was flown to a Tacoma area hospital, the release said.

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The mother said she found her son lying in the living room tripping after [he] had told her minutes earlier that he was feeling funny, according to the news release. She remembered that she had been keeping LSD, also known as acid, in her freezer for about a year, thinking it would keep her son from finding it.

But when she looked inside, it was gone and she immediately called 911.

LSD is a popular psychedelic drug that produces hallucinations and alters the perception of things such [as] sound and time, according to the American Addiction Centers. An acid trip can last for up to 12 hours and there is substantial evidence showing more detrimental, long-term effects associated with the use of LSD.

LSD is classfied as a Schedule I drug and in Washington state, possession of such substances is considered a Class B felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a fine up to $25,000, according to the revised state code.

Its unclear if the mother was cited for illegal drug possession and the sheriffs office did not immediately respond to a request for more information from McClatchy News.

Authorities notified Child Protective Services and said the investigation is ongoing.
Andrea Serrato teaches English and math, reads tarot cards and, on Sundays, sells big, fat, absurdly delicious chiles rellenos out of her home in East Los Angeles. The poblano chiles are roasted, filled with queso fresco, fried and then simmered in a spicy, garlicky salsa roja. Everyone I know has a hustle or two on the side, she said, and this is one of mine. Serratos tiny business is called Mamis Xiles, and she takes orders for her homemade chiles rellenos by direct message on Instagram, selling each chile on a bed of rice with corn tortillas for $13.

Serrato was obsessed with chiles rellenos, even as a child. She would pester her mother, Rose Serrato, to make them for dinner. And she had dibs in advance on the exact number of chiles shed eat, competing with her siblings for the largest ones. Her chiles were always the best, and I begged her to open a restaurant so that everyone could have them, but she didnt really want to, said Serrato, who understood her mothers reluctance as soon as she made the chiles herself.

Sure, the dish is deeply comforting and often presented casually with a pile of rice and some tortillas, but chiles rellenos are also demanding. Theyre special. Though a chile disappears from the plate in seconds, each step in the cooking process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Serrato taught me her familys version over the phone, from roasting and filling the chiles to frying them in an egg batter and simmering them in salsa.

Learning how to roast the chiles, thats really an art in itself, she said. Serrato starts with poblanos  long, undulating and firm. She blisters them evenly over the flames of her gas stove, turning the chiles with tongs until each one is completely blackened and every curve of the chile is roasted enough so the outer skin slips off easily and the flavor of the chile deepens. What you dont want is to do a half-assed job and have a hard spot, she warned. Mess up the roasting, the very first step, and the chile will have an unpleasant crunch later on. Get it right, and the charred skin peels back with gentle pressure from your thumbs, the center line of seeds and membrane slips out with a soft tug and the chile feels silky and tender.
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) has announced the formation of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee which is made up of senior members from the UAE government and industry experts drawn from renowned UAE-based organisations.

Their diverse backgrounds and expertise in driving innovation across various sectors will strengthen the summits multistakeholder approach and provide strategic guidance on the themes and vision of the fourth edition of the Summit (#GMIS2021). The Organising Committee held its first meeting on Monday.

Co-chaired by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit provides a unique platform for governments, businesses, civil society organisations and academic institutions from across the world to explore and identify solutions to challenges faced by multiple industries  from sustainability and employment, to research, development and design. Under the theme Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity, #GMIS2021 will emphasise the importance of data intelligence and connectivity, highlighting the evolving integration of humans and machines, reinventing businesses, repurposing capabilities, and rewiring societies.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Co-chair of GMIS, welcomed the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee saying: Despite the challenges faced over the last year, many opportunities have also surfaced, and the only way to ensure that these opportunities lead to transformational outcomes is to get stakeholders from governments, businesses, academia and civil society to come together to shape the future of industrial growth and find solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable industrial sector. #GMIS2021 offers the opportunity to bring together diverse and experienced voices from across the world to create a shared vision for industry, society, and the environment. We are thrilled to announce the formation of the Organising Committee for #GMIS2021 that will play an important role in ensuring the success of the Summit in Dubai as the global manufacturing community looks to scale up business activity.

He added: In line with the vision of the UAE leadership, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology aims to enhance the role of the UAEs industrial sector, increasing its contribution to sustainable economic growth. We look forward to hosting the 4th GMIS. Underpinned by innovative, advanced technologies, we look forward to discussing the latest developments in the industrial sector, exploring opportunities for cooperation and supporting the its global progress.

Members of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee include Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports (representing Dubai Economy), Saud Alshawareb, Managing Director of TECOMs Dubai Industrial City, Ahmad Al Haddad, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Zones - DP World, UAE Region (representing Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Mariam Al Muhairi, Head of Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Foundation, and Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President for International Relations of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Al Shaali said: The UAEs early foray into fourth industrial revolution technologies and next-generation industrial development strategies has helped position itself as a global destination that helps shape the future of the manufacturing and technology sectors. Hosting GMIS in the UAE for a second time will continue to position the country as a global leader driving emerging technologies and innovative business models.

Fadhel added: The UAE is dedicated to being at the forefront of accelerating innovation and digitalisation in the manufacturing industry, and our recent policy efforts are testament to this. We are also focused on sharing cutting-edge technology solutions and best practices with the world. #GMIS2021 is a pathway in that direction and I am thrilled to welcome the global manufacturing and innovation community to the UAE in November this year.

#GMIS2021 is taking place at the cusp of major economic and technological transformations in the UAE. In March, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched its brand-new titled Operation 300bn industrial strategy, which aims to increase the UAE manufacturing sectors contribution from AED133 billion to AED300 billion. Focused primarily on accelerating economic growth underpinned by Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, the strategy also includes initiatives to promote innovation and investment across local manufacturing.

Badr Al Olama, Head of the Organising Committee of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) said: We are excited to receive the support and guidance of key leaders from the UAE government and industrial sector. Their experience has been instrumental in driving strategic transformations across the country, and I am certain that their contribution will add tremendous value in further cementing GMIS as a global platform for collaboration across the manufacturing and technology sectors. The committee will also play an instrumental role in shaping the next GMIS legacy initiative, which we hope will have a lasting impact on future generations.

#GMIS2021 will be held from November 22-27, 2021 at EXPOs Dubai Exhibition Center and will take place across several formats including keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and interviews with some of the industrys most prominent leaders. The programme will dive into core technologies that are central to this transformation and will address key themes surrounding Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and the fifth generation of wireless network technology (5G).

The Summit will also include working groups, interactive workshops, youth sessions, and activities related to the GMIS legacy initiatives, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity, and an exhibition showcasing innovative advanced manufacturing technologies to showcase UAE manufacturing capabilities.-- Tradearabia News Service


Placement to Fully Fund Expanded 2021 Exploration in Alaska

Ballarat, April 21, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - White Rock Minerals Ltd ( ASX:WRM ) ( OTCMKTS:WRMCF ) is pleased to announce a proposed equity raising to raise a total of up to approximately A$8.8 million before costs, comprising a placement under which White Rock has successfully received commitments to issue 17,254,902 fully paid ordinary shares to various institutional and sophisticated investors at an issue price of A$0.51 per share (Placement). The Placement includes attaching 1 for 2 unlisted options, with an exercise price of A$0.77 and maturity of 36 months from the date of issue, subject to shareholder approval at the next general meeting of the Company.Highlights- The funds from the Placement are to be used to fully fund the Company's expanded Alaskan exploration activities in 2021, including the operation of three diamond drill rigs, at the Company's large Last Chance Gold IRGS Prospect and its Red Mountain high-grade Silver-Zinc-Gold-Lead VMS Prospect, and for working capital.- Issue price of A$0.51 (51 cents) per share represents a 14% discount to the 14-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) of White Rock shares. Subject to shareholder approval, the Placement also includes attaching 1 for 2 unlisted options with an exercise price of A$0.77 (77 cents) and maturity of 36 months from date of issue.- There is notable participation from a range of significant domestic and international institutional and sophisticated investors.The issue price under the Placement represents a 14% discount to the volume weighted average price of White Rock shares during the 14 trading days immediately prior to the date of this announcement.The funds raised from the Placement will be applied towards White Rock's 2021 exploration program at its Last Chance Gold IRGS Prospect and its Red Mountain Silver-Zinc-Gold-Lead VMS Prospect in Alaska, in particular:- 3 Drill Rigs planned for the full season, up from one rig in past drill seasons;- Surface Reconnaissance and Geochemistry;- Surface Geophysics;- Airborne EM; and- Working Capital.Viriathus Capital Pty Ltd (Viriathus) and Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd (Sanlam) are acting as Joint Lead Managers to the Placement.White Rock's MD & CEO Matt Gill said: "The level of interest shown in this capital raising has been tremendous and I would like to think that goes to the great exploration opportunities we have before us in Alaska. This capital raising will allow White Rock to be fully funded right through the 2021 field season in Alaska, operating three diamond drill rigs, and also conducting airborne and on-ground geophysics. Further, we will also be able to get boots on the ground to continue generating targets at our new gold and VMS prospects for drill testing."Our three-pronged drilling plan is very exciting - we will be drilling to expand our existing high-grade silver-zinc VMS resource at Dry Creek, we will be doing deeper follow-up drilling at our large Last Chance gold anomaly, only discovered last year, and we plan to also drill test some new VMS prospects only announced in January this year."The speed with which we can identify, assess and drill at our project in Alaska is testament to the team that White Rock has assembled in-country, and the smooth and efficient approvals process that exists in Alaska."We have attracted some serious interest in the recently discovered Last Chance gold target and the ongoing silver-zinc VMS exploration story and this funding will allow us to fly airborne geophysics this month and be mapping, geochemical sampling and acquiring geophysics information from June onwards. The first drill rig is planned to commence drilling late-May with three drill rigs operating from mid-June."It is extremely pleasing to note that our major shareholder Crescat has agreed to support the capital raising by participating in the Placement to maintain their holding at ~10%."The Board is very appreciative of the strong support shown from our current shareholders, and welcomes the interest and support being shown from the new investors joining the White Rock journey through the Placement. This is an exciting time for White Rock and its shareholders".Dr Quinton Hennigh, White Rock's Technical Adviser said "White Rock has a plethora of exploration opportunities across its contiguous Last Chance-Red Mountain project in central Alaska. The dual opportunity to explore an exciting new large orogenic/intrusion-related gold system and a potentially world class volcanogenic massive sulphide district at a time when all metals are heading into a resounding bull market puts White Rock in a league all by itself."I recently spent time with the Company's team reviewing drill plans for the upcoming 2021 exploration season, and it became clear that the large number of high-quality drill targets easily justifies adding a third drill. With three drills, White Rock can now follow-up and tackle: 1) numerous high priority gold targets at Last Chance, 2) tackle multiple new VMS targets, some of which were discussed in a recent news release, and 3) expansion drilling of apparent high-grade, wider extensions of the existing silver-rich zinc VMS deposit at Dry Creek."This capital raise underpins White Rock's ability to pursue this aggressive campaign. I cannot wait to see the 2021 program commence in June."To view further details, please visit:About White Rock Minerals Ltd

White Rock Minerals Ltd (ASX:WRM) is a diversified explorer and near-stage producer, headquartered in Ballarat, Victoria. The Company's flagship exploration project is Red Mountain in central Alaska. At Red Mountain, there are already two high grade zinc - silver - gold - lead VMS deposits, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 9.1 million tonnes @ 12.9% ZnEq for 1.1 million tonnes of contained zinc equivalent. The Company is also exploring its recently discovered large intrusion related gold anomaly at Last Chance, also located in the Tintina gold belt of Alaska, home to multi-million gold ounce deposits like Pogo, Fort Knox and the Donlin Project. The Company also has the Mt Carrington project, located near Drake, in Northern NSW, which is a near-production precious metals asset with a resource of 341,000 ounces of gold and 23.2 million ounces of silver on an approved mining lease, and with a Gold First PFS and JORC Reserve. White Rock Minerals is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
OKOTOKS, AB, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: MTL) Mullen Group Ltd. ("Mullen Group", "We", "Our" and/or the "Corporation"), one of Canada's largest logistics providers with a wide range of service offerings including less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized and specialized hauling transportation, today reported its financial and operating results for the period ended March 31, 2021, with comparisons to the same period last year. Full details of our results may be found within our First Quarter Interim Report, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on our website at www.mullen-group.com.

"The quarter was dominated by two main themes. Unfortunately, COVID-19 continued to capture the headlines remaining the major impediment to a return to economic growth in Canada. Government mandated business closures, disruptions to the supply chain, as well as multiple examples of manufacturing capacities being curtailed had a negative impact on freight demand, and our revenues, particularly during the first two months of the year. The frustrating part is that other countries that were more aggressive in addressing how the virus spread and secured vaccines well in advance of Canadian authorities, have seen a sharp rebound in economic activity. Until this situation is rectified, it is difficult to see any recovery in the Canadian economy.

"The second, and more positive point, relates to acquisitions. Since the start of 2021 we have announced two significant transactions, one which closed in April and the other we expect to close in the second quarter. Both companies, Bandstra Transportation Group, based in British Columbia, and APPS Transport Group, based in Ontario, are brand names easily recognizable in the Canadian transportation industry. These are precisely the type of companies we have waited to come to market, reinforcing our patient approach to acquisitions. Not only will we have two new platforms that will accelerate our growth in the near term, these companies when combined with our existing network provide our organization with an excellent opportunity to capture market share growth and enhance our bottom line.

"I am both excited and positive about the future of our company for a couple of reasons. It is only a matter of time before a sharp recovery in the Canadian economy takes place because the necessary conditions, including significant capital resources and consumer pent up demand, are waiting for COVID-19 to be brought under control. And, of course, the opportunities the new acquisitions bring to our company. In addition, I am of the view that the logistics and freight industry are ripe for further consolidation which we will be well positioned to capture, particularly "tuck-in" purchases," commented Mr. Murray K. Mullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.



Key financial highlights for the first quarter of 2021 with comparison to 2020 are as follows:

HIGHLIGHTS

(unaudited) ($ millions) Three month periods ended March 31 2021 2020 Change

$ $ % Revenue





Less-Than-Truckload 120.7 112.9 6.9 Logistics & Warehousing 91.3 96.2 (5.1) Specialized & Industrial Services 79.3 111.3 (28.8) Corporate and intersegment eliminations (0.8) (2.2) - Total Revenue 290.5 318.2 (8.7) Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1)





Less-Than-Truckload 19.3 13.3 45.1 Logistics & Warehousing 15.9 16.4 (3.0) Specialized & Industrial Services 15.0 17.4 (13.8) Corporate (3.1) (1.9) - Total Operating income before depreciation and amortization (1) 47.1 45.2 4.2 (1) Refer to notes section of Summary







Mullen Group operates a diversified business model combined with a highly adaptable and variable cost structure. The financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, are as follows:

generated consolidated revenue of $290.5 million , a decrease of $27.7 million , or 8.7 percent, as compared to $318.2 million in 2020 due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (" COVID-19 ") resulting in:

, a decrease of , or 8.7 percent, as compared to in 2020 due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (" ") resulting in: an increase of $7.8 million to $120.7 million in the Less-Than-Truckload segment

to in the Less-Than-Truckload segment

a decrease of $4.9 million to $91.3 million in the Logistics & Warehousing segment

to in the Logistics & Warehousing segment

a decrease of $32.0 million to $79.3 million in the Specialized & Industrial Services segment

to in the Specialized & Industrial Services segment earned consolidated operating income before depreciation and amortization (" OIBDA ") of $47 .1 million, an increase of $1.9 million as compared to $45.2 million in 2020 due to cost control initiatives and $6.0 million received from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (" CEWS ") resulting in:

") of .1 million, an increase of as compared to in 2020 due to cost control initiatives and received from the Emergency Wage Subsidy (" ") resulting in: an increase of $6.0 million to $19.3 million in the Less-Than-Truckload segment

to in the Less-Than-Truckload segment

a decrease of $0.5 million to $15.9 million in the Logistics & Warehousing segment

to in the Logistics & Warehousing segment

a decrease of $2.4 million to $15.0 million in the Specialized & Industrial Services segment

First Quarter Financial Results

Revenue decreased by $27.7 million, or 8.7 percent, to $290.5 million and is summarized as follows:

Less-Than-Truckload segment up $7.8 million , or 6.9 percent, to $120.7 million - revenue improved by $7.8 million due to the $5.9 million of incremental revenue generated from the acquisition of Pacific Coast Express Limited (" PCX ") and the steady nature of consumer demand being partially offset by COVID-19 and $0.2 million of lower fuel surcharge revenue.

, or 6.9 percent, to - revenue improved by due to the of incremental revenue generated from the acquisition of Pacific Coast Express Limited (" ") and the steady nature of consumer demand being partially offset by COVID-19 and of lower fuel surcharge revenue. Logistics & Warehousing segment down $4.9 million , or 5.1 percent, to $91.3 million - revenue declined by $4.9 million due to COVID-19 and government restrictions which led to plant closures and supply chain disruptions resulting in lower freight volumes and spot prices along with $1.7 million of lower fuel surcharge revenue.

, or 5.1 percent, to - revenue declined by due to COVID-19 and government restrictions which led to plant closures and supply chain disruptions resulting in lower freight volumes and spot prices along with of lower fuel surcharge revenue. Specialized & Industrial Services segment down $32 .0 million, or 28.8 percent, to $79 .3 million - revenue declined by $32 .0 million due to lower demand for specialized services including large diameter pipeline hauling and stringing services as well as fluid hauling and drilling related services resulting from a decline in the rig count in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Revenue also declined due to lower demand for civil construction services in northern Manitoba at Smook Contractors Ltd.

OIBDA increased by $1.9 million, or 4.2 percent, to $47.1 million and is summarized as follows:

Less-Than-Truckload segment up $6.0 million , or 45.1 percent, to $19.3 million - OIBDA improved due to cost control initiatives, $1.1 million of incremental OIBDA generated by PCX, and CEWS. Operating margin increased to 16.0 percent (CEWS adjusted - 15.2 percent) from 11.8 percent in 2020 due to cost control initiatives.

, or 45.1 percent, to - OIBDA improved due to cost control initiatives, of incremental OIBDA generated by PCX, and CEWS. Operating margin increased to 16.0 percent (CEWS adjusted - 15.2 percent) from 11.8 percent in 2020 due to cost control initiatives. Logistics & Warehousing segment down $0.5 million , or 3.0 percent, to $15.9 million - OIBDA declined due to a $1.3 million negative variance in foreign exchange resulting from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar and a higher cost of subcontractors in certain markets being partially offset by cost control initiatives and CEWS. Operating margin improved to 17.4 percent (CEWS and foreign exchange adjusted - 16.2 percent) from 17.0 percent (CEWS and foreign exchange adjusted - 15.8 percent) in 2020 due to the continued focus on cost controls.

, or 3.0 percent, to - OIBDA declined due to a negative variance in foreign exchange resulting from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar and a higher cost of subcontractors in certain markets being partially offset by cost control initiatives and CEWS. Operating margin improved to 17.4 percent (CEWS and foreign exchange adjusted - 16.2 percent) from 17.0 percent (CEWS and foreign exchange adjusted - 15.8 percent) in 2020 due to the continued focus on cost controls. Specialized & Industrial Services segment down $2.4 million , or 13.8 percent, to $15.0 million - OIBDA declined due to lower OIBDA from those Business Units providing specialized services including pipeline stockpiling and stringing services and from those involved in the transportation of fluids and servicing of wells. Operating margin improved to 18.9 percent (CEWS adjusted - 14.1 percent) from 15.6 percent in 2020 due to CEWS. Adjusted for CEWS, operating margin decreased due to a change in revenue mix.

Net income increased by $8.3 million to $13.0 million, or $0.13 per Common Share due to:

A $2.9 million positive variance in net foreign exchange, a $1.9 million increase in OIBDA, a $1.9 million positive variance in the fair value of investments, a $0 .7 million decrease in depreciation of property, plant and equipment, a $0.6 million decrease in income tax expense, a $0.2 million decrease in finance costs and a $0.2 million increase in the gain on sale of property, plant and equipment.

positive variance in net foreign exchange, a increase in OIBDA, a positive variance in the fair value of investments, a .7 million decrease in depreciation of property, plant and equipment, a decrease in income tax expense, a decrease in finance costs and a increase in the gain on sale of property, plant and equipment. The above was partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in depreciation of right-of-use assets.



A summary of Mullen Group's results for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

SUMMARY

(unaudited) ($ millions, except per share amounts) Three month periods ended March 31 2021 2020 Change

$ $ % Revenue 290.5 318.2 (8.7)







Operating income before depreciation and amortization(1) 47.1 45.2 4.2 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (0.1) 2.8 (103.6) Decrease (increase) in fair value of investments (0.4) 1.5 (126.7) Net income 13.0 4.7 176.6 Net Income - adjusted(2) 11.8 9.5 24.2 Earnings per share(3) 0.13 0.04 225.0 Earnings per share - adjusted(2) 0.12 0.09 33.3 Net cash from operating activities 39.0 40.2 (3.0) Net cash from operating activities per share(3) 0.40 0.38 5.3 Cash dividends declared per Common Share 0.12 0.15 (20.0)

Notes: (1) Operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") is defined as net income before depreciation of right-of-use assets and of property, plant and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, finance costs, net foreign exchange gains and losses, other (income) expense and income taxes. (2) Net income - adjusted and earnings per share - adjusted are calculated by adjusting net income and basic earnings per share by the amount of any net foreign exchange gains and losses, and the change in fair value of investments. (3) Earnings per share and net cash from operating activities per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period.

Non-GAAP Terms - Mullen Group reports on certain financial performance measures that are described and presented in order to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional measures to evaluate Mullen Group's ability to fund its operations and information regarding its liquidity. In addition, these measures are used by management in its evaluation of performance. These financial performance measures ("Non-GAAP Terms") are not recognized financial terms under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP"). For publicly accountable enterprises, such as Mullen Group, Canadian GAAP is governed by principles based on IFRS and interpretations of IFRIC. Management believes these Non-GAAP Terms are useful supplemental measures. These Non-GAAP Terms do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Specifically, operating margin, net income - adjusted and earnings per share - adjusted are not recognized terms under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. Management believes these measures are useful supplemental measures. Investors should be cautioned that these indicators should not replace net income and earnings per share as an indicator of performance.

Financial Position

The following summarizes our financial position as at March 31, 2021, along with some key changes that occurred during the first quarter of 2021:

Working capital of $247.1 million including $117.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn Bank Credit Facility of $150.0 million .

including of cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn Bank Credit Facility of . Total net debt ( $459.4 million ) to operating cash flow ( $221.2 million ) of 2.08:1 as defined per our Private Placement Debt agreement.

) to operating cash flow ( ) of 2.08:1 as defined per our Private Placement Debt agreement. Private Placement Debt of $458.2 million with no scheduled maturities until 2024 (average fixed rate of 3.93 percent per annum). Private Placement Debt decreased by $3.6 million due to the foreign exchange gain on our U.S. $229.0 million debt.

with no scheduled maturities until 2024 (average fixed rate of 3.93 percent per annum). Private Placement Debt decreased by due to the foreign exchange gain on our U.S. debt. Book value of Derivative Financial Instruments down $3.5 million to $34.4 million , which swaps our $229.0 million of U.S. dollar debt at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.1096 .

to , which swaps our of U.S. dollar debt at an average foreign exchange rate of . Net book value of property, plant and equipment of $932.7 million , which includes $592 .2 million of carrying costs of owned real property.

, which includes .2 million of carrying costs of owned real property. Repurchased 304,028 Common Shares at an average price of $12.21 per share under our normal course issuer bid.



About Mullen Group Ltd.

Mullen Group is one of Canada's largest logistics providers. Our network of independently operated businesses provide a wide range of service offerings including less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized and specialized hauling transportation. In addition, we provide a diverse set of specialized services related to the energy, mining, forestry and construction industries in western Canada, including water management, fluid hauling and environmental reclamation. The corporate office provides the capital and financial expertise, legal support, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses.

Mullen Group is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTL". Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Contact Information

Mr. Murray K. Mullen - Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

Mr. P. Stephen Clark - Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Richard J. Maloney - Senior Vice President

Ms. Joanna K. Scott - Corporate Secretary & Vice President, Corporate Services

121A - 31 Southridge Drive

Okotoks, Alberta, Canada T1S 2N3

Telephone: 403-995-5200

Fax: 403-995-5296

Disclaimer

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with the oil and natural gas business and the overall economy. Mullen Group believes that the expectations reflected in this news release are reasonable, but results may be affected by a variety of variables. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Mullen Group disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Mullen Group relies on litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements. Additional information regarding the forward-looking statements is found on pages 1, 40 and 41 of Mullen Group's Management's Discussion and Analysis.

SOURCE Mullen Group Ltd.

Related Links

www.mullen-group.com


A 32-year-old Swedish tourist was arrested by the National Police at Malaga airport accused of falsely reporting a jewellery theft from the apartment where she stayed, supposedly to claim on three travel insurances policies she had taken out for her holidays.

The fast-paced police investigation began on Monday morning, when the woman went to the Fuengirola police station to report that thieves had entered the apartment where she was staying with her baby and had stolen various items.

According to the woman, the theft had occurred when she and her son were out of the apartment, which she had locked. When they returned she claimed to find the door open. She also said that thieves had taken a suitcase and a Rolex watch valued at 15,000 euros and two gold rings.

But the Fuengirola police found that the door of the house had not been forced and that nothing inside was disturbed. But what puzzled them the most was when they asked if the tourist had travel insurance and she revealed she had three policies with different companies.

Investigations moved fast as the woman was returning to Stockholm that same afternoon so the Fuengirola officers contacted their colleagues at the airport to try to intercept the woman.

She was spotted at the boarding control area and after explaining the evidence they had, the woman agreed to open the suitcase she had with her. Inside were the Rolex watch and one of the rings.

The woman was charged with falsely reporting a crime but released so that she could take care of her child.
Foxconn's groundbreaking deal to build a plant in Wisconsin  with record incentives to match  is being massively scaled back.

The big picture: The new contract with the state says the company no longer has to build an LCD facility to be eligible for the smaller subsidies, The Verge reports.

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The deal  which was met with skepticism was announced by former President Trump and former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2017, per Reuters.

Then: The electronics maker promised 13,000 jobs and up to $10 billion in investment by 2032. In return, Wisconsin would have granted it as much as $2.85 billion in incentives.

Now: It's 1,454 jobs, with a $672 million investment by 2026. The state will now offer a maximum of $80 million if it meets those targets.

Why it matters: The planned 20 million-square-foot factory was "heralded as transformational for the state's economy" by Walker and Trump, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

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Attracting European funds, increasing access to basic medical services, but also reforming the management of hospitals and health services are three priorities of the newly appointed Minister of Health, Ioana Mihaila.

"In addition to managing the pandemic, my mandate will focus on the following three priorities:

* Attracting and using European funds for health care reforms and investments; under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, we proposed investments of 2.6 billion euros in hospital infrastructure;

* Increasing access to basic medical services; in this respect, we have provided investments of 330 million euros in pre-hospital care: family doctors' offices, outpatient clinics, integrated community centres and medical caravans;

* Reform of hospital management and health services.

"We need well-trained people in management positions. Competence in management positions is a necessity, not a fad. For this we will continue the competitions at the county health insurance houses and Adrian Gheorghe, the head of CNAS (National Health Insurance House), will have my full support for this process to be a successful one. Also, we will organise fair competitions for the other management positions in the health system. The MS projects in the next period will be mainly related to these three priorities," the Minister stated.

According to her, the "poor management and lack of coordination" between different levels of medical care have led to situations such as the transfer of patients from Foisor Hospital.

"We have a historic chance to address at least some of these issues in the coming period," the fresh Minister said.

Ioana Mihaila - proposed by USR PLUS (Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party) - took the oath on Wednesday, at the Cotroceni Palace, agerpres.ro confirms.
Travel to Ireland update

News

The Government of Ireland continues to advise against all non-essential international travel, including to and from the United States.

These travel restrictions are in place to protect public health and to mitigate the risk of new variants of Covid-19 entering the country. Details of these measures are available on the Government of Ireland website.

Travel to Ireland from specific designated States, including the United States, falls under two distinct categories.

1- Those fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer; Moderna; Johnson & Johnson or Oxford-AstraZeneca) and have documention (eg the CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card for those vaccinated in the US) to prove their status do not have to complete mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival in Ireland.

You must have your documentation with you when travelling. However, even if fully vaccinated, you still have to have a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at the location you have specified in your passenger locator form.

Find more detail on what is considered 'fully vaccinated' here.

Unvaccinated dependants (including minors) travelling with a fully vaccinated person who is exempt from the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine are also exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and can quarantine at home/at the address given on the Passenger Locator Form.

Fully vaccinated passengers who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine are required to quarantine at home for fourteen days, which may be reduced if a second RT-PCR test is taken at least five days after arrival and a negative/not detected result is received. Written confirmation of the test result should be retained for at least fourteen days.

Families who are traveling with newborn babies (less than 28 days old) including those who have travelled to a designated state for the purpose of surrogacy, do not have to complete mandatory hotel quarantine when you come to Ireland. Passengers in these circumstances will be required to have a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test and to complete a period of self-quarantine at home for 14 days, which may be reduced if a second RT-PCR test is taken at least day 5 days after arrival and a negative/not detected result is received. Written confirmation of the test result should be retained for at least 14 days.

2- Those who are not vaccinated are subject to mandatory hotel quarantine. As of 15 April the United States has been considered a designated State and all unvaccinated passengers arriving into Ireland, who have been present in the US- including transit- during the prior 14 days will be subject to a period of mandatory hotel quarantine.

This quarantine must be pre-booked in advance of travel. Further information on booking can be found here. These arrangements apply to any passenger who has been in any of the designated states in the previous 14 days, even if only transiting through one of these countries and even if remaining airside.

The list of designated states is reviewed regularly.

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" " A protester holds a guilty sign outside the Courthouse In Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 19, 2021 after a jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing George Floyd. KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty Images

The difference between murder and manslaughter, legally speaking, is a fairly distinct one, even if the final result of both of those crimes is the same.

Murder and manslaughter are both, legally speaking, homicide (this from the Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School):

Homicide is when one human being causes the death of another. Not all homicide is murder, as some killings are manslaughter, and some are lawful, such as when justified by an affirmative defense, like insanity or self-defense.

As the LII points out, not all homicide is murder. Manslaughter, with its legally dense and often confusing definitions, isn't murder. True self-defense, considered a legal homicide, isn't murder, either.

But all murder, by definition, is homicide.

As to those differences between murder and manslaughter  misogynistic nomenclature aside  that's a whole 'nother legal quagmire.

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What Is Murder?

The legal definition of murder varies from state to state. Here's the federal definition, from the U.S. Code:

Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought.

The whole idea of "malice aforethought"  which encompasses an intention to kill  has been reconsidered and refined by courts and legal scholars over the years. Currently, murder is most often broken down into categories: first-degree murder, second-degree, third-degree and so on.

All sorts of other terms can get thrown into the mix, words like malice and intent, recklessness and premeditation. Generally  again, all states are not the same  this is how it works:

First-degree murder usually, but not always, requires a willful act with premeditation, although the definition of premeditation varies, too. It generally means contemplating the act of murder  planning it in detail or simply thinking about doing it beforehand; intending to do it  and then carrying it out.

Scott Peterson, for instance, was found guilty in 2004 of first-degree murder in the death of his pregnant wife Laci who went missing on Christmas Eve from their home in Modesto, California, in 2002. Scott also was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of their unborn child. (In October 2020, the California Supreme Court ordered the San Mateo County Superior Court to reexamine Scott's convictions because of a tainted juror pool. A new appeals trial is pending.)

Second-degree murder is first-degree murder without the premeditation or intent, but this definition, too, is dependent on where the crime is committed. According to LII, second-degree murder is typically "caused by the offender's reckless conduct that displays an obvious lack of concern for human life." It's often called "felony murder;" that is, murder committed in the act of another felony (in many cases, assault).

Third-degree murder is recognized in only a few states. One of those states is Minnesota, where former police officer Derek Chauvin faced trial in April 2021 for the 2020 killing of George Floyd. In Minnesota, "murder in the third degree" is defined as homicide without intent by acting in a way that is "eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life." It can also be charged for those causing a death in drug-related cases.

Chauvin was charged with, and convicted on, three counts: second-degree murder (murder committed while he was assaulting Floyd), third-degree murder (see above), and second-degree manslaughter (see below).

Important to note: The sentences for those found guilty on murder charges, generally speaking, are more severe than those for manslaughter. The penalty for those found guilty of first-degree murder is the heaviest of all. A conviction on first-degree murder can, depending on the state (or, in the case of a federal offense), be the death penalty.

" " Convicted murderer Scott Peterson is transported to San Quentin Prison death row after he was formally sentenced to death for the murder of his wife Laci and their unborn son. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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What Is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter may be considered a less serious crime than murder, with lesser sentences, but it's equally as grim; it still involves homicide.

Generally, again  yes, definitions change with manslaughter, too, depending on where the crime is committed  manslaughter is murder without intent or "malice aforethought." But it's not that simple.

Manslaughter is divided into either intentional (voluntary) or unintentional (involuntary) manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter, according to LII, is intentionally "killing another person in the heat of passion and in response to adequate provocation." Involuntary manslaughter is "negligently" causing the death of another person.

So how can someone, then, voluntarily and intentionally kill someone  something that sounds a heck of a lot like murder  yet be charged "only" with manslaughter?

The answer: It's all in the perpetrator's state of mind.

Here's how it works in Minnesota, for an example:

First-degree manslaughter (or, in Minnesota's books, manslaughter in the first degree) occurs when voluntarily and intentionally causing a death "in the heat of passion" when provoked by words or actions that would "provoke a person of ordinary self-control under like circumstances." (A crying child is not provocation in this clause.)

Many other actions (or inactions) may prompt a charge of first-degree manslaughter rather than murder. In Minnesota, those include drug-related actions that result in a death, and punishment of a child that results in a death.

Second-degree manslaughter  we're still in Minnesota  can be charged under several different circumstances. The jury in the Chauvin case found him guilty of second-degree manslaughter because he showed "culpable negligence" when he created "an unreasonable risk, and consciously [took] chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another" by kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes during Floyd's arrest in 2020.

Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter also is charged with second-degree manslaughter for killing Daunte Wright. She faces charges after shooting Wright when she says she intended to instead shock him with her Taser.

Prosecutors work long and hard before deciding what charges to bring. In the Chauvin case, a judge originally threw out the third-degree murder charge only to reinstate it later. The interpretation of the third-degree murder statute is currently being challenged in another case.

Legally speaking, it gets complicated. But in homicide cases, when a person's life and liberty hang in the balance, there may be no other way to ensure that justice is served.

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Twenty-seven states currently carry a death penalty for first-degree murder, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Capital punishment is OK'd by the military, too, and the federal government. Since 2015, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Colorado and Virginia have abolished the death penalty. Nebraska reinstated it by statewide vote in 2016.
Rapper Baby Blue of the hip-hop group Pretty Ricky is in critical condition after being shot during an attempted robbery in Davie, Florida.

The incident happened Monday night around midnight in the parking lot of SpareZ Bowling Alley, according to law enforcement who spoke to TMZ.

Things got violent when two armed male suspects approached Blue, 36, and another victim, trying to steal a gold chain.

While the men struggled over the chain, the Miami-based artist was shot near his left shoulder, says the police.

Critical condition: Rapper Baby Blue of Pretty Ricky was shot in Davie, Florida on Monday night after an attempted robbery

The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. It was unclear if they had the chain when they got away.

Blue, full name Ala Diamond Blue Smith, was rushed to a local hospital where he is currently in critical condition.

Police said one suspect wore a black hoodie and a face covering while the other donned a grey hoodie.

The police urge anyone with information to contact Davie PD.

Blue, who is one fourth of mid-2000s Grind With Me hitmakers Pretty Ricky, was in the area to celebrate the release of his track Jerry Rice.

Heavy metal: The Miami-based artist was shot near his left shoulder after a struggle over a gold chain

Group: Blue is one-fourth of the group behind the 2005 hit Grind With Me

In recent years he appeared on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: Miami as a supporting cast member with his bandmates Pleasure P, Spectacular and Slick 'Em.

The rapper is dealing with his own legal woes after being arrested last year for his alleged involvement in a $24million scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief.

According to authorities, Blue purchased a Ferrari after falsifying documents to get a Paycheck Protection Program loan worth close to $427,000.

The loans were intended for small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Policy

Department of Education Seeking Best Practices for Reopening Colleges and Universities

The United States Department of Education has issued a request for information on how schools, colleges and universities, and early education providers are reopening, operating safely and supporting students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information gathered will inform ED's Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse, a website under development that will highlight lessons learned from the field and provide resources for meeting student, teacher, faculty and staff needs.

The request for information is focused on three topics:

Safe and healthy environments. Here, ED is looking for institutional approaches to implementing the CDC's recommended COVID mitigation strategies and preparing for and sustaining in-person operations safely. This includes, for example, campus protocols for distancing, mask wearing, hand-washing stations, maximum classroom occupancy, etc., as well as managing testing and vaccination sites and supporting students both on and off campus who are in isolation/quarantine.

Here, ED is looking for institutional approaches to implementing the CDC's recommended COVID mitigation strategies and preparing for and sustaining in-person operations safely. This includes, for example, campus protocols for distancing, mask wearing, hand-washing stations, maximum classroom occupancy, etc., as well as managing testing and vaccination sites and supporting students both on and off campus who are in isolation/quarantine. Providing support to students. Examples here include mental health support, childcare, housing assistance, financial support, effective course management and delivery, creating flexibilities in the academic calendar and class schedules, and identifying and mitigating equity issues such as broadband access.

Examples here include mental health support, childcare, housing assistance, financial support, effective course management and delivery, creating flexibilities in the academic calendar and class schedules, and identifying and mitigating equity issues such as broadband access. Teacher, faculty and staff well-being, professional development and support. Mental health support and assistance with childcare are factors here too, as well as access to training in effective remote or hybrid instruction.

Submissions should provide a description of the lesson learned or best practice plus a summary of its impact and any evidence of positive outcomes, and include "substantive materials" such as "fact sheets, step-by-step guidance, policies or regulations, sample agreements among partners (e.g., between a local education agency and a local health agency, or an employee union), ready-to-implement resources, videos or other media focused on how to implement practices, and descriptions of how strategies have been implemented."

Submissions can be made by e-mail to [email protected] until September 2021. The full request for information is available in the Federal Register.
The jury has spoken.



UST: Derek Chauvin found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd

And so it's up to our blog community to offer perspective that won't be found in any other mainstream outlet.



Close readers should know that we're soon to change up the comments here at TKC in desperate search for some semblance of revenue and given that we have been at the forefront of the local discourse for more than a decade yet Kansas City mainstream media has selfishly denied us any opportunity for advancement or recognition.



And so, we advise our readers to commemorate what will likely be the last major news event for this version of our discussion.

Even better, and even if in vain, we ask KICK-ASS TKC READERS to share their most thoughtful and poignant remarks from EVERY PERSPECTIVE without delving into hate speech, epithets or racially charged language.

There's a lot to unpack in this verdict and for now . . .

Let's start with a statement from Kansas City Police:

"We understand how difficult it has been to relive the events of the death of George Floyd. The nation has watched the coverage of the trial of the former officer charged with killing him. We support the criminal justice process and the outcome in which it resulted in this case. The announcement of the verdict will spark powerful emotions in our community. Everyone is entitled to express those emotions and make their thoughts heard. It is the Kansas City Missouri Police Departments mission to safeguard and protect the Constitutional rights of all individuals participating in First Amendment activities and assemblies. You can read our new First Amendment policy here.



"We look forward to assisting the people of Kansas City in their demonstrations and stand ready to work with any organizers to ensure they can exercise their rights."

A statement of protester solidarity from Mayor Q:

"This was the right resultaccountability. George Floyd should be alive today, as should many others. I appreciate the jurys work. Now we must continue ours. Keep up the pressure."

From The Executive . . .

Today, like so many other people of color, I watched the developments unfold in Minnesota in fear. I was in fear that once again we would see a police officer walk free after murdering a black man, simply because the officer uttered the now infamous phrase, I feared for my life.



Watching the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a man who had sworn to serve and protect him was one of the most painful experiences I have witnessed in my lifetime  a lifetime in which I have personally experienced racism, hate and discrimination. Unfortunately, Mr. Floyds tragic murder is one of many that we have seen repeated countless times against people of color  particularly black men. And in each of those times, our community gathered loudly, passionately and peacefully for justice. Todays verdict is the result of men, women, and children of all ages and races standing together and saying, Enough is Enough!



Updated Links . . .

KSHB: '3 strikes equal a home run': KC-area clergy react to Chauvin guilty verdict

KMBC: KC religious leaders hold rally after verdict in Derek Chauvin trial

41 Action News: Kansas City-area activists seek more reform, despite recent KCPD changes

NBC News: Biden calls guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin trial 'a step forward'

Daily Beast: Nancy Pelosi Thanks George Floyd for Sacrificing His Life

Fox News: Kamala Harris - Guilty verdict in Chauvin trial would 'not heal the pain that existed for generations'

CNN: Judge in Derek Chauvin trial says Rep. Maxine Waters' comments may be grounds for appeal

Now it's up to you . . .

Developing . . .
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and European Council President Charles Michel have confirmed their participation in the first Crimean Platform summit scheduled for August 23 this year in Kyiv.

Borrell wrote about this in his blog following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on April 19, during which European officials discussed the situation in and around Ukraine with the participation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

The full text of the EU High Representative's blog was published on the European External Action Service website.

"President Michel and myself have confirmed our participation in the Summit on the International Crimean Platform planned for 23 August in Kyiv, which will be an important occasion to keep the spotlight on the illegal annexation of Crimea as well on our broader support for Ukraine," reads the report.

Borrell noted that against the background of rapidly growing tensions around Ukraine, EU foreign ministers sent a clear signal of their collective support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in front of Russias military deployment and its continued negative actions and provocations.

He reminded that for years now, Ukraine has been facing Russian aggression. Kyivs steps towards conflict resolution are not reciprocated by Moscow. "What is especially worrying is the military build-up in the proximity of the Ukrainian border and in the illegally annexed Crimea. There are more than one hundred thousand Russian troops amassed. With G7 partners, we have called on Russia to stop this dangerous escalation," Borrell stressed.

The EU High Representative commended Ukraine for its restrained response. "We must continue to urge Russia to de-escalate and defuse tensions, and we should all push back on Russias attempts to portray itself as a mediator, rather than a party to the conflict," he noted.

In addition, EU foreign ministers reiterated their strong support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and their insistence on the need for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

The Russian armed forces have recently been building up troops near the state border of Ukraine in the north, east and south, as well as in occupied Crimea. In addition, the number of ceasefire violations by the armed formations of the Russian Federation in eastern Ukraine has increased; there are losses among the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian Federation is conducting a propaganda campaign to justify possible aggression against Ukraine.

As a reminder, Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupying power and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine.

The Crimean Platform is to be launched officially at an inaugural summit in Kyiv on August 23, 2021.

ish
"We are delighted to welcome Aaron to our Board of Directors," said John G. Morikis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sherwin-Williams. "Through his leadership at Kimberly-Clark, Aaron has gained significant knowledge of global markets and operations, as well as extensive domestic and international sales, marketing, and digital expertise. We look forward to Aaron's engagement, perspective and contributions to our Board, our Company and our shareholders for years to come."

Mr. Powell joined Kimberly-Clark in September 2007. Prior to his current role, Mr. Powell served as President, Kimberly-Clark Professional from May 2018 to February 2020, President, Kimberly-Clark Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) from April 2018 to May 2018, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional, North America from December 2015 to April 2018, Vice President and Managing Director, Central & Eastern Europe from January 2014 to December 2015, and additional leadership roles within Kimberly-Clark's EMEA and North Asia operations. Prior to joining Kimberly-Clark, Mr. Powell spent four years with Bain & Company (a global management consulting firm), including as a Manager in its Consumer Practice, and eight years with The Procter & Gamble Company, where he began his career.

Mr. Powell received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

About The Sherwin-Williams Company

Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. Sherwin-Williams manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's Water Seal, Cabot and many more. With global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, Sherwin- Williams branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 4,900 company-operated stores and facilities, while the company's other brands are sold through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial distributors. The Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group supplies a broad range of highly-engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging and transportation markets in more than 120 countries around the world. Sherwin-Williams shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: SHW). For more information, visit www.sherwin.com.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Jim Jaye

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Sherwin-Williams

Direct: 216.515.8682

[email protected]

Eric Swanson

Vice President, Investor Relations

Sherwin-Williams

Direct: 216.566.2766

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Julie Young

Vice President, Global Corporate Communications

Sherwin-Williams

Direct: 216.515.8849

[email protected]

SOURCE The Sherwin-Williams Company

Related Links

http://www.sherwin.com


Researchers tested the antibodies elicited from mRNA vaccination and compared them to those from natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. They found the vaccine did not have antibodies to the virus nucleocapsid protein but had potent RBD antibodies.

Several vaccines have been approved for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines, for example, those developed by Moderna and Pfizer, have shown exceptional efficacy. Evidence suggests strong protection within two weeks of vaccination.

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, investigated the immune response produced by mRNA vaccines to better understand how they compare to antibodies generated by natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Their results are published on the bioRxiv* preprint server.

The authors used the data from ongoing seroprevalence studies in Orange County, California. The first survey was conducted in July 2020, and the second one was done in December 2020. Samples collected from surveys by the University of California Irvine Medical Center in May and December 2020 were also analyzed.

Samples from vaccinated individuals were collected in the months of January, February, and March 2021. They used the coronavirus antigen microarray to measure antibodies against 37 coronaviruses and influenza antigens.

Antibodies different in vaccination and natural infection

The seroprevalence in the Santa Ana zip codes was 18% in July 2020 and 26% in December 2020. At the hospital, the seroprevalence was 13% in December 2020. After vaccination started at the hospital, there was 98.7% seroprevalence by the end of March 2021, suggesting the mRNA vaccine is able to elicit a strong antibody response.

There was a difference between the antibodies elicited by natural infection compared to that from the vaccine. Since the vaccine does not have the nucleocapsid protein, there are no antibodies against this in the vaccine-induced antibodies. However, antibodies against nucleocapsid were seen in natural infection, suggesting this could be a biomarker for natural infection.

Further testing revealed that vaccines elicit more antibodies against the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) compared to the antibodies seen in natural infection. All individuals had antibodies to seasonal flu, and cold and the levels were the same for all irrespective of whether they had COVID-19.

Natural infection produces antibodies to the nucleocapsid and all fragments of the spike protein. The highest antibody levels were against the nucleocapsid, full-length spike protein, and the S2 subunit. Antibody levels against RBD were weak and could be a mechanism for new virus variants to evolve

Vaccinated individuals showed high antibody levels against the full-length spike protein, S2 subunit, and much higher levels to the RBD and S1 subunit. These individuals also had cross-reactive antibodies between the spike protein and RBD, absent in natural infection.

The mRNA vaccine likely adopts a protein conformation that presents cross-reactive epitopes. This could be useful against emerging virus variants and suggests the antibodies produced could still be effective against them.

mRNA vaccines elicit a strong antibody response

Natural infection produces a uniform level of antibodies against the nucleocapsid and spike protein. Vaccinated individuals fall into two groups, those with antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein and those without. Those with nucleocapsid antibodies may have been infected naturally before.

Longitudinal specimens taken at weekly intervals from 9 individuals pre- and post-mRNA vaccination. Individual differ substantially in their response to the prime. Five individuals had low baseline NP reactivity that did not change post-vaccination. Four individuals had elevated NP reactivity at baseline which also did not change significantly post-vaccination; subject #3 was a recovered confirmed COVID case. In this small group, higher baseline NP predicts a higher response after the prime. These results support a directive to get the boost in order to achieve more uniform protection within a population of individuals.

Some individuals showed good antibody levels after the first dose, but most required a booster dose for robust antibody levels, which were seen about 35 days after the first dose. The data also suggests people who have been infected naturally before have a more robust antibody response to the vaccine.

The study results are similar to the antibody levels seen in clinical trials of the mRNA vaccines, showing rapid production of antibodies. High levels of antibodies against the RBD seen in vaccinated individuals suggest good protection. The RBD is the portion of the spike protein that binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells.

Antibodies from natural infection do not have high levels against the RBD. This could be because the RBD epitope may be hidden to prevent host immune recognition. The less robust and variable antibody response to natural infection suggests immunity acquired by natural infection may not be as strong as that from vaccination. We should not assume that previously infected individuals are immune or that they cannot transmit the virus, write the authors.

Thus, vaccination induces a more robust antibody response, and even people who have been previously infected may benefit from the vaccine.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Professional photographer Pete Doherty, known for his breathtaking landscapes and focus on the Dunes, is paired with enthusiast photog Gina Altieri of Phenix7 Photography, associated with her signature captured images of flowers and wildlife in Northwest Indiana, for a free photo exhibit next week titled Natures Wonders at Hoosier Highlander, 2932 Highway Ave. in Highland. The photographers will mingle with guests and discuss their works at two free receptions, 5-8 p.m. April 27 and 5-9 p.m. April 30. There will be light cocktails served for guests at the Friday gathering. Host Renee Rosignol has all the details at (219) 838-0632 or email her at hoosierhighlander@gmail.com.
Chad faced an uncertain future on Wednesday as the son of slain leader Idriss Deby Itno took power in what the opposition called a coup and Western allies that rely on the countrys military might pleaded for stability.

Deby had ruled the impoverished desert country for three decades before the army announced his death on Tuesday from wounds suffered while leading troops in battle against rebels.

The shock demise of the 68-year-old led to immediate concerns of a power vacuum in Chad, which sits at the heart of the troubled Sahel region and is key to the Wests anti-jihadist efforts.

Debys death was announced only a day after provisional results declared him the winner of an April 11 election giving him a sixth term in office.

The outcome was never in doubt, with a divided opposition, boycott calls, and a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.

Allies of the late leader moved swiftly to assure power remained in their hands, installing Debys 37-year-old son Mahamat Idriss Deby as president and head of a transitional military council while dissolving parliament and the government.

They tore up Chads constitution and established a Transition Charter that lays out a new basic law for the country of 16 million people that spans western and central Africa.

The charter issued Wednesday proclaimed that Mahamat, a career soldier like his father who had been head of the powerful presidential guard, will occupy the functions of the president of the republic and also serve as head of the armed forces.

The transition period is meant to last 18 months and lead to democratic elections, though it can be extended once.

 Illegitimate decisions 

Chads main opposition parties were unconvinced, denouncing an institutional coup detat in a statement and calling on citizens not to obey illegitimate decisions by the military council.

Beyond that, the threat remained from rebels who launched an incursion into the countrys north from Libya on the day of the April 11 election despite army claims they had been defeated.

The rebel group, known as FACT, told AFP on Tuesday it would pursue its offensive after a pause for Debys state funeral on Friday.

We categorically reject the transition, FACT spokesman Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol said. Our troops are en route towards NDjamena.

Gun-toting soldiers in fatigues and members of the red-bereted presidential guard were seen patrolling the capital in the aftermath of Debys death.

But on Wednesday, banks, markets and most shops were open while the national flag flew at half-mast on public buildings.

For Western countries, particularly former colonial power France, the death of Deby meant the loss of their staunchest ally in the fight against jihadists in Africas Sahel, where myriad Islamist extremist groups operate.

Frances 5,100-strong Barkhane anti-jihadist force is headquartered in NDjamena, while Chads military has led successful raids against Islamist extremists.

Deby had in the past gone to the frontlines to lead troops into battle himself, including during a 2020 raid against the Boko Haram extremist group.

 Key partner 

France, whose President Emmanuel Macron will attend Debys funeral, as well as the European Union have called for a peaceful transition limited in timeframe.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said Deby was a key partner and had made significant contributions to help combat terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime in the Sahel.

The United States meanwhile urged a peaceful transition that abides by the constitution  a demand that has been ignored.

Beyond consolidating power, the military council had also closed Chads borders on Tuesday before reopening them on Wednesday. A curfew was relaxed but will remain in place between 8 pm and 5 am.

Some analysts expressed concern over whether Debys death could unleash new violence and said divisions within Chads powerful security apparatus could emerge, particularly with an inexperienced strongman at the helm.

The late leaders demise came only days after the army had claimed a great victory against fighters from FACT, or the Front for Change and Concord in Chad.

The military said Monday it had killed more than 300 rebels and captured 150 others, with the loss of five soldiers  without mentioning Debys injuries.

Chad is at a critical security crossroads for the whole of the African continent and for many years now has been not just a staunch Western ally but an effective security partner, said Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow and Africa expert at the Atlantic Council think-tank.

SOURCE: AFP
Lucknow: The Justice BS Chauhan inquiry commission, set up by the Uttar Pradesh government, has found no evidence of wrongdoing by Uttar Pradesh Police in the encounter killings of gangster Vikas Dubey and his five associates, allegedly staged to avenge the murder of eight policemen in the Bikru carnage.

This is contrary to the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was also set up by the Yogi Adityanath government last year to probe the role of police personnel in the Bikru carnage. The SIT had found that over 50 police personnel had a nexus with Vikas Dubey, the main accused in the carnage.

The inquiry commission headed by former SC judge BS Chauhan and comprising former Allahabad High Court judge Shashi Kant Agrawal and former Director-General of Police KL Gupta, submitted its report to the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday after eight months of intense yet futile search for independent witnesses who could give a version that was different from the police narrative about the encounter killings.

The report is in the process of being filed in the Supreme Court. While the Bikru armed assault on the police team took place in the night of July 3, the encounter killings of Dubey and his associates happened in broad daylight.

"And yet, there was no independent witness who came forward to depose and give evidence that was at variance with the police version of the encounters," said an official source.

As many as six PILs were filed in the Supreme Court that later approved the UP government`s decision to institute an inquiry commission into the encounter killings.

"It is a case of no evidence against the police. The commission gave repeated advertisements in newspapers requesting media personnel who reported on the encounters and termed it as fake, to come forward to give evidence, but no one appeared before the panel," said the official.

The commission had also distributed pamphlets in villages near the encounter sites requesting people to narrate the incidents. "There were independent witnesses who deposed but they supported the police version," the source said.

The Justice Chauhan Commission lamented in its 130-odd page report that is accompanied by 600 pages of documents relating to dummy enactment of encounters at all encounter sites, questioning of each policeman involved in the encounters and statement of witnesses -- that no person from the media, local resident or even the relatives of Dubey and his killed gang members came forward to testify before the panel despite summons to them.

The commission had served the summons on Dubey`s wife, relatives and residents of villages to which Vikas Dubey and his gang members belonged. "No one came forward," the report said.

Justice Chauhan has reportedly devoted an entire chapter to record the commission`s "total disappointment" with the media, which ramped up coverage of the alleged fake encounter, for not coming forward to give evidence or supply footage of the incidents.

The SIT, headed by additional chief secretary Sanjay Bhoosreddy and included additional DG Hari Ram Sharma and DIG Ravinder Goud as its members, on the other hand, had recommended `strong action` against police personnel who had a nexus with Vikas Dubey and his gang.

The SIT, in its 3,500-page report submitted in November last year, had indicted the then DIG Kanpur Anant Dev Tiwari for his nexus with the gang after which Tiwari was placed under suspension.

The report carried 36 recommendations, giving details of the alleged role of some officers and police personnel in the Kanpur episode. "It came to the fore that policemen used to give tip-offs to Dubey, and on the night of the ambush he was aware that a police team was coming to Bikru," a senior officer had said.

Live TV
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial services law firm Murphy & McGonigle announced today that Stephen T. Gannon, a financial services industry leader who has previously served as a senior legal executive at Citizens Financial Group, Capital One Financial Corporation and Wachovia Securities, has joined the firm.

Stephen Gannon, Banking Executive, Joins Murphy & McGonigle

Mr. Gannon was most recently Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Citizens Financial Group, the nation's 12th largest retail and commercial bank, where he served on the Executive Committee and managed and directed all legal, corporate governance, corporate transactions, government relations, regulatory relations and litigation functions for the company. He has spent the last two decades as a counselor with respect to the highest levels of strategic decision making for several of the country's largest financial institutions.

"We are thrilled to have Steve join our team," said Chairman and Co-Founder James A. Murphy. "Steve brings tremendous depth and breadth of experience in the banking sector, which will supplement our leading securities and blockchain practices and provide a one-stop destination for financial services institutions of all kinds as they grapple with the rapid changes impacting the industry."

Mr. Gannon stated, "I joined Murphy & McGonigle for one simple reason  they are the best at what they do. I've known James and Tom for close to 30 years, both as an SEC colleague in Tom's case, and as a law partner in James' case. They have built a law firm based on the best talent, which enables them to provide their clients with stellar insights, outstanding judgment and, most importantly, great results. It is evident in what they've been able to accomplish in only 10 years. They have led clients effectively through times of disruption and challenge as well as advanced client growth and opportunity. As banking hits its next inflection point, which is happening right now, those skills will be more important than ever. I'm delighted to join this incredible team with such a superb track record."

Mr. Gannon has significant experience in leading teams charged with designing and overseeing frameworks and processes to ensure that financial products are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations and fit within appropriate strategic goals. Mr. Gannon also has advocated and managed advocacy before the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the FDIC, the CFPB and the SEC, where he served as a Branch Chief in the Division of Enforcement. He also has deep expertise in banking and broker/dealer regulation, including in connection with bank regulatory reform.

Prior to his seven years at Citizens Financial Group, Mr. Gannon served as the Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Capital One, overseeing corporate and securities transactions, bank and corporate regulatory issues, litigation, M & A, and other legal and financial affairs. At Wachovia Securities, Mr. Gannon served as General Counsel of the institution's Retail Brokerage Group and was responsible for building a more than 100-person legal department for the nation's third largest retail brokerage. Prior to his in-house corporate service, Mr. Gannon tried dozens of cases in court, securities arbitration and before other regulatory bodies and appellate forums.

In addition to joining Murphy & McGonigle's industry-leading Securities Regulation Practice and growing Fintech & Blockchain Practice, Mr. Gannon will take charge of building a new banking services practice. He will advise the banking industry on regulatory and strategic matters, ranging from public policy and corporate governance to litigation, compliance, and administrative actions. He will also focus on helping industry players adapt to, and seize opportunities in, the burgeoning fintech and digital asset space.

Mr. Gannon has held numerous leadership roles in the financial services industry, including Chair of the Managing Board of The Clearinghouse Association; the General Counsel's Forum of the Bank Policy Institute; participation in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform and serving on the Executive Committee of the SIFMA Compliance and Legal Society as well as on the SIFMA Advisory Council.

The addition of Mr. Gannon extends the recent momentum Murphy & McGonigle has enjoyed. The firm opened two new offices in 2020, in San Francisco and Chicago, and was named the 2021 "Law Firm of the Year" for Securities Regulation by U.S. News  Best Law Firms in just its 10th year of existence.

Mr. Gannon, the 16th lawyer at Murphy & McGonigle to have served at the SEC, will split his time between the firm's offices in Washington, D.C., New York, and Richmond, Virginia.

About Murphy & McGonigle

Murphy & McGonigle serves the regulatory counseling, enforcement defense and high-stakes litigation needs of clients across the full spectrum of the financial services industry  from investment banks and commercial banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers, and hedge funds, to national and international securities markets and exchanges as well as digital asset trading platforms and Fintech innovators. Many of the firm's partners formerly served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, SEC, FINRA, and the CFTC, and several served in senior executive positions in major financial institutions on Wall Street.

The firm has been rated a National Tier One law firm in Securities Regulation and Securities Litigation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News  Best Law Firms. Chambers USA recently ranked Murphy & McGonigle among the top six law firms in the United States in Financial Services  Regulation (Broker-Dealer) and has commented, "They are highly respected by U.S. regulators."

Contact:

Mark Curran

Murphy & McGonigle

[email protected]

347-803-6832

SOURCE Murphy & McGonigle, P.C.

Related Links

www.murphymcgonigle.com


Washington: The Biden administration believes Australias current climate change policies are insufficient and wants Prime Minister Scott Morrison to announce more ambitious emission reduction targets when he appears at this weeks climate leaders summit.

Senior Biden administration officials told reporters they see enormous potential for Australia but that the country can not rely solely on advancements in technology to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

US President Joe Biden will use the climate summit to announce a significant increase in Americas 2030 emissions reduction target. Credit:AP

President Joe Biden will use the summit, which begins on Friday (AEST), to announce a new target of approximately a 50 per cent reduction in US carbon emissions by 2030 based on 2005 levels.

This would be almost double the Morrison governments current target of a 26 to 28 per cent reduction over the same period.
Metal Tiger has a long track record of successful investment in the mining sector

( ) has subscribed for just over seven million shares in ( ) at an issue price of A$0.042 per share, for a total consideration of approximately A$300,000.

The investment forms part of an institutional placement by Antipa amounting to approximately A$22mln. Antipa is also implementing a share purchase plan will raise A$3mln, resulting in a total capital raise of up to A$25 mln.

The placement was met with strong demand from international and domestic institutions together with sophisticated and professional investors. Newcrest Ltd, Antipas largest shareholder, committed to approximately A$2.4mln to maintain its pro-rata shareholding at 9.9%. IGO Ltd subscribed for approximately A$1.2mln to maintain its shareholding at 4.9%.

The use of the proceeds from the capital raising will be used to maintain Antipas 35% interest in the Citadel joint venture with Rio Tinto and to accelerate exploration and appraisal activities at the Minyari Dome project.

The Citadel project currently hosts a combined resource of 1.6mln ounces of gold, 127,000 tonnes of copper and 1.2mln ounces of silver.

Antipa is an ASX-listed mineral exploration company focused on exploring the Paterson Province of Western Australia which hosts several world-class mineral deposits, including the Telfer gold-copper-silver mine, the Winu copper deposit and the Havieron gold discovery.

Antipa has significant farm-in agreements with Rio Tinto, Newcrest Mining and IGO and has consolidated a majority of exploration tenure in eastern Paterson.

Following completion of the fundraise, Metal Tiger will hold 0.23% of the enlarged share capital of Antipa.

For the interim six month period ended 30 December 2020, Antipa reported net assets of A$36.9mln and a net loss of A$2.5mln.
Friends of the Poor's 35th anniversary Stay at Home Ball fundraiser exceeded its $350,000 goal, the organization announced.

The fundraiser was created by the agency, which is sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to establish the Sister Ann Walsh, IHM Endowment Fund.

Friends of the Poor will use the fund to underwrite its increased efforts to fight against poverty, hunger and injustice and to honor the decades of service to the agency by Walsh, who was executive director for 11 years before relinquishing that role in 2017.

Meghan Loftus, Friends of the Poor president and CEO, said there was an outpouring of support from the IHM Congregation, the local community and beyond for the fundraiser.

"People from across the the country supported the Stay at Home Ball in honor of Sister Ann Wash, her faithful spirit and compassion to those in need," she said.


A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Tuesday held talks with Gen Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of French Air and Space Force (FASF), on ways to further expand cooperation between the two sides.



Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria is on a five-day visit to France from Monday.



The Indian Air Force (IAF) said Gen Lavigne and Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria in their talks noted the steady growth of operational exchanges between the two forces and explored ways to expand the cooperation further.



"Air Chief Mshl RKS Bhadauria visited @Armee_de_lair HQs & called on Gen Philippe Lavigne to discuss op issues common to the two Air Forces. The Chiefs noted the steady growth of operational exchanges & explored avenues to expand IAF- FASF ties," the IAF tweeted.



On Monday, it said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria's visit will be a significant step in further enhancing mutual cooperation between the two air forces.



Gen Philippe Lavigne visited India in February last year.



The cooperation between the Indian and the French air forces have seen gradual expansion in the last few years.



Both air forces have been carrying out exercise series 'Garuda'.


New Delhi, April 21 : Apple has quietly revealed that iOS 14.5 will officially arrive starting next week.

As Apple announced the launch of new Tile-like AirTag tracker, the company said on Tuesday: "AirTag requires iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later". These software updates will be available starting next week".

"Customers must have an Apple ID and be signed into their iCloud account. Certain features require Find My to be enabled in iCloud settings," Apple added.

Apple first launched the iOS 14.5 beta to the public earlier this year in February alongside watchOS 7.4 beta.

The Cupertino-based tech giant with iPadOS 14.5 beta is expanding Apple Pencil 'Scribble' support for German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

The new iOS 14.5 beta update brings with it over 200 new emojis including a new AirPods Max emoji.

The new update also brings with it new shortcuts for apps including 'Take Screenshot', 'Orientation Lock' where the Shortcuts app sets the screen orientation to 'on' or 'off'.

Apple has also announced to fix battery drain and other performance issues with iPhone 11 series devices via an upcoming iOS update.

According to an Apple support document, the recalibration process will happen when you update an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max to the upcoming iOS 14.5 update.
EU medicines watchdog finds possible link between J&J vaccine, blood clots

Xinhua) 15:14, April 21, 2021

People arrive to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, southern France, on Jan. 9, 2021. (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

"A careful review of the cases and other available evidence has led us to affirm that these blood clotting disorders are very rare side effects of the vaccine," said Sabine Straus, president of the EMA's safety committee.

EMA said its safety committee "concluded that a warning about unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be added to the product information" for the Johnson &Johnson jab.

BRUSSELS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday it had found a "possible link" between the Johnson &Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and cases of blood clots, but insisted that its benefits outweigh the risks.

"A careful review of the cases and other available evidence has led us to affirm that these blood clotting disorders are very rare side effects of the vaccine," said Sabine Straus, president of the EMA's safety committee, at a press conference.

On April 13, the medicines watchdog of the European Union (EU) was informed of eight serious cases of unusual blood clots associated with low levels of blood platelets, one of which had a fatal outcome. All the cases occurred in the United States, where over seven million people received the Johnson &Johnson vaccine.

EMA said in a statement that "these events should be listed as very rare side effects of the vaccine." The regulator said its safety committee "concluded that a warning about unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be added to the product information" for the Johnson &Johnson jab.

All cases occurred in people under 60 years of age within three weeks after vaccination, the majority in women. The safety committee said that the blood clots occurred mostly at unusual sites such as in veins in the brain and the abdomen and in arteries, together with low levels of blood platelets and sometimes bleeding.

A medical worker administers the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Athens, Greece, on April 2, 2021. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

The cases reviewed were very similar to the cases that occurred with the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, which EMA had also concluded that its benefits outweigh its risks. There have been almost 300 cases of blood clots worldwide linked with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Johnson &Johnson last week delayed the rollout of its single-shot jab across Europe pending the result of the EMA probe.

EMA executive director Emer Cooke said the recommendation was issued before the vaccine is distributed in the EU and this will "allow the vaccination programs in (EU) member states to take decisions on how to roll out the vaccines based on their national situation."

The EU has given marketing authorization for four COVID-19 vaccines and three of them have been rolled out widely in the bloc. With a target of inoculating 70 percent of its adult citizens, the EU has administered over 100 million doses, and more than 27 million people have been fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 275 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 91 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Tuesday.

A medical worker (L) receives a COVID-19 vaccine at the University hospital of Essen in Essen, Germany, Jan. 18, 2021. (Photo by Tang Ying/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
New York state could be weeks away from becoming the first state in the nation to etch pandemic workplace rules into law, but that all depends on Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing the recently passed New York Health and Essential Rights Act  aka the Heroes Act  into law. The bill is the latest example of how the legislative legacy of the coronavirus will affect the Empire State for years to come by requiring employers to institute workplace protections for airborne infectious diseases. This includes COVID-19, influenza, fungi and any other microbes that might threaten public health in the future, though business groups lament how the associated costs might hamper the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic.

Democratic lawmakers say they modeled the bill on existing federal protections instituted through the regulatory process. The state departments of labor and health will develop guidelines by industry for how businesses should provide things like PPE, social distancing, disinfection schedules and quarantine protocols  though notably not ventilation filters, according to the legislative language. Businesses with more than 10 people on staff must also establish safety committees to oversee adherence to the law. Most of its provisions take effect 30 days after the bill is signed by the governor. A section applying to the committees takes effect in 180 days.

We have one more step to go, state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris of Queens, who sponsored the union-backed bill with Assembly Member Karines Reyes of the Bronx, said at Wednesday morning press conference. It is just waiting for the governors signature. That is not technically correct. Both chambers of the state Legislature passed the legislation this week, but it is up to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to determine when to formally send it to the governor. That is a typical practice in the legislative process because any governor has just 10 days to decide whether to approve or veto legislation before it would automatically become law. Were going to send it as soon as possible, Heastie spokesperson Michael Whyland said in an email. Just when exactly remains to be determined.

The governor typically signals to legislative leaders when he is ready to act on legislation. That sometimes involves negotiating changes called chapter amendments that legislators must pass in exchange for the governor agreeing to sign a bill into law. The governor and the state of New York have advanced significant workplace protections against airborne illnesses including requiring HEPA filters in commercial spaces, spokesperson Peter Ajemian said in an email. Counsels office is reviewing the legislation. He did not elaborate on what potential issues, if any, the administration might have with the legislation.

Business groups like the Business Council of New York State and the New York State Restaurant Association have lamented the passage of the law, which they say imposes unfair costs. This costly mandate will ultimately lead to frivolous lawsuits, business closures and job losses at the worst possible time, reads a statement from Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, a business advocacy group whose board members include Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy, who served as lieutenant governor during the governors first term in office. Current federal rules and the goodwill of employers should suffice in making sure workplaces across the state are safe, according to Wilcox.

Some workers like Amazon warehouse worker Rina Cummings beg to differ on the need for state action. She began working at a Staten Island facility for the online behemoth in October 2018. The vigor with which her employer tracked her movements made her feel dehumanized. Treated like cattle, she said at the Wednesday morning press conference. Youre tracked everyplace in the building and they track how fast you work. She added a memory she had from March 29, 2020 of when she would be fulfilling orders while she and other workers went without masks, social distancing and the other protections. We were selling the items but it wasnt available to us workers to use, she said. There are no laws to protect us. We need the (state) government to step up.
Always keeping the farmer in mind, the Greenery S implements feedback drawn from in-depth customer research to execute an exceptional new farm design which, when paired with seamless automation, unlocks powerful performance for all users. The Greenery S combines specialized space, light, air, water, and control systems to make it possible to grow food anywhere in the world, thereby empowering individuals to grow food locally within their communities to decentralize the global food system.

"The Greenery S brings an entirely new level of design, control, robustness, and ease of use to our already industry-leading growing platform. It is built upon the technology we have developed over the past ten years while introducing a fresh suite of features. This farm is not just a refinement of our past models  it redefines what it means to be a farmer," said Freight Farms co-founder and COO Jon Friedman. "With the Greenery S, we hope to further simplify the process of farming to make the profession as accessible as possible to people around the world."

Industry-Leading Features for Design, Automation, and Performance



Of all the Greenery S features, the most notable are the re-imagined workspace, the enhanced farmhand automation software, and the dynamic new proprietary LED technology.

All-New Workstation - User-Centric Design

As Freight Farms continues to define and refine what a farm can be, the company focuses specifically on optimizing workflow for their farmers with an all-new Workstation, a sleek, self-contained, and multi-functional farm command center.

Technical components  water and nutrient tanks, dosing panel, pumps  are hidden from view yet easily accessible with a simple push-to-open mechanism for instant access.

The 'Tabletop Riser' separates the workstation into two workzones, and includes an integrated, multi-functional LED bar (for tabletop illumination, plant spacing guidance, and task timing) and four full-range Bluetooth speakers.

Farmhand Recipes - Network Learning & Automation

The latest release of Freight Farms' companion farming softwarefarmhandtakes automation to the next level with the new Recipes feature.

Recipes allow farmers to achieve consistent harvests with the touch of a button: Operators simply choose the crop they wish to grow and farmhand automatically adjusts in-farm settings to optimize for that crop production.

Recipes are built by aggregating farmer network data and determining patterns that lead to exceptionally successful harvests; meaning the list of recipes will grow as the global Freight Farmer community continues to expand.

Dynamic Lighting Control - Power & Precision for Performance

The Greenery S takes a huge leap in LED technology by allowing farmers to customize the lighting spectrum, intensity, and duration of light to achieve their desired plant yields.

The Greenery S features Freight Farms' proprietary LEDs, which emit light with 60% greater intensity and 50% better efficiency compared to off-the-shelf options.

Farmers have precise control over their lights with brand new Eco (prioritizing farm efficiency by reducing power consumption), Performance (prioritizing plant growth for greater yields, and Standard (balances the two) modes.

The Most Versatile Platform in the Indoor Farming Industry

The accessibility and versatility of the Freight Farms platform allow customers to use it in a diverse range of locations and applications. The Greenery S is built with the same specifications as a standard 40-foot shipping container, making it possible to bring and install the farm in any location, such as a city center, tropical island, or area experiencing food insecurity. Once at its location, the 320 sq. ft. container becomes a commercial growing space, capable of producing 2.5 acres worth of fresh food every year. The farm's elite design, in combination with farmhand, robust training, and access to an elite support team, ensures anyone can run a successful operation without any prior farming experience.

Freight Farms currently services more than 500 trained farmers across 48 U.S. states and more than 32 countries. For more information, visit freightfarms.com.

About Freight Farms:

In 2013, Freight Farms debuted the first vertical hydroponic farm built inside an intermodal shipping container with the mission of democratizing and decentralizing the local production of fresh, healthy food. Now with the Greenery S and integral IoT data platform, farmhand, Freight Farms has the largest network of connected farms in the world, with global customers in 32 countries and 48 U.S. states ranging from entrepreneurs and small business farmers to corporate, hospitality, retail, education, and nonprofit sectors. To learn more, please visit freightfarms.com, or visit us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Media Contact:

5WPR

Carinna Gano, Account Supervisor

[email protected]

SOURCE Freight Farms

Related Links

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Formula 1 will give America's two races next year "space" on the 2022 calendar.

The sport announced at Imola that, despite the on-off saga of the proposed Miami GP over the past few years, Formula 1 will indeed head to Florida next year.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali explained that Miami and the existing US grand prix in Austin will be kept "separate" on the race calendar.

"The date (for Miami) will be in the second quarter of next year," he said at Imola.

"We have always said that the United States is a key market in which we must develop our business. There are a lot of opportunities to be seized and having two races in the United States is the right direction for our strategy for the future."

Currently, Austin is scheduled to host its 2021 race in late October, kicking off a subsequent trek to two other regional events - Mexico and Brazil.

Therefore, a summer date for Miami next year - paired with Canada - is likely. Le Journal de Montreal claims to know that Miami will take place "in June, just after Montreal".

Referring to Miami and Austin, Domenicali explained: "We'll keep them separate so that we have the right space for both of them. That's really crucial.

"We are proud, and I mean as Formula 1, because after a difficult 2020 and with the challenges of 2021, we are looking to the future and laying the groundwork for an incredible future for Formula 1," the Italian added.

(GMM)
As part of large-scale anti-terrorist exercises that are now taking place in Kharkiv region, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) thwarted an attempt by several groups of goon gangs "titushki" (a total of more than 60 people) to penetrate the territory of the region.

"Buses with 'titushki' were detained at the entrances to Kharkiv from Donetsk, Dnipro and Poltava. All these persons are residents of other regions of Ukraine and have nothing to do with Kharkiv region," wrote head of the SBU press center in Kharkiv region Vladyslav Abdula.

According to the special services, these groups were sent to Kharkiv by order of one of the pro-Russian political forces of Ukraine to hold protest actions in the city, as well as provoke public discontent and massive illegal actions during the regular session of the City Council on Wednesday, April 21.

"These actions were intended to destabilize the socio-political situation in the region and create a 'picture' beneficial to the Russian leadership to justify possible acts of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Law enforcement officers of Kharkiv region, using all the means provided by law, stop possible illegal actions. The coordinating group of the Anti-Terrorist Center is monitoring possible attempts by radical groups to abuse the right of citizens to hold mass events, the purpose of which is to provoke riots and other anti-social actions," Abdula said.

As reported, on April 14, large-scale anti-terrorist exercises began in Kharkiv region, which are conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine with the involvement of units of the National Police, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the Military Law Enforcement Service, Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office and other members of the Coordination Group of the Anti-Terrorism Center.
Alibaba's chairman Jack Ma, at the opening ceremony of the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, China, on Nov. 19, 2014. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)

Jack Ma Was Right When He Said, Chinese Entrepreneurs Really Dont End Up Well

Chinese entrepreneurs really dont end up well. This statement, made 10 years ago by Jack Ma the founder of Alibaba Group, recently went viral on the internet. It seems that Mas casual but ominous words have come true, and his current situation is a true reflection of what he said at that time.

On April 12, Hong Kong-based Initium Media reported that Ma said, in an earlier speech to a group of private entrepreneurs, None of Chinas entrepreneurs dies a natural death.

However, as early as January 2013, Ma had denied having said that. In an interview with ESQUIRE magazine, he explained that what he actually said was Chinese entrepreneurs really dont end up well.

At that time, the reporter asked Ma: You made a lot of statements in 2011 that seemed very pessimistic. People have always seen you as a very optimistic person who inspires others. Why is that? You said it was a bad time, and you said that almost no Chinese entrepreneurs die a natural death. Have you become pessimistic?

No. I didnt say that sentence, Ma replied then, adding: People should talk about those people in high positions with awe. I myself think Chinese entrepreneurs indeed dont end up well. It is true now, and it was true throughout history (of the communist regime). History wont change for today. There have always been lucky ones, but not many.

I, Jack Ma, already know my own end, so I am optimistic about this. Ill just go ahead with it anyway because, good or bad, the end is there already, Ma said, You know the ending is very sad, but you still want to do it.

Ma Exposed His Narrow Escape From Death by Poisoning

In August 2015, a short video of about 35 seconds in length went viral on WeChat and Weibo, featuring Ma and founder of Lenovo Group, Liu Chuanzhi. Liu was asking Ma to sing, but Ma refused. He said that he had been poisoned and almost died.

(Im) Not in the mood to sing!  (Im) not in good spirits, not in a good state!  I almost died the day before yesterday! Ma said in the conversation between the two, as shown in the video.

Liu asked Ma what happened.

Ma whispered in Lius ear, (I was) poisoned! But I cant say 

Ma Forced to Retire Because He Disobeyed the CCP

On Sept. 10, 2019, Ma stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alibaba Group. Analysts believe he was forced to retire by the authorities because Alibabas payment tool Alipay threatened the monopoly of Chinas state-owned banks, upsetting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

On Oct. 24, 2020, Ma expressed disagreement with Vice President Wang Qishan. On that day, Ma delivered a speech at the Shanghai Bund Summit, and his rhetoric was completely at odds with Wangs opening remarks at the event.

An undated photograph of Wang Qishan. (Weibo.com)

(We must) make efforts to prevent and defuse financial risks, Wang said, (we) should hold to the bottom line of no systemic risks.

But Ma said that in China there was no such thing as financial systemic risks, and it was more about a risk of a lack of a financial system.

Mas comments angered the highest levels of the CCP. Subsequently, Ma disappeared from public view, and his Alibaba and Ant Groups were also purged.

Mas Companies Were Heavily Fined

On Nov. 3, 2020, Ant Groups $37 billion listing was suspended by Chinese authorities, just two days before its planned IPO. After Ant Group was summoned twice for talks, it was required by authorities to make regulatory reforms.

Credit: Getty Images

On April 10, 2021, the CCPs State Administration for Market Regulation announced that Alibaba Group had been fined $2.8 billion for violating an anti-monopoly Law. It was the highest fine ever issued by the CCP since enforcement of the law began.

On April 12, Ant Group was summoned for a face-to-face talk with the Central Bank, the Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the Securities Regulatory Commission, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for the third time, over anti-monopoly allegations.

On April 17, Reuters quoted multiple sources as saying that Ant Group was exploring various options for Ma to divest his stake in the company and give up control of the group. Officials from the central bank and China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission held talks with Ma and Ant Group respectively between January and March to discuss the possibility of Mas exit from Ant Group.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges related to the death of George Floyd after a 15-day trial. Here's a timeline of the case's key events, from George Floyd's death on May 25, 2020, to mass protests, Derek Chauvin's arrest, conviction, and final verdicts: guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.





May 2020: George Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests

According to the LA Times, Minneapolis police officers responded to a call about a potential counterfeit $20 bill being used at a corner grocery just after 8 p.m. on May 25, 2020. They went to arrest a Black man later known as George Floyd. He fought and ended up handcuffed and facedown on the ground. Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd's neck with his knee on the ground for nine minutes as onlookers yelled at him to let go.

Floyd can be heard calling out, "I can't breathe," several times before collapsing. At a hospital, he was pronounced dead.

According to police, Floyd died following a "medical incident." They claimed that he violently refused arrest and claimed to be in medical distress. Bystander footage was uploaded online minutes later. The FBI will assist with the investigation, said the police. Chauvin was fired, and three other officers, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Kueng. Protests started.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wanted Derek Chauvin charged with a crime. Unrest erupted in Minneapolis due to the protests, with some protesters breaking into homes and setting fires. Protests erupted in other cities as well. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota sent the Minnesota National Guard. Protesters overtook and set fire to the 3rd Precinct station, forcing police to leave the place.

Chauvin was arrested and charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder. Then-President Trump tweeted about "thugs" in Minneapolis protests, warning, "As the looting begins, the shooting begins." Protests in Minneapolis and elsewhere turned aggressive once more. State Attorney General Keith Ellison investigated Floyd's death, Walz said.

What Biden, Harris Tell George Floyd's Family After Dereck Chauvin's Guilty Verdict

June 2020: The investigation of George Floyd's death

The county medical examiner said Floyd's heart stopped when police restrained him and squeezed his throat, who also noted that Floyd had underlying health problems and listed fentanyl and methamphetamine use as "other serious conditions." The Minneapolis Police Department was the subject of a civil rights complaint by Minnesota's Department of Human Rights.

Ellison charged Chauvin with second-degree murder, and the other three officers were charged in Floyd's arrest. Minneapolis then banned police chokeholds, the first of several reforms expected in the coming months, including revamping the department's use-of-force policies. Massive, peaceful marches took place throughout the country to urge police reform. Floyd's services were held in Raeford, North Carolina, near his birthplace.

The majority of members of the Minneapolis City Council were in favor of reforming the police department. The plan eventually faded out, but it does ignite a national conversation about police reform. Thousands of people paid their respects to George Floyd in Houston, where he was born and raised. The next day, he was laid to rest.

Floyd's brother testified about police transparency before the House Judiciary Committee. Trump passed an executive order encouraging better policing procedures and creating a database to monitor officers who have been accused of using unnecessary force.

Floyd's family filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis and the four former police. The Minnesota Legislature passed a slew of police reform bills, including bans on neck restraints, chokeholds, and so-called warrior-style training.

Derek Chauvin Trial: Jury Returns a Guilty Verdict but Ex-Cop Still Eligible To Keep His Pension

August 2020-April 2021: Derek Chauvin's arrest, conviction, and trial

Judge Peter Cahill upheld the media coalition's challenge to a court injunction barring the public from watching the body camera footage. Both the prosecutor and defense argued a series of motions before the court during the hearing, as per KSTP.

Meanwhile, Derek Chauvin was released from state prison after posting a $1 million bond, igniting further demonstrations. Protection demands to move the officers' trials were denied by Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill.

On January 12, Chauvin was prosecuted alone due to courtroom space issues. The remaining officers would stand trial in August. City officials announced that the George Floyd Square, which has been closed to traffic following Floyd's death due to barricades, will reopen after Chauvin's trial.

After waiting for pretrial motions, the first possible jurors for Derek Chauvin's trial were questioned. Minneapolis agreed to pay the Floyd family a $27 million settlement in March.

The judge refused to postpone or reschedule the appeal, citing fears that the settlement would taint the jury pool. The jury selection process was concluded with the selection of 12 jurors and three alternates.

On April 11, a 20-year-old Black man named Daunte Wright was fatally shot by a white police officer during a traffic arrest in Brooklyn Center, a Minneapolis suburb, sparking days of protests. Because of the Wright shooting, the judge refused to sequester the Chauvin jury.

Judge Peter Cahill refused a motion to sequester the court after Daunte Wright's death during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, stating that it is a separate matter. Cahill noted that the jury would not be separated until the conclusion of the case.

After Chauvin told the judge that he would not testify, the prosecution case ended, his COVID-19 mask removed in a rare courtroom moment. Chauvin's side of the story has been told for the first time in public.

The trial's attorneys delivered their closing arguments, preparing the jurors for deliberation. The jurors who waited silently behind closed doors for three weeks of testimony stepped into the spotlight on Tuesday, still out of sight but now in charge of the verdicts. Derek Chauvin was convicted of second-degree and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter by a jury in the Derek Chauvin trial, as per Twin Cities.

Daunte Wright, George Floyd Come From Same Minneapolis Area, Have Lots in Common

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- loanDepot, Inc. (the "Company,"NYSE: "LDI," together with its subsidiaries, "loanDepot") today announced that it has declared a special cash dividend on its Class A common stock and Class D common stock. LD Holdings Group LLC ("LD Holdings"), a subsidiary of the Company, has declared a simultaneous special cash dividend on its units. The aggregate amount of the special dividend to be paid by the Company and distribution to be made by LD Holdings is $200.0 million, or $0.612 per share or $0.615 per unit, as applicable (the "Special Dividend"). The Special Dividend will be paid on May 18, 2021 to the Company's stockholders and LD Holdings' members of record as of the close of business on May 3, 2021.

Additionally, in connection with the underwritten public offering (the "IPO") of the Company's Class A common stock (the "Class A Common Stock") that closed on February 16, 2021, each of the Company's directors, officers, substantially all of the holders of the Company's stock and stock options before the IPO, including PCP Managers, L.P. and certain funds managed by PCP Managers, L.P. (collectively, "Selling Stockholders," together with such directors, officers and holders, "Lock-Up Parties") entered into a lock-up agreement (the "Lock-Up Agreement") with the underwriters that restrict their ability to sell or transfer their shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Class B Common Stock"), Class C common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Class C Common Stock") or Class D common stock, par value $0.001 (the "Class D Common Stock" and together with the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock, the "Common Stock") through August 15, 2021, subject to certain exceptions. In order to increase liquidity and float in the Common Stock, on April 21, 2021, the Company requested and the underwriters agreed to the release of 6.0 million shares of Common Stock held by the Lock-Up Parties, or up to 1.8% of the 325.0 million total shares outstanding. The Company's named executive officers and board members, Anthony Hsieh, Patrick Flanagan, Jeff Walsh, Jeff DerGurahian, John C. Dorman, Dawn Lepore, Brian P. Golson, Andrew C. Dodson, along with PCP Managers, L.P., Parthenon Capital Partners Fund, L.P., Parthenon Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., PCP Partners IV, L.P. (the general partner of Parthenon Investors IV, L.P.) and PCap Partners III, LLC (the general partner of Parthenon Investors III, L.P.), have waived their right to participate in such release. Certain other employees of the Company hold shares of Common Stock subject to such release, but will not be waiving the right to participate. Parthenon Investors III, L.P. and Parthenon Investors IV, L.P. intend to distribute shares of Common Stock subject to the release to their limited partners, who will not be subject to the Lock-Up Agreement. The release will not be effective until May 17, 2021. Except for such released shares, the terms of the lock-up agreements shall remain in full force and effect through August 15, 2021.

About loanDepot:

loanDepot is a contemporary financial services company dedicated to delivering a best-in-class experience to its mortgage purchase and refinance customers. Launched in 2010, loanDepot offers a diversified network of direct-to-consumer, in-market, and partner business channels, uniquely positioning it to serve a wide range of customers. Headquartered in Southern California, loanDepot has funded more than $300 billion since its founding and currently ranks as the second largest retail nonbank lender and one of the leading retail mortgage lenders in the United States. Committed to serving the communities in which its team members live and work, loanDepot has donated millions of dollars to support a variety of local, regional and national philanthropic efforts, most recently giving more than $2.5 million to help with COVID-related efforts for first responders, healthcare workers, individuals and families nationwide. loanDepot also is a founding sponsor of War Heroes on Water, which supports ongoing therapeutic healing services for combat-wounded veterans nationwide.

Investor Relations and Media Contact:

Abe Gutierrez

Vice President, Investor Relations

(949) 860-8215

[email protected]

or

Nicole Carrillo

Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

(949) 575-5187

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LDI-IR

SOURCE loanDepot, Inc.
Chadian President Marshal Idriss Deby Itno died yesterday from wounds sustained Monday while fighting the rebel Force for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) militia in northern Chad. His son Mahamat Idriss Deby, aged 37, seized power at the head of a military commission staffed with 15 hand-picked generals.

Military spokesman General Azem Bermandoa Agouna issued a communique yesterday, declaring: The president of the republic, the head of state and supreme commander of the armies, Idriss Deby Itno, just breathed his last breath while defending our territorial integrity on the battlefield. It is with deep sadness that we are announcing to the Chadian people the passing on this Tuesday, April 20, 2021 of the marshal of Chad.

Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, center, attends his final campaign rally for the recent elections in N'Djamena, Chad. Friday, April 9, 2021 (AP Photo)

It added that Deby, like each time our republican institutions are gravely threatened, led operations in heroic struggles against the terrorist hordes come from Libya. Wounded in the struggle, he passed away once returned to NDjamena, the countrys capital.

Deby, who ruled Chad with an iron fist for 30 years after seizing power in a French-backed coup in 1990, was a longstanding tool of French imperialism. Hosting French and US troops at strategic bases at NDjamena in the heart of the Sahel, Chads geopolitical importance surged after the bloody 2011 NATO war in Libya, which toppled Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in alliance with Islamist militias. Chads army has provided troops for French military operations in Nigeria and across the Sahel, including in Niger and Burkina Faso, amid the French war in Mali.

Debys death comes amid a deepening crisis of French imperialist strategy in the Sahel, shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron rejected mounting calls in February for a withdrawal of French troops from Mali and the region.

The Elysee presidential palace in Paris issued a statement endorsing the illegal seizure of power by Debys son and praising Deby as a courageous friend of France, who worked ceaselessly for the security of his country and the stability of the region for three decades. It stressed the importance that the transition take place in peaceful conditions, in a spirit of dialog with all political actors and civil society, allowing for a rapid return to inclusive governance based on civilian institutions.

This effectively endorsed the moves of Mahamat Deby and the army chiefs, who extra-legally dissolved the National Assembly and announced an 18-month military dictatorship.

With the FACT militia reportedly still moving south from the Libyan border on NDjamena, panic is mounting in the capital, and the new junta decreed a 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew. There are some reports that civilians may have begun fleeing from NDjamena across the border into neighbouring Cameroon.

There is mounting speculation that French forces, already stretched thin by operations in Mali and across the Sahel, may intervene against the FACT. France has 5,100 troops in Chad, including 1,000 troops, hunter-killer drones, and a squadron of Mirage jets at its main military base in NDjamena, the headquarters for Operation Barkhane, Frances war in Mali and the Sahel. In 2008 and again in 2019, French warplanes bombed and repulsed rebel militias marching south on NDjamena from the border region with Libya.

Citing French official sources, Reuters reported: France and its allies will be looking to see how the political handover happens in the coming days.  If the [FACT] advance were to gather steam now, that could force Paris hands although it would seek to avoid intervening directly given the general uncertainty and impact it could have on wider Sahel operations.

Washington and London have already ordered their non-essential diplomatic personnel to evacuate Chad, fearing violence if and when FACT troops reach the capital. Due to their growing proximity to NDjamena and the possibility of violence in the city, non-essential US government employees have been ordered to leave Chad by commercial airline, the US State Department declared in a statement.

While it is strategically critical and has significant petroleum resources, Chad remains one of the worlds poorest countries. A former French colony that was granted formal independence in 1960, it ranks 187th out of 189 countries in the 2019 Human Development Index. Fully 66.2 percent of its population lived in severe poverty in 2019before the economic and social dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though Chad only obtained 12.5 percent of the revenue from the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline, revenues from the pipeline provided a basis for limited attempts by Deby to raise public sector workers salaries. However, this ended with the collapse of oil prices in 2017.

Since then, protests and social discontent have mounted against Deby, in line with growing strikes and anti-imperialist protests across the region. These include prominently the hirak against the Algerian military regime in 2019, as well as strikes by public sector workers and protests demanding the withdrawal of French troops in Mali.

Just before Deby died, Chad had held a presidential election on April 11 that ended officially in Debys re-election with 79.3 percent of the vote after security forces repeatedly attacked opposition candidates rallies. The FACT launched its operations against Deby in the context of these elections.

The FACT is itself a former tool of French imperialism, though one that has somewhat fallen out with its patron amid reports of rising tensions between Paris and Moscow.

It is a Chadian rebel militia based in southern Libya that until recently worked closely with General Khalifa Haftar, a French- and Russian-backed warlord and former CIA asset that has played a leading role in the civil war triggered in Libya by the 2011 NATO war. Until recently, Haftar and Deby were reported to have maintained cordial relations. Recruiting primarily among the Gorane (or Tubu) ethnicity, it was reportedly based at Sebha, in Libyas Fezzan region, and tied to Russias Wagner private security firm.

In 2017, however, Paris turned on FACT leader Mahamat Mahdi Ali and froze his funds in French banks, on unspecified charges of committing, or attempting to commit, acts of terrorism.

In the run-up to the recent Chadian elections, the FACT moved south towards the Chadian border, however, attacking a border post while the elections were underway. Wolfram Lacher, from the German Institute for International Affairs and Security think tank, said: By moving towards the border region with Chad, the FACT left the zone controlled by Haftar. It is not entirely certain whether it needed a green light from Haftar in order to attack Chad.

The Macron government expressed its anger in the press, unabashedly expressing its neo-colonial view that Chad is a French military base. The FACT potentially was able to avail itself of money and weapons because it had worked for Haftar together with Wagner, an official French source told Le Monde, adding, The fact that these people have now ended up in Chad in our zone of strategic influence is extremely problematic.

The FACT clearly retains ties to the French political and media establishment, however, and yesterday Mahamat Mahdi Ali gave a brief interview to Radio France Internationale (RFI). He said that Idriss Deby thought he was invincible and appealed to civil society in NDjamena to protest against the new regime.
[April 21, 2021] Marelli at Auto Shanghai 2021

SAITAMA, Japan, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marelli will be present for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2021 since it formed from the integration of Calsonic Kansei and Magneti Marelli in 2019 to create a leading tier 1 under the new global brand "MARELLI". At the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition Auto Show, taking place from April 19 to 28 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, Marelli presents its latest technologies at the company's booth, located in the hall 1.2H, stand 5BF201. In its new, wider integrated footprint, Marelli has a significant presence in China, with 22 production sites and 8 R&D centers in 15 cities. With over 6,000 employees based across China, representing 10% of the Marelli work force, and a growing customer base achieved through organic growth as well as through its nine joint venture partnerships in China, it is Marelli's most prominent and important market for future growth. "The automotive sector in China continues to significantly outperform the rest of the world, both in terms of consumer demand and in the development of advanced technologies and the shift towards electrification,"  stated Beda Bolzenius, MARELLI CEO and President. "For Marelli, we have a strong and growing presence in the Chinese market. Our industrial and R&D footprint combined with our nine joint venture partnerships are enabling us to meet the demands of our customers both domestically within China, as well as global customers from China. It is a region where we are actively investing and are strongly committed in a further expansion in key technology areas such as electric powertrain, electronics aimed at intelligent network connection, infotainment and HMI, and automotive lighting specifically focused towards the evolution of ADAS and autonomous driving." As part of Marelli's "Ambition 2024" mid-term strategic plan, Marelli laid out its clear plan for investment and growth in the China market. It is the largest automotive market in the world, with production volume of light vehicles expected to reach about 28.5 M units in 2024, of which about 42% New Energy Vehicles and Hybrids and about 58% still with Internal Combustion Engines (source: IHS Markit). In line with the priorities expressed in the last China five-year plan, Marelli aims to strengthen its focus on developing key technological solutions locally, especially aimed at the Chinese market. As part of its strategy for growth, the company is focused on expanding its partnerships and joint ventures in the Country. A recent example of this is from January 2021, when the Joint Venture "Highly Marelli", was officially launched between Marelli and Highly International. Highly Marelli was formed to create a leading global cabin comfort business with a strong focus on China. It develops world-class solutions for customers and suppliers specifically in electrification of compressors, heat pump and heating, ventilation & air conditioning ("HVAC") and electric driven compressor ("EDC") systems, and provides Marelli with direct and immediate access to the growing Chinese market, also facilitating even greater investment in electrification technologies and greater synergies. The creation of the JV follows Marelli's 2019 acquisition of equity interest in Shanghai Highly New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("HNET"), a growing manufacturer of EDC for passenger and commercial vehicles, from Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. The shift towards carbon neutrality Another key element that meets China priorities is the commitment of the company in contributing to carbon neutrality with its technologies. In this perspective, the first element comes from electrification, which is core to Marelli technology strategy. Leveraging its unique position coming from the combined competencies in e-powertrain and thermal management systems, Marelli aims to further strengthen its focus on e-technologies for the Chinese market and on new future agreements in China. In this view, Marelli strategy is based on an integrated offer of complete solutions that can efficiently control and optimize the complete flow of energy in Electric Vehicles. At Auto Shanghai, the company exhibits a wide range of products from its Electric Powertrain business unit, including the e-Axle, which integrates the e-Motor, inverter and gearbox all into one key component, proving Marelli high system knowledge and integration capabilities, as wellas its deep understanding of each "building block" of the system. Stators, rotors, e-Motors, inverters and battery management systems with distributed architecture are also on display at the booth.



By this approach towards total energy management of the vehicle, applying a "tier 0.5" approach, Marelli is able to integrate thermal management into the electric powertrain offering, with devoted products that enable the creation of a complete system. This is the case with the Battery Thermal Plate that is to be used in conjunction with battery pack and cells to maintain optimal temperature of cells, with a water flow and rate control based on a Marelli internal design. Still for the e-powertrain thermal systems, also a Low Flow Range High Performance Radiator will be showcased at Auto Shanghai. In addition to the solutions devoted to electrification, thermal management systems displayed at the booth also include the Outer Heat eXchanger and the Water-Cooled Condenser. In the perspective of supporting the transition towards carbon neutrality, also the exhaust systems business has still a significant role. In fact, together with the natural evolution and growth of Electric Vehicles, still the Internal Combustion Engines and Hybrid vehicles  that require an exhaust system  will have an important part of the market in the years to come. Marelli long-standing know-how in aftertreatment technologies and emission reduction is key in the mid-term future.

Drawing on this experience, Marelli Green Technology Systems has developed a new gasoline Burner System solution for Catalyst fast warm-up, that allows to minimize the emission by a very fast catalyst activation and is able to comply with future expected China7 (and Euro 7) emissions legislation. The Marelli system allows to improve the global emission of the vehicle powered with internal combustion engine (pure ICE and all the Hybrid applications) and can be installed in close coupled (placed in the vehicle engine compartment) as well as in underfloor position, being able to work in all the most severe environmental and temperature conditions. This robust and compact solution allows a very fast ignition (<1,5 sec), operation times and enables the reduction of emissions (e.g.: CO, HC, NOx) at the engine warm up phase. In the same area, also an Integrated Heat Recovery system will be present at Marelli booth. Autonomous driving and lighting solutions One of the most important businesses for Marelli is Automotive Lighting, which is also well represented at Marelli booth at Auto Shanghai. Marelli Automotive Lighting has a leading position in all lighting domains, with innovative technologies that are widely featured on many OEMs models worldwide, including the most important premium car-makers around the globe and in China. This week Marelli announced a Master Cooperation Agreement for radar solutions aimed at ADAS and Autonomous Driving applications, signed with the Chinese company WHST (Wuhu SensorTech Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.). This partnership will be firstly aimed at the Chinese market and then opened up to the rest of the world. This will allow Marelli to integrate 77GHz and 79GHz applications for 4D radar into headlamps, rear lamps, smart grilles but also standalone corner and long-range radar and newest cockpit radar technology. The move confirms the commitment of the company in the domains of Autonomous Driving and sensing perception in particular, and follows consistently its long-standing activity, started years ago with the introduction of the Smart Corner, a solution integrating sensors for Autonomous Driving within vehicle headlamps and tail lamps, and with strategic partnerships in the LiDAR field. Marelli Automotive Lighting is showcasing a broad range of its modules at Auto Shanghai, which each provide maximum flexibility for customers' needs: High-end technologies like h-Digi with high-resolution projection system are based on 1.3m pixel and Folia-LED technology for rear lamps , which is an efficient solution comparable to OLED systems. This ensures broad styling options and the possibility to create animations through electronic control.

system are based on pixel and technology for , which is an efficient solution comparable to OLED systems. This ensures broad styling options and the possibility to create animations through electronic control. The Micro-LED is a second-generation high-resolution projection system with 20k - 40k pixels engineered for volume markets, aimed to be in production in the next couple of years.

is a second-generation high-resolution projection system with - pixels engineered for volume markets, aimed to be in production in the next couple of years. Finally, we have the best example of electronics devoted to the control of LED lighting solutions. Automotive Lighting supports the transition from single Electronic Control Units to centralised Domain Control Units. Today, dedicated lighting control functions are already part of Marelli Lighting Controllers. Our next step into the future is the centralisation of the complete vehicle lighting control for front, rear and interior lighting into one Domain Control Unit. Advanced interiors Our Interior Experience showcases intelligent interiors technologies aimed at enhancing the on-board end user experience. Marelli is one of very few suppliers who can rely on robust competencies both in interiors and electronics. The result of this know-how is visible in the "Smart Surface" solution, a combination of the highest standards for "look and feel" in interior design - with plastic parts and decorative skins  and cutting-edge electronics solutions for HMI integration. At the booth, Marelli displays a Smart Surface demo with translucent HMI or lighting, with a customizable design panel and lightning pattern. The "Cabin Innovation" demo realizes seamless beauty through the integration of switch and display functions on the surfaces of decorative parts, supports a wide range of possibilities such as real or artificial leather and metal-like or wood-like decorations and integrates Air Conditioning vents with automatic wind direction control with decorative parts to combine beauty with comfort. Marelli's market leading Electronics business is also a key growth business for the company in China. China is a significant hub for the development of these technologies, with an important R&D center located in Guangzhou, especially aimed at solutions for the Chinese market. The Marelli team in Guangzhou has developed a solution that will play a pivotal role in enabling the next generation of infotainment systems. The Cockpit Domain Controller is a single, powerful Electronic Control Unit managing infotainment and cluster devices as well as additional interfaces at the same time, which in the past were run by different Electronic Control Units. This product has debuted in China in 2020, through GAC Aion V.

has developed a solution that will play a pivotal role in enabling the next generation of infotainment systems. The is a single, powerful Electronic Control Unit managing infotainment and cluster devices as well as additional interfaces at the same time, which in the past were run by different Electronic Control Units. This product has debuted in in 2020, through Electronics activity continues to evolve around the traditional areas of displays and instrument clusters. At Auto Shanghai, Marelli showcases its Wide 27" Display based on Cockpit Domain Controller with Driver Monitoring System, embedding Marelli's R-Touch Connectivity. In the field of telematics, where Marelli has a long-standing tradition as well, it's worthy to mention the important collaboration with the leading global supplier of IoT and automotive communication modules, Quectel Wireless Solutions, headquartered in Shanghai, as their communication modules are integrated into Marelli Telematic Boxes. More broadly, with its connectivity solutions, Quectel supports Marelli in its multi-level approach, from 4G and 5G technology, to cybersecurity software and hardware solutions, up to future V2X communication protocols, aimed at empowering the communication systems in the car and to maximize user experience and safety onboard. Efficiency of traditional combustion engine Marelli presence at the Auto Show is completed by its offer in the traditional powertrain area, which includes solutions aimed to optimize performance, consumption and emissions, such as high-pressure injection systems, with working pressures up to 1000 bar. A particular focus is placed on the Vehicle Domain Control Module, a multiple domain control module, for powertrain and vehicle dynamic control. This is an innovative solution in terms of inertial platform for the optimization of vehicle dynamics, that leverages advanced electronic control to ensure the ideal set-up of the vehicle, thus allowing to increase efficiency and therefore to reduce consumption and emissions. The system eliminates a relevant number of ECUs, by integrating almost all the functions in one unique component. This generates space, weight and cost optimization, reduces the architecture complexity of the vehicle and improves the driveability of the car in terms of performance, comfort and safety. About Marelli MARELLI is one of the world's leading global independent suppliers to the automotive sector. With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through working with customers and partners to create a safer, greener and better-connected world. With around 60,000 employees worldwide, the MARELLI footprint includes 170 facilities and R&D centers across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, generating revenues of 13.6 Billion Euro (JPY 1,664 billion) in 2019. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1493136/Marelli_Auto_Shanghai_2021.jpg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marelli-at-auto-shanghai-2021-301273910.html SOURCE Marelli

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STAMFORD  Steven Van Zandt doesnt have statistics to back up the effectiveness of his music-integrated education program, but he knows its working.

Success, he said, can be measured in the enthusiasm of students in the classrooms.

I think thats what its all about, he said.

The legendary musician and activist, best known as a guitarist for Bruce Springsteens E Street Band, and for his acting roles on shows such as The Sopranos, joined Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday for a virtual press conference to announce a partnership between his foundation and the state.

Van Zandt is the founder of the TeachRock program, an initiative from his Rock and Roll Forever Foundation. The program will be offered at no cost to 10 Connecticut school districts in the first year of the partnership, said Irene Parisi, Connecticuts chief academic officer.

During the brief press conference, Van Zandt spoke about his program as both something that could be added to existing curriculum, and also as an antidote to traditional schooling practices.

Someday were gonna realize that testing isnt learning, he said. And of course, every statistic shows that a student that takes a music class does better in math and science.

The TeachRock program is designed to incorporate music into lesson plans for a variety of subjects, not just music class. That could mean a lesson plan that dives into popular music of the time during a history lesson, for instance.

The broader goal, Van Zandt said, is to keep kids engaged, in school, and graduating at a higher rate.

If we can keep a kid in high school until graduation ... they have a real shot at a productive life, a much better shot, he said.

Desi Nesmith, acting deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Education, said programs like TeachRock can lead to greater student engagement.

If we reflect back on our days as students, I think we would all agree that the educators and the learning experiences that we found most engaging and interesting, were those that wouldnt be in the textbook, he said.

For Lamont, Van Zandts program seemed like a natural fit to get students re-committed to education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept them isolated from others, contributing to a learning loss that has impacted all grade levels.

Theyve been isolated, he said, of Connecticut students. Theyve been alone. And what TeachRock does is inspire young people.

He said Connecticut students have gone through a really tough time.

The first thing we have to do is get kids smiling again, Lamont said, adding that Teach Rock is just what we need right now.

Christine Nick, a program officer of TeachRock, said the program could be used in a variety of ways. She described one example of a lesson on the Grateful Dead and how they made accommodations for audience members who were deaf or hard of hearing.

A teacher might find that that makes sense that theyre doing a unit on sound and acoustics because it talks about the science theyre in, she said. Or it might also make sense for a different teacher thats looking at disability studies, and looking at bringing broader perspectives into their classroom.

According to the TeachRock website, over 40,000 teachers across the country use the curriculum.

Stephen Armstrong, social studies consultant for the state, said using music can be highly effective in social studies and history classes.

He said hes had students in the past with minimal interest in history, but its through the lens of music that Ive been able to get them involved.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com
Nearly eleven months after George Floyd was brutally murdered at the hands of Minneapolis, Minnesota police, former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvins conviction was made possible because then 17-year-old Darnella Frazier used her phone to record as the officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for more than nine minutes, a horrific sight that exposed the brutal reality of police violence in the US for the whole world to see. If the infamous viral video had not captured the killing in excruciating detail, it is likely Floyds death would have been covered up by police and ruled justified by state investigators, as hundreds of others are every year.

Given this undeniable evidence, the jury correctly ruled that Chauvins actions constituted murder.

People cheer after a guilty verdict was announced at the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Millions of working people were horrified by Floyds killing, seeing it as the embodiment of a reign of police terror that claims the lives of, on average, three people every single day in America.

But the mainstream media and high-ranking Democrats responded to the verdict by attempting to frame Floyds murder entirely in racial terms. The killing of Floyd ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism, Biden said at a press conference, calling American racism a stain on our nation's soul.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation released a statement saying, We hope this guilty verdict begins to show that white supremacy will not win. White supremacy has no place in democracy, especially one that is supposed to guarantee us our freedom to live.

There is no denying that racism and other backward conceptions are promoted in the police. However, the attempt to make Chauvins brutality the expression of a broader phenomenon of white supremacy serves to obscure the more fundamental reality that the case exposed, and to shift responsibility from the capitalist state to the population as a whole.

Floyds death ignited massive demonstrations across the globe. Protests emerged in over 2,000 cities and towns in over 60 countries. In the United States alone, an estimated 15 million to 26 million people participated in the demonstrations at some point, making them the largest in US history. Immediately after Floyds death, the movement in his defense, and all others brutalized by police, assumed a multi-racial and multi-ethnic character. Workers from all backgrounds demanded an end to police killings.

Floyds younger brother Rodney Floyd spoke to this universal sentiment at a press conference following the verdict. This is a victory for all of us, Rodney declared. Theres no color barrier on thisthis is for everyone who's been held down, pinned down.

The prosecution called multiple witnesses to recount their emotional response to seeing Floyd being murdered while they could only watch on. White and black witnesses alike expressed their anger over the senseless killing at the hands of police.

Jena Scurry, a white Minneapolis 911 dispatcher, told jurors she was so horrified by what she saw that she felt the need to call the police on the police. Genevieve Hansen, who is also white, identified herself as a paramedic as officers pinned Floyd to the ground. Hansen tearfully recalled how helpless she felt when police refused to let her give Floyd medical attention. Floyds girlfriend, Courteney Ross, who is white, took the stand to review how the couple battled together against opioid addiction, an affliction which is tragically familiar to millions of Americans.

And a mixed-race jury, witnessing the evidence, quickly arrived at a correct verdict.

The unending wave of police violence and murder is an expression of the nature of the capitalist state, not white supremacy. As the WSWS noted in its perspective this week, police violence is directed against working people and youth of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of those killed by police are white, and most police killings go unreported in the media.

For years, the epidemic of police violence in America has surged in the face of protest and promises of reform. Since 2013, more than 1,000 people have been murdered by police each year, with an average of three killings every day. Only a minute fraction of the killings result in an officer being charged, and even fewer officers are ever convicted.

According to the Police Integrity Research Group, only 104 police officers have been arrested for murder or manslaughter resulting from an on-duty shooting from 2005 to 2019. Of those, only 35 were found guilty. During the same period, approximately 15,000 people were killed by police.

Just as Chauvins verdict was being announced, police murdered 15-year-old MaKhia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio. According to local news reports, Bryant lived in a foster home and got into an altercation with another staying at the home. Police were responding to a call that a female was trying to stab others. Police received the call at 4:35 p.m. Ten minutes later, an officer-involved shooting was reported.

Police claimed the teen was holding a knife when officers arrived at the scene. Hazel Bryant, MaKhia Bryants aunt, said her niece dropped the knife she was holding before she was shot multiple times by a police officer.

The endless efforts to frame police violence in exclusively racial terms can only weaken the struggle against it. The fight against police violence requires the unity of the working class on the basis of a common struggle against the capitalist system that is defended by the police.
Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager charged with killing two people and injuring another during demonstrations on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, listens to defense attorney John Pierce during an extradition hearing in Lake County in Waukegan, Ill., on Oct. 30, 2020. (Nam Y. Huh/Pool via Reuters/File Photo)

Police Officer Fired for Donating to Kyle Rittenhouse

Lt. William Kelly, a police officer in Norfolk, Virginia, was relieved of duty on Tuesday for an anonymous donation to Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager charged with the fatal shooting of two men during protests in August 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

City of Norfolk Manager Chip Filer accepted the recommendation of Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone to fire Kelly, the city announced on Tuesday.

I have reviewed the results of the internal investigation involving Lt. William Kelly. Chief Larry Boone and I have concluded Lt. Kellys actions are in violation of City and departmental policies, Filer said in a statement. His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve. The City of Norfolk has a standard of behavior for all employees, and we will hold staff accountable.

Kelly anonymously donated $20 to Rittenhouses legal defense fund on Sept. 3, 2020. His identity was revealed because the crowdfunding website he used was breached, and his official email address was discovered in the breach, according to The Guardian.

Kelly had also made some comments accompanying the donation.

God bless. Thank you for your courage. Keep your head up. Youve done nothing wrong, Kelly wrote at the time.

Every rank and file police officer supports you. Dont be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership.

Kelly was initially placed on administrative duty on April 16 after his donation was reported, but on April 20 relieved of duty. He has the right to appeal the decision.

Kelly began working for the Norfolk Police Department in 2002, and he had just been promoted to executive officer of internal affairs last month, his LinkedIn page shows.

The firing has been criticized by some conservatives.

Regardless of what you think about the merits of that case: How isnt this a blatant First Amendment violation to punish the officer for expressing his views? President of The Article III Project Mike Davis wrote on Twitter. Davis was the former chief counsel for nominations to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and a former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Neither the City of Norfolk nor the Norfolk Police Department immediately responded to a request from The Epoch Times for comment.

Kyle Rittenhouse (L), with backward cap, walks along Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 25, 2020. (Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP)

Rittenhouse, now 18, traveled from his home in Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin, last August after the city erupted in violent protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Rittenhouse was charged with killing two people and wounding a third. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and said he acted in self-defense.

Rittenhouse has been free on a $2 million bond since November. His trial has been delayed till November this year, a judge ruled last month.
Allison Stewart, an associate of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP's Litigation Practice will serve as a panelist discussing How to Be a Mentor for Lawline, an online Continuing Legal Education (CLE) resource, on April 23 at 11 a.m. CST.

Stewart will address how to be a mentor in the legal field, including what makes a good mentorship match, how to communicate with your mentee, how mentorship can be mutual, and other tips and tricks for a successful mentorship relationship. She will be in discussion with Ava Farshidi, founder of Avocate, a national mentorship organization that connects female law students to female attorneys.

Stewart, who is based in the firms Dallas office, focuses her practice on commercial disputes over a variety of industries, including financial services, technology, and health care. She advises clients on contract and lending disputes, regulatory actions, and product liability, and medical malpractice defense. She is also the host of Women In Law On The Record, a podcast spotlighting women in the legal field. In her downtime, Allison is a mentor in the Avocate organization.

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
Russia has declared 10 employees at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to be personae non gratae in what it called a "mirror" response to Washington's expulsion earlier this month of 10 Russian diplomats and wide-ranging sanctions as it moved to hold the Kremlin accountable for actions against the United States and its interests.



The Foreign Ministry in Moscow said on April 21 that the deputy head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation, Bart Gorman was handed a note announcing the measure, which gives the 10 embassy employees until the end of the day on May 21 to leave the country.



"This measure is a "mirror" response to the hostile actions of the American side against a number of employees of the Russian Embassy in Washington and the Russian Consulate General in New York, who were unreasonably declared 'persona non grata,'" it said in a statement.



Tensions between the West and Russia have been nearing the boiling point in recent weeks over a buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine, cyberattacks, Prague's claims that Russian military agents were behind a deadly 2014 explosion at a Czech arms depot, and the imprisonment of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny after he was poisoned with a nerve-agent last year.



On April 15, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order outlining the expulsions and and sanctions against dozens of other Russian individuals and entities as it moved to hold the Kremlin accountable for actions hostile to the United States and its interests. In addition, the U.S. Treasury also placed additional limits on the Russian sovereign debt market.



Biden said the United States could have gone further in its retaliation, but chose not to because it was not looking to kick off a cycle of escalation and conflict through the wide-ranging sanctions.



At the time, Moscow swiftly swiftly denounced and warned of retaliation.

In its April 21 statement, Russia said "further steps will follow...the latest 'wave' of illegal US anti-Russian sanctions."



U.S. intelligence officials and technology companies have said the Solarwinds cyberattack, discovered in December, was likely the work of Russian hackers.



In the attack, hackers slipped malicious code into updates of network-management software made by the U.S. company SolarWinds, which was then downloaded by several branches of the U.S. government and several U.S. and European corporations.



The U.S. sanctions were also aimed at retaliating for alleged interference during the 2020 presidential election. A U.S. intelligence community assessment concluded with a high degree of confidence that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government authorized and directed an effort to influence the election.



Moscow has denied any involvement in either affair.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Replica, the data platform that makes complex, rapidly-changing urban ecosystems easier to understand, today announced that it has secured $41 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Founders Fund and joined by previous investors including Innovation Endeavors, Sidewalk Labs, Rise of the Rest Fund and Firebrand. Replica gives professionals like urban planners and policymakers new insights about how people are living and moving throughout the communities where we live and work. Data from Replica better equips these professionals to consider the impacts, trade-offs and nuances of programs so they can make informed policy and spending decisions.

Replica was founded to help solve some of the toughest challenges that public agencies face: access to current data, and information silos. Public agencies have come to rely on traditional data sources that are rarely updated (like the 10-year Census or household surveys that might only get updated every 5 years). In addition, organizational structures in the public sector make it difficult for multiple agencies to share data insights with one another (for example, between cities and state-level departments). Replica helps the public sector overcome these challenges to modernize its planning processes and policy development.

"For decades, the public sector has had to use long-ago data to forecast a far-away future. However, this puts them at a disadvantage compared to the private sector, which can use digital data from last week to operate quickly and nimbly. Replica gives public agencies a more current, responsive and informed way to run their operations and make decisions," said Nick Bowden, CEO and Co-Founder of Replica. "This new funding will help us support a growing customer base, as well as build new solutions more quickly."

Replica's core technology is rooted in large-scale simulations powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning that help public and private sector customers assess current needs, investigate and develop new solutions, and forecast future impacts. These simulations leverage Replica's proprietary synthetic populations and behavior models, which enable the company to produce high-fidelity "replicas" of transportation and economic patterns. This methodology makes it possible for customers to receive high-quality, high-fidelity outputs that leverage new data sources like mobile location data, without compromising individual privacy.

"Planners and policymakers make better plans and sounder policy when they have current, relevant data. The kind of data Replica provides results in more creative designs, more comprehensive policy solutions, and direct positive impact on constituents' lives. And the fact that Replica always prioritizes privacy at every step helps build trust in the communities they support," said Trae Stephens, Partner at Founders Fund.

Replica's customers around the U.S. are already using the company's data to inform spending decisions and policy-making, with users that range from state-level transportation agencies to regional planning organizations to city budget offices. In 2021 and over the coming years, Replica anticipates a number of ways that customers will use its data:

Post-Covid Planning: During the pandemic, Replica helped major transportation agencies like New York's MTA adjust schedules so that essential workers could still get to work. As regions emerge from pandemic-restricted life, Replica will help planners understand how to readjust and reimagine services that were affected.

During the pandemic, Replica helped major transportation agencies like MTA adjust schedules so that essential workers could still get to work. As regions emerge from pandemic-restricted life, Replica will help planners understand how to readjust and reimagine services that were affected. Infrastructure: As the Biden administration contemplates significant new infrastructure spending, Replica can help make planning more measurable, adaptable and responsive by incorporating the latest data about our world. For example, data from Replica can help determine how to most efficiently place electric vehicle chargers across the country.

As the Biden administration contemplates significant new infrastructure spending, Replica can help make planning more measurable, adaptable and responsive by incorporating the latest data about our world. For example, data from Replica can help determine how to most efficiently place electric vehicle chargers across the country. Climate, Resiliency and Equity: As cities and states introduce policies to curb climate impacts and increase social equity and access, having trusted data that looks across time  past, present, and future  is fundamental. In California , the implementation of laws like SB743 requires that new development is assessed on its impact on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), for example. Replica is already helping Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) understand the impact and implications of VMT throughout the Sacramento region.

Replica plans to expand its suite of product solutions in 2021, including the addition of Scenario, an intuitive and accessible forecasting and scenario modeling tool.

ABOUT REPLICA:

Replica is the data platform that makes complex, rapidly-changing urban ecosystems easier to understand. Replica uses data science and machine learning to show some of the biggest public agencies in the U.S. what's happening in their cities and regions, and enables them to make informed decisions about public services and spending. Data from Replica helps customers accurately assess needs, develop solutions, and forecast the impact of future planning decisions. Replica's data comes from traditional sources like the Census or agency-provided data (like transit ridership or highway traffic counts), and layers in current data from new, digital sources. Importantly, Replica's models are based on Synthetic Populations  or anonymized "replicas" of groups  which offers critical privacy protection for customers and constituents. Replica began as a project of Sidewalk Labs in 2017 and was spun-out as a standalone, independent company in 2019.

SOURCE Replica

Related Links

http://www.replicahq.com


DORAVILLE, Ga., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mansfield Energy announced today the promotion of Tammy Norman to President, Mansfield Power & Gas (MPG). In her new and expanded role, Norman will oversee Mansfield Power & Gas commercial and operational activities, including strategy, sales and marketing, scheduling, trading, and customer service functions.

"Under Tammy Norman's leadership, Mansfield Power & Gas has grown eight-fold, expanding into new product offerings and markets," said Mansfield CEO Michael Mansfield, Sr. "Tammy leads with humility and creativity, motivating her team and preparing the entire organization for the future of the energy sector."

In addition to transforming MPG's sales model, Tammy led the acquisition of eServices Energy Management, LLC earlier in 2021. The acquisition expands Mansfield's natural gas platform into the producer services business in the Appalachia supply region.

Tammy Norman joined Mansfield in October 2018 following a successful career with numerous energy companies. Prior to Mansfield, Norman served as Vice-President of M&A with Shell Energy North America. Her expertise spans natural gas, power, liquefied natural gas, coal, and renewable products.

About Mansfield Energy

Since 1957, Mansfield Energy has provided innovative solutions to the nation's most demanding fuel supply and logistics challenges. Mansfield's portfolio of products and services spans fuels, natural gas, diesel exhaust fluid, data management and price risk management tools. Delivering over three billion gallons of fuel and complementary products annually, Mansfield operates an unmatched network of suppliers, carriers, and vendors across every U.S. state and Canadian province. For information, call 800-695-6626 or visit www.mansfield.energy.

Media Contact

Zach Wall

[email protected]

SOURCE Mansfield Energy Corp

Related Links

mansfieldoil.com


In a tweet on Tuesday, Mr. McCarthy called Ms. Waterss actions beneath the dignity of this institution, and said that they raised the potential for violence, directed lawlessness, and may have interfered with a co-equal branch of government.

His resolution cited at length comments made by Judge Peter A. Cahill, who presided over Mr. Chauvins case and who said on Monday in an unusual aside that Ms. Waterss comments may have given the defense an opening to overturn the trial on appeal. Judge Cahill said he wished elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law.

Mr. McCarthys effort was particularly striking after he declined to take any action against Ms. Greene, who has referred to the deadly Capitol riot on Jan. 6 as a 1776 moment. Democrats denounced his move as hypocritical because he has also not condemned inflammatory speech used by colleagues in his party around the time of the riot.

Clean up your mess, Kevin, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the No. 4 House Democrat, said at a news conference before the vote on Tuesday. Sit this one out. Youve got no credibility.

The attempt to censure Ms. Waters resurrected tensions between Democrats and Republicans in the House, where many Democrats are still reluctant to work with those who had cast doubt on the legitimacy of President Bidens victory or encouraged their supporters to march on the Capitol. In the immediate aftermath of the storming of Congress, some Democrats had clamored to censure or even expel Republican members who used bellicose language in the days leading up to the assault, but those efforts went nowhere.
The rising cases of gender-based violence in the country have attracted the attention of ODM party leader Raila Odinga who has called for a national discussion on the matter.

Taking to social media, Raila said it was unfortunate that too many lives were being lost to gender-based violence.

It is unfortunate that after winning their partners heart, instead of going on to cherish and love them, some suddenly turn physical, and at times horrifically end up killing them. Too many lives are being lost on an almost daily basis going by media reports, he tweeted.

Raila further advised warring couples to part ways if they cannot reconcile.

This scourge must come to an end. The abnormality of these murders cannot become the normal No! If you cannot reconcile, then, leave and let live. We need an urgent candid discussion on #GenderBasedViolence as a Nation.. he concluded.

Railas comments follow the recent murder of 24-year-old Catherine Nyokabi who died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Evans Karani on April 14.

The 38-year-old businessman based in Kiambu confessed to the crime and even asked the court to speed up his sentence.

Read: Evans Karani  Kiambu Man Recounts Killing Girlfriend, Attempting Suicide
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Galderma is uniting rosacea sufferers from around the globe in an empowering social media awareness movement during Rosacea Awareness Month (April): #RosaceaUnmasked.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made mask-wearing essential in many parts of the world, but for those suffering with rosacea  a skin disease affecting an estimated 415 million people worldwide1  mask-wearing can bring additional challenges by exacerbating rosacea symptoms.

#RosaceaUnmasked is bringing the rosacea community together during these challenging times to share their experiences of essential mask-wearing by posting mask-on and mask-off selfies on social media. Led by top online rosacea patient advocates, including Lex Gillies, Rose Gallagher and Kristin Moras, the campaign contributes to continuing conversations around the true burden of rosacea.

Although mask-wearing is essential for public health, findings from Galderma's recent online survey of rosacea patients, involving 220 respondents* from Canada and Germany, reveal that almost two thirds (63%) are experiencing worsening symptoms related to mask-wearing, including redness (75%), pimples and/or pustules (72%) and more flare-ups (53%). Despite worsening symptoms, more than half (52%) of the people surveyed admitted to using mask-wearing to hide their disease and 40% say they go out less often in order to avoid wearing a mask.2

"During these challenging times, it is important that we highlight both the visible and non-visible impacts of essential COVID-19 mask-wearing on rosacea. For many sufferers, myself included, rosacea is more than just a visible skin disease  it's a constant daily struggle. Rosacea Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to bring the rosacea community together and use our unified voice to confidently shine a light on the realities of living with rosacea during this pandemic. By posting our #RosaceaUnmasked selfies, we can inspire others to proudly speak out about the true challenges of mask-wearing, as well as sharing advice to support each other."

Kristin moras (@Kristinmoras)

Texas-based rosacea sufferer

The online survey also showed that nearly half (48%) of respondents have changed how they manage their disease since mask-wearing. More concerning, 51% of those who switched tried a non-prescription product while only 27% received new treatment prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist. Additionally, only a third (33%) of respondents had visited their doctor or dermatologist in person since the pandemic began and only 8% have had a video consultation. Of those who had not booked an appointment, 47% stated they had not wanted to book an appointment, while 21% had been unable to book one.2

"Galderma is committed to gathering insights that enable us to tailor our approach to better support the needs of those patients with rosacea and help improve clinical outcomes in this often under-prioritized disease area. With just a third of rosacea sufferers surveyed booking an appointment with their doctor or dermatologist during the pandemic, there is a huge cause for concern. Our survey suggests that more patients may be self-treating which could mean they are using products that are not specifically tailored for their skin disease. This could, ultimately, do more harm than good. #RosaceaUnmasked is the perfect opportunity for people with rosacea to share their personal experiences of mask-wearing and take action to discuss the visible and non-visible impacts with their doctor or dermatologist."

Aliene Noda

Global Medical Franchise Lead, Rosacea and Dermato-Oncology

Global Business Unit for Prescription Medicine, Galderma

A 2020 expert-authored Galderma report, Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face, revealed that regardless of the disease (rosacea (ROS) or psoriasis of the face (PsO)), almost all (90%) of the patients surveyed felt their disease was partially or totally uncontrolled, and more than half felt that their disease significantly affected their daily lives (58% ROS vs 55% PsO).3

*Based on a self-administered survey of www.faceuptorosacea.com and www.stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers run from December 2020 to January 2021. 87% of respondents stated that they had a rosacea diagnosis from a healthcare provider. 13% believe that they have rosacea but had not yet been diagnosed.

About rosacea

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents variable clinical characteristics, of which the most common are flushing, persistent erythema, and inflammatory lesions. It mainly affects the central areas of the face, such as the cheeks and nose. The disease can affect both adult men and women, usually after the age of 30. Additionally, symptoms such as stinging, burning and increased sensitivity of the skin are common. The eyes are often affected, and might present as red, dry or itchy.

Although the cause of the disease is still under debate, various trigger factors are known, including spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, sun/UV-exposure, hot baths and beverages. Demodex  generally harmless mites  can also be found in the skin in an elevated quantity in people with rosacea.

Rosacea may worsen over time if left untreated. People that suspect they suffer from rosacea should visit their dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and discuss what treatment is right for them. Because rosacea is a highly visible disease, it is known to cause embarrassment and anxiety in some patients, which in turn may cause frustration and have a negative impact on their social life.

About Galderma

Galderma is the world's largest independent dermatology company, present in approximately 100 countries. Since our inception in 1981, we have been driven by a complete dedication to dermatology. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of sophisticated brands and services across Aesthetics, Consumer Care and Prescription Medicine. Focused on the needs of consumers and patients, we work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure superior outcomes. Because we understand that the skin we're in shapes our life stories, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

1. Gether L, Overgaard LK, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP. Incidence and Prevalence of Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Br J Dermatol 2018 Feb 25. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16481 .

2. Data on file. Online survey of faceuptorosacea.com and stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers (220 respondents from Canada and Germany)

3. Steinhoff M, et al. Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face. The BMJ Hosted Content 2020. Available from: https://hosted.bmj.com/rosaceabeyondthevisible. Date accessed: April 2021

SOURCE Galderma
Apr. 21Thelonious Searcy said Tuesday's light snowfall was humbling as he stepped from a Hamtramck prison into the waiting arms of his family and supporters.

Searcy, 41, has been locked up for 17 years for a murder his lawyer says he was wrongfully convicted of and one that a self-professed hitman has confessed to committing.

"I can't get back the 17 years I lost," Searcy said after leaving the William Dickerson Correctional Facility. He said he wants to re-establish his relationship with his daughters, who are 23 and 24, and his 77-year-old grandmother, whom he says he almost lost to illness brought on by his incarceration.

"I just want to get back to a sense of normalcy," he said.

Searcy was convicted in 2005 of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Jamal Segars near the Coleman A. Young Airport on the city's east side Sept. 5, 2004. Vincent Smothers has taken credit for Segars' death and wrote three affidavits in 2015 and 2016 saying he, not Searcy, killed Segars, according to court documents.

Searcy said he plans to finish a paralegal program he almost completed in prison and hopes to go to law school to help others who are behind bars.

Right now, Searcy is in a holding pattern as he and his lawyer await to see if the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office appeals a ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals that he should receive a new trial. The case could be retried or charges dismissed.

"It will be a very difficult case to retry when you have someone else confessing to the crime," said Searcy's attorney, Michael Dezsi. "The evidence is overwhelming and shows that Mr. Searcy did not commit this crime. When you have that kind of evidence, I don't know how you retry a case."

Dezsi said "we would be hopeful" that the case is dismissed but that it could take months for a hearing at the Michigan Supreme Court, where an appeal by the prosecutor would be heard.

Story continues

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said Tuesday that the prosecutor's office filed its leave to appeal Monday.

"Mr. Searcy is being released, but he has conditions of bond that have been put in place by the court," said Miller.

Last month, Judge Thomas Hathaway of Wayne County Circuit Court ordered Searcy be released on home confinement while the court weighs his request for a new trial.

Deszi said he doesn't think there are grounds for an appeal.

The Michigan appeals court ruled in February that Wayne County Circuit Court should take a second look at Searcy's conviction.

After an evidentiary hearing in 2018 that included Smothers' confession in Wayne County Circuit Court, Judge Timothy Kenny denied Searcy's bid for a new trial.

During the hearing, Smothers' co-defendant in another murder case, Marzell Black, testified that Smothers admitted to him that he killed Segars. He said the alleged admission came in 2009 during a casual conversation.

"(Smothers) said his motive was to free the innocent," Black said during the hearing.

In August 2015, Smothers wrote a letter to Searcy admitted to killing the victim.

In December 2015, Smothers submitted two affidavits, each of which detailed his involvement in the September 2004 crimes. Specifically, Smothers said he shot the murder victim with a .40-caliber handgun.
Booking rates for tourist accommodation establishments in the Danube Delta for the Easter mini-holiday is up to 95%, but some economic agents, especially those whose incomes depended on foreign tourism, claim that, although theoretically they are 100% booked, they practically cannot carry out their activity.

The President of the Danube Delta Tourist Destination Management Association (AMDTDD), Catalin Tibuleac, told AGERPRES that, like last year, most tour operators have decided to keep the prices at the 2019 level.

The price of an all-inclusive three-night package in a pension in the Danube Delta starts at 800 lei per person and can exceed 2,100 lei per person, depending on the number of stars of the selected accommodation unit.

At the same time, some economic agents that promote slow tourism in the Delta, whose income relied exclusively on foreign visitors until the beginning of the pandemic, recall that last year they lost 80% of their business.

The president of the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER), Andrei Blumer, recalled, in his turn, that last year seven ecotourism destinations in the country registered an increase in the number of visitors compared to the previous year, despite the pandemic with the novel coronavirus, and stressed the fact that the way the immunization campaign is unfolding in Romania is an advantage for the local tour operators at international level.

AMDTDD organized, between April 19 and 21, in Sfantu Gheorghe, the seminar "DMO [Destination management organizations]- the core of the tourism reform", which was attended by actors from the hospitality industry, political factors and journalists specialized in tourism.

"Operators in the field are wondering what they can do for tourists, but I think the question should be what the tourist take with him after leaving the Delta. The book '10 stories and recipes lost through the Delta' is an integrated product, which contains stories of local, fishing and hunting stories, characters we find only here, 100 photos of Valeriu Leonov, lyrics about the Delta by Romania's greatest poets and ten recipes that no one knows about," said journalist Teodor Hossu-Longin , author of the album-book presented on the occasion of this event.

British journalist Charlie Ottley also advocated for the preservation of local traditions.

I sincerely believe that we need to take a much more serious look at the conservation aspect of this ecosystem, because we have seen many buildings that have risen, of three or four levels, built of non-traditional materials to the Delta, which I do not think can be demolished any longer. At this rate, the beauties of the Delta, its tradition, the old villages will be lost very quickly, believes Charlie Ottley.

The event took place in partnership with the County Council and Green Village Resort.
GB5UTA active in June for U3A event GB5UTA will be on-the-air June 1-28 promoting Amateur Radio among the 450,000 strong University of the Third Age (U3A) an organisation that aims to help people learn, stay active and have fun in later life



This Special Event station will be active June 1-28 operating on behalf of the Cirencester and Tetbury branches of the University of TheThird Age (U3A). On June 2 the branches will be celebrating U3A Day alongside other UK branches.

https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/u3a-day/u3a-day-about



GB5UTA QRZ entry

https://qrz.com/db/GB5UTA



Amateur radio is covered in a recent U3A Podcast, fast forward to 09:25 for the interview with Mike Meadows G4GUG.



Watch u3a Radio Podcast Episode 7, April 2021

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xvCJZ Zgz4v8



John McDonald G8PJC from Wokingham has formed an Amateur Radio group of the U3A, details at

https://www.wokinghamu3a.org.uk/amateur-radio-group/
New Delhi, April 21 : Pre-symptomatic transmission of Covid-19 is a big concern, with estimates that 30 to 59 per cent cases are especially coming from transmission from pre-symptomatic people and less from asymptomatic people, warns expert Jose-Luis Jimenez.

A chemist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the University of Colorado Boulder, US, Jimenez was one of the six experts behind the recent assessment published in the medical journal Lancet stating strong evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, is airborne.

Speaking with IANS, Jimenez clarified that pre-symptomatic people, who are transmitting the virus do not know that they are infected, and nobody else know that they are infected.

"They are not coughing and not sneezing. They are going about their life. They are working and meeting with their family, they are going shopping and they are infected; and they are spreading the virus. The only way to do it for a disease like this, is you have to assume that everyone you encounter is in fact infectious," he said.

He added there are three reasons why we are in a pandemic. "Because nobody has had immunity for this virus; because it is airborne, so it is easy to transmit; and because there is pre-symptomatic transmission (which is transmission without symptoms)," he maintained.

He added the SARS-CoV-1 pandemic, which occurred in 2003, had two things in common with SARS-CoV-2, the ongoing pandemic.

He said for SARS 1, two out these three virtues were there. "It was a new virus, for which we did not have immunity and it was airborne, but it did not transmit pre-symptomatically. It was transmitted from people who were very sick and then it was very easy to identify them and to isolate them in the hospital and take precautions. For SAR1 there were 9,000 cases and for this virus there are millions. That is why pre-symptomatic transmission is very important," said Jimenez.

Terming surface transmission of virus lacking evidence, he said the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, stated that it is possible for people to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), but the risk is generally considered to be low. He clarified disinfecting surfaces doesn't accomplish anything and this has been a reason why the pandemic has been out of control.

"The WHO bears a lot of responsibility because they really have not communicated clearly how the virus is transmitted and they refuse to accept the science. The last time they explained how the virus was transmitted was sometime in July last year. Soon, this be a year. This is scandalous," said Jimenez.

On the issue of droplet transmission, he clarified that there is zero evidence of droplet transmission for Covid-19 disease. In fact, droplet transmission never been demonstrated directly for any disease in the history of the medicine, he added, citing that Covid is airborne since beginning.

(Sumit Saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Senator Marise Payne appears before the Additional Estimates 202021 Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee in the Main Committee Room at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on March 22, 2021. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Australia Tears Up Belt and Road Deals With Beijing

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne on April 21 officially canceled the state of Victorias controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deals with Beijing, saying they werent consistent with national interest.

Payne exercised recently granted powers under Australias Foreign Relations Act to ax four deals in total, all between the Victorian state government and foreign regimes, including Iran, Syria, and China.

Two shredded deals were signed by Premier Daniel Andrews and Beijings National Development and Reform Commission.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media in Melbourne, Australia, on Feb. 16, 2021. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The first agreement, a 2018 memorandum of understanding (MOU), saw Victoria pledge to work on infrastructure projects within the Chinese regimes Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, commonly known as the Belt and Road Initiative.

The second axed Victorian deal was a 2019 framework agreement on jointly promoting the BRI.

Payne also canceled a 2004 MOU between Victorias Department of Education and Training and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and a 1999 Protocol of Scientific Cooperation between the same department and the Syrian Arab Republic.

I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australias foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations in line with the relevant test [under the Act], Payne said in a statement.

The federal governments Foreign Relations Act also forced the Victorian state government to hand over documents related to a third secret deal signed between the state and the Chinese regime.

Workers take down a Belt and Road forum panel outside the venue in Beijing on April 27, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images)

That deal was signed in March 2017, 18 months before the first BRI deal was signed. The secret MOU committed the state to work with Beijing on Victorian infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

But Andrews maintained that deals with China, such as the BRI, posed no threat to national security and were about generating employment opportunities.

Ive always seen these arrangements and all of our arrangements, not just with any one country but with all the different countries, different states, different provinces, different regions that we have relationships with, theyve always been about a passport to export, he told reporters in August 2020.

Under the BRI, Beijing is reported to significantly undercut foreign companies for infrastructure bids and provide unserviceable loans to developing countries that can barely afford the projects.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on April 19, 2021. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he saw no benefit to Victorias deal with Beijing and signaled the agreement would be unlikely to stand under the new laws.

If there are benefits, what are they and what was paid for them? I dont have the answers to those questions at this point, but the assessment of those arrangements will continue, Morrison said.

Over 1,000 Deals Examined

The federal government canceled the four deals under the Foreign Relations Act, which has been in operation since December 2020.

Under the new laws, states, territories, local governments, and Australian public universities must notify the foreign affairs minister of existing and proposed foreign arrangements.

I have so far been notified of over 1,000 arrangements, Payne said, noting that the states and territories had completed their initial audits of existing arrangements with foreign national governments.

She said the 1,000 deals she had been notified about and examined reflect the richness and breadth of Australias international interests and demonstrated the important role played by states, territories, universities, and local governments in advancing Australias interests abroad.

I thank the states and territories for their cooperation and for what is developing as a cooperative approach under the Scheme, she said.

Payne also approved a proposed MOU between the Western Australian state government and Indonesia.

She said she would continue to examine more foreign deals but expected the overwhelming majority to be unaffected.

Henry Jom contributed to this report.
Beaver Dam, WI (53916)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
It felt like a load was lifted from her shoulders, Antoinette Dorsey-James said, when a Minneapolis judge read the guilty verdict against former police officer Derrick Chauvin.

A year before George Floyds murder, the 56-year-old woman laid to rest her younger sister, Pamela Turner, who was shot dead by a Baytown police officer. Dorsey-James said she shares the Floyd familys pain and rejoiced in their Tuesday afternoon courtroom victory as if it were her own.

I finally got a little excitement after the verdict in the George Floyd case that we do have hope, she said.

The Baytown case garnered renewed attention this week when, in the moments after the Chauvin verdict, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said he was planning a march for justice for Black women, including Turner. He echoed comments he made earlier this month when announcing a civil suit against Baytown police officer Juan Delacruz, who has been indicted in Turners death on a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant.

If you were outraged when you saw the video of how George Floyd was tragically killed in Minnesota, then you should be equally outraged when you see the video of how Pam Turner, an unarmed black woman, was tragically killed by the Baytown police officer, Crump said when he announced the lawsuit.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 'We can't stop here': Houston activists push for more accountability in wake of Floyd verdict

Delacruz shot Turner on May 23, 2019, while attempting to arrest her in the parking lot of her apartment complex on several outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Police said Delacruz shot Turner after she theatened the officer with his Taser. The womans attorneys have disputed that account, saying the Taser was incapable of firing darts because the officer had already discharged the single-use weapon.

The national debate surrounding police reform has ramped up on the heels of Chauvins conviction, with President Joe Biden, Democrat lawmakers and advocates pushing for the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as police shootings keep happening. While the nation waited for the verdict in Floyds murder, police in Ohio shot and killed MaKhia Bryant, a 16-year-old Black girl.

We must keep advocating for JUSTICE for our Black Queens! Crump wrote Thursday in a Tweet about Turners case.

History shows that it is rare for police officers to be charged in on-duty shootings or acts of violence  and even rarer for those officers to be convicted, said Teri Ravenell, a Villanova University law professor and expert on municipal liability.

Chauvins conviction does not set a binding legal precedent, Ravenell said. Criminal convictions depend on the facts of each individual case.

(But) it suggests that there has been a shift  that theres a willingness to prosecute police officers, that there was a willingness for police officers to testify against another police officer and that there was a conviction, she said. All of that suggests that theres a change in the landscape that bodes well for future cases.

Ravenell said she thinks more police officers will be charged as more incidents are captured by body cameras or cell phones and spread on social media. Videos make the facts of a case harder to refute in court. Additionally, public sentiment could impact elected prosecutors, she said.

With the second anniversary of Turners death nearing, the renewed focus and the Chauvin conviction offered the family a boost of energy amid the depression and worry, Dorsey-James said.

Im prepared and ready to go stand in Baytown in front of the police department and rally for my sisters life, for her justice, she said.

The march is scheduled for May 13 at the Baytown Police Department. Ralliers will protest the indicted officers continued employment, said Chelsie Rubin, Turners daughter. Delacruz was suspended without pay but remains employed by the department, according to attorneys.

Its a slap in the face, Rubin, 23, said.

The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The family filed a civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Baytown, Delacruz and Cypress Point Equity Partners, the apartment management company.

Crump and Turners family members on April 8 announced the legal action on the steps of the Harris County courthouse, surrounded by advocates and other families impacted by police shootings, including Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor.

The suit alleges that Delacruz and apartment management repeatedly harassed Turner, a 44-year-old mother diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and that Delacruz used excessive force and caused Turners wrongful death.

In a grainy cell phone video of the incident, Turner asks why the officer is harassing her.

During a physical struggle, Delacruz discharged his Taser and moments later fired at least five shots that struck Turner in the face, chest and abdomen. The officer appeared to be in close range when he shot Turner, who was on the ground, the video shows.

Greg Cagle, the officers attorney, said Delacruz shot Turner because she used the officers Taser against him.

When advised she was under arrest, she chose to resist arrest and ultimately took Officer Delacruzs taser from him and used it against him, Cagle said.

The womans attorneys argued that Delacruz should have known his Taser was rendered essentially useless after he fired it. Turner could have used the weapon like a stun gun, but only if she were touching him, the lawsuit said. Even then, the stun gun mode causes only isolated pain.

Sixteen months later, Delacruz was indicted on the first-degree felony charge, which carries a punishment of five years to life in prison. He was released from custody last September after posting bond on $25,000 bail.

The trial has not yet been scheduled, according to the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors have a duty to apply the law equally to everyone, including police officers, and we are ready to proceed to trial against the Baytown Police Dept. officer who took Pamela Turners life, district attorney Kim Ogg said. We await a trial date, which must be set by Judge Silverman and we invite the public to attend the next court hearing.

Turners family said they hope for a conviction and the maximum sentencing.

He took a life, he needs to serve a life, Dorsey-James said.

Bill Shields, co-founder of Equal Justice Now, said he hopes the Chauvin trial was a turning point in garnering public interest and empowering law enforcement members to come forward with the truth. The social advocacy group works to preserve the rights of citizens. Members plan to attend the rally for Turner, Shields said.

We want accountability, Shields said about the Turner case. Everybody is innocent until proven guilty, and I would not deny the officer those rights. He deserves the same level of consideration as everyone else. But the fact is, what we know about the case is very disheartening.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:36:28|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines surged to 962,307 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 9,227 new infections on Wednesday.

The DOH said 124 more patients have succumbed to the viral disease, bringing the death toll to 16,265. (Philippines-Coronavirus)

- - - -

ADDIS ABABA -- The African Union on late Tuesday expressed condolences to the family and the people of Chad following the death of Chadian President Idriss Deby.

Deby died Tuesday from injuries he received last weekend on the front line of a fight against rebels, said the spokesperson for the Chadian army, General Azem Bermandoa Agouna, on national television. (AU-Chad President-Condolences)

- - - -

WASHINGTON -- A black teenage girl was killed Tuesday in a police shooting in Columbus, Ohio, shortly before a jury reached a guilty verdict in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin over the death of George Floyd.

At a news briefing in the evening, Columbus police showed bodycam footage of a responding officer shooting the girl in the afternoon as she appeared to attempt to stab two other girls. (US-Police-Shooting)

- - - -

ULAN BATOR -- Mongolia reported 1,169 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, raising the nationwide count to 25,364, the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said Wednesday.

The Asian country added five more deaths in the past day, the NCCD said in a statement. (Mongolia-Coronavirus) Enditem
Motorcyclist killed in Friday night wreck north of Aberdeen

A 27-year-old man died Friday night when his motorcycle and a pickup collided north of Aberdeen, according to the SD Department of Public Safety.
The Carphone Warehouse stores in Naas, Newbridge and Maynooth in Co Kildare will close as the company said its 69 standalone and 12 outlets within a store will all shut.

Owners Dixons Carphone confirmed that the decision which is expected to lead to 486 redundancies across Ireland.

The firm said that over the last year Carphone Warehouse Ireland has seen a decrease in footfall in excess of 40% and a 25% increase in customers buying SIM-free handsets.

It added that customers are also increasingly choosing to shop with the retailer's large and growing online business.

The move will not affect Currys PC World Ireland, which is also owned by the Dixons Carphone group.

"Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time," Dixons Carphone said.

"However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic."

Carphone Warehouse said that in line with its policy it will go "well beyond its obligations in financial and other support for all affected colleagues".

In a statement on its website, the company said the move was part of a broader transformation of its parent business Dixons Carphone.

"Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles," it said.

The company said staff had worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and had been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support.

"This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism," it said.

It added that it will continue to offer Irish customers services through Currys PC World stores and on Currys.ie.

"Footfall in our Carphone Warehouse stores is down significantly, and we don't expect many customers to sign new contracts with us during this time; our stores will therefore close immediately," it said.

"We'll continue to help our customers via our central customer support team and will also ask some colleagues to provide operational support over the coming days," it added.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said today's news will come as a major blow to Carphone Warehouse employees and their families after what has been an incredibly difficult year.

Mr Varadkar said the Government will make all necessary State assistance available to the Carphone Warehouse workers.

"The Minister for Social Protection is aware of the situation and we will work across Government, to help them find new employment, education and training opportunities as soon as possible," he added.

Mr Varadkar said that many high street retailers have been under pressure for some time now, as consumers move online - a shift that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

"Government is working in a coordinated way, through the Retail Forum, and has committed unprecedented levels of financial aid to support retail businesses through these exceptionally difficult times and will continue to do so," he added.

Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence said the job losses at The Carphone Warehouse reflects the crisis in the retail landscape at present, due to a combination of both Covid-19 and Brexit.

Mr Graham said that hundreds of retailers around the country are similarly on the brink of closure due to their inability to trade over several months, and as such business and retail owners are making decisions now on their future viability.

"It is imperative that the Government now provides a clear and detailed road map to recovery for the retail industry which prioritises early and safe reopening," he added.
Trinidad and Tobago can see a reduction in the number of people dying from Covid-19 on a daily basis if the drugAzithromycinis immediately stopped, says Dr Ravi Ramjanak.

Ramjanak is a consultant in obstetrics gynaecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

It is my view based on the pharmacodynamics of Azithromycin that the death rate will fall if we stop using this drug in Covid-positive cases. Azithromycin has no effect on viruses, yeasts and fungi, said Ramjanak in an interview with the Sunday Express last week.
Mumbai, April 21 : Actor Sonu Sood feels the Covid preventive vaccine should be available to the needy for free, and there should be a cap on pricing.

"Every needy should get vaccine for free. Very important to put a cap on the pricing. Corporates and individuals who can afford should come forward to help everyone get vaccinated. Let's do business some other time," Sonu Sood tweeted on Wednesday.

Sonu's tweet came in reaction to a news piece that said that states will get the Covishield vaccine at Rs 400 per dose, private hospitals at Rs 600 and centre at Rs 150.

Meanwhile, the Union Government on Wednesday said there are more than 21.57 lakh active Covid cases in the country, which is double the maximum number of active cases India had last year.
In the moments after the world found out Tuesday afternoon that former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley almost immediately embraced her colleague, Rep. Cori Bush, in a powerful moment caught on camera.

The video, posted to Bushs Twitter account, showed the two congresswomen hugging in relief for roughly 30 seconds over the verdict read aloud by Judge Peter A. Cahill. A jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder while committing a felony, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The moment we heard the verdict, we held each other. This feeling is not easy. But all of us will carry each other through this, Bush, a Missouri Democrat, wrote in the Twitter post alongside the video.

The moment we heard the verdict, we held each other.



This feeling is not easy. But all of us will carry each other through this.@AyannaPressley  pic.twitter.com/DRIPE8ohvN  Cori Bush (@CoriBush) April 20, 2021

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was murdered on May 25. Chauvin pinned his knee on the mans neck for roughly 9 and a half minutes, despite Floyd saying he couldnt breathe multiple times. A video that showed the mans final moments went viral shortly after his death, sparking global demonstrations against systemic racism and police brutality as well as calls for law enforcement reform.

In Massachusetts, numerous Black Lives Matter protests were organized throughout the commonwealth, including at the State House on Beacon Hill. The state Legislature eventually passed a broad police reform bill that Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law in late December.

For Pressley, Bush and numerous others, the guilty verdicts handed down Tuesday were a long time coming and offered a rare moment of accountability for a police officer accused of wrongdoing and brutalizing a person of color. However, many pointed out the verdicts dont offer full justice for Floyd, who leaves behind five children and so many other loved ones.

Despite todays guilty verdict, this system can never deliver true justice for George Floyd and his family. True justice would be George Floyd, alive today, at home with his fiance, children, and siblings, Pressley wrote in a statement after the guilty verdicts were released. The truth is that we never expected justice from this trial. We demanded accountability. Today, a jury delivered accountability and Chauvin will face consequences for his actions.

In the minutes before the verdicts were revealed, Pressley and Bush, both of whom are the first Black women in history to represent their congressional districts, were waiting alongside their fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

In the wake of the verdicts being announced, Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, took Twitter to say, Black men, I love you, and you deserve to grow old.

Black men, I love you, and you deserve to grow old.  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) April 20, 2021

So very grateful this justice seeker is my sister & colleague, Pressley wrote in another tweet in response to the video of she and Bush embracing. There was so much exchanged in this sisterly embrace. History. Love. Trauma & Resolve. Our work is not done. We must [continue] fighting & legislating to save Black lives.

Pressleys full statement on the verdict in Chauvins trial can be read here:

Despite todays guilty verdict, this system can never deliver true justice for George Floyd and his family. True justice would be George Floyd, alive today, at home with his fiance, children, and siblings.

The truth is that we never expected justice from this trial. We demanded accountability. Today, a jury delivered accountability and Chauvin will face consequences for his actions.

To be clear, the legal system in America remains deeply unjust. No one should die the way George Floyd did. A persons murder should not have to garner global attention to result in accountability.

We cant bring George Floyd back, but we can, and we must, legislate to deliver the critical resources our communities need to be freed from the endless loop of trauma we are experiencing daily.

Our communities have been profiled. We have been surveilled. We have been brutalized. We have been murdered. And now we need precise, intentional policies to stop the cycle of trauma and death.

I will continue my work to end qualified immunity, the fundamentally unjust legal doctrine that has allowed so many who commit egregious acts of state-sanctioned violence to evade accountability. I will also continue legislating to dismantle the systems that create the conditions for police brutality and, instead, secure resources for the trauma-informed, community-based solutions our people demand, deserve and require.

Centuries of institutionalized oppression will not be undone without sustained action, and I remain undeterred. I am holding the Floyd family and city of Minneapolis close tonight.

Related Content:
Ohio officials release more body cam video of fatal police shooting of Black teen and urge community to await the facts
[April 21, 2021] MetTel Announces Availability of Microsoft Teams External Voice

NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MetTel, a digital transformation and communications leader, today announced a unified solution that allows customers to use Microsoft Teams to enable external calling to or from any source, directly from the Microsoft Teams application. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many American workers are now working remotely, using new collaboration tools, and looking for ways to maintain productivity. Microsoft Teams usage has grown exponentially during the pandemic. In fact, according to Microsoft, this past fall, Microsoft Teams climb to 115 million users, generating more than 30 billion collaboration minutes in a single day. Traditionally, employees using Teams were only able to place calls to colleagues internally but were unable to make outbound calls to any public-switched telephone network number (PSTN). As a result, workers must frequently shift out of their workflow to gain live external expertise or they are forced to supplement Teams with additional voice plans or expensive flat-rate packages. In fact, 40% of the average employee's 44-hour workweek  17.6 hours  is spent multitasking between communications platforms and other tasks. CRV Insurance needs to stay in close touch with its clients. As a Rhode Island-based provider of insurance solutions to businesses and consumers, its phone lines are lifelines for clients who need their help, and employees who need to be there for them, whether it's for a routine conversation or a stressful claim call. "We are now able to give our employees the power to make and receive external calls to any wired or wireless phone number directly from their Microsoft Teams application," said Susan Landry, Director of Administration, at Carey, Richmond & Viking. "Because of the app and MetTel's External Voice service, it becomes a portable business line that goes wherever we go with our devices. The sound is crystal clear... better than any VOIP phone ever was. Even if the Internet connection is don, the app continues to work on your mobile phone. We've also been able to retire our old PBX phone system in the process. In our current environment as well as post-COVID, our employees will maintain productivity remotely, in the office, or through a hybrid schedule by using Teams with MetTel's External Voice service."



"Increasingly, public and private organizations are turning to MetTel for mobility solutions and collaboration tools to maintain productivity as they navigate the 'new normal' of remote work," said Ed Fox, CTO, MetTel. "MetTel's Microsoft Teams External Voice provides our customers and channel partners with the best of both worldsthe ability to make and receive PSTN calls using their existing phone numbers and the collaboration features with single app experience that comes with Microsoft Teams." What makes MetTel's service special is the painless voice enablement of Microsoft Teams which is typically a rigorous process for enterprises to directly manage. MetTel also provides a user-friendly, seamless migration from legacy to modern technology, maintaining the continuance of key functions such as call centers that are tied to the company's PBX system.

Direct or Integrated Routing Provide Flexible Solutions for Every Business Need

While collaboration tools are helping to facilitate team productivity in this new era of "remote everything," many organizations still require their current phone systems and all the features and benefits it provides. To provide customers and channel partners with the best solutions to meet customers needs, MetTel offers two Microsoft Teams External Voice options: Direct Routing: This cost-effective solution makes Microsoft Teams the primary source for enabling PSTN calling while eliminating the need of a premise PBX and desktop phones altogether, while making and receiving all voice calls natively through Teams. Additionally, users can keep their current phone number using a desktop or mobile app, as well as a desktop phone. Direct Routing includes rich functions like call recording, auto attendant and real-time analytics and organizations only pay for the minutes used. For users that still desire or require a desk phone, MetTel can also provide Poly CCX series phones, designed specifically for Microsoft Teams Voice. Integrated Routing: This innovative solution integrates Teams with a company's existing PBX, including MetTel's Cloud PBX. Users can make and receive PBX phone calls in Microsoft Teams while maintaining existing features, settings, and phones as well as the ability to answer calls on a handset or through the app. MetTel's Microsoft Teams External Voice solution also provides call recording, auto attendant and real-time call analytics. Additional benefits of MetTel's Microsoft Teams External Voice solution: Pooling calling Minutes : As always, through the MetTel Portal, customers can still pool their total usage minutes, and only pay for minutes used, at a competitive rate.

: As always, through the MetTel Portal, customers can still pool their total usage minutes, and only pay for minutes used, at a competitive rate. Streamlined Management: Eliminates the need to manage multiple voice apps and systems.

Eliminates the need to manage multiple voice apps and systems. Seamless Conversion: MetTel ports all numbers so your employees can keep their current phone number.

MetTel ports all numbers so your employees can keep their current phone number. Ease of Use: Calling features will intuitively fit into employees' existing Microsoft Teams workflow.

Calling features will intuitively fit into employees' existing Microsoft Teams workflow. 24/7 MetTel Customer Support: As with all MetTel products and solutions, MetTel provides award winning, always on support to facilitate integration of Microsoft Teams external calling into PBX systems.

As with all MetTel products and solutions, MetTel provides award winning, always on support to facilitate integration of Microsoft Teams external calling into PBX systems. Over 20 years in IP Telephony: MetTel has deep expertise in offering UCaaS and VoIP services to enterprise customers which include Cloud PBX, SIP Trunking, IP PRI and POTS Transformation. About MetTel

MetTel is a leader in communications and digital transformation (DX) solutions for enterprise customers. By converging all communications over a proprietary network, MetTel gives enterprises one, unified view and control point for all their communications and advanced network services. MetTel's comprehensive portfolio of customer solutions can boost enterprise productivity, reduces costs and simplifies operations. Combining customized and managed communication solutions with a powerful platform of cloud-based software, the company's MetTel Portal enables customers to manage their inventory, usage, spend and repairs from one simple, user friendly interface. For more information visit www.mettel.net, follow us on Twitter (@OneMetTel) and on LinkedIn, or call us directly at 877.963.8663. MetTel. Connect Smarter.  Media Contact:

Mike Azzi

mazzi@mettel.net

347.420.0957 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mettel-announces-availability-of-microsoft-teams-external-voice-301273692.html SOURCE MetTel

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By Atrick J. Mcdonnell and Erik Kirschbaum, The Los Angeles Times (TNS)

MEXICO CITY  The guilty verdict Tuesday against a former Minneapolis police officer in the death of George Floyd drew global attention in a case that has cast an international spotlight on the problem of police brutality in the United States and abroad.

Among the first world leaders to comment on the conviction of Derek Chauvin, the ex-policeman, was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who wrote on Twitter that he was appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict.

Along with mass protests in the United States, the killing of Floyd sparked large-scale demonstrations in a number of British cities, including London and Birmingham.

The Floyd case invigorated calls for an end to police brutality against minorities, especially people of African and Arab ancestries, in England, France and elsewhere in Europe. Some European protesters hoisted placards declaring Black Lives Matter and I cant breathe.

On Tuesday, news of Chauvins conviction was front-page news across Europe: Guilty on All Counts, read a headline in Britains Daily Mail, below photos of Floyd and of a handcuffed Chauvin being led away after the guilty verdict.

Much of the foreign press kept tabs on developments in the case and, in some instances, dispatched journalists to Minneapolis for Chauvins trial. Many presented the trial as a key moment in the countrys turbulent history of racial relations.

In this image from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, center, is taken into custody as his attorney, Eric Nelson, left, looks on, after the verdicts were read at Chauvin's trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. (Court TV via AP, Pool)AP

Its a day of joy outside the courtroom, said Oliver Beckmeier, a reporter for Germanys NTV all-news station, in front of the courthouse in Minneapolis, in a live report just moments after the verdict was announced. A lot of people here are hoping this will send a signal, that the situation will now start to change and these kinds of cases that happen again and again will be duly prosecuted.

In Latin America, the Floyd case inevitably raised questions about regional incidents of police brutality  and what critics labeled authorities consistent failure to hold officers responsible for abuse. The U.S. case became a kind of prism through which people in Latin America viewed local instances of police misconduct.

Many in Mexico cited the case of Victoria Salazar, a refugee from El Salvador who died last month in the resort city of Tulum after Mexican police held her, face down, on a street and one officer knelt on her back  a harrowing scene that went viral on social media. Authorities said four officers were arrested; their cases are pending.

Today there was justice for #GeorgeFloyd, wrote one person on Twitter. The question in Mexico is: Will there be justice for #VictoriaSalazar?

In Chile, many saw parallels between the U.S. outcry after Floyds death and the months of civil disturbances that largely paralyzed the South American nation in 2019. Tuesdays verdict in Minneapolis brought calls for greater police accountability for official misconduct.

Hopefully the visibility of George Floyds murder will help prevent other crimes and promote profound reforms, tweeted Alessia Injoque, head of the Equals Foundation, an LGBTQ rights group. Here in Chile the reform of the police is still pending.

In Chile, tweeted journalist Patricio Lopez, George Floyd would be a Mapuche, referring to an Indigenous group that has been subject to discrimination and police violence.

The case of Floyd also resonated deeply in Brazil, where many Black residents say they face police harassment and brutality.

Brazil is a country of thousands of victims like George Floyd, Marcelo Freixo, a federal lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro, tweeted Tuesday. Police violence is only  the most visible and brutal part of a system of structural racism.

Tuesdays verdict also struck a chord with some in Indonesia.

I, as a Black man who has always been a victim of colonial racism in Indonesia, [am] happy to hear that Black people in the U.S. can have justice, said Buchtar Tabuni, a West Papuan activist who was recently released from prison because of pressure from an Indonesian protest movement inspired by Black Lives Matter. Hopefully, this verdict is the beginning of change to systemic racism globally.

More:

Chauvins guilty verdict met with satisfaction, and lots of relief, in Harrisburgs Allison Hill

A pebble in the ocean: Crowds react with joy, wariness to verdict in Floyds death
Though its just over two decades short of two centuries since our famine  An Gorta Mor  changed this island, the place and role of Irish people all around the world, that catastrophe is all but a living presence. It can still provoke a debate that is barely civil, especially if charges of genocide are made. That charge is often levelled, though a growing number of professional historians suggest that, in the context of the European genocide of the last century, this islands catastrophe cannot be described as such.

Semantics hardly provide that kind of wriggle room around many of the unfolding catastrophes today. In a letter published yesterday in support of the UN Call for Action to Avert Famine in 2021, hundreds of aid organisations warned: People are not starving  they are being starved. World leaders have been asked to avert multiple famines. The list is long, sobering, and challenging. Millions of people spread across Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Honduras, Venezuela, Nigeria, Haiti, Central African Republic, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Sudan may die of hunger unless the more privileged  luckier  world intervenes.
NEW YORK (AP)  It looks like something to celebrate: small businesses posting Help Wanted signs as the economy edges toward normalcy. Instead, businesses are having trouble filling the jobs, which in turn hurts their ability to keep up with demand for their products or services.

Owners say that some would-be workers are worried about catching COVID-19 or prefer to live off unemployment benefits that are significantly higher amid the pandemic. Child care is another issue  parents aren't able to work when they need to tend to or home-school their children. For some people, a combination of factors go into their decision not to seek work.

When Steve Klatt and Brandon Lapp set up interviews for their restaurant and food truck business, theyre lucky if one out of 10 or 15 applicants comes in.

The people who do show up, all assume their unemployment is running out, says Klatt, whose business, Braised in the South, is located in Johns Island, South Carolina. The maximum weekly unemployment benefits in the state are $626 including $300 in federal coronavirus relief payments; in some states, maximum unemployment is over $700 a week.

Klatt and Lapp need 20 people to run the business well but have only five staffers. Former chefs, the owners and their wives are working in the kitchen and on the truck to keep things running. Klatt and Lapp recently decided to curtail their Sunday hours and close Mondays to give everyone a break.

The hit to the bottom line will be noticeable, but its not worth burning out the few awesome people we do have working for us, Klatt says.

Businesses of all sizes are struggling with hiring even with millions of Americans unemployed and as increasing numbers of people get vaccinated and look forward to a more normal life. A Census survey taken in late March shows that 6.3 million didn't seek work because they had to care for a child, and 4.1 million said they feared contracting or spreading the virus.

Story continues

But smaller companies that often cant offer pay and benefits as generous as larger companies have a tougher time.

A shortage of talent is nothing new for small businesses, but the circumstances surrounding this shortage are entirely different, says Jill Chapman, a consultant with Insperity, a human resources provider.

The National Federation of Independent Business found in a March survey of its own members that 42% had job openings they couldnt fill. Owners cited higher unemployment benefits as one factor. And a study released last month by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that a 10% increase in unemployment benefits during the pandemic led to a 3.6% drop in job applications.

Unemployment benefits allow workers to be able to wait longer before they take a job, which can make hiring harder, said Ioana Marinescu, a University of Pennsylvania professor who co-authored the study.

Companies whose work is done inside homes  including plumbers, contractors and pest control businesses  find many prospective hires are afraid of contracting the virus on a job. Meanwhile, demand for their services is up because theres more wear and tear on houses and apartments as people spend more time at home.

At Jake Romanos Ottawa, Ontario, plumbing business, job candidates are gravitating toward commercial plumbing rather than having to visit five to 10 homes a day. Even when Romano finds a good prospect for his company, John the Plumber, hes often disappointed.

We had a really good applicant, who I found on Facebook. He agreed to come onboard, everything was looking good. I was excited, he was excited. Then, bam! He changed his mind, says Romano, whos looking for two licensed plumbers to add to his current staff of 10.

Economist Joe Brusuelas says child care is another issue that may extend owners struggles to find workers.

Until the schools are reopened and avenues of child care normalized, small firms in general, as well as food, beverage, leisure and hospitality, in particular, are going to face staffing challenges until later this fall at the earliest, says Brusuelas, chief economist with the consulting firm RSM.

Jillian Melton was laid off from a Seasons 52 restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, last spring when the pandemic shut the restaurant down. Melton, who had worked at the restaurant for seven years, cant work a regular schedule; she has three children at home from school and shes caring for her 93-year-old grandmother. Babysitters and nurses are in short supply.

Melton says employers need to understand that many workers have compromised immune systems or limited availability because schools and day care centers are closed. Some people, upended by the pandemic, are just looking for new lines of work, she says.

All of it is just a hot mess, she says.

Child care is one reason why the pool of available workers has shrunk dramatically at Let Mommy Sleep, which hires nurses and health aides to provide in-home care for babies and give new mothers a respite. Founder Denise Stern says some of her caregivers want to work overnight and sleep during the day, but if they have their own children to care for, that's not possible.

Stern also is being hamstrung by concerns about the virus.

We cant hire candidates with second jobs where exposure might happen, and honestly, a lot of candidates dont want to work in a closed environment where we know transmission happens, Stern says.

Stern has had to turn business away, and so have the owners of seven Let Mommy Sleep franchises around the country. Stern, who works in the Washington, D.C., area, says her revenue is down by half.

Revenue is down 30% at Filter King, based in Miami. Demand for air filters is jumping as people work from home and run their air conditioners more, but owners Mike Jacob and Rick Hoskins need to double their staff of 20 to keep up with orders.

The unemployment benefits continue and its hard to get people off the couch and into the warehouse, Jacob says.

But even when people are willing to work, Filter King is at a disadvantage compared to companies that can pay more, Jacob says. Hes lost staffers and candidates to a competitor funded by a venture capital firm.

Stonehedge Farms, a popcorn manufacturer in Dover, Pennsylvania, raised its hourly pay to $13.50 from $12 in hopes of attracting more workers but co-owners Shannon and Anthony Tsonis havent been able to find enough people to fill the factorys two shifts. They have 30 staffers and need another 10; the Tsonises and their office staffers have to fill in at the factory.

Before the pandemic Tsonis could rely on one of three applicants showing for interviews. Now, its more likely to be one in 10.

This would lead me to believe they are simply applying to meet the (job search) requirements of unemployment, which is frustrating. Its frustrating because we need people, and its frustrating because its a waste of our time and resources for recruitment, Tsonis says.

Seven Sisters Scones, a bakery and cafe in Johns Creek, Georgia, has struggled to find staffers not only because of unemployment benefits, but because parents need to be home with their children, co-owner Hala Haider says. The shop has 15 staffers and needs four more.

Because of the shortfall, Seven Sisters Scones cant make deliveries and theyll be selling at fewer farmers markets than usual this summer. And Haider and her co-owner, her sister Farrah, have had to turn down some new business. But they draw the line at scaling back their online business, which allows them to reach customers across the country.

That is one thing we dont compromise on  its a priority, Hala Haider says.

-

AP Business Writer Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report from Detroit; AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed from Washington, D.C.
Two researchers are running a study to determine if there is any link between abnormal periods and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr Kathryn Clancy, an associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dr Katherine Lee, a post-doctoral scholar in the public health sciences division at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, each received their shots earlier this year.

Both women noticed that aside from the usual side effects - such as a pain at the injection site - they also had temporary changes in their menstrual cycles.

Their periods had either come earlier usual, felt heavier or just appeared irregular.

Clancy and Lee are now collecting data on cycle changes post-vaccination to see if there is any association between the two.

Two researchers have launched a study asking women to document their menstrual cycle experiences after being vaccinated against COVID-19 (above)

As of Monday, more than 25,000 women have completed the questionnaire. Pictured: Ashley Dever, 20, a sophomore at Barry University, receives the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, April 15

Clancy first discussed her abnormal period in a tweet in late February after receiving the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

'I'm curious whether other menstruators have noticed changes too?' she wrote.

'I'm a week and a half out from dose 1 of Moderna, got my period maybe a day or so early, and am gushing like I'm in my 20s again.

'I'm on day 3 of my period and am still swapping out extra long overnight pads a few times a day. Typical for me at this time is maybe one or two regular pads.'

The tweet was liked more than 1,200 times and she received hundreds of replies from other women and people who menstruate documenting their unusual changes.

The responses inspired Clancy and Lee to conduct a formal study.

On April 7, Clancy tweeted about the study and attached a link to a survey in which women could document their menstrual experiences after getting the jab.

'Our survey was approved and made it through production! VACCINATED MENSTRUATORS ASSEMBLE,' she wrote.

'(This is a project to explore whether the covid vaxes affect the periods - if you have menstruated before and got the vax, take 15 min to tell us your experiences!)'

Lee told the Chicago Tribune that, as of Monday, more than 25,000 people have completed the survey.

The idea for the study came about after the women documented their own abnormal periods following vaccination on Twitter (above) and received hundreds of replies

'Our survey cannot tell us anything about prevalence or the number of people who are affected,' she said.

'What we can do is look for associations and trends that help us direct whatever the next study would be.'

There is currently little to no research about how vaccines could affect periods, although some suggest that because immunizations stress the immune system, a person's menstrual cycle could be responding to that.

Experts say none of the vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson reported any changes to menstrual cycles during clinical trials.

They add that there is currently no danger in getting the COVID-19 vaccine and no reason to skip it.

Dr Ranit Mishori, a professor of family medicine at Georgetown University and a senior medical adviser at Physicians for Human Rights, said she has heard anecdotal reports of excessive bleeding, but has not come across any cases herself.

'I really salute the person who is trying to study this,' she told DailyMail.com.

'But at this point, there is no rigorous data that shows this is a phenomenon. There is no strong data that this is associated with the vaccine.'

Mishori said that increased bleeding is fairly common in women of reproductive age, occurring in about 14 to 15 percent.

She explained there are many reasons for irregular periods, including stress, hormonal issues, certain medications, clotting disorders or thyroid disorders.

However, it is too early to suggest a link between temporary menstrual cycles changes and vaccinations until a larger study is conducted.

Mishori said a survey is a good first step but that irregular bleeding needs to be compared between women who got the COVID-19 shot and those who didn't to see if there is a trend.

She added that she hopes anecdotal reports do not dissuade women from being vaccinated against coronavirus.

'Absolutely get the vaccine. The benefits of being vaccinated against Covid are enormous - it could be life-saving - whereas irregular bleeding Is generally not life-threatening in the majority of cases,' Mishori said.

'I think the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the potential inconvenience or potential issues.'
In December last year, Mahuta offered to mediate a truce between Australia and China and said both parties needed to concede in some areas where they are currently not seeing eye to eye. Months later, New Zealands new Trade Minister Damien OConnor suggested Australia should speak with more respect and diplomacy towards China. Senior officials in the Australian government repeatedly put these interventions down to rookie ministers still learning their brief, and did not necessarily see them as the views of Ardern. However, the latest comments from Mahuta are different. Australian officials were put off by the suggestion that New Zealand was charting a more independent course; they believe theres nothing independent about using your trade relationship with China as a justification for not criticising Beijing. It is Australia, they argue, who has been the one standing on its two feet: the first to ban Chinese telecom giant Huawei from next-generation networks, first to enact foreign interference laws and ahead of the curve on blocking foreign investment in critical national infrastructure. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern played down a rift over the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Credit:Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Some Australian officials also dispute Wellingtons assertion that there has been a significant expansion of Five Eyes, saying it has always been a diplomatic grouping.

But there is also sympathy for Wellingtons position in Canberra. New Zealand has not yet faced the economic coercion, or the widespread espionage and foreign interference activity, that Australia has endured. Wellington is at least three years behind where Canberra is at and may only just be waking up to the threat. While Ardern spoke with a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday, she backed in her foreign minister by suggesting that Five Eyes was not the most appropriate forum for issuing joint statements criticising China. She said the statements could be issued by wider groupings of countries or could be as narrow as Australia and New Zealand. Loading Is that best done under the banner of a grouping of countries around a security intelligence platform, or is it best done around a group of countries with shared values  some of which might not belong to that five eyes partnership? Ardern said. Rory Medcalf, the head of the National Security College at the Australian National University, says Five Eyes was an extremely trusted and long-serving intelligence-sharing arrangement and that was always going to translate into co-ordinating policy as well.

If you trust countries enough to share your most sensitive secrets with them, then surely you are going to often co-ordinate with them on areas of shared interest, he says. The point that Mahuta made, and Ardern has reinforced, is that New Zealand would look at other arrangements for co-ordinating policy arrangements. Well of course thats the case, and Australia has been doing the same thing, whether its through the QUAD, bilaterals, trilaterals, etc. If thats New Zealands position then thats not so gravely at odds with Australias position or anyone elses. New Zealands bid to contain the Five Eyes goes against the grain of where the group is headed. Not only is the grouping being expanded into a strategic and economic partnership to counter China, but countries including Japan want to join it. Medcalf says an ideal future arrangement would be Five Eyes-plus whereby other countries such as Japan and France are incrementally brought into the intelligence-sharing arrangement but cautioned you cant substitute for 70 years of trust overnight. Although Japan is a logical place to look, you have 70 years of institutionalised and highly personalised trust among intelligence and security agencies in the existing Five Eyes countries, he says. Our intelligence and security agencies trust the agencies of their Five Eyes partners almost as much as they trust themselves.

Jonathan Pryke, director of the Lowy Institutes Pacific Islands Program, says New Zealand has been more insulated to some of the more serious threats of Chinas growing assertiveness than other Fives Eyes nations. Loading He says there are clearly tensions in the relationship between Australia and New Zealand and he hopes face-to-face meetings between ministers and prime ministers could sort out the differences. Maybe these are strongly held convictions from the New Zealanders and it may reflect the start of a growing schism in the Five Eyes community, he says. For the time being, Canberra wants to ensure that does not eventuate.
Australia cancels state's Belt and Road deal

Ties between Beijing and Canberra have suffered because of their differences over Covid-19 and trade, among other issues. Image: Shutterstock

Australia on Wednesday announced it would revoke a state government's deal to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying it was inconsistent with the nation's foreign policy.



Canberra last year introduced new laws widely seen as targeting China that allow it to scrap any agreements between state authorities and foreign countries deemed to threaten the national interest.



Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday the federal government would override the Victorian state government's decision to sign up to the Belt and Road Initiative, a vast network of investments that critics say is cover for Beijing creating geopolitical and financial leverage.



Payne said two documents signed in 2018 and 2019 respectively  a memorandum of understanding and framework agreement  were among four she would tear up under the new powers.



"I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations," she said in a statement.



The announcement comes at a time of deteriorating relations between Beijing and Canberra, with the two governments at loggerheads over trade and competing for influence in the Pacific.



Australia has already infuriated China by calling for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and its latest move is likely to further inflame tensions.



Payne also said she would revoke a 2004 memorandum of understanding between Victoria's education department and Iran, as well as a scientific cooperation agreement the department signed with Syria in 1999.



Under Australia's constitution, the federal government is responsible for foreign affairs and defence. States typically deliver services such as health and education but in reality there is frequent overlap.



A Victorian government spokeswoman told national broadcaster ABC: "The Foreign Relations Act is entirely a matter for the Commonwealth government."



The new legislation applies to publicly-funded institutions but does not cover commercial deals.



Canberra has already taken steps to limit China's influence in the country, including by banning controversial telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network and tightening foreign investment laws for corporations. (AFP)
Syracuse, N.Y.  Central New York leaders Tuesday expressed relief after a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty in the murder of George Floyd.

Black leaders in particular said theyve watched the highly publicized trial with a sense of anxiety or dread, worried that Chauvin would be acquitted in Floyds death, based on similar outcomes in prior police killings.

I have gone from anxiety to relief, said Helen Hudson, president of the Syracuse Common Council. Hudson said shes seen too many other cases where white privilege supersedes Black lives.

I am hoping that with the verdict that as a country we can look at the way policing is done especially in communities of color, she said. I think that Black Americans and people with a conscience are glad to see some accountability where there had been none.

Hudson added there is still lots of work to be done on police reform.

The jury deliberated for just a day before settling on the guilty verdict. Chauvin was taken away from the courtroom in handcuffs and will remain in jail until sentencing in two months.

The verdict showed justice at its best, said Twiggy Billue, president of the Syracuse chapter of the National Action Network. This is how justice works for everyone and not just for a few. Today, the scales of justice were balanced.

Billue said the 9-minute video of Floyds death allowed no other conclusion. That man was murdered, she said.

Even so, veteran Syracuse activist Walt Dixie said he watched the trial with a degree of anxiety about the outcome. In a polarized society, all it would take was one obstinate juror to prevent a conviction, he said.

Weve been here before, where youve seen law enforcement get away with stuff, said Dixie, executive director of Jubilee Homes. Dixie said he felt deep celebration at the verdict.

Dixie said he thought the prosecution did an amazing job to convict an individual cop without indicting police in general. The verdict will help heal Syracuse and the nation, he said, but much work remains to improve relations between police departments and the Black community.

We need to heal. We need to embrace police reform, Dixie said. At some point in our lives, we all need law enforcement to protect our families, but we want them to be righteous as well.

A person celebrates the guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin case driving by the Syracuse Public Safety Building on South State Street right after verdict was announced on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.comScott Schild | sschild@syracuse.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said the jury saw what we all saw: the murder of a helpless man.

I hope the decision brings comfort to George Floyds family in knowing that justice has been served, Walsh added.

U.S. Rep. John Katko said Chauvin was rightfully held accountable for Floyds death.

While this verdict is welcome news, the work is not done, Katko said. Our nation must continue having difficult conversations and take the tough, but necessary steps to embrace long overdue reforms that better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Clifford Ryans, an anti-violence activist and member of the Citizen Review Board, said he wasnt expecting the verdict to come down the way it did.

It did surprise me because of so many situations of injustice that have been served, he said. I felt like this was going be another situation where another officer got off for doing something that we know was murder.

Ryans said he felt good that Chauvins colleagues were among the witnesses to testify against him.

That blue wall of silence came down, he said. Those officers didnt have to testify, but they knew that he was wrong for doing what he was doing. Lets hope that that resonates across the whole nation.

At the state and federal level, officials called for continued policy reform within policing.

New York state Sen. John Mannion said policing needs to be reformed and that no citizen should have to live in fear of the police.

Two things can be true at the same time  police officers are public servants who keep our communities safe while the institution of policing needs to be reimagined and redefined, Mannion said in a statement.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also called for reforms, specifically the passing of the Justice in Policing Act.

This verdict brings some small measure of justice to George Floyds family, but nothing can ease their pain or return him to them, she said.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said he was thankful that justice has been served.

This guilty verdict serves as an official proclamation of what so many of us have known for nearly a year: George Floyd was murdered by an officer who was sworn to protect and serve, he said.

Schumer added that the verdict does not signal that the problem of police misconduct has been solved.

We must remain diligent in our efforts to bring meaningful change to police departments across the country, Schumer added.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the verdict delivered a strong message of accountability. But that wasnt enough.

While Im grateful that the jury returned these verdicts, accountability is not the same as justice, Cuomo said. It doesnt make an unacceptable situation acceptable, and it doesnt bring Giannas dad back. But it must fuel our continued march towards equity.
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has cut the sod for the commencement of work on a new Court of Appeal complex and permanent residential facilities for Court of Appeal judges, all to be located in Kumasi.



Performing the sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, 20th April 2021, in the presence of Chief Justice Anin Yeboah, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, President Akufo-Addo noted that with only one Court of Appeal structure located in the heart of our nations capital, in Accra, it has meant that appellate proceedings in the northern sector of our country have been slow, resulting in a considerable backlog of cases requiring the attention of the Court of Appeal.



Indeed, the itinerant Court of Appeal, moving from Accra to sit in Kumasi, Tamale, Ho, Koforidua and Cape Coast, delays the adjudication process. The associated financial implication of this arrangement has, over the years, been of grave concern in the dispensation of justice, he said.



The President continued, The establishment of a permanent, modern Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi will help improve the justice delivery system for the northern sector of the country. With the collaboration of the Ministry of Local Government and the District Assembly Common Fund, twenty (20) townhouses and a guesthouse are being built to be used as permanent residences for Court of Appeal Judges based in Kumasi, who will be mandated to handle cases in the northern part of the country.



With the project set to be completed in eight (8) months, it will mean that appeals from Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East, Northern, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western North and Ashanti Regions will be conveniently heard within a much shorter period.



Recounting a statement he made in his Message on the State of the Nation, President Akufo-Addo noted that Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and the District Assembly Common Fund, has commenced, in an unprecedented initiative, the construction of ninety (90) courts with accompanying accommodation for judges across the country, to help address the problem of inadequate court infrastructure.



These structures are at advanced stages of completion.



Government will continue to implement policies to advance the rule of law, and, thereby, reinforce the confidence of the people, and shore up our nations reputation as a country governed by the rule of law, he added.









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.

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I know that theres some gray area when we start talking about that defined term affordable. But I would think thered be no gray area with respect to whether or not this would be considered workforce housing, which is something that I know weve always wanted to beef up in the upper go a little bit, Coyne said. (The houses) certainly look nice. But they dont look like million dollar homes to me.
Indonesian navy ships on Thursday scoured a patch of ocean off the coast of Bali searching for a submarine with 53 crew aboard after losing contact with the vessel during military exercises.

The German-built KRI Nanggala 402 was scheduled to do live torpedo exercises when it asked for permission to dive early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

"After permission was given according to the procedure, the submarine lost contact and could not be reached," the defence ministry said.

A helicopter looking for the missing vessel spotted an oil spill in waters where the submarine was thought to have submerged, it added.

The navy said it has not pinpointed the submarine's location but narrowed the search down based on the spill.

The oil "could indicate damage on the body" of the submarine, navy spokesman Julius Widjojono told MetroTV.

Two warships and some 400 personnel were sent out to hunt for the sub, while a third vessel was deployed from the capital Jakarta.

The navy also sent out an international distress signal and "several countries have responded and are ready to help including Singapore, Australia and India," the defence ministry said.

There were 53 crew aboard the vessel, which was believed to be in waters about 700 metres (2,300 feet) deep.

Indonesia, which has been moving to upgrade its military equipment in recent years, has five German and South Korean-built submarines in its fleet.

The 1,300-tonne KRI Nanggala 402 was built in 1978, according to a government website.

The vessel is a Type 209 diesel-electric attack submarine that has served in more than a dozen navies around the world, including Greece, India, Argentina and Turkey, over the past half century.

"It's a classic submarine," French navy vice admiral Antoine Beaussant told AFP.

It had a safety descent level of 250 metres, and "if it went down to rest at 700 metres the likelihood is it would have broken up," he said.

Story continues

- Submarine disasters -

While the Southeast Asian archipelago has not previously suffered a major submarine disaster, other countries have been struck by accidents in the past.

Among them was the 2000 sinking of the Kursk, the pride of Russia's Northern Fleet.

The submarine was on manoeuvres in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000 when it sank with the loss of all 118 aboard. An inquiry found a torpedo had exploded, detonating all the others.

Most crew died instantly but some survived for several days -- with a few keeping heart-breaking diaries written in blood to their loved ones -- before suffocating.

Seventy Chinese naval officers and crew were killed, apparently suffocated, in an accident on a Ming-class submarine conducting exercises in 2003.

In 2008, 20 people were killed by poisonous gas when a fire extinguishing system was accidentally activated on a Russian submarine being tested in the Sea of Japan.

In 2018, authorities found the wreckage of an Argentine submarine that had gone missing a year earlier with 44 sailors aboard.

Crushed from an implosion, the ARA San Juan was located at a depth of more than 900 metres (3,000 feet) in an area of undersea craters and canyons 400 kilometres (250 miles) off the coast of Argentina.

In 2019, a French submarine that had gone missing in the Mediterranean more than 50 years earlier was found.

The diesel-electric Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 27, 1968.

Experts believe that the disaster was caused by a problem with the Minerve's rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems.

bur-ch/jh
SIX so-called energy-positive projects are to kick off in Limerick this summer following an open call for novel ideas in the Georgian neighbourhood.

The Positive City Exchange project is working to develop areas of positive energy in the centre.

This means schemes which can produce more energy than they actually consume.

Limerick City and County Council is a lead partner on the programme alongside Trondheim in Norway and is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme.

One of the funded projects, Greening the Smart Grid, a collaboration between the Urban Coop, Community Power and Clean Tech Energy will be using a solar powered microgrid to extend the growing season on local allotments.

Bill Kelly of the project team said: We are really excited to raise awareness in Limerick of the tools we all have at our disposal to enable everyone to join in the decarbonisation of society.

St Michaels Rowing Club (SMRC) is another group which received funding to progress the installation of PV panels and batteries on the roof of the club. They want to experiment with using solar power to charge their launches and training events on the river.

Andrew OConnell of SMRC said: Were looking forward to installing the new PV Panels and making a move away from petrol usage to clean energy in our club. St Michaels excels at responding to the big challenges, and this is going to be really positive for the club and the city.

Clean Air Enthusiast Alan Bell has been funded to develop air quality monitors to attach to vehicles and bicycles in the city centre, to build up a detailed picture of the air quality in the city throughout the day.

Alan said: We want to help Limerick people to understand more about the way air quality in the city is affected by things like transport and home heating, giving them the power to make informed decisions for the future.

As part of the open innovation call, Positive City Exchange leaders from Limerick City and County Council, University of Limerick, Colaborativa, Smart MPower, and Space Engagers will be working with the project teams to develop their ideas for implementation over the summer.
An alleged cannibal accused of strangling his own mother, chopping up her body into 1,000 pieces and eating her remains over two weeks is facing 15 years in jail.

Alberto Sanchez Gomez, 28, is on trial in Madrid after murdering Maria Soledad Gomez, 69, in 2019 and storing her body in tupperware boxes which he kept in the fridge before eating and feeding to a dog, prosecutors say.

Known as the 'cannibal of Ventas' after the district where police discovered the blood-stained flat, the waiter was frequently violent towards his mother who reported him to the authorities 12 times, the Spanish court heard this week.

Alberto Sanchez Gomez (pictured), 28, is accused of strangling his own mother, chopping up her body into 1,000 pieces and eating her remains

Soledad took out a restraining order against him before her death but friends said whenever he would call, she would always take him in, telling them: 'What can I do, he is my son.'

According to the indictment, the incident occurred in early 2019 when the suspect, whose cabinet maker father died when he was 15, had a row with his mother at their flat near Madrid's famous bullring.

During the confrontation, he strangled his mother then dragged her into her bedroom where he used a saw and two kitchen knives to cut her up 'in order to get rid of the body', it said.

'Once he had started cutting up the body, he began eating the remains over the course of about 15 days, storing other parts in various plastic containers around the house and in the fridge,' the court heard.

He also put some of the remains into plastic bags and threw them into the bin.

The waiter allegedly stored his mother's body in tupperware boxes which he kept in the fridge before eating and feeding her to a dog, prosecutors say (it is not known if it is the dog pictured)

Local news outlet ABC said authorities arrived at the house after family friends reported that they hadn't seen Soledad for several days.

Police asked at the door if his mother was inside, he said she was, and let them in.

Testifying in court on Wednesday, a police officer who entered the flat said the suspect told them he had eaten some of the remains raw, while others parts he had cooked or given to the dog.

Police said they found limbs wrapped in plastic and lying around various rooms, while some body parts were in the fridge and others were cooked in the oven or sitting in a pan.

Several officers were reportedly sick due to the stench and shock of what they were seeing.

The suspect (pictured during his arrest in 2019) had been admitted to psychiatric care three times at the behest of his mother

'We found a hellish scene,' an unidentified police officer told Telecinco news channel, with police saying the suspect was known for having drug issues.

The suspect was arrested and has since admitted that he strangled his mother, cut her up and then spent 15 days eating her remains whilst feeding the bits he did not want to his dog.

ABC claims that the suspect had been admitted to psychiatric care three times at the behest of his mother who was terrified of him as he would routinely physically attack her.

After being arrested in 2018, Gomez was served a restraining order but he violated the court order and returned to his mother's home.

Prosecutors want him jailed for 15 years for murder and desecration of a corpse and are seeking 90,000 Euros in compensation to his older brother.
Over a dozen rights groups have accused Oxford University of using politicised numbers and celebrating a military occupation because its website tracking coronavirus vaccine delivery, Our World in Data, does not include Palestinians in its figures on Israels vaccine rollout.

Citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, 19 NGOs including Amnesty International, Physicians for Human Rights Israel and a coalition of Palestinian human rights groups said that all 4.5 million Palestinians living under Israels military occupation should be included in the calculation of the percentage of Israels population that has been vaccinated.

That includes the millions of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It said the Covid-19 vaccinations chart shows Israels remarkable achievement in vaccinating many of its citizens.

However, it omits the fact that, as an occupying power, Israel has failed to fulfill its obligation under the Fourth Geneva Convention to provide vaccines to all 4.5 million Palestinians living under its military occupation, as affirmed by leading Palestinian, Israeli and international health and human rights organizations, the letter read.

The charities added that writing that Israel has vaccinated a percentage of "its population" without counting the population under its military control is legally incorrect and morally problematic.

Our World in Data, which is affiliated with Oxford University, said it agreed with their concern that the population living in Palestine should be taken into account but declined to change its way of tracking the rollout in a written response that was shared with The Independent. It said that as they have different figures and percentages for those In Israel and for Palestine and if they attempt to absorb the two it would be double counting.

Israel has received worldwide praise for the efficiency of its vaccination programme and is on track to becoming the first country to completely inoculate its population.

However, it has been criticised because of the discrepancy between the number of Israelis vaccinated in comparison to the number of Palestinians who have received the jab.

Well over half of Israelis have been vaccinated, according to World Health Organisation data, in comparison to under 150,000 Palestinians who have been vaccinated in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

So far nearly 840,000 people have had coronavirus in Israel while 6,345 have died. Some 284,000 Palestinians are known to have contracted the virus while over 3,000 have died. Medics in Gaza in particular have struggled to contain the virus with sweeping electricity blackouts and medicine shortages.

The Israelis have vehemently denied accusations of discrimination in its vaccine rollout and officials have pointed to the fact that Israel has vaccinated Palestinians living in Jerusalem as well as Palestinians who work in Israel.

Israeli officials have in the past blamed the Palestinian Authority for not seeking cooperation with the Israeli government to procure and distribute the vaccines.

Some commentators, meanwhile, have argued that Israel has no obligation to vaccinate the Palestinians.

The Israelis cite the Oslo Accords, the interim peace agreements signed by the Israelis and Palestinians in the 1990s, as the reason why the Palestinians are responsible for their own health response. Under the agreement, the PA is required to maintain international vaccination standards and for both sides to exchange information and cooperate in combating epidemics.

United Nations experts have said that Israel has not ensured that Palestinians under occupation in the West Bank and Gaza have near-future access to the available vaccines.

Israelis take a photo as they are sitting in a street with no face mask on April 19, 2021 in Tel Aviv, Israel. As of April 18, Israelis could circulate outdoors without a face mask, for the first time in a year. (Getty Images)

They said that as the occupying power, Israel is required under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to the fullest extent of the means available to it, to maintain health services in the occupied territory.

The experts cited Article 56 which they say means Israel must adopt and apply the prophylactic and preventive measures necessary to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics in cooperation with national and local authorities.

In the letter given to Our World in Data, the charities urged the site to accurately include all Israelis and Palestinians living under Israeli control as a denominator when calculating Israels percentage of vaccination coverage.

Adding these millions of vaccine-deprived Palestinians to Israels figures would change the picture entirely, the letter read.

The Israeli embassy in London declined to comment about this when approached by The Independent.
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Several years after the "ABC" test was first used in California to distinguish between independent contractors and employees, the controversial law continues to change as it is amended and more exceptions are made.

AB 5 took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, and codified the three-pronged ABC testwhich was first adopted by the California Supreme Court in 2018to determine worker classification. The stringent test renders most workers employees unless their jobs fall under an exception.

Independent-contractor status is "yet another hot topic in California, especially with all the amendments to AB 5 last year," said Mike Letizia, SHRM-SCP, president and CEO of Letizia HR Solutions Inc. of Stockton, Calif., during the California State Council of SHRM's (CalSHRM's) 2021 California State HR Advocacy and Legislative Conference on April 15.

Why is worker classification such a contentious issue? Employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay and other benefits, such as business expense reimbursement in California. So employers that misclassify workers as independent contractors could be on the hook for wages, overtime premiums, meal and rest break penalties, and more. Independent contractors are not entitled to such benefits, but they generally have more flexibility to set their own schedules and work for multiple companies.

AB 5 continues to dominate the news, said Bruce Sarchet, an attorney with Littler in Sacramento, Calif., to virtual conference attendees. Here are some of the key points employers in California should note about the controversial independent-contractor test.

What Is the ABC Test?



Prior to the ABC test, the Borello test had been applied in California for about 30 years. In 2018, the California Supreme Court discarded the Borello test to determine independent-contractor status and adopted a new ABC test, Sarchet recalled.

The Borello test primarily considered whether the hiring entity or the worker controlled the work. The test also evaluated multiple secondary factors, such as whether workers supply their own tools, how long services are performed and whether the hiring business supervises the work. The factors were evaluated in their entirety with no one factor being determinative.

When the California Supreme Court first adopted the ABC test, the business community argued that the court was inappropriately doing the job of the state legislature by creating a new rule, Sarchet noted. "Be careful what you ask for," he said. The legislature responded by passing AB 5, which codified the ABC test.

Under the ABC test, employers have the burden of showing that all three of the following factors are met for a worker to be properly classified as an independent contractor:

(A) The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact.

(B) The worker performs tasks that are outside the usual course of the hiring entity's business.

(C) The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity.

Prong B is particularly challenging for businesses to prove. "Defining what is 'the usual course of business' can be quite tricky," Sarchet noted.

Do the Exceptions Swallow the Rule?



The ABC test applies to the California Labor Code, the Unemployment Insurance Code and the Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders, unless another definition of "employee" is provided.

About 67 job types were carved out of AB 5. Some jobs were excluded from the start, and many freelance journalists, musicians, translators and other workers in California were added to the list of exceptions under an amendment, AB 2257, that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in September 2020.

Newspaper carriers are exempt from AB 5 until Jan. 1, 2022. "Stay tuned on this one," Sarchet said. "We shall see whether or not newspaper carriers  will have a further exception."

Even if a particular job title or category is listed under the exceptions, hiring entities will need to check the fine print to ensure workers qualify. Furthermore, business leaders should note that workers who do qualify for one of the exemptions aren't automatically independent contractors, Sarchet noted. The Borello test applies to jobs that are not covered by the ABC test.

Another exception, Proposition 22, was approved by California voters in November 2020 and does make certain gig workers independent contractors. The measure allows ride-hailing and food delivery services to continue classifying app-based drivers as independent contractors if drivers can set their own schedules, reject any specific ride, and work for competitors and other businesses. The measure requires covered businesses to provide drivers with certain benefits and develop anti-discrimination and sexual-harassment policies.

Notably, Sarchet said, exceptions to AB 5 do not include independent owner-operator truck drivers, franchisors, and gig-economy workers who are not covered by Proposition 22.

Looking Ahead

There are a number of bills pending before the California Legislature that would make further modifications to AB 5, Sarchet said.

Additionally, California courts will continue to interpret the law. At least four lawsuits filed by employers and trade associations have claimed that AB 5 is unconstitutional. And on the flipside, the state attorney general's office has sued several large businesses claiming that they are misclassifying employees as independent contractors in violation of the law.

"Misclassifying independent contractors remains one of the bigger risks facing California employers," said Walter Stella, an attorney with Cozen O'Connor in San Francisco, to SHRM Online. "A misclassified independent contractor is just an employee by another name."


Protestors shout "hands up; don't shoot" in Athens, Georgia on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Two non-violent protests started in the afternoon, both calling for racial justice and an end to police brutality following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis six days earlier. As the evening progressed, police forces surrounded the intersection with armored trucks, officers in riot gear and police cars. (Photo/Taylor Gerlach)
[April 21, 2021] Anodos Announces Publication of Article: "How Much Is Too Much to Pay a Trustee?"

Anodos, a trustee governance consulting firm, today announced the publication of an article in the April 21 issue of the peer reviewed California Trusts and Estates Quarterly. The article titled "How Much Is Too Much to Pay a Trustee? An Analysis of the Facts-and-Circumstances Test of the California Rules of Court, Rule 7.776" was co-authored by Josh Yager of Anodos and Peter Myers of Fox Rothschild. "Few trust documents give any direction about how the trustee's compensation should be calculated," said Josh Yager, principal of Anodos Advisors. Predictably this leads to frustration and even litigation between trustees and the beneficiaries they serve. "A well-organized Trustee Compensation Study can significantly reduce friction between these parties." Fortunately, the California Rules of Court have provided guidance on what factors are to be considered when establishing a trustee's compensation. Several of these factors are (1) the trustee's skills, experience, and expertise, (2) the risk and responsibilities assumed by the trustee, (3) the common practice in the community and (4) the amount a corporate trust company woud have charged to do the same work.



"The portion of our article that I think will be particularly helpful to the California Trusts and Estates readers is the supporting fee schedules of the leading corporate trust companies in the state," said Peter Myers, partner at Fox Rothschild. "This corporate trustee fee data is difficult to collect and organize. I am hopeful that it is a resource to our colleagues for years to come." The authors also conducted an inventory of the 58 counties in CA (News - Alert) to identify any local rules of court that inform analysis in the article.

"It's interesting to see how the counties in northern California more frequently adopt local rules which inform the trustee fee analysis than the southern California counties," observes Myers. "Integrating your local rules of court into a trustee fee petition or the trust account would be considered a best practice." About Anodos: Anodos is a governance consulting firm that helps trustees establish, maintain, and evaluate their internal fiduciary governance systems. Common engagements include conducting investment benchmarking studies, trustee compensation reports, drafting/reviewing Investment Policy Statements, and evaluation of the trustee's existing governance practices. What makes Anodos unique is that it does not serve as an investment consultant or advisor, nor in any way is responsible for managing the trust's capital. Anodos is independent with no vested interest in our findings or recommendations. For more information, visit www.anodosadvisors.com. About Fox Rothschild: Fox Rothschild's Taxation & Wealth Planning attorneys provide their clients with sophisticated estate planning advice to help preserve wealth, but we also assist trustees and executors with the administration of trusts and decedent's estates, helping them navigate the often complicated system of intestacy laws and providing advice regarding fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, we are frequently called upon to provide expert testimony in estate, trust and tax matters. For more information, visit www.foxrothschild.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005251/en/

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NEW HAVEN  The former owner of nursing homes in Bridgeport and Waterbury was sentenced Tuesday to 2 1/2 years in prison after he previously pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars of employees benefits.

Although U.S. District Judge Janet Hall said the 72-year-old Chaim Stern had done a lot of good in his life, she said she could not overlook the fact that he had lied to his nearly 500 employees and stolen their pension and health care funds. Stern had owned the Bridgeport Health Care Center, Bridgeport Manor and the Rosegarden Health and Rehabilitation Center in Waterbury.

I just cant overlook the seriousness, its extremely serious to steal from other people their rights, their entitlement and to use it as you think it would be the best way to use it, the judge said.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered Stern, of Flushing, N.Y., to do three years of supervised release. He is to surrender to federal prison officials on May 26.

Stern has already paid $4.9 million in restitution for stealing employees pension funds but he still has to make $2.5 million in restitution for stealing their health care funding and owes $2.2 million to the IRS.

Stern had previously pleaded guilty to theft from an employee benefit plan, theft of healthcare and failure to pay federal taxes. He faced a prison term of 87 months.

During the nearly 4-hour sentencing hearing, three former employees of Sterns Bridgeport nursing homes testified before the judge.

I dont feel sorry for Mr. Stern because he didnt feel sorry for us, said Constance Morton, who worked at Bridgeport Manor.

She told the judge she often went to work only to find out that their pay checks had been delayed. Doctors wouldnt provide her and her family medical care because she said she was told she no longer had medical insurance despite paying into the nursing homes medical plan.

He (Stern) had no compassion for us, he was just looking after himself, pocketing the money, said another former employee, Marie Alves. I had no insurance, I had $45,000 in medical bills because he wasnt paying.

Stern told the judge he couldnt address her because he had too much anxiety. Instead, he sat slumped at the defense table as his wife read a statement on Sterns behalf.

Im ashamed to be here in court, she read, crying. I never intended to harm anyone but I hurt my employees and Im sorry. I hurt my employees and my family.

According to federal prosecutors, from 2010 through 2018, Stern transferred millions in employee pension funds to charities and other businesses that he controlled. They said he also stopped paying into the companys self-funded health care plan.

Sterns lawyer, Stanley Twardy, that his client was trying to save the nursing homes during an economic downturn and that his client had a desperate fear to avoid failure.

However, the judge pointed out that Stern still paid his personal bills and the credit card bills of his family and friends during this time.

The nursing homes were eventually forced to close because of Sterns actions.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major move towards realising its local and regional sustainability ambitions, Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia has eliminated all single-use plastic from its operations across the Kingdom.

The achievement marks Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia's local efforts in support of Virgin Group's wider aspirations to boost its sustainability credentials globally. These group-wide actions ultimately aim to help realise a number of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as the company moves to reinforce its position as a responsible corporate citizen.

Commenting on the achievement, Yaarob Al-Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia, said: "As a digital trail-blazer, our focus has always been to make mobile better, not just through our services but also by driving positive social and environmental impact through everything we do. As we celebrate Earth Day, we want to highlight our success in completely removing single-use plastic from our operations in Saudi Arabia as a starting point reference for all Saudi companies in telco and beyond. This action not only helps our brand to move closer towards responsible consumption and production, but it also allows us to provide a more environmentally friendly mobile carrier service for every customer in the country."

Several similar initiatives implemented by Virgin Mobile across the Middle East has led the brand to successfully cut more than 50 tonnes of single-use plastic from across its operations.

Such major regional success in support of the brand's global commitment led to Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa being awarded Virgin Group's global annual Sustainability Award in 2019 on the back of the initial pilot project.

Complementing its success in eradicating single-use plastic in Saudi Arabia, the mobile telecommunications leader has also announced a review of its carbon footprint, and a commitment to work with customers, partners, and sustainability experts to explore how it could significantly reduce and/or offset its carbon emissions.

"Reducing the negative impact of our operations on society and the environment and providing the foundation to embed sustainable habits in everything we do is at the heart of the Virgin brand. We look forward to keeping all of our stakeholders posted on our progress and will be sharing more exciting announcements in this space throughout 2021," concluded Yaarob Al-Sayegh.

Notes to Editors:

About Virgin Mobile KSA

Virgin Mobile KSA is changing the rules of the mobile game by focusing on providing the best customer experience, innovative digital products and creating a great place to work. An affiliate of the Virgin Mobile Group, no one works harder to making mobile better in Saudi Arabia. Powered by one of the very best 5G Networks, Virgin Mobile connects more customers to the things and the people they care most about.

About Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa

Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa is part of the Virgin family group of companies. Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa is responsible for all Virgin Mobile operations in the Middle East and Africa region, and is headquartered in Dubai, UAE.



Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa has been in the region since 2009 and operates the two consumer brands of Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi Mobile across the region. Partnering with telecoms operators across the region, the Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa team provides customers with innovative products and packages designed to make their mobile experience better. We work closely with other Virgin companies across the world to make sure we can create experiences for our customer's which surprise and delight them, and which can't be matched.

Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa believes in having the best people on the team, and the management team is made up of senior level team members from a variety of successful regional and global mobile operators, as well as from MVNOs. The company has a strong financial foundation supported by well-respected and global and regional shareholders, including Virgin Group, GIC, ePlanet Capital, Dolphin International, NTEC, and members of the senior management team.



About Virgin Group

Virgin Mobile is one of the businesses of the Virgin Group, a leading international branded investment company and one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony and media to transportation, travel, financial services, hotels, health and fitness, as well as renewable technologies and space tourism.

SOURCE Virgin Mobile KSA
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP)  A judge reduced bail Wednesday for a man accused of helping his son hide the body of California college student Kristin Smart, who went missing nearly 25 years ago.

San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Craig Van Rooyen set bail at $50,000 for Ruben Flores, 80, who has pleaded not guilty to accessory after murder in Smart's death. His son, Paul Flores, 44, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is being held without bail.

The judge indicated Monday that he would reduce bail for Ruben Flores from $250,000 to an amount the elder Flores could afford because of health problems and the fact that he faces a maximum of three years in prison if convicted  and he could serve that much time awaiting trial.

Attorney Harold Mesick, representing Ruben Flores, said his client poses no threat to the public and argued he should be released on his own recognizance because it would otherwise take money he needs to hire a soils expert and biologist for the case.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle said bail should remain at $250,000, which he said was affordable, based on documents submitted in court.

The judge concluded the bail should be set at $50,000, explaining that setting bail in something more than he can afford is a detention under the law.

His conditions of release include surrendering his passport, remaining in San Luis Obispo County and agreeing to wear an electronic monitor.

Flores, dressed in an orange inmate's smock and appearing from jail by video, did not speak during the hearing.

Paul Flores was the last person seen with Smart on May 25, 1996, at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where they were both freshmen. Prosecutors said he killed Smart while trying to rape her in his dorm room after he had agreed to walk her home from a party, where she had gotten intoxicated.

Her body has never been found.

The father and son were arrested last week after investigators at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Department found biological evidence indicating Smart was once buried under Ruben Flores deck behind his home in nearby Arroyo Grande, according to a court document.

Story continues

The excavation below his deck ... showed damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved, Peuvrelle said in a written statement filed in court.

Defense lawyers said the evidence they had reviewed was flimsy, based on hearsay and speculation and most had previously been disclosed.

Mesick said during a hearing Monday that the evidence against the father was so minimal as to shock the conscience. Mesick argued there were innocent explanations why soil had previously been dug up in Flores' yard. He said a backhoe had excavated a trench to dump soil that was removed to lay a nearby foundation.

But Peuvrelle said they ignored significant new evidence that had recently been unearthed.

Peuvrelle said in the court document that Ruben Flores had lied and helped his son cover up the crime for nearly a quarter century and would continue to do so if freed.

Due to the evidence gleaned from the excavation, it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores currently knows the location of Kristin Smarts remains, Peuvrelle said. Should he be allowed bail, it is a virtual certainty that he would use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart prosecution in this case and continue to hide her remains.

The document reported by The Tribune of San Luis Obispo was part of a county probation report summarizing why prosecutors wanted Ruben Flores held without bail.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  St. Johns University, which has a campus on Grymes Hill, will require its students to get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine when they return to campus for the fall semester, the college announced Wednesday.

The university joins a rapidly growing list of colleges that will require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is rapidly growing  with Rutgers University in New Jersey leading the way as the first college to announce a vaccine would be mandatory.

As of Monday, April 19, the COVID-19 vaccine is available nationwide to anyone aged 16 and over. As such, St. Johns will require all students to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, and, to provide proof of vaccination before returning to campus for the fall semester, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. Johns University, said in an email to students obtained by the Advance/SILive.com.

The decision to require vaccines comes just a week after the university told the Advance/SILive.com that it was evaluating its vaccination requirements at the schools local and international campuses.

Shanley said in the email on Wednesday that the expanded availability of the COVID-19 vaccine allows the university to take the necessary steps to protect the health of our academic community, and, to move toward a return to our pre-pandemic business operations as a vibrant living and learning institution.

Students enrolled in fully online degree programs  which means these students arent physically on-campus for the duration of the degree  dont need proof of vaccination. This doesnt include students taking some of their courses online. Shanley noted that exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement will be made to students with proof of a documented medical condition or due to religious beliefs.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

Any vaccine authorized for use in the United States will be accepted, Shanley said, including Pfizer, Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine before it was temporarily suspended. The university is reviewing guidelines for international students who may have received other vaccines, like AstraZeneca, and will provide updated guidance to those students at a later date, Shanley stated in the email.

In an effort to encourage vaccination, St. Johns worked with the state Department of Health to receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, April 27. Doses will first be made available to students and will be free of charge.

St. Johns will send additional information about scheduling an appointment to receive a vaccine to students this week.

Because proof of vaccination will be required for all students planning to attend St. Johns this fall, I want to personally encourage you to get vaccinated at your earliest convenience, Shanley stated in the email. Many medical experts have indicated that the best vaccine is the one that you can access as soon as possible. I have already been vaccinated and I am grateful for the experience.

The ongoing risk of serious health consequences for anyone who contracts COVID-19, along with the greater public health threat, are but two strong reasons in favor of getting vaccinated. The well-being and safety of youour students, faculty, administrators, and staffis always the highest priority of St. Johns, and, is my foremost daily prayer for you all, Shanley continued in the email.

Vaccines in New York are currently available to anyone age 16 and older. There are currently two approved vaccines administered in two doses  Pfizer, and Moderna. Only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for people ages 16 and older, while Moderna is for people 18 and older.

The Johnson & Johnson vacicne is temporarily on pause after reports of six women experiencing blood clots shortly after their inoculation. Prior to the pause, the vaccine was a single-dose shot administered to people 18 and older.

NO PLANS YET AT WAGNER, CSI

Staten Islands other two colleges  Wagner College and the College of Staten Island (CSI)  told the Advance/SILive.com last week that they havent made plans to mandate the vaccine for students for the 2021-2022 school year.

The start of the fall semester is still a few months away and the decision will be based on latest available data and science, a spokesperson for CSI, which is located in Willowbrook, told the Advance/SILive.com.

While Wagner College on Grymes Hill hasnt yet made a decision about requiring a COVID-19 vaccine, its encouraging people to get it, and is hosting a pop-up vaccination clinic for its campus community this week.

We have not made a decision about requiring the vaccine at this time, said Ruta Shah-Gordon, Wagner Colleges vice president for campus life. We are waiting for further guidance from the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and New York State before making that decision. We are, however, encouraging folks to get the vaccine.

REQUIRED VACCINES NOT NEW

Requiring vaccinations isnt new for colleges and universities. According to the CDC, many colleges require incoming students to be up to date on certain vaccinations to help prevent germs from spreading quickly in classrooms or communal living spaces.

Under state law, students attending New York State colleges and universities are required to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella.

A different state law requires colleges to provide information on meningitis and the meningitis vaccine to all students registering for six credits or more. The schools must maintain a record that a student has had the immunization, would obtain it within 30 days, or has chosen to not get immunized.

NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

New York City residents can make an appointment at city-run sites throughout the five boroughs, including several locations on Staten Island. There are also state-run sites, as well as chain and local pharmacies, where residents can make appointments. Limited time, pop-up vaccine sites may also be available. Appointments at these sites can be made using the Am I Eligible app or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Some sites that offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may temporarily be closed due to the citys pause following reports of blood clots from the vaccine.

To make vaccination appointments, please visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ or call 1-877-VAX-4NYC.

To be included in a texting service that will provide information about when new appointments are available on Staten Island, text SIVAX to 51555.

School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter:



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A London borough has created an interactive map that lets women pinpoint areas where they don't feel safe walking alone at night.

Barking and Dagenham council created the anonymous online tool to highlight parts of the borough, in the capital's east, that residents - particularly women - say feel dangerous to be alone in after dark.

The tool has already seen the streets around Barking station attracting more than 80 pins, with the centres of nearby Dagenham and Chadwell Heath also highlighted.

A recent survey by the Barking & Dagenham Post saw almost three-quarters (77%) of women say they often felt unsafe while living in the borough.

Scroll down for video

Barking and Dagenham council has asked women to pinpoint areas of the East London borough where they feel unsafe walking alone at night, with Barking station already identified as a problem area

Barking Station has already been pinned more than 80 times by local residents who say the streets around it can feel dangerous at night

Using a consultation portal, residents can also leave feedback on how the council can become a better ally to better improve women's safety standards.

Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety in the borough, Councillor Margaret Mullane, told the Evening Standard: 'Ensuring residents feel safe while walking around their streets comes second to none, so thats why it is extremely important for us to understand where people feel unsafe.

'I would like to encourage all women to take part in the survey, so that we can use the data to improve safety in these areas.'

The request for suggestions on how to make the area of East London safer follows the murder of Sarah Everard.

The 33-year-old marketing executive disappeared as she walked home to Brixton from a friend's house in Clapham, south London on March 3rd.

Anonymous map is part of new measures introduced to help residents feel safer following the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, 33, in Clapham on March 3rd - a Metropolitan police officer was later charged with her murder

Councillor Margaret Mullane said the borough would use the data from the map to improve safety

Wayne Couzens, 48, a firearms officer from Scotland Yard's elite Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command has been charged with her murder and kidnap.

A crowd of around 1,500 people gathered on Clapham Common on March 13th as part of a 'reclaim these streets' protest with other low-key vigils held across the country.

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.

The vigil in Ms Everard's memory later made headlines after it descended into violence.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan has commented on the statement of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who in his interview to the Azerbaijani general television (Azrbaycan Televiziyas) spoke about the entire population of Armenia with open threats of use of force and war.

Armenpress presents the Ombudsmans comment:

The President of Azerbaijan in his interview to the Azerbaijani general television (Azrbaycan Televiziyas) spoke about the entire population of Armenia with open threats of use of force and war on April 20, 2021.

Referring to the territory of the sovereign Republic of Armenia, he spoke about the creation of the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" and the expulsion of the population of Armenia, regardless of the will of Armenia. The President of Azerbaijan also noted. "All forces are mobilized to implement the program. Thus, 101 years later, the Azerbaijani people are returning to the occupied Zangezur."

Before that, for example, in his speeches of April 12 and 13, 2021, the President of Azerbaijan openly stated that ordinary people living in Armenia and Artsakh, the whole Armenian people have psychological disorders, they are full of poison, are incomprehensible, are savages, are arrogant, have no morals, etc. Instead, he demonstrates, in his opinion, the advantages of the people of Azerbaijan, considering them superior in class, morality and psychology, as compared to the Armenian people.

It is obvious that the April 20 interview of the President of Azerbaijan is a proof of genocidal policy, it contains intimidation of the entire population of Armenia, which is absolutely prohibited under international law. All this is done by openly distorting historical facts, presenting Zangezur as an Azerbaijani historical territory.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia specifically states that the President of Azerbaijan makes statements that are evidence of fascist policy, especially after the September-November war of 2020.

It is obvious that in this way the President of Azerbaijan insults, spews ethnic hatred and Armenophobia at the highest state level, and carries out public propaganda of animosity against Armenians.

Professional studies of the Human Rights Defender's Office of Armenia confirm that exactly this Azerbaijani state policy was the basis of atrocities, beheadings alive, torture, and other war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against civilians and servicemen of the Armenian side during and after the war.

These days the Human Rights Defender is carrying out fact-finding activities in the communities of the RA Syunik province. The results of the activities confirm Azerbaijani militarys shootings in the vicinity of peaceful communities, openly intimidating civilians and children, even making inappropriate hand gestures.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia firmly calls for the attention of international organizations, especially those with human rights mandates, to these genocidal and fascist statements.

International organizations must take into account that it was their silence that contributed to more of the Azerbaijani atrocities during the war, and the incredible gross violations of human rights. This is the reason why the President of Azerbaijan makes such absolutely aggressive statements that undermine the foundations of international law.

It is necessary to prevent the Azerbaijani genocidal and fascist policy, the state propaganda of hatred towards Armenians (Armenophobia) and the animosity with decisive steps, to ensure real results, and to prevent new violations of rights and new war crimes in the future.
Authorities have found five people and are looking for the sixth person who illegally entered Phu Quoc Island off the southern Vietnamese province of Kien Giang this week.

A source close to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper confirmed on Tuesday that police in An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City had quarantined five Vietnamese women aged 21 to 32.

Their illegal entry was first detected in the early morning of the same day when local border guard officers spotted four of the women with suspicious signs and escorted them to their station for a working session.

Officers later found the fifth woman as she was staying at a local motel.

They were later brought to a quarantine facility and had their samples collected for COVID-19 testing.

The women said they had traveled to Cambodia to work at some eateries and recently decided to head back to Vietnam due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the neighboring country.

They came to a small island in Cambodia located about five to seven kilometers from Vietnams Phu Quoc Island.

The women then got on a fishing boat and arrived in An Thoi Ward late at night.

These border jumpers added they were traveling with a sixth person  a man who spoke Chinese and said he was a Chinese national.

After arriving in Phu Quoc, the man left the group.

Authorities on Phu Quoc Island, as well as other localities in Kien Giang Province, are exerting full efforts to track down the Chinese-speaking man.

At least five cases of illegal entry have been detected on Phu Quoc since the beginning of this year.

The provincial border guard command has established 26 checkpoints and 18 patrol units equipped with speedboats to safeguard the maritime border off Kien Giang Province.

Local fishermen have also agreed to assist in the effort.

Along the 56-kilometer borderline in the mainland, the Kien Giang border guard command has mobilized more than 1,000 officers to work around the clock at 128 checkpoints and patrol units.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
One of the biggest celebrities ever to pass through the Wilcox County seat of Camden dropped by Jacksons Fried Chicken for lunch.

He ordered Jacksons famous COB (chicken on a bun) sandwich, and his wife got a couple of chicken thighs.

Rixine Jackson, the longtime owner of the local dining gem, didnt have a clue who he was.

But she knew he must be somebody important.

They had like eight cars of people with him, Jackson recalls. And this one guy came in with a camera. And I got to thinking. . . .

Jackson called her husband, Carl, who, in turn, called their son-in-law, Stewart Gwin.

He said, Hey, I want to run something by you, Gwin remembers. (Rixine) just called me and said some Facebook guy is there, and she doesnt really know who.

That was in February 2017, and Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, had just embarked on their road trip across America -- a quest to visit all 50 states, starting in Alabama.

Gwin, who had been keeping up with Zuckerbergs travels on Facebook, put two and two together.

I said, Mark Zuckerberg? No way.

RELATED: The little Alabama deli where everybody knows your name

By then, Jackson was already on her way home, but her social-media-savvy son-in-law told her to turn around.

I said, Do you understand who that is? he says. I was like, This is the photo op of the century. Youve got to go back down there and get a picture of him.

Jackson got back to her restaurant just as Zuckerberg and his wife were leaving.

I met him at the door, and I said, You wouldnt happen to be Mark Zuckerberg? He said, Yeah. I said, Well, my son-in-law said I had to get a picture; is that possible? He said, Sure, sure. So, he came back in, and we got pictures of him.

When Gwin shared that photo on the Jacksons Fried Chicken Facebook page later that day, it got 8,600 likes -- or roughly four times the population of Camden.

Zuckerberg chimed in with a comment, too: Thanks  your chicken is delicious!

It took what we were doing at a very low level of marketing and just sort of put it in overdrive, Gwin says. A lot of people started showing up  new faces that we had never seen outside of that regular Monday through Friday lunch crowd.

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We were delighted to have Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan join us for lunch today! Mark says the... Posted by Jackson's on Monday, February 20, 2017

Been here fortysomething years

Zuckerberg discovered what folks around this small town of about 2,100 in Alabamas Black Belt have known for many years.

And that is, Jacksons has some of the crispiest, juiciest, most awesome fried chicken in Alabama.

The restaurant, in a nondescript, blink-and-youll-miss-it building on Alabama 41, has been around since the late 1970s, according to Jackson, and began as a Crispy Chick franchise.

This has been here fortysomething years, she says. Fried chicken has been here 40 years in this building  or longer, 45 probably.

Jackson -- who grew up in the unincorporated community of Furman, about 20 miles east of Camden -- bought the business in 2006 and renamed it Jacksons Fried Chicken.

Previously, she and her husband started Wilcox Farm Center, a farm supply store, and ran it for 16 years before they sold it. After working for the United States Department of Agriculture for a couple of years, she decided she wanted to be her own boss again and went into the fried chicken business.

I had no idea about the food business, didnt even really want to do the food business, she says. Once I decided I didnt want to work for somebody else, I bought this and figured I could learn it.

I didnt change anything until I learned the business, she adds. Once I learned the business, then I saw where it needed improvements and things I needed to work on and things I needed to change.

RELATED: Alabamas Jefferson Country Store, where time stands still and tradition lives on

She did little things like making the chicken salad with bone-in breasts instead of boneless breasts and adding a green salad topped with fried chicken to the menu.

When I bought the place, they were buying like six heads of lettuce a week, Jackson says. Well, you could buy a whole 24-head-of-lettuce case for the same you were paying for six heads of lettuce. So, I said, OK, lets do a green salad. We take that boneless meat that we put on our COBs and we chop it up and we have a fried chicken salad. Now we go through two cases of lettuce a week.

Jacksons also serves a meat-and-three steamtable menu that features such daily specials as chicken and dumplings, baked chicken, chicken spaghetti and broccoli-chicken casserole, as well as meatloaf, liver and onions and fried catfish.

Its sort of like Nikis West (in Birmingham) but more friendly, Gwin says, smiling. If you ask for extra mac-and-cheese, theyre not going to judge you.

A fresh batch of fried chicken is ready to be served at Jackson's Fried Chicken in Camden, Ala.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

What rural Alabama is about

The signature item, though, is the COB, which has been a mainstay on the menu since long before Jackson bought it.

Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have nothing on Jacksons most popular sandwich, which features boneless fried chicken breasts and a special sauce served on a hoagie bun. Jalapenos are optional.

Its got a little kick to the sauce, Jackson says. And then you can get it with jalapeno peppers, and that has a big kick to it.

On their trips home, kids who grew up in Camden and went away to college come back to Jacksons to get their COB fix, Gwin says. And summer trips to the nearby Alabama River arent complete without a sackful of COBs.

They bring friends back home for the weekend to fish or hunt or play on the river, and its sort of a tradition that you go to Jacksons and get COB combos, he says. Thats what everybody does.

In the summer, when the river is booming, its nothing for them to come by here and place an order for 20 COB sandwiches at a time. That sandwich really kind of put (Jacksons) on the map. Its what they sell the most of year in and year out.

RELATED: Its all in the family at Hancocks, an Alabama BBQ gem

Gwin, who grew up in Demopolis, in neighboring Marengo County, discovered Jacksons after he started dating the Jacksons daughter, Molly, whom he met at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, about a dozen years ago.

The first time I came here, I was like, Man, yall got something more than just a restaurant, he says. This is what rural Alabama is about. People seek out places like this to eat.

It wasnt long before his future in-laws put him to work.

The entire time we were dating, when we were in school and stuff, wed come home on weekends, and I would come down here and help out, whatever needed to be done, he says. My mom has a restaurant in Demopolis herself, so I had been around food service a little bit. I never minded working.

Gwin, who will start medical school at UAB this summer, is also a partner in a small, Black Belt-centric ad agency called Growin Advertising. He uses that marketing experience to help his mother-in-law spread the word about Jacksons Fried Chicken.

These places like Jacksons and other places in small towns like these, theyre hidden gems, Gwin says. Ive always been one (who believes) if you get the message out and let folks know that youre there and you consistently serve good food, theyll show up. And Jacksons has been a testament to that.

The Jackson's Fried Chicken crew includes, from left, Loretha Bowers, Towanda Woods and Jeterrica Savage.(Photo by Stewart Gwin/Growin' Advertising; used with permission)

Gods own fried chicken

While Mark Zuckerberg may be Jacksons most famous customer, hes far from being their longest-distance guest.

About 10 years ago, Brian Schofield, a travel writer for The Sunday Times in London, passed through Camden on his journey through the South.

Schofield subsequently waxed rhapsodic of his experience in the lazy, little village of Camden. He declared Jacksons the finest fried chicken shack in the known universe and called its famous fried yardbird Gods own fried chicken.

A few months after his story appeared in The Sunday Times, a couple of other guests with thick British accents came to visit.

As she always does, Rixine Jackson asked: Where yall from?

They said, London, she recalls. I said, Wow, what are yall doing here?

And they said, Because we read in the Sunday travel section that this has the best fried chicken in the world.

Folks around Wilcox County couldnt agree more.

Jacksons Fried Chicken is at 231 Claiborne St. in Camden, Ala. The phone is 334-682-9089. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, go here.

READ MORE:

The story behind these glorious Alabama grits

Making a forgotten Alabama barbecue joint relevant again

This destination Alabama cafe is worth the trip, by car or boat

Martins Restaurant: The queen of Alabamas meat-and-threes
Infutor This is a great opportunity for Infutor to contribute to the work pioneered by leading industry partners collaborating across the data-driven advertising ecosystem to develop an open-source identity framework. - Kevin Dean, COO of Infutor

Consumer identity management expert Infutor today announced that it has joined the Unified ID 2.0 initiative, founded by The Trade Desk and soon to be operated by Prebid.org.

As the use of third-party cookies for advertising tracking is being phased out, Unified ID 2.0 serves as a consumer friendly and universal identity upgrade.

"This is a great opportunity for Infutor to contribute to the work pioneered by leading industry partners collaborating across the data-driven advertising ecosystem to develop an open-source identity framework," said Kevin Dean, COO of Infutor. Its clear Unified ID 2.0 will be one of the common currencies for digital advertising in the near future and will play a critical role in ensuring data is addressable across the open internet and various identity solutions.

A next-generation identity solution, Unified ID 2.0 is an open-source digital framework with broad collaboration among publishers, buyers and technology providers across the advertising industry.

Unified ID 2.0 was built to preserve the value exchange of the open internet, which allows for free content in exchange for relevant advertising, while also improving consumer transparency, privacy and control, said Bill Michels, GM of Product at The Trade Desk. "We're very excited to have Infutor join us along with the rest of the industry to solve for the future of identity."

About Unified ID 2.0

Unified ID 2.0 is a next-generation identity solution that is an open-source digital framework. With initial development led by The Trade Desk, Unified ID 2.0 is the result of a broad collaboration of publishers, buyers and technology providers across the industry. It serves as an alternative to third-party cookies that aims to improve consumer transparency, privacy and control, while preserving the value exchange of relevant advertising across channels and devices.

Prebid.org, the independent organization designed to ensure and promote fair and transparent marketplaces across the industry, has agreed to serve as operator of Unified ID 2.0. Prebid will begin this role in the second half of this year.

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 of fastest growing companies 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.

###
This is an opinion column.

We waited. Finally, we breathed. Then breathed again. And again.

We breathed like George Floyd could not.

We breathed for his family and loved ones.

We breathed for us. For our nations soul.

We breathed for justice.

We breathed. Again. And again.

We breathed because Derek Chauvin will go to prison. For a very long time.

After three weeks of wrenching testimony in a Minneapolis courtroom, and 10 hours of sequestered deliberation, seven women and five men on Tuesday agreed that Chauvin, a former police officer in the city, crushed Floyds neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds last May while the unarmed man, the unarmed Black man, pleaded for his life, while he screamed, I cant breathe, while he endured seizures, while he cried out for his dead motheruntil he died.

We breathed because, at 4:05 p.m., we finally knew they saw what we saw on the sickening images and video that still haunt so many of us: They saw Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd.

Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges against himsecond-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Under Minnesotas sentencing guidelines, Chauvin may only be sentenced the maximum for the harshest charge: 40 years. However, prosecutors say they will ask Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill to consider aggravating factors. Among them: Floyd endured particular cruelty and was murdered in front of children. If the judge accepts those factors, the sentence could be longer. A sentencing hearing will likely be held within the next eight weeks.

So, for now, just...

Breathe because Floyds heart problems did not stop his heart.

Breathe because Floyds resistancethe lame fallback too often used to justify shooting someone who may fear for their lifewas not enough to murder him.

Breathe because a $20 counterfeit bill, an alleged $20 counterfeit bill, did not deem Floyds death as paid in full.

Breathe because Chauvin was led away in handcuffs.

In this image from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is taken into custody as his attorney, Eric Nelson, left, looks on, after the verdicts were read at Chauvin's trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. (Court TV via AP, Pool)AP

Breathe.

For Michael Brown. For Eric Garner. For Tamir Rice. For Walter Scott. For Alton Sterling. For Philando Castile. For Terence Crutcher. For Stephon Clark. For Breonna Taylor.

Breathe for Daunte Wright.

All unarmed. All dead. All killed by police officers.

Breathe even for Rodney King.

Breathe for the countless victims of the violence perpetrated by law enforcement in our own state, in Birmingham, amid the struggle for equity, civil, and human rights. For dignity.

Breathe for the movement now demanding long-overdue reform in some of the darkest areas of policing, for what for too long seemed impossible: true accountability.

Breathe for perhaps the most important verdict in our lifetime.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: People react after the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trail April 20, 2021 In Minneapolis, Minnesota. Former police officer Derek Chauvin was on trial on second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd May 25, 2020. After video was released of then-officer Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, protests broke out across the U.S. and around the world. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Getty Images

Confession: I didnt watch a single moment of the trial. Call it self-care. I didnt need the inevitable wrenching anxiety of watching and wondering how every word, every morsel of evidence, was being digested by the seven women and five men. How it supported, or perhaps contradicted, what we saw: A man, bearing a facial expression of detached, demonic disdain, slowly squeezing life out of the man beneath his knee.

I served on a jury several years ago in which the defendant, a young Black man, was accused of several crimes allegedly committed while eluding police. (They did not tell us what he was wanted for until after the trial so as not to bias us; we later learned he was alleged to have fatally shot his father in another state.) If youre not in the courtroom every dayfrom when the day is called to order until the judge declares, Court dismissedits impossible to fully and fairly absorb all that is presented, to watch body movement, facial expressions. Even in the courtroom, it is beyond impossible to predict what 12 people will do when they gather behind closed doors.

Thats why I did not watch.

I just waited.

Waited while praying for justice, tempering anxiety, and stiff-arming fear that the seven women and five men might be swayed by defense arguments that Floyd died from something other than Chauvins knee.

That they might have reasonable doubt.

I do not think doubt was there, attorney and former Alabama U.S. Senator Doug Jones shared with me Tuesday afternoon, as we both waited for the verdict. [The] defense did all they could but may have lost some credibility by throwing too much out there. But at the same time, Im not sure they had anything to lose.

Weve all lost so much, and we still much to demand, to march for, to pray for.

Today, at least, we breathe.

Like George Floyd could not.

UPDATE: Column altered to reflect that, under Minnesotas sentencing guidelines, Chauvin can be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years, unless judge accepts aggravating factors that may be presented by the prosecution.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- How do foreigners start business in China? Where do they start their dreams? China's economy grew 18.3% year on year in Q1 of 2021. In 2020, while facing the raging pandemic, China took the lead in containing the coronavirus and became the only country in the world to achieve positive economic growth. As such, it has attracted a host of domestic and foreign venture capitalists and young people with dreams to start businesses. James Condon hopes that through his visit he can share his story with people that also have dreams of their own. The new docuseries "Viewing China from Afar " Season III produced by People's Daily Online West USA Inc. provided a glimpse into the life of a crowd of foreigners in China in 2020.

People's Daily Online West USA Inc.

This episode narrates the motivation of James, who wants to start a business there in China in the second half of 2020. James visited Huangpu district of Guangzhou to learn about the favorable business climate with a hope that his local friends could show him around.

James' friend, Zuo Zhijun, a 'precursor' who has been working in Huangpu for two years, introduced to him the working and living environment in Huangpu. In 2020, Huangpu secured itself as the first among all economic development zones in China in terms of six major indicators including the GDP. The company where Zuo works has grown into an industry leader after over a decade's dedication in Huangpu.

James was told by Zuo that the most attractive thing about Huangpu district is that it's not only a land for entrepreneurship, but also retains the ancient culture it once had. As historical sites meet Business Accelerator Park, what highlights can be expected from the integration of history and innovation? Zuo took James to Nanhai God Temple which has a history of 1,400 years in China to tell him the amazing story about the foreign deity that stayed behind during the Tang dynasty. They walked through narrow alleys made of century-old blue bricks, ancient ancestral halls, small bridges, and strolled through ancient villages to experience the history of Huangpu. They also went to Business Accelerator Park to see the efficiency of flexible car lines from which a car can be produced in half the time compared to the traditional production method. James experienced the research and development, verification and trial production process carried out by global experts using VR technology. These represent a dynamic Huangpu today.

During a full-day trip in Huangpu, James made this decision and said: "The amazing Huangpu is both traditional and modern, so I like it very much and I think I might settle down here." If you are thinking of starting a business in China, why not follow James' journey and experience the "past and present" of Huangpu, Guangzhou.

Wei Deng

Phone: 650.680.6791

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

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Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBzeQzy20Xs



SOURCE People's Daily Online West USA Inc.
Our community is literally pleading to the Board of Trustees to listen to reason. The district heads have done an effective job in trying to pit the River and Harvest communities against each other. Divide and conquer, right? In reality, our community goals are very aligned. Sending these kids to River, Silverado and Redwood does them a disservice. Not to mention that $2 million in annual savings from these proposed closures accounts for 1.2% of the total budget. Is 1.2% worth thrusting our children into further chaos? It feels as if this decision was made for us, not with us. It feels manipulative.

How did the district blow through $269 million worth of bond money? How much will it cost for the unoccupied upkeep of Harvest Middle School? What will happen to the property and what is happening with the previously closed Yountville and Mt. George campuses? What will be the cost of busing these displaced students or the cost of traffic control for the remaining middle schools? What is the price tag of re-structuring Redwood and Silverado Middle Schools to successfully meet the influx of 1,000 students? None of these questions have been addressed by the task force or district heads.




China News on Women





Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page
New Delhi:

At least 24 passengers travelling to Mumbai from Goa on Tejas Express fell ill on Sunday after consuming breakfast served by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

According to reports three passengers out of 24 are in the intensive care unit.

Konkan Railway officials confirmed the development and said, All passengers were deboarded at Chiplun and rushed to government and private hospitals.

According to officials, on learning passengers falling ill after consuming breakfast they were deboarded at Chiplun and rushed to government and private hospitals.

According to IRCTC about 290 passengers were served breakfast. Three passengers around 12 pm complained about feeling uneasy and started vomiting. A couple of minutes later more passengers complained of similar symptoms.

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

We understand your concern.We would like to assure you that all the passengers currently hospitalized are out of danger 1/2  IRCTC (@IRCTC_Ltd) October 15, 2017

Also read| Tejas Express between Mumbai and Goa flagged off: Suresh Prabhu terms it first step towards safer trains



IRCTC tweeted, Dear Sir/Ma'am, We understand your concern.We would like to assure you that all the passengers currently hospitalized are out of danger and the same has been confirmed by hospital authorities.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Facebook said it would take emergency steps to limit hate speech and calls for violence that "could lead to civil unrest or violence" when the verdict came down in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

The social media giant has used these powerful moderation tools before. And that has Facebook critics asking: Why don't they deploy them all the time?

"If Facebook can be safer for Black people, why isn't that the default setting?" said Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change.

Facebook declined to say why it has not made the measures permanent or if plans to.

On Tuesday, a Minneapolis jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the killing of GeorgeFloyd. Cellphone video of Floyd's death last May under Chauvin's knee went viral and set off months of protests in the U.S. and abroad condemning police brutality and calling for racial justice.

In anticipation of a verdict in the trial, Facebook pledged to remove posts from Facebook and Instagram that urged people to take up arms and any content that praised, celebrated or mocked George Floyd's death. It also designated Minneapolis as a "high risk location."

"As we have done in emergency situations in the past, we may also limit the spread of content that our systems predict is likely to violate our Community Standards in the areas of hate speech, graphic violence, and violence and incitement," Monika Bickert, vice president of content policy, said in a blog post.

Facebook took similar steps to curb flow of misinformation and calls to violence in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Emerson Brooking, resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, says Facebook's handling of the Chauvin verdict is a case study "in just how far we've come in the past year."

"In 2020, the social media platforms struggled and often failed to contain violent rhetoric, especially (former) President (Donald) Trump's dehumanizing language targeting the George Floyd protesters," said Emerson Brooking, resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab.

Now, the platforms better understand that "the cycles of violent rhetoric on social media can sometimes mean the difference between life and death," said Brooking, co-author of "LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media."

But Robinson and other activists say Facebook has not done enough to protect Black users from hate and abuse.

"Color Of Change and our allies have been calling on Facebook to enforce its content moderation policies and limit posts that incite hate and violence for years. And yet it was not until today, in anticipation of the Derek Chauvin verdict, that Facebook decided it was in their corporate interest to not be responsible for more violence, or even death, incited on its platform," he said in a statement.

"When former President Donald Trump posted 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' in response to protests following George Floyd's murder, Facebook leadership refused to take down the post and insisted there was nothing they could do," Robinson's statement continued. "When two innocent protesters were murdered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, again we were told there was nothing they could doeven as it was uncovered that users flagged posts inciting violence hundreds of times prior to the shootings."

Robinson called for "a permanent extension of this content moderation commitment" or for Congress to intervene.

Explore further Facebook removes another 900 accounts linked to hate groups

(c)2021 U.S. Today

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiners Office is requesting the assistance of the public in locating the family of the following decedents who recently died in Jefferson County. If you are family or if you have knowledge of family, please call the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiners Office at 205-930-3603.

Authorities are searching for family members of four men and one woman who have died over the past month in Jefferson County.

All five died of natural causes. Their bodies are ready to be released for burial and the Jefferson County Coroners Office has not been able to find their relatives to notify them.

Johnnie William Harris, a 72-year-old Black male, died March 29 at his home in the 7700 block of Third Avenue South. He was found during a welfare check at his apartment and pronounced dead at 7:23 p.m.

Johnnie Williams Harris

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said all attempts to locate family have failed and neighbors report the decedent rarely had visitors. Harris lived in Montgomery in 1999.

Ruby Catherine Deese, an 85-year-old white female, died April 1 at St. Vincents East. At the time of her death, she was living in the 3300 block of 38th Place North. The hospital did not list any emergency contact information for Deese. No photo was available for Deese.

Roderick T. Lampkin, a 65-year-old Black male, was found dead April 9 during a welfare check at his home. Lamkin lived in the 200 block of Munger Avenue S.W.

Roderick T. Lampkin

David E. Herod, a 64-year-old Black male, died April 2. Herod was pronounced dead at 2:52 p.m. that Thursday at St. Vincents Est. Again, no emergency contacts were listed for Herod.

David E. Herod

Jimmie Dean Young, a 60-year-old white male, was found dead April 15 in the 1500 block of Vanderbilt Road. The discovery was made inside his tent in a homeless camp located in a wooded area along Vanderbilt Road.

His friends told authorities he had no family and was originally from Wyoming.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- illycaffe advances its #ONEMAKESTHEDIFFERENCE initiative (One Makes The Difference) in North America as part of its global sustainability plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2033. The immediate opportunity is to eliminate 175 tons of plastic per year globally through new eco-friendly disposable items and products, starting with a new recyclable to-go cup and lid which is 100% PEFC certified from sustainably managed forests.

illy Targets 175 Tons of Plastic Reduction

The One Makes The Difference to-go cups will be available for illy hospitality customers at cafes and other out-of-home channels across its entire North American and global footprint. The cup recently received a Save the Planet award recognition from the Carton Excellence Award.

The One Makes The Difference platform communicates that everyone can make a difference in working toward a sustainable world and encompasses illy's approach to sustainable quality, which helps protect and improve the well-being of the planet. It also embodies new environmentally friendly products that illy is creating for the market using the best technologies and research applied to raw materials and production processes.

In late summer 2021, illy will release the new X1 ESE & Ground coffee machine in North America which is equipped with technology to enable it to dispense coffee, steam, and hot water immediately, avoiding any waiting time previously needed to reach the correct temperature. After each use, the machine instantly goes into standby mode, thereby ensuring significant energy savings. This machine also combines two methods of coffee preparation which are environmentally sustainable: the new ESE compostable paper pods and ground coffee. All of the materials used in the construction of the machine were carefully researched and chosen to last over time. Even the packaging follows eco-friendly guidelines.

Over the next few years, the #ONEMAKESTHEDIFFERENCE initiative will continue to develop other sustainable products and offer solutions that competently respond to consumer needs by using less material and energy resources to reduce the environmental impact.

"We want to build a better future together with our customers using the approach of continuous improvement, which has distinguished us for over 85 years, knowing that day by day and deed by deed, each of us can make a difference," said Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of illycaffe. "At the heart of these actions is to ultimately reach our ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral for the 100th Anniversary of the founding of illycaffe."

Inspired by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, illycaffe pursues economic sustainability through the sharing of its generated value, social sustainability through personal growth, and environmental sustainability through respect for the ecosystem, which translates into the principles of not polluting, not wasting, and using renewable resources. The ability to move towards a decarbonizing society, where individual businesses and each person can make a difference, represents a fundamental step for the company.

In mid-April 2021, illycaffe became the first Italian coffee company to obtain B Corp status, underscoring the company's commitment to generating a positive impact on society and the planet, and affirming its business model, which is based in creating sustainable value for the long term.

About illycaffe

illycaffe is an Italian family-owned company, founded in Trieste in 1933. Its mission has always been to offer the best coffee to the world. illycaffe produces a unique 100% Arabica blend, combining 9 of the best varieties in the world, selected by illycaffe: every day 8 million cups of illy coffee are served in over 140 countries around the globe, in the cafes, restaurants and hotels, in single-brand cafes and shops, at home. As a result of its innovations, illycaffe contributes to the coffee technology progress at global level. In 1991, the "Premio Ernesto Illy de qualidade sustentavel do cafe para espresso" was launched in Brazil for quality espresso coffee. illycaffe has contributed to the sharing of the know-how, paying growers a premium price for the best quality selected by illycaffe. Since 2016, with the "Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award", the company has celebrated coffee growers all over the world that, according to illy, have produced the best sustainable coffee. Since 2013, the company has been in the list of the World Most Ethical Companies. In 2019, it enhanced its commitment to pursue a sustainable business model integrating the interest of people with the environment, adopting the status of Societa Benefit (Benefit Company) and adding this commitment into its own bylaws. In 2021, illycaffe was the first Italian company in the coffee sector to obtain the international certification as B Corp as a result of its commitment to comply with the highest standards of social and environmental performance. The company also founded the University of Coffee, which has the objective of sharing culture at all levels, offering a comprehensive and practical training to growers, baristas and coffee lovers. Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, up to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 100 international artists. In 2019, the company had 1405 employees and a turnover of  520,5 million. There are 269 illy single-brand shops in over 40 countries all over the world. In 2021, Rhone Capital became a minority shareholder of illycaffe with the aim of contributing to the company's international growth plans.

SOURCE illy

Related Links

https://www.illy.com


MBABANE  In what can only be described as a dramatic movie scene, a female cop is alleged to have held an elderly woman hostage for about three hours.

The elderly woman is the paternal grandmother to her three-year-old child. The reason, according to the elderly woman, was that the female police officer, *Ngeti, was trying to convince her not to allow her son (also a police officer) to traditionally wed (kuteka) another woman. The two officers have a three-year-old child together as they were once in a relationship. The incident has since been reported at the Mafutseni Police Station and is said to have taken place over a week ago.

Ceremony

According to the male officer, *Pawula, on a Friday morning, he received a call from his mother which was rather strange as she asked him not to go ahead with the intended ceremony of kuteka. It should be noted, however, that the kuteka ceremony continued. Narrating the ordeal, Pawula alleged that it was around 8am and his mother was preparing to open a preschool which she taught at in Mafutseni. He said when his mother was still attending to the preschoolers and sanitising them, the mother of his child, Ngeti, arrived at the school premises driving a grey Toyota sedan. She asked that my mother joins her in the vehicle as there was a matter which she wished to discuss with her, said Pawula.

Oblivious to what may befall her, the elderly woman went to the car. Pawula, however, alleged that after his mother had boarded vehicle, the female cop allegedly automatically locked the car and produced a screwdriver which she threatened to use should the elderly woman cause trouble. It was reported that Ngeti then drove the woman to a secluded place which had many trees somewhere near Mahlabane. It was alleged that when they reached the secluded spot, Ngeti continued asking the woman why she was allowing her son to wed another woman. Ngeti is said to have made all sorts of threats against the elderly woman, some of which cannot be repeated. It was further claimed that the female officer instructed the elderly woman to call her son and inform him, in a calm manner, that she had reservations against him taking this unidentified woman as a wife because she had heard unsavoury things about her. The elderly woman was said to have been held hostage for a period of almost three hours, with back and fourth talks.
DUBLIN, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Mining in East Africa 2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report focuses on Mining in East Africa and includes descriptions of mineral resources, exploration, production, economic contribution and trade across numerous countries.

There are profiles of 44 companies including Canadian company Barrick Gold, which owns a majority interest in three gold mines in Tanzania, and South African AngloGold Ashanti, which owns the Geita mine in Tanzania.

Other profiles include Tirupati Graphite, which reached commercial production at one mine and is building and planning numerous processing plants in Madagascar, and EcoGraf, which has graphite projects in Tanzania.

Mining in East Africa:

Dozens of companies are actively exploring in East Africa, which is still largely underexplored, but some of the challenges faced by exploration and mining companies include a general lack of skilled workers and inadequate infrastructure such as roads and electricity. A large number of companies are involved in the region's mining sector, including major companies like Rio Tinto, Barrick Gold and AngloGold Ashanti. Artisanal mining forms a large part of the mining sector in East Africa.

Some of the region's most significant minerals exports are rutile, ilmenite, zircon, gold, and soda ash. Significant investment across several countries has included the opening and development of gold refineries in Rwanda and Tanzania, development of a potash mine in Eritrea and various gold investments in Tanzania, among others.



Government Initiatives:

The mining sector has been identified by most countries in the region as a potential catalyst for economic development, and there is a determined effort to develop the sector and to make it more attractive to investors. This has included a draft policy in Ethiopia to attract foreign mining companies to develop its mining sector.

In Rwanda, the processing of new licence applications is being streamlined while in Tanzania, the government established mineral trading centres in every region to reduce tax evasion and illegal exports of minerals. In Uganda, artisanal mining activities are being legalised to bring them into the tax net.



Report Coverage:



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Region Information



3. Description of the Industry

3.1. Industry Value Chain

3.2. Geographic Position



4. Size of the Industry



5. State of the Industry

5.1. Local

5.1.1. Trade

5.1.2. Corporate Actions

5.1.3. Regulations

5.2. Continental

5.3. International



6. Influencing Factors

6.1. Coronavirus

6.2. Economic Environment

6.3. Government Involvement

6.4. Lack of Infrastructure

6.5. Environmental Concerns

6.6. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation

6.7. Labour Resources



7. Competition

7.1. Barriers to Entry



8. SWOT Analysis



9. Outlook



10. Industry Associations



11. References

11.1. Publications

11.2. Websites



Appendix

Summary of Notable Players

Company Profiles

Ambatovy Minerals S.A.

Anglogold Ashanti Ltd

Ariab Mining Co Ltd

Barrick Gold Corporation

Base Titanium Ltd

Bass Metals Ltd

Bisha Mining Share Company

Cradle Resources Ltd

Danakali Ltd

Delgo Mining Co Ltd

East Africa Metals Inc

Ecograf Ltd

Edenville Energy plc

Etablissements Gallois S.A.

Gem and Rock Ventures Co. Ltd

Gemfields Group Ltd

Golden United Group

Goldplat plc

Kefi Gold and Copper plc

Kermas Ltd

Kibo Energy plc

Lemur Holdings Ltd

Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd

Managem S.A.

Minjingu Mines and Fertilizers Ltd

Nextsource Materials Inc

Ngali Mining Ltd

Oriole Resources plc

Piran Resources Ltd

Qit Madagascar Minerals S.A.

Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd

Shanta Gold Ltd

Stamigold Company Ltd

Strandline Resources Ltd

Tancoal Energy Ltd

Tanzanian Gold Corporation

Tanzaniteone Mining Ltd

Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd

Tinco Investments Ltd

Tirupati Graphite plc

Universal Resources International Ltd

Volt Resources Ltd

Walkabout Resources Ltd

Williamson Diamonds Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uuzutf

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

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Everyone deserves access to high-level behavioral health care now more than ever...If we can train more community members to help those in need and to know the proper referral channels, we can improve the health of our communities.

Lutheran Family and Childrens Services of Missouri (LFCS) has seen a 400 percent increase in requests for mental health services over the last year as the pandemic created a mental health crisis for children and families.

To address this growing need, LFCS is actively working to provide individuals with essential behavioral health resources such as professional mental health counseling, prevention services, and accessible education tools like their newest offering, Mental Health First Aid, an evidenced-based innovative training that equips participants with the tools to recognize signs of trauma and mental illness.

The 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report noted that 47 million US adults experience mental illness, equivalent to 19 percent of the population. In Missouri, nearly one million adults over the age of 18 suffer from mental illness every year.

The pandemic negatively impacted these numbers.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during June of 2020, 40 percent of adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse. In the same study, it was found that nationwide, symptoms of anxiety and depression had a considerable increase during April to June 2020, when compared with the same period in 2019.

While these statistics are troubling, they show us that more people are recognizing they have a mental health issue that they need help addressing, said Mike Duggar, President and CEO of LFCS. Everyone deserves access to high-level behavioral health care now more than ever. Part of this care is educating those beyond the front lines about how to be a mental health advocate and resource. Thats where our Mental Health First Aid Training Program serves to complement all of the other mental health resources we offer. If we can train more community members to help those in need and to know the proper referral channels, we can improve the health of our communities.

LFCS aims to provide free or low-cost behavioral health services to individuals across the state, as well as readily accessible resources for those struggling. These initiatives include:

Counseling: LFCS currently offers highly accessible counseling services at 13 locations across Missouri, including St. Louis City and County, Franklin County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County and Cape Girardeau. The agency offers outpatient therapeutic counseling to families, children, adults and couples, regardless of their ability to pay. Treatments address a variety of issues such as mood or behavior disruption, difficulties with work or school, depression, anxiety, and family or social relationship problems. Counseling is offered both in person and through telehealth.

Prevention: LFCS recognizes the equal importance of intervention and prevention services to comprehensively address mental health issues across Missouri. The agency currently leads several initiatives to support at-risk populations. STEP-Up is a school-based prevention program designed to engage at-risk youth in activities to increase positive life choices and decrease likelihood of behaviors that can lead to mental health issues. LFCS provides trauma-informed prevention education to community leaders and organizations in Franklin County, as well as intensive trauma training, consultation and one-on-one visits to K-12 schools following the Missouri Model for Trauma Informed Schools.

Education and Additional Resources: To address the need for information about mental health, the organization offers a catalog of resources and education opportunities, including:



Mental Health Minute, a free monthly e-newsletter, designed to help children and families better understand mental health issues and provide a safe space for conversation. The agency has seen high levels of engagement with this new initiative, and will continue to provide this resource long after the pandemic.

Mental Health First Aid, an evidenced-based innovative training that equips participants with the tools to recognize signs of trauma and mental illness. The training costs $30 per person and can be offered for private groups, in addition to the general sessions offered through LFCS for any member of the public. Especially valuable for professionals like teachers, first responders, and medical professionals who regularly work with children or people in crisis situations, LFCS can deliver Mental Health First Aid training anywhere across Missouri either virtually or in-person for groups up to 25.

LFCS Mental Health Presentations provide an overview of several mental health topics. Each presentation was designed by mental health professionals to educate the community on issues such as anxiety and depression, suicide, mentally healthy habits, and trauma. All content can be accessed via the LFCS YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4j9rXtGA4T0T9L55LEQrOA.

As we continue to observe the effects this pandemic has had on mental health, we need to ensure that any individual that needs help has the resources and ability to receive care, said Duggar. We hope that Mental Health Awareness Month will inspire the community to get involved, so that we can better serve children and families in need across the state.

Community members who would like to support LFCSs ongoing efforts can donate at any time, or participate in Give STL Day on May 6th. Visit http://www.lfcsmo.org to learn more information and get involved.

###

About Lutheran Family and Childrens Services (LFCS)

LFCS, a proud member of the United Way, is a statewide agency with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, three regional offices, and numerous satellite service sites. The mission of LFCS is to empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow. As a nonprofit social services organization, its vision is to make generations of children and families safer and stronger together. LFCS opens doors for people who face poverty, unexpected pregnancy, violence, unemployment, illness, homelessness, and more. To tackle these challenges, LFCS programs are delivered in two key services areas: Family Services and Behavioral Health Services. A dedicated staff delivers professionalism and personal care in equal measure to every situation and each client who visits one of the many offices in Missouri. LFCS services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender, or age. For more information, call 314-754-2785 or visit lfcsmo.org.


Rahul Gandhi an opposition Congress party leader and scion of Indias Nehru-Gandhi family, says he has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing mild symptoms.

Gandhi, 50, said in a tweet on Tuesday that All those whove been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe. Gandhi last week called off political rallies in West Bengal state where provincial elections are being held.

On Monday, another top Congress party leader and former prime minister, Manmohan Singh, also tested positive and was hospitalized as a precaution. Singh, 88, had a mild fever on Sunday.

A senior Congress party leader, P. Chidambaram, said on Tuesday that Singh is stable and the progress is good.

Indias Health Ministry reported 259,170 new infections and 1,761 deaths on Tuesday. The country has reported daily infections above the 200,000 mark for six days.

In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:

Japans western metropolis of Osaka has decided to ask the government to declare a state of emergency in the region after ongoing alert measures failed to control the spread of a more contagious coronavirus variant. The decision by Osakas governor to request a third state of emergency comes just 50 days after an earlier toothless state of emergency ended. A new state of emergency, under a law toughened in February, would allow authorities to issue binding orders for business owners to close or shorten service hours. Measures for the general public, including mask wearing and staying at home, would remain non-mandatory requests. Nationwide, Japan has recorded 537,317 cases including 9,671 deaths as of Monday  results that are good by world standards but worse than in some other Asian countries  without any enforced lockdowns. But people are becoming impatient and less cooperative in response to requests. Osaka is expected to close theme parks, shopping malls and other commercial facilities to drastically reduce public activity for a few weeks.

 Malaysian opposition lawmakers, led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad have submitted a petition to the palace seeking an end to a coronavirus emergency so Parliament can resume. The countrys king approved Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassins plan for an emergency in early January to curb the virus, but critics say it is a political ruse to help the embattled leader stay in power. The emergency entails a suspension of Parliament until Aug. 1. Mahathir says the emergency is about a weak government wanting to stay in power. Muhyiddins government has a razor-thin majority in Parliament but support for his leadership cant be tested with parliament suspended. Malaysias virus cases have more than doubled to 377,000 since January.

 The Pacific nation of Fiji has closed schools and canceled sporting events as it deals with its first coronavirus cases outside of quarantine in more than a year. A soldier and a room cleaner at a quarantine facility have both tested positive, but there hasnt been any indication so far that the virus is spreading more widely in the community. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the nation was again facing a grave and present danger. The government ordered all gyms, bars and theaters within two containment zones closed and large gatherings canceled for at least two weeks. Home to a little under 1 million people, Fiji has recorded just two virus deaths since the pandemic began, but experts fear its health system would be ill-equipped to deal with a major outbreak.
SACRAMENTO  Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a drought emergency for Sonoma and Mendocino counties, but resisted calls to issue a statewide proclamation  at least for now.

Newsoms emergency order primarily affects communities and water districts in the Russian River watershed, which includes the cities of Santa Rosa, Ukiah and Sebastopol. Some 360,000 people live in the area.

The governors order gives the state Water Resources Control Board the power to curtail some users rights to divert water from the river, a measure designed to preserve supply for homes and other priority users. It is the first such declaration following two years of minimal rainfall that have dried out much of California.

Im standing currently 40 feet under water, or should be standing 40 feet under water save for this rather historic moment, Newsom said during a news conference held in the dry lake bed of Lake Mendocino, a reservoir north of Ukiah.

Mendocino and Sonoma counties have been hit hard by drought. The water level in Lake Mendocino, which feeds the Russian River basin, is at 43% of its normal capacity for the date. Rainfall in parts of Sonoma County is 39% of the historic average.

Officials said the region is more susceptible to drought because it is dependent on rain to fill local reservoirs, unlike much of the Bay Area and other metro areas, which receive large amounts of water from faraway sources such as the Sierra and major rivers.

Lake Mendocino is the canary in the coal mine when it comes to Californias drought, said state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, who spoke alongside Newsom. The alarm is sounding and it couldnt be louder.

The area is hardly an anomaly in California. Most of the state is parched, but Newsom has said hes not ready to declare a statewide emergency. Last week, he downplayed the significance of such a declaration, saying the state can move forward with many drought measures without officially calling the situation an emergency.

On Wednesday, Newsom said his administration is making preparations to issue drought declarations in more counties, if necessary.

Were taking a targeted approach. ... Were taking an approach based upon actual conditions on the ground, he said. But right now, were not prepared to advance a statewide order.

But state officials didnt deny that similar declarations could be needed elsewhere. They said residents should begin to limit their water use voluntarily.

If youre in a different part of the state, you probably need to know that this will one day happen to you, said Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources. Keep conserving. ... We want you to be resilient.

Some Bay Area water districts have started to move forward with voluntary and mandatory restrictions. On Tuesday, the Marin Municipal Water District board voted to require about 190,000 residents to stop washing their cars and power-washing homes and driveways.

Several South Bay water agencies are asking customers to conserve, and San Francisco is expected to ask households in the city to cut outdoor watering by 10%.

Former Gov. Jerry Brown issued the last statewide drought declaration, in 2014, and kept it in place for three years. His order urged people to conserve, mandated that state agencies cut water use and allowed the state to more quickly transfer water to priority users.

State legislators from the Central Valley sent a letter to Newsom this month urging him to declare an emergency so the state can mitigate the effects of a drought on farmers and the food-supply chain. If Newsom declared a California-wide emergency, state agencies could more easily transfer water to agriculture and other priority users.

On Wednesday, state Senate GOP leader Scott Wilk of Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County) said the governor had prioritized the Wine Countrys problems over those of other parched regions.

While the overwhelming majority of the state is experiencing extreme drought conditions, Gov. Newsom has chosen to only serve his French Laundry wine and cheese crowd, Wilk said in a statement, referring to the Napa County restaurant where Newsom attended a dinner party during the pandemic.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
Pfizer Inc has identified the first confirmed instances of counterfeit versions of its COVID-19 vaccine being used abroad.

Fake doses of the two-shot inoculation, developed with German partner BioNTech SE, were found in Mexico and Poland, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The vials in Mexico had fraudulent labeling while those found in Poland appeared to contain a substance used in skin-care products.

It is the latest attempt in vaccine-related crime as offenders try to exploit the worldwide mass immunization campaign and to make a profit off of the live-saving shots.

Pfizer Inc said it has identified counterfeit versions of its coronavirus vaccine being used in Mexico and Poland. Pictured: A vial of a fraudulent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Mexico

In Mexico, about 80 people received fraudulent doses at one clinic in Nuevo Leon for $1,000 each in February, but none appear to be injured. Pictured: A Pfizer scientist studies a vial of a suspected counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine from Mexico under a microscope

Pfizer confirmed The Journal's report in a statement to DailyMail.com, writing that the pharmaceutical company 'has identified counterfeit versions of its COVID-19 vaccine in Mexico and Poland.'

'We are cognizant that in this type of environment - fueled by the ease and convenience of e-commerce and anonymity afforded by the Internet - there will be an increase in the prevalence of fraud, counterfeit and other illicit activity as it relates to vaccines and treatments for COVID-19,' the statement read, in part.

In Mexico, about 80 people at a clinic in Nuevo Leon state received the fake vaccine at about $1,000 per dose.

Dr Manuel de la O, the health secretary of the state, told The Journal that the vaccines were discovered in coolers like those brought to the beach and had different lot numbers than those that were sent to Nuevo Leon.

None of the people who received the counterfeit shot appeared to be injured and six people have been detained.

Meanwhile, in Poland, the fake doses were seized from a man's apartment and don't appear to have been given to anybody.

In Poland, officials discovered that the liquid inside the fraudulent vials appeared to be an anti-wrinkle treatment. Pictured: A suspected fake vial of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine from Poland being examined

The Journal reports that the liquid inside the vials was examined and appears to be an anti-wrinkle treatment.

''Everybody on the planet needs it. Many are desperate for it,' Lev Kubiak, Pfizer's world head of security, told the newspaper.

'We have a very limited supply, a supply that will increase as we ramp up and other companies enter the vaccine space. In the interim, there is a perfect opportunity for criminals.'

Over the course of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has seized thousands of fraudulent items including masks and personal protective equipment.

Now, as the world's attention has turned towards vaccines, so has the attention of criminals, with INTERPOL warning in December 2020 that vaccines would become a 'prime target of organized crime.'

Thousands of fake doses of COVID-19 vaccines were seized by police in China and South Africa in March.

The DHS told The Journal that no counterfeit coronavirus vaccines have been found in the U.S., to date.

Several countries, including America, have taken down websites claiming to sell vaccine doses.

The websites ask for people's personal information, such as social security numbers and credit card numbers, which are then used to commit identify theft.

Pfizer has advised the public to never attempt to buy an inoculation via the Internet, writing in its statement that 'no legitimate vaccine is sold online.'

According to the Journal, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center of the DHS had removed 30 websites and seized 74 web domains.

'Pfizer has extensive experience in criminal risk mitigation and is collaborating with BioNTech to take meaningful steps to help reduce the risk of illicit COVID-19 Vaccine activity,' Pfizer's statement read.

'Our designated team of ex-law enforcement and forensic science specialists are tracking trends very carefully and have processes in place to identify threats to the legitimate supply chain.

'We continue to work with governments, law enforcement, healthcare providers and others to combat this illegal trade.'
In the wake of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin being convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, a grassroots civil rights group based in New Jersey is planning to gather Wednesday in Newark to protest police brutality.

The Peoples Organization for Progress, which was formed with a mission of eradicating racism and taking on relevant social issues, will protest beginning at 4 p.m. at the Lincoln statue, located at West Market Street and Springfield Avenue.

The group said it planned to hold the event regardless of what verdict the jury reached.

Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict Tuesday afternoon after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days.

Lawrence Hamm, who leads Peoples Organization for Progress, joined others across the state in saying that the verdict should be seen as a victory. He hoped it would give impetus to greater police reform, too.

This is one case and its one case that had a good ending, Hamm told NJ Advance Media minutes after the verdict was handed down. But this one conviction in no way exonerates a criminal justice system that has been rife with institutional racism for hundreds of years.

Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead and Chauvin pressed his knee on or close to Floyds neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.

The death sparked nationwide protests, many of them turning violent.

Hamm has said The Peoples Organization for Progress includes among its goals advocating for human and civil rights and promoting world peace.

Everyone who participates in Wednesdays protest was asked to wear a face mask and to practice social distancing.

This article contains material from the Associated Press.

Reporter Rebecca Panico contributed to this article.

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.
KEENE VALLEY  Parking restrictions have been added on traffic-clogged parts of an Adirondacks High Peaks road that have grown increasingly popular with hikers in recent years.

Weeks after the institution of a parking reservation system for the nearby Adirondack Mountain Reserve area, state officials have imposed 15-minute limits for the Roaring Brook Falls overlook area along Route 73. Officials also have put in parking delineators, or metal stakes, along shoulders in the area to keep cars from parking there.

The stretch of roadway had been too crowded with parked cars and created a traffic hazard for motorists and hikers walking along the road, officials said.

The Roaring Brook Falls lookout has been posted for 15-minute parking only to allow for its intended use as a scenic overlook. The delineators will help to prevent unsafe parking and reduce pedestrian traffic to help address ongoing public safety issues, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said in a prepared statement. These efforts will be monitored and adjustments made in the future if adverse effects are identified.

The parking restrictions were first reported in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Adirondack Explorer.

The targeted stretch of Route 73 is next to a number of trails leading to several increasingly crowded High Peaks, including Giant, Upper and Lower Wolfjaw and Rooster Comb.

For the last several years, officials have worried about hikers walking along the highway toward the various trailheads, saying the mix of people walking, traffic, illegal parking, and roadside stopping along Route 73 have "created a dangerous environment for hikers and motorists alike. As the High Peaks have grown in popularity, backcountry travelers have found themselves jockeying for parking spaces, which often are filled by 6 or 7 in the morning.

In March, the DEC and the private Mountain Reserve said they would require parking reservations for their 70-car lot from May 1 through Oct. 31.

The reservation system applies to vehicles dropping off hikers as well, although each car can carry up to six hikers. That impacts trails to places like Rainbow Falls, Indian Head and Noonmark and Round mountains.

For the past several summers forest rangers have been patrolling the roads, offering warnings and writing tickets for cars that are illegally parked along the narrow roads. The area was particularly busy last summer as COVID-weary hikers who might normally travel to other states stayed in New York while seeking some outdoor recreation.

Environmentalists have also worried that the heavy foot traffic on the areas steep rocky trails will intensify erosion as well as endanger delicate plant life in alpine zones that are above the tree line.

DEC also has encouraged hikers to visit less-traveled areas in the vast Adirondack Park.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU


In an interview with Vatican News, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk thanks Pope Francis for his concern for Ukraine and his solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, has thanked Pope Francis for his appeal for peace in Ukraine.

On behalf of the Ukrainian society, of the people of Ukraine, and also on behalf of the Council of the Churches and Religious Organizations - because in this moment, I am the Chair of this Council - I would like to express our gratitude to the Holy Father Francis, for his appeal for peace in Ukraine.

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk

Pope Francis appeal

The Popes appeal came during the Regina Coeli on Sunday. In remarks following the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Holy Father described the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as sad, and said he was following the events there with great concern. In particular, he noted the numerous violations of the ceasefire in recent months.



We live in great fear

Speaking with Benedetta Cappelli of Vatican News, Major Archbishop Shevchuk said Ukrainians are living in great fear due to the massive concentration of Russian troops on the border. We live [in] great fear not only of the intensification of military action in the occupied territory of Donbas, he said, but also because, we fear a new, direct invasion of the Russian troops in Ukrainian territory which could be a cause of thousands of victims, and also a precipitation of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

Concerns of the European Union

The concern is shared by the European Union, which is attempting to pursue a path of dialogue and diplomacy. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has described the situation as alarming and worrying, because of the risk of an escalation in the conflict. Therefore, he said, it is necessary defuse tensions. He also expressed serious concern about the possibility of intervention by the United States.

Hopes for reconciliation and peace

Making his appeal on Sunday, Pope Francis said, I strongly hope an increase in tensions will be avoided, and, on the contrary, that gestures be made that are capable of promoting mutual trust and fostering reconciliation and peace, which are so much needed and so much desired.

Gratitude for the Popes solidarity

In his comments to Vatican News, Major Archbishop Shevchuk said, We are so grateful that the Holy Father made this appeal, that he is with us, that he expressed his concern and solidarity. He added, We expect that the interests of society, those who have in their responsibility to stop military action, will have enough courage to fulfil their commitment to look for peaceful solutions of not an easy situation in the eastern Ukraine.
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One Health Certified misleads consumers at the precise moment theyre seeking safer, healthier, and more humane products amidst a global pandemic by capitalizing on the legitimacy of the World Health Organizations highly respected One Health framework, said Andrew deCoriolis.

In the wake of its recent report and video reaching over a million American consumers about the pervasiveness of humanewashing at the grocery store, Farm Forward is kicking off a campaign and ad blitz calling out the meat industrys latest deceptive marketing scheme, One Health Certified (OHC), which now adorns Batavia-based ALDIs store-brand chicken. Peeling back the seemingly holistic OHC sticker exposes a sophisticated humanewashing, greenwashing, and healthwashing initiative by the sixth largest poultry producer in the U.S., Mountaire Farmswhich topped headlines last week after settling a $205 million class action lawsuit for allegedly polluting the drinking water of thousands of people in Delaware, following a long history of worker safety issues, racial discrimination, and animal abuse.

One Health Certified claims to follow a rigid set of antibiotics, animal welfare, and environmental standards but in reality, OHCs standards represent standard factory farming practices, including permanent indoor confinement in crowded sheds, where birds cannot engage in natural behaviors like foraging and dustbathing. The genetically modified birds allowed under OHC are bred to grow so large, so quickly, that they often suffer from injuries and heart and lung stress, and many can no longer walk by the time they reach slaughter age. Further, despite touting responsible antibiotic standards, the OHC label allows repeated, perpetual use of medically important antibiotics for disease treatment and control without consequences.

One Health Certified misleads consumers at the precise moment theyre seeking safer, healthier, and more humane products amidst a global pandemic by capitalizing on the legitimacy of the World Health Organizations highly respected One Health framework, said Andrew deCoriolis, Executive Director of Farm Forward. Ultimately, OHC standards do nothing to alleviate the crowded conditions within factory farms that facilitate the spread of diseases, infections, and parasites.

Meanwhile, ALDI proclaims its commitment to livestock products being produced to high industry standards and in an ever more sustainable way, but it has refused to commit to any bare-bones animal welfare improvements like eliminating gestation crates for pregnant pigs. Farm Forward's new petition urges ALDI to follow through on its corporate sustainability pledge, starting with dropping the humanewashing OHC label and Mountaire as its chicken supplier. The petition is accompanied by geotargeted mobile ads reaching tens of thousands of cell phones within a mile radius of the grocers headquarters this month, online ads targeting ALDI executives, and ads on social media targeting ALDIs millions of followers.

Preceding the campaign launch, Farm Forward was joined by a national coalition of animal welfare, consumer, public health, and environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Consumer Reports, and the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center at George Washing University, in calling on ALDI and other chains to steer clear of OHC, yet ALDI, Mountaires largest grocery customer, has yet to comment.

More information on Farm Forwards campaign is available at Humanewashing.com. Ad artwork can be downloaded at this link.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/21/2021



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expert Pastor Calvin Roberson says it's unfortunate Chris Williams reduced himself to being so superficial and his imagination of what he thinks he deserves is detached from reality.Following a tumultuous few weeks of marriage and a lot of patience and effort on Paige Banks ' part after discovering Chris' ex-fiancee Mercedes Myrick was pregnant, Chris decided he wanted a divorce from Paige before the couple even reached their one-month wedding anniversary.Chris accused Paige of being a poor communicator off-camera, and Paige later told her brother that Chris had confessed he still loved Mercedes, whom he had been engaged to three months before signing up for , and hoped to reconcile with her.During Wednesday night's episode of : Unfiltered, Pastor Cal and MAFS stars Clara Berghaus and Haley Harris watched back a Season 12 clip of Chris sitting down for a one-on-one chat with Pastor Cal after his relationship with Paige had ended."We do look good on paper for sure, but she's not the type of woman that I would say, 'Oh man, let me go and try to talk to her!'" Chris admits in the clip."Why not?" Pastor Cal asks."I think it would have to be the physical features, like, the face. I wasn't attracted to the face," Chris admits."And I'm not being disrespectful here, but there are so many beautiful Black queens, white queens and Spanish queens here in the city of Atlanta, and I just feel like out of all the millions of women here, y'all picked the one that was just like [subpar]."Unfiltered host Jamie Otis -- who starred on Season 1 of -- asked Pastor Cal why Chris thought it was okay to say those things about Paige."Because I don't know! I don't know. It's really unfortunate that he has reduced himself to being that superficial. Paige is a beautiful human being," Pastor Cal lamented."Inside and out," Haley interjected."Inside and out," Pastor Cal agreed."There is no question here!" Pastor Cal continued. "But his imagination of what he thinks he deserves is so far from reality. I believe that in this situation, it's a good thing that they did not stay together."Pastor Cal noted of Paige, "She doesn't need that in her life."When asked for her take on that clip, Haley said, "Watching that back, I am disgusted. It hurts my heart for her; she's already been through so much.""[Paige] is beautiful," Haley added, "and she is deserving of somebody that is so different than him."And then Clara chimed in, "How many times were we asked [in casting], 'What if you're not attracted to the person?' How many times?!"And Pastor Cal piggybacked Clara's sentiment and revealed he had definitely talked to Chris about attraction -- or the lack thereof -- during the matchmaking process."I asked him point blank about physical attraction. We ask all those questions!" Pastor Cal recalled.Such discussions about attraction and chemistry with the experts, however, apparently helped both Haley and Clara in their respective marriages to Jacob Harder and Ryan Oubre "It's nice to hear that the experts think we are doing as well as we are," Clara shared."You know, we think we're doing really well, but it's nice to have that reaffirmed by the people who put us together. So that was really, really encouraging for us."Pastor Cal concluded that he was "so proud" of both women, and Haley explained, "I think it's always good to talk out what you're feeling, and I can see that now.""I think this process has helped me do that a lot," Haley confirmed."I think having our discussions with the experts has opened a lot of communication that maybe we didn't have, so at least it can help us be a little more positive moving forward."After toying with Paige's emotions, Chris suggested they weren't good partners and so Paige decided to focus on herself and work on her self-love.During an episode of Unfiltered that aired earlier this month, Dr. Viviana Coles admitted she felt "relieved" that Chris and Paige appeared to be over, adding, "I really want [Paige] to feel empowered finally for herself to make the choice to leave this marriage."Fellow expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz even apologized to Paige for matching her with Chris in a recent episode."I thought that you guys were going to be a great couple. We all did. We thought we had somebody who was going to be the right partner, that everything on paper looked good, that what he told us looked good," Pepper explained."And we had no idea what a mess of a life he had behind the curtain... I want you to know that you're a superior human being. If he wasn't such an extraordinary narcissist -- I'm not going to mince words on my opinion -- he would recognize that. And I don't want you to take that garbage!"Pepper said Paige deserved "so much better" and Chris didn't think about anybody but himself.However, a preview of "Decision Day" aired on : The Journey So Far and showed Chris telling the experts he and Paige were still "undecided" about whether to stay married or get a divorce.The conversation clearly indicates Paige and Chris opted to give their relationship another shot at some point after Chris asked for a divorce for the second time.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now!
WASHINGTON  More than a century after the Ottoman Empires killing of an estimated 1.5 million Armenian civilians, President Biden is preparing to declare that the atrocities were an act of genocide, according to officials familiar with the internal debate. The action would signal that the American commitment to human rights outweighs the risk of further fraying the U.S. alliance with Turkey.

Mr. Biden is expected to announce the symbolic designation on Saturday, the 106th anniversary of the beginning of what historians call a yearslong and systematic death march that the predecessors of modern Turkey started during World War I. He would be the first sitting American president to do so, although Ronald Reagan made a glancing reference to the Armenian genocide in a 1981 written statement about the Holocaust, and both the House and the Senate approved measures in 2019 to make its recognition a formal matter of U.S. foreign policy.

At least 29 other countries have taken similar steps  mostly in Europe and the Americas, but also Russia and Syria, Turkeys political adversaries.

A U.S. official with knowledge of the administrations discussions said Mr. Biden had decided to issue the declaration, and others across the government and in foreign embassies said it was widely expected.
Mumbai, April 21 : Ayushmann Khurrana on Wednesday posted a throwback picture of his daughter Varushka from their last trip to Hawaii, on the occasion of her birthday.

"Happy birthday little one. The most diligent one in the family. A voracious reader and a disciplined learner. How have you become like that? That too so early in life. You need to chill ok. Always be true to this pic. This was our last international trip. Jan 2020. Nassau. Bahamas," Ayushmann wrote with the picture, where little Varushka is seen Varushka posing in a monokini.

Ayushmann married his childhood sweetheart, author-filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, in 2008. The couple welcomed their son Virajveer in 2012 and daughter Varushka in 2014.
Wound dressing plays a crucial role in healing and management. Alginate dressings are the most preferred products to treat pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, infected surgical wounds, etc. which has led to a surge in their demand. Besides, introduction of new alginate dressing products with better functionalities by market players has also aided market growth. Increasing investments in new alginate dressing development and growing efforts for their distribution by key stakeholders are major factors expected to boost the growth of the alginate dressings market.

The global alginate dressings market is projected to be valued at US$ 1.1 Bn in 2030, and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2020  2030).

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Companies covered in Alginate Dressings Market Report

3M Co

Smith & Nephew Plc

ConvaTec Group Plc

Coloplast A/S

BSN medical GmbH

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Molnlycke Health Care

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Key Takeaways from Alginate Dressings Market Study

Antimicrobial alginate dressings contributed for a larger revenue share than non-antimicrobial alginate dressings in the global alginate dressings market in 2019, owing to their high preference of use for wound healing.

High adoption of alginate dressings for the treatment chronic wounds is expected to result in notable market share of the chronic ulcers segment in the alginate dressings market.

Institutional sales contributed around three-fourth of value share by distribution channel due to increasing patient preference.

North America captured a greater revenue share among all regions, and is expected to be the most lucrative region in the global alginate dressings market during the forecast period.

Reluctant adoption and high cost of products are factors expected to affect the growth of the alginate dressings market around the globe.

Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a moderate impact on the overall growth of the alginate dressings market, due to its adverse effect on the global economy and healthcare industry.

Increasing prevalence of chronic and traumatic wounds and continuous focus of key market players to develop advanced wound dressing products are projected to propel the global alginate dressings market over the coming years, says a PMR analyst.

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Consolidation Activities:Imperative Strategy for Market Players

Increase in market consolidation activities by market players, including collaborations and partnerships, are characteristics of the overall competition among global alginate dressings market players. Manufacturers are focusing on collaborations with research institutes and universities to drive research & development in advanced wound care. For instance, in July 2017, Smith & Nephew collaborated with the University of Hull to drive research in the field of advanced wound care.

What else is in the report?

Persistence market research offers actionable insights and a unique perspective on the alginate dressings market, in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2015  2019 and projections for 20202030, based on alginate dressing type (antimicrobial alginate dressings and non-antimicrobial alginate dressings), indication (chronic ulcers and non-healing surgical wounds), and distribution channel (institutional sales and retail sales), across seven key regions.
The late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee visits the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with his family. Courtesy of Samsung Group



By Baek Byung-yeul



Heirs of late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee have until April 30 to pay an estimated 13 trillion won ($11.6 billion) in inheritance taxes and several scenarios involving the method of payment are considered possibilities by experts.



Samsung Group is declining to offer any details on the matter, but it has been reported that the conglomerate could make an official announcement as soon as next week about the tax payment. Samsung is also likely to announce a charitable donation totaling trillions of won to commemorate the late chairman.



Another point of interest is how the heirs will raise the money to pay the taxes and which changes will be made in the web-like governance structure of the country's largest conglomerate, linking Samsung C&T, Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Electronics.



The chairman passed away last October, leaving behind 19 trillion won in stocks, plus around 3 trillion worth of artworks and real estate. His heirs are expected to opt to pay the inheritance tax over a five-year period after first paying one-sixth of it or around 2 trillion won.



Among his stock assets, the late chairman owned 4.18 percent of Samsung Electronics, 20.76 percent of Samsung Life Insurance, 2.88 percent of Samsung C&T and 0.01 percent of Samsung SDS.



According to law, Lee's widow, Hong Ra-hee, will inherit the largest share, but industry sources believe the chairman's sole son and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is expected to take the largest portion to strengthen his grip over the group. Lee is presently serving a prison term for bribery.



The Samsung Electronics vice chairman only holds a 0.7 percent stake in the tech company, but controls the group through his grip over the conglomerate's construction and trading arm Samsung C&T with a 17.33 percent stake. Samsung C&T in turn owns 5.01 percent of Samsung Electronics and stakes in Samsung Life Insurance. Through stakes in those affiliates, Lee is able to exercise management control over Samsung Electronics.



Regarding the source of the funds to pay the inheritance tax, Park Sang-hyun, an analyst at Smartkarma, said the heirs could obtain money from their stock-dividend earnings. But it remains unclear what other sources of funding the heirs intend to tap into.



"The first funding source is an obvious one: dividend income from Samsung affiliates. The family owns a combined 43.2 trillion won worth of stocks in Samsung affiliates. The family received an estimated 1.3 trillion won in dividend income from these stocks last year," Park said. He added, "It is far short of meeting a 2 trillion won annual need."



"This April 30, they have to find an additional 1.3 trillion won. Then, starting next year for 5 years going forward, they will need to secure an additional 1.5 trillion won, depending on the size of Samsung Electronics' annual special dividends. That is why we are hearing that the family is reportedly seeking loans from local banks," he added.



With the late chairman's heirs set to pay the country's biggest-ever amount of inheritance tax, calls are also growing for the country to amend the current inheritance tax rate, which is among the highest for member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).



Under the law here, the maximum inheritance tax rate of 50 percent is applied when the inherited property is over 3 billion won ($2.7 million). If the deceased is a major shareholder of a large company, the rate rises to 60 percent, which is more than double the average inheritance tax rate of 25.3 percent among OECD member countries.



The government has imposed a higher inheritance tax rate to prevent companies from being privatized by their owner families, but the current system has been criticized for imposing huge pressure on companies and hampering continuity of business.



Industry watchers said the higher tax rate is also causing side effects that harm entrepreneurship.


Back in the 90s I worked for the Oregon Credit Union League as a Consultant, which meant a big part of my job was traveling all over the state facilitating strategic planning sessions. We had a planning session kit that included overhead projector slides. The first one opened with this quote: If you dont know where youre going, any road will get you there. A lesson from the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.

A big part of the day was also devoted to the SWOT analysis. Strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. I immediately started to see a pattern. I could predict with about 90% accuracy what the individual credit unions SWOT answers would be.

Strengths: Our board, our staff, our members

Weaknesses: Technology, branch locations

Opportunities: Technology, SEGs, increased services

Threats: Banks, taxation, technology, the economy

So where did we go from there? Review the mission statement, make a list of goals and call it a day. There was no talk of differentiator, target audience, real competitors for our target and how we were able to make them irrelevant. This started to really bug me and so I decided to break outside of the box (the kit) and started asking another question: What business are you in?

The answer Financial services for our members was the wrong answer. Thats what category credit unions are in. What business you are in gets at the heart of your culture, your mission, your barrier to competition. And if you can succinctly answer it, it becomes the filter for all decision making.

Here are a few examples of very successful companies that understand what business they are in and practice it like a religion:

Starbucks We are in the business of providing the third place.

Ben & Jerrys We are in the business of caring capitalism

Harley Davidson We are in the Freedom business

Apple We are in the user experience business

Southwest Airlines We are in the customer service business, we just happen to fly planes.

Why my niece is my hero

After I got the vaccine, I traveled back home to Portland, Oregon to see my family. My niece Amanda has been managing a consignment store for the last five years. Shes very entrepreneurial, loves people, is artistic and in true Portland style, a little bit weird. I love her so much.

Her store had to close for a few months during COVID and I asked her how that impacted their sales. They didnt miss a beat, and immediately put the inventory online, had some fun auctions of new arrivals on Facebook, created a curbside pickup that was magical. The owner has an amazing blog where she kept the clientele connected and up-to-date. And then she told me what business they were in. We help women get through a transition.

She explained to me that most of the women who shop or sell to her store (or both) have gone through a transition that resulted in them losing or gaining weight. And both are very emotional. She embraced this in so many ways, which has really differentiated them in their marketplace.

For example in the Broadway store all the dressing rooms had a full length mirror, so they didnt have to step out to see how they looked. But if they did, they got to see themselves in the skinny mirror. Slightly altered to make you look just a bit thinner and taller. When they would ask about it Amanda would say, That mirror in the dressing room is how you see yourself, but out here is how the world sees you. You look great. Helping women get through a transition.

Amanda is doing work that matters, she is bringing together women in the community that share a love of fashion and has created a safe place for their self esteem.

She has a great boss that truly values what she brings to the experience which has created tremendous loyalty for both Amanda and their regulars. She was so excited to show me the sign her boss made for her store. Its something Amanda is known for saying and it pretty much sums up the way women who love to shop feel:

If you have to take your pants off, you might as well try on everything.

What business are YOU in?
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce rock sampling and backpack drilling results from the 2020 exploration program at its 100% owned Goldrange Project, located in southwestern British Columbia. The Goldrange Project is located approximately 25km south of the town of Tatla Lake with logging road access to the north end of the 367km2 project.

Highlights

Backpack drilling of 10.84 g/t Au over 6.9 m from surface.

33 rock samples with an average grade of 11.64 g/t Au and a median grade of 4.73 g/t Au.

8 rock samples over 10 g/t Au with highlights of 82.10 g/t Au, 63.90 g/t Au, 40.40 g/t Au, and 31.80 g/t Au.

"The results from our Cloud Drifter Trend continue to impress us. Our 2020 work has now returned 312 rock samples averaging 6.26 g/t Au. Additionally, it is very encouraging to see good grades over significant widths from surface in backpack drilling. We are very excited to put the first diamond drill holes into the Cloud Drifter Trend this summer." Stated CEO, Dustin Perry.

"In just a handful of field days our exploration team discovered two new gold showings and collected outstanding results from the Standard Zone. These time-efficient products are a testament to our hard working, results-driven team. This new mineralization style provides us with a key vector for analogous focused gold corridors within the Cloud Drifter Trend." Stated VP Exploration, Gayle Febbo.

The Goldrange Project covers a significant deformation zone with numerous precious metal veins across the project. Mineralization at Goldrange occurs as orogenic gold of similar age of the Bridge River camp, part of the Yalakom Gold Belt. Several areas of historical hand mining are located within the project and date back to the 1930s.

The 2020 exploration program was focused on defining drill targets at the Cloud Drifter Trend as well as evaluating the potential of several historically sampled mineralized zones on the project.

The Cloud Drifter Trend is a band of several historical zones of mineralization tied together by a highly anomalous Au-Ag-As-Sb-Cu-Bi-Te soil anomaly with grades up to 22.08 g/t Au (see March 31, 2021 release). Limited historical rock sampling was completed within the highest strength geochemical anomaly at the Cloud Drifter Zone and was the focus of 2020 work.

Previously released rock sampling at the Cloud Drifter Trend outlined 279 rock samples grading up to 128.90 g/t Au and averaging 5.62 g/t Au (see April 14, 2021 release).

The current release includes 33 rock samples (figure 1) and one backpack drill hole totalling 9.60m. Rock chip sampling returned grades from 0.03 g/t Au to 82.1 g/t Au with an average grade of 11.64 g/t Au (table 1). Rock grab samples are selective in nature and cannot be considered as representative of the underlying mineralization. Backpack drilling returned 10.84 g/t Au over 6.90m from surface at the Standard Zone.

Figure 1: Cloud Drifter Trend 2020 Rock Samples

Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % # Samples 33 33 33 Minimum Value 0.033 0.2 0.0015 Maximum Value 82.067 47.6 0.99 Average Value 11.64 10.2 0.17 Median Value 4.73 5.1 0.05 90th Percentile 36.96 30.24 0.57

Table 1: Standard, Essential, and Waterfall 2020 Rock Samples

The Standard, Essential, and Waterfall Zones (figure 2) occur along north trending fold corridors that project under talus cover towards the Cloud Drifter Zone. Mineralization is focused along gentle to moderately east-dipping veins and local sulfide-cement breccia along the fold hinge.

A more detailed presentation of the results included with this release can be found on the Company's website: Southern Cloud Drifter Trend 2020 Rock Sampling Results. Additionally, Dustin Perry and Gayle Febbo discuss the presentation in more detail: Goldrange: Southern Cloud Drifter Trend 2020 Rock Sampling Results - YouTube.

Figure 2: Standard, Essential, and Waterfall 2020 Rock Samples

Backpack drilling was completed in one hole (BP-ST-20-01) above the historical workings. Drilling was collared to test a prominent gossan up slope of the adit. The 9.6m vertical drill hole was oriented perpendicular to flat lying veins in the area and down the hinge of an anticline. Drilling encountered gold mineralization throughout the hole with a highlight intercept of 10.84 g/t Au over 6.90m from surface containing a sub-interval of 18.35 g/t Au over 2.90m from 1.09m. Detailed drill results can be found within the appendix of the linked technical presentation.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Rock samples were submitted to Acme Labs, a division of Bureau Veritas, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, an ISO9001:2008 accredited laboratory. The rocks samples were prepared using the PRP70-250 method by crushing 1.0kg of rock to =>70% passing through a 2mm sieve. Two hundred and fifty grams was then pulverized so that =>85% passes through a less than 75 m sieve. A 0.25g split was then subjected to a 4 acid near total digest where the split is heated in a HNO3, HClO4 and HF solution to fuming, dried and then dissolved in HCL. The resulting solution was then analyzed for 45 major and trace elements using ICP-ES/MS (method code MA200). A 30g split was analyzed for gold using a lead collection fire assay fusion that was then digested and analyzed using AAS (method code FA430).

A 30g split of samples that assayed >10ppm gold and/or >200ppm Ag were analyzed using a lead collection fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish (method code FA530). Samples that assayed for >200 ppm W, > 4000ppm Bi, Mo, Sb, >10000 ppm Cu, Pb or Zn were digested using a HNO3, HClO4 and HF solution to fuming, dried and then dissolved in HCL. The resulting solution was then analyzed using ICP-ES (method code MA370). Samples that assayed > 10000ppm As were digested using a modified aqua regia digestion (1:1:1 HNO3:HCl:H2O) and analyzed using ICP-ES (method code MA370).

Qualified Person

Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release.

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia. Kingfisher has three 100% owned district-scale projects that offer potential exposure to high-grade gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 68,945,801 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 236 358 0054

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

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 or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding 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. 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: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs.

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; success of the Company's projects; prices for gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour- related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve 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: fluctuations in gold 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 mineral exploration; inadequate insurance, or 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, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration; 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 under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641440/Kingfisher-Samples-1084-GT-Gold-over-690-m-at-Goldrange
Like most major U.S. cities, Miami was the scene of weeks of protests last summer after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked a national reckoning over race and law-enforcement treatment of minorities. There were sporadic clashes, one night of looting, dozens of arrests and plenty of tension, but Miami-Dade County was largely spared the widespread unrest that hit other states.

But while local police departments were credited for avoiding the escalation of tensions, civil-rights activists worry that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis controversial anti-riot law could spur officers to take a more heavy-handed approach during future gatherings.

In addition to enhancing criminal penalties for crimes committed during protests that turn violent, the bill allows business owners to sue municipalities if their property is damaged during a riot  something that critics fear may weigh on police departments when making strategy calls on how to respond to gatherings.

If Im a police chief, Im going to be on edge, said Miami criminal defense lawyer Michelle Estlund, who praised local police departments for acting with restraint last summer. Its going to make police a little more aggressive. Its a shame. It takes the authority of the departments to govern or police the way they think is appropriate.

The concerns were raised Tuesday, even as a jury in Minneapolis convicted ex-cop Derek Chauvin for Floyds death. No protests formed in Miami, although departments countywide had been on alert in case tensions mounted over a possible acquittal.

Art Acevedo, the new police chief in Miami, where most of the summer protests happened, couldnt be reached for comment on Tuesday night. In comments to the Herald Editorial Board last week, Acevedo signaled he would want a cautious and hands on approach  meeting with protesters himself to de-escalate tensions while isolating people who are acting violent.

We will support everyones right to protest, Acevedo told the Miami Herald, adding: I do not like the widespread use of chemical agents, like tear gas.

Story continues

Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez on Tuesday sought to allay concerns about the bill, saying it wont change how we approach these situations. He said the department, which played a supporting role as most of the protests were in downtown Miami, wants to protect lawful protesters and bad actors will be dealt with accordingly.

Were not here to suppress lawful protests. Thats not going to happen, Ramirez added. This is a very diverse, special community. Were different from the rest of the state. You dont have issues here.

A bill of controversy

Critics say DeSantis bill is nothing more than a political ploy, a way to attack the Black Lives Matter movement and squelch peaceful assembly and free speech. DeSantis, a Republican, is widely expected to explore a presidential bid in 2024, and hes running for reelection as governor in 2022.

The bill enhances penalties for some crimes committed during a riot, including burglary, theft, assault and battery of a law enforcement officer. It also creates the crime of mob intimidation, as well as prohibitions against pulling down or defacing a memorial or statue, at a time when cities around the nation have been removing Confederate monuments from public spaces.

The bill also allow authorities to hold arrested protesters until a first court appearance, and establish new felonies for organizing or participating in a violent demonstration. Floridas GOP-controlled Legislature passed the bill, HB 1, by comfortable margins in both the House and Senate.

DeSantis signed the bill into law on Monday in Polk County, where he proposed the idea last September.

I proudly signed HB 1 into law, which makes clear that rioting and violence have absolutely no place in Florida and provides protections for the brave men and women who keep our communities safe, DeSantis tweeted Monday.

Miami Beach Rep. Michael Grieco, who serves as the Democratic ranking member on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Subcommittee, said the bills language is dangerously vague and could implicate peaceful protesters who attend a rally that becomes violent.

It unfortunately would empower law enforcement to cast a net over everybody and have them stuck in jail for a day, Grieco said.

Last summer

In Miami-Dade, the most tumultuous night last year came on May 30, when some protesters clashed with officers outside the Miami Police Department, torching several patrol cars and looting some stores at Bayside Marketplace.

The law also stiffens penalties for people for willfully obstructing a roadway or highway. During the protests over the summer in Miami, it was not unusual for protesters to march up onto Interstate 95, which officials often shut down in anticipation of the maneuvers. Even with the new law, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, as do all police, have discretion on whether to arrest people who have assembled onto the highway, or persuade them to leave.

Our approach wont change. Were going to do our best to not allow people to get on the highway, Miami FHP spokesman Lt. Alejandro Camacho said Tuesday.

Miami police, by mid-July, began cracking down on smaller groups of protesters when they began obstructing roadways. Over the summer scores of people were arrested for minor crimes, such as unlawful assembly, obstructing roadways and breaking curfew, although the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office ultimately dropped the majority of the charges.

Detectives later identified and arrested people suspected of attacking police officers or torching patrol cars. Many of the cases did not result in major prison time. In one high-profile case, a rapper named Marco Antonio Lopez, who was accused of vandalizing a police car, this week was accepted into a pre-trial diversion program that, if completed, will see the charges dropped.

In another case, a City of Miami police officer became a mentor to the teen who hit him over the head with a skateboard.

A spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office did not want to speculate on whether the new law might affect arrests and prosecutions.

Every criminal arrest involves very specific circumstances and unique evidence, spokesman Ed Griffith said in a statement. It is the factual evaluation of those circumstances and of that unique evidence which determines whether a prosecution can or should go forward.

Trying to rile up his base

The passage of the bill nevertheless unnerved some in South Floridas criminal justice community who fear how it may play out on the streets.

Rachel Gilmer, the co-director of Miamis Dream Defenders, which organized various protests last summer in downtown Miami, pointed to the visual of the governors signing press conference  he was surrounded by uniformed sheriffs from upstate Florida.

Whats scary is that DeSantis is really trying to incite police officers to criminalize protesters to the highest degree, Gilmer said. Hes trying to rile up his base.

Still, some observers remained optimistic. Alexis Piquero, a criminologist at the University of Miami, said that while the bill has the potential to spur police to act more aggressively, he doesnt think itll happen often.

Police already are trained to deal with mass gatherings and for the most part do it well, Piquero said. What we saw last summer in just about every protest including here in Miami were peaceful protests with people exercising their right to do so and most of those individuals were not committing crime, especially when you compare this to the Capitol insurrection.

Melba Pearson, the policy director at Florida International Universitys Center for the Administration of Justice, said she was cautiously optimistic that the bill would not embolden local police to go overboard with protest crowds. Part of the reason: Tuesdays verdict in the Floyd case.

Said Pearson: In light of this bill passing, plus the verdict, departments may be less likely to bring out SWAT or heavy-handed tactics, especially because of the momentum for reform.

Miami Herald staff writer Samantha J. Gross contributed to this report.
slide 2 of 6

CL splendidly decorated the cover of the May issue of Allure, an American beauty magazine.

CL's Allure pictorial, which was released on the evening of April 15, caught the eye of fans with her unconventional hairstyle and styling that truly stand out.

In particular, the hairstyle that embodies the bonsai on the Andre Kim dress is an unconventional pictorial that can only be digested by CL.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)  A Canadian judge has granted Huawei executive Meng Wanzhous request to delay the final leg in her extradition hearings, days before they were set to begin.

British Columbia Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes said Wednesday she will deliver reasons for her decision in writing in the next week or so and a date to resume proceedings will be determined later.

Meng, who was detained in Canada in 2018 at the behest of U.S. authorities, has been fighting a legal battle over the last two years as the U.S. seeks to extradite her over allegations of bank fraud and violations of sanctions against Iran.

The U.S. accuses Huawei of using a Hong Kong shell company called Skycom to sell equipment to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. It says Meng committed fraud by misleading HSBC about the companys business dealings in Iran.

The hearings were scheduled to begin Monday but Mengs lawyers said they needed more time to review documents related to the case obtained through a Hong Kong court. Huawei said this week that it has reached an agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong to obtain documents Meng hopes will help prevent her extradition to the U.S.

Her lawyers asked Holmes on Monday to adjourn proceedings until Aug. 3, a delay they argued would also allow time for a third wave of COVID-19 to subside in British Columbia.

Lawyers for Canadas attorney general had argued theres no justification to delay proceedings in the high-profile case, especially given the public interest.

Meng was arrested at Vancouvers airport in 2018 at the request of the United States to face fraud charges related to Americas sanctions against Iran, which both she and Huawei deny.

A teleconference has been scheduled with both legal teams for April 28 to determine a new date, which Holmes said should be on or around Aug. 3.

Final hearings of Mengs extradition battle are expected to conclude then, although appeals could prolong the process for years.
Mumbai, April 21 : Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan on Wednesday took to social media to express how challenging it has been to shoot for his upcoming film "Bhediya" amid the ongoing pandemic, though he feels lucky that the shoot happened in the town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, which is Covid-free.

"#bhediya. Shooting a movie during the pandemic has been extremely challenging but working under the leadership of @amarkaushik has been one of the most exhilarating and satisfying experiences for me. Amar bhai chalo khelte hain. Was extremely lucky to shoot in a covid free town like ziro in #ARUNACHALPRADESH," he wrote as caption with photographs from the set of the film on Instagram, where he poses with director Amar Kaushik.

"Bhediya" reunites Varun with his "Dilwale" co-star Kriti Sanon. The actress recently informed in an Instagram post that the unit had wrapped up shooting for the film in Ziro and also spoke about her friendship with Varun from back in the day when they worked in the 2015 film "Dilwale".
WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTHI) - Scammers are using COVID-19 to get your personal information.

The State of Indiana says the scam is targeting those who have received the vaccine.

It will ask you to complete a survey about the vaccine - and then offer you a free product.

The state has offered the following tips:

Dont give your financial, medical, or personal information to anyone claiming to offer money or gifts in exchange for your participation in a COVID-19 vaccine survey.

Carefully examine any message that claims to be from a trusted source. Dont call or use the number in the email or text. If you want to call the company that supposedly sent the message to verify its legitimacy, look up its phone number online.

Dont click on any links or open attachments. Doing so could install harmful malware that steals your personal information without you realizing it.

If you think you've been a target to the scam, reach out to the Indiana Attorney General's Office. To do that, click here, or call 1-800-382-5516.
WASHINGTON, D.C [04/27/16]Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) introduced a bill to bring real reform to the nation's higher education system by encouraging states to take action to bring down high tuition costs.

The College Access Act, reintroduced today by Sen. Franken, would attack the problem of soaring tuition costs head on by giving states incentives to make college more affordable for more Americans. His bill would help more Minnesota studentsincluding first generation and low-income familiesattend and graduate from college.

Over the next few weeks, millions of college students in Minnesota and across the country will earn their degreesand theyll graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, said Sen. Franken. Students and families continue to struggle to cobble together the funds necessary to pay for their education, which is why we need to address the issue of college affordability with real, meaningful reforms to our higher education system.

The College Access Act would create a grant program for states to receive funding to lower college costs and bolster graduation rates. States awarded a five-year grant would develop a comprehensive plan to implement the following reforms:

 Increasing the number of Pell Grant-eligible students at institutions of higher education;

 Requiring colleges to award more need-based grant aid to lower costs for students;

 Requiring colleges Net Price Calculators to be more user-friendly and accessible, so that students and families can better understand the net price of colleges during the application process; and

 Requiring colleges to use a standardized financial aid award letter using common terms so that students and families can more accurately compare offers from different colleges.

And states could also implement these supplementary reforms:

 Expanding the use of open access textbooks on college campuses, providing cheaper alternatives to expensive traditional textbooks so that students can save money on the cost of going to school;

 Providing support to develop innovative education delivery models, such as using technology to enhance online and classroom learning aimed at increasing participation and retention of students;

 Increasing access to accelerated learning models like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment programs; and

 Improving transfer agreements between universities so students attending community colleges can more easily move to four-year universities.
New Delhi, April 21 : A man outside the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) hospital in New Delhi could be seen weeping inconsolably after losing his eight-month pregnant wife and unborn child on Wednesday afternoon.

Mohammad Parvez, the brother of the deceased woman, told IANS, "My sister did not suffer from coronavirus according to the doctors who examined her on Tuesday night. After undergoing testing, the doctor said she was fine so we are shifting her to the ICU." "After shifting her to the ICU ward, nobody was allowed to enter it. My brother-in-law Abdul Majid made a video call on Wednesday morning and spoke to the doctor who told him that both were absolutely fine," Parvez added.

After the wife was admitted in the ICU, Abdul Majid enquired from the doctors about the condition of his wife and unborn child. However, doctors continued to assure them that the patient was fine.

The doctor repeated that the woman was fine at 7 a.m on Wednesday and after a span of a few hours, Abdul Majid was suddenly told that his pregnant wife had died.

Abdul, who wept outside the hospital while informing his family members about the demise, told IANS, "I went to the emergency ward at 7 a.m. in the morning when a person sitting outside the hospital ward told me that both my wife and child were fine." "I just went to the fourth floor of the hospital a little while later. When I couldn't find my wife there, the doctor told me that she is on the fifth floor. Your wife and the child are fine, but now suddenly I have been told through a video call that both of them have died." A record 28,395 new cases of coronavirus infections were reported in Delhi on Tuesday while 277 people died due to the infection.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government released its budget Tuesday promising to spend billions on pandemic economic recovery. Here is some of the reaction to the budget:

VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government released its budget Tuesday promising to spend billions on pandemic economic recovery. Here is some of the reaction to the budget:

Given the uncertainty around the pandemic it is difficult to forecast exactly when we can return to balance."  B.C. Finance Minister Selina Robinson.

"Preliminary Ministry of Finance analysis suggests that this can happen in seven to nine years.

Frankly, whats missing (here) are critical supports for the front-line workers that have gotten our province this far  like paid sick leave and mental health supports. Those are gaps that need to be filled for our province to come out of this pandemic.  Stephanie Smith, president of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union.

This government made big promises on climate change and old-growth and if they arent willing to adequately fund those commitments, they shouldnt have made them.  Torrance Coste, national campaign director of the Wilderness Committee.

"And B.C. continues to lead when it comes to quality, affordable child care, bringing an additional 20 school districts into the Seamless Day Pilot Program, adding another 3,750 child-care spaces. An economic recovery plan that doesnt include universal child care is doomed to failure.  Paul Faoro, president of CUPE BC.

It is immensely gratifying to see $495 million invested in increasing surgical capacity."  Edith MacHattie, BC Health Coalition co-chair. "However, we are concerned that surgeries continue to be contracted to private clinics. It remains unclear how much of that public funding will go into profits instead of investing in our public system for the future."

"We are still striving for a post-pandemic vision for the economy that attracts investment, creates good jobs and promotes opportunity."  Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade was pleased that specific mention was made to the commitment of building a new Surrey hospital."  Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade.

Though the government has committed to assessing pandemic-related needs in schools as planning for the fall continues, we really would have hoped to see dedicated funding in this budget to ensure there is adequate PPE, ventilation, enhanced cleaning, and physical distancing in classrooms come September.  Teri Mooring, president of the BC Teachers Federation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.
Proposals that Laois land in Graiguecullen should be handed over to Carlow for housing caused friction between public representatives from both sides of the border town where nearly 200 applicants are waiting for council homes.

Laois councillors insisted that Laois people must come first but Carlow councillors that any houses that would be built on Laois land would go to Graiguecullent residents who regard themselves as Laois in any case.

The issue was raised at a recent cross border meeting attended by councillors from both counties and officials in local authorities.

Housing was the first item on the agenda of the joint meeting of the Carlow Municipal District and the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.

Carlow County Councils Director of Services for Housing Michael Brennan told the meeting that 77 houses are being built under a joint two council project on the Ballickmoyler Road in Graigue by Cooperative Housing Ireland.

He said 20 of those houses have been allocated to Laois council applicants, the other 57 are still under construction, which consists of 44 three-bed and 13 two bed. It is hoped that people would move in in the Autumn.

He added Carlow is expecting a total of 234 social houses to be built in 2021. He added that there are 86 in the Graiguecullen part of Carlow waiting for a council home.

In response to Cllr Fergal Browne, co-chair, Mr Brennan said Carlow County Council does own any more greenfield land and will now have to rely on brownfield property for more public housing projects.

This led Carlows Cllr John Casin to call on his Laois colleagues to share land because he said there is not a big demand for social housing in Graigue.

Has Laois any lands over there that they might be willing to offload so that we could build houses over in the Laois side of Graiguecullen to try and shrink our waiting list, he said.

Cllr Cassin said Carlow was not trying to seize land but some sort of an agreement should be reached to develop Laois council land in Graigue which would benefit people who see themselves as being from Laois.

There's not too many people in Graiguecullen whether they live in Carlow or the Laois side, that don't class themselves as Laois. While they might be technically in Carlow, people will tell you once you come over the bridge that this is Laois to them, he said.

Laois Councils Director of Services from Housing Joe Delaney clarified Cllr Cassin's claim that housing was not needed for people on the Laois side. He said up to 75 people have applied to be housed on the Laois side of the town.

We do have need in Graiguecullen...We dont have a significant landbank but we do have some land there. In terms of the Laois plan we certainly would have a need for more social housing, he said.

Cllr Padraig Fleming said the houses on the Ballickmoyler Road had been a major contribution to Carlows housing need. He wondered why Laois is only getting 20 of the houses on the Ballickmoyler road development.

I can't understand how come we only got 20 of the 77 houses if there are still 75 people in the area on the Laois housing list. They didnt appear in the last few days or months, he said.

He demanded that any future housing plans Carlow has for Graiguecullen must involve agreement from Laois councillors and officials.

Carlows Cllr Ken Murnane claimed that it is well known that Laois oppose Carlow crossing the border to build.

From the knowledge that I've been told. There were huge objections in Laois County Council regarding the development on the Ballickmoyler Road. While we appreciate all the development that Laois do in Graiguecullen, unfortunately, an awful lot of Carlow people want to live in Graiguecullen. I would be fearful of whatever land Laois get in Graiguecullen and they are totally against Carlow building in it and that's common knowledge, he said.

He accused Laois of spinning and insisted that Laois people are being housed by Carlow.

The spin that Laois County Council is putting on this is that Carlow County Council is housing Carlow people in Laois. That is not correct. Carlow County Council will use their first preferences for people living in Graiguecullen to be allocated houses.

At the end of the day, it is not about Carlow, moving in on land in Laois, it is Carlow providing houses for Laois residents and for most people in Graiguecullen, whether you like it or not. The minute you pass, Graigue bridge, you are in Laois, he said.

However, Cllr Aisling Moran of Laois said people living in her county must come first.

We need to house people in Laois first and then if there are any extra houses, I would have no issue going to Carlow but I think we have quite a number of people looking for houses in Laois at the moment, she said.

Cllr Andrea Dalton of Carlow said she has helped people in Laois and councillors must serve the needs of people in Graiguecullen regardless.

I've made representations for people, and they're on the Carlow housing list, but they live in Laois. I think there's that discrepancy that people who might live over the border need to put their names on the Carlow County Council list and vice versa, she said.

Cllr Adrienne Wallace said housing must come first regardless of county.

From my perspective here. I'm happy once people get homes. It doesn't matter if they are from Laois or Carlow. Theres a lot of people suffering and so it's good to see the developments, she said.

She supported the idea of having two lists because of the cross-border nature. She also backed the idea of jointly developing on land the is currently owned by a vulture fund near Fruithill Manor.

Cllr Browne proposed the idea that Carlow County Council housing list for the Graiguecullen area would indicate if somebody wished to live on the Laois or Carlow part of the border town.

Carlow County Council officials agreed to alter the waiting list to confirm
by Shafique Khokhar

An unknown attacker shot at the journalist at point blank as he walked in a park near his home, breaking a rib and damaging his liver. He was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment. In a video he said he would continue his struggle. Fellow journalists and government officials expressed solidarity.

Islamabad (AsiaNews)  Senior broadcast journalist Absar Alam is in hospital in serious but stable conditions after he was shot point-blank in Islamabad.

Alam, who is a former president of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), was attacked yesterday under mysterious circumstances.

At present, nothing is known about the man responsible for the attack, nor is the motive behind the shooting immediately clear.

Quick medical treatment saved the journalist who suffered a broken rib and damage to his liver.

Shortly after he was shot, Absar Alam, always the consummate reporter, was still able to shoot a video in the ambulance taking him to hospital, which was posted by his colleague Asad Toor.

I will not lose hope and I am not going to be deterred by such acts, he said. I was walking outside my house and someone shot me. This is my message to those who attacked me: I am not one to lose my spirit.

The attack took place in a park not far from the journalist's home.

Alam worked as a journalist for more than two decades. He also served as PERMA president. In the video he says that an unidentified man shot him, and ran away.

Gharidah Farooqi, another journalist who was with Alam at the hospital, said that the mystery attacker crossed the journalist two or three times when he was walking, before shooting him at close range.

The news of the attack caused deep emotions and expressions of solidarity; initially his death had been reported, eventually denied.

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad ordered the Inspector General in Islamabad to open an investigation.

On tweeter, he said, Those who fired on Absar Alam will not be able to escape the law. They will soon be in the grip of the law.

Although in his video Alam makes no reference to the possible identity of his attacker or to a motive, some say it might be linked to criticism he directed at the previous government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Iqbal Masih, a Christian journalist, condemned the attack against a fellow journalist, and called for action to strengthen press freedom in Pakistan, which was once again put to the test.
Prince Harry has reportedly returned to his home in California after flying to London for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip.

According to Daily Mail, Prince Harry has flown on an American Airlines flight that arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at around 1:30 p.m. local time.

His car was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX shortly after the plane landed. Harry's return to the United States means he will miss the Queen's 95th birthday on April 21.

Queen Elizabeth II remains in mourning after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. She reportedly returned to her official duties last Friday.

Aside from Prince Harry, Prince Charles will also miss the Queen's birthday. He is at his home in Wales. The same was the case for Prince William, who was not expected to visit her on her birthday.

Prince Harry was reported to have been intending to stay for the Queen's birthday. However, sources said he has a "tight schedule" and wanted to return to the U.S. to see his pregnant wife, Meghan Markle.

READ NEXT: Did Meghan Influence Prince Harry to Step Down as Senior Royal?

Prince Harry in the U.K.

Royal insiders claimed that Prince Harry had experienced "a great deal of frostiness" from his relatives during his stay in the U.K.

"Ironically the only one who has expressed any sympathy towards him is Prince Andrew," royal insiders said as reported by The Sun.

The Duke of Sussex was seen chatting with Prince William and Kate Middleton during the funeral. Insiders said some royals did not extend the warmest response to Harry.

"As far as the others are concerned, there is a deep sense of protection towards the Queen and resentment towards Harry," the insiders added.

They also noted that there was little sympathy for him after what he and Meghan Markle said in their Oprah interview.

According to Page Six, Prince Harry reportedly wrote Prince Charles a "deeply personal" letter before his U.K. homecoming. Harry earlier opened during his Oprah interview that his father had stopped taking his calls.

A source close to Prince Harry said that he was "forced to write the letter" after a complete communication breakdown. The Duke of Sussex earlier admitted that his initial call with his father after the Oprah interview was "not productive."

Prince Harry stated his reasons for leaving life in the U.K. as a senior royal in his letter. He also reportedly promised to respect the institution of the monarchy.

Harry was said to have gotten personal time with his father and elder brother, having two-hour peace talks with them after the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday.

The brothers were first joined by "peacemaker" Kate when they walked together back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel.

Reports said Prince Harry and Prince Charles did not have a one-on-one due to fears of a misunderstanding. His father and elder brother reportedly insisted on meeting Harry together for fear that a different "version of events" would come out from Harry's camp.

"It was important to Charles and William that they were both there together. It means nothing spoken about can be misconstrued in the future," a source said in a report.

In their Oprah interview, the Sussex family revealed that in the months ahead of Archie's birth, there were concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he is born. It caused a stir among the family and viewers.

They also talked about Meghan's experience with suicidal thoughts and the British tabloid's criticism.

Harry is expected to the U.K. again in July for the unveiling of a memorial to his mother, Princess Diana.

READ MORE: Why Did Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Quit Through Email?

WATCH: Which Members Of The Royal Family Snubbed Harry At The Funeral? - From Nicki Swift




The chairman and co-founder of Tellurian Inc., which is trying to develop a $17 billion liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana, is blaming short sellers after a precipitous plunge in the companys stock price.

In a video posted on YouTube, Charif Souki said speculators betting against the companys stock are poised to lose.

What do you think is going to happen when we start announcing these long-term commercial agreements that weve been working on for so long? Souki said in the video posted Tuesday. This will be an interesting question and well see how the market reacts when this happens.

The plunge in energy demand caused by the pandemic dealt a blow to a U.S. LNG boom that saw six gas exporting terminals get built over the past few years. Tellurian is among nearly a dozen projects that hold permits but lack contracts to support construction.

During the last two weeks of March, short positions on Tellurian increased by 9 million shares, reaching about 13.3% of the companys traded stock, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Their price has tumbled almost 60% since mid-February.

Souki said the short sellers could be expecting the company to need to raise money in debt markets or to become illiquid.

RELATED: Cheniere starts production at third Corpus LNG unit

Nothing could be further from the truth, Souki said. Weve repaid most of our debt and were sitting in a very comfortable liquid position that allows us to contemplate the future very comfortably.

The company has also vowed to pay all of its debt this quarter and start construction on its Driftwood LNG project this summer.

Seeking to export 27.6 metric tons of LNG per year from Louisiana, the projects only supporting deal so far is a memorandum of understanding with French oil major Total SE that expires at the end of June. Tellurian has spent the last year in discussions with other overseas buyers, but it remains to be seen if the company can move a deal across the finish line.

In a recent research note, Morgan Stanley estimated that Tellurian only has enough cash to fund another four to six months of expenses before the company needs to raise more capital.

With the global recovery still in its very early stages, we expect limited contracting activity, Morgan Stanley researchers wrote.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to nearly double the country's bike lanes by the end of 2021.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor said their target number in terms of overall length is at 535 kilometers, from the present 296 kilometers.

Pastor added the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 2) allotted 1.1 billion for the building of bike lanes.

"Itong Bayanihan 2 bike lanes po natin [These Bayanihan 2 bike lanes are] really focused on the immediate establishment of bike lane infrastructure for the country particularly in metropolitan areas," Pastor said during the launch of the government's Active Transport Manual Wednesday morning.

Under the budget, 800 million will be used to construct over 338 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Manila while 150 million will fund the planned 140 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Cebu.

The same amount goes for Metro Davao's proposed 43-kilometer bike lanes.

Pastor said these will be created from feasibility study results and recommendations from national and local governments.

The DOTr reported last March that only less than a fifth of bike lanes, separators, and markings have been built so far.

The assistant secretary explained the bike lanes are necessary since more Filipinos are using them going to work.

"Kailangang mabigyan po agad-agad ng safe and secure na bike lanes po ang ating cyclists lalong lalo na po ngayong pandemya," Pastor added.

[Translation: We need to immediately provide our cyclists safe and secure bike lanes, especially during this pandemic.]

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade, meanwhile, said more bike lanes mean less bicycle-related accidents.

In Metro Manila, the number went up over 48% in 2020 compared to the previous year according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The figure is the biggest jump since the MMDA started compiling data in 2009.

Tugade appealed to the public to read and understand the active transport manual for everyone's safety.

The bikers' manual contains details that will ensure biker safety, including road safety, courtesy, and etiquette.

SM Supermalls will release 140,000 copies nationwide for free.
Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

A local restaurant manager is accused of groping several of his underage employees, according to an arrest affidavit.

James Maxwell Crow, 27, was charged with three counts of indecency with a child with contact.
With one-third of his eastern Caribbean nation transformed turned into a relative wasteland from the erupting La Soufriere volcano, the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday appealed to the international community for help with his countrys recovery.

Its an extraordinary, existential challenge that is facing us, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said.

The leader joined the United Nations in launching an urgent appeal for assistance to address the budding humanitarian crisis and multiple challenges created by the volcanos ongoing explosions. They are seeking nearly $29.2 million in assistance to cover the next six months and help start the recovery.

Of the 20,000 people evacuated from the red zone after the volcano first unleashed ash on April 9, three-quarters are identified by the U.N. as in critical need of immediate assistance. The disaster has destroyed crops on the northern third of the island of St. Vincent, where La Soufriere is located, and is leading to a water shortage. Schools have been disrupted because the buildings are being used as shelters, and two of the islands five hospitals had to be evacuated.

Think of us feeding on a daily basis, three meals over 10-12,000 people. Its a herculean task, Gonsalves said. This is the midnight hour of our need and we are expecting the international community to come to our aid.

After more than 40 years of being dormant, the La Soufriere volcano unleashed volcanic ash earlier this month, followed by an avalanche of hot gases and debris days later. The explosion forced an evacuation order and the closing of the countrys international airport, which remains shuttered due to the ongoing ash cleanup. Scientists warn that the eruptions could go on for six months or more.

Gonsalves said that while damage assessments are ongoing, the islands recovery will cost many millions of dollars and were not talking about just tens of millions. Its going to be in excess of that. Scientists estimate that the volcano has emitted more than 100 cubic meters of ash which now needs to be cleaned up, he noted. Theres also the need to provide social support, water, health care and housing.

He said the northern party of the country, where there are agricultural fields, fishing spots and tourism operations is all gone it is now a relative wasteland. Its desolation.

Gonsalves was joined by Didier Trebucq, the U.N. resident coordinator for Barbados and the eastern Caribbean. Trebucq, who traveled to the island by boat, visited the red and orange zones heavily affected by the ashfall and rumblings with Gonsalves over the weekend.

He described the impact of the ashfall as apocalyptic.

We have seen many roofs that have collapsed, the roads have been turned into tracks, Trebucq said. The crops are all devastated in this part of the island.

He added that the situation is not sustainable without assistance for those who were evacuated, as well as for those hosting evacuees in their homes.

The vast majority of the people of this island has been affected, Trebucq said. The health facilities as well have been affected; two out of the five hospitals had to be evacuated and this is really putting even more pressure on the remaining health system and there is still a lot of uncertainty.

April 13, 2021, 2020, Kingstown, St. Vincent: Residents were ordered to evacuate the area after the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano In St. Vincent, officials said. There were no immediate reports of casualties. (National Emergency Management Organization via ZUMA Wire/TNS)TNS

Trebucq said in addition to having to resettle residents and repair homes, ash will need to be cleaned up in St. Vincent and nearby islands including Barbados. The country has also been heavily affected by ash in its atmosphere. The volcano activity is happening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which Trebucq said they remain concerned about, and two months before the start of hurricane season.

Scientists with the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center, which has been closely monitoring the volcano, have warned the island could be dealing with further ashfalls and eruptions for some time. The last big eruption on St. Vincent in 1979 went on for seven months, Gonsalves noted. Another one, in 1902, which the current eruption appears to be mimicking, lasted longer.

Unlike that eruption, which killed over 1,600, there have been no reported deaths from the ongoing explosions. But the humanitarian challenges remain.

We have to deal with lives, with livelihoods during that period, Gonsalves said. Even when we clean up, all of the ash and we go back, its going to take several months for the crops to grow, and there are a lot of trees, which are going to take longer  coconut trees, breadfruit trees, fruit trees and the like, bananas, plantains.

___

Jacqueline Charles of The Miami Herald wrote this story.

(c)2021 Miami Herald

Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Born at Nellore on 3 June 1927 Maidavolu Narasimham, father of financial and banking reforms, breathed last on 20 April 2021. This 94-year-old legend in banking was the only person joining the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a research officer in the department of research and statistics, to return as governor of RBI for the shortest period of seven months, after serving the government of India as additional secretary in the department of economic affairs in 1972. He was secretary for banking from where he rose to the position of governor of RBI.

In the words of his mentee, Dr YV Reddy, former governor of RBI, M Narasimham is a gentleman and statesman.

Former president of India and a philosopher-statesman Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishan was his grandfather.

He chaired two committees, the Financial Sector Reforms Committee (Narasimham Committee-1) and the Committee on Banking Reforms set up by P Chidambaram in 1997.

In his memoirs, Mr Narasimham, wrote, My tenure in the Reserve Bank was rather uneventfulMy attitude was to carry on hand, to use a maritime expression, to see the ships steady as she goes.

After his short seven-month term as governor of RBI, he served as executive director of both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). During his tenure as principal of Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), he served Asian Development Bank (ADB) as vice-president.

Mr Narasimham was an idea-man.

Several of his ideas blossomed into institutions, evolution of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI)  an institution generated out of the Cooley funds out of PL-480 operations  as a refinancing agency, national credit council, regional rural banks, interest recognition and asset classification norms, the concept of non-performing assets (NPAs), reforms in the balance sheets of banks, resultantly.

He was also credited with the introduction of a trade-weighted basket of currencies to determine exchange rate that lasted till another set of reforms in 1992 when it moved to market determined exchange rate.

In several of my articles on banking, I extensively quoted his unfinished agenda of reforms suggested by him. Banks have to tone up their skills base by resorting, on an ongoing basis, to later induction of experienced and skilled personnel, particularly for quick entry into new activity and areas. The Committee notes that there has been considerable decline in the scale of merit-based recruitment even at the entry level in many banks.

He also recommended the unpalatable discontinuance of the practice of recruitment of officers through Banking Services Recruitment Board.

Mr Narasimham also pointed out that banks and financial institutions should avoid the practice of 'evergreening' by making fresh advances to their troubled constituents only with a view to settling interest dues and avoiding their classification as NPAs. By 1992, prudential norms had a shocking impact on banks Balance sheets.

He also resisted the dual control of public sector banks (PSBs) the government and the RBI. He clearly mentioned that the role of owner must be distinct from that of the regulator. He called for dismantling the department of financial services (DFS) in the ministry of finance (MoF). This is yet to happen.

While on mergers, he was very clear that the weak banks should not merge with banks and the former should be given a clear and safe exit.

A few anecdotal references would be in order since I worked with him as dean of studies at ASCI. My eight-year tenure marked a great period of learning in my life.

I had the privilege to invite him, when he was chairman of ASCI, to deliver the keynote address on the anniversary day of State Bank Institute of Rural Development (SBIRD) in 1991.

He readily accepted the invitation and delivered the address that focused on the role of farming and rural development in India and the role banks have to play progressively in these areas.

Training the executives of banks and project directors (PDs), district rural development agencies (DRDAs) should be strengthened, he said.

This address led to the SBIRD holding a few programmes for the PDs, DRDAs and bankers together.

The second time I met him was, after my retirement from the SBI in 1994, at a marriage. Expressing surprise at my decision to retire and establish a consulting firm, he told me that it was not the age (52 years) for entering consultancy and desired that I should see him the next day at his office.

I saw him as directed and delivered my CV to the principal TL Sankar at ASCI.

Both Mr Narasimham and Mr Sankar etched a new history for the ASCI that was under severe losses by 1991. After observing due process, I was selected as senior faculty in October 1994.

At the time of selection, I was told to organise training programmes for the financial cooperatives (both rural and urban) and the regional rural banks (RRBs), his brainchild. The very next year, I was made the dean of studies, based on my performance.

The most interesting and memorable event was designing a training programme for the chief general managers (CGMs) of RBI.

Mr Narasimham called me to his chambers and beckoned me to meet the then RBI governor Bimal Jalan and chalk out the programme.

Since it was to address the reforms in the financial and banking sector, whose chief architect he was, he directed that Dr Mathew Manimala, senior faculty for human resources (HR), and I meet the governor and figure out the RBI requirements in training.

In effect, it was more a change management programme.

The chief general managers till then, being the regulators, always had their word as the last word in all that they said.

After studying the HR practices of RBI for a week, both of us drafted a programme for five days that was discussed with the CGM (HR), and the governor and firmed it up.

Mr Jalan told us that Mr Narasimham knows the needs of this cadre at that point of time better and that the design can be modified in a manner he wished too.

That was how we rolled out two training programmes at ASCI. This was the biggest challenge I could face. It was also the biggest learning experience for me.

In 2006-07, I was the editor of Asian Economic Review, a journal of the Indian Institute of Economics under the aegis of Federation of AP Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mr Narasimham was the chairman of the editorial board. His directions on acceptance and editing of the accepted articles were great lessons.

He was known for punctuality and sharp wit. He was a man of few words and more of them were directions. An affable person, highly engaged intellectually even till 2018, the last time I met. He lived as a man of the future.

It is difficult to imagine that such a person left us. May his soul rest in peace.

(Dr B Yerram Raju is a former senior executive of SBI and an economist and risk management specialist.)
Tweet analysis uncovers how COVID conspiracy theories evolved

Building a machine learning model to filter analyze 120 million tweets showed researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory how COVID-19 conspiracy theories evolved over time. The tool could someday help public health officials combat misinformation online, lab representatives said.

We wanted to create a more cohesive understanding of how misinformation changes as it spreads, said Courtney Shelley, a postdoctoral researcher in the Information Systems and Modeling Group at the lab. Because people tend to believe the first message they encounter, public health officials could someday monitor which conspiracy theories are gaining traction on social media and craft factual public information campaigns to preempt widespread acceptance of falsehoods.

The study used publicly available, anonymized Twitter data to characterize the context of four COVID-19 conspiracy theories that were popular in first five months of the pandemic:

5G cell towers spread the virus.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation engineered or was somehow involved with COVID-19.

The virus was bioengineered or developed in a laboratory

COVID-19 vaccines, which were then all still in development, would be dangerous.

From the initial 120 million tweets, the researchers narrowed the dataset to approximately "1.8 million tweets that contained COVID-19 keywords or were from health-related Twitter accounts, said Dax Gerts, the studys co-author. The researchers used pattern filtering to identify subsets of tweets that matched the four selected conspiracy theories. They then hand labeled several hundred tweets for each theme to build training sets for machine-learning models that categorized tweets as COVID-19 misinformation or not.

This allowed us to observe the way individuals talk about these conspiracy theories on social media, and observe changes over time, Gerts said.

The researchers found that misinformation tweets contain more negative sentiment when compared to factual tweets and that as conspiracy theories evolve, they pick up details from unrelated conspiracies as well as real-world events.

For example, immediately after Bill Gates participated in a March 20 Reddit Ask Me Anything session in which he discussed his foundations research to develop injectable invisible ink for recording vaccinations, the Gates-based conspiracy theory changed. After the session, anti-vax tweets included more words suggesting the COVID-19 vaccine would secretly microchip individuals for population control.

Without understanding how conspiracy theories are evolving public health officials run the risk of inadvertently publicizing conspiracy theories that might otherwise die on the vine. Shelley said. Initial messaging from public health officials, or anyone attempting to counter the spread of conspiracy theories through social media, should aim to preempt generalized misinformation before it becomes widespread, the researchers wrote in their paper. Later messaging will need to target evolving conspiracy theories and the new facets of each as they become incorporated.

The study, Thought Id Share First and Other Conspiracy Theory Tweets from the COVID-19 Infodemic: Exploratory Study, was recently published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
A Virginia cop has been fired for anonymously donating $25 to Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse's legal fund with a note saying 'you've done nothing wrong'.

Norfolk Police Lt. William K. Kelly lost his job after a hack revealed the names of those who gave money to help with the 18-year-old's costs.

Rittenhouse is accused of killing two protesters and wounding a third during a demonstration against police brutality in Wisconsin last August 25.

Kelly, who was second in command in the Norfolk Police Department's internal affairs division, is said to have written: 'God bless. Thank you for your courage. Keep your head up. You've done nothing wrong.

'Every rank and file police officer supports you. Don't be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership.'

City Manager Chip Filer said: 'I have reviewed the results of the internal investigation involving Lt. William Kelly. Chief Larry Boone and I have concluded Lt. Kellys actions are in violation of City and departmental policies.

'His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve.'

Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander added: 'The alleged statement and action by a member of Norfolks Police Department is alarming and by all means not consistent with the values of our city or the standards set for our employees.'

Kelly has not commented. The 19-year veteran can appeal the decision.

Rittenhouse (left) is seen with his lawyer (right) during a court appearance in January

According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse (pictured on August 25), traveled to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, on August 25 after a local militia posted an online message seeking help protecting businesses from protesters

City Manager Chip Filer said: 'His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve'

His firing came just hours before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd.

Union president Clay Messick called his firing 'disappointing', adding: 'We were hoping for a full, transparent investigation. But after 72 hours, I do not believe that is what we got. It is hard to call this fair.'

Conservatives have rallied around Rittenhouse, painting him as a symbol for gun rights and suggesting he acted in self defense. They generated money to help with $2million bail in November.

He has been seen in bars with right wing group the Proud Boys and allegedly flashed hate symbols in pictures. Rittenhouse has pleaded not guilty to all counts and argued he fired in self-defense.

Kyle Rittenhouse is is accused of killing two protesters and wounding a third during a demonstration against police brutality in Wisconsin. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts and argued he fired in self-defense

Norfolk police chief Larry D. Boone had said Tuesday: 'I want the residents of Norfolk to know that their police department will represent and uphold our organizational values of Service, Honor, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Diversity.

'A police department cannot do its job when the public loses trust with those whose duty is to serve and protect them.'

Rittenhouse's trial was last month pushed back by until November and could be delayed even longer.

His trial was scheduled to begin March 29, but both sides told a judge that they needed more time to prepare.

Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder set a November 1 trial start date, with a May 17 status hearing.

Rittenhouse faces multiple felony counts, including reckless homicide and reckless endangerment.

He also faces a misdemeanor count of being a minor in possession of a firearm.

Rittenhouse appeared with his attorney during the court hearing broadcast over Zoom.

He only spoke when the judge asked him if he had any problem with the delay, which would push his trial start to more than a year after the shootings.

'No, your honor,' Rittenhouse said. He was seated behind his attorney and wearing a mask.

The judge cautioned that the trial could be pushed back even further, saying the November date was 'not written in stone'.

Rittenhouse is accused of fatally shooting Anthony Huber (left) and Joseph Rosenbaum (right) during a demonstration on August 25. He is also accused of shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm. Grosskreutz survived

According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse, traveled to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, on August 25 after a local militia posted an online message seeking help protecting businesses from protesters.

Kenosha was in the throes of several nights of chaotic protests after a white police officer shot Jacob Blake, who is black, in the back during a domestic disturbance. The shooting left Blake paralyzed from the waist down.

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, opened fire on protesters Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz with an AR-15-style rifle.

Rosenbaum and Huber were killed while Grosskreutz was wounded. He survived.

Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the three protesters attacked him.

Police let him walk through their lines in the moments following the shootings, even though Rittenhouse still had his rifle slung over his shoulder and protesters were screaming that he had just shot three people.

Richards told Schroeder last month that Rittenhouse has received threats and has moved into a undisclosed safe house.
DGAP-News: Atriva Therapeutics GmbH / Key word(s): Financing

Atriva Therapeutics to Speed up Development of COVID-19 Drug with Federal Funding



21.04.2021 / 16:03

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Atriva Therapeutics to Speed up Development of COVID-19 Drug with Federal Funding

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) awards Atriva up to 11.4 million for the clinical development of a drug to treat COVID-19

Product candidate ATR-002 could help hospital patients with COVID-19 avoid ventilation and intensive care treatment

Targeting RNA viruses and acting in the host cell, drug candidate can retain full activity even with SARS-CoV-2 variants

Therapeutic aims to inhibit replication of virus and to prevent overshooting immune response

Tablet can be administered easily

Tubingen (Germany), April 21, 2021 - Atriva Therapeutics GmbH, a company that is pioneering the development of therapies for the treatment of viral infections, has secured up to 11.4 million in federal funding. The company, founded in 2015, announced today that it was selected for research funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Atriva will use the funds to advance its drug ATR-002 towards market maturity as quickly as possible. "We are delighted our work has been recognised by the panel of experts around Prof. Dr. Ciesek and Dr. Spinner," says Atriva's CEO Dr. Rainer Lichtenberger. The funding is part of a 50 million BMBF programme for COVID-19 therapies, awarded to a total of eight companies.

"The late clinical development stage, the pivotal Phase III trials in particular, and the manufacturing preparations for the drug are very expensive. Finding the respective financing is difficult for small biotech companies," explains Atriva's CEO Dr. Rainer Lichtenberger. "Especially in such a global health crisis as this, a broad public funding initiative is extremely important and can be decisive for speeding up the drug development process - as has been impressively demonstrated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines."

ATR-002 is currently in a Phase II clinical study called RESPIRE.[1] It is suitable for COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms who are hospitalised but do not yet require ventilation or intensive care. The RESPIRE trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug candidate in 220 adults; the first patient was treated in mid-April. A Phase I trial to assess safety and tolerability has already been successfully completed.

The fight against the pandemic not only requires vaccines, but also effective and safe drugs to treat patients suffering from the different stages of COVID-19. "We believe ATR-002 has great potential here because it aims to not only inhibit the replication of the virus but also to prevent an excessive immune response," Lichtenberger says. "This often causes severe progression of the disease." ATR-002 acts in the host cell and is most likely not prone to a loss of effectiveness in virus mutations such as B.117, B.1.315 and P.1.

Should the current clinical trial lead to good results and conditional approval from regulatory authorities, the new funding would help Atriva bring the drug to the patient faster.

About ATR-002's mode of action with dual benefit

Atriva's lead product ATR-002 is developed specifically to treat diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, caused by RNA viruses. ATR-002 is a clinical stage MEK inhibitor drug candidate targeting the intracellular Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. This pathway is central for replication of many RNA viruses, such as the influenza virus, hantavirus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and also SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In influenza virus infected cells, the interaction of ATR-002 with MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) prevents export of the viral genome protein complexes (ribonucleoprotein, RNP) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thus blocking the formation of functional new viral particles. This ultimately reduces the viral load in the body.[2] In addition, ATR-002 has the potential to modulate the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of the body, avoiding overshooting cytokine response that can be caused by such viral infections. MEK inhibition can reduce the gene expression of some of the cytokines involved, like TNF-a, IL-1, IP-10, IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-1a, and thus mitigate the overactive inflammatory response in the lungs of patients who are severely ill with influenza or COVID-19.[3]

About Atriva Therapeutics GmbH

Atriva Therapeutics, founded in 2015, is a biopharmaceutical company that is pioneering the development of host-targeting antiviral therapies. It was set up by a team of leading scientists in viral research as well as proven industry experts. The company aims to develop a therapy platform to treat severe respiratory diseases induced by RNA viruses with a high unmet medical need, such as influenza and COVID-19. The Atriva lead product ATR-002 is a first-in-class, host-targeting agent that aims to inhibit viral replication in influenza and to favorably modulate the body's immune response. ATR-002 is under clinical development and has successfully completed a Phase I trial to demonstrate safety and tolerability in healthy subjects. The Company has started a Phase II study to evaluate efficacy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.[1] A Phase II study in influenza is due to start later in 2021. The Company owns 11 patent families with broad international coverage related to the use of MEK inhibitors and other kinase inhibitors for antiviral therapies. The patent life runs through 2041. Atriva Therapeutics is based in Tubingen and Frankfurt, Germany.

Atriva is a founding member of the BEAT-COV initiative. www.beat-cov.de

For further information, please visit www.atriva-therapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact:



Atriva Therapeutics GmbH

Dr. Rainer Lichtenberger, CEO

phone: +49 6196 56 11 698

mobile: +49 151 7443 3175

lichtenberger@atriva-therapeutics.com Media and Investor Relations:



MC Services AG

Eva Bauer / Raimund Gabriel

phone: +49 89 210 228 80

atriva-therapeutics@mc-services.eu

[1]RESPIRE - A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ATR-002 in Adult Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19.

[2]Pleschka S et al. Nat Cell Biol 2001 Feb 3:301-5; Planz O Antiviral Res 2013 Jun 98(3):457-68; Haasbach E et al. Antiviral Res 2017 Jun 142:178-4; Laure M et al. Antiviral Res 2020 Jun 178:104806.

[3]Pinto R et al. Antiviral Res 2011 Oct 92(1):45-56; Planz O Antiviral Res 2013 Jun 98(3):457-68; Schrader T et al. Antiviral Res 2018 Sep 157:80-92.
A 20-year-old student paramedic on the night of the Manchester Arena terror attack has been hailed as a hero for his efforts in the emergency response.

Ryan Billington put his training from university and work placements into practice as he began the initial triage of casualties from the explosion and took charge of taking the injured to ambulances.

He was one of a number of first aiders on shift at the venue when Salman Abedi detonated his suicide bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert as the crowd entered the City Room foyer.

The inquiry heard last month how all but three trained paramedics stayed outside the venue in the aftermath.

It was also earlier told firefighters did not arrive at the scene of the bombing until an hour after the injured were cleared.

Ryan Billington (pictured) put his training from university and work placements into practice as he began the initial triage of casualties from the explosion and took charge of transporting the injured to ambulances

He was one of a number of first aiders on shift at the venue when Salman Abedi (pictured) detonated his suicide bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert

Mr Billington said he started to assess the injuries of those in the City Room shortly after the blast on the evening of May 22, 2017, (pictured) but also treated people and directed others to use makeshift stretchers

Mr Billington said he started to assess the injuries of those in the City Room shortly after the blast on the evening of May 22, 2017, but also treated people and directed others to use makeshift stretchers.

He told the public inquiry into the attack: 'I appreciate that we should be triaging first without providing any treatment. I couldn't just stand there and not treat people.

'I instructed everybody, families, police, anybody there that was able to carry a person to use whatever they could to start getting patients to ambulances if possible.'

He confirmed to counsel to the inquiry Paul Greaney QC he stayed in the City Room for 'as long as I could until I believed all the patients, or the majority of the patients, that were still alive were downstairs near the casualty clearing area'.

Mr Billington said prior to the attack he had received training on dealing with blast injuries and the triage process but not from his then-employers, Emergency Training UK (ETUK), who carried out medical services for the arena's operator SMG.

Mr Billington said prior to the attack (pictured) he had received training on dealing with blast injuries and the triage process but not from his then-employers, Emergency Training UK (ETUK), who carried out medical services for the arena's operator SMG

He described his training at ETUK as 'non-existent' and many of his co-workers - 'just people with normal jobs' - only had limited qualifications.

He said: 'I don't believe a first aid at work course which is geared to help me treat my colleague that has cut a finger at their desk was anywhere near as much training as somebody should receive who is going to go on and deal with a major incident.

'So triage on the evening was greatly myself trying to tell first aiders that were not versed in triage and did not have any idea of the concept of it.'

Mr Greaney asked: 'It sounds like you are describing a situation that the ETUK people who were there, save for you and a couple of others, had no experience of triage, no training in triage and here they were in the midst of responding to a terrorist attack having to learn it for the first time?'

Mr Billington replied: 'From my instructions over a radio, that was the situation they were put in.'

Mr Greaney said: 'That doesn't sound like a very satisfactory state of affairs.'

Mr Billington said: 'Absolutely not, sir.'

The witness added he did not feel he was sufficiently trained to be clinical lead in the situation he found himself in. Pictured: The aftermath

The witness added he did not feel he was sufficiently trained to be clinical lead in the situation he found himself in.

He said: 'A paramedic should have been clinical lead for that event, or a doctor.'

He remained in charge until an advanced paramedic from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) arrived - one of only three paramedics to enter the City Room - and he informed him there were many people dead and injured.

John Cooper QC, representing the bereaved families, said to Mr Billington, who now works for NWAS: 'On behalf of the families, who have particularly asked me to say this, they are grateful for the work you did, the heroic work you did and you should be very proud of yourself.'

Inquiry chair Sir John Saunders added: 'There were a number of heroes on that night but I think you certainly qualify to be one of them.'

The inquiry heard last month how the fire service did not arrive until two hours after explosion.

Lea Vaughan was one of only three paramedics to enter the site of the explosion.

Lea Vaughan and a colleague from North West Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) walked into the blast scene some 44 minutes after the bombing

Ms Vaughan and a colleague from North West Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) walked into the blast scene some 44 minutes after Abedi detonated his shrapnel-laden device.

She told the hearing into the terror attack they met up with another paramedic, Patrick Ennis, with a plan to carry out a 'military style' triage process.

While treating victims of the blast, she realised there were no fire service members present.

The inquiry also heard in January how all the injured had been cleared from the scene an hour before the fire service arrived.

The fire service spent nearly two hours arguing over where to meet the other emergency services before deploying, the hearing was told.

Images were shown to the inquiry of makeshift stretchers the police, first aid staff and rail employees used to help transport the badly injured in

Images were shown to the inquiry of makeshift stretchers that the police, first aid staff and rail employees used to help transport the badly injured in the meantime.

The last was removed at 11.40pm, 54 minutes before Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service arrived, the inquiry was told.

The hearing was told the ambulance and fire brigade refused to enter the City Room foyer where the bomb had gone off because they feared it was too dangerous.

Instead police officers and members of ETUK, who provided first aid for the arena, tried to save the lives of the most seriously injured.

The inquiry continues into the attack which killed 22 people and injured hundreds others.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 21 : Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K. Surendran on Wednesday asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan not to create panic over the non-availability of vaccines.

"The country is passing through one of its worst times and irresponsible statements should not be made by responsible people. On December 13, Vijayan had publicly said vaccines would be given free to all and now he has shot off a letter to the Prime Minister about shortage of vaccines. The role of the state government is only that of a postman," said Surendran.

"The PM has made it clear that from May 1 all above the age of 18 would be given vaccines and when that is the case, what was the need for Vijayan to write a letter and create a scare. Looking back when the state had enough vaccines, only 13 per cent were used. When the elections came, nothing was done and now the vaccine issue is being used for political reasons, just like what happened when the state suffered the worst ever floods in 2018. Then it was said the Centre has done nothing. The Modi government is not like the Pinarayi Vijayan government, it will do what is promised," added Surendran.

Surendran added that issues will be resolved by the Centre as things are under control and there should be no negative vibes from any quarter.

In the past one week Covid cases have surged and for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic the total number of Covid positive cases crossed one lakh.
The last contact came at 3 a.m. on Wednesday. Then the Indonesian Navy submarine disappeared, somewhere deep in the dark waters off the island of Bali in the Pacific Ocean.

By evening, Indonesias Ministry of Defense had tracked down only one possible sign of the missing vessel, which carried 53 people on board: a broad oil slick found in the area where the submarine began its dive north of Bali.

The oil slick could be evidence of the submarines distress from a crack in the hull, said First Adm. Julius Widjojono, a spokesman for the Indonesian Navy. Such cracking is highly unusual but can occur with a sudden change of pressure, naval experts said.

The last request made by the submarine, known as the KRI Nanggala-402, was for permission to descend to a deeper part of the Bali Sea in order to fire torpedoes for naval drills, First Admiral Widjojono said. The area includes valleys that are at least 1,900 to 2,300 feet deep (or roughly 600 to 700 meters).
Editor

Darren Marcy, a journalist since 1992, is the editor of the Manchester Journal. A New Mexico native, he previously worked for newspapers in the Land of Enchantment before moving to Vermont in 2004. He joined the Journal in October 2018.
Aubrey Plaza knows people expect her to do the Aubrey Plaza thing. Deadpan voice. Wide eyes. A mocking smile. All of it dripping with sarcasm. Its a lifelong pickle that Ive found myself in, says the star of Parks and Recreation over Zoom from her LA home. Ive had so many moments where Ill say something very sincerely and people will completely think that Im taking the piss out of them.

I fall victim to that myself a few times. When Plaza blows her nose for a full 20 seconds at the start of our interview  Dont listen to me! Oh my God that was gross  I wonder if shes doing a bit. When a large vehicle starts loudly reversing outside her window and Plaza clutches her head and wails, Why? Why is this happening?, I worry that shes genuinely having a breakdown. Even when she is serious and sincere  and she is for most of the conversation  its hard not to feel the urge to laugh.

There are a few things to blame for that. We could point the finger at Parks and Recreation, the mockumentary sitcom in which she played misanthropic intern April Ludgate, a role written for her after the casting director told creator Mike Schur shed just encountered the weirdest girl Ive ever met in my life. Or maybe the fault lies with Scott Pilgrim vs The World, the cult comic-book film where she played snarky mean girl Julie Powers. Or even the egregious Dirty Grandpa, in which she got the hots for Robert De Niro and invited him to party some babies into us. To all those roles, she brought a sardonic charm and an unselfconsciousness that was almost unnerving  as if she was always on the cusp of doing something genuinely deranged.

 Top 10 Unscripted Parks and Recreation Moments That Were Kept in the Show

And then there are those YouTube compilations. Aubrey Plaza being legitimately crazy for 12 minutes  3.4 million views. Aubrey Plaza has NO FILTER  8.5 million views. Aubrey Plaza is really WEIRD and AWKWARD. I love it!  17 million views. They mostly comprise talk show appearances, where shes making the middle-aged male hosts uncomfortable: pretending to be a cat and licking Stephen Colberts face, or pointing out all the insect bites on her body, or responding to whether shes had a good summer with, Yes, so many penises.

I think its hilarious that people know me from my talk show appearances and not my actual work, she says, in a voice that suggests she doesnt. I just think that theyre silly, and the format makes me uncomfortable on so many levels, so my way of dealing with it is to just play into that. But I think there is an element of me unconsciously giving people what they want. Youre weird on talk shows and then people expect that again and then you get caught in this trap. Its funny because Im very nervous before I go on. I dont have this elaborate performance ready; Im literally just trying to be normal. But I cant do it.

Its just how she is. Born to a Puerto-Rican father and Irish mother and named after a soft-rock song by the band Bread, Plazas always been the funniest person in the room  despite often acting like shes not in on her own joke. Im just always interested in the silliness and the weirdness and the uncanniness of life, explains the 36-year-old, whose style of comedy was recently likened to that of Bill Murray in an interview with The Telegraph. Ive always made a spectacle of myself in public. Ive always humiliated myself in large groups of people.

Today, shes in a fairly empty spare room, dressed in a dark green jumper with big puffy sleeves. Her huge brown eyes, which on screen are usually either rolling into the back of her head or feigning innocence, are no less transfixing through a webcam. Hers is a face that lends itself to deadpan: even when its completely expressionless, it is so full of life that you can read almost anything into it.

At high school, Plaza was always the one wearing the costume, running around, getting everyone pepped up, she says. Her boyfriend at the time, actor and Broadway star John Gallagher Jr, later described her as a female teenage small-town Andy Kaufman  dry, surreal, utterly committed to the joke.

Aubrey Plaza (centre) as the sardonic April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation (NBC Universal Inc)

Lately, though, she has proven that this quality is versatile. Shes starred in the brilliant social-media thriller Ingrid Goes West, the surprisingly inventive horror remake Childs Play, and the Christmas romcom Happiest Season (which well get to later). In the trippy Marvel series Legion, she goes for broke as the human persona of a disembodied mutant. All these roles asked for much more than eye-rolls and disdain.

Now theres Black Bear. Set entirely in and around a remote lake house, the film begins as an indie mumblecore and then slams on the brakes, quite literally, and becomes a completely different film  a disquieting metatextual thriller that explores the blurred lines between performance and reality. In the first half, Plaza plays a deconstruction of this persona that people project onto me, using her own reputation to wrongfoot the audience. In the second half, things get dark. Suddenly, she is an unstable actor being emotionally manipulated by her husband director (Christopher Abbott), who believes that pushing her to the edge will coax out a better performance. In between downing vodka, crying, and physically attacking her co-stars, she summons up the strength to shoot yet another take  no matter how distressing the process is.

Plaza says her role in Black Bear left her feeling like a shell of a person' (Vertigo Releasing)

The film explores the idea of a director manipulating his actress for a performance, which does happen, says Plaza. Theres a romanticised history of mad genius male auteurs manipulating their actresses to get performances, and theyre forgiven because of how talented they are and how brilliant the movies are. I hope those days are wearing thin because its not necessary and it is complete bulls**t. Theres no excuse for any kind of manipulation or abuse on set. Thats just wrapped up in that directors ego.

If theres one central question at the heart of Black Bear, says Plaza, its this: At what cost do we make art and is it necessary to suffer for it? Complicating things is the fact that Plazas character believes, in some kind of twisted way, that her suffering really is fuelling her performance. Its so heartbreaking, says Plaza, because I want to shake her and go, No, you dont need to suffer! But its this thing that has become normal. Its just a struggle that a lot of artists try and reckon with in their lives.

Is it something shes reckoned with? Pffffff, she says. I havent I mean I try She blows out more air. I have a tendency to believe that the suffering is necessary, she admits, finally. I have a hard time navigating the toxicity of those relationships when youre making art because I get very wrapped up in the mentality of, Whatever happens happens, as long as the movies good. And thats on me. I dont know where thats come from. At the end of the day, when Im old and dying, none of this is gonna matter She stops herself again. I dont have the answer. I think its something I struggle with.

Plaza and co-star Christopher Abbott in Black Bear (Vertigo Releasing)

There is an irony and an inevitability, then, to the fact that Plaza suffered so much making a film about suffering for your art; that her characters nihilism spilled over into real life. I knew that if I decided to do this, that I was really gonna dive off the deep end, she says. It was almost entirely night shoots, and having to pretend to be catastrophically drunk, crying, and hurling herself at walls (and people) for days on end took a toll. I knew there were things about this process that were going to be chaotic and hard and that there was going to be a certain amount of suffering involved. And I was totally right. It was probably worse than I thought. This movie more than any movie that Ive done just left me kind of She takes a deep breath. Depleted. I was just a shell of a person. But because I gravitate towards messy, gnarly, complicated, scary situations, it was just too much for me to pass up. I had to do it. I would never do it again. Im not in a place in my life right now where I would wanna put myself in that position, but for some reason that summer I was like  she does a cartoon click-and-point at the camera  Im going in!

Six months later, Plaza was back on a film set shooting Happiest Season  an altogether less traumatic experience. The first major-studio Christmas romcom to centre a same-sex couple, it was a coming-out caper with moments of real emotional darkness. Kristen Stewart played Abby, a young woman who only finds out that her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) is not out to her parents when she arrives to spend Christmas with the family. Plaza played Harpers high-school girlfriend Riley.

Aubrey Plaza and Kristen Stewart in Happiest Season (TriStar Pictures)

A movie like this should have come out so long ago, says Plaza, who is in a relationship with the director Jeff Baena and has said in the past that she falls in love with men and women. Not to toot my own horn but I was calling my agency years ago and going, You know, what you should do is take a romcom script and just make it two women. Dont make it about them being gay or coming out or anything, just a love story with two women. And what was the response? It was ridiculous. It was, Haha, arghhh, I dont know! Literally someone said to me, Well, imagine the poster and how confusing it would be for people. And I would be like, Are you out of your f***ing mind? Can you believe? Its wild. It is wild how completely ignorant this industry has been. Well done for trying, I say. I wish I'd tried harder... But yeah, it is so about time for those stories to be told in a mainstream way.

For that reason, there was a lot riding on Happiest Season. Some people loved it. Others, troubled by a central relationship they saw as toxic, hated it. Almost everyone was rooting for Abby to leave Harper for Riley. Plaza smiles. When Clea [DuVall, the director] asked me to do the film, I remember saying to her, Look, if I do this, I am going to come for Abby. Im coming for her. The audience is gonna want me to be with her at the end, and thats what Im gonna want. So just as long as you know that... And she was kind of like, Yeah yeah yeah. But then I couldnt believe the response when it was over. I was like, Oh my God, its exactly what I said, but crazier. Its a testament to Plazas charm, I suppose. Look, at the end of the day, you just cant deny me and Kristens chemistry, she says, holding up her hands. You just cant.

Naturally, next up is a Guy Ritchie action comedy. Plaza loved working on the film  not that anyone believed her. I said to the writer halfway through the shoot, I love Jason Statham, I think he is the sweetest guy. I really like working with him. And the writer went, Ha, well, Im assuming you mean the opposite. No! I was being sincere! He just thought I was joking. Shes clearly not quite out of that Aubrey Plaza pickle yet.

Black Bear is released on digital on 23 April
Apple has confirmed it will release its new software update, iOS 14.5, next week  complete with a controversial feature called App Tracking Transparency.

App Tracking Transparency is a new anti-tracking feature that aims to crack down on apps that track iPhone users, such as Facebook and Google.

The feature will require all phone apps to get the user's permission before tracking their data across websites or apps owned by other companies.

It will let users go to their Settings and see which apps have requested permission to track them, and make any changes as they see fit.

The update, which was delayed last year, is a blow to Facebook and other digital services with apps that depend on such data surveillance to help sell ads.

Last night, Apple unveiled a slew of new products in a live-streamed presentation, including a line of computers inspired by its 1998 Mac line and a tracking device called AirTag.

But the announcement of next week's launch of iOS 14.5 was a much more subtle affair  in smallprint at the bottom of a press release for AirTag.

App Tracking Transparency across iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS will require apps to get the user's permission before tracking their data across apps or websites owned by other companies

BEST OF iOS 14.5 - App Tracking Transparency - Support for unlocking an iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a face mask - UI tweaks for the Podcasts app - New interface for typing with Siri and sending messages with Siri - Two new/improved Siri voices - Support for using the Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 controllers - New UI for Software Update in Settings - New emoji characters Advertisement

'AirTag requires iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later,' Apple said.

'These software updates will be available starting next week.'

App Tracking Transparency is arguably the biggest change that comes with iOS 14.5  effectively preventing iPhone apps from secretly shadowing people

It will allow iPhone and iPad users to make 'more informed choices' about the apps they use and the permissions they grant to those apps, according to the company.

'With App Tracking Transparency, users can now choose whether to allow apps to track them,' Apple says.

Currently, iPhone users are frequently tracked by apps they install unless they take the extra step of going into iPhone settings and opting-out.

However, App Tracking Transparency changes this to an opt-in model, on a per-app basis.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has opposed the feature, suggesting that some free digital services will be hampered if they can't compile personal information to customise ads.

'Apple may say that they are doing this to help people, but the moves clearly track their competitive interests,' Zuckerberg said in January.

In December, Facebook took out a series of full-page newspaper advertisements in in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and others, attacking Apple in what the social media giant said was a show of support for small businesses.

However, in March Zuckerberg seemed to relax his stance, saying Facebook will 'be in a good position' when App Tracking Transparency comes into force.

'It's possible that we may even be in a stronger position if Apple's changes encourage more businesses to conduct more commerce on our platforms by making it harder for them to use their data in order to find the customers that would want to use their products outside of our platforms,' Zuckerberg said in a meeting on Clubhouse, a private social app on March 18.

Apple announced App Tracking Transparency last June but said in September that it would delay the change to give digital advertisers more time to adjust.

It then confirmed the impending release of the feature earlier this year, saying it would come with the release of iOS 14.5 in the spring.

Apple has been holding off the release of App Tracking Transparency to give Facebook and other app makers more time to adjust to the feature, which will require iPhone users to give their explicit consent to being tracked

iOS 14.5 has been tested in beta (prior to an official release) since February 1 this year.

Its full release was rumoured for later that month, but it didn't materialise  although an Apple spokesperson told MailOnline today that any rumoured release dates for iOS 14.5 were just speculation.

Now, Apple has finally revealed it's coming 'next week', although Apple declined to name a specific date to MailOnline.

As well as App Tracking Transparency, iOS 14.5 includes new voice options for digital assistant Siri, meaning it will no longer be female by default.

It also includes support for using the Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 controllers, more than 200 new emojis and the ability to open iPhones with an Apple Watch for people wearing a face mask.

iOS 14.5 will also make it easier for mask-wearing users to unlock their iPhone in the pandemic era

APPLE ANNOUNCEMENTS: iOS 14.5 AND NEW HARDWARE Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted on Tuesday afternoon: 'Its a beautiful spring morning for an #AppleEvent! See you soon' with a photo of a rainbow structure from Apple Park in California Apple revealed several new products at its live-streamed Spring Loaded event on Tuesday evening (April 20). This included AirTag, a small circular tagging device for tracking everyday items like keys, a line of computers inspired by its 1998 Mac line and a purple iPhone 12. The product announcement was accompanied by much fanfare from the firm on social media, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, but the company has opted for a much quieter announcement for the release of iOS 14.5. iOS 14.5 is integral for the new products, such as AirTag, to work on Apple devices. In a press release for AirTag, Apple said in small print right at the bottom: 'AirTag requires iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later. 'These software updates will be available starting next week.' So iPhone users can expect to get iOS 14.5 the week starting April 26. iOS includes new features like App Tracking Transparency, new voice options for Siri and support for unlocking an iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a face mask. Advertisement

In case you missed it, here's what Apple revealed at Spring Loaded on Tuesday evening.

AirTag

The 29 AirTag is a small, circular device Apple logo at the centre that tracks missing items through the 'Find My' app.

Similar to the already popular Tile tracking tag, AirTags can be attached to non-techy items like keys or wallets and provides notifications when you become separated from the item.

AirTag is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an iPhone or iPad.

Using the 'Find My' app, the system provides step-by-step directions to locate the tag and the missing product.

Apple has officially unveiled its long-awaited AirTags  a Tile-like devices that tracks missing items through the 'Find My' app

However, Apple emphasized the new device is not for tracking people and has added privacy features to ensure the new AirTags are not used for anything but to find inanimate objects.

Rumors of Apple's AirTags first surfaced in September 2019, when MacRumors released screenshots it found of a new 'Items' tab in the 'Find My' app.

AirTag will be available for order on April 23 and will ship April 30.

Purple iPhone 12

Apple wasn't expected to reveal a new phone at Spring Loaded  making the announcement of a new purple iPhone 12 a pleasant surprise.

The new shade of purple will be available for both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

'The new purple finish, just in time for spring, adds another bright and fun option to the lineup, and we think customers are going to love it,' said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

The fetching new shade of purple will be available for both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

Retro-inspired iMacs

Apple also announced a new range of colourful iMac computers, inspired by one of its most memorable products in its history  the iMac G3.

iMac G3 was the hugely successful series of Apple computers released in 1998, known for its vibrant, translucent range of colours and bulbous body.

The new iMac range is available in seven different vibrant colours and includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics and a six-speaker sound system.

It's also the first to come with Touch ID, making it easier to securely log in, make purchases with Apple Pay or switch user profiles  all of which can be done with the touch of a finger.

The new iMac is the latest addition to the family of Mac models powered by Apple's M1, chip including MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

Both the stunning purple iPhone 12 and colorful new iMac computers will be available for pre-orders April 23 and shipped in the second half of May.

Image of the back of a the original Apple iMac G3 home computer from the 1990s with a 'Bondi Blue' finish

The new iMac is available in seven different vibrant colors and includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system

iPad Pro

Apple also announced a new iPad Pro that is said to be the most powerful and advanced yet.

The device is the first to include the tech giants in-house M1 chip, providing the iPad Pro with similar performance of its iMac desktop computer.

With the upgraded processor, Apple says the graphics performance is more than 1,500 times faster and boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours.

The iPad Pro features a new Liquid Retina XDR display, 5G capability and an all-new Ultra Wide front camera.

It's available as an 11-inch from 749 and a 12.9-inch from 999  orders open April 30 and shipping begins in the second half of May.

'The revolutionary M1 chip has been a breakthrough for the Mac, and we're incredibly excited to bring it to iPad Pro,' said Joswiak.

Apple announced a new iPad Pro during its Spring Loaded event that is said to be the most powerful and advanced yet. This is the first to include the tech giants in-house M1 chip, providing the iPad Pro with similar performance of its Mac systems

Apple TV 4K

Lastly, Apple announced the next generation of Apple TV 4K with a new Siri Remote and a A12 Bionic chip for a boost in graphics.

'Apple TV 4K is in a category of its own, leveraging a deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services that delivers a massive upgrade to any TV for the very best cinematic experience,' said Bob Borchers, Apples vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

'With the A12 Bionic and the all-new Siri Remote, Apple TV 4K lets customers enjoy their favourite shows, movies, and more in the highest quality, with simple and intuitive controls.'

Some other Apple products rumoured to be unveiled on Tuesday didn't materialise, namely a third-generation Apple Pencil and third-generation AirPods  the wireless Bluetooth headphones that come with their own charging case.

Both these products could be unveiled this autumn, along with a new flagship iPhone, expected to be called iPhone 13.
Australia will help fund groundbreaking research in low-emissions technology as the Morrison government confronts increasingly ambitious climate commitments from major trading partners ahead of a global climate summit.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce a $566 million investment in research partnerships with other countries for new technology like green steel, small modular nuclear reactors, and soil carbon sequestration. He said the technology from the deals would benefit Australian export industries such as agriculture, coal, aluminium and gas.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is looking to the international community to help develop the low emissions technology needed to tackle climate change. Credit:Brook Mitchell

The world is changing and we want to stay ahead of the curve by working with international partners to protect the jobs we have in energy-reliant businesses and create new jobs in the low emissions technology sector, he said.

Australias focus on international action contrasts with the increasingly ambitious 2030 emissions targets that developed nations are announcing in the lead-up to US President Joe Bidens international climate summit on Thursday.
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!
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hollywood Swag Bag celebrates this year's nominees with a basket as unique as each nominee's gift and contribution to humanity.

Over 50 leading brands in health and wellness, sustainability, fair-trade, non-gmo, organic, women-owned and purpose-driven companies are included in conjunction with Hollywood Baskets and their hand-crafted and mindfully curated baskets.

2021 Hollywood Swag Bag Red Carpet Gift Basket 2021 Hollywood Swag Bag Diverse, Creative & Purpose Driven Brands

Drink Sunlit Agave Wine, Lue by Jean Seo, Hedley & Bennett, Belgian Boys, Stefanie Greer's Energy Healing, Hair Goddess LA, Botne Beauty, Satya Jewelry, Skin & Body Method, Sleevepal, are women-owned businesses that bring value to our world with their passion.

Nominees will also receive the creative works of Artist Tracie Eaton, Samir Bodhi's Music, Shunia, Adara Music, Authors Amanda Maynard-Schubert  The Bards of Birch Tree Hall, Kelly Van Nelson's Poetry Collection Punch and Judy, Shar Moore's YNOT, K.P. Weaver's The Power of Knowing, Joanne Fedler's Unbecoming, Anita East's Beautiful Unique Faces, Ingrid Bayer's Futureproof Your Career, Rebecca Corbett's Back Yourself, Teffanie Thompson & Adrea Peters When I Go Outside, Adrea Peters Quantum Thinking, Danielle Aitken's The Ripples, Mike Mackay's The Scam at Old River, Laurencia Hoffman's Remember My Name, Skylar J. Wynter's Pieces of Humanity, Todd Zimmermann's Oliver the Ornament Gift Set as well as Amanda Gorman's newly released, The Hill We Climb.

In the health and wellness category are Lotus Wei, Personal Consultation with Celebrity Nutritionist Dr. Ashley Beckman, Tao of Wellness, Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity and Wellness Living, CeraVe, Phresh Health Services, New Zealand Health Food Co. ShiKai Beauty, Foster's Lab Skincare, Zinda Beauty, FORCandles and Rossa Self Tan.

Leading in Organic and Non-GMO are Hanson of Sonoma's Organic Vodka, Organic India Tea, Primal Kitchen and Enlighten Candles.

Climate change, sustainability and fair-trade leaders include Patagonia Provisions, Dr. Bronner's, Dynamize Coffee, Theo Chocolate, Sun & Swell Foods and Sol-ti Organic Living Beverages,

Purpose-driven brands include SeaSnax, creator of America's first seaweed snacks, and Tiger Mushroom Farms who share a common mission to get kids to eat healthier.

This basket was procured and assembled by Hollywood Baskets and Celebrity Hollywood Gifting.

About:

Hollywood Swag Bag was founded by Lisa Gal, a talent manager and mother of three. 2021 marks the 11th year of HSB honoring red carpet nominees

Contact: Lisa Gal

www.hollywoodswagbag.com

[email protected]

2219 West Olive Avenue Suite 131

Burbank, CA. 91506

818-972-2179

SOURCE Hollywood Swag Bag

Related Links

http://www.hollywoodswagbag.com


Chennai, April 21 : Long distance bus services stand disrupted in Tamil Nadu after the government banned night travel in the state. After the new restrictions preventing night travel for long distance buses came into effect from Tuesday, the buses started leaving from Koyambedu at 4.30 a.m.

While night curfew has been imposed in Tamil Nadu after 10 p.m., the buses have to reach their destinations before that time and hence the early departure from Chennai.

However most of the buses which commenced their journey from Koyambedu bus terminal on Tuesday and Wednesday had minimum occupancy and in the Chennai-Nagercoil long distance bus service, the occupancy was less then 15 % of the capacity.

M Selvarajan, senior transport coordinator at Koyambedu mofussil bus stand while speaking to IANS said, "Most of the buses which commenced services from the Koyambedu terminal had a very low number of people. People seem to be not inclined to travel during day time in buses as the whole day is lost and the hot weather is another reason which reduces the volume of people travelling in long distance buses." The last buses to Nagercoil, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli left Koyambedu bus stand before 8 a.m. on Wednesday while almost all the buses for Coimbatore left by 10.30 a.m.

Krishnagopal, an employee with a government department in Chennai and whose ancestral home is at Tuticorin, while speaking to IANS said, "It is very difficult for me to travel in a day time bus to my home town from Chennai. A whole day is lost and the hot and humid conditions make one very tired. Also we have the fear that if the bus doesn't reach Tuticorin before the night curfew begins at 10 p.m., I will have to do a lot of answering to the police. I am dropping my plan to visit my aged parents for a day or two, taking emergency leave." Bus services to Trichy, Salem and Madurai were suspended as the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) buses did not have enough passengers to travel to these destinations from Koyambedu terminal.

Mohammed Afzal, President, Tamil Nadu Omni Bus owners association while speaking to IANS said, "We will make sure that at least 20% of the 2500 strong private buses will be made available to the public for their travel needs during day time. However we also fear very less occupancy as the whole day travel doesn't suit commuters." The bus owners association and the SETC have already appealed to the state government to allow a few night services so that the passenger requirements are met. However till Wednesday, there was no positive response from the state government.
Brett Gelsomino, formerly of ZOM, has partnered with VISTA founder & CEO Eduard de Guardiola, to open a new office in Florida. Gelsomino will oversee all operations of VISTA's new Florida office, including site selection, design, financing, development and construction management, asset management, and ultimately disposition throughout the State. Throughout his career, Brett has developed over 2,500 multifamily and senior living units across multiple markets, at a cost value of over $1 billion.

"VISTA is fortunate to bring on as a new regional partner for Florida, someone as experienced and knowledgeable about the Florida multifamily market as Brett Gelsomino. Brett's expertise will position VISTA to quickly establish itself as a successful development firm in this fast-growing State."

Eduard de Guardiola, Founder & CEO of Vista Realty Partners.

Michael Neyhart, former Director of Investments at VISTA has been promoted to Managing Director & Regional Partner. In his new role, Neyhart will oversee all operations of VISTA'S Multi-Family platform in the Atlanta office.

Michael's responsibilities will include site selection, architectural and engineering design, development, construction management, finance, asset management and disposition throughout the Georgia & Alabama region. During his tenure at VISTA, Michael has played a central role in the acquisition and development of over 4,500 units, with a total capitalization exceeding $600 million.

"For the past eight years, Michael has worked side-by-side with me as we have successfully executed over 20 multi-family projects in Atlanta. He is a proven and skilled developer, rightly poised to assume his new leadership role." - Eduard de Guardiola

About Vista

Founded in 2000, Vista is an Atlanta-based real estate investment company specializing in the operation and development of rental and for-sale multifamily housing throughout the Southeast. Vista's portfolio includes over 60 properties, totaling almost 13,000 units and over $1.4 billion in value. The company is currently focused on ground-up developments, but has extensive experience in acquiring assets at discounts to replacement that offer the opportunity to increase yields through the execution of a value-creation strategy. For additional information visit www.vistarp.com

Contact: Jessica Adams

Phone: 561.317.7512

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Vista Realty Partners

Related Links

http://www.vistarp.com/


The NSW government has finally decided to stop coal mining in the prime agricultural land of the Liverpool Plains but the convoluted process only begs bigger questions about the states chaotic system of allocating mining licences.

As foreshadowed by the Herald, the NSW government on Wednesday announced it would pay $100 million to Chinese-owned miner Shenhua to give up the exploration licence and planning permission for the last of two sections of a proposed mine in the area.

The decision marks a reversal of two decades of state and federal policy, which had promoted mining in the region in order to attract jobs and cash for state coffers.

Politicians insisted the projects were safe and between state planning agencies and the federal environment ministry, they were approved.

But, since 2016, the NSW Coalition government has finally started listening to environmentalists and local farmers who say mines threaten koalas and the water table of unique black soil plains where the yield on crops such as cotton, barley and sorghum is 40 per cent above the national average.
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, 20 April 2021.

PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 20 April 2021 was 49.78 USD 35.72 GBP and year-to-date performance was 9.7%.

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/20210421006059/en/

Contacts:

Media

Camarco

Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk
The rise of remote work during the COVID pandemic made it easier for Americans to pack their bags and move to different parts of the country.

And data analyzed by the New York Times shows that more and more residents exited cities like New York and San Fransisco over the course of 2020. The Times tracked almost 30 million change-of-address requests to the U.S. Postal Service in 2020, providing insight into the movements of Americans who uprooted during the health crisis  and where they ended up.

In Massachusetts, Boston was 10th on the list of places that saw the biggest change in net out-migration based on the Postal Service data, behind Seattle-Tacoma. New York, which was the hardest hit metro area early on in the pandemic, was 6th on the list.

Barnstable saw more than four times the number of new residents in 2020 compared to 2019, putting the Cape Cod town at number four on the Times list of places that saw the largest influx of residents.

In Western Massachusetts, Pittsfield came in at number six, with almost four times the number of change-of-address requests in 2020 compared to the prior year.

The Times noted that migration patterns during the pandemic have looked a lot like migration patterns before it.

Some smaller regional metro areas and vacation hubs benefited, the Times notes. But in general, areas that were already attracting new residents kept attracting them.

The Times suggested that the change-of-address data is incomplete because not everyone files for such a change when moving. It also doesnt account for people moving from overseas and young adults moving away for college.

Related Content:
Commissioners urge Cooper to end mask orders, other Covid-related restrictions

Henderson County has significant improvement on the Covid-19 front, with manageable case rates and hospitalizations, a reliable supply of vaccine doses and a big drop in the demand for shots.

"We no longer have a wait list number because we no longer have a wait list," Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie told the county Board of Commissioners Wednesday. "If folks want a vaccine today they can get a vaccination." The chart also no longer noted the weekly allocation from the state because "by and large, what we want we can now get from the state. Last week, we had walkup people at the clinic."

This week cases were up to 20.7 per 100,000 people, up from a week earlier but down dramatically from 58.3 on Feb. 8. Pardee UNC Health and AdventHealth had a total of eight Covid patients on Wednesday; the peak was 60 on Jan. 4.

With the combined positive news and growing frustration with what they described as overly cautious government restrictions on business and schools, Henderson County commissioners voted unanimously to remove signs urging the use of masks from county facility entrances and voted to send Gov. Roy Cooper a letter exhorting him to drop executive orders on the use of masks and restrictions on businesses.

"We got a vaccination, we made provisions to get it to folks in the community, apparently we've done a pretty good job of getting it out there to all of those that want it and I agree with Commissioner McCall that it's not the government's role to demand that they have it."

All five commissioners sharply criticized the ongoing mask requirements  especially those in the state's public schools  declared that businesses ought to be able to operate as they please and signaled that advocacy for the public to get shots would not come from them.

Commissioner Rebecca McCall said the governor and the state's school administration should immediately drop the school mask requirement.

"I am pleading with our school system and our School Board to reach out to the governor and the school administration and request that children do not have to wear those mask for eight hours anymore. Mask are dehumanizing. They erase our facial expression. Some childen the only smile they get from their teacher."

She cited another statistic that 8.4 percent of the county's population had contracted Covid, with a recovery rate of 98.4 percent, and disclosed that she's not vaccinated.

"I choose not to be vaccinated and I think that's my right not to be vaccinated," she said, adding that her parents in their 90s also eschewed the Covid shot. "It's something people have to make a choice for themselves."

She pointed out that signs on county buildngs had from the start "encouraged" mask wearing instead of requiring it.

"I think it's time we take 'em down," she said. "If people want to continue to wear a mask they're free to do so. There are multiple reasons for not wearing a mask. There's allergies, there's asthma. ... The fact that people have been vaccinated and told they still have to wear a mask is illogical to me."

The board unanimously approved McCall's motion to remove the mask signs from county buildings, then voted to send a letter urging Gov. Roy Cooper to "terminate his executive orders related to masks, related to lockdowns or reduced hours related to businesses, and all those actions related to school activites ... at the earliest possible date, which as far as this board, could be tomorrow."

Commissioner David Hill said the letter also ought to point out that "Florida, Texas  the states that are opening up are doing great and he needs to realize his role as a governor and not a dictator ... and he needs to get his foot off the back of the neck of the economy and let people run their business.

Reinforcing the slowdown in the pace of vaccinations, Pardee announced Wednesday that it has begun to transition a mass community vaccination clinic model to a more streamlined direct-to-consumer model. Pardee will begin administering vaccines at its urgent care clinics and directly to employers this week, with all first doses transitioning immediately and second doses wrapping up at Blue Ridge Community College by May 6. To schedule a vaccination appointment for a first dose, eligible community members are encouraged to visit www.pardeehospital.org/vaccine.

With the recent decrease in demand for vaccines, coupled with an increase in supply and community vaccination options, the time has come for Pardee to shift our approach in order to better respond to the changing trends around vaccinations, while meeting consumer expectations of convenience and accessibility, said David Ellis, Pardee's chief medical officer.

Pardee has operated a community vaccination clinic on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College since January.

This vaccine clinic is a testament to innovation and collaboration at work," Ellis said. "Through the efforts of many partners, volunteers and health care professionals, Pardee has been able to manage the vaccination distribution for roughly 50 percent of the people currently vaccinated in Henderson County.
Otto Construction names Allison Otto, a 21-year Otto Construction veteran and third-generation to run the family business, as new President & CEO.

Otto Construction, an award-winning construction company serving Northern and Central California, announced today that Allison Otto, the companys Executive Vice President, has been selected by the Board of Directors to assume the role of President and CEO, effective in June 2021. She is the third generation of her family to lead the company, which was founded by her grandfather, John F. Otto, in 1947 and previously led by her father, Carl Otto, until his unexpected death in 2007. After spending more than 20 years in various roles at the company, Allison looks forward to leading Otto Construction to continued growth and success.

Otto has been preparing for this role since she joined the family business in 2000 and launched the companys marketing department. She has served as Executive Vice President since 2019, where she managed new business acquisition and client relations. Under the stewardship of current President and CEO Carl Barrett and the current management team, which includes Otto, annual revenues have more than doubled since 2013, to $190 million, the largest in company history. Otto Construction currently employs approximately 150 people, and its diverse management team boasts a combined 136 years of experience with the company.

Our companys success has been earned by remaining committed to the Otto Way  our core values of hard work, honesty, integrity and compassion for others, Otto said. Our continued growth has also been driven by visionary leadership that looks to future trends and identifies new ways to improve the quality and services of the company.

TWEET THIS: Otto Construction names Allison Otto, third-generation family member, as President and CEO #SacramentoBusiness #construction #familybusiness https://ottoconstruction.com/

As President and CEO, my vision for the future is to foster collaborative relationships with both internal and external contacts while expanding opportunities for growth and advancement for all employees, she added. We will pursue innovation and new technological advances to assure another 75 years of prosperity and influence in the communities we serve.

Otto succeeds Barrett, who is retiring after seven years as President and CEO and 28 years with the company. After mentoring her over the years, Barrett said Otto will lead the company to even greater heights.

The future of Otto Construction is as much about passion as it is about process, Barrett said. As its President and CEO, Allison Otto will build upon a solid foundation and leverage the companys success while continuing to engage clients, partners, vendors and employees with the same level of enthusiasm and forward thinking that has distinguished us as a family business for nearly 75 years.

Barrett will remain involved as an active member of the Board of Directors.

ABOUT ALLISON OTTO

Otto graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in business administration and earned a construction management certificate from UC Davis. She also has earned a LEED advanced professional credential and is an associate design-build professional. Otto serves on the board for the Society of the Blind in Sacramento, for which the company built the Carl R. Otto Annex, a 5,000-square-foot multi-purpose training space dedicated in 2020.

KEY FACTS ABOUT OTTO CONSTRUCTION

The company primarily serves the Sacramento and Monterey regions and has built many notable projects, including:



North Natomas Community Center and Aquatics Complex

Sacramento State Riverview Hall

College Center Expansion at Cosumnes River College

College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building at CSU Monterey Bay

Major General William H. Gourley VA-DoD Outpatient Clinic

Current projects include the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity. Earlier this year, the company earned a Constructor Award from the Associated General Contractors of California for the modernization of Greer Elementary School in the San Juan Unified School District.

With Allison Otto taking the helm, Otto Construction will be one of the largest woman-owned commercial general contractors in Northern California.

ABOUT OTTO CONSTRUCTION

Otto Construction was founded in 1947 by John F. Otto and has remained a family-owned business for three generations, with Allison Otto becoming President and CEO in 2021. For more than seven decades, Otto has upheld their standards of building relationships and delivering quality projects with trust, teamwork, and dedication. With offices in Sacramento and Monterey, Otto Construction builds high-caliber projects including senior living complexes, historical renovations, educational facilities, healthcare buildings and parking structures throughout Northern and Central California. For more information about Otto Construction and its services and project portfolio, visit OttoConstruction.com.
Pfizer Inc. PFE and its partner BioNTech SE BNTX announced that they will supply an additional 100 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, to the 27 European Union (EU) member states in the ongoing year.

The companies agreed to do the same after the European Commission (EC) exercised its option to purchase an additional 100 million doses of Comirnaty, bringing the total tally to 600 million doses, all of which are expected to delivered by the end of 2021.

Please note that, in February 2021, Pfizer/BioNTech announced a deal with the EC to supply additional 200 million doses of Comirnaty. The deal also gave an option to the EC to request for an additional 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which the regulatory body has exercised now. Pfizer/BioNTech had signed the first supply agreement with EC last year to supply 300 million doses.

We note that, Comirnaty/BNT162b2, a two-shot vaccine for COVID-19, is now approved for emergency/temporary use in several countries worldwide.

Shares of Pfizer have rallied 5.8% so far this year compared with the industrys increase of 1.8%.

price chart for PFE



Reportedly, the EU has been hit by some setbacks in connection to the supply of AstraZeneca AZN and J&J JNJ vaccines shots. Vaccines of both these companies are facing trouble over blood clot issues in vaccinated people. This might have triggered the increased order for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in the EU.

Please note that J&J and AstraZenecas vaccines have been developed using adenovirus technologies while the other two vaccines which have been launched  Pfizer/BioNTechs BNT162b2 and Modernas mRNA-1273 are mRNA-based vaccines.

Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have had a competitive advantage as their two-shot mRNA-based vaccines were launched toward the end of 2020, much earlier than AstraZeneca and J&Js jabs. Meanwhile, Pfizer/BioNTech and Modernas vaccines were about 95% effective in clinical trials. AstraZenecas vaccine was, on average, about 76% effective in preventing COVID-19. J&Js single-shot vaccine was about 66% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Story continues

Some investors are of the opinion that Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech may gain additional market share from safety issues related with J&J and AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccines. No clot cases have been reported in people who have received either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.

Zacks Rank

Pfizer currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

+1,500% Growth: One of 2021s Most Exciting Investment Opportunities

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A Russian billionaire's ex-wife has won the latest round of her battle for a 453million divorce payout as a judge orders her eldest son to pay the 75million he helped his father hide.

Tatiana Akhmedova said her ex-husband, oil and gas tycoon Farkhad Akhmedov, 64, has hidden assets.

She accused their son Temur Akhmedov, 27, of acting as his father's 'lieutenant' who colluded with the oligarch to conceal a fortune of nearly 70million owed to her.

Mr Akhmedov did not want to pay Ms Akhmedova, 48, even 'a penny' following Britain's most expensive ever divorce case in 2016.

A judge on Wednesday made rulings in Ms Akhmedova's favour, saying very large sums had been transferred to her son.

She concluded he must pay her around 75 million.

Farkhad Akhmedov, 64, (left) an oil and gas tycoon, was found to have used his son Temur, 27 as a 'lieutenant' and colluded with him to conceal his fortune so that he would not have to pay ex-wife Tatiana Akhmedova, 48, (right) even 'a penny' following Britain's most expensive ever divorce case in 2016

Mrs Justice Gwynneth Knowles had considered evidence in the battle between mother and son at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

During their marriage the couple enjoyed an incredibly lavish lifestyle, with a 39million mansion in Surrey as their family home, as well as a 27.8million holiday home.

Mr Akhmedov - who was previously estimated to be worth upwards of 900million - was included in a 'Putin list', released by the US Treasury Department, which gives the names of 210 prominent Russians with close ties to the Kremlin.

He owns a 90million art collection and has a private jet valued at around 42million.

In 2014, he bought a 377ft super-yacht called Luna from Roman Abramovich for an eye-watering 300million.

The damming High Court ruling against Mr Akhmedov, one of Russia's richest men, came after his former wife successfully sued her son Temur (pictured) for a share of the mammoth divorce settlement

The vessel has nine cabins and enough room for 18 guests and was built especially for Mr Abramovich.

But after the couple - who have two children together - split following more than 20 years of marriage, he was ordered him to give up a huge chunk of his fortune - one of the biggest awards made by a UK court.

Ms Akhmedova claimed that Temur plotted with his father to prevent her getting her divorce settlement by either receiving vast sums himself or helping him to hide it in a series of offshore trusts.

During a two-week trial last year, Temur denied the allegations but Mrs Justice Knowles ruled today: 'Their eldest son, Temur, confirmed in his oral evidence that the Husband (Mr Akhmedov) would rather have seen the money burnt than for the wife to receive a penny of it.

'Regrettably, those schemes were carried out with Temur's knowledge and active assistance. He was, indeed, his father's lieutenant.

'Temur has learned well from his father's past conduct and has done and said all he could to prevent his mother receiving a penny of the matrimonial assets.'

Responding to today's judgment, a spokesman for Temur said: 'Like millions of young people, Temur has been caught up in the break-up of his parents' marriage. He never sought to take sides or get involved but inevitably found himself sucked into the vortex of a bitter family dispute.

'His subsequent actions were only ever motivated by his desire to end the war between his parents.

'While he fundamentally disagrees with this judgment, he would consider it a price worth paying for should it lead to a reasonable settlement between both the parents he loves.'

At the centre of the early divorce battle was the 300million superyacht Luna - first bought in 2014.

In 2014, Mr Akhmedov bought a 377ft super-yacht called Luna (pictured) for an eye-watering 300million

Ahead of last year's trial, Temur's luxury flat in One Hyde Park, London, was raided after Ms Akhmedova successful obtained a court order for documentary and electronic evidence to be seized

How did the battle over Britain's biggest divorce settlement play out? Farkhad Akhmedov and Tatiana Akhmedova were married for 20 years and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. They had a 39million mansion in Surrey as their family home, as well as a 27.8million holiday home. In 2014, he bought a 300million 377ft super-yacht called Luna from Mr Abramovich for an eye-watering 300million. But the couple split and, at the end of 2016, a judge ordered Mr Akhmedov to hand over 453million to his former-wife. A long, drawn-out legal battle began from there: Late 2016 - Mr Akhmedov is ordered by a judge to pay 453million to his wife January 2018 - Lawyers argued that the hearing was unfair, claiming that 'the family court's attitude was to espouse without restraint' his ex wife's case. Ms Akhmedova, said that, despite the court's order, she had to date received almost 'nothing' from her ex. February 2018 - A source close to the businessman told MailOnline: 'Mr Akhmedov has given his ex-wife a country home worth 20 million in Weybridge'. February 2018 - Three Court of Appeal judges ruled that the oligarch's former solicitor had rightly been ordered to reveal the whereabouts of his art collection, worth more than 90 million. March 2018 - Ms Akhmedova claims Mr Akhmedov is hiding assets to avoid paying her. April 2018 - Mr Akhmedov is ordered to hand over his 183million superyacht to his former wife after a judge held he had tried to hide it from her in an 'elaborate' plan to 'evade and frustrate' his ex by moving the 377ft vessel between an array of offshore companies. March 2018 - Mr Akhmedov has 300m superyacht Luna seized by bailiffs - acting for the High Court - in Dubai. May 2018 - British web designer admits to having a long-term affair with Ms Akhmedov. August 2018 - Judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said Ms Akhmedova is being 'prejudiced' by continued delay and said the gas and oil tycoon was in contempt. August 2018 - Dubai court refuses to return his superyacht. September 2018 - It is revealed that Mr Akhmedov offered his ex 4million-a-year for life plus an 80million lump sum when he dies - but she turned it down. November 2018 - Mr Akhmedov wins the right to keep his 350million superyacht and stop it being handed to his ex-wife. December 2018 - Mr Akhmedov has his 5million helicopter seized and sold with the money going to his ex-wife. Bailiffs acting for Ms Akhmedova took control of the Eurocopter when it landed in Turkey. March 2019 - Mr Akhmedov wins battle to keep Luna out of the hands of his former wife. An appeal court in the United Arab Emirates ruled an earlier decision by a lower court in Dubai impounding the luxury vessel had been wrong. Senior appeal judges ruled the divorce settlement awarded to Ms Akhmedova by a British court couldn't be enforced in Dubai. April 2019 - Mr Akhmedov announces he is personally suing his ex-wife Ms Akhmedova for 88 million for trying to seize control of the super yacht. January 2020 - It is revealed that Ms Akhmedova will go head to head against her son Temur in the High Court. May 2020 - Ms Akhmedova claims Temur played a 'central role' in placing the 450million she was owed by her ex-husband beyond her reach. July 2020 - Judge makes an order freezing 94million of Temur's assets. August 2020 - Mr Justice Haddon-Cave, who analysed the case at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said Ms Akhmedova should walk away with 453 million. August 2020 - Judge in Dubai rules Mr Akhmedov is the rightful owner of the yacht. October 2020 - Ms Akhmedova has her son's 30 million home in One Hyde Park searched for evidence that he helped his billionaire father hide his money from her. December 2020 - Temur claims Ms Akhmedova had two affairs with younger men while married to her Russian oligarch husband. December 2020 - Mr Akhmedov says he would rather 'burn' his money than pay his ex-wife's divorce settlement. December 2020 - Temur says he 'did not know' whether he owned a 346,000 Rolls Royce. Advertisement

Mr Akhmedov was ordered to hand over the vessel to his former wife after a judge held he had tried to hide it in an 'elaborate' plan to 'evade and frustrate' her by moving the 377ft vessel between an array of offshore companies.

The yacht was seized by bailiffs in Dubai - with a local court refusing to return it to Mr Akhmedov.

But a judge later changed his mind, ruling that the tycoon is the rightful owner.

Mrs Justice Knowles accused Mr Akhemdov of instigating 'dishonest schemes' to hide his wealth, ruling that they were put into effect by his advisors and Temur.

She noted: 'The wife has been the victim of a series of schemes designed to put every penny of the Husband's wealth beyond her reach.

'That strategy was designed to render the wife powerless by ensuring that, if she did not settle her claim for financial relief following their divorce on the husband's terms, there would be no assets left for her to enforce against.'

Mrs Justice Knowles also launched a scathing attack on Temur, ruling that he 'lied to this court on numerous occasions; breached court orders; and failed to provide full disclosure of his assets.'

He was also slammed for withholding vital evidence.

The judge added: 'I find that he is a dishonest individual who will do anything to assist his father, no doubt because he is utterly dependent on his father for financial support.'

During the trial, the court heard details of the unbelievable wealth that was lavished on Temur as part of Mr Akhmedov's determination not to give his ex-wife her divorce pay out.

Among the most sensational revelations to emerge was that Temur lost 35million ($50million) of his father's money investing in stocks and shares in 2015 and was given millions of pounds more the following year, incurring further losses.

He told the court that he was a victim of 'bad luck.'

Mrs Justice Knowles ruled: 'The transfers of very large sums of money to Temur in 2015 and 2016 were driven by the husband's overarching desire to keep his assets from the wife

'Temur understood his father's purposes at the relevant times and worked with him to achieve the aim of preserving assets for the family by keeping them out of the wife's hands.'

At 19 - while a student at the London School of Economics - Temur was given a 29million flat in One Hyde Park, the country's most exclusive apartment block with another 5million spent on refurbishing it.

The court also heard how he was given a 120,000 Mercedes jeep at the age of 17, left home with an 'unlimited credit card' and later had a number of luxury cars, including a 346,000 Rolls Royce, which he claimed in court that he 'did not know' he owned.

The trial also heard sensational details about the breakdown within the family with Temur accusing his mother of having affairs with two men while still married to Mr Akhmedov.

Ahead of last year's trial, Temur's luxury London flat was raided after Ms Akhmedova successful obtained a court order for documentary and electronic evidence to be seized.

Mrs Justice Knowles noted in her ruling: 'All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

'With apologies to Tolstoy, the Akhmedov family is one of the unhappiest ever to have appeared in my courtroom.'

Ms Akhmedov is also involved in litigation to try and secure her divorce settlement from her ex-husband via a number of trusts and companies he established in four other countries; the US; Dubai; Russia and Liechtenstein.

She is backed by Burford Capital, a litigation finance firm that will take a slice of her payout if it succeeds in recovering her divorce settlement.

In a statement, Mr Akhmedov said: 'Following the London High Court's scandalous award to my ex-wife in 2016, Burford has embarked on a staggeringly expensive global tour of the world's courts seeking to seize assets from me and from family trusts.

'Having failed in four years to secure a meaningful judgment and got nothing from any court in the world, they returned to London to bring a cowardly action against our son.

'Entirely predictably, given its original wrong and misguided judgment, the London court has ruled in favour of visiting 'the sins' of the father on an innocent and loyal son.'

Responding to today's judgment, Ms Akhmedova said: 'Since our divorce in 2016 the conduct of my ex-husband Farkhad, has left a trail of destruction and pain in his wake.

'He has driven a vendetta born from his lies, that set out to destroy not only myself but sadly to try and drive a wedge between a mother and son. Fortunately that bond is unbreakable.

'As a father he has manipulated his parental responsibility, as a husband he has dishonoured the role of being a good father and instead has sought to destroy and drive his vindictive propaganda to manipulate, mock and utilise the courts in England and overseas.

'Today's judgment is the inevitable conclusion given Farkhad's failure to behave honourably in the first instance. This settlement should have been reached amicably as I offered on so many occasions.

At the centre of the battle was the 300million superyacht - which he was ordered to hand over to his former wife after a judge held he had tried to hide it from her in an 'elaborate' plan to 'evade and frustrate' her by moving the 377ft vessel between an array of offshore companies

Pictured: The 115m yacht is the focus of Britain's most costliest divorce

As one of the world's super yachts Luna boasts a 20-metre outdoor swimming pool (above), a helicopter landing pad and a mini-submarine

It was bought by Akhmedov from his friend Chelsea owner Roman Abramovitch in 2014

Ms Akhmedova is pictured with her son Temur in 2014 before their relationship deteriorated

'Money does not replace the permanent damage and scars to my children or the devastation that Farkhad has implemented on his own family and children.

'As a mother and grandmother, I will gladly take the protectorate role over my family where Farkhad has failed. I always knew that my strength would prevail through the smoke and mirrors as presented by Farkhad and his circus of illusionists.

A family spokesperson added: 'Tatiana's relationship with Temur is now very strange indeed.

'There is hope, certainly from Tatiana, this relationship can be restored over time. She of course loves her son.

'But it was appropriate she take this action and we are pleased though not surprised the High Court agrees.

'It is important to note Tatiana is a private person, has not spoken during this case and wishes to move forward with her life.

'She hopes she can focus on the future now she has removed Farkhad's shadow from her life and it has been found in law she was correct in pursuing this case.'
[April 21, 2021] Putnam Investments Names Kaitlin M. May to Lead Global Institutional Business

Putnam Investments today announced that Kaitlin M. May will assume the role of Head of Putnam Global Institutional Management (PGIM) effective July 1, upon the retirement of Jeffrey L. Gould. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005766/en/ Kaitlin M. May will assume the role of Head of Putnam Global Institutional Management (PGIM), effective July 1, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire) May, who is Chief Operating Officer of 37 Capital, Putnam's alternatives business, will be responsible for overseeing the firm's institutional asset management business, which serves investors and clients in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Basd in Boston, she will report directly to Putnam CEO Robert L. Reynolds and serve on the firm's Operating Committee.



"Kaitlin is a talented, thoughtful leader with deep industry knowledge and experience serving global clients," explained Reynolds. "As an organization, we see tremendous opportunity to build upon the meaningful progress and momentum that we have seen in our institutional business in recent years - and are excited about the vision and passion that Kaitlin will bring in addressing client needs around the globe." May will continue her responsibilities for 37 Capital and will additionally oversee Putnam's Japan business and the firm's Institutional Affiliates business.

In discussing Gould's retirement, Reynolds noted, "Throughout his 23 years at Putnam, Jeff has been an outstanding leader and ambassador with all of the firm's key stakeholders. One of the true hallmarks of his tenure has been always placing the client first. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors." Reynolds indicated that May will work closely with Gould in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless leadership transition. About Kaitlin May

Before joining Putnam in September 2019, May held several roles spanning nine years with Apollo Global Management's Global Client & Product Solutions Division, most recently as Managing Director, Head of Structuring and Product Creation from 2017-2019. She also served as a Product Specialist from 2011-2019 and as Chief Operating Officer from 2010-2017. Previously, May served as Chief Operating Officer of Citi Property Investors, the real estate investment division within Citi Alternative Investments. Earlier, she worked at Citigroup, Inc. in the firm's Strategy and Business Development Group (News - Alert) . May began her career at Salomon Smith Barney as a financial analyst in the Financial Institutions Group of the Investment Banking Division, working in London and New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, cum laude, from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. About Putnam Global Institutional Management

Putnam Global Institutional Management serves the investment management needs of a wide array of institutions, including corporate pensions, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, and public and government plans. In total, Putnam manages approximately $98 billion in institutional assets as of March 31, 2021. About 37 Capital

37 Capital is a global alternative asset management business, affiliated with Putnam Investments, providing investment solutions across equities and credit. Portfolio managers employ an opportunistic investment approach that combines intensive fundamental research with a consistent focus on downside protection. About Putnam Investments

Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is a global money management firm with over 80 years of investment experience. At the end of March 2021, Putnam had $193 billion in assets under management. Putnam has offices in Boston, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney. For more information, visit putnam.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005766/en/

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The police department in Ohio's largest city is under national scrutiny after an officer fatally shot 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant -- the second deadly shooting by a city police officer in the last four months.

But unlike other high-profile incidents across the country, officials in Columbus released clips of both shootings within a day and, in the most recent case, within hours. They followed that up with more body camera footage later.

The release of the videos in the shooting of Ma'Khia was perhaps among the fastest releases in recent memory of body cam footage of a police-involved shooting, and it shows the changing calculus for local officials and police departments as they deal with fallout from police violence.

Since the rise of body cams, police departments across the country have grappled with whether and how to release videos of violent incidents involving officers and the people they've shot or killed. Mayors sometimes want to get the footage out to mollify protesters, police chiefs can use the clips to defend their officers, and prosecutors are left worrying about tainting the jury pool. In some places, local officials may not have a choice because state law prevents or spells out how it can be released.

Official videos of fatal police encounters are coming out faster than ever, adding clarity to tense situations where rumors can thrive and disinformation flourishes online.

In Ma'Khia's case, the first video to emerge showed her still legs and rainbow-colored Crocs while an officer stood nearby. There was no sign of the apparent knife she was wielding when the officer opened fire -- that was first publicly revealed in the body cam clips released that night.

'There were a lot of things being said and shared out in the community that may or may not have been consistent with what we've seen with our own eyes here,' Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said about releasing the tapes at a Wednesday press conference. 'And I think, critically, during a time of crisis, it's very important to be as transparent and responsive as possible.'

The release of the video came in part came because of the timing of the shooting: about a half hour before a verdict was announced in the murder case against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, now convicted of killing George Floyd. Social media, and then news reports, looped in the conviction with the shooting in Ohio.

'It wasn't just social media, it was regular (media) as well. What we knew was that -- residents, our black community in particular, basically has been holding their breath for a year on this verdict and barely had an opportunity to exhale before this tragedy,' said Robin Davis, a spokeswoman for the city of Columbus. 'So, it was extremely important we get the information out as soon as we could. To be able to respond as quickly as possible. That's always, always how we want to be able to do this.'

The press for transparency after an incident is driven, in large part, by social media and online influencers weighing in on evidence of shootings surfaced by bystanders or witnesses and media interest in cases that garner that attention.

Video released by police Tuesday appears to show Ma'Khia swinging her right hand toward one woman, who falls to the ground, before swinging toward a second woman. The officer who shot Ma'Khia, Nicholas Reardon, appears to draw his gun after the first woman fell.

At the time Ma'Khia's on camera swinging toward the second woman, she's holding what appears to be a knife in her right hand. Reardon fires his first shot five seconds after Ma'Khia first appears to be fighting, seemingly when Ma'Khia raises her right arm toward the second woman, who Ma'Khia has pinned against a car.

Ginther said the video was released 'because the public deserves to know what happens. They needed to have this footage ... to have this information, to have this transparency, to have this power, given to the community. So, it's no longer about an officer's word versus a resident's word or different neighbors' takes on things, but we have this footage. And we know that having this footage increases accountability on both sides of a camera.'

'Be prepared to get that video out'

The moments after an officer shoots someone is chaotic. Depending on bystander video and because of the ease of sharing video on social media, the call for release of the video can become public before officers are finished hanging tape around the scene.

Mayors, police chiefs, police unions, prosecutors, attorneys for families of those shot by police, and activists all have separate and often competing interests in weighing whether to release or advocate for the release of video. The release by a mayor or police department may be an attempt to correct rumors or speculation on social media or to mollify protesters, or an attorney may seek the video's release if they suspect wrongdoing or that the video would be helpful to an eventual lawsuit.

Just the act of affixing a body-worn camera to a police uniform is telling the public that what police do is a matter of public record, said Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a research organization whose goal is to 'advance professionalism in policing.'

'If (departments) adopt body worn camera videos, they need to be prepared to get that video out as soon as possible because the expectation is: 'Well, you gave them the cameras, what's your timeframe for getting it out?'' Wexler said.

Wexler said there could be some compelling reason for holding off, but 'by and large I think departments are better off getting the video out as quickly as possible.'

In Columbus, he said the department did two things right: released the body camera quickly and 'showed compassion,' adding that a big part of public trust and how events play out comes down to 'how these stories are told in the first days.'

David LaBahn, president of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, said prosecutors would prefer police not release videos until it's gone through some agreed-upon process and authorities can decide whether a shooting was lawful. That process is different depending on the jurisdiction. In some places, an outside law enforcement agency handles the investigation; in some cases a charging decision is made by prosecutors or a grand jury.

There's no category of crime where police officials routinely release evidence of a potential crime prior to a police department, prosecutor, or grand jury choosing whether to file charges, LaBahn said. But in his perfect world, after a determination is made on the shooting, prosecutors would either file video evidence as a public record in court or could release the material if a decision was made to not file charges.

'In that way, everyone would get to see everything. It's just a matter of when,' he said. 'But we don't live in a perfect world, we're in a 24/7 media cycle, and not just police but other people taking pictures of something. It becomes quick response model ... and that's where we're at with the question of law enforcement agencies, do they even want to go to the area of creating a policy. And if they did, what would it say.'

Columbus has had one other high-profile instance of a city police officer firing at someone in the last six months. In December, an officer shot and killed Andre Hill while responding to a disturbance call. Hill was shot just outside of the garage of his friend's home, where he was an invited guest. Police officials released that video within a week and moved to fire the officer, Adam Coy. The police chief at the time also released an internal report where he outlined the reasons for seeking Coy's firing.

'I have responded to many officer-involved shooting scenes and spoken with many officers following these critical incidents,' the city's report stated. 'There was something very distinct about the officers' engagement following this critical incident that is difficult to describe for this letter.'

A grand jury indicted Coy and he pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. He was charged with murder during a felony, felonious assault, and two counts of dereliction of duty. Coy pleaded not guilty and a judge initially set bond at $3 million. Bond was later reduced.

After Reardon shot Ma'Khia on Tuesday, the mayor of Columbus and other officials gathered to discuss a way to get video out as quickly as possible, said Davis, the Columbus spokeswoman.

'The discussions were about being as transparent as we could with the public,' Davis said. 'We don't rush every bit of body-worn camera footage we have. But we aren't looking at if this is going to reflect poorly on us, that's not a concern. How quickly we got out the Andre Hill footage speaks to that. That was not something that reflected well on the Columbus Division of Police and there was no hesitancy to get it out.'

Not all cities are the same

Police in at least three other cities across America have found themselves dealing with intense media and public pressure to release videos of officers killing people.

At the end of March, a Chicago police officer shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo at the end of a foot chase. The city didn't publicly disclose that it shot a child for days after the shooting, despite the city's police superintendent having been woken up and told an officer had shot a young person.

The city agency that investigates shootings released the footage more than two weeks later, after family had a chance to see it, and then the police department released an edited compilation of videos.

In Minnesota on April 11, an officer apparently mistook her service weapon for a Taser and fired a single shot into the chest of Daunte Wright. He died, and the officer, Kimberly Potter, now faces a second-degree manslaughter charge. Police officials released a portion of video the next morning showing the officer who fired her gun approaching the car where Wright was being handcuffed before he tried to escape and she shot him.

In North Carolina this week, officials are grappling with public demand for transparency and a state law prohibiting the release of body-worn camera footage after an officer there shot and killed a man, Andrew Brown Jr., during a warrant service.

'Our special agents are working this investigation as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. We understand the need for transparency and will release what information we can when we're able to release it,' a statement from the State Bureau of Investigation stated Thursday. 'As for the release of any body camera video, it is not the SBI's decision as to when and how body camera video is released. In North Carolina, body-worn video shall only be released pursuant to a court order.'

LaBahn, of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, said the best practice would be to either always release videos, or never release videos. But only releasing them if the shooting's thought to be lawful would likely lead to community unrest if videos are then withheld in cases where it's less clear. In either case, releasing videos has the potential to taint juries and lead to a venue change where people from that city won't be able to serve on either a grand jury or as a juror in a criminal trial.

'In the light of everything going on, they were ... mayors, and the public interest in their department using force versus an accused's right to a fair trial ... those are two things you're balancing,' LaBahn said. 'If an agency gets into habit of releasing, releasing real quickly what they believe to be lawful shoots, lawful uses of force, and have another incident and they don't release, that's going to have (the media) and the community realizing something's wrong with case.'
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Wednesday informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and that all the department work was being conducted normally with necessary precautions.

Taking to Twitter, Pokhriyal wrote: "This is to inform you all that I have tested COVID positive today. I am taking medication & treatment as per the advice of my doctors.

Request all those who have come in my contact recently to be observant, and get themselves tested."

This is to inform you all that I have tested COVID positive today. I am taking medication & treatment as per the advice of my doctors.

Request all those who have come in my contact recently to be observant, and get themselves tested.  Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) April 21, 2021

He further, claimed that work at the education minister's office was being conducted normally with all the necessary precautions in place.
The diagnosis of diseases like cancer almost always needs a biopsy - a procedure where a clinician removes a piece of suspect tissue from the body to examine it, typically under a microscope. Many areas of diagnostic medicine, especially cancer management, have seen huge advances in technology, with genetic sequencing, molecular biology and artificial intelligence all rapidly increasing doctors' ability to work out what's wrong with a patient. However the technology of medical needles hasn't changed dramatically in 150 years, and - in the context of cancer management - needles are struggling to provide adequate tissue samples for new diagnostic techniques. Now researchers have shown that modifying the biopsy needle to vibrate rapidly at 30,000 times per second not only provides sufficient data for 21st century diagnostic needs, but is also potentially less painful and less traumatic for patients.

"Biopsy yields - the amount of tissue extracted - are often inadequate, with some studies showing that up to a third of fine-needle biopsies struggle to get enough tissue for a reliable diagnosis," says Professor Heikki Nieminen, at Aalto University, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. "A biopsy can be painful, and the wait for the results from a diagnostic test can be a highly distressing time for the patient and family, especially if diagnosis needs re-biopsies to be conclusive. We wanted to make the procedure more gentle for the patient, and increase the certainty that the test will be able to give us an answer on the first attempt." Professor Nieminen was visiting the University of Toronto, Canada, to work with Professor Kenneth Pritzker, a Pathologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, as well as a university researcher in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. It was while they were at lunch one day that Pritzker suggested that maybe the solution to the problem could be addressed with the help of ultrasound.

One of the least painful biopsy methods is called 'fine-needle biopsy', which uses a needle the same thickness as in many other medical procedures. However for more advanced diagnostic treatments - like those used in cancer - fine-needles alone don't get enough material routinely enough, so the current practice is often to use a much thicker needle, called a core needle. "They are painful for the patient and can also cause bleeding - you don't want to use a core needle unless you have to." says Pritzker. "At body temperature, human tissue exists as something that behaves part-way between being a solid and a liquid. The breakthrough here is that by making the needle tip vibrate ultrasonically, we're able to make the tissue flow more like a liquid, which allows us to extract more of it through a narrow needle."

Feels like a regular needle

In a new paper, published in Scientific Reports, the team is sharing with the wider world how well these ultrasonic vibrating needles work. "The vibrations provide energy to the tissue to make it more fluid-like," explains the first author of the paper, Emanuele Perra, who works in Nieminen's group at Aalto University. "The vibrations are localised to just the tip, so it doesn't affect any other tissue except a small region around the needle. We were able to show that the ultrasonic vibrations increase the biopsy yield by 3 to 6 times compared to the same needle without ultrasound, which was even greater than we hoped for." The vibrations are far above the hearing range for humans, and the amplitude of the waves is small enough that it shouldn't feel much different to a normal blood test.

The big increase in the amount of tissue extracted in the biopsy means it is very useful for the growing trend for high-tech cancer treatment. One such example is molecular diagnostics, which examine the chemical makeup of tumours, to allow doctors to target treatment more effectively to a specific cancer type. "Molecular diagnostics is an expensive process, and it is an expensive waste of money to have it fail because the quality of the material gathered in the biopsy wasn't previously good enough," explains Pritzker.

The technology that powers the needle is non-linear acoustics, where vibrations passing through a material have such large amplitude that they interact with the material itself. These interactions allowed the needle's designers to focus all the energy to just the tip of the needle, and measure their effects. "We've been able to characterise the vibrations at the end of the needle really well. We've used high speed cameras that have allowed us to study the physical effects of the vibrating needle on boundaries between fluids, solids and air in unprecedented detail," says Nieminen. "The rich understanding we've managed to get of the physics allowed us to design the medical device and understand how it could be used for different medical purposes."

Medical trials getting underway

The needle is expected soon to move into studies with real cancer patients, although for the time being only four-legged ones. A specialist veterinary hospital in Canada is soon expected to be trialing the device on domestic pets with cancer, and if all goes as expected, the team hopes that their needles will be used in human patients soon after.

"Modern oncology doesn't just take a biopsy at the beginning of treatment", explains Nieminen. "Increasingly, oncologists want to be able to take multiple biopsies to track how the tumors are changing and responding over the course of the treatment. We want the tools for these biopsies to be as effective and painless as possible."

While the team is preparing the needles for the real world biopsies, they are also excited about future applications that they are still researching. "The effect that ultrasonic vibrations have on tissue might also be able to work the other way" explains Perra, "the vibrations might make it easier to deliver pharmaceuticals in a targeted way to tissue like the liver. They might also be able to break up small hard objects in soft tissue, like kidney stones, or even small tumours - all minimally invasively." By combining experts in acoustics physics with experts in medical technology, the team hopes that many more innovations will arise from their 21st century upgrade of the humble medical needle.

###

The paper Ultrasonic Actuation of a Fine-Needle Improves Biopsy Yield, is published in Scientific Reports DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41598-021-87303-x The work was funded by the Academy of Finland. Professors Nieminen and Pritzker are shareholders in Swan Cytologics Inc., Toronto, Canada, which aims to commercialise the technology and hold pending patents for it.

Contact details

Heikki Nieminen

Professor

Aalto University

Email: heikki.j.nieminen@aalto.fi

tel:+358505019280

Kenneth Pritzker

Professor Emeritus

University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto

Email: k.pritzker@utoronto.ca

Emanuele Perra

Doctoral researcher

Aalto University

Email: emanuele.perra@aalto.fi

More multimedia

Watch biopsy needle comparison video: https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v= 0ZAesqqUjNc

Creating micro-droplets with ultrasound-enhanced medical needle https:/ / youtu. be/ zxZeYT_n8Zo

Transport of micro-particles with ultrasound-enhanced medical needle. https:/ / youtu. be/ z3Ktza6qCLs
Members of Bethlehem City Council want more detail on the redevelopment of the 53-acre Martin Tower site before granting zoning changes that could allow for a more suburban project.

Council held a public hearing Tuesday night on the developers request to weak the zoning rules governing the redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. world headquarters to allow for more parking near proposed medical buildings, the addition of a new Eighth Avenue entrance and a slightly denser development.

Council took no action on the request Tuesday, but spent more than an hour peppering the developer representative, Duane Wagner, and the city administration with questions about the proposal and how the project fits into the citys goals of a more sustainable, walkable and equitable community with green spaces for residents.

Council President Adam Waldron asked Mayor Bob Donchez and his staff to meet with developer Lewis Ronca to get commitments to priorities for the redevelopment in writing. A first reading on the requested change is scheduled for May 4.

I am not overwhelmingly encouraged by what I am seeing thus far, regardless of the zoning changes being asked of us, Waldron said. I think its our role as council to give feedback and help represent the community and say, these are things that are important, based on conversations that weve had with members of the public that have been ongoing for years. I think its the role of the administration to advocate on behalf and try to prioritize those things.

The property sits in its own specially crafted zoning district, which requires Ronca and his partner Norton Herrick to create a master plan before submitting land development plans to the city. Any significant changes to the the plan must be approved by the planning commission.

The most important thing is ensuring all of these goals and objectives are reflected in the Martin Tower site master plan, city planning Director Darlene Heller said, noting the property is going to be subdivided as it is developed.

The owners of the roughly 53-acre Martin Tower site want to place more parking spaces fronting on the streets around the property. The developer is asking for a zoning text amendment.Courtesy photo

The original master plan shows eight buildings plus an apartment complex. The new submitted plans show 10 buildings, although not all of them are labeled.

The plans show a grocery store along Eighth Avenue along with two three-story medical buildings and a three-story office building along Eaton. There is now a one-story office building next to a one-story 130-room hotel and two restaurants where one is proposed in the master plan. The gas station and convenience store remain as well as another building.

Councilman J. William Reynolds said the challenge for council and residents is that this zoning change is not made in a vacuum. Everyone wants to know how this tweak affects the rest of the site, he said. He pressed the administration to outline how the city is ensuring its development priorities are addressed in this project.

Donchez said hed like to see less asphalt on the property and a development that maximizes opportunities for walkability and green space and protects the tree scape and the adjacent historic Burnside Plantation.

Director of Community and Economic Development Alicia Karner said affordable housing is an ongoing discussion with developers on many projects in a way it was not back in 2014. But when pressed by council members, Wagner said the planned apartment would be considered market-rate and similar to Woodmont Mews across the street.

Councilwoman Paige Van Wirt said Bethlehem is not still reeling from the demise of Steel and it can negotiate from a position of strength to get developments that decrease the seas of asphalt and respect zoning, walkability and quality of life.

I feel like we must try harder... I feel like there really is a solution here and its called good design, Van Wirt said.

The city planning commission in March voted unanimously to recommend council endorse all three zoning changes, despite the city planning departments advice to reject the request to allow more parking in front of the buildings.

City zoning encourages placing buildings on the property fronting on Eighth and Eaton avenues with parking to the rear, but Wagner said the health network tenant wants a highly visible front entrance with easy access to parking for patients who may have mobility issues. Several council members identified the tenant as Lehigh Valley health Network, but Wagner did not confirm that.

The current zoning on the property allows one row of parking and one drive aisle in front of buildings, Heller, of the planning department, said.

Council members worried that a zoning change allows for limitless parking around buildings on the site, a concern raised by the planning department, which encouraged limits. Several council members suggested the buildings could have two entrances or the orientation could change, but Wagner said for security reasons the tenants do not want multiple doors.

He emphasized that the sites redevelopment plans hinge on getting these initial buildings sited on the property with the necessary parking.

People who choose to live in cities do so because of the energy walkable neighborhoods provide, Waldron said, and buildings close to the street and sidewalk build that vibrancy. Wagner repeatedly pointed to surrounding medical and office buildings with similar designs, which city officials noted were not subject to the same zoning.

The owners of the Martin Tower property want to tweak the property's zoning so the development's traffic flows better. The submitted plans show two more buildings.Courtesy photo

Councilman Bryan Callahan said he doesnt have an issue with what the developer is requesting, but he would not support a Target-style development in a sea of parking.

The city raised no issue with reducing lot setbacks or with making the three-way signalized intersection at Plaza Drive  where the CVS and other St. Lukes medical buildings sit  a four-way signalized intersection.

The planning commission voted 3-2 to approve the Martin Tower master plan in April 2019, just weeks before the 21-story tower in West Bethlehem was demolished.

The sprawling property has sat idle for months after a lengthy cleanup from the May 2019 demolition. If the zoning change is approved, Wagner said development plans could be submitted before the end of the year.

The property sits within Bethlehems lucrative City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, but only a few acres will benefit from the designation, since the incentive only applies to building footprints, not parking. The city wants Ronca to agree to reallocate the unused CRIZ-acreage to other properties, which was also discussed Tuesday evening.

Martin Tower opened as world headquarters of the now-defunct Bethlehem Steel in 1972 and sat on the National Register of Historic Places. Its cruciform design, seen from above, maximized the number of corner of offices for Steel executives, offering expansive views of the Lehigh Valley. The tower sat vacant from 2007 until its 2019 demolition.

That same design made its reuse financially unfeasible, leaving the developers to decide to tear down the building and start from scratch.

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

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com..
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) Former Senator Bongbong Marcos on Tuesday said he will continue to fight even after the unanimous dismissal of the electoral protest he lodged against Vice President Leni Robredo.

So long as there is a ray of hope, I will continue to fight, Marcos said in a statement. At the end of the day, the true will of the electorate must prevail.

Marcos remark comes a day after the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, released the full copy of its decision on the vice presidential poll protest case, which all 15 magistrates earlier voted to dismiss.

In its decision, the PET said Marcos failed to prove his claims and that his allegations on election irregularities appeared bare, laden with generic and repetitious allegations and lacked critical information.

In response, Marcos said he found it unfortunate that the justices dismissed the case without allowing his camp to present proof about the massive cheating that occurred in Mindanao.

Marcos camp previously asked the tribunal to revisit the results and to validate voter signatures in three provinces in the area  Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan  due to alleged fraud and terrorism.

But a highly-placed source in the court earlier said Marcos' camp cannot seek the annulment of votes in these areas after failing in the recount in the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental.

READ: VP poll protest: Robredo camp says game over, but Marcos side wants more details

Marcos said the development sets a very bad precedent.

[B]ecause in the future, no one in their right mind would dare question the results of an election, Marcos stressed. The PET should do everything in its power to ascertain who really won as Vice President."

Marcos filed the electoral protest on June 30, 2016 as he questioned the poll results in the same year, when Robredo beat him by 263,473 votes for the post. In 2019, the tribunal found that Robredo's lead even grew by around 15,000 votes after a recount of ballots from clustered precincts in the pilot provinces.

Robredos camp, for its part, thanked the PET for its wisdom and fairness in resolving the issue.

The unequivocal declaration in the decision that the protest 'failed to substantiate' its 'sweeping allegations' of supposed fraud, validates what has been our long-standing position: that the protest was baseless and unfounded from the beginning, it said. This clearly settles this matter once and for all.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Men&Mice, an expert in network management, has today announced Micetro 10.0, the new version of its unified DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (DDI) orchestration software, aimed at establishing sustainable networking best practices in diverse and heterogeneous global enterprise networks.

Micetro 10.0, formerly known as the Men&Mice Suite, comes revamped with the company's new branding and is positioned to support its reforged vision. Men&Mice is focused on creating a strong and unified user experience. Renaming and rebranding the product is an essential step in achieving this goal.

"Micetro 10.0 is a big step on our way to becoming the world leader in sustainable networking," says Magnus Bjornsson, Men&Mice CEO. "We took time last year to refocus and streamline the vision for the product as well as the company. Much the same way we help our customers optimise their DDI environments."

"Giving the product a new name and infusing the interface with our new brand identity is the manifestation of our commitment to a singular vision for Men&Mice," explains Katrin Gudjonsdottir, VP of Marketing at Men&Mice. "It creates consistency for the user, strengthens our mission to provide a 'single pane of glass' orchestration paradigm, and reinforces the core values the new brand is meant to communicate."

Micetro 10.0 feature highlights include:

Extended enterprise DHCP support

Micetro 10.0 supports the latest version of ISC's modern DHCP server software Kea, including its enterprise-grade high availability configuration to diversify and strengthen network resilience.

New automation paths through Terraform and Ansible

Micetro 10.0 includes plugins to integrate DDI workflows into Terraform and Ansible, two modern automation platforms that deliver Infrastructure-as-Code and Network-as-Code functionality many businesses are already using.

PostgreSQL support

Micetro 10.0 is delivering official support for the PostgreSQL database, as well as high availability features to maintain the network environment's fault tolerance.

Further UI/UX improvements

Micetro 10.0 provides new infrastructure through bulk DNS changes, accessibility improvements and various interface updates.

Please find full details of all the Micetro 10.0 highlights here: https://menandmice.com/news/men-and-mice-announces-micetro-10-0

About Men&Mice

Men&Mice has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and scalable IP infrastructure solutions for 30 years. The vision of sustainable networking is to use all the existing network infrastructure resources you have, both effectively and securely, and perform risk-free and simple migrations when it's time to replace the resources, making continuous adaptations to change your modus operandi. The company, and its flagship product, Micetro, has been supporting the evolving requirements of enterprise network operators, from the age of on-premise corporate networks to private and multiclouds, automation, and into the era of edge and AI. Drawing inspiration from the geographic location midway between the USA and Europe, Men&Mice provides a unique perspective on network management challenges that medium-to-large global enterprises face through the Men&Mice solution.

For more information, visit https://www.menandmice.com

Media contacts:

Jamie Waddell, William Johnson

Finn Partners, on behalf of Men&Mice

E: [email protected]

T: 020 7017 8421

SOURCE Men&Mice
The law also increases penalties for taking down monuments, including Confederate ones, making the offense a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It makes it easier for anyone who injures a protester, such as by driving into a crowd, to escape civil liability.

State Senator Shevrin D. Jones, a Democrat from Broward County and a vocal critic of the law, noted that Mr. DeSantis had been quick to emphasize how necessary the bill was the day after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol but had made no mention of that event during Mondays bill signing, focusing solely on the summer protests.

That was evidence, he said, that bills aimed at punishing protesters were disproportionately targeting people of color. This bill is racist at its core, Mr. Jones said.

So far, three bills aimed at limiting protests have been signed into law  Floridas and new laws in Arkansas and Kansas that target protesters who seek to disrupt oil pipelines. Others are likely to come soon.

In Oklahoma, Republican lawmakers last week sent legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitt that would criminalize the unlawful blocking of a public street and grant immunity to drivers who strike and injure protesters during a riot. Last June, a pickup truck carrying a horse trailer drove through a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters on a Tulsa freeway, injuring several people and leaving one paralyzed. The driver, who said he had sped up because he feared for the safety of his family, was not charged.

The bills author, State Senator Rob Standridge, said the Tulsa incident had prompted him to seek immunity for drivers who strike protesters. He said Tuesday he wasnt aware of any drivers who had been charged after striking protesters in Oklahoma. My hope is that this law never is utilized, he said in an interview. Carly Atchison, a spokeswoman for Mr. Stitt, declined to say whether he would sign the bill, which passed with veto-proof majorities.

Tiffany Crutcher, whose twin brother, Terence Crutcher, was shot and killed in 2016 by a Tulsa police officer who was later acquitted on a manslaughter charge, said the Oklahoma proposal represents Republican efforts to extend the Trump administrations hostility toward people of color.
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain will offer between 5% and 10% of its COVID-19 vaccine shots to Latin American and Caribbean countries this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday.

"Spain will launch this commitment as soon as it reaches the mark of 50% of the Spanish population vaccinated," Sanchez told the Ibero-American summit in Andorra, adding that he expected Latin American nations to receive 7.5 million doses by the end of the year.

The Iberian country aims to have half its population of 47 million fully inoculated by the end of July. So far around 7.6% have received a full course while nearly 21% have received at least one dose.

Spain is entitled to over 93 million vaccine doses this year under an EU-coordinated purchasing scheme, mostly for double-dose inoculation, leaving it with millions of extra shots.

Top U.N., financial and vaccine officials last week urged rich countries to donate excess COVID-19 vaccine doses to the COVAX vaccine-sharing programme supplying lower income countries, which aims to buy up to 1.8 billion doses in 2021.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno and Andrei Khalip; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
Rochester, N.Y.  The man shot by a New York State trooper Friday who lunged at officers in Rochester on Friday has been arrested, according to New York State Police.

Joshua Bennett, 37, has been charged with first-degree burglary, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing and menacing a police officer, police said.

Bennett has been accused of holding a woman hostage with the knife and in a home and later lunged at officers, according to police.

The man was on parole for a burglary conviction and had absconded or skipped parole, according to the The Democrat & Chronicle.

The trooper was a member of a United States Marshal Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to state police. The task force also included the U.S. Marshals Service, Rochester police and the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the paper reported.

The task force arrived at 107 Fairbanks St. in Rochester to arrest the man, troopers said. Officers attempted to taser the man but were unsuccessful, troopers said.

The man fled to an adjoining house, where he held a woman hostage with a large butcher knife at her back, troopers said.

The man then fled to the basement of the home, troopers said.

The task force found and attempted to take the man into custody, troopers said. The man refused to follow instructions and lunged at officers with the large butchers knife, troopers said.

The trooper fired once, hitting the man in the upper body, troopers said. Authorities said the trooper feared for his life, the paper reported.

The man was taken to Strong Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and he was last reported to be in guarded condition, troopers said.

The mans identity was not immediately released by police.

State police are at the scene, and an investigation into the police-involved shooting is underway, troopers said.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
The pandemic fundamentally altered the 2020 movie season. Instead of seeing award-worthy fare in theaters, we grabbed our remotes and streamed them at home.

The 93rd Academy Awards on Sunday, April 25, prove the show must go on. Lets look at which movies are most likely to bring home Oscars this year.

Best picture

The Father

Judas and the Black Messiah

Mank

Minari

Nomadland

Promising Young Woman

Sound of Metal

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Nomadland rolls into the Oscars with best picture honors at the Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Film Awards and Producers Guild Awards. Last year, 1917 carried that same momentum into the Oscars and lost to Parasite, so the race isnt over yet.

If you watch What: The 93rd Academy Awards When: Sunday, April 25, 8 p.m. Where: ABC More online: Joe Baress and Rebecca Kivak make their picks for additional Oscar categories. Twitter: Follow Joe (@dukemich) and Rebecca (@TTRebeccaKivak) for updates during the Oscar ceremony.

Still, Nomadland has no clear No. 1 challenger in its rearview mirror, and it was one of the most realistic films of the year. Sound of Metal gives audiences an emotionally resonant and unique experience that makes it one of the best films of the extended movie season. However, not even a flat tire can stop Nomadland from reaching the stage at the end of the night.

Should win: Sound of Metal

Will win: Nomadland

 JOE BARESS

Best director

Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round

David Fincher, Mank

Lee Isaac Chung, Minari

Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman

In a breakthrough for female directors, this year marks the first time two women have been nominated. Expect the firsts to continue when Chloe Zhao becomes the first woman of color to take home the award for best picture favorite Nomadland  and just the second woman to claim the honor in Oscars history.

Zhao is the undisputed frontrunner, picking up trophies at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Directors Guild Awards and BAFTAs. She effortlessly blended fiction and nonfiction, eliciting great performances from a cast of veteran and nonprofessional actors.

David Fincher earned his third nomination, and Emerald Fennell made a splash with her bold directorial debut. But no one has come close to standing in Zhaos way of making history.

Should win/will win: Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

 REBECCA KIVAK

Best actor

Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal

Chadwick Boseman, Ma Raineys Black Bottom

Anthony Hopkins, The Father

Gary Oldman, Mank

Steven Yeun, Minari

Riz Ahmed had a breakout performance in Sound of Metal, and Anthony Hopkins gained some momentum with his BAFTA win earlier this month. However, the late, great Chadwick Boseman gave the best performance of his career in his final role in Ma Raineys Black Bottom. His effort made his death that much more crushing, as cancer robbed audiences of many more great performances from him. After Bosemans Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild wins, he will rightfully become the first actor to win an Oscar posthumously since Heath Ledger in 2009 (The Dark Knight).

Should win/will win: Chadwick Boseman, Ma Raineys Black Bottom

 JOE BARESS

Best actress

Viola Davis, Ma Raineys Black Bottom

Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman

Frances McDormand, Nomadland

Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

This is the wild card race of the night. Viola Davis, Andra Day, Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan split the honor across this years major awards. Day earned notice with her Golden Globes win, but the battle may come down to two previous Oscar winners.

Davis powerhouse performance received a much-needed boost from her Screen Actors Guild victory. However, the actress may be doomed by the omission of Ma Raineys Black Bottom from the best picture race.

Enter Academy favorite Frances McDormand, who reveals a softer side in Nomadland. The film is a frontrunner for best picture and has swept the awards circuit. This bodes well for McDormands shot at a third Oscar.

Should win: Viola Davis, Ma Raineys Black Bottom

Will win: Frances McDormand, Nomadland

 REBECCA KIVAK

Best supporting actress

Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy

Olivia Colman, The Father

Amanda Seyfried, Mank

Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari

While Amanda Seyfried took her career to another level in Mank and Oscar winner Olivia Colman continued to impress alongside Anthony Hopkins in The Father, Maria Bakalovas accomplishments in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm proved most shocking. She went from a no-namer to someone audiences will see for years to come after her performance in the comedic satire. She brought life, heart and comedy to a film that stars Sacha Baron Cohen as an absurd character created 15 years ago.

Bakalova impacted her film more than anybody in this strong category, but Yuh-Jung Youn injected life and heart into Minari. After SAG and BAFTA victories, Youn will keep the momentum.

Should win: Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Will win: Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari

 JOE BARESS

Best supporting actor

Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago 7

Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah

Leslie Odom Jr., One Night in Miami 

Paul Raci, Sound of Metal

LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah

Borat mastermind Sacha Baron Cohen showed he can tackle drama in The Trial of the Chicago 7. LaKeith Stanfield inexplicably wound up in the supporting category when his role in Judas and the Black Messiah ostensibly is the lead.

But this is Daniel Kaluuyas award to lose. The two-time Oscar nominee ran away with nearly every honor this awards season for his stirring performance as Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton. Expect Kaluuyas winning streak to continue tonight.

Should win/will win: Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah

 REBECCA KIVAK

Best original screenplay

Will Berson and Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah

Lee Isaac Chung, Minari

Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman

Darius and Abraham Marder, Sound of Metal

Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7

Emerald Fennells script for Promising Young Woman has the most momentum after Writers Guild of America and BAFTA wins, but this category remains wide open. Fennells writing lacks, and Promising Young Woman is the worst best picture nominee. Darius and Abraham Marders Sound of Metal screenplay elevated the film with unique storytelling. Aaron Sorkin won a Golden Globe for his Chicago 7 script, and if he wins his second Oscar here, that film could upset Nomadland for best picture.

Should win: Darius and Abraham Marder, Sound of Metal

Will win: Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7

 JOE BARESS

Best adapted screenplay

Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman, Lee Kern and Nina Pedrad, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, The Father

Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

Kemp Powers, One Night in Miami ...

Ramin Bahrani, The White Tiger

With its nine credited writers, the hilarious and timely Borat Subsequent Moviefilm took home the Writers Guild award, which buoyed its Oscar chances. In The Father, Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller translated Zellers stage play into a moving portrayal of dementia on the big screen and won the BAFTA for it.

However, its hard to go against momentum, and Nomadland has plenty of it. Zhao received four of the films six Oscar nominations (see also adapted screenplay, picture, director and film editing). With the number of accolades the film has collected, the ball should roll in Zhaos favor.

Should win/will win: Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

 REBECCA KIVAK

Best animated feature

Onward

Over the Moon

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

Soul

Wolfwalkers

Soul deserved consideration for a best picture nomination and overmatches every film in this category. With incredible animation, voice work and music, the Pixar film gave audiences an emotionally powerful story with plenty of heart. It will become the fourth Pixar film to win this category in the last six years.

Should win/will win: Soul

 JOE BARESS

Best sound

Greyhound

Mank

News of the World

Soul

Sound of Metal

This is the first year the Oscars combined the previous categories of sound mixing and sound editing. The award traditionally goes to a war film, which puts the World War II drama Greyhound in good position.

But Sound of Metal will remix the category. The immersive drama about a heavy-metal drummer losing his hearing beautifully shifts between sound and silence. In an ironic twist, a film that embraces the use of silence will triumph.

Should win/will win: Sound of Metal

 REBECCA KIVAK

Best original score

Da 5 Bloods

Mank

Minari

News of the World

Soul

As great as the scores are in this category, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will earn their second Oscar (The Social Network was their first). Theyll have two shots at it with Mank and Soul. Reznor and Ross went outside their comfort zone to capture the time period in Mank. The Soul score is more up their alley and slightly better, as they collaborated with Jon Batistes jazz compositions and arrangements to create phenomenal music that fit perfectly with the film. Epiphany proved to be one of the most beautiful pieces of the year and complemented a pivotal scene in Soul. The score already earned Golden Globe and BAFTA victories.

Should win/will win: Soul

 JOE BARESS

Best visual effects

Love and Monsters

The Midnight Sky

Mulan

The One and Only Ivan

Tenet

The groundbreaking Tenet featured special effects never before seen on film. Christopher Nolans technical marvel relied mostly on practical effects, using frontward and backward action simultaneously. Buildings explode and reconstruct in frame. The mind-blowing feat delivered the extended 2020 movie seasons most audacious visuals.

Whether you spell it backward or forward, Tenet set a new bar for special effects.

Should win/will win: Tenet

 REBECCA KIVAK
The reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William could take a long time. Since Prince Harry, 36, and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties, the two have allegedly had a split, given the news that Prince William, 39, approached his younger brother about the rapid pace of his relationship with Markle.

Is Prince Willian hesitant to reconcile with Prince Harry?

The pair met for the first time in over a year on Saturday for the funeral of their grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It was reported that they had a lengthy conversation, which was attributed to Prince William's wife Kate Middleton serving as a "peacemaker," according to a recent report. However, Prince William prefers to take it slowly when fixing their relationship, as per Fox News.

The brothers set their drama aside for the time being at their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II's, request. A royal family friend told Vanity Fair contributor and royal expert Katie Nicholl.

Prince Philip's Funeral Won't Heal Royal Rift, Harry and William Won't Stand Next to Each Other

Prince Charles, Prince William refused to meet with Prince Harry

Prince Harry will travel home to the United States without having "one-on-one" conversations with either his father or brother because neither trusts him enough to talk with him alone, sources told Page Six. Following Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, Harry, Prince William, and their father, Prince Charles, had a three-way "clear-the-air talk" at Harry's U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage, sources said.

According to the reports, Charles and William would only speak to Harry if there were witnesses to what was said since the heir to the throne and his elder son were concerned that a distorted version from Harry's camp would leak out. When Charles and William contacted Harry last month after he and his wife Meghan Markle gave Oprah Winfrey a bombshell interview, Gayle King immediately reported the story, revealing the talks were "not fruitful," as per The News.

The three-way conversation on Saturday did not fully heal the rifts in the high-profile family. It emerged after Harry and Meghan made a tell-all in which they accused the royal family of racism.

Indian Lawyer Appeals to Court; Claims Prince Harry Promised Her Marriage

Prince William, Prince Harry had a short conversation in public

On Saturday, as they walked up to Windsor Castle from Prince Philip's funeral service at the St. George's Chapel, Prince Harry and Prince William were seen having a short, amiable conversation. The talk, on the other hand, was just a few minutes long and held in public. Prince Harry is expected to return to California shortly to his pregnant wife and their 23-month-old son Archie.

"Not only Charles and William, but even Harry, want to keep their reconciliation secret. Gayle King isn't required to report on private family matters." Prince Charles has returned to Wales to mourn his father's death in private at his Welsh home, Llwynywermod in Llandovery, Daily Mail reported.

Prince Harry may also be in the United Kingdom to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 95th birthday on Wednesday. Although Her Majesty canceled all formal celebrations, including the unveiling of a new photograph, Harry will be allowed to join her for a stroll outside under the U.K.'s COVID-19 guidelines.

Harry's return to the U.K. for the funeral of Pince Philip, who died on April 9 at the age of 99, was the first in more than a year since he and Markle left their roles in the royal family. Despite not being granted medical approval to travel, Markle sent a handwritten letter set on top of a wreath at Prince Philip's funeral and watched the service on T.V. from her home in California.

Prince Philip Gets Wish Of 'No-Fuss' Funeral, Brings William and Harry Face To Face Since Rift

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As we pass the one-year mark of working in fully remote or hybrid environments, many organizations have realized that the workplace will likely never look the same again. Fueled by lockdowns and social distancing, a new way of communicating and collaborating with colleagues, clients and stakeholders emerged. For the latest episode of my If I Knew Then: Leadership Lessons series  in partnership with Entrepreneur  I wanted to sit down with the leader of the most popular platform for bringing families, classrooms, and businesses together during the pandemic. This company grew so fast in the past year that it became its own verb  Zoom. Case in point: It went from having 10 million daily meeting participants in December 2019 to more than 300 million by April 2020.

Zoom founder and CEO Eric S. Yuan graciously shared with me the most valuable lessons he's learned throughout his career. He pulled back the curtain on everything from his time as an executive at Cisco and Webex to the launch and hyper-growth of Zoom. Yuan founded Zoom in 2011 with a mission to deliver happiness and bring teams together in a frictionless video environment. The platform provides video meetings, phone, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. Under Yuan's leadership, Zoom was one of the highest-performing tech IPOs of 2019. As one of the most in-demand video software tools of our era, it continues to be one of the highest-performing tech stocks to date.

Before becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 41, Yuan held executive leadership positions at reputable technology companies. He was one of the founding engineers and VP of engineering at Webex before Cisco Systems acquired the platform in 2007  where he became corporate vice president of engineering. Between 1997 and 2011, Yuan grew his team from 10 engineers to more than 800 worldwide, and contributed to taking its revenue from zero to $800 million.

In the past year, Zoom became crucial to the education system, to celebrating holidays and to marking special moments like weddings. Eric Yuan is helping people stay connected while reminding them that it's never too late to pursue their dreams. Find out the moment Yuans career trajectory changed forever, the five things he did to evolve as a leader and other insightful leadership lessons from my hour-long conversation with Times 2020 Businessperson of the Year:

1. Don't wait around for anyone to say yes, just go for it

Although he could have stayed comfortable in his executive role at an established technology company like Cisco, why did Yuan leave? He woke up every day and didnt want to go to work. The customers he served were not happy, and he realized that he was not happy, either. When he started his own company at the age of 41, he didnt think anyone around him would have said "Yes, go for it!" So he had to motivate himself every morning by asking, What is my dream? If I dont do it now, things wont change in 10 years. I cant wait anymore.

2. Lean on your friends to support your dreams

Zoom might not have come to fruition today without the help of some friends willing to take a risk and financially back Yuan: I had friends who really wanted to support me. So I sent my friends an email that promised I would work as hard as I could to give them a 10x return. And that I did have money in the bank in case the company did not do well, so I could repay them. After raising $3 million in capital from his friends and family, he eventually received funding from venture capitalists, made good on his word, and the rest is history.

3. Your journey to success as a CEO is a practice in perseverance

Little did Yuan know that a months-long trip to Japan from his native China would transform his life forever. It was during this time that he attended a keynote speech given by Bill Gates in 1995 about the future of the internet. I realized the internet was going to change everything and that I had better embrace it as early as possible. I told my wife that I should figure out a way to get to the U.S. and join the first wave of the internet revolution. Although that was his plan, he got declined eight times. I did not give up, Yuan recalls. After nine times trying to attain my visa, I got it. Looking back, it is more of a practice of my perseverance.

4. Patience is key when you start your own company

Yuan says that the most surprising thing he learned about starting his own company was actually something he never expected. He assumed that hed be able to raise more money and hire his dream team within one year. He quickly realized that he needed to have more patience by taking things step by step and embracing the process.

5. Build something better than other solutions out there

If you always look at the competitors product, you will not dare start something on your own, advises Yuan. Lead with the focus on the customer. Zoom was able to beat established incumbents that dominated the video chat platform by setting itself apart as user-friendly, without the long download times that often plagued other competitors.

6. The best marketing is to leverage your users

Zooms very first marketing effort old-fashioned: It posted information on the Stanford campus bulletin board. Eventually, the team grew savvier and learned along the way that word-of-mouth and leveraging your users remain the best marketing strategy. They created market demand by first making the users happy and, in turn, those customers shared their satisfaction by using Zoom with their network. The positive experiences continued to echo naturally from there.

7. If you make customers happy, the money will come.

When the company was young, Yuan thought, We are not successful financially yet, but if we make customers happy the money will come. Now he receives emails daily from customers who share their positive experiences and how Zoom has changed their lives. And, the company continues to have one of the most successful stocks in technology.

8. Your business principles are more important than just managing a team

With hyper-growth and thousands of global employees, Yuans management philosophy has evolved from overseeing engineering talent to leading a massive company like Zoom. "As a founder and CEO, you have to manage every part of the business and be very hands-on, Yuan says. Ask yourself, What kind of company do I want to work for? The culture? The value? Write down answers to these business principles, because they are more important than just managing a team.

9. Lead by example when creating a company culture

In the early days, Yuan decided he needed to write down the company's goal for culture so that everyone would remember it. It should be catchy, not too many things, maybe two to three words, Yuan shares. As a CEO, you need to think about your employees. Zooms culture is: Deliver happiness. If we are happy, the customer is happy. Its a simple formula, and we lead by example.

10. Your hiring philosophy should be the same across the board, from executives on down

Yuan says he looks for self-learners and self-motivators when hiring anyone. He emphasizes that possessing these characteristics is a must-have for working at Zoom no matter the role. We hire people with potential, shares Yuan. They may not have the background today, but they can grow themselves along with the company as it grows. I ask these two questions: 'What books are you reading? Who are your mentors? By listening to the answers and other stories they share, you can discover how they would handle a professional crisis or how they learn from their own mistakes.

11. You should always be evolving as a leader. Five tips that helped Yuan evolve:

Figure out what your dream is.

Think about how to become a better version of yourself.

Have mentors.

Read a lot of business books. (One of Yuans favorites: Only The Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove) .

Think about the importance of life. (Every time I thought about the importance of life, I had no answer, shares Yuan. The purpose is the pursuit of happiness. Sustainable happiness comes from making others happy. That completely changed my life and journey.)

12. Create a customer care culture for success

Yuan is known for his obsession with the customer experience, and he's big on soliciting feedback from Zoom's users. Every interaction with a customer creates a customer care culture. There are mechanisms for soliciting feedback that you cant always get from your support team, so he suggests asking how can you attain this crucial feedback surrounding your product directly from them.

13. Always do what is right

During the pandemic, Zoom showed the global community that it cared. That doing what is right will always transcend business. It provided K-12 schools with free video conferencing to help teachers meet childrens' educational needs. On the holidays, it did away with the 40-minute time limit on free accounts so that families unable to see one another in-person due to quarantine or travel restrictions could still be together virtually.

To learn more about this inspirational leaders journey and the other insights he shared with me during our chat, watch the full webinar here. For more extraordinary talks with other CEOs from high-profile brands like Nextdoor, Warby Parker, Dallas Mavericks, GoDaddy and DocuSign, check out our series page.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Photo: The Canadian Press Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, walks down the street with an acquaintance after leaving B.C. Supreme Court during a lunch break at her extradition hearing, in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, April 1, 2021. A judge is scheduled to release her decision today on a request to delay the final leg of hearings in Meng Wanzhou's extradition case. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has granted Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request to delay the final leg in her extradition hearings, days before they were set to begin.

Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes says she will deliver reasons for her decision in writing in the next week or so and a date to resume proceedings will be determined later.

The hearings were scheduled to begin Monday but Meng's lawyers said they needed more time to review documents related to the case obtained through a Hong Kong court.

They asked Holmes on Monday to adjourn proceedings until Aug. 3, a delay they argued would also allow time for the third wave of COVID-19 to subside.

Lawyers for Canada's attorney general had argued there's no justification to delay proceedings in the high-profile case, especially given the public interest.

Meng was arrested at Vancouver's airport in 2018 at the request of the United States to face fraud charges related to America's sanctions against Iran, which both she and Huawei deny.

A teleconference has been scheduled with both legal teams for April 28 to determine a new date, which Holmes said should be on or around Aug. 3.
Burma Mother of Prominent Protest Leader Detained by Myanmar Junta Fears for his Health

Ko Wai Moe Naing during an anti-regime protest in Monywa in March.

Ko Wai Moe Naing, a prominent anti-regime protest leader in Monywa, Sagaing Region, was beaten and dragged away by junta forces after his motorcycle was rammed on April 15. He remains in military custody and his relatives are not allowed to visit him.

The 26-year-old, who has been at the forefront of anti-regime rallies in Monywa since very soon after the militarys Feb. 1 coup, faces murder and sedition charges, according to the Monywa District Lawyers Network. Fears have grown for his safety and health since a photo apparently showing him to have been badly tortured went viral the day after his arrest.

The Irrawaddy interviewed Ko Wai Moe Naings mother, Daw Moe Sandar Kyu, about the current situation.

Do you know where Ko Wai Moe Naing is being held now?

He was taken to North-Western Command the day he was detained. The following day, his friends from the General Strike Committee told me about the charges filed against him.

Have you been allowed to meet Ko Wai Moe Naing? How is his health?

I havent been allowed to meet him, and I still dont know what the exact state of his health is. He hasnt been allowed to see anyone yet, including his lawyers. There are his uncles in Monywa. They have not yet been allowed to meet him. To be more precise, we dont even have the chance to try and meet him.

Does Ko Wai Moe Naing have health problems? Are you worried about his health?

He is overweight and has obesity-related health problems. He has been suffering from high blood pressures since his early twenties. He has to take medication often. He is not a very fit person. So I am worried about his daily life in military custody.

He has been detained for a week now and is still being interrogated. As his mother, I am extremely worried about his health.

We heard from the lawyers that Ko Wai Moe Naing faces three charges? Can you confirm that?

Yes, that is the case. The lawyers told me that he would be brought to trial for the most serious of the three charges first. I would like to meet him then. I have nothing to say if he is given the same punishment as others for rising up against a government that has seized power. But I dont want him to be punished for crimes that he has not committed.

I fret about his health and how much he might be suffering. If he has injuries, he should be given medical treatment. If possible, I want to meet him. I would like to request to meet him. He is my only son.

By the most serious charge, you mean the murder charge?

Yes. I heard that they would handle that case first.

How did he happen to be charged for murder?

It was what the junta announced. If he had really committed murder, he would have run away. He has not fled because he has a clear conscience. I believe in him and I can guarantee that he did not commit murder.

As I believe in him, I think all the people in Monywa can attest that he did not commit the crime. My understanding is that he cant be pronounced guilty without strong evidence. I will try my best to prove that he didnt commit murder. It is an unfair charge.

What do you want to say as the mother of an activist who has been actively participating in the protest movement against the military regime?

This [his participation in anti-regime protests] might harm him. But speaking from my heart, this is a mass revolt against injustice. And it is led by the young people. It is not only my son who is rising up against the junta, but all the young people are rising up with a single voice.

I made him get into the habit of reading since he was young. As reading has broadened his horizons, he thinks about things deeply. So when he went to university he got involved in the activities of the student union, and later he was attracted to politics.

What he does are good things and, as a mother, I allowed him to engage in activities apart from those that could be harmful to him.

What else would you like to say?

I dont want anyone, not just my son, to be accused unfairly and subjected to an unnecessarily long interrogation. I cant bear it. I would like to request that my son is remanded as soon as possible and that he receives medical treatment. I would like to meet him if possible. I will try my best to prove his innocence.



You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Regime Disputes Protest-Related Death Toll Compiled by AAPP

ASEAN Summit on Myanmar Should Include NUG, Not Legitimize Junta

EU Sanctions 10 More Myanmar Regime Members But Some Still Missing
Latin American leaders seek more vaccines at Andorra summit View Photo

MADRID (AP)  Representatives of 22 countries from Latin America and Europes Iberian Peninsula, in their first, mostly virtual meeting since the pandemic started, called for more equitable access to coronavirus vaccines and flexible funding for their economic recovery.

Frictions emerged over the participation of Venezuelas government in the Iberoamerican Summit hosted Wednesday by the tiny mountainous nation of Andorra, which lies between Spain and France in the Pyrenees mountain range.

But the countries spoke with one voice assessing the crisis provoked by the virus outbreaks on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, calling for unity in overcoming economic and health challenges ahead.

Many of the leaders were critical of global mechanisms for vaccine distribution that have brought to the Latin American region of 640 million just about 8% of the doses distributed across the world, most of them to a handful of countries. Thats despite the disproportionate impact of the pandemic in the region, which accounts for nearly 30% of confirmed global COVID-19 deaths.

Calling for a suspension of vaccine and drug patents, Bolivias President Luis Arce called for a reshuffle of international standards that protect the hegemonic pharmaceutical industry at the expense of billions of human beings. Argentinas Alberto Fernandez said that patent protection should be guaranteed but that temporary licenses should be issued for increasing jab production.

Intellectual property rights should help rather than getting on our way, said Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the few leaders who attended the summit in person. Sanchez announced that his government will donate a minimum of 7.5 million vaccine doses for Latin American and Caribbean countries through the U.N.-sponsored COVAX mechanism for lower-income countries. The Spanish leader said that the donation wont happen until Spain vaccinates at least half of its adult population, which under the current rollout speed would be July.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the unequal distribution of vaccines.

If this dangerous trend of vaccine nationalism and parallel deals continues, vaccination in developing countries could take years, delaying, even more, the worlds recovery, Guterres told the leaders. The vaccination campaign is the main moral challenge of our times.

The summits final declaration didnt include any reference to vaccine patents. Instead, the leaders urged the international community and big pharma to face the pandemic in a more equitable way and with solidarity and to provide universal access at affordable costs of vaccines and drugs against COVID-19.

The meeting normally takes place every two years. It was due to be held last year but was delayed in the hope of gathering the heads of state and government of the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries in person. A recent surge in virus infections across the world has finally resulted in most leaders attending via video conference.

Nicaragua and Venezuela informed organizers at the very last minute that their presidents would not participate, joining the leaders of Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay and El Salvador, which instead sent their deputies or lower-ranking officials.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has been recently appointed First Secretary of Cubas Communist Party, denounced the sanctions that the United States has imposed on both his country and neighboring Venezuela, adding that Washington had increased enforcement at a difficult time of health emergency.

Various country representatives including those of Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay criticized Venezuelas presence at the summit and called for Nicolas Maduro to step down and pave the way for elections in the troubled country.

Venezuelas Vice President Delcy Rodriguez responded saying that those who speak about democracy should respect the sacred will of the Venezuelan people.

By ARITZ PARRA

Associated Press
JUNO BEACH, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) has posted its first-quarter 2021 financial results in a news release available on the partnership's website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com/FinancialResults.

Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy Partners, Rebecca Kujawa, chief financial officer of NextEra Energy Partners, and other members of the senior management team will discuss the first-quarter 2021 financial results during an investor presentation to be webcast live, beginning at 9 a.m. ET today. The listen-only webcast will be available on NextEra Energy Partners' website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com/FinancialResults. Results for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) also will be discussed during the same investor presentation. A replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the same link as listed above.

NextEra Energy Partners, LP

NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). NextEra Energy Partners acquires, manages and owns contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy Partners owns interests in geographically diverse wind and solar projects in the U.S. as well as natural gas infrastructure assets in Texas and Pennsylvania. For more information about NextEra Energy Partners, please visit: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com.

SOURCE NextEra Energy Partners, LP

Related Links

http://www.nexteraenergypartners.com


The Duke of Sussex is unlikely to see his father again before returning to the US to be with his pregnant wife and their son.

It comes after a source revealed Prince Charles 'walked and talked' with Prince Harry at Windsor Castle after his father the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

They were said to have taken part in a 'family summit' but since then Prince Charles has headed to his Welsh bolthole at Llwynywermod in Llandovery to spend some time on his own following the funeral on Saturday.

It means the pair are unlikely to meet again before the Duke of Sussex heads back to the US following the Queen's 95th birthday celebration today, reported The Times.

It comes after a source revealed Prince Charles 'walked and talked' with Prince Harry (pictured) at Windsor Castle after his father the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral

They were said to have taken part in a 'family summit' but since then Prince Charles (pictured at the Welsh estate) has headed to his bolthole at Llwynywermod in Llandovery to spend some time on his own following the funeral on Saturday

It is not known whether Prince Harry will see his brother the Duke of Cambridge before boarding his flight back to California.

Before Prince Philip's funeral service the brothers had not seen each other since a frosty encounter at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey last year.

William was deeply hurt by his brother's comments during his Oprah Winfrey interview, when he claimed William and Charles were 'trapped' by royal duty.

Charles was said to have been hurt by Harry's suggestion he felt let down by his father and an insinuation the family was racist.

Their relationship is said to be 'strained', the newspaper reported.

Sources denied reports there was a 'summit' between the men at Windsor Castle, but there was a meeting between Charles, William and Kate.

It means the pair are unlikely to meet again before the Duke of Sussex heads back to the US following the Queen's 95th birthday celebration today, reported The Times. Pictured, Prince Charles' Welsh property

A source told The Sun: 'There is no way this is the end of the crisis in their relationships but it's a good gesture and a nice way to take the first step towards healing.'

It comes amid speculation around when the Duke of Sussex will fly back to LA to be with pregnant wife Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry arrived in the UK on April 11, reportedly with his own US private security team.

According to the Telegraph, the Duke was met at Heathrow Airport by Met Police officers, who helped whisk him off to the royal residence of Frogmore Cottage - where he was placed into quarantine ahead of the funeral.

The prince is said to have booked a return flight on British Airways, but it is not known when.

Harry made the 10-hour flight to Britain for the funeral this week while his wife Meghan - who is around seven-months pregnant with their second child - remained in LA.

Prince Harry walked and talked with Prince William and his wife Kate following the funeral

Arrivals from the US must quarantine for 10 days upon landing - but can leave after five days if they provide a negative test under the Government's Test to Release scheme.

Harry was allowed to attend the funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Saturday in line with Government rules that make exceptions for such occasions.

He arrived in England last Saturday, which means - should he have tested negative - the duke no longer needs to isolate in Windsor.

He is understood to have been based in Frogmore Cottage for the rest of his stay. He and Meghan lived in the house on the Windsor estate during their time as senior royals.

It is there that he is said to have met Prince Charles, just weeks after the Sussexes plunged the monarchy into crisis when they accused the royals of racism and the institution of failing to support Meghan when she was suicidal in their Oprah Winfrey interview.

Following the bombshell tell-all - which included Harry's claim that he needed to 'educate' his relatives - Prince Charles was said to be 'deeply hurt' but resolved to 'mend the broken relationship' with his son.
In Heather Dawson's world, leaves can sprout anytime she wishes, they can change colour on a whim and never fall to the ground when autumn arrives.

In Heather Dawson's world, leaves can sprout anytime she wishes, they can change colour on a whim and never fall to the ground when autumn arrives.

They don't even need trees.

Dawson is a glassmaker; creating glass leaves in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours is one of her specialties.

She has worked on several custom projects before, but her fragile creations led to her being one of the few Canadian artists to have new work displayed in the United States, or anywhere internationally, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's something I enjoy doing, working with people to help make something they have in their mind come to reality," Dawson says.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Glass artist Heather Dawson uses sheets of glass as well as smaller glass pebbles to create her work.

She caught the glass-making bug about 15 years ago while learning how to make stained glass at Prairie Studio Glass in Winnipeg. Dawson has since built a new studio next to her home in Teulon, about 55 kilometres north of Winnipeg, where she transforms varying sizes and colours of glass  using three high-temperature kilns, ceramic moulds and her creativity  into decorative and functional items.

"I started with stained glass, took a class and it snowballed from there, she says. "I really fell in love with all the different colours that were available, all the different textures of glass. Just the beauty and the colour were what I was really drawn to."

Dawson began making everyday items, such as bowls and coasters, and has branched out into jewelry, picture frames, and Christmas ornaments and decorations, before letting her artistic imagination team up with her glass-making skills. Last year, she began making glass daffodils to help raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society's annual spring campaign.

Her technique is different from the romantic images of Venetian glass-blowers, who make intricate sculptures from thin bubbles of molten glass, or vase-makers on the Canadian-made Netflix competition show Blown Away.

Dawson takes various sizes of glass, from large sheets to the tiniest pebbles called glass frits, and uses her three kilns to melt the glass in moulds to create the pieces she wants.

"Everything I do is flat work in the kiln," she says, differentiating the two styles of glass art. "It's heated up on a kiln shelf flat, and then I can put it in the kiln a second time over a ceramic mould and then it'll slump into the shape of the mould. That's how I get 3D effects with the glass that I work with."

What separates the artists like Dawson from everyone else is how she's able to create the colours the way she wants while the kilns heat up and melt the glass. Glass begins to melt and move at about 600 C and Dawson begins her casts when the kiln's bricks rise to 700 C.

She has found out through trial-and-error that glass of different colours doesn't always mix well.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dawson caught the glass-making bug during a class at Prairie Studio Glass.

"When it heats up, the glass flows and melts back together, so you end up with one glass piece from all these little individual pieces," she says. "If you're not paying attention to the colours you're using side by side, sometimes you'll end up with a big black piece because they reacted together."

"The different sizes (of glass), when you're casting them, when they melt back together, they give different effects, so I experimented with what would look best when it was the finished product."

Dawson started making large aspen leaves from a commercially made mould. The results, which she posted for sale on her website, glassbyheather.com, caught the eye of Karla Rikansrud, vice-president of philanthropy and social responsibility at the Frasier Retirement Community in Boulder, Colo.

Rikansrud was seeking a way to thank and recognize donors to the community, and Dawson's glass leaves gave her the idea of an art installation, with each leaf representing a donor and mounted on a metal decorative panel.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dawson places items in a kiln at her backyard studio in Teulon.

The only problem was Dawson's leaves were too big, and she had no mould handy to make a smaller one.

So she turned to Alan Lacovetsky, a potter and fellow member of the Interlake-based Wave artists' co-operative. Together they designed and Lacovetsky fired moulds for smaller aspen leaves, and Dawson set about making 200 of them for the Colorado community's donor-appreciation wall.

"It's why this project is so much fun. There really are a lot of similarities between glasswork and pottery. He was learning from me about different glass aspects and I was learning from him about the pottery aspects," Dawson says. "That's what's neat about our co-operative; people are so willing to share the information that they have and help you grow as an artist."

After a couple of tests, Dawson went about the process of filling the moulds with glass, placing them in the electric kilns, setting the computers that regulate their temperatures and letting the heat do its job.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Glass sheets are carefully stored and organized by colour.

Temperatures are also regulated for slowly cooling the freshly melted glass, which Dawson says releases the internal stresses from the glass.

After a couple of hours, the kilns are turned off and the glass cools overnight, along with the kilns. The next day, she would start again with another batch, firing about 30 moulds at a time. After emptying them, she would make sure they were clean and start the next bunch.

Once all 200 leaves were done  not counting the ones that broke, a fact of life for anyone making glass art  Dawson carefully packed them up and sent them to Boulder.

Photographs of the final product were reassuring, because the pandemic prevented Dawson from travelling to Colorado to help out with setting up the installation.

"I thought it looked great," she says. "It was a little bit nerve-racking because I couldn't go there and help with the installation and smooth over any issues that might have come up, but they did a really great job with it."

alan.small@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter:@AlanDSmall
France will be imposing a 10-day quarantine for travellers arriving from India in the upcoming days to prevent the spread of COVID-19, said French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal on April 21. The move of restricting travel from India came just days after France announced the suspension of flights from Brazil to protect the European nation from P1 or Brazilian variant of novel coronavirus. It also announced quarantines for passengers from Argentina, Chile and South Africa.

"For certain countries where the health situation is very serious and worrisome in particular, we will again tighten the screws," Attal said after a cabinet meeting on the pandemic response.

"India will be added to this list," he said, before adding that the full details of the travel restrictions will be unveiled in the coming days.

The second wave of COVID-19 has tightened its grip on India especially during the recent days with the government registering a record-high surge in cases even after kickstarting the vaccination campaign. Further, theres added worry of the double mutant strain of the coronavirus that is also discovered in India. Indian Council of Medical Research on April 21 also revealed that indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin neutralises the worrying double mutant strain of SARS-CoV-2 and other variants.

COVID-19 in India

India continues to record an uptick in fresh coronavirus infections. For the past three days, the nation has registered an excess of two lakh COVID-19 infections and over 1,000 deaths on a daily basis. As of April 21, in the last 24 hours, India again recorded the biggest spike with more than 2,000 deaths and 2,95,041 fresh cases of COVID-19. The total count is now pushed over 15.6 million as the government gives a nod to vaccination for all above the age of 18. The decision came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of review meetings with the medical fraternity and pharmaceutical manufacturers over the ever-worsening situation of COVID-19 in the country, and the ongoing vaccination drive earlier in the day.

Image credits: AP
Meyersdale takes down Shade for fifth district title in six seasons

Meyersdale took down Shade in the District 5 Class A softball championship on Friday, marking its fifth overall title win in the last six years.
FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LogicPlum (https://logicplum.com/) officially announced that it had been selected by Inory Business Magazine as a Top 10 Leading AI Company based on the work of LogicPlum's visionary team and its groundbreaking Enterprise AI Platform. Led by founder Damian Mingle, LogicPlum helps businesses and organizations bridge the divide between advances in machine learning and practical AI applications for the business world. Since its founding, LogicPlum has been a pioneer in translating business problems into AI solutions for its global clientele, utilizing hundreds of thousands of proprietary models that deliver millions of useful market predictions.

LogicPlum Named Top 10 Leading AI Companies

"With data collection and interpretation driving the future direction of most industries, enterprises are struggling to keep up with the increasing need for AI solutions that truly reflect this unique time in business history," said Damian Mingle. "And at the same time, companies are also trying to integrate AI automation as part of their business models, understandably hoping to obtain a quick ROI from their tech investments. We are honored to be recognized by Inory for helping our clients do just that. Our philosophy has always been to build products that we know customers need and build them better than anyone else, while continuing to nurture a team that is committed to reaching beyond the status quo. That is why we have become the company of choice for any enterprise that wants to leverage AI for a proven competitive advantage in an expanding digital economy."

LogicPlum: AI Solutions for a Data-Driven Market

As a business-first AI company, LogicPlum specializes in contextualizing its clients' AI needs, focusing on assisting specific individuals  data scientists, IT operators, software engineers, company executives, etc.  before leveraging AI that serves to achieve a beneficial synergistic impact for the entire company. LogicPlum works with companies exactly where they are, with the goal of moving each toward embracing and integrating AI solutions as part of their day-to-day operations.

"We know how hard it is to be noticed among the best and brightest emerging companies in the AI sector," said Anoop Muraleedharan, LogicPlum CTO. "Each day, part of our meetings involve talking about the dreams of our customers and how we can push the very edge of AI usability in service to them. And that continues to motivate us to be better and to overdeliver on every single task we perform."

Always seeking to expand on its success, future additions currently in development for the LogicPlum Platform include:

LogicPlum Neutral: Lets clients test bias and fairness for protected data features, applying mitigation steps for AI models.

Lets clients test bias and fairness for protected data features, applying mitigation steps for AI models. LogicPlum Edge: Allows clients to see rare items, events, or observations in their data.

Allows clients to see rare items, events, or observations in their data. LogicPlum Shared: Find natural groups in data for important business insights.

Find natural groups in data for important business insights. LogicPlum Root: Understand the causes of significant events and how to take the best actions to improve future outcomes.

For the latest information on machine learning and the LogicPlum platform, explore the company blog. Or follow them on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn.

About LogicPlum

Founded in 2017, LogicPlum embodies the principle that to compete in an evolving digital world, companies must use data to shape and drive innovations in their business models. Leveraging the evolving power of its custom-built platform, LogicPlum empowers companies to pivot faster and drive near-term impact from their tech investments. LogicPlum offers massive business benefits by creating significant speedups in data prep, model creation, validation  including time-series and computer vision  and deploys those models in a customized solutions to best suit each client's individual goals. Learn more at: www.LogicPlum.com.

Media Contact:

Rajani Suresh

1-615-873-2187 (ext. 711)

[email protected]

SOURCE LogicPlum
Brazilian meat major JBS, which announced a deal this week to acquire European plant-based meat business Vivera, plans to invest the equivalent of US$305.2m in its local fresh protein and prepared foods facilities.

The BRL1.7bn investments will be centred on seven plants in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul and will be spread over three years from 2021 to 2023, JBS said, adding it is expanding the plants to meet domestic and overseas demand.

The project will lead to 2,700 new jobs in the state by the end of the term, adding to 1,700 positions created in Rio Grande last year, JBS noted. The company already employs 18,000 workers in the area.

Wesley Filho, the president of JBSs South American operations and its flagship Seara brand, said: As one of the largest global companies in the sector, JBS investments prove the fundamental role of Rio Grande do Sul as a food production hub that reaches different parts of the world.

The seven factories earmarked for investment are located in seven cities within the state: Bom Retiro do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Nova Bassano, Passo Fundo, Santa Cruz do Sul, Seberi and Trindade do Sul.

JBS said "the planning for the three-year period until 2023 indicates that the region will continue to be a determining factor for global food production".

Earlier this week, JBS announced it had entered an agreement to acquire Netherlands-based Vivera, subject to clearance from competition authorities, in a deal valued at EUR341m (US$410.4m).

The Brazilian meatpacker is already present in the meat-free market. Its Seara line launched the Incrivel plant-based burger in Brazil in 2019, and the following year Colorado-based Planterra Foods, owned by JBS, instigated a wider roll-out of the Ozo brand in the US.
CALGARY - The CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. says a rival bid for Kansas City Southern by Canadian National Railway Co. carries a bigger price tag but can't win U.S. regulatory approval because of its negative affects on competition.

Canadian Pacific Railway president and CEO Keith Creel addresses the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

CALGARY - The CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. says a rival bid for Kansas City Southern by Canadian National Railway Co. carries a bigger price tag but can't win U.S. regulatory approval because of its negative affects on competition.

During the Calgary-based company's first-quarter financial results call Wednesday after markets closed, CP CEO Keith Creel listed off a long series of "truths" that suggest CP's offer made last month is better for shippers and investors than CN's competing bid made Tuesday.

"So, were my eyes opened yesterday when I read the press release? The truth is yes, the headline number was undeniably eye-opening: 325 bucks (US per share)," Creel said.

"But the reality is that only matters if its attainable. Unrealized value is still equal to zero. If you can't do the deal, if it's not doable, you never get there."

In response to an analyst's question, Creel said on the call CP is not considering increasing its bid for KCS because it doesn't want to put its balance sheet at risk.

On Tuesday, Montreal-based CN announced a cash-and-stock bid valued at US$33.7 billion for Kansas City, Mo.-based KCS, topping one made last month by Calgary-based CP Rail valued at US$25 billion.

Earlier on Wednesday, CP said is it is appealing to the U.S. regulator that governs railway mergers to rule on CN's claim that its offer will be assessed in the same way as CP's bid.

"Because of the far more serious public interest concerns posed by CN's proposed acquisition of KCS, CN's suggestion that its proposal should be subject to the same regulatory treatment as the CP-KCS transaction is incorrect," CP said in a news release ahead of its annual general meeting.

"Whereas a Canadian Pacific transaction raises none of the issues that motivated the new merger rules in 2001, the CN proposal raises all of them, especially competitive and downstream consolidation concerns."

CP charges that a CN-KCS merger would "destabilize" the rail network balance in North America that has prevented further consolidation of the six largest railroads for two decades, adding it would leave CP as a disadvantaged "odd-man-out" in a six-railroad North America.

CP has asked the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to rule that its combination with KCS qualifies under a waiver the regulator granted to KCS in 2001 from more stringent merger rules adopted to protect competition.

It says the STB should make it clear that CN's bid will not qualify for the same exemption.

Also Wednesday, CN announced that it has notified the STB that it intends to apply for authority to combine with KCS under current merger rules and also seeking approval of its plan to employ a voting trust so that KCS shareholders can be paid out while awaiting final STB approval.

We believe the STB and our customers will recognize that CN presents the best solution for the continued growth, development and prosperity of the North American economy, said CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest in a statement.

CN has made a superior proposal and is committed to satisfying the current STB merger rules. CN is confident that the STB will approve the voting trust, which will permit KCS shareholders to crystallize the value of its U.S. and Mexico franchise, and then permit the STB to undertake the careful review process it should take following the closing into the voting trust.

The company said it is confident it can address any reasonable remediation concerns and it supports an STB review under modern rules, as opposed to "rules from four decades ago that have been opposed by virtually every other party to have filed before the STB."

KCS's rail assets in Mexico have long made it a desirable takeover target.

A CN-KCS combination would be the third-largest Class 1 railroad in North America by revenue, while a CP-KCS merger would remain the smallest of the six remaining railroads.

CN noted a combined CN-KCS would be the fifth-largest railway by network length in the United States, behind the four big American Class 1 railroads but ahead of CP.

There was only brief mention of the proposed KCS merger at the CP annual meeting on Wednesday morning, where shareholders voted 99 per cent in favour of a share-split resolution to issue five new CP shares for each existing share.

After markets closed, CP reported first-quarter net income of $602 million on revenue of $1.959 billion, compared with $409 million on $2.0 billion in the year-earlier period.

Analysts had expected net income of $593 million on $1.995 billion in revenue, according to financial data firm Refinitiv.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CP, TSX:CNR)
[April 21, 2021] LexisNexis Risk Solutions Earns Top Honors at the 2021 Global Banking & Finance Awards

ATLANTA, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis Risk Solutions announced that it won four accolades at the 2021 Global Banking & Finance Awards. The recognition came in the Business Technology category with LexisNexis Risk Solutions winning Best Anti-Fraud/Security Solutions Provider in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, United States and Western Europe regions. The Global Banking & Finance Awards has spotlighted companies of all sizes across the financial industry for innovation, achievement, strategy and inspirational change since 2011. Fraud and identity management solutions from LexisNexis Risk Solutions utilize passive and active fraud controls to help customers optimize the consumer experience at every touchpoint. Its solutions provide organizations a complete view of identity by incorporating physical, digital, device and behavioral intelligence for successful risk mitigation and fraud prevention. "The past year forced the banking and finance industry to greatly accelerate digitization plans and our solutions helped our customers mitigate fraud risk during this time of rapid change," said Stephen Topliss, vice president, global fraud and identity strategy at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "We must constantly work to innovate our solutions to keep pace with fraudsters tht are continually changing their tactics. Winning Best Anti-Fraud/Security Solutions at the Global Banking & Finance Awards after such a challenging year and across four regions is a testament to the strength and versatility of our fraud and identity solutions."



LexisNexis Risk Solutions continued to innovate its fraud and identity solutions through the launch of several new products and solutions in the past year: LexisNexis Emailage is a fraud risk scoring solution fueled by email intelligence to help companies balance a seamless user experience with fraud detection and prevention capabilities.

LexisNexis Behavioral Biometrics integrates the way a user interacts with their device with information relating to the trustworthiness, integrity and authenticity of that device to improve the detection of high-risk fraudulent activities.

LexisNexis Fraud Intelligence is a non-FCRA solution that helps organizations mitigate new account fraud risk by bringing together identity assessment and consumer application activity to arrive at a comprehensive non-FCRA score that offers a more complete view of an identity. Learn more about the company's suite of fraud and identity management solutions.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com and www.relx.com. Media Contact:

Marcy Theobald

678.694.6681

Marcy.Theobald@lexisnexisrisk.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lexisnexis-risk-solutions-earns-top-honors-at-the-2021-global-banking--finance-awards-301274205.html SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

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Lieutenant colonel Nguyen Thi Lien I was the first Vietnamese military female officer to have worked as a training advisor at the UNs Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). On March 12, I returned to Vietnam after a prolonged stay due to the pandemic. My main task is to work with colleagues to organise training courses on improving new skills for new staff at MINUSCA. Undertaking the duty in June 2019, my colleagues and I have faced numerous difficulties, especially in the context of the pandemic. The country is very weak in infrastructure development, coupled with a grave lack of medical equipment and tools and limited awareness of people. In order to cope with the pandemic, we at MINUSCA always paid due attention to protecting our health via enjoying proper and nutritious foods. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, we have had to drink much water and eat many vegetables cultivated by ourselves. We have always encouraged one another to stay optimistic and implemented safe hygienic measures to prevent community contamination. Meanwhile, there is no habit among local residents of wearing masks. We still wore masks but covered our faces with larger handkerchiefs in order to avoid discrimination from locals. From the fact that Vietnam has been doing a very good job in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, I came to the thought that the face mask is a very effective shield and an amulet during the pandemic times in a nation very poor in medical equipment. To realise my idea, I went to a locals home to hire a sewing machine, and then went to the market to buy cloth and elastic bands. I selected cloth with colourful patterns which suited locals traditional taste. After working hours at MINUSCA, I found myself making face masks. Being an unprofessional needlewoman, initially I could not make many products. However, day after day the number of masks gradually increased, while the number of COVID-19 victims also ascended. By that point, the countrys government under consultancy of MINUSCA issued a directive ordering all people throughout the nation to wear masks at public places from May last year. Around 800 masks I made personally were then presented to locals and MINUSCA staff. They have become a very significant gift in the context of urgent prevention and fighting against the pandemic in such a poor nation. Major NGUYEN PHUC DONG When I was a child, I always dreamt of becoming a military officer. In 2004, I passed the examination into the Ministry of Defences (MoD) Military Academy of Logistics. In 2009, with my good study record, I became a lecturer at the academy. After a time, I was sent to the United States to study. With big aspirations to make more contributions to the army and work in an international environment, in 2007, I was admitted to work at the MoDs Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations. After one year of working here, I was selected to become one of two military officers to work as peacekeeper in South Sudan in 2018. The day I set off for South Sudan was also Vietnamese Teachers Day. My wife is an English teacher, and I understood that my wife would have to work hard to feed the family. My first child was only five and the second was only six months old at that time. South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world as it declared independence in 2011. Its political situation remains unstable with many conflicts and unfavourable weather conditions. Though before going there, I had studied the country very carefully, I was still surprised when I arrived. South Sudan was characterised with underdeveloped infrastructure and shabby houses of the local residents whose lives depended on support from the United Nations. Almost all children have no schooling and suffer from malnutrition, while the nation is completely undermined by civil wars. The main duty of UN peacekeepers is to protect civilians, create a favourable environment for humanitarian assistance, supervise and inspect human rights violations, and support the implementation of peace processes. During my time in South Sudan, I partook in days-long patrols by air, by road, and by waterway, of hundreds of kilometres a day. In many cases, the patrols faced lots of difficulties because many other forces showed no cooperation and even caused great difficulties to our work. Danger was always on the watch. For example, one month before I came to South Sudan, one comrade had been shot and made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty. However, in defiance of the dangers and difficulties, my colleagues and I will not be deterred, and we will give it our best to accomplish the tasks that we have been assigned in order to keep peace in the world.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When businessman Samuel Terry died in 1838, a military regiment marched through the streets of central Sydney, playing Handels Dead March in Saul. The procession along dusty streets was possibly the most splendid funeral that Sydney, a city of 25,000 people, had seen. Reports in London about the funeral, however, prompted outrage. Imagine, seethed a writer in The Times, having such a fabulous funeral for an ex-convict. Terry, known to his contemporaries as the Rothschild of Botany Bay, was worth half a million pounds when he died, which is equivalent to $57 million today. The conservative Sydney Herald, which would later be renamed The Sydney Morning Herald, marked Terrys passing with a three-line death notice. His achievements, wealth and involvement in politics and philanthropy, warranted a news story but there was none because the newspaper opposed the social and economic improvement of ex-convicts. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Few former convicts became as rich as Terry. An illiterate labourer, he had been deported from England to Australia for the crime of stealing stockings. When he became a free man, he took a job as pub keeper, and later became a money lender, taking peoples property and livestock when debts werent repaid, as well as buying and developing his own land and houses. When he died at 62, Terry reportedly held about one-fifth of the total value of mortgages registered in the colony, which was more than the mortgages held by the Bank of NSW, according to Robert Hughes Fatal Shore. Terry was also a major shareholder in the Bank of NSW (now Westpac), the first company founded in the state. Terrys death notice in the Herald appeared amid advertisements selling everything from preserved salmon, tin plates, striped shirts, rum to soft soap. There was an announcement that Maurice the Woodcutter was playing at the Theatre Royale, while various ships touted passages to England, India and Tasmania. The Herald, which had been founded seven years before Terrys death, was dominated by advertising, government and legal notices. While the Herald had ignored Terrys rags to riches story it would be an anomaly in the newspapers 190-year history. For the Herald would tell the stories of businesspeople bold, colourful, generous and ruthless in its pages. Moguls who would shape the citys history and, indeed, the history of the Herald itself.

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In the year that Samuel Terry died, a bankrupt English newspaper proprietor called John Fairfax arrived in Sydney, with his wife and four children, looking for a fresh start. He took a job as a librarian, making friends with other immigrants, among them businessman David Jones, who had just opened his first department store on George Street. The modern city of Sydney was 50 years old and prospering on the back of its agricultural trade, especially wool. It was a city of opportunity as John Fairfax had hoped. Within three years of his arrival he became the co-owner of the Sydney Herald, which by then was the citys dominant newspaper. In 1853, he would become the papers sole owner, and after returning to England to pay his creditors, he would begin building the foundations of a media empire and dynasty, John Fairfax & Sons, which would last over 150 years. Samuel Terry was known as the Rothschild of Botany Bay. When he died he reportedly held about one-fifth of the total value of mortgages registered in the colony, more than the mortgages held by the Bank of NSW. Credit:Fairfax Media In the decade that John Fairfax established himself as the sole owner of the Herald, Sydney would be gripped by gold fever. The Herald was concerned the gold rush would cause social upheaval, as more than half a million people rushed to the fields. Many persons are going to dig for gold who are wholly unfit for such work; men who would hesitate to walk the length of George Street in a shower of rain, it opined. The gold rush would cause some people misery and ruin but overall it lifted the nations economy, the wealth of John Fairfax, and the circulation of his newspaper. The Herald would later describe the gold rush as one of the most remarkable phenomena in the history of the world. By the mid-1850s, the Heralds daily circulation had grown to 6600 making it the third biggest circulating newspaper in the British Empire, behind Londons The Daily Telegraph and The Times. John Fairfax had also become one of the citys most influential businessmen and, through the following decades during which time the Sydney Stock Exchange was created, he would sit on at least half a dozen boards of the countrys biggest companies, among them insurer AMP and the Australian Gas Light company, now AGL. In 1877, John Fairfax died but his familys passion for the newspaper continued and as it prospered their wealth grew. Gavin Souter in the book Company of Heralds writes that in the years prior to the Great Depression, The Heralds general manager would arrive at work in a Rolls-Royce. The Depression period was also when the Herald would celebrate its first century of publishing.

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John Fairfax would build a media empire and dynasty, known as John Fairfax & Sons. Credit:Fairfax Archive In the 1930s, the Herald faced intense competition from a rising media mogul Frank Packer who would launch The Australian Womens Weekly and take control of The Daily Telegraph. At the time, the Telegraph, unlike the Herald, put news on its front page. The rivalry between the Telegraph and the Herald was fierce. Fairfax, with an energetic Warwick Fairfax running it, adopted a whatever it takes attitude to beating Packer. In 1937, he demonstrated just how far Fairfax would go to smash Packer when a plan was hatched for the Herald to be the first Sydney and Australian newspaper to publish high-quality photographs of the Coronation of King George VI. Multiple photos of the coronation were being transported from London to Sydney by air, for all the Australian newspapers to use. Fairfax executives and editors knew the plane carrying those photos would have to refuel in Singapore, so they decided to intercept it and obtain a set of pictures early. To do this, Fairfax chartered its own plane from Sydney, which flew via Cloncurry, Darwin to Timor, but bad weather prevented it from arriving in Singapore. So Fairfax paid for another plane to fly the photos from Singapore to Indonesia where a Herald reporter was waiting. From there the chartered plane and reporter raced the images back to Australia, arriving in Sydney at 11.40pm on a Friday night. The photos appeared in the Saturday edition, beating the Telegraph by two days. The Sydney Morning Herald faced intense competition from media mogul Frank Packer who would launch The Australian Womens Weekly and take control of The Daily Telegraph. Credit:Fairfax Archive Such tactics boosted the Heralds circulation, which was around 235,000 by the end of that decade. In contrast, the Telegraph was losing money. Packer told the Fairfax family of his plan to sell the Telegraph to another rival media mogul Keith Murdoch - unless he could raise the cover price of his paper. The Herald didnt want Murdoch, who ran newspapers and radio stations in others states, entering the Sydney market. So a deal was struck with the wily Packer where the Telegraph and the Herald lifted their cover prices to be the same, even though Fairfax didnt need the revenue. From there Packer would go on to develop a strong media empire, which would become even more successful under his son Kerry, who would transform Channel Nine into Sydney and the nations dominant television network. Over time Fairfax expanded its media interests beyond the Herald. It started and bought a raft of newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. The expansion was entrepreneurial but mostly defensive, writes Colleen Ryan in her book, Fairfax, the Rise and Fall. At the core of that expansion was one goal: to protect Fairfaxs flagship newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald, which by the 50s had grown to 80 pages.

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As the Fairfax family media empire grew it would require more capital and so in 1956, the company listed on the stock market, with the family retaining just over 50 per cent of the shares. In the same decade, the federal government would create the Reserve Bank of Australia, separating its function out from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Newspapers up until the early part of the 20th century had been Australias main source of news and political commentary. Radio only arrived in 1923 and TV in 1956. It meant the role of a newspaper owner was very powerful, and John Fairfax and his heirs, particularly Warwick Fairfax, were key players in Australian business and politics. This influence was exercised through the Herald, which held politicians and governments to account, sometimes making enemies of prime ministers among them Robert Menzies and Paul Keating, while upsetting rivals such as the Murdochs and the Packers, and being a thorn in the side of business tycoons from Alan Bond to Gina Rinehart. Loading The 1950s saw the start of a manufacturing boom in Australia, which would come to dominate the economy over the next few decades. Manufacturing would temporarily replace the resources and services sectors as the biggest contributor to the countrys economic growth. While the Fairfax, Murdoch and Packer families continued to shape public opinion in Sydney, other businessmen would also put their stamp on the character of the city, such as Frank Lowy, co-founder of Westfield, and Harry Triguboff, the founder of property developer Meriton. Lowy opened his first mall in Blacktown in western Sydney in the 50s, and from there began transforming the citys suburbs, changing the way people shopped and socialised. Triguboff began remodelling Sydney suburbs with multi-storey apartment blocks from as earlier as the 60s, and would eventually build tens of thousands of apartments across the city, earning him the nickname high-rise Harry. Frank Lowy and Harry Triguboff. Credit:Fairfax Media Entrepreneurial businessmen developed many companies in Sydney over two centuries, some of which would survive the test of time and go on to become national and global names, from Woolworths to Lend Lease to Macquarie. Few, however, would be as prized and competed for as media companies, particularly John Fairfax & Sons and The Sydney Morning Herald.

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In the 80s changes to media laws, and loose credit, saw a bunch of businessmen and speculators buy into the media from Alan Bond, Frank Lowy to Christopher Skase, but their investments would be shortlived and disastrous. Another ill-fated deal of that decade would be Warwick Fairfax juniors bid to take the Fairfax empire private in 1987, as he went after what he believed was his inheritance. He had a team of advisers including businessman Laurie Connell, who was supposed to secure a staggering $100 million fee on the deal. Connell would later do time in jail for a fraud unrelated to his Fairfax work. Warwick Fairfax Jrs takeover happened just prior to the global stockmarket crash in October 87. In the 80s there was the floating of the dollar, loosening of restrictions around loans, the lowering of tariffs and a move away from centralised wage regulation. Warwick Fairfax junior launched a bid to take the Fairfax empire private, going after what he believed was his inheritance. Credit:Robert Pearce Amid such enormous change came Warwick Jrs bid for Fairfax, which plunged the company into chaos and burdened it with massive debt. Over the next three years parts of the Fairfax empire would be sold, and eventually the company would pass into receivership, before being relisted on the stockmarket. Kerry Packer, who had made a fortune out of selling his Nine network to Alan Bond for $1 billion in the heady 80s, and then buying it back at a fraction of the cost, would seriously consider a bid for Fairfax. He took a stake in the company, while British press baron Conrad Black also secured a substantial shareholding. But both men would eventually sell out. Later, Black would be charged with fraud related to his US business dealings and go to jail. The scheming to own Fairfax continued through the 90s, drawing in Rupert Murdoch who had taken over his fathers Australian business and grown it into a global media empire. In 1995, Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer met in London and hatched a plan to divide the Australian media. Murdoch wanted to takeover Fairfax and sell his existing papers and Packer would get free to air TV. The audacious deal never transpired.

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[April 21, 2021] London Legal Adopts RelativityOne, Advancing eDiscovery Capabilities

The SaaS eDiscovery solution will provide a greater service experience for London Legal's clients. LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- London Legal, a UK-based boutique service provider, today announced it is expanding the firm's eDiscovery offering with the addition of Relativity's cloud-based solution, RelativityOne. With RelativityOne, London Legal brings the most intuitive, secure, cost effective eDiscovery solution to its customers, empowering them to best service their clients and meet the data challenges of today. London Legal developers can now deploy, manage and build in the cloud and focus their efforts on greater customisation for partnership clients rather than infrastructure and maintenance. RelativityOne's elastic environment enables London Legal to scale resources and storage to meet data demands and effectively control client costs. By servicing customers through a SaaS platform, London Legal has access to the latest advancements in RelativityOne. Features like Aero UI, a simplified interface; Collect, an integrated Office 365 data collection tool; and Redact, an advanced redaction feature to automate workflows and reduce review time. With the secure and powerful RelativityOne product, London Legal will be able to further leverage its eDiscovery expertise to provide more value and better results for its cients. RelativityOne also gives London Legal's users the flexibility to pick and choose solutions from the Relativity App Hub that best suits their unique workflows across different stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model and solve data challenges outside of eDiscovery.



"This year London Legal is celebrating our 20th anniversary and we're renewing our commitment to our mission of offering clients industry-leading technology," said Mark Sprules, Managing Director at London Legal. "We are delighted to announce the adoption of RelativityOne as the centrepiece of this commitment. RelativityOne's fresh focus on flexibility, scalability and greater user experience will allow our team to focus more energy on proactively supporting clients and adding value to their case strategy." "This new offering reinforces London Legal's commitment to provide solutions tailored to its customers' unique needs. With the adoption of RelativityOne, their customers can now innovate faster with a customisable and extensible cloud platform backed by the power of integrated artificial intelligence," said Steve Couling, Managing Director and VP Sales, EMEA at Relativity. "We look forward to building our relationship with London Legal and helping them ensure the most pertinent information is highlighted early and accurately within litigation, bringing costs down and increasing efficiency for their customers."

About London Legal London Legal supports legal teams throughout litigation and investigation processes from eDiscovery to reprographic services. We combine industry expertise, leading technology solutions and personal service to help our customers deliver excellence to their clients. To find out more please visit https://www.london-legal.co.uk/ or get in touch at enquiries@london-legal.co.uk. About Relativity

Relativity's SaaS platform RelativityOne manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has?more than 300,000 annual users in 49 countries serving thousands of organisations globally. Please contact Relativity at? sales@relativity.com ?or visit? http://www.relativity.com ?for more information.? Contact:

Orion Wisness

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A Hamptons home belonging to celebrity designer Waldo Fernandez has hit the market for $6.99 million just in time for summer.

The six-bedroom, six-bathroom retreat is located in the ritzy enclave of East Hampton, where New York's elite famously decamp during the warmer months.

Fernandez has decorated the dwellings of Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie and Kendall Jenner, so its no surprise his own home is immaculately styled.

The 1.2 acre property appears inspired by a visit to Japan, with bamboo trees planted around the yard and tatami mats rolled out around the home.

Listing photos show the residence look like a monk's serene retreat - a world away from the splashy seaside of the Hamptons.

A Hamptons home belonging to celebrity designer Waldo Fernandez has hit the market for $6.99 million just in time for summer.

According to Compass, which has listed the property for sale, the 'entire compound is centered around a lotus-filled pond that stirs up images of Kyoto'

The six-bedroom, six-bathroom retreat is located in the ritzy enclave of East Hampton, where New York's elite famously decamp during the warmer months

The 1.2 acre property appears inspired by a visit to Japan, with bamboo trees planted around the yard and tatami mats rolled out around the home

Fernandez has decorated the dwellings of Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie and Kendall Jenner, so its no surprise his own home is immaculately styled

According to Compass, which has listed the property for sale, the 'entire compound is centered around a lotus-filled pond that stirs up images of Kyoto',

Photos on the website show the home boasts a large living area with floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace.

A separate sunroom boasts views out to the lush green yard, which can easily be blocked out by the bamboo blinds.

Upstairs, the six spacious bedrooms are perfect for those driving in from New York City, eager to stay a weekend by the beach in the Hamptons.

Photos on the website show the home boasts a large living area with floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace

A separate sunroom boasts views out to the lush green yard, which can easily be blocked out by the bamboo blinds

A large kitchen features a stainless steel double gas stove which will no doubt come in handy for entertaining

A staircase leading to the upstairs of the home, which boasts serene and spacious bedrooms

Upstairs, the six spacious bedrooms are perfect for those driving in from New York City, eager to stay a weekend by the beach in the Hamptons

Each of the rooms has been meticulously decorated in a different theme by Fernandez, meaning guests get a completely different experience of the home depending on where they are bunking down

One of the home's six lavish bedrooms is pictured above

Each of the rooms has been meticulously decorated in a different theme by Fernandez, meaning guests get a completely different experience of the home depending on where they are bunking down.

Those lucky enough to stay at the estate can also unwind on a mahogany deck or swim in the property's black granite infinity pool.

There is also a massage room for vacationers to get a rub down, and a home gym if they want to work up a sweat.

The property was completed back in 2006, and has been perfectly maintained by Fernandez.

Compass did not reveal the reason why the star decorator has decided to offload the home, which is just six blocks back from the beach.

Jerry Seinfeld, Martha Stewart and Calvin Klein also own homes in the East Hampton area.

The property was completed back in 2006, and has been perfectly maintained by Fernandez.

Those lucky enough to stay at the estate can also unwind on a mahogany deck or swim in the property's black granite infinity pool

Compass did not reveal the reason why the star decorator has decided to offload the home, which is just six blocks back from the beach
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- In a case of water rights between the Alegria Real Estate N.V. and the Government of Sint Maarten, the Judge on April 19, 2021, considered all the claims made by Alegria to be without merit and rejected their request to have the decision to deny the water rights annulled.



On October 6th, 2020 the Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Egbert Doran, denied the request made by Algeria Real Estate N.V. for water rights.



The amount of water rights requested was more than 13,000 m2. Alegria challenged this refusal of the requested water rights by filing an objection by the administrative Judge.



According to Alegria, a valid and binding agreement was entered into based on the confirmations made by the former attorney representing the Ministry of VROMI and the Secretary-General of VROMI.



Alegria also claimed, among other things, that they were being discriminated against in the denial of the requested water rights.



The Judge as mentioned earlier, rejected Alegrias request to have the decision to deny the water rights annulled.



The Judge referred to the relevant laws and jurisprudence that reiterate that Alegria should not have taken the position that they had a reasonable expectation to get the water rights because neither the former attorney representing Alegria, or the Secretary-General of the Ministry of VROMI were authorized to make such commitments on behalf of the Ministry of VROMI or country Sint Maarten.



As the decision to refuse the requested water rights was properly motivated, the Judge did not find any faults in said refusal to justify the claims of Alegria.



As there are other legal matters related to the various Alegria cases still ongoing, the Minister of VROMI cannot divulge any additional information other than what the Court has ruled in connection with the court case.



The Minister of VROMI would like to conclude by stating that he is very pleased with the outcome of the administrative decision.
Woolworths has revealed its plans for the City of Perths first full-line supermarket which is looking to capitalise on future growth opportunities in West Perth and the $227 million Subi East redevelopment.

Fabcot Pty Ltd, the development arm of the shopping giant, has submitted a development application to the capital city council for a $26.5 million four-storey plus basement complex in the old Princess Margaret Hospital carpark.

The Murray Street entrance to the proposed West Perth Woolworths complex. Credit:Woolworths

About a quarter of the 14,078 square metres of floor space will be devoted to the supermarket while the rest of the site will include retail and hospitality tenancies, basement carpark, a childcare centre, and a medical centre.

The development application prepared by Urbis says the building, located at the end of Murray Street, will fill a critical service gap for West Perth as the City aims to grow its population to 90,000 people by 2050.
New York - A new global initiative called HEART 17, launched today in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to bring together young people and the creative and private sectors to fight poverty, inequality and climate change.

HEART 17 will focus on building connections between youth, artists, creators, business leaders and changemakers to amplify voices and drive action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Power of Us digital platform of HEART 17 provides a space for people to collaborate on ways to take action on the issues that matter most to them. For one HEART 17 changemaker, Majd Assi, the platform is an excellent way to reach other activists to spur collective action.

HEART 17 enabled everyone to become part of a global movement of hope and action. It also empowered us - the youth - to transcend our voices to inspire others worldwide, Assi said. The community motivated me to make positive changes in both my personal and professional life, which was so fulfilling to me knowing that it contributes towards achieving the SDGs and making a better future for humanity.

With fewer than 10 years to achieve the SDGs by the 2030 deadline, we need concrete action, especially in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which threatens to turn back the clock on our development gains, said Ulrika Modeer, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, UNDP. Having a platform to bring together youth and other leading voices from around the world and across different sectors is vital during this Decade of Action toward combating climate change and eliminating poverty and inequality.

Launched on World Creativity and Innovation Day, HEART 17 partnered with the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm to kick off the initiative together with Swedens art and business world.

Its time for a new story. A story of hope. HEART 17 is a global initiative that celebrates human creativity and innovation to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. We unite people and aim to amplify voices of youth leaders, artists, business leaders, and other changemakers from across the globe, says Anna Ryott, founder and chairperson of HEART 17.

With initial support from private sector partners H&M Foundation and EY, HEART 17 aims to grow its collaboration with global brands, leveraging their reach and creativity to inspire action and create real and lasting change around the world.

Visit heart17.com for more information.

About HEART 17:

HEART 17 aims to build a planet of hope to spread awareness and accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals by celebrating human creativity and innovation. We unite people and business and aim to spark hope among youth by amplifying voices of creative youth leaders, artists, business leaders, brands and other changemakers from across the globe! In partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
In 2004, Cloverland native Lil' Flip released his single Sunshine, which would reach the top three on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs Rhythmic and Hot 100 charts.

From there, Flip began to create a legacy for himself as a legendary freestyler and entrepreneur.

Seventeen years later, Flip is still making power moves. Flexing his I Can Do That muscle, the rapper has many projects ahead in the foreseeable future  but they arent all music-related.

While the Houston emcee has kept his rap skills sharp with his more recent releases like Flip Mayweather, hes slowly moving into different ventures. In an effort to solidify his legacy, the rapper has become an investor and owner in different local and national businesses.

Flip, whos now 40, has made millions in music, but as he matures, he says he sees changes within the music industry. While he's still an independent artist, he's sought out other means of financial gain.

"The Leprechaun" artist, who was once making and spending millions of dollars a month, now sees value in generational wealth and wants to leave behind a legacy for his family.

While Flip is considered one of Houstons rap OGs, he is one of the younger artists to come up around the time of Screwed Up Click. He was able to soak up wisdom from Houston legends including Pimp C and James Prince, who once told him, if you can count your money you dont have enough, which has become one of the driving forces in his continuous hustle.

COMING DJ SCREW DOC: The new DJ Screw doc will explore Screw's influence from rap to country, and I'm here for it

Having been raised on honor and respect, Flip believes that the key to success is showing appreciation to everyone, from the janitor to the CEO. Speaking from the inside of his Rolls Royce, starlight roof gleaming, he explained to me the importance of doing good business.

My dad taught me to do great business, Flip said. Most people be like, you can either do bad business or good business, but my dad told me, you should do great business, and great businesses makes the person who decided to spend money with you not feel like theyre a lick.

A lick would be someone getting one over on you, or fooling you, in a deceitful or harmful way.

"Were all one business deal away from being broke, or being rich, so its important how you treat people, Flip said. His willingness to go the extra mile in business deals has worked in his favor, as he has his hand in multiple business endeavors including tech, jewelry, clothing and even drinks.

With his great business mindset, hes opened a jewelry store in Austin, become co-owner of boutique soda brand Exotic Pop, built a clothing line and worked on different movies, including his own biopic.

While making money does play a role in all of his projects, Flip told me money is not the sole motive. While he does look forward to leaving something behind for his family, he enjoys taking on projects with potential gains.

You know, I dont love money. But I like it a lot, Flip says, laughing. But we wont sell our souls or compromise our beliefs for it.

J. Prince once told Flip that he doesn't love money, but he likes it a lot, enough to where you can't tell the difference.

While there's no telling what the Flip will do next, he's still flipping his chips.
(Alliance News) - Carphone Warehouse is to shut 81 stores in the Republic of Ireland, with the loss of almost 500 jobs.

Dixons Carphone PLC confirmed on Wednesday that it will close 69 of its standalone stores and 12 stores within outlets.

Staff were informed about the closures, the company said.

Carphone Warehouse said that customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices.

It added that customers are replacing their handsets less often and are buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles.

In a statement, the company said: "Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time.

"However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic.

"Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support.

"This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism."

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said the news will come as a "major blow" to Carphone Warehouse employees and their families after an "incredibly difficult year".

"My thoughts are with them receiving this news today and I want them to know that the government will make all necessary State assistance available to the workers," the Minister for Enterprise added.

"The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, is aware of the situation and we will work across government, to help them find new employment, education and training opportunities as soon as possible.

"I know many high street retailers have been under pressure for some time now, as consumers move online a a shift which has been accelerated by the pandemic and I understand that this has contributed to the Carphone Warehouse's decision today.

"Government is working in a coordinated way, through the Retail Forum, and has committed unprecedented levels of financial aid to support retail businesses through these exceptionally difficult times and will continue to do so."

Labour enterprise and education spokesperson, Aodhan O Riordain, called on government to engage with staff and unions affected by today's announcement.

O Riordain said: "Today my thoughts are with the staff and families affected by Carphone Warehouse's decision.

"This is a huge blow for the staff. There is no good time to lose your job but in a labour landscape with record unemployment figures, the timing of this decision could not be worse.

"The immediate focus should be to support the employees who are going to lose their jobs.

"Government must intervene and ensure that there are education and training opportunities for the workers affected."

By Cate McCurry, PA

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Shreya Arora, Freelance Journalist, India

After an anticipated two month wait, DNA Brands Inc. (OTC:DNAX) in collaboration with Santo Blockchain Labs (OTC: SANP), is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the trademark for DNATags. This news comes as a delight ahead of the company's plans to expand DNATags, through various marketing and social media outlets.

DNA Brands in collaboration with Santo Blockchain Labs, developed and signed a joint venture for this unique third party verified blockchain authentication technology, DNATags.

Both companies aim to provide a remedy for the many fraudulent and counterfeit malpractices which are being carried out in the Pharmaceutical World on a daily basis. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), "The US Food and Drug Administration estimates that more than 10 percent of medicines in circulation in both developed and developing countries are counterfeit." Therefore, it is crucial that the consumers have the opportunity and ability to verify for themselves, whether they are consuming authentic drugs or the counterfeits. Both companies Mantra in regards to DNATags is " Authenticate before you Medicate"

In case you are wondering the extent of the impact and the importance of such a technology which both companies intend to bring to various medicinal market places. Here is some data: According to a worldwide market survey published on Statista, "the total number of counterfeit incidents concerning pharmaceuticals worldwide has exponentially risen from 196 reported cases in 2002 to over 5000 in 2019 and is only rising higher."

On receiving this trademark and talking about the expansion plans, Adrian McKenzie, CEO of DNA Brands said, "We are pleased with this milestone and will now look forward to begin marketing to the vast counterfeit medicinal markets such as, but not limited to; Medicinal Marijuana, the CBD market, the counterfeit Covid-19 Black market and any other Medicinal market or opportunity that presents itself. This technology is not limited, it can be used in Any market."

In addition to address a question that management receives often; the common share structure is as follows:

5.9MM common shares issued and outstanding

3.5MM common shares owned by management (insiders)

2.5MM common shares in the float (public hands).

ABOUT DNATags and DNARewards

DNATags and DNARewards are owned and operated by DNA Brands, Inc. and Santo Blockchain Labs. DNATags is a Third party verified Blockchain Authentication Solution allowing consumers to validate the authenticity of their potential purchase products. At the same time earning rewards via DNARewards.

DNA Brands is a Holding company. The primary asset of the company is the Two time Award Winning Energy Drink line (DNA ENERGY). The flavors are citrus, lemon lime, citrus sugar free, and cranberry raspberry sugar free flavors under the DNA Energy Drink brand name. At present the company owns all the IP that developed the energy drink line. Since March 2020, the company has engaged in solar digital marketing and sales. In January 2021, the company signed a joint venture with Santo Blockchain Labs, to brand and market DNATags

SANTO is a software development company that focuses on the development of blockchain smart digital contracts and IoT internet of things for everyday life. The Company also operates a website at https://santopool.com (ADAPOOL Ticker: SANP) that provides cryptocurrency staking service to potential Cardano (ADA) holders. Though its 100% owned subsidiary; SAITEC Technology & Development Joint Stock Company in Ho Chi Minh City, VietNam, the company leverages its highly efficient software engineers, VietNam is currently known as the Silicon Valley of South Asia.

CONTACT:

Adrian McKenzie-Patasar

561-654-5722

info@dnabrandsinc.com

www.dnabrandsinc.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this presentation are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information, which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects, developments, and business strategies. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "will" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve those plans, intentions, or expectations. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected or may prove unachievable.

The Company's business and prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies working with new and rapidly evolving technologies such as blockchain. These risks include, but are not limited to, an inability to create a viable product and risks related to the issuance of tokens. Furthermore, the Company's business contemplates participation in a highly regulated space of consumer finance and associated customer data and therefore may face regulatory and execution challenges, particularly in light of the novelty of the concept. The Company cannot assure you that it will succeed in addressing these risks, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. There can be no assurance as to whether or when (if ever) the Company will achieve profitability or liquidity. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as otherwise.

SOURCE: DNA Brands Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641360/DNA-Brands-Receives-Trademark-of-Blockchain-Based-DNATagsTM-from-USPTO
Television actor Hina Khan lost her father on Tuesday, April 20 owing to cardiac arrest. The actor received the heartbreaking news while she was in Kashmir shooting for a project. Hina Khan's father's death was sudden and the actor caught a flight to come back home as soon as possible. However, when she landed at the Mumbai airport she was hounded by the paparazzi who were waiting for her outside. The actor was seen requesting the paps to let her go home. Hina's friend Vikas Gupta was disappointed by the "insensitivity" showcased by the paps and took to his Twitter space to share his dismay about the same.

Vikas Gupta slams the paps for their insensitive behaviour

Sharing a video of the incident, Vikas wrote, "Someone has lost their father and is requesting you to let her go to her family but still someone shout face pe light maar and the pap doesnt stop. @eyehinakhan was still being courteous extremely disappointed with the insensitivity shown here. RIP Uncle".

Someone has lost their father and is requesting you to let her go to her family but still someone shout face pe light maar and the pap doesnt stop. @eyehinakhan was still being courteous extremely disappointed with the insensitivity shown here. RIP Uncle  https://t.co/w28IEc8me3  Vikas Gupta (@lostboy54) April 20, 2021

Hina Khan looked visibly upset in the video and was also trying to cover her face with a hoodie, face mask and sunglasses. The paparazzi however recognised her and soon swarmed around her. Hina who is naturally in a rush to go back home was heard politely requesting the photographers to let her go repeatedly but the photographers were still trying to click pictures. In one part of the video, viewers could hear a person shouting "throw some light on her face" while Hina was getting in her car and was trying to cover her face.

Netizens react to Vikas Gupta's tweet

The netizens reprimanded the paps for their insensitive behaviour and also offered condolences to Hina and her family. They shared that the paps should have shown some humanity and that celebs are humans too and we should give them space. Read some of the reactions below.

Seriously . We always thank pap for taking pictures and videos of favorites .but this s cruelty. They are celeb but they are human being . RIP uncle .  Resmi (@resmi86) April 21, 2021

She said many times to let her go, out of humanity one should stop and be ashamed of himself but they kept taking photos of her.

Shameful act.

Stay strong @eyehinakhan 

Lots of love to you and your family.  Ruqs (@Ruqss123) April 20, 2021

Sick n insensitive.take care hina ....if these people sit at home ..Corona will reduce by 50 percent ....why r these media people permitted to go close to anyone n take their videos..  Jay murthy (@Jay65215252) April 20, 2021

Such shameless Ppl

These ppl for the sake of news and photos doesn't even understand what one is suffering from

Hina is a strong girl

Bt in such tym when she lost her dad,these ppl needs to show a little sensitivity 

Sending all strength to Hina n her family 

RIP uncle  Sammyy (@Soul_of_Queen) April 20, 2021

While Hina is yet to release a statement regarding her father's demise her social media is proof that she was very close to her father. The actor would often post videos and pictures of herself with her parents and had always shared in interviews that she is a self-proclaimed "Daddy's Girl". Last year, a video of Hina and her father went viral on the internet in which Hina Khan's father told her that he has blocked all of her credit and debit cards so that she can save some money. The actor had also recently gone for a vacation in the Maldives with her parents and beau Rocky.

(Promo Image Courtesy: Vikas Gupta and 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.
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 5,471 Thanked: 3,456 Times

View My Garage





re: 2011 Audi A6 2.0 TDI. Update: Sold at 9 years and 55,000 km



If there's one thing the A6 has taught me, it is that I never appreciated it until it was time to choose a replacement.

Lackluster Audi service, with below average reliability saw this thread bear witness to more grumbles than actual moments of joy!



Thankfully, a lot of grumbles were addressed once I met a fairly decent technical advisor at Audi Service, Kalina in 2019 - referred by a BHPian there hasn't been much to report.

2018: was a fairly relaxed year with nothing out of the ordinary to report. 2018-19 also saw the A6 get new tyres : Michelin P4ST.

2019: with the new service advisor, and a good 2018, we were feeling a little confident to do up the car & use it for another 2 years. We got a full service, engine mounts changed, engine shields which were damaged during an outstation trip fixed, and also addressed three issues faced : oil pressure sensor which showed incorrect fuel level; part of the tail light where the LED had stopped working; and a malfunctioning key. We also got some suspension work done from an independent mechanic (due to time sensitivity).

2020: No complaints, except the Parking Sensors packed up during lockdown when the car was not in use. Since dad's driver was requested to not report to work in light of Covid, I took over his role and drove dad around in this to work + a work related trip to Pune.

And that is when the problem started!



By that, I mean I was completely bowled over with how well this car has aged!

There was one rattle from the driver's side B pillar but apart from that, there was no telling that this car spent 9+ years navigating Mumbai's pothole ridden roads!

The engine was still delivering stellar fuel economy! I've seen figures of 17-18kmpl on a leisurely expressway drive! Performance too is more than adequate in light of newer competitors.

Interiors & Exteriors have aged very well! The basic design theme still feels contemporary even in 2020-21, though a few features would have been nice to have.

And the best part : the ride & stability. The Air suspension, though a pain to maintain, has brilliant ability to handle our roads within legal speeds. An expressway run with it's undulations are barely felt, and neither are small bumps in the city - sharper & bigger ones are definitely felt, but much much better than in many of it's newer rivals.



And therein lied the problem! Which car would replace the A6?

Towards the end of 2020, Dad realized the car was over 9 years & the topic of a suitable replacement was again brought up during dinner. While there was no pressing need, he wanted a change with the following requirements :

1) was clear that while he was open to well maintained pre-owned cars - he didn't want anything bigger. The odd day he may need to drive / want to drive - he is comfortable with the A6 dimensions given traffic, and U-turn just outside our house where the A6 is just able to make it in one go. Tried reasoning against this, but was unsuccessful then, hope to be successful in a few years

2) Preference was towards a new German, with good legroom (him & I are both over 6' and should be able to sit one behind the other) & decent ingress & egress.

3) Petrol since running is low.

4) Sedans preferred though open to non-bulky SUVs (X3 over X5, GLC over GLE, etc). However, this was a tough sell for mom who doesn't like to climb in to cars.

5) He enjoys technology, but enjoys practicality more. Didn't want unnecessary gizmos, low profile tyres, etc. which would not be used but cause maintenance issues since it's going to be chauffeur driven, but liked the rear seat audio controls, premium sound system, a usable boot etc.



Unfortunately, as I mentioned elsewhere in this review, the A6 had spoiled us when it came to build, ride. One would assume that the newer generation of vehicles should be better in this regard, but that was not the case.

This resulted in several popular cars being dropped out including the popular E Class (ride, boot space, and maintenance), 5 series (very tempted, but legroom wasn't great & neither was boot space), 3LWB (low seating, expensive pricing) & the final contenders were the A6 (with the air suspension removed, all the other plus points remained at an attractive price with good warranty coverage & finally a semi-decent technical advisor); 6GT (a little bulky, and average looking but a brilliant vehicle overall barring though the air suspension took away from the chauffeur friendly but something we were willing to live with thanks to BMW's packages); and the Lexus ES (price aside, it met all the criteria and the Hybrid was a cherry on the top though ride was decidedly a notch below our A6).

Thankfully a pre-owned, well maintained ES popped up and we sealed the deal. Got her home over a month ago, and sadly let go of the A6 last week.







But back to the topic, the A6 really set the bar high.

I don't think I would have had so many sleepless nights researching if we had bought the W212 E250 / F10 520D. Though brilliant cars in their respective ways, IMO they have aged a little more than the A6 over the years.



In fact, during the last drive shortly before lockdown & night curfew were enforced in Maharashtra, I found myself wondering if I should just get the car updated & minor work done (idler roller belt started making noise just before we sold, space saver disintegrated due to lack of use, update MMI screen to a newer gen one, and long term switch over to a standard suspension) and continue using her for a bit more; but sadly common sense prevailed as our running has reduced a lot due to Covid & various regulations, with some cars barely being driven once a month at times.



9.5 years later here's the long-term likes & dislike list:



Likes:

1) Looks stunning! A good detailing, and it will still make heads turn despite being a generation old

2) Interior quality is brilliant & has aged well barring the driver's seat which is showing cracks.

3) Overall build quality : One rattle despite it's age & road conditions is remarkable. From my experience with Mercedes, BMW, VW/Skoda, Toyota, etc., this would be right up there with Toyota.

4) Air Suspension results in a very comfortable ride, excellent highway stability, and good handling.

5) Fairly well equipped with it's 4 zone AC, real leather seats, Air Suspension, etc. Missing very few features from today's cars & probably outdoes some of them.

6) Superb NVH



Meh:

1) Engine & Gearbox is average for this segment & more than adequate for daily commuting

2) Low-ish rear seat

3) Numb & light steering is great for the city & cruising, but not for the enthusiast in you



Dislikes:

1) Audi Service Quality in general

2) Random electrical / sensor glitches

3) Air Suspension maintenance, though I hope these are improving in reliability.

4) Sleepless nights : be it for maintenance or while figuring out a suitable replacement



This in my opinion could be a great pre-owned purchase with it's low resale value.

Look for a later model (more localised parts better suited for our conditions & niggles should be taken care of), keep some change aside for maintenance (a lot of parts are common with other VWAG products so finding a good mechanic & sourcing parts would be easier), and finally - switch over from the air suspension to a regular suspension.



I did try & price it right though when listing on T-BHP Classifieds: a win-win for a potential end-buyer enthusiast who could've gotten it much cheaper than through a broker allowing them a fair amount of room to carry out maintenance / suspension upgrade; whilst I knew the transfer of ownership is done properly & pricing is slightly higher than dealer prices I was being offered but much lower than their selling prices in hopes of a quick sale.

Sadly, a dealer won with the best price & with impending lockdown it was sold to them, and listed for a fair margin above my asking.



Some pictures from my last drive :







Not so quick update: We finally sold the A6 after a memorable 9.5 years & 55,000 on the odo!If there's one thing the A6 has taught me, it is that I never appreciated it until it was time to choose a replacement.Lackluster Audi service, with below average reliability saw this thread bear witness to more grumbles than actual moments of joy!Thankfully, a lot of grumbles were addressed once I met a fairly decent technical advisor at Audi Service, Kalina in 2019 - referred by a BHPian there hasn't been much to report.2018: was a fairly relaxed year with nothing out of the ordinary to report. 2018-19 also saw the A6 get new tyres : Michelin P4ST.2019: with the new service advisor, and a good 2018, we were feeling a little confident to do up the car & use it for another 2 years. We got a full service, engine mounts changed, engine shields which were damaged during an outstation trip fixed, and also addressed three issues faced : oil pressure sensor which showed incorrect fuel level; part of the tail light where the LED had stopped working; and a malfunctioning key. We also got some suspension work done from an independent mechanic (due to time sensitivity).2020: No complaints, except the Parking Sensors packed up during lockdown when the car was not in use. Since dad's driver was requested to not report to work in light of Covid, I took over his role and drove dad around in this to work + a work related trip to Pune.And that is when the problem started!By that, I mean I was completely bowled over with how well this car has aged!There was one rattle from the driver's side B pillar but apart from that, there was no telling that this car spent 9+ years navigating Mumbai's pothole ridden roads!The engine was still delivering stellar fuel economy! I've seen figures of 17-18kmpl on a leisurely expressway drive! Performance too is more than adequate in light of newer competitors.Interiors & Exteriors have aged very well! The basic design theme still feels contemporary even in 2020-21, though a few features would have been nice to have.And the best part : the ride & stability. The Air suspension, though a pain to maintain, has brilliant ability to handle our roads within legal speeds. An expressway run with it's undulations are barely felt, and neither are small bumps in the city - sharper & bigger ones are definitely felt, but much much better than in many of it's newer rivals.And therein lied the problem! Which car would replace the A6?Towards the end of 2020, Dad realized the car was over 9 years & the topic of a suitable replacement was again brought up during dinner. While there was no pressing need, he wanted a change with the following requirements :1) was clear that while he was open to well maintained pre-owned cars - he didn't want anything bigger. The odd day he may need to drive / want to drive - he is comfortable with the A6 dimensions given traffic, and U-turn just outside our house where the A6 is just able to make it in one go. Tried reasoning against this, but was unsuccessful then, hope to be successful in a few years2) Preference was towards a new German, with good legroom (him & I are both over 6' and should be able to sit one behind the other) & decent ingress & egress.3) Petrol since running is low.4) Sedans preferred though open to non-bulky SUVs (X3 over X5, GLC over GLE, etc). However, this was a tough sell for mom who doesn't like to climb in to cars.5) He enjoys technology, but enjoys practicality more. Didn't want unnecessary gizmos, low profile tyres, etc. which would not be used but cause maintenance issues since it's going to be chauffeur driven, but liked the rear seat audio controls, premium sound system, a usable boot etc.Unfortunately, as I mentioned elsewhere in this review, the A6 had spoiled us when it came to build, ride. One would assume that the newer generation of vehicles should be better in this regard, but that was not the case.This resulted in several popular cars being dropped out including the popular E Class (ride, boot space, and maintenance), 5 series (very tempted, but legroom wasn't great & neither was boot space), 3LWB (low seating, expensive pricing) & the final contenders were the A6 (with the air suspension removed, all the other plus points remained at an attractive price with good warranty coverage & finally a semi-decent technical advisor); 6GT (a little bulky, and average looking but a brilliant vehicle overall barring though the air suspension took away from the chauffeur friendly but something we were willing to live with thanks to BMW's packages); and the Lexus ES (price aside, it met all the criteria and the Hybrid was a cherry on the top though ride was decidedly a notch below our A6).Thankfully a pre-owned, well maintained ES popped up and we sealed the deal. Got her home over a month ago, and sadly let go of the A6 last week.But back to the topic, the A6 really set the bar high.I don't think I would have had so many sleepless nights researching if we had bought the W212 E250 / F10 520D. Though brilliant cars in their respective ways, IMO they have aged a little more than the A6 over the years.In fact, during the last drive shortly before lockdown & night curfew were enforced in Maharashtra, I found myself wondering if I should just get the car updated & minor work done (idler roller belt started making noise just before we sold, space saver disintegrated due to lack of use, update MMI screen to a newer gen one, and long term switch over to a standard suspension) and continue using her for a bit more; but sadly common sense prevailed as our running has reduced a lot due to Covid & various regulations, with some cars barely being driven once a month at times.9.5 years later here's the long-term likes & dislike list:Likes:1) Looks stunning! A good detailing, and it will still make heads turn despite being a generation old2) Interior quality is brilliant & has aged well barring the driver's seat which is showing cracks.3) Overall build quality : One rattle despite it's age & road conditions is remarkable. From my experience with Mercedes, BMW, VW/Skoda, Toyota, etc., this would be right up there with Toyota.4) Air Suspension results in a very comfortable ride, excellent highway stability, and good handling.5) Fairly well equipped with it's 4 zone AC, real leather seats, Air Suspension, etc. Missing very few features from today's cars & probably outdoes some of them.6) Superb NVHMeh:1) Engine & Gearbox is average for this segment & more than adequate for daily commuting2) Low-ish rear seat3) Numb & light steering is great for the city & cruising, but not for the enthusiast in youDislikes:1) Audi Service Quality in general2) Random electrical / sensor glitches3) Air Suspension maintenance, though I hope these are improving in reliability.4) Sleepless nights : be it for maintenance or while figuring out a suitable replacementThis in my opinion could be a great pre-owned purchase with it's low resale value.Look for a later model (more localised parts better suited for our conditions & niggles should be taken care of), keep some change aside for maintenance (a lot of parts are common with other VWAG products so finding a good mechanic & sourcing parts would be easier), and finally - switch over from the air suspension to a regular suspension.I did try & price it right though when listing on T-BHP Classifieds: a win-win for a potential end-buyer enthusiast who could've gotten it much cheaper than through a broker allowing them a fair amount of room to carry out maintenance / suspension upgrade; whilst I knew the transfer of ownership is done properly & pricing is slightly higher than dealer prices I was being offered but much lower than their selling prices in hopes of a quick sale.Sadly, a dealer won with the best price & with impending lockdown it was sold to them, and listed for a fair margin above my asking.Some pictures from my last drive :
Pharmacist Barbara Violo arranges empty vials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that she has provided to customers at the Junction Chemist, an independent pharmacy in Toronto, Monday, April 19, 2021. Younger Canadians in several provinces are now able to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Lexington Services has a strong track record of providing successful services to those with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, and I am excited to carry on its reputation to Utah.

Lexington Services today announced its expansion into Utah. Founded by Harrison Rogers, the company brings nearly 10 years of history serving the autism community in Arizona. Now Lexington Services will be expanding to provide autism services in Utah, starting with in-home services and expanding to therapy and education in the future.

Utah local James Stubbs will lead the expansion as CEO of Lexington Services Utah.

Stubbs graduated with an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and received his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University.

"I couldnt be more excited to have James leading our Utah expansion. He has a stellar track record of helping grow mission-driven organizations of different sizes, Rogers said. Most importantly he has a passion for our specific mission and the families we serve. I cant think of a better partner for this phase."

When Rogers and Stubbs first met in 2020 to discuss the potential expansion, Stubbs immediately was excited about the idea of serving individuals and their families who often find themselves underserved in our society.

Throughout my career and education, I have come to recognize that business is one of the best vehicles to positively impact not only our world as a whole, but also the lives of individuals said Stubbs. Lexington Services has a strong track record of providing successful services to those with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, and I am excited to carry on its reputation to Utah.

Available In-Home Services

Lexington Services is currently contracted with the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) to provide in-home services in Utah, starting in Utah County with plans to increase presence in Davis and Salt Lake counties in the near future. Services that will be offered include:



Respite: provides relief to the Person's usual caregiver

Companion Services: one-on-one non-medical care, support, socialization, and supervision, including assistance with daily household tasks and accessing community services and resources

Personal Assistance Services: personal assistance and supportive services specific to the needs of the Person, including daily living care

While Lexington Services will begin with these in-home services listed above, we are currently adding ABA Therapy soon. Lexington Services Utah is also a member of the Utah Association of Community Services, a non-profit organization with over 40 member agencies in Utah [that] serve over 5,000 people with developmental and other types of disabilities in over 400 locations throughout Utah.

For more information regarding Lexington Services Utah, please contact utahinfo@lexingtonservices.com or visit http://www.lexingtonservices.com/utah.

About Lexington Services

Lexington Services has always been rooted in passion and service. Harrison Rogers founded Lexington with the simple goal of improving the quality of life for his sister. Driven by his vision of a venue for her to learn and excel through understanding her autism, Harrison created a place for people who learn differently. Lexington was designed to provide a better quality of life for individuals "So They Can" and continue to operate based upon that goal today. Today Lexington services both Arizona and Utah with plans to expand into more states in the future.
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Britain is no longer one of the 20 worst-hit countries for excess deaths during the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.

The UK has suffered 121,000 more deaths than expected since March last year  a rate of 183 excess fatalities per 100,000 people, according to analysis of official figures by the Economist, putting it at number 21 behind Italy (197).

Excess deaths are calculated by taking fatalities from all causes since the pandemic first struck and comparing them with a historical average from recent years.

It is the first time that Britain has not had one of the worst excess death rates since the Covid crisis took off, after turning the tide on the virus thanks to a hugely successful vaccination programme and winter lockdown.

Overall, the UK has still been one of the hardest hit nations in the world, suffering more than 127,000 Covid deaths in total. Only a handful of countries have more deaths both overall and per population size.

Peru, which is in the midst of battling a wave of the Brazilian coronavirus variant, has the highest rate of excess deaths in the world at 412 per 100,000. Rounding out the top five are Bulgaria (338), Mexico (321), Russia (313) and Lithuania (301).

Fourteen other countries  including a number of EU member states, South Africa, and Ecuador  are recording rates of more than 200 excess deaths per 100,00. The US ranks at number 23, according to the analysis, with a rate just shy of Britain's at 182 per 100,000.

The excess fatality rate is one of the best ways to compare the pandemic's impact on countries because it looks at more than just the official Covid death tolls. It includes people who died without the confirmation of a test, and those who passed from other causes as a result of lockdowns and their knock-on effects on hospital care.

Excess deaths in the UK have been falling since the vaccine drive launched and the country went into lockdown over the winter. Deaths from all causes in England and Wales have been lower than average in the past five weeks, which has helped drive the rate down faster.

Britain is no longer one of the 20 worst-hit countries for excess deaths during the pandemic, figures show. The UK has a rolling rate of 183 excess fatalities per 100,000, according to analysis by the Economist , putting it at number 21 behind Italy (197). Peru, which is in the midst of battling a wave of the Brazilian coronavirus variant, has the highest rate in the world at 412 per 100,000. Rounding out the top five are Bulgaria (338), Mexico (321), Russia (313) and Lithuania (301)

Just 32 Britons have been hospitalised with coronavirus three weeks after being vaccinated Just 32 people in the UK were hospitalised with Covid three weeks after getting a vaccine, according to 'extraordinary' real-world data. Figures due to be handed to Government advisers today show inoculated people made up a tiny fraction of the thousands of admissions for the virus in recent months. The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium looked at more than 74,000 hospital admissions between September and early March. Some 2,000 were jabbed in total  all but 32 of them caught the virus before their jab had time to kick in. Scientists said the finding was proof the jabs are performing 'extraordinarily well' at squashing Covid hospitalisations and deaths. Covid vaccines did not start to be rolled out in Britain until December, when the Pfizer jab was given approval. Fewer than 2,000 Covid patients are now being treated by the NHS  down from a peak of almost 40,000 at the January peak. Admissions have dropped to below 200 a day. The statistics will raise more questions about why Britain is still living under tough lockdown restrictions, given that 33million people have now been jabbed. Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to speed up his roadmap out of lockdown, with the next relaxation not due until May 17, when pubs and restaurants will open and foreign travel is earmarked to resume. But the PM told a Downing St press conference yesterday that while the vaccination programme was 'making a big difference', he would not deviate from his 'cautious but irreversible' plan. Quizzed about why No10 has not published data on the jabs' effect on hospital and death rates, Mr Johnson said 'we simply don't know that data', but added that he 'suspected the number was very small'. Advertisement

The findings may put more pressure on Boris Johnson to release the country from lockdown quicker, with the next relaxation not due for almost another month.

In Britain, Mr Johnson has promised to stick to 'data, not dates' when it comes to easing curbs but has so far refused to move quicker despite vanishingly low death numbers and fewer than 2,000 Covid patients being treated by the NHS.

On top of a brutal four-month lockdown over winter, Britain's hugely successful vaccine rollout has helped it finally turn the tide on the Covid pandemic.

More than 33million people have been given at least one dose of vaccine and over 10million have received both injections.

It comes as health officials announced Covid deaths have fallen by more than 40 per cent over the last week  down to just 22 victims today.

Cases are also continuing to fall despite more testing being carried out. Another 2,396 infections were recorded today  a fall of 3.8 per cent from last Wednesday's figure of 2,491.

And 107,622 first vaccine doses were also dished out yesterday, with 33.1million now jabbed. Some 350,027 adults were given their top-up jab  with one in five adults now fully inoculated.

The figures comes after 'extraordinary' real-world data suggested just 32 people in the UK were hospitalised with Covid three weeks after getting a vaccine.

Figures due to be handed to No10's advisers show inoculated people made up a tiny fraction of the thousands of admissions for the virus in recent months.

The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium looked at more than 74,000 hospital admissions between September and early March. Some 2,000 were jabbed in total  all but 32 of them caught the virus before their jab had time to kick in.

Meanwhile, official data published yesterday found just fourteen people under the age of 20 have died of Covid this year in England and Wales.

The weekly data from the Office of National Statistics also showed daily coronavirus deaths were in single figures in every region of England over the week ending April 9.

The most up-to-date statistics showed that nearly 60 per cent of all the 52,061 Covid deaths in 2021 were in over-80s  with the vast majority being in January when the virus was spreading rapidly and vaccines were only just starting to get deployed. Just 0.03 per cent of fatalities were in under-20s.

But in more proof that the vaccines are working, the number of elderly people succumbing to Covid every week has fallen by 97 per cent since the peak of the second wave in January.

Under-60s make-up around one fifth of all Covid deaths now, up from seven per cent during the darkest spell of the crisis.

The daily death figures, supplied by the Department of Health, differ to the ONS. It counts Covid victims as being anyone who dies within 28 days of testing positive for the virus. And the daily count only looks at registrations not occurrences.

For comparison, the ONS looks at death certificates to determine the true scale of the crisis. The agency believes the overall number of victims topped 150,000 at the end of March.
The village is truly the common home of 54 ethnic groups from around the country, contributing to strengthening the great national unity bloc and spreading community cultural values.

With the participation of 270 people from 17 ethnic communities in 15 provinces and cities, the activities have become a great festival of the ethnic groups. The houses, landscapes, cultural spaces of villages, customs and festivals have been reproduced vividly. In celebration of the Vietnam Ethnic Group Culture Day (April 19), many unique festivals of the localities around the country have been held. In addition, visitors had the chance to enjoy exhibitions, performances on traditional musical instruments, the introduction of tourism products, shows of Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dresses) and folk performances of the ethnic minority people such as Mo Muong, and the Chol Chnam Thmay festival of Khmer people. Folk games, songs and dances as well as traditional food and handicrafts were also a highlight on the occasion. The activities brought a unique cultural space and interesting experience for visitors, contributing to honouring, preserving and promoting cultural value as well as enhancing tourism development.

Coming from the border mountainous district of Thua Thien Hue province, a group of artisans from A Luoi district has actively participated in thematic activities and cultural exchanges in the village. Many traditional handicrafts such as weaving, knitting, crafting, the Aza Koonh new year festival, and sim (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) picking custom of the Pa Co ethnic minority people were on show, promoting the land, culture and people of the central district. Head of the Information  Culture Department of A Luoi district, Le Thi Thiem, shared that A A Luoi is located 70km from the centre of Thua Thien Hue province and has four ethnic minority groups of Pa Co, Ta Oi, Ka Tu and Pa Hy. The locality is not well-known. The participation of artisans in the exchange activities of the village has strengthened the introduction of the community-based cultural value of the ethnic minority groups and tourism potential of the locality. They have also contributed to enhancing solidarity among ethnic groups as well as restoring traditional values.

Individuals who are living and working in the village every day have upheld their roles in promoting the typical cultural identities of their ethnic groups. Living in the village for three years, Meritorious Artisan Y Sinh (from the Central Highland province of Kon Tum) considers the village her second home. She has had many chances to exchange with both domestic and international visitors so that she and other villagers have improved their communication skills and expanded their knowledge . After returning to the locality, the knowledge I have learnt in the village will certainly help me boost the development of community-based culture.

It can be seen that the daily and weekend activities of ethnic people living and working in the village have created attractive tourism products and cultural experiences, attracting a large number of visitors. The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is a space and environment to practice cultural activities. Coming to the village, visitors learning and wishes to experience cultural identities, traditional arts and handicrafts are met. It is a significant cultural and tourism site where ethnic minority groups connect and the countrys cultural colours are spread.
The first was slapped in the back of the head, the other in her face. The police have opened an investigation. However, the woman has diplomatic cover. The outrage of South Korean netizens. Demands for the expulsion of the ambassador and his wife. The assailant also targeted by public opinion because of her Chinese origin.

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Mistaken for a thief, the wife of the Belgian ambassador to South Korea slapped the shopkeeper and a saleswoman from a clothing store in the capital. The shop owners yesterday published the video of the attack which took place on April 9, causing outrage in South Korean public opinion.

In the images of her, Ms. Xiang Xueqiu is seen slapping the saleswoman in the back of the head first, and then the shopkeeper in the face. The latter suffered a swollen face and a bloodshot eye. The police have opened an investigation; however, as the wife of a diplomat, Xiang cannot be prosecuted by local justice.

The shop owner said he received no apology. Meanwhile, a wave of protests broke out in social media. South Korean netizens are demanding the expulsion of Ambassador Peter Lescouhier and his wife, as well as the payment of adequate compensation. In many posts, they also emphasize Xiang's Chinese origin, a reflection of a negative perception of China on the rise in South Korea.

So far, the Belgian embassy in Seoul and the Brussels authorities have not issued any statements on the incident.
In Minneapolis, on the corner of 37th and Chicago Ave, Edwin Reed can hear the cheering.

Just minutes prior, a jury on Tuesday afternoon found the former 4th precinct police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of 2nd degree murder, 3rd degree murder, and 2nd degree manslaughter. Last May 25, Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd's neck for over nine minutes and killed him--sparking calls for justice and police reform in just about every corner of society, as well as continued protests all over the world.

Reed owns Sincere Detailing Pros, an auto-detail shop down the street from where Floyd was murdered. All year, he's managed protest after protest. But right now, the crowds are joyous--and it's a breath of fresh air, says Reed, who's owned his shop for nine years. "People gathering together over here, honking horns. They're excited."

Yet he's nervous--anxious even, about what the sentencing will bring. In about eight weeks' time, Judge Peter A. Cahill could sentence Chauvin to as many as 75 years in prison. Chauvin could also get a lighter sentence, as he has no criminal record to this point. If the former officer is viewed as getting off easy, that might spark further protests. "I mean, I'm glad that they found a guilty verdict, but I'm just wondering what's next," Reed says.

Like other shops in the area, the barricades have hurt his business. Reed estimates that he went from doing 50 cars a month to six or seven. Cars can only approach the shop through the alley, and Reed says most find it inconvenient or unpleasant. Down the street, Samuel Willis Jr., one of the owners of The Original Just Turkey, an all-turkey BBQ restaurant, says that between the coronavirus and the barricades, business is down significantly. Upon launching in October 2020, he had projected his business would book $2,000 in sales a day. These days, his business generates as little as $300.

And five blocks down the street at soul-food restaurant Mama Sheila's House of Soul, co-owner Frederick Brathwaite says that after events of the past year, they're thinking about opening the restaurant every Monday evening for forums about police violence. If Chauvin hadn't been found guilty, that forum would have been "even more necessary," he says. As a founder, to keep going, "You have to make a conscious effort to be positive," he says, despite a year of feeling angry about racial injustice and worried about his business being damaged.

But the increased stability that comes with the trial being over, plus an influx of visitors to the site, could be good for Just Turkey and other shops, says Willis. "Justice was served," he adds. "We're really excited. And I think the world is excited."
East Asia Forum 21 April 2021

by Kamal Ahmed, London

On 10 February 2021 the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) did the unthinkable and demanded a UN investigation into alleged corruption in the countrys military. The call followed an Al Jazeera documentary alleging that the armys chief secretly provided illegal support to his two fugitive brothers, with the tacit approval of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It also claimed that the army acquired Israeli-made spying equipment that can be used against the opposition and critics of the government.

The oppositions demand followed an earlier call from the United Nations. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told reporters: The allegation of corruption is a serious matter that should be investigated by the relevant authorities. He also rebuffed the armys claim that the surveillance equipment was meant for UN peacekeeping operations.

The government has so far ignored these demands, with no immediate fall out. But given the countrys recent democratic backslide and violent military past, some discomfort is very likely. Bangladesh has long struggled to reconcile the brutal killing of its founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Sheikh Hasina, by disgruntled members of the army. Subsequent turmoil within the military led to the killing of another president, Ziaur Rahman, and dozens of other officers.

Controversies surrounding defence procurement, the army chief and concessions for his fugitive brothers shed new light on the countrys civil-military relationship. Until now, the political parties founded by two former military rulers  the Bangladesh National Party and the Jatiya Party  were widely seen as enjoying more support from the armed forces than the Awami League led by Prime Minister Hasina. Recent developments indicate otherwise, and opposition parties allege that the inaction of the armed forces in preventing election shenanigans in 2018 allowed the Awami League to hold on to power.

The expansion of the armed forces under the current regime has been remarkable. The most significant addition is the Forces Goal 2030, a secretive policy document for reshaping the armed forces introduced in 2009 and revised in 2017. The army claims that the policy is based on the governments stated principle of: Friendship to everyone and malice to none. It nonetheless aims to build a three-dimensional force capable of multi-platform warfare, requiring a massive expansion and modernisation of the army, navy and air force.

Scant details given in response to parliamentary questions suggest the army is planning to conduct its activities under three independent corps: the Central, Eastern and Western. Its primary mission is to provide necessary forces and capabilities in support of Bangladeshs security and defence strategies.

Defence spending has risen by more than 123 per cent since the Awami League came to power, so it seems Prime Minister Hasina has bought the militarys loyalty at a high price. Transparency International Bangladesh observes that the decision-making process for major purchases is hard to follow, and that partisanship might have contributed to the reinstatement of senior military officers dismissed by the previous government. Defence purchases have landed three leaders in legal difficulties: the late General Ershad, convicted of corruption but cleared on appeal; Khaleda Zia, still under trial; and Prime Minister Hasina, cleared of all charges.

The armed forces have added new fighter jets, transport aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles, submarines and naval boats to their arsenal, and the enlargement of forces has brought a number of new garrisons and bases. Without any obvious external enemy, the army claims these are essential for UN peacekeeping operations, tackling internal threats and aiding civil administration when required, most notably during natural disasters and national polls.

The army has come under scrutiny over its tactics in the Chittagong Hills region, where it is tasked with maintaining security in the face of a two-decade-long insurgency. Human Rights Watch observed that the region remains under military occupation and indigenous rights activists face threats of arrest, enforced disappearance, and violence. Still, the situation has improved significantly since the signing of a peace deal in 1996 with the rebel group Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity.

The armed forces role in aiding civil administration is also controversial. Their role in elections held under caretaker governments between 1990 and 2001 earned them high praise, but the Awami League has now scrapped the caretaker system. At the time of amending the law known as the 15th Amendment, Prime Minister Hasina criticised the army for its role in prolonging the duration of the last caretaker government and jailing politicians including herself and her rival Khaleda Zia.

In recent years the government has followed countries like Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia in engaging the armed forces in infrastructure projects. The Padma Bridge project has seen army engineers work on building riverbank protection. The Navy was similarly employed to develop an islet in the Bay of Bengal, known as Bhashan Char, to accommodate about 100,000 Rohingya refugees. These apparent nation-building projects expose them to business practices that may impair their judgements and hamper professional development, handing sweeteners to the military in return for support.

Under the auspices of two welfare trusts headed by top commanders, the armed forces have expanded their business empire to a level easily surpassing the countrys top tycoons. Until 1998 the army had only one trust, but during her first term in office, Prime Minister Hasina allowed them to launch another conglomerate, the Army Welfare Trust.

This second entity has grown spectacularly, and new ventures owned by these trusts have more than doubled since Prime Minister Hasina returned to office in 2009. The scale and scope of these businesses are similar to those seen in countries like Myanmar and Pakistan. Though no one dares to speak about it openly, growing concerns about the armys power should not be ignored.

Kamal Ahmed is an independent writer based in London. He was formerly the BBCs South Asia analyst.
Like a stern bodyguard for the central nervous sytem, the blood-brain barrier keeps out anything that could lead to disease and dangerous inflammation--at least when all is functioning normally.

That may not be the case in people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders, suggest new findings from a team led by researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

In these individuals, a more permissive barrier appears to allow the immune system to get improperly involved in the central nervous system, the researchers showed. The inflammation that arises likely contributes to the clinical manifestations of neuropsychiatric conditions.

Our hypothesis was that, if the immune function of the blood-brain barrier is compromised, the resulting inflammation will have an impact on the central nervous system. With that in mind, we think these findings could also be used to understand how the blood-brain barrier and neurological processes impact not only schizophrenia but mental disorders at large." Jorge Ivan Alvarez, Study Senior Author and Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Alvarez's work was published in the journal Brain.

The research team pursued the study focused on a rare condition called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS), in which people are born missing a small portion of DNA from chromosome 22. Roughly a quarter of people with this syndrome go on to develop schizophrenia. Penn and CHOP have a community of researchers who study the condition, often as a way of probing deeper into the mysteries of schizophrenia.

This disorder had not been a focus for the Alvarez lab, however, until he gave a talk at CHOP on his area of expertise--the blood-brain barrier--and was approached by an attendee afterward.

"We started talking about the fact that, in this deletion syndrome, one of the missing genes is very important for blood-brain barrier function," Alvarez says.

That attendee, Stewart Anderson of CHOP, had been studying 22qDS, and together he and Alvarez began collaborating to evaluate whether the blood-brain barrier and its effect on the immune system were playing a role in the condition.

As a first step, the group used a technique whereby stem cells from 22qDS patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, as well as healthy controls, are coaxed to develop into blood-brain barrier endothelial cells, the cells that form a tightly regulated "wall." In experiments led by Vet School doctoral student Alexis Crockett, they found that the barrier function in cells derived from 22qDS patients was more impaired than those derived from the healthy controls, which were more restrictive. They confirmed these findings in mice bred to have a version of 22qDS, finding that their blood-brain barrier was likewise leaky compared to normal mice.

The brain is typically considered "immune privileged," meaning that the surveillance carried out by immune cells and immune mediators on the central nervous system is not only regulated by the physical blockade of the blood-brain barrier but also by endothelial cells making the barrier express lower levels of immune signaling molecules.

To see if 22qDS compromised this immune privilege, the researchers again looked to patient stem cells induced to grow into blood-brain barrier cells and to their mouse model. In both cases, they observed impairments in the immune privilege properties of the barrier, with more immune cells and pro-inflammatory molecules able to cross it.

As a final validation of their findings, the researchers examined post-mortem brain tissue from three 22qDS patients and three controls. Similar to their work in cultured cells and the mouse model, they found evidence of impairment in the blood-brain barrier's physical and immune protective functions.

"This was the corroboration process, replicating all of these observations in human tissues," Alvarez says.

The work adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that schizophrenia and certain other neuropsychiatric conditions may be in part neuroinflammatory disorders. It's also the first study to assess blood-brain barrier function in 22qDS, making an important link between neuroinflammation due to barrier dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disorders.

"Because 25% of 22q patients develop schizophrenia, it may be possible that these mechanisms taking place in 22q are applicable to idiopathic schizophrenia," Alvarez says. "And when 22q patients are studied in detail, up to 80% are found to have some form of mental disorder, so these findings may well extend to other disorders as well," including perhaps depression or autism, he says.

In future work, Alvarez and colleagues will be exploring the role of the blood-brain barrier further, narrowing in on what processes are involved in the barrier's increased permeability, including a look at astrocytes, cells that normally enhance barrier function.

Further insights into the connection between inflammation and neuropsychiatric disease, Alvarez says, may one day lead to therapies that address inflammation by manipulating the immune response.
Ethiopia: Nearly 1 Million Displaced Amid Ethnic Violence

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About one million people have fled their homes due to ethnic violence in Ethiopia, Africa's second most-populous country, which could lead to a major humanitarian crisis, an international Christian development organization has warned.

Around 40,000 people were displaced in June alone in southern Ethiopia, as they fled the possibility of disease outbreaks and extremely high malnutrition rates among displaced children, according to World Vision.

The violence began in April fuelled by grievances over land in the ethnically diverse country of 100 million people. Protests due to a sense of marginalization among several ethnic groups had forced Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to resign in February.

Violence is taking place in the border areas of Gedeo in the SNNP, or Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, and in West Guji in Oromia state.

"Survivors have seen their homes burnt and looted, ruining their means of earning an income. Even when security returns, people will struggle to provide food for their families for months, jeopardising their children's health," Getahun Mara, World Vision Ethiopia's Emergency Nutrition Coordinator, says in a statement.

According to a recent report by the United Nations and the government, "Renewed violence along the border areas of Gedeo and West Guji zones since early June has led to the displacement of over 642,152 IDP's (internally displaced persons) in Gedeo zone and 176,098 IDP's in West Guji zone of Oromia region," as reported by Defence Web.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who took power in April, has promised to address ethnic grievances.

"The violence is small-scale but significant when you take into account other border conflicts in Ethiopia," Ahmed Soliman, research fellow in the Africa Programme at Chatham House, told The National.

Ethiopia also ranks as the 29th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution on the Open Doors USA 2018 World Watch List.

"Arrests and disappearances of believers are common in the country, and those who leave Islam or the EOC (Ethiopian Orthodox Church) face harsh mistreatment, sometimes being denied access to community resources," Open Doors USA warned about Ethiopia in a fact sheet. "In some cases, Christians are cut off from society completely."

The Orthodox community comprises just under half of Ethiopia's population.
A train carrying 818 tourists arrived in Kashgar,Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region at 8 p.m. on April 19, the first special train for local tourism this year.

Kashgar authorities extended their warm greetings to tourists with song and dance at the Kashgar train station and presented gifts to tourist representatives.

Wu Dajun, deputy general manager of Huayun Culture and Tourism Group, one of the sponsors of the traveling train, said tourists hailed mainly from Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan and Anhui.

"These tourists expressed their passion for travelling in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and hoped a total of 45 traveling trains would be launched to the region this year," said Wu.

Tourists made a night tour in Kashgar city, a 5A-level site in China.

A couple from Anhui praised Kashgar for its welcoming atmosphere." Kashgar is one of the must-go traveling destinations in Xinjiang," they said.




Chagas disease is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and spread by infected insects called triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs. The initial infection usually does not cause severe symptoms and is often not even diagnosed. After years of chronic infection, some people develop heart diseases such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and an increased risk of sudden death. Chagas disease can also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as severe constipation and difficulty swallowing.

Infection is typically spread by contact with the triatomine bug, most commonly found in rural parts of Mexico, Central America, or South America. However, the disease can also be transmitted from mother to baby (congenital transmission), through organ transplants, or through blood transfusion. Chagas disease is one of several parasitic diseases that results in significant illness among those who are infected and is often poorly understood by healthcare providers.

CHAGAS DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES

An estimated 300,000 infected people are living in the United States, nearly all of whom were originally infected in endemic areas. These persons often do not know they are infected and are at risk for severe cardiac or gastrointestinal problems from the disease. Diagnosis and treatment can reduce this risk.

Donor screening to detect T. cruzi infection in the blood supply began in early 2007. As of December 2019, more than 2,460 confirmed positive infections among blood donors were reported to AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) by blood centers. While these efforts have likely reduced the risk of getting Chagas disease from blood products, the large number of positive donors identified indicates that many people with Chagas disease do not know they are infected and could benefit from diagnosis and treatment.

Infected triatomine bugs and wild animals that harbor T. cruzi infection have been found in the United States for decades. There are some reports of vector-borne (spread by contact with the bug) infection originating in the United States.

CDC IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO ADDRESS CHAGAS DISEASE BY

Partnering with state and local health departments to educate and advise health professionals to help them better care for patients with Chagas disease

Supporting healthcare providers and patients in the United States with confirmatory diagnostic testing

Increasing awareness of Chagas disease among healthcare providers, including publishing free, Web-based Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Nursing

Education (CNE) programs

Education (CNE) programs Studying perception, awareness, and understanding of Chagas disease among patients and healthcare providers to help direct outreach efforts and address barriers to care for Chagas disease patients

Collaborating with academic institutions and partner organizations to improve diagnostic tests for Chagas disease

Collaborating with partners to determine the risk of Chagas disease among mothers in the United States who may be at increased risk of infection

ADDITIONAL WORK NEEDED INCLUDES
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has donated N5 million for the funeral of late Yinka Odumakin, who was an activist and publicity secretary of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group.

The activist, 54, died on April 3.

The Civil Society and Pro-Democracy Movement Memorial Committee for the burial of Mr Odumakin announced this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

Bamiji Awa, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, said the governor also donated three buses and an ambulance to the Odumakin solidarity memorial.

Mr Awa said the memorial was organised by the civil society and pro-democracy movement for the burial.

The remains of the late activist would be buried on Saturday at his Country Home, Moro in Osun state.

The Lagos State Government has said they have specifically donated a sum of N5 million, three coaster buses, and one ambulance with heavy security back up toward ensuring success of the Solidarity Memorial initiated by comrades and associates of Yinka Odumakin.

He also said that Mike Ozekhome (SAN) donated N150, 000; Femi Falana, N100, 000; Gbenga Hashim, N150,000, and John Nwodo, N100,000.

Others were Shettima Yerima, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, N50,000; the Afenifere Renewal Group, N125, 000; Agnes Sessi, Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State, N30,000 and others.

This is for the celebration and immortalisation of the life and legacies of the departed as announced by the Civil Society Planning Team for Yinka Odumakin memorial.

According to Mr Awa, the state government is in consultation with the family of the deceased on the appropriate support to be provided to them during the three-day burial activities.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Odumakins widow issued a statement warning the public to be wary of individuals or groups engaging in fund-raising using her husbands name.

It is unclear if Mrs Okei-Odumakin had any individual or group in mind when she issued the statement. PREMIUM TIMES has reached out to her for clarification but is yet to get a response.

(NAN)
Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced Rs 5 lakh compensation each to the heirs of the deceased

A woman cries after her husband died of a leakage in the oxygen plant of a hospital in Nashik. (Photo: AP)

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, 24 Covid positive patients died at a municipal hospital in Nashik on Wednesday as oxygen supply was interrupted following massive leakage from an oxygen tanker. The state government ordered a high-level inquiry into it. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced Rs 5 lakh compensation each to the heirs of the deceased.

According to the sources, the tragic incident took place at around 12 pm, when substantial leakage from an oxygen tank caused disruption in oxygen supply for close to 30 minutes, which allegedly caused the deaths of several patients who were on oxygen support. A fire brigade team was called to the incident spot to contain the leak.

All the victims were on ventilators and in need of constant oxygen supply. Zakir Hussain Hospital is a Covid-dedicated facility. Around 150 patients were either oxygen-dependent or on ventilators.

Panic struck patients and their family members as the oxygen supply was stopped. Heart-wrenching visuals showed families trying to help the patients as they gasped for breath.

Visuals showed gas leaking from the tanker outside the hospital and dense white fumes covering the area rapidly.

R.V. Game, Divisional Commissioner of Nashik Division said that after the incident, relatives and others started entering the ward, leading to chaos. This led to delay in restoring the situation. The entire staff is under shock, he said.

Mr Game confirmed that a high-level committee has been constituted with five members including deputy director health, principal polytechnic and superintendent engineer of Nashik Municipal Corporation. The committee would be headed by him.

Terming the Nashik mishap shocking, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he does not have words to express his grief. The oxygen leakage that led to the death of 22 people is a shocking incident. I cannot express my grief in words. Such incidents are devastating, especially when we are trying hard to save every Covid patient, he said adding that nobody should do politics on Nashik incident as the entire Maharashtra is moaning.

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that the valve was leaked resulting in the dropping the pressure of the supply of oxygen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences to the families of the victims. The tragedy at a hospital in Nashik because of oxygen tank leakage is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. Condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour, he tweeted.

Congress party blamed BJP, which controls the Nashik municipal corporation, for the tragedy. Maharashtra Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said, We demand inquiry into the tragedy at Nasik's Zakir Hussain Hospital. Anyone who is responsible must be brought to books. The hospital is managed by Nasik municipal corporation which is under BJP rule. BJP must take the responsibility.
3. Why are the new state laws and rules adopted by police departments across the country not enough to satisfy demands by Black Lives Matter and other activists, according to the article? What recent events have underscored how the new laws would not always prevent traumatic outcomes? What kinds of changes and cultural shifts are activists looking for  and what is your opinion of these changes?

4. How have police organizations, such as the Fraternal Order of Police, responded to the push for reforms? Why do some police advocates point to statistics showing increases in violent crimes as evidence that early reforms are backfiring? How persuasive do you find these arguments?

5. The article reports that the Baltimore states attorney, Marilyn Mosby, has decided to stop prosecuting minor crimes like prostitution and drug possession. What do you think she means when she says, When we criminalize these minor offenses that have nothing to do with public safety, we expose people to needless interaction with law enforcement that, for Black people in this country, can often lead to a death sentence?

6. What is your reaction to this article and to the police reforms being enacted across the country? What impact do you think these reforms will have? Are they enough to tackle racial bias and excessive use of force in law enforcement? Or are deeper, more radical changes needed? What questions do you still have about policing in America?

Going Further

Option 1: Share your own experiences and thoughts on police and policing.

Take a few moments to reflect on your own experience with the police: Is anyone in your family a police officer? Are police officers often present in your school or wider community? What is your relationship with them like? Do you feel protected when there are police officers around? Or do the police make you feel unsafe or threatened? How do your experiences with police officers affect your point of view on police reform?

Then watch the short Op-Doc A Conversation With My Black Son, in which parents reveal their struggles with telling their Black sons that they may be targets of racial profiling by the police. Have you ever had an encounter with the police? Have your parents ever had a conversation with you about what to do if that happens?

Watch the film and respond to it in writing using the following prompts as a guide:

What moments in this film stood out for you? Why?

Were there any surprises? How does this film add to your understanding or change your perspective on policing or any of the issues explored in the featured article?

What messages, emotions or ideas do you take away from this film? Why?

What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else youve read or seen? If so, how and why? How might your race, identity and the history of policing play a role in the relationship you, your family and your community have with law enforcement?

Option 2: What do you think should be done about American policing?

What changes, if any, are needed for more effective and just policing and public safety? What should be done to confront racial bias in policing? How can we end the disproportionate use of excessive force against Black Americans? Do we need more reforms like restrictions on neck restraints or on so-called no-knock warrants, or do we need deeper, more fundamental change  such as defunding the police?
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Virtual event with Caroline Walsh, Grassland Farmer of the Year

The Overall Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020, Caroline Walsh, from Ballinascarthy, County Cork is hosting a virtual event today, Wednesday 21st April.

Caroline Walsh is taking over the Teagasc Grass10 Twitter account and the Teagasc Instagram account throughout the day, with a live interview taking place in the evening. Caroline will take us through a day in the life on her dairy farm in Ballinascarthy, County Cork. Join these online events today to gain an insight into how Caroline operates her farm to a high level of technical performance and grazing efficiency in a sustainable manner.

John Maher, Teagasc and Grass10 campaign manager said: To achieve 10 grazings per paddock per year on Carolines farm is a phenomenal achievement. This enables the farm to grow and utilise high levels of excellent quality grass throughout the grazing season.

Caroline began measuring grass in 2015. The farm has averaged 10 grazings/paddock/year over the last 2 years and grown over 15 Tonnes of grass Dry Matter per hectare. The herd of cows has an EBI of 181 and delivered 515 kg MS per cow to Lisavaird Co-op.

To view the events page with promotional video and to register to watch the interview please go to bit.ly/CarolineWalshG10

For a direct link to Carolines video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS8FP0uc4I8

Speaking at the online event today, John Maher, said that: Increasing grass utilisation is one of the most important improvements that can be made on any grassland farm. We need to continue the focus of improving grass utilisation, which will increase our own feed resources inside the farm gate.

Improved grassland management is another aspect of the improvement of farm system sustainability. Carolines farm performance clearly shows this. The continued improvement in the supply of home-grown grass, and the lower reliance on imported feeds is the cornerstone of successful grassland production systems. The progress of improved nitrogen-use-efficiency and further improvement on grass utilisation, and better reliance on clover to contribute higher grassland output and increase milk solids, with less Nitrogen input are key aspects of the Grass10 Phase II programme objective. There are 30 clover pilot farms recruited to this programme already this year.

The Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 campaign which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); Teagasc; AIB; FBD Insurance; Grassland Agro and the Irish Farmers Journal.
Dr. Yazbak arrived in America in 1957 with his medical degree, $62 and four family photos to join the staff of St. Clares Hospital in New York City as an intern. Two weeks later he met Maureen who was completing her nursing education at St. Claires. It was love at first sight and they married 6 months later. In 1959, he joined the faculty of Brown Universitys Institute of Health Sciences as Pediatric Director of the Child Development Study and Assistant Clinical Director for infectious diseases at Charles V. Chapin Hospital in Providence RI. Dr. and Mrs. Yazbak subsequently began a pediatric practice in Cumberland RI in 1963 from which he retired in 1997. Dr. Yazbak was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and past president of the staff of Woonsocket Hospital. He was a school physician in Northern Rhode Island for 34 years in service to his community. A proud and grateful naturalized American, he helped several doctors immigrate to America.

Born in Damanhour, Egypt, he was the son of Dr. Edouard and Eugenie (Farazli) Yazbak and brother to Yvonne and Margaret and brother-in-law to Lawrence (all who predeceased him).

Dr. Fouad Edward Yazbak, 89, of West Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2021, joining his cherished wife of 61 years, Maureen (Moynahan) Yazbak who passed way 17 months earlier.

John Stone wrote a tribute to Age of Autism contributor F. Edward Yazbak, following his death on Cape Cod in Massachusetts at age 89. In addition to sharing his writing for the blog, Dr. Yazbak used to drop us an email from time to time, and I remember feeling the old fashioned compassion we used to expect from pediatricians. Now, long gone. A sad time, when the doctors who truly put our kids' best interests first are leaving us. Our condolences to his family. John's tribute follows the published obituary which read:

Dr. Yazbak was known for his expertise, availability and work ethic. He was the last breed of doctor to make house calls. Patients routinely visited the Yazbak home, only to be invited to stay for dinner. An avid fisherman and boater, he spent many summer Saturday afternoons fishing with family and friends in Narragansett Bay and off Pt. Judith. Later, Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound became his favorite spots. When his children were younger and his pediatric practice busy, Maureen ensured he got breaks during the winter by organizing family winter weekends in New Hampshire.

After retirement, Dr. Yazbak returned to medical research and writing and worked to add Italian to his Arabic, English and French. He was happiest with a house full of loved ones. He loved gathering family and friends around a table for large meals featuring great food and wonderful stories.

He is survived by four children and their spouses: Edward (Donna), Eugene (Barbara), Dr. Philip (Darlene) and Kathleen (Stephen). He was the proud grandfather of fifteen: Kacia (Daniel), Bryanna (Sean), Edward, Amy (Christopher), Katrina (Adam), Eleanor, Philip, Joseph Fouad, Dr. Abigail, Andrew, Matthew, Theo, Lucas, Roddy and Louis. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Conrad, Gunnar, Zavier, Wyatt, Kyrie, Caleb and Savannah. He was predeceased by one grandchild, Bartley.

Fouads sister, Margaret (Lawrence) had two sons and their families adored their Uncle Fou: Roger, Susan and India Ison and Bryan and Joellen Ison.

In addition to his family, Fouad and Maureen cherished their many close friendships which spanned decades and the globe. Friends became family: for example, Dr. Patrick Levesque was like a brother to Fouad. Mrs. Andree Levesque and her son Charles were by his side in his final moments.



###

F. Edward Yazbak possessed all the virtues, integrity, courage compassion, diligence, discrimination and patience that made him a great scientist, physician and healer, said Childrens Health Defense Chairman Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.



By John Stone



Vaccine safety advocates paid tribute this week to F. Edward Yazbak, a retired pediatrician and outspoken critic of the vaccine lobby, who died April 8 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Yazbak, known to friends as Fou after his Arabic forename Fouad, was 89.

Childrens Health Defense (CHD) President Mary Holland called Yazbaks death a terrible loss. Ed was an early and important doctor speaking out against the perils and excesses of the vaccine program, Holland said.

CHD Chairman Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said he relied on Yazbaks clarity and judgment for almost two decades. Ed possessed all the virtues, integrity, courage compassion, diligence, discrimination and patience that made him a great scientist, physician and healer, Kennedy said.

Yazbak wrote extensively on vaccine safety, especially as related to the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and thimerosal. His collected writings on these issues are essential reading for anyone trying understand the history our era  not least because their often idiosyncratic charm reminds us that we were dealing above all with human events hidden behind absurd and brutalitarian institutional claims. Read more here.
Consulate officials met the mother of a 21-year-old man who was sentenced to 14 years in jail for posting information about Xi Jinpings daughter online. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

Consulate Officials Meet Mother of Man Tortured in China Over Posts About Leaders Daughter

Nine countries have condemned the alleged torture of a 21-year-old man in China jailed for 14 years for posting personal details of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings daughter online.

Officials from the nine countries, including the United States, UK, France, Holland, Switzerland, and Canada, met with Niu Tengyus mother to ask about what happened to him, along with 23 others who were arrested, the mother told The Epoch Times.

They were confused about the charges, the mother said, they are only teenagers, and some are still under age.

He [Niu Tengyu] was only 19 years old when he was arrested [in May 2019]. Commissioners are doubtful what crime they had committed, Nius mother added.

Niu Tengyu in an undated photo. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

After a passport photo of Xis daughter Xi Mingze was leaked online, Niu Tengyu and 23 other people associated with the website were arrested by authorities in Maoming city, southern Guangdong province. All of them are students, and nine are under 18 years old.

The original post included Xi Mingzes pseudonym, identification number, passport photo, and some details of Xis brother-in-law, Deng Jiagui.

A post that purports to reveal personal details of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings daughter, Xi Mingze. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Niu was handed a 14-year jail term on Dec. 20, 2020 by Maonan District Peoples court, under a charge of picking quarrels and stirring up trouble.

Niu Tengyu was arrested without any legal base in August 2019 by local authorities of Maoming city. He was then transferred to a location unknown to the public, his mother stated.

He was locked in an isolated room and tortured to extract a confession, she added.

They set the air conditioning at the lowest temperature and beat him.

She revealed the torture Niu suffered to consulate officials from the various countries.

My son was locked in a tiger chair, confined in a dark room, hung up, and beaten. He was deprived of sleep for 24 hours sometimes. Police burned his private parts and waxed his body, she said.

The tiger chair is a metal contraption commonly used by police to prevent movement and interrogate subjects.

I almost fainted when I came to this part, the mother said. Many of the consulate officials eyes were filled with tears, she added.

These kids are detained secretly, and their parents are left in the dark. It is a serious human rights violation.

In October 2019, Niu was secretly transferred to Foshan Nanhai District detention center from Maoming No. 1 Detention Center. Months later, his mother discovered where he had been taken.

She said: Guangdong province authorities covered up the truth by reporting these kids and their parents were criminals. I wish the top leader of the Communist Party could know the truth. I wish those youths false cases could be redressed.

Nius mother said the officials accepted what she said and asked her to provide a list of officials names involved in the case.

We gave the regime too much credit. I mean, we think the sloganseveryone is equal before the law, and the country is governed based on laware true. When parents like me come to departments like security, procuratorial, and the courts to call for justice peacefully, we are given political labels such as evil force, anti-China forces, she told The Epoch Times.

The authorities in Maoming have threatened parents and pressured lawyers to drop the case since July 2019.

She continues to appeal the court ruling.

Hong Ning contributed to this report.
Alghanim Industries and Injaz Kuwait prepared more than 2,000 students for their future careers through the Maharat Min Google programme, in collaboration with Injaz Al-Arab and Google.

Designed with Arab youth at its core, the initiative provided students with valuable digital literacy skills that will help set them up for success when entering the job market.

Participants learned how to enhance their digital presence and market their businesses online, boosting their employability skills and building new connections.

Through the strategic collaboration with Alghanim Industries, the Maharat Min Google initiative provided free in-person and online digital skills training and tools to students, educators, job seekers and small businesses. The online platform is comprised of over 100 lessons and explanatory videos, covering a range of digital marketing skills including search engine marketing, social media, video, e-commerce and more.

Commenting on the impact of the initiative, Alghanim Industries' Executive Chairman, Kutayba Y. Alghanim said: "Our support for this program stems from our commitment to equip our youth with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy. We are especially proud to have partnered with a reputed global entity like Google as well as Injaz Kuwait which has for many years been empowering the country's youth to build successful and innovative careers."

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the initiative succeeded in reaching its target and helped students plan for their future through interactive virtual sessions. Beyond Kuwait, Alghanim Industries' support has also helped Maharat Min Google reach 9,200 students in Palestine and 8,000 students in Yemen, in collaboration with Injaz Al-Arab.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Injaz Kuwait, Bader Al Kharafi, said: "Injaz Kuwait is honored to conclude this program, which has equipped more than 2,000 young men and women in Kuwait with necessary digital literacy skills, especially in these unprecedented times which have propelled all efforts for e-learning across the country. We are grateful for Alghanim Industries' ongoing support to Injaz Kuwait and we hope to reach a wider number of students in future initiatives."

The Maharat Min Google partnership was developed in response to the increasing demand for digital skills within the job market and the absence of sufficient Arabic-language digital training in Mena educational systems. Furthermore, despite the significant contribution women make to the world of innovation, the region has among the lowest female labor market participation rates globally. As a result of these considerations, the initiative was designed to raise hopes for all Arab youth, especially young women, to achieve their future aspirations. -- Tradearabia News Service
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
In the wake of skyrocketing number of Covid-19 cases in what is the second wave of the pandemic, Hero MotoCorp on Tuesday announced it is temporarily halting all of its manufacturing operations. Each plant and Global Parts Center (GPC) will remain shut for a period of four days - in a staggered manner - between April 22 and May 1 basis the local scenario, a press statement informed.

The decision to suspend all manufacturing operations in the country, as per Hero MotoCorp, has been taken to ensure the safety and welfare of its employees and their families. It also comes in the backdrop of localized shut-downs in many states. As such, the temporary time off will be used to carry out necessary maintenance work at the manufacturing facilities. The company's corporate offices have already been in Work-From-Home mode.

The company, meanwhile, claims that the decision will not impact its ability to meet with the demand for its motorcycles and scooters in the country. Production losses, it states, will be made up for in the remainder of the quarter.

The second wave of the pandemic has become a massive source of worry for India, a country that is witnessing rising number of positive cases and with medical services in most parts severely strained. Curfews and lockdowns have been imposed in many parts, including Delhi, for varying time duration and people are being asked to remain indoors and mask up.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Tuesday evening and while he admitted that the situation is grim, assured that everything is being done to meet the challenge. He also chose to underline that lockdown ought to be the last option and that it would hit the economy hard.

The auto industry had shown a lot of resilience last year, once national lockdown restrictions began to be eased. The second wave of the pandemic, however, threatens to once again snatch back gains and cast a gloom on several key sectors, including the automotive industry.

ANI adds:

Hero MotoCorp sold 18.45 lakh units in Q3 FY21, clocking a growth of 19.7 per cent over the corresponding quarter of previous fiscal. The sales surged after the nationwide lockdown was eased on the back of faster recovery in demand in rural areas and increased preference for personal mobilit
India reported over 2.94 lakh fresh Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, the second highest daily case count ever recorded by any country, even as the day's death toll crossed 2,000 for the first time since the pandemic's outbreak.

At 2,94,291, Tuesdays national case count was nearly three times higher than the peak of 98,795 daily infections recorded during the first wave on September 17. Only in one instance has any country reported a higher count of cases in a day  3,07,570 recorded in the US on January 8 this year, as per worldometers.info.

Highest Single Day Spike Of 28,395 New COVID-19 Cases, 277 Deaths In Delhi

Delhi registered the biggest spike of new 28,395 coronavirus cases and 277 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the Delhi government's health department on Tuesday.

BCCL

The COVID-19 positivity rate in the city 32.82 per cent. With the addition of fresh cases, Delhi's Covid tally reached over 9 lakhs, while the death toll mounted to 12,638. There are 85,575 active cases in Delhi.

CM Kejriwal Says 'Oxygen Crisis' In Delhi, Urges Centre To Replenish Stock

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi and his deputy Manish Sisodia said there will be chaos in the city if the stocks are not replenished by Wednesday morning.

BCCL

ICU beds in Delhi hospitals were also filling up fast amid a surge in coronavirus infections. Only 30 of them were available for coronavirus patients in government and private hospitals across the national capital at 10 pm, according to data from the city government's Delhi Corona app.

Maharashtra Reports Record COVID Death Toll, Cases Rise Again

A day after cooling off, Covid-19 cases shot up again in Maharashtra on Tuesday with the state reporting its highest ever death toll with a spike in the number of active cases, health officials said.

BCCL

The state's fatalities jumped from the previous high of 515 (September 15, 2020) to a new peak of 519 on Tuesday. With this, the state's overall death toll shot up to 61,343, the worst in the country.

After a record high of 68,631 new cases notched on April 18, Maharashtra on Tuesday reported 62,097 new cases, up from Monday's 58,924, taking its overall tally to 39,60,359.

Night Curfew Comes Into Force In Kerala; Over 19,000 Cases Reported

Night curfew came into force in Kerala on Tuesday as the state reported the highest single day surge of over 19,000 COVID-19 cases.

BCCL

In the state capital, many busy areas, including Thampanoor and the Statue area in front of the Secretariat wore a deserted look by 9 pm as vehicles were off the roads.

Hospitals In Gujarat To Treat COVID Patients Without Prior Permission Till June 15

All private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes in Gujarat can treat COVID-19 patients till June 15, without any prior permission, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced.

BCCL

On Tuesday, Rupani said that no prior permission but just an intimation to Municipal Commissioner or District Collector is sufficient to treat COVID-19 patients.
Perhaps no other ocean creature lives in the human imagination like the great white shark. But while great white sharks might be plentiful in the minds of beachgoers across the country, there are only a handful of places in the world where white sharks can be consistently found. In those areas -- such as Central California, Guadalupe Island Mexico, South Australia and South Africa -- they tend to be found aggregated in small hotspots, often located around seal colonies.

Researchers have estimated that white shark populations are incredibly small, with only hundreds of large adults and a few thousand white sharks total in any of their global populations. This has made protecting white sharks a priority for conservation with many countries, including the United States and Mexico, having laws in place to prevent the catching and killing of the species.

After uncovering a previously unknown white shark hot spot in the central Gulf of California, however, a new study involving University of Delaware assistant professor Aaron Carlisle suggests that these low numbers for eastern north Pacific white sharks, especially those listed in the Gulf of California, might be underestimated. In addition, the researchers found that the mortality rates for these white sharks might be underestimated as well, as an illicit fishery for the species was uncovered in the Gulf of California, suggesting that fishers were killing many more white sharks than has been previously understood.

The research findings were published in Conservation Letters. Daniel J. Madigan, of the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, served as the lead author on the paper and Carlisle, assistant professor in UD's School of Marine Science and Policy in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, served as a co-author on the paper.

Underestimated Mortality

For this study, Madigan interacted with a small group of local fishermen and over several months that group killed about 14 large white sharks. Of these, almost half could have been mature females. This was a conservative estimate as other groups reportedly killed additional sharks during this time.

To show just how significant this new source of mortality might be, Carlisle pointed to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) endangered species act status review on white shark populations from 2012. Using the best available information at the time, the NOAA report estimated that the adult female mortality rate for the entire eastern Pacific was likely around two annually.

"He found, in just a two-week time period, more mortality in this one location than what we thought for the whole ocean," said Carlisle. "It was pretty clear then that, well, something kind of important is happening here."

Carlisle explained that the mortality estimate of the earlier NOAA study could have been off because calculating mortality for animals in the ocean -- figuring out how many die naturally or unnaturally -- is one of the most difficult population metrics to quantify.

What makes this finding particularly interesting is that this population of white sharks -- the eastern Pacific population of white sharks -- is perhaps the most well-studied group of sharks on the planet. Here, in the midst of all this scientific research, was a seemingly robust population of white sharks that had eluded scientific study.

"It's been about 20 years since a new 'population' of white sharks has been discovered," said Carlisle. "The fact that the eastern Pacific has so much infrastructure focused on white sharks and we didn't know that there were these sites in the Gulf of California was kind of mind-blowing."

Future steps

Now that the aggregation has been identified, Carlisle said that there are many more scientific questions that need to be answered.

There is a pressing need to study and quantify the population of sharks in the new aggregation site. In particular, it is unknown whether these sharks are part of the other known populations of white sharks in the eastern Pacific, which include populations that occur in Central California and Guadalupe Island Mexico, or whether they belong to a third, unknown population.

They are also interested in finding out how long the aggregation sites have been there and how long people have been fishing at the sites.

"One of the big points of this paper was to raise the red flag and let managers and scientists know that this is going on and this population is here and needs to be studied," said Carlisle. "Hopefully, it will be studied by some local researchers who are invested and working with the local fishing communities because these fishing communities are all heavily dependent on marine resources and fisheries."

Carlisle stressed that the researchers are not looking to cause problems for the local fishing communities that they worked with for the study.

Instead, perhaps there is an opportunity for these communities to learn about other opportunities with these animals through avenues like eco-tourism, educating them on the fact that these sharks are worth more and could provide a steadier stream of revenue alive rather than dead.

"This seems like it would be a perfect situation for ecotourism, much like there is at Guadalupe Island," said Carlisle. "There could be huge opportunities to build businesses around these populations of sharks, and that's just from a management point of view. From a science point of view, there's all sorts of fun things you could do."

Still, Carlisle said that more than anything, this paper highlights just how little we know about what is going on with sharks in the ocean.

"Even though we've studied these animals so much, we still know so little," said Carlisle. "How many fish are in the ocean is a very old but very hard question to answer."

###
From staffing shortages to misdirected pay raises to poor training, widespread problems plaguing the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice were detailed to a S.C. Senate panel Wednesday.

It was the first in what likely will be multiple hearings on the plethora of issues facing the agency that houses and rehabilitates South Carolina juveniles who are incarcerated or on parole or probation. Numerous issues were detailed in a recent report by the state Legislative Audit Council.

It just looks to me like a dumpster fire, said Sen. Dick Harpootlian, one of four senators who attended Wednesdays Corrections and Penology subcommittee hearing on the report.

The LAC, which evaluates state agencies and programs to identify ways to cut costs and improve performance, released a 178-page report on Juvenile Justice earlier this month that Harpootlian Wednesday called a damning indictment of South Carolinas juvenile justice system.

The audit was intended to document any progress made since 2017, when a scathing LAC review prompted the agencys former director to resign, and to assess aspects of the agencys operations that the prior audit did not address.

The auditors recent review found DJJ had only implemented half of their 2017 recommendations and that problems with insufficient staffing and violence had actually grown worse and left the agency unequipped to adequately supervise the juveniles in its care.

People are telling us they do not feel safe at work, LAC deputy director Marcia Lindsay, who oversaw both audits, testified Wednesday. Some of these folks have worked there for years and have never felt unsafe, and now they do.

Reported incidents at secure DJJ facilities have increased 124% since 2017, and violent ones, like the alleged sexual assaults of four girls at the Midlands Evaluation Center in December 2019, have jumped 42%, the report found.

As a result, a smaller percentage of juvenile justice employees feel safe at work than did four years ago, and three quarters who responded to an LAC survey said they would feel safer if the agency hired more juvenile corrections officers, almost twice as many as in 2017.

Story continues

Harpootlian, D-Richland, said conditions at DJJs secure facilities sounded like Lord of the Flies, the 1954 novel where boys stranded on a deserted island fail spectacularly at governing themselves.

Inmates are running the asylum, he said.

Lindsay testified that auditors found numerous instances in which DJJ employees filed reports miscategorizing serious, violent incidents, including fights and potential gang activity, as information only and failed to assign the incidents for further investigation or forward them to management.

She said one of the solicitors they interviewed indicated that DJJ officials failed to notify him of multiple significant incidents at one Juvenile Justice facility and said he only learned of the issues from a third party.

That may be a crime, Harpootlian responded.

The Richland senator asked Lindsay whether DJJs staffing shortages were due to the agency not receiving enough funding to hire suitable workers  as its director has argued  or simply a result of misusing the money it does receive from the state.

I think it may be both, Lindsay told him, but the money that they get for security needs to go to security only.

She questioned the wisdom of the agency giving its top managers larger pay increases than corrections officers and other low-level staff received.

There was money available, and they were not using it for the critical needs positions, Lindsay said. They gave it to some top management positions.

The dearth of staff also prevented juveniles from receiving timely medical care, as doctors visits, counseling appointments and trips to the emergency room were regularly missed or delayed because no one was available to provide transportation, according to the audit.

New security staffers are poorly trained  the majority of DJJs Criminal Justice Academy graduates failed to complete mandatory training within a year of their hire dates  and are often not held accountable for misconduct, the auditors wrote.

Their report also found the agency relied on officers with a history of reckless or indifferent behavior towards juvenile safety, including at least one who should have been terminated for repeated disciplinary infractions.

The audit also found DJJ regularly fell behind in its payments to vendors and that several companies had refused to work with the agency until they received their outstanding payments.

Despite the significant issues auditors identified, Lindsay said the investigation was actually somewhat impaired by the agency directors apparent attempt to discourage employees from cooperating with them.

She said that when DJJ Director Freddie Pough became aware of their audit, he emailed all senior employees and instructed them to notify a specific staff person within an hour if they were contacted by auditors. Pough also told employees to inform this staffer of all auditor visits and to provide them a written summary of any visits and interviews the auditors conducted within 24 hours, she said.

That kind of set the tone for our confidentiality and for folks feeling comfortable to come and talk to us, Lindsay said. We had employees calling us and sending us emails, going, Theyre gonna track everything we say to yall, everything we give you and everything we tell you.

The Legislative Audit Councils assessment of DJJ comes roughly four years after it issued a similarly harsh report asserting that the agency was not properly training its correctional officers and calling its police department ineffective and unnecessary.

The 2017 report, which prompted the resignation of former agency director Sylvia Murray, found the juvenile jail at the Broad River Road Complex in Columbia was unprepared for riots, which had plagued the facility, and that security policies and procedures were outdated and in need of revision.

It touched on many of the same problems highlighted in the recent audit report, including inadequately trained corrections officers, substandard supervision of juveniles and poor financial controls.

Only half of the 74 recommendations auditors made in the 2017 report have been fully implemented four years later, auditors wrote in their recent report. About a quarter of the recommendations have been partially implemented and the final quarter have not been implemented, according to the report.

Pough, who has led the agency since the prior directors departure in early 2017, disputed many of the auditors recent findings and said all but two, or 96%, or the previously accepted recommendations had been implemented.

He wrote in a 10-page letter to the Legislative Audit Council that their report contained numerous instances where LAC simply failed to understand fundamental aspects of DJJs operations, misstated facts, dismissed the conclusions of trained professionals within their specific areas of expertise in favor of LACs, and failed to consider information provided by DJJ.

Pough acknowledged some of the deficiencies identified in the audit but said DJJ was already in the process of rectifying many of them.

He pinned DJJs staffing problems on its inability to pay correctional officers a competitive salary  juvenile corrections officers start at $30,425 per year  and asked the General Assembly to increase entry-level salaries for correctional staff.

Pough also said his agency would benefit from an overhaul of the states juvenile justice system, which incarcerates juveniles accused of non-violent or low-level offenses, and encouraged passage of a Senate bill that calls for a more rehabilitative and less punitive approach to juvenile justice.

Sen. Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, who chaired Wednesdays subcommittee panel on the DJJ audit, said she plans to hold another hearing on it in a couple weeks. Subsequent hearings are likely to include the agencys executive director and employees, she said.

Pough did not attend Wednesdays hearing, which was held at the same time Gov. Henry McMaster announced he was awarding the Department of Juvenile Justice $12 million from his share of federal COVID-19 relief money.

McMaster, who stood beside Pough during the announcement, reiterated his confidence in the embattled directors leadership of the agency and said the money would be used to keep South Carolinas youth out of the criminal justice system.

The money will go toward childhood therapy programs targeted at keeping kids in school, after-school programs for at-risk middle and high school students and full-time mentoring programs to support education and life skills development.
I began my journalism career in Nashville in 1990, with my current position with Nashville Post having evolved since October 2000 (when I was with the now-defunct The City Paper, a sister publication of the Post starting in 2008).

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Hours after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all criminal charges he faced in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, activists instrumental in organizing demonstrations on Staten Island say the verdict is a step in the right direction, but a lot of work remains to be done.

Chauvin, 45 and white, was convicted of killing Floyd in an encounter where he pinned his knee on the 46-year-old Black mans neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds, as Floyd lay face-down in handcuffs. Floyd had been accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a neighborhood market.

I am very very happy for George Floyds family to finally get that reconciliation, but me, honestly, I am not deeply moved by it, said Donovan Robinson, 25, of West Brighton, who was a key speaker at some of the largest protests on the borough in 2020. When you have a video of someone standing on someones neck for nine minutes, that is not justice, that is just obvious.

In the time that it has taken for this trial to play out another four or five names have been added to the list in which young Black unarmed men have been killed. So is it a step in the right direction? Yes...Now, is that same justice going to be transferred over to them? Its hard to say.

Robinson said he watched part of the trial.

We have all clearly seen that he was murdered, he said.

A bystander captured the video of Floyds final moments, in which he is heard saying multiple times I cant breathe, reminiscent of the final words of Eric Garner, who was filmed in a fatal police encounter on Staten Island in 2014.

People participate in the "Take That Knee" protest march towards the 120th Precinct in St. George on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

The video also captures several witnesses begging Chauvin to stop, including an off-duty firefighter. Many of them testified at the trial.

Following Floyds death, people across the country took to the streets to protest racial injustice, including on Staten Island, where residents took part in peaceful and historic rallies including a march of about 100 people to the 120th precinct at the end of May, a march of nearly 500 to the 122nd precinct on June 5 and a huge demonstration of 1,800 people on the South Shore on June 7.

Staten Islanders participate in the "Take That Knee" peaceful march from Park Hill to the 120th Precinct in St. George on May 31, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Since Floyds death, 181 Black people have been killed by police in the U.S., Newsweek reported.

Most recently, Daunte Wright, 20, was shot by a police officer who allegedly thought she was using her taser on him instead of her gun.

Lets see how that case plays out Robinson said, noting that it is not as cut and dry as George Floyds situation. There is a lot of room for manipulation.

Ranti Ogunleye, who participated in last years march on Staten Island and is a North Shore City Council candidate, described Tuesdays verdict as an important day for justice and for Black Americans across this country.

Todays verdict confirms that justice was always possible, but almost always is denied, said Ogunleye. We cant go back from here.

The City Council candidate added that today should be the beginning of a new America.

We can end racism, Ogunleye said. We saw that today. We saw the possibility of America.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He faces the possibility of up to 40 years in prison.

ELECTED OFFICIALS, CLERGY MEMBERS REACT: NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW

Some elected officials also reacted to Tuesdays verdict.

This verdict by a jury that took its civic responsibility seriously, and which we thank, will not bring George Floyd back, and it will not undo the pain his loved ones and neighbors will always feel from his absence, District Attorney Michael McMahon said. But it is my hope, and that of all my colleagues in law enforcement here on Staten Island, that todays verdict is a sign for all Americans that nobody is above the law, and that justice is attainable no matter who you are, what you look like, or from which neighborhood you come.

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) said, justice has been served, while State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) said: The pain inflicted by Chauvin is deep and will not heal easily. Justice will be delivered when we no longer have these cases.

Justice has been served!  Debi Rose (@CMDebiRose) April 20, 2021

The jury has done it's job, and delivered accountability for George Floyd. But, the pain inflicted by Chauvin is deep and will not heal easily. Justice will be delivered when we no longer have these cases.  Senator Diane Savino (@dianesavino) April 20, 2021

Bishop Victor Brown, senior pastor of Mt. Sinai United Christian Church in Tompkinsville, shared prayers for Floyds family and members of the police department

Todays verdict should not be looked upon as a blanket indictment of the Police Department USA, Brown said. What it does establish is that there is no institution above reproach.

The actions of Derek Chauvin have been condemned by law enforcement offices across this country because they do not reflect the oaths of office taken to protect and serve, Brown said. My prayers also go out for members of the force who are honoring the oath they solemnly swore to uphold, but who have had their efforts stained by the likes of Chauvin, who are unworthy of wearing the uniform.

I pray that this moment will be pregnant with the potential for hope, healing, and the building of a sturdy bridge of understanding and trust between communities of color and the police. We need each other.
[April 21, 2021] Best Kratom Vendors - Where to Buy Kratom Online in 2021

NEW YORK, April 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StealthBastard team announces the release of the review Best Kratom Vendors. As more people become interested in trying kratom, many also wonder where to buy kratom online from a reliable verified source. It is important to purchase from the best online kratom vendors as they offer premium quality products that enable users to reap the full benefits of kratom.

This can be a challenge as the skyrocketing popularity of kratom has resulted in a plethora of kratom vendors online. There are many factors to take into account when choosing a kratom source. This guide is intended to showcase some of the best kratom vendors in the market. Here are the best kratom vendors in 2021 on short:

1. New Dawn Kratom  Best Vendor Overall & Best Prices

2. Golden Monk - Well-known Kratom Vendor

3. Kraken - A bit expensive but an amazing shop Best Kratom Vendors of 2021 reviewed in-depth: 1. New Dawn Kratom  Best Vendor Overall & Best Prices At the top of the list for best overall kratom vendor of 2021 is New Dawn Kratom (NDK). This company fulfills all the criteria of being the best kratom vendor in the market. NDK offers premium quality products where each batch of product is tested for purity. This seller also has a wide variety of products that are sourced ethically. With the best pricing on the market, NDK also offers considerable discounts on any order coming from a new customer and offers a fool-proof 30-day money-back guarantee policy. Customer service is top notch, taking the motto the customer is always right to a whole new level. Shipping is also and quite fast (2-4 days  despite their COVID Notice). Needless to say, NDK has a stellar reputation and has already established itself through customer reviews and even a reddit group where dozens of Redditors enthusiastically recommends NDK as the best kratom vendor. These Reddit connoisseurs have described NDKs product as smooth, incredibly potent, and of the highest quality. Drawbacks: The smallest packaging available is 250 grams.

Some strains can be very potent and may require dose adjustments.

Free Shipping

2. Golden Monk Another great vendor newer to the industry is Golden Monk (GM), a company with a solid reputation with recognition from American Kratom Association for its Good Manufacturing Practices. Users have reported satisfaction with the quality of the products. GM also conducts tests on their wide variety of products. With reasonable prices, GM offers a 100% 30-day refund guarantee for both opened and unopened products. Customer service is friendly and responsive. One feature that sets GM apert from other vendors is the availability of loyalty points that can be used to redeem discounts for future purchases. Drawbacks: GM does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

GM only accepts Visa or Mastercard.

Uses gelatin capsules that are not vegan friendly.

The smallest packaging available is 250 grams or 250 capsules.

Makes occasional mistakes with orders.

3. Kraken Kratom Established in 2014, Kraken Kratom (KK) is also recognized by the American kratom Assciation for its Good Manufacturing Practices. KK has a wide variety of products that are sourced from Southeast Asia using 100% organic methods. All products are also tested, and a 30-day refund policy is available.



KKs prices are steeper compared to NDK and GM. However, it is available at smaller packaging starting at 28 grams, great for those who want to try several different kratom strains. Like GM, KK also has a customer reward program that can be redeemed for discounts. Drawbacks:

Prices are steeper compared to NDK and GM.

KK does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

KK only accepts Visa or Mastercard.

Shipping is only free for orders over $200.

30-day refund policy is only for unopened products.

4. Kratom Crazy Another up-and-coming kratom vendor, Kratom Crazy (KC) is easily one of the best vendors in the kratom market. KC keeps its website simple and has many educational posts about the different kratom strains. Instead of just trying to push products, KC really aims to educate its users. KC has a wide variety of good quality products and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing on products is reasonable and comparable to GM. KC also ensures that all their products are tested before it is sold. This company also offers products starting at 100 grams, great for users who want to try different strains without commitment. KC would have been higher on the list. Unfortunately, KC has issued an announcement saying that the company would be ceasing operations effective immediately. Stay tuned for any updates. Drawbacks: KC does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

KC only accepts Visa or Mastercard.

KC has currently ceased operations until further notice.

Some users may experience difficulties during payment and has to contact customer support. 5. Happy Hippo Herbals Happy Hippo Herbals (HHH) is on the list as they have a major advantage over other vendors as they accept cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. They also take credit cards, ACH, Ethereum, and mobile check payments. HHH customers have expressed satisfaction with the product quality and service. This company is an American Kratom Association Good Manufacturing Practice Qualified Vendor and offers more than 30 different strains where consumers can purchase as low as 1 oz per strain, perfect for those who want to experiment with many different strains. Drawbacks: Prices are much higher compared to NDK and GM.

Each strain has another name and can be confusing for those new to the kratom journey. For example, Red Maeng Da is also known as Red Hot Hippo at HHH.

Free shipping is only available for orders over $100.

HHH has a 30-day return policy where customers are only granted store credit on a case-by-case basis. No original payment method refunds. How to Choose the Best Kratom Vendors

Any kratom enthusiast will stress the importance of buying from a reputable kratom vendor. Some of the factors to take into consideration when choosing includes: Product Quality  Look for online vendors who test the product for purity, alkaloid content, and packages it in a controlled setting to prevent contamination.





Variety  Each kratom strain is unique. Individuals new to the kratom journey are encouraged to try different varieties to find what strain would be most suitable. Pick a company that has a large variety to try.





Source  Ask the seller regarding the source of the product to better understand its quality. Make sure that it is ethically source and follows Fair Trade regulations.





Reasonable Prices  As kratom users tend to continue using the product long-term, consider the cost of the product. Choose a vendor who offers rewards, discounts, or free shipping.





Customer Satisfaction and Support  Some vendors offer a 100% customer satisfaction by providing a 30-day money back guarantee. However, guaranteed customer satisfaction is nothing without a great support team. An excellent customer support can address any issues efficiently, even better when there is a live chat option!





Vendor Reputation  Consider the credibility or reputation of the seller. Pick a vendor that has established a strong following locally and abroad. Look at their customer reviews to see the pros and cons of the company.

Kratom Vendor FAQs What Are the Benefits of Kratom?



Kratom supposedly has many benefits such as energy boost, mood elevation, mind clarity, and relaxation. Kratom users have also reported pain relief without entirely depending on their pain medication. Is Kratom Legal?



Yes, kratom is legal in most US states. However, it may be considered illegal in some local counties even if it is legal in the state. Examples include San Diego, California and Sarasota County, Florida. Customers can also consult with vendors regarding legality of shipping. In some countries such as Australia and Malaysia, kratom is not legal. How Does One Choose a Kratom Strain?



Each kratom strain is unique and has different effects. It depends what effect the consumer is looking for. Generally, red vein kratom is more suited for those looking for pain relief and relaxation while white vein kratom is energizing and stimulating. Green vein kratom falls in between both the red and white varieties. Does Kratom Contain Opiates?



No, kratom does not contain any opiates. However, researchers have found that the compounds in kratom can cause similar effects to opioids and stimulants. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine can interact with opioid receptors in the brain to bring sedation and pain-relief. In Conclusion: Where is the Best Place to Buy Kratom?

Consumers can buy kratom from any reputable vendor. Some of the best kratom vendors as mentioned on this guide for its high-quality products and best pricing on the market are New Dawn Kratom, Golden Monk, Kraken Kratom, Kratom Crazy, and Happy Hippo Herbals. The best overall vendor for kratom in 2021 is New Dawn Kratom for their premium quality products and superb pricing. For more in-depth information on the pros and cons of each vendor, refer to the guide above or directly to the vendors website. About StealthBastard: SB is a company that specializes in testing and reviewing different kratom vendors and products to find the best kratom vendor and the best strains for everyday users. SB's objective is to make the Kratom Consumers' world a better place.

Contact us: Alexander Reid Email: pr@stealthbastard.com

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CCTV footage has been released showing officers inside a police station under attack during a riot in Bristol.

A total of 42 people have been arrested, with a 14-year-old boy also attending a voluntary interview, in connection with the incident which followed a peaceful Kill the Bill protest in the city.

The riot, on March 21, saw around 500 people march on Bridewell police station, set fire to police vehicles and attack the station.

Police are investigating violent scenes outside Bristol's Bridewell police station on March 21

Police have released images of 14 people they wish to speak to in connection with the violent scenes at Bristol's Bridewell police station on March 21

Avon and Somerset Police released footage from a helicopter and CCTV from inside a police station of the violent scenes on March 21

The footage shows some members of the mob attacking a police van, pictured

Avon and Somerset Police said on Tuesday that 44 officers were assaulted during the incident, with 39 sustaining injuries as a result.

One other officer was also injured but not from an assault, a spokesman said.

The force previously corrected a statement it issued the day after the riot, which wrongly claimed officers had suffered broken bones and one had sustained a punctured lung in the disorder.

On Tuesday, Avon and Somerset Police released 14 new images of people officers are seeking to identify as part of their investigation.

It also published footage from the National Police Air Service showing a police van under attack as an officer reverses from a crowd of people.

CCTV footage from inside Bridewell police station as it was attacked was also released.

Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: 'It's now four weeks since the shameful scenes outside one of our neighbourhood police stations.

'The images which dominated much of the news the following day shocked not just people of Bristol but much of the entire nation.

'I know all the officers and staff working on the inquiry remain totally committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who played a part in the disorder.

The force also released CCTV footage from inside the Bridewell police station

Riot police were positioned to protect the police station which was targeted by the mob

'Thousands of hours of digital media including CCTV and mobile phone footage have been viewed and significant progress has already been made.

'The public response to our appeals so far has been really positive with 653 calls made to our control room and 390 submissions made through our website.'

The force said it will cost 5,676 to repair one of the two vans set on fire during the riot, and 25,000 to replace the other.

Damage to the police station has been calculated to cost 41,350, the force said.

DCS Belafonte added: 'The financial costs of the disorder are substantial but ultimately it's the communities of Bristol which pay the price - after all, it's taxpayers' money which could have been spent on safeguarding and protecting our communities.

'We can't let the people responsible get away with what they did. They are a disgrace and need to face the consequence of their actions.

'We have 35 people on our online gallery who we want to identify and I urge anyone who recognises any of them to contact us.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force on 101, providing the call handler with the letter associated with the person on the online gallery.

They can also use an online form on the force's website, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for efforts to deepen reform and opening-up, enhance driving forces for innovation, consolidate the sound foundation of the country's economy, and guarantee people's livelihood.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Monday to Tuesday.

After visiting local health centers and schools, Li underscored ensuring people's basic education, medical care, and housing, and allocating more resources to these areas, especially in counties and townships.

He also paid visits to several innovative enterprises and encouraged them to increase innovation capacities and continue scientific exploration.

Li was briefed on Sichuan's efforts to streamline administration, delegate power, and acquire skills. He called on local authorities to establish a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, stimulate the vitality of market entities and make all kinds of talents reach their potential.

During exchanges with entrepreneurs from countries in Europe and Asia, Li said China will open the door wider to the world and will become an attractive destination for global investors in the long run.

Li encouraged entrepreneurs to jointly protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains and facilitate global economic recovery.
The theme of the conference  "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation"  is most opportune and relevant under the current circumstances, said Xi.

Justice not hegemony

The Chinese president noted that the call for upholding multilateralism has grown stronger as we live in an age rife with challenges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021, April 20, 2021. /Xinhua

"The future of the world should be decided by all countries working together. We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world."

"What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony. Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility," he underscored, calling for all countries to safeguard the UN-centered international system.

China has been demonstrating its role as a responsible major country in international affairs. On April 13, it paid in full all assessed contributions to the UN regular budget and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for the year 2021. Over the past 30 years, China has sent over 40,000 peacekeepers to 25 UN peacekeeping missions.

Openness

"Openness holds the key to post-COVID economic recovery," Xi pointed out. "We need to promote trade and investment liberation and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains, with a view to building an open world economy."

The economic integration in Asia has been accelerating since the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in November 2020. The trade dependence of Asian economies among each other was about 50 percent in 2019, with bilateral trade volumes continuing to grow, said Lin Guijun, vice president of the University of International Business and Economics.

Attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles. They would hurt others' interests without benefiting oneself, Xi noted.

People's lives above anything else

"We must put people and their lives above anything else, scale up information sharing and collective efforts, and enhance public health and medical cooperation," Xi said.

He called for boosting international cooperation on the R&D, production and distribution of vaccines and increase their accessibility and affordability in developing countries so that everyone in the world can access and afford the vaccines they need.

So far, China has provided anti-epidemic materials to more than 160 countries and international organizations around the world and is providing urgently needed vaccines to more than 100 countries and international organizations.

BRI a public road open to all

The Belt and Road Initiative is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party, Xi noted, adding that all interested countries are welcome aboard.

Vowing to build a closer partnership to promote health cooperation, Xi said Chinese businesses have already started joint vaccine production in BRI participating countries.

Xi added that China will build a closer partnership for green development and build the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and growth.

A total of 126 countries, including developed and developing nations, and 29 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China on the BRI.

China's foreign trade with countries along the Belt and Road went up by one percent to settle at 9.37 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) in the past year, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-20/China-s-voices-at-Boao-Multilateralism-openness-and-BRI--ZBO4YRbHfW/index.html

SOURCE CGTN

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Chinese smartphone brand Tecno Mobil has bested Korean giant Samsung for handset sales in Africa in 2020. Counterpoint Research's Market Monitor service announced this week that the Transsion Holdings-owned brand's launch of handset models in the affordable segment and continued market spending has allowed it to make significant inroads on the continent.

Image supplied

A different type of market

Tecno Mobile managed to achieve this despite a 6.7% year on year fall in Africas smartphone shipments in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.The International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker had already placed the company first in Africa for Q1 to Q3 last year, achieving an overall fourth Global Mobile Phone Ranking.IDC research also shows that Tecno Mobile, Itel, and Infinix led the African smartphone market in Q4 2020 with a combined unit share of 48.2%.According to the Counterpoint data released on Monday, Tecno Mobile was responsible for 18% of the total smartphone shipment to Africa last year thanks to the company enjoying a strong second half of the year.Samsung, which held the top position in Africa in 2019 but faced "supply chain disruptions" in the first half of 2020, secured 15% of Africas total smartphone shipments last year.Tecno Mobiles sister brand, Itel, placed third with 12%, followed by Huawei which achieved 8%.Africa is a very different market to North America and the European Union, where high-end brands hold sway. Counterpoint says four in five smartphones shipped in Africa fall below the $200 mark (R2,900), and companies that offer solid but affordable devices tend to perform extremely well.The ASP decreased 15% between 2018 and 2020, and today over 80% of Africas smartphone shipments come from the below $200 band. We can expect further replacement of feature phones by entry-level smartphones, leading to the ASP likely remaining under pressure in the next few years, says Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang.The IDC expects smartphone shipments into Africa to grow 2.9% year on year in 2021."The first half of the year is likely to be slower as vendors face component shortages," says Ramazan Yavuz, a senior research manager at IDC"However, a recovery is expected to start from the second half of 2021. With the expansion of vaccination programmes and a subsequent slowdown in the spread of the Covid-19, markets across the region are expected to return to normal in H2 2021, with retail channels performing better and purchasing power starting to improve," comments Yavuz.While 2020 saw the first 5G capable smartphones in Africa. 5G is unlikely to be a main factor in the African market in the next few years, Counterpoint says.The Counterpoint report says there still is room for 5G smartphones in Africa, especially if prices can drop below $200, which they expect to happen in the near future.
In the spring of 2015, I had achieved seven points for applying for a fall Michigan black bear tag, and I thought it best to contact a professional guide/outfitter in the event I got lucky on the draw.

I needed to know what bear management unit to apply for, and I also knew a guide/outfitter would be the best way to go for hunting black bears over bait, because knowledge of bears in a specific area as well as an ongoing baiting program would up the odds towards success.

After some research, I contacted Gary Morgan of East Lake Outfitters, who had a bear camp in the Newberry Bear Management Unit, to get matters settled in the event I got drawn.

During the conversation, I discovered that Gary also guided spring turkey hunters from a hunting camp he had in Montmorency County, near Atlanta in the northern Lower Peninsula, and he invited me to give it a try.

My first 25 years of spring turkey hunting were in a northern Michigan environment, an atmosphere of running and gunning," with plenty of (public land) elbow room in forested rolling hills that I much enjoyed.

However, due to a very successful statewide turkey management program, I would spend the next 20 years spring turkey hunting closer to home in the Thumb, and with no complaints, either.

Admittedly, upon Gary's invitation, I became a bit whimsical and decided to take him up on it. It just so happened that I had just purchased a 0234 turkey tag, which allowed hunting gobblers on private land only in southern Michigan during the month of May, but it also allowed for hunting on public lands in northern Michigan. I was set to go!

The hunt involved both private and public land in the typical wooded and rolling topography found near Atlanta. We called from ground blinds and also did some roving for birds. At that point, I had been an avid turkey hunter for more than 45 years, and one thing I know for sure is that it is a continual learning experience.

I let Gary do all the calling, as Ive found it is best to keep quiet, watch and listen to professional guides regarding any outdoor pastime in order to learn from them.

Gary is real good at turkey talk, and when you combine this with his knowledge of the area and its birds, I was quite confident the pieces would all come together. But then, hunting is hunting, with no guarantees.

My turkey shotgun (which still remains my favorite) was a camouflage-painted Remington Spartan over/under 12-gauge that is choked full and full. During preseason patterning practice (which is critical for turkey hunting), both barrels performed a beautiful duet with Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 3-inch magnum, nickel-plated number sixes, so that is the only ammo I carried.

I appreciate the fact that the over/under offers two quick shots and is easy to load and unload in the field, and the tang safety is real handy if I ever have to switch hit (from right hand to left hand) when a gobbler suddenly comes in at an awkward angle (and I do practice this).

Although there were plenty of turkeys around, the weather had suddenly warmed, and the gobblers didnt seem interested in our calling efforts. That is when Gary mentioned a favorite spot of his which featured what he called Mountaintop Gobblers."

We did an afternoon scout of the spot while the turkeys were gone, and by the time we got to the top of that steep, tall terrain (similar to what is offered for a ski-jump), I dubbed it Heartbreak Hill because of my being a bit long in the tooth, combined with some definite rough mileage. According to all the roosting turkey sign, though, it was truly a dandy spot.

We went back later at dusk to roost the birds that had gone up into the hilltop trees for the night. They immediately responded readily to an owl hoot, and we knew things possibly could work out in the morning.

That is when we saw the stranger step out of the darkening brush. He was walking his dog and had obviously been out picking morels, but by his garb, it was clear to see he was also a turkey hunter, and besides looking for mushrooms, he was listening to turkeys sounding off from the roost, too.

This was public ground and open to anyone, whether for morels or wild turkeys. When the dog (a beautiful German shorthair named Joe) spotted us, he immediately started barking to alert his master of our presence, and that is when I discovered a dog barking makes a great locater call," because the whole hilltop lit up with the gobbling of multiple turkeys. Yep, folks, it went from being a dandy to a definitely fantastic location.

When it comes to turkey hunting, especially on public land, it always pays to have a plans A, B and C to fall back on in the event matters become askew at a selected site, and it never hurts to be sociable with strangers listening to the same (public land) gobblers in the roost that you have just put to bed for the night.

To make a long story short, being friendly and courteous to a total stranger turned out to be quite a fortuitous occasion I will never forget. The stranger, John Jones, lived not far away and had been planning on taking his sister turkey hunting, but she had canceled, and he really wanted to call in some wild turkeys, especially the ones we all had just been listening to, and wished to join us at this location the following morning.

That readily worked for Gary and me, because we thought we might have had to go to plan B when we really liked plan A.

It turns out John Jones is a genuine pied piper on a slate call. The following morning, he was set up 40 yards to my right and back a bit, and Gary had set out his decoys just behind both of us on a slight rise.

The mountaintop gobblers loved Johns sweet talking, came out of their roosts right at daybreak, began their way down the hill, and became a literal choir featuring a whole bunch of gobbling talk, which thrilled me clean to the bone. It was then up to me, the designated hitter in this game, to pull it off.

Six gobblers hung up as a group when a jealous, real hen turkey off to the left began frustrated calling in an effort to pull them away from the hussies calling down below. That is when I heard John make scratching noises in the leaves with his hand, and this pulled one of the birds down, and as the puffed-up and strutting turkey passed the tree I had previously marked as my 30-yard kill point, I went into the lock-on mode with my shotgun that was already resting on my knee.

This required an ever-slight motion which the sharp-eyed bird picked right up on. He quickly turned and went from the puffed-up mode to lifting his head straight up and making the alarm putt-putt-putt call, which was his final mistake.

The turkey's colorful head was resting right on top of my green fiber-optic front bead when I touched the trigger, and the shot drove him breast down and spurs up on the ground for the count.

Yep, he was only a four-inch Jake," but he was the bird in the hand on Heartbreak Hill, and it was a moment shared with new friends that I in no way was about to turn down. I was plenty happy, and no doubt so were Gary Morgan and John Jones. They had devotedly done their parts, and thankfully, I had followed through with mine.

After our brief introduction the evening before, we all got better acquainted after the hunt. It turns out John Jones of Atlanta is also an outfitter who guides professionally for elk, bear and of course spring turkeys in Montmorency County. Go figure, folks. I ended up with two outfitter/guides who didnt know each other but graciously pulled things together on this hunt. Im sure glad I didnt miss the shot! Weve all been great friends ever since.

I did end up drawing a (first season in September) Newberry Unit bear tag for the following fall, and hunted with Gary Morgan, which was a great choice. Im now hoping to have enough bear points to join him again this fall.

As fate would have it, I finally drew (after 36 years of trying) an antlerless Michigan elk tag last year, and of course John Jones was my very skilled guide, assisting me in bagging a dandy cow elk.

That 2015 turkey hunt proved to be way more successful than just bagging a bird. Meeting new friends and sharing the field with them was both a distinct honor and a real pleasure.

Email Tom Lounsbury at tlounsburyoutdoors@gmail.com
80%

Website cvpeopleafrica.com uses latest and advanced technologies. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 236590 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 77878 bytes (76.05 kb uncompressed) and 11686 bytes (11.41 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-04-22, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
Attorney General Merrick Garland at the Department of Justice in Washington on April 21, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

DOJ Launches Civil Investigation Into Minneapolis Policing After Chauvin Conviction

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil investigation into Minneapolis police practices, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced April 21.

The investigation will determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, Garland said during a press conference.

Attorneys and other personnel from the DOJs Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Minnesota will join the investigation.

According to the DOJ, the scope of the investigation includes whether MPD engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, including during protests, whether the MPD engages in discriminatory conduct, and whether MPDs treatment of those with behavioral health disabilities is unlawful.

Investigators will examine the MPDs policing, including policies, training, supervision, and use-of-force investigations, Garland stated.

The newly announced investigation is a federal civil investigation. Garland said a public report will be released after the investigation is concluded, and he expects a settlement agreement with the MPD to avoid further violations if systemic unconstitutional or unlawful policing is found.

In May 2020, then-Attorney General William Barr announced a federal criminal investigation surrounding the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man.

The criminal investigation will determine if any civil rights were violated, Barr said in a statement at the time.

Minneapolis City Attorney Jim Rowader told The Epoch Times, The city welcomes the federal investigation announced today and has already begun working with the Department of Justice team both in Washington D.C. and in Minnesota to help them quickly get this investigation organized and underway.

MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo also welcomes the DOJ investigation. He expects additional support amid this probe to bring changes to his department.

I look forward to sharing the great work done by our teams, day in and day out, with the Department of Justice and getting their feedback on how we can serve our communities even better, he told The Epoch Times.

Garlands announcement came a day after the conviction of Derek Chauvin, a former officer of the MPD, in the Floyd case.

Jurors convicted Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

The most serious charge, second-degree murder, has a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in a mugshot released on April 21, 2021. (Minnesota Department of Corrections)

Floyd died on May 25, 2020, while being restrained by Chauvin and two other officers. Floyd was taken into custody on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at nearby Cup Foods but refused to be placed into a patrol car.

Floyd was restrained on the ground by Chauvin and the other officers next to the car, steps away from the store in which he allegedly committed the crime.

Chauvin restrained Floyd with a knee on his shoulder and neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd complained that he couldnt breathe and eventually stopped breathing. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In this frame from a video clip, then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin restrains George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP)

Chauvin, 45, joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 2001. He was fired along with three other officers involved in the arrest of Floyd the day after the incident. The other three former officers, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and Alexander Kueng, are scheduled to go on trial later this year for charges of aiding and abetting murder.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Residents of Kajaran town of Armenias Syunik Province shut down the main road leading to the town so that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wouldn't be able to enter Kajaran. In the end, it became clear that Pashinyan and his accompanying column of cars have overturned Kajaran and wont be entering the city.

One of the citizens said the following: Nikol Pashinyan proved that he is a coward, a person who licks the boots of Turks. He doesnt have the right to desecrate the land of the residents of Syunik Province.

Another citizen said the following: Im surprised that no pro-government or opposition deputy has come to Kajaran to this day and ask how were living. If anyone thinks of opening a corridor through Meghri, this will mean the end of Armenia as it is.

PM Nikol Pashinyan, who on Wednesday visited Syunik Province, was greeted by the residents of Meghri, Agarak, and Kapan towns with insults, and calling him a traitor, a Turk, and a capitulator. Also, Pashinyan could not enter Kajaran because the locals had blocked the motorway leading to this town.

Armenian News-NEWS.am had reported Tuesday that the PM had left for Syunik Province in top secrecy. And last night, Armenian News-NEWS.am learned that Nikol Pashinyan visited Shurnukh village at night. There are press reports that the PM was received by the local residents indignantly and coldly. And on Wednesday, Pashinyan was greeted with insults and protests in Agarak, Meghri, and Kapan towns.

To note, the Syunik Police chief, his deputy, and the Goris and Kapan town police chiefs were changed unexpectedly on Monday.

Also, except for one community, the leaders of all other Syunik communities have publicly demanded Pashinyan's resignation.
New Delhi :

The Indian Union MuslimLeague (IUML), a key partner in the Congress-led UDFOpposition in Kerala, today retained the Vengara Assembly seatby defeating its nearest rival CPI-M candidate in the by-poll.

IUML candidate K N A Khader won the seat with a margin of23,310 votes over CPI-M nominee P P Basheer, a districtofficial said after the result was announced. BJP candidate K Jayachandran Master secured?5,728 votesand SDPI'S K C Naseer got 8,648?votes.

The UDF and LDF garnered 65,227 and 41,917 votesrespectively. The constituency had recorded a 72.12 percentage voterturnout during the by-election held on October 11.

However, the UDF's victory margin was less than itreceived in the 2016 assembly polls, in the segment consideredto be a stronghold of IUML. IUML leader P K Kunalikutty had won the seat with a hugemargin of 38,057?votes beating CPI-M's Basheer in 2016.

The BJP had polled 7,211 votes in the segment. Last year, UDF got 72,181 and LDF 34,121 votes. Reacting to the poll verdict, Leader of Opposition in theKerala Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala said even after LDF"misused" official machinery, the UDF candidate won theby-election. He also said even after LDF played the solar scam cardthey could not manage.

CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said theincreased vote share of LDF clearly showed that theprogramme's of the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan has thesupport of people. The victory of UDF is only "technical" and they were notable to maintain the lead they secured last year, he said.

The by-election was necessitated after sitting MLA P KKunhalikutty quit following his election to parliament fromMalappuram Lok Sabha segment that fell vacant after the deathof IUML leader and former union minister E Ahmed in Februarylast.

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A mother has claimed her legs erupted into painful blood-filled blisters that 'merged together' after receiving AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine.

Sarah Beuckmann, from Glasgow, said she suffered flu-like symptoms after getting her first dose in mid-March  a very common side-effect. But the 34-year-old began to feel a tingling sensation in her legs just a week later and noticed a rash flaring up around her ankles.

She called the GP to arrange an appointment that morning, but by the afternoon her skin was already breaking out into blisters.

The mother-of-one was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and claimed at one point she feared her legs might have to be amputated.

Ms Beuckmann spent 16 days in hospital, with blisters also appearing on her hands, face, arms and bottom. She was discharged to recover at home but is wheelchair-bound because she struggles to walk due to the bandages on her legs and blisters on the soles of her feet.

British skin experts told MailOnline it appeared she had suffered an extremely rare reaction to the vaccine.

Ms Beuckmann urged Britons to come forward to get the vaccine, revealing she told her story to raise awareness  'not to scare people'. Her doctor has advised that she shouldn't get her second dose because of her reaction.

Sarah Beuckmann, 34, from Glasgow, claims her legs, arms, hands and face erupted into blisters and rashes after she got the AstraZeneca vaccine

The mother-of-one said she was on the wards for 16 days, and doctors told her she had suffered a reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine

British skin experts told MailOnline it appeared the mother had suffered a reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine

Ms Beuckmann, who works in retail, said at one point she feared her legs might have to be amputated. But she is now on the mend at home after being discharged from hospital

WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE ASTRAZENECA COVID VACCINE? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has listed the below as side-effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Very Common (may affect more than one in 10 people) Tenderness, pain, warmth, itching or bruising where injection is given;

Generally feeling unwell;

Feeling tired (fatigue);

Chills or feeling feverish;

Headache;

Feeling sick (nausea);

Joint pain or muscle ache. Common (may affect up to one in 10 people) Swelling, redness or lump at the injection site;

Fever;

Being sick (vomiting) or diarrhoea;

Flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, sore throat, runny nose, cough and chills. Uncommon (may affect up to one in 100 people) Rash, excessive sweating or itchy skin.

Feeling dizzy;

Decreased appetite;

Abdominal pain;

Enlarged lymph nodes; Source: MHRA Advertisement

It is not clear why Ms Beuckmann, who works in retail, was invited for a vaccine as Scotland's roll-out is still mopping up over-50s.

But jabs are available to those who are considered at risk from the virus, or live with someone classed as vulnerable.

More than 33million Britons  or three in five adults  have already received at least one dose of a vaccine.

At least 20million have had AstraZeneca's jab  which drug regulators say causes a rash in 1 per cent of cases. Rashes tend to go away on their own within a week.

Ms Beuckmann told the Daily Record that her rash started just around her ankles  prompting her to ring her GP, who asked to see her.

As the day progressed, her rash became worse and she asked her husband to take her to A&E. Doctors flagged that she had a high heart rate and carried out further tests.

In an attempt to work out what triggered the rash, medics also carried out tests for HIV, herpes and other skin conditions  but the results all came back negative.

Doctors eventually decided the vaccine caused her rare reaction after carrying out two biopsies, the Scottish newspaper reported.

Ms Beuckmann was then given steroids to calm her immune system down and stop the reaction. She said the drugs  which weren't named  are 'helping'.

Speaking about her concern when she was admitted, she said: 'At one point I was sitting there thinking "Am I going to have my legs amputated?" because I didn't know what was going on and obviously this is new to the hospital staff as well.

'For the first eight or nine days I was on quite a bit of morphine but I started to gradually come off the stronger stuff.

'They are starting to heal and they're looking a lot better than they were but as the blisters started to get worse, they all sort of merged together.

'I'm currently using a wheelchair as well just because I can't walk with my legs getting bandaged up every day and the blisters on the soles of my feet.'

Ms Beuckmann also praised the doctors and nurses at the hospital for their efforts, and said despite her condition she thinks everyone should get the jab.

'I'm still not an anti-vaxxer or anything, even now, but I'm not allowed to get the second dose to be on the safe side,' she said.

'I just want people to be aware that there are some reactions that can occur and not to ignore any rashes.

'It's not to scare people but just in case this does happen to anybody else, it means they're going to get the treatment straight away.'

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and spokeswoman at the British Skin Foundation, said Ms Beuckmann had likely suffered a reaction to the jab.

'Vaccines are designed to activate the immune system,' she told MailOnline.

'Occasionally people will have quite dramatic activation of their immune systems which, as happened in this case, can manifest in their skin.

'This poor lady had a very severe reaction, which thankfully is extremely rare.'

She added: 'While vaccines can cause, usually mild reactions, we know that Covid-19 can fairly commonly cause significant changes in the skin and throughout the body and can be life threatening.

'I would therefore urge people to continue to have the Covid vaccine and to be vigilant about any side effects.'

Ms Beuckmann said she is wheelchair bound while her wounds heal

Britain's medical regulator - the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - has 'robust' monitoring systems in place to ensure all vaccines being distributed are safe and effective.

It asks for any suspected reactions to be reported to its yellow card scheme.

This data is monitored by top medics, who then take a closer look if they start to spot a potentially concerning side-effect.

But experts say it is very rare for concerning reactions after vaccination because the jabs have already been through rigorous checks.

The MHRA recommended under-30s receive an alternative to AstraZeneca's vaccine at the start of this month, after the jab was linked to very rare blood clots.

Medical regulators have said the benefits of the jab clearly outweigh the risk for all but the youngest patients  who face a tiny risk of dying.

The MHRA has been contacted for comment.
Soldiers harsh sentence for killing comrades-in-arms upheld

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

15:49 21/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 21 (RAPSI) - The Appeals Military Court on Wednesday upheld severe sentence given to soldier Ramil Shamsutdinov for deadly shooting in a military unit in 2019, RAPSI was told in the court.

In January, the Second Eastern District Military Court sentenced Shamsutdinov to 24.5 years in high-security prison and ordered him to pay the injured party 9.8 million rubles (about $135 million) for moral harm.

Prosecutors demanded 25 years behind bars for the defendant.

In late December, jury issued a verdict of guilty against Shamsutdinov but held the defendant deserved leniency. When delivering sentence, a court is to consider mitigating circumstances but cannot take aggravating circumstances into account. According to the jury verdict, a judge could impose not more than two-thirds of the maximum sentence on him. Thus, the defendant avoided life imprisonment.

Investigators claimed that on October 25, 2019, Shamsutdinov shot two officers and six soldiers dead in the military unit where he served. Two other people suffered gunshot wounds. On October 28, a garrison military court in Chita, a city in Russias Zabaikalye Territory, placed Shamsutdinov in detention.
New Delhi:

US President Donald Trumps recent tweet on developing relationship with Pakistan gave a reason to the Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to take a jibe on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a dig on Modi, Gandhi tweeted, Modi ji quick; looks like President Trump needs another hug.

US President Donald Trump on October 14 had tweeted, Starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders. I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts.

The tweet was made by Trump after Pakistani forces rescued an American-Canadian family from the Afghanistan-based Haqqani terror network.

Modi ji quick; looks like President Trump needs another hug pic.twitter.com/B4001yw5rg  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 15, 2017

Caitlan Coleman and his family were kidnapped in 2012 while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan. Their three children were born while the couple was in captivity.

PM Modis had last visited US in June. The two leaders  Modi and Trump  have been photographed hugging at least in two occasion.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar then had said that the two leaders had also asked Pakistan not to allow usage of its territory be used to launch terror attacks.

India is yet to make a comment on Trumps recent tweet.

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The pandemic has challenged Rescue Paws by limiting volunteer capacity at shelters, in-person events and foster care; however, throughout fall 2020, Rescue Paws was still able to host online adoptions and fundraisers as well as one in-person cat adoption.
China's Palace Museum has released a series of picture books for children, giving young readers a glimpse into ancient Chinese architecture.

The four-volume series is a co-production of the Forbidden City Publishing House and the Posts & Telecom Press, with its contents planned and reviewed by scholars and experts with the Palace Museum.

Evolving around the 600-year-old Forbidden City, the books also cover information from architectural design and construction to urban planning in ancient China, giving readers a panoramic view of the palace and the city of Beijing.

Over the past years, the museum has been trying to introduce traditional Chinese culture and benefit the public, especially children, with its publications, said Yan Hongbin, vice curator of the Palace Museum, adding that the newly released book series is another meaningful endeavor in this regard.

Located in central Beijing, the Palace Museum was established in 1925. It is based on the Forbidden City, an imperial palace of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.




There is nothing too hard for God to work out, he is in charge and he can heal anyone, said Vickie L. Hall.

Throughout the last year, many have been faced with loss, uncertainty, fear and a variety of emotions as the coronavirus struck the globe. In March of 2020, Vickie and Darryl Hall traveled out of state to spend time with their children and grandchildren when Vickie fell deathly ill. In Jesus Our Righteous Healer Vs. Coronavirus (Covid-19), Vickie L. Hall and Darryl J. Hall Sr. share an encouraging story of healing in the hands of Jesus Christ during some of the worst of times.

The Halls family vacation was turned upside down when Vickie became ill and her diagnosis was determined as Covid-19. The virus was in its infancy stages at the time, so little was known about its cause or treatment. Her family feared for her life but her faith in God remained unwavering. For 30 days, she fought vehemently for her very life. Her husband, Darryl, remained at her bedside the entirety of her stay, even after the CDC recommended isolation.

Readers will get a glimpse of how the fervent prayers of the Halls loved ones permitted God to manifest countless miracles in their life. No report from the doctors could shake Vickies determination to live and no virus on earth had the power to destroy her faith. As a survivor of Covid-19, Vickie shares her testimony of how the Righteous Healer showed not only her favor but also how God kept Darryl safe from harm and empowered him to be the advocate Vickie needed.

There is nothing too hard for God to work out, he is in charge and he can heal anyone, said Vickie L. Hall. Our story shows how God is still a miracle worker and will encourage and inspire readers to see this even through tough times.

Throughout the book, readers will learn of the true healing powers God has to offer. Ultimately, Jesus Our Righteous Healer Vs. Coronavirus (Covid-19) will uplift readers as they read through the authors story of faith and resilience.

Jesus Our Righteous Healer Vs. Coronavirus (Covid-19)

By Vickie L. Hall and Darryl J. Hall Sr.

ISBN: 9781664208612 (softcover); 9781664208605 (hardcover); 9781664208629 (electronic)

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WestBow Press and http://www.jesus-our-righteous-healer.myshopify.com.

About the author

Vickie L. Hall was born in Florida during the 1970s and Darryl J. Hall was born in Georgia during the 1960s. Both of their fathers served in the United States Army. Vickie worked in the customer service industry and settled in a career with Miami Dade County Public Schools. Darryl had a career in the food service industry and established his own operation. Later, he changed his career and went into law enforcement. The Halls are now retired, active in their church community and live a dedicated life serving God. They enjoy spending time with their children and their six grandchildren. Currently, they reside in Gastonia, North Carolina.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

480-306-6597

mbowman@lavidge.com


For many fans who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Family Matters is a classic that cannot be replicated. The sitcom debuted on television in 1989 and remained a staple of family programming for nearly 10 years.

These days, Family Matters is considered to be a groundbreaking work of television and is widely known as the second-longest-running live-action U.S. sitcom with a predominantly Black cast  second only to The Jeffersons. One of the fan-favorite characters in the series is Steve Urkel, played to perfection by Jaleel White.

Still, some fans might not realize that White was originally up to portray another character in a very different popular television series.

What is Family Matters about?

#FamilyMatters premiered today on ABC in 1989. pic.twitter.com/xwjUDfcfky  TV One's Unsung Is Back! (@tvonetv) September 22, 2020

RELATED: Family Matters: Steve Urkel Appeared in Multiple Sitcom Crossovers, Including Full House

Family Matters was a spinoff of the 80s series Perfect Strangers, but although it sprang from humble beginnings, it ultimately became a cultural force that remains popular to this day. The show focused on the Winslow family, a middle-class Black family who lived and worked in the thriving metropolis of Chicago, Illinois.

With characters like Harriette Winslow, Carl Winslow, and their brood of children in the lead roles, showrunners quickly scrambled to develop supporting roles for a variety of other featured players. One such character ended up dominating not only the storylines in Family Matters, but went on to become the king of a veritable pop-culture empire  the character of Steve Urkel, the Winslows nerdy neighbor.

Jaleel White played Steve Urkel on Family Matters

Laura (Kellie Shanygne) and Urkel (Jaleel White) on Family Matters. | Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

RELATED: Which Family Matters Child Star Has the Highest Net Worth Today?

White was born in California in 1976. He started acting when he was a toddler, appearing in a variety of television commercials for brands like Jell-O.

White also landed some guest spots in some popular television shows of the day. But he got his big break in 1989 when he was cast as Steve Urkel in Family Matters.

The character of Urkel was originally intended to have a one-time stint on the series. Since he became so popular with fans in such short order that writers and showrunners scrambled to write in his role as a regular recurring one.

Over time, Urkel became the series protagonist, appearing in most of the series longest-running storylines and biggest moments. Ultimately, the character of Urkel would come to define not only the series Family Matters but the entirety of Whites career.

While he has since gone on to appear in many other projects, White will forever and always be associated with Urkel, and infamous sayings like, Did I do that?

What role was Jaleel White originally cast in?

RELATED: Why Was the Original Harriet Winslow Replaced On Family Matters?

Oddly enough, White might have gone on to achieve television immortality in a totally different sitcom. As White revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair, prior to getting cast as Urkel on Family Matters, he had auditioned for the role of Rudy on The Cosby Show.

Yep, thats why the character was named Rudyit was intended to be a boy, White admitted. Thats my tragic auditioning story. We were all packed up and ready to go to New York and my agent had told my parents that they needed to start looking for places to live out there. Next thing you know, there was one more audition and that was supposed to be a formality at the network. And a little girl comes walking in, and Im likeeven at eight years oldWhos she? And theyre like, Shes auditioning for Rudy, too.'

White went on to explain: They were in such a hurry to get to New York and start filming that they came out and picked the kids one by one right in front of all of us. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempest Bledsoe  The rest of us all went home crying. It was amazing. Obviously, Im grateful that things worked out the way they did; I think it put a little more money in my pocket.
Emilia Lifaka Archives

The Vice President of Cameroon's National Assembly, Hon Monjowa Emilia Lifaka is no more, state media has confirmed.

Born on April 11, 1959, the star of Bonjongo, a village in the outskirts of Buea died Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Regional Hospital Annex Buea after a malaise.

She organized a party on Saturday, April 17 to celebrate her 62nd birthday. She was looking hale and hearty and the ceremony that was full of color and grandeur.

The Director of the Regional Hospital Annex Buea, Dr. Martin Mokake was on hand to explain to South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai the circumstances under which Hon. Lifaka died.

Lifaka became a Member of the National Assembly for Fako West in 2002 and enjoyed the confidence of her electorate until death. Following the fortunes of the 2007 twin elections, Lifaka became deputy leader of the CPDM group at the National Assembly.

In 2009, she was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, a position she occupied until she quit the stage Tuesday evening.

The substantive member of the Central Committee of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) represented the National Assembly in the National Decentralisation Council from 2007 to 2014. She was a member of the Executive Committee of Good Governance of the National Assembly as well as a Member of the National Commission of Human Rights and Freedom.

She also took turns to serve as a member of different subcommittees at Cameroons National Assembly including; Committee of Finance and Budget, Constitutional Laws Committee.

In 2017, she was elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) for a mandate that was to expire this year. She is the first African to hold the position in the over a century existence of the CPA.

According to her biography published by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, she was a single mother with two adult boys. She held a Diploma in Secretarial and Business Studies from Crown Secretarial and Business studies College London sponsored by the Institute of Agronomic Research. She also held a diploma in Administrative Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore USA under a USAID/GRC program and was an MBA student in Human Resource Management with Anglia Ruskin University in the UK.

She was the holder of three national distinctions:

-Knight of the Cameroon National Order of Merit

-Officer of the Cameroon National Order of Merit

-Knight of the National Order of Valor

She took interest in the empowerment of women and the girl child as could be evident in the training of young girls under her Fako West Scholarship Scheme Programme.

She was the Head of the Permanent Divisional Delegation of the CPDM in Fako Division.
Tescos has the highest exposure to the convenience format of the UK supermarkets, which is seen as being most at risk from the new startups

Gorillas Grocery started in Berlin but is now in London and Amsterdam

( ), ( ) and ( ) all face risks from the added competition coming from a new generation of on-demand grocery startups, has warned.

With the pandemic driving growth in online grocery, a new disruptive channel has emerged, the Swiss investment bank, with on-demand or i-grocery services characterized by delivery times of 10-15 minutes from a network of small fulfilment centres in densely populated cities.

The handful of UK on-demand grocery startups include London-based Weezy, calling itself the 15-minute supermarket, and Dija, which was founded by former executives Alberto Menolascina and Yusuf Saban and is expanding from a few postcodes in London.

Other London-based names include Jiffy and Turkish-based Getir, while there are some adventurous startups that are not just focused on the capital city, including Grocemania, which also offers deliveries in Brighton, while Cheshire-based Beelivery is also delivering in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow.

And Gorillas Grocery, which was started in Berlin and has since expanded into London, Munich and Amsterdam, notched up a unicorn valuation after its latest funding round.

With the big supermarkets' convenience stores seemingly most at risk from this new on-demand format, Tescos has the highest exposure to the convenience format of the UK supermarkets, followed by Sainsburys, where more than 30% of its convenience stores are located in the UKs most densely populated cities.

Comparing the percentage sales area of stores at risk, we find Tesco is likely to be more at risk in the mid-term as on demand expands outside of London.

However, the Credit Suisse analysts said Tesco and Sainsburys are both equally exposed to London, which is the key initial area of focus for almost all the UK on-demand grocery outfits.

Wm Morrisons Supermarkets PLC ( ) is seen as unlikely to be disrupted due to their lack of direct exposure to the convenience format.

On Ocado, they said the new start-ups are unlikely to disrupt the online grocery specialist current sales, we do believe there could be risks to growth opportunities for Ocado Zoom, which offers a smaller range of products for a delivery time of less than 60 min.
The Alabama Senate today passed bill to prohibit racial profiling that would require police to keep records of traffic stops intended to show whether profiling is happening.

The bill is by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Democrat from Birmingham, who has sponsored bills to prohibit racial profiling for more than a decade.

Under his legislation, city, county, and state law enforcement would adopt written policies to prohibit racial profiling.

That policy would prohibit the stopping, detention, or search of any motorist when the action is solely motivated by considerations of race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation, and the action would constitute a violation of the civil rights of the motorist.

Law enforcement agencies would keep records of the race, gender, and age of motorists involved in traffic stops and whether the traffic stop led to a warning, ticket, arrest, or search.

The information would be reported to the attorney general. The attorney general could order or recommend withholding funds from the agency if it is determined that racial profiling is taking place.

The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to keep records of injuries to law enforcement officers and report those to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The Senate passed the bill 19-7 after only a short discussion. It moves to the House.

In previous years, Smitherman has talked about his own experiences being racially profiled when discussing his bill. Two years ago, Smithermans bill passed the Senate but died in the House.
DENVER, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Baseline Growth Capital and Engrain today announced the launch of an integrated Software and Hardware as a Service solution that provides touchscreen, interactive mapping and self-guided touring products to allow for safe, socially distanced touring of apartment communities.

Baseline's partnership will enable apartment operators to gain access to the industry-leading TouchTour product under a single, flexible license, eliminating the complications associated with sales involving capital expenditures.

The bundled product offering integrates with all property management software, all self-guided touring solutions and Engrain's SightMap product, and has direct application in the multifamily, senior living, student housing, single family and commercial markets. Prospects can either begin a tour on their own or work with a leasing consultant while maintaining social distancing.

"We are eager to offer a comprehensive solution," said Brent Steiner, chief executive officer of Engrain. "The partnership with Baseline gives us the ability to offer essential touring technology to a much wider pool of owners and management companies, greatly simplifying onboarding and licensing terms. We look forward to building on this partnership and helping our clients as the leasing process continues to transform."

The companies did not disclose the size of the financial partnership, but anticipate the investment to support three-to-four years of growth and expansion for Engrain.

"We're pleased to announce this partnership with Engrain," said Joel Gheen, chief executive officer of Baseline. "We've worked hard to develop unique financing solutions for hardware. In this case, we can help accelerate Engrain's go-to market strategy. It further validates Baseline's thesis that fully-integrated solutions priced for operating budgets is the way of the future for enterprise technology."

About Baseline

Baseline works with companies that provide integrated technology solutions with software/data, services and hardware components for customers spanning Retail, Oil & Gas, Logistics/supply chain, Manufacturing, Health care, Hospitality, etc. Using a proprietary financing model, Baseline's partners provide solutions including IoT enablement, Digital Displays, Telematics, Robotics, Transaction Processing, and Industrial automation. Through a partnership with Baseline, companies are able to accelerate their sales, gain market share, and demonstrate increased value to shareholders. For more information please see www.hardwarefinancing.com or [email protected] or +1 (720) 515-8951.

About Engrain

Engrain's mission is to fundamentally transform the way people find, lease and manage property. A recognized leader in next-generation interactive technology and map-based data visualization software, Engrain's advanced integrations and technical flexibility offer solutions for any real-estate technology stack. Clients use Engrain products to engage prospects and residents, analyze and improve operating performance and increase NOI through operational efficiency. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. For more information, go to engrain.com .

Media Contact:

Peter Jakel

LinnellTaylor Marketing

303-682-3944

[email protected]

SOURCE Engrain

Related Links

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:15:01|Editor: huaxia

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A health worker collects a swab from a man at a mobile testing van in Amritsar, India, April 21, 2021. India recorded nearly 300,000 daily COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, a fresh new high amid a new wave of infection. (Str/Xinhua)

HONG KONG, April 21 (Xinhua) -- India recorded nearly 300,000 daily COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, a fresh new high amid a new wave of infection, while New Zealand said will carry out reforms on its healthcare system in the latest development of coronavirus news in the Asia-Pacific.

India recorded 295,041 new COVID-19 cases and 2,023 more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the caseload to 15,616,130 and the death toll to 182,553, according to data released by the health ministry.

There are still 2,157,538 active cases in the country, with an increase of 125,561 through Tuesday, while 13,276,039 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals.

At least 22 patients died due to low oxygen supply after a leakage in the oxygen supply tank of a civic hospital in India's Nashik town, 167 km from Mumbai.

New Zealand Health Minister Andrew Little said putting a greater emphasis on primary healthcare and ensuring fairer access for all New Zealanders are two of the main drivers of health sector reforms.

"We are going to put the emphasis squarely on primary and community healthcare and will do away with duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy between regions, so that our health workers can do what they do best - keep people well," Little said in a statement.

New Zealand reported one new case of COVID-19 in managed isolation and no new cases in the community.

Malaysia reported 2,340 new COVID-19 infections, the Health Ministry said, bringing the national total to 381,813. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement that 12 of the new cases are imported and with 2,328 being local transmissions.

Sri Lanka's health authorities issued a warning on the rise of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals across the country, including those in intensive care units.

A total of 133 new COVID-19 positive cases have been registered in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, raising the number of patients infected with the disease to 58,346 in the country, the Ministry of Public Health said in a statement.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines surged to 962,307 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 9,227 new infections. The DOH said 124 more patients have succumbed to the viral disease, bringing the death toll to 16,265.

The government announced that it is building a 336-bed "mega field hospital that will cater to mild and moderate COVID-19 patients" in the capital city Manila. The new hospital will be completed in about 60 days.

Thailand reported 1,458 COVID-19 cases and two deaths, according to the Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Of the new cases, 1,454 were local transmissions, including 365 in the capital Bangkok where the recent outbreak originated, and four others were imported cases, CCSA spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangsan said.

Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has instructed authorities in charge to continue with the vaccination of target groups and to offer the vaccine to all other citizens.

He made the call in a statement issued on Monday, pledging that the government would accelerate the rollout of vaccinations to keep COVID-19 in check.

The Lao Ministry of Health reported 28 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the country's caseload to 88.

Fiji announced stringent measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 after more COVID-19 cases have been reported in the island nation in recent days. To further contain the spread of COVID-19, Fiji's Health Ministry announced that COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced across Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and other parts of Fiji.

Nepali health experts have called for strong enforcement of restrictive measures to curb the new wave of COVID-19 infections.

The Nepali government on Monday issued a slew of prohibitory orders including a ban on gatherings of people over 25, shutting down schools in urban areas, cinema halls, gyms and health clubs amid the surging cases of COVID-19.

People in the Australian state of Victoria have more access to the COVID-19 vaccine with the opening of three mass-vaccination hubs.

Two of the hubs are in the state's capital of Melbourne and the other is in the neighboring city of Geelong, which are initially open for people in the Phase 1a and 1b categories for vaccination.

Australia's coronavirus vaccine timetable remains uncertain, Secretary of the Department of Health Brendan Murphy said.

Murphy recently told a parliamentary inquiry into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic that he could not set a deadline for the completion of Australia's troubled vaccine rollout. Enditem
Aldine ISD

A former Aldine ISD teacher was arrested this month after allegedly sending a 15-year-old student sexually explicit photographs and messages, according to court records.

Helen Page, 49, sent naked photographs of herself and described performing sex acts on an Aldine Ninth Grade School student she taught from July 1 through Dec. 15, 2020, according to a criminal complaint.
Moscow, April 21 : Supporters of ailing Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny plan to defy authorities and stage protests across Russia on Wednesday to demand he receive life-saving medical care.

Navalny's team has said the 44-year-old's health is quickly deteriorating at the prison camp where he is being held, DPA reported.

They announced protests in more than 160 Russian cities and towns to draw attention to his plight and clamour for prison authorities to allow him access to independent doctors.

The leading opposition figure, who narrowly survived an assassination attempt last year, has been complaining of severe back pain and paralysis in his arms and legs.

To protest a lack of medical care, he went on hunger strike about three weeks ago.

In several Russian cities, authorities sealed off city centres ahead of the planned protests.

In the city of Yekaterinburg, the local administration announced the temporary closure of several streets at short notice, citing a night-time military exercise.

In Moscow, numerous metal barriers were erected not far from Red Square.

Nearby, not only were Navalny supporters planning to demonstrate in the evening, but President Vladimir Putin was also scheduled to deliver his annual address to the nation in the afternoon.

The city of Moscow had warned against participation in the unauthorized demonstrations and announced that it would take "all necessary measures" to ensure public order.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the opening of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, in south China's Hainan Province on April 10, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)

Xi Jinpings Speech Shows Ambition but No Confidence

Commentary

On April 20, Xi Jinping released a video speech at the Boao Forum for Asia 2021 entitled, Pulling Together Through Adversity and Toward a Shared Future for All; it didnt outline any plans or concepts of global governance, instead only focused on confrontation with the United States.

This manifesto, full of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) culture, unabashedly revealed the CCPs ambition to dominate the world.

Xi said that he will never seek hegemony, expansion. He also claimed in front of the international community that the CCP has striven forward against all odds in a relentless pursuit of  the common good for the world for the past 100 years.

Xis ambition for a community with a shared future for mankind is tainted by his lack of confidence. He was helpless in the face of reality. While claiming that World affairs should be handled through extensive consultation, and What we need in todays world is justice, not hegemony, he stressed that the decoupling of economies would hurt others interests without benefiting oneself.

He emphasized that the fruits of scientific and technological innovation can be turned into greater benefits for people in all countries.

In the past four months, Xis strategy of extreme pressure on the United States has completely failed. After he messed up relations with Western countries by concealing crucial source data and information about the pandemic, now he is trying to hold onto France and Germany to show that he can still confront the United States.

However, the strong statement made by the leaders of the United States and Japan on the CCPs provocations should have caused an unexpected blow to the CCPs top hierarchy. Xi cant do anything but continue to amplify his message, despite its lacking strategic depth, to both domestic and international audiences.

Xi started his speech with A World in Change, Global Governance, and a shared future for mankind, only to reiterate his outdated prescription, the Belt and Road.

He said that Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape in the world, World affairs should be handled through extensive consultation, and We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others.

What we need in todays world is justice, not hegemony, he said. Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status.

Obviously, these remarks were entirely targeted at the United States.

Xi has been restricted by not having hegemonic strength. He could only emphasize a lame and symbolic doctrine. The CCPs increasingly public provocations have instead forced Biden to speed up the pace of cooperation with allies to deter the CCP, and resort to increasing the technology sanctions of the Trump era. Military confrontation has become even more intense.

The United States and Japan have disclosed a series of advancements to their cooperation in economy and technology to enhance competitiveness and to curb the Chinese regime. Xi has no way to rebut those advances but only to reply in general terms, We need to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains, with a view to building an open world economy.

This shows Xis ignorance of the real situation of A World in Change, and his arrogant dream about Global Governance. In fact, he has little say about these topics, let alone a plan to prevent the CCP from being isolated.

Therefore, Xi resorted to slogans that are steeped in CCP propaganda, such as step up exchanges and cooperation in such areas as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and modern energy, so that the fruits of scientific and technological innovation can be turned into greater benefits for people in all countries.

The United States and Japan undoubtedly take the lead in the field of technology. Faced with the fact that stealing no longer serves its needs, the CCP indeed has suffered from a series of bottleneck issues in almost every field.

The CCP single-handedly initiated a new Cold War and ideological confrontation. Now it has found itself in a dilemma where it is largely isolated internationally. Xi has no solution, so he said, I have noted on various occasions that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party. All interested countries are welcome.

The BRI was actually forced to come to an end. The CCP itself is short of capital. How can there be any funds for foreign investment? In fact, some countries have begun to withdraw. Its an open question about how many of the original projects will be implemented in the end.

Xi still said, by 2030, Belt and Road projects could help lift 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty across the world. I wonder who would believe that.

The focus of Xis speech was on confrontation with the United States. The year 2021 marks the centenary of the CCP and the CCP has striven forward  the common good for the world for the past 100 years, he said. However, these are slogans for a domestic audience.

Such words and deeds are exactly the opposite of China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or a sphere of influence. Nor will China ever engage in an arms race could only be told by dictators such as the leaders of the CCP.

At the April 19 press conference, the CCPs Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reacted to the U.S.-Japan joint statement, The U.S. and Japan cannot represent the international community. They have no right to define international order.

Indeed, for the CCP, defining the international order would only make sense when they have enough power to represent the international community.

Zhong Yuan is a researcher focused on Chinas political system, the countrys democratization process, human rights situation, and Chinese citizens livelihood. He began writing commentaries for the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times in 2020.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The speaker of Syrias parliament announced the candidacy of 50-year-old Faten Ali Nahar, from Damascus, but little is known about her. Assad has not yet announced. For Bishop Abou Khazen, a woman candidate in a Muslim society is an important step. Daily hardships trump hopes for change.

Aleppo (AsiaNews)  Syria's upcoming presidential election, which observers say will be won by the incumbent, Bashar al-Assad, has a surprise. For the first time in the country's history, and much of the Middle East, a woman plans to run for the highest office.

Although largely symbolic, the candidacy of 50-year-old Faten Ali Nahar, from Damascus, was announced today. The speaker of the Syrian Parliament, Hammoud Sabbagh, confirmed the news; he is tasked with ratifying all candidates.

Very little is known about her. Speaker Sabbagh simply mentioned her age, date of birth, mothers name but there is no trace of her on social media.

She will not be alone. Two other candidates will be on the ballot, but President Assads re-election is taken for granted. He won in 2014 with more than 90 per cent of the vote.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo of the Latins, Bishop Georges Abou Khazen, said that I am not sure, it seems to me to be that she is the first woman candidate for president in Syria.

Being a non-Christian, largely Muslim nation, it is a good thing to see a woman running for the highest office, even if her chances of victory are very slim, the prelate added.

In an Islamic society it is difficult for a woman to rule over a man, yet it can be considered a sign of openness on the part of the government, made official in yesterdays announcement by the speaker of the Parliament.

The election represents a transition in Syria's journey, still afflicted by years of war and violence. However, the problems of everyday life usually trump expectations and hopes.

Everyone wants change but what counts now is what happens every day, the lack of bread, hunger and sanctions.

The international community, in particular the West, did not shy away from criticising the last election, which Washington called a farce.

It is very likely that the Western bloc will not recognise the outcome of the vote on 26 May 2021, since opposition parties are excluded, as are Syrians living abroad or those who fled the ruling regimes repression.

The UN peace plan calls for a new draft constitution before holding a vote, which should be monitored by UN experts.

However, few actual steps have been taken so far, and President Assad remains firmly in power thanks in part to the military, economic and diplomatic support of Russia and Iran.

US President Joe Biden has already said he will not recognise the result of election unless the voting is free, fair, supervised by the United Nation, and represents all of Syrian society.
Financial markets around the world are waking up to the risks of another coronavirus flare-up.

Asian markets, blighted by rising cases from Japan to India, have underperformed their global peers since the start of March, just when they looked set to benefit from an acceleration in the global recovery. Currencies of nations stung by the virus have been underperforming those where vaccinations are surging ahead. And now the angst is starting to spread, with recovery trades under pressure and U.S. stocks sliding for two successive days.

Markets that have become too comfortable with the re-opening trade and have loosened social restrictions can be in jeopardy with any Covid spike and variants, said Paul Sandhu, head of multi-asset quant solutions Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management. Markets with high vaccination rates somewhat circumvent this downside risk.

The World Health Organization said Tuesday that cases are rising in all regions except Europe, with the largest increase last week seen in Asia as India battles its biggest wave. Japan moved closer to declaring a virus emergency as infections spread in its two-biggest and economically important urban areas, Tokyo and Osaka, while health authorities in Toronto will order workplaces across Canadas biggest city to close if they have more than five confirmed cases.

The MSCI AC World Index has fallen every day this week after closing at a record high last Friday. Investors are facing the latest wave of the virus with valuations significantly higher than they were before the pandemic. The virus resurgence might test global assets except those where vaccine rollouts are very advanced, said Joshua Crabb, a senior money manager at Robeco in Hong Kong. Clearly new strains are more virulent and may requires booster shots for those already vaccinated.

On the currency front, investors have been seeking out havens like the Japanese yen and Swiss franc this week, and rewarding those with better track records of managing the outbreak such as the Israeli shekel and Taiwanese dollar. The Indian rupee has been the worst-performing currency in Asia as the new wave of infections threatens a nascent economic revival.

Stocks were set for their biggest decline in about a month in Asia Wednesday, with Japanese shares among the worst performers. U.S. stock futures were mixed as the rotation away from pandemic favorites gained ground.

The virus resurgence in India and Japan appeared to be the main driver behind the selling in Asia-Pacific equities today, said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX. The reflation trade appears to have taken a pause, giving way to safe-havens and defensive names.

Cormac Mullen, Abhishek Vishnoi

: bloomberg.com
Chris Christie might run for president in 2024, Axios reports, based on three people familiar with his thinking. It seems like a great idea! If hes built a time machine.

Once, in the distant past, Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was a promising presidential candidatearmed with the very crossover appeal to blue-collar and suburban right-of-center voters that Axios mentions as a potential asset in 2024. He won elections in a liberal-leaning part of the country and was popular there. He convinced many voters and members of the press he was solving a high-tax states chronic budget problems, although in retrospect it seems like he was just being unusually belligerent about refusing to fund programs that had never gotten funded anyway. He got bipartisan points for working smoothly with the Obama administration to recover from Superstorm Sandy. In early 2013, his approval rating was 74 percent.

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Unfortunately for the onetime U.S. prosecutor, times inexorable march trampled its merciless boots all over the face of his aspirations for higher office. In September 2013, some of his highest ranking staffers executed an absurdly petty and arrogant plot to create traffic jams on I-95 in order to punish a local mayor, and it blew up into a national story. With his in-state approval in decline, he decided to run for president anyway, only to get steamrolled over in the Vaguely Blue-Collar Tri-State Guy Who Tells It Like It Is lane by a true master of the form, Donald Trump, whom he then endorsed in a press conference marked by Christies legendarily sycophantic, passive body language. His campaign-related absences and alliance with Trump went over very poorly in blue New Jersey, as did a later incident in which a news photographer on a helicopter caught him sunbathing on a state beach he had closed to the public over the July 4 weekend in order to prove some sort of point to the state legislature. When he left office his approval rating was an astounding 15 percent.

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What has he done since then? Mostly appear on ABC with Rahm Emanuel, another politician with pretensions to tough-minded realism that no longer match up with reality. He also helped prepare Trump for what was, empirically, probably the least successful debate performance in U.S. presidential history, possibly contracting a near-fatal case of COVID in the process because he, the president, and the rest of the presidents advisers were trying to make a point by refusing to wear masks indoors.

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Christies friends who spoke to Axios evidently want to package this history of public failure as a credential. One bullet point notes that hed be the only person in the 2024 field with executive experience who has run a presidential race before, and the next bullet contrasts that with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who hasnt yet endured the scrutiny of a presidential bid. Its true that Christie was tested under the scrutiny of a presidential race; its also true that he flunked the test in comical fashion and that DeSantis, unlike Christie, is currently popular with Republican and independent voters in his native state. The claim that he possesses the mix of combativeness and charisma that Republicans are looking for to take on President Biden and Democrats, meanwhile, is basically an admission that Christies plan is to be a lower-quality version of the candidate who easily out-alphad him before and eventually lost to Biden by 7 million votes in large part because he was seen as too combative. Its a worst-of-both-worlds approach.

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Finally, Ivanka Trumps husband, Jared Kushner, hates Christie for prosecuting his father. Christie himself has cited this as the reason he never got a good job in the last administration, and the Axios piece doesnt even make an effort to explain why this would not be a huge obstacle going forward. In a party where success is entirely dependent on how much weight youre seen as carrying with the Big Man, why would primary voters be interested in someone who the Big Man defeated easily and then kept at arms length for years?

Is there a path to the presidency in 2024 for someone whose baggage makes him unappealing to both parties? What if that person ran on a 2000s-vintage centrist platform of fiscal austerity and foreign hawkishness?

No.

In the seven years Ive been covering news and politics for Slate, Ive written about some of the United States best and worst moments, people, and ideas. Your continued support of Slate Plus will allow me to continue to give our countrys high-stakes struggle to define itself the coverage it deserves. Thank you! Ben Mathis-Lilley, senior writer
(ANSA) - ROME, APR 21 - Italy has produced the first robot in the world that thinks out loud and so learns new things like children, arousing empathy in humans.

The robot has been created by two Palermo University experts, Arianna Pipitone and Antonio Chella.

Pipitone is an expert in computational models for language and Chella an expert in informatics and robotics.

Their research, published in the iScience journal, is an important step towards a more effective communication between humans and machines.

"We'd like to show that robots are machines able to think," Chella told ANSA.

"The idea that a robot can have a sort of thought is stunning, and this can aid interaction, creating the right level of trust".

Pipitone said "it's an approach that makes the robot different from typical machines".

The pair used the Pepper robot for their experiment, a small humanoid with big eyes use din dozens of labs the world over.

But the software enabling him to think aloud is unique. (ANSA).


Apple's upcoming Macbook Pro will feature additional ports and the MagSafe battery pack, the latest leak reveals.

The leak comes from a notorious ransomware gang, who attacked Apple's supplier and threatened to release more confidential information unless the tech giant pays up.

MacBook Pro's Latest Leak

The latest Apple leak shows the upcoming Macbook Pro's logic board and reveals the ports' placement.

The schematics show that the Macbook Pro would come with two additional USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and a MagSafe charging slot.

The stolen schematics reveal that the right side of the upcoming Macbook Pro will have an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and one USB-C/Thunderbolt port.

Meanwhile, the left side shows the additional two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and the MagSafe Charging slot, confirming the MagSafe's return.

The reveal confirms previous leaks stated on Jan. 15 by a Bloomberg report and the well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The MagSafe comeback was previously revealed by MacRumors writer Steve Moser, who tweeted the code in the iOS 14.5 beta that hints at the battery pack's revival.

Apple later confirmed the MagSafe leak, and they said that they are working on a magnetic battery pack attachment for iPhone 12.

The speculation rose as Apple did not have any battery pack products, and prior Apple-designed battery options were referred to as Smart Battery Cases.

New Mobile Charge Mode in iOS 14.5 beta 2 for an as-yet-unannounced Battery Pack and not a case presumedly because it uses MagSafe for charging iPhone 12 devices. Also interestingly it keeps your iPhone charged to 90% for battery efficiency. https://t.co/CPZXkBXkEc pic.twitter.com/jHHrrz4Qir  Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) February 16, 2021

The Apple leak, which referred to the Macbook Pro as "J316" for the 16-inch model and "J314" for the 14-inch model, also reveals that both will feature upgraded Apple silicon chips Kuo also predicted.

Additionally, the leak shows that the Macbook Pro will not have a Touch Bar but retains the Touch ID button at the right-hand side of the function row.

Also Read: [RUMOR] New Apple MacBook Pro and iPad Pro Boast Mini-LED Backlighting, Will They Be Launched Soon?

Apple's Stolen Schematics and the $50 Million Ransomware Hack

The latest Macbook Pro leak may be a welcome surprise for Apple fans, but it comes with a hefty price.

According to the Record's report on Apr. 20, the notorious ransomware gang REvil managed to breach Apple's supplier, Quanta Computer, and obtain confidential information, including 15 unreleased MacBook images and schematics.

The Taiwanese company, which is also the biggest laptop manufacturer in the world, is one of the companies that keep Apple's product designs and schematics and has them assembled.

REvil reportedly threatened Quanta Computer to release confidential information about Apple while hinting that they also possess other companies' data unless they pay $50 million.

Unfortunately for the hacker group, Quanta Computer refused to pay the ransom, leading to the Macbook Pro schematics leak.

The company's decision to downplay the ransomware gang may also lead to additional leaks about the Macbook Pro and other Apple devices in the following days.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Leigh Mercer

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Photo: Colin Dacre

RCMP in the Kootenays were involved in a cross-border manhunt this afternoon.

Mounties were deployed in force to the Elk Valley region for a report of a possibly distraught man who had crossed into Canada from the United States.

RCMP coordinated efforts with American counterparts. Police believed the man was in possession of a firearm or other weapons and responded accordingly.

Just before 4 p.m. this afternoon, US officials confirmed that the man they, and the RCMP were searching for has been arrested and is in custody south of the border, said S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.

No other details were released.
Following three guilty verdicts against former officer Derrick Chauvin, civil rights leaders say they are working to bring justice to more Black and brown Americans killed by police whose deaths have gone unpunished.

The death of Pamela Turner, shot in 2019 by a Baytown police officer, has drawn renewed focus with a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month and an upcoming march for justice in the Houston suburb. Turner's family is represented by Ben Crump, the attorney for the family of George Floyd.

More from Anna Bauman: Attorney Ben Crump turns focus from Floyd to Pamela Turner, killed in 2019 by Baytown police

Here's what to know about the police shooting of Turner.

What happened?

On May 23, 2019, Baytown police officer Juan Pedro Delacruz shot and killed Turner, a 44-year-old mother of two, in the parking lot of her Baytown apartment complex where he worked as a security guard. Turner suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, her family said.

Late that night, Delacruz was patrolling near Turners apartment when she arrived home. Officials had served Turner with an eviction notice that afternoon.

The officer intended to arrest Turner for several outstanding misdemeanor warrants. During a confrontation, Delacruz discharged a single-shot Taser. Police and the officer's attorney said Turner used the Taser against Delacruz. The officer, on his feet, then discharged his firearm at least five times, striking Turner in the face, chest and abdomen in close range while she was on the ground.

Is there video?

Yes. A witness recorded the shooting death in a grainy video that surfaced on social media. In the video, Turner can be heard asking the officer why he is harassing her, telling him that she is going home and yelling, "I'm pregnant," before Delacruz shoots her. That statement turned out to be false, police said.

Where does the case stand?

Delacruz was indicted by a Harris County grand jury on a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant, a first-degree felony that carries a punishment of five years to life in prison. He was released from custody last September after posting $25,000 bond.

Additionally, Turners family on April 8 filed a civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Baytown, Delacruz and Cypress Point Equity Partners, the apartment management company. The suit alleges that Delacruz and apartment management repeatedly harassed Turner and that Delacruz used excessive force and caused Turner's wrongful death.

What should I know about the Taser?

Following the officer's indictment, his attorney Gregory Cagle said he believes the facts and law are on his clients side.

Its factually undisputed that he was executing a lawful arrest, he said. Its undisputed that she resisted the arrest and I think its undisputed she took his Taser and used it on him.

But Devon Jacob, a former police officer and one of Turners attorneys, said Delacruz would have known that the Taser was not capable of firing and incapacitating him because he had already discharged it once. After discharge, the Taser could have been used like a stun gun. However, this requires the Taser to be touching its target and it causes only isolated pain. Turner was on the ground at a distance from the officer when he shot her.

Its very clear as a former police officer that this shooting was unlawful from the beginning, Jacob said.

What happens next?

The next trial date in the criminal case against Delacruz is scheduled for May 25.

Leaders and advocates are organizing a march for justice in Baytown in the coming weeks, according to Crump. Details are forthcoming.
(Fixes spelling error)

By Yilei Sun and Josh Horwitz

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Tesla Inc apologised to Chinese consumers for not addressing a customer's complaints in a timely way, and said it would launch a review of its service operations in the world's biggest auto market.

The unusual public apology from Tesla followed criticism in state media, and an incident at the Shanghai auto show that got wide attention in China's social media. An unhappy customer by clambered atop a Tesla at the auto show to protest the company's handling of her complaints about malfunctioning brakes.

Videos that went viral on Monday showed a woman wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "The brakes don't work" and shouting similar accusations while staff and security struggled to restore calm.

The trouble for Tesla in China overlapped with new questions in the United States about the safety of the company's Autopilot partially-automated driving systems. Police in Texas are investigating a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S that hit a tree and burst into flames.

Rescuers found victims in the passenger and rear seat, not the driver's seat. Federal regulators are investigating the crash, and have a total of 24 probes underway of accidents involving Teslas operating on Autopilot.

Tesla sells roughly 30% of its cars in China, made at its Shanghai factory. But it has faced occasional criticism over issues such as complaints of battery fires.

Monday's incident led state broadcaster CCTV to call for an investigation of reported brake problems on Tesla cars, while China's anti-graft watchdog weighed in with a commentary saying such disputes should be resolved within the rule of law.

"Individuals should not take extreme measures, and enterprises should not be arrogant and unreasonable," the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said late on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a representative at Tesla's store in Zhengzhou, where the protesting customer came from, told local state media the automaker will share data related to the brake incident with local market regulators for investigation.

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Tesla said on Monday that the woman was a vehicle owner who had been involved in a collision earlier this year. It cited "speeding violations" for the crash, adding in a social media statement that it had been negotiating with her about returning the car, but the talks had stalled over a third-party inspection.

Last month, Tesla came under scrutiny in China when the military banned its cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns over cameras in its vehicles, sources told Reuters.

That prompted founder Elon Musk to say that if Tesla used cameras to spy in China or anywhere, it would be shut down. Earlier this month, Tesla said cameras in its cars are not activated outside of North America.

The woman whose protest started it all will be detained for five days, Shanghai police said on Tuesday.

Police said the woman and a female accomplice - identified only by their surnames, Zhang and Li - "caused chaos" at the trade fair on Monday when they arrived at the Tesla display "to express their dissatisfaction due to a consumer dispute."

Zhang was ordered detained for "disrupting public order," while Li received a warning, police said. Zhang and Li could not be contacted for comment.

(Reporting by Josh Horwitz and Yilei Sun; additional reporting by the Shanghai newsroom; editing by Dan Grebler and Nick Zieminski)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 04:11:52|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Algeria said on Tuesday that it follows with "great concern" the developments in Chad after the killing of President Idrris Deby.

"While paying tribute to late President Idriss Deby, Algeria calls on all the sons of Chad to show a sense of responsibility and to favor dialogue as the only way out to the crisis and preserve peace and stability in the country," the Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Algeria "reiterates its firm attachment to the cardinal principle of the African Union (AU) in terms of the rejection of any unconstitutional changes," it said.

Chadian media reports said that Deby's son was named the interim president by a transitional council of military officers.

Earlier on Tuesday, local media reported that Deby was killed in the front line of the fighting against rebels. Enditem
Assets over $1.5 billion

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank (OTC: SCZC), with assets over $1.5 billion, is a top-rated community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz County. Today the Bank announced record unaudited earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Net income for the quarter was $5.8 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 32%, over the same period in 2020.

Put Your Money Where Your Life Is. Santa Cruz County Bank logo. (PRNewsFoto/Santa Cruz County Bank)

Santa Cruz County Bank President and CEO, Krista Snelling, commented, "It is a pleasure to present the Bank's record quarter earnings. During the quarter, we celebrated the opening of our eighth full service banking office, located in Monterey and the expansion of our SBA Department. We continue to support businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and to provide access to capital for all businesses, while maintaining exceptional credit quality."

Financial Highlights

Performance highlights as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 included the following:

Assets of $1.55 billion as of March 31, 2021, an increase of $480.5 million or 45%, compared to March 31, 2020.

Deposits of $1.36 billion, an increase of $456.9 million or 51%, compared to March 31, 2020.

Pretax income of $8.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, a new record, compared to $5.7 million and $6.2 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020, respectively.

Net interest margin was 4.10% for the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 4.08% in the trailing quarter and 4.51% in the same quarter of 2020.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, return on average assets was 1.60% and 1.12%, respectively, and the return on average tangible equity was 16.40% and 11.66%, respectively.

Efficiency ratio was 45.60% for the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 49.45% in the trailing quarter and 47.55% in the same quarter of 2020.

All capital ratios were above regulatory requirements for a well-capitalized institution with a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.24%.

Continued exceptional credit quality with only one loan for $30 thousand on nonaccrual.

Book value per share after cash dividends increased to $44.95 at March 31, 2021 compared to $43.74 at December 31, 2020.

First Quarter Earnings

For the first quarter 2021, net income was $5.8 million, compared to $4.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, $375 thousand was provided for loan loss reserves compared to $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $150 thousand in the first quarter of 2020. The large provision in the fourth quarter of 2020 was due to the volume of core loan growth during that period. Both basic and diluted earnings per share improved over prior year by $0.36 or 32%.

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Pretax income for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $8.2 million compared to $5.7 million for the previous quarter ended December 31, 2020 and $6.2 million for the same period in prior year.

Interest Income / Interest Expense and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income is the major earnings component of the Bank. Net interest income of $14.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 exceeded prior quarter by 1%, or $112 thousand, and improved over the 2020 first quarter by 28% or $3.1 million. The year over year increase is due primarily to growth in the loan portfolio which increased by $598.2 million over the twelve months ended March 31, 2021. Of the increase, $432.2 million was PPP loan origination (there were no PPP loans on the books at March 31, 2020). The Bank's cost of funds was 0.16% for the current quarter compared to 0.36% over the same period last year.

For the first quarter of 2021, the net interest margin was 4.10%, a decline of 41 basis points from prior year and an increase of two basis points over the fourth quarter of 2020. The year over year reduction in net interest margin was due primarily to the Bank's asset sensitivity, which means net interest income will follow in the same direction as rates.

Assets

Total assets for the first quarter 2021 increased by $480.5 million or 45% compared to prior year. This was due primarily to asset growth generated through PPP loan origination but also planned organic growth such as expansion into Monterey County. With over 50% of 2020 PPP loan originations made to new customers, the Bank's business relationships in the tri-county market area expanded and the Bank continues to capitalize on opportunities afforded by the PPP program into the current quarter.

Loans and Asset Quality

In the first quarter 2021, gross loans increased by $113.1 million, and year over year increased $598.2 million, 79% to $1.35 billion. Year over year growth represented a combination of PPP loan generation and core loan growth while current quarter growth was driven almost entirely by PPP loans.

Allowance for loan losses of $13.4 million at March 31, 2021 represents a $3.0 million, or 29%, increase over the same period last year. The Bank's asset quality remained exceptional with only $30 thousand in nonaccrual at quarter-end and the allowance increase is driven by loan volume.

The following is a summary of delinquent and nonperforming loans, as well as the Bank's loan mix:

Delinquent and Nonperforming Loans (Dollars in thousands) As of or for the

Quarter Ended 03/31/2021 Loans past due 30-89 days $ - Delinquent loans (past due 90+ days still accruing) 69 Nonaccrual loans 30 Other real estate owned - Nonperforming assets 99 Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) YTD (2)



Loan Mix (% of Gross Loans)



As of 03/31/2021 Loans held for sale 2% SBA and B&I loans 9% PPP loans 32% Commercial loans 6% Revolving commercial lines 7% Construction loans 7% Real estate loans 35% Home equity lines of credit 2% Installment, overdraft, and O/D loans 0% Nonaccrual loans and unposted loans 0% OREO as a % of gross loans 0%

The Bank continues to experience good credit quality within its loan portfolio with minimal past due loans and one loan on nonaccrual with limited loss potential. By proactively working with our clients throughout the pandemic, the Bank has received and processed COVID-related payment deferral requests which peaked in October at approximately 8% of the non-SBA portfolio, with 84% of deferrals secured by conforming real estate. This has continued to decline and now total deferrals are only 1.27% of loans with the majority of those facilities being well-secured by real property. The Bank continues to work closely with its customers to ensure their success. The passage of The Economic Aid Act has provided continued support for the Bank's SBA 7(a) portfolio with at least 3 months of payment support on behalf of the borrower. The Bank's exposure to the hospitality industry remains well-managed and is as follows: exposure to hotels/motels at $130 million and exposure to restaurants at $3 million.

Deposits

Deposits grew by 51% or $456.9 million since March 31, 2020, which included $640.8 million in noninterest-bearing deposits at quarter-end. The Bank's total deposits, at a record $1.356 billion, increased by 13% or $161.3 million since December 31, 2020. Growth in both periods was enhanced by the PPP related deposits. Santa Cruz County Bank ranked 4th in overall deposit market share in Santa Cruz County, 1st in Santa Cruz and 2nd in Watsonville based upon FDIC data as of June 30, 2020.

Deposit Mix (% of Total Deposits)



As of

03/31/2021 Noninterest-bearing demand 47% Interest-bearing demand 14% Money markets 21% Time certificates of deposit > $250,000 6% Time certificates of deposit < $250,000 4% Savings 9%



Total deposits  personal 39% Total deposits  business 61%

Noninterest Income / Expense

Noninterest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $1.5 million compared to $1 million for the same period last year with the difference concentrated within gains on SBA loans sold, which was $618 thousand in Q1 2021 versus $188 thousand for the same period in 2020. Noninterest income was up $338 thousand over Q4 2020 with most of the variance again concentrated within SBA gains.

Noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $268 thousand or 4% less than prior quarter but increased 26% or $1.5 million compared to the same period last year. The year over year increase is due to multiple reasons including the ongoing cost associated with providing PPP loan origination services to our community, fully staffing and equipping our branch in Monterey and pandemic related expenses such as janitorial and security.

Shareholders' Equity

Total shareholders' equity was $173.5 million at March 31, 2021, a $5 million or 3% increase over December 31, 2020 and an $18.6 million increase over prior year. Equity was reduced by the payout of cash dividends on common stock of $289 thousand in Q1 2021 and $1.2 million over the last twelve months. There was approximately $28.6 million of intangible assets on the books due to the 2019 merger of which $25.8 million was Goodwill.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Bank's return on average equity was 13.66% with a return on tangible equity of 16.40%. Return on average assets was 1.60%. The book value per share of Santa Cruz County Bank's common stock after cash dividends at March 31, 2021 was $44.95 up $4.73 from the same period in 2020.

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

Santa Cruz County Bank was founded in 2004. It is a top-rated, locally-owned and operated, full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. The bank has eight branchesAptos, Capitola, Cupertino, Monterey, Santa Cruz (2), Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley and a top USDA lender in the state of California. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local not-for-profit organizations.

Santa Cruz County Bank stock is publicly traded on the OTC marketplace under the symbol SCZC. Stock purchase orders may be placed online, through a brokerage firm, or through Market Makers listed in the Investor Relations section of the bank's website. For more information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com.

NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RATINGS AND AWARDS

S&P Global Top 100 Community Banks: The Bank has ranked in the Top 100 Community Banks in the nation for performance for banks under $3 billion in assets for 5 consecutive years.

Financial Management Consulting (FMC) Group: The Bank has ranked in FMC's top ten banks in California for the past 6 years.

The Findley Reports, Inc.: The Bank has received the top ranking of Super Premier by Findley for 11 consecutive years.

Bauer Financial Reports, Inc.: The Bank is rated 5-star "Superior" based upon its financial performance.

Santa Cruz County Bank ranked 11th in the Silicon Valley for the number of SBA loans lent to Silicon Valley businesses for the SBA's 2020 fiscal year.

COMMUNITY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Good Times, 2021 Best of Santa Cruz County Award, Voted "Best Bank" for 9 consecutive years.

Santa Cruz Sentinel, 2020 Reader's Choice Award, number one bank in Santa Cruz County as voted by Santa Cruz Sentinel readers.

Santa Cruz Waves Magazine, 2020 Swellies Awards, Voted "Favorite Bank" in Santa Cruz County.

Second Harvest Food Bank, Platinum Level Award for the 2020 Holiday Food & Fund Drive.

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Selected Unaudited Financial Information

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) As of or for the Quarter Ended March 31,





As of or for the

Quarter Ended

December 31,





2021 2020 Change $ Change %

2020 Change $ Change %

Balance Sheet

















Total assets $ 1,549,976 $ 1,069,463 $ 480,513 45%

$ 1,422,872 $ 127,104 9%

Gross loans 1,350,804 752,563 598,241 79%

1,237,748 113,056 9%

Allowance for loan losses 13,399 10,349 3,050 29%

13,021 378 3%

Noninterest-bearing deposits 640,796 356,716 284,080 80%

552,645 88,151 16%

Total deposits 1,356,054 899,127 456,927 51%

1,194,784 161,270 13%

Shareholders' equity 173,484 154,891 18,593 12%

168,486 4,998 3%





















Income Statement

















Interest income $ 14,661 $ 11,837 $ 2,824 24%

$ 14,651 $ 10 0%

Interest expense 492 792 (300) -38%

593 (101) -17%

Net interest income 14,169 11,045 3,124 28%

14,058 111 1%

Provision for loan losses 375 150 225 150%

2,056 (1,681) -82%

Noninterest income 1,533 1,018 515 51%

1,194 339 28%

Merger expense - 66 (66) -100%

115 (115) -100%

Noninterest expense 7,160 5,669 1,491 26%

7,428 (268) -4%

Net income before taxes 8,167 6,178 1,989 32%

5,653 2,514 44%

Income tax expense 2,378 1,797 581 32%

1,610 768 48%

Net income after taxes $ 5,789 $ 4,381 $ 1,408 32%

$ 4,043 $ 1,746 43%





















Basic earnings per share $ 1.50 $ 1.14 $ 0.36 32%

$ 1.05 $ 0.45 43%

Diluted earnings per share $ 1.49 $ 1.13 $ 0.36 32%

$ 1.05 $ 0.44 42%

Book value per share $ 44.95 $ 40.22 $ 4.73 12%

$ 43.74 $ 1.21 3%

Tangible book value per share $ 37.10 $ 32.15 $ 4.95 15%

$ 35.83 $ 1.27 4%





















Shares outstanding 3,859,464 3,851,041





3,852,341

























Ratios

















Tier 1 leverage ratio 10.13% 12.26%





10.27%





Net interest margin 4.10% 4.51%





4.08%





Efficiency ratio 45.60% 47.55%





49.45%





Return on average assets 1.60% 1.67%





1.12%





Return on average equity 13.66% 11.42%





9.58%





Return on average tangible equity 16.40% 14.23%





11.66%





% of noninterest-bearing to total deposits 47.25% 39.67%





46.25%





























Cision

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/santa-cruz-county-bank-reports-record-earnings-for-quarter-ended-march-31-2021-301273388.html

SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank
David Cameron has been asked to reveal text messages he sent to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to MPs amid a probe into his work for a now-collapsed finance firm.

The former Tory prime minister has been given two weeks to answer a series of questions about his role at Greensill Capital amid fury at its access to the heart of Government.

As the fallout from the lobbying controversy continued it was also revealed that 13 senior civil servants have taken second jobs in the private sector.

They include Jonson Cox, who is a non-executive director at two energy firms as well as chairman of water regulator Ofwat, and National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who is a director at a property firm, according to the Telegraph.

A series of investigations have been launched into the role Mr Cameron played in securing Whitehall access for Lex Greensill, whose firm Greensill Capital collapsed earlier this year, putting thousands of jobs at risk, particularly in the steel sector.

The Commons Treasury Committee chairman Mel Stride wrote to the ex-PM and the Chancellor yesterday, calling for a full timeline of contacts that Treasury officials and ministers had with Mr Cameron and other Greensill representatives.

The senior Tory MP also asked Mr Cameron for the full texts that he sent the Chancellor, which the Treasury has not published, by May 6.

The former Tory prime minister has been given two weeks to answer a series of questions about his role at Greensill Capital amid fury at its access to the heart of Government.

A series of investigations have been launched into the role Mr Cameron played in securing Whitehall access for Lex Greensill (right). it emerged Mr Cameron sent text messages to the Chancellor (left) as he sought to gain access to Government-backed coronavirus loans.

It is one of the inquiries launched after it emerged Mr Cameron sent text messages to the Chancellor as he sought to gain access to Government-backed coronavirus loans for his employer Greensill.

The Prime Minister has asked lawyer Nigel Boardman to investigate after it emerged that former government procurement chief Bill Crothers worked as an adviser for Greensill Capital while in his Whitehall job.

Greensill, which collapsed in March, also employed Mr Cameron, who lobbied ministers on behalf of the firm. He was cleared of any rule breaking earlier this month. The cross-party panel of MPs also want to question Mr Greensill.

The Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and UK Government Investments also faced questions in the probe into the failure of Greensill and its attempts to lobby the Government.

The Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee gave details of its investigation into the lobbying row, which will look at whether existing rules and penalties are tough enough.

The terms of reference published by the committee note the collapse of Greensill Capital and revelations about its relationship with ministers and Whitehall 'have raised significant concerns about the propriety of governance in this country' which 'risks undermining public trust'.

Committee chairman William Wragg MP said: 'We will look into whether the rules need tightening up and clarifying and we will make any necessary recommendations without fear or favour.'

The MPs will examine whether codes of conduct for ministers, special advisers and officials are effective, how conflicts of interest are managed and whether the business appointment rules are broad enough.

The committee will also examine how lobbying should be regulated and consider the issues around the use of consultants and contractors in government.

The revelations of top jobs held by senior civil servants came after Britain's top mandarin warned high-level Whitehall officials should not have second jobs because it threatens the 'integrity and impartiality' of the civil service.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, formerly private secretary to the Duke of Cambridge, last week ordered the heads of all government departments to search their ranks for civil servants taking money for a second job that could pose a potential conflict of interest.

In a letter sent to senior mandarins across the Whitehall establishment, he warned there must be 'transparency and full and proper management of any outside interests' among senior civil servants, and stressed that conflicts of interest are 'not permitted'.

The findings of his investigation have yet to be revealed, but an analysis by the Telegraph discovered more than a dozen have outside interests. There is no suggestion any rules have been broken.
When I retired from leading River School in 2014, later that school year there were two teen suicides in NVUSD in the space of eight days, an 8th-grade boy and a 10th grader. Those deaths shook me and, with Jeni Olsen, we started Village Napa, an advocacy group, to support the mental, social, and emotional well-being of young people. In the research Ive done since then, Ive discovered that suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents, among college students, and that 50% of millennials and 75% of Gen Zers have left their jobs due to mental health reasons.

Today, social emotional learning (SEL) is a national movement. Today, districts must have policies about suicide prevention. Today, the California Department of Education created principles for SEL, saying that it is not an add-on, but a must-have. Today, the new push in the movement is adult SEL development because adult modeling is the most effective way for students to learn these skills.
By Andrew Chung

(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday brought an end to another lawsuit related to the Nov. 3 presidential election filed by a Republican former congressional candidate who had challenged the extension of Pennsylvania's deadline to receive mail-in ballots.

The justices, in a brief order, decided that the dispute was moot. They threw out a Nov. 13 decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia that found the candidate, Jim Bognet, as well as four individual voters, did not have legal standing to challenge the ballot deadline extension.

Bognet, who lost his race for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives to Democratic rival Matt Cartwright, and the voters had filed the suit before the election, challenging a Sept. 17 ruling by Pennsylvania's top court ordering officials to count mail-in ballots that were postmarked by Election Day and received up to three days later.

The high court's action in the lingering dispute was expected as it has previously rejected many others pursued by former President Donald Trump and his allies related to the presidential election.

Trump, a Republican, lost his re-election bid to Democrat Joe Biden, who took office on Jan. 20. Biden defeated Trump by more than 80,000 votes in Pennsylvania. Trump made false claims that the election was stolen from him through widespread voting fraud and irregularities.

The election dispute in Pennsylvania, like in several other states, involved changes implemented to facilitate voting during the coronavirus pandemic, a public health crisis that prompted a surge in mail-in ballots as voters sought to avoid crowded polling places.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court sided with the state's Democratic Party and various Democratic officials and candidates who argued that an Election Day mail-in ballot receipt deadline would violate the state constitution's guarantee of "free and equal" elections given the pandemic and warnings by the U.S. Postal Service over its ability to deliver ballots in time.

Story continues

The 3rd Circuit in its ruling against Bognet and the voters said that they cannot represent the state legislature, whose power they claimed had been undermined by the state court.

"Because plaintiffs are not the General Assembly, nor do they bear any conceivable relationship to state lawmaking processes, they lack standing to sue over the alleged usurpation of the General Assembly's rights," the 3rd Circuit said.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham)
As of midnight, Tuesday April 20, the HPSC has been notified of 401 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There has now been a total of 244,695** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Of the cases listed today, 23 are in Limerick. The number of new cases during last 14 days in Limerick is now at 177.

However, the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population for Limerick is now at 90.8, with the national average at 113.4

Of the cases notified today:

217 are men / 181 are women

73% are under 45 years of age

The median age is 31 years old

182 in Dublin, 40 in Kildare, 31 in Donegal, 23 in Limerick, 22 in Cork and the remaining 103 cases are spread across 17 other counties.***



As of 8am today, 182 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 47 are in ICU. 19 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 15 additional deaths related to COVID-19. Of the deaths notified today, 2 in April, 3 in March, 6 in February, 4 in January or earlier. The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 56-90 years. There has been a total of 4,856* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

Vaccines:

As of April 19th, 2021, 1,219,487 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:

863,958 people have received their first dose

355,529 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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) Did you accidentally click that link to a malicious post from a random Facebook user?

Many Filipino netizens have complained about the malicious tagging spree across the social media platform, which links one to a post containing what seems to be an adult video.

Once the link is accessed, the user will then be asked to install an update to watch the video in full. When clicked, this will result in an automatic and random tagging in the same post of other users, including people who are not part of your Friends list.

The Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime said on Wednesday that it has raised the matter to Facebook Asia Pacific Legal Law Enforcement Outreach. Facebook said it already took down the page and sanctioned its administrators.

"As of this morning, 11AM of 21, April 2021, the DOJ-OOC received confirmation from Facebook APAC Legal Law Enforcement Outreach that the page associated to the malicious tagging has been removed and its administrators were sanctioned," it said in a statement.

"We encourage everyone to report similar incidents in the future to the DOJ-OOC for immediate and appropriate action," the DOJ-OOC added.

A representative for Facebook said separately the company is continuing its investigation into these reports. Facebook also encouraged users not to open any suspicious links or messages."

Introduction or transmission of viruses, such as malwares, to and interference in the functioning of computer systems are prohibited acts under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the DOJ-OOC said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 06:54:16|Editor: huaxia

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Then U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan speaks during a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, on Dec. 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Ting Shen)

U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

WASHINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Tuesday that he would leave Russia temporarily to discuss bilateral ties with colleagues in Washington, days after Moscow suggested him to return home for consultations amid tensions between the two countries.

"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said in a brief statement.

The envoy said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters later Tuesday that Sullivan is "returning at an opportune time to undertake consultations here to see his family," noting that his return was not an expulsion by Russia.

He added that Sullivan had been deeply engaged in "our new approach to Russia," which aims at a stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.

Sullivan's leave follows recent diplomatic clashes between the two countries.

Last Thursday, the Biden administration announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sweeping sanctions against individuals and entities in response to Moscow's alleged election interference and cyber activities.

The U.S. flag waves in the wind at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, on April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

Russia on Friday said that it would expel 10 U.S. diplomats, bar eight incumbent and former American high-ranking officials from entering Russia indefinitely, among other restrictions.

"This extremely tense situation objectively requires the ambassadors of our countries to be in their respective capitals to analyze developments and hold consultations," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has been summoned back to Moscow for a month amid the deteriorating ties.

While authorizing punitive measures against Russia, Biden also called for de-escalating the tensions and proposed a summit with Putin in Europe this summer to address a range of bilateral issues.

Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Russian counterpart on Monday and discussed the prospect of the summit.

Relations between Washington and Moscow have been adversarial in recent years. The two were bitterly divided over Ukraine, human rights, and cybersecurity issues, and they mutually accused the other of domestic political interference. 
Organizers of the 2021 Illinois Life Sciences Showcase, a partnership of public, private, and academic institutions, today announced that 12 of Illinois' most promising life sciences startups will be showcased to an audience of top-tier investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and business executives at the virtual event on April 26 - 30, 2021. The Showcase companies span the pharmaceutical and medical device industries and represent the diversity and strength of Illinois' life sciences industry.

"Illinois is quickly rising as a hub in the nations life science and health tech industry. Our state is home to some of the worlds top pharmaceutical and life science companies, research universities, and innovative startups looking to make an impact. Were looking forward to bringing all these players together for a glimpse into Illinois bright future." Nancy Sullivan, CEO, Managing Director, and Managing Principal, Illinois Ventures.

Our Illinois life sciences community has grown rapidly over the past couple of years, said John Conrad, President and CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization. In fact, weve had the largest percentage increase in life sciences venture capital of any major U.S. market over the past three years. To support this growth, partners from across the US are investing heavily in new life sciences R&D lab developments and innovation engines.

During the week of April 26th, the Illinois Life Sciences Showcase will feature three-daily

45-minute tracks:

o 9 AM: Illinois BioGeneius High School STEM Competition: Annual competition brings together young innovators to present their research projects in biotechnology before an accomplished panel of established biotechnology researchers and academics.

o 12 PM: New Venture Showcase: The Life Sciences Showcase provides attendees with unique access to early-stage startups from proven innovators in the health industry.

o 3 PM: Innovation Ecosystem Showcase: Stay connected to the newest developments and organizations shaping the future of the Illinois Life Sciences industry

The Showcase kicks off with the Illinois BioGENEius STEM Competition on the morning of April 26. BioGENEius is the most prestigious high school science competition in the world for original research in biotechnology. One Illinois winner will receive the opportunity to present his or her research to judges at the 2021 BIO International Digital Convention.

The Innovation Showcase provides us with an opportunity to highlight the abundant talent of Illinois leading life science startups, said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. As home to one of the largest biopharma concentrations in the nation, our Illinois companies have played a crucial role in the response to COVID-19  developing new tools and lifesaving breakthroughs, while creating jobs for our communities. To position this industry for continued growth, Governor Pritzker is committed to making continued investments that will propel our startups and innovators in Illinois toward the next big research breakthrough.

The Life Sciences New Venture Showcase is supported by Trammell Crow Company and will be live streamed at noon from Illinois' newest and most advanced lab development, Trammell Crow Companys Fulton Labs at 1375 W Fulton, part of the 725,000 square foot Fulton Labs campus in Chicagos Fulton Market.

We are excited to support the 2021 Illinois Life Sciences Showcase and the growing ecosystem, said Grady Hamilton, managing director of TCCs Midwest Business Unit. We deeply believe in strength of industry here -- the global powerhouses, the innovative startups, the university & national lab research, the talent, the quality of life, the venture funding and more. We wanted to create a world-class space that scientists deserve to pursue their discovery and patient care missions.

The Illinois Life Sciences Showcase will finish every day at 3pm featuring presentations by seven of Illinois newest lab facility developments and organizations that will help shape the regions Life Sciences industry through major science infrastructure additions and community-building programming.

For more information and registration, please visit http://lifesciencesshowcase.com

About iBIO:

The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) is a life sciences industry association that represents the nearly 88,000 life sciences employees at member companies, universities, service providers and venture firms. iBIO promotes the industrys value to the public and policymakers; connects innovators to investment and talent; stimulates collaboration and fosters the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to transform patient lives through groundbreaking research and works to grow the Illinois economy.

About Trammell Crow Company:

Trammell Crow Company (TCC), founded in 1948, is one of the nations leading developers and investors in commercial real estate. The Company has developed or acquired 2,800 buildings valued at nearly $70 billion and over 625 million square feet. As of December 31, 2020, TCC had $14.9 billion of projects in process and $6.1 billion in its pipeline. It employs nearly 600 professionals in the United States and Europe.

Trammell Crow Companys teams are dedicated to building value for its clients with professionals in 18 major cities throughout the United States and Europe. The company serves users of and investors in office, industrial, healthcare, multi-family residential, through its operating subsidiary High Street Residential, and mixed-use projects. For those who occupy real estate, TCC can execute the development or acquisition of facilities tailored to meet the needs of its clients. For investor clients, the company specializes in joint venture speculative development, acquisition/re-development ventures, build-to-suit development and providing incentive-based fee development services.

TCC is an independently operated subsidiary of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, and the worlds largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2020 revenue). For more information visit http://www.TrammellCrow.com.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  The United States on Wednesday strongly advised its citizens against traveling to the Philippines due to the "high level" of COVID-19 infection in the country.

The US Department of State issued the Level 4: Do Not Travel restriction in accordance with the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The updated Level 4 list included 100 other countries. Previously, there were only around three dozen countries on the department's Do Not Travel alert  the highest of the travel advisory levels.

The US CDC said the public  even those fully vaccinated  should avoid all travel to the Philippines due to the current COVID-19 situation in the country. It said even those who have received their shots may be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.

If traveling to the Philippines cannot be avoided, it urged travelers to complete their vaccine shots first. It said all travelers should wear a mask, practice physical distancing, and follow minimum health protocols.

The Philippines has recorded at least 953,106 COVID-19 cases, with 127,006 patients currently sick. Parts of the country, including the capital region Metro Manila, are experiencing a surge in new infections. The country has hundreds of confirmed cases of the more transmissible variants that were first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and one under investigation that originated in the Philippines.
Norway's opposition Labour Party has rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quatities

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics.

Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal submitted in February, both the possession and use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer have been punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have had to seek help.

The ruling party however needed backing from the opposition in parliament in order for the bill to be approved.

Although the Labour Party is in principal in favour of doing away with penalties for heavy drug users, it is against decriminalising drug use for the wider population.

Proponents of the bill argued that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic.

Although the bill was rejected on Friday, negotiations could still lead to a different text decriminalising heavy drug use being adopted.

Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway -- and other Nordic countries -- have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe.

In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

phy/map/jz/pvh
[April 21, 2021] GDA Capital Solidifies AI Portfolio with Investment of up to $1M in Autonio

Toronto, CA, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Industry leading digital asset firm GDA Capital announced its financial investment into Autonio, an AI crypto trading platform. The firm has agreed to invest up to $1 million, solidifying their plan to provide more impact capital into the AI sector as Artificial Intelligence based solutions continue to intertwine with digital assets, blockchain, and distributed ledger technology (DLT). Autonio will utilize this capital injection to continue its R&D initiatives to create more efficient trading tools for retail traders. The use of AI for high-frequency trading (HFT) is a common practice across institutional demographics but it has yet to be offered to the retail segment of digital asset markets. Autonios platform will make it easy for traders to maximize their positions by offering a obust Market Making tool embedded into an incentivised environment through ongoing liquidity mining campaigns.



CEO & Co-Founder of GDA, Michael Gord had this to say when asked about this strategic investment. Data optimization has been expedited through the advanced adoption of the blockchain ecosystem, now powered by AI capabilities. Companies utilizing this cutting edge intelligence in finance and consumer services such as Autonio push the boundaries of what is possible and necessary in a world overflowing with misplaced data that is in need of synchronicity.

The NIOX token gives users access to Autonios ecosystem of tools that democratize trading and improve DeFi liquidity. Besides its AI network, these include liquidity mining and market making features as well as a decentralized exchange. Founder and CEO of Autonio Ali Raheman gave his perspective on what the investment can do for Autonios future growth. We are very glad to have the support of GDA Capital. They bring a wealth of industry experience and strategic value. Moreover, with our recent Fireblocks integration, Autonio now has the infrastructure to bring institutional capital and strategic support. The funding has enabled us to expand our team and will further enable us to achieve our growth objectives. This becomes especially important as we hit our development milestones and gear up for a wider adoption. About Global Digital Assets

GDA Capital is a global organization that provides vertically integrated financial technology services to institutional investors and disruptive technology companies. We are the trusted advisor that bridges the gap between institutional capital markets and disruptive technologies. For more information, visit www.gda.capital About Autonio Autonio is the first AI-powered decentralized automated trading system that makes crypto-trading easy, rewarding, competitive and fun by allowing traders to design their own investment strategies and compete with peers. For more information, please visit www.autonio.foundation. Media contact: Robert@thronepr.com





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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-20 23:30:19|Editor: huaxia

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A Taiwan compatriot receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in east China's Shanghai, April 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

GUANGZHOU/SHANGHAI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- South China's Guangdong Province and Shanghai began inoculating Taiwan compatriots against COVID-19 on Monday.

Yang Chun-chue, a Taiwanese student at Jinan University, received his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday afternoon, together with 61 other Taiwanese residents, in the city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

"Many of my classmates have already received the vaccination. My family also encouraged me to be inoculated as soon as possible," said Yang. He added that after the vaccination, he felt less worried about potential infection as the vaccination gave him further protection.

In Shanghai, Taiwanese businessman Lee Cheng-hung made a reservation for the COVID-19 vaccination on his mobile phone at midnight as soon as the reservation service was launched on Monday.

Photo taken on April 19, 2021 shows posters with COVID-19 vaccination guidance for Taiwan compatriots outside a community health center in Malu Town of Jiading new city, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

The government has been really helpful in assisting the Taiwanese businesspeople and compatriots to fight against the epidemic and resume work and production, according to Lee. "I believe many more Taiwanese people living in the mainland will join in the vaccination campaign," he said.

Taiwan compatriots enjoy the same treatment as mainlanders when seeking vaccination on the mainland, said Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, last Wednesday.

Taiwan compatriots bearing residence permits or medical-insurance certificates can register for vaccines in their place of residence on the basis of informed consent and volition, the same policy and procedure governing mainlanders, said Ma.

Those without the two documents can apply to Taiwan affairs authorities at the county level or above for such services, Ma added. 
Through the strategic collaboration with Alghanim Industries, the Maharat Min Google initiative provided free in-person and online digital skills training and tools to students, educators, job seekers and small businesses. The online platform is comprised of over 100 lessons and explanatory videos, covering a range of digital marketing skills including search engine marketing, social media, video, e-commerce and more.

Commenting on the impact of the initiative, Alghanim Industries' Executive Chairman, Kutayba Y. Alghanim said: "Our support for this program stems from our commitment to equip our youth with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy. We are especially proud to have partnered with a reputed global entity like Google as well as INJAZ Kuwait which has for many years been empowering the country's youth to build successful and innovative careers."

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative succeeded in reaching its target and helped students plan for their future through interactive virtual sessions. Beyond Kuwait, Alghanim Industries' support has also helped Maharat Min Google reach 9,200 students in Palestine and 8,000 students in Yemen, in collaboration with INJAZ Al-Arab.

Meanwhile, Chairman of INJAZ Kuwait, Bader Al Kharafi, said: "INJAZ Kuwait is honored to conclude this program, which has equipped more than 2,000 young men and women in Kuwait with necessary digital literacy skills, especially in these unprecedented times which have propelled all efforts for e-learning across the country. We are grateful for Alghanim Industries' ongoing support to INJAZ Kuwait and we hope to reach a wider number of students in future initiatives."

The Maharat Min Google partnership was developed in response to the increasing demand for digital skills within the job market and the absence of sufficient Arabic-language digital training in MENA educational systems. Furthermore, despite the significant contribution women make to the world of innovation, the region has among the lowest female labor market participation rates globally. As a result of these considerations, the initiative was designed to raise hopes for all Arab youth, especially young women, to achieve their future aspirations.

Media Contact:

Hussain Al-Qatari

Corporate Communications Manager

[email protected]

+965 66361371



SOURCE Alghanim Industries
First Covid-19 infection on Mount Everest.

A climber, a member of a mountaineering expedition, tested positive for coronavirus and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The rest of the group of hikers remained in quarantine at base camp.

Initially, the man was thought to have felt ill due to pulmonary edema. Only once he arrived at the hospital was it possible to ascertain the positivity of the patient.

Since April, the Nepalese government has ordered the reopening of the climbs, which were interrupted due to the pandemic.

However, foreign travelers are required to undergo a Covid test upon arrival in the country.

(Unioneonline / F)
Foldable smartphones, not everyone's cup of tea after some models received a less than stellar welcome, are still expected to ship 18 million units by the end of 2022, the technology research firm Counterpoint Research says.

In a statement, the firm's Charles Moon said foldables comprised just a fraction of a percent of the 1.3 billion smartphones sold in 2020. That figure is expected to rise to 1.2% by the end of next year.

The low rate of growth was expected even as the industry experimented with different form factors, designs, materials and operating system variants.

Counterpoint Research senior analyst Jene Park, who heads the company's foldables research division, said: Samsung has led the segment in terms of design, marketing, and shipments, dominating last year with more than 80% share of the foldables market.

"The company also had the strongest line-up, with various models and variants including a second-generation flagship.

"This year, however, Samsung is facing more competition, with the release of Huaweis critically lauded Mate X2, Xiaomis Mi Mix Fold, and announcements from vivo, OPPO, and TCL hinting at 2021 launches.

No mention was made of the Microsoft Surface Duo which made its debut in August last year. The company avoided using its own operating system, Windows, and opted for Google's Android instead.

ArsTechnica's Ron Amadeo, probably the best smartphone reviewer in the business, gave it a thumbs-down, headlining his piece: "Orphaned Windows hardware makes a poor Android device. Microsoft's first Android phone has a lot of problems."

The segment has lost one device, with LG's exit from the smartphone space; it had a foldable device shaped like a T which came to market in August last year.

Park said despite issues that smartphones with this form factor had faced in the past, Counterpoint remained bullish on sales growth for the devices till the end of 2022.

But he had several conditions attached to that, saying: "Three key things must happen before we see any significant volumes: 1. Significant price declines with flagships at around US$1000 (A$1295)  US$1500 (A$1942); 2. more vendor participants  were starting to see this now; and 3. Apples entry into the space.

"The last named is an important milestone as Apple is known to be extra cautious on costs and component sourcing. A foldable iPhone is a nod to the robustness of the technology, and we expect this to be towards end-2022 or most likely 2023.

In the interim, Counterpoint said it expected experimentation to continue, "with OPPO and TCLs recent announcements opening the possibility of rollable and hybrid 'Fold n Roll' designs being available".

Research vice-president Neil Shah said: TCLs teaser on their Fold n Roll design is especially interesting from an engineering standpoint because of the technology needed to create a truly robust commercial model. It makes sense that TCL is leading this as they can experiment more being a vertically integrated player.

"LG Display, another major supplier, will also be looking for suitors for its cutting edge foldable/rollable portfolio considering key client LG Mobile has thrown in the towel for its smartphone business.

"Ultimately, these display makers will have to find a way to scale the product to bring down device prices to meaningful sub-US$1000 levels to take it mainstream. Additionally, production yield for these innovative displays will be critical for suppliers to achieve economies of scale.

Shah also stressed the need for the foldable segment to get overall industry support. Smartphone makers, along with Google and the Android developer ecosystem will need to optimise software and applications for the new form factors, and this is where we could see a lot of fragmentation early on," he said.

"Reducing this risk quickly to reach scale will require Apple and Samsung to drive a form factor as usually it then becomes an industry standard.
GET THE niggers, was their slogan, / Kill them, burn, them, set the pace. / Let them know that we are white men. /Teach them how to keep their place. AJ Smitherman, The Tulsa Race Riot and Massacre (1922).

I had just left Harvard University as an assistant professor and was doing Time to Talk, a series of interviews for T&T Television.
Bengaluru, April 21 : Following the Karnataka High Court's direction, the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League (KSRTEL) called off its indefinite strike and decided to resume operations from Wednesday night itself, its Honorary President, Kodihalli Chandrashekar said here.

Chandrashekhar told reporters that the KSRTEL had called off its 15-day long strike that affected tge statewide public transport system and had hit the lakhs of commuters for nearly a fortnight.

The KSRTEL had gone on indefinite protest since April 7, demanding their pay hike on par with incumbent state government employees in the state as per the Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations.

After the KSRTEL's call, the public transport system had come to screeching halt across the state and this is the longest duration of protest in Karnataka by the employees of government-run bodies.

Chandrashekhar said that the KSRTEL voluntarily decided to call off its strike after the high court's intervention and surging Covid cases across the state. "We cannot ignore the worsening Covid situation and we do not wish to be party to the worsening situation. In these trying times, the transport system plays a vital role, we need to restore it to normalcy," he said.

He added that their fight to seek remuneration hike as per the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission would continue in court. "The high court has asked us to appear before them on Thursday and our lawyers will be presenting our case there," he said.

In response to a question, Chandrashekhar said that with even Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa taken ill and admitted to hospital, it would not be appropriate on KSRTEL's part to continue its protest. "He is ill and he should come back healthy. We can always approach him again to consider our demands in a more considerate manner," he said.

He also added that the KSRTEL would seek High Court's directions to restore jobs to dismissed probationary staff members and those who have been transferred for supporting the strike.

The KSRTEL was formed in January 2020 after most of the employees felt that existing employees unions were not doing enough and it tasted its first success in December 2020, when it stopped the public transport system for four days in a row and succeeded in getting a written assurance on its demands from the Karnataka government.

As per this written assurance, the KSRTEL claimed that they have been deprived of their salary hike based on Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations and it went to indefinite strike from April 7.

KSRTEL comprises employees of four separate transport corporations - the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NEKRTC) - together run a total fleet of 26,000 buses with the help of more than 1.37 lakh employees.

Among the four corporations, the BMTC is considered to be the lifeline of Bengaluru public transport system connecting every nook and cranny of the city with its fleet of 6,000 buses.
Florida's House passed a bill last week that would bar transgender athletes from participating in girls and women's scholastic sports. The legislation, modeled after a bill passed in Idaho, is one of dozens of similar efforts by GOP lawmakers in 30 states. But Florida's bill "goes even further by giving schools the power to conduct genital examinations," The Hill reports.

Under the legislation, a school or rival athlete could file a complaint if they suspect a competitor in a female sporting event was not assigned the female gender at birth, and the athlete would then have to prove she was born a "biological" girl. They could "prove their birth gender via a genetic test, a test of their testosterone levels, or an examination of their reproductive anatomy by a medical professional," the Tampa Bay Times explains. "The 'reproductive anatomy' language was a major point of controversy for House Democrats, who argued the provision amounted to the state legalizing 'genital inspections.'"

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Supporters of the bill argue it protects female athletes from unfair competition. Detractors say that, apart from the intrusive anatomical inspections of minors, it harms an already marginalized group of kids and, at best, tries to tackle a nonexistent problem.

The Florida High School Athletic Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association both have policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports, and the NCAA said last week that it will pull championships from states that limit transgender participation. "Florida is set to host more than 40 regional or national NCAA championship events between the next academic year and May of 2026," the Tampa Bay Times notes.

The House passed its version of the bill 77 to 40, mostly along party lines, but it may not get a hearing in the state Senate before the legislative session ends April 30. The Senate version of the bill allowed transgender athletes to compete if their testosterone levels were low enough, but its sponsor, Sen. Kelli Stargel (R), amended it Monday night to make it nearly identical to the House version  except it lets the Florida Board of Education decide how to settle disputes around a student's gender and sex. "Andy Tuck, the Board of Education's chair, is the father of the House sponsor of HB 1475, Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R)," the Tampa Bay Times adds.

More stories from theweek.com

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What if COVID-19 had been COVID-99?


More than a quarter of fully vaccinated residents at one Kentucky nursing home still contracted a rare variant of COVID-19, one of two new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies reveal.

The studies trace how coronavirus tore through skilled nursing facilities in Chicago and Kentucky.

In Chicago, only about four percent of infections were among people who had had their shots.

But a rare variant in a single Kentucky facility rendered vaccines only about 66 percent effective for residents and 76 percent effective for staff - much lower than the 94 of 95 percent efficacy found in clinical trials for shots made by Moderna and Pfizer, respectively.

The pair of studies highlight that vaccines work well - but do not guaranteed protection, especially where dangerous variants are circulating.

None of the three vaccines authorized in the U.S. were 100 percent effective in clinical trials, meaning that so-called 'breakthrough' infections are to be expected.

At one Kentucky nursing home, 18 vaccinated residents (black stripes) were infected with a rare, more infectious Covid variant, as were four vaccinated nursing home staff members (light blue)

ONly four percent of fully vaccinated staff and residents (black) across 78 nursing homes in Chicago became infected

In Chicago, there were outbreaks of COVID-19 in 75 out of 78 nursing homes between December 2020 and March 2021.

During that period, there were 627 cases of COVID-19 in the facilities.

Out of those, 22 were deemed breakthrough infections, occurring at 15 of the homes. Twelve of these were residents - most of whom were 60 or older - and 10 were staff members.

That represents only about four percent of all nursing home cases in the period in Chicago, suggesting that the shots were about 96 percent effective overall.

However, rates of vaccination varied widely from nursing home to nursing home.

Some had vaccination rates as low as 18 percent, while 96 percent of residents and staff were vaccinated at others.

The Kentucky nursing home was struck by R1, a rare Covid variant that is not considered of interest or concern by the CDC. It represents just 1.1% of US infections

The majority of the people who did catch coronavirus after getting vaccinated never developed any symptoms (64 percent).

Five of them developed symptoms, but only mild ones. Two of the nursing home residents were hospitalized for COVID-19 after breakthrough infections and one of them ultimately died.

Overall, in Chicago, the vaccines performed about as expected, and no one who developed a breakthrough infection passed the virus on in a secondary transmission.

Even in the face of a worrisome variant, vaccines were still highly effective, preventing about 87 percent of infections in a Kentucky nursing home.

But the higher rate of breakthrough cases there did highlight how current and future variants might escape the vaccines.

More than 90 percent of the residents and just over half of staff at the nursing home had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in March.

In total, 26 residents and 20 staff members at the facility - which housed 83 residents cared for by 116 employees - developed COVID-19.

Twenty-two of those were breakthrough infections among people who had had both doses of vaccines.

Genome sequencing of a virus samples revealed that a variant known as R1 was driving the outbreak.

R1 has not been deemed a variant of concern or interest by the CDC, meaning it isn't considered a major threat.

But it does have three mutations to its spike protein - the part of the virus that allows it to break into human cells - that may make it more infectious and less affected by antibodies to coronavirus triggered by prior infection or vaccines.

According to the CDC's tracking, about 1.1 percent of all US infections are caused by R1, which is slightly more than are caused by the South African variant, B3151, and slightly fewer than are caused by Brazil's P1 variant.

The R1 variant hit vaccinated elderly people in the facility at an alarming rate.

More than a quarter of fully vaccinated residents were infected, as were more than seven percent of staff members.

And four people may have been reinfected and developed symptoms with their second bouts of the virus, according to the CDC study.

Risks of developing the infection were still about three times lower for people who were vaccinated compared to those who were unvaccinated.

And vaccines prevented 87 percent of staff from developing Covid symptoms or being hospitalized for the infection, and prevented 94 percent of hospitalizations among residents.

By comparison, four out of six of the nursing home residents who had not been vaccinated and caught coronavirus had to be hospitalized.

However, one vaccinated resident died of COVID-19, as did two who were unvaccinated.

Overall, the vaccines were about 66 percent effective at protecting residents, who were older people with typically weaker immune responses, and 76 percent of staff from infection.

The CDC authors note that the low vaccination rate among the staff members likely allowed the dangerous variant - which had never been identified before in Kentucky - to enter and spread throughout the facility.
Germany and Russia have signed a joint declaration of intent to co-operate in the field of sustainable energy, the Russian energy ministry reported, listing hydrogen as a key area of focus.

It could also exploit its vast renewable power potential to produce green hydrogen from water by electrolysis.

Russia's status as Germany's biggest gas supplier means it could be well-placed to be a key hydrogen supplier to the country in the future as well, Natural Gas World reported.
Madison Media, a unit of Madison World has created a record by winning 23 new accounts in a financial year. Amidst the nationwide lockdown and work-from- home, the new business wins amounted to a billing of $211 Million as per Comvergence New Business Report published last month. The Agency also received a top score of A+ in the Comp Pitches Report for 2020 by Recma.

2020 has been a fantastic year for Madison Media in terms of New business, the agency having won clients like, Abbott Nutrition, RSPL Group, RSH Global  Joy Cosmetics, Welspun, Indira IVF, Licious, Weikfield, M3M India, Liebherr, Educational Testing Service (ETS), Aliens Group, Wonder Masala, Vijay Bhoomi, Practo, Gold Drop Oil, NextGen Software, McDonalds integrated & performance, Dhani Loans, Atomberg, Alchem Industries, Sunpure Oil, PAPA Brands, amongst others. The Agency continues its winning streak this year too.

Speaking on Madison new business wins across last year, Vikram Sakhuja, Partner & Group CEO, Madison Media & OOH says, When the going gets tough, the tough get going. As the pandemic impacted advertising spends profoundly we saw an opportunity to establish the link between media and marketing outcomes, and doubled down on our pitch efforts. The result  23 wins! I am overwhelmed by the teamwork, spirit and smarts of our Madison family.

Madison Media, Indias largest homegrown media agency that started media operations in 1995, last year was ranked by Recma, amongst the Top 5 Global Independent Agencies of the World. It is also ranked the 2 nd most powerful media agency by The Economic Times, Brand

Equity Ad Agency Reckoner, 2019. Some other Agency accolades include Best Digital & Social Media agency of the Year at IDMA 2020, Media Agency of the Year at Prime Time Awards 2020, Agency of the Year at Digies Digital Awards 2019 and Mobile Media Agency of the Year at IDMA 2019. In addition, the Agency has won over 200 awards since 2019.

Madison Media also continues to handle media planning and buying for blue chip clients like Godrej, Marico, Asian Paints, Titan, Tata Consumer Products, Blue Star, TVS, Raymond, Viacom 18, Ceat, Pidilite, Bajaj Electricals, McDonalds, Lodha, gaana.com, and many others. Madison Media is part of Madison World, Indias largest homegrown communication agency established in 1988. Madison World through its 11 Units served last year, as many as 500 Advertisers.
When the verdict came in, social media erupted.

Shortly after 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges he faced in the death of George Floyd: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Floyds death in May 2020 -- captured on video by bystanders as Chauvin, then a Minneapolis police officer, knelt on the unarmed mans neck for more than nine minutes -- spurred outrage throughout the United States. It also led to countrywide calls for police reform and racial justice, and reignited the Black Lives Matter movement.

As Chauvin was led out of the courtroom on Tuesday in handcuffs -- his bail revoked, his sentence pending -- reactions were strong and swift on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Celebrities were among the folks expressing their views on the verdict and Chauvins fate. Heres a sampling.

And this isnt even a celebration. #GeorgeFloyd was still murdered before our eyes. Hes gone. His family will never be made whole.



And how many #DerekChauvins are there in the world & on the police force. Theres more than ONE bad apple.



But this enough for this moment.   yvette nicole brown (@YNB) April 20, 2021

A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice.  Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) April 20, 2021

FINALLY! Guilty!!! Of all three counts!! (And judging by his face, shocked.) May this sentence be long, and strong and change making. #Precedent



Darnella Frazier you are a hero.#DerekChauvinGUILTY#DerekChauvinMurderer https://t.co/OX8hb7jFXG  Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) April 20, 2021

I just hope somewhere somehow #George knows https://t.co/YPfb7VYrpR  Eric Roberts (@EricRoberts) April 20, 2021

Gratitude to the young girl, a child who video taped the entire nine minutes and 29 seconds it took to kill George Floyd pic.twitter.com/1i1cakxYrt  Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) April 20, 2021

This is the first time in history in MN that a white police officer has been convicted of killing a black man.This is the beginning of the end of legal lynching. Legal lynching must end.Congrats to the legal team&to Attorney General #KeithEllison. #justiceforgeorgefloyd pic.twitter.com/R7SjqqnwfV  Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 20, 2021

Not in the entire history of Black people in America has a white police officer been convicted of the murder of a Black person. Not in 400 years!  LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 20, 2021

ACCOUNTABILITY  LeBron James (@KingJames) April 20, 2021

This verdict is just the first step in a long line of injustice against the Black community, often with no consequences. The work is not nearly done. While there are many more families waiting for justice, my heart is with George Floyds family right now. #PoliceReformNOW @NAACP  Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 20, 2021

A beginning.. a small grain of hope for our future.  Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) April 20, 2021

George Floyd's family and community deserved for his killer to be held accountable.



Today, they got that accountability.



Always and forever, Black lives matter.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 20, 2021

Thank God...guilty! Justice has been served!!  Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 20, 2021

A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And lets take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd.  kerry washington (@kerrywashington) April 20, 2021

Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021

Justice.  Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 20, 2021

We still have to fight for justice yall. Remember that we voted Obama in yay racism is gone! feeling? Yeah...lets learn from that. Im happy for the Floyd family tho. Especially his daughter. But there is still a slew of mountain to climb.  B.R.O.theR. ?uestion (@questlove) April 20, 2021

LOCK! HIM! UP!  Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) April 20, 2021

Its like being grateful for oxygen.

But then, how easily it might have gone the other way.... as it usually does.

Our revolutionary grass-roots reportage courageous young woman witness with her cell phonehas made this possible.  Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) April 20, 2021

Guilty on all charges.  bettemidler (@BetteMidler) April 20, 2021

THANK GOD

OH HAPPY DAY  Cher (@cher) April 20, 2021

Let justice roll down like waters...  Radney Foster (@RadneyFoster) April 20, 2021

THANK YOU FOR JUSTICE. IT MATTERS

TO ME

TO US

TO THOSE OF US WITH CONSCIOUS

 #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/e3bJus84Rn  Sharon Stone (@sharonstone) April 20, 2021

Guilty. Hell yeah.  LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) April 20, 2021

Some Alabama notables offered their thoughts on the verdict, as well.

Justice would be if it never happened in the first place but comeuppance does feel right  Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) April 20, 2021

Our judicial system worked today, but the flaws that have been exposed in law enforcement remain. With true justice George Floyd would be alive. True justice recognizes #BlackLivesMatter. True justice is possible when we come together and demand it. https://t.co/eGx5fVikxX  Doug Jones (@DougJones) April 20, 2021

Chauvin is guilty and the whole damn system is guilty with him. all prayers with George Floyds folks. lets free the people.  lee bains (@TheGloryFires) April 20, 2021
Dasna:

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar will visit the Dasna Jail every 15 days to attend to inmates facing dental problems after their release following acquittal in the murder case of their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj, jail authorities said.

The two are lodged in the Dasna prison in Ghaziabad since November 2013 after they were awarded life sentence in the case.

Both Rajesh and Nupur Talwar are likely to be released from Dasna prison tomorrow following their acquittal in the sensational double murder case.

The dentist couple had helped revive the near defunct dental department at the prison hospital, a jail official said.

We were concerned about the fate of our dental department after their (Talwars) release. They (Talwars) have assured us that they would visit jail to attend to inmates every 15 days even after their release, jail doctor Sunil Tyagi told PTI.

Tyagi said besides prisoners, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar have also been treating jail staff, police officials and their children.

ALSO READ | Aarushi murder case: Talwars' lawyers receive copy of Allahabad HC order

Since Talwars have come here (prison), they have treated thousands of patients who are happy with their services, he said.

To manage rush of dental patients at the jail hospital after Talwars release, prison authorities have also tied up with a Ghaziabad-based dental college

The doctors from the dental college will also visit Dasna Jail twice a week to attend to patients so that inmates dont face problem, Tyagi added.

Since their acquittal by the Allahabad High Court, there has been a steady increase in patients wanting to consult the couple.

Sources in the jail said Rajesh Talwars brother Dinesh Talwar, who is an ophthalmologist, would also visit the prison every 15 days along with his team to see patients.

The dentist couple had challenged the sentence in the Allahabad High Court, which acquitted them in the sensational double murder case earlier this week.

ALSO READ | Aarushi murder case: Rajesh and Nupur Talwar may be released on Monday, says Talwars' lawyer

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Red Bank is seeing an increase of people moving into the city and property owners are wanting to build housing to accommodate them. This often needs a zoning change for putting more homes closer together such as townhomes and zero lot line houses. At the commission meeting Tuesday night, the final approvals were given to zoning changes for property at 5309 Delashmitt Road and 303 and 305 Hedgewood Dr.

The Delashmitt Road address was rezoned from R-1, Single Family Residential to R-T/Z, Townhomes and Zero Lot Line Residential. Two single family houses will be built on both sides of the original structure which will remain. Plans are to sell the two new houses after renting them for a year.

The property on Hedgewood Drive was rezoned from R-1, Single Family Residential to RT-1, Residential Townhomes. Houses that currently occupy the parcel are being rented. In the future those buildings will be replaced with townhomes.

A public hearing was held Tuesday night for another rezoning request dealing with short term rentals. The city has specified which zone short term rentals can be located in. The owner of a duplex at 8 Gaylord St. has been operating an Airbnb in one side of the building and renting the other side with a longer-term lease. This address is not in the zone where short-term rentals are allowed.

Commissioner Ruth Jeno told the owner that she had received dozens of calls and a letter from neighbors near the duplex complaining about the guests that been allowed to stay there. She said she had a lot of reservations about changing the zoning to accommodate an Airbnb. She also noted that the owner had been notified it was not legal, yet he continued using it as a short-term rental. Additionally, when he went before the Red Bank Planning Commission, the owner of the property told them that he got along well with all the neighbors, but after that meeting he took letters to nearby residents and introduced himself.

Both Commissioners Ed Lecompte and Pete Phillips said that changing the zoning of that duplex would be spot zoning and that it would not be in the best interest of Red Bank. Both commissioners said they would go along with the planning commissions recommendation to deny the request. The vote to deny was unanimous.

The commissioners approved an ordinance that establishes processes and procedures for the best interest of citizens of Red Bank regarding the sale, development and disposition of property the city currently owns or for future acquisitions. If a Request for Proposal is issued, a public hearing will be held to get comments and ideas from Red Bank citizens, after which the commissioners will consider concepts that might come from the meeting. Commissioner Jeno said that before a RFP is sent out it should be approved by the commissioners to assure that it would meet the citys plans and not be wasting the time of developers who might be interested. The city manager can request modifications to the RFP but the board will also be involved in the modification process.

The city has agreed to extend high-speed internet and WI-FI connections at the Joseph Glasscock Community Center. This will allow people in the park to use the internet while outside and in the pavilion.

Another vote approved using Johnson, Murphey and Wright for the annual audit.


External Article

21 April 2021

With more than a billion vaccinations already administered against COVID-19, there's the tantalizing sense that we might soon return to our former traveling lives. In just the past few days, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said that his country would soon reopen for tourists, including Americans, and French President Emmanuel Macron told CBS News that France would allow vaccinated Americans into the country during the summer tourist season"with a special pass, I would say."

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But it will take a lot more than "a special pass" to stanch the bleeding in one industry: aviation.

Even if tourists begin hopping on planes again to far-off destinations, analysts say that business travel, the real moneymaker for airlines, will take years longer to recoverif it ever does.

"Corporate travel might not get back to normality, perhaps ever," says Mark Manduca, managing director in equity research at Citigroup in London.

That leaves some of the airline industry in perilous shape, as it tries to figure out how to survive a pandemic that has lasted far longer than expected just a year ago.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.







Today marks a constitutional change. When these words were written African Americans were slaves and not even considered citizens. Today we bring this preamble to life 100 percent. Establishing justice. When these words were written African Americans were slaves and not even considered citizens. Today we bring this preamble to life 100 percent. Establishing justice.

Every human has seen this atrocity whether you want to or not. A human being taking their last breath in front of your eyes. Regardless of your race,origin,creed, or denomination justice has prevailed in such a time that the human race as a whole needed this but more so these United States of America.

As we continue to move forward together we have to remember the first thing we all were taught. The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.





Jimmie Williams
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) will release its first quarter 2021 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, April 30, 2021. The earnings release will be available at the companys website at www.pipersandler.com.

The company will hold a conference call at 9 a.m. ET (8 a.m. CT) that same day to discuss the financial results. Chad Abraham, chief executive officer; Debbra Schoneman, president; and Tim Carter, chief financial officer, will host the call.

Participants can access the call by dialing 888-810-0209 (domestic) or 706-902-1361 (international) and referencing reservation number: 4463308. Callers should dial in at least 15 minutes prior to the call time. A live audio webcast of the call will be available through the companys website at www.pipersandler.com.

A recording of the conference call will be available for replay approximately three hours following the completion of the live call. Participants can listen to the recording by dialing 855-859-2056 and referencing reservation number: 4463308. A replay of the audio webcast will also be available through the companys website referenced above.

ABOUT PIPER SANDLER

Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) is a leading investment bank and institutional securities firm driven to help clients Realize the Power of Partnership. Securities brokerage and investment banking services are offered in the U.S. through Piper Sandler & Co., member SIPC and NYSE; in Europe through Piper Sandler Ltd., authorized and regulated by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority; and in Hong Kong through Piper Sandler Hong Kong Limited, authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission. Private equity strategies and fixed income advisory services are offered through separately registered advisory affiliates.

Follow Piper Sandler: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

 2021. Since 1895. Piper Sandler Companies. 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7036

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421006040/en/

Tim Carter

Tel: 612-303-5607

investorrelations@psc.com

Source: Piper Sandler Companies
New Delhi, April 21 : The Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the national capital region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines.

As second wave of Covid-19 hits India, the IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic.

Sources said that IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital at Delhi. The force has also airlifted oxygen containers of DRDO from Bengaluru for Covid centres at Delhi.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh directed all the defence establishments to setting up of more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and to bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis.

A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the Minister.

The DRDO had stated that they have set up a Covid hospital on Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then 1,000, if required.

Rajnath Singh instructed more fully functional Covid hospitals be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also in other places where required.

He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.

There were also discussion on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they volunteer.

The minister also had suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
GONZALES  If the Ascension Parish Council wants to settle a $7 million lawsuit with a family who owns the Prairieville land where a controversial proposed housing development was rejected, they'll have to get enough votes to override a veto.

The veto was a first for first-term Parish President Clint Cointment, who ran on controlling growth in the suburb and has been an outspoken opponent of the Delaune Estates neighborhood because of the traffic he says studies say it would cause for the La. 73 area.

In a veto message, Cointment wrote that the vote to settle the lawsuit and approve the Delaune Estates plat "invalidates the legally established process" through the Planning Commission to review new development and would invite more litigation when other plats are denied.

"My decision to exercise the veto was not an easy one, considering the property rights of the Delaune family and the will of six council members," he wrote. "I bear the Delaunes no ill-will and I do not wish to alienate council members as we attempt to forge a productive working relationship. But I was elected to represent all the citizens in the parish; and protect their health, safety and welfare."

+9 Can Ascension crack down on development to stop traffic? Lawsuit puts it to the test. With a steady surge of new residents into Ascension Parish causing traffic gridlock, pressure is mounting on parish leaders to approve fewer n

The lawsuit, which was filed in September in Gonzales by the landowners, has popped up periodically on the council agenda and is shaping up to be a legal test of the parish commission's ability to deny projects believed to pose too much impact to traffic and drainage.

Some council members who voted for the settlement said they worried about the legal risk after the completion of the Interstate 10 widening last year. A new study also suggested the traffic impact from the 86-acre neighborhood off La. 73 and White Road had been improved by the wider I-10 and could be mitigated further with traffic light changes near the I-10 interchange and at La. 73 and White Road.

Teri Casso, council chairwoman, said state highway officials recently told her by letter they would not have a problem with those light changes.

"Once the mitigation is possible, then I think there's a risk for the parish," Casso said. "And regardless of the outcome, the cost of just defending this suit is significant."

+2 Ascension planning chair reappointed, two others named after revote by key review panel Matthew Pryor, the longtime chairman of the Ascension Parish Planning and Zoning Commission, has been reappointed to another two-year term aft

There had been expectations, including from Cointment, that the council might settle in February. But that vote didn't end up happening until Thursday night.

After a nearly 30-minute closed-door session, the 11-member council voted 6-5 to settle the suit and approve the previously denied subdivision plat. Under a motion from Councilman Corey Orgeron, part of the settlement cut the neighborhood's houses from 237 to 227.

The decision prompted a harsh social media backlash for council members who voted for the settlement and comes at a delicate time for Cointment and the Parish Council. They are seeking voter approval Saturday to sell off the parish's sewer assets to the Jim Bernhard-owned National Water Infrastructure and have proclaimed their unity behind the sewer initiative.

Under the home-rule charter, the president must call a meeting within 10 days of his veto. Council members said he has called a meeting for 5:30 p.m. Thursday  but no agenda had been issued by Tuesday evening, and Casso expressed some uncertainty about whether or when a meeting would be held.

That uncertainty centered on whether a meeting was even necessary because it didn't appear, to her, that the council had the required two-thirds majority to override Cointment.

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

"Certainly, I dont think if there is an override vote, it can be accomplished," she said Tuesday. "It's pretty clear that we couldn't get the eight (votes needed)."

The charter appears to require that Cointment call for a meeting, however.

Known last year as Antebellum Pointe, Delaune Estates sparked significant public opposition before the Planning Commission in March 2020 and later in July on the developer's appeal to the Parish Council.

The primary point of contention was what impact cars and trucks from the subdivision's new homes would have on La. 73 and its congested corridor around the I-10 interchange.

+3 In Ascension, developers hire their own traffic analysts; parish president sees conflict of interest GONZALES  Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment wants parish government to end its longstanding practice of having home developers hire 

Developers argued that once the then-pending widening of I-10 had been completed  it now is  and traffic lights were upgraded around the interchange and north at White Road, the combined changes would have eased traffic enough to allow the development.

A narrow majority on the commission and enough council members, along with Cointment, opposed the proposal to uphold denial. Some suggested the project didn't meet the parish traffic impact policy, while some wanted to wait for I-10 to finish.

Councilman Chase Melancon, who opposed the settlement, said the traffic study counts on signal changes that haven't happened yet and he'd like to see that impact first.

But he also added that the Delaunes have due process under the parish rules and, with the new study, could resubmit the development plans to the commission.

Councilman Aaron Lawler, who cited the new traffic study in explaining his decision to switch his vote from opposing the project last year to supporting the settlement, wrote in a Facebook post that he believes sending the plat back to the commission would not have put an end to the suit. And it also could result in a subdivision approval with 10 more houses than was proposed under the settlement  plus costly legal bills. Lawler expected the case to move to federal court.

"I thought, in light of the fact of the new (study), it was more prudent (to) approve a settlement for fewer houses, no risk and no more lawsuit," he wrote.

+3 When can Ascension Parish block new neighborhoods over traffic? A lawsuit puts it to the test GONZALES  The owners of 86 acres in Prairieville are accusing Ascension Parish government of an illegal taking that deprived them of a $7 mil

Lawler has been among those to draw severe fire on social media. Melancon said it has been upsetting for him to see any of his council colleagues be accused of "very untrue and hurtful" things.

A lawyer for the landowners who sued the parish didn't return a call for comment Tuesday.
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LJUBLJANA - The work started four months ago in Trieste has laid the foundation for a good cooperation for the development of the High Adriatic, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said at the end of a trilateral meeting on Wednesday with Slovenia and Croatia that took place near Ljubljana. Di Maio expressed satisfaction for the level of dialogue and excellent hospitality.



"This collaboration is based on a concrete approach because territories need concrete answers to restart with renewed impetus", said the foreign minister, adding that the proposal of a European green certificate is an important step forward - always to be connected to the national vaccination campaign and a European coordination.



Talking about collaboration on specific themes, Di Maio explained that the draft legislation on special economic zones is being examined by the Senate. Moreover, the four main areas - economy of the sea, safeguard of the territory, maritime security and connections between ports of the North Adriatic - must be the cornerstones of the region's economic recovery, with a significant impact on territories also thanks to the development of sustainable tourism. "The excellent level of collaboration thanks to the trilateral format", said Di Maio, "allows to develop the High Adriatic as an axis of logistical and infrastructural connection of Europe with the rest of the world".


The former head of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is headed to court-martial on a sexual assault charge. It may be the first time in modern history an Air Force general has faced such a trial.

A sexual assault charge has been referred to court-martial in the case of Maj. Gen. William Cooley of Air Force Materiel Command, or AFMC, spokesman Derek Kaufman said Wednesday.

"After a comprehensive review of all of the evidence from the investigation and the Article 32 preliminary hearing, I've informed Maj. Gen. Cooley of my decision to move his case to general court-martial," AFMC commander Gen. Arnold Bunch said in a news release. "I can assure you this was not a decision made lightly, but I believe it was the right decision."

Read Next: Fort Bragg IDs Paratrooper Who Died During Static-Line Jump

In November, the service brought the charge against Cooley, who led the lab for roughly two and a half years. In February, the Air Force convened an Article 32 preliminary hearing, during which a military judge reviewed the charge; the process is similar to a preliminary hearing in civilian court and determines whether there is enough evidence to bring a case to a formal trial.

"This has never happened in the Air Force's history," Don Christensen, president of Protect Our Defenders and a retired Air Force colonel, told Military.com on Wednesday. The advocacy group has been in contact with the alleged victim and connected her with her pro bono attorney, he added.

The Air Force's decision "tells me that there's a strong case here," said Christensen, who was also the service's chief prosecutor.

Following the hearing, Bunch, the court-martial convening authority, reviewed the preliminary hearing officer's report to determine the appropriate disposition.

The charge, which includes three specifications of sexual assault under Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, stems from an off-duty incident that occurred in August 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, officials said. The Air Force Research Laboratory-New Mexico, part of Kirtland Air Force Base, is headquartered in Albuquerque.

Cooley allegedly "made unwanted sexual advances by kissing and touching a female victim," who is not a service member or Defense Department employee, the release states.

According to the specifications, which were detailed in a charge sheet obtained by Military.com in November, Cooley is accused of kissing the woman on her mouth "with an intent to gratify his sexual desire" without her consent. He is also accused of sexual contact, causing the woman to touch his genitalia through his clothing with her hand without her consent, and touching her through her clothing with his hand without her consent.

The Air Force "will identify a senior military judge and coordinate timing and venue for the court-martial proceeding," the release states. "Jurors, or court members, must either be officers of higher rank, or equivalent grade but with an earlier date of rank to the accused."

AFMC stressed that Cooley is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Cooleys lawyer, Daniel Conway of Gary Myers, Daniel Conway & Associates, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Christensen said there is a possibility the trial may not occur if Cooley reaches a plea deal.

"He could offer to retire instead of going to court, and he could accept that," he said. "It'll probably be a while before this gets to trial [because the Air Force] has to come up with a panel of general officers senior to Cooley that are going to be fair and impartial, and it may take them a while to do that."

Cooley, who was removed from his post in January 2020, was already under investigation at the time by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation for alleged misconduct.

Cooley became commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory in May 2017, according to his official service biography. Prior to that, he was the program executive for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

"The military has got a long ways to go into solving its sexual assault problem -- the accountability or lack thereof -- but it's a good step," Christensen said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: Two-Star Air Force General Charged with Sexual Assault
Winter storm

Regarding Freeze exposes fragility of water systems, (A1, April 18): Seems to me that one problem we always have during a freeze is too many people dripping their faucets. The city always tells folks not to do it, plumbers encourage people to do it, and the water pressure falls to near zero. Instead of begging people to not drip their faucets, what if the city supplied everyone with the tool to turn off their water at the meter and instructions on how to do it? That is a much better way to ensure that your pipes dont freeze and burst, and it would preserve water pressure in the mains. Clearly what we have been doing doesnt work. Lets try something different.

Alan Jackson, Houston

The Big Lie

Regarding The Big Lie, (A15, April 18): Part I included reference to the Heritage Foundation and its failure to uncover massive voter fraud over the last 15 years, including ballots cast by mail. It is worth noting that this foundation is arguably the most respected conservative think tank in the U.S. If ever there was an organization that would eagerly publicize systemic voter fraud, it is Heritage. But nothing of that sort has been forthcoming. And in that same vein, ex-president Donald Trumps attorney general, Bill Barr, concluded that an FBI investigation into 2020 widespread voter fraud also found none. The grim reality is that the Chronicles editorial board got it exactly right: Republicans in and out of government who are nurturing the Big Lie have sold out our country and democracy for the sole purpose of desperately clinging to their dwindling political power.

Marty Adams, Houston

Refreshing words

Regarding Ex-President Bush weighs in on immigration (A13, April 17): How refreshing it was to read the words of George W. Bush in the Houston Chronicle on the subject of immigration. How far the Republican party has strayed from the compassionate empathy of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. and George W. Bush regarding immigration. He correctly stated that both parties are guilty of exploiting the issue though he didnt state how he felt they did so. They do it to rally their respective bases.

I very much appreciated the stories the former president shared of immigrants successes and gratitude for the opportunities America afforded them. Many native-born Americans do not have this appreciation. Sadly violence against those perceived to be immigrants is on the rise, most notably of late against Asian Americans. What has happened to this country? So much anger and so much hate.

Rob Hellyer, Houston

Guns

Regarding Texas House approves gun bill, (A1, April 16): I own guns. I love guns. Here is the deal on guns. We need universal background checks on all purchases. No new assault weapons. If you own one, you keep it. Thats it!

PJ McEwan, Houston
People rally in Atlanta following Derek Chauvin's conviction on April 20. (AFP / Getty Images)

To the editor: It's fantasy to believe Derek Chauvin's conviction will mean that police officers being held accountable will become normal. ("Chauvin's conviction is not our exoneration," editorial, April 20)

For example, researchers at Bowling Green State University found that between 2005 and 2018, only 97 nonfederal law enforcement officers were charged with murder or manslaughter, and 35 were convicted for an on-duty shooting. According to the Washington Post's database on police shootings, officers kill about 1,000 people in the United States every year.

Have we forgotten that just 30 years ago, four Los Angeles Police Department officers bludgeoned Rodney King until they were exhausted? The beating was videotaped, but a Simi Valley jury acquitted the officers. Six years ago, in South Carolina, Officer Michael Slager shot and killed a fleeing Walter Scott. The killing was videotaped, and still the state trial resulted in a hung jury.

As the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, change comes from "the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

Marc D. Greenwood, Camp Hill, Ala.

..

To the editor: I'm glad former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder, unlike so many other incidents where police have been able to walk away unscathed. But I think the real issue is that George Floyd might still be alive if police leaders did their job and enforced their own ethics and rules.

Most officers are good, hardworking people. Unfortunately, they all bear the negative shadow cast by a few.

Problem officers tend to be known to their colleagues and supervisors, but nothing is done about them. Police unions and department leaders protect and cover for them instead of stopping their behavior or dismissing them.

Chauvin had numerous complaints of excessive force on his record before he killed Floyd. Like any negative behavior, the more times you get away with it, the easier it is to do again.

Story continues

Police departments need to enforce their own rules and get rid of noncompliant officers.

Christin Rubesh, Port Hueneme

..

To the editor: As I watched how people around the country reacted to the Chauvin verdict, I was struck by a poignant comment made by a young woman. When asked how she felt, she said, "I can breathe."

Her three simple words captured so much of where we are as a society today.

"I can breathe" speaks to white privilege, never having to think you might ever not be able to take a breath.

"I can breathe" speaks to relief from the anticipation that another police officer would not be held accountable.

"I can breathe" speaks to the hope this verdict may signify positive change for the future.

"I can breathe" speaks to the fight that still lies ahead.

Catherine Perez, San Diego

..

To the editor: Why is it so hard to acknowledge that this verdict makes a huge statement that Black lives truly matter? And that it will make policing better?

Of course, one guilty verdict in Minnesota will not eliminate systemic racism in policing. But when have we seen officers and the chief himself testify against a fellow cop, breaking the blue line code of silence? That's progress.

You can bet officers everywhere will be thinking of Chauvin's fate when in similar situations. That's progress.

This case is also fueling efforts in Congress and in statehouses to reform policing. That's progress.

There is a reason Dr. King's description of the moral universe was not a straight line  it was an arc, and it was long. It takes a lot of events to bend the arc toward justice, and this verdict is undoubtedly one of those events.

Eric Maman, Beverly Hills

..

To the editor: Should all people, especially people of color, wear body cameras? Would that prevent unnecessary police killings? Would that push police attitudes toward humanitarianism?

Robert Sidansky, Thousand Oaks

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Winds estimated as high as 75 mph pummeled the western half of Connecticut Wednesday afternoon along with rain, leaving thousands without power into the evening hours.

Temperatures were expected to drop below freezing overnight as a cold front propelling the storms pushed into the state from west to east.

Most of western Connecticut was under a severe thunderstorm warning around 3 p.m. A tornado warning was briefly issued for part of Litchfield County around that time, but later expired.

In Kent, which in central Litchfield County was part of the swath of the state issued the tornado warning, radar showed winds hitting up to 75 mph at higher elevations, according to Chief Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin of the Connecticut Weather Center.

WFSB TV reported a possible tornado was seen around 3 p.m. in Kent. Weather officials have not yet confirmed a tornado in the area.

Jacquemin said so far he wasnt aware if anyone had done a damage assessment in Kent to see if any of the damage is in a spiral pattern, which helps determine if a tornado did touch down. However, he said radar did show winds in a rotating pattern.

By around 4:15 p.m. that afternoon, more than 5,000 Eversource customers were reported to be without power, according to the utility company. By around 8 p.m., that number had declined to a little more than 3,500.

Contributed / Ian Adams

In Kent, upward of 1,600 Eversource customers lost power more than 76 percent of the customers served by Eversource in town. Residents there reported disruptions in internet service as well as power outages. Some shared photos and videos of pea-sized hail falling around town.

By the evening, some reported their power had come back on, with outages in Kent dropping to just below 1,300, according to Eversource.

United Illuminating, which serves customers along a section of lower Fairfield County into New Haven County, reported one outage in Fairfield a little before 4 p.m. By the evening, no outages were reported by UI.

Earlier in the day, spokespeople for the two utility companies said they were prepared for the storm.

Were definitely keeping an eye on it, said Ed Crowder, a spokesman for United Illuminating.

Frank Poirot, a spokesman for Eversource Energy, said the company will monitor the weather throughout the afternoon and evening.

While the weather were expecting in Connecticut doesnt appear to be severe, we always have crews working and theyre prepared to respond to any damage or outages caused by weather, Poirot said.

The temperature is forecast to hover in the 60s throughout the day, but will drop as rain and storms push through the region.

A freeze warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday with sub-freezing temperatures around 30 degrees expected in northern Fairfield and northern New Haven counties, the weather service said.

Freeze conditions will keep crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, the warning said.

Cold temperatures and a wind chill are in the forecast for early Thursday, with a high in the upper 40s and wind gusts up to 31 mph. Overnight into Friday, lows are expected to be in the 30s and winds up to 15 mph.

Sunny skies are in the forecast for Friday. Temperatures will hover in the 60s during the day and drop to the low 40s by night.

Saturday brings more sun with a high in the mid-60s, dropping to the high 40s by night. Rain showers will come early Sunday and taper off in the afternoon with temperatures in the mid-50s, dropping to the low 40s by night.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)  Chad's transitional military council, established on Tuesday after the announcement of the death of President Idriss Deby Itno, should scrupulously respect human rights and the rule of law, ensuring that civilians are protected and avoid any escalation of abuses against civilians, Human Rights Watch has said
A memorial honoring Vanessa Guillen, a Fort Hood soldier who told her family she was being sexually harassed before she vanished and was later found dead, was unveiled at the Texas military base just days before the one-year anniversary of her disappearance.

Guillen's family on Monday revealed the gate leading into the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, "where [Guillen] lived day-to-day, where she served her country honorably," said Lt. Gen. Pat White, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood. According to a Facebook page once dedicated to finding the Army specialist, her loved ones had a hand in designing the entryway as well as a memorial plaque featuring Guillen's image.

"In coordination with the family, who agreed to allow us to do this, we are going to dedicate a gate that has her name on it -- that has her picture -- and you can come learn just a little about Vanessa," White said.

Read Next: Navy Stops Sending New Recruits to Army Training Base Used During Pandemic

"But mostly it's so in two, three, four years, we haven't forgotten what this is all about, what this moment is all about in our history,"

Guillen's younger sister, Lupe Guillen, during a press conference after the ceremony noted that her mother did not attend the unveiling given the approaching anniversary of her daughter's death.

"They should have cared when she was alive -- not until now," she said, battling back emotions.

The Army specialist was last seen alive on April 22, 2020, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of her 3rd Cavalry Regiment Engineer Squadron Headquarters. Authorities said the keys to her car and her barracks as well as her ID card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she had worked earlier in the day.

It took months for investigators to uncover her remains. Her body was eventually discovered on June 30, 2020 by contractors working on a fence along the Leon River.

Police attempted to arrest 20-year-old Spc. Aaron Robinson in July, but he shot and killed himself before he could be taken into custody. Cecily Aguilar, Robinson's 22-year-old girlfriend, is also accused of helping Robinson dispose of Guillen's body. She has pleaded not guilty but remained behind bars on Tuesday.

According to an affidavit obtained by KWTX, Robinson beat Guillen with a hammer and then allegedly dismembered and burned her body.

In December, 14 leaders at the base were fired or suspended based on an independent review that found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment."

Those disciplined also included Maj. Gen. Scott L. Efflandt, who was the acting Fort Hood commander at the time of Guillen's death.

This article is written by Jessica Schladebeck from New York Daily News and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

Related: Fort Hood's Vanessa Guillen Tragedy Leads to Army-Wide Overhaul of Sexual Assault, Harassment Prevention
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For engaged couples with family members and friends that may not be able to attend their wedding ceremonies due to travel restrictions or capacity limitations, The Church By The Sea has recently launched a live streaming service that offers the ability to hold virtual weddings. These virtual weddings are set up to be held at The Church By The Sea's location at 2700 Mayan Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33316 the entrance to Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

The Church By The Sea The Church By The Sea

"As we continue to live through these uncertain times, we understand that engaged couples are still experiencing pandemic-related roadblocks when it comes to having everyone they love at their weddings. With the live streaming capabilities that we have put in place, we're thrilled to now give couples the opportunity to stream and share their wedding ceremonies online," said Debbi Lee, Wedding Coordinator at The Church By The Sea. "With these virtual weddings, we hope to help guests attending the wedding online feel as if they are truly there."

In addition to virtual weddings, The Church By The Sea provides both wedding ceremony and reception services at its church. Located within a mile of all major beachfront hotels, The Church By The Sea can host events either indoors in its sanctuary or outdoors on its waterfront deck. Additionally, The Church By The Sea offers an onsite reception facility that is capable of serving up to 110 people with onsite parking. The church also allows beer, wine, and champagne to be served in its reception facility.

Couples interested in learning more about The Church By The Sea's wedding services, arranging a tour, or meeting with the church's pastor to discuss their vows can contact Debbi Lee by email at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 523-6472.

About The Church by the Sea

Established in 1953 and located at the entrance of Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida, The Church By the Sea is a Christian Non-Denominational church. The church welcomes everyone who seeks to honor, worship, and service the Lord Jesus Christ without discrimination to race, color, or sexual identity. For more information, please visit TheChurchByTheSea.org .

Media Contact:

Edd Helms

[email protected]

(954) 761-1331

SOURCE The Church By The Sea

Related Links

http://TheChurchByTheSea.org


(Natural News) CNNs ratings have plummeted since former president Donald Trump left office.

The new channel lost a huge chunk of viewers, particularly among the key demographic of adults aged 25-54, since Trump left office in January following a brief spike in viewership after Election Day.

Koppels teasing remark turns out to be prophetic

In a National Press Club panel discussion back in 2018, CNN anchor Ted Koppel pointed media executives admitted that Trump was good for ratings, as viewers on both sides of the aisle tuned in to see the round-the-clock drama.

CNNs Brian Stelter responded by asking, That means what? If ratings are up, that means what?

Koppel, a working journalist for over four decades, quickly answered. The ratings are up, it means you cant do without Donald Trump. You would be lost without Donald Trump, Koppel said as Stelter shook his head in disagreement.

Ted, you know thats not true, Stelter said.

Koppel countered by saying that the networks ratings would be in the toilet without Donald Trump. (Related: Trust in mainstream media continues to tank, led by CNNs abysmal numbers: Nobody trusts CNN except the stupid.)

CNN averaged 2.5 million primetime viewers from Nov. 4 last year, the day following the presidential election, through Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. But viewers fled the liberal network once President Joe Biden took office, averaging only 1.6 million primetime viewers from Jan. 21 through March 15.

The networks viewership during the primetime hours of 8-11 p.m. dropped 36 percent since Biden took office after it spiked following Election Day. CNNs primetime viewership declined even sharper among the key demo, plummeting 47 percent during the same period.

CNNs viewership also suffered in terms of total day audience since Trump left office. The network averaged 1.7 million viewers from Nov. 4 through Jan. 20, but it dropped to 1.1 million since Biden took office for a 34 percent fall. During the same period, CNN shed 44 percent of its total day viewers among the key demo, dropping from an average of 483,000 to only 272,000.

The networks struggle among the key demographic has become even more prominent recently, with a drop of 60 percent. It has averaged 617,000 demo viewers from Dec. 28 through Inauguration Day but only 244,000 since Biden entered the White House.

Liberal primetime hosts Anderson Cooper, Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon also failed to keep their audiences under the new administration. CNN averaged 3.1 million viewers from 8-11 p.m. from Dec. 28 through Inauguration Day but only 1.4 million since for a whopping decline of 55 percent. Over the same time period, CNNs primetime lineup lost 63 percent of its viewers among the key demo.

The decline in CNNs viewership before and after Bidens inauguration this year alone was even worse. CNN averaged 2.2 million viewers during the first three weeks of 2021, but it has averaged just one million viewers since Biden took office for a decline of 54 percent.

All data is courtesy of Nielsen Media research.

CNN not helping self in public relations side of business

Just over a month ago, the chief executive of CNNs parent company was criticized following the insensitive remarks he made about the news organization finding a silver lining in the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It turns out the pandemic is a pretty big part of the news cycle and thats not going away anytime soon, said WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar, speaking about CNNs coverage at a media conference. It turns out its really good for ratings. (Related: CEO of CNNs parent company draws flak for insensitive pandemic remark.)

Wall Street Journals Joe Flint compared Kilars statement to that of disgraced media executive Les Moonves during the 2016 election.

Careful. Thats awful close to Moonves line that Trump may be bad for U.S. but hes good for CBS, Flint tweeted.

Kilar was apologetic about his statement in a reply to Flint. I agree Joe. I would like nothing more than for this pandemic to be well behind us. I mean that with every fiber in my body. I wish I could go back and be more thoughtful about my communication, Kilar wrote.

Another Twitter user replied to Flint just after Kilar. He said: Nah, its worse.

Trump coverage boosts CNNs ratings

Metrics do not support Kilars claim. CNN actually got really good ratings because of its coverage of Trump.

On Feb. 8, one day before the start of Trumps second impeachment trial, CNN led all cable news networks with an average of 332,000 total viewers and 483,000 primetime viewers in the coveted 25-54 age demographic.

But on Feb. 15, two days after Trump was acquitted for the second time, CNN averaged just 255,000 total viewers and 316,000 primetime viewers. The network fell behind Fox News in terms of total viewers and trailed both Fox News and MSNBC in primetime viewership.

CNNs loss is Foxs gain

Fox News surged from third to first and was the only cable network to gain viewers in the target demographic during that same period. Fox News and MSNBC finished ahead of CNN in total viewers for the month of February.

For the whole of February, Bidens first full month as president, Fox News is the most-watched network in all of cable during the key primetime hours of 8-11 p.m. The network averaged 2.5 million primetime viewers compared to 2.2 million for MSNBC and only 1.7 million for CNN. HGTV and the Hallmark Channel completed the top five.

Follow CNNSoFake.news for more news and information related to CNN.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com 1

TruePundit.com

FoxNews.com 2

FreeBeacon.com 1

FreeBeacon.com 2

FoxNews.com 3
Photos released on April 20 capture the massing of Russian military hardware on Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and along the Russian-Ukrainian border.

The photos in this gallery were made between March 27 and April 16 by Maxar Technologies, a satellite-imaging company that provides "90 percent of the foundational geospatial intelligence used by the U.S. government."

The head of Maxar Technologies, Dan Jablonsky, told The Wall Street Journal his company was making the photos public because of "a commitment to transparency."

Tensions between the United States and Russia have soared in recent weeks and U.S. President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Moscow last week over election interference and the SolarWinds cyberattack.

U.S. officials say the number of Russian troops in Crimea and near the Ukraine border has doubled in the past month.

On April 20, the Ukrainian military released its own images of tanks drilling at undisclosed locations in "eastern Ukraine."
Dallas-based director Alex Kinter may be fairly new on the film directing scene, but his new "Poolside" indie short has already generated serious buzz. The short, which delves deep into the psyche of a lonely high society woman in the 1950s, has been making the rounds through the festival circuit, winning a variety of awards, and is expected to be on Amazon Prime Video in January 2022.

Although Kinter has worked as a freelancer for 15 years, this is his first significant foray into directing a story-based film rather than a commercial one. This cinematography practice he's built up over the years seems to have benefitted his ability to bring a gorgeous story to the big screen, as "Poolside" has won awards like Gold Award for Best Cinematography at the Independent Shorts Awards and Best Cinematography at Across the Globe Film Festival.

Filming for "Poolside" actually started over four years ago, with Kinter and his co-director Erik Schuessler working together to brainstorm the story, the script, and the overall direction of the process. Sadly, there were many delays during the filming, and Erik Schuessler sadly passed away in 2018, causing more bumps in the road and requiring Kinter to think about the project in a different light - as a tribute to his previous creative partner.

Currently, "Poolside" is moving through film festivals in LA, NYC, and even some European countries, including Portugal and Scotland, and recently it's started to pick up speed in Latin America as well. Though he spent some time in Colombia and Venezuela as a child, Kinter has still often felt disconnected from his Latin roots in South America, and recently, he's felt a drive to reconnect.

Kinter has partnered with Daniel Guerra, a Latin American publicist in Bogota, Colombia who works with a production company named CirculoEspeletia. That partnership has started to pay off, as "Poolside" has been selected for the Sci-Fi, Terror, and Fantasy Film Festival, a film festival in Bogota, Colombia, and it's also been submitted to festivals like Villa del Cine and Bogota Experimental Film Festival. The combination of Kinter's position as a Latino filmmaker and the addition of Giovannie Cruz, a Latina supporting actress, has made some Latin American and South American film festivals take notice.

The success of "Poolside" may be in part due to Kinter's drive to succeed, which started when he was a young child. He grew up mostly in California and Colombia, and from early childhood, he loved pictures. His father had film cameras laying around that he wasn't allowed to touch, and his uncle was a documentary film producer, with a wife who enjoyed film photography. As early as high school, Kinter was already interested in buying his first DSLR, and that one camera eventually turned into the success he's experienced with "Poolside."

Among the accolades "Poolside" has received include Best Thriller Short at the Indie Short Fest, Best Experimental Short Film at the Hollywood Blvd Film Festival, and Best Cinematographerat the European Cinematography Awards. So, what is it that's drawing these critics in so completely? "Poolside" has combined experimental cinematography with a unique story that's become appealing to a worldwide festival audience.

The movie's story revolves around a 1950s housewife, Meg Stephens, who lives in a real house that would cost about $2.2 million in today's money. She seems to have it all: wealth, a gorgeous home, and an upper-class place in society. However, underneath that veneer of perfection lies a dangerous truth - she's been left to handle her own inner demons with alcohol, Librium, and Valium.

Things build to a head when Meg realizes she's starting to hear voices while swimming in her home's indoor pool. The cleaning lady, Emma, experiences a terrifying horror while alone in the house and refuses to keep working for the house. As she's isolated in the swimming pool, Meg has to battle with self-doubt, addiction, loss, and fear, a complicated cocktail that she may not be able to handle. It all takes place against the backdrop of the gorgeous home, which may turn into a nightmare for the characters.

As Kinter worked on the film, he actually started feeling as though the film would end up flopping. As he expressed to Just Fame, "The project was so far behind and a major partner in the film passed away, so we were kind of down about it and didn't really have any kind of expectation." Those extremely low expectations ended up paying off, as the warm reception on the film circuit was completely unexpected and had an even better impact.

Today, Kinter'shoping to build off this reception to catapult himself into the world of feature films. He's disclosed that there are multiple feature film scripts that he's interested in starting to develop, hoping to bring some investors onboard. He also runs his own commercial video production company, Kinter Media, where he's worked with clients ranging from nonprofit organizations to Fortune 500 companies.

If you're interested in learning more about "Poolside," including watching the trailer and finding the full list of festival accolades, visit Alex Kinter at http://aloneatthepool.com/.
Hamden will hold its fifth Crime Prevention & Community Resolutions Discussion Thursday, a series that launched at the start of the year amid widespread concern about 2020s uptick in robberies, motor vehicle thefts and reports of gunfire.

Kim Washington, a southern Hamden block watch captain whose own house was shot at in late November 2020, helped spearhead the effort, which features a different panel every month and offers residents the opportunity to learn about town initiatives and ask questions. Thursdays discussion will center around Hamdens Block Watch efforts.

As Washington and others worried about violence in the community, she asked the mayor whether the town could offer residents a chance to hear directly from leadership about the issue.

The reason for these forums is ... so the community can asks questions to either the mayor or to the chief of police and his command team, she said. Its a platform for the community, and when they have questions, their questions are answered.

The virtual forums have drawn between 200 and 500 participants each month, according to Washington.

Town leaders spoke of the benefits of the initiative, with Mayor Curt Balzano Leng encouraging residents to attend.

I really appreciate the Hamden community for their participation and engagement in these discussions. Nothing is more important than our safety, for all our neighborhoods and for all our neighbors, Leng said in a statement.

Chief of Police John Sullivan said the forum not only gives law enforcement an opportunity to inform the community about its efforts, but also yields input from residents.

You learn what the community wants and expects from our department, so its great to get the feedback from them ... what problems they see in their neighborhoods, Chief of Police John Sullivan said of the forums. That really dictates how, you know, were gonna use our personnel.

The initiatives March discussion centered around social services and youth programs, according to Washington.

Police also have used the forum to inform residents about the establishment several months ago of a crime deterrent unit and an intelligence unit, according to Sullivan, who said those units helped the department deploy our resources in a more efficient manner.

Information from the Block Watch program often is passed on to the intelligence unit and can help the department decide how best to use its manpower, the chief said.

This weeks panelists will include Leng, Sullivan, Washington, police Detective Sean Dolan, police Capt. Kevin Samperi and a number of Block Watch captains, according to a release.

Richard Rich Mutts, founder of the Born Rich Foundation, will moderate the discussion, along with Anna Ribeiro, the organizations diversity and inclusion specialist.

Information about how to join the meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. and accessible via Zoom, can be found on the towns website.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
The Supreme Court of Canada in a file photo. Alberta recently lost its constitutional challenge of federal carbon pricing in the top court, but is still in the fight against Bill C-69. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

No More Pipelines Bill C-69 Albertas Next Legal Hope

Having recently lost its constitutional challenge against federal carbon pricing in Canadas top court, Alberta is still in the fight against Bill C-69, the Impact Assessment Act.

Multibillion-dollar investments in resource and pipeline development are not all that is at stake. Provincial-federal relations and Western alienation are collateral issues in what promises to be an extended battle.

Sucker Punch

Passed on June 21, 2019, Bill C-69 lengthened the review process for proposed energy projects by adding a new phase of consultation at the front end. The legislation allowed a wider range of interests to appeal proposed projects and called for Indigenous knowledge and the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors in approvals. C-69 also gave cabinet the final say.

Jason Kenney dubbed C-69 the No More Pipelines Bill before he became premier in April 2019, and promised a legal fight two months before the legislation passed. He called the bill a federal sucker punch, a full frontal attack, and a disaster for Albertas economy. C-69 passed the same day as C-48, which bans oil tankers off the northern B.C. coast. Alberta launched legal challenges against both.

In February, the Alberta government argued its case before the Alberta Court of Appeals with the support of Saskatchewan, Ontario, and some First Nations.

Kenney said at the time that Bill C-69 violates section 92A of the Constitution because it gives the federal government the power to step in and regulate right over top of us with respect to resource production.

Uphill Battle

Former Alberta energy minister Ted Morton believes Alberta is fully justified in its court challenge, but faces an uphill battle.

For decades, jurisdiction over environmental policy has been shared between both levels of government. Projects with just local impact fall under provincial jurisdiction, he said in an interview.

But when an activity in one province has a negative environmental impact on neighbouring provincessuch as water or air pollutionfederal policy normally prevails. Last months Supreme Court ruling on the carbon tax now extends this jurisdiction to CO2 emissions and climate change.

By June 2019, all provinces except B.C. opposed Bill C-69. Morton believes Kenney must rally his fellow premiers regardless of the legal outcome.

Losing in the courts does not automatically translate into losing the policy battle. As [former Alberta premier] Peter Lougheed demonstrated in the 1980s, it is possible to convert judicial defeats into policy victories, Morton said.

There is no need for an economically destructive, one-size-fits-all policy imposed by a far-away central government. There is plenty of constitutional room for consensual, complementary dovetailing federal-provincial legislation to address Canadas climate change challenges.

Federal Jurisdiction

Queens University law professor Bruce Pardy believes C-69 is constitutionally sound in the rest of its scope.

Its a terrible piece of legislation, to be sure, but that doesnt make it unconstitutional, Pardy told The Epoch Times.

The feds do have some environmental jurisdiction even over projects wholly inside a province. For example, the feds have power over inland fisheries, and the federal Fisheries Act is constitutional. The Impact Assessment Act is drafted to  protect the components of the environment, and the health, social, and economic conditions that are within the legislative authority of Parliament, he explained.

Unless Alberta can show that some aspect of the act is, in pith and substance, actually provincial, then the constitutional challenge will fail.

In February 2020, Vancouver-based Teck Resources Ltd. cancelled a $20.6 billion oilsands project in northern Alberta, citing concern over the ongoing debate around the issue of resource development versus climate change in Canada. Kenney suggested that C-69 was a factor in Tech Resources walking away from the project. Pardy said if any project was ended by a formal ruling under the framework created by the bill, a constitutional challenge might reverse it.

It is possible for the act to be constitutional, but a particular review to reach outside the boundaries of the act to encroach upon provincial jurisdictionin which case it would be that particular assessment, rather than the act itselfthat would be without authority, he explained.

Creating Extra Risk

Investment in Canadas oil sector dropped from a record $81 billion in 2014 to almost $20 billion in 2016, according to Richard Masson, an executive fellow of the University of Calgarys School of Public Policy, noting that Bill C-69 made matters worse.

Most people that Ive talked to view it as creating extra risk, as opposed to trying to streamline the process. And given how much risk, certainly focused opposition, there already was, whos going to want to build a big project again? Masson said in an interview.

If you think about Gateway and Energy East [being cancelled and] Trans Mountain having to be taken over by the federal government to see it be constructed, and then Keystone cancelled by the U.S., I just cant imagine another company wanting to propose some big pipeline.

Masson is chief commercial officer at Fractal Systems Inc., a Calgary-based company that has developed a technology for lowering the viscosity of bitumen from the oilsands, thereby reducing the transportation cost through pipelines. He said the bill and the legal challenge create uncertainty for developers.

It matters a lot to the country that we get this right and we have certainty so developers know what the rules are before they start down the process, he said.

Perhaps some of the provisions of the new bill or the new law could be modified or thrown out by the Court of Appeal. And probably then the feds will take it to the Supreme Court is my guess. So its a long battle probably before its finally resolved.

Central Canadian Bias

With two judges from Ontario and three from Quebec, Central Canada has a majority at the Supreme Court of Canada. Morton believes this hurts Alberta.

Like the carbon tax case, the C-69 challenge is less about the law and more about regional differencesand the strong Central Canadian, anti-western bias of every institution in Ottawa, including the Supreme Court, he said.

If Ontario or Quebec had as much oil and gas as Alberta and Saskatchewan, there would be no carbon tax and no Bill C-69. And if there were, the Supreme Court would strike them down.

Barry Cooper, political science professor at the University of Calgary, shares Mortons view of Central Canadian bias.

The carbon tax decision of the Supreme Court was very ill-advised, not just on legal grounds but especially on political groundsat least, if they want to keep the country intact. If you dont, I think it was a terrific decision because it shows that you cant trust the Supreme Court any more than you can trust Parliament to safeguard the Constitution, Cooper said in an interview.

The Alberta Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Alberta 41 on the carbon pricing decision but was overruled 63 at the Supreme Court. Cooper expects Alberta will ultimately fail again, despite its hopes.

The Supreme Court  can just say, under peace, order, and good governmentor any other thing that they want to make upthat the federal government has predominance.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks to media during a post cabinet press conference at Parliament on March 01, 2021 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand Expects Australia Travel Bubble to Stay Open Despite New Virus Case in Vaccinated Worker

New Zealand authorities reported on Tuesday that a worker in Auckland airport has tested positive for COVID-19, but doubted whether the new case would warrant ordering a pause in quarantine-free travel with Australia.

Australia and New Zealand opened a travel bubble on Monday, after both countries had closed borders in March 2020 to non-citizens and permanent residents to contain the pandemic.

When we opened, on both sides, we of course knew we would continue to have cases connected to our border, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. We accept thats going to be part of our journey together, I think Australia accepts that.

New Zealands health authorities were liaising with their Australian counterparts, Ardern said, with no initial indication that the so-called travel bubble would be halted.

The infected worker, who was fully vaccinated for the virus, had been cleaning airplanes coming from countries with known virus outbreaks, Ardern told reporters in Auckland.

The worker had tested negative on April 12 but on Monday tested positive as part of routine testing, she said, adding that contact tracing was underway.

Australia Health Minister Greg Hunt said he has full confidence in New Zealands health system to contain the new infection.

Weve seen them deal with the inevitable outbreaks and there will be other days when there are cases in Australia, Hunt said during a televised media briefing in Melbourne.

Border closures, snap lockdowns and speedy tracing systems have helped Australia and New Zealand keep their COVID-19 numbers relatively low.

Australia has recorded just over 29,500 virus cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began, while New Zealand has had just over 2,200 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

Reuters
An Accra High Court has granted convicted actress, Akuapem Poloo, 80,000( N5.6 million) bail with two verifiable sureties. Recall t...

An Accra High Court has granted convicted actress, Akuapem Poloo, 80,000( N5.6 million) bail with two verifiable sureties.

Recall that Akuampe Poloo was sentenced to three-months in prison for sharing a nude photo of herself and her son on social media.

She was charged with publication of obscene materials, engaging in domestic violence and undermining human dignity and She pleaded guilty.

Her conviction stirred reactions as some of her fans also signed petition seeking her release.

Following the development, the court presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, on Wednesday granted her bail.

The Justice said she will only travel with the express permission of the court.

Aryeetey ordered that Poloo reports to the case investigator every two weeks as part of her bail conditions.

She also said the actress is to deposit her passport with the registrar of the court.
Samsung Internet is one of the best web browsers for Android smartphones and tablets, if not the best. It is feature-packed and comparatively fast. Now, a new update is here to make the browser even better.

The latest, version 14.0 update for Samsung Internet adds a bunch of new features for improved productivity. To start with, it now supports app pairs in split-screen mode. Samsung Internet already lets you open two tabs side-by-side in split-screen mode. Now, with the latest update, you can save any two tabs as app pairs in your edge panel.

To add tabs as app pairs, you simply have to tap the divider when two Samsung Internet tabs are running side-by-side in split-screen mode. There, youll see two buttons  one for switching the order of the tabs while the other adds the two tabs as app pairs in the edge panel. You can then open these two tabs in split-screen mode whenever you want.

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Samsung Internet 14.0 brings more new features

Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip foldable owners can now enjoy Flex mode with Samsung Internet. They will no longer have to access the Video Assistant to enable Flex Mode. The feature is enabled automatically when playing full-screen videos on the browser. If you fold the device halfway when a video is playing, the controls will move to the bottom half of the screen while the video carries on playing up top. Expect more Samsung apps to offer native support for Flex mode in the near future.

For Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ owners, Samsung Internet can now recognize handwriting in text boxes as well as the URL bar. Samsung Internets Enhanced smart anti-tracking feature now automatically clears cookies at scheduled intervals. Samsung promises improvements to the Reader Mode as well.

Moreover, you can now apply your devices system font to web pages as well. This option is available through the Labs section inside Samsung Internet Settings. Translation Extension also adds support for 18 languages while browsing the web. Last but not least, Samsung Internet 14.0 brings improvements to privacy and security settings. Theres a new security control panel that shows how many pop-ups and cookies have been blocked.

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Samsung released Samsung Internet 14.0 in beta early last month. The stable build of the latest version is now rolling out widely, bringing these changes to everyone. You can download the app via the Google Play Store, or the Galaxy Store if you own a Samsung smartphone or tablet.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:35:26|Editor: huaxia

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N'DJAMENA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Following the sudden death of Chadian President Idriss Deby, the head of the transitional military council (CMT) assumes the functions of president of the republic, according to a transitional charter adopted on Tuesday and published Wednesday by the CMT.

The CMT is headed by a son of the late president, Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, who now serves as the head of state and the supreme leader of the armed forces, as well as the head of the administration, according to the interim charter, whose adoption abrogates the constitution.

The transition period is planned for 18 months, and can be extended only once by the national transitional council, which exercises the legislative power after the dissolution of the National Assembly, according to the charter.

Under the charter, the national transitional council has 69 members, appointed by the president of the CMT. The transitional head of state also appoints and dismisses members of the transitional government, which leads and executes the nation's policy.

A secretary general of the transitional government is placed under the authority of the president of the CMT for the coordination of the work of the government, according to the charter. Some analysts say this position is equivalent to the post of prime minister, which Chad has abolished since 2018.

Thus are the three transitional bodies defined by the charter: the CMT, the national transitional council, and the transitional government.

The judiciary is independent from the executive and the legislative, according to the new fundamental text, and unless expressly repealed, the legislation and regulations in force until the adoption of the transitional charter remain applicable.

With the establishment of the CMT on Tuesday, the Chadian National Assembly and the government are dissolved. The CMT calls for unity and dialogue as some describe the dissolution as "an unconstitutional seizure of power."

Former president Deby died on Tuesday following injuries received at the frontline when he commanded fighting against rebels from Libya. The day before, he had been declared winner of the presidential election for a sixth term. Enditem
A man shot and killed by a Harris County Sheriffs Office deputy during an apparent mental health crisis confronted the lawman with a knife, according to body-worn camera footage of the encounter.

Police video, shared Tuesday, outlined the moments leading up to the fatal April 14 confrontation between an unidentified deputy and 46-year-old Marcelo Garcia, who had a history of mental illness. The shooting happened outside his east Harris County home in the 5900 block of Sunflower Prairie Court as his wife and three young children watched.

Garcias sister, Jessica Garza-Godinez, had expressed hope that the footages hastened release would provide a clear vision of what happened to her brother. Her familys attorneys on Monday contended Garcia was unarmed contradicting the police narrative that he had a knife. Videos from the sheriffs office appear to show the blade in Garcias hand and by his side after the shooting.

My brother was a beautiful person, Garza-Godinez said. He was the father to four and he always made sure to let them know that academics was so important and that all four would go to college.

Three of the children  the youngest a toddler girl  witnessed the shooting outside their home.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said he spoke to the family and offered his condolences ahead of sharing the unredacted body-worn footage. His office, he said, would consider releasing police footage in a similar manner following future shootings.

Well use this as a model going forward, he said.

Last weeks shooting followed what authorities said were four emergency calls at the home that took place in the six weeks prior. The deputy who shot him had responded to at least one of those four calls and was familiar with him, according to authorities. During the latest call for help, Garcias wife reported that her husband was having another mental health crisis.

The 11-minute video includes the following:

The deputy, after speaking with Garcias wife outside the home, approached the home. He rang the doorbell and Garcia swiftly answered the door with what appears to be a knife in his right hand.

Youre trying to break into my house, Garcia said.

The deputy then backed up in a hurry  an act that Gonzalez described as retreating, basically on his heels  and calling for backup.

Garcia next pleaded with the deputy to kill him, according to the video. The deputy, at this point, is aiming a Taser at him.

The video then shows Garcia rushing at the deputy and being shot at with the Taser, which officials said may have missed him. Amid the childrens screams, the deputy shouted in Spanish for Garcia to drop the weapon. He opened fire as Garcia continued running toward him.

Footage, meanwhile, from another deputys body-worn camera showed the blade next to Garcia in a pool of blood.

Security footage from a neighboring house captured the 12 seconds that preceded the gunshots and the minutes that followed. That video, which lawyers for Garcias family shared on Monday, shows Garcias crying wife and children rushing toward his collapsed body in the street. The deputy continued to stand close with his gun drawn. He paused to pick up an object attached to him.

One child cried out, Daddy, as sirens soon approached. Garcia, still alive at this point, struggled to get up as more law enforcement arrived with their guns drawn.

The family have asked for a meeting with Gonzalez to discuss the shooting and how the mental health crisis was handled.

Court records documented Garcias mental health following past brushes with law enforcement. Months after a 2017 arrest for an assault of a family member charge, doctors deemed Garcia presently competent but insane at the time of the offense.

Days later, a plea agreement was finalized and Garcia was granted two years deferred adjudication  which he completed. Such a deal allows a defendant to avoid a trial and conviction if the probation terms, decided by the court, are met.

During the latest call, a lone deputy arrived without the on-duty mental health unit, which was busy in Katy, authorities said.

Unlike previous episodes where several mental health professionals responded, this time  it is believed that a single inexperienced sheriffs deputy arrived and escalated the situation, which resulted in the shooting death of Marcelo Garcia in front of his wife and young daughters, the familys attorney, Bianca De Lachica, said. A solo law enforcement officer should have never been sent to respond to that call.

The sheriff declined to comment on whether he thought the deputy could have acted differently but said he thought he communicated well with Garcias wife prior to the shooting.

I want to be careful not to let anyone feel that weve already gotten to our conclusion, Gonzalez continued.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
When air quality in China is poor, locally-reported air pollution measurements diverge from US embassy-reported measurements more than would be expected by random chance

A new analysis of air pollution data from five large Chinese cities has found statistically significant differences between data from monitoring stations run by local governments and data from stations run by U.S. embassies and consulates. Jesse Turiel of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government and Robert Kaufmann of Boston University present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on April 21, 2021.

China has experienced poor air quality for several decades, and air pollution has been linked to significant increases in mortality and significant reductions of GDP for the country. In response, the Chinese central government has set targets for local environmental performance. Air quality data are collected at local monitoring stations, and local officials report them to the central government. Meanwhile, in some Chinese cities, U.S. embassies and consulates run their own monitoring stations.

For the new study, the researchers analyzed and compared measurements reported by local- and U.S. embassy-controlled monitoring stations in five large Chinese cities. These data, which covered a period from January 2015 to June 2017, consisted of hourly measurements of air concentration of fine particles known as PM2.5--a standard indicator of air quality.

The researchers identified hours in which data from local temporarily diverged from U.S. stations in a statistically significant manner. They found that these divergences occurred more often and were greater than one would expect by random chance. Hourly divergences were also more likely when air quality was particularly poor. Together, the results suggest that, when air pollution is high, local stations systematically report lower PM2.5 levels than reported by U.S. stations.

The authors note that these findings add to existing concerns about underreporting of air pollution by some local officials in China. In fact, they say, the general public and other observers are often skeptical of local data because some officials might have an incentive to underreport in order to avoid professional repercussions.

Still, the researchers emphasize the usefulness of local air pollution data in China and note that their study does not invalidate other findings that the country's air quality has improved in recent years.

The authors add: "Our work finds evidence of systemic local government underreporting of air pollution levels in four out of five tested Chinese cities. This suggests that, between 2015 and 2017, some local governments in China misreported air quality data disclosed to the country's central environmental ministry, particularly on high-pollution days."

###

Citation: Turiel JS, Kaufmann RK (2021) Evidence of air quality data misreporting in China: An impulse indicator saturation model comparison of local government-reported and U.S. embassy-reported PM2.5 concentrations (2015-2017). PLoS ONE 16(4): e0249063. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0249063

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Twelve jurors found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in killing of George Floyd last May on Tuesday.

The nation waited for approximately an hour between the time the verdict was reached and when it was read. Seconds after the guilty charges were read, Texas public figures took to Twitter to share their thoughts given Floyd's murder sparked a global reckoning on racism and police brutality. From Texas mayors to U.S. representatives, all shared their thoughts on what the monumental outcome means for their communities.

Chauvin's sentencing will take place in eight weeks.

Read more of the statewide responses below.
Nelligan is recognized as 'world-class' discovery and it is growing

Project has been advanced from grassroots stage to resource in just three years

Four major gold zones established at Nelligan - Renard, Liam, Dan and 36

What Vanstar Mining does:

( ) was founded in 2008 and is a northern-Quebec-focused gold explorer with projects at various stages of development.

The company's flagship asset is its 25% ownership of the advanced Nelligan project, which won the 'Discovery of the Year' award at the 2019 Quebec Mineral Exploration Association XPLOR Gala. In the same year, a resource estimate showed 3.2 million of inferred ounces of the yellow metal at a grade of 1.02 grams per ton (g/t) gold.

Mining major IAMGOLD is the company's partner and operator at Nelligan and owns 75% of the near 6,000 hectare project and can earn 80% by funding and publishing a feasibility study.

The larger firm is funding the project's development to production and Vanstar would retain a 20% carried interest until the start of commercial output and a 1% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) on the eight original project claims. Nelligan is open along strike to the west and at depth.

Vanstar also owns 100% of four further exploration projects. Its Felix project spans 69 claims over 3,359 hectares and sits in the famous Abitibi greenstone belt. Previous drill results include nine samples of 1.5 metres (m) which were assayed and returned between 0.9 to 1.5 g/.t gold over 70m. A 3,000m drilling program is currently in progress.

The Amanda project comprises 145 claims over 7,677 hectares and it lies 275 kilometres (km) northwest of Chibougamau. In 2020. four new gold showings were discovered up to 1.8 grams per ton (g/t) in mineralized sediments. Five known gold showings associated with iron lie at the property.

The Frida property consists of 45 mining claims and is subject to no NSR royalty, while the company's Eva property is found in the James Bay area, northern Quebec. The Matagami-Radisson road runs 30 km west of the Frida and Eva assets and summer access is via a jetty at the northern end of Sakami Lake at Km 56 on the Trans-Taiga gravel road, which sits 30 km north of the property.

Vanstar Mining also trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol 1V8 and on the US OTC market under VMNGF. Its market cap is around C$57 million and the company has around C$5.8 million in the bank.

How is it doing:

In a shareholder update on February 18 this year, Vanstar Mining outlined a busy exploration year ahead.

At Nelligan, following 7,600m of diamond drilling in 2020 that successfully extended mineralization to the west by around 700m, IAMGOLD is planning a program of around 10,000m of follow up diamond drilling for 2021.

The aim is mainly to continue to step-out along strike of the Renard Zone in a bid to expand the resource, and, if positive, this work could support an updated resource in the second half of 2021. Also, at Nelligan, an induced polarization (IP) survey is currently in progress, which will help identify potential target areas for exploration.

Elsewhere, at Felix, a 3,000m program is underway to verify gold mineralization identified in a historic hole. The drilling is also due to test four airborne electromagnetic conductors.

Elsewhere, Vanstar said high resolution airborne electromagnetic surveys are planned for its Amanda, Frida, and Eva properties, which should be completed in March/April.

This will be augmented with geological mapping, prospecting, and sampling to be undertaken this summer, it added.

Inflection points:

Nelligan drilling news from IAMGOLD

Exploration news from Vanstar's other projects

Gold price moves

What the boss says:

In March 2021, Vanstar Mining chief executive JC St-Amour spoke to Proactive's Christine Corrado.

He said: "I think Vanstar's a great company ... the way I see it, it's a low risk, exploration play. Nelligan has been largely de-risked. It's being advanced by IAMGOLD and it basically supplies most of the value in the company right now and so any exploration upside we get would be in addition to that. I would expect good results from exploration to be reflective in the stock."

Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin listens as a jury finds him guilty of all charges in his trial for second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., April 20, in a still image from video. Reuters-Yonhap



Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man's neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.



Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades.



The verdict set off jubilation around the city. People instantly flooded the surrounding streets downtown, running through traffic with banners. Cars blared their horns. Floyd family members who had gathered at a Minneapolis conference room could be heard cheering and even laughing.



''America, let's pause for a moment to proclaim this historical moment, not just for the legacy of George Floyd but for the legacy of America,'' Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said at a joyous news conference that included Floyd's young daughter. ''This is a victory for those who champion humanity over inhumanity. Those who champion justice over injustice.''



The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. The now-fired white officer was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.



His face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom. His bail was immediately revoked and he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back. Sentencing will be in two months; the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.



Defense attorney Eric Nelson followed Chauvin out of the courtroom without comment.



As the judge asked jurors if they reached a verdict, a hush fell on the crowd 300 strong in a park adjacent to the courthouse, with people listening to the proceedings on their cellphones. When the final guilty verdict was announced, the crowd roared, many people hugging, some shedding tears.



At the intersection where Floyd was pinned down, a crowd chanted, ''One down, three to go!''  a reference to the three other fired Minneapolis police officers facing trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd's death.



Janay Henry, who lives nearby, said she felt grateful and relieved.



''I feel grounded. I can feel my feet on the concrete,'' she said, adding that she was looking forward to the ''next case with joy and optimism and strength.''



An ecstatic Whitney Lewis leaned halfway out a car window in a growing traffic jam of revelers waving a Black Lives Matter flag. ''Justice was served,'' the 32-year-old from Minneapolis said. ''It means George Floyd can now rest.''



Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell, who pounded away at Chauvin's witnesses during the trial, said the verdict sends a message to Floyd's family ''that he was somebody, that his life matters.''



Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison commended the bystanders at Floyd's slow-motion death who ''raised their voices because they knew that what they were seeing was wrong,'' and then ''told the whole world'' what they saw.



Ellison read off the names of others killed in encounters with police and said: ''This has to end. We need true justice. That's not one case. That's social transformation that says no one is beneath the law and no one is above it.''









The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest _ not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.



The jurors' identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.



It is unusual for police officers to be prosecuted for killing someone on the job. Convictions are extraordinarily rare. Out of the thousands of deadly police shootings in the U.S. since 2005, fewer than 140 officers have been charged with murder or manslaughter, according to data maintained by Phil Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University. Before Tuesday, only seven were convicted of murder.



Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.



The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, ''I can't breathe'' and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyd's neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.



Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, and told the jury: ''Believe your eyes.'' And it was shown over and over, analyzed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.





People react near a mural of George Floyd after former Minneapolis Police Department Police Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in Minneapolis, Minn., April 20. EPA-Yonhap
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Covid deaths have fallen by more than 40 per cent over the last week  down to just 22 victims today, according to Department of Health data.

Cases are also continuing to fall despite more testing being carried out and another 2,396 infections were posted today  a fall of 3.8 per cent from last Wednesday's figure of 2,491.

Almost 110,000 first vaccines were also dished out yesterday, with 33.1million now jabbed. Some 350,000 adults were given their top-up jab  with one in five adults now fully inoculated.

The figures comes after 'extraordinary' real-world data suggested just 32 vaccinated people in the UK have been hospitalised with Covid after developing immunity from a jab. Figures due to be handed to No10's advisers show vaccinated people made up only a fraction of the thousands of admissions for the coronavirus in recent months.

The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium looked at more than 74,000 hospital admissions between September and early March. Some 2,000 were jabbed in total  all but 32 of them caught the virus before their jab had time to kick in.

In the past week the UK has carried out an average of 967,319 Covid tests each day, up from 842,239 per day in the week before.

Only 1 per cent of PCR tests in England are positive now, meaning that out of everyone swabbed only one in every 100 actually has the virus. Test positivity rates were 15 per cent at the peak of the second wave, according to the Department of Health.

And out of 380 local authorities in the UK, only Derry City and Strabane in Northern Ireland has an infection rate of more than 100 positive tests per 100,000 people in the most recent week.

Luton is England's current hotspot after recording 184 cases in the last seven days  a rate of around 86.4.

Positive statistics from the NHS show that fewer than 2,000 Covid patients are now being treated in hospitals  down from a peak of almost 40,000 at the January peak. New patient admissions have dropped to fewer than 200 per day.

JUST 32 BRITONS HOSPITALISED WITH COVID AFTER VACCINATION Just 32 people in the UK have been hospitalised with Covid after getting a vaccine, according to 'extraordinary' real-world data. People are only counted as vaccinated from three weeks after getting the jab because that's how long it takes for immunity to kick in. Figures due to be handed to Government advisers today show inoculated people made up a tiny fraction of the thousands of admissions for the virus in recent months, The Telegraph revealed. The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium looked at more than 74,000 hospital admissions between September and early March. Some 2,000 of them had had a vaccine but only 32 got sick after their body had had time to develop immunity. The others were in the two to three week period in between when people are still at risk of Covid. Scientists said the finding was proof the jabs are performing 'extraordinarily well' at squashing Covid hospitalisations and deaths. Advertisement

The numbers will raise more questions about why Britain is still living under tough lockdown restrictions, given that 33million people have now been jabbed.

Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to speed up his roadmap out of lockdown, with the next relaxation not due until May 17, when pubs and restaurants will open and foreign travel is earmarked to resume.

But the PM told a Downing St press conference yesterday that while the vaccination programme was 'making a big difference', he would not deviate from his 'cautious but irreversible' plan.

Quizzed about why No10 has not published data on the jabs' effect on hospital and death rates, Mr Johnson said 'we simply don't know that data', but added that he 'suspected the number was very small'.

Research on the life-saving vaccines was published last night, which showed how the UK's mammoth roll-out have already drastically cut down hospital admissions.

The study looked at 74,405 coronavirus patients treated in hospital between September and March. A total of 2,000 the patients had been jabbed.

But the analysis discounted admissions of people who had caught the virus within three weeks of being vaccinated  because that's roughly how long it takes for immunity to kick in. Just 32 patients  or 2 per cent  were admitted after that time-frame.

Tony Blair today called for the Government to publish more data showing exactly how few vaccinated people have caught Covid and been hospitalised or died.

The former prime minister said the in-depth figures  currently kept under wraps  would be a boost to vaccine confidence around the world and increase support for the AstraZeneca jab in Europe and Africa.

The Oxford-made shot has been stung by negative headlines after it was linked to very rare blood clots, damaging acceptance in some countries including in Africa.

'I think the full dataset would show that AstraZeneca is a highly effective vaccine, it will save huge amounts of lives, hospitalisation and people getting "long Covid",' he told Sky News.

'We have, as a country, a huge interest in this because even if we get ourselves vaccinated... the risk is still there that you get a mutation that comes back into the UK that vaccines may be less effective against'.

There are 192 daily coronavirus hospital admissions across the entire UK, according to the most recent figures, down from a peak of 4,500 in January

ASTRAZENECA BLOOD CLOT FIASCO 'DID NOT PUT PEOPLE OFF JABS' The UK deciding not to give AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine to under-30s has not put people off getting vaccinated, a survey suggests. Regulators said concerns about extremely rare blood clots being triggered by the jab meant it would be safer to give young adults a different one where possible. In Europe clotting fears spooked some people into turning down the jab or asking for different ones. Denmark refused to use the vaccine at all. But the University of Stirling in Scotland did a survey that found almost nine out of 10 people in their 30s  close in age to those affected but old enough to still be given the AstraZeneca jab  are still happy to get a vaccine. The survey of 300 people did not ask specifically about the AstraZeneca vaccine but about jabs in general, and found no increase in hesitancy. Among 30 to 40-year-olds, 85 per cent said they were still planning to get jabbed. This was a slight dip from 87 per cent in the previous survey but the proportion saying they would refuse a jab also fell, from 9.9 to 9.8 per cent. Advertisement

The number of vaccinated Britons who have been hospitalised or died with Covid is thought to be tiny.

But neither Whitehall nor the NHS publish precise data showing the rate of Covid infection among people who have had a jab, nor hospital admissions or deaths.

The success of the UK's vaccination programme in conjunction with its strict three-month lockdown which is only just beginning to be loosened after starting at the beginning of January, has brought the country's Covid death rate plummeting.

It is no longer one of the 20 worst-hit countries for excess deaths during the pandemic, according to analysis of official figures by the Economist.

Britain now has a rolling rate of 183 excess deaths per 100,000 people, putting it at number 21 behind Italy (197).

Excess deaths are calculated by taking fatalities from all causes since the pandemic first struck and comparing them with a historical average from recent years.

It is the first time Britain has dropped outside the top 20 since the Covid crisis took off. The country turned the tide on the virus thanks to a hugely successful vaccination programme and winter lockdown.

Overall, the UK has still been one of the hardest hit nations in the world, suffering more than 127,000 Covid deaths in total. Only a handful of countries have more deaths either overall or per head of population.

Peru, which is in the midst of battling a wave of the Brazilian coronavirus variant, has the highest rate in the world at 412 per 100,000. Rounding out the top five are Bulgaria (338), Mexico (321), Russia (313) and Lithuania (301).

Fourteen other countries - including a number of EU member states, South Africa, and Ecuador - are recording rates of more than 200 excess deaths per 100,00. The US ranks at number 23, according to the analysis, with a rate just shy of Britain's at 182 per 100,000.

The excess fatality rate is one of the best ways to compare the pandemic's impact on countries because it looks at more than just the official Covid death tolls.

It includes people who died without the confirmation of a test, and those who passed from other causes as a result of lockdowns and their knock-on effects on hospital care.

Excess deaths in the UK have been falling since the vaccine drive launched and the country went into lockdown over the winter.

For the past five weeks deaths from all causes in Britain have been lower than average, which has helped drive the rate down faster.
Fallout from nuclear bomb testing during the Cold War has been found in honey produced along the US East Cost, a new study reveals.

A team at William & Mary University discovered cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear fission involving the reaction of uranium and plutonium, in more than half of 122 samples taken from Main to Florida.

Although the levels are not enough to harm humans, the results show the long-lasting effects of nuclear fallout on the environment.

However, honey samples with higher levels derived from parts of the US that receive less precipitation and soil with low levels of potassium.

The team suggests cesium and potassium share similarities, so plants searching for the nutrient absorb the fallout instead  thus resulting in pollen being contaminated.

A team at William & Mary University discovered cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear fission involving the reaction of uranium and plutonium, in more than half of 122 samples taken from Main to Florida

Jim Kaste, an environmental geochemist at William & Mary university in Williamsburg, Virginia, said: 'There was a period in which we tested hundreds of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere.

'What that did was put a blanket of these isotopes into the environment during a very narrow time window.'

The research began in 2017 when a group of students were given an assignment over spring break to bring back food from where they vacationed that would be tested for radioactive particles, Science Alert reports.

The student brought different fruits, nuts and other items, many of which had faint traces of cesium-137 when measured with a gamma detector.

Although the levels are not enough to harm humans, the results show the long-lasting effects of nuclear fallout on the environment. The US detonated more nuclear bombs than any country during the Cold War

However, the analysis of a jar of honey from a North Carolina farmer's market included a surprise.

'I measured it again because I thought something happened to the container or my detector was bonkers,' Kaste says.

'I reproduced the measurement. And it was, again, 100 times hotter than any of these other foods.'

The 68 hone samples found with cesium-137 had levels just above 0.03 becquerels per kilogram (stock)

The follow up research, conducted last month, collected 122 honey samples from Main to Florida that were inspected with a gamma detector, and 68 were found with cesium-137.

Those with traces of the radioactive isotope had levels just above 0.03 becquerels per kilogramroughly 870,000 radiocesium atoms per tablespoon.

Cesium-137 contamination of food raised concerns following the nuclear incidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima, forcing officials to pull food from shelves, but Kaste said that the levels in the US honey is far below what is deemed harmful to humans.

'I'm not trying to tell people they shouldn't eat honey. I feed my kids honey,' Kaste said.

'I eat more honey now than I did when I started this project.'

The US allows 1,200 becquerels per kilogram in all food, and the radiocesium levels reported in this new study 'are nothing to fret about,' the US Food and Drug Administration told Science Magazine.

During nuclear blasts, radioactive particles that did not rain down on the ground were jetted up into the atmosphere where wings captured the cesium and took them eastward - and rain brought them to earth.

The east coast receives more perspiration than most of the US, which is why this region's honey may still contain traits of past explosions.

Kaste's examination of single-source honey also showed some trends.

For instance, samples from the Virginia Piedmont were virtually cesium-free.

During nuclear blasts, radioactive particles that did not rain down on the ground were jetted up into the atmosphere where wings captured the cesium and took them eastward. Pictured: The explosion of the H-Bomb in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific in the autumn of 1952

But honey from North Carolina southward commonly showed the presence of cesium-137 and Florida honey was especially 'hot.'

Cesium levels were mixed from Virginia north, but curiously, began showing up again in Maine.

'I talked to a beekeeper in Maine, and he told me they send their hives south for the winter,' Kaste said. 'Maine gets too cold for bees.'

To find out how much more, Kaste's team sifted through records of cesium testing in milkwhich was monitored out of concern for radiation contaminationand analyzed archived plant samples.

In both data sets, the researchers found that radiocesium levels had declined sharply since the 1960sa similar trend that likely occurred in honey.

'Cesium levels in honey were probably 10 times higher in the 1970s,' Kaste speculates.

'Because of radioactive decay, what we're measuring today is only a whiff of what was there before.'
Bhubaneshwar: Amid rising cases of coronavirus COVID-19, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha on Wednesday (April 21) decided to cancel the class 10th board exams for 2021 across all schools in the state, according to the state Education Ministry. It further said that the results of Class 10 students to be prepared by the Board on basis of objective criteria.

The decision to effect was taken a day after a large number of students staged a protest in front of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's residence on Tuesday, seeking cancellation of the annual matriculation (Class 10) examination in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Notably, the Odisha Board's class 10 examination was scheduled to be held from May 3, 2021.

Odisha Minister School & Mass Education, Samir Ranjan Dash, reportedly said that the government has also cancelled all the examination of Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education scheduled to be conducted from May 19. Ranjan Dash further stated that those candidates who will not be satisfied with the marks awarded to him/her on this basis will be given an opportunity to take the examination as and when the conditions would be conducive for the same.

Meanwhile, the class 12 board examination conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha has also been postponed, and the exams will take place when the COVID-19 situation improves.

The state today has reported 4,851 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the state health department.

Earlier, the Central Board of Secondary Education canceled and postponed the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board examinations respectively, in view of the rising cases of COVID-19 across the country.

The Indian School Certificate Examinations too followed the suit and announced the postponement of Class 10 ICSE and Class 12 ISC board examinations in light of rising coronavirus cases.
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Welcome. A couple of weeks ago, I asked what back to normal means to you. The resumption of an activity? A reunion with family? Being inside without masks and not fretting about it? Heres what you said.

For Carlee Clarke in Frankfurt, Germany, going back to normal means traveling without fear of judgment from others, without feeling like an irresponsible parent, without juggling quarantines and tests. For Mary from Minnesota, It means everyone stops saying Stay safe.

Taylor Corbaley in Omaha wrote, Going back to normal would mean shaking hands with my professors after a class, or high-fiving children after they finish their research participation in my lab. Ive genuinely forgotten how nice it is to touch hands with someone in gratitude, and to not feel a sense of worry after that brief connection.

Normal, for me, will be when I spontaneously rest my head on a friends shoulder in a moment of shared laughter, wrote Mallory Findlay from Chapel Hill, N.C. Eric Mariasis in Westford, Mass., says, It will be nice just to give casual hugs to friends.
Women in Kuwait are demanding protection and tougher punishments for perpetrators of violent crime, after a man was arrested for murdering a woman while released on bail for harassing her.

Outrage has spread across the tiny Gulf country after a man fatally stabbed a woman and dumped her body outside a hospital, just days into the holy month of Ramadan.

Videos circulating on social media show the victims distraught sister screaming at authorities outside the hospital, saying that their pleas to protect her had been ignored.
Working hand in hand with the trade unions, transnational corporations operating in Spain are cutting tens of thousands of jobs. The list of companies involved covers almost all sectors of the economy.

Companies are using redundancy schemes, known by their acronym ERE in Spanish. This enables companies to carry out collective dismissals based on so-called objective reasons, such as economic downturns, technical innovations, organizational changes and productivity increases. The main advantage is that it allows companies to slash severance pay, which they must give to workers.

The trade unions play a despicable role in EREs. Many of the firms that obtained redundancy grants would not have gotten them without the intervention of the unions involved in negotiating the sackings. Part of the redundancy money goes straight into union coffers as commissions per worker made redundant, in most cases without the workers knowledge.

Rocio Sanchez works in the kitchen at La Francachela restaurant in Madrid, Spain, Friday, March 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Trade unions can gain up to 10 percent for each worker dismissed. In addition, workers under EREs pay a fixed amount for the trade unions legal advisory services, ranging from 100 to 400. This helps to explain the popularity of EREs.

In the past six years, over 250,000 workers have lost their jobs under these schemes. Now, summing the ERE announcements in the past several weeks, over 21,000 workers are expected to be laid off in the coming months while all kinds of work centers will be closed, including factories, offices, shops and large shopping centers.

Banking is one of the main sectors. Since the 2008 global crisis, successive PSOE, Popular Party (PP) and PSOE-Podemos governments have promoted the concentration of this sector. In a little over a decade, five large banks increased their market share from 42.4 percent in 2008 to 67.4 percent last year. This was accompanied by a huge assault on workers: 100,000 jobs were destroyed, and 22,060 branches were closed. This assault continues.

With the green light from PSOE and Podemos, Bankia and CaixaBank are to merge, creating Spains largest bank. The new merger aims to make between 7,000 and 10,000 redundancies. Unicaja and Liberbank plan redundancies affecting 2,500 workers. BBVA has also leaked plans for 3,000 layoffs.

The banks can count on the inestimable support of the trade unions. Banco Santander recently laid off 3,572 workers and closed 1,033 offices. The redundancy agreement was described as a victory by the five signatory trade unions, while the compensation packages were described as sufficient and worthy. Sabadell bank also recently dismissed 1,800 workers, which the Stalinist Workers Commissions (CCOO) union called a satisfactory agreement.

In retail, job destruction is also accelerating. The trade unions agreed to the dismissal of 3,292 workers at El Corte Ingles, one of Europes largest retailers. FETICO union General Secretary Antonio Perez argued that the redundancy scheme was valid because it was supported by a technical report prepared by the consulting firm Deloitte and El Corte Ingles clearly has surplus staff. FETICO is now calling on its members to sign up for the scheme voluntarily.

German perfume chain Douglas has agreed to 492 layoffs and the closure of 82 stores. A CCOO union bureaucrat described it as bad news but was quick to point out that the scheme has managed to reduce the number of people affected and substantially improves the conditions of those who end up dissociating themselves from the company. Dissociating means being sacked.

For its part, Swedish fashion multinational H&M plans to lay off 1,100 workers and close 30 stores, as part of a global restructuring plan. CCOO, the main union at the company, described the measure as unjustified and disproportionate, its usual comment before entering into negotiations and then claiming job losses as victories. The unions have made it clear that they have no intention of mobilising workers against the redundancy scheme.

In the food and beverage sector, Coca Cola aims to cut 360 jobs. Food products corporation Danone will soon negotiate the dismissal of 160 workers between Spain and Portugal, in a global layoff campaign targeting another 1,850 workers. Dairy company Leche Pascual agreed to 137 redundancies earlier this year. The company thanked the unions, welcoming the rigor and responsibility that characterised the negotiating process from the beginning, always seeking the least possible social impact.

In the manufacturing industry, which has already been ravaged since the 1980s due to the impact of globalization and requirements to enter the European Union, which included mass privatisations implemented by the PSOE, more jobs are expected to be lost.

In the Galicia region, on top of Alcoas aluminium plant closure, the Endesa-owned As Pontes thermal power plant and a Siemens-owned manufacturer of wind blades are to close. Multinational electrical equipment manufacturer Eaton has announced that it is closing its plant in the Basque country. Petronor will lay off 129 workers at its Muskiz refinery in another ERE, and Tubacex, a group specializing in the manufacture of steel tubes, is targeting another 129 workers.

In Valencia, automaker Ford is negotiating an ERE with the trade unions for 630 employees, within the 10,000 job cuts it plans across Europe, after having already laid off 350 workers in its Valencia plant less than a year ago. Electricity company Naturgy has just proposed another 1,000 layoffs to the trade unions, within an international restructuring plan that led it to lay off already 6,500 workers worldwide. The list of layoffs continues with automotive company U-Shin (76), Nissans ubcontractor ISS (110) and Italco textile (245).

These job cuts are not inevitable. They are the product of the capitalist crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the reaction of big business to put the costs on the backs of the working class. In order to improve its competitive position in the world market, they seek to work with the unions to impose wage cuts, redundancies and worsen labour conditions.

In this process, the union bureaucracies rely on the pseudo-left, who like themselves articulate the interests of privileged layers of the upper middle class. An example is that of the Morenoite Workers Revolutionary Current (CRT) and its mouthpiece, La Izquierda Diario .

In one article on the mass attacks on jobs, they fraudulently call on workers to put their faith in the same unions that are profiting from the redundancies. They say: The only way to avoid rising unemployment and increasing job insecurity is through a plan of struggle imposed on the unions by self-organized workers. It is necessary to demand that the unions break all their pacts with the government and the employers and that they call for unitary measures of struggle.

Characteristically, they add: We urgently need to organize and get the unions back from the hands of the union bureaucracies. An alternative fight plan must be promoted to defend all jobs.

Such statements aim to conceal a fact experienced by millions of workers worldwide. Trade unions are no longer linked to the defence of the working class, as they were in the middle of the last century. Closely tied to the capitalist state and the corporations, they impose job cuts and social retrogression on the workers in the interests of privileged bureaucracies. They cannot be reformed nor pressured to benefit the interests of workers, any more than the capitalist class itself can be.

To defend jobs requires a political fight against the PSOE-Podemos government, the trade unions and their pseudo-left allies. New organisations, rank-and-file committees, must be built to oppose the capitalist onslaught. They must link up with workers in all sectors and unite with workers internationally who are facing the same onslaught on jobs.
A Covid variant thought to carry more mutations than any other strain has been found in Tanzania, according to researchers.

Virologists said it looked further removed from the original Wuhan virus than any other strain known to science, including variants found in Kent, South Africa and India.

It was first picked up in three travellers who got tested at an airport in Angola after flying there from Tanzania in mid-February.

Researchers examined samples in a laboratory and found the virus had 34 changes, 14 of which were on the 'spike' protein that it uses to latch onto human cells and cause illness.

For comparison, the Kent variant has 17 significant genetic changes with eight on the spike. The South African strain has even fewer.

Professor Tulio de Oliveira, who discovered the variant, said: 'When compared with other variants of concern and variants of interest, this is the most divergent one.'

He described the strain, known as A.VOI.V2 as 'the most diverse A lineage ever described'. An A lineage is a direct descendent of the original Wuhan strain of the virus.

This comparison doesn't include the Kent and South African variants, however, which are B lineages  ones that trace back to a different strain that became dominant in Europe last summer.

Not enough is known about the Tanzanian variant for scientists to decide whether it is any more dangerous than existing ones.

And it's impossible to know how widespread it is because not enough testing and genetic sampling is done in sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor Tulio de Oliveira said A.VOI.V2 was 'potentially of interest' simply because of how many mutations it has.

Professor de Oliveira and colleagues' paper showed that the variant they found in Tanzania, named A.VOI.V2 (far right) had significantly more mutations than other strains including the Kent one (B.1.1.7) and South African (501Y.V2)

Angola and Tanzania appear to have had smaller outbreaks than the UK this year but their testing and lab facilities are not as advanced

Professor de Oliveira published his discovery alongside colleagues at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa; the Angola Ministry of Health; the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; and universities in Rio de Janeiro, Oxford and Cape Town.

Professor de Oliveira said on Twitter: 'It the most diverse A lineage sequencers ever described.

'It also [worried] us as it was found in three travelers from Tanzania in Angola. There is almost no data from Covid in Tanzania.

'When compared with other variants of concern and variants of interest, this is the most divergent one.'

Graphs published in the paper only compared it to five other major variants and suggested some samples of those had contained more mutations than the Tanzania strain. Not every sample is identical and some have extra mutations that come and go because the virus is constantly changing and not every change sticks around.

The reason a large number of mutations is concerning for scientists is that it raises the risk of immunity from a vaccine or past infection not working as well.

Immune system antibodies, which destroy the virus when it gets into the body, are specific and work less well against viruses they haven't seen before.

INDIAN VARIANT SPOTTED DOZENS OF TIMES IN THE UK India's troublesome Covid variant has been spotted more than 200 times in Britain, MailOnline can reveal. The most up-to-date data from the Government's official coronavirus variant tracking programme shows 103 infected people have had the mutant strain. But separate figures published by the same group of experts show the B.1.617 variant has actually been spotted 215 times  with it making up around one in every 200 positive swabs that are analysed. Scientists said it was a 'very troubling' number and that it was proof the variant was spreading, with 85 per cent of samples detected in the past month. However, health chiefs say some of the cases will be duplicates because the majority are linked to foreign travel. Everyone flying in to England from India  and anywhere abroad  currently has to take two Covid tests while quarantining at home for 10 days. British experts are currently managing to sequence the majority of positive tests because cases are so low. Scientists and senior Labour politicians slammed the Government for allowing thousands of travellers from India to pour into the UK every week despite knowing about the variant for nearly a month. Number 10 only announced India was being added to the UK's travel 'red list' yesterday, and the measures don't start until 4am on Friday. The data, published by the Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium, shows the Indian variant has been spotted in every part of the UK except Northern Ireland  with 198 samples in England, 10 in Scotland and seven in Wales. Professor Paul Hunter, from the University of East Anglia, said it was 'almost certain' that there are more cases of the Indian variant because it can take two or three weeks for sequences to be analysed and published. It is feared B.1.617 spreads easier than older strains and has mutations which help it evade vaccines  but to what degree remains unclear. Scientists do not believe it is any deadlier than the strains currently circulating in Britain. Advertisement

This is why Britain is preparing a booster vaccine campaign this autumn so people can get extra protection specifically against the South Africa variant, which is mutated from the one the original vaccines were based on. The current jabs are expected to work but may be less effective than they are against the Kent strain.

More people who have been vaccinated, therefore, might be able to get reinfected or become sick even after their jab if new variants become dominant in future.

In their paper  which was published as a pre-print and not reviewed by independent scientists  Professor de Oliveira and colleagues said that some of the mutations on the Tanzania variant were the same as those on other strains.

One called E484K, for example, is found on the South African and Brazilian P1 variants, and is thought to help the virus to slip past immunity from current vaccines. Others had not been seen before.

Thirty-one of the mutations happened in a way that meant an amino acid  a building block  in its genetic sequence had been swapped out for another one. These are called substitutions. And in the remaining three mutations that amino acid just disappeared completely  a deletion.

In the paper, the researchers suggested the Tanzania variant may have 'resistance to neutralizing antibodies and potentially increased transmissibility'.

The team wrote: 'Whilst we have only detected three cases with this new variant of interest, this warrants urgent investigation as the source country has a largely undocumented epidemic and few public health measures in place to prevent spread within and out of the country.'

The true size of Tanzania's outbreak is unknown but the World Health Organization has recorded 24,518 confirmed cases and 563 deaths there.

Both Tanzania and Angola are on the UK's travel red list, meaning that no visitors from those countries are allowed into Britain. Only UK citizens or residents can travel in and they must quarantine in a hotel for at least 10 days and get tested regularly.

The most recent variant to rattle politicians and scientists in the UK is a strain first found in India, which has been spotted in more than 200 positive test swabs.

Number 10 only announced India was being added to the UK's travel 'red list' yesterday, and the measures don't start until 4am on Friday.

At least 5,000 of people are due to arrive in Britain from India before the travel restrictions come into effect, as a desperate scramble to beat the quarantine deadline ensues.

Amid growing numbers of the variant at home and the spiralling epidemic in India, the Prime Minister has had to cancel a scheduled visit to Delhi next week.

Reacting to the new Indian variant cases, Professor Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist from the University of East Anglia, added: 'It does look like this is growing rather more quickly than it should be while we're in this sort of lockdown.

'It is still a little bit early to know what's really going on with this variant, but the signs are not looking good.'
We saw what we saw. Thats what a Minneapolis jury told the world Tuesday.

Thats all George Floyds family and hundreds of millions of people who bore witness to his death wanted. All they asked of the men and women deliberating the fate of former police officer Derek Chauvin, now convicted of murder, was that their witness not be denied, justice not be delayed and Floyds death not be diminished.

We saw what we saw. On May 25, for nearly 10 minutes, Chauvin knelt the last breath and words out of Floyd.

We heard those last words. We heard what we heard. I cant breathe. It was the 27th time Floyd said he couldnt breathe.

We saw what we saw. A frightened, suffering man begging for mercy from the officer who was taking his life  calling for the woman whod given him life.

Mama! Mama!

We saw what we saw. Chauvin, cool and casual, his hand thrust in his pocket, continuing to leave his knee planted in the back of Floyds neck even after Floyd was unresponsive and another officer couldnt find a pulse.

In that moment  in that 9 minutes and 29 seconds  Chauvin was a kneeling portrait of the banality of evil. For African Americans he was a reminder that, more often than not, racism isnt the snarling, monstrous face of a Klansman but the cool, casual and unconcerned demeanor of a Chauvin who is unable to acknowledge the pain hes inflicting. For many whites, he may have been an introduction to this reality.

For generations, African Americans have protested unfair and brutal treatment by law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Long is the list of names of unarmed black men, women and children killed by police and vigilantes. And for generations, their assertions that they saw what they saw, and experienced what they experienced, have been doubted and ignored.

But one of the things that makes the murder of Floyd different is that the we  as in We saw what we saw  were not just Black people. Because a 17-year-old recorded his death on her cellphone, the whole world was witness to the crime.

We saw what we saw  and what we saw was murder. The jury saw the same thing and convicted Chauvin on all three counts: manslaughter, second-degree murder and third-degree murder.

Such has been the imbalance of justice in this nation for African Americans and all citizens of color that even after the murder of Floyd had been watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world, there were great doubts as to whether 12 people would confirm what was seen so clearly and with great pain.

But these 12 people did, giving no credence to a defense that tried to blame everyone and everything for Floyds death except Chauvin.

Painfully earned justice were the words invoked by Ben Crump, an attorney for Floyds family, after the verdict.

This is less a time for celebration than for relief, for had the jury claimed we didnt see what we knew we had, this nation could have exploded into the fire next time of which the writer James Baldwin warned.

But in confirming what our eyes did see, the verdict allows us to do what Chauvin denied Floyd: the chance to breathe.
Black Lives Matter activists led by Hana Abdur-Rahim, a local organizer, march through downtown in reaction to the shooting of Makiyah Bryant on 20 April 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. ((Getty Images))

Hundreds of protesters marched in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday night after a Black teenage girl was shot and killed by police in the city.

Protesters gathered outside of the Columbus police headquarters for hours on Tuesday after 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant was identified by her family as the victim in the police shooting.

Paula Bryant told local 10TV that her daughter, whom she described as an honour-roll student, was shot dead in the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

The shooting took place at 4:45pm when officers were called to a disturbance on the southeast side of the city after reports of an attempted stabbing.

Bodycam footage from the responding officers shows the teenager brandish a knife and charge toward one female who falls backwards, before moving towards another.

A slow-motion version of the footage shows the second victim falling against a car as the knife-wielding youth raises the weapon as if about to stab her, as an officer opens fire on the teenager.

The shooting occurred around 20 minutes before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of George Floyds murder, a high-profile killing last May that saw sustained protests across the US in opposition to police brutality against Black Americans.

Following the fatal shooting on Tuesday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside of the Columbus police headquarters, with many pushing past barriers set up to get closer to the building.

The crowd chanted Bryant as they approached officers outside of the building, while a group of protesters were heard shouting: She was just a kid, according to the New York Post.

Although officers threatened to use pepper spray on the crowd, protesters appeared to stay calm throughout the demonstration, as social media footage showed a peaceful protest on Tuesday night.

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At a separate demonstration earlier in the day, members of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children and other protesters gathered in the area of the shooting, with one person reportedly carrying a sign that read enough is enough.

Story continues

Protesters with Black Lives Matters signs later joined the crowd of onlookers at the scene as the night progressed.

We dont get to celebrate nothing, K C Taynor said through a megaphone of the verdict in the George Floyd trial, according to The Columbus Dispatch. In the end, you know what, you cant be Black.

During the demonstration on Tuesday night, city officials released the bodycam footage of the fatal shooting, with the video sparking further outrage across the US.

The footage was revealed at a news conference on Tuesday night, showing an officer shooting the 16-year-old girl as she appeared to threaten two people with a knife.

The footage caught the attention of Floyd familys lawyer, Ben Crump, who tweeted: As we breathed a collective sigh of relief today, a community in Columbus felt the sting of another police shooting.

Mr Crump added: Another child lost! Another hashtag.

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MaKhia Bryant: Everything we know about the police shooting of a teenage girl

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Foreign Umrah pilgrims wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia will have to show a Covid-19 vaccination certificate from their respective countries, said a report.

During a recent joint press conference to brief all on the Covid-19 situation, Engineer Hisham Saeed, spokesman of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, made the announcement regarding mandatory vaccination certificates as well as unveiled the ministrys mechanism for the pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, said a report in Saudi Gazette.

In a statement on its Twitter account, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that there are five steps that need to be followed by foreign Umrah pilgrims before performing their rituals.

All foreign pilgrims must move to the Inaya Center in Makkah six hours before performing Umrah, verify the status of their vaccination, wear digital wristbands, present their bracelets upon arrival at the Al-Shubaika Assembly Center to verify the data and permits and abide by the date and time assigned to them to perform Umrah.

Foreign pilgrims are required to spend three days in quarantine in their respective hotels in Makkah after their arrival in the Kingdom, the report said.

During Ramadan, the number of permits for Umrah pilgrimage has been raised to 50,000 pilgrims on a daily basis.

More than 10 million domestic and foreign pilgrims performed Umrah before Ramadan using Eatmarna application following the gradual resumption of Umrah service on October 4, 2020, the report said.
What you notice when you first step onto the Mobile Wine Line is that it is loud.

Theres the whirr of the equipment that shuttles hundreds of bottles down the line, that drowns out conversations. Theres also the clink of glass hitting glass as a parade of bottles move through the line. Theres specific equipment that does everything having to do with bottling, from sterilizing bottles to corking to labeling.

Its a cacophony of sounds, and the noise is all compounded by the fact that rather than the process of bottling taking place inside a cavernous warehouse, like one might expect, instead its all encased and processed inside  wait for it  the back of a big rig.

Im on a field trip to Harney Lane Winery in Lodi, Calif., in late March to see how mobile wine bottling works. Harney works with Mobile Wine Line, which is one of the earliest mobile wine bottling companies, if not the first, in the state.

Its a revelation to see the process in person, and when I step inside Mobile Wine Lines big rig setup, Im forced to confront what I had maybe thought took place during the wine bottling process. If youll forgive my pop culture-addled brain, Im sure it was probably something along the lines of a romanticized, wine-version of the opening credits to Laverne & Shirley, where the main characters make faces as bottles of Shotz Beer zip by on the line.

Instead, the commonly known secret of wine country is that for those who dont own a Shotz Brewery-level bottling system, the more reasonable alternative is mobile bottling by companies like Mobile Wine Line. First of all, those bottling lines? Theyre expensive. Like, majorly expensive. As Kyle Lerner, owner of Harney Lane Winery describes it, to purchase a bottling line for their wine would cost, by his estimation, at least $750,000 to purchase, if not more. Add on maintenance costs and upkeep of the equipment, especially for a winery like theirs that bottles only five days of the entire year, its a no-brainer to employ a mobile wine bottling company.

You think of large wineries, and although they do capitalize a good proportion of the overall sales out there, the lions share of wineries are under 10,000 cases, Lerner said. So there's a lot of wineries in California alone that are in a very similar situation as ours. You have seen these mobile wine lines really crop up and be very much a part of the wine culture.

A day of bottling for Mobile Wine Line starts early. Owner Harry Hakala is located in Galt, Calif., and he often leaves for a job as early as 1:30 a.m. to arrive at a winery by 3 a.m. for setup. At that early hour, Hakala begins the task of sanitizing and sterilizing the equipment on the rig in preparation for when winery employees will arrive. The wineries, for their part, have their own role to play in the bottling. Beyond having the product  the wine  they are expected to provide the glass bottles, the cork and the labels, as well as provide a number of workers to help keep the line going.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

What the bottling looks like is a fast-paced, choreographed dance that happens inside the tight space of the rig. To start things off, the winery team will bring a case of empty bottles to the back of the truck, where the bottles are then fed into the system.

The bottles first go through a nitrogen generator that works to remove the oxygen inside the bottles, which can cause a wine to spoil. The bottle are then moved to the filler, where wine is pumped into the bottles, 16 at a time, completing up to 85 bottles a minute under Hakalas guidance.

From there, those filled bottles are moved down the line, where either a screwtop or a traditional cork are added to seal the bottle. The bottle then makes its way to a capsule machine, where the capsules (or protective sleeves that cover the cork) are dropped onto each bottle before being spun in a machine that fits each capsule to the neck of the bottle. Then each bottle goes onto a pedestal, where machines rotate the bottle 180 degrees to apply the winerys front and back labels perfectly onto each wine. At each station, theres an employee making sure there are plenty of corks in the machine or enough capsules to top the wine bottles as they quickly zip through the line.

Once the bottles complete their circuit through each station of the big rig, they return to the back of the truck, where a couple of winery employees will carefully pack up the bottles into cases.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

And if that doesnt sound exhausting enough, the bottles move through the truck at a quick clip; in a day, Hakala says they can bottle anywhere from 3,000 to 3,600 cases in a day, depending on how many different wines the winery has planned for bottling. Changing out the wines for bottling is also done quickly, taking just five minutes to switch from, say, a Chardonnay to a Petite Sirah.

When Eva Drummond came up with the idea for the Mobile Wine Line in 1978, it came from a place of wanting to solve a problem. Her boss saw how German wineries would each own different elements of bottling equipment, from the filler to the corker to the labeler, and then work together to bottle all of the wine.

[My boss] said, Why couldnt you do this [bottling] all in one motion? And I said, Hank, just put it on an 18-wheeler, Drummond, now 93, recalled.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Drummond, who grew up on a ranch working on all sorts of farm equipment, figured out how to get all the bottling equipment working together in the tight space of a big rig. She eventually wound up buying the first truck and its equipment from her employer and grew it into the business it is today. At the start, their small bottling company could do about 350 cases in three days, Drummond said, a far cry from the numbers the truck can pump out today.

Hakala, Drummonds son, joined the company in 1985, and eventually took over the business when his mother retired. By that time, a few other mobile wine bottling companies had cropped up, and by the 1990s, mobile bottling lines became more popular among wineries, and the concept began to spread to Oregon and Washington, according to Hakala.

The mobile bottling option remains a popular one among wineries due to the aforementioned costs of a bottling line, and just 28% of wineries owning their own bottling line as of 2021, according to Wine Business Monthly. Mobile bottling costs can be anywhere from $2.20 to $2.50 a case, according to a 2017 article in "Wines & Vines." The added bonus of mobile bottling is that when the bottling is done onsite at the vineyard, the winery is able to add the term estate bottled to its label, meaning the wine was both made and bottled at the winery. Now, mobile canning companies have cropped up in more recent years, helping to can both wines and beers, such as Sacramentos Can Van.

Of course, theres always either shipping your wine to another winery for bottling, or theres the more laborious process of hand bottling. For smaller places, like McGrail Vineyards and Winery in Livermore, theyll pair up with other wineries in the area to meet the minimum numbers for a bottling run. The truly small wineries may rely on hand bottling, said McGrail winemaker Mark Clarin, but that comes with its own set of headaches.

A lot of [smaller wineries] do the hand bottling, which is possible to do, but for us to do 7,000 cases a year ... that's a lot of bottling days and I feel like the consistency is probably not as good, said winemaker Mark Clarin. There's things that you have to worry about with oxygen pickup when you're bottling  so for a red wine maybe you dont worry about it so much, but for a delicate white wine you can ruin your work [with hand bottling].

For me, bottling is a super important piece of the process, [its] the last of the things you can do, so you want to get it right, Clarin later added. So professional bottlers, like the Mobile Wine Line, they know their equipment, they know how to get it right the first time. To me, there's a huge value to that.
With demand for medical oxygen soaring, the Indian government has barred industrial use, except by nine sectors from 22 April 2021. Demand for medical oxygen is estimated to have rocketed five-fold during the second week of April versus pre-pandemic levels as Covid-19 infections took off. The consequent higher supply of medical oxygen will save lives, but will have a bearing on some sectors, says a research note.

In the report, Gautam Shahi, director of CRISIL Ratings says, "The disruption in the supply of oxygen for industrial use would temporarily impact the revenues of small and mid-sized companies into metal fabrication, automotive components, shipbreaking, paper, and engineering. These typically do not have captive oxygen plants and source their requirement through merchant suppliers for operations such as welding, cutting, cleaning and chemical processes."

According to the ratings agency, setting up an air-separation plant or importing oxygen requires significant lead time and involves relatively prohibitive cost, so is not a viable option, which leaves them more vulnerable compared with larger peers.

Oxygen is consumed by industry in two ways  onsite, and merchant sales. Onsite is through captive plants for process-driven industries, including the nine sectors exempted by the government, which account for 75-80% of oxygen manufactured in India. The balance 20-25% is supplied through merchant sales called liquid oxygen through cryogenic tanks and cylinders.

The healthcare sector consumes about 10% of merchant sales, and others the rest.

Sushant Sarode, associate director of CRISIL Ratings says, At this juncture, we believe that the disruption in oxygen supplies for industrial use will be for six to eight weeks. Besides, affected sectors can partly manage their oxygen requirements with inventory. Therefore, we expect only a limited decline in revenue for them. Their credit profiles are expected to be stable.

However, CRISIL says, a prolonged and intense second wave that curtails oxygen supply to industries for a longer period than expected will exacerbate downside risk in affected sectors.

The impact will be greater for companies in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, where medical oxygen demand has increased multiple times due to high Covid-19 case loads, the ratings agency added.
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The Akwa Ibom State Government has just released a travel advisory to guide potential visitors to the South-south state which prides itself as one of the most peaceful in the country.

The travel guide, published by the states Ministry of Information and Strategy, is to be distributed free to passengers flying the Akwa Ibom state-owned airline, Ibom Air and other visitors to the state.

Among the places of interest in the publication is a historical bridge called the Bridge of No Return, where Nigerians sold into slavery from the 16th to the 19th century were taken through and loaded into ships, and from there transported via the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas.

Nigerias best-kept secret is her treasure  a land of promise, Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, wrote in the travelogue.

This piece of Gods own real estate is carefully hidden at the bottom of the map of the country, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and providing a strategic gateway to the country from any part of the world.

The land is very fertile and is rich with humongous natural resources. The people remain the best resource of the land, they are industrious, intelligent and remarkably hospitable.

The state is the safest place in the country, defined by beautiful scenery all through the stretch of the geographic boundaries.

This is a state that has always earned a prime spot in history; the colonialists landed here, the amalgamation decree was signed here, Christianity found an entry route through here, the first community-organized scholarship scheme was birthed here and so much more.

Mr Ememobong said history has always been made here in Akwa Ibom.

In contemporary times, this state is the only state to own and operate an airline in the entire continent, the most intelligent building in the country (Dakkada Tower) is sited here, this is the home of the most beautiful Christmas village in the country and the originators of the biggest carols festival in the world (with a Guinness Record to back up).

You are about to explore history and if you may, be a part of it.

We hope that away from this publication, youll take out time to physically explore the abundant beauty, lavishly spread on this piece of Gods own real estate, which has remained and will for ages remain Nigerias best-kept secret, the Commissioner said.

Download the travel guide HERE

***Sponsored by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Strategy.***
Chauvin Found Guilty of Murder, Manslaughter

By The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - The jury reached a verdict Tuesday at the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who was pinned to the pavement with a knee on his neck in a case that set off a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.Chauvin has been convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd, the explosive case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.The courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were brought in ahead of the verdict. Some businesses boarded up with plywood.Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a 45-year-old now-fired white officer, pinned his knee on or close to the 46-year-old Black mans neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as Floyd gasped that he couldn't breathe and onlookers yelled at Chauvin to get off.The jury, made up of six white people and six Black or multiracial people, weighed charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with convictions on some, none or all of the charges possible. The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.The city has been on edge in recent days  not just over the Chauvin case but over the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright, in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center on April 11.Earlier in the day Tuesday, President Joe Biden weighed in by saying he believes the case is overwhelming.He said that he had spoken to Floyds family on Monday and can only imagine the pressure and anxiety theyre feeling.Theyre a good family and theyre calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is, Biden said. Im praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think its overwhelming, in my view. I wouldnt say that unless the jury was sequestered now.The president has repeatedly denounced Floyds death but previously stopped short of commenting on the trial itself.Other politicians and ordinary citizens also offered their opinion as the jury was deliberating.It shouldnt be really even questioned whether there will be an acquittal or a verdict that doesnt meet the scale of the crime that was committed, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, said in Brooklyn Center. The congresswoman said the Chauvin case looks open-and-shut.Guilty verdicts could mark a turning point in the fight for racial equality, she said.We are holding on to one another for support. Hopefully this verdict will come soon and the community will start the process of healing, Omar said.
MASON CITY, Iowa - An accused car wash burglar is pleading guilty.

Jackie Lee Reich II, 33 of Mason City, was arrested for entering locked areas of Laser Wash in Mason City on November 13, 2020. Law enforcement says Reich caused more than $1,000 in property damage.

He's pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 25 in the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 21.04.21:

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan headed on Tuesday to Syunik Province of Armenia in top secrecy.

He was accompanied by a large number of security forces, including nearly 2,000 police officers, and National Security Service (NSS) special division officers.

Syunik province is the most challenging province in Armenia for Pashinyan following the last Nagorno-Karabakh war when some of the territories have been handed over to Azerbaijan.

Some of the villagers have lost their homes and lands. And most of the villages are now bordering Azerbaijan - thus forming dangerous circumstances for the residents.

Since Wednesday morning he started his visit to Syunik province's different towns.

In most of the huge towns, he was greeted with cursing and whistles. Residents were calling him a traitor (VIDEO) https://news.am/eng/news/639941.html

In all of these cities, he walked with the population hearing the people's hate speech towards him.

Once, he got his emotions off as he fired back to a resident who called him a capitulator of the land.

There are reports that Pashinyan has instructed the NSS to arrest all the organizers of these protests against him. There is official information that the criminal case has been initiated over the incident.

PACE has discussed the Armenian POWs issue on Tuesday afternoon.

Most of the speakers have and urged Azerbaijan to hand over all the prisoners of war and captives to Armenia.

Portuguese delegate Paulo Pisco said Azerbaijan isnt fulfilling the commitments assumed under the joint statement signed on November 9, 2020.

French delegate Bernard Fournier, in turn, noted that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) called on the sides to implement the provisions of the Geneva Convention during and after the conflict.

Another French delegate Alexandra Louis said the tragedy in Nagorno-Karabakh [Artsakh] wont end so long as people are in captivity.

Louis said Armenia respected the agreement over the release of all prisoners of war, while Azerbaijan refused to release nearly 200 Armenian prisoners of war. According to him, this is a clear violation of international law, particularly the Geneva Convention.

Meanwhile, Council of Europe Secretary-General Maria Pejcinovic-Buric called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage in dialogue.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Anna Naghdalyan has responded to the statement by the President of Azerbaijan on "returning to Zangezur after 101 years."

Ilham Aliyev has declared that the creation of the Zangezur corridor is fully in line with the national, historical, and future interests of Azerbaijan.

We will implement the task to create the Zangezur corridor whether Armenia wants it or not. If Armenia wants it, the issue will be solved easily. If it doesnt, we will solve the issue by force, Aliyev told AzTV.

Naghdalyan, in turn, noted: "Such statements seriously harm regional peace and stability. They show that the recent statements of Azerbaijan on peace and reconciliation are false."

Azerbaijani soldiers continue to fire gunshots near villages of Syunik Province, Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan noted on his Facebook.

"During the visits to these villages, incidents were recorded by both the locals and the heads of villages. According to them, the shots are heard day and night," he noted.

"The presence of the Azerbaijani military poses a threat to the physical safety of the villagers," Tatoyan added, noting that "the creation of a buffer zone is required for the protection of the rights of the peaceful civilians in Syunik Province."

The body of an Armenian soldier has been found hanging from a tree.

He was found near the military unit, the Armenian defense ministry reported.

An investigation is underway.

As of Wednesday morning, 1,033 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 210,518 in the country.

Also, 25 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 3,944 cases.

The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 583, the total respective number so far is 190,271.

During a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am, spokesperson of the Armenian health ministry Hripsime Khachatryan said a 34-year-old pregnant woman died from COVID-19 - yet failed to provide more details.
LANSING, MI - House Republicans want to know why former Michigan health director Robert Gordon left his post in January.

Now all they have to do is serve some papers.

Lawmakers approved a resolution allowing the House Oversight Committee to issue subpoenas to investigate confidentiality agreements and secret payments made to former department heads in Gov. Gretchen Whitmers administration.

House Resolution 60, sponsored by Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Steven Johnson, R-Wayland, allows his committee to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and examine the books, records, and files of employees and members of the executive branch of state government.

The resolution was approved 59-50 during session Tuesday, April 20. The House Oversight Committee has to vote again to issue a subpoena to one of Whitmers departed department heads.

Republican lawmakers are pushing this investigation more than a month after discovering Gordon received $155,506 in severance pay after his abrupt resignation from the head of the Department of Health and Human Services in January. The agreement includes a confidentiality clause that bars Gordon or state officials from sharing further details about his departure, unless required by law.

Multiple requests were sent to Gordon to appear in front of the oversight committee voluntarily, Johnson said during a Thursday, April 15 oversight hearing. With Gordon declining each request, subpoenas were deemed necessary, Johnson said.

When you see that type of agreement occur for the public health director during a public health pandemic, to resign in a very strange way...Was he fired? Was it voluntary? No one really knew, he said. Then we see there was a confidentiality agreement. Theres a lot of unknowns there, so I think its important for us to to ask those questions to get those questions answered.

The committee voted 6-2-1 at the Thursday to send the subpoena power resolution to the House floor for Tuesdays approval.

Gordon sent Johnson and other lawmakers an explanation letter last week defending his reason for not discussing his resignation.

As Ive shared before, elected chief executives need to make final decisions about policy with confidential advice, he wrote in the letter. They also need to be comfortable with their agency heads...I am happy now to be a private citizen, see my family and contribute to our country in new ways.

Gordon left in January before Whitmer announced some relaxations on public health orders, such as more capacity for indoor dining and the resumption of high school sports.

Whitmer and Gordon both waived the confidentiality agreement that accompanied his departure from state government, though Gordons explanations for his departure have remained vague on specific policy disagreements.

For us not to pursue this investigation and not to get these questions answered, I think would be a dereliction of our duty here, Johnson said Thursday, and I think it would actually lose trust in government for most people in Michigan.

Whitmer defended those types of agreements as common at first, something experts said was not true in state government or outside of situations where a public body would face litigation risks.

Related: Whitmer said separation agreements like Robert Gordons are used often. In state government, theyre not.

Last month, Whitmer issued an executive directive curbing -- but not stopping -- the use of such agreements. Under the new rules, separation agreements with state employees could not include clauses barring parties from disclosing their existence and could only include severance pay under certain circumstances.

Rep. Alex Garza, D-Taylor, proposed an amendment to House Resolution 60 that would add the legislative branch to the government branches the oversight committee could subpoena.

I think we can all agree that proper oversight of employee separations in severances is important for all levels of government, he said on the House floor. I hope that my colleagues will support this amendment to shed light and oversight not only to the executive branch, but to ourselves, as well.

The Garza amendment was rejected.

In addition to Gordon, former Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray received a nearly $86,000 payout. The Republican-led Legislature also disclosed last month nearly $700,000 in taxpayer money was spent on severance settlements with staff over the last decade, according to information released by both the House and Senate business offices.

Read more from MLive:

Former Michigan health director given $155K severance pay after abrupt resignation

Whitmer, Gordon waive confidentiality agreement after backlash

Michigan Legislature had its own series of confidential staff separation agreements
In the last year, we've felt the burnout from working from home, and despite vaccinations, we're still dealing with the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But Black people, specifically, are fighting multiple battles  in addition to a public health crisis, the issues of racism and police brutality continue to prevail.

PROGRESS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Texas officials say murder conviction for George Floyd's death 'is only one step' in police reform

Quite literally, there's not a single era in American history where the police were not violent towards Black people. The idea of policing was birthed from slave patrols in the 1800s which existed to catch runaway slaves. So, if history serves as any indicator, an officer pressing his knee on a man's neck for more than eight minutes is just him doing his job.

The verdict in the Derek Chauvin case feels like a hollow victory. Many people shared sentiments about "justice being served," but the reality is that George Floyd can never come back  his life was brutally taken from him. I don't consider Chauvin being found guilty as justice, but as accountability for his actions. While it's good to see a leveling of the playing field with the justice system, our requests aren't reactionary.

Our version of justice involves not being shot and killed by police.

On Tuesday, while many wanted to celebrate what seemed like a victory for George Floyd and his family, a police officer had just shot and killed teenager Ma'Khia Bryant in east Columbus.

There were so many other options to deescalate the situation, but death is what the officer chose. How do you reform killing a child?

I often think back to the insurrection at the Capitol in January. Trump supporters broke into the Capitol, went inside and decided to raid offices of congressional staffers, a violent act that left six people dead. Where was police intervention then?

TWO DIFFERENT AMERICAS: Opinion: Sedition is a white man's luxury

As a Black woman, it's grueling to even try to put into words what I'm feeling. We've been in a pandemic for over a year now, and the amount of police brutality and Black death I've seen is nothing short of traumatic. Our presence in America is constantly devalued.

Being Black in America is a never-ending, tiresome duty. The relationship between police and Black people has always been a negative one, and in the instances that we're told we should call the police, we ourselves could end up dead.

I find myself in a constant state of mourning, triggered by the death of a different Black person at the hands of the police every day. At any moment, we face the harsh reality of potentially becoming a hashtag.

We're far past reform. It's time for us to genuinely take a look at abolishing the police.
YEREVAN.  As of Wednesday morning, 1,033 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 210,518 in the country, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Also, 25 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 3,944 cases.

Five more cases of coronavirus patients dying from some other illnesses were recorded in Armenia in the past one day, and the corresponding overall death toll in the country is 987 now.

The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 583, the total respective number so far is 190,271, and the number of people currently being treated is 15,316which is an increase by 420 in one day.

And 4,641 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Armenia over the past one day, while 946,642 such tests have been performed to date.
A Turkmen activist and outspoken critic of the tightly controlled Central Asian nation's government who resides in Istanbul says she has come under pressure in Turkey ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Ashgabat.



Dursoltan Taganova told the Moscow-based Memorial human rights group on April 20 that she was summoned to Turkey's immigration service last week, where she was warned that she may face problems with her residency unless she stops her political activities.



According to Taganova, during the questioning on April 15, a Turkish immigration official asked her about her relatives, permanent address, her request for political asylum, and the reasons for her being critical of the Turkmen government.



"They told me: 'Stop your presentations on the Internet. That is what the Turkish government needs. We do not want you to have problems with your residency here'," Memorial cited Taganova as saying.



Taganova also said that Turkish officials made it clear that they were monitoring her correspondence with other bloggers and their online presentations criticizing the Turkmen government.



She added that several days ago her TikTok account was blocked after she used it for her blog about economic problems in Turkmenistan.



Last July, Taganova, along with dozens of other Turkmen, mostly migrant workers, was arrested in Istanbul on charges of violating coronavirus restrictions.

She and others were detained just hours before they planned to hold a rally in front of the Turkmen Consulate in Istanbul to criticize Ashgabat's inadequate response to the pandemic and to call for President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedovs resignation.



Most of the detainees were released about five hours later, but Taganova was remanded in custody as Turkish authorities wanted to deport her back to Turkmenistan.



She was released in October after a group of 11 human rights organizations urged Turkish authorities not deport her, saying she would face arbitrary arrest and torture if she was returned to Turkmenistan.



Protests against Berdymukhammedov were staged for several months last year by Turkmen citizens residing in Turkey, the United States, and Northern Cyprus.



Government critics and human rights groups say Berdymukhammedov has suppressed dissent and made few changes in the restrictive country since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006.
MIAMI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bilan's Journey of Hope written by Craig Biorn is his debut 100 page story about his wife, Bilan and her incrediable past experience as a Somali teenage girl. Biorn painted the cover of the book. Biorn grew up in Zumbrota, Minnesota. He recently donated the prototype of the book and his first signed print of the original painting to the Zumbrota Area Historical Society.

Craig Biorn with painting Bilan's Journey of Hope

During a violent uprising, Bilan is forced to flee her country with her family, leaving everything behind. Afraid and armed with nothing but faith, Bilan struggles to protect her loved ones and find a safe place in the midst of chaos. Based on a true story during the 1991 Somali Civil War, 'Bilan's Journey of Hope' is an incredible story of survival, love for God and family, and hope.

Bilan's Journey of Hope will be officially released on April 22, 2021, in the form of ebook and paperback. The book is being distributed by 60+ online stores such as Amazon, Apple Books, Target and Walmart. The network is across 170 countries. This captivating story is nonfiction, family friendly and based on a true story.

"One of the best reads I've read in years. This well written book gave me a glimpse into the struggles Bilan, her family and the people of Somalia had to combat. It educated me on Somali culture and the beautiful religion of Islam, all while connecting me to Bilan with her relatable family values and unfiltered thoughts of an adolescent girl. This family friendly book would be perfect for all ages, as it reminds you of the important things in life and teaches you gratitude for the simple things, which we often forget is a privilege. This book is inspiring, heartfelt, brave and truly touching, as it has given me an extra layer of respect for everything Bilan and her family has had to overcome."  Nicole Richman

Craig Biorn is an author, entrepreneur, and artist. His debut book, Bilan's Journey of Hope, is a nonfiction about faith in the face of adversity. Craig grew up in the small town of Zumbrota, Minnesota. As a boy, he delivered papers on his bicycle, which is where he developed his passion for meeting new people and hearing their interesting stories. Today, he enjoys traveling with his family and listening to stories from around the world.

To purchase the book https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Bilans-Journey-of-Hope

To contact the Author Craig Biorn at 612.868.8489 or [email protected]

SOURCE Craig Biorn
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The Central Bank of Nigeria has threatened to sanction deposit money banks and authorised bureau de change operators who reject old and lower denomination of the United States dollar bills.

The bank in a circular signed by its director, currency operations department, Ahmed Umar, directed all DMOs, BDC and the general public to accept both old series and lower denominations of USD that are legal tender.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN} has in recent times been inundated with complaints from members of the public on the rejection of old/lower denominations of US Dolor bills by Deposit money banks (OMBs) and other authorized forex dealers, the bank said in a statement Tuesday.

All OMBs/authorized forex dealers should henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of United States Dollars (USD) that are legal tender for deposit from their customers.

The CBN will not hesitate to sanction any DMB or other authorized forex dealers who refuse to accept old series/lower denominations of US Dollar from their customers.

The CBN also cautioned all forex dealers against defacing /stamping US dollar banknotes as such notes always fail authentication tests during processing/sorting.
In January 2020, Tony Camilleris Toro Loco in Farmington won over greater Hartford diners with its take on authentic Mexican cuisine, highlighted by tacos on housemade heirloom corn tortillas. Almost exactly a year later, he and his partners are bringing the same passion and attention to detail to Spanish tapas.

Camilleri, Stretch Altenhein and James LaFond opened Toro Taberna in West Hartford in early February, bringing Spanish flair to the former Park & Oak at the corner of Park Road and Oakwood Avenue. (Altenhein, an artist, lent his talents to the restaurants bull-and-toreador motif, with brightly colored carved wall murals featuring bullfighter and beast.)

Toro Loco is pretty much Mexican with Spanish influences, and here we kept it more like Spain, if you were walking around San Sebastian and hitting the little tapas bars, Camilleri said. This one stays mostly heavily focused on Spain, with a little Mexican influence here and there.

The two restaurants do have one big factor in common: their menus are entirely gluten free, with an emphasis on items made with corn, rice and yuca.

Toro Taberna offers all of the tapas-bar greatest hits, and more. Meat and cheese boards ($7 each or 3 for $19) offer a full selection of Spanish cheeses and charcuterie: jamon serrano, chorizo picante, salchichon de Vic, Manchego, Mahon and Valdeon. Premium Mangalica ham, for $16 a portion, is carved by hand tableside.

Patatas bravas, one of Spains most popular tapas plates, are served at Toro Taberna in five different presentations ($7 to $13). A traditional recipe has salsa brava and aioli, but here theyre gilded with toppings like truffle aioli and Parmigiano cheese, jumbo lump crab and guacamole, chorizo and fried egg with jamon Serrano.

A lot of the tapas bars over in Spain specialize in one thing, and there are ones that just specialize in bravas, Camilleri said. You can mix and match different sauces and ingredientsI kind of brought a little bit of that version to this menu, and we'll change up the flavors differently seasonally.Picaduras ($6 to $13) offer the tapas experience, with about 20 small plates featuring meat, seafood and vegetable options. From the sea, theres calamari frito with pimenton aioli, mussels with saffron and chorizo picante, and pulpo, or grilled octopus tentacle with potato, lemon aioli and olive chimichurri. Red pequin chiles scattered in the gambas peri peri dish are tiny but mighty, packing a fiery punch amid the garlic and herbs bathing the small shrimp.

Albondigas, or pork and beef meatballs, are cooked in jamon tomato sauce, and pork belly bites get a membrillo-Nora chile glaze. Beef braised in Rioja is served with crispy onion and crunchy corn quicos. Meat-free options abound, too, with a traditional tortilla Espanola, braised greens, cauliflower hummus with harissa, and potato croquettes with Manchego.

Pintxos - skewered bites of beef, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, mushroom or swordfish - are prepared with accompanying sauces and served with corn tortillas. Theyre priced individually at $7 to $9; or 3 for $24 and 6 for $45 with table salad and papas fritas.

The restaurant also offers large plates ($16 to $24): paella and fideos (which swaps the requisite rice for toasted noodles) prepared in five different varieties with seasonal vegetables, pork belly, chicken and seafood. Jet-black squid ink darkens the rice of the Catalunya version, with mussels, squid, shrimp and garlic aioli.

All of Toro Tabernas desserts are gluten-free, including churros made with rice and yuca flour; a rich, caramel-inflected flan and a Mexican chocolate cake, laced with cinnamon and topped with pepitas.

We wanted this to be everyones neighborhood bar slash restaurant where they can come in and have multiple experiences, Camilleri said. You can come in and just have meat, cheese and wine. If you want, you can get a couple of tapas, or if you want something bigger, you have our paella and fideos. There's a lot of options, we feel, as far as how hungry you are or what kind of experience you want to have.

At the bar, wines are heavy on selections from Spanish and South American producers, and curated cocktails feature a seasonal gin and tonic, a Piggie Smalls libation with jamon Serrano-infused bourbon and maple syrup, and a Poppin Pomegranate with gin, elderflower, housemade grenadine and cava. Toro Taberna borrows some inspiration from its Farmington sibling, with a tequila stone fruit punch and margaritas by the glass or carafe.

The restaurant now offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dishes like fried chicken and churros, shakshuka and carne asada steak and eggs with build-your-own mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Next up: Camilleri and team are opening another location, Toro Loco Street Food in West Hartfords Blue Back Square, next to the Whole Foods supermarket. Slated for a mid-to-late June launch, the fast casual restaurant will offer tacos, street food items and margaritas, with an outdoor patio.

Toro Taberna

14 Oakwood Avenue, West Hartford

Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Wheelchair accessible

860-773-4003, torotaberna.com .

This article appears in the May 2021 issue of Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe to Connecticut Magazine here , or find the current issue on sale here . Sign up for our newsletter to get our latest and greatest content delivered right to your inbox. Have a question or comment? Email editor@connecticutmag.com . And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag.
Tik Tok star Bryce Hall was seen for the first time after reports that he has been sued for assault and battery by a restaurant co-owner he was filmed brawling with last year.

The 21-year-old social media star didn't seem too bothered about the reported legal action against him as he had a big smile on his face while out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

No doubt he was out making content for his social media accounts as he was joined by a filming crew.

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Unbothered: Tik Tok star Bryce Hall was seen for the first time after reports that he has been sued for assault and battery by a restaurant co-owner he was filmed brawling with last year

Hall looked like a walking advertisement as he sported an all-black gym outfit including a T-shirt which had 'partyanimalshop' written across the chest and a hat which read CLMBR which is an at home cardio and strength machine.

He also wore tiny shorts and sleek running shoes as he held onto an Essentia water bottle.

Just a day earlier it was reported that he was being sued by a restaurant owner for assault and battery.

Just vibes: The 21-year-old social media star didn't seem too bothered about the reported legal action against him as he had a big smile on his face while out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday

In the details: Hall looked like a walking advertisement as he sported an all-black gym outfit including a T-shirt which had 'partyanimalshop' written across the chest and a hat which read CLMBR which is an at home cardio and strength machine

On the go: No doubt he was out making content for his social media accounts as he was joined by a filming crew

The incident took place in October at the Mexican restaurant Cinco in Los Angeles and footage obtained by TMZ showed Hall, 21, and another man crashing into a stool as their fight skidded across the outdoor patio.

Now co-owner Hernan Fernando has alleged that he suffered 'a broken hand, a bruised face, pain from being punched in the ribs, and neck and back injuries,' People reported Tuesday citing court documents.

DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for Hall for comment.

Embattled: Hall has been sued for assault and battery by a restaurant co-owner he was filmed brawling with last year; Hall is pictured last month

In addition to the assault and battery allegations Fernando is suing for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The restaurateur - who is originally from Mexico - also claims race played a role and that Hall referred to him as 'the Mexican' and a 'wetback.'

Fernando claims that Hall and his friends were vaping at their table - which is illegal at Los Angeles restaurants - and would not cease doing so when told to.

Lawsuit: Now co-owner Hernan Fernando has alleged that he suffered 'a broken hand, a bruised face, pain from being punched in the ribs, and neck and back injuries'

The scene of the bad brawl: An exterior image of Cinco restaurant in Los Angeles

As a result, the plaintiff claims, Hall and his party were asked to leave and to remain outside the restaurant while his credit card was run.

Fernando's court documents allege that in 'an unconscionable COVID-19 threat during a worldwide airborne pandemic,' the Tik Tok star blew vape steam in his face.

The restaurant co-owner claims that his attempts to remove Hall and his friends from the restaurant caused one member of the party to go 'berserk.'

In his lawsuit he alleges that both Hall and his friend began 'began physically attacking and punching Mr. Fernando' at this point.

Posing up: Hall is pictured in an Instagram post from last August

Fernando claims Hall spent 30 seconds 'choking him from behind with his arm around Mr. Fernando's neck,' while insisting that he - Fernando - did not punch anyone.

Last October in the immediate aftermath of the brawl Bryce claimed to TMZ that he was perfectly polite about being told to exit the restaurant for vaping.

He alleged however that while waiting outside the restaurant he had to request the return of his credit card 10 times, whereupon he claims a manager said: 'No, get the f*** off the property.'

Furthermore Hall alleged that the larger fight broke out only when the manager attempted to bodily drag him from the premises.

The way they were: Hall's bout of legal trouble comes about a month after it emerged that he has broken up with his fellow Tik Tok star Addison Rae; they are pictured in November

The social media star admitted to putting the manager in a headlock, but alleges that he only did so to protect one of his friends.

Meanwhile he alleged that over the course of the brawl he himself had to endure a kick in the groin from the manager.

Law enforcement were called to the scene of the brawl but TMZ reported that Hall and his party were gone before they reached Cinco.

Hall's bout of legal trouble comes about a month after it emerged that he has broken up with his fellow Tik Tok star Addison Rae.
Cooley Peninsula native and Councillor Andrea McKevitt has this week written to The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and An Taoiseach Micheal Martin requesting intervention in the ongoing debacle with An Taisce attempting to block the construction of Glanbias new cheese factory in Kilkenny.

The Belview plant was approved by Kilkenny County Council in November 2019 and following an appeal by An Taisce, An Bord Pleanala granted the then final approval on 30 June 2020.

An Taisce then sought a judicial review of that decision, of which is still awaited.

In the meantime, Glanbia are proposing an introduction of peak milk supply restrictions for April, May and June of 2022 until at least 2024 as without the new plant the processing capacity will not be there.

Many dairy farmers throughout the country have expressed their concern and worry to me in recent weeks, given the planned proposals afoot.

"The months suggested would be up there with the most profitable months for dairy farmers, cows are out to grass and peak numbers are now being milked once the traditional calving period is now complete.

"A lot of young farmers and those branching into the dairy industry will take a massive hit should this come into effect next year.

Farmers are the backbone of our economy but this is not a farming issue alone, Glanbias payments to farmers amount to over 1 billion annually.

"There is a huge knock on effect of this cash injection, this money is largely kept local, keeping rural Irelands shops, pubs and restaurants alive, while providing employment locally; in terms of construction, electricians, and other trades.

The cheese plant being proposed is estimated to generate 50,000 tonnes of Gouda cheese for export annually, it will also result in us having to import less cheese from the UK which our economy presently is so heavily reliant upon.

"This alone is a wonderful opportunity for the Irish market, within the EU to produce a product heavily expected from England and to provide to the EU Market.

The call for Government intervention is twofold: Firstly, to protect the dairy industry and promote its expansion in rural Ireland without penalising those attempting to bring this market on and secondly to promote a new product as an export to the European market.

The Government must intervene now and put an end to any further undue stress on already heavily burdened members of our nations dairy industry.
The family of a 5-year-old boy who drowned during a kayaking excursion has reached a $7.2 million settlement in a lawsuit against the Hawaii private school that operated the spring break program.

In announcing the amount Monday, lawyers for the family said its the largest publicly disclosed settlement in Hawaii for the death of a child.

Alaric Chius parents filed the lawsuit against Mid-Pacific Institute and its employees, alleging reckless and grossly negligent conduct caused the boys death.

The kindergartner was participating in the schools spring break day camp when he drowned off Kaaawa on Oahu in 2019.

Camp counselor Maria Davis, 63, also drowned when the kayak carrying four people capsized.

Two other students escaped injury by clinging to the boat, which was designed for two people and was not equipped with life vests, according to the lawsuit.

Kayaking wasnt listed in the programs itinerary and was meant to be a surprise for the students, the lawsuit said.

Alaric didnt know how to swim, it said.

Im hoping Alarics death wont be in vain, said his father, Lucius Chiu. I really do hope schools, not just Hawaii but everywhere, will be more careful.

Mid-Pacific Institute has made changes over the past two years, including a new director of the extended learning program and enhanced water-based health and safety protocols, said the schools president, Paul Turnbull.

This tragedy was truly heartbreaking, Turnbull said. We are hopeful this settlement and additional school safety protocols will help all in our community as they process these events, and move forward together.

The boys parents also want the settlement to bring attention to a state law requiring children younger than 13 to wear a life vest or portable flotation device on any watercraft, their lawyers said.

Sadly, the law has historically undervalued claims by children, because the law places a lot of weight on economic losses like earning history, which do not ordinarily exist for a child, said James Bickerton, one of the familys lawyers. However, the Chius rejected any lower figure and only accepted this sum because it was large enough to send a strong message to other educational institutions and businesses that they must do what is necessary to ensure childrens safety, or the consequences will be severe.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Tribunal de Dakar : Un detenu indien meurt dans le box des accuses

Mahesh Suresh Tendulkar etait exfiltre, hier, de la prison pour comparaitre devant le tribunal des flagrants delits de Dakar.Selon L'Observateur qui donne la nouvelle, ce detenu de nationalite indienne, ne sera jamais juge. Car, il a rendu lame dans le box des accuses.D'apres les informations glanees par le journal, il a pique une crise et sest affale, eprouvant ainsi des difficultes a respirer.Directeur dentreprise, il etait accuse dabus de confiance par un collaborateur indien. Il etait en detention preventive depuis le 23 mars dernier.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans agreed with the Minnesota jury who found fired police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, according to an Ipsos/USA TODAY poll conducted Tuesday night.

Seventy-one percent of respondents agreed that Chauvin was guilty. He was charged with second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after using his knee to pin down Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, for more than 9 minutes during a May 2020 arrest filmed by bystanders. The poll showed 62% planned to accept the verdict and do nothing.

Detailed questions in the poll, which surveyed 1,000 adults across the U.S., revealed varied opinions about Chauvins crimes; 40% believe he committed murder, while 32% said his actions constituted negligence that led to Floyds death.

Eleven percent said they believed Chauvins actions were accidental, even though he did not immediately remove his knee from Floyds neck after Floyd became unresponsive. Five percent claimed he did nothing wrong.

While a majority across the political spectrum believed Chauvin was correctly found guilty, stark political divides appear to play into how Americans viewed the killing and excessive force by police. Fifty-five percent of Republicans supported a guilty verdict, compared to 71% of independents and 85% of Democrats.

When specifically asked whether Chauvins actions amounted to murder, 51% of Democrats said yes, as did 41% of independents. But just 26% of Republicans said they believed it was murder, even though more than half of Republican respondents described the guilty verdict as the right one.

In Massachusetts, racism topped a list of serious issues facing the commonwealth last summer after Floyds killing. Thirty percent of residents believed racism was the most serious concern, edging out the economy and COVID-19, according to a Suffolk University poll released by WGBH News, MassLive, The Boston Globe and the State House News Service.

Floyds final cries that he cant breathe became a rallying cry, echoing from the streets around the globe and arising in data demonstrating how Americans feel about racism, use of force and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Suffolk Universitys polling showed that most Massachusetts residents views largely aligned with protesters and lawmakers calls for policing reform. While previous killings of Black men and women in police custody have ignited unrest and sparked pushes for change, Floyds death, shared widely on social media and becoming a flashpoint in a tumultuous election year, heightened awareness and strengthened consensus around generations of racial injustice.

More than three-quarters of the Suffolk poll respondents, 76.6%, said police do not treat Black people the same as everyone else. And an overwhelming majority, nearly 80% of respondents, said Floyds killing was not an isolated incident but rather a sign of broader problems in the treatment of Black people by police.

According to Poynter, President Joe Biden called Floyds family after the verdict and pledged to support policing reform legislation this year.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which the House passed last year before Republicans blocked it in the Senate, would impose a federal ban on chokeholds and requires officers to try to de-escalate and only use force as a last resort. It also prohibits no-knock warrants in federal drug cases and limits federal funding for state and local agencies that dont ban no-knock warrants.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 00:23:19|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Countries across the Sub-Saharan African region should explore fiscal incentives that can stimulate investments in malaria control programs amid the quest to eradicate the tropical disease by 2030, experts said at a virtual forum on Wednesday ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25.

The health experts, policymakers and advocates said that achieving zero malaria targets in Africa is possible subject to adequate financing, political goodwill, research and community engagement.

Elizabeth Chizema, coordinator of Zambia's End Malaria Council, said that domestic resource mobilization as opposed to over-reliance on dwindling foreign aid is key to bridging malaria funding shortfall in Africa.

"The private sector and home-grown philanthropies can help bridge the financing gap towards malaria control programs in the African continent that has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Chizema.

She said that the African Leaders Malaria Alliance whose current chair is Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, has prioritized innovative financing as a strategy to aid the elimination of the disease in the continent.

"Government and the private sector continue to renew financial pledges and commitments that will be channeled to high-impact malaria control interventions like expanding access to mosquito-treated nets," said Chizema.

In some high malaria burden African countries, the industry has supported procurement of commodities and public awareness campaigns on disease prevention, she added.

Hundreds of participants including policymakers, health experts and grassroots campaigners attended the virtual forum on malaria elimination organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with RBM Partnership to End Malaria.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa said eliminating malaria will boost economic and social outcomes in a continent that accounts for about 90 percent of global malaria caseload and fatalities.

"Malaria reduces Africa's economic growth by 1.3 percent annually. It affects productivity and therefore lifesaving and cost-effective interventions should reach communities affected by the disease," said Moeti.

She hailed milestones achieved in malaria vaccination targeting children below five years in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, adding that targeted inoculations have hastened progress towards elimination of the vector-borne disease.

Amira Elfadil, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs said that high burden malaria countries in Africa have renewed commitment to eradicate the disease in line with continental and global targets.

"Africa is making progress towards malaria elimination through strong political commitment and funding," said Elfadil, adding that the momentum towards achieving zero malaria goal has gathered steam in the continent despite pandemic shocks.

Solomon Feleke, consultant at WHO STOP-Malaria Program in Botswana said that enhanced surveillance, timely diagnosis and treatment are key to boosting malaria control in Africa.

"Training of health workers, improving vector control and case management will deliver high impact and quality intervention for malaria eradication in the continent," said Feleke.

Odinaka Kingsley Obeta, Zero Malaria champion from Nigeria said that African countries should leverage domestic financing, enhanced data collection, research and training of community health workers in order to boost the war against the disease.

"Long-term investments, use of real-time data to inform malaria interventions and youth-led campaigns are key to boosting progress towards disease elimination in Africa," said Obeta. Enditem
A phase 2 clinical trial whose results were released today in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine might point to a way to overcome bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a major cause of death in preterm infants. The study, conducted by researchers at Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University and Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital in Seoul, evaluates the effectiveness of treating these infants by transplanting umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) directly into their tracheas.

Early results showed signs of improvement for the most immature infants included in the trial.

BPD is a serious breathing disorder in which the lungs do not develop normally. Most infants who develop BPD are born more than 10 weeks before their due date, weigh less than 2 pounds at birth, and have breathing problems. Infections that occur before or shortly after birth also can contribute to the disorder. Despite recent advances in neonatal medicine, BPD remains a major cause of mortality and long-term respiratory and neurologic problems in premature infants.

Won Soon Park, M.D., Ph.D., of Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, and Ellen Ai-Rhan Kim, M.D., Ph.D., of Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, University of Ulsan, are both pediatricians who have been searching for a way to treat BPD. As such, the two were co-authors of the recent study, which was a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial designed specifically to learn whether human UCB-derived MSC intratracheal transplantation might mitigate BPD in extremely preterm infants.

While intratracheal transplantation of human UCB-derived MSCs has proven to be safe and feasible in recently conducted clinical trials, its therapeutic efficacy had not been assessed in a clinical setting prior to this study." Won Soon Park, M.D., Ph.D., of Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine

Choosing the optimal MSCs for transplantation was also a critical point of their work, added Dr. Kim. "We focused on UCB-MSCs, as they exhibit several advantages over adult tissue-derived MSCs, including lower immunogenicity, higher proliferation capacity, paracrine potency and therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo," she said. "Moreover, allogenic transplantation of MSCs, which come from a donor rather than the patient, might have a logistic advantage as they can be used at an early active stage of disease."

Sixty-six preterm infants ranging in age from 23 to 28 gestational weeks (GW) were included in the study. All were on ventilators and each also had experienced significant respiratory difficulties between five and 14 days after birth. The infants were grouped by age - either 23-24 GW or 25-28 GW - and then further randomly divided into groups that received either UCB-MSCs or a placebo. The infants were then assessed for six months.

In their final analysis, the team verified that intratracheal transplantation of MSCs appears to be safe and feasible.

"At the same time, we learned that MSC transplantation did not significantly improve the primary outcome of death or severe/moderate BPD in infants in the 25-28 GW group. However, our subgroup analysis showed that the secondary outcome of severe BPD was significantly improved - dropping from 53 percent to 19 percent - in the younger 23-24 GW group," Dr. Park said.

Dr. Kim added, "Further study with a larger sample size is required to solidly prove therapeutic benefits for infants in this group who are at the highest risk for BPD or death. Accordingly, we are now conducting an additional larger and controlled phase II clinical trial focusing on 23-24 GW infants. We hope to publish these data in the near future."

"This study suggests that the transplantation of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells directly into the tracheas of preterm babies might mitigate their breathing challenges," said Anthony Atala, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. "The data are encouraging and useful and should lead to a larger, future clinical trial."
EVERGREEN, Colo., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Functional Chocolate Company today announced that Sophia Corona has joined its team as Business Development Advisor.

"Sophia is a senior executive with deep expertise building countless successful businesses across many industries," explained Nicole Smith, CEO, The Functional Chocolate Company. "Her experience, relationships, and guidance will be invaluable to supporting our rapid growth trajectory and helping get more chocolate into the hands of more customers."

Sophia has served on both public and private company boards. She has held numerous CFO and COO positions throughout her career. She brings more than 30 years of experience driving growth across the Financial Services, FinTech, E-commerce, Marketing, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, and Hospitality industries. Her support has driven growth to start-ups as well as Fortune 500 companies, including those listed in the Intercontinental Exchange/New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

"The Functional Chocolate Company offers a better approach to addressing the most common everyday health realities that we all face," says Sophia. "By curating purposeful combinations of active ingredients with vegan, gluten-free, fair-trade chocolate, these inclusive offerings are simply a better option than old-fashioned supplements and nutraceuticals. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to help expand the reach of these unique products to a growing marketplace of consumers looking for natural alternatives to address common ailments and issues."

A sampling of the offerings at The Functional Chocolate company include:

Customers can also build their own box of selections.

The Functional Chocolate Company's bars are made with Fair Trade 60% cacao from a cooperative of South American farmers. Crafted in the USA, these bars are 100% plant-based, vegan, dairy-free, Non-GMO, cholesterol, and gluten-free.

Flexible, fully customizable individual boxes, subscriptions, and gift options are available at funcho.co, as well as popular retail locations.

About The Functional Chocolate Company:

Founded in 2020, The Functional Chocolate Company is headquartered in Evergreen, Colorado. We believe that treating your health should be a treat. With a team from consumer product development, confectionery, nutraceutical, women's health, and nutrition backgrounds, we've learned that there is a better way to treat everyday health realities. Learn more at funcho.co.

Supporting Resources:

Learn more about the science of Functional Chocolate on our blog -- https://funcho.co/blogs/articles

Follow @FunctionalChoc on:

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/FunctionalChoc



Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/functionalchoc/



Pinterest -- https://www.pinterest.com/FunctionalChoc



Twitter -- https://twitter.com/FunctionalChoc

For wholesale inquiries, please contact [email protected] or find us on RangeMe.

SOURCE The Functional Chocolate Company

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Factory output revives in China

From:ChinaDaily | 2021-04-21 09:00

Industrial activity perks up on renewed confidence of enterprises, says ministry

Industrial production in China has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels amid efforts to revive economic activity and the renewed confidence of enterprises, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Tuesday.

Huang Libin, a spokesman for the ministry, said that during the first three months of this year, the utilization rate of industrial capacity in the nation reached 77.2 percent, the highest for the same period since 2013.

According to Huang, industrial output increased 24.5 percent on a yearly basis in the first quarter, while profits of industrial enterprises jumped 1.79 times on a yearly basis in January and February, with the vitality of enterprises getting a further boost.

"As the economy continues seeing a steady recovery, major industries are gradually overcoming the impacts of the epidemic, and the scope of recovery continues to expand," Huang said.

In the first quarter, 40 of the 41 major industrial sectors achieved year-on-year growth, the spokesman said.

Huang said rising commodity prices had an impact on the manufacturing industry, but the effect has been controllable. Joint efforts with relevant departments will be made to stabilize the prices of raw materials and prevent panic purchases or stockpiling.

The strong data came after China took a series of measures to revive industrial production and encourage consumption.

Liu Wenqiang, deputy head of the China Center for Information Industry Development, a Beijing-based think tank, said though there have been increases in international commodity prices, its impact on China's sprawling industries will be limited, given the nation's strong industrial capacity and relatively sound industrial system.

According to him, more efforts are needed to fuel the recovery of the services sector and small enterprises, as they are still facing difficulties while employment pressure persists for some rural migrant workers and young job seekers.

The ministry said it is drafting the manufacturing development plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), which will include goals for the overall development of the manufacturing industry, efforts to boost industrial fundamental technological innovation and initiatives for cultivating strategic industries such as raw materials of major technical equipment.

The ministry said it will carry out a special plan to fight unfair competition in the internet industry, with a focus on rectifying malicious blocking, traffic hijacking and other behaviors that disrupt market competition.

Wang Min contributed to this story.
The story of Newbridge singing sensations The Mahers will feature on popular TV programme Nationwide this Wednesday, April 21 (RTE One, 7.30pm).

The family group  dad Dave, plus daughters Stacy (18), Robyn (17) and Ruby 12)  had a smash hit this year with Lullaby For The World, written by renowned songwriter Brendan Graham. They recently signed with Whitney Houstons former manager Rick Blaskey. The family are no strangers to musical success, as Dave featured on Opportunity Knocks with his family during the 1970s; and Ruby wowed the judges on The Voice Kids UK last summer.

Lullaby For The World has also been chosen as an anthem for this years Earth Day, on Thursday, April 22. It will be broadcast to 190 countries worldwide as part of EarthDay.orgs global outreach programme.

Pictured above are, (front left) Robyn, Ruby and Stacy; (back) publicist Sally McEllistrim; Dave Maher and Nationwide presenter Mary Fanning, from Monasterevin.
GREATER LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- The YWCA is declaring it 'Stand Against Racism Week.' The campaign will be recognized from Apr. 19 to Apr. 25. The YWCA Greater Lafayette joins the national organization in honoring this week. The non-profit will be providing the community with tools to educate and bring awareness to topics of racial disparities happening here locally.

'Stand Against Racism Week' is an annual event and this year marks the 15th campaign. This year's theme is: Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis.

Leaders say in declaring racism a public health crisis, this creates a community obligation to create tangible plans to combat the issue as they would any other crisis.

This event is all virtual this year due to the pandemic. People are encouraged to log into the YWCA Greater Lafayette website where you'll be able to learn about the disparities happening right within the community.

Allison Beggs, YWCA Greater Lafayette CEO, said it's important to understand the root of these issues in order to make a change.

"There are a lot of stats and information, some that are surprising and some that are quite sad and tug at your heartstrings when you look at the disparities but these are not statistics, these are people of our community who deserve the very best," said Beggs

She's hoping this event gets a lot of community support this year.

"I would like to see people uniting, we want all of our citizens to have the same opportunities to be able to succeed and to be able to be on an equal playing ground, that's what this is about," said Beggs.

Beggs is encouraging the community to take the pledge against racism. She said several community leaders including the mayors, educators, commissioners, and even hospital leaders have signed the pledge.

The YWCA has also created a new role specifically to help combat the racial disparities happening in the community. Right now they're looking to hire a Senior Director for Racial Justice. If you're interested, click here to apply.
Moscow: On the same day that President Vladimir Putin gave a nationally televised speech warning the West against threatening Russia, the challenge to his government was on home soil.

Thousands of people protested in cities across the country on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) for the first time in months, responding to the oppositions call to support jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after his allies warned that his health was failing and his entire network would probably be outlawed soon.

People clash with police during a protest in support of Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg, Russia. Credit:AP

The last time such demonstrations took place - in January and February, shortly after Navalny was arrested - major crowds turned out and more than 11,000 people were detained, according to independent rights monitors.

Police rounded up more than 1400 protesters this time. The Kremlins crackdown has grown more intense in recent months, targeting independent journalists, human rights organisations and Navalnys associates. This weeks rallies, though smaller than the demonstrations earlier in the year, were a show of defiance.
Jammu, April 21 : The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Wednesday that the present Covid situation in the Union Territory is challenging as the growth rate of positive cases is 8.12 per cent more than what it was last year.

Atul Dulloo, Financial Commissioner (health and medical education), told reporters that the Covid graph is rising and the situation is challenging.

"At present we have 13,400 active cases. Last year, we had 22,000 positive cases when the pandemic was at its peak.

"There were 77 deaths, but this year the growth rate is 8.12 per cent more. The mortality rate this time is 1.38 per cent in J&K. The situation is challenging this year as compared to April last year," Dulloo said.

He added, "As many as 28 cases of UK strain and other strains have been reported from Jammu, but none from Kashmir. We are conducting 40,000 tests every day." The government has already taken a slew of measures to check the spread of the pandemic. Corona curfew has been imposed within all the municipal and local urban body limits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Shops have been ordered to open on rotational basis. Passenger vehicles cannot carry more than 50 per cent of their capacity.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:30:31|Editor: huaxia

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A lion cub is seen at the Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) Conservation Center in Butambala District, Uganda, April 14, 2021. At the age of 23, one would expect Akello to be enjoying her youthful years. However, Akello is taking care of 12 rare species of animals and reptiles in the central Ugandan district of Butambala. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The way others caress their dogs is the same way Holly Oliver Akello plays with lions, hyenas and snakes.

At the age of 23, one would expect Akello to be enjoying her youthful years. However, Akello is taking care of 12 rare species of animals and reptiles in the central Ugandan district of Butambala.

"You cannot run away from animals. They are part of nature just as human beings are also part of nature," she told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"You just need to understand them, read their body language, respect them and they will not harm (you)," Akello said, as she caressed one of the four lions in the den at the Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) Conservation Center. The CTC is a privately-owned center set up by an individual mainly to conserve rare species of animals for the purposes of research, education and tourism.

Founded in 2014, the center is home to lions, hyenas, crocodiles, bat-eared foxes, Serval cats, African golden cats, African Palm civets, snakes, tortoises, chameleons and iguanas. All these animals have been placed under Akello's care.

From one cage to another, Akello is welcomed by the animals as they happily roll over in a manner a dog welcomes back its master after an outing.

"Animals are not dangerous. You just need to be patient with them and learn what needs to be done," she said.

"Personally I cannot explain why I love animals so much. I don't know what nature does to my soul. My soul connects with nature. I love nature," Akello added.

Akello's passion for animals dates back to the time when she was five years old.

"I found a Gabon Viper under a log, played with it and placed it back, hoping that I would return and play with my new-found friend," the conservationist, animal handler and tour guide said.

"When I returned, I could not find the viper. My brothers and sisters told me that an eagle had taken it. I cried and wondered how a bird could carry such a big snake."

From that time on, her passion for animals only grew. Akello said that while in the village, she used to see many animals. However, often the elderly would be chasing the animals, especially the edible ones, to kill them.

"I started training and reading about animals until I became a professional handler. Now I'm brave enough to interact with them. However, you need to be so observant," she said.

Unlike leopards and tigers which are solitary cats, lions and hyenas are social cats which are easier to interact with on a daily basis, Akello said.

"However, sometimes they also get moody just as human beings become angry. So, at times they need their space. You need to observe them and back off. You must respect their privacy," Akello said.

She has also received scratches from the animals. This was not because they intended to harm her, however, Akello explained.

"They don't know how strong they are. They think you are as strong as them. But to me, these are beautiful scars inflicted on me by my friends," Akello said as she showed off the scars on her hands.

Akello said she has been able to train a number of people in schools and her community.

"We only carry one message to them. We can all co-exist with nature. We can live with animals because we are part of them. If we destroy nature, we shall suffer the consequences," she said. "Let us come together and protect the environment."

Concerning future plans, Akello said, "I hope to become an expert in animal handling, get new sets of skills and write books about wildlife."

"Actually I have exams to sit very soon at one of the wildlife institutes in the country," she said.

To other youths, Akello said: "Put passion in everything you do and you will have enormous achievements."

Akello is not the only youth at the CTC.

Martina Kia, 25, a veterinarian, has been at the center for nearly one year.

She said she is working there because she is passionate about wildlife. "I like animals. I started with cats and dogs. The passion kept growing."

Kia said her life goal is to try as much as possible to "bring animals to people's hearts."

"People need to know that animals are harmless if you do not harm them. When you respect an individual, that person respects you back. It is the same with animals," she said.

Just like Akello, Kia tells young people to follow their passions to succeed.

"Of course passion comes with hard work and perseverance. Everything else will work out," she said. Enditem
Scott Distler: Finding a way out of 'the cave'
Coronavirus surge testing on Clapham Common, south London, last week. It was introduced in response to the detection of cases involving the South African variant. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images)

Since the turn of the year, there has been a constant focus on new coronavirus variants and, specifically, whether they will be resistant to vaccines.

This week, much of that focus has been on a variant first identified in India.

As of Monday, 103 infections involving the Indian variant had been identified in the UK. India itself is also seeing an enormous surge in cases: more than 250,000 were reported on Tuesday alone.

The UK government responded to all this on Monday by putting India on the travel ban red list.

However, the variant remains under investigation by UK scientists  and so far has not been deemed a variant of concern.

One top adviser has made clear the South African variant is still the one that worries her most at the moment.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s World At One programme on Tuesday, Prof Sharon Peacock, head of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said its because we know it can partially evade immune response either from natural infection or vaccination".

Of the 11 variants identified in the UK so far, the South African one has been most prevalent, with 600 cases identified as of Wednesday last week, the latest date for which figures are available.

The variant, which is said to be highly transmissible, also prompted the government to introduce surge testing in parts of south London last week after new cases were identified.

Watch: India added to red list as concerns mount over coronavirus variants (from Monday)

For the Indian variant, on the other hand, Public Health England experts remain unsure if it can be transmitted more easily, is more deadly or can evade the effectiveness of vaccines or natural immunity.

Prof Peacock also said on Tuesday its unclear if the variant is the key factor behind Indias huge wave of infections.

The question is whether this is associated with the variant, with human behaviour or whether both are contributing.

Story continues

Read more:

COVID surge in coming weeks could delay plans to ease restrictions, top vaccine adviser warns

Revealed: Hundreds with fake COVID certificates trying to enter UK every week

Boris Johnson, speaking at Tuesdays Downing Street press conference, insisted adding India to the travel red list was purely precautionary.

On Wednesday, meanwhile, Prof Adam Finn, from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, warned of variants: I think that the immunity that weve got already from infection and vaccines will continue to be useful, but it will get eroded and there will come a point where we need to reformulate vaccines to keep up with changes in the virus.

Watch: How England is leaving lockdown
ALTON  Alton Symphony Orchestra will complete its 76th season on April 24, with its The Beauty of Music concert.

Though a bit unusual in that the year included all concerts presented virtually, Maestro Shane Williams said the response has been good, and people have expressed their appreciation for still providing concerts throughout this unprecedented time.

To enjoy music is to enjoy beauty, Williams said. It soothes the soul, brings joy to the heart, makes our bodies want to move  thus, The Beauty of Music.

More Information If you go: What: "The Beauty of Music" virtual concert presented by Alton Symphony Orchestra When: 7 p.m., Saturday, April 24 Where: www.altonsymphonyorchestra.org See More Collapse

Some of the musical selections will include Dvoraks New World Symphony, Rossinis La Gaza Ladra, The Greatest Showman and highlights from Jurassic Park.

A special highlight will be Jay Lipsutz, second place winner of the Marie Stillwell Concerto Competition. A recording of his performance performing the first movement of the Stamitz Viola Concerto will be available alongside the ASO virtual concert on April 24.

A senior at Parkway North High School in St. Louis, Lipsutz began studying viola under Chris Tantillo three years ago and previously studied violin with Dana Edson Myers. He is in his third season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, this year as principal viola. Lipsutz has played with the prep program at Webster Universitys Community Music School for four years under the direction of Vera Parkin. He has also participated in CMSs orchestral programs, including the Young Peoples Concert Orchestra and Young Peoples Symphonic Orchestra.

Lipsutz attended the Interlochen Academy of Arts Camp in 2019, where he played with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has participated in the Missouri All State Orchestra for the past two years and was principal viola in 2020. He has also been a member of the Parkway North symphonic orchestra on violin for the past four years. He credits his father, Gary Lipsutz, for getting him started in music.

We are surrounded by so much beauty in our lives. Unfortunately, there are things in this world that cause us to get busy, stressed, confused  causing us to be distracted, Williams said. I think we should pause, take a deep breath, and let thankfulness from our hearts come forth; just sit and let the music nurture us.

An added feature of the concert will be a brief glimpse into the personal lives of the ASO musicians as they share pictures of themselves enjoying their hobbies and interests.

Williams said he and the entire orchestra have been appreciative of the audience members who have followed them through this virtual season.

And we are so looking forward to seeing everyone in person this fall, he added.

The virtual concert The Beauty of Music will be presented at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 24 at www.altonsymphonyorchestra.org.

At 7 p.m., Friday, April 30, an ASO trivia fundraiser night will also be presented virtually  making for a fun time with friends, family and food. Tables for trivia night can be reserved for up to eight people, with each table costing $160. Tables must be reserved in advance. After registering, a link to access the event will be emailed to the address used to register. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. To register, visit www.altonsymphonyorchestra.org/annual-trivia-night. Sponsorship rounds are available to businesses and individuals for $50 per round. Proceeds help support the Alton Symphony Orchestra. If interested in making a prize donation, send an email to altonsymphony@gmail.com.
Car enthusiasts from four different groups are organizing a rally to raise awareness for the Stop Asian Hate campaign.



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We Are Student Drivers, a brand founded by actors Sung Kang and Daniel Wu, is teaming up with Rob Wang's Platinum Motorsports Lifestyle, Sean Lee's Purist Group, and David Lee's Hing Wa Lee Jewelers for "Stop Asian Hate Quickstrike," a meet and drive event set on May 1, marking the first day of Asian Heritage Month.



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The initiative, which Wu described to NextShark as a march for car people, was organized in support of the AAPI community, which has recently seen an uptick in hate-fueled attacks.



Participants are set to meet at Auto Conduct in Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles before proceeding with the drive to the Hing Wa Lee Jewelers shop in Walnut. At the destination, organizers will be selling t-shirts to raise money for the "Stop AAPI Hate" GoFundMe campaign.



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Donations will support organizations that empower and uplift the AAPI community, with initiatives such as increased community safety and support for those affected by violence. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $5.7 million out of its $8 million goal.



In a recent post on Instagram, Wu promoted the event and invited the public to join the initiative.



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"This is a chance for the car community to show how we feel about the hate that has been directed towards the Asian community," he wrote. "So dont be an a**hat, no burnouts, speeding or other a**hat behavior. Come out and join us to show strength and unity! This is going to be epic! #stopasianhate."



Featured Image via @wearestudentdrivers, Larry Chen (@larry_chen_foto)

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[April 21, 2021] Enhanced Focus and Reduced Complexity: Announcing the Rebranding of EZDI

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ezDI announces the rebrand to EZDI to meet the growing needs of customers in the healthcare industry. Following the breakout growth of the company's AI-assisted CDI, Coding, Compliance Auditing, and Analytics software, EZDI has expanded its possibilities. EZDI's products help healthcare organizations recognize missed reimbursement opportunities and curb coding errors. "We are obsessed with delighting customers and optimizing our solutions to meet their needs." - Chetan Parikh , CEO, EZDI EZDI aims to remove the complexity from the existing unstructured data in the heathcare industry. The rebranding embodies the company's strategic commitment to meet the need for robust mid RCM solutions, deploying a unified platform for seamless workflows.



With seamless navigation, the new website highlights the most important aspects, featuring an elegant design. Just as the state-of-the-art NLP powered computer assisted coding software highlights relevant codes in the document, the website emulates an identical look, bearing more clarity about the product offering. The software aids CDI specialists, Coders, Auditors, and HIMs in identifying missed opportunities with AI while also performing code audits and helping managers gain insight into key organizational metrics. 1. Computer-Assisted Clinical Documentation Improvement

2. Computer-Assisted Coding

3. Computer-Assisted Coding Compliance

4. Comprehensive Data Analytics

5. Clinical NLP APIs

Encompassing the four major offerings under one platform, the rebranding of EZDI echoes their value propositions:

Concise information from cluttered data

Highlighting what matters

Meet compliance

Insights and key metrics At EZDI, customer satisfaction has been central to the company's success; built on the foundation of a customer-first approach. "We are obsessed with delighting customers and optimizing our solutions to meet their needs," says Chetan Parikh, CEO of EZDI. "We are doing our life's best work to make sure the best care is provided to patients. With every member of our team invested in finding the best possible solution for our clients, it fills me with gratitude when I say that we have never had a dissatisfied customer in our 15 years of existence," he adds. About EZDI

By designing a next-generation clinical NLP engine supporting advanced documentation and coding functions, EZDI turned their vision to reality. Their CAC and CDI solutions received tremendous feedback, providing system accuracy and ease of use. EZDI removes the data complexity and highlights what matters for healthcare professionals. Contact: marketing@ezdi.com www.ezdi.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enhanced-focus-and-reduced-complexity-announcing-the-rebranding-of-ezdi-301272422.html SOURCE EZDI, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A former Harris County deputy constable, who along with her husband trafficked heroin and drug money, was sentenced on Wednesday to more than seven years in prison, federal authorities said.

Betty Jean Molina, 58, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, admitting that she transported $500,000 on multiple occasions and more than 4 pounds of heroin while she was a deputy with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constables Office.
Hunting for microplastics

Location: Sydney, Australia

These beachgoers have become

citizen scientists

They document and map microplastics

at their local beaches

They hope to use the data to

develop solutions

to map plastic hotspots and

find out how to clean them up

(SOUNDBITE) (English) CITIZEN SCIENTIST SARAH COOK, SAYING:

"You know I love the marine environment. I spend a lot of the time in the ocean, in the local river around here and I find it really disturbing to find plastics out there. You know just walking on the beaches - we need to find a way of preventing it getting there in the first place."

Microplastic pieces are around

5 mm or smaller

Toxic chemicals in plastic can increase the chance of disease

The use of disposable products has contributed to the problem

The results are published on the website AUSMAP

Video Transcript

- There's lots of organic matter and seaweed and things like that. But we've got some polystyrene.

- We need to find a way of preventing it getting there in the first place. Obviously, we've got a big problem with a lot in there already. And if this is going to help find answers as to how we can prevent it getting there and maybe cleaning up what's there, then it's worth doing.
Panaji, April 21 : Cases in Goa are on the rise because the state has increased the number of daily tests, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday, a day after the state logged its highest number of deaths and its daily infection rate peaked at 1,160 in 24 hours.

Sawant also ruled out a lockdown in the state, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had himself said in his address to the nation on Tuesday that a lockdown ought to be the last option for states.

"The cases are increasing because we are testing more now. Earlier we were testing 2,000, now it is nearly 3,200," Sawant said.

The Chief Minister also said that the death rate due to Covid-19 was increasing in Goa -- 26 persons died from Covid-19 on Wednesday -- because patients were delaying getting themselves admitted to hospitals.

"People are coming in late. They sit in fear at home. They should instead get admitted. We cannot do anything at the last stage," Sawant said. The Chief Minister also said that the second Covid waves was impacting people below 50 years.

Returning from Delhi on Wednesday, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sawant also said that he had briefed Shah in detail about the Covid-19 situation in Goa.

"I met Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him in detail on the Covid-19 situation in the state. I have also briefed him about Covid management measures, availability of oxygen and medicines as well as the political situation (in Goa)" Sawant said.

Asked whether the state would opt for a lockdown in wake of the record number of cases, Sawant said: "A lockdown will not happen. As the PM said lockdown is the last option. Whatever major precautions are to be taken, will be declared after a meeting today".

Sawant is expected to chair a high level meeting on Wednesday evening, to deliberate on measures related to Covid-19 control.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Quick peek at some of the stories we're watching whilst everybody else waits to riot . . .

Po-Po Spy Tech Arrives

800 body cameras deployed to KCPD By John Sharp The Kansas City Police Department should finish deploying over 800 body cameras to uniformed officers in all its patrol divisions and in its tactical and traffic units by April 16, Police Chief Rick Smith said at the April 12 meeting of the South Kansas City Alliance.

Cold Case Solved

Detectives crack 36-year-old murder case from Roeland Park KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man has been charged in the 1985 murder of Gary Watson in Roeland Park. During an early Tuesday afternoon news conference, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe announced his office has filed murder charges against Geter Rhymes. Howe said Rymes, 65, was recently arrested in the St.

Youngster Tragedy Postscript

Police identify 14-year-old killed in Kansas City hotel shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Police have identified the teenage boy who was killed after a shooting at the HomeTowne Studios hotel in the Northland. Officers responded to the hotel at 301 N. Corrington Ave. on April 17. When they arrived, they found one juvenile with a gunshot wound.

Murder Case Postscript

Second suspect charged in murder of Missouri mom found in duffel bag in ditch A second person has been charged in the homicide of a Missouri woman whose body was found in a duffel bag in a roadside ditch in 2020. A Missouri Department of Transportation worker found a body inside a duffel bag in a ditch on the 500 block of Vincent Road in Faucett at about 1 p.m.

Gearing Up For Kansas City Parking Ticket Crackdown

Kansas City police look to hire more parking officers, claim high turnover rate KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Police say they're trying to hire four to five more parking control officers, following a city audit critical of police for not writing enough parking tickets. Back in 2018, police pledged to maintain a staff of ten parking control officers to crack down on growing illegal parking problems downtown.

Shocking Risk Confronts Po-P0: GET WELL SOON!!!

KCPD officer recovers after shock from downed electrical wires KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer is recovering after being shocked by downed electrical wires Saturday night. The officer was working in an off-duty capacity at a restaurant on Southwest Boulevard near 30th Street, when, according to a KCPD news release, a vehicle "doing donuts struck a power pole."

Healing After Conviction

After following Yust trial closely, Jessica Runions' friends focus on her memory HARRISONVILLE, Mo. - Friends of Jessica Runions are sharing memories of her after a jury convicted Kylr Yust in her murder last week. Runions disappeared in 2016, her remains found seven months later, in the same area where Kara Kopetsky's were found. A jury convicted Yust of second-degree murder and recommended he spend life in prison.

Developing . . .
Telangana SEC C. Partha Sarathi had issued the poll notification on April 16 and gave just two days to candidates to file their nominations.  Representational image/DC

HYDERABAD: Serious doubts have risen over the conduct of the local body polls in Telangana, with State Election Commissioner C Parthasarathi currently being quarantined.

The Commission, it was exclusively learnt and confirmed by Deccan Chronicle, based on court directions, has sought the "opinion" of the state government on whether it should go ahead, or postpone, the polls.

Elections for two corporations and five municipalities were scheduled to be held on April 30.

For all practical purposes, the SEC being currently indisposed from performing his duties, being in quarantine, is leading to a gross compromise on the basic principle of free and fair polls.

Highly placed sources told Deccan Chronicle that the Commission has written to the State government, "seeking its views" on holding the elections in such an increasingly worsening pandemic.

Sources said that the SEC was reacting to a query on holding the polls from the Telangana High Court. Though the SEC is all powerful to take decisions, the state government, in whose court the issue lands under the guise of consultation process, becomes the de-facto deciding authority, sources pointed out.

While the second wave of Covid 19 showing a severe impact on the State, the government decided to conduct elections to Warangal and Khammam municipal corporations besides five other municipalities.

In a shocker to the opposition parties, in what has become a standard operating procedure, the SEC, the notification, the poll schedule, and the reservations to wards were all announced in quick succession on the same day. The opposition, by the modus operandi first unveiled in the GHMC elections, ends up having the have least possible time to pick candidates.

The SEC issued notification on April 16 and gave just two days time to parties to find candidates and have them file their nominations, an once of the practice perfected during the leadup to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation polls, which had also attracted severe criticism from the opposition parties.

We are making a genuine and apolitical appeal to the SEC and government to postpone the municipal elections keeping in mind the dangerous situation prevailing in the state, said N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president.

The government itself admitted the grim situation and imposed night curfew in the state, he pointed out.

As widely reported in the media, the public meeting recently held by Chief Minister and TRS supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao, as part of the campaigning for Nagarjunasagar bypoll, ended up being a possible Covid super-spreader. Besides Mr Chandrashekar Rao himself, several other participants at the meeting, including the TRS party candidate N. Bhagat and energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy were found to have tested positive soon after.

Elections and campaigning in parallel to the surge of a second wave of Covid has drawn widespread public consternation even as the courts are constantly pulling up the government over its actions to prevent further spread and managing the Coronavirus spread. In West Bengal, all major parties have now declared that they would not organise any public meetings.

"When Telangana is going through such a health crisis, what is the need to rush these elections for municipalities? Why risk the lives of lakhs of people at a time when long queues outside hospitals, testing centres, for oxygen cylinders, for remdesvir and other drugs and sadly, outside crematoriums? How can it come down to a choice of power over people?" said an official.
Anti-vaxxers shared leaflets with people gathered outside a COVID vaccine bus at Bulwell market in Nottingham. (Reach)

A group of anti-vaxxers have been criticised by market traders after they shouted at people queuing for COVID jabs in Nottingham.

Around 15 people were shouting "we want our freedom back" and sharing leaflets with people at Bulwell market on Tuesday morning.

The group made unfounded claims about the coronavirus vaccine and authorities during the protest, which started at 10am and ended around three hours later.

The protest comes as recent data shows that positive vaccine sentiment in the UK has been very high since the rollout began.

People queue to enter an NHS COVID vaccination centre in Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in east London. (Getty)

Overall positive vaccine sentiment among the British population rose to 94% in March from 78% in December, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Government data up to 19 April shows that 43,457,910 COVID jabs have been given in the UK so far, while vaccine take-up for people aged over 50 stands at 94.8%, according to NHS figures.

Stallholders at Bulwell market were quick to criticise the protest, which took place outside a vaccine bus.

Watch: How do people feel about the AstraZeneca vaccine?

Andy Savage, a retired NHS worker who was assisting his friend, said: "They are complaining that the vaccine is killing people, but what they do not realise is that the virus has already done so."

Savage, 58, added: "I think that having the vaccine is a risk that most of us are willing to take, and these protests will not influence people.

"I do not feel threatened by them and I do not think that a lot of people do.

"The only thing I would say is that one bloke was shouting at people who were queuing to have the jab  that could be intimidating to some."

Another stallholder, Melissa, 37, said protesters may discourage people from getting their jab.

She added: "There were many people in the queue this morning waiting to have their vaccine, and some left because the crowd was intimidating.

Coronavirus vaccine take up in the UK has been incredibly high. (Getty)

"It has affected the atmosphere in the market today, definitely.

Story continues

"You would usually see so many people smiling here, but today a small group is just shouting about COVID."

Stallholder Ian Astil, 48, said the group were spreading misinformation and scaring people, and added that it is up to everyones free will to decide whether to have the vaccine.

A vaccine centre billboard outside Wembley Stadium, London. (Getty)

The local NHS had worked closely with Nottinghamshire Police to plan for such incidents and police supported the staff on site.

No arrests were made following the protest, the force said.

Watch: Do coronavirus vaccines affect fertility?
Chevron announced a strategic hydrogen technology alliance with Toyota, but said it will keep selling gasoline

Chevron and Toyota announced Wednesday a first step towards a strategic alliance to commercialize hydrogen, which is seen as an environmentally-friendly transportation fuel option.

The alliance, which is centered on the United States, is expected to focus on three areas: collaborating on public policy to promote hydrogen infrastructure, assessing the market for fuel cell electric vehicles and the hydrogen supply that will be needed, and exploring opportunities to jointly research and develop hydrogen powered transportation and storage.

The venture aims "to advance a functional, thriving global hydrogen economy," the companies said in a joint press release.

The memorandum of understanding announced Wednesday is non-binding, but "lays out the path to a formalized strategic alliance by early third quarter 2021," a Chevron spokesman said in an email.

At this week's Shanghai motor show, Toyota unveiled plans for its first global line-up of battery electric vehicles, including an SUV expected to reach consumers in just over a year.

Chevron has faced pressure from environmentalists to match commitments by European oil giants like Royal Dutch Shell and Total, which have set targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

Chevron said it has no plans to shutter its gas stations.

"Fuels have and will continue to change over time and offering hydrogen at retail sites is a continuation of that change," a Chevron spokesman said.

"Ultimately, consumer preferences help drive the offerings at Chevron-branded retail fuel stations; however, we anticipate that gasoline and diesel will continue to be important offerings that consumers will require. We are committed to the Chevron and Texaco brands, and reliably supplying gasoline and other fuels to our loyal customer base."

At its annual meeting in May, Chevron is expected to battle against a number of shareholder proposals that require specific actions on climate change as well as a measure requiring more disclosure about the company's lobbying activities.

Explore further Hybrid leader Toyota turns on electrics

 2021 AFP
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 05:10:31|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission presented its first ever legal framework on artificial intelligence (AI) on Wednesday.

As part of the AI Package adopted by the executive of the European Union (EU), the AI legal framework aims to build trust into AI for the EU's population and ensure excellence, according to Margrethe Vestager, European Commission's executive vice-president responsible for competition.

According to their level of risk, the European Commission divided different types of AI applications into four categories: minimal, limited, high and unacceptable.

"The higher the risk that a specific use of AI may cause to our lives, the stricter the rule," explained Vestager during her presentation.

Minimal risk AI systems can be developed and used without any restrictions. These are the vast majority of currently used AI systems in the EU, like spam recognition software.

Limited risk AI systems will be subjected to transparency requirements to make sure that the user knows he interacts with a machine and not a human being, like the case with chatbots.

High risk AI systems are those which can interfere in a person's life in a significant way. These systems will be subjected to a series of strict obligations, including adequate risk assessment and mitigation system, high quality of data set, detailed documentation, appropriate human oversight, among others.

High risk AI systems cover critical infrastructures, educational or vocational training, safety components of products, employment, workers management and access to self-employment, and so on.

All those AI systems that are "considered a clear threat to the safety, livelihoods and rights of people" are unacceptable and thus banned. These include, for instance, toys encouraging dangerous behavior in minors through voice assistance.

Sanctions for manufacturers or users that do not comply with the requirements will first be asked to do so. Later on, the product might be withdrawn from the market. In case of repeated offenses, fines of six percent of their yearly global turnover will be applied.

The AI package presented by the European Commission also includes the New Machinery Regulation and an updated Coordinated Plan on AI. Enditem
FILE PHOTO: A well head and drilling rig in the Yarakta oilfield, owned by Irkutsk Oil Company (INK), in the Irkutsk region, Russia, March 11, 2019. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko/File Photo

By Scott DiSavino

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices on Wednesday fell for a second day to their lowest in a week on a surprise build in U.S. crude inventories and concerns surging COVID-19 cases in India will drive down fuel demand in the world's third-biggest oil importer.Brent futures settled $1.25, or 2%, lower at $65.32 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June fell $1.32, or 2.1%, to $61.35. The new WTI June front-month was down about 1.8% from where the May contract expired on Tuesday.

For both contracts, this was the lowest close since April 13.

"Oil prices are declining today as ... bearish developments forced traders to ignore a partial but bullish Libyan force majeure on exports," said Louise Dickson, oil markets analyst at Rystad Energy.

She pointed to the build of in U.S. crude inventories and a continuous rise of COVID-19 infections in India and other countries.

India, the world's third-largest oil user, on Wednesday reported another record increase in the daily death toll from COVID-19.

U.S. crude oil stockpiles unexpectedly edged higher last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, confirming data by the American Petroleum Institute the day before. [EIA/S] [API/S]

Crude inventories rose by 594,000 barrels last week to 493 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 3 million-barrel drop.

U.S. East Coast inventories, however, fell to a record low at 7.9 million barrels.

Raising the possibility of further oil supply, Iran and world powers have made headway in talks to save a 2015 nuclear accord, which, if successful, could see sanctions lifted and more Iranian barrels return to the market.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, are heading for a largely technical meeting next week where major changes to policy are unlikely, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and OPEC+ sources said.

Novak said on Wednesday the group may confirm or tweak output plans following its decision to ease production curbs.

In Libya, meanwhile, the country's National Oil Corp (NOC) declared force majeure on Monday on exports from the port of Hariga and said it could extend the measure to other facilities due to a budget dispute with the country's central bank.

(Additional reporting by Shadia Nasralla in London, Sonali Paul in Melbourne and Koustav Samanta in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Steve Orlofsky)
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.
Two exclusive single malts inspire captivating collaboration with filmmaker Thomas Vanz

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is pleased to unveil a new global campaign named 'The Art of Time,' designed to celebrate how life, and whisky, are beautifully crafted and shaped by time. To mark this announcement, Bowmore has released the brand-new Bowmore Timeless Series, featuring two masterpiece single malt expressions.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

Bowmore has unveiled a new global campaign named 'The Art of Time,' designed to celebrate how life, and whisky, are beautifully crafted and shaped by time.

To mark this announcement, Bowmore has released the brand-new Bowmore Timeless Series, featuring Bowmore Timeless 27 Year Old. Now available in Canada, in very limited quantities.

To celebrate the launch of Bowmore Timeless Series, Bowmore has collaborated with independent French film director and artist, Thomas Vanz, to pay homage to the artistic craft of creating Bowmore's iconic whiskies.

Click image above to view full announcement.

ABOUT BOWMORE



Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay. Its maturation warehouse is the oldest in the world and its handcrafted single malt whisky is defined by time and inspired by its home place.



Time is defining at Bowmore and they tirelessly harness the power of time to shape its whiskies. The distillery's adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, it is amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones - the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.



Bowmore Distillery's proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault's sea-facing wall.



Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of its whisky makers deems them ready for bottling. It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.



Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one's journey began. It is their story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.

www.bowmore.com.



ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY



As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.



Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.



 2020 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654



ABOUT THOMAS VANZ



Born in 1991, Thomas Vanz is a French director who started making films in 2014, telling tales of the Cosmos's History by producing only practical FX with inks, pigments and many other chemical products.



Focused on the macroscopic aspect, he tries first to illustrate a Supernova, blending art and science with his first short "Novae" in 2016, the film was awarded by the quantum festival first prize.



In 2017, his second film "Intra" goes further by telling the infernal journey of a fall into a black hole, with a real visualization of what a spinning black hole could look like and an aesthetic vision of the white hole theory.



In the meanwhile, he directed "Bright Side", the second clip of the talented composer Darius, for his new album "Utopia", focusing this time about what the birth of the light would look like, and how brightness is defeating the night in the cosmos.



In 2019, Atelier Des Lumieres, first immersive museum based in Paris, asked him to create a unique piece in a 270 format called "Verse", broadcasted for one year to thousands of visitors.

Contacts:

Meredith Nebel

905.272.9096

Meredith@praxispr.ca

Chloe Howe

647.954.5085

Chloe@praxispr.ca

Source: Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81210
The (Hindu) Opposition leaders now mask past commitment and efforts at increasing the political representation of religious minorities

What is common to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav? Besides the latter being a joint recipient of her letter, written last month to 15 Opposition stalwarts asking them to join forces to fight assaults on Indias constitutional federalism, both have also recently publicly displayed their Hindu identities.

Mr Yadavs efforts at projecting his Hindu identity was unfortunately followed by his testing Covid positive, possibly because he had bathed at Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela and met with a Hindu seer, who was perhaps infected with the coronavirus. Ms Banerjee demonstrated that she was not a lesser Hindu than her adversary-in-chief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when she recited the Chandi Path to launch her campaign in Nandigram several weeks ago.

Ms Banerjee, as well as Mr Yadav, in ways more than one, embody the majority of Indias Opposition leaders who have since 2014, taken recourse to startling innovations to wear their hitherto invisible Hindu birthmarks on their sleeves. Rahul Gandhis efforts to publicly display being a Dattatreya Brahmin in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls are widely known and were commented upon adequately.

Alongside widely embracing their religious identity, the (Hindu) Opposition leaders now mask past commitment and efforts at increasing the political representation of religious minorities, especially Muslims. They also no longer promise minority-specific development programmes with the same gusto as they once did. Some years ago, Sonia Gandhi had bemoaned that her party suffered electorally due to its pro-minority image.

The contagion of overanxious display of ones Hindu identity is in complete contrast to the unanimity in the political class, at dawn of the republic in 1950, that Indias majority community was obligated to make the religious minorities, especially the Muslims, feel secure, respected and instil in them the belief that the majority was sensitive to their faith and tradition.

The chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, drew strength from this unspoken agreement when he mocked Prime Minister Modi for his refusal to wear a skull cap offered by a Muslim cleric in 2011. It is useful to recall Nitish Kumars didactic advice: In a country as diverse as ours, symbols must be respected. In order to maintain harmony with everyone, sometimes one has to wear a cap and sometimes one needs to sport a tilak.

Barely eight years after this taunt, the fortunes have reversed. Mr Kumar is now a much-diminished executor of Mr Modis policies, albeit with a baulk at times on matters related to hard Hindutva. The Prime Minister has also successfully politically coerced his opponents to become mindful of the ways of the New India, where being merely sensitive towards the concerns of religious minorities is deemed a political handicap, or perilous.

The Opposition parties are driven by their assessment that in the peoples perception, whatever may be shortcomings of Prime Minister Modi and his governments deliveries, he has one most important accomplishment beneath his belt -- that he has fixed Muslims. The Opposition parties are driven by their perception of majoritarian elation and are now unwilling to risk loss of support among Hindus. In more states than one, the Opposition to the BJP is its veritable B-team. Take the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party for instance in Delhi.

This explains Akhilesh Yadavs conscious decision to refrain from critiquing Hindu nationalistic politics in recent years, especially after 2017, the way his father Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Samajwadi patriarch, did three decades ago when he pledged in October 1990 not to allow even a single bird to flutter over Ayodhyas skies on the day of the Vishwa Hindu Parishads promised commencement of the kar seva at the disputed site. The impression that there has a complete reversal is the outlook of large sections of Hindus towards Muslims is reflected in several of Mamata Banerjees decisions too, most visibly in the significantly lesser number of Muslims she has nominated as candidates in these elections.

Ms Banerjee and Mr Yadav have another commonality. Prashant Kishor and his brand of ideological agnosticism is part of their campaign to return to power, the formers currently and Mr Yadavs in 2017. Since his advent in Indias political space as an electoral strategist, first for Mr Modi and later for others, Mr Kishor has preached that political commitment to ideas and policies is redundant. Winning polls, he asserts, is all about reading the data right, an effective communication strategy and making the right moves at opportune moments. His philosophy enables him to move to one client party from another. Mr Kishor's belief in post-ideology politics is reflected in the weakened commitment to political beliefs of Ms Banerjee, Mr Yadav and several others.

His influence was visible in Ms Banerjee's letter to the Opposition leaders. It was an unambiguous effort at opening a door for a post-poll pact with the Congress while staking claim to a national role in the event of the Trinamul Congress returning to power in West Bengal. But Ms Banerjee chose not to criticise the BJPs corrosive ideology. Instead, she used the passage of the law that clipped the powers of the Delhi government and held it as evidence of the ruling sides objective of establishing one party authoritarian rule in India.

Ms Banerjees letter was silent on the abrogation of Article 370 and taking away Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, a precursor to the law clipping the Delhi governments powers. The letter listed the reasons why the Opposition parties must forge a common cause. But none of these were ideological. Ms Banerjee limited herself to listing instances showing that the BJP consistently undermines Indias federal character; hang-handed governors, using investigative agencies to target political opponents, limiting fiscal independence of states, dissolution of consultative bodies, worsening Centre-state relations and so on.

Mamata Banerjee has not sought allies among the Opposition parties to protect India from a majoritarian onslaught. Instead, it is a call to unite to safeguard its federal character and autonomy. Although people in more than one hundred seats are still to vote, the letter is the final proof of the BJP winning this round politically. Whether it has secured West Bengal electorally too shall be known only on May 2.


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Businesses fearful their workers may be targeted by fraudsters will want to take a look at the free Tax Scam Awareness Kit offered by Proofpoint, a data protection company in Sunnyvale, Calif.

The kit, for both Windows and macOS, includes materials for an employee education campaign about tax fraud, three educational videos, an infographic, answers to frequently asked questions about tax scams, and a tax scam flyer.

The kit is designed to be used over a two-week period to educate employees about tax fraud. During the first week, employees are encouraged to visit an IRS website that focuses on tax scams aimed at consumers and to copy and distribute at the office, as well as at home, the "Attack Spotlight" flyer included with the kit.

The flyer has the image of a friendly robot warning that scammers often impersonate government tax agencies or tax preparation services.

It also has some basic cautions. For example, if you receive a tax-related message, don't interact with it immediately and take your time to evaluate it.

If the message looks legit, verify it with the sender without responding directly to the message, the flyer recommends. You could copy the email address of the sender and send them a separate message, for instance.

Training Videos

During the second week of the program, it's suggested that employees view the training videos created for the toolkit.

One video is titled "Tax-Related Scams." In the two-minute video, the friendly robot gives some tips on recognizing phishing emails containing tax scams and offers advice on avoiding being victimized by scammers.

A second, 49-second video, titled "Confidential Information, Don't Let Them In," offers advice on protecting your computer at work and on physical security at the office.

"Phishing Emails in Real-Life" is the subject of the third video. It's an amusing three-and-a-half minute take on how scammers bait their prey and how to avoid becoming fraudster quarry.

"We created the Proofpoint Tax Season Awareness Kit to help security teams increase their users' awareness regarding possible tax season scams and phishing attacks," said Proofpoint Senior Security Awareness Strategist Gretel Egan.

"Cybercriminals often leverage tax-related lures, and it's important to remind users of the routine security practices that can significantly reduce the risk to monies and sensitive tax data," she told TechNewsWorld.

"Our written and visual resources include a suggested communication plan and schedule to help organizations take a scalable approach to amplifying user recognition of these threats," she added.

Imposter Scams

Businesses have good reason to worry about their workers being targeted by tax scammers. Last year alone, the IRS uncovered US$2.3 billion in tax fraud.

One of the most prevalent scams involves a scammer posing as a government agent. "That's when a scammer calls you and pretends to be from the IRS stating that you haven't paid your taxes, and they have a warrant out for your arrest unless you pay them immediately," explained AARP Director of Fraud Victim Support Amy Nofziger.

"This is not how the IRS works," she told TechNewsWorld. "They will never call you unsolicited. It also does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information."

The IRS recently warned of such a scam aimed at educational institutions.

The suspect emails display the IRS logo and use various subject lines such as "Tax Refund Payment" or "Recalculation of your tax refund payment," the agency explained in a news release. They ask people to click a link and submit a form to claim their refund.

The link goes to a website that attempts to collect personal information about the target.

Surprise Tax Bills

Nofziger noted that there has also been an increase in people claiming that someone has filed taxes with their dependent's social security number.

Some consumers have also been served unwarranted tax bills due to unemployment fraud. In those cases, a scammer files an unemployment claim on behalf of a consumer, who later receives a 1099-G form stating they have taxes to pay for benefits the scammer received.

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has also been exploited by fraudsters. "The scammer says someone owes money, or are owed money, and have to confirm amounts on a fake website made to look like the IRS site," explained Erich Kron, security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, a security awareness training provider in Clearwater, Fla.

"Some scams are also claiming that they are the IRS and must confirm the victim's bank account information to get their refund," he told TechNewsWorld.

Targeting Business

While both businesses and individuals are targeted by fraudsters, business scams can have a broader impact. "We have seen scams designed to get organizations to give up the W-2 information of all their employees," Kron said.

"The cyber criminals then use the information to falsely file the tax returns on behalf of the employees," he continued, "making it appear that they are entitled to a refund, then escape with the money, often before the victims have even started to do their taxes."

Chris Clements, vice president of solutions architecture at Cerberus Sentinel, a cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing company in Scottsdale, Ariz. added that businesses usually have in-house accountants or use external CPA's to file their taxes.

"Finance professionals should be aware enough of the appropriate channels that any out of the ordinary communications should be enough for them to arouse suspicion," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Individuals, on the other hand," he continued, "are more often fooled, especially with scare tactics around potential arrest. The unfortunate outcome can be that they fall victim to the scam and have money stolen from their bank or credit card accounts."

Victim Assistance

Why do tax scams continue to work? "Taxes can be confusing, and scammers know that and know when it's our tax season and can prey on new taxpayers with their scams," Nofziger explained.

"The IRS impostor scam works so well because no one ever expects to be hearing from the IRS demanding money, so the victim starts reacting with their emotions," she said. "They are scared to be arrested in front of family and friends."

She advises that anyone who believes they're a victim of tax ID fraud should call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 and notify their state tax agency.

They can also file a report, and get started on a recovery plan, at the Federal Trade Commission's Identify Theft site, she continued.

Nofziger added that the IRS's "Identity Protection" page has numerous resources for individuals, businesses and tax professionals on preventing and dealing with fallout from tax identity theft, including a guide for taxpayers and detailed information on assistance for victims.

Proofpoint's Tax Scam Awareness Kit is available here.

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.


On Thursday, April 8, 2021, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, took questions in a live media chat conducted in Hausa.

Below is a translated excerpts from the interview

Q: At its meeting before the Easter holidays, the State Task Force on Covid-19 reported that Kaduna state Coronavirus infection rate has been declining. Is the state government considering relaxing the restrictions imposed on citizens to check the spread of the virus any time soon?

El-Rufai: The Kaduna State Government imposed strict restriction in March 2020 to help contain Covid-19. But we significantly relaxed the restrictions in June 2020. We did that in the interest of allowing our citizens to safely resume the pursuit of their livelihoods while practising personal responsibility in observing preventive protocols. We launched the FORWARD campaign to encourage citizens to wear facemasks, wash their hands regularly and avoid crowded places and large gatherings. We are considering further relaxations to allow restaurants, event centres, gyms and other public places to reopen fully and legitimately, with continued compliance to provisions to wear facemasks and observe social distancing. Our vaccination take-up rate will determine the timing of further relaxations.

Q: On 28th March 2020, Kaduna state recorded its index case of Covid-19. One year after, how has the pandemic affected the health sector and what has been the citizens response to the virus generally?

El-Rufai: On behalf of everyone who has been infected by Covid, I wish to express our gratitude to the health workers in Kaduna State for their efforts. In the one year since the first Covid-19 case was reported, Kaduna State, has strengthened the capacity of its health system to help prevent, detect and manage diseases. In addition to running a major public health campaign to encourage safe and preventive behaviour, the state has invested in its health infrastructure.

The state now has five Covid-19 testing labs in public health facilities, from zero in March 2020. Treatment and isolation centres have increased from one to six across the state (Kaduna -2, Zaria 2, Kafanchan  1, Birnin Gwari  1). The newly built 136-bed treatment facility in Mando is the centrepiece of this enhanced resilience. We are also building 10-20 bed infectious diseases wards in all our general hospitals to provide more facilities to manage the next pandemic.

Q: Kaduna state received 180,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the federal government last month. So far, how many people have been vaccinated and what has been the attitude of the citizens towards vaccination?

El-Rufai: Kaduna State received about 180,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and launched its vaccination campaign on 10th March 2021, starting with strategic leaders and frontline health workers. The state has vaccinated about 70,000 persons. The response from the frontline health workers who are the main target group for Phase 1 has been impressive.

We have expressed interest in securing our own vaccine supplies. But the situation with vaccine supplies all over the world has made it difficult for Kaduna state as a sub-national to directly buy its own stock of vaccines. But we are still on it. This concern about the certainty of more vaccine supplies by May has led the federal health authorities to advise state health authorities to set aside enough vaccines for the second jabs of people that have taken the first dose. Our state Ministry of Health has taken the advice and will suspend vaccinations once we reach 90,000 persons.

Q: Is it true that Kaduna State Government has directed that any civil servant that is not vaccinated will not receive salary?

El-Rufai: The only group of workers for whom we have made vaccination mandatory are our frontline health workers, who are the main targets of the first phase of vaccinations. We have a duty to protect all the health workers who are continuously exposed to danger as they work to contain the virus, including testing, tracing and treating patients. Of course, we also mandated all members of our State Executive Council to take the vaccine as part of the duty of leaders to set an example and show the public that the vaccine is safe.

Q: Last week the Minister of State for Transportation paid you a working visit, and you disclosed that your government is considering building a light rail system in Kaduna metropolis. Is this capital-intensive project feasible within the two years that are remaining in your tenure?

El-Rufai: A visionary government cannot think solely in terms of a four or eight-year electoral mandate. As a government, we are conditioned by our project mindset to complete as many projects as we can during our tenure. But we know that there are projects and programmes that our successors will inherit and hopefully complete. We inherited Zaria Water and we completed Phase One. We started and completed Phase 2.

One vital project that our successors will inherit is the Greater Kaduna Water Project. In 2020, we signed an MoU with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources on the project. The agreement is that the Federal Government will build Itisi Dam to provide the raw water while Kaduna State will provide the water treatment plant and the transmission and distribution pipeline to get water into homes and businesses.

So, regarding the Light Rail, which is being financed by the Indian Exim Bank, even if all we can do is to establish the viability of the system, finalise the design and secure the financing, it will be a step forward. But we are confident that, subject to satisfying the requirements of the federal authorities, construction of the light rail from Mararraban Jos to Refinery/ Mararraban Rido will commence with a construction period of 18 months.

Q: Some people have argued that instead of a light rail system, the government should just flood the state with mass transport buses and taxis, which will go a long way to ameliorate the commuting problems of citizens. What is your opinion on this?

El-Rufai: Modern transportation systems integrate rail, buses and taxis and waterways where they are available. We are still negotiating financing and management arrangements for a BRT system. The French Development Agency (AFD) is most likely to finance the BRT.

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We intend to relaunch Kaduna Cabs as a business investment to be managed by the Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company. This will involve introducing 500 new cars as taxis in our major cities, to be paid for in regular instalments by their owners.

Q: Are you satisfied with the progress of the Urban Renewal Programme?

El-Rufai: We are proud of the unprecedented investments we have made to change the face of Kaduna metropolis and to improve our two other cities, Kafanchan and Zaria. The urban renewal project is a major upgrade of infrastructure to make our cities easier places in which to live, work and do business. It has many components, among which the road segment is by far the most visible and successful.

Everyone can see the roads and the streetlights we have done. The new Kawo flyover, expanded to a dual lane and including three rotaries, should be completed this year. We are connecting the western and eastern sectors of Kaduna City through Rabah Road to Rigasa road. We have completed and opened for use of the trailer park at Mararraban Jos. We have received expressions of gratitude from many citizens for clearing the trailers from the road and giving a proper and safer place to park. Construction is progressing towards completion at the Tafa trailer park. We will build another trailer park around the Olam factory. The Galaxy Mall on Waff Road and the new Murtala Square are also going well, and we are confident that they will be completed on schedule.

The Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company is delighting us with the energy they are applying to building and modernising markets, sometimes in partnership with private investors. The new market in Kasuwan Magani has been completed. Traders have also moved into new shops in the first phase of the Sabon-Gari market which is being rebuilt and expanded. Market projects are being done in Kasuwan Barci, Kawo, Unguwan Rimi, Amaru, and Kafanchan.

Q: You established KADGIS to create a better land administration system and digitise the land registry. Is this working? Are you recording better compliance with the payment of ground rent?

El-Rufai: KADGIS is steadily building a digital land registry of the state. But most people are not paying their ground rent. This is wrong. It is a violation of the terms on which they were issued their land titles. I want to appeal to all residents of Kaduna State to be serious about paying their ground rent in January of every year. Paying ground rent is an obligation to keep hold of your title. People who default in paying ground rent are putting their title at risk because their title can be revoked because of that violation.

Some people are still building without title from KADGIS or building permit from KASUPDA. Buildings can be demolished for any of these violations.

Q: Have KADGIS and KASUPDA finally stopped the emergence of illegal layouts? Have land touts been put out of business?

El-Rufai: KADGIS and KASUPDA are trying to sanitise land administration and the approval and enforcement of development plans. But there are people who are still buying land from people who are not authorised to sell land and building without approval. In some cases, some communities seem not to realise that when government acquires land, they are required to respect that. People should not say that they will not cooperate until they receive compensation. We even have many cases where people are refusing to cooperate even after receiving compensation. I want to appeal to everyone to respect the law and not slow down the delivery of public infrastructure works.

Q: Government gives an almost daily security update about the killings, abductions and various crimes in the state. Last month, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs presented the 2020 security report, detailing the killings that took place across senatorial districts of Kaduna state, from January to December last year. Why did government choose to make public such a confidential and sensitive report?

El-Rufai: We are in a democracy. Transparency is an important attribute of democracy. We are in a very challenging period regarding security. Many of our citizens have lost family and friends or property to these criminals. Persons who have not been directly affected are scared and worried. In moments of fear, you have to provide accurate information or people with other agendas will spread their lies, poison the waters and make the bad situation worse. While we are working hard to secure people and their properties, we must provide the facts so that the public can understand the nature and severity of the security challenge and support the efforts and hard work required to address the situation.

We are the first government in Nigeria to do this, whether at the state or federal level because we are convinced that hiding required information will not make a difficult situation to disappear. Some non-state actors are unhappy that we release these reports, perhaps because it reduces their ability to push false and skewed narratives.

At the beginning of our second term in 2019, we established the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to coordinate our work in the security sector. This Ministry presented the 2020 Security Incidents Report on 10th March 2021. The security report for the first quarter of 2021 will soon be published.

Q: It is close to a month since the abduction of students at the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka. What is government doing to rescue them since it has ruled out the payment of ransom?

El-Rufai: The Kaduna State Government is deeply pained by any instance of violence or violation of the rights, life and liberty of any citizen by criminal elements. We condemn all criminal activities, and we sympathise with the victims of crime. We are working with the security agencies to secure the release of all abducted persons. And we believe that most people understand the importance of not providing incentives to criminals by rewarding those who have violated the laws of the land. Our duty of care towards all citizens includes making it clear that no one will get public resources in return for kidnapping or harming any citizen.

We are unhappy that these criminals have been allowed to establish their nefarious footprints in our forests. We appealed to the FG as far ago as 2017 to declare the bandits as insurgents and unleash on them the full might of the military. It appears that there is now a resolve to crush the criminals and we are fully supportive of the military and security agencies in this mission.

Q: It is being widely speculated that Kaduna State Government is planning to downsize its workforce. How correct is the speculation and what is the reason?

El-Rufai: In 2015, we announced that we will fight waste and ensure that government resources serve a majority of citizens rather than the few persons working for government, including political appointees and other public servants. You will recall that we began doing verification in 2015 to help ensure the integrity of our payroll and weed out ghost workers. We also decried a situation where most public funds went into paying the wages of less than 100,000 public servants in a state with close to 10m people. Those who work must be paid, but the people of the state must also be served by their government.

We have been clear that the progress and future of the state depend on competent public service, lean in size but super-efficient, savvy with modern technology and well connected to the public it serves. That is why we launched the public service reform and revitalisation programme in 2016. Verification and public service reform are continuous exercises.

As part of the 2016 public service reform process, we also reviewed salaries and were ready to announce new wages before the FG announced in 2018 that it was initiating a new national minimum wage process.

That early preparation enabled us to be the first government in the country to pay the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments in 2019. We followed this up by increasing the minimum pension of persons on the defined benefits scheme to N30,000 monthly. This increased the wage burden of the state government and immediately sapped up the funds of many local governments.

Due to the serious problems affecting our national economy, our state finances are stretched by salaries. What we receive from FAAC can barely pay salaries and overheads. In November 2020, we had only N162.9m left after paying salaries. That month, Kaduna State got N4.83bn from FAAC and paid N4.66bn as wages. In the last six months, personnel costs account for between 84.97% and 96.63% of our FAAC revenues. In March 2021, the state had only N321m left after settling personnel costs. We got N4.819bn from FAAC and paid out N4.498bn, representing 93% of the money we received.

We were elected to develop the state, not just to pay the salaries of public servants. We were elected to promote equality of opportunity, to build and run schools and hospitals, upgrade infrastructure and make the state attractive to the private sector for jobs and investments.

Therefore, we have to shed weight and reduce the size of the public service. It is a painful but necessary step to take, for the sake of the majority of the people of this state. Covid-19 has shown clearly that the public service requires much fewer persons than it currently employs. The public service is an important institution, and it should maintain only an optimum size. Faced with a difficult situation, we cannot refuse to act or resort to sentiment.
English Latvian

In 2020, Latvijas Gaze group succeeded in attaining a positive result despite the challenges brought on by the market conditions. Relatively mild air temperatures, strict restrictions due to the spread of the coronavirus, and low level of natural gas prices were the main factors shaping the operating environment for the JSC Latvijas Gaze. Generally, the air temperature remained above the long-term seasonal average during winter months, affecting the demand for natural gas in the heating segment in particular. Substantially higher summer-winter spreads compared to the regulated charge for storage capacities led to a high demand for storage services, consequently making the JSC Latvijas Gaze have less storage available compared to 2019. Furthermore, maintenance of the natural gas transmission systems limited the possibilities of rerouting and optimising natural gas flows.

In 2020, the JSC Latvijas Gaze sold 11 896 GWh of natural gas to customers in Latvia and abroad, with the latter accounting for 28% of the total JSC Latvijas Gaze natural gas sales volumes. Several major customers accumulated substantial natural gas reserves during 2019, thus reducing their natural gas demand in 2020 and adversely affecting the domestic sales volumes of the JSC Latvijas Gaze.

The Groups net turnover in 2020 reached 190.5 million EUR, EBITDA amounted to 26.5 million EUR. The Groups net profit for 2020 was 11.2 million EUR*.

The JSC Latvijas Gaze in 2020 continued to invest towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of core business and customer care processes. In total the JSC Latvijas gaze invested approximately 1.2 million EUR in IT projects to ensure most efficient operations and services to customers. At the end of December 2020 JSC Latvijas Gaze made the final transition to a new billing system MECOMS and a new self-service portal. The modernization of the existing IT infrastructure and the digitalization of the Companys sales processes will play a key role in serving customers with the best products and services at the most competitive price also in the future.

Audited Annual report is published in PDF format. The financial statements are also published in iXBRL format in accordance with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) reporting requirements. In accordance with ESEF requirements, the primary statements of the financial statements are marked with XBRL tags. The ESEF financial statements are available in the zip file attached to this release.

Latvijas Gaze Groups Unaudited Consolidated Interim Condensed Financial Statement for 3 months of 2021 are due to be published on May 26, 2021.

*More detailed information on the alternative performance measures can be found on page 16 of the annual report.

Additional information:

Romans Tjurins

Vice President Finance

Phone: + (371) 67 369 139

E-mail: investor.relations@lg.lv

www.lg.lv

Attachments
SALEM  A Republican state lawmaker says she was subjected to sexual harassment and pressured to take part in a quid-pro-quo arrangement by longtime Rep. Brad Witt, D-Clatskanie.

State Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson, of Prineville, outlined her allegations Monday in a letter to House Speaker Tina Kotek, a Democrat, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Breese Iverson has asked that Kotek remove Witt from the three legislative committees she and he both serve on.

The fact Representative Witt chose to sexually harass me leaves us no room for any future ability to have real discussions regarding committee business or other House Floor business, Breese Iverson wrote. The quid-pro-quo he texted me is an inexcusable abuse of his power. Experiencing this sexual harassment is something I should not have to be exposed to or accept as a course of business, especially in todays Capitol culture.

Koteks office said Tuesday she was setting up a meeting with the legislative equity officer, who fields harassment complaints, about options for responding.

While the contents of the text or texts remain unclear, the letter adds new details to allegations that emerged against Witt last week.

In a hearing of the House Conduct Committee on Friday, legislators learned that a lawmaker had filed a formal complaint against Witt under the Legislatures safe, respectful and inclusive workplace rule.

Few details were given but an independent investigator looking into the complaint recommended that Witt be barred from contacting or coming near Breese Iverson and that he be removed from chairing the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, of which Breese Iverson is a member.

The investigator, private attorney Sarah Ryan, said she had no reason to believe Breese Iversons physical safety was in jeopardy.

The committee, made up of an even number of Republicans and Democrats, concluded that recommending Witts removal as committee chair wasnt warranted. That was a position pushed strongly by state Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, who noted that Witt had already offered to temporarily step down while an investigation played out and that forcing him out could be seen as a punishment rather than the interim safety measure lawmakers were tasked with considering.

If he wants to voluntarily step down temporarily, I would support that, Fahey said.

The committee issued a no-contact order between Witt and Breese Iverson. Republicans have said that more action is needed.

In her letter to Kotek Breese Iverson said: I felt betrayed when arguments were made to oppose the recommendation to remove Representative Witt as Chair. In thinking of the interactions that would be required of us, I knew the restrictions would not be enough to ensure my safety from his inappropriate advances.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan of Canby offered a similar sentiment.

Following Witt volunteering to step down temporarily as committee chair, Kotek formally made that change Monday. In a note to lawmakers, she said Witt also would not attend virtual committee hearings.

For his part, Witt has said he believes 101% that it will be found that there was no ill intent on my part whatsoever, but rather an attempt to further the committee interests. He did not immediately respond to OPBs request for comment Tuesday morning.

Ryan, the independent investigator, said she expects the investigation to conclude by the end of April. The matter would then go before the House Conduct Committee to consider whether Witt violated legislative rules, and whether there should be consequences.

 AP
By AMY FORLITI Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS  The 12 jurors who reached guilty verdicts on all three counts Tuesday against Derek Chauvin had to weigh whether he was responsible for the death of George Floyd.

Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The case came down to two key questions  whether Chauvin caused Floyds death and whether his actions were reasonable  and each charge requires a different element of proof as to Chauvins state of mind.

Heres an explanation of the charges:

How do the charges against Chauvin compare?

For all three charges, prosecutors had to prove that Chauvin caused Floyds death and that his use of force was unreasonable.

Prosecutors didnt have to prove Chauvins restraint was the sole cause of Floyds death, but only that his conduct was a substantial causal factor. Chauvin is authorized to use force as a police officer, as long as that force is reasonable.

To convict on any of these counts, jurors had to find that Chauvin used a level of force that would be considered unreasonable to an objective officer in his position. Hindsight cant be a factor.

The charges differ when it comes to Chauvins state of mind  with second-degree murder requiring some level of intent  not an intent to kill but that Chauvin intended to apply unlawful force to Floyd  all the way down to manslaughter, which requires proof of culpable negligence.

Whats second-degree unintentional murder?

Its also called felony murder. To prove this count, prosecutors had to show that Chauvin killed Floyd while committing or trying to commit a felony  in this case, third-degree assault. They didnt have to prove Chauvin intended to kill Floyd, only that he intended to apply unlawful force that caused bodily harm.

Prosecutors called several medical experts who testified that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen because of the way he was restrained. A use of force expert said it was unreasonable to hold Floyd in the prone position for 9 minutes, 29 seconds, handcuffed and face-down on the pavement.

No reasonable officer would have believed that that was an appropriate, acceptable or reasonable use of force, prosecution witness Seth Stoughton testified.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson tried to raise doubts about Floyds cause of death  saying underlying heart issues and drug use were to blame. He also argued that Chauvins actions were reasonable, saying Floyd was big, under the influence of something, could start fighting and that nearby bystanders presented a threat.

Its easy to sit and judge ... an officers conduct, defense witness Barry Brodd testified. Its more of a challenge to, again, put yourself in the officers shoes to try to make an evaluation through what theyre feeling, what theyre sensing, the fear they have, and then make a determination.

What about third-degree murder?

For this count, jurors had to find Chauvin caused Floyds death through an action that was eminently dangerous and carried out with a reckless disregard for and conscious indifference to the loss of life.

Mark Osler, a professor at University of St. Thomas School of Law, said prosecutors tried to prove the elements of this count through testimony about the dangers of subduing a handcuffed person in the prone position.

Dr. Martin Tobin, a lung and critical care specialist, testified for the prosecution that any healthy person subjected to this restraint would have died. Minneapolis Police Lt. Johnny Mercil, a use-of-force instructor, testified that officers are trained to stay away from the neck when possible. Osler said Police Chief Medaria Arradondo was also effective in showing that Chauvin was not trained to use such a hold.

They wanted to have a lot of evidence showing that what Chauvin did is not what he was trained to do and that the reason they dont train people to do that is because its eminently dangerous, Osler said.

And second-degree manslaughter?

Prosecutors had to show that Chauvin caused Floyds death through culpable negligence that created an unreasonable risk, and that he consciously took the chance of causing severe injury or death.

Former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger said that testimony that revealed Chauvin should have known to put Floyd in a side recovery position, that he should have provided medical care before paramedics arrived and that he stayed in his position after he was told Floyd didnt have a pulse could all point to negligence.

What does Chauvin face now that hes been convicted?

Each count carries a different maximum sentence: 40 years for second-degree unintentional murder, 25 years for third-degree murder, and 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.

But under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, for a person with no criminal history, each murder charge carries a presumptive sentence of 12 1/2 years in prison, while manslaughter has a presumptive sentence of four years.

Prosecutors are seeking a sentence that goes above the guideline range. They cited several aggravating factors, including that Floyd was particularly vulnerable, that Chauvin was a uniformed police officer acting in a position of authority, and his alleged crime was witnessed by multiple children  including a 9-year-old girl who testified that watching the restraint made her sad and kind of mad.

Chauvin has waived his right to have a jury decide if aggravating factors exist. So if he is convicted, Judge Peter Cahill will make that decision and would sentence Chauvin at a later date. In Minnesota, defendants typically serve two-thirds of their penalty in prison, with the rest on parole.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 06:14:07|Editor: huaxia

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U.S. National Guard members stand guard near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 20, 2021. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter over the death of George Floyd, the judge presiding over the high-profile trial announced Tuesday, reading the jury's verdict. The District of Columbia National Guard activated approximately 250 personnel in response to potential demonstrations related to the Derek Chauvin trial. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter over the death of George Floyd, the judge presiding over the high-profile trial announced Tuesday, reading the jury's verdict.

Right after judge Peter Cahill announced the verdict, which came after the 12-member jury was sequestered Monday afternoon and deliberated for about 10 hours, Chauvin, who listened in the courtroom, was handcuffed and taken into custody by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

The jurors found Chauvin, a white man, guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second degree manslaughter, all three counts he was charged with over the killing black man Floyd. Chauvin pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

Chauvin would face presumptive prison sentences of 12.5 years for the second-degree murder charge, 12.5 years for the third-degree murder charge, and four years for the second-degree manslaughter charge, according to Minnesota sentencing guidelines.

Since Chauvin has no previous criminal record, he would avoid the maximum sentence for each of the three charges, which is 40 years for second-degree murder, 25 years for third-degree murder, and 10 years for second-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors, though, said they will seek a harsher sentence.

Cahill said he will announce the sentencing "eight weeks from now." Enditem
Public Relations has come a long way in the country. From merely distributing press releases to media houses, PR today has become an integral part of companies business strategy. April 21 is a red-letter day in the history of Indian public relations. The day this year marks the 44th National Public Relations Day in India, a day that has been celebrated since 1986.

As part of the National PR Day, Adgully is commemorating this day with a very special webinar of PR professionals by PR professionals and for PR professionals. The Webinar, which will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, comprises of two panel discussions on: PR in the new normal - Enhanced social responsibility and PR in the era of social media - Setting new ground rules.

Taking a look back at the last few years, there has been a dynamic shift since 2010 in the way role of PR is changing in our country. The transformation in digital has happened in a huge manner, as brands are strongly focusing on digital and social media to manage the online reputation of their brands. With the pandemic situation which has disrupted the world, the need and power of digital and social media has grown by leaps and bound during the pandemic. Now with the second wave of COVID-19 hitting the nation, the use of social media in PR will pave wave to in a large way to communicate your message and stay engaged with your audience.

Social media and digital will be playing a huge role in the planning and strategy phase for brands and organisations. Leveraging data, smart data analysis and an in depth understanding of the audiences journey will not only help you plan with higher effectiveness, but will also set up success parameters from the word go. This can further help clients and agencies to get the messaging and their audience right while planning and targeting a campaign.

The digital momentum will only grow in the coming times. We need to adapt and accept the new way or habit to talk to your stakeholders. Today, data analytics plays a major role and one his able to cull out great insights from all external and internal conversationsto review your messaging and fine tune your overall PR strategy. Time has come for the PR world to invest more on data, research and have a deeper understanding of social media, as turnaround in your messaging has to be much faster as the dynamics of social media is very fluid and keep changing. The dynamics of social media changes very quickly. Managing crises can be very challenging, especially real time crisis management. The right skillset and talent are very critical for handling crisis and there are many such challenges the PR team and the client have to deal to manage the online reputation of brands.

Meet out esteemed speakers

Panel 1: PR in the new normal - Enhanced social responsibility

Time: 3-4 pm

Abhishek Gulyani, CEO, H+K Strategies

Ashwani Singla, Founding Managing Partner, Astrum

Madhu Chhibber, CEO, Madison PR

Nitin Mantri, CEO, AvianWE

Nitin Thakur, Director- Brand Communications, The Max Group

Panel 2: PR in the era of Social Media  Setting new ground rules

Time: 4-5.30 pm

Tarunjeet Rattan, Managing Partner, Nucleus PR, and Founder, PRPOI, Vice President - PRBI (Moderator)

Amit Nanchahal, Associate Director, Corporate Communications, PepsiCo India

Bhaskar Majumdar, Head - Corporate Affairs, Communication & Digital, Egis India

Kiran Ray Chaudhury, Co-Founder and JT Managing Director, 80 DB Communications

Minita Kumar, Communication Head  India Region, HMD Global

Dr Samir Kapur, Director, Adfactors

Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Public Affairs Officer, Zupee

Sujit Patil, Vice President & Head - Corporate Brand and Communications, Godrej

Watch this space for more news.
The alleged founder and CEO of Mirror Trading International (MTI), Johann Steynberg, has been provisionally sequestrated in the Polokwane High Court.

The court order, which MyBroadband has seen, was handed down by Judge President Ephraim Makgoba on 13 April after the provisional liquidators of MTI applied for Steynberg to be sequestrated.

Steynberg and his wife Nerina were named as the respondents, but Steynberg is the only subject of the order.

Anyone who wants to oppose the sequestration have until 20 July 2021 to provide reasons why the provisional sequestration order should not be made permanent.

MTI is currently under provisional liquidation. The hearing to decide whether MTIs provisional liquidation order should be made final is set for 31 May.

The provisional sequestration order for Johann Steynberg follows news that two of the key people involved in MTI  Clynton and Cheri Marks  have received a high court summons as part of a R2.5 million claim against them for a different Bitcoin investment scam called BTC Global.

Clynton Marks is a 50% shareholder of MTI. His partner, Cheri Marks, was the head of communications and marketing.

Mirror Trading International was a scheme that claimed to offer automated trading services  initially in forex, and later in cryptocurrency derivatives.

Chainalysis declared MTI the biggest cryptocurrency scam of 2020 in its latest Crypto Crime Report, released earlier this year.

The scheme went through a few iterations, but its surge in growth came after it adopted a multilevel marketing referral system and switched away from more conventional copy trading to purportedly using an automated trading program, or bot.

MTI and its leadership claimed that this magical bot was powered by artificial intelligence and was yielding growth in members bitcoin of 0.5% to 1.5% per day.

Many people warned that the promised returns were too good to be true and that MTI was at best unsustainable, and at worst a pyramid scheme using the money of new entrants in the scheme to pay the people at the top of the multilevel referral network.

Several warnings were issued from official bodies, including the Texas State Securities Board, Canadas Autorite des Marches Financiers, and South Africas Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

In September, MyBroadband reported on a group calling itself Anonymous ZA which leaked an anonymised copy of MTIs entire database  including account names, e-mail addresses and bitcoin balances. They called it the MTILeaks.

The MTILeaks showed that as of 14 September 2020, MTI had received 22,984 bitcoin in deposits.

At the time of the leak this was worth close to R4.2 billion. At current exchange rates this amount of bitcoin is worth around R13 billion.

Anonymous ZA warned that there was no trading bot that could generate the returns necessary to make MTI sustainable.

The MTILeaks also revealed that it was Clynton Marks who was at the top of the MTI multilevel marketing structure and not Johann Steynberg.

MTI collapsed in late 2020, with the schemes leadership blaming Johann Steynberg, who allegedly disappeared in Brazil on 15 December.

Steynberg last communicated with MTI members from Brazil and he is currently suspected to be in Panama, though his whereabouts are unknown.

MyBroadband contacted Johann and Nerina Steynberg for comment and they did not respond by the time of publication.
A study that appeared today on Current Biology sheds new light on the continental migrations which shaped the genetic background of all present Europeans. The research generates new ancient DNA evidence and direct dating from a fragmentary fossil mandible belonging to an individual who lived ~17,000 years ago in northeastern Italy (Riparo Tagliente, Verona). The results backdate by about 3,000 years the diffusion in Southern Europe of a genetic component linked to Eastern Europe/Western Asia previously believed to have spread westwards during later major warming shifts.

"By looking into the past of this particular individual, who was one of the first settlers of the southern Alps after the Last Glacial peak, we found evidence that the previously documented genetic replacement which changed the makeup of Southern European Hunter Gatherers started at least 17,000 years ago," said lead author Eugenio Bortolini (University of Bologna), "much earlier than we previously thought, and in a very different scenario".

The ancient genome obtained at Riparo Tagliente is in fact of particular importance, "since it supports the persistence of exchange networks and the movement of people across southern Europe immediately after the Last Glacial Maximum, well before the onset of much warmer climatic shifts," said Luca Pagani (University of Padova and Institute of Genomics of the University of Tartu), co-first author of the work.

This individual, whose half-mandible had been found at Riparo Tagliente in 1963, shares genetic affinities with an Iberian individual who lived up to 19,000 years ago, and maternal and paternal genetic affinities with southern Italian and European individuals who lived around 14,000 years ago, suggesting that population movements may have spread these genetic variants in Southern Europe even before the occupation of Riparo Tagliente, and may have been intermittent but persisting during colder phases. "Direct dating of human fossils is once again critical to disentangle and interpret complex archaeological contexts", adds Sahra Talamo, coauthor of the study.

The analysis of the mandible also allowed the authors to unveil some details concerning this particular settler of Riparo Tagliente: "The fragment belongs to a young male affected by cementoma, a quite rare anomaly in the development of dental tissue" adds Gregorio Oxilia, co-first author of the study, "and might shed light on the distribution of such conditions in pre-Neolithic societies".

The research was coordinated by the University of Bologna (Italy) in close collaboration with a vast international network including the University of Padova (Italy), the Institute of Genomics of the University of Tartu (Estonia), the University of Tu?bingen (Germany), the University of Ferrara (Italy), the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics of the National Research Council of Italy, KU Leuven (Belgium), Institucio Mila i Fontanals of the Spanish National Research Council, Sequentia Biotech (Spain), University of Venice Ca' Foscari (Italy), The "Abdus Salam" International Centre for Theoretical Physics (Trieste, Italy), Monash University (Melbourne , Australia), University of Florence (Italy), and several professional dentist surgeons. Excavations at Riparo Tagliente which made this study possible are led and supervised by Federica Fontana and coordinated by the University of Ferrara.

"This finding opens important questions concerning the role and impact of population movements on the major cultural transitions documented by archaeologists in Southern Europe" concludes Stefano Benazzi, senior author of the study, "some of which temporally coincide with the date emerged for the individual found at Riparo Tagliente. Future research will dig more into these new hypotheses concerning the ancestry of modern Europeans".

###

Study: Early Alpine occupation backdates westward human migration in Late Glacial Europe
Altamira Gold (CVE: ALTA- OTC: EQTRF) CO Michael Bennett joined Steve Darling from Proactive to bring news the company has received the needed environmental permit within the Mutum gold target at the Apiacas gold project in Brazil.

Bennett telling Proactive this permit allows for complete trenching and drilling over the target area. Bennett pointing out the IP survey that is expected to commence soon will guide the subsequent trenching and drill program.
New York:

In a tragic incident on Friday, a 25-year-old Indian-origin woman was left to die inside a blazing car by her driver allegedly after a fiery crash in US, said police.

Harleen Grewal was burned to death on Friday after Saeed Ahmad, 23, slammed his luxury Infiniti 35G into a concrete barrier on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the New York Daily reported. However, Ahmads brother Waheed claimed that his sibling had tried to rescue the passenger.

The driver left the woman passenger to die in the fireball after hailing a cab to take himself to a hospital, it said.

When firefighters put out the flames, they found a badly burned woman in the passenger seat. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the car was still in flames, Ahmad took himself to Maimonides Medical Center, police said. He was being treated there for burns to his arms and legs, the report said.

Cops caught up with him at the hospital and charged him with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and speeding.

His arraignment was pending in Brooklyn Criminal Court, the report said.

Ahmad had been allegedly driving in and out of the traffic on the expressway before his car hit the barrier, it said.

Ahmad, who lives in Flatlands, admitted to having a few drinks before the crash but was not legally drunk when his blood was tested at the hospital, police said.

Ahmads brother Waheed, however, claimed that his sibling had tried to rescue the passenger.

He said the girl that was in the car was stuck in there and he tried to get her out, that?s why his arms were burned.

The grieving boyfriend of Grewal, who worked for a catering company, said she was a selfless soul who always looked out for others.

She would do anything for people, Karan Singh Dhillon was quoted as saying.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A gunman who opened fire at a Pennsylvania convenience store this morning killed one man and injured another before fleeing and shooting himself dead in a day care center parking lot.

The shooting occurred at a Wawa in Upper Macungie Township, just outside Allentown, shortly before 5am after the gunman pulled into the parking lot in a white Toyota Corolla.

The gunman, who has not been identified, shot at least two people, including one a truck driver who was pumping gas.

The truck driver was rushed to hospital but later died.

The shooting occurred at a Wawa in Upper Macungie Township, just outside Allentown, shortly before 5am after the gunman pulled into the parking lot in a white Toyota Corolla. The gunman opened fire on multiple people, killing a truck driver who was pumping gas

One person is dead following a shooting outside a Wawa in Upper Macungie Township, just outside Allentown, shortly before 6am this morning that sparked a massive multi-agency law enforcement response

Another man who was shot inside his car is being treated in hospital.

The gunman fled the scene on foot and was found dead in a nearby day care center parking lot.

Police say he had self-inflicted gunshot wounds to his hand and chest.

The motive for the shooting wasn't immediately known.

Police said a Wawa employee who was taking out the trash when the gunshots rang out managed to usher two people inside the store.

The employee then locked the doors and made sure people took cover before authorities arrived.

A heavy police presence remained around the convenience store as of late Wednesday morning, as well as in the nearby day care center parking lot.

A coroner's vehicle was spotted at the scene shortly before 8am.

The gunman, who had arrived in a white Toyota corolla, fled the scene on foot and was found dead in a nearby day care center parking lot soon after

Officials gather at a Wawa convenience store and gas station following the shooting incident first thing on Wednesday morning

Crime investigators work the scene at a Wawa convenience store. They are pictured examining the gunman's car after he committed suicide
The podcast is presented by cybercrime investigative journalist Geoff White and Pulitzer-nominated veteran foreign correspondent and world renowned North Korea expert, Jean Lee

The BBC World Service has announced its major new original podcast, The Lazarus Heist. It tells the true story of an attempted $1 billion hack, which investigators say was carried out by a secretive ring of elite North Korean hackers.

The Lazarus Heist is presented by cybercrime investigative journalist Geoff White and Pulitzer-nominated veteran foreign correspondent and world renowned North Korea expert, Jean Lee. Geoff has been investigating the underworld of digital crime for years, while Jean has extensive experience of reporting from inside North Korea.

This major new release will initially run for 10 episodes, released weekly. The Lazarus Heist is available on BBC Sounds and on most other podcast apps around the world. Episode one is released on 19 April 2021. Visualised episodes will be available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel.

The BBC produces some of the worlds most popular and acclaimed podcasts, including three of the top ten most-listened-to shows around the globe.*

Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
[April 20, 2021] Xinye Technology (Finvolution Group) penetrates business to Indonesia, AdaKami encourages the development of local financial inclusion

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 15th 2021, the first partner conference hosted by Xinye Technology / Finvolution Group (NYSE:FINV) was successfully held in Shanghai, China. With the theme of "New Business Forms, Believing in the Future", this conference attracted more than 100 guests from the government, academic institutions, and financial institutions. In these digital era, Xinye Technology (Finvolution Group), as an explorer in the financial technology industry, is working hand in hand with partners through continuous innovation, and is committed to providing users with more digital and intelligent financial services, and is actively expanding in regions represented by Southeast Asia Technology financial solutions In Indonesia, Xinye Technology (Finvolution Group) has established a financial technology joint venture company named PT Pembiayaan Digital Indonesia. Its product named "AdaKami" was registered at the end of 2018, obtained permission since the end of 2019 and has been running its business activities from time to time under the supervision of the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Basd on financial innovation, driven by technology, and guided by customer experience, AdaKami provides users with safe, convenient and accessible financial services. It has become one of the most trusted and loved brands in the local area. At the same time, AdaKami leverages its platform advantages to integrate with local core resources, opens multi-dimensional and deep-level cooperation with many well-known banks, e-commerce and payment platforms, and uses financial technology innovation capabilities to create technology-driven,local characteristic financial ecosystem.





In order to enable the Indonesian people to have a deeper understanding of the financial technology industry, AdaKami together with the Indonesian Funding Fintech Association (AFPI) and OJK regularly hold socialization related to financial technology through various media including social media. From 2019 to 2020, AdaKami and AFPI members organized campus socialization roadshows in more than 13 cities in Indonesia to educate the public regarding the impact and contribution of financial technology to the development of Indonesia economy and to continue to expand the presence and positive influence of AdaKami. Since its establishment, Xinye Technology (Finvolution Group) has relied on its innovative capabilities and accumulated experience in the technology finance industry, adhering to the mission of "Technologyfor The Better Finance", and has always insisted on empowering finance with technology and benefiting people's livelihood with finance. In the new nautical era of financial globalization, Xinye Technology (Finvolution Group) will continue to use keen financial insights, grasp the blueprint of the times and development opportunities, and work with more partners to build "New business formats" while "Believing in the future". SOURCE FinVolution Group

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(CNN)  Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for global cooperation in the face of a growing anti-China front led by the United States, warning that an "open world economy" is essential to recovering from the pandemic.

"Attempts to erect walls or decouple run counter to the law of economics and market principles," Xi said Tuesday via video at China's Boao Forum for Asia. "They would hurt others' interests without benefiting oneself."

"We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world," Xi said. "Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility."

While Xi did not name any country during his speech  top Chinese leaders usually do not name and shame  his remarks seem like a veiled criticism of the United States, which has stepped up pressure on China in recent months.

Last month, the US and its allies condemned Beijing and imposed coordinated sanctions against Chinese officials over alleged repression of Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang province. Most of the harsh sanctions the Trump administration imposed on some of China's most prominent technology companies remain in place, and trade tensions continue under the Biden administration.

"Bossing others around or meddling in others' internal affairs would not get one any support," Xi said at the forum, attended by thousands of executives and political leaders.

Some of America's biggest entrepreneurs and investors participated in the event as they try to navigate the tumultuous relationship between the world's top two economies. Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman and Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of the world's largest hedge fund, took part in a panel Monday night, according to the organizers. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are also expected to attend.

Xi repeated previous promises to make it easier for foreign companies to invest in China.

"Openness is essential for development and progress. It also holds the key to post-Covid economic recovery," he said.

In his speech, Xi announced steps to reinforce cooperation with China's neighboring countries, including plans for a second Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC). The first CDAC, which took place in Beijing in 2019, was attended by representatives from more than 40 Asian countries.

China has also recently made moves to get closer to Russia and Iran. Last month, the foreign ministers of China and Russia pledged to strengthen a "comprehensive strategic partnership." The two countries also proposed to establish a regional dialogue to address security concerns in their regions. Separately, China signed an economic and security partnership with Iran last month for the next 25 years.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that we must reject the cold-war and zero-sum mentality and oppose a new 'Cold War' and ideological confrontation in whatever forms," Xi said.

Xi also called for global cooperation to address climate change and "do more to implement the Paris Agreement." He attended a video summit with German and French leaders on Monday and promised China will strengthen cooperation with the two European countries on climate issues.

But it's not clear yet whether he will attend President Biden's climate summit on Thursday and Friday. China's foreign ministry said Monday that it has received the US invitation, but is still studying the issue.

The International Energy Agency published a report on Tuesday that showed China's burning of coal is a big reason why carbon emissions are set to spike dangerously this year.
2020 was an unusual year where circumstances shifted at record pace. Amidst the scramble and confusion, security teams rose to the occasion. Perhaps most significantly, organizations had to rapidly protect and scale their remote access while facing new security risks.

The past year has shown us just how cyber threats can impact our lives, and the need for everyone to prepare for evolving attacks in the future. Lets examine what happened last year in the world of security, celebrate those who were able to keep governments, businesses, and individuals cyber safe, and look to how we can prepare for 2021.

Elections

One thing that Ciscos cyber threat intelligence team Talos knows for sure 2020s election security landscape was more complicated and yet more secure than it was in 2016. While many were focused on foreign election interference, domestic disinformation campaigns were quick to rise as well. Talos Director Matt Olney says that the commercialization of disinformation campaigns, or Disinformation-as-a-Service, is now more widespread but also easier to spot. State and local officials were able to take what they saw in 2016, build the right procedures, and come better prepared four years on.

As a result, a conversation with an election official in 2020 is fundamentally different than how it would be in 2016, says Olney, Gone are the times where I would say, Let me tell you about this threat, because theyve spent the last four years learning about those threats.

See also: What to expect when youre electing

In that time, the federal government created procedures and processes for election security as wellthe Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC) created in 2018 uses network sensors and network flow monitors to be available at low cost to any state. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, also created in 2018, works towards the security of the United States cybersecurity and communications infrastructure.

Talos worked on the ground with the State of Mississippi, providing them a tabletop scenario that presumed some level of compromise had occurred. The group worked with the states security office, as well as their communications and public relations teams. As Olney states, its crucial to understand that security attacks are not just technicalthe most important moment of any potential security incident is the moment when the Secretary of State steps up to the podium and begins to talk about what happened.

Healthcare

Healthcare also became a critical point of 2020 with the coronavirus outbreak, and CISO of Steward Healthcare Edmond Kane says that some bad actors used this to their advantage. Massive upticks in threats emerged through the pandemic, whether because of the rapid move to remote working or luring unsuspecting users into phishing, disinformation campaigns, and even COVID-related scams.

Kane says that this is insidious because healthcare IT is the essential backbone of modern patient careindividuals lives depend on whether this infrastructure is secure. A big challenge in the healthcare industry is legacy and outdated technology. Healthcare professionals and businesses are constantly balancing the risk of introducing new IoT technology and devices that may be insecure, while legacy technology may not be up to speed.

Ultimately, communicating the value of security is vital because every person in the industry needs to know how to be vigilant. In healthcare, the consequences move beyond just information.

Healthcare is not about cybersecurity, its about patients, says Kane, And its our role to get in there and help them make sure that security doesnt enter the bedside of the patients.

Remote work

The shift to remote working in 2020 meant two things making sure all employees could safely work from home and ensuring that they could still access the company resources and assets. Because of this, many turned to Remote Desktops, the technology that allows users to connect to a computer from a remote location. Voila, your office computer is now at your home desk, but RDP (remote desktop protocols) often pose security concerns as well.

These include stolen credentials, man-in-the middle attacks (a cyberattack where a bad actor puts themselves in the communication line between two parties), and remote code execution (a vulnerability where an attacker can run their own code on a machine or server of their choosing). Any remote desktop solution, if compromised, grants an attacker entry into the organization. Organizations who use RDP must implement extra security measures to keep themselves and their employees safe. Cisco outlines a few key steps:

Dont connect RDP directly to the internet. Instead, use VPN before RDP to allow employees to get the access they need while staying secure

Add MFA (multi-factor authentication)an extra security step that ensures users are legitimate by having them provide two pieces of evidence to prove their identity

Block failed login attempts after a reasonable number

Ransomware

Ransomware trends saw the adoption of new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) on corporate networks in 2020. As malware gained traction and popularity, many actors refined their approaches and adopted new strategies like adding countdown timers on their ransom, threatening permanent deletion of data, and even big game hunting.

Big game hunting is when attackers leverage compromised systems as initial access points to the network. From there, the attack moves to gain access to additional systems while escalating privileges. The ransomware is only activated once these systems are accessed, so that the attacker creates maximum damage on the victim.

Online sales postings have also become more frequent, where attackers try to sell access to multiple networks to other threat actors. In addition, bad actors are now exfiltrating large amounts of company data before unleashing ransomware to conduct what is called double extortion.. Double extortion also creates massive disruption in businesses who have to deal with compromised networks as well as the threat of the actors releasing their intellectual property, trade secrets, and other confidential information.

So what can organizations do? Cisco recommends that businesses employ a comprehensive approach, including prevention, detection, and response. These include:

Email security

Patch management

Least functionality

Least privilege

Systems and network monitoring

Network segmentation

Backup and recovery

Policies and procedures

Security Awareness Training

Passwords

According to Verizons 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, stolen credentials are the second most common activity conducted by attackers during a breach. This is crucial because using authorized passwords is one way bad actors can gain access to a network while staying under the radar.

Like the ransomware trends, credentials are being used for future attackscredential dumping is a technique when an attacker scours a computer for more credentials for further intrusions. Because there are plenty of areas within operating systems where credentials are stored, like memory, databases, or files, attackers can easily attempt to copy passwords once they have infiltrated and dump the credentials.

To defend against credential dumping, organizations can:

Monitor access to LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service) and SAM (Storage Area Management) data bases

Watch for command line arguments used in credential dumping attacks

Monitor logs for unscheduled activity on domain controllers

Look for unexpected and unassigned connections from IP addresses to known domain controllers

If you want to learn more, read Cisco Secures Defending Against Critical Threats report.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marsh advises public and private companies on various transactional and corporate governance issues, including international mergers and acquisitions, enterprise risk management, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Marsh joined Baker Hughes as internal counsel in 1998, rising to the position of general counsel in 2013 and chief legal officer in 2017. During his tenure with Baker Hughes, Marsh oversaw several prominent transactions, including the 2017 merger of Baker Hughes Incorporated and GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes' $6.9 billion acquisition of BJ Services in 2011.

"Will has overseen some of the most significant transactions in the oil field services sector. His deep knowledge of the energy industry, combined with his understanding of the inner workings of a corporate legal department, gives him a unique perspective that clients will find invaluable," said G. Alan Rafte, head of Bracewell's business and regulatory section.

Marsh served on the board of directors of People Utah Bancorp from 2015 to 2017, and BJ Services from 2016 to 2020. Within the Houston community, he serves on the board of directors of Houston World Affairs Council and the advisory board of the University of Houston Center for US and Mexican Law.

Marsh is the latest senior-level attorney to join Bracewell's global energy team within the last 15 months. Recent lateral partner hires include Theodore F. Duver, Danielle Garbien, Martha Kammoun and Frank Lee in New York; Don J. Lonczak and Danielle M. Varnell in Washington, DC; and Alistair Calvert, Tom Jamieson, Ronen Lazarovitch, Jo En Low and Gordon Stewart in London.

"I am excited to return to private practice and work with my new colleagues," said Marsh.

Marsh earned his J.D. from the J. Rueben Clark Brigham Young University Law School and his B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is fluent in Spanish.

About Bracewell LLP

Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.

SOURCE Bracewell LLP

Related Links

http://www.bracewell.com


[April 21, 2021] JDE Article: "Very Little Progress" in U.S. Dental Schools Enrolling Black Students

U.S. dental schools have failed to make significant inroads in attracting and enrolling Black students over the past two decades, a fact that may be contributing to persistent oral health disparities among Black Americans, according to an article published in the Journal of Dental Education (JDE). "Very little progress has been accomplished in growing the enrollment of BAA [Black and African American] applicants to dental school in 20 years," wrote the authors. "As a profession, we also fail to grow interest among our graduates in careers that may support historically underrepresented and marginalized racial groups-public health, rural practice, population research, academic and health policy. This may be a contributing factor to the oral health disparities faced by Black Americans and have implications for dental education." The article-"Diversity, equity and inclusion interventions to support admissions have had little benefit to Black students over past 20 years"-was written by Romesh P. Nalliah, B.D.S., M.H.C.M., with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry; Peggy Timothe, D.D.S., M.P.H., with the Texas A&M College of Dentistry; and Michael S. Reddy, D.M.D., D.M.Sc., with the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry. It was published in the April issue of the JDE, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and the analysis was based on demographic data found on ADEA's website.



The authors conclude that a look at raw numbers alone for dental school enrollees, which point to a significant rise for BAA students between 2000 and 2019, provides an incomplete, if not misleading, picture. Why? Because the gains (when they exist) for certain racial groups are far more modest when considered as a proportion of all dental school enrollees and when compared to overall growth in the U.S. population. Perhaps more significantly, the authors argue that much of the increase in BAA enrollment can be attributed to the opening of new dental schools and larger class sizes in existing schools.

"True gains in recruitment and enrollment of BAA are limited," they wrote. To underscore their point, the authors highlight these three data points: "The percentage of enrollees who were BAA was 4.70% in 2000; in 2019, it was 5.78%. The percentage of BAA individuals in the U.S. population is 13.4%." Beyond looking at the aggregate data from all U.S. dental schools, the authors also examined data from specific schools in more detail. They found that in 2019, 10 schools still had no BAA enrollees, despite 236 applicants. They continued on to note that newer dental schools are performing worse in the enrollment of BAA students when compared with more established schools. The authors called on such dental schools to review their admissions processes to consider "unconscious biases" and to partner with feeder schools to develop a better understanding as to why BAA applicants are unsuccessful at matriculating into their dental schools. Noting that all U.S. dental schools compete over the relatively small pool of eligible applicants from underrepresented populations, the authors wrote, "What is truly necessary to impact the recruitment of underrepresented dental students is to grow the pool of eligible applicants through pathway programs in high school, middle school or even earlier." Dr. Nalliah, a native of Australia and the lead author of the article, said that the idea for the article came from his first experience as a teacher in the United States. "I taught dental assisting to inner-city minority students at the corner of Adams and State in Chicago," he said. "As I began to learn about the incredible barriers that my students faced in order to progress in life, I knew I had to help." About ADEA: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 50 corporations and approximately 18,000 individuals. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS, ADEA PASS, ADEA DHCAS and ADEA CAAPID. For more information, visit adea.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005698/en/

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A heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty has now passed and the weather situation looks set to improve as the day goes on.

Overnight, the region saw heavy rain with warnings of potential surface flooding and slips possible.

"A few stations around Whakatane recorded over 90mm in the last twelve hours, and even a couple recorded over 90mm since midnight," says MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker.

"A thunderstorm over Whakatane from around 2am to 3am was partially responsible for the heavy rainfall."

The warning for heavy rain continues until 10am today but the weather is then expected to improve as the day goes on.

MetService has warned of potential rainfall of 80mm to 120mm with peak intensities of 20mm to 30mm, possibly more, from 8pm last night until the warning passes later this morning.

Waka Kotahi/NZTA confirms that there have been some roading issues due to the weather, but nothing of major significance and no road closures.

"In the East there were some small localised slips and flooding on SH2 through the Waimana Gorge and a tree down at the SH2/SH30 intersection at Awakeri," says a Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"Our contractors have been out since the early hours of this morning clearing these."

The MetService is reporting that rain should ease to showers this morning and will become isolated as the day goes on.

"Remaining rain clearing by late morning, then partly cloudy," says Alwyn. "One or two showers possible late afternoon or evening."

Northerlies, turning westerly, are expected..
DGAP-News: Aggregate Holdings SA / Key word(s): Annual Results

Aggregate Holdings S.A.: Full year results 2020



21.04.2021 / 09:29

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.







Aggregate Holdings S.A.: Full year results 2020



Luxembourg, 21 April 2021



Aggregate Holdings S.A.: Full year 2020 results overview

Reduction in LTV to 41.9% (FY19 54.3%) ahead of guidance

NAV increased to EUR 2,027m (FY19 EUR 1,851m)

Build & Hold: QH de-risked as first phase completes

Build & Sell: VIC Properties sales above budget

Financial Real Estate Assets: Adler Group stake increased to 26.6%

Successful sale of Consus Real Estate supporting deleveraging path

Strengthened management with deep real estate expertise

Luxembourg, 21 April 2021. Aggregate Holdings S.A. ("Aggregate", ISIN: DE000A28ZT71) published its 2020 annual results today demonstrating strong financial results in a transformational year.

Aggregate achieved Total Revenues for the year of EUR 648m, EBITDA of EUR 335m and Net Profit of EUR 172m, including EUR 95m profit from the Consus Real Estate AG ("Consus") disposal. Total Assets amounted to EUR 4,814m, with a Net Asset Value of EUR 2,027m and reported Net Debt of EUR 1,987m, leading to a Net Loan to Value ("LTV") of 41.9%.

During 2020, Aggregate started its transition from a pure development company towards a yielding asset business, following the successful disposal of Consus (previously Germany's largest residential developer in the top 7 cities), in return for a strategic shareholding in Adler Group S.A. ("Adler"), the fastest growing German residential yielding platform.

In addition, Aggregate has a new and highly experienced management team, with Benjamin Lee as Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, and John Nacos as Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer. Their prior experience in real estate as well as board members of publicly listed companies represent a key asset for Aggregate and reinforces Aggregate's commitment to a best-in-class capital markets presence.

Build & Hold: Quartier Heidestrasse value increased significantly as construction progressed

The value of Quartier Heidestrasse, located in Berlin, increased to EUR 1,428m (FY19: EUR 981m) due to ongoing capital expenditure in 2020, completion of the first 'QH Core' phase and increased valuation multiples. Lettings are progressing well with nearly 50% of the commercial portions of the 295k sqm gross construction area let, along with the first tenants moving in.

Aggregate has demonstrated over the years the ability to create very material value through the development of prime assets in across Germany in particular in the main A cities. Significant upside remains in Quartier Heidestrasse as further rent growth is expected alongside yield compression, resulting in a potential NAV increase of EUR c.1bn from the currently appraised values.

Build & Sell: Prata selling above plan and additional attractive project acquired

Total inventories in VIC Properties, the largest residential developer in Portugal, stood at EUR 682m at year end, following the acquisition of Pinheirinho, an ocean-side second home focussed development project with 197k sqm of gross construction area in Comporta, and further construction progress in Prata and Matinha projects in Lisbon.

VIC Properties achieved sales values c.20.0% above original budget in its flagship Prata project notwithstanding the Covid pandemic. With a gross construction area of 128k sqm and first completions expected in June 2021, Prata will be virtually completely developed by end 2023 and its construction is fully funded. The adjacent Matinha project, with 245k sqm gross construction area, is expected to start construction in 2021, with site preparation works ongoing and first completions scheduled for 2023. The overall Portuguese residential market remained highly resilient despite the challenging economic environment faced by Portugal during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Financial Real Estate and Other Assets: Strategic Adler stake from Consus disposal

Aggregate successfully sold its majority stake in its subsidiary Consus to Adler in July 2020, and received as consideration a 22.5% stake in Adler, recording a profit of EUR 95m from the transaction. The Company is a long-term strategic investor in Adler and increased the stake further to 26.6% in Q4 2020, given the significant upside potential embedded in Adler's stock. At year-end, the Adler EPRA NRV per share stood at EUR 51.38, ascribing c.80% upside potential to Adler's share price. Adler announced its first dividend with its strong year end results.

The Financial Real Estate and Other Assets division also increased the value of its liquid securities to EUR 165m (FY19: EUR 115m), with other financial assets totalling EUR 285m (FY19: EUR 340m).

Outlook: Strong momentum in 2021 expected to continue

Aggregate has demonstrated that its portfolio is very well positioned for the current environment. Its residential real estate holdings in Germany and Portugal have proven to be extremely resilient throughout the Coronavirus pandemic crisis, and prime mixed use real estate has also continued to perform strongly.

In the current market environment, Aggregate continues to see opportunities to acquire high quality assets and strategic stakes related to German real estate at attractive prices. As a result, Aggregate acquired a 10.59% stake in S IMMO AG in 2021, and continues to closely monitor listed real estate companies. The Company is also working on several potential asset acquisitions in Germany.

Aggregate is targeting its LTV to be below 50% in the medium-term as it continues to grow.

"Aggregate has a high-quality portfolio of real estate assets focussed on Germany, which have performed extremely well during the current circumstances. The market has registered significant value dislocations across public and private markets, creating opportunities for value creation across the real estate sector where Aggregate is present" commented Benjamin Lee, Managing Director & CFO of Aggregate Holdings.

The 2020 results presentation as well as the 2020 annual report have been published on the website of the company under investors/ annual reports and presentations:

https://www.aggregateholdings.com/en/investorsannual-reports

Aggregate Holdings S.A.: Invitation to conference call on 22 April, 2021, 15:00 (CEST)

Aggregate Holdings invites all bond investors to the presentation of FY 2020 results in a telephone conference on 22 April 2021 at 3:00 PM CET.

For the conference call, please use the dial-in numbers listed below :

Location Phone Number

Germany +49 69201744220

Luxembourg +35 227302111

United Kingdom +44 2030092470

United States +18 774230830

When prompted, please provide the below PIN number to dial-in. PIN: 97523638#



You will be greeted by an operator and put through to the conference after giving your name. Please make use of the early dial-in opportunity (15 minutes before the start of the event) so that we can start the event on time.

The presentation will also be broadcasted live via webcast.

Please use the link: https://www.webcast-eqs.com/aggregateholdings20210422/no-audio

Contact

Benjamin Lee, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +352 20 30 14 60

Mob: +44 7415 121218

b.lee@aggregateholdings.com

Boris Lemke, Investment Director

Tel: +352 20 30 14 60

Mob: +44 7943 025474

b.lemke@aggregateholdings.com

Olaf Zapke

Tel: +49 (0) 69 921874-89

Mob: +49 (0) 170 7641 971

Finsbury Glover Hering

ozapke@fgh.com

About Aggregate Holdings

Aggregate Holdings SA ("Aggregate") is a predominantly German-focussed real estate investment company, with interests also in Portugal. The company has EUR 4.8bn of assets and a project portfolio with a EUR 5.0bn gross development value. Among some of its assets, Aggregate owns Quartier Heidestrasse, the largest mixed use real estate development project in Central Berlin with c.295,000 sqm of gross construction area, due to be completed by 2023, and to be held long-term as a yielding asset. Aggregate also owns VIC Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, with c.570,000 sqm of gross construction area and 2.5bn gross development value. Additionally, Aggregate holds a 26.6% strategic stake in Adler Group SA, one Europe's largest residential players, among other investments.
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Integrated offering empowers insurers to enhance value and profitability across the life insurance value chain

HOLON, Israel, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sapiens International Corporation, (NASDAQ: SPNS) (TASE: SPNS), a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, announced today an agreement with Atidot, a cloud-based SaaS provider of AI and machine learning solutions for life and annuity insurers. The partnership facilitates new ways for North American and European insurers to generate revenue through analytics and actionable insights.

Sapiens Logo

The joint solution empowers life and annuity insurers to maximize the value they gain from their books of business. The solution produces actionable insights enabling better service for policyholders and new revenue generation as it is integrated with Sapiens CoreSuite for Life Insurance, Sapiens IllustrationPro, as well as Sapiens' analytics and digital offering.

"Sapiens constantly aims to mine new technologies and provide state-of-the-art solutions for its customer base, and also adds value through an extensive ecosystem of insurtech startups. Integrating Atidot's AI and predictive analytics platform with our core suite of products enables life insurers to improve profitability and provide better service to their customers," said Roni Al-Dor, Sapiens president and CEO.

Founded by a team of data scientists and veteran actuaries, Atidot offers a cloud-based platform that provides data-driven insights to inform decision making, drive new business strategies, and create new revenue streams using AI, machine learning predictive analytics technology. Atidot works with leading Tier 1 life insurance companies in North America and Europe and was selected in 2020 by Gartner as "Cool Vendor 2019 in Insurance."

"We are excited to partner with Sapiens to enable customers to move forward to the data era. Atidot brings disruptive innovation to the life insurance industry, providing a platform that will help enhance profitability and personalization of policies and take a proactive approach to risk reduction," said Dror Katzav, Atidot Co-Founder and CEO.

Story continues

Together, Sapiens and Atidot offer a unique software solution that is dynamic, real time and trained with industry data. The joint platform leverages external data and machine learning capabilities to provide business insights far beyond those that traditional analysis methods using static modeling are able to show. The solution is relevant to organizations' marketing, distribution, product and data departments.

Sapiens CoreSuite Life Insurance facilitates digital transformation and fast time-to-value for digital strategies. It enables life carriers to become engaged, agile organizations with increased sales opportunities. By integrating CoreSuite with Sapiens advanced analytics solution and data warehouse, insurers can quickly generate actionable insights, self-service business intelligence and data discovery capabilities, across all mobile devices, including in the cloud.

About Atidot

Atidot is a leader in predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for the life insurance and annuity industry. Atidot's cloud-based platform provides insurers with data-driven, actionable insights that create new revenue-generating opportunities to increase sales and customer retention. Atidot solutions also provide a deep understanding of insurers' product positioning and competitive landscape, enabling carriers to adjust their product strategy and react quickly to changing market conditions and competition. Atidot works with Tier 1 industry leaders in North America and in Europe and was selected by Gartner to be "Cool Vendor 2019 in Insurance." The company has offices in California, London, Spain, and Israel. For more information, visit http://www.atidot.com.

About Sapiens

Sapiens International Corporation empowers insurers to succeed in an evolving industry. The company offers digital software platforms, solutions and services for the property and casualty, life, pension and annuity, reinsurance, financial and compliance, workers' compensation and financial markets. With more than 35 years of experience delivering to over 600 organizations globally, Sapiens has a proven ability to satisfy customers' core, data and digital requirements. For more information: http://www.sapiens.com.

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/585787/Sapiens_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Sapiens International Corporation
Indonesia loses contact with submarine off Bali

The navy has dispatched warships to the area off the northern coast of Bali to search for the submarine. Image: Shutterstock

Indonesia's military said it was searching for a submarine with 53 crew aboard after losing contact with the vessel off the coast of Bali on Wednesday.



"The KRI Nanggala 402 lost contact early this morning," said First Admiral Julius Widjojono.



"(The navy) is currently searching for it. We know the area but it's quite deep."



Indonesia's military chief Hadi Tjahjanto told AFP neighbours Singapore and Australia had been asked for help.



The navy had dispatched warships to the area off the northern coast of Bali to search for the submarine, he said.



He added there were 53 crew aboard the vessel, which was believed to be in waters about 700 metres (2,300 feet) deep. (AFP)
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has found that listening to music can help older adults sleep better.

Researchers from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan combined the results of past studies to understand the effect that listening to music can have on the quality of older adults' sleep. Their work suggests that:

- Older adults (ages 60 and up) living at home sleep better when they listen to music for 30 minutes to one hour at bedtime. - Calm music improves older adults' sleep quality better than rhythmic music does. - Older adults should listen to music for more than four weeks to see the most benefit from listening to music.

Why Older Adults Have Trouble Getting a Good Night's Sleep

As we age, our sleep cycles change and make a good night's sleep harder to achieve. What does it really mean to get a good night's sleep? If you wake up rested and ready to start your day, you probably slept deeply the night before. But if you're tired during the day, need coffee to keep you going, or wake up several times during the night, you may not be getting the deep sleep you need. [1] According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.[2]

But studies have shown that 40 to 70 percent of older adults have sleep problems and over 40 percent have insomnia, meaning they wake up often during the night or too early in the morning. Sleep problems can make you feel irritable and depressed, can cause memory problems, and can even lead to falls or accidents.

How the Researchers Studied the Effect of Music on Older Adults' Quality of Sleep

For their study, the researchers searched for past studies that tested the effect of listening to music on older adults with sleep problems who live at home. They looked at five studies with 288 participants. Half of these people listened to music; the other half got the usual or no treatment for their sleep problems. People who were treated with music listened to either calming or rhythmic music for 30 minutes to one hour, over a period ranging from two days to three months. (Calming music has slow tempo of 60 to 80 beats per minute and a smooth melody, while rhythmic music is faster and louder.) All participants answered questions about how well they thought they were sleeping. Each participant ended up with a score between 0 and 21 for the quality of their sleep.

The researchers looked at the difference in average scores for:

- people who listened to music compared to people who did not listen to music; - people who listened to calm music compared to people who listened to rhythmic music; - and people who listened to music for less than four weeks compared to people who listened to music for more than four weeks.

What the Researchers Learned

Listening to calming music at bedtime improved sleep quality in older adults, and calming music was much better at improving sleep quality than rhythmic music. The researchers said that calming music may improve sleep by slowing your heart rate and breathing, and lowering your blood pressure.[3] This, in turn helps lower your levels of stress and anxiety.

Researchers also learned that listening to music for longer than four weeks is better at improving sleep quality than listening to music for a shorter length of time.

Limits of the Study

- Researchers only looked at studies published in English and Chinese, meaning they may have missed studies in other languages on the effect of listening to music on sleep in older adults. - Results may not apply to older adults with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. - In the studies researchers used, people who listened to music received more attention from researchers than did people who got standard or no treatment for their sleep problems. This means that sleep improvements in the music therapy group could be due to that extra attention. - Since the different studies used different kinds of music, researchers could not single out which type of calming music improved sleep the most. - All of the people in the study had similar kinds of sleep problems. This means listening to music may not help people with other kinds of sleep problems.

What this Study Means for You

If you're having trouble sleeping, listening to music can be a safe, effective, and easy way to help you fall and stay asleep. It may also reduce your need for medication to help you sleep.

###

This summary is from "Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis." It appears online ahead of print in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Chia-Te Chen, NP, MS; Yen-Chin Chen, RN, PhD; Heng-Hsin Tung RN, FNP, PhD; Ching-Ju, Fang, MLIS; Jiun-Ling Wang, MD; Nai-Ying Ko RN, PhD; and Ying-Ju Chang, RN, PhD.

[1] https:/ / www. sleepfoundation. org/ how-sleep-works/ what-makes-good-night-sleep

[2] https:/ / www. nia. nih. gov/ health/ good-nights-sleep

[3] https:/ / www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/ pmc/ articles/ PMC3011183/

About the Health in Aging Foundation

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www. HealthinAgingFoundation. org .

About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Included in more than 9,000 library collections around the world, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) highlights emerging insights on principles of aging, approaches to older patients, geriatric syndromes, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric diseases and disorders. First published in 1953, JAGS is now one of the oldest and most impactful publications on gerontology and geriatrics, according to ISI Journal Citation Reports. Visit wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/JGS for more details.

About the American Geriatrics Society

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals that has--for more 75 years--worked to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.
The confirmation hearing for former Sen. Bill Nelson to become head of NASA began Wednesday morning.

Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, began the hearing by praising Nelson.

Sen. Nelson has been a leader in space policy and has been an integral driver of NASAs strategic direction for decades," Cantwell said. "His commitment for public service and passion for space policy has been long known and makes him an incredible choice for this important role. He has a well-respected legacy on space policy.

More on his nomination: Former Sen. Bill Nelson poised to become head of NASA

Two Republicans who worked alongside Nelson also provided opening remarks. Sen. Marco Rubio said Nelson's passion for space is unparalleled.

Everybody here knows Sen. Nelson," Rubio said. "You know his character. You know his integrity. You served along side him, so that is not a question that needs to be answered at all. I think this is an inspired choice. I cant think of a better American alive to serve in this role.

Nelson, 78, began his political career in the state Legislature. He later served as a U.S. representative, chairing the Space Subcommittee for six years. As a congressman, Mr. Nelson flew on a space shuttle mission in 1986. He then served as a U.S. senator. In the Senate, he was chairman or ranking member of the Space and Science Subcommittee. He also served as ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. He lost his reelection bid to Republican Rick Scott in 2018.

He's expected to be named NASA administrator without issue, but there could be questions regarding comments he made during the confirmation hearing of former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. At that time, Nelson was among the vocal critics who did not want a politician running NASA.

I initially opposed the nomination because I felt a nominee should have space experience, Nelson said in an email sent to the Houston Chronicle in January as Bridenstine left office. I think Jim Bridenstine put his heart into it and did a real good job at NASA.

There could also be questions about NASA's human landing system. On Friday, in an afternoon news conference, the agency announced that the SpaceX Starship vehicle being developed and tested in South Texas would lower NASA astronauts to the moon.
Manitoba truck drivers crossing the border between Manitoba and North Dakota on Interstate 29 will now have access to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in North Dakota starting today.

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Manitoba truck drivers crossing the border between Manitoba and North Dakota on Interstate 29 will now have access to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in North Dakota starting today.

In an unprecedented and historic move, Manitoba and North Dakota struck an agreement on Tuesday that will see the U.S. donate COVID-19 vaccines to Manitoba truckers.

It is the first time such an agreement has been made and could eventually expand to other essential workers.

"The U.S. has got a lot of vaccines and Canadas got less," North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said Tuesday via video link at a news conference in Winnipeg.

"We want to do our part to help those essential workers from Canada who are frequently travelling through our state."

The Manitoba Trucking Association is working with the province to facilitate a smoother flow of eligible truck drivers, said Terry Shaw, executive assistant for the organization.

"With the assistance of the Manitoba Trucking Association and its members, Manitoba will identify and co-ordinate with eligible individuals and work with North Dakota to schedule vaccination appointments for truck drivers during their routine trips to the U.S. over the next six to eight weeks. It is estimated roughly 2,000 to 4,000 Manitoba drivers will take part in this program."

The vaccines will be available by appointment. Truckers seeking information about vaccine times are encouraged to visit Manitoba Trucking Associations website, trucking.mb.ca Shaw said.

The first vaccination site is at the Alexander Henry Rest Area near Drayton, N.D.

North Dakotas Department of Health will provide staff to administer the first and second doses of vaccine, while the state will provide proof of immunization and share immunization records with Manitoba.

The timing of the agreement comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the province.

"The reality of COVID in Canada today is such that the variants of concern are here, the third wave is here, but the vaccines are not here yet," Pallister said.

The initial vaccination site is located northbound at the Alexander Henry Rest Area. The initiative could see other vaccination locations come on stream as required, the release said, with those sites having sufficient space for truck parking, drive-thru inoculation and 15-minute observation periods.

"Today is a small victory over some of the challenges that we face in dealing with the largest health and economic pandemic in our time, and today is an important victory also for healthcare co-operation," Pallister said.

There is no cost involved for either Manitoba truck drivers or North Dakota, with the United States federal government picking up the tab.

The vaccination site will be operating from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

With the two governments working closely together, the aim is to work jointly to manage the newly created Essential Worker Cross-Border Vaccination Initiative and examine future options to vaccinate other essential workers.

While it was a cause to celebrate the agreement between the two neighbours, Tuesdays announcement was overshadowed by the highest daily COVID-19 case count since winter, with 203 new COVID-19 cases.

North Dakota has already administered 560,000 doses to its population of 760,000, Burgum said.

As of Tuesday, the province has administered 341,926 doses of vaccine, according to the provinces vaccination website.

To view the Essential Worker Cross-Border Vaccination Initiative, see bit.ly/2QBW7oZ

 kkielley@brandonsun.com
A paratrooper, 21, has been killed in a training exercise at Fort Bragg during a static line jump from a Blackhawk helicopter, moments after she posted a smiling selfie on social media preparing to board the aircraft.

Spc. Abigail Jenks, a paratrooper assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, died Monday during a routine training jump at the North Carolina army base.

Fort Bragg officials released her identity Wednesday, saying Jenks was originally from Gansevoort, around 50 miles north of Albany, New York, and had joined the Army in October 2018.

Few details have been released about the accident, as the investigation continues.

Spc. Abigail Jenks pictured in a selfie posted on her social media story just before the fatal parachute jump

The paratrooper, 21, (pictured) was killed in a training exercise at Fort Bragg during a static line jump from a Blackhawk helicopter Monday

Jenks was conducting a static line jump from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter when she suffered the fatal injury, officials said in a press release.

Lt. Col. Mike Burns told DailyMail.com the airborne training exercise had been running as normal prior to tragedy striking.

'It was a normal line jumping operation. They were jumping from a helicopter instead of an airplane,' he said.

Burns said the usual processes were followed with the manifest call, followed by the pre-jump training which includes the rehearsal.

'She then executed the jump and that's when the fatality happened,' he said.

The Army have not revealed whether Jenks was killed due to a parachute malfunction or if there was another reason for her death.

During a static line jump, the parachutist jumps solo from the aircraft.

A cord is attached to the inside of the aircraft on one end and the top of the skydiver's deployment bag on the other.

As the skydiver falls away from the plane, the cord is pulled taut, pulling the chute out of the deployment bag, activating it almost instantly.

Jenks, a paratrooper assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, died Monday during a routine training jump at the North Carolina army base (above)

Fort Bragg officials released her identity Wednesday, saying Jenks (right) was originally from Gansevoort, around 50 miles north of Albany, New York

She had joined the Army in October 2018 before becoming a paratrooper in June 2019

WHAT IS A STATIC LINE JUMP? During a static line jump, the parachutist jumps solo from the aircraft. A cord is attached to the inside of the aircraft on one end and the top of the skydiver's deployment bag on the other. As the skydiver falls away from the plane, the cord is pulled taut, pulling the chute out of the deployment bag, activating it almost instantly. This type of jump involves a very short free fall before the chute is deployed and is often used for jumps from lower heights of around 1,000 feet (305 meters) or less. Advertisement

This type of jump involves a very short free fall before the chute is deployed and is often used for jumps from lower heights of around 1,000 feet or less.

A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, headed to Fort Bragg Tuesday to head up the probe into her death.

Jenks' mother Mary Jenks told WNYT she couldn't believe her daughter had gone when an army representative and a chaplain knocked on her door to break the news of her death Monday.

She said her daughter knew what she wanted to do with her life.

Army officials paid tribute to Jenks as a 'gifted forward observer, loyal friend, and talented artist' who will be 'dearly missed'.

'Spc. Jenks was a dedicated Paratrooper, gifted forward observer, loyal friend, and talented artist who consistently made a tremendous impact on all around her,' said Lt. Col. Christopher Walsh, commander of the 1-319th AFAR.

'She will be dearly missed. We are ensuring every resource is available to her family and peers to help them during this difficult time.'

Jenks' battery commander Capt. Brian Norman described her as 'a creative, hardworking, and confident paratrooper' with a 'love for art, animals, and her friends reverberated wherever she worked.

'Her compassion for fellow Paratroopers will be truly missed,' he added.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, also spoke out about her death on social media.

'Paratroopers never die, they just slip away,' they tweeted.

Governor Andrew Cuomo also paid tribute to the New York native and ordered flags to be flown at half staff across state buildings in her honor from Thursday.

'New York is devastated by the loss of Spc. Abigail Jenks and joins her fellow soldiers, her family and her friends in honoring her service to our country,' Cuomo tweeted.

In a statement, the governor extended his sympathy to 'Jenks' family and loved ones'.

Army officials paid tribute to Jenks, tweeting that 'Paratroopers never die, they just slip away'

Governor Andrew Cuomo also paid tribute to the New York native and ordered flags to be flown at half staff across state buildings in her honor from Thursday

Jenks was a fire support specialist serving as a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT.

A three-time volunteer, she then enlisted in the US Army in October 2018 before completing advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

She was then assigned to Fort Bragg as a paratrooper in June 2019.

Despite serving for little over two years, Jenks was highly decorated with awards including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge.

She will be posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

The 21-year-old is survived by her parents.

A paratrooper jumps from a UH-60 Blackhawk in a static line jump. The yellow cord is seen attached to the aircraft and the top of the skydiver's deployment bag, meaning when they fall the chute will be released

This marks the second death in less than a year among the 82nd Airborne Division, after another paratrooper died during jump training back in September at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Pfc. Jean Cruz De Leon, 20, died on September 9 when his parachute malfunctioned during an airborne training exercise at the base.

The outcome of the investigation into Leon's death is also yet to be released by the Army.

A total of 13 soldiers died during parachute training between 2010 and 2015 with most taking place during static line jumps from C-17 Globemaster aircraft, according to the Aerospace Medical Association.

A third of the deaths were attributed to 'improper or abnormal exit' and 'unstable or improper body position', 11 percent from 'entanglement, parachute malfunction' and 'dragged on top of the drop zone,' and 6 percent from static-line injuries or drop-zone hazards.

More than two thirds - 69 percent - of deaths cited blunt force trauma as the cause.
SINGAPORE, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The privacy-preserving AI computing network PlatON officially announced the community acceptance process for its mainnet launch today. The first phase of the mainnet pre-deployment will be completed at 12:29 on April 25, followed by the final review and initial allocation of LAT inside the pre-deployed network in phases.

At 12:29 on April 29, PlatON will invite contributors of community members from all walks of life to accept and vote on the pre-deployed network. As of 12:29 on April 30, if voted through, the current pre-deployed network will officially become the PlatON mainnet under the consensus decision of the entire community.

Vote with NFT in the Community

As a privacy-preserving AI computing network with decentralization as its core feature, PlatON's mainnet will be released in strict accordance with a model led and promoted by the community, the most important part of which is community acceptance and voting for permission.

A community of contributors composed of nodes, developers, media, enthusiastic users, and investors will conduct full-scale acceptance of the network pre-deployed on April 25, and, after the acceptance, vote to determine whether to officially qualify the network as the PlatON mainnet.

The voting process will go on the PlatON meta-network Alaya. Each ballot is a separate NFT. Sending the NFT to the voting address will be deemed as a vote in favor of the current pre-deployed network to be the PlatON mainnet.

After the voting ends on April 30, the current pre-deployed network will become the PlatON mainnet if voted through. Then nodes can access the network as formal validators of PlatON, responsible for generating blocks. At the same time, all members of the community can transfer, delegate, receive rewards, and enjoy other functions on the mainnet.

If the mainnet is voted down, it needs to go through a new round of pre-deployment, community acceptance and voting at a later date.

Network Pre-deployment

After two and a half years of iterative R&D, eight-month technical testing of the testnest of Baley's World, six-month business verification of the Alaya meta-network, and three rounds of internal exercises and tuning, PlatON is fully prepared for the official launch of the mainnet on all fronts such as technology, operation, maintenance, and services.

At 12:29 on April 25, the pre-deployed network of the PlatON mainnet will go online with the support of foundation nodes and start to generate blocks. The foundation nodes are seed nodes supported by the LatticeX Foundation. They will generate blocks when the network is launched, yet without receiving any rewards.

When the pre-deployed network is launched, ATON, PlatON's mobile wallet client, and PlatScan, a blockchain explorer, will be released simultaneously. The two platforms will provide all community members with access to the pre-deployed network.

On April 25, the NFT contract for community voting will be deployed on Alaya.

On April 25, a new version of PlatON's official website will be launched at the same time as the pre-deployment network generates blocks.

From April 26 to April 27, the final internal audit and acceptance of the pre-deployed network will be conducted to ensure that everything, from the underlying layer to the peripheral tools, is technically qualified for the launch.

On April 28, the initial allocation of LAT will be completed, and community contributors can also start comprehensive acceptance of the pre-deployed network that has been fully prepared.

On April 28, NFTs for voting will be sent to the Alaya wallet address of each community contributor.

At 12:29 on April 29, community contributors will start voting on the pre-deployed network. A vote is deemed an affirmative vote, and a waiver is deemed a negative vote. The voting lasts for 24 hours.

At 12:29 on April 30, the current pre-deployed network will be officially launched as the PlatON mainnet if voted through; if the mainnet is voted down, it needs to go through a new round of pre-deployment, community acceptance and voting at a later date.

12:29 PMThe Origin of the Launch Time

7.29/12.29

The core mission of PlatON is to explore the way humans survive in the digital space. Based on the evolution of privacy-preserving AI and the distributed economy, PlatON has successively offered multiple possibilities of humans poetically living in the "land" of the digital space.

In this sense, PlatON can be traced back to Plato's "The Republic"the blueprint of human order constructed by The Republic. The most important figure in this book is "729", which represents a possible structure of a good ruling model.

4/25

April 25 is the birthday of Wolfgang E. Pauli, a well-known theoretical physicist and one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics research. He successfully predicted neutrinos and gave a guess about the exact structural constant of the universe, which was about 0.00729 and was approximately valued at 1/137.

In response to the commitment and historical origins, we choose 7:29 Athens time on April 25, which is 12:29 Singapore time, as a key time point to formally start all the important processes, as a salute to the great fathers and pioneers who led the development of science and technology.

4/30

On April 30, 1777, Gauss, the "Prince of Mathematics", was born. Besides being frequently mentioned in mathematics stories for children, this legendary figure also invented the first telegraph machine in the world, and even introduced the lattice theory around 1840. His great discoveries those days have laid a foundation for today's lattice codes and the corresponding theoretical and practical explorations. That also constitutes the original intention of the LatticeX Foundation, which is to build grid-based cyberspace in the future.

More interestingly, on the same day in 1492, Christopher Columbus obtained an expedition commission issued by Queen Isabella I of Spain. We also believe that 529 years later, under the strict acceptance of community members and decentralized voting, PlatON will eventually win the consensus from the entire community to launch the mainnet safely and stably, embarking on a new journey of the privacy-preserving AI computing network.

About PlatON

PlatON was initiated and promoted by the LatticeX Foundation. Based on the basic properties of the blockchain and supported by a privacy-preserving computing network, PlatON provides the next-generation Internet basic protocol featuring "computing interoperability". It builds a computing system jointly assembled by cryptographic algorithms such as verifiable computing, secure multi-party computing, zero-knowledge proof, homomorphic encryption, and blockchain technology to provide public infrastructure under an open-source architecture for global artificial intelligence, distributed application developers, data providers as well as various institutions, communities and individuals with computing needs.

SOURCE PlatON
Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, walks down the street with an acquaintance after leaving B.C. Supreme Court during a lunch break at her extradition hearing, in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, April 1, 2021. A judge is scheduled to release her decision today on a request to delay the final leg of hearings in Meng Wanzhou's extradition case. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
Disinfecting wipes sold by H-E-B are creating quite the mess.

Already mired in litigation over BioErase antimicrobial surface wipes distributed by a Beaumont partnership, H-E-B disclosed the Environmental Protection Agency instructed the grocery chain to remove the wipes from store shelves within 30 days.

The EPA requires cleaning products that make pesticidal or disinfection claims on their labeling, such as controlling bacteria or viruses, must be registered with the federal agency.

BioErase products state theyre exempt from EPA registration because theyre classified as minimal risk pesticides under federal law due to their all-natural ingredients. H-E-B, however, says it learned from the EPA that the claim is false, so the wipes cant be legally sold.

On ExpressNews.com: H-E-B, Beaumont partnership wrangle over disinfecting wipes

The EPA has opened an investigation into Beaumont-based Maverick International Ltd. in connection with the distribution of a possibly unregistered pesticide, agency spokesman Joseph Hubbard said in an email Wednesday.

H-E-B accuses Maverick of attempting to hide the registration requirement from the San Antonio chain in order to sell BioErase.

H-E-B says in an amended lawsuit filed this month in state District Court in San Antonio that its now stuck with worthless BioErase inventory.

Due to Mavericks false and fraudulent claims regarding BioErases alleged EPA exemption, H-E-B will have to incur additional losses in removing the product from its shelves and storing and/or disposing it, the grocer says.

H-E-B has recalled and assembled thousands of units of BioErase product in its warehouse facilities in Bexar County, it adds.

Its the latest twist in an escalating legal spat, which started last month when H-E-B sued Maverick for allegedly failing to deliver the quantities of BioErase the grocer ordered and for missing deadlines.

The grocer wanted the wipes because of increasing demand for surface cleaning products amid the coronavirus pandemic.

H-E-B says it agreed to buy almost 599,000 BioErase canisters, while Maverick alleges the grocer committed to buy 500,000 canisters a month over a 12-month period  for a total of 6 million units.

Maverick has sued H-E-B in state District Court in Jefferson County, alleging statements the grocer made led Maverick to delay filing its suit first. Maverick wants all of the litigation to unfold on its home turf rather than in San Antonio.

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Maverick acquired millions of canisters of dry wipes and tens of thousands of gallons of disinfecting liquid to activate the wipes based on an agreement it says it reached with H-E-B. Maverick says H-E-B slowed the pace of delivery of the canisters and delayed the issuance of purchase orders.

Besides alleging H-E-B is liable for 6 million canisters, Maverick is suing H-E-B for business disparagement and defamation over comments to the Express-News about the grocers original lawsuit.

Maverick consistently failed to honor its commitments in a timely manner, H-E-B spokesman Valentino Lucio said in an email last month. This left H-E-B without the products to fulfill customer needs and resulted in lost sales.

Maverick alleges H-E-B chose to leak or publicize the matter to the Express-News. The newspapers article on the dispute also appeared on the website of the Beaumont Enterprise, a sister publication.

Court documents in H-E-Bs case are accessible at the Bexar County clerks office.

Both H-E-B and Maverick are suing each other for more than $1 million in damages.

H-E-B originally sued for breach of the purchase orders. It also sought a court judgment declaring that it had fulfilled its obligations and did not commit to purchasing 6 million. H-E-B now is making more claims, including for fraud and negligent misrepresentation. It wants the court to rescind all agreements with Maverick.

Mavericks failure to deliver the BioErase wipes in a timely fashion led to a glut of inventory as demand tapered off, H-E-B says. It resorted to marking down the canisters to $7.99 from $9.98 at one store last month. There also were coupons offering an additional $2.50 off.

Lucio, the H-E-B spokesman, declined to comment Tuesday. Mavericks lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.

pdanner@express-news.net
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The ten-year-old girl whose testimony at George Floyd's trial is being cited by prosecutors as a reason for why Chauvin should never leave prison said on Wednesday morning that she felt 'kinda proud' of her contribution to his conviction.

Jedeah Reynolds was nine last May when she walked to the Cup Foods store in Minneapolis with her older cousin Darnella Frazier to buy snacks. She had pestered her Darnella to go. When they were there, Floyd was arrested and killed by Chauvin. Darnella pulled out her phone to record it then gave the footage to police and prosecutors.

Jedeah was presented as a prosecution witness. She told the court that watching Chauvin crush Floyd's neck made her 'sad and kind of mad'.

Now, prosecutors are citing her as one of the reasons the judge should ignore sentencing guidelines and come down harder on Chauvin than the law requires.

Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter yesterday and is now in a maximum security prison awaiting sentencing. Minnesota State Law decrees that an offender will only be sentenced for the most serious offense if convicted of multiple felonies that stem from a single act.

In this case, the most serious offense is second degree murder, which carries a minimum of 12.5 years and a maximum of 40 years. Prosecutors have not been clear about how long they will ask the judge to put Chauvin away for but they have said they will ask him to consider aggravating factors like the trauma the killing forced on Jedeah.

On Wednesday, she appeared on Good Morning America with a chaperone to talk about the trial. Asked how she felt about the verdict, she answered shyly: 'Kinda proud'.

She also said she was watching the verdict come in from home, with her mother and father, who told her: 'We won' and 'this will bring change.'

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Jedeah Reynolds was nine when she watched Floyd die in front of the Cup Foods store. She had gone with her cousin to get snacks. Her cousin filmed the killing and it was one of the videos that went viral and led to Chauvin's arrest. Jedeah later testified about it. On Wednesday said she felt 'kinda proud' that she had taken part

.@ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE: 10-year-old eyewitness who testified in Chauvin trial speaks to @RobinRoberts about guilty verdict. https://t.co/cmfiAashSn pic.twitter.com/IbB91hiWIP  Good Morning America (@GMA) April 21, 2021

Jedeah is shown arriving at the Cup Foods store in Minneapolis, minutes before Floyd's death on May 25 last year. She had pestered her adult cousin to go to the store for snacks

She says she is now writing a children's book to 'teach people to be brave'. It will be called Judeah's Walk to the Store.

In interviews across the major TV networks on Wednesday morning, Floyd's brother Philonise said he always had faith in the jury but that he prayed for the 30 minutes between being told a verdict was coming and the jury re-entering the courtroom to read it.

Derek Chauvin in his booking photo taken on Wednesday. He is facing 40 years in prison

'I prayed for 30 minutes. It took 30 minutes before the jury and judge even stepped out. I always had faith but for me to just sit there and pray and I hear "guilty" then some more numbers then "guilty again".

'I said, "Lord, please let it be another" and I heard "guilty" again. I was excited. It was a pivotal moment for me, my family, the world,' he said.

He said he hoped the verdict was the 'beginning of this nation figuring out that we can all live with each other' and that he now hopes to push the George Floyd Policing Act through congress.

Vice President Kamala Harris put pressure on lawmakers to pass the bill on Tuesday night.

It would overhaul the country's policing rules by banning racial profiling, chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants.

It would also create a national registry for officers found guilty of misconduct and get rid of the legal protections they have now that are known as qualified immunity.

'You have so many people with blood on that bill [George Floyd policing act].

'Breonna Taylor, the no-knock warrant, she was killed - innocent, in her house.

'Eric Garner and my brother George - the no chokehold clause - that needs to be in effect.

'You have to have dash-cams and bodycams on all times. They're speaking everything into existence now,' he said.

Floyd's brother Philonise said on Wednesday he 'always had faith' the jury would do the right thing to achieve 'justice for George'

Charles McMillan was among the people who watched Floyd die under Chauvin's knee (left). He sobbed during the trial as he talked about how Floyd cried for his mother as he died

Charles McMillan, another trial witness who broke down in sobs as he testified about how Floyd cried out for his mother while he choked, was on CBS.

McMillan said on Wednesday (pictured) that he knew Floyd was going to die and he was trying to comfort him

He told Gayle King that he became so emotional while giving his testimony because he too had lost his mother.

He also recalled never leaving Floyd's side as he choked, and trying to de-escalate the situation by talking to the police officers involved.

McMillan also said he knew Floyd was going to die.

Once theyve got the cuffs on you you better have something good to say or nothing at all,' he said.

Chauvin is now being held in a maximum security prison on suicide watch.

As he was led away in cuffs from the courtroom, he flashed his palm which had his lawyer's phone number scribbled on it.

Derek Chauvin, 45, spends his first night in maximum security prison and is placed on suicide watch after being found guilty on ALL three charges of murder and manslaughter in death of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin is waking up today in Minnesota's maximum security prison where he has been placed on suicide watch after being found guilty on all three counts of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

Tuesday's verdict triggered cheers outside the Minneapolis courthouse and massive celebrations across America while Joe Biden vowed to push through civil rights reforms after the killing he called a 'stain on the nation's soul.'

Within minutes Biden phoned Floyd's family to tell them that his death, which had sparked a wave of global Black Lives Matter protests, was going to 'change the world'.

The president was backed by other by senior Democrats, including Barack Obama who said 'we know that true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial.'

Derek Chauvin is pictured in court on Tuesday as the jury found him guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd

Chauvin was led out of the court in handcuffs after the verdict came down on Tuesday afternoon. He had reportedly scribbled his lawyer's phone number on the palm of his hand (right) before he was escorted out

4 grounds for Chauvin's appeal Too close to home While Floyd's shocking death under Chauvin's knee triggered months of protests across the globe, nowhere was the pain and anguish felt more acutely than in his native Minneapolis. The ex-cops legal team had argued there was no way their client could get a fair trial in Hennepin County but Judge Cahill refused to move it to another city because he said the chaos and anger surrounding Chauvin would follow him wherever he went. Likewise, Cahill refused to delay proceedings given the unlikelihood that anyone could forget the names of those involved or harrowing video of Floyd's last moments. Another shooting, fresh outrage The second issue centers around the police-shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black man who was gunned down by a white cop on April 11 in a Minneapolis suburb just 10 miles from where Floyd was killed. As protests erupted over Wright's death in the middle of Chauvin's trial, Nelson filed a motion to sequester the jury to shield them from media coverage. Nelson argued that 'the emotional response [Wright's] case creates sets the stage for a jury to say: "I'm not going to vote not guilty, because I'm concerned about the outcome."' Cahill decided ultimately that sequestering the jury could bring even more attention to the Brooklyn Center tragedy and denied the motion, as he had done with Nelson's earlier previous bids for sequestration. Maxine Waters' incitement Perhaps the most powerful argument for a re-trial was acknowledged by Cahill himself on Monday evening immediately after the jury was sent out to deliberate. It came when Nelson filed a motion for a mistrial and cited comments from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who on the eve on closing statements attended a demonstration in Brooklyn Center and called for protesters to 'get more confrontational' if the Chauvin jury did not return a verdict of 'guilty, guilty, guilty'. Chauvin denied the motion but said Waters may have handed the defense 'something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned'. Floyd family payoff The fourth issue likely to be cited in the defense appeal took place before the trial even started, when the city of Minneapolis announced it would pay a $27million settlement to the Floyd family. Nelson immediately asked for the trial to be moved and postponed on the grounds that the untimely announcement would taint the jury, but his request fell on deaf ears. Instead, it was agreed that the judge would re-voire dire the jurors already seated. Two jurors were dismissed after having admitted that they heard about the settlement and it left them unable to be impartial. The timing of the announcement clearly enraged Judge Cahill, prompting an outburst from the bench in which he ordered both the state and defense, Just stop talking about it!' Advertisement

Chauvin looked around in seeming disbelief as the judge read the decision, which centered around footage of the nine minutes and 29 seconds that he had knelt on Floyd's neck as the handcuffed, unarmed black man cried out: 'I can't breathe' on May 25, 2020.

It took the jury just over ten hours of deliberation to find Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter based on a mountain of evidence and testimony presented over 15 days of trial in the Hennepin County court. Each charge required jurors to find that Chauvin's actions were a 'substantial causal factor' in Floyd's death and that his use of force was unreasonable.

Chauvin was led away in handcuffs as the judge immediately revoked his bail pending sentencing and dispatched him to Minnesota's only maximum security prison, MCF-Oak Park Heights.

No prisoner has ever escaped from MCF-Oak Park Heights, which sits about 25 miles east of Minneapolis near the Wisconsin border and houses around 500 of the most high-risk inmates in the state.

Chauvin is being closely watched by guards to ensure his safety, not just as a suicide risk, but also from other inmates with violent criminal histories, many of whom resent law enforcement.

The former cop is expected to file a swift appeal of his conviction.

Over the course of the trial his defense attorney Eric Nelson repeatedly raised concerns that the massive media attention to the case would bias the jury and prevent his client from receiving a fair trial.

Jim Bruton, former warden of Oak Park Heights, described in his 2004 book about the prison how the hierarchy among inmates was determined by the crime committed. At the top of the scale are those who have killed a law enforcement officer. At the bottom are sex offenders, with child molesters considered the lowest of the low.

This hierarchy, coupled with Chauvin's infamy as a police officer, means he will undoubtedly require bolstered protection and constant monitoring.

Cheers rang out across America, from Minnesota to New York City, on Tuesday afternoon as thousands celebrated the verdict in the case which had sparked months of rioting and set in motion the global Black Lives Matter movement.

President Biden phoned family members and lawyers for George Floyd just minutes after the verdict came in, consoling family members and celebrating a verdict that he said would 'change the world.'

The call, and those from Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden, was played on speaker phone by lead attorney Benjamin Crump as members of the family gathered around as the moment was broadcast live on cable news.

'Feeling better now,' Biden told tearful family members and listeners who gathered around the phone of Philonise Floyd, George's younger brother, 'Nothing is going to make it all better. But at least, God, now there's some justice.'

Biden referenced comments by Floyd's daughter, Gianna, that her late father was going to change the world.

'He's going to start to change it now,' Biden told the group.

Biden previously revealed he also called the family Monday, with the outcome uncertain  and as the White House noted repeatedly, the jury was sequestered.

MINNESOTA V DEREK CHAUVIN - CHARGES Second-degree murder - GUILTY Possible sentence: 12.5 to 40 years The second-degree murder charge required prosecutors to prove Chauvin caused Floyd's death while committing or trying to commit a felony  in this case, third-degree assault. Prosecutors had to convince the jury that Chauvin assaulted or attempted to assault Floyd and in doing so inflicted substantial bodily harm. Prosecutors did not have to prove Chauvin was the sole cause of Floyd's death - only that his conduct was a 'substantial causal factor'. Second degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, but because Chauvin does not have any prior convictions sentencing guidelines recommend he serve 12.5 years. Second-degree manslaughter - GUILTY Possible sentence: Four to 10 years The manslaughter charge has a lower bar, requiring proof that Chauvin caused Floyd's death through negligence that created an unreasonable risk, and consciously took the chance of causing severe injury or death. Second degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison - sentencing guidelines for someone without a criminal record call for no more than four years behind bars. Third-degree murder - GUILTY Possible sentence: 12.5 to 25 years Third-degree murder required a lower standard of proof than second-degree. To win a conviction, prosecutors needed to show only that Floyd's death was caused by an act that was obviously dangerous, though not necessarily a felony. Third-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 25 years but because Chauvin has no criminal history he would likely end up serving about 12.5. Advertisement

Minneapolis had been on tenterhooks waiting for the verdict to come in amid fears that if a guilty verdict had not been returned then riots would have ensued. The National Guard had been deployed and razor wire surrounded the courthouse.

Biden said: 'We've been watching every second of this, and the vice president, all of us. We were all so relieved, not just one verdict but all three.'

Harris, the nation's first black and first female vice president, also spoke. 'I'm just so grateful for the entire family,' she said, saluting 'your courage, your commitment.'

'This is a day of justice in America,' Harris said. She called the family 'real leaders when we needed you.'

'History will look back at this moment and know that it was an inflection moment,' she said. 'We're going to make something good come out of this tragedy, okay?' she said.

Then Biden chimed back in, 'When we do it, we're going to put you on Air Force One and get you here,' prompting laughs.

Floyd's younger brother Philonise, who had taken a knee at the courthouse steps at the start of the trial, was in court to hear the verdict read.

He hugged Attorney General Keith Ellison and trial attorney Jerry Blackwell, whose voice was the first and last heard by the jury as he delivered both the state's opening statement and their final rebuttal.

Moments later the family held a press conference outside the courtroom with their lawyer Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

'Today, we are able to breathe again,' younger brother Philonise said. 'Justice for George means freedom for all.'

Tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened.

Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna was in attendance for the press conference as well, along with other members of the family.

'Say his name!' Floyd's relatives chanted as they gathered together. 'George Floyd!'

Another brother, Terrence Floyd, said today was important not just for their family but for America's history.

'I will miss him, but now I know he's in history,' Terrence said. 'What a day to be a Floyd, man.'

Those sentiments were echoed by former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle who said that the jury had done 'the right thing' in finding Chauvin guilty.

In a joint statement, they said: 'For almost a year, Floyd's death under the knee of a police officer has reverberated around the world  inspiring murals and marches, sparking conversations in living rooms and new legislation.

'But a more basic question has always remained: would justice be done?

'In this case, at least, we have our answer. But if we're being honest with ourselves, we know that true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial.'

The pair called for 'concrete reforms' in policing and for the elimination of racial bias from the nation's criminal justice system.

'Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied,' he said.

British prime minister Boris Johnson also tweeted his response, writing: 'I was appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict. My thoughts tonight are with George Floyd's family and friends.'

Later in a televised address, Biden said that the conviction 'can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America.'
Police have identified two people killed in an apparent murder-suicide Monday in South Jersey.

Officers responded to a home on Davis Street in Pennsville Township around 5 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing a loud noise, which they described as a possible gunshot.

Inside the home, police found Casey Power, 25, and Brendon Anuszewski, 26, dead of gunshot wounds.

Authorities do not believe anyone else was involved in the incident, according to Pennsville Police Chief Vince Green.

Anuszewski appears to have fired the shots, Green said, noting that Powers manner of death was determined to be homicide, while Anuszewskis was found to be suicide.

Power and Anuszewski had been in a relationship, the chief said.

Neighbors described past arguments in the home and claimed Power had recently moved out of the residence.

Pennsville Police and the Salem County Prosecutors Office are investigating the case.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Fatal Shooting

By West Kentucky Star Staff

Thirty-four-year-old Charles Holloway pleaded guilty in February in the death of 35-year-old Reggie Dowell of Mayfield at a gas station in 2019. Police said Holloway was a friend of Dowell, and Holloway admitted to shooting him after an argument took place in the vehicle in which they were passengers.





He was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years on a second degree manslaughter charge, and two years on each of two counts of wanton endangerment.



All counts are to run consecutively for a total of 14 years. He'll be eligible for parole after serving 20 percent of his sentence.

MAYFIELD - A Mayfield man charged with another man's death has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Ajeet Singh had to steel himself for a return to work at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday for the first time since a former employee shot dead eight people, including four members of Indianapolis tightly knit Sikh community.

I've been scared to go back," Singh said. "I don't know why this happened still. Was it random, or was it because of who I am?

While the motive for last week's rampage remains under investigation, leaders and members of the Sikh community say they feel a collective trauma and believe more must be done to combat the bigotry, bias and violence they have suffered for decades in the country. Amid intense pain, they're channeling their grief into demands for gun reform and tougher hate crime statutes, and calls for outsiders to educate themselves about their Sikh neighbors.

We are time and time again disproportionately facing senseless and often very targeted attacks, said Satjeet Kaur, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, a New York-based group that has urged investigators to examine bias as a possible motive in the shootings.

"The impact on the community is traumatic," she continued, "not just particularly the families that face the senseless violence, but also in the community at large because its community trauma.

In the days since the shootings, the coalition facilitated a call with federal officials in which Sikh leaders in Indiana asked for the appointment of a Sikh American liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement, among other requests.

A monotheistic faith founded more than 500 years ago in Indias Punjab region, Sikhism is the worlds fifth-largest religion with about 25 million followers, including about 500,000 in the United States.

Kaur said that as a relatively young faith with a low population in the Western world, Sikhism is generally not taught in schools to the same extent as other global religions or integrated in policy-making, resulting in misunderstanding and ignorance. Anti-Sikh discrimination can manifest itself in everything from schoolyard bullying to verbal attacks to shocking acts of violence.

Story continues

Last year a man accused of running over the Sikh owner of a suburban Denver liquor store after reportedly telling him and his wife to go back to your country was charged with a hate crime and 16 other counts including attempted murder.

The latest killings dredged up painful memories for Rana Singh Sodhi, an Indian immigrant living in Arizona. He has spent nearly two decades preaching love and tolerance after his brother was shot dead four days after 9/11 by a man who mistook him for a Muslim because of his turban. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first of scores of Sikhs who were the target of hate crimes in the aftermath of the 2001 terror attacks.

Its very painful, Rana Singh Sodhi said. I hope one day ... people will love each other and enjoy the life and working together and living together in this beautiful country.

There are between 8,000 and 10,000 Sikh Americans in Indiana, where they began settling more than 50 years ago and opened their first house of worship, known as a gurdwara, in 1999.

Most of the employees at the FedEx warehouse are members of the community. Gurinder Singh Khalsa of the Indiana-based Sikh Political Action Committee said many Sikhs live on Indianapolis' west and south sides, making the facility's airport location a convenient place to work.

On Monday his committee said it had set up a task force to seek answers about the shooting and to press government officials to take action. An important goal, Khalsa said, is to help people returning to work feel safe.

That would be a relief to people like Gaganpal Singh Dhaliwal, who said two of his aunts had just arrived for their shift at the warehouse Thursday night when the shooting started. His mother also works there. They all survived, but he's mourning colleagues and friends.

Dhaliwal expressed hope that the tragedy will inspire others to better understand the religion and cultural practices: To all my fellow Americans, whether Republicans, Democrats, Muslims, Jewish, non-religious people, everyone: Google the word Sikh today. ... Devote five minutes of your time to be aware about another people around you who may not look like you.

Already he's starting to see some signs of raised consciousness, notably in the flags flying at half-staff outside homes and businesses across Indianapolis and an outpouring of support to fundraisers for victims families. He urged more people to build bridges to his community.

If you see a person like me wearing a (turban) on the head, in your street, in your grocery shop, at your workplace, go talk to them," Dhaliwal said. "Tell them you know who Sikhs are, or give them a hug and say, Hey, youre welcome in the U.S. Right now were a community that needs a lot of support, and to know that we have a place in this place called America.

The killings have reverberated nationwide. Pardeep Singh Kaleka, executive director of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the son of one of seven fatal victims of a 2012 mass shooting at a gurdwara in the suburb of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, said there are concerns about an escalating threat of violence.

Small communities traumatized by violence are left to wonder, Was I targeted for my race? Kaleka said. Was I targeted for my ethnicity, for my religion? Was I targeted for something I cant control?

And in California, Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, a Stockton Gurdwara Sahib member and student of early Sikh American history, said he's grappling with a range of emotions including anger, hurt, hopelessness and a feeling of not belonging. Frustrating, he said, is that much of the public focus has been on the shooter's mental state rather than the community he wounded so deeply.

I am tired of the same old narrative, said Bainiwal, who was born and raised in the U.S. but has been told to fit in.

In Indianapolis, the Sikh community is focusing on helping the bereaved, who are hoping to secure roughly two-dozen fast-tracked visas so relatives overseas may travel for funeral rites set to take place in the next two weeks. The proceedings will begin with cremation and then be followed by up to 20 days of reading of the 1,400-page Guru Granth Sahib scripture, Dhaliwal said.

Earlier last week the home of Sukhpreet Rai bustled with happy chatter and kitchen activity amid celebrations of Vaisakhi, a major Sikh holiday festival, and an upcoming family birthday. Now it has fallen silent in mourning for two of her relatives, Jasvinder Kaur and Amarjit Sekhon.

We were supposed to be celebrating a birthday and being together as a family, Rai said. Were together, and we have one another, but its for something different  its for a funeral.

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Associated Press writers Anita Snow and Gary Fields contributed to this report.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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Casey Smith 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.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy Bart Gorman was handed a note on Wednesday declaring 10 employees of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow persona non grata, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Bart Gorman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy to the Russian Federation, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on April 21 to be handed a note declaring persona non grata 10 employees of the U.S. embassy in Moscow. Those individuals are ordered to leave our country by the end of May 21," TASS cited the Foreign Ministry as saying.

"This measure is a mirror response to the U.S. hostile actions against a number of employees of the Russian Embassy in Washington and the Russian Consulate General in New York, who were groundlessly declared persona non grata," the statement says.
She has been soaking up the sun in the Caribbean.

And Kimberley Garner sent her fans green with envy as she basked in the sunshine in a slew of sizzling Instagram snaps on Tuesday.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, showcased her tanned and toned figure in a slinky white minidress, which made the most of her long legs thanks to its racy thigh-high slit.

Kimberley Garner sent her fans green with envy as she basked in the sunshine in a slew of sizzling Instagram snaps on Tuesday from her Caribbean break

The backless dress featured cross-over strap detailing and a raw hem, while a white belt accentuated Kimberley's slender waist.

The swimwear designer looked thoroughly relaxed as she admired the idyllic beach views on her balcony.

In another post, Kimberley, who is staying at the luxurious Belmond Hotel in Saint Martin, caught the evening sun as she posed in a lemon yellow bustier and jeans.

Beach girl: In another post, Kimberley, who is staying at the luxurious Belmond Hotel in Saint Martin, caught the evening sun as she posed in a lemon yellow bustier and jeans

The television personality captioned the post: 'Sunset light beach girl'.

Kimberley has been jetted to the Caribbean after flying to out Miami with her boyfriend in late December, after spending Christmas in Barbados.

But it hasn't all been carefree partying as she took to Instagram to defend herself from backlash over her international travel.

The TV star said she jetted out of the UK on December 14  a week before London moved into Tier 4  to 'check on my apartment'.

Living the life: The television personality captioned the post: 'Sunset light beach girl'

The London native said at the time: 'I bought my place here this time two years ago. It was a massive achievement, still really can't believe it sometimes. I run a business - I'm not an influencer.

'I am here, but I am very very strict still. I see people in Tulum and all over going to parties and it doesn't feel right to me.

'I haven't been out to any parties and turned down invites from friends as feel it's just not right to be in a crowd - it's not OK at the moment.

'I'm really lucky to be in the sun and outdoors, and am valuing that totally, but not going to live normally as it's not a normal world at the moment.

'I really think and feel for everyone home at the moment, it really sucks, please be brave, please be kind to each other.'
Phnom Penh residents are facing food shortages and financial strife as the capital and Takhmau city complete a week of the countrys first lockdown due to the increasing number of COVID-19 infections.

The government has imposed a ban on entering neighboring cities, preventing movements outside the home, blocking all non-essential travel and businesses, and placing stringent restrictions on the sale of goods and alcohol.

This was exacerbated by the introduction of red zones which completely banned leaving ones home, shut down markets in the area, cordoned off the vicinity and the government took over the responsibility of distributing food and essential resources.

Three communes in Meanchey district, one in Por Senchey, and three villages Tuol Kuok district are in a red zone."

Chan Sarith, a 39-year-old motorcycle mechanic, said this was the first time he has seen such a lockdown in Phnom Penh. While he didnt want to criticize the lockdown, it has severely affected his income.

He could previously make around $12.5 a day fixing motorcycles, but with no motorists on the streets, his income was near-zero. Added to that, he was finding it difficult to buy food to feed himself.

Its difficult to get food. I ate only noodles and canned fish for the last two or three days, he said.

Thet Savin, who owns a construction material and water pump shop in Por Sen Chey district, was worried about falling short of food for her family. The business owner said the family could store a bit of food in their cramped home.

She had been able to buy vegetables and meat from a local vendor, but only a small amount.

I bought some to keep because we do not have anything to store in such a narrow space is difficult for us, she said.

The lockdown had affected her income, like most Phnom Penh residents, with her income dropping from $50 a day, and leaving her worried about the $200 rent for her shop.

With such a small business, [I] can't earn much, about [$25 a day] to handle daily living expenses, she said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has issued a slew of administrative measures to prevent people from leaving their homes, threatening an extension of the lockdown if people do not comply. At least 11 people have been arrested or convicted for violating the COVID-19 restrictions.

A Telegram group created by the Ministry of Commerce to accept requests for food has amassed more than 45,000 members, most making desperate pleas for food and money. Small protests have taken place along Veng Sreng Boulevard in the red line areas due to lack of access to fresh food. The situation has worsened because the citys markets have turned in COVID-19 hotspots, including the Phsar Deum Kor wholesale market.

Vorn Pao, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association which works with informal workers, said the officials should conduct a systematic count of people who need food, especially workers who live in small rented rooms to effectively supply food.

So, we must clearly collect names of people living in those locations, and then we will be able to supply budget and food to all of them, Vorn Pao said. Another solution is that the state should delay or subsidize water and electricity bills and intervene with landlords [for rent payments].

He said the government should consider setting up food stalls and vendors in neighborhoods under stringent lockdown so people dont have to travel far to get food.

Police officials and local authorities have resorted to excessive force to prevent people from leaving their homes, using sticks to beat people, according to videos posted on social media.

Another concern for factory workers has been wage payments. With factories closed and people unable to leave their homes, workers have not received wages for the first two weeks of April.

Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodia Labor Confederation, said workers were reliant on their wages for living expenses, and without their salaries for this month, they would struggle to make ends meet.

Even the labor law states that workers wages are their life. If the employers dont pay regularly, it is their big fault, the union leader said.

Its because workers work to just live for one month. If there is no wage, there is nothing for them.

Ath Thorn was concerned about the spread of the virus among garment workers, who may not have the best access to treatments and health facilities. As of April 20, government figures show that more than 1,000 of the countrys 7,700 cases are among factory workers.

VOA Khmer was unable to contact Meth Measpheakdey, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipality, and Heng Sour, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor.

Meas Nee, a social development researcher, said the immediate nature of a lockdown meant it was hard for people to be prepared with food shortages and material resources.

But for now, it seems that [the authorities] are waiting to see what will happen, then they will respond to a level that the government can handle, he said.

Back on National Road 3, motorcycle mechanic Chan Sarith is unsure he will have enough food or money to survive this lockdown.
A beautician mother-of-two nearly killed by a 'one in a million' blood clot from her AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has urged others to keep getting the jabs.

Lauren Briggs, from Connah's Quay, North Wales, suffered a range of symptoms within days of getting her jab, starting with a 'horrendous headache' before experiencing pain in her lower body that felt like her leg was 'exploding'.

The pain saw her rushed to hospital where she warned her family on a video call that she may not come home.

The 32-year-old was fit and healthy when she got a text from her GP inviting her for the vaccine in March.

She thought she was just lucky when she was asked to attend so early and went in to get vaccinated.

But nine days later Lauren started to suffer horrific symptoms and thought she may have the virus itself.

Lauren Briggs, from Connah's Quay, North Wales (left), is lucky to be alive after suffering a 'horrendous headache' within days of getting her jab (right)

She said: 'I woke up that morning with a horrendous headache.

'I ached all over and felt a bit dizzy. I couldn't eat and I spent the entire day in bed - I could barely lift my head from the pillow. My first thought was that it must be Covid.'

Lauren booked herself in to a testing centre on Easter Sunday and got a negative result 24 hours later.

She then developed a terrible pain in her left leg and two days later noticed a red, swollen, varicose vein as she took a bath.

Former beauty consultant Lauren said: 'I knew it wasn't normal but at the time it did not occur to me it had anything to do with the jab.'

A nursing friend told her to seek help and Lauren was taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

A D-dimer test for blood clots showed a reading of 20,000ng per mL - 40 times over what it should be.

Lauren was given two stomach injections of a blood thinning drug and sent home to await a CT scan of her lungs the next day.

She returned to the hospital in acute pain and felt like her leg was 'exploding.'

Lauren, who is mother to Maisie, four, and Charlie, two, said: 'I begged a passing doctor for pain relief and he put me in a bed.

Lauren, who is mother to Maisie, four, and Charlie, two, said: 'I begged a passing doctor for pain relief and he put me in a bed'

'As soon as my leg was raised, the pain subsided a bit.

'Ten minutes later two doctors and a consultant arrived, drew the cubicle curtains, listened to my chest and told me I had blood clots in my lungs.

'I burst into tears again and asked them if I was going to die.'

Tests showed 'several' blood clots in her leg and 'several' in her lungs. She had Deep Vein Thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism.

Lauren also had anaemia, vitamin D deficiency and 'extremely' low blood platelet counts.

Her blood samples were sent to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to determine if it was linked to the vaccine.

The mother-of-two then started suffering 'crazy dreams' and contacted her family on a video call warning them she may not come home.

She was treated for meningitis but her condition improved before she could be diagnosed.

Lauren now wants to warn people of the side-effects which can occur from the vaccine - but says she still believes in the roll-out.

She said: 'In hospital I was told I was just unlucky, the 'one in a million' who will get blood clots.

More than 33million Britons have been given at least one dose of the jabs, while more than 10m have been fully vaccinated

'I still believe in the programme. I just want people, especially younger women, to be aware they need to act if they feel ill after the jab.

'Had I not gone to hospital, I probably would have died.'

Lauren was discharged on April 13 to be reunited with her children and partner Scott Ellis, 33.

She was formally diagnosed as having 'vaccine-induced thrombosis and pulmonary thrombocytopenia'.

Her left leg began to swell again and she was readmitted to hospital with more blood clots.

She will now be on the drug warfarin for at least the next six months.
Mumbai, April 21 : Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Wednesday shared an Instagram post of her anniversary celebration. Aishwarya and actor Abhishek Bachchan had celebrated their 14th marriage anniversary on April 20.

In a picture that Aishwarya posted on Wednesday, she can be seen with daughter Aaradhya, posing against a backdrop of flowers. Abhishek can be seen in an inset, joining in via video call. Aishwarya captioned the post with love-struck and heart-shaped emojis.

The couple tied the knot on April 20, 2007 at Abhishek's residence Prateeksha in Mumbai.

Tina Ambani took to Instagram to wish the "still crazy in love" couple on Wednesday.

"Can't believe it's been 14 years since your beautiful wedding! Still crazy in love, utterly gorgeous and the most fabulous parents to Aradhya. Blessings and heaps of hugs and love - happy anniversary @bachchan @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb," she wrote along with a gorgeous picture of the two.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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
RICHFIELD TWP, MI  A Roscommon County mother is facing child abuse charges for allegedly kicking her children out of her home so she could host a party.

About 3:40 a.m. on Sunday, April 18, Michigan State Police troopers from the Houghton Lake Post responded to a residence on Polaris Street in Richfield Township after a 14-year-old boy had called 911 and said he was assaulted by his mother. Troopers arrived at the house to find the teen on its front porch.

The teen told troopers his mother, identified as 34-year-old Amber M. Maldonado, had kicked him and his sister out of the house for the night so she could have a party. Maldonado did not provide alternative lodging for her two kids, leaving it to them to figure out where they were to spend the night, said MSP Special 1st Lt. Derrick Carroll.

At some point, Maldonados daughter called her mom to see if she and her brother could come home, Carroll said. When the minors arrived back home, an argument ensued and Maldonado began attacking her son with slapping- and hitting-type behavior, Carroll said.

The daughter intervened and was also struck by her mom, Carroll said.

Maldonado told troopers she had indeed been having a party and had gotten into an argument with her kids when they returned home early. Maldonado appeared intoxicated at the time, Carroll added.

Richfield Township EMS was called to the scene and treated one of the minors for injuries. The minors were then turned over to their biological father.

Troopers arrested Maldonado and lodged her in the Roscommon County Jail. Maldonado on Monday, April 19, was arraigned in the Roscommon County District Court on two counts of third-degree child abuse, a two-year felony.

Maldonados bond was set at $10,000 or 10%. She is next due in court on May 10.

Read more:

Saginaw teen charged in robbery that left victim with gunshot wound to his head

3 Saginaw men charged with stolen rifle, meth after crash during police chase

Michigan man killed by police during raid told fiancee he did not want to go back to jail, reports show
You are here: China

Research data on China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine published by Chilean health authorities last week showed very positive, encouraging signs and high vaccine efficacy, said a Chinese health expert Wednesday.

The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine was 67 percent effective in preventing infection and 80 percent effective in preventing death, the data showed.

The results suggest the vaccine is highly effective in preventing both infection and, more importantly, hospitalization, severe illness and death, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention expert Shao Yiming told a press conference.

The study in Chile involves more than 10 million people, and it is the largest and most complete study to date, said Shao.

"This precious data from such a large-scale national research offers a piece of great news and it tells us that we should get vaccinated as soon as possible to build up herd immunity against the virus," he added.
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SUSE Rancher Government Solutions (RGS), a leader in innovative, reliable open source solutions for federal and U.S. government entities, makes its official debut today, bringing together the joint successes of SUSE's and Rancher's Federal business divisions. SUSE RGS will be led by Lynne Chamberlain as president of regulated markets and government. Chamberlain, an industry veteran in the federal space, will play a critical role in enabling open source adoption with a specialization in enterprise Linux, Kubernetes management and edge solutions to accelerate the pace of innovation within the U.S. government.

"Government and federal agencies are leveraging open source solutions from core to cloud to the tactical edge," Chamberlain said. "Enterprise Linux and cloud-native platforms like Kubernetes are creating new opportunities for government agencies to innovate quickly and reduce IT costs. SUSE RGS provides audited and U.S.-validated distributions of critical open source products necessary to deliver DevSecOps across the IT landscape. Whether running secured workloads on bare metal, AWS, Azure, C2S, SC2S or an arm64 SoC on a Humvee, SUSE RGS's solutions empower federal agencies with the latest certified IT infrastructure to meet the unique needs of their mission."

Enterprise Linux, Kubernetes Management and Edge Solutions Tailored for U.S. Government

Federal agencies rely on RGS to advance, develop and deploy vendor-agnostic open source software solutions with a focus on containers, Kubernetes, Rancher, Istio and other cloud-native technology for U.S. government clients adopting DevSecOps across the IT landscape.

Unlike traditional commercial entities, RGS builds specific solutions such as RKE Government, a Kubernetes distribution engineered to adhere to robust security requirements, to ensure tactical requirements exceed those mandated by federal agencies and the U.S. government. Under Chamberlain's direction, RGS employees operate in the civilian, Department of Defense and intelligence community markets with most staff holding active U.S. government security clearances. The team brings extensive experience and an understanding of the unique challenges that federal entities face today to design solutions to ensure customers have a unified backbone to manage an entire digital transformation strategy through open source innovation.

On a mission to help organizations innovate everywhere, RGS works with government branches and agencies such as the U.S. Air Force, NASA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United States Postal Service along with private-sector-companies like Hypergiant Industries. Recently, RGS and Hypergiant set out on a mandate to bring Kubernetes to space. Working with K3s (recently accepted as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation Sandbox project), the team is developing and integrating their software pipeline with the EdgeONE and SatelliteONE missions.

"Together with RGS, we've proven this concept is survivable and we're on course to put Kubernetes in space in 2021," said Bren Briggs, director of DevOps and Cybersecurity, Hypergiant Industries. "There isn't another version of Kubernetes that can meet our use case. K3s has allowed us to build infrastructure suitable for use in space without the need to create our edge distribution."

Industry Veteran Chamberlain to Drive Innovation at The Helm

Chamberlain brings more than 20 years of executive experience. Chamberlain has the unique ability to champion a company's vision to help public and private clients operate in a regulated sector. For 16 years, she led Red Hat's government capture/business development organization where she deployed a team to pursue large government programs driving the business through system integrators. Chamberlain is also an executive board member for AFCEA International, as well as a past winner of FedScoop's top 50 women of Washington and a Women in Technology award recipient.

"I had the pleasure of working with Lynne for many years," said Clara Conti, general manager, Presidio Government Solutions. "Lynne's dynamic ability to pinpoint unforeseen opportunities and drive change for our federal and government agency clientele allowed us to provide them with the tools to achieve their mission and ultimately better serve their communities."

Tony Jimenez, president and CEO of MicroTech, who previously worked with Chamberlain, said, "Lynne's dedication to our business, coupled with her industry experience and knowledge, was instrumental in providing our federal customers with the most efficient, cost-effective and innovative solutions."

For additional information on RGS, please visit www.susergs.com or learn more at this year's EDGE 2021 (July 15-17) and IT Modernization Summit (April 28-29), sponsored by RGS.

About SUSE RGS

SUSE Rancher Government Solutions (RGS) is a leader in Linux and Kubernetes management for federal and U.S. government entities. RGS is independent, and its team is composed exclusively of U.S. citizens with a compelling history of delivering solutions in the public and private sectors for organizations adopting cloud computing, cloud-native development, and infrastructure and security operations. Fully committed to open source, RGS leverages SUSE's Linux expertise and Rancher's Kubernetes excellence to provide secure solutions that adhere to federal compliance regulations and support the adoption of SAP HANA, HPC, cloud, edge computing and Kubernetes container management strategies throughout the U.S. government.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the company, including statements containing the words "aims," "targets," "will," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar expressions, may constitute forward-looking statements and should be read with caution. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including competitive landscape, development of customer deals, reliance upon customer relationships, management of growth and acquisitions, the possibility of undetected software issues, the risks of impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturns, pricing pressures and the viability of the Internet. In addition, any forward-looking statements included herein represent views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. The Company does not have any obligation to update its forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date other than the date of this press release.

Copyright 2021 SUSE LLC. All rights reserved. SUSE and the SUSE logo are registered trademarks of SUSE LLC in the United States and other countries. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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For the second time in a matter of days, Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp was forced to write a letter to employees addressing a business decision.

Yesterday, Karp wrote a letter after S&S management became aware of a petition being circulated by some staff members calling for the publisher to cancel its deal to buy former Vice President Mike Pences memoir, as well as to drop Post Hill Press as a distribution client.

Last week, S&S said it would not distribute The Fight for Truth: The Inside Story Behind the Breonna Taylor Tragedy by Jonathan Mattingly - one of the police officers who fired the shots that killed Taylor - after the book was signed by Post Hill. Some employees had pushed for S&S to cut ties with Post Hill entirely, something Karp said wouldnt be done.

In yesterdays letter, Karp, citing contractual obligations, reiterated that S&S has no plans to drop Post Hill. He also wrote that as a publisher dedicated to publishing books from authors with a range of views, S&S will move ahead with its plans to publish the Pence memoir.

Regardless of where authors sit on the ideological spectrum, or if they hold views that run counter to the belief systems held by some of us, we apply a rigorous standard to assure that in acquiring books, we will be bringing into the world works that provide new information or perspectives on events to which we otherwise might not have access, Karp wrote.

Noting that S&S has experienced outrage from a wide range of groups, he said S&Ss job is to publish books. We come to work each day to publish, not cancel, which is the most extreme decision a publisher can make, and one that runs counter to the very core of our mission to publish a diversity of voices and perspectives, Karp wrote. We will, therefore, proceed in our publishing agreement with Vice President Mike Pence.

Karps full letter is below.

I am writing to you in response to a petition, circulated by some of our employees, that calls into question recent acquisition decisions and ongoing business relationships at Simon & Schuster.

The question of which books we should publish is addressed by our editors and publishers on a daily basis. Our role is to find those authors and works that can shed light on our world -- from first-time novelists to journalists, thought leaders, scientists, memoirists, personalities, and, yes, those who walk the halls of power. Regardless of where those authors sit on the ideological spectrum, or if they hold views that run counter to the belief systems held by some of us, we apply a rigorous standard to assure that in acquiring books, we will be bringing into the world works that provide new information or perspectives on events to which we otherwise might not have access.

As a publisher in this polarized era, we have experienced outrage from both sides of the political divide and from different constituencies and groups. But we come to work each day to publish, not cancel, which is the most extreme decision a publisher can make, and one that runs counter to the very core of our mission to publish a diversity of voices and perspectives. We will, therefore, proceed in our publishing agreement with Vice President Mike Pence.

On Friday I wrote to you with background on our decision to not distribute a planned book from Post Hill Press by Jonathan Mattingly. That decision was immediate, unprecedented, and responsive to the concerns we heard from you and our authors. At the same time, we have contractual obligations and must continue to respect the terms of our agreements with our client publishers.

The judgment each of us renders about particular books is inherently subjective. Discussing how we perceive various works is one of the joys of our business. When we share an enthusiastic consensus about a title, we are a positive and powerful force in the culture. When we allow our judgment to dwell on the books we dislike, we distract ourselves from our primary purpose as a publisher  to champion the books we believe in and love.

A few years ago, when we were considering a book project by an esteemed political leader, she described the story of America as, Two steps forward, one step back. For those who think some of our titles are a step backward, lets appreciate the many Simon & Schuster books that are taking us two steps forward. Lets also acknowledge that we dont agree on which titles are taking us forward and backward! That tension  that push and pull  is a healthy part of the dialectic provided by classically liberal publishing companies.

Over the last year we have done much work to make Simon & Schuster a more open and inclusive workplace. We remain focused on how we can change our culture for the better and improve our publishing programs. The conversations weve been having will help us evolve as a company. The pace of change may not be as fast as some of you would like, but we remain committed to progress.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with me and your managers.

Sincerely,

Jonathan
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 22nd Apr, 2021) H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today approved a series of decisions and strategic initiatives to nurture local talent at a meeting of The Executive Council.

Chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, the meeting was held at Dubai Municipality in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The Executive Council approved the formation of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council established to enhance Dubais efforts to qualify, train, employ and retain local human resources.

The new Council is tasked with enhancing collaboration between the government and private sectors to develop policies and guidelines for enhancing the employment of Emiratis in the private sector.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has always placed the highest priority on investing in Emirati human capital and empowering national talent. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of developing a clear strategic plan and providing all the resources necessary to empower and equip local human capital in contributing actively to the development of a competitive knowledge-based economy in Dubai. Achieving these objectives cannot be attained without closer collaboration with the private sector, he noted.

"His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid firmly believes that the development of human capital is a crucial factor in advancing Dubais sustainable development journey and shaping a bright future for the emirate. Empowering and nurturing local talent will provide further impetus to the leaderships efforts to advance Dubais role as a key player in shaping the worlds future. These new initiatives will open new opportunities for the youth to participate in national development while also making the private sector more attractive for Emiratis," H.

H. said.

"Increasing opportunities for Emiratis to assume strategic roles in key sectors will catalyse the development of their skills and leadership abilities. The Dubai Government is streamlining diverse initiatives to develop Emirati capabilities. These include new educational approaches to equip Emirati youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment," His Highness noted.

To support the Councils efforts, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will develop a database of Emiratis students and liaise with Dubai Government Human Resources Department and other government entities to develop globally benchmarked education opportunities that will help Emiratis develop the competencies needed to succeed in the job market of the future.

The Council also approved the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly City Strategy 2025 and created a taskforce including RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai sports Council, Supreme Legislation Committee and Dubai Public Prosecution to develop the rules and regulations needed to implement the Strategy. Dubai has laid bicycle tracks stretching a total of 463 km so far as part of achieving the target of 13.6 km of bicycle tracks for every 100,000 inhabitants.

The Dubai Bicycle-Friendly City Strategy 2025 includes 18 main initiatives that will be implemented at an investment of AED400 million. The new Strategy also aims to create a bicycle track network in the emirate extending 668 km and develop the legislations needed to make Dubai the most bicycle-friendly city in the world.

A comprehensive infrastructure development plan will see some roads being redesigned to include bicycle tracks. In addition, bicycle-related services will be made available to the public. The Strategy also seeks to encourage new bicycle operators and will create dedicated parking areas for bicycles.
Romanians often debate over methods of preparing this popular nettle dish, but they all agree upon serving it with polenta. (Roberto Sorin/shutterstock)

Stewed Nettles (Mancare de Urzici)

This is the dish Grandma called springs blessing. It is common all over Romania, with different variations. Romanians often debate over methods of preparing it, but they all agree upon serving it with polenta. Sometimes fried eggs find their way onto the plate, too, draped over the bed of green nettles. The dish tastes a lot like spinach, but less metallic.

Makes 4 servings

2 pounds freshly harvested spring nettles

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon white flour

2 spring onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash the fresh nettle leaves thoroughly in cold water in a deep pot. Use rubber gloves to protect your skin from the stings. Dont drain the water; instead, remove the nettles with a skimmer to allow any impurities to fall to the vessels bottom before changing the water. Repeat this operation several times until the water is clear.

Cook the nettles in a pot of salted, boiling water (about 4 1/4 cups) for 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove from heat and strain through a sieve, reserving the liquid. When the nettles have cooled enough to handle, chop them finely on a wooden surface.

Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the red onion until translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low, then add the nettles along with a ladle of the reserved broth from boiling them.

Prepare a dressing by mixing together the flour and 3 tablespoons of the reserved nettle broth. Add the dressing to the nettles and let simmer for 8 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the mixture thickensit should have the consistency of potato puree.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, finish with spring onion and garlic. Simmer for 1 more minute before removing from heat.

Serve hot with polenta, boiled potatoes, or fried eggs if youre not a vegan. You can drink the leftover broth hot, with a pinch of salt, as a nettle tea.
The change comes as demand for vaccine, which has been acute in the Chicago area during the first few months of its rollout, has winded down and more of the eligible population in suburban Cook County  about one in two  has gotten at least the first dose, Rocha said. Tuesdays release of appointments at the countys mass vaccination sites took a few hours to fill up versus a few minutes, which was how long it took a week earlier, Rocha said.
Jaipur, April 21 : The rising number of COVID patients and the short supply of oxygen in hospitals have brought the ruling Congress and the BJP face to face in Rajasthan.

A day after health minister Raghu Sharma accused the Central government of adopting "a biased attitude" in supplying oxygen to the state, BJP state president Satish Poonia shot a tweet sharing a news clip informing how UP CM Yogi Adityanath is installing 13 oxygen plants in the state and advising people to avoid panicking.

Without mentioning the name of CM Ashok Gehlot, he said, "To hide his failures, the Chief Minister, who has been cursing the Central Government, makes every demand from the Centre, which are fulfilled, but on the one hand, here is the CM of Uttar Pradesh who have not only controlled the crime in the state but has resolved the grave challenge of oxygen crisis by bringing up new oxygen plants in record times." Similarly, union minister Gajendra Singh Shekahwat, who is MP from Jodhpur, the constituency of CM Ashok Gehlot, also shot a tweet on the Oxygen crisis without mentioning the Rajasthan CM and said, "Chief Ministers working! While the best CM of Maharashtra, an IIT graduate CM of Delhi and a farmer leader CM of Punjab are busy cribbing and crying fowl to the media, a saffron clad CM of UP, despite being in quarantine is getting oxygen plants constructed for his state." He did not stop here and on Thursday shot another tweet, saying, "Four states, Four CMs - Two offering solutions, while Two busy passing the buck. That's all the difference." In the tweet, he shared four news clippings, which carries news of UP CM announcing free COVID vaccines for people over 18 years of age group, Assam minister promising free vaccines for people under 18-45 years of age group, Kerala CM writing to Modi to provide free vaccines to states and Delhi CM urging central govt to resolve Oxygen crisis in capital of india at the earliest.

On Wednesday, State Health Minister Raghu Sharma said that oxygen plants are under the Centre's control, and while the Bhiwadi plant generates 120 metric tonnes of oxygen, Rajasthan gets only 65 MT.

He further alleged that a quota for neighbouring Gujarat has been fixed at 1,200 metric tonnes, while the supply of Oxygen is limited to 124 metric tonnes for Rajasthan. "Meanwhile, out of this, we are getting only 65 metric tonnes of oxygen," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Opinion Article

21 April 2021

Hotel History: Driskill Hotel (188 rooms)

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The Driskill, a Romanesque-style building completed in 1886, is the oldest operating hotel in Austin, Texas, and one of the best-known hotels in Texas. The Driskill was conceived and built by Col. Jesse Driskill, a cattleman who spent his fortune constructing "the finest hotel south of St. Louis". Flush with cash from his service to the Confederate Army to which he supplied beef throughout the Civil War. In 1884, Driscoll purchased land in downtown Austin for $7500 and announced plans for a new hotel. Today, the Driskill remains one of the premier hotels in Austin, featuring lavish bridal suites, two restaurants, and a grand ballroom.

Cattle baron Jesse Driskill opened the hotel in 1886 in what was then a frontier town. He lost it two years later when his fortune went kaput after his herd died during a severe drought and a freeze.

The Driskill is composed of two interconnected buildings; the original four-story Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1886, and a 13-story annex constructed in 1930.

The original building, designed by local Austin architect Jasper N. Preston, was constructed with over six million pressed bricks and white limestone accents. The building contains two porticos on the southern and eastern facades, which contain large Richardsonian-style arches that were reputed to be the largest in Texas. The facade contains three limestone busts of Driskill and his sons; J.W. "Bud" Driskill facing Brazos Street, A. W. "Tobe" Driskill facing an alley on the west side, and Jesse Driskill facing Sixth Street, whose bust is surrounded by decorative carvings including longhorns on the gable ends.

The hotel opened with 60 rooms including 12 corner rooms with attached baths, a rare feature in hotels of the region at the time. At the center of the hotel was a four-story open rotunda capped by a domed skylight, which functioned as a flue to suck up the hot air and cool the building; the skylight was removed when air conditioning was installed on the roof in 1950. The building was designed for separate entrances for men and women. Two entrances, one on Sixth Street and another facing the alleyway on the west side the building, were reserved for men and were flanked by a saloon, billiard room cigar shop, a newsstand and a barbershop featuring baths. The women's entrance on Brazos Street allowed female guests to proceed directly to their rooms, thereby avoiding the cigar smoke and rough talk of the cattlemen in the lobby. The second floor contained the main dining room and ballroom, separate parlors for men and women, a children's dining room, and bridal suites. Other embellishments included an electric bell system, marble bureaus, steam heating, and gas lighting.

The 13-story annex, designed by the El Paso architecture firm Trost & Trost, opened in 1930. The 180-room annex contains a bungalow penthouse that is only accessible from the building's roof. The bungalow contains two bedrooms with private baths, a living room, and a full kitchen. The bungalow was originally used as a private residence by superintendents of the Southern Pacific Railroad, but was later rented to high-profile guests including Jack Dempsey, Bob Hope, and President Lyndon Johnson. In 1979, the hotel manager restored the bungalow to use as his private residence.

In 1934, a young Texas congressional aide named Lyndon B. Johnson met Claudia Alta Taylor for their first date: a breakfast at the Driskill Dining Room. He was so enamored that he proposed marriage that very day. He and Lady Bird continued to have a strong relationship with the hotel, even watching election returns for his vice presidential and presidential campaigns. And today guests can stay in a room named after him.

The hotel held a grand opening on December 20, 1886, and was featured in a special edition of the Austin Daily Statesman. On January 1, 1887, Governor Sul Ross held his inaugural ball in its ballroom, beginning a tradition for every Texas governor since. In May 1887, less than a year after it opened, Driskill was forced to close the hotel, as he could no longer afford to operate the hotel following a harsh winter and drought that killed his cattle inventory. In addition, S.E. McIlhenny, the hotel's general manager, and half of the staff were hired by the Beach Hotel in Galveston, which expedited the closure. Driskill sold the hotel in 1888 to his brother-in-law, Jim "Doc" Day, who reopened the hotel late in 1888.

Austin magnate George Littlefield, responsible for other Austin landmark's opened the Austin National Bank on the southeast corner of the building; the old bank vault still remains. Littlefield later purchased the hotel for $106,000 in 1895 and vowed that it would never close again. Littlefield invested over $60,000 in renovations, including ceiling frescoes, electric lighting, steam heating, and 28 additional lavatories, but still sold the hotel at a loss of $25,000 in 1903 to banking competitor, Wilmot. Wilmot added a barbershop and women's spa featuring Turkish baths, oversaw the construction of the annex, and adorned the former smoking room with eight antique Austrian gold leaf-framed mirrors previously owned by Maximilian and Carlota of Mexico.

In 1950, the hotel embarked on a renovation, which closed off the Sixth Street entrance and removed the rotunda's skylight to make way for air conditioning units on the roof. In 1952, the former Austin National Bank was transformed into a television studio for KTBC, the very first television station in Central Texas.

In 1969, the Driskill closed its guest rooms in anticipation of a renovation and new tower containing a modern glass facade, which never materialized. Most of its furnishings were sold, and an American-Statesman article declared, "Driskill Hotel's Fate 'Sealed'." The hotel was saved from the wrecking ball at almost the last minute, however, when a nonprofit organization called the Driskill Hotel Corporation raised $900,000.

In 1908, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas met at the Driskill hotel to discuss the fate of the Alamo Mission in San Antonio. At the meeting, a divide between two factions of the group erupted over whether to demolish or preserve the structure.

Braniff International Hotels, Inc., a division of Braniff Airways, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, bought the hotel in 1972 and began a $350,000 restoration of the grand lobby of the historic facility. Braniff reopened the hotel to customers on January 15, 1973, to very strong bookings and conference business. Braniff threw an official grand reopening celebration on February 10, 1973. Over 1000 guests attended the gala event that included a parade of every Texas Governor and/or their descendants, since 1886. All proceeds from the event went to the Austin Heritage Society, who was strategically instrumental in the resurrection of the Hotel Driskill.

In 1995, The Driskill was purchased by Great American Life Insurance, who embarked on a $30 million renovation to restore the hotel to its original appearance, which had been heavily modified over the years. The hotel closed for four years for renovation work and was re-opened in a Millennium celebration on December 31, 1999.

In 2013, The Driskill was purchased by Hyatt Hotels Corporation for $85 million, who embarked on an $8 million renovation of the hotel which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1969.

My New Book "Great American Hotel Architects Volume 2" has just been published.

All of the following books can be ordered from AuthorHouse by visiting www.stanleyturkel.com and clicking on the book's title.

Great American Hoteliers: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2009)

Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels in New York (2011)

Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi (2013)

Hotel Mavens: Lucius M. Boomer, George C. Boldt, Oscar of the Waldorf (2014)

Great American Hoteliers Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2016)

Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels West of the Mississippi (2017)

Hotel Mavens Volume 2: Henry Morrison Flagler, Henry Bradley Plant, Carl Graham Fisher (2018)

Great American Hotel Architects Volume I (2019)

Hotel Mavens: Volume 3: Bob and Larry Tisch, Ralph Hitz, Cesar Ritz, Curt Strand (2020)

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The Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called for the need to generate more, not less, power as the countrys power needs grow in consonance with its growing population and urbanization.



The Minister made this observation when he opened a four-day Energy Sector Work Programme Retreat for 2021 at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada in the Greater Accra Region.



Dr Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South and is popularly known as NAPO, indicated that his core vision for the sector reflected the partys 2020 election manifesto on energy, together with the Presidents vision of safe, reliable energy for the country in a bid to meet its energy needs for domestic consumption and industrialization.



On the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) currently being renegotiated with Independent Producers (IPPs) Dr Prempeh observed that the challenge had been that these were negotiated in an emergency, at a time that the nation had fallen on hard times and therefore meant we were in a weaker position to negotiate those agreements in our favour.



Going forward, the Minister called for a take and pay position and insisted that there would not be government guarantees with respect to future negotiations.  We need to negotiate now, not when we are in hard times, Dr Prempeh insisted.



The event brings together Directors of the Ministry and senior management of various agencies in the sector to discuss the agencies programmes last year as well as their projections and key performance indicators going forward in 2021. Other stakeholders such as the Nuclear Power Ghana and the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).



The retreat ends on Saturday morning.

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.

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Covenant Medical Group is no longer running drive-through testing sites in Lubbock as a result of a decline of COVID-19 cases and low transmission numbers. The in-person testing locations remain open.

Covenant Health provides rapid and PCR tests. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those with symptoms who need to be tested can visit any of the following walk-in testing sites.
Fishermen break quarantine, raising COVID-19 risk in Unalaska

April 21,2021 | Source: Marex

Local officials in Dutch Harbor are considering fines for a number of fishermen who were exposed to COVID-19, broke quarantine, visited a local bar and later tested positive for the virus. They exposed an unknown number of citizens who were at the bar after 2200 hours on April 10, forcing the city of Unalaska to reinstitute risk guidelines which had just been lifted in March.



At least 26 out of the 51 crewmembers of the factory trawler Seafreeze America have tested positive for the virus so far. After the first few cases were detected, the ship returned to port in Dutch Harbor and the crew was sequestered in on-shore quarantine quarters as a precautionary measure. Despite knowledge that they could have COVID-19, an undisclosed number of the crewmembers snuck out of quarantine without permission to visit the Norwegian Rat Saloon - and exposed local citizens to coronavirus.



In response, the City of Unalaska revised the risk level for coronavirus infection to "high," indicating more stringent social distancing requirements. The city's response plan calls for closing public buildings and recommending the suspension of non-essential activities when a state of "high" risk is declared. Unalaska's schools will remain open for now, and once two weeks with no additional community spread cases have passed, the city may give consideration to stepping back down to "medium risk."



Individuals who were at the bar have been asked to get tested for COVID-19, unless they have already been vaccinated or have recovered from the disease in the last three months.



According to local public media outlet KUCB, the chief operating officer of U.S. Seafoods has issued an apology to the city of Unalaska for the breach of quarantine. "We regret that these individuals made terrible decisions, put a lot of people at risk and harmed a lot of people. We are as outraged as you are," U.S. Seafoods COO Dave Wood said.



Seafreeze America was last in the news for a COVID-related incident in March 2020. According to federal prosecutors, galley assistant Maurice Young allegedly broke the eye socket of a crewmate who had criticized him for "serving food without gloves" in breach of COVID-19 precautionary measures. The victim was transported to Anchorage for surgery and Young was charged with assault.

 2021 The Maritime Executive, LLC. All rights reserved.

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Nashik: At least 22 deaths have been confirmed at Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) hospital on Wednesday (April 21) where the tanker leak led to shortage of oxygen meant for the patients.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.

The tragedy at a hospital in Nashik because of oxygen tank leakage is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. Condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour, said PM Modi in a tweet.

The tragedy at a hospital in Nashik because of oxygen tank leakage is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. Condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the loss of life in the tragic accident.

"Distressed to hear the news of the accident. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this incident, Shah said.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope expressed grief over the incident and ordered a probe into it.

"Patients who were on ventilators at the hospital in Nashik have died," Tope said.

"The leakage was spotted at the tank supplying oxygen to these patients. The interrupted supply could be linked to the deaths of the patients in the hospital," he added.

"The liquid oxygen which was filled in the tank has the temperature of around minus 180-degree celsius. There is extreme pressure on the walls of the tank which supplies the oxygen to patients on ventilators. It is more of a technical issue," he further said.

Tope said a probe will ascertain whether the leakage was caused due to negligence or due to any other issue.

video of oxygen purportedly leaking from the storage plant has gone viral on social media since this morning.

Some relatives of the deceased COVID-19 patients have alleged that the "lowered supply of oxygen" claimed the lives of their kin.

Live TV
Thiruvananthapuram, April 21 : State Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan on Wednesday flatly denied having any dealings with Solar accused Saritha Nair.

In the fake appointment case, where money was collected from various people promising them a job at the state-run Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), the police have already arrested a partner of Saritha Nair.

On Wednesday, an audio clip believed to be that of Saritha Nair surfaced wherein she is heard talking about the role of Ramakrishnan and the then MD of Bevco Sparjan Kumar -- a top IPS official.

Flatly denying having anything to do with the fake appointment case, Ramakrishnan said, "Never ever have I had anything to do with such people. Strict action will be taken against any foul play if it has happened in the appointments made," said the Minister.

Ever since the news of this case surfaced, various Congress leaders while engaging in TV news channel discussions now refer to Saritha as Comrade Saritha.

While Saritha can take the credit for bringing down the 2011-16 Oommen Chandy government on account of the scams involving her and a few office members of the Chandy office, which the Left used widely in their election campaign in the 2016 Assembly polls, at the fag end of the present Pinarayi Vijayan government she is creating heartbreaks in an alleged fake appointment racket case.
ALBANY  In the wake of the guilty verdict in the trial of ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, criminal justice reform advocates are pressuring the Legislature to pass racial equity legislation, including measures to reform parole, extend voting rights to those with felony convictions and expunge certain criminal records.

The legislative session ends in June and most of the substantial action has occurred, with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently remarking that he'd already achieved most of the priorities on his agenda. Some of those policies that touch on racial equity include the HALT Solitary Act, a $2.1 billion fund for retroactive unemployment benefits for people living in the country without documentation, and  perhaps most significantly  marijuana legalization and the expungement of past marijuana convictions.

"We wont stop, cant stop. The verdict is not a cure for the legacy of racism that has to be uprooted. We have to address this issue with finality. This is what creates mass incarceration, this is what creates poverty, perpetual poverty," Jose Saldana, director of the Release Aging People from Prison campaign, said Tuesday during a news conference hosted by a number of advocacy groups and lawmakers.

Advocates are pressing for an extensive slate of legislation, which includes the Fair and Timely Parole Act, Elder Parole, the Clean Slate Act and a measure to automatically extend voting rights to people released from prison, which was passed by the Assembly on Tuesday and the Senate in February. Formerly incarcerated people can currently apply to have their voting rights reinstated, but this would automate that process.

People who are on parole lead extraordinarily strict, law-abiding lives, said Assemblyman Daniel ODonnell, a Manhattan Democrat. The homes of people on parole are subject to drug inspections, they are drug tested, they have curfews and their parole officer checks to make sure they are employed. If they step out of line, they're sent back to prison." If you can live a law-abiding life while on parole, then you are living a law-abiding life.

If youre no longer in prison, then you have a right to vote," O'Donnell said.

The two pieces of parole reform legislation  Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole  have been a focus for advocacy effort throughout the year. Elder Parole would automatically make older people in prison parole-eligible, while Fair and Timely would reshape the process of parole so there'd be more of a presumption for release. The Times Union reported last fall that significant racial disparities persist in the rates that people are granted parole, and subsequent reporting has shown the process to be opaque and frequently focused on the original crime to the exclusion of rehabilitative efforts in the intermittent years.

In a Zoom call with reporters Monday afternoon, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that while she's sure that activists had spoken to each Democrat in the chamber about the parole bills, the members hadn't yet formally discussed the measures in a conference meeting.

"We want the systems to at least function in a way that they should, and I think the a lot of the conversation around parole is whether or not people should be judged by the worst thing they did ever or whether or not they should be viewed in terms of what has happened with rehabilitation, or remorse," Stewart-Cousins said. "Im sure I dont have to tell you but its going to be a very intense period between now and June when we adjourn for the summer."

But as advocates push for new legislation in the remaining months of session, Cuomo's troubles are hanging in the backdrop. That includes an impeachment investigation scandals, including a cover up of nursing home deaths, alleged sexual harassment by Cuomo, an alleged coverup of structural deficiencies in the Gov. Mario Cuomo bridge, and allegations that members of Cuomo's family received priority coronavirus testing from the state health department.

A senior aide in the Senate said that they expect the threat of impeachment to hang over the rest of session. The person said they think there's enough votes from Democrats to impeach and remove the governor at any time if it were brought up formally.

The person said that while an impeachment vote is not imminent, they expect pressure to continue to build if any of the allegations are corroborated.
Washington, DC-- A team of astronomers including Carnegie's Alycia Weinberger and former-Carnegie postdoc Meredith MacGregor, now an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, spotted an extreme outburst, or flare, from the Sun's nearest neighbor--the star Proxima Centauri.

Their work, which could help guide the search for life beyond our Solar System, is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Proxima Centauri is a "red dwarf" with about one-eighth the mass of our Sun, which sits just four light-years, or almost 25 trillion miles, from the center of our Solar System and hosts at least two planets, one of which may look something like Earth.

In a worldwide campaign carried out over several months, the researchers observed Proxima Centauri using nine ground- and space-based telescopes. They caught the extreme flare on May 1, 2019, with five telescopes that traced its timing and energy in unprecedented detail.

"The star went from normal to 14,000 times brighter when seen in ultraviolet wavelengths over the span of a few seconds," said MacGregor.

Stellar flares happen when a shift in the star's magnetic field accelerates electrons to speeds approaching that of light. The accelerated electrons interact with the highly charged plasma that makes up most of the star, causing an eruption that produces emission across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

"Proxima Centauri is of similar age to the Sun, so it's been blasting its planets with high energy flares for billions of years," said Weinberger. "Studying these extreme flares with multiple observatories lets us understand what its planets have endured and how they might have changed."

Like many red dwarfs--the most-common stars in the galaxy and hosts to many of the thousands of known exoplanets--Proxima Centauri is very lively.

"If there was life on the planet nearest to Proxima Centauri, it would have to look very different than anything on Earth," MacGregor said. "A human being on this planet would have a bad time."

To see just how much Proxima Centauri flares, the researchers pulled off what approaches a coup in the field of astrophysics: They pointed nine different instruments at the star for 40 hours over the course of several months in 2019. Those eyes included the the duPont Telescope at Carnegie's Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), and NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Five of them recorded the massive May 1 flare from Proxima Centauri, capturing the event as it produced a wide spectrum of radiation. This marked first time astronomers have ever had this kind of multi-wavelength coverage of a stellar flare. Usually, it's considered lucky to get observations from two instruments.

"Now we know these very different observatories operating at very different wavelengths can see the same fast, energetic impulse," Weinberger said.

The technique delivered one of the most in-depth anatomies of a flare from any star in the galaxy. While it didn't produce a lot of visible light, it generated a huge surge in both ultraviolet and radio, or "millimeter," radiation. These signals could help researchers gather more information about how stars generate flares.

They also suggest that there may be more surprises in store from the Sun's "next door" neighbor.

Going forward, "there will probably be even more weird types of flares that demonstrate different types of physics that we haven't thought about before," MacGregor concluded.

###

Arizona State University, NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Sydney, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Space Telescope Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and the University of British Columbia also contributed to this research.

This work was supported by a U.S. National Science Foundation Astronomy and Astro-physics Postdoctoral Fellowship; NRAO Student Observing Support (SOS) grants; a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy; and the GSFC Sellers Exoplanet Environments Collaboration (SEEC), which is funded in part by the NASA Planetary Science Divisions Internal Scientist Funding Model.

The Carnegie Institution for Science (carnegiescience.edu) is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with three research divisions on both coasts. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in the life and environmental sciences, Earth and planetary science, and astronomy and astrophysics.
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Russian authorities arrested key members of Alexei Navalnys team on Wednesday ahead of nationwide protests and a pugnacious state of the nation address by President Vladimir Putin.

In a highly charged atmosphere, police first detained Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for the jailed Putin critics anti-corruption foundation, in southern Moscow, then Mr Navalnys press secretary Kira Yarmysh.

By mid afternoon, police had arrested 115 people at protests across Russia in support of Mr Navalny, the OVD-Info protest monitoring group said.

Mr Navalny, who survived a nerve agent attack in August, is now three weeks into a hunger strike in protest at being denied access to civilian doctors. His supporters claim he is now in a critical condition, and that the Kremlin is deliberately subjecting him to the risk of sudden death.

On Sunday, Mr Navalnys team called for protests to apply maximum pressure on Mr Putin, with Russias longtime president due to give his annual state of the nation address in central Moscow at noon.

The anti-Putin rallies began in the Russian Far East an hour before the start of Mr Putins speech, with arrests already reported in Magadan. They will run through 8 time zones before starting at 7pm in the capital itself.

However, Vladimir Putin made no mention of his political nemesis during an 80-minute annual state of the nation speech. Instead, he devoted most of the annual address to domestic concerns about poverty, demographic problems and a stagnating economy.

The 21-year president announced an expansion of social promises. Some appeared geared to Septembers parliamentary elections. There would be a one-off 10,000 rouble (93) payment to all families with schoolchildren in mid-August, he said. There would also be new benefits for some pregnant women and single-parent families.

But the conservative speech contained none of the revolutionary announcements of last years address, when Mr Putin outlined an overhaul of the constitution designed to reset term limits.

It was only in the traditional foreign policy slot towards the end of the speech that Mr Putin became truly animated.

Criticising Russia had become a sport in the west, he said. Russia was tolerant and patient but moves to threaten Moscows self-defined security were unacceptable.

Russian opposition activist Lyubov Sobol was arrested in Moscow on Wednesday (AP)

Anyone who threatens the fundamental interests of our security will regret it like they have not regretted anything in a long time, he said. Russias response will be swift, asymmetrical and tough.

The Russian leader claimed the collective west had crossed undefined boundaries in Belarus, where autocrat Alexander Lukashenko has clung on to power with Russian support despite a popular uprising and losing an election badly.

Mr Putin repeated shaky claims that Mr Lukashenko had been subject to an assassination attempt  an unverified theory that some suggested had been put forward to justify a soft annexation of the eastern Slavic state by Moscow.

The Belarusian leader himself trailed plans for a historical agreement with Russia in the lead-up to Wednesdays speech. In the event, the address contained no specific announcement on Belarus.

Mr Lukashenko is, however, due in Moscow tomorrow for talks that could change that.
Credit: Unsplash

A Peter Mac-led study has shown many Australian women at increased risk of breast cancer are unaware they can reduce their risk with medication.

More than 720 women and 220 of their clinicians responded to a survey assessing awareness of preventive medications, such as tamoxifen, that can reduce breast cancer risk.

These drugs are off-patent and so are not a focus of pharmaceutical companies when it comes to medications they support with patient and clinician awareness campaigns.

The surveyed women were all part of the ongoing kConFab study of families with strong history of breast and ovarian cancer.

Just ten (1.4%) of the women had ever taken preventive medication and half (52%) were unaware this was availablealong with 3% of breast surgeons and 35% of family doctors.

Among those who were aware, concern about side-effects (31%) and inadequate information (23%) were the main reasons women did not take preventive medication.

Dr. Courtney Macdonald said for family doctors surveyed, the main barrier was insufficient knowledge about these medicines.

"When taken preventively, tamoxifen is generally well-tolerated and side-effects tend to be overestimated by women and doctors," she also said.

An online tooliPreventis available to help women and clinicians understand if preventive medications are appropriate and provide clear information on side-effects and benefits.

Dr. Macdonald is lead author of a paper reporting these findings, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research and with an accompanying editorial.

Explore further Women reveal the reasons they reject a preventive drug for breast cancer

More information: Victor G. Vogel. Implementation of Risk-reducing Strategies for Breast Cancer is Long Overdue, Cancer Prevention Research (2020). Journal information: Cancer Prevention Research Victor G. Vogel. Implementation of Risk-reducing Strategies for Breast Cancer is Long Overdue,(2020). DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-20-0556

Provided by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Australians looking to use the travel bubble with New Zealand as a loophole to go further overseas could see themselves heavily fined and even jailed.

The quarantine-free travel agreement between the two Anzac nations began on Monday with people quickly identifying the fact Australians could use New Zealand as a port to fly internationally with their own borders being closed.

Australians have been banned from going overseas since March 2020 to stop coronavirus being imported into the country, but the trans-Tasman travel bubble was finally set up on Monday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has since amended the Biosecurity legislation to say no Australians can use New Zealand as a port unless they have urgent compassionate or medical reasons - and failure to comply could see fines of up to $63,000 and five years in jail.

Australians looking to use the travel bubble with New Zealand as a loophole to going to other countries could see them heavily fined and even jailed

Australian and New Zealand families were reunited on Monday as the quarantine-free travel bubble opened between the two countries, with thousands already crossing the border.

To travel further afield, citizens must meet strict criteria, but reports emerged that the NZ Border Force would be powerless to stop Australian residents leaving their shores.

The Australian Border Force has now warned Australians looking to use their neighbours as a port of departure could face extreme difficulties coming home due to the reduced number flights coming into the country.

Australian and New Zealand families were reunited on Monday as the quarantine-free travel bubble opened between the two countries, with thousands already crossing borders

The Biosecurity Act, which was amended on Monday by Mr Hunt, says no one Australians can use New Zealand as a stepping stone to the world unless have to travel for 'the death or serious illness of a close family member of the individual or of a close family member of the spouse or de facto partner of the individual.'

Anyone who broke those rules 'may contravene a civil penalty provision' and would be in violation Section 46 of the Act which would see a minimum fine of $6,300 and a maximum of $63,000.

They could also face five years in prison.

There are still more than 35,000 Australians stranded overseas.
A convicted criminal who has lived in Australia since he was nine years old has lost his bid to remain in the country and will instead be deported back to New Zealand after he was jailed for three years for drug possession.

The man appealed a decision to cancel his Australian visa on character grounds, arguing 'being deported to New Zealand would be a nightmare'.

The 29-year-old was convicted in the Queensland Supreme Court of possessing an illicit drug in December 2017 and sent to prison, where eight months later a decision was made to cancel his visa because he was jailed for more than 12 months.

After he appealed to the Minister for Immigration to revoke the cancellation and was knocked back, he turned to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in a last ditch effort to remain in the country.

'All my family are here who I am extremely close to... I cannot imagine leaving them and returning to a country that I can barely remember, where I have no one,' the man told the Tribunal.

More than 1,000 New Zealanders who have committed criminal acts in Australia have been deported back to their country of birth since 2014 (Pictured: A Kiwi is deported from Australia in September)

'I know I have made some mistakes which I can't take back. I won't make these mistakes again I'm doing all I can to get the professional help I need.

'I know I won't relapse again. My life and family are here. Please don't take me away from them.'

The man acknowledged he had a drug addiction and an extensive criminal record and said 'all my criminal history relates to drug use, especially methamphetamine (ice)'.

He was first warned his visa could be cancelled as early as 2010, when he was jailed after being convicted of one count of armed robbery in company, with wounding after he held up a car wash attendant with a knife.

He was also convicted of two burglaries after he stole jewellery and a television from two different homes in 2008.

He also appeared before the Queensland District Court last year after he was charged with 14 offences, including possessing a dangerous drug and possessing a handgun.

The man told the Tribunal he had only been back to New Zealand once since arriving in Australia.

'This experience had a really negative impact on me. The thought that I could be sent back there with no hope of returning to Australian terrifies me,' he said.

Under Australia's Migration Act, a non-citizen who is 'not of good character' can have their visa cancelled (pictured, a man being deported to New Zealand last year)

He argued he needed to remain in Australia so he could have 'the support of my family so I can overcome my drug addiction'.

In a decision handed down last week, the Tribunal affirmed the decision to cancel the man's visa.

'The Applicant has offended of the order of 60 times since being given notice of intention to consider cancellation of his visa. He has had a fair go at meeting the community expectation and has failed dismally,' the Tribunal said.

'He has been sentenced to significant terms of imprisonment. He has made some positive contribution of consequence to the Australian community, but has ruined an unknown number of lives, including his own.

'Not only has this Applicant breached his obligation to obey Australian law, there is an unacceptable risk that he will do so again given the opportunity.

'The Tribunal believes the Australian community would strongly expect that this Applicant should not hold a visa.'

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured left with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison) has been a fierce critic of Australia's deportation policy

Under Australia's Migration Act, a non-citizen who 'is or may be a risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community' or is 'not of good character' can have their visa cancelled and be deported under section 501.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has previously criticised the deportation policy, which she claims sends back Kiwis who have little or no links to her country.

But her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison said: 'You commit a crime here, you're convicted, you do your time, you go home'.

More than 1,000 New Zealanders have been deported from Australia since 2014 when changes were made to the Migration Act. A third had not been to New Zealand for more than 10 years.

Drug offences, assault and child sex offences are the most common charges that result in deportation.

The law means even if an individual is an Australian permanent resident, and has lived and worked in the country for decades, they can still be deported.

New Zealanders are thought to be the largest group to have had their visas cancelled.
The Gold Coast has long been a holiday and party destination for humans, and new research has found it is no different for humpback whales.

Griffith University researchers have used data gathered by citizen science programs to study the migration habits and behaviour of the humpbacks and found they use two spots on the Queensland coast for similar, but noticeably distinct, reasons.

Humpback whales, like humans, also use the Gold Coast for a good time, new research has found. Credit:Getty

Hervey Bay is famously a respite stop on the whales annual migration up and down the east coast of Australia, with the whales, especially mothers with young calves, using the sheltered bay area to rest and recharge.

While the whales also used the water off the Gold Coast was also used as a rest area, Griffith whale expert Olaf Meynecke said they found the way the whales used those areas were different.
APS Fellow/Author: Kristina R. Olson

In late March, the Arkansas State House and Senate voted to prohibit health care workers in the state from providing gender-affirming health care to transgender and other gender-diverse young people. While the decision was vetoed by the governor on April 5, the state legislature overrode that veto the next day. Meanwhile the Alabama State Senate approved a law in March to make it a felony for doctors to provide gender-affirming health care to transgender youth. And a bill proposed in North Carolina would outlaw gender-affirmative care for people younger than 21. Several other U.S. states are pursuing similar legislation, hot on the heels of a related decision in the U.K. that initially required a court order for transgender youth under age 16 to access this care (though that ruling has been partially reversed).

These laws are out of sync with the recommendations of the American Medical Association, the Endocrine Society, the Pediatric Endocrine Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, who all agree that gender-affirmative treatments are an important option for transgender youth.



Read the whole story: Scientific American
A curveball or a grenade? Canadian National may be bidding in earnest  or just disrupting its competitors deal. The new offer could raise anxieties about railroad consolidation, making regulators more cautious. The prospect of a deal has received a mixed reception from freight shippers, who suffered in the last round of consolidation. And we havent yet heard from Senator Amy Klobuchar, who heads the antitrust subcommittee and represents key industrial interests in Minnesota.

Giving Coinbase a run for its (digital) money

The public listing of Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., generated a wave of excitement that competitors aim to ride. Among them is Binance.US, the third-ranked domestic crypto exchange, which yesterday named Brian Brooks  formerly Coinbases chief counsel and most recently acting U.S. comptroller of the currency  as C.E.O., beginning in May. Theres a lot of buzz about my former employer, which is well-deserved, Mr. Brooks told DealBook about Coinbase. But its in everybodys best interest if theres more competition.

Mr. Brooks first task is building trust with regulators. He says managing reputation is his biggest concern. Binance has shifted its operations throughout Asia since it was founded in 2017, and some say it played fast and loose with rules. The C.F.T.C. was reportedly investigating the company for allowing U.S.-based customers to trade crypto derivatives, which is banned (the agency declined to comment). Mr. Brooks insists he did a lot of due diligence on his new employer and dismisses loose talk about the exchange flouting regulations.

Binances group C.E.O., CZ Zhao, says he embraces regulation. Hiring Mr. Brooks is one way the company is trying to make the point. Binance also hired Max Baucus, the former Montana senator and ambassador to China, last month, along with other former regulators.

Binance.US sees potential to lead in undeveloped areas of the American crypto landscape, like derivatives and lending. Mr. Brooks said the company can learn from competitors like Coinbase and Kraken  and challenge them. That is, if he can convince regulators to bless its efforts to bring crypto into the financial mainstream, a preoccupation of players across the industry.

JPMorgan wants to end banker burnout, for real this time

Yesterday, JPMorgan Chases co-heads of investment banking, Jim Casey and Viswas Raghavan, announced policies aimed at improving working conditions amid record deal volume and banker burnout. The company has attempted similar things before. DealBook spoke with Mr. Casey about the latest plan  and whether this one will stick.

JPMorgan has recently hired 65 analysts and 22 associates, and plans to add another 100 junior bankers and support staff, Mr. Casey said. Its targeting bankers at rival firms, as well as lawyers and accountants interested in a career switch.
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Huntington Beach Wont Sue Over State Mandated Housing

Huntington Beach City Council struck down a motion this week to file a lawsuit against its state-mandated housing allocation.

Councilmember Erik Peterson brought forward a motion to appeal the allocation by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and initiate a lawsuit in state court. Council voted the motion down 52.

Filing this appeal is the next logical step in trying to maintain a semblance of our local control, Peterson said during the April 19 council meeting.

Its a simple questionaccept SCAGs ruling, or fight for our locals and our local control.

City council members are unhappy with the state-mandated housing allocation of 13,368 units to be built by 2029 and have tried different avenues to fight it.

The council previously discussed in a closed session March 15 appealing for a reduction in its 13,368 new housing allocation mandate and decided to take no action.

Huntington Beach is one of many Orange County cities that have unsuccessfully appealed the lower Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing allocations.

Its city attorney, Michael Gates, recently suggested that the city should consider suing SCAG and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

I strongly believe we should have local control, and if our council wants to have a progressive, prolific housing policy, then fine, Gates, the only elected city attorney in Orange County, told The Epoch Times in March.

But make those decisions at the local level and be accountable to the voters.

Peterson said, I think the city attorney has enough evidence, and enough history that weve had with this council and with SCAG to file a good appeal.

This is not about anti-development, he said, but about local authorities taking control of their city.

We as local [government] should be controlling as much as we can of our own city. And I think if we can try to get our number down, well have a lot better results in the end, Peterson said.

Councilman Dan Kalmick moved to postpone Petersons item indefinitely because of the councils previous decision to take no action.

Unfortunately, we had this conversation already in closed session, Kalmick said. Were not going to address this item.

Council voted 52 to postpone it, with councilmembers Peterson and Tito Ortiz dissenting.

Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize said the council already appealed and we lost, and that put a big target on our backs from the state and the state sued us.

Delgleize said another lawsuit would just cause the city more problems.

We sued already; weve sued a lot and weve lost. And guess what else, it costs a lot of money, she said.

Delgleize said she never wanted to build the RHNA housing, and instead build things that make sense in our community.

I clearly agree with you. These numbers are not attainable; theyre unachievable; theyre not in reality; theyre just wrong, and HCD has refused to work with the people, she said. Its time that we need to do something in a different way.

Delgleize referenced AB 1258, proposed by Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, which demands a judicial review of the housing allocation.

One of the things I like about that legislation is it is popular, and it is demanding of judicial review, she said. This is long overdue. The last time it was addressed was in 2004.

Councilman Mike Posey said suing ACD and SCAG wouldnt be fruitful.

He said that even if the numbers were reduced, the city would only see a reduction of up to 10 percent of its original allocation.

Nobody even has a target for what that reduction is going to look like, Posey said, adding that a lawsuit could backfire.

If  were in litigation, we cant vote to approve or disapprove the RHNA then. If were in litigation, we dont vote at all. Well have a decertified housing element.
Paris, April 21 : Car-pooling platform BlaBlaCar has raised a new $115 million funding round to accelerate its expansion strategy, as it plans to build an all-in-one travel app.

The new round of funding includes existing investor VNV Global, as well as new investors, namely -- Otiva J/F AB, an investment company created by Jonas Nordlander and Filip Engelbert, former Chairman Investments at Alibaba Group who served on the boards of both Lyft and Tripadvisor are among others.

"The Covid-19 crisis has been a real test on the resilience of various models in the travel sector," Nicolas Brusson, co-founder and CEO, BlaBlaCar, said in a blogpost.

"The BlaBlaCar community-based model with a zero fixed-costs and flexible network came out as a clear winner. This additional funding strengthens our position and brings more firepower to deploy our offensive growth strategy," Brusson added.

The company has grown from being the world's leading carpooling community to becoming the go-to marketplace for shared travel, with over 90 million members travelling by carpool or long-distance buses across 22 markets.

The funding will support the platform's fast growth in these markets and its ability to seize attractive M&A opportunities to lead the offline to online shift in ground transportation, the company said.

As vaccination progresses and travel restrictions are lifted, BlaBlaCar sees travel resuming fast, with a preference for safe, local and affordable travel.

The company also announced the acquisition of Ukrainian company Octobus.

Octobus has developed a state-of-the-art Inventory Management System to help digitalise bus supply.

This acquisition will reinforce BlaBlaCar's ability to support the digitalisation of bus carriers outside of Europe, where bus operators are still selling most of their tickets offline, and where BlaBlaCar is leading the online transition, the company said.
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China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has required efforts to strengthen the safety management of A-level scenic spots as the peak tourist season draws near.

A few safety incidents occurred at some tourist attractions recently, causing tourist casualties and impacting the recovering tourism market, according to a circular issued by the general office of the ministry.

In response, the ministry demanded that A-level tourist sites across the country set their capacity within a reasonable range and continue imposing ticket reserves in advance, according to the circular.

Meanwhile, the tourist destinations were asked to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for their working staff and guide tourists in taking epidemic prevention and control measures, including wearing masks and social distancing.

The circular also called for efforts to improve facilities concerning tourist safety in A-level scenic spots and strengthen precautions against fire and flood risks.
The Governors Official Program is comprised of a wide range of constitutional and legal duties and ceremonial and community engagements. Each year, the Governor hosts thousands of visitors to Government House to take part in investiture and award ceremonies, Open Days, receptions and meetings, and travels widely throughout Queensland to support the activities of Patron groups. View a chronological record of the Governors daily program below.

On Tuesday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC received the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner to sign a message of condolence to the Royal Family following the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Following, at Government House, His Excellency received Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr Thomas Fitschen and Dr Ilona Stolken-Fitschen; and Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Queensland, Professor Michael Rosemann.

In the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted an afternoon reception in support of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland as Trustee of the Dig Tree Reserve, and the Governor addressed guests.
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.

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Chris Mays is a general assignment reporter for the Brattleboro Reformer. He has been with New England Newspapers Inc. since 2012.
More than 910 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been given and the number is climbing daily. So far, though, the vast majority of those given a shot and targeted by campaigns have one thing in common: Theyre adults. That was the right place to start the worlds largest vaccination drive, but its not where we should stop.



Children have, its true, proven less susceptible to the so far. Its one of the pandemics few mercies, even if under-reporting plays a role. But not all have escaped unscathed, and we know infected youngsters have unwittingly passed the illness to others. As with shots for diseases like measles and rubella, Covid-19 vaccinations for kids are about protecting them  and about shielding everyone else. Even if children arent super spreaders, but merely spreaders, the return to a normality of sorts remains a mirage without them.

Unfortunately, this is a corner of the global vaccination campaign where problems like access and hesitancy will be most sharply felt. Trials involving children are only just beginning and are by necessity slow, given safety concerns, which mean researchers work down the age ranges, and lower infection rates. Well need to wait to know which immunizations are safest and best at preventing transmission. The good news is that the gap before rollouts provides a vital few months to tackle head-on the misperception that these shots bring lower rewards.





ALSO READ: Global coronavirus caseload tops 142.6 million: Johns Hopkins University

Children made up about 8% of all Covid-19 cases last year, according to World Health Organization figures, though they account for 29% of the global population. Fewer have ended up in intensive care and most have escaped with fever, fatigue and a cough. Under 0.2% of Covid fatalities were people younger than 20, according to WHO numbers from September.

Crucially, this can change during periods when the disease is running wild. Its alarming to note that Brazils devastating current wave is killing younger people. Pregnant women and children under 10 are falling ill, some of whom have different symptoms and so are misdiagnosed. Kirsty Short, a virologist at the University of Queensland, points out that there is a lot we dont know around other factors at play, including social behaviors, or how children, in particular, respond to variants. But there are good reasons to be wary  not least because of the rare but potentially lethal multi-system inflammatory syndrome, which shares symptoms with toxic shock and Kawasaki disease, like rashes and vomiting, and appears a few weeks after infection. We also know little about the long-term consequences of Covid-19.

Avoidable deaths and potential after-effects are reason enough to ensure shots get into the arms of the worlds children, but theres more. For one, figures like Anthony Fauci, President Joe Bidens medical adviser, point out that it will be tough to reach herd immunity levels  which he estimates requires 70% to 85% of people to be vaccinated or immune  without children, who make up about a quarter of the U.S. population.

And while restrictions remain in place, youngsters suffer the most, bearing the burden of curtailed education, play and sport as advances in health and nutrition go backward. Many who have suffered such disruptions may never return to the classroom.

Were getting closer to the point where childrens vaccines will become available. Moderna Inc., for example, began clinical trials with over-12s in December, and said last month that the first children had been dosed in a trial of its vaccine with younger kids. Pfizer Inc. and partner BioNTech SE want regulators to allow use of their vaccine in 12-to-15-year-olds, after a study found it was 100% effective in preventing illness during a final-stage trial with that age group. We know Israel has already vaccinated some 600 adolescents in at-risk groups with the BioNTech vaccine and saw no significant side effects.





ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India records 300,000 new cases amid oxygen shortage

The rub is that while vaccine hesitancy has varied causes and is spread globally, parents in general have more doubts. Pew research in 2017 found that Americans overwhelmingly backed measles, mumps and rubella vaccine requirements for public school pupils, but parents of young children saw lower benefits and higher risks. Thats the case with Covid-19, too. Research carried out by leading U.S. universities published last month found that when it comes to the coronavirus, younger mothers are especially reluctant: Roughly two-fifths are somewhat or extremely unlikely to seek the vaccination for their children. Part of it, in the developed world, is the lingering, damaging legacy of misinformation around vaccines like MMR. In the developing world, there are also competing health priorities  even when shots are available.

Tackling that requires a concerted global effort focused on education, outreach, and, critically, communication around the risks and rewards, especially after blood-clotting incidents that suspended shots of some vaccines. Robust safety data from trials will help, given that most people simply have doubts, usually reasonable ones, and are not unconditionally opposed.

Its an opportunity to build trust, particularly in communities and among parent groups that have been more vulnerable to Covid-19 but are also skeptical of official pronouncements. Success with these campaigns percolates in a way that mandatory drives do not. Convincing families to protect themselves now may well improve their willingness to get other childhood vaccines. Thats a win, since immunization programs have been battered in much of the world due to the broader disruptions of the past year.

The alternative to vaccinating children is to let Covid linger, as measles has. The highly contagious illness was officially eliminated in 2000 in the United States. But in 2019, a total of 1,282 cases were reported, the most in more than a quarter-century, thanks to unvaccinated people. Its an unpalatable prospect.
A man was killed and two others were injured in a shooting in Little Havana early Wednesday, police said. Detectives are searching for a suspect.

Officers responded around 3:30 a.m. to a ShotSpotter call that alerted them to several rounds of gunfire in the area of 26 NW Eighth Ave. Then a call came in about a man shot.

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When officers got there, they found three men with bullet wounds. One was dead, police said. Video taken by NBC6 shows him covered in a yellow tarp on the ground next to a car.

Miami Fire Rescue took the other two men to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

Detectives say a suspect had ran from the area but they do not have a physical description of the person yet.

On Wednesday afternoon, Miami Police spokesperson Michael Vega told the Miami Herald that detectives no longer consider this to be a drive-by shooting, which was earlier reported, because the suspect was not in a car.

Miami police are asking for people in the area who have surveillance cameras to review their footage, in case they recorded something that could be useful in the investigation.

They are also asking any witnesses to come forward if they have information.

Anyone with info on the shooting is asked to call 305-579-6111 or contact Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers at 866-471-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
India sold twice as much oxygen to the world during the first ten months of fiscal 2020-21 as compared to entire financial year before it, shows data from Department of Commerce. This happened despite the fact that India was one of the three worst-affected nations from the coronavirus pandemic for a substantial portion of this period.

Between April 2020 and January 2021, India exported 9,301 metric tonnes of oxygen across the world, earning Rs 8.9 crore from the trade. In contrast, the country had exported only Rs 4,514 crore during financial year 2019-20, raking in Rs 5.5 crore.

Medical oxygen, a crucial resource in treating critically-ill coronavirus patients, has been in short supply with the second wave of the pandemic resulting in tremendously high demand across the country. On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal informed that certain hospitals only have medical oxygen only sufficient for a few hours left in their reserves.

Similar crisis exists in other parts of the nation too. Maharashtra, which accounts for almost 60 per cent of COVID-19 cases in India, had requested Centre to provide more medical oxygen as the rapidly increasing number of patients in need of the commodity was depleting the reserves fast. On April 19, several cryogenic tankers aboard the Indian Railways' 'Oxygen Express' were dispatched to industrial areas in different parts of the country to receive and ferry liquid oxygen to the state.

Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and several other regions are suffering from an identical conundrum. Patients are struggling to find oxygen as government rush to arrange the same.

On April 18, central government ordered that supply of oxygen to industries, barring a few, should be diverted to the hospitals. Empowered Group-II (EG-II), headed by Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has recommended restricting oxygen supply to manufacturers. The recommendation comes into effect on April 22.

In its order, the ED-II noted that the demand for medical oxygen is already at 60 per cent of production capacity and is more than likely to go up in days to come.

ALSO READ: Reliance ramps up daily oxygen output to over 700 tonnes

Several companies, like Reliance Industries, SAIL, Tata Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India have already volunteered to supply oxygen from their facilities for life-saving purposes. According to the steel ministry, 28 oxygen plants located in the steel facility of both public and private sectors are supplying about 1,500 tonnes of medical oxygen every day. Also, an additional stock of 30,000 MT, including the safety stock, is being made available for medical use.

There are also plans to set up 162 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in public health facilities. These will augment medical oxygen capacity by 154.19 MT.

ALSO READ: 'Oxygen' rally in stock market: Name enough to lift shares in Covid-era

ALSO READ: Delhi Police creates green corridor to supply oxygen to hospital with COVID-19 patients

(Edited by Vivek Punj)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 00:52:41|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on April 20, 2021 shows burned vegetation near Vredehoek, Cape Town, South Africa. The wildfire that broke out on South Africa's iconic Table Mountain on Sunday morning has been largely contained but the danger remains, the Western Cape provincial government said in a statement Tuesday. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)

CAPE TOWN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The wildfire that broke out on South Africa's iconic Table Mountain on Sunday morning has been largely contained but the danger remains, the Western Cape provincial government said in a statement Tuesday.

Nine civilians were taken to hospital with breathing challenges after smoke inhalation and six firefighters sustained injuries in the line of duty, it said in an update on the fire.

Fully extinguishing all of the fire lines is still the government's first priority, Western Cape's head of environmental affairs said in the update, adding that over the next few days firefighters will continue to dampen down the affected areas and monitor for flareups until the government is completely sure that the fire is out.

The Table Mountain National Park later confirmed that the fire has been successfully contained by 1:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. GMT).

Five helicopters have been able to waterbomb the fire lines since 7:00 a.m. after the wind dropped significantly overnight, working together with over 150 firefighters in Cape Town's City Bowl area, where the city center is located.

The fire, which initially started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial, has spread towards the Vredehoek area in City Bowl after reaching the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Damage assessments will be done later and once the fire has been extinguished, the investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted, according to the government.

The latest official figures show that a total of eleven structures were damaged or destroyed by the fire, including six buildings on the UCT and the Mostert's Mill built around 1796.

The university's library, the Jagger Reading Room constructed in the 1930s, is "completely gutted" and some of its valuable collections have lost, according to Ujala Satgoor, Executive Director of the UCT library.

South African National Parks estimated that roughly 400 hectares of wildland have been destroyed.

Both officials and citizens expressed their gratitude towards firefighters over the past three days, and non-governmental organizations, private businesses, and residents voluntarily made donations including drinks and energy bars to them. Enditem
Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity (USR PLUS) proposed on Wednesday Ioana Mihaila, currently Secretary of State with the Ministry of Health, to take over the leadership of this institution.

The proposal was submitted to Prime Minister Florin Citu, announces a USR PLUS press release sent to AGERPRES.

"My priority will be to resolve the health crisis through concrete measures to support hospitals. I am a doctor and I know closely the situation in hospitals and what my colleagues have been facing for more than a year. They need firm and clear solutions and this is what I intend to do, together with my colleagues in the ministry - to come to their aid, and everything that has been done well so far will continue. I unfailingly stand by the commitments I have made as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health: restoring the health infrastructure, supporting the outpatient segment and family medicine, as well as allocating funding on objective criteria. Depoliticizing the health system will be an essential point of my mandate," Ioana Mihaila was quoted as saying.

Ioana Mihaila was born in 1980 and is a primary endocrinologist. She was appointed Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health at the beginning of 2021. In this capacity, she coordinated the management of investments in the Romanian medical system from external funds and the development of the health component in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
ThermalPass scanners have been installed in multiple locations at Iredell-Statesville Schools in the heart of North Carolina, where over 20,000 students attend classes across 37 campuses

Kenny Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Planning, at Iredell-Statesville Schools, said: 'We were very impressed with the ease of use of the product and are thrilled to have implemented it as another layer of protection'

( ) (OTCMKTS:INOTF) (FRA:71TA), a software and solutions provider in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, said it has sold and installed multiple ThermalPass temperature scanning systems in one of North Carolinas largest school districts.

The Toronto-based company said that in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) new in-person reopening mandate, the ThermalPass touchless temperature screening system has been installed in multiple locations at Iredell-Statesville Schools in the heart of North Carolina, where over 20,000 students attend classes across 37 campuses.

We were very impressed with the ease of use of the product and are thrilled to have implemented it as another layer of protection within our health and safety protocols, Kenny Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Planning, at Iredell-Statesville Schools, said in a statement.

Its accuracy and the speed of scanning, all within the normal movement of our students, allows us to dedicate resources elsewhere that would otherwise be required to operate manual temperature screening solutions. The system also allows us to remain socially distanced and to adhere to the CDC guidelines.

Miller pointed out that working with the ThermalPass team was extremely easy as they are customer-oriented and interested in providing a quality product, at a reasonable price, with superior service after the purchase.

I highly recommend ThermalPass and their team if you need a simple, effective, reasonable health screening solution, Miller added.

Jason Elmaleh, President of Commersive Solutions, joint venture partner in ThermalPass said: Were thrilled to be working with such a dedicated group of educators, who see the value in our solution now, during the pandemic and beyond, as we start to get back to our normal lives.

If we are able to reduce the average number of sick days taken from students being out of school by just half a day, that will result in well over a half-million dollars of additional district funding for Iredell-Statesville Schools that would otherwise not be disbursed."

While many factors contribute to school absenteeism, student illness is believed to be the main driver of student absenteeism. The average student in the US (K-12) misses 4.5 days per school year, while the average teacher misses 5.3 days per school year, according to a report by EMist. The total loss of funding to education systems associated with student absenteeism each year in the US is pegged at US$10.7 billion.

We anticipate the education market for ThermalPass will expand rapidly, especially in the US, where the American Rescue Plan Act was just passed, said Predictiv AI CEO Michael Lende. This COVID-19 stimulus package includes an unprecedented $1.9 trillion aid package to help state agencies and school districts reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools.

More information on how Predictiv AIs ThermalPass scanners work can be gleaned from the companys website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
A container with rubber waste, loaded in the United Kingdom of Great Britain for a company from the southern County of Valcea, was discovered by the police in the southeastern Constanta Sud - Agigea port, the Coast Guard informed on Wednesday.

The import made by the Valcea company consisted in 25 tons of green tires - rubber waste.

"On April 19, upon informative activities carried out by the border police, in cooperation with workers from the Constanta Environment Guard and the Constanta Sud Border Customs Office, a container was found, that had arrived from the United Kingdom of Great Britain, loaded with green tires - rubber waste, with a weight of approximately 25,000 kilograms, for a company from the County of Valcea, which is carrying out import activities in Romania," according to a press release sent by the Coast Guard.

According to the source, upon checking, the commissioners of the Constanta Coast Guard took measures to not allowing the import on Romania's territory, as well as to returning the container loaded with rubber waste to its country of origin.
POTTSVILLE  Instead of taking his case to trial, a Shenandoah man admitted Monday to a Schuylkill County judge that he was under the influence of drugs when he drove in July 2019 in North Manheim Township.

Jason C. Stevens, 28, pleaded guilty to DUI. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and speeding.

Judge Charles M. Miller, who was to have presided over Stevens nonjury trial, instead accepted the plea and sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, pay costs, a $1,000 fine and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and perform 10 hours community service. Miller made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. May 3.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Stevens was DUI on July 3, 2019.

Also on Monday, Thomas Zimmerman, 37, of Pine Grove, pleaded guilty to DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia and his eighth driving under suspension charge. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of improper sunscreening.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and sentenced Zimmerman to spend 60 days to six months in prison and an additional 12 months on probation, pay costs, $2,000 in fines, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 bench warrant fee, and perform 10 hours community service. Baldwin made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. May 3.

Baldwin was disturbed that Zimmerman refused to obey traffic laws.

Whats the problem that you dont want to stop driving? Baldwin asked.

Its work related, Zimmerman answered.

Is the DUI work related?

No.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Zimmerman was DUI on May 30, 2019, in Pine Grove Township.

In another Monday case, Matthew O. Elliss, 33, of Shenandoah, pleaded guilty to DUI and careless driving. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of possession of prohibited offensive weapon and one of disregarding traffic lane.

Baldwin sentenced Ellis to serve nine months to five years house arrest with electronic monitoring, pay costs, $1,525 in fines and a $100 SAEF payment, and perform 20 hours community service.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Elliss was driving under the influence of drugs on Feb. 21, 2020, in Norwegian Township.
As of Wednesday, 50.42% of residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, reaching a bench mark in Gov. J.B. Pritzkers reopening plan that would allow all coronavirus restrictions to be lifted  if the spread of the virus is stable or decreasing. Because the virus has been surging since he unveiled the plan last month, officials have said restrictions will remain until transmission is under control.
Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia occupy four of the top five positions globally according to data from Amnesty International. People executed by Riyadh (down 85%) and Baghdad (down 50%) are decreasing. Dizzying increase in Cairo of more than 300%. The global figure is the lowest in the last decade.

Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Four of the top five countries at a global level - excluding China, which does not provide official data  to preform executions last year are in the Middle East.

Amnesty International s latest report reveals that 88% of the total executions worldwide in 2020 took place in Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Tehran, moreover, is the first in the world for people executed in relation to the population.

The global figure of executed death sentences is the lowest in the last decade. However, the numbers do not include the executions in China, where there are thousands of annual executions and the use of capital punishment is widespread, but the figures remain state secrets.

According to the activist group, there is a "ruthless and chilling persistence" of executions in the Middle East, in spite of the global Covid-19 pandemic which for the first months of last year had resulted in a partial reduction.

Analyzing the data, the overall number fell from 579 in 2019 to 437 in 2020. Among the countries that recorded the most consistent decline, Saudi Arabia with a minus 85% (27 in total) and in Iraq with a reduction of 50% (45 executions).

However, the decline in some countries is overshadowed by the 300% increase recorded in Egypt, which executed 107 people in one year, becoming the third nation in the world. Of these, at least 23 were convicted of crimes related to "political violence" within unfair trials and with "confessions" extrapolated by force, combined with other psychological and physical abuse and harassment.

Iran, with at least 246 official executions, is the second nation in the world behind China, whose numbers remain unknown. For activists, Tehran adopts an increasing use of the death penalty as a "weapon of political repression" against dissidents, protesters and members of minorities.

Among the nations reported there is also Qatar which, last year, carried out a death sentence for the first time in 20 years, recording an "alarming step backwards". He is a Nepalese immigrant convicted of murder and executed by a firing squad last May.
A teen from Athens was arrested Tuesday and charged with manslaughter in the death of a three-month-old infant that died earlier this month, according to the Limestone County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriffs deputies responded April 8 to a home on Myrtlewood Drive in Athens on a call of an infant having trouble breathing.

The infant was taken to Athens-Limestone Hospital, where CT scans showed the baby sustained head trauma.

The infant was then taken to Childrens Hospital in Birmingham on April 9 and died the next day, the sheriffs office said.

A 15-year-old juvenile was arrested Tuesday and charged with manslaughter in the infants death.

The sheriffs office did not release further details, citing an ongoing investigation and the suspects age.
Mark McCloskey, Lawyer Who Brandished His Rifle at Black Lives Matter Protesters, Floats Senate Bid

Mark McCloskey, the St. Louis lawyer who brandished his assault rifle at Black Lives Matter protesters as they marched through his neighborhood, floated a bid for Missouris open Senate seat.

I can confirm that its a consideration, yes, McCloskey told Politico Tuesday evening, adding that he had no official timeline for announcing his decision.

He did, however, speak on Saturday at a GOP dinner in Jackson County, with former Gov. Eric Greitens and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt in attendance. Both have already announced their candidacies to succeed Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, who announced his retirement in March.

McCloskey and his wife, Patricia, gained national attention almost overnight after waving their guns at protesters as they marched to the house of former St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson in June 2020. Images of them standing outside their mansion went viral instantly, and they were later indicted on charges of evidence tampering and unlawful use of a weapon.

Former President Donald Trump came to their defense shortly after, saying that it was disgraceful they were facing legal consequences for their actions. The couple later spoke at the Republican National Convention, where they alleged that liberals wanted to demolish the suburbs and destroy the Second Amendment.

Other Republican lawmakers have floated Senate bids as well, including GOP Reps. Jason Smith and Billy Long. Whoever wins the Republican primary in 2022 will likely enter the general election as a favorite, given Missouris move to the right in recent years.

By Andrew Trunsky

From The Daily Caller News Foundation
ICE

EV

kWh

The range of EVs from Ingolstadt now counts five models (e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q4 e-tron Sportback), with the latter three launched this side of January 1st, 2021. What's more, the company also presented the A6 e-tron Concept at Auto Shanghai 2021, the Chinese motor show that has just opened its gates to the public today.Considering four of the five existing EVs are crossovers or SUVs, a sedan that's larger than the GT and more comfort-oriented would make perfect sense, especially if you look at what Mercedes-EQ has just unveiled (that would be the EQS). Still, any production model based on the A6 e-tron Concept and the PPE platform (Premium Platform Electric) it previewsshouldn't be here any sooner than the end of next year, which leaves plenty of time for the Mercedes-EQ EQS to settle in. Maybe even grow some roots.The one thing Audi seems to be getting very right lately is the exterior design of its models. Once a brand criticized for the uniform appearance of its models (and rightly so), the carmaker appears to have found its mojo lately, as proven by(RS6 Avant, RS Q8 ) and(e-tron GT, in particular) models alike. The A6 e-tron Concept makes no exception, and despite the fact it's still a show car, nothing about it looks as though it would keep it from entering production tomorrow.If it did, it would spank the EQS's round bottom in terms of design with ease, and if the proposed specs hold any truth, it would also offer better EV performance. A maximum range of 435 miles (700+ km) from a 100battery pack would make it the most efficient electric vehicle out there, beating not only the Mercedes but also Tesla's Model S or Lucid Motors' Air.However, if Audi really wanted to make a statement, the best way to do it would be a performance EV. Enter the unnamed rendering created by Brazilian artist Gabriel Arruda which pictures a sleek-looking battery-powered supercar that would make us think twice about the Tesla Roadster even if it had half its performance levels.The concept takes some cues from Audi's current design for its e-tron range, but it's more than just an adaptation. Even if it's easily recognizable as an Audi , it still has its own character, just like a halo model should. However, the detail we love the most is one that reminds us of a 1980s Ferrari model. Can you guess it? Here's a hint: the element responsible for the throwback are those fins in the side vents in front of the rear wheels. Still nothing? It's the Ferrari Testarossa.
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in the western Pacific Ocean in 2018. Stringer via Reuters

China has expanded its first and only overseas military base, a US commander said Tuesday.

The Africa Command commander said the Djibouti base is now big enough to support aircraft carriers.

China has two aircraft carriers in service with a third one in the works.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

China's first overseas military base has expanded and is now capable of supporting the country's growing aircraft carrier force, a US combatant commander revealed Tuesday.

"Their first overseas military base, their only one, is in Africa, and they have just expanded that by adding a significant pier that can even support their aircraft carriers in the future," Gen. Stephen Townsend, the head of US Africa Command, told the House Armed Services Committee, Stars and Stripes reported.

Watch: Security booth roof crushes truck cabin after being knocked down by the vehicle in southern China

China opened a base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa and began deploying troops there in 2017. Before the base's opening, the Chinese Ministry of Defense said that it "is for the purpose of better undertaking its international responsibilities and obligations and better protecting its lawful interests, instead of seeking military expansion."

Speaking to lawmakers Tuesday, Townsend said the base is becoming a "platform to project power across the continent and its waters," adding that "around the continent, they are looking for other basing opportunities."

Forbes published a report in May 2020 featuring satellite images of Chinese efforts to expand the Djibouti base. The defense writer H I Sutton said at the time that a 1,120-foot pier visible in the images of the military base was "just long enough to accommodate China's new aircraft carriers, assault carriers or other large warships."

China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti in August 2017. YouTube/CGTN

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has two aircraft carriers. The Liaoning was developed from the unfinished hull of a discarded Soviet heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser, and the newer Shandong is an improved, indigenously produced version of the Liaoning.

Story continues

China is working on a third carrier, which is expected to be a larger, more modern flattop with a catapult launch system.

China is also building new Type 075 amphibious assault ships. The first of the new ships was launched in 2019, and sea trials were underway by the following summer.

Because Djibouti offers access to strategic waterways, multiple countries have set up outposts there, including the US. The Chinese naval base is actually just a few miles down the road from the US military base, Camp Lemonnier.

In 2017, Townsend's predecessor, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, said that the Chinese base's proximity posed "some very significant operational security concerns."

"We've never had a base of, let's just say a peer competitor, as close as this one happens to be. So there's a lot of learning going on," the general told Breaking Defense at the time.

As neighbors in Djibouti, the US and China have not always gotten along. For example, in 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese military personnel were targeting US military pilots flying over Djibouti with a high-powered laser.

Africa is one of many areas of strategic competition between the US and China.

"China is of great concern. They are literally everywhere on the continent," Townsend said Tuesday, according to USNI News. "They are placing a lot of bets down. They are spending a lot of money. They built a lot of critical infrastructure."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Watch: Why are China-Taiwan tensions rising?
Russias decision to abandon the ISS within four years also comes as Moscow looks instead to China as a partner for its future space ambitions. Dmitry Rogozin, head of Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, said abandoning its section of the ISS would allow Moscow to launch its own space station by 2030.

"We are beginning negotiations with our Nasa partners, we are formalising them now," Rogozin told reporters. "It does not mean that the station will be scrapped and dumped into the ocean immediately after 2025. We will simply hand over the responsibility for our segment to the partners."

Rogozin said on Wednesday that Roscosmos was awaiting Putins nod to begin work on a Russia-only space station, FT reported.

"If we succeed in orbiting it in 2030, consistent with our plans, that would be a colossal breakthrough," he said, in remarks published by state news agencies.
Chennai, April 21 : A court in Chennai on Wednesday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea moved by actor Mansoor Ali Khan in a case registered by the Chennai police against him, related to spreading misinformation against Covid vaccine and linking actor Vivekh's death to taking the Covid vaccine.

The state government pleader contended before Principal Judge, R. Selvakumar that anticipatory bail application has to be dismissed as the actor had made irresponsible remarks.

The judge dismissed the petition stating that the petition was devoid of information on the cases registered against Khan and granted freedom to the actor to file a fresh petition.

A health officer of the Chennai corporation had filed a petition calling for action against the actor on his irresponsible comments on the death of actor Vivekh. Mansoor AlI Khan had on Friday said: "If actor Vivekh had not taken the vaccine, he would have lived. During my election campaign, I had slept on the streets, shared food with beggars and I haven't contracted the virus. Government must not make masks compulsory." The Vadapalani police registered a case against the actor based on the complaint of the health officer. Police booked the actor under Sections 153, 270 and 505(1) (b) on the Indian Penal Code, as well as the provisions of the Epidemic Act and the Disaster Management Act.
Prosecutors are no longer seeking the death penalty for those charged in the 2015 shooting death of Jonathan Krueger, and the jury trial in the case has been rescheduled for April of 2022.

Justin Delone Smith, Roman Gonzalez and Efrain Diaz, Jr., are each charged with murder and two counts of robbery in connection with Kruegers death. Smith is also facing charges of tampering with evidence and fleeing or evading police.

Krueger, a University of Kentucky student, was fatally shot on April 17, 2015 while he and a friend were walking near campus.

During a status hearing for the defendants in the case Wednesday morning, the jury trial, which was previously scheduled to begin in May, was pushed to April 4, 2022.

Kim Green, a defense attorney representing Smith, said during the hearing that there had been negotiations toward a plea deal, but that theyd not gone forward because a stipulation that all of the defendants had to be in agreement on the plea could not be met.

It was also mentioned during Wednesdays hearing by assistant commonwealths attorney Amanda Morgan that the death penalty is no longer being sought in the cases against Smith and Diaz.

Because of aggravating factors, Diaz and Smith could still face life in prison without the possibility of parole or life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years if they are convicted on the charges of murder and robbery.

Gonzalez was never eligible for the death penalty because he was a juvenile when the shooting occurred. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

The question of whether Smith and Diaz should be eligible for the death penalty was part of a legal battle that ended when the Kentucky Supreme Court declined last year to make a ruling on the question. It was too early to make a decision in the matter, because none of the defendants in question had actually been convicted or sentenced to death at that point, according to the court.

The question was first raised in 2017 when Fayette Circuit Court Judge Ernesto Scorsone ruled in another case that people under the age of 21 at the time of an alleged offense should be ineligible for the death penalty because their brains are not fully developed by that age. Prosecutors appealed the decision, and it eventually landed before the Kentucky Supreme Court.
[April 21, 2021] Xpan Interactive Ltd. and Hatch Win Multiple Awards in Prestigious Horizon Interactive Awards for Training and eLearning

Xpan Interactive Ltd. (Xpan) and industry partner, Hatch, today announced its recent gold awards among top blue chip brands, such as Microsoft, Wells Fargo (News - Alert) , and Sweetrush, in a leading international interactive media awards competition. Hatch and Xpan were recognized for their excellence in Travel Safety and 10 Safety Fundamentals for training and eLearning. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005335/en/ The Horizon Interactive Awards is a prestigious international competition recognizing outstanding achievement among some of the top interactive media producers from all over the world. The 2020 Competition was in its 19th year, and has a rich history of recognizing the "best of the best" websites, videos, mobile applications, and more. An international panel of judges, consisting of industry professionals with diverse backgrounds, reviewed more than 600 global entries, including 34 out of 50 United States and 14 other countries including: Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the UK. "We're grateful for our partnership with Hatch as we support the growth of their learning culture," states Ron Thiele, President and Founder of Xpan. "Hatch is a progressive organization that cares deeply for the health and safety of their employees. Xpan is proud to work in collaboration with this stellar team in the production of this award-winning digital knowledge solution." Hatch is a global multidisciplinary engineering, project management and professional services firm, where safet is a core value. They are committed to delivering the highest level of safety performance to achieve their goal of No Harm to people, including the communities and the environments in which they work. Xpan, in collaboration with the Hatch's health and safety team, developed a highly interactive and engaging 10 Safety Fundamentals course and a Travel Safety course where learners can choose a travel game piece as they embark on a learning journey that keeps them safe while travelling.



"We're very proud and excited to be partnered with Xpan to create an award-winning suite of health and safety eLearning courses," says Dan Welshons, global director for Health and Safety at Hatch. "Congratulations to the Hatch/Xpan team for this well-deserved achievement." About Xpan Interactive Ltd.:

Since 2001, Xpan Interactive Ltd. has worked tirelessly to build creative and innovative digital knowledge solutions to help its clients meet their most pressing business needs and performance objectives. It continues to expand on its global mission to evolve behaviour and facilitate change with engaging and effective digital knowledge solutions. The Xpan team makes heroes of learning and development professionals, and improves workspace experience (and lives) across the globe, with better learning. Find out more on www.xpan.ca. About Hatch: Whatever our clients envision, our engineers can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 9,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve. Find out more on www.hatch.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005335/en/

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The people of Haifa, a city in Northern Israel, have become used to sharing the streets with wild boars, or even seeing them rummage through their trash cans. The animals have become a part of thee local culture.

No one really knows when and why the boars decided to move from the ravines around Haifa into the city, but theyve definitely been there long enough to no longer fear the human population anymore. Boars can be seen roaming the streets as cars drive by, digging through peoples trash right under their eyes, and even sleeping in the sun as humans walk past them. Theyve just adapted to the urban lifestyle, and most of the people here have had no choice but to get used to them as well. But while some now accept the wild boars as part of the local charm of Haifa, there are those who claim that something needs to be done about them.

Photo: Ed van Dujin/Unsplash

In most parts of the world, seeing a wild boar running through the streets of a city, or even a village, is cause for concern, but in Haifa its like seeing a squirrel, exciting the first time it happens, part of daily life after that. In 2019, residents reported 1,328 wild boar sighting to the authorities, and that number is expected to be even greater for 2020, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, but Israeli officials have yet to make the data public.

The ever-growing presence of the boars have created tension between locals who enjoy having them around and those who want them gone, but also between locals and the authorities who have proven powerless to keep the wild animals at bay. Trash cans have been chained up to prevent the boars from digging through them, parks and ravines have been fenced up, but nothing seems to keep the resourceful creatures away.

While some in Haifa love nothing more than crossing paths with the boars or at least observing them from a distance, to others the wild animals are nothing more than dangerous pests that pose both a physical threat and a risk of spreading disease. There have been reports of people chased by 300-pound boars (mostly females protecting their young), property stolen by the animals, and even reports of children getting bitten.

Theyre in control of the streets now, its a very crazy situation, one person told the New York Times.

It is said that the wild boars first started venturing into Haifa around 2016, after a massive fire destroyed their natural habitat, others say that its the authorities fault for putting an end to boar shooting in the area around the city, but experts claim either theory is true. The simple answer is that the boars were attracted by the abundance of food, and they stayed because there was always something to eat in the city.

With the coronavirus keeping people inside for months at a time, the wild boars of Haifa have only gotten bolder, but as tension rises among the human inhabitants, it will be interesting to see how the local authorities handle the situation going forward.
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The Fishmongers' Hall hero who used a Narwhal tusk to battle terrorist knifeman Usman Khan today told an inquest he didn't want the killer to have the 'satisfaction of dying on his own terms'.

Darryn Frost, a prison service communications chief, struggled with Khan on the ground in a bid to prevent him from detonating what he believed was a suicide belt.

The 39-year-old today told an inquest into the terrorist incident, which unfolded on London Bridge in November 2019, that he also urged police not to shoot Khan and shouted 'I won't let him kill anyone else' after grabbing his arms.

'I didn't want him to be shot because his statement that he was waiting for the police meant he wanted to die,' Frost told the inquest.

'I saw the chaos he had caused in the hall. I thought he wanted to die. I didn't want him to have the satisfaction of his choice when he took away others.'

Convicted terrorist Khan, 28, was armed with two knives and wore a fake suicide vest as he stabbed Saskia Jones, 23, and Jack Merritt, 25, to death and injured three others at a prisoner rehabilitation event near London Bridge on November 29, 2019.

After Khan launched his attack, Frost and two others bravely rushed outside to the confront crazed knifeman as he sought to continue his rampage. He today relived his ordeal at an inquest at Guildhall in the City of London.

Frost told the inquest how he frantically searched for a weapon to confront Khan with - before settling on a 'really long narwhal tusk'.

He struck Khan with the tusk which 'shocked' the attacker, causing him to flinch and allowing fellow hero John Crilly to set off a fire extinguisher.

Then, a third man, Steve Gallant - who was unarmed - 'pulled him backwards' causing him to fall and allowing Mr Frost to grab his hands.

While Mr Crilly shouted to armed police to 'shoot the b******', Mr Frost urged them not to, saying: 'I've got his hands, he can't kill anyone else, I won't let him kill anyone else.'

Former-prisoner Crilly recalled the moment he came face to face with Khan and blasted him with a fire extinguisher (pictured) in a bid to subdue the terrorist

Metropolitan Police have released this photograph of a fake suicide belt worn by Usman Khan during his horrific terror attack

Narwhal tusk which was used to attack terrorist Usman Khan during a prisoner rehabilitation event near London Bridge

Darryn Frost, a communications manager within the Prison and Probation Service, told how he frantically searched for a weapon to confront Usman Khan with - before settling on a 'really long narwhal tusk'

He struck Khan with the tusk which 'shocked' the attacker, causing him to flinch and allowing fellow hero John Crilly (pictured) to set off a fire extinguisher

Convicted terrorist Khan, 28, (pictured) was armed with two knives and wore a fake suicide vest as he stabbed Saskia Jones, 23, and Jack Merritt, 25, to death at a prisoner rehabilitation event near London Bridge on November 29, 2019. A third man, Steve Gallant (pictured) - who was unarmed - 'pulled [Khan] backwards' causing him to fall and allowing Mr Frost to grab his hands

Mr Frost told the inquest how he first heard a 'scream or commotion' while in an afternoon session.

He said: 'Someone said 'it must be kids, skateboarders'. Then when we heard the last set of screams the gentleman, a servicing prisoner, said almost to himself: 'That's not the cry of kids'.

'That was my call to action, that's when I stood up and went out of the doors.'

Mr Frost became choked up as he described seeing Saskia Jones in the Fishmongers' Hall stairwell, fatally injured.

He said: 'There was a shorter lady (not Ms Jones) in an absolute panic going: 'Oh my god, oh my god.'

'She had a look of terror on her face, her eyes were really wide.

'As I saw her I looked near the corner of the balcony and I saw a lady (Ms Jones) on the stairs with what looked like her throat slit and blood pouring out. I could see blood coming out of her neck.'

Mr Frost said he knew he had to arm himself against any attacker, but said he did not think there were any obvious weapons.

He said: 'I thought I should get something for whatever may be laying ahead. I thought I would get something to arm myself with.

'My immediate thought was a chair, but thought that was not enough.

'I glanced over to my left... on either side of the door were these really long narwhal tusks - I thought they were whale tusks.

'There were these two long, white, shining objects. I took the left narwhal tusk out of the bracket.'

Mr Frost said he then ran past Ms Jones, who was being tended to on the stairs, and headed for where the disturbance was.

Mr Frost said he ran towards another delegate, Mr Gallant, who appeared to be trying to keep Khan 'at bay' with a chair.

He said: 'At this point I had tunnel vision, I had to run to where the commotion was coming from.

'Steve Gallant had a chair, an old mahogany chair, and he was almost using the chair to keep someone or something at bay, I had no idea at this point.

'He was using the door almost as a shield, trying to keep at bay whoever was behind the door.'

Mr Frost said he joined Mr Gallant in trying to fight silhouetted Khan, who he was initially not able to see properly at the time due to the lighting.

He said: 'The first thing I saw was these two shining blades - they were above his (Khan's) ear level - he was holding them up and kind of bashing at the door.

'I didn't attack, I put the tip of the narwhal tusk about an inch or two above his midriff.'

Mr Frost said Khan was 'surprisingly calm, but a little bit quizzical', adding: 'He was trying to negotiate with me.

'He had an expected outcome and he didn't know what to do.'

A Metropolitan Police photograph of an improvised explosive device which was shown during the inquest Tuesday

Metropolitan Police handout photo, which was shown in court today at the inquest of the terror attack at the Fishmonger's Hall in London on November 29, 2019 of a knife and tape

CCTV shows John Crilly arriving at Euston Station followed by Usman Khan and research associate Simon Larmour

Simon Larmour, pictured with John Crilly and Usman Khan, was also attending the event at Fishmongers' Hall

Pictured: Simon Larmour, John Crilly and Usman Khan arriving at a prisoner rehabilitation event near London Bridge

Mr Frost said a bystander then shouted that Khan had a bomb.

He told the inquests: 'At that moment someone said: 'Oh god he's got a bomb' and the attacker motioned down with his head and said: 'And I've got a bomb.'

'He had a large puffy jacket on. The two zippers were open, through the gap I could see what looked like an explosive device around his waste. From that distance it looked really convincing.'

He said Khan had told him: 'I'm not here for you, I'm waiting for the police.'

Mr Frost said he handed the narwhal tusk to Mr Gallant so he could run back to get the second tusk.

Mr Frost said he then joined those in pursuit of Khan out of Fishmongers' Hall.

He said: 'He (Khan) was going towards the right, I believe the south side of London Bridge.

'He didn't look very fit and still had the knives up. As he was running this loud noise went off. The fire extinguisher went off as he was running at full speed.

'There was a man with grey hair (John Crilly) and beyond him through the smoke I could see Steve Gallant. We were startled by the noise.'

Mr Frost said Khan's pursuit of members of the public on London Bridge was 'like a shoal of fish being chased by a predator'.

Khan then turned to face him, Mr Gallant and Mr Crilly.

Mr Frost said: 'He raised the knives up again and started running towards me. He was trying to attack me and I thought I would need to keep some distance.

'As he raised his arms there was a tiny piece of skin that showed on his left.

The inquest heard Mr Crilly's (pictured in a court sketch today, left, and during an interview after the attack, right) statement referred to Khan 'shouting and jumping about like a loon. He was going nuts, shouting Allahu Akbar'

'Time slowed down so slowly and I was able to aim for that centimetre of flesh. I aimed the tip of the tusk at him, and as he was running towards me I thrust at him.'

Mr Hough asked: 'Did you strike?'

Mr Frost replied: 'I did.'

Mr Frost said the impact of the tusk against Khan's skin 'shocked' the armed suspect.

He said: 'Khan flinched and went down, in that moment John Crilly let off the fire extinguisher, which miraculously disguised Steve Gallant as he went beyond Khan.

'Steve pulled him backwards and the assailant fell backwards.'

Mr Hough asked: 'Mr Gallant, unarmed, effectively threw himself at this man armed with two knives?'

Mr Frost replied: '[He] did.'

Mr Frost said armed police arrived on the scene and people were told to leave Khan - but he did not want to let go.

He told the inquests: 'I said: 'I've got his hands, he can't kill anyone else, I won't let him kill anyone else.'

'I didn't want him to be shot. His statement that he was waiting for the police meant he wanted to die.'

Mr Frost, his voice trembling with emotion, said: 'I saw the chaos he had caused in the hall - I didn't want him to have the satisfaction of his choice when he had taken that away from others.'

Former-prisoner Mr Crilly - who was jailed 2005 for the manslaughter of a 71-year-old man - recalled the moment he came face to face with Khan and blasted him with a fire extinguisher in a bid to subdue the terrorist.

Saskia Jones before she was stabbed to death. Convicted terrorist Usman Khan, 28, killed Cambridge University graduates Ms Jones, 23, and Jack Merritt, 25

He described the moment he confronted Khan, saying: 'He had two big knives on his hands straight away, there was no missing them.

'He was shouting and screaming - I couldn't distinguish it.'

The inquest heard Mr Crilly's statement referred to Khan 'shouting and jumping about like a loon. He was going nuts, shouting Allahu Akbar'.

Mr Crilly said: 'I think he was speaking Arabic. I tried to start a bit of a dialogue with him, I think it's then he shouted Allahu Akbar.

'He was in two minds, deciding which way to go, who to attack.'

Mr Crilly paused and appeared emotional as he described leaving stabbed Miss Jones to try and confront Khan.

Mr Crilly said: 'As I got closer I could see the (suicide) belt, pretty clearly.

'Like a black bodybuilder belt with bits stuck to it, bits of iron, bits of silver, a contraption.

Mr Hough asked: 'What did you think it was?'

Mr Crilly replied: 'Instantly, being in prison... I instantly knew it was a terrorist attack and it was a suicide belt.'

He said he decided to try to 'distract' Khan, adding: 'I was saying: 'What the f*** are you doing, what's going on?'

Usman Khan and Saskia Jones at Fishmonger's Hall before he stabbed her to death in a horrific attack near London Bridge

'He said: 'I'm going to kill yous all.' I was trying to call his bluff. I had got into a few sticky situations in the past.

'I said: 'What the f*** is that supposed to be, a suicide belt?' I was hoping it was fake. I was trying to engage him.

'He started shouting and saying things like: 'I'm going to blow you all up,' so I said 'blow it then', he said, 'I'm waiting for the police'.'

Mr Crilly said he tried without success to stop Khan using a series of makeshift weapons including an ornamental chair, before he picked up a fire extinguisher to tackle the armed suspect.

Mr Crilly said: 'I just sprayed him with it, it seemed to have an effect on him - like, blinded him. It really started to have an effect.

'He started running through the foam so I thought I'd have to back off and spray him again.'

Mr Crilly said Khan made his escape from Fishmongers' Hall, perused by two other men, unarmed Mr Gallant and Mr Frost, who was holding a narwhal tusk.

He said: 'Steve (Gallant) went out first, so I thought I better back Steve up.

'He (Khan) looked back and would try and stab one of us. The three of us would be swapping places.'

Khan then faced the trio, Mr Crilly said.

He told the inquests: 'This time he hit the hose and just missed my hand.

Miss Jones was stabbed in the neck by Khan, who had earlier been chatting to her at Learning Together anniversary event

'Luckily Darryn hit him with the spike and he lost his balance.'

Describing how the stand-off came to a conclusion, Mr Crilly said: 'Initially I hit him (Khan) with the extinguisher in the head - this guy was trying to kill us.

'I think I hit him in the hand with the extinguisher, I grabbed his hands and tried to wrestle the knife off him.'

He said armed police arrived on the scene shortly after.

Mr Crilly said: 'I was telling them to shoot the b******.'

Meanwhile, Mr Gallant, then an inmate at HMP Springhill, described seeing Khan for the first time during a discussion session at the Fishmongers' Hall event.

He said: 'I think it was put to the floor... things that happened to us in the past, and this Asian guy (Khan) gave his contribution.

'He said he used to believe something when he was younger and he no longer believed it, and he knew it was wrong.'

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Steven Gallant in the Guildhall in London during the inquest into the terror attack

A sketch from a video of Steven Gallant wielding a narwhal tusk which was shown during the inquest into the terror attack

Mr Gallant said he was in another session at around 2pm when he heard a disturbance.

He told the inquests: 'We heard screams, high-pitched screams, that's when I was aware something was happening.

'Somebody seemed in trouble.'

He said a female delegate then burst into the room and said: 'Everybody stay in there, it's Usman (Khan).'

He left the room and soon discovered her, adding: 'I came downstairs, I saw a young girl laid on the bottom of the steps. She looked lifeless, clearly in trouble.

'I looked into the foyer and saw an Asian man stood there with knives in his hands.

'It was obvious that he was responsible for what had just happened.'

Unarmed Steven Gallant then tackled Khan to the ground, where all three restrained him until armed police arrived.

Giving evidence at the inquest into the victims' deaths, Mr Crilly said he 'got off quick' when police told them to move back.

He told jurors: 'I was telling them to shoot the bastard.

Darryn Frost (left), of the Prison and Probation Service, and John Crilly (right) at the inquest into London Bridge terror attack

'I was telling them 'he's just killed people, he's got a bomb just shoot him'.'

'They gave him opportunities to stop, to comply. I was telling them to get on with it.'

Mr Gallant was handed a narwhal tusk by Mr Frost - who ran back inside to get the second one.

Mr Gallant said: 'I used the narwhal tusk to either keep Usman at bay or disarm him.

'There was a bit of toing and froing, he started swinging his knife, I tried to stab him very hard in his chest, but it seemed to bounce off.

'I wasn't sure if he had something on underneath.

'We were both trying to get a better footing, then I managed to whack him with the narwhal tusk.'

Mr Gallant said the tusk then snapped so he picked up a chair to hit Khan with in the entrance foyer.

But throwing the chair did not appear to have much impact on Khan, who then said: 'I'm waiting for the police.'

Mr Gallant added: 'I did get the impression some of the strikes were having a slight effect.

'He said: 'I'm waiting for the police'. I think he wanted a bit of respite.'

Mr Gallant said he then followed Khan out of Fishmongers' Hall in order to warn the unsuspecting public.

He said: 'I decided to either get him to the ground somehow or occupy him until the police arrived.

'I looked down on the floor and saw a big piece of wood, it clearly arrived from a skirmish before because it was so out of place.

'It was the width of a baton. I moved towards Usman in the foyer and launched it at his head.'

Asked by Mr Hough, counsel to the inquests, how Khan reacted, Mr Gallant said: 'He moved towards me, pulled back his coat, and showed me his bomb.

'It looked fake, I chose to ignore it.'

He added: 'I had seen some women walking towards him, obviously unaware, and said: 'Get back, he's a terrorist.'

'He (Khan) seemed a bit frustrated by my efforts. He turned to face me and I vaguely remember another interaction, I tried to whack him again.'

He said he, Mr Crilly, who was armed with a fire extinguisher, and Mr Frost - who was carrying a second narwhal tusk - then gave chase.

Mr Gallant said the trio appeared to 'frustrate' Khan on London Bridge.

He said: 'He (Khan) stopped and turned around, possibly frustrated by our perseverance.

'I remember my hands going towards him. I grabbed his jacket, two hands.

'I grabbed him, tried to swing him round.

'He was very quick, a lot of movement going on, somehow I manage to grab him to the floor.

'I had done a little bit of wrestling so I knew how to pin people to the floor.'

The inquest yesterday showed pictures of Miss Jones talking to Khan just moments before he stabbed her to death in the Fishmongers' Hall attack.

A witness, former HMP Grendon inmate Gareth Evans, revealed how he held Ms Jones in his arms and told her 'she was loved and she was beautiful' as she lay dying after being attacked by Khan.

Marc Conway, an officer with the Prison Reform Trust, recalled coming face to face with Khan during his knife rampage

Usman Khan, 28, was armed with two knives and wore a fake suicide vest as he stabbed Cambridge University graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, to death

He rushed to her aid after she was stabbed in the neck. Khan had earlier been seen chatting to her at the Learning Together anniversary event.

Prison officer Adam Roberts also described how he tried to stem the bleeding and got Miss Jones, 23, in a protective hug, as an 'aggressive' Khan, armed with two knives and wearing what appeared to be a suicide belt, stood feet away.

A detective constable with British Transport Police was in the area when he noticed the knife-wielding Khan being pursued out of Fishmongers' Hall.

He told the inquests: 'He (Khan) was running in front of the group chasing him. I heard the gentleman I now know to be John Crilly shout out: 'He's just killed two women inside.'

'The chasing group got hold of Mr Khan and wrestled him to the floor. There was a sort of pile-on.

'The group and others seemed to be putting pressure on him to keep him still under the mass of bodies.'

He said he could see Khan 'sweating' and appeared to be wearing a suicide device.

He then managed to take one of Khan's knives.

He told the inquests: 'I crouched down... I grabbed hold of Mr Khan's fingers, prised open his hand and took the knife out of his hand.

'I didn't feel any resistance, it wasn't taped up to him. It came out reasonably easily.'

He said he then became aware of armed police on the scene.

On Monday the inquests into the victims' deaths - being held at Guildhall in the City of London - heard how delegates rushed to try to save Miss Jones.

Mr Evans said she collapsed as he took hold of her. Appearing to wipe his eyes, he told the jury: 'I was trying to make sure she felt comfortable and safe.

'I said she was loved and she was beautiful.'

Jihadi Usman Khan was photographed sitting one seat away from Saskia Jones, 23, in the banqueting hall at Fishmongers' Hall in central London in November 2019

Bystanders and police surrounding Usman Khan at the scene of the terror attack on London Bridge on November 29, 2019

Mr Roberts, who had escorted prisoner Steven Gallant to the event at Fishmongers' Hall on day release, said he tried to stem the bleeding with his jacket and tried to shield her.

He said: 'It was an attempt to stop the bleeding, but it was almost working out like a hug, and telling her to look at me and not him, so she was looking at someone who was trying to help her rather than something else.'

Mr Roberts added: 'It was an attempt to stop the bleeding and give her a chance.'

Describing Khan's behaviour, Mr Roberts said: 'Aggressive, a very fronting-up sort of stance, with his knives clearly showing, generally being aggressive and shouting.'

He was moving backwards and forwards making 'false charges', the jury heard, 'almost coaxing people to come towards him, but almost like he didn't want them to'.

Fellow attendee James Ford appeared emotional as he gave evidence about how he tried to help Ms Jones.

Recalling the aftermath, he said: 'She was lying on her side, she was bleeding, she wasn't really moving.'

He added: 'I can't bring myself to say it - I saw the attacker.'

Another witness to the attack which left two dead and three wounded said he initially thought killer Khan was 'play fighting' when he launched his murderous assault, an inquest jury has heard.

Giving evidence at Guildhall in the City of London, Marc Conway, an officer with the Prison Reform Trust, recalled coming face to face with a frenzied Khan during his knife rampage.

'I could see people fighting with Usman Khan,' he said. 'I thought people were messing about, then when I looked more closely I saw Usman Khan with his back to me and people moving out of his way, hitting him. I turned to the side and I saw the knives in his hand.'

He added: 'Before I realised it was serious I said to people 'they're messing about in there, we've been invited to this nice building and you're playing up'.

'Then I realised, and I said he's got a knife, two big knives. It became apparent something serious was happening.'

The hearing continues.
An arm of the United Nations has condemned the shocking Race Commission report ordered by Boris Johnson and called for the body to be scrapped.

The widely criticised study was attacked for ignoring racial disparities and for shifting the blame for the impacts of racism to the people most impacted by it.

In 2021, it is stunning to read a report on race and ethnicity that repackages racist tropes and stereotypes into fact, twisting data and misapplying statistics and studies, said experts from the UN Human Rights Council.

They added: The report cites dubious evidence to make claims that rationalise white supremacy by using the familiar arguments that have always justified racial hierarchy.

This attempt to normalise white supremacy despite considerable research and evidence of institutional racism is an unfortunate sidestepping of the opportunity to acknowledge the atrocities of the past and the contributions of all in order to move forward.

They concluded: The reality is that people of African descent continue to experience poor economic, social, and health outcomes at vastly disproportionate rates in the UK.

The statement also attacked the reports mythical representation of enslavement is an attempt to sanitise the history of the trade in enslaved Africans.

Notoriously, it pointed to a new story about the Caribbean experience which speaks to the slave period not only being about profit and suffering but how culturally African people transformed themselves into a remodelled African/Britain.

The experts said: This is a reprehensible, although not unfamiliar tactic, employed by many whose wealth came directly from the enslavement of others, ever since slavery was outlawed.

The attack was the latest in an onslaught of criticism since the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (Cred), compiled by a panel hand-picked by No 10, was released three weeks ago.

It concluded that racial injustice still exists, but downplayed the concept of institutional racism and argued geography, family, socio-economic background, culture and religion have more impact on life chances.

At least 20 organisations and individuals who were listed as stakeholders have since distanced themselves from its controversial findings.

Tony Sewell, chair of the Race Commission (Change.org)

The UN body said it blames single parents for poor outcomes, ignoring the racial disparities and the racialised nature of poor outcomes that exist despite an increased prevalence of single-parent families.

And it attacked the conclusion that while there might be overt acts of racism in the UK, there is no institutional racism.

The report offers no evidence for this claim, but openly blames identity politics, disparages complex analyses of race and ethnicity, the statement argued.

It proffers shocking misstatements and/or misunderstandings about data collection and mixed methods research, cites pessimism, linguistic inflation, and emotion as bases to distrust data and narratives associated with racism and racial discrimination, and attempts to delegitimise data grounded in lived experience while also shifting the blame for the impacts of racism to the people most impacted by it, the experts said.

The Commission should be disbanded or reconstituted to prioritise an authentic and rigorous examination of race, rather than a politicised erasure of the racialised realities Black Britons navigate.

Both Downing Street and the Commission has strongly rejected the criticism, arguing the UN report misrepresents the findings of the Race Commission.

In a statement released by the Cabinet Office, the Cred spokesman said: We are disappointed that the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent has grossly misrepresented the reports findings, and appears to be a response to negative press coverage rather than the substance of its content.

The misleading claims they have made risk fostering division on the subject of race, rather than constructive discussion on the issues.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: Our view is that this report misrepresents the findings.

We remain proud of the UKs long history as a human rights champion and we encourage everyone to read the original report in full.

In response to the claim that the Cred report attempts to normalise white supremacy, the No 10 spokesman said: Absolutely not.

This report in no way condones racist behaviour and in fact it highlights that racism and inequality are still problems for our country.
By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday to deliver aid to Ukraine in its struggle with Russia and pressure companies helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that could deprive Kyiv of lucrative transit fees.

The Ukraine Security Partnership Act, which was approved by voice vote, authorizes $300 million in foreign military financing, of which $150 million would be subject to conditions. It needs to be passed in the full Senate and House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

Ukraine is seeking international support in its standoff with Moscow over a buildup of Russian troops on its eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Kyiv and Moscow have traded blame for a collapse in the ceasefire in the eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed forces in a conflict Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

"Ukrainians have a right to choose their own future, and this bill contributes to that by supporting Western-style military reforms, lethal and non-lethal military equipment to defend itself from Russia, and U.S. diplomatic support for peace negotiations," Senator Jim Risch, the committee's top Republican, said in a release.

The bill contains an amendment from Republican Senator Ted Cruz that requires the State Department to determine whether 20 ships, including the Akademik Cherskiy, Umka, and Errieit, are subject to U.S. sanctions for helping to build the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a project to bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The determination is required within 15 days of passage.

The pipeline, led by Russian state gas company Gazprom and its Western allies, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of billions of dollars in transit fees and likely undermining the country's efforts against Russian aggression. Biden has said the pipeline is a bad deal for Europe, but the project is about 95% complete.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Peter Cooney and Cynthia Osterman)


The last remaining aid workers stationed in North Korea left the country in March, a Russian news service reported Wednesday, citing a Russian official, as Pyongyang has maintained tight border controls amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.





Pyotr Ilichev, who heads the department of international organizations of Russia's foreign ministry, also called for U.N.-led sanctions against North Korea to be lifted, pointing out that it has hit the North's economy hard, according to RIA Novosti.



North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free but has taken relatively swift and tough measures against the global pandemic. It has maintained tight border controls since early last year to ward off an outbreak.





Ilichev said that the North's border closure has rendered international assistance organizations unable to get replacement workers into the country, with supplies necessary to carry out projects being cut off, the new agency said.





He was also quoted as saying that no container shipments have arrived in the North since August last year.





U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric hinted last month that its workers in North Korea have returned to their home countries.





There are growing signs that the North is moving to ease its strict border controls with China amid a recently reported increase in trade with the neighboring country. China accounts for almost all of the North's international trade. (Yonhap)


On Nov. 18, 1910, the Midland Sun reported that Michigan is fighting the spread of smallpox with an aggressiveness that speaks well for its health officers and for the citizens generally.

Cases of smallpox had broken out in Saginaw, which at that time had nearly 60,000 residents. After several people died, the local health advisors in Saginaw and the state health officers shut down the city and surged vaccines. Schools, churches, theaters were closed, and large gatherings were not allowed beginning Oct. 1. Saginaw performed a total of 47,000 vaccinations, and were able to open their city after Thanksgiving for the Christmas shopping season. Forty-one people died in the 1910 Saginaw epidemic, far fewer than if the people had not taken these public health measures seriously.

Meanwhile in Midland, before there was a single case of smallpox the city sprang into action. Midland was a small town of only 2,500 people in 1910. The Midland Sun reported that In this time no citizens have responded more cheerfully in this call for the general good of the community than the people of Midland. Health officer W. H. Brock said, I advise every person who has not been vaccinatedto do so at once. Midlanders rushed to give and receive 1,200 vaccinations (600 more had been vaccinated during a vaccine drive the previous spring).

In addition, the deputy sheriff James Bradley and constable John Walsh acted as special health officers meeting all persons coming into the city and compelling the examination of a certificate of vaccination and fumigation form all coming from infected districts. Midlands quick action meant that it did not have a single case of smallpox in 1910, despite it spreading in several places across the state. The inconveniences experienced by people in Saginaw and Midland were understood to be much less than the threats to peoples health and lives caused by infectious disease.

Vaccinations were not an option for the 1918 flu, then called the Spanish flu. Here again, Midland avoided the worst through community action and an eager response to public health officers. Michigans Republican Governor Albert Sleeper had ordered non-essential gatherings closed across the state but lifted them in the fall of 1918 as cases fell.

However, after the public celebrations of the end of the First World War, Midland saw 165 cases by Nov. 21. While no one had yet died from the disease in Midland, and the vast majority would survive it, after a public meeting the citys health board ordered the closure of all public places: schools, movies, lodges, clubs, churches, and all public gatherings were prohibited. Residents were warned that lax observance of quarantine regulations led to the further spread of the disease.

The shutdown orders worked, and Midland was able to avoid the worst of the infamous 1918 flu by taking quick action. By January 1919, Dow employees were organizing a bowling league, and life had returned to normal. The people of Midland understood that infectious disease might cause temporary disruptions to their lives, but they also valued the opinions of their public health officers and physicians. The newspapers reported on no protests during these epidemics.

It is frustrating to see that 100 years later the people of Midland, who pride ourselves on our science, have allowed COVID-19 to spread throughout our community at a much higher rate and a higher number of deaths than from smallpox or the 1918 flu. Dozens of Midlanders have protested a two-week pause in in-person school while cases mount and our hospital fills. This would have been unthinkable to Midlanders in the past. We again have a chance now to put public health measures into practice and show that we can again cheerfully respond for the general good and the good health of all.

Andrew Wehrman is a resident of Midland and an associate professor of history at CMU, specializing in early American history and the history of disease. He has a book coming out next spring with Johns Hopkins University Press entitled, "The Contagion of Liberty: The Politics of Smallpox in the American Revolution." He previously has been published in the Boston Globe, Washington Post, and with Voice of America.
Danang, along with Ho Chi Minh City, are deemed the best options for creation of a global financial hub

Ambitions to turn Vietnam into a global financial hub are gaining shape, with Ho Chi Minh City submitting its bid for development and a multinational private-sector consortium getting green-lit to make plans for Danang.

Le Hong Giang, director of Investment Strategies at Tactical Global Management in Australia, said that fintech would be the core factor turning Vietnam into an international financial centre (IFC) by emerging as an efficient payment system buttressing and stimulating the development of commercial banks as well as interbank and inter-country payment platforms.

However, a city needs to first become an economic and commercial centre before ascending to the level of IFC, he added. For this, it will need highly-qualified human resources and a supportive legal environment.

Many IFCs in the world were established before computers and fixed telephone lines were invented. They still facilitated the smooth flow of capital with a number of skilled professionals and by setting up favourable legal corridors, Giang said. Vietnam should provide a fertile ground for disruptive, innovative companies to become a magnet to international capital.

Financial services providers have been developing at a good pace in Vietnam, Giang explained. A finance company in Ho Chi Minh City can now operate around the world. However, a financial centre runs on more than just money: it needs data. Vietnam is setting up this database as we speak, he added.

Meanwhile, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, an IFC will attract capital and increase government revenues. An IFC will provide full financial services with direct access to large volumes of capital from banks, insurance companies, investment funds, and listed companies, Dung said at a January government meeting on establishment of IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.

He also brought up the example of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, which has earned the majority of its wealth through its IFC status. This British overseas territory is now home to nearly 80 per cent of global hedge funds, even though the actual managers work in New York or London, the minister added.

In March, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong requested the prime ministers formal approval of the citys IFC ambitions, after many years of groundwork. The citys IFC was designed to be at Thu Thiem New Urban Area  the new economic hub of the city, replacing the overloaded District 1.

The reason for choosing to develop Ho Chi Minh City into an IFC, Phong added, is that the city boasts a prime location  within three hours by air from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, China, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea  and is the highest contributor to the state budget. This means financial activities and demands in Ho Chi Minh City are very high and becoming an IFC would help leverage new opportunities for growth.

Also last month, a consortium of Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), Cantor Fitzgerald, Weidner Resorts, and Steelman Partners was approved to jointly finance a plan to develop Danang into a financial centre.

According to Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of IPPG, developing Danang into a regional financial centre will attract queen bee investors and bring many other high-quality international funds to the city and the central region. It will be a new, major driver of economic growth, luring in investment and thereby enhancing Danangs international status, he said.

The consortium of global companies boasts extensive experience in developing world-class projects to fuel Danangs IFC synergies. For instance, Steelman Partners is an industry-leading architecture firm specialising in design of innovative, memorable, and revenue-producing projects worldwide. Global Gaming Asset Management, meanwhile, is a world-leading developer of premier destinations and integrated resorts.

Our team at Shearman and Sterling is thrilled to be part of this exciting journey to build an IFC in Vietnam and make the country an appealing hub for financial business in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is internationally recognised for its vast potential and readiness for significant breakthroughs, said Barney Reynolds, global head of the Financial Services Industry Group at law firm Shearman and Sterling.

A lot of groundwork has been laid to modernise the domestic economy and now is a prime time to take advantage of these opportunities, he added. The establishment of new financial centres will pave the way for advanced financial services in Vietnam. Also, IFCs could make financial tourism one of the most vibrant and solid sectors in the region.

Nguyen of IPPG added, The worlds financial centres are in turmoil, so they have to reshape. Danang should seize this opportunity to become a regional financial centre and attract cash flows from around Vietnam. We want and are determined to make this possible in the next 20 years, to make Vietnam a regional financial magnet.
America is on the verge of anarchy. Every time police kill a Black man, the community finds itself on the edge and the nation wonders if an inferno is about to erupt. This reality dovetailed with a meme I saw a few days ago: The Biggest Change Since Rodney King is the Video Quality. While video quality has improved, one thing that hasnt changed is negative outcomes from resisting arrest. Some of the names Americans know that demonstrate this include George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Rayshard Brooks, and Michael Brown. If the media were being honest, they would characterize these encounters as what they were: Black men killed while resisting arrest.

In every one of these cases and many others, the men who ended up dead resisted arrest, sometimes violently. According to the Police Violence Report, U.S. police killed 268 Black men in 2019 (the last normal year before COVID). Of that number, 212 or 79% were armed (allegedly) while 182 or 68% were attacking the police (allegedly). Of the 32% who were not actively attacking the police, most were carrying on other actions such as resisting arrest, holding weapons they wouldnt drop, or attacking other people. For comparison, during that same year, the numbers for white males was 415 killed with 306 or 68% armed and 281 or 68% attacking the police. An interesting note about that comparison is the percentage of Black males killed who were unarmed (21%) is significantly lower than that for white males (32%).

Its difficult to get a complete picture of whats going on in America simply by looking at numbers. Luckily, we also have videos, including several showing George Floyds death. While there is much going on in those videos, all clearly show Floyd resisting arrest. One can make the argument that the police were too physical for too long, but the fact is that he was on the ground as a direct result of his actions. Similarly, Daunte Wright lunged back into his car.

Many people say that Floyd was subdued or that Wright wasnt a threat, but the fact is no one knows. As the case of Rayshard Brooks demonstrates, things can go from calm, even collegial to confrontational in a split second. Just last week, in New Mexico, a suspect was conversing with a cop one moment and killing him the next.

Americas present circumstance results from ideological forces purposefully manipulating American citizens. The facts are that, while Black men are killed by police at a higher rate than their proportion of the population, they are killed by police at a lower rate than their proportion as perpetrators of violent crime.

The truth is, 700,000 police officers interact with Americans approximately 75 million times a year. Of those 75 million interactions, typically about 1,000 ended with police killing someone. That is a death rate below 0.002% per encounter, which means that 99.998% of police encounters pass without a death. Put another way, out of 1,000,000 Americans, three will die each year at the hands of the police. Compare that to 18 from texting while driving, 121 from suicide, 757 medical mistakes, and 2,000 from heart disease. At the hands of police: three, and most of those were armed and attacking the police!

One of the things that gets lost in all this propaganda is the job that the police do. They interact with citizens 75 million times a year. The address someone stealing from a store, passing counterfeit bills, or assaulting someone. There are domestic disturbances, auto accidents, speed stops, bar fights, etc. In all those circumstances and myriad others, police willingly walk into a situation with the goal that everyone leaves the encounter alive. They put their lives at risk every day for people who, in most cases, they dont even know. Of course, thats the job they signed up for so its not a surprise, but that doesnt make it any less courageous.

Naturally, police dont always get everything right. They are human and make mistakes and there are bad cops and racists too. We've probably seen videos of cops behaving badly, but the fact is, overall, cops do an outstanding job. If they didnt, 99.998% of encounters wouldnt end with everyone emerging alive. Theres almost nothing in human existence thats so successful, and that number is made that much more extraordinary because a significant number of those encounters include citizens who are armed, violent, callous and, perhaps, on drugs.

In the face of this widespread assault against them, the police are still expected to do their jobs and do them perfectly. In going into situations where tensions are already elevated, where bystanders may be distracting or even interfering, and where everyone seems to be filming, police are expected to comport themselves flawlessly despite elevated adrenaline and their own emotional states, which may include anger, confusion, fear, disorientation, exhaustion, and more. All of this while a subject may be striking them, pointing a weapon at them, reaching into a car, or simply resisting arrest.

Yet they are still supposed to respond perfectly every time. They dont, of course, but overall they do a pretty good job. How many of us, when faced with citizens calling us Pigs, spitting on us, striking us, or even shooting at us, would be able to rein in all those emotions and perform perfectly in every instance? My guess is that most of us would fall far short of the performance most police demonstrate.

And the rarely mentioned secret (but easily observed common sense fact) is that the very communities in which leftists are calling for the defunding, reimagining, or disbanding the police are the very communities that benefit most from their presence. The police pullback has a cost. Murders are up in Portland 255% over last year. The same is true in other Democrat-run cities: Chicago +65%, New York +58%, Louisville +87%, Minneapolis +64%, and +LA 51%. And who exactly have been the victims of that increased murder rate? Black Americans, the very people BLM, Antifa, Democrats, and the media ostensibly are seeking to protect.

The truth of the matter is that Floyd, Wright, and Brown would likely be alive today had they not resisted arrest. But thats not the story that Democrats want to tell because telling young Black men, or anyone, that respecting the police and not resisting arrest wont make news headlines, wont galvanize citizens and most importantly, wont drive voters to pull the levers for Democrats.

And thats the key. The reality is, Democrats dont care about Black Americans. They seek power and are willing to sacrifice Black Americans to get it. By creating the fiction that Black Americans are in the crosshairs of the police they have done an extraordinary disservice to America.

The real lesson to be learned by the Floyd and Brown incidents is not that police are shooting Black men with abandon but rather that resisting arrest or engaging in a violent confrontation with police leads to bad outcomes. The challenges of urban America are legion, from terrible schools, limited job opportunities, and violent crime, but the fiction the left proffers addresses none of those. Whats worse, it takes any energy that might be available to address those real problems and focuses it on addressing a fictional issue. And thats the real tragedy here.

IMAGE: Police not welcome in George Floyd square. YouTube screengrab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The company announces the addition of the largest aircraft in its history to its fleet

QUEBEC, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ - This is a great day for Groupe Chrono Aviation. While it continues to experience spectacular growth despite the pandemic, it has announced the acquisition of the largest aircraft in its history, a Boeing 737-800. The new generation aircraft, formerly owned by Air Transat, will be the first of its kind in Quebec to be offered exclusively on charter. This announcement implies the addition of 20 new employees within the company.

The Boeing 737-800 of Groupe Chrono Aviation. The new generation aircraft, formerly owned by Air Transat, will be the first of its kind in Quebec to be offered exclusively on charter. (CNW Group/Chrono Aviation)

The first 737-800 offered exclusively for charter in Quebec

With a capacity of 189 passengers, an overall length of 39.5 meters or 129 feet and 6 inches, or more than half an American soccer field, the addition of this state-of-the-art aircraft marks a milestone in the company's history.

"It is with great pride that we can announce this great news. Despite the global pandemic, which made the airline industry experience its worst year ever, Groupe Chrono Aviation not only managed to survive, but also to maintain its growth and its conquest of new markets," explains Dany Gagnon, Vice President of Groupe Chrono. He adds: "We are even prouder that this aircraft was operated by our friends and colleagues at Air Transat. A company we respect and love. We consider ourselves privileged to be able to bring this Boeing back home to be operated again by passionate Quebecers. "

In the coming months, the Chrono team will be working hard to get the aircraft back into service and the Transat stars will soon be replaced by matte black. The addition of this first 737-800 will create about 20 new jobs in the company and confirms, without a doubt, Chrono Aviation's position as a Quebec leader in the air charter industry.

Groupe Chrono will soon announce the first destinations of the aircraft.

About Groupe Chrono

Groupe Chrono has a fleet of 14 aircraft, including 3 Boeing. Based at Quebec City and Saint-Hubert airports, where the company also operates LUX, the largest FBO in Montreal, Chrono employs 280 people. Founded in 2012, it is the Quebec company with the most diversified fleet.

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SOURCE Chrono Aviation

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View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/21/c8030.html
[April 21, 2021] ShoreBridge Merchant Partners Invests With Astara Capital Partners in the Acquisition of Cross City Lumber

ShoreBridge Merchant Partners ("SBMP") is pleased to announce its investment alongside Astara Capital Partners ("Astara") in the majority acquisition of Cross City Lumber (" CCL (News - Alert) "). Based in Cross City, Florida, CCL is a Southern Yellow Pine sawmill that manufactures specialty and dimensional grades of lumber. The company will continue to be led by its current senior management team in conjunction with Bob McKagen of Astara who has joined the company as its CEO. Mr. McKagen has decades of experience as a senior executive in both the manufacturing and distribution of wood-based building products and has a history of working with CCL's senior management team at nearby Suwanee Lumber Company. Astara, an independent private equity sponsor founded in 2020 by former Blue Wolf Capital Partners investor Michael Ranson, has deep experience in the forest, lumber, and building products industries. SBMP is an independent sponsor-focused investment program led by ShoreBridge Capital ("ShoreBridge") in partnership with a group of premier family offices. "ShoreBridge and our family office partners are excited to be backing Astara in an industry in which they have a track record of successfully operating and investing. Astara is a prime example of the profile and quality of an independent sponsor we look to work with in our SBMP strategy," said Dougas Blagdon, Founder and Managing Partner of ShoreBridge.



The team at Astara leveraged its network of sawmill executives to source the opportunity and to underwrite a series of capital projects that will substantially increase the capacity of CCL and significantly reduce its breakeven point. In addition, Astara is actively seeking and evaluating investments in other Southern Yellow Pine mills in the Southeast U.S. that will complement CCL. Michael Ranson of Astara stated, "We are pleased to have ShoreBridge Merchant Partners as an investor with us in this transaction. We view SBMP as a value-added partner and look forward to continuing to work together."

About ShoreBridge Capital ShoreBridge Capital is an alternatives-focused investment and merchant bank dedicated to private funds and direct investment opportunities. ShoreBridge was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in New York. More information about ShoreBridge can be found at www.shorebridge.com. About Astara Capital Partners Astara Capital Partners is an integrated team of investors and operators that pursues a value- and special-situations investment strategy in the middle market. The firm invests in a handful of sectors where it has deep experience, including packaging and converting, food, building products, forest products, and industrial manufacturing, distribution and services. Astara selects companies in those industries that are undergoing significant transformation with the goal of building sustainable value and positioning them for long-term success. More information about Astara can be found at www.astaracapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005657/en/

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Albuquerque police say an overnight shooting at Westgate Heights Park left one person dead.

Sgt. Tanner Tixier, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said officers were dispatched to Presbyterian Hospital at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday in response to a male subject who was brought into the hospital by friends.

Tixier said the victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound, died. Police determined that the shooting occurred at Westgate Heights Park at 8810 Sonya SW.

Officers were able to locate a scene at the park, which is currently being processed, Tixier added. He said detectives were interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence at both the park and the hospital.

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Police did not immediately release the age of the victim.

This is the 36th homicide in Albuquerque this year.
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez once helped write a bipartisan immigration bill supported by more than two-thirds of the Senate. But if Republicans wont join him this time, he said Democrats will try to pass it themselves under a special parliamentary procedure.

Emerging from a meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Menendez told NJ Advance Media that proponents of overhauling immigration laws would consider using what is known as reconciliation to pass the bill by a simple majority rather than the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

Thats how Congress passed Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill after every Republican opposed it.

I specifically urged the president to lean in on the question of getting some significant reform done in the Senate, if necessary through reconciliation, the New Jersey Democrat said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that Biden was focused on trying to get support from both parties on immigration.

Right now, the conversation should not be about a reconciliation process, it should be about moving forward in a bipartisan manner, she said at her daily press briefing.

A member of the so-called Gang of Eight in 2013, Menendez saw the bipartisan effort get 68 votes in the Senate, more than enough to overcome a filibuster. But House Republican leaders refused to allow a vote in their chamber.

Menendez this year is the lead sponsor of Bidens immigration legislation that would provide paths to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants, including those brought to the U.S. as children, as well as farmworkers and those with temporary protected status because of upheaval in their homelands.

The legislation also would use technology to control border crossings, and would send billions of dollars to Central American countries so that residents living there wont feel the need to come to the U.S.

In talks with Republicans, including those who voted for the 2013 measure, Menendez said there was little enthusiasm for a broad overhaul of immigration laws but rather narrowly focused provisions for farmworkers and the so-called dreamers, those brought to the U.S. as children.

That is not sufficient reform, Menendez said It shows how far theyve come from where they once were to where they are. This is the Donald Trump phenomenon.

Menendez said the immigration bill should be eligible for reconciliation because it would have such a huge impact on the budget, boosting the U.S. economy, adding millions of jobs, and reducing the

Those are powerful economic issues, he said.

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The current surge of children crossing into the U.S. from Central American countries, hoping to reunite with relatives already in the country, is straining American resources and giving Republicans an issue to hammer Biden.

While Americans in the latest Quinnipiac University poll supported Bidens response to the coronavirus by 64% to 29% and the way he was dealing with the economy by 50% to 42%, only 29% approved of his handling of the situation at the Mexican border with 55% disapproving.

It makes it more complicated because Republicans have done a good job of their messaging and fixating everything at the border, he said.

But Menendez said the surge, which he blamed on former President Donald Trumps efforts to restrict immigration, actually is another argument for passing comprehensive legislation.

Whats happening at the border is a further catalyst for reform, Menendez said. When you dont have a system that works, then you have a pressure of people who have choices to make. If their choice is to stay and die and see their daughter raped or son put into a gang, theyre going to come north.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.

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OPPO India has announced the launch of its e-store in India on May 7th, as the COVID-19 cases are gradually surging. The e-store will allow the customers and tech enthusiasts to shop for any of their favorite products just with a click of a button.

According to the company, the e-store is a one-stop shop for all OPPO offerings with exciting offers. With 60,000 sales points and 180 retail outlets, OPPO has built a robust network of retailers and distributors across the country.

According to the latest research report of Counterpoint, in January 2021 OPPO has risen through the ranks to become the number one smartphone brand in China.

Earlier this weeek OPPO launched its A series smartphones  A54 and A74 in India at Rs. 13,490 and Rs. 17,990, respectively. Also, the company is expected to release its first folding smartphone sometime during the second quarter of 2021. The device will not be a rollable smartphone like the OPPO X 2021 concept phone that they showcased last year, instead, it will likely have a regular folding design.

Commenting on the announcement, OPPO India CMO, Damyant Singh Khanoria said:
Like many parents with young kids, we are looking to get settled longer term in a home, new homeowner Amy Gerberry said, following years of living in and around New York City.

Gerberry just found a place in Westport with her husband and two young boys, but said it was a challenge. The best-and-final offer situation is pretty hard to tolerate bid after bid, she said. Surprisingly, there has been a decent supply of houses in Westport, but the good houses are subject to fierce bidding wars.

These fierce bidding wars and competition with all-cash offers, coupled with lightning-fast sales are the challenges that young, first-time homebuyers looking for starter homes in Connecticut are facing.

Action in the Connecticut real estate market has been profound this past year thanks to intense demand generated by the pandemic. In particular, city dwellers have sought new digs throughout the adjacent suburbs  subsequently ramping up prices, speeding out inventory and making traditional mortgage deals much harder to come by, especially for first-time homebuyers who likely are not able to make cash offers.

This market is very challenging for inexperienced young buyers, said Danna Rogers, a longtime local realtor with Higgins Group, who focuses her work in Fairfield, Weston and Westport.

A home comes on the market on a Tuesday and will have multiple bids by Sunday evening, she said, with most of them even higher than the listing price.

In fact, after enduring the discouragement of losing three different houses that they had bid on  despite bidding above the asking price  one of Rogers clients went $150,000 over the asking price for a home in order to beat out 12 other simultaneous offers.

This market may seem like a dream for realtors, but it is very hard for us to counsel our clients in multiple-bid situations, Rogers said. There is an emotional toll on clients who feel defeated and rushed.

Houses are selling so fast and its very hard for the young millennials, unless theyre making a lot of money, explained Richard Higgins, CEO of the Higgins Group, which has offices throughout Fairfield County. We did over a billion dollars last year, he said. It was our best year ever. Every time I turned around, we were selling a $5-million house, an $8-million house.

Traditionally, he said, buyers come in and will put down up to 20 or even 30 percent of the purchase price, borrowing the difference with their mortgage. But now, more and more people are coming out with all cash, he said. Sellers dont want to hear about mortgage contingencies for the most part.

Chris Raveis, president of residential sales with William Raveis Real Estate, said he is seeing a lot of parental support with first-time homebuyers. Parents are helping their kids put down larger down payments so their bid will win.

The supply of inventory is so low that homes will come on the market and have 10-plus competitive offers; [buyers are] waiving contingencies and bidding over ask for a chance to win the listing, he said.

Raveis said some realtors are trying to drum up inventory on their own.

I was talking to one of our top producers last week and he told me that he was spending most of his time trying to play matchmaker for his buyer customers by approaching off-market listings to see if they would be interested in selling, he said.

And when they do put a house on the market, sellers are so confident, Higgins said, that at times theyre even listing houses with short deadlines for submitting bids within a week. If you did that before they would have all laughed at you, he said, but now the market is bearing results.

New buyers used to be able to see a home a few times before making a decision, and bring family for advice and support, Rogers said. They now have to make very quick decisions without seeing other options.




A "masakaki" tree offering sent by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is placed at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, April 21. AP-Yonhap



Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday donated a religious offering to a Tokyo shrine viewed by China and both Koreas as a symbol of wartime aggression, though he avoided a visit.



Suga's offering of "masakaki" leaves at Yasukuni Shrine was his second since taking office in September.



Victims of Japanese military aggression through during the first half of the 20th century, especially the Koreas and China, see the shrine as a symbol of Japanese militarism because it honors convicted World War II criminals among about 2.5 million war dead.



Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters that Suga's offering at the shrine was considered "an activity as a private person" and the government was not in a position to comment on it.



NHK public television reported two members of Suga's Cabinet visited the shrine, Health Minister Norihisa Tamura and Shinji Inoue, minister in charge of the 2025 world expo.



Suga's predecessor, Shinzo Abe, known for revisionism concerning Japan's wartime atrocities, visited the shrine Wednesday. "I paid respects for the venerable spirits of those who sacrificed their precious lives to fight for (our) country," Abe told reporters afterward.



Abe stayed away from the shrine for seven years after his 2013 visit triggered outrage from China and the Koreas, but has regularly visited since he resigned as prime minister last year.



South Korea and China criticize the offerings or visits to the shrine, urging Japanese leaders to face up to and reflect on Japan's wartime aggression.



In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, at a daily briefing Wednesday, called the paying of respects to the shrine by Japanese officials "erroneous practices" and urged Japan to "deeply reflect on the history of aggression, draw a clear line with militarism, and take practical action to gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community."



South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep disappointment and regrets." The shrine "beautifies Japan's colonial exploitation and war of aggression," it said in a statement that urged Japanese leaders to reflect on Japan's wartime actions as the basis of future-oriented ties between the two countries.



Many South Koreans hold strong resentment toward Japan for its 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have sunk to their lowest levels in recent years over their history and disputes over compensation for Korean wartime forced labor and systematic sexual abuse of "comfort women" by the Japanese military. (AP)


The trial of Derek Chauvin maybe over, but the repercussions have just begun. Whether Chauvin was guilty of murder or manslaughter or innocent can be debated endlessly; however, based on the testimony of all the witnesses, the conviction of murder seemed a bridge too far. But more importantly, the trial and the unfair manner in which it was adjudicated combined with the unabashed and overt threats of violence and the sycophancy of Joe Biden and the Democrats have permanently emboldened the radical left (or Marxists) and unleashed the dogs of unending thuggery and potential revolution.

The primary lesson the militant left will take away from the Chauvin trial is not that he was found guilty but that its tactics work. Leftists' willingness to use violence, looting, intimidation, and threats has succeeded beyond their wildest dreams as they watched a judge and jury succumb to their threats and history of belligerence. Further, the elected members of the Democrat party as well as the Democrat media and the bulk of the ruling elites refused to criticize their tactics and in fact defended them and regurgitated their talking points as if they were trained seals.

In Joe Biden's pathetic speech after the verdict, wherein he reiterated two of the left's favorite talking points, he said this nation is still in the throes of "systemic racism" and that policing needs to be revamped. This was, to use a favorite expression of the left, a dog whistle to the militants that they are feared and de facto in charge. Then Nancy Pelosi's inane speech thanking George Floyd for dying further amplified this message and confirmed that Democrat party leadership was not only inept, but vacuous.

The militant left now knows that it controls the Democrat party and believes that there is no one in the party or among the ruling elites that will stand up to its demands. The federal and state judiciaries, which were to be the bulwark against radicalism and tyranny, have, thus far, succumbed to their intimidation tactics. The Republican Party hierarchy, still in the throes of its hangover from the days of Romney, Bush, and McCain, remains mute and stupefied on the sidelines. Donald Trump, the only politician willing to take on the left and whom the left feared, has been put on ice. The road to political supremacy appears to be wide open.

This potentially catastrophic situation has come about as the upper-class dupes, in their overwrought effort to oust supervillain Donald Trump, willingly allied themselves with these Marxists, whose sole reason for being is to radically transform the nation. Thanks to their inability to think independently and their acceptance of so many ludicrous concepts over the years, the elites gullibly believed that once Trump was removed from office, America would return to their version of normal, with Joe Biden occupying the Oval Office. They were certain, thanks to their inbred naivete and egocentricity, that through their extraordinary powers of persuasion they could placate and compromise with their newly minted bedfellows and still maintain power.

But that is not going to happen, as the violent tactics of the left's militant brigades, Antifa and Black Lives Matter, have been legitimized by these same elite dupes who tacitly gave their imprimatur to the violence and thuggery of these militants during the summer of 2020. These dyed-in-the-wool Marxists now smell blood in the water and thus will never agree to any form of the liberalism that much of the ruling elites claim to espouse. These same militant radicals also believe that they were, in great part, responsible for the ousting of Donald Trump through their militancy during the summer of 2020 and involvement in election fraud. When the successful prosecution of Derek Chauvin is added to that accomplishment, they are now feeling invincible despite their small number.

These Marxists cannot and will not acquiesce to any attempt at appeasement or compromise. They now know that the mere threat of violence will accomplish their goal  and if not, then they are fully prepared to instigate a sequel to the summer of 2020. They are mimicking the same tactics used by the Nazis in the 1920s and early '30s in their rise to power in dealing with an inept and cowardly ruling elite class in Germany.

Unless these forces of sedition and revolution are roundly defeated by an aroused and awakened citizenry who cannot rely on politicians or any others in the ruling class, then this nation will descend into chaos. At that stage, the only recourse will be dissolving the union and splitting into three or four independent countries.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab.

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RUSSIA OPPOSES INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION IN THE BELARUSIAN CRISIS: "FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE"

On March 30, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin had a call, where the Belarusian crisis was one of the topics on the agenda. While the European leaders reinstated the need for a national inclusive dialogue and new elections in 2021, their Russian counterpart emphasized that external interference in the domestic affairs of Belarus was unacceptable.

Such conflicting statements illustrate the continuous stalemate between the West and Russia over possible solutions to the Belarusian crisis. In this context, the expectation for the Belarusian democratic forces to negotiate with the regime  with the assistance of the international community  is unlikely to materialise in the short-term. The Belarusian opposition is proceeding with consultations with European politicians regarding mediation, despite Russia's pushback. Meanwhile, the ongoing nation-wide voting on the platform Golos in favor of the national dialogue has gathered over 780,000 votes since March 19.

OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS AND HIGH-LEVEL CONTACTS TOOK PLACE ON RUSSO-BELARUSIAN UNITY DAY

On April 2, Aliaksandr Lukashenka and Vladimir Putin exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Unity Day between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus. The official statement by Vladimir Putin noted that allied ties between the two states are "in line with strengthening stability and security in the Eurasian region". Lukashenka made a similar statement acknowledging the success of bilateral integration processes. Lukashenka and Putin also had a call where they discussed the production of vaccines and upcoming meetings within the Union State format. According to the press-release, one aspect of the discussion was the domestic situation in Belarus and external threats "which sound clearly from the western direction (particularly from Poland and the U.S.)".

On Unity Day, the Forum entitled "Union State: opening new opportunities" was held in Minsk and Moscow. The Forum hosted discussions among state officials and experts on legal harmonization, strengthening economic ties, and common defense and security within the Union State.

In the midst of the Belarusian crisis, the Kremlin continues business as usual with the Lukashenka regime. Moscow uses "non-interference" arguments to frustrate Western efforts to solve the crisis. Russia also draws on common Russo-Belarusian interests stemming from the Union State treaties to justify Russia's special role in Belarus' affairs.

MOSCOW AND MINSK PROCEED WITH DEEPENED INTEGRATION

On April 7, a high-level meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State took place. Attendees discussed coordination of migration policies, customs control and economic disputes among commercial entities. Dmitry Mesentzev, newly appointed State Secretary of the Union State and former Russian ambassador to Belarus, mentioned that the Supreme State Council meeting could possibly be organized later this year.

The announced Supreme State Council meeting would likely result in signing the integration roadmaps. A deepened integration agenda is an anticipated step in bilateral relations that has taken place since 2018, a process initiated by Moscow that called for a partial unification of the economic systems of the two states. On March 30, Uladzimir Siamashka, Belarus' ambassador to Russia, stated that 21 out of 28 roadmaps are ready to be signed. This integration process envisages the creation of a common market for energy, gas, oil, transport services and single industrial and agricultural policies by January 2022.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE UNION OF POLES IN BELARUS

In their attempts to stamp out the civil activity and following the scandal around the celebration of "cursed soldiers" [the members of the anti-Soviet underground who fought for the country's independence in the second half of the 1940s. Among them were the soldiers of Romuald Rice's division, who burned five villages in Eastern Poland with their inhabitants. About 79 Belarusians died during this act], Belarusian authorities initiated the campaign against the unregistered Union of Poles in Belarus: in particular, they arrested the head of the organisation Andzelika Borys, Andrzej Poczobut, while other activists tried to track down the teachers of Polish. Lukashenka demanded an investigation into the involvement of foreign funds, NGOs supported by Western donors, and other similar organisations. The representatives of the Union of Poles themselves called this campaign an attempt to convince Russia that there are radical nationalists ("banderovtsy") in Belarus as well, and that Lukashenka is prepared to deal with this threat to enhance the integration processes. This theory is consistent with the narrative put forward by pro-Russia media arguing that Lukashenka opened the "historical front against Poland" to confront it about the occupation.

ENERGY AND ECONOMY

FINANCE

Belarus owes Russia $8.1 billion in long-term liabilities. China is the second largest creditor to Belarus. In 2019, national debt to China was $3.48 billion. Other debts include: $2.16 billion to bondholders, $923.4 million to the World Bank, and almost $15.4 million to the United States. According to the World Bank, the total national debt of Belarus was $17.1 billion in 2019.

According to the Belarusian Ministry of Finance, the external public debt of Belarus totaled $18.3 billion by March 1, 2021. In January-February 2021, external government loans stood at $129.2 million, including $114.0 million from the Russian government and $15.2 million from the IBRD and EBRD. $386.4 million was spent on servicing external public debt, including $188.4 million to the Russian government, $186.2 million to Chinese banks and $11.8 million to the IBRD.

OJSC Gazprom Transgaz Belarus paid RUB 332.6 million to its sole shareholder, PJSC Gazprom, Russia, as dividends for the first quarter of 2020. Dividends for the second to final quarter of 2020  RUB 421.6 million, or $162 million,  will be paid in 2021. Thus, the total sum of dividends for 2020 will be RUB 754.2 million or $290 million.

OIL AND GAS

According to the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Russia Vladimir Semashko, the single gas market of Russia and Belarus may become operational in 2022. A unified energy system for Russia and Belarus is a more distant matter. The first stage will be the unification of infrastructure within three to four years.

On March 15, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak stated that Russian reserves of motor gasoline are 1.66 million tons, which satisfies domestic demand. Consequently, Belarusian gasoline may not be required. Moreover, the current prices make gasoline from Belarusian refineries to Russia uncompetitive in comparison to gasoline exported from outside of the EAEU.

LOGISTICS

Belarus exported over 220,000 tons of oil products through Russian ports. These transshipment rates are higher than anticipated. The income of Russian companies from the provision of services amounted to about $4.6 million. "It is no longer just an export supply chain within the framework of the union state that has been formed, but, in fact, a new international transport corridor has been created", announced Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Russian companies earned RUB 348 million on the export of Belarusian oil products (about $4.6 million), including RUB 142 million (about $1.87 million) on railway transport, and RUB 206 million (about $2.7 million).

On March 29, 2021, the head of Rosmorrechflot Andrey Lavrischev told reporters that by the summer of 2021, Russia and Belarus may decide to create a terminal for transshipment of Belarusian fertilizers in one of the Russian ports.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT DELEGATION VISITS MINSK

On April 3, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk arrived in Minsk. As part of the visit, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Nikolai Snopkov met with Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. The two sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting took place as paxrt of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the signing by the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Belarus and Russia (April 2, 1996).

The meeting between Russian and Belarusian officials was a part of a series of events which took place during the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia. However, neither official nor independent Belarusian mass media provide any additional information about the meeting. It is unclear whether it was merely a routine event without an underlying agenda, or whether it was a part of broader discussions advanced by Russia surrounding deeper integration between the two countries.

RUSSIAN DIPLOMATS PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL EVENTS INITIATED BY BELARUSIAN OFFICIALS

On April 2, the Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Belarus Kirill Pletnev was invited by the leadership of Mahiliou Region to attend a festive event dedicated to the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia. He participated in the event along with Deputy Chairman of the Mahiliou Regional Executive Committee Valery Malashko.

The Russian diplomat thanked the leadership of the region for the invitation and congratulated the Belarusians and the Russians on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia. He stressed that Belarus and Russia are united by a heroic past and promising plans for the future.

In turn, representative of the regional executive committee Valery Malashko said that Belarusians and Russians have much in common: language, similar mentality and shared spiritual values, while the presidents of the two countries are making efforts to further strengthen and develop the Union State. In addition, the Palace of Culture of Mogilev Region hosted a cultural program with guest Russian artists.

Such events demonstrate active interaction between Russian diplomats in Belarus and Belarusian officials at the regional level. Such events are largely formal in character, but they can also provide an environment for strengthening informal ties between representatives of the Russian Embassy in Belarus and local officials. Interestingly, many Belarusian officials themselves actively support and promote such networking events and opportunities.

MILITARY AND LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

ARMY

Russia continues to bolster its military presence near its border with Ukraine, raising speculation at the intent of this build-up. Some experts suggest the Kremlin plans to launch an offensive against the Western neighbour. Simultaneously, in March 2021 Russia was conducting joint military exercises on Belarusian territory which, as some analysts argue, could signify further integration in the military sphere and the deployment of troops to threaten Poland and Baltic countries (this could happen during the military exercise Zapad 2021 in September). There have also been rumours surrounding the reconsideration of the Military doctrine of the Union State (launched by propagandist outlets), as well as the news on the establishment of three combined training centers. On April 2, Russia's delegation from Air-space forces evaluated whether necessary infrastructure is prepared in Belarus for the launch of a combined training center for the preparation of air forces and air defense forces.

LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Belarusian and Russian law-enforcement agencies are participating in joint conferences and roundtables, where they are actively sharing experience on information security and the introduction of innovative technologies into the intelligence activities. Another instance of cooperation in this area concerns the joint persecution of citizens who fled from Belarus to Russia. In particular, Russia is looking to extradite an administrator of the "destructive" Telegram chats, who fled to Moscow. Two weeks ago, several Belarusians were arrested for participating in the solidarity actions in support of Belarusian protesters.

HEALTHCARE

According to the Minister of Health Dmitry Pinevich, the first commercial batch of the Sputnik V vaccine will be produced by Belmedpreparaty in mid-April 2021, and by autumn 4 million people in Belarus will be vaccinated. The monthly volume of vaccine production at Belmedpreparaty will be 500,000. This implies two components at once. Thus, the volumes will make it possible to vaccinate half a million people per month. It is planned to vaccinate 1 million people during April and May, and by autumn, 4 million people will have been vaccinated. Belarus has already received another 100,000 doses of the second component of the Russian-made vaccine.

Duties for the import to the Eurasian Economic Union of agents and equipment for treating COVID-19 will again be levied from April 1, 2021.

CHURCH

METROPOLITAN HILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK SPOKE AT THE OPENING OF THE MEETING DEDICATED TO THE DAY OF UNITY OF THE PEOPLES OF BELARUS AND RUSSIA

On April 2, 2021, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of Moscow Patriarchate, spoke online at the opening of the official meeting  "Union State: Opening New Opportunities"  on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia.

In his address, Metropolitan Hilarion emphasized the spiritual closeness of the Russian and Belarussian peoples, noting that they are united by common history, the Orthodox faith, language, culture and historical memory. He also cited the words of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: "Belaya Rus is an organic part of Holy Russia, the unity of which is based primarily on the unity of the Russian Orthodox Church". He pointed out the importance of the preservation of the spiritual heritage of their ancestors, "despite the external efforts to undermine and destroy it".

Invitations and public speeches of hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church at official events in Belarus are quite frequent. Statements such as this contain messages typical for Russian foreign policy discourse about cultural, linguistic and historical commonality of the peoples of Russia and Belarus as grounds for considering them as one people and country. They also assert the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as the basis for the unity of these peoples. Typically, in his speech, the hierarch referenced foreign enemies who allegedly threatened the unity of Belarus and Russia.

INTERNET AND MEDIA INFLUENCE

Belarus is intensifying its efforts to restrict Internet freedoms using similar arguments and measures introduced by Russia several years ago. In particular, similar to the law adopted by Russia in March 2020, Belarus is looking to introduce a bill allowing prosecutors to block certain websites without the decision of courts. This could happen if sources publish materials qualified as extremist. The new Minister of Information Ihar Lutsky explained that this is a necessity because the Internet has become "an instrument of information wars, meant to destroy social rules, moral values, and even the states". Although, only by a long stretch of the imagination would one be able to say that the law has been directly inspired by the Russian law, most likely, the Belarusian lawmakers were aware of the Russian experience.

Another sphere where Russian experience turned out to be useful to Belarusian authorities was the war against Telegram messenger. While Russia tried to block the messenger mostly via technical terms (the attack on Telegram was executed between April 16, 2020, and June 18, 2020), Belarus used both repressive and technical means: after initial measures to block the messenger between August 9 and August 12, 2020, turned out to be only partially effective (activists managed to communicate via VPN or using TOR, Psiphon or Bridgefy), they have been arresting the administrators of the Telegram chats where citizens coordinated the protest actions and discussed their aims and means. The most popular Telegram channels such as NEXTA, along with many other chats and channels, were recently recognized as "extremist" and even the reposts are qualified as wrongdoing.

MEETING OF BELARUSIAN AND RUSSIAN YOUTH GONGOS TOOK PLACE

Early in April at the headquarters of the Russian Union of Youth (RUY), a working meeting of the International Union of Public Organizations "Russian-Belarusian Youth Union" (RBSY) took place. As a result of the meeting, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM), Dmitriy Voronyuk, said that it had decided to convene the supreme body of the international organization  the Conference  in the near future to discuss further cooperation within the international union. According to Voronyuk, civic-patriotic education and preservation of historical memory of the Great Victory (during WWII) should become the basis of unity of the youth of Belarus and Russia. The RBSU plans to put a special emphasis on informing about the development of relations between Belarus and Russia, as well as the youth policy of the Union State.

The Russian-Belarusian Union of Youth was established in May 2000 and operates in Belarus and Russia. The RBSM is a union of the All-Russian Public Organization "Russian Union of Youth" and the Public Association "Belarusian Republican Youth Union". RBSY activity is aimed at the development of Russian-Belarusian youth cooperation. Different international youth projects have been realized under the patronage of the Union every year since.

The BRSM is one of the largest unions patronized by GONGOs in Belarus. This and other similar organizations actively cooperate and declare their intentions to cooperate with their Russian counterparts. The initiative described above unites BRSM with a large and similar pro-governmental Russian organization. This kind of cooperation is quite formal, but it shows the pro-Russian attitude of the staff of large Belarusian GONGOs, as well as the readiness of the Russian side to support such initiatives. On the other hand, cooperation between the pro-governmental organizations is an example of authoritarian learning between Russia and Belarus.

The Belarus Watch Briefing is a bi-weekly newsletter monitoring Russian activities and influence in Belarus. It was set up by the European Values Center for Security Policy (Prague) and Internews Ukraine (Kyiv)

Source: https://ukraineworld.org/articles/infowatch/belarus-watch-briefing-issue-2
As far as attack helicopters go, there are presently two significant ongoing programs. The first is called Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and aims to find a replacement for the aging Black Hawk. The most advanced proposal in this segment seems to be the Defiant X , developed by Boeing with Sikorsky.But Sikorsky is involved in another project as well, one designed for the simpler Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft ( FARA ) program. Working together with parent company Lockheed Martin on this initiative, Sikorsky came up with something called S-97 Raider (project name Raider X).In the middle of April, the company showed off the helicopter at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, in front of Army representatives. There were two flight demonstrations conducted, targeting low-level maneuverability and high-speed capability, and you can have a taste of how all went in the video attached below."The combination of the coaxial rotors and the propulsor are really the enablers for this transformational technology. As we demonstrated today, in low-speed flight we are as capable as a conventional helicopter, but when we engage the prop, we are able to operate in a whole new way  it's much more like flying an airplane," one of the pilots of the S-97 said in a statement.The prototype you see here is the only helicopter meant for the FARA program that is currently in operation. It is the one used by Sikorsky to develop both the Raider X and Defiant X further.The Army plans to replace the Black Hawk sometime next decade, so the development of both these new machines is likely to accelerate over the coming years.
Almost 80% of South Africans speak one of the SEB family languages as their first language. Their origins can be traced to farmers of West-Central Africa whose descendants over the past two millennia spread south of the equator and finally into Southern Africa.

Since then, varying degrees of sedentism [the practice of living in one place for a long time], population movements and interaction with Khoe and San communities, as well as people speaking other SEB languages, ultimately generated what are today distinct Southern African languages such as isiZulu, isiXhosa and Sesotho.

Despite these linguistic differences, these groups are treated mostly as a single group in genetic studies.

Understanding genetic diversity in a population is critical to the success of disease genetic studies. If two genetically distinct populations are treated as one, the methods normally used to find disease genes could become error prone.

Consideration of these genetic differences is critical to providing a reliable understanding of the genetics of complex diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, in South Africans.

Dr Dhriti Sengupta and Dr Ananyo Choudhury in the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, were joint lead authors of the paper published in Nature Communications on 7 April 2021.

The study comprised a multidisciplinary team of geneticists, bioinformaticians, linguists, historians and archaeologists from Wits University (Michele Ramsay, Scott Hazelhurst, Shaun Aron and Gavin Whitelaw), the University of Limpopo, and partners in Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland.

South Eastern Bantu-speakers have a clear linguistic division - they speak more than nine distinct languages - and their geography is clear: some of the groups are found more frequently in the north, some in central, and some in southern Africa. Yet despite these characteristics, the SEB groups have so far been treated as a single genetic entity." Dr Ananyo Choudhury, Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

The study found that SEB speaking groups are too different to be treated as a single genetic unit.

"So if you are treating say, Tsonga and Xhosa, as the same population - as was often done until now - you might get a completely wrong gene implicated for a disease," says Sengupta.

About the study

The study, titled: "Genetic substructure and complex demographic history of South African Bantu speakers" aimed to find out whether the SEB speakers are indeed a single genetic entity or if they have enough genetic differences to be grouped into smaller units.

Genetic data from more than 5000 participants speaking eight different southern African languages were generated and analysed.

These languages are isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana.

Participants were recruited from research sites in Soweto in Gauteng, Agincourt in Mpumalanga, and Dikgale in Limpopo province.

Genetic differences reflect geography, language and history

The study detected major variations in genetic contribution from the Khoe and San into SEB speaking groups; some groups have received a lot of genetic influx from Khoe and San people, while others have had a very little genetic exchange with these groups.

This variation ranged on average from about 2% in Tsonga to more than 20% in Xhosa and Tswana.

This suggests that SEB speaking groups are too different to be treated as a single genetic unit.

"The study showed that there could be substantial errors in disease gene discovery and disease risk estimation if the differences between South-Eastern-Bantu speaking groups are not taken into consideration," says Sengupta.

The genetic data also show major differences in the history of these groups over the last 1000 years. Genetic exchanges were found to have occurred at different points in time, suggesting a unique journey of each group across the southern African landscape over the past millennium.

These genetic differences are strong enough to impact the outcomes of biomedical genetic research.

Sengupta emphasises, however, that ethnolinguistic identities are complex and cautioned against extrapolating broad conclusions from the findings regarding genetic differences.

"Although genetic data showed differences [separation] between groups, there was also a substantial amount of overlap [similarity]. So while findings regarding differences could have huge value from a research perspective, they should not be generalised," she says.

A genetic blueprint for future health

A common approach to identify if a genetic variant causes or predisposes us to a disease is to take a set of individuals with a disease (e.g., high blood pressure or diabetes) and another set of healthy individuals without the disease, and then compare the occurrence of many genetic variants in the two sets.

If a variant shows a notable frequency difference between the two sets it is assumed that the genetic variant could be associated with the disease.

"However, this approach depends entirely on the underlying assumption that the two groups consist of genetically similar individuals. One of the major highlights of our study is the observation that Bantu-speakers from two geographic regions - or two ethnolinguistic groups - cannot be treated as if they are the same when it comes to disease genetic studies," says Choudhury.

Future studies, especially those testing a small number of variants, need to be more nuanced and have balanced ethnolinguistic and geographic representation, he says.

This study is the second landmark study in African population genetics, published in the last six months, led by researchers in the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University.

Professor Michele Ramsay, director of the SBIMB and corresponding author of the study, says: "The in-depth analysis of several large African genetic datasets has just begun. We look forward to mining these datasets to provide new insights into key population histories and the genetics of complex diseases in Africa".
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:30:35|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government Wednesday decided to resume domestic flights in a reduced capacity after weeks of suspension amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) in a circular decided to resume all seven domestic routes except one in the sea beach town of Cox's Bazar, some 392 km southeast of capital Dhaka.

According to the CAAB circular, an airline will be able to fly a maximum of 12 flights on the six domestic routes.

The CAAB on April 5 suspended all domestic flights following government instructions to curb the pandemic.

To fight the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, Bangladesh on Tuesday extended the ongoing strict lockdown to April 28.

The lockdown will remain in force from April 22 to 28.

On Wednesday, the country's Directorate General of Health Services also reported 4,280 new COVID-19 cases and 95 new deaths, making the total tally at 732,060 and the death toll at 10,683. Enditem
Prince Philip had 'only one complaint' about the Queen during their 73-year marriage, according to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 on April 9 in Windsor, would often moan about his wife 'always being on the phone', according to the writer.

Speaking on Lorraine this morning, Gyles gave his insights into Prince Philip after 40 years of friendship.

He said: '[The Duke of Edinburgh] said to me, "God, she's never off the phone. Never off the phone. Who is she talking to?"'

Gyles added that it was 'the only time he ever complained about the Queen', explaining: 'He knew his whole life was supporting the Queen, he never put a foot wrong, he always turned up right day, right uniform, on time, one step behind her.'

Prince Philip had 'only one complaint' about the Queen (pictured together in June 2020) during their 73-year marriage, according to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth

The biographer suggested Her Majesty, who turns 95 today, often rings her racing manager to talk about her horses in the evenings.

Gyles said Prince Philip, who he got to know through a shared charity interest, could be 'quite frightening, funny and serious'.

Recalling a moment the Duke helped him, he said: 'When in the 1990s, I said I wanted to become an MP, he looked at me aghast as if "could you imagine anything so stupid".

'He said "well have you been to Westminster?" and I said I haven't been, "Haven't been to the Houses of Parliament? I can't believe it." Anyway, the next day he invited me to the State Opening of Parliament as his guest, as the guest of him and the Queen... amazing.'

Gyles continued: 'When I lost my seat he wasn't surprised. But he called up and said: "anything I can do?, bad luck". And I said: "Well sir, I'm going to get back into journalism."

The Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 on April 9 in Windsor, would often moan about his wife 'always being on the phone', according to the writer (pictured on Lorraine)

Speaking on Lorraine this morning, Gyles (pictured right) gave his insights into Prince Philip after 40 years of friendship

'He said: "Well, what's that got to do with me?" I said: "Well, you could give me an interview." He hated giving interviews but very reluctantly he agreed and it went quite well.'

Gyles then explained how he was given the opportunity to write Prince Philip's biography, with the duke striving for accuracy.

He said: 'As a result of it, for his 80th birthday he said he needed a biography written, would I write it? So I had this fascinating but terrifying experience of going in and talking about his life, and he really didn't want to concede anything.

'He had this very strange childhood, for example, born in Greece, but brought up in Paris by his parents who split when he was 10, and his mother had a breakdown.

'[She] ended up in an asylum and didn't see her son for several years, no Christmas cards or birthday cards, and his father floated down to the south of France where he ended up living with a girlfriend on a boat.

Her Majesty's (pictured) beloved husband of 73 years Prince Philip passed away on April 9, aged 99, in Windsor. He was laid to rest on Saturday in a stripped-back funeral in Windsor with just 30 mourners invited due to Covid-19 regulations

'And Prince Philip said: "What are you saying here about my father floating down to the south of France, floating?" He said: "My father did not float down to the south of France, my father went by train." He wanted things to be accurate.'

Commenting on Prince Philip's passing, the royal biographer added: 'It's an end of an era, and if we regard the Queen's reign as a success, the co-author of that success was the Duke of Edinburgh.'

Her Majesty's beloved husband of 73 years Prince Philip passed away on April 9, aged 99, in Windsor.

He was laid to rest on Saturday in a stripped-back funeral in Windsor with just 30 mourners invited due to Covid-19 regulations.

Following strict social distancing rules during the pandemic, the Queen set an example even in grief, sitting apart from family members arranged around St George's Chapel.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/21/2021



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alum Arie Luyendyk Jr. successfully surprised his wife Lauren Burnham with a backyard baby shower for their twins on the way.Arie, 39, shared photos from the baby shower he secretly planned and threw for Lauren, 29, who is currently 29 weeks along in her pregnancy with one boy and one girl."Pulled it off everyone! Happy to celebrate you and our babies today," Arie captioned the slideshow.Arie and Lauren, with her baby bump on full display in a light peach maxi dress, posed in front of a "Baby L & S" sign, which appears to hint at the twins' names, as well as inside a white bounce castle set up for the couple's 22-month-old daughter Alessi Ren.Arie also posted a picture of some delicious food and Lauren smiling with a few of her girlfriends.Lauren commented on Arie's post, "Still can't believe I never caught on! There were so many signs."On her own Instagram account, Lauren posted similar pictures, including one of her munching on pink cotton candy alongside a pal who had a stick of blue cotton candy in hand."Never been more surprised than I was walking into my backyard today. love all of you ppl so much & @luyendyktwins. We can't wait to meet you!" Lauren gushed.On the Instagram account the couple had created for their, Arie provided a little more insight into why he decided to surprise his wife with a baby shower."29 weeks! Today we spent the day celebrating you two. I was so happy to surprise Mom with a baby shower and she had no idea!" Arie began."This past week was a tough one for her so I thought this would be the best way to put a smile on her face. You have so many people out here that already love you so much and can't wait to meet you! So this week I got to finally see your little faces and you two look so dang cute."Arie continued, "I have to say I see a lot of your big sister in those pictures but trust me she's cute so that's a good thing. Also baby girl you are facing down now so we are crossing our fingers your brother will flip too!""That's all for now but keep growing and we'll hopefully see you in 9 weeks! Love you, Dad," he concluded.Arie and Lauren, who recently bought a house in Hawaii and will be moving there soon, announced Lauren is pregnant with twins in December 2020, not long after Lauren suffered a miscarriage in May of last year.The couple announced in January 2021 they will be welcoming another daughter as well as a son , due to arrive in this June.Lauren finished Arie's season of in second place when Arie actually chose Becca Kufrin as his winner and popped the question to her during the Final Rose Ceremony, which aired in March 2018.But weeks after getting engaged, Arie decided to dump Becca because he claimed he was still in love with Lauren, and so he begged Lauren for a second chance.Arie proposed marriage to Lauren in March 2018 on : After the Final Rose after Season 22 aired on ABC.The couple then moved into their first home together in Phoenix, AZ, in April of that year.The pair announced they were expecting their first child together in November 2018 and revealed two months later that Lauren was pregnant with a baby girl.Arie and Lauren tied the knot at Haiku Mill in Maui, Hawaii in January 2019 and then welcomed Alessi on May 29, 2019.Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Researchers of the University of Barcelona, together with researchers from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) and Brown University (United States), have analysed more than 10,000 evaluations that were carried out to candidates who wish to hold a public teaching permanent in Catalonia. The objective was to study how the decision by the committee of evaluators is affected by the fact that each candidate holds a certain position in the lists of people to be assessed. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, identifies a new cognitive bias that researchers have named "generosity-erosion effect". It involves that once the evaluators have scored one candidate generously, they tend to act harsher to the subsequent ones.

Researchers considered the fact of giving someone a score of 5.00 -the minimum grade to pass- a generous gesture, since it allows people to pass the exam when they would be on the verge of failing it. In addition, it is hard for evaluators to assess the merit of a candidate at a decimal level. Once this parameter is set, the study shows that the likelihood of success decreases by 7.7% for each previous candidate that received the lowest accepted score to continue with the hiring process.

Authors provide some explanations for this generosity-erosion effect. One could be guilt-aversion: evaluators would tend to be generous and overgrade candidates who are on the verge of failing in order to avoid the feeling of guilt, but once they have given a score of 5 to some candidates this feeling of guilt is reduced and they are likely to act harsher on others. "We observed the mechanism that affects the final score is not fatigue nor the contrast with the previous candidate or the expectations of the examination board, as stated in other studies: it is mainly guilt or the generosity-erosion effect", notes Jordi J. Teixido, researcher of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the UB and co-author of the article.

The study, also signed by the UB researcher Tania Fernandez, Marc Lluis Vives (Brown University, United States) and Miquel Serra-Burriel (University of Zurich, Switzerland), uses tools from the social science game theory to interpret the results of the analysis. The selection process to hire teachers showed proper features for the study, since those candidates to be assessed were listed randomly without a certain order, and the decision was not taken individually but by a committee, which is becoming more common in selection processes.

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KALAMAZOO, MI  A former Portage preschool employee pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child.

Aaron Joe Bryant, 19, of Hartford, pleaded guilty April 21 before Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Gary Giguere to one felony count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13 and one misdemeanor count of fourth-degree child abuse.

Related: Former Portage childcare worker faces additional sex assault charges

Bryant appeared from a Michigan Department of Corrections prison during the virtual hearing and accepted a plea deal, which dismissed additional charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was charged in two different cases.

Bryant was first employed in September 2019 at Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool, 1518 E. Centre Ave. in Portage. He was terminated from his job while on administrative leave July 17, after a month-long investigation after the allegations were raised in June.

Bryant was initially arraigned Oct. 30 on a charge of second-degree criminal-sexual conduct after a childs parents reported seeing Bryant sexually assault their child during video streamed live from the facility. He was arraigned Jan. 5 on the two additional charges.

According to the probable cause affidavit in the second case, a 5-year-old boy told his mother and investigators that Bryant touched and/or pulled on his privates, allegedly making skin-to-skin contact during nap time. The actions stopped when he opened his eyes.

In a separate case, Bryant was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison March 15 in Berrien County on one felony count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to MDOC records.

Bryant is scheduled for sentencing in the Kalamazoo County case on May 17.

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Washington, April 21 : US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said on Tuesday that he would leave Russia temporarily to discuss bilateral ties with colleagues in Washington, days after Moscow suggested him to return home for consultations amid tensions between the two countries.

"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said in a brief statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The envoy said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters later Tuesday that Sullivan is "returning at an opportune time to undertake consultations here to see his family," noting that his return was not an expulsion by Russia.

He added that Sullivan had been deeply engaged in "our new approach to Russia," which aims at a stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.

Sullivan's leave follows recent diplomatic clashes between the two countries.

Last Thursday, the Biden administration announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sweeping sanctions against individuals and entities in response to Moscow's alleged election interference and cyber activities.

Russia on Friday said that it would expel 10 US diplomats, bar eight incumbent and former American high-ranking officials from entering Russia indefinitely, among other restrictions.

"This extremely tense situation objectively requires the ambassadors of our countries to be in their respective capitals to analyze developments and hold consultations," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has been summoned back to Moscow for a month amid the deteriorating ties.

While authorizing punitive measures against Russia, Biden also called for de-escalating the tensions and proposed a summit with Putin in Europe this summer to address a range of bilateral issues.

Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Russian counterpart on Monday and discussed the prospect of the summit.
[April 21, 2021] MaxLinear and Inango Systems Partner to Allow ISPs to Deploy High-Value Software Services Faster

MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE: MXL) and Inango Systems have jointly announced a partnership of strategic cooperation. Under this agreement, the parties agree to jointly market and sell the Inango Service Orchestration software, a product that enables internet service providers to deliver rich portfolios of services on their networks. Inango will also provide MaxLinear with optimized integrated solutions for OpenvSwitch software with MaxLinear processors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005441/en/ MaxLinear and Inango partner to enable ISPs to deploy high-value services faster (Graphic: Business Wire) The Inango Orchestration Platform offers service providers new and powerful ways to deploy software services on their subscriber networks. Software services are key to improving user experience on these networks, offering broader functionality and support capabilities. Leveraging the Inango platform, these services can now be deployed instantly and with tremendous cost efficiencies, yielding great value to service providers. "We are delighted to be cooperating with MaxLinear in this exciting new market," said Jonathan Masel, CEO of Inango Systems. "Software services for provider networks has become a hot topic in recent years. The need for improving user experience and supporting modern network functions has led to a plethora of companies offering products. But until now there has not been a clear platform focused on their fast and efficient deployment and life-cycle management. Our Service Orchestration platform does exactly that. And in partnering with MaxLinear, we can leverage their platform footprint at leading Cable MSOs and Service Providers worldwide as an excellent launching pad for our products." "We are happy to partner with Inango Systems in supporting the residential broadband ecosystem with a path to create, grow and rapidly deploy an expanding set of high-value services," said Doron Tal, VP Broadband Access at MaxLinear. "The collaboration will enable our customers and partners to scale delivery of new service experiences while reducing operating cost and growing ARPU." The Inango Orchestration Platform is expected to be available for a range of MaxLinear-based gateways, including Puma and their latest URX processors family, later this year. About Inango Systems Inango Systems develps software for a broad range of communication applications. The company offers licensed source code solutions and provides software professional services for customized feature development as well as an extension to customer's own software teams. Inango's customers include OEMs in the networking and telecommunication markets and semiconductor companies who benefit from Inango's experience in providing highly optimized software-to-silicon solutions. Inango software is installed in millions of homes and networks worldwide. More information can be found at http://www.inango.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) at http://www.linkedin.com/company/Inango.



About MaxLinear, Inc. MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE: MXL) is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits for the connectivity and access, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit www.maxlinear.com.

MxL and the MaxLinear logo are trademarks of MaxLinear, Inc. Other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying future financial performance, anticipated product performance and functionality of our products or products incorporating our products, and industry trends and growth opportunities affecting MaxLinear, in particular statements relating to MaxLinear's partnership of strategic cooperation with Inango Systems, MaxLinear-based gateways and processors, including Puma and MaxLinear's latest URX processors, and Inango's Service Orchestration software and OpenvSwitch software, including but not limited to potential market opportunities, including with respect to the software services for provider networks market, functionality, and the benefits of use of such products. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent these new or existing products will affect our future revenues or financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may contain words such as "will be," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," or similar expressions and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: intense competition in our industry and product markets; risks relating to the development, testing, and commercial introduction of new products and product functionalities; the ability of our customers to cancel or reduce orders; and uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop. Other risks potentially affecting our business include risks relating to acquisition integration; our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; impacts from public health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic or natural disasters; and the potential for intellectual property litigation, which is prevalent in our industry. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in MaxLinear's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks and uncertainties arising from other factors affecting the business, operating results, and financial condition of MaxLinear, including those set forth in MaxLinear's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. MaxLinear is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005441/en/

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Children receiving care in our network often have complex medical needs that require them to see a number of different providers. CTHealthLink will help us to connect information across different providers and EMR systems to improve the care we deliver to our patients.

Connecticut Childrens and the Connecticut Childrens Care Network (Care Network) are the states first integrated delivery system to join CTHealthLink, the Connecticut State Medical Societys health information exchange.

The Care Network is a collaboration between Connecticut Childrens and pediatricians across the state. This partnership between Connecticut Childrens and 26 independent pediatric practices is dedicated to improving access to healthcare and health outcomes for all children.

By joining CTHealthLink, Connecticut Childrens and Care Network patient families will now benefit from a coordinated approach to their childs health care needs. Primary care providers and specialists can now develop complex care plans for each patient leveraging their access to real-time data, enhanced interoperability, and consolidated analytics available through the health information exchange.

We are pleased that Connecticut Childrens and its Care Network are dedicated and committed to a more comprehensive way of sharing patient information, said Richelle deMayo, Chief Medical Information Officer, Connecticut Childrens.

Being part of CT HealthLink and having access to this type of patient data will allow us to save lives by preventing suicide which is the second leading cause of death in children and young adults starting at 10 years old, said Steve Rogers, MD, Medical Director of Emergency Behavioral Health Services. Children receiving care in our network often have complex medical needs that require them to see a number of different providers. CTHealthLink will help us to connect information across different providers and EMR systems to improve the care we deliver to our patients.

Ryan Calhoun, VP, Strategy and Care Integration at Connecticut Childrens, said As we continue to work toward population health, its critical that were sharing information across the continuum. The Care Networks participation in this health information exchange will help us improve communication and bring more data to clinicians so theyre able to provide more comprehensive, high quality coordinated care.

The current mental health crisis felt in Connecticut and across the nation was a key reason Connecticut Childrens joined CTHealthLink. It is critical to provide timely and appropriate care to patients in crisis or in need of behavioral health services. Connecticut Childrens behavioral health unit is one of the few places in the state that can provide emergency care for childrens behavioral health issues. It has seen a dramatic increase in demand over the past 20 years and care for these patients remains challenging due to the difficulty in accessing actionable and timely data.

Patients at risk of suicide are seeing their healthcare providers, but their risk is often unrecognized due to the fragmentation of health information throughout the system, said Rob Aseltine PhD, CTHealthLink Board Chair and professor at UConn Health. We see access to the integrated data and analytics provided by systems like CTHealthLink as a critical tool in helping pediatricians identify and intervene with children at risk of suicide.

CTHealthLink will be a key asset to pediatricians as COVID-19 vaccinations expand to Connecticut adolescents this month and potentially to younger children over the summer, pending FDA approval.

Physician in the Care Network can now coordinate with Connecticut Childrens via CTHealthLink to ensure that children with special health care needs receive the COVID vaccine, and that all COVID vaccinations are properly tracked in the states immunization registry.

Children with complex medical conditions are especially at risk for coronavirus infection. Any opportunity we have to improve prioritization, coordination, and tracking of vaccination of these children will increase their chances of safely navigating this pandemic, said David Krol MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director for the CT Childrens Care Network.

Health information exchanges have untapped potential and broad reaching benefit for healthcare. In partnership with CTHealthLink, we have an opportunity to further the quadruple aim in enhancing the patient experience, improving population health outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the clinician experience across Connecticut, supporting our trajectory towards value-based care, said Jung Park, Chief Information Officer for Connecticut Childrens. Implementing this critical infrastructure begins a virtuous cycle, helping to enable future care innovation and accelerating research aims. Im excited by the prospects and synergies that CTHealthLink will enable.

CTHealthLinks technology vendor KONZA, with over ten years of experience supporting physician practices and hospitals in reporting to state public health registries, will assist pediatric practices in the Care Network in connecting to the state immunization registry to monitor vaccination status.

KONZA is a recipient of a national STAR HIE grant from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, which provides funding to health information exchanges to assist their participants in COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

###

About Connecticut Childrens:

Connecticut Childrens is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children and ranked one of the best childrens hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet designated hospital. Connecticut Childrens provides more than 30 pediatric specialties along with community-based programs to uniquely care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children. Our team of pediatric experts and care coordinators bring access to breakthrough research, advanced treatments for both rare and common diseases, and innovative health and safety programs to every child. Connecticut Childrens is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare for all children through convenient locations, care alliances and partnerships.

About KONZA:

KONZA operates exchanges in multiple states, including Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, New Jersey and Connecticut. KONZA is deeply committed to connecting healthcare providers, patients, health plans, and our technology partners together to organize healthcare data into information that will drive healthcare transformation. Patients, health plans, physicians, healthcare facilities, and other healthcare providers from across the country benefit from KONZA's delivery of unequaled actionable intelligence.
(Natural News) Researchers propose building a gene bank on the moon that would house the seeds of 6.7 million species on Earth. Similar to Noahs Ark, the gene bank would serve as a modern insurance policy that would ensure the survival of terrestrial life should an extinction-level event happen.

Earth is naturally a volatile environment, said Jekan Thanga, a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona (UArizona) and one of the study researchers.

Around 75,000 years ago, for example, the eruption of the supervolcano Toba in what is now Indonesia nearly wiped out humans. The catastrophic event triggered a thousand-year-long cooling period, which scientists link to a dramatic drop in biodiversity.

Because human civilization has such a large footprint, if it were to collapse, that could have a negative cascading effect on the rest of the planet, Thanga said.

The researchers presented their proposal during the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Aerospace Conference, which was held virtually from March 6 to 13.

Building a cold-storage facility in the moons lava tubes

The idea of creating gene banks to preserve life is not new. In fact, a cold-storage facility on the island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic Sea was built precisely for this purpose. Called the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the seed repository contains more than a million seeds from hundreds of thousands of plant species.

But the facilitys terrestrial location leaves the specimens vulnerable to natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts and earthquakes. A lunar underground facility, on the other hand, would be safe from these threats.

Thanga and his team examined the feasibility of building such a facility. According to their calculations, it would take only 250 rocket launches to transport 50 samples for each of the 6.7 million target species. By comparison, assembling the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit took a total of 40 rocket launches.

Its not crazy big. We were a little bit surprised about that, Thanga said.

During their presentation, the researchers proposed building a cold-storage facility inside a lava tube, a hollow tunnel below the lunar surface. Lava tubes formed billions of years ago when molten rock flowed below the lunar surface, leaving behind a network of tunnels that measure around 330 feet in diameter.

Given their location underground, these chambers could offer protection from solar radiation, meteorites and extreme shifts in temperatures. (Related: Scientists say the Moon and Mars may have lava tubes so large, they could be used as permanent base structures for colonization.)

The underground facility would be accessible via two or more elevator shafts, one of which would be used to transport construction materials. The researchers suggested deploying tiny, flying robots called SphereX, which Thanga co-developed as part of another project, to aid in building the facility.

These robots could enter lava tubes and work in teams to collect samples of lunar dust and rock. They could also collect data on the layout, temperatures and makeup of the tunnels, which could be used to refine construction.

A series of cylindrical cryo-preservation modules would run along the length of the lava tubes, connecting the elevator shafts to each other and to other facilities such as a lab. Each module would house stacks of Petri dishes that would contain specimens. The specimens would be refrigerated at cryogenic temperatures and solar panels installed on the lunar surface would power the facility.

Using quantum levitation to protect the specimens

The researchers also proposed taking advantage of quantum levitation to prevent the issues that come with operating a cold-storage facility, such as the freezing, jamming or cold-welding of metal base components.

In quantum levitation, a superconductor material levitates over a powerful magnet, particularly a quantum levitation track designed specifically for this purpose.

Its like theyre locked in place by strings, but invisible strings, Thanga explained.

Quantum levitation would allow the stacks of Petri dishes to float and avoid contact with the metal surface. To achieve this, the researchers suggested using robots that would hold the stacks while they themselves floated above a magnetic track.

When you get to cryogenic temperatures, strange things happen. Some of it just looks like magic but is based on tried and laboratory-tested physics principles at the edge of our understanding, Thanga said.

Building such a lunar facility is still a long way off, however. For one, the researchers still need to determine how the facility would communicate with Earth and how a low-gravity environment could affect the specimens.

But Alvaro Diaz-Flores, a doctoral student at UArizona who contributed to the proposal, is optimistic about our prospects in space.

What amazes me about projects like this is that they make me feel like we are getting closer to becoming a space civilization, and to a not-very-distant future where humankind will have bases on the moon and Mars, said Diaz-Flores.

Learn more about ambitious proposals to colonize space at Space.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Britannica.com

ThoughtCo.com

News.Arizona.edu
Every year before forage harvest begins, the questions come regarding quality or quantity of forage. This discussion doesn't apply as much to corn silage but more so for small grain, alfalfa, and warm-season annuals like sorghum and millet. There are many factors that might influence the best answer to the quantity or quality question, but in my view, none of these are as important as drought.

A significant portion of the nation's dairy production is in the arid West where rain has been the topic of many prayer meetings since the pioneer days. With less and less irrigation potential, growing forage for dairy production is always a big concern.

There is a joke about a High Plains farmer discussing his 15-inch average annual rainfall with a farmer from the East. "So, 15 inches of rainfall doesn't seem like very much to grow a crop" comments the Eastern farmer. To which the Western farmer replied, "Well, it sure seemed like a lot the day we got it!".

Farming out West is not for the faint of heart.

Back to the cows

This reality is clearly in view in my ration formulation. In addition to nutritional expertise, we are expected to be of assistance in developing forage plans for our clients. This is a great reason why dairy science students should be encouraged to take some agronomy classes.

The holistic approach to building dairy rations out West is to always consider what we can grow and how we best complement that with purchased ingredients. This is the point where the status of the Ogallala aquifer intersects with hemispheric weather patterns and finally with rumen biochemistry and kinetics. How can we pick the best forage with the least weather risk, minimize irrigation risk, and then combine it with the right grains, protein, and by-products to make profitable milk?

My overriding principle for this topic is that the forage volume needed to operate a successful dairy is always the first requirement. The biology of the cow and, more specifically, the rumen tells us we need a certain amount of roughage to maintain her health. Having a secure supply of this roughage material is of the highest priority.

Learned to speak French

I remember in the drought of 2012 in the Texas Panhandle. We all had to work on our French a bit. We were having forage shipped out of Canada with French-speaking truck drivers from Quebec. This is not the norm out our way! Granted, this was an extreme situation, but I will never forget it. In almost all cases, ingredients like corn, protein meal, and various by-products are available at the end of a phone call. We may not like the price, but in almost all cases, you can get it. With forages, this is not the case.

So, back to the question, Planning for quantity or quality from crops like triticale, sorghum, or millet out West?

I almost always lean toward quantity. We don't want to take this to the extreme by making wheat straw or milo stalk silage. As well, carefully picking the right variety might help with some extra yield while still holding on to respectable digestibility.

An actual conversation might go like this: Should we plan to harvest our triticale early for 9 tons of yield at 15% protein and 65% neutral detergent fiber digestibility at 30 hours (NDFd30 hour digestibility)? Or should we let it grow a little longer and increase the yield to 12 or even 15 tons but end up with 10% protein silage with a modest fiber digestibility of 55% NDFd30?

My answer will usually lean toward maximizing the yield. This will lower the overall cost per ton of the silage, reducing harvest and ensiling risk while providing more feeding days for the herd.

Can it make milk?

But you ask, how can we make the same milk with this higher fiber, lower digestibility, and lower protein silage. Well, the protein part is easy. Here again, we may not like the feed cost result, but we will get the cows fed. As for the fiber, this part is very interesting and lends itself to good ration formulation and modeling.

One of the primary differences between high fiber, more mature silage and what we might call "really good stuff" is the lower hemicellulose. As forages mature, the percent of highly digestible hemicellulose is reduced while lower digestible cellulose increases along with indigestible lignin. These chemical changes inside the cells of the plant are easily observed by what an experienced farmer can tell as he simply touches and feels the hay or silage.

As long as this hay or silage is nicely harvested, ensiled, or dried using best practices, we can formulate it into a ration and still make good milk. This may seem an affront to the mantra that good forage makes good milk, but science tells us we can add things to the ration using the more mature forage and make the same milk with more feeding days from the crop.

If hemicellulose is what we are missing with the higher-yielding, higher fiber silage, how do we add it back? Here is the good news.

Most of the by-products that we routinely feed in dairy rations are rich in hemicellulose. This fiber that is indigestible to humans is the perfect fit for the lower digestible forage. Using ingredients like soybean hulls, beet pulp, distillers and gluten are a perfect fit. You don't fix this problem by simply adding corn. It is not starch that you need.

I know everyone won't agree with this approach, but we are making it work very well in dairies even now. We are feeding very high-fiber, small-grain forage with less than impressive NDF digestibility, modest protein and are still making big milk. Increasing forage yield not only decreases the per ton cost of that forage but reduces the risk of hauling hay from long distances while hoping for the next rain to break the drought. Using strong nutrition modeling, we can "fix" the marginal quality forage and still produce high levels of milk.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021

April 19, 2021
From 2013 to 2020, Sam Houston State University President Dr. Dana G. Hoyt helped lead the effort to establish the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe.

In honor of her contributions to the project, the street leading to the college from Interstate 45 now carries her name.

In a joint ceremony organized by the City of Conroe and SHSU, the street was dedicated as Dana G. Hoyt Avenue on Wednesday morning among many city and SHSU officials. Conroe Major Jody Czajkoski also proclaimed April 21, 2021 as Dr. Dana G. Hoyt Day in Conroe and presented her a key to the city.

The street is just south of the college campus and leads from I-45 up to the building.

Hoyt was the 13th and first female president of Sam Houston State University. She served as president for 10 years before retiring in August 2020.

During her tenure, SHSU made significant advances in academic programs, research, student success initiatives, enrollment, campus expansion and fund raising. Most notable of her many accomplishments was the establishment of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is the first medical program in the Texas State University System.

On Wednesday she explained to those gathered for the dedication that in the spring of 2013, the college did a study on the needs of the health science industry in this region.

She said the No. 1 need from the study was more primary care physicians in rural areas.

In November 2013, she approached former Conroe mayor Leo T. Tommy Metcalf, who also serves on the Sam Houston University Foundation Board, with the idea to bring a medical college to Conroe.

He knew just the right spot and quickly called Virgil Yoakum with Johnson Development which had just closed on the old Camp Strake property in October 2013.

Yoakum spoke on Wednesday, recalling their first meeting on Jan. 24, 2014, where he said they met, saw the future and laid out the future.

They agreed Conroe and the new Johnson Development property in Conroe was the perfect location among growing Montgomery County and the flourishing medical complexes in Conroe and The Woodlands.

Over seven years, the medical school became a reality and the campus welcomed its first class of 75 students last fall and will be accepting another 112 this coming August.

Hoyt said the first graduating class from the school wont happen until 2024.

(With that, you realize) when you start a project like this, its not a short-term endeavor, its a long-term passion, she said.

The hope is that the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is just the first of other medical entities drawn to the area.

In recognition of her accomplishments and Wednesdays dedication, Hoyt was presented proclamations from the offices of state Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, and state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe.

Nelda Luce Blair, representing the commission that oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety, and a close friend of Hoyts offered a resolution from Gov. Greg Abbott commemorating the day.

Your enthusiasm, tireless work ethic and unwavering support for students also ensured one of the most notable of your many triumphs  the establishment of the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine  the first medical program in the Texas State University System, Blair read from Abbotts resolution. In recognition of this historic accomplishment, Dana G. Hoyt Avenue is named in your honor. I join my fellow Texans in commending you on the vital role you played throughout your tenure as president (of SHSU.)

Hoyt called the street dedication an unexpected and incredible honor.

A lot of time, effort and passion (went into the establishment of the college), she said. Having the street named right beside the college means so much.

She is married to John Hoyt, a Waco businessman and alumnus of Sam Houston State University. They have five grandchildren.

Visit https://www.shsu.edu/academics/osteopathic-medicine/ for more on the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe.

shernandez@hcnonline.com
Best Exercise Mats

Exercise Mats Ready to Make Workout Discomfort a Thing of the Past

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Product photos from retailer sites.

Its an understatement to say that the pandemic has brought about abundant changes in our daily routines. Among them, a mass migration from gyms and workout studios back home to dust off those old weights in the garage. If you are ready to start your own home gym, whether it be in your garage or basement, backyard, or bedroom, the purchase near the top of your list should be a quality exercise mat.

RELATED: Best Home Workout Equipment Options

A good exercise mat will not only maximize your comfort during the most uncomfortable workouts by providing cushioning to your body, but it will help prevent injuries, especially during high-impact exercises. Exercise mats can limit leg fatigue and can absorb shock to protect your joints and knees.

What to Look for in an Exercise Mat

Factors to consider when selecting an exercise mat include:

The location of your workouts If you are working out on the concrete floor of your garage, for example, you want to get something with some extra padding.

Thickness of the pad Different types of exercise may require more, or less, padding.

How much space you need to cover Yoga is going to require less room than some aerobics exercises.

Anti-slip features, both on the top and bottom of the pad

Portability, especially if you regularly leave the house for workout sessions

We factored in these features, along with reviews from Amazon customers, to compile this list of the best options in seven different categories.

Pro tip: order a couple extra mats to place under equipment like treadmills and benches to help prevent damage to your floor and minimize noise from the machines.

Best Exercise Mats

Best Large Mat

CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat

The sizeable CAMBIVO exercise mat is ideal for exercises that require a wide radius of movement. Measuring 6 feet long and 4 feet wide, this exercise mat is about double the width of a standard yoga mat. The top of the mat is waterproof and features a slip-free design. The anti-slip features are reinforced by the wavy design on the bottom of the mat. The double layer design on the 6-mm-thick mat includes tear-resistant mesh. The mat comes with a microfiber cleaning towel, storage bag, two mat straps, and is available in eight colors.

Promising review: Really good quality. It's nice that it includes a bag and two straps to make it easy to pack up and travel with. It is well made and a perfect size. I'm 5'10" and I can perform a ton of yoga and other exercises on the large space it provides.  Amazon customer ElectricMeister

$69.99 at Amazon.com

Top Tiles

BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat

Purchasing mat tiles that connect like puzzle pieces will give you some flexibility in where you place the mat and how much space you need to cover. The BalanceFrom tiles are sold in multiple sizes with different thickness options, from 24 square feet at -inch thick to 72 square feet with 1-inch thickness. You can continue to expand as your exercise needs and your home gym grow. Each foam tile features a water-resistant, anti-slip design. You can choose from three color options.

Promising review: Like most households now, we're exercising at home. We got this to use as a fitness mat for two people. It is more stable compared to separate yoga mats and it easily constructs and deconstructs like a puzzle (that you don't need to solve) :) We are two ~6 foot tall people and fit easily side by side using the 12 panel size configured 4 x 3 panels.  Amazon customer DC

From $28.36 at Amazon.com

Best Foldable Mat

ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat

This extremely portable exercise mat folds in three sections and includes two convenient carrying handles, making it easy to both store and travel with. At 1  inches thick, the cushioned mat can help provide comfort when working out on any surface. Its extra cushion makes it ideal for practicing gymnastics if you have little tumblers in your house. It measures 72 inches long by 24 inches wide. The mat is available in five colors.

Promising review: Its lightweight and super easy to fold. I had a foam yoga mat but that one got torn to shreds by my kitty so I decided to buy this and its standing up a bit more than the yoga mat did. Although I would recommend to put it away to avoid the abuse from our demon overlords.  Amazon customer Esclante

$38.99 at Amazon.com

Best Yoga Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga Yoga Mat

The -inch thickness and high-density foam padding make this highly-rated mat ideal for yoga or Pilates. The mat, which measures 71 inches long by 24 inches wide, features double-sided non-slip surfaces. A bonus knee pad is provided, measuring 24 inches wide, 10 inches long, 3/5 inches thick. The mat comes with a carrying strap is available in 7 colors and includes a two-year warranty.

Promising review: This mat exceeded my expectations for how soft it would be. I have hardwood floors, so softness is important. This mat is both soft and supportive, so it doesn't feel like just laying a blanket on the floor. I think it's actually made of magic. I've even used it as a standing mat for my home office stand up workstation.  Amazon customer Kevin Watterson

From $19.47 at Amazon.com

aRELATED: Best Yoga Mats and Accessories

Easiest to Transport

SKL Travel Yoga Mat

The compact SKL exercise mat is made for the mobile mover. It can be rolled up or folded into a 6.69-inch by 9.06-inch-square and packed into a bag, allowing you to easily pack for the studio or throw into a suitcase. The 1/16-inch thick mat is 71 inches long by 26 inches wide. The natural rubber build prevents skidding and sits underneath the suede fabric that absorbs sweat. The anti-tear mat is conveniently machine washable and available in five attractive designs.

Promising review: Definitely worth investing in a travel mat! It is lightweight, beautifully made, folds easily and takes minimal space. Love the grip too. The more you sweat the better it grips.  Amazon customer Delia

$31.97 at Amazon.com

Best Grip

Yogi Bare Paws - Extreme Grip Yoga Exercise Mat

The all-natural, perforated rubber surface of this 4mm-thick exercise mat helps reduce slipping even during the sweatiest of workouts. The rubber on the mat is closed cell and bacteria-resistant, according to the manufacturer. The mat, available in six color options, also provides clever visual guides to help keep your body in the right position. A strap is sold separately (Yogi Bare Hug, $39.95 at Amazon.com)

Promising review: Very high quality feel. I practice vinyasa and sweat quite a bit. The grip is amazing even through the sweatiest of practices. The smooth texture is gentle on my elbows when practicing arm stands. It is cushioned but not squishy. Finally, a mat that has every quality I need to fully focus on my practice. - Amazon customer Taya Kamradt

$104.95 at Amazon.com

Finest Floor Protector

Supermats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat

This heavy-duty equipment mat can be placed under your home gym equipment like treadmills and exercise bikes to protect your floor from damage. It can also protect your equipment from carpet dust and help minimize noise during your workout. The mat measures 2.5 feet wide, 5 inches long, and 3 inches thick. Made from PVC material, the mat can also be used for exercising even without equipment on top of it.

Promising review: I just got the Norditrack s221. This pad fits under the bike perfectly. I have it on our hardwood floors and the pad does not move or slip while I ride. The thickness is great and it is easy to wipe up sweat or water.  Amazon customer LAURA

$26.28 at Amazon.com

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Even after Boston Police Department investigators informed then-Commissioner Paul F. Evans in 1996 that there was credible evidence supporting allegations that one of the departments officers had sexually assaulted a child, that officer was allowed to keep his job, according to internal documents released by Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey.

The officer, 66-year-old Patrick M. Rose Sr., has since been charged with molesting multiple children. The internal affairs documents released on Tuesday show that Boston Police Patrolmans Association  the union Rose would later become president of  threatened to file a grievance on his behalf.

In 1995, the department filed a criminal complaint against Rose for sexual assault on a 12-year-old child, according to the Boston Globe. The complaint was dropped, but the department still initiated an investigation that found evidence supporting those allegations against Rose.

The Boston Police Department had reassigned Rose to administrative duty and confiscated his weapon after the allegations were sustained by the internal affairs division of the department. He was allowed to stay on the force  often sent to respond to cases involving children, according to the Globe.

Janey said her office released the documents in an effort to provide transparency and accountability around the internal affairs process in 1996. The names of witnesses and victims are redacted to protect their identities.

Janey said it is deeply unsettling and entirely unacceptable that Rose remained on the force for two decades, enabling his ascent to the top of the police union.

Whats more, Rose was allowed to have contact with young victims of sexual assault during the course of his career, and we now know that he allegedly went on to assault several other children, Janey said, in a statement.

Rose pleaded not guilty to 33 total charges involving six alleged victims and is being held on $200,000 cash bail.

Based on a review of former officer Roses internal affairs file conducted by the Citys Law Department, it is clear that previous leaders of the police department neglected their duty to protect and serve, Janey said. Despite an internal affairs investigation in 1996 that found credible evidence to sustain the allegation against Rose for sexually assaulting a minor, it appears that the police department made no attempt to fire him.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Related Content:
Boris Johnson's fiance Carrie Symonds cut a casual figure as she headed out for a stroll with their son Wilfred today.

Ms Symonds, 33, was stylishly dressed in a camel coat, floral dress and black leather boots as she pushed Wilfred's pram through central London this morning.

The mother-of-one, who is director of communications at the Aspinall Foundation, appeared to be chatting on the phone as she enjoyed the spring sunshine.

Carrie Symonds, 33, was stylishly dressed in a camel coat, floral dress and black leather cowboy boots as she pushed Wilfred's pram through central London this morning

Their son Wilfred, who turns one next week, looked alert and happy in his UPPAbaby Cruz pram, which is thought to cost around 680. Pictured, Carrie gazing lovingly at her son

Their son Wilfred, who turns one next week, looked alert and happy in his UPPAbaby Cruz pram, which is thought to cost around 680.

The outing came just hours before the Prime Minister, 56, mounted a furious defence after coming under fire over leaked private texts in which he promised Sir James Dyson he would 'fix' a tax rule so the tycoon's staff could help make ventilators for the NHS.

Mr Johnson roared back as he was berated by Keir Starmer over 'sleaze' at PMQs, saying he made 'no apology' for pulling out all the stops at the height of the crisis.

The premier said he had been moving 'heaven and earth' to get as many ventilators as possible amid dire warnings the health service would be overwhelmed with patients who needed them.

Casual Carrie pushed her son Wilfred in his pram through central London this morning

Carrie and Boris, who announced their engagement in February 2020, have not yet announced a wedding date but have reportedly started planning. Pictured, mother and son today

Carrie wrapped up against the chilly spring air in a trendy coat and kept her hands warm in a pram attachment. She wore her blonde locks loose around her shoulders

The mother-of-one, who is director of communications at the Aspinall Foundation, appeared to be chatting on the phone as she enjoyed the spring sunshine

Carrie and Boris, who announced their engagement in February 2020, have not yet announced a wedding date but have reportedly started planning.

Among Carrie's bridesmaids is expected to be Emma Barr, a former government special adviser who was signed up this month as a producer for the soon-to-launch television channel GB News.

'Emma will be a bridesmaid,' a Downing Street source told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. 'She's a great friend of Carrie and, most importantly, super-loyal.'

The outing came just hours before the Prime Minister, 56, mounted a furious defence at PMQs (pictured) after coming under fire over leaked private texts in which he promised Sir James Dyson he would 'fix' a tax rule so the tycoon's staff could help make ventilators for the NHS

Barr, who would often be seen carrying the Prime Minister's dog, Dilyn, on the campaign trail at the last general election, is keen to play down suggestions that she's already been chosen.

She worked as a Tory press officer under Carrie and has publicly accused her critics of 'jealousy', gushing: 'She was a wonderful boss and has always gone out of her way to support me.'

Like couples across the UK, Boris and Carrie will have to contend with Covid-19 restrictions if they plan to wed this spring.
An ethnic Albanian group says work has begun to build a "memorial complex" in southern Serbia to honor a controversial guerrilla commander who fought Serb troops in three Balkan wars and an insurgency.

The planned venue to honor Ridvan Qazimi, whose nom de guerre was "Commander Lleshi," would occupy property belonging to a mosque on a hillside above Veliki Trnovac, in the heavily ethnic Albanian Presevo Valley.

The project has been challenged by Serbia's junior ruling Socialist Party.

Their leader in parliament, Djorjde Milicevic, demanded on April 13 that the Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs Ministry report back to lawmakers on whether town or regional officials had given permits for the memorial.

Veliki Trnovac is in the Bujanovac municipality, which was part of a trio of southern strongholds for armed ethnic Albanian resistance to Belgrade's rule after the 1998-99 war that ushered in a UN protectorate for Kosovo.

The area is on the border with Kosovo and was a flash point for ethno-nationalist tension and violence for decades.

The president of the Serbian-based Albanian National Council, Ragmi Mustafa, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that the planned Qazimi complex "will essentially be a place where the memory of Commander Lleshi will be nurtured so that we see a hero of our recent history and a man who sacrificed [himself] for the benefit of his people."

He warned that "there are dangerous statements coming from Belgrade in which [ethnic] Albanians are always enemies of the state."

But many Serbians see Qazimi as a brutal and opportunistic ethnic Albanian nationalist who fought Serbs at every opportunity, including in southwestern Serbia after the signing of the Kumanovo Treaty that ended the Kosovo War.

Ethnic Albanians counter that Qazimi and other fighters of the Liberation Army of Presevo, Medvedja, and Bujanovac (UCPMB) -- who borrowed tactics from the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) -- were forgiven along with other fighters in an amnesty.

Serbia's 2002 Amnesty Law forgave "Yugoslav citizens" reasonably suspected of terrorism in Presevo, Medvedja, and Bujanovac between January 1999 and May 2001, when separatists were battling Yugoslav Army forces.

Rights groups say many egregious human rights violations on both sides remain unsolved, including guerrilla fighters' abuses and disappearances and torture alleged against Serbian special forces and pro-Belgrade paramilitaries.

A veteran of the Croatian and Bosnian wars against Serb forces and a former UCK fighter, Qazimi died under still-unexplained circumstances on May 24, 2001.

The Humanitarian Law Center (HLC), an NGO created to document wartime atrocities that has offices in Belgrade and Pristina, says Qazimi was killed by sniper fire near the village of Lucane.

He was a key figure in peace negotiations with the Yugoslav government and was participating in preparations for a cease-fire in the weeks before his death, including an eventual demobilization, according to the HLC.

The Serbian head of the coordination body for the region at the time, Nebojsa Covic, called it an accident as Yugoslav forces were returning under a truce plan.

Many ethnic Albanians revere Qazimi as someone who made sacrifices for future generations and they point to the amnesty that pardoned him and other combatants before Serbian law, even posthumously.

Mustafa, of the Albanian National Council, said it's "unacceptable to call [Qazimi] an Albanian terrorist."

"If all these people are amnestied, that means the state has in some way acknowledged that their revolt was just and that it was the amnesty that gave them the opportunity for reconciliation," Mustafa said.

There are already three other, smaller memorials to Qazimi in Veliki Trnovac. One is at his gravesite, another on a plaque at the entrance to the town, and one at a modest "museum" that displays the car he was in and the clothes he was purportedly wearing when he died.

The mostly ethnic Albanian inhabitants of the town of Bujanovac even mark "Commander Lleshi Days" every year.

Other monuments to figures from the war years have caused trouble in the past.

In 2013, around 200 police were called in to dismantle a marble monument in Presevo to 27 UCPMB fighters who died in the conflict, over fiery resistance from ethnic Albanian politicians.

In that case, the monument had reportedly been erected on public property without permission from the state Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, based in the city of Nis.

Socialist leader and then-Prime Minister Ivica Dacic at the time called the Presevo monument "a provocation to which the state must react."

Current Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also called for the removal of the UCPMB monument.

It was eventually moved to the courtyard of a nearby mosque, where it still stands.

Other efforts at monuments to war dead have created similar disputes.

A Serbian law on war memorials gives jurisdiction over the decisions of public monuments to the Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs Ministry. But the planned Veliki Trnovac "memorial complex" to Qazimi is unlikely to fall under its bailiwick, since it is slated to stand on ground that belongs to a local mosque.

The ministry is due to respond to Milicevic's request for a stance by May 19.

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by Branko Vuckovic
In separate letters to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Vedanta has offered to supply oxygen from the Sterlite Copper facility in Tuticorin if it is allowed to reopen. The factory was sealed in May 2018 on orders from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) over allegations of releasing pollutants in its vicinity and in the wake of violent protests.

"We have the capacity to produce liquid oxygen also that can be transported in tankers and gaseous we have talked to units in Coimbatore who are ready to get us cylinders done in 30 to 45 days," a Sterlite Copper spokesperson told Business Today.

In the letter to the Union Health Minister, Vedanta mentioned that it has two oxygen plants with the Sterlite Copper facility with a combined capacity of 1,000 tonnes of oxygen daily. The company added that its staff is ready o begin production at these facilities in the shortest possible time and start delivering oxygen to regions of India in need.

ALSO READ: India doubled oxygen exports to 9,301 MT in Apr-Jan FY21, earned Rs 8.9 crore

"We would like to offer these facilities for your use, towards ensuring that there is no lack of this vital commodity in the nation, and also to join hands with the commendable efforts of our PM at this critical juncture," the letter read.

Vedanta mentioned that it has filed a petition outlining this offer of support in the Supreme Court, and the same offer has been extended to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, as well as Joint Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

To CM Palaniswami, Vedanta informed that it operates an oxygen plant of 1,050 MT daily capacity within the main copper smelter unit. "One oxygen plant of 500 TPD [tonnes per day] can be operated to meet the critical demand of oxygen in this hour of peril... The Oxygen Plant is presently lying shut owing to the orders passed by the TNPCB and the state government, shutting down the copper smelter unit of the company. This is a humble request to grant us the necessary permission and allow us to run the oxygen plant which will be instrumental in supporting the state governments in these critical times."

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Bombay Oxygen shares up 256%; it doesn't even make oxygen

The offer comes at a time when the nation is undergoing a dire shortage of medical oxygen amid increase in demand on the back of rising COVID-19 cases. The government is pulling all stops to ensure ample supply of the commodity.

Several companies, including Reliance Industries, SAIL, Tata Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India have already volunteered to supply oxygen from their facilities. According to the steel ministry, 28 oxygen plants located in the steel facility of both public and private sectors are supplying about 1,500 tonnes of medical oxygen every day. Also, an additional stock of 30,000 MT, including the safety stock, is being made available for medical use.(Edited by Vivek Punj)

ALSO READ: Reliance ramps up daily oxygen output to over 700 tonnes
DJ Pauly D, his girlfriend Nikki Hall, and Vinny Guadagnino will appear in Double Shot at Love Season 3. However, many fans on Reddit seem to think more of the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation roommates might show up in the new season. One fan believes they have photo evidence proving a Jersey Shore castmate is on the set of Double Shot at Love.

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation cast | Jim Spellman/WireImage

Double Shot at Love Season 3 is about Vinny Guadagnino finding a girlfriend

Unlike previous seasons of the MTV reality series, Double Shot at Love Season 3 focuses on the Keto Guido. This time, DelVecchio and Hall will guide Guadagnino through the process of finding his own happiness. According to MTV, the third times the charm.

The Double Shot at Love cast in seasons 1 & 2 includes Angelina Pivarnick

During the first season of the reality dating show, Pivarnick showed up in an ambulance and EMT uniform. She wanted to get to know Guadagnino and DelVecchios potential girlfriends better. Pivarnick also wanted to weed out those who were there for the wrong reasons.

RELATED: Vinny Guadagnino Reveals Why He and Double Shot at Love Star Maria Elizondo Arent Together

By season 2, Pivarnick had befriended much of the cast. She was frequently out and about with Derynn Paige and Brittani B-Lashes Schwartz, as documented on her social media. The Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star reappeared in season 2 to stir up drama between the roommates and, of course, Guadagnino.

Angelina Pivarnicks Instagram has fans thinking she is filming with Vinny Guadagnino and DJ Pauly D in Arizona

Double Shot at Love fans on Reddit are curious about Pivarnicks involvement in season 3. Angelina posted a picture of her getting on a plane today, one fan shared. I remember a few weeks ago she responded to a comment Pauly made on her IG with see you soon. Maybe she will be on DSAL 3 in some capacity too?

Other fans have started analyzing photos from the Adero Resort, where they think season 3 is filming, and the casts social media posts. So far, Double Shot at Love fans think Guadagnino, DelVecchio, Pivarnick, and Maria Elizondo are at the same resort based on what theyve shared to Instagram.

Plus, theres one Arizona local on Reddit who has been taking photos of the Double Shot at Love shooting location. They believe one of the women in their pictures is Pivarnick.

That is Angelina in the pics with [Vinny, Pauly, and Nikki]  [with the] checkered flannel shirt tied around [her] waist, they wrote in a post. The photos show a masked woman who could be the Jersey Shore roommate.

Nothing is for sure yet, but this fan is confident. This person is Angelina, they added. Confirming answer.

Will Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick be in Double Shot at Love Season 3?

Despite the mountain of evidence one fan is providing on Reddit, its unclear if the photos are actually Pivarnick. They could be of a new woman who signed up to date Guadagnino.

At this time, Pivarnicks involvement in the next season of Double Shot at Love cant be confirmed or denied. Her whereabouts are purely speculation right now. Fans will have to wait until the new season of Double Shot at Love airs later this year to see if Pivarnick makes an appearance.
Health Minister Yvette DAth has blamed coronavirus for almost a dozen internal emergencies declared in south-east Queensland hospitals in the past month.

Facing a grilling from the state opposition about patients being treated in ambulances on hospital driveways and swamped emergency departments, Ms DAth said there had been 11 code yellows declared in south-east Queensland since March 25.

Health Minister Yvette DAth Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

What has happened since March 25, we have had two COVID community clusters, a three-day lockdown, we have had thousands of people tested across the state, she told State Parliament.

We had health workers who had to go into quarantine themselves, we know we ended up having three health workers themselves test positive.
Mylan Holland, research assistant from EquestAsia

Women across the world face different treatment from men on account of their gender, receiving less for the same work and being blocked from rising to the top. Here is how the job market seems for women just graduating university and looking to rise up the corporate ladder.

Challenges

Wage gap

Often, women are paid less than men for the same work. Research conducted by Oxfam revealed that women in Vietnam are paid around 11 per cent less than men for the same type of job. According to the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Index rankings, Vietnam is ranked at 87 out of 153 countries.

Senior levels

Research by the International Monetary Fund shows that almost 80 per cent of women and 86.4 per cent of men contribute to the Vietnamese workforce, however not many women make it to senior, supervisory, and managerial positions. There are also visible gender disparities in sectors such as IT, engineering, architecture, and politics, which are dominated by men.

These gender disparities within certain sectors exist despite the legal provisions preventing gender preferences throughout recruitment and hiring. This lack of female representation in senior positions in business and politics means matters concerning women are not being approached with a female perspective and changes in favour of women are not being made.

Unpaid hours

A survey conducted by the Labour Ministry and ActionAid found that Vietnamese women spend an average of five hours a day on unpaid work such as household chores and childcare while men spare around three hours. This is due to the societal and cultural notions that women are homemakers and should take care of housework, not men.

Photo: Shutterstock

Benefits of hiring women

Increased GDP and company growth

Unfortunately, gender parity is still of concern, as many companies still do not view gender diversity as a priority, because they do not see the benefits. However, a study conducted by the World Economic Forum revealed that closing the gender gap could increase a countries GDP by an average of 35 per cent. While 80 per cent of this effect comes from adding more workers to the labour force, 20 per cent is directly due to increased productivity as a result of gender diversity.

A study conducted by McKinsey revealed that when executive teams are gender diverse the teams were 21 per cent more likely to outperform in terms of profitability and 27 per cent more likely to have superior value creation.

Improved work environment

Many studies show that women create a better work environment as well as boost overall employee morale. They also show that women are better communicators, negotiators, and analysers than men. This can be attributed to womens greater sense of empathy, compassion, and willingness to communicate and receive feedback that in turn contribute to resolving disputes.

A study conducted by the Centre for Creative Leadership showed that workplaces with more women experience greater job satisfaction, less burnout, and higher organisational dedication.

Female perspective

In relation to consumer goods women are the main consumers. Studies reveal that women account for 85 per cent of all consumer purchases, including 66 per cent of computers and 65 per cent of cars. Seeing as how women are the largest consumer base, it seems only logical to employ women in the product development process allowing companies to understand and cater to this large consumer group.

In relation to politics and business, a large majority of government officials and business leaders are men, therefore decisions that affect women are made by men.

A lack of women in top positions in business and politics means that the rules are unlikely to change in their favour. There are 20 ministers in the current Vietnamese government and only one of them is female.

The benefits listed are only a few many women could bring to the workforce and Vietnam. Once further steps are taken towards propelling gender parity in Vietnam and removing behavioural and societal barriers against women, Vietnams economy and society will benefit as a whole.

It has been demonstrated that gender parity has a strong positive impact on GDP growth per capita over time, and this growth can be attributed to increasing numbers of women entering STEM fields, higher labour market participation, as well as lower gender pay gaps.

As our societal views on the role of women change and evolve, so too must the workplace reflect these views and strive towards equality.
Judge orders LA to offer shelter for homeless on Skid Row View Photo

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A federal judge overseeing a sweeping lawsuit about homelessness in Los Angeles on Tuesday ordered the city and county to find shelter for all unhoused residents of Skid Row within 180 days and audit any spending related to the out-of-control crisis of people living on the streets.

In a fiery 110-page order, Judge David O. Carter slammed officials inability to restrain the unprecedented growth of homelessness that has seen encampments spread into nearly every neighborhood in the region.

All of the rhetoric, promises, plans, and budgeting cannot obscure the shameful reality of this crisis  that year after year, there are more homeless Angelenos, and year after year, more homeless Angelenos die on the streets, Carter wrote in granting a preliminary injunction sought by the plaintiffs last week.

The judges filing was made a day after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti vowed to spend nearly $1 billion in the coming year to get people off the streets. Carter on Tuesday ordered that $1 billion, as represented by Mayor Garcetti, will be placed in escrow, with a spending plan accounted for and reported to the Court within seven days.

In addition, Carter mandated the city auditor examine all public money spent in recent years to combat homelessness, including funds from a 2016 bond measure approved by voters to create 10,000 housing units over a decade. But that project has been slow to ramp up.

As of January 2020, there were more than 66,400 homeless people in Los Angeles County, with 41,000 within LA city limits. While the homeless population was once largely confined to the notorious Skid Row neighborhood in downtown, rows of tents, cardboard shelters, battered RVs and makeshift plywood structures are now familiar sights throughout the nations second-most populous city.

Carter ordered the city and county to find shelter for all women and children on Skid Row within 90 days, and every homeless person in the downtown area must have a place to stay by mid-October.

Skip Miller, an attorney representing LA County, said the judges order goes well beyond what the plaintiffs asked for in their preliminary injunction.

Were now evaluating our options, including the possibility of an appeal, Miller said, adding that the county has spent millions on proven strategies that have produced measurable results throughout the region, not just on Skid Row.

Garcetti said he had been briefed on the lengthy ruling, but hadnt yet read it. He told reporters at City Hall that he and the judge share a sense of urgency, but the mayor warned the city could not tolerate delays in the proposed record investment in housing, services and treatment for the homeless.

While he declined to comment on the judges intentions, Garcetti said, Putting a billion dollars in escrow that doesnt exist doesnt seem possible, emphasizing that it was up to City Council to review and enact his proposal.

The mayor also raised doubt about the judges timeline under which the city and county would be required to provide shelter to every person on Skid Row by October. That would be an unprecedented pace not just for Los Angeles but any place that Ive ever seen with homelessness in America,  he said.

The lawsuit was filed last year by a group of business owners, residents and community leaders called the LA Alliance for Human Rights. It accuses the city and county of failing to comprehensively address the desperation that homeless people face  including hunger, crime, squalor and the coronavirus pandemic.

This order is a vote of no-confidence in the mayor, the City Council and county officials, said Daniel Conway, policy adviser for the alliance.

Conway said he was struck by Carters grand prose in the court filing, which quoted Abraham Lincoln and traced the history of homelessness back from slavery through decades of redlining, containment, eminent domain, exclusionary zoning and gentrification.

Carter is able to put together a history of racist and discriminatory policies and connect them to the policy failures of today. It shows the culpability of the city and county of LA for decades. Now they have to make it right, Conway said Tuesday.

Gary Blasi, professor emeritus of law at University of California, Los Angeles, agreed that the judges order contains a compelling description in all the ways that public policy has failed poor people and homeless people in particular.

But Blasi said Carters order is not well thought out and invites confusion about what the judge means by shelter. What is needed is long-term housing, not temporary shelters that in many cases are inferior to encampments, Blasi said.

Theres no doubt that in the short run, this will reduce the number of encampments on Skid Row and increase property values, Blasi said. But in the long run I fear it could make things worse by serving as an excuse to turn to police to clear people off sidewalks.

Earlier this year, Carter called all parties to a hearing outside a Skid Row shelter and said that if politicians couldnt provide solutions, he would explore what powers the court has to order and oversee remedies.

____

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Blood and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER

Associated Press
On Monday, Facebook announced it would limit content that could lead to civil unrest or violence in advance of the jury verdict in the trial of Derrick Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who was found guilty Tuesday on all three counts for the murder of George Floyd last year.

In a Facebook Newsroom post, Vice President of Content Policy Monika Bickert adopted a law-and-order stance, writing that company moderators were working around the clock to prevent online content from being linked to offline harm and doing our part to keep our community safe.

Furthermore, using language typical of the ongoing law enforcement assault on protesters over the past year, Bickert wrote that Facebook had deemed Minneapolis to be a high-risk location and that we will continue to monitor events on the ground to determine if additional locations will be deemed as temporary, high-risk locations.

George Floyd (family photo) and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

In an effort to take the repressive edge off of her pronouncement, Bickert wrote that Facebook was also working to protect the memory of George Floyd and members of the Floyd family from harassment and abuse. She added, Facebook will remove any posts that praises, celebrates or mocks George Floyds death.

In a remarkable portion of the Facebook announcement, Bickert states the social media platform considers Derek Chauvin to be a public figure who has voluntarily placed himself in the public eye and that the company policy against bullying and harassment means we will remove attacks on the now-convicted murderer that are severe.

The final section of the Facebook Newsroom announcement reiterates that the platform is enlisting third-party fact-checking partners and special tools to ensure that potential misinformation is flagged. Confirming the cooperation of the Facebook content regime with the state apparatus, Bickert concludes that given the risk of violence following the announcement of the verdict, the company will remain in close contact with local, state and federal law enforcement.

The Facebook post was published two days after Representative Maxine Waters (Democrat from California), speaking to reporters at a rally to protest the police killing of Duante Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, said, I hope we get a verdict that says guilty, guilty, guilty. And if we dont, we cannot go away...weve got to get more confrontational.

Even though Waters reiterated her support for peaceful protest, declaring, I am nonviolent, Republican Party and fascistic media personalities seized on her comments as inciting violence in Minneapolis. On Tuesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Republican from California)who voted against the certification of the 2020 presidential election results and abetted the violent mob that attacked the US Capitol on January 6moved a censure resolution in the House against Waters because her comments raised the potential for violence, directed lawlessness, and may have interfered with a co-equal branch of government. The resolution was tabled on Wednesday in a party-line vote of 216-210 shortly before the Chauvin guilty verdict was announced.

Waterss statement was also used in the courtroom by Chauvins attorney Eric Nelson to argue for a mistrial on the grounds that jury had been prejudiced by media coverage of Waterss statement and protests demanding a guilty verdict over the weekend. While Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill dismissed Nelsons motion, he also threw Chauvins defense a bone by saying, Ill give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.

Facebooks statement, the comments from Judge Cahill and the Republican Party resolution are all connected to the ongoing attempt by the political and media establishment to brand protests against police violence as violent mobs and riots. Taken entirely by surprise by the intensity and scale of the protests that began last May following Floyds murder, the ruling elite is fearful that this movement will merge with the growing struggles of the entire working class against the capitalist system.

Throughout the protests against police violence over the summer, which involved approximately 20 million people in the US, the Democrats supported the false characterization of the demonstrations as violent and compared them to the fascist mobs organized by the Republican Party. For example, then the Democratic Partys candidate for the White House, President Joe Biden, said in August, I condemn violence of every kind by anyone, whether on the left or the right. And I challenge Donald Trump to do the same.

Facebook and the other tech platformscorporations that are at the center of the enormous fortunes amassed by the billionaire Wall Street oligarchshave been working with the state intelligence apparatus for years now to perfect methods of censorship that suppress left-wing politics and block workers from using social media to organize their struggles.

In a significant example of the political character of Facebooks content policy, platform moderators blocked the sharing of a New York Post article on Thursday that exposed the $3.2 million in real estate purchases of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors. Any user who attempted to share the Post article received a message that the content was removed because it goes against our Community Standards and violated Facebooks privacy and personal information policy.

Facebooks ongoing efforts to depoliticize its platform mirrors the undemocratic and authoritarian sentiments within both parties of the financial elite. Becoming more and more isolated and hated by the broad mass of the public, there is growing sense of foreboding among the ruling class that the leftward movement of the working class and young people must be smothered beneath a regime of repression and control.
President Biden on Wednesday called on every employer in America to give employees paid time off to get vaccinated, the administrations latest move to try to persuade the more than half of the nations adults who have yet to get a dose to do so.

No working American should lose a single dollar from their paycheck because they chose to fill their patriotic duty to get vaccinated, Mr. Biden said.

White House officials also said the administration would offer a paid leave tax credit to offset the cost for companies with fewer than 500 employees.

The announcement came during a presidential address to mark what Mr. Biden called a major milestone: 200 million shots in the arms of the American people, with a week to go before the presidents 100th day in office. As of Wednesday, more than 199 million doses had been administered across the country beginning Jan. 20, according to data as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mumbai, April 21 : Around 39 women inmates of the Byculla Women's Jail, including murder-accused Indrani Mukerjea have tested Covid-19 positive and have been shifted to an isolation centre, official sources said here on Wednesday.

The development came after around 80 prisoners and jail officials tested positive during the last weekend, including a woman from the Byculla Women's Jail.

Later, tests were carried out on the approximately 350 women there from which around 39 tested positive, but mostly with mild Covid symptoms.

As a precaution they have been shifted to a temporary isolation centre in a nearby school and quarantined under tight security provided by women personnel along with CCTVs, three doctors and medicare staff, arrangements to serve all meals, etc.

Indrani Mukerjea, a former media company executive, is in jail since her arrest on August 25, 2015 as one of the prime suspects in connection with the ghastly murder of her daughter Sheena Bora in 2012.

Since the one year of the pandemic around 260 prisoners and more than 100 jail staff have been infected by Covid-19 in 47 prisons across the state, worrying the health and home department authorities.

Last year, to prevent infections in the jail premises, several measures including releasing around 7,200 prisoners to decongest the prisons in the state populated by 35,000 inmates.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has called on the Government to release more jabs data

Tony Blair today called on ministers to release more data to prove how well the Covid vaccines work in the real world and restore public faith in the AstraZeneca jab.

The former Prime Minister said the in-depth figures  currently kept under wraps  would be a boost to vaccine confidence around the world and increase support for the AstraZeneca jab in Europe and Africa.

The Oxford-made shot has been stung by negative headlines after it was linked to very rare blood clots, damaging acceptance in some countries including in Africa.

'I think the full dataset would show that AstraZeneca is a highly effective vaccine, it will save huge amounts of lives, hospitalisation and people getting "long Covid",' he told Sky News.

'We have, as a country, a huge interest in this because even if we get ourselves vaccinated... the risk is still there that you get a mutation that comes back into the UK that vaccines may be less effective against'.

The number of vaccinated Britons who have been hospitalised or died with Covid is thought to be tiny. The Telegraph today reported just 32 jab recipients have been admitted to NHS wards three weeks after being inoculated.

But neither Whitehall nor the NHS publish precise data showing the rate of Covid infection among people who have had a jab, nor hospital admissions or deaths.

A report by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium, seen by The Telegraph, found 1,800 out of 43,000 patients admitted with the virus since December 8 had received at least one dose of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca's jabs. The graphs highlight how just a fraction of overall admissions are among jabbed people

Analysis by SAGE last month found one in 25 Britons hospitalised with Covid since December had been vaccinated  but it said most of these people caught the virus before they had time to build up immunity. The number of Covid hospital admissions among vaccinated people is shown in blue, versus non-vaccinated in red

The vast majority of hospital patients in the past few months caught the virus shortly before their appointment or in the few days afterwards, before immunity had kicked in

Mr Blair spoke today after publishing his report 'Restoring Confidence in the Workhorse Covid-19 Vaccines' which calls on the Government to release more data on the effectiveness of the jabs.

'We have done really well on vaccination in this country and we are almost in a unique position having vaccinated large numbers of people with both Pfizer - which is an mRNA vaccine - and AstraZeneca - which is an adenovirus vaccine,' he said.

'Therefore we have data on both vaccines, how they worked, how many people after each vaccination have still been diagnosed with Covid, how many of these have been hospitalised, how many of those have died.

'My view is that if we publish that data... it will have a major impact on restoring the credibility of AstraZeneca worldwide.

'We don't have problems with AstraZeneca here but worldwide countries are either refusing AstraZeneca for certain categories of people or you even get countries in Africa now refusing the vaccine. This is completely unjustified.'

AstraZeneca's reputation has taken numerous hits since the jab started being used and it has run into difficulties in Europe and parts of Africa over blood clot fears, with some countries now refusing doses.

Medical regulators have said the benefits of the jab clearly outweigh the risk for all but the youngest patients and have urged nations to keep using the vaccine.

Experts fear any delay in the global rollout could give the virus time to evolve into more dangerous variants that threaten to derail efforts to end the pandemic.

Confidence in the AstraZeneca jab (pictured) has been dented in some countries after it was linked to very rare blood clots

Mr Blair added on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the world needed to accept AstraZeneca's shot because it was a 'workhorse'  it is incredibly cheap and easy to transport and store without special equipment, making it ideal for poorer countries.

'We need AstraZeneca to have that credibility because AstraZeneca, along with Johnson and Johnson - both adenovirus vaccines - they are going to be the workhorse vaccines for vaccinating the world,' he said.

JUST 32 BRITONS HAVE BEEN HOSPITALISED WITH COVID AFTER GETTING JABBED Just 32 people in the UK were hospitalised with Covid after receiving a vaccination for the virus, according to 'extraordinary' real-world data. Figures due to be handed to Government advisers today show inoculated people made up a tiny fraction of the thousands of people admitted with the virus in recent months. The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium included patients who were given their first dose and had enough time to build up immunity. Scientists said the findings highlight the jabs are performing 'extraordinarily well' at squashing Covid hospitalisations and deaths. Fewer than 2,000 Covid patients are now being treated by the NHS  down from a peak of almost 40,000 at the January peak. Admissions have dropped to below 200 a day. The statistics will raise more questions about why Britain is still living under tough lockdown restrictions, given that 33million people have now been jabbed. Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to speed up his roadmap out of lockdown, with the next relaxation not due until May 17, when pubs and restaurants will open and foreign travel is earmarked to resume. But the PM told a Downing St press conference yesterday that while the vaccination programme was 'making a big difference', he would not deviate from his 'cautious but irreversible' plan. Quizzed about why No10 has not published data on the jabs' effect on hospital and death rates, Mr Johnson said 'we simply don't know that data', but added that he 'suspected the number was very small'. Advertisement

'I don't think there's any point in holding back the information, especially if there is misinformation out there.

'The evidence is absolutely clear that vaccination reduces transmission, reduces risk of hospitalisation and death and reduces them dramatically.'

Mr Blair also suggested it would be worth comparing data from AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccinations.

But this has drawn criticism from some scientists as an impossible comparison.

Dr Ben Goldacre  a researcher at the University of Oxford who wrote the book 'Bad Science'  said the problem with this is that the two groups are 'very different'.

'Early on you couldn't get Pfizer to a care home, or someone housebound, and you couldn't identify those groups perfectly in the data,' he said.

'Because you can't completely account for that, because the AstraZeneca recipients were more vulnerable to start with than Pfizer recipients, the data might give the illusion that AstraZeneca is much worse than Pfizer.'

NHS England has already been cleared by ministers to publish data on the number of people vaccinated by age group and local area every Thursday.

It also releases figures on the number of Covid patients and deaths linked to the virus in its hospitals, while the Department of Health counts Covid cases and deaths every day.

But neither publish data on how many infections, hospitalisations or deaths are among people who have received a Covid vaccine.

The Department of Health said: 'We already publish a significant amount of data on the vaccine programme.

'Statistics providing a granular breakdown of the vaccination roll-out are published regularly.

'This is in addition to analysis which shows the vaccine programme has already saved over 10,000 lives in England.'

Some countries have told medics to use an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab after it was linked to very rare cases of blood clots.

Britain's regulator has said under-30s should receive an alternative, but added this was because they faced an extremely low risk of death from the virus and their vaccination was less urgent and the balance of risk less clear.

But in France regulators have said everyone under 55 should receive an alternative, and over the border in Germany this has been extended to under-60s.

More than nine in ten adults in Britain planned to get the jab by 14 March, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

Britain has rolled out the AstraZeneca and Pfizer Covid vaccines to more than 33million people - or three in five adults - and started dishing out Moderna's jab last week in another boost for the successful drive.

AstraZeneca's vaccine relies on a piece of Covid attached to a weakened cold virus, sparking an immune response to ensure the body has defences in case it comes into contact with the real virus.

But Pfizer's uses mRNA technology which triggers human cells to start producing pieces of the virus, which then also trigger protection against the virus.

The AstraZeneca jab was up to 82 per cent effective at blocking Covid infection in trials, while Pfizer's was up to 95 per cent effective.

But experts say that both results are very good, and far above the 50 per cent threshold requested by the World Health Organization.

Some experts say Britain is now starting to see the early signs of herd immunity, amid estimates only 75 per cent of adults may need to be jabbed to curb the virus.
Investor Jeremy Grantham says special purpose acquisition companies, which raise money in an initial public offering and then find a promising company with which to merge, are a license to rip investors off. On an investing podcast in February, the co-founder of Bostons GMO complained: Its a testimonial to the sloppiness and slow-moving nature of the SEC that they havent banned these things long ago.

Such criticisms will have stung the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, whose core mission  besides aiding capital formation  is to protect the investing public and the integrity of financial markets.

Ive written plenty about why SPAC financial disclosures, incentives and due diligence are problematic and how inexperienced retail investors risk being left holding the bag. Blank-check companies have raised an astonishing $170 billion in North America in the past 12 months, so its potentially a very large bag.

With the nomination of Gary Gensler to lead the SEC, Americas financial policeman has become much more assertive. The SEC isnt banning SPACs, but what began as gentle reminder to investors not to gamble on a blank-check company solely because a celebrity is involved, has morphed into a more comprehensive examination of the SPAC structure.

A succession of verbal interventions on various aspects of SPAC behavior could have a chilling effect on new issuance. The SEC is throwing sand in the wheels of the capital-formation process, perhaps deliberately. Such caution isnt without downsides  it wasnt long ago that we were complaining that not enough technology companies were going public  but its appropriate given the magnitude of the SPAC boom and potential harm to shareholders.

The latest broadside came on Monday when the SEC issued new advice on the accounting for share warrants, which SPACs issue to persuade investors, often hedge funds, to seed them with capital.

I wont dwell here on the arcane matter of whether warrants should be treated as equity instruments, as they have been until now, or rather as a liability, as an SEC official suggested is appropriate in some instances. Its surprising these accounting questions are only emerging now given that SPACs have been around for years.

Stumbling Blocks

The important bit is that after the SECs comments, SPACs will have to consider whether theyve erred when they published previous financial statements, and if so whether they need to restate them. This will make SPAC accountants, financial advisers and lawyers pretty queasy and its not the only regulatory stumbling block theyre now facing.

Last week a senior SEC official warned SPACs not to assume they have blanket freedom to publish potentially misleading statements about their future financial performance. He was referring to a legal stipulation that all but prevents companies going public via the traditional IPO route from making similar rosy forecasts. Until now SPACs have interpreted those rules as not applying to them. My view is such projections are often far too optimistic and are being used to justify wildly inflated valuations.

The SECs increased assertiveness comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the SPAC market. New IPOs have already slowed to a trickle because of rising bond yields and an oversupply of SPACs seeking deals.

Critics will carp that the SEC is closing the gate too late, while SPAC fans will say any hiatus caused by tougher regulation will deprive companies of the equity capital they hoped to raise to fund jobs and investments in clean technology (many SPAC-backed firms are in the electric-vehicle industry). If too heavy-handed, regulators risk further inflating the cost of the director and officer insurance that SPAC sponsors must purchase. They may also provide succor to class-action lawsuits that allege SPAC investors have often been misled.

Theres a balance to be struck, but after such an epic boom it makes sense to try to slow things down a little. The heavy involvement of inexperienced retail investors in trading SPACS adds to that urgency. International financial centers such as London, which are mulling adapting their regulatory regimes to attract more SPAC issuance, will be watching the U.S. approach closely.

There are hundreds of SPACs looking for merger targets. Bankers, lawyers and the SEC are already swamped with filings to submit and review. A pause will help the market mature and may prevent some very green investors from losing their shirts.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.
The recently completed drilling campaign indicates that there is a potential to increase the grade and size of the resource at the project as well as increase the cut-off grade.

( ) (FRA:1BHA) has completed drilling at the La Paz Scandium and Rare Earths Project in Arizona, USA, with favourable geology identified.

Nine core holes were drilled ranging from 68 metres to as deep as 122 metres and the company has detected encouraging geology up to four times deeper than the resource depth of 30 metres.

This campaign indicates that there is potential to increase grade and resource size.

The original La Paz resource estimate used a cut-off grade of 300 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth elements (TREE) and ARR believes there is now an opportunity to increase the cut-off grade.

Drilling campaign

The companys contractor Timberline Drillers started the campaign on March 13, 2021, and it was the first drilling at the project since 2012.

This diamond drilling campaign went smoothly and was completed faster than anticipated due to the competency of the rock to depth in the resource area.

The campaign produced about 4500 kilograms of samples from 682 metres of core which was transported from the site to an assay lab in Sparks, Nevada.

Core has been photographed and quarter core cut in preparation for assay.

Following assay of the core, a selection of up to 500 kilograms will be transported by air to Nagrom Laboratories in Perth, Western Australia.

There it will undergo advanced mineral processing and metallurgical test-work under the guidance of Wood PLC, an internationally recognised consulting group, and the company expects the first assays to be released by late May 2021.

Drilling objectives

The objectives of the drilling and metallurgical test-work at La Paz include:
The head of the states most important faith-based lobby in Baton Rouge wants a do-over on a state Senate committee vote Monday that advanced a bill to move a casino to Slidell.

Gene Mills, president of the Family Forum, says the tie-breaking vote by state Sen. Gary Smith, D-Norco, when his wife is one of the casinos lobbyists, screams ethically unacceptable even if not legally forbidden.

Mills on Tuesday asked Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, to return Senate Bill 213 to the Judiciary B Committee for another vote where no members are married to paid lobbyists or be required to abstain from voting in ethically questionable situations.

Smith cast the final and deciding vote when the committee, which he chairs, approved SB213. The vote was 4-3. His wife Katherine is one of the 19 lobbyists hired by Brent Stevens, the founder and chairman of P2E, who wants to move the shuttered DiamondJacks casino in Bossier City to Slidell.

This state senator casts a tie-breaking vote for Slidell casino. His wife is one of the lobbyists. A controversial proposal to move a casino boat to Slidell cleared its first hurdle Monday when a Senate committee chairman, whose wife is a lo

Cortez didnt directly address Mills request Tuesday, but he detoured SB213 to the Finance Committee rather than bring it directly to the Senate floor. That means the bill will have to pass an additional hurdle before senators can vote on it.

Mills emailed his supporters Tuesday to ask that they contact Cortez and added about Smith, We are told an ethics complaint is being filed by impacted citizens who are disgruntled with this action.

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In an interview, Cortez said he was required to refer the bill to the Finance Committee because it would raise revenue. He added that he is asking that the committee give the bill a full hearing and not just focus on its fiscal impact.

SB213 would give voters in St. Tammany Parish the right to vote on whether to move the casino. The bill also would add the planned site  just of Interstate 10 on Lake Pontchartrain in Slidell  to the list of allowable locations for a casino.

+5 Lazy river, water slide, huge amphitheater among new features touted for Slidell casino The developers of a proposed $250 million casino resort in St. Tammany Parish made another pitch to a crowd in Slidell Monday night, touting a

In an interview and a text, Smith said he didnt know that his wife was working for Stevens company because they dont discuss her work.

Any involvement by her would not change my opinion that letting the people of that area vote on the issue is the correct vote, Smith added.

The sponsor of SB213 is state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell. During Mondays committee hearing, she had the support of St. Tammany government and business leaders who said the venture would create jobs. Numerous ministers from Slidell opposed the measure, saying that a casino there would lead to suicides, broken marriages and other societal problems.
Alex Salmond's new hardline separatist Alba Party backs 'direct action' and the 'mobilisation' of the Scottish people in order to achieve independence, it was revealed today.

The former SNP first minister, who set up the new party a month ago, vowed its politicians would show 'courage, not caution' as he launched its manifesto for May's Scottish Parliament elections.

That manifesto contains a pledge to try to circumvent the Section 30 Order that is required to permit a legally binding new vote on independence, following the 2014 vote.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to grant a new referendum, saying the one held seven years ago with kept Scotland in the UK was a 'once-in-a-generation' plebiscite.

Mr Salmond said today there would be 'no more backsliding on timetables' if Alba is part of the 'supermajority' of MSPs elected in support of independence.

His SNP successor Nicola Sturgeon, who is favourite to remain First Minister, also backs a referendum but not before 2023.

But the Alba manifesto says: 'If a Section 30 Order is refused, then the Scottish Government must pass a Referendum Bill with urgency and be ready to fight it through the Courts if need be.

'A range of other tactics should be employed including diplomatic pressure and international legal action, and the mobilisation of the Scottish people through popular and peaceful demonstration and direct action.

His SNP successor Nicola Sturgeon (pictured today), who is favourite to remain First Minister, also backs a referendum but not before 2023.

Headache for Labour as Scottish trade unions back a new independence vote The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has voted to back another independence referendum if a majority of MSPs are in favour of the move after May 6 - but it stressed the immediate priority is recovering from the pandemic. The announcement is the result of a vote at the body's annual meeting, which concluded it is for the Scottish Parliament to decide when or if another referendum should be held. The decision will cause headaches for Scottish Labour, whose new leader Anas Sarwar called on Holyrood to be 'focused on recovery, not referendum and revenge'. Union bosses rejected attempts to gain a supermajority of MSPs in favour of independence by the Alba Party by using what it calls 'tactical manoeuvring', fearing it may undermine the sovereignty of voters as Scotland remains broadly split on the question of independence. STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: 'Our vote today has reaffirmed the right of the Scottish people to self-determination and recognised that as the central democratic institution in Scotland, our Parliament should have the power to determine whether and when to hold a second referendum. 'But we have also asserted that economic and social recovery is our priority, and that radical policy is needed to achieve that in a way that redresses current imbalances of power and wealth. We will hold to account all parties of all political colours who take their eye off that ball.' Ms Foyer also said any second vote would not have to be a straight choice between independence and remaining in the UK if a 'meaningful third option is developed'. Since before the 2014 referendum, some have said the possibility of 'devolution max' should be explored, where Scotland remains part of the UK but is given substantially more powers than are currently held at Holyrood, with only major portfolios such as defence reserved to Westminster. Both the SNP and the Scottish Greens welcomed the STUC's announcement on Wednesday. SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: 'This is a significant and important intervention from the STUC, which proves that both Labour and the Tories' arrogant attempts to deny democracy will not stand. 'There is simply no democratic, electoral or moral justification for any politician to block the right of the people of Scotland to choose a better future.' Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: 'The position outlined by Scotland's trade union movement recognises the fundamental right of self-determination. 'The STUC rightly says that Scotland's future is a matter for the people of Scotland, and if they choose to elect a Parliament with a pro-independence majority then it should be for that Parliament to hold a referendum. 'I'm sure many traditional Labour voters will find it incomprehensible that the Scottish Labour Party's position is at odds with this perfectly reasonable statement of democratic principles.' Advertisement

'Throughout, the Scottish Government should work with a wide canvass of partners to constantly increase the pressure on London to concede that the Scottish people are sovereign, those people have elected a government to deliver, and it is not for London to overrule them.'

At the launch of his party's proposals today, the former first minister took a swipe at the SNP and the Scottish Greens - the latter of whom he has previously accused of being 'as weak as dishwater' on independence.

During a five-minute manifesto launch speech which was mostly about independence, and after which he did not take questions, Mr Salmond said Alba has a 'proper plan' for Scotland to leave the union.

He said: 'Without doubt, it's the one manifesto which is taking Scottish independence seriously, with urgency, with a proper plan on how to deliver independence for Scotland through a referendum or another agreed democratic test.

'But also how to be properly prepared to build Scotland and the Scottish people the case they deserve to hear to reach the determination and a successful independence process.'

Earlier in the address, Mr Salmond said his party had been set up to 'bring urgency into the timetable' for delivering independence.

With Alba's highest return in opinion polls giving them just six seats after May 6, Mr Salmond said: 'Alba aren't standing to be a government, we're standing to be in a position to push the government further than it would otherwise go.'

A spokesman for the SNP said: 'In a fortnight's time, the people of Scotland will have a choice whether to put Scotland's future into the hands of Boris Johnson or putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands by re-electing Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister with both votes SNP.'

It came as Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said most people will understand why Boris Johnson is not campaigning in Scotland in the run-up to the Holyrood election on may 6.

The Tory MP defended the PM, saying he was focused on tackling the coronavirus pandemic, at the same time as he turned his fire on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over her 'record of failure'.

Mr Johnson will not be campaigning in Scotland ahead of the May 6 vote, but both UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrat have travelled north.

Mr Ross said: 'I think Ed Davey, who has MPs in just double figures and is not running the country, is in a slightly different situation from the Prime Minister, as is Keir Starmer as leader of the opposition.

'The Prime Minister is focusing on the UK's efforts to tackle Covid-19 and our way out of this pandemic.

'The Prime Minister is continuing with the UK Government's efforts to get on top of this virus, to see our country start to reopen again.

'The Prime Minister and I keep up to date with each other throughout the campaign and the fact that he physically won't be visiting, I think most people understand because of the very different circumstances we face in this election, due to it being fought during a pandemic.'

The Conservatives warn that if the SNP leader spends the next five years focusing on an independence referendum, drug deaths in Scotland could reach 2,000 a year and violent crime could also increase.

Mr Ross unveiled a new campaign advertising van on Wednesday in the Glasgow Southside constituency Ms Sturgeon is contesting. The event took place outside a drug rehabilitation centre that the Tories said had closed two years ago.

Ms Sturgeon last week admitted during the STV leaders' debate that her Government 'took our eye off the ball' after drug deaths surged, though she said ministers had set out a package of measures to try and address the crisis.

Mr Ross said: 'Every time Nicola Sturgeon pushes for another independence referendum and takes her eye off the ball, Scotland suffers.

'She will drag Scotland down and wreck our recovery from Covid if the SNP win a majority because her eyes will only be focused on independence.

Mr Ross unveiled a new campaign advertising van on Wednesday in the Glasgow Southside constituency Ms Sturgeon is contesting.

'We've seen what happens when she takes her eye off the ball.

'Drug deaths have doubled on Nicola Sturgeon's watch to the worst in Europe. When she's pushing for another referendum, her eye will be off the ball again and we won't be able to fix the broken system.

'Our schools have hit record lows in international league tables under the SNP. If the focus is on another referendum again, the current trend would see Scotland fall behind Spain, Hungary and Lithuania.

'Violent crime has increased every year that Nicola Sturgeon has been First Minister. It will hit record 22-year highs if she's allowed to spend the next five years pushing for another referendum.

'An SNP majority hell-bent on another independence referendum would wreak havoc in our communities. The damage from five more years of distraction would be devastating.'

He said Ms Sturgeon is 'seeking to be re-elected on her Government's record and I think anyone looking at her Government's record can see it is a record of failure for 14 years'.

He also said the coronavirus pandemic has 'introduced many challenges to the election campaign', adding it is 'a campaign like no other because of the circumstances we are all living in'.
Some 43% of Ukrainians fully support the idea of Ukraine's joining NATO, according to the data of a sociological study on the attitude of Ukrainian society to the escalation of the conflict in Donbas, carried out by the Ukrainian Institute for the Future (UIF) with the assistance of the New Image Marketing Group.

According to the survey, the results of which were presented at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Wednesday, another 21% of respondents noted that they rather support the idea of Ukraine's joining the Alliance, 7% rather do not support, 12% do not support at all, while 12% - do not have an unambiguous opinion on this issue.

Seven percent of respondents are fully confident that Ukraine will join NATO in the near future (up to a year), 28% believe that accession is possible, 37% - that membership is possible, but not in the coming years, 14% - that joining NATO is unlikely , and 14% - that they do not believe in Ukraine's entry into NATO.

The survey was conducted throughout Ukraine, except for the temporarily uncontrolled territories of the part of Donetsk and Luhansk regions occupied by the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 1,148 respondents took part in it.

The study was carried out by the method of an online survey using an interactive structured questionnaire, a link to which was sent to potential respondents from the database. The sample is multistage, combined - proportionally stratified by a region, with quota screening at the stage of respondent selection.

The sample represents the adult population of Ukraine, Internet users aged 18 and over. The statistical error with a probability of 0.95 does not exceed 3.5%.
Police identified the 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio, police officer Tuesday afternoon while he responded to a fight between several girls in a residential neighborhood.

Columbus police responded to 911 calls of a disturbance at 4:30 p.m. local time, with the first officer getting out of his patrol car, approaching the fight and opening fire just seconds later.

The victim was identified late Tuesday as Ma'Khia Bryant. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead just before 5:30 p.m. The Franklin County Children Services said Bryant was a foster child under its care.

Interim Police Chief Michael Woods identified the officer who shot Bryant as Nicholas Reardon during a press conference Wednesday. He has been with the department since December 2019.

MORE: DOJ to probe if excessive force, 'unlawful policing' used in Minneapolis

On Wednesday, police shared three new videos from body camera footage of the incident and released audio of the two 911 calls police received from the scene.

Footage from Reardon's body camera shows him exit a police car and approach a scuffle between Bryant and two other girls. In a matter of seconds the cop shoots at Bryant, who appeared to have a knife in her hand, when she lunged toward another girl. He fired what sounded like four shots. A second officer is seen rushing to her side after she fell to the ground.

"She had a knife, she just went at her," Reardon is heard saying in the footage.

"She's just a f------- kid," one bystander at the scene yelled after the shots rang out.

PHOTO: A still image from police body cam appears to show what police describe as the girl swinging a knife toward another female, before police fired, April 20 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (Columbus Police Dept. via WSYX/AP)

A statement released on behalf of the Bryant family and Ma'Khia's mother, Paula, said they wanted to "respectfully request justice for Ma'Khia Bryant."

"As a family we are all saddened by the tragic and unnecessary death of MaKhia," Paula and the Bryant family said in a statement to ABC News. "She was loved by many and had family throughout both Mansfield and in Columbus, Ohio. MaKhia was a good student, a good person, and did not deserve what happened to her. We want to remind everyone MaKhia was only a 16-year-old teenage girl. We are deeply disturbed by the disproportionate and unjustified use of force in this situation."

Story continues

The first 911 call came in at 4:32 p.m. In the audio, screaming is heard in the background and a female voice is heard telling dispatchers, "These girls over here trying to fight us, trying to stab us, put their hands on us. Get here now! We need a police officer over here now!" The second caller said police were already at the scene.

MORE: 10-year-old girl who testified in Chauvin trial reacts to guilty verdict

The second body camera footage played Wednesday shows an officer arriving to the scene moments before Reardon opened fire and later placing at least three people, including the girls involved in the fight, into police cars. No one was arrested at the scene.

The third officer's footage shows him responding to Bryant after she was shot and an officer starting to perform chest compressions on her.

"Wake up ma'am. Stay with us," an officer is heard saying in the footage.

PHOTO: Students and demonstrators march on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, on April 21, 2021, to protest the killing of Ma'Khia Bryant, 16, by the Columbus Police Department. (Jeff Dean/AFP via Getty Images)

Woods said Wednesday two police officers performed lifesaving measures on Bryant and a medic was called 90 seconds after shots were fired. The medic arrived six minutes after the shooting and Bryant was transported to a hospital.

When asked why the officer did not use a Taser, Woods said "when officers are faced with someone employing deadly force, deadly force can be the response officers give."

"It's a tragedy. There's no other way to say it. It was a 16-year-old girl. I'm a father, her family is grieving," Woods said.

PHOTO: Ma'Khia Bryant is pictured in this undated photo. (Courtesy Bryant family)

"She could be my grandchild," Ned Pettus, director of the Columbus Department of Public Safety, said at a press conference Tuesday. "My heart breaks for the family tonight. No matter the circumstances, that family is in agony. ... They deserve answers, the city deserves answers. ... But fast answers cannot come at the expense of accurate answers."

Pettus said if the law was broken the police officer will be held accountable.

Police held a press conference late Tuesday where they showed a small portion of body camera footage of the incident. In the video, the officer is seen approaching a fight involving several teenage girls.

MORE: George Floyd's family reacts to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict: 'Today, we're able to breathe again'

Police said, and the slow motion video appeared to show, that the officer shot the teen just as she was "attempting to stab the first female that lands on the ground and then the second female that is pushed onto the vehicle."

"She was a good kid. She was loving," Hazel Bryant, who said she was the victim's aunt, told Columbus ABC affiliate WSYX near the scene of the shooting. "Yeah, she had issues, but that's OK. ... She didn't deserve to die like a dog on the street."

PHOTO: Crowds react as investigators work at the scene where 15-year-old Makiyah Bryant was fatally shot by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio, April 20, 2021. (Gaelen Morse/Reuters)

A review of the shooting will be conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed the news of the shooting on Twitter.

"This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life," he wrote. "We do not know all of the details. There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible. BCI is on the scene conducting an independent investigation -- as they do with all CPD-involved shootings.

"We will share information that we can as soon as it becomes available," he continued. "I'm asking for residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather the facts."

PHOTO: Black Lives Matter activists led by Hana Abdur-Rahim, a local organizer, march through downtown Columbus, Ohio, in reaction to the police shooting of Makiyah Bryant on April 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Stephen Zenner/Getty Images)

People gathered near the scene of the shooting as night fell and later marched through Columbus and outside the police department.

The shooting came about an hour before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of second- and third-degree murder in the May 2020 death of George Floyd.

Police initially said Ma'Khia Bryant was 15 years old, but Franklin County Children Services later said she was 16.

ABC News' Matt Foster contributed to this report.

16-year-old girl fatally shot by police in Ohio originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Chennai, April 21 : Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Dr Rakesh Aggarwal has in a circular directed all hospitals and clinics to take prior appointment from the institute before referring Covid patients who are critically ill and in need of bed and oxygen support at the JIPMER.

The director in its circular also mentioned that the doctors who are treating the patients must communicate with the JIPMER authorities and after taking a prior appointment can refer the patient to the institute.

Rakesh Aggarwal in his circular pointed out that if the patients are referred without prior appointment, there are possibilities of the hospital running out of beds for getting the patient admitted. The director also called upon the families and friends of the patients to refrain from communicating to the hospital and added that any communication to JIPMER from people other than the treating doctor or hospital will not be entertained by the institute.

The director also pointed out that many critical Covid patients had arrived at the Covid care centre of JIPMER without prior appointment and had to be returned back as bed facilities were not available. JIPMER will allow the transfer of patient to its facility after a bed is earmarked for the patient concerned.

The director said, "This will avoid the unpleasant situation of a serious patient reaching JIPMER and having to return because of lack of bed." JIPMER is a high ranking central government medical college involved in medical education and research.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
By MICHAEL BALSAMO and AMY FORLITI, The Associated Press

Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to announce that the Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis a day after a former officer was convicted in the killing of George Floyd.

Wednesdays announcement comes after former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyds death last May, setting off a wave of relief but also sadness across the country. The Black mans death prompted months of mass protests against policing in the U.S.

The Justice Department is already investigating whether Chauvin and the other officers involved in Floyds death violated his civil rights. The investigation being announced Wednesday is known as a pattern or practice and will be a more sweeping probe of the entire department and may result in major changes to policing there, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person had direct knowledge of the matter but was not authorized to speak publicly about the upcoming announcement, planned for Wednesday morning.

The investigation will examine practices used by police, including the use of force, and whether the department engages in discriminatory practices, according to the person. It will also look into the departments handling of misconduct allegations among other things, the person said. Its unclear whether the years under investigation will begin when Floyd died or before.

The Justice Department had no comment.

Floyd, 46, was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was bystander video of Floyd, handcuffed behind his back, gasping repeatedly, I cant breathe, and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyds neck for what authorities say was about 9 1/2 minutes, including several minutes after Floyds breathing had stopped and he had no pulse.

In this image from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, center, is taken into custody as his attorney, Eric Nelson, left, looks on, after the verdicts were read at Chauvin's trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. (Court TV via AP, Pool)AP

Floyds death May 25 became a flashpoint in the national conversation about the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and sparked worldwide protests.

At trial, Chauvins defense attorney persistently suggested Chauvins knee wasnt on Floyds neck for as long as prosecutors argued, suggesting instead it was across Floyds back, shoulder blades and arm.

The decision to announce a sweeping Justice Department investigation comes as President Joe Biden has promised his administration would not rest following the jurys verdict in the case. In a Tuesday evening speech, he said much more needed to be done.

I cant breathe. Those were George Floyds last words, Biden said. We cant let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We cant turn away.

The Justice Department had previously considered opening a pattern or practice investigation into the police department soon after Floyds death, but then-Attorney General Bill Barr was hesitant to do so at the time, fearing that it could cause further divisions in law enforcement amid widespread protests and civil unrest, three people familiar with the matter told the AP.
Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke threw his support behind a chapter amendment currently in the hands of San Antonio voters.

Now through Election Day on May 1, San Antonio residents are asked to vote on whether to repeal Chapter 174 from the Texas Local Government Code, which deals with collective bargaining rights for police officers.

Fix SAPD shared a tweet Tuesday that displayed a graphic of how O'Rourke is standing alongside residents who are voting for Proposition B.

READ ALSO: 'Flat out lie': San Antonio fact-checked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Prop B debate

"I stand with the people of San Antonio who want to make sure that we support good police officers and protect the public by holding bad officers accountable," O'Rourke stated in Fix SAPD's graphic. "We shouldn't have to bargain for police accountability, it should be guaranteed. Vote FOR Proposition B on May 1.

Fix SAPD submitted a petition with a sufficient number of valid signatures, as required by state law, on Jan. 8 to the city's clerk office to get Proposition B on the ballad. Joshua Fechter, of the San Antonio Express-News, first reported the volunteer organization turned in more than 20,000 signatures.

"Thank you, @BetoORourke, for standing with the people of San Antonio for #policeaccountability," the nonprofit organization stated in its tweet.

Gov. Greg Abbott also chimed in on the matter, asking residents to vote against the possible change.

"San Antonio. Don't defund your police," he said. "We need SAPD to keep San Antonio safe. #BackTheBlue."

Prop B, if approved, only repeals Chapter 174 and doesn't defund the police department as residents were quick to point out.

Remember residents, the early voting period lasts until April 27. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and next Monday and Tuesday. Polls are closed on Sunday. Residents can vote at any of the locations listed here.
Boris Johnson was dragged into a lobbying 'sleaze' row last night after rejecting pleas to change his phone number over concerns that he was constantly being approached for help.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is said to have raised the issue with the PM last year, telling him he was being asked for help by MPs, lobbyists and others in the business world so often because his number was too widely known.

But Mr Johnson, who has had the same phone number for more than a decade, refused to change it.

The Prime Minister yesterday brushed aside allegations of 'sleaze' after leaked text messages showed he promised billionaire inventor James Dyson that he would 'fix' his company's tax problems.

Boris Johnson last night rejected pleas to change his phone number after he was dragged into a lobbying 'sleaze' row

Mr Johnson said 'no apology' was due for helping Sir James develop a new ventilator at the height of the pandemic. He told MPs that 'any prime minister' would have done it at the time.

Last March, Sir James directly lobbied the PM to waive rules that could have seen overseas staff charged UK tax if they came here to work on the life-saving project.

The following month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a temporary waiving of the rules.

But to the frustration of Sir James, the deal took weeks to agree.

And sources told the Mail the Chancellor rejected another request from Sir James, who wanted guarantees that the company, now based in Singapore, would not attract additional corporation tax if it held board meetings in the UK to discuss the project.

A source at the firm said it was 'utterly misleading and false to imply that any benefit or advantage was being sought beyond ensuring that neither the company nor its employees would be inadvertently penalised for their work on the national emergency'.

Ministers were last night on the hunt for a suspected Labour mole who leaked the private text exchanges.

The messages were leaked to the BBC, but senior Tories believe they may originally have been given to Labour by a disaffected Whitehall official, before being passed to the corporation.

One senior Tory said: 'We are seeing a theme here  first a whole load of leaks about Greensill and now this. All of it designed to damage us and help Labour. It is appalling.'

Labour called for Parliament's powerful liaison committee to launch an inquiry into the Dyson affair, which comes on the heels of revelations that David Cameron lobbied ministers to help failed finance firm Greensill Capital.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is said to have raised the issue with the PM last year

A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said the PM had broken the ministerial code by discussing government business without officials present. But Downing Street said the PM had informed officials of all his exchanges with Sir James.

During angry clashes in the Commons, Sir Keir suggested it was 'one rule for those that have got the Prime Minister's phone number, another for everybody else'.

Billionaire's move back to UK Sir James Dyson has moved his main address back to Britain two years after controversially relocating to tax haven Singapore. The tycoon's main country of residence was updated on Tuesday, according to documents at Companies House. The change appeared in filings for Weybourne, the business that controls the billionaire's fortune. A spokesman for Sir James, 73, confirmed the change. The tycoon and wife Lady Dyson reportedly sold their Singapore penthouse for 34.5million last year. Advertisement

Mr Johnson responded: 'I make absolutely no apology at all for shifting heaven and earth and doing everything I possibly could, as I think any prime minister would in those circumstances, to secure ventilators for the people of this country.'

The row relates to the 'Ventilator Challenge' launched by the PM last year to try to develop and build new ventilators to save the lives of Covid patients.

Dyson was one of a string of firms asked to work on the project.

The firm said it spent 20 million of its own money on the project, although its design was not selected. Dyson's issues emerged because, unlike the other firms involved, it was based abroad.

The company wrote to the Treasury on March 15 asking for several tax changes to enable it to temporarily relocate staff to the UK to work on the project.

When the Treasury did not respond, Sir James, pictured left, took up the issue directly with the PM.

He said in a text that the firm was ready to help but that 'sadly' it seemed no one wanted it to proceed. Mr Johnson replied: 'I will fix it tomo! We need you.'

The PM then texted him again saying: 'Rishi says it is fixed! We need you here.'

Sir James said yesterday: 'When the Prime Minister rang me to ask Dyson to urgently build ventilators, of course I said yes.

'We were in the midst of an national emergency and I am hugely proud of Dyson's response  I would do the same again if asked.

'It is absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people  in the UK and Singapore  worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.'
Manitoba has enlisted the help of its southern neighbour to vaccinate some of the province's essential workers.

Manitoba has enlisted the help of its southern neighbour to vaccinate some of the province's essential workers.

Beginning Wednesday, Manitoba long-haul truckers will be able to receive their COVID-19 shots in North Dakota as they return home from U.S. trips.

In the next six to eight weeks, as many as 4,000 truckers are expected to receive either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines through what Premier Brian Pallister called a "continental-first joint initiative" with the United States.

The first clinic will open at a rest stop on Interstate 29 near Drayton, N.D., about 50 kilometres south of Emerson.

In co-operation with the Manitoba Trucking Association, the province will identify eligible individuals and work with North Dakota to schedule appointments.

"Today's announcement is indicative of the friendly relationship between Manitoba and North Dakota that's always benefited our people on both sides of that border," Pallister said Tuesday in a joint news conference with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

The premier said Manitoba is relying on U.S. assistance as it faces a third wave of the coronavirus with limited vaccine supplies.

"We have months ahead of us before all Canadians are fully vaccinated, and that's in stark contrast to our American neighbours," he said. "The No. 1 limiting factor in protecting Manitobans from this deadly virus is the availability of COVID-19 vaccines."

Crediting Pallister with the idea, Burgum said the U.S. government will pay for the vaccines provided to the truckers and compensate the state for the costs of administering them.

"The U.S. has got a lot of vaccine and Canada has got less so this is an opportunity for us to work together starting with essential workers," the governor said.

More than half of all North Dakotans age 18 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. All of the state's adults are eligible to be vaccinated.

Pallister said he has informed the federal government of the initiative, although it's unclear whether he received an OK to do so from Ottawa. The Canadian government is responsible for vaccine procurement.

Asked for comment, Corinne Havard, a spokeswoman for federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, said in an email:

"Since March 2020, we have been working with provinces and territories to support them in their pandemic response. This work continues."

In the screenshot from a video, Premier Brian Pallister (right) was in a joint news conference with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum Tuesday.

The federal government says it's on track to receive 48 million to 50 million doses by the end of June.

Terry Shaw, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association, called the initative "a great announcement."

COVID-19 has not hit the long-haul trucking industry in Manitoba particularly hard. The industry acted swiftly early on to institute health protocols that have protected drivers, Shaw said.

An informal survey of truckers by the Canadian Trucking Alliance found that only about 60 of 12,000 respondents across the country admitted to having been infected with COVID-19. The majority of those said they contracted the virus in the community, not on the job.

Yet, Shaw said the industry is grateful for the initiative, and he expects the majority of drivers will take the North Dakota government up on its offer.

He also pointed out that with up to 4,000 Manitoba essential workers being vaccinated in the U.S., that will free up capacity at Canadian vaccination sites.

"Just because the long-haul driving community has managed our COVID risk very successfully, the simple fact is we still need to get vaccinated as does everybody else," Shaw said.

North Dakota, with a population of roughly 765,000, had received 549,285 doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday and administered 504,929 of them. The state has recorded 1,510 COVID-19-related deaths.

Manitoba, with a population of more than 1.3 million, had received 486,810 doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday and administered 341,926 of them. As of Tuesday, it had recorded 960 deaths.

A memorandum of understanding between the two jurisdictions says North Dakota will provide proof of immunization to truckers and share the records with the Manitoba government.

The two sides will also examine ways of vaccinating other essential workers.

Burgum said he is also in discussions with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe about vaccinating energy workers who criss-cross the Saskatchewan and North Dakota border.

Pallister said he has expressed interest in having Canadian military reservists receive vaccinations, courtesy of the U.S.

"The governor and I know that if the shoe was on the other foot, I would be the first guy to offer help to him, and he knows that 110 per cent," Pallister told the news conference. "Right now, we're the people who need help. God forbid but in five years there could be another pandemic and it will be us offering help straight up to North Dakota."

 with files from Dylan Robertson

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
(Alliance News) - Downing Street has scrapped plans for White House-style press conferences despite more than GBP2.6 million having already been spent on the venue.

The room in No 9 Downing Street has been kitted out with cameras and rows of chairs for journalists, and the prime minister's press secretary Allegra Stratton was due to field questions from political correspondents.

But it is understood Boris Johnson has axed plans for daily televised media briefings and the studio will be used for ministerial press conferences, as first reported by The Times.

The prime minister has appointed Stratton as spokeswoman for the United Nations Cop26 summit, which is due to take place in Glasgow in November.

The PA news agency revealed last month that the media room had cost GBP2.6 million to install, with the hi-tech refurbishment branded a "vanity project" by Labour.

The room had its first use in March when the prime minister addressed the nation about the next stage of lockdown easing, with previous coronavirus briefings held in No 10.

Responding to the plans being scrapped, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "Boris Johnson is clearly running scared of scrutiny and questions about Tory sleaze and dodgy lobbying.

"Instead of wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on a pointless vanity project the prime minister should have used the money to give our NHS heroes a pay rise."

A freedom of information (FoI) request by PA revealed that the overhaul of No 9 had cost GBP2,607,767.67, largely excluding VAT.

Costs detailed in the FoI response included GBP1,848,695.12 for the "main works", GBP198,023.75 on "long lead items", and GBP33,394.63 on broadband equipment.

The launch of the televised briefings had been anticipated as early as the autumn, but in January No 10 said they were being delayed as ministers planned to hold regular press conferences during the lockdown.

By Emma Bowden, PA

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
April 20, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Crowds at Hennepin Government Center after Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Floyd died on May 25, 2020 while in police custody. A video showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyds neck sparked world wide protests against police brutality.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Jews all across the world are reacting to Tuesdays jury verdict on former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

Floyds death on May 25, 2020, touched off massive worldwide protests, violence and an examination of U.S. race relations and police conduct in the last year. The Jewish communityactive in civil rights and with a long history of black-Jewish tiesreacted with outrage over Floyds death, one of a number of high-profile cases nationwide.

Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Congregation Shaare Emeth

This week, the Jewish community is studying the Torah portion, Kedoshim, in which we read the verse, Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds (Lev. 19:16).

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For far too long, our nation has stood idly by or turned a blind eye or actively participated in devaluing, criminalizing and killing people of color. The guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was one small step forward in our communities holding ourselves accountable to the value of justice we purport.

But I believe that justice will truly be served when we begin to dismantle a racist criminal justice system and build in its place a system that centers equity, inclusion and compassion for the pain of the oppressed.

Rabbi Randy Fleisher of Central Reform Congregation



I remember the incredible disappointment I felt the night that the grand jury in St. Louis decided not to hold the officer who killed Michael Brown accountable. So, I was especially relieved when Derek Chauvin was found guilty.

Relieved that millions of people stood up for the humanity of George Floyd; relieved that other police officers decided to testify to Chauvins brutality; relieved that there is finally a growing awareness of the insidious bias and unequal people of color face day to day; and relieved that the jury agreed that George Floyds heart was not too big, but tragically, Derek Chauvins heart was too small.'

Relief that should give us all the strength we need to continue doing the vital mitzvah of pursuing racial justice.

Rori Picker Neiss, executive director of Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis

I think we have to remember that this is ultimately a case in which one man lost his life and now another man is going to be going to prison, and there is no happy ending that comes from any of that.

What we hope is that there is continued necessary conversation around police reform, that this case has highlighted the profound brokenness of the systems we have in place and the deep need for our community to do internal reflection on where we are and how we can help move forward with the necessary reforms.

Our JCRC has a Jewish coalition on racial equity that has a subcommittee that is working on specific policy issues, supporting initiatives that are taking place in Jefferson City, including [State Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City) has a bill that passed in the [Missouri State Senate] to ban chokeholds in Missouri.

Some of these are just individual steps, but there are real changes that are happening, many of which have bipartisan support.

Rabbi Garth Silberstein, Bais Abraham Congregation

I feel relief. It seems clear that in this case at least, justice has been served, but I also am aware that our responsibility for pursuing justice doesnt stop with the prosecution of one criminal but in making sure that we continue to work towards a society where injustice is not tolerated or condoned.

We live in a very racially-segregated city, and as a Jewish community which is mostly but not entirely white, I think we can make sure that we are constantly working to build bridges across lots of difference to try to listen to and understand  especially those of us who are white  to understand the experience of people of color in this community and understand what they see as the most pressing needs in building a more just community here in St. Louis.

Well continue to update this story as more reactions come in.
In early April, YouTube took down a video featuring Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and a group of controversial scientists at a March 18 coronavirus roundtable. The online video platform, owned by Google, cited as its rationale that the video contained false statements about the efficacy of children's mask-wearing.

The decision has drawn public blowback on social media and from DeSantis himself.

DeSantis held another public roundtable on April 12 (which is currently available on YouTube), along with three of the same scientists who participated in the March 18 session, during which he blasted YouTube for taking down the earlier video, calling the action "censorship."

He said Google and YouTube have not acted as "repositories of truth and scientific inquiry" throughout the Covid pandemic but instead as "enforcers of a narrative."

"What we're witnessing is Orwellian," DeSantis said. 'It's a Big Tech corporate media collusion."

And when polled by DeSantis during the second roundtable, the scientists defended the video, saying it should have been left up so that it could contribute to scientific debate. We checked with DeSantis' office for more information and were referred to an April 12 press release, which summarized the events of the day's roundtable.

In an emailed statement, a YouTube spokesperson pointed to the platform's policies on medical misinformation about Covid: "We removed this video because it included content that contradicts the consensus of local and global health authorities regarding the efficacy of masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We allow videos that otherwise violate our policies to remain on the platform if they contain sufficient educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context. Our policies apply to everyone, and focus on content regardless of the speaker or channel."

The video, though no longer on that platform, can still be viewed on The Florida Channel, a website that posts recordings of Florida governmental proceedings.

So who exactly are these scientific panelists and what was said during the roundtable? And have social media companies ramped up efforts to crack down on medical misinformation recently?

Let's break it down.

DeSantis' panel reflected controversial herd immunity movement

The scientists who spoke at DeSantis' roundtable and gave their opinions about masks and lockdowns were Dr. Scott Atlas of Stanford University, Sunetra Gupta of Oxford University, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya of Stanford University and Martin Kulldorff of Harvard University.

Three of the scientists, Gupta, Bhattacharya and Kulldorff, were the primary authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, a contentious document that circulated in October. In it, the scientists argued that lockdowns should end, most people should resume their daily lives and only the most vulnerable should take precautions against Covid. The document asserted that members of the public who resumed normal lives would then build up their immunity to Covid through exposure to natural infection.

The Great Barrington Declaration received immediate criticism from scientists, including the top U.S. health official, Dr. Anthony Fauci; World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; and the United Kingdoms health secretary, Matt Hancock.

Atlas was part of President Donald Trump's White House Covid team and was reported to have promoted herd immunity views to the former president. After the reports about Atlas, Trump and his press team later walked back the idea that the White House was considering any type of herd immunity strategy to combat the pandemic.

Atlas' tenure at the White House was also dogged by other controversies, including Twitter removing one of his tweets because it contained false information about face masks, and his urging of Michigan residents to go against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's public health recommendations. Atlas stepped down from the White House team in December.

The panels factual mistake and why YouTube took it down

During DeSantis' almost two-hour March 18 Covid roundtable, the governor and the scientists discussed a range of topics, including the efficacy of lockdowns and face masks for children.

According to YouTube, the video was removed because it violated the company's policy on medical misinformation. YouTube says it doesn't allow content that poses a serious risk of egregious harm, such as videos that contradict the consensus of local and global health authorities regarding the efficacy of masks.

The clips YouTube cited as violating its medical misinformation policy involved specific instances in which DeSantis and the scientists said face masks were not necessary for children  statements the platform said were contrary to recommendations from U.S. public health authorities. Here are the specific clips in the format provided by YouTube:

"Dr. Gupta mentioned about, you know, not putting masks on kids thats not effective, not necessary. Uh, Martin, do you agree in school theres no need for them to be wearing face masks?"  Gov. DeSantis

"Uh, children should not wear face masks, no. They dont need it for their own protection and they dont need it for protecting other people either."  Kulldorff

" and I think it is developmentally inappropriate and it just doesnt help on the disease spread. I think its absolutely not the right thing to do.  I think [the data] is a little bit, uh, clearer because weve had a year of experience. If we went back a year, a lot of the experts would say that wearing masks for the general public is not evidence-based."  Dr. Bhattacharya

"Theres no scientific rationale or logic to have children wear masks in schools."  Dr. Atlas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children 2 years old and older wear masks. The agency also recommends that children wear masks in schools, child care settings and any environment when they are around people who don't live in their home.

"We know children of all ages are at risk for being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are capable of transmitting the virus. This is particularly true of older children, especially middle-school and high-school aged kids," Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy at KFF, wrote in an email. "We also know that masking, when employed widely and effectively, helps reduce the risk of transmission of the virus."

Studies back this up.

The CDC published a study in February showing that different types of masks block cough particles and double-masking is the most effective at doing so. Another experiment from that study showed that a person in a mask emits fewer aerosol particles that can be passed on to an unmasked person. A multitude of reports also show, generally, that mask-wearing is effective at reducing the risk of spreading or catching other respiratory diseases.

Other studies have shown that children carry almost as much coronavirus in their upper-respiratory tract as adults, despite often having no or mild symptoms. And it is possible for children to pass the virus on to adults.

Also, multiple studies of schools that reopened in fall 2020 and had high compliance with mask-wearing have been shown to have low numbers of Covid transmission. And the American Academy of Pediatrics said mask-wearing will not make it more difficult for children to breathe, nor will it interfere with a child's lung development.

Are tech companies actually increasing their crackdowns?

DeSantis' protests regarding the removal of his roundtable from YouTube echo those of Trump, who railed against tech companies and their policies during his presidency.

Trump was eventually de-platformed from other online entities such as Twitter and Facebook, among others, following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Conservatives have since complained they're being censored on social media platforms.

After the YouTube video removal, DeSantis used the opportunity to promote censorship bills that are moving through his state's legislature and would prevent social media companies from blocking politicians from their platforms in Florida. (State attempts to regulate social media companies will face constitutional hurdles, including First Amendment protections, the Tampa Bay Times reported.)

Social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have introduced Covid misinformation policies since the pandemic started, and even updated those policies in the past couple of months to take a harder line in removing posts and notifying users. However, the companies state that they aren't targeting certain users when removing content, but rather anyone who spreads misinformation.

According to data shared by YouTube in March, the company has removed more than 800,000 videos containing coronavirus misinformation since February of last year. Facebook reported in February that the company and its sister platform, Instagram, had removed more than 1 million pieces of Covid misinformation in the last three months of 2020. And last month, Twitter said it had removed more than 8,400 tweets and challenged 11.5 million accounts since the implementation of the Covid guidance.
You can never have too much of a good thing.

That would seem to be the modus operandi of the New York Yankees, if the latest mock projections for the 2021 MLB Draft hold true.

The Yankees own the No. 20 pick overall. MLB Pipeline predicts New York will select catcher Joe Mack from Williamsville East High School in East Amherst, N.Y.

Theres a run on prep catchers, which is a tough profile, but Mack can really catch and throw with a chance to hit for average and power.

Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

Mack would be an intriguing pick, given how much draft capital the Yankees have invested recently in catchers.

AUSTIN WELLS

Acquired: 2020 draft, 1st round (28th overall).

Signing bonus: $2.5 million.

ANTHONY SEIGLER

Acquired: 2018 draft, 1st round (23rd overall).

Signing bonus: $2.816 million.

JOSH BREAUX

Acquired: 2018 draft, 2nd round (61st overall).

Signing bonus: $1.498 million.

Wells turned heads in spring training by swinging a big stick. He can really hit, manager Aaron Boone said. Hes going to be a good hitter in this league.

The team hopes Wells can stay behind the plate for good. Evaluators have questioned whether his defensive ability might be better suited for first base or left field.

But keep in mind, the Yankees future at catcher remains uncertain. Gary Sanchez returned in 2021 on a one-year contract. After hitting a career-worst .147 in 2020, Sanchez once again is struggling at the plate, hitting .214 this season and sharing playing time with Kyle Higashioka.

(NJ Advance Medias Randy Miller contributed to this report.)

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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.
After a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday in the death of George Floyd, Fox New host Tucker Carlson suggested they weren't swayed by the testimony of more than three dozen witnesses or visceral video of Floyd pleading, "I can't breathe."

Instead, Carlson argued, the jurors were intimidated into the guilty verdict by the months of racial justice protests that followed Floyd's death.

"The jurors in the Derek Chauvin trial came to a unanimous and unequivocal verdict this afternoon: 'Please don't hurt us,'" Carlson said on "Tucker Carlson Tonight."

Carlson added, ""Everyone understood perfectly well the consequences of an acquittal in this case. After nearly a year of burning and looting and murder by BLM, that was never in doubt."

Carlson's show, which was devoted entirely to attacking the trial as unfair due to protests and statements by Democrats urging a guilty verdict, stood in stark contrast to several prominent colleagues on Fox News who celebrated the result.

As The Washington Post's Jeremy Barr reported, Jeanine Pirro, a former county judge who is now an opinion host on Fox, said that "clearly, the verdict is supported by the facts." Fox News co-host Juan Williams added that "it would have been a kick in the stomach" if Chauvin had been acquitted.

Carlson has long cast doubt on the case against Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes before his death. In February, Carlson said, "There was no physical evidence that George Floyd was murdered by a cop. The autopsy showed that George Floyd almost certainly died of a drug overdose, fentanyl."

In fact, two autopsies - one private and one done by Hennepin County - both concluded that Floyd's death was a homicide.

On Monday, Carlson accused the media of "lynching" Chauvin, adding that most Americans "still cannot say with any specificity just how" Floyd died.

After Tuesday's guilty verdict, Carlson and several guests argued the trial was tainted by the mass movement for police accountability that arose nationwide over Floyd's death, as well as by public pleas from Democrats including President Biden.

Carlson noted of Chauvin that "if given the maximum sentence under the law, he will spend the rest of his life in prison," and then asked, "Is that a fair punishment? Is the officer guilty of the specific crimes for which he was just convicted? We can debate all that."

He then pointed to racial justice protests and argued that they had subverted the criminal justice system.

"No mob has the right to destroy our cities," he said. "No politician or media figure has the right to intimidate a jury."

He added, "It's an attack on civilization."

Carlson's guests echoed that assertion, including conservative commentator Candace Owens.

"What we're really seeing is mob justice, that's what we really saw. That's really what happened with this entire trial," she said, later adding, "This was not a fair trial. No person can say this was a fair trial."

Later in the show, one guest tried to push back on Carlson's claims and was quickly rebuffed. Ed Gavin, a former New York City law enforcement official, called Chauvin's actions "pure savagery" and said that "the verdict was just."

As Gavin continued talking about changes he would like to see police make in how they approach arrests, Carlson interrupted.

"Yeah, well, the guy who did it looks like he's going to spend the rest of his life in prison so I'm kind of more worried about the rest of the country, which, thanks to police inaction, in case you haven't noticed, is, like, boarded up," Carlson said before laughing loudly.

He then cut Gavin's video feed, saying, "Nope. Done."
It isnt the first time that the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, offers a first visual treat to car enthusiasts before the official production version of a vehicle is even out. In June last year, the Tesla electric truck, Cybertruck, went on display in the museums lobby. It was the first time anyone had the chance to properly see it in person and up close, not counting the many sightings across Los Angeles with Elon Musk at the wheel.If youre in the area, the museum is doing a repeatof sorts. A two-door version of the new Ford Bronco is now in the lobby, and, yes, indeed, the museum is finally open to the public, with all the health precautions in place.You can see photos of the Bronco that you can also check out in person at the museum, in the gallery above. We're talking about a design prototype completed before the Bronco went into production, but the museum assures us that its representative of the final production Bronco, which will start to appear in showrooms across the country this summer. In other words, its the closest thing possible to the production version.The Bronco is one of the hottest releases of the year, and even that is probably an understatement. It is so hot that the bulk of 2021 orders wont even go into production until 2022. The first batch of units will go into production in May, and, believe it or not, owners first in line for deliveries are already flipping their not-yet-built-nor-delivered vehicles with an insane markup.
As governments around the world consider how to regulate AI, the European Union is planning first-of-its-kind legislation that would put strict limits on the technology. On Wednesday, the European Commission, the body's executive branch, detailed a regulatory approach that calls for a four-tier system that groups AI software into separate risk categories and applies an appropriate level of regulation to each.

At the top would be systems that pose an "unacceptable" risk to people's rights and safety. The EU would outright ban these types of algorithms under the Commission's proposed legislation. An example of software that would fall under this category is any AI that would allow governments and companies to implement social scoring systems.

Below that is a category for so-called high-risk AIs. This section is the most expansive in terms of both the variety of included software and proposed limits. The Commission says these systems will be subject to strict regulation that will touch on everything from the dataset used to train them to what constitutes an appropriate level of human oversight and how they relay information to the end-user, among other things. Included in this category are law enforcement-related AIs and all forms of remote biometric identification. Police would not be allowed to use the latter in public spaces, though the EU would carve out some exceptions for national security concerns and the like.

Then there's a category for limited-risk AIs like chatbots. The legislation will require that these programs disclose you're talking to an AI so that you can make an informed decision on whether you want to continue using them or not. Lastly, there's a section for programs that pose a minimal risk to people. The Commission says the "vast" majority of AI systems will fall under this category. Programs that fall under this section include things like spam filters. Here, the body doesn't plan to impose regulation.

"AI is a means, not an end," Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said in a statement. "Today's proposals aim to strengthen Europe's position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market, ensure that AI in Europe respects our values and rules, and harness the potential of AI for industrial use."

The legislation, which the EU is likely to take years to debate and implement, could see companies face fines of up to six percent of their global sales for breaking the rules. In GDPR, the EU already has some of the most stringent data privacy policies in the world, and it's considering similar measures when it comes content moderation and anti-trust laws.
Days after tensions escalated over incursions by at least 200 Chinese vessels in the Philippines exclusive economic zone EEZ surrounding the disputed Whitsun Reef, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will ramp up the military ship deployment in the South China Sea, ending his policy of subservience towards China. In a televised briefing late on Tuesday, Manilas President stressed that he was preparing to send vessels to stake a claim on oil and minerals in the resource-rich waters, assuring his country, that Manila would assert its rightful claims defying Beijings threats and its belligerence in regions where Manila upheld its sovereignty.

I'm not so much interested now in fishing. I don't think there's enough fish to quarrel about, Duterte said at a state televised conference. But when we start to mine, when we start to get whatever it is in the bowels of the China Sea, our oil, by that time I will send my grey ships there to stake a claim, he continued.

[Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron in the South China Sea. Credit: US Navy]

Warning China against any moves of drilling oil in Philippines territorial waters by the Chinese maritime militia, Duterte said, If they start drilling oil there, I will tell China, is that part of our agreement? Continuing his threats, the Philippines leader said, If that is not part of our agreement, I will also drill oil there. Duterte stressed that he had tried to remain friends with China and share resources, but Beijings deliberate aggression and mining of rich deposits of natural resources in the Philippines waters pushed him to increase military deployment in the region.

The Philippines leader warned of bloodshed, indicating that any action from Chinas side would lead to escalation of the conflict as tensions remain heightened between the two southeastern Asian countries. Dutertes remarks came as just a day ago, reports emerged that the Armed Forces of the Philippines criticized the politician for his inaction over Chinas expansionist move in the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

[US, and Chinese flattops in the South China Sea. Credit: ESA&Planet]

[Chinese warships on Sentinel-2 images in South China Sea. Credit: Twitter/@OSINT_1]

China's encroachment of Julian Felipe

Even as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Armed Forces of the Philippines Cirilito Sobejana, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and the island nations other top diplomats, last month, condemned China for its deployment of more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels, which it believed were crewed by militias, Duterte had largely remained silent. The Chinese vessels encroached a boomerang-shaped and shallow coral reef, which Manila calls Julian Felipe, located about 175 nautical miles (324 kilometres) west of Bataraza town in the western Philippine province of Palawan. China also lays sovereign claims on the archipelago.

Despite the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that identifies Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands territorial waters as international, China lays maritime claims on 90 per cent, 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea with belligerence against smaller island nations of Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The Philippines had earlier threatened China to immediately evacuate its union reefs exclusive economic zone EEZ as it accused Beijing of incursion and provocative action of militarizing the area. The boats, however, had remained undeterred.

[Image Credit: AP]
The pandemic has wreaked havoc in the rental car industry as companies responded to the plunge in travelers by selling off significant portions of their fleets. With travel rebounding over spring break, many travelers found themselves frustrated, stranded or price-gouged.

The shortage of rental cars is expected to continue this summer, meaning that travelers will need to strategize well in advance. That may mean reserving a vehicle before booking a flight, and searching for car rental locations beyond the airport.

There are, of course, transit alternatives to renting a car, including ride share services, bike share systems and public transportation.

Zach Whitehead, a software engineer in Cleveland, was recently on spring break with family in Fort Lauderdale and briefly considered a U-Haul when he couldnt find a standard rental car.
Columbus, Ohio, USA Police said a 16-year-old black girl was killed in an officer-involved shooting on the east side of the city Tuesday afternoon, News 10 reported.

Police showed bodycam footage Tuesday night at a news conference of the officer shooting the girl as she appeared to attempt to stab two people with a knife.

Interim Chief of Police Michael Woods said the video shows the officer acted to save the live of another young girl.

A black-handled blade resembling a kitchen knife or steak knife appeared to be lying on the sidewalk next to her immediately after she fell.

Woods said the incident began at approximately 4:32 p.m. when 911 received a call about a group of women trying to stab the caller and put their hands on them on the Woods said dispatchers tried to get information about weapons, but didnt get that information.

Woods did not identify the victim, but family said she was 16-year-old Makiyah Bryant. She was transported to Mount Carmel East, where she was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m.

Columbus Police confirmed that it has requested the states Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) respond to the scene.

State law allows police to use deadly force to protect themselves or others, and investigators will determine whether this shooting was such an instance Woods explained.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther previously identified the victim as a young woman in a tweet Tuesday evening.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life, Ginther tweeted.

He later said at the news conference, We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community.
President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris looking on makes remarks about the Derek Chauvin Trial, at the White House, Tuesday April, 20, 2021. (Doug Mills/Pool/Getty Images)

Biden: Congress Needs to Pass George Floyd Police Reform Bill After Chauvin Conviction

In his first remarks after former police officer Derek Chauvins conviction, President Joe Biden said while the verdict represents a step toward racial justice, more needs to be done by his administration and Congress.

No one should be above the law, and todays verdict sends that message, Biden said during his address at the White House. But its not enough. It cant stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform, we can and must reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this ever can happen again.

The president called on the Senate to pass a police reform legislation dubbed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would ban controversial police tactics such as chokeholds and no-knock warrants, eliminate qualified immunity, and implement new standards to bolster accountability. The bill narrowly passed the House in early March and is sitting at the Senate. Democrats will need to convince at least 10 Republicans in order for it to succeed.

We need Congress to act, the president said. George Floyd died almost a year ago. Theres meaningful police reform legislation in his name.

I assured [Floyds family] were going to continue to fight for the passage of George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so I can sign the law as quickly as possible.

He also said that his Justice Department (DOJ), led by Attorney General Merrick Garland, is committed to restoring trust between law enforcement in the community, while urging the Senate to confirm his two nominees, Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, who have been tapped for high-ranking positions in the DOJ. Republicans are opposing their nomination over, arguing that the two nominees represent the far-left radical agenda.

In this courtroom sketch, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin rises to greet jury members during his trial in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 13, 2021. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

On Tuesday afternoon, Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter after jurors spent about eight hours and 20 minutes over two days deliberating the verdict. The most serious charge, second-degree murder, has a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The former Minneapolis police officer was on trial for the death of Floyd, 45, who died on May 25, 2020, while in police custody. He was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill at a nearby store but refused to be placed in a patrol car. He was restrained on the ground by Chauvin and other officers next to the car.

Bystander footage showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck and back for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd complained that he couldnt breathe and eventually stopped breathing.

The nation was plagued by months of violent protests and riots calling for police reform following the incident. More than 1,000 buildings were burned or damaged in Minneapolis alone during the unrest. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared an emergency on April 19 because of concerns about potential fresh rioting.

Biden also called for unity during his remarks while he warned against violent protests.

There are those who seek to exploit the raw emotions of the momentagitators and extremists who have no interest in social justicewho seek to carry out violence, destroy property, fan the flames of hate and division, who will do everything in their power to stop this countrys march toward racial justice. We cannot let them succeed, Biden said.

Following the verdict, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Floyds family telling them he was relieved by the verdict.

Were all so relieved, not just one verdict but all three. Guilty on all three counts. Its really important, Biden said during the call posted online by Floyds family attorney Ben Crump.

Im anxious to see you guys. Were going to get a lot more done. Were going to do a lot. Were going to stay at it until we get it done.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Former Old Forge School Director Frank Scavo formally pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges that he illegally entered the Capitol and demonstrated inside during the Jan. 6 riots.

Scavo entered the plea during an online hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth, a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Lamberth set June 23 at 11 a.m. as the date of the next hearing in the case. Scranton attorney Ernie Preate Jr., Scavos lawyer, said his clients trial could begin that day if evidence discovery proceeds smoothly. By law, federal prosecutors must produce all evidence theyve gathered against Scavo during discovery.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Meinero asked Lamberth for 60 more days before starting to count time against the one-year deadline for bringing a federal defendant to trial.

Meineros motion says more time is necessary to prepare because the investigation and prosecution of the Capitol attack will likely be one of the largest in American history, both in terms of the number of defendants and the nature and volume of the evidence. More than 300 people have been arrested.

Investigators also have carried out more than 900 search warrants in almost all 50 states, gathered more than 15,000 hours of video footage from surveillance and body-worn cameras from law enforcement agencies, obtained 1,600 electronic devices, received more than 210,000 information tips, many of them including video, photos and social media posts and accumulated more than 80,000 reports of interviews with suspects and witnesses.

In short, even in cases involving a single defendant, the volume of discoverable evidence materials is likely to be significant, Meinero wrote.

Preate said he did not oppose the time extension.

Scavo, 58, who remains free without bail, is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in the Capitol without lawful authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct on Capitol grounds and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol. He faces up to three years in prison, fines of up to $210,000 and special assessments of up to $70, though sentencing guidelines would likely reduce the penalty.

Preate has contended the Capitol mob pushed Scavo into the building. The criminal complaint, based on videos from Scavos cellphone, shows him chanting with rioters inside, posing for a picture near a painting and climbing a staircase while recording video.

Scavo is one of three people from Northeast Pennsylvania charged with entering the Capitol illegally. The others are Michael Rusyn, 35, of Olyphant, and Annie Howell, 30, of Swoyersville.

Five people died during the attack. Four died of natural causes, including a Capitol police officer who had multiple strokes after sparring with protesters, including two who sprayed him with an unknown chemical, which a medical examiner found did not contribute to his death. The other, a protester, was shot by Capitol police defending the building as a mob tried to break a door window.
As a crewed mission to Mars becomes closer to reality, scientists are examining the possible effects of extended space travel on astronauts' well-beingincluding on their mental health.

A new study attempts to predict that psychological toll by looking at scientists stationed in remote research stations in Antarctica.

The isolated researchers reported feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression at various points in their stay at the South Pole.

But the most notable change among the subjects was a continuous decline in positive emotions like satisfaction, enthusiasm and awe, from the start of the mission to its completion.

Those 'feel-good' emotions didn't even increase as the mission neared its end, a common phenomenon often referred to as a 'third-quarter effect.'

Scroll down for vide

Psychologists at the University of Houston studied the wellbeing of researchers in Antarctica to gauge how extended time in space could impact astronauts' mental health while they are isolated in the final frontier

Psychologist Candice Alfano, director of the University of Houston's Sleep and Anxiety Center, developed the Mental Health Checklist (MHCL), a self-reporting diagnostic for analyzing changes in mental health changes in people subjected to isolated, confined and extreme environments.

In a study published this month in the journal Acta Astronautica, Alfano and her team studied scientists housed at two research stations in Antarctica, one inland and one coastal.

Antarctica's extreme environment shares a variety of stressors with the cold depths of space, including confinement, isolation, monotony, a lack of privacy, and altered light-dark cycles.

Using the MCHL, Alfano's team tracked the polar scientists' psychological well-being over a period of nine months, including the harshest portion of winter.

The most notable change among the subjects was a continuous decline in positive emotions like satisfaction, enthusiasm and awe, from the start of the mission to its completion

Scientists stationed in Antarctica reported a steady decline in positive emotions like satisfaction, enthusiasm and awe, from the start of the mission to its completion. Pictured: a research station on King George Island, Antarctica

They also recorded changes in their physical complaints and levels of stress hormones, like cortisol.

'We observed significant changes in psychological functioning, but patterns of change for specific aspects of mental health differed,' Alfano said.

'The most marked alterations were observed for positive emotions such that we saw continuous declines from the start to the end of the mission, without evidence of a 'bounce-back effect' as participants were preparing to return home.'

Previously research has focused almost entirely on negative emotional states, like anxiety and depression, Alfano added.

'But positive emotions  such as satisfaction, enthusiasm and awe  are essential features for thriving in high-pressure settings.'

The psychologists found increased anxiety and depressive symptoms among researchers enduring extended stays at the stations, but the results were varied and often came with complaints of physical ailments.

Reports of the absence of 'feel good' emotions were more universal, according to the study, and participants tended to use fewer effective strategies for increasing their positive emotions as their time at the stations went on.

'Both the use of savoring - purposely noticing, appreciating, and/or intensifying positive experiences and emotions - and reappraisal - changing the way one thinks about a situation - decreased during later mission months compared to baseline.,' said Alfano.

'These changes likely help explain observed declines in positive emotions over time,' she said.

'Interventions and counter measures aimed at enhancing positive emotions may, therefore, be critical in reducing psychological risk in extreme settings.'

Space agencies have long worried about the mental health effects of long space missions.

Beyond the isolation and boredom, extended space travel can disturb astronauts' normal sleep and sunlight cycleson the ISS, astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24-hour Earth day.

People who consistently lose sleep tend to have trouble concentrating and making decisions.

The isolated researchers reported feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression at various points in their stay at the South Pole, which experts say is similar to what astronauts like ASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, right answers a question as fellow astronaut Robert L. Behnken could feel while in space

In an essay in the collection Angles 2019, psychiatrist Tyler Moore cautioned that radiation, filtered out by Earth' atmosphere, could have an untold impact on mental health.

It's known to cause radiation sickness and nervous system damage, and can increase the chances of getting cancer.

Zero gravity can also be a risk factor: Earlier this month researchers from the University of Texas reported the lack of gravity on the ISS redirected blood away from astronauts' arms and legs to their brain, causing pressure to build up inside the skull and the pituitary gland to shrink.

The researchers took MRI scans of 11 astronauts' brains before and after missions on the orbital space station.

After their time in zero gravity, their brains and cerebrospinal fluid had expanded.

Their pituitary glands, which govern vital functions from growth to body temperature, had gotten measurably smaller.

The team suspects that if an astronaut spends too long outside Earth's gravity, this could lead to difficulty walking, problems with bladder control and an increased risk of developing dementia.

Option being considered to counter the effect include is the creation of artificial gravity with a large centrifuge and using negative pressure on the lower limbs.
Its been two decades, but it happened again. Several hours before sunrise on Thursday morning, a group of five people met in dribbling snow to carry out one of the worlds oldest science experiments.

The New York Times reported Dr. Marjorie Weber arrived at a rendezvous spot on the campus of Michigan State University, where three of the schools other plant scientists were already assembled.

According to Weber, as they stood around blowing on their hands for warmth, the crews fifth member and group leader Dr. Frank Telewski emerged from the darkness with a shovel slung over his shoulder.

With everyone crowded about, Telewski reportedly took out a copy of a map from 1931, that resembled an architectural blueprint. The 90-year-old map would be their guide to a botanists version of buried treasure: a bottle filled with sand and a bunch of really old seeds.

The New York Times revealed Dr. Weber, an assistant professor of plant biology at Michigan State University, along with her colleagues, are the current custodians of the Beal seed viability experiment. The experiment is a multi-century attempt to determine how long seeds can lie dormant in the soil without losing their viability.

Every 20 years under the cover of darkness the experiments caretakers steal out to a secret location, dig up a bottle, scatter its seeds over a tray of sterile soil and see which ones grow, the report said.

The experiment has been ongoing for 142 years, making it one of the worlds longest-running experiments. The East Lansing botanists have hopes that it will continue for at least another 80 years.

Decades have added to the lessons learned from the experiment.

The news outlet explained measuring seed persistence was the initial purpose of the experiment. Though, it has grown into a more interesting experiment, due to improved technology and the increase of knowledge.

Reportedly, keepers of the cache can now do more than just count each bottles successful sprouts. They have the ability now to look inside seeds to see how they work, and begin to determine what accounts for longevity.

How could these lessons benefit us?

In some cases, caretakers can get species that seemed doomed to flourish again, which could help with everything from restoring damaged ecosystems to storing crop seeds for the long-term.

Whats in the bottle?

Inside the bottle the team was looking for over a thousand seeds. 50 seeds each of 21 different species from black mustard to white clover to redroot amaranth.

Dr. William James Beal was a botanist at Michigan State. In 1879 he filled 20 such bottles and buried them in a row somewhere on campus. The report said his intention was that he, and later his successors, would dig one bottle up every five years and plant the preserved seeds inside.

Weber explained seeds shed by their parents, dont always grow right away. Under any given patch of land, theres a constellation of sleeping seeds, she said, biding their time. Seeds will often lie dormant for a season, a few years, perhaps longer or basically until they get the right set of cues to sprout.

According to the report, this plant reserve is known as the seed bank. Dr. Beal, by experimentally recreating it, hoped to better understand how long plants could last in the soil, and what triggers them to grow.

What keeps the experiment going?

Dr. Weber stated the cloaked, secretive elements are now part of the experiments charm. She added, its camaraderie and a desire to see the experiment through that keeps things going.

An expanded version of this report can be read via The New York Times.

READ MORE:
[April 21, 2021] GLOBAL TECH INDUSTRIES GROUP, INC. CLARIFIES DETAIL REGARDING WARRANTS HELD IN RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

New York, NY, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Tech Industries Group, Inc. (GTII:OTCQB) (GTII or the Company), www.gtii-us.com, a Nevada corporation, announced today a clarification regarding its recently distributed warrants that are held in retirement accounts.

Questions have arisen as to whether shareholders who hold their warrants through an IRA or other retirement account must take a distribution from their retirement account in order to directly register their warrants with Liberty Stock Transfer, Inc., the transfer agent, or exercise their warrants. The Company does not believe it is necessary for such shareholders to take a distribution in either situation. In terms of registering warrants held in your retirement account directly with the transfer agent, such warrants should be able to be registered in the name of your bank/broker, as custodian for, and for the benefit of, your retirement account (e.g., Bank/Broker Name, Custodian FBO John Smith Roth IRA), without triggering a distribution from your retirement account. The exact account name language used from broker-to-broker to reflect the custodial aspects of retirement accounts may vary, but the concept remains the same. Regarding the exercise of warrants held in a retirement account, shareholders should be able to instruct their bank/broker, as custodian of their retirement account, to exercise the warrants, and the transfer agent will then be able to issue the common shares in the name of your bank/broker, as custodian for, and for the benefit of, your retirement account (e.g., Bank/Broker Name, Custodian FBO John Smith Roth IRA), also without triggering a distribution from your retirement account. Sharehlders should coordinate either process directly with their bank/broker. Shareholders who cannot satisfactorily resolve these issues with their bank/broker can also contact the transfer agent, who may be able to help coordinate efforts and clarify issues with your bank/broker.



Nothing contained herein should be considered tax advice from the Company. Always consult your personal financial and legal advisor for specific advice regarding tax implications. About Global Tech Industries Group, Inc.: GTII, a publicly traded Company incorporated in the state of Nevada, specializes 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. Words such as estimate, project, predict, will, would, should, could, may, might, anticipate, plan, intend, believe, expect, aim, goal, target, objective, likely or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of this press release. Unless legally required, we undertake no obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise. Blaine Riley  br@intlmonetary.com

International Monetary

620 Newport Center Drive, #1100

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949.200.4601



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Valdina said it was also taken into account that Murphy is a business owner with several children.

Porter disagreed with Valdina's assessment of the incident. She mentioned that Murphy reached for his key fob to establish that he owned the car, and said Murphy never reached for a knife.

"He did have a pocket knife. That is entirely legal to possess. But he did not reach for it or even indicate that he had it in any threatening manner. There was no criminal conduct by Mr. Murphy," Porter said. "This case has been something that I personally have lost a lot of faith and sleep over. This case disturbs me. I have a hard time driving by Mavis Tire and not envisioning what I would have done or another lawful community member would have done."

"We are prepared to resolve this in a way that does not result in any criminal conviction for my client, that results in a favorable disposition that involves sealing, but I want to make it clear that I don't think there's a meeting of the minds as far as what side of the law things fell on that evening," she said.
American officials announced new sanctions on Myanmar in the wake of the recent military coup, targeting two state-owned businesses with connections to the armed forces as part of an escalating international effort to jolt the country back onto a democratic path.

The move on Wednesday came two days after European Union officials expanded their own sanctions against Myanmars military leadership, targeting 10 officials who were involved in toppling Aung San Suu Kyis elected government and a violent crackdown on protesters.

The Treasury Department identified Myanmar Timber Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise, representing the countrys thriving timber and pearl industries, as sources of funding for the military and its leadership. The sanctions bar the companies from doing business in the United States or with American companies, and their assets were frozen under Wednesdays order.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken accused the countrys military of killing more than 650 people  including many children  and detaining more than 3,200 others since February. He suggested the Biden administration would consider further action in the future.
WASHINGTON  As prominent blogger and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Belarus consultant Ihar Losik marked his 300th day in pre-trial detention, RFE/RL President Jamie Fly renewed his call for Losiks immediate release and an end to the Belarusian governments crackdown on independent journalists.

Fly said, Ihar Losik has been cruelly separated from his wife, his daughter, and his colleagues for far too long. Ihar must be freed from detention and allowed to rejoin his family. The Lukashenka governments repressive campaign against independent journalists, including RFE/RL reporters and staff, must cease so they can continue their work to provide objective information to the people of Belarus.

Losiks detention was prominently noted in legislation passed yesterday (April 20) by the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his statement supporting the reimposition of sanctions on nine state-owned Belarusian companies on Monday (April 19). U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, the State Departments Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Helsinki Commission, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. Congressman Bill Keating, Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, U.S. Agency for Global Media, among others, have also called for Losiks release.

Losik was detained on June 25, 2020, following a search of his apartment in the Belarusian city of Baranavichy. A prominent blogger, Losik has been accused by authorities of using his popular Telegram channel to prepare to disrupt public order ahead of the controversial August 9 presidential election in Belarus that longtime incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka claims to have won in a landslide amid allegations of widespread fraud. Since then, authorities have added unknown additional charges against Losik  who has started two hunger strikes to protest his detention.

In addition to Losik, numerous other RFE/RL journalists on assignment to report on the election and its aftermath have been harassed, detained, jailed, and stripped of their accreditations. On October 2, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry canceled the accreditations of all journalists working for foreign media organizations in the country. To date, no Belarusian nationals working for Western media outlets have been accredited under the new procedures.

About RFE/RL's Belarus Service

Despite working in what Reporters Without Borders calls the most dangerous country in Europe for media personnel, RFE/RL's Belarus Service continues to provide independent news and analysis of the fast-moving events to Belarusian audiences in their own language, relying on social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as mirror sites and an updated news app to circumvent pervasive Internet blockages and access disruptions.

About RFE/RL

RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 41 million people every week in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 6.5 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2020. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

-----

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Martins Zvaners in Washington (zvanersm@rferl.org, +1.202.457.6948)

Jana Hokuvova in Prague (hokuvovaj@rferl.org, +420.221.122.072)
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new study, among Latinx respondents who have not yet been vaccinated, 51% say they will likely not get vaccinated against COVID-19 at this time -- this number rises to 67% within Spanish-speaking households. The two most commonly cited reasons against taking the vaccine are around safety and effectiveness, which are especially prevalent in Spanish-speaking households. The study goes on to find that misinformation around COVID-19 and the vaccines play a critical role in fueling vaccine hesitancy among Latinos. Facebook (49%) and local news (39%) are the top reported platforms spreading inaccurate and harmful information around the vaccines.

The study, which was conducted by Change Research on behalf of the Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab, a joint project of Voto Latino, the nation's largest Latinx voter registration and engagement organization, and Media Matters for America, a nonprofit disinformation watchdog, found that almost 4 in 10 Latinx respondents report having seen material or information that makes them think the COVID-19 vaccines are not safe or effective. In addition 6 in 10 Latinos know someone in their household or community who is unwilling to take the vaccine because they believe it will be harmful to them.

Specifically, the survey found that:

Among Latinos who have not been vaccinated, the majority say they do not plan on getting a COVID-19 vaccine or are hesitant to get one because they believe it is not safe (51%)  this number rises to 67% among Spanish-dominant speakers.

Latina women (48%) are less hesitant to take the vaccine than Latino men (54%); however more than one-third (34%) of women are more likely to only accept a specific vaccine versus only 25% of men.

Of those respondents who are unsure about getting vaccinated, Latinos under the age of 50 (78%) and that speak Spanish as their primary language at home (49%) are among the most hesitant to get the vaccine.

Nearly 40% of Latinx respondents say they have seen material or information that makes them think the COVID-19 vaccine is not safe or effective. Another 20% say they have directly received wrong or harmful information about the vaccine, primarily on Facebook (53%) and messaging apps (43%), such as SMS, WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, etc.

The top three sources that Latinos turn to for information about COVID-19 and the available vaccines are the Centers for Disease Control (56%), the news (53%), and their primary healthcare provider (46%); Spanish-dominant speakers are more likely to rely on their family for information (29%), compared to English speakers (19%).

72% of Latinx respondents who are unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine say they know someone in their household or community who is unwilling to take the vaccine because they believe it will be harmful to them.

Overall, 78% of Latinx respondents believe COVID-19 misinformation is a very serious or somewhat serious problem, particularly when thinking about their community, family, and friends.

VIEW THE FULL STUDY HERE .

"These numbers should be alarming to anyone who wants to see us get through this pandemic," says Maria Teresa Kumar, co-founding president and CEO of Voto Latino. "Voto Latino is launching a massive, coordinated response against the spread of disinformation and we invite those in government, business leadership, social media corner offices, and at home to join us in the fight against these dangerous lies."

"We're meeting a strong threat with a stronger response  the truth," added Tom Perez, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and co-chair of the Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab. "This powerful investment in Latino community communications infrastructure will help protect our community and the country, helping ensure that our families and friends will not be victimized by unchecked misinformation and lies again."

"Misinformation and disinformation have harmful consequences," said Angelo Carusone, president & CEO of Media Matters. "The poll's findings further illustrate both how central Facebook is to the larger disinformation problem and how their efforts to address false information - especially non-English disinformation - are grossly inadequate. This is an alarm bell warning us about the increasing threat of disinformation targeting the Latinx community."

The survey is the beginning of a large-scale bilingual message testing campaign through the Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab. Voto Latino and Media Matters will be developing and testing public health messages and materials in both English and Spanish aimed to combat COVID misinformation and to boost vaccination among the Latinx community based on the findings. The campaign will also include digital video ads that feature calls-to-action from authoritative and influential figures, such as academics, scientists, and educators.

The campaign will be the first and largest campaign of its kind, with a goal of targeting communications to the 12-15 million Latinos in the U.S. who have not yet been vaccinated.

About the Survey

Change Research conducted an online survey of 1,896 voters nationwide, including 947 Latinx voters about their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and experiences with COVID-19 disinformation. The survey was conducted in both English and Spanish between March 19-25, 2021. The margin of error for the survey is 2.77%.

About the Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab

The Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab is the largest investment in combatting disinformation in Latinx communities to date. It will combine Media Matters' media intelligence and disinformation expertise with Voto Latino's deep knowledge of Latinx communities and digital-first savviness to inoculate impacted audiences across all mediums against targeted misinformation. As part of this effort, Media Matters will expand its monitoring of Spanish-language media and online communities, which a dedicated team will analyze to produce research that will catalyze strategic communications actions for Voto Latino. Voto Latino will invest heavily in data and infrastructure needed to effectively identify and communicate with at-risk Latinx voters.

About Voto Latino

Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.

About Media Matters

Media Matters for America is a nonprofit media watchdog dedicated to monitoring and exposing conservative misinformation. Through real-time monitoring, comprehensive research and analysis, and rapid response work, Media Matters combats lies, propaganda, and extremism to ensure that all Americans have access to truthful information.

Contact: Danny Friedman, [email protected]

SOURCE Voto Latino
(Natural News) Biologist author Richard Dawkins has been stripped of an honour awarded to him by The American Humanist Association in 1996, following tweets that he says merely called for a discussion on transgender issues.

(Article by Steve Watson republished from Summit.news)

The AHA issued a statement that claims Regrettably, Richard Dawkins has over the past several years accumulated a history of making statements that use the guise of scientific discourse to demean marginalized groups, an approach antithetical to humanist values.

Consequently, the AHA Board has concluded that Richard Dawkins is no longer deserving of being honored by the AHA, and has voted to withdraw, effective immediately, the 1996 Humanist of the Year award, the organisation added.

Today the American Humanist Association Board voted to withdraw, effective immediately, the 1996 Humanist of the Year award it bestowed on Richard Dawkins. Tap the preview below to read the board's statement explaining why. https://t.co/VfxMgbISh5  American Humanist Association (@americnhumanist) April 19, 2021

Leaving aside the fact that the honour was awarded TWENTY FIVE years ago, the AHA has not actually provided any specific instances where Dawkins made statements that could be viewed as intentionally demeaning to trans people.

He has previously tweeted regarding transgenderism from a biological science standpoint, which he argues is necessarily in direct opposition to the modern phenomenon of wokeism:

Is trans woman a woman? Purely semantic. If you define by chromosomes, no. If by self-identification, yes. I call her "she" out of courtesy.  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) October 26, 2015

Yes, I know its behind a paywall but its worth it. Superb article by Trevor Phillips on the oppressive nonsense that can flow from aggressive wokeism, e.g. demanding that employees should sign a statement that trans women are women.https://t.co/EYp3EPElBg  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) November 8, 2020

Most recently, Dawkins compared people identifying as a different gender to their biological gender to Rachel Dolezal, a white woman who identifies as black, and complained that if you deny their identity you will be vilified:

In 2015, Rachel Dolezal, a white chapter president of NAACP, was vilified for identifying as Black. Some men choose to identify as women, and some women choose to identify as men. You will be vilified if you deny that they literally are what they identify as. Discuss.  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) April 10, 2021

The way Dawkins whacked discuss on the end of the tweet in an effort to suggest it is not his opinion, but rather just a topic of debate, riled those who disagree:

I've had low expectations for you, for quite some time. As I believe I've made clear. Even so this is disappointing. You've worked hard to be the spokesperson for causes I hold dear; if you can't perceive an accompanying obligation to be more decent than thisstep back. Way back.  Greg M. Epstein (@gregmepstein) April 11, 2021

Why not read absolutely anything that's been written about this and understand it. Absolutely pathetic that you're going down the Gender Critical conspiracy theory hole after reading one stupid book. This is like a teenager level argument about trans people  Katy Montgomerie  (@KatyMontgomerie) April 11, 2021

Cool. Can we stop pretending that Richard is "just asking questions" now? Or does he need to just start tweeting slurs before we acknowledge that he was always an overly hyped up science communicator writing readable books about other people's work? https://t.co/EHkxGHTUcK  Eli Bosnick (@elibosnick) April 11, 2021

For later, when people ask why I'm more than completely done with Dawkins' repeated obtuse transphobic crap. It's long past time he could have been educated out of this crap. https://t.co/BkcrIdD1LI  Matt Dillahunty (@Matt_Dillahunty) April 10, 2021

So it's not even fucking subtle anymore. Cool. Cool cool cool. https://t.co/Cav56kflTP  Vi La Bianca (@AuthorConfusion) April 11, 2021

Dawkins issued a follow up tweet, claiming that it was not his intent to ally in any way with Republican bigots in America:

I do not intend to disparage trans people. I see that my academic Discuss question has been misconstrued as such and I deplore this. It was also not my intent to ally in any way with Republican bigots in US now exploiting this issue .  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) April 12, 2021

It appears that these latest tweets were the straw that broke the camels back for the American Humanist Association, prompting it to sever all ties with Dawkins.

Remarkable really, given that Dawkins has sent out far more controversial tweets in the past, such as that time he suggested eugenics, the practice of selective breeding supported by the Nazis, would work perfectly well if applied to humans, because it works on animals.

Its one thing to deplore eugenics on ideological, political, moral grounds. Its quite another to conclude that it wouldnt work in practice. Of course it would. It works for cows, horses, pigs, dogs & roses. Why on earth wouldnt it work for humans? Facts ignore ideology.  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) February 16, 2020

Or the time that he tweeted about Winchester Cathedrals bells being nicer than the aggressive Muslim call to prayer:

Listening to the lovely bells of Winchester, one of our great mediaeval cathedrals. So much nicer than the aggressive-sounding Allahu Akhbar. Or is that just my cultural upbringing? pic.twitter.com/TpCkq9EGpw  Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) July 16, 2018

Some supported Dawkins cancellation, while others labelled it another successful attack on science by the woke mob:

The American Humanist Association is using the guise of secularism to enact religious zealotry; offering Dawkins up as a sacrifice to appease their woke gods.  Many Bad Opinions (@OneBadOpinion) April 20, 2021

They have quite explicitly placed their political orthodoxy above science, above rational discussion, above reason. The feelings of approved minority groups trump that. Fair enough, AHA, take that position. It's your party. But it's not humanist in any way. It's pseudoreligious  Mar Vickers (@mar_vickers) April 20, 2021

Im a humanist, and not a fan of, Dawkins, but if I were a member of @americnhumanist association, this action would lead me to terminate my membership and withdraw financial support. Enough of this nonsense.  M Stone (@M_Stone969) April 20, 2021

Jesus. Disavowed over a tweet. I read the tweet. It was reasonable. These people are not. They have lost their minds.#richarddawkins #humanismhttps://t.co/ehcYW94zdG  O.T. Ford (@ot_ford) April 20, 2021

This is a very bad call. Many well-intentioned people believe transracialism should be more accepted. That he broached the issue doesn't mean he thinks trans people are fraudulent.  util forager (@util_forager) April 20, 2021

Read more at: Summit.news and Wokies.news.
The European Union is looking to work with the Indian government to create open and transparent security standards for 5G technology rollouts across Europe and India, as concerns grow about the dominance of Chinese telecom giants.

A report by Bloomberg quoted European Commission (EC) EVP Margrethe Vestager saying that the EU has intentions to collaborate with India on creating global standards for security and transparency in 5G rollouts.

EU officials are expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss the telecom security matter as part of a broader discourse on security and trade issues during the India-EU summit in Portugal on May 8.

The Commissioner reportedly highlighted the EUs desire to collaborate with democratic partners on establishing open standards for 5G rollouts and protect networks in the light of a systematic rivalry, supposedly hinting at heightened concerns around Chinese vendors.

Recently, a report titled 'Shaping Europes digital future' revealed that the 5G Infrastructure Association, the private side of the 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership (5G PPP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) two years ago intending to foster industrial cooperation between India and Europe.

This cooperation targets regular and structured exchange of information of regional developments including regulatory and 5G spectrum approaches technological approaches towards standardisation, deployment experience, and involvement of vertical industries in the 5G ecosystem.

India has decided to distribute the 2.6 GHz spectrum based on the full TDD mode similar to China, the USA, Japan. Positions on other bands are not yet official but are part of the cooperation discussion between 5G-IA and TSDSI.

Besides, the Commission cooperates with the Indian government on digital issues including 5G through the EU-India co-operation dialogue on Digital Communications as well as the EU-India Joint Working Group on ICTs.

Alongside the US and India, several EU nations moved to impose restrictions on the use of equipment made by companies including Huawei and ZTE when building 5G networks over worries of ties with Chinas government.

The EU reportedly needs to pour US$355 billion into deploying next-generation networks, and India is thought to require US$70 billion.
Three weeks after officials declared a third wave of the pandemic was hitting the state, New Jersey on Wednesday reported another 2,961 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and an additional 46 confirmed deaths, while more than 3 in 10 adults have been fully vaccinated in the state.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the update at his latest COVID-19 briefing in Trenton, saying that the states numbers are still not where we need them to be but have improved in the last week or so.

They are showing a trend that is beginning to build in the right direction, Murphy added.

Murphy also said he expects to have details next week on further easing safety restrictions in the state, though he stressed reopening will continue to be incremental and not in one fell swoop.

We ... owe people our best guess as to what its gonna look like for graduations, summer on the beaches, and whatnot, the governor said.

The states seven-day average for new confirmed positive tests is now 2,961, down 4% from a week ago and 11% from a month ago.

Nearly 2.6 million people have been fully vaccinated in the state as of Tuesday  about 37% of the states 6.9 million adult residents. The states goal is to fully vaccinate 70% of its eligible adult population  about 4.7 million people  by the end of June.

In all, more than 6.2 million vaccine doses have been administered in New Jersey, with nearly 3.9 million people receiving at least one dose.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 rose slightly for the second straight day, with 2,114 patients across the states 71 hospitals as of Tuesday night  an increase of five patients.

The states rate of transmission increased slightly to 0.93 after two days at 0.92. The rate had dropped steadily in recent weeks after reaching 1.07 on April 5. Any number over 1 indicates that the outbreak is growing, with each new case leading to at least one other case. A declining transmission rate means the spread is slowing.

The statewide positivity rate for tests conducted on Saturday, the most recent day available, was 10.94% based on 21,242 test. Positivity tests tend to be higher on the weekends when fewer tests are conducted. The percent positivity on weekdays last week ranged between 7.5% and 8.5%.

New Jersey has so far not come close to matching the prediction models that Murphys administration released last month to warn about the third wave. The models showed the state could peak at 5,445 daily cases and 2,669 people hospitalized with COVID-19 under a moderate scenario on April 18, which was Sunday. The worst-case scenario said the state could peak at 8,162 cases and 3,664 people hospitalized on May 18. But officials stressed those were just projections and that human behavior, including mask-wearing and social distancing, could prevent those scenarios from happening.

In all, New Jersey has now reported 865,733 confirmed coronavirus cases out of slightly more than 13 million PCR tests in the nearly 14 months since the state reported its first case on March 4, 2020. There have also been 121,617 positive antigen tests. Those cases are considered probable, and health officials have warned that positive antigen tests could overlap with the confirmed PCR tests because they are sometimes given in tandem.

The state of 9 million people has reported 25,271 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19  including 22,660 confirmed deaths and 2,611 fatalities considered probable. The probable deaths, which are revised weekly, increased Wednesday by 19 fatalities.

New Jersey has the most coronavirus deaths per capita among American states.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Dr. Edward Lifshitz, director of the state Department of Healths communicable disease service, said theres no magic percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to get to herd immunity.

The higher your overall immunity gets in the population, the more you can expect to see numbers drop, Lifshitz said. But theres not going to be one exact number where we get to 50%, 52%, or 70% where you can say, Thats it, were not going to be seeing anymore transmission.

Still, Lifshitz noted that the state has begun to see cases drop dramatically among the states oldest population, which was among the first to become eligible for the vaccine.

So far, 83% of people 65 to 79 in New Jersey have received at least one vaccine dose in New Jersey, followed by 76% of those 80 and older, 62% of those 50 to 64, 46% of those 30 to 49, 27% of those 16 to 29.

VACCINATIONS BY COUNTY

ATLANTIC COUNTY - 196,789 doses administered

BERGEN COUNTY - 697,555 doses administered

BURLINGTON COUNTY - 328,875 doses administered

CAMDEN COUNTY - 363,569 doses administered

CAPE MAY COUNTY - 78,903 doses administered

CUMBERLAND COUNTY - 85,287 doses administered

ESSEX COUNTY - 484,559 doses administered

GLOUCESTER COUNTY - 220,411 doses administered

HUDSON COUNTY - 385,076 doses administered

HUNTERDON COUNTY - 90,057 doses administered

MERCER COUNTY - 247,200 doses administered

MIDDLESEX COUNTY - 551,295 doses administered

MONMOUTH COUNTY - 456,207 doses administered

MORRIS COUNTY - 434,685 doses administered

OCEAN COUNTY - 367,371 doses administered

PASSAIC COUNTY - 292,047 doses administered

SALEM COUNTY - 38,705 doses administered

SOMERSET COUNTY - 256,967 doses administered

SUSSEX COUNTY - 96,130 doses administered

UNION COUNTY - 348,421 doses administered

WARREN COUNTY - 61,613 doses administered

UNKNOWN COUNTY - 3,465 doses administered

OUT OF STATE - 149,972 doses administered

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY NUMBERS (sorted by most new)

Essex County: 84,692 confirmed cases (368 new), 2,565 confirmed deaths (295 probable)

Passaic County: 63,335 confirmed cases (367 new), 1,650 confirmed deaths (195 probable)

Middlesex County: 83,729 confirmed cases (268 new), 2,026 confirmed deaths (246 probable)

Bergen County: 86,586 confirmed cases (264 new), 2,508 confirmed deaths (294 probable)

Hudson County: 77,617 confirmed cases (236 new), 1,989 confirmed deaths (210 probable)

Monmouth County: 65,967 confirmed cases (204 new), 1,421 confirmed deaths (139 probable)

Union County: 58,820 confirmed cases (191 new), 1,684 confirmed deaths (221 probable)

Ocean County: 63,964 confirmed cases (161 new), 1,927 confirmed deaths (158 probable)

Camden County: 46,621 confirmed cases (147 new), 1,153 confirmed deaths (98 probable)

Morris County: 41,166 confirmed cases (120 new), 956 confirmed deaths (249 probable)

Burlington County: 36,978 confirmed cases (100 new), 759 confirmed deaths (67 probable)

Gloucester County: 25,393 confirmed cases (97 new), 568 confirmed deaths (30 probable)

Mercer County: 30,761 confirmed cases (88 new), 877 confirmed deaths (43 probable)

Somerset County: 23,520 confirmed cases (70 new), 711 confirmed deaths (106 probable)

Atlantic County: 24,162 confirmed cases (64 new), 610 confirmed deaths (35 probable)

Cumberland County: 13,970 confirmed cases (47 new), 380 confirmed deaths (36 probable)

Salem County: 5,201 confirmed cases (47 new), 162 confirmed deaths (13 probable)

Warren County: 8,444 confirmed cases (37 new), 205 confirmed deaths (25 probable)

Sussex County: 11,156 confirmed cases (34 new), 223 confirmed deaths (67 probable)

Hunterdon County: 8,504 confirmed cases (31 new), 117 confirmed deaths (54 probable)

Cape May County: 4,429 confirmed cases (16 new), 169 confirmed deaths (30 probable)

HOSPITALIZATIONS

There were 2,114 patients hospitalized with confirmed (1,961) or suspected COVID-19 cases across New Jerseys 71 hospitals as of Tuesday night  five more than the previous night, according to state data.

That included 455 in critical or intensive care (three more than the night before), with 248 on ventilators (six fewer).

There were also 262 COVID-19 patients discharged Tuesday, while 263 new patients were admitted.

By comparison, hospitalizations peaked at more than 8,300 patients during the first wave of the pandemic in April and more than 3,800 during the second wave in December.

SCHOOL CASES

New Jersey has reported 245 in-school coronavirus outbreaks, which have resulted in 1,094 cases among students, teachers and school staff this academic year, according to state data.

The state defines school outbreaks as cases where contact tracers determined two or more students or school staff caught or transmitted COVID-19 in the classroom or during academic activities at school. Those numbers do not include students or staff believed to have been infected outside school or cases that cant be confirmed as in-school outbreaks.

There are about 1.4 million public school students and teachers across the state, though teaching methods amid the outbreak have varied, with some schools teaching in-person, some using a hybrid format and others remaining all-remote.

Murphy has said New Jerseys schools are expected to return to full in-person classes for the next school year.

AGE BREAKDOWN

Broken down by age, those 30 to 49 years old make up the largest percentage of New Jersey residents who have caught the virus (30.9%), followed by those 50-64 (22.7%), 18-29 (19.9%), 65-79 (10.2%), 5-17 (9.7%), 80 and older (4.4%) and 0-4 (2%).

On average, the virus has been more deadly for older residents, especially those with preexisting conditions. Nearly half the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents 80 and older (46.66%), followed by those 65-79 (32.91%), 50-64 (15.95%), 30-49 (4.06%), 18-29 (0.39%), 5-17 (0.01%) and 0-4 (0.03%).

At least 8,018 of the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, according to state data.

There are active outbreaks at 233 facilities, resulting in 2,863 active cases among residents and 3,710 among staffers. Those numbers have slowed as vaccinations continue at the facilities.

GLOBAL NUMBERS

As of Wednesday afternoon, there have been more than 143.2 million positive COVID-19 tests across the world, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 3.04 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications.

The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 31.8 million, and the most deaths, at more than 569,000.

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Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
A man from Vietnams Central Highlands has been arrested and probed for sexually abusing his 14-year-old stepdaughter since late February.

Police in Dak G'Long District, Dak Nong Province confirmed Wednesday morning they had arrested and initiated legal proceedings against Ly Van Hieu, 53, for child sexual abuse.

The decision has been approved by the Dak G'Long Peoples Procuracy.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the latest abuse took place on April 5.

Hieu returned home after drinking alcohol with his friends that day and noticed T.T.T.  his 14-year-old stepdaughter  was playing games on her smartphone, while her mother was outside.

The man started sexually abusing the girl on her bed.

T. tried to resist but she was overpowered by Hieu.

The girl later told her aunt about the incident, before the two reported the case to local police.

During the investigation, Hieu attempted to run away and was eventually taken into custody on April 14.

At the police station, he admitted to having sexually abused his stepdaughter multiple times since late February when her mother was not at home.

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State Forest Rangers came to the assistance of several injured and lost hikers this past week  arranging for one individual to be hoisted out of her situation with the help of a State Police helicopter.

The incidents below took place between April 7-18. All information below was supplied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Town of Keene, Essex County

Wilderness Rescue: On April 17 at 3:15 p.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch Center received a call regarding a hiker with a possible broken ankle on Blake Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. After consulting with a Forest Ranger captain and based on the injury, location, and amount of daylight left, two Forest Rangers requested New York State Police Aviation assistance to conduct a helicopter hoist operation. Two Rangers were inserted near the summit of the mountain. From there, the Rangers quickly located the 61-year-old subject from Johnstown. The woman was safely hoisted out and flown to a local hospital for medical treatment. Rangers then escorted the remaining members of the hiking party out of the wilderness. All Rangers and hikers were clear of the incident at 8:30 p.m.

Town of Hardenburgh Ulster County

Wilderness Rescue: On April 17 at 4 p.m., DECs Central Dispatch was contacted by Ulster County 911 regarding an injured hiker in the Beaverkill Valley area of the Balsam Lake Wild Forest. The callers hiking companion had broken their ankle while descending Balsam Lake Mountain. A Forest Ranger arrived on scene at 4:50 p.m., and assisted EMS with administering first aid and packaging the 50-year-old man from Chester. The hiker was evacuated to the trailhead via UTV and transferred to an ambulance that delivered him to a local hospital at 7:30 p.m.

Town of Bolton, Warren County

Wilderness Rescue: On April 17 at 7:20 p.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two lost hikers in the Tongue Mountain Range. The pair was concerned about becoming lost in the woods after dark. The hikers were still on the trail, 3.5 miles from the nearest trailhead, and an additional five miles away from their vehicle. The hikers were encouraged to continue making their way out of the woods. About an hour later, the hikers called back as one of them was having a panic attack, fearful that their cell lights wouldnt last much longer. A Forest Ranger responded to assist the 26-year-old women from Montgomery, NY, and Oradell, NJ. By 10:14 p.m., the Ranger and the hikers were out of the woods.

Town of Lyonsdale, Lewis County

Wilderness Search: On April 18 at 8:34 a.m., A Forest Ranger lieutenant received a call from DECs Ray Brook Dispatch advising of a request from Lewis County 911 for assistance with a missing 39-year-old man from Pittsburgh, Pa, in the Fowlersville area, along the Moose River. The camper missed a planned meeting with a relative on April 17, and had not been heard from since April 13. A Forest Ranger responded to the scene and met with Lewis County Sheriffs Deputies, New York State Police, and family members. Two other Forest Rangers also responded to aid in the search, along with Ranger with a drone. Further investigation determined the man had sustained an arm injury on April 14, and he was evacuated to a nearby road where he was transported to a local hospital by a passing motorist. All units were clear of the scene by 12:35 p.m.

Town of Dannemora, Clinton County

Law Enforcement Action: On April 16 at 12 p.m., a Forest Ranger overheard New York State Police emergency radio traffic advising of a domestic situation involving a loaded firearm. The Ranger responded to the location, and once on scene, quickly sized up the situation. From a position of cover, the Ranger encouraged the male subject, who had access to a loaded firearm, to calmy come outside. After complying with the Rangers request, the unarmed subject was taken into custody and turned over to the State Police.

Town of Lysander, Onondaga County

Illegal Dumping on State Land: While patrolling on April 7, a Forest Ranger found two old toilets and some other trash dumped at the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area. The Rangers investigation led him to an individual from Baldwinsville who admitted to dumping the trash. The suspect was issued a ticket for depositing trash on State lands and directed to clean it up.

New Yorkers are reminded that in an effort to reduce the number of spring brush fires, New York States residential brush burning ban is in effect through May 14. For more information, go to DECs website.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DECs Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

MORE UPSTATE NY OUTDOORS

County by county approval needed for NY hunters age 12, 13 to hunt deer with firearms, crossbow

Hudson River striped bass fishing season: Use of in-line circle hooks with bait mandatory

NY seeks volunteers to help with increased numbers of hikers at popular trailheads and problems they cause

Troutland 2021: Upstate NY anglers share photos of their impressive catches

Confused about NYs new trout fishing plan and regulations? Go online -- for now

Dont be that trout angler who trashes the side of a stream, ruining things for others

Anglers tail: I caught a 14 1/2-inch goldfish in Onondaga Lake with my fly rod

Who goes there? The owls of New York, the unique sounds they make and more (videos)

UPGRADE YOUR OUTDOOR GEAR

Fishing Gear | Camo Face Masks | Hunting Gear | Camping Supplies
"The internet can help drivers that are looking for an insurance deal to save time and money", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents the best places from the internet that can help drivers get free online car insurance quotes.

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/where-to-find-free-car-insurance-quotes/

The internet is the perfect place for drivers that are looking for better car insurance deals. Before the internet, drivers could have spent hours to obtain a small number of quotes from a few insurance companies. Nowadays, the internet allows drivers to obtain many quotes and compare them in just a few minutes.

The best sources from the internet to obtain free car insurance quotes are:



Insurers websites. The vast majority of insurance providers own a website that provides quotation services to their potential customers. Drivers will only need to fil an online questionnaire in order to get several price estimates. However, going to the site of an insurance company to obtain quotes has its disadvantages. One disadvantage is that drivers will get quotes only from a single insurance company. To obtain quotes from different providers, drivers will have to visit different insurers websites and complete a questionnaire for every site.

Brokerage websites. Many drivers consider that brokerage websites are the ideal places to obtain quotes. Brokerage websites work together with multiple insurance companies. Drivers that visit a brokerage website will have to fil only one questionnaire in order to receive quotes from multiple insurance companies. With the help of brokerage websites, drivers can discover offers made by local or regional insurers. These relatively unknown insurers can offer better insurance offers than nationwide insurers. All insurers that offer insurance deals will have to adhere to the same set of questions provided by the brokerage website. By doing so, the significant price differences that drivers get when filling quotes at different insurers' sites will be gone.

Local insurance department. This is not exactly the place from where a driver can obtain car insurance quotes, but instead, drivers can find out more details about car insurance companies. Drivers can easily find a list of top insurers and some basic rate surveys.

For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Amazon is rolling out pay-by-palm technology at some Whole Foods grocery stores near its headquarters to make paying quicker and more convenient.

The technology, called Amazon One, lets shoppers scan the palm of their hand and connect it to a credit card or Amazon account. After the initial set up, which Amazon says takes less than a minute, shoppers can scan their hand at the register to pay for groceries without having to open their wallets.

Amazon first launched the technology late last year and at the time said the technology could be used at stadiums, office buildings and other retailers. So far, Amazon hasnt announced any takers. It has been put into use in several of its cashier-less stores and Amazon said it has signed up thousands of users, but didnt provide a specific number.

Privacy experts have warned against the use by companies of biometric data, such as face or palm scans, because of the risk of it being hacked and stolen. Amazon said it keeps the palm images in a secure part of its cloud and doesnt store the information on the Amazon One device. The company said shoppers can also ask for their information to be deleted at any time.

A Whole Foods store in Amazon's hometown of Seattle started using the technology on Wednesday. Seven additional Whole Foods locations in the area will have it installed in the coming months. Amazon declined to say if or when other locations might get it. There are about 500 Whole Foods stores across the country.
(Photo : Flickr/Pascal Maramis) Tamagotchi classic toy

The famous '90s toy is back, and this time it has a camera. Bandai America, Tamagotchi's parent company, is launching the new Tamagotchi Pix.

Tamagotchi Pix feature

The core of the toy remains the same. It is still egg-shaped with three buttons, and the goal is to raise a virtual pet.

The virtual pet goes through different life stages, starting from hatching from an egg to growing up and demanding attention, like asking to be played with or fed. It then dies a few days later.

However, those familiar with the original toy will see it has been updated for 2021. Instead of a pixelated black and white screen, the Pix screen is now in full color, according to The Verge.

The upgraded Tamagotchi now has a built-in camera that lets users take pictures with their virtual pet. To feed your Tamagotchi, you can cook for it or even have food delivered. You can also nurture the pet by painting or cooking with it using the camera to snap pictures for your pet.

Also Read: Pac-Man and Tamagotchi Crossover for Pac-Man's 40th Anniversary 2020

There's also an explore mode, where other Tamagotchi friends can pop up to do activities with your virtual pet. You can also schedule playdates, and connect with a friend's device through a Tama Code.

But, just like the original version, there is no WIFI connection needed in order to connect to your Tamagotchi, so you don't necessarily need an internet access to enjoy the toy.

The $59.99 toy is available for pre-orders now, and it will go sale in July, according to Venture Beat.

The Tamagotchi Pix captures a bit of the feeling of "Pokemon Go's" augmented reality camera. It is not as robust, as you are just pasting your pet on a photo instead of finding them moving out in different places, but some of that AR features is there.

Documenting your pet's life in photos can create a type of bond, but what is more powerful is the basic feeling the Pix's little AR photos could conjure: that you exist in the same space as your virtual pet and that, in some way, it is real even if it is confined to a plastic egg.

Tamagotchi revival

This is not the first time that Bandai America revived the classic toy.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary in North America, Bandai launched a mini version of iconic digital pocket pet in 2017. Then, in 2019, the company launched Tamagotchi On, which introduced Tamagotchi on a color device into the North American market.

Bandai does not share regional numbers, but Tara Badie, Bandai's senior director of brand strategy, said that sales exceeded their expectations.

Badie stated that they do have plans for the next couple of years to continuously bring new items into North America.

In its almost 25 years in the market, the company said that it has sold over 82 million Tamagotchis globally. The brand first launched in 1996 in Japan, and it came to America in 1997.

Unlike the United States, Tamagotchis never needed to make comeback in Japan. The Tamagotchi brand has had regular launches in Japan, thus becoming a staple children's toy in the country.

Badie told CNN in 2019 that just like in America, there are certain products that all children can play with, and Tamagotchi is that product for children in Japan.

Related Article: Nostalgic Gifts For '90s Kids: A Trip Down Memory Lane

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Written by Sieeka Khan

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
ELYSIS has selected the Alma smelter, operated by Rio Tinto in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, for the first installation and demonstration of its inert anode technology at a commercial size of 450 kiloamperes (kA)a common capacity for modern, full-scale smelters.

ELYSIS is a joint venture company, led by Rio Tinto and Alcoa, that is working to commercialize a new technology to make aluminum that eliminates all direct greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the traditional smelting process and instead produces oxygen. (Earlier post.)

Aluminum production accounts for roughly 1% of global greenhouse-gas emissions each year, via a two~step process: refining of aluminum oxide powder from bauxite ore and conversion to aluminum in smelters. The majority of the GHG emissions come from the smelting process, which uses large amounts of electricity; more than half of its total emissions come indirectly from the electricity production. However, nearly 20% of the emissions are from the production and degradation of the carbon anodes used during smelting.

The conventional HallHeroult smelting process (invented in 1886) involves dissolving alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) in molten cryolite, and electrolyzing the molten salt bath, typically in a purpose-built cell with carbon electrodes. The mixture is electrolyzed by passing a low voltage direct current through it, causing liquid aluminum metal to be deposited at the cathode. Oxygen from the alumina combines with carbon from the anode to produce mostly carbon dioxide.

The ELYSIS technology ends the use of carbon anodes in the aluminum smelting process. ELYSIS uses newly developed proprietary materials that are stable and do not react during the process. Thus, it eliminates all direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the aluminum smelting process. It is also! the first technology that emits oxygen as its by-product.





Source: Alcoa

As part of its technology development and scale-up, ELYSIS will install industrial inert anode prototype cells at the end of an existing potline at the Alma smelter to demonstrate the technologys effectiveness at a commercial scale in an industrial operating environment.

This will build on ongoing work at the nearby ELYSIS Industrial Research and Development Centre, also located in the Saguenay region of Quebec. (Earlier post.)

ELYSIS plans to commercialize its technology in 2024 for use in retrofitting existing smelters and installation in new facilities.

The 450 kA cells at Alma will be supported by a $20-million CAD investment from the Government of Quebec to help bring forward the start of work at the site and to further strengthen the capability of manufacturing businesses in the region to supply specialized equipment required for the ELYSIS technology.

In Canada alone, the ELYSIS technology has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 7 million tons, the equivalent of removing 1.8 million cars from the roads.

ELYSIS will sell next-generation anode and cathode materials, which will last more than 30 times longer than traditional components. ELYSIS continues to work closely with the Rio Tinto technology design team in France and Alcoas Technical Center, where the zero-carbon smelting technology was invented.

The Rio Tinto technology team in France is creating commercial-scale designs for the ELYSIS technology. Alcoas Technical Center supports ELYSIS in the manufacture of proprietary materials for the new anodes and cathodes that are essential to the ELYSIS process.
STORY: Syria Election Reax - Syrians react to Assad standing for re-election

LENGTH: 02:59

FIRST RUN: 1638

RESTRICTIONS:

TYPE: Arabic/Natsound

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

STORY NUMBER: 4322039

DATELINE: 20 April 2021 - Binnish/Ard Al-Sus camp/Kelly

SHOTLIST:

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Binnish, Idlib countryside  20 April 2021

1. Various of traffic

2. Wide of Wasim Salat, working at fuel station

3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Wasim Salat, worker at a fuel station:

"As for the elections, it is a play that the regime performs every time; he will win with 99.9 % of votes as usual. For us, longtime ago, for ten years, we have not recognized him, not even for his elections and his presidency."

4. Wide of traffic

5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Aziz Al-Asmar, painter and calligrapher:

"The play that is taking place now in the regime-controlled areas with the candidacy of the criminal Bashar al-Assad to the presidential election, with the participation of extras (actors) claiming to be competing candidates for Bashar al-Assad while they are under his control. We do not recognize these elections nor their legitimacy. The criminal Bashar al-Assad should be punished, he must be tried, displaced people must return back to their villages, and the detainees must be freed. The United Nations should supervise elections in which Bashar al-Assad or those who killed the Syrian people do not participate, then we think about participating in these elections."

6. Wide of market

7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nermin al-Hassan, volunteer in the civil defense:

"After all this devastation in Syria, after the Syrian regime displaced 13 million Syrians, after killing thousands of civilians, arresting thousands, and now he is running for the presidency?"

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kelly, Idlib countryside - 20 April 2021

8. Wide of Mohammad Rahal, working at sweets shop

9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammad Rahal, worker at sweets shop:

"I will not participate in the upcoming elections because we are on one side and the regime is on another side. We, who oppose the regime, are not allowed to participate in the elections, because the Syrian regime considers us as his enemies."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ard Al-Sus camp, Idlib countryside - 20 April 2021

10. Various of people inside camp

11. SOUNDBITE (Arabic), Abdul Karim al-Ahmad, displaced citizen:

"Regarding the issue of the elections, it is an old and new play with old and new actors, nothing new at all. It is something that we can call a political farce only. The restructuring and reinstatement of Bashar al-Assad under Russian auspices and American blessing, and between him and this one and the Israeli green light. That is all, and the people are far from the political decision. The people are far from the political decision."

12. Wide of displaced people inside camp

STORYLINE:

Residents of Idlib, the last opposition-held stronghold in Syria, reacted to President Bashar Assad's announcement Wednesday that he will run for reelection in war-torn Syria.

The elections would be the second held during the course of the country's 10-year conflict and the second following a constitutional change that allows for multiple candidates to run for the top job.

But Assad, who has been in office for over 21 years, is unlikely to face any serious competition. In the last elections in 2014, he faced two contenders and won by a landslide, securing nearly 90% of the vote.

Many Western countries have placed Assad and his allies on a sanctions list and view the elections as a sham aimed at giving the incumbent president a veneer of legitimacy.

Divided and exiled, Syria's opposition is effectively barred from fielding any candidates.

The 2014 constitutional amendment allowing for multiple candidates includes the conditions that any candidate must have lived in Syria for the past 10 years and cannot have any other citizenship.

So far, five candidates, including the country's first woman, have submitted their names as candidates for the top job. Lawmakers must approve who can run. Parliament confirmed Assad's submission as a candidate Wednesday.

Assad, 55, took office after his father, Hafez passed away following 30 years ruling the country. After initially promising reforms, he tightened his grip on power.

Inspired by other protests in the region in 2011, Syrians took to the streets demanding more freedoms but were met with a brutal crackdown.

Syria then descended into a civil conflict that has left it torn, its infrastructure in ruins and half its population displaced inside or outside the country.

Nearly half a million people have been killed, foreign troops and fighters are based in different parts of Syria and nearly 80% of the population lives in poverty.

The legitimacy of the upcoming elections will undoubtedly be questioned.

Under a U.N. resolution for a political resolution of the conflict, a new constitution should be drafted and approved in a public referendum before U.N.-monitored presidential elections are to take place.

But little progress has been made on the drafting committee and Assad continues to have the backing of Russia and Iran.

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HARTFORD  With seven weeks left in the legislative session, the campaign to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and retail sales is in a new, urgent phase, as the potential final details are negotiated among Democratic leaders and the governors office, behind closed doors.

While Gov. Ned Lamonts proposal was recently approved - with some opposition from fellow Democrats - in the law-writing Judiciary Committee, some urban lawmakers and advocates say there are major shortcomings in assuring financial equity for neighborhoods that were historic targets of the failed national war on drugs.

They say that the proposed 55-percent of revenues returning to under-served communities that were the focus of police operations, isnt enough money to make up for decades of arrests and incarceration. In New Jerseys recent legalization effort, urban areas were given about 70 percent of revenues.

But Lamont on Tuesday said he was confident that retail-cannabis legislation, one of the planks of his 2018 election platform, will finally win approval this year.

I think we have broad agreement, dont we, that we want this to be legal, we want this to be regulated, to lead with public health, Lamont said after a morning news conference outside the State Office Building. Now theres always a scramble about who gets the money and how much for this group versus that group, so Ill watch that and make sure it stays within the bounds. I think we all agree that we want resources to go to the most-distressed communities. I want it to go to economic development. I want it to go to mental health and addiction services. So as long as were broadly within those parameters I think weve got a deal.

During the annual marijuana holiday of 420, 100 cannabis activists gathered outside the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday to push for another bill that would include homegrown plants.

While a home-grow section is unlikely to appear in a final legalization bill, other sections that emerged from the legislative Labor Committee, supported by Rep. Robyn Porter and Sen. Julie Kushner, the co-chairwomen, seem to have become part of the final negotiations on Lamonts proposal, as lawmakers work to approve something by the June 9 adjournment date. In particular, assurances that workers rights are recognized and that criminal possession records are erased, in Porter and Kushners bill, are still part of the talks.

Cannabis will not be legalized for adult use in the state of Connecticut without equity, Porter, D-New Haven, said to the 420 crowd. In a nutshell it is economic justice. It is economic empowerment to the communities, to the people, to the families that have been harmed the most. The detrimental damage, thats where these revenues need to go. This is not about filling the budget gap. This is not about putting money in the General Fund. These communities were targeted and criminalized behind cannabis, because it wasnt always illegal.

Initial tax revenue estimates are at about $40 million in the first year of a retail-cannabis program, and $100 million by the 2025-26 fiscal year. Communities would be able to make more revenue by hosting dispensaries or grow facilities.

Equity means equity for all, Kushner told to the activists gathered with signs of support for the bill and marijuana-themed flags. Were creating a brand new industry in the state of Connecticut that industry comes with strings. You dont get to come here and not create good jobs with good benefits. Without it, we say this bill goes nowhere.

There is a lot of conversation about equity and restorative justice, said DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project, who is focusing on the General Assembly and Lamont. During an interview among the colorful crowd observing 420, Ward said he thinks the bill can pass this year, and if not, Rhode Island and New York State seem ready to take even more Connecticut consumer cash than the adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Massachusetts are currently enjoying.

Legislative proponents of the bill are cautious, and have seen the bill fail before.

The big perspective would be that coming from a place of privilege that has not been impacted in the war on drugs, it is easy to say get it on the tote board in the House of Representatives and fix the bill later, said Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden. But it is also important to listen to the people whose neighborhoods have been impacted. Ultimately, I will be behind my allies and people historically on the fence.

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, a proponent of the legislation who is closely involved in the negotiations with Lamonts staff, said in a Tuesday afternoon interview that now that the committee process is complete, a final form of the bill will get more attention.

There is a lot of agreement on this and I think there is a general consensus, Rojas said over the phone. We need to figure out the goal, assure equity and make sure the governor is comfortable. Rojas noted that a significant amount of money would have to be invested early in the regulatory system, as well as counseling and drug-rehabilitation programs.

Were headed in the right direction, Rojas said. I think we can get there. I think everyone is committed to the right end point.

There are a lot of ways to get to no, right? Lamont said. Theres only one way to get to yes, so people have to be willing to sit down and reach an agreement or we can put it off like they have for the last five years. I dont lose a lot of sleep on the rhetoric. At the end of the day I think we all know what we want to accomplish. If we dont draw too many lines in the sand were going to get there.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Life expectancy among adults living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Latin America and the Caribbean has increased significantly since HIV testing and treatment services became more widely available, according to research published today in The Lancet HIV journal.

The largest study of its kind indicates that life expectancy for people in the region living with HIV who receive ART is now close to that for the general population, mirroring trends seen in higher-income countries.

In 2016, the WHO launched the 'Treat All' policy recommendations to help achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030 by treating all people living with HIV using antiretroviral drugs. By the end of 2020, 96% of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were on course to adopt Treat All, compared with 40% in 2016.

ART was introduced to Latin America in the 1990s and became more available during the 2000s. However, little data exists on the life expectancy of people living with HIV in LMICs. Until now, no large-scale investigations had taken place, with studies limited to single-country analyses in South Africa and Brazil. Large studies in Europe, Canada, and the USA have previously shown that ART has greatly increased life expectancy among people living with HIV.

More data on HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean is needed and there are several countries in Latin America for which there is practically no information on HIV. Latin America and the Caribbean is a large, heterogeneous, and diverse region, and HIV impacts a number of different populations. It is also, however, a region with the least resources available for HIV clinical studies and research." Dr Claudia P. Cortes, Fundacion Arriaran, University of Chile School of Medicine, Chile

"In our analysis, the greatest gains in life expectancy coincided with the period after the launch of Treat All. Since the end of the study period in 2017, more LMICs have gone on to adopt the policies, so we are hopeful that further analysis will show that Treat All is continuing to help transform the lives of people living with HIV."

The authors of the new study analyzed data on adults living with HIV starting ART for the first time at CCASAnet (Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology) sites in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru between 2003-2017. Life expectancy at 20 years old was estimated for three time periods (2003-2008, 2009-2012, and 2013-2017), and by demographic and clinical factors when participants began ART. Life expectancy estimates for the general population were obtained from World Health Organization data.

Among 30,688 study participants living with HIV, 17,491 (57%) were from Haiti and 13,197 (43%) were from other CCASAnet sites. There were 1,470 deaths among people in Haiti and 1,167 deaths at other sites during the study period.

The analysis reveals that life expectancy increased among all age groups over time. From 2003-2008 to 2013-2017, overall life expectancy for people living with HIV who are 20 years of age (or expected number of remaining years of life from age 20 years) increased from an additional 13.9 to 61.2 years in Haiti, and from 31.0 to 69.5 years in the other countries. This has brought life expectancy among people living with HIV on ART to within around 10 years of the general population (69.9 years in Haiti and 78.0 years at all other sites).

However, the authors identified a number of factors contributing to persistent disparities in life expectancy throughout the study. Women had greater life expectancy than men, with estimates of 65.3 years for those in Haiti, and 81.4 years for women in other countries, by the end of the study period.

By comparison, estimated life expectancy was 56.0 years of age for men in Haiti, while in other countries estimates for heterosexual men and men who have sex with men were 58.8 and 67.0 years, respectively

In countries other than Haiti, life expectancy for participants with low numbers of CD4 cells (fewer than 200 cells per microliter of blood) - a type of white blood cells that fight infection, and a marker of HIV disease severity - was 52.7 years by the end of the study. This was considerably lower than the 84.8 years for those with higher CD4 cell counts (more than 200 cells per microliter). Similar trends were observed in Haiti, with life expectancies of 48.5 and 71.0 years, respectively.

People with a history of tuberculosis - one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV - also had a lower life expectancy than those with no history of the disease.

By the end of the study, in countries other than Haiti, life expectancy was estimated at 48.0 years of age for people with a history of tuberculosis, compared with 74.1 years of age for those without. For the same groups in Haiti, life expectancy was 44.1 and 66.6 years, respectively.

Lower educational attainment was also linked with lower life expectancy. In countries other than Haiti, life expectancy was estimated at 75.5 years of age for people with upper secondary education compared with 57.0 years of age for those with lower secondary education. In Haiti, estimated life expectancies among these groups was 77.7 and 53.3, respectively.

Dr Jessica L. Castilho, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA, said: "The significant gains in life expectancy that we've observed are very encouraging, and mirror reports from higher-income countries on the impact of the WHO's 'Treat All' approach to ART.

Ongoing efforts should see the gap between the life expectancies of people living with HIV and the general population in low- and middle-income countries narrow yet further.

"We did, however, also observe that a number of disparities in life expectancies remain, and may in some instances be increasing, indicating a need for future investigations to help improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups."

The authors acknowledge some limitations. A high number of patients were lost to follow-up and, while the authors sought to account for this in their analyses, this may have led to an overestimation of life expectancy.

The analysis method used also resulted in a lack of adjustment for some confounding factors in life expectancy estimates. For instance, it was not possible to determine whether differences in life expectancy by HIV transmission risk factors and tuberculosis status were reflective of disparities in CD4+ cell counts. Most CCASAnet sites are located in major urban centers, meaning estimates may not reflect trends in rural or less populous areas.

The study focused on the life expectancy of people starting ART for the first time, so estimates are not reflective of all people with HIV receiving care. A lack of complete information on some key demographic and social factors may also have contributed to disparities in estimated life expectancy.

Writing in a linked Comment, Lara E Coelho and Paula M Luz, from Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Brazil, who was not involved in the study, said: "The findings from the study by Smiley and colleagues suggest that, with prompt ART initiation irrespective of socioeconomic status, life expectancy for all people with HIV will reach that of the uninfected populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sadly, however, the old challenges linger amid the COVID-19 pandemic, such that life expectancy gains among people with HIV could wane. The region is affected by endemic income and health inequalities that have been severely aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming a health crisis into a humanitarian one.

By the end of 2020, poverty was projected to have reached 231 million people in Latin America, a level that was last seen 15 years ago. We anticipate the syndemic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable groups, including people with HIV."
On April 18, following a weekend of discussions during the visit of U.S. climate envoy John Kerry to Shanghai, the United States and China released a joint statement entitled "Addressing the Climate Crisis."



This pledged cooperation on reducing emissions, fulfilling the goals of the Paris Accords and advocating policies promoting development of renewable energy, stressing it is an issue that demands "seriousness and urgency," including China vowing to meet its strict emission targets by 2060.

The agreement is encouraging given that it comes at a time of tensions between Washington and Beijing on a host of issues.

China is committed to global cooperation on climate change. This is a multilateral, humanity-first initiative affecting the interests of all. The country has often called for building a global "community with a shared future for all humankind" or a "community of common destiny," built on an understanding that the international community is interdependent, reliant on each other for prosperity, and therefore, requiring that they work together in their best interests.

Never has this been more relevant in regard to climate change, because it comes within the most basic definition of a "shared future for all humankind." We only have one planet, and if we cannot work together in order to control global temperatures, we all lose.

This is why China chooses to cooperate, and its participation matters a great deal. It is the world's most populous country, its second largest economy and is the fourth largest country in terms of geographic size. Due to its developing nature, it has subsequently become an industrial powerhouse which not surprisingly makes it significant in terms of emissions.

As a growing economy of enormous size, its demand for energy is constantly surging, which has made it the world's largest importer of oil and coal. This means China's contributions can be "make or break" for the international community as a whole. However, this does not mean it is not up to the challenge or is in any way an "obstacle" to the task of achieving global climate change.

How does one cut emissions when one's energy demand is growing? Because of these unique circumstances which Western countries do not face, China has been aiming to cut its emissions by playing to its strengths, and that is being the world's largest producer and innovator of renewable energy patents, which the government is subsequently subsidizing.

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of solar panels, at an energy capacity more competitive than anywhere else in the world; it also leads the way in the production of electric batteries, e-cars and buses. The sustained growth in its enormous high-speed rail network is also helping reduce emissions. The country is also investing heavily in hydroelectric and nuclear power.

In every area, China is pushing to diversify its dependency on traditional forms of energy. It aims to halt its growth in emissions by 2030, by which time it will have attained a high enough level of development to wean itself off cheaper forms of energy such as coal, as well as to have established its electric car market sufficiently to transition away from petroleum and diesel vehicles.

Thus, China will not only be able to meet its own goals but also aid transition of other countries through its high-tech exports.

The world currently faces an uncertain future, and the transition to adapt is difficult, but nonetheless necessary. China is focusing a great deal of its resources on achieving this.

The Western media have often stigmatized and exaggerated the country's environmental situation due to it being in a different stage of development, and this often unfairly omits what it has already achieved.

This is thus not a politics of "blame" or "shaming" but it is an invitation to work together as an international community on a set of common goals and standards. There's work to be done, and there's a challenge to be met. In this case, the U.S., China and others are all prepared to do it.

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.
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Math Education Degree Programs.

Intelligent.com analyzed 140 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 37 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Math Education Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-math-education-degree-programs/

2021 Online Masters in Math Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order):

Ball State University

Chadron State College

Columbus State University

Drexel University

East Carolina University

Georgia State University

Kansas State University

Kennesaw State University

Lesley University

Liberty University

Marshall University

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Montana State University

North Carolina State University

Northern Arizona University

Nova Southeastern University

Radford University

Shawnee State University

Slippery Rock University

Southeast Missouri State University

Southwest Minnesota State University

UNC Greensboro

University of Arkansas

University of Colorado Denver

University of Detroit Mercy

University of Houston

University of Missouri

University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of North Georgia

University of Pittsburgh

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Valdosta State University

Western Governors University

Western Kentucky 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/.
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Travellers looking to escape the rat race for an off-grid getaway can now stay in an incredible farm-style tiny house that runs solely on solar and rain water.

Bayside Glamping's tiny house in Marion Bay, an idyllic seaside town on the Yorke Peninsula three hour's drive from Adelaide in South Australia, offers the ultimate relaxation for guests to connect back with nature.

The rural property with stunning views from every window features a loft-style bed that's accessed via a ladder, a luxurious bathroom with a composting toilet and a breakfast bar overlooking the natural surroundings.

Creating a bright and tranquil getaway in a secluded setting, owner Tiffany Falzon and her dad spent a year building the ultimate holiday home from scratch using recycled materials like wooden pallets, timber and an old corrugated tin roof.

Travellers looking to escape the rat race for an off-grid getaway can now stay in an incredible farm-style tiny house that runs solely on solar and rain water

Bayside Glamping's tiny house in Marion Bay, an idyllic seaside town on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, offers guests the chance to connect back with nature. Guests can enjoy their meals along the breakfast bar (right) while gazing out the window. 'You might even be lucky enough to spot one of the kangaroos or emus,' Tiffany said

Guests can stay for a night or two without any Wi-Fi, technology or stress; the tiny house is listed as a unique accommodation option on Airbnb from $261.43 per night.

'My amazing dad and I have created a totally unique space, basing the design off our family home, and doing dad's speciality of using as much reclaimed materials as we could,' owner Tiffany said.

'The interior styling has taken on a "farmyard chic" vibe that reflects the rural setting, and materials that we've used. This space is fully constructed from pallets and other reclaimed timber, with the unique edition of Lysaght tin off my boyfriend's family's old roof - seriously this tin is like a good wine, it gets better with age.

'The hut has uninterrupted views of the gorgeous grasslands, and is the perfect spot out of the elements to cosy up with a book, or even better yet; enjoy a cheese platter and glass (or bottle) of wine, while watching the spectacular sunsets.'

The rural eco-conscious home with stunning views from every window features a loft-style bed that's accessed via a ladder

Guests can stay for a night or two without any Wi-Fi, technology or stress - as the tiny house is listed as a unique accommodation option on Airbnb from $261.43 per night

The 'cute, not so tiny' indoor kitchen features a gas bar fridge, two burner gas stove, camp toaster (over the gas flame), stove-top kettle, utensils and cutlery while the bathroom has a composting toilet

The bedroom is accessed via a ladder, with the owners promising a good night's sleep with their luxurious linen and cotton bedding.

'Our loft bed makes you feel like you're staying in your very own cubby house,' she said.

There are hot water bottles to keep you extra toasty in winter, and a wall mounted fan that faces the bed to keep you cool in summer, plus fly screens on all windows.

The surprisingly spacious area offers a cosy spot to enjoy a morning cuppa or cuddle up to watch the stunning sunset in the afternoon.

Guests can enjoy their meals along the breakfast bar while gazing out the window.

'You might even be lucky enough to spot one of the kangaroos or emus,' Tiffany said.

Thoughtful extras include a variety of board games, toiletries, coffee, tea and milk, and a complimentary bottle of wine from an award winning vineyard. There's also a ladder (right) that leads guests up to the comfy bedroom

Those who have been lucky enough to stay at the tiny house have given it a perfect five-star rating on Airbnb

Owner Tiffany Falzon and her dad spent a year building the holiday home from scratch using recycled materials

Thoughtful extras include a variety of board games, toiletries, coffee, tea and milk, and a complimentary bottle of wine from an award winning vineyard.

The tiny house features an indoor and outdoor kitchens and an 'amazing' spacious deck.

'Wait until you see how captivating our deck is at night,' Tiffany said.

'The combination of the twinkling fairy lights and sparkling night sky, makes it a truly magical setting - so magical in fact that two of my guests got engaged on it.'

The tiny house also features an outdoor kitchen and an 'amazing' spacious deck that's perfect for watching sunsets

Those who have been lucky enough to stay at the tiny house have given it a perfect five-star rating on Airbnb.

'Would 100 per cent recommend this beautifully designed tiny space for anyone seeking a break away from the world. It's in a stunning area surrounded by nothing but natures beauty,' one guest wrote this month.

Another said: 'Such a perfect little space for two. We had the best three days in the tiny house just disconnecting from our phones and exploring the gorgeous coast.'

While one added: 'Perfect way to get away from the daily grind. We loved the board games, colouring in, yoga mats and lounge seating to relax after a day out. The house was the quietest place we have ever stayed.'

To celebrate Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, Airbnb is shining a light on hosts and properties committed to sustainability, welcoming travellers to experience one of the best spectacular eco-conscious properties.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has held fresh crisis talks with Liberty Steel as worries mount over whether it will secure new financing.

The company has been on the brink since Greensill Capital, the biggest lender to Liberty owner Sanjeev Gupta, collapsed in early March.

This has left the fate of 5,000 jobs in the lurch including 3,000 at Liberty, the UK's third-largest steel group.

Liberty, the UK's third-largest steel group, has been on the brink since Greensill Capital, the biggest lender to Liberty owner Sanjeev Gupta (pictured), collapsed in early March

Gupta owns a sprawling set of companies worldwide that he collectively calls the GFG Alliance  which includes Liberty.

He is in talks to raise cash from new lenders to prop up GFG since Greensill went bust. But worries about its opaque structure are reportedly putting off lenders.

Concerns are growing that Liberty will run out of cash  forcing the Government to step in to save UK jobs and plans.

It has been a staggering fall from grace for the 49-year-old tycoon, who was dubbed the 'saviour of UK steel' after a spree that began in 2013 saw him buy plants in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Newport and Hartlepool.

A Whitehall source said the Government has no idea when new funding for Liberty will be secured and that ministers have not given Gupta a hard deadline.

The source said: 'Liberty says it is still trying to arrange financing. But it doesn't feel imminent. It's quite a complex situation so these things aren't quick.

'We've been hearing it will be soon for the past two months. We're still hoping for the best, but planning for the worst.'

Gupta has said the UK is the worst-hit of all of the regions where Liberty operates because a key division makes parts for the aerospace industry, which has been badly hit by the pandemic.

The outcome for other parts of his empire has been mixed.

In Australia, GFG is in talks with Bain and Oaktree to plug some of its funding shortfall. In France, three aluminium plants went into bankruptcy last week and are being propped up by the French state.

Kwarteng has said all options are on the table to save Liberty's workers and factories.

The Government could even nationalise the struggling steelmaker if it plunges further into crisis. Last month Kwarteng turned down a 170million request for a Government loan, saying that he had no idea where the money would be spent.

He said at the time: 'We feel if we gave the money, there was no guarantee that that money would stay in the UK and would protect British jobs.'
Debuting across the Fetzer collection, the package refresh includes updated graphics, colors and tagline, and a reimagining of Fetzer's hallmark tree icon, enhanced with a water drop to signal a heritage of resource conservation. The new tagline, "Building a better tomorrow, since 1968," is a nod to Fetzer's sustainable roots and regenerative approach to business, while the winery's foundational B Corp Certification is prominently called out on the capsule and back label. Driving support for the package update is a refreshed website and 360-degree communications campaign.

"While Fetzer has long been known as a champion of sustainability, the enhanced package allows us to truly embody what it means to lead with purpose," said Rodrigo Maturana, senior vice president of marketing for Fetzer Vineyards. "Dialing up the prominence of B Corp Certification and enhancing our sustainability messaging with easy-to-read icons enables us to quickly convey our better business commitments and stand out at shelf for today's busy consumers."

Unlike other wines in the commercial popular segment, Fetzer offers sustainability within reach for shoppers who find products grounded in good in every aisle, and expect this same values-aligned offering from wine. Fetzer proudly carries the globally recognized B Corp Certificationthe B stands for "benefit," and refers to benefiting workers, the community, customers and the environmentas well as TRUE Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral certifications, each now clearly called out on the back label.

Research shows that nearly six in 10 consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce environmental impact,1 and 87% of Gen Y and 94% of Gen Z believe companies should address urgent social and environmental issues.2 "It's exciting to be able to transparently highlight our verified performance across impact areas right on the package of our flagship wine," noted Jessica Baum, director of regenerative development and sustainability for Fetzer Vineyards. "As consumers continue to call for brands to demonstrate social and environmental accountability, we are going beyond business and packaging as usual to show the good inside."

At the helm of Fetzer winemaking today is Margaret Leonardi, recently named to the North Bay Business Journal's 2021 40 Under 40 list of notable executives in the North Coast. Part of the Fetzer winemaking family since 2015, Margaret has overseen Fetzer's acclaimed white wines in recent years, garnering more than 20 Best Buy commendations from respected wine critics,3 and was named head winemaker of the Fetzer label this year.

"This is an exciting moment in Fetzer's history, and I am proud to embark on the next chapter of the brand's enduring legacy in California," said Margaret. "It feels good to know we are creating delicious wines that people love, while helping to build a more sustainable future." Under Margaret's stewardship, the Fetzer line today includes:

Gewurztraminer (SRP $10 ): the #1 Gewurztraminer in the U.S.; off-dry and aromatic, from cool-climate California sites;

): the #1 Gewurztraminer in the U.S.; off-dry and aromatic, from cool-climate sites; Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $8 ): a crisp and zesty white from vineyards in Chile's Central Valley;

): a crisp and zesty white from vineyards in Central Valley; Pinot Grigio (SRP $8 ): bright and fresh and perfect for picnics, from select California vineyards;

): bright and fresh and perfect for picnics, from select vineyards; Riesling (SRP $10 ): a delicate and expressive cool-climate sipper with sourcing that includes Monterey ;

): a delicate and expressive cool-climate sipper with sourcing that includes ; Chardonnay (SRP $8 ): a beloved California Chardonnay known for its balanced style, fresh fruit character and subtle richness;

): a beloved California Chardonnay known for its balanced style, fresh fruit character and subtle richness; Merlot (SRP $8 ): a vivid, red fruit-driven varietal with a silky-smooth texture, from California vineyards;

): a vivid, red fruit-driven varietal with a silky-smooth texture, from vineyards; Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $8 ): dark-fruited with rich oak tones, from select California vineyards.

View the collection and dive into Fetzer's sustainability story at fetzer.com, and follow Fetzer's grounded in good practices online at Instagram and Facebook.

About Fetzer

Part of the largest certified B Corp winery in the U.S., Fetzer is building a better tomorrow by making quality wines with a conscience and putting people and planet first. Embodying the B Corp ethos to use business as a force for good, Fetzer crafts delicious, go-to wines that minimize environmental impacts and elevate social responsibility. Winemaker Margaret Leonardithe first woman to lead winemaking for Fetzer in its 50-plus-year historybalances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to quality in every glass of Fetzer wine. Her acclaimed collection of any-occasion offerings includes the #1 Gewurztraminer in the U.S., a beloved California Chardonnay, a trio of bright whitesSauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Rieslinga richly textured Merlot and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Every sip is a step toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at fetzer.com.

2021 Fetzer Vineyards, Mendocino County, California USA.

1 Source: IBM Institute for Business Value in association with National Retail Federation: "Meet the 2020 consumers driving change" (global survey) 2 Source: 2017 Cone Gen Z CSR Study: "How to Speak Z" 3 Source: Fetzer white wines, score publication dates March 2018-March 2021: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, Tasting Panel Magazine, Planet Grape (Catherine Fallis, MS), Beverage Tasting Institute, Ultimate Wine Challenge.

SOURCE Fetzer
NAIROBI, Kenya  It was a point of pride for Idriss Deby, the leader of Chad, a vast African country at the crossroads of numerous conflicts, that he was willing to throw himself to the front line of the many battles he fought.

Mr. Deby, a poor herders son who rose through the Chadian military to become one of Africas most enduring and feared leaders, was killed as he commanded his troops during what the military said was one such battle. His death, at age 68, was announced on Tuesday.

He first distinguished himself more than three decades ago by commanding soldiers to victory against Libyan-backed rebels in the Tibesti Mountains, in the far north of Chad. After seizing power in 1990, he faced down regular uprisings in an impoverished country that often seemed to boil with revolt.

And he embraced elections that he held every five years, always winning  even if those victories were strengthened by his tight grip on Chads repressive security forces and its considerable oil revenue.
MERIDIAN (dpa-AFX) - Satellite television company Dish Network Corp. (DISH) on Wednesday signed a deal with Amazon Inc. (AMZN) to develop its 5G network on the Amazon Web Services or AWS cloud platform. Dish plans to launch the 5G network in Las Vegas in the third quarter of this year and it will run on the AWS cloud platform. As part of the deal, Dish and Amazon will work together to develop a wide range of 5G applications like low-latency augmented reality gaming experiences, offer contextual advertising, or control the movements of a robot at any disaster spot. This collaboration with Amazon is part of Dish's plans to build a 5G network in the United States by 2023. For this purpose, Dish has made use of a latest technology called Open Radio Access Network or O-RAN, which makes use of software to run network functions on the cloud, thus cutting down the use of physical equipment. Commenting on the deal, AWS Vice President David Brown said that both the parties have been discussing working together since the last 18 months before an agreement was finally reached upon on Wednesday. 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.
There's much talk about cell and gene therapy but a new report from a leading market research firm says that there's a growing market over nearly two billion dollars for companies that make the cell and gene therapies.

In 2020, the total global cell and gene therapy BCMO market reached $1,842 million. Over the following 5 years, as cell therapy BCMO services continue to expand strongly along with usage of cell therapies. This is the finding in Kalorama Information's New Report, The Market for Cell and Gene Therapy Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).

The report said large CMOs include Lonza, Patheon, Catalent, WuXi and FUJIFilm Diosynth among many others.

Cell and gene therapies are groundbreaking treatments with the potential to actually cure disease rather than simply manage symptoms. They are often designed as one-time treatments, that in some cases, can actually reverse the progression of an illness. With cell therapy, cells are cultivated or modified outside the body then injected into the patient, where they become a living drug. With gene therapy, genes are replaced, inactivated or introduced into cells, either outside or inside the body, to treat a disease.

Consequently, cell and gene therapy products are transforming the treatment of cancers and genetic diseases. Additionally, cell and gene therapies are expanding into other areas of medicine including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disease, dermatological diseases and many others. With an estimated 50 million persons suffering from neurodegenerative diseases in the U.S. alone, the unmet need is great.

With this exciting potential, the science is moving ahead and now the industry needs to industrialize and standardize the manufacturing and commercialization of emerging products. Important next steps include standardized set-up and closed automated systems.

Cost is one of the largest issues facing the industry. The high cost of producing these new therapies is staggering, resulting in prohibitively high product costs. For example, after launching Kymriah, Novartiss price tag was $475,000 and a second product, Yescarta, cost $375,000. A gene therapy for the eye, Luxturna, was priced at $425,000 per eye. Some therapies are even more expensive, with costs for Zolgensma and Zyntegio estimated at more than $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The high price tag seems to be related to the high cost of goods (CoG).

Advancements in manufacturing are helping to drive costs down but cell and gene therapy remain an expensive process, with researchers at the Department of Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Childrens Hospital in Portland recently predicting that of the 40  50 gene therapies currently undergoing clinical assessment, each will likely to be priced at more than $1 million per regimen. These high costs present major barriers to affordability and usage, particularly in government-funded healthcare plans such as Medicaid and Medicare. Talks have been ongoing as to how to fund these medicines in the short term and long term through capital markets, a risk pool from insurers or other means.

The current goal of industry is to transition from a manual process to a more standardized and automated set-up, as did monoclonal antibody production. This will take the industry to a platform that will serve large patient populations while reducing both costs and risks. In the meantime, some manufacturers are making progress with insurance reimbursement.

When a product is first introduced, a company must ensure that the pace of manufacturing can keep up with demand, as there will initially be a backlog. This is particularly true for new cell and gene therapies, which offer potentially curative solutions to debilitating illnesses. Experienced CDMOs can meet this need by seamlessly supplying these early customers, avoiding delays that often arise in the build-out of entirely new manufacturing facilities.

Although the logistics of cell and gene therapies are more complicated than for most other drugs, these challenges can be met. For example, Dendreons Provenge was initially criticized for its complicated logistics. After a rough start, Provenge has become the most sold cell-based medicinal product, with thousands of shipments worldwide within tight delivery windows.

These trends and more are covered in Kalorama's report, available here: https://kaloramainformation.com/product/market-for-cell-and-gene-therapy-contract-manufacturing-organizations/

About Kalorama Information:

Kalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group, is the leading publisher of market research in healthcare areas, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biotechnology, healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Science and Medicine Group supports companies seeking to commercialize the rapidly changing marketplace at the intersection of science, medicine, and technology. Comprised of industry-leading brands, Science and Medicine Group serves analytical instrument, life science, imaging, and clinical diagnostic companies by helping them create strategies and products to win markets and provide platforms to digitally engage their markets through a variety of innovative solutions. Kalorama Information produces 30 reports a year. The firm offers a Knowledge Center, which provides access to all published reports.
[April 21, 2021] Simply NUC Launches World's First Long Life NUC Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core Embedded Processors

AUSTIN, Texas and BELFAST, United Kingdom and DUNLEER, Ireland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini computer integration company, today announced a new Simply NUC branded mini PC product line called Chimney Rock. The ultracompact Long Life NUC is positioned for embedded, edge, and IoT applications. Chimney Rock is the first 4x4 Long Life NUC available on the market and is designed to take on demanding workloads providing long term reliability. Simply NUC is currently taking orders on Chimney Rock with units expected to ship beginning in May. "For many years our embedded customers have been asking for an Intel-based NUC with greater than three years of committed supply" said Aaron Rowsell, Simply NUC CEO, "And we're thrilled to deliver to that requirement with Chimney Rock." Four new Chimney Rock Long Life NUC SKUs are being added to the Simply NUC roadmap with pricing starting at $499 USD. The Simply NUC i7 Chimney Rock (LLN11CRv7) based on the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7E vPro processor and the i5 Chimney Rock (LLN11CRv5) based on the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1145G7E vPro processor are intended for usage where higher performance is most essential. To fit within a variety of budgets, more cost effective, performance options are also supported with 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4E (LLN11CRi3) and Intel Celeron 6305E (LLN11CRC). More information on the Chimney Rock family can be found at: https://simplynuc.com/chimney-rock/ .



Chimney Rock offers a total of up to six super high-speed (10Gbps) USB ports, up to four 4K video ports, dual Ethernet supporting GbE and 2.5GbE speeds, and Intel Wi-Fi 6 for robust wireless connectivity in cluttered environments. Additionally, Chimney Rock includes TPM (Trusted Platform Module) down for secure communications where encryption is required. With numerous processor, memory, storage, OS, and mounting options, Chimney Rock can be customized to meet a wide array of edge computing and IoT needs. And Simply NUC is also offering board SKUs for deeply embedded usages that require other form factors. Enhanced specifically for IoT capabilities, Chimney Rock excels with optimized performance at every end point, can provision practical ways to use artificial intelligence, and offers broad connectivity options to help ensure reliable and secure communication. In addition, Chimney Rock provides the ability to create dynamic display installations via four high-performance video ports supporting a single 8K display or up to four 4K displays simultaneously. Some intended usages for Chimney Rock include digital signage, kiosk, surveillance, audience/object analytics, industrial computing, and edge server to name a few. And as always, Simply NUC will customize your Chimney Rock with memory, storage, OS, and accessories; and have it built and shipped within 48 hours.

Formed in 2015 and headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, Simply NUC, Inc. is a global systems integrator specializing in mini computers. Simply NUC provides fully configured, warrantied, and supported mini PC systems to businesses and consumers, as well as end-to-end NUC project development, custom operating system installations, and NUC accessories. For more information about Simply NUC visit www.simplynuc.com . Contact: John Deatherage, CMO johnd@simplynuc.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simply-nuc-launches-worlds-first-long-life-nuc-powered-by-11th-gen-intel-core-embedded-processors-301273478.html SOURCE Simply NUC, Inc.

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(Newser)  The combination of people desperate for coronavirus vaccines and worldwide shortages has created an opportunity that criminals are eagerly exploiting, Pfizer warns. The company says it has tested vials seized by investigators in Mexico and Poland and confirmed that phony Pfizer vaccines were involved in both cases, the Wall Street Journal reports. In Mexico, around 80 people who paid $1,000 a dose were injected with distilled water, authorities say. In the Polish case, the vials seized in a man's apartment apparently contained an anti-wrinkle treatment. Authorities say the man was arrested before he distributed any counterfeit doses.

story continues below

Pfizer says the two cases are the first confirmed instances of counterfeit versions of its vaccines being offered. Drug security expert Tony Pelli tells the Journal that crooks are using forgeries because tight security makes it very difficult to steal legitimate vaccines. "With counterfeits, you kind of can just show up, and say, 'Here's COVID vaccines, weve got some, don't ask how,' and start distributing them," Pelli says. A Pfizer spokesperson tells the Hill that the company is working to "reduce the risk of illicit COVID-19 vaccine activity." The company says "no legitimate vaccine is sold online." American authorities say numerous websites claiming to sell vaccine doses have been shut down, but no counterfeit vaccines have been detected in the US yet. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
The family of a 15-year-old girl shot and killed Tuesday afternoon by a Columbus, Ohio police officer said she called 911 for help because girls were fighting outside her house, WBNS-TV in Columbus reported.

Police were called just after 4:30 p.m. to a residential street on the southeast side of the city, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

The shooting happened around 4:45 p.m., as the nation was awaiting the guilty verdict reached by the jury in the murder trial of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man.

The teen was taken in critical condition to Mount Carmel East, where she died at the hospital.

Angry crowd gathers at scene where aunt says Columbus officer shot her teenage niece https://t.co/7UIuqaMZrL  Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) April 21, 2021

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate the deadly shooting.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther tweeted Tuesday evening that a young woman tragically lost her life and asked that residents remain calm as investigators gather the facts. He said there is police body camera footage of the deadly shooting.

A 911 caller reported that a female was trying to stab the caller, and then the caller hung up, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

The family said it was the 15-year-old shot and killed who made the 911 call because girls were fighting outside her house. Police have not confirmed those reports.

___

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The fall of Lang Hancocks business fortunes in his marriage to Rose Porteous is again a question before the Supreme Court of Western Australia as his grandchild Bianca Rinehart seeks to recover court evidence in her claim to his iron ore throne.

Ms Rinehart as trustee for the Hancock Family Memorial Foundation is seeking affidavits in a lawsuit the family trust  then headed by her mother Gina Rinehart  brought against Mr Hancocks solicitor Carnegie Fieldhouse in 1995, after Langs death in 92.

Rose Porteous, the third wife of mining magnate Lang Hancock, once argued his estate was not bankrupt. Credit:Archives

Mr Fieldhouse was accused of advising the Pilbara mining magnate to sell his controlling board share in Hancock Prospecting to the family foundation in 1991 for $20 million, which was far in excess of its actual worth, according to court documents.

It was argued that the share structure of the Hancock Group meant that his Life Governors Share lost its controlling value the moment it was sold to the foundation and at the time of the sale was worth at the most, only $16,733.33.
China is not likely to shy away from retaliating against Japan over the Taiwan issue but it is expected to take security rather than economic measures, according to analysts.

Tensions have escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discussed China-related issues with US President Joe Biden on Friday during talks at the White House. The two leaders called for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the first reference to Taiwan  which Beijing claims as its territory  in a joint statement in over 50 years. They also said they would counter Chinas intimidation in the Asia-Pacific region.

After accusing Japan and the US of sowing division over the weekend, Beijing on Monday said the two countries were inciting group confrontation.

The US and Japan advertise freedom and openness on the surface, but in fact they gang up to form small groups and incite group confrontation, which is the real threat to regional peace and stability, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

China demands that the US and Japan stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, he said, adding that it would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.
The program covers only frontline workers, seniors and people suffering from chronic illnesses. Those of them who are aged 55 and older are eligible for the British-Swedish company AstraZenecas vaccine.

The Armenian government received late last month 24,000 doses of the jab from the UN-backed COVAX Facility. It went on to import 15,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine on April 8.

The Russian vaccine is offered to younger people deemed most at risk from the coronavirus. State-run policlinics across the country of about 3 million began administering it on Sunday.

Yerevans Policlinic No. 12 has a list of about 3,000 people covered by the first phase of the vaccination campaign. Only 22 of them, including policlinic personnel, have agreed to receive vaccine shots so far.

When a policlinic nurse called me I said at first that I will think about that, one newly vaccinated woman told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Then I decided to come here and get vaccinated.

When I ride a bus I may sit next to people not wearing masks. I need to be safe, she said.

According to the policlinic director, many people reluctant to follow her example remain worried about the vaccines life-threatening side effects.

Davit Melik-Nubarian, a public health expert, said the authorities should have done a better job of raising public awareness of COVID-19 vaccination and its importance.

Many people in our country have unfounded skepticism towards not only these specific vaccines but also vaccination in general, said Melik-Nubarian. He said this is the result of years of disinformation spread by groups and individuals with scant knowledge of medicine.

Health Minister Anahit Avanesian said last week that the governments objective is to have between 600,000 and 700,000 people vaccinated within a year.

The pace of vaccinations remains slow despite a continuing third wave of coronavirus cases in Armenia. The Ministry of Health reported earlier on Wednesday 1,033 new single-day cases and 30 COVID-19-related deaths.

The ministry said more than 1,200 people infected with the disease are in a serious or critical condition and there were only two vacant beds at the intensive care units of Armenian hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
Marks vaccine's first approval by an European Union member state, following Mexico , Pakistan and China

Continues to boost production capacity to meet increasing demand

Safe, stable storage and transportation between 2C and 8C, accessible by under-developed regions

95.47% effective overall in preventing severe COVID-19 diseases 14 days after vaccination

Vaccines provide timely mass protection for adults aged 18 and above, including those over 60

TIANJIN, China, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CanSinoBIO Biologics Inc. ("CanSinoBIO") (HKEX: 06185) today announced that the Hungarian National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (OGYEI) granted emergency use authorization for its Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) ("Ad5-nCoV", trade name: Convidecia). The approval is based on the vaccine's interim results for Phase III clinical trial and marks the first approval of Convidecia in an European Union member state.

"We are pleased to see the authorization by the Hungarian authority for our vaccine, which marks an important step forward in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As CanSinoBIO continues to receive approvals from various governments across different continents, we are focusing on ramping up production capacity to deliver our one-shot vaccines quickly and safely to countries that are in desperate need of mass protection from this pandemic," said Dr. Xuefeng YU, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CanSinoBIO.

On February 25, 2021, Convidecia was granted a conditional marketing authorization by the National Medical Products Administration of China ("NMPA"), the first of its kind authorized in China. Globally, Convidecia received authorization for emergency use by the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks of Mexico and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan for adults aged 18 and above in February 2021.

Convidecia Production, Access and Distribution

The Company continues to invest in and expand its production capacity by building its own manufacturing facility and partnerships to meet the increasing demand of Convidecia. In August 2020, CanSinoBIO entered into a strategic partnership with Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, China's second largest pharmaceutical company, in fast expanding production capacity, storage and supply chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.

CanSinoBIO has signed a purchase agreement with Mexico to supply 35 million doses. The Company has also been discussing with authorities in Pakistan, Malaysia, Hungary and many other countries about delivery and distribution with local partners of millions of doses in the future.

Benefits of Single-Shot Regimen

CanSinoBIO is committed to bringing affordable, timely and mass immune protection to the global population by significantly shortening the vaccination cycle and reducing the burden placed on healthcare systems and medical workers.

Convidecia provides protection against severe COVID-19 disease and prevention of COVID-19-related medical interventions for a broad range of age groups above 18, including those over the age of 60.

Convidecia can be stably transported between 2C and 8C and stored for at least three months. It is estimated to remain stable for over two months at 25C and for over three weeks at 37C, making it more accessible to regions with insufficient storage facilities.

Multi-center Study Provides Phase III Efficacy Data

Since September 2020, CanSinoBIO has been conducting a multicenter Phase III clinical trial in Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, Chile and Argentina and dosed more than 40,000 volunteers over 18 years old. The trial was led by global principal investigators ("PI"), global co-PIs and country co-PIs from seven countries including Canada, Mexico and Russia, and strictly complies with high ethical standards and rigorous scientific principles.

The interim analysis and data of the Phase III clinical trial disclosed by NMPA, reflect that Convidecia was 65.28% effective overall in preventing all symptomatic COVID-19 disease 28 days post-vaccination, and 68.83% in preventing all symptomatic COVID-19 disease 14 days post-vaccination. Convidecia has an efficacy of 90.07% in preventing severe COVID-19 disease 28 days post-vaccination, and 95.47% in preventing severe COVID-19 disease 14 days post-vaccination. The Phase III clinical trial results announced by the Pakistani authority showed an efficacy rate of 100% against severe COVID-19 disease and 74.8% at preventing all symptomatic COVID-19 disease in Pakistan.

"We are encouraged by the results announced by the countries where we have been conducting clinical trials of our vaccine. We appreciate the dedication and support from the global principal investigators, co-principal investigators, volunteers, governments and everyone else who has been contributing throughout the process," said Dr. Tao ZHU, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of CanSinoBIO.

In early 2020, Convidecia was the first candidate vaccine to publish positive results from Phase I and Phase II clinical studies in The Lancet, one of the world's most distinguished medical journals. In August 2020, CanSinoBIO became the first company in China to be granted a patent for its COVID-19 vaccine in China. CanSinoBIO plans to publish its Phase III results in a peer-reviewed medical journal in due course.

About CanSinoBIO

Incorporated in 2009, CanSinoBIO (SHSE: 688185, HKEX: 06185) commits to research, production and commercialization of innovative vaccines for China and global public health security. It possesses four integrated platform technologies including adenovirus-based vectors, conjugation, protein design and recombination and formulation. As of today, it has established a robust pipeline of 16 vaccines preventing 13 diseases, including a globally innovative Ebola virus vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) approved in 2017 as well as the Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) conditionally approved in 2021. Additional information can be found online at www.cansinotech.com

SOURCE CanSino Biologics Inc.
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Netflixs subscriber growth cooled dramatically in the first quarter of 2021 after record pandemic-fueled gains last year  and the streamer added about 2 million fewer customers than it previously expected.

For Q1, the company reported a gain of 3.98 million in net global streaming subscribers. That was below its previous guidance of 6 million. Meanwhile, Netflix predicted even lower gains for the current quarter: It expects to add just 1 million members in Q2, with roughly zero growth in the U.S./Canada and Latin America regions. As of the end of March, Netflix had 207.4 million paid streaming customers worldwide, up 13.6%.

On the subscriber miss and lighter-than-expected Q2 guidance, Netflix shares fell more than 10% in after-hours trading. The company announced that its board approved a $5 billion stock-buyback program, slated to begin in the current quarter.

Netflix blamed the subscriber shortfall on its smaller pipeline of originals, and expects to open up its wallet this year to attract and retain customers. For 2021, the company said it expects to spend more than $17 billion in cash on content  up more than 44% compared with $11.8 billion last year, when numerous productions were put on hold because of the coronavirus crisis.

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We believe paid membership growth slowed due to the big COVID-19 pull forward in 2020 and a lighter content slate in the first half of this year, due to COVID-19 production delays, the streaming giant said in its quarterly letter to shareholders. On the plus side, Netflix said Q1 levels of churn (cancelation rates) were below the year-earlier period.

Netflixs previous forecast of 6.0 million net new subscribers of Q1 was already well below the record 15.8 million it packed on in Q1 2010 after initial COVID-19 lockdowns began a year earlier. Analysts consensus estimates had pegged 6.22 million net adds for the first quarter of 2021.

At the same time, Netflixs Q1 financials topped Wall Street estimates. The company posted revenue of $7.16 billion  a quarterly record  and earnings of $3.75 per share. Analysts on average had expected Netflix to report revenue of $7.13 billion and EPS of $2.97, per Refinitiv.

Whats more, Netflixs operating income for Q1 came in at $1.96 billion, more than double $958 million in the year-earlier period. That gave it a 27% operating margin  an all-time high  for the first quarter, up 10 percentage points year-over-year, as content spending for Q1 2021 was lower.

Netflix has faced intensifying competition amid the streaming wars, with gains from newer entrants like Disney Plus, WarnerMedias HBO Max and NBCUniversals Peacock and continued growth of Amazon Prime (also a beneficiary of COVID lockdowns) and Disney-controlled Hulu. But Netflix, in its shareholder letter, said it didnt believe competitive intensity was a material factor in its Q1 subscriber miss.

However, in a sign Netflix is feeling higher competitive pressure, it included this note in the Q1 shareholder letter: When comparing services, subscriber figures alone tell only part of the story (given bundles, discounts and other promotions) so its important to also focus on engagement and revenue as key indicators of success.

Netflix said it continues to expect a strong second half [of 2021] with the return of new seasons of some of our biggest hits and an exciting film lineup.

It called out upcoming seasons of TV series Sex Education, The Witcher, La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) and You. On the movie front, Netflix cited the forthcoming finale to The Kissing Booth trilogy and big-budget films like Red Notice, starring Gal Gadot, Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, and Dont Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, Timothee Chalamet and Meryl Streep.

In a notable recent content deal, Netflix is paying an eye-popping $450 million for two sequels to 2019s Knives Out murder mystery starring Daniel Craig. And this month, Netflix announced a deal with Sony Pictures giving it exclusive U.S. rights to stream theatrical releases in the first pay-TV window starting with the studios 2022 slate, as well as a first-look agreement with Sony for all the studios original movies produced for the direct-to-streaming market.

Netflix reiterated that it doesnt need to incur new debt, saying its free cash flow is on track to be break-even for full-year 2021 (even with the increase in content spending). Indeed, Netflix reduced its long-term debt by nearly $1 billion in the period, ending the first quarter with $14.86 billion in long-term debt on its balance sheet.

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[April 21, 2021] DataRobot Names New Global AI Ethicist

DataRobot, the leader in enterprise AI, today announced it has named Haniyeh Mahmoudian, Ph.D., as its new Global AI Ethicist, a role created to further the company's mission to build and deliver trustworthy and ethical AI systems. Mahmoudian, an astrophysicist by training, previously served as a data science researcher for DataRobot, focusing on privacy, bias, trust, and ethics in AI. In her new role, she will lead the new DataRobot Applied AI Ethics Team, which will support thought leadership in AI ethics and create trusted technical resources and governance frameworks for DataRobot's stakeholders. "There remains some skepticism around the use of artificial intelligence, mostly due to concerns of bias and lack of transparency and explainability," said Ted Kwartler, VP of Trusted AI at DataRobot. "DataRobot has built its reputation around the use of trustworthy AI systems and educating our customers about the responsible use of technology. Haniyeh has been central to those efforts, and we are excited to elevate her role within the company." The DataRobot Applied AI Ethics Team that Mahmoudian will lead was created to support not only thought leadership around ethical AI, but to also provide actionable guidance for the company's customers, which cover one third of the Fortune 50, including some of the largest banks in the world, top U.S. health insurers, and defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies within the federal government. "When used properly, AI can be a force for good and help contribute solutions to some of society's most pressing issues, such as access to equitable healthcare," said Mahmoudian. "The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired unprecedented interest in AI. However, to accomplish those goals we must ensure machine learning systems have trustworthy and ethical parameters built in from the start. I'm proud to lead DataRobot's efforts to make AI tools accessible, trusted, and equitble for all stakeholders, including the medical community."



Mahmoudian holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn. She will be speaking on the important topic of Trust in AI at DataRobot's AI Experience Worldwide virtual conference, taking place May 11-12. About DataRobot

DataRobot is the leader in enterprise AI, delivering trusted AI technology and enablement services to global enterprises competing in today's Intelligence Revolution (News - Alert) . DataRobot's enterprise AI platform democratizes data science with end-to-end automation for building, deploying, and managing machine learning models. This platform maximizes business value by delivering AI at scale and continuously optimizing performance over time. The company's proven combination of cutting-edge software and world-class AI implementation, training, and support services, empowers any organization - regardless of size, industry, or resources - to drive better business outcomes with AI. DataRobot has offices across the globe and funding from some of the world's best investing firms including Alliance Bernstein, Altimeter, B Capital Group, Cisco, Citi Ventures, ClearBridge, DFJ Growth, Geodesic Capital, Glynn Capital, Intel (News - Alert) Capital, Meritech, NEA, Salesforce Ventures, Sands Capital, Sapphire Ventures, Silver Lake Waterman, Snowflake Ventures, Tiger Global, T. Rowe Price, and World Innovation Lab. DataRobot was named to the Forbes 2020 Cloud 100 list and the Forbes 2019 and 2020 Most Promising AI Companies lists, and was named a Leader in the IDC (News - Alert) MarketScape: Worldwide Advanced Machine Learning Software Platforms Vendor Assessment. For more information visit http://www.datarobot.com/, and join the conversation on the DataRobot Community, More Intelligent Tomorrow podcast, Twitter, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005813/en/

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Kuttawa Woman Charged After Children Found in Road

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LYON COUNTY - A Lyon County woman is facing an endangerment charge after police reportedly found unattended children in a roadway on Monday.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said a deputy responded to a report of children playing in the roadway on Sunnyside Loop. The children were reportedly unattended and in the center of the roadway at a location dangerous to themselves and traffic.

The deputy learned that the mother was incarcerated, and that another family member was attending to an infant and was not supervising the other two children when the incident occurred.

The deputy charged 60-year-old Tonya Breaux of Kuttawa with endangering the welfare of a minor. The Department for Community Based Services was contacted and the children were removed from the home and placed with another family member.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Public Service Company of New Mexico and energy giant Avangrid are doubling the amount of rate relief they plan to offer utility customers, plus other benefits, to gain Public Regulation Commission support for their proposed merger.

The companies filed an initial stipulation agreement on Wednesday at the PRC outlining a range of concessions negotiated with some intervenors in the merger case, which is scheduled for public hearings in early May. The commitments include a substantial increase in rate benefits for customers and in economic development funding for the state in general, including significant investments in Four Corners Area communities impacted by the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

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Taken together, the new commitments offer at least $250 million in benefits for ratepayers, local communities and the state as a whole, according to PNM.

Many case intervenors criticized the original merger proposal, which the two companies filed with the PRC last November. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups told the PRC the merger was not in the publics best interest unless Avangrid offered more social benefits and commitments in return for PRC approval.

Seven organizations, however, have signed on to support the new stipulation agreement, including the Attorney Generals Office, the environmental group Western Resource Advocates, an electrical workers union, and four community and Indigenous organizations.

PNM and Avangrid expect to negotiate with more parties in the case to expand support, potentially building the initial stipulation into an amended settlement with possibly more commitments. But the compromises negotiated so far already offer substantial returns for New Mexico, said Pat Vincent-Collawn, chairman, president and CEO of PNMs parent firm, PNM Resources.

PNM has always believed that this merger is good for our customers, our employees, our communities and the state as a whole, Vincent-Collawn told the Journal. The proposed stipulation builds upon the underlying merger agreements in tangible and concrete actions that improve the public benefit of the merger.

Avangrid CEO Dennis Arriola called it an innovative, community-based agreement.

We listened to local leaders, customers and other stakeholders to learn more about the unique circumstances in New Mexico, Arriola said in a prepared statement. As a result, we are proud to put forward this agreement, with strong local support, to increase our investments in New Mexico and build on our partnership with New Mexicans and help ensure local communities prosper.

The details

For PNM customers, the companies propose to double the amount of rate relief offered, from $25 million outlined in their November filing to $50 million now.

If divided among 530,000 PNM customers, that would amount to about $94.35 per ratepayer, paid out over three years. Customers would receive about $31.45 per year through a monthly credit on their bills, totaling about $2.62 per month.

Thats up from about $15.70 per year, or roughly $1.31 per bill, previously.

The companies are also offering:

n $6 million to forgive past-due residential consumer debt accumulated during the pandemic

n $5 million for energy-efficiency to help low-income customers reduce their consumption and electric costs

n $2 million to extend electric service to more people in remote areas

n $7.5 million in economic development funding, up from $2.5 million in the November filing

n $12.5 million to specifically benefit Indigenous community groups in the Four Corners area, with $2.5 million in annual investments over five years.

Avangrid is also promising to create 150 new full-time jobs in New Mexico over three years  20 of them at PNM and the rest at other companies. PNM estimates that will generate between $150 million and $200 million in economic benefits for the state.

The stipulation outlines many other commitments as well, such as programs to contract locally for future goods and services; greater diversity in hiring, management and contracting; all merger costs paid by shareholders; elimination of all current PNM debt; creation of a carbon reduction task force to ensure that PNM not only meets, but exceeds its zero-carbon goals by 2040; and a guarantee that Avangrid will not seek to sell off PNM for at least 10 years, up from a five-year promise in the November filing.

Will it win more support?

Its unclear if other key intervenors in the case, such as the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, will join an amended settlement. PNM and Avangrid didnt invite CCAE to participate in the initial-stipulation negotiations, although theyve now asked the coalition and other environmental groups to review the agreement, said CCAE attorney Stephanie Dzur.

We were excluded from the initial process for some reason, Dzur told the Journal. Were evaluating it now.

The companies may have limited initial talks to reach an agreement with some parties before public hearings begin in May, and then continue negotiating with others, said Noah Long, Natural Resources Defense Council western director for climate and energy. But to support an amended settlement, NRDC will seek more concrete commitments on Avangrid investments in clean energy and decarbonization programs.

There are some good things in (the limited stipulation), for sure, but we havent seen movement on some key items, Long told the Journal. We want movement on those things before we join.

Initial-settlement supporters say the agreement breaks a lot of new ground. But they will work with other case intervenors to address their interests.

The stipulation has advanced significantly from the beginning offer and prioritizes electricity to neglected tribal communities and securing additional resources for union workers and coal miners who have lost their jobs, Attorney General Hector Balderas told the Journal in an email. Other legacy issues can still be addressed as the case proceeds, and I look forward to advancing the interests of other parties to strengthen New Mexicos clean energy future.
PARIS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ghislaine Maxwell has launched a legal action in the Paris Courts against Albin Michel publishers for gross violation of the presumption of her innocence in their book L'ile de tous les vices (Vice Island) written by Jean-Gabriel Fredet and published on 3 March 2021.

The book, a so-called investigation into the Epstein case (as characterised by its publishers), calls into question not only the role of Jeffrey Epstein, now deceased, but also, wrongly, that of Ms. Maxwell about whose conduct explicit and damaging allegations are made as well as implied throughout the book that are unsubstantiated and frequently fabricated, leading readers to infer her unquestionable guilt.

This is especially serious as the book refers to matters currently being prosecuted in criminal proceedings in the United States in which Ghislaine Maxwell is the defendant, although she has not been convicted on any charge and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Speaking on her behalf, Ms Maxwell's lawyer, Olivier Laude commented: "The publication of this book by Albin Michel constitutes an unacceptable attack on the presumption of innocence of Ms. Maxwell. Given the imminence of her criminal trial, to present her as already guilty - which this book does - is as repugnant as it is irresponsible".

The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right enshrined in universal texts: these include Article 11 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 6 of the 1950 European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights & Fundamental Freedoms and Article 48 of the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights of 2000.

Although not cited explicitly in the Constitution of the United States, the presumption of innocence is widely held to follow from the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.

In France, the right to the presumption of innocence is also enshrined in the Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights of 1789, and article 9-1 of the Civil Code, which states:

"Everyone has the right for the presumption of innocence to be respected. Where a person is, prior to any conviction, publicly presented as guilty of matters under judicial investigation, the judge may not only compensate the damage suffered, but also take all necessary measures, such as the insertion of a correction or the dissemination of a press release, in order to stop the violation of the presumption of innocence, and this at the expense of the person, or persons, responsible for that violation."

It was on this legal basis that Ghislaine Maxwell decided to bring her case before the tribunal judiciaire de Paris and therefore delivered a writ to Albin Michel publishers on 15 April 2021. A hearing is scheduled on 19 May 2021.

Ms. Maxwell has asked the French judges to find that the presumption of innocence to which she is entitled has been seriously affected and to order immediate appropriate redress, including: (i) the pulping of all extant copies of Vice Island, (ii) the deletion, in any future editions, of all the passages violating her entitlement to the presumption of innocence, (iii) the addition of a cover book band, in any future editions, attesting to the presumption of innocence she is entitled to, and (iv) the publication of a court-ordered press release.

In addition, Ms. Maxwell is seeking that Albin Michel publishers be ordered to pay her damages for the prejudice suffered.

Commenting on the damages and ancillary relief demanded by his client, Mr. Laude added: "the violation in such an egregious fashion of the fundamental right to the presumption of innocence to which Ms. Maxwell is entitled calls for Albin Michel publishers to be made an example of, as much for their own flagrant breach of the law as to deter other media owners in France and indeed around the world from believing they can proceed thus with impunity against her or other persons in similar circumstances."

SOURCE The Maxwell Family
China's space-tracking ship departs on new mission in Pacific

Xinhua) 16:50, April 20, 2021

NANJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Space-tracking ship Yuanwang-5 departed from a port in east China's Jiangsu Province on Tuesday for a maritime monitoring mission in the Pacific Ocean.

Before this voyage, the crew members have examined onboard facilities and replenished their supplies for the upcoming mission, after the ship returned from a mission on March 29.

Yuanwang-5, China's third-generation space-tracking ship, has completed 73 missions at sea, including maritime tracking of the Shenzhou spacecraft, the Chang'e lunar probe and BeiDou satellites.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
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The Duchess of Cambridge reconnected with her family's long history in aviation today as she tried her hand on a flight simulator during a visit to a cadet centre while Prince William held her handbag.

William, who learnt to fly with the RAF and piloted the service's search and rescue helicopters, joked 'this is going to be interesting' as he watched Kate, 39, take the controls of the light aircraft simulator during a visit in east London.

The prince, 38, said, 'I'll hold the handbag!' and then stood leaning against a wall with Kate's elegant clutch in his hand.

Kate, wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana coat, struggled to fit her tall frame inside - particularly in her vertiginous heels - but managed to do it elegantly and was handed a headset to wear by Corporal Stephanie Andre, 16.

Today was the Cambridges first public engagement since Saturday's funeral at Windsor Castle.

During the event, William took 'baby steps' towards healing his relationship with his brother, Prince Harry, as they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Later there was a face-to-face meeting within the grounds of the castle between the brothers and their father Prince Charles, but, in an unprecedented development that lays bare the depth of their rift, Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed yesterday.

Kate's father, Michael, 71, worked as a commercial pilot and flight dispatcher British Airways while her mother Carole, 66, was a BA flight attendant.

Meanwhile, in a striking coincidence, the Duchess of Cambridge's paternal grandfather, Peter, accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh during his royal flying tour of South America in 1962.

One image from the time showed, Prince Philip, then 41, seen disembarking a plane at Heathrow Airport, while Peter, then 42, stands at the bottom of the plane stairs in RAF uniform.

During today's visit to an air cadet centre Kate tried her hand at a flight simulator - a Grob Tutor used by the RAF for elementary flying training - while William held her handbag

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laughed as they viewed a problem solving exercise during this afternoon's visit

The Cambridges were both wearing black as a mark of respect following the recent death of the Duke of Edinburgh

William on July 13, 2016, giving his grandparents a tour as they opened the new East Anglian Air Ambulance base at Cambridge Airport

In 1962, the Duchess of Cambridge's paternal grandfather (on the left in the hat) accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh during his royal flying tour of South America. In a recently resurfaced image, Prince Philip, then 41, can be seen disembarking a plane at while Peter, then 42, is seen standing at the bottom of the plane stairs in RAF uniform

Kate grandfather (left, in the hat) received a thank you letter and a pair of gold cufflinks from Philip (right) after their trip

The Duchess of Cambridge was dressed in a black Dolce & Gabbana coat, which sells for around 2,349

Today was the Cambridges first public engagement since Saturday's funeral at Windsor Castle. During the event, William took 'baby steps' towards healing his relationship with his brother, Prince Harry, as they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge

The couple, who are officially still in royal mourning, had been given special permission by the Queen to visit the centre in honour of her husband, who served as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps for 63 years.

The Duke passed the military patronage to The Duchess of Cambridge in 2015. She is known as Honorary Air Commandant because of her civilian background.

On the command 'three cheers for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh', the cadets gave a rousing 'hip, hip hooray'.

William and Kate's visit was designed for them to hear more about how the Air Cadets supports young people to develop vital life skills.

Established in 1941, the Air Cadets is a UK-wide cadet force with more than 32,000 members aged between 12-19 years old.

Sponsored by the Royal Air Force, the Air Cadets provides hands-on experience that 'challenge and develop skills amongst young people to help them succeed, encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship'.

282 (East Ham) Squadron supports more than 60 cadets to gain skills and qualifications across a variety of different disciplines from aviation, cyber and radio communications to adventure training, music, First Aid and air experience flying, gliding and a space syllabus.

The Squadron has also taken part in a number of international trips to undertake projects such as refurbishing schools, rainforest conservation and teaching English classes.

After the couple arrived they met cadets taking part in field craft exercises and leadership tasks.

William, who served in the RAF himself, was asked by Cadet Sergeant Roberto Afrasinei, 13, a cadet for three years, if he wanted to try on some of their kit.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit 282 East Ham Squadron, Cornwell VC Cadet Centre, on Vicarage Lane, in London

Prince Philip was Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief of the squadron for 63 years before passing it down to Kate in 2015, who is now Commandant-in-Chief

Kate on a flight simulator during their visit to 282 (East Ham) Squadron Air Training Corps in east London

Kate, 39, wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana coat, was guided through a flight on the Grob Tutor - which is used by the RAF for elementary training - during the tour of the 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps

Kate, who was wearing a black military-style coat with brass buttons asked: 'Is everyone responsible for their own kit?'

'Maybe not today. I've got enough webbing at home,' joked William, who was wearing a black tie with his jacket and chinos.

Kate, who was wearing a black military-style coat with brass buttons - details of which were not given due to royal mourning - asked: 'Is everyone responsible for their own kit?'

Watching cadet climb into a 'Basher' - a small tent - the prince joked 'cosy!'

'Are you new to cadets? Were you attracted by the camaraderie, meeting people? he asked.

The couple watched a team building and leadership exercise, as the cadets moved items including a fire extinguisher and a teddy bear with ropes.

'Whose teddy bear is that?' He laughed.

He added: 'What did your friends think when you joined up? Do you guys see a career in the forces? Did you think of that when you joined cadets?'

When one young boy told him they hadn't originally, but were now keen to do so, he remarked: 'Interesting. Changes your mindset.'

Kate added: Do you enjoy getting the leadership skills? Do you think you would have got these leadership skills outside of cadets. Gives you a bit of a head start, doesn't it?' said William. 'There's a satisfaction there.

'Do your friends and peers see the value the cadets offer? The hardest thing is joining up. You don't know what to expect. I bet you have changed as people, I bet you have grown a lot.'

Kate was William were seen talking to air cadets during the visit, which comes five days after they attended Prince Philip's funeral

The Cambridges' visit to the air cadet centre in East Ham coincides with the Queen's 95th birthday, which she celebrated at Windsor Castle

Inside their headquarters the couple donned black masks and spoke a group of cadets who are preparing for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Each year, the Air Cadets receives approximately 3,000 Duke of Edinburgh Awards across the scheme's Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, amounting to over 193,000 Awards since the programme began in 1956.

Royal aides said that the first time the duchess met the Duke of Edinburgh is when she received her own gold medal from him, presumably at Buckingham Palace.

The Air Cadets' offer a Pre-Duke of Edinburgh's Award 'Blue Badge' scheme which is aimed at cadets aged 12-14 years old, and allows them to begin to develop their skills and engage in activities before they are of age to take part in the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Sergeant William Tano talked the couple through some of what he had done and told them: 'It is one of then best experiences i have ever had.. '

The couple were also shown a Grob Tutor flight simulator and invited to have a go.

William, knowing it was his wife's affiliation, chivalrously allowed Kate to try her hand and it, saying: 'I'll hold the handbag!' He then stood leaning against a wall with Kate's elegant clutch in his hand.

Kate struggled to fit her tall frame inside - particularly in her vertiginous heels - but managed to do it elegantly and was handed a headset to wear by Corporal Stephanie Andre, 16.

'Flight safety in an age of covid,' William smiled as she struggled to remove a protective covering from the headset.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps, where Prince Philip was Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief for 63 years before passing it down to Kate in 2015, who is now Commandant-in-Chief

The couple - who both wore black out of respect for Prince Philip - were seen chatting with the assembled cadets

The Duke of Cambridge is a former helicopter pilot, while in 1962, the Duchess of Cambridge's paternal grandfather accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh during his royal flying tour of South America

As his wife was put through her paces by Flight Sergeant Yasmin Fokerebacus, 29, he chatted with officers, saying he had learned on fly on a similar plane and still worked hard to keep up his flying hours.

'This is where it all started,' he smiled, looking at the Grob Tutor.

The Duke and Duchess also spoke with a group of serving RAF officers who were all previously cadets and heard more about how taking part in the Air Cadets and its core activities, including The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, allowed them to gain important life and social skills which they have taken forward into their careers.

Many cadets go on to carry out roles in the Royal Air Force and other services, and around 40% of officers and 50% of all aircrew currently serving in the RAF are ex-cadets.

At the end of the visit, the Squadron took part in a Three Cheers Salute in honour of The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Duke was a talented pilot and gained his Royal Air Force wings in 1953.

Throughout his patronage His Royal Highness frequently met with cadets and took a keen interest in their activities and achievements.

In 1962, to mark the 21st anniversary of the Air Training Corps, The Duke presented the Corps with its own Banner during a service and parade at St Clement Danes.

Group Captain Al Lewis said of the visit: 'It was a really unique experience and the cadets only found out an hour before they arrived. Given that we haven't had much activity over the last years it was a real morale boost.

'I was wonderful for them, too, to see the real legacy that the Duke of Edinburgh left.

'I spoke to the duke about whether he was still flying and he said he was very keen to try to keep his flying hours up. He clearly misses flying professionally.

'It was interesting to see the duchess get in the simulator instead of him. She did very well. He was goading her to say 'well it's not as easy as it seems'. '

The Duke and Duchess are also shown some of the equipment used by the air cadets, including a 'basher' (a tent - seen bottom)

Prince Philip was Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief of the squadron for 63 years before passing it down to Kate in 2015, who is now Commandant-in-Chief

Kate's father, Michael, 71, worked British Airways as a pilot while her mother Carole, 66, was a flight attendant, as well a flight dispatcher for a time

The monarch was pictured leaving Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar Estate after hosting a visit from family members during the 'low-key' celebrations

The Queen (seen in the driver's seat wearing a headscarf) marked her birthday with a small gathering believed to have included several family members and her closest aides

It came as the Queen said she was 'deeply touched' by the 'support and kindness' shown by the public following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as she marked her 95th birthday without her 'strength and stay' of 73 years.

In her first comments since Prince Philip's death, the monarch thanked well-wishers across the globe for the tributes paid to her husband which have 'deeply touched' the royal family.

The Queen - who was seen driving through Windsor on her way to taking her dogs for a walk - said she and her family were in a 'period of great sadness' but were comforted by words of praise for Philip, who died peacefully at Windsor aged 99.

Her Majesty said in a statement: 'I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

'While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

In her first comments since Prince Philip's death, the monarch thanked well-wishers across the globe for the tributes paid to her husband which have 'deeply touched' the royal family

The photo, released on the official Royal Family Instagram account this morning, shows the Queen smiling in a burgundy ensemble at a royal engagement

Prince Philip and the Queen pictured together in a photo released in 2007 to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary

'My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days.

Harry and William pictured together at Philip's funeral. They were later seen briefly chatting with each other

'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.'

Earlier today, Buckingham Palace shared a photo of the steadfast monarch at a royal engagement with a message wishing her happy birthday. Instead of sharing their own posts, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Instagram accounts re-posted the radiant photo of Her Majesty.

Celebrations will be a subdued this year with no traditional gun salutes while the Queen observes a two-week mourning period following the death of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.

The Queen is expected to be visited by family today but grandson Prince Harry will not be among them. He returned home to California from London yesterday, just 24 hours before his grandmother's birthday and two days after his grandfather's funeral.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, saying: 'I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.

'I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth. I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.'

Prince Harry met the Queen privately 'at least twice' while he was in UK Meghan Markle's friend Omid Scobie today reported that Prince Harry met the Queen privately 'at least twice' and spoke to his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William after the Duke of Edinburgh's emotional funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday. MailOnline's Dan Wootton first revealed yesterday that Charles and William preferred to meet with the Duke of Sussex face-to-face together within the grounds of the castle after Prince Philip's funeral so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards. That meeting came after the royal brothers had taken 'baby steps' towards healing their fraught relationship while walking back to the Queen's home from St George's Chapel after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Today journalist Mr Scobie, co-author of the Finding Freedom biography about Harry and Meghan's bombshell decision to quit royal life and strike out on their own in California, reported that the duke met with Her Majesty after he flew to Britain for the funeral. It comes as the Duke of Sussex was photographed returning home to Montecito from London yesterday to reunite with his pregnant wife Meghan, missing his grandmother's 95th birthday today as the monarch marks the day without her 'strength and stay' of 73 years. However, Mr Scobie reported that Harry had in fact been able to speak with Her Majesty 'at least twice' during his time back in the UK - which would be the first time the duke had spoken to his grandmother in person since his and Meghan's explosive Oprah interview. The Finding Freedom co-author quoted sources in Bazaar.com who said: 'The love and respect he [Harry] has for his grandmother will always be unwavering. 'This trip was to honour the life of his grandfather and support his grandmother and relatives. It was very much a family-focused period of time. Saturday broke the ice for future conversations but outstanding issues have not been addressed at any great length. The family simply put their issues to one side to focus on what mattered.' Mr Scobie also confirmed today that Harry stayed at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle while he was in the country and saw a number of family members including Princess Eugenie and her newborn son. Advertisement

The Duke of Sussex, 36, is understood to have flown into Los Angeles on an American Airlines flight from London Heathrow shortly after 1.30pm local time yesterday.

His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm.

After Saturday's emotional funeral William and Harry took 'baby steps' towards healing their relationship after they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Later there was a face-to-face meeting within the grounds of the castle between the brothers and their father Prince Charles, but, in an unprecedented development that lays bare the depth of their rift, Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed yesterday.

Meanwhile Meghan's friend Omid Scobie today reported Harry had met the Queen privately 'at least twice' and spoke to his father and brother Prince William after the Duke of Edinburgh's emotional funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

Mr Scobie, co-author of the Finding Freedom biography about Harry and Meghan's bombshell decision to quit royal life and strike out on their own in California, reported that the duke met with Her Majesty after he flew to Britain for the funeral.

The Finding Freedom co-author quoted sources in Bazaar.com who said: 'The love and respect he [Harry] has for his grandmother will always be unwavering.

'This trip was to honour the life of his grandfather and support his grandmother and relatives. It was very much a family-focused period of time.

'Saturday broke the ice for future conversations but outstanding issues have not been addressed at any great length.

'The family simply put their issues to one side to focus on what mattered.'

Mr Scobie also confirmed today that Harry stayed at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle while he was in the country and saw a number of family members including Princess Eugenie and her newborn son.

In keeping with the pared back celebrations, the palace scrapped plans to release a new photo of the Queen to mark her birthday, as is customary, and instead release one from a previous royal engagement.

The Queen has worn the outfit on a number of previous occasions including a visit to the MI5 headquarters last year and to the Commonwealth Day Service in 2018.

The simple caption read: 'Today is The Queen's 95th birthday.

'The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

'This year Her Majesty remains at Windsor Castle, during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.'

Prince Harry's chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm

Harry's car was seen arriving at his home in Montecito at around 4 pm to return to wife Meghan and son Archie

The royal, 36, is understood to have flown into LAX on an American Airlines flight that arrived in Los Angeles shortly after 1.30pm local time

Hours later the account posted a message thanking royal fans for their birthday messages and condolences following the Duke of Edinburgh's death.

William had joint meeting with Harry because they were too scared to meet him individually Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together at Windsor so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed. A senior royal insider said: 'Obviously after the worldwide fallout of the Oprah interview trust has to be rebuilt. 'There was no official wake after the funeral, but Charles, William and Harry took the opportunity to speak and catch-up face to face after many months apart. 'They were only able to spend a short time together outdoors given Covid restrictions and also without staff, including senior courtiers, overhearing what was being said. 'It was important to Charles and William that they were both there together. It means nothing spoken about can be misconstrued in the future.' Kate also attended parts of the talks, some of which took place at Frogmore Cottage, Harry's home within the grounds of Windsor Castle, according to The Sun. Given the tensions, sparked by claims of racism and uncaring behaviour by the Royal Family when Meghan says she was suffering from mental health issues, a full rapprochement did not occur. Another senior royal insider said: 'There is much pain and hurt on both sides, so this reconciliation will take place in baby steps. 'First, they need to decide on some ground rules as to how they conduct business going forward in a way that makes all parties feel safe and protected.' Crucially, Charles and William have the Queen's support to deal with the situation. The source explained: 'The Queen has made it clear to senior advisers that she is united with Charles and William, and was disappointed with aspects of Harry and Meghan's interview.' Advertisement

In a bid to keep Her Majesty company, the family have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to ensure that she is not left alone.

Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are reported to be among the Queen's first visitors.

'The Queen will not be alone. She will have others who care about her deeply and want to be there to support her in her most pressing hour,' a source told The Mirror

'In typical fashion the Queen has insisted she is coping and despite the suggestion she had prepared herself for this day to come, everyone is well aware there is nothing like the experience when it comes.'

Typically the Queen's birthday is marked with a 21-gun salute fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

This year it will not take place, marking the second year in a row the monarch has eschewed the tradition.

The Queen last year decided the celebratory display of military firepower would not be 'appropriate' as the UK was in lockdown with thousands dead from the coronavirus outbreak.

Trooping the Colour, which is usually held in June to mark the Queen's 'official' birthday, will also not go ahead for the second year due to the Covid pandemic.

Instead, courtiers are considering an 'alternative parade' in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, similar to an event dubbed 'mini Trooping' that was held last summer.

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born at 2.40am on April 21 1926.

She was the first child of the then-Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was born by caesarean section at 17 Bruton Street, the Mayfair home of her mother's parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

The Queen never expected to be a monarch when she was born, but the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII in 1936 put her father on the throne, and changed her destiny.

She wed Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947, and became Queen at the age of 25 when George VI died from lung cancer in 1952.

Elizabeth II, who has been monarch for more than 68 years, is Head of State, the Armed Forces and the Commonwealth.

She will celebrate her platinum jubilee of 70 years on the throne in 2022.

Harry had been widely reported to have been planning to stay for the Queen's birthday, although sources said he was 'conflicted' about the decision and wanted to get home to Meghan.

Celebrations will be a subdued affair this year with no traditional gun salutes, as the Queen remains in mourning for her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh, who she has called her 'strength and stay'. Pictured, the couple in 2003

The Queen has worn today's outfit on a number of occasions, including a 2020 visit to the MI5 headquarters (pictured) and the 2018 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey

Prince Andrew's gift for the Queen: Royal 'was behind present of two new corgi puppies to help monarch cope when Philip was ill in hospital' Prince Andrew gifted his mother two puppies to help her cope when her late husband was in hospital, reports suggest today. Her Majesty was given the dogs in February to keep her company in Windsor while the Duke of Edinburgh was recovering from heart surgery. The Queen named her new puppies Fergus and Muick after her war hero uncle and her favourite beauty spot in Balmoral. These two pooches were posted on the Pets4Home site and match the description and how much the Queen reportedly paid for one It has now emerged that the pups were 'bought by Prince Andrew' in a bid to cheer his 94-year-old mother up. This comes as royal experts predict the Duke of York is 'trying to rehabilitate himself' and get back into the royal fold - despite his brother Charles and Prince William pushing plans for a slimmed-down monarchy. The Queen has turned to her dogs for comfort in the aftermath of her husband's death. Advertisement

The Duke of Sussex had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Father-of-one Harry will now begin a second 10-day quarantine  a requirement for international travelers journeying to the US, although it is not mandatory unlike in the UK.

CDC guidelines recommend travelers get a Covid-19 test prior to departure and self-isolate for 10 days after they return.

California also has its own travel advisory, with visitors and residents required to fill in a form that includes their contact details on arrival at LAX.

The LA guidelines also say travelers should quarantine, although that advice includes exemptions for those traveling for work or for urgent family matters.

Harry's brief visit to the UK for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was his first trip back to Britain in a year.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath.

The trip also marked the first time he has seen his family since making explosive allegations about royal racism during an interview with Oprah last month and claiming his father and brother are 'trapped in the system'.

Sources told the Mail on Sunday Harry received a frosty reception when he appeared at Philip's funeral on Saturday and was largely ignored by senior royals, among them Princess Anne and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

His presence also caused problems for courtiers  although the Duke of Edinburgh had wanted military uniform to be worn for his funeral, Harry is not entitled to wear it having given up his military roles as part of the Megxit deal.

Instead, the Queen decided to spare Harry's blushes by having the royal party wear morning suits to the funeral.

He reportedly texted with his father and brother beforehand but didn't see them in person until shortly before the service began.

Although William and Harry's interactions initially looked frosty, they were pictured chatting together after the service as they made their way back to the castle.

Prince Charles and his two sons are then reported to have spent three hours 'clearing the air' immediately after the funeral.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, writing a message on Twitter

But Page Six and The Telegraph both reported that Harry and Charles did not have a one-on-one due to fears of a misunderstanding.

The pair were said to be unlikely to meet again before the Duke of Sussex headed back to the US, reported The Times.

Sources told the outlets that both Charles and William wanted each other present for any meeting for fear that a 'twisted version of events' would leak out from Harry's camp.

Harry is due to return to the UK again at the end of July for the unveiling of a memorial to his mother Princess Diana.
A student paramedic who began the initial triage of casualties on the night of the Manchester Arena terror attack has been hailed as a hero for his efforts in the emergency response.

Ryan Billington put his training from university and work placements into practice at the scene of the explosion in 2017, when he also took charge of transporting the injured to ambulances.

Mr Billington, who was 20 years old on the night of the attack, was one of a number of first aiders on shift at the venue when Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

Inquiry chair Sir John Saunders said on Wednesday that the then-student was one of a number of heroes from the attack, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds of others.

The witness, who now works for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), said that he started to assess the injuries of those at the scene shortly after the blast but also treated people and directed others to use makeshift stretchers.

I appreciate that we should be triaging first without providing any treatment, Mr Billington told the public inquiry into the attack.

I couldn't just stand there and not treat people. I instructed everybody, families, police, anybody there that was able to carry a person to use whatever they could to start getting patients to ambulances if possible.

He also told counsel to the inquiry, Paul Greaney QC, that he stayed in the City Room for as long as I could until I believed all the patients, or the majority of the patients, that were still alive were downstairs near the casualty clearing area.

Although Mr Billington said he had previously received training on dealing with blast injuries and the triage process, he noted that this had not come from his then-employers, Emergency Training UK (ETUK), who carried out medical services for the arena's operator SMG.

I don't believe a first aid at work course which is geared to help me treat my colleague that has cut a finger at their desk was anywhere near as much training as somebody should receive who is going to go on and deal with a major incident, he told the inquiry.

So triage on the evening was greatly myself trying to tell first aiders that were not versed in triage and did not have any idea of the concept of it.

The witness added that he did not feel he was sufficiently trained to be a clinical lead in the situation but he remained in charge until an advanced paramedic from the NWAS arrived.

On behalf of the families, who have particularly asked me to say this, they are grateful for the work you did, the heroic work you did and you should be very proud of yourself, John Cooper QC, representing the bereaved families, told Mr Billington.

The inquiry into the attack continues.

Additional reporting by PA
A couple from Taiwan married four times in just over a month in a bid to earn 32 days paid leave.

Newlyweds are legally entitled to eight days paid leave by their company but the lovers found a novel way to maximise their honeymoon.

An unnamed bank employee decided to game the system last year, claiming 32 days of leave using an innovative, if somewhat bizarre, loophole.

Over a period of 37 days, he and his wife got married four times and divorced three times, claiming the full eight days for each of their nuptials.

The groom's employers tried to stop him - but he appealed to Taipei's Labour Department which fined the bank Tw$20,000 (510) for violating the leave regulations.

For many newlyweds one wedding day is enough - but a couple from Taiwan went against the grain and decided to marry four times in just over a month to earn 32 days paid leave (file photo)

That was because as far as the law goes, there is currently no restriction on how often an employee can apply for marriage leave.

The bank, which was only willing to offer eight days off, said the man had 'abused' the law.

The unusual story, confirmed by the Labour Department on Wednesday, is the latest to go viral and highlight innovative, if somewhat bizarre, loophole wrangling by Taiwanese citizens.

The case has sparked heated online criticism of the bank employee for taking advantage of legal loopholes and the Labour Department for issuing the fine.

Over a period of 37 days, the bank employee and his wife got married four times and divorced three times, claiming the full eight days for each of their nuptials (file photo)

'Unbelievable, this guy is like playing house with his marriages and divorces. What if he wants get married and divorced every day? He should be granted sick leave rather than marriage leave,' read one social media post.

Last week the Labour Department revoked the fine against the bank 'to recognise a mistake and improve,' it said in a statement.

Not to be deterred, the employee, who later quit the bank, has called the Labour Department to complain that his former employer still owes him 24 days of leave, an official who asked not to be named told AFP.

The case has been compared to the so-called 'salmon chaos' that swept Taiwan last month when over a hundred people, mostly youngsters, legally changed their given names to 'Gui Yu' or salmon.

Changing one's name in Taiwan is relatively hassle free and those making the move were taking advantage of a restaurant promotion offering free sushi to anyone with salmon in their name.

Some of the salmon-themed names people chose included 'Salmon Prince', 'Salmon Fried Rice' and 'Bao Cheng Gui Yu' - which literally translates to 'Explosive Good Looking Salmon'.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

As many as 3 more patients of coronavirus died overnight lifting the death toll to 4,562

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :As many as 3 more patients of coronavirus died overnight lifting the death toll to 4,562.

This was stated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

He added that 3 more patients of COVID-19 lost their lives lifting the death toll to 4,562 that constituted 1.7 percent death rate.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said that 12,881 samples were tested which detected 885 cases positive that constituted 6.9 percent current detection rate.

He added that so far 3,511,838 tests have been conducted against which 275,080 cases were diagnosed,Out of them 95 percent or 261,298 patients have been recovered including 246 overnight.

The CM Sindh said that currently 9,220 patients were under treatment,Out of them 8,780 were in home isolation, 9 at isolation centers and 431 at different hospitals.

He added that the condition of 397 patients were stated to be critical including 47 shifted to ventilators.

Out of 885 new cases, 388 have been detected from Karachi including 216 from East, 76 South, 43 Central, 31 West, 12 Malir and 10 Korangi. Hyderabad has 163, Sukkur 31, Kamber 23, Matiari 18, Badin and Ghotki 16 each, Thatta 15, Dadu, Sujawal and Jamshoro 14 each, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Nausheroferoze 12 each, Jacobabad 10, Tando Muhammad Khan 9, Umerkot 8, Larkana 7, Mirpurkhas 4, Sanghar and Shikarpur 1 each.

Syed Murad Ali Shah urged people to strictly follow SOPs issued by the government.
New Delhi, April 21 : Covishield will be sold at Rs 400 per dose to the state government and Rs 600 to private hospitals, Serum Institute of India (SII) said on Wednesday. Covishield is known as AstraZeneca vaccine across the world.

SII, an Indian biotechnology and pharmaceuticals company, issued a statement after the government allowed vaccination of all persons above the age of 18 from May 1. The decision was announced after a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with pharma companies, doctors, Cabinet ministers in charge of health, drugs and officials spanning multiple nodal ministries.

Serum chief Adar Poonawalla welcomed the government's announcement to accelerate India's vaccination drive. "The promising directives will help to scale up vaccine production, and allow state governments, private hospitals, and vaccination centers to procure vaccines directly," Poonawalla said.

He also said that for the next two months, they will address the limited capacity by scaling up the vaccine production.

"Going ahead, 50 per cent of our capacities will be served to the Government of India's vaccination programme, and the remaining 50 per cent of of the capacity will be for the State governments and private hospitals," the company said.

The company also stated that considering the global vaccine prices which cost anywhere from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per dose, they are ensuring that vaccines are affordable in India in comparison to any other vaccines in the world.

"Furthermore, owing to the complexity, and urgency of the situation it is challenging to supply independently to each corporate entity. We would urge all corporate and private individuals to access the vaccines through the state facilitated machinery and private health systems," the company stated.

In the next four to five months, the vaccines will be made available in retail and free trade.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Millennial Liu Lurui quit her job and moved to the outskirts of Beijing, where she built a farm on three acres of land to create a healthier lifestyle for herself and five friends. The farm was completed in April 2020, and includes a house, a garden and an organic orchard. They hope that their hobo life can set an example for people looking to lead alternative way of life

Jun 04, 2021 06:31 PM
A historic American murder conviction against a police officer has amplified outcry for police reform in Kansas City.

However, let's start our discussion with a far more whimsical and silly TKC aside . . .

The top cop needs to change his haircut.

Allow me to explain . . .



There's nothing wrong with the Chief's hairdo . . . He's actually got a really great mane for a dude his age. But, sadly, he's rocking the same haircut as the most hated former police officer in the nation.

A new style would help spruce up his image AND throw off critics. Go ahead and mock this advice AND THEN realize there hasn't been a bald dude elected prez since Eisenhower - Slightly before the age of television.

But I digress . . .

Here's the next culture war battle ground . . .



Kansas City urban core leaders escalate demands for police reform that include the removal of Chief Smith despite a guilty verdict in the Chauvin case.

Democratic Party leaders and even Mayor Q encourage protesters to "keep up the pressure" in their advocacy against police.

And so, we're seeing more strident demands to remove the KCPD leader and place the institution under city hall control. Or maybe even DEFUND police altogether . . .

On the other side of the equation . . .



Defenders of the KCPD Chief point to the recent verdict and claim: The system works. Not only does the high profile murder conviction have little impact on KCMO but the outcome has appeased outcry from demonstrators across the nation.

For now.



Either way . . .

OUTCRY AGAINST THE KCPD TOP COP PERSISTS AND REACHES ANOTHER CRESCENDO THIS WEEK AS ACTIVISTS LEVERAGE THE SPOTLIGHT OF THE CHAUVIN TRIAL INTO MORE PRESSURE AGAINST KANSAS CITY POLICE!!!



Like it or not . . .

MSM seems to have given the spotlight to protester voices whilst those supporting the Chief either aren't ready for prime time or would only hurt his cause with their vitriolic rhetoric.

For a rare bit of balance in the local media . . .



This morning Conservative Kansas City talker Pete Mundo will host a brief chat with the top cop that's worth a listen and might offer insight into the local law enforcement plans to move forward.

Check the links for further reading as we hope for the best . . .

UST: 'This is our Selma moment:' Racial justice activists hope Derek Chauvin verdict spurs larger systemic change

NBC: The Chauvin verdict links back to George Floyd protests. So lawmakers are cracking down.

TMZ: President Biden Says Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict Can Spark Change

Fox News: (Prez) Biden ignores rioting that marred summer of George Floyd protests after Chauvin conviction

Daily Wire: Biden Takes Aim At America Following George Floyd Verdict: Systemic Racism A Stain On Our Nations Soul

You decide . . .
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 20, 2021 / XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE:XPHY)(OTCQB: XPHYF)(FSE:4XT) ("XPhyto" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Wolfgang Probst as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of XPhyto and the addition of Mr. Manfred Buchberger as the Head of Corporate Development at XP Diagnostics GmbH ("XP Diagnostics"), a wholly owned German subsidiary of the Company. With European CE-IVD approval announced March 18, 2021, for the Company's lead diagnostic product, Covid-ID Lab, XPhyto continues to enhance its commercial team as it anticipates near-term distribution and sales.

Mr. Probst is an experienced management and finance consultant with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate re-organizations, and divestitures. He has a proven track record of leadership, strategic planning, and organizational restructuring having guided multiple startups from inception to financial success. Mr. Probst was responsible for successfully structuring XPhyto's European operations and establishing associated partnerships and collaborations, both commercial and academic. As the newly appointed COO of XPhyto, Mr. Probst will be responsible for managing the Company's global operations. Mr. Probst will remain a director of XPhyto and the managing director of XP Diagnostics.

Mr. Buchberger is a global leader in the medical diagnostics industry. For almost a decade, he was the CEO and a member of the Global Management Board of a major European medical diagnostics and analytics company with annual revenues of over 600 million Euro. His addition to the Company brings decades of diagnostics industry experience focused on international business development, sales, marketing, and product management. Mr. Buchberger has successfully created, implemented, and managed business growth strategies across Europe, North and South America, Middle East and Asia, including the successful launch of new medical diagnostic products.

On March 18, 2021, XPhyto announced European commercial approval of Covid-ID Lab, a rapid 25-minute point-of-care PCR test for COVID-19. Mr. Probst and Mr. Buchberger will be responsible for executing the global product launch and businesses development of Covid-ID Lab.

Covid-ID Lab is a multiplex viral RNA probe kit based on the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Covid-ID Lab requires only a single 20-minute PCR thermal cycle for assay performance without prior RNA extraction as part of the sample preparation. Many widely available standard PCR instruments are suitable to run the test. Results are collected after the PCR cycle via easy-to-read optical indicator strips on a simple fluidics platform. The elimination of RNA extraction for sample preparation reduces cross-contamination risk and minimizes the need for lab materials and trained personnel. The rapid results, minimal laboratory equipment, and ease of use are expected to translate into reduced operating costs, greater convenience and portability.

XPhyto is currently in discussions with multiple potential distribution and wholesale partners as well as potential licensees. The Company will provide further information and updates in due course.

The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

About XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug delivery, diagnostic, and new active pharmaceutical ingredient investment opportunities, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications, including psychedelic compounds and cannabinoids. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.:

Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director

Investor Inquiries:

Mr. Knox Henderson

T: 604-551-2360

E: info@xphyto.com

Media Inquiries:

MC Services AG

Julia Hofmann, Andreas Jungfer

T: +49 89 210 2280

E: xphyto@mc-services.eu

Forward looking statements

This news release includes statements containing forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "develop", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "propose" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and in this release include the statement regarding the Company's goal of building a successful diagnostic, drug delivery, and medical cannabis company. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Company may not succeed in developing a commercial product; that the sale of products may not be a viable business; that the Company may be unable to scale its business; product liability risks; product regulatory risk; general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; currency risks; competition; international risks; and other risks beyond the Company's control. 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. 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 news release.

SOURCE: XPhyto Therapeutics Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
New Delhi: The COVID-19 situation in India has continued to deteriorate amid the second wave of coronavirus, the data by the Union Ministry of Health suggested on Wednesday (April 21, 2021) morning.

India recorded 2,95,041 new coronavirus cases and 2,023 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest ever since the pandemic broke out.

The country's total COVID-19 caseload has now increased to 1.56 crore (1,56,16,130), of which, 21.57 lakh (21,57,538) are active cases. India has also witnessed 1.82 lakh (1,82,553) coronavirus-related deaths.

Earlier on Tuesday, India had registered 2,59,170 new COVID-19 cases and 1,761 deaths. On Sunday, the country saw 2.61 lakh new cases followed by 2.73 lakh infections on Monday.

This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the coronavirus situation where he also urged the states to not impose lockdown measures and that it should be the last resort.

PM Modi also said that the Centre is working in tandem with the state governments to avail them of the requisite amount of vaccines, oxygen and medicines.

"This time the demand for oxygen has spiked in many parts. We are working on this. Centre, states and private sectors are trying to ensure every needy patient gets oxygen. New oxygen plants in states, using industrial oxygen for medical use, Oxygen Express - we are doing everything," he said.

India, the world's second-worst COVID-19-hit country after the United States, has been struggling to keep the second wave of the coronavirus wave under check and has been reporting more than two lakh cases for almost a week now.

Live TV
February 21 this year was a day of hope for many Australians. That was the day 84-year-old Sydney woman Jane Malysiak became the first Australian vaccinated against coronavirus.

Scott Morrison was next in line behind Ms Malysiak, declaring the occasion historic and offering a V-for-victory sign as he took the jab to encourage Australians it was safe.

Scott Morrison with Jane Malysiak at Castle Hill Medical Centre, Sydney. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Australians were told that within six weeks, all nursing home residents around the nation, as well as the front-line staff who cared for them, would be vaccinated.

Eight weeks later the vaccination rollout is a shambles.




Haiti - FLASH : Search at the State Lottery, Marie Margareth Fortune resigns





Tuesday, April 20, investigators from the Unit for the Fight against Corruption (ULCC) under strong police escort, carried out throughout the day a search of the premises of the Lottery of the Haitian State (LEH) as part of an ongoing investigation.



Seizures were made and seals were affixed for legal purposes.



The same day Marie Margareth Fortune, the Director of the LEH submitted her letter of resignation to President Jovenel Moise in which she wrote :



"I have the honor to present to you my resignation from the post of General Director of the Haitian State Lottery (LEH), for personal convenience.



This decision takes effect upon receipt of this letter.



Thank you for the trust placed in me over the past four years.



Please accept, Mr. President of the Republic, the expression of my highest considerations."



To be continued...



S/ HaitiLibre


















The Kaneshie District Court has discharged the founder of International Gods Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim and one other who were facing charges of forgery.



This was after the prosecution led by Detective Sergeant Richard Amoah had told the court presided by Ms Rosemond Agyiri that they wish to withdraw the charges leveled against the accused persons.



The court subsequently struck out the case as withdrawn and discharged Bishop Daniel Obinim and Kwabena Okyere who had been facing the charge in court for the past 11 months.



Innocent



Counsel for Obinim, Mr Louis Yiadom Boakye who held brief for Mr Dela Blagogee told the court that the defense had from the beginning maintained that Bishop Obinim was innocent and if the prosecution saw it fit to withdraw the case, they were not opposed to it.



Charges



Bishop Obinim and Kwabena Okyere were separately put before the Kaneshie District Court in Accra and jointly charged with publication of false news and forgery of document contrary to Section 159 (c) of 29, 1960.



The two, together with three others at large, were facing four counts of conspiracy to publish false news, conspiracy to forge other documents, publication of false news and forgery of documents.



The accused persons are alleged to have forged and published a police persons wanted form for the arrest of one Isaac Opoku, a resident of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.



Forgery



Bishop Obinim allegedly forged and published a Police Persons Wanted Form against a man in Kumasi without official endorsement, the prosecution said.



The said wanted person form bearing the details of the supposed fugitive called Isaac Opoku, according to court documents, was circulated on social media of certain individuals who are linked to Obinim including Mr. Okyere.



The alleged forgery of police documents by Bishop Obinim, according to the prosecution, resulted from some GH51,280 he reportedly deposited in Isaac Opokus bank account.





Source: graphiconline.com









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The leader of the Welsh Tories is vying to defeat Labour in a two-horse race - but may have got carried away after viewers likened him to a Grand National commentator.

Andrew RT Davies has been ribbed following a bizarre TV interview where he spoke increasingly fast without pausing for breath.

BBC Breakfast viewers were left in stitches and compared his gabbled answer to that of a jockey commentator or an auctioneer.

Andrew RT Davies has been ribbed following a bizarre TV interview where he spoke increasingly fast without pausing for breath

One said: 'The Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies was just interviewed on BBC, and for some reason he turned into a horse racing commentator halfway through an answer.'

Others clipped the Senedd member for South Wales Central's voice over footage of competing jockeys racing down to the wire.

Davies was interviewed on BBC Breakfast yesterday ahead of elections for the Welsh Parliament next month and was grilled by presenter Dan Walker on how plans for more transport investment fitted with the party's green agenda.

With a deadpan expression, Davies launched into a 43-second response without stopping once.

'Ultimately it's about decarbonising the transport system and we know that we're going to have to have better transport links that create opportunities for business to open and we'll be a pro-business government if we're elected on May 6 and we want to have a big 'open for business' sign for Wales in our transport system,' he began.

Picking up the pace, he continued: 'We know that the inquiry that looked at the M4 relief road for example in south east Wales said it hit the environmental credentials that it would have to meet and we know for a fact that it is achievable and we know that the UK government is a supporter of delivering the M4 relief road as well as upgrading our union highways such as the A55 that will lead to the Hollyhead freeport that we wish to create under our manifesto proposals and also the A40 that drives up traffic to Fishguard and the Irish ports.'

Davies's motormouth appearance went viral, racking up more than 17,000 Twitter views, and was roundly mocked, with many comparing it to a horse race

Davies's motormouth appearance went viral, racking up more than 17,000 Twitter views, and was roundly mocked, with many comparing it to a horse race.

One said: 'Betting all my money on Holyhead Freeport, that horse has been in great form.' Another added: 'The bookies have Union Highways at 2:1.'

The 52-year-old grabbed headlines in 2016 when he famously declared to make a success of 'breakfast' - and not Brexit - at the Tory conference.

He served as Welsh Tories leader from 2011 but resigned in 2018 over Brexit, before being reelected earlier this year after Paul Davies quit for breaching Covid rules by drinking in the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd.

Recent polling for Sky News put Mark Drakeford's Labour within touching distance of clinching a majority in next month's elections, forecasting the party to hoover up 40 per cent of the constituency vote and 38 per cent of the regional vote.

Davies's Tories are their nearest rivals, polling at 30 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.
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George Floyd's brother said that the family would finally be able to 'breathe again' following the guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin as the slain man's young daughter was held tightly by relatives.

The family of Floyd attended a press conference with their lawyer Ben Crump, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson and other notable community members.

Chauvin was found guilty on all counts - second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter - in the shocking 2020 death of George Floyd.

George Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna was in attendance for the Tuesday press conference, along with other members of the family

'Today, we are able to breathe again,' one of Floyd's younger brothers, Philonise, said at the conference, just moments after the verdict was read. 'Justice for George means freedom for all'

'Today, we are able to breathe again,' one of Floyd's younger brothers, Philonise, said at the conference, just moments after the verdict was read. 'Justice for George means freedom for all.'

Tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened.

Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna was in attendance for the press conference as well, along with other members of the family.

'Say his name!' Floyd's relatives chanted as they entered the room with their fist raised, the Washington Post reports. 'George Floyd!'

Tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened

Philonise is flanked by Rev Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump as he offers words

Tuesday's verdict was not only important for the family but also for history, shared another brother, Terrence Floyd

Tuesday's verdict was not only important for the family but also for history, shared another brother, Terrence Floyd.

'I will miss him, but now I know he's in history,' he said. 'What a day to be a Floyd, man.'

The jury returned its verdict on Tuesday afternoon after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation.

'I will miss him, but now I know he's in history,' he said. 'What a day to be a Floyd, man'

Chauvin faces a minimum sentence of 12.5 years and maximum of 40 years if he serves terms for each charge concurrently.

If served consecutively, he faces between 29 and 75 years.

The verdict brings to an end a trial that has been riven with drama and threats of derailment that started before the jury was even empaneled - with the city's announcement of their $27million civil settlement with the Floyd family - and continued after closing statements' end.

It came after Joe Biden phoned family members and lawyers for George Floyd just minutes after a Minnesota jury returned a guilty verdict for Chauvin, as he again consoled family members and celebrated a verdict that he said would 'change the world.'

Biden phoned along with Vice President Kamala Harris and first lady Jill Biden. And in a modern twist, lead attorney Benjamin Crump played the call on speaker phone  with the discussion instantly beamed around the world on social media and cable news.

Brandon Williams, nephew of George Floyd, stands flanked by Reverend Al Sharpton (2nd L) and Attorney Ben Crump (R) during the press conference

Benjamin Crump tweeted out the exchange. He laughed when Biden said he wanted to provide family members a ride on Air Force One during a future trip to Washington

President Joe Biden phoned family members and lawyers for George Floyd and lawyer Benjamin Crump on Tuesday following the verdict in the Derek Chauvin case

'Feeling better now,' Biden told tearful family members and listeners who gathered around Crump's phone.

'Nothing is going to make it all better. But at least, God, now there's some justice,' Biden said.

Biden referenced comments by Floyd's daughter, Gianna, that her late father was going to change the world. 'He's going to start to change it now,' Biden told the group.

Biden previously revealed he also called the family Monday, with the outcome uncertain  and as the White House noted repeatedly, the jury was sequestered.

He told the family afterward: 'You're an incredible family. I wish I were there  just [to] put my arms around you.'

He told them he was with White House advisor, former Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, while making the call, which Biden made from the Oval Office.

'We've been watching every second of this, and the vice president, all of us. We were all so relieved, not just one verdict but all three,' Biden said.

Crump tweeted out video of the exchange.

'It's really important. I'm anxious to see you guys, I really am. We're going to get a lot more done,' he promised them.

'We're going to stay at it until we get it done,' Biden said.

That prompted Crump to push Biden to act on and sign the George Floyd policing act, which is stalled in the Senate.

'You got it pal. That and a lot more,' Biden promised. He said the outcome 'provided a fresh shot at dealing with genuine systemic racism.'

Harris, the nation's first black and first female vice president, also spoke.

'I'm just so grateful for the entire family,' she said, saluting 'your courage, your commitment.'

'This is a day of justice in America,' Harris said. She called the family 'real leaders when we needed you.'

'History will look back at this moment and know that it was an inflection moment,' she said. 'We're going to make something good come out of this tragedy, okay?' she said.

Then Biden chimed back in. 'When we do it, we're going to put you on Air Force One and get you here,' he said, prompting laughs.

'We're going to hold you to that, President Biden,' Crump responded.
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Viewers of BBC's latest talent show All That Glitters were left scratching their heads after contestants were penalised for a small design flaw that saw them create necklaces and not chains.

The show - similar to the format of Bake Off, but with jewellery instead of cakes - sees eight talented crafters battle it out in two tasks over the course of six weeks.

For this week's first challenge, the jewellers were asked to make a bestselling 18-inch chain collar, with interlocking links, using silver wire and grain - but viewers were confused as to what exactly this meant.

Many took to social media to bemoan the judges criticisms of some pieces, after they insisted that they didn't fit the brief because they were necklaces and not chains.

Viewers of BBC's latest talent show All That Glitters were left scratching their heads after contestants were penalised for a small design flaw that saw them create necklaces and not chains. Pictured, judges with contestant Hugo

Jewellery maker to the stars Shaun Leane, who designed Princess Beatrice's engagement ring and wedding band appears as a judge alongside Solange Azagury-Partridge, whose esteemed pieces are displayed in museums around the world.

'I think a chain is one of the hardest things to design for a jeweller', said Solange. 'You cant just link something with a piece of wire or a jump ring.

'Thats not a chain, that's a necklace. If theyve not followed our brief and just made a necklace they could be in trouble.'

The results of the challenge saw contestants Lee and Hugo placed in the bottom because they had misunderstood the brief and their pieces didn't have interlocking chains.

Viewers were baffled by the criticisms in the first challenge, with several admitting they were still unsure of the difference between a chain collar and a necklace

Viewers were baffled by the criticisms, with several admitting they were still unsure of the difference between a chain collar and a necklace.

'Apparently theres a difference between a chain and necklace. Who knew??' wrote one.

Another said: 'So is a necklace not a chain? I think we needed a nice graphic explaining the difference.'

A third agreed: 'I'm not at all clear from this what the difference between a chain link and a jump ring is.'

Next was the the bespoke challenge, which saw contestants produce handcrafted pieces for a real client.

Contestant Lee's necklace was penalised because it used smaller rings to connect larger pieces rather than having each piece connected

Host Katherine Ryan is pictured with contestant Lee and judges Shaun Leane and Solange Azagury-Partridge

Podcaster presenter Chris Keen, from Worcester, wanted a brooch for his soldier wife Kelly to take on her next tour of duty - and happened to be a dead-ringer for the Duke of Sussex.

Kelly is in the royal electrical mechanical engineers', explained Chris, 'We met in the Falkland Islands. I was over there working on forces radio and Kelly was over there with the Army. Weve recently had a little baby called Holly.

The comedian delighted viewers with her response to Chris revealing he would be a stay-at-home dad while his wife was away on tour.

'Yes thank you,' she exclaimed. 'There are stay-at-home dads and husbands, thank you for pushing for equality.'

Jewellery maker to the stars Shaun Leane (left), who designed Princess Beatrice's engagement ring and wedding band appears as a judge alongside Solange Azagury-Partridge (right), whose esteemed pieces are displayed in museums around the world

Chris revealed he wanted the contestants to design a sweetheart brooch, a piece of jewellery popular in First World War which would be given as a gift from servicemen leaving home for the front line to their partners.

They would often depict the service crest or regimental badge of the soldier in question, but Chris opted for a more personal variation for his beloved partner.

Id love them to think about our travelling', said Chris, 'We travel all around together, the Falkland Islands is so massive in our hearts, and full of penguins, theyre all over our house all over the walls.

The contestants were given five hours to complete the challenge with Chris giving a detailed brief about precious moments in his and Kelly's life.

The brooch chosen by Chris was stunning piece depicting a treble clef and penguin designed and created by Hugo, who was awarded jeweller of the week despite his earlier criticism.
Lindfield Learning Village, which teaches students from kindergarten to year 12, is controversial. Its approach to education is more reminiscent of a Montessori school than a conventional public one; there are no uniforms, no bells, and teachers are called by their first name. Students learn through discovery, guided by teachers. [We have been] unlearning what school is, and shedding those assumptions that we bring as educators to what school has to have, Principal Stephanie McConnell told the Herald last year. Loading Many in the education sector, and outside it, regard the school as experimental and argue its methods are untested. They include Mr Elliott and Mr Latham, who many believe would like to see it shut. I think the experiment at Lindfield should end and the schools practices and teaching [should be] normalised, Mr Latham told the Herald on Wednesday. [This] says to me weve got it completely wrong with this particular school, Mr Elliott told Sunrise. But it is popular with parents; when it opened in 2019, on the site of the old UTS Ku-Ring-Gai campus, there were 3000 students on the waiting list for the then-350 places available. It has attracted families who want a different approach to education for their children, some of whom have left high-fee independent schools to sign up. It has also attracted students, especially from the older years, who have struggled in more traditional classrooms. There are difficult kids, said one insider.

As the school came under fire on Wednesday morning, WhatsApp groups fired up. Parents rallied around Lindfields principal and teaching staff with their support. P&C President Jason Wong said the schools unconventional teaching methods meant it placed particular emphasis on empathy, understanding context and exploring multiple perspectives. Loading I thought it was a bit ironic that the word brainwashing was used. Because what Ive seen in my children is theyre being encouraged to think about things, Mr Wong said. The overwhelming majority of parents Ive met and spoken to during my time at the school have great news stories about how the school has transformed their children into passionate learners able to connect what theyre learning at school to whats happening in their lives. He said Mr Elliotts comments and the Daily Telegraph story had been presented without context. Its astounding to think any school in NSW is going to talk negatively about NSW Police in general, let alone this school where they encourage empathy and understanding opinions. David Hope, president of the Northern Sydney district council of Parents & Citizens associations, said the situation was unfortunate. The school is known for modern teaching methods. Its always been a bit of a target of the people that dont like change [and want to return to the 1950s]; thats reflected in Mark Lathams report, he said.

A report from parliaments education committee, which Mr Latham chairs, was released on Monday and raised particular concerns about political content in the curriculum. The One Nation MP referred to the polluting impact of neo-Marxist propaganda such as post-modernism, and the left-wing economic theory of 21st century capabilities. But his political opponents argued that there were examples of politicisation from the conservative side, too, such as the inclusion of Special Religious Education in the school timetable. Soon-to-be acting secretary of the education department, Georgina Harrison, said a controversial issues policy was already in place to ensure we can create an environment in our schools where a respectful dialogue can occur. It is not surprising that our young people might reflect back messages they hear in the media and the community, she said. External narratives and discussions will inevitably come into the classroom through the broad experiences of the young people in that setting. Former Australian curriculum general manager Phil Lambert said all curriculums went through a small political process in being developed, reviewed and approved by various stakeholder groups including politicians and teachers. When it comes to teaching non-factual matters in classroom, Dr Lambert said it was a teachers role to help young people understand a variety of perspectives. Lindfield Learning Village is an unorthodox public school. I agree, its not the role of a teacher to promote a particular political view on a matter that is outside of factual knowledge, he said. Where I think some people who make these statements  they themselves have a strong political view that they want promoted, and its in response to what might be alternative views.
ROME, APR 21 - There cane be no discounts on jail terms for those who commit acid attacks on their exes, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation ruled Wednesday. The high court issued its ruling in explaining its decision to sentence 33-year-old Cape Verdian Edson 'Eddy' Tavares to almost 15 and a half years in jail for disfiguring his ex and Rimini showgirl Gessica Notaro by throwing acid in her face in January 2017. The court said "no amorous frustration, however painful, can help attenuate the gravity of conduct" of those who cause permanent lesions to their former partners with acid. Notaro has since rebuilt her life and became a star on Italy's version of Dancing with the Stars in 2018. Notaro, 31, is a former Miss Italy finalist and model who worked with sea lions and dolphins at an aquarium in Rimini on Italy's Adriatic coast. Commenting on the first-instance conviction in 2017, she said "despite the harm that he did me, he's a person I was very much in love with, whom I really loved, and I can't quite hate him, but I can't forgive him, I won't forgive him. The injuries caused by the acid are improving but Notaro will have to undergo several operations to reconstruct her skin in the places affected the worst: her forehead and left temple and her left eye, which she cannot see fully from now. Notaro had reportedly taken out a harassment order against Tavares after the pair broke up. (ANSA).
Vice President Walter Mondale, right, briefs President Jimmy Carter on his trip to Europe, at the White House in 1977. Mondale died Monday.
Nearly 900 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide since vaccination campaigns began in earnest at the end of 2020. Despite a massive upsurge in production, a comparison of vaccination rates by continent starkly demonstrates that vaccines have not been distributed based upon need nor in the pursuit of equity, but rather according to economic hierarchy. North America has provided a vaccine to 39 percent of its population, Europe 23 percent, South America 14 percent, Asia 8.6 percent, Oceania 3.7 percent and Africa just over 1 percent.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted recently that one in four persons in high-income countries has received a vaccine. In low-income countries, only 1 in 500 has gotten the jab.

As the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe is shifting to more impoverished regions of the world, vaccine inequity raises significant concerns.

First CoronaVac vaccine doses arrive in Sao Paulo, November 2020 (Credit: GOVESP)

A surge in cases in mid-March in the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea, its first since the start of the pandemic, saw its inadequate health care system collapse in a matter of days, with hospital beds fully occupied and medicinal oxygen running out. India is facing a massive wave complicated by a variant with a double mutation that has driven daily case counts over a quarter million, and the death count has begun to soar.

The current pace of new infections had caught up with the previous highs during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, when Europe and the United States remained the epicenters of the pandemic. Though they still have the highest disease burden, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands are seeing current infections surging fastest.

Additionally, the health care systems of countries like Poland, Ukraine and Turkey are facing a deluge of patients. While still suffering under a maximum pressure US sanctions regime, Iran is coping with a fourth and more extensive surge.

The worlds rich income countries have used their vaccination campaigns to ensure their populations are vaccinated first and foremost. The aim is to get the working class back into the factories to generate profits and to diffuse social tensions, a byproduct of utter neglect of the welfare of the population during the worst of the pandemic.

The paradox remains that the pandemic has been an enormous boon to financial capital, as evidenced by the rise in the indexes of stock exchanges, even as the death toll and mass misery have continued to grow.

Meanwhile, international tensions have only escalated as a result of the pandemic. Global relations increasingly resemble the pre-World War I years, with rival nation-states hell bent on securing control over world resources and markets. Chinas more than 18 percent expansion in the first quarter of 2021 is seen as an existential threat by US and European imperialism.

Given these developments, the current and emerging COVID-19 vaccines are being promoted for prosecuting the ongoing geopolitical brinkmanship that is pitting the US and Europe against China and Russia in a struggle for the division of the globes resources. This struggle has the potential to rapidly escalate into open military conflict, posing an existential threat to life on this planet.

It is essential to take account of the state of the current global vaccine campaign.

Beijing has announced that it is committed to vaccinating 40 percent of Chinas population by June. Last week, China had administered nearly 190 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to its population, translating to approximately 13 doses for every 100 people. The seven-day average has remained steady between 3 to 5 million daily jabs but far short of the 11.5 million doses a day to meet the stated goal.

Though vaccine acceptance remains exceptionally high, the urgency to seek vaccination remains low. Since January 31, the country has reported less than 1,000 cases of COVID-19, of which the majority are imported. Since April 17, 2020, only six people have died from COVID-19. By all accounts, the coronavirus has been eradicated within the country. Still, national health officials and epidemiologists are concerned that they will not be able to maintain strict border controls forever. As a whole, the population remains biologically naive to the coronavirus, and any outbreaks would create a severe public health crisis.

China exports vaccines to more than 30 countries

Thus far, China has exported close to 115 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccines (accounting for 42 percent of all the COVID-19 vaccines it has produced) to more than 30 countries. It has gone primarily to low- and middle-income nations, especially in Latin America, where China has increasingly supplanted the US as the regions leading source of trade and investment.

Additionally, it is providing vaccine aid to dozens of countries. However, as Beijing is refocusing on its domestic vaccination campaign, it will need to produce 1.1 billion doses to meet current commitments to other nations.

The United States has administered 207 million doses of the 210 million COVID-19 vaccines it has manufactured to its own population. This accounts for 38 doses for every 100 people. India has produced 173 million doses and exported 37 percent, while the EU has made close to 157 million doses and exported 41 percent. The UK has provided over 22 million doses domestically.

Russias Sputnik V COVID vaccine has yet to be approved by the European Medicines Agency. However, many European countries are turning to Moscow out of frustration over the EUs slow rollout. As of March of 2021, the Russian Direct Investment Fund has licensed production in India, China, South Korea and Brazil. By the end of March, Russia had manufactured at least 30 million vaccine doses, and 5 percent were exported.

By comparison, the WHO-led COVAX facility, created to provide equitable vaccine access to low-income countries, has supplied only 40 million doses to the worlds poorest nations and is far from its goal of delivering two billion doses. According to the Wall Street Journal, The COVAX division meant to help countries prepare for vaccine rollouts has received only around $600 million in contributions, leaving a gap of $7.3 billion for this year, and the World Bank has committed just $2 billion of a $12 billion financing package meant to help countries buy and distribute vaccines and strengthen health systems.

Due to incredibly tight global supplies, Seth Berkley, CEO of the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, told Reuters it would be unlikely if the COVAX dose-sharing facility would be able to procure more supplies this year. The ambitious goal of delivering 2 billion doses by the end of 2021 to participating countries, including 92 low-income countries, is severely hampered by lack of funding, vaccine nationalism and export restrictions on supplies.

These developments are most certainly the consequence of strategies to employ the COVID-19 vaccines as weapons in great power struggles.

The White House has predicted that the US will reach herd immunity sometime during the mid-summer. It intends to position itself to challenge Chinas present lead in global vaccine distribution. Politico noted back in February that Chinese-made vaccines had rolled out quicker than COVAX and even European vaccines earmarked for EU countries. China is providing vaccines for 19 African countries, for Serbia, Colombia, and many places in between.

According to the purportedly independent multimedia organization, the China-Africa Project (CAP), If the US really wants to make an impact and present a legitimate alternative to Chinese vaccines in places like Africa, it only has about six to nine months left.  China alone, not to mention India, may be able to satisfy much of the demand. Last week, Zheng Zhongwei of the National Health Commission said that Chinese vaccine output in 2021 would reach three billion doses. By the end of next year, that number will rise to five billion. Those are probably conservative estimates. And with local production deals already in place in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, Chinese vaccine output will increase even more.

The high-income nations that are leaving poorer nations in the lurch have primarily taken up the supply of high-priced Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. According to Duke University, rich countries had collared 5.4 billion of the 7.8 billion doses purchased globally. China has positioned itself to fill this gaping void. Its vaccines have used traditional technologies making storage and shipping easy. If the World Health Organization (WHO), which is currently reviewing supporting documentation for COVID-19 vaccines from Sinopharm and Sinovac, provides these products emergency use listing, it will bolster Chinas global role.

WHO-Europe vaccination expert, Siddhartha Datta, told journalists, We are in touch with them to review the dossiers that both vaccine manufacturers have submitted. We will be hearing about a decision on the emergency use listing in April or early May, so please keep an eye on that.

Currently, the WHO has issued emergency listings only for Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The WHOs emergency listing is a prerequisite for any vaccine manufacturer for purchase by the COVAX facility, which would extend their portfolio of vaccines to deliver shots to poorer countries.

As Washington has opted to hoard the COVID-19 vaccines for its own needs, the US corporate bourgeois media is working diligently to tarnish Chinas vaccine initiatives. The language used in its reporting is characterized by unabashed nationalism and anti-Chinese provocations.

The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and New York Times have been direct conduits for Washingtons anti-Beijing rhetoric. Allies have utilized their press against China as well. Canadas CTV News recently stated, China and Russia have been using their locally produced COVID-19 vaccines to grow their international soft power by giving doses to desperate countries in order to have more political influence over them. Benjamin Gedan, deputy director of the Latin American program at the Wilson Center in Washington, told CTV News, Its never encouraging to see the worlds largest dictatorships taking most advantage of this diplomatic opportunity.

On April 5, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the appointment of former Obama administration official Gayle Smith as the coordinator of Washingtons global COVID-19 response and health security. Smith, who led the US response during the Ebola crisis, was asked to join the Biden administration to coordinate vaccine diplomacy efforts against those pursued by Chinese and Russian authorities.

In announcing Smiths appointment, Blinken said, We have a duty to other countries to get the virus under control here in the United States. But soon, the United States will need to step up our work and rise to the occasion worldwide because, again, only by stopping COVID globally will Americans be safe for the long term.

Aside from its unvarnished appeal to nationalism, Blinkens statement betrays concerns within the US ruling elite over both social tensions within its own borders created by the homicidal response to the pandemic, as well as Washington losing its grip over hearts and minds globally because of its failure to provide significant aid in the fight against the pandemic.

While vaccine diplomacy serves as an auxiliary of Chinese foreign policy in pursuit of bilateral agreements with poorer nations, Chinas long-term efforts to produce and distribute its vaccines remain on unsteady footing. It faces similar issues with vaccine supplies as many other manufacturers. Constraints placed by the Biden administration through the Defense Production Act on the export of critical raw materials impede the worlds ability to produce COVID-19 vaccines.

Dave Lawler of Axios put it succinctly, Few countries other than the US have the capacity to manufacture vaccines at scale, and most lack the resources to buy their way to the front of the line for imports. Thats led to a scramble for whatever supply is available. Many Latin American nations rely on the limited supplies from China and Russia to begin their vaccination campaigns.

CoronaVac efficacy controversy

Numerous concerns have been raised regarding the performance of Sinovacs COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac. Specifically, data from Brazil in January placed the vaccines efficacy barely above 50 percent, the threshold needed for regulatory approval. However, recent real world data from Chile, covering 10.5 million people, demonstrated that it was 67 percent effective at preventing symptomatic infections. The data also showed the vaccine to be 85 percent effective in preventing hospitalizations and 89 percent effective in preventing ICU admission. Prevention of death was at 80 percent.

The Western media, however, has cynically latched onto the low efficacy after a single jab of the two-dose vaccine regimen to besmirch its effectiveness. It should be noted that many in Chile had not heeded public health warnings or comprehended that the completion of the vaccine series was critical to providing maximal benefit and that continued public health measures needed to be implemented, leading many to become infected.

Still, the real world data is far more compelling as to the function of the vaccine, which has proved effective in protecting the elderly, making the surge less deadly for them. Dr.Rodrigo Cornejo, head of the ICU at the University of Chiles hospital, told the Wall Street Journal that several of his close colleagues had died of COVID-19 infections early in the course of the pandemic. But since the medical staff has been completely vaccinated, he had not heard of any physicians dying from the contagion.

On April 9, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published its annual threat assessment, stating: In the coming year, the United States and its allies will face a diverse array of threats that are playing out amidst the global disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and against the backdrop of great power competition.  Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang have demonstrated the capability and intent to advance their interests at the expense of the United States and its allies, despite the pandemic.

It continued: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to strain governments and societies, fueling humanitarian and economic crises, political unrest, and geopolitical competition as countries, such as China and Russia, seek advantage through such avenues as vaccine diplomacy.

The pandemic has already claimed the lives of more than 3 million people without any significant international measure to bring it to a stop. Without a doubt, millions more will perish. The economic fallout and instability portend long-term financial instability and humanitarian crises that will plague developing nations for decades. High food insecurity doubled from 135 million in 2019 to 270 million in 2020. By years end, the US threat assessment projects the figure will rise to 330 million.

For the working class, vaccines are necessary to save lives. For the ruling elites, they are seen as weapons as deadly as bullets in the drive toward global war.
Everything but the horses is included on this private gated fence-lined 10-acre property in a secluded area of Fishing Creek Valley in Dauphin County.

The horse lovers dream is turn-key ready with a heated eight stall barn including automatic waterers, wash stall, feed/tack room, fly spray system and Dutch doors that open to the separate fenced-in paddock areas throughout the property.

An indoor arena measuring 60- by 90-feet, with premium footing, is attached to the barn.

Other outbuildings include a four-bay workshop and a multi-bay 16-foot by 42-foot run-in shed.

The custom 3,150-square-foot home, built in 2002, beckons its occupants outdoors with a large wrap-around front porch offering a view of the horses, and a generous balcony off of one of four bedrooms, offering an elevated view of the property and nearby mountains. A screened-in covered back porch allows for entertaining and dining with the convenience of kitchen access.

The home has an open gourmet kitchen and family room area with a semi-private formal dining room and kitchen breakfast nook area. A stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the family room.

Hickory wood floors carry through the entire first floor down the hall to the large sunlit laundry room/mud room, which opens via a pocket door to a full first floor bath with steam shower. Two exterior doors in the laundry room allow easy outdoor access.

The wood staircase leads up to the large open hallway, which completely circles the staircase. French doors lead to the master bedroom with stone fireplace and wood mantel. A large master bath includes walk-in closet, double bowl vanities, tile floors and walls and large window-lit stone surround shower with multiple spray heads.

The basement level includes exterior access, office space and a second laundry room for horse-related wearables.

Located at 1841 Potato Valley Road in Middle Paxton Township, the home is listed for $939,900 by agent Steve Black, with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Want more Cool Spaces? See all of our stories showcasing the neatest homes in central Pennsylvania by clicking here. Know of any Cool Spaces? Submit ideas to dgleiter@pennlive.com.

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In order to keep up the momentum in the process of implementation of HS 2022 amendments, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a regional meeting of tariff experts, from 12 to 16 April 2021 in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire. It was jointly organized by the ECOWAS Commission and the WCO, in the context of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union.

The meeting brought together tariff experts from ECOWAS Member states, the ECOWAS Commission, the Commission of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the WCO. The two Regional Economic Communities have long established a coordination mechanism on tariff matters, given the overlapping membership and policies with regard to the implementation of the Common External Tariff (CET).

During the meeting, the experts examined a draft CET based on the 2022 version of the HS and reviewed a wide range of outstanding issues with regard to the implementation of the new version of the Tariff. Particular attention was paid to developing regional correlation tables to reflect transposition of tariff lines at the level beyond the HS six-digit codes, to checking technical accuracy of the draft tariff, and to aligning the new CET on WCO Recommendations related to the HS. The draft CET will be submitted for endorsement to the Joint ECOWAS-UEMOA Tariff Committee later in the year and to the Ministers of Finance for formal approval.

The meeting reiterated the unwavering commitment of the ECOWAS, the UEMOA and their Members to timely and coordinated implementation of the HS 2022 amendments. The two Regional Economic Communities expressed their appreciation to the WCO and the European Union for the continued support and welcomed the opportunity to further build up cooperation in this area.

For more details, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
Dr. Gregg R. Allison Shares a Theology of the Human Body to Help Christians Address Contemporary Sexual Issues

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Baker Publishing Group

April 20, 2021



GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 20, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- The cultural conversation of the body has morphed into a confused and controversial debate that overwhelms much of the secular worldview. Trending Google searches related to our bodies recently included "What are all 52 genders?," "Is a female a girl?," and "What is a bigender?." It's no wonder that many Christians have adopted the dangerous, gnostic belief that our physical bodies are inherently evil.



In his new book, Embodied: Living as Whole People in a Fractured World (Baker Books, May 2021), Gregg R. Allison PhD, professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, writes about this cultural movement from a deeply theological viewpoint. Using scripture as his foundation, Allison argues that "human embodimentlife in a physical, material bodyis the proper state of human existence."



Embodied is an invitation for readers to embrace the statement, "I am my body." God's design for His image-bearers is, in fact, embodiment. Knowing a theology of human embodiment will help readers

be more connected with God and his design for us.



be better prepared to face the cultural challenges around us.



and be more integrated and soundnot dividedpeople for ourselves and for others.

Allison's Embodied will equip readers to address pressing contemporary issues related to our bodies, including how we express our sexuality, whether gender is inherent or constructed, the meaning of suffering, body image, end of life questions, and how to live as whole people in a fractured world.



Gregg R. Allison (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is a professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books, including 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith, The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms, Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Sojourners and Strangers: The Doctrine of the Church, and (with Andreas Kostenberger) The Holy Spirit. He serves as secretary of the Evangelical Theological Society and is a book review editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society.



SOURCE Baker Publishing Group



CONTACT: Holly Maxwell, 303-917-8476, hmaxwell@bakerpublishinggroup.com


Rockstar Spirits Cherry Bomb spiced rum

Category  Spirits, rum, spiced, flavoured, 57% abv

Available  From late May

Location  Available in the UK off-premise and through online e-tailers

Price  SRP of GBP32 (US$44.50) per 70cl bottle



Rockstar Spirits has returned to its Panamanian rum distiller partner for the latest flavoured addition to its spiced rum stable.

The Cherry Bomb, which hits the UK next month, joins The Banana Bomb in Rockstars The Bomb Series of flavoured spiced rums. Having spent two years in ex-Bourbon casks, the 57% abv rum is flavoured with cherries, almonds and spices.

The liquid has been sourced from an unnamed distillery in Panama. UK-based Rockstar uses rum from Guyanas Diamond Distillery for its The Grenade and Captn Webbs Two Swallows brands.

Rum and spiced rum, in particular, is really an exciting place to be at the moment, said founder & CEO Tom Hurst. There is a genuine interest in rum as a whole, and Rockstar Spirits looks to be a sustainable, forward-thinking brand.

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

Earlier this month, compatriot Distil unveiled RedLeg Tropical Rum, a flavoured spiced rum from the Caribbean.

Why copying gins template for growth risks doing rum a grave disservice  Click here for a just-drinks comment
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Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has ordered vigilantes and the local government areas leadership to immediately enforce the ban on open grazing across the state.

Mr Umahi gave the order in Abakaliki while briefing reporters at the end of the state security council meeting attended by heads of security agencies and council chairmen.

The governor said that though there was no herder presently in the state, the ban on open grazing should be seriously enforced.

The natives should not blame security agencies who cannot be everywhere as we will fully fund vigilante operations in the state.

Individuals who make inciting statements on social media should desist because such increases tension in the land, he said.

He urged residents of the South-east zone, especially its leaders, to totally condemn the incessant attacks on police facilities, among other security threats.

The attacks are not perpetrated by herders but by criminals and bandits in the zone.

How would we feel if the federal government withdraws policemen from the zone as a result of this development?

The people claiming to protect us are not doing so and we should avoid creating another monster in the zone, he said.

Mr Umahi reiterated his call on policemen to protect themselves and their facilities as the situation was becoming worrisome.

I have directed them to demobilise anyone aiming to attack them and this is contained in the police rule of engagement, he said.

The governor ordered the arrest of some people whose utterances were said to have escalated the conflict and killings, especially in Effium and Mgbo communities of the state.

The stakeholders of the affected communities have pledged to ensure the conflicts cease and abide by all governments decisions on the issues, he said.

(NAN)
California Department of Education

News Release

California Department of Education

News Release

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2021 Civic Learning Award Recipients

SACRAMENTOState Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 32 schools won this years Civic Learning Awards, which celebrate public schools efforts to engage students in civic learning. This year, the awards emphasize school-based efforts that went uninterrupted despite the pandemic. Now in its ninth year, the awards program is co-sponsored by State Superintendent Thurmond and Chief Justice of California Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and is part of the Chief Justice's Civic Learning Initiative .

Im so proud of these schools for keeping students engaged in civic learning during a pandemic, especially as our country grapples with serious social and civic conversations and actions that can reimagine governance at all levels, said State Superintendent Thurmond. Im a passionate supporter of civics education, which not only engages students, but often inspires them to make a difference for their communities. During my time both as a civics teacher and in the State Legislature, I've always encouraged students to get involved. My office continues to be open for students to share their ideas; Ive heard from so many students during this pandemic, and their voices are crucial now more than ever.

In the last year, each of these schools moved their classrooms from campuses to computer screens and, despite that challenge, they've kept true to their commitment of engaging students in civic learning, said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye.

In addition, three teachers, a community organizer, and District Superintendent Michael Matsuda, Anaheim Union High School District, are among the Champions of Civics being honored with a 2021Civic Learning Award.

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent Thurmond will host a virtual meeting with the top schools and champions today.

Last fall, the State Board of Education adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.

Three top scoring schools earned a Civic Learning Award of Excellence:

Katella High School(Anaheim)Katella High is being recognized for "Katella Talks," a required program where students learn the 5 Cs of learning: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and compassion. As part of the program, students present a problem theyd like to fix in their community or certain career field, conduct research, and present the topic to their classmates in a TED Talk format. For more than five years, the program has helped students improve their listening, speaking,and writing skills. This year, teachers adapted the program to a remote format. Katella High School also received a Civic Learning Award of Merit in 2020.

Walker Junior High(La Palma)Every seventh grader at Walker Junior High is required to take a world history class with an emphasis on civics. Students participate in call to action campaigns, lead service projects, create public service announcements, and participate in student government. Students adapted to distance learning by producing videos and online newspapers to complete their projects. In addition, school administrators incorporated civic learning, planning, and implementation in the first goal of their local education plan. Walker Junior High received a Civic Learning Award of Distinction in 2020 and an Award of Merit in 2019.

Cloud Campus(Encinitas)In 2020, the Encinitas Union School District offered 430 students the opportunity to participate in the year-long Cloud Campus distance learning option,where civics is integrated into elementary classrooms. In 2020,students participated remotely in activities, including a mock student election, which focused on California ballot measures on affirmative action, voting age limits, and consumer privacy. The school also incorporates iCivics resources into its curriculum to further bolster student engagement.

Three schools earned a Civic Learning Award of Distinction:

Royal High School(Simi Valley)The school's Brown Bag Lunch Speakers Series presents a weekly event with guest speakers from local government, businesses, and media outlets. During the pandemic, speakers visited with students remotely. The program is open to all students and required for students in certain classes. Royal High School received a Civic Learning Award of Merit in 2019 and 2012 and an Award of Distinction in 2015.

Kairos Public Schools Vacaville Academy (Vacaville)Middle school students are required to take a community leadership course where they participate in community service projects that support the school or local businesses. The program helps students learn how to be responsible, active citizens. Kairos Public Schools Vacaville Academy received a Civic Learning Award of Merit in 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Villa Park Elementary(Villa Park)Students are required to participate in the Restorative Practices program, considered a hallmark of the school. Whether online or in-person, students in the program discuss issues like race, gender, disability, and inequity, often tying them into current events. Villa Park Elementary received a Civic Learning Award of Merit in 2020.

The following schools earned a Civic Learning Award of Merit:

Fresno CountyClovis East High School,Freedom Elementary,Maple Creek Elementary

Los Angeles CountyOrange Grove Middle School,Sierra Vista Middle School, Sparks Middle School, Sunset Elementary, William Workman High School, Workman Elementary

Orange CountyAnaheim Union High School, Ball Junior High School, Cambridge Virtual Academy, Chapman Hills Elementary, Linda Vista Elementary, Los Coyotes Elementary, Orangethorpe Elementary, Orangeview Junior High School, Oxford Academy, Raymond Temple, Western High School

Riverside CountyPerris Elementary

San Diego CountyCrawford High, Hoover High School, Mira Mesa High School, The Preuss School (High School)

John Pitman High School

# # # #

Tony Thurmond  State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Wednesday, April 21, 2021
KYODO NEWS - Apr 21, 2021 - 15:52 | All, Japan

An unreleased diary of a pioneering Japanese feminist will be displayed at her memorial museum from this weekend, half a century after her death.

Several photocopied pages of the diary of Raicho Hiratsuka, in which she claimed women should raise their voice in peace issues, will be exhibited at her house museum in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, from Saturday.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Hiratsuka's death and the 110th anniversary of the publication of Japan's first literary magazine by women for women called Seito (Bluestocking), this year's exhibition will feature her role in the empowerment of women, something in which Japan still trails many other countries.

In protest at sexist remarks made by Yoshiro Mori, who resigned as head of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing body in February, the exhibition will also shed light on the history of "women who don't stay silent."

Hiratsuka's grandson Naofumi Okumura, 76, who has kept the diary in his home in Tokyo, told Kyodo News, "I hope many people will be touched by her thoughts for peace."

The diary written in a small-sized notebook recorded her daily life between 1948 and 1950, when Japan was under the occupation of the Allied Powers' General Headquarters following its surrender in World War II.

But it also contains her desire to raise the voice of women against war as discussions were under way on Japan's rearmament in the lead-up to the 1951 signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which formally ended World War II.

On April 13, 1950, she wrote, "I've been thinking for several days now is the time to...have a statement for the country and abroad representing women's general will over the peace issue and the treaty."

Sayoko Yoneda, a researcher of women's history, who heads a nonprofit organization commemorating Hiratsuka, said the thoughts expressed in the diary are believed to have led to a statement released on June 26, 1950, by her and other female activists on the peace treaty saying they would refuse to send their husbands and sons to war.

The statement was handed to John Foster Dulles, an adviser to the U.S. State Department at the time.

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Why a Japanese man proudly took his wife's last name
[April 21, 2021] CanadaHelps' Annual Giving Report Reveals Online Donations More than Doubled in 2020 in Response to Crisis

CanadaHelps, the country's largest platform for donating and fundraising online, has released the 2021 Giving Report, an annual report that provides an in-depth, data-driven look at the state of Canada's charitable sector. Since the onset of the pandemic, the charitable sector has experienced significant challenges, including a projected decline in overall donations. There are, however, positive signs as 2020 saw a striking increase in online giving as well as newly engaged donors supporting environmental, Indigenous, and social justice charities. These were among key findings in the 2021 Giving Report, the fourth edition of the comprehensive study that examines the charitable sector and its impact on Canada. The Giving Report is available for download here. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005390/en/ For the first time, CanadaHelps developed a projection to understand the impact of the pandemic on total giving, and is projecting that overall charitable giving declined by 10%, falling to 2016 levels. This projection uses all available data from the Canada Revenue Agency going back to 2007, as data reporting on 2020 giving is not anticipated to be made available until late 2022. In contrast, online donations continued to accelerate at record rates. In 2020, 1.1 million Canadians donated more than $480 million online through CanadaHelps, more than double the amount donated online in 2019. "It is clear that while the sector is struggling with circumstances beyond its control, online donations have been critical to keeping charities afloat," said Marina Glogovac, President and CEO of CanadaHelps. "What is especially encouraging is the growing interest we are seeing in supporting smaller, local charities and social causes." Findings also show a distinct giving gap between age groups. As seen in previous Giving Reports, Canadians aged 55 and older are giving at twice the rate of younger Canadians. However, in comparison, younger people donated more to social justice-relatedCause Funds such as CanadaHelps' Black Solidarity Fund that represents 70 charities supporting the advancement of Black Canadians. Introduced in 2020, Cause Funds are a new approach to giving, enabling donors to support a cause they care about by easily making a single donation to support a group of registered charities collectively working towards the same cause.



"Young people have been moved to donate in response to social and racial justice movements. Their drive to donate is influenced by a particular cause - often pressing social issues - and not by a specific charity," Glogovac said. "These new donors are culturally diverse, educated, reside in cities, and are comfortable donating online." Other noteworthy findings include:

Across the country, charities activated programs in response to the pandemic, and Canadians responded generously with significant increases in donations to hospitals, frontline healthcare workers, and health services. This includes donations of $5.1 million to approximately 630 charities responding to the pandemic through two of CanadaHelps' Cause Funds, the Healthcare and Hospital Fund and the Community Care Fund.

The top charitable categories in terms of fastest growth in online giving included charities supporting Indigenous Peoples, social services, and health.

While charities supporting Indigenous Peoples saw the fastest online growth of any category in 2020, it continues to receive the lowest volume of donations.

Online donations to environmental charities saw the fastest growth in the category in four years. The Giving Report 2021 was conducted by CanadaHelps in partnership with Environics Analytics. It features the Online Giving Index (OGI), which was first introduced in the 2020 report. Last year, 1.1 million Canadians, representing a good sample size of Canada's population of approximately 3%, donated more than $480 million through CanadaHelps. This giving data provides a baseline for the OGI. Since the declaration of the pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, the OGI shows online giving accelerating suddenly in nine of 10 charitable categories at the fastest rate in four years. "As many organizations across Canada have been hit hard by the pandemic, including not-for-profit and charitable organizations, it is encouraging to see younger generations such as millennials and Generation Z take action and speak out, while also leaning in with their wallets to give online," said Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President & Practice Leader at Environics Analytics. "While the giving gap continues between older and younger demographics, the response of new, younger donors to innovative new giving vehicles that reflect the causes they care about brings new hope." "Online giving has proved to be a saving grace for charities during the pandemic," Glogovac said. "Many charities have focused on online fundraising and will continue to do so as they respond to increased needs during the pandemic, recovery, and as they further realize the advantages digital offers in both operational efficiencies and attracting and engaging donors." About CanadaHelps CanadaHelps is a charitable foundation working to increase giving in Canada through technology. CanadaHelps.org, provides a safe and trusted one stop destination for making donations, fundraising, or learning about any charity in Canada. The organization also develops affordable fundraising technology and provides free training and education for charities so that, regardless of size, all charities have the capacity to increase their impact and succeed in the digital age. More than 2.9 million Canadians have donated over $1.7 billion to charities using CanadaHelps since its founding in 2000. For additional information, visit CanadaHelps.org or connect with CanadaHelps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005390/en/

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It was on April 21, 1986 that the public relations organisations in India got together to celebrate the countrys first National Public Relations Day  a day dedicated to the rapidly growing sector. On that day, the first All India Public Relations Conference was organised in Delhi. Looking back at these 35 years, the PR industry has evolved tremendously. Gone are the days when Public Relations as an industry and profession was struggling in terms of respectability and clarity in India.

Very few people know that the World Public Relations Congress was hosted in Mumbai in 1982, where we had the father of Public Relations, Sam Black, addressing the convention. So, some early seeds were sown here to recognise the industry and encourage the aspiring professionals to build PR as a robust industry. PR today has evolved and the industry is trying to adapt to the rapid changes that are taking place, especially in the pandemic era, where the role of social media and digital has made deep inroads even as the business is growing and becoming more competitive.

Beyond press releases and media relations

While the industry has tried to move beyond media relations and press releases, but it will take some time to eliminate that from the DNA of a PR professional. But in the recent years with the arrival of social media and the use of digital and embracing new technology has certainly brought in some shift to the industry. The PR industry has undergone a massive transformation over the last 10-15 years. The importance of media relations has come down as digital is surging ahead and becoming more popular. PR practitioners today haveto be agile, smart, sharp and adapt to new technology and media to engage with all their audiences, stakeholders and the end customer continuously.

Digital transforming PR

Today, technology has emerged in playing a larger role in the news room of agencies. Digital transformation has certainly increased the ambit of communications. Earlier, public relations was focused on the earned space. Today, we have a larger space to operate in, diversifying into paid, earned, owned and shared platforms. Embracing technology and use of analytics has comealive in the past one year where agencies are able to browse the internet intensely on what kind of content the users are consuming. This has helped agencies to cull out some interesting insights, which help the agencies to work on relevant news pegs for the client. The insights have helped in defining the clients messaging requirements, which has further helped to pitch with exciting story ideas with the journalists. So, increasingly digital is becoming inescapableand agencies are on a war footing and are scaling their learnings on digital by imbibing the right training skills to cope with the fast-changing market environment.

Strong story ideas

With media dynamics changing rapidly, one needs to first decode the clients brief, single out the objective so that there is clarity right at the beginning to arrive at the right strategy. Strong story ideas with innovation in your bag are what excite both the clients and the journalist team. Use of digital, social media and analytics has catapulted the PR professionals to think differently and quickly draw the attention of their audience. Your PR strategy should have compelling storylines which one need to construct and craft it and which in the end should convey effectively the core essence from your key messaging. If you can bring or add an emotional quotient here that can even strike the chord better with the audience you are engaging.

Look at impact and not clippings

Keep the number of clippings back of your mind. Look at the big picture like, have my key message delivered to the right audience and in the right media vehicle. This will help in painting the right picture of your brand and as a professional you would also know where the brand stands. Whether a PR campaign has made an impact is always a debate. Some of the smarter clients who understand the value of PR today, do not give much importance or weightage for the volume of clips as there is always no definite concurrence on the measurement metrics. So, right at the beginning of your engagement one has to set client expectationswith the client and work on a piece of document to measure the impact of a campaign so one does not waste hours discussing the impact post the release of the campaign.

To conclude, we have to live in the new normal as there are no signs of the pandemic moving out soon. New innovations in technology will rule the PR and Communication business. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning will rule the future so we need to be geared and prepared to accept all automation in all our processes that we keep innovating. We need to be proactive and responsive to our clients as the influencer and media fraternity will play a key role in shaping a positive opinion of your brand and to further strengthen and protect the equity of the brand.

Related Stories: Deepika Padukone becomes brand ambassador for International brand, Chopard
"El protector facial minimiza el contagio cuando la gente esta muy cerca", asegura el @Minsa_Peru. Conoce que requisitos deben tener estos articulos para garantizar una adecuada proteccion.



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While Jersey Citys J Hacha de Zola readies a new album for June, the self-described urban junkyard musician has graced us with a collection of favorite tracks culled his previous releases.

If the cover seems familiar, it should; Hacha de Zola has paid homage to the least likely of musical inspirations, John Denvers Greatest Hits. A world of difference separates Denver, the wholesome Rocky Mountain troubadour of the 70s, and the Jersey City madman whose gonzo forays into baroque cabaret, gypsy blues, and Latin pop have earned comparisons to oddballs like Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits, and Screamin Jay Hawkins.

But Hacha de Zola sees a connection.

John Denver wrote authentic tunes that came directly from his heart, soul, and experience; there was a certain purity about him and what he did, Hacha de Zola said. My introduction to his music was through his greatest hits record, and everything about it, including the album cover, was a perfect representation of his music and overall vibe. I would like to think that I have done something similar with my own record, except that John Denver actually had hits!

J Hacha de Zolas Greatest Hits may not represent the commercial success that John Denver enjoyed, but the common thread is unmistakable. Say what you will about Denver, he never shied away from his squeaky clean image.

I loved this idea of being exactly what you are, summed up Hacha de Zola. Whatever you are, be it.

The new album features a dozen remixed, remastered tracks culled from Hacha de Zolas four full-lengths and the Spanish-language Syn Illusion EP, starting with the cinematic Blue Sky. The track opens not with a voice but an ethereal whistling; then, jaunty banjo clashes with sinister sounding guitars, channeling the Doors People Are Strange.

That urban junkyard aesthetic comes to the fore on El Desgracaido, with its Latin rhythms and cacophonous horns, the Cab Calloway swing of El Chucho, and the dramatic blues burner, Bubble Gum. The late Ralph Carney, a frequent Tom Waits collaborator, adds a skronking tenor sax to the chaotic Lightning Rod Salesman.

But its not all fun house mirrors and whoopee cushions. The haunting Strange slows things down for a tortured love song; A Fools Moon sweeps you off to romantic pre-revolution Cuba for a slow turn around the dance floor; and Syn Illusion bids for airplay on Spanish pop radio.

Raised in Union City, educated at St. Peters Prep, and now living on the outskirts of Jersey City Heights, J Hacha de Zola has Hudson County running through his blood. You might almost say this album sings out, thank God, Im a city boy! John Denver would be proud.

The all-new J Hacha De Zola album East of Eden arrives on June 11 from Caballo Negro Records. J Hacha de Zolas Greatest Hits, as well as his other albums and EPs, is available now at jhachadezola.bandcamp.com and on all major streaming platforms.

"Gummy Bear" by Psych-O-Positive

GUMMY BEAR

Turning our attention to Hoboken, the psychedelic cave punk band of local scene veterans Psych-O-Positive will be releasing Gummy Bear, a new single, on Friday, April 23. A supergroup of sorts, all of the members have fronted their own acts at one time, coming together for a potent combination of Hoboken pop jangle and the Riot Grrl and Anti-Folk sounds of the 1990s.

Debby Schwartz, formerly of the Aquanettas and P.G. Six Band, fronts the group on bass, with renowned blues-guitar diva Karyn Kuhl moving behind the drums. Guitarists Louie Zhelesnik and Andy Gilchrist, as well as Judy Ann Nock on sitar, complete the lineup.

Gummy Bear, which will be available both digitally and as a limited edition lathe-cut single from Dromedary Records, dives deep into a psychedelic blues groove, with members of the band taking turns on almost disembodied, echoing vocals, similar to the effects of Jamaican Dub. The repetitive lyrics dont make sense, theyre just chanted as an incantation.

Schwartz bass carries the melody, while angular guitars add shards of sound. As the track builds, the vocalists join their voices together into a gang chorus, followed by an arresting vocal bridge. Then the band comes in together instrumentally, guitars ablaze in Hendrixian glory, to bring the song home.

Gummy Bear will be available from dromedaryrecords.bandcamp.com.

Dromedarys series of lathe-cut singles includes releases by Civic Mimic, Maxwells scene vets Speed the Plough, and Hoboken pop-rockers Stuyvesant. Lathe-cut records enjoy a special appeal to vinyl collectors, each one an expert work of craftsmanship, individually handmade in real time on antique equipment. They dont sound like regular records; theyre mastered in mono and each record has individual pops and hisses that usually disappear with repeated plays, and only a few copies of each record are pressed.
Pennsylvania lawmakers and elected officials said justice was done after a Minnesota jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the killing of George Floyd.

But they also said there is much work to do, including passage of police reform legislation.

Some of the first reactions came from Black members of the General Assembly, such as state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat.

Kenyatta called it a powerful moment of justice for George Floyd, his loved ones, and millions of America who saw this tragedy unfold with their own eyes.

It has sadly been a rare occurrence in American history for an abusive and criminal police officer to be held accountable for murdering a Black person, and I hope todays verdict sends an important message that no one is above the law, Kenyatta said in the statement.

State Sen. Sharif Street, a Philadelphia Democrat who is Black, said this on Twitter: Today justice was served, with a verdict of Guilty on all three counts in the trial of former officer Chauvin. He committed a murderous act and will be held accountable.

However, Street added: But George Floyd is still gone and this verdict doesnt change that. We still have work to do to reform our criminal justice system and achieve substantive and measureable change. Street called for comprehensive use of force policies for police and said bad actors must be held accountable.

The jurys guilty verdict today is justice served. Officer Chauvin committed murder and will be held accountable. But George Floyd is still gone, and this verdict doesn't change that. Law enforcement testifying against him is crucial in rebuilding police & community relations. https://t.co/FiLu3GgHZH  Sen. Sharif Street (@StreetForPA) April 20, 2021

Verdict is about accountability

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., offered more measured comments after the verdict was delivered and said it is a reminder of the need for criminal justice reform.

This verdict is about accountability, but it is not justice, Casey said on Twitter. While Derek Chauvin will be held accountable for the murder of George Floyd, its not enough. Countless others have died at hands of police because of a broken system that must be reformed.

My thoughts are with George Floyds family today, Casey said. True justice will come when Congress passes the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and other measures to begin to right the wrongs created by systemic racism and injustice.

This verdict is about accountability, but it is not justice. While Derek Chauvin will be held accountable for the murder of George Floyd, its not enough. Countless others have died at hands of police because of a broken system that must be reformed.  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 20, 2021

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Philadelphia Democrat, said he hoped the verdict offered some solace to the Floyd family. But he said the Senate needs to pass the police reform legislation that bears Floyds name, noting the House of Representatives moved the bill to the Senate months ago. The legislation would create a national database of police misconduct and prohibit federal law enforcement officers from using chokeholds.

The Senate must now act to create systematic change! Evans said on Twitter.

State Sen. Anthony Williams, a Philadelphia Democrat who is Black, also said the moment was more about accountability than justice.

In the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd we see not justice, but accountability. We as Black Americans, and other communities of color, still have a long road to justice and the dismantling of systemic racism, Williams said in a statement.

I hope that the people of my community, and in communities around the world, will find comfort in this verdict, he said. This is a small beginning in the curve our country is turning toward true justice for all people.

State Rep. Chris Rabb, a Philadelphia Democrat, said the verdict was not real justice but was " an anomaly amid centuries of police terror.

No more talk of bad or good apples; its about acknowledging the toxic barrel that is modern policing, Rabb said on Twitter. Instead, we must build a new vessel that centers on community safety & restorative justice.

Broken system

After the verdict, Gov. Tom Wolf said a measure of justice has been done.

Today, we have seen justice for George Floyd. But we must acknowledge that we are living within a broken system, Wolf said in a statement.

The work of changing policing, of fighting for racial justice, of ending centuries of discriminatory and traumatic policymaking, is hard and painful. It is also, above all, necessary, Wolf added.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the verdict is one step of accountability on a long road toward justice.

The failures of our system haunt our countrys history, from Dred Scott to Rodney King to Trayvon Martin, but we can write a new chapter, Shapiro said on Twitter.

State Sen. John Kane, a Democrat in the Philadelphia suburbs, reflected on the death of Floyd and the verdicts importance.

There is no amount of legal justice that can replace the life of a father, a son, a friend, a loved one taken from this earth too soon, Kane said on Twitter. But this conviction is a step towards a society where Black and brown communities matters, and where Black and brown lives matter.

Calls for unity

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat in the Philadelphia suburbs, said it was the only acceptable verdict.

While I am grateful for this verdict, I hesitate to call it justice, she said on Twitter.

George Floyd has become a symbol, a call to action, representing the countless Black lives that have been lost at the hands of police. Throughout everything, his family has conducted themselves with dignity as they have led a call for justice, she said. We owe George Floyd, his family, and the entire Black community a resounding answer to that call for justice.

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., offered sympathies for the Floyd family.

While nothing can cure the hurt the Floyd family lives with every day, I do hope this verdict brings them a degree of solace, Toomey said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Bucks County Republican, posted a short message on social media after the verdict.

The American justice system works, Fitzpatrick said on Twitter. Today, due process was followed, and justice was served.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, a Lehigh County Democrat, called on Americans to unite and honor Floyds memory.

Justice has been served, but todays verdict wont bring the Floyd family their son, brother, & father back  the work continues, Wild said on Twitter. I urge people of all backgrounds & political beliefs to come together & honor the memory of Mr. Floyd peacefully. Today & every day.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Human Rights Defender is again calling for a de-militarized zone at border villages of Syunik Province where the Azeri military is deployed in the direct vicinity of the Armenian civilian territories.

The statement from the Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan comes after a joint visit with the President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian to the village of Tchakaten in Syunik.

Residents of the village say that they are avoiding travel on the Kapan-Tchakaten, Kapan-Shikahogh roads and roads leading to other villages especially at nighttime because of the Azerbaijani military presence on these roads.

The Azerbaijani military servicemen are threatening the physical safety of the village residents. [Azeri] signs and flags are installed at this road, which in turn is a pretext for deploying the servicemen. This has disrupted the peaceful residents free movement through that road. Because of this all, the villagers are forced to refrain from traveling on that road at nighttime even for essential needs, such as going to work or to a hospital, due to security concerns.

Moreover, according to the information provided by the residents of the villages and community officials, shooting incidents continue to happen in the direct vicinity of the villages. According to the reports, the shots fired by Azeri servicemen are clearly heard in the villages and are aimed at terrorizing the peaceful residents and first of all women and children.

The residents also presented security and social issues to the President of the Republic and the Human Rights Defender. The Human Rights Defender reiterated his stance that the post-war deployment of Azerbaijani armed forces, including flags and road signs, are deprived of any legal basis, they must withdraw from those areas and a de-militarized security zone must be created.

The President has also addressed this issue.

The Ombudsmans Office said the results of the joint visits will be summarized with Sarkissians Office and further actions will be made accordingly.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
The Czech national unit to combat organized crime has detained at least five Czechs suspected of planning to travel to eastern Ukraine to fight alongside Russia-backed separatists against a backdrop of rising tensions between Prague and Moscow.

Investigators from the state prosecutor's office suspect the five of preparing to join a militant group that calls itself the Donetsk People's Republic, which opposes Kyiv and controls part of eastern Ukraine near the Russian border, Czech state prosecutor Martin Bily said on April 21.

Earlier reports suggested that around 20 people had been detained in the overnight operation by the NCOZ, a police unit to counter terrorism and extremism.

But Bily said five people had been detained and no one had been charged yet.

The roundup comes with the Czechs and Russians already embroiled in a flurry of diplomatic expulsions since the April 17 announcement that Czech authorities blame two Russian officers of a secretive GRU military intelligence unit for an explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014 that killed two Czech nationals.

The explosives that detonated in Vrbetice, in the southeastern part of the country, were purportedly part of a planned shipment via a Bulgarian businessman to supply Ukrainian forces fighting the separatists.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis rejected the label of "state terrorism" for the alleged Russian operation against his NATO-member state, triggering a national debate over relations with Russia.

But his government ordered the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats, eliciting denials from Moscow and a bigger expulsion of Czech nationals by the Russian side.

Prague has since urged allies to carry out "collective action by EU and NATO countries aimed at solidarity expulsions" to support it in the ongoing dispute.

Czech reports said hundreds of police officers took part in the overnight operations on April 20-21 against the Czechs suspected of planning to fight in Ukraine, and some were said to be members of paramilitary groups.

The iDnes.cz news site said it wasn't being ruled out that the suspects might have been in contact with some of the Russian diplomats, accused of being part of the military GRU directorate, who were targeted in the expulsions.

Kyiv and NATO have raised alarm bells this month over a buildup of Russian military forces near the border with Ukraine that threatens a new chapter in the simmering war since Russians invaded and annexed Crimea and began backing the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk in early 2014.

Moscow has consistently rejected accusations that it is actively involved in the eastern Ukrainian conflict despite years of evidence to the contrary, including captures of Russian troops in the war zone.

Russian relations with the Czech Republic had already taken a public turn for the worse after local officials last year dismantled a statue in Prague dedicated to Soviet commander Marshal Ivan Konev.

Russia threatened a response and opened a criminal case over the slight.

With reporting by iDnes.cz, Respekt, and Aktualne.cz
I watched most, not all, of the Derek Chauvin trial and have followed the story closely over the last year. These are some of my thoughts on what has proved to be one of the most consequential criminal prosecutions in American history.

* This entire case could not have happened just 10 or 15 years ago. The prosecution was driven by the global phenomenon of a bystander video that was posted to social media. In years gone by, there would have been no controversy. George Floyd would have been recorded as the 5,000th or so opioid death in Minnesota.

* Likewise, the trial was a 21st-century phenomenon. Traditionally, a jury trial involves hearing testimony from various witnesses so the jury can sift the evidence and determine what happened. Here, we know what happened. Every moment of the officers encounter with George Floyd was recorded from multiple perspectives by officers body cams, bystanders cell phones, and surveillance cameras. The many videos dominated the trial, but they couldnt answer the important questions in the case: what killed George Floyd, and what was Derek Chauvin thinking?

* We have never seen a criminal proceeding with this level of pressure on the jury to convict. Everyone from the President to the Governor to the Mayor to the press to major corporations and social institutionsnot to mention thousands of rioters and demonstratorsweighed in against Chauvin. Likely Chauvin never had a chance, but to have any hope of acquittal he needed, in my opinion, a much more aggressive defense.

* In particular, the defenses approach to cause of deathone of two key issues in the casewas hopelessly confused and doomed to failure. Realistically, the only way Chauvin would be acquitted is if the jury concluded that Floyd died more or less exclusively from a drug overdose and the police officers were mere bystanders. That is a plausible position: Floyd had 11 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl in his blood, and 3 to 5 nanograms are generally considered a lethal overdose. The prosecution argued that Floyd could tolerate more because he was an addictnot a strong premise from which to send a police officer to prison. But I know of at least one study that found the median lethal overdose among addicts was 9 nanograms. And just two months before his death, Floyd spent five days in the hospital due to a fentanyl overdose.

* For some reason, Eric Nelson did not retain an expert to testify that the drug overdose was the exclusive, or nearly exclusive, cause of Floyds death. Instead, his expert testified that a number of factors combined to kill Floyd, and in the end the cause of his death was undetermined. Thus the prosecution experts testimony that Floyd died from asphyxia was not directly contradicted.

* Nelson followed this up in his closing argument by saying that there were multiple factors in play, and if any of those other elementsthe drug overdose, Floyds heart disease and hypertensioncontributed in the slightest degree to his death, then Chauvin cant be convicted. This was from outer space. The jury was instructed, per Minnesota law, that it is sufficient if Chauvins actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyds death.

Thus, when Nelson finished, the prosecution asked Judge Cahill to re-read the instruction on disregarding comments of counsel that contradict the evidence or the courts instructions on the law, and Cahill complied. Jerry Blackwell then began his rebuttal argument by blasting Nelson for misrepresenting the law on the critical issue of causation. So at the conclusion of the trial, the defense case was in tatters.

* The second major issue was Derek Chauvins intent. Here, too, I thought the trial was deficient. There was lots of evidence that Chauvin and the other officers didnt follow the best practice, which would have been to get off Floyd and roll him over, once he stopped screaming and struggling. Several witnesses, including the Minneapolis Chief of Police, testified that this is what a reasonable police officer would have done.

I can accept that. But reasonableness is the standard for negligence, not for murder. There is a huge gulf being acting unreasonably, or contrary to best practices, and committing murder. The actual elements of the three crimes of which Chauvin was accused were virtually ignored throughout the trial, even in closing argument. Thus, the prosecutors filled the gap in closing by saying, illogically, Watch the video and Believe your eyes, while Nelson went on and on about reasonableness.

* I have a hard time seeing how the actual elements of the three crimes were proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The offense for which Chauvin will be sentenced was second degree murder, which requires that he cause the death of another human being while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense. What was the felony that Chauvin was committing? Kneeling on George Floyd, presumably.

But kneeling on someone is not normally a felony. It becomes one here, I take it, because Floyd died. But that bootstraps the requirement of committing a felony by making it identical to the allegedly wrongful act that caused the death for which the defendant is charged. I do not see how this can be a proper reading of the statute.

* The manslaughter charge requires the jury to find that Chauvin consciously [took] chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another. What is the evidence that Chauvin consciously risked killing or causing great harm to Floyd? The prosecution simply says, Watch the video. But the video cant tell us what Chauvin was thinking, why he did what he did, or whether he believed that Floyd was dying and might be saved by turning him over.

* For this reason among others, I would have encouraged Chauvin to testify. It probably wouldnt have done any good, but at least the jury could have seen the incident from his point of view, and there would have been actual evidence of Chauvins intentions and motives for the jury to consider.

* The defense has various grounds for an appeal, including the trial courts denial of its motion for a change of venue and its motion for a mistrial following Maxine Waters incendiary remarks. I think there is zero chance of a successful appeal, on those or any other grounds. The last thing Minnesotas appellate courts want to see is a re-trial of Derek Chauvin, and Minnesotas Supreme Court is among the most liberal courts in the U.S.

The death of George Floyd and resultant prosecution of Derek Chauvin are a sad story from which, unfortunately, we are not yet able to move on. Apart from the ongoing international celebrations of yesterdays verdict, we have the fact that the other three officers are scheduled to be tried this Summer. Then, too, we have the case of Daunte Wright and Kim Potter. During the Chauvin trial, Potter accidentally shot Wright while he was resisting arrest, when she meant to tase him. She has been charged with manslaughter, even though the body cam video makes it crystal clear that she did not consciously take actions that endangered Wrights life. That case is already another racial cause celebre, and many more are no doubt yet to come. The end is not in sight.
Recently, an employee wanted time off and a raise, and Jonathan said he couldnt do it. They found themselves at an impasse. So his parents stepped in to explain to the employee that all of this was very much a work in progress. Meaning, both the restaurant and the son. They still need to polish things every now and again. But one day, his father said, Jonathan will likely own many pozole restaurants. The potential is obvious. This is his legacy, and he does not give up.
Sommet Education continues to consolidate its position as the leading network in hospitality education. After the acquisition of Ecole Ducasse in 2019, the acquisition of the Invictus Education Group represents a new step forward for Sommet Education which is doubling its worldwide footprint bringing the number of its campuses worldwide from nine currently to seventeen and from 6,000 to 9,000 students. Sommet Education's strategy leverages on expansion to support its growth through various types of opportunities, from acquisitions of local and regional hospitality education brands to investment in adjacent business lines or asset-light models.

On the occasion of the signing, Sommet Education CEO Benoit-Etienne Domenget commented: "Invictus Education Group is an amazing success story in the African education landscape. With a 25-year history on the continent, a diverse portfolio of hospitality education institutions, a very strong digital program portfolio, a highly experienced team and a robust management, a national footprint and strong pipeline, Invictus has the potential to further carry all our ambitions in the region and beyond."

Strong development outlook

Together, Sommet Education and Invictus Education plan to develop additional campuses for the International Hotel School and one additional SAE Institute campus in South Africa. The first project under construction will be located in Benoni, South Africa and is due to open in July this year. It will be followed in 2022 by other campuses in South Africa: Nelspruit, Potchefstroom, Port Elisabeth, and Pretoria.

Mike Lambert, Invictus Founder and CEO says: "Sommet Education is the international partner we needed to support our vision and expansion plan. This alliance also means that we will be able to provide our students with access to a worldwide network of alumni and industry partners with diversified learning paths and careers, with even more opportunity to learn and thrive internationally."

In addition to these expansion plans, the two partners are looking to implement synergies in four key areas:

- curriculum building and faculty expertise to support the expansion of Invictus Bachelor's Degree on which Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches have built their reputation;

- further development of Culinary and Pastry Arts portfolio of programs relying on the know-how of Ecole Ducasse;

- Invictus bringing its knowledge and experience of B2B training, development and business consulting from Summit;

- both partners will work together and share their knowledge, experience and vision on the on-line education programs and platforms.

Ambitious developments are also targeted for Africa, with a first campus opening in Kenya already scheduled for 2023.

Complementary programs and expertise

Sommet Education is the only education group with two top four globally ranked hospitality business schools, Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, recently respectively elected second and third in the world by employers. Together with culinary and pastry arts school, Ecole Ducasse, the Group operates nine campuses in five countries (Switzerland, France, Spain, UK and China) as well as state-of-the-art remote learning platforms.

On its hand, Invictus Education is a leading private education network in South Africa. It is a diversified company within the field of Hospitality Education and Training that comprises of the following four brands and a network of 8 Campuses, 3 Regional Offices, and 1 Support Office within the country:

International Hotel School , which delivers full time programs in Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management, and Culinary Arts. The school also operates an online learning platform with pathways ranging from short courses to full scale qualifications both within Africa and Australia ;

, which delivers full time programs in Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management, and Culinary Arts. The school also operates an online learning platform with pathways ranging from short courses to full scale qualifications both within and ; IHS Gaming dedicated to gaming answering to the training needs the major listed casino operators in the country;

dedicated to gaming answering to the training needs the major listed casino operators in the country; Summit which reunites B2B experts in the field of training, development, and business consulting and assists corporate businesses in achieving their strategic goals through innovative digital and practical training delivery mechanisms, with an emphasis on offering tailor made solutions in hospitality, gaming, management and retail food services sectors;

which reunites B2B experts in the field of training, development, and business consulting and assists corporate businesses in achieving their strategic goals through innovative digital and practical training delivery mechanisms, with an emphasis on offering tailor made solutions in hospitality, gaming, management and retail food services sectors; SAE Institute Africa, a fast-growing education company dedicated to creative media education and offering a broad portfolio of programs including Bachelors' degrees and Higher Certificates in film production, sound production, animation, and gaming.

About Sommet Education: www.sommet-education.com

About Invictus: www.invictuseducation.co.za

Anouck Weiss - VP Communication Sommet Education Group, E: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1492286/Sommet_Education.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1280685/Sommet_Education_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Sommet Education
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) looks on during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on voting rights on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 20, 2021. (Evelyn Kockstein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Hawley Calls for Breakup of Mega-Corporations That Want to Run Our Democracy

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) on April 20 called for the Republican Party to reduce its financial dependence on big companies, while urging the breakup of some mega-corporations that exert too much power on American politics and seek to run our democracy.

Hawley made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Primetime, after being asked about corporations weighing in on hot-button political issues such as their recent pushback against Georgias voter integrity laws.

What can we do to get corporations to back off a lot of these culture war issues that are so divisive at the center of American life? Fox News host Ben Domenech asked.

I dont think theres any question that these mega-corporations have way too much power in American society, way too much power in American politics, and they want to run our democracy  is the bottom line. They want to run our government, Hawley replied.

And the answer is, for many of them, we have to break them up.

Earlier in April, Hawley introduced legislation called the Trust-Busting for the 21st Century Act, which would ban all mergers and acquisitions by companies with a market capitalization of over $100 billion, empower the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit digital dominant firms from buying out potential competitors, and force companies that lose antitrust lawsuits to forfeit profits from monopolistic practices.

A small group of woke mega-corporations control the products Americans can buy, the information Americans can receive, and the speech Americans can engage in. These monopoly powers control our speech, our economy, our country, and their control has only grown because Washington has aided and abetted their quest for endless power, Hawley said in an April 12 statement.

Woke corporations want to run this country and Washington is happy to let them. Its time to bust up them up and restore competition.

Hawleys rhetoric on woke corporations mirrored remarks made by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who in early April said it was foolish for business leaders to denounce Georgias election integrity law, whose critics claim it imposes unfair barriers to voting and whose proponents say it makes elections more secure.

Its quite stupid to jump in the middle of a highly controversial issue, McConnell told reporters at a press conference in his home state of Kentucky.

McConnells remarks followed a major weigh-in by corporate America on election reform efforts, with a joint statement by 200 companiesincluding PayPal, Dow, Microsoft, and Ubersignaling their opposition to bills that they argue make it harder to cast a vote.

There are hundreds of bills threatening to make voting more difficult in dozens of states nationwide, the statement reads, signed by senior executives at corporations also including Estee Lauder, HP, LinkedIn, and Levis.

We call on elected leaders in every state capitol and in Congress to work across the aisle and ensure that every eligible American has the freedom to easily cast their ballot and participate fully in our democracy.

Dont pick sides in these big fights, McConnell said. Corporations will invite serious consequences if they become a vehicle for far-left mobs to hijack our country from outside the constitutional order.

Hawley told Fox News in the interview that its absolutely vital for the Republican Party to end its financial dependence on corporate America, especially the multinational globalist companies.

Our voters have been telling us for years that they dont like our jobs being shipped overseas. They dont like the way that these corporations kowtow to China on one hand and then turn around and lecture Americans about social justice at home when they are some of the worst offenders, he said.

Were not going to base our policy around them, Hawley said. Its time we listen to our voters. And weve got to get tough on the corporations themselves. And I say again for those that are monopolies, they should be broken up.
First announced in December 2020, Electric Island opens with eight vehicle charging stations (a majority of which are available for public use) for the charging of electric cars, buses, box vans and semi-trucks. The site is built to immediately provide charging for EVs of all shapes and sizes, and will serve as an innovation center, allowing both PGE and DTNA to study energy management, charger use and performance, and, in the case of DTNA, its own vehicles' charging performance.

Electric Island is located across the street from DTNA headquarters, less than one mile from I-5, and represents the first location specifically designed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks aligned to the blueprint of the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative (WCCTCI). WCCTCI's collaboration between nine electric utilities and two government agencies yielded a strategic plan in 2020 to electrify 1,300 miles of I-5 across the three West Coast states to provide publicly available charging for freight and delivery trucks.

The site is designed to keep Electric Island future-proof, allowing the chargers of today to be replaced with new charger technologies of the future, including the planned 1+ megawatt chargers, when they are released. Additional plans for future on-site energy storage, solar power generation, and a product and technology showcase building remain under development.

Maria Pope, president and CEO of PGE said, "Oregon is leading the way on the future of electric commercial vehicle production and charging. Our partnership with Daimler Trucks North America shows how working together we can accelerate the clean energy transition."

John O'Leary, president and CEO of DTNA said, "Through collaboration with great partners like Portland General Electric, we are helping to shape the future of carbon-neutral freight transportation, starting right here in the City of Portland. Moreover, the manufacture of reliable, durable and efficient medium- and heavy-duty battery electric trucks will take place just down the road at our Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant, demonstrating that we truly are crafting an Electric Island."

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, "In Oregon, we are committed to taking action to address climate change, and we know that the future of transportation is electric. Today, the charging station at Electric Island, the first known freight charging station on the I-5 corridor, shows that Oregon is the ideal place to innovate and develop 21st-Century transportation infrastructure. Thanks to the partnership of Portland General Electric and Daimler Trucks North America, we are working together towards our goal of creating a West Coast Electric Highway."

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said, "I applaud Portland General Electric and Daimler Trucks North America for their partnership on this first-of-its-kind project. As Portland begins to move toward recovery from the pandemic and its economic impacts, we are still faced with the climate crisis, so it's essential that we focus on opportunities to support the growth of the green economy and lead the way on a just transition to a low-carbon future. Electric Island is a great example of the kind of collaboration and innovation we need to do so."

Electric Island is designed to benefit both DTNA's work in commercial electric vehicle development and PGE's work in meeting customer charging needs. The site will inform each company's efforts by studying the future of heavy-duty charging, including:

Use of vehicle chargers featuring power delivery of up to over one megawatt (over 4 times faster than today's fastest light-duty vehicle chargers), enabling PGE and DTNA to develop best practices for cost-effective future deployments;

Integration of heavy-duty charging technology into PGE's Smart Grid, such as vehicle-to-grid technologies, second-life use of Daimler's battery packs and onsite energy generation; and

Testing information technology opportunities like fleet and energy management by captive solutions and services.

About Daimler Trucks North America

Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. It manufactures, sells, and services commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit, and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE owns 16 generation plants across Oregon and other Northwestern states and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2020, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.6 million and volunteered 18,200 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/news .

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release that relate to future plans, objectives, expectations, performance, events and the like may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the company's future energy mix; statements concerning the company's integration of smart-grid technologies and renewable energy into the grid; statements regarding acquisition, construction, completion, and operation of generating and battery storage facilities; as well as other statements containing words such as "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "promises," "expects," "should," "conditioned upon," "will," "would," "could" and similar expressions. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including construction and operational risks relating to the generation and battery storage facilities, including wind conditions and unscheduled delays or plant outages, which may result in unanticipated operating, maintenance and repair costs, as well as replacement power costs; the costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including changes in weather, hydroelectric and energy markets conditions, which could affect the availability and cost of purchased power and fuel; changes in capital market conditions, which could affect the availability and cost of capital and result in delay or cancellation of capital projects; failure to complete capital projects on schedule or within budget, failure of the counterparty to perform under the agreements, or the abandonment of capital projects, which could result in the company's inability to recover project costs; the outcome of various legal and regulatory proceedings; and general economic and financial market conditions. As a result, actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on information available to the company on the date hereof and such statements speak only as of the date hereof. The company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also review the risks and uncertainties listed in the company's most recent annual report on form 10-K and the company's reports on forms 8-K and 10-Q filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and the risks described therein from time to time.

Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Source: Portland General Company

SOURCE Portland General Company

Related Links

http://www.portlandgeneral.com


LANSING, MI - You know the story. A job applicant or probationer is asked to take a drug test and isnt confident theyll pass. What do they do?

They use someone elses urine, or take a pill or vitamin that helps mask detection.

The Michigan Senate approved a bill Wednesday criminalizing those drug masking practices.

Senate Bill 134, sponsored by Sen. Curtis VanderWall, R-Ludington, bans the distribution, delivery, sale or possession of drug masking products. The bill passed 33-1 in session on Wednesday, April 21.

The use of these products would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

The only dissenting vote came from Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. His opposition stemmed from an earlier version of the bill that would make violations a five-year felony offense. The felony provision was removed last week.

Though acknowledging he missed the substitute making the violation a misdemeanor, Irwin still doesnt know if hed support the bill.

Fake pee is not an issue Ive engaged with closely, he told MLive.

The bill defines a drug masking product as either synthetic urine, someone elses human urine, a substance designed to be added to an individuals urine or a substance applied to someones hair or saliva to defraud alcohol or drug screenings.

Examples of such substances include zinc, which a 2011 study in the National Institute of Health library states reduces detection of cocaine, methamphetamine and THC.

The bill also defines synthetic urine as a simulated substance mirroring the composition, chemical properties, physical appearance or physical properties of human urine. This typically involves a combination of water, salts and the acids found in human urine.

The bill now heads to the Michigan House for further deliberation.

Read more from MLive:

Up to 1 million Michigan residents may be eligible for clean slate criminal expungements

Drunk driving expungements under consideration

Whitmer signs expungement bills
Despite massive awareness about the evils of fake news, digital technology provides opportunities for the menace to grow. Hence, it is imperative for media organisations and individuals to painstakingly use fact-checking technologies to verify content before they are shared.

It is not news that a Daily Independent newspaper story with the headline, Disquiet As America Places Nigerian Minister On Watch List, claimed that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, had been placed on the terrorism watch list of Americas intelligence service.

The story went viral as several media organisations rushed to push the story to satisfy the desire for content that tickles the fancy of their various audiences in cyberspace.

But, today it is news that Daily Independent has retracted the story and tendered an apology to the Minister. This followed its confession that the story was fake news.

Daily Independent admitted that, We have since realised that the information contained in the story has not been verified to be true. It declared that The Minister mentioned in the story, Dr. Isa Pantami, is not known to be on American Terror Watch List, nor is he linked to terror organisations.

Fake news/disinformation is now an integral part of the digital life. It is ubiquitous, it has taken on a life of its own and it possesses the power to create conflict and chaos in the environment.

In fact, the spread of false information, fake news, disinformation and misinformation is linked to the use of social media and the increasing loss of trust in public or government sources in Nigeria.

Also, a growing proportion of consumers are using smartphones as their primary means of online access and more people are now favouring professional media outlets over social media.

Ironically, emerging technology happens to be the double-edged sword that both promotes and prohibits the spread of the menace of fake news. This is so because social media sites have the capacity to rapidly share and spread content among subscribers across geographical distances.

Despite massive awareness about the evils of fake news, digital technology provides opportunities for the menace to grow. Hence, it is imperative for media organisations and individuals to painstakingly use fact-checking technologies to verify content before they are shared.

In the digital environment, content can be shared quickly and easily, and in the process, inaccurate and outright fake stories can rapidly find their way to the screens of mobile users at everywhere and anytime.

Technology and innovation offer users the choice of applying these as tools for creating growth or imperilling society. As such, technology should be used to propagate the truth and the fact as they relate to each specific situation and the persons involved.

While many people use these technologies to disseminate falsehood or fabricate insidious narratives, media organisations have the responsibility for peace and stability.

Therefore, Daily Independent ought to have done the needful in verifying the authenticity or otherwise of the story before going to press. Yes, they have expressed their regret over the avoidable blunder.

Despite massive awareness about the evils of fake news, digital technology provides opportunities for the menace to grow. Hence, it is imperative for media organisations and individuals to painstakingly use fact-checking technologies to verify content before they are shared.

Fake news/disinformation has eaten deep into the fabric of every society. And it is here to stay as more sophisticated digital tools/devices continue to hit the market.

But, fact-checking sites and applications abound on the internet for verifying every form of digital content and documents in cyberspace. There are various digital resources to facilitate the verification of content on the internet.

A simple tour of the internet provides access to the many fact-checking websites existing in different regions of the world. Those sites provide services on both political and non-political subjects.

The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) can do well by creating a department for verification and fact-checking of video, audio, pictures, and documents to help curb the menace of fake news and disinformation in Nigeria.

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at Poynter promotes excellence in fact-checking as a powerful instrument of accountability journalism, while AfricaCheck is the first independent fact-checking site in Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dubawa, FactCheckNigeria, and FactCheck Hub are among the different verification and fact-checking sites accessible to media organisations and others.

The latest fact-checking tools for news publishers combine artificial intelligence and crowd-sourcing to help reporters confirm the veracity of all types of content. They are invaluable to organisations with the primary mission of news and information.

If Daily Independent had visited any of the verification sites, the embarrassing situation would not have arisen at all. Still, the inherent lessons from this fiasco must be imbibed by every news and content production enterprise.

With every sense of responsibility, I appeal to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami to accept the apology tendered by the Daily Independent.

I trust that the minister would continue to pursue Nigerias digital transformation project in his characteristic transparency and accountability that is most evident in the initiatives undertaken by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other agencies under his ministrys supervision.

As a matter of urgency, the minister should support NITDA to strengthen collaborations with the media by organising regular training on digital reportage for media practitioners just like the just concluded workshop for journalists and social media influencers which held in Kano.

The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) can do well by creating a department for verification and fact-checking of video, audio, pictures, and documents to help curb the menace of fake news and disinformation in Nigeria.

Inyene Ibanga writes from Wuye District, Abuja.
Besix Group, a leading Belgian group with a major presence in the Middle East region, has announced that it has completed the construction of the French country pavilion for the upcoming Dubai World Expo 2020 and handed it over the authorities.

The delivery of the pavilion was made official by Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State and Director General of the Dubai 2020 World Expo, Franck Riester, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, and Erik Linquier, Commissioner General for France at the Dubai World Expo and President of Cofrex.

Designed by the architectural firms Atelier Perez Prado and Celnikier & Grabli Architects and the design office OTE Ingenierie on the specific theme of "Lumiere, Lumieres" ("Light, Lights"), the French Pavilion reflects the commitment of the French Republic to be an actor of change for an ambitious ecological transition.

The French Pavilion is an example of respect for the principles of bioclimatic architecture.

This is reflected, for example, in the choice of materials and a circular approach, considerably limiting the building's carbon footprint. One of the particularities of the Pavilion is its ability to be dismantled and reused.

The building will also be almost self-sufficient in energy during the six months of the World Expo, combining low energy equipment with renewable energy, produced by the 2,500 m of solar tiles integrated into its facade.

For the construction of the building, Besix France, as leader of the consortium for the design and execution, was able to count on the services of Six Construct, Besix Group's Middle East subsidiary.

The complementarity of the teams in Paris and Dubai was a key factor in the success of the project.

CEO Rik Vandenberghe said: "Besix is extremely proud to have contributed to the construction of the French Pavilion, a stunning building, both architecturally and environmentally. It will be a major landmark at the Dubai World Expo. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the stakeholders for their confidence, and in particular to the French Republic."

"The philosophy of the French Pavilion reflects a deep conviction of Besix: if the construction sector is today a major cause of our collective carbon footprint, it also lies at the heart of the solution. This is why we have been developing cutting-edge expertise in circularity and the energy performance of buildings and infrastructures for several years. The French Pavilion itself carries these messages in a remarkable way," he noted.

"In addition to its eco-building qualities, the French Pavilion features various technical feats, including a spectacular 1,800 sq m interior facade. Its panoramic terrace also offers a unique view of the Expo site, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The docket for Community Board 3s liquor license hearing is now online. Among the applicants: Din Yates of Cheeky Sandwiches at 35 Orchard Street, whos going for a wine/beer license. Din has been planning to offer all-day breakfast service in the lower level of his quirky New Orleans-style sandwich shop. Also of note: Rob Shamlian is back on the agenda for an additional liquor permit at Tiny Fork, his oyster bar at 167 Orchard Street. Shamlian was scheduled to appear before CB3 this month, but withdrew his application. Click through for the full agenda.

SLA & DCA Licensing Committee

Monday, November 19 at 6:30pm  JASA/Green Residence  200 East 5th Street at Bowery

applicants name follow by current owner if applicable

Renewal with Complaint History

1. Hotel On Rivington (The Downtown LLC), 107 Rivington St (op)

2. Westville, 173 Ave A (sidewalk cafe)

3. Lasso EV, 107 1st Ave (wb)

Applications within Resolution Areas

4. Nublu, 151 Ave C (op)

5. To be Determined, 172 Ave B (op)

6. 154 Ludlow Bar LLC, 154 Ludlow St (op)

Alterations

7. Tiny Fork (Project 6 LLC), 167 Orchard St (op/alt/add bar in basement)

8. Double Down Saloon (Double Down NYC LLC), 14 Ave A (op/alt/remove kitchen)

9. Fays Restaurant & Bar (Fays Restaurant & Bar Inc), 141 Chrystie St (op/alt/add service bar)

10. Cheeky Sandwiches (Hippoe Holdings LLC), 35 Orchard St (wb/alt/adding basement seating)

New Liquor License Applications

11. La Meridiana I Ltd, 176 2nd Ave (wb)

12. To be Determined, 269 E Houston St (op)

13. Entrez (Entrez Bar & Grill Inc), 162 2nd Ave (op)

14. BR Chicken Manhattan I LLC, 21 2nd Ave (wb)

15. Lasso EV, 107 1st Ave (op)

16. New York Sushi Ko Inc, 91 Clinton St (wb)

17. Ngam Restaurant (99 Thai Playground LLC), 99 3rd Ave (op)

18. To be Determined, 266 Broome St (op)

19. Black Tree (131 Orchard Street Restaurant LLC), 131 Orchard St (op)

20. Buenos Aires (BA Victory Corp), 513 E 6th St (op)

21. Golden Sand Seafood Restaurant Inc, 39-41 E Bway 2nd Fl (wb)

22. 90 Third Avenue TC Restaurant LLC, 90 3rd Ave (op)

23. Brannons, 119 Essex St (op)

24. Yi Hao Chinese Restaurant (One East Broadway Restaurant Inc), 1 E Bway (op)

25. Spicy Village Inc, 68B Forsyth St (b)

26. Jeepney (Beep Beep NYC LLC), 201 1st Ave (op)

27. To be Determined, 24 1st Ave aka 99-101 E 2nd St (op)

Corporate Change (not heard at committee)

28. Good Good Taste (Good Good Taste No 1 Inc), 13 Market St (wb)

29. Ave A Japanese Restaurant (A H 103 Corp), 103 Ave A (op)

b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations |up=upgrades
ROME  To most eyes, the scruffy, sun-faded ship that left Venice for Sicily last week might have looked like a junkyard-ready wreck.

Instead, as the ship embarked upon what may be its final voyage, via barge and tugboat, and arrived in Sicily on Tuesday, others were hoping it would become a monument to the devastating toll exacted by the trafficking of people across the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe by unscrupulous operators.

The ship, the relic of the deadliest wreck in the Mediterranean in living memory, is a symbol of contemporary migration in Europe that has become part of its cultural heritage, said Maria Chiara Di Trapani, an independent curator working on future projects for the vessel.

On April 18, 2015, the unnamed ship  originally built as a fishing vessel for a crew of around 15  capsized off the coast of Libya, becoming the watery grave for the more than 1,000 people, many from Mali, Mauritius and the Horn of Africa, crammed onboard. Only 28 passengers survived.
FILE - In an Oct. 30, 2012, file photo, former Vice President Walter Mondale, a former Minnesota senator, gestures while speaking at a Students for Obama rally at the University of Minnesota's McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. Mondale, a liberal icon who lost the most lopsided presidential election after bluntly telling voters to expect a tax increase if he won, died Monday, April 19, 2021. He was 93. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) PHOTO:AP Photo/Jim Mone, File

Former Vice President Walter Mondale Dies at 93

By The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale, a liberal icon who lost one of the most lopsided presidential elections after bluntly telling voters to expect a tax increase if he won, died Monday. He was 93.

The death of the former senator, ambassador and Minnesota attorney general was announced in a statement from his family. No cause was cited.

Mondale followed the trail blazed by his political mentor, Hubert H. Humphrey, from Minnesota politics to the U.S. Senate and the vice presidency, serving under Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981.

In a statement Monday night, Carter said he considered Mondale the best vice president in our countrys history. He added: Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior.

President Joe Biden said of Mondale: "There have been few senators, before or since, who commanded such universal respect. ... It was Walter Mondale who defined the vice presidency as a full partnership, and helped provide a model for my service.

Mondale's own try for the White House, in 1984, came at the zenith of Ronald Reagans popularity. His selection of Rep. Geraldine Ferraro of New York as his running mate made him the first major-party presidential nominee to put a woman on the ticket, but his declaration that he would raise taxes helped define the race.

On Election Day, he carried only his home state and the District of Columbia. The electoral vote was 525-13 for Reagan  the biggest landslide in the Electoral College since Franklin Roosevelt defeated Alf Landon in 1936. (Sen. George McGovern got 17 electoral votes in his 1972 defeat, winning Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.)

I did my best, Mondale said the day after the election, and blamed no one but himself.

I think you know Ive never really warmed up to television, he said. In fairness to television, it never really warmed up to me.

Years later, Mondale said his campaign message had proven to be the right one.

History has vindicated me that we would have to raise taxes, he said. It was very unpopular, but it was undeniably correct.

In 2002, state and national Democrats looked to Mondale when Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., was killed in a plane crash less than two weeks before Election Day. Mondale agreed to stand in for Wellstone, and early polls showed him with a lead over the Republican candidate, Norm Coleman.

But the 53-year-old Coleman, emphasizing his youth and vigor, out-hustled the then-74-year-old Mondale in an intense six-day campaign. Mondale was also hurt by a partisan memorial service for Wellstone, in which thousands of Democrats booed Republican politicians in attendance. One speaker pleaded: We are begging you to help us win this election for Paul Wellstone.

Polls showed the service put off independents and cost Mondale votes. Coleman won by 3 percentage points.

The eulogizers were the ones hurt the most, Mondale said after the election. It doesnt justify it, but we all make mistakes. Cant we now find it in our hearts to forgive them and go on?

It was a particularly bitter defeat for Mondale, who even after his loss to Reagan had taken solace in his perfect record in Minnesota.

One of the things Im most proud of, he said in 1987, is that not once in my public career did I ever lose an election in Minnesota.

Years after the 2002 defeat, Mondale returned to the Senate to stand beside Democrat Al Franken in 2009 when he was sworn in to replace Coleman after a drawn-out recount and court battle.

Mondale started his career in Washington in 1964, when he was appointed to the Senate to replace Humphrey, who had resigned to become vice president. Mondale was elected to a full six-year term with about 54% of the vote in 1966, although Democrats lost the governorship and suffered other election setbacks. In 1972, Mondale won another Senate term with nearly 57% of the vote.

His Senate career was marked by advocacy of social issues such as education, housing, migrant workers and child nutrition. Like Humphrey, he was an outspoken supporter of civil rights.

Mondale tested the waters for a presidential bid in 1974 but ultimately decided against it. Basically I found I did not have the overwhelming desire to be president, which is essential for the kind of campaign that is required, he said in November 1974.

In 1976, Carter chose Mondale as No. 2 on his ticket and went on to unseat Gerald Ford.

As vice president, Mondale had a close relationship with Carter. He was the first vice president to occupy an office in the White House, rather than in a building across the street. Mondale traveled extensively on Carters behalf, and advised him on domestic and foreign affairs.

While he lacked Humphreys charisma, Mondale had a droll sense of humor.

When he dropped out of the 1976 presidential sweepstakes, he said, I dont want to spend the next two years in Holiday Inns.

Reminded of that shortly before he was picked as Carters running mate, Mondale said, Ive checked and found that theyre all redecorated, and theyre marvelous places to stay.

Mondale never backed away from his liberal principles.

I think that the country more than ever needs progressive values, Mondale said in 1989.

That year, Democrats tried to persuade him to challenge Minnesota GOP Sen. Rudy Boschwitz, but he decided against making the race, saying it was time to make way for a new generation.

One of the requirements of a healthy party is that it renews itself, he said at the time. You cant keep running Walter Mondale for everything.

That paved the way for Wellstone to win the Democratic nomination, and go on to upset Boschwitz. Wellstone had been preparing to take on Mondale in a primary but would have been a heavy underdog.

The son of a Methodist minister and a music teacher, Walter Frederick Mondale was born Jan. 5, 1928, in tiny Ceylon, Minnesota, and grew up in several small southern Minnesota towns.

He was only 20 when he served as a congressional district manager for Humphreys successful Senate campaign in 1948. His education, interrupted by a two-year stint in the Army, culminated with a law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1956.

Mondale began a law practice in Minneapolis and ran the successful 1958 gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Orville Freeman, who appointed Mondale state attorney general in 1960. Mondale was elected attorney general in the fall of 1960 and was reelected in 1962.

As attorney general, Mondale moved quickly into civil rights, antitrust and consumer protection cases. He was the first Minnesota attorney general to make consumer protection a campaign issue.

After his White House years, Mondale served from 1993-96 as President Bill Clintons ambassador to Japan, fighting for U.S. access to markets ranging from cars to cellular phones.

He helped avert a trade war in June 1995 over autos and auto parts, persuading Japanese officials to give American automakers more access to Japanese dealers and pushing Japanese carmakers to buy U.S. parts.

Mondale kept his ties to the Clintons. In 2008, he endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president, switching his allegiance only after Barack Obama sealed the nomination.

When Democrats came to him after Wellstones death, Mondale was working at the Minneapolis law firm of Dorsey & Whitney and serving on corporate and nonprofit boards. He returned to the firm after the brief campaign.

Mondale and his wife, Joan Adams Mondale, were married in 1955. During his vice presidency, she pushed for more government support of the arts and gained the nickname Joan of Art. She had minored in art in college and worked at museums in Boston and Minneapolis.

The couple had two sons, Ted and William, and a daughter, Eleanor. Ted Mondale served six years in the Minnesota Senate and made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1998. William Mondale served for a time as an assistant attorney general. Eleanor Mondale, who became a broadcast journalist and TV host, died of brain cancer in 2011.

Joan Mondale died in 2014 at age 83 after an extended illness.
Police officers in Upstate New York are furious after a local elementary school assigned its students a book on race relations that included stories about shootings of African Americans by cops who dont like black people.

The controversy erupted after the MacArthur Elementary School in Binghamton selected a childrens book, Something Happened in Our Town (A Childs Story About Racial Injustice), as its book of the month for April.

The book, which was written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins and Ann Hazzar, tells the story of two children, one white and one black, and how they experience race in America, WBNG-TV reported.

The plot of the book tells of a police-involved shooting and how children at a local school processed the news.

Why did the police shoot that man? one of the protagonists, Emma, asks her mother.

It was a mistake, said the mother. I feel sad for the man and his family.

Police in Upstate New York were angered when a local public school in Binghamton read aloud a children's book to students, Something Happened in Our Town (A Childs Story About Racial Injustice), as its book of the month for April

Police said that the book, which tells the story of a police-involved shooting as seen through the eyes of a white and a black child, teaches students that cops are racist

Yes, the police thought he had a gun, the father said.

Emmas sister, Liz, chimes in: It wasnt a mistake. The cops shot him because he was Black.

In another part of the book, Liz says: Some White people still think most Black men and boys are dangerous, even though theyre not.

The book also depicts a conversation among a black family in which a youngster, Josh, is told by his parents and brother that a police officer who shot an African American wont go to jail.

Cops stick up for each other, Joshs brother, Malcolm, tells him. And they dont like Black men.

Joshs father said that even though police officers are black, we cant always count on them to do whats right.

Joshs family also tells him that the police wouldnt have even stopped the car if it was a white driver rather than a black driver.

The book was read aloud to students and video of the reading was posted to YouTube. It has since been taken down.

The book was real aloud to students at MacArthur Elementary School (above). Video of the reading was posted to YouTube, but then removed

The Binghamton Police Benevolent Association, the union representing members of the Binghamton Police Department, put out a statement blasting the citys education department for allowing the book to be read to students.

The Binghamton Police Benevolent Association feels that this book can leave children with several erroneous impressions, the union said.

The BPBA said that the book teaches kids that they should not trust, and should be afraid of the police and that police stop, arrest, and kill black people for no other reason than their race.

The union also said the book leaves children with the impression that police are racist and that cops are not held accountable for their actions and indiscretions.

The union added: We agree there are necessary conversations and dialogue to be had about tolerance, race, and what children can do to be a part of the change and solution not only in their schools, but their community as well.

'The P.B.A. wholeheartedly supports bringing people together to strengthen and create strong relationships and connections within our community.

We are committed to and invested in the children and families who reside in the City of Binghamton to which we took an oath to serve and protect.

While we recognize that it is not incumbent on us to determine what should be taught in schools, we feel that the language in this book works to undermine public safety and will leave children with the impression that they cannot trust the police.

The Binghamton City School District released a statement on Monday apologizing to the local police for the negative light this has shined on their profession.

The district said that in no way does this book represent our thinking or beliefs about our police.

The Binghamton Police Benevolent Association condemned the use of the book

On Tuesday, Derek Chauvin, the white former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on the neck of a black man, George Floyd, 46, last spring, was convicted of all charges against him, including second- and third-degree murder as well as second-degree manslaughter.

Last week, parents and teachers from New York City private schools that charge more than $50,000 annual tuition accused educators there of indoctrinating students with 'woke' anti-racism material.

Manhattan-based Grace Church School teacher Paul Rossi was ousted from the classroom on Monday after he accused the school of 'indoctrinating' students with antiracist lessons 'at the cost of students' psychological and intellectual development'.

In an essay shared on former New York Times editor Bari Weiss's Substack, Rossi said he could no longer stay silent while 'witnessing the harmful impact' that the curriculum has on children.

Days later, another elite New York City prep school was accused by a parent of brainwashing his child with anti-racism ideology.

Andrew Gutmann, 45, had announced in an April 13 letter shared by journalist Bari Weiss this week that he has chosen not to reenroll his daughter in the all-girls Brearley school where annual tuition is $54,000.

He pulled his daughter from the school over its woke antiracism 'obsession.' He accused the school of 'teaching what to think not how to think.'

The school responded by slamming him for being 'offensive.'
New Delhi: The much-revered auspicious occasion of Lord Rama birthday - Ram Navami is being celebrated this year on April 21. It marks the culmination of the nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri and commemorates the birth of Lord Ram.

The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated with full gusto pan India and also by NRI diaspora settled abroad. However, due to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak, celebrations this year are low key.

In Maharashtra, famous temples such as The Kalaram Temple in Nashik, the Parashuram Temple in Chiplun and the Poddar Ram Temple in Nagpur, usually celebrate Ram Navami will much fervour. However, this year due to the pandemic, the devotees will not be allowed at the temples, but they can witness the celebrations, Ram Janmotsav at these three temples virtually.

Dedicated to Lord Rama, these temples are believed to be the most sacred shrines in Maharashtra. Here's how you can take virtual darshan from the famous temples of the state on Ram Navami:

Kalaram Temple, Nashik

Situated within the Panchvati area, the temple is believed to have been constructed on the same spot where Lord Rama lived during his exile. The idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana are made of black stone and hence the name Kalarama. Built around 1788 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar of the Maratha Empire in consultation with Sawaee Madhavrao Peshwa, the 12th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire and in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture, it is one of the illustrious temples of Lord Ram in western India.

The Ram Navami celebration lasts for three days starting from Navami (the ninth day of a lunar fortnight) to Ekadashi (the 11th day after the full moon). The third day from Ram Navami marks the chariot processions of Ram and Garuda raths from Kalaram temple.

Close to the Kalaram Temple is the Sita Gumpha or cave of Mother Sita which is a landmark site and is believed to be the place where Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DARSHAN LINK

Parashuram Temple, Chiplun

According to Indian mythology, Parshuram is Lord Vishnus sixth incarnation and it is believed that Shri Parshurama shot an arrow in the Arabian Sea, pushed back and reclaimed the land of Konkan. It was built around 300 years ago by Brahmendra Swami (Siddis of Janjira and Peshwa of Pune). The ancient temple is magnificent with fabulous architectural beauty, which incorporates both the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It has an idol of Parashuram in Middle, God Brahma on the right and Lord Shiva on the left. It has a tradition of more than 100 years of Dashavatar play performed by local villagers.

Ram Navami festival is celebrated on a grand scale at this temple. A special attraction here is the Dashavatar play, which is performed on the occasion of Chaitra Dussehra. The play features ten incarnations of Vishnu and describes the cycle of human evolution.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DARSHAN LINK

Poddareshwar Ram Temple, Nagpur

It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ram, built by Shri Jamnadhar Poddar, who was a part of the famous Poddar family of Bissau, Rajasthan, in 1923. Made of marble and sandstone, this magnificent temple reflects the culture of Nagpur.

Every year on the occasion of Ram Navami, a grand Shobhayatra (procession) is organised which comprises various chariots, with people from different communities and castes participating in it.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DARSHAN LINK:

Dashavatar:

It is a popular form of theatre with a history of eight hundred years. The term Dashavatar refers to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God of preservation. The ten incarnations are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (lion-man), Vaman (dwarf), Parashuram, Ram, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki.The play is based on costumes and is performed without any technical props. What makes this play special are the dialogues and the traditional folk Songs.

This musical drama is accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as Tabla, Harmonium, Cymbals, Attractive Drapery and historical guise. The Dashavatar performance comprises two sessions: the poorva-ranga (the initial session) and the uttar-ranga (the latter session). The poorva-ranga is the preliminary presentation that precedes the performance proper. The poorva-ranga is the story about the killing of the demon Shankhasur.

Small theatre troops comprising local villagers also perform 'Dashavatar' in various cities. This year, however, due to the pandemic they have received very few invitations to perform.

You can also read Ramayana and learn from Lord Rama's deeds.

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Ram Navami!
New Delhi: Actress Priyanka Chopra is extremely worried about the mercurial rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in India and about the healthcare infrastructure reaching a breaking point.

On Tuesday (April 20), the 38-year-old actress posted a statement on Twitter urging everyone to stay at their homes.

The COVID 19 situation across India is grave.Im seeing images and stories coming in from different parts of the country that are so scarythe situation is out of control and our medical fraternity is at a breaking point, wrote the Quantico star.



She further added, Please stay homeI beg you to stay home. Do it for yourself, your family, friends, community and your frontline workers. Every doctor and frontline worker is saying the exact same thing: stay home, ensure everyone you know stays home, if you have to step out wear a mask, talk to those around you and help them understand this situationwe cannot take this lightly. Get the vaccine when it's your turn. Doing this will help us ease the immense pressure on our medical system.

Read below her full statement.



India now has the second maximum number of active COVID cases in the entire world. The country is facing a severe shortage of hospital beds, ventilators, RT-PCR test kits and COVID medicines like Remedisvir in the wake of the second wave of the virus.

Various Bollywood celebrities like Sonu Sood, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal and Bhumi Pednekar were infected with the virus in its second wave, which is said to be more contagious and severe.


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The police in Ondo have commenced investigations into the shooting of one person in Ifira Akoko, in Akoko South East local government area on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the victim was a herdsman, whose body has been deposited in a local hospital morgue.

Witnesses said a local hunter, who was on a hunting expedition in the states forest reserve, fired a shot at the victim, killing him instantly.

Although the witnesses identified the deceased as Muhammed Maikudi, the police were reluctant in giving details of the persons involved.

It is also yet to be ascertained whether there was a quarrel before the attack.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that there is currently tension in the community for fear of reprisal attacks.

However, the intervention of the police and Amotekun Corps may have saved the situation from degenerating into a crisis.

The suspect has also been taken into custody after he initially went into hiding.

Tee Leo-Ikoro, the police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

He, however, refused to confirm if the deceased was a herdsman, noting that police investigations would reveal further details.
TEL AVIV, Israel, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Papaya Global, the industry leader in payroll technology and expertise, trusted by the world's fastest growing companies, is proud to announce a series of tools for companies to provide a first-rate employment experience to their remote employees across the globe.

The roll out is part of Papaya's ongoing commitment to innovation and the constant development of new capabilities for all types of employees in more than 140 countries  including senior-level employees, all tailored to each client's specific needs.

The new suite of tools includes a solution for delivering a uniform and customized set of benefits to all global employees so that remote teams feel they are part of the same company.

Papaya's global equity management solution allows companies to grant their employees equity without regard for location. From plan assessment and management to ongoing tax calculations through execution, Papaya administers the whole global program.

Papaya's payments solution makes it easy to deliver cross-border payments and allows for alternative payment systems such as card payments for employees who prefer direct payments globally.

Papaya's innovative org chart brings all remote teams together. The org chart unifies the company, brings distributed teams closer, and presents each employee as equal and important to the entire organization.

All of Papaya's solutions are backed by the Papaya Shield of Trust, which guarantees 100% satisfaction for every payroll under our management. The Shield of Trust is Papaya's promise that every payroll will be delivered on time and accurately, in full compliance of all local labor laws and tax regulations, and with full access to customer support whenever you need us.

About Papaya

Papaya offers a people, payroll, and payment management solution supporting all types of global employment (payroll, EoR, and contractors) in over 140 countries to remove barriers to global hiring, enhance collaboration and engagement, and provide a first-rate employment experience.

The automated, cloud-based SaaS platform provides an end-to-end solution, from onboarding to on-going management and cross-border payments. The platform integrates with all existing HRIS management tools, provides real-time business intelligence, and eliminates errors. It gathers all employee information into one place, creating a highly visible system for tracking payroll spending. The platform ensures GDPR and SOC compliance to maintain the highest standard of security.

Papaya's team currently spans Tel Aviv, New York, Austin, London, Kiev, and Melbourne, with plans to triple in growth year-over-year in terms of clients, revenue, and employees globally. Papaya's technology has been recognized by all leading global analysts, including Gartner, Visa, NelsonHall and others, as disruptive in the field of global people, payroll, and payments.

Visit Papayaglobal.com for more information

SOURCE Papaya Global
NEW HAVEN  Mayor Justin Elicker has a plan to spend more than $6 million of a $94.8 million federal aid grant on a summer reset.

Elicker proposed spending between $1 million and $2 million on each of four different areas this summer  youth engagement, a clean and safe program, arts and culture and a safe summer  for a total of $6.3 million once all expenses are accounted for, he announced Tuesday.

Elicker said Tuesday that any spending of federal aid money should reflect a commitment to increasing equity in the city. He referenced remarks made Monday night by Alder Delphine Clyburn, D-20, during her Black & Hispanic Caucus State of the City address; she commented that during the pandemic it was community members who looked out for other community members out of both necessity and love.

We need to work with our community to determine the right path to spend that money, he said. Now is not only a time to bounce back but to leap forward.

The proposed $6.3 million in spending, he said, predominantly reflects an expansion of programs that already operate in the city that would require funding as soon as possible in order to be effective before the summer. Elickers plans require approval from the Board of Alders.

The remainder of the spending priorities, he said, will be planned after receiving community feedback.

The city will receive $94.8 million of the estimated $2.6 billion headed to Connecticut through the federal American Rescue Plan, one of several revenue streams the city and other agencies that work with the city expect to receive from the aid package.

On youth engagement, Elicker is proposing adding $1.5 million to support summer programs such as nature camps, a summer concert and the citys youth employment initiative.

Although they have not provided an exact dollar amount, city school officials said they will be investing a portion of the $37.8 million federal aid grant the district received on creating a summer of fun. That initiative is expected to focus on emphasizing academic recovery due to time not spent in the classroom during the coronavirus pandemic, with officials partnering with community organizations to give students combined recreational and educational experiences this summer.

Elicker proposed investing $2 million into violence prevention measures  such as the Youth Connect program that provides interventions to at-risk youths  as well as other investments in health.

Community Services Administrator Mehul Dalal said the city has to address the emotional needs of city residents that wont go away even when virus spread goes down.

We cannot move forward without acknowledging the collective grief and trauma our communities have suffered, he said.

Executive Director of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program Leonard Jahad said one thing worse than trauma is untreated trauma, something that is prevalent in the city.

You know the saying that hurt people hurt people. We have a lot of hurt people, he said.

He said he believes the investment in violence prevention and trauma treatment programs could stop the spread of community violence.

The mayor also proposed spending $1.5 million on improvements to park and playground maintenance and beautification and $1 million for cultural and arts programs. Elicker said one of his priorities is expand communal celebrations in intimate settings following a year when federal and local public health officials repeatedly recommended against indoor social gatherings without several precautions.

Michael Piscitelli, the citys economic development administrator, said the theme for arts and culture this summer will be to create a sense of belonging.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Tuesday (April 20) proposed to give financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to each registered construction workers and formed a committee for aiding migrant workers after a large number of them started leaving the city for home following the announcement of a week-long lockdown to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases.

A large number of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and other states have thronged bus terminals and railway stations fearing that the six-day lockdown announced on Monday (April 19) by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may get extended.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in an order, stated that the vision of the Delhi government is to ensure the welfare of daily wagers and migrant workers staying in the national capital by providing them shelter, food, water, sanitation, medical facilities.

The Delhi High Court in an order on Monday (April 19) had directed the government to provide basic amenities to ensure welfare of daily wagers, migrant workers, and construction workers in Delhi.

A seven-member committee of senior officers is constituted to ensure the welfare of daily wagers, migrant workers, laborers, and construction workers in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court said the DDMA order.

The committee will be responsible to take all necessary actions, including providing all basic amenities such as food and water, shelter, clothing, and medication to migrant and construction workers. It will also ensure that food, medicine, and other basic amenities are provided to the needy construction workers at the worksite.

The services of contractors who provide mid-day meals to school children could be availed for providing food to the migrant and construction workers, it said.

The order directed for utilizing funds of the Delhi Building And Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for providing basic amenities to migrants, daily wagers, and construction workers.

The finance department of the Delhi government will arrange adequate funds, if required, for ensuring overall welfare and for providing the basic amenities, the DDMA said.

Also, Principal Secretary (Home) Bhupinder Singh Bhalla will be the state nodal officer for Delhi to coordinate and supervise matters related to welfare, provision of basic amenities, and movement of migrant workers.

Rajesh Khurana, special commissioner of police (central range), will be the Delhi Police nodal officer to provide all needed help and assistance as well as logistics of the police department to the state nodal officer.

There are present 1,71,861 registered construction workers in Delhi.

It is proposed to give an amount of Rs 5,000 to the registered construction workers on account of COVID-19 relief due to the lockdown with effect from April 20.

The registration and renewal of construction workers are being kept open and newly registered workers will also be covered under the relief, an officer added.

A helpline number will also be provided to registered building and construction workers for redressal of grievances and provide help to them in distress situation, the officer said.

The government has also provided stay and food facilities to migrant workers at 205-night shelters across the city, officials added.

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Expected to be revealed in July as a 2022 model, the performance-oriented variant will follow in the footsteps of the fourth-generation Corvette ZR-1 from the 1990s. Im referring to thevalvetrain, of course, but the Z06 will feature a flat-plane crankshaft instead of a cross-plane design with a 90-degree rotation between crank throws. In laymans terms, the LT6 derived from the C8.R endurance race car will spin faster than 8,000 rpm.According to Angus MacKenzie of Wheels Magazine, this engine is closely related to the Blackwing although it couldnt be more different. Cadillac developed the 4.2-liter V8 independently from the peeps in charge of the LT6, and the hot-vee setup wont carry over to the Corvette ZR1.Angus does have a point about the worlds most powerful naturally aspirated V8 because the 5.5-liter engine is rumored to belt out 460. That converts to 617 horsepower in the United States of America and 625 horsepower where the metric system is preferred, figures that eclipse the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 offered in a road-going Ford vehicle.Im referring to the 5.2-liter Voodoo in the Shelby GT350, an engineering marvel with 526 horsepower on tap. The rumored output would also eclipse the Ferrari 458 Speciale and Mercedes-Benz SLS, and it's definitely impressive for a Chevy with the motor located behind the driver.Angus also throws around estimates for the hybrid E-Ray, twin-turbo ZR1, and hybrid twin-turbo Zora, which are supposed to follow the Z06 in 2023, 2024, and 2025 if the Bowling Green plant in Kentucky doesnt face unexpected shutdowns over microchips and all that jazz. Oh, and by the way, the Z06 promises to handle much, much better than the Stingray thanks to 345/25 by 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R steamrollers at the rear end.
Hotel heiress Nicky Hilton stars alongside her two daughters in a campaign to promote her new range of children's clothes.

Nicky, 37, who is married to British banking scion James Rothschild, smiles with daughters Lily-Grace, four, and Teddy, three, in photos promoting her collection with UK-based label Dotty Dungarees.

The girls, who share their mother's signature blonde locks, model two of the pretty summer dresses.

Mummy's girls: Hotel heiress Nicky Hilton stars alongside her two daughters in a campaign to promote her new range of children's clothes

Nicky, 37, has designed a collection with UK-based label Dotty Dungarees, pictured. Nicky wears a dress by St. Roche

The girls, who share their mother's signature blonde locks, model two of the pretty summer dresses

The collection features dungarees, dresses and shirts for children aged six months to seven years.

Speaking about dressing her daughters, Nicky, who also has a sustainable footwear collection with French Sole, explained she feels like she is 'constantly' buying new clothes because they are 'growing so fast'.

'I always buy them a size up. Both of my daughters are very girly so they love dresses, which makes getting dressed a bit easier,' she said in a Q&A with Dotty Dungarees.

'I'm not constantly searching for tops and bottoms. Teddy, my three-year-old, definitely gets a lot of hand-me-downs from her big sister!'

The mother-of-two said she was drawn to dungarees because she believes children should dress like children.

'I don't really get this trend of parents dressing their children like miniature hip adults,' she continued. 'They have their whole life to do that. Thats probably why I love dungarees so much'

The collection features dungarees, dresses and shirts for children aged six months to seven years. Pictured, Nicky with a pair of dungarees

'There is something so sweet and innocent about them- not to mention how practical they are.'

Nicky is the younger sister of socialite DJ Paris Hilton, 40, who is engaged to businessman Carter Reum, 40.

The designer told New You magazine that the former reality TV star has not started planning the wedding yet.

'I don't think she's doing it in the immediate future. She wants to do it when everyone is safe and theres a bit more clarity but I'll definitely be helping her, especially with the fun things like the bachelorette party,' she said, adding her sister will have a joint bachelor/bachelorette party possibly in Las Vegas or Miami.

Nicky and James will this year celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot in a sophisticated London ceremony in July 2015.
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) will release its first quarter 2021 financial results on Wednesday, May 5, after markets close. Sun Life will hold its earnings conference call and live webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET the following day.

Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

To listen to the live webcast and view the presentation slides, visit www.sunlife.com/QuarterlyReports 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. An archive will be available on the website following the event.

To listen via telephone, please call 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time as follows:

Participant Dial In (Toll Free): 1-(877) 658-9101, conference ID 7068818

Participant Dial In (International): (602) 563-8756, conference ID 7068818

A replay of the conference call will be available from Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 1 pm ET until 1 pm ET on Thursday, May 20, 2021 by calling 404-537-3406 or 1-855-859-2056 (toll free within North America) using Conference ID: 7068818

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,247 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

Media Relations Contact: Investor Relations Contact: Irene Poon Yaniv Bitton Manager Vice-President, Corporate Communications Investor Relations T. 416-988-0542 T. 416-979-6496 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc. - Financial News
The family of a 16-year-old girl shot and killed Tuesday afternoon by a Columbus police officer said she called 911 for help because girls were fighting outside her house, WBNS-TV in Columbus reported.

Police were called to a residential street on the southeast side of the city, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

The shooting happened as the nation was awaiting the guilty verdict reached by the jury in the murder trial of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man.

UPDATE: Police release body camera footage of the shooting; teen identified

The teen was taken in critical condition to Mount Carmel East, where she died at the hospital.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate the deadly shooting.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther tweeted Tuesday evening that a young woman tragically lost her life and asked that residents remain calm as investigators gather the facts. He said there is police body camera footage of the deadly shooting.

A 911 caller reported that a female was trying to stab the caller, and then the caller hung up, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

The family said it was the 16-year-old shot and killed who made the 911 call because girls were fighting outside her house. Police have not confirmed those reports.

Updated April 21, 2021 to correct the age of the girl.

___

(c)2021 Springfield News-Sun, Ohio

Visit Springfield News-Sun, Ohio at www.springfieldnewssun.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Drummoyne MP John Sidoti has furiously denied that he tried to threaten, persuade or direct Liberal councillors in an email urging them to consider a planning decision which would benefit his familys property interests.

Mr Sidoti spent his second day in the corruption watchdogs witness box distancing himself from a series of emails he had written, conceding that he did not always write what he meant.

The embattled MP on Wednesday said he was absolutely not trying to influence City of Canada Bay councillors when he asked them to consider calls to increase building density in an area his parents were seeking to develop.

NSW MP John Sidoti leaving the ICAC on Tuesday. In the witness box Mr Sidoti blamed a poor choice of words in a third email to councillors accusing council staff of being misleading to sell the business community of Five Dock a pup. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

I can assure you there have already been a number of shopkeepers lining up to run for council

next election if the proposal goes ahead in its current form, Mr Sidoti wrote in the May 2014 email.
A swastika found on a desk at Moravian College has prompted stepped up security and an investigation, according to the college president.

President Bryon Grigsby said the swastika was found on a desk April 14 in the Priscilla Payne Hurd Academic Complex on the Bethlehem schools campus. He discussed the matter in a health alert he posted on the college website.

An investigation into hateful words and symbols the week prior to the discovery of the swastika continues, he said.

Grigsby said extra police will check classrooms, common areas and study rooms regularly for vandalism and symbols of hate in the complex. He said its troubling that the perpetrator may never be found and urged members of the campus community to lean on each other for support.

We will not and do not tolerate bias and hateful behaviors and actions on our campus, Grigsby wrote. We must work, everyday, on creating a more welcoming and inclusive campus for all members of our community.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact campus police at 610-861-1421, to call the anonymous tip line at 610-861-1539 or to submit a report to the Bias Response and Intervention Team.

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

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Georgia woman has a long road to recovery after authorities say she was shot by an aggressive catcaller.

Meairra Mansaray, 24, and her boyfriend were riding scooters through Atlanta Wednesday afternoon when a stranger became flirtatious, then got belligerent when she rejected him, according to city police.

Things turned violent after Mansarays boyfriend, Juwan Davis, stepped in and asked the man to stop.

The suspect reportedly followed the couple as they continued riding near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, according to a police report obtained by McClatchy News. He caught up with them at the intersection of MLK Jr. Drive and Haynes Street and opened fire before speeding off.

Davis recalled hearing at least five shots  one of which struck Mansaray in the left shin, shattering her tibia.

Witness Samuel Savage told police he rushed to help the woman when he saw her fall to the ground. He remembered seeing a black Dodge Charger leaving the scene.

It was really heartbreaking, Savage told WGCL. She was screaming, she was crying and she kept grabbing her phone to call her mom.

Take your licks and just go on there to someone else, he said of the accused shooter. Dont take it out on someone who rejected you.

Authorities located a car that matched witness descriptions the next day. When officers flashed their lights, the car stopped and the driver ran off. A passenger was found with a handgun and a small amount of weed in his front pockets, according to a police report. He was arrested, cited for drug possession and released after questioning.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Mansarays mother said her daughter will need to have a metal rod placed in her leg and will be recovering for the next several weeks, according to WGCL.

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A man who was 22 when he murdered a cashier during a 2003 robbery in Oakland is ineligible for parole because he was over 18 at the time, a state appeals court has ruled, but it says the Legislature should reconsider the age limit in view of new research on youthful brain development.

In upholding Paul Murrays life-without-parole sentence for fatally shooting Paul Bajwa, the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco said Monday that the state was legally entitled to sentence adults  those over 18  more severely than juveniles, a distinction the U.S. Supreme Court drew when it outlawed death sentences for juveniles in 2005.

It is not our role to second-guess the wisdom, fairness or logic of the law if it has a rational basis, Justice James Richman said in the appeals courts 3-0 ruling. But he noted several recent opinions by California justices, including Justice Goodwin Liu of the state Supreme Court, questioning the states permanent ban on parole for some defendants aged 18 to 25 at the time of their crimes in light of recent scientific findings on the rate of human emotional and intellectual maturity.

We join the others in encouraging the Legislature to revisit where it has drawn the line ... and to reconsider whether a youthful offender who was sentenced to LWOP (life without parole) for a crime committed at an age while cognitive brain development was still ongoing should be afforded the possibility of release like those under 18 years old at the time of their offense, Richman said.

John Schuck, a lawyer for Murray, said Tuesday that he would appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court, but was more hopeful that lawmakers would change the age standards for parole.

The Legislature should really take a look at this, he said.

Murray, a former Oakland resident then living in Sacramento, robbed the Seminary Gas & Food Mart near Interstate 580 in Oakland in August 2003, killed Bajwa, 27, and wounded another employee, Sohan Singh. He had been convicted of another armed robbery in Sacramento two years earlier.

In response to U.S. Supreme Court rulings on youthful offenders, California lawmakers eliminated life-without-parole sentences for defendants under 18 in 2017. They also made convicted murderers through age 25 eligible for parole consideration after 15 years of imprisonment, in hearings where the parole board must consider young peoples lesser responsibility for their actions and the maturity they have gained in prison.

But those parole hearings are unavailable for defendants like Murray who were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, and to those with past convictions for forcible sex crimes. In Mondays ruling, the appeals court rejected arguments by Murrays lawyer that his ineligibility amounted to age discrimination that violated the right to equal protection of the law.

The Legislature drew the line at adulthood: those under 18 years old at the time of their offense are eligible, those 18 years old and older are not, Richman said. When it comes to criminal sentencing, the United States and California Supreme Courts have found the line drawn between juveniles and non-juveniles to be a rational one.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
No new smart motorways without a hard shoulder will open in England unless radar technology to detect broken-down vehicles is installed, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced.

Mr Shapps also said that retrofitting the Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) system to the existing network will be accelerated by six months.

The action plan launched by Mr Shapps in March 2020 included a deadline of rolling out SVD across the entire network by March 2023, but this will now be completed by September next year.

There is growing concern over the safety of smart motorways - which involve the hard shoulder being converted into a running lane - due to several fatal accidents involving stationary vehicles being hit from behind.

In a progress report, Highways England described smart motorways as "the safest roads in the country", stating the number of fatalities per distance driven is a third higher on conventional motorways than all lanes running (ALR) motorways.

It said 15 people were killed on motorways without a permanent hard shoulder in 2019, up from 11 in 2018.

Mr Shapps said: "Despite the data showing that fatalities are less likely on All Lane Running motorways than on conventional ones, this doesn't mean all drivers necessarily feel safe on them.

"That is why I tasked Highways England last year with delivering an action plan to raise the bar on safety measures even higher. This progress report shows the extensive work already carried out, but we want to do more."

However, Claire Mercer, whose husband Jason Mercer died on a smart motorway in June 2019 said: "It's all compromises. Nothing is new."

She added: "Nothing short of giving back the hard shoulder in every single instance will be acceptable."

Sheffield coroner David Urpeth told an inquest in January that "a lack of hard shoulder contributed" to Mr Mercer's death, and that smart motorways "present an ongoing risk of future deaths".

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: "A gap remains between what the data suggests about the safety of smart motorways and what many drivers believe to be the case.

"The numbers mean nothing if it's your car that breaks down and you can't reach an emergency refuge.

The Commons' Transport Select Committee is conducting an inquiry into smart motorways, with chairman and Tory MP Huw Merriman warning there are "genuine worries" about the roads.

Additional reporting by PA
BEIRUT - The first doses of the vaccine against Covid through the UN have reached northwestern Syria, which is under Turkish influence and controlled by anti-government militias, Syrian and pan Arab media reported.



The reports said that about 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca are arriving Wednesday in Idlib on vehicles of the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the Covax project to support developing countries.



The convoy comes from Turkey, a country that has dominated the entire northern region for years and that manages a series of armed groups, including Qaedists that rule over the majority of the region of Idlib. A reported four million civilians in the area need "urgent humanitarian aid", according to the UN. Most of them are displaced and hail from other Syrian regions that have gradually returned in the past years under the formal control of Damascus, Iranian and Russian forces.



In the region of Idlib a total of 21,000 cases were registered, with 641 recorded deaths. The numbers are however believed to be lower due to the difficulties in testing and monitoring the pandemic in a context where the healthcare system and government are de facto inexistent due to the 10-year-long war.



The 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca are the first to arrive in Syria through the Covax platform. Vaccinations will start in May in the area of Idlib and, for three weeks, will follow a protocol defined by the UN and based on prioritizing healthcare professionals, seniors and people with chronic diseases.



Also, the areas controlled by the government and those held by Kurdish-Syrian forces in the north-east are waiting for the arrival of vaccine doses through Covax.



Damascus last February sent the first vaccinations to 2,500 people thanks to doses sent to an unspecified "friendly country". The UN intends to send to Syria as many doses as possible in order to vaccinate by 2021 at least 20% of the population.
(Newser)  Mike Lindell just can't catch a break. Not only is the MyPillow founder being sued for $1.3 billion by Dominion Voting Systems and struggling to launch his social media sitenow he's being prank-called, too. The Hill reports that on Monday, Lindell was hosting a live telethon to raise money for said site when he received a call from someone who said they had Donald Trump on the line. In video, Lindell can be seen with co-host Brannon Howse, leaning excitedly into the phone as a voice that sounds like Trump says on speakerphone, "Hello, everyone." A beaming Lindell notes, "We have the president here, our real president, everyone," followed by a greeting for the "president." That's when the prankster revealed himself, replying to Lindell in a British accent, "MacronShow.com, b----es!"

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Lindell quickly hung up on the caller and said to viewers, "You see what they're doing, they're attacking us. ... They're hacking into our phones." TooFab notes that Ron Blackman, host of the Macron Show comedy podcast, claimed responsibility for the prank, speaking more with the Daily Beast about how it was part of a daylong "siege" on Lindell, in which he also pretended he was a reporter from the Wall Street Journal and Lindell's own son. Blackman also describes how he pulled the prank off, calling Howse "dumber than a bag of rocks" and claiming Lindell's co-host was the weak link that allowed him to get through to Lindell in the first place. More here on the prank, which Blackman said took weeks to prepare for. (Read more Mike Lindell stories.)
KALAMAZOO, MI  The county courthouse steps seemed the appropriate place for activists to gather in Kalamazoo Tuesday evening as a verdict was reached in one of the most monumental trials in American history.

Just after 5 p.m. Eastern time, Tuesday, April 20, more than 500 miles away in a Minneapolis courthouse, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of 46-year-old Black man George Floyd.

Related: Guilty: Michigan reacts to George Floyd murder trial verdict

Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds, including 3 1/2 minutes after Floyd breathed his last breath on May 25, 2020, will be sentenced in eight weeks.

The murder of Floyd, who had allegedly just used a fake $20 bill at a convenience store, served as catalyst for a national movement last summer, as people gathered across the country to speak out against police brutality and demand accountability from a system long considered racist by many.

Kalamazoo was no different.

Related: 2020 was a year of protests, police and change in Kalamazoo

Among the citys emerging leaders, 34-year-old Quinton Bryant was at the heart of numerous protests in downtown Kalamazoo. Bryant was among the first to arrive at the Michigan Avenue Courthouse Tuesday, the site where many protests began over the past 11 months.

Bryant said there was a sense of relief in the verdict, but said it was hard to take joy in it.

We shouldnt have to celebrate somebody getting convicted of murder for killing an innocent Black man, Bryant said. It never should have gotten to that point. It should have been a ticket, be gone.

But here we are almost a year later and were happy because we got that verdict, but at the same time George Floyd is no longer here, so its hard to celebrate that.

Related: Why Black Lives Matter to those leading protests in Kalamazoo

Still, Bryant said, he had never witnessed the outcome of a court case have such a profound impact for the entirety of the Black race in America.

I think it sends a strong signal to police officers, he said. Theres a lot of police officers that testified against this ex-cop, and that sends a signal that needs to be sent to other police officers  that you need to stand up and speak out against people that you call brothers and sisters when you see something wrong. You shouldnt be hiding behind this blue shield. You need to be held accountable.

Bryant and his fiancee, fellow activist Noelle Massey, both said they have seen a change in Kalamazoo over the past year  in the way police have handled protests and events.

Recent outreach from Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley and other officers has not gone unnoticed, Massey said. She said they were small steps forward and she hopes to continue to build upon the relationships that are being developed with city leaders in the hopes that something like what happened to George Floyd never happens in Kalamazoo.

Coakleys second-in-command, Deputy Chief David Boysen, was among those who came down to the courthouse Tuesday night to talk with activists after the verdict was handed down.

Its been a tough year, Boysen said. Hopefully this can help begin the healing. We need that healing and we need to come together as a community if theres an issue.

As a profession, we arent perfect, but we need to listen. And we need to focus on building relationships so when something tragic like this happens we can talk about it civilly.

When asked about the Chauvin case directly, Boysen said he has never watched the video in its entirety.

I couldnt even look at, he said. I watched two seconds of it and I just couldnt take it. Ive never seen anything like that.

Moving forward, Boysen said, its all about communication.

Problems come in when you just assume someones intent and you dont want to bother to talk to each other and I think thats where we were as a country, he said. Everybody wanted to talk, but nobody wanted to listen. And now we just hopefully will do better after listening to each other and listening to the different voices in our community.

While a major win, Bryant said, its just a small step along the path of progress.

We need to keep applying pressure, keep holding government officials and police officers accountable, Bryant said. Keep your phones out, keep recording, keep calling out.

Weve still got the Daunte Wright case, you know, is that officer going to be held accountable for her actions? Weve got a lot of fighting to go. Weve got to keep pushing, keep applying pressure, keep doing what weve been doing.

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Abdullah Abdul-Gawad described gruelling 21-hour days of work on the mission

The workman who shot to fame for operating a Suez Canal digger during desperate attempts to free the stricken ship Ever Given has finally received his overtime pay as well as a bonus, officials have revealed.

Images showing Abdullah Abdul-Gawad's digger shifting rock and sand in a bid to free the enormous ship were seen around the world and sparked dozens of memes online as the crisis unfolded in March.

The subcontractor later revealed that he was owed his overtime payment and he and his workers had got by on just three hours of sleep.

The Suez Canal Authority has now said it believes Abdullah Abdul-Gawad has got the extra money and praised his work as going 'above and beyond' what was required of him.

Excavator operator Abdullah Abdul-Gawad (pictured) has told how he and his colleagues worked 21-hour days after the Ever Given, a skyscraper-size container ship, became stuck in the canal on March 23

Excavator operator Abdul-Gawad told how he and his colleagues worked 21-hour days after the skyscraper-size container ship became stuck in the canal last month.

According to Abdul-Gawad, he and his colleagues would catch three hours of sleep at night at the most.

One night, he only took one hour of sleep. Yet he claims he has not yet been compensated financially for working overtime.

Speaking to Business Insider, he said he feared that the lodged ship could destabilize and collapse onto the workers at any moment.

'The thing is, I was terrified that the ship might list too far to one side or the other,' he said.

'Because if it fell onto its side on me, then it's goodbye me, and goodbye excavator.'

He added that the size of the ship compared to the size of the excavator was 'absolutely terrifying'.

A backhoe trying to dig out the keel of the Ever Given, a Panama-flagged cargo ship, that was wedged across the Suez Canal and blocking traffic in the vital waterway on March 25

The vessel was finally dislodged on March 29 after a specialized dredger boat called the Mashhour was deployed.

Abdul-Gawad helped to shift rock and sand material from the ship's bow while the Mashhour dislodged the silt from the canal bed.

The excavator operator said that he and his men were left 'half-dead with exhaustion' by the end of the mission, although he added that he felt immense pride at what had been accomplished during those days.

'It's an achievement for Egypt first, but it's an achievement for me as well.

'This is something that happens maybe once in a lifetime or, you know, maybe twice. It's something to be proud of,' he told the publication.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Gov. Mike DeWine is considering whether to change Ohios metric for ending coronavirus-related public health orders from case levels to vaccination levels, he said Wednesday.

For Ohioans to be free of public health orders -- which require wearing masks, social distancing, keeping tables at restaurants and bars apart or installing barriers between tables, among other rules -- coronavirus cases must lower to an average of 50 per 100,000 residents. DeWine announced the benchmark March 4.

In neighboring Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear has used the metric of vaccinations. He announced last week he will lift orders when 2.5 million of the states nearly 4.5 million residents get vaccinated.

We are actually looking at that, DeWine said. We dont have anything to announce. But we are looking at that. We are looking at any kind of measures that tell people where were going and what we have to do to achieve it. Were not ruling that out at all. We saw what Gov. Beshear did.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com previously asked DeWine on April 3 whether he was going to stick with the metric of 50 cases per 100,000 residents, or if would change that. At the time, he said, he planned to stay with the case levels.

But I think what will change it is the number of people who get vaccinated, he said then.

The case figure is difficult for average Ohioans to access.

The number of cases per 100,000 residents isnt directly tied to the new cases figure reported at 2 p.m. each day on the main pages of Ohio Department of Healths coronavirus dashboard.

And 50 cases per 100,000 residents has to be a statewide average for orders to go away -- not based on what any one county achieves.

When determining cases per 100,000, people need to look back two weeks at the number of known cases in which symptoms began during the time period, and then subtract incarcerated individuals.

Right now, cases are around 200 per 100,000 residents. Thats nowhere near the goal of returning to life before the pandemic.

On Wednesday, DeWine said that there is a close relationship between vaccination levels and new cases.

These figures are so intertwined and so related, he said. If you hit a certain level of vaccines, youre going to hit that level of 50. Thats what we think. Where that is, I dont think anyone knows exactly.

More coverage:

Wolstein Center mass vaccination clinic may stay open for an extra 4 weeks

Ohio reports 1,789 new coronavirus cases: Wednesday update

Gov. Mike DeWine to give a coronavirus update: Watch live

Ohio coronavirus deaths exceed 19,000: Tuesday update

State board votes to increase Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries to 130 from current 57

Ohio Senate bill would require doctors to provide life-saving care to fetuses surviving abortions

Ohio legislature to see bills critics say are anti-transgender
(Newser)  Senate Republicans were nearly united in their opposition to making Vanita Gupta the No. 3 official in the Justice Department. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that Gupta has "a record of astoundingly radical positions." Democrats said she was the victim of a smear campaign and was endorsed by a list of law enforcement organizations. After a long talk with Gupta, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski broke ranks with her party, CNN reports. "I am going to give the benefit of the doubt to a woman who I believe has demonstrated throughout her professional career to be deeply, deeply committed to matters of justice," Murkowski said. She joined Democrats to confirm President Biden's nominee on a 51-49 vote, making Gupta associate attorney general. She'll become the first woman of color to hold the post.

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Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that she's also the first civil rights lawyer in the job. "That's shocking, really," Schumer said, adding, "In that sense alone, Ms. Gupta would bring a long overdue perspective to our federal law enforcement agency." She'll oversee civil litigation and law enforcement issues, per the Hill, which probably includes the federal investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department announced Wednesday by Attorney General Merrick Garland. In his address Tuesday after Derek Chauvin's conviction in Minneapolis, Biden mentioned Gupta and Kristin Clarke, his choice to run the Civil Rights Division. Biden said the two will "root out unconstitutional policing and reform our criminal justice system." (Read more Justice Department stories.)
In a clear and thoughtful reflection, the Notre Dame political scientist Vincent Phillip Munoz recovers the Founders wisdom regarding religious liberty. Promoting neither a wall of separation between religion and politics nor a direct embrace of religion in their political acts, the Founders saw religious liberty as a natural right, part of a larger fabric of rights and duties within a free political order. Political institutions had no right to coerce religious affirmation or to preempt the sacred and sovereign duties that free men and women owe to the Creator God. Religion should be neither established nor actively undermined by government acting outside its proper sphere. But contra the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court on these matters since the 1940s, government, state or federal, need not be neutral between religion and irreligion, and is free to favor religion to serve valid civic purposes. The Founders vision suggests that one ought not to penalize religious citizens to advance an exaggerated freedom from religion or exempt religious individuals from the civic obligation of following duly enacted law. A return to the nearly forgotten wisdom of the Founders on these matters might encourage moderation and compromise. It is certainly worth a try, Munoz suggests, since the dominant approaches on the left and right have led to a civic impasse and have further polarized an already badly divided social order.

The meaning of religious freedom remains one of the more contested areas of our constitutional politics. The progressive left tends to emphasize freedom from religion, especially freedom from the influence of traditional religious sexual morality. Social conservatives, by contrast, emphasize the right to be religious, especially the freedom to live and act in the public square according to ones religious convictions. With President Joe Bidens recent tweet that transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time, the conflict between these competing views of religious liberty will only be amplified.

Both sides in our current church-state debates claim the Founding Fathers as supporters. Progressives say the Founders gave us a secular constitution that does not acknowledge God or the Bible. The First Amendment, moreover, prohibits the establishment of religion, which Thomas Jefferson said erects a wall of separation between church and state.

Conservatives counter that the Founders embraced religion in their deeds. Consider George Washingtons first inaugural, most of which was a prayer. It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, President Washington declared,

my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States . . . .

Conservatives also note that the First Amendment declares that Congress shall make no law . . . prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Whatever the Establishment Clause means, conservatives claim that the Founders speeches, deeds, and other constitutional provisions reveal that they did not intend to purge religion from the public square.

Freedom from religion and the freedom to practice ones religion are, in fact, both aspects of the Founders understanding of our inalienable natural right of religious liberty.

Given these seemingly contradictory commitments  freedom from religion, on the one hand, and freedom for religion, on the other  what are we to make of our first freedom? Does the Founders Constitution offer a coherent understanding of religious liberty, one that we might recur to today in our religiously and morally pluralistic nation?

The Founders have much to teach us, but the lessons they offer do not neatly fit into our current political categories. Freedom from religion and the freedom to practice ones religion are, in fact, both aspects of the Founders understanding of our inalienable natural right of religious liberty.

The Founders Understanding of Religious Liberty

We dont quite understand the Founders because we have forgotten their basic principles of government. As we do today, the Founders used the language of rights; but their understanding of rights was far deeper, philosophically richer, and more integrated with a robust notion of duties than ours. We tend to think of rights as interests that are especially important or necessary. We say health care and freedom of speech are rights, for example, because we believe bodily health and the expression of ones opinions are necessary to live a decent life. At the same time, our legal practice recognizes that even fundamental rights, such as free speech, can be curtailed if compelling state interests are at stake and the government uses the least restrictive means to do so. The underlying presumption in how we recognize rights and in how we limit them is that rights come from the state. We think good government grants extensive rights to citizens, because we believe the role of government is to satisfy our collective will and help us gratify our individual desires. But the extent to which any particular right is available depends on it being balanced against other rights and state interests, a process administered in the final analysis by the administrative state and the federal judiciary.

The Founders had a different understanding, at least when it came to natural rights such as religious liberty. Natural is this context means that the foundation of the right lies in our human nature as created by God. The natural right to religious liberty, in other words, is not granted by government; it is a part of the natural fabric of the created moral order, an order in which rights and duties are reciprocal. A just government recognizes this preexisting order; it does not create it.

James Madison, the most philosophically articulate Founder on religious freedom, stated the matter most clearly. What is here a right towards men, Madison explained, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. Because we are first and foremost children of the Creator, our first allegiance is always to God. The political institutions we create and the civic obligations we impose, accordingly, must recognize our preexisting sacred duties. Our politics must remain limited in its aims out of respect and deference to higher claims of religious authority. We have a political right to religious liberty because we have more sacred and sovereign duties to God.

When government acts within its proper domain, religious citizens can be accommodated from burdensome laws, but they have no right to be exempted from otherwise constitutional laws.

For the Founders, then, the right of religious liberty imposes limits on the states authority. Congress shall make no law . . . prohibiting the free exercise of religion because political authorities cannot legitimately exercise direct authority over religious exercises as such.

Congress  and the states, via the Fourteenth Amendments application of the First Amendment against them  lacks legitimate authority to regulate any aspect of religious worship, including by whom, how, where, and when it is performed. Government officials, accordingly, have no authority to punish an individual for improper worship or to command an individual to worship. How, or whether, individuals worship is not, properly speaking, a direct concern of government. It cannot be, since we the people do not  indeed, could not  give government that authority. That is what it means for the people to retain their inalienable rights.

This absence of jurisdiction that prohibits regulation of worship as such is also why the Founders said government cannot establish a religion. The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause together articulate the limits on government authority needed to safeguard individuals natural right to religious liberty. Just as government cannot regulate religious practices, it cannot legitimately license preachers or employ official religious ministers as agents of the state, to take two classic examples of what constitutes an establishment of religion.

The Founders understood these limitations on governmental authority to be categorical, which is why they declared that Congress shall make no law . . . . For the Founders, no law really means no law; since government lacks authority to regulate religious exercises or license ministers, it can never legitimately do so. But the categorical character of religious liberty also means that its scope is relatively narrow. When government acts within its proper domain, religious citizens can be accommodated from burdensome laws, but they have no right to be exempted from otherwise constitutional laws. Likewise, if government cooperates with religious institutions to accomplish an otherwise legitimate civic end, no constitutional barrier is trespassed. The Founders understood the inalienable natural rights of religious liberty only to require the state to remain within its proper sphere. When it does so, legislation can affect religion in ways that religious citizens (just like other citizens) might find either advantageous or unwelcome.

The Supreme Courts Understanding of Religious Liberty

The Supreme Court, however, has long departed from the Founders understanding. Starting in the 1940s, the Court expanded the Establishment Clause by reading it to prohibit government policies from advancing religion, even if those policies pursue an otherwise legitimate civic purpose. It increasingly assumed that the federal government must be neutral between religion and irreligion. The Court also expanded the Free Exercise Clause in the 1960s, ruling that it means religious individuals must not always obey legitimate laws that they find burdensome. Today, this interpretation is often criticized by liberals and embraced by conservatives.

The Establishment Clause should not be read as a mandate to discriminate against religion.

In perhaps its most famous wall of separation decision, Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), the Court held that a Catholic school could not receive state funds even to support the teaching of mathematics and other nonreligious subjects. Because money is fungible, the majority opinion held, public funds at religious schools might end up supporting religious education indirectly, thus violating taxpayers rights to freedom from religion. For the same reasons, in more recent years the Courts liberal justices voted to prohibit religious schools from participating in state-funded school-voucher programs in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris (2002), and, in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer (2017), voted to uphold state constitutional provisions that mandate the exclusion of religious institutions and schools from participating in government-funded programs  even innocuous ones, such as programs to improve the safety of school playgrounds.

Following the Founders would lead to a much more common-sense result: if a government policy pursues a valid civic purpose and if religious individuals or institutions qualify to participate in the policy under nonreligious criteria, they shouldnt be disqualified on account of their religious character. The Establishment Clause should not be read as a mandate to discriminate against religion.

The same kind of rule, in reverse, should apply to the Free Exercise Clause. Many social conservatives understand the right of religious liberty to mean a right of religious individuals and institutions to be exempt from laws that burden their religious beliefs or commitments. The locus of such arguments today is LGBT+ non-discrimination laws, which many traditional and orthodox Jews, Christians, and Muslims find impossible to comply with fully. Most exemption litigation today falls under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, not the First Amendment. Nonetheless, social conservatives basic argument remains the same: religious liberty means that individuals ought to be exempt from otherwise valid but religiously burdensome laws.

The Founders, again, would have held a narrower view of the rights of religious liberty, at least at the level of natural rights. If and when the government passes valid laws that pursue a legitimate civic purpose, the Founders held that religious individuals and institutions have no natural or constitutional right to be exempt from them. The Founders recognized that the rule of law is not perfectly just and that, in some circumstances, exemptions from generally applicable laws might be prudent  for example, Quakers were commonly exempted from militia service during the Founding era. Such exemptions, however, were not understood to be a matter of constitutional right. The Free Exercise Clause was not meant to be a religious-privilege provision.

* * *

Church-state issues remain a front in our culture wars, in part, because it is easy to see the unfairness of each sides position. Court liberals seek to prevent religious individuals from participating in our civic life on equal terms. They unjustly penalize religious citizens to advance an exaggerated notion of freedom from religion. Court conservatives seek to exempt religious individuals from the civic obligation of following duly enacted law. Doing so extends special privileges to religious individuals alone, violating basic notions of equality and fairness.

. . . [T]he Founders more modest approach to religious liberty . . . would emphasize legislative compromise and downplay the role of the judiciary and special-interest law firms. Religious and nonreligious citizens would have to learn to get along better and attempt to work together and adopt laws that can apply to everyone equally.

Adopting the Founders approach certainly would not satisfy everyone. Liberals would have to accept that freedom from religion means that one cannot be coerced to go to church  not that one can eliminate the presence of religion from the public square. Conservatives would have to accept that religious freedom means only that government cannot impose targeted disabilities on religion  not that one is entitled to exemptions from otherwise valid laws.

Perhaps the Founders more modest approach to religious liberty would satisfy no one. It would emphasize legislative compromise and downplay the role of the judiciary and special-interest law firms. Religious and nonreligious citizens would have to learn to get along better and attempt to work together and adopt laws that can apply to everyone equally. Social conservatives would have to focus on preventing the passage of laws that they find oppressive, not on getting exemptions from them once theyre on the books.

Its possible that such an approach would only inflame more political disagreement, that religious and nonreligious citizens are so far apart that the best we can hope for is to vigorously assert ones own conception of rights and defeat the other side in court. But that approach hasnt worked well for anyone. For more than three generations, weve attempted to ignore the Founders wisdom on these questions. Given the current state of our partisan divisions, isnt their approach worth another try?

Vincent Phillip Munoz is the Tocqueville Associate Professor of Political Science and a Concurrent Associate Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. The Founding Director of Notre Dames Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government, he is completing a book titled Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment Religion Clauses.

This essay may be republished for free with attribution. (These terms do not apply to outside articles linked on the site.) Images and photos that appear with this essay are not available for republishing.
President Joe Biden removes his mask to speak from the Treaty Room in the White House about the withdrawal of the remainder of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in Washington on April 14, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/Abacapress.com)

Biden Calls George Floyds Family After Chauvin Verdict

President Joe Biden phoned family members of George Floyd after a jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges in Floyds death.

Were all so relieved, not just one verdict but all three. Guilty on all three counts. Its really important, Biden said during the call posted online by Floyds family attorney Ben Crump.

Im anxious to see you guys. Were going to get a lot more done. Were going to do a lot. Were going to stay at it until we get it done.

Crump told Biden that he believes the outcome of the trial would spur momentum for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

You got it, pal. That and a lot more. Not that just that, but a lot more, Biden replied.

The president was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris in the call.

In Georges name and memory we are going to make sure his legacy is in tact and that history will look back at this moment, Harris told the family.

But we really do believe that with your leadership and the president that we have in the White House that were going to make something good come out of this tragedy.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and third-degree murder after jurors spent about eight hours and 20 minutes over two days deliberating the verdict. The most serious charge, second-degree murder, has a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The former Minneapolis police officer was on trial for the death of Floyd, 45, who died on May 25, 2020, while in police custody. He was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill at a nearby store but refused to be placed in a patrol car. He was restrained on the ground by Chauvin and other officers next to the car.

Bystander footage showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck and back for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd complained that he couldnt breathe and eventually stopped breathing.

The other officers who were there that dayTou Thao, Thomas Lane, and Alexander Kuengare scheduled to go on trial for aiding and abetting murder charges later this year.

Floyds death sparked nationwide protests and riots calling for police reform. More than 1,000 buildings were burned or otherwise damaged in Minneapolis alone during the unrest. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared an emergency on April 19 because of concerns about potential fresh rioting.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
by Francis Khoo Thwe

Soldiers detonated bombs, burned motorcycles, stole valuables and arrested the inhabitants of Khin Gyi. Same situation in Shan and Kayah villages. Today the "blue shirt" campaign and day of remembrance. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military junta, will travel to Jakarta for an ASEAN meeting. Human rights parliamentarians call for invitation to government of national unity, which the junta dubbed as "outlawed".

Mandalay (AsiaNews) - The inhabitants of the village of Khin Gyi, in the Mandalay region, suffered a raid by army soldiers yesterday. The village is known for its opposition to the coup and villagers have been on a civil disobedience strike.

Two days ago, five military vehicles arrived in the village and detonated some bombs. Yesterday they returned setting fire to all the motorcycles and searching homes, stealing anything of value (money, gold, silver, etc. ..). In the afternoon, they returned again and arrested 40 villagers who had taken refuge in the forest in the morning.

Many other villages in the Shan, Kayah and southern areas suffer the same fate. Some villages are completely destroyed. Many inhabitants are now forced to live in the forest.

The junta's attempt is to eliminate the resistance, demonstrations and civil disobedience, which is causing the country's economy, for the most part under military control, to collapse.

Today the Mandalay Civil Hospital is surrounded by soldiers. In addition to checks they are stopping, interrogating - and arresting - all the doctors who carry out the strike.

But even this has failed to quell the uprising. A demonstration in favor of the new government of national unity (NUG) was held today in Amarapura (Mandalay). It was attended by young people, adults, Buddhist monks and nuns.

Throughout the day today on social media the "blue shirt" campaign and day of remembrance is celebrated: the demonstrators are photographed wearing a blue shirt or t-shirt and with the name of a prisoner written on their hand. The campaign is in honor of democratic activist Win Tin, who died on April 21, 2014, after being imprisoned for 19 years. On his release, he promised to always wear a blue shirt until all political prisoners were free.

According to the latest updates from the Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners, those arrested since the first day of the coup (February 1) are 3,261; among these there are also 20 sentenced to death. The number of people who have been killed rose to 738.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military junta, will travel to Jakarta for a meeting of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). It would be the first time that the coup leader has participated in an international rally. For many opponents in Myanmar and international observers, his participation represents official government recognition of him.

So far, ASEAN has not recognized the government of Min Aung Hlaing, but neither has it condemned it, preferring to follow the principle of "non-interference in the internal affairs" of another country. But Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei have spoken out against the junta's violence on civilians.

The new government of national unity - which the junta dismisses as illegal - has asked Asean to be recognized as the true representative government of the Burmese people.

A group of "ASEAN parliamentarians for human rights" issued a statement calling for the NUG to be invited to the Jakarta meeting. "ASEAN - says the statement - cannot adequately discuss the situation in Myanmar without listening and speaking with the national unity government".
Two Athens residents face multiple charges after the Limestone County Sherffs Office says they hired two men to attack an elderly man they previously had assaulted.

Billy Joe BJ Carruth, 49, and Brittney Nicole Clem, 42, were arrested after being identified as suspects in the Oct. 17, 2020, assault of an elderly man, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office said the victim was later offered $500 to drop the charges against Carruth and Clem.

He refused.

That led the pair to hire Ian Van Hunter and Jonathan Colby Parsons to assault the victim on April 13 to scare him into dropping the charges, the sheriffs office said.

Hunter and Parsons also robbed a witness to their assault of the original victim, authorities said. Parson was arrested April 14 and Hunter was arrested on April 15. Both face multiple charges.

Carruth was charged with bribing a witness, intimidating a witness, and criminal conspiracy to commit assault. He is being held in the Limestone County Detention Center on a $255,000 bond.

Clem was charged with bribing a witness, intimidating a witness, and criminal conspiracy to commit assault. She also is being held in the Limestone County Detention Center on a $255,000 bond.
[April 20, 2021] Franklin Resources, Inc. to Announce Second Quarter Results on May 4, 2021

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Franklin Resources, Inc. (the "Company") [NYSE:BEN] will release its second quarter 2021 operating results. A written commentary on the results will also be available via investors.franklinresources.com at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. In addition, Jenny Johnson, President and CEO; Greg Johnson, Executive Chairman; Matthew Nicholls, Executive Vice President and CFO; and Adam Spector, Executive Vice President - Global Advisory Services and Head of Global Distribution will lead a live teleconference at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to answer questions of a material nature. Access to the teleconference will be available via investors.franklinresources.com or by dialing (833) 350-1245 in the U.S. and Canada or (236) 712-2205 internationally. A replay of the teleconference can also be accessed by calling (800) 585-8367 in the U.S. and Canada or (416) 621-4642 internationally using ccess code 3991013, after 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 4, 2021 through May 11, 2021, or via investors.franklinresources.com. Analysts and investors are encouraged to review the Company's recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and to contact Investor Relations at (650) 312-4091 before the live teleconference for any clarifications or questions related to the earnings release or written commentary.



About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN], is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the Company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience and approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021. The Company posts information that may be significant for investors in the Investor Relations and News Center sections of its website, and encourages investors to consult those sections regularly. For more information, please visit investors.franklinresources.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006232/en/

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Myanmar: Four adaptation opportunities can be taken to build resilience to climate change

by Georgina Wade

April 21,2021 | Source: Prevention Web

Myanmar has experienced a number of extreme weather events in recent years, many of which are likely to worsen with climate change. In 2019, the country suffered record pre-monsoon heat. The city of Yangon recorded 42 degrees Celsius in April  a new record for the city. Dozens of people were admitted to hospital with symptoms of heatstroke, and seven individuals died in the Yangon and Bago regions due to the extreme temperatures. In 2008, Cyclonic Storm Nargis caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar. 84,500 people were killed, and 53,800 went missing. In 2015, severe flooding affected twelve out of Myanmars 14 states, resulting in about 103 deaths and displacing up to a million people.The Earth is getting warmer, meaning that extreme weather events are likely to become more severe. Adaptation efforts are essential for Myanmar to build its resilience to climate change, and achieve its development objectives. As climate impacts become more severe, Myanmar cannot afford inaction. The country does have opportunities to build its resilience to climate change, many of which are low-cost and can result in positive co-benefits. Here are four adaptation opportunities that have the potential to make a significant difference to the lives and livelihoods of Myanmars population.



1. Invest in Nature-based Solutions



Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.[1] NbS have a variety of co-benefits that can range from biodiversity conservation, decreases in water runoff, the creation of new jobs, and poverty reduction. For example, Myanmars mangroves can protect shorelines from damaging storms and hurricanes by dissipating the energy from waves and winds and preventing erosion by stabilising sediments with their tangled root systems. Mangroves provide nursery habitats for many wildlife species, including commercial fish and crustaceans, contributing to sustaining the local abundance of fish and shellfish populations. Restoring these natural habitats provides a valuable opportunity for building resilience and fisher livelihoods.



2. Ensure that new infrastructure is climate-resilient



Climate-resilient infrastructure is planned, designed, built, and operated in a way that anticipates, prepares for, and adapts to changing climate conditions. Myanmar needs to upgrade existing infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities and adapt to a changing climate and reduce emissions through greener transport systems. Furthermore, ensuring the resilience of infrastructure protects them from further climate-related damages. For example, changing the composition of road surfaces can prevent them from deforming in high temperatures.



3. Strengthen community knowledge management



Knowing how to use the tools for change is just as important as having them. There is an urgent need to foster knowledge and design management techniques into planning. Technological innovation and establishing institutional arrangements can help strengthen Myanmars capacity to adapt. Providing vulnerable communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources to mitigate the risks of and recover from climate shocks, and stresses will empower them and strengthen their resilience to climate change impacts. Additionally, educating people about different adaptation practices, such as pursuing sustainable farming methods or using new resilience infrastructure, doesnt require any physical infrastructure to be built, making for adaptation that is low-cost, high impact and long-lasting.



4. Secure finance



Myanmar needs finance and support to adapt to climate change and pursue low-carbon development. Whilst adaptation finance to developing countries is available, it needs to increase significantly, and improvements need to be made to make it more accessible. At this years United Nations Climate Change Conference, discussions over delivering the $100 billion finance target will take place. With Myanmar on track to experience worsening impacts of climate change, the country will need to develop investable adaptation projects that can attract finance from the principal climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF).



International co-operation is needed



Climate change has already resulted in loss of life and damage to Myanmars economy and put its renowned biodiversity and natural resources under increased pressure. The countrys exposure to climate impacts is high, meaning that swift adaptation efforts are necessary to protect the lives and livelihoods of its population. These efforts need to be made across all parts of Myanmars economy and society and become fully integrated into its development planning to ensure its development. Myanmar will need support from the international community to realise these goals, particularly in the form of climate finance, technology and capacity transfers from wealthy countries. This years COP26 will be significant. Coming five years after the Paris Agreement came into force, it represents the deadline for countries to renew their carbon reduction pledges, and increase their ambition towards meeting the 1.5?C temperature target. For countries like Myanmar, co-operation with other climate-vulnerable nations will be important to ensure they are able to hold wealthy to account, putting pressure on them to meet their obligations and limit the damage that will result from climate change.
A 27-year-old Kazakh woman is fighting traditional attitudes in seeking justice against five men she accuses of trying to kidnap and force her into marriage.

Bride kidnapping is a common practice in Kyrgyzstan and parts of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, even though the long-standing practice is prohibited by law.

Among the men that Aruzhan -- who asked that her real name not be used to protect her privacy -- accuses of trying to abduct her in July 2020 is a co-worker at a military unit in the southeastern Almaty Province.

"I got a phone call from my colleague who asked me to make a cake for his brother's birthday," says Aruzhan, who supplements her income as a civilian contractor by baking cakes. "I didn't have time as I was going to visit a friend, but my colleague insisted that he would give me a lift to my friend's house if I made the cake."

Aruzhan's colleague picked her up at a village bus stop near her home. As they drove to an intersection near the Kulzhin highway, four other men got into the car.

The colleague said they were friends of his "who happened to be hitchhiking." Aruzhan says she became suspicious when the car "took a wrong turn."

She immediately demanded the man stop the vehicle. "He pulled over to the side of the road and said, 'We're going to snatch you.'"

"Snatching a bride" -- or bride kidnapping -- is a banned but widespread custom in some parts of southern Kazakhstan in which a man, usually with the help of a few friends, captures a woman of his choice for marriage.

In some cases, it's just a pre-wedding ritual performed by the groom and his friends after getting the woman's consent. But many cases involve nonconsensual kidnappings, with the victims targeted and forced into marriage against their will.

Most bride-kidnapping cases in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan go unreported. The victims often stay in these marriages because returning home would bring shame to the woman and her family in the conservative societies in which they live.

Dreading such an outcome, Aruzhan says she tried to fight back. "I jumped out of the car but the men tried to force me back into it." She says she resisted their attempts by holding tight onto some racks atop the car, crying, and pleading with the men to let her go.

Hundreds of vehicles passed by on a busy highway leading to Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, but no one "stopped to help me," Aruzhan says. "I was begging them for help, but people just recorded me on their mobile phones as they drove by."

Finally, Aruzhan's colleague got a phone call from the police, who demanded the men report to the nearest police station. "We found out later that someone called the police and gave the license plate number of my colleague's car, and police found his name and phone number," Aruzhan says.

The men took Aruzhan to the Talgar district police station. Despite the bruises and scratches on Aruzhan's arms, police let the men go free.

Aruzhan filed a formal complaint against the men.

Police Inaction

Aruzhan was summoned to the police station two days later. An investigator assigned to the case advised her to withdraw the complaint to avoid "being summoned thousands of more times." She rejected his advice -- but the case was still closed.

According to documents obtained by RFE/RL, the district police concluded that the suspects in the kidnapping case were not "subject to criminal liability" because they "voluntarily decided to abandon their intended act [of kidnapping]."

RFE/RL contacted the Almaty regional police office about Aruzhan's case. The regional police said they supported the Talgar officials' decision to close the case.

In September, Aruzhan submitted a complaint to the district prosecutor's office, accusing police of mishandling her case. A new probe was launched in November. But in March she found out that the authorities had again decided to close it without pressing charges. She was again told the men had not committed a crime.

Aruzhan says she was left traumatized by the incident and is disappointed in the authorities' attitude toward her case. She fears her kidnappers might come back for revenge after her multiple complaints. Since the death of her father three years ago, Aruzhan lives with her mother.

Many people in that small rural community are aware of the kidnapping attempt and Aruzhan believes police inaction toward her abductors sets a bad precedent. She says it emboldens other potential bride kidnappers who see that men can get away with trying to snatch a woman for marriage.

Despite her fears and failure thus far, Aruzhan is determined to continue her fight until the perpetrators face trial. In Kazakhstan, nonconsensual bride-kidnapping is a criminal offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.

"What happened to me can happen to any other young woman here," she says. "The offenders must be punished for their actions so they don't try the same thing with other women in the future."

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on an interview conducted by Ayan Kalmurat of RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - China's Ant Group has sealed a deal to acquire a 5% stake in the Brazilian loyalty program Dotz, according to a securities filing on Wednesday.

Dotz and Alibaba's payment affiliate Ant Group have also signed a business cooperation agreement, in which both companies explore, for instance, new opportunities for digital financial services in Brazil.

Dotz has just launched an initial public offering of roughly 815 million reais ($146.35 million) and plans to start trading on the Sao Paulo stock exchange on May 13.

Dotz set its price range between 16.20 reais and 21.40 reais per share. If it prices the IPO at the top of the range, Dotz may be valued at up to 3 billion reais.

The Brazilian company said the deal depends on the conclusion of the IPO.

According to the deal terms, Ant will appoint an executive to Dotz's board of directors, as well as the co-head of the company's committee of strategy.

Ant Group will also have an option to buy an additional 10% stake in Dotz in up to 24 months after the IPO.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Dotz has 20 million active users. Besides a loyalty program, it is a marketplace and a financial startup.

BTG Pactual, Itau BBA, Credit Suisse and UBS BB are managing the IPO.

($1 = 5.5687 reais)

(Reporting by Carolina Mandl; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
"Early on, we were in a Marshalls and somebody said, Hey CT Property Sisters, and we were so excited. Now, eight years later, we get that all the time, Mikell Germond said. She is one half of the Wallingford-based real estate duo know as the CT Property Sisters.

Inspired by their mutual love of HGTV (they even met the famous Property Brothers at a book signing once), Germond and her other half, Megan Foggitt, decided to change careers and pursue a joint path in real estate. They have been working in real estate since 2013, first with Harriman Real Estate and now with Margaret Bennett Realty.

It all started with our love of homes and how we can make that a career for both of us, said Germond, while her sister called the move a turning point for both of them.

Upon beginning their careers in the industry, the pair decided on how best to brand their realty services in a way that built on their sisterhood.

When you start in real estate, no one is giving you clients, said Foggitt. It was the two of us, and we were like, Were a team and were going to do everything together.

Starting with family and friends as their first clients, Foggitt and Germond began their foray into the Wallingford real estate market promoting their two-heads-are-better-than-one approach to working with home buyers and sellers. Eventually, they landed on the moniker CT Property Sisters. Looking back, Germond said they are grateful for the team name they chose and the recognition it has given them.

It is kind of cool because there are a million realtors," Germond said. "For us, we felt like it really worked that we were sisters, that we were a team and that we had a recognizable, trendy name because its all about promoting yourself  thats how you get business, you want people to know youre there.

They put that name to use on social media, attempting to build a presence on both Facebook and Instagram that is equal parts informative and relatable. Foggitt said that while they will share house listings, deposits and closings, they also interact with their followers beyond a passing post, especially on Instagram  something she thinks has attracted most of their business.

Instagram stories seem to be where most of the interaction happens, she said. Also, because we post all the time for people to ask us questions and take advantage [of us] as real estate professionalswe get so many people in Instagram messages that reach out and then years later, theyll reach out again and be like OK, were ready to buy now. They had used us as an informational resource, and then they come back.

Realtor and broker Margaret Bennett said that the brand the sisters have built have served both them and her agency well.

They have the ability to leverage social media to help with brand recall, raise awareness for client listings, work on behalf of their buyers and generate sales," she said. "They have both done an amazing job in the office and online.

When clients do come knocking on their door for house hunting help, Foggitt said the duo starts a group text message for the buyers to share some of the homes theyd like to see. From there, the sister that can show the house hunters a home first takes them; this way, Foggitt said their customers never have to waste time waiting simply to tour a property. And, they make sure to stick with their buyers through every part of the home buying process even the less glamorous parts of the job.

More for you Real Estate Cash offers and skipped inspections: CT real estate...

Were not wearing a pantsuit to your home inspection, Foggitt said. I will have snow boots on, and I will be getting down on the ground to look at that furnace with you.

Foggitt and Germond acknowledge, however, that while they like to be available for their clients as much as they can be, pulling this off can be difficult in a market that is something of a race.

This market makes our jobs challenging because homes are selling so quickly that you need to be available at the drop of a dime to get your clients in before it sells, Foggitt said. Also, since homes are selling so quickly, your buyers are limited to make a decision after only viewing the home for 15-30 minutes. More often than not, there isnt time for a second viewing.

Add in the general changes made to house viewing due to COVID-19, and the realty team has found much to adapt to. With open houses limited, virtual tours more common and limited people inside for both showings and closings, Foggitt and Germond agreed that the hardest part for them is not being able to accompany their clients on closing day.

Closings are the best part of the transaction. The buyers are so happy, and its the final step of the transaction, Foggitt said. Its sad to miss that final step.

While they assume virtual tours will be here to stay even as traditional open houses start to resume, for the CT Property Sisters have their eyes on what their future as a real estate duo might look like. To Foggitt, some find their goal surprising.

We want to be that status of the people who have been in the business 20-30 years, she said. Sometimes it shocks people that our goal isnt to own our own company. I think we do a good job of making the brand for ourselves while still just working for a broker as opposed to opening our own.

They also hope to keep making that name for themselves by helping clients all over Connecticut purchase the property best suited to their needs, something they have kept track of on a state map hanging in Germonds house since their start eight years ago. But for both Foggitt and Germond, the future is not distracting them from the present, and while the present market is far from the ease of house hunting on HGTV, Germond said their job is to take the pressure off.

I was with clients, and they were new and I had only been with them to see a couple houses, she said. They were like, We feel like were friends, and thats why we like you  Because when youre house hunting and seeing houses, we have all the knowledge, we have all the information, were doing our job, but also we want you to feel comfortable.
So far this year, Manitoba has invited 2,269 immigration candidates to apply for a nomination through its PNP.

Manitoba PNP invites Skilled Workers Overseas and Express Entry candidates So far this year, Manitoba has invited 2,269 immigration candidates to apply for a nomination through its PNP.

Manitoba PNP invites Skilled Workers Overseas and Express Entry candidates So far this year, Manitoba has invited 2,269 immigration candidates to apply for a nomination through its PNP.

Manitoba PNP invites Skilled Workers Overseas and Express Entry candidates So far this year, Manitoba has invited 2,269 immigration candidates to apply for a nomination through its PNP. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Manitoba held an unusual draw on April 19.

Through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) the Province invited 399 candidates who may be eligible for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Typically, Manitoba holds three Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws at a time, and only invites a handful of Express Entry candidates. The new draw did not include any Skilled Workers in Manitoba nor International Education Stream candidates.

Also, the province had different Expression of Interest (EOI) score requirements depending on whether invited candidates were invited through strategic recruitment initiatives, or if they already had an Express Entry profile.

Here are the results of the new MPNP draw:

30 candidates invited under a strategic recruitment initiative with an EOI score of at least 703; and

369 Express Entry candidates invited with an EOI score of at least 612.

Express Entry candidates will only be eligible to receive the provincial nomination if their profile is still valid when the MPNP assesses their application. All invited candidates have 60 days from when they receive their Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) to apply for the provincial nomination.

Manitoba immigration programs

Manitoba has a number of immigration programs dedicated to attracting international talent to settle in the province. The provincial government manages its immigration through the MPNP, which supports immigration applications to the federal government. Canadian provinces do not have the ability to give out permanent residency status, but they can help an application along by issuing provincial nominations.

If you want to benefit from a nomination from Manitoba, you need to register an Expression of Interest with the MPNP. This puts you in a position to receive an LAA through the Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams.

Manitoba then ranks candidates out of 1,000 points for their human capital factors, as well as their connections to the province.

The Skilled Workers Overseas Category and Skilled Workers in Manitoba streams are designed to allow the province to identify candidates who meet its labour market needs.

Candidates overseas need to demonstrate connections to Manitoba through the likes of close family ties, previous experience in the province, or an invitation through one of Manitobas Strategic Recruitment Initiatives. You do not need to be living in Manitoba at the time of your application to be eligible.

In order to receive an invitation under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category, you need to have a full-time job offer from a provincial employer.

International graduates who complete education in Manitoba can receive an LAA under the International Education Stream if they demonstrate that they have in-demand skills.

Manitoba invites Express Entry candidates

Express Entry is the main way Canada manages skilled worker applications. It is possible to skip the PNP process and receive a permanent residence invitation by applying through Express Entry directly. However, having a provincial nomination effectively guarantees that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will invite you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry is an application management system for three federal immigration programs. When you submit your profile, you are then ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors like your age, work experience, education, and language skills.

The highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.

You gain an additional 600 CRS points if you receive a provincial nomination from a PNP, such as Manitobas. This award is high enough to allow you to receive an Invitation to Apply in an Express Entry draw.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
A white bus driver in Louisiana has lost her job after allegedly racially taunting a sixth-grade student.

The alleged incident took place in St. Bernard on April 9, when Rashad Gabriel ran to catch the bus to Trist Middle School in the morning. By the time he boarded, he was breathing hard and his face mask and slipped beneath his nose.

The bus driver reportedly scolded 11-year-old Rashad for his mask, who tried to explain he was out of breath from running.

'Since George Floyd, that's what you all say, but I don't see a knee on your neck,' the driver allegedly told the young black boy.

The racist comment was allegedly made on the school bus on April 9 (stock)

Rashad's mother Rose Gabriel was furious when her son told her what had happened.

'I just started crying,' Gabriel told WWL. 'Don't make him feel inferior. He's not inferior to nothing.

'He's equal to any of those students on that bus.'

The remarks were reportedly heard by Rashad's fellow students and caught on the onboard bus camera, although footage from the bus has not been made available to the public.

On Monday, Gabriel drove Rashad to school to avoid the driver and reported the comment to the St. Bernard Parish School District.

When confronted, the bus driver admitted she made the comment, Gabriel said.

She has since lost her job.

The driver's comment related to George Floyd was killed last May when police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck, with Floyd memorably saying 'I can't breathe' prior to passing out.

Chauvin was convicted of three charges related to the death of Floyd on Tuesday, for which he could spend up to 75 years in jail.

Opening statements in the trial took place on March 29, just a week and a half before the bus incident, when the trial was already capturing the nation's attention.

11-year-old Rashad was en-route to Trist Middle School (pictured) when the bus driver made an alleged crack about George Floyd after Rashad claimed to be out of breath

Meanwhile, School Superintendent Doris Voitier voiced her disgust over the driver's racist comments.

'I can't defend that. I don't condone that,' Voitier said. 'What she said is offensive and inappropriate. It was racially insensitive. And we took appropriate action.'

Gabriel, meanwhile, was pleased by the resolution of the matter.

'It made me relieved that I know she's no long on the bus with my son or anybody else's child,' Gabriel said.
Since starring in critically-acclaimed films such as Star Wars, Marriage Story, and Silence, Adam Driver has ascended to the top of Hollywoods A-list. The talented actor initially gained widespread popularity for his supporting role in Lena Dunhams hit HBO series Girls, but transitioned into film after the show took off.

Even though Driver primarily works on films now, he started his career in theatre after attending Julliard in New York City. He still has a deep love for theatre, and frequently talks about his experiences on Broadway have helped inform his roles in movies.

However, even though a ton of his experience comes from his days on Broadway, Drivers first time performing actually dates back before then. During said performance, Drivers only line of dialogue was calling someone a turkey.

Adam Driver had to call someone a turkey during his first-ever performance

Adam Driver arrives at the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures This Is Where I Leave You at TCL Chinese Theatre | Jason Kempin/Getty Images

RELATED: Adam Driver Once Revealed the 1 Thing He Wishes He Could Tell His Younger Self

Driver talked about his first-ever performance during an interview with Rolling Stone.

It was with my family actually, Driver said. My dad, my sister, and myself  They did a skit for [a] playI dont know what it was aboutfor church. Im remembering this as were talking about it, actually

According to Driver, the only line he had in the church play was to call one of his neighbors a turkey, as the cast wasnt allowed to use profanity.

And they were arguing about someone that they didnt want to see at church, and they called him a turkey, cause its church. And then that guy knocks on the door and comes to their house. I dont know what the moral, the lesson was. And then my line was to stop playing with my toys and say Mom and dad, its the turkey. I got a big laugh, and it felt really good.

The first play he ever saw was Annie Get Your Gun

Later in the interview, Driver also recalled his first time seeing a play, which likely inspired his initial interest in acting.

The first Broadway play I ever saw was Streetcar Named Desire with Natasha Richardson and John C. Riley, Driver recalled. I think the first time I saw a playthis is getting foggytheres this theatre called the Red Barn Theatre. It was a production of Annie Get Your Gun. That was the first play that my parents took me to see.

His first professional performance happened while he was at Julliard

Prior to starring in movies, Driver had to work his way into the acting business. He attended Julliard, which was also where he landed his first real acting gig.

Well, technically, when I was at school, at Julliard I auditioned for a play called Cypher, I think. That was the first professional job I got. I think I made $200, Driver said. I think I bought a pair of Air Jordans with it? Or maybe that was later. It was either that or Law & Order wouldve been my first TV job.
Chrissy Teigen has been keeping in touch with pal Kim Kardashian amid her ongoing divorce from estranged husband Kanye West.

And the model and social media sensation, 35, shed light on the shocking split during a remote Watch What Happens Live appearance on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to host Andy Cohen, Chrissy divulged: 'Kim is doing okay. I know Kim gave her all for everything. It's honestly a shame that it didn't work out because I saw them being a forever relationship. I really did, but I know she tried her best.'

Keeping in touch: Chrissy Teigen has been keeping in touch with pal Kim Kardashian amid her ongoing divorce from estranged husband Kanye West (Kim and Chrissy, pictured in 2018)

The KUWTK star, 40, famously filed for divorce from the rapper, 43, on February 19 following a six-year-plus marriage, asking for joint custody of the kids. Earlier this month, Kanye finally responded to her petition.

During her Watch What Happens Live appearance, a fan asked Chrissy about the status of John's long-time friendship with West.

And although she did not give a direct answer, the Cravings CEO seemingly suggested that John and Kanye have fallen out of touch in recent months.

Split: The KUWTK star, 40, famously filed for divorce from the rapper, 43, on February 19 following a six-year-plus marriage, asking for joint custody of the kids. Earlier this month, Kanye finally responded to her petition; Kim and Kanye pictured in 2016

Dishing: The model and social media sensation, 35, shed light on the shocking split during a remote Watch What Happens Live appearance on Tuesday evening.

She said: 'I will say I have definitely been in touch with Kim more than John has been in touch with Kanye. If anyone knows Kanye, it's that he goes off the grid and it's hard to ever contact him.'

Chrissy's comments come amid reports that Kim is being inundated with dating offers from potential future suitors, despite the fact she is 'not looking for anyone right now.'

It has also been reported that the SKIMS founder and Kanye have managed to keep 'things calm' during the ongoing divorce.

Gave her all: 'Kim is doing okay. I know Kim gave her all for everything,' Teigen revealed to host Andy Cohen; Chrissy and Kim pictured in 2015

A source told Page Six: 'People are reaching out through mutual friends and people that she's worked with to set her up with everyone from royal family members to A-list actors to athletes to billionaire CEOs. People are also trying to reach out to her via DM.'

Although the source added that Kim is 'not looking for anyone right now', they continued: 'She's not looking to jump into anything but is keeping an open mind.'

It comes after it was recently reported that Kanye is looking to date an 'artist and creative person' once their divorce is made final.

Elsewhere it has also been claimed that Kim and Kanye have managed to keep 'things calm' during their ongoing divorce.

'I will say I have definitely been in touch with Kim more than John has been in touch with Kanye,' she said of husband John Legend's relationship with West; John, Chrissy, Kim, and Kanye pictured in 2015

The duo are said to be 'getting along' during proceedings with the SKIMS founder reportedly 'happier week-by-week' since their split.

A source told People: 'Kim and Kanye are getting along. They have both stayed true to their commitment to make the best situation for the kids.

'Kim is very happy that they have managed to keep things calm. She thinks Kanye is a good dad. She wants him to be able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants.'

The source added that Kim appears 'happier' since filing for divorce and that it was the 'right decision'.

In demand! Kim is reportedly being pursued by royals, billionaires and A-lister suitors amid her ongoing divorce from estranged husband Kanye West

They said: 'For every week that goes by since she filed for divorce, Kim seems happier. She knows that filing for divorce was the right decision. The kids are doing as good as she could hope.'

MailOnline has contacted both Kim and Kanye's representatives for comment.

It comes after it was claimed that Kanye is 'super annoyed' that their split story is 'constantly presented as her divorcing him'.

A source told Page Six: 'Actually it was him saying for a year that they have nothing in common except the kids and he wanted out. She pulled all the stops to try to save the marriage.'

Offers: And now it has been claimed that Kim, who is 'not looking for anyone right now', is being inundated with dating offers from potential future suitors

The source went on to claim that Kanye let Kim 'file first in order to give her dignity.'

The new reports come just one week after the rapper finally responded to his estranged wife's February 19th divorce petition, asking for joint custody of their four children.

The rapper/fashion designer's filings are practically the same as his reality star ex's, according to TMZ, with Kanye asking for joint legal and physical custody of North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, almost two.

'Calm': It has also been reported that the SKIMS founder and Kanye have managed to keep 'things calm' during the ongoing divorce (pictured in 2019)

Joint custody would not necessarily mean a 50/50 arrangement, with Kim, likely to be their primary caretaker.

Going forward, the couple will almost certainly work out an arrangement to be approved by the court. As previously reported, the pair are committed to co-parenting.

Neither Kanye or Kim - both Forbes billionaires - will seek spousal support. Both have agreed to pay for their own legal fees.

A prenup is already in place, likely providing a strong framework for how the pair will divide their assets.

Family: Joint custody does not necessarily mean 50/50, with Kim likely to act as primary caretaker of North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, almost two

Interestingly, neither party indicated a date of separation in their filed paperwork.

Kim has hired top Hollywood divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, reportedly the inspiration for Laura Dern's Oscar-winning role in Marriage Story.

The attorney also represented her when ending her second marriage to husband Kris Humphries, which lasted only 72 days. Prior to that the star was wed to producer Damon Thomas from 2000 to 2004.

According to TMZ, Kim may get to hold on to the family's Hidden Hills home so as not to uproot the children.

Happy days: According to TMZ, Kim may get to hold on to the family's Hidden Hills home so as not to uproot the children

Kim officially filed for divorce back on February 19th, with sources saying it had been months since she and Kanye last spoke.

'It's gotten to the point where they haven't spent time together as a married couple in months,' a source told E! News in January, before things were made official.

'They've seen each other for the sake of the kids but have been living separately. Kim knows the marriage is over. She's known for a while.'


The defense minister of Russia has announced his desire to clone ancient royal fighters and their horses in a Dolly the sheep-esque project. Sergei Shoigu permitted an archaeological dig at the Tunnug burial mound that is about 3,000-year-old in the Valley of the Kings sited three years ago in Tuva, Siberia, and evidently wants to clone the migrant warriors that have been unearthed.

Organic Remnants

A modern-day shaman was supposedly drafted in to make sure the spirits weren't displeased. The oldest remnants to have been found so far dates back to the ninth century BC, as stated by The Siberian Times.

On Wednesday, April 14, at a Russian Geographical Society session, Shoigu said: "Certainly, we would like very much to discover the organic matter. I believe you know what would follow that, It would be achievable to make something of it, if not Dolly the Sheep."

Reports claimed that Vladimir Putin was present in the session on Wednesday. The 3,000-year-old burials are in the ground that has stayed frozen for two or more years ( permafrost). Because of the permafrost, it's thought the opportunity of discovering organic remnants are very high.

Also Read: The Merits of Using DNA to Revive Extinct Animals and Plants

The Permafrost

"We have carried out many expeditions there already, it is a huge international expedition. Many things have been certified, but many remains to be done," Shoigu added.

Shoigu did not say much more on the topic but said he thinks the finding will be 'very interesting.The Russian Geological Society is also positive in discovering more ancient remnants.

Talking about the Tunnug expedition on its location, the society wrote there is an increased probability of discovering stored organic matter and different artefacts beneath the rock mound because the Tunnug Kurgan is sited in the permafrost.

The third season of the expedition of the Russian Geological Society was concluded in October 2020, which was accomplished by a smaller group than planned due to the pandemic that is ongoing.

Traces of Sacrifices

In spite of this, they were capable of making' interesting finds', like traces of sacrifices. Head of the expedition, Timur Sadykov, said of the most current season the most interesting discovery was the remnants of sacrifices of a horse with the elements of horse harness.

This once again created confirmation that the cultural belonging of the kurgan up to the range of monuments of the King's Valley, plus the Arzhan-1 kurgan, where evidence of ritual horse sacrifices was also discovered.

Finally, it's uncertain just how true the Russians' professed attempt to clone an ancient soldier back to life really is. While only time will tell, a 2017 PBS report may be crucial in gauging how doubtful to be of any state-funded revelations like this.

Related Article: 5 Most Famous Cloned Animals in History

For more news, updates about cloning and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Mentos Pure Fresh Gum is based on its finding that the product is safe and that the physical action of chewing Mentos Pure Fresh Gum for 20 minutes after eating, stimulates saliva flow, which helps to prevent cavities by reducing acids and making teeth more resistant to decay.

Mentos Pure Fresh Gum is sugar free and made with xylitol, a sugar substitute from natural sources. The Mentos Gum brand is the 2nd fastest growing brand in dollar sales* in the U.S.

"Mentos Pure Fresh Gum is all about helping consumers say 'yes to fresh', and the ADA Seal of Acceptance now gives them even more reason to enjoy the refreshing taste experience of Mentos gum," said Sylvia Buxton, President & CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America.

The Seal will begin to appear on Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Spearmint and Fresh Mint flavors' 50-piece curvy bottles in the U.S., where the product is sold, with a planned start in April 2021.

See how the world stays fresh with Mentos at mentos.com and says yes to fresh on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Mentos

Mentos is 1 of the 5 most popular refreshment candy brands in the world. It's available in 160+ countries, providing refreshment to millions of consumers every day with a variety of gum, candy and mint offerings. In the U.S. Mentos Gum has been the 2nd fastest growing gum brand over the past 5 years* and is now the #5 gum brand in the U.S. chewing gum category**. In the U.S. mints category, Mentos is the most well-known brand*** with an iconic heritage that carries on with today's consumers through YouTube and social media. Visit us.mentos.com to see current Mentos products and how we encourage everyone to embrace the unexpected and say yes to Mentos freshness and fun.

Sources: *IRI MULOC Fiscal Year data 2015-2020; **IRI MULOC 26 weeks ending 1/31/2021;Kantar Brand Health Tracker, December 2020

About Perfetti Van Melle

Perfetti Van Melle Benelux B.V. is a privately-owned global company established in March 2001 through the merger of Perfetti SpA and Van Melle B.V. Perfetti Van Melle manufactures and markets sugar confectionery and chewing gum products in more than 150 countries. Today Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world's largest confectionery groups, marketing highly renowned brands such as Mentos, Frisk, Chupa Chups, Smint, Fruit-tella, Alpenliebe, Golia, Vivident, Airheads, Happydent & Big Babol. The Group has corporate headquarters in Italy and The Netherlands. U.S. operations are solely operated out of Erlanger, KY.

CONTACT:

Holly Ingram

Communications Manager

Mobile: 859.888.0626

[email protected]

SOURCE Perfetti Van Melle

Related Links

http://perfettivanmelleus.com/


Industrivarden's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on April 21, 2021, at which the following resolutions were made, among other items of business. In light of the ongoing corona pandemic and in order to minimize any risk of spreading of the corona virus, the Annual General Meeting was held only through postal voting in accordance with temporary legislation.

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.
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the hair and beauty sector in Kilkenny, where there are 568 people employed in 156 hair and beauty salons.

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) has this week written to the Government to highlight the devastating impact of the pandemic on their industry. It outlines the key supports needed to ensure the future sustainability of the sector where many businesses are challenged to remain as a viable going concern and which are further challenged by a huge increase in black market trading.

The impact on trading and the many small business in the sector throughout Ireland has been very serious. Salons and operators have not been allowed to open yet in 2021 and in 2020 were closed for 22 weeks in total, almost half of the year. The year on year comparison for 2020 against the previous years trading shows a stark impact of the virus.

HABIC has 2,500 members throughout Ireland and overall there are 9031 businesses in the sector. Economist Jim Power has produced a report for HABIC that highlights the impact of the pandemic on the sector and the numerous measures required to ensure it is sustained into the future. The economic value or GDP contribution of the sector in 2019 was 2,624 million in 2019, reduced to 1,740 million in 2020. In 2019 the industry provided 30,800 jobs and 18,480 indirectly; with these numbers reduced to 27,000 direct jobs and 16,200 indirect jobs in 2020, and decreasing.

Margaret ORourke Doherty, CEO of HABIC, said: While we recognise public health and safety is the priority, our sector has been disproportionality penalised. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 and from a total of 6.8 million services, there have only been seven outbreaks identified in the sector. We have outlined a number of measures that will have the dual impact maintaining a viable sector and at the same time protecting taxpayers in the face of a burgeoning black market trade.

Our members account for thousands of employees with a significant presence in every town and village in Ireland who provide an essential service to the community. This is a crucial time for the sector and the communities who we provide our services to. It is essential that we are allowed to properly trade into the future, she said.

Economist, Jim Power said: Covid-19 has demonstrated the importance of hair and beauty services in Irish life, from a social, economic, and mental health perspective. Following the closure of these businesses in March 2020, and the subsequent varying levels of restrictions, the financial impact on the operators has been very severe, but the impact on the national psyche has been equally severe.

There are a number of key supports required to ensure the future sustainability of the hair and beauty sectors in Ireland.
When the House voted on a Democratic police reform proposal, Katko said it was "partisan" and opposed the measure.

State Sen. John Mannion also acknowledged the need for policing reforms. New York has adopted several reforms, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order requiring local law enforcement agencies to develop reform plans. Those plans were due April 1.

Mannion, D-Geddes, said he's hopeful that Chauvin's conviction will bring closure to Floyd's family.

"Two things can be true at the same time  police officers are public servants who keep our communities safe while the institution of policing needs to be reimagined and redefined," he said. "Successful police reforms that protect the community and our officers will only come through respectful and ongoing dialogue. I will continue to work as a facilitator and participant in these conversations."

In the aftermath of Floyd's murder last year, there were marches and protests in central New York. There were several demonstrations in Syracuse and rallies were also held in Auburn.

The largely peaceful protests called for action and reform. In Auburn, local law enforcement leaders marched with attendees.
VASSAR, MI - Recent special investigations into Wolverine Human Services Clarence Fischer Center at its campus in Vassar centered on two violent altercations between a resident and a staffer in late 2020, according to documents obtained by MLive through the Freedom of Information Act.

Both investigations feature a violent incident involving individuals referred to as Staff 1 and Youth A. In both cases, the investigation established the staff member inflicted corporal punishment, a violation of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services licensing rules. Its unclear if the pseudonyms refer to the same people in both reports.

In the first investigation, stemming from a complaint received Sept. 28, 2020, Staff 1 attacked and inflicted corporal punishment on Youth A, according to the report. The report claims the staffer placed Youth A into a chokehold, pushed him into a chair and restrained him for 32 seconds before being separated by two other residents.

Another employee referred to as Supervisor 1 was found to have improperly restrained Youth A after the initial fight and to have created an inaccurate incident report regarding the situation.

CI790363049_SIR_2020C0325062 by Riley Murdock on Scribd

Accounts differ in the second incident, which the department received a complaint about on Oct. 29, 2020. In the staffers account and internal incident report, Youth A was agitated from a fight with other residents earlier in the day, and the resident is referred to having used profanity and racial slurs while threatening to harm Staff 1.

Accounts from residents claim Staff 1 threw the first punch, and accounts from staffers claim the opposite. The investigation found both Staff 1 and Youth A were the aggressors at different times, according to the report, and cited the facility for a violation of its rule prohibiting corporal punishment.

The investigation also established a violation of the facilitys program statement for Staff 1 engaging in a fight with Youth A rather than de-escalating or having other staff help prevent him from escalating it. The investigation found Staff 1 didnt have the ability to perform the duties of his position, and lacked the self-control not to fight with the resident.

CI790363049_SIR_2021C0106006 by Riley Murdock on Scribd

In a statement, Wolverine CEO Judith Fischer Wollack said the employees in question were fired immediately following the incidents and there are currently no children in the related programs. In a previous statement, Wollack said the Clarence Fischer Center only has one current resident overall.

Those two incidents involved aggressive children, Wollack said. Staff responded inappropriately, without following all Wolverine Human Services prescribed processes and procedures and were immediately terminated.

The department and Wolverine agreed to a six-month provisional license for the Clarence Fischer Center as part of a settlement agreement prior to the reports, and had to submit a corrective action plan within 15 days of receiving the reports.

MDHHS spokesman Bob Wheaton previously defined a provisional license as a status received when investigations find licensing violations serious enough that the facility is not considered in compliance, similar to being placed on probation. The Clarence Fischer Center, a non-secure residential substance abuse treatment facility for boys and girls aged 12 to 17 located in Vassar, has a 2nd provisional license, which is the same status the Wolverine Secure Treatment Center in Buena Vista Township had before the state recommended its license be revoked and it decided to close.

MDHHS recommended Wolverines Buena Vista Township treatment center have its license revoked after repeated willful and substantial violations of its rules and regulations. The most recent investigations into the facility substantiated physical abuse and safety-related licensing violations, according to investigation reports provided by the department.

Three of four remaining Wolvering facilities have open investigations, Wheaton said previously. The Clarence Fischer Center and Pioneer Work and Learn Center facilities in Vassar each have an open investigation, Wheaton said, and the Wolverine Center in Detroit, which has a 1st provisional license, has two. All are special investigations opened because of received complaints, he said.

In prior statements to MLive regarding the Buena Vista facility, Wollack repeatedly expressed strong disagreement with the states decisions and accused Michigan of holding nonprofit child welfare agencies to a different standard than those run by the state.

The Buena Vista facility, located at 2424 N. Outer Drive, is set to close by the end of the month while Wolverine appeals the recommendation. An appeal hearing is set for May 10, Wollack said previously.

Read more:

3 of 4 remaining Wolverine juvenile facilities in Michigan have open investigations, state says

Documents show abuse allegations that led to closing of Wolverine juvenile facility in Buena Vista

State recommends revoking operating license for Wolverine juvenile facility in Saginaw County
With KCR remaining in isolation after he tested Covid positive on April 19, the clearance of the files will take time. (Photo: Twitter @TelanganaCMO)

HYDERABAD: Chances of the state government employees getting enhanced salaries under new PRC this month look remote owing to procedural delays.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had announced a 30 per cent fitment (hike in basic pay) in March last week with effect from April 1. Employees were expecting new salaries for this month, on May 1.

However, officials said the modalities for implementing the new pay scales are yet to be finalised and approved at various levels. Hence, various departments have started submitting salary bills with old pay scales to the treasury from Tuesday.

It is likely that the employees have to wait till June 1 to get the new pay scales along with the April arrears.

The finance department had sent a draft file on new PRC to the chief minister for approval last week and this is pending with the CMO. With KCR remaining in isolation after he tested Covid positive on April 19, the clearance of the files will take time.

There are other matters too. The finance department has to issue a GO on pay revision, detailing the quantum of hike based on the existing pay scales. Suggestions and objections will be invited from employees about discrepancies, if any.

A committee on anomalies will be set up, which will study the GOs and address the grievances of employees. Based on this, the committee would recommend corrections, if any, in the GOs. The finance department will later release the revised GOs, based on which new salaries will be paid.

The respective departments have to submit the salary bills based on the new pay scales.

According to official sources, all these procedural issues would take at least two weeks to be sorted out and it would not be possible to pay the new salaries on May 1.
A police officer in Columbus, Ohio fatally shot a Black teenage girl on the same day that Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd.

According to WBRZ 2, the victim was Ma'Khia Bryant, 16, who died in a hospital due to her injuries. The police officer was reported to be responding to a call about an attempted stabbing, The Guardian reported.

READ NEXT: Colorado Shooting Leaves 10 Dead, Including a Police Officer

Cop Kills the Ohio Teenager

The officers went to the scene upon receiving a 911 call, reporting that a female was trying to stab them.

When the police arrived at the 3100 block of Legion Lane located north of Chatterton Road at around 4:45 p.m, a cop shot the teenage girl, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Nobody else was injured.

Before the shooting, officials said the responding cops were attempting to break up a fight. Hazel Bryant, the aunt of Ma'Khia Bryant, told The Dispatch that the teen lived in a foster home on Legion Lane and got into an altercation with someone else inside the home.

Hazel Bryant noted that her niece brandished a knife to defend herself, but she dropped the weapon before being shot four times by a cop.

The Columbus Fire medics rushed the wounded teen to Mount Carmel East Hospital. But at around 5:21 p.m., the girl was pronounced dead, New York Daily News reported.

In a tweet, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther noted that there is body-worn camera footage, and they will review it as soon as possible.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details. There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible. BCI is on the scene conducting an independent investigation . . .  Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) April 20, 2021

Ginther asked the residents to remain calm and allow the authorities to gather the facts about the incident.

Ohio Shooting Sparks Demonstration

The aunt of the Ohio teenager disclosed that the victim had called 911 because she was being abused. She added that Ma'Khia Bryant did not deserve to die "like a dog in the street."

The victim's mother, Paula Bryant, told WBNS that her daughter was an honor roll student.

The incident has sparked a demonstration. Almost 50 protesters, with some holding Black Lives Matter signs, arrived at the crime scene at around 8:30 p.m. They were reportedly chanting "Black Lives Matter" and "no justice, no peace."

"We're not going to sit here and just sit around while you kill us," a protester told The Dispatch. Apart from the crime scene, some protesters also appeared outside the Columbus Police headquarters.

The Columbus mayor noted that they still do not know the complete details of the shooting incident. Ginther said that they would immediately share any information as soon as it becomes available.

In a late-night press conference, Ginther noted that based on this footage, the police officer took action to protect another young girl in the community. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now leading the investigation into the case.

READ MORE: Colorado Shooting Suspect Was Bullied and Anti-Social, Brother Says

WATCH: Columbus Police Hold Press Conference After Officer Shoots, Kills 16-Year-Old Girl - From WKYC Channel
The NFU is calling for an investigation to ensure agriculture has not been impacted or blamed for illegal sewage discharges following the issue being raised by BBC Panorama.

'River Pollution Scandal' - aired on 12 April - appeared to show untreated sewage being illegally discharged into protected rivers in England and Wales.

The BBC programme analysed data that showed some water companies had regularly breached the conditions in their permits.

Investigators also found an incidence where a water company failed to report multiple discharges of untreated sewerage to the Environment Agency.

An NFU spokesperson said the issues raised in the Panorama programme were 'very concerning'.

The union said it had already raised concerns about misattributed pollution to Environment Agency as recently as 2019.

"We would like to be assured that full investigations are undertaken to ensure that agriculture has not been unfairly disadvantaged by, or been held accountable for, any alleged illegal discharges from sewage treatment works.

What we do know is that Britains farmers are taking their environmental responsibilities incredibly seriously," the spokesperson added.

"Significant strides have been made, with the number of serious agricultural pollution incidents nearly halved year-on-year and reduced by over 75% compared to 2000.

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts wrote to the Environment Agency in 2019 to seek assurances on self-reporting by water companies.

It follows an investigation by the UK's water regulator which found Southern Water deliberately misreported its performance at a number of sewage treatment sites.

Although the NFU did receive such assurances at the time, the union said the new allegations made in Panorama raised 'fresh questions' for water firms and the EA to answer.
China's top legislator holds talks with Egyptian house speaker

Xinhua) 16:11, April 21, 2021

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks via video link with Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy Ali al-Gebaly, in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu on Tuesday held talks with Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy Ali al-Gebaly via video link, pledging to consistently develop bilateral relations.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said since China and Egypt established diplomatic relations 65 years ago, their bilateral relations have stood the test of the changing international landscape, maintained healthy and steady development, and set a fine example of China-Arab and China-Africa relations featuring sound cooperation and mutual benefit.

Egypt holds an important position in China's overall diplomatic policy, Li said.

China stands ready to work with Egypt to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen the traditional friendship and practical cooperation across the board, and continue to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

Li called on the two countries to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and coordination, keep supporting each other on issues regarding core interests and major concerns, promote world multi-polarity and economic globalization, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

He said China is actively building a new development paradigm that will provide more space for bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting Egypt as an important part of China-Africa and China-Arab cooperation, Li said China stands ready to work with African countries and Arab countries, including Egypt, to coordinate on jointly building the Belt and Road and promote economic and social development to further develop cooperative relations between the two sides.

Li called on the NPC of China and the Egyptian House of Representatives to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges between special committees and friendly groups, promote youth exchanges and nurture forces of the new generation for friendly relations, and approve, amend and enact laws that are beneficial to bilateral relations in a timely manner.

He also called for the two legislative bodies to carry out experience exchanges on rule of law and economic development, and closely coordinate and cooperate in multilateral affairs.

Gebaly offered his congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and said Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle.

Egypt is willing to work with China to enhance cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road to secure further achievements, Gebaly said.

Gebaly highlighted China's success in fighting the pandemic and expressed the expectation of deepening anti-pandemic cooperation between the two sides.

The Egyptian side is willing to enhance cooperation between the two legislative bodies to promote the development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, Gebaly said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, a Republican, passed two election integrity bills with strict voter ID requirements. This gave the Democrats a knee-jerk reaction calling it voter suppression.

Democrat call ID laws voter suppression

Governor Gianforte of the Republican party has strengthened the Montana election with integrity bills that disallow voting without proper ID, which the DEMS don't want to happen, reported the Epoch Times.

Montana Democratic party members want to sue the state for keeping it from happening; they don't like it when voters have specific requirements, even if to safeguard the elections. Similar states like Georgia were attacked for election integrity laws getting passed.

The bill concerned is House Bill 176 that only allows later voters to register up to noon, a day before election day, and Senate Bill 169 limits what IDs can be used for voting; at times, voters will need two IDs before allowed to vote.

In a Monday tweet, Gianforte said, "Montana has a long history of secure, open elections, setting a standard for the nation."

A tweet by Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen was quoted.

"While Montana sets the bar for elections around the country, there is still space for progress, and voter ID and voter registration deadlines are best practices in ensuring election integrity."

Election attorney Marc Elias announced that a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Montana Democrats shortly after Gianforte passed the bills into law.

Elias stated in a tweet the following statement.

"Montana's Republican governor announced bilateral voter suppression legislation into law this afternoon. Tonight, we sued on behalf of the @MTDems."

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The Democrat lawsuit called Jacobsen as the defendant, and alleges the two bills are against the Montana constitution, and pleads the court to its from implementation; it called voter suppression.

According to the suit, the laws will restrict all Montana voters, especially the young voters, elderly, disable, and native communities.

The lawsuit, "there is no legitimate justification for these restrictions, let alone any sufficiently compelling interest to justify their rules on the fundamental right to vote.

SB169, in particular, limits the use of student ID cards as primary proof of identification when voting and instead needs an alternative form of photographic evidence. Examples are current utility bills, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or another government document which contains each individual's name and current address.

According to the complaint, the bills that limit voter's rights are not credible with elections or their integrity. They are not aimed at real threats to election integrity connected to the 2020 elections, said the Montana DEMS.

One of the bills' sponsors, state Rep. Sharon Greef, a Republican, said the law is about maintaining clean and free elections.

State Senator Mike Cuffe, the ID bill's sponsor, acknowledged that Montana elections are stable but said the bill was about improving the process and guaranteeing that Montana citizens vote in the state's elections.

In an April 19 statement, Cuffe was quoted on it.

"Election integrity is the rock, the backbone of our nation, and voter ID is a vital factor in ensuring Montana elections are free and fair."

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Republicans are combatting moves by Democrats to call election integrity bills voter suppression.

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OTTAWA - A Bloc Quebecois MP apologized Wednesday for taking a screenshot of a Liberal colleague who inadvertently appeared nude during virtual proceedings in the House of Commons last week.

Bloc Quebecois MP Sebastien Lemire rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, March 12, 2021. A Bloc Quebecois MP has apologized for taking a screen shot of a Liberal MP who inadvertently appeared nude during virtual proceedings in the House of Commons last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - A Bloc Quebecois MP apologized Wednesday for taking a screenshot of a Liberal colleague who inadvertently appeared nude during virtual proceedings in the House of Commons last week.

Bloc MP Sebastien Lemire rose on a point of order to apologize for breaching parliamentary rules, which prohibit taking photos or video of proceedings.

He did not specifically name the MP involved  Liberal William Amos, a fellow Quebecer who represents the Pontiac riding.

"Today I would like to apologize to the House for breaking the rules by taking a photograph of a colleague during question period on April 14, Lemire said in French.

Lemire said he's already apologized personally to Amos but added: "I nevertheless want to reiterate it publicly, to him personally, to his family, to colleagues and to anyone I may have offended."

"I have no idea how that photo made its way into the media," he added.

Amos declined to comment on Lemire's apology.

But Liberal whip Mark Holland said the apology, while welcome, doesn't resolve the issue. He said the Bloc is so far refusing to reveal with whom Lemire shared the screenshot, frustrating attempts to find out who leaked it publicly.

"It's essential we know where Mr. Lemire sent this photo," Holland said in an interview. "We do not accept that he is not going to say where he sent this."

Passing it along to the media "was potentially a criminal action" and "a horrible violation of not only the member's privilege as it relates to the rules and bylaws of the House, but a horrible violation of human dignity," Holland added.

"This is an image that has been shared around the world, has become a joke, a punchline in late-night talk shows in other countries."

Lemire and the Bloc declined further comment Wednesday.

The government has asked House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota to investigate the matter. Asked if Liberals have also asked for a police investigation, Holland said "we're now reviewing all of our options."

Rota thanked Lemire for his apology Wednesday. He said he'll come back to the House later with his findings.

Amos has said he didn't realize his camera was on when he was changing his clothes after a jog.

The image of a naked Amos was beamed to MPs tuned in to the internal parliamentary feed for that day's question period, but it could not be seen on the public feed since Amos was not addressing the Commons at the time.

Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez called for the investigation last week, describing the incident as "mean-spirited and "life-changing" for Amos.

In an interview with The Canadian Press last week, Amos said the incident sends a "terrible signal" about the corrosive nature of politics in Canada and to young people about the propriety of sharing of embarrassing, intimate photos that last forever on the internet.

New Democrat MP Leah Gazan tweeted her disapproval of Lemire's actions.

"No words. Such a disrespectful and cruel action."

Holland said there was an "incredibly short" period of time between when the photo was taken and when it was publicly disseminated, suggesting only a few people would have been in a position to share it with the media.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.
This salad-e shirazi from Samin Nosrat is bright, herbaceous and perfect for an afternoon bite.

Credit... Con Poulos for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks.
Parts of Australia have shivered through their coldest night of the year so far as temperatures plunged below freezing.

A cold front moved over the south-east across Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, hail and snow as the mercury plummeted up to 8C below the April average.

Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed Wednesday was Victoria's coldest morning so far in 2021.

Rugged up Melburnians commuted to work in chilly temperatures on Wednesday morning, where the CBD got down to 7.2C at 8am and as low as 5.2C in the city's north-west.

Further inland, Ballarat got down to an overnight low of -2C while Horsham recorded -1C.

Temperatures plummeted even further in Victoria's alpine regions as Mount Hotham and Falls Creek dropped down to -5C.

A chilly cold front has blasted Australia's south-east in recent days, bringing rain and snow. Pictured is a tourist enjoying the chilly weather in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania this week.

The ski resort at Mount Buller shared photos of the alpine village blanketed in snow with another dusting forecast on Thursday.

Melbourne will reach a top of 15C on Wednesday, 4C below the April average.

The city will warm up to 17C in the coming days but the chilly conditions will hang around for much of Australia's south-east.

'If you're in south-east Australia it's definitely time to dig out the winter woollens. Maximum temperatures on Wednesday will be 4-8 C below the April average in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and much of inland NSW,' the bureau tweeted.

Another cold front will cross the southern parts of the state, bringing low cloud and drizzle that will last until Sunday.

The Bureau of Meteorology said swells of 6-7m are expected along the state's south-west from Thursday afternoon, persisting until Friday night.

Large and powerful waves are likely, according to the bureau.

Victoria's alpine regions dropped down to -5C. Pictured is Mount Buller early Wednesday

Ski resorts across Australia have been blanketed in pre-winter snow in recent day. Pictured is Mount Buller in Victoria

Snow also fell on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and at the New South Wales alpine resorts Perisher and Thredbo on Tuesday night as they prepare for a bumper ski season.

A trough moving through also brought a few drops of rain to NSW's south-west, which has since cleared.

'With this now well offshore we will start seeing sunny days and cool clear nights through much of the state,' the bureau tweeted.

In the nation's capital, Canberra residents will need their winter woolies in the coming mornings with 1C minimum temperatures before the mercury drops to as low as 0C on Saturday.

The cold front moved in over Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia on Tuesday morning as temperatures in Melbourne of 19C at 10:30am to 13C less than 90 minutes later.

'The cold front is bringing very icy conditions across the southern parts of South Australia, Victoria, including Melbourne, and in Tasmania,' Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jonathon How said.

The front dropped temperatures in Hobart from an early high of 16C to just 9C by midday and saw almost 20mm of rain fall in Mount Gambier, South Australia

Victoria recorded its coldest morning so far in 2021 on Wednesday. Temperatures in the pink regions plummeted below 0C.

The cold front will bring snow down to 700metres in Tasmania, 1200metres in Victoria and 1400metres in NSW. Pictured is Warburton in Victoria last week

Meanwhile, in Far North Queensland, towns between Cairns and South Mission Beach are expected to see daily rainfall totals of up to 300mm this week due to a coastal trough.

The region has recorded more the 200mm in the 24 hours leading up Wednesday afternoon.

Cairns has copped a 500mm soaking in the last three days and could be on track to record its wettest April in decades.

The wettest April ever recorded in Cairns was 1329mm in 1911.

Elsewhere, Perth can expect clear skies with light winds and temps in the mid teens this Anzac Day weekend.

Further east it will be slightly warmer in Adelaide with 20C-plus temperatures while in the Top End, Darwin will be dry conditions for the rest of the week.

Earlier in the week, Alice Springs recorded its coldest April night in four years when the mercury dipped down to a chilly 3.9C.

The cold front brought rough seas to Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay on Tuesday, createing ideal conditions for windsurfers (pictured)
New Delhi, April 21 : India is one of the largest producers of steel in the world, yet the Indian MSEMs are struggling with increasing steel prices and shortage of raw material in the domestic market, which are leading to project cancellations and huge losses for the industry.

The Indian Pipe Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has approached the government with these critical issues, requesting its intervention to control the prices and impose a temporary ban on steel exports.

"Some of the major private sector and public sector steel exporters have achieved more than 50 per cent of their sales volumes through exports, which has created a shortage of raw materials for the domestic steel manufacturers. Steel prices are touching an all-time high level, increasing by almost 60 per cent between July 2020 and April 2021. It has made majority of our orders unviable and has put us in a tight spot," the IPMA said in a letter to the Ministry of Steel.

The pipes manufactured by the industry are extensively used for critical oil and gas sector projects. It is noteworthy that India has set a target to increase the percentage of natural gas in the energy basket from the existing 6.4 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030.

The vision of adopting greener and cleaner fuel might get hampered due to the existing issues faced by the industry. The unviability of projects may result in permanent closure of some units.

"We wholeheartedly support our Prime Minister's vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and we truly believe that the government will intervene to save the domestic pipe manufactures. In 2008 as well, when steel prices were at an all-time high, the government had intervened, and the prices were reduced to help the industry survive," the letter said.
April 21, 2021

Three Idaho State University faculty will be honored as 2021 Distinguished Faculty. The recipients are Distinguished Teacher Marjorie Montanus, Distinguished Service Diana Livingston Friedley and Distinguished Researcher Sarah Godsey.

The 2021 ISU Distinguished Faculty are selected from finalists in each category who all received Outstanding Faculty awards.

The 2021 Distinguished Faculty are:

Distinguished Teacher, Marjorie Montanus  Montanus has been a medical laboratory scientist since 1985. She graduated from Illinois State University and worked in the Chicago area for 10 years at the Blood Bank at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois as the blood bank educational coordinator for their hospital-based MLS program where she taught students on the bench in Blood Bank. She also taught a semester of Immunology in the MLS program at Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois. Montanus received a masters degree in health profession education at University of Illinois. After leaving Chicago for the Washington DC area, she had the opportunity to work at Childrens National Medical Center drawing blood donors, performing apheresis procedures, and managing their crew of 10 employees. Montanus later transferred to the Inova Blood Donor Center in Fairfax, Virginia. During her time in the DC area, Montanus became an adjunct faculty at Northern Virginia Community College. After working and teaching in the DC area for a number of years, Montanus moved to Twin Falls, where she taught elementary school for four years. In 2011, she began working at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center in Blood Bank and Hematology, later becoming the Point of Care Coordinator. Montanus joined the Idaho State University Medical Laboratory Science program in January 2016 as an adjunct faculty and taught Advanced Concepts in Transfusion Medicine from the Twin Falls CSI campus. In August 2017, Montanus left the clinical lab and began working as an assistant professor in the MLS program at the Meridian campus of Idaho State University. In Fall 2020, Montanus added in the duties of clinical coordinator where she works with the clinical affiliates for the MLS student internships and coordinates the MLS student internships.

Distinguished Service, Diana Livingston Friedley  Livingston Friedley is professor of music in The School of Performing Arts. She is passionate about providing opportunities for students and community members alike with experiences in the arts. Friedley currently serves as vice chair for the Idaho Commission on the Arts, district coordinator for ISUs hosting of the Idaho/Montana District Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and governor for the Idaho National Association of Teachers of Singing organization. In addition to volunteering for community projects, she serves as a member of the College of Arts and Letters College Executive Council, along with other University and Department of Music committees at Idaho State University. Livingston Friedley has appeared as a guest soloist with numerous organizations throughout the United States, Germany, Italy and Taiwan. More recently, she has appeared with the Idaho State Civic Symphony, Idaho Falls Symphony, Boise Baroque Orchestra and Opera Idaho. Recent projects include: an in-progress recording of The Vocal Chamber Music of Howard Boatwright, and releasing The Songs of Howard Boatwright with ISU piano faculty, Professor Kori Bond, on Centaur Record label.

Distinguished Researcher, Sarah Godsey  Godsey earned a PhD in earth and planetary science from University of California  Berkeley in 2009, followed by a postdoctoral research position at Penn State. She joined Idaho States Department of Geosciences as faculty in 2012.

Since then, Godsey has been part of teams awarded four major NSF grants totaling approximately $2 million with additional proposals pending, including the NSFs CAREER award in 2017. She is a prolific researcher and a known expert on mountain and intermittent stream hydrology. In addition, many of her research articles are written with students; she was awarded supervisor of the semester in fall 2020. Godsey regularly leads a large cohort of students to meet to discuss papers in addition to her regularly assigned teaching responsibilities.
Nashik : , April 21 (IANS) In a horrific incident, at least 22 Covid-19 patients on ventilator support died at a Nashik public hospital after an abrupt drop in pressure due to leakage in oxygen supplies, and two others succumbed later, officials said.

The tragedy occurred at the Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital run by the BJP-controlled Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is among the biggest civic bodies, and in one of the worst Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and other senior Central and state leaders cutting across political lines expressed their grief over the tragedy that occurred on the day of Ram Navami.

Visiting the tragedy-hit hospital this evening, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that according to NMC officials and experts, there were certain technical glitches while oxygen was being transferred from a tank which caused a sudden variation in the pressure of the oxygen being administered in the Covid-19 ward, and 24 patients on ventilator beds died gasping for breath within minutes.

"However, the NMC authorities handled the crisis very efficiently and helped prevent a bigger tragedy. They managed to save a part of the oxygen, which is stored at below minus 180 degrees Celsius," said Tope.

People were left speechless as visuals of the tragedy were posted on social media with the invisible gas stored in the tank under extremely cold minus-temperatures suddenly gushing out in snow-white, hissing clouds, with workers and others running around in panic. Some technicians were seen struggling with the controls to curb the deadly outflow.

At that time, around 150 patients were undergoing treatment on oxygen or ventilator beds but when the oxygen pressure plummeted without warning, the hospital staffers were seen running helter-skelter to save their lives by shifting them to other wards or nearby hospitals.

"It's a very serious incident... coming due to a drop in pressure of the oxygen being administered to the patients," Tope said of the tragedy, which happened as the state struggles to beef up its oxygen supplies.

Shaken by the sudden loss of their near and dear ones, wailing relatives slammed the NMC authorities, demanding to know who would take responsibility for the tragedy.

NMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Jadhav termed it as "a very sad tragedy", ordered a probe into the incident and assured action against all found guilty of lapses.

He said that owing to the leak, the oxygen supply was stopped for around half-an-hour, which culminated in the disaster that claimd 24 Covid patients.

Nashik Collector Suraj Mandhare attributed the deaths to the pressure drop in the oxygen tank, which is managed and maintained by a private company.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was stunned to learn of the tragedy, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and his party workers to extend all assistance to the victims' families.

CM Thackeray said that "the state is numbed" by the sheer calamity in the midst of the Corona war being waged by the state and announced a total compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of each deceased.

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar condoled the tragedy and assured a high-level investigation, with condolences also coming from Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray and other ministers. The Leader of Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis, described the incident as "terrible and disturbing".

Hitting out at the BJP, Congress state spokesperson Sachin Sawant said: "The hospital is managed by the NMC which is under the BJP. The BJP must take responsibility. Where are the party's Mayor and 3 MLAs." Besides Tope, state ministers Balasaheb Thorat, Rajendra Shingane, Chhagan Bhujbal and other senior leaders rushed to Nashik for a spot assessment of the situation.

BJP's Leader of Opposition in Council, Pravin Darekar, however, attacked the MVA government and demanded lodging of cases under culpable homicide against NMC Commissioner Jadhav, accusing him of being "solely responsible" for the incident.

The Nashik incident has become the worst Covid-related tragedy in the past 13 months of the pandemic, days after a mega-fire killed 11 persons at a Mumbai hospital on March 26.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the guilty-verdict sweep against Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, an inflection point for the nation.

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking before President Biden in televised remarks to the nation, echoed President Obama, calling the verdict only a measure of justice, though one that should serve as an urgent catalyst for ending systemic racism in America.

Biden then stepped to the lectern, using his remarks Tuesday evening to implore Americans to turn Chauvins guilty verdict into a moment of significant change to turn away from hate and fight systemic racism in policing and in society as a whole.

"No one should be above the law, and today's verdict sends that message," Biden said. "But it's not enough. It can't stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform, we can and must reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this ever can happen again."

It was the boldest and firmest commitment on police reform Americans have seen from Biden so far as the president nears his first 100 days in office.

Just a few hours before, he was playing the more familiar role of consoler-in-chief. He promised Floyds family that he would get the police reform bill named in the slain mans honor passed to ensure that the words of Floyds 7-year-old daughter, Gianna -- who said her father had changed the world through his death -- would become a concrete reality. When the bill becomes law, the president told them on a triumphal post-verdict FaceTime call, he would fly the whole family to Washington on Air Force One.

Ill hold you to that, Ben Crump, the Floyd familys lawyer, said with a chuckle before thanking the president for his support and ending the call with an ebullient God bless you.

It was an evening of celebration, marked by tears of joy and relief, for the family and millions of their supporters across the nation and the world. The video of Floyds shocking death, his neck under Chauvins knee for more than nine minutes, went viral last May and sparked angry nationwide protests, some of which turned violent and destructive. A Minneapolis jury Tuesday afternoon found Chauvin, 45, guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Biden, in his remarks to the nation, appeared to signal a new, more-unified national front on the reform issue, but deep divisions among Americans remain, and he faces a tricky path forward. The presidents confident predictions faces a wall of opposition in polarized Washington. Senate Republicans have blocked Democrats police reform bill for a year in Congress with no way for the president to break that impasse other than his powers of persuasion.

Most Americans back police reforms, but what type?

While most lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans alike, agree that Chauvin used excessive force against Floyd, there is widespread disagreement on whether the case is proof of systemic racism in the nations police departments and how best to prevent tragic events like this one from happening again. It didnt help that the trial came amid a spate of high-profile police killings, including one that took place in nearby Brooklyn Center, Minn., sparking new protests.

While recent polls show that most Americans back police reforms of some kind, how that support translates to specific Washington mandates is more difficult to discern. Over the last year, theres been plenty of bipartisan support in Congress for banning chokeholds and requiring data collection on police encounters, as well as channeling more funds to community-based policing programs and more police training.

But that comity falls apart when it comes to a major sticking point in the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill Biden promised to get passed: rolling back qualified immunity protections for law enforcement. Its a big change in legal doctrine and Supreme Court precedent that would make it easier to pursue claims of police misconduct in court. The Democratic-controlled House passed the sweeping reform bill with its new limits on immunity in early March, but the measure is stuck in the 50-50 Senate where most measures need a 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster and pass.

The police reform issue is already fueling new negative ads ahead of the 2022 midterms. Biden and other Democrats have labeled the filibuster worse than the Jim Crow laws that prevented civil rights reforms in the 1950s and say it is now helping to block the policing legislation and a sweeping voting rights bill.

2022 midterms threaten bipartisan compromise

Centrist Democrats have complained that that liberal defund-the-police movements costs them House seats in 2020 and could again next year if party leaders dont clearly denounce it. Republicans argue that cities in parts of the U.S. that cut or shifted their police funding last year, such as Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis and Portland, Ore., saw spikes in certain crimes last year while Democrats counter that most cities experienced more crime because of the economic downturn during the pandemic.

Earlier Tuesday, before the verdict, Republicans were preparing a resolution to censure California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters for incendiary warnings she made over the weekend, encouraging Minneapolis protesters to become more confrontational if they werent satisfied by the outcome of the trial. Waters clarified that she meant nonviolent confrontations, but the comments came at a hyper-sensitive moment with a city on edge amid one of the most racially sensitive and emotionally charged trials in years. The judge in the Chauvin case issued a rare rebuke of a lawmaker, rapping Waters by name Monday for giving Chauvins defense team possible grounds for an appeal.

That didnt stop Biden from wading directly into the roiling waters himself when he told reporters Tuesday morning that he was praying for the right verdict and that he thought there was overwhelming evidence in the case. That prompted a torrent of questions for White House press secretary Jen Psaki Tuesday afternoon on the exact meaning of those words and the inappropriate nature of them while the jury was deliberating. Unlike his predecessor, Biden had carefully avoided weighing on the trial and police reform in general  so much so that CNN just last week opined that he was standing down at a critical juncture for police reform.

As reporters peppered Psaki with questions last week about Bidens lack of action on police reform, a group of two dozen House Democrats pressed the president to issue an executive order banning the issuing of military-grade weapons to police. That issue first gained traction during the Obama administration but could never pass Congress. Biden last week also backed away from his campaign promise to create a police accountability commission, convinced by civil rights leaders and other advocates that it would impede passage of the George Floyd reform bill instead of helping the cause.

A commission would just be used by some as a dilatory tactic, Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, told RealClearPolitics earlier this week.

The only thing standing in the way of the George Floyd bill in the house, he said, is the antiquated Jim Crow filibuster.

So we need energy. We dont need to relitigate the issues. We need action. The American people dont want a discussion, a debate, a conversation. Its time for action, he said, citing polls showing most Americans support police reform.

States work around congressional gridlock

States such as Colorado and New Mexico are starting to pass ground-breaking police reforms, including limits on qualified immunity. Earlier this month, Maryland lawmakers voted to override centrist GOP Gov. Larry Hogans vetoes of three far-reaching reform measures. Several police departments have initiated self-imposed reforms. In Seattle, where police were forced to stand down for months last year when protesters created an autonomous zone in the city, the police department initiated its own changes, banning neck restraints, chokeholds and no-knock warrants, among other reforms.

Civil rights leaders are also encouraged that the Biden Justice Department is signaling a new path on police reform that can help Biden short-circuit congressional gridlock even before key DOJ leadership positions are filled. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday rescinded a Trump-era memo limiting the use of consent decrees that prosecutors have employed to produce changes at police departments.

Biden counts on Justice Department

The president on Tuesday night indicated more changes are on the way once his full team at Justice is in place. State and local government and law enforcement needs to step up, but so does the federal government, he said.

The Senate confirmed Lisa Monaco, his choice for the No. 2 spot, in a 98-2 vote Tuesday. But Republicans have escalated their attacks against Vanita Gupta, Bidens pick for the No. 3 position, and Kristen Clarke, whom he selected to head the civil rights division. Republicans, especially those weighing 2024 White House runs, have hammered both for past support for the defund-the-police movement, which the nominees have since downplayed. The barrage of GOP attacks can only stall, not prevent, both womens confirmations since nominees can pass out of committees on party-line votes. (Presidential confirmations only require a simple majority vote with Harris able to step in to break the chambers 50-50 tie.)

But some Republican White House hopefuls want to extract a cost for the guaranteed confirmations. They represent a far-left radical agenda thats out of step with the American public and certainly with our respective states, Sen. Josh Hawley told Politico. Weve got to put that before the voters. Thats what we do. And in 2022, voters will have a chance to weigh in and well go from there, but we have to make the case for that.

Biden on Tuesday pushed back. Gupta and Clarke, he said, are eminently qualified, highly respected lawyers who have spent their entire careers in fighting to advance racial equality and justice.

The Justice Department holds the most power to usher in new changes amid Congress ongoing stalemate on police reform, but that didnt stop Biden from making promises on the police reform bills passage after Tuesdays verdict.

Crump, the Floyd familys lawyer, is not the only one who will come to collect if Bidens fails to make good on that account. The pressure on Biden to usher in reforms will only grow after the Chauvin conviction. As the first black president, President Obama struggled to make headway on racial-justice issues and heal the nations wounds. Its now Bidens turn to try with the help of the first Black and Asian American woman vice president.

Tuesdays verdict will provide some momentum, but Biden must meet the moment not only with kind words and empathy but his own comprehensive plan to bridge the divide. The next few weeks will be the first test.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

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Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 82F. N winds shifting to W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Xi's answer to "questions of our time" reverberates beyond Boao

People's Daily Online) 08:19, April 19, 2021

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- In an increasingly complex world where economic globalization faces headwinds with a threat looming over multilateralism and free trade, where is humanity headed and what is the future of Asia?

Chinese President Xi Jinping answered these "fundamental questions of our time" at the annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in 2018, vowing to open China further and calling for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The past three years have seen China's persistent efforts in translating the opening-up initiatives Xi put forward into reality, sharing the opportunities of China's development with the rest of the world.

Photo taken on April 17, 2021 shows the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao Town, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A NEW PHASE OF OPENING-UP

Xi announced a batch of opening-up measures at the annual conference of BFA in 2018, with the expectation that the country's opening-up efforts will benefit all enterprises and people in China and around the world as soon as possible.

The measures included significantly broadening market access, creating a more attractive investment environment, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and taking the initiative to expand imports, among others.

"Opening-up is a strategic decision made by China based on its need for development as well as a concrete action taken by China to move economic globalization forward in a way that benefits people across the world," Xi said.

Accordingly, China put into effect the landmark foreign investment law on Jan. 1, 2020. The law grants foreign-invested enterprises access to government procurement markets through fair competition and bans using administrative licensing and penalties to force foreign investors to transfer technology.

The negative list for overseas investors was shortened time and again to further ease market access.

More specifically, the country scrapped foreign ownership restrictions on the automotive industry in 2018, with overseas car-making giants such as BMW and Tesla responding quickly by expanding their presence in the Chinese market.

A man works at the Tiexi Plant of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

While accelerating the development of 21 pilot free trade zones nationwide, China released a master plan of building Hainan, the southernmost province where the BFA is held, into a globally influential and high-level free trade port by the middle of the century.

This month, the country unveiled more policies to further liberalize and facilitate trade in the Hainan free trade port, allowing certain regions to relax their control of import and export qualifications for and quantities of commodities such as crude oil, refined oil and sugar, and cancel their licensing systems for imports such as mechanical and electrical products.

Figures speak for themselves. As global capital flows remain volatile due to uncertainties triggered by COVID-19, foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.2 percent year on year to a record high of 999.98 billion yuan (about 153.16 billion U.S. dollars) last year.

The latest data also showed that the country's total imports and exports of goods surged 29.2 percent year on year to 8.47 trillion yuan in the first quarter of this year.

People work at the construction site of the West-coast Internet Headquarters Base in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

A SHARED FUTURE

BFA was founded in 2001 when Asian countries sought economic integration in the aftermath of the 1998 financial crisis. Two decades after its inception, the world again stands at a critical moment in history.

Facing a world with growing anti-globalization sentiment, populism, unilateralism and protectionism, China has come up with its own vision of global governance.

Xi called on BFA participants in 2015 and 2018 to build "a community with a shared future for humanity," pursuing an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.

China, together with many countries, is working to put this concept into practice.

A total of 138 countries and 31 international organizations have signed cooperation agreements with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to achieve policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

"The initiative, meeting the development needs of China, countries along the routes and the region at large, will serve the common interests of relevant parties and answer the call of our time for regional and global cooperation," Xi said when addressing the annual conference of BFA in 2015.

Trucks run at Youyiguan border gate in Pingxiang City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Meanwhile, the China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which has grown to 103 approved members worldwide, has been dedicated to promoting infrastructure construction, regional connectivity and mutual development in Asia.

By January, the bank had provided over 22 billion U.S. dollars in infrastructure investment for its members and approved 108 projects.

Between April 2020 and Oct. 16, 2021, the bank's crisis recovery facility will offer up to 13 billion U.S. dollars worth of financing to both public and private sector entities in AIIB members facing or at risk of adverse pandemic-induced impacts.

Xi said the BRI and the AIIB are both open initiatives. China welcomes all countries along the routes and in Asia, as well as friends and partners around the world, to actively participate in these endeavors.

In the meantime, China has also played an active role in global environmental governance and is willing to work with others to build a green home.

Photo taken on Jan. 13, 2021 shows the headquarters building of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Xi has on many occasions called for joint efforts from the international community to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges and protect the blue planet.

He announced at the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly that China aims to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

"To scale up efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development bears on the future of humanity," Xi said in his special address at the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda this January.

Over the years, the BFA has witnessed how China, as the host country, firmly supported the development of the forum and committed to advocating dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries.

The forum, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, has not only played a unique role in pooling consensus and putting forward valuable "Boao proposals," but also engaged countries outside of Asia in addressing global issues and promoting world development and prosperity.

This year's annual conference, welcoming more than 2,600 attendees from more than 60 countries and regions offline, is themed "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation."

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji)
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MOSCOW -- A court in Russia has upheld lengthy prison sentences handed down to a couple convicted on high treason charges that stemmed from a wedding photo that included an officer of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Maria Bontsler, a lawyer for Antonina Zimina, told RFE/RL that the Moscow Court of Appeal had rejected the appeals of Zimina and her husband, Konstantin Antonets, on April 20.

The couple, from Russia's Far Western Kaliningrad exclave, was found guilty of spying for Latvia in late December 2020.

The couple were charged with treason after state prosecutors accused them of sharing a photograph with Latvia of a counterintelligence officer from the FSB who had attended their wedding.

Investigators later additionally charged them with passing classified information to a foreign country.

Zimina was sentenced to 13 years, while Antonets was handed a 12 1/2-year prison sentence. The couple has denied any wrongdoing ever since they were first arrested in July 2018.

Their trial was held behind closed doors in May 2020.

In recent years, the number of cases of alleged high treason has increased dramatically in Russia.

One of the latest high-profile high treason cases involves Ivan Safronov, a journalist and an aide to the Roskosmos space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin.

Safronov was arrested on July 7 and later charged with passing classified materials to the Czech Republic.
The courtroom was silent as the verdict was read, pool reporters inside, including CNNs Josh Campbell, noted.

Derek Chauvin appeared to be in a daze while waiting for the jury to arrive and was staring at the empty jury seating area, Campbell reported. He snapped out of it after a few seconds when his attorney, Eric Nelson, spoke with him.

At one point, Chauvin turned to look at Philonise Floyd, George Floyds brother, who was praying, the pool reporters noted.

Philonise Floyd waited for the verdict in the courtroom with his head bowed and hands clasped. He appeared to alternate between praying, looking up towards Chauvin, and looking down praying again.

As the first guilty verdict was read, his hands began shaking while clasped. They became shakier during the second verdict and during the third, his hands were shaking back and forth with his eyes closed as his head nodded up and down.

After the court concluded, Philonise was seen crying as he hugged all four prosecutors, Campbell observed. Prosecutor Steve Schleichers eyes were also red as he wiped away tears.

"I was just praying they would find him guilty. As an African American, we usually never get justice, Philonise told Campbell after the verdict.

In court, the seat reserved for Chauvins family was occupied by a middle-aged white woman with long brown hair and glasses who declined to give her name to reporters.

When Chauvin was remanded into custody, the bailiff told him Mr. Chauvin, please place your hands behind your back.

He handcuffed the former Minneapolis police officers left hand, then his right, the pool reporters observed. The handcuffs were not double locked in the courtroom.

After reading the verdicts, Judge Peter Cahill confirmed with each of the jurors that the three guilty convictions were correct.

The foreperson, juror 19, signed each of the verdict slips. He is a white male in his 30s who works as an auditor, according to information shared during jury selection.

As the verdict was read, there was no noticeable emotional reaction from the jury, Campbell noted. Whereas during trial, they each had their own idiosyncrasies, they remained still and quiet staring at the judge until they were called upon by the judge.

I have to thank you on behalf of the people of the state of Minnesota for not just jury service but heavy-duty jury service, Cahill told the 12 jurors.
The US forces want to focus this time on improving their counter-drone capabilities after what it experienced from the Nagorno-Karabakh encounter last year.

Now, it is encouraging all its allies from Europe to adopt the development that they should attain for the next drone war. Meanwhile, US-European Command Chief Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters spoke that they plan to "enforce" their allies and partners to improve their tactics in the said warfare.

US Forces Wants to Focus on Improving its Small Drones

During the House Armed Services Committee hearing last Thursday, Apr. 15, Wolters pointed out that their air defense and programs should be boosted with capabilities that will adapt to the systems.

The "true" drone war which happened in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory known to be a part of Azerbaijan has displayed its supremacy when it comes to air attacks.

From the video footage on YouTube, the Azerbaijan drones have completely obliterated the Armenian forces on the ground, Defense News reported.

Moreover, the conflict in Ukraine has also shown Russian mail drones to be a strong force to be reckoned with following its win over the local forces in 2014 during the Crimea annexation.

Read Also: 1,500 Drones Create QR Codes in China For Players Who Want to Download 'Princess Connect Re: Dive'

These instances have driven the US military to step up when it comes to its military drones. Since these spoke volumes especially to US-EU forces, these could serve as a wake-up call for other countries as well.

For instance, Germany has decided to convert its anti-missile weapon into a pure drone defense. The sacrifice saw a lot of potentials, and this could be emulated by the rest of the US European allies.

Speaking to the lawmakers, Wolters assured that the US force will change its way of handling unmanned aircraft. There will now be an Integrated Air and Missile Defense program which will be the core of the military service.

Additionally, there will be a specific grouping that will happen which involves, interceptors, future sensors, and command-and-control elements. Wolters stated that their small drones are still not good enough and they have to further develop them better.

Effectiveness of the Drone Improvement System is a 'Great Concern'

For US Central Command leader USMC Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., this is the first time that the US forces will be undergoing an operation without dominating the battlefield above.

Air Force Mag reported on Tuesday, Apr. 20 that McKenzie said that the UA proliferating could pose an impending threat to the US-EU allies and partners.

Establishing a superior counter-UAS methodology remains to be CENTCOM's utmost priority. While the defense systems could track incoming threats, their sizes compromise their tasks.

This is one of many reasons why an "integrated system" is crafted by the US military. If they engage in the drone war with other countries, this could be a game-changing tactic for the forces.

Meanwhile, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) head Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, spoke that the munition-armed drones are what he experienced during the Mosul battle.

At the time, they were fighting against the Islamic State group and Townsend was still the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve commander. To him, it is an "area of great concern" when it comes to the system's proliferation and effectiveness.

Currently, Townsend said there is ongoing work with the Defense Department even though AFRICOM has not yet witnessed the employment of war drones in Africa.

Related Article: Northrop Launches Sky Chain Viper Gun, Suicide Drone for Future Vertical Lift Effort of the Army

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
They're one of only three relationships to go the distance on this year's season of Married At First Sight.

And Johnny Balbuziente and Kerry Knight, both 30, have a lot to celebrate.

Posting to his Instagram on Tuesday, the loved-up reality stars commemorated six months since they tied the knot during their faux TV wedding on Channel Nine.

Happy Anniversary! Married At First Sight's successful couple Johnny Balbuziente and Kerry Knight celebrate six-month anniversary

'Okay, heres a little fun fact. Today marks our 6 month anniversary since we got married at first sight, in front of the entire country,' Johnny began.

'The greatest risk I have ever taken. The greatest reward. [love] you Kegz,' he added.

Johnny's heartfelt caption was accompanied by a series of photographs of the couple taken during the course of their whirlwind relationship.

'The greatest risk I have ever taken': Johnny shared a series of photos with Kerry, both 30, to mark their special milestone

In February, when Sunday's reunion was filmed, the pair arrived back to their Sydney hotel with large smiles on their faces.

Despite a 13-hour shoot, the newlyweds were spotted walking hand-in-hand and looking just as loved-up as they did on their wedding day.

The sighting came after they both agreed to commit to each other during the show's final vows.

Perfect couple! Johnny and Kerry were the picture perfect couple holding hands after filming the reunion in February

Standing in front of each other during the ceremony, an emotional Johnny confessed his love for Kerry.

'I began this journey not knowing if I could ever be in a serious relationship again after a long period of dark times,' he began.

'My heart had been ripped out of my chest and my world was turned on its head. But I worked hard to get back on track and that I did.'
Chris Christie is seriously considering launching a 2024 bid to try his hand at winning the White House again, at least three sources familiar with his thinking told Axios.

The former Republican New Jersey governor toasted to friends, according to the Wednesday report, that so far he would be the only Republican in the 2024 primary field with executive experience.

Christie, 58, has also revealed to confidants that whether former President Donald Trump runs or not will not affect his own decision on the matter.

If Trump doesn't run, the field would be wide open and likely muddied with another crowded primary contest.

A lot of this is based on private conversations as Christie has not made any real public remarks on the matter  except for telling conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in December 2020 that he isn't ruling out a run in the future.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is 'seriously considering' a presidential run in 2024

Christie didn't make it very far in his 2016 run, which included several big-name Republicans like John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Jeb Bush.

In the Iowa caucuses, he placed 10th with 1.76% of the vote and placed 6th in the New Hampshire primary with 7% of the vote.

After those two dismal results, the father of four suspended his presidential campaign on February 10, 2016.

When news of a potential 2024 run broke, people took to Twitter to mock Christie  some pointing out health concerns and others pointing out his low approval rating when leaving his New Jersey governorship in 2018.

Users took to Twitter to mock Christie's potential bid, with one saying he needs to focus more on his health

Another user pointed out Christie's low approval ratings as New Jersey governor

During Trump's presidency, Christie was an ally and advisor  even helping Trump prepare for his debates against Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 general election.

In post-Trump Washington, Christie has become a bit more critical of the former president.

The ABC contributor has made headline-worthy statements to position himself as a top Republican and Biden critic even without holding public office.

Not many Republicans have waded into the 2024 waters, as it appears they are waiting to see what Trump will do. The former president has alluded several times to a run to take back the White House that he feels was 'stolen' by Biden.

The Trump ally said whether the former president runs or not will not affect his decision. Trump and Christie pictured October 26, 2017 after signing a memorandum declaring the opioid crisis a national health emergency

Two potential 2024 Republican candidates are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (left) and Trump's former Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley (right)

One potential rival would be Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has recently surged in popularity among Republicans for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also rumored to be considering a run is Trump's former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

The former South Carolina governor was spotted meeting with Mayor Francis Suarez in Miami's City Hall, which Politico reported was set up to allow Haley to gauge her as a potential 2024 running mate.

Suarez, a 43-year-old Cuban American rising Republican star in Florida, also has a close relationship with DeSantis.
The British government is to ban the US-based Atomwaffen Division neo-Nazi group as a terrorist organisation.

The group, formed in 2015, promotes the use of violence to trigger a race war and has been linked to several murders and terror plots in the US.

It has links to British terrorist groups including National Action and Sonnenkrieg Division, which have also been proscribed.

The Home Office said that Atomwaffen Division claimed to have disbanded in March 2020 following pressure from US law enforcement, but that a successor group called the National Socialist Order then formed.

The government assesses that it is the same group operating under a different name but adhering to the same twisted ideology as it did when it was called Atomwaffen Division, a spokesperson said.

Read more:

Parliament is expected to proscribe Atomwaffen Division and the National Socialist Order as its alias later this week.

The change will make membership a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The maximum term will increase to 14 years when the new Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill receives royal assent.

Some experts said the ban was long overdue and came after Atomwaffen Division had passed the peak of its power and influence.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, said: Vile and racist white supremacist groups like this exist to spread hate, sow division and advocate the use of violence to further their sick ideologies.

I will do all I can to protect young and vulnerable people from being radicalised which is why I am taking action to proscribe this dangerous group.

More than a dozen people have so far been convicted of membership of National Action and its spin-off groups, including a serving police officer.

The government said that proscribing Atomwaffen Division would help work to remove propaganda and disrupt activity online.

Far-right organisation, whose name translates as 'atomic weapons', believes in using terroristic violence to bring down 'the System'

Atomwaffen Division grew out of the fascist Iron March online forum that went offline in 2017 and is among numerous accelerationist white supremacist groups drawing from the writings of American neo-Nazi James Mason.

It promotes the use of violence to overthrow the US government and trigger a race war, ultimately resulting in a new society based on white supremacy, antisemitism and virulent anti-LGBT+ beliefs.

Since 2017, Atomwaffen Divisions ideology has become more influenced by Satanism and the occult, according to Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation.

Using various techniques including online harassment and swatting, Atomwaffen Division has targeted public figures, politicians and journalists, as well as mounting terror plots.

In January 2018 in California, a member murdered 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein, who was gay and Jewish, and followers have carried out several other killings.

Several leaders of Atomwaffen Division, which was divided into cells across the US, have been arrested as have members of its UK affiliate Sonnenkrieg Division.

A Sonnenkrieg Division poster shared on the social network Gab (Counter Terrorism Policing North East)

Conor McGinn MP, Labours shadow security minister, said: It is concerning that the group seems to have been operational since 2015, yet this action is only now happening.

Labour has long warned that the government does not have a robust enough strategy to address the rise in far-right extremism. This needs to be swiftly addressed, to tackle this appalling threat.

Matthew Feldman, director of the Centre for Analysis of the Radical Right, said the proscription should allow authorities to force social media platforms and internet giants to remove Atomwaffen Division content that is currently online.

This is tackling where it radicalises and endangers the most people online, he told The Independent.

Mr Feldman said the National Socalist Order had vowed to learn from the mistakes of the past but see themselves as Atomwaffen Division 2.0.

Nick Lowles, the chief executive of Hope Not Hate, said: Todays ban is overdue and comes as the group is past its peak.

He said the government had missed an opportunity to take action against a neo-Nazi Satanist group called the Order of Nine Angles (O9A) that influenced Atomwaffen Division and other neo-Nazi organisations.

Since we started to warn about O9As growing influence, a serving US soldier has been indicted for planning a terror attack with O9A members, and the Canadian government has moved against the group, too. Time is ticking: the government must take the threat of O9A more seriously and urgently get a ban in place, Mr Lowles added.
Those of us who have been around for a while recall with mixed feelings the mid-1990s, when John Majors administration became increasingly embroiled in allegations of sleaze.

Scarcely a month passed without a Tory MP or minister being caught with a hand in the till, or in a bed that was not the marital one.

Are we back in the realm of Tory sleaze? The BBC and the Left-wing Press hope so, as does the Labour Party. Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmers questions at PMQs all touched on Boris Johnsons alleged sleaze and his exchange of texts with billionaire businessman Sir James Dyson.

If the worst sleaze story you can imagine were rated ten out of ten, Id say the Johnson-Dyson texts breathlessly reported by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg scored about three. While mildly embarrassing, they were far from being a damning indictment.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, pictured, is at risk of being mired in a major sleaze scandal

Towards the end of John Major's premiership, Scarcely a month passed without a Tory MP or minister being caught with a hand in the till, or in a bed that was not the marital one

If the worst sleaze story you can imagine were rated ten out of ten, Id say the Johnson-Dyson texts breathlessly reported by the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg scored about three. While mildly embarrassing, they were far from being a damning indictment

Sir Keir Starmer, pictured, questioned Mr Johnson yesterday about allegations of Tory sleaze

True, it is irregular for a prime minister to have dealings with a tycoon without a civil servant present. But I hardly think the exchanges merit the description jaw-dropping provided yesterday by Shadow Business Secretary Lucy Powell.

Not many jaws, I submit, will be dropping at the Dog And Duck when it reopens. Fair-minded people will say that when the texts were sent in March 2020, we were in the middle of a national emergency, facing a potentially catastrophic shortage of ventilators.

Sir Jamess Singapore-based company was apparently capable of producing them, and he wanted reassurance that his employees would not have to pay extra tax if they came to the UK to make the lifesaving equipment. A bit beady of him, perhaps, but hardly venal.

As for Boris, he was seeking no favours for either himself or his party. He simply wanted to lay his hands on as many ventilators as possible. In the event, Dyson machines were not required, though Sir James claims that developing them cost his company 20 million.

Because no official was on hand as these texts whizzed back and forth, Mr Johnson may have broken the ministerial code, though he claims he alerted officials subsequently, in accordance with the rules.

Even if he did break the code, he did so in the best possible cause. Advice to the PM: next time dont take short cuts. You are no longer a journalist on the hoof. Youre the Prime Minister.

The fact remains that despite Sir Keir Starmers somewhat theatrical anger yesterday (sleaze, sleaze, sleaze), this was definitely not another example of discreditable Tory lobbying.

But it doesnt follow that the Government has nothing to fear from charges of sleaze. No single allegation amounts to a knockout blow. Together, though, they are starting to make an impression.

Thats how sleaze works. Drip, drip, drip. Story after story, many of them inconsequential. They accumulate like sedimentary rock until  bang!  they define the character of a government in an irreversible way. That is what happened to the Major administration.

There is, of course, one key difference between now and then. Many of the scandals of the 1990s involved sexual shenanigans, though financial jiggery-pokery often went hand in hand with them, as can happen in life.

These days, sex and sleaze are deemed not to go together. Boris can apparently do whatever he wants in his private life. How I laughed when his press secretary, Allegra Stratton, recently lauded his honesty and integrity after new allegations arose about his relationship with American businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri.

Ms Arcuri had claimed that she and Boris slept together on a sofa at his marital home minutes before his wife returned, and that he begged her for intimate photos. Evidently, Mr Johnson demonstrated honesty and integrity throughout the proceedings!

Allegra Stratton has been transferred to other duties outside No 10 but not, it seems, for uttering one of the most preposterous statements ever to fall from a spin-doctors lips.

But if sex and sleaze are now considered separate, money and sleaze remain entwined. The Prime Minister carries quite a lot of baggage, by no means all of it of his own making.

Jennifer Arcuri had claimed that she and Boris slept together on a sofa at his marital home minutes before his wife returned, and that he begged her for intimate photos

By far the most serious allegations concern David Cameron, whose tireless lobbying of ministers on behalf of the controversial Lex Greensill and his now insolvent company has been exhaustively documented in recent weeks.

Perhaps the low point in the former prime ministers disreputable championing of Greensill (from whose company he reportedly stood to make tens of millions of pounds) came when the two men schmoozed the ruthless Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the desert in January 2020.

Boris cant be blamed for Camerons poor judgment and greed but he can be damaged by them, not least through the involvement of senior ministers. Health Secretary Matt Hancock met the ex-PM and Greensill for a private drink in 2019 to discuss a new payment scheme for the NHS.

Without doubt, Mr Johnson has done the right thing by appointing an independent and seemingly competent lawyer to look into the murky business. But if the report spares Cameron  or, worse still, exonerates him  the Prime Minister will take the flak.

Boris has his own skeletons concerning non-sexual aspects of his relationship with Jennifer Arcuri. He still faces investigation by the Greater London Authoritys oversight committee as to whether he conducted himself in a way expected of those in public office, though I doubt he is kept awake at night.

Much more recent are revelations, made in the Mail, that 58,000 of Conservative Party funds have been diverted to pay for a lavish makeover of Mr Johnsons Downing Street flat. This has not yet been declared to the Electoral Commission watchdog.

By far the most serious allegations concern David Cameron, whose tireless lobbying of ministers on behalf of the controversial Lex Greensill and his now insolvent company has been exhaustively documented in recent weeks

Then there are suggestions that the Government has handed out juicy contracts to unqualified chums during the pandemic. A High Court judge ruled that Mr Hancock breached his legal obligation by not publishing details of contracts within 30 days of their being signed.

The Health Secretary has a habit of being at the centre of disturbing allegations. The latest one concerns his 15 per cent shareholding in a company approved as a potential supplier for NHS trusts in England. Can this be right?

The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, pictured, has a habit of being at the centre of disturbing allegations. The latest one concerns his 15 per cent shareholding in a company approved as a potential supplier for NHS trusts in England. Can this be right?

Few, if any, of these disclosures are desperately serious. But they might gradually coalesce and begin to give the impression of a government that isnt as straight and punctilious as voters would like it to be.

The danger for the PM is that sleaze could eventually become the defining story of this Government. If that happens, as the unfortunate John Major discovered, there is no escape.

Far ahead in the polls, facing a Labour leader who can appear maladroit, and buoyed by a triumphant vaccine rollout, Boris Johnson may feel invulnerable. Carefree and careless by nature, he may be tempted to go on cutting the occasional corner.

He should remember that, although Labour may generally have a weak hand, the charge of sleaze is a potent one. Starmer whose chief, perhaps only, political virtue is his apparent honesty  will make it again and again. It will become the refrain of the next few years.

Can Boris exude probity? Is he capable of persuading voters that he hates dishonesty and chicanery as much as they do? People may forgive his personal frailties but they wont forgive a Government tainted by sleaze.
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Wellsford Lions



Rodney College students Montel Vemoa, Eleanor Hayward and Mikaila Isla with Herby Skipper.

Despite inclement weather, around 150 Wellsford residents attended a celebration for the completion of Currys Bush this month. The bush has been upgraded with pathways and Kauri dieback stations.

The event was hosted by the Wellsford Lions and included catering by chef Maja Pedovic Moors.

Management of the bush was officially handed over by the Auckland Councils kauri dieback team to the Rodney Local Board.

Board members Colin Smith and Beth Houlbrooke acknowledged local resident Caroline Milner for connecting community groups for the project and identifying the value of the forgotten bush.

Rodney College students will work with kaumatua Herby Skipper to build a carved waharoa gateway.

Rodney Colleges head girl Eleanor Hayward, Student Board of Trustees member Mikaila Isla and Environmental Committee member Montel Vemoa thanked the community, and said the bush would be a resource which will help students into outdoor careers.

Wellsford School teacher Daryl Anderson said the bush would be incorporated into the curriculum.

Kids are fascinated by rats and stoats, and they love traps. Students will take an active role in taking care of this place.

We can explore questions like how tall a Kauri grows, how long it lives for, or how Maori treated Karaka berries to remove poison.

Auckland Council Kauri Dieback manager Lisa Tolich said she is frequently asked why so much effort should be put into saving Kauri.

She said they are a keystone species and their leaf litter changes the chemistry of the soil, allowing at least 19 other species to survive.

Kauri was the largest export in New Zealand at the end of the 20th century. Kauri are the foundations of our country.

She said the species descends back 180 million years to Gondwana Land but now there are fewer than 4 per cent remaining.

Kaumatua Herby Skipper spoke on behalf of his family which has had a connection to the land for some generations.

He said the land the bush is on was given to his great uncle Wiremu Wi Apo as a seven-year-old, by rangatira Te Kiri Kaiparaoa.

The 10,000 acre land parcel known as Pakiri three block included Port Albert Road, Worker Road and Rustybrook Road.

In 1874 the land was sold from beneath Wi Apo by his trustees without consent but returned to him in 1880 by the Maori Land Court. There was a parliamentary inquiry about it.

In 1885, Wi Apo sold the land for 800 pounds which paved the way for the town of Wellsford to be settled.

The railway was built in Wellsford bringing 500 workers and boom for the town.

John Matheson bought a substantial part of the land  including the road now named after him, where the opening celebration was held this month.

In 1902, Matheson passed away leaving his wife Isabella who remarried to Phillip Curry, the namesake of the bush.

Isabella later sold more of the land for 5 pounds allowing the Wellsford Saleyards to be established, still in operation today.

We stand here today and we honour these people, Mr Skipper said.

Ive been down to the bush and you can sense the history. Theres real mauri there. You can feel it. Its not often you find trees that big in this district.

My great uncle talked about flocks of kereru and weka roaming, and pigs running around Wellsford. I havent seen a wild pig run up Port Albert Road in a while now.
OPEC member Angola was Africas top oil producer six years ago when oil prices crashed in 2015-2016, slashing oil-producing countries revenues and forcing international oil companies to reconsider their exorbitant spending plans made at $100 oil.

Half a decade after the price crash that began in 2014, Angola is now the third-biggest oil producer in Africa, behind Nigeria and even behind conflict-ridden Libya.

Angola is now betting on reviving its oil industry and jumpstarting its oil-dependent economy, which has been in recession for five consecutive years.

Apart from aiming to attract investments in oil, Angola is looking to sell up to 30 percent in its state oil firm Sonangol next year, after restructuring the company to create more transparency and root out corruption.

The stake in Sonangol is estimated to be worth around US$6.4 billion, Sonangol board member Baltazar Miguel told Bloomberg.

The partial privatization of Sonangol, as well as a stake in the national diamond company Endiama, are part of a much wider privatization program that the OPEC oil producer has already launched.

The proceeds from selling by end-2022 stakes in nearly 195 state-held enterprises, including Sonangol, Endiama, banks, and national airline TAAG, are expected to shore up the government finances and revive the economy that has been suffering since 2014.

Angola was still struggling to recover from the previous oil crisis when the 2020 shock hit the oil market, oil prices, and company plans on capital expenditure. Related: Oil Prices Steady Despite Surprise Crude Build

Angolas economy, in which oil production and supporting activities account for 50 percent gross domestic product and around 89 percent of exports, slipped into recession in 2015. Five years later, it has yet to exit that recession.

In 2020, Angola was one of the most hit oil-producing economies as low oil prices and lower production due to the OPEC+ pact shrank oil revenues, while its currency, the kwanza, has further depreciated against the U.S. dollar.

Angolas oil production was declining even before the OPEC+ agreement had it reduce its output, as the African producer was competing for lower-cost development projects with other deepwater basins such as Braziland lately Guyanaand losing.

Back in 2015, Angolas crude oil production was 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd). This figure has dropped to 1.247 million bpd in 2020, not only because of the OPEC+ cuts in which the country takes part.

Angola will need foreign and government investments to discover up to 57 billion barrels of crude oil by 2025, according to a new energy strategy it unveiled last year. Angolas upstream regulator ANPG issued a forecast for oil production from existing fields, which showed that after peaking in 2008 at nearly 2 million bpd, Angolas oil production would continuously decline as oilfields mature, to just above 500,000 bpd by 2028, if no new discoveries are made.

European majors Total and Eni are continuing their drilling and development activities in Angola, but this may not be enough for a major turnaround in oil production as mature oilfields are depleting. Earlier this month, Eni announced a new light oil discovery in Angolas deep waters, pursuing exploration opportunities close to existing infrastructure, which suggests it aims to keep development costs low.

A stable regulatory environment and wisely using the proceeds from the ongoing privatization program could be Angolas best bet to revive its ailing economy, which has not seen growth since 2015.

This year, Angolas economy is forecast to expand, albeit by just 0.4 percent, for the first time in six years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa earlier this month.

This latter projection has been revised downward significantly since October because of delayed investment and maintenance in the oil sector, the IMF noted.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
CONCERN about proposed military spending by the Canadian government prompted a La Salle couple to spend the weekend fasting and praying.

CONCERN about proposed military spending by the Canadian government prompted a La Salle couple to spend the weekend fasting and praying.

Ernie and Charlotte Wiens went without food Saturday and Sunday to protest a plan by the federal government to buy 88 new fighter jets at a cost of $19 billion.

Over their service lifetime, the jets are predicted to cost the country about $77 billion.

"There are too many other important causes needing our resources today," said Ernie, 74, about why he and Charlotte, 71, decided to fast as part of the No Fighter Jets campaign, which is supported by 16 Canadian peace and faith groups, including the Winnipeg Peace Alliance.

The retired farmers, who are members of the La Salle Community Fellowship, a Mennonite Brethren congregation, think the money should rather be used for "life-giving things."

"Why spend money on weapons for killing when it could be used to sustain life?" asked Ernie, noting the funds could be used to provide Indigenous people with clean drinking water, to support the health-care system, or to ensure quality care for seniors in personal care homes.

Internationally, it could also be used to alleviate poverty and hunger and provide poor nations with COVID-19 vaccines, they said.

"Theres no end of good things to spend money on," said Charlotte, 74.

This is especially true during a pandemic, with so many needs especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations.

"Its ludicrous to be thinking of spending money on jets at a time like this," said Ernie.

The Wiens chose last weekend to fast to be in solidarity with Dr. Brendan Martin of Langley, B.C., who started a two-week fast April 10 to protest the planned purchase of the jets.

"The support of the Wiens is wonderful. It means a lot to me," said Martin, who worked as a doctor in Killarney for 11 years.

Martin, who is inspired to take action by his Roman Catholic faith, said he is fasting because "we see violence everywhere, and we all have a responsibility to try and stop it."

For the Wiens, the fast is part of their long-standing commitment to opposing militarism by diverting a portion of their taxes to Conscience Canada for its Peace Tax Fund.

Since starting to divert money about 12 years ago, they estimate theyve sent about $6,000 to the fund in an effort to get the federal government to make it legal for people to direct taxes for peaceful purposes.

To date, the Canadian Revenue Agency has taken back about 80 per cent of that amount from Ernies Canada pension.

"This fast is part of that same journey," he said of their desire to "stop seeing their taxes spent on war."

In this, the couple are motivated by the example of Jesus, who "told his followers to love their enemies," and "take action against violence and injustice," Ernie said, adding they want to do it in "a respectful and non-violent manner."

They are also inspired to take action by their 10 grandchildren, especially when they think about children in places such as Yemen who are dying because of a war that is being waged partly with weapons sold by Canada to Saudi Arabia.

"The bottom line for me is how can we accept the suffering of children in Yemen because of our countrys involvement?" said Charlotte. "I can only imagine how I would feel if it was one of our grandchildren who was injured or starving."

"So few know about the governments intention to buy the jets," said Ernie.

"Lets stop spending money on war and give it to life-giving projects."

faith@freepress.mb.ca
A man has been indicted in connection with the body found with a gunshot wound to the head near the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, east of Bob Bullock Loop, authorities said on Wednesday.

A grand jury returned a true bill charging Colton Quade Branning, 30, with murder.

Branning is accused of taking Justin Allen Heath, 25, to a dead end in the 4500 block of Clark Boulevard and shooting him in the head, according to the Webb County District Attorneys Office.

The DAs office said Branning came from Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Laredo to participate in smuggling people and drugs.

Branning has been at the Webb County Jail since he was booked on March 16. Heaths death marked the citys second homicide in 2021.

The case unfolded at about 9:15 a.m. Feb. 23, when an LPD officer arrived at the dead end of the 4500 block of Clark Boulevard and discovered an unresponsive man lying on the street. He appeared to be dead and had a pool of blood around his head.

A spent casing was located near the area and seized as evidence. Identified as Heath, he had an apparent gunshot wound to the head, according to court documents.

An investigation revealed Branning picked up Heath in a black Dodge Charger rental car. Branning allegedly had a job for Heath in Laredo, according to court documents. The girlfriend told police that Branning was known to smuggle narcotics into the United States from Mexico and had an extensive criminal history.

While in Laredo, Justin (Heath) advised (his girlfriend) (that) Colton (Branning) wanted him to smuggle a load of narcotics, states the arrest affidavit.

An investigation led police to find the alleged murder weapon at about 8:01a.m. Feb. 24, when an officer responded to a report of a gun located inside a trash can in the 3400 block of West San Francisco Avenue.

Surveillance video from the area showed that a dark-colored Dodge Charger, believed to be Brannings, drove by slowly as it passed the location where the gun was found. Further inspection of the weapon revealed the spent cartridge casing found at the murder scene was associated with the test fired cartridge casings obtained from the recovered weapon, states the affidavit.
Pedestrians walk past a Citibank branch in Singapore, Friday. EPA-Yonhap



By Park Jae-hyuk



Domestic financial groups are paying more attention to the looming sales of Citigroup's banking operations in Southeast Asia than assets up for grabs in the Korean market, raising concerns that the U.S. financial firm may face difficulties in pursuing its exit strategy from Korea.



Last week, Citi announced it would sell off its consumer banking operations in Korea and 12 other markets, including several Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.



Shinhan Financial Group said its department in charge of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) has already studied Citi's businesses in those countries. According to industry sources, the Korean banking group is particularly interested in acquiring the U.S. financial giant's operations in Thailand and the Philippines.



Shinhan, which has accelerated efforts to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, operates banking subsidiaries in Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia and also has branches in the Philippines, Singapore and Myanmar.



Citi has been the largest commercial bank in the Philippines, which it entered in 1902. Its operations in Thailand are also considered attractive to Korean financial firms, because they have faced setbacks in reentering the country after pulling out during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, despite the Bank of Thailand's efforts to keep them there.



But at the same time, Shinhan has been wary of market watchers attaching too much importance to its previous study on Citi's Southeast Asian operations, because the U.S. firm has yet to disclose specific exit plans for those 13 countries.



"The basic role of our M&A department is studying companies that are expected to be put up for sale," a Shinhan spokesman said. "The team is looking at other firms in addition to Citi."



KB Financial Group, which is mentioned as one of the candidates to take over Citibank Korea's wealth management division, is also said to have reviewed the business structures of Citi's Southeast Asian operations, although it officially denied speculation that it is considering an acquisition.



"It is true that we started paying attention to the Southeast Asian market from last year, but we have never officially said that we are interested in Citi's operations," noted a KB spokesman.



In contrast to the growing interest in Citi's Southeast Asian operations, Citibank Korea's retail banking business does not appear to be attractive to major financial groups because they do not need the bank's license or branches here.



"There is no reason for the nation's four-largest financial groups to be interested in Citi's commercial banking business in Korea, although they may consider the acquisitions of Citi's subsidiaries overseas as it has made inroads into many Southeast Asian countries," an industry insider said.



Citibank Korea has faced worsening profits, yet has been passive about pursuing new businesses, such as MyData. The bank's union is also threatening to stage an all-out strike against any personnel restructuring.



Such factors are unfavorable for the envisioned sale of Citibank Korea's consumer banking operations. Although the bank's board members are expected to discuss the exit next Tuesday, a source familiar with the issue said the lender's retail banking business will be put up for sale.


Newspapers across Europe celebrated the Super Leagues impending collapse on their front pages on Wednesday and the role played by English fans in its downfall.

The big six English clubs involved announced their withdrawal from the competition on Tuesday night following passionate protests from supporters and widespread condemnation from other clubs, governing bodies and politicians.

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Spanish sports dailies Marca, AS and Sport all carried pictures of Chelsea fans demonstrating at Stamford Bridge ahead of their match against Brighton.

Super embarrassment ran the headline in Marca, which added: Florentino Perezs project fails in 48 hours.

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Real Madrid president Perez was one of the key architects of the proposed competition.

England blows up the Super League, said AS, while Sport went with: The Super League collapses.

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Superflop was the headline in Italys Gazzetta dello Sport, which added: Inter and the six English teams leave: the plan has failed.

Corriere Dello Sport said Its falling apart and also reflected on a sensational U-turn by the clubs involved.

The Premier League buries the Super League, said French paper LEquipe, which also highlighted the disconnect between the Super League instigators and fans by running a picture of fourth division Rumilly Vallieres celebrating their Coupe de France win over Toulouse with the headline: This is football.
What wasnt clear was how urgently these people needed to go to a movie theater. Even for those who went to the movies regularly before the pandemic, even for those missed a big-screen experience, there seemed to be a creeping agreement that moviegoing mattered a bit less now  yet the alternative, not having that big-screen option, was unthinkable. Many said, considering the lack of options in pandemic America, it was something to do, a distraction, far from an imperative. Others were there on a reconnaissance mission, to report back if it felt safe or weird. At the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, Eddie Snolski said he and his kids were at a matinee of Gorilla vs Kong  You mean, Godzilla vs Kong, dad!  partly because they wanted break the ice. He said the weirdest part was the part about not being in a theater in a year.
Tradition Redefined: Rosanjin and His Rivals

Through May 5. Joan B. Mirviss Ltd., 39 East 78th Street, Manhattan. 212 799-4021; mirviss.com.

The polymathic Kitaoji Rosanjin (1893-1959)  widely known as Rosanjin  was arguably the greatest Japanese potter of the 20th century. He was also a painter, engraver, lacquer artist and a master of calligraphy, as well as an antiques dealer and restaurateur who served his guests on tableware he made himself. In 1954, he traveled to the United States for an exhibition of over 200 works at the Museum of Modern Art (which has seven in its collection) and then on to Europe where he met Picasso and Chagall. In 1955, he was selected in Japan to be a Living National Treasure for his mastery of Oribe ware. But he refused it, miffed that his former apprentice Arakawa Toyozo had already been so designated, for Shino ceramics.

Tradition Redefined: Rosanjin and his Rivals, is thus an aptly titled exhibition. It presents some 30 works by the irascible artist and another 14 by six eminent potters with whom he maintained often prickly friendships. Together they helped bring the old styles of Japanese pottery into the 20th century, researching and experimenting with clays and glazes while ferreting out the ruins of ancient kiln sites for shards. Arakawa  the first to replicate such late 16th-century, Momoyama period styles as Oribe and Shino  is represented here by a classic Shino-type tea bowl, straight-sided, thick-walled, with a rounded lip and touches of iron oxide beneath a white glaze. Rosanjins version is comparatively anemic in form but flamboyant with the orange tones.

This show is an extremely rewarding kind of free-for-all, with Rosanjin being especially adept at conflating aspects of different styles. He evokes traditional blue and white porcelains, but with a large vase sparsely scrawled with akimbo calligraphy. He decorates an Oribe scalloped platter, glazed a traditional deep green, with a subtly loose grid of incised lines seemingly set aflutter by wind or waves. Similar combed lines randomly crisscross the shoulders of two vessels that resemble large storage jars. There is something postmodern about the liberties Rosanjin took, and, going by this show, he may not have been alone. ROBERTA SMITH
Vic Barrett, an organizer with the Alliance for Climate Education. (Illustration by Nathalie Cruz for Yahoo Life)

In honor of Earth Day 2021, Yahoo Life is profiling some of the many advocates leading the charge to save the planet today: young BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) activists fighting for climate justice through an intersectional lens.

Vic Barrett, 22

A Democracy Organizer with the Alliance for Climate Education in the state of Wisconsin who began work in the climate activism sector at age 14 through collaborating with Global Kids, an organization that "educates, activates and inspires youth from underserved communities to take action on critical issues facing our world."

What propelled you into this line of activism?

Definitely a realization of my own identities: Being Afro-indigenous, Afro-Latina, transgender and realizing that all of those things put me on the frontlines of the climate crisis  and not just that, but the frontlines of so many other issues. The one [issue] that I figured that I could do something about  and understood impacted not just people in the United States, but all over the world  was definitely climate change. Especially when considering my own heritage and where my own people are from, which is an area that's really susceptible to sea level rise on the coast of Honduras.

Why do you think the Earths coming demise is such an easy thing for people to remain in denial about?

People live in a state of cognitive dissonance and not really wanting to address the things that are hardest to address. I would say a similar question is: Why do we have a global pandemic going on in which some people never believed that they needed to wear masks? There's a lot of why's that we could be asking about the things people do. I think it just comes from a place of not wanting to address the hardest things to address and convincing yourself of anything to prevent having to address those things.

Why have you chosen organizing as your approach to activism?

I would say I chose to focus on activism and not just education, but storytelling too, because I've seen the ways in which it has benefited me in my journey and in showing people things that seem so obvious to me  lived experience is important. These are things that not everybody thinks about all the time, believe it or not, so I realized that I needed to get in this space where I could (as often as possible) communicate the nuance of not just climate change, but a whole bunch of issues. The more we talk about it, the more people understand.

Story continues

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Speaking of understanding, whats your trick when it comes to getting people to really hear your message and grasp the threat level?

My angle has been almost unintentional in some ways, just being a minority in the climate space. People are often intrigued to hear what my perspective is because of the fact that there aren't a lot of young, dark skinned Black people in the climate space, especially [back] when I started. [There] was definitely more white environmentalists and [with] that came a very specific way of approaching the issue, so I think that I just really try to speak from lived experience and try to be genuine in the way I come across. I'm not trying to give you a policy pitch or a campaign pitch. I'm just telling you what I see as the reality and what I see as the facts and what s lot of other people do too.

How is environmental activism intersectional and why should it be seen through that lens?

I would say one place where it can start is just [understanding] the word "environment." Sometimes it can very much be thought to mean nature, out in the trees [or] national parks, but people's environments are [just] what makes up where they are. [Some] people's environments in parts of the South Bronx [include] air that they cant breathe in  [causing] a higher rate of asthma  and that has to do with the color of their skin and their class, so that's an intersectional issue. It's the fact that all of these issues build upon each other. If you're trying to not be brutalized by police and then also trying to raise your kids in an area where you have less access to food [or] resources, all those things intersect If we're going to fix the environment, we need to fix everybody's environment.

Gen Z is in the position of having to now clean up the mess of previous generations. How do you manage any anger or resentment over being put in that position?

We're living at the cusp of a lot of the systems that people have relied on  and ignored faults in for so long  [and] all of those faults are coming to a head in our lifetimes. That's just reality. The IPC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] is releasing reports that catastrophic climate change is happening in eight years. We had the largest protest against police brutality in U.S. history last summer [and] we're living in a global pandemic in which  the people who've always been the most vulnerable and the most screwed over are still the most vulnerable and the most screwed over.

We're just seeing in front of our faces all the time that all the things we thought were wrong with the system are wrong with the system  and we need to radically do something to change it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Following a year that saw a dramatic increase in camping, RVing and the use of public lands, as the RV industry leader, THOR is committed to raising awareness for the importance of simply picking up. By mobilizing community members across the U.S. to do their part in keeping outdoor spaces clean, the company hopes to achieve their 2021 Pick Up America pledge goal of removing 150 tons of trash.

Initially launched in 2019, the Pick Up America initiative parallels THOR Industries' continued focus on reaching long-term sustainability targets and promotes actionable change for those who love to get outdoors. As of today, the program's inception goal of 50 tons of trash pledged has been exceeded by over 490% and counting.

"Over the past year, it has been inspiring to see the increased excitement around getting outdoors and connecting with nature," said Bob Martin, president & CEO of THOR Industries, Inc. "We also understand that this rise in usage can put pressure on our public lands. Through the Pick Up America initiative, it is our intent to provide an easy way for campers, RVers and outdoor lovers alike to do our part in keeping these lands clean for all to enjoy now and into the future."

To make an impact this Earth Day and pledge to be the difference by picking up, please visit PickUpAmerica.com. Participants should follow all local social distancing and safety guidelines, in addition to wearing gloves to safely pick up trash, monitoring children throughout the process and disposing of trash responsibly.

For an opportunity be featured on the Pick Up America website and show support for the initiative, participants can document their "pick up" by posting on their social channels using the hashtag #PickUpAmerica.

About THOR Industries

THOR Industries is the sole owner of operating companies which, combined, represent the world's largest manufacturer of RVs. Founded in 1980 by Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein with the purchase of Airstream, Elkhart, IN-based THOR has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions. For more information on the Company and its products, please visit: https://www.thorindustries.com/.

SOURCE THOR Industries

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https://www.thorindustries.com


Tangerine's commitment will support Kids Help Phone's Black youth strategy, RiseUp. According to Kids Help Phone, the percentage of youth in distress related to racism and discrimination more than doubled between May and June 2020. Kids who report racism as a cause of distress are among the most stressed before texting in to Kids Help Phone (second only to those fearing harm from someone in the home).

"We are thrilled to work with Kids Help Phone and to help ensure critical programming that supports Black youth with access to support services," said Gillian Riley, President and CEO at Tangerine Bank. "We firmly believe that youth empowerment is incredibly important to building stronger communities and, through our work with community partners, we are taking action to acknowledge and help eliminate the existence and influence of systemic anti-Black racism."

RiseUp will focus on better supporting Black youth through three key deliverables including an analysis of policies and practices at Kids Help Phone to identify program gaps creating Black community leadership engagement including a national Black youth council and, supporting learning sessions and new training to strengthen knowledge within the Kids Help Phone team.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Tangerine Bank. Together we support underserved Black youth, nation wide by listening, understanding and taking action," said Katherine Hay, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "This collaboration supports our efforts to remove barriers created by anti-Black racism as Kids Help Phone continues our journey with purpose."

This announcement marks Tangerine's renewed commitment to empowering communities through Tangerine Project Forward  an initiative that helps deliver programs that inspire self-confidence, leadership, belonging and acceptance in Canadian youth. Tangerine Project Forward supports Jack.org, Youth Without Shelter, Lady Ballers Camp, FoodShare and now Kids Help Phone, among others.

More information on the Tangerine Project Forward and Kids Help Phone collaboration is available at tangerine.ca/projectforward

About Tangerine Bank

Tangerine Bank is a digital bank that delivers simplified everyday banking to Canadians. With over 2 million Clients and close to $40 billion in total assets, it's one of Canada's leading digital banks. Tangerine Bank offers banking that's flexible and accessible, products and services that are innovative, fair fees and award-winning Client service. From Savings Accounts to no-fee daily Chequing, Credit Cards, GICs, RSPs, TFSAs, Mortgages, lending products and Investment Funds through its subsidiary, Tangerine Investment Funds Limited, Tangerine Bank has the everyday banking products Canadians need. With over 1,000 employees in Canada, the bank's presence spans its website and Mobile Banking app to its 24/7 Contact Centres and Toronto-based head office. Tangerine Bank was launched as ING DIRECT Canada in 1997. In 2012 Tangerine was acquired by Scotiabank, and operates independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

For more information, visit tangerine.ca.

About Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support in English and French to young people. As the country's virtual care expert, we give millions of youth a safe, trusted space to talk over phone, through text or through self-directed tools in any moment of crisis or need. Through our digital transformation, we envision a future where every person in Canada is able to get the support they need, when they need it most, however they need it. Kids Help Phone gratefully relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, stakeholder partners, corporate partners and governments to fuel and fund our programs. Learn more at KidsHelpPhone.ca or follow us: Twitter: @KidsHelpPhone, Facebook: @KidsHelpPhone, Instagram: @KidsHelpPhone

SOURCE Tangerine

For further information: Media and interview inquiries: Rebecca Webster, Corporate Communications, Tangerine Bank, [email protected]

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South Africa: Government committed to boosting skills base

Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector, as a means of providing a seamless transition into economic activities.

During a visit to Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) in KwaZulu-Natal, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said the precinct is intended to be the first of three such precincts to be established, as part of the new National Plan for Post-School Education and Training, with next one to be set up in Giyani, Limpopo.

The project is also in line with our White Paper for, PSET which aims to build an expanded, effective and integrated PSET system.

The project comprises an interconnected set of institutions, which are able to collaborate and support each other in the delivery of their individual mandates, including through establishing strong relationships with the communities in which they are located, and with industry and civil society organisations in their locality, Nzimande explained.

The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation piloted the education precinct model in Imbali because the specific collection of education institutions in the locality provides the perfect location for an education precinct model to be implemented and piloted.

Imbali is eminently suitable for this precinct development, as it already has in close proximity institutions which cover the full range of education tiers, including an early learning facility, a variety of school and post school facilities, including a university campus, a school for the disabled, a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) campus and other related amenities.

This project is also in line with our new landscape of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation which aims at aligning our skills development and innovation strategies much closer together in order to facilitate an innovation-led, skills based, economic growth and development strategy.

Nzimande said the department intends to integrate the countrys universities, TVET colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and National System of Innovation (NSI). This is in order to produce a well-rounded student, who is ready to take up their positions within our economy.

Through this initiative, the country will be able to prepare intellectually astute and skilled students ready to deal with the needs of the 21st century.

This is the reason why I would like to expand the mandate of the Imbali precinct to include innovation and cultural programmes to ensure that there is no facet of student development which is left undeveloped, the Minister said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A day after the Derek Chauvin verdict, the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office has released troubling new video showing one of its officers fatally shoot an unhoused Black man in the middle of a Danville intersection last month.

The previously unreleased video includes intensely graphic body-camera footage from Danville police Officer Andrew Hall and was published just hours before Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced two felony counts against Hall for a separate fatal shooting in 2018.

Four edited and packaged videos posted Wednesday  captured from Halls body camera, a camera on a passing vehicle and two stationary surveillance cameras at Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon  depict, in stark detail, the March 11 fatal shooting of Tyrell Wilson, 33, on a busy road near Interstate 680.

Their brief encounter escalates quickly from the moment Hall beckons Wilson over. The officers body camera shows it takes him 31 seconds to go from calling out to Wilson to firing the fatal gunshot.

The Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, which has a contract to provide police services in Danville, said it received three 911 calls that morning about a person throwing rocks from the freeway overpass at Sycamore Valley Road. Hall drove to the intersection and saw Wilson begin to cross the street. Police said he matched the description of the person throwing rocks.

Hey buddy, come here for a minute real quick, Hall yells to Wilson, who has his back turned in the body-camera footage. Wilson refuses, asks Hall to identify himself and walks away as Hall reprimands him for jaywalking.

Hall radios for backup and continues making commands as Wilson dismisses him. Eighteen seconds into the encounter, Wilson turns to face Hall, who continues forward while Wilson backs away.

Five seconds later, Hall identifies himself as a Danville police officer. At that point Wilson is standing in the street. He holds a shopping bag in his left hand and appears to have a small object in his right  revealed to be a knife when Wilson releases the blade. He steps backward again, holding the knife and challenging Hall, though the video never shows him lunging toward the officer.

Touch me and youll see whats up, Wilson says.

Hall yells at him to drop the knife and draws his gun.

Kill me, Wilson says, patting his side with his right hand, looking upward. Wilson takes two short steps forward.

Hall yells, Drop the knife! and fires, striking the left side of Wilsons face.

Wilson falls and drops the bag. The two are feet away from each other, and throughout the exchange Hall has made no effort to de-escalate the situation.

He doesnt approach Wilson, who is bleeding into the street, until a backup officer arrives with a spare pair of gloves.

Whyd you shoot him, man? a voice yells in the background as Hall stands over Wilson, breathing heavily, then radios for medical assistance. A woman jumps out of a blue sedan and walks into the intersection, identifying herself as a San Francisco police officer. She offers to help.

Just scene control, Hall says.

When other officers arrive, a minute after the shooting, they gather around Wilson. His blood is pooling in the street.

Doctors pronounced Wilson dead at a local hospital on March 17.

In a statement accompanying the newly released footage, Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston said the videos showed Wilson posed a threat to Officer Hall.

Any loss of life is tragic, but the community can now see the truth, Livingston said in the statement.

The sheriff accused Wilson of throwing objects, possibly rocks at passing motorists, and alleged that Wilson had numerous rocks in his jacket pocket.

He did threaten Officer Hall, Livingston said. And he did start advancing toward Officer Hall in the middle of a major intersection. Officers are forced to make split-second decisions to protect themselves and the public, and thats what happened here.

John Burris, a civil attorney representing Wilsons family, previously characterized the shooting as premeditated murder and said it wouldnt have happened if Hall was charged sooner in the 2018 killing of Laudemer Arboleda, who was slowly driving away from police when the officer fired 10 rounds into his car.

After watching the body-camera video on Wednesday, Burris told The Chronicle the footage demonstrated that Hall created this confrontation and then used his deadly weapon to shoot his way out of it unnecessarily.

Addressing reporters at her office in Martinez, Becton didnt comment specifically on the video of Wilson. She said the case is under investigation.

Referring to the voluntary manslaughter and gun charge she filed in the Arboleda shooting, Becton said her office only brings charges that are appropriate and that we believe can be proven by the facts. And that is certainly the case in this instance.

Becton said she anticipated Hall will turn himself in once a judge signed an arrest warrant, which happened later that day. The warrant set Halls bail at $220,000. Hall could face up to 22 years in prison if convicted of the charges Becton filed.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @rachelswan
FWD

AWD

kWh

Very similar in exterior styling to the prototype from August 2020, the production version features the GM Ultium Platform for RWD,, andapplications. In this case, were dealing with a rear-mounted electric motor that outputs 340 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque as per the press release at the end of this article. Thats right; Cadillac used the metric system instead of 325 pound-feet, which is interesting when you think about it.The reason Cadillac has chosen newton-meters over pound-feet of torque is China, where General Motors will produce the Lyriq for the local market at the Yantai assembly complex in the northeastern province of Shandong. As far as the United States is concerned, Spring Hill in Tennessee is where the five-seat crossover will be produced for the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican markets.Also worthy of note, Cadillac has this very awkward naming convention based on torque. The XT6, for example, features a small 400 badge on the liftgate because it produces 367 Nm or 271 pound-feet of torque. Dont ask me why Cadillac rounds it off to 400 because GM works in mysterious ways.Capable of traveling more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a single charge from a lithium-ion battery produced by LG Energy Solution, the Lyriq features 12 modules for a total capacity of 100. The Model Y , by comparison, offers 244 miles if were talking about the Standard Range RWD and 326 miles for the Long Range AWD. Speaking of which, the latter is currently priced at $50,490 on Tesla's configurator before options such as FSD.Cadillac is charging $59,990 for the Lyriq, including delivery, but Cadillac also keeps quiet about the standard features of its first-ever electric vehicle. Only the 20-inch alloy wheels with a split-spoke design are confirmed to be standard, while options include 22-inch wheels and the Super Cruise suite.Throughout the next decade, Cadillac will define the future of luxury transportation through a series of exciting new electric vehicles, said Rory Harvey, vice president of the brand. The stunning design and artfully integrated technology combined with the Ultium Platform will deliver a high-performance luxury experience unlike anything that has come before it.
Peggy Honein (r.), who leads the State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support Task Force in CDC's COVID-19 response, talks with CNN's Don Lemon. Peggy is telling Don about ways that schools can safely reopen.

Working about 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to fight COVID-19s spread attests to a persons dedication. Helping steer billions in funding and hundreds of support staff to people fighting outbreaks around the country attests to her leadership.

Peggy Honein has spent most of that time in CDCs COVID-19 response heading up efforts that have strengthened the nations health departments and revamped how CDC responders collaborate with them.

In early 2020, when the world was beginning to hear about COVID-19, like most of us, Peggy was going on with life as normal.

She was planning a celebration with her extended family for her fathers 80th birthday in the summer. And as director of CDCs Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Peggy was preparing to give a presentation at a conference on birth defects and disabilities in Sri Lanka.

Then COVID-19 began spreading in Asia and Europe.

They werent calling this a pandemic yet, but I was getting increasingly concerned about international travel for my staff and for myself, so I cancelled the trip, Peggy says.

Since her calendar was already blocked for Sri Lanka, Peggy volunteered to join the COVID-19 response. Almost immediately, she was asked to deploy to Northern California to lead a team at Travis Air Force Base (Travis) where the US Government was opening a federal quarantine facility. Her departure was in 48 hours.

I recorded my presentation for the conference in Sri Lanka and went home to pack, Peggy says.

Her teams main mission at Travis was helping evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been anchored off the coast of Japan with a COVID-19 outbreak on board.

They had been quarantined on the ship for about 12 days. Then they had a long flight to the United States to start a new 14-day quarantine, Peggy says. Many passengers were older and had medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe illness.

The passengers were fearful of this new virus; they had spent a lot of time confined to very small spaces on the ship and were lonely. Some had family members who were still hospitalized with COVID-19 back in Japan.

The passengers anguish deeply affected staff, and mental health professionals tended to passengers and staff. Despite the challenges, Peggys team and health department colleagues stayed focused on slowing COVID-19s advance in the United States and on buying time for the country to prepare.

After wrapping up work at Travis, Peggy flew to Seattle to co-lead a team of 42 deployers to support a health department fighting outbreaks in long-term care facilities while rapidly learning about the spread of the virus among staff and residents. Many patients died before the implementation of prevention measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the facilities.

The gravity of the impact of COVID-19 on staff and residents in long-term care facilities became real, Peggy says. There were staff members afraid to come to work. Some were working at multiple facilities just to pay bills. This unfortunate reality risked spreading infection between facilities.

After returning to Atlanta, though symptom-free, Peggy quarantined at home for 14 days to protect her CDC colleagues who were still going to the office. Rising cases of COVID-19 also began to affect her personal life. Her fathers birthday celebration was postponed indefinitely, and major holidays were celebrated on video chat.

Peggys success in building relationships with health departments in California and Washington soon paid off across the country. In Atlanta, she became deputy lead, then lead, of the responses State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) Support Task Force, where she is the face of the response to the nations health departments.

State and local health departments are the frontlines, the on-the-ground truth. They let us know when theyre frustrated with what seems like insurmountable obstacles, Peggy says. We like this kind of communication because it helps us determine next steps for the response.

Response staff usually work temporarily on the response then return to their normal duties at CDC. To provide health departments with continuity in communicating with partners, Peggy on-boarded more than 40 full-time responders on the STLT Task Force.

Peggy, an epidemiologist by training, has continuously gathered information on COVID-19s spread on her own and from health departments. Her name appears notably often on CDCs scientific studies on the pandemic. She has addressed key questions like decisions and policies needed for safe school re-opening.

Peggy has also made sure that health departments are informed of new discoveries that come from data gathered from them. This helps them improve their efforts against COVID-19s spread. Even with vaccines being given, Peggy says we cannot lower our guard.

While everyone is tired of the pandemic and wants it to be over, we need to continue distancing and wearing masks to slow the spread as we diligently work to achieve high vaccination rates, Peggy says.
SUGAR Cosmetics, a cult-favourite amongst Gen Z and millennials, is one of the fastest-growing premium beauty brands in India. Launched in 2015, the brand has quickly made its way into most makeup aficionados vanity. The year 2021 was off to a strong start for the digital-first beauty player as they announced a US $21 Million (INR 153 Cr) Series C funding round in early February. As part of this Series C, India Quotient - the company's earliest backer marginally trimmed their holding to clock a 49X return on their investment at an IRR of ~61%.

Till date, the company has raised a total of US $33 Million funds. India Quotient has consistently backed the founding team of Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee through all 4 rounds of funding till date including the recently concluded Series C where it co-invested with Elevation Capital and A91 Partners. As a result of this continued participation across rounds, India Quotient is currently the second largest institutional investor of the company with a stake worth more than its first two funds put together.

India Quotient first invested in 2013 when the parent company Vellvette Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. was pursuing a beauty subscription service business model. In 2015, SUGAR Cosmetics was launched under the same company with a limited range of Crayon Lipsticks, Vivid Lipsticks, Matte Eyeliner and Kajal that disrupted the online cosmetics market. With matte, long-lasting makeup with shades that were specifically suited for Indian skin tones, the brand grew virally through rave reviews on Instagram and YouTube. Starting with net revenue of INR 3 CR in 2016-2017 the brand successfully clocked in INR 105+ CR in its 4th fiscal year, reaching an 85% YOY growth rate  while notching up 1.5+ million followers across social media platforms by the side.

Speaking of an untold story of a contrarian bet for the brand in 2015, Ms. Vineeta Singh, Co-founder & CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics says:

SUGAR Cosmetics started as a direct-to-consumer cosmetics brand in 2015 with products that were specifically created for young Indian women. Very few people know that it was also at this time when the company was pivoting from the beauty subscription service to a cosmetics brand, it came very close to shutting down.

In 2016, having already infused capital from their 1st Fund, the partners at India Quotient, Madhukar Sinha and Anand Lunia were clear that their fiduciary duty towards their Limited Partners ruled out any possibility of any further investment from their successor fund without an external investor leading the round. However, for reasons best known to them, they took an extremely risky call of lending the company 1 Cr from the funds reserve for AMC fees amount that VCs earn for managing the fund.

Had it not been for that unexpected infusion, we would have been unable to pay our German manufacturers to release the products that were ready for delivery - and the company would never have reached the 2017 Series A which eventually set the brand up on a different trajectory altogether. It gives us immense joy to be able to return 49x of their investment to them and thank them for the pivotal role theyve had and continue to have as SUGAR scales.

Apart from investments in keeping the brands fast-moving product range ahead of the curve, SUGAR plans on using their latest funds in building both digital and retail distribution to further their reach in existing and new geographies. The brands Android and iOS apps have seen a million downloads with a 4.6-star rating, indicating a strong community of beauty enthusiasts that the brand speaks to. The retail footprint is also expected to grow from the current 10,000+ retail outlets to 40,000+ in the current year.

Adding to SUGARs success story, Mr. Madhukar Sinha, founding partner, India Quotient said; Ever since the launch of our operations in 2012, we have invested in over 70 start-ups. While we first backed the founders in 2013, we did infuse some amount in SUGAR Cosmetics in 2016 from the first funds reserve for AMC fees amount - we just knew that this association was to go a long way. The projections of the online beauty industry and the all-in approach of the team just had to be seen through to the Series A fundraise in June 2017. Seeing the brand grow to become a cult-favourite among millennial women was a proud moment for us as well because we knew that the gut feel was validated. Watching how quickly SUGAR was carving their mark in the beauty industry, we returned to invest in the brand in their Series B & Series C rounds as well. For a brand that is merely 5 years old, SUGAR has taken the industry by storm and we are happy to be a part of their success journey.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Marco Mendicino opened the first inaugural meeting of the Ukraine-Canada Mobility Working Group.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

"Ukraine pays special attention to the Ukrainian-Canadian dialogue in the field of migration and visas. Today we are opening a new page in Ukrainian-Canadian relations by launching a new format of bilateral cooperation," Kuleba said.

Avakov, for his part, stressed that the Ukraine-Canada Mobility Working Group is an effective tool to ensure proper communication between the competent agencies of both countries and intensify bilateral dialogue with the aim to improve mobility.

Representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the two countries discussed areas of effective cooperation between the governments in the field of migration and mobility. They paid special attention to the opportunities to increase the temporary mobility of Ukrainian and Canadian youth, as well as current challenges in the field of migration, and promising areas of cooperation between migration and border agencies of both countries.

As Ukrinform reported, on January 27, Ukraine and Canada set up a working group to respond to global migration challenges and further dialogue on mobility, including the simplification of travel to Canada for Ukrainian citizens.

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The European Union on Monday said that Russia has deployed roughly 150,000 armed troops along the border of Ukraine and in Crimea. Calling it the highest such military deployment, Josep Borrell said that it will only take a spark to escalate a confrontation between the forces of the two countries on the border with heightened tensions. At a virtual meeting of the EU foreign ministers, Borrell said that Russias massive military build-up, its hostile moves in eastern Ukraine, all kinds of warfare. and the installation of military field hospitals were a matter of concern. As he described the situation as dangerous, Borrell said that the risk of further escalation, its evident.

It is the highest military deployment of the Russian army on the Ukrainian borders ever. Its clear that its a matter of concern when you deploy a lot of troops, Borrell told reporters at the live-streamed conference. Well, a spark can jump here or there, he warned. The situation in the Ukrainian border is really very much worrisome, we invited the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to meet with us, EUs High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said. He further commended Ukraine for its restrained response and urged Russia to de-escalate and defuse military tensions.

Borrell reiterated that the message from the worlds leaders has been very much clear, a complete reiteration of strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said. This includes non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and the request for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. We will continue supporting the efforts of the Normandy format, said Borrell.

The most important message is our strong support to Ukraine and our concern about the Russian military build-up that has to stop in Crimea and on the border, the EU diplomat said.

[Ukrainian soldiers guard a checkpoint at the town Shshastya. Credit: AP]

'We call on Russia to withdraw troops,' says Borrell

Borrell did not disclose any details about the location of these Russian troops, the tally for which, he said, was his reference figure.Ukrainian Defence Minister Andriy Taran, last week, told a presser that the troops were roughly 110,000 in the estimate. All in all, the relations with Russia, are not improving, but the contrary, the tension is increasing in different fronts, Borrell said. We call on Russia to withdraw their troops, he warned. He informed that the European Union will attend the Summit of the Crimea Platform on August 23 to ramp up diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity. Borrell added that the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek briefed the EU on the announcement about the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats linked to the 2014 explosions in an ammunition depot, whom it identified as Russian military service agents. "The European Union stands in unity and solidarity with the Czech Republic," he said.
Amaravati, April 21 : Former Andhra Pradesh irrigation minister and senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Devineni Umamaheswara Rao (Uma) is currently absconding. He is wanted by the CID for allegedly morphing an old video of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"He (Uma) is absconding. He made a morphed video and displayed it in a Tirupati press conference," a CID official probing the case told IANS on Wednesday.

According to the CID police, Uma allegedly illegally modified a 2019 press conference video of Reddy in which he reportedly spoke about the attractiveness of Tirupati as a location for professionals and used it to attack the CM in the run up to the high octane Scheduled Castes (SC) reserved Lok Sabha by-poll recently.

On April 7, Uma showcased this video and manoeuvred to gain a political advantage for the TDP in the run up to the by-poll.

The official said that the morphed video amounted to showing Reddy as saying: Nobody will come and stay in Tirupati when asked to do so. None of you will come and stay in a particular place if I come and ask you to stay. Any cardiologist or a highly educated person will prefer to stay in Hyderabad, Bengaluru or Delhi but nobody will prefer to stay in Odisha, Bihar or Tirupati.

"He displayed this video in the press conference, including taking care that the mouth (CM's) is not visible using some form of stickering," the official pointed out.

The official said that the video belonged to 2019 when Reddy spoke at Andhra Bhavan.

Following this incident, ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party's (YSRCP) Kurnool district legal cell president and advocate N. Narayana Reddy lodged a complaint with the CID on April 10.

On receiving the complaint, CID police in Mangalagiri booked a case against the former minister under IPC Sections 464, 465, 468, 469, 470, 471, 505 and 120 (b).

"As you have disrespected the chief minister by morphing his video and showcasing it to the press, we have included you as an accused in the case," said the CID notice served at Uma's Gollapudi residence in Vijayawada.

Police have already summoned Uma twice for a probe, on Thursday and Monday, but he evaded both the summons, including switching off his cell phone.

He was summoned to come with the tab he used in the press conference for investigation but is currently on the run.
DERUYTER, N.Y.  A 64-year-old man from Madison County is accused of forcibly touching a 15-year-old girl at a residence in DeRuyter.

New York State Police arrested Thomas G. Narsasian on April 17, and charged him with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors.

According to police, Narsasian allegedly made unwanted contact by grabbing an intimate part of the girl's body.

Narsasian was arraigned and released. He is due back in court on April 28.

An order of protection was issued on the victims behalf following the arrest.
A leading investor has come to the defence of Glaxosmithkline boss Emma Walmsley amid talk that Wall Street activists could force her out.

The top 20 shareholder, which declined to be named, said Walmsley should be 'given time' to push through a shake-up at the pharmaceuticals group and dis- missed suggestions of her removal.

It said she had 'done admirably' since taking charge in 2017 and that big changes at pharmaceutical companies  which spend years developing drugs that may ultimately fail in trials  were 'difficult' to accomplish quickly.

Glaxosmithkline boss Emma Walmsley has come under fire from US activist investor Elliot Mangement

There have been suggestions that Walmsley could be forced out, after US activist investor Elliott Management revealed a 'multi-billion pound' stake in GSK last week.

The fund has a track record of aggressively agitating for change in boardrooms and company strategies, such as its campaign to force hotel and restaurant group Whitbread to sell Costa Coffee more speedily.

But the top 20 investor said: 'Since taking over the reins, Emma Walmsley has done admi- rably in our opinion.'

Since taking over as chief exec- utive of GSK, Walmsley has already sought to slash costs and increase spending on research and development to restock the British firm's increasingly bare cupboard of new medicines.
On the latest episode of his podcast, Robert Koritz, the drummer of the Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra, welcomes a fellow Jewish musician: Jorma Kaukonen, legendary guitarist and member of Jefferson Airplane, the innovative rock band formed in the 1960s.

Koritz, who lives in St. Louis and chairs the Camp Sabra committee, told the Jewish Light that It was amazing to hear stories about [Kaukonen] and the members of the Dead honing their craft together and really inventing a whole new genre of music. I really enjoyed hearing about the artists that influenced both Jorma and [Jerry] Garcia as they found their musical identities.

Unfortunately, due to the limited time, Koritz and Kaukonen did not have a chance to talk about their shared Jewish identity, but Kaukonen, who Rolling Stone ranked No. 54 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists, discussed his connection to the religion with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in 2015.

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On the latest episode of the podcast, The Music Plays the Band, which will be released Thursday, Koritz also hosts Jeff Malinowski, guitarist in The Stolen Faces, a Dead tribute band based in Nashville, Tenn.

It was nice to hear about what is going on down there. You wouldnt expect the Nashville area to be a big Grateful Dead market, but they really have a vibrant music scene and community, Koritz said.

Dark Star Orchestra also performed last weekend in Birmingham, Ala., and Pelham, Tenn., which were the bands first shows this year.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the venues had a limited capacity and fans were socially-distanced.

In spite of the fact that there were no fans in the front row, Koritz said it was so great to be back out there bringing the music to the fans. They are so excited to have live music and I couldnt be happier to be playing again. It is certainly a little bit different than the way we are used to, but it is better than not playing at all.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
City Council delayed a vote Wednesday on whether to spend more than $1.2 million on a legal firm to defend the city in a lawsuit stemming from the botched 2019 Harding Street raid that left two residents dead, four officers shot and a dozen current and former officers facing charges.

Council had been set to hire Beck Redden LLP for the seven-figure sum, a bill that could rise during the litigation. Mayor Sylvester Turner said the citys legal department is stretched thin and the city has an obligation to defend itself.

The lawsuit was brought against the city, former Police Chief Art Acevedo and other officers by the family of Dennis Tuttle and his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, who were shot to death by police during the raid. The suit asserts that the officers violated the couples civil rights.

Authorities later accused the lead narcotics officer, Gerald Goines, of lying to obtain the warrant used in the raid. He has been charged with murder and other crimes, and 11 other current and former narcotics officers face charges, as well.

Councilmembers Letitia Plummer and Tarsha Jackson used a procedural motion known as a tag to delay the vote by one week, saying they needed more information about the lawsuit and the citys defense posture.

I completely agree that the city needs to defend itself. I think that whats important right now is just transparency, and I think the public needs to understand better, Plummer said. So, the only way that we as council members can explain to the public what were doing and why were doing it, is for us to get a better understanding. I think this week will allow us to do that.

Plummer, who chairs the Ethics Committee, told the Chronicle she hopes to host a committee meeting next week to explore the city's policy regarding who it defends in lawsuits. She said she spoke to the Legal Department on Tuesday and was told that the city has to represent employees who request counsel unless they have been found to have intentionally violated city policy.

The Legal Department did not respond to a request for comment about who the city plans to defend in the lawsuit.

Plummer said she hopes to give the public a better understanding of the policy and how it informs the citys decisions. Then, councilmembers can vote accordingly next week, she said.

Its a new day, Plummer said, referring to the conviction of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin on Tuesday in the murder of George Floyd. We have to do right by people.

Jackson said her primary concern was the price tag, since the city has a staff of attorneys in house.

I want to understand why the Legal Department cant represent the city in this case, Jackson said.  The city should have a designated lawyer to fight these cases because were always being sued. The amount is pretty steep, and theyre going to come back again for more money. In the end theres probably going to be a big settlement anyways, so why not use the money to pay the settlement?

District K Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum said she also would seek more information regarding the citys defense.

I just want to be very clear about what Im supporting and that its not the supporting of bad actors, and that we are protecting the citys interests and not the interests of something that went wrong by people who did the wrong thing, Castex-Tatum said.

The mayor responded: We dont know who did the wrong thing. We do have an obligation to protect the interests of the city If you are sued, I would encourage you to go get you a lawyer. In this case, the city is being sued. For us not to put ourselves in the best position to defend ourselves is the equivalent of simply saying, OK, the treasury door is open.

Separately, council members also delayed a vote on whether to hire a firm in the citys ongoing contract dispute with the firefighters union. That measure would pay Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal & Zech P.C. for another $92,000 of services, bringing the tab to $547,500 in that case.

Councilmembers Amy Peck and Michael Kubosh delayed that vote.

Is there a way to project what the ultimate cost of all these lawsuits against the firefighters may cost the city, and to bring us up to date on exactly where we are on them? Kubosh asked.

The mayor said the legal department supplied information this week on the lawsuits and would be glad to do so again.

These are lawsuits in which the city is being sued, Turner said. In all of these cases, the city is being sued.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com
(Newser)  In January, Amnesty International praised a South Korean court ruling as the first time Japan had been held accountable by a court for forcing hundreds of thousands of women and girls into sexual slavery during World War II. There was shock and dismay Wednesday as another judge in the same court rejected the earlier ruling, saying Japan is protected by state immunity that prevents such action by foreign courts and no exception should be made, reports Reuters. The January ruling stated that Japan's treatment of the "comfort women" was a crime against humanity Japan could not claim immunity for. The country was ordered to pay around $90,000 each to a small group of Korean women.

story continues below

"This court does not disagree that the victims have the right to claim compensation," read the latest ruling. "But as of now, suing a foreign country cannot be allowed." The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by 20 plaintiffs, including 11 former "comfort women," the New York Times reports. Only five of the women, all in their 80s or 90s, survived to see the January ruling. The oldest survivor, 99-year-old Jeong Bok-soo, died in February. "All I can say is that I am dumbfounded," another survivor, 92-year-old Lee Yong-soo, said after Wednesday's ruling, per the Wall Street Journal. Japan argues that the issue was settled in a 2015 deal that survivors criticized for not going far enough. The plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling to international courts and a higher court in South Korea. (Read more comfort women stories.)
Metaplasia is defined as the replacement of a fully differentiated cell type by another. There are several classical examples of metaplasia, one of the most frequent is called Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is characterized by the replacement of the keratinocytes by columnar cells in the lower esophagus upon chronic acid reflux.

This metaplasia is considered a precancerous lesion that increases by around 50 times the risk of this oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Nonetheless, the mechanisms involved in the development of metaplasia in the esophagus are still partially unknown.

In a new study published in Cell Stem Cell, researchers led by Mr. Benjamin Beck, (FNRS research associate and WELBIO investigator at the IRIBHM, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Belgium), report the mechanisms involved in the transdifferentiation of oesophageal keratinocytes into columnar cells.

Alizee Vercauteren Drubbel and colleagues used state-of-the-art genetic tools and mouse models to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which cells from the oesophagus can participate to metaplasia. In collaboration with Prof. Sachiyo Nomura (Tokyo Medical University, Japan), they demonstrated that the reactivation of the Hedgehog pathway occurs in epithelial cells upon chronic acid reflux.

The sole reactivation of this pathway in normal oesophageal cells changes them and make them look like embryonic oesophageal cells. Subsequently, a subset of these cells is converted into columnar cells.

It was really surprising to see the cells from the oesophagus slowly changing over time and getting features of other tissues just by activating a signaling pathway in vivo." Alizee Vercauteren Drubbel, Study First Author

The authors demonstrate that the hedgehog pathway alters the squamous differentiation program in virtually all the oesophageal cells but induces a full squamous-to-columnar conversion in a subset of progenitors only.

Interestingly, an embryonic-like epigenetic and transcriptomic program precedes the columnar conversion, suggesting that keratinocytes need to be dedifferentiated before activating another differentiation program. Conditional knockout in vivo demonstrates that the transcription factor Sox9 plays a pivotal role in the process of columnar conversion.

In conclusion, this work highlights mechanisms modulating cellular plasticity that may constitute the very first step of transdifferentiation and metaplasia development in the oesophagus. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma incidence has dramatically increased over the past decades.

This increase appears to be a result of the increased prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus. Hence, "we hope that a better understanding of the processes involved in the development of metaplasia and their progression into cancer will help detecting people with a high risk of developing cancer." comments Benjamin Beck, the last and corresponding author of this study.
JENNINGS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX:JDVB) Dan L. Donald, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of JD Bancshares, Inc., announced that at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 20, 2021, the Board voted to pay a cash dividend in the amount of $0.45 per share on May 7, 2021 to the shareholders of record on April 30, 2021.

The amount and payment of future dividends for the JD Bancshares, Inc. common stock is determined on a quarterly basis, based on earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

About JD Bancshares, Inc.

JD Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of JD Bank, a state chartered bank headquartered in Jennings, Louisiana. JD Bank has been serving the citizens of southwest Louisiana since 1947 and offers a variety of personal and commercial lending and deposit products through both physical and digital delivery channels. The Bank also offers both trust and investment services. JD Bank operates through 22 full service branch offices located along the Interstate 10 corridor from Lake Charles to Lafayette, Louisiana. JD Bancshares, Inc. may be accessed on its website at www.jdbank.com/investor relations.

JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: JDVB) trades on the OTCQX Best Market. Companies meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws, and have a professional third-party sponsor introduction. Investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

CONTACT:

JD Bancshares, Inc.

Bruce Elder (CEO) (337-246-5399)

Paul Brummett (CFO) (337-824-1422)

Website: www.jdbank.com

SOURCE: JD Bancshares, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641547/JD-Bancshares-Inc-Declares-Cash-Dividend
Britain is to slash its aid spending to China by 95 per cent and spend what is left on pro-democracy activities, Dominic Raab revealed today.

The Foreign Secretary said that the official development assistance (ODA) fund was being reduced from 18million to just 900,000.

The remaining cash will be used to 'fund programmes on open societies and human rights', he said in a written statement to Parliament.

The hardline move comes amid an increasingly glacial stand-off with Beijing over the communist regime's treatment of Uighur Muslims and the population of the former British territory of Hong Kong.

But Mr Raab faced criticism tonight for 'sneaking out' details of the ODA announcement, which sets out how the UK is cutting its budget from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of gross national inome.

The UK's foreign aid budget is set to fall below 10billion in 2021/22 to an estimated 9.985billion - significantly lower than the approximately 15billion which has been spent in recent years.

In his statement, Mr Raab said: 'The resulting portfolio marks a strategic shift, putting our aid budget to work alongside our diplomatic network, our science and technology expertise and our economic partnerships in tackling global challenges.'

The Foreign Secretary said that the official development assistance (ODA) fund was being reduced from 18million to just 900,000.

A pro-China supporter waves a Chinese flag in Hong Kong after pro-democracy campaigners were convicted of unlawful assembly

Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million people, mainly Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, have been detained in a vast system of camps in China's western Xinjiang region, like the one pictured in Dabancheng, in recent years

The move comes weeks after China's ambassador to Britain was summoned to explain revenge sanctions slapped onto MPs and academics critical of the Beijing regime.

Nine China hawks - plus four UK institutions - were targeted by the Communist regime for speaking out on its human rights abuses last month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he stood 'firmly' behind them over the tit-for-tat move, which came four days after Britain, the US, Canada and the European Union placed sanctions on Chinese officials deemed responsible for human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in the country's autonomous Xinjiang.

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, one of those targeted, said he would wear the sanctions as a 'badge of honour' for speaking out against activities branded 'genocide' by the United States and others.

The Government has also moved to allow millions of Honk Kongers to resettle in the UK, amid an increasingly authoritarian clampdown on democracy.

Beijing has been accused on undermining the 'one country, two systems' agreement it made before the former British Overseas Territory was handed back in 1997.

Mr Raab outlined how 8.11 billion of the aid budget will be allocated by the Foreign Office - approximately 80 per cent of the total UK spend - including 906 million for humanitarian preparedness and response.

Work involving that money will focus on countries most affected by risk of famine, including Yemen, Syria, Somalia and South Sudan.

Mr Raab said: 'We will focus on core HMG priorities for poverty reduction, including getting more girls into school, providing urgent humanitarian support to those who need it most, and tackling global threats like climate change, Covid recovery and other international health priorities.'

But Labour's Sarah Champion, chairwoman of the International Development Committee, said: 'To sneak out a written statement at the end of the day, shows a lack of respect for both Parliament scrutinising these cuts and the aid organisations that are hearing about the spend for the first time only now.

'To say the statement is scant on detail is an understatement. Whilst we now have limited understanding on the areas the Government is prioritising for its shrinking aid pot, we are still awaiting guidance on country-by-country allocations.

'People's lives are directly impacted by these decisions and it is shocking that they still don't have clarity they need.

'While it is very welcome that funding for Africa will receive 50 per cent of all UK bilateral ODA, it is disappointing that girls' education  a priority for No.10  is second lowest thematic area in the ODA allocations and very surprising that China is still receiving money.'

Sarah Brown, the chairwoman of global children's charity Theirworld and the wife of former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown, added: 'Today Britain has surrendered its role in unlocking big change throughout the world.

'The aid budget represents a small investment which yields massive diplomatic, economic and security dividends for the UK government. Instead of saving and investing in the most vulnerable people to benefit their lives and maintain our own global connection and safety, these cuts put us all at risk.'
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San Francisco, 21 April 2021: The Report Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service, By Company Size, By Category, By Indication, By Stage, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global regulatory affairs outsourcing market size is expected to reach USD 14.9 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2021 to 2028. A significant increase in the fixed costs of in-house resources for regulatory affairs and operation activities, like training, technology, specialized knowledge, and facilities, is driving the outsourcing of regulatory affairs functions.

Addressing local regulatory challenges and constant changes in the regulations of the major markets, such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia, are creating demand for the services. Compliance with the current regulations has become an immense chore, leave alone trying to stay up to date with developments around the world. Amendments to current regulations are likely to simplify the regulatory pathway for the industry but, in turn, complicate the operation for healthcare product manufacturing companies. Thus, leading to the regulatory affairs outsourcing to service providers.

Moreover, due to the COVID-19, various healthcare companies are likely to opt for more regulatory advice in the recovery phase  on remote monitoring, telemedicine, data privacy, and more. Furthermore, as companies push to speed up the product development and approvals in therapies, vaccines, and devices for COVID-19, they are likely to engage even more intensively with the regulatory agencies.

Access Research Report of Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/regulatory-affairs-outsourcing-market

Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market Report Highlights

The regulatory writing and publishing services dominated the market with a share of 36.7% in 2020 as they are offered from the early stages of development to the post-marketing authorization phase and are vital for the success of a product

In terms of company size, the large size companies are projected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period. Goodwill and resource abundance are the two key factors promoting their selection by end users

By stage, the clinical segment accounted for the largest share of 46.7% in 2020 due to the increasing demand for clinical trials in developing countries

Based on end user, the pharmaceutical companies are anticipated to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. This may be due to evolving areas such as orphan drugs and adaptive trial designs

The Asia Pacific held the largest share of 37.9% in 2020 owing to higher offshoring of such services into regions of economic benefits and the expansion of life sciences companies in countries, such as India and China

List of Key Players of Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market

Accell Clinical Research, LLC

Genpact Ltd.

Criterium, Inc.

PRA Health Sciences

Promedica International

Medpace

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

ICON plc

Covance

Parexel International Corporation, Inc.

Freyr

Access Press Release of Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-regulatory-affairs-outsourcing-market
In an image from police bodycam video that the Columbus Police Department played during a news conference on April 20, 2021, a teenage girl, foreground, appears to wield a knife during an altercation before being shot by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20, 2021. (Columbus Police Department via WSYX-TV via AP)

Columbus Police Release Footage of Officer-Involved Shooting That Killed 16-Year-Old Girl

The Columbus Division of Police in Ohio, in an unprecedented move late April 20, released body camera footage just hours after an officer-involved shooting resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl.

The girl has since been identified by a family member as MaKhia Bryant, local outlet 10TV reported.

The video footage shows an officer approaching a driveway where a group of people are standing, soon after which Bryant, who can be seen holding a knife, appears to try to hit or stab another girl, who falls to the ground.

Bryant then turns around and appears to try to stab another girl in pink clothing. The officer then opens fire at Bryant, after which she falls to the ground.

A black-handled blade resembling a kitchen or steak knife appeared to be lying on the sidewalk next to her immediately after she was shot and fell.

Investigators will determine whether the killing complies with state law that says deadly force can be used to protect yourself or the protection of a third person, Interim Police Chief Michael Woods said at a news conference late April 20.

He told reporters later: Weve never been able to release video this fast. But we thought it was important to share with the community to be transparent about this incident. To let them have some answers that we can provide tonight. We know we cant provide every answer, but its important that we can answer some questions tonight.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther previously announced on Twitter that on April 20, a young woman tragically lost her life. He added that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was on the scene to carry out an independent investigation, a common protocol with all Columbus Police Department-involved shootings.

We will share information that we can as soon as it becomes available. Im asking for residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather the facts.

Ginther later said at the news conference, We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community.

Woods told reporters that police were dispatched to the scene on the citys Southeast Side just after 4:35 p.m. after a caller reported that females were there trying to stab them and put their hands on them.

After officers arrived at the scene, around 4:44 p.m., an officer-involved shooting was reported.

A family member, Hazel Bryant, confirmed to 10TV that the person who was shot was her 16-year-old niece, MaKhia Bryant. Bryant was taken to a local hospital, Mount Carmel East, in critical condition, and was pronounced dead around 5:20 p.m. local time.

Hazel Bryant told the outlet that her niece lived in a foster home in the area and had gotten into a fight with someone else at the home.

The specific area of the incident was the 3100 block of Legion Lane, north of Chatterton Road.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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By Tim Barsoe

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danes returned to cafes, restaurants, bars and museums on Wednesday for the first time in months as COVID-19 restrictions were eased thanks to a drop in infection rates.

Cafes and restaurants had been shut down except for takeaway since a second wave of COVID-19 accelerated in December. It has since receded, unlike in certain other European countries that are experiencing a third wave.

Denmark has adopted a "corona-passport" system whereby people can either use a mobile application or a government-approved form to show if they have been vaccinated, previously infected or have had a negative test in the past 72 hours.

Staff at cafes and restaurants are required to check customers' corona-passports before they let them in.

The system has generated some controversy, but appeared to be functioning smoothly on Wednesday.

Britt Pedersen, 71, a retired high-school teacher, headed to her favourite cafe, Kaffesalonen, which overlooks a lake in central Copenhagen. She showed a waitress proof of a recent negative test, adding that she had also had her first dose of vaccine.

"I've looked forward to coming down here," said Pedersen. "Kaffesalonen is the kind of place where I can come down and get a cup of coffee and read the daily newspaper, a book or talk to the other customers."

Among other regulars happy to return to the cafe after the lockdown was Jorn Tolstrup, 71, a retired school headmaster. He had been staying in touch with friends on Facebook, and a group of them had met up outdoors a week earlier for a warm-up coffee. Sitting down in the cafe was a definite step-up.

Denmark's latest daily data showed 803 new cases of COVID-19 had been recorded in 24 hours, a similar number to daily levels seen since late January. The country has fully vaccinated 9% of the population.

(Reporting by Tim Barsoe, editing by Estelle Shirbon)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Kira Yarmysh, spokeswoman for jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, was detained near her house, her lawyer said on Wednesday, ahead of protests planned across Russia over Navalny's deteriorating health in prison.

Navalny ally Lyubov Sobol was detained earlier on Wednesday, hours before President Vladimir Putin will deliver a state-of-the-nation speech to Russians.

(Reporting by Anton Zverev; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - COVID-19 metric numbers increased across New York State on Tuesday, even as some national experts doubted whether vaccination would bring America to herd immunity against the virus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the rolling 7-day, statewide test positivity average stood at 2.80 percent, the lowest the number has been since last Nov. 12.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and his medical advisors said that the numbers in the five boroughs are all headed in the exact right direction, with new case numbers, test positivity rates and hospitalizations all on the decline.

De Blasio said that some restrictions, like mask wearing, could be loosened beginning in June.

But medical experts said that with just 50 percent of the eligible American population having gotten at least one vaccine shot, they doubted whether the country could achieve herd immunity against the virus. There is thinking that the country could be hitting a vaccine wall, with all who want the vaccine having received it, and that those who have so far declined to get a vaccine would need to be further encouraged to change their minds.

Meanwhile, the Oscars announced that celebrity presenters and guests would not be required to wear masks during this Sundays telecast. Organizers said that the celebs would be encouraged to wear masks during commercial breaks. The crowd size at the indoor event will be limited to 170 people, with guests rotated in and out.

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 out elected officials, federal, state and local, doing to keep New Yorkers safe?

What other news is top of mind?

More importantly, when are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is?

Its almost too much to keep up with.

So every day around 4 p.m., Mark and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the information you need. You can then look for this written wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day.

Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips.

Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders.

Were all in this together. Well all get through this together.
SALEM, Ore.  The population of wolves reintroduced to Oregon continued to grow into this year, according to the latest report issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Biologists counted 173 wolves in the state this past winter, a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year's population.

These annual counts are based on verified evidence of wolves, drawn from sightings, tracks, and photographs on remote cameras. But the actual number of wolves in the state is "likely higher," ODFW said, as not all wolves are located during the winter count.

ODFW documented a total of 22 packs, which describes a group of four or more wolves traveling together during the winter. The vast majority of those packs produced pups that survived through the winter. Seven other smaller groups of wolves were also documented.

There were no new packs discovered in western Oregon, though the existing western packs added several to their numbers over last year. Meanwhile, eight collared wolves dispersed from their packs  four going to other locations in Oregon, two to Idaho, one to California, and one wolf that left California for Oregon.

While northeast Oregon continues to host majority of states wolf population, dispersal to other parts of Oregon and adjacent states continues, said Roblyn Brown, ODFW Wolf Coordinator.

RELATED: Oregon takes over gray wolf protections after federal delisting

During the year, southern Oregon's own Rogue Pack continued to make a name for itself as the most likely to prey on livestock. The Rogue Pack alone accounted for more than half of all depredations  16 kills throughout 2020. In total, confirmed cases of depredation in Oregon increased 94 percent last year over the year prior, when depredations dropped.

ODFW noted that, for the second year in a row, the Rogue Pack killed more livestock than all of the wolf groups in the state's eastern zone combined  even though only 13 percent of the state's wolf population resides in the western area.

Until recently, wolves in western Oregon were shielded by federal protections against lethal countermeasures, but those were recently lifted by the Trump administration.

"In all phases of wolf management, Oregons Wolf Plan mandates that non-lethal efforts are undertaken to address conflict before lethal removal is considered," ODFW said. "In 2020, those measures included removing attractants, hazing, electrified fladry, radio-activated guard boxes, increased human presence, range riders and other husbandry practices."

The Rogue Pack got particularly pointed attention in this regard, with state and federal wildlife staff working "extensively" to drive wolves away from livestock pastures in Klamath County. On some nights, those efforts were successful  less so on other nights, ODFW admitted.

The personnel costs of this collaboration with USFWS, WS and the Department was significant during the four months, said Brown. We appreciate the work of our partners and all livestock producers for their efforts to co-exist with wolves.

ODFW documented nine wolf deaths in 2020. Seven of those were human-caused, with four of them constituting illegal killings. Oregon State Police is still investigating some of those killings, which occurred in northeastern Oregon between Umatilla and Baker counties.




MIAMI, FL, Apr 21, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - BIWIN, a leading chip manufacturer for flash storage, reached an agreement with Acer to bring Predator-branded memory and personal SSD storage products to customers in the United States and Canada. The product offerings will take advantage of BIWIN's manufacturing capabilities and Predator's global brand recognition to provide the latest memory and storage solutions for both casual and professional gamers.The Predator brand is known for providing hardcore PC gamers and esports professionals with high-end gaming solutions that give them a competitive edge. The new high-end flagship memory and storage portfolio under the Predator brand begins with state-of-the-art memory modules and blazing fast solid-state drives.With a powerful "cyberpunk inspired" design to match the power of its performance, the new Predator Apollo memory module series offers speed, style and special lighting. Its ultra-high frequency, ultra-low timing, and overclocking capabilities will satisfy even the most speed-thirsty gamers.The Predator Apollo series feature RGB lighting that synchronizes with most mainstream motherboard software to allow eight eye-catching independent lighting areas, 16 million RGB colour values and 10+ light effects.Built with the best components, the Predator Apollo memory modules come with an impressive 10-layer PCB, aluminium heatsink, 15m gold-plated contacts and the highest quality B-dies to ensure top-level performance. With Apollo as part of their gear (incorporating Intel XMP 2.0), gamers can now jump to overclocking with one click.To complement the Predator Apollo series, a range of Predator Talos memory modules are built with an 8-layer PCB, ultra-low timing, and high-efficiency zinc-alloy heatsink to guarantee better performance, higher endurance, and an extremely satisfying experience for users.In solid-state storage, the new Predator GM3500 delivers faster load times for games, applications, and movies. It's lighter than regular drives and better able to withstand movement and drops. It also uses less energy, allowing computers to run cooler.This high-performance GM3500 model is PCIe Gen 3x4, NVMe 1.3 compliant with 3400/3000 MB/s read-write speeds while the Advanced LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) on-board improves performance using powerful error-correcting code algorithms.More customers now realize the benefits of solid-state drives and want to upgrade their current desktop and laptop systems. Predator-branded SSDs bring them the speed (and capacity) they need to make their work run faster and their gameplay stress-free.With the rapid growth in the gaming and esports industry, the Predator high-end storage and memory product lines will expand, providing consumers with even more options to upgrade.About BIWINAs one of the leaders in the global manufacture of flash storage devices, BIWIN expects exciting results as it brings Predator-branded products into the higher-end memory and consumer storage market.BIWIN focuses on providing customers with more competitive and high-quality hardware and software storage solutions. BIWIN products and services include SSDs, embedded storage chips, memory cards, memory modules, and customization services.The new BIWIN Huizhou Science and Technology Zone will offer more than 110,000 square metres of production lines for chip manufacturing and the production of memory modules, memory cards and SSDs. Please visit https://biwintech.comMedia Contact:Pietro Luo, BIWINE: Mkt.hq@biwintech.comSource: BIWINCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
And so I think its incumbent on some of us to intervene, to catch the stones, Stevenson continued. It doesnt mean that those vulnerable should be condemned; it just means that some of us are going to have to be stone catchers. And thats the idea that Ive come to embrace, is that just because people wont recognize what the right and just thing is to do, that its not right and just to cast those stones, doesnt mean that thats the end of the struggle. We have to stand up. We have to stand in front of those who are vulnerable and we have to catch those stones.
has agreed to buy 3.2 acre land in Pune from parent company as part of its expansion plan.

The company said it has "finalised the terms to purchase approximately 3.2 acres of land in Pimpri, Pune, from Ltd".

The purchase is expected to be concluded in around six months, subject to the fulfillment of agreed conditions by both buyer and seller.

This new project will offer about 3.25 lakh sq ft of carpet area.

When it is launched, this will be Mahindra Lifespaces' fourth project in Pune.

Arvind Subramanian, managing director & CEO of Ltd, said, "The proposed acquisition will help us grow our presence in this high-performing micro-market and is in line with our residential expansion strategy."



Established in 1994, Ltd is the and infrastructure development business of the USD 19.4-billion Mahindra Group.

The company's development footprint spans25.7million sq ft of completed, ongoing and forthcoming residential projects across seven Indian cities.

It also has over 5,000 acres of ongoing and forthcoming projects under development/ management at its integrated developments/ industrial clusters across four locations.

(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.)
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, which was formed in 1997 to improve water quality in the 42-county region, wants a PR firm to promote "The Kentucky Wildlands" branding initiative.
Hyderabad, April 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who has tested positive for Covid-19, underwent CT Scan and other general medical tests at a private hospital here on Wednesday.

The tests were conducted at Yashoda Hospital in Somajiguda under the supervision of his personal physician Dr M. V. Rao.

According to Chief Minister's Office (CMO), doctors said that the Chief Minister's lungs are normal and there is no infection in them.

Some blood samples were collected for routine tests. The results of the blood tests will be known on Thursday.

The doctors who conducted the tests said the Chief Minister's condition is stable and he will recover in a short time.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his son and minister K.T. Rama Rao, MP J. Santosh Kumar and other family members.

KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, had tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday.

According to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, the Chief Minister has mild symptoms.

"He has been advised isolation and is staying at his farmhouse. A team of doctors is monitoring his health," the Chief Secretary had said.
Fans are used to seeing Chris Hemsworth on the big screen as the Marvel superhero Thor.

But behind closed doors, the 37-year-old is a doting dad to three children with wife Elsa Pataky.

On Wednesday, the Australian actor gave fans a rare glimpse into his home life by sharing a sweet video with his twin boys Tristan and Sasha, both seven, to Instagram.

Family first: On Wednesday, Chris Hemsworth gave fans a rare glimpse into his home life by sharing a sweet video with his twin boys Tristan and Sasha, both seven, to Instagram

In the clip, Chris attempts to assemble a surfboard while his boys constantly interrupt him.

Both Chris and a friend off camera can be heard laughing hysterically as the boys continually attempt to thwart their famous dad.

At one point, one of the boys can be heard saying: 'Dad, I don't wanna go to the lake!'

Chris and Elsa moved to Bryon Bay with their children, daughter India Rose, eight, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, seven, in 2014.

Playful: In the clip, Chris attempts to assemble a surfboard while his boys constantly interrupt him

They live in the suburb of Broken Head, a 20-minute drive from central Byron, in a mega-mansion estimated to be worth $30million.

They spent years renovating their home, which sits on 4.2 hectares of land, with the help of Sydney-based MCK Architects - but the development faced some resistance from locals, who compared it to a multi-storey car park or shopping centre.

The property features a 50-metre infinity pool, a large Indigenous mural, two bars and a gym complex including steam, sauna and massage rooms.

The home's 50-metre pool alone is estimated to have cost at least $400,000, and the enormous indoor mural could be worth as much as $100,000.

Chris is currently preparing to shoot a Mad Max sequel, while Elsa recently filmed a project in Sydney.
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two FAIR-opposed immigration bills that are headed for a final vote in the House of Representatives today will exacerbate already significant threats to national security and further snarl our already overwhelmed immigration courts, charges the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

H.R. 1333, the NO BAN Act, would make it virtually impossible for presidents to restrict the entry of potential national security threats. The second bill, H.R. 1573, the Access to Counsel Act, would further paralyze our immigration courts, negatively impact U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) efficiency and operational capacity, and pad the wallets of activist, open borders immigration lawyers.

"If congressional Democrats and the Biden administration haven't sufficiently proven how detached from reality they are on immigration matters, passing these two bills will clinch the deal for them," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

"Just a week or so after we learned that terrorists are exploiting the Biden border crisis, the House now wants to make it easier for them to waltz in the front door by stripping presidents, current and future, of the authority to bar entry to foreign nationals based on legitimate security concerns," Stein added.

The NO BAN Act is based on the canard that travel restrictions imposed by former President Trump, and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, were based on religious discrimination rather than on risk assessments made by the State Department and intelligence agencies. "Nobody should ever be barred from entering the United States because of their religion, or other immutable characteristics. But a sitting president, based on legitimate national security concerns, must have the authority to act swiftly to bar entry of people from countries that support or harbor terrorists, or who withhold critical information regarding people seeking visas to enter the United States. H.R. 1333 would render the process so cumbersome as to make it impossible for any president to act in the interest of protecting national security," Stein charged.

The so-called Access to Counsel Act guarantees that anyone selected for secondary inspection at a port of entry has an opportunity to retain a lawyer. Enacting these restrictions on CBP would significantly slow down travel at the border, burden CBP, reduce their operational effectiveness, and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to implement. Even worse, the actual effects of this bill would enrich immigration lawyers, their firms, and zealous open borders "advocacy" organizations seeking to dismantle enforcement at the border.

"Our immigration courts are already backlogged with more than a million pending cases, and that backlog is growing by the day due to the Biden border crisis. This bill does nothing to address this crisis, does nothing to address the backlog, and does nothing to improve CBP's effectiveness at protecting our border and ports of entry," Stein said.

"The end result is that our immigration courts will become even more unworkable, immigration lawyers and advocacy groups will profit from the extra work, and everyone with a specious, or even fraudulent claim to enter or remain in the United States gets to stay. In other words, just another day's work for congressional Democrats and an administration hell-bent on eliminating any meaningful limits or restrictions on immigration," Stein concluded.

Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected]

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


Workers putting up a CaixaBank sign at Bankia headquarters in Madrid's Puerta de Europa towers following the merger. Victor Sainz

CaixaBank, Spains largest domestic retail bank following its merger with Bankia, is planning to axe 8,291 jobs in the biggest ever staff reduction in the Spanish banking sector, and the third largest in Spains corporate history.

Management on Tuesday informed union leaders about its plans to reduce employee numbers by 18.7% to 36,109, down from 44,000. Additionally, over 1,500 branches representing 27% of the total will be closed.

Spains finance minister and government spokesperson, Maria Jesus Montero, on Tuesday said that without the merger, the number of job cuts would be a lot higher. But she also called the plans bad news at a time when the government is making herculean efforts to preserve jobs through ERTE schemes and avoid the kind of unemployment figures seen during the 2008 crisis.

The adjustments, which affect only CaixaBank Espana and not the groups foreign-based units, represent the third-biggest round of job cuts by a company in Spain after those carried out by the telecommunications giant Telefonica and by the automaker Seat. Banco Santander and CaixaBank are the two lenders that have eliminated the most jobs since the financial crisis of 2008.

In a statement, management said the workforce adjustment plan, known in Spain as an ERE, is based on production and organisational grounds, given the overlaps and synergies derived from the merger and the current market circumstances. The latter include negative interests rates that are driving down margins and are expected to last until 2025, as well as the digitalization of financial services that reduces the need for physical branches. Unlike BBVA, which in February said it was considering cutting around 3,000 jobs in Spain, CaixaBank has not cited economic reasons for the move, and is expected to post a profit in 2021.

Forced layoffs

The lenders main unions said they oppose the ERE plan entirely. A spokesperson for CC OO called it a provocation and a lack of respect, citing poor compensation conditions for outgoing workers. Although the bank statement said the process will be based largely on voluntary redundancies, followed by performance, CC OO called it forced layoffs. The other major union, UGT, noted that the cost savings are only being applied to the staff, and used the term savage to describe the measure.

The unions, which had been expecting between 6,000 and 8,000 layoffs, are hoping to bring the final number down. At the last shareholders meeting they warned about action if the cuts are not negotiated.

CaixaBank said that only half of all workers who volunteer to leave can be over the age of 50, in order to avoid losing the most experienced employees. The company has also pledged to offer an outplacement and support plan for all affected people, to facilitate their incorporation into and adaptation to a new job position elsewhere.

Overall, the Spanish banking sector could shed as many as 15,000 jobs this year. Since 2008 the sector has lost nearly 100,000 employees, or 35% of the total, according to the Bank of Spain. The merger of CaixaBank and Bankia (which was bailed out in 2012) has taken place amid a general consolidation process in the Spanish banking sector as lenders shore up their provisions to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

English version by Susana Urra.
Chennai, April 25 (IANS) Customs authorities at the Chennai International Airport on Saturday seized 1.7 kg cannabis valued at Rs 9 lakh that had arrived from the US, said the Commissioner of Customs, here on Saturday. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, April 21 : India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized over 300 kg of drug, suspected to be cocaine, concealed in a consignment of wooden logs that originated from Panama, officials said on Wednesday.

A DRI officer said that they received specific intelligence that cocaine will be concealed in a consignment imported in a container reaching V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The officers intercepted the container which was declared to be containing wooden logs. During investigation, it was found that the container has originated from Panama, and transited through the ports of Antwerp and Colombo.

On examination, the container in question was found to contain nine bags concealed between the rows of wooden logs. On opening the said bags, 302 white coloured compressed bricks, wrapped in multiple layers of packing material, were found.

"The contraband weighed 303 kg and it is highly suspected to be cocaine," the agency said.

Last November, the agency had arrested a Guinean national at Mumbai airport while he was smuggling in cocaine worth around Rs 18 crore. The accused had concealed the drugs in a false cavity made in the trolley bag. The arrested accused was identified as Moussa Camara, 34, who was travelling from Addis Ababa to Mumbai via Dubai.

Camara was detained at the airport and when his luggage examined, officials discovered a false cavity at the bottom where a packet containing around 3kg white powder was found.
April 21 : Arjun Rampal had tested COVID-19 positive and today is his fifth day of self-quarantining at home. While in isolation, the actor is trying his hands on some creative work and bringing out the artistic side of himself.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the Om Shanti Om actor shared a couple of pictures of himself painting with watercolours on a canvas. Trying something new... quarantined #quaratinelife #Day4, the actor wrote in his caption.

While fans wished him good health and dropped fire emojis on the comment section, one fan was curious to know who was clicking his pictures as he was in isolation. Who clicked, she commented on his post. Rampal was also quick to reply. @sumana_datta me on timer, discovering many new ways, Arjun wrote.

On Saturday, Rampal informed on social media that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and has home quarantined himself. In a statement shared on his Instagram handle, Arjun wrote, ...Even though I am asymptomatic, I have isolated myself and am home-quarantined. The actor further added, This is a very scary time for us but if we are aware and wise for a short span of time, it will yield long-term benefits. Together we can and we will fight corona.

Earlier, on the second day of quarantine, Arjun shared a couple of pictures on Instagram, wherein he was seen reading a book. He captioned it as, Day 2 #quarantinelife #books #thoughts #contemplate #write #gettoknowme All of you out there stay smart, stay safe.

Meanwhile, Neil Nitin Mukesh and some members of his family have also tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently under home quarantine. We are all home quarantined, following the essential protocols and taking medication as prescribed by our doctors, the actor wrote.

Actor Sameera Reddy also tested COVID-19 positive on Saturday along with her husband Akshai Varde and kids Hans and Nyra. ...We will be in home quarantine and will continue to be our positive upbeat selves, she wrote on an Instagram note.
BISHKEK -- Four patients are being treated in hospitals in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, after consuming a toxic root that had been promoted by President Sadyr Japarov as an "effective" cure to treat COVID-19.



Doctors said on April 21 that Duishon Abdyldaev, 63, was being treated for poisoning with aconite root at the National Cardiology and Therapy Center, while three other patients whose identities were not disclosed were being treated for poisoning with the highly toxic root at the toxicology department of the Bishkek Trauma and Orthopedic Center.



The department's main physician, Ulan Ismanov, told RFE/RL that two of the patients were a married couple.



All four patients were rushed to hospital the previous day.



On April 15, Japarov said in a post on Facebook that the root had proven to be an "effective" method to treat COVID-19.



The entry contained a video showing men without protective equipment bottling a solution with extracts from the aconite root, warning that drinking the solution while it is cold might result in death.



The next day, Health Minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliev announced at a press conference that such a concoction had been given to hundreds of coronavirus-infected patients.



He also sipped from a cup containing the poisonous root's extract in front of journalists and said that "the solution is not dangerous to one's health," if it is consumed hot.

Facebook said it removed the post "as we do not allow anyone, including elected officials, to share misinformation that could lead to imminent physical harm or spread false claims about how to cure or prevent COVID-19."



Japarov's press service said the account's owner removed the post "without external interference," adding that the possibility of using aconite root to treat COVID-19 will be studied by the country's medical experts.



Prosecutor-General Kurmankul Zulushev attended a parliament session on April 21, where he said that a preliminary investigation had been launched into a possible link between Beishenaliev's press conference and the poisoning of the four people.



"Four hundred individuals [with COVID-19] agreed to use the root and none of them was poisoned. A judicial assessment of the situation will be made due to the consequences of the situation," Zulushev said.

Beishenaliev said on April 21 that the four patients hospitalized consumed aconite root before he and Japarov promoted it.



The World Health Organization's mission in the former Soviet republic has harshly criticized the idea, saying that there's no proof aconite root is safe for the treatment of any illnesses, including coronavirus infection.



Several physicians who spoke with RFE/RL said the use of the root to treat COVID-19 violates Kyrgyzstan's law on public safety.



Aconite root is found in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang and some parts of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.



Some people use the root in herbal soups and meals, believing in its health benefits. But aconite roots contain aconitine, a cardiotoxin and neurotoxin. Consuming aconite root can lead to sickness or even death.
Seoul court rejects sexual slavery claim against Tokyo View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  A South Korean court on Wednesday rejected a claim by victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery and their relatives who sought compensation from Japans government.

The Seoul Central District Court based its decision on diplomatic considerations and principles of international law that grant countries immunity from the jurisdiction of foreign courts. This appeared to align with the position maintained by Tokyo, which boycotted the court proceedings and insists all wartime compensation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty normalizing relations between the two nations.

Activists representing sexual slavery victims denounced the decision and said the Seoul Central District Court was ignoring their struggle to restore the womens honor and dignity. They said in a statement that the plaintiffs would appeal.

It wasnt immediately clear how the ruling would affect relations between the estranged U.S. allies. Their feud escalated in public for years over issues stemming from Japans brutal occupation of Korea through end of World War II, before receiving pressure from the Biden administration to mend ties and coordinate action in the face of threats from China and North Korea.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katunobu Kato noted the decision conflicted with a previous ruling in a separate case that found the Japanese government responsible for compensating sexual slavery victims.

Kato said he wouldnt comment on the new ruling before examining the details more closely, but added that Tokyos stance on the sexual slavery issue remains unchanged. He said the previous ruling violated international law and was unacceptable.

Japan continues to strongly ask South Korea to take appropriate steps in order to correct the state of international violation, he said.

The 20 plaintiffs, who sued the Japanese government in 2016, include four women who were forced to work at Japanese military brothels during World War II and relatives of other women who have since died.

The court said international law and previous rulings from South Koreas Supreme Court make it clear that foreign governments should be immune from civil damage suits in respect of their sovereignty.

If we go against the (principles) of current customary international law regarding the immunity of states and deny immunity for the defendant, a diplomatic clash with the defendant will become unavoidable following the verdict and the process to forcibly execute it, the court said.

The court also noted that the countries never officially withdrew from a 2015 agreement that attempted to settle their long impasse over the issue, and that some Korean victims accepted payments from a Japanese-funded foundation created by the deal. This shows its possible for the countries to settle their dispute diplomatically, the court said.

South Koreas Foreign Ministry said it wouldnt make specific comments on Wednesdays ruling before analyzing its details. The ministry urged Japan to act in line with its past apologies, including a landmark 1993 statement in which it first acknowledged forcing women into military brothels.

One of the plaintiffs  92-year-old Lee Yong-soo  has been campaigning for South Korea and Japan to settle the sexual slavery issue by seeking a judgment from the U.N.s International Court of Justice.

She says it has become clear the issue cannot be resolved through bilateral talks or rulings by South Korean courts that have been repeatedly rejected by the Japanese government, and that the friction between the governments has hurt friendships between civilians.

Regardless of the verdict, we will go to the International Court of Justice, she told reporters after Wednesdays ruling.

The same court in a largely symbolic ruling in January called for the Japanese government to give 100 million won ($89,000) each to a separate group of 12 women who sued in 2013 over their wartime suffering as sex slaves.

Tens of thousands of women across Japanese-occupied Asia and the Pacific were moved to front-line brothels used by the Japanese military. About 240 South Korean women registered with the government as victims of sexual slavery by Japans wartime military  only 15 of whom are still alive.

Japan insists compensation issues were settled under the 1965 treaty, in which Tokyo provided $500 million in economic assistance to Seoul.

Amnesty International in a statement called Wednesdays ruling a major disappointment that fails to deliver justice to the remaining survivors of this military slavery system and to those who suffered these atrocities before and during World War II but had already passed away, as well as their families.

Referring to the January court ruling, Arnold Fang, Amnesty Internationals East Asia researcher, said, What was a landmark victory for the survivors after an overly long wait is again now being called into question.

The 2015 deal was widely unpopular among South Koreans, who accused Tokyo of trying to silence the victims with money. After taking office in 2017, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the deal negotiated by his conservative predecessor lacked legitimacy because officials failed to properly communicate with victims before reaching it, and took steps to dissolve the Japanese-funded foundation.

In a major shift in tone, Moon said in a news conference in January that he recognizes the 2015 deal as a valid agreement between governments. He also described that months ruling on the sexual slavery survivors as honestly a complicating development for Seouls efforts to improve bilateral relations.

Some analysts say Moon may have felt that American pressure to reconcile with Japan was coming and wanted to appear as a reasonable ally by extending Tokyo an olive branch. In a speech last month, Moon said his government was eager to build future-oriented ties with Tokyo.

President Joe Biden has been stepping up efforts to bolster three-way cooperation with the U.S. regional allies, which declined under former President Donald Trumps America first approach, to coordinate action in face of Chinas growing influence and North Koreas nuclear threat.

Besides the impasse over sexual slavery, South Korea and Japan have feuded over South Korean court rulings that called for Japanese companies to compensate Koreans who were forced to work in Japanese factories during the war.

___

Associated Press journalist Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

By KIM TONG-HYUNG

Associated Press
Two years after he was arrested for domestic violence following an argument with then-girlfriend Hayden Panettiere, Brian Hickerson has been sentenced to 45 days in jail.

Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony charges of injuring a spouse/cohabitant/girlfriend/child's parent on Tuesday, People reported.

Hickerson's sentence is set to begin May 7, however he already has 12 days of credit, according to Us Weekly.

Two years after he was arrested for domestic violence following an argument with then-girlfriend Hayden Panettiere, Brian Hickerson has been sentenced to 45 days in jail

Hickerson has also been sentenced to four years of formal probation, a five-year protective order, 52 domestic violence classes, and $500 in restitution.

The sentencing stems from a 2019 incident in which Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence after getting into an argument with Panettiere.

Police found 'redness and marks' on Panettiere's body after the confrontation, according to TMZ.

This was not the sole time Hickerson was arrested during his volatile relationship with the Heroes actress.

Arrest: The sentencing stems from a 2019 incident in which Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence after getting into an argument with Panettiere (pictured 2018)

Hickerson was arrested in Wyoming in February 2020 after the actress claimed he struck her in the face. Hickerson struck Panettiere 'with a closed fist on the right side of her face' in the incident, according to a police report.

He subsequently pleaded not guilty.

Hickerson was also charged in an eight count complaint in July 2020, which included charges for assault, domestic violence, and other felony offenses, law enforcement sources told TMZ.

Panettiere was granted a restraining order against her ex at the time, and released a statement about the alleged abuse she endured in the hopes of inspiring others in abusive relationships to seek help.

Allegations: Hickerson was arrested in Wyoming in February 2020 after the actress claimed he struck her in the face. Hickerson struck Panettiere 'with a closed fist on the right side of her face' in the incident, according to a police report (pictured 2019)

'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,' she posted to Instagram.

'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.'

Panettiere is mother to six-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shares with ex Wladimir Klitschko, 45.

The former couple - who ended their lengthy engagement in 2018 - first began dating in 2009.
Phuket rapid test on arrival: Foreigners to pay, Thais tested free

PHUKET: Thais facing mandatory rapid tests on arriving in Phuket from any of the 17 red zone provinces will be tested for free, while foreigners will have to pay for the compulsory test.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourism

By The Phuket News

Wednesday 21 April 2021, 07:07PM

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

Staff at Phuket International Airport ready to start implementing the mandatory rapid tests, which will come into effect tomorrow (Apr 22). Photo: AoT Phuket

The test will cost B500 each time, confirmed an official notice posted by Phuket provincial authorities this afternoon (Apr 21).

Phuket Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee explained in a morning briefing video posted earlier today that the compulsory testing will come into effect tomorrow (Thursday, Apr 22).

Under the latest order, issued by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew yesterday, all arrivals from the 17 red zone provinces who are unable to prove that they are fully vaccinated or unable to prove they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arriving must be cleared by an Antigen Rapid Test before being allowed onto the island.

The compulsory test does not apply to any people arriving from the 59 other provinces, officially designated orange zones.

V/Gov Vikrom explained today that initally the test was to cost B300 per person.

At first, for the rapid testing, we released an order that people taking the rapid test have to pay B300, but our PPHO Chief, Vachira Phuket Hospital Director and PPAO President spoke with the Secretary-General of National Health Security Office (NHSO), who has approved to provide free test for Thais people, V/Gov Vikrom said.

However, no explanation was given as to why, when Thais were also to pay for the test the cost was B300, and now that only foreigners will be required to pay, the cost of the test has risen by more than 60%, to B500.

Right now, Phuket has only flights from the airports located in red zone provinces, so all arrivals at the airport must face a rapid test upon arrival, V/Gov Vikrom said.

Of note, the notice posted in English today said that arrivals from red zone provinces who were unable to prove they were fully vaccinated AND tested negative for the virus within 72 hours of arriving would be required to take the rapid test.

However, the actual order signed by Governor Narong posted yesterday and the Thai version of the notice posted today clearly state that arrivals from red zone provinces who were unable to prove they were fully vaccinated OR prove that they tested negative for the virus within 72 hours of arriving would be required to take the rapid test.

The Phuket News has yet to confirm which definition is deemed to be accurate by Phuket officials.

As for arrivals from the 17 red zone provinces arriving in Phuket by land, V/Gov Vikrom said. Arrivals from only the 17 zone provinces must do a rapid test at the Phuket Check Point [at Tha Chatchai], except if they have been fully vaccinated with two jabs or swab tested within 72 hours.

For those who come by buses or vans, we have prepared a building for rapid testing in order to reduce congestion, he said.

Every person [arriving in Phuket] must register on www.gophuget.com, install the MorChana app and report to officers of an Emergency Operation Center (EOC), he added

During the briefing, Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sakontapol assured that the rapid test to be used was highly accurate.

The rapid test is a standard test with high accuracy. The test has about 90% accuracy for finding the virus. It produces only 10% false negatives, which are people who are actually positive but the test shows negative. The 10% is a very low number. The test has been used in some provinces, he said.

Medical staff have to do a nasal swab test for arrivals and drop the sample on the tester. The testing alone will take about 15 minutes, but it may take up to 30 minutes for the whole process, Dr Chalermpong added.

The NHSO has spent about B40 million to support the rapid testing in Phuket, he noted.

DIVING, SNORKELLING BANNED

V/Gov Vikrom also explained that the ban on diving and snorkelling had also caused some issues.

We have received a lot of questions about the prohibition of snorkeling and diving. I want to explain that we have to give such an order because during this outbreak we have had about 10 cases of infections where they people infected had gone diving together, he said.

However, at this stage, you all can get on a boat with social distancing, go to islands and enjoy the beaches. You must avoid using snorkeling equipment together, V/Gov Vikrom added.

LATEST CASES

At last report, this evening (Apr 21), Phuket has had nine new cases of infection officially recognised by provincial health authorities, bringing the total number of confirmed cases of infection to 257.

Among the cases, 250 cases are now in hospitals in Phuket, one case has moved to receive treatment in Bangkok, and six have been discharged, reported the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO).

The PPHO also continues to publicly release timelines of confirmed cases movements so that the public may check whether they are at risk.

The latest timelines, all in Thai language only, cover cases 197-210 (click here).

The PPHO this evening also released an updated map showing the location of confirmed infections across the island. Although the map is dated today, it shows only 248 infections, as follows:

Patong - 31 cases

Kathu - 22

Kamala - 26

Wichit - 26

Chalong - 17

Karon - 4

Rawai - 16

Talad Yai Phuket Town - 20

Talad Neua Phuket Town - 10

Rassada - 15

Kow Kaew - 7

Srisoonthorn - 14

Pa Khlok - 3

Thepkrasattri - 6

Sakhu - 4

Mai Khao - 4

Cherng Talay - 16

STRONG WARNINGS

Meanwhile, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has isused a warning for people who do not follow the disease control measures, as follows.

Medical staff of private hospitals that declined to provide treatment to COVID-19 infected people shall face up to two year imprisonment or up to B40,000 fine or both.

Medical staff who do not report to the disease control officer after finding an infected case shall be fined up to B20,000. Medical staff must report to the officer within 3 hours after finding any infected case.

Whoever does not give cooperation to disease control officers by not giving their timeline of movements shall be fined up to B20,000, while whoever gives false information of their timeline shall face up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to B10,000 or both.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:58:36|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

The Belt and Road Initiative leads to a more balanced world, benefiting all the people on the earth, political leaders from Yemen and Egypt told Xinhua.

In a recent video interview with Xinhua, Mohsen Basurra, member of Yemen's Islah Party, said that the CPC has united Chinese people of all ethnic groups and provided them with political guidance, which is why China has achieved so much today.

A strong China can play a huge role in world multilateral affairs, Basurra, also deputy speaker of Yemen's House of Representatives, said that the Belt and Road Initiative, in particular, is a very good way to realize this idea.

Echoing Basurra, Ibrahim Al-Shehabi, member of the Board of Trustees in Egypt's Coordination Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians, told Xinhua that the CPC's success in leading the Chinese people through the health crisis mirrors the great solidarity between the ruling party, the government and the Chinese people.

He also expressed his hope that Egypt can be inspired by China's great stories in development, and that the CPC, in the next 100 years, can lead China to greater progress.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) today reported results for the fiscal second quarter ended March 26, 2021.

Second Quarter Highlights

Net sales were $3.7 billion , up 17% on a reported basis, and 11% on an organic basis year over year.

, up 17% on a reported basis, and 11% on an organic basis year over year. Orders of $4.6 billion , up 36% year over year.

, up 36% year over year. GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations were $1.51 , and adjusted EPS were $1.57 , up 22% year over year.

, and adjusted EPS were , up 22% year over year. Cash flow from operating activities was $580 million and free cash flow was $477 million , with approximately $340 million returned to shareholders.

"I am very pleased with our performance as well as our team's ability to deliver double digit sales growth and record quarterly adjusted EPS that exceeded our expectations," said TE Connectivity CEO Terrence Curtin. "We delivered strong earnings this quarter, and year-to-date generated free cash flow of $1 billion, also a record for the first half of a fiscal year. It is also encouraging that we are benefiting from both a recovering economic backdrop as well as our leadership positions in long-term technology trends that drive content growth. I am proud of our team's perseverance to serve our customers through a global economic recovery and resulting challenges in the broader supply chain."

Third Quarter FY21 Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2021, the company expects net sales of approximately $3.7 billion, compared to $2.5 billion in the prior year. GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations are expected to be approximately $1.51, compared to a loss of $0.18 in the prior year. Adjusted EPS are expected to be approximately $1.57, compared to adjusted EPS of $0.59 in the prior year.

Information about TE Connectivity's use of non-GAAP financial measures is provided below. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the attached tables.

Conference Call and Webcast

The company will hold a conference call today beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. The dial-in information is provided here:

At TE Connectivity's website: investors.te.com

By telephone: For both "listen-only" participants and those participants who wish to take part in the question-and-answer portion of the call, the dial-in number in the United States is (866) 211-4092, and for international callers, the dial-in number is (647) 689-6620.

is (866) 211-4092, and for international callers, the dial-in number is (647) 689-6620. A replay of the conference call will be available on TE Connectivity's investor website at investors.te.com at 11:30 a.m. ET on April 21, 2021 .

About TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, enable advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home. With approximately 80,000 employees, including more than 7,500 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat and Twitter.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present non-GAAP performance and liquidity measures as we believe it is appropriate for investors to consider adjusted financial measures in addition to results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures provide supplemental information and should not be considered replacements for results in accordance with GAAP. Management uses non-GAAP financial measures internally for planning and forecasting purposes and in its decision-making processes related to the operations of our company. We believe these measures provide meaningful information to us and investors because they enhance the understanding of our operating performance, ability to generate cash, and the trends of our business. Additionally, we believe that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures that management uses in evaluating our operations. The primary limitation of these measures is that they exclude the financial impact of items that would otherwise either increase or decrease our reported results. This limitation is best addressed by using these non-GAAP financial measures in combination with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in order to better understand the amounts, character, and impact of any increase or decrease in reported amounts. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies.

The following provides additional information regarding our non-GAAP financial measures:

Organic Net Sales Growth (Decline)  represents net sales growth (decline) (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, and acquisitions and divestitures that occurred in the preceding twelve months, if any. Organic Net Sales Growth (Decline) is a useful measure of our performance because it excludes items that are not completely under management's control, such as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and items that do not reflect the underlying growth of the company, such as acquisition and divestiture activity. This measure is a significant component in our incentive compensation plans.

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Margin  represent operating income (loss) and operating margin, respectively, (the most comparable GAAP financial measures) before special items including restructuring and other charges, acquisition-related charges, impairment of goodwill, and other income or charges, if any. We utilize these adjusted measures in combination with operating income (loss) and operating margin to assess segment level operating performance and to provide insight to management in evaluating segment operating plan execution and market conditions. Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is a significant component in our incentive compensation plans.

Adjusted Other Income (Expense), Net  represents net other income (expense) (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) before special items including tax sharing income related to adjustments to prior period tax returns and other items, if any.

Adjusted Income Tax (Expense) Benefit and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate  represent income tax (expense) benefit and effective tax rate, respectively, (the most comparable GAAP financial measures) after adjusting for the tax effect of special items including restructuring and other charges, acquisition-related charges, impairment of goodwill, other income or charges, and certain significant tax items, if any.

Adjusted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations  represents income (loss) from continuing operations (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) before special items including restructuring and other charges, acquisition-related charges, impairment of goodwill, tax sharing income related to adjustments to prior period tax returns and other tax items, other income or charges, and certain significant tax items, if any, and, if applicable, the related tax effects.

Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share  represents diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) before special items including restructuring and other charges, acquisition-related charges, impairment of goodwill, tax sharing income related to adjustments to prior period tax returns and other tax items, other income or charges, and certain significant tax items, if any, and, if applicable, the related tax effects. This measure is a significant component in our incentive compensation plans.

Free Cash Flow (FCF)  is a useful measure of our ability to generate cash. The difference between net cash provided by continuing operating activities (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) and Free Cash Flow consists mainly of significant cash outflows and inflows that we believe are useful to identify. We believe Free Cash Flow provides useful information to investors as it provides insight into the primary cash flow metric used by management to monitor and evaluate cash flows generated from our operations. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by continuing operating activities excluding voluntary pension contributions and the cash impact of special items, if any, minus net capital expenditures. Voluntary pension contributions are excluded from the GAAP financial measure because this activity is driven by economic financing decisions rather than operating activity. Certain special items, including net payments related to pre-separation tax matters and cash paid (collected) pursuant to collateral requirements related to cross-currency swap contracts, are also excluded by management in evaluating Free Cash Flow. Net capital expenditures consist of capital expenditures less proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment. These items are subtracted because they represent long-term commitments. In the calculation of Free Cash Flow, we subtract certain cash items that are ultimately within management's and the Board of Directors' discretion to direct and may imply that there is less or more cash available for our programs than the most comparable GAAP financial measure indicates. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for future discretionary expenditures, as our definition of Free Cash Flow does not consider certain non-discretionary expenditures, such as debt payments. In addition, we may have other discretionary expenditures, such as discretionary dividends, share repurchases, and business acquisitions, that are not considered in the calculation of Free Cash Flow.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results, performance, financial condition or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, financial condition or achievements. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have no intention and are under no obligation to update or alter (and expressly disclaim any such intention or obligation to do so) our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. The forward-looking statements in this release include statements addressing our future financial condition and operating results, and the impact on our operations resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19"). Examples of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the extent, severity and duration of COVID-19 negatively affecting our business operations; business, economic, competitive and regulatory risks, such as conditions affecting demand for products in the automotive and other industries we serve; competition and pricing pressure; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices; natural disasters and political, economic and military instability in countries in which we operate; developments in the credit markets; future goodwill impairment; compliance with current and future environmental and other laws and regulations; and the possible effects on us of changes in tax laws, tax treaties and other legislation, including the effects of Swiss tax reform. In addition, the extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business and our financial results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include the geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the virus, the duration of the outbreak, the impact on our suppliers' and customers' supply chains, the actions that may be taken by various governmental authorities in response to the outbreak in jurisdictions in which we operate, and the possible impact on the global economy and local economies in which we operate. More detailed information about these and other factors is set forth in TE Connectivity Ltd.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Sept. 25, 2020 as well as in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

















































For the Quarters Ended

For the Six Months Ended

March 26,

March 27,

March 26,

March 27,

2021

2020

2021

2020

(in millions, except per share data) Net sales $ 3,738

$ 3,195

$ 7,260

$ 6,363 Cost of sales

2,528



2,166



4,904



4,304 Gross margin

1,210



1,029



2,356



2,059 Selling, general, and administrative expenses

401



352



762



719 Research, development, and engineering expenses

174



158



336



319 Acquisition and integration costs

6



12



14



19 Restructuring and other charges, net

17



22



184



46 Impairment of goodwill





900







900 Operating income (loss)

612



(415)



1,060



56 Interest income

8



5



11



11 Interest expense

(13)



(11)



(28)



(23) Other income, net

4



11



3



16 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

611



(410)



1,046



60 Income tax expense

(106)



(42)



(166)



(489) Income (loss) from continuing operations

505



(452)



880



(429) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

1



(4)



7



(1) Net income (loss) $ 506

$ (456)

$ 887

$ (430)























Basic earnings (loss) per share:





















Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 1.53

$ (1.35)

$ 2.66

$ (1.28) Income (loss) from discontinued operations





(0.01)



0.02



 Net income (loss)

1.53



(1.37)



2.68



(1.29)























Diluted earnings (loss) per share:





















Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 1.51

$ (1.35)

$ 2.64

$ (1.28) Income (loss) from discontinued operations





(0.01)



0.02



 Net income (loss)

1.51



(1.37)



2.66



(1.29)























Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:





















Basic

331



334



331



334 Diluted

334



334



333



334

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

























March 26,

September 25,

2021

2020

(in millions, except share data) Assets









Current assets:









Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,748

$ 945 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $35 and $29, respectively

2,921



2,377 Inventories

2,134



1,950 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

619



512 Total current assets

7,422



5,784 Property, plant, and equipment, net

3,662



3,650 Goodwill

5,342



5,224 Intangible assets, net

1,548



1,593 Deferred income taxes

2,204



2,178 Other assets

789



813 Total assets $ 20,967

$ 19,242 Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity









Current liabilities:









Short-term debt $ 919

$ 694 Accounts payable

1,793



1,276 Accrued and other current liabilities

2,327



1,720 Total current liabilities

5,039



3,690 Long-term debt

3,602



3,452 Long-term pension and postretirement liabilities

1,299



1,336 Deferred income taxes

140



143 Income taxes

277



252 Other liabilities

827



874 Total liabilities

11,184



9,747 Commitments and contingencies









Redeemable noncontrolling interests

114



112 Shareholders' equity:









Common shares, CHF 0.57 par value, 338,953,381 shares authorized and issued

149



149 Accumulated earnings

10,541



10,348 Treasury shares, at cost, 8,520,155 and 8,295,878 shares, respectively

(775)



(669) Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(246)



(445) Total shareholders' equity

9,669



9,383 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity $ 20,967

$ 19,242

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

















































For the Quarters Ended

For the Six Months Ended

March 26,

March 27,

March 26,

March 27,

2021

2020

2021

2020

(in millions) Cash flows from operating activities:





















Net income (loss) $ 506

$ (456)

$ 887

$ (430) (Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(1)



4



(7)



1 Income (loss) from continuing operations

505



(452)



880



(429) Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by

operating activities:





















Impairment of goodwill





900







900 Depreciation and amortization

193



180



380



354 Deferred income taxes

(6)



(49)



(48)



345 Non-cash lease cost

29



25



59



52 Provision for losses on accounts receivable and inventories

16



(2)



22



18 Share-based compensation expense

30



15



49



37 Other

(41)



1



(20)



11 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and divestitures:





















Accounts receivable, net

(268)



(116)



(567)



(140) Inventories

(67)



25



(212)



(151) Prepaid expenses and other current assets

57



48



(30)



25 Accounts payable

161



(45)



510



49 Accrued and other current liabilities

37



5



125



(180) Income taxes

17



(9)



34



1 Other

(83)



(45)



38



 Net cash provided by operating activities

580



481



1,220



892 Cash flows from investing activities:





















Capital expenditures

(142)



(133)



(284)



(309) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

57



1



58



3 Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired





(244)



(107)



(359) Other

8



(2)



10



(2) Net cash used in investing activities

(77)



(378)



(323)



(667) Cash flows from financing activities:





















Net decrease in commercial paper





(210)







(219) Proceeds from issuance of debt

661



593



661



593 Repayment of debt

(250)







(280)



 Proceeds from exercise of share options

44



13



119



27 Repurchase of common shares

(140)



(269)



(259)



(408) Payment of common share dividends to shareholders

(159)



(153)



(318)



(307) Other

(5)



(5)



(24)



(31) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

151



(31)



(101)



(345) Effect of currency translation on cash

(4)



(18)



7



(11) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

650



54



803



(131) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

1,098



742



945



927 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 1,748

$ 796

$ 1,748

$ 796























Supplemental cash flow information:





















Interest paid on debt, net $ 29

$ 20

$ 33

$ 24 Income taxes paid, net of refunds

96



101



181



144

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD. RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW (UNAUDITED)

















































For the Quarters Ended

For the Six Months Ended

March 26,

March 27,

March 26,

March 27,

2021

2020

2021

2020

(in millions) Net cash provided by continuing operating activities $ 580

$ 481

$ 1,220

$ 892 Excluding:





















Cash (collected) paid pursuant to collateral requirements related to cross-

currency swap contracts

(18)



(38)



12



(32) Capital expenditures, net

(85)



(132)



(226)



(306) Free cash flow (1) $ 477

$ 311

$ 1,006

$ 554



(1) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SEGMENT DATA (UNAUDITED)



































































































For the Quarters Ended



For the Six Months Ended



March 26,



March 27,



March 26,



March 27,



2021



2020



2021



2020



($ in millions)



Net Sales







Net Sales







Net Sales







Net Sales





Transportation Solutions $ 2,287







$ 1,857







$ 4,511







$ 3,725





Industrial Solutions

952









962









1,825









1,889





Communications Solutions

499









376









924









749





Total $ 3,738







$ 3,195







$ 7,260







$ 6,363







































































































Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Income

Margin

Income (Loss)

Margin

Income

Margin

Income (Loss)

Margin Transportation Solutions $ 398

17.4 %

$ (606)

(32.6) %

$ 706

15.7 %

$ (290)

(7.8) % Industrial Solutions

111

11.7





142

14.8





187

10.2





257

13.6

Communications Solutions

103

20.6





49

13.0





167

18.1





89

11.9

Total $ 612

16.4 %

$ (415)

(13.0) %

$ 1,060

14.6 %

$ 56

0.9 %

































































































Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Adjusted

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Income (1)

Margin (1)

Income (1)

Margin (1)

Income (1)

Margin (1)

Income (1)

Margin (1) Transportation Solutions $ 413

18.1 %

$ 322

17.3 %

$ 844

18.7 %

$ 647

17.4 % Industrial Solutions

119

12.5





145

15.1





237

13.0





277

14.7

Communications Solutions

105

21.0





52

13.8





180

19.5





97

13.0

Total $ 637

17.0 %

$ 519

16.2 %

$ 1,261

17.4 %

$ 1,021

16.0 %



(1) Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures. See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD. RECONCILIATION OF NET SALES GROWTH (DECLINE) (UNAUDITED)









































































Change in Net Sales for the Quarter Ended March 26, 2021

versus Net Sales for the Quarter Ended March 27, 2020

Net Sales



Organic Net Sales







Acquisitions/

Growth (Decline)



Growth (Decline) (1)



Translation (2)

(Divestiture)

($ in millions) Transportation Solutions (3):

































Automotive $ 265

19.4 %

$ 184

13.5 %

$ 81

$  Commercial transportation

88

29.9





73

24.8





15



 Sensors

77

38.9





27

13.4





8



42 Total

430

23.2





284

15.3





104



42 Industrial Solutions (3):

































Aerospace, defense, oil, and gas

(51)

(16.0)





(66)

(20.8)





7



8 Industrial equipment

59

21.1





44

15.7





15



 Medical

(25)

(13.4)





(25)

(13.4)









 Energy

7

3.9





7

4.0





9



(9) Total

(10)

(1.0)





(40)

(4.2)





31



(1) Communications Solutions (3):

































Data and devices

60

27.5





52

24.0





8



 Appliances

63

39.9





56

35.3





7



 Total

123

32.7





108

28.7





15



 Total $ 543

17.0 %

$ 352

11.0 %

$ 150

$ 41













































































































Change in Net Sales for the Six Months Ended March 26, 2021

versus Net Sales for the Six Months Ended March 27, 2020

Net Sales



Organic Net Sales







Acquisitions/

Growth (Decline)



Growth (Decline) (1)



Translation (2)

(Divestiture)

($ in millions) Transportation Solutions (3):

































Automotive $ 489

17.7 %

$ 345

12.4 %

$ 144

$  Commercial transportation

161

29.2





138

24.9





23



 Sensors

136

33.7





34

8.2





13



89 Total

786

21.1





517

13.8





180



89 Industrial Solutions (3):

































Aerospace, defense, oil, and gas

(110)

(17.5)





(134)

(21.4)





13



11 Industrial equipment

91

16.8





65

11.8





26



 Medical

(48)

(13.2)





(49)

(13.5)





1



 Energy

3

0.8







0.1





12



(9) Total

(64)

(3.4)





(118)

(6.3)





52



2 Communications Solutions (3):

































Data and devices

75

17.2





62

14.4





13



 Appliances

100

32.1





89

28.3





11



 Total

175

23.4





151

20.2





24



 Total $ 897

14.1 %

$ 550

8.6 %

$ 256

$ 91



(1) Organic net sales growth (decline) is a non-GAAP financial measure. See description of non-GAAP financial measures. (2) Represents the change in net sales resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. (3) Industry end market information is presented consistently with our internal management reporting and may be periodically revised as management deems necessary.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Quarter Ended March 26, 2021

(UNAUDITED)



































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring













Related

and Other

Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

(Non-GAAP) (2)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income:

























Transportation Solutions $ 398



$ 5

$ 10

$ 413

Industrial Solutions

111





3



5



119

Communications Solutions

103









2



105

Total $ 612



$ 8

$ 17

$ 637





























Operating margin

16.4 %















17.0 %



























Other income, net $ 4



$ 

$ 

$ 4





























Income tax expense $ (106)



$ (2)

$ (2)

$ (110)





























Effective tax rate

17.3 %















17.3 %



























Income from continuing operations $ 505



$ 6

$ 15

$ 526





























Diluted earnings per share from

continuing operations $ 1.51



$ 0.02

$ 0.04

$ 1.57





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Quarter Ended March 27, 2020

(UNAUDITED)



























































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring























Related

and Other

Impairment





Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

of Goodwill (1)

Tax Items (2)

(Non-GAAP) (4)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income (loss):





































Transportation Solutions $ (606)



$ 10

$ 18

$ 900

$ 

$ 322

Industrial Solutions

142





2



1











145

Communications Solutions

49









3











52

Total $ (415)



$ 12

$ 22

$ 900

$ 

$ 519









































Operating margin

(13.0) %



























16.2 %







































Other income, net $ 11



$ 

$ 

$ 

$ (8)

$ 3









































Income tax expense $ (42)



$ (2)

$ (4)

$ (4)

$ (31)

$ (83)









































Effective tax rate

(10.2) %



























16.1 %







































Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (452)



$ 10

$ 18

$ 896

$ (39)

$ 433









































Diluted earnings (loss) per share from

continuing operations (3) $ (1.35)



$ 0.03

$ 0.05

$ 2.67

$ (0.12)

$ 1.29





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) Includes an income tax benefit related to pre-separation tax matters and the termination of the tax sharing agreement with Tyco International and Covidien, as well as the related impact to net other income. (3) U.S. GAAP diluted shares excludes one million of nonvested share awards and options outstanding as the inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive because of our loss during the period. Such amounts are included in adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted shares. (4) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Six Months Ended March 26, 2021

(UNAUDITED)















































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring

















Related

and Other





Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

Tax Items (2)

(Non-GAAP) (3)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income:































Transportation Solutions $ 706



$ 10

$ 128

$ 

$ 844

Industrial Solutions

187





7



43







237

Communications Solutions

167









13







180

Total $ 1,060



$ 17

$ 184

$ 

$ 1,261



































Operating margin

14.6 %





















17.4 %

































Other income, net $ 3



$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 3



































Income tax expense $ (166)



$ (4)

$ (34)

$ (29)

$ (233)



































Effective tax rate

15.9 %





















18.7 %

































Income from continuing operations $ 880



$ 13

$ 150

$ (29)

$ 1,014



































Diluted earnings per share from

continuing operations $ 2.64



$ 0.04

$ 0.45

$ (0.09)

$ 3.05





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) Income tax benefits related to an Internal Revenue Service approved change in the tax method of depreciating or amortizing certain assets. (3) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Six Months Ended March 27, 2020

(UNAUDITED)



























































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring





















Related

and Other

Impairment





Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

of Goodwill (1)

Tax Items (2)

(Non-GAAP) (4)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income (loss):





































Transportation Solutions $ (290)



$ 15

$ 22

$ 900

$ 

$ 647

Industrial Solutions

257





4



16











277

Communications Solutions

89









8











97

Total $ 56



$ 19

$ 46

$ 900

$ 

$ 1,021









































Operating margin

0.9 %



























16.0 %







































Other income, net $ 16



$ 

$ 

$ 

$ (8)

$ 8









































Income tax expense $ (489)



$ (3)

$ (4)

$ (4)

$ 324

$ (176)









































Effective tax rate

815.0 %



























17.3 %







































Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (429)



$ 16

$ 42

$ 896

$ 316

$ 841









































Diluted earnings (loss) per share from

continuing operations (3) $ (1.28)



$ 0.05

$ 0.13

$ 2.67

$ 0.94

$ 2.50





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) Includes income tax expense related to the tax impacts of certain measures of Swiss tax reform. Also includes an income tax benefit related to pre-separation tax matters and the termination of the tax sharing agreement with Tyco International and Covidien, as well as the related impact to net other income. (3) U.S. GAAP diluted shares excludes two million of nonvested share awards and options outstanding as the inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive because of our loss during the period. Such amounts are included in adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted shares. (4) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Quarter Ended June 26, 2020

(UNAUDITED)















































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring

















Related

and Other





Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

Tax Items (2)

(Non-GAAP) (4)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income (loss):































Transportation Solutions $ (1)



$ 6

$ 55

$ 

$ 60

Industrial Solutions

70





2



40







112

Communications Solutions

65









3







68

Total $ 134



$ 8

$ 98

$ 

$ 240



































Operating margin

5.3 %





















9.4 %

































Other income, net $ 4



$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 4



































Income tax expense $ (185)



$ (1)

$ (21)

$ 170

$ (37)



































Effective tax rate

145.7 %





















15.9 %

































Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (58)



$ 7

$ 77

$ 170

$ 196



































Diluted earnings (loss) per share from

continuing operations (3) $ (0.18)



$ 0.02

$ 0.23

$ 0.51

$ 0.59





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) Income tax expense related to an increase to the valuation allowance for certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets. (3) U.S. GAAP diluted shares excludes one million of nonvested share awards and options outstanding as the inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive because of our loss during the period. Such amounts are included in adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted shares. (4) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For the Year Ended September 25, 2020

(UNAUDITED)



























































































Adjustments















Acquisition-

Restructuring





















Related

and Other

Impairment





Adjusted



U.S. GAAP



Charges (1)

Charges, Net (1)

of Goodwill (1)

Tax Items (2)

(Non-GAAP) (4)



($ in millions, except per share data)

Operating income (loss):





































Transportation Solutions $ (93)



$ 32

$ 113

$ 900

$ 

$ 952

Industrial Solutions

412





8



102











522

Communications Solutions

218









42











260

Total $ 537



$ 40

$ 257

$ 900

$ 

$ 1,734









































Operating margin

4.4 %



























14.2 %







































Other income, net $ 20



$ 

$ 

$ 

$ (8)

$ 12









































Income tax expense $ (783)



$ (8)

$ (46)

$ (4)

$ 550

$ (291)









































Effective tax rate

149.4 %



























17.0 %







































Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (259)



$ 32

$ 211

$ 896

$ 542

$ 1,422









































Diluted earnings (loss) per share from

continuing operations (3) $ (0.78)



$ 0.10

$ 0.63

$ 2.68

$ 1.62

$ 4.26





(1) The tax effect of each non-GAAP adjustment is calculated based on the jurisdictions in which the expense (income) is incurred and the tax laws in effect for each such jurisdiction. (2) Includes $355 million of income tax expense related to the tax impacts of certain measures of Swiss tax reform and $226 million of income tax expense related to increases to the valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets, partially offset by a $31 million income tax benefit related to pre-separation tax matters and the termination of the tax sharing agreement with Tyco International and Covidien. (3) U.S. GAAP diluted shares excludes two million of nonvested share awards and options outstanding as the inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive because of our loss during the period. Such amounts are included in adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted shares. (4) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

TE CONNECTIVITY LTD.

RECONCILIATION OF FORWARD-LOOKING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

TO FORWARD-LOOKING GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

As of April 21, 2021

(UNAUDITED)









Outlook for



Quarter Ending



June 25,



2021

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 1.51

Restructuring and other charges, net

0.04

Acquisition-related charges

0.02

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (1) $ 1.57

















Net sales growth (decline)

45.2 % Translation

(5.1)

(Acquisitions) divestitures, net

0.4

Organic net sales growth (decline) (1)

40.5 %







(1) See description of non-GAAP financial measures.

SOURCE TE Connectivity Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.te.com


Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Responds to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial

Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Responds to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial

Vicki Levengood levengoodv@michigan.gov

LANSING, MI - James E. White, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, has issued the following statement in response to the verdict in the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

"This conviction brings some measure of justice to George Floyd's family, and to a nation that has grieved for him and so many other people of color unjustly killed at the hands of officers who are sworn to protect them. We now must turn our attention to the kind of reforms necessary to eliminate the embedded bias and structural racism that exists in some police departments. Now begins the work of community restoration and rebuilding trust in policing. We are reaching out to police and community leaders throughout Michigan to address these issues here."

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.

###
A former RAAF pilot who fostered a child and fundraised for hospitals is behind bars over his failed plan to fly 271kg of ice to Australia.

Hugh Gorman, 75, is also a decorated volunteer firefighter. He and his co-conspirator Peter Caluzzi, 61, met as Freemasons more than a decade ago.

They had long marriages, children, and solid and stable jobs.

But motivated by financial gain, they became tangled up in an intercontinental drug plot to traffic 271kgof ice to Melbourne, with a street value up to $118 million.

After a decade with the RAAF, Gorman took on other flying jobs as well as truck driving. A serious crash in 2011 left him with lasting injuries and an inability to take care of his farming property, bankrupting him.

Two men have been jailed over their plot to smuggle ice into Australia in a Cessna plane

Jim Soukoulis, 55, (pictured) is the alleged syndicate ringleader and is on the run over the failed plot to fly ice from California into Australia

Caluzzi, who described a loving and happy childhood, moved through the ranks to become first a partner and then the principal of his own accounting firm.

But a series of bad investments on behalf of a client led him to withdrawing his mother's superannuation to invest further.

With Gorman broke and Caluzzi ashamed at having lost his mother's money, the men became involved in a sophisticated operation to import drugs from California in 2017.

They pleaded guilty to conspiring to import a commercial quantity of the drug and were sentenced on Tuesday.

A third man, 55-year-old Jim Soukoulis, was arrested in July 2017 and charged as the alleged ringleader of the drug syndicate but went on the run after being released on bail.

He is currently considered a fugitive and warrants for his arrest remain active.

While the plot was sophisticated, some of their methods were not. Gorman used his own name to rent a storage container in California where the drugs were stored - and later seized by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

The pair plotted to traffic 271kgof ice to Melbourne, with a street value up to $118 million

Inside the modified Cessna Silver Eagle the pair used to carry 272kg of ice across the Pacific

They used Blackberry phones to communicate through encrypted messages. Gorman kept the code for his phone on a piece of paper in his wallet.

The plan involved Gorman making multiple trips to the US to purchase a Cessna Silver Eagle plane, which was refitted with a additional fuel tank in which the drugs were to be stashed.

Gorman did the work and arranged the plane, while Caluzzi financed the purchase and covered his longtime friend's travel expenses.

It was intended that Gorman would load the drugs into the plane and then fly it from California to Melbourne, making 13 stops along the way while keeping in contact with Caluzzi and the wider syndicate by satellite phone as he crossed the Pacific Ocean.

While Caluzzi expected his payment from the overarching drug syndicate would come in the form of $1 million from the sale of the plane, Gorman claimed he was only expecting to receive $14,000 for his part.

But Victorian County Court Judge George Georgiou said it defies common sense he would take such great risks for a relatively minor sum.

Gorman was jailed for 14 years and must serve at least eight years and six months before he's eligible for parole.

As well as the conspiracy charge Caluzzi also admitted trafficking drugs in 2013. He was jailed for 17 years and won't be eligible for parole for at least 11 years.
The film, Beth Phnek Hek Troung (Close My Eyes, Open My Heart), was shot with a 16mm camera that had to be wound by hand between takes. Hugely popular at the time, it tells the story of a Cambodian businessman living in France who returns home when his twin brother dies; he then falls in love with his brothers widow, who ultimately gives in to his advances.

Only one copy of the film was made, requiring it to be ferried from theater to theater by messenger. Its run lasted only a few weeks. Khmer Rouge forces were closing in on Phnom Penh  by some accounts the sound of artillery could be heard from within the theaters  and when the city fell on April 17, 1975, that single copy was lost.

Over nearly four years, as more than 1.7 million people were massacred, Mr. Mao Ayuth survived by hiding his background as an artist, pretending instead to be a wedding photographer.

He told his story in an interview in 2011 with Tilman Baumgartel, a journalist and professor of media theory at the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz, Germany, who also taught for a time at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

After a Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979, Mr. Mao Ayuth returned to his craft, but by then Phnom Penh was a ghost town. There were no cinemas and no funding for filmmaking equipment.
FAIRFIELD  A locally created mural promoting diversity and inclusion could be coming to town as part of a statewide initiative to honor Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy.

Its a way to demonstrate communities are open and welcoming to a diverse group, said Matt Conway, executive director for RiseUp for the Arts, the group leading the effort.

CT Murals, a part of RiseUp for the Arts, is partnering with 39 communities across Connecticut to create a mural for each year of Kings life and have them up by the next Martin Luther King Day. Each mural will represent the messages, images and symbols that King stood for, according to the group.

It kicked off on MLK Day 2021 with the unveiling of Birthing of a Legacy by Ben Keller, one of the initiatives founding artists, at the Mahoney Recreation Center in Manchester.

Since then, five other unveilings have been scheduled, including ones in New Haven, Torrington and West Hartford.

Fairfield is one of eight towns that have local action teams for the murals, along with Stamford and Norwalk. Another 18 towns, including Westport, have expressed community member interest, according to RiseUp.

Each mural tends to include King, but the community can incorporate its own history into the piece as well.

Its very community-centric on how and who this mural will represent, Conway said.

Lynnaija Brenard, president of the Fairfield Equity Coalition, and Conway brought the idea before the selectmen this week.

Brenard said the town is undertaking a number of inclusive initiatives and the mural complements that work.

This is a really good kickoff to the upcoming year within Fairfield, she said.

Planning for the mural is still in the early stages, including deciding where it will it go. A wall at the train state was the most popular idea raised at the meeting, but Conway said he will have to determine who owns the wall if its the final decision.

The approved murals are split fairly evenly between public and private walls, he said. If the wall is privately owned, then the project will most likely not come back before the selectmen. However their support will help the project as it advances, including securing funding, he said.

Each mural costs about $15,000. Half of the money usually comes from Sustainable CT with the community covering the other half, generally with donations or grants.

Most of that covers creating the mural itself, with the rest of the money set aside for nonviolence training and the unveiling ceremonies, which are livestreamed.

Conway said they his organization tries to get local artists to lead the project but there are a team of mural artists from the state at large if none of the Fairfield artists have mural experience. Selected Fairfield artists would still be involved in the project and be paid, just not as the lead artists if the team is used, he said.

We want to find artists specific to that geography, he said.

The typical timeframe is usually three to six months and the murals tend to last 15 to 20 years.

Selectman Thomas Flynn said it was important to have Fairfields history in the mural, based on previous pieces done in town.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick and Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz both overwhelmingly supported the project.

I think its a great idea, Kupchick said. It would be wonderful to have.

Lefkowitz said its a great thing for the community, especially because arts have the power to heal.

Its amazing what some paint can do for the psyche for the community, she said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com
The interior of one of the new 7000-series CTA rail cars on the Blue Line toward Forest Park on April 21, 2021. Distinguishing the 7000-series from the rest of the CTA rail fleet are its bold, blue end caps; new layout of headlights and taillights; as well as a redesigned interior featuring a new seating configuration that includes a mix of forward-facing and aisle-facing seats. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
The 300 tons of corn is the first cargo to cross the Sino-Korean border in more than a year.

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 4, 2020 shows workers disinfecting freight trains to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province.

A freight train loaded with Chinese corn has arrived in North Korea, the first international cargo train to cross the Sino-Korean border in more than a year amid warnings of dire shortages in the impoverished North, sources in China told RFA.

Freight has not flowed freely from China since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in January 2020. Fearing that the virus could spread into North Korea, Beijing and Pyongyang agreed to close down the 880-mile Sino-Korean border in a move that proved disastrous to an economy already pinched by sanctions imposed by the UN and U.S. over North Koreas nuclear program.

Many in North Korea who made their living trading in goods from China were left with no way to support themselves. They have been clamoring for an end to the trade ban, but the government has prioritized emergency measures against the spread of the virus.

An international freight train carrying aid goods for North Korea left Dandong Station early this morning and headed for North Korea, a Chinese citizen railway worker of Korean descent told RFAs Korean Service April 17.

After completing customs procedures at Sinuiju Station, the Chinese freight train headed to Pyongyangs Seopo Station, the final station, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons. The train will first be disinfected in Sinuiju, which recently acquired equipment for this purpose, the source added.

The entry into North Korea of a train loaded with cargo is being seen as a good sign for those hoping for a full-on resumption of trade.

The fact that the aid train did not utilize a new rail route that diverts Chinese cargo to a processing center in nearby Uiju could indicate that it is not part of an official lifting of the trade ban. The source said there was a considerable amount of secrecy surrounding the train and its contents.

What they loaded on the train is officially unknown to the staff at Dandong Station. But those who saw the cargo being loaded know that it was food, because food is the most urgent problem in North Korea. It was not rice but about 300 tons of corn, the source said.

They are sending corn instead to rice and some say North Korea is declaring it as animal feed, and then it will be used as food. Corn has become a major food source for North Koreas military working on national construction projects, said the source.

Though food items are not banned under international sanctions, the secrecy may be an attempt to shield Beijing from international and domestic criticism.

The source said Chinese residents of Dandong were not enthusiastic about their government providing aid to North Korea.

The Chinese here think that no matter how much food is sent to North Korea, it is nothing more than pouring water into a broken jar, said the source.

They are showing negative reactions, saying that although there may be starving people, they dont know how much food will be given to the general population even if North Korea receives thousands of tons of food.

Another source, a resident of Dandong confirmed to RFA on the same day that the train left Dandong for North Korea that morning at 3 a.m.

For some reason the Chinese authorities are hiding details about the cargo Even the staff working at the station were not told about what was loaded in the freight train. Its a secret to everybody, said the second source.

Its still too early to judge whether trade between China and North Korea will resume and if we can exchange goods again, but it is true that China has begun providing supplies in the form of loans because the shortage of food and supplies in North Korea is at a serious level, the second source said.

People in North Korea were aware that shipments from China were coming in, according to the second source.

I talked to my counterpart in North Korea As news spreads that support and supplies are coming from China, the people are hoping that it will help relieve the food and supply shortage, the second source said.

An April 16 RFA report quoted a Chinese citizen of Korean descent from Dandong, who said that that the train was laden with 300 tons of food as the first batch of supplies to be sent to North Korea.

In addition, trucks loaded with agricultural goods and construction materials are waiting to cross the border. not only at Dandong Station, but also near Donggang and the New Yalu River Bridge where there are also large piles of supplies waiting to be sent to North Korea by large freight trucks, said the source in the report, adding that the supplies were pesticides, fertilizers and plastic film used in rice planting.

Life in North Korea without Chinese trade has been harsh.

UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomas Ojea Quintana warned in a report last month that the closure of the border and restrictions on the movement of people could bring on a serious food crisis.

Deaths by starvation have been reported, as has an increase in the number of children and elderly people who have resorted to begging as families are unable to support them, said the report.

RFA reported earlier this month that North Korean authorities were warning residents to prepare for economic difficulties as bad as the 1994-1998 famine which killed millions, as much as 10 percent of the population by some estimates.

Kim Jong Un was quoted in state media this month as saying the country faced grim challenges.

Improving the peoples living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organizations of the party, Kim said during an opening speech at a meeting of cell secretaries of the ruling Workers Party.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The death has occurred of Anne CLANCY (nee Gillen)

Trinity Crescent, Derrinturn, Carbury, Kildare



Peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Naas Hospital. Deeply regretted by her husband Jim, son Wayne, daughter Lisa, son-in-law Ken, granddaughters Megan and Darcy, grandsons Sam, Jamie, Alex and Finn, great grandson Jake, sisters Ettie and Kitty, brother Ronnie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

May Anne Rest in Peace.

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions there will be a family funeral on Thursday at 1.30pm in the Holy Trinity Church, Derrinturn followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. You can take part in Anne's Funeral Mass on the Carbury Parish Webcam via the following link:

https://www.carburyparish.ie/our-parish/webcam-derrinturn/

Condolences can be left on this page using the link below. The Clancy family would like to thank you for your support at this difficult and sad time.

The death has occurred of Elizabeth (Betty) COUNIHAN (nee Dockery)

Whitethorn Grove, Kill, Kildare / Strokestown, Roscommon



Formerly of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Predeceased by her brother P.J. Peacefully, at home in the tender care of her loving family. Sadly missed by her loving husband Jerry, daughters Carmel, Maria, Yvonne and Suzanne, brother Johnny, sons-in-law Tony, Joe and Richie, grandchildren Oisin, Doireann, Conor, Bridin, Rory, Cliodhna, Cillian and Laoise, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

"May Betty Rest In Peace"

House Private please.

Due to current Government guidelines regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral will take place on Thursday with a Funeral Mass at 11am in The Church of St, Brigid, Kill. Those who would like to join the private funeral service remotely by webcam can do so by clicking on https://www.killparish.ie/. Betty will be laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery, Two Mile House, Naas following the Funeral Mass.

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions can not, please feel free to leave a message in the condolence page below.

The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Crowe

Preston Heights, Kilmeague, Kildare / Maynooth, Kildare



Crowe, Patrick (Pat), Preston Heights, Kilmeague and late of Ladychapel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, April 20th 2021, peacefully at St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh, deeply regretted by his loving wife Helen, sisters Margaret and Joan, brothers Joe, Martin and Michael, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rest In Peace

Due to current government guidelines, a private family funeral will take place for Pat. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to the current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for the family in the condolence's section below. Pat's Funeral Mass can be viewed on Friday at 11am by clicking on the following link

https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/christ-the-king-church-cooleragh

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

Pat's Funeral Cortege will be leaving Reilly's Funeral Home, Prosperous on Friday morning at 10:30am to arrive at Christ the King Church, Cooleragh for 11am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Mainham Cemetery. Those who would like to line the route, may do so in a safe and socially distanced manner.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Ltd. Funeral Directors on (045) 868230.

The death has occurred of John P Kelly

Moorefield Park, Newbridge, Kildare



Peacefully at Naas hospital. Sadly missed by his loving wife Breda, sons Graham and Fergal, daughter Lorraine, daughters-in-law Pauline and Marion, son-in-law Declan, grandchildren Dean, Michaela, Mary Kate, Jordan and Kellie, sister Marie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May John rest in peace.

Due to current government guidelines regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral will take place. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the condolence page below. Removal on Thursday to arrive at St. Conleth's Parish Church, Newbridge, for Requiem Mass at 1pm. Burial afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. John's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Newbridge Parish website:

https://www.newbridgeparish.ie/parish-church

The death has occurred of Laurence (Larry) Murphy

Church View, Caragh, Kildare



Murphy, Laurence (Larry) Snr., Church View, Caragh, Co. Kildare, April 20th 2021, peacefully at Naas General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Peg, children Mary, Lar, Esther, Patrick, John, Tina, Noel, Gerry, Martin, Catherine and Nuala, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Chrissie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Rest In Peace

Due to current government guidelines, a private family funeral will take place for Larry. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to the current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for the family in the condolence's section below. Larry's Funeral Mass can be viewed on Friday at 12 noon by clicking on the following link : https://www.caraghparish.net/webcam

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

Larry's Funeral Cortege will be leaving his residence on Friday morning at approx. 11:30am to arrive at the Church of Our Lady and St. Joseph, Caragh for 12 noon Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Caragh Cemetery. Those who would like to line the route, may do so in a safe and socially distanced manner.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Ltd. Funeral Directors on (045) 868230.
Photo: Michelle Boorstein/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Throughout the Derek Chauvin trial, the conservative mind has remained fixated on the threat of violent protest rather than the underlying injustices that create those protests. Right-wingers warned that the mere prospect of rioting deprived Chauvin of a fair trial. Republican legislatures are enacting a national crackdown on even the most ancillary participation in violent protest, including attacks on property.

The extreme version of this worldview, which is hardly marginal among the Republican Party, is easy to mock and dismiss: Many Republicans still refuse to acknowledge widespread abusive behavior by police and the poisonous fear this engenders among Black people in particular.

But the moderate version of this worldview is also worth engaging with. That view holds that, while there may be some problems with police, the important thing is that reform is carried out through peaceful means. Mitt Romney is a serious conservative who marched in a Black Lives Matter protest last year and has demonstrated sincere interest in police reform.

I am very appreciative of the institutions in our country that provide for stability and predictability, said Romney the other day. The judicial system worked, he noted after the verdict, but a man is dead. So thats a very high price to pay. And avoiding more circumstances like this, more events like this, is still a huge priority. He proposed, in particular, working off the reform bill sponsored last year by Senator Tim Scott.

Here is the Romney synthesis: Trust the system, work within it, push for reforms through elected channels.

Its a position with which I have a great deal of sympathy. Violent protest tends to politically backfire, not to mention the fact that chaotic, lawless conditions tend to be especially harmful to low-income people. I happen to believe nobody deserves to be accosted or have their livelihood destroyed because third parties behaved abusively. In the long run, humane policing will require fundamental reforms through democratic means.

What this argument fails to grapple with, however, is just how undemocratic the democratic channels for reform actually are.

Passing police reform through the Senate already puts Black Americans at a staggering disadvantage. The Senate gives far greater representation to people who live in small states than large ones, and since small states tend to be heavily white, this effectively gives white people far more power in the chamber than their share of the voting population.

The senate considerably dilutes the voting power of African-Americans and Latinos and Asians to a degree that should be unacceptable in polite company pic.twitter.com/gCzR7g46FR  (((David Shor))) (@davidshor) January 29, 2018

Advancing a bill through a one-state, one-vote chamber is not a level playing field. It is a system that dilutes Black voting power and gives white people a disproportionate say in the outcome.

Atop this formidable barrier is a second obstacle: the legislative filibuster. And while fiscal bills or appointments to the courts or executive branch can pass with a majority, non-fiscal legislation like police reform requires a 60-vote supermajority. This raises the threshold for reform even higher, forcing police-reform advocates to reach very deep into conservative white America to gain the necessary support to pass a law.

But Romney, notably, opposes doing anything about either problem. He has fiercely defended the legislative supermajority requirement. And just yesterday, he opposed granting statehood to residents of the District of Columbia. D.C. statehood would not erase the Senates heavy pro-white bias; it would just ameliorate it slightly. But even such a modest nudge in the direction of less inequality is too much for the most reasonable Republican in Congress.

The problem with Romneys insistence on working within the system is not that he fails to take systemic racism seriously  its that he fails to take the unfairness of the system itself seriously. He is instructing Black Americans to put their faith in an electoral process that inherently devalues them and refuses to permit even modest measures to redress its imbalance. If Romney wants Black people to value the system, he should care about making the system less undemocratic.
The Las Vegas Raiders got angry backlash for a tweet the team sent after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd.

The tweet sent by the team's official account on Tuesday said I CAN BREATHE 4-20-21. Floyd told officers I cant breathe more than 20 times before he was killed when Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd's neck last May.

Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday for causing Floyd's death.

Raiders owner Mark Davis said he was driving when the verdict was announced and heard Floyd's brother, Philonise, make the statement that we can all breathe again and decided to make that message the team's response.

I thought that said a lot, Davis said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. It said a lot about everything. I thought it was something where we could all breathe again. Justice was served. We still have a lot of work to do on social justice and police brutality. But today, justice was served.

The tweet was widely condemned in replies on Twitter but remained pinned to the top of the team's Twitter account more than two hours after being posted.

It was taken negatively by 99% of the people, Davis said. That happens. That's part of social media.

Davis said he won't delete the tweet because it is already out there but is sorry if it offended anyone in Floyd's family.

He said he also didn't know that the phrase I can breathe was used by supporters of police in New York after the death of Eric Garner in 2014 and that he wouldn't have used that phrase if he knew the history.

It's a tough situation, he said. I feel bad it was taken in a way it wasn't meant to be done. That can only be my fault for not explaining it.

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Peter Fish Case is a man with an opinion. He offers up a weekly podcast discussion that can be heard at theearspoon.com. Questions, compliments and complaints can be sent to him at fish@theearspoon.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer.
Japanese PM Suga sends ritual offering to notorious Yasukuni shrine

Xinhua) 10:45, April 21, 2021

A wooden plaque showing the name of Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is seen with a "masakaki" tree that Suga sent as a ritual offering for the war dead at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, Oct 17, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the notorious Yasukuni shrine, seen as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, on the occasion of its spring festival.

Suga will not, however, visit the controversial shrine in person during the two-day festival through Thursday.

The Japanese leader took the same approach for the shrine's autumn festival last October when he also sent a ritual "masakaki" tree offering. His cabinet members also refrained form visiting the shrine during the last autumn festival.

Suga's ministers have said they will also refrain from visiting the war-linked shrine in the upcoming days, although health minister Norihisa Tamura and Shinji Inoue, the minister for the world exposition in Osaka, also sent ritual trees to the spring festival.

Yasukuni shrine, which honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead including 14 Class-A convicted war criminals in World War II along with its historically inaccurate museum, is a testament to Japan's past militarism. The Shinto shrine has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.

Visits and ritual offerings made in person or by proxy to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders, officials and lawmakers have consistently sparked strong criticism from and hurt the feelings of China and South Korea and other countries brutalized by Japan during WWII.

Suga's predecessor, ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe was the last prime minister to visit the controversial shrine in person in December 2013, when he was strongly condemned by China and South Korea, as well as the United States, who said at the time that it was disappointed with Abe's decision.

Abe sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine during its spring and autumn festivals every year since he launched his administration in 2012.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography, 4th Edition In 'Rediscovering the Golden State', we reveal fascinating stories that illustrate how the most diverse landscapes and people in the most diverse state are evolving,

Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography recently announced the release of its updated web site and 4th edition book, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The dynamic web site and new edition of the book come at an opportune time, since much of international travel has been restricted, due to the pandemic and people looking for alternative and interesting travel and vacation options.

What has traditionally been a book for the education community, Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography is now becoming a valuable resource and guide for tourists, geographers, travelers, and businesses interested in the state of California and for those seeking to learn about the stories behind the scenes, looking for substance, depth, and detail beyond the traditional tour guide.

Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography examines Californias incredibly diverse landscapes: from the states natural systems and cycles, its agriculture and more advanced industries, to its human migration, cultures, and urban planning. We reveal fascinating stories that illustrate how the most diverse landscapes and people in the most diverse state are evolving, explained William Selby, Professor Emeritus, one of the books authors, and a native Californian. From remote wilderness areas to crowded urban centers, we explore and explain the connections and change that will help you better understand and appreciate this complicated and most powerful state in the U.S., he added.

From geology, weather and climate, biogeography, and water resources, the project engages readers with rich, full-color photography and illustrations, presenting a vivid and highly relatable exploration of Californias physical and human geography. The book, along with the website at https://www.rediscoveringthegoldenstate.com, explores the interconnectivity between human and physical environments, and their impacts on one another.

Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography and its companion website together provide a complete, up-to-date, and accurate reference for the geography of California and represents an established go-to resource for media and anyone reporting on current events that are impacting Californias people and landscapes.

The web site and latest 4th edition of Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography has several updates, some of which include:



Cutting-edge satellite images and maps, current events, new sources and links that will challenge the reader and invite further exploration.

Additional photos and figures, coupled with updated discussions, highlight important places and concepts while emphasizing recent changes  and new visions of Californias future.

Updated stories that illustrate Californians resilience through seismic shocks, wildfires, climate change, water crises, altered ecosystems, economic oscillations, demographic and social upheavals, and other changes in the states natural and human landscapes.

Additionally, as national and international visitors and business interests return to California, this web site and book can serve as useful resources to enhance their California experiences.

Learn more from the web site or purchase the book Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography 4th Edition at https://www.rediscoveringthegoldenstate.com.

###

About the Authors

William Selby is a native Californian who has lived, explored, researched, and worked in every corner of the Golden State, including four decades as a college-level geography professor.

Rob OKeefe is the creator of, and primary webmaster for, our web site. He also shares a wealth of working experiences in the Golden State that include teaching college-level geography courses.

Jing Liu is a Geography Professor (PhD in 2017) who teaches a host of classes that include Physical Geography and GIS (Geographic Information Science), as she nurtures the geography program at Santa Monica College.

Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography 4th Edition is published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

CONTACT:

Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography

William Selby, Professor Emeritus and Author

310-463-8636

selby_william @ smc.edu
Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. That pronouncement by the jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd allowed much of Black America to exhale. The pronouncement also created a sense of relief in much of America, either because of concerns about what the reaction to a not guilty verdict would have been; because of a mistaken belief that it demonstrated the criminal legal system is capable of addressing the crisis of police killing Black people; or, perhaps, a genuine sharing in the trauma and exhaustion experienced by Black America as they have watched, again and again, police officers who kill Black people leave the courtroom free.

While entirely understandable, the exhale and the sense of relief are premature. Chauvin may have been found guilty, pending the inevitable appeal, but policing of Black people in America remains on trial. The prospects for a just verdict remain in doubt.

Chauvin had to be found guilty. If video of the deliberate, slow killing of a helpless person as bystanders pleaded for mercy, backed by the testimony of the policing establishment that Chauvins actions violated policy, had not been enough to secure a conviction from a racially diverse jury, then the criminal legal system could never be expected to work. But the Chauvin case is not the norm. There is not always such full video. The helplessness of the victim is not always so apparent. The accused police officer is not always deprived of the justification that they were acting out of fear for their safety  or the myriad other excuses that have led to acquittals or no charges being brought in so many other cases. The police establishment does not always strongly back accountability. The real test of our criminal legal system will be the next case, the harder case, the typical case.

The circumstances of George Floyds murder are scheduled to return to court later this year, when the three officers who stood by as Chauvin murdered Floyd go on trial for their actions (or, as one might more accurately put it, inaction.) Those officers saw the events that led the jury to convict and they did nothing. They did nothing despite the pleas of onlookers and their sworn duty to serve and protect.

Will the criminal legal system hold those officers to account for their abject failure to intervene and save Floyds life? Will the police establishment bring the full weight of its authority to bear and say that not only must officers not kill helpless people, but officers must intervene to keep their colleagues from doing so? Will that jury reject the excuses and the justifications for inaction sure to be offered? That verdict is still to come, but there are reasons to be wary.

The case of Cariol Horne may be instructive. Horne was a Buffalo, New York, police officer who intervened to stop another officer who had placed a Black man in a potentially lethal chokehold. The officer responded by striking Horne in the face, causing injuries that required surgery. The Buffalo police department subsequently suspended Horne for four days for interfering with another officer and then fired her and deprived her of her pension when she fought the suspension. Hornes actions were vindicated only after a 14-year struggle when a New York state court judge ordered her reinstatement, back pay and pension last week.

What happened to Cariol Horne is all too typical of how police respond to officers who seek to protect citizens from their rogue colleagues. The prosecution of the three officers who stood by as Chauvin murdered Floyd is an opportunity for the criminal legal system to signal that there has been some change in approach. We should all pay attention.

Those who seek fair and equitable treatment of Black people by police are entitled to a moment of relief after the triple guilty verdict on Chauvin. For once, there was a semblance of accountability. But that moment of relief should not lead to complacency. Derek Chauvins was the easy case. Unfortunately, there are more to come, and history does not provide many reasons to be optimistic.

Jeffrey D Robinson is an experienced civil rights litigator, former associate director-counsel for the NAACP Legal Defence and Education Fund, and expert in public policy. His human rights work has included serving as a consultant to the Conviction Integrity Unit of the District of Columbia US Attorneys Office and to the human rights charity Reprieve
What appeared to begin as a routine mental illness incident quickly descended into a rescue mission and then desperate resuscitation after a man and a baby girl plunged to their deaths from a 36-metre dam in South Australia.

The first paramedics called to the Whispering Wall dam in the Barossa Valley, an hour north of Adelaide, thought they were there to lend psychiatric help.

But a chilling dispatch log uncovered by Daily Mail Australia has revealed the chaotic moments that unfolded as ambulances, police crews and rescue teams raced to the tourist spot on Wednesday and discovered the horror that had just unfolded.

Shocked witnesses first raised the alarm at 4.30pm, with SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) sending a unit based at the nearby Hamley Bridge station to the dam.

The callout was listed as 'psychiatric' on an emergency services scanner; a term used for an incident involving mental illness or a suicide attempt.

A man and baby girl tragically plunged to their deaths from the 'Whispering Wall' dam

The man (not pictured) was already dead when emergency services found him at the bottom of the wall after 4.30pm. Paramedics tried to revive the baby but she also died at the scene

Timeline of emergency response 4:30pm - Ambulance from Hamley Bridge station is sent out to respond to a 'psychiatric' incident 4:32pm - SA Ambulance Service send out another unit from Hamley Bridge for an 'emergency' callout 4:32pm - Dispatch send out another unit from Playford ambulance station - which is closer to the dam - for the same 'emergency' 4:32pm - A third ambulance is sent from nearby Oakden station 4:36pm - An urgent call is made for a MEDSTAR (Medical Shock Trauma/Acute Resuscitation) helicopter 4:40pm - Call placed to the SAAS Special Operations Team - a team of highly-trained rescue paramedics. 4.42pm - Emergency crews request permission for the helicopter to land 4.48pm - Mission changes to a body retrieval Advertisement

Two minutes later, a call for help was placed to teams from the Playford and Oakden ambulance stations for an 'emergency' situation that was unfolding.

Things escalated as units arrived at the dam, with the MEDSTAR (Medical Shock Trauma/Acute Resuscitation) helicopter sent at 4.36pm.

Just minutes after that team was called, emergency services sent out its Special Operations Team - a crew of paramedics who specialise in high-risk search and rescue procedures usually involving water and cliff rescues.

The man was already dead when emergency services found him at the bottom of the wall shortly after 4.30pm.

The baby was unresponsive and despite the best efforts of paramedics to revive her, she died at the scene.

By 4.48pm the mission had changed to a body retrieval.

One mother, who claims she was at the popular lookout with her children, took to social media to describe the horror she witnessed.

'So painful having to see what happened with my babies,' she said.

The incident has sparked widespread debate amongst locals that the tragedy wasn't an accident due to the height of the railing at the dam, which would make it difficult for an adult to fall over without climbing first.

Police said they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths at this stage.

Detectives from Barossa CIB, forensic investigators and the Major Crime Branch remained on the scene on Wednesday evening looking into what caused the tragedy.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

A chilling dispatch log (above) shows how the first team of paramedics from Hamley Bridge station were sent to a suspected psychiatric incident

As more crews arrived the mission changed to a rescue mission and then body retrieval

The Whispering Wall is the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir, and in recent years has become a tourist attraction for carrying sound from one side to the other.

'What draws visitors to the Whispering Wall is its unique acoustic effects: words whispered at one side can be clearly heard at the other, more than 100 metres away. Children in particular love visiting the wall and testing its abilities,' the Barossa website says.

'Children in particular love visiting the wall and testing its abilities.'

Built between 1899 and 1903, the dam was a revolutionary engineering feat for its day and has attracted tourists from all over the world.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
MOSCOW  He warned ominously of red lines in Russias security that, if crossed, would bring a powerful asymmetric response. He reminded Western leaders once again of the fearsomeness of his countrys modernized nuclear arsenal. And he boasted of Russias moral superiority over the West.

Yet even as President Vladimir V. Putin lashed out at foreign enemies real or perceived in a state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday, tens of thousands of Russians defied a heavy police presence to pour into the streets to challenge his rule. In Moscow, some gathered across the street from the Kremlin to chant, Go Away!

It was a snapshot of Russia in the third decade of Mr. Putins rule: a leader facing an increasingly angry and desperate opposition but firmly in power with his countrys vast resources and huge security apparatus at his disposal.
The bodies of two priests were found in Dharohar Mahadev temple in Khirhar police station area of Madhubani district, the police said on Wednesday.

Both the priests were beheaded by unidentified criminals and the motive for the crime could not be ascertained so far. The incident took place on Tuesday night.

Khirhar police station in-charge Anjesh Kumar said that the priests were killed with a sharp object and their heads were separated from the bodies.

He said that the deceased have been identified as Hiranand Das (65) a resident of Siriyapur in Basopatti police station area and Anand Mishra (45) of Bhagwanpur area.

Kumar added that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem and the police are investigating the case from various angles.
Meeting to discuss 2022-23 US-31 project in Alanson changed to virtual format

Transportation

CONTACT: James Lake, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-0993, LakeJ1@Michigan.gov

Monica Monsma MDOT Environmental Services Section, 517-335-4381, MonsmaM@Michigan.gov

WHAT:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will have an informational open house meeting to discuss planned rebuilding of US-31 and M-68 in Alanson and Littlefield Township in Emmet County. This includes relocating portions of the North Western State Trail that will require Littlefield Township to purchase former railroad property and MDOT to purchase property from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).

This meeting has been changed to a virtual format under provisions of Emmet County's resolution and extension of a Local State of Emergency.

WHO:

MDOT Gaylord Transportation Service Center (TSC) and Environmental Services Section staff

Interested residents, commuters and business owners

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Microsoft Teams virtual public meeting

To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316

Conference ID: 481 234 350#

How to attend a Teams public meeting

In areas with limited Internet access, copies of the meeting transcript and presentation are available by mail. Call 517-335-4381 or e-mail MonsmaM@Michigan.gov to request a copy.

Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. To make a request, contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov at least seven days before the meeting.

BACKGROUND:

MDOT plans to rebuild US-31 from Indiana Road to south of the northern Milton Road/US-31 intersection, and M-68 from US-31 to the Crooked River bridge in the village of Alanson and Littlefield Township. This project will include sidewalk improvements, traffic signal improvements, access management changes to driveways and intersections along the route, streetscape improvements, carpool lot paving, and drainage improvements.

The project includes relocating the North Western State Trail on the west side of US-31 in three sections:

Blumke Road to Milton Road, where Littlefield Township already owns the former railroad property.

Blumke Road to Powers Road. Littlefield Township has applied for a grant through MDNR to purchase the former railroad property. If the purchase is not completed, MDOT will temporarily detour the trail onto Milton Road during work.

North of Alanson at Bonz Street. The proposed plan includes closing Chicago Street between US-31 and Milton Street, and extending Bonz Street to the US-31/Pine Street intersection. This would require MDOT to purchase a portion of MDNR property.

Work is currently expected to begin in August 2022 and continue through 2023. This project will require detouring US-31 traffic on River Street, Banwell Road, Milton Street, and M-68, temporary traffic signals, and temporary widening with traffic shifts.

Public input is being sought to help MDOT recognize and address any public concerns that may result from the trail relocation and property transfer per a proposed de minimis impact finding under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Provide your comments and questions using the online comment form or by contacting MDOT Public Involvement Specialist and Hearings Officer:

Monica Monsma

MDOT Environmental Services Section

Van Wagoner Building

425 West Ottawa St.

PO Box 30050

Lansing, MI 48909

MonsmaM@Michigan.gov
BUTTE, Mont., April 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthWestern Energy has entered into multiple contracts for projects to acquire 325 megawatts of dispatchable capacity resources: procurement and construction agreements for a 175 megawatt natural gas plant; a pending agreement to purchase capacity from a 50 megawatt battery storage project; and a power purchase agreement for 100 megawatts of predominantly hydroelectric resources.



The contracts were entered into after NorthWestern Energy completed its competitive solicitation process for long-term capacity resources issued in January 2020.

This will reduce NorthWestern Energys capacity deficit, decrease risk associated with market volatility and potential lack of availability, and provide increased reliability for our Montana customers. The additional capacity to produce energy will address more than half of NorthWestern Energys deficit in its supply portfolio serving Montana. The deficit is becoming more critical as some regional coal plants and other capacity resources are being shut down, compromising reliability during extreme weather conditions, including multi-day events, when energy demand is high.

NorthWestern Energys independent, third-party request for proposals evaluator, Aion Energy, received 180 proposals representing a wide variety of technologies from 21 bidders. NorthWestern Energy has selected three resources from the proposals submitted in response to the companys request for proposals:

NorthWestern Energys Laurel Generating Station will be a new 175 megawatt, reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE units), natural gas plant in Laurel, Montana.

Powerex Corp., a subsidiary of BC Hydro, has entered into a five-year power purchase agreement with NorthWestern Energy for 100 megawatts of capacity and energy products originating predominately from hydroelectric resources.

Contract pending on an Energy Storage Project that will be a 50 megawatt battery storage system utilizing lithium-ion technology.



This selection of diverse projects will provide critically needed flexible capacity from a combination of thermal and renewable resources, said NorthWestern Energy Vice President Supply and Montana Government Relations John Hines.

The selected resources provide diversity in ownership and technology, including owned and market-based resources and the largest battery-storage project within Montana.

This resource portfolio addresses a key portion of our immediate need for generation capacity while also allowing us to make progress toward our goal of an energy supply portfolio in Montana that reduces the carbon intensity of our electric generation by 90% by 2045, said NorthWestern Energy Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe.

NorthWestern Energy expects to submit an application for approval of the Laurel Generating Station and the 20-year contract for the pending Energy Storage Project to the Montana Public Service Commission on or about May 14, 2021. We anticipate the regulatory process to take approximately 9 months.

The $250 million Laurel Generating Station is expected to be available to serve customers by Jan. 3, 2024.

For the 175 megawatt natural gas-fired RICE plant near Laurel, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems, LLC, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, Inc. will supply the RICE units and Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. was selected as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. Burns & McDonnell has a solid reputation as a superior EPC contractor, particularly for RICE facilities.

The Caterpillar RICE units are highly reliable and efficient with low emissions. The selected engines are capable of rapid ramping and multiple daily starts and stops. These units have the flexibility to provide power on-demand, baseload power, flexible capacity, and regulation services. These characteristics will facilitate the integration of existing and new intermittent renewable energy resources into our portfolio.

The 50 megawatt battery energy storage system, is expected to be available to serve NorthWestern Energys Montana customers by the end of 2023.

The energy storage project will provide the opportunity to store some excess energy from the grid to use when customer demand is high, NorthWestern Energy Director Long-Term Resources Bleau LaFave said. Today, NorthWestern Energy most frequently has excess energy on the grid from wind resources. Now we will have the opportunity to store a portion of that excess energy to improve matching the generation with customer demand and higher market pricing.

The five-year 100 megawatt power purchase agreement with Powerex, the marketing entity for BC Hydro, will provide our customers with capacity mainly from the BC Hydro system starting in Jan. 1, 2023 said LaFave. Our Montana customers require this capacity as soon as it is available. This market product can be delivered on our existing transmission assets.

NorthWestern Energy is still short of the capacity resources needed to produce energy reliably at the times when our Montana customers require it the most.

The 2020 RFP process provided an opportunity to see what projects and technology are available, said NorthWestern Energy President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Bird. NorthWestern Energys new Laurel Generating Station will be able to provide on-demand capacity for long durations. With that asset added to our Montana portfolio, NorthWestern Energy can consider other, shorter duration capacity projects in future RFPs.

Developing a diverse portfolio of resources capable of producing the energy our Montana customers need any time they need it is the responsible path forward as we all work together toward an affordable, reliable and cleaner energy future, said Rowe.

Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter (@NWEinfo).

About NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE)

NorthWestern provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 743,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002. More information on NorthWestern is available on the companys website at www.northwesternenergy.com.
A Birmingham startup has secured $10 million in funding for its content generation business.

Copysmith announced the investment through a partnership with Harmony Ventures Labs, and funds advised by PSG Equity, which invests in growth-stage software businesses.

The funding will help Copysmith with hires for engineering and design talent, as well as development.

Shegun Otulana, a start-up veteran, will become CEO for the company, founded last October. Otulana founded both TheraNest and Therapy Brands, which were software startups designed for the mental healthcare industry.

Jasmine Wang, co-founder of Copysmith, said the company is poised for growth.

In our view, our platform has always been about the collaboration between incredible technology and incredible humans, Wang said. In that spirit, we are thrilled to welcome more incredible humans to the team, who we believe bring the expertise, experience and insight needed for Copysmiths continued growth.

Copysmith uses GPT-3, a text-generation artificial intelligence model, along with in-house proprietary language models, to create digital ads, product descriptions and information that can integrate with Google Ads, Shopify and other platforms.

In our view, content is marketing, and marketing drives growth, whether that is an in-person interaction, an email or a product description, Otulana said. We believe our platform allows anyone to focus on big, creative and strategic choices for their business and quickly scale contextual messaging that delivers results.

Jasmine Wang will stay on as an advisor, while Anna Wang will continue to serve as chief technology officer.
Press Release

April 21, 2021 De Lima urges public to defend community pantry organizers vs red-tagging Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged the Filipino public to embody the Filipino "Bayanihan" spirit anew in defending community pantry organizers against red-tagging and harassment by authorities. De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, likewise underscored the need to investigate the red-tagging of organizers of community pantry, including Ana Patricia Non, the woman behind the first community pantry in Maginhawa, Quezon City that spawned similar movements across the country. "This regime is scared witless of the hope that these community efforts have sparked amid a pandemic. Takot na takot sa sariling multo kaya kailangang pakilusin ang kanyang kapulisan upang mapigilan ang tuluyang paglalantad sa kanilang kapalpakan. Kailangang kagyat na paimbestigahan ang mga insidente ng panggigipit na ito at panagutin ang mga may sala," she said. "Let us stand behind Ana Patricia Non and organizers like her. Defend our community pantries. Resist the regime's attempt to deprive people of the right to live a life with dignity, especially amid a life- threatening crisis. Itaguyod ang pagdadamayan at tunay na bayanihan," she added. The Maginhawa community pantry along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City temporarily stopped last April 20 after Non announced the pantry's temporary closure over "Red-tagging" on social media last April 19. One of the screenshots included in Non's Facebook post showed that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which has been previously involved in Red-tagging controversies, shared posts saying the community pantries are being used for propaganda of communist groups. In an online press conference, Non denied connection with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and assured that the Maginhawa Community Pantry will resume and continue operation because "mas marami ang nangangailangan kaysa sa nagbabatikos." The lady Senator from Bicol shared that the reported harassment and red-tagging of Non and organizers of other community pantries did not surprise her because "Duterte's rule thrives on people's misery that anything good coming from the people is threat to them." "Bawal ang maging makatao sa ilalim ni Duterte," she said. "Even residents from poor communities like Aroma in Tondo have pooled their meager resources to put up a pantry tapos sasabihin propaganda ang inisyatibang ito? Pakana ng NPA?" In a joint statement, De Lima, along with Senators Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian, Grace Poe, and Ralph Recto said the harassment and intimidation of those involved in these relief efforts exacerbate the hunger and hardships of Filipinos. "Ang bayanihan at damayan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan sinasaluduhan at tinutularan. Mga walang puso at mali ang panggigipit at pananakot sa mga nais lang tumulong," the Senators said.
The loyalty of PawnMaster has existed since the start of this company over 30 years ago, but for the past few years weve embraced this community until its become this powerful sensation that is PawnMaster Nation, CEO Len Summa states.

Data Age Business Systems, developer of the industrys leading pawn management software PawnMaster, is excited to announce the launch of their latest community resource center for pawnbrokers, PawnMasterNation.com.

PawnMaster Nation has been a growing phenomenon among the pawnbroker community for users of PawnMaster and supporters of the brand alike for years. The loyalty of PawnMaster has existed since the start of this company over 30 years ago, but for the past few years weve embraced this community until its become this powerful sensation that is PawnMaster Nation. Essentially, we had no choice but to give them a one-stop outlet for all their needs, CEO Len Summa states.

Thousands of pawnbrokers come to Data Age/PawnMaster looking for resources every year. Moving forward, PawnMasterNation.com will be their go-to centralized resource center that fits all their needs. The website provides endless content featuring hundreds of specialized professionals for this community that include training, consulting, education, state resources and more.

PawnMasterNation.com uses a wide variety of mediums to give users the latest content available, from news articles, videos, blogs, marketing resources and more. Not only will this be a place for pawnbrokers to find resources, Data Age/PawnMaster intends to use this platform as a means to build relationships within the community and offer guidance that will help pawnbrokers succeed in their day to day.

What differentiates PawnMasterNation.com from other online communities within the pawn industry is this: direct and prompt access to the CEO. PawnMaster Nation can always count on me being readily available anytime they need me, CEO Len Summa shares. PawnMasterNation.com will allow users a platform to gain access to the highest executives in the company, meaning they can expect to always have a voice and be heard where it matters most. Conversations between users and the CEO would be completely confidential, which would take away from any worries about raising delicate or uncomfortable questions.

PawnMasterNation.com is an open platform for all members and experts of the pawn community. If you are interested in providing original content or sharing an article or information that will help other pawn brokers, please contact pawnmasternation@gmail.com.
BRANFORD  The Branford Police Department has released part of the first 911 call reporting shots being fired on Main Street last Tuesday, an incident during which Matthew Lee Walker died by suicide after spraying his neighborhood with bullets  injuring one bystander  during a seven-hour standoff with police.

In the call, a man reports hearing dozens of shots fired out of a second-floor window of building housing a barbershop, later identified as Leon James International Hair Studio, near Shelleys Garden Center, according to the audio shared on the departments Facebook page.

A dispatcher inquires about whats going on, learning theres an officer already on scene. She asks to speak with that officer at the end of the audio clip.

Warning: This call is contains disturbing information, as well as vulgar language.

In their Facebook post, police note that the Branford Counseling Center, reachable by calling 203-481-4248, is providing free services to any resident who saw or was affected by the incident.

The department asked residents to share any information they may have about the incident.

We are requesting from our community that if you observed anything or recorded any part of this incident, to please send your contact information (and video) to videos@branfordpolice.com. A detective from the Branford Police Department will contact you as soon as possible, police said.

Ashwin Patel, the owner of Shoreline Wine & Spirits was wounded during the incident. He was released from the hospital Friday and is recovering at home, according to his family. Main Street was shut down as police engaged in an armed standoff for hours.

The shooter, later identified as Walker, was found dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined he died by suicide.

Walker owned between 10-20 firearms, including .223 and AR-style rifles, and was purchasing weapons in the months before his death, police Detective Lt. Dominick Eula said Monday.

A neighbor of Walkers had complained to police three days earlier, saying she was worried about his behavior, police said.

The officer with whom the neighbor spoke on April 10 is now is out on paid administrative leave, pending an internal investigation, Chief of Police Jonathan Mulhern said. He identified the officer as Shannon MacIsaac.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
Minneapolis, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Derek Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted Tuesday of murdering African-American George Floyd after a racially charged trial seen as a pivotal test of police accountability in the United States.

The jury deliberated less than 11 hours before finding 45-year-old Chauvin guilty of all three charges against him: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.

A crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courtroom erupted in cheers, and some wept tears of relief, when the verdicts were announced after a three-week trial that had an entire nation on edge.

Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was put in handcuffs after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill read out the unanimous verdicts reached by the racially diverse, seven-woman, five-man jury.

Wearing a facemask and displaying no visible emotion, Chauvin was escorted out of the courtroom by a deputy as one of Floyd's brothers, Philonise Floyd, embraced prosecutors.

Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison on the most serious charge -- second-degree murder. Sentencing will be at a later date.

The 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force was seen on video kneeling on the neck of Floyd for more than nine minutes as he lay facedown and handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly "I can't breathe." The 46-year-old Floyd's death during his May 25, 2020 arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.

Ahead of the verdict, cities across the United States had been braced for potential unrest and National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis.

George Floyd's brother Rodney told AFP that Black people in America had been victims of deadly injustice at the hands of the authorities for hundreds of years.

"We needed a victory in this case, it's very important, and we got it and hey, we might actually breathe a little bit better now," he added.

President Joe Biden called members of the Floyd family to say he was "relieved" by the verdicts, then later he and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation in televised remarks.

"This can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America," Biden said, as he called on citizens to "unite" against racism and violence.

Harris, America's first female and first Black vice president, told the family it was "a day of justice in America," and that "history will look back at this moment." Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the conviction as a landmark victory for civil rights and a springboard to legislation currently before Congress to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities.

"This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement," Crump tweeted.

"Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!" Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, said "a jury did the right thing" but "true justice requires much more." Three other former police officers involved in Floyd's arrest are to go on trial later this year.

Minneapolis has been tense awaiting the Chauvin verdict and the city has seen nightly protests since Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot dead in a suburb of the Minnesota city on April 11 by a white policewoman.

In Washington, the National Guard said some 250 troops were being deployed "to support local law enforcement" in response to potential demonstrations.

Prosecutors, in closing arguments Monday, showed excerpts from the harrowing bystander video of Floyd's death that was seen by millions around the world.

"This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first, when you saw that video," prosecutor Steve Schleicher told the jury.

"You can believe your eyes," Schleicher said. "It's exactly what you knew, it's what you felt in your gut, it's what you now know in your heart." "This wasn't policing, this was murder," Schleicher added. "Nine minutes and 29 seconds of shocking abuse of authority." Among the 38 witnesses who testified for the prosecution were some of the bystanders who watched Floyd's arrest and pleaded with Chauvin to get off him.

Darnella Frazier, the teenager who took the video that went viral, said Floyd was "scared" and "begging for his life." "It wasn't right. He was suffering," Frazier said.

Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo, who also testified against Chauvin during the trial, said he respected the judicial process and called for "calm, safety and peace" in his city.

"We recognize that our community is hurting, and hearts are heavy with many emotions. However, I have hope," the chief said. "The community that I was born and raised in and that we serve is resilient and together, we can find our moment to begin to heal."US Senator Tim Scott, one of just three Black Republicans in Congress, said there was "no question" that the jury rendered the right decision.

"While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers," he said.
(CNN)  George Floyd's brothers shared their pain and grief with the world for nearly a year. On Tuesday, they finally felt some relief.

"Today, we are able to breathe again," Philonise Floyd told reporters.

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck for over 9 minutes last year, was found guilty in Floyd's murder on Tuesday. After the jurors deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days, the verdict was welcomed with waves of celebration in Minneapolis and across the country.

Floyd's death on May 25, 2020, led to what some describe as the largest protest movement in US history, and forced America to reckon with racial injustice and police accountability. All while his family joined a long list of relatives of Black men killed at the hands of police who have turned their pain into calls for accountability.

"We have to always understand that we have to march. We will have to do this for life," Philonise Floyd said. "We have to protest because it seems like this is a never-ending cycle"

"I'm not just fighting for George anymore," he added. "I'm fighting for everyone around the world."

About a dozen of Floyd's relatives, including his siblings, cousins and daughter Gianna gathered at a hotel a few blocks away from the Hennepin County Courthouse. Together, they prayed guided by the Rev. Al Sharpton and chanted Floyd's name.

They thanked the numerous activists who turned George Floyd's name into a rallying cry and called the verdict "victory for many."

Chris Stewart, one of the attorneys representing the family, said they teared up and embraced right after hearing the verdict.

"Today, the tears are of pure joy and pure shock because days like this don't happen. The whole world shouldn't have to rally to get justice for one man," Stewart said.

Terrence Floyd, another of Floyd's brothers, described the verdict as "monumental" and said he is grateful and proud of his brother.

"I will salute him every day of my life. He showed me how to be strong," Terrence Floyd said. "He showed me how to be respectful. He showed me how to speak my mind. I'm going to miss him, but now I know he's in history. What a day to be a Floyd, man."

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the families of Floyd and Daunte Wright, urged people across the country to see the verdict as a sign of hope for the future.

"America, let's pause for a moment. Proclaim this historical moment, not just for the legacy of George Floyd but the legacy of America," Crump said. "The legacy of trying to make America for all Americans."

"Let this be the precedent where we overcome systematic racism and oppression," Crump added.

Outside the courthouse, Floyd's girlfriend Courteney Ross said she hopes the verdict will lead to further action in other police brutality cases.

"We're finally starting to see. We walked around with eyes wide shut for a long time, so they're starting to open today, and this is going to be the first in a future of change," Ross said.

Moments before, Ross was embraced by Toshira Garraway, who founded the group Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence and whose son's father was killed in 2009 deadly encounter with police in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"We'll continue to fight for the rest of them," said Garraway, referring to several Black men who have died at the hands of police in the area over the years.

In his first remarks following the trial, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison praised the Floyd family members for their grace, class and courage.

"Although a verdict alone cannot end their pain, I hope it's another step on the long path toward healing for them," Ellison said.

He thanked the people who witnessed Floyd's death, recorded it and testified during the trial.

"They stopped and they raised their voices because they knew what they were seeing was wrong," Ellison said.

"They performed simple yet profound acts of courage, they told the truth. And they told the whole world the truth about what they saw," he added.
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistans (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, who was arrested by the Lahore police last week was released from the Kot Lakhpat jail early on Tuesday, public relations officers of the Punjab prisons department told Pakistans local broadcaster, Dawn. Rizvi was taken under detention on April 12 after his proscribed organization sparked nationwide protests asking the Imran Khan administration to expel the ambassador of France over the blasphemy of Islams Prophet Mohammed. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Pakistan demanding the release of the banned TLP chief as violent confrontations broke out between the Pakistani police forces and the agitators that wounded several officers, who were unable to maintain the law and order. The TLP was then banned by Pakistans PM Imran Khan, as he lambasted the chief for challenging the writ of the state.

"Our govt only took action against TLP under our anti-terrorist law when they challenged the writ of the state and used street violence and attacking the public and law enforcers, Pakistans Imran Khan told the presser. He added that his government was working with the far-right conservative organization about the anti-France protests. Unable to reach a consensus with the radical Islamist party about their expulsion demands, Pakistans parliament called for a vote on whether the French ambassador must be asked to leave, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said in a statement. He continued that the TLP had agreed to "call off its protest sit-ins from the entire country after lengthy negotiations.

Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told Dawn that violence begets violence, and human blood and incitement to violence was never the answer to any situation. He slammed Imran Khan, asking why has the selected government not bothered to implement the National Action Plan, or even discuss arising challenges in parliament? Furthermore, he slammed Pakistans government, saying that it was incapable to handle the situation.

Indecisiveness looms over Pakistan's PM

Last week, TLPs protests turned violent as they condemned the French caricatures of the Prophet, killing at least six police officers. They held strikes across Lahore and Karachi dismantling the quiet and flouting COVID-19 protocols. The far-right group held at least eleven police officers as hostages for several hours at a mosque, urging PM Khan to meet their demand and dismiss the French envoy, as the anti-France campaign swelled.

As Pakistani leader warned in a televised address that dismissing French diplomats could obstruct Pakistans trade with the EU, the French embassy, last week, asked the French citizens and envoys to leave the country over the reports of violent agitation. He then banned the TLP under Section 11B(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. His administration told a press conference that Pakistan's government had "tried its best" but TLP's intentions were "very horrifying".
Lucy's Lounge has created a new drink lineup menu for its customers who are ready to return to its Tower District spot.

Video Transcript

[SHAKING]

AMANDA VENEGAS: Drinks are being shaken and stirred again at Lucy's Lounge in Central Fresno.

FRANK DELGADO: We had to shut down for a very long time. And we had several re-openings as everyone else did. And we are just starting once again to ramp up again.

AMANDA VENEGAS: The craft cocktail bar has created a new lineup for its customers who are ready to return to its Tower District spot.

SARAH PRIMAVERA: Well, we have a new sour coming out. And May is Cinco de Mayo, so we'll have a few of our Cinco de Mayo drinks. And we have a new tiki drink that'll be coming out.

AMANDA VENEGAS: They currently have 12 staff members back at work out of the 20 employees they had at full capacity. As business picks up, they plan to hire more. They say many employees have been vaccinated.

SARAH PRIMAVERA: There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel if things are coming back. And I think that that gives reason to celebrate.

AMANDA VENEGAS: The lounge opened in 2018. The staff says what saved them during the pandemic was a partnership with its adjoining business Mamma Mia. So they could serve food and drinks and stay open for periods of time. Now, they can open to the community without restrictions.

FRANK DELGADO: And maybe we're providing this sense of this new normal as they say. But they get to come back. And the things that they were missing, these new drinks every month, these different types of atmospheres that you can't get somewhere else, they're coming back here.

AMANDA VENEGAS: The Tower District spot they hope people will return to. Lucy's Lounge in the Tower District is open seven days a week starting at 4:00 PM. And the staff here says they're looking forward to saying cheers to their customers both old and new. In Central Fresno, Amanda Venegas, ABC 30 Action News.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has piled the pressure on Boris Johnson to launch a public inquiry into the coronavirus crisis as he said the time for an independent probe 'must be coming close'.

Justin Welby said a formal investigation into the handling of the pandemic should focus on 'lessons to be learned'.

He also stressed the probe should be 'very independent' and 'very wide-ranging'.

He made the comments during a visit to the National Covid Memorial Wall in central London.

Mr Johnson has guaranteed there will be a public inquiry into the coronavirus crisis but he is yet to set a timetable for one to be held.

Justin Welby said a formal investigation into the handling of the pandemic should focus on 'lessons to be learned'. He made the comments during a visit to the National Covid Memorial Wall in central London.

Boris Johnson has guaranteed there will be a public inquiry into the coronavirus crisis but he is yet to set a timetable for one to be held

The Archbishop said in comments issued by the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group: 'I've said since very early on that there should be a public inquiry at the right time and again I think that must be coming close now.

'It should be very independent, very wide-ranging. I think a public inquiry has to be very much about lessons to be learned.'

Mr Welby visited the memorial yesterday alongside Rabbi Daniel Epstein, Imam Kazeem Fatai of Old Kent Road Mosque and St Thomas' head Anglican Chaplain the Reverend Mia Hilborn.

The memorial wall, located opposite Parliament on the south bank of the River Thames, consists of more than 150,000 individually hand-painted hearts representing every person who has died with Covid-19 listed on their death certificate.

It was co-ordinated by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice which is pushing for an independent and judge-led inquiry into the crisis.

Mr Johnson said in March this year that the Government will launch a public inquiry into the crisis 'as soon as it is right to do so'.

Mr Welby was joined by (pictured left to right) Rabbi Daniel Epstein from the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, Imam Kazeem Fatai from the Old Kent Road Mosque and St Thomas' Hospital head Anglian Chaplain, Mia Hilborn

He said the probe will take place 'as soon as it would not be an irresponsible diversion of the energies of the key officials involved'.

The Prime Minister said the Government is 'committed to an inquiry, to learn the lessons, to make sure that something like this can never happen again'.

He had originally committed to a public inquiry last July, telling the House of Commons: 'As I have told the House several times, I do not believe that now in the middle of combatting still as we are a pandemic, is the right moment to devote huge amounts of official time to an inquiry.

'But of course we will seek to learn the lessons of this pandemic in the future and certainly we will have an independent inquiry into what happened.'
Trump rambles all over the place for the benefit of Sean Hannity. Photo: Fox News

The word on the street in Georgia is that the states notorious new election law is helping Governor Brian Kemp regain some of the support that he lost in MAGA land by failing to back Donald Trumps efforts to overturn Joe Bidens 2020 victory in the Peach State.

But dont mention it to Trump himself, who told Sean Hannity the new law is namby-pamby when it comes to voter suppression. During a Monday-night appearance on Fox News, Trump called the bill far too weak, and mocked the governor and others for their fear of being called racist.

Trump wasnt very specific, but a couple of weeks ago he issued a statement that made it clear that his view of access to the ballot box is radical:

Trump has made a lot of statements about Georgia that aren't really worth the coverage. But this one is illustrative, because it lays out where he stands: Cut back (or totally eliminate?) early in-person voting, scrapping no-excuse mail voting, and apparently end weekend voting pic.twitter.com/ckfTb5jZPO  Zach Montellaro (@ZachMontellaro) April 6, 2021

(The crossed-out words are the name of a poll worker Trump and his allies have maligned; Montellaro didnt want to contribute to the smear.)

The former president seems to be confused about signature verification, which (a) Georgia used in 2020, his complaints notwithstanding, and (b) is replaced by an actual ID requirement  generally regarded as stricter than a signature match  in the new law. But hes pretty clear that he thinks only a RINO would retain no-excuse voting by mail  which, in fact, Georgia Republicans created back in 2005, when Trump himself was still a registered Democrat. And his advocacy of an end to weekend voting  which means early in-person voting on days when working people can participate  goes beyond what anyone in Georgia was proposing (though one bill did eliminate Sunday voting in a shot at Souls to the Polls events popular at Black churches).

Trumps meta-message is pretty clear: Respecting voting-rights provisions that benefit the Democrat Party is strictly for suckers.

Given his bizarre demonization of voting by mail throughout the 2020 election cycle, and his fear that easier access to the ballot would destroy GOP prospects in the future, its not surprising that Trump thinks doing more  and more, and more  to limit the participation of certain voters is a good idea. But more to the point, he wants it firmly established that Brian Kemp is a piker when it comes to aggressively using election laws to screw over the opposition. Hes just weak.
The 25th Meeting of the SAFE Working Group (SWG) was held virtually from 14 to 16 April 2021. The virtual Meeting brought together more than 240 delegates representing Customs administrations, the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), other international organizations and academia.

Mr. Pranab Kumar Das, WCO Director of Compliance and Facilitation, in his opening remarks extended his appreciation to the SWG delegates for their support and contribution to the numerous activities of SAFE Framework of Standards (SAFE FoS), particularly for the tremendous work carried out on the SAFE Review Cycle 2021. He urged all delegates that it was critical for this meeting to conclude the SAFE review process in order to ensure the timely submission of the SAFE FoS 2021 edition to the upcoming Policy Commission and Council for approval. Acknowledging the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Co-Chair Mr. John Mein (PSCG) and Customs Vice-Chair Mr. Richard Bargh echoed Directors opening remarks, called for a strong partnership between Customs and the private sector to help further build the resilience of cross-border supply chains.

One of the major milestones achieved by the 25th SWG Meeting was being able to successfully conclude the SAFE Review Cycle 2021 and subsequently endorse the SAFE FoS 2021 edition. In the new version of the SAFE FoS, a fifth core element promoting closer collaboration between Customs and Other Government Agencies is added to the existing four core elements. Further, the new amendments mainly pertain to smart security devices, mutual recognition, regional customs union's AEO progammes and plurilateral MRAs, as well as the reporting mechanism under the SAFE FoS.

The 25th SWG Meeting approved the "AEO Implementation and Validation Guidance" and "Regional customs union's AEO programmes and plurilateral MRAs" guidelines, which were developed with exemplary collaboration and commitment showcased by volunteers from Customs administrations and PSCG Members. In addition, the Meeting supported the Online AEO Compendium Phase I project moving forward.

Considering the WCOs Council Resolution on the need to prioritize Customs actions in addressing COVID-19 issues and challenges, the Meeting took note of relevant and important agenda items pertaining to Capacity Building activities in the SAFE/AEO areas, the role of the SAFE FoS in bolstering recovery, renewal and resilience for a sustainable supply chain, expanding the concept of AEO to cross-border E-commerce stakeholders, and updating the WCO-ICAO joint brochure, among others. Further, delegates heard from representatives of the European Union who delivered a presentation on Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (EU-ICS2) and from the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) who presented on Customs-Ports collaboration.

The 25th Meeting of the SWG successfully fulfilled its core mandate with the timely completion of the SAFE Review Cycle 2021 and by endorsing the SAFE FoS 2021 edition for final approval by the Policy Commission and the Council Sessions to be held in June 2021.
India on Wednesday reported a net increase of 125,561 in active cases to take its count to 2,157,538. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 11.97 per cent (one in 8). The country is second among the most affected countries by active cases. On Wednesday, it added 295,041 cases to take its total caseload to 15,616,130. And, with 2,023 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 182,553, or 1.17 per cent of total confirmed infections.

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The details of the new Results Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) have emerged, with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue opening the scheme earlier today.

REAP is a transitional measure for Irish farming until the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is implemented in 2023, and is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine.

It is designed to pilot some measures for possible inclusion later in environment schemes as part of the next CAP in Ireland.

Land brought into REAP will be scored in year one, to establish its environmental and biodiversity status.

In conjunction with their advisor, farmers will undertake improvement works, to increase the environmental value of existing farm features, with the aim of improving the environmental score in year two.

Farms with the highest scoring will receive the greatest payment.

Participating farmers can expect to receive an average annual payment of up to 4,700 - the maximum payment is 6,900 and is conditional on a farmer complying with all the detailed criteria outlined in the terms and conditions of the scheme.

The results-based approach has the potential to deliver significant environmental and income gains, and is expected to feature strongly in flagship agri-environmental schemes, under the new CAP.

REAP will provide an opportunity to test the results-based model on a national basis, in preparation for the next agri-environment scheme, to follow on from GLAS.

REAP is an ambitious, innovative and exciting new pilot programme, said Minister McConalogue.

My very clear aim coming into 2021 for farming and the environment was two-fold, to roll-over our existing agri-environment schemes to give farmers certainty, and to pilot new initiatives.

Im hugely excited about this REAP project as it helps us and farmers identify the value we can bring to our next national agri-environmental scheme, by trialing some measures now.

It will identify the environmental and biodiversity returns from specific farm measures, while delivering a key new income to farmers over the two-year term of their REAP contract.

The record level of investment in on-farm agri-environment measures shows the commitment of this government to achieving our goals with environmental ambition while investing in farm incomes.

I would encourage any eligible farmer to apply and I look forward to working with all stakeholders on this initiative as we develop our schemes for the next CAP.


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Sika (SXYAY.PK, SKFOF.PK), a specialty chemicals company, said that its Annual General Meeting approved all proposals of the Board of Directors.



The shareholders approved the annual financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for the business year 2020.



In addition, the shareholders voted in favor of the Board of Directors' proposal to pay out a gross dividend of CHF 2.50 per share for the business year 2020.



The administrative bodies were granted discharge.



With the exception of Frits van Dijk, who was not standing for re-election, all previous members of the Board of Directors as well as its Chairman Paul Halg were re-elected by the shareholders for another one-year term in office.



Paul Schuler was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors, for a one-year term.



Daniel Sauter, Justin Howell, and Thierry Vanlancker were elected to the Nomination and Compensation Committee.



The auditors, Ernst & Young AG, were re-elected.



Jost Windlin was re-elected as independent proxy.



In a non-binding consultative vote, the Annual General Meeting approved the compensation report for 2020.



The Annual General Meeting also approved the Board's and the Group Management's future compensation.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

SIKA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Bryant Selected for Governor's Entrepreneur School

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - Ella Bryant, Murray High School Sophomore, joins 120 Kentucky students selected for the 2021 Governor's School for Entrepreneurs summer program. Bryant is Murray High's second recipient to attend GSE, and the first MHS female to be selected. Bron Bourque, a 2020 MHS graduate, attended GSE in 2018.Bryant is extremely honored to have this opportunity, while looking forward to the opportunities this program brings to her future. "I'm very grateful that the classes I've taken from the Murray Independent School District prepared me for this opportunity, and provided the resources I needed to be able to be accepted into GSE, along with providing me with the drive to be an entrepreneur. Specifically, Mr. Showns TV class offered at Murray Middle School and Mr. Rosa's Digital Editing/TV Broadcasting class at Murray High School. "A relative newcomer on the list of Kentucky's Governor's Schools, GSE opened to its first group of students in 2013. The three-week residential immersion program brings high school students from across the state together and equips them with the tools needed to unleash their innate entrepreneurial spirits for the betterment of Kentucky. During the program, teams of students develop a business model, design a prototype and pitch their startups to a panel of judges. GSE teaches the opportunities, benefits and pitfalls of taking a business concept from the idea phase to pitching it to potential investors.A highly competitive summer program where Kentucky high school students focus on product innovation and business model design, has announced the selection of 120 students from nearly 50 Kentucky counties for the 2021 program. Hundreds of high school students applied to be part of the GSE experience. Participants are selected through a competitive process that does not consider GPA or test scores, and the experience is free for all participants. This year's program will welcome 120 high school students from across the commonwealth, up from 72 in recent years, with plans to double the program size in 2022."I am so proud of the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs and the students who have been chosen to participate in this premier summer program," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "The GSE experience is so sought after that we have added a second session this year so we could accommodate the increasing demand. Kentucky has set the bar high for giving high school students a rewarding and unique residential college experience. This program will unleash their innate entrepreneurial spirit and put them on a path to create businesses and opportunities that will reap benefits for our state for years to come."GSE's uniquely designed application is structured to identify creative problem-solvers who want to roll up their sleeves and dive head first into creating something meaningful. Bryant is no stranger to this, where she began fostering her passion in design with the MES art club. "I also was involved with a Math/STEM club that pushed for my love of math. The combination of both clubs helped to make me a well-rounded student in terms of (Science/Technology/Engineering /Arts /Math) which aided in preparation for GSE."Bryant is excited for the GSE experience. "At GSE I hope to get experience with tools and materials I wouldn't have had access to before, along with hands on preparation for the collage experience. I hope that I will be able to gain skills that will help me with the rest of my high school career and college.""While social and economic empowerment has always been at the core of the GSE experience, our talented class of 2021 truly embodies the fact that without diversity in all forms, innovation does not exist," said Tasha Sams, executive director of GSE. "In fact, what we look for in our participants can't be tabulated. We seek the innovative thinkers, the collaborators, the risk takers, the change makers, the teens with a drive that is unstoppable. They are Kentucky's future business creators, and based on GSE's class of 2021, the future of the commonwealth is brighter than ever!"While all participants gain vital entrepreneurial skills through the program to use as they enter the workplace or continue into higher education, more than 16 new businesses have been launched by GSE alumni since it started. Others have filed for multiple patents and developed new ideas and relationships that sow the seeds for more business formation .Dozens of alumni have chosen to enroll in entrepreneurial programs at Kentucky universities and attribute this decision to the inspiration they received by attending GSE in high school. Through partnerships with collegiate partners, GSE provides more than $5 million in scholarship funding opportunities to Kentucky high school students each year. GSE fosters and empowers the Commonwealth's future business owners and community leaders, giving these teens the support they need to go from high school students to business owners.Because of strong partnerships with entities like the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, The Cabinet for Economic Development, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), and numerous public and private supporters like the Marksbury Family Foundation, and Nate Morris of Rubicon, GSE is completely free for selected entrepreneurs. Alumni of GSE gain access to a host of scholarship opportunities, high school class credit, and a statewide network of life long entrepreneurial support. Since 2013, more than 500 student entrepreneurs have received scholarship funding through the program.Earlier this month, GSE announced the addition of a second summer session for 2021 to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for the GSE experience. GSE's first session will run June 6-26, 2021, and the second session July 5-24, 2021. Plans for an in-person program hosted by Northern Kentucky University (NKU) are underway. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GSE will implement health protocols to keep participants safe and has worked alongside university partner NKU and the Northern Kentucky community on a comprehensive and strategic plan for this summer.Parents, educators, entrepreneurs and teens who believe grit, a growth mindset and creativity in problem solving tell as much about a young person as good grades and test scores, can learn more about the Governor's School of Entrepreneurs at www.KentuckyGSE.com
New Yorkers 60 and older will no longer have to make an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine, starting this Friday, April 23.

This applies to all state-run sites, such as SUNY Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Oneonta and the New York State Fairgrounds.

According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, those 60-plus can just walk into a vaccine clinic to get a shot.

You can just walk in to any of the mass vaccination sites across the state, and walk in, and they will give you the vaccine," said Cuomo. "You dont have to go on the internet, you dont have to make a phone call, you dont have to do anything -- just show up.

The governor said this will help get the vulnerable older populations vaccinated. People 60 and older have been eligible to get a shot since March 10.

More than 153,000 residents of the Mohawk Valley have completed their vaccination series, and more than 200,000 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

As of Wednesday, just under 30% of the state population has been fully vaccinated, and just over 42% have received at least one shot.

Anyone else who'd like to schedule an appointment for a shot at a mass vaccination site can click here.
Americans in Florida held a "Million Maskless March" in protest of "tyranny and oppression on people," according to a report.

WND said around five hundred people in Florida's Las Olas Beach gathered in protest of the mask mandate that is a "symbol of tyranny and oppression." The protesters called out to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis "to end" the restrictions he imposed across the state in line with the pandemic.

"We are now the majority and we are sending a very clear message that we're over this. We're over the masks. We are asking our governor, Gov. DeSantis, to end the state of emergency and end all mask mandates in the state of Florida. And God bless you," WND quoted the protesters in saying.

The Miami Herald posted footage of the event on their YouTube Channel. The video was actually taken by Daniel Valera in behalf of Miami Herald who interviewed several people in the event and asked the reasons they were there. The video showed the protesters carrying mostly the American flag among others such as that of former President Donald Trump's. One of those interviewed by Varela was Chris Nelson, the organizer of the Million Maskless March.

"We are done with it. We are saying, 'No more masks!' We are not going to take it anymore. It has become a symbol of tyranny and oppression on the people," Nelson said during the interview.

Varela also interviewed a certain Annie G. who said masks are "not helping anybody" because it is "killing more people than it's saving people." She said she joined the protest because whe wanted people "to hear the truth" that when you put those masks under a microscope after using them for the day you will "find all kind of germs that you don't want to inhale" on them.

Protesters also showed contempt against President Joe Biden for imposing mask mandates and also showed opposition against the vaccine passports. WND also highlighted in its report the various messages shown on t-shirts and signages carried by the protesters such as "stop government interference," "masks are slavery," "fear is being used to control you," "freedom over fear," "unmask your freedom," and "COVID-19 is a scam," as well as, "defund the media."

The highlight of the video was the burning of the masks. It showed the various protesters removing their masks and dumping it on a container as they gathered around it. The masks in the container was lighted up with fire.

While the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel did not write a news story on the event, the Herald uploaded a photo gallery on the event besides the video taken by Varela.

NBC Miami did report on the protest, however, and said that those gathered do not believe in what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say on the mask's benefit in lowering a person's infection from the virus.

While Newsweek reported last March that a Million Maskless March will be held alongside the first year anniversary of "tyranny in Broward County." The event is said to be organized by the Libertarian Party of Broward County, UnMasking America, and ReOpen South Florida. The announcement of the said event was made at the same time DeSantis revealed plans against having a vaccine passport system in his state.

Update: Chris Nelson, the event organizer, reached out to us with a correction. He was previously incorrectly named by the Miami Herald as "Steve Hoffman," the same name used in an earlier version of this report. We have updated the report to include accurate information. We apologize for any misunderstanding this error might have caused.
Group-IB, a global threat hunting and adversary-centric cyber intelligence company have detected a large-scale scam campaign targeting Facebook Messenger users all over the world.

Group-IB Digital Risk Protection (DRP) analysts have found evidence proving that users in over 80 countries in Europe, Asia, the MEA region, North and South America might have been affected, the company said in a release. "By distributing ads promoting an allegedly updated version of Facebook Messenger, cybercriminals harvested users' login credentials," the company said.

The cyber intelligence company has discovered about 1,000 fake Facebook accounts distributing links to an allegedly updated version of Facebook Messenger. Users who followed the link would then be redirected to a fake Facebook Messenger website with a login form, through which cybercriminals harvested users' credentials.

According to the intelligence company, scammers used official Facebook logos and shortened link names that resembled the real ones. Group-IB said that the social media giant itself has nothing to do with the scheme.

The scale of the scam has grown substantially over the past several months, the company noted. As of April, the investigative team found 5,600 Facebook posts inviting users to install the fake "latest Messenger update," Sputnik reported.

Group-IB's DRP analysts have found scam ads targeted at users in at least 84 countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Africa.

Users who fell victim to this scheme risk leaking their personal data and have their account hijacked, the company said.

"Scammers, in turn, are likely to use the compromised account to either blackmail the victim, pushing them to pay a ransom to have access to their account restored, or further scale up the scheme using the Facebook profile to distribute scam ads," the release said.
[April 21, 2021]

HVR Launches Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure, Establishes Highly Available, Secure and Performant Real-Time Replication Environment for Enterprise Modernization

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HVR , the leading independent provider of real-time cloud data replication technology, today announced HVR Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure , an Azure Managed Application in the Azure Marketplace. The service enables enterprises to leverage the features and capabilities of HVR to establish a secure, scalable, and high-performing real-time replication environment in Azure - without using internal IT resources.



COVID-19 has forced companies to accelerate their digital transformation strategies to remain viable, urging rapid movement to the cloud to create new and ongoing opportunities for revenue, business growth, and customer service. However, many organizations are still operating on-premises - with robust IT teams to manage it. As such, organizations are unable to duplicate management and resources of on-premises deployments of software for the cloud, halting their digital transformation and enterprise modernization efforts.

Some organizations are struggling to move to the cloud since most of their critical data resides on-premises. Still, with evolving business needs and demands, they need to start taking steps to modernize. But, that takes resources many organizations dont have - enter HVR Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure, said Mark Van de Wiel, CTO at HVR. A key promise of the cloud is less mundane software management and, with HVR Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure, we help deliver on that promise.

With HVR Agent as a Service, everything is already configured - saving time, money, and resources - so organizations can start replicating quickly. Once data is replicated in real time to Azure, organizations are able to harness the power of that data in the cloud for an optimized business. Key features of HVR Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure include:

Scalability : The service leverages Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) to manage settings to automatically scale out the environment for optimum performance and cost efficiency.

: The service leverages Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) to manage settings to automatically scale out the environment for optimum performance and cost efficiency. Availability: The service keeps a minimum of agent instances available at all times. In the unlikely event tha an agent goes down, a new one automatically starts.

The service keeps a minimum of agent instances available at all times. In the unlikely event tha an agent goes down, a new one automatically starts. Monitoring : The service proactively monitors and addresses customer deployments and any potential issues. Native Azure monitoring, alerting solutions, and custom HVR monitoring are deployed to ensure the environment is available at all times.

: The service proactively monitors and addresses customer deployments and any potential issues. Native Azure monitoring, alerting solutions, and custom HVR monitoring are deployed to ensure the environment is available at all times. Upgradability : The service automatically manages timely software updates. Agent instances are replaced when software updates are available for minimal, if any, downtime to deploy the upgrades.

: The service automatically manages timely software updates. Agent instances are replaced when software updates are available for minimal, if any, downtime to deploy the upgrades. Security: The service is deployed as a Managed Service model, enabling HVR to manage the deployment following best practices and implement several security measures. With an experienced team monitoring the environment, issues are proactively addressed and remedied by HVR with no customer effort required.







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.

HVR will host the How to Simplify Cloud Adoption Using HVR Agent as a Service for Azure webinar on Tuesday, May 4 at 12:00 p.m. PT/3:00 p.m. ET. To register, please visit: https://www.hvr-software.com/how-to-simplify-cloud-adoption-using-hvr-agent-as-a-service-for-azure/

Availability

HVR Agent as a Service for Microsoft Azure is now available for current customers and is deployed through the Azure Marketplace. For more information, please visit: https://www.hvr-software.com/solutions/agent-as-a-service-for-microsoft-azure/

Helpful links:

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
At least 22 COVID-19 patients on ventilator support died on Wednesday due to an interrupted supply of medical oxygen at a civic-run hospital at Nashik in Maharashtra caused by the leakage of the gas from a storage plant, officials said.

A senior civic official said of the 150 patients admitted to the hospital, 23 were on ventilator support at the time of the incident while the rest were on oxygen support.

"As per the current information, 22 people have died due to the interrupted supply of oxygen at the Zakir Hussain municipal hospital. The patients were on ventilators as well as on oxygen supply, which got interrupted after the leakage in the oxygen supply tank," district collector Suraj Mandhare told reporters.

He said the municipal corporation immediately shifted dura cylinders from other facilities in the city to help the patients at the Zakir Hussain Hospital.

According to local officials, the oxygen leakage was noticed around 12.30 pm, following which hospital authorities were alerted.

Hospital officials in turn contacted municipal commissioner Kailash Jadhav seeking technical help to stop the leakage, they said.

Mandhare said a private company looks after the maintenance of the oxygen storage tank located on the premises of the hospital.

"We have given all the information to the government. As far as the oxygen supply is concerned, the NMC has received dura cylinders from places where the consumption is less. Oxygen will be supplied to the patients from these cylinders," he said.

Divisional Revenue Commissioner Radhakrishna Game said a 13 KL (kilolitre) oxygen tank was set up on the premises of the hospital, located in Dwarka area in the north Maharashtra city.

"Around 10 am, a socket of the oxygen storage tank broke and the leakage started. When the hospital staff came to know about it, they deployed jumbo cylinders to supply oxygen to the patients and started shifting some of the patients," he said.

Game said the leakage has been stopped, the tank repaired and the oxygen supply is being normalised.

"As the incident happened, people rushed to the hospital wards which created hurdles in the rescue operations. When this happened, an oxygen tanker reached the hospital premises. Technicians who came with that tanker and technicians at the hospital broke open the lock of the tank and closed the valve which prevented the further leakage of oxygen," Game added.

Expressing grief, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the 22 deceased, including 11 men and 11 women, died due to a low supply of oxygen caused by the leakage from the storage tank.

They all were on ventilators and COVID-19 positive, he said, adding the kin of the deceased will be given financial assistance from the CM relief fund, which will be announced by the chief minister's office.

Commenting on the leakage from the oxygen tank, Tope said, "The liquid oxygen which was filled in the tank has the temperature of around (minus) 180-degree celsius. There is extreme pressure on the walls of the tank which supplies the oxygen to patients on ventilators. It is more of a technical issue".

Tope said a probe will ascertain whether the leakage was caused due to negligence or due to any other issue.

Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) commissioner Kailas Jadhav said no patient is in serious condition now.

"Out of the 150 patients admitted in the hospital, 23 were on ventilator support at the time of the incident while the rest were on oxygen supply," he said.

Jadhav said the oxygen level was around 25 per cent in the storage tank at the time of the incident.

Sources said two oxygen tanks were recently set up at the hospital and the task of maintaining the oxygen storage and maintenance has been given to a private company.

They also said the incident occurred when oxygen was being filled in one of the tanks from a tanker, which disturbed the supply to the patients who were on ventilators as well as to those dependent on oxygen for breathing.

Leela Shelar, who lost her 60-year-old mother in this tragedy was inconsolable.

"My mother was admitted in the hospital on Tuesday and was put on ventilator support," she said.

Shelar claimed as her mother complained of difficulty in breathing she requested the nursing staff to help, but they didn't pay heed.

"I didn't admit my mother here to die like this," she said while fighting her tears back.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed deepest condolences to the family members of patients.

"I am distressed to hear the news of the accident of oxygen leak in a hospital in Nashik. I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident.

"I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all the other patients," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

BJP MLA and former Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased.

"We fear more patients will die due to the lack of oxygen supply as the government has failed to upgrade the health infrastructure in the state," Mahajan said.

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Pravin Darekar, alleged the government has become lethargic in addressing the woes of people, which is a cause of worry.

"These deaths in Nashik bear testimony to the government's failure in saving lives of people," he added.

Meanwhile, senior police officers and personnel rushed to the hospital to control the situation.

Police dispersed the crowd of onlookers and restricted entry to the hospital.

Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey said the tragedy occurred due to the oxygen leakage while filing up the storage tank.

Police personnel are deployed in large numbers at the hospital.

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in India both in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities.

The state on Tuesday reported 62,097 fresh infections, taking the tally to 39,60,359, while 519 more patients succumbed to the infection, as per the state health department.
I wanted to call this book Paris Gossip, but my editor wont let me, Edmund White explains, smiling at a packed house before reading an exclusive preview of his soon to be published Paris memoirs. The renowned author, world traveler and one of the first to write about gay culture candidly and for a mainstream audience, White chose the perfect Lower East Side venue to launch his latest work. BGSQD (The Bureau of General Services Queer Division) is a pop-up bookstore, gallery and event space hosted by Strange Loop Gallery at 27 Orchard Street.

Artfully decorated, the venue quickly filled for White with standing room only by the time the author, now a creative writing professor at Princeton, rose to read from his work in progress. And though indeed, Whites memories of his times in Paris, where he lived for 16 years starting in the early 80s are gossipy (Peggy Guggenheim was historic if tedious company), there is a beauty and sadness in his writing, too.

The excerpts White shared centered mostly around his then Swiss boyfriend, who was fabulously wealthy, and their often disproportionate realities. White wrote for Vogue while in Paris, barely scraping by on a writers wages, while his boyfriend proclaimed, artists should never pay for anything! (an attitude he could easily afford).

Many names are dropped (Gore Vidal, Liz Taylor, Valentino, Rock Hudson, Andy Warhol, Gunther Sachs) and Whites journeys bring him to rather elitist locations: Gstaad, cruises down the Nile, Venice (the least gay city). But darkness and insight lurk just beneath Whites famous facade. He openly talks about having over 3,000 sex partners, adding some of his friends have asked, why so few? He has been living with HIV for over 20 years. Whites Swiss boyfriend ends up leaving him shortly after the diagnosis and the old world European grandeur White describes inevitably falls to ruin.

Candid, comic, cleverly caustic, sometimes painful and full of longing, Whites writing and persona shine. The crowd of male, and a few female, admirers applauded and White sat at the front of BGSQD, receiving praise and autographing books with a twinkle yet in his eye.

BGSDQ also has queer art on display: overblown photos of colorful trannies hang from the walls, along with ceramic plates with penises as centerpieces surrounded by Greek key. Books, magazines and two passionate owners Donnie Jochum and Greg Newton make this a Lower East Side spot not to missed while it is here for both gays and straights interested in edgy and well curated art.

BGSDQ will be open and hosting numerous events through February 28, 2013.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Leaders of a Grand Rapids group aimed at stopping police injustice say the murder verdict in George Floyds death brings hope, but more work is needed to curb police wrongdoing.

A handful of people initially showed up in downtown Grand Rapids just minutes after the verdict came down at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. He was convicted of three counts, including second-degree murder.

Related: Marchers in Grand Rapids react to murder verdict in George Floyds death

A leader with the Grand Rapids group Justice for Black Lives raised his fist in the air and shouted guilty! as reporters stood nearby.

The elation was quickly tempered by what activists say is a need for justice in a long list of other police-related deaths, including Grand Rapids native Breonna Taylor and another Minnesota man, Daunte Wright.

Aly Bates, president of Justice for Black Lives, described the verdict as a start, a positive step in the right direction.

She hoped it might make other police officers think twice before using excessive force.

While we celebrate the guilty verdict, we also need to keep in mind the families that have not been so lucky with a guilty verdict or havent even been able to see trials yet. Those families deserve better. They deserve better from their police. They deserve better from their country, Bates said.

This (Chauvin) verdict means a lot, it means the world, but its not enough, she said.

Bates led the group, which grew to about 30 people, on a march through downtown Grand Rapids streets.

Related: Derek Chauvin found guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd

Grand Rapids police earlier prepared for potential violence, particularly if the verdict had been different, and set up a small barricade in front of police headquarters on Monroe Center NW. The evening remained quiet.

Grand Rapids police Chief Eric Payne talked about the verdict during a press conference in a downtown park.

He said that justice was served in Chauvins case.

Ive said from the beginning and almost a year ago when this occurred, every law enforcement department has to look in the mirror and see if were doing things correctly, he said. We are here to serve the community and work with the community.

Payne said that, prior to the Chauvin verdict, he increased staffing and plans to keep extra officers available for a while as a precaution.

He made it clear that choke holds or any kind of neck restraint have never been a trained tactic within the Grand Rapids Police Department. Also, there has long been a duty to intervene by other officers witnessing wrongdoing.

But both were put into the departments written policy last year for the benefit of both the public and officers.

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed.

During Tuesdays rally in downtown Grand Rapids, Justice for Black Lives leaders talked about continuing regular protests this year and what they see as harassment from Grand Rapids police.

During two separate events, on March 8 and March 27, police made misdemeanor arrests of protesters. Police said they were blocking traffic on March 8. During the later event, which was to protest the earlier arrests, two people were taken into custody for obstructing police and a third for a noise violation.

Payne addressed the issue of arrests Tuesday.

What we want for anyone that wants to have that type of demonstration or expressive speech is to get a permit or to follow the law, he said.

He said another march on April 16, where organizers did get a permit, had no trouble.

More from MLive

Detroit activists celebrate guilty verdict in George Floyd slaying but say their work is far from over

Guilty: Michigan reacts to George Floyd murder trial verdict

Michigan Republicans criticize Whitmer for out-of-state trip
The chief executive officer of Stelis Biopharma Pvt Ltd. stepped down from the Indian pharmaceutical firm barely a year after taking the helm, and days after the company announced a deal to manufacturer at least 200 million doses of Russias vaccine.

Roger Lias, who accepted the CEO job at unlisted Stelis in late 2019 when the pandemic was in its early stages, left on March 31, according to an automated out-of-office email Bloomberg received from his account.

I continue to support the company, he said, according to the email.

Stelis and its majority owner Ltd. -- both headquartered in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru -- have yet to publicly announce his departure, but Lias profile is now absent from the Stelis website.

Lias and officials from both didnt immediately respond to further requests for comment.

Stelis is one of half a dozen Indian manufacturers that in recent weeks have announced they will produce hundreds of millions of doses of Russias Sputnik V vaccine as India becomes increasingly overwhelmed by a new and rapidly spreading Covid-19 wave. The companys partnership with the state-run Russian Direct Investment Fund was revealed on March 19, with Strides Chairman Arun Kumar pledging to try increase the availability of the vaccine beyond our initial commitments.

Sputnik V was the third such shot granted emergency use approval in India, as the country races to curtail a record daily surge in infections. The Gamaleya National Research Center and the Russian Direct Investment Fund said in a statement this week that Sputnik V showed a 97.6% efficacy rate.

Ugly Head

Lias hasnt given a reason for his departure. But in a February article he wrote for Life Science Leader magazine, he described how his initial plans to shuttle between India and the U.S. were frustrated by the widespread disruption to travel wrought by the pandemic.

I was ready for a new and challenging opportunity and spent time working on the necessary mechanisms and obtaining the required visas to allow me to spend up to 100 days a year in India while also running the U.S. subsidiary, he wrote. The challenges would undoubtedly be considerable, but little did I know at the time that the Covid-19 global pandemic was about to rear its ugly head -- early March was the last time I set foot in India before the advent of lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Later that month Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a sudden national lockdown in the face of rising infections. The tight restrictions ultimately failed to save India from the grip of the disease. The country is now in the midst of a second, highly virulent wave that threatens to break its health system.

Earlier this week British Prime Minister Boris Johnson canceled a planned trip to India, where he was due to meet Modi and lobby for a trade deal. The U.K. government added the South Asian nation to its travel ban list after the emergence of a new mutant variant in both countries that scientists fear could prove partly resistant to vaccines.
An elementary school in Upstate New York is apologizing after a lesson falsely taught students that slaves came to the U.S. by choice.

WROC reports Pittsford Central School District Superintendent of Schools Michael Pero issued a statement Tuesday after a a parent complained when a fourth grade class at Jefferson Road Elementary School in Pittsford, N.Y., used a worksheet on slavery during Colonial times.

The paper asks four questions, including Why did slaves come to America? with a fill-in-the-blank answer: As an exchange for the trip to America, African Americans agreed to work for colonists for _____ years, but then were kept as slaves. It also asks what kind of jobs slaves worked, and suggested churning butter was one of them.

The worksheet was in no way an accurate depiction of slavery during Colonial Times and was highly insensitive in tone, Pero said.

We immediately met with the staff members involved in this lesson and have taken steps to remedy the situation, he continued. I would like to thank the parent who brought this to our attention. We have reached out to them in order to make a full apology for the use of this worksheet. We have also reached out to parents of the entire class to share this error and apologize for it.

According to the Democrat & Chronicle, the worksheet was used in January and has sparked controversy at other schools across the country, including in the Rochester area.

In February, the same worksheet was used in a fourth-grade class at Plank Road South Elementary School in Webster, along with an assignment to draw pictures of what slaves lives were like. Controversy followed when the mother of the only Black child in the class sent a photo of it to a friend, Antonia Wynter, who posted it on Facebook.

Theres so much education that needs to be had about the language in that assignment, Wynter told the D&C last month. Its not wrong to teach about what happened during slavery. But the format is off, its offensive and its inaccurate. Theyre making it so trivial, like it was just something that happened  asking for illustrations like they were just farmers or something.

Kevin Beckford, a Pittsford town councilman, parent of a Pittsford student, and the senior director for antiracism, equity, and community engagement at the University of Rochester, told WHAM that the incident shows more diverse and culturally sensitive faculty are needed in the district.

For me, what was really wrong, is that it sort of supports a narrative that slavery wasnt that bad, that it wasnt horrific, that it didnt demoralize, devalue, demoralize another human being because the innocence of that statement, the way its worded, allows people to sleep at night, Beckford said. My initial reaction was, Oh my goodness, this is a really great example of how to minimize the hurt and harm that occurred back then.

Pero said the worksheet at Jefferson Road Elementary School was only used in one class by a first-year teacher who got it from an online resource called Classroom Nook, which is not a district-approved resource for educational materials. The district will re-teach the topic and remove the worksheet from students notebooks, providing them with the correct, factual information on this subject.

This situation reinforces the significance and importance of working with our staff with regard to high quality resources, ongoing professional development and culturally responsive-sustaining educational practices, Pero said. This is something we take seriously and are continued to continuous improvement.
Lucknow, April 21 : The oxygen crisis in Lucknow is now leaving Covid patients gasping for breath, literally.

Despite assurances from the state government, there is an acute shortage of oxygen cylinders in the state capital.

People have been queuing up at the oxygen refilling plant in Nadarganj industrial area since more than 24 hours now but supply has dried up.

Mahadev Kumar said, "I have been waiting since last night for a refill. My wife is admitted to a private hospital and they have told me to get oxygen myself." Almost every private medical facility in Lucknow is asking patients' relatives to arrange for oxygen or take their patient home.

The district administration has now deployed police force at the oxygen refilling centres to prevent the situation from turning violent.

A senior doctor in a private hospital, when contacted, said, "Since there is no oxygen available, we are forced to turn away patients. We are clearly asking the relatives that we will treat their patients only if they can arrange for oxygen. We do not want to be blamed for deaths later." Portable oxygen cans are no longer available in the market.

"There is panic buying and even those who are perfectly healthy, are buying up and storing oxygen cylinders at home. Since the panic situation is prevailing everywhere, the shortage is understandable," said a dealer of medical equipments in Lalbagh area in the state capital.

A government spokesman said that oxygen was being brought to Lucknow by train as well as by road and the situation was likely to ease in the next 24 hours.
An intruder shot a homeowner dead as he worked in his shed, got shot at by the woman he'd just widowed, then gunned down and killed by police.

The unidentified killer drove up to the victim's backyard on Clutter Avenue in San Antonio at around 6 p.m. local time and began firing at the 37-year-old victim, who died at the scene.

'A person drove up, went into the shed, and shot him and killed him right there,' San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.

Police arrived on the scene of a San Antonio home shortly after shots had been reported

The homeowner was fatally shot, and police shot and killed the suspect shortly thereafter

A friend who was working in the shed with the victim managed to get away, he said.

The victim's wife was able to fire a few shots at the suspect. It is unclear whether any of those bullets struck the suspect.

The violent sequence of events came to a conclusion shortly afterwards, when five police officers surrounded the house.

They were promptly shot at by the gunman, McManus said, returned fire, and killed the 49-year-old.

'So we have two dead people in the backyard,' McManus said. 'One in the shed who was shot by the intruder [and] the intruder was shot by police after he fired at them.'

Chief McManus to provide preliminary information at Shooting Incident on Southside (400 Blk of Clutter. ) Posted by San Antonio Police Department on Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Police Chief William McManus said the police are investigating the incident.

Children inside the home were uninjured, according to local news station KSAT , and local residents were shocked by the violence, saying it is normally a very safe street.

'I grew up in this home and I've always seen it as a safe neighborhood,' one woman, who the station did not identify, told the news crew.

'It's kind of scary that this is starting to happen.'

Cops have yet to disclose a possible motive for the first shooting, and have refused to say whether the gunman knew his victim.

McManus did say, however, that the gunman seemed to be lingering in the backyard before the police arrived on the scene.

'There were weird things he was doing back there,' McManus said, refusing to elaborate. 'I don't know if he was waiting for police to arrive or what.'

He said the officers each had one to 10 years in the department.

They have since been put on paid administrative leave.
This event provides customers with the opportunity to combine offers to receive from $20 to $260 in rebates on select tires, brake pads, rotors, shocks and struts.

Carl Black Orlando, a Chevy, Buick and GMC dealership serving the entirety of central Florida, is currently hosting an exciting event called the Spring Tire Event Plus. This event provides customers with the opportunity to combine offers to receive from $20 to $260 in rebates on select tires, brake pads, rotors, shocks and struts. Interested individuals are encouraged to hurry in soon, as the event is in play for a limited time.

Current offers listed include a tire price match guarantee, $50 to $100 tire rebate, $20 to $40 brake pad rebate, $40 brake rotor rebate, $40 to $80 shocks rebate and $40 to $80 struts rebate. The rebate amount that one qualifies for depends on the brand that one chooses in each category. Brands available for tire rebates include Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, Pirelli, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, General, Firestone and Michelin. For brake pads, brake rotors, shocks and struts, GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco brand are used.

Service appointments can be scheduled with ease through the requisite page of the Carl Black Orlando website. The team can also be contacted for more information. More details about the offers are presented on the dealerships service specials page.

Those interested in the above offers are encouraged to pay a visit to the dealership website at http://www.carlblackoforlando.com. The dealership can be contacted by phone by dialing 888-502-0763. Finally, those who wear a mask and follow proper social distancing guidelines can pay a visit to the dealership location itself at 11500 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Despite the number of petitions canceling Amber Heard, the actress savored victory again through the upcoming "Aquaman 2."

Depp engaged himself in an ugly legal battle against his ex-wife in pursuit of clearing his name. However, he lost the case against The Sun and its article about him being a wife-beater.

As a result, the actor lost his roles on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Fantastic Beasts" franchises. His fans do not stop defending him though, as they created multiple petitions to remove Heard from the DC movie, as well.

However, recent updates revealed that the petitions have not affected Warner Bros.'s decision on recasting Heard.

Will Amber Heard Appear on "Aquaman 2"?

In an article on Tom's Guide, the news outlet confirmed the ensemble of cast members for "Aquaman 2." Jason Momoa will reprise his role as Arthur Curry/Aquaman.

However, the part wherein Heard has been confirmed to play Mera's role again caused people to raise their eyebrows.

The actress herself also confirmed her return in an Instagram post. This week, Heard posted a picture of herself reading Iain M. Banks' book "Surface Detail."

"Before Aquaman took the last pages out of this book," she wrote, talking about Momoa wanting to rip its final pages so nobody would know its ending.

Although they have been delays in the film's release date, the company set its debut on December 16, 2022.

Her appearance has already been confirmed, but Heard suffered from another embarrassment after Depp released another bombshell evidence.

Why #JusticeForJohnnyDepp is Trending

Earlier this week, the hashtag #JusticeForJohnnyDepp stormed the internet again. While it seems like the actor's fans only want to serve the case on the table again, it turns out Depp released another strong piece of evidence again.

On Twitter, reports about Depp revealing a new police testimony and bodycam started to emerge.

The evidence reportedly proves that Heard is lying all along. The footage in question recorded the night the estranged couple had a massive fight. As shown in the clip, their home was clean and had no sign of any damage which is far from what the actress has been claiming.

Meanwhile, Depp's attorney Adam Waldman also released a separate statement via Daily Mail to support the evidence.

"Amber Heard and her friends described a chaotic, messy crime scene but the newly released LAPD bodycam videos unambiguously show that the penthouse was utterly undamaged and that their testimony was one more grandiose lie," the statement says.

As of the writing, it remains unclear whether these new materials will affect the upcoming defamation case between Depp and Heard.

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Baker administration officials and lawmakers are working with the federal government to address the jump in unemployment insurance taxes stemming from the states historic number of jobless claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked about the jump in UI taxes, Gov. Charlie Baker said state and legislative officials are in contact with the federal government and with Massachusetts business leaders.

I think everybody knows that, given the amount of unemployment we had last year it would be a challenge to come up with what I would describe as the perfect solution, Baker said Tuesday afternoon, but we do have some ideas about how to mitigate some of the hit.

Massachusetts postponed the first quarter employer contribution deadline from April 30 until June 1, which gives legislators and Baker administration officials time to find a fix.

One of the reasons we asked for the delay in making payments was so that we can process some of these ideas, the Republican governor told reporters.

Employers are seeing thousands of dollars in increases to their unemployment taxes due to a nearly 16-fold jump in the solvency fund rate, one of several factors that can affect a business overall employer contribution rate.

Typically, an employers unemployment taxes can rise if the company lays off employees. But the onslaught of COVID-related jobless claims prompted Congress to divert COVID-related unemployment claims to a different fund so business owners who laid off employees during the pandemic wouldnt face penalties for closing to deter community spread or abide by non-essential business closures.

But that other fund, the solvency fund, is paid by all employers. Without any intervention, the cost of the states record-breaking unemployment claims will fall on the shoulders of employers who closed through no fault of their own, business leaders say.

When lawmakers drafted a UI relief bill, they responded to calls to freeze the UI payment schedule, which was due to increase by hundreds per employee. They hadnt heard about problems with the solvency fund rate, which triggered separate increases from the hikes expected from the payment schedule change.

All eyes are on the $4.5 billion Massachusetts is expected to get from the federal American Rescue Plan. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan plans to use $1.1 billion of the $3.9 billion in new federal aid coming to the state to replenish the unemployment fund.

In Massachusetts, business leaders want state officials to use most, if not all, of the funds to make the unemployment trust fund solvent. Legislators differ on how much federal aid should go to the trust fund, but many agree at least some federal funds should be used to lessen the blow to business owners.

Theres no shortage of ways that we can spend the Rescue Plan money, but this is important obviously if were going to do things to help our businesses, said Sen. Anne Gobi, a Spencer Democrat who signed onto a letter calling legislative leaders to address the issue. This is a big one.

Sen. Eric Lesser, who also signed onto the letter and is working with Sen. Bruce Tarr on a response, said easing the burden on business owners could take a multifaceted response that includes new federal aid, additional federal support and state earmarks in the fiscal 2022 budget or in a supplemental budget.

The challenge is the unemployment insurance system was asked to do something that its really not designed to do because weve never had a scenario in modern history where the UI rate went as high as it did as fast as it did, the Longmeadow Democrat said, noting the states highest-in-the-nation 15% unemployment rate over the summer.

It was just not designed to have a once-in-a-century event like that to occur, he added. To me, that feels like an argument, a pretty compelling one, for federal intervention.

Related Content:
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Overcast with showers at times. Thunder possible. High 84F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The Senate voted to confirm Vanita Gupta as associate attorney general on Wednesday, making her the first civil rights lawyer or woman of color to serve as the Justice Departments No. 3 official.

Ms. Gupta will oversee the departments vast civil division, which is tasked with defending the Biden administration in court, as well as its antitrust, tax, and environment and natural resources divisions. She will also oversee the Civil Rights Division, which she once led, at a time when the Biden administration has vowed to use every tool at its disposal to combat systemic racism.

Ms. Gupta was confirmed 51 to 49, largely along party lines. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, broke with her party after groups representing Alaska Native women, survivors of domestic violence and other communities said they supported Ms. Guptas nomination.

I was impressed not only with her passion that she carries but the work that she performs, Ms. Murkowski said on the Senate floor. She added that, while some of Ms. Guptas previous public statements troubled her, she would give the benefit of the doubt to a woman who I believe has demonstrated through her professional career to be committed to matters of political justice.
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Transplantation Market Growth & Trends

The global transplantation market size is expected to reach USD 26.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.5%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing incidence of organ failure has resulted in high demand for transplantation procedures, which is boosting the market growth. Rising demand for transplant products, such as tissue products, immunosuppressants, and organ preservation solutions, is also a major factor driving the market. Many biotechnology and medical device companies are concentrating on the development of advanced transplant products for the management of organ failure.

Thus, technological advancement and the development of novel & improved transplant products, such as surgical instruments, have majorly contributed to the expansion of the market. In addition, the introduction of advanced tissue products, such as DeNovo NT Graft, Chondrofix Osteochondral Allograft, and DuraMatrix Collagen Dura Substitute Membrane, provides higher benefits during treatment. Furthermore, computerized support systems with advanced systems and software allow easy & effective maintenance of tissues. Thus, the availability of such advanced techniques supports market growth.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Transplantation Market Report

Transplantation Market Report Highlights

The tissue products segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020 due to increased demand for tissue and organ transplant procedures

The tissue products segment is expected to expand further at a significant CAGR from 2021 to 2028 owing to the advancements in transplantation products

The tissue transplant segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 on account of the high demand for tissue transplant procedures worldwide

The transplant centers segment is projected to record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the rising popularity of these centers for transplant procedures

The hospitals segment dominated the market, in terms of revenue share, in 2020 owing to a large number of transplant procedures performed in hospitals

North America was the leading regional market in 2020 and is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period owing to the presence of well-developed healthcare infrastructure in the region

The presence of a large number of research laboratories, biotechnology, and medical device companies inNorth America is also one of the key factors contributing to the regions growth

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-transplantation-market

Transplantation Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global transplantation market on the basis of product type, application type, end-use, and region:

Transplantation Product Type Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Tissue Products

Immunosuppressive Drugs

Preservation Solutions

Transplantation Application Type Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Organ Transplant

Tissue Transplant

Transplantation End-use Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Hospitals

Transplant Centers

Others

Transplantation Regional Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe UK. Germany France Italy Spain

Asia Pacific Japan China India

Latin America Brazil Mexico

MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia



List of Key Players of Transplantation Market

Stryker Corp.

Medtronic PLC

AbbVie Inc.

Zimmer Biomet

Novartis International AG

21st Century Medicine

Biolife Solutions

Teva Pharmaceutical

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
Considering its sizable impact on taxpayers, one issue getting little public attention during the 87th Texas Legislature is the fate of Chapter 313 deals.

The 2001 Texas Economic Development Act, or Chapter 313, was created to give Texas a competitive advantage in attracting business development. As of December, there were 567 active Chapter 313 agreements, and the state comptroller projects these deals will cost more than $1 billion per year of state revenue by 2023.

Too many of these deals are unjustified, lack responsible oversight and exacerbate school funding inequities. This must change or Chapter 313 needs to expire on Dec. 31, 2022.

More than a dozen bills related to Chapter 313 have been filed at the Texas Legislature, including House Bill 1556, which proposes a comprehensive overhaul and expansion of the program; Senate Bill 1255, which removes renewable energy companies eligibility and eliminates some requirements of transparency; and House Bill 2971, which repeals Chapter 313 of the Texas Tax Code.

A Chapter 313 deal is set into motion when a company submits an application to its local school district to limit the companys property value  and thus its school property taxes  for a decade. Then, the districts governing body negotiates a contract with the company and seeks the comptrollers certification.

Once approved, the state subsidizes the district for its forgone tax revenue, meaning all Texas taxpayers shoulder the financial burden. The school district is responsible for ongoing oversight of the deal. Importantly, district leaders may also negotiate to receive annual supplemental payments that arent included in the states school funding formulas; its simply extra money for the district.

There are two alarming problems with this situation.

First, school boards dont usually have the skill sets to assess major economic development deals. They also have a conflict of interest because theyre incentivized to accept a deal to obtain the supplemental payments. Whos going to turn down extra money for their district?

But this doesnt mean 313 agreements are a good deal for Texas taxpayers  and researchers at the University of Texas found 85 percent of these companies would have come to Texas anyway. Districts have also given half of 313 applicants job requirement waivers, according to an analysis by the Texas Observer.

Commentary: Texas running the clock out on COVID-19 school aid

Appallingly, dozens of school districts that received failing scores from the TEA Academic Accountability Ratings or Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas the prior school year still negotiated and continue to provide oversight for these deals. These school leaders demonstrated an inability to competently manage their districts academics and finances.

Second, these supplemental payments exacerbate school funding inequities. Texas can be proud of its so-called Robin Hood system because it seeks to ensure that a ZIP code does not determine local school funding, but these payments violate that principle. Of the 250 school districts that have active 313 agreements, 25 have at least five concurrent deals, according to the state comptroller.

Barbers Hill ISD in Mont Belvieu has the most with 34 active agreements  and for the 2020-21 school year, its combined supplemental payments provide about $3,511 extra per student. Its no wonder its average teacher salary is $73,000 compared to a state average of $57,000. These extra dollars buy districts a lot of teacher raises, smaller class sizes, interventionists and more. Additionally, some of these districts also receive recapture funding from the Robin Hood redistribution plan.

A 313 renewal would require major revisions: The contracts should be negotiated and governed by economic development experts. Mandate more independent auditing for compliance. Only approve the select few 313 agreements that truly require the tax abatement to lure them to Texas. Eliminate job-creation waivers. Additionally, all money must be accounted for in school funding formulas to create the most level playing field for all schools across the state.

Texas has the third-highest single-family home property tax rate in the nation, partly because the state is subsidizing corporations property taxes through 313 deals.

As Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed legislation to expand Chapter 313 in 2015, he said, While the program may sometimes have a positive impact on local economic development, serious concerns exist about its oversight, its transparency and its value to the taxpayers.

In sum, the Texas Legislature must make these deals a win-win for Texans. Otherwise, lets put Chapter 313 out to pasture.

Jennifer Moren Cross and Heather Golden of Texas are advocates for public education.
Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a former Superintendent of GST, Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi, on charges of corruption in Hyderabad.

Gandhi has been accused of acquiring money to the tune of Rs 3.74 crores through illegal means.

The CBI had registered a case against Gandhi and his wife in July 2019 for allegedly siphoning off Rs 3,74,74,046 illicitly.

During the investigation, CBI issued notices under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. However, the accused did not cooperate with the investigation and did not furnish requisite information and documents pertaining to the case.

It was further alleged that the accused had influenced the witnesses and dissuaded them from joining the investigation and disclosing relevant facts of the case.

Gandhi has also been accused of furnishing false and fabricated COVID-19 positive reports in the name of his family members.

He was produced before the competent court on Wednesday and was remanded to judicial custody till May 7.

Also Read: CBI books DUSIB, Bank of Baroda officials for diverting funds over Rs 200 crore

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Tata Group for importing 24 cryogenic containers to transport liquid oxygen to support the healthcare system as India faces a shortage of the life-saving gas used in hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients.

Modi, in a Tweet, said, "Compassionate gestures by the Tata Group. Together, the Indians will fight COVID-19."

Compassionate gesture by the Tata Group. Together, the people of India will fight COVID-19. https://t.co/7LnemItJ0j - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2021

"The Tata Group is importing 24 ultra-low temperature containers to transport liquid oxygen and alleviate domestic oxygen deficiencies. #ThisIsTata," the group said in a social media post.

The Tata group is importing 24 cryogenic containers to transport liquid oxygen and help ease the oxygen shortage in the country. #ThisIsTata@PMOIndia@narendramodi@AmitShah - Tata Group (@TataCompanies) April 20, 2021

"Given the oxygen crisis, we are putting in all our efforts to support India's healthcare infrastructure," Tata Group said.

It added that the group is "committed to doing as much as possible to strengthen the fight against COVID-19." The import of the cryogenic containers via chartered flights to mitigate the oxygen crisis is one such effort to boost health Infrastructure, the group added.

Modi, in his address to the nation on Tuesday night, said that the government would ensure the supply of medical oxygen across India, with the help of both public and private entities.

He added that the import of ultra-low temperature containers by charter flights to mitigate the oxygen crisis is one such effort to strengthen health infrastructure.

Modi also called on all stakeholders, including the pharma industry, to collectively address the lack of oxygen cylinders in the country.

Last year when the first wave of COVID-19 struck India, Tata Group had imported ventilators, PPE kits, masks, gloves, as well as COVID-19 testing kits from countries like the US, China and South Korea.

The Tatas had also pledged Rs 1,500 crore for battling the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Tata Sons, the holding firm of the Tata group companies, announced Rs 1,000 crore support, over and above Rs 500 crore pledged by Tata Trusts.

Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination: India needs 8 yrs 9 months to achieve herd immunity

Also Read: Hero Motocorp to develop EVs, set up battery swapping stations with Taiwan's Gogoro

Also Read: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin 78% effective; works against most COVID-19 variants
The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre was unable to provide specific details on its plans for a Covid-19 vaccine rollout in the Mahurangi region when approached by Mahurangi Matters last week, though did outline its general strategy.

A spokesperson said the centre was in ongoing discussions with GP clinics across the Auckland region to support the vaccination rollout and was also working with aged residential care providers on an outreach model to vaccinate their residents.

Vaccination centres will be set up and opened gradually over the next two months.

The first vaccination centres to open in the Auckland region were in south Auckland, including the first Marae-based vaccination centre at Manurewa Marae and a Pasifika vaccination centre in Otara.

The reason why we have opened centres in south Auckland first is because this area has been highlighted by the Government as an area of priority to reduce the chance of future outbreaks given its location to border access points, the spokesperson said.

Earlier this month, the first city-centre based vaccination centre opened in Elliot Street in Auckland.
Late one night, while riding along with a police officer on patrol, the mayor of Fishers, Ind., asked the officer what kinds of calls most concerned him. He got an unexpected answer: mental health situations. They were occurring almost once a shift.Mental illness isnt readily visible in a place like Fishers, an affluent suburb of Indianapolis with just under 90,000 residents. In our community, Mayor Scott Fadness says, there are a lot of people living in quiet despair and suffering from mental health issues, but theyre not being addressed in a systemic way.In the country as a whole, mental health situations are responsible for about 1 in 10 police calls. Many stem from undiagnosed conditions unknown to police and first responders. The consequences can be tragic. While about 3 percent of U.S. adults suffer from a severe mental illness, they make up a quarter to one-half of all fatal law enforcement encounters, according to the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center. Similarly, a recent internal review by the Los Angeles Police Department reported that 37 percent of police shootings last year involved suspects with documented signs of mental illness.Municipalities like Fishers are seeking ways for public safety personnel to better assist the mentally ill and respond more effectively to potentially dangerous situations. Fadness noticed last year that suicide attempts and similar crises in Fishers appeared time and time again on weekly police summaries, so he convened a mental health task force One of the resulting recommendations was a call for additional training. All police patrol officers in Fishers will soon complete a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training module covering de-escalation techniques and how to spot mental health symptoms. Its not brand-new -- the model was first implemented in Memphis in the late 1980s and has spread to over 3,000 departments. But the majority of agencies and officers nationwide still lack the necessary training to implement it. Michael Woody, president of CIT International , says incident reports are often misclassified because officers are not aware that mental illness is involved.Even when they are aware and mentally ill individuals threaten to harm themselves or others, police often are left with no choice other than to contact a family member or take the person to jail. The nations largest individual mental health providers are now, in fact, correctional facilities, like the Cook County, Ill., jail. When I became a police officer in 1977, we had health facilities, Woody says. Now, theres no place to take them to.In Fishers, police are encouraged to identify mental illnesses and transport individuals to a mental health facility, if necessary. They did so 211 times last year.Police responding to mental health situations frequently face a conflict between what they feel they should do and what theyre legally able to do. They must act on what individuals are willing to tell them. Seeing a house in disarray may indicate a person needs help, but officers may not be authorized to intervene.The proliferation of community policing hasnt helped, either. John Snook, executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center, says it places officers in more frequent contact with the mentally ill, but gives them no real treatment options. This isnt a law enforcement problem, he says. Police are forced to be the first responders for mental health calls, something that they arent suited to do.Traumatic mental health episodes pose serious safety risks for police. Departments that have implemented CIT training report reductions in officer injuries. After an Indianapolis officer was gunned down, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law allowing police to seize and retain firearms from mentally ill persons considered dangerous.Nationally, reliable information on the role of mental illness in fatal police encounters is scarce, according to the Treatment Advocacy Center, which compiled its estimates from a review of academic studies and media reports. Several federal databases track officer-involved fatalities, but all suffer from a limited number of participating agencies, reports that arent standardized or other shortcomings. There isnt a good carrot or stick for states to report this information, says Snook.Mental health advocates say comprehensive solutions are needed. In Fishers, fire and emergency personnel will work with local hospitals to follow up with patients to make sure theyre taking prescribed medications after theyre discharged from hospitals, helping to cut costs from frequent emergency room visits. The citywide initiative also includes partnerships with behavioral health providers and efforts to better treat mental illness within the school system. Our goal is to ultimately help people before they get to a crisis situation in the first place, says Mitch Thompson, an assistant city police chief who served on the task force.One practice that research has found to be particularly promising is assisted outpatient treatment, which permits judges to order treatment plans for offenders suffering from severe mental illnesses as a condition for remaining in their communities. Such treatment programs offer addiction services, housing, job opportunities and a range of other assistance.While the Fishers initiative isnt yet fully implemented, one early result has been greater empathy on the part of law enforcement, Thompson says. Officers arent used to interacting with the mentally ill unless theyre going through a crisis, so part of the CIT training aims to help police understand the types of everyday conditions people are suffering from. Just coming to the table and talking about it, Thompson says, is quite sobering.
Tokyo, April 21 : Tokyo Olympic organisers are considering delaying the decision on how many spectators will be allowed to enter venues as the country struggles with another wave of coronavirus infections.

The organising committee may make the decision in June instead of drawing up a basic policy on capacity by the end of April, DPA reported.

The organisers need to deal with the issue 'flexibly', its president Seiko Hashimoto had previously told a news conference.

Overseas spectators are banned from attending this summer's Games due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organisers had decided in March.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters on Tuesday that the Olympic host city was considering asking the central government to issue another coronavirus state of emergency amid a resurgence of infections.

Tokyo confirmed 843 new infections on Wednesday, the largest daily cases in nearly three months.

The central government may declare a third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures, local media reported.

A survey conducted by Kyodo showed last week that 72 per cent of those polled in Japan want the Olympics cancelled or rescheduled due to the pandemic.

Only 24 per cent supported the Olympics and Paralympics going ahead this year.

But marking 100 days until the start a week ago, Tokyo 2020 coordination commission chair John Coates said in a video message that the Olympics "certainly will happen", from July 23.
Canadian investors looking for passive income have tonnes of choices, as there are many dividend stocks in Canada. Finding the best dividend stocks, though, depends on what youre looking for. Dividend investing is a great feeling and one of the best investing strategies there is. Not all dividend stocks are alike, though.

Larger, more reliable dividend stocks are often not very volatile, making them key for stability in the portfolio. Plus, older, more established businesses that earn consistent cash flow are usually the ones more likely to pay dividends.

The more cash that companies return to investors, the less they are investing in growth. Thats why bigger, more mature companies return more cash to shareholders. Small-cap stocks with a tonne of potential, however, usually pay no dividend or very little of their earnings.

This is why its important to know what youre looking for before deciding what the best dividend stocks in Canada are.

Most companies that pay a dividend make a payment every quarter. However, some stocks pay investors every month, which is an even more attractive proposition. Here are three of the best monthly dividend stocks in Canada to buy today.

A top Canadian real estate stock

For investors looking for a higher-yield investment, Northwest Healthcare Property REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) is a great choice.

Northwest Healthcare Properties is one of the best dividend stocks in Canada for long-term investors, because it combines two highly defensive sectors, health care, and real estate.

The trust owns hospitals and medical office buildings in several countries, too. This is crucial, as its well diversified. Another reason the fund is such a high-quality investment is that its cash flows are so resilient.

Roughly 85% of its income comes either directly or indirectly from government spending. This is whats allowed Northwest to be so resilient through the pandemic.

Today, the stocks monthly dividend is yielding an impressive 6.2%. So, if youre looking for a high-quality investment with an attractive yield that can pay you monthly, Northwest is one of the best dividend stocks in Canada to buy today.

Story continues

A top Canadian restaurant royalty stock

Another top Canadian stock for dividend investors is A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund (TSX:AW.UN), a restaurant royalty stock.

Royalty companies often make high-quality dividend stocks, because their cash flows are so stable. In A&Ws case, the stock receives a royalty from all the sales in its restaurant royalty pool.

That means its collecting a royalty on sales from its more than 950 restaurants across Canada. The nature of receiving royalties on sales makes the funds income a lot less volatile. However, unprecedented events like the pandemic still made a significant impact.

Nevertheless, A&W has shown strong resiliency through the pandemic. Despite pausing the dividend for a few months, the fund has already reinstated it and is quickly raising it back to pre-pandemic levels.

With the fund now paying a monthly dividend that totals $1.62 annually, the stock yields 4.5% today. $1.62 is roughly 85% of the $1.91 annual dividend it paid before the pandemic. Thats pretty impressive, considering it only reinstated the dividend in July.

A&Ws recovery has been incredible, which is why its one of the best dividend stocks in Canada.

Plus, before the pandemic, it had been a great growth stock too. So, as the economy continues to emerge from the pandemic, I wouldnt be surprised to see A&W continue its rapid growth.

One of the best dividend stocks in Canada to buy now

Lastly, one of the best stocks in Canada for both dividend investors and growth is AltaGas (TSX:ALA).

AltaGas is a great investment, because it offers investors incredible growth potential with its midstream segment. Unfortunately, though, because its exposed to the Canadian energy sector, which is highly cyclical, these operations can be cyclical, too.

Thats where AltaGass high-quality utility operations play a significant role in adding resiliency to the stock. The combination offers investors a top Canadian dividend stock with a tonne of growth potential thats also quite safe.

Today, its monthly dividend yields 4.7%, and thats with AltaGas paying out just 60% of its earnings over the last 12 months.

A 4.7% dividend combined with AltaGass impressive long-term growth potential make it one of the best long-term stocks to buy today.

The post 3 of the Best Dividend Stocks in Canada for Monthly Income appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends A&W REVENUE ROYALTIES INCOME FUND, ALTAGAS LTD., and NORTHWEST HEALTHCARE PPTYS REIT UNITS.

The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2021
Several members, including John Cameron Denton, have already been jailed in the US (Alexandria Sheriff's Office)

The British government has been accused of dithering over the decision to ban a neo-Nazi group that was formed more than five years ago.

MPs approved the proscription of Atomwaffen Division, and its alias National Socialist Order, as terrorist organisations on Wednesday but some questioned the timing.

Bambos Charalambous, Labours shadow Home Office minister, said it was profoundly concerning that action had not been taken since Atomwaffen Division became operational in 2015.

In March 2020, Atomwaffen Division claimed it had disbanded and the National Socialist Order announced itself as its successor in July 2020, he told the House of Commons.

Why on earth has is taken so long for the government to recognise this threat and finally proscribe this group? It is already way past its peak and action has already been taken against it in the US.

Several leaders of Atomwaffen Division have been arrested in the US and members of its UK affiliate Sonnenkrieg Division have been prosecuted.

Atomwaffen Division promotes the use of violence to trigger a race war, in order to bring about a fascist, white ethno-state, and has been linked to several murders and terror plots in the US.

It has links to British terrorist groups including National Action and Sonnenkrieg Division, which have also been proscribed.

Mr Charalambous said concerns were also raised about the timing of a previous ban on the Feuerkrieg Division group, which was linked to Atomwaffen Division and also dissolved before it was proscribed.

The slowness of the UKs response begs the question: is the proscription process really fit for purpose? he asked. Todays proscription order is welcome but we are seeing an emerging pattern from this governmentone of dither and delay on these vital decisions, with action happening far too late.

Ministers must prove that they have a robust enough strategy to address this worrying rise in far-right extremism and terrorism, and tackle this appalling threat.

Story continues

British members of Feuerkrieg Division, another neo-Nazi group that was banned after it claimed to have dissolvedEugene Antifa

Stuart McDonald, the Scottish National Partys Home Office spokesperson, noted that the groups British affiliate Sonnenkrieg Division was banned in February 2020.

He told the House of Commons that a trial of members for terror offences heard that they had been in contact with Atomwaffen Division leaders.

Why could this not have happened earlier? Mr McDonald asked, urging the government to assess the effectiveness of proscription.

He added: We know it does lead to disruption and the arrest of members, but equally the fact that we are continually adding aliases raises the question of whether we are really causing anything more than inconvenience to these actors.

Chris Philp, a Home Office minister, said proscription was not the end of the process and that intelligence agencies and counter-terror police would monitor the groups.

He told MPs that Atomwaffen Division and the National Socialist Order would be added to the UKs list of 76 banned international terrorist groups.

Proscription is designed to crack down on a groups ability to operate, through various means including enabling prosecution, supporting the takedown of online material and underpinning immigration-related disruptions, Mr Philp added.

Given the wide-ranging impact of this power, the home secretary exercises it only after thoroughly reviewing the available evidence on any organisation, whether that is open-source material, intelligence material or advice that reflects consultation across government, the intelligence agencies, law enforcement and international partners. Decisions are taken with great care and consideration.

The ban makes membership of Atomwaffen Division a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, which will rise to 14 years when a new package of terror laws comes into force next week.

It will also be a criminal offence to invite support for the group or raise money for it.

Atomwaffen Division grew out of the fascist Iron March online forum that went offline in 2017 and is among numerous accelerationist white supremacist groups drawing from the writings of American neo-Nazi James Mason.

It promotes the use of violence to overthrow the US government and trigger a race war, ultimately resulting in a new society based on white supremacy, antisemitism and virulent anti-LGBT beliefs.

Since 2017, Atomwaffen Divisions ideology has become more influenced by Satanism and the occult, according to Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation.

Using various techniques including online harassment and swatting, Atomwaffen Division has targeted public figures, politicians and journalists, as well as mounting terror plots.

In January 2018, a member murdered 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein, who was gay and Jewish, and in California followers have carried out several other killings.

Read More

Atomwaffen Division: UK to ban US-based neo-Nazi group as terrorist organisation

Prosecutors seek 5-year term for ex-leader of neo-Nazi group

Benjamin Hannam: Met Police officer convicted of membership of neo-Nazi terrorist group

Neo-Nazi who posed in Maga hat convicted of terror offences

Atomwaffen Division: Who are the neo-Nazi paramilitary group linked to multiple murders?
Minister for Greater Accra Region, Henry Quartey has reiterated his pledge to whip residents into line as he aims to make Accra a clean and safer place.



The Minister is on a mission to keep the Capital City neat and therefore is taking all measures to accomplish his mission.



One significant stride made by the Minister is his compulsory directive for commuters and residents at Madina to use the footbridge and stop crossing the road to endanger their lives and others.



The Minister has been praised over his commitment and hard work.



However, there is a section of the public that doesn't agree with the Minister and also feels Hon. Henry Quartey's mission will be a nine-day wonder.



There are also fears that the Minister's greatest opposition will be from the members and leaders in his own political party, the governing New Patriotic Party but according to Hon. Quartey, he is unfazed by any attempts to object to what he has set out to do.



Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, the Minister asked Ghanaians, particularly indwellers in the Capital City and commuters in the Region, not to think he has come to cause trouble.



"They shouldn't see Henry Quartey as troublesome. But they should see it that Accra is a place where we all live and go about our daily activities; let's help to make where we live neat and clean . . . "



He called for them to join the crusade against filth and indiscipline in the Region.





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.

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Count 1: guilty. Count 2: guilty. Count 3: guilty.

The verdict blared from speakers and echoed off the walls of Cuney Homes where George Floyd grew up, and people wept. They cheered. They exhaled with relief.

Eleven months of grief, anger and frustration paused for a moment as Derek Chauvin, the police officer who murdered George Floyd, was put into handcuffs and escorted out of the courtroom.

Earlier in the day, as a jury in Minneapolis discussed Chauvins fate, a group of Big Floyds peers held court in Third Ward. They talked about the video, the allegations against Floyd  the $20 bill  they talked about their lack of trust in the justice system.

I met Travis Cains, Christopher Hutchins and other community members 11 months ago as they stood outside the Scott Food Mart in the dark and watched a graffiti artist memorialize Floyd, just days after he was murdered. After the mural went viral on social media and after the attention subsided, Ive visited the Cuney Homes community  for Floyds birthday, for a block party, sometimes just to listen to the OGs who sit on the corner and talk about their day.

They told me some people had watched the trial at home, some on their phone. Others said they could only skim the headlines because the replaying of Floyds last minutes, as he gasped for his breath under Chauvins knee, were too much.

I dont want to relive that, said Hutchins, 39.

For Floyds friends, watching the trial wasnt riveting court TV, it was exhausting. They saw the defense trying to damage his character and bogus testimony about excited delirium as distractions from the true cause of death, asphyxiation by sadistic knee.

Theyre bringing up stuff that dont even matter, Hutchins said. I dont care if he was intoxicated, it doesnt give you the right to sit on his neck and kill him.

The defense simplified Floyds death in ways that left Cains, who thought of him as a brother, feeling disrespected.

On Monday, defense attorney Eric Nelson compared the prosecutions burden to prove Chauvin guilty to a recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Instead of ingredients, theres evidence, Nelson said. Without all the ingredients, you cant bake the cookie, or in this case, you cant prove Chauvin murdered Floyd.

Its the way that he said it, Cains said. You compared my little brother [and his death] to a chocolate chip cookie.

Before the verdict, some Third Ward residents were optimistic that the system would work. Some were nervous, that if the verdict went the way it usually does, that if once again a jury decided that police would not be held to account, that there would be violence around the country.

They had a reason to be concerned, and I felt uneasy about it, too. After all, the vast majority of police who kill arent ever charged with murder. If they are, the cases usually end in acquittal or a conviction of a much lesser charge. The possibility of a jury finding Chauvin only guilty of manslaughter, for example, was a real one.

But violence from those who knew Floyd, was not.

Floyds best friend Cal Wayne has always said he was a gentle giant. Even the aggravated robbery charge on his record wasnt really him at all, Wayne said. He was taking the fall for someone else, he told me, standing in the front of the same section of Cuney Homes when I first met him June 1, 2020.

Yesterday, he insisted on the same thing  that Floyd was gentle. I heard this over and over again Tuesday. Hutchins says that even if the verdict went Chauvins way, that Floyd still wouldnt have wanted violence.

He would say put it in Gods hands, Hutchins said.

After Chauvin was pronounced guilty on all counts, the calls and texts began. Third Ward residents were on their phones, on Instagram Live, sharing the news that justice prevailed. Cars drove by, with left hands balled into fists and thrust out of rolled down windows as right hands honked their horns. They wanted the maximum sentence for Chauvin, they wanted police to know that they couldnt get away with murdering unarmed Black men anymore.

Masked media members swarmed the corner where that famous mural of Floyds face sits, the red lights of their cameras were on and their microphones were ready to catch the intense emotion of the afternoon.

As they recorded on Nalle Street, parachuting in, they missed the reality of what it feels like to lose someone so close to you in such a public way.

Away from the frenzy, Wayne sat on a stoop and picked up call after call. He listened, nodded and talked about his best friend, Floyd.

An older man spotted him, walked up and gave Wayne a fierce hug. As Wayne pulled away, he grabbed the hem of his shirt and wiped tears from his eyes, revealing a tattoo of Floyds face on his torso.

Goni-Lessan is the Houston Chronicles assistant op-ed editor. Email her at ana.goni-lessan@chron.com.
A Romanian husband and wife who were allegedly living on the streets of Cork without welfare or employment and transferring 8,800 in cash home in the course of two months had the case listed for trial next month.

The husband and wife appeared by video link from Cork Prison and Limerick Prison, respectively.

Judge Olann Kelleher remanded them in custody until May 4 for hearing of the case at Cork District Court.

The judge said that because they were foreign nationals depending on a Romanian translator for court proceedings he would direct that they be brought to court in person for the trial.

A copy of the prosecution statements is to be sent to defence solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly.

The solicitor stressed that both accused were pleading not guilty.

The couple insisted they were sleeping rough outside a church and that the money they sent home came from the kindness of strangers.

Det. Garda Aoife Hayes said the gardai believed the couple were living at an address for which they had a key but they would not reveal it. The detective also expressed concern about the source of the transferred cash.

Judge Olann Kelleher refused them bail.

Detective Garda Aoife Hayes alleged that the 8,800 was transferred and that receipts to this amount were stored on the couples shared phone.

Det. Garda Hayes arrested Gheorghe Marginica, 29, and Michele Judele, 30, of no fixed address, on Saturday, March 27, and brought them before Cork District Court, each of them charged with stealing 60 in cash from a student at an ATM on St. Patricks Street, Cork, on Saturday, March 27.

The allegation is that they approached a student asking for money. He said he did not have change. They persisted. They asked him for 33 for a bus to Dublin. This boy complied from fear and intimidation. He gave them 40. They said they wanted to buy another ticket. He could only get 20. He said he complied out of fear and intimidation, the detective said.

Det. Garda Hayes said, When asked where they got 8,800, that they had sent home, they said they got it from people helping them. It is our belief they got it from circumstances similar to those alleged in the charge before the court.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs salutes the adoption by the Council of the European Union of the Regulation of establishing the European Center of competence in the industrial, technological and research field in matters of cyber security - Cyber Center, which will be hosted in Bucharest, and the Network of national coordination centers.

The regulation adopted by the EU Council also includes the reference for localizing the Cyber Center in Romania, following the decision resulted from the vote of the member states on December 9, 2020.

Through its activity, the center will support in creating synergy and partnerships between public and private actors in the field, the academic milieu and EU profile industry, having an essential role in structuring and orientation of the actions of the European Union of configuring a European ecosystem in matter of cyber security. The center will represent the main body of managing European funds, dedicated to research in the field of cyber security, available through Digital Europe and Horizon Europe.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses, on this occasion, its trust regarding the quick completion of the regulation adoption process, through its approval by the European Parliament, which will allow the enforcement of the legislative act and advancement of the Cyber Center's operationalisation steps," the MAE press release reads.
Hong Kong, Macao urge innovative development in Greater Bay Area

Xinhua) 10:40, April 21, 2021

Photo taken on April 20, 2021 shows a view of a sub-forum "Invigorate Development through Vibrant City Clusters: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a Model" during Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

BOAO, Hainan, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Attendees from Hong Kong and Macao at the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on Tuesday called for technological innovation to spur high-quality development of the city cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

As one of the core cities in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has strong basic scientific research capabilities and sound financial services, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said at a sub-forum of the annual meeting.

After integrating into the development of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong can promote high-quality development of the whole region by giving full play to the region's manufacturing competitiveness and huge market potential, Lam said.

To achieve technological innovation-driven development, the area needs to accelerate the flow of production factors and attract more scientific research staff, Lam said.

Each city should have a reasonable layout and division of labor and plan its own complementary development and win-win results, said Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Ho called to promote industrial innovation with technological innovation, upgrade the industrial chain, and explore new cooperation models between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to promote the Greater Bay Area's integrated development to a higher level.

Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, said Macao can provide legal and commercial services for the trade of commodities, textiles, and mechanical and electrical products between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
[April 21, 2021] Videon announces its inclusion in Akamai's Media Technology Program and the EdgeCaster Encoder Passing Akamai MSL 4.x Qualification Testing

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Videon is proud to announce its inclusion in the Akamai Media Technology Partner program through its offering of EdgeCaster, a 4K30 HEVC/H.264 encoder that supports low latency, HTTP streaming. In conjunction with being a member of the Media Technology Partner program, Videon is also pleased to announce EdgeCaster has achieved qualification as an Akamai MSL 4.x qualified encoder. Streaming customers can now use Videon's EdgeCaster with Akamai's Media Services Live 4 as a direct ingest from EdgeCaster to support ultra-low latency HLS and DASH workflows with chunked transfer CMAF support. Additionally, Videon's EdgeCaster supports multiple bit rate representations, eliminating the need for costly and time laden cloud transcoding/transrating. Now that Videon's EdgeCaster is Akamai qualified, Videon customers can stream directly to Akamai, a feature that non-qualified encoders cannot do. To become an Akamai MSL 4.x Qualified Encoder, EdgeCaster had to undergo Akamai's rigorous live encoder qualification testing process. Throughout this process, the Videon team interfaced directly with Akamai to meet the standards for qualification testing. The Videon team was able to address all of the questions that surfaced during testing, which resulted in Videon's Akamai MSL 4.x qualification based on a HLS, DASH, and CMAF ingest methodology. Taking the qualification a step further, Videon has also achieved status as a Media Technology Partner. This level of integration with Akamai ensures keyfeatures like CMAF and HTTP are available with EdgeCaster. The result is a solution that affirms the rigid demands of Akamai streaming quality and assurance of being able to have a uniform streaming methodology across all qualified encoders, all done to provide customers the best possible experience with the lowest level of risk.



"Akamai represents the gold standard for video streaming quality and delivery. Videon's goal has been to both qualify our EdgeCaster Encoder to the rigid standards of Akamai while dialing up yet another notch to achieve inclusion as a Media Technology Partner," said Todd Erdley, CEO and Founder of Videon. "We are very appreciative of Akamai's support in this process and are pleased to enable Akamai customers to confidently use Videon's EdgeCaster encoder in support of low latency workflow applications." "We're pleased to add EdgeCaster to Akamai's roster of qualified encoders and welcome Videon, which has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation in ultra-low latency streaming and CMAF workflows, as a Media Technology Partner," said Jon Alexander, Senior Director, Media Product Management, Akamai. "The availability of EdgeCaster as a qualified encoder gives customers even more flexibility in selecting the technology that best suits their streaming workflows and confidence that the encoder has passed a rigorous evaluation to help ensure its compatibility with Akamai's Media Services Live delivery solution."

About Videon

Videon is a world-leading provider of ultra-low latency, high-resolution, high-performance streaming solutions that enable users in the prosumer, pro-AV, and broadcast markets to simplify streaming workflows and reduce costs. Videon has also partnered with top software brands around the globe to incorporate its technology solutions into millions of devices. Videon actively supports its employees, its community, and the environment by emphasizing the belief that employees should care more about others than they do about themselves. More information is available at https://videon-central.com . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/videon-announces-its-inclusion-in-akamais-media-technology-program-and-the-edgecaster-encoder-passing-akamai-msl-4x-qualification-testing-301274008.html SOURCE Videon Central, Inc.

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Better late than never. Having at first declined to hold hearings on the Greensill scandal, the chairman of the Treasury Select Committee Mel Stride is now in full cry.

It took immense political focus on the crass lobbying activities of David Cameron for up to seven separate probes into Greensill to be triggered.

What has been missing from the narrative is any public debate about the role of regulators in allowing this excrescence to develop.

In the frame: It took immense political focus on the crass lobbying activities of David Cameron for up to seven separate probes into Greensill to be triggered

Not before time the committee is to hold hearings on 'Lessons from Greensill' and will be calling the Bank of England's governor Andrew Bailey and the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority Nikhil Rathi to testify.

The mystery is how, after the catastrophe of the 2007-09 financial crisis, no City regulator was alert enough to notice the rise of a multi-billion shadow bank, with tentacles stretching to Germany, Switzerland, the US and Australia, sitting in the heart of London and engaged in dodgy lending practices.

What is predictable is that when the City grandees make their appearance, there will be much talk of perimeters  activities beyond supervision  as there was when London Capital & Finance collapsed.

European-style rule-based regulation may also be invoked for limiting the enforcers' ability to act. Bailey used both explanations in providing testimony on LCF and the Neil Woodford scandal.

The City is anxious to build a reputation as Europe's go-to place for financial technology. There is a proliferation of new players in Revolut, Atom Bank, Monzo and Starling. Greensill, bringing new technology to supply-chain financing, looked to be part of this.

The danger signs about Greensill were everywhere. It deployed a second division auditor, Saffery Champness, when the big four fought shy.

Lending was concentrated on a narrow number of clients, including Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, a loose collection of steel and metal firms now collapsing like dominoes.

There were questions in the Lords as to what Greensill was up to in Switzerland. It turned out it was passing on invoice-backed loans to fund manager GAM and then Credit Suisse. These were diced and sliced, insured by Tokio Marine and sold onto unsuspecting investors.

It is an embarrassment for the FCA and Bank of England that all of this took place in plain sight, yet the only enforcers taking an interest are in Frankfurt and Zurich. UK regulators have so far escaped scrutiny but the moment of truth is approaching.

Frock fever

When online fashion purveyors Asos and Boohoo snapped up Arcadia brands, it was clear immediately that they were not interested in the High Street.

Primark is living proof that if you have the right offering, customers will rock up. The reopening of English and Welsh stores last week has brought shoppers back in record numbers.

After months living in joggers, tracksuits, woolly socks and pyjamas, it is now spring and summer frocks, blouses and trousers which are in demand.

Primark has maximised the footfall in its stores by protecting tills with Perspex to minimise delays at check-outs. Marble Arch in the heart of London has been adversely affected by a lack of overseas visitors.

The group expects 68 per cent of selling space to be open by the end of this month. Ireland and chunks of Europe are closed still.

Owners Associated British Foods also reports that US stores on the Eastern Seaboard in Miami and Chicago are going well.

In spite of the national surge in digital shopping, chief executive George Weston is adamant that its website is for promotions only and the margins don't work for home delivery.

With income from Twinings tea, ingredients and sugar strong, ABF feels confident enough to refund 21million of furlough to the Government and restart the half-year dividend after a 2020 break. Full year results will be down, but far from out.

Job lot

No pandemic measure has been more expensive than furlough, which has already cost 62billion and rising.

But it has performed well. Mass unemployment has been avoided, the overall jobless rate is off its peak at 4.9 per cent of the workforce and vacancies are rising.

The real impact won't be known until furlough ends in September, but depression-era dole queues predicted by the Bank of England and others at the start of Covid have been avoided.

Don't hear very much about that from Labour.
Carla Zampatti died on April 3, a week after falling down the stairs at the opening night of the La Traviata opera on Sydney Harbour.

Weeks beforehand, the legendary Australian fashion designer reflected on her incredible life in an interview with The Australian Women's Weekly, which hits the stands on Thursday - a few weeks before what would have been her 79th birthday.

She posed for the shoot at her Sydney home alongside her daughters Bianca and Allegra and five of her nine grandkids. No one could have known it would be Carla's final interview.

A touching tribute: Weeks before her death, Carla Zampatti posed for what would sadly be her final magazine shoot. Pictured alongside her eldest granddaughter, Brigid Schuman

During the interview, Carla insisted she had absolutely no plans of retiring because she simply had too much to do.

'My customers keep saying, "You cant retire!" - and anyway, I love it!' she said.

The renowned family woman also discussed the joy's of parenthood, saying: 'I was in awe of going into hospital and seeing a human being come out of you.

'Its an experience I would love everyone woman to have.'

More: During the interview, Carla insisted she had absolutely no plans of retiring because she simply had too much to do. The full article appears in The Australian Womens Weekly May issue on sale Thursday April 22

Stunning, as usual: In the images, Carla was dressed in a show-stopping white blazer and matching trousers, teamed with a pair of white stilettos and statement sunglasses. Pictured with Brigid, her daughters Bianca and Allegra and four of her grandchildren

The trailblazer talked openly about her childhood in Italy, her strict parenting ideologies, her two marriages and her feelings about an ongoing romance with a special partner that started more than two years ago.

Carla was dressed in a show-stopping white blazer and matching trousers, a pair of white stilettos and some statement sunglasses.

She looked the epitome of happiness as she clung to her daughters in the stairwell of her Woollahra mansion.

The entire family dressed in light beige and white and were always smiling in the company of the fashion icon.

All smiles: Carla looked to be the epitome of happiness as she held on to her beautiful daughters Bianca and Allegra, in her epic Woollahra mansion

Carla's son Alex Schuman wasn't present at the shoot.

The designer died on April 3, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance.

Australian Women's Weekly editor Juliet Rieden was sitting just seats away from Carla during the opening night of La Traviata.

The last words Carla said to her were: 'I cant wait to see our story in the magazine this month.'

Born in Italy in 1942, Carla migrated to Australia with her parents in 1950 and set up her famous label at just 24.

Her designs have been worn by some of Australia's most influential women, including Princess Mary of Denmark, Australia's first female prime minister Julia Gillard, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Gladys Berejiklian.

The full article appears in The Australian Womens Weekly May issue on sale Thursday April 22.
 Flash

U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Tuesday that he would leave Russia temporarily to discuss bilateral ties with colleagues in Washington, days after Moscow suggested him to return home for consultations amid tensions between the two countries.





"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said in a brief statement.





The envoy said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.





State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters later Tuesday that Sullivan is "returning at an opportune time to undertake consultations here to see his family," noting that his return was not an expulsion by Russia.





He added that Sullivan had been deeply engaged in "our new approach to Russia," which aims at a stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.





Sullivan's leave follows recent diplomatic clashes between the two countries.





Last Thursday, the Biden administration announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sweeping sanctions against individuals and entities in response to Moscow's alleged election interference and cyber activities.

Russia on Friday said that it would expel 10 U.S. diplomats, bar eight incumbent and former American high-ranking officials from entering Russia indefinitely, among other restrictions.





"This extremely tense situation objectively requires the ambassadors of our countries to be in their respective capitals to analyze developments and hold consultations," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.





Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has been summoned back to Moscow for a month amid the deteriorating ties.





While authorizing punitive measures against Russia, Biden also called for de-escalating the tensions and proposed a summit with Putin in Europe this summer to address a range of bilateral issues.





Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Russian counterpart on Monday and discussed the prospect of the summit.





Relations between Washington and Moscow have been adversarial in recent years. The two were bitterly divided over Ukraine, human rights, and cybersecurity issues, and they mutually accused the other of domestic political interference.




NEW YORK - A prosecutor urged a jury in a trial's opening statement Wednesday to convict a New York man who threatened to kill members of Congress in a video posted online, but a defence lawyer dismissed his rants as speech-protected hyperbole so absurd that they bordered on comedy.

NEW YORK - A prosecutor urged a jury in a trial's opening statement Wednesday to convict a New York man who threatened to kill members of Congress in a video posted online, but a defence lawyer dismissed his rants as speech-protected hyperbole so absurd that they bordered on comedy.

The trial of Brendan Hunt, 37, put the Jan. 6 breach at the U.S. Capitol before a jury for the first time, though Hunt wasn't there in Washington that day.

Hunt, an analyst for the New York court system, has pleaded not guilty to a threat-to-murder charge in Brooklyn federal court, where coronavirus precautions forced spectators into adjacent courtrooms to watch on video.

Prosecutors say he made online threats calling for the murder of lawmakers including Democratic U.S. Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Navarro said Hunt's monthlong online campaign to urge violence against members of Congress culminated on Jan. 8 in an 88-second video titled: Kill your senators. Slaughter them all."

The prosecutor said Hunt was trying to inspire violence against members of Congress on Inauguration Day as a follow up to the Jan. 6 attack, when hundreds of then-President Donald Trumps supporters broke into the Capitol and interrupted the certification of Joe Bidens presidential victory.

According to court papers, Hunt had previously written in December: We want to hold a public execution of pelosi aoc schumer etc.  Start up the firing squads, mow down these commies, and lets take america back!

This case is not about political parties, election results, Navarro said. He added that it was about the defendant threatening to kill people."

Defence attorney Jan Rostal told jurors they could label her client an idiot or clown" but the First Amendment blocked his conviction on a criminal charge which could carry a decade in prison.

He did something he shouldn't have," she said as Hunt, in a suitcoat and tie, observed passively.

Rostal said Hunt was a registered Democrat who voted for former President Barack Obama but later was disappointed by his Middle East policies.

She said Hunt, who finished college with a theatre degree and aspired to be an actor, filmmaker, comedian and journalist, became politically active online to support Trump's efforts to change November's election results.

She urged jurors to watch the 88-second video closely and observe that Hunt cracks up" laughing at the end of the clip, which Hunt took down from the internet after he was criticized online as too stupid" and urged to stop being an idiot" and delete the video.

Rostal said evidence wouldn't show anyone in Congress felt threatened by Hunt's online actions and, while no members of Congress would appear during the weeklong trial, if they did, he'd apologize to them for what was said."

She said his words when federal agents awakened him at home in an early morning raid showed his surprise and lack of criminal intent.

Guys, I wasn't at the Capitol," she quoted him as telling federal agents as they took him into custody near a marijuana bong and beer bottles in a Queens apartment.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday, the Vietnam Government Portal reported.

During the conversation, PM Lee offered his congratulations to the newly-elected Vietnamese government leader and praised Vietnams successful organization of the 13th National Party Congress, effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as socio-economic development and foreign affairs.

The premier affirmed that Singapore gives high priority to fostering relations with Vietnam.

PM Chinh thanked PM Lee for his congratulatory message and expressed his wish to work closely with the Singaporean leader to further strengthen the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership across all fields.

The two premiers rejoiced at the positive developments in bilateral cooperation despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, Singapore was the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, while the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) model is operating very effectively, becoming a symbol for the success in economic collaboration between the two countries.

The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in such fields as finance, information technology, agro-fisheries, education and training, infrastructure, clean energy, smart city development, digital economy and digitization, economic management, and human resource training.

Both sides will also boost coordination in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, facilitate the repatriation of citizens, and promote the negotiation on travel regulations between the two countries to enhance trade, investment, and tourism cooperation.

PM Chinh applauded the close and effective cooperation between both sides at regional and international forums.

He thanked Singapore for having supported Vietnam during its ASEAN chairmanship in 2020, asking the city-state to continue backing Vietnam in fulfilling its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

The Vietnamese PM took the occasion to invite his Singaporean counterpart to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

PM Lee also expressed his wish to welcome PM Chinh on a visit to Singapore in the near future.

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(Newser)  United Nations human rights experts say they have repeatedly asked Dubai for proof that Princess Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler's daughter, is aliveand they have received only a statement that she is being "cared for at home." In a statement issued Tuesday, the UN asked for "concrete proof" of life and asked for "independent verification of the conditions under which she is being held, and for her immediate release," the BBC reports. In secretly recorded videos released earlier this year, the princess said she had been held in solitary confinement in a "villa converted into a jail" since an attempt to flee Dubai in 2018.

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"Evidence of life and assurances regarding her well-being are urgently required," the statement from the UN's human rights office said. Earlier this month, officials said the United Arab Emirates' ambassador in Geneva had agreed, in principle, to a meeting about the 35-year-old princess, Reuters reports. "Her continued incommunicado detention can have harmful physical and psychological consequences and may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment," experts warned in the UN statement. (Read more Princess Latifa stories.)
Weekend curfew imposed across the entire state and a night curfew on weekdays in all districts having more than 500 Covid-19 cases

While the night curfew in these districts will be effective from 8 pm to 7 am next day starting Tuesday, the weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, with all non-essential activities restricted.  Representational image/PTI

New Delhi/Lucknow: The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the Allahabad high courts order directing a lockdown in five Uttar Pradesh cities  Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian passed the stay order on a plea by the UP government against Mondays high court order.

Soon after that, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday imposed a weekend curfew across the entire state and a night curfew on weekdays in all districts having more than 500 Covid-19 cases.

While the night curfew in these districts will be effective from 8 pm to 7 am next day starting Tuesday, the weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, with all non-essential activities restricted.

These decisions, aimed at breaking the transmission chain of the virus, were taken at a meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

The night curfew was imposed earlier in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar), Allahabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bareilly and Muzaffarnagar districts and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
VisitorsCoverage, a silicon valley Insurtech in travel insurance has been named a winner in the 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Awards for Transformation of the Year, presented by Business Intelligence Group(BIG).

VisitorsCoverage has continuously innovated industry leading solutions to the challenges the modern traveler faces. In the companys 15-year history, this mission has never been more relevant. As countries confronted COVID-19, travel restrictions and advisories changed daily.

In response, VisitorsCoverage launched one of the most extensive portfolios for Covid-19 travel insurance plans and debuted the travel insurance industrys AI-based smart bot, giving essential travelers 24/7 access to the most up-to-date information on safe travel. As the company shifted to an all-remote environment, the customer service team delivered outstanding service, earning excellence status with 4.8 star ratings on Google Reviews and Trustpilot. VisitorsCoverage is delighted to receive the 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Award, alongside industry heavyweights.

On the frontline of our uncertain times are customer service professionals and suppliers without whom we wouldnt be able to live as comfortably as we have for the last year, said Maria Jimenez, chief operating officer of the Business Intelligence Group. It is our honor to recognize VisitorsCoverage as they are leading by example and making real progress on improving the daily lives of so many.

Organizations from across the globe submitted their recent innovations for consideration in the BIG Innovation Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions.

About VisitorsCoverage Inc

VisitorsCoverage Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based insurtech company headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. which provides travel insurance for millions of global travelers in over 175 countries. Founded in 2006 by insurtech pioneer and industry expert Rajeev Shrivastava, VisitorsCoverage is constantly evolving by creating innovative, market-demand products and by continually updating an extensive online knowledgebase for their global clientele. For more information visit http://www.visitorscoverage.com.
The effectiveness of WAs hotel quarantine system will again be under scrutiny after two people contracted COVID-19 while at Perths Mercure hotel from other quarantining guests.

Two people at Perths Mercure Hotel caught coronavirus from an infected guest in an adjacent room. Credit:Nine

The previously reported infections were initially listed as being acquired overseas, but that was changed by WAs Department of Health on Wednesday evening after confirmation of genome sequencing data.

The department said in a statement two sets of guests were located in rooms opposite each other and showed the same sequence of the virus despite arriving from different countries at different times. There had been no physical contact between them.

All other guests who previously stayed on the same (sixth) floor during this time and have been released from the hotel facility tested negative prior to release, the statement said.
[April 21, 2021] Piper Sandler Companies to Hold Management Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2021 Results

Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) will release its first quarter 2021 financial results prior to the opening of the market on Friday, April 30, 2021. The earnings release will be available at the company's website at www.pipersandler.com. The company will hold a conference call at 9 a.m. ET (8 a.m. CT) that same day to discuss the financial results. Chad Abraham, chief executive officer; Debbra Schoneman, president; and Tim Carter, chief financial officer, will host the call.



Participants can access the call by dialing 888-810-0209 (domestic) or 706-902-1361 (international) and referencing reservation number: 4463308. Callers should dial in at least 15 minutes prior to the call time. A live audio webcast of the call will be available through the company's website at www.pipersandler.com. A recording of the conference call will be available for replay approximately three hours following the completion of the live call. Participants can listen to the recording by dialing 855-859-2056 and referencing reservation number: 4463308. A replay of the audio webcast will also be available through the company's website referenced above.

ABOUT PIPER SANDLER Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) is a leading investment bank and institutional securities firm driven to help clients Realize the Power of Partnership. Securities brokerage and investment banking services are offered in the U.S. through Piper Sandler & Co., member SIPC and NYSE; in Europe through Piper Sandler Ltd., authorized and regulated by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority; and in Hong Kong through Piper Sandler Hong Kong Limited, authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission. Private equity strategies and fixed income advisory services are offered through separately registered advisory affiliates. Follow Piper Sandler: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter  2021. Since 1895. Piper Sandler Companies. 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7036 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421006040/en/

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Students at Milton Hershey School have received 36 new friends in recent weeks.

The new kids on the block are goats all born at the schools farms.

Milton Hershey School calls them the Quarantine Kids.

These kids will be part of special learning experiences for students in pre-K through 12th grade as part of the schools Agriculture and Environmental Education program, said Megan Earley, media relations manager.

The students will have the opportunity to give each of the goats a name relating to food. One has already been named Alfredo.

Students interested in pursuing agriculture-related careers and education will receive veterinary-tech learning opportunities with the goats.

Some students will work with the goats to prepare them to be shown in competitions such as the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

And, students will make products such as goat milk soap to sell at the student-run farmers market.

Milton Hershey School farms had 36 goats born in recent weeks. The school said the goats will provide a number of educational opportunities for students including showing them at the Farm Show and making goat milk soap. (Provided by Milton Hershey School)

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Microsoft has been interested in Rust for some time now, investigating its use as a type-safe and memory-safe alternative to C and C++ in systems programming tasks. With more and more of Microsofts business reliant on cloud services, tools such as Rust are going to be essential to building those services, increasing both reliability and security.

Systems programming tools have their roots in operating system development, where you need to have very little between your code and your hardware, and where the overhead associated with runtimes and with garbage collection adds unwanted latency. Those characteristics arent only for operating systems; theyre critical to building any reliable application where you want code to run safely without memory leaks and where its hard for an attacker to step outside your codes own section of system memory.

By building in Rust, youre making your code safer. Its a first line of defense, built into the very language and tools used to build your code. Maybe youre building drivers or maybe youre building banking software; whats important is that your code needs to be trustworthy and you need to manage risk. So where you might have used JavaScript, you can use Rust running in WebAssembly, and where youd have used C or C++, youre using the Windows or Linux versions.

Microsoft, Rust, and Windows

Microsofts commitment to Rust is shown in its position as a founding member of the Rust Foundation and in the number of language and tools developers whove joined the company in recent months. Microsoft has now announced its own set of tools for building and developing Windows code using Rust, tools based on the same Windows features that allowed it to deliver its C++/WinRT API projections.

At the heart of Rust for Windows is a Rust crate that supports Windows API metadata to generate API code on the fly. You will need the C++ build tools in your development environment, either using the standalone tools in Visual Studio Code or a full Visual Studio install. That does mean its not free software: You will need a Visual Studio license to use the C++ tools. (The free Community edition is an option if youre building on an open source project or are an individual developer.)

You can download the Rust compiler for Windows from the Rust site, with 32- and 64-bit versions. The rustup tool downloads all the appropriate components for your development system, with a simple command line tool to help customize your installation. If youre using Code there are a couple of additional extensions to install: rust-analyzer to add a Rust language server for IntelliSense code highlighting and hinting, and either CodeLLDB or Microsofts C/C++ extension for debugging. Once those are in place you can start to work with Rust for Windows.

Inside the Rust for Windows crate

One of the most important tools for Windows developers is its support for language projection. This is a technique that allows development tools to generate language-specific APIs from the metadata Windows has for its SDKs. With language projection support theres no need for Microsoft to write APIs for each supported language, adding to the complexity of the ever-growing Windows SDKs and making it harder to keep every supported language in sync with Windows.

The technique ensures that all thats needed for Rust to get Windows support is an appropriate language projection; the APIs are then automatically generated as needed. Theres no need for Microsoft to deliver SDKs for supported languages, and all any new language needs is its own language projection to get support from Windows. Thats a much less complex development task, and as new Windows APIs are released (for example, in Project Reunion) all thats needed from the API team is a metadata definition.

You can use the Rust tools in Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code to write Rust modules that can run anywhere, but if youre planning on using it for Windows development, youre going to need to install the Rust for Windows tools to access the Windows APIs. Microsofts Rust services are an open source project available on GitHub. The current release is available as a Rust crate and can be installed from the Rust crate repository.

Using Rust for Windows

The Windows Rust crate installs from Rusts Cargo as a package using standard Rust features. Once installed, you can use Rusts build tools to create the appropriate bindings for the Windows APIs you want to use in your project. This approach delivers code for only the APIs you want to use; you can add new bindings as you add APIs and remove any that you dont need to support. Keeping API support only with whats needed adds additional security to your code. Theres no way for it to call unsupported APIs and any attack surface is kept to a minimum.

Rust development on Windows is still under development, so you will need to step outside your usual development environment at times. New projects need to be created from Cargo, using the command line. Once youve created a project, you set up a bindings crate to host your Rust for Windows APIs. This is created in your projects cargo.toml file, adding dependencies for the Windows crate. This will install the right version for your code. You will need to manually update the version number for new releases (currently this will be 0.8.0).

Whats interesting about how Rust for Windows generates API bindings is that you can focus right down on the part of an API namespace that you want to use. Once youve chosen a namespace, add it to a build.rs file in the bindings folder. Microsoft provides a macro to create the API bindings and using it will automatically create any dependencies that are needed, while many key APIs are built into the Windows crate and can be used without having to build bindings for standard APIs like Windows.Foundation. Theres documentation for the Windows API to help you get started.

You can then include links to the bindings file in your code, ready to start using them. Whats really important about this process is that you can mix and match the APIs that youre using, working with Direct3D for GPU compute and XAML tooling for your UI in the same application. Its also ready for new APIs, taking advantage of their metadata as soon as they are released. This approach is going to be increasingly important as Microsoft accelerates API development by decoupling the Windows SDK from the Windows release cycle.

The result is a flexible and powerful way of building complete Windows applications in Rust. By using Rust for Windows to handle API calls, your code will be more secureand ready for future changes in the Windows APIs with just a rebuild and recompile as new and updated APIs roll out.
U.S.-Canada border

Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The land border closure on non-essential travel between Canada the United States and Mexico was extended once again this week until at least June 21, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Thursday.

"To fight #COVID19 spread and protect our citizens, the U.S. is continuing restrictions on non-essential travel at land borders through June 21, while allowing essential trade & travel," DHS tweeted. "We're working closely with Canada & Mexico to safely ease restrictions as conditions improve."

The closure, which has first implemented in March 2020 and has since been extended on a monthly basis, prohibits non-essential travel like tourism.

This week, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested at a press conference that the border between the northern country and the U.S would not be opened until 75% of its population has been vaccinated.

"We're all eager to get back to normal but we know that before we get back to normal, cases need to be under control, and over 75% of people need to be vaccinated for us to start loosening things in Canada," Trudeau said, according to Forbes. "We'll see what framework we apply to ensure we're keeping Canadians safe, even as we look to eventually changing the restrictions and the posture at the border.

At this point 48% of both Americans and Canadians have recieved their first dose of the vaccine, according to Reuters vaccine tracker. However, the infection rate of Americans is at 12% while the rate for Canadians is at 56%.

US-Canada border

Tara Walton for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Currently, anyone who does cross into Canada by land is required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, get a second test upon arrival, and quarantine for 14 days before getting another test.

Those flying into the country are also required to test negative for the virus within three days of their flight, get tested upon arrival, and quarantine in a hotel for up to three days.

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Beyond just crossing the border, Canada has extended its ban on cruise ships through at least February 2022, which has in turn hindered cruises in Alaska due to a more than 100-year-old law that requires large foreign-flagged ships to stop in Canada first before heading north to the state.

According to Reuters' tracker, 12% of Mexico's population has received their first vaccine dose. Most recently, the governor of Quintana Roo  home to Cancun and other vacation destinations  Carlos Manuel Joaquin Gonzalez, said in an announcement this week that a lockdown is "imminent."

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
(Natural News) After Joe Biden became the Democratic nominee for president last year, he was asked often whether he favored packing the U.S. Supreme Court with left-wing judges, making the nations highest court nothing more than a fourth branch of government that served to rubber-stamp a far-left Marxist agenda.

Though Biden once called such court-packing a boneheaded idea, he refused to say whether he would agree to packing the court if he won.

In fact, he even told one reporter in mid-October that Americans didnt have a right to know how he felt about the issue under the guise of allowing his GOP opponent to know his position (which was a tell in and of itself because if Biden had said simply no, hes not in favor of it, that wouldnt have given President Donald Trump any political ammo in the first place).

Asked if voters deserve to know if he would pack the Supreme Court, Biden says No, they dont deserve to. pic.twitter.com/uig5d14tsH  Arthur Schwartz (@ArthurSchwartz) October 10, 2020

That alone should have set off alarm bells even among Democrats  and frankly, it probably did, though well never know to what extent after those losers literally stole Trumps second term from him.

Nevertheless, now that Bidens in office, the regime that is using him as a figurehead is moving quickly to do just that: Pack the Supreme Court, which, if it happens, will lead to one of two things, or both: Secession or civil war, since states not politically aligned with the Tyranny Party will have no other choice when one constitutional right after another is suddenly found unconstitutional under the new legislative branch.

Last week, Biden appointed a 36-member presidential commission to examine the courts history, past changes and alterations to its make-up and the nomination of judges, and what any potential consequences would be to adding (or, theoretically, subtracting) justices.

That commission is going to be packed itself: It will be led by Bob Bauer, who was Barack Obamas White House counsel, as well as Cristina Rodriguez, a professor at Yale Law School who was a deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel during Obamas reign.

For some history, the court has varied in size throughout the history of the country, numbering as few as five and as many as 10. But it has remained at nine justices since 1869, and when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt floated the notion of packing it himself so his New Deal programs would not be struck down as unconstitutional, the idea went over like a lead balloon.

And today, there will be fierce opposition to expanding the court, since Congress is literally nearly evenly divided; Democrats hold a historically slim majority in the House (six seats) and the Senate is 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris being the tie vote. Plus, the filibuster rule is still in effect in the Senate, though most Democrats (who used to love it when the Republicans were in control) now want it eliminated.

After Biden appointed his commission, a group of Democrats rushed to the steps of the Supreme Court building to announce legislation to increase the courts number to 13, which would give Bidens handlers an opportunity to stick four Marxists on the court to join with the two who are already there (Justices Kagan and Sotomayor).

NBC News has more:

The Democratic bill is led by Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee. It is co-sponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Mondaire Jones of New York.

Now, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is downplaying this legislation, but shes also not dismissing it out of hand.

I dont know that thats a good idea or bad idea. I think its an idea that should be considered, she told reporters last week.

Translation: This effort to expand the court is coming because Democrats know they have a limited window in which they can permanently steal power in perpetuity.

But if they do this, it will mean secession at a minimum, and civil war at worst.

Sources include:

NBCNews.com

Secession.news
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Video reports showed local residents swearing at Pashinian, branding him a capitulator and traitor and demanding that he leave their community as he walked through Agarak, a small town on the Armenian-Iranian border.

You are the capitulators, Pashinian shouted back.

We are going to sort this out as well. Dear people, I apologize to you for these types, he said, appealing to other Agarak residents through a megaphone.

Pashinian, who was surrounded by many bodyguards and other security officers, was confronted by dozens of other angry men when he arrived in the nearby town of Meghri later in the morning. Some of those protesters briefly scuffled with security forces.

Anti-government demonstrators also gathered in the industrial town of Kajaran. Pashinian reportedly bypassed it on his way back to Syuniks administrative center Kapan.

He was jeered by other protesters but greeted by a group of supporters outside the provincial administration building where he met with government and law-enforcement officials in the afternoon. He also visited an Armenian military base located in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, Pashinian described the angry protests as a violation of the law and demanded that law-enforcement authorities respond to them in an explicit and tough manner.

An atmosphere of impunity must not be allowed to exist in Armenia, he told the heads of Armenias police and National Security Service.

Pashinians press secretary, Mane Gevorgian, said the incidents were organized by unnamed known circles and have nothing to do with real people of Agarak and Meghri. Gevorgian also posted on her Facebook page a short video of the prime minister shaking hands with several Kapan residents.

Syunik borders the Zangelan and Kubatli districts southwest of Karabakh which were mostly recaptured by Azerbaijan during the autumn war. As a result of a Russian-brokered ceasefire that stopped the war on November 10, Armenian army units and local militias completed in December their withdrawal from parts of those districts close to Kapan and other local communities.

Many Syunik residents have since been seriously concerned about their security as well as the safety of the main provincial highway running along the Soviet-era Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Hundreds of them blocked a section of the highway in late December to bar Pashinian from visiting the mountainous region. The prime minister had to return to Yerevan.

The mayors of virtually all Syunik towns, including Kapan, issued statements at the time demanding Pashinians resignation. Three of them were subsequently prosecuted on separate charges rejected by them as politically motivated.

Pashinian did not meet with any of those elected officials on Wednesday, unlike President Armen Sarkissian, who visited Syunik earlier this week. Sarkissian was accompanied by Armenias human rights ombudsman, Arman Tatoyan.

Pashinians latest trip to Syunik was not announced beforehand and few Yerevan-based media outlets were thus able to cover it. Shurnukh, a small border village, was the first stop of his tour which began late on Tuesday.

Alen Simonian, a deputy parliament speaker accompanying Pashinian, posted on Facebook photographs of the premier talking to a local family at their home. They did not expect us, he wrote.

Hakob Arshakian, the Shurnukh mayor also critical of the government, said on Wednesday that he learned about Pashinians sudden arrival only after the latter left the village. He found two open doors and went in, Arshakian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Why [did he come] at night? So that Azerbaijanis dont see him? he asked.

Shurnukh was effectively divided into two parts as a result of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border delimitation that angered many Syunik residents. Twelve village houses ended up on what is now the Azerbaijani side of the frontier.

Their residents were evacuated before Azerbaijani forces entered that part of the village in December. The Armenian government has pledged to build new homes for them.
Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Fiore Cannabis Ltd. (CSE: FIOR) (OTCQX: FIORF) ("Fiore" or the "Company"), a licensed multi-state cannabis cultivator, producer and retailer, today announced the closing of the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") . In total, 6,445,880 units ("Units") were issued at a price of $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of $966,882 with 54% coming from management and insiders.

"I'm impressed with the strong demand we received for this oversubscribed private placement offering. I'm grateful for the ongoing support from investors, management and insiders as we execute on our refreshed business strategy. With a bolstered balance sheet, we can move forward to advance initiatives that further tighten our focus on growth and expansion in Nevada and California markets. We thank all our investors for their ongoing support and commitment to Fiore," said Erik Anderson, President and CEO of Fiore Cannabis.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement to fund expansion projects in its Nevada and California operations, and for general working capital purposes.

Each Unit in the Private Placement is comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $0.22 for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance. The warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry date if the trading price of the Company's common shares closes at or above $0.50 per share for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days.

The Units were offered and sold by private placement in Canada to "accredited investors" within the meaning of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions and other exempt purchasers in each province of Canada, and may be sold outside of Canada on a basis which does not require the qualification or registration of any of the common shares or the warrants comprising the Units in the subscriber's jurisdiction. The securities issued in the private placement are subject to applicable hold periods imposed under applicable securities legislation, including a hold period of four (4) months and one day from the date of issuance.

Insiders of the Company acquired 3,497,667 Units for consideration of approximately $524,650 in the first tranche. The issuance of securities to insiders pursuant to the Private Placement (the "Insider Participation") constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions to the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of the Insider Participation as no securities of the Company are listed or quoted for trading on certain prescribed stock exchanges, and neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the Insider Participation, insofar as it involved related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Further details will be included in a material change report to be filed by the Company in due course. The material change report will not be filed more than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the level of insider participation was not known at that time.

About Fiore Cannabis

Fiore Cannabis (CSE: FIOR) (OTCQX: FIORF) is a publicly traded company that has been investing in the development of medical and recreational cannabis products since 2014. Fiore has expanded its operating portfolio to include cultivation, production and retail offerings in our key North American legal jurisdictions of Nevada and California. For more information, please visit www.fiorecannabis.com.

For Further Information

Erik Anderson, President and CEO

1-877-438-5448 Ext. 713

eanderson@fiorecannabis.com



This press release is not an offer of securities of the Company for sale in the United States. The common shares and warrants of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the common shares and warrants may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States.



Cannabis Industry Involvement

The Company owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state; however, marijuana remains illegal under United States federal law and the approach to enforcement of U.S. federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that federal enforcement actions could adversely affect their investments and that the Company's ability to support continuing U.S.-based operations and its access private and public capital could be materially adversely affected.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements or information that relate to our current expectations and views of future events, including in respect the attributes of the securities to be offered and sold by the Company, the size, terms and completion of the Private Placement and the use of proceeds of the Private Placement and the likelihood of future closings. Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, outlook, expectations or intentions regarding the future including words or phrases such as "anticipate", "objective", "may", "will", "might", "should", "could", "can", "intend", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "plan", "is designed to", "project", "continue", or similar expressions suggest future outcomes or the negative thereof or similar variations. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends that management believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate.

Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such factors include, among others: the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators, risks and uncertainties related to completing the Private Placement on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, risks and uncertainties related to the closing of future tranches of the Private Placement, receipt of the proceeds thereof, and regulatory and other impediments to closing. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward-looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, FAILURE TOCOMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81098
Gurugram, April 21 : Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Yash Garg on Wednesday said that the Covid situation is completely under control here as he ruled out clamping a fresh lockdown.

Garg warned shopkeepers of strict action if they were found selling commodities at prices higher than the MRP.

"The district administration is monitoring the arrangements related to Covid infection in Gurugram and no one will be allowed to take advantage of this situation.

"We have received complaints against some shopkeepers who have increased the prices of food items and medicines. Taking cognizance of such reports, officials have been instructed to raid such shopkeepers," Garg said.

"Also, strict legal action will be taken against any shopkeeper or businessman who is found to be selling essential commodities or medicines at an unnecessarily high price," he added.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had also clarified that the government has no intention of clamping a lockdown in the state.

He appealed to the migrant workers not to leave the state and to continue their work by taking precautions.

"Arrangements are being made to provide beds and other facilities in hospitals for the treatment of serious Covid patients in the district. The number of beds with oxygen and ventilators is being increased in the district.

"Executive Magistrates and Nodal officers have been appointed for monitoring and coordination in the hospitals so that the administration can get the correct information about Covid related issues," Garg added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Kenyan government is in advanced negotiations to purchase the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the Covid-19 vaccines rollout taskforce has said.

This follows a shortage of the AstraZeneca vaccine after India banned exports despite Kenya ordering 24 million doses

Dr Willis Akhwale, who is the head of the vaccine taskforce, on Monday said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available this year.

Dr Akhwale said Kenya is taking a two-pronged approach by procuring through the Africa CDC platform and negotiating directly with the manufacturers.

Under the African CDC we are at very advanced stages and for us, the vaccines that are available there include the Pfizer, and we expect Johnson and Johnson later in the year to be available, he said.

I know for AstraZeneca currently there are challenges but it is true we are looking at Pfizer, we are also looking at Johnson & Johnson and any other that may become readily available as long as it meets our condition that, one, it has WHO approval and second, it is locally registered, he said.

Dr Akhwale also noted that Pfizer is preferable because it can be used to vaccinate children at least 16 years of age.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is currently reviewing applications from Sinovac vaccine and I understand Pfizer is also preparing its papers. However, the ones that have already been prequalified by WHO are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, he said during a media meeting organised by the Editors Guild and Unesco.

Kenya has also revised its vaccination schedule and now seeks to vaccinate all 25 million adults by June 2022.

The taskforce chair said the government is engaging Gavi to unlock the stalemate with India.

We had planned to give the second dose after eight weeks because Covax had assured us wed get the second doses in April. But they later communicated there would be a delay for one month. We are sure we will get them in May and I will even discuss with them today, he said.

We can stretch eight weeks to 12 weeks between the first and second dose.

As of Monday, a total of 702,170 people had been vaccinated according to the Ministry of Health.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra speaking exclusively to IANS has questioned the government on its response to the rapidly rising Covid numbers in the country. She has accused the government of lack of planning to handle the crisis. Here are some highlights from the rare interview from the Congress party leader.

"Where is the leadership? Where is the planning? Why are we short of facilities? Where is the money from the PM fund being used?," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked in the interview.

She said that when whole nation is crying then those who should be at leadership position are laughing in rallies. "It's shocking when country is crying, PM and HM are laughing in campaigns," she said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary of the Congress party, said she is totally devastated due to the pandemic, with news of people dying without any medical support.

In a rare exclusive interview with IANS on Tuesday she said, "The government's response has been extremely disappointing. The Prime Minister is still continuing with his election campaign while people are battling against the worst wave of COVID yet. At a time when the government should be focusing completely on fighting the catastrophic situation unfolding all around us, it appears to be practically absent."

Speaking to IANS she said that it is not the time for the Prime Minister to campaign but to wipe the tears of the people of the country and protect the citizens from the deadly virus. She said her party was working with compassion and trying to help out the needy but she questioned the Prime Minister, asking, "Is it time to laugh in political rallies?"

She said that the "country is in tears" as there were no hospital beds available, medicines were running short, crematoriums were full and frontline workers were exhausted.

The Congress general secretary said, 'forward-thinking governance' over 70 years had enabled India to become the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world but noted that the government enabled the export of 6 crore doses of vaccines to countries across the world. "Why did the Modi government prioritize overseas PR and self-promotion over Indian lives?" she asked.

In the interview, Vadra accused the Modi government of lack of planning between the first and second wave of the pandemic, and for "five major shortages of vaccines, beds, ventilators, oxygen and Remdesivir". She described the situation in Uttar Pradesh as "devastating" and said her party was going out of the way to provide facilities to those affected.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  Archaeologists in Maryland say they believe they have found the homesite of famed Central New York abolitionist Harriet Tubmans father.

The homesite of Ben Ross was found on property acquired last year by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an addition to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, officials said Tuesday. An archaeology team led by the State Highway Administration conducted research that led to the find.

Archaeologist Julie Schablitsky described the finding as a connection to Tubman.

She wouldve spent time here as a child, but also she wouldve come back and been living here with her father in her teenage years, working alongside him, Schablitsky said in a news release. This was the opportunity she had to learn about how to navigate and survive in the wetlands and the woods. We believe this experience was able to benefit her when she began to move people to freedom.

Tubman was born Araminta Ross in March 1822 on the Thompson Farm near Cambridge, Maryland, on Marylands Eastern Shore. She escaped from slavery to become a leading abolitionist in Auburn, N.Y., who helped slaves escape through the Underground Railroad.

This discovery adds another puzzle piece to the story of Harriet Tubman, the state of Maryland, and our nation, said Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, who attended a news conference at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center at Church Creek, Maryland.

The archaeology team began searching for evidence linked to her father in November. When they returned in March to continue their search, Schablitsky and her team found artifacts dating to the 1800s, including nails, glass, dish fragments and even a button. On Tuesday, they announced confirmation that the artifacts were evidence of Rosss cabin.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought the 2,600-acre Peters Neck property for $6 million last year. The property contains 10 acres bequeathed to Ross by Anthony Thompson in the 1800s. As outlined in Thompsons will, Ross was to be freed five years after Thompsons death in 1836. Ben Ross was freed from slavery and received the land in the early 1840s.

When we protect vulnerable habitats, we help preserve the stories of those who came before us, like Harriet Tubmans father, Ben Ross, said USFWS Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System Cynthia Martinez. Acquiring Peters Neck last year was a critical addition to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, as the area is predicted to naturally convert to marsh by 2100 because of sea-level rise.

The Ben Ross home site will be highlighted on the historic Thompson Farm, where Ross and his family were enslaved. It will be added as a new point of interest to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. The byway is a 125-mile, self-guided scenic drive that includes more than 30 sites related to Harriet Tubmans life and legacy.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Ray Jaramillo was in the observation area at a South Valley medical center on Wednesday, after getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot, when in walked a bevy of television cameras, Secret Service agents, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and first lady Jill Biden.

He admitted he was a bit starstruck when Biden elbow bumped him and spoke briefly.

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................................................................

She was so gracious. She came up and asked me, What was your name, again?  Jaramillo said. It was a great thing, to be around people you believe in and trust.

Biden visited First Choice Community Healthcare, South Valley Medical Center, a nonprofit federally qualified health center, shortly after she arrived in Albuquerque on Wednesday afternoon. Albuquerque was the first leg on a three-day tour that will take her on to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona on Thursday and Friday.

It was the second visit to central New Mexico by a prominent spouse in a little over a month. Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, visited the Albuquerque area in March during a trip that also included a stop at a vaccination clinic.

On Wednesday, Biden was greeted on the tarmac at Albuquerque International Sunport by Lujan Grisham, Mayor Tim Keller, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez and others before heading to the medical center in the South Valley, where Moderna vaccines were being distributed.

A large motorcade that included Albuquerque and State Police officers blocked traffic throughout the South Valley to escort Biden to the medical center, where dozens of people gathered in the parking lot to try to catch a glimpse of her arrival.

Dr. Will Kaufman, the medical director, gave Biden and Lujan Grisham a tour of the facility.

Maria Corral was one of the patients getting vaccinated  and she was a little uneasy about it  then in walked the governor and first lady just as she was ready to get jabbed in the arm.

(Biden) asked me if I was nervous, and I say, Yeah, and she (tapped me on my shoulder) and said, Youre OK, youre OK,  Corral said.

Biden stood by Corral as she received the injection.

I cant look either. Look at me, Biden told her. It doesnt hurt. Really. Its mostly in your head.

Biden and Lujan Grisham spent a few minutes passing out stickers and buttons promoting the vaccine.

Tell all your friends to come, said the governor, while thanking people for getting shots.

Jocelyn Galvez, 18, and her mother, Viviana Galvez, got their COVID vaccines while the first lady was touring the facility. They each shared a brief conversation with Biden.

It felt acknowledging, Jocelyn said. New Mexico doesnt receive that much attention and to see the first lady show up when I was getting my vaccine, it was intense and I felt acknowledged.
FILE PHOTO: A nurse puts a used Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vial in a disposal box with empty vials at Messe Wien Congress Center, which has been set up as a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination centre, in Vienna, Austria February 7, 2021. REUT

By Francois Murphy and Francesco Guarascio

VIENNA/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union will ship over half a million COVID-19 shots to the Western Balkans by August using for the first time in the region a vaccine-sharing mechanism meant to help its poorer neighbours and to challenge Chinese and Russian influence.

The EU move comes after China and Russia distributed millions of doses of their vaccines in the region, whose countries are candidates to join the EU, and months after the EU vaccine-sharing mechanism was set up.

"Despite the current global shortage, the EU will deliver life-saving vaccines for the Western Balkans," Oliver Varhelyi, the EU commissioner responsible for the region, told a news conference on Tuesday.

The bloc plans to funnel 651,000 doses of BioNTech-Pfizer coronavirus vaccines from early May to Bosnia, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.

"With this initiative we are showing that we are not leaving the region behind," Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said.

His country, the successor state to an empire that once stretched deep into the Balkans, maintains close ties with countries in the region and is coordinating the shipping there of vaccines procured by the EU.

The European Commission outlined plans for a vaccine- sharing mechanism in January, but EU nations have struggled to share them with poorer neighbours amid supply delays that have hampered their own vaccine rollouts.

Serbia, the region's main recipient of Chinese and Russian shots, already has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe, and briefly shared some of its shots with neighbours.

Despite this help, the other five Balkan countries expected to receive EU doses have struggled to inoculate people. In Bosnia the shortage of vaccines has led to street protests.

The vaccines shared by the EU will be purchased with EU funds given to the Balkan countries.

Sending vaccines abroad remains a controversial topic in a phase when the global output of jabs is still insufficient to meet demand.

"There is absolutely no connection here to the provision of vaccines in Austria and in other (EU) member states," said Schallenberg, whose government faces growing public frustration with the slow pace of vaccinations.

"These doses are not from a national quota. These are vaccine doses that the EU explicitly secured from the beginning for the purpose of passing them on to partners."

An EU official said out of the 600 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines the EU has secured for this year, some were set aside for being shipped abroad.

Doses will be distributed according to which countries need them most, Schallenberg said. Bosnia will get the biggest share with 214,000 doses, followed by Albania with 145,000 and North Macedonia with 119,000. Serbia is last with 36,000.

($1 = 0.8309 euros)

(Reporting by Francois Murphy in Vienna and Francesco Guarascio in Brussels; Editing by Gareth Jones and Ed Osmond)
By Louis Menand

Farrar, Strauss and Giroux. 880 pp. $35

- - -

Last week, I was halfway through Louis Menand's "The Free World: Art and Thought in the Cold War" when an odd but troubling question crossed my mind: Does anyone still care about Lionel Trilling? Do you - the "you" who is reading this - even know who Trilling was or what he did? Menand devotes several pages to the subtleties of "The Liberal Imagination," Trilling's most famous essay collection, yet I'd bet that, despite a few aging disciples, the sad-eyed Columbia professor is now pretty much forgotten. That's true of a good many critics and pundits given ink in Menand's book - Clement Greenberg, Cleanth Brooks, Alfred Kazin, even Pauline Kael. We revered them once and followed their commandments, but there are new gods now.

Like it or not, the reality is that creative work - roughly speaking, art - tends to survive the years better than theory or criticism. So, among the subjects in "The Free World," we still recite Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" (or at least its opening, "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness"), revere the paintings of Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, and sing along with the Beatles hit parade. A single line from Jean-Paul Sartre's play, "No Exit" - "Hell is other people" - has outlasted the entirety of his existentialist treatise, "Being and Nothingness."

All things must pass, as George Harrison sang. But can't we sometimes slow them down a little? One function of literary journalism should be just what Menand does in "The Free World": Remind us of how much we've forgotten or neglected because of our widespread cultural amnesia. Take "The Liberal Imagination": Because of Menand, readers will know at least a little about it.

In their turn, some older readers may see in Menand - and I intend this as a compliment - the latest avatar of Will Durant. Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" (1926) and "The Story of Civilization" (11 volumes, most co-written with his wife, Ariel Durant) aimed to introduce the intellectual, political and artistic achievements of the past to a general public. The books were popular and immensely informative, smoothly blending biography, analysis and anecdote. This is Menand's formula, too, with the addition of a bright New Yorker magazine finish. While Durant was sometimes pooh-poohed by the snooty as middlebrow and facile, he nonetheless brought history to vivid life and made complex ideas understandable.

Until the last third of the 20th century, education broadly meant familiarity with the best that had been written or thought, discovered or imagined, painted or composed. The classics, in other words, the high spots. In my own childhood, adults still sent away for International Correspondence School courses, working men and women hurried to night classes after supper, and "30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary" by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis reached the bestseller list. High culture mattered. Leonard Bernstein taught music appreciation on television, Clifton Fadiman shared his infectious enthusiasm for great books in "The Lifetime Reading Plan," Dr. Bergen Evans discussed English usage on a weekly radio program titled "Words in the News."

Today we're liable to dismiss all this as an antiquated, even antiquarian, approach to what it means to be educated. To think that people once actually pored over books, scribbled on three-by-five note cards, wrote papers and paid homage to what Yeats called the "monuments of unageing intellect." How naive! In 2021, by contrast, the past - that seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of knowledge, culture and human achievement - is too often portrayed as little better than a vile sink of iniquity. With a smug sense of our own superiority, we downplay our ancestors' real accomplishments to dwell on their moral failings. Just wait till our grandchildren get hold of us. Good historians, like Menand and Durant, seek to understand and interpret; they aren't witch hunters and grand inquisitors.

To call someone "cultured" these days implies passivity and an out-of-touch prissiness. Activism - whether online or in the streets - defines our own touchy era, one for which Marx has supplied the motto: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." In that case, why bother with the philosophers at all? And as for interpreting the world, surely Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can do that for us. What more does one need?

Aristotle, the master of measure and nuance, believed that all men (and women) by their nature desire to know. Why is that? Because knowing things isn't just useful to humans, it's a source of pleasure. To mix half-lines of Pope and Keats, even a little learning is a joy forever. And a comfort too. In the midst of zealotry and chaos, I find a flicker of solace simply in remembering the title of an old book by George Saintsbury: "The Peace of the Augustans: A Survey of Eighteenth Century Literature as a Place of Rest and Refreshment." How pleasant to listen to Dr. Johnson pontificate! How soothing the prose of Addison! Mileage may vary.

Though more engage than restful, Menand's "The Free World" is comparably diverting, even at the basement level of the weird factoid. The avant-garde composer John Cage was - who knew? - an expert on mushrooms and actually won a quiz-show jackpot by identifying 24 varieties of a particular subspecies. Henry James - and I'll guess you won't see this coming - was the writer James Baldwin most admired. Simone de Beauvoir graduated second in philosophy from the Sorbonne - behind the radical religious thinker, Simone Weil. I love knowing or being reminded of things like this.

Reading Menand jump-started these rambling, somewhat pessimistic reflections. Does the past, in fact, still matter as it did in the heyday of Will Durant? In what ways? "The Free World" presents a long, panoramic tour of a paradigm-shifting era, yet will our future-oriented young people bother with it? While the book may win awards, like Menand's "The Metaphysical Club," it may still be secretly, if undeservedly, yawned over as nothing but - ho hum - ancient history.

- - -

Michael Dirda reviews books for The Washington Post each week.
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Police in Berlin fired tear gas as they tried to break up protesters today - as Germany's parliament approved a law to give Angela Merkel's government more powers to fight coronavirus.

Violent clashes broke out as anti-lockdown activists chanting 'Peace, freedom, no dictatorship!' tried to clamber over barriers and hurled bottles at riot cops.

Officers retaliated with pepper spray and arrested seven as they tried to break up the mass protest, which attracted thousands.

It came as parliament gave the nod to strict nationwide coronavirus rules after some of Germany's 16 federal states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Merkel's government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign.

The new law, which prescribes school closures and night-time curfews in areas with high infection rates, aims to end a political tug-of-war between the federal government and the regional states over virus restrictions.

Merkel drew up the law after some of Germany's 16 states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Her government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign.

The law was approved with the backing of 342 lawmakers while 250 voted against and 64 abstained.

A protester holds a poster reading 'Protect our children from this madness' during a demonstration against restrictions implemented by the government in order to limit the spread the coronavirus, in Berlin on April 21

Police officers carry away a demonstrator after police stop a protest rally against the German government's policy to battle the corona virus pandemic near the Brandenburg Gate

Riot police stand outside the Reichstag as people protesting against new legislative measures to rein in the coronavirus pandemic were gathering nearby on April 21

Police said on Twitter they would break up the protest because many in the crowds of demonstrators were not wearing face masks or keeping a distance from one another. Up to 2,200 officers were on duty in Berlin to manage the protests.

Seven people were detained after they attacked officers, while police had to use pepper spray against other demonstrators who threw bottles and tried to climb over barriers.

Several thousand protesters gathered in central Berlin, waving flags and placards, with many not wearing masks. About 2,000 police officers had been deployed in anticipation of the protests.

'Peace, freedom, no dictatorship!' some protestors chanted, many waving German flags and banners which said the coronavirus lockdown undermines values enshrined in the constitution.

Dubbed the 'emergency brake', the new law prescribes tough measures including sweeping shutdowns and overnight curfews in regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days.

It also forces schools to revert to virtual teaching in states where the incidence rate exceeds 165 - a tighter requirement than the 200 contained in an earlier draft of the law.

Riot police carry off a protester during a rally against the German government's coronavirus policy in Berlin

Dubbed the 'emergency brake', the law prescribes tough measures including sweeping shutdowns and overnight curfews in regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. Above, a protester is detained

Police officers carry away a demonstrator after police stop a protest rally against the German government's policy to battle the corona virus pandemic near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, April 21

Policemen walk off a protester during a demonstration against restrictions implemented by the government in order to limit the spread the coronavirus, in Berlin on April 21

Policemen walk off a protester during a demonstration against restrictions implemented by the government in order to limit the spread the coronavirus, in Berlin on April 21

Only one state had an incidence rate below 100 on Wednesday, while seven topped 165 - including the two most populous of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.

The proposals have come under fierce opposition, particularly the plans for curfews in a country still scarred by memories of Nazi and communist dictatorships that spied on citizens and stole their freedoms.

In the final draft presented on Monday, the proposed start time for the curfews was put back from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm and exceptions have been added for lone walkers and joggers before midnight.

Alexander Gauland, parliamentary head of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, said the government was fighting the pandemic with the wrong measures. 'They are stuck in their trenches,' he told the Bundestag debate on the law.

Ralph Brinkhaus, parliamentary leader of Merkel's Christian Democrats, said politicians had to balance civil liberties with the need to save lives. 'We are in a situation where too many people are dying,' he said.

Riot police carry off a protester during a rally against the German government's coronavirus policy in Berlin

Members of the police detain a demonstrator during a protest against the government measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease, on the day of discussion in the lower house of parliament Bundestag regarding additions for the Infection Protection Act, in Berlin, April 21

Demonstrators are sprayed with pepper spray during a protest against the government measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on the day of discussion in the lower house of parliament Bundestag regarding additions for the Infection Protection Act

But Ulf Buermeyer, head of the Society for Civil Rights (GFF), still called it 'unfair, unnecessary and unreasonable' in Der Spiegel news magazine on Tuesday.

The law needs a simple majority to pass through the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, before going to a second vote in the upper house, or Bundesrat, on Thursday.

Virus restrictions in Germany have so far been decided in consultations between Merkel and the leaders of the 16 states, with the regions ultimately responsible for implementing them.

But in many cases, regional leaders have failed to put in place shutdown measures which they agreed with Merkel, with many choosing broad interpretations of the rules.

For example, though the rules require the closure of non-essential shops when the incidence rate tops 100, many regions have allowed them to open to people with negative tests, and some have even allowed outdoor dining to resume.

Demonstrators react in front of police members during a protest against the government measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, on the day of discussion in the lower house of parliament Bundestag regarding additions for the Infection Protection Act

Riot police carry off a protester during a rally against the German government's coronavirus policy in Berlin. Defending the plan for tougher rules during a heated debate in parliament on Friday, Merkel pointed out that other countries have imposed far more restrictive measures

Riot police carry off a protester during a rally against the German government's coronavirus policy in Berlin. Some German states, including Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Baden-Wuerttemberg, have already sharpened their rules in anticipation of the new law

Merkel warned in a rare TV interview in March that she would not stand by and watch infection rates continue to rise, threatening the regional leaders with a change in the law if they did not play ball.

Defending the plan for tougher rules during a heated debate in parliament on Friday, Merkel pointed out that other countries have imposed far more restrictive measures.

'The third wave of the pandemic has our country firmly in its grip,' she said. 'The intensive care doctors are sending out one cry for help after another. Who are we if we ignore these emergency calls?'

eople protesting against new legislative measures to rein in the coronavirus pandemic scuffle with riot police not far from the Reichstag, where inside the Bundestag was scheduled to vote on the new law, on April 21

Police arrest a demonstrator during protests against new legislative measures to rein in the coronavirus pandemic not far from the Reichstag, where inside the Bundestag was scheduled to vote on the new law, on April 21. The measures have met strong opposition because they expand the authority of the federal government over Germany's 16 states in imposing lockdown measures. Specifically, Chancellor Merkel's push to enable the federal government to impose nationwide nightly curfews has drawn the ire of critics. Germany is currently in the midst of its third wave of the pandemic, brought on by the B117 variant

Protesters take part in a demonstration against restrictions implemented by the government in order to limit the spread the coronavirus, in Berlin on April 21. housands of protesters massed outside German parliament as lawmakers prepared to vote on a law amendment giving Angela Merkel's government power to impose tougher measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic

Some German states, including Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Baden-Wuerttemberg, have already sharpened their rules in anticipation of the new law.

But critics say it does not go far enough, with doctors and scientists calling for a quick, hard lockdown to bring infections under control while the country's vaccination effort picks up pace.

'A standardisation of the rules is welcome, but they are not far-reaching enough,' Thorsten Lehr, a professor of clinical pharmacy at Saarland University, told Der Spiegel.

Social Democrat MP and epidemiologist Karl Lauterbach told Die Welt newspaper the watered down curfews would 'extend the duration of the lockdown and, unfortunately, lead to unnecessary deaths'.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health agency reported 24,884 new cases in the past 24 hours on Wednesday and 331 deaths, with a national incidence rate of 160.
On Monday, after Iranian state news media reported that Brigadier General Mohammad Hosseinzadeh Hejazi, the deputy commander of the Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guard, had died of heart disease, there were immediate suspicions of foul play. An image from video released by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting shows centrifuge machines at the Natanz nuclear site. Credit:IRIB/AP Hejazi had long been a target of Israeli espionage, and the son of another prominent Quds Force commander insisted on Twitter that Hejazis death was not cardiac-related. A Revolutionary Guard spokesman failed to clear the air with a statement saying the general had died of the combined effects of extremely difficult assignments, a recent COVID-19 infection and exposure to chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq war. The general would have been the third high-ranking Iranian military official to be assassinated in the last 15 months. The United States killed General Qasem Soleimani, the leader of the Quds Force, in January 2020. Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Irans chief nuclear scientist and a brigadier general in the Revolutionary Guard, in November.

Even if Hejazi died of natural causes, the cumulative loss of three top generals was a significant blow. An image released from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting purportedly shows Resa Karimi, wanted in relation to the alleged attack on the Natanz nuclear facility. Credit:IRIB/AP The attacks represent an uptick in a long-running campaign by the intelligence services of Israel and the United States to subvert what they consider to be Irans threatening activities. Chief among them are a nuclear program that Iran insists is peaceful, Irans investment in proxy militias across the Arab world, and its development of precision-guided missiles for Hezbollah, the militant movement in Lebanon. An Israeli military intelligence document in 2019 said that Hejazi was a leading figure in the last two, as the commander of the Lebanese corps of the Quds Force and the leader of the guided missile project. Revolutionary Guard spokesman Ramezan Sharif said that Israel wanted to assassinate Hejazi.

Israel has been working to derail Irans nuclear program, which it considers a mortal threat, since it began. Israel is believed to have started assassinating key figures in the program in 2007, when a nuclear scientist at a uranium plant in Isfahan died in a mysterious gas leak. Loading In the years since, six other scientists and military officials have been assassinated. A seventh was wounded. Another top Quds Force commander, Rostam Ghasemi, said recently that he had narrowly escaped an Israeli assassination attempt during a visit to Lebanon in March. But assassination is just one tool in a campaign that operates on multiple levels and fronts.

In 2018, Israel carried out a daring night-time raid to steal 450 kilograms of secret nuclear program archives from a warehouse in Tehran. Israel has also reached around the world, tracking down equipment in other countries that is bound for Iran, to destroy it, conceal transponders in its packaging or install explosive devices to be detonated after the gear has been installed inside of Iran, according to a former high-ranking US intelligence official. Loading A former Israeli intelligence operative said that to compromise such equipment, she and another officer would drive by the factory and stage a crisis, such as a car accident or a heart attack, and the woman would appeal to the guards for help. That would get her enough access to the facility to identify its security system so that another team could break in and disable it, she said, speaking on condition of anonymity because she was not authorised to discuss covert operations. In an interview on Iranian state television last week, Irans former nuclear chief revealed the origins of an explosion in the Natanz nuclear plant in July. The explosives had been sealed inside a heavy desk that had been placed in the plant months earlier, said Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani, the former chief of Irans Atomic Energy Organisation.

The explosion ripped through a factory producing a new generation of centrifuges, setting back Irans nuclear enrichment program by months, officials said. Alireza Zakani, head of parliaments research centre, said Tuesday that in another case machinery from a nuclear site had been sent abroad for repair and was returned to Iran with 300 pounds of explosives packed inside it. Little is known about the more recent explosion at Natanz this month except that it destroyed the plants independent power system, which in turn destroyed thousands of centrifuges. It would have been difficult for Israel to carry out these operations without inside help from Iranians, and that may be what rankles Iran most. Security officials in Iran have prosecuted several Iranian citizens over the past decade, charging them with complicity in Israeli sabotage and assassination operations. The penalty is execution.

Loading But the infiltrations have also sullied the reputation of the intelligence wing of the Revolutionary Guard, which is responsible for guarding nuclear sites and scientists. A former Guard commander demanded a cleansing of the intelligence service, and Irans vice president, Eshaq Jahangiri, said that the unit responsible for security at Natanz should be be held accountable for its failures. The deputy head of parliament, Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, told the Iranian news media on Monday that it was no longer enough to blame Israel and the United States for such attacks. Iran needed to clean its own house. As a publication affiliated with the Guard, Mashregh News, put it last week: Why does the security of the nuclear facility act so irresponsibly that it gets hit twice from the same hole?

But the Revolutionary Guard answers only to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and so far there has been no sign of a top-down reshuffling. After each attack, Iran has struggled to respond, sometimes claiming to have identified those responsible only after they had left the country or saying that they remained at large. Iranian officials also insist that they have foiled other attacks. Calls for retaliation grow louder after each attack. Conservatives have accused the government of President Hassan Rouhani of weakness or of subjugating the countrys security to the nuclear talks in hopes they will lead to relief from US sanctions. Indeed, Iranian officials shifted to what they called strategic patience in the last year of the Trump administration, calculating that Israel sought to goad them into an open conflict that would eliminate the possibility of negotiations with a new Democratic administration. Both Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif have said they would not allow the attacks to derail the negotiations because lifting sanctions was the priority.

It is also possible that Iran has tried to retaliate but failed. Iran was blamed for a bomb that exploded near Israels Embassy in New Delhi in January, and 15 militants linked to Iran were arrested last month in Ethiopia for plotting to attack Israeli, American and Emirati targets. But any overt retaliation risks an overwhelming Israeli response. They are not in a hurry to start a war, said Talal Atrissi, a political science professor at the Lebanese University in Beirut. Retaliation means war. Conversely, the timing of Israels latest attack on Natanz suggested that Israel sought if not to derail the talks, to at least weaken Irans bargaining power. Israel opposed the 2015 nuclear agreement and opposes its resurrection.

The United States, seeking to negotiate with Iran in Vienna, said it was not involved in the attack but has not publicly criticised it either. And if the repeated Israeli attacks had the effect of fomenting a national paranoia, an intelligence official said, that was a side benefit for Israel. The additional steps Iran has taken to scan buildings for surveillance devices and plumb employees backgrounds to root out potential spies has slowed down the enrichment work, the official said. The conventional wisdom is that neither side wants full-scale war and is counting on the other not to escalate. But at the same time, the covert, region-wide shadow war between Israel and Iran has intensified with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria and tit for tat attacks on ships. But as Iran faces a struggling economy, rampant COVID-19 infections and other problems of poor governance, the pressure is on to reach a new agreement soon to remove economic sanctions, said Vakil of Chatham House. These low-level, gray zone attacks reveal that the Islamic Republic urgently needs to get the JCPOA back into a box to free up resources to address its other problems, she said, referring to the nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Mozambique has been rightly considered one of the most promising new frontiers of gas production in the world, the Rovuma Basin that is located along the border of Tanzania and Mozambique is assumed to hold up to 150 TCf and most of it in Mozambican territorial waters. Yet before our very eyes Mozambiques Cabo Delgado province, home to the Mozambique LNG project and potentially many more, is spiraling out of control under the constant onslaught of insurgents. The intoxicating feeling of a gas bonanza lurking around the corner, intertwined with sectarian overtones in a predominantly Christian country, have engendered one of Africas terrorist hotspots. Unfortunately for Mozambique and eventually for its population, too, the Islamic State-linked insurgency has the potential to scupper the entire nascent oil and gas industry in the country.

According to UN estimates more than 700 000 people have been displaced by the conflict since October 2017 and some 2 600 had been killed already, with the toll increasing by the day. Although Cabo Delgado is not as clear-cut a Muslim province as its western neighbour Niassa  in Cabo Delgado some 53% of the population adhere to Islam whilst 39% is Christian  it is located next to the bountiful shelf of the Indian Ocean and thus presents a much more interesting target for Islamist insurgents. Mozambique currently wields 3 ambitious LNG projects all of which were destined to be commissioned in the upcoming years  Mozambique LNG (12.88mtpa, 2023), Coral South FLNG (3.4mtpa, 2023), Rovuma LNG (15.2mtpa, 2024). The northernmost of the three, Mozambique LNG has been at the epicentre of the Cabo Delgado insurgency.

Following a series of attacks, Total has stopped construction works in December 2020 but still maintained staff at the site. Literally a couple of hours after the French major announced its intent to restart works in late March 2021, the city of Palma was run over by Ansar al Sunna (most likely a tragic coincidence), the shady militant group that has no purported aim or leader. There have been disputes whether the Islamic State can be linked to the Palma attacks, with some claiming that the polychrome composition of the gunmen (from Tanzanians to Somalis) renders it impossible to pinpoint the culprit exactly. Palma is the closest city to the Afungi LNG park where the liquefaction terminal will be located, being the main logistics hub.

Related Video: Drivers Get Ready For Summer Gas Shock

Following a 2-week fight for the city, the destroyed city was retaken by the Mozambican Army and the manifold private security companies participating in the battle. Apart from the insurrectionists themselves, another problem is that the underequipped Mozambican army is also far from being on top of its game, reportedly looting the city of Palma after it had freed the city in early April 2021. As insurgents have generally gotten closer and closer to the Afungi LNG park and there seems to exist very little guarantee that the Palma Attacks will not see a repetition, Total has now evacuated all its staff. This makes sense, considering that local reports insinuate that foreign contractors working on Mozambique LNG were targeted deliberately by the insurgents (2 contractors have died in the Battle of Palma). Whilst there has been no official communication on Mozambique LNG running into delay with all the insurgency-triggered downtime, perhaps due to the operator company (Total) not knowing how long this period of idleness will last in the end. According to initial plans, it should be commissioned in 2024. Almost all of Mozambique LNGs production capacity is already covered by long-term offtake agreements with international firms like Shell, CNOOC, EDF and the Tokyo Gas/Centrica JV, meaning that prospective LNG cargoes have already found their customers but are jeopardized by the breakdown of Mozambiques security. Although rarely talked about, Rovuma LNG has also stopped construction works following the Cabo Delgado attacks, implying that Mozambique LNGs delays will have a domino effect on others, too.

Related: Why Irans Return To Oil Markets Isnt A Major Threat



The main interaction to follow will be between Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG, operated by Total and ExxonMobil, respectively. Both use Palma as their logistics base, or rather would use in the case of Rovuma LNG as the project is still not sanctioned. It was assumed that Rovuma, whose price tag would be around $27-30 billion, would see its FID come into place in 2019 yet shaky economics and the COVID slump have repeatedly pushed the decision further out on the timeline. Now, with Mozambique LNG most likely out for the entire year in terms of construction, Rovuma LNG is highly likely to be postponed again. Against this background, there is virtually no possibility of ExxonMobil sticking to its initial 2022 commissioning objective with Rovuma LNG, the US major can consider itself lucky if it can meet the deadline of 2026/2027.

Where does this leave Mozambique in general? It is imperative that Mozambican security forces secure the 25-kilometer cordon around the Afungi LNG park (the city of Palma is 6-7km from the liquefaction terminal). Moreover, the army should also guarantee the same for Pemba, a port city to the south of Palma which has been the main logistics hub for the Coral South FLNG project  even though the offtake will be carried out from an FPSO, Coral South runs the same construction supply risks (not to speak of possible maritime attacks). Considering that Mozambique LNG is only 21-22% complete as of year-end 2020, the sooner Maputo manages to organize a military force strong enough to fend off any future attacks the smaller the damage from postponing the project  as things stand currently, there is no way Total can commission it in 2024 as the French major intended to originally.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Vietnam, Singapore to resume post-COVID commercial flights

Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a priority travel mechanism towards resuming safe commercial flights between the two countries in order to boost their economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation.













PM Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong





They will also increase the exchange of information and experience as well as cooperation to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating favourable conditions for the two countries citizens to return to their homes.



The agreement was reached during phone talks on April 20 between newly-elected Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.



Lee congratulated Chinh on the latters recent election as Prime Minister of Vietnam, and expects to collaborate with the new Vietnamese Government leader to promote the strategic partnership in all areas between Singapore and Vietnam.



The two PM expressed their delight at the positive developments of the Vietnam-Singapore cooperation in recent times despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, they noted Singapore is the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam, while the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) model is operating effectively, symbolizing the success in economic cooperation between the two countries.



Both sides consented to strengthen cooperation in the areas of their potential and strength, such as finance, information technology, agriculture and fisheries, education - training, and infrastructure.



They also underscored the need to expand bilateral cooperation to other areas to meet the requirements of the 4.0 industrial revolution, including clean energy, smart city development, innovation, digital economy; experience sharing in economic management and development, and high-quality human resource training.



Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the close and effective cooperation between the two countries at regional and international forums. He thanked Singapore for supporting Vietnam in assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 role, and asked Singapore to continue its support for Vietnam to fulfill its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.



The two PMs vowed to contribute positively to building a strong, united, ands resilient ASEAN Community which is proactive in adapting to any crisis while promoting its central role and having a common voice in addressing regional and international peace and security issues.



PM Chinh invited PM Lee to visit Vietnam at a convenient time, and the Singaporean leader accepted the invitation with pleasure. PM Lee also expressed his desire to welcome PM Chinh to Singapore some time later.
Jose Luis Magana, FRE / Associated Press

People on social media collectively gasped as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi thanked George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice directly after the police officer who killed him was convicted of murder on Tuesday.

Thank you George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice, for being there to call out to your mom  how heartbreaking was that  call out for your mom, I cant breathe, Pelosi said at a news conference with the Congressional Black Caucus following the verdict. But because of you and because of thousands, millions of people around the world who came out for justice, your name will always be synonymous with justice.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 21, 2021 - 16:25 | All, Coronavirus, Japan

Japan expects to receive 50 million additional doses of Pfizer Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called on the pharmaceutical firm to boost supplies, government sources said Wednesday.

Together with existing agreements with Pfizer for 144 million doses and Moderna Inc. for 50 million doses, Japan is now set to procure enough vaccine for the roughly 110 million people aged 16 or older.

Suga reiterated in a parliamentary session that the government expects to have supplies to cover everyone eligible by the end of September after requesting the additional doses in a phone call with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on Saturday.

But he declined to say how many additional doses were on the way or how much Japan would pay for them.

Japan's vaccine rollout has lagged behind other countries including Britain and the United States, held up by its slow approval process as well as early production delays at Pfizer's factory in Belgium and the European Union's export controls.

A little over 1.2 million health care workers and around 19,000 people aged 65 or older had received at least one of the two required shots as of Monday, according to government data, around 1 percent of the country's population.

Suga denied the claim by a senior member of his Liberal Democratic Party that it could take until the end of this year and possibly even part of next year to finish vaccinating the country's elderly, saying the government has received no such information from municipalities.

After people aged 65 and older, those with underlying conditions such as diabetes and workers at elderly care facilities are set to get their shots before the rest of the population.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has only approved the Pfizer vaccine so far, with the Moderna vaccine expected to be given the green light as early as next month.

Japan also has a supply agreement with AstraZeneca Plc for 120 million doses, but the approval process could be held up by overseas reports of rare cases of blood clots.
Noted Bengali poet Sankha Ghosh passed away on April 21 in the morning after being tested positive for COVID-19 infection. The 90-year-old Padma Bhushan awardee tested positive for coronavirus on April 14 and had quarantined himself at home but on April 20, his health conditions deteriorated and was put on ventilator support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and penned his heartfelt condolence to the poet while remembering his contributions to Bengali and Indian literature. He further mentioned that his works were highly appreciated and admired by the people.

PM Modi condoles death of Bengali poet Sankha Ghosh

Shri Shankha Ghosh will be remembered for his contributions to Bengali and Indian literature. His works were widely read and admired. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti, PM Modi tweeted. Apart from Modi, Jagat Prakash Nadda, National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), also paid his tribute to the renowned poet on Twitter. His tweet translated in English reads as, "I am deeply saddened by the death of renowned Bengali poet Sankha Ghosh, who was honoured with Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Rabindra Award, Saraswati Award, and Jnanpith Award. May his soul rest in peace."

Shri Shankha Ghosh will be remembered for his contributions to Bengali and Indian literature. His works were widely read and admired. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2021

Sankha Ghosh who was born at Chandpur in present-day Bangladesh belonged to the era of Bengali poets after Jibanananda Das. He was survived by his daughters Semanti and Srabanti, and wife Pratima. His ionic and memorable works have been translated into various languages including Hindi, English, and many more for the public to read and gain knowledge.

Ghosh had spent several years teaching at Delhi University, University of Iowa, and Visva Bharati. He has contributed a lot to the Bengali literature by writing some unforgettable pieces like Dinaguli Rataguli and Nihita Patalachaya are examples of the perfect application of control and proportion. Sankha Ghosh received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977 for Babar-er Prarthana. He was honoured with a second Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999.

(Image credit: PTI/ @Firhadhakim/ Twitter)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country's extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Japan's government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and several other prefectures, while Indian data showed on Wednesday there had been 295,041 new infections nationwide overnight and 2,023 deaths, India's highest in the pandemic.

Asked about media reports that Suga's trip to the two countries has been cancelled, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: "In order to take all possible coronavirus countermeasures, it has been decided Prime Minister Suga won't take any overseas trips during the Golden Week."

Japan and India are members of a group known as the Quad, which also includes the United States and Australia.

Quad leaders last month pledged to work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to cooperate on maritime, cyber and economic security, issues vital to the four democracies in the face of challenges from China.

Suga's India trip would have enabled him to hold his first in-person summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Suga has already held face-to-face talks with two other leaders from the Quad - U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

(Reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto, Elaine Lies and Ritsuko Ando, writing by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Kim Coghill)
My name is Ezeanozie Obinna. Im a 24-year-old panel beater.

My SARS story started with a bang at 2 a.m. on May 23, 2020. My sleep was interrupted by a loud noise at the gate that leads into my compound, which is in the town of Ekwulobia, Anambra State.

Now wide-awake, I stared through the window and saw someone jump over the fence into the compound. I heard another bang at the backyard door. My dog started barking.

Soon, there was a knock at my bedrooms door. The intruder was now at my doorstep.

It turned out not to be just an intruder, but intruders  six of them, in fact, scary men all carrying guns. I asked who they were and what the matter was. They said nothing was wrong, that they were security operatives. I was annoyed, and wondered what manner of security operatives would appear at a persons house at this ungodly hour. I immediately assumed they were local security men who had come to collect security fees or fines from those who had not yet paid.

But the men told me they were members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Arrested, taken out of town

They asked me to come with them. I begged them to allow me to call someone so I could let them know what was happening to me, but they refused and dragged me out of the room.

Outside, the men led me to a Toyota Hilux and asked me to give them five names of people who were cultists. Confused, I asked why they would ask me about cultists when I was neither a cultist nor knew anything about cultism.

In the Hilux, were other arrestees. The officers threw me into their midst. Like me, they had been forced out of their houses without knowing what was happening. We were all driven to the SARS station at Nnewi, a large town in Anambra State.

We reached Nnewi at about 4 a.m.

Tortured for denying cultism

At the station, we were asked to call family members to tell them where we were. I called my parents.

Later, the officers interrogated us, one after the other, mainly about cultists.

I maintained my stance: I was not a cultist, and I knew nothing about cultism.

For that answer, I suffered the same fate suffered by those who had denied being cultists: my hands and legs were tied behind my back and a rod inserted in between. I hung in the air, my face staring at the ground. Then the SARS officers began hitting me with sticks.

I wept and wept. It was unbearable. The SARS officers took a break, sat in a corner, and filled their mouths with alcohol.

Its time you speak the truth, one of them said to me. After drinking, one of the officers resumed the torture  mercilessly punching me. I screamed and wept. I was an absolute wreck.

Soon afterwards, when one of the SARS officers came and untied me, I remember slumping to the ground like a lifeless chicken.

At about 7 a.m. that same day, the SARS commandant asked us some questions about the cult group they accused us of being members of, and the names of the other members of that group.

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I was given a piece of paper and told to write that I was a cultist.

After that, the officers collected our phones, clothes, and shoes and led us into a cell, where we were all subjected to various degrees of bullying at the hands of old inmates.

We were given a series of punishments like mounting the wall which meant facing the wall and pretending to climb it. We were also ordered to pick pin which meant hanging one leg in the air and pointing one finger to the ground. As we performed the punishments, the inmates hit us with sticks.

At about 8 a.m., one of the SARS officers came into the cell and asked who Ezeanozie Obinna was. I answered. The officer told me to come out. I did.

Unexpected release

At that moment, I remembered that an inmate had warned that if the officers came in and called my name, I should not answer because it was believed they called out inmates to kill them. This information dawned on me as I walked out, and tears began to well up in my eyes.

But it turned out to be good news. The officer led me to the counter, where he told me that they (SARS officers) had received a call from a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who asked them to release me. The DPO had told them that I was not a cultist. He was my neighbour, and my parents had reported my arrest to him.

My belongings were returned. Six hours after I had been arrested and tortured, I was free. But I was weak, and to add insult to injury, I did not have a single Naira in my pocket.

Stranded

I sat on the stairs of the station and wept. I hoped any of the SARS officers would give me transport money. But no one did. Later, one of the SARS officers pushed me out of the station.

Outside, I stood by the gate for a while. Then I began acting like a gateman, opening the gate for whoever came in and went out, hoping that someone would notice me and give me money.

A man who happened to be the brother of one of the arrestees saw me and asked what the problem was. I told him that I had suffered the same fate as his brother. After the man had secured his brothers release, I followed both of them. Coincidentally, they also lived in Ekwulobia.

Lucky to get out alive without paying bribe

The two men were surprised to learn that I had not paid for my release. With SARS, people are priced like goods. Relatives and friends of those arrested pay huge sums to secure the release of their loved ones.

The officers would ask for, say, 100,000 naira, and if you say you do not have that amount, they would tell you to go home and come the next day.

Though I was lucky to escape paying an expensive sum for my release, I couldnt escape paying a lot of money to treat the injuries and wounds I sustained from being tortured. My hands were so useless, that a point, even feeding myself was a problem. For three weeks, I could not do anything.

My parents keep telling me they thank God I came out of that station alive.

I thank God, too.

__

This story is part of a multimedia project by Tiger Eye Foundation and media partners across Nigeria, documenting police brutality in Nigeria, and advocating police reform.
This combination photo shows Oscar nominees for best supporting actress, from left, Maria Bakalova in "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm," Glenn Close in "Hillbilly Elegy," Olivia Colman in "The Father," Amanda Seyfried in "Mank" and Youn Yuh-jung in "Minari." AP



South Korean screen veteran Youn Yuh-jung has risen to become a safe front-runner in the race for the 2021 Oscars' best supporting actress for her role in the immigration film "Minari," a poll by an American awards prediction website showed Wednesday.



As of 10 a.m., the 74-year-old actress garnered 4,583 votes from experts, editors and internet users to rank No. 1 in Gold Derby's Oscars race poll, greatly outpacing four other nominees in the category.



Maria Bakalova from "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" came in next with 582 votes, followed by Glenn Close from "Hillbilly Elegy," Olivia Colman from "The Father" and Amanda Seyfried from "Mank."



Youn also received 24 out of 27 votes from movie experts and swept all votes by editors and the websites' Top 24 and Star 24 users who showed accurate predictions for the past Academy Awards.



Among ordinary users, over 76 percent, or 4491, supported Youn as the best supporting actress for the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards slated for this Sunday (U.S. time).



"The chances of Youn walking away a winner seem pretty good at this point," Gold Derby wrote, adding that the supporting actress race has solidified in the past two weeks.



She became an odds-on favorite thanks to her recent victories in the leading precursors to the Oscars, including the U.S. Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.



In the drama film written and directed by Korean American Lee Isaac Chung, Youn played the role of Soon-ja, the grandmother who flies to rural Arkansas from South Korea to help out her daughter and her family, striving to build a new life in America.



She brings seeds of minari, a watery vegetable that easily survives everywhere and is robust in flavor, which serves as a metaphor for the first-generation immigrant family struggling to realize their own American dream.



The Associated Press also recently said the South Korean actress is taking the lead in the Oscars race.



"It's a difficult task to be both the comic relief and the heart of a film, but (Youn) pulls it off effortlessly which is why she probably will and should win," it said.



Should she get an Oscar trophy, it will be the first time a South Korean actor wins in the Oscars acting category in the country's cinema history of 102 years.



Meanwhile, "Minari" ranked third among Best Picture nominees for the Oscars in Gold Derby's predicted winners poll, following two American films, "Nomadland" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7." (Yonhap)


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Democrats Reintroduce Green New Deal; GOP Denounces Plan as Socialist Super-Package

Progressive Democrats reintroduced their signature climate change-fighting blueprint, this time in the form of a Senate resolution, with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) proclaiming in Washington on April 20 that the Green New Deal isnt just a resolution, it is a revolution, while Republicans denounced it as a socialist super-package.

First introduced in 2019 in the form of a non-binding House resolution (pdf), the essentially identical Senate version (pdf) of the Green New Deal seeks to eliminate U.S. greenhouse gas emissions within a decade, transition the economy away from fossil fuels, weave climate change imperatives into any infrastructure bill considered by Congress, along with a medley of progressive social justice priorities in areas such as race relations and income disparities.

The green new disaster is back, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, said in a statement. Free market innovation is the best way to protect our air, water, and communitiesnot heavy-handed government regulation or taxation.

While touting the Green New Deal as a revolution, Markey said the proposal provides the framework we need to confront the intersecting crises our country facesclimate change, a public health pandemic, racial injustice, and economic inequality.

We can transform our economy and our democracy for all Americans by addressing the generational challenge of climate change, he added.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who joined Markey at the reboot, reinforced the plans sweeping and revolutionary zest.

Were going to transition to a 100 percent carbon free-economy, that is more unionized, more just, more dignified, and guarantees more health care and housing than we ever have before, Ocasio-Cortez said at the press conference. Do we intend on sending a message to the Biden administration that we need to go bigger and bolder? The answer is absolutely yes.

Since it was unveiled two years ago, the Green New Deal has become a lightning rod of criticism from conservatives and industry experts. Some critics have called it part of a socialistic effort to push the economy off its free-market foundations and, in the words of Marc Morano, author of the book Green Fraud: Why the Green New Deal is Even Worse Than You Think, its imbued with the overarching aim of controlling every aspect of your life.

Republicans were quick to push back following the relaunch of the green blueprint.

The Green New Deal is a socialist super-package which will only saddle hard-working taxpayers with debt and displace millions of Americans from their jobs, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the ranking Republican member of the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement. Democrats will stop at nothing to push their progressive pet projects on the American people.

True to its name, the Green New Deal is the most amateurish resolution in recent memory, Environment Subcommittee ranking Republican Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said in a statement. This legislation would change every aspect of American lifewhat we eat, how we travel, how we stay warm, and even what jobs we can take. This is no way to govern. Simply putThe Green New Deal is an attempt to disguise socialism in the name of environmental protections.

It wasnt immediately clear whether the plan would receive a significantly warmer reception from President Joe Bidens administration than it did from the administration of former President Donald Trump, who, in 2019, had denounced the Green New Deal.

Itll kill millions of jobs. Itll crush the dreams of the poorest Americans and disproportionately harm minority communities. I will not stand for it, Trump said at the time. We will defend the environment, but we will also defend American sovereignty, American prosperity, and we will defend American jobs.

Biden, while campaigning for president, sought to distance himself from the Green New Deal, saying that he had his own Biden plan that was different from what he called the radical Green New Deal. Still, the Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice references the controversial legislative proposal as its underpinnings.

The president, who is hosting an online climate summit this week and announced in January that the United States would rejoin the 2015 Paris Agreement to fight climate change, has promised to put the country on track to net-zero emissions by 2050a much later deadline than set out in the Green New Deal.

Markey confirmed to reporters at the press event that he wants to go further than Bidens plan.

Yes. We believe that this is the moment that requires us to act big, think big, have a program that matches the magnitude of the problem that were confronted with, Markey said.

Besides being denounced by Republicans, the Green New Deal is likely to face opposition from moderate Democrats, such as Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who voted against the measure in 2019 and reportedly said on April 20 that the Green New Deal is not practical, it doesnt work really if youre talking about global climate, and you cant eliminate your way to a cleaner environment, you have to innovate your way.

The Green New Deal calls for 100 percent of power demand to be met from zero-emission energy sources such as wind and solar, modernizing transportation infrastructure, cutting carbon emissions from the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, as well as making buildings and homes more energy-efficient. It also aims to create an economic safety net for communities affected by climate change and the shift away from fossil fuel use, including through guarantees of health care, jobs, and job training.

Morano, in an interview with The Epoch Times Crossroads program, argued against a heavy-handed regulatory approach to combat climate change, warning that if progressives get their way, there would be climate lockdowns of the kind that have been seen under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Emmanuel Dankwa Osafo, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Engineering and Operations of the Volta River Authority (VRA), says actual construction work on the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam and Irrigation project would start this year.



He said they had spent some time in designs, data collection and surveys, among others and would be liaising with other state agencies to discuss the resettlement of people presently occupying the area that would be covered by the reservoir.



On paper we have, but we have gone on the field and marked, so everybody knows which areas will be affected. All these have been documented for purposes of compensation and relocation, he said.



Mr Osafo said this in an interview with journalists in Bolgatanga during a stakeholders validation meeting on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam and Irrigation project.



He said if all documentations and settlements were completed, and the land acquired through legitimate means, the actual construction of the dam would start.



So the project has started. We have come out with an EIA, a resettlement action plan to discuss with all stakeholders, but construction of the dam itself will start when we finish with all these processes. God willing, we will start this year, he said.



Mr Osafo said the project had four key objectives, the capacity to generate 59.6 megawatts (MW) of hydropower, 50MW of solar power, develop irrigation potential for the cultivation of 25,000 hectares of land and develop fisheries resources of the White Volta and the floor control element.



For floor control, we know the perinatal problems that people in the Upper East Region have concerning flooring, especially during the rainy season. It is our aim that by the time we finish with the construction of the dam, we will mitigate it as much as possible.



Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister said, I am refreshed by the assurances from the VRA that the completion of the EIA report will enable the acceleration of physical work on the project.



He said the project was on course and remained the game-changer for the social and economic transformation of Northern Ghana and everything is being done to bring that to fruition.



Mr Yakubu said it was the first time a government was investing about one billion dollars in the lives of the people of Northern Ghana in the areas of power generation, agriculture and employment.



He was confident that the EIA report would be acceptable to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and beneficial to the people of the catchment area.



The Minister said apart from the diligent work done in producing the draft report, the stakeholder engagement offered them the opportunity to make inputs to enrich the report.



Luckily, we have the right mix of agencies and stakeholders who will bring their diverse interests and expertise to bear in making the document acceptable, the Minister, who is also the immediate past Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Morocco, said.



Mr Yakubu also emphasized that the success of the project would largely depend on how the media adequately served as a reliable interface between implementers and the beneficiary communities.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in November 2019 cut the sod for the commencement of construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Irrigation Dam Project in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.









Source: GNA









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WASHINGTON, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kellen S., the 15-year-old from Oregon who started the viral Justice for George Floyd petition, declared victory on her petition today after a Minneapolis jury convicted Derek Chauvin on three counts of murder. With nearly 20 million supporters, the Justice for George Floyd petition was the largest of all time and helped spark a larger racial justice movement worldwide.

"Almost a year ago, I called for Justice for George Floyd. Millions of you stood with the black community and other people who wanted to see Derek Chauvin convicted. It was not just my fight. It was all of ours," said Kellen S. "This is a victory for all of us but most of all George Floyd and his family. I hope this will set a precedent for future police brutality cases. We will not tolerate racism and abuse of power! Thank you to all who have followed and supported this petition. I couldn't have done it without you. And thank you to Change.org for your amazing support."

"We unite in solidarity with signers, petition starters, our members and Black colleagues," said Nick Allardice, Acting CEO of Change.org. "We join their call for justice and accountability. The lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor and so many more mattered. Black lives matter."

For nearly one year after George Floyd's death, supporters mobilized to bring attention to police brutality around the country. In July and August 2020, Change.org launched " A Monumental Change: The George Floyd Hologram Memorial Project ," during which a hologram of George Floyd temporarily replaced spaces that were formerly occupied by racist symbols of America's dark Confederate past. Last week, Change.org also released a video featuring poet Adan Bean reciting his powerful poem 'In honor of George.'

The momentum behind the Justice for George Floyd petition brought new attention to racial justice in the United States and worldwide. Millions signed petitions for Breonna Taylor , Elijah McClain and other victims of police brutality, making racial justice the largest-growing petition topic on Change.org in 2020. In 2021, the call for systematic change has continued with petitions calling for Justice for Daunte Wright and numerous clemency petitions addressing systemic racial inequality in the criminal justice system.

George Floyd's legacy lives on with a petition started by T.C. Matthews calling for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act , historic legislation that would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, among other systemic police reforms. The bill has passed the U.S. House, and this verdict and the public support behind the legislation represented by the petition could send a loud message to the U.S. Senate to take up debate on the bill.

For more information, including signatures and comments from millions of petition signers supporting Justice for George Floyd, visit Change.org/George . For media inquiries, please contact Amanda Mustafic at [email protected] .

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Convictions like Chauvins are extraordinarily rare. Out of the thousands of deadly police shootings in the US since 2005, fewer than 140 officers have been charged and just seven convicted of murder, according to data maintained by Phil Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University. This is a success, but there are so many more unjust murders that still need reckoning, that we still need to address, said Princess Blanding, a Virginia gubernatorial candidate whose brother was killed by Richmond police. Marcus-David Peters, who was black, was fatally shot by a black police officer during a mental health crisis after he ran naked onto an interstate highway and charged at the officer. In Columbus, Bryant had been swinging a knife wildly at another girl or woman pinned against a car when the officer fired after shouting at the girl to get down, according to police and body camera video released within hours of the shooting. The mayor mourned the 16-year-olds death but said the officer had acted to protect someone else. Kimberly Shepherd, who lives in the neighbourhood where Bryant was killed, had been celebrating the guilty verdict in Floyds killing when she heard the news about the teenager.

We were happy about the verdict. But you couldnt even enjoy that, Shepherd said. Because as youre getting one phone call that he was guilty, Im getting the next phone call that this is happening in my neighbourhood. In Chauvins case, by contrast, mobile phone video seen around the world showed the white officer pressing his knee to the black mans neck for more than nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air. It sparked protests across the US, Australia and much of the world, and Chauvins fellow officers took the extraordinary step of testifying against him. As we look to future prosecution, the question is going to be: is this perhaps the beginning of a new era, where those walls of silence are not impenetrable? said Miriam Krinsky, a former federal prosecutor and executive director of the reform-minded group Fair and Just Prosecution. Chauvins case could also make future juries more sceptical of police, she said. On Thursday, US time, a funeral will be held for Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black motorist who was shot during a traffic stop earlier this month in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, just a few kilometres from the court where the Chauvin trial unfolded. In Chicago last month, 13-year-old Adam Toledo was fatally shot less than a second after he tossed a gun and began raising his hands as an officer had commanded. Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor was jailed for the killing of Australian Justine Ruszczyk Damond. Credit:Star Tribune/AP

Police officer Kim Potter, who is white, has been charged with second-degree murder in Wrights shooting. The former police chief said Potter mistakenly fired her handgun when she meant to use her Taser. She resigned afterwards and was charged with second-degree manslaughter. Wrights family has called for more serious charges, comparing her case to the murder charge brought against Mohamed Noor, a black officer, who killed Australian Justine Ruszczyk Damond, a white woman, in nearby Minneapolis in 2017. The Cook County state attorneys office will decide whether to charge Eric Stillman, the white police officer who shot Adam in a Chicago alley on March 29 in Little Village, a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood in the south-west side. The boy, who was Latino, appeared to drop a handgun moments before the officer shot him. The graphic video of the boys death sparked outrage across the US, but some legal experts have said they dont believe Stillman could or should be charged under criteria established by a landmark 1989 Supreme Court ruling on the use of force by police. A citizen speaks with an officer in front of the municipal building after a deputy shot and killed a black man while executing a search warrant in North Carolina on Thursday (AEST). Credit:AP Instead of just prosecuting officers after shootings happen, more must be done to prevent such encounters from happening in the first place, said Eugene Collins, who was a local organiser for the NAACPs Baton Rouge, Louisiana, branch when Alton Sterling, a black man selling CDs in front of a convenience store, was shot and killed by a white police officer in July 2016. The two officers involved in the encounter werent charged in his death. Were pulled over more, stopped and frisked more, said Collins, now head of the NAACP branch. Its about putting responsibility on the policymakers.

Activists say the fight for police reform and a more just legal system is far from over. Rachael Rollins, the first woman of colour to become district attorney in Massachusetts, said it must start in part by breaking down the misconception that questioning the police or suggesting ways they can improve means you dont back the blue. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The police have an incredibly hard job, and believe me, I know there are violent people that harm community and police but thats not all of us. So we have to acknowledge that its not working and we have to sit together to come up with solutions, but its urgent, said Rollins, the district attorney for Suffolk County, which includes Boston. Im afraid, Im exhausted and Im the chief law enforcement officer so imagine what other people feel like, she said.

Local NAACP leader Keith Rivers said Brown was black. Loading Wooten did not identify the deputy and did not say what the warrant was for. Court records show Brown was 42 years old and had a history of drug charges and a misdemeanour drug possession conviction. The deputy was wearing an active body camera at the time of the shooting, said Wooten, who declined to say how many shots the deputy fired or release any other details, citing a pending review by the State Bureau of Investigation. WAVY-TV reported that neighbours heard multiple shots. A car removed from the scene appeared to have multiple bullet holes and a broken rear windshield.

Among the roughly 100 people who gathered at the scene of the shooting was Rivers, president of the Pasquotank County chapter of the NAACP, who criticised the sheriffs office for taking hours to release details. Loading When is it going to stop? We just got a verdict yesterday, Rivers said in a phone interview, referring to the guilty verdicts handed down in the Chauvin trial. Is it open season now? At some point, it has to stop. We have to start holding the people in charge accountable. Browns grandmother, Lydia Brown, and his aunt, Clarissa Brown Gibson, said they learnt about his death through a TV news report. Both said they wanted the shooting thoroughly investigated.
"We're on a mission to make all our menu items as craveable and delicious as we can  great food made with ingredients guests can feel good about," said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.

"The launch earlier this year of freshly cracked eggs for our breakfast sandwiches reflects our commitment to sourcing amazing ingredients  we only use 100 per cent Canadian Grade A large eggs  and that commitment extends to Canada's favourite coffee, which is brewed every 20 minutes with 100 per cent premium Arabica coffee beans."

Tim Hortons is also committed to sourcing key ingredients domestically as much as possible. In Canada, our milk, cream, butter, cheese, eggs, and potatoes for our hash browns and wedges are sourced from Canadian farmers and suppliers.

On Tuesday, Tim Hortons detailed the people and communities pillar of Tims For Good, which includes charitable fundraising campaigns like Camp Day and Smile Cookie that have together raised more than $275 million since they were first launched.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Tim Hortons has partnered with its 1,500 restaurant owners across Canada to support frontline workers with donations of coffee and food to say thank you for keeping all of us supported each and every day. So far this year, we have donated more than 100,000 coffees and baked goods to essential workers across the country.

We will detail the planet pillar of Tims For Good tomorrow.

About Tim Hortons Canada

In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages  including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps  alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca.

SOURCE Tim Hortons

For further information: [email protected]
The father of a seven-year-girl who was shot dead in a possible gang-related shooting outside a Chicago McDonald's posted on social media that his rivals may have waiting for him just hours before the gunfire erupted.

Jontae Adams, 29, and his daughter, Jaslyn, were in their car in a McDonald's parking lot on Sunday afternoon when two people started spraying them with bullets.

The little girl was shot repeatedly and was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Her father, who is a rapper with prior drug convictions, was shot in the torso and remains in the hospital.

Police, who have released few details about the incident, believe the shooting was gang related.

Jontae Adams, 29, and his seven-year-old daughter, Jaslyn, were in their car in a McDonald's parking lot on Sunday afternoon when two people started spraying them with bullets

Just hours before the shooting unfolded, Adams - who goes by the rapper name Tilla - had posted on his Facebook that rivals were likely waiting for him. 'Opps' is a slang word for opposition

Just hours before the shooting unfolded, Adams - who goes by the rapper name Tilla - had posted on his Facebook that rivals were likely waiting for him.

'Opps prolly downstairs waiting on me,' he wrote. 'Opps' is a slang word for opposition.

His mother, LaWanda McMullen, confirmed after the deadly shooting that her son was involved with gangs.

'I'm not going to sit here and lie and say he wasn't involved in gangs,' McMullen told the Chicago Sun Times.

'It was gang related and just stupidity.'

According to court records, Adams was convicted of an unspecified drugs offense in 2016 and was arrested for possession of heroin in 2018.

He was out on parole for the 2018 drug conviction at the time of the shooting.

In 2012, he was also one of several suspected gang members arrested for operating an open-air heroin market in a Chicago neighborhood.

Police investigate a crime scene where Jontae Adams, 28, and his daughter Jaslyn, 7, where shot on Sunday afternoon. Police, who have released few details about the incident, believe the shooting was gang related

The shooting unfolded at about 4.20pm on Sunday in the McDonald's parking lot. A McDonald's employee who asked not to be named said two people got out of a gray car in the drive-thru and started shooting at his car

Detectives are still investigating what sparked the shooting and said no arrests have been made.

They believe the McDonald's shooting is linked to another that occurred less than three hours later that left two people injured outside a Popeyes.

In that second shooting, a 33-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were at a Popeyes drive-thru window when a gunman opened fire on them.

The man was shot in the leg and the woman suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen.

Meanwhile, Adams remains in a stable condition in hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.

He has been sharing multiple videos and photos of his daughter in the wake of her killing.

One of the images he shared was a text message exchange Jaslyn was having with an aunt while they were on their way to the McDonald's.

The shooting unfolded at about 4.20pm on Sunday in the McDonald's parking lot.

Jaslyn Adams, 7, was hit multiple time and rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead

Adams has been sharing multiple videos and photos of his daughter in the wake of her killing. One of the images he shared was a text message exchange Jaslyn was having with an aunt while they were on their way to the McDonald's

According to court records, Adams was convicted of an unspecified drugs offense in 2016 and was arrested for possession of heroin in 2018. He was out on patrol for the 2018 drug conviction at the time of the shooting

A McDonald's employee who asked not to be named said two people got out of a gray car in the drive-thru and started shooting at his car.

Images from the scene show the car sprayed with bullet holes and shell casings were seen all around the vehicle.

Distressing video showed police pulling Jaslyn's body from the car and putting her in a police car to rush her to hospital.

A person can be heard shouting: 'Oh s***! They killed a baby!'

Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Jaslyn was shot several times before her death.

The bullets stuck the girl's body 'multiple times'.

A memorial was held outside the McDonald's on Monday where staff, police and loved ones released about 100 pink balloons in Jaslyn's honor.

Jaslyn was a first grade student at Cameron Elementary School and family say they called her Pinky because it was her favorite color.

She loved to dance and make TikTok videos, her family said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  Gabriela Party Rep. Arlene Brosas on Wednesday lamented the lack of implementation guidelines on indemnifying vaccine recipients who may experience serious side effects after receiving a coronavirus shot more than a month since the local inoculation drive started.

"PhilHealth is currently finalizing the specific guidelines for approval of the board and then eventually the management," Dr. Mary Antonette Remonte of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation told a House hearing when Brosas asked for a copy of the indemnification guidelines.

"We have to study carefully the law as well as we have to consider the available resources as provided by law," Remonte added, noting that the "indemnification fund is new" and that PhilHealth does not have much experience in managing this.

In response, Brosas said she cannot grasp why that is the case.

"Hindi ko po maintindihan kung bakit wala tayong guidelines [until] now," she said.

[Translation: I cannot understand why we still do not have guidelines until now.]

"Delikado po ito sa mga mamamayan natin na nag-avail na kung nagkaroon man ng adverse effect sa kanila, paano natin ito maibibigay sa kanila," Brosas added.

[Translation: This is dangerous for our citizens who have availed of the vaccines. In the event of adverse effects, how are we going to compensate them?]

The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in February to speed up the immunization program. It allocated 500 million for the COVID-19 National Vaccine Immunity Fund.

The country has vaccinated over 1.5 million Filipinos since it began rolling out the immunization program on March 1.

The government is conducting simultaneous vaccination of healthcare workers, the elderly, and persons with comorbidities in light of the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases.

It aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos -- or 63 percent of the 110 million population -- this year to achieve herd immunity.
[April 21, 2021] FIS Opens New Growth Opportunities for Global Brands with Worldpay Domestic Acquiring Expansion into South Africa, Nigeria and Malaysia

Continuing to build its footprint as a leading global acquirer, financial technology leader FIS (NYSE: FIS) announced today that it is expanding its payment processing capabilities into the rapidly growing markets of Malaysia, South Africa and Nigeria. FIS has secured a domestic acquiring license in Malaysia to provide its Worldpay payment processing platform. In South Africa and Nigeria, FIS is offering domestic payment processing services through its previously announced agreement with payments technology company Flutterwave, a 2016 graduate of the FIS Accelerator program. Through its Worldpay product portfolio, FIS processes billions of transactions annually across 146 countries and more than 300 payments types in 126 currencies. As part of its growth strategy, FIS aims to enhance its merchant acquiring presence in additional markets-enabling the company to offer its world-class payment services to local companies with global ambitions as well as rapidly growing enterprises looking to expand in these regions. "The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technology and fueled the growth of eCommerce around the world," said Jim Johnson, Head of Merchant Solutions at FIS. "Emerging markets across Southeast Asia and Africa present fresh opportunitiesfor global businesses. These new markets are also home to a new generation of ambitious high-growth regional brands looking to expand their footprint. Our goal at FIS is to be a true partner to these enterprises, passporting them to success wherever in world they want to be."



The recently published 2021 Global Payments Report by Worldpay from FIS projected that Malaysia's eCommerce market will increase 71 percent by 2024, driven by mobile shopping. Over the same period in Nigeria, online commerce via mobile devices is projected to more than double. In South Africa, the eCommerce industry is projected to be worth $9 billion by 2024 with mobile accounting for a third of the spend. Merchants doing business in these countries will be able to take advantage of Worldpay's advanced acquiring capabilities which includes authorization, clearing and settlement, dispute management and data insights. Merchants will also benefit from a seamless payments experience through a single point of integration-helping to increase acceptance, improve customer experience, and reduce fraud.

FIS complements its acquiring and payment processing capabilities in these countries with a growing network of regional payments consultants that provide merchants with in-country expertise, helping them tailor their payments offerings to the local audience. In addition to Africa and Malaysia, FIS has recently added new consultants in Germany, Iberia, the Nordics, and other European locations. "We understand that payments are personal, and merchants need local understanding of consumer behavior to ensure success," Johnson said. "That's why we continue to invest in deepening our global capabilities to support the growth of our merchants and fuel smarter commerce across the world." About FIS FIS is a leading provider of technology solutions for merchants, banks and capital markets firms globally. Our employees are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests by applying our scale, deep expertise and data-driven insights. We help our clients use technology in innovative ways to solve business-critical challenges and deliver superior experiences for their customers. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a Fortune 500 company and is a member of Standard & Poor's 500 Index. To learn more, visit www.fisglobal.com. Follow FIS on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (News - Alert) (@FISGlobal). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005075/en/

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North Adams Finance Committee Reviews General Govt Budget

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The Finance Committee last week began its review of the proposed fiscal 2022 budget starting with the proposed $1,401,608 General Government section.

On Wednesday, it will be looking at Public Safety.

Mayor Thomas Bernard cautioned that the figures being presented were not set in stone.

"This is an extremely preliminary look at where we are in the budget, some of the categories in General Government are still under review," he said. "We'll be tweaking those for a while, as we as we go forward but this is this is where we are at the starting point of the budget."

The General Government budget is up 12 percent, or $156,083, over this year's budget of $1,245,525. Bernard reminded the committee that this year's budget line had been reduced by moving some items to reserve accounts to balance the full budget for what was expected to be a tough fiscal year because of the pandemic.

The mayor said some of the drivers behind the increase is restoring funding for items offset this year, a full-time planner in the Community Development Office, and 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase for non-union employees, largely administrative and City Hall staff.

"The goal of the planner position would specifically be to support planning efforts in the Office of Community Development around some major initiatives like the hazard mitigation and municipal vulnerability preparedness plan, as well as addressing the interest that the council has in a position that could have responsibility for grants," he said. "So the language on that is planner because that is the term that we use, we don't have a specific grant person in the compensation plan."

Bernard said the office is really community and economic development. "I'd like to see us treating it that way, both in the budget and in practice," he said.

The purchasing position is a question mark at this point. The mayor didn't think there was enough work for a full-time position but that there could be if it was joined with a fiscal compliance officer as it had been in the past. Or the responsibilities could be taken on by an existing department.

Salaries for these positions are partly offset by Community Development Block Grants.

Some line items were up slightly for more part-time help in the auditor and city clerk's offices, outside auditing services at $26,000, mail-in ballots for elections and legal representation, by $5,000."

The information and technology line is up $23,000 for licensing and equipment, largely to update the city's financial system from its current 1995-era software.

"It will also mean that we are not having to run as much legacy equipment," the mayor said. "The costs associated with upgrading the finance system will get us into, if not the 21st certainly the late 20th century."

The budget also includes bringing the Office of Tourism back to full time, with the expectation there will be more activity. The office was largely dormant last year because the pandemic forced the cancellation of events and the tourism director was moved into the Office of Community Development.

"I'm glad that the director of tourism had the skill and the willingness to step up and move into a much different type of position and help us out so that we didn't have to fill a position and pay a bunch of unemployment, and you were able to just keep things running smoothly," said Chairwoman Lisa Blackmer.

Bernard signaled that the city would be going aggressively after property tax scofflaws in the coming year by funding the foreclosure line at $30,000, three times that of this year's line.

"This year we're looking to budget $30,000 in order to take a number of properties through through Land Court into foreclosure," he said. "And try to address some of those deficient properties and get those back on the tax rolls."

He estimated this would target about a dozen properties that could then be sold. Last fall's auction of properties netted about $127,000; a second auction is being planned this spring.

The budget presented last Tuesday does not take into account the possibility of setting up an enterprise fund for the Hoosac Water Quality District or anticipated revenues from the federal American Rescue Plan money.

"We've had some conversations internally about transitioning the [Hoosac Water Quality District] to an enterprise fund, and we're not prepared to talk about this specific event tonight," he said. "But if we made that move, you would change the unclassified category ... and then the budget at this moment does not fully account for funding through the American Recovery Plan Act simply because we don't have all of the guidance and guidelines on that stimulus account at this point."

Officials in this and the last administration had floated the idea of apportioning off some accounts into enterprise funds. These funds would take in revenues from specific entities to support them. Sewer users, for instance, would pay into an HQWD fund rather than the revenue going into the general fund.

Resident and pilot Trevor Gilman attended the Zoom meeting to advocate for the airport to have an enterprise fund, saying the state and federal government had told the city that revenues needed to be kept separate. He also thought other entities, such as Windsor Lake, should have enterprise funds.

Since the airport is part of the Public Service budget, the mayor said he wasn't prepared to speak on it. In a prior meeting, he said the anticipated federal funds could provide the opportunity for enterprise funds to be set up, depending on the guidelines for their use.

Blackmer flagged an unusual increase in an IT salary and member Wayne Wilkinson asked about parking meters being out of service. Bernard said he would check on these and that the Traffic Commission would be deciding at its next meeting on resuming meters that have been off since the start of the pandemic.
A dairy farmer has built a large glasshouse and biogas plant on his Scottish Borders farm in an attempt to put his family business on a sounder footing.

The Shanks family are fifth generation farmers who have been based at Standhill Farm, Hawick in the heart of the Scottish Borders since 1971.

The family remain one of the few farms still running dairy cattle in the area.

But Jim Shanks says that the industry has been in gradual decline since they moved to the farm in Hawick.

Despite the huge commitment and uncertain margins, the family have continued milking because of their emotional attachment to it.

It was that uncertainty in dairying that pushed Jim to look at ways of adapting to find more stability for their business.

This eventually led him to create the thriving tomato growing setup that is now well established on the farm.

Future proofing

Jim first got into the family farming business when he came back from college in 1999.

But it was ten years later when he did a Nuffield Scholarship that he decided the farm needed to adapt.

He said: I realised that the sun was shining on the business; we had single farm payment and a Tesco contract for the milk.

"But both of those things had been given, and what is given can also be taken away, so I wanted us to be on a sounder footing going forward.

At that time there was a lot of discussion around energy in agriculture, and so Jim chose it as a topic to study on his scholarship.

I went around Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and America meeting so many interesting people who just filled my head with ideas.

"I came back thinking wind turbines and biogas are where the potential is, he said.

I tried twice to get applications for wind turbines through, but I did not get a thing. I fought like a dog, but I just could not get planning permission.

"We had much more success with the biogas plant, we struggled to get a grid connection at first, but once we had that we were able to go ahead with the plant.

Big steps

Having made the decision to build the biogas plant, it occurred to Jim that it would make sense to use that alongside some form of glasshouse.

He said: I travelled around knocking on peoples doors, and I studied glasshouses and tomatoes for a number of years.

The Shanks' are in their sixth year of growing and are currently selling to Morrisons and Asda

"Because of that I knew exactly what did and did not work in the running of these businesses.

"It was a massive investment for us, we were dealing with numbers that had an extra nought on the end compared to what we were used to, so we had to get it right.

Whilst the tomato business is now very successful, Jim said that it has been far from an easy ride.

He explained: If you do something like this you have got to really want it, without having that bug it is not going to work.

"There are difficult decisions to make, and you have to get your sleeves rolled up and work hard.

"I was very determined that we would not fail and be left with a bad reputation with the bank."

The operation

The Shanks now have a high performing biogas plant and a 4 acre glasshouse: The glasshouse was built in 2016 and our first growing season was in 2017.

"We are now in our sixth year of growing and are currently selling to Morrisons and Asda," Jim said.

"We sell both classic round and cherry tomatoes and about 80% of them are sold on the vine as Scottish tomatoes with the Scottish flag on the packet.

Running the tomato operation has been very different to what Jim was used to with the dairy: In a very short space of time we went from 4 members of staff to about 40 which is a big jump.

"All of our staff are local - there is still a really strong work ethic in the Borders which has helped us," he explained.

"And we have a Dutch consultant who really helps us with the technical knowledge.

The biogas plant is fed with wholecrop rye and silage that is grown on the farm.

Jim said: I spent a lot of time looking at German biogas plants and I just copied the model which I saw working there, which was slurry from the dairy being inputted and topped up with homegrown wholecrop.

The other important thing for me was that the farmer owns the biogas plant and therefore has complete control of the quality of gas production.

Moving forward

Jim explained that the dairy side of the farm is still a hugely important part of the business: The dairying takes up a disproportionate amount of my time.

A hardened businessman would not carry on doing it, but I have a strong emotional connection to the cows and sometimes it is important to know where your heart is.

"I think that is why a lot of people are still dairy farming.

Running the tomato operation has been very different to what Jim was used to with the dairy

He continued: That said it takes a huge amount of time and commitment, and the minute it stops making money then it will stop.

Moving ahead Jim is still looking for ways in which he can improve the business: We are always looking at new ideas and pushing doors open.

We do not want to waste anything, perhaps there are ways in which we can market things differently and maximise our income for what we are producing.

"It is important to keep an open mind, you cannot see what is ahead of you if you are looking at the ground.

Jim now has a young family to look after, and he said that his family have been a huge part of this project.

Family are the backbone of everything, without those people behind you, you are nothing.

"There are a huge amount of low moments and that is when you really need them, he said

As much as we want to build the business further, it is about balance.

"We are now in a comfortable position and it would be nice to go on family holidays and things like that now.

"A young family is something you only get to see grow up once and I do not just want to be left as the richest man in the graveyard.
About 12:25 a.m., a 46-year-old woman was putting gas in her car in the 4400 block of South Ashland Avenue when two males drove up to her and got out of their car, Chicago police spokeswoman Sally Bown said. While pointing a handgun at the woman, the 16-year-old driver told her to get on the ground, which she did, Bown said. The passenger in the teens car drove off in the womans car, and the teen got back in the other vehicle and drove away.
News Around the Republic of Mexico



Mexico's 100-Peso Bill Wins Banknote of The Year



Mexico's 100-peso note, with nun, writer and activist Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz on one side and monarch butterflies on the other, has been named banknote of the year for 2020 by the International Bank Note Society. Mexico City - The Sor Juana 100-peso bill has been named banknote of the year for 2020 by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS).



As printer and issuer of the note, the Bank of Mexico beat 24 other nominees to the award, and the Sor Juana bill led the way from the start of the voting process.



The banknote features national heroine Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, with the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve on its reverse.



Born in 1651, Sor Juana was a self-educated nun and intellectual renowned for her poetry, writing and political activism, who criticized the misogyny of colonial Mexico.



In its announcement the IBNS wrote: "Mexico's award-winning entry may provide a template as other countries reconsider how they design and promote new banknotes. The successful design in eye-pleasing red combines Hispanic architecture, a famous female Hispanic literary figure, and a tribute to the world's fragile ecosystem."



Other popular notes included Scotland's tea room 20-pound note, the Bahamas' carnival five-dollar bill, Northern Ireland's 20-pound street musicians banknote and Fiji's 50-dollar bill celebrating 50 years of independence.



Past bank note of the year recipients include Aruba, Canada, Uganda, the Faroe Islands, two time winner Switzerland and three time winner Kazakhstan, among others.



Original article - The Sor Juana 100-peso bill has been named banknote of the year for 2020 by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS).As printer and issuer of the note, the Bank of Mexico beat 24 other nominees to the award, and the Sor Juana bill led the way from the start of the voting process.The banknote features national heroine Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, with the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve on its reverse.Born in 1651, Sor Juana was a self-educated nun and intellectual renowned for her poetry, writing and political activism, who criticized the misogyny of colonial Mexico.In its announcement the IBNS wrote: "Mexico's award-winning entry may provide a template as other countries reconsider how they design and promote new banknotes. The successful design in eye-pleasing red combines Hispanic architecture, a famous female Hispanic literary figure, and a tribute to the world's fragile ecosystem."Other popular notes included Scotland's tea room 20-pound note, the Bahamas' carnival five-dollar bill, Northern Ireland's 20-pound street musicians banknote and Fiji's 50-dollar bill celebrating 50 years of independence.Past bank note of the year recipients include Aruba, Canada, Uganda, the Faroe Islands, two time winner Switzerland and three time winner Kazakhstan, among others.



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Ambassador of Belarus S.Terentiev meets the Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service  First Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt

On April 19, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt Sergey Terentiev met with Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service  First Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt Ahmed Maghawry Diab.

The parties discussed current topics of the Belarusian-Egyptian agenda, including the development of trade and economic cooperation. The preparation of the next meeting of the Belarusian-Egyptian Joint Trade Commission, as well as the implementation of the modernization project of Egyptian enterprises were discussed.

During the meeting, an exchange of views on the progress of work on the Free Trade Agreement draft between the EAEU and Egypt also took place.

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[April 21, 2021] Pricefx Renews Partnership with University of Rochester to Support Next-Generation of Pricing Professionals

Pricefx, the global leader in native cloud pricing software, today announced it partnered with the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester to sponsor the 2021 Simon Pricing Club Case Competition. This is the second implementation of Pricefx Next Gen, a program designed to support the real-world applications of pricing in educational settings. Pricefx customer nVent, a global leader in innovative electrical solutions, also participated in the competition, providing the case and participating in the judging round. Student teams were asked to solve a real-world business problem based on a mix of AI powered segmentation and pricing optimization, strategy and analytics. Students receive access to and instruction on Pricefx's SaaS (News - Alert) solution for Price Optimization, Management (PO&M) and Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) to help them build a winning response. The final event was held on April 2 and the judges from Pricefx, nVent and Simon Business School named the winners based on depth and quality of analysis, recommendations, visualization and presentation. Out of a field of eight teams, the team "Analysis Aces" comprised of Deepvenus Sachdeva, Fabio Sarmiento, Dayana Cevallos, Krishna Mythili Vusulumarti, and Cole Simmons won the competition. "This competition showed me how different aspects of pricing can have a major impact and allowed me use Pricefx software and its graphical representations to visualize the magnitude of certain pricing decisions," said Krishna Mythili Vusulumarti, a 2021 MBA candidate at Simon Business School. "The hands-on experience of solving a real business problem and being able to use data analysis to make pricing decisions was an amazing opportunity for me. I was shocked that more companies don't manage pricing effectively, especially since it's one of the strongest profit drivers. I will definitely take the techniques and tools I learned in the competition to my next jo."



The global pandemic has made it challenging for students and young professionals to gain access to mentors and experienced practitioners in their chosen field. Programs that bring together academia, technology and business offer the next-generation of professionals insight to the real world skills needed to be successful. The velocity of innovation and change in business today requires students to master current technology, adapt quickly, think critically, and work in diverse teams. Universities play an important role in preparing students for success in the workforce and meeting the needs of today's businesses. This program is focused on putting real-world technology in the hands of students in order to better prepare them for careers with businesses who are using modern, digital approaches to compete. "The future of work is rapidly changing, it is incumbent on business and academia to work together to prepare students for success with the right technology skills to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead," said Gabriel Smith, Chief Evangelist for Pricefx and competition judge. "Pricefx is committed to living its values, and this partnership highlights our commitment to supporting the next-generation of pricing professionals with the latest technology. It was amazing to see a large group of students quickly embracing cutting-edge AI-powered optimization and analytics and returning excellent results, which added value to our customer nVent."

"It was an honor to participate in this program and engage with students who are clearly passionate about learning the skills needed for a career in this industry," said Scott Letts, Director of Pricing at nVent and competition judge. "Coming from the business world, it is important that we help train the next generation on the latest tools and strategies to support today's business needs. I was impressed by the level of engagement from the Simon Pricing Club students and the competition shared a fresh perspective from the next generation of pricing professionals." "We are excited to have had Pricefx and nVent support this year's case competition," said Steven Simpson, MBA Director, Marketing & Pricing and advisor for the Pricing Club at Simon Business School. "Working with the technology and business sectors enables Simon Business School to stay at the forefront of current workforce trends and provide hands-on educational opportunities to students." The Simon Business School is a world-class business school located on the campus of the University of Rochester. Rooted in quantitative analysis, Simon offers a distinct advantage in today's data-driven economy. Simon offers full-time and part-time MBA programs, as well as MS programs. The school was also the first business school to offer specializations in Pricing within its STEM-designated MBA and MS Analytics graduate programs. About Pricefx Established in 2011 in Germany, Pricefx is the global leader in SaaS pricing software, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that are fast to implement, flexible to configure and customize, and friendly to learn and use. Pricefx delivers a complete price optimization and management platform based on native cloud architecture, providing industry leading time to value and total cost of ownership advantages to customers. Its innovative solution works for both B2B and B2C enterprises of any size, in any industry, in any part of the world. Pricefx's business model is entirely based on the satisfaction and loyalty of its customers. Today, Pricefx delivers Passion for Pricing to customers in more than 37 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pricefx.com. About Simon Business School The Simon Business School is a world-class business school located on the campus of the University of Rochester. Rooted in quantitative analysis, Simon offers a distinct advantage in today's data-driven economy. Simon offers full-time and part-time MBA programs, as well as four specialized MS programs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005371/en/

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For his own April break on the island of Hawaii, Rowan had made a reservation with Alamo through Costco  retail memberships often offer discounts on travel services such as rental cars  for a minivan to accommodate his group of seven. To ensure it would be there when he arrived, he called the local branch the day before his arrival, explained why he needed the guarantee of a large vehicle and asked for the name of the person who would be working when he arrived.
European officials want to limit police use of facial recognition and ban the use of certain kinds of AI systems, in one of the broadest efforts yet to regulate high-stakes applications of artificial intelligence.

The European Unions executive arm proposed a bill Wednesday that would also create a list of so-called high-risk uses of AI that would be subject to new supervision and standards for their development and use, such as critical infrastructure, college admissions and loan applications. Regulators could fine a company up to 6% of its annual world-wide revenue for the most severe violations, though in practice EU officials rarely if ever mete out their maximum fines.

The bill is one of the broadest of its kind to be proposed by a Western government, and part of the EUs expansion of its role as a global tech enforcer.

In recent years, the EU has sought to take a global lead in drafting and enforcing new regulations aimed at taming the alleged excesses of big tech companies and curbing potential dangers of new technologies, in areas ranging from digital competition to online-content moderation. The blocs new privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation, helped set a template for broadly applied rules backed by stiff fines that has been followed in some ways by other countriesand some U.S. states.

Our regulation addresses the human and societal risks associated with specific uses of AI, said Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president at the European Commission, the EUs executive arm. We think that this is urgent. We are the first on this planet to suggest this legal framework.

Wednesdays proposal faces a long roadand potential changesbefore it becomes law. In the EU, such laws must be approved by both the European Council, representing the blocs 27 national governments, and the directly elected European Parliament, which can take years. Some digital-rights activists, while applauding parts of the proposed legislation, said other elements appear too vague and offer too many loopholes. Some others aligned with industry, argued that the EUs proposed rules would give an advantage to companies in China, which wouldnt face them.

Its going to make it prohibitively expensive or even technologically infeasible to build AI in Europe, said Benjamin Mueller, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, part of a tech-aligned think tank. The U.S. and China are going to look on with amusement as the EU kneecaps its own startups.

Some tech-industry lobbyists, however, said they were relieved the draft wasnt more draconian, and applauded the approach of imposing strict oversight on only some types of so-called high-risk uses of AI, such as software for critical infrastructure and algorithms that police use to predict crimes.

Its positive that the commission has taken this risk-based approach, said Christian Borggreen, vice president and head of the Brussels office at the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents a number of large technology companies including Amazon, Facebook and Google.

There are a handful of specific practices that face outright bans in the bill. In addition to social credit systems, such as those used by the Chinese government, it also would ban AI systems that use subliminal techniques or take advantage of people with disabilities to materially distort a persons behavior in a way that could cause physical or psychological harm.

While police would be generally blocked from using what is described as remote biometric identification systemssuch as facial recognitionin public places in real time, judges can approve exemptions that include finding abducted children, stopping imminent terrorist threats and locating suspects of certain crimes, ranging from fraud to murder.

The list of exemptions is incredibly wide, said Sarah Chander, a senior policy adviser at European Digital Rights, a network of nongovernmental organizations. Such a list kind of defeats the purpose for claiming something is a ban.

Large banks have pioneered the work of unpicking their artificial intelligence algorithms to regulators, as part of government efforts to prevent another global credit crisis. That makes them a test case for how a broader range of companies will eventually have to do the same, according to Andre Franca, a former director at Goldman Sachs model risk management team, and current data science director at AI startup causaLens.

In the past decade, for instance, banks have had to hire teams of people to help present regulators with the mathematical code underlying their AI models, in some cases comprising more than 100 pages per model, Dr. Franca said.

Providers of AI systems used for purposes deemed high risk would need to provide detailed documentation about how their system works to ensure it complies with the rules. Such systems would also need to show a proper level of human oversight both in how the system is designed and put to use, and follow quality requirements for data used to train AI software, Ms. Vestager said.

The EU could also send teams of regulators to companies to scrutinize algorithms in person if they fall into the high-risk categories laid out in the regulations, Dr. Franca said. That includes systems that identify peoples biometric informationa persons face or fingerprintsand algorithms that could impact a persons safety. Regulators from the ECB often personally scrutinize the computer code of banks over several days of workshops and meetings, he added.

The EU says most uses of AI, including videogames or spam filters, would have no new rules under the bill. But some lower-risk AI systems, such as chatbots, would need to inform users they are not real people.

The aim is to make it crystal clear that as users we are interacting with a machine, Ms. Vestager said.

Deepfakes, or software that puts a persons face on top of anothers body in a video, will require similar labels. Ukraine-based NeoCortext Inc. which makes a popular app for face-swapping called Reface, said it was already working on labeling but would try to follow the EUs guidelines. There is a challenge now for fast-growing startups to develop best practices and formalize standard codes of practice, said Neocortexts chief executive, Dima Shvets.

The new regulations might not necessarily have the same impact as GDPR, simply because AI is so broadly defined, according to Julien Cornebise, an honorary associate professor in computer science at University College London and a former research scientist at Google. AI is a moving goal post, he said. Our phones are doing things everyday that would have been considered AI 20 years ago. Theres a risk that could cause the regulation to be either lost in definition or obsolete quickly.

Sam Schechner, Parmy Olson

: wsj.com
When a bird flu virus struck a major poultry farm in Russia earlier this year, it was a reminder that the coronavirus causing the pandemic was not the only dangerous virus out there.

The authorities quickly tested the birds and moved into high gear, killing 800,000 chickens, disposing of the carcasses and cleaning the farm to stop the potential spread to other chicken farms. But they were also concerned for humans.

They tested the birds and sequenced the virus, determining that it was the H5N8 strain of avian flu, highly dangerous to both wild and domestic birds. It is established in Asia and has been increasingly causing deadly outbreaks in birds in Europe. H5N8 viruses have infected some poultry flocks in the United States, but the viruses come from a different though related lineage of virus, distinct from the current H5N8 viruses in Asia and Europe. Flu viruses combine and mutate frequently in unpredictable ways.

In the short period from Dec. 25, 2020, to Jan. 14 of this year, more than seven million birds were lost to H5N8 outbreaks in Europe and Asia. Europe alone had 135 outbreaks among poultry and 35 among wild birds. Of course, to put the numbers in context, humans consume about 65 billion chickens each year, and one estimate puts the number of chickens on the globe at any one time at 23 billion.
A vaccine centre outside a night club turned mass vaccination centre in Stockholm, Sweden. (Getty)

The Swedish government has said it could implement stricter COVID lockdown measures if people ignore existing restrictions and raise pressure on healthcare services.

The warning came as hospitals in the country struggled to cope with the third wave of coronavirus.

Sweden, whose still mostly voluntary measures has made it an outlier in its response to the pandemic, has seen the number of people in intensive care rise to its highest level since the initial outbreak last year.

In some regions, intensive care has been filled to maximum capacity and the number of available beds for those worst ill is below 20% across the nation.

Sweden's health and social affairs minister Lena Hallengren. (Getty)

Minister for health and social affairs Lena Hallengren said: There is no room now to start living as if the pandemic is already over.

The infection rate does not go down by itself.

Hallengren stressed the need to adhere to existing rules and recommendations but said she did not rule out stricter measures if the situation deteriorated.

She did not elaborate on what steps could be taken or what would trigger them.

On Wednesday, a total of 409 people were treated at intensive care units in Sweden, compared to about 560 at the height of the first wave of the virus.

Sweden, which has shunned lockdowns and kept schools, businesses and restaurants largely open, registered 7,510 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and 38 new deaths, taking the total to 13,863.

The deaths reported have occurred over several days and sometimes weeks.

The country's death rate per capita is many times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours, but lower than in most European countries that opted for lockdowns.

Data from the European Centre for Disease Control this week showed Sweden had among the highest number of new cases per capita in the EU during the last 14-day period and among the lowest deaths.

People walk in Drottninggatan in Stockholm, Sweden. (Getty)

Sweden's health agency has said the relatively low death toll is due to vaccinations having a positive effect.

The country has administered 2.6 million doses, meaning 23.7% of the adult population has received at least one dose.

Story continues

On Tuesday, officials said citizens under 65 who have had one shot of AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine would be given a different vaccine for their second dose.

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COVID surge in coming weeks could delay plans to ease restrictions, top vaccine adviser warns

Revealed: Hundreds with fake COVID certificates trying to enter UK every week

Sweden paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in March after reports of rare, but serious, blood clots among people who had received that shot.

It later resumed the use of AstraZenecas vaccine, but only for people aged 65 or above.

Chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine clearly outweighed the risks for people over 65.

Sweden also announced last week it would ease restrictions on those, mostly elderly, citizens who have had at least one vaccination shot against COVID-19.

Watch: How England will leave lockdown
Various world leaders who have sent condolences to the people of Chad over the death of President Idriss Deby have failed to condemn the constitutional breach by the Chadian army.

Mr Deby died from injuries sustained in the battle with rebels Tuesday, less than a day after he was declared winner of the April 11 presidential election which positioned him for the sixth term in office. He had been president since 1990.

While the Chadian constitution provides that the speaker of the parliament be named president for an interim period of 40 days in the event a sitting president dies, the military Tuesday handed power to a military council headed by Mr Debys son, Mahamat.

In a coup-like manner, the Chadian military also announced the dissolution of the parliament and the suspension of the constitution.

Disquiet has grown in the oil-producing central African nation since the illegal transition, and different world leaders have shied away from condemning the constitutional breach and none have called it a coup.

Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari took the same route Tuesday when he said Mr Debys death will surely create a big vacuum in the efforts to jointly confront the Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Foreign affairs minister Geoffrey Onyeama followed his compatriot by saying the two armed groups still fighting, must not allow the evolving developments in Chad to feed into more chaos with its attendant consequences.

https://twitter.com/NigeriaMFA/status/1384625496751808513

He also called for urgent resolution and an early return to democratic governance adding that Nigeria was willing to mainstream in the process if need be.

African Union President Moussa Faki Mahamat, who was Chads former prime minister and foreign affairs minister, merely expressed great dismay and deep emotion when he learnt of Mr Debys death.

C'est avec une tres grande consternation et une vive emotion que jai appris le deces ce jour du president Idriss #Deby Itno. Grand homme d'Etat et chef militaire reconnu. J'adresse mes sinceres condoleances au peuple tchadien et a sa famille. #Tchad  Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) April 20, 2021

Asides condoling, deputy AU president, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, also did not condemn the military takeover.

Sinceres condoleances au people tchadien ainsi qua mon frere @AUC_moussaFaki, president de la @AUC, suite au deces du grand Homme dEtat quetait le president Idriss #Deby Itno. Lhistoire retiendra de lui sa tenacite et son leadership.  Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa (@mnsanzabaganwa) April 20, 2021

Meanwhile, Reuters reported a United Nations spokesperson in New York, Stephane Dujarric, as saying that the UN was watching the situation hour by hour. U.N. has about 1,800 staffers in Chad.

Likewise, the deputy secretary-general of the world body, Amina Mohammed, tweeted: in solidarity with the people of Chad, the United Nations stands with you for peace and for prosperity.

In solidarity with the people of Chad, the United Nations stands with you for peace and for prosperity.  Amina J Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) April 20, 2021

On its part, France, Chads main ally that has about 5,100 troops based across regions in Chad, said it has lost a courageous friend, in Mr Deby whose death poses questions about stability in the region and inside Chad itself.

Impact on Nigerias terror war

Mr Deby was a darling of the West, particularly France, largely because of his commitment to the war against armed groups. He was also a major ally of Nigeria and other neighbouring countries in the war against terror groups like Boko Haram. Countries like Nigeria may thus be reluctant to condemn the Chadian army because they are needed in the fight against terror groups.

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Chad being Nigerias neighbour to the northeast where the decade-long war against Boko Haram has not abated, Mr Debys passing could negatively affect the collective effort against insurgency in the Lake Chad region, SBM, an African research firm, said in its report published Tuesday.

This is because the battle-hardened Chadian Army has been the only effective check on Boko Haram, and this was helped by Mr Debys battle-ready persona.

Now led by a relative rookie, experts fear that the new leader may have his hands full as he moves to decimate the rebels in the Lake Chad and beyond.

His passing has left a big gap in a neighbouring country that is likely to have a profound impact on Nigerias security, SBM wrote. Nigeria is still reeling from the southward flow of jihadists and ammunition in the wake of Muammar Gaddafis death in 2011. The upheaval in Chad is much closer to home and thus potentially much more significant.
Bush Warns Afghanistan Withdrawal Could Harm Women, Girls if Taliban Retakes Power

Former President George W. Bush says he is concerned that President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 could harm women and girls in the long run if the brutal Taliban returns to power.

Biden announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region on April 14, saying that it is now time to end Americas longest war and time for American troops to come home, noting that the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York City cannot explain why U.S. soldiers should remain in the Central Asian country.

My first reaction was, wow, these girls are going to have real trouble with the Taliban, Bush told NBCs Today on Tuesday. A lot of gains have been made, and so Im deeply concerned about the plight of women and girls in that country.

I think the administration hopes that the girls are going be OK through diplomacy. Well find out. All I know is the Taliban, when they had the run of the place, they were brutal, the former president said.

The war in Afghanistan began on Oct. 7, 2001, less than a month after the Sept. 11 attacks, when Bush was president.

The move to drawdown combat troops in Afghanistan was first manoeuvred by former President Donald Trump last year, with a May 1 deadline. Trump outlined an agreement with the Taliban, saying troops would withdraw from from the region in exchange for a promise from the Taliban for a reduction in violence, counterterrorism guarantees, and a pledge to kickstart intra-Afghan peace talks.

The president hasnt yet specified whether special operations troops will remain in Afghanistan. As of this year, as many as 1,000 special operations forces are reported to remain in the region.

Biden said last week that he made the decision to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan after consulting with Bush, Vice President Kamala Harris, top military leaders, and lawmakers.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was a member of the team negotiating the nations exit strategy with the Taliban under Trump, said last week that Biden is doing the right thing, but stressed that it matters how the Biden administration executes the plans.

Pompeo told Fox News America Reports that Biden administrations tactics, decisions, timing, and execution regarding the drawdown of combat troops in the region beginning May 1 will be key.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to the media at the State Department in Washington, on Nov. 24, 2020. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)

We need make sure to have our European partners on board  and then the Taliban have an important decision to make. [They] have to decide if they want to be part of a pariah state and cause lots of trouble, or if they want to be part of a solution in Afghanistan, he said.

He added, Its a long shot that theyll choose that choice but it would be the right thing for them to do, and in the event that they choose otherwise, the United States still provides billions of dollars in assistance to Afghanistan, and we ought to make that assistance contingent on the decisions of all Afghan leaders getting it right.

Biden has said that the United States will continue to provide security assistance to Afghanistans army, adding that if the Taliban attacks, U.S. troops will defend themselves with all the tools available.

In a surprise visit to Afghanistan on April 15, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that the Taliban should understand that any attack on U.S. forces as they withdraw would be met with force.

Its very important that the Taliban recognize that it will never be legitimate and it will never be durable if it rejects a political process and tries to take the country by force, Blinken told reporters.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 13:59:57|Editor: huaxia

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KATHMANDU, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Nepali health experts have called for strong enforcement of restrictive measures to curb the new wave of COVID-19 infections.

The Nepali government on Monday issued a slew of prohibitory orders including a ban on gatherings of people over 25, shutting down schools in urban areas, cinema halls, gyms and health clubs amid the surging cases of COVID-19.

But, considering the rapid spread of the virus, Nepali health experts are worried if the measures would be enough to control the new wave of the coronavirus which spreads faster than the first one.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, daily confirmed cases are rising. On Tuesday, the ministry reported 1,736 confirmed cases, up from 517 on April 13.

"These measures announced by the government should be enforced effectively to control the chain of transmission," Sagar Kumar Rajbhandari, director of the Kathmandu-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Amid the growing cases, the government-run hospital was converted into a dedicated COVID-19 hospital last week for the second time.

Since early April, Nepal has been facing a resurgence in confirmed cases, which, according to the health ministry, are owing to the spread of the more infectious variant that was first identified in Britain.

"Lately, the report has emerged that the coronavirus also spread through the air which is alarming because of its potential of spreading the disease," said Rajbhandari.

"Considering the potential spread of COVID-19, enforcement of respective measures should be stronger and people assigned for enforcement should be given greater power to take action in the field," said Rajbhandari. "If the chain of infections cannot be controlled to a certain level in the next two weeks, even stronger measures including lockdown should also be considered."

"For example, requiring polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test report compulsory from traveling from one province to another and making PCR report mandatory for people coming from India may be the options at least until the chain of infections slows down," Baburam Marasini, former director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Department of Health Services, told Xinhua.

Nepal health experts also said besides taking reactive measures against mobility and gathering of people, the vaccination drive should be accelerated. Enditem
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Power Holdings LLC ("Liberty" or the "Company"), a national retail electric supply company, today announced that it filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The impact of the February extreme weather event in Texas was sudden and dramatic, causing an abrupt spike in wholesale costs of serving Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) customers due to unprecedented market prices for energy and ancillary services, as widely reported in the press and discussed in state legislature hearings throughout February and March. Liberty was able to provide service to its customers during this period. Liberty took immediate actions to prioritize services to customers, reduce non-essential spending and preserve liquidity. Liberty's business outside of ERCOT in northeastern and Midwest U.S. markets was not impacted and remains robust. However, Liberty was forced to pay for the full costs of energy provided to Texas customers in order to maintain ongoing operations, and this large payment necessitated today's action. The financial reorganization will provide Liberty a path toward a more robust financial structure that best positions the Company for the future as it navigates what could be a prolonged process of cost recovery.

Liberty Remains Open and Serving Customers

Liberty operates in over fourteen states and the District of Columbia and serves over 330,000 retail customer equivalents. All sales contracts and customer programs are expected to continue as usual. Customers can count on the same high level of service and reliability. "We thank all of our customers and employees for their continued dedication to our company and their passion for meeting and exceeding our customers' expectations.", said Bob Butler, Chief Restructuring Officer of Liberty. "We look forward to emerging from Chapter 11 as a stronger company."

Dramatic Impacts from Weather Event on ERCOT Market

Every day, Liberty seeks to educate customers about their ability to choose an energy supplier by offering service in over 14 states encompassing over 50 utility territories. Liberty Power is here to help its customers navigate volatile energy markets. However the events of February 10th to 20th in which approximately 40% of available power generation failed to perform, the power grid nearly collapsed, and ERCOT set wholesale energy and ancillary services prices at stratospheric and unprecedented levels created a 'perfect storm' of conditions that were impossible for Liberty and other market participants to anticipate or prepare for. Many other retail electric providers, municipalities and cooperatives have suffered similarly to Liberty and are facing similar financial challenges as a result of this situation.

"Today's action will protect the value of our business, allow us to continue our operations and serve our customers, and provide the time to put in place a new, stronger financial foundation to move successfully through the fallout of the Texas weather event and to better position us for the future." said Bob Butler. "Our loyal customers have made us one of the industry's well-known brands, and we look forward to serving them now and in the future."

First Day Motions

As part of the reorganization process, the Company is in the process of filing customary "First Day" motions, which we expect will be approved and will allow it to maintain operations in the ordinary course. Liberty intends to continue to provide the same products & services and competitive pricing and intends to continue to pay vendors and suppliers under customary terms for goods and services received on or after the filing date.

Sufficient Cash to Support Operations

As of the filing date, the Company had adequate cash on hand and has received a commitment for debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing. Following Court approval, this financing, combined with cash flow generated by the Company's ongoing operations, is expected to be sufficient to meet Liberty's operational and restructuring needs. As part of the DIP commitment, Liberty will explore additional opportunities to maximize value, including a third-party sale process.

Strong Upward Trajectory

Liberty was on a strong upward financial trajectory prior to the Texas extreme weather event, including consecutive quarters of EBITDA improvement. The financial impact of the Texas weather event, however, necessitated restructuring actions.

Taking Actions in Response to Texas Extreme Weather Event and ERCOT market failure

When the effects of the ERCOT crisis began to manifest in February, the Company moved quickly to adjust. Liberty took action to closely manage overhead and operating costs. Liberty filed a petition with the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUCT") requesting emergency relief and joined the Coalition of Competitive Retail Electric Providers petition to the PUCT requesting emergency action. These petitions remain pending at the PUCT. Liberty will continue to pursue these remedies but are uncertain of any relief that may be forthcoming.

ABOUT LIBERTY POWER

Established in 2001 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Liberty Power is one of the largest and longest tenured owner-operated retail electricity provider in the United States. Liberty Power provides large and small businesses, government agencies and residential customers with competitively-priced electricity, sustainability solutions and exceptional customer service.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. Words such as "expect" and "intend" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which include but are not limited to statements related to our liquidity, the expected effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the bankruptcy process, the Company's ability to obtain approval from the Bankruptcy Court with respect to motions or other requests made to the Bankruptcy Court throughout the course of the Chapter 11 case, the effects of the Chapter 11 case, including increased professional costs, on the Company's liquidity, results of operations and business, the effects of Chapter 11 on the interests of various constituents and the ability to negotiate, develop, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess. We caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this filing, and we undertake no obligation to update this information.

SOURCE Liberty Power Holdings
While he has a Ph.D. in entomology and works with insects on a regular basis, Dr. Evan Lampert has never seen a 17-year cicada alive.

"The last time that brood of cicadas emerged was in 2004, and I was in graduate school in Fargo, North Dakota," said the professor of biology at the University of North Georgia (UNG). "The closest cicada population to me was in southern Illinois. So I was a long way away from seeing them."

This spring, Lampert expects to see thousands of the 17-year cicadas as they emerge in late April and early May across northeast Georgia. He plans to collect them for research purposes after the insects pop out of the ground to mate for a few weeks before dying.

"The adults will emerge together in massive numbers and stay alive for a very short time," Lampert said, explaining this year's cicadas are designated as Brood X. "It's their strategy to remain alive and not go extinct."

With a short timeframe, Lampert and a handful of students will search for the cicada populations, identify their location and collect data such as their species and other characteristics.

"My main interest is the geographic range of Brood X," Lampert said. "I want to know where they are located in Georgia and if they have grown in population. The only way to find that out is to take samples of the cicadas."

To do that, he and his students are fanning out across northeast Georgia to search for signs of the insects. Signs include the mounds on the top soil from which they emerge, their attachment to trees, and their loud mating call.

"Their mating call is over 100 decibels," he said. "We can drive around with the windows down to find them at different locations."

With so much ground to cover, Lampert knows he can't conduct his project alone. He seeks help from UNG students on all five campuses as well as community members to locate the cicadas.

The 17-year cicadas are easy to recognize. They are less than 2 inches in length with a black body, orange wings and bright red eyes.

"They are noticeably different from the annual cicadas that have green-brown bodies and dark eyes," Lampert said.

To help with the location of cicadas and their population, contact Lampert at evan.lampert@ung.edu or by calling 404-707-3804.
WESTPORT  School officials say they will no longer need to request the Representative Town Meeting for additional money since the updated costs of the state health insurance plan will help close its budget gap.

The state health insurance plan, which the schools use, announced revised increases this week showing the district is expecting only about a 2.2 percent or 2.4 percent increase, depending on the plan. This translates to $285,000 that can be taken out of the proposed budget, officials said.

It comes as the schools try to determine how to close the nearly $1 million cut the finance board made to the request when they approved the budget earlier this month.

I saw this as our solution, school board member Jeannie Smith said.

The finance board approved a nearly $218.5 million overall budget, which is about $5.5 million, or nearly 2.6 percent, more than the current year. It includes $77.1 million for the town and $135.4 million for schools, once debt service and other expenses are added to the Board of Educations $125.6 million budget.

This leaves an actual cut of about $975,000 to the Board of Education budget, but still an overall increase of about $3.97 million, or 3 percent.

School officials plan to use federal grants to cover the bulk of that cut, and asked the finance board to restore $235,000 to help close the gap.

But now the health savings should now fill that shortfall.

Board of Education Vice Chairwoman Karen Kleine said they should still ask the RTM for the $235,000 restoration. She had originally suggested the restoration should be $500,000 to help cover the shortfall and technology cuts when the board was first considering what to ask the finance board to restore.

I would like to advocate for as much money as possible, she said. I think the Board of Finance cut too much money out of our budget.

Several school officials expressed frustration over how the finance board treated the schools restoration request. The finance board had called the request frivilous because the $235,000 came out to about 0.02 percent of the schools overall budget.

The tone was unnecessary, Superintendent Thomas Scarice said at the school board meeting this week.

The Board of Education adopted a nearly $127 million budget in February, cutting about $1 million from Scarices proposal. This budget was about $5 million, or 4.1 percent, more than the current year. New health care estimates from the state health insurance plan brought that budget down to $126.6 million. The Board of Finance then set it at $125.6 million.

Finance members also told school officials that they had their back and would cover any expenses that came up in the middle of the year if needed.

Most of the school board this week said that wasnt how budgets should be created though and the board is legally not allowed to exceed its adopted operating budget.

It doesnt seem like a smart way to go about it, BOE Chairwoman Candice Savin said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com
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Even if you havent heard of White Dave before, chances are youve listened to one of his songs.

The Bay Area-born rapper and producer has earned track placements in the critically-acclaimed films Black Panther and Creed, and is featured in the official Inspired Album for Judas and the Black Messiah, which is up for best picture at this years Oscars.

Dave, whose birth name is Noah David Coogler, acknowledges that the placements are a combination of talent and the family business  his older brother is director Ryan Coogler, who helmed Black Panther and Creed.

Ive been creating music for my brothers movies since he started making films. For me, its still that basic element of, Im doing something to help my brother, Dave tells Variety. It doesnt matter if its for a big budget film or for something he shot with a camcorder, like its all the same to me.

But, Dave maintains that despite his sibling connection, he has to go through the same vetting process as everyone else for his tracks to be featured.

Id like people to understand that nothing is guaranteed, like everything that I do for my brother and his films, I gotta go through the process just like everyone else, Dave says.

Dave and Ryan have been fostering their creative partnership since they were kids. When their parents deemed Dave too young to listen to rap music, Dave would sneak into the room of Ryan  who is four years older  to listen to his CDs, including College Dropout by Kanye West, Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below by Outkast and Jay-Zs The Black Album. In fact, Dave says Ryan is the one who purchased him his first beat-making software, mic and recording equipment.

I owe my music career to my older brother, Dave says. He laid the foundation for me to become an artist, all because of his support and his desire to want to see me do something that Im passionate about. Because of my brothers influence, because of his inspiration, because of his believing in me, its my career now, and Im so, so, so thankful for that.

Dave has released three albums and five EPs since 2017  with another EP, Porch Sessions, out today  and has found a new passion in creating music for motion pictures. His most recent placement is the song Appraise on Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album, which also features songs by the late Nipsey Hussle, Jay-Z, A$AP Rocky, H.E.R., Polo G and more.

Over a tantalizing Hit-Boy beat, Dave delivers powerful bars about racial injustice and police brutality: My body ache from all the stress of my ancestors/ We could influence the planet if we stand together/ I been losing sleep for awhile cuz home aint even safe/ Pigs really murdered Breonna in her own place.

Dave says he wrote Appraise specifically inspired by Judas and the Black Messiah, which details the 1969 assassination of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton by Chicago police. When watching the film  the soundtrack for which consists of 60s doo-wop, jazz and R&B tunes  Dave was struck by how much it resonated with the present day.

The tension, the anxiety, the stress, the rage that is displayed in that film is very similar to what we as a people are going through right now. Even though its a period piece, it felt current, Dave says. I was just having a moment where I had to process that, and I was able to capture it on the record.

Dave recorded Appraise the same day he saw Judas and the Black Messiah for the first time, recruiting his producer friend Soundtrack to make the beat. But, Hit-Boy ended up replacing Soundtracks beat with something different, which Dave says gave the song a completely new feel.

He transformed that song, Dave says of Hit-Boy. The lyrics, the tempo, the pacing, everything is the same as the original record. Didnt shift a thing. But his touch production-wise is what turned it into the song that it is now.

Though Dave let the film directly influence him when writing Appraise, it was a different case for Nervous, which was featured in Black Panther. When the Black Panther music team reached out to him for a track, Dave sent a folder of 30 different songs. Nervous  which Dave had recorded four months prior but never released  happened to be one of the songs he sent, and the team was immediately drawn to its hyper energy and incessant snares.

Nervous ended up appearing in the iconic superhero film as villain Klaue (played by Andy Serkis) pulls up to the casino before an epic fight scene.

When it comes to superhero movies, a superhero movie is only as good as your villain, Dave says. I feel like Klaue was a great villain, and to have Klaue slapping my music when he pulled up to the casino, how tight is that? That for me was the icing on the cake.

But before Black Panther, Dave had three placements on the soundtrack to 2015s Creed: Intolerant, In the Kitchen and Let You Know. Intolerant remains Daves most-streamed song, with over 2.7 million plays on Spotify. Its infectious chorus boasts: I dont tolerate no nonsense/Bullshit intolerant, which Dave thinks fits right in with Creeds underdog storyline  and his own.

Creed is the ultimate perseverance tale, so a song like Intolerant kind of falls right in line, like Im not tolerating any bullshit, Im only here for the benefits. Im not here for play, this isnt for fun, Dave says. That was kind of my approach for Intolerant, like I no longer tolerate people who arent here making my life better and my situation easier. When I was younger, I was surrounded by a lot of peers who not necessarily wanted to see me fail, but didnt want to see me succeed. That was a record that allowed me to cut them free.

Beyond his placement work, Dave released his annual 4/20 EP today, titled Porch Sessions. The five-song bundle is meant to be light-hearted, and a gift to those who celebrate. Every 4/20 we like to give my fellow stoners and music fans a little something to listen to while they enjoy the national holiday, Dave says.

As far as his future in film, Dave shares that he may be taking on a larger role behind the camera soon  as the writer of his own horror flick.

The screenplay that Im working on is stalker-horror, Dave says. I feel like to this day, whats scarier than someone following you? Its a very real fear.

Listen to Porch Sessions below.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:35:52|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to an unprecedented success in the striving for development, shared development fruits and experience with other countries and played an important role on the world stage, Arab politicians have said.

In a recent video interview with Xinhua, Mohsen Basurra, member of Yemen's Islah Party, said that the CPC has united Chinese people of all ethnic groups and provided them with political guidance, which is why China has achieved so much today.

Hailing the CPC's achievements over the past 100 years since its founding, Basurra, also deputy speaker of Yemen's House of Representatives, said that countries of the third world, including Yemen, are expected to draw inspiration from China's experience in developing trade, technology and culture, among other areas.

Under the CPC's leadership, China has carried out extensive cooperation other countries and has actively helped others fight COVID-19 by unreservedly sharing its experience in containing and treating the disease, he said.

Echoing Basurra, Ibrahim Al-Shehabi, member of the Board of Trustees in Egypt's Coordination Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians, told Xinhua that the CPC's success in leading the Chinese people through the health crisis mirrors the great solidarity between the ruling party, the government and the Chinese people.

In the fight against the novel coronavirus, China has provided Egypt with medical supplies, including masks and vaccines, and shared its experience and expertise in defeating the epidemic. The assistance reflects the traits of friendliness and cooperation in the Chinese culture, said Al-Shehabi, also deputy governor of central Egypt's governorate of Giza.

He also expressed his hope that Egypt can be inspired by China's great stories in development, and that the CPC, in the next 100 years, can lead China to greater progress. (Video reporters: Dong Yalei, Yang Zhigang, Wang Yu; video editor: Hong Yan)




Kolkata: The West Bengal electoral battlefield is gearing up for the next bout of `Khela` as the sixth phase of voting for Assembly polls will be held on Thursday.

In Phase-VI, polling will be held in 43 constituencies in four districts to decide the fate of a total of 306 candidates including 27 women.

Among the 43 constituencies, nine are in Uttar Dinajpur, eight in Purba Bardhaman, nine in Nadia and 17 are in the North 24 Parganas district.

Over 1.03 crore voters including 50.65 lakh women and 256 of the third gender are there in this phase of the election. As many as 14,480 polling stations have been designated in the sixth phase.

Development and unemployment dominate the core issues. However, the districts of North 24 Parganas and Purba Bardhaman have experienced a bit of development as compared to the other districts. But, the lack of employment opportunities haunts the ruling government.

ALSO READ: Second wave of COVID-19 is Modi-made disaster: CM Mamata Banerjee hits out at PM

The BJP is targeting the incumbent TMC over `tolabaazi` (extortion), `cut money` and syndicate raj and appeasement politics. Plus, an air of anti-incumbency can also be felt against the ruling TMC government in the state. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is banking upon its welfare schemes like "Duare Sarkar`, `Swastho Sathi` and `Kanyashree`.

TMC and BJP are contesting all 43 seats. Congress, the Left parties and the Indian Secular Front have made a coalition and are contesting under the banner of Samyukta Morcha. Out of the 43 seats in this round, Congress has got 12 in its share, CPI(M) got 23, All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) got four and CPI has got two seats. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is also trying its luck and has fielded 37 candidates.

The most high-profile candidate in this phase is BJP national vice president Mukul Roy who is contesting from the Krishnanagar Uttar Assembly constituency in Nadia district. Roy, the former railway minister and Rajya Sabha MP, was previously associated with the TMC.

TMC has fielded actor Koushani Mukherjee and Congress has fielded Sylvie Saha from the Krishnanagar Uttar Assembly constituency against Roy.

TMC heavyweight Chandrima Bhattacharya is contesting from the Dum Dum Uttar constituency. Tanmoy Bhattacharya and Archana Majumdar are the CPI(M) and BJP candidates respectively from the seat. In the Raiganj Assembly constituency in Uttar Dinajpur district, TMC has fielded Kanaia Lal Agarwal against sitting Congress MLA Mohit Sengupta, who has been representing the seat since 2011. BJP has fielded Krishna Kalyani from the seat.In the Goalpokhar Assembly constituency, State Cabinet Minister Md. Ghulam Rabbani has an edge over BJP`s Gulam Sarwar and Congress candidate Masud Nasim Ehsan.

Film director-producer Raj Chakraborty is trying his luck on a TMC ticket from the Barrackpore constituency.

In Purbasthali Dakshin, Congress has fielded Abhijit Bhattacharya against TMC candidate Swapan Debnath. Rajib Kumar Bhowmik is the BJP candidate from the seat.

In the Habra constituency in North 24 Parganas district, TMC`s Jyotipriyo Mullick is the strong contender against BJP`s Rahul Sinha and CPI(M)s Rijinandan Biswas.

West Bengal is undergoing an eight-phase Assembly election this time. The elections for the first five phases have already been completed. Polling for the seventh and the eighth phase will be held on April 26 and April 29. The sixth phase of the State Assembly polls is scheduled for April 22. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

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Seen in context, the posts are more consistent with intoxication than insurrection, his lawyers wrote.

Jan Rostal, a federal defender for Mr. Hunt, said in a statement that the First Amendment encouraged political debate in the town square, not in secret, so bad ideas can get tested.

This case could have serious implications for freedom of speech on social media, Ms. Rostal said.

Although Mr. Hunt had been posting menacing statements on social media since early December, he was not arrested until Jan. 19, the day before Mr. Bidens inauguration. Mr. Hunt has been in jail since his arrest.

The trial will wade into an unsettled area of law that has become especially urgent with the explosion of incendiary political speech in recent years. One of the central disputes at Mr. Hunts trial will be whether a reasonable person would have viewed his social media posts as a serious threat to kill members of Congress.

The courts have said weve got to leave a lot of room for dissent, including dissent thats raised in violent terms, said Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. But how much room is a very important question.

To convict Mr. Hunt, prosecutors must prove that he was not just joking or exaggerating. They must show that he made the statements with the intention of either interfering with the official duties of members of Congress or retaliating against them for certifying the 2020 election results.

Prosecutors have said that they may call Capitol Police officers as witnesses to testify about what happened on Jan. 6 and how they reacted to Mr. Hunts social media posts.
The 2021 Brit Awards will mark the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses prepare to release 2,500 free tickets to key workers.

In an announcement on Thursday, it was revealed that The Brit Awards will take place in front of a live audience of 4,000 people at London's The O2 on 11 May - six days before the next phase of lockdown lifts.

The ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ITV and hosted by Jack Whitehall, will celebrate the return to live music and nominee Dua Lipa has promised those attending that it will 'be a night to remember'.

Celebrate: The 2021 Brit Awards will mark the first major indoor music event in over a year with 2,500 free tickets set to be released to key workers (pictured triple nominee Dua Lipa)

The indoor ceremony and live show will form part of the Government's scientific Events Research Programme, and it will use enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing after all restrictions are lifted on June 21.

Working closely with the Government to adhere to safety guidelines, this means The BRITs, will be the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, with 4,000 tickets being up for grabs- just one fifth of the venue's 20,000 capacity.

The BRITs will play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music at scale as the UK emerges from the past year's restrictions.

Exciting: In an announcement on Thursday, it was revealed The Brit Awards will take place in front of a live audience of 4,000 people at London's The O2 (pictured nominee Jessie Ware)

Return to live music: The BRITs, will be the first live music show at The O2 in over a year

To reward key workers who have worked tirelessly in the pandemic, bosses are releasing 2,500 free tickets via ballot, which opens on brits.co.uk on Thursday at 12pm.

Audience members will not be socially distanced or required to wear face coverings in the arena, but they will be required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to the venue and adhere to rules set out by the event organisers.

Among the rules, attendees must have proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue.

As part of the wider scientific research on the trial events, attendees will also be asked to take a test after the event to gather further evidence on the safety of indoor settings, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings.

Return to normality: The indoor ceremony and live show will form part of the Government's scientific Events Research Programme

'Night to remember': The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV and hosted by Jack Whitehall

Speaking about the news, Dua, 25, who will be performing on the night, said: 'This has been a long tough year for everyone and I'm delighted the night will honour the key worker heroes who have cared for us so well during that time and continue to do so. They are quite simply an inspiration.

'The BRIT Awards are always special and this will truly make it a night to remember.'

The Don't Start Now hitmaker recently hinted at what fans can expect from her eagerly-awaited performance, though she wasn't willing to give too much away.

Appearing on BBC Radio 2 this week, she spilled: 'The theme is London. It's a little bit of a taste of everything. I am really rubbish at talking in code so I will stop there before I make a mess of it.'

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards, added: 'This years BRIT Awards with Mastercard is one of the most significant in the show's history.

'Not only will we be celebrating the brilliant music and artists that have helped us through the pandemic, but we hope it will provide a path for the return of live music that fans and artists have so sorely missed.

'And as a thank you to the key workers who have kept our country going through the difficult times, we are inviting them to be our audience for the first live performances at The O2 in over a year.

'We're buzzing about the show and working closely with Government, The O2 and all our partners to ensure all safety measures and guidelines are adhered to.'

Big news! Dua has been nominated for three nominations in total

Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks and Celeste lead the BRIT Awards stars with three nods a piece.

The three artists are all nominated for Female Solo Artist and Mastercard Album, with Dua also in the running for British Single, while Arlo Parks and Celeste feature in the shortlist for Breakthrough Artist.

Brit female and double nominee for 2021 Jessie Ware is up for Mastercard Album as well as Female Solo Artist which, along with Dua, Arlo and Celeste, also sees Lianne La Havas up for the title.

AJ Tracey is shortlisted twice; one nod in the British Single category, and a second for Male Solo Artist, along with Yungblud, Joel Corry, J Hus and Headie One.

J Hus earns a second nomination in Mastercard Album, whilst Headie One also features in the shortlist for British Single.

Along with Male Solo Artist, Joel Corry receives two more nominations, for Breakthrough Artist and British Single, bringing his tally up to three in total.

The British Single category also sees Aitch up for his second BRIT, having last year been nominated for Best New Artist.

Wow! Many of the stars who have already been announced took to social media to celebrate their success by sharing pictures of the cards listing their nominations

Dance & electronic acts 220 Kid, Nathan Dawes and Regard also get a look in this shortlist, as does Harry Styles, whose performance at the 2020 show was one of the evening's highlights.

The international categories see new and returning artists alike; nominated for their first ever BRIT in International Group are BTS, Run the Jewels and Fontaines D.C., alongside Foo Fighters, who have won this category four times previously and Haim, who have been nominated twice before.

International Female as ever showcases incredibly multi-talented and creative women, with Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift all shortlisted - Miley receives her debut BRIT nomination this year.

The BRITs welcomes The Weeknd into the category for this year's International Male, having been nominated twice before, plus Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Burna Boy (who appeared at the 2020 BRITs as part of Stormzy's performance) and Bruce Springsteen, marking his 11th BRIT nomination.

Earlier this month, The BRITs announced the winner of this year's Rising Star supported by BBC Radio 1 award as Griff, who joins an illustrious list of artist alumni such as Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Celeste who were all identified through this award (previously known as Critics' Choice) as the future stars of British music. Griff will perform at The BRITs in May.

Buzzing: Arlo Parks is nominated for Female Solo Artist and Mastercard Album and Breakthrough Artist
(Newser)  The verdict against Derek Chauvin "can be a moment of significant change," President Biden said in a White House speech Tuesday, hours after a jury found the former Minneapolis police officer guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The Black man's death "was a murder in the full light of day and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see" systemic racism and "the knee on the neck of justice for Black Americans," Biden said, per CNN. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and first lady Jill Biden called Floyd's family moments after the verdict, reports the AP. "Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there is some justice," he said in video of the call tweeted by attorney Ben Crump. "We're all so relieved."

story continues below

Biden and Harris both urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Politico reports. Biden described the decision in the Chauvin case as "much too rare" and said "it took a unique and extraordinary convergence of factors"including bystander video of the killing and police willing to testify against a former officer"for the judicial system to deliver a just, just basic accountability." Chauvin will be sentenced at a hearing in around eight weeks. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on the most serious charge and federal charges are still possible, the Washington Post reports. In a statement Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the jury had "fulfilled its civic duty" after the trial on state charges. He said the federal civil rights investigation is "ongoing." (Read more George Floyd stories.)
In a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, researchers found a cause for severe epilepsy resulting in death in Parson Russell Terrier puppies at a few months of age. A change in the PITRM1 gene can lead to a dysfunction of mitochondria, the cellular energy pumps.

Concurrently, amyloid- accumulation and widespread neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease were identified in the puppies' brains. Changes to the PITRM1 gene in humans also cause a severe but slowly progressing brain disease.

Some Parson Russell Terrier puppies were seen to suddenly develop epileptic seizures at 6 to 12 weeks of age. The disease progressed very rapidly, in a matter of hours in the worst cases, to a situation where the seizures were continuous and unresponsive to medication.

All of the sick dogs either died spontaneously or had to be euthanized. On the tissue level, neuronal necroses, or dead neurons, were identified throughout the brains of the deceased dogs. In the neurons, we observed crowding of mitochondria, the cellular energy pumps, and accumulation of amyloid- typical of Alzheimer's disease. Such an accumulation is expected to be found in old dogs only." Docent Marjo Hytonen, University of Helsinki and the Folkhalsan Research Center

With the help of several research groups at the University of Helsinki and international partners, samples were collected from around Europe, making it possible to pinpoint the gene defect underlying the disease to the PITRM1 gene. This gene encodes an enzyme that is important to mitochondrial function. Due to their responsibility for cellular energy metabolism, mitochondria are key to the functioning of cells.

"In the study, we determined the presence of the variant in nearly 30,000 dogs from 374 breeds, identifying the gene defect only in Parson Russell Terriers. Fortunately, the carrier frequency was low, only 5%. The findings will benefit dogs immediately, as a gene test made available based on the results helps identify carriers and avoid breeding them to produce sick puppies. We have already previously reported the gene test results for the roughly 700 dogs tested in the study," says Professor Hannes Lohi from the University of Helsinki.

The disease associated with Parson Russell Terriers is a recessive trait, which means that, for the disease to develop, the defective gene must be copied from both parents to the offspring. The defect is found in this specific breed only.

"The PITRM1 protein serves as a kind of mitochondrial cleaner that breaks up unnecessary pieces of protein and also the harmful amyloid-. The accumulation of these substances in mitochondria disturbs their function, while neurons in particular tolerate deficient cellular respiration poorly, which explains the early-onset neurodegeneration in dogs. The gene defect results in the disappearance of two amino acids in the PITRM1 enzyme and inhibits it from functioning normally," Hytonen says.

In humans, changes in the same PITRM1 gene also cause neurodegeneration that results in cerebellar ataxia with psychiatric and cognitive abnormalities.

"The human disease progresses slower, but the clinical picture and mechanisms are similar. Our canine study confirms the significance of PITRM1 to mitochondrial and neuronal function, also strengthening the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration. For now, there are few human patients diagnosed with this disease, which makes the canine model groundbreaking in terms of understanding it," says Professor Lohi.
A Message from the President: Finding Strength in Diversity, Unity and Community

Dear Campus Community:

I cannot let today come to a close without acknowledging the anguish that some of you have and are experiencing due to the George Floyd murder trial and all the events that led to todays historic verdict. We need more dialogue followed up by actions to bridge the divides related to systemic racism and violence against people of color. I stand in solidarity with all of you affected by racial hate and discrimination.

My goal is for the University of Wyoming to graduate students who have the cultural framework to help the United States address racial discrimination and hate toward Asian, Black, Latinx, Native American and all other ethnic and racial groups. I hope we can learn to celebrate all the ways we are different and alike as human beings.

Our Inclusivity Team is hard at work to help this campus advance a strategic plan that strengthens a sense of belonging, safety, security and the diversity of thought facilitated by having diverse people as an integral part of our campus community. These principles align with our institutional and state values of equality.

I ask that all faculty and staff continue to provide space for difficult discussions on challenging topics taking place in our society. Such topics here, nationally and globally are likely on everyones mind. I encourage all students and employees to utilize the services that the University of Wyoming has made available to support you.

I urge all members of the UW community to come together and find strength in unity and community as we move forward in a journey that culminates in a society where there is no tolerance for racism, sexism, discrimination or hate of any form.

Sincerely,

Ed Seidel, President
The Bethlehem Area School Board endorsed closing an $8 million 2021-22 budget hole by tapping its savings account and raising property taxes for the first time in two years.

The board held a finance committee meeting Monday evening where it discussed its $305 million spending plan and a new state school funding reform campaign.

The school board has held the line on property taxes for the last two years, but it cant afford to do that this year, board President Michael Faccinetto said. He suggested taking about $4 million to $5 million from the districts $32 million fund balance and closing the rest of the gap with a tax hike. This keeps the savings account within a board-set threshold, while scaling back the increase in taxes, he said.

Bethlehems committed to staying below its 3.7% Act 1 cap on annual property tax increases. Going to the max index would generate $6.7 million while a 2% hike raises $4 million and 1.5% brings in $3 million, district Chief Financial Officer Stacy M. Gober told the board.

The administration promised to come back to the board with a breakdown of what various tax increases would mean for taxpayers.

Bethlehem expects to end the 2020-21 school years budget with a $4 million gap that will also be closed via savings, Superintendent Joseph Roy cautioned. The district often uses its savings to balance its budget, but it does not always have to dip into them at years end as it will this year, he said.

The 2021-22 spending plan relies on about $9.7 million in stimulus funding to cover coronavirus-related education expenses, like mobile hotspots and personal protective equipment for staff, and educational programs aimed up at erasing COVID-learning loss. But officials cautioned against using the $51.4 million in estimated stimulus funding to cover ongoing costs, a tactic that would just create larger funding gaps down the line.

Much of the board meeting focused on the new supplemental school funding proposal targeting 100 of Pennsylvanias neediest districts, an effort led by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, and boosted by the Level Up campaign, a coalition of education advocacy organizations.

Locally, the Allentown and Bethlehem school districts would be big winners under the bill that aims to level the school-funding disparities that make Pennsylvania 44th in the nation for state share of K-12 education funding. Allentown would see $6.3 million and Bethlehem, $1.6 million.

When state funding is low, communities must turn to property taxes to fund their schools, said Susan Spicka, executive director of Education Voters of PA. Lower wealth communities cannot raise enough money to support their students equitably. This means that the wealthiest districts, on average, spend $4,800 more per student than the poorest, and that gap is growing, according to Level Up.

Schlossbergs bill would use the states basic education funding formula to drive money to the 100 neediest districts across Pennsylvania, but it does not allocate funding. Level Up is asking for $100 million this year for those districts in addition to other state funding, Spicka said.

Pennsylvanias fair funding formula was created in 2016, but it only applies to new funding, so only 11% of state funding ran through it last year, while the remaining $5.5 billion is distributed based on 1991-92 student enrollment. Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed running all basic education dollars through the formula and increasing the allocation by $200 million. Hes proposed another $1.15 billion to protect schools that might lose money under the formula.

The 100 school districts represent 20% of the states districts in rural, urban and suburban areas. They are underfunded and include 65% of Pennsylvanias Black students, 58% of Latinx students, 58% of students in poverty, 64% of English learners, 35% of students with disabilities and 32% of Pennsylvanias total student population.

Every single Pa. state senator has a district that would benefit from this, Faccinetto said.

Bethlehem is annually shortchanged in state funding by $20 million, school board member Karen Beck Pooley said. And any proposal that addresses this is incredibly important, she said.

That is real harm, that is harm to our taxpayers who are filling some of that gap and thats harm to our students who arent getting the things the need or have to wait because we got to put things on the shelf during budget season because the resources are not arriving, Beck Pooley said.

The board is expected to vote to pass a resolution endorsing Level Up next week and is encouraging district parents to advocate for the supplemental funding formula.

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

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
This morning at the sitting of the Conservatives and Reformists political group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Mikayel Melkumyan, a member of the Armenian delegation to the PACE, was given the right to ask a question on behalf of this group to Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. Melkumyan on Wednesday wrote about this on Facebook.

"During the discussion, a heated debate took place between the Azerbaijanis and Mikayel Melkumyan, up to the point that the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Samad Seyidov, interfered with the issue, saying that Armenia is an interested party, it should not speak on behalf of the group, let alone ask question to the European Commissioner for Human Rights, who a lot to do in this domain.

Nevertheless, M. Melkumyan managed to compel everyone and convince [them], he presented arguments that these conflicts are not only in one region, but everywhere, and the members of the group unanimously voted for M. Melkumyan.

Thus, despite the numerical dominance in the group, Samad Seyidov failed to abort the right to give M. Melkumyan a say. And today he will ask a question to the European Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic," Mikayel Melkumyan added.
SPRINGFIELD - On the day of the deadline to register for the upcoming state Civil Service exam for entry-level police officer positions, the city of Springfield is reporting around 200 people have applied for the June 12 exam.

The number is well below the amount from the previous state test two years ago when between 350 and 400 people applied for the test, said police spokesman Ryan Walsh.

It is, however, higher than from the beginning of March when there were just over 60 applicants signed up.

The number then raised concerns for the department about finding enough new police officers to fill the vacancies caused by retirements and resignations.

Police Commissioner Cheryl C. Clapprood said at that time that her department, and departments across the country, are finding a harder time finding young people willing to serve.

The department is planning an upcoming police academy class of 30 to 35 recruits.

Clapprood said that typically for every four people who sign up for the police exam, three will fall short in one way or another, either through their exam grades, the physical fitness and psychological exams, or the background checks.

For the last several weeks, the city has been promoting police work with a video campaign on social media, advertisements, and even lawn signs strategically placed near key intersections.

To field an academy class of 30 to 35 recruits generally takes 130 to 140 applicants, she said.

Walsh said the 200 applicants will likely be enough to fill the upcoming class, but it raises questions about the one after that.

We typically average 2.5 (academy) classes per exam, he said.

If the city exhausts the civil service list of city residents, they would have to expand their search to non-residents, he said. Any non-residents selected would have to be permanent residents of Springfield by the time they graduated from the academy, he said.

Walsh said there is still time to register for the exam, however applicants after Monday will be assessed a $50 late fee in addition to the $100 exam processing fee that Civil Service charges.

The final deadline for the upcoming exam is May 4.

For more information the exam, to the the Massachusetts Civil Service webpage

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Lourdes Alatriste Today, she is part of the team at Douglas Elliman as the next move in her storied career.

Haute Residence is proud to continue its partnership with acclaimed real estate agent Lourdes Alatriste as its new representative in the Key Biscayne, Florida real estate market. Alatriste is currently in her third year as the exclusive representative of the Haute Residence Network in Coral Gables, Florida.

Lourdes Alatriste is a 25-year veteran of the Miami luxury real estate industry and has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top Ten agents nationwide, due in no small part to sales in excess of $130M in 2019. With experience that spans the market and covers every facet of the industry, Lourdes has represented some of Miamis most noteworthy properties and holds the distinction of the most sales in Palm Island.

With a track record of success that is as long as her career, Lourdes has been working with the worlds most discerning clientele since her foray into professional real estate in her early 20s. The consummate professional, her passion for her clients, and an encyclopedic knowledge of the most desirable and exclusive South Florida neighborhoods are the hallmarks of her career. Her stellar reputation has been well-earned through the years as clients from Miami to New York and around the globe seek her knowledge and guidance to achieve success while making one of lifes biggest decisions.

Lourdes has worked for some of the worlds elite brokerages, setting records and surpassing sales goals year after year. While with Engel & Volkers, Lourdes earned the distinction of Top Producer in Miami and then went on to achieve Top Producer nationwide honors which led to a Presidents Circle status at the 2014 Elite Awards. The following year, she was appointed as the ONE Sothebys International Realty Executive Director of International Real Estate. In 2017, she returned to Engel & Volkers Miami and Partner and Private Office Advisor. Today, she is part of the team at Douglas Elliman as the next move in her storied career. Lourdes client list and incredible global network of clients, colleagues, influencers and industry leaders praise her for her personalized service and expertise.

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AG Nessel Reacts to Verdict in Chauvin Case

AG Nessel Reacts to Verdict in Chauvin Case

April 20, 2021 LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the following statement in response to today's verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial:

"The death of George Floyd has rightfully been recognized as murder by the jurors in the trial of Derek Chauvin. It is now the obligation of elected officials, community leaders and the law enforcement community throughout this country to recognize the need for reforms to transition from policing by force to cooperative efforts to create safer communities.

"For too long, fear and brutality have been at the heart of how some individuals in law enforcement view their roles within our communities. The result has had devastating consequences for residents, and particularly the Black community and other communities of color.

"Last year, I announced seven proposals as part of a series of actions for police reform. The proposals seek to increase transparency surrounding law enforcement agencies and ensure accountability from and for law enforcement officers.

"It is time to acknowledge that there are problems with how and who we police. Multiple lives have been lost at the hands of law enforcement since the death of Mr. Floyd. This serves as a constant reminder that those in communities of color continue to be wronged by a system that has repeatedly failed to protect them.

"It is incumbent upon the leaders of our communities, our state, and our nation to effectuate change. The murder of Mr. Floyd by a man who wore the uniform of those sworn to serve and protect cannot be allowed to pass as one more unfortunate moment in our nation's history. We cannot simply be satisfied by a verdict. It must be a catalyst for change.

"I am committed to using the authority of the Department of Attorney General to reform the system to hold bad officers accountable and ensure community policing is truly a partnership between our residents and the men and women who wear a uniform and pledge to help keep them safe." ###

Lynsey Mukomel agpress@michigan.gov Attorney General
The University of South Florida has been named one of the worlds most tenacious institutions in addressing societys greatest challenges. Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked USF No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 30 in the world in its 2021 Impact Rankings. This ranking is based on the universitys efforts toward meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were established to forge global partnerships between various sectors, pooling resources and sharing expertise, while collectively working toward a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future.

USF is ranked in the nation's top 20 for all 17 SDGs and has excelled in several key areas: developing innovative solutions to ending poverty, providing clean water and sanitation, addressing emerging global health issues, protecting and enhancing marine ecosystems, creating technologies that strengthen the worlds infrastructures and industries and establishing new efforts to reduce inequalities.

The University of South Floridas mission as a global urban research university reflects our deep commitment to addressing the greatest challenges facing communities here in the Tampa Bay region and around the world through impactful research and a dedication to student access for success, said USF President Steven Currall. Were proud to join the worlds top universities in the development and application of innovative and interdisciplinary research focused on sustainable development. Together we can help ensure a better and more sustainable future in our own communities andaround the world.

No Poverty

As a metropolitan research university, USFs mission is grounded in student success and providing students with the opportunities and holistic support to excel in their academic careers and accomplish goals and dreams that they never thought could be possible.

Times Higher Education has recognized USFs spirited approach and ranked the university No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the world for its efforts to eliminate poverty. USF has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, and approximately 40 percent of students are eligible for federal financial aid through Pell Grants. One in four students is the first in their families to attend college. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating students, regardless of ethnicity or income status, at equal rates. It has also greatly expanded the Guaranteed Admissions Pathway Program (GAPP), which guarantees admission to local high school students from underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, building on USFs longstanding commitment to student success.

Reduced Inequalities

USF is committed to dismantling systemic racism and actively promoting racial equity across its campuses and throughout the world. It is currently involved in a year-long research initiative to better understand and address racism in local, national and international communities. The $500,000 fund provides financial support to 23 projects, such as the African American Burial Grounds & Remembering Project, in which researchers are working to identify and preserve lost and forgotten cemeteries in Tampa Bay.

The USF community is involved in a number of efforts to address inequalities within the region, such as a collaboration with the city of St. Petersburg to identify systemic racism, and the creation of the Center for Justice Research & Policy, which unites scholars and practitioners, area law enforcement agencies and local advocates to provide collaborative community-engaged research and actionable, evidence-based solutions to address some of the justice systems greatest challenges.

As a member of the Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Universities, USF has joined forces with the University of Central Florida and Florida International University for the Year of Reflection. Its a collaborative initiative that encourages dialogue and meaningful action around social justice, diversity equity and inclusion. The partnership works to develop and strengthen Floridas talent pipeline by sharing ideas and scaling solutions that accelerate student achievement and expand access to economic opportunity.

In conjunction with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jabil, the Muma College of Business established a business certificate program that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. More than 130,000 individuals from across the globe have registered.

The USF Department of Women's and Gender Studies also promotes social justice by engaging students in the discovery and production of knowledge that emerges from feminist perspectives on culture and society. It is an institutional member of the National Womens Studies Association and one of the three master's degree-granting WGS programs in the State of Florida.

Zero Hunger

USF has established several initiatives to address food insecurity, such as the creation of the Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities. Through research, education and community efforts, the center works with Feeding Tampa Bay and other partners to develop programs that facilitate social equality and a healthier Florida. This includes hosting a Mega-Pantry food drive on campus, which provided meals to more than 1,000 individuals in one day. USF has also responded to increased demand from its student population by enhancing the availability of food items at the Feed-A-Bull Pantry on the Tampa campus and the Support-A-Bull Market on the St. Petersburg campus, which expanded to the Sarasota-Manatee campus in March 2020.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Researchers across disciplines have worked diligently to help solve global sanitation concerns. Daniel Yeh, professor of civil and environmental engineering, invented the NEWGenerator, a solar-powered machine that generates nutrients, energy and water by safely recovering them from human wastewater. USF has signed a licensing agreement with companies in South Africa and India to manufacture the portable wastewater treatment system, providing clean water in areas in which it had previously been unavailable. Due to the NEWGenerator teams significant contribution to global sanitation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office named it a winner of the 2020 Patents for Humanity Award. The prestigious award recognizes innovators who use game-changing technology to meet global humanitarian challenges.

The Patel College of Global Sustainability develops research that creates solutions for sustainability development in a rapidly-changing world. Its research is based upon USF's broad, interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of water, public health, energy, global security, and social equity. This interdisciplinary approach provides a fertile foundation for the development of unique solutions to emerging and existing problems.

Good Health and Well-Being

The university has played a significant role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and has strengthened its partnership with key agencies and institutions. It established the joint TGH-USF Health Office of Clinical Research and was recently named as the southeast U.S. regional headquarters for the Global Virus Network (GVN). The GVN is a coalition comprised of the worlds foremost experts in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, enhancing efforts to better plan and defend against future epidemics and pandemics.

Researchers have received federal funding from multiple sources, such as the National Institutes of Health, which recently awarded USF $44 million to study the effects of computerized brain training in reducing the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and $4.9 million to help accelerate the discovery of a vaccine to fight malaria. Additional efforts are underway to study West Nile virus, river blindness and other infectious diseases.

Life Below Water

The USF College of Marine Science has proven to be a leader in providing rapid response to some of the most pressing threats to our marine ecosystem. Researchers deployed the first research vessel in early April 2021 to study the environmental impacts of the breach at a retired fertilizer processing plant at Piney Point, which is leaking wastewater into Tampa Bay. They were aboard the R/V Weatherbird II, which was also used in the Deepwater Horizonoil spill response in April 2010. Since that time, marine scientists have successfully collected baseline data on the entire Gulf of Mexico, helping establish the true impact of changes below the surface. USF marine scientists aboard the R/V Weatherbird II study the environmental impacts of the leak at Piney Point.

Local and federal agencies regularly rely on the expertise of USF's marine scientists to guide in the decision-making process regarding significant issues affecting Floridas coastline, such as red tide and other harmful algae blooms, which have a ripple effect on human health, the fishing industry and tourism. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recognized the talents at USF and announced a five-year, $9 million cooperative agreement to launch the Center for Mapping and Innovative Technologies on the USF St. Petersburg campus. An autonomous underwater glider was deployed to detect the presense of red tide.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

USF continues to be a global leader in producing U.S. utility patents, most recently ranked in the top 10 of American public research universities by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Many of these patents have resulted in the production of new technologies and their creation of thousands of jobs. Molekule, an air purification system that was invented at USF, has a manufacturing facility in Polk County and has received FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, a significant achievement in the medical engineering field. The air purification system, Molekule, was invented at USF.
South Africa: Follow in Maxekes footsteps this Freedom Month

Struggle stalwart Charlotte Maxeke has, this Freedom Month, been remembered as a strong and a selfless woman.

On Wednesday, ahead of the annual Freedom Day commemoration, a virtual panel discussion was organised by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to mark the life and times of Maxeke as a freedom fighter.

The panelists described Maxeke as a woman who was always determined to work for others.

Dr Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe, from the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), said Maxeke had made an enormous contribution to the improvement of peoples lives, particularly women.

Maxeke was selfless. Charlotte continued to be a selfless character. She was a pioneer.

Saurombe said it was important for women to follow in Maxekes footsteps and emulate her determination to challenge the status quo.

The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) is a family initiative born out of the desire to preserve, promote, elevate and leverage the legacy left behind by Mme Charlotte.

Maxeke was a South African religious leader, social and political activist; she was the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa with a BSc from Wilberforce University Ohio in 1903, as well as the first black African woman to graduate from an American university.

Born on 7 April 1871, she was the only woman who attended the launch of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in Bloemfontein in 1912.

She witnessed the 1878-1879 last Frontier war, the battle of Isandlwana in 1879, the battle of Adwa in Ethiopia, 1896, the Pan African Congress and the Bhambatha Rebellion of 1906.

She and other selfless women of her generation fought against oppression at a time when such defiance was met with unrelenting force.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of struggle icon and Freedom Month is being celebrated under the theme The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: the Meaning of Freedom under COVID-19.

Government has called on everyone to use the Freedom Month and Freedom Day celebrations to pull together and continue to fight COVID-19 while striving for greater inclusion and social cohesion.

As government has declared 2021 the year to remember Maxeke, Dr Saurombe said the CMMI had planned a number of programmes and activities to commemorate the life and times of the struggle icon.

Zubeida Jaffer, an award-winning South African journalist and activist, is the author of Beauty of the Heart: The Life and Times of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke.

She wrote the book over a period of three years.

I believe more could be written about Charlotte. There are many big moments that people can read about her, Jaffer said.

Jaffer told other panelists that Maxeke used to teach herd boys at night, while continuing to do her other activities. Often it is the small things that we make that impact on other peoples lives, she said.

Reshoketswe Mosuwe, the President of the 19th Episcopal District Womens Missionary Society A.M.E Church, said she was humbled and proud to be following in Maxekes footsteps.

We believe that she still lives in us, Mosuwe said.

Mosuwe was invited to speak about the life and times of Maxeke as a church leader and as a spiritual woman in the A.M.E church.

Maxeke was greatly influenced by AMEC.

She became the organiser of the Womens Mite Missionary Society in Johannesburg, and then moved to the Polokwane (then Pietersburg) area. There she joined her family in Dwaars River, under Chief Ramakgopa, who gave her money to start a school.

With regards to gender-based violence, Mosuwe called on everyone to fight the scourge. She was a fighter and fighting gender-based violence is part of honouring her, she said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Tommy Robinson left a Syrian schoolboy facing death threats and forced his family to flee their home after using his social media platforms to 'spread his extremist views', a court heard today.

The English Defence League founder - whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - is being sued by Jamal Hijazi, 17, who was filmed being attacked by a fellow pupil in Huddersfield in November 2018.

After the footage went viral, Robinson alleged in two Facebook videos viewed by almost a million people that Jamal 'violently attacks young English girls in his school'.

The 38-year-old also claimed Jamal 'beat a girl black and blue' and 'threatened to stab' another boy at Almondbury School, allegations the teenager denies.

On the first day of the libel trial at the High Court today, Jamal's lawyer said Robinson's comments 'turned Jamal into the aggressor, and the bully into a righteous white knight'.

Robinson, who is representing himself at the trial, is defending his comments on the basis that they are substantially true.

Tommy Robinson was in a chirpy mood as he arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, for the libel case brought against him

Syrian schoolboy Jamal Hijazi, 17, (pictured at the Royal Courts of Justice, London today), is suing the English Defence League founder after Robinson commented about a video of him being attacked in a school playground

Catrin Evans QC, representing Jamal, said in written submissions that Robinson's allegations had 'a devastating effect on Jamal and his family' and led to them being relocated from the area in early 2019.

Jamal's father, Jihad Hijazi, said: 'This was the worst experience I have been through in my life. I wished I had died in the war with my family and not seen my children suffer from bullying.'

The lawyer described Robinson as 'a well-known extreme-right advocate with convictions for violence, as well as fraud and drug offences'.

SCHOOLBOY TAUNTED WITH RACIST ABUSE AT SCHOOL IN 'CAMPAIGN OF BULLYING' In his witness statement, Jamal said he joined Almondbury Community School in the city at the age of 13, with very poor English, and was met with hostility from some other pupils. He wrote: 'I faced a lot of issues when I was at the school, including a campaign of bullying and attempts by other students to make me unhappy, so I would go home. 'I was called names which at first I did not understand. 'My Syrian friend explained to me what these words meant and suggested I should report these incidents to a teacher because the names were racist. 'I refer below to a gang of students who regularly bullied me. They often called me 'P**i', 'Syrian' or 'immigrant' in an aggressive way.' Jamal said the attack in the viral video was not isolated and detailed other incidents, including being threatened with a knife in November 2017. He said his sister Fariha was also bullied, referencing an incident where her hijab was deliberately removed by another student. Jamal also said in his statement he had 'no idea' about Robinson before the Facebook videos were made. He added: 'His job has been explained to me by both my litigation friend and my solicitors, but I still do not fully understand what he does. 'I understand that a part of what he does is to make content and that the more attention it gets, the more money and support he can gain.' Advertisement

Robinson 'used his social media platforms, in particular his Facebook account, to spread his extremist views', Ms Evans added.

She said Robinson 'falsely accused Jamal of being part of a gang that participated in a violent assault on a young girl and... also alleged that he had threatened to stab another child', and did so 'without any direct knowledge of the events in question'.

Ms Evans told the court that Jamal was bullied from shortly after he started at the school in October 2016, having come to the UK with his family as refugees from Homs in Syria.

The High Court heard that Jamal and his family had lived in a refugee camp in Lebanon for three years before resettling in Huddersfield.

In his witness statement, Jamal said he joined Almondbury Community School in the city at the age of 13, with very poor English, and was met with hostility from some other pupils.

He wrote: 'I faced a lot of issues when I was at the school, including a campaign of bullying and attempts by other students to make me unhappy, so I would go home.

'I was called names which at first I did not understand.

'My Syrian friend explained to me what these words meant and suggested I should report these incidents to a teacher because the names were racist.

'I refer below to a gang of students who regularly bullied me. They often called me 'P**i', 'Syrian' or 'immigrant' in an aggressive way.'

Ms Evans said this bullying 'and the failure to do enough about it' culminated in 2018 in a series of incidents in the school, including serious threats made to Jamal.

She said a fellow pupil attacked Jamal in October 2018 and 'simulated waterboarding him' by pouring a bottle of water over his face when he was on the ground.

After the video of the incident went viral, it 'received mass national media coverage and an outpouring of support for Jamal and his family', Ms Evans told the court.

Robinson then published the allegations about Jamal 'to his million social media followers', 'apparently based only on material posted on, and subsequently deleted from, social media', Ms Evans added.

She described Robinson's defence as 'a cobbled-together mix of generalised smears of Jamal's character', saying that 'there is simply no merit to the defendant's defence of truth'.

Jamal agreed the attack in the viral video was not isolated and detailed other incidents, including being threatened with a knife in November 2017.

He told the High Court his sister Fariha was also bullied, referencing an incident where her hijab was deliberately removed by another student.

Jamal said he had 'no idea' about Robinson before the Facebook videos were made, adding a group of boys he 'had problems with' often made comments about the EDL.

He said: 'His job has been explained to me by both my litigation friend and my solicitors, but I still do not fully understand what he does.

'I understand that a part of what he does is to make content and that the more attention it gets, the more money and support he can gain.'

In cross-examination, Jamal described feeling 'shock and embarrassment' after the video of his attack went viral and said he 'couldn't sleep for two nights'.

He added that he was 'dreaming of somebody stabbing me, I was really scared at the time'.

The lawyer described Robinson as 'a well-known extreme-right advocate with convictions for violence, as well as fraud and drug offences'. Left, Jamal Hijazi in 2018. Right, Robinson, who is representing himself at the trial, is defending his comments

A video showing Jamal, 16, being pushed to the ground and 'waterboarded' in the playground at his school in Huddersfield was shared nationwide in November 2018

Robinson, who is representing himself at the trial, is defending his comments on the basis that they are substantially true.

In written submissions, Robinson said he had 'uncovered dozens of accounts of aggressive, abusive and deceitful behaviour by the claimant, including acts which speak the truth to the matters complained of'.

Referring to the alleged 'waterboarding' incident, Robinson added: 'Not only was the claimant the bully and not the victim in this incident, he has subsequently been shown to be the aggressor on multiple occasions, indulging in violent and abusive behaviour.'

The eight-day trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London is expected to hear evidence from Jamal and Robinson, as well as pupils and staff at the time of the incident.

The trial before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to conclude next Friday and it is expected that he will give his ruling at a later date.
We are very pleased to bring this comprehensive offering to the market; it is an honor to serve as an operational extension for our health plan clients.

RAM Technologies, Inc. (RAM), the perennial leader in the development of enterprise software for Government sponsored healthcare programs (Medicare Advantage, Special Needs and Managed Medicaid health plans) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest division, RAM Health Services. RAM Health Services is focused entirely on providing health plans with a comprehensive out of the box Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) for their back-office operations.

RAM's BPaaS model exceeds client expectations by:

a) leveraging their own premier government-centric technology suite (HEALTHsuite Advantage core administrative platform and eHealthsuite web portals);

b) onboarding proven leaders and operations staff with long-standing BPaaS experience in Government Programs;

c) layering compliance atop their BPaaS delivery model, an undeniable value add in this market; and lastly

d) integrating RAMs long-standing family approach to preserving each clients values and commitment to their members and providers.

We are truly excited to bring the combined offering of RAMs HEALTHsuite Advantage platform, the leading technology solution for Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid administration, and the government programs operational expertise of RAM Health Services, to market, stated Christopher P. Minton, Executive Vice President of RAM Technologies. With this option, small and entry level health plans will realize the bandwidth and efficiencies traditionally associated with much larger, mature payers.

The RAM Health Services BPaaS offering delivers a world class administrative platform and provides health plans with the option to outsource all or selected portions of their operations. This increased level of engagement affords plans, both small and large, with a wealth of expertise in Government healthcare programs. For new market entrants, this offering dramatically reduces time to market, alleviates hiring and HR issues and enhances health plan revenue.

The RAM end-to-end solution (technology and personnel) sets the bar for Medicare Advantage administration, added Mr. Minton. We are very pleased to bring this comprehensive offering to the market; it is an honor to serve as an operational extension for our health plan clients.

RAMs solution, Medicare Advantage-in-a-Box, powered by HEALTHsuite Advantage, coupled with the BPaaS offering from RAM Health Services, represent the next evolution in Medicare Advantage outsourcing. HEALTHsuite Advantage deploys in a pre-configured state ready to administer Original Medicare. This innovative approach slashes implementation durations, eliminates risk and greatly reduces costs. HEALTHsuite Advantages robust features and functions include all of the essential core system capabilities, including complete bi-directional integration with CMS  a must for Medicare Advantage organizations.

About RAM Technologies, Inc.

RAM Technologies is the leading provider of enterprise claims processing software and CMS Integration tools for health care organizations administering Medicare Advantage and Special Needs plans. For almost 40 years RAM Technologies has led the way in the creation of benefit administration software for these programs and continues to enhance their managed care software to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market. RAM Technologies has been recognized on Inc. Magazines List of Fastest Growing Private Companies and the Philadelphia Business Journals List of Top Software Developers for their advancements in the creation of comprehensive auto adjudication software for Medicare and SNP administration. To learn more about RAM Technologies healthcare claims processing solutions call (877) 654-8810 or visit http://www.ramtechinc.com.
[April 21, 2021] SK Battery America To Hire Hundreds Of Employees For First Battery Plant, Construction Of Second Plant On Track

COMMERCE, Ga., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Innovation announced that SK Battery America (SKBA), a U.S. production corporation for the electric battery business, has begun large-scale recruitment in preparation for the commercial operation of its first plant early next year. SKBA is searching for outstanding candidates to apply for jobs in all areas of their operations, from production to quality control, maintenance, safety management, logistics, finance, and human resources. This is the largest recruitment effort since it began hiring production supervisors and professional engineers last June. Advertisements have appeared in local newspapers including the Jackson Herald, Braselton News, and Banks County News. Application information is also posted on various state and local websites and social media channels. SKBA plans to hold multiple job fairs starting at the end of April. It will also host its second "Drive-thru Job Fair" to make the application process more accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first such job fair was held in the second half of last year, and proved popular with applicants and yielded successful hires. SKBA's CEO Jun-ho Hwang remarked, "We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from Georgians as we move forward with our plans. We are excited to be recruiting from the area again, and to be contributing to the continued economic growth and development of the region." "I extend my thanks to SK Innovation, Lanier Technical College, and Georgia Quick Start for orking together and already making these jobs of the future a reality for hundreds of Georgians," said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. "This is only the beginning, and I can't wait to see the transformative impact SK Innovation and our coordinated workforce training programs will have as they create and attract thousands of clean energy jobs to Georgia."



Additionally, the construction of SK's second plant is on track. SKBA's construction partners are actively leasing materials and equipment warehouses, reviving the commercial real estate market in the region. SKBA plans to complete construction of the second plant by the end of 2022 and begin commercial operation there by the end of 2023. Representative Director of SK Innovation Battery Business Dong-seob Jee said, "I thank all the elected officials in Georgia and the residents of Commerce for their unwavering support of our new battery plants, even when we encountered difficulties." He added, "We are pleased that our commercial operations will proceed as planned."

SK Innovation will invest a total of 2.6 billion USD (approximately 3.016 trillion KRW) to complete construction of its first and second battery plants in Commerce, Georgia. Approximately 2,600 American jobs will be created by the end of 2023, including nearly 1,000 jobs by the end of this year. SK Battery America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SK Innovation Co. Ltd., and the leading developer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. [Links to SKBA Recruitment Site] 1. Workday: https://skba.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SK_battery_America

2. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skbatteryamerica

3. Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Sk-Battery-America

4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skbatteryamerica

5. Email: skba.hr@sk.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-battery-america-to-hire-hundreds-of-employees-for-first-battery-plant-construction-of-second-plant-on-track-301273779.html SOURCE SK Innovation

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Scientific modelling has revealed three-quarters of the planet had been altered by humans as far back as 12,000 years ago.

A team led by researchers from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the US and including scientists from the University of Queensland has developed computer models to compare the impact of humans on their surrounding environment over the centuries.

New modelling shows humans had affected three-quarters of the planet over 12,000 years ago. Credit:Tony Moore

UQs Professor James Watson said they found humans had affected a large area of the globe for a significant period, but for most of that time, the overall impact was much less than since the industrial revolution.

We often forget when talking about the influence of humans on the environment that humanity has been influencing the planet for a long time, but not in such a harsh manner as in the last 100 or 200 years, he said.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story has been updated to indicate the number of collisions on SC 90.

HORRY COUNTY  During a six-minute Horry County Council meeting, three controversial proposed developments were officially approved on April 20.

The proposed developments include Lennar Carolinas request to rezone close to 300 acres where U.S. 501 and S.C. 31 intersect in the Myrtle Beach area, and two requests from G3 Engineering of about 55 acres on S.C. 90 and about 100 acres on S.C. 905 both in Conway.

But why are they controversial? During the April 6 county meeting activists and residents spoke at length about why they did not want county to approve these rezoning requests for a slew of reasons.

The developments

The first development, Lennar Carolina's request, will build roughly 140 homes in a flood zone.

Lennar requested to rezone 300 acres where U.S. 501 and S.C. 31 intersect in the Myrtle Beach area from commercial forest agriculture and commercial to multi-residential 3, which allows for mixed residential development in urban areas of the county.

Developers are proposing 214 single-family homes and 63 townhomes on the property.

A common misunderstanding of 100- and 500-year flood zones is that they only happen once in those specific time periods, but that is not always the case.

A 100-year flood zone means that there is 1 percent chance of a flood happening every year. And a 500-year flood zone means there is a 0.2 percent chance a flood will happen every year.

During a 30-year mortgage, homes in a 100-year flood zone have a 26 percent chance of being flooded at least once, according to the United States Geological Service.

Were building in a flood zone, that is what gives me pause, said Johnny Gardner, the council chairman at the April 6 meeting.

According to the rezoning request, flooding from Hurricane Florence went beyond the 100- and 500-year flood zone on a portion of this property.

Along with those flooding concerns G3 Engineering requested to rezone close to 100 acres, taking the land from commercial forest agriculture to multi-residential, for a total of 199 lots for single-family homes. Grissett Lake Landing was recently developed next to the property with 99 lots.

Two lots within the proposed development are located in a flood zone.

Councilmemeber Orton Bellamy, who represents the district where the proposed development will be built, worked with activists to make sure concerns regarding the flooding are heard.

One of those activists is Horry County Rising founder April O'Leary, who publicly thanked Bellamy during the April 6 meeting.

O'Leary said the two homes which would have been in flood zones were moved and the width of the buffers to help prevent flooding will be increased.

"(Bellamy) was pulling the two lots out of the Special Flood Hazard Area. So we felt that was sufficient, I mean, at the end of the day, we're trying to avoid encroaching on these areas. And there wasn't a significant amount of parcels, it was only a couple of lots," O'Leary said.

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Aside from flooding concerns, the other G3 rezoning request will create an additional 144 lots close to S.C. 90. G3 was approved to rezone 69 lots recently, bringing a total of 215 lots to the area.

Ameila Wood, who lives near S.C. 90, does not support the rezoning request and believes S.C. 90 is overcrowded and has a slew of issues regarding infrastructure, traffic and accidents.

Horry County is tied with Charleston County as the worst county in South Carolina for fatal collisions in 2019, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. There were 72 fatal collisions.

Of the 72 collisions, 22 occurred on SC Primary Roads, which SC 90 is a part of.

Impact fees and setbacks

Councilmemeber Al Allen, who voted against two of the proposed developments during their second reading, said council is working to adapt to Horry County's rapid growth by discussing issues such as impact fees and setbacks.

Impact fees would be an additional fee new construction would have to pay to allow residents and new businesses to have infrastructure like stormwater and public safety.

In 2018, more than 70 percent of Horry County voters supported implementing such a fee during a non-binding referendum placed on November midterm election ballots, according to previous reporting by The Post and Courier.

Though conversations surrounding impact fees came to a halt earlier this year, due to economic concerns of COVID-19, they are seemingly to be back on the table.

"I'd like to remind everybody that this council has made it further with impact fees than any other council before. The only reason it got set aside was because of COVID, and it's time to pick it back up and move it forward again," Gardner said.

"And we will do that"

Setbacks, which is the distance from the road to a building, was another conversation to mitigate growth. The conversation started during an April 12 infrastructure and regulation meeting, where county staff presented information to the committee on setbacks.

Currently S.C. 90 and 905 have 25-foot setbacks.

Council had asked Horry County staff to look into setbacks as growth continues throughout the county.

After proposing their findings, Deputy Director John Danford and council decided they would like like to write up a draft ordinance to increase setbacks on specific corridors.

This could allow for a close to 50- to 60-foot setbacks.

"We know that there's going to have to be road widening at some point. Wouldn't it be your opinion that we have to do that?" asked Councilmember Dennis DiSabato of Danford.

Danford confirmed.
Presidente @FSagasti: Con el zarpe de la PIAS Ucayali, a traves del BAP Curaray, demostramos que con esfuerzo es posible llevar a las comunidades del pais, todos los servicios necesarios para que los ciudadanos ejerzan sus derechos plenamente. pic.twitter.com/pOyDrhgXY8
Comer: Current Border Policy Not Sustainable

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Congressman James Comer joined the Greg Dunker Show Tuesday to discuss what he calls an immigration crisis at the southern border.Comer shared that he recently took a trip to the border to see the conditions firsthand and said it was much worse than anyone can imagine.He said, "The border is wide open. We've got thousands of people crossing that border every day. It's a humanitarian crisis, it's a national security crisis, and I'm just appalled that Joe Biden hasn't done anything about it."He stressed that the longer President Joe Biden waits to take action, the more we will see unaccompanied minors, drug dealers, and terrorists crossing the border."Every one of these kids that steps foot on American soil stays here. They become a part of the welfare system." Comer continued, "The Biden administration hasn't been transparent with the numbers, but I can tell you this is getting into hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars."According to Comer, many of the issues at the border can be tied to several actions Biden has taken since becoming president. Those include an executive order that he says ties the hands of ICE agents, a second executive order putting a halt on former President Donald Trump's border policies, and halting construction on the border wall.Comer said while touring a detention facility in Texas, he saw hundreds of unaccompanied minors, many of them toddlers. He said as long as Biden remains quiet, we will see more desperate families attempting to get their children onto the American side of the border."That's just not sustainable. It's a terrible policy," Comer said. "We're humanitarians, and we're compassionate people in America. We need to set up shop with the Red Cross and FEMA on the Mexican side of the border, but never let them cross. There's a legal process to become United States citizens, and they're making a mockery of that system."He shared that although some might label Republicans as racist for wanting border control, he feels compassion for immigrants and is willing to appropriate money for humanitarian relief on the Mexican side of the border.
Australian scientist helps make discovery with fossilised footprint of dinosaur in China

Xinhua) 16:57, April 20, 2021

SYDNEY, April 20 (Xinhua) -- An international team of palaeontologists, including one from the Australian state of Queensland, has discovered a fossilized footprint of a stegosaur.

The print, believed to be about 100 million years old, was found in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

University of Queensland researcher Anthony Romilio was a member of the team that investigated the track, originally found by Associate Professor Lida Xing from the China University of Geosciences (Beijing).

Romilio told Xinhua on Tuesday that the print, which is less than 6 cm long, is from the world's known smallest stegosaur.

He said the footprint was made by a "herbivorous, armored dinosaur known broadly as a stegosaur - the family of dinosaurs that includes the famed stegosaurus."

He said the discovery was "very important because tiny footprints are virtually unknown for any of the armored dinosaurs."

"Like the stegosaurus, this little dinosaur probably had spikes on its tail and bony plates along its back as an adult," Romilio said.

"The tiny track shows that this dinosaur had been moving with its heel lifted off the ground, much like a bird or cat does today."

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
(Reuters) - Myanmar anti-coup activists launched protests on Wednesday calling for the release of detained prisoners, as junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing was reported to be planning to attend a regional summit to discuss the crisis in the country.

Saturday's summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would be its first since the coup in Myanmar on Feb. 1 and a test of how the traditionally consensual organisation will respond.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the military commander would attend the meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, the online service of the Japanese news magazine Nikkei Asia reported.

Reuters could not reach the spokesman for confirmation. The general's attendance at the summit has been condemned by critics of the military takeover both within Myanmar and abroad.

The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, with almost daily protests despite a crackdown by the junta in which hundreds of people have been killed.

ASEAN has been trying to guide fellow member Myanmar out of the bloody turmoil triggered by the coup, but the 10-nation group's principles of consensus and non-interference have restricted its ability to overcome members' divergent views on how to respond to the army's killing of civilians.

Myanmar's military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk to members of the government it ousted, accusing some of them of treason, which is punishable by death.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the summit, but Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would be represented by his deputy, Don Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister.

Other regional leaders are yet to confirm their plans.

The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, will fly to Jakarta and hold meetings on the sidelines of the summit, three sources said.

Story continues

She has communicated with Myanmar's military but the army has not allowed her to visit.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group, says 738 people have been killed by Myanmar's security forces since the coup and 3,300 people are in detention. Another 20 people have been sentenced to death and are in hiding.

On Wednesday, people shared photos on social media wearing blue shirts and holding up a hand with the name of an arrested person written on it.

The shirts are a tribute to pro-democracy activist Win Tin who was imprisoned by the military for 19 years and died on April 21, 2014. After his release, he pledged to wear a blue shirt until all political prisoners were freed.

"Please raise your voice and demand the release of all the people who are being unfairly detained under the junta government," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung said on Facebook.

'BARBARIC JUNTA'

Last week, pro-democracy politicians, including ousted members of parliament, announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) that nominally includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the protests and ethnic minorities.

Mynamar's home affairs ministry has declared the NUG unlawful, but the NUG says it is the legitimate authority in Myanmar and has requested international recognition and an invitation to the Jakarta meeting.

A grouping of ASEAN lawmakers also said the NUG should be invited.

"ASEAN cannot adequately discuss the situation in Myanmar without hearing from and speaking to the National Unity Government," ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights said in a statement.

On the invitation to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, it said: "ASEAN must make it abundantly clear that he is not there as a representative of the Myanmar people, who totally reject his barbaric junta."

Human Rights Watch said the 10-member bloc should immediately withdraw the invitation to the junta's leader.

"Min Aung Hlaing, who faces international sanctions for his role in military atrocities and the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, should not be welcomed at an intergovernmental gathering to address a crisis he created," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Ed Davies and Raju Gopalakrishnan; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Philippa Fletcher)
Senate Republicans are preparing a counter proposal to President Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure package, one that would drastically reduce the price tag and pay for it with a means other than raising taxes.

Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, who has taken the lead in negotiations for the GOP, said the Republican counter offer would be ready 'hopefully by the end of the week.'

The GOP plan would be in the $600 billion to $800 billion range and focus on traditional infrastructure projects. Republicans have complained that items in Biden's plan - such as affordable housing, childcare and combatting climate change - are not infrastructure.

Republicans are looking to pay for their plan through a combination of user fees and repurposing some of the $350 billion sent out to state and local governments in the American Rescue Plan, The Hill reported.

Senate Republicans are preparing a counter proposal to President Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure package

Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia has taken the lead on the GOP infrastructure package and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said they are open to negotiation with President Biden on a 'modest' bill

'We're open to a more modest and targeted infrastructure bill,' Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday.

Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the party leadership, said there was a willingness among GOP lawmakers to negotiate on a package that focused on traditional infrastructure.

'There's a pathway there, and if the Democrats would be willing to negotiate on something like that, there could be a deal,' he said.

Biden argues all the elements in his plan pertain to the national infrastructure and wants to pay for it by hiking corporate taxes. Democrats are unlikely to back the GOP payment method.

But some Democrats see a focus on traditional infrastructure items - like roads, bridges and airports - as a first step to a larger deal.

President Biden hosted a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Oval Office on Monday to discuss his infrastructure package

Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally, said on 'Fox News Sunday' that the Senate should 'come together in a bipartisan way to pass that $800 billion hard infrastructure bill' and then tackle a second package that would include additional items the president is proposing.

Biden is facing criticism from his left wing, who wanted him to go even bigger.

The White House is working to mollify progressives with talk of the American Families Plan, a second part of the infrastructure initiative that will be released this month and focus on social programs, including the child tax credit.

But most Republicans strongly oppose the social programs and liberals worry that a smaller first round package passing with bipartisan support could kill the second round proposal.
NSW Police Minister David Elliott wants to see a school teacher on Sydneys upper north shore sacked after images emerged of posters on display supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, including some reading Stop Killer Cops and Pigs out of the country.

The placards, made by year 5 and 6 students at Lindfield Learning Village, have been taken down and the Department of Education is undertaking a review at the request of NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell.

Mr Elliot told 2GB host Ben Fordham on Wednesday that he thought the teacher involved should be fired. The headmistress, [principal] Stephanie McConnell, in my view should be fronting the media today and explaining why taxpayers dollars are being spent to educate children in this manner, he said.

They have completely let their student body down by indoctrinating and brainwashing them at a time when they really should be learning how to read and write, he said.
Spains population fell by 106,146 people last year, the first drop after four straight years of growth. Thats according to provisional data released on Tuesday by the National Statistics Institute (INE) and based on local registry statistics.

Of the countrys 47.3 million registered residents, 88.6% have Spanish citizenship (41.9 million) and 11.4% are foreign nationals (5.4 million). Demographers consulted by this newspaper said that factors such as deaths from the coronavirus pandemic and decreased migration flows due to border closures have played a role in this dip in Spains registered population. A fall in the birth rate has also influenced the overall decline to a certain degree.

Every new statistic serves to confirm the impact of the Covid-19 health crisis on Spains demographics. Earlier this year, the INE released provisional figures showing a historically high number of deaths and a record low number of marriages in 2020. Now the figures are showing a 0.2% reduction in Spains population, which has been felt more intensely among Spanish nationals in absolute terms (79,815 versus 26,331 foreign residents). Expressed as a percentage, however, the drop is bigger among the foreign community: 0.5% compared with 0.2%.

What were seeing is an interruption of the continuous growth of the last four years due to a very serious event, a pandemic, that has caused disruptions in every aspect of society  from a traumatic situation in the health system, which has caused high mortality, to individual movement constrained by the border closures, explains Diego Ramiro, director of the Institute for Economics, Geography and Demographics of the National Research Council (CSIC).

This expert adds that fewer births have also played a role, if a smaller one, on the population decline. Before the Covid-19 pandemic there was already a downward curve in birth and fertility rates. But the health crisis has intensified the trend. The INEs early estimates show a 10% drop in November 2020 compared with the same month in 2019, followed by a drop of over 20% in December. The lower birth figures for this latter month show the first effects of confinement, as those babies were conceived in March 2020, when a three-month lockdown began. Many couples have since postponed having children due to economic and health-related uncertainties.

The most densely populated regions of Spain on January 1, 2021 were Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid. At the other end of the spectrum, La Rioja, Cantabria and Navarre had the smallest registered populations. The number of registered residents has dropped in most Spanish regions over the last year.

Joaquin Recano, a researcher at the Center for Demography Studies who teaches demographics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, stresses the role played by deaths and migration. The main cause is deaths. This can be seen in the regions that felt the pandemic more intensely, he notes. In absolute terms, the regions that lost the most registered residents were Madrid (34,297 people), Catalonia (23,551) and Castilla y Leon (13,637).

In relative terms, after [the North Africa exclave cities of] Ceuta and Melilla, the population drop is headed by Asturias, one of the regions with the oldest populations (0.7%), followed by Castilla y Leon (0.6%), Madrid and Extremadura (both with 0.5%), adds Recano.

Leaving the cities

Statistics also show a rise in registered residents in Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha and Cantabria. Well have to analyze internal-population movements. Its possible that some people left the big cities to go live elsewhere, notes this expert. Last year, there was a drop of 37,870 EU nationals registered as residents of Spain. Meanwhile, registered non-EU residents grew by 11,539 individuals.

The overall population decline of 2020 is expected to be felt again in 2021, given that the effects of the pandemic are not yet over. Our population has been growing for years, basically due to immigration. The crisis has suddenly halted those dynamics, which is something that also happened during the previous economic crisis, notes Albert Esteve, director of the Center for Demography Studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. It is to be expected that the drop will continue in 2021; it will all depend on how the economy recovers and whether mobility restrictions are eased, but probably there wont be time enough for immigration to recover.

5,000 villages of under 1,000 souls The INE data also shows that of Spains 8,131 municipalities, 5,002 have a registered population of under 1,000 people. Castilla y Leon, Castilla-La Mancha and Aragon have the highest number of these sparsely populated villages, while the Canary Islands, Murcia and the Balearic Islands have the lowest.

English version by Susana Urra.
ALBANY  The city fenced off the sidewalks around the police department's South Station early Wednesday morning - five days after protesters began a sit-in in response to a confrontation there last week.

The fencing went up exactly a week after a confrontation with protesters escalated, resulting in officers shooting pepper spray, physically pushing protesters and a window being broken in the police station.

Albany police spokesman Steve Smith said in a statement the barricade is part of normal safety procedures.

"For safety purposes, the sidewalk in front of the police station must remain clear," he said on Twitter. "We fully support the rights of individuals to peacefully protest but urge that its done in a way thats lawful and does not impact either public health or the safety of our community."

In a livestreamed video on Facebook taken by Mikayla Foster, protesters told officers on scene that if they were going to attack or damage the station, they would have done so previously. The protesters have blocked off a portion of Arch Street and have put up tents, and lit fires inside large metal rings to stay warm. People have also written and painted on the outside walls of the station, including some messages with foul language and insults toward officers.

The barricades were placed so that people could access the building's entrance, police said; the protesters' encampment remains outside the new fencing. Officers attached zip ties to sections of the fencing to make it more difficult for protesters to move them.

Brandon Brown, 21, from Schenectady, said around a dozen police officers helped put up fencing in front of South Station at around 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Brown said Amy Jones, a community leader and activist who has been the liaison between protesters and city officials, warned protesters that police were going to show up to put the fencing around the building.

They think were going to burn their building down? We couldve done that these last five days, I dont understand, Brown said.

Brown said if officials want the activists to leave, their demands, which include firing the officer who grabbed at a light and megaphone held by protesters--which resulted in a woman falling to the ground--during the confrontation a week ago have to be met.

Chandler Hickenbottom, the protester who was injured after a police officer grabbed at her megaphone during last week's protest, said her parents have been checking in on her all week.

"They worry about me," Hickenbottom said, adding that her father understood the importance of what she was doing because he marched in Selma, Ala., with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. "He's worried for me, but we have to do our part."

WARNING: The following video the Times Union took of South Station shows the foul language that is written on the building.



At least a dozen protesters were still camped outside the station Wednesday.

Greg McGee, president of the police officer's union, sent a letter to Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Chief Eric Hawkins saying that by allowing the protesters to stay, the city was knowingly jeopardizing officers' health.

"The events currently unfolding at South Station have shown every member of this department that in your eyes we are expendable. As our leaders you have failed each of us," McGee wrote in a April 19 letter.

McGee further criticized the city, saying it had learned nothing from the protests following George Floyd's death last year and that it had failed to make long-promised upgrades to South Station. After peaceful protests in the city May 30, 2020, other people began committing violent acts later that evening, throwing things at police and police horses around South Station, followed by fires and business windows being smashed for blocks.

Meanwhile, the Schenectady police department put up fencing around its headquarters earlier this week after words were also chalked on that building on Liberty Street.

Last Wednesday, a peaceful march protesting the death of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minn., culminated in the brief clash between police officers and demonstrators at South Station, where officers shot pepper spray in protesters' faces and a window was broken by some protesters. City officials held a news conference about Wednesday's protest on Friday, describing the gathering as a "riot."

In response, protesters started a sit-in on Arch Street, promising not to leave until the city fired an officer involved in last Wednesday's clash and create a panel discussion with the protesters that would include Sheehan and Hawkins.

A spokesman for Sheehan did not respond to a question on whether Sheehan would meet with the protesters.

Albany police sent out a release Wednesday afternoon asking for the public's help in identifying two individuals who attended last Wednesday's protest.

One person, who is seen wearing black sunglasses and a hoodie, broke the South Station building's window, according to Smith. The other person is seen in a brief clip hurling an object. Smith said the object was thrown toward officers near the entrance of the building. Smith said he was not certain if the object was thrown before or after police pepper-sprayed some of the protesters.

"I'm not sure when it happened," Smith said.

Video footage from the scene from protesters and the Times Union shows water bottles and canned drinks being thrown at officers and the building after pepper spray was deployed by police officers.

The release from police comes a week after the demonstration and does not specify if police plan to file charges against the two individuals.

Legacy Casanova, a Black Lives Matter leader who organized last Wednesday's protest, said police are "just trying to get a story and frame a narrative" with their latest plea for help in identifying those individuals.

"There were people throwing water bottles to get the police off the people who were being attacked and pepper-sprayed," Casanova said, adding that he did not know the two people shown in the photos. "Everything escalated after the confrontation."
You might be looking for new ways to improve your understanding of something you are studying. Perhaps you are seeking better methods to remember important information.

One way to help you reach these goals is to try teaching  not as a job, but as a way to improve your own learning.

In todays Education Tips, we will explore how teaching could help your studies.

Background

Researchers and educators have been interested in the link between teaching and learning for quite some time.

A 1982 study found that tutoring helped both the tutors and the people who studied with them.

Tutoring means teaching one person or a very small group of students.

Like the children they helped, the tutors gained a better understanding of and developed more positive attitudes toward the subject matter covered in the tutorial program, the researchers wrote.

Attitude is a term that means the way you think or feel about something.

Also in the 1980s, Jean-Pol Martin, a French teacher in Germany, developed a way of teaching that asked students to teach each other. Martin taught language classes, but he expanded his Learning by Teaching method, also called LdL, to include other subjects as well.

More recent studies

More recent studies have looked at the link between teaching and memory. A 2013 study, which we briefly described in a previous Education Tips, found that teaching had a strong effect on understanding and learning.

An important part of the study compared the learning results of people who actually taught a lesson to those who simply prepared but did not teach.

Overall, these findings suggest that when students actually teach the content of a lesson, they develop a deeper and more persistent understanding of the material than from solely preparing to teach, the researchers wrote.

Persistent is a term that means continuing beyond the usual or expected amount of time.

Why Does Teaching Improve Learning?

Scientists have also explored the question of why teaching improves learning.

A 2018 study suggests that teaching may help your learning because you have to remember the information you have learned as you continue to teach. Experts call this retrieval.

The researchers wrote that retrieval practice possibly causes the learning benefits of teaching.

Practice is a term that means to do something over and over again to become better at it.

The basic idea is that if you want to improve your memory of what you have learned, you have to practice remembering that information.

While retrieval may be one reason that teaching helps learning, there could be other reasons. The issue remains an open question.

Ideas for how to start teaching

The good news is that there are many ways that you can improve your learning by teaching.

One way might be to teach your family or friends about something that you are learning. For example, you could teach your parents about English grammar or vocabulary.

You could also try teaching a younger person  perhaps a cousin, brother or sister. Try to make your lessons simple and clear, and ask them what they do not understand.

The process of teaching and asking for feedback will help you realize that you may not understand some things as well as you thought you did. That is an important, necessary step in the learning process.

Another idea is to imagine yourself describing a lesson to someone, or to write the lesson down. In the Guardian newspaper, David Robson suggests that you could write an email describing what you have learned in great detail.

A final idea for those who like technology: You could record video of yourself teaching information. You could then send the lesson to friends or put it on YouTube or some other social media service.

Give teaching a try and let us know if it improves your learning!

Im John Russell.

John Russell reported on this story for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

positive  adj. thinking about the good qualities of someone or something : thinking that a good result will happen : hopeful or optimistic

content  n. the ideas, facts, or images that are in a book, article, speech, movie, etc.

benefit  n. a good or helpful result or effect

feedback  n. helpful information or criticism that is given to someone to say what can be done to improve a performance, product, etc.
Benson files lawsuit to ensure public can provide input on redistricting

Benson files lawsuit to ensure public can provide input on redistricting

APRIL 21, 2021

Delayed census data requires deadline extension

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has filed suit with the Michigan Supreme Court to ensure the public can provide feedback on the new voting district maps that will be drawn by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC). The suit was filed jointly with the MICRC and seeks a new deadline for finalization of the maps due to the delay in provision of census data from the federal government.

"Our state constitution guarantees the people of Michigan 45 days to review and provide comment on the maps created by the independent commission, and this time must be granted them despite the delay by the U.S. Census Bureau," said Benson. "We launched this historic commission in a manner that was citizen led and transparent and voters across the state and across the political spectrum expect it to continue to operate this way."

The suit outlines that the current constitutional deadline is untenable, as it requires the commission to make maps available for 45 days of public comment starting on Sept. 17, even though the U.S. Census Bureaus won't have official data until Sept. 30.

The suit seeks to move the deadline for the commission to propose new legislative districts from Sept. 17 to Dec. 11, and for the final maps to be approved on January 25, 2022. This timeline would also ensure the Bureau of Elections has sufficient time to update the voter registration database in accordance with the new district lines and that local clerks can create and provide every voter with their correct ballot.

A copy of the suit can be found here.

# # #

For media questions, contact

Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876.

We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to

speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
By Scott Murdoch and Kane Wu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Bain Capital is looking at formulating a bid to acquire Toshiba Corp, two people familiar with the matter said, making it one of several firms said to be interested in taking the Japanese conglomerate private.

The U.S. firm has entered into discussions with Japanese banks including the core units of Mizuho Financial Group Inc and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc to secure funding, one of the people said.

A preliminary $20 billion buyout offer from CVC Capital Partners this month put Toshiba in play. Toshiba, however, on Tuesday dismissed the CVC bid as lacking in substance although it said it would consider any credible offers.

It is unclear whether Bain will team up with co-investors but the sources did not exclude the possibility.

CVC approached Bain about a joint bid before its offer was made public but Bain was not interested, the first person said.

Bain has successfully tackled a major complex deal that involves Toshiba.

In 2017, it led a consortium with partners including South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix and Apple Inc to win an intense and long-fought battle for control of Toshiba's chip unit, now called Kioxia Holdings. Toshiba retains around 40% of Kioxia.

Bain's plans for a Toshiba bid are preliminary and could change, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the information was confidential.

Bain and CVC declined to comment. Mizuho also declined to comment, while representatives for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp could not immediately be reached for comment. Both banks are lenders to Toshiba.

Toshiba said it believed that being publicly traded provided a "capital structure suitable for enhancing long term value creation" but added that its board would not disregard various proposals, including those to take the company private.

Private equity giant KKR & Co Inc and Canada's Brookfield Asset Management are also looking at potential bids for Toshiba, the two people and a separate person familiar with the situation said.

Story continues

KKR declined to comment. A Brookfield representative could not be immediately reached for comment but the company has previously declined to comment on reports of potential bid.

Japan Investment Corp (JIC) and Norinchukin Bank are also considering a bid, a Japanese newspaper has reported.

CVC is not expected to aggressively pursue its bid. In an April 18 letter to Toshiba seen by Reuters it said it would stand by its April 6 proposal but that it would not make a tender offer without consent from Toshiba's board.

"...we respectfully step aside to await your guidance," the letter said.

CVC's proposal had sparked a strong backlash from Toshiba managers, prompting them to lobby the government and its lenders against it, sources have said.

Toshiba CEO Nobuaki Kurumatani this month resigned over the proposal from CVC, his former employer, amid criticism the offer, which promised to retain management, was designed to shield Kurumatani from activist shareholders.

Any buyout of the company, which has a market value of $18 billion, would be the largest such deal in the region this year and one of Japan's biggest.

Hit by accounting scandals, huge writedowns for its U.S. nuclear business and the sale of its semiconductor unit, Toshiba is a shadow of its former self.

But it remains one of Japan's few manufacturers of nuclear power reactors and makes defence equipment including lithium-ion batteries for submarines, meaning any sale of Toshiba would need government approval.

Toshiba shares pared earlier losses to close down 3.3% on Wednesday, marking their fourth consecutive day of decline. The stock price is still up 10% from April 6, a day before it was announced that the company was considering CVC's offer.

(Reporting by Scott Murdoch and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; Additional reporting Makiko Yamazaki and Yuki Nitta in Tokyo; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Edwina Gibbs)
Brant Daugherty says he was filming in Vancouver when his wife Kim went into labor with their newborn son Wilder.

The Fifty Shades Freed actor, 35, told Access Hollywood Tuesday about his new fatherhood, and how he was behind a step amid film production in Vancouver.

The Pretty Little Liars star said it was 'heartbreaking' not being in person for the March 24 birth in Los Angeles, explaining the details behind what happened.

The latest: Brant Daugherty, 35, says he was filming in Vancouver when his wife Kim went into labor with their newborn son Wilder

'The movie ended two days after her due date, so we thought, "Ok Ill take the film as a way of providing for my family. And hopefully Ill make it,"' Daugherty said.

Daugherty noted that while 'a lot of first babies come late,' Wilder 'came a little bit early so I unfortunately missed the birth.'

Thankfully, with the use of FaceTime, he was able to see his child come into the world in real-time.

'I was stuck in a hotel in Vancouver watching on FaceTime as my son came into the world,' he said. 'My sister-in-law did. So bless her heart. She held the camera up for an hour while it all happened.'

Details: The Pretty Little Liars star said it was 'heartbreaking' not being in person for the March 24 birth in Los Angeles

The actor sat down with Kit Hoover to discuss the recent events in his life

Daugherty said that he was relishing his first month of parenthood.

'Hes three weeks old right now  and hes just incredible,' Daugherty said. 'Hes just the tiniest little nugget of love and happiness.'

Brant and Kim Daugherty, who wed in June 2019, told People on Tuesday, 'It is such a magical feeling, knowing we created a life. We keep saying, "We made him!" We really are so obsessed and in love with him. He's just the best.'

In the birthing process, according to the outlet, Kim had spent 30 hours in labor prior to having a caesarean section. The baby weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19 inches long.
by Thomas Larson

I want to be an honest man and a good writer. James Baldwin

1. My affinity for language is a given. But how it was givenand revealed more than other affinities that may have had it out for me as wellis a mystery Im trying to solve. My hunch is that an affinity for words was present at birth, then snapped-to early on by seductive teachers who assigned adventure narratives and lyric poems, and later the stories of Stephen Crane, the novels of Thomas Hardy, the poetry of Robert Frost and Edna St. Vincent Millay (her marquee name was a poem in itself). The tenderly implied coupling in the woods Tess endured with Alec DUrberville unfolded so shadily that I had no idea she was being forced against her will otherwise I would have crawled into the novel and run the rapist off in the midst of the act. In such moments, this affinity for the book manifesteda transcendent sense that prose and poetry recognized me as its completion, that I was felt by the writing, meaning that without my moral participation literature was meaningless.

But that wasnt the well-bottom of my artistic predilection. The inner beacon that called me to be a reader and eventually a writer was also calling me to play music. The entwining of writing and music commingles linear sense and sounded shape, to me, nothing surprising. Which is to say theres an overlap, an equivalency, and a separation with which these two similarly spirited and self-assertive arts run together in my blood. My artistic sensibility was tuned to language; but some rapacious gnome within, also stirred in childhood, kept using music to mystify and impugn my word bent and its stays, the rebel cause to desacralize my confidence, my expressive facility, my destiny (even in an essay like this).

After all, on the music road, at age eight I first heard a Methodist church choir and I badgered my mother to go for a tryout, which I did and got in; at fourteen, because I saw Benny Goodman swing with a quartet on TV, I took up the clarinet and went right into junior high band; in high school, I was a self-taught guitarist, songwriter, and leader of a Dylanesque folk-rock group; at thirty-three, I earned a bachelors degree in music composition, my senior thesis, a knockoff of Morton Feldmans Rothko Chapel; finally, on the strength of a performance art-piece for pianist, electronics, and theater, Kandinskys Several Circles, I entered the Ph.D program in avant-garde composition at the University of California, San Diego. Along the journey my synchronous affinities for writing and music developed concurrently, journal writer and piano student, hand-in-hand, double fallbacks, fraternal twins.

I say my affinities were synchronous but I had no idea how well-tuned until one summer, struggling with Bachian two-part counterpoint at music school, I was asked by the Santa Fe New Mexican, the daily newspaper in the town where I lived, to reviewit was a tryout of sortsan orchestra concert, to be held in Los Alamos, the Atomic City on the hill, an hour away. A student orchestra would perform, cobbled together from college-age musicians attending the nearby four-week New Mexico Music Festival at Taos.

First on the program was an early symphony of Mozart, an easy work composed around age 12, not that it was any less musical because of his youth but it was playable. Forty players with twenty-five strings and the rest winds, brass, and percussion comprised the student orchestra. Though instrumentally proficient, most would, under a constricted rehearsal schedule, be hard-pressed to jell as a group. As I remember, I had already heard the Music Festival conductor. He was a young, angry, Pattonesque disciplinarian who batoned a la Toscanini, pushing the troop with unmuted calls of Come on!, a swaggerer, sword-fighting his way across a drawbridge. That might be de rigueur for New York professionals. But not for scholarship kids whose bowing and embouchures were likely to shake under his command.

Before the piece began, I felt the moments serendipity. I had been studying orchestration, reading scores, and learning to conduct. Years of ear training, transcribing records, and an innate sense of meter and syncopation had primed me for the nuances of any classical work whether Id heard it or not. I brimmed with surety, my little spiral notebook at the ready, my pen uncapped. Not only would I be paid, but maybe I could snare a steady gig writing concert reviews in the opera-and-chamber-music mecca of Santa Fe. I also hoped my evaluative vocabulary and my writerly phrasing would illuminate the many shades of a live performance.

My instructions were clear: to write and turn in the review in twenty-four hours for Mondays paper. (Id type it and place it in an 8  x 11 manila envelope and drop it at the front desk on Marcy Street, Sunday evening. After it appeared, in about a week, I picked up a check for $25.)

When the orchestra began, I sensed something was off. The symphonic sound and the visual tableaux of players and conductor, which typically merges seamlessly from the stage, suddenly cleaved in two: There was the music itself, Mozarts jaunty opening allegro, and there was the real-time attempt the orchestra was making to play it. Neither conductor and first violinists nor score and execution were in sync. There was a lag as if the violin section, marching in a military parade, had slipped a step behind but kept going, ghost-sawing to an offbeat all their own.

As the allegro gained steam, the lag gapped, not a lot, but enough to stir panic. Whoa Nelly! Lets begin again! I jotted down. I wanted to intercede, stand up and shout: Stop before its too late! I even tried to send my jittery grievance to the conductor telepathically: Just start over. I wondered whether he was having the same jitters I was.

2. It may be that my agitation was ray-beamed to the conductor. Soon, he was hurrying, flailing in frustration, whipping his baton at them as if to land blows. The stagger-step first violins kept trying to catch up; the conductor beat on. Now, the music called for a crescendo, and the conductor widened and intensified his wand aggression, telling them graphically to get louder and hold the pulse. The orchestra got louder: The conductor gestured for more volume by raising his cupped and trembling left hand higher and higher. They followed the command. But the pulse was still slipping away, in micro-intervals, and the performed music edged away from the written score, which the conductor held to, both hands on the wheel. The pulse of the players fell a half-second behind the conductors beat. And it was these clashing pulses, with neither side giving in, that caused me to turn awayeye and ear. (As I extend here the literary problem of music meeting explanatory prose, my trying to sculpt the right words require a slower descriptive pace that fails to embody the spurting cracks in the dam of this performance.)

In these teeter-totter moments, I heard the thrust of the music drag, and the word sluggish came out of my pen and onto the pad. The clean arpeggios of one four-bar crescendo, I imagined clearly marked in the score, were frayed, listlessly attacked.

Stop!

(Note: How curious that many of us can hear the music of what is there and the music of what is not there. Whats more, what word would I have used had the crescendo sounded right? I might have said the orchestras crescendi, taken together, were sharply laddered and pulse-popping perfect. Could I notice other fine crescendi when there were too many passages in which they werent fine? One annoyingly necessary aspect of critical listening results in subtracting whats played from the perfection of whats written.)

That word sluggish got underlined in my notebook.

Assessing how musicians play a score, classical-music-speaking, is the only question of live performance. Such as well compels the critic whos hoping to capture the next days readers. How spirited, how dull, how spryly, how sluggishlyhow I, the evenings soothsayer, at least, in writing, must exemplify those hows. In that moment, it struck me, like a man seeing a dog fighting for its life in a swollen river. No assessing its weakness, no praying for its strength. I had to leap in and save the animal from the churning water, dead set on taking the performance under. Perhaps my authorial attentiveness might throw a life preserver to the sinking canine.

(Another note: Then, I was writing the review as I heard the music, and I wrote the review that night and the next morning. Now, Im writing and reviewing both what I remember of the concert and what I remember of my critique. Its a bit mystical, the link memory bridges between then and now. As I type, my auditory brain is activating or feeling the imprint of the orchestral sounds that fomented the words of the review, which I was writing in my head that August night in that smug lecture hall so long ago. Im reiterating this to get it right, not yet make it true. The wordsthen and nowemanated from the sounds themselves, a kind of synesthesia. For me, this dual affinity is a mix of beckoning beloved substances, a quid pro quo, if you willwords troop out of my mind as rhythms and sounds and musical phrases haunt my words and verbal phrases.)

Mid-first-movement, I reached another numinous moment. The orchestras performance of the allegros reprised theme was precisely as I had described it: just as sluggish as before. (Had they learned nothing?) They were handmaids to the very fate Id assigned them in language. They werent catching up to the conductor, but they were catching up to my judgment as to how they dawdled behind him. Odd how what I was writing in my head and showing up in my notebook was also what I was hearing.

And on it went, another sound-word amalgam came through me, and another, and another. I wrote down a bevy of words and phrases, descriptors and interjections until a grand metaphor presented itself. This galumphing gallop of a Mozart allegro was now a horse race. The orchestra, taken together, kept rushing, plungingly, to keep up with the conductor, their horse a half-length behind his. Until, right on time, the leader reached the finish line before the rest did, not an efficacious outcome. What a relief when the death-march baton-man got to the barn first and those arriving a second later could, though humiliated, defeated, at least, canter, slow down, and breathe.

Metaphors (like a horse race) helped. Helped me translate the music into an image. Helped with the mystery of how sound needs illustrating via another sense to better shape the mystery of its live being. Metaphors helped readers follow a rhetorically vivid review, attending less the concert they missed in Los Alamos and more the concert I heard for them. That was a haloed discovery for me. Indeed, the newspaper audience, I would learn, trusted me to settle any internal qualm I might have had about writing about the music and the orchestras playing it as the condition of my finishing the review and the papers commitment to publishing it.

What happened in the other movements of easy Mozart? I dont remember, though I do remember the parts I was conflicted about. What about the two or three other works the student orchestra must have played that night? I dont remember those either. Apparently, I didnt catalog the selections then. Only now, however, is this spiraling out because Im thinking it through as I write. Were the other performances worse, better? Better perhaps because theyd got with the conductors Sturm und Drang? And wouldnt I have judged the whole program in my review, more or less, a totality? So how could I, considering the evenings music, do anything more than selectively summarize and highlight patterns of adequate and less adequate, remembering that truly inspired playing is rare for which the reason is obvious, a community grief or a virtuosic soloist?

Finally, didnt the audience applaud nicely, supportively, albeit tepidly, and, in the end, didnt I disregard the effect that applause had on anyone in favor of my singularly, well-told, responsibly executed, and self-possessed critique?

3. My review came out on Monday. Friends responded. One said too bad the orchestra played so poorly; you said it was the players fault. Could it have been the conductors as well? Maybe both? I hadnt addressed the conductors role and, instead, chastised the players, those foals lopping along behind him. But I began to consider my friends critique. Maybe the problem lay with General Patton; his blitzkrieg was punishing, not constructive. Maybe ordering greenhorns into battle even with easy Mozart backfired; they lost their drive or that drive was taken from them and, consequently, they sabotaged the mission. Maybe they played poorly as a protest, on purpose.

Yes, I hadnt addressed his conducting. Come to think of it, I should have got after him. He should have adapted to the groups instability or seen how they were working against him. (Didnt I tell him as much in my telepathic complain?) He should have regrouped so the first fiddles, the melody carriers, might have caught up to him as well as the rest of the orchestra and the score. He should have either stopped and started over or just slowed his beat, which, I began to see, accounted for their sluggishness.

I should have reviewed his musicianship, which failed the orchestra he was put in charge of leading.

Then and since then, in discussions I have had with music critics and readers, my sense that languages role as a descriptive and an assessing operation began to change. It changed not only because of what I wrote then (the first of hundreds of music reviews Ive done) but also because what I wrote and what the newspaper printed was, despite the factuality of its publication, not exactly the truth: the truth of any concert is open to interpretation, within reason, and, more often than not, to revision. To anyone who hears live music, some kind of assessment is always in play, handmaids to players abilities. And, weirdly, this revision need not come solely from concert attendees (a hundred or so, if that). No. My readers, Santa Feans who didnt attend, found fault with my reviewindirectly, I presumed. It was inadequate, missing broader and fairer points, my reportage itself sluggish, itself a few beats off a more judicious pace. That nights reportage was over and done with but it wasnt complete. Not only could it never be complete but it was more severely flawed by the myth that since Id written it, it must have been the truth.

Who among the papers readers even assessed the assessor? Few, if any, probably. And it ledanother oddity I should examineto my being granted a kingly throne over local live performances because I was soon the newspapers only music critic, who no one, not in one letter to the editor, ever questioned.

In the same way the orchestras rendering of Mozarts music was hardly a faithful rendering of his score, so, too, was my review of the concert performance nearly as unfaithful to the appraisal I should have written, I could have written, I wished I had written but can do nothing now to change. The sole clarity I can filter from this long lingering haze is that there wasthere is alwaysa truer review and a truer reviewer than what emerges. My sharper antennae, nudging the more sensitive and less crafty doppelganger within, would surface only years later, tens of thousands of words of criticism down the road. I still wish, though, I had the humility that night in Los Alamos to realize my wiser twin was not missing but in-training.

That night, I didnt know the degree to which I lacked the critics writerly acumen. But now I think I can describe what might comprise that acumen. When writing about music the affinities between these two arts are as consequential as are the ambiguities. Indeed, its in the ambiguities where the critics assessment of a performance must listen to the inner twins that hear and write simultaneously. The musician hears more than he can possibly say in words, though theres nothing but words to convey the sensation. Its as if the absence of the words one needs to describe what music is saying speaks as loudly as the words speak. Ultimately, its trust in a divided yet conciliatory self who is trying to employ, honestly and well, the musical uncertainties of his judgments, more commingled than conclusive, even with a midnight deadline at his heels.

Its close to what Leonard Bernstein meant when he said, Why do so many of us try to explain the beauty of music, thus depriving it of its mystery? And yet one of the beauties of music is that we can love it and argue with it and be baffled by it with wordswhile adding to it the mystery of language. After all, the histrionic Bernstein lectured, wrote books, sat for interviews, held concerts for young peopleall while explaining the beauty of music.

Figuring out that the thing words do for music is not a musical problem. Its an aesthetic one, which adds more ambiguity, not less. Good ears and smart criticism trail the music like a bloodhound, howling out the moving location of its prey, but more often, baying about its own doubt and inconsistency.
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Attendees from Hong Kong and Macao at the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on Tuesday called for technological innovation to spur high-quality development of the city cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

As one of the core cities in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has strong basic scientific research capabilities and sound financial services, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said at a sub-forum of the annual meeting.

After integrating into the development of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong can promote high-quality development of the whole region by giving full play to the region's manufacturing competitiveness and huge market potential, Lam said.

To achieve technological innovation-driven development, the area needs to accelerate the flow of production factors and attract more scientific research staff, Lam said.

Each city should have a reasonable layout and division of labor and plan its own complementary development and win-win results, said Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Ho called to promote industrial innovation with technological innovation, upgrade the industrial chain, and explore new cooperation models between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to promote the Greater Bay Area's integrated development to a higher level.

Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, said Macao can provide legal and commercial services for the trade of commodities, textiles, and mechanical and electrical products between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shots Box, a bi-monthly subscription of shot-sized whiskey, has analyzed an array of whiskey flavors from not just the United States but around the world as well. The extent of the company's knowledge is truly unmatched, which is why the team behind the rising company has decided to release a new list of whiskeys to keep track of in 2021. New brand names on this list include Full Curl, Tennessee Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey, and Wildrye 5 Drops Bourbon. These whiskeys each have distinct tastes and have been carefully crafted to deliver unique flavors.

Shots Box

Full Curl Whiskey is matured in charred oak barrels for two years before bottling. This bourbon whiskey is environmentally conscious, with the brand making 20% donations to conservations that work with and protect wild sheep for every individual bottle that is sold. The Rocky Mountains-inspired brand also partnered with Wild Sheep Foundation to help restore and conserve mountains where wild sheep roam.

"Full Curl Whiskey has made their intentions clear both in their product design and philanthropic initiatives," said J.C. Stock Chief Executive Officer of Shots Box. "Quality is the primary commitment, first and foremost. The whiskey itself is prepared for years in specific conditions to create a unique taste, and the team behind it actively looks for ways to improve the environment through donations and meaningful action."

Tennessee Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey is a legendary whiskey brand based in Sevierville, TN. The company creates its spirits in the Smoky Mountains and has been family and friend operated since 2015. The 60% proof alcohol is a favorite among dessert lovers, and its creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate taste with a pinch of baking salt has received praise from countless customers. This dessert whiskey is great for people who want to drink but don't favor the taste of alcohol. It serves nicely as an after-meal drink with a sweet kick.

"Traditional whiskeys are very popular in the U.S. and beyond, but as with every drink, they aren't for everyone. For those seeking a sweet dessert spirit that goes great after a main course, Tennessee Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey could be the perfect match," said Stock.

Wildrye 5 Drops Bourbon is created using Montana's finest sweetcorn fresh from the field, along with malted barley and pure Montana water distilled in new American oak. Based in Bozeman, MT, this spirit has a smooth flavor and possesses the aroma of Montana Bourbon Whiskey.

Aged with no temperature control and with limited contact with wood, this whiskey is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, helping to create that smooth taste that so many customers have come to love over the years. This process also reduces the brand's carbon footprint - a nice additional perk to go with the great-tasting drink.

"With Wildrye, the non-temperature-controlled aging process truly does wonders for the final product. The smoothness of the drink is one of its defining characteristics, and it can be heavily attributed to the team's dedication to the unique aging process," said Stock.

Shots Box handpicks every beverage sold on the official website. With the brand taking great pride in giving customers a unique whiskey selection with their bi-monthly subscription service, alcohol enthusiasts looking for new flavors can find some of the best brands from around the world with ease. Whether they are seeking a peanut butter cup whiskey or an unconventional distilled whiskey from Montana, Shots Box is ready to deliver - right to the front door.

About Shots Box

Shots Box is a bi-monthly subscription service that delivers an array of shot-sized craft distilled whiskeys curated by tastemakers to doorsteps across America. It is a new way to try spirits, discover favorites, and avoid paying top-shelf prices for full bottles of liquor that the consumer has not previously tasted. The service ships the subscriber 10 minis bi-monthly of the best whiskey samples.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tiffany Kayar

[email protected]

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SOURCE Shots Box
Saudi Arabia has released a list of 20 countries including Germany and the U.S whose citizens will be banned from traveling to the kingdom which is set to be re-opened for international flights from May 17.

The kingdoms national carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines, in a statement it will fly international flights from May 17 after several months of hiatus due to the pandemic.

The airline however notes that 20 countries are not concerned by the resumption. The countries are Argentina, the UAE, Germany, the US, Indonesia, India, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the UK, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Swiss Confederation, France, Lebanon, and Egypt.

The above countries have been facing the ban since February owing to increase in covid-19 cases in respective countries.

The airline also indicated that the decision those coming from other countries if they had passed through any of the above mentioned 20 countries during the 14 days preceding their application to enter the kingdom, Trade Arabia reports.
By David Shepardson and Karen Pierog

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Taiwan electronics manufacturer Foxconn is drastically scaling back a planned $10 billion factory in Wisconsin, confirming its retreat from a project that former U.S. President Donald Trump once called "the eighth wonder of the world."

Under a deal with the state of Wisconsin announced on Tuesday, Foxconn will reduce its planned investment to $672 million from $10 billion and cut the number of new jobs to 1,454 from 13,000.

The Foxconn-Wisconsin deal was first announced to great fanfare at the White House in July 2017, with Trump boasting of it as an example of how his "America first" agenda could revive U.S. tech manufacturing.

For Foxconn, the investment promise was an opportunity for its charismatic founder and then-chairman, Terry Gou, to build goodwill at a moment when Trump's trade policies threatened the company's cash cow: building Apple Inc's iPhones in China for export to America.

Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronic devices, proposed a 20-million-square-foot manufacturing campus in Wisconsin that would have been the largest investment in U.S. history for a new location by a foreign-based company.

It was supposed to build cutting-edge flat-panel display screens for TVs and other devices and instantly establish Wisconsin as a destination for tech firms.

But industry executives, including some at Foxconn, were highly skeptical of the plan from the start, pointing out that none of the crucial suppliers needed for flat-panel display production were located anywhere near Wisconsin.

The plan faced local opposition too, with critics denouncing a taxpayer giveaway to a foreign company and provisions of the deal that granted extensive water rights and allowed for the acquisition and demolition of houses through eminent domain.

Story continues

As of 2019, the village where the plant is located had paid just over $152 million for 132 properties to make way for Foxconn, plus $7.9 million in relocation costs, according to village records obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio and analyzed by Wisconsin Watch.

Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said the new agreement gives it "flexibility to pursue business opportunities in response to changing global market conditions." The company said "original projections used during negotiations in 2017 have at this time changed due to unanticipated market fluctuations."

After abandoning its plans for advanced displays, Foxconn later said it would build smaller, earlier-generation displays in Wisconsin, but that plan never came to fruition either. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-foxconn-wisconsin-exclusive/exclusive-foxconn-reconsidering-plans-to-make-lcd-panels-at-wisconsin-plant-idUSKCN1PO0FV)

Prior to Tuesday's announcement, Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way told reporters in Taipei that the company currently makes servers, communications technology products and medical devices in Wisconsin, adding that electric vehicles (EVs) have a "promising future" there. He did not elaborate.

Liu had previously said the infrastructure was there in Wisconsin to make EVs because of its proximity to the traditional heartland of U.S. automaking, but the company could also could decide on Mexico.

Hon Hai shares fell as much as 1.6% on Wednesday morning, underperforming the broader Taiwan market which was down 0.7%.

INCENTIVES

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the new agreement will save Wisconsin taxpayers "a total of $2.77 billion compared to the previous contract, maintain accountability measures requiring job creation to receive incentives, and protect hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state infrastructure investments made in support of the project."

Evers said under the deal negotiated between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Foxconn, the Taiwan company is eligible to receive up to $80 million in performance-based tax credits over six years if it meets employment and capital investment targets. He stressed that the incentives were in line with those available to any company.

The state will reduce the tax credits authorized for the project to $80 million from $2.85 billion.

The original Wisconsin package also included local tax incentives and road and highway investments by state and local governments, which brought total taxpayer-funded subsidies to more than $4 billion.

Foxconn noted that since 2017, it has invested $900 million in Wisconsin, including several different facilities in the state.

The state has already spent more than $200 million on road improvements, tax exemptions and grants to local governments for worker training and employment, according to the records obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Taipei; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
[April 21, 2021] CGI's IT Delivery Center in Troy commemorates 10 years of commitment, opportunity and growth in the community

FAIRFAX, Va., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CGI's (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) IT Delivery Center in Troy, Alabama recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade-long collaboration between the IT and business consultancy firm and local partners, including the state of Alabama, Pike County, the City of Troy, the Pike County Development Corporation, Troy University and local academic institutions. CGI selected the Troy location because of the area's quality of life, geographic proximity to an information technology services market, strong business incentives from the state of Alabama and existing local partnerships with academic institutions, where the company recruits and trains talent. Through these partnerships, CGI built a world-class delivery center that employs more than 285 local professionals. "Over the past decade, we have built a strong relationship with CGI, and the technology company has become a solid community partner in Troy, where it has become a major employer and collaborator," said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "After achieving this milestone, I am looking forward to seeing CGI grow in Pike County and our state over the next 10 years." "My colleagues and I in the Alabama Legislature are honored to recognize the success of this 10-year partnership between the state of Alabama, CGI, local partners and regional higher education institutions," stated Alabama State Senator, Jimmy Holley. "Together, we've been able to create high-paying jobs for those who want to stay in Troy, offering them an opportunity to pursue careers in the IT industry, and have attracted new residents to the region -- further contributing to the economy. I amproud of these accomplishments and look forward to continued success."



"CGI's decision to establish a delivery center in Troy changed the local workforce and provided career opportunities in the technology industry that did not previously exist locally," stated Troy University Chancellor, Jack Hawkins. "A decade later, CGI remains a valuable partner of Troy University, as we share a campus just one block from the main campus of the University. Congratulations to our CGI colleagues on their 10th anniversary, and we look forward to continuing the relationship for decades to come." A key component of the Troy IT Delivery Center is active engagement in the community through several corporate social responsibility programs, providing financial and volunteer contributions to numerous local organizations, including raising over $100,000 for the local Relay for Life of Pike County, donating laptops to the state of Alabama and participating in Troy Pride.

The center also integrates CGI's signature STEM@CGI program, which introduces at-risk or underrepresented students to critical skills that help foster an interest in STEM-related careers. Locally, CGI member volunteers have introduced students from Troy Elementary School to coding, computer hardware and other key STEM skills. "As we look toward the next 10 years of continued growth and partnership with the business and local community, CGI's commitment to Troy delivery center and the Troy community has never been greater," stated Loren Gunst, CGI's Delivery Center Director in Troy. "CGI leads the charge in providing a diverse and inclusive workplace that enriches the local workforce and community alike." The Troy IT Delivery Center is one of eight CGI delivery centers in the United States. Other delivery center locations include: Belton, TX; Lafayette, LA; Lebanon, VA; Mobile, AL; Waterville, ME, Wausau, WI, and the newly established Knoxville, TN location. About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 76,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2020 reported revenue is C$12.16 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgis-it-delivery-center-in-troy-commemorates-10-years-of-commitment-opportunity-and-growth-in-the-community-301272869.html SOURCE CGI Technologies and Solutions, Inc.

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Annual drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high in Manitoba, after 372 people died in 2020, marking an 87 per cent increase in reported deaths over 2019.

Annual drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high in Manitoba, after 372 people died in 2020, marking an 87 per cent increase in reported deaths over 2019.

"We knew it was going to be high, but it doesnt make it easier when you see these numbers," said Rebecca Rummery, co-founder of Overdose Awareness Manitoba. "Its people were talking about, and they all have families and loved ones."

Rummery added that she receives messages daily from people affected by drug overdoses and those unable to find treatment programs for their loved ones.

"There is still no immediate access to government-funded treatment. We are still the only province west of Quebec that doesnt have a safe consumption site, and we petitioned the government for a medically assisted detox in 2019 and still havent seen action with that," she said in a statement Tuesday.

Rummery lost her partner Rob to an accidental drug overdose in 2018. Later that year, she co-founded Overdose Awareness Manitoba with Arlene Last-Kolb, whose son Jessie had died from an overdose.

"The overdose crisis is a Manitoba public health emergency that is being forgotten about," Rummery said.

Shohan Illsley, the executive director of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network said shes "saddened" but "not shocked" by the data.

The network sent an open letter to the province last spring in which it asked to meet with officials to discuss ways to mitigate overdoses. It predicted fatalities would climb under pandemic restrictions.

The lions share of overdose deaths happened during the last part of 2020, coinciding with pandemic restrictions and lockdowns between provincial and international borders, Illsley said.

The network received data from the provinces chief medical examiner that showed 138 people had died from an overdose during the first half of last year, and 234 people died the same way from July to the end of December.

"What we know is that people were going to have to use alone. It was going to increase the risk for an overdose," Illsley said. "We also knew that once borders closed and things like that started to take place that it would increase the risk for drug poisoning."

Timely data could help prevent overdose deaths, Illsley said.

"If we knew that, for example, a supply in Winnipeg is adultered and someone died of a drug overdose, we would be able to release that information out to the community," she said.

Rummery wants to see affordable, streamlined and extended care for Manitobans seeking help for drug use. Right now, some individuals travel to other provinces to access less expensive private treatment options, she said.

"We have a lot of families taking mortgages out on their houses just to be able to afford (treatment) for their loved ones," she said.

Arlene Last-Kolb (left) with a photo of her son Jessie, and Rebecca Rummery with photo of her partner Rob. (Abby Matheson photo)

Rummery added that 28-day government-funded treatment doesnt provide many people with the time needed to address the trauma that fuels their drug use.

At a news conference Tuesday, NDP Leader Wab Kinew voiced the need for a more progressive approach to drug treatment.

"Its long been clear that theres a need for a safe consumption site in Winnipeg as part of an overall approach to combatting addictions thats grounded in harm reduction," he said.

While there are no safe consumption sites in Manitoba, last year, the province made naloxone  a medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses  more accessible.

Before last year, only health care providers could administer the medication.

"Cleary that was not enough. We still have an increase in overdose deaths happening," Illsley said.

Anyone who is at risk of overdosing on opioids, or has a family member or friend who could be, can get up to two free naloxone kits from the province.

Some pharmacies carry a nasal spray version of naloxone. The sprays cost, on average, $60 to $250, Illsley said.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
MIDDLETOWN  Rescue workers saved a female boater whose vessel capsized on the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland.

Marine personnel from both towns, as well as Middletowns South Fire District, arrived on scene at about 1:40 p.m. Monday to find the woman, who was in the cold water for between 10 and 15 minutes, holding onto the side of her kayak, to Middletown Fire Battalion Chief Steve Salafia.

The womans kayak overturned in the area of Meadow Meat on River Road in Middletown, and Portland and Yankee marinas, Salafia said. Personnel warmed her with a blanket and took her to the public safety dock at Harbor Park, he said.

The victim, whose body temperature had dipped due to exposure, was evaluated on scene and taken to the hospital out of precaution, Salafia said.

She was stable, alert and orientated  she knew where she was  and had some scrapes. This time of the year, the water is very cold, the battalion chief said.
[April 21, 2021] #RosaceaUnmasked by Galderma unites the rosacea community to shine light on the impact of essential COVID-19 mask-wearing this Rosacea Awareness Month

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ -- Galderma is uniting rosacea sufferers from around the globe in an empowering social media awareness movement during Rosacea Awareness Month (April): #RosaceaUnmasked. The COVID-19 pandemic has made mask-wearing essential in many parts of the world, but for those suffering with rosacea  a skin disease affecting an estimated 415 million people worldwide1  mask-wearing can bring additional challenges by exacerbating rosacea symptoms. #RosaceaUnmasked is bringing the rosacea community together during these challenging times to share their experiences of essential mask-wearing by posting mask-on and mask-off selfies on social media. Led by top online rosacea patient advocates, including Lex Gillies, Rose Gallagher and Kristin Moras, the campaign contributes to continuing conversations around the true burden of rosacea. Although mask-wearing is essential for public health, findings from Galderma's recent online survey of rosacea patients, involving 220 respondents* from Canada and Germany, reveal that almost two thirds (63%) are experiencing worsening symptoms related to mask-wearing, including redness (75%), pimples and/or pustules (72%) and more flare-ups (53%). Despite worsening symptoms, more than half (52%) of the people surveyed admitted to using mask-wearing to hide their disease and 40% say they go out less often in order to avoid wearing a mask.2 "During these challenging times, it is important that we highlight both the visible and non-visible impacts of essential COVID-19 mask-wearing on rosacea. For many sufferers, myself included, rosacea is more than just a visible skin disease  it's a constant daily struggle. Rosacea Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to bring the rosacea community together and use our unified voice to confidently shine a light on the realities of living with rosacea during this pandemic. By posting our #RosaceaUnmasked selfies, we can inspire others to proudly speak out about the true challenges of mask-wearing, as well as sharing advice to support each other." Kristin moras (@Kristinmoras)

Texas-based rosacea sufferer The online survey also showed that nearly half (48%) of respondents have changed how they manage their disease since mask-wearing. More concerning, 51% of those who switched tried a non-prescription product while only 27% received new treatment prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist. Additionally, only a third (33%) of respondents had visited their doctor or dermatologist in person since the pandemic began and only 8% have had a video consultation. Of those who had not booked an appointment, 47% stated they had not wanted to book an appointmnt, while 21% had been unable to book one.2



"Galderma is committed to gathering insights that enable us to tailor our approach to better support the needs of those patients with rosacea and help improve clinical outcomes in this often under-prioritized disease area. With just a third of rosacea sufferers surveyed booking an appointment with their doctor or dermatologist during the pandemic, there is a huge cause for concern. Our survey suggests that more patients may be self-treating which could mean they are using products that are not specifically tailored for their skin disease. This could, ultimately, do more harm than good. #RosaceaUnmasked is the perfect opportunity for people with rosacea to share their personal experiences of mask-wearing and take action to discuss the visible and non-visible impacts with their doctor or dermatologist." Aliene Noda

Global Medical Franchise Lead, Rosacea and Dermato-Oncology

Global Business Unit for Prescription Medicine, Galderma

A 2020 expert-authored Galderma report, Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face, revealed that regardless of the disease (rosacea (ROS) or psoriasis of the face (PsO)), almost all (90%) of the patients surveyed felt their disease was partially or totally uncontrolled, and more than half felt that their disease significantly affected their daily lives (58% ROS vs 55% PsO).3 *Based on a self-administered survey of www.faceuptorosacea.com and www.stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers run from December 2020 to January 2021. 87% of respondents stated that they had a rosacea diagnosis from a healthcare provider. 13% believe that they have rosacea but had not yet been diagnosed. About rosacea Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents variable clinical characteristics, of which the most common are flushing, persistent erythema, and inflammatory lesions. It mainly affects the central areas of the face, such as the cheeks and nose. The disease can affect both adult men and women, usually after the age of 30. Additionally, symptoms such as stinging, burning and increased sensitivity of the skin are common. The eyes are often affected, and might present as red, dry or itchy. Although the cause of the disease is still under debate, various trigger factors are known, including spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, sun/UV-exposure, hot baths and beverages. Demodex  generally harmless mites  can also be found in the skin in an elevated quantity in people with rosacea. Rosacea may worsen over time if left untreated. People that suspect they suffer from rosacea should visit their dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and discuss what treatment is right for them. Because rosacea is a highly visible disease, it is known to cause embarrassment and anxiety in some patients, which in turn may cause frustration and have a negative impact on their social life. About Galderma Galderma is the world's largest independent dermatology company, present in approximately 100 countries. Since our inception in 1981, we have been driven by a complete dedication to dermatology. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of sophisticated brands and services across Aesthetics, Consumer Care and Prescription Medicine. Focused on the needs of consumers and patients, we work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure superior outcomes. Because we understand that the skin we're in shapes our life stories, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com. 1. Gether L, Overgaard LK, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP. Incidence and Prevalence of Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Br J Dermatol 2018 Feb 25. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16481 . 2. Data on file. Online survey of faceuptorosacea.com and stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers (220 respondents from Canada and Germany) 3. Steinhoff M, et al. Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face. The BMJ Hosted Content 2020. Available from: https://hosted.bmj.com/rosaceabeyondthevisible. Date accessed: April 2021 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosaceaunmasked-by-galderma-unites-the-rosacea-community-to-shine-light-on-the-impact-of-essential-covid-19-mask-wearing-this-rosacea-awareness-month-301273581.html SOURCE Galderma

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Not since the late 1800s have whooping cranes nested in Texas  until now.

A pair of the magnificent birds are nesting in Chambers County on private land about 65 miles east of Houston off Interstate 10. Theyre not part of the migratory flock from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge but are instead from of an introduced, non-migratory flock at Louisianas White Lake Conservation Area.

Think about it. A pair of whooping cranes nesting in Texas for the first time in perhaps 140 years. The Chambers County landowner, who will remain anonymous so the nest is not disturbed, told me the cranes have been nesting on his property for the last four years. (Birders who found out about the cranes this year flocked to the nesting site.)

The majestic snow-white cranes numbered more than 1,400 birds after the Civil War; they ranged from the Arctic coast down through North America and Mexico. They nested mostly in prairie marshlands throughout the Great Plains.

They migrated from the Great Plains to winter homes on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, while a non-migratory population resided in southwestern Louisiana. But the cranes rapidly declined in the late 19th century as breeding grounds were converted to agriculture and as shooters hunted them.

In 1937, a remnant population of about 15 to 18 migratory whooping cranes arrived at the Aransas refuge from their nesting ground at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canadas Northwest Territories. The non-migratory flock in Louisiana had died out by 1950.

Whooping cranes Whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America at 5-feet tall with a snow-white body, red crown, black face, red cheeks, black wingtips and a long, spear-like beak. Juveniles have a mix of tawny and white feathers. Adults weigh about 16-pounds and fly on an 8-foot wingspan at speeds reaching 35 mph. They utter a reverberating bugling call, hence the name "whooping." The migratory population can fly 400 miles a day along their 2,600-mile route between nesting grounds in Canada and wintering grounds at the Texas Aransas refuge. See More Collapse

BIRD SAFETY: Millions of birds die crashing into Houston buildings. A darker skyline could save them

Meanwhile, massive recovery efforts were underway to restore the crane population. Those efforts included captive breeding programs to reestablish the birds in Florida and Louisiana, plus training captive-bred birds to migrate to Florida from restored breeding grounds in Wisconsin.

Most urgent was the restoration of a viable population of the only self-sustaining population of whooping cranes that migrate between Northwest Canada and the Aransas refuge. While their population reached 506 birds this past winter, a thousand birds would be self-sustaining.

But restoration depends on the Aransas Refuges brackish marsh, where the cranes must fatten up on blue crabs for reproductive capability on breeding grounds. Potential disasters like oil spills and hurricanes could alter the habitat and reduce the crabs, threatening the cranes vitality.

In his book A Haven in the Sun, B.C. Robinson wrote, We should not necessarily call the saga of the whooping crane recovery a success story, for the cranes survival is far from over.

Gary Clark is the author of Book of Texas Birds, with photography by Kathy Adams Clark (Texas A&M University Press). Email him at Texasbirder@comcast.net.
Farmers in large numbers have started coming towards Delhi after the harvesting season to strengthen the protest against the Centre's new farm laws, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said on Wednesday.

The only way for the Centre to resolve the deadlock with the protesting farmers is by repealing the contentious farm laws and coming out with a legislation to guarantee the minimum support price (MSP), it said.

Scores of farmers led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions, are camping at Delhi's border points of Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur since last 146 days with their demands for the repeal of the three new laws and a new law on MSP for crops.

"On the call of the SKM, farmers in large numbers have started coming towards Delhi. The farmers are coming back after harvesting, to strengthen the protest at Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur and Shahjahanpur borders," SKM leader Darshan Pal said in a statement.

"If the government is equally worried about the health of farmers, it should immediately repeal the three laws and make a new law on the MSP. This is the only solution where farmers can rollback the protest, otherwise, it will be getting stronger day by day," he said.

Pal, who also virtually participated in the International Press Conference at Press Club Geneva, claimed that the Indian government failed to consult the farmers, farmer organisations, people living in rural areas, pro-farmer economists, political scientists or political parties, while framing the controversial laws in violation of a UN declaration which grants rural dwellers a right on such issues.

"We the farmers of India while protesting against these Acts have a very genuine case, and the government has violated our rights which were provided to us by the United Nations declaration of 2018. Secondly, we are not getting MSP or remunerative price for our crops and for that also we demand that our government should make a law," Pal, who is also the president of Krantikari Kisan Union of Punjab, said.

The SKM alleged that the government instead of strengthening the farm sector is creating "cheap labour" in urban spaces through "agrarian crisis".

"There are reports of long journeys of migrant labourers from all over the country. This danger is the result of neoliberal policies. A big step to sponsor these policies is these three agricultural laws. The results of open market and privatisation are that today thousands of labourers are wandering in cities at cheap wages," it said.

"Instead of strengthening the farming sector, the government wants to create cheap labour in the urban spaces by creating an agrarian crisis, but now the farmers and labourers will fight back against these policies at all costs," it added.

Amid exodus of migrant workers from the NCR in view of the coronavirus-induced lockdown in Delhi, Pal said farmer organisations and volunteers have now begun preparing food packets to be distributed at bus depots and railway stations in the national capital.

"Food was distributed to fleeing migrant workers at the Anand Vihar bus stand," he added.

The SKM also accused the BJP's IT cell of spreading fake news regarding farmers obstructing the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by stopping trucks of oxygen and other essentials on the borders of Delhi and also spreading the infection.

"The SKM condemns and opposes all these false narratives. Farmers have never intended to sleep on the streets and stay away from their homes and land. The government has inhumanly imposed these laws on the farmers," the farmers body said.

"The farmers are not asking for anything new, they are only fighting to save what they have. In this battle of existence, they are fighting against both coronavirus and the government," it added.

The SKM also alleged that the government is "running away" from its responsibilities at the time of the pandemic, but is ironically choosing to blame the farmers.

In fact, on humanitarian grounds, the protesters have been more than willing to assist locals and others despite the serious hardships that they find themselves in, in the ongoing stir, it added.

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A jury found Derek Chauvin, the former police officer seen on video pressing his knee on a Black mans neck for more than nine minutes, guilty on charges related to the killing of George Floyd.

Judge Peter A. Cahill read the jurys verdict Tuesday afternoon in case of Floyds killing, deeming Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder while committing a felony, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The verdict came after two days of deliberations.

Cahil said Chauvins sentencing will happen in eight weeks. Chauvin was remanded to custody of the Hennepin County sheriff.

Floyd, 46, died on May 25 after Chauvin pinned Floyds neck with his knee for about 9-and-a-half minutes. A video showing Floyds final moments went viral shortly after he was detained.

Prosecutors said Chauvin killed Floyd as he knelt on Floyds neck for several minutes. The defense said Chauvin acted reasonably, attributing Floyds death to illegal drugs and a heart condition.

Todays conviction of Derek Chauvin sends the message that police violence against people of color must end, said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, in a statement released following the verdict. While this verdict brings rare accountability for police, achieving this outcome for George Floyd is only one step in addressing police abuse of power, disparate treatment, and excessive force against Black and Brown communities.

Here in Massachusetts, the ACLU will continue to fight for racial justice in George Floyds name. We must prohibit police mistreatment of communities of color  like biased surveillance and disparate traffic stops, which lead to people being both underserved and overpoliced. We must divert state and municipal funding from traditional policing toward community-based services like mental health crisis teams, so all communities are truly safe. And we must increase accountability and transparency, including by collecting and publishing statewide racial profiling data. We will not end police violence until we end policing as usual.

Floyds death on May 25 sparked the latest series of Black Lives Matter protests around the world as people condemned police brutality, over-policing of Black and brown communities compared to white suburbs and other signs of racism in American society.

In Massachusetts, Floyds death triggered multiple protests at the State House and in cities across the state. Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled a proposal to create a police certification system, a bill he said he and members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus had spent months developing. The Legislature went on to pass a broader police reform bill that also stripped decertified officers of qualified immunity protections and implemented no-knock warrant restrictions when children and elders are home. Baker signed the bill into law in late December.

Baker told reporters Tuesday he has had several conversations with local government officials ahead of the verdict about possible unrest.

I think everybody in the country is anxiously awaiting that decision, he said. We are too.

Massachusetts protests have mostly remained peaceful, Baker added. He also referenced the new policing reform law as a sign of progress

Were obviously going to keep talking to our colleagues and local government and if we can, if we need to do some things at their request to make sure that everybody stays calm and peaceful, well do that, Baker said, but im incredibly proud of the way this state has dealt with these issues.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
The government will



vaccinate everyone in the 18-45 age group for free from May 1 onwards, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said.

Donations received last year for COVID management will be utilised for the purpose, he said.

The state Health Department has already written to Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech for procuring 1 crore vaccines.

" will give FREE vaccines to everyone from 18-45 years. GOI is giving free vaccines for 45+," Sarma tweeted late on Tuesday.

Funds collected in Asom Arogya Nidhi account last year shall be utilised for procuring the vaccines, he said.

"Today itself, we've placed orders for 1 cr doses with @BharatBiotech," the health minister said.

In September last year, Sarma had informed the Assembly that a total of Rs 116.1 crore contribution from 53,534 people have been received in the account of the Asom Arogya Nidhi to support the government's efforts in handling the pandemic.

The Centre had announced on April 19 that everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from May 1, while private hospitals and states will be able to buy doses from manufacturers.

It also said that vaccine manufacturers will be free to supply 50 per cent doses to state governments and in the open market, for which they will have to make an advance declaration of the price before May 1.

In a letter to the Bharat Biotech chairman and MD on Tuesday, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Samir K Sinha expressed interest to procure one crore doses of Covaxin at the rate to be fixed by the central government.

"For this purpose, the terms and conditions of delivery and payment along with schedule of supplies may please be intimated at the earliest," he wrote.

The principal secretary mentioned that the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam will be the nodal agency for this procurement under the 'Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy' of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

Sinha had told reporters on Tuesday that the Assam government had urged the Centre to send an adequate number of COVID-19 vaccine vials as the state's stock will be exhausted in 6-7 days.

He said that the state has received a total of 22,93,470 vaccines, comprising 17,52,830 doses of Covishield and 5,40,640 doses of Covaxin, while there is a stock of 5,03,550 vaccines at present.

Meanwhile, the administration of Kamrup Metropolitan district, which primarily comprises Guwahati, has instructed private hospitals to tie up with hotels so that asymptomatic patients can be shifted there in case of a shortage of hospital beds.

The state reported three more deaths due to COVID-19 on Tuesday, while the number of fresh cases rose sharply with 1,651 people testing positive, pushing the tally to 2,27,473.

(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.)
An additional 35 Christians in Eritrea, Africa were reported to have been arrested for holding prayer meetings.

The said arrest took place in a span of two months conducted by soldiers in Asmara and in Assab, CBN News reported. There were 23 and 12 people arrested respectively from Asmara and Assab and many of which were women gathered in a prayer meeting.

Those in Asmara were brought to the Mai Sarawa prison and then released on April 11 except for one. While those in Assab were brought to the prison there and remains in captivity.

According to the Release International, the Assab prison is in a remote port area reserved for military use and renowned to be a harsh jail, which means it is dangerous for the women prisoners. Many Christians are held captive in the prison ever since the government declared most religions as illegal in 2002, such that some have been detained for more than a decade.

Release International, who provides support for those persecuted in Ethiopia along with 24 other countries in the world, reported that 165 Christian prisoners are held in various state jails across Eritrea that included army conscripts who practice their faith. These exclude the many prisoners that have been released by the government since September 2020.

However, not all Christians are banned in the country such as Orthodox, Catholics, and Evangelical Lutherans. Those who practice Sunni Islam are not banned in Eritrea as well.

Release International added that it is believed that the Eritrea government has released the Christian prisoners to strengthen its ties with Ethiopia whose Prime Minister is a Christian. The Eritrea military has made Ethiopia an ally against Tigrinya rebels and has announced it will withdraw its troops from the conflict after being reported for attacking churches and for systematic rape.

"Eritrea has been likened to the North Korea of Africa. Release continues to press the government to release its prisoners of faith - every one of them. We urge Eritrea to repeal its restrictive religious laws and grant full freedom of faith to its citizens," said Release International CEO Paul Robinson on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Barnabas Fund reported that Eritrean church leader Dr. Berhane Asmelash announced they are unaware why one of the Christian prisoners was retained in the Mai Sarawa prison. Asmelash previously thought that "change is coming" when the Eritrean government started releasing Christians last year.

The Barnabas Fund said 70 Christians were released from three jails in January 2021 alone. But Asmelash was surprised when the 35 Christians were imprisoned. Thus, the country remains "one of the worst countries in the world for Christian persecution," as per the Barnabas Fund.

Notwithstanding, Asmelash called for continued prayers for the Christians in Eritrea especially for those who are still in prison and their families.

"Pray for all Eritrea, for a change of policy, for democracy and freedom of worship," he said.

Christianity Today reported in January that 13 Christians are killed every day with 12 Christians are unjustly arrested or imprisoned and 5 are abducted daily. The outlet said that 1 in 8 Christians worldwide face persecution, which converts to 1 in 6 Christians in Africa.

The said data were based on the annual accounting of the 2021 World Watch List that identifies the top 50 countries where Christians are mostly persecuted. The same report revealed that 309 million Christians experience extreme levels of persecution. Of the top 50 nations, 19 are in Africa.
Drama unfolded at the Wenchi High Court last Monday when officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) came to the court armed with a generator and a photocopier machine to ensure that there were no power disruptions to the courts proceedings.



The court, at its sitting on April 14, 2021, ordered officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) to present the collated results of the 2020 parliamentary election in the Techiman South Constituency for inspection by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Mr Christopher Beyere Baasongti.



It was in the light of that the NDC carried its generator and a photocopier machine to make sure that the exercise was not postponed due to any power outage.



The exercise itself went on smoothly while photocopies of the documents were made available to all parties.



April 29



The court subsequently fixed April 29, 2021 for continuation of hearing of the petition.



The presentation of the collated constituency results was in compliance with an order by the court at its sitting on the disputed election on Wednesday, April 14, 2020.



It was the second time that the high court hearing the suit filed by the NDC candidate compelled the EC to make the collated results available for inspection.



Pre Order Ghana Year Book 2021

The EC was slapped with a fine of GH2,000 at the April 14, 2020 sitting on the suit for its failure to comply with the court's order on April 1, 2020.



Issues



Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said the party was going to compare the EC's collated results with its own documents.



"If the pink sheets tally with the collated results, then the EC has no questions to answer but if not, then we will raise questions.



"They have presented us with the documents. We have made photocopies but we believe there are issues which will be discussed when they are in the witness box," he added.



Clear pathway



For his part, the Techiman South Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Richard Asamoah, said having complied with the orders of the court, there was a clear pathway for the court to hear the issues raised by the NDC.



He called on all parties involved in the matter not to twist what transpired in the court when presenting them to the public or on social media.



"The Techiman South Constituency needs peace for development and we believe at the end of the day, Mr Adjei-Mensah Korsah's victory will be affirmed," Mr Asamoah stated.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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People with disabilities and their families who rely on Easter Seals Greater Houston just might walk to the ends of the Earth to support the organization that connects them with vital services. But such a trek isnt necessary to go the distance for the nonprofit, and theyre inviting the community to join them.

April 24 marks the 10th anniversary of Walk With Me, presented by Prosperity Bank and other sponsors, which serves as the sole annual fundraiser for Easter Seals local chapter. Families of children, adults and veterans with disabilities have formed teams to take part at the Houston Zoo, which has hosted the noncompetitive 5K or shorter walk (or roll, for those in wheelchairs) since its inception. The deadline to walk in person has passed, but the pandemic prompted organizers to create a virtual option; registration for that is open through April 23.

Easter Seals Greater Houston is the only local nonprofit serving people of all ages, with any type of disability, and their families. Its therapy, training, education and support services help those with disabilities thrive.

The organization operates via a combination of government grants, Medicaid and private insurance, and philanthropy, according to Elise Hough, executive director. It serves 14,500 area families, 67 percent of whom fall at or below poverty level, development director Kelly Klein noted.

Walk With Me Houston When: April 24; register by 11:45 p.m. April 23 to walk virtually. Each walker must raise a minimum of $50 to participate. Tax-deductible donations accepted through May 31. Details and registration:walkwithmehouston.org See More Collapse

On HoustonChronicle.com: Is it time to move from autism awareness to acceptance?

Avery Reilly, 13, and Jack Grodin, 5, are serving as honorary ambassadors for this years Walk With Me. The two attend Easter Seals Caroline School, which offers a customized curriculum to develop cognitive, social and physical skills for students 18 months to 21 years old. Avery has participated in the walk since 2014, Jack since 2019.

It took doctors several years to find the cause of Averys low muscle tone, developmental delays and cerebellar atrophy. In that time, she and her parents, Helena and Brennan Reilly, learned to use her iPad to communicate via Easter Seals BridgingApps program. She also attended its respite care and camp offerings. After her genetic defect was diagnosed when she was 10, Avery began attending the Caroline School, where she enjoys reading to the younger students.

Easter Seals really gets to know your kid, Helena Reilly said, noting its proactive approach to addressing social deficits. They knew she needed to go to Camp Smiles.

As a peppy Jack flicked a light switch off and on at the school, his mother listed some of the more than 10 operations, both planned and emergency, he has undergone in his short life: for his bladder and kidneys, eyes, tonsils and adenoids, ears and a broken femur that landed him in a body cast for eight weeks. He receives physical, occupational and speech therapy. As his medical issues and diagnoses evolve, his parents, Amma and Jared Grodin, see gains they attribute to Easter Seals accommodating his needs, particularly his speech.

This has been a wonderful, safe place to be, Amma Grodin said.  Weve just dipped our toe into what Easter Seals has to offer. I feel like this is a lifelong relationship.

As of early April, Team Avery had raised $5,400 from 20 donors and team walkers. Jacks Pack had raised $5,000 from 45 people near and far, including El Paso and Dallas as well as Alaska and England. As of publication, Easter Seals Greater Houston had tallied just over $533,500 from nearly 2,400 participants toward its goal of $1 million.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Family weekends help barrier-free camps during pandemic

Walk With Me has grown since the first event in 2011. Back then, the goal was to break even. But it netted $100,000 with 800 participants, Hough recalled.

We knew we were onto something great, she said.

The stakes are high for this years walk. Government funding has dropped during the pandemic because many of the parents of children Easter Seals serves are front-line workers who cant be home for therapy, Hough said. Similarly, contributions from foundations whose assets are based in the oil and gas industry have fallen in the COVID-hit economy. At the same time, the organization has tried to step up mental health support for clients who are veterans.

Ninety-one cents of every dollar goes directly to clients, an accomplishment she jokingly attributed to being a little cheap with administrative duties and the relatively low-cost walk as a fundraiser.

Im really proud of the fact that Walk With Me is recognized in the community, said Hough, adding that Easter Seals will continue to support all people with disabilities. We dont care what you look like, what you have or where you come from. It is our joy and passion.

A Special World shares programs and experiences by and for the disabled community in Greater Houston.

suzanne.garofalo@chron.com
Message from the Vice President

Dear Student Affairs Team,

I am sorry this note is reaching you after the traditional workday; yet I wanted to make sure to get it to you as quickly as I could. I know we all heard the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin earlier today. Weve also collectively experienced the impact of the body cam footage showing the death of Adam Toledo, and witnessed video of the killing of Daunte Wright by a police officer in Minnesota. The impact these acts of state violence has on our students, ourselves, and our communities is both compounding and overwhelming.

As a division and a university we have made commitments and taken action towards being a more socially just institution. The work to dismantle systems rooted in White supremacy is unrelenting and exhausting. I want to start out by saying I see each of you. I see your efforts and I hear in your stories the exhaustion you are carrying for yourselves and others. I feel the heaviness you carry  and yet, I can never feel it as much as our marginalized Student Affairs team members do. I know your hearts, souls, minds, and bodies are overwhelmed and tired. For our full team  everything is hard right now. And for our Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) team members  its even harder.

I also see our students  struggling to find footing, stability, and their voice. For our BIPOC students - I hear the anger, the grief, the pain, the hopelessness and the helplessness in their words. Exhaustion looms, anxiety builds, and they struggle to navigate through it all.

As we continue to move through this time, many will be coming to work wrestling with a range of emotions - from grief to anger to anxiety. Now more than ever, it is essential to remember that self-care is social justice work. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. I know that we love and care for our students and each other  but caring for a community means caring for ourselves. As we navigate over the coming days and weeks, please be reminded:

Campus Inclusion and Community, CAPS and Religious and Spiritual Life are holding spaces for students to be in community and process their experiences and feelings.

During meetings with your teams, and with students, I encourage you to create space to processes, should you feel equipped to do so without causing additional harm.

Supervisors, please check in with your teams and reaffirm our expectations of and opportunities for self-care, and work as a team to navigate work expectations so that folx can take time they need.

Remember you have resources available to you as staff, including our Employee Assistance Program through Northwestern.

The gravity of the decision in the Chauvin trial is significant and important, and the toll anti-Blackness and White supremacy take on our community is real. As we have worked together before to support each other and our students, I know we will do so again. So please, take care of yourselves as you work so hard to take care of others. We need you and our students need you, too.

Know that you are seen, and that you are loved.

With gratitude and care,

Julie
The shunting aside of Allegra Stratton at Number 10 has cleared the stage for one of Boris Johnson's top aides to take control of the press operation, in the wake of infighting between allies of deposed Brexit guru Dominic Cummings and the PM's fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Downing Street director of communications Jack Doyle is now the central figure steering Government messaging after Stratton was given a reduced role.

The pair were both survivors of last year's internal clashes and were set to co-manage No 10 communications - Stratton would front the new briefings while Doyle concentrated on strategy.

The daily press briefings are understood to have been the brainchild of Cummings ally Lee Cain, and the ousting of Stratton marks the culmination of the so-called Brexit Boys' defeat in the battle for control of Number 10.

But after a changing of the guard - during which Doyle has been promoted twice while numerous other advisers have left Number 10 - the plans for the televised appearances have now been killed despite a 2.6million bill for the set.

Last night it was announced former BBC and Guardian journalist Stratton would be leaving the role without having uttered a single word to camera.

While recently there have been whispers of a falling-out between Symonds and Stratton, the former ITV national editor was hired by No 10 against the wishes of Cain and Cummings who lobbied for an alternative candidate.

Stratton was portrayed in the press as an ally of Symonds at a time when the factionalism between the two warring camps was nearing its peak.

But Cain and Cummings left Downing Street in November amid acrimony with Symonds.

Since then the hierarchy in No 10 has changed dramatically, with former banker Dan Rosenfield brought in as chief of staff, one rung above Doyle, who takes Cain's old job.

Now Stratton has taken up a new post running communications for November's COP26 summit, which a Downing Street source insisted was a 'great job' as climate change was 'a huge global issue and massive priority for the PM'.

Downing Street director of communications Jack Doyle is the central figure steering Government messaging

Last night it was announced former ITV and BBC journalist Allegra Stratton would be leaving the role without having uttered a single word to camera

Ministers and officials will instead continue to host briefings in the 2.6million room

Born out of the regular coronavirus news conferences, the televised briefings were masterminded by former Downing Street director of communications Cain.

At the time Cain, Cummings and Brexiteer allies were ruling the roost at No10 and adopting the aggressive tactics embraced by Vote Leave.

Cain's plan was widely seen as a move to water down the influence of political journalists and communicate directly to voters.

One of the twice daily behind-closed-door briefings to Lobby reporters would involve a government spokesperson fielding questions live on TV, akin to Washington.

Attention turned to who would front the briefings - a powerful role that would afford direct access to the PM and a bigger profile than most Cabinet ministers.

The job was advertised publicly, but two front-runners were identified: Stratton, then at the Treasury as Rishi Sunak's PR guru, and BBC political reporter Ellie Price.

Born out of the regular coronavirus news conferences, they were the brainchild of former Downing Street director of communications Lee Cain (left). At the time Cain, Dominic Cummings (right) and a clutch of Brexiteer allies were ruling the roost at No10 and adopting the aggressive tactics embraced by Vote Leave

The PM's fiancee Carrie Symonds pictured walking in central London today

Cummings, Cain and the Vote Leave faction wanted to install Price and lobbied for her appointment, but Stratton herself had an influential champion: Symonds.

Stratton was appointed Downing Street press secretary in October 2020 and aligned herself with Symonds's agenda for a less combative operation.

She was due to present her first press conference that November, but the second wave of coronavirus put paid to the launch.

At the same time, the wrangling over Stratton's appointment had ignited bitter infighting inside No10 that soon escalated into an all-out briefing war.

With Downing Street in a tailspin, the PM sought to seize control and both Cummings and Cain were gone in quick succession.

Their departures - reports vary whether Cummings was sacked or quit - triggered a shake-up of No10's top team at the start of January.

Munira Mirza remained as head of the policy unit (pictured in Downing Street last year)

James Slack was promoted from the PM's official spokesperson to the director of communications

Slack was promoted from the PM's official spokesperson to the director of communications, with Doyle as his deputy.

Rosenfield was parachuted in as chief of staff to help fill the vacuum left by Cummings, and Munira Mirza remained as head of the policy unit.

Stratton remained a core member of this inner circle and spoke on the PM's behalf at lobby briefings, but the hotly anticipated televised briefings were in flux.

Although the media suite in No 9 Downing Street was still being built at the cost of 2.6million, the new guard in No 10 had cooled on the prospect.

As ministers and scientists continued to take centre stage at press conferences, the enthusiasm for the White House-style briefings eventually dried up.

This month Doyle was promoted to director of communications following the departure of Slack to the Sun, and the decision was made to abandon the briefings.

Tory MPs today vented fury that the elaborate media suite was signed off to begin with.

One Tory MP said: 'It should have been blatantly obvious that when there are bad days it would be very uncomfortable for the press secretary to stand there and face hostile questions. It is incredible that this was not thought through at the outset.'

Another former minister said: 'It was always a slightly dangerous thing. You are sending out a lamb to the slaughter... It was a really bad idea. Now it seems to be a blue elephant.'

The MP added of Ms Stratton: 'She is not going to hang around, is she.'
Mark Ferenchik, The Columbus Dispatch (TNS)

COLUMBUS, Ohio  In an unprecedented move, Columbus police showed body camera footage of the shooting of a 16-year-old girl by a Columbus police officer just hours after the incident on the Southeast Side.

The shooting, which happened about 20 minutes before a guilty verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd, prompted hundreds to protest at the shooting site and Downtown.

The video shows an officer approaching a driveway with a group of young people standing there. In the video, it appears that the 16-year-old, identified now as MaKhia Bryant, who was moments later shot by police, pushes or swings at a person, who falls to the ground.

Bryant then appears to swing a knife at a girl who is on the hood of a car, and the officer fires his weapon what sounds like four times, striking Bryant, who died a short time later.

Its a tragic day in the city of Columbus. Its a horrible, heartbreaking situation, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said. We felt transparency in sharing this footage, as incomplete as it is at this time was critical.

Franklin County Childrens Services confirmed on Tuesday night that the girl killed was 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant and that she was in foster care and in the custody of Childrens Services.

Police received a 911 call at 4:35 p.m. about an attempted stabbing on the 3100 block of Legion Lane, which is located north of Chatterton Road. The caller reported a female was trying to stab them, then the caller hung up.

Officers responded to the scene and at 4:45 p.m. an officer-involved shooting was reported.

Columbus Fire medics were cleared to come into the scene at 4:46 p.m., police said. The wounded person was transported in critical condition to Mount Carmel East hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m., police said.

Columbus police stressed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the case, but the city wanted to release the body camera to give the public more information.

Interim Columbus Police Chief Michael Woods said officers are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves or a third party. He said the investigation still needs to be completed to determine if the actions of the officers were justified. He said the officer, who was not named, has been placed on administrative leave.

Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. urged the public to be patient as the investigation continues, and city officials again called for peace.

She could be my grandchild, said Pettus. In any way you look at this, its a tragedy.

Hazel Bryant told The Dispatch that she is the aunt of MaKhia Bryant. The girl lived in a foster home there on Legion Lane and got into an altercation with someone else at the home, she said.

Bryant said her niece had a knife, but maintained that the girl dropped the knife before she was shot multiple times by a police officer.

Protesters with Black Lives Matter signs, megaphones and a loudspeaker joined the crowd gathered behind crime scene tape about a half-block away from the shooting scene. About 50 people had gathered by 8:30 p.m.

We dont get to celebrate nothing, K.C. Taynor said through a megaphone of the Chauvin verdict. ... In the end, you know what, you cant be Black.

Kiara Yakita, founder of the Black Liberation Movement Central Ohio, said she is not surprised that another police shooting happened. Why did they kill this baby? she asked aloud.

Mike Fair, 63, of the East Side, brought an amplifier and a microphone to the scene, and expressed his anger, suggesting there should be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Were not going to sit here and just sit around while you kill us, then go back in the suburbs, one protester said.

Over and over, keep killing us another protester said.

Hana Abdur-Rahim, with the Black Abolitionists Collective, said, We are in a literal genocide. We are fighting for our lives.

During a council committee hearing Tuesday evening that allowed members to meet nominees for a new police civilian review board to investigate officers uses of force, Council president Shannon Hardin announced that there had been another police shooting.

We dont know very much as it stands, and as we watched the verdict from Minneapolis many talked about the sigh of relief  but there is a truth that for so many in our community there is no relief. This is not all right, its not OK, and it cant continue on.

Were going to need to have the utmost transparency as we go through and learn more (about the latest incident). But the truth is that nothing that we will do will bring this young baby girl back. Nothing will stop the family from grieving.

Hardin told the panel members being interviewed that the latest shooting shows why the city needs a civilian review board, and we need to fundamentally rethink safety in our city.

It certainly does put in stark view what you have been called to do in our community, each and every one of you: to provide oversight, accountability and transparency when it comes to policing in our community, he said.
Airshipit.org Airship 2.0 takes advantage of many of the good things that have been happening in the Kubernetes ecosystem. Airship 2.0 gives operators the ability to consistently specify and control deployments across bare metal, public clouds, OpenStack and other kinds of use cases.

Airship, an interoperable set of open source software tools used to declaratively automate cloud provisioning, is available in version 2.0 today. Airship 2.0 delivers enhanced document management capabilities, an improved upgrade process using cloud-native tools, and the ability for operators to use the same workflow to manage their workloads on both bare-metal and public clouds. These enhancements enable faster deployments, a smaller control plane, the ability for Airship to deploy native Kubernetes resources, and better security.

***Download Airship 2.0 here***

Airship 2.0 integrates best-in-breed open source projects into a platform that transforms declarative YAMLs into ready-to-go open infrastructure, taking care of things like bare metal provisioning, security and network policy, and day 2 lifecycle management. Airship 2.0s declarative model ensures predictability, repeatability and resiliency across sites and across upgrades, which is why AT&T is running Airship in production at scale.

AT&Ts 5G network runs on its 100% containerized, private network OpenStack cloud, deployed and managed by Airship. Using Airship, AT&T has been able to replicate its 5G infrastructure rapidly across dozens of regions. Furthermore, this architecture supports AT&Ts evolved packet core network and VNF teaming, enabling resilient mobile sessions. (See a keynote by AT&T demonstrating how Airship enables mobile communication sessions to continue even when the VM carrying the session is shut down.) Other companies with production use cases of Airship include Ericsson and SK Telecom.

Airship 2.0 takes advantage of many of the good things that have been happening in the Kubernetes ecosystem, said Matt McEuen, lead member of the technical staff for Network Cloud at AT&T and a working committee member of the Airship community. Airship 2.0 gives operators the ability to consistently specify and control deployments across bare metal, public clouds, OpenStack and other kinds of use cases. It also deploys sites faster and with smaller footprints. In Airship 2.0 weve created a web-based UI that can be used to introspect a site and drive deployments and upgrades.

AT&Ts initial Airship 2.0 deployments will host centralized functions that support its 5G Containerized Network Function infrastructure, continued McEuen. These new cloud-native workloads will benefit from Airship 2.0s close integration of CNCF technologies and its predictable and repeatable lifecycle management.

Key Features of Airship 2.0



Enhanced document management capabilities. Using the Airship 2.0 command-line-interface, airshipctl, operators can organize and deliver YAML documents that describe an Airship 2.0 region with phases (logical groups of functionality that are the building blocks of a site). Airshipctl renders phases with Kustomize, a tool that has been widely adopted by the Kubernetes community. Using Kustomize with airshipctl, operators can keep their YAML footprint small with advanced manipulation tools that reduce data duplication.

Improvements to the Airship upgrade process. Cloud-native tools such as the Baremetal Operator with Metal3 and Ironic, Kubeadm, and Kustomize have replaced the Airship 1 control plane. In Airship 2.0, operators can drive upgrades using Airshipctl and let Kubernetes handle the restthe core Airship components are ephemeral and live outside the control plane.

Support for public cloud providers. With Airship 2.0, operators can now use the same workflow to manage their workloads on bare-metal as well as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, AWS, and OpenStack public clouds. Companies with growing requirements can rely on Airship for consistent deployment and management of workloads on Kubernetes, knowing that OpenDev and third-party continuous-integration validate these integration points.

Additional features include:



No-touch, remote-site bootstrap

Declarative image building

Support for declarative ephemeral ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Support for declarative bare-metal-targeted QCOWs [QEMU Copy On Write is a file format for disk image files used by QEMU (short for quick emulator), a hosted virtual machine monitor.]

Declarative cluster lifecycle

Lifecycle as phases

Introduction of a plan for the phases

Seamless integration with security plugins like Mozilla SOPS

Generic container interface, a mechanism to extend airshipctl with adhoc functionality

Introduction of Host Config Operator for day 2 operations

Helm 3 and the Flux Helm Controller are integrated, offering better security posture.

Designated as a Certified Kubernetes Distribution through the Cloud Native Computing Foundations Software Conformance Program, guaranteeing that Airship provides a consistent installation of Kubernetes, supports the latest Kubernetes versions, and provides a portable cloud-native environment with other Certified Platforms.

The integrated open source components doing the heavy lifting in Airship 2.0 are substantially different than those in Airship 1.0, as described by Jeff Collins, cloud and NFVI director at Ericsson, at the Open Infrastructure Summit.

The updates with Metal3 and Ironic, along with other tool sets have streamlined the lifecycle management process. The cross-platform capabilities with the Kubernetes Cluster API allow for a consistent deployment every time, said Collins.

About Airship

Airship simplifies cloud building for operators like telecoms, manufacturers, healthcare providers and individual developers. The Airship community was formed to build a robust delivery mechanism for organizations that need to embrace containers as the new unit of infrastructure delivery at scale.

Airship launched in May 2018 as a pilot project supported by the Open Infrastructure Foundation, with initial code contributed by AT&T, Intel and SK Telecom. Version 1.0 was released at the Open Infrastructure Summit Denver in 2019. The Airship community has grown rapidly, with 1,897 commits in 10 repos and 91 contributors from 10 companies across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Resources



About the Open Infrastructure Foundation

The OpenInfra Foundation builds communities that write open source infrastructure software that runs in production. With the support of over 110,000 individuals in 187 countries, the OpenInfra Foundation hosts open source projects and communities of practice, including infrastructure for AI, container native apps, edge computing and datacenter clouds. Join the OpenInfra movement. http://www.openinfra.dev

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At least 2 officers killed in southern Nigeria

Abuja, Apr 21 (UNI) At least two law enforcement officers have been killed and several others were injured during an attack on a police station in the Nigerian southern state of Enugu, media reported on Wednesday.

According to the Nigerian Vanguard newspaper, unidentified gunmen attacked Adani Police Station in the state's Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area at about 0230 am (0130 GMT).

The media outlet added, citing local residents, that the armed men freed all the inmates in the station, after which they set it on fire.
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On March 23 of 2021, a container ship called the Ever Given ran aground in Suez Canal, one of the most important waterways in the world, and blocked other vessels from using it. This human-made waterway is one of the worlds most heavily used shipping lanes, carrying over 12% of world trade.

Modern Diplomacy reports that this canal is also responsible for the transportation of 7% of the worlds oil and 30% of daily container shipments. Therefore, the blockage of the canal has considerably affected global trade. According to Lloyds List, a London-based shipping news journal, the estimated daily value of cargos passing through the canal is $9.7 billion, with $5.1 billion traveling westward and $4.6 billion traveling to eastward directions. The incident forced some ships to use the alternative route around Africas southern tip, which is dangerous and increases the transportation costs and time.

Shipment delays because of the incident in the Suez Canal also negatively affected the already-disrupted global supply chain. Since the start of the pandemic, shipping delays and shortages have considerably strained the global supply chain. As the commodities become increasingly difficult to obtain and produce for the companies, customers face limited options and higher prices. Several big companies such as Nike, Honda, and Samsung have already expressed that supply-chain issueshavesignificantly impeded production volumes. Thus, the blockage of the canal made the supply chain crisis even worse.

Almost a week after the Ever Given halted the canal, on March 29, it became possible to free the vessel and the Suez Canal opened for business again; tugboats managed to refloat the stuck vessel away from the canals sandy bank. During the blockage, at least 367 vessels were left waiting for the canal to be unblocked. However, it remains unclear when the traffic in the canal will return to normal, as it will take a couple of days to clear the backlog of ships. Some experts have estimated that it could take more than 10 days.

Despite the fact that the canal was freed, it has raised questions on the risks of the worlds overreliance on this route. The economic damage of the blockade of the Suez Canal proved the fragility of global transportation architecture. This in turn brought up the issue of the development of alternative land or maritime transport routes. Hence, after the incident, Russia and Iran have called for the need to find alternative shipping routes, especially recalling potentials of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and International North-South Transport Corridor (INST).By explaining the reasons for considering the NSR, on its official social media account Russian state company Rosatomflot declared that rapid melting of the Arctic and the existence of powerful Russian icebreakers improve the accessibility of the North Sea, which could become an alternative to the Suez Canal. Iranian officials, on other hand, called for the activation of the INSTC as a reliable and low risk alternative.

The other alternative route that has the potential to become one of the mainland routes for the transportation of goods between Asia and Europe is the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor Initiative, shortly called The Middle Corridor. This corridor is considered as one of the most important routes in reviving the ancient Silk Road. The Middle Corridor begins in Turkey, passes through the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia, crosses the Caspian Sea, reaches Central Asia, and extends to China through the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan routes.

The formation and development of the Middle Corridor began after the November of2013, when as a part of the II International Transport and Logistics Business Forum New Silk Road in Astana, the leaders of JSC National Company of Kazakhstan, CJSC Azerbaijan Railways and JSC Georgian Railway signed the agreement on the establishment of Coordination Committee for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. In December 2016, the participants of the Coordinating Committee decided to establish the International AssociationTrans-Caspian International Transport Route, which started its activities in the following year. The main goal of this project is to increase the volume of freight transportation between East Asia, Central Asia, the Caspian and Black Sea basins and European countries by creating alternative or complement to the traditional land routes that go through the territory of Russia.

Middle Corridor has several advantages in comparison to traditional transportation routes. Compared with the Trans-Siberian Railway, which is also called the Northern Corridor, it is 2 thousand km shorter and has more favorable climate conditions. Compared with the traditional sea route, it shortens the travel time of goods between Europe and China by about three times, making it only 15 days. In 2015, the first pilot shipment took place and a container train, which started its trip from Western China reached Baku through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea in 6 days. Besides, the Middle Corridor creates great opportunities for cargo transportation within Asia and to Africa. Using this corridor, cargos from east and south-east Asia could be easily transported to the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean regions using port infrastructures of participating states.

The Middle Corridor initiative is also supported by Afghanistan and Tajikistan as this route creates new transportation opportunities for them. By integrating the Lapis Lazuli corridor, an international transit route that links Afghanistan to Turkey, to the Middle Corridor, these countries could easily transport their goods in all directions in Asia. Integration of these corridors is also advantageous for the participating countries of the Middle Corridor. The agreement on the establishment of the Lapis Lazuli corridor was signed by Georgia, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey in November 2017, which added a new artery to the Middle Corridor in the southern direction.

Along with the mentioned advantages, the Middle Corridor also holds precedence in comparison to other proposed alternatives, which have obvious shortcomings. In the case of NSR, most of the year it is covered in snow and for transportation of goods through this road ships of special nature and capabilities are required. So, the competition of NSR with the Suez Canal could only be of seasonal nature. The INSTR on the other hand, despite its advantages, cannot become the direct competitor to the Suez Canal as it serves for the connection of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf with Northern Europe, not for the connection of east and south-east Asia like the Suez Canal. It could compete with the Suez Canal only if it is integrated into the Middle Corridor. Hence, the advantages of the Middle Corridor and shortcomings of other alternatives reveal the importance of the Middle Corridor and make it the best alternative for the transportation route that goes through the Suez Canal.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A company is withdrawing from more than two years of discussions about taking over management of the zoo in Mississippis capital city.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced in 2019 that he wanted ZoOceanarium Group to operate the Jackson Zoological Park.

But the City Council had not yet approved a contract.

ZoOceanarium Group Managing Partner Chris Davis confirmed to WLBT-TV on Wednesday that the company would not longer be involved.

Davis says some City Council members were hostile to the idea of the zoo being operated by a third-party management team.

ZoOceanarium Group is based in Dubai.
A 44-year-old woman who claimed to be engaged to the Duke of York was let into his official Windsor residence by bungling security guards, it has been revealed.

Security officers were so taken in by the Spanish national's polished appearance they even paid her cab fare before waving her into the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at 11am on Monday.

The woman, who has now been sectioned under the 1984 Mental Health Act, spent 20 minutes wandering the grounds before heading inside the Grade II listed building to ask a member of staff where the duke was, reported The Sun.

Police were called and she was held in the lobby after she told the staff member she was engaged to Prince Andrew, her name was Irene Windsor and she lived there with the duke.

Security officers were so taken in by the Spanish national's polished appearance they even paid her cab fare before waving her into the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at 11am on Monday

The woman, who has now been sectioned under the 1984 Mental Health Act, spent 20 minutes wandering the grounds before heading inside the Grade II listed building to ask a member of staff where the Duke of York (pictured) was, reported The Sun

In the woman's handbag maps of the Royal Lodge and other Royal Family residences were found, alongside a self-defence key ring in the shape of a cat that featured two sharp prongs.

She was originally arrested on suspicion of burglary before being sectioned and a security review has now been launched.

Prince Andrew's police protection was scaled back last year as part of cost-cutting measures as he withdrew from Royal duties because of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

He still has Met Police personal protection but his officers are no longer routinely armed.

Private Security at the Royal Lodge, which Andrew shares with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, is provided by the Privy Purse, The Queen's private income.

It is understood the intruder flew into the UK from Spain on Saturday, the day of Prince Philip's funeral three miles away at Windsor Castle.

Despite security forces being on high alert for the funeral, the woman was allowed through the front gate to the Royal Lodge, apparently without being asked to show any proof of identification.

She claimed to have a lunch appointment with the duke, and demanded security officers pay her cab fare.

Police were called and she was held in the lobby after she told the staff member she was engaged to Prince Andrew, her name was Irene Windsor and she lived there with the duke. Pictured, houses on the Windsor estate

A source said: 'She was apparently very smartly dressed, in suit trousers, a yellow blouse and peach jacket, and had her hair done up and full make-up.

'She cut quite a glamorous figure and the guards were completely taken in by her.

'The woman demanded they pay her cab fare as she was a close friend of Prince Andrew, and they obliged before helpfully pointing her on her way towards the Royal Lodge.'

Prince Andrew and Fergie have lived at the Royal Lodge since 2004, two years after its former occupant, the Queen Mother, died.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, who had their baby boy August in February, have also been living at Royal Lodge during lockdown.

Sources said Prince Andrew was home at the time of the intrusion, but it is not known if he was aware of it at the time.

Prince Andrew (pictured returning to Windsor Castle after Price Philip's funeral) and Fergie have lived at the Royal Lodge since 2004, two years after its former occupant, the Queen Mother, died

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: 'Thames Valley Police were called to the Royal Lodge at Windsor Great Park on Monday morning to reports of a female trespasser.

'The woman, aged 44, was intercepted and arrested. She was subsequently de-arrested and has been sectioned under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

'The investigation into the incident continues, but there was no risk to any individual on the site. Due to the female being sectioned, we will not be commenting further at this time.'

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
After the announcement that the lone finalist for the UISD Superintendent is current Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, David H. Gonzalez, a press conference was held on Tuesday morning to give Gonzalez an opportunity to speak about the news.

Per state law, Gonzalez is unable to take the helm of UISD for 21 days. After the appropriate time passes, his employment contract will be approved and the UISD board of trustees will gather for a board meeting on May 10 to formally announce Gonzalez as the new superintendent.

Mr. Gonzalez believes in instilling pride in students and staff so that everyone can realize their best potential. The District is excited to have Mr. Gonzalez lead the District and serve the students, staff, parents and entire community of United I.S.D., the district stated.

However, He reminds the community that Roberto Santos continues to be the Superintendent and he continues to work as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, alongside Santos and Deputy Superintendent Gloria Rendon to ensure the success that UISD has had in the past few years.

Santos will continue to lead UISD until June 30, on which he will have officially retire as superintendent. Gonzalez had previously said that Santos has been an effective leader and a great person.

For over 20 years, Gonzalez has been a part of the UISD team, which he believes is the vital for any school district. As a team, he says that all staff treat the children as they are they are own, while also making sure students are well-informed about all the opportunities available to them in their home away from home.

As a district we have been successful because of the systems weve had in place, but more importantly because of people that work within UISD, he said. We are fortunate that our community out there has allowed us to take the route of their childs education.

With the entirety of UISD working towards the common goal of educating and caring for the students, finding the way they learn is vital. Gonzalez said that he believes that moving forward with technology is essential but understands that traditional face-to-face is vitally important for a students success.

I want to thank all of you and also recognize the students in our district for the year theyve had, Gonzalez said.

As a majority of students are still attending remote instruction, Gonzalez adds that he cannot imagine what it must be like for students who crave the social interactions that most other students had during their school years. However, students are being invited to return to school as the campuses continue to uphold safety guidelines.

Moving forward, Gonzalez will continue to embrace what is working for staff and students. At his current position, he actively visits school, something that he does not plan to change.

I will continue to be out there and be that leader thats going to hear the voice of our teachers, of our students and administrator at the campus level, Gonzalez said. Its not so much working on your desk but working out there with the community.

Gonzalez studied at the Texas A&M international University, where he earned his bachelors degree in applied arts and sciences and a masters in education. He went on to become an executive director of middle school instruction, principal of Washington middle school, Assistant Principal at Alexander and LBJ high schools.

In a letter by Joseph Michael Garza, Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Support Services and one of the finalists for the superintendent position, he wrote that he supports the choice of Gonzalez and calls upon other UISD staff members to do the same.

Mr. Gonzalez will bring the leadership, honesty, and integrity to the office entrusted to him. I know Mr. Gonzalez to be of high moral character and deep belief in his religious faith, Garza wrote. I am proud to know Mr. Gonzalez and I do not hesitate to say that the board made a fantastic selection to lead our beloved district.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
This week, multiple reports revealed that the "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke will be the latest female addition to the growing MCU franchise.

According to several news outlets, including Variety, Clarke already reached the final negotiations with Marvel Studios.

The series, where the actress will debut, is reportedly on the Disney Plus series "Secret Invasion." The flick will serve as the TV adaptation of the comics storyline of the same name.

For now, only a few details are available in public, including Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn's returns as Nick Fury and Skrull Talos respectively.

Clarke will be joined by Olivia Colman who also nears her final talks with the studio, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Who Will Play Who

Marvel Studios has not released a statement about the news yet. However, there are possible characters for the two actresses to play in the series.

In the comics, Empress Veranke serves as the leader of the Skrulls. Colman could perfectly play the role since she previously starred as Queen Elizabeth II on "The Crown" and Queen Anne on "The Favorite."

Meanwhile, the role could perfectly fit Clarke's acting skills since she notably played Daenerys Targaryen's role in the "Game of Thrones" franchise.

Another character, Abigail Brand, serves as the leader of S.W.O.R.D and will appear on the show.

"Secret Invasion" release date is also unknown. However, there are three Marvel films and show that are already slated to debut this year. Thus, it might push back its arrival to 2022 or 2023.

Emilia Clarke On Demand?

Aside from Marvel Studios, Clarke also caught the eyes of "Aquaman" fans.

The actress became the subject of an online petition suggesting Clarke replace Amber Heard in the second installation of the billion-dollar film.

A part of the description says, "Emilia is also a fan/people favorite; they will be good publicity for the movie since everyone loves Emilia and has had any bad press."

As of the writing, the "Game of Thrones" actress already has over 18 awards, proving what she is capable of doing as an actress.

Meanwhile, a digital artist with the Instagram username "valentinromeroart" shared how she would look like as Mera.

"Aquaman" viewers left their positive opinions on the platform and supported the idea of Clarke replacing Heard.

"I like Emilia Clark and I support Johnny Depp, a very good actor," one fan said. "Will not watch Aquaman 2 if Amber Heard will still be Mera. By the way, great art work."

For now, Clarke can focus on MCU as Heard already confirmed her return to the DC film.

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Canadian Pacific Railway (CP.TO, CP) has urged the Surface Transportation Board to promptly confirmed that consideration of the uniquely straightforward and beneficial Canadian Pacific Railway/Kansas City Southern (KSU) transaction may proceed under the pre-2001 rules and that Canadian Pacific's voting trust proposal requires no further Board approval. In March, Canadian Pacific Railway agreed to acquire Kansas City Southern in a stock and cash transaction representing an enterprise value of about $29 billion. The deal included the assumption of $3.8 billion of outstanding Kansas City Southern debt. On Tuesday, Canadian National Railway Co (CNI, CNR.TO) or CN made a proposal to buy Kansas City Southern in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $33.7 billion, including $3.8 billion of KCS debt. Canadian Pacific Railway noted Wednesday that a CP/KCS transaction diminishes the pressure for downstream consolidation by preserving the basic six-railroad structure of the North American rail network: two in the West, two in the East, and two in Canada, each with access to the U.S. Gulf Coast. By contrast, a CN/KCS transaction would fundamentally disrupt this balance. 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.
Bengaluru, April 21 : Grappling with surging cases in the pandemic's second wave, the Karnataka government on Wednesday opened a war room to monitor supply of oxygen cylinders and anti-viral drug Remdesivir to hospitals across the state for treating Covid patients.

"A 24x7 war room has been set up in Bengaluru to ensure timely and sufficient supply of oxygen and Remdesivir drug for treating Covid patients in state-run and private hospitals across the state," said Health Minister K. Sudhakar in a statement here.

The war room will work round the clock in 3 shifts to track the supply of oxygen and Remdesivir and ease the crisis arising out of their shortage.

The state drug controller office has deputed 26 officials to operate the war room and a call centre with a mobile number (89517-55722) has been opened there for supply of oxygen and Remdesivir to hospitals.

The drug office has also deputed its staff to 17 medical oxygen producing units in the state for supervising their distribution.

"A 6 kilo litre medical oxygen plant has been set up at Chamarajanagar district hospital to supply the gas to Covid patients under treatment in its intensive care unit (ICU)," said Sudhakar.

The state government has also directed private firms making industrial oxygen, to set up additional plants to produce medical oxygen.

Shortage of Remdesivir of late has led to alleged hoarding and black-marketing of the anti-viral drug due to its shortage in cities and towns across the state.

The minister also held video conferencing with health officials in six districts to assess the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders and drugs in the state-run hospitals.

"The status of infections and control measures in the districts were reviewed and health officials directed to contain the virus spread," Sudhakar said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
EMBATTLED MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was yesterday battling to douse fires sparked by his decision to whip his MPs to support Zanu PF-championed constitutional changes that critics say would give President Emmerson Mnangagwa unchecked powers.

On Tuesday, Constitutional Amendment Bill No 2 sailed through the Lower House on a 191 to 22 majority, with Mwonzoras MPs, except for four, voting for the amendment of the Constitution.

The move by Mwonzora, observers said, confirmed long-held suspicions that the MDC-T leader is a Zanu PF surrogate.

Mwonzoras deputy, Thokozani Khupe, MPs Nomvula Mguni, Phelela Masuku and Paurina Mpariwa joined Nelson Chamisas MDC Alliance legislators in rejecting the constitutional amendments that will see Mnangagwa appointing judges without public scrutiny and extend their terms of office after reaching retirement age.

The proposed changes will also see the scrapping off of the clause on running mates that was set to come into effect in 2023 to settle succession disputes and give Mnangagwa sole power to appoint his deputies.

Following its passage in the National Assembly, the Bill now goes back to Senate, where if it passes, will go to Mnangagwa for his signature to become law, sealing the contentious changes to the governance charter overwhelmingly voted for by the people in a referendum in 2013.

Khupes spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni said his boss voted against the Bill because she perceived the changes as retrogressive.

However, Mwonzora yesterday hastily convened a Press conference, where he painstakingly argued that his actions were in the public interest.

He said his party valued the empowerment of women and the youth, not the part that gave Mnangagwa power to handpick judges and his deputies.

We were advancing the cause of women who constitute 52% of the countrys population, Mwonzora said.

We think the rights of the 52% are more important than the two clauses which give Mnangagwa power. Just to allay the fear, four out of the six clauses in the Bill are in the best interest of the majority of the people of Zimbabwe.

You should also understand that its not over as the Bill will come to the Senate, where it would be debated. Amendment of the Constitution is a process, not a one-day thing.

Speaking about his MPs who voted against the amendments, Mwonzora said the legislators had genuine cases because they were faced with a dilemma over the sweet-bitter Bill.

I know there is a group you want to promote which voted no. That wont be fair. We have vice-president Khupe and the deputy chief whip in the Assembly. Madam Khupe is the leader of the opposition and its her responsibility, he said.

She was there in Parliament and I dont know whether she was there at the committee stage. I was not in Parliament. I didnt vote in the Assembly and the Bill will come to the Senate.

MDC-T chairperson Morgen Komichi, who voted against the Bill in Senate last week, appeared to be now toeing the opposition party line.

Theres no democracy without youth and women, hence the Bill is talking of women and youth quota in Parliament and councils, Komichi said yesterday.

We have adopted a strategy to put food on the table of women and the youth. We are happy with the clauses as MDC-T. We dont support clauses that give powers to Mnangagwa, but we lost during the vote.

However analysts said even without Mwonzoras input, the Bill would still have sailed through to the Senate, although the whole process had undermined the rights of the electorate.

Even if Mwonzoras MPs had not voted for the Bill, Zanu PF had always been the super majority, although not democratic enough to be trusted to make decisions on very important issues to do with the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, said political analyst Eldred Masunungure.

What happened yesterday (Tuesday voting for the Constitution Amendment Bill 2) was a subversion of the supremacy of the electorate which is a dangerous trail on the Zimbabwean democratic space?

Another analyst, Alexander Rusero, said: Government authorities can amend a constitutional clause or repeal a statutory instrument wherever they regard it necessary, as long as it will help them consolidate power.

We have had only 19 constitutional amendments in 37 years, but we will have at least 30 in three years under the so-called new dispensation.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said the procedures that were followed in passing the Bill through Parliament were unconstitutional since the citizens rejected the amendments last year during public consultations.

Citizens, civil society, the international community and the democratic opposition, all spoke against the amendments, the rights group said in a statement.

If our government was truly a government for the people, and if the leadership were truly a listening leadership, surely the democratic wishes of the majority would carry the day.

Legal think-tank Veritas said the Amendment Bill was flawed and unconstitutional because the clauses which were changed did not go through the normal procedure as stipulated in the laws of the land.

In its bulletin on Tuesday, Veritas said most of the changes which the National Assembly made to the Bill at committee stage materially alter clauses of the original Bill or added new clauses which were never in the original Bill.

Hence, they are unconstitutional because they were made without going through the procedure laid down in section 328 of the Constitution, Veritas said. Newsday
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday advocated a more fair and equitable global governance system while opposing unilateralism, hegemony and "Cold War" mentality.

Xi underscored the trend toward a multi-polar world, resilience in economic globalization, and the need to uphold multilateralism and enhance communication and coordination, striking the right chord at a time when the world is marred by rising instability and uncertainty.

"While we live in an age rife with challenges, it is also an age full of hope," Xi said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 via video.

Chinese vision on global governance

Xi said that the world needs consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits.

"Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape in the world, conform to the historical trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation, and meet the practical needs in addressing global challenges," he said.

"What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony," Xi said. "Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility."

Calling for the building of an open world economy, Xi said the world needs to "promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains."

In the age of economic globalization, attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles, and would hurt others' interests without benefiting oneself, he noted.

Xi added that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that "we must reject the cold-war and zero-sum mentality."

Xi's vision for global cooperation on issues such as public health security and climate change was echoed by world leaders who attended the conference.

The issues of the pandemic, economic recovery, poverty and climate change call for leaders to stand out in a challenging time and lead with insights and solutions, said former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the conference.

"We must join hands and stand as one, improving global governance, enhancing international cooperation and moving the world closer to the 2030 sustainable development goals through innovative initiatives such as the Belt and Road," he said.

Meanwhile, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said that more countries should commit to supporting an open, non-discriminatory and rule-based trade system worldwide particularly during these trying times.

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hailed China for sharing its COVID-19 vaccines with the rest of the world, especially developing countries.

"We appreciate that China considers its vaccine against the coronavirus a global public good," she said.

High-quality Belt and Road cooperation

Reiterating that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a public road open to all, Xi said all interested countries are welcome aboard to take part in the cooperation and share in its benefits.

Going forward, China will continue to work with other parties in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said Xi, adding that efforts will be made to build a closer partnership for health cooperation, connectivity, green development, and openness and inclusiveness.

China will work with all sides to promote "hard connectivity" of infrastructure and "soft connectivity" of rules and standards, ensure unimpeded channels for trade and investment cooperation, and actively develop Silk Road e-commerce, Xi said.

As for cooperation in the health sector, Chinese businesses have already started joint vaccine production in BRI participating countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.

Xi also called for strengthening cooperation on green infrastructure, green energy and green finance, and making green a defining feature of Belt and Road cooperation.

The BRI, proposed by Xi in 2013, was hailed by conference participants for opening up possibilities and sharing opportunities among countries and regions.

Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said the BRI could be a laboratory of initiatives that are good for the health and the sustainable future of the planet.

"The BRI is about connectivity. Over the years, we saw how China has gone out and focused on creating connectivity through building highways and container ports," said Jens Eskelund, managing director of Maersk China Ltd.

Going out and creating the right infrastructure can be a powerful enabler of trade and bring countries together, Eskelund added.
Not much has been publicly disclosed about the 90-year-old woman at the center of the latest Hong Kong scam, how she acquired her wealth or how she became a target. But she received a phone call in August from someone who claimed to be a government official, The South China Morning Post reported. Days later, the police said, a person claiming to be a Chinese police officer arrived at her home on Victoria Peak, the lofty realm of Hong Kongs wealthy elite, to deliver a cellphone she was to use to communicate during the so-called investigation.

Over five months, the scammers unspooled instructions on transferring millions as part of the so-called investigation. She transferred her first million on Aug. 12, the police said. From Aug. 13 to Jan. 4, she deposited $31.8 million more into the scammers bank accounts.

The scheme began to collapse when a domestic helper grew suspicious and alerted the womans daughter, who persuaded her mother to make a police report in March, the police said. By then, nearly $33 million had vanished. It was unclear whether the woman will ever recover a dime.

Chief Inspector Mok said the elderly were among the most vulnerable targets of phone scammers. He called on the public to contact older relatives on a regular basis as a way to reduce such fraud.

We hope everyone calls the elderly more frequently, not only to show that you care for them and to remind them not to fall for phone scams, he said, but to allow them to become more familiar with your voices and the types of words you use.

Lennon Chang, a senior lecturer at Monash University in Australia and an expert in cybercrime in the greater China region, said elderly victims of such crimes were often plagued by feelings of shame. Sometimes they continue to follow the instructions of their swindlers, who often dangle promises to return the money, even if they begin to suspect that they are being deceived.

They fear that if they tell other people, they will be criticized for being stupid, he said in a phone interview. They are afraid for being teased. They dont want to be seen as falling into this kind of graft despite decades of life experience.
Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

BentallGreenOak (BGO), the global real estate investment management advisor and provider of real estate services, has announced the successful final close of its third European value-add fund with a total of 1.9 billion ($2.3 billion) in commitments.

GreenOak Europe Fund III closed with 1.5 billion in commitments and a further 450 million in co-investments, surpassing its initial target of 1 billion. The Fund surpassed its initial target of 1 billion by over 45%.

"The support we have received from both existing and new investors has been outstanding. We had 86% of our existing investors continue to partner with us in this new fund and were able to accommodate new investors at the same time. In total we have 37 institutional investors from across the globe, including the US, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, bringing together a diversified and strong investor base." said Julie Wong, Managing Partner and Global Head of Capital Raising at BentallGreenOak.

Investors in the fund include the $84.2 billion Michigan Retirement Systems, East Lansing.

More than 50% of the Fund's capital has already been deployed through 27 investments made across the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark.

This is the third fund in BentallGreenOak's European Value-Add strategy, which has invested over 2 billion since 2014. Fund II, which closed in 2019, has already returned 80% of its capita......................

To view our full article Click here
When you hear the phrase electronic musician, what sort of person do you picture? A pallid, wildly coifed young man hunched over an imposing smorgasbord of gear?

Im guessing the person you are imagining doesnt look like Daphne Oram, with her cat-eye glasses, demure dresses and respectable 1950s librarian haircut. And yet Oram is a crucial figure of electronic music history  the co-founder of the BBCs incalculably influential Radiophonic Workshop, the first woman to set up her own independent electronic music studio and now one of the worthy focal points of Lisa Rovners bewitching new documentary Sisters With Transistors: Electronic Musics Unsung Heroines. (The movie is streaming through Metrographs virtual cinema from April 23 to May 6.)

Born in 1925, Oram was an accomplished pianist who had been offered admission to the Royal Academy of Music. But she turned it down, having recently read a book that predicted, as she puts it in the film with a palpable sense of wonder, that composers of the future would compose directly into sound rather than using orchestral instruments.
As the global real estate market continues to top its own records, the "Nothing Compares" campaign is representative of the Sotheby's International Realty  brand's promise to its clients to invariably provide a stellar experience.

"Sotheby's International Realty agents around the world consistently deliver white-glove service and I am continually inspired by their efforts," said Brad Nelson, chief marketing officer for Sotheby's International Realty. "This campaign broadens our marketing messaging beyond where we represent property to how we can help you get there."

The "Nothing Compares" campaign concept was developed by global experience design agency, Huge, utilizing a digital-first approach to align with the Sotheby's International Realty brand's commitment to technology and innovation. The ad campaign will be available in 16 different languages and can be fully localized by each of the brand's 1,000 offices.

"This campaign was created with flexibility in mind because it needed to make an impact internationally with a digital-first audience," said Bryan Lee, creative director of Huge. "The short, on-brand messaging will resonate with audiences worldwide while also working in the social and digital spaces. Our goal was to ensure 'Nothing Compares' could be easily customized to celebrate the architecture and lifestyles offered in every local community. It's truly a global campaign in every sense."

"Nothing Compares" will come to life with a global portfolio of media partners across film, digital, and print. Video assets will be advertised on Architectural Digest's Open Door digital series and connected TV advertising, signifying the first time the brand will air on streaming platform, YouTube TV. The campaign will also include print advertisements in Architectural Digest and The New York Times and digital programs with Curbed, Frieze, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, Nikkei, The Australian, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

The announcement follows the brand's recent US$150 billion global sales volume success in 2020 and comes at a time many consumers are redefining "home."

To learn more about Sotheby's International Realty, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans nearly 1,000 offices located in 75 countries and territories worldwide, including 45 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

CONTACT

Melissa Couch

Senior Manager, Public Relations & Communications

Sotheby's International Realty

973-407-6142

[email protected]

SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty

Related Links

www.sothebysrealty.com


Palmer and Swank funeral homes Victoria Lerdo

An Iowa teenager died after she was discovered unconscious at a rural hog facility this week.

Victoria Lerdo, 17, was found unconscious at the Swea City site on Monday night, the Kossuth County Sheriff's Office said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE Wednesday.

An ambulance and sheriff's deputies were dispatched at 9:10 p.m. after another worker at the facility discovered Lerdo unconscious on the ground. The sheriff's office said that she had been helping to clean and power wash the hog facility.

RELATED: N.J. Man Dies After Lawn Mower Falls on Top of Him: Reports

Lerdo, who is from Rockwell City, Iowa, was taken to the Kossuth Regional Health Center where she was pronounced dead, local news station KCCI reported.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The circumstances around Lerdo's death remain unclear. The Iowa Medical Examiner's Office in Akeny, Iowa, will be conducting an autopsy to determine her cause of death.

RELATED: Man Hiking with Son Dies Following 'Long Fall' in N.C. Wilderness Area: 'He Was a Good Guy'

An investigation into the teen's death is ongoing.

According to an obituary, Lerdo is survived by her parents, two brothers and grandparents. A memorial will be held on Saturday.
It started, really, with an interest in figuring out how things work and a love for the outdoors. This led to pursuing a degree in biology, which led to a study abroad trip to Australia, and finally, the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

That was the tipping point, the moment when, surrounded by the diversity of life, by the shapes and sizes and colors on coral reefs, Ross Cunning, the young boy from Indiana who had never been particularly interested in the ocean, became Ross Cunning, the marine scientist, the coral enthusiast, and soon-to-be coral expert.

Photo: Shedd Aquarium

"As a college student, Im seeing these coral reef ecosystems that I had never seen or been exposed to before, Cunning recalls. And all of a sudden, there's this this whole fascinating new world before me, to study and to learn from.

Since then, Cunning has devoted his career to studying corals and to finding ways to increase their chances of survival in the face of climate change.

As a graduate student at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, he conducted cutting-edge research on how the algae that corals rely on for food and gives corals their color affect their responses to climate change. He developed a molecular genetic technique, still used at the school today, to measure the algae in a coral, which opened the door to asking and answering a number of important research questions.

He later developed theory and mathematical models of coral bleaching while a fellow at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and worked on ways to make corals more tolerant to warmer ocean temperatures as a postdoctoral research scientist at the U.

Cunning is now a coral research biologist at Shedd Aquariums Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research in Chicago, where he studies coral reefs in Florida and in the Bahamas to understand how to sustain reef ecosystems in the face of a changing climate. In the labs, he does genetic sequencing to identify the genetic and ecological factors that make certain corals more tolerant to increasing temperatures.

In the field, he looks for the corals that are best equipped to deal with warming waters in order to support coral restoration efforts (the practice of growing corals in nurseries and outplanting them to mitigate the decline of coral reefs).

On his most recent research expedition, he was at sea for over two weeks, diving with his team (which included University of Miami graduate students and collaborators) to collect staghorn corals from coral nurseries along the coast of Florida and testing their ability to withstand heat in small experimental tanks aboard the ship.

And when hes not analyzing coral DNA or publishing his findings, Cunning is educating the public or, sometimes, cleaning the coral reef habitats at Shedd Aquarium. Its the best of both worlds, he says. I still do my research down in Florida and the Bahamas. But then the rest of the year, I'm here in Chicago, and I have the opportunity to communicate the work that we're doing to large public audiences that need to hear these messages.

Cunning has remained connected to the University of Miami, leveraging his strong connections with the Rosenstiel School, and the fact that Shedds research vessel is based in Miami, to bring the institutions together to work collaboratively on a number of important research projects.

In June, graduate students from Dr. Andrew Bakers lab, where Cunning himself was a student, will join him on another expedition to collect corals and test their heat tolerance, this time in nurseries in the Bahamas. Its a coming together of these two institutions in a very synergistic way to do some really exciting research, Cunning says. And it keeps me closely tied to Rosenstiel, which is fantastic.

Ultimately, whether hes at the U or at Shedd, on a research trip or communicating with students, donors, or the public at large, the goal remains the same  working to give corals the best possible chance of survival until the rest of the world can start to reverse the effects climate change. Getting ocean warming under control is key to coral reef survival, he says. But until then, our focus is to help the corals become more resilient to get over the hump before things get better.

His advice to students? Be open minded about how you can contribute to making a difference for coral reefs. There are so many ways to get involved that aren't just doing research or doing some of the hard science. The more people with diverse skill sets, perspectives and backgrounds that can apply their talent, their passion, and their energy into solving a problem will make all the difference.
The playsuit is just one of 11 'voluminous' pieces available in the collaboration

The Japanese and Italian designers product seems to resemble a bath loofah

Tomo Koizumi and Emilio Pucci have unveiled a new 1,525 ruffled tulle playsuit

Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci has unveiled a bizarre 1,525 playsuit which looks like it could be made out of loofahs.

The piece, which is available to buy on Net-A-Porter, is part of a high end collaboration with Japanese designer Tomo Koizumi.

The halter-neck playsuit boasts a splash of bright yellow and baby pink and is largely made up of giant ruffled tulle material, making it rather sponge-like in appearance.

Although it looks like a strangely proportioned leotard or swimsuit, the statement piece is designed to be worn on its own with heels and minimal accessories.

Tomo Koizumi and Emilio Pucci have unveiled their new ruffled tulle playsuit, which has left customers baffled as the unique design resembles a shower loofah sponge

The 1,525 halter-neck playsuit boasts a splash of bright yellow and baby pink and is entirely made up of giant ruffled tulle material, making it rather sponge-like in appearance

The 'fantastical' outfit, which is available from Net-a-Porter for a staggering 1,525, features a backless design and is fastened with two simple straps, while the high-cut shorts have the appearance of a ruffled leotard.

A description on the London-based retailer's website said the unconventional outfit 'speaks for itself' and is sure to 'spark so much joy' with eager shoppers.

Net-a-Porter's description continued: 'Tomo Koizumi's fantastical designs always spark so much joy, and his latest capsule collection for Emilio Pucci is guaranteed to do the same.

'Inspired by the label's Spring '21 color palette and swirling prints, this playsuit is made from a confection of frothy pink, yellow and peach tulle and has tie-fastening straps framing the open back.

'It's a piece that really does speak for itself, so keep your accessories minimal.'

The ensemble is just one of 11 'voluminous' pieces which are available in the collaboration between up-and-coming designer Tomo Koizumi and Emilio Pucci.

A description on London-based retailer Net-a-Porter says the unconventional outfit 'speaks for itself' and is sure to 'spark so much joy' with eager shoppers

The ensemble is just one of 11 'voluminous' pieces that are available in the collaboration between up-and-coming designer Tomo Koizumi and Emilio Pucci

The pieces, which are available exclusively on Net-a-Porter, range from 405 for a brightly coloured ruffled slider to 2,760 for a tulle dress, which boasts the same vibrant style.

Other ruffled designs, which similarly resemble a bright bath loofah, include a unique halter-neck top, a ruffled tulle skirt, and a T-shirt with ruffled sleeves.

According to Net-a-Porter, the vibrant splash of orange, pink and yellow on the outfits is inspired by Emilio Pucci's iconic 'Vetrate' print.

The description continued: 'One of fashion's most exciting emerging designers, Tomo Koizumi joins forces with Emilio Pucci to create a capsule that fuses his own creative vision with elements of the Italian house's rich heritage.

'The collection features 11 voluminous pieces made from signature organza in an orange, pink and yellow palette inspired by the latter brand's iconic 'Vetrate' print.

'The full range is available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER.'
The U.S. COVID-19 death toll could rise as high as 596,000 by the end of the week ending in May 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts.

In its latest forecasts, the CDC looked ahead to an 'uncertain' future, estimating that weekly deaths could fall or rise in the coming weeks.

Anywhere from 2,100 to 8,800 new deaths are expected to be reported in the week ending in May 15. Last week, 5,131 Americans died of coronavirus, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins University data.

The CDC predicts deaths will decline in two jurisdictions in the U.S. (inclusive of its territories) in the next two to four weeks, while remaining stable or rising in the rest of the country. An average of its prediction range that deaths will rise slightly over the next month, with 5,209 fatalities in the week ending in May 15.

Average daily deaths have been falling for the past 10 days in the U.S. However the recent rise in cases - which hovered between 60,000 and 70,000 a day for the past three weeks - could mean an increase in deaths is on the horizon.

But as of Tuesday, the average daily caseload was down slightly to 65,000, with just 54,672 new infections reported that day, according to Johns Hopkins.

The U.S. COVID-19 death toll could rise as high as 596,000 by the end of the week ending in May 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest forecasts predict

The downward trend in daily deaths continued with the average falling to 718 a day, with 776 fatalities yesterday.

Hospitalizations are up slightly, however, rising one percent to 5,613 compared to the previous week.

One state in particular saw a considerable leap in hospital admissions.

In just 10 days, the number of daily hospitalizations rose by 20 percent in Alabama.

Statistics from the Alabama Department of Public Health showed 362 people were hospitalized Monday for the illness caused by the new coronavirus.

Though up from the 301 patients just 10 days earlier, the total was still just a fraction of the 3,070 patients who pushed the state's intensive care wards to near capacity in mid-January.

The increase in cases is concerning but doesn't immediately threaten the state's health care system because the number of people being treated remains far below levels from earlier this year, said Dr Don Williamson, chief executive of the Alabama Hospital Association.

Also, he said, a major spike in the number of severely ill patients isn't expected because more and more people are being vaccinated and increasing numbers of patients are young people, who tend to fare better than older patients with health complications.

U.S. hospitalizations are up by one percent compared to last week, with 5,613 people currently in inpatient treatment for coronavirus

'It's nothing dramatic, but it's something we need to be aware is happening,' said Williamson, who previously served as state health officer.

Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has gone up by 163, an increase of about 50 percent, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Scott Harris, who followed Williamson at Public Health, said officials were monitoring the increase in hospitalizations but aren't yet sure of the cause.

The bump follows spring break, Easter gatherings and the end of the state's mandatory face mask rule on April 9, any of which could be a factor.

'The uptick in hospitalizations is just a reminder that our most vulnerable people still need to be cautious,' he told The Associated Press.

Similar patterns are playing out in states like Pennsylvania and Delaware.

In Pennsylvania, the number of hospitalized Covid patients is up to 2,705, including 561 who are in ICUs.

But that's still well below the winter peak when more than 3,000 people were in inpatient treatment for COVID-19.

On Sunday, hospitalizations in Delaware hit a high since February 26 with 158 people in inpatient treatment.

The number of people hospitalized there fell as low as 83 on March 11, and has swiftly increased again.

Cases there are trending upward too, with an average of 335 being reported a day.

The upward trend in hospitalizations is sadly not unexpected.

Public health experts warned for weeks and months that Spring Break would full a resurgence for the virus.

However, people getting Covid are trending younger, due in part to the demographics of Spring Break itself, as well as the greater aptitude for variants to infect younger people.

People ages 18 to 24 are getting infected at the highest rates per capita of any age group in the U.S.

Younger people fuel more spread of the virus compared to older people.

While some proportion of young people who get Covid will have to be hospitalized, they are less at risk of becoming seriously ill or dying of the virus.

However, it was only as of this week that vaccinations opened up to anyone 16 and up in all 50 states.

According to CDC data, less than 12 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds have had at least one dose of vaccine, despite making up more than 16 percent of the population.

And a new Kaiser Health Foundation report warned that the U.S. is reaching a 'tipping point': Soon, most people who actively want vaccines will have had them, but many more who are hesitant will be unvaccinated, including young people who may think they don't need the shots because they are less worried they will get severely ill and die of COVID-19.

That could keep the virus circulating actively among Americans, prolong the pandemic and push the death toll toward the upper bounds of CDC's predictions.
Carleton University's Marie Curie Global Fellow Dominique Roche has co-authored a paper on the barriers researchers face to publicly sharing their data, an issue that has gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article, Reported Individual Costs and Benefits of Sharing Open Data among Canadian Academic Faculty in Ecology and Evolution, was published in the journal BioScience.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made people from all over the world grasp the importance of sharing research data to speed up scientific discoveries," said Roche. "Clearly, open data have been key in fighting the pandemic, but they're also really important to tackle other urgent problems, like climate change and biodiversity loss."

Roche and co-author Sandrine Soeharjono, who did this work while doing her Masters in Quantitative and Computational Biology at Universite de Montreal, surveyed academics in Canada and asked about individual costs and benefits of sharing open data.

It seems everyone agrees that data sharing is good for science and society, but many researchers don't want to share this information because they fear the personal costs in terms of career advancement. Roche's previous work has shown that there are many barriers to scientists sharing their data and that those who do share often do not do it well. These barriers include fear of others misusing the data, scooping discoveries, privacy issues, not receiving credit for their work and the risk of shaming for data that is taken out of context.

"I was excited to work on this project because I believe that scientific data should be open-access in order for society to reap the full benefits of academic research," said Soeharjono. "We are social creatures after all, and should aspire to thrive from collaboration instead of competition. I am glad to see that many researchers are on-board. If this kind of study can prompt a single conversation about the movement, I consider that a step forward."

Roche and Soeharjono suggest several solutions to overcoming the hesitancy to sharing open data. These solutions include creating better guidelines, standards and training for data sharing, providing greater support for research data management and equity in sharing practices, and providing better incentives for sharing and better protection from potential negative outcomes.

"Some researchers are really worried about sharing their data and our results are exciting because they suggest that these fears are largely unwarranted," said Roche. "Ninety percent of researchers answered that sharing their data had led to beneficial or neutral outcomes, with only one in five saying they had experienced some form of cost. Our hope is that our results will encourage researchers to continue sharing their data even after the pandemic is over."

###

BioScience, published monthly by Oxford Journals, is the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS). BioScience is a forum for integrating the life sciences that publishes commentary and peer-reviewed articles. The journal has been published since 1964. AIBS is an organization for professional scientific societies and organizations, and individuals, involved with biology. AIBS provides decision-makers with high-quality, vetted information for the advancement of biology and society. Follow BioScience on Twitter @AIBSbiology.

Oxford Journals is a division of Oxford University Press. Oxford Journals publishes well over 300 academic and research journals covering a broad range of subject areas, two-thirds of which are published in collaboration with learned societies and other international organizations. The division has been publishing journals for more than a century, and as part of the world's oldest and largest university press, has more than 500 years of publishing expertise behind it. Follow Oxford Journals on Twitter @OxfordJournals.
Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners said they will on Friday embark on a massive nationwide protest over the failure of the governm...

Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners said they will on Friday embark on a massive nationwide protest over the failure of the government to increase their pension.

Outgoing President of the NUP, Abel Afolayan, disclosed this in Abuja at the 11th quadrennial delegate conference of the union on Wednesday.

He said his members would ground the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the protest.

Afolayan told newsmen that the union had issued to the federal government an ultimatum on the protest but nothing has been done, insisting that the pensioners cannot continue to languish in abject poverty amidst rising prices of daily needs.

The senior citizen said, We are protesting because they have refused to release the letter of pension increment consequential upon the minimum wage and salary adjustment to workers, two years after that was done.

The welfare of pensioners are still terrible. The pensioners are not being treated well at all. Many pensioners are suffering. Some earn as low as N5,000 and they are not being paid as and when due. Even as we speak now, the pension increase, consequential upon the national minimum wage and salary adjustment, is yet to be effected two years after those of the workers have been done.

But the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige said the federal government was mindful of the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the nation and is committed to taking necessary steps to address welfare issues.

Ngige, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Yerima Tarfa, said the lingering issue of consequential adjustment to pension of Nigerian pensioners has been overdue since 2019 when the new Minimum Wage Act was signed into law by the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

He assured that the ministry has taken the lead in ensuring that the review is achieved.

He said, Distinguished senior citizens, permit me to use this opportunity to inform you that the Federal Government is mindful of your sacrifices and contributions to the Nigerian project and is committed to taking necessary steps to address issues that border on improving your welfare.

My ministry has decided to take the lead on the lingering issue of consequential adjustment to pension of Nigerian pensioners which had been overdue since 2019 when the new Minimum Wage Act was signed into law by Mr. President. In this regard, therefore, we are hopeful that working with other agencies of government, there would be some light at the end of the tunnel.





President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, decried the plight of pensioners in the country, adding that the condition of pensioners is lamentable.

He said, I call on governments to prioritise the payment of pensioners as and when due. The issue is not of fund to pay but priority. Imo State remain the worst in payment.
Mumbai, April 21 : Filmmaker Hansal Mehta on Wednesday took to social media to inform that he has symptoms of Covid-19, adding that he might have contracted the virus. Mehta said he has fever and is awaiting test results.

"Looks like I've also got the virus. Throat, fever and other mild symptoms. Awaiting tests but treatment has begun. Will fight the damn virus," Mehta tweeted on Wednesday.

Bollywood colleagues as well as netizens expressed concern and wished him a speedy recovery.

"Wish you fast recovery," commented Kangana Ranaut.

"Please do take care & bounce back quickly! The world at large needs you around for a long time to come," expressed Pooja Bhatt.

"All's going to be well dear Hansal ... much warmth," wrote Rahul Dev.

Hansal Mehta recently took to social media to mourn the demise of an Ahmedabad-based close cousin owing to Covid. The filmmaker claimed the Covid situation in Gujarat is actually worse than what is being reported by the media.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
President Joe Biden will use his address to a joint meeting of Congress next week to renew his push for legislation named for George Floyd that bans police choke holds and racial profiling, the White House said Wednesday.

Biden himself made the bill a priority in a call with members of George Floyd's family Tuesday shortly after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering Floyd during an arrest last year.

Floyd's lawyer, Benjamin Crump, lobbied Biden for the bill during their call - which Crump tweeted out and which got broadcast on cable TV.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden would press Congress to act on George Floyd legislation during his address to a joint meeting of Congress next week. 'I think he's promising to the Floyd family that he will use the power of his presidency, the bully pulpit, as he intends to do during his joint address next week,' she said

'You got it pal. That and a lot more,' Biden promised him. He said the outcome 'provided a fresh shot at dealing with genuine systemic racism.' And in a show of confidence, he promised the Floyd family a ride on Air Force One once it happens.

Asked to fill out what Biden meant by his promise, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday: 'I think he's promising to the Floyd family that he will use the power of his presidency, the bully pulpit, as he intends to do during his joint address next week. The role of senior leaders in his government to help push the George Floyd policing justice and policing act forward."

'It shouldn't take a whole year to get this done,' Biden said from the White House Tuesday, referencing Floyd's killing in May.

The George Floyd bill passed the House last year and died in the Republican Senate after failing on a procedural motion.

The Democratic-run House passed it again last month on a party-line vote, and it remains stalled.

'You got it pal. That and a lot more': President Biden promised the Floyd family and lawyer Ben Crump he would push the measure

Biden said it should not take a year for Congress to act

Floyd died during his arrest. The Justice Department has launched an investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday in the murder of Floyd

Republican Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.), the chamber's lone black Republican, has introduced his own scaled back legislation  it would use incentives to encourage states to ban chokeholds. Unlike the House bill, it wouldn't roll back 'qualified immunity,' which provides protections for police officers for actions while on duty.

Scott told Capitol Hill reporters Tuesday there may be areas for compromise on qualified immunity, which provides a powerful legal protection for officers while on the job.

'There is a way to put more of the onus or the burden on the department or on the employer than on the employee,' said Scott said. He called it a 'logical step forward.'

The House bill also would ban no-knock warrants and racial profiling.

Scott said Wednesday that negotiations were showing signs of success.

'I think we are on the verge of wrapping this up in the next a week or two, depending on how quickly they respond to our suggestions,' he told CNN.

On Tuesday, he called himself 'cautiously optimistic.' Negotiators are seeking agreement on a bill that could get 60 votes and break a Republican filibuster.

Scott endorsed the jury verdict in the Chauvin case in a statement Tuesday night. 'George Floyd died because Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck and stopped him from breathing for more than nine minutes. There is no question in my mind that the jury reached the right verdict.'

Scott continued: 'While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers  the vast majority of whom put on the uniform each day with integrity and servant hearts.'

We must all come together to help repair the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and Black and minority Americans,' Scott said.

Psaki wouldn't allow herself to get pinned down on details when asked if Biden was willing to compromise on qualified immunity, a key provision for advocates.

'The most effective strategy is to allow for space for those conversations ... [to] happen privately,' she said.
LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During a government programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit spoke to local journalists on the Commonwealth of Dominica's economic growth. According to Prime Minister Skerrit, while the nation's economy is improving after the downturn of the coronavirus, it is important to put the island's financial system into context, particularly after recovering from multiple weather disasters in the last few years.

Since last October, the government has channelled half a million dollars into the Vulnerable Risk Fund to utilise in the event of a natural disaster. Prime Minister Skerrit noted that this would give the island immediate access to funds rather than relying on international bodies like the International Monetary Fund.

The Fund was established using tax revenue and money generated from Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. "[...] With the aim of building greater resilience in self-financing, rehabilitation and recovery, after disasters and external shocks that the Government of Dominica proposes to establish a Vulnerability Risk and Resilience Fund. For such a facility to be sustainable, it must be appropriately designed and managed. The IMF is now providing technical assistance to the Government, to establish the Fund," reads the official government website.

Climate resilience is high on the list of government priorities and intrinsically linked with the future of Dominica's economy. Following the tragedy of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the small island has committed itself to become the world's first climate-resilient nation and align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. In the last few years, Dominica has built over a thousand weather-resistant homes for its citizens, sustainable infrastructure, and it is in the process of developing a geothermal plant that will boost the nation's renewable energy potential. Much of these efforts are financed by funds raised by wealthy investors under the country's CBI Programme.

Established in 1993, Dominica's CBI Programme has welcomed foreign investors and their families to become legal citizens of the nation after contributing to either a government fund or buying into selected real estate properties. The government fund requires a one-time non-refundable investment with all revenue channelled back into national development in housing, healthcare, education, tourism and more. In exchange, investors become lifelong citizens of Dominica once passing the necessary security checks. Benefits of being a Dominican citizen include visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations, the right to live, work and study on the island and lastly, the ability to pass citizenship down for generations to come.

Over the last year, the demand for second citizenship has skyrocketed with many Americans renouncing their US citizenship for greener pastures. Dominica has become an ideal destination for American investors looking for an idyllic setting that prioritises sustainable development.

Contact:

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SOURCE CS Global Partners
Vacancies in Scrantons Information Technology Department prompted Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti to declare an emergency to quickly secure third-party IT services until the positions are filled.

The citys IT network systems manager, former department Director Frank Swietnicki, resigned unexpectedly April 5. Swietnicki transitioned to the network systems manager role, a new position created in the 2021 budget, at the beginning of the year as part of a reorganization of the department, city Business Administrator Carl Deeley said. The director position has remained open since the transition.

While the Cognetti administration is actively recruiting to fill both vacancies, the emergency declaration allowed Scranton to contract with Jessup-based Bedrock Technology to provide IT services without soliciting competitive bids. The city required the service immediately to safeguard its data network and operations and respond to potential IT issues, Deeley said.

Officials anticipate paying Bedrock about $12,750 a month, though Deeley said that could change slightly based on discussions that will happen this week. The firm was already providing other services for the city and has unique knowledge of Scrantons network and IT operations, Deeley wrote in a memo to council.

Dated April 16, the emergency declaration was signed by Cognetti and City Controller John Murray. But Murray, who is challenging Cognetti for the Democratic nomination for mayor in the May 18 primary election, noted his apprehension in a pointed letter to the mayor.

In the letter, Murray asked if he should assume the remaining three employees in the department are not capable of filling in to cover short term solutions until the vacancies are plugged. He also argued Cognetti should have been prepared for Swietnickis resignation since he was demoted from the director position.

The only legitimate reason I could find for signing the Emergency Declaration is the safety of our citizens and first responders should the system come crashing down, Murray wrote. I took your word that this is the only solution to this problem in the short term, please dont let me discover otherwise.

Cognetti declined to comment on Murrays letter, but Deeley responded in a phone interview Tuesday.

From a network perspective, Deeley said the remaining three IT employees dont have the same knowledge as Swietnicki, which is why Bedrocks services are necessary. Swietnickis transition from the director position was not a demotion, Deeley said, but a move to a new role that better aligned with his skills, knowledge and expertise. He earned the same salary as IT network systems manager as he did as director in 2020, Deeley said.

Murrays letter also referenced the recent cut in health care benefits as a reason the administration should have anticipated Swietnickis resignation. All nonunion employees will contribute more toward their health care starting May 1, but Deeley rejected the notion there were any cuts to benefits.

Im sure he has his own reasons for moving on, Deeley said of Swietnicki. Hes a young guy. Hes got a young family. He has an opportunity to expand his career in a private industry and all the good stuff that goes with that.

Murray recommended the administration begin preparing a request for proposals for IT services should it be unable to fill the vacancies in the next couple weeks, noting in the letter the emergency declaration cannot be a never-ending one.

The city will put out an RFP if the process of plugging the vacancies drags out too much longer, Deeley said.

Meeting virtually Tuesday, city council members expressed concern about what they called the open-endedness of the emergency declaration. Members worry monthly costs will add up if Bedrock provides services for an extended period should the administration have difficulty filling the vacancies.

I think we need to know a timeline, council President Bill Gaughan said. I just want to make sure the administration has a plan in place ... so that we dont have this company in for months and months and months and were shelling out a significant amount of money because someone resigned.

Council had several questions on the matter it will pose to the administration and requested a copy of the Bedrock contract.

Members also unanimously approved Councilwoman Jessica Rothchilds motion to request regular updates from the administration on personnel changes. Rothchild suggested monthly updates to keep council apprised of those developments.

Attempts to reach Swietnicki were unsuccessful.
US-Backed Afghan Peace Meeting Postponed

KABUL, AfghanistanTurkey announced early Wednesday that a conference Washington had hoped would move Afghanistans warring sides to a final peace agreement was postponed, as fresh violence rattled the Afghan capital.

The postponement of the conference, which was to have begun Saturday in Istanbul, underscored the difficulties the Biden administration is facing in orchestrating an orderly exit from conflict-scarred Afghanistan. The U.S. has said it would begin withdrawing its remaining troops from the country on May 1 and complete the pullout by Sept. 11, no matter what.

In a TV interview, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the conference was delayed until after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in mid-May.

Just hours before his announcement, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of Afghan security personnel, wounding five people in Kabul. The interior ministry said civilians and security personnel were among the wounded.

The attack was the first in weeks in the capital, even as targeted killings have escalated and Afghanistans security personnel have come under relentless attacks by Taliban insurgents. Recent months have also seen an increase in government bombing raids on suspected Taliban positions and increased raids by Afghan special forces.

No one took immediate responsibility for the attack.

Cavusoglu said the conference, which was expected to begin on Saturday, was postponed because of lack of clarity by the participants, without elaborating.

Until now Taliban insurgents have refused to sign on to the conference even as Pakistan, where their leadership council resides, has been pressing the hardline Islamic militia to attend.

The Taliban have accused Washington of breaching an agreement signed last year under which the United States was to have withdrawn the last of its troops by May 1.

But President Joe Biden, who inherited that deal with the Taliban from his predecessor, last week said the remaining estimated 2,500 troops would begin leaving on May 1. All American and NATO soldiers would be gone by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist assault on the U.S. that launched the U.S.-led invasion to hunt down al Qaidas leader Osama bin Laden.

On Sunday, the Taliban issued an English-language statement on their Al Emara site, indicating they were not ready to attend the conference. They claimed that a powerful propaganda campaign had been launched, hyping expectations that a peace deal would be reached at the end of the planned 10-day meeting.

The statement said this was an attempt to push the Taliban, willingly or unwillingly, to a rushed decision which was needed by America. It alleged that the aim of the conference was to complete a for-show road map before the withdrawal of foreign forces.

In Kabul, Afghan government-allied negotiators had anticipated a delay as none had received an invitation to the conference and several were without visas to Turkey.

State Department spokesman Ned Price speaks during the daily press briefing at the State Department in Washington, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Nicholas Kamm/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

In Washington the U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price would not confirm the postponement but said the U.S. would continue diplomatic efforts to reach a peace deal.

When it comes to the talks in Istanbul, this gets to the point that, from the very earliest days of the Biden administration, we have recognized  that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, and only through a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire will we be able to support a resolution that brings a security, stability, and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan, Price said in a statement.

By Kathy Gannon
From the Archive The Funeral of a Lion

U Win Tin, pictured in 2013. / The Irrawaddy

Since I learned of his deteriorating health and his attendance at the hospital I was worried.

I knew that it would come one day, but it happened so fast. I fully understand that death doesnt send you a notice in advanceit just walks in and takes you away. But with this giant man I could see that death found a challenge. Death wanted to take him away, but Win Tin, a man with a mission, refused.

As always, news in Burma was sketchy; even news about the health of Win Tin, the respected dissident journalist and activist.

He is getting better, a source told me, and I felt better. The next day, he was not receiving visitors, telling them not to bother coming. Prayers were held, Aung San Suu Kyi visited him and a rumor emerged that he would be taken overseas for treatment.

But it was too late. The passport issued to him arrived too late, and it would not be possible to take him on a flight. It was comforting to think that he could fly somewhere, like Singapore or Bangkok, where he would get better treatment. But then, I thought, the man who never wanted to burden anyone would not go anyway. Only rich generals and their cohorts fly out to get their life extended.

Since I cannot attend the funeral (I am stuck in Thailand), I will do my best to pay tribute here to this great man. We will remember his integrity. His actions matched his words. He was sincere, a trait the Burmese have always rated among the highest of qualities.

It is difficult to gather my thoughts these daystheres an overwhelming sadness. On Tuesday, I wrote on Facebook that Win Tin was a true Nelson Mandela in Asia. He deserved to have the highest honors, even against his wishes. Why? Win Tin is a giant. Thus, he doesnt own himself. His friends, allies, admirers and the movement own him.

But I smiled when another thought arose: In fact, Win Tin was a criminal in the regimes book. He was originally arrested for giving shelter to a girl said to have received an illegal abortion. This is Burma, where there have been so many trumped-up charges against political opponents and democrats.

The prison sentence was extended as they found new charges and accused him of being a communist.

That communist lost most of his teeth in a beating during interrogation and was denied dentures. Win Tin, who was then already over 60, was locked up in tiny cell for years, suffering from a serious hernia and heart disease.

But he surprised his enemies by staying alive though many of his friends died there or came out broken.

I thought that death might have come to him at any time, since many of his fellow inmates and prominent intellectuals, writers and poets died in Burmas prisons or from ill-health after been released. Win Tin himself might have thought about death, but for a few years it seemed he had been spared and allowed to carry on and fight his campaign.

In fact, of course, Win Tin was a stubborn man and a principled human being, not a criminal.

He vowed that he would not bow to thugs and so, many in the ruling circle hated him. His criticisms, even after his release in 2008, were too sharp and too direct. They didnt like it at all.

They will not show up to the funeral. From a distance, some ministers at least have sent letters of condolence and shared their sadness. They know that it is still difficult for them to get close to Win Tin.

They wouldnt dare to come anyway. They are not crowd-pleasers. In fact, they are afraid of crowds, unless those in the crowd are zombies. Even European Union-funded crowd control training given to the police will not allay their fears of a genuine large gathering, even a funeral.

It shows they dont have the confidence or legitimacy to be in a conversation with Win Tin, even after his death! Win Tin is a giant and they are small.

What about other governments, who cannot even pretend to maintain their integrity as they fall in love with Burmas self-styled reformist government? Will they come and shed tears at his funeral? Dead or alive, Win Tin, the voice of true Burmese aspirations, embarrasses those who have sucked up self-servingly to the regime.

These days, emotions are high, anger is rising, the sun is too hot and speeches and poetry are once again political. The lies, past and present, of brutal leaders and wolves in sheeps clothing are once again exposed to the light.

Even on social media like Facebook, Win Tin has dominated the whole week. Propagandists and apologists had sheepishly shied away for days.

It occurred to me too that if Win Tin had died in prison or in the early days before the country was opening up, his funeral would not have been allowed. Maybe no one would have even known. It is comforting that this at least did not happen.

In an op-ed in the Burmese language, I floated the idea of a state funeral for Win Tin or the building of a museum called Win Tin House, where people from Burma and abroad can go to study about him, so the future generations can connect to him as well. I believe Win Tins death is part of our history, and our future.

In a normal democratic country, the state would honor a man of such integrity, who contributed so much to society. In Burma, it is not possiblenot yet, since the country isnt yet free.

But we know he will never diehis spirit will live with us. It will continue to haunt those officers who locked him up, and to give discomfort to those bastards who unjustly placed him in prison and tortured him. He will keep asking for a long overdue apologynot for himself but for the country.

But I am selfish. If I could negotiate with death, I would want him to live a bit longer. I would want death to let him stay one more yearuntil the end of 2015, when I would want to hear his remarks on the election, when we know that cowards are going to cheat. I want to see him fight and take part in the war of words. Cowards will be pleased that one loud voice will be missing at the next election.

Even just before he went into the hospital, he exchanged words with one of the senior members in the Union Solidarity Development Association, amusing us with his witty, withering words.

One hardliner once said that it was not fair to campaign using Aung Sans portraitcriticizing Win Tins National League for Democracy and its leader Suu Kyi. Win Tin quickly returned a fiery shot: Well they can also campaign using Than Shwes photo!

He was bold and witty and he once said that until his last breath he would try to dismantle the military dictatorship in Burma. He knew the truth of now; that changes in Burma are just repackaging. Knowing this didnt need years of studying and writing country reports and assessments like those done by big institutions and the United Nations.

He remained unbroken and even took a sweet revengeby coming out of jail alive and telling them they should go to hell. This is one of many reasons we love and must honor this lion.

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China's government on Tuesday rejected accusations of abuses in the Xinjiang region after a human rights group appealed for a UN investigation into possible crimes against humanity.

Accusations of forced labor or detentions in the northwestern region are "lies and false information concocted by anti-China forces," said a foreign ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin. He accused critics of trying to "undermine Xinjiang's stability and security and curb China's development."

On Monday, Human Rights Watch appealed to the UN Human Rights Commission to investigate reports of mass detention of Muslims, a crackdown on religious practices and other measures against minorities. It said they amount to crimes against humanity as defined by the treaty that established the International Criminal Court.
Vegetables are loaded onto truck that will serve as a mobile shop for families under lockdown restriction in Phnom Penh, April 20, 2021.

Workers from scores of factories in the vicinity of Cambodias capital have been infected with COVID-19 amid the countrys latest coronavirus outbreak, authorities said Tuesday, as residents chafed against a lockdown that has left them without food for days, forcing several to risk arrest to obtain supplies.

Last week, the government implemented a 14-day closure of all non-essential businesses in the capital Phnom Penh and neighboring Takhmao in Kandal province from April 15-28 and requiring the two cities combined 2.3 million residents to adhere to a strict curfew or, in certain red zones, stay in their homes except in the case of an emergency.

On Tuesday, the Phnom Penh municipal government said that workers from more than 100 factories in the region had been confirmed infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Cambodia, which had largely remained unscathed by the coronavirus in 2020, registered its first death from COVID-19 last month, a year to the day that that the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled it a pandemic. Since then, 49 people have died, and the countrys caseload has reached nearly 7,500 people. Authorities on Tuesday recorded 431 new cases alone.

The drastic rise in infections led Prime Minister Hun Sen to issue the lockdown order last week, but residents of affected red zone districts within Phnom Penh and Takhmao told RFAs Khmer Service that they have yet to receive any promised food or supplies from the government, despite the threat of being arrested if they leave their homes.

The residents, who are mostly laborers in garment factories and workers in the countrys informal sectors, were told to remain in their dwellings as part of an emergency order on Friday and said they are facing critical shortages, even though Prime Minister Hun Sen had directed authorities to make regular distributions of goods to households during the lockdown.

Garment worker Koeut Sinoeun, the mother of a four-month-old who rents a room in a red zone district, told RFA that she and her husband had both lost their jobs due to the latest outbreak, which began in February, and are now running out of food and milk because of the shelter-in-place order.

I would like [the authorities] to pay attention to us, because we dont have food to eat, she said, adding that she and her husband did not prepare enough supplies because the lockdown order was announced with no prior warning.

A motor taxi driver who also lives in one of the red zones told RFA that his family had barely enough to live on before the outbreak and are now out of savings.

I havent had anything to eat for the past four days, he said, pleading for help from the government.

In a post to his Facebook account on Tuesday, Hun Sen reneged on an earlier pledge to provide each family in the lockdown areas with 300,000 riels (U.S. $75), saying the government lacks the budget to do so, and instead promising to give them food and rice. He also called for patience from the public.

Ministry of Commerce spokesman Penn Sovicheat said three trucks were dispatched to provide food to residents of the three red zones located in Phnom Penh, adding that the ministry will sell necessities and food at below market prices and deliver them to residents front doors.

Other effects of lockdown

Meanwhile, authorities have threatened to fine anyone found in breach of the lockdown between 1-20 million riels (U.S. $250-4,950) and punish them with between six months to five years in prison.

Members of the public have complained that the fines are too steepa concern echoed by president of the Cambodian Informal Economy Workers Association (CIWA) Sok Chhun Oeung, who also cautioned that many residents do not understand the lockdown requirements and called on authorities to educate the community before implementing any punishments.

Enforcement began as soon as the order was issued, which is not good, he said. I think the authorities should be more understandingstart with a warning first.

Despite the public backlash against last weeks order, at least five people were sentenced to a year in jail for disobeying the curfew and lockdown Tuesday, while police used sticks and batons to chase down and beat those who wandered outsides their homes, sources said.

In a statement a day earlier, the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC), which represents factory owners, called on all stakeholders not to punish its members if they are unable to meet production targets due to the lockdown order, which recognizes their sector as non-essential.

[In addition to factory closures] the lockdown is also causing disruptions to the logistics sector and we are unable to freely transport raw materials and/or finished goods, the statement said, adding that many of the employees of GMAC member factories reside within areas they are not permitted to leave for work.

These factories are unable to operate normally  [which] may result in delay in production as well as failure to meet previously agreed delivery schedules.

The lockdown also prompted two dozen civil society organizations to issue a statement over the weekend calling on the government to increase their vigilance and take action to prevent all forms of violence against women, children and LGBT+ individuals that may occur during mandatory quarantine and in areas under lockdown.

They noted that such measures can lead to psychological and social consequences, notably a rise in gender-based violence, due to financial hardships faced by households and their limited capacity to adapt to their new situation, tension and stress during quarantine, drug and alcohol use, crowded spaces at field hospitals and quarantine centers or the inaccessibility of households in lockdown areas.

Restricted visitations

Additionally, the wives of jailed opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) former officials and activists expressed concern Monday that their husbands could die in prison if they are prevented from visiting and taking care of them due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Seng Chantha, the wife of former CNRP Kampong Thom provincial councilor Sun Thun, told RFA she has been unable to visit her husband in Prey Sar Prison for more than 20 months. She said he suffers from nephritis, high blood pressure, acidosis, scabies and deteriorating health due to malnutrition.

It is an injustice for our family that we are blocked from visiting him during this difficult time, she said. The prison officials should let us contact him at least once a week by phone, but we are completely incommunicado.

Similarly, Chen Sovanna, the wife of former Svay Rieng provincial CNRP official Chum Puthy, told RFA she was very worried that her husband could become infected in Prey Sars overcrowded conditions.

She said she had not seen Chum Puthy for more than three months since having a baby and that authorities have now barred her from visiting due to the outbreak.

I have no idea how many people in the prison are infected, so Im so anxious to go to see him, she said.

I want to know how he looks and feels, because my relatives tell me that he is so thin.

Nuth Savana, the head of the Ministry of Interiors Department of Prisons, told RFA that Prey Sars landline is about to be disconnected, so that the women will not be able to contact their husbands by telephone.

Banteay Meanchey provincial head of local rights group ADHOC Ny Sokha said prison officials should allow the jailed activists wives to visit them as soon as possible to ensure that they are healthy and to bring them money to buy food, noting that meals served by the jail lack nutritional value.

Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in November 2017 and barred its members from taking part in political activities, two months after the arrest of party president Kem Sokha for his role in an alleged scheme to topple Hun Sens government.

The ban, along with a wider crackdown on NGOs and the independent media, paved the way for Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in the countrys 2018 general election.

Since 2020, nearly 100 political, environmental, and social activists have been arrested and imprisoned by the authorities for expressing views critical of Hun Sens government.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun and Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Representing his family, Ernesto Bertarelli , of Waypoint Capital , will be the first Babson-Camus Global Family Entrepreneurship Award recipient. Waypoint has investments ranging from healthcare and biotech to real estate, asset management and digital technology. The Bertarelli family also has a history of supporting life sciences and marine conservation through their Bertarelli Foundation .

"I'm humbled to be the first to receive this award," said Ernesto Bertarelli. "Thank you to Babson and Camus for recognizing my family's commitment to living our values and driving impact, both across our businesses and through our Foundation."

The Babson-Camus accolade recognizes one highly distinguished and uniquely impactful business family that has created significant economic and social value across generations. The criteria for the award are based on achieving impact and demonstrating values-based entrepreneurship. Careful consideration is given to the demonstration of excellence in the following areas: Entrepreneurship and Economic Value Creation, Social Value Creation, Family Value System as a Driver of Impact.

"We wanted to recognize a family business that shares the same core values as both Camus and Babson College," said Cyril Camus, fifth-generation head of CAMUS Cognac and Babson alumnus. "My family has owned and operated CAMUS Cognac since 1863 so we understand the level of dedication and communication that comes with running a family business. We hope this special award celebrates the unique value Ernesto and the Bertarelli Family have contributed to our global economy."

"Entrepreneurial families contribute over 70% of the global GDP. It is no exaggeration to say that families such as the Bertarellis are one of the greatest forces for creating economic and social value on the planet. At Babson, we believe that by first building a foundation of strong family relationships and self-reflectivity, the capacity of these families to create value of all kinds can be greatly amplified," said Lauri Union, Nulsen Family Executive Director of the Institute for Family Entrepreneurship at Babson College. "Our goal is to build a community of like-minded families who can learn together and support each other to achieve these goals. Ernesto Bertarelli '89 and his family serve as outstanding role models, and for this reason, we are thrilled to present the Bertarelli Family with the inaugural Babson Camus Global Family Entrepreneurship Award for their tremendous economic and social impact."

About the Institute for Family Entrepreneurship at Babson College

The Institute for Family Entrepreneurship (IFE) extends Babson's founding mission, amplifying the capacity of entrepreneurial families around the world to create economic value and social impact, while building stronger family ties. With a focus on family functioning and self-reflectivity, the IFE helps families and their individual members amplify their capacity to create economic value and social impact.

By building a global ecosystem to engage Babson's 20,000+ current students, alumni, parents, friends and their families engaged in family entrepreneurship, the IFE offers opportunities to learn from global thought leaders in family entrepreneurship, to amplify the capacity of individuals and their families to create value of all kinds together and to connect with and learn from like-minded entrepreneurial families from around the world.

More information about the sixth annual Babson Connect Worldwide is available here.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader of Entrepreneurship of All Kinds. The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

About CAMUS & Les Ateliers Camus

CAMUS is the last international Cognac house still entirely independent: founded in 1863, CAMUS is the only cognac company started by a winegrower to have grown to a global scale while remaining entirely in the hands of its founding family. At the head of the company is today Cyril Camus, 5th generation of the family.

Standing out from the other great Cognac Houses, CAMUS takes pride in a unique style of entrepreneurship: valuing freedom of action, nourishing appetite for innovation, cherishing the family stewardship of the company, and embracing the ambition of always growing stronger from one generation to the next.

The mainspring of the company is to create the most aromatic, most beautiful Cognacs for the pleasure of those who enjoy the finest things in Life. And the key attitude to achieve this objective is perfectionism, seeking the utmost refinement with sincerity, passion and determination.

Following this philosophy of excellence, the family business inaugurated in 2018 Les Ateliers Camus: a gem of its craftsmanship. This extraordinary workshop is the "birthplace" of its rarest and most exclusive Cognacs.

By joining forces with great names in French craftsmanship, the House of CAMUS becomes the master of Cognacs made-to-measure. From crystal creators to cabinet makers, CAMUS partners with the most renowned interpreters of luxury manufacturing to offer connoisseurs and collectors an opportunity to tailor their own exceptional Cognacs.

SOURCE Babson College
[April 21, 2021] BornTec Grows Global Sales Reach Through Strategic Partnership With CapitalMarkets.Technology and Expansion of Sales Team

BornTec, a software solutions provider for trade data analysis and reporting, today announced the signing of a reciprocal distribution agreement with CapitalMarkets.Technology, whereby CM.T will resell BornTec's products in Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Benelux and Nordic regions, and BornTec will resell CM.T's products and services in the Americas region. The partnership will provide both firms a broader geographic reach to transcend their primary markets, with boots on the ground and the ability to sell to and support the nuances of local markets in their respective languages. The product stacks for both companies are also highly complementary, with similar buyer personas for each. BornTec launched its rebuilt flagship product, CrossCheck, last year, providing normalized real-tim post-trade data integration to enhance users' risk and compliance efforts. CapitalMarkets.Technology empowers their customers with F-I-X, a trading-centric platform built on hybrid-cloud technologies with a number of enterprise-grade business solutions. CM.T's F-I-X platform disrupts incumbent FIX routing technology, increasing value through a flexible, agile, and cost effective connectivity offering, with business solutions that offer many other benefits related to connectivity, trading, and integration.



"We believe there is a great need in the regional markets served by CM.T for best-in-class trade surveillance, regulatory reporting, and post-trade data analytics software, and BornTec can fill that gap," said Peter Mott, V.P. Global Head of Sales for BornTec. "Having had a long and positive relationship with the management team at CM.T, I am confident that this endeavor will create benefits for years to come, both for our companies and especially for customers who will be able to leverage the combined offering of platforms." "We are looking forward to working together with BornTec," said Anders Henriksson, Partner at CapitalMarkets.Technology. "We believe our new and innovative F-I-X offering, combined with BornTec's stellar reputation and customer reach, will facilitate rapid growth of our solutions in the region."

In addition to this partnership, BornTec has also hired Dave Sellen as a sales consultant. Sellen is a former user of BornTec's CrossCheck technology during his time in European e-Futures Sales & Solutions at Wells Fargo (News - Alert) , and is well-versed in the applicability of CrossCheck to the FCM, broker, and bank community. Presently based in the APAC region, Sellen will help BornTec continue to bolster its reach to a global customer base. About BornTec BornTec, a software solutions and technology infrastructure provider for the capital markets, helps firms harness the power of their trading data for processes such as trade surveillance, regulatory and audit trail reporting, and market abuse and disorderly market condition monitoring. Its flagship product, CrossCheck 2 (CC2), facilitates the smooth transfer of financial information from almost any source to a single data warehouse. From there, a globally comprehensive picture emerges in real-time, enabling customers to achieve more efficient and informed analyses. About CapitalMarkets.Technology CM.T is on a mission to disrupt the value chain for buy- to sell-side and execution venue order flow across all major asset classes. CM.T provides the F-I-X platform that comes with a complete set of order flow related business solutions targeted at the enterprise. The company was founded by a group of experienced professionals and entrepreneurs with strong, diverse backgrounds throughout the Capital Markets vertical. CM.T's well-rounded leadership team has extensive experience from previous senior roles at buy-side and sell-side vendors as well as working directly for major players on the buy-side, sell-side and with exchanges. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005175/en/

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Lady Amelia Windsor has shown her commitment to only wearing ethically-sound fashion brands, by modelling pink underwear made of seaweed and wood pulp.

The 25-year-old distant royal, who is 39th in line to the throne, shared a quartet of retro photos showing her wearing the 36 sustainable underwear in a shade of baby pink.

The eco-friendly trinagle bra is made with SeaCell (seaweed) and Tencel (wood pulp) and was designed by Alexander Clementine, who Lady Amelia has collaborated with.

The Polaroid-style photos showed the model, who's also a contributing editor at Tatler magazine, in playful mood, as she reached for several props including a cup of tea, a vase of stylish flowers and a stripy shot for the casual shots.

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Lady Amelia, 25, donned a baby pink triangle bra - her latest collaboration with eco-friendly designer Alexander Clementine in retro photos shared with her 88,000 Instagram followers

The model, who is 39th in line to the throne and a contributing editor in Tatler Magazine, is a huge fan of sustainable fashion, recently naming her 10 favourite eco-friendly brands for the fashion bible

In another photo, Lady Amelia, who posed against a red wall and teamed the bra with stonewash denim, dons shades, with her loose blonde locks tumbling over her shoulders.

Amelia Windsor posted to her 88,000 followers on Instagram after sharing the snaps, saying: 'So excited to share this collaboration. An underwear set made in London.'

She added: 'The super soft baby pink fabric is made with SeaCell (seaweed) and Tencel (wood pulp). Both of these fibres come from fully regenerative resources and the fabric maintains the many health benefits of seaweed like vitamins A, C, E and B12 that are super kind to our skin.'

The royal has modelled for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and designed her own range of accessories in collaboration with Penelope Chilvers.

Star in the ascendant: Since leaving Edinburgh university, Lady Amelia has enjoyed modelling jobs for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana

She is signed to Storm models, which represents the likes of Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne - and regulalry posts about ethical fashion on her Instagram account.

Additionally she has been named as a contributing editor for Tatler Magazine, and reportedly interned at jewellery house Bulgari, during her time studying at Edinburgh University.

This week, the 25-year-old fashionista shared her favourite sustainable fashion desighers in an article for Tatler, including brands such as Lydia Bolton, Been London and Kapara.
Divers searching the wreckage of the Seacor Power in the Gulf of Mexico have recovered the body of a sixth crewman, the Lafourche Parish coroner said late Tuesday.

He was 31-year-old Quinon Pitre of the St. Mary Parish community of Franklin, said the coroner, Dr. John King.

Pitre's cause of death wasnt immediately available. He was a father to two young girls, his sister had previously told WWL-TV.

+4 Contract divers, private planes keep on search for Seacor Power crewmen: 'We're still out there' The founder of the United Cajun Navy said Tuesday that private divers working for the owner of the capsized Seacor Power lift boat in the Gulf

Pitre was one of 19 crew members aboard the Seacor Power lift boat when it capsized about 4:30 p.m. on April 13 after it was hit by a sudden squall packing hurricane-force winds and creating destructive waves roughly seven miles south of Lafourche. Rescuers saved six crewmen that day, but the bodies of a half-dozen others have since been recovered.

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 other crew members who have been confirmed dead are Capt. David Ledet, 63, of Thibodaux; Ernest Williams, 69, of Arnaudville; Anthony Hartford, 53, of New Orleans; James Tracy Wallingsford, 55, of the northeast village of Gilbert; and Lawrence Warren, 36, of the Jefferson Parish community of Terrytown.

As of Tuesday, seven remained unaccounted for: Jay Guevara, Dylan Daspit, Gregory Walcott, Chaz Morales, Jason Krell, Darren Encalade and Cooper Rozands.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search by air and sea for more survivors at sunset Monday, seven days into the efforts. But the founder of the United Cajun Navy said Tuesday that private divers working for the owner of the doomed Seacor Power were continuing to comb through the jack-up boat.

The civilian rescue fleets founder also said his group had two seaplanes in the air searching across a wide area around the Seacor Power, with the missing crewmens relatives holding out hope for more survivors.
Globally, confirmed executions fell 26 per cent to a 11-year low of 483, but figures do not include China

China continued to execute thousands but the country's exact figures are 'kept secret', Amnesty said in report

China topped the list as the 'world's leading executioner' after the country executed thousands of prisoners

ran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia accounted for 88 per cent of the at least 483 people who were executed, Amnesty International report reveals

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Countries in the Middle East have dominated a list of the world's top executioners in 2020 with more than 400 executed, Amnesty International revealed today.

Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia accounted for 88 per cent of the at least 483 people who were executed.

But China topped the list as the 'world's leading executioner' after the country executed thousands of prisoners last year.

The human rights watchdog said China 'continued to execute and sentence to death thousands of people' but said the country's exact figures were 'kept secret'.

Around the world, confirmed executions fell 26 per cent to a 11-year low of 483, but that does not include any of the suspected thousands in China.

This map from Amnesty International shows the countries that carried out executions last year. China is believed to have carried out far more than any other country, but the figures are not made available

State secrecy in North Korea and Vietnam also made it impossible to verify reports on the number of executions in the two countries.

Amnesty said the Covid-19 pandemic in part contributed to the reduced number of executions and the death penalties imposed last year.

Iran executed at least 246 people including three people who were under 18 when they committed the crime, Amnesty said.

The watchdog added that the death penalty in Iran 'was increasingly used as a weapon of political repression against dissidents, protesters and members of ethnic minority groups'.

Amnesty also drew attention Egypt where recorded executions increased more than threefold with at least 107 people being executed compared to 32 in 2019.

The watchdog added that the death penalty in Iran 'was increasingly used as a weapon of political repression against dissidents, protesters and members of ethnic minority groups'

Countries in the Middle East have dominated a list of the world's top executioners in 2020

Around the world, confirmed executions fell 26 per cent to a 11-year low of 483, but that does not include any of the suspected thousands in China

The 2019 statistics are published in Amnesty's Death Sentences and Executions 2019 report which was released today.

According to Amnesty's figures, 18 countries are known to have carried out executions last year. The countries used methods including beheading, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection and shooting.

Meanwhile in Iraq at least 45 people were executed - with a mass execution of 21 people being carried out in a single day.

While Saudi Arabia was in the world's top five executioners with at least 27 reported deaths, the recorded executions declined sharply by 85 per cent from 184 in 2019. Similarly, executions more than halved in Iraq, from 100 in 2019 to 45 in 2020.

Amnesty suggest the pandemic in 2020 could have disrupted planned executions in Saudi Arabia as well as the country's presidency of the G-20 summit.

'Saudi Arabia's hosting of the G-20 summit might have influenced the authorities not to carry out executions to avoid international scrutiny and criticism,' the watchdog said in the report.

According to Amnesty's figures, 18 countries are known to have carried out executions last year. Pictured: An execution chamber in Texas, U.S. (file photo)

While Saudi Arabia was in the world's top five executioners with at least 27 reported deaths, the recorded executions declined sharply by 85 per cent from 184 in 2019

According to Amnesty's figures, 18 countries are known to have carried out executions last year. The countries used methods including beheading, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection and shooting

China, which carries out executions by lethal injection and shooting, is thought to have executed people for crimes including not following Covid-19 restrictions, non-violent acts and drugs offences.

'China remained the worlds lead executioner, continuing to classify figures on executions and death sentences as a state secret and preventing independent scrutiny,' the report says.

'Although it is possible that a reduction in the use of the death penalty occurred in recent years, Amnesty International believed that the number of death sentences imposed and executions carried out in 2020 remained in the thousands.

As in previous years, Amnesty Internationals monitoring suggested that the death penalty was used in most cases to punish murder and drug-related offences, out of the 46 offences for which it remained applicable.

'Among these were many non-violent acts that do not meet the threshold of the "most serious crimes" under international law and standards.'

The 2019 statistics are published in Amnesty's Death Sentences and Executions 2019 report which was released today. Pictured: In 2020, eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa are known to have carried out executions

Amnesty accused China 'resorting to the death penalty to send a public message' while the country struggled with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Amnesty accused Qatar of taking 'an alarming step backwards' by executing a person for the first time in 20 years. A Nepali man was shot by firing squad in May after he was convicted of murder.

The United States is the only Western country to use the death penalty, although 22 states have abolished it for state-level crimes. For 12th consecutive year, it remained the only executioner in the Americas region.

The Trump administration authorised and pursued in July the resumption of federal executions after 17 years, eventually putting 10 men to death over five and a half months.

There were 17 recorded executions in the US last year, of which nine were federal cases, three in Texas and one each in Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia and Alabama.

'As the world focused on finding ways to protect lives from Covid-19, several governments showed a disturbing determination to resort to the death penalty and execute people no matter what,' Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary general, said.

'The death penalty is an abhorrent punishment and pursuing executions in the middle of a pandemic further highlights its inherent cruelty.'

'Fighting against an execution is hard at the best of times, but the pandemic meant that many people on death row were unable to access in-person legal representation, and many of those wanting to provide support had to expose themselves to considerable - yet absolutely avoidable - health risks.

'The use of the death penalty under these conditions is a particularly egregious assault on human rights.

'Despite the continued pursuit of the death penalty by some governments, the overall picture in 2020 was positive.

'We urge leaders in all countries that have not yet repealed this punishment to make 2021 the year that they end state-sanctioned killings for good. We will continue to campaign until the death penalty is abolished everywhere, once and for all.'
Thats all for todays blog, thanks for tuning in.

If youve just clicked onto the blog, trawling back through the posts may take a while, so its worth checking out our US correspondent Matthew Knotts report on the verdict. Read the full article.

Matthew has also filed his own analysis on what the verdict means for America. Read the analysis.

And over the course of todays blog, the photo gallery our picture editors have been collating has grown to include 21 shots from the trial and the reaction to the verdict from around America. Check it out here.

And given it was because of a video that the circumstances of George Floyds death caused such shockwaves in the US and around the world, it seems fitting to close todays blog with a few videos chronicling the day the guilty verdict was passed down to former police officer Derek Chauvin.

Here is the moment the guilty verdict was read out in the Minneapolis courtroom:

Here is the loud reaction of the crowd outside the courthouse:

Here is the moment Floyds family in Houston heard the news:

Here is the phone call between George Floyds family and US president Joe Biden after the verdict for which the cameras were present:

And here is the press conference that US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris held a short time after the verdict, in which both of them urged the US Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Bill:
Cairo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Twenty-three people were killed and more than 130 injured in a train derailment north of the Egyptian capital at the weekend, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The previous official toll was 11 dead in Sunday's accident, which came three weeks after a deadly train collision in the North African country.
[April 21, 2021] Verizon, Google, and Stanford Luminaries Join Cresta's Strategic Advisory Board

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cresta , the Expertise AI provider to the enterprise, today announced key appointments to its Strategic Advisory Board: Chris Koehler , Chief Marketing Officer at Box; Aparna Khurjekar , Senior Vice President of Verizon Business Markets at Verizon; Bob Kupbens , Chief Product & Technology Officer at Neiman Marcus Group; Mahmoud ElAssir , Vice President, Google Cloud Customer Experience - Strategic Accounts; and Prof. Erik Brynjolfsson, the Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab at the Institute for Human-Centered AI. All are joining Cresta to help inform its strategy on the development of human-AI mentoring and interaction for the enterprise. "We're delighted to welcome pioneers from the corporate and academic worlds to Cresta. We're pushing the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together to improve both. The experience and insights these people bring to this mission will be invaluable," said Zayd Enam, co-founder and CEO of Cresta. These five new advisors bring decades of experience in AI, marketing, and strategic planning. Chris Koehler's roots are in social psychology, consumer behavior, an analytical thinking. Combined with his operational experience as Chief Marketing Officer at Box, where he leads its Cloud Content Management platform and has helped the company generate record revenue of $770.8 million in 2020, will bring extensive growth management and digital transformation expertise to the company. Before Box, Koehler was the head of Go-to-Market and Product Marketing at Adobe, focusing on Creative Cloud for enterprise. During his more than ten-year tenure at the company, he was responsible for driving digital innovation across the portfolio. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from George Mason University, an MBA from Georgia State University, and was a graduate of the Harvard Business Analytics Executive Education Program.



Aparna Khurjekar brings more than two decades' worth of experience in the telecommunications industry. As Senior Vice President of Verizon Business Markets, she is currently responsible for the company's $8B+ mid-market wireless and wireline business, Fios B2B and IOT. She leads 3000+ sales professionals, who guide customers through digitally transformed journeys with innovative managed solutions for total connectivity, communications, and collaboration. During her 13-year tenure at Verizon, Aparna has held various leadership roles, including, most recently, the Chief Customer Officer for Verizon Consumer Group, which included guiding AI-led business transformations, omni-channel consumer experience and the digital P&l. She also brings extensive product development experience from both her work at Verizon and her previous position at Motorola Mobility, where she served as the Director of Portfolio & Technology Strategy. She holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from Temple University and a B.S. in Electronics and Telecom from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Bob Kupbens brings considerable expertise in customer experience from his leadership roles at Apple, eBay, ADT and his current role as Chief Product & Technology Officer of Neiman Marcus Group. Kupbens has extensive experience in driving digital-led transformation and, during his tenures at Delta Air Lines and Target, was a pioneer of omnichannel customer interactions. He has successfully driven growth, profitability and strategy across a variety of complex organizations and gained cross-functional expertise in marketing, eCommerce, enterprise IT, supply chain and product development. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Mahmoud ElAssir specializes in developing and executing Digital Transformation strategies for enterprise customers in his role at Google, where he is Vice President, Google Cloud Customer Experience. He focuses on delivering measurable business outcomes in the most efficient way possible for customers, tying into Cresta's ability to deliver measurable results just weeks after implementation. Prior to Google, he spent nearly two decades at Verizon in various technology leadership roles, including leading the Global Technology Services division as its SVP and CIO as well as launching Verizon's journey to the cloud. He has also served as an Advisory Council Member to both Amazon Web Services, Red Hat and Dell Technologies, and he is currently a member of the board of advisors of the CTO Forum, which connects technology and business leaders to share insights. He holds his B.Eng in Computer and Communications Engineering from the American University of Beirut. An expert on the economics of information, Prof. Erik Brynjolfsson is the Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab at the Institute for Human-Centered AI. His research, which examines the effects of information technologies on business strategy, productivity and performance, digital commerce, and intangible assets, will be invaluable in informing the next generation of human-machine interaction. A best-selling author, Prof. Brynjolfsson holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Harvard in applied mathematics and a PhD from MIT in managerial economics. "Cresta is at the leading edge of human-machine interaction in the enterprise domain. Their focus on human advancement through technology is exactly the kind of forward-thinking that I am excited to support with Zayd and his team," said Prof. Brynjolfsson. ABOUT CRESTA

Cresta makes business radically more productive by using Expertise AI to help sales and service teams unlock their full potential. Cresta is bringing together world-renowned AI thought-leaders, engineers, and investors to create market-ready AI solutions capable of transforming sales and service productivity in weeks. Cresta has driven hundreds-of-millions of dollars in incremental revenue for its clients and is backed by world-class investors including Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Greylock Partners. For more information, please visit: https://www.cresta.com . Media Contacts

press@cresta.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verizon-google-and-stanford-luminaries-join-crestas-strategic-advisory-board-301273504.html SOURCE Cresta

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Lyon County Burglary Charges For Couple

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LYON COUNTY - A call about a burglary Tuesday led to the arrest of two people in Lyon County.Tuesday afternoon, deputies were dispatched to a burglary in progress on Joe Peek Road. The caller said a man and a woman were trying to gain entry into an RV on the property.As the suspects were reportedly leaving the property, deputies detained 35-year-old Logan M. White of Mayfield and 41-year-old Misty D. Hendrickson of Missouri.Officers said the couple had targeted the home, knowing that the property owner was incarcerated.The property owner was contacted and told deputies that neither of the suspects had permission to be on his property.A search of their vehicle reportedly uncovered a stolen surveillance camera, stolen mail from the mailbox at the property, burglary tools, a firearm, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.They were both arrested and lodged in the Crittenden County Jail.White is charged with second-degree criminal trespassing, theft by unlawful taking under $500, theft of mail, and possession of burglary tools.Hendrickson is charged with second-degree criminal trespassing, theft by unlawful taking under $500 by complicity, theft of mail matter by complicity, possession of burglary tools by complicity, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (meth), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and drug paraphernalia possession. Additionally, Hendrickson was charged with a parole violation warrant from Missouri.
EV Lab, a first-of-its-kind omnichannel, multi-brand electric vehicle platform, has introduced the first EV Cars & Coffee, aimed at promoting electric vehicles, to the UAE with the first event at City Walk in Dubai.



Capturing the interest of electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, including owners and automotive companies, over 55 EVs and over 130 people rallied together to celebrate the first EV Cars & Coffee community meeting. Several owners came from all over the UAE, showing their active interest in promoting the event, which was supported by the Electric Vehicle Owners Association.



Several new models were showcased including the UAEs first model Y, Fisker and Xpeng G3 as well as Jaguar IPace, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Renault Zoe 2, Chevrolet Boltand Flat 500e. Among automotive majors that extended support include Al Tayer, AW Rostamani and Al Ghandi Auto. It also served as a definitive platform for electric vehicle enthusiasts to meet, discuss and explore the innovations in EVs.



Kevin Chalhoub, Founder & CEO at EV Lab, said: The fantastic turnout at the event and the showcasing of some unique models highlighted the growing popularity of EVs and the mind-shift of automotive enthusiasts to be more committed in helping reduce carbon emissions.



With road transport accounting for 75 per cent of the transport sector emissions, events like these will contribute to the UAEs vision to reduce carbon emissions and push for cutting 200 million pounds of carbon dioxide by cars off the roads by 2030.With the EV community growing in the UAE, this event is the first in a series of events we will organize to promote the use of Electric vehicles and strengthen awareness among motorists on the need to be environmentally responsible.



Kyle Weber, COO of EV Lab, added: The response to the first EV Cars & Coffee event in Dubai was truly overwhelming. We organised the event following in line with all safety protocols and are delighted with the enthusiastic participation. It shows the growing appetite for electric cars in the UAE and the clear commitment of automotive enthusiasts to make a positive difference.



EV Lab is focused on driving the transition to sustainable mobility through leveraging the benefits that electric vehicles provide to air quality, the overall environment, as well as towards diversified economic growth. EV Lab partners with key automotive players to offer a selection of the best EV products available in the market. The company will also offer a wider range of chargers and micro-mobility solutions such as motorcycles, skateboards, and scooters.



Continuing on the momentum, EV Lab will organize the first EV Track Day event in the UAE to inaugurate the Yas Marina Circuit charger on April 30. Participants will join over iftar and have the option to test drive electric cars on the Formula 1 circuit.  TradeArabia News Service










SOUTH AFRICA says it will make use of drones and other technologies to tighten security at its borders to stop Zimbabweans and other foreigners from illegally crossing into the country.

The countrys Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Monday told broadcaster eNCA that the country was in the process of appointing commissioners to strengthen the Border Management Authority in dealing with illegal immigration.

Motsoaledi, however, warned that the measures to curb illegal immigration could result in loss of lives since no system was waterproof.

Zimbabwes borders are still closed for cross-border travel to curb the spread of COVID-19, which is forcing people who survive on cross-border trading to cross through illegal points of entry into South Africa.

Motsoaledi cited unemployment and hunger as the major push factors for illegal immigration, particularly for Zimbabweans.

We are dealing here with social and economic systems in neighbouring countries, Motsoaledi said.

The borders during the apartheid were electric fence, the army, and all that, which we removed because we thought we are a democracy. Now we realise we made a terrible mistake by removing those and replacing them with nothing.

South Africa is shortly setting up the Border Management Authority, whose mandate will be to secure the borders and stem the tide of illegal border crossings.

Zimbabwes Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said he was in a meeting when he was contacted for comment.

Motsoaledi said South Africa had to tighten security because the desperate Zimbabweans had improvised other tactics to defy the current security measures to eke out a living in the neighbouring country.

People are illegally crossing through the border and the army is deployed where they cross over. Security is tight, but people still cross because this is out of desperation from what is happening in neighbouring countries, especially Zimbabwe, he said.

They go down the ladder to then cross the river but the army is waiting for them. We need a commissioner of the Border Management Authority, whose job is to deal with borders and we are already in the process of appointing two deputy commissioners.

Motsoaledi, however, said ending illegal immigration depended on the neighbouring countries willingness to fix their economies and create jobs for their citizens.

South Africa, the most economically developed country in the southern African region, attracts thousands of migrants annually who seek jobs at farms and factories, but some get into the country through illegal cross points.

South Africa is home to more than three million Zimbabweans, a majority of them undocumented immigrants, who fled the country in search of jobs following the collapse of the economy two decades ago. Newsday
A coalition of environmental groups has threatened the federal government with a lawsuit over cross-country plans to produce plutonium pits, the cores at the heart of modern nuclear weapons.

In a Tuesday letter to the Department of Energy and its National Nuclear Security Administration, the S.C. Environmental Law Project said additional environmental reviews were needed before officials decide where the key warhead components will be forged for years to come.

If your agencies continue to refuse to undertake this statutorily required task of preparing a programmatic environmental impact statement, we will have no choice but to file the action, wrote Leslie Lenhardt, a SCELP staff attorney. A related announcement described the legal action as impending.

The S.C. Environmental Law Project, a nonprofit, is representing the coalition, which includes Savannah River Site Watch (Columbia), Nuclear Watch New Mexico (Santa Fe, New Mexico) and Tri-Valley CAREs (Livermore, California).

Federal law mandates the production of 80 pits per year by 2030  a difficult feat, given the tight timeline, the required funding and the regulatory hurdles that need clearing, among other things.

Adm. Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, in congressional testimony Tuesday described plutonium pit production as the nation's biggest stockpile modernization issue.

If we fail to recapitalize plutonium pit production now, he stated, we risk catastrophic failures given an infrastructure incapable of responding in a timely manner.

Expanding pit production capabilities in New Mexico, at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and establishing them in South Carolina, at the Savannah River Site, as was recommended in 2018, would saddle the already-burdened communities represented by these groups with a significant amount of nuclear waste and pollution, Lenhardt argued in her the letter. The National Nuclear Security Administration has considered wastes generated by pit production  radioactive, among them  in its prior evaluations.

SRS Watch, Nuclear Watch New Mexico and Tri-Valley CAREs have for years pushed back on plans to reinvigorate U.S. pit production. The trio in February sent a letter, with supporting documents, to the Energy Department outlining grave environmental concerns and allegations of cut corners.

The packet was received, a March response from the National Nuclear Security Administration shows. The same response cements the governments view: environmental review for pit production is complete and the Department has no current plans to revisit the matter.

The federal government appears ready to embark on this significant change in U.S. nuclear policy without studying the cross-country risks and environmental justice impacts, Lenhardt said, which indicates that the health and safety of workers and downwind and downriver communities are not worth the consideration or protection they deserve.

Conceptual design plans for plutonium pit production at the Savannah River Site  utilizing a failed nuclear fuel plant, the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility  were submitted to the federal government earlier this year.

Part of what we delivered to the Energy Department in January was 4,500 documents, tens of thousands of pages of information for them to review and make a decision, along with a cost estimate and schedule for us to start doing the pit production, said Dave Olson, the executive vice president for NNSA capital projects at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.

The potential pit factory at SRS, about 30 minutes south of Aiken, has been dubbed the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, or SRPPF.

The last place the plutonium cores were made at scale, the Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado, was scuttled following an environmental investigation and raid.
Liam Hemsworth's movie stars good looks are impossible to deny.

But on Wednesday, the actor showed off a less polished look than fans are used to by revealing his long, unkempt hair on Instagram.

The 31-year-old asked his followers if he needed a haircut, with the overwhelming majority of them saying he didn't.

Wild thing! Liam Hemsworth showed off a less polished look than fans are used to by revealing his long, unkempt hair on Instagram

The selfie received almost 300,000 likes within an hour of being posted, proving his immense popularity online.

The Hunger Games favourite has previously been spotted spending time in Byron Bay with his model girlfriend Gabriella, 24.

They've have been dating since December 2019, following Liam's highly publicised split from ex-wife Miley Cyrus in August that same year.

Liam went public with their romance in January, 2020.

Smooth: Fans are used to seeing Liam in movie star mode on the big screen

They were isolating together in Victoria at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but Gabriella later joined the whole Hemsworth family in Byron Bay.

In February, Gabriella revealed how she stays grounded despite dating one of Australia's most famous brothers.

'I have a great support network who continually remind me of what's important,' the 24-year-old told The Daily Telegraph. 'This is incredibly grounding,' she added.

According to a report by Us Weekly in December 2019, Liam was 'happy to be moving on' following his turbulent split from Miley.

'Liam feels comfortable with Gabriella. His family approves of her and really likes her, which is very important to him,' a source told the publication at the time.
TORONTO - The federal budget's new digital services tax on large corporations is a step forward as the government works toward a multilateral agreement it hopes to reach with other countries, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Freeland says the government expects its new digital services tax on large corporations is a step forward as it works toward a multilateral agreement it hopes to reach with other countries. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

TORONTO - The federal budget's new digital services tax on large corporations is a step forward as the government works toward a multilateral agreement it hopes to reach with other countries, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday.

"The idea behind this tax is that we are very hopeful there will be international agreement around it, and that the Canadian provisions can dovetail," Freeland said in a virtual conversation sponsored by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Monday's federal budget outlined plans to put a three-per-cent tax on revenues from digital services that rely on data and content contributions from Canadian users. It would take effect Jan. 1 of next year and is projected to raise $3.4 billion in tax revenue over five years.

The tax would apply to businesses with gross revenue of at least 750 million euros, or about C$1.125 billion.

The budget says that Canada has "a strong preference" for a multilateral approach and work is under way to reach an agreement by mid-2021.

In the meantime, Freeland said the budget's digital service tax indicates that is "really just about applying a little bit of deadline pressure, and being clear that we're going to move forward no matter what."

Her fiscal economic update in December said that it planned to work on a digital tax with the OECD, a multilateral organization that includes the United States and other large economies.

But the idea of a tax on multinational corporations that make billions from digital services, such as internet search engines, social media and streaming video, has been evolving for years.

During the presidency of Donald Trump, however, the United States opposed development of such a tax  which would apply to large U.S. technology corporations.

Freeland, who was Canada's lead negotiator during tense talks leading to a new three-way trade deal with the United States and Mexico, said Wednesday that her optimism of reaching an OECD-sponsored multilateral deal "has increased a lot" since the election of President Joe Biden.

Earlier this month, Italy's finance minister that Group of 20 advanced economies  which include Canada and the United States  hope to have reached an agreement on international taxation by a ministerial meeting in July.

That followed an April 5 speech by Biden's treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, who said the U.S. would work with the Group of 20 to stop "a 30-year race to the bottom on corporate tax rates."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.
A drug addict needed to have a metal ring cut off his genitals with an electric saw after the home-made sex toy cut off his blood supply.

The Moroccan man went to hospital after his penis and scrotum became swollen, blue and cold to the touch. He was still erect when he arrived at the hospital  12 hours after first squeezing his genitals through the ring.

The unidentified man confessed that he used the 1.6in (4cm) diameter gold ring to 'prolong' his erection while masturbating.

Medics at Marrakech University Hospital rushed him to surgery, where they tried using bolt cutters to remove the 0.4in (1cm) thick ring but could not break it off.

Doctors returned with a rotating saw and started to cut the ring off. They placed a sheet of metal either side to stop it cutting his flesh.

The surgeons had to pour cold water onto his skin constantly to cool the area down and prevent heat from the saw burning him.

He remained in hospital for 12 hours after the operation and his genitals eventually returned to a normal colour and size without lasting damage.

A drug addict had to have a metal ring cut off his penis with an electric saw (pictured) after he strangled it for 12 hours while masturbating in Marrakech, Morocco

He put on the 1.6in (4cm) diameter gold ring (pictured) to sustain an erection and it caused his penis to swell up and become blue

It is not clear what drugs the man was addicted to  or whether he was high at the time of putting the ring on his genitals.

The case, published in Urology Case Reports, highlights the need to act quickly to treat penis strangulation, doctors who operated on him said.

Dr Abdel Latabi wrote: 'Genital decompression should be as quick as possible to try to recover the external genital organs.

'The electric saw is very useful, particularly for devices with large thickness, but it is absolutely necessary to take precautions so as not to damage the underlying tissues.'

Penile strangulation is a rare but dangerous emergency, often linked to sexual acts and occasionally mental illness.

It occurs when an object or hair cuts the blood flow off from the penis, resulting in swelling and, in the worst cases, necrosis  tissue death  and gangrene.

Medics have determined a five point scale to describe the level of damage caused by strangulation.

It ranges from low levels of swelling to tissue death and the complete loss of the end of a penis.

In some cases, doctors are forced to amputate the entire organ to stop the gangrene spreading to the rest of the body.

The most common devices used that can cause strangulation are penis rings, which are used to restrict blood flow leaving the penis and maintain erections.

If they become stuck  as with this case  doctors are forced to remove them quickly to prevent the strangulation becoming more serious.
President Biden on Wednesday nominated Stacey A. Dixon, an expert in intelligence technology, to serve as the nations No. 2 intelligence official.

The nomination of Dr. Dixon, the former head of the intelligence communitys advanced research project agency, to be the offices principal deputy director reflects the Biden administrations interest in making technological innovation in intelligence gathering a priority.

If the Senate confirms Dr. Dixon, who is currently the deputy director of the Defense Departments National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, she will be the highest-ranking Black woman in the intelligence community and the first Black person to serve in one of its most senior posts. She has spoken in the past about the need for intelligence agencies to diversify their ranks.

Dr. Dixon possesses a deep knowledge of the intelligence tradecraft and understands the critical work intelligence professionals perform every day, said Avril D. Haines, the director of national intelligence.
TBWAIndia announced Satish Krishnamurthy has been named chief strategy officer, with immediate effect. Satish steps into the role previously held by Subramanian Krishnan who is taking on a part time consulting role with the agency.

Before joining TBWAIndia Satish was head of strategy at Sideways Consulting based out of Mumbai. With 20 years of international strategic experience, Satish has worked at coveted agencies on Madison Avenue including Mad Dogs & Englishman, Naked Communications and TBWAChiatDay New York. He has also led brand strategy and communication planning for clients such as Google, FlipKart, Coca Cola, Nokia, J&J, Kia Motors, Procter & Gamble, Disney India.

Said Govind Pandey, chief executive officer, TBWAIndia, Satish is a leading strategist in India with global stature and knows how brands drive businesses growth in these times. We are delighted to have him on board as the agency is transforming and further evolving its operating system to DisruptionX.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Subu for his commitment and passion to drive our businesses forward and are delighted we will continue to benefit from his experience as he continues with the agency as a Consultant and Mentor.

Satish has been an early advocate of behavioural architecture in India. While working with Final Mile on a campaign for the Indian Railways to save trespassers lives, he spent six months observing and blending into the communities to understand the behaviors of those who regularly trespass. The result, the campaign remains one of the most socially impactful for Indian Railways.

At Sideways Consulting, Satish was instrumental in driving interventions across the entire customer journey. He has impacted brand results across Service Design, Product Design, Strategic Consulting, Advertising and Experience Design.

Commented Satish: Consumers dont break down online and offline separately, its all an integrated experience for them. We have to create strategy to consider all moments of truth where consumer friction exists. If we build for the entire experience, we can deliver disproportionate outcomes for the clients.

Im looking forward to returning to TBWA, their methodology and philosophy of Disruption is something Ive valued since I first joined the Collective in NY in 2005.
This wrap-up of international People Moves details recent appointments at Liberty Specialty Markets, re/insurance broker Miller, MS Amlin, Pro Global Holdings and Generali Global Corporate & Commercial.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, announced the appointment of Jane Warren as active underwriter for LSM. Warren reports to Phil Hobbs, deputy managing director and chief underwriting officer for LSM. Warren is based in London and takes up the new role with immediate effect.

Warren takes over the role from Peter Smith, who recently moved to an expanded role with Liberty Mutual Re. As LSMs active underwriter, she will be responsible for managing Lloyds Syndicate 4472, leveraging the future changes at Lloyds to benefit customers and clients.

Prior to this appointment, Warren was UK Legal Entity managing director, and she will continue to retain responsibility for this role, leading the relationship with Lloyds of London and the relevant regulators.

Warren has over 20 years experience in the insurance industry in senior management, operations, re/insurance underwriting, risk management, broking and regulatory roles. She joined Liberty in 2019 from AXIS Specialty Europe, where she was chief operating officer.

***

Re/insurance broker Miller has hired experienced market practitioner Paula Smith to join its Political Violence and Terrorism team within Property and Casualty Facultative Reinsurance.

Smith brings with her over 25 years experience in the insurance industry, and was most recently head of Political Violence and Terrorism at GC FAC.

Smiths appointment is Millers latest investment in the reinsurance space, and follows the recent hiring of James Power as exposure analytics lead and the announcement that Miller will be expanding its reinsurance presence through the opening of a new Bermuda office.

Power has worked in the London market for over 10 years, most recently with Apollo Syndicate Management Ltd., and is a Certified Catastrophe Risk Management Professional. He reports to Mark Zammit, head of Analytics, and will work with reinsurance colleagues across Millers London and Bermuda offices.

***

MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd. (MS AUL), the Lloyds market re/insurer, has appointed Sam Geddes as head of Property and Allied Lines Division, subject to regulatory approval. Geddes will take up his role later this year and report to Andrew Carrier, CUO of MS AUL.

As head of Property and Allied Lines, Geddes will have oversight of MS AULs property division, which includes its commercial property direct and facultative, property binder units and auto business. His appointment follows a reorganization of MS AULs underwriting structure into three distinct units, including property and allied lines; specialty; and reinsurance.

Geddes brings more than 20 years of market experience to the role, with extensive experience of underwriting in both Asia and the United States having spent much of his career based in Hong Kong and New York. His most recent role has been with Everest Global Markets, which he joined in 2016 as deputy active underwriter. Prior to this he held senior roles at Tokio Marine Kiln and MSIG Syndicate 3210.

***

Global re/insurance outsourcing and consulting specialists Pro Global Holdings Ltd. has announced the appointment of Roman Claren as managing director, and Stilianos Kalaitzidis as new head of Technical Claims for Pro Globals German businesses/entities.

Claren has joined from ALBAG Dienstleistungsgesellschaft fur die Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, Essen, a subsidiary of Provinzial Rheinland Versicherung AG, where he held the position of managing director.

With more than 15 years experience in the insurance sector, Claren spent most of his career at Roland Assistance GmbH, working within claims services across motor, travel and building related insurances. In his role as the new lead for Pros German business, Roman will be supported by Robert Buchberger, managing director of Pro Insurance Solutions GmbH.

Also new to the team is Stilianos Kalaitzidis, who joined Pro in January this year. Kalaitzidis joined Pro from the reinsurer Deutsche Ruckversicherung AG, where he worked as a senior claims manager.

Kalaitzidis has nearly a decades worth of work experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector, specializing in disability. In his last role, Kalaitzidis helped insurers position themselves strategically in the market and identify and leverage new market trends and technologies.

***

Generali Global Corporate & Commercial (GC&C) announced three key appointments. Reto Arrigoni is global head of Casualty Underwriting; Enrico Mazza is GC&C Italy head of Underwriting and Tomasz Kukua is GC&C head of Underwriting for the ACEER region (which Austria, Central and Eastern European countries, and Russia).

Within Generalis P&C division Global Corporate & Commercial, the following appointments and changes are made:

Reto Arrigoni has been appointed as global head of Casualty Underwriting, directly reporting to the global Head of Underwriting Hayden Seach. Arrigoni will be responsible for leading the casualty underwriting at global level. Formerly GC&C Italy head of Underwriting and with more than two decades of experience in the insurance sector, Arrigoni joined Generali Global Corporate & Commercial in 2014. Before joining Generali, Arrigoni worked for Zurich in Switzerland, US, UK and for XL Insurance Co. in Switzerland. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Zurich.

Enrico Mazza has been appointed as GC&C Italy head of Underwriting, directly reporting to the country Head of GC&C Italy Franco Franzoso and functionally reporting to the global Head of Underwriting Hayden Seach. Formerly GC&C ACEER regional head of Underwriting, Mazza will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence and profitability of the GC&C Italy portfolios, defining and implementing the underwriting strategy for the various lines of business. Immediately after his graduation in Industrial Engineering and Management in 2004 at the Politecnico of Turin University, Mazza started his career within the Generali Group in Toro Assicurazioni, initially in the claims department and then in engineering underwriting. In 2008 he moved to Generali CEE Holding in the Czech Republic.

Tomasz Kukua has been appointed as GC&C ACEER regional head of Underwriting, directly reporting to the Regional Head of Global Corporate & Commercial ACEER Samuele Borghi and functionally reporting to the global Head of Underwriting Hayden Seach. In his new capacity, Kukua is responsible for driving the GC&C underwriting strategy in the Austria, CEE and Russia Region. Formerly head of GC&C Underwriting at Generali Poland, Kukua has over two decades of underwriting experience in the corporate and commercial insurance sector, specializing in underwriting governance and management of P/C large risks portfolio. Prior to joining Generali, Kukua was engineering head of Underwriting at Allianz Poland. He studied at the Warsaw University of Technology and at Kozminski University. He holds a masters degree in the management and optimization of insurance portfolios.

Topics Mississippi Generali Life Assurance (Thailand) Plc.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who pulled out of the 2016 Republican presidential primary and backed Donald Trump after a sixth-place finish in New Hampshire, may give the White House another shot.

According to Axios, Christie is seriously considering a 2024 run. The 58-year-old politician-turned-pundit told conservative talk radio host Hugh Hewitt that he isnt ruling out a presidential run, but hes told friends that hes actively considering it, three people familiar with his thinking told Axios Jonathan Swan.

Christie is an old friend of Trumps who has criticized the former president over false claims of election fraud and for Trumps role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach by a mob of his own followers. Christie has made the case that hed be the only candidate with executive experience whos run a presidential race before, Axios reported.

But Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity this week that hes seriously considering a 2024 run, and many pundits speculate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is eyeing the White House.

Whether Trump runs or not wont impact Christies decision, hes told associates.

Christie was once a rising star in the Republican Party, with many top donors calling on him to run against former President Barack Obama in 2012. His administration became entangled in scandal after some of his aides purposely clogged traffic by closing a lane entering the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

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The Jersey City school board president is giving the superintendent a big fat F.

The public schools should reopen next week, says Board of Education President Mussab Ali, who is placing the blame directly on the district administrations failure to accomplish what so many other districts across the state have done.

Superintendent Franklin Walker on Sunday sent a robocall out to parents announcing that the district would not make its long-awaited reopening on April 26 due to a lack of teachers willing to return to their classrooms amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The surprise decision to keep the districts 30,000 students remote was met with sharp criticism from Mayor Steve Fulop and a vocal group of parents who had circled April 26 on their calendars. It was also a sigh of relief for parents who still think its too early for in-person learning.

Ali says the schools should reopen for the first time since March 2020, even on a limited basis.

I think that even if we couldnt fully reopen, we shouldve done a soft reopening where it is kindergarten to third grade and special education students who come back, Ali said. I think the fact the administration wasnt even able to accomplish that, its a failure 

Across the board here, there are things that shouldve gotten done that didnt get done. But again, the board doesnt have the ability to change what happens.

Jersey City is one of just 69 school districts exclusively using remote learning, according to the state Department of Education. More than 500 school districts  including Newark, the states largest  are back to in-person learning on a hybrid plan and 186 schools have fully reopened.

Fulop is blaming the elected school board for the failure to reopen, city spokesman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. When asked if Fulop is reconsidering a referendum to change the board from an elected body to an appointed board, which he pulled in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she did not answer.

The mayor is disappointed in the Board of Education, but he doesnt want to make this about politics and the appointed board, Wallace-Scalcione said. It makes no sense as every other city around us has been able to offer in-person instructions, but for some reason the Jersey City schools have failed.

Last month Jersey City dedicated more than 2,000 vaccine doses for local teachers in an effort to get them back in the classroom. District officials and the teachers union have both said they dont know how many teachers have been vaccinated.

Walker defended his decision to keep students remote at Mondays BOE caucus. If there is a way that you can tell me or someone else can tell me how we can do this, Walker said. I am open to it.

The boards disapproval over his decision is the first for Walker, who has continued to have the boards support throughout his tenure as superintendent. Walker told the board there were not enough teachers to handle classes for the students that would have returned.

The district has said that 20% of students would have returned, according to a survey the district asked parents to fill out and return. Parents who want the school open say the 20% figure is way off, and a majority of students want to get back in the classroom.

Ali asked Walker what more the board could do to prepare the schools for September. Ali suggested increasing the substitute teacher pay from $125 to $200 could help the district get enough people to cover teachers unable to work in person. Come September, Jersey City teachers and students may not have a choice.

The governor expects all districts to provide in-person instruction in the fall, DOE spokesman Shaheed Morris said. If the current vaccine allocations and health trends proceed as anticipated, we anticipate that the vast majority of students will be able to attend school full-time in person this coming fall. "

The school board will have its first in-person meeting on Thursday at Middle School 7 on Laidlaw Avenue. No more than 100 people will be allowed in the building, Ali said. The meeting will still be streamed on Facebook.
Biden admin. has de-prioritized religious liberty, disowned that work': Mike Pompeo

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Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed disappointment at the Biden administrations failure to emphasize religious freedom and what he described as disowning the "glorious work" of the Commission on Unalienable Rights established under former President Donald Trump.

For four years, the Trump administration and the State Department, when I was leading it, placed a real premium on working around the world to promote religious freedom, said Pompeo in an interview with The Christian Post.

Promoting religious freedom leads to more prosperous countries and stronger American freedom, he stressed.

We think its important as an independent right, but we also know that where religious freedom is expanded, countries are often more prosperous and the people there are often more secure from their government. So we always thought it was important to get that right, as an American matter, to secure American freedom, but also to secure freedom for peoples all around the world, he added.

Though the promotion of religious freedom was a priority during the Trump administration, Pompeo said he's noticed the issue has become less critical under the Biden.

For example, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims, he made no mention of religious persecution in other countries, such as Nigeria, during a press conference on the annual human rights report earlier this month.

Travis Weber, vice president for policy and government affairs and director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the conservative Christian advocacy organization the Family Research Council, told The Christian Post in an earlier interview that while he was pleased to hear Blinken mention the Uyghurs, " ... theres also persecution of Christians in China ... and North Korea.

The situation of many Muslim-majority countries around the world, including Iran, is very dire," he added. "Christians are being slaughtered in Nigeria almost weekly, it seems, and there is no mention of that. So when we look at the horrific atrocities and human rights violations going on around the world, religious persecution is among them, and its totally disappointing that hes not highlighting that [in his remarks].

International Christian Concern, a watchdog group that documents instances of religious persecution worldwide, also criticized the administration for failing to emphasize religious liberty abuses and faith-based persecution.

We at ICC welcome the progress that the State Department has made on promoting religious freedom and human rights around the world, Matias Perttula, director of advocacy for International Christian Concern, said in a statement. However, we remain concerned whether the Biden administration is still committed to putting religious freedom as a central principle in the United States foreign policy priorities. ...

According to Pompeo, one of the ways the Trump administration promoted religious freedom was through the revitalization of the annual human rights report to emphasize religious freedom abuses.

Our annual human rights report is something that had lost its way, and sadly, I think its returning to where it was, Pompeo said. It had a requirement when I was leading the State Department, and Governor and Ambassador Sam Brownback was our ambassador for religious freedom, [to] highlight religious freedom abuses around the world. To call out those nations that were performing in a way that it was inconsistent with what we know to be every human beings right.

Pompeo also lamented that Blinken has virtually dismissed the religious freedom-promoting Commission on Unalienable Rights, which was established during his tenure.

I have watched this administration de-prioritize this issue [of religious freedom], Pompeo said. We created something called the Commission on Unalienable Rights to look at the human rights conditions for people around the world and how American diplomats ought to execute that mission around the world. They have essentially disowned that work, which was glorious work.

Ive watched this administration walk away from [this work], Pompeo reiterated. I regret that.

In an op-ed published in Newsweek on April 9, Calista Gingrich, former ambassador to the Holy See under the Trump administration, said the Commission was created as an advisory group for then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and had a "charter stating that its task was 'not to discover new principles, but to furnish advice to the secretary for the promotion of individual liberty, human equality, and democracy through U.S. foreign policy.' The charter also specified the Commission's advice must be 'grounded in our nation's founding principles and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.'

"However, Blinken disbanded the commission amidst liberal criticism that it was a mechanism to 'promote...evangelical Christian beliefs and conservative politics,' and to establish a "hierarchy" of rights," Gingrich added.

During his time as secretary of state, Pompeo said religious freedom was prioritized and advanced around the globe.

We did so many good things in so many places and yet there is so much more work to do, he said. We built out an incredible human rights infrastructure supporting religious freedom, he said.

By hosting an annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom for three years, the largest human rights event ever held at the State Department, Pompeo brought together faith leaders worldwide to discuss challenges in religious freedom.

We brought religious leaders from all across the world of nearly every faith to come to the State Department to worship, to share, to live in fellowship for a few days and to work on this problem set together to come to a common set of understanding, whether they were Christian or Jewish or Muslims or Bahai or whatever faith they were from to come together to understand these freedoms are provided to us by God and governments cannot take them away, he said. It was a glorious time of gathering.

The first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, hosted in July 2018, brought together delegates from over 80 countries to Washington, D.C. Pompeo said at the time that the event would result in concrete steps and be more than just talk.

The first ministerial resulted in the creation of a religious freedom task force, the "International Religious Freedom Fund" and the Potomac Declaration, a set of principles calling for global religious freedom.

Pompeo said he hopes the ministerial event continues during the Biden administration because of its importance in American leadership around the world and at home in preserving the right to practice faith freely.

Despite religious freedom seemingly being a lesser priority for the State Department under Biden, Pompeo said Christians at home and abroad must fight to promote this human right.

Its going to take every Christian believer and all of us to continue to work hard in our churches and our towns and indeed, in our missions across the world, to promote religious freedom everywhere and always, Pompeo said.
EP GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

Result of Annual General Meeting

The Company is pleased to announce that at the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") held today, all resolutions, as set out in the Notice of AGM, were passed by the requisite majority. Each of the resolutions put to the AGM were voted on by way of a poll.

Resolutions 1 to 8 related to Ordinary Business. Resolutions 9 to 14 related to Special Business, as set out below:

Resolution 9: To make market purchases of the Company's shares.

Resolution 10: To allot shares in accordance with statutory pre?emption rights.

Resolution 11: To allot shares otherwise than in accordance with statutory pre-emption rights.

Resolution 12: To sell ordinary shares held in treasury at a discount to the prevailing net asset value per ordinary share.

Resolution 13: To hold general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days' notice.

Resolution 14: To adopt the articles of association of the Company in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the existing articles of association of the Company.

The results of the poll for each resolution were as follows:

Resolution (No. as noted on proxy form) Shares

For % Shares

Against % Votes withheld Resolution 1 12,298,009 83.00 2,518,702 17.00 191,277 Resolution 2 12,259,169 82.92 2,525,205 17.08 223,614 Resolution 3 14,819,351 100.00 0 0.00 188,637 Resolution 4 14,810,348 99.96 6,503 0.04 191,137 Resolution 5 14,817,788 99.99 1,563 0.01 188,637 Resolution 6 12,304,444 83.04 2,512,407 16.96 191,137 Resolution 7 8,389,795 67.11 4,111,545 32.89 2,506,648 Resolution 8 12,128,855 81.92 2,676,730 18.08 202,403 Resolution 9 14,789,410 99.86 20,278 0.14 198,300 Resolution 10 12,222,027 82.69 2,557,734 17.31 228,227 Resolution 11 12,224,724 82.71 2,555,037 17.29 228,227 Resolution 12 11,427,399 77.12 3,389,484 22.88 191,105 Resolution 13 12,266,165 99.66 42,342 0.34 2,699,481 Resolution 14 12,300,597 83.05 2,510,844 16.95 196,547

The Board would like to thank shareholders for their engagement with the resolutions passed at the AGM. The Board notes that:

Resolution 7 (to re-elect Mr Tulloch), which was an ordinary resolution, passed with a majority of less than 80% (receiving votes in favour of 67.11%); and



Resolution 12 (to sell ordinary shares held in treasury at a discount to the prevailing net asset value per ordinary share), which was an ordinary resolution, passed with a majority of less than 80% (receiving votes in favour of 77.12%).

The Board confirms that it will consult and engage with the relevant shareholders to understand and discuss their concerns with respect to these resolutions. In accordance with the provisions of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (published in February 2019), an update will be provided within six months of the AGM.

Under Listing Rule 9.6.2, the resolutions passed as Special Business will be submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority and will shortly be available via the National Storage Mechanism, which is located at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

The complete poll results will be available shortly on the Company's website at www.epgot.com .

21 April 2021

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138005T5CT5ITZ7ZX58

Enquiries:

Kenneth J Greig

Edinburgh Partners AIFM Limited

Tel: 0131 270 3800

The Company's registered office address is:

27-31 Melville Street

Edinburgh

EH3 7JF
Rarely do the generation experiencing the actual events and decisions that lead to their nation's demise fully appreciate the enormity of their oversight until sometime after their culture's destruction has been rendered incurable. Largely, it is not due so much to their negligence as it is to most of them being too preoccupied with simply living and making a living.

Perhaps that would explain why, in just the first four months of 2021, the Supreme Court issued four decisions  or, perhaps better viewed as non-decisions  that should have caused all legitimately patriotic Americans to be alarmed and called to action...but did not seem to.

Only a few weeks ago, without offering any substantive explanation, the Court summarily refused to even look at  much less seriously consider  any of the evidence of the 2020 election irregularities offered by attorney Sidney Powell and others. Evidently, the Supreme Court of the United States of America was not interested in doing what it could  and should  to let America know decisively whether or not its presidential election had been shamelessly stolen by those now in power.

Why would they not do this?

Perhaps the answer is best revealed by the fact that, at the same time, the Court was also apparently too busy to halt a New York prosecutor from obtaining former president Trump's tax returns. The practical effect was for SCOTUS to give that prosecutor an assist with his unconstitutional effort to search for any crime that might make President Trump's ouster from office permanent.

Clearly, these two SCOTUS decisions alone evidence the fact that the agenda of the justices has become politically driven.

It doesn't end there.

Two weeks later, the Supreme Court  again without explanation  summarily refused to reverse the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' denial of Judicial Watch's request that it be allowed to take the deposition of a member of this country's ruling political elite  Hillary Rodham Clinton. At the end of the day, Judicial Watch was only asking the Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law by finding that all Americans  including elites like Hillary Clinton  are to be treated equally under the law. Instead, the Supreme Court unfortunately  and inexplicably  declined the opportunity to do even this.

Then this week, SCOTUS put the final nail in the coffin containing the GOP's 2020 election disputes with its denial of a petition for a writ of certiorari in Bognet v. Dagraffenreid. Again, it refused to rule on whether a state's courts are qualified or not under Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution to modify that state's presidential election laws. In short, whether Pennsylvania's Supreme Court violated the U.S. Constitution by usurping the state Legislature's authority to extend the time allowed for counting mail-in ballots is apparently not an issue worthy of this SCOTUS's time.

From such glaring displays of indefensible Supreme Court inaction, the following incontrovertible truths have been set out in plain view before the nation's very eyes:

1. The Supreme Court today is thoroughly politicized...and thus corrupt.

2. In America, the rule of law is now dead.

3. Worse yet, by these decisions, America's Supreme Court has put on open display its utter disregard  and absolute contempt  for whatever the American people may think about the future unavailability of equal justice in a nation that once promised that such justice would be available to all.

Such truths should be cause for greater alarm for the American people than even the now almost Orwellian silence of John Durham. Consider the following recent words of attorney Sidney Powell:

The Supreme Court's failure to date to address the massive election fraud and multiple constitutional violations that wrought a coup of the presidency of the greatest country in world history completes the implosion of each of our three branches of government into the rubble of a sinkhole of corruption. It is an absolute tragedy for the rule of law, the future of the Republic, and all freedom-loving people around the world.

She is not overstating the matter in the least. An American government unleashed from the constraints set in place by the rule of law can be headed in only one direction: toward some form of centralized dictatorship limited only by the whims of those in power  i.e., a tyranny.

A tyranny is a state that, for instance, would order its people to accommodate its importation of a new class of indentured slaves that it is encouraging to enter across the borders of this country, which it has opened simultaneously to endeavoring to seize the weapons of anybody already here  i.e., patriotic citizens  who might object. And all while, the state uses an imagined pretense  e.g., a fraudulently hyped pandemic  to terminate the rights of those patriotic Americans to engage in commerce, speak freely, and even freely assemble to peacefully protest or even worship. It's a place where unquestioned obedience is expected and dissent from any of the state's propaganda narratives is silenced, censored, shadowbanned, and de-platformed.

Sound familiar? It should. It is where America is today.

All of us  both conservatives and liberals  would do well to take off our government-mandated masks long enough to read out loud and seriously reflect upon the following words of a woman  Ayn Rand  who knew more than just a little about how to identify a tyranny:

When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing  When you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors  When you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you  When you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice  You may know that your society is doomed.

We're left to ask: does America still have the option of reversing course, or, in its march toward some form of tyranny, has it already put the Rubicon in its rearview mirror?

After all, how is a nation supposed to lawfully remedy the corrupt silence of a politicized Supreme Court from which there is no readily apparent peaceful means for appeal?

Clifford C. Nichols is an attorney and author of A Barrister's Tales. He may be contacted regarding this editorial at http://www.cliffordnichols.com/contact.

Image via Flickr, Public Domain.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
New Delhi, April 21 : National carrier Air India has decided to cancel flights between India and the UK from April 24 to 30.

The move comes after Britain recently announced travel restrictions on non-UK and non-Irish citizens.

"Passengers who were to travel between India and UK, may kindly note that in view of recent restrictions announced by UK, flts from and to UK stand cancelled from 24th to 30th April '21. Further updates regarding rescheduling, refunds & waivers will be informed shortly." "Between 24th to 30th April '21 we are in a process to schedule once a week flight to UK from Delhi & Mumbai. Information regarding the same will also be updated on our Website and Social Media Channels." Recently, the UK said it will impose travel restrictions on air passengers coming from India due to the fast-spreading coronavirus variant in the South Asian country.

India was added in the 'Red List' of countries, or those countries whose citizens cannot freely travel to the UK.

Reports had quoted UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock terming the decision as a difficult but a vital one to make.

As per norms, non-UK or Irish citizens will not be allowed to enter the European country post early morning on Friday.

Presently, Vistara, Air India, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways operate flights between the two countries.

Last year, India had suspended all flights to and from the UK from December 23 in the wake of the new mutant strain of novel coronavirus found in the European country.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now listed below Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, as well as the Princess Royal and the Duke of York on the official royal site. The Prince of Wales' growing role as an active heir preparing to ascend to the throne is reflected in his own promotion to the top of the 'Royal Family' section. The Queen has been removed from the section and is instead featured higher on the page. Despite the reshuffle, the website still claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be 'balancing their time' between the UK and the US. It comes as Prince Edward and his wife the Countess of Wessex took part in their first major interview since their marriage in 1999. The couple shared a laugh over Harry and Meghan's controversial Oprah interview as they insisted the royals remain a family 'no matter what happens'. It was recently revealed Sophie is one of four loyal, discreet and 'utterly trustworthy' women of the Queen's inner circle who are offering crucial support as she faces life without her beloved Prince Philip, who died on April 9, aged 99.
COVID-19 palliatives were hijacked and distributed among politicians in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic, a report by the civic advocacy group, BudgIT, has said.

In a report on COVID-19 Fund Management titled COVID-19 Fund: Fiscal Support, Palliative Analysis & Institutional Response, the group expressed worry over the poor accountability mechanism in the management of the Covid-19 fund and distribution of palliatives.

The organisation revealed in its report that in most monitored local government areas in Lagos, including Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Sururlere and Epe, palliatives were hijacked and diverted by politicians and shared among party members.

Some residents who are not members of the party lamented the hijack and their exclusion from the whole distribution process, the report said.

Ward chairman is in charge of the distribution of the food in the Agege area in Lagos State. One DeRica of rice, one DeRica of beans and one sachet of tomato paste were given to a street with more than 30 houses.

During the #EndSARS protest, hoodlums attacked a government-owned warehouse where the food meant to be distributed during the coronavirus lockdowns in the Maza-Maza area Ojo LGA, Lagos State, were stored.

BudgIT said the same was the situation in other parts of the country as politicians took ownership of the distribution exercise.

The organisation said that in Kano, residents of Minjibir revealed that the selection process of the beneficiaries was strictly for political party loyalists, and the vulnerable groups in the community could not benefit from the palliative distribution.

Party leaders were tasked to share to only party members upon presentation of party card or identification of being a member of the ruling party, the report said.

Similar findings were reported in Ogun, Rivers, Niger, among others.

BudgIT said as of April 7, 2020, CACOVID, a private coalition of donors and corporate founders, received donations totalling N21.5bn.

Suffice it to say that the federal government has disbursed N288bn from the N500bn set aside for Covid-19 intervention programmes through its Economic Sustainability Plan, it said.

As of the time of our report, comprehensive details of disbursed funds have not been published on the Open Treasury platform. This further establishes our concerns about the lack of a proper framework for COVID19 fund accountability in Nigeria.

BudgIT said that it reviewed Nigerias current fiscal support and institutional response to the pandemic, analysed data on COVID-19 response in Nigeria, including donations, allocations, disbursements and palliative distribution processes at both the National and Subnational levels.

In 2020, the COVID-19 response in Nigeria began with the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Headed by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the task force was mandated, alongside other government agencies, to coordinate and oversee Nigerias multi-sectoral intergovernmental efforts to contain the virus spread.

The Nigerian government also initiated a process to provide palliative measures, including funds disbursements and food items distribution to Nigerians, especially the marginalised and vulnerable.

BudgIT said its report reviewed the activities of these agencies as well as the support received by the government from both private and international institutions, including the $5.6 billion received as donations, grants, and relief support by the Nigerian government.

It also spotlighted concerns about intervention programmes from private coalitions.

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It is discouraging to discover that not much has been done regarding COVID-19 fund accountability in Nigeria, says Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa, Senior Program Officer at BudgIT.

To this end, we are committed to partnering with agencies like the ICPC and others, to ensure a proper framework for probing COVID-19 response issues.

BudgIT said the call for an effective framework for COVID-19 transparency and accountability could not have happened at a better time, especially in an environment deeply rooted in a profiteering culture and aversion to openness in the use of public funds.

Per our findings, the continuous mismanagement of palliative items and funds earmarked for the COVID-19 response has created a wider gap between the rich and the poor where the vulnerable and marginalised are denied access to the palliative items that rightfully belong to them, the civic organization said.

Using six states  Niger, Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Enugu and Rivers  as case studies, the research further revealed that many people vehemently disagreed with the governments method of palliative distribution in their communities as they could not access any of the distributed palliative items, especially to the vulnerable.

Gabriel Okeowo, BudgITs Chief Executive Officer said: Health emergencies are inevitable, and a country must never be caught unawares. An effective response must begin with adequate preparation and resource allocation to the health sector, after which a proper process for monitoring, transparency and accountability should be established.

The organization said while it awaits responses from the government on the concerns raised, the government must improve investment in the health sector, ensure the timely release of audited statements on COVID-19 funds, institutionalise access to information to reduce misinformation, and prioritise citizen inclusion in committees and decision making process.
By Jessica S. Henry

The conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd marks a significant victory not only in the court of law, but for the Black Lives Matter movement.

What the verdict does not do, however, is change the systemic issues that have left an open wound in communities of color, and in those of us who seek real and meaningful change.

For these wounds to begin to heal, we must reimagine policing.

What Floyds death illuminated in blazing cellphone technicolor is that the system is broken. There is something fundamentally wrong when unarmed people of color are killed by police when eating ice cream on their own couch, driving with a dangling air freshener, playing video games with a nephew, or holding a cell phone at a backyard party.

These surely raise issues of excessive force. But they also represent limitations of vision and imagination. We need to continue asking ourselves the question that no single verdict can answer: How can we do policing differently?

The first step is to change use of force policies altogether.

New Jersey is ahead of the curve in meaningful ways. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has implemented various initiatives to limit when and how the police use force and has created a tracking system to monitor use of force reports. New Jersey has also released to the public the names of officers who have been disciplined for excessive force.

The second step is accountability, an issue on which New Jersey is again a national leader. For instance, when the New Jersey Supreme Court struck down the right of a Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to issue subpoenas, the legislature acted. A bill is pending that would create CCRBs in every jurisdiction with investigative and subpoena powers and New Jersey has ordered the use of body cameras by June, which will make it easier to identify and review officer conduct. Other accountability measures could also be considered, such as making it easier for civilians to sue.

But we can do even more to create significant structural changes.

What if we advocated for a new model of policing, where the blue wall of silence was actively dismantled and officers were trained  and even rewarded  for intervening and reporting the misconduct of their fellow officers? Or a model where officers were held responsible for failing to intervene in and report acts of misconduct?

Programs such as EPIC (Ethical Policing Is Courageous), which empowers officers to intervene in the face of misconduct, have been implemented in major cities such as New Orleans and Baltimore. New Jersey could be the first state to do the same.

And we can go even further than that.

What if we started thinking creatively about policing itself? For example, what if calls about the homeless or the mentally ill were not channeled to the police, but rather were directed to specially trained, unarmed violence interrupters and social workers? What if police were trained to respond in ways that did not involve the use of deadly force?

We can take an even bigger-picture look at how we classify certain crimes. What if low-level misdemeanor offenses like trespass were decriminalized, much in the way that marijuana has been? What if we eliminated racial profiling and stop and frisk policies that overly target Black and brown people? Can we envision other changes in the laws that could reduce the potential for escalation between citizens and the police?

America has a policing problem. I recently read about a Black teenager who refused to get his drivers license because he was afraid of what might happen to him while he was out driving. This cannot be accepted as business as usual.

We can and must do better. Deep, meaningful, structural change is needed. A verdict holding Chauvin accountable for George Floyds needless death can not be the end. Rather, it must mark the beginning of ongoing change.

Jessica S. Henry is a professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University and a former public defender whose expertise is in criminal law and procedure, criminal justice policy, criminal justice reform and wrongful convictions. Her new book, Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened is the winner of the 2021 Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal.

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The wife of the late Afenifere Spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, has warned the public to be wary of individuals or groups engaging in fund-raising, using her husbands name.

Joe Okei-Odumakin said in a statement Wednesday that the family had not mandated anyone or group to source for funds or other resources to ensure a befitting burial.

While the family appreciates the effusive outpouring of love from the generality of the people for the life of sacrifice and public service that Yinka lived and the legacies he has left behind, we wish that nothing is done by anyone or group to tarnish his image, she said.

NAN reports that the late Afenifere spokesperson, 54, died on April 2, after battling with respiratory problems occasioned by COVID-19 complications.

In the statement, Mrs Okei-Odumakin, speaking on behalf of the family, said the lying-in-state, tributes and service of songs for Mr Odumakin would hold on Thursday at Police College, Ikeja from 11 a.m.

On Friday the body departs Lagos for his Moro country home in Ife North LGA in Osun.

In Moro, there will be candle light procession at Origbo Anglican Grammar School on Friday, take off time is 6 p.m.

There will be lying-in-state at 8a.m. on Saturday at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, followed by funeral service at 10 a.m. after which his remains will be interred at a private ceremony, Mrs Okei-Odumakin said.

She urged everyone to be wary of other programmes which ran contrary to the one outlined so as to guide against being misled or taken advantage of.

In the wake of sundry programmes being published by people other than us, we the family of the late Yinka Odumakin thought it fit and necessary to guide sympathizers and guests with the authentic programme for the funeral of our beloved husband, father, son, and brother, she said.

(NAN)
Social media users were up in arms after Ellen DeGeneres revealed Tuesday in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel that she had consumed three 'weed drinks' and some melatonin sleeping pills before driving her wife Portia de Rossi to the hospital last month.

The 63-year-old comedian and talk show host previously opened up about finding her wife writhing on the floor of their bedroom in extreme pain with what later turned out to be appendicitis.

DeGeneres said she drank three Cann marijuana-infused drinks ahead the surprise trip, which appear to feature an intoxicating amount of THC, before admitting that the drive was 'probably not safe.'

Risky business: Ellen DeGeneres, 63, told Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday that she'd had three 'weed drinks' before driving her wife to the emergency room, which infuriated some social media users

Since the interview was filmed on Tuesday, which also happens to be the 4/20 marijuana holiday, the topic turned to Ellen's weed habits early in the segment.

Later, it turned out to have a connection to her dramatic story about driving her wife to the hospital before she had to have an emergency appendectomy.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show star revealed she had significantly imbibed before learning Portia had to go to the hospital.

'So, Chelsea Handler told me about these weed drinks, they're called Cann, and they have CBD or [THC]  I don't know what the good thing is,' she joked.

'I drank one, and I didn't feel anything, so I drank three, and then I took two melatonin sleep pills,' she continued.

DailyMail.com reached out to DeGeneres' spokesperson for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Imbibing: Degeneres drank three Cann drinks recommended by her friend Chelsea Handler. They have between two and five mg of THC per can, which may have been enough to make her intoxicated; seen with Portia de Rossi in January 2020

Bar of proof: In the state of California, drivers need to be shown to be impaired by a drug in order to receive a DUI, and simply consuming an intoxicating substance isn't enough

According to Cann's own website, the brand sells a variety of marijuana-infused drinks, with the least intoxicating featuring a mix of 2 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBD, while other varieties have 5 mg of THC by itself.

THC is the main component in marijuana that produces a high, and substances containing enough of it may make the user intoxicated. CBD, on the other hand, doesn't get users high and is popular for its purported medicinal benefits.

Regardless of which variety she consumed, Ellen may have drank enough THC to be impaired.

Marijuana users who consume edible forms of the drug also tend to have a delayed high, as opposed to the more immediate intoxication that occurs from smoking.

In the state of California, drivers need to be shown to be impaired by a drug in order to receive a DUI, and simply consuming an intoxicating substance isn't enough.

Not having it: Twitter users lashed out at how 'careless' they thought she had been, with one person describing her as 'entitled' for her dangerous drive

On Twitter, users lambasted DeGeneres for getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming the marijuana drinks.

'Talk show host admits to driving under the influence of drugs smh,' complained one person. 'Should get her show banned.'

Another user lashed out at her privilege.

'WFT....she's beyond rich and could've gotten someone else to drive,' they wrote.

'She could've killed someone. I'm so sick of her entitled a**,' they continued, adding that they 'lost someone to a drunk driver...'

Others wrote that she should have called 911, and one person tweeted, 'That's what ambulances are for.'

One user declared, 'I lose ALL RESPECT FOR PEOPLE WHO do this careless c**p. Getting behind the wheel knowing their compromised.'

Incriminating: 'It's probably not safe. I shouldn't be saying any of this,' DeGeneres admitted after Kimmel got her to confirm that she drove the car

DeGeneres went on to recount how she discovered that her wife was dangerously ill.

'I'm laying in bed, and I realize [Portia's] not in bed. She's moaning,' she recalled. 'I get out of bed, and she's on the ground on all fours.

'I go, "You're not OK." She goes, "I'm OK." I said, "No, unless you're playing Twister by yourself, you're not OK." So I rushed her to the emergency room.'

Kimmel interrupted her to clarify that she drove de Rossi to the ER.

'I did. I mean, I kicked in, like my adrenaline, because I just had to rush her there,' she replied, sheepishly adding, 'It's probably not safe. I shouldn't be saying any of this.'

DeGeneres added that her wife was 'feeling much better now' following her emergency surgery.

Not a fan: Earlier in the segment, Ellen claimed she 'hated' weed and was bothered by people always trying to push weed gummies on her

Earlier in the segment, Kimmel quizzed DeGeneres on whether she celebrates 420.

She said she wasn't a big marijuana fan, though she joked that it was like 'Christmas' for Jimmy.

The Mr. Wrong star said she 'hated' weed and recalled how people always try to push marijuana gummies on her, claiming they're 'different.'

They followed it up with a humorous segment in which DeGeneres had to guess which of three pedestrians on Hollywood Boulevard were high at that moment.

The host also notably didn't ask her any questions about the controversy over allegations that she and her producers fostered a toxic workplace on the set of her daytime talk show.




Haiti - Politic : National Diaspora Day, messages from MAHVE, France and Canada





As part of the National Day of the Haitian Diaspora, celebrated each year on April 20 (Presidential decree of March 16, 2011) Louis Gonzague Edner Day, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), the Embassy of Haiti in Canada and the Consulate General of Haiti in Paris delivered messages of which we reproduce the main extracts.



Minister of Haitians Living Abroad :



[...] In a context punctuated by a health crisis [...] a regressive economic situation in Haiti and, moreover, a repeated political crisis paralyzing the proper functioning of the State, the Haitian diaspora finds itself today faced with a double anxiety.



Unfortunately the latest consequences of these crises did not allow us to welcome the various delegations of the diaspora in order to solemnly mark this day around crucial themes, in particular "The political and economic integration of the diaspora, security and the referendum constitutional".



Despite the distance that separates us, I renew my desire to unconditionally support compatriots living abroad in their quest for stability in the country, which is essential for real economic, social and political development.



With the new responsibilities entrusted to me within the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities [https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33490-haiti-news-zapping.html] [...] I will put every effort to create a climate conducive to welcoming the diaspora and foreign investment for the well-being of the population without exclusion.



As Minister of MHAVE, I show my solidarity with the Diaspora community which, too long ago, was excluded from the decision-making spheres of the country despite its substantial economic contribution to the country's GDP.



I also encourage the Haitian communities not to be distracted in their determination to organize the referendum on June 27, 2021, which will mark its effective and final integration into the affairs of Haiti [...]"



Consulate General of Haiti in Paris :

In addition, the Consul Wedlyne Francois Pierre of the Consulate General of Haiti in Paris also delivered a message "[...] I would like to greet patriotically and sincerely the Haitian diaspora, which, thanks to its high sense of industry, his dedication, his family love and his dynamic participation in the development of the host countries has been able to project a positive image of the Republic of Haiti.



My brothers and sisters living abroad, especially those of the Haitian diaspora in France, I invite you to unite in order to better face adversity. I hope that one day Haitians moving across the world will no longer be considered 'pitit deya'. I hope that they too will be empowered to participate in major decisions for the good of the country at all levels. A united Nation is a Nation that can overcome all obstacles.



Hoping that everyone continues to contribute to the progress of Haiti, I wish you : Happy National Day of the Haitian Diaspora !"



Embassy of Haiti in Canada :

For its part as part of the celebration of this day, the Embassy of Haiti of Canada in Canada in a note praised "the work and courage of members of the Haitian community in Canada as well as their sustained commitment to Haiti."



Adding that this date had been retained by the Haitian State "to express the gratitude of the mother country to her daughters and sons that she could not retain in her womb, but who show a patriotic attachment worthy of being recognized by all [...]



"[...] May this day of April 20 be a link between all Haitians who meet all over the world, especially in Canada, in their daily fight for a better life for their children, their community and their country of origin."



HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre


















Carphone Warehouse has announced it is to close its business in Ireland, including all its stores and website.

The company employed almost 500 people in Ireland and has 69 standalone stores, including the Portlaoise store located in the Laois Shopping Centre.

In a statement on its website, the company said the move was part of a broader transformation of its parent business Dixons Carphone.

"Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles," it said.

Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time. However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support. This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.

It continued: Well continue to offer our Irish customers a market leading range of top branded mobile handsets and accessories through our Currys PC World stores and on Currys.ie.

The statement also added: Footfall in our Carphone Warehouse stores is down significantly, and we dont expect many customers to sign new contracts with us during this time; our stores will therefore close immediately. Well continue to help our customers via our central customer support team and will also ask some colleagues to provide operational support over the coming days.

As part of Dixons Carphones broader transformation, of one joined up and profitable business, it has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Carphone Warehouse in Ireland, in line with its decision to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK in 2020.
A crisis of unimaginable scale is unfolding in Delhi after reports suggest a majority of COVID hospitals in the capital are running out of oxygen supply.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested the Centre to urgently supply oxygen to Delhi. In the last 24 hours, Delhi reported 240 deaths -- the highest-ever registered in a single day fatalities in the city - and 23,686 fresh coronavirus infections.

Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi. I again urge centre to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi. Some hospitals are left with just a few hours of oxygen.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 20, 2021





"Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi. I again urge centre to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi. Some hospitals are left with just a few hours of oxygen," the Delhi CM tweeted.

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Delhi Govt releases status of Oxygen in various hospitals



Concerning and alarming situation. Hope oxygen supply is provided to Delhi on priority pic.twitter.com/5SziCvqzJG  DaaruBaaz Mehta (@DaaruBaazMehta) April 20, 2021

Industries can wait. Patients cannot."

The Delhi high court directed immediate implementation of order to suspend oxygen to industries.

Industries can wait. Patients cannot. Human lives are at stake, a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said to the central government.

The direction came during the hearing of a petition, related to COVID-19 tests, that the high court revived on April 19 amid rise in COVID-19 cases.

Doctors at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital forced to reduce oxygen given to COVID-19 patients due to insufficient supply:HC  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 20, 2021

The Delhi high court also mentioned that doctors at Gangaram Hospital have been forced to reduce oxygen given to COVID-19 patients due to insufficient supply.

The national capital has gone into a six-day lockdown amid the deteriorating COVID-19 situation.



Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the next three weeks are crucial with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country."Centre working closely with States and UTs on public health measures to contain COVID-19. Next three weeks crucial! At a meeting held today, UTs advised augmenting hospital infrastructure, ramping up testing, creating containment zones and strictly enforcing COVID appropriate behaviour," tweeted Dr Harsh Vardhan.








The Chief Minister arrived at the hospital from the farmhouse at around 8 pm on Wednesday and remained there for 45 minutes. (Photo: DC)

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has undergone a CT scan and other medical tests at Yashoda Hospital in Somajiguda. He left for his farmhouse in Erravelli on the city outskirts soon after the tests.

The Chief Minister had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 19 and since then he has quarantined himself at his farmhouse on the advice from doctors. A team of doctors monitoring his health condition at the farmhouse suggested a CT scan and some other medical tests.

The Chief Minister arrived at the hospital from the farmhouse at around 8 pm on Wednesday and remained there for 45 minutes. He was wearing a mask. He looked healthy.

Medical tests were conducted under the supervision of the CMs personal doctor Dr MV Rao. It was just a routine check-up. Nothing to worry. The CM's health condition is absolutely fine. The CT scan report is normal. No lung infection was detected. There was no need to admit him in the hospital. He has been advised home quarantine," Dr Rao said.

The hospital has conducted six types of medical tests by collecting blood samples of the CM and the results will be known on Thursday. "The CM's health condition is stable. He will recover soon," Dr Rao said.

Chief Minister's son and minister K.T. Rama Rao and his nephew, Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar and other family members were present at the hospital.

Though the CM's official residence cum camp office Pragathi Bhavan is just a furlong away from the Yashoda Hospital, KCR opted to proceed to the

farmhouse on the city outskirts and remain in isolation till he recovered from the infection.
The lack of resources and homes for the upkeep of homeless and vulnerable children who have been picked from the streets is a major hurdle undermining the capacity of the various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) in Accra to rid the capital of child beggars.

Currently, the various offices of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) at the assemblies lack vehicles to enable officials to move round to pick child beggars from the streets.





Besides, there is currently only one state-operated home for homeless children at Madina Social Welfare, but the facility is not big enough to accommodate many street children.



While the MMDAs seek to get support to help resolve the issue, the Accra Police Command has warned that it will soon embark on an operation to clear child beggars off the streets of the capital.



The regional command said it was investigating a hint that most of those children were brought into Ghana from neighbouring countries by some Ghanaians to be used for commercial begging.



At the moment, you may have seen many children from other West African countries on our streets. There are contractors who bring them to Ghana and place them at vantage points and supervise them to beg.





The Accra Regional Police Command is investigating that and will soon move to deal with the situation, the Director of Operations of the Accra Police Command, ACP Kwesi Ofori, told the Daily Graphic.



The situation



Currently, most child beggars ply their trade at traffic intersections at the Opeibea Junction, the 37 Military Hospital, the Airport Junction and other areas that lie within the boundaries of the various municipalities, including Ayawaso West, Ayawaso East and La Dade Kotopon.





It has been observed that by 6:30 every morning, when the rush hour is peaking, the children, some with their parents, troop onto the streets to start a business, and by 6 p.m. they are nowhere to be found on the streets.



Budgetary allocation





Reacting to the Daily Graphics lead story in yesterdays publication on child beggars invading Accra, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, and some officials of the DSW who requested to remain anonymous said the challenge was making it difficult for the MMDAs to remove street child beggars to facilitate their reformation and reintegration into society.



While there are two other private welfare facilities at Agormeda in the Shai Osudoku municipality and Weija, the government has not made budgetary allocation for the childrens upkeep, making it difficult to remove these kids from the streets.



These private facilities can only accommodate kids when there is a commitment from the state to support the operations of the facilities to ensure the childrens proper grooming and reintegration into society, they said.



Major concern



Mr Sowah concurred that streetism, which mostly existed outside the jurisdiction of the AMA, had become a major concern to city authorities and must be tackled with the active support and leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.



He said in recent times, the DSW had been decentralised and every assembly was supposed to have an office that should manage the affairs of street children.



He, however, noted that it was impossible for every assembly to construct a facility where children who had been picked from the streets could be put up.



Therefore, he said, all the assemblies in Accra currently had to depend on the only government-owned childrens home at Madina Social Welfare, being managed by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.



Inaccessible interventions



While the government had several interventions in place to support deprived and vulnerable children, including street kids, such interventions remained out of the reach of children of foreign descent, he said.



The AMA chief executive mentioned free basic education, the school feeding programme, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and the District Assemblies Common Fund for the physically challenged as some of the interventions.



He, however, said because the parents of most of those street children were foreigners, they were unable to register to benefit from those interventions.



Because many of them came with the mindset of begging, they solicit for alms and they do not focus on education at all, he said.



We dont have vehicles



For their part, the DSW officers told the Daily Graphic that the department simply lacked official vehicles to move round the city to remove children from the streets.



For the 31 years I have been a social worker, the department has not earmarked a single vehicle for us to go round. So how do you expect us to effectively help rid our city of child beggars? an officer asked.



Way forward



On the way forward, the AMA boss said the various assemblies were collaborating with some foreign embassies on the best way to repatriate foreigners and their children back to their countries of origin.



We need to intensify this collaboration because we do not want to be seen to be breaching ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of people, he said and called for education to discourage the public from giving alms to street children.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 21:26:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Wednesday that he will take part in an ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders' meeting in Indonesia on Saturday.

"Due to health measures required by Indonesia, the host of the ASEAN Summit, I decided to leave for Jakarta on April 23 at 13:00 (local time)," he wrote on his official Facebook page.

He said he will have his samples taken for COVID-19 testing on Thursday in Cambodia, and upon his arrival in Jakarta on Friday, he will take a second test administered by the Indonesian health authority.

"To ensure safety, all leaders, including the Indonesian president, are required to undergo testing prior to the meeting," he said.

The Cambodian prime minister said that on his return, he will go into a 14-day self-quarantine at his residence and take between two and three more COVID-19 tests.

Cambodia's foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming Hun Sen's presence in the upcoming summit.

The statement said during the meeting, the ASEAN leaders are expected to focus on three main topics, namely the advancement of the ASEAN community building process, the initiatives on COVID-19 response and socio-economic recovery efforts, ASEAN external relations, international and regional developments of common interests and concern.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Enditem
Civil-rights attorneys are challenging a new set of state laws that establish a crime of mob intimidation and enhance penalties for riot-related violence and looting, arguing in a federal lawsuit that the measures unconstitutionally seek to arrest the peaceful expression of free speech.

The challenge was filed Wednesday, two days after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the controversial package (HB 1), one of his top legislative priorities. The governor laid out a framework for the legislation in September in response to nationwide protests after the May 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Republican lawmakers gave final approval to the changes last week, ignoring objections by Democrats and civil-rights groups that predicted the proposal would be challenged in court. A nonprofit organization known as the Lawyers Matter Task Force and other plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in federal court in Orlando, naming as defendants DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Orange County Sheriff John Mina.

The legislation is a horrendous injustice to Florida citizens and infringes on multiple constitutional rights, Shannon Ligon, founder of the Lawyers Matter Task Force, said in a prepared statement Wednesday.

The laws, among other things, create a new felony crime of aggravated rioting that carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a new crime of mob intimidation, which makes it unlawful for a person, assembled with two or more other persons and acting with a common intent, to use force or threaten to use imminent force, to compel or induce, or attempt to compel or induce, another person to do or refrain from doing any act or to assume, abandon, or maintain a particular viewpoint against his or her will.

But the plaintiffs allege the laws expose peaceful demonstrators and social justice advocacy organizations to civil and/or criminal liability for other peoples conduct.

The laws also fail to adequately describe what conduct or speech will subject an individual or an organization to liability for inciting a riot,  the lawsuit said.

Story continues

The measures target protected speech under the First Amendment and retaliate against protesters by imposing excessive bail, fines, or cruel and unusual punishment as a means of hindering the speech of dissenting opinions, Orlando lawyer Aaron Carter Bates, who represents the plaintiffs, wrote in the 22-page lawsuit.

The legislation unconstitutionally threatens to impose liability on individuals expressing their rights to free speech regardless of their intent to incite violence, the likelihood that their speech will result in violence, or the imminence of the intended violence, Bates wrote.

Suit claims new law is overreaching

In a prepared statement provided to The News Service of Florida, Bates called the measures an overreach.

The purpose of these laws are nothing more than an attempt to silence the Black Lives Matter movement and other civil organizations by limiting the ability to protest, he said. The First Amendment is a pillar of American democracy, and the anti-riot laws clearly strip Floridians of their freedom of speech and right to assemble.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs said they planned on holding a peaceful demonstration Saturday to honor Floyd and other victims of racism and police brutality. But DeSantis signature on the legislation, which went into effect immediately, effectively barred plaintiffs from exercising their free speech rights because of the resulting penalty of arrest by Mina and imprisonment by Moody, the lawsuit said.

Peaceful protests could be characterized as a riot due solely on the misconduct of one or two individuals  without any intent by plaintiffs, Bates wrote on behalf of the plaintiffs.

As it relates to the planned demonstration, perceived unlawful violence, acts of force, or arrests may occur, even violence perpetrated by law enforcement, the lawyer argued, adding that the plaintiffs fear criminal and civil liability though their intent is for the protest to be peaceful.

Plaintiffs must choose between encouraging and advising peaceful demonstrations, on the one hand, and exposing themselves to prosecution and civil liability under the denounced laws, on the other. Refraining from encouraging and advising peaceful demonstrations constitutes self-censorship at a loss of plaintiffs First Amendment rights, the lawsuit alleged.

Also, the laws will inhibit other organizers and groups, the lawsuit said.

The potential liability to organizations prevents them from effectively advocating for their views, even though group association enhances advocacies, Bates wrote. In effect, the bill creates a perpetual threat of liability to plaintiffs and others in the event that anyone plaintiffs encourage or assist is arrested at any point in the future. Accordingly, the bill illegally restricts protected speech and association.

The legislation, titled Combatting Public Disorder, is not tailored narrowly enough to protect the governments interests, Bates argued.

Unwarranted violence or public disorder during a demonstration is already illegal under Florida law, he wrote. The governments reported interest in preventing riots is already established by existing Florida criminal statutes.

The lawsuit also alleged that the new measures violate constitutional due-process rights because they invite arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

DeSantis cites new laws strength

At a ceremonial bill-signing event Monday in Polk County, DeSantis boasted that the bill is the strongest, anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement piece of legislation in the country.

The legislation strikes the appropriate balance of safeguarding every Floridians constitutional right to peacefully assemble, while ensuring that those who hide behind peaceful protest to cause violence in our communities will be punished, he said.

But the plaintiffs lawyer argued that the laws are impeding organizers ability to follow through on Saturdays event, which they spent money to plan.

The organizers of the rally are no longer able to obtain co-sponsors or co-organizers because others are afraid of criminal prosecution, the lawsuit said.

DeSantis signing of the bill into law  generated what appears to be the intended effect (but whatever intentional or inadvertent the effect, the bills violation of the Constitution happens and continues.) The ability of plaintiffs to conduct peaceful demonstration without fear of retaliation was impaired, Bates wrote.
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech police have detained five people on suspicion of terrorism-related offences connected to fighting on the side of pro-Russia separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The Prague High Public Prosecutor's Office said the five people detained had not yet been charged but were taken into custody on suspicion of terrorist acts, financing terrorism and supporting terrorism.

"These criminal acts relate to involvement of Czech citizens in the fighting in eastern Ukraine on the side of the so-called (rebel) Donetsk People's Republic," it said in a statement.

The arrests came amid high tension between Prague and Moscow following Czech allegations that Russian military intelligence was behind 2014 explosions at an arms and ammunition depot in which two people were killed.

The central European country on Saturday expelled 18 Russian Embassy staff, whom it identified as intelligence officers, over the matter. Moscow denied any of its agents were involved, branded the Czech stance a provocation and expelled 20 Czech diplomats and other staff in retaliation.

Czech police said on Twitter there was no connection between the two investigations. A police spokesman said more details would be released later on Wednesday.

Public Czech Radio reported, citing information from the investigation, that the arrests targeted a paramilitary group and that one of its members had fought for the rebel side in Ukraine and upon his return had raised money to send others.

Several other Czechs have faced trial in the past connected to the fighting between Russian-backed separatist insurgents and the Ukrainian army in which the Kyiv government says around 14,000 people have been killed since 2014.

The Czech-Russian row over the 2014 arms depot blasts has worsened tensions between Russia and the West over what Ukraine's allies have called a "provocative" build-up of Russian military forces on the Ukrainian border and in Crimea, the peninsula Moscow annexed from Kyiv seven years ago.

Story continues

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday Russia would soon have more than 120,000 troops on Ukraine's frontier, and called for new Western economic sanctions to deter Moscow from "further escalation".

The dispute is the biggest between Prague and Moscow since the end of Soviet domination of Eastern Europe in 1989.

(Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
[April 21, 2021] Sino Group and Ping An Smart City Announce Finalists of 'PropXTech' Corporate Innovation Programme

HONG KONG, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Presenting innovative technology products and solutions, ten start-up companies have been selected from nearly 300 submissions from 42 countries and cities to join 'PropXTech', a corporate innovation programme jointly launched by Sino Group (the 'Group') and Ping An Smart City ('Ping An'). The organisers and participants share the belief in driving the development of the Property-Technology (PropTech) industry, innovate real estate in the region, and contribute to smart cities in all aspects from property development to management. Mr Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation) of Sino Group and PropXTech Project Leader said, 'The programme opened for applications in October 2020, and we were very encouraged by the overwhelming response from hundreds of entrepreneurs and start-ups from around the world. Following a competitive interview and pitch process, ten start-ups demonstrating exceptional creativity and potential were selected to join the innovation programme. Selections were made based on the strengths of the companies' clear business models; sales, engineering, scalability and operational capabilities; and their ability to address customer experience, efficient processing, and financial impact.' The finalists presented PropTech products and services spanning physical, experiential and digital offerings. Some of the PropTech innovations include*: Welbot - An adaptive robotics application for construction automation. By collecting on-site raw data, the system can provide big data and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm construction framework for complex environments in a short time. Additionally, the start-up, from Hong Kong , has created a cable robotic cleaner for buildings and windows, that uses environmentally friendly ionic pure water, and does not require a gondola, making the cleaning of high-rise buildings more cost effective, sustainable, and easier to install and operate.

- An adaptive for construction automation. By collecting on-site raw data, the system can provide big data and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm construction framework for complex environments in a short time. Additionally, the start-up, from , has created a cable robotic cleaner for buildings and windows, that uses environmentally friendly ionic pure water, and does not require a gondola, making the cleaning of high-rise buildings more cost effective, sustainable, and easier to install and operate. Valpas  a smart living well-being solution that could make a dramatic impact on the quality of hotels and health of guests. Hailing from Finland , Valpas has designed smart bed legs that have a special coating and colour that together with the CO 2 emitted by sleeping guests attract and trap newly arrived bed bugs in the bed legs. The product is patented, certified, eco-friendly, toxic-free and chemical-free.

 a well-being solution that could make a dramatic impact on the quality of hotels and health of guests. Hailing from , Valpas has designed smart bed legs that have a special coating and colour that together with the CO emitted by sleeping guests attract and trap newly arrived bed bugs in the bed legs. The product is patented, certified, eco-friendly, toxic-free and chemical-free. Archilyse  The start-up from Switzerland has designed a cloud-based service, offering machine learning and AI to replace subjective assessment of architectural qualities. The outcome is a holistic solution for analysis and automated evaluation with objective data to facilitate decision making, identify qualitative KPI and increase process efficiency significantly. In addition to data analytics , a digital modelling element can generate 3D BIM future-ready models from paper or PDF plans, which optimises and accelerates the process at the modelling stage of building development.

 The start-up from has designed a cloud-based service, offering machine learning and AI to replace subjective assessment of architectural qualities. The outcome is a holistic solution for analysis and automated evaluation with objective data to facilitate decision making, identify qualitative KPI and increase process efficiency significantly. In addition to , a element can generate 3D BIM future-ready models from paper or PDF plans, which optimises and accelerates the process at the modelling stage of building development. Vutility  an IoT device designed in the USA , Vutility is an energy monitoring solution that makes sub-metering easier and provides real-time, high resolution, non-intrusive accessible, insightful and actionable data about energy consumption, to improve operational and energy efficiency. The four-month programme kicked off in March 2021 and is now in the 'Acceleration Phase'. Whilst receiving comprehensive mentorship from Sino Group, Ping An's experts and world-renowned veterans, the finalists are also gaining access to the Group's innovation ecosystem to develop pilot and proof-of-concept projects in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area, meeting with the Group's various business units and partners to explore potential business scenarios and achieve synergic collaborations, as well as testing and fine-tuning their solutions in a real-world environment. Mr David Ng, Group Associate Director of Sino Group said, 'Sino Group is excited to foster and nurture these start-up companies through providing a platform that cultivates young innovative minds. We hope our PropXTech innovation programme will enable innovators to enhance the way our communities are built, and look forward to working with more industry peers and start-ups to make a positive impact in the development of smart cities.' Mr Wei Hu, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Ping An Smart City said, 'We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the PropXTech programme; with the right support, these start-up companies have the capabilities to innovate and digitalise the real estate and smart city industries in the Greater Bay Area. Ping An Smart City looks forward to working with Sino Group and these companies to explore the next generation of cities together'. The 'PropXTech' corporate innovation programme is designed to foster and develop promising technology companies in the dynamic Greater Bay Area and to create innovative solutions for the region's growing real estate industry. Later this year the finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements and connect with investors and affiliate partners.







*Please see the appendix for more details about all ten finalists of PropXTech programme

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1493039/Sino_EN.pdf About Sino Group Sino Group is one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong. It comprises three listed companies  Sino Land Company Limited (HKSE: 083), Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited (HKSE: 0247) and Sino Hotels (Holdings) Limited (HKSE: 1221) as well as private companies held by the Ng Family. The Group's core business is developing residential, office, industrial and retail properties for sale and investment. In addition to an extensive portfolio in Hong Kong, the Group has footprints in mainland China, Singapore and Australia. The Group has developed more than 250 projects, spanning a total plot ratio area of over 84.6 million sq ft. Our core business is complemented by the gamut of property services encompassing management, security and environmental services to ensure a seamless Sino Experience. We are also a key player in hotel and club management. The Group employs more than 10,000 committed staff members, who share the vision of creating better lifescapes. Lifescape is our vision  to build a better life together, where the community thrives in harmony by embracing green living and wellness, by engaging with all and pursuing meaningful designs, and by seeking innovation while respecting heritage and culture. Committed and together, we create a better community where people live, work and play. In the year 2021, the Group celebrates its 50th anniversary, commemorating our five decades of community-building and dedication to Creating Better Lifescapes. The Group focuses its sustainability efforts on three areas, namely Green Living, Innovative Design, and Community Spirit. Sino Land Company Limited (083) has been a constituent member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series since September 2012 for its continual efforts in promoting sustainability. www.sino.com About Ping An Smart City Ping An Smart City is a technology company under the Ping An Group that focuses on the construction of new smart cities. Under the wave of new infrastructure construction, Ping An Smart City actively responds to the call of the country and uses cutting-edge technologies such as big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to optimize governance system, improve business environment and public service. Ping An integrated smart city solution covers smart living, smart education, smart health commission, smart government affairs, smart transportation, etc.. So far, Ping An Smart City has launched above 230 programmes, cooperating with more than 140 cities across China and 6 countries and regions along the Belt and Road. www.city.pingan.com SOURCE Sino Group

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President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he was making four nominations for the TVA Board.

They include lifelong Chattanooga resident Robert P. "Bobby" Klein.

Others are Beth Geer, Kimberly Lewis and Michelle Moore.

The White House gave these bios:

Beth Prichard Geer is Chief of Staff to former Vice President Al Gore and serves as a member of Nashville Mayor John Coopers Sustainability Advisory Committee. Geer has extensive policy and outreach experience on issues including climate change, environmental justice, and regenerative agriculture. She has served in senior roles in the Clinton-Gore White House, Department of Labor, and United States Senate. As a native of rural Tennessee, she graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and earned the Public Leadership Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Managers in Government program. She resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband, Dr. John Geer.

Robert P. Klein is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga having attending Hamilton County public schools graduating from Tyner High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club. He also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Klein served in the Tennessee Army National Guard where received an Honorable Discharge.He begin his professional career at the Chattanooga Gas Company before continuing at the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (now EPB) where he worked in the Overhead Line Department. He completed the Joint Lineman Apprenticeship Program becoming a Journeyman Lineman in 1982. He furthered his career by becoming a Line Foreman supervising the building and maintaining of the power distribution system. Klein took a leave of absence with EBP to work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 175 and was appointed in 1998 as an International Representative with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In 2003 he was appointed as the International Vice President of the IBEW Tenth District, which consists of Tennessee, Arkansas, North and South Carolina. He was re-elected as Vice President at the 37th and 38th IBEW International Conventions.During his career Klein has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the United Way of Chattanooga, Board of Directors for the Tennessee Labor-Management Conference, Board of Directors for the Tennessee Safety and Health Congress, sat on the Tennessee Valley Trades and Labor Council, where is served as President for 14 years. He also sat on the Tennessee Valley Authority Labor -Management Committee as well as on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Labor-Management Public Affairs Committee. Additionally, he was a Trustee for the IBEW-NECA Family Medical Healthcare Plan. He officially retired from EPB in 2011 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2015. Klein, who is known as Bobby to his family, friends and colleagues attends Silverdale Baptist Church and still resides in Chattanooga with his wife, Sharon.

Kimberly Caudle Lewis of Huntsville, Alabama, is the Chief Executive Officer of PROJECTSYZ, Inc., a business that provides services and products in the areas of engineering, logistics, technical services, manufacturing, and international foreign military sales. She leads a workforce that supports federal and commercial customers across several diverse subsidiaries and at locations across the US and around the world. Lewis has a 25-year career spanning business operations and management, technology, and federal government contacting.A life-long resident of Madison County, Alabama, Lewis would later become the first black female elected as Board Chair of the Huntsville / Madison Chamber of Commerce and most recently, the first minority owner of North Alabamas only locally owned broadcast television station, WTZT-TV. Lewis previous career roles and studies in healthcare and information technology set the foundation for starting PROJECTXYZ and where she was previously involved in management of large-scale IT implementations and projects for large healthcare companies. She earned a degree in Computer Information Systems at John C. Calhoun State Community College.

A social entrepreneur and former White House official with roots in rural Georgia, Michelle Moore is a purposeful leader with a passion for connecting clean energy with economic growth. Her passion for community power and getting good stuff done is rooted in her faith and the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Moore currently serves as CEO of Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power through community solar, clean energy, and resilience programs that share power, savings, and economic opportunity with more than four thousand families. Her accomplishments range from building the global green building movement as a senior executive with the U.S. Green Building Council to leading the sustainability and infrastructure delivery teams for the Obama Administration.Moore got her start in sustainability in 1997 as Director of eBusiness for Interface Inc. in her hometown of LaGrange, Ga., where working for Ray Anderson showed her how to connect people, planet, and profitability and the pathway to doing well by doing good. Moore is married to Linwood Boswell, a local music mainstay, father of three, and community real estate agent in Richmond, Virginia.
Ajeet Singh had to steel himself for a return to work at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday for the first time since a former employee shot dead eight people, including four members of Indianapolis' tightly knit

I've been scared to go back," Singh said. "I don't know why this happened still. Was it random, or was it because of who I am?



While the motive for last week's rampage remains under investigation, leaders and members of the say they feel a collective trauma and believe more must be done to combat the bigotry, bias and violence they have suffered for decades in the country. Amid intense pain, they're channeling their grief into demands for gun reform and tougher hate crime statutes, and calls for outsiders to educate themselves about their Sikh neighbours.

We are time and time again disproportionately facing senseless and often very targeted attacks, said Satjeet Kaur, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, a New York-based group that has urged investigators to examine bias as a possible motive in the shootings.

"The impact on the community is traumatic," she continued, "not just particularly the families that face the senseless violence, but also in the community at large because it's community trauma.

In the days since the shootings, the coalition facilitated a call with federal officials in which Sikh leaders in Indiana asked for the appointment of a Sikh American liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement, among other requests.

A monotheistic faith founded more than 500 years ago in India's Punjab region, Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion with about 25 million followers, including about 500,000 in the United States.

Kaur said that as a relatively young faith with a low population in the Western world, Sikhism is generally not taught in schools to the same extent as other global religions or integrated in policy-making, resulting in misunderstanding and ignorance. Anti-Sikh discrimination can manifest itself in everything from schoolyard bullying to verbal attacks to shocking acts of violence.

Last year a man accused of running over the Sikh owner of a suburban Denver liquor store after reportedly telling him and his wife to go back to your country was charged with a hate crime and 16 other counts including attempted murder.

The latest killings dredged up painful memories for Rana Singh Sodhi, an Indian immigrant living in Arizona. He has spent nearly two decades preaching love and tolerance after his brother was shot dead four days after 9/11 by a man who mistook him for a Muslim because of his turban. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first of scores of Sikhs who were the target of hate crimes in the aftermath of the 2001 terror attacks.

It's very painful, Rana Singh Sodhi said. I hope one day ... people will love each other and enjoy the life and working together and living together in this beautiful country. There are between 8,000 and 10,000 Sikh Americans in Indiana, where they began settling more than 50 years ago and opened their first house of worship, known as a gurdwara, in 1999.

Most of the employees at the FedEx warehouse are members of the community. Gurinder Singh Khalsa of the Indiana-based Sikh Political Action Committee said many Sikhs live on Indianapolis' west and south sides, making the facility's airport location a convenient place to work.

On Monday his committee said it had set up a task force to seek answers about the shooting and to press government officials to take action. An important goal, Khalsa said, is to help people returning to work feel safe.

That would be a relief to people like Gaganpal Singh Dhaliwal, who said two of his aunts had just arrived for their shift at the warehouse Thursday night when the shooting started. His mother also works there. They all survived, but he's mourning colleagues and friends.

Dhaliwal expressed hope that the tragedy will inspire others to better understand the religion and cultural practices: To all my fellow Americans, whether Republicans, Democrats, Muslims, Jewish, non-religious people, everyone: Google the word Sikh' today. ... Devote five minutes of your time to be aware about another people around you who may not look like you.

Already he's starting to see some signs of raised consciousness, notably in the flags flying at half-staff outside homes and businesses across Indianapolis and an outpouring of support to fundraisers for victims' families. He urged more people to build bridges to his community.

If you see a person like me wearing a (turban) on the head, in your street, in your grocery shop, at your workplace, go talk to them," Dhaliwal said. "Tell them you know who Sikhs are, or give them a hug and say, Hey, you're welcome in the US.' Right now we're a community that needs a lot of support, and to know that we have a place in this place called America.

The killings have reverberated nationwide.

Pardeep Singh Kaleka, executive director of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the son of one of seven fatal victims of a 2012 mass shooting at a gurdwara in the suburb of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, said there are concerns about an escalating threat of violence.

(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 visiting Agarak and Meghri towns earlier in the day on Wednesday, Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Kapan town, the administrative capital of Syunik Province, where the residents have gathered and expressed their protest over his visit.

They were cursing the Prime Minister and calling him a traitor and a capitulator of land.

When Pashinyan arrived at the provincial hall, however, a group of locals who had gathered there started applauding him, whereas those assembled in the distance shouted, "Nikol, the traitor."

Armenian News-NEWS.am had reported Tuesday that the PM had left for Syunik Province in top secrecy.

And last night, Armenian News-NEWS.am learned that Pashinyan visited Shurnukh village at night.

There are press reports that the PM was received by the local residents indignantly and coldly.

To note, the Syunik Police chief, his deputy, and the Goris and Kapan town police chiefs were changed unexpectedly on Monday.

Also, except for one community, the leaders of all other Syunik communities have publicly demanded Pashinyan's resignation.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will premiere its first episode Tuesday of a YouTube show about unsolved cold cases in Midland, Odessa and other parts of West Texas.

The show, titled Cold Case Investigations of the Texas Rangers, is in partnership with the Midland County Sheriffs Office and DRB Media Communications.

During each episode, well highlight a new case in hopes of bringing attention and hopefully encouraging and inspiring someone who may have seen something to come forward, DPS Sgt. Oscar Villarreal said during a press conference on Monday.

The episodes will cover unsolved murders, sexual assaults, missing persons and unidentified human remains, he said.

Midland County Sheriff David Crinersaid several of the Sheriffs Offices open homicide investigations will be featured in the series.

The Midland County Sheriffs Office welcomes the assistance of [Ranger Jeff Strain] and his staff and we look forward to working with the DPS once again, he said.

DPS was inspired to create the show because of the success of series like Unsolved Mysteries and other true crime shows in bringing attention to cold cases and unearthing new details, Villarreal said.

With COVID, all the movies and everything was at almost a dead stop, and when you couldnt go to the movies, people wanted to start solving crimes on their own, he said.

Each episode will be three minutes long and available for streaming on DPSs and DRB Medias YouTube and Facebook pages. The first episode will premiere at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Help us bring closure to families and solve these cases at the same time, Villarreal said.
Bomb rocks Pakistan hotel hosting China ambassador

The blast left vehicles on fire in the car park of the upscale Serena Hotel. Photo: AFP

At least four people were killed and a dozen others wounded when a bomb exploded at a top hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador in southwestern Pakistan, officials said late on Wednesday.



The blast took place in the car park of the Serena - a luxury hotel chain throughout Pakistan  in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province where the military has been fighting a decade-long low level insurgency.



"At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," said Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, describing it as "an act of terrorism".



"A Chinese delegation of around four people led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.



"The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added.



Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources - a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth.



Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)  a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative  which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders.



Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast.



"Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said.



No group immediately claimed the attack.



In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project - the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea - killing at least eight people.



And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies.



All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.



It comes after more than a week of violent anti-France protests led by an extremist party based in the eastern city of Lahore. (AFP)
AUSTIN, Minn.  A man accused of killing his two-year-old daughter in Mower County is pleading guilty to killing the childs mother in Wisconsin.

Dariaz Lewis Higgins, 37 of Milwaukee, WI, has pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide in Milwaukee County District Court. Authorities say he shot to death Sierra Robinson, 24, in Milwaukee in March 2019.

Mower County law enforcement says Higgins killed two-year-old Noelani Robinson at an Austin motel before that. The girls body was found wrapped in a blanket in the east ditch north of the intersection of Highway 218 and Highway 30 in Steele County.

Higgins is now scheduled to be sentenced on the Wisconsin murder on July 26. He has not yet entered a plea to a charge of second-degree murder in Mower County.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:27:03|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 133 new COVID-19 positive cases have been registered in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, raising the number of patients infected with the disease to 58,346 in the country, the Ministry of Public Health said in a statement released here Wednesday.

According to the statement, four patients have died over the period, bringing the number of COVID-19 related deaths to 2,561 since the outbreak of the pandemic in February last year in Afghanistan.

A total of 29 COVID-19 affected patients have recovered over the period, bringing the number of those recovered to 52,301 in the conflict-battered country, the statement added. Enditem
Bharat Biotechs Covaxin has shown an overall efficacy of 78 per cent against Covid-19 and 100 per cent efficacy against a severe form of the disease, the vaccine maker said on Wednesday.

The vaccine has also shown 70 per cent efficacy against asymptomatic infections, suggesting that it prevents transmission. The second interim analysis of Covaxins Phase 3 clinical trials is based on accruing 87 symptomatic cases of the virus.

Trials are double-blinded and the investigator and volunteer do not know if they have received a placebo or a vaccine shot. After a certain statistical number of cases of the disease are reported in the sample, the data is un-blinded to see whether those in the vaccinated arm got the disease.

Due to the recent surge in cases, 127 symptomatic cases were recorded, resulting in a point estimate of vaccine efficacy of 78 per cent against mild, moderate, and severe Covid-19 disease. The efficacy against severe Covid-19 disease was 100 per cent, with an impact on reduction in hospitalisations. The efficacy against asymptomatic Covid-19 infection was 70 per cent, suggesting decreased transmission in recipients, the Hyderabad based firm said.

In the first interim analysis, the whole virion (virus) inactivated Covid-19 vaccine candidate had shown an efficacy of 80.6 per cent. This included 2,433 people over the age of 60 and 4,500 people with co-morbidities.

The company is in process of ramping up its vaccine production capacity to 700 million doses annually and is also pursuing approval for it in 60 countries. In Mexico, the Philippines, and Iran, it is already fetching $15-20 per shot.

The safety and efficacy results from the final analysis will be available in June and will submit the final report to a peer-reviewed publication. Further, based on the achievement of the success criteria, placebo recipients have now become eligible to receive two doses of Covaxin.

The Phase 3 study enrolled 25,800 participants between 18-98 years of age, including 10 per cent over the age of 60, with analysis conducted 14 days after the second dose.

Commenting on the results, Balram Bhargava, secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (which has collaborated with to develop the vaccine) said he was pleased with the results.

The first indigenous vaccine has shown the efficacy of 78 per cent in the second interim analysis. I am also happy to note that Covaxin works well against most variants of SARS-CoV-2. These findings together consolidate the position of our indigenous vaccine in the global vaccine landscape, said Bhargava.
Christine Holifield is a part-time worker who cant work full time due to a health condition.

In spite of her disability, Holifield is a self-employed independent contractor and business owner, doing work in auction houses. When auction houses closed at the start of the pandemic, the Dexter resident was put out of work.

The CARES Act came to the rescue, giving Holifield federal unemployment money through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Michigan approved her for the federal benefits a year ago, on April 21, 2020.

She went back to work in the late summer and stopped claiming PUA benefits.

But in October, Holifield got a $10,000 bill in the mail. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency changed its mind  deciding that people who arent available for full-time work dont get benefits.

Many others have gotten the same news.

Its not really comprehensible why the agency has adopted this position, said David Blanchard, an Ann Arbor attorney whos representing Holifield. Michigan loses millions of dollars in federal aid (because of this).

The UIA has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Some people are getting bills as high as $30,000 from the UIA, Blanchard said.

RELATED: IRS will start sending refunds in May to many who paid tax on 2020 unemployment

The CARES Act does not prohibit part-time workers from getting federal benefits. The decision comes from the Michigan UIA. But any funds paid back would go back to the feds.

Its especially frustrating when you realize its federally approved disaster relief dollars that the states own agency is trying to claw back and send back to Washington, Blanchard said.

Experts estimate thousands of Michiganders have been ordered to pay back their benefits through these monetary redeterminations.

They have re-reviewed claims and then they send out these bills, said Rachael Kohl, director of the Workers Rights Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. They say, Hey, just kidding! We dont think you were entitled to the money we already paid you.

Kohl has had calls from hundreds of people in the same quandary. However, the letters are poorly worded and the process is hard to navigate, she said. People actually must file two separate appeals to get their case reviewed.

Its very confusing that the agency has done this retroactively, Kohl said. (The letter) doesnt actually say, Youre not entitled to the benefits, it just says, Weve given you a new weekly benefit amount.

The UIA threatens to garnish wages and seize tax refunds if the benefits arent repaid, she said.

The UIA never announced a change in policy. It started making changes behind the scenes in October after Director Steve Gray left the position and Liza Estlund Olson took over as acting director, Kohl said.

RELATED: Michigans unemployment agency director got $86,000 to leave job, on condition of confidentiality

Disabled workers, student workers and other part-time employees are among the biggest losers, but arent the only targets. Others who didnt work because of COVID-19 in 2020 are also getting letters demanding repayment, Kohl said.

The UIA has not answered requests from Kohl and Blanchard for more details, like how many people the UIA has demanded repay their benefits. It declined to comment on the pending litigation to MLive.

Michigan is an outlier in its approach, Kohl said. To start, its one of just two states that doesnt normally pay regular benefits to part-time workers. The PUA program was a backstop that was supposed to help all unemployed people who werent eligible for regular benefits.

The unemployment agency  is purposely excluding money from coming into Michigan thats going into these other states, Kohl said. Theres no reason for it. Its federal money. Its not affecting employers. Its not affecting our state budget at all.

Holifield appealed her case, but an administrative law judge ruled against her in December. Now the case is going before the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission with help from a powerful new supporter: Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Nessels office filed a 35-page amicus brief in support of Holifields case.

Part-time workers often take the brunt of impact from economic hard times, Nessel said in a news release. Those who saw their hours cut by the pandemic are the very individuals whom Congress intended to assist by passing the CARES Act. Depriving them of unemployment benefits that are rightfully theirs does nothing but add to their hardship and therefore hurts Michigans economic recovery. "

An oral argument for the appeal is scheduled for May 5.

Even if Holifield wins, the decision isnt binding, but could set a precedent for other cases. Kohl and Blanchard hope a win would make the UIA reconsider its entire approach.

Elbowing out the needy isnt new for the UIA  it drew wide criticism for its false-fraud scandal in the early 2010s. Its computer system wrongly accused claimants of fraud, denying benefits and demanding repayments. A review of the situation found 93% of the people accused of fraud from 2013 to 2015 were not actually fraudulent, Kohl said.

Theres no reason for the agency to have this restrictive approach, Kohl said of the latest issue. But its very indicative of what weve seen from the agency for the past decade.

Unemployment agencies across the country have dealt with fraudulent claims throughout the pandemic, as the CARES Act opened up funding for more people.

The Michigan UIA estimated in the fall that it paid hundreds of millions of dollars to fraudulent claims in 2020 and is attempting to identify criminals and get the money repaid. Most of the benefits came from federal coffers.

RELATED STORIES:

Michigan cut off unemployment for thousands of eligible residents. Its not the first time.

COVID-19-related reasons no longer acceptable to get Michigan unemployment

Despite draining 89% of unemployment funds, Michigan says it wont run out in 2021

Extended Benefits unemployment program ends in Michigan
UPDATE: The device the man was wearing was an elaborate hoax device with flares, wires and a timer, sources confirmed to MassLive.

___________

A man with a rifle claiming to have a bomb was shot and killed by police in Worcester late Tuesday after a standoff with officers, according to authorities.

Officers responded to Grafton Street area around 10:30 p.m. for a report of a man with a rifle, claiming to have a bomb and threatening to detonate it, Lt. Sean Murtha, a spokesperson for the Worcester Police Department, confirmed.

The Worcester Emergency Communications Department received a 911 call from a man alleging he had rifle, a bomb and an explosive device, threatening to detonate it, according to Murtha.

A SWAT team was brought in, and negotiations began. There was a lengthy attempt to deescalate the situation, police said.

The man advanced toward the officers, though. At that point, there was a shooting, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services, according to authorities.

Massachusetts State Police troopers could be heard sending personnel to the area sometime after 11 p.m., according to scanner audio.

Worcester is in a standoff with an individual, one trooper said in the audio.

Worcester police and SWAT teams converged on the area along with bomb squads. Police negotiators were also called to the scene.

One witness who lives in the area told MassLive he was asleep, but the sounds of gunshots woke him up around midnight.

The witness, who declined to be named, said he looked outside after hearing the gunshots and spotted a large group of police outside. About 35 minutes later, police knocked on some nearby doors and cleared people from the area.

Police closed off Grafton Street in Worcester after a standoff with a man who reportedly had a gun.

Police told the witness authorities were investigating if the man involved in the standoff had explosives.

Authorities had the area around the scene blocked off into the early hours of Wednesday.

The district attorneys office is planning a press conference at 11 a.m.

Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364.

MassLive reporter Jackson Cote contributed to this story.
[April 21, 2021] CACI Awarded Prime Position on $12.6 Billion Multiple-Award Defense Intelligence Agency Contract

CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a prime position on a 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, with a ceiling value of $12.6 billion, by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the Solutions for Information Technology Enterprise (SITE III) contract. Under the contract, which is largely new business opportunities for the company, CACI will support enterprise and mission needs for the DIA and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). SITE III provides strategic, technical, and program management guidance and support services to facilitate the operations and modernization of the agency's infrastructure, systems, and applications. The enterprise-focused work includes cybersecurity, application development and sustainment, connectivity and network services, and enterprise computing and cloud services, among others. John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "CACI provides proven and innovative technology and expertise for our customers' enterprise missions and are proud to expand the work we provide to both the DIA and NGA."



CACI's approximately 23,000 talented employees are vigilant in providing the unique expertise and distinctive technology that address our customers' greatest enterprise and mission challenges. Our culture of good character, innovation, and excellence drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. As a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, we consistently deliver strong shareholder value. Visit us at www.caci.com. There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof.

CACI-Contract Award View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005217/en/

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Toronto/New Delhi, April 21 : A drug syndicate active in Canada's Ontario, British Columbia and the US' California has been busted with the arrest of 33 people who were charged with over 130 criminal offences, officials said.

Among the 33, 27 were arrested and charged in the Greater Toronto Area, with 19 of them hailing from the town of Brampton. Of these, 23 are of Punjabi origin. One suspect, Gurbinder Sooch, remains at large.

Law enforcement agencies across various countries launched "Project Cheetah" a year ago, tracking a large network of drug trade that involved importing cocaine, heroin, opium and ketamine into Canada, the US, India and other parts of the world.

This led to huge success. On April 8, police in Ontario, British Columbia and California executed more than 50 search warrants, in which 33 people were arrested and charged.

York Regional Police, that led the crackdown, said multiple agencies worked on the operation that "dismantled a large-scale international drug trafficking network that extended to western Canada, the United States and India".

The York Regional Police also said that some of the drugs were found at "kids indoor playground".

Officers seized drugs valued at approximately $2.3 million and including 10 kg of cocaine, 8 kg of ketamine, 3 kg of heroin and 2.5 kg of opium. Investigators also seized 48 firearms and $730,000 in Canadian currency. Most of the weapons were seized from Caledon. Police say the guns were lawfully possessed by a person who now faces charges.

The drugs being trafficked brought into Canada from the US, primarily from California, and also from India.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had shared vital inputs with Canada and the US in the last two years over the racket being run from Canadian soil. The Indian agencies had, in different operations in the last three years, found drugs were transported to Canada from Punjab in vessels, electronic machines and even in holy books.

In one case, the NCB had traced smuggling of cocaine to Punjab from Canada for local use as well as further trafficking to Delhi and Goa. Sources said that the follow-up probe would lead to the arrest of a number of international smugglers based out of Canada, Italy and Australia who were wanted by security agencies in India.
Hon. Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has condemned the erecting of buildings along Ramsar site in the country.



A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.



In ordinary terms, a Ramsar site is a waterprone area reserved to avoid national hazards like floods.



Research indicates the Government of Ghana recently declared five coastal wetlands to be Ramsar sites.



The sites are Muni-Pomadze, Densu Delta, Sakumono, Songor and Keta.



In an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, the Minister revealed that about 2,000 houses have been built within areas earmarked as Ramsar sites, hence posing threats to the city and its dwellers.



He explained that the building of houses and other facilities in the Ramsar site is a major cause of flooding in the city and therefore have pledged to deal with the situation in toto.



"I've met stakeholders to provide me detailed reports on how those buildings found their way into the Ramsar sites . . . I'm also working towards securing an injunction on building at these sites and any person found culpable will be charged with contempt'', he cautioned.



Hon. Quartey urged Ghanaians to do the right thing and not encroach on the Ramsar sites.





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.

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Big labor suffered a significant loss in its attempt to unionize employees at Amazons warehouse facility in Bessemer, Alabama. Of the workers eligible to vote, an embarrassingly small 16% voted to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. It was the most recent in a series of high-profile losses for labor including failed attempts to unionize factories for Volkswagen, Nissan Motors, and Boeing. In each case, union leaders bet that they could convince workers it was in their best interests to be enrolled in a union that would stand up to management over wages and working conditions. In each case, they lost.

With private-sector union membership down from 24.2% in 1973 to 6.3% today, union leaders realize they are in an uphill battle. But the problems they face are nearly impossible to address absent a reassessment of their political affiliations  unless, that is, they can get the government to change the rules so that joining a union is less of a choice and more of a mandate.

One such problem is union leaderships overwhelming support for Democrats and progressive political causes, which clashes with more varied political affiliations among rank-and-file union members.

As reported on the pro-union website Strikewave last October, polling data commissioned by the progressive think tank Data for Progress found that active union members were more strongly Republican (31%) than strongly Democrat (29%), though a slight majority lean Democrat. Yet, according to OpenSecrets.org, labor organizations contributed a whopping $27.5 million to President Bidens campaign and groups that supported him, while President Trump took in a mere $360,000.

That kind of political bias might be helpful if the unions were trying to organize Harvard professors or the top-level executives in multinational corporations. But it wasnt a plus in Alabama, where Trump got 62% of the vote  much of which came from precisely the kind of employees who work in the Amazon warehouse.

Nor did it help for the unions to bring in Senator Bernie Sanders, the millionaire socialist who gave a speech promising that union success at Amazon would spread all over this country. American workers dont want socialism  particularly Republican workers, nearly 80% of whom view capitalism positively.

What workers of all political stripes do want is more opportunity, better wages, and better working conditions. It might help the unions if they focused on those things rather than spending union dues on candidates many of their members and potential members oppose or bringing in an 80-year-old socialist to give the same unconvincing speech hes been giving for the last 50 years.

These tactics only serve to convince workers that the unions goals may not match their own. Its not like union leaders have been shy about it. As AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka admitted in 2007, I got into the labor movement not because I wanted to negotiate wages. I got into the labor movement because I saw it as a vehicle to do massive social change to include lots of people.

So, no one should be surprised that union efforts to organize workers at Amazon failed so miserably. But labor leaders and their Democratic allies have a solution they believe will keep those union dues and political contributions flowing: a bill designed to prop up labor unions by making it far easier to coerce unwilling workers into unionizing. Its called the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), and the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives has already passed it.

The PRO Acts provisions are draconian. Among other things, it would require that employers disclose employee contact information  such as home addresses and phone numbers  to union organizers. It would then undermine secret-ballot voting with a process called card check. Basically, the union would know where workers live, where their kids go to school and, eventually, how they voted, making it easier to coerce these employees to vote for a union.

If a business did unionize, the PRO Act would then compel union membership by eliminating laws in 27 states that grant workers who choose not to join a union the right to work without being forced to join a union or pay union dues.

The PRO Act is an acknowledgment that big labor is unable to grow private-sector union membership by doing a good job representing workers interests. Instead, union leaders want to force union membership and union dues on unwilling employees, and their allies in the Democratic Party are prepared to apply the heavy hand of government to help them do it.

Unions played an important role in American life when they focused on the concerns of real employees in real workplaces. Theyre not doing that now  not in the private sector, anyway  and thats why employees are rejecting them. If union leaders want that to change, they should try winning workers support by meeting their needs without offending their values.
A five-member board of civilians is being established to review complaints of police misconduct in Alabamas largest city, Mayor Randall Woodfin said Monday.

The Civilian Review Board, which was recommended by a task force that reviewed public safety following the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota and nationwide protests last year, will have subpoena power as it investigates matters not otherwise referred to prosecutors or the Birmingham Police Departments internal affairs office.

Members will include former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance; former Birmingham Police Chief Annetta Nunn; attorney Victor Revill; the Rev. Lawrence Conoway; and activist and speaker T. Marie King, said Woodfin, who created the board with an executive order.

This is an opportunity to build bridges, to cultivate trust, to create more checks and balances and for ensuring justice, Woodfin said during a news briefing. Were putting reform in the hands of the people.

In announcing the board, Woodfin invoked the name of Bonita Carter, a Black woman whose shooting death by a Birmingham police officer in 1979 led to protests and political change in the city, including the election of the citys first Black mayor. A cousin of Carter, J.D. Jackson, said her death helped ensure that our city became truly the Magic City so it would stop being the tragic city.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement
[April 21, 2021] Plus500 Ltd. ("Plus500", "the Company" or together with its subsidiaries "the Group") Acquisition

Plus500, a leading technology platform for trading Contracts for Difference ("CFDs") internationally, today announces that it has conditionally agreed to acquire all of the membership interests of Cunningham Commodities LLC. ("Cunningham"), a regulated Futures Commission Merchant ("FCM"), and Cunningham Trading Systems LLC. (" CTS (News - Alert) "), a technology trading platform provider, operating in the futures and options on futures market in the US (together "the Acquisition"). Compelling strategic rationale The Acquisition represents a major growth opportunity for Plus500, allowing the Company to instantly expand its geographic footprint and product offering in the significantly growing, but under-penetrated, US retail trading market in futures and options on futures. The Acquisition is expected to: Deliver a substantial opportunity for Plus500 to leverage its best-in-class technology to enable market access to the millions of US retail investors looking for new trading opportunities;

Ensure immediate access to, and the requisite licenses to operate in, the sizable and growing US market, where the Company does not currently operate or have a presence;

Expand Plus500's product offering into the US, with the Group entering the growing futures and options on futures market for the first time, diversifying its sources of revenue;

Represent another step in Plus500's transition towards becoming a global, multi-asset fintech group; and

Align with the Group's strategy of accessing future growth through organic investment in its technology as well as targeted bolt-on acquisitions. Plus500 intends to apply its considerable financial and technological strength, as well as its substantial technological marketing expertise and resources, to scale and develop the acquired businesses over time, with a view to delivering long term shareholder value. The Acquisition consideration of approximately US$30m will be funded from Plus500's existing cash balances and paid on completion, subject to certain adjustments. Portions of the consideration are to be held in escrow for two years from completion of the Acquisition, for retention purposes. For the year ending 31 December 2020, Cunningham generated gross revenue of approximately US$19m and profit before tax of approximately US$0.6m, with gross assets of approximately US$70m, and brings with it a scarce and valuable license to operate in the futures and options on futures market in the US. The Acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive in its first full year and is expected to be completed during Q3 2021, subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Cunningham and CTS - regulated FCM and Futures technology platform Based in Illinois, and established in 1982, Cunningham is registered as an FCM with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), is a member of National Futures Association ("NFA") and is a clearing member of the Chicago Board of Trade, Division of CME Group, Inc. ("CBOT"). Cunningham has a long-standing track record in the US futures and options on futures market, including strong relationships with direct customers, introducing brokers and futures exchanges, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"), the Intercontinental Exchange ("ICE") and Eurex. CTS is a software company which has developed and operates T4, a sophisticated technology platform recognised by the leading futures exchanges which supports Cunningham and other FCMs to help their customers to trade futures and options on futures contracts. Cunningham and CTS are operated by highly experienced management teams, led by their respective founders, Bill Cunningham, Andrew Busby and Nate Ostrye, who will continue to lead the businesses following completion of the Acquisition. Leveraging Plus500's best-in-class technology to deliver long term future growth of Cunningham: It is intended tha Plus500's planned integration of Cunningham and CTS will leverage the following elements of Plus500's best-in-class technology to scale CTS's proprietary technology platform, enabling the future growth and development of Cunningham's FCM business over the long term:



Market-leading technological expertise;

Robust system architecture;

Proprietary marketing technologies, ROI-driven to drive further growth;

Risk management capability;

Diverse payment processing technologies and partnerships;

Ability to manage service delivery to a mass audience; and

Expertise in scaling operations to support platform growth. US futures and options on futures market - major growth opportunity The futures and options on futures market in the US represents a major growth opportunity for Plus500, particularly as a result of an increasing focus on futures exchanges in catering for retail investment in recent years. Since 2017, there has been an 84% growth in retail trading volumes in the US futures and options on futures market, with the retail market now estimated to be worth c.US$2bn globally1.

The US retail investor base is expanding, with growth in the futures and options on futures market being driven by substantial investment flows from equity markets. While the market continues to be predominantly driven by institutional investors, it is being disrupted by an increasing proportion of retail investment, due to a greater level of access, improved affordability and a strong reputation, with a number of leading, blue chip investment banks facilitating retail investor trading. Growth is being further driven by initiatives introduced by futures exchanges, such as the CME, with the recent introduction of Micro E-mini contracts, enabling traders with a more cost-efficient way to gain access to the growing futures market. The futures and options on futures market in the US is highly regulated, under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), which subjects FCMs to the rules and regulations of the NFA and the CFTC, as well as of the various exchanges on which customers trade. David Zruia, Chief Executive Officer of Plus500, commented: "We are delighted to announce Plus500's first acquisition and first entry into the US market. With a combination of Plus500's best-in-class technology and Cunningham's and CTS's existing infrastructure, we expect to develop and scale the business in the growing US market and deliver long term shareholder value. "The acquisition represents an important strategic step for Plus500 as we continue to transition into a global, multi-asset fintech group. Our long-term ambition is to enable simplified, universal access to financial markets, and I'm excited that we have taken a further step toward achieving this today." Bill Cunningham, Andrew Busby and Nate Ostrye, the founders of Cunningham and CTS, commented: "We are very pleased to become part of Plus500, given its focus on technology and innovation and its strong track record of growth, as we look to grow and enhance Cunningham and CTS over time. We are looking forward to a successful future together as we take the businesses to the next level of their development." About Plus500 Plus500 operates a proprietary technology platform for individual customers to trade CFDs internationally. The Group offers more than 2,500 different underlying global financial instruments, comprising equities, indices, commodities, options, ETFs, foreign exchange and cryptocurrencies. Customers of Plus500 can trade CFDs in more than 50 countries and in 32 languages. The trading platform is accessible from multiple operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android (News - Alert) and Surface) and web browsers. Plus500 retains operating licences and is regulated in the United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the Seychelles. Plus500 does not permit individuals located in the US to trade CFDs on Plus500's platform. Customer care is and has always been integral to Plus500, as such, customers cannot be subject to negative balances. A free demo account is available on an unlimited basis for platform users and sophisticated risk management tools are provided free of charge to manage leveraged exposure, and stop losses to help customers protect profits, while limiting capital losses. Plus500 does not utilise cold calling techniques and does not offer binary options. Plus500 shares have a premium listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: PLUS) and are a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. www.plus500.com This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Forward looking statements This announcement contains statements that are or may be forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement may be forward-looking statements, including statements that relate to the Company's future prospects, developments and strategies. The Company does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information reported by the press or other media, nor the fairness or appropriateness of any forecasts, views or opinions express by the press or other media regarding the Group. The Company makes no representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any such information or publication. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe", "targets", "expects", "aim", "anticipate", "projects", "would", "could", "envisage", "estimate", "intend", "may", "plan", "will" or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this announcement are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in the risk factors in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts. These forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of such entity and the environment in which each will operate in the future. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributed to the Company or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this announcement. Except as required by law, regulatory requirement, the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, neither the Company nor any other party intends to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 1 Source (News - Alert) : CME, CBOT, NYMEX, ICE, FIA and internal estimates. All figures are approximate View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006251/en/

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger, during which special attention was paid to the security situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the presidential website of Ukraine on Wednesday.

The head of the Slovak government expressed concern over the buildup of the Russian military presence near the Ukrainian borders and assured Slovakia's strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, the President's Office said.

Zelensky and Heger discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda, in particular in transport and cross-border cooperation. The head of state stressed the interest of the Ukrainian side in the soonest restoration of the full operation of Uzhgorod International Airport. "I count on your personal support in completing Slovakia's domestic procedures necessary for the entry into force of the agreement on Uzhgorod airport in the near future. I believe that soon we will be able to restore the full-fledged operation of the airport," Zelensky said.

The President of Ukraine said it is important for both countries that border crossing is as favorable as possible. "It is important to establish joint border and customs control with Slovakia. This will also help us in the fight against smuggling. I ask for your assistance in speeding up the conclusion of an agreement on joint border and customs control at the border between our countries," he said.

Zelensky invited Heger to visit Ukraine to discuss issues of bilateral economic cooperation and the establishment of cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia.
There have been over a dozen UFO sightings reported by commercial airline pilots in Canada in recent years.

One too-close encounter even forced a plane to dive to avoid it, injuring two flight attendants, while a 'shiny, silver object' was seen over Toronto, and one pilot spotted an aircraft in 2018 that appeared to be moving at Mach 4 - making it faster than any known aircraft in the world.

The revelation comes shortly after the CIA declassified two thousand documents on UFOs over America, dating back to 1970s.

The XXXX dossier with nearly 3,000 pages of documents about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) - the US government's official term for what are commonly called UFOs - was published on The Black Vault in January.

A DailyMail.com review of the files uncovered a bevy of perplexing - yet unverified - accounts of mysterious disks tracking across the sky, spewing beams of light across small towns, causing explosions and even a few claims of military officers confronting aliens that come out of outlandish vehicles.

Other documents show correspondence between CIA officers about the UFO sightings. Sometimes the officers brush off observers' stories as purely superstitious, even when another explanation isn't clear. But in several instances the officers show genuine concern that perhaps something XXXXX is at play.

In Canada, the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Report System (CADORS), operated by federal department Transport Canada, has a database of almost 300,000 incident reports, which include any event involving an aircraft, not just UFO sightings.

UFOs don't necessarily confirm the presence of aliens, as some believe, but simply demonstrates there are objects in the sky that are hard to identify.

Airline pilots in Canada have reported dozens of run-ins with potential UFOs (stock)

CADORS is searchable, although knowing the correct terms to search with is tricky - for instance, a search back to 2000 looking for 'UFO' populated just one result.

Nevertheless, there are dozens of reports of potential UFO sightings hidden deep in the CADORS archives.

There were several notable incidents, most of them happening in recent years, although one intriguing one took place in 2005.

On October 21, 2005, local air traffic controllers 'received reports from four aircraft flight crews of a shiny, silver object over Toronto.'

It was reported to be 30,000 feet above the ground, at which point it suddenly turned and moved quickly southeast to Lake Ontario.

Another incident happened on January 10, 2015, 'multiple aircraft reported a very large object with a small white light in the middle, surrounded by a halo' as it appeared to come down from 41,000 feet in the air.

That incident reportedly took place before dawn.

One of the images from an unrelated sighting in the United States appears to be a pyramid-shaped object (pictured) hovering over the USS Russell

The Pentagon has confirmed that images and videos showing unidentified flying objects buzzing over Navy warships off the coast of California 'were taken' by branch personnel. Critics have said that this image appears to show a balloon but it's classified as unknown

On May 30, 2016, an Air Canada Express flight traveling from Montreal to Toronto reported an 'unidentified flying object, round in shape,' which was traveling at more than 550km/h.

Arguably the most significant incident came in November of the same year.

On November 14, 2016, a Porter Airlines flight at over 8,000 feet dove to avoid an object that was 'solidand shaped like an upright doughnut or inner tube.'

Initially, the object was described only as not likely being a balloon, but two crew members were injured, prompting a Transportation Safety Board (TSB) investigation into the incident.

The TSB report, which came two weeks after the incident, claimed the object was 'approximately 5 to 8 feet in diameter.'

It also stated that the 'captain overrode the autopilot in order to quickly descend the aircraft under the object,' which is how the two flight attendants were injured as they were securing the aircraft.

None of the 54 passengers were hurt in the incident, though.

'TSB was not able to positively identify the object,' the agency said to VICE World News.

Another incident happened on March 16, 2017, when two WestJet flights near Okanagan Valley in British Columbia saw a 'bright, white strobe-type light' above them at night.

The vague details in the CADORS and the low number of reports over the years suggests many potential UFO sightings are going unreported.

Roswell, New Mexico is famous for the rumored UFO sightings that happen annually

Former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot John 'Jock' Williams believes many more sightings never make official reports.

'Pilots are probably not reporting about 90 per cent of the things they're seeing, because they know it could have lengthy career implications. For most pilots, it's not worth it,' Williams continued.

'That's why I believe that each of these guys saw what they reported.'

Transport Canada chose not to comment on the individual observations made by airline crews.

'The events that are entered into CADORS are entered as they are reported to Transport Canada,' a spokesperson for Transport Canada said to VICE World News.

'Transport Canada endeavours to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data contained within CADORS. However, the information within should be treated as preliminary, unsubstantiated, and subject to change.'

The photos were leaked from a Pentagon investigation of UFOs by the UAP Task Force, which has been gathering evidence for a comprehensive report for Congress that's due in June. The USS Omaha observed this spherical shape moving towards the surface of the water

The photo was previously described as depicting an 'unidentified silver 'cube-shaped' object' hovering over the ocean at an altitude of roughly 30,000 to 35,000

Some of the events recorded do have explanations, such as the flights that saw 'up to two dozen evenly-spaced bright objects in a line' on December 26, 2019, with it later being identified as SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites.

A UFO investigator told VICE World News that the sightings of these potential UFOs are concerning.

'CADORS clearly shows that these types of incidents are occurring in airspace where thousands of passengers are potentially travelling every day,' Chris Rutkowski said.

'Regardless of one's belief or disbelief in UFOs, this is certainly a concern from a flight safety and public welfare perspective.'

Perhaps no incident was harder to explain than what a Kalitta Charters Boeing 747 cargo flight saw on April 30, 2018.

The plane was travelling above the Northwest Territories as it was traveling from New York to Alaska.

Suddenly, a member of the crew saw 'an object flying sporadically, estimated at (60 to 80 thousand feet) and moving at Mach 4.'

There was no way for the crew to accurately measure the speed, but Mach 4 would make it the fastest moving object in aviation history.

That mark previously belonged to the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which traveled at speeds just above Mach 3.3 before being retired in 1999.

The report of that sighting took over a year and a half to add to CADORS, suggesting that the moment left a long-lasting impression on the flight's crew.

Rutkowski helped lead a survey recently that noted a marked increase in UFO sightings in 2020.

According to CTV News, there was a 46 percent increase in UFO sightings in Canada in 2020 - a total of 1,243 sightings - likely spurred by the coronavirus pandemic as more people stayed home and turned their attentions upwards.

Rutkowski claimed that 13 percent of the sightings had no explanation at this point.

Reports of the Canadian sightings come a year after the Pentagon confirmed the authenticity of three videos captured by U.S. Navy fighter jets that appeared to show UFOs.

In late February, the FBI confirmed it was 'aware' of an American Airlines flight which had a close encounter a fast-moving, 'long cylindrical object' on a trip from Cincinnati to Phoenix.

This FlightAware map shows the path of a plane in the US that had a near run-in with a UFO earlier this year just west of Des Moines in February

The encounter, which occurred at 36,000 feet above the remote northeast corner of New Mexico, west of Des Moines on Sunday, involved AA Flight 2292, an Airbus A320, according to The Drive.

The apparent encounter shares various similarities with another incident that occurred in the same area just under three years ago.

In that incident, two pilots on different aircraft  a Learjet and an Airbus  reported having close encounters with a mysterious object flying above them.

Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that a set of images and videos showing unidentified flying objects buzzing over Navy warships off the coast of California in 2019 'were taken' by branch personnel.

Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that a set of images and videos showing unidentified flying objects buzzing over Navy warships off the coast of California in 2019 'were taken' by branch personnel.

The photos were leaked from a Pentagon investigation of UFOs by the UAP Task Force, which has been gathering evidence for a report for Congress that's due in June.

The images, obtained by filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, show unidentified objects flying above four US destroyers, including the USS Kidd Navy destroyer, in 2019.

One of the images appears to be a pyramid-shaped object while others were thought to be drones or balloons; however, the Navy has listed them as unknown.

The confirmation comes a week after Admiral Michael Gilday, the chief of naval operations, admitted that he has no idea where the swarm of mysterious Tic Tac-shaped drones that menaced four US destroyers in July 2019 originated.

When the Pentagon declassified the three Navy videos last year, they admitted they didn't know what was seen in them.

'The Department of Defense has authorized the release of three unclassified Navy videos, one taken in November 2004 and the other two in January 2015, which have been circulating in the public domain after unauthorized releases in 2007 and 2017,' said Susan Gough, a Defense Department spokesperson in a statement.

The statement added that the videos were released after a 'thorough review' which determined that the unclassified videos do 'not reveal any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not impinge on any subsequent investigations of military air space incursions by unidentified aerial phenomena.'

One of the clips shows the 2004 'Tic Tac' incident that was recorded over the Pacific Ocean. A second video was captured off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2015.

Lawmakers have been calling for the Pentagon for years to open up its classified records about the encounters, citing national security concerns.

In January, as part of a COVID-19 relief package, Congress set a deadline of June 1 for US intelligence agencies and the Defense Department to release UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena.

Also in January, the CIA declassified around 2,000 documents related to UFOs dating back to the 1970s.

A dossier with more than 700 files about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) was published on The Black Vault website.

One of the reports describes how seemingly urgent UFO information was hand-delivered to the CIA's deputy director for science and technology in 1976.

Most details about the information were redacted in the document on The Black Vault website.

A second document from June 1976 appears to request an update on the review, but there is no record of the ordeal after that moment.

In 1976, there was also a sighting of a UFO in Morocco, although that document is also heavily redacted.

The full-page report is covered in 25 black lines that appeared to have been made directly with a pen.

In another report, CIA officials discuss the possibility that UFOs were behind a 'mysterious blast' in the small Russian town of Sasovo in 1991.

In that report, residents reported seeing a 'fiery sphere' drop from the sky before a shockwave tore through the town, leveling an entire block.

The report said investigators had failed to come to a conclusion about the cause of the explosion.
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Deputies Seek Help in Theft Investigation

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LYON COUNTY - The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance with a theft investigation.Lyon County Sheriff's Deputies responded just before 4 pm Monday to a theft at the Boyd's Landing Recreational Area off of KY 810 South.Sometime between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday, an unknown person stole a catalytic converter and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system from a parked 2016 Dodge 5500 series truck owned by a commercial fisherman.The damage and theft of the components is estimated at nearly $14,000.Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office at 270-388-2311 or anonymously at www.lyonsheriff.com/report-a-crime.html.
Apr. 21The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded $650,000 to the University of North Texas at Dallas and Navarro College as part of the Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program. The two institutions are partnering to deliver educational programming to displaced workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need to upskill or reskill to get back into the workforce.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board awarded $9.3 million to Texas higher education institutions in the second round of awards. Through a competitive process, 25 applicants representing 31 institutions and serving 6,100 students were selected.

Reskilling grants allow Texas public colleges, technical schools, and universities to provide last-dollar financial assistance to Texas students to cover tuition and fees. The grants are designed to support displaced Texas workers and to support students who have previously stopped out of higher education before completing a postsecondary credential. The program is supported by a portion of the $175 million allocation to the THECB from the Governor's Emergency Educational Relief Fund.

"The Governor and THECB Commissioner have provided a valuable opportunity for our state's future employees to return to school, especially those students who stopped out due to financial reasons. We are excited to be selected and we have a strong relationship with Navarro College and value them as a partner," said Lisa Hobson, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Dean of Education.

"Navarro College is very excited about the opportunity to work with UNTD to provide financial assistance for students to return to school and earn credentials that will equip them to earn a living wage," said Dr. Carol Hanes, Navarro College Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The two institutions will focus on key areas of study that lead to high-paying jobs. Students must be within 12 months of completing their degree and cannot have been enrolled at any accredited postsecondary institution in the prior full academic semester or previous six months. Students pursuing associate degrees will be supported by Navarro College and those pursuing bachelor's degrees will be supported by UNT Dallas.

Story continues

"Texas has tens of thousands of good jobs that are being created across the state, and at the same time we have many displaced workers who are still unemployed. It's important to help Texans reskill and upskill so they can get back on their feet, get back into the economy, and drive the state's economic recovery," said Harrison Keller, Commissioner of Higher Education.

"Thanks to the strong support of Governor Abbott and our Texas legislative leadership, the strategic investment to date of more than $27.4 million enables our Texas institutions to expand access to programs that equip students to enter the workforce with the credentials and education tomorrow's economy will demand."

UNT Dallas encourages anyone interested in this program to review information about degree and certificate programs on the university website: untdallas.edu/academic-programs. Questions about enrolling at UNT Dallas should be directed to admissions@untdallas.edu.

Information about degree and certificate programs at Navarro College can be found on the college website at: majors.navarrocollege.edu. Questions about enrolling at Navarro College should be directed to admissions@navarrocollege.edu.

About UNT Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas empowers students, transforms lives, and strengthens communities. UNT Dallas is the fastest-growing public university in Texas, the only public, 4-year university in the City of Dallas and the most affordable 4-year university in Dallas-Fort Worth. UNT Dallas includes the UNT Dallas College of Law in Downtown Dallas and is part of the University of North Texas System. For more information, visit www.untdallas.edu

About Navarro College

Navarro College's vision is to be a nationally recognized higher education institution committed to providing innovative pathways and student-centered learning opportunities that result in students capable of succeeding in a local and global community. Navarro College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with campuses located in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Corsicana and Mexia.

THECB Mission Statement

The mission of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is to provide leadership and coordination for Texas higher education and to promote access, affordability, quality, success, and cost efficiency through 60x30TX, resulting in a globally competitive workforce that positions Texas as an international leader.
Fast-casual Mediterranean eatery Parsley and Mint opened across the street from Falls Park in downtown Greenville on April 20.

The new restaurant is focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, as well as options like takeout, delivery and catering. Similar to Chipotle, you can build your own bowls, salads and wraps with items like citrus chicken, falafel and lamb meatballs.

A second location is expected to open in July at University Square shopping center near Furman University. A third location is in the works but the location isnt confirmed.

Parsley and Mint had a soft opening beginning April 15. Co-owner Paul Ryll said the only feedback they received was that there was too much food in the bowls. They cut back this week so lids could close on top.

Parsley and Mint is open at 600 S. Main Street from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Were hoping to get a lot of foot traffic across from the park and a lot of the lunch crowd ordering takeout downtown, Ryll said.

Ryll, who also owns Oscar Mike Appraisal Group, co-owns Parsley and Mint with Rion Mimms, who works at Oscar Mike. They landed the prime location near the park after cold emailing the owner of health food restaurant Happy + Hale, the previous tenant. For now, Parsley and Mint is subleasing the space.

Quick hits

E+I Engineering USA Corporation, located at 400 Supreme Industrial Drive in Anderson County, announced an addition $13 million investment that will create 200 jobs, according to releases from the Upstate SC Alliance and multiple state agencies. E+I manufactures power distribution systems and electrical switchgear for large commercial and infrastructure projects. The expansion will be complete later this year. Anderson County also received a $350,000 grant to help with construction and site preparation.

Greenville County Schools is hosting another job fair as it seeks to fill openings for bus drivers, bus aides, custodians and food service workers. It will be held at Armstrong Elementary School, 8602 White Horse Road, on April 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hourly pay ranges from $10.43 to $19.06. More information is available at 864-355-3100 or greenville.k12.sc.us.

The rundown

South Carolina business news you need to know.

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The full impact of the state's $200 billion manufacturing sector has been undercounted for years, according to a new study. A big reason is "job misclassifications and uncounted workers previously misjudged a sector," in part due to firms like BMW in Greer hire using staffing firms.

"South Carolina state agencies are inviting veterans to apply for nearly 1,400 openings in a May 4 career fair being held five months after a preference policy made it more likely theyll get the jobs. Thirty-two agencies and colleges are participating in the first-ever virtual career fair to match veterans with openings in state government," The Post and Courier's Seanna Adcox reports.

The Post and Courier's Mike Fitts: "Four bars in Columbias Five Points closed amid alcohol license disputes."

Straight from the release

"Sudler Companies has completed a new 206,140 square foot manufacturing and distribution center as the first building of its 2.5M square foot Fox Hill Business Park, which sets new standards for the construction industry through its pioneering use CarbonCure Technology." Fox Hill is located in south Greenville County, near Fountain Inn.

"OneSpartanburg, Inc.s Remember Your Favorites Restaurant Pass aims to combat lack of tourism revenue by incentivizing locals to dine at independent restaurants. The campaign, backed by OneSpartanburg Inc.s Destination Marketing Fund, rewards passholders for dining at a selection of restaurants proximate to the City of Spartanburg. Passholders who check in to three, six or 10 participating restaurants by June 30 qualify for prizes."

Simpsonville news: "Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), announced ... the sale of Market at Standing Springs, a 63,883-square-foot, new Publix-anchored shopping center in the Greenville metropolitan area of South Carolina. The sales price was $18.2 million."

7-figure home sales

Recent million dollar real estate transactions in the Upstate.

123 Serenity Drive, Lot 13, Salem, 29676 sold April 16 for $1.34 million. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. The seller was represented by Trip Agerton of Justin Winter/Sotheby's International Realty. The buyer was represented by Mike Roach of Top Guns Realty.

7 Riley Hill Court, Greer, 29650 sold April 16 for $1.2 million. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 0.69 acres. The seller and buyer were represented by Joan Herlong of Joan Herlong and Associates/Sotheby's International Realty.

305 Riverside Drive, Greenville, 29605 sold April 13 for $1.3 million. 6 bedrooms, 6.5+ bathrooms, 0.53 acres. The seller was represented by Beth Nichols of Joan Herlong and Associates/Sotheby's International Realty. The buyer was represented by Joan Herlong of Joan Herlong and Associates/Sotheby's International Realty.

Back for more next week. Email your tips, releases and newsy bits to rgilchrest@postandcourier.com and amitchell@postandcourier.com.
JUNO BEACH, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has posted its first-quarter 2021 financial results in a news release available on the company's website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergy.com/FinancialResults.

Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy, Rebecca Kujawa, executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer of NextEra Energy, and other members of the company's senior management team will discuss the company's first-quarter 2021 financial results during an investor presentation to be webcast live, beginning at 9 a.m. ET today. The listen-only webcast will be available on NextEra Energy's website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergy.com/FinancialResults. Also discussed during the investor presentation will be financial results for NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP). A replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the same link as listed above.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is the largest rate-regulated electric utility in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, and serves more than 5.6 million customer accounts, supporting more than 11 million residents across Florida with clean, reliable and affordable electricity. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company and included in the S&P 100 index, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune's 2021 list of "World's Most Admired Companies" and received the S&P Global Platts 2020 Energy Transition Award for leadership in environmental, social and governance. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc.

Related Links

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Sheilas experience with complex tax credit and incentive opportunities makes her an excellent addition to our rapidly growing tax practice.

Frazier & Deeter, one of the nations Top 50 accounting and advisory firms, announced today that Sheila R. Anderson, CPA, joined the firm as a Credits & Incentives Tax Principal in the Tax practice.

As the variety and complexity of tax incentives continues to grow, Frazier & Deeter has been adding professionals with deep expertise to our Credits & Incentives team, noted Jeremy Sperring, National Leader of Frazier & Deeters Tax Practice. Sheilas experience with complex tax credit and incentive opportunities makes her an excellent addition to our rapidly growing tax practice.

Anderson contributes 20 years of R&D tax credit and accounting experience with an emphasis on providing tax consulting services to companies from the mid-size privately held to the global Fortune 500. Due to her strong track record of excellent client service and expertise, Anderson has worked with clients across numerous industries, including manufacturing & distribution, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and automotive.

Im excited to join a rapidly growing firm like Frazier & Deeter, with such a strong reputation for client service, said Anderson. I look forward to helping serve the firms clients in the increasingly complicated arena of tax credits and incentives.

Prior to joining the firm, Anderson worked as a Senior Tax Manager at Deloitte. During her tenure, she was responsible for leading the proposal and implementation of R&D tax credit studies and best-practice methodologies. Anderson served as a member of the Global Investment & Innovation Incentives Tax Services Group responsible for maximizing research and experimentation tax credits.

About Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is an award-winning accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The firm provides a wide range of tax, audit, accounting and advisory services to serve the emerging needs of clients as they evolve. Frazier & Deeter and its FD family of brands have nine offices across the United States and one in the United Kingdom. The firm has been recognized repeatedly as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, a Best Firm to Work for in the U.S. and a Best Firm for Women in Leadership. Frazier & Deeters brand promise is Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference.
LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gain Credit, a leading online provider of consumer loans in the UK, has announced the incorporation of Synapi, a SaaS (Software as a Service) company offering businesses the technology and know-how they need to offer credit to their own customers. Client companies will include merchants looking to offer financing to their shoppers and lenders looking to serve their customers more efficiently while remaining compliant with regulatory guidelines.

Having served more than a million customers in the UK since 2008, Gain Credit has built an industry-leading and fully compliant platform to drive its own consumer lending activities, and Synapi now lets other companies access this software and expertise. Synapi covers the full spectrum of lending activities, including customer authentication, fraud protection, credit decisioning, customer onboarding, payment processing and customer service  all fully compliant with applicable regulations. Synapi also offers businesses these capabilities as independent 'modules', so clients can choose the pieces they want and create solutions tailored to the needs of their customers. "Synapi was founded in the belief that companies who want to lend shouldn't have to reinvent the wheel. Gain has spent more than a decade as a leader in UK consumer lending, and we believe other businesses can benefit from our experience. We think businesses should focus more on delighting their customers and less on navigating the complex operational challenges of being a lender", said Chris deBoer, CEO of Gain Credit and co-founder of Synapi.

Among Synapi's initial suite of products is Synapi Shop (pronounced 'snappyshop'), an end-to-end solution enabling retailers to offer their shoppers tailored financing options during the checkout process. Another offering is Synapi Chat, a chatbot allowing lenders to set up a fully automated and compliant customer service operation in days. "All our products are plug-ins. They integrate seamlessly with the client's existing operations and systems, and can be quickly customized to its specific needs by someone with no coding experience. And our solutions are compliant from Day 1", said Vijay Sachidanand, CEO and co-founder of Synapi.

For more information, please contact our Sales team at [email protected].

About Gain Credit

Founded in 2003, Gain Credit has evolved from providing big data analytics to offering consumers innovative lending products. With offices in UK, US and India, Gain Credit has granted credit to more than a million UK customers since 2008. At the heart of everything Gain Credit does are its values of customer-centricity, innovation and challenging the status quo. https://www.gaincredit.com/

About Synapi

Founded in 2021, Synapi's mission is to enable businesses to offer credit to their customers through industry-leading software and expertise. Synapi offers businesses of all sizes easy access to its proven platform; clients can choose the capabilities they need, integrate them seamlessly into their existing workflows, and customize the features to their unique needs with little technical knowledge.

Synapi. Best-in-class technology. Proven lending expertise. Fully compliant. https://www.synapitechnology.com/

SOURCE Synapi

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Springfield Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Susan Beaudry is leaving the SSO effective Friday as the venerable organization continues to struggle during the pandemic.

Her announced departure comes days after Maestro Kevin Rhodes, who has been with the SSO for 20 years, signed a 10-year extension of his contract with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra in Michigan. He recently sold his Westfield home and moved to Michigan.

Rhodes told The Republican he has not left the SSO despite relocating 800 miles away. His current contract with the SSO is set to expires this year.

Beaudry was the third executive director of the SSO since the departure of longtime leader Michael Jonnes in 2013.

John Anz, currently development director, will step in as interim executive director, according to SSO Board President Robyn Newhouse.

We appreciate all that Susan Beaudry has done on behalf of the symphony and for the arts in our region. Susan has made valuable contributions during her six years leading the symphony, first as development director and then as executive director. She is a strong leader and will be sorely missed, Newhouse said in a statement on Wednesday.

No time frame has been finalized on the selection of a new director, Newhouse said.

Strategic planning and the hiring of a new director is tied to when the SSO resumes live concerts, she added.

The full SSO has not performed at Symphony Hall since March 2020 because of the pandemic.

Like many arts organizations, the SSO has been forced to furlough staff and provide assistance for out-of-work musicians.

The SSO, the largest Massachusetts symphony outside of Boston, consists of more than 80 musicians.

Beaudry said in a statement that she will pursue a passion in the wine industry.

I will be leaving my position with the symphony in the good hands of the Board and John Anz, Beaudry stated. I was pleased to be a part of the most recent strategic planning process that I believe will lead to the re-emergence of the SSO and the goal of providing classical music in the region. As the arts and live performances re-emerge from the pandemic, I am optimistic the SSO will continue to fulfill its mission.

Anz joined the SSO as Development Director in 2019 and has a 20-year career in development that includes independent schools, the YMCA and in music and the arts. Prior to joining the SSO, Anz worked as director of development at Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, and is a former board member of the Northampton Community Music Center.

These are challenging and exciting times for live music and symphony orchestras everywhere. So, it is both an honor and privilege to be asked to serve the SSO in this capacity at this moment, Anz said in a statement. I look forward to working with all of our community leaders, cultural and business partners, and other key players to continue to move this cherished institution forward as we look toward a bright future, and beyond.

Related content:
EAlways Compassionate Home Care acquires Wellness Home Care" Tweet this

To gain a competitive edge in the industry, ACHC is implementing crucial protocols for the purpose of building a more efficient quality home care system that sets it apart from competitors. The company's state-of-the-art digitalized information system allows for efficient and seamless communication of patient information between caregivers and managed care organizations and care managers. Additionally, this system helps streamline human resourcing for employees and onboarding processes, and also provides digitized, detailed nursing reports for hospitals and care managers. On the "home care" side of the business, ACHC has developed alternative treatment and care models by integrating the unique skills of private duty nurses, therapists, and regular home health aides in an effort to allow patients who have more challenging conditions to be cared for in their own homes. Joining forces with Wellness Home Care strengthens our company even further towards becoming New York's premier home health care service provider.

"We at Always Compassionate feel privileged to build upon the outstanding team and practice developed by Wellness Home Care over the years," said Victor Holten, President of Always Compassionate Home Care. "We look forward to expanding our footprint in the Hudson Valley region to better meet the needs of the New York population."

ABOUT ALWAYS COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE

Always Compassionate Home Care, Inc. is a home health care company headquartered in Melville, New York. The company provides personal care, private duty nursing, clinical care, and related home care services throughout New York State as a licensed home care services agency by the New York State Department of Health. Its advanced technology platform allows for efficient and seamless communication of patient information between the continuum of caregivers, health plans, and family members.

Find us at alwayscompassionate.com and on Facebook and Instagram

Media Contact: Gabriel Martinez

888-722-2072

[email protected]

SOURCE Always Compassionate Home Care, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.alwayscompassionate.com


The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost.
Kim Kardashian West and Kanye Wests marriage has come to a stunning end. After a difficult year, including the pandemic, public outbursts by West, and his failed campaign for the United States Presidency, the KKW Beauty founder pulled the plug on their marraige.

For nearly a year, the pair have been living separate lives, with Kardashian West remaining in Calabasas with the couples four young children and West traveling back and forth from California to his new home base in Wyoming.

Though their divorce seems amicable enough, the rapper is now in hot water for failing to report his estranged wifes income which he claims he knows nothing about.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West | Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Inside Kim Kardashian West and Kanye Wests divorce

Though theyve been together for nearly a decade, it seems that Kardashian West and West have grown apart. The rapper has become increasingly conservative, while the KKW Beauty founder has been focused on prison reform, motherhood, her businesses, and obtaining a law degree. In the end, they no longer could find common ground,

Raising their four children, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm has also become a point of contention. They have a different vision of the world and how their kids should be raised, an insider told People. Kim will always support Kanye and his causes and encourage him with their kids, but her future with work, family, and life, in general, is strictly up to her. She makes it happen.

Kim Kardashian West is now worth $1 billion

According to Forbes, Kardashian West is now the richest KarJenner, with her net worth crossing the $1 billion mark. The KKW Beauty founder has always been very wealthy. However, the success of her beauty and shapewear lines have expanded her wealth by $220 million last year alone.

In 2020, the mother-of-four sold a 20% stake in KKW Beauty to Coty for $200 million, which gave her the billionaire title. Her Skims business also boomed last year as she launched loungewear just as the pandemic was taking off across the globe.

One of the most recognizable women on the planet the Keeping Up with the Kardashians stars is also paid millions of dollars for endorsing products.

RELATED: How Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West Are Co-Parenting Their Kids Amid Divorce

Kanye West claims he has no knowledge of Kim Kardashian Wests assets or income

Though the Skims founders net worth and financial information are somewhat public, her estranged husband claims he does not know of any of those details. Thus far, that hasnt affected the former couples divorce proceedings since they are adhering to their prenup, and neither is requesting spousal support.

However, the rapper has found himself in hot water with The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) following his ill-fated 2020 Presidental run. West used his own $12 million to fund his campaign for President. However, OGE has rejected his disclosure of his campaign-related finances.

According to the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), this is because the Yeezy designer failed to include Kardashian Wests financial information on the paperwork.

West claimed that he did not know his soon-to-be ex-wifes assets or financial income information. However, CREW says this claim could make things worst for him. By refusing to certify it, OGE sends a message that it does not believe that West is in compliance with the law, CREWs website reads via The Jasmine Brand.
"Today, TV buyers are looking to streamline and simplify their processes wherever they can," said Jamie Donnenfeld, Vice President of Partnership Solutions, FreeWheel. "Interoperability is a must in 2021, and our newest integration with ProVantageX demonstrates yet another way that Strata's open architecture continues to benefit our clients, providing more connections to more solutions."

Through this partnership, PVX will be able to send optimized schedules directly into the Strata platform for current PVX users. Subsequent changes and make-goods will also flow through PVX to Strata, allowing users to experience a full, end-to-end workflow, from planning to billing.

"This integration makes a buyer's job easier," said Ted Kramer, EVP of Sales for PVX. "PVX's technology has always added incremental value to local TV buyers and sellers, but this integration takes it to the next level. Now, FreeWheel's agencies can have access to an uninterrupted flow of data from initial inventory schedules to final billing and posting."

By seamlessly integrating PVX into its Strata platform, FreeWheel is offering mutual clients a more open, flexible and efficient buying solution for local TV advertising. "Our mantra has always been that the right solution for the industry needs to provide both media value and efficiency. We are excited to partner with FreeWheel, a leader in the space, to make buying more efficient and our software more accessible for their strong network of users," added Kramer.

"At FreeWheel, we're all about connecting the ecosystem. Our partnership with PVX demonstrates our commitment to connecting our customers with the solutions that they want to use, in the way they want to use them," said Donnenfeld.

About FreeWheel

FreeWheel, A Comcast Company, empowers all segments of The New TV Ecosystem. We are structured to provide the full breadth of solutions the advertising industry needs to achieve their goals. We provide the technology, data enablement and convergent marketplaces required to ensure buyers and sellers can transact across all screens, across all data types, and all sales channels, in order to ensure the ultimate goal  results for marketers.

With offices in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, London, Paris, Beijing, and across the globe, FreeWheel, A Comcast Company, stands to advocate for the entire industry through the FreeWheel Council for Premium Video. For more information, please visit freewheel.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About ProVantageX

ProVantageX (PVX) is the most complete, two-way connected platform for the buying and selling of local television media in the US. PVX combines the power of automation and data to bring value and operational efficiency to advertisers. Its ground-breaking technology allows media professionals to focus more time on strategic creativity, while helping them improve value by seamlessly blending and optimizing qualitative and quantitative data to precise campaign designs.

PVX is headquartered in New York City. Learn more at ProVantageX.com or visit our LinkedIn or Facebook page.

SOURCE ProVantageX (PVX)

Related Links

http://ProVantageX.com


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  The private sector is appealing for 'flexibility' in its own vaccination rollout so that all the industry workers who are part of the A4 priority group could be inoculated simultaneously, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said on Wednesday.

"What we want to appeal to DOH (Department of Health) and NITAG (National Immunization Technical Advisory Group) is to give the private sector the flexibility...on who comes first," Concepcion told a House hearing on the country's COVID-19 vaccination program.

Concepcion said 751 micro, small and medium enterprises ordered 590,996 doses and 253 large companies purchased 6,003,486 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Half of the doses ordered by big firms will be donated to the national government, he added.

He also said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. has agreed that the donated doses will be given "after the private sector has been able to vaccinate its employees."

Concepcion said among the industries that purchased the vaccines are food and beverage, utilities (water, electricity, communication, energy, media), healthcare, manufacturing, construction, business process outsourcing, retail, agriculture, hospitality (hotels and accommodation), logistics, and financial services. He also noted they have "different positions" in the A4 group list.

The A4 sector has 17 subgroups. First to be vaccinated are those in the business of commuter transport (land, air, and sea), including logistics.

They are followed by the public and private wet and dry market vendors; frontline workers in groceries, supermarkets, delivery services then workers in manufacturing for food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical products. The full list can be found here.

The A4 group will be vaccinated after the ongoing inoculation of senior citizens and people with comorbidities. The government aims to vaccinate this group in June, which is the same month the initial batch of 1.3 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for the private sector is scheduled to arrive.

Concepcion said the private sector has ordered over five million AstraZeneca vaccine doses.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 00:41:18|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Commenting on the guilty verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the killing of African-American George Floyd in the U.S. city of Minneapolis last May, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Wednesday that "any other result would have been a travesty of justice."

Chauvin, a 45-year-old white man now removed from his duty as a police officer, was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for kneeling on Floyd's neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, choking Floyd to death.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, she said that the verdict was "momentous" and "a testament to the courage and perseverance of George Floyd's family and many others in calling for justice.

"As the jury recognized, the evidence in this case was crystal clear. Any other result would have been a travesty of justice," she said.

Bachelet urged the United States to take "important steps" to dismantle systemic racism. She lamented that for many people of African descent, "the battle to get cases of excessive force or killings by police before the courts, let alone win them, is far from over."

In a resolution adopted in June 2020, the UN rights body called for confronting "systemic racism and police brutality against Africans and people of African descent."

"It is time to move on from talk of reform to truly rethinking policing as currently practiced in the U.S. and elsewhere," Bachelet said.

She warned that if "discriminatory policies" as well as "legacies of enslavement and transatlantic trade and the impact of colonialism" were not eliminated, "the verdict in this case will just be a passing moment when the stars aligned for justice rather than a true turning point." Enditem
This week Ukraine expects to receive a batch of 367,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will arrive under the COVAX initiative.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Last week we received 117,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, this week 367,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are to arrive in Ukraine. That is, the total number of vaccines delivered by the end of the week will exceed 1.1 million doses, said Shmyhal.

He added that the supplies of the coronavirus vaccines are expected to grow in May, which will accelerate the vaccination campaign.

As reported, on April 20, 15,042 people in Ukraine were vaccinated against COVID-19. Since the beginning of the vaccination campaign, 477,833 people have been vaccinated, including five people that have been fully vaccinated after receiving two doses.

Ukraine began vaccinating the population against coronavirus on February 24.

On February 23, a batch of 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 Covishield vaccine, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, arrived in Ukraine.

The first batch of a COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac Biotech vaccine was delivered in Ukraine on March 25, and its use began on April 13.

On April 16, Ukraine received the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSXV:HIVE), the first publicly listed cryptocurrency miner, today announced that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VIRTUAL on Thursday, April 22 at 11:30AM EST. Interim CEO and Executive Chairman Frank Holmes will be hosting the presentation and answering questions from investors.

To access the live presentation, please use the following information:

Planet MicroCap Showcase: VIRTUAL 2021

Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021

Time: 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific Time)

Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2059/40748

To watch HIVE's presentation, please make sure you are registered for the virtual event here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup

The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VIRTUAL website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/

If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda

News Compliments of Accesswire

About HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd.

HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. is a growth oriented, TSX.V-listed company building a bridge from the blockchain sector to traditional capital markets. HIVE owns state-of-the-art green energy-powered data centre facilities in Canada, Sweden and Iceland, which produce newly minted digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum continuously on the cloud. Our deployments provide shareholders with exposure to the operating margins of digital currency mining as well as a portfolio of crypto-coins.

About SNN.Network

SNN.Network is your multimedia financial news platform for discovery, transparency and due diligence. This is your one-stop hub to find new investment ideas, check in on watchlist, gather the most up-to-date information on the Small-, Micro-, Nano-Cap market with the goal to help you towards achieving your wealth generation goals. Follow the companies YOU want to know more about; read and watch content from YOUR favorite finance and investing influencers; create YOUR own watchlist and screen for ideas YOU'RE interested in; find out about investor conferences YOU want to attend - all here on SNN.Network.

If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup

Contact:

Name: Darcy Daubaras

Email: info@hiveblockchain.com

SOURCE: HIVE Blockchain Technologies via SNN Network

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/639713/HIVE-Blockchain-Technologies-Ltd-to-Present-at-the-Planet-MicroCap-Showcase-VIRTUAL-on-Thursday-April-22-2021
U.S indicts two more Fiat Chrysler managers in diesel emissions probe

The logo of Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker which starts trading in Milan and Paris after Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot maker PSA finalised their merger, (Photo : REUTERS/Massimo Pinca)

The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday said two Fiat Chrysler senior managers in Italy had been indicted in the ongoing probe into diesel emissions cheating at the Italian-American automaker.



In January 2019 Fiat Chrysler agreed to an $800 million settlement to resolve civil claims that it used illegal software that produced false results on diesel-emissions tests in more than 100,000 U.S. vehicles. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into the company, which has since changed its name to Stellantis NV, is pending.



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Stellantis said in a statement it continues "to fully cooperate with the Department of Justice, as we have throughout this issue."



Sergio Pasini, 43, of Ferrera, Italy, and Gianluca Sabbioni, 55, of Sala Bolognese, Italy, two senior diesel managers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Italy, were indicted in March along with Emanuele Palma, 42, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who was previously charged. The new indictment was unsealed Tuesday.



A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office on Detroit said Pasini and Sabbioni were not in custody.



Palma was charged in September 2019 with making and causing Fiat Chrysler to make misstatements to U.S. regulators about diesel engines' emission control systems.



Palma, an Italian citizen and auto engineer, is set to go trial in October.



U.S. officials embarked on a wide-ranging investigation into diesel emissions cheating in the auto industry after September 2015, when Volkswagen AG admitted to using secret software to evade emissions rules.



In October, Fiat Chrysler recognized a new 222 million euro ($267 million) provision to settle matters primarily related to the DOJ's ongoing criminal probe into diesel emissions.



Fiat Chrysler said then that settlement talks were ongoing and it was not clear if an agreement would be reached. In September, it agreed separately to pay $9.5 million to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that it misled investors over emissions regulations compliance.


(Natural News) MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump who is certain that the 2020 election was stolen from him, has filed a massive countersuit against Dominion Voting Systems, which he has accused of changing votes for Joe Biden.

Attorneys for Lindell, whose home goods line is based in Minnesota, claim that Dominion has bullied the CEO over his attempts to use his First Amendment rights to speak up about allegations of voter fraud last fall.

Dominion filed a $1.3 billion defamation suit against Lindell in February, prompting the CEO to vow at the time he would countersue.

Defendants, in their role as agents of the state administering public elections, have conducted an expansive illegal campaign which was designed to, and did, punish and silence any voice that criticized or questioned Defendants actions or products, the lawyers wrote in the 51-page suit, which was obtained by The Epoch Times.

Defendants illegal campaign to punish and silence their critics violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment as applied to the states and their political subdivisions and agents under the Fourteenth Amendment and 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, the suit states.

The Epoch Times added:

Lindell, in a live stream on his new Frank Speech website on April 19, called the matter the most important case in history for your First Amendment rights.

Dominion legal counsel Stephen Shackelford told The Epoch Times via email, This is a meritless retaliatory lawsuit, filed by MyPillow to try to distract from the harm it caused to Dominion.

Dominion manufactures electronic voting machines and related balloting equipment.

About a week after the Nov. 3 election, the Trump campaign filed suit against Dominion in Michigan alleging that their machines were manipulated to shave votes from him and add them to Joe Bidens column, thereby handing the Democratic challenger the win.

The suit cited a highly publicized incident in Antrim County where the machines mistakenly counted some 6,000 extra votes for Biden instead of Trump. The suit asked that campaign challengers be allowed to be physically present to both observe and confirm the accuracy of the machines used by Wayne County election officials to count votes.

[B]allots that were tabulated with defective or malfunctioning tabulating machines or software must be excluded from the tally or hand-counted to confirm they are accurately counted and may be included in any certified canvass, the lawsuit said.

Dominion claims that its machines are essentially foolproof, but as Lindells lawyers point out, there was evidence that the machines could be hacked and thus manipulated before the election.

In January, as early voting in Georgias two Senate races was taking place, inventor and author Jovan Pulitzer told a room full of state legislators that hackers were breaking via Wi-Fi into Fulton Countys Dominion Voting Systems machines. He explained that the machines are able to send and receive signals, making them anything but secure.

At this very moment at a polling location in the county, not only do we now have access through the devices to the poll pad, the system, but we are in, Pulitzer told the legislators.

And its not supposed to have Wi-Fi, and thats not supposed to be able to happen. So weve documented now that its communicating two ways in real time, meaning its receiving data and sending data. It should never happen, there shouldnt be Wi-Fi, weve now documented it in real time so we can suck down the data, but thats going on right there where everybody is voting, and I just wanted to get it into the record. he added.

As for Lindell, he practically begged Dominion to sue him.

Im very happy that they finally got that suit filed. My message to Dominion is thank you for finally getting this done, because itll be back in the limelight now, he told CNBC in February after the voting systems company filed.

See more reporting like this at VoteFraud.news.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

TheEpochTimes.com
KYODO NEWS - Apr 21, 2021 - 18:45 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has canceled a planned visit to India and the Philippines during Japan's Golden Week holiday period starting from late April as he needs to address a resurgence of coronavirus infections in the country, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Wednesday. The trip, which had been scheduled during the period through early May, was intended to reaffirm Japan's cooperation with the two countries in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, as they look to counter China's military buildup and growing assertiveness in the region.

In India, Suga was expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time in person and discuss the promotion of cooperation on economic and security issues, ranging from infrastructure building to outer space and cybersecurity.

Through the meeting with Modi, Suga also planned to solidify a security framework consisting of Japan, India, Australia and the United States -- collectively known as the Quad -- seen as a counterweight to China's growing clout in the region, according to government sources.

Japan and India have also decided to postpone their foreign and defense ministerial talks scheduled this weekend in Tokyo due to a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in India.

Suga's visit to the Philippines was aimed at marking the 65th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The recent spikes in coronavirus cases in Japan have put a heavy strain on the medical systems in some areas, leading the government to consider imposing another state of emergency in Tokyo as well as Osaka and Hyogo prefectures.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20)  Senator Richard Gordon is pushing for the "nonjudicial punishment" of policemen involved in killings and other crimes.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman took a detour during the panel's hearing on the implementation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act on Tuesday. He asked Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas about the alleged indiscriminate firing in Nueva Ecija of two Metro Manila cops.

"We have already investigated that case. Nadisarmahan na po, nag-report na po 'yung regional director (They have been disarmed, the regional director has already filed a report)," Sinas answered without disclosing other details.

Gordon said the policemen should have been dismissed from service right away. "You should ask for a bill that will immediately grant the power of removal to you," he told Sinas.

"I don't care about due process for this people. When they kill people, they don't give due process," Gordon said. "Give them due process, the minimum, and if they cannot answer, remove them."

Sinas said the PNP has been policing its ranks in accordance with law. Under Republic Act No. 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, its Internal Affairs Service shall conduct motu propio, automatic investigations on incidents involving personnel's discharge of firearms, as well as deaths and human rights abuses during police operations.

Gordon said he will support a measure that would grant the PNP chief stronger disciplinary powers, something that was also being pushed by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a former top cop.

"Nagloko ka, nanampal ka, kulong ka. Nonjudicial punishment. Wala nang due process, due process doon. Magdemanda sila hanggang gusto nila," Gordon said.

[Translation: You fooled around, you slapped someone, you should be jailed. Nonjudicial punishment. No more due process. They can file a case if they want to.]

The lawmaker recalled Sinas' community quarantine violation when his men threw a "mananita" or birthday celebration for him despite the ban on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said this is nothing compared to killings and other crimes perpetrated by some members of the police.

"Maliit na bagay sa akin 'yun. Ang malaking bagay 'pag namamatay at hindi natin sino-solve," Gordon said.

[Translation: That's a small thing for me. The big issue is when killings go unsolved.]

Sinas said he took note of Gordon's remarks and that his office will submit a report on how to improve the situation at the PNP, as requested by the lawmaker.
The UK Government has opened an investigation in Nvidias $40 billion acquisition of ARM Holdings citing national security concerns.

For those unaware, U.S. tech company Nvidia had announced in September last year that it would be acquiring a 90 percent stake in Cambridge-headquartered chipmaker, ARM owned by Japanese giant SoftBank, for $40 billion.

ARM is one of the UKs most successful and powerful companies, which licenses its tech to the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.

Although Nvidia said that ARM would continue to operate independently in the UK, in Cambridge, concerns were raised that the deal could lead Nvidia to relocate ARMs headquarters to the U.S. and make ARM withdraw, increase prices or reduce the quality of its services to Nvidias rivals.

Oliver Dowden, Digital Secretary from the UKs Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport on Monday issued a public interest intervention notice (PIIN) confirming that it is intervening in the sale on national security grounds under the Enterprise Act 2002.

The governing body has also written to the UK competition watchdog, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to start a phase one investigation into the transaction. This will ensure specific considerations around competition, jurisdiction, and national security are assessed. Separately, the UK government will examine the national security public interests.

Following careful consideration of the proposed takeover, I have today issued an intervention notice. As a next step and to help me gather the relevant information, the UKs independent competition authority will now prepare a report on the implications of the transaction, which will help inform any further decisions, Dowden said.

We want to support our thriving UK tech industry and welcome foreign investment, but it is appropriate that we properly consider the national security implications of a transaction like this.

The CMA has been instructed to compile a report for Dowden on the competition and national security aspects and advise whether the acquisition could threaten competition in any UK markets. If so, whether the government should enter a more in-depth phase two investigation.

The findings of the investigation have to be submitted by the CMA to Dowden by the end of midnight of July 30, 2021. He could then approve the deal, impose certain conditions, or ask the CMA to launch an extensive phase two investigation.

A spokesperson for Nvidia said: We do not believe that this transaction poses any material national security issues. We will continue to work closely with the British authorities, as we have done since the announcement of this deal.
A Senate bill making its way through the state legislature would require all nursing homes in the state to offer virtual visits for residents.

Senate Bill 2137 is a response to the increased social isolation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our states most vulnerable residents in nursing homes have suffered the worst during this pandemic, with over 77,000 COVID-19 positive cases and more than 10,300 deaths, said Lori Hendren, AARP Illinois associate director. There should not be any hesitation from elected officials to act now to offer a simple, humane source of comfort for these residents  access to the voices and faces of the people they love  at a time when they feel most alone.

Supporters including Democratic Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins, Republican Sen. Donald P. DeWitte, Democratic Rep. Anna Moeller AARP Illinois director Bob Gallo, Alzheimers Association Illinois director David S. Olsen and state long-term care ombudsman Kelly Richards attended a virtual news conference Wednesday in support of the bill.

We know that over the past year of this pandemic, nursing home residents have suffered beyond what is imaginable, Collins said. Many have lost their friends or caregivers and have had to live in fear for their own health and safety. Nursing homes in communities of color have been especially hard hit. Senate Bill 2137 offers much-needed relief to these residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ensures) that nursing homes are better equipped to protect their residents from social isolation in the long term.

The bill comes in the wake of 2020 research that shows the harsh consequences of isolation and loneliness on a nursing home residents quality of life, including a 50% increased risk of developing dementia, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a nearly fourfold increased risk of death among heart-failure patients.

One way to combat social isolation is to ensure every long-term care resident and their loved ones can connect virtually, Olsen said. This measure is a compassionate approach to safeguard our states most vulnerable population, including those living with Alzheimers and all other dementia, from loneliness and resulting emotional distress.

Prairie Village Health Care Center administrator Jerri Springer, whose years of experience working in the health care industry prompted her to plan ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic started shutting down the state, also is a proponent of virtual visits in health care facilities.

We have always allowed virtual visits, she said. We bought tablets and phones.

Residents reaction to virtual visits during the pandemic was mixed, Springer said.

We saw some smile, but we also had issues with the technical part, she said, noting that some residents never got the hang of using the tablets.

Prairie Village always has a caregiver or staff member in the room during virtual visits, to help with any technical issues that arise, Spring said.
Arm could return to the stock market if its 29billion sale falls through, analysts have claimed.

Japanese owner Softbank is in the process of selling the British chip maker to US giant Nvidia, but the deal has been beset by regulatory hurdles.

There is also a mounting shortage of computer chips worldwide, with some analysts suggesting Softbank may find it easier  and more lucrative  to re-list Arm.

There is a mounting shortage of computer chips worldwide, with some analysts now suggesting that Arm owner Softbank may find it easier to re-list on the London stock market

Nvidia insists that it always expected tough scrutiny from regulators and has factored this into its plans.

But a new security probe into the sale by UK authorities, calls in China for regulators to block it altogether and opposition from some of Arms customers have led some to conclude the deal is doomed.

Matthew Byatt, managing partner and semiconductor expert at Acuity Advisors, said Nvidias takeover was facing severe headwinds that are getting stronger.

But he said there is a strong case for Softbank to switch to an initial public offering (IPO)  or float  of Arm instead.

Byatt said: What all the fuss about the Arm deal shows, really, is that the companys value is in its independence.

So an IPO could now be the best outcome for shareholders, customers and the UK.

Neil Campling, an analyst at Mirabaud Securities, said Softbank may even become the real winner if it manages to get bigger returns through an IPO.

Arm was valued at 24billion when the Japanese firm bought it in 2016 and some analysts predicted its value had risen to as much as 40billion last year  significantly more than what Nvidia has offered.

On Monday the Government announced it was launching a review of the national security implications of the Nvidia deal, on top of an ongoing competition probe.
BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd April, 2021) The European Union, in light of the recent accusations of the Czech Republic against Russia, calls on Moscow to refrain from activities that "threaten security and stability in Europe," and will also decisively respond to "disruptive actions of Russian intelligence services," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Wednesday.

"The European Union strongly condemns the illegal activities on the territory of the Czech Republic that caused the explosions at the Vrbetice ammunition depot in 2014. ... The EU takes extremely seriously the conclusions by the Czech authorities, based on extensive investigations, that officers of the Russian military intelligence GRU perpetrated these actions. ... Russia must desist from activities that threaten security and stability in Europe and run counter to Russia's international obligations," the statement says.

Borrell stressed that "disruptive actions of Russian intelligence services against the interests and security of the EU and its member states will continue to be met with the staunchest resolve, including at the level of the European Union, as appropriate."

"The European Union expresses full solidarity with the Czech Republic, supports the actions taken by its authorities so far and stands ready to support its further efforts to bring those responsible to justice. The EU condemns the disproportionate reaction and subsequent threats of Russian Federation towards the Czech Republic," the document says.
Protesters urge Biden admin. to take action against Ethiopia for genocide of Amhara, Orthodox Christians

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A new civic engagement group based primarily in the Washington, D.C. area, called Voice for the Voiceless Ethiopians, held a protest in front of the U.S. State Department Tuesday, where several dozen gathered to urge the Biden administration to take action against the Ethiopian government for its indifference to and perpetration of acts of genocide against ethnic and religious groups.

Through their efforts, the group hopes to create public awareness about the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Amhara and Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia.

They also called for an end to the illegal imprisonment without bail of leaders of Balderas for True Democracy in Ethiopia: Eskinder Nega, Sentayehu Chekol, Aster (Qeleb) Seyoum and Askale Demele who opposed (the ruling) OPDO-Prosperity Partys acts of human rights abuses in Ethiopia and its policy of complete marginalization of residents of the metropolitan Addis Ababa, the countrys capital and largest city. Balderas for True Democracy in Ethiopia is a registered political party in the country.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Yohannes Gethaun, the public relations officer for Voice for the Voiceless Ethiopians, elaborated on why his organization decided to hold the protest event. We demand that Ethiopians shall be governed through a transient period led by technocrats, no politicians. Theyve failed us for the last 47 years so we prefer a government run by technocrats, which will have a term limit, those people, the technocrats, will arrange an election process, lead the transition period through a peaceful process.

Gethaun slammed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, a member of the Oromo Peoples Democratic Organization, who has held that position since 2018, for his lack of action as churches have been destroyed along with entire towns. He doesnt care, he maintained. Another person who attended the event, also named Abiy, alleged that he acts like he doesn't care, but hes behind the whole thing.

As long as hes in power, for the next 10 years or 20 years, that is his plan, Abiy continued. Contending that the election is already rigged, he explained that its just another dictatorship were going through again. Abiy contended that Ethiopia has never operated as a true democracy since the first Tigray Peoples Liberation Front took power in 1991.

Another attendee, Waussihan, told CP that he was attending the event to raise awareness for a very serious situation in Ethiopia where Abiy Ahmed is just waging war against Amhara people. He asserted that Abiy Ahmed organizes his own militias and sends these militias to the farmers to kill children  mothers and they even just cut the abdomen of the mother and to just give her the baby because the baby was Amhara. He also expressed disappointment that the international media is denying this fact.

Abiy Ahmed is waging war against Tigrays and hes allowing ... other external forces to just rape children, Waussihan insisted. Hes killing people because of their identity, because they are ethnic Amharas.

What we want is the international community to know what is really happening in Ethiopia, he said. That is the only thing we need. We dont need any help, we need the international community to learn what is  happening in Ethiopia.

It is high time that Abiy Ahmed Ali be removed from power, Voice for the Voiceless Ethiopians Task Force Chairman Shimelis Legesse wrote in a press release announcing Tuesdays protest, which was obtained by CP. The fate of Ethiopias 116 million people should never be left at the hands of this narcissist person. Politically independent Ethiopian technocrats shall be given the opportunity to form a transitional government with a legally binding term limit.

Therefore, we call upon the U.S. government to use all its diplomatic channels in support of the Ethiopian peoples quest in which rule of law is respected and democracy flourishes, he added.

While expressing dissatisfaction with the U.S. government and the international communitys deafening silence regarding Ethiopia overall, Gethaun praised the Trump administration for halting military and security aid to the existing regime and commended the Biden administration for continuing to withhold the aid.

Legesse had previously written a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlining complaints on the absence of due attention by the USA administration regarding the current alarming human rights violations in Ethiopia; vengeful imprisonment of leaders of Balderas for True Democracy in Ethiopia by the regime of Abiy Ahmed Ali.

As Legesse explained in the March 15 letter, also obtained by CP: The Apartheid-like regime of the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) was set aside from power on April 2, 2018, and Abiy Ahmed Ali became prime minister of Ethiopia. While Ethiopians from all walks of life were full of hope and optimism with the ascendancy of Abiy to the helm of power, Legesse lamented that it did not take long for Mr. Abiy Ahmed Ali to betray the people of Ethiopia bestowed upon him.

The letter included a short list of gross human rights violations, including the ethnic cleansing of about 1 million people in southern Ethiopia, the murder of scores of Orthodox Christians and the subsequent burning of their churches and the ongoing genocide against members of the Amhara ethnic group.

According to Legesse, The U.S. government has not shown any concern for the plight of the Amhara and Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, who face genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Though the U.S. governments stand for an independent and internationally coordinated investigation on the atrocities committed by all combating sides on civilians in Tigray during the ongoing civil war is commendable, I am dismayed at U.S.' stand in support of negotiation between leaders of the internationally registered terrorist organization, the TPLF  with the Ethiopian government, he wrote.

Legesse added in the letter to Blinken that TPLFs 27 years apartheid-like rule was marred by divide and rule on Ethiopians based on ethnic background and religious affiliation.

Legesse was the primary speaker at Tuesdays event, which was conducted mostly in a foreign language. However, some of the chants directed at the State Department were in English: Its ethnic cleansing! Amhara genocide must be stopped now!

Amhara lives are being massacred! they chanted. Enough is enough! Stop the genocide!

In addition to urging the U.S. government to Stop Amhara ethnic cleansing, protesters called on President Joe Biden and Blinken to break your silence on Amhara genocide and asked, Where is your American moral values?

Gethaun, who has lived in the U.S. for 15 years, indicated that his organization had yet to receive an adequate response from the State Department following the submission of the March 15 letter, thereby making the protest a necessity.

CP has reported extensively on the violence in Ethiopia. Earlier this year, a famous Ethiopian monastery dating back to the sixth century was bombed, killing one monk and leaving 12 nearby buildings, including the monks ancient dwellings, destroyed.

In January, approximately 750 people were killed as an Ethiopian Orthodox church said to contain the Ark of the Covenant described in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament, fell victim to an attack. A recent report from Amnesty International showed satellite imagery analysis which corroborated reports of indiscriminate shelling and mass looting as well as signs of new mass burials near two recently destroyed churches.
EV

And that isnt necessarily surprising, as Apple is a company thats become famous for its FBI-like secrecy, all in an attempt to prevent leaks and keep all projects away from our eyes and ears until the public launch.But rumors about the Apple Car have been swirling around the web for quite some time, and now Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes its all just a matter of time until the iPhone maker actually acknowledges the project publicly.While this is something that Apple almost never does, the analyst believes the company must unveil at least some tidbits because it has to lay the groundwork for an Apple Car.Of course, seeing Apple acknowledging that its working on a car would be totally unexpected. If anything, theres a chance we might actually see the Cupertino-based firm drop some vague hints that its exploring a possible expansion in other markets.In the meantime, it looks like Apple has already found someone to take care of the manufacturing process of the car. After failed talks with Hyundai, Nissan, and other traditional carmakers, Apple started exploring other approaches, including working with Foxconn to produce itsEventually, however, its believed Apple reached an agreement with LG and Magna, as the two companies would set up a new joint venture specifically to manufacture electric cars.Ives believes Apple wouldnt launch a consumer product before 2024, though we expect a prototype to see the daylight either in 2022 or 2023 , especially if the partnership with LG-Magna goes through. However, for the time being, Apple just wants to remain tight-lipped on its car ambitions, so take everything with a healthy pinch of salt.
Brian Sullivan realizes some people might think his new business is a scam.

Its perfectly legal.

It works like this: Nearest Neighbor will help you make an argument to your town that your homes assessed value is too high. If you win, they take 40% of your tax savings in the first year. If you lose, they take nothing.

Sullivan and his two business partners used their skills in data analysis to help some homeowners in the Buffalo area, where they live. They decided to expand their work across Upstate New York.

A flyer for Nearest Neighbor could land in your mailbox in Central New York.

If you get one, it means they have targeted your home as one they believe could save at least $1,000 in property taxes.

So far, they dont have a lot of takers.

What we found from our experience is people arent super excited when they get the mailer and sign up for the process, he said. But theyre excited when they save money.

Assessors are also not super excited about companies like Nearest Neighbor. Thats because homeowners can come to them anytime if they think their assessment is too high. And its free.

This borders on a scam, said Theresa Golden, assessor for the towns of Lysander and Van Buren. My feeling is that its trying to take advantage of property owners that may not be aware of the system and their options.

Assessors are tasked with the job of making sure they assess property values fairly across towns and cities. Their job is to keep assessments in line with sales prices for comparable properties. Each May, most suburban towns publish the new assessed values and lay out a process for people to argue against them. Its called Grievance Day.

Assessors also have open doors all year for informal conversations and they say they are transparent about how they arrive at their numbers.

But property assessments in New York are hard to figure out. They can be subjective and varied from place to place. Homeowners are left to follow their neighbors home values and market trends. Taxpayers need to understand concepts like equalization rates - a calculation that shows how close your towns assessments are to market rates.

The system is set up for argument. Local governments come up with a number and homeowners are on their own to either accept it or fight it. Many people who are paying more than their fair share dont know or dont know where to start.

I was shocked to find out this was an issue, Sullivan said. I think the process is really just too complicated.

There are services that do this kind of work for commercial properties, where savings can be more lucrative. But there are few services for people who want to fight residential assessments.

Most people just dont have the time to care about it, he said. Thats where they want an advocate to take care of the problem for them.

Sullivan and his colleagues consider Nearest Neighbor a start-up. They met in the banking industry and branched into consulting work for local companies in the areas of valuation, process automation and analytics. One of the partners realized assessments were an issue in his own neighborhood and they started researching it.

They buy data sets that show home sales and others that show building characteristics such as square footage and number of bedrooms.

They analyze the data to identify similar homes that are selling for less than their assessed values. Then, they offer their services to those homeowners.

They want to grow their credibility by taking on cases that are likely to succeed.

We are only finding the ones where we think theres a really good case, he said. Some people would say you should always just challenge your taxes because you might get it lowered. My Grandpa is probably one of those people. I dont think we want to be like that as a company.

Anyone can see the kind of data Nearest Neighbor uses for free on the countys real property website. Homeowners can use it to compare the values of homes of similar age and size. If there has been a mistake - for example, the owner didnt really put an addition on the house - he can bring in pictures as proof.

Nearest Neighbor doesnt get into that level of detail. They do a broad calculation of sales prices versus assessed values to identify potential customers.

Anyone can challenge their assessment for free, Sullivan said. But who has time to do the research, understand the process and know the calendar for the grievance process?

Assessments are managed by thousands of assessors across New York. Some stay on top of sales trends better than others. The towns of Van Buren and Lysander have already sent this years preliminary assessment values to homeowners.

Like other suburban towns, they try to keep their assessments equal to 100% of market value.

Home sales were unusually hot even before the 2020 pandemic. That means assessments in some neighborhoods have increased by as much as 6%. Some of those assessments also increased the year before.

By contrast, the city of Syracuse has not revalued each parcel since 1996.

As a result, homes in low-income neighborhoods tend to be overassessed, which means their owners are paying more than their fair share of taxes, an investigation by The Post-Standard | Syracuse.com showed.

Nearest Neighbor is focusing on the suburbs now because those are the towns that start the grievance process in May. The city, which handles assessments in January, could come next.

Even in a place like Lysander, Sullivan said, there will be winners and losers.

Theres properties that are paying a lot more than comparable homes in their area and those are cases that should be challenged, he said.

The company advertises that it will save homeowners money on their tax bills.

Taxes are charged at a rate for every $1,000 of assessed value.

There are a few holes in that sales pitch, assessors say.

I think theyre looking at tax dollars and you cant grieve tax dollars, Golden said.

The company doesnt analyze property tax exemptions that reduce some tax bills more than others. They dont look at extra costs for special fire, sewer and library districts. And they cant control tax rates, which are determined by school and government spending.

Sullivan has an answer to that criticism.

We dont exactly calculate it, Sullivan said. And since we dont exactly calculate it, we low ball it.

Assessors also question the profitability of a business like Nearest Neighbor.

How many residential assessments could really be reduced by enough to save $1,000 in taxes?

Say the combined school, town and county tax rate was $30 per $1,000 of value and the homes assessed value was $300,000. The tax bill would be $9,000.

The assessed value would have to drop to about $267,000 for the tax bill to drop to $8,000.

The fee generated for Nearest Neighbor would be $400.

Is it worth it?

In my heart of hearts, Im not doing anything to try to scam people, Sullivan said. I have a background in data and modeling. Im passionate about trying to solve this problem as much as we can and raise awareness of it.

Read more about real estate:

New York has a new property tax break. Are you one of the million who qualify?

Early assessments in some towns hint at increases in Syracuse suburbs

If you think the assessment on your house is too high, heres how to challenge it

How hot was the housing market in 2020? 27% price bump in one town

In pandemic, NYC families discover homes in CNY: I couldnt imagine a more magical place to live

Tax My Property Fairly offers free resources to compare, fight assessments

Syracuse.com publishes home sale prices every week for Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties.

Contact Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186.
Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation, and Comau, a leading robot manufacturer, are joining forces to give businesses worldwide vital tools to maximize manufacturing efficiencies through unified robot control solutions.



Industrial companies are looking for efficient ways to integrate robotics into their operations for process optimization and agility, said Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO Blake Moret. Rockwell Automations collaboration with Comau will simplify programming and lifecycle management, accelerating time to value for our customers.



Moret said this expansion of robotic applications is rooted in Rockwells broader strategy to help industrial companies save time and improve performance with unified robot control, ultimately providing long-term value for their business. This collaborative development and selling model offers the unified robot control product to both companies customers.



Comaus robotics and industrial automation expertise, as well as its reputation for high performance, reliability, and quality, combined with Rockwell Automations global capabilities and experience in automated material handling, food and beverage, household and personal care, and life sciences, give customers the incremental value of an integrated robot solution, said Comau CEO Paolo Carmassi.



Comau is eager to work with such an important partner that has a market-leading global footprint in all industries.



Engineers will now be able to program their entire machine in one environment, including Comau robot arms directly controlled through Rockwell Automations Logix-based controllers. Rockwell Automations Studio 5000 automation system design software provides relief from the time-consuming and often difficult task of trying to coordinate traditionally separate machine control and robot systems to work together using two different software tools.



Machine builders, system integrators, and others will gain development and deployment efficiencies through the use of digital engineering tools like Rockwells Emulate 3D digital twin software, which creates digital models of production lines, auto-generates machine control code, and has built in capabilities for Comau robots.



The combined Rockwell and Comau solutions will also offer benefits beyond enhanced integration. For example, end users can use analytics and digital twin tools to gain deeper insights into machine performance and potential production optimization. They can also use safety and security solutions to reduce business risks.



Operators on the manufacturing floor who use Rockwells FactoryTalk software suite will benefit from being able to see both line and robot control systems on a single interface. In-plant and remote technicians will only need to learn and maintain one architecture to monitor both systems. They can also leverage Rockwells augmented reality (AR) tools to improve lifecycle and service cycle maintenance.



Automazioni Industriali Capitanio, a recognized system integrator, designs, manufactures, and commissions automation systems for the metals industry and is an early adopter of the joint solution. Marco Capitanio, managing director of AIC, said the Rockwell-Comau collaboration allows the company to offer a seamless robot solution for customers, which he sees as a key advantage for a machine builder.



We value the simple and flexible programming environment, complete access to robot supervision and diagnostic parameters, and the ability to leverage existing automation panels and standard control devices, Capitanio said.



Comaus comprehensive robot range meets the needs of a wide variety of industries, from automotive to logistics, food and beverage, and packaging, just to name a few. It includes more than 40 different industrial robotic arms, with load capacities from 3 to 650 kg.  TradeArabia News Service






Healthcare company is relocating headquarters from Illinois to Tennessee

Company will invest $2.5 million in Williamson County operations

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) officials announced today that the company will relocate its headquarters from Peoria, Ill. to Franklin, Tenn.

As part of the relocation, the healthcare company will create 58 new jobs and invest $2.5 million in its new headquarters, which will be located at 720 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. is the largest county jail health care provider in the United States. It operates health care teams and customized programs in a variety of correctional settings, including county jails, juvenile detention centers, mental health units, work release centers and drug rehabilitation centers.

In 2019, ACH was honored with the Better Business Bureaus Torch Award for Ethics, which is given to companies that demonstrate best practices, leadership, social responsibility and high standards of ethics that benefit their clients, employees and communities. ACH has also been certified by its employees as a Great Place to Work through Fortune magazine for six consecutive years. Further, ACH is currently listed as #6 in Fortunes Best Workplaces in Healthcare and Biopharma.

ACH is the first and only correctional health care company to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses for their meaningful work. The company also offers multiple training and support options for its employees, including mentorships, an e-learning platform, partnerships with Capella and Kaplan Universities, the ACH Karen Stocke Scholarship Program and a peer- to-peer mental health program.

Since 2015, TNECD has supported more than 25 economic development projects in Williamson County, resulting in nearly 4,000 job commitments and approximately $379 million in capital investment.

QUOTES

ACHs decision to relocate its headquarters to Tennessee showcases our strong economy and pro-business landscape. Tennessee is home to some of the nations top health care companies, and I congratulate Williamson County on attracting another successful business in this important sector.  Gov. Bill Lee

We are proud to welcome another headquarters operation to Tennessee. Our low cost of doing business and outstanding workforce are two fundamental factors that drive businesses to Tennessee. I thank ACH for the work it is doing in the health care industry and thank the company for its investment in our state.  TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

Advanced Correctional Healthcare is growing  and so are Illinois taxes, some of the highest in the nation! Our team looks forward to lower taxes, lower cost of living and top-rated schools. We are deeply grateful for the State of Tennessee and Williamson Countys support. We will work hard to give Tennessee a positive return on its investment in us!  Jessica Young, president and CEO, Advanced Correctional Healthcare

TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric congratulate Advanced Correctional Healthcare on its decision to locate in Williamson County. Helping to attract quality job opportunities for the people of the Valley is fundamental to TVAs mission of service. We are proud to partner with Williamson Inc. and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and support companies, like Advanced Correctional Healthcares business success.  John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

We congratulate Advanced Correctional Healthcare on their decision to locate these new jobs in Williamson County. Tennessee is a tremendous destination for individuals, families and companies looking for low taxes, a growing economy, and a great place to live, work and play. Helping to foster job creation is a key part of our efforts, and I am proud to partner with Governor Lee, TNECD and our local officials to help further that mission.  Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin)

Im proud to welcome Advanced Correctional Healthcare to Williamson County. Tennessee continues to be a top choice for growing businesses and their commitment proves our investment in education and infrastructure results in good jobs for our communities. I thank the Tennessee Department Economic and Community Development and our local leaders who worked hard to who bring this investment to Franklin.  Rep. Brandon Ogles (R-Franklin)

TNECD Media Contact

Molly Hair

Public Information Officer

(615) 878-0063

molly.hair@tn.gov

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

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New Delhi, April 21 : The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened ZojiLa Pass on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road on Tuesday (April 21, 2021) for this year after a closure of 110 days, as compared to an average of 150 days in previous years.

The Pass normally closes by mid-November every year, with the onset of winter when the temperatures dip to sub zero degrees and opens only by the end of April the next year. Average closure of pass in earlier years has been 150 days.

Located at a height of 11,650 feet, Zojila is a strategic pass that provides vital link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh and is the key to operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.

The renewed focus on infrastructure development of border areas mandated the requirement of keeping the closure of ZojiLa Pass to the minimum.

The ZojiLa Pass was kept open till December 31, 2020 and snow clearance operations recommenced on February 7, 2021 by Projects Beacon and Vijayak of the BRO.

"The connectivity across ZojiLa was initially established on February 15, 2021 and it was planned to open the Pass for Army and civil traffic by end February/early March," BRO said in a statement.

However, continuous bad weather conditions, poor visibility and heavy snowfall resulted in triggering of avalanches, thus delaying the opening.

Finally, after herculean efforts by Projects Beacon and Vijayak of BRO, the connectivity was reestablished on April 21, and ten trucks, carrying essential fresh supplies moved across the ZojiLa Pass towards Kargil, thereby bringing much needed succor to the people of Ladakh.

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry commended the officials of Project Beacon and Vijayak in achieving this feat.

It will facilitate availability of essential goods and supplies for people of Ladakh, who are dependent on air traffic due to closure of the Pass as also easier movement of Army convoys.

He reiterated BRO's commitment to be in the forefront in nation building and be the best construction agency in the extremes.
In this file photo taken on March 25, bottles of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine await transfer into syringes for administering at a vaccine rollout targeting immigrants and the undocumented in Los Angeles. AFP-Yonhap



Europe's medicines regulator said Tuesday that blood clots should be listed as a "very rare" side effect of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine, but that the benefits of the shot still outweighed the risks.



The United States is expected to announce its decision on the single-shot JJ vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world urgently try to accelerate inoculation campaigns and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies.



The European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessment came as an EU official promised to have enough doses available to vaccinate 70 percent of European adults by the summer  a boon for the continent's sluggish rollout.



Europe's Johnson & Johnson campaign was delayed after US health regulators said the shot should be paused over blood clot fears.



After reviewing isolated cases of clotting among people who received the vaccine, EMA's safety committee said it found a "possible link" to the jab.



The regulator said its safety committee "concluded that a warning about unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be added to the product information" for the JJ shot.



"This is a very rare effect," EMA chief Emer Cooke told reporters. "But it also makes it very important for doctors and patients to be aware of the signs so that they can spot any concerns."



Italy's health authorities said that in light of the EMA ruling, the vaccine should be considered "definitively safe" but the country would prioritise its use for people aged over 60.





In this file photo, U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci speaks during a press briefing at the White House where he spoke about a pause in issuing the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on April 13. AFP-Yonhap



'We remain confident'



Only two countries had started administering the JJ shot before it was paused  the United States and South Africa  with more than seven million doses given out so far, according to an AFP tally.



The vaccine was praised as easier to administer and transport than some of its rivals, because it requires just one dose and can be stored at warmer temperatures.



The EU approved the JJ shot on March 3 and started taking deliveries on April 19, but has not yet started administering it to people.



A top Johnson & Johnson executive said Tuesday he hoped for a speedy resolution to the current pause.



"We remain very confident and very hopeful that the benefit-risk profile will play out," Chief Financial Officer Joseph Wolk told CNBC.



The JJ concerns follow similar reports of blood clots in a very small number of people who received the AstraZeneca shot.



The EMA also described those clots as a "very rare" side effect, stressing that the AstraZeneca jab's benefits outweigh the risks.



Europe's leaders are keen to accelerate vaccinations and expand availability after facing intense criticism over a slow rollout and with the public desperate for a return to some degree of normality.



Thierry Breton, the EU's internal markets commissioner, told French newspaper Le Figaro the bloc was now set to have enough doses to cover 70 percent of its adult population by mid-July.



The Dutch government said Tuesday it would end its coronavirus curfew and allow cafes to serve outdoors during limited hours from April 28.



Elsewhere there was less reason for hope.



Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced a drive to get elderly residents vaccinated to avoid a lockdown, acknowledging the deteriorating situation there.





A general view of a coronavirus care facility at a hospital in New Delhi, India, April 20. EPA-Yonhap
(CNN) -- The House voted Tuesday afternoon to block a resolution from Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to censure Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters following her remarks over the weekend calling for protesters to "get more confrontational" if former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is acquitted in the killing of George Floyd.

Democrats had an extremely narrow margin to defeat the censure resolution. After working the phones and talking to their members, House Democratic leaders were confident ahead of the vote that they would have enough support to table the resolution, according to a Democratic leadership aide, and, in the end, no House Democrats broke ranks. The vote was 216-210 along party lines with four members not voting.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told CNN Monday night he didn't expect any Democrats to back the censure resolution, though House Democratic moderates are privately discussing how to handle the upcoming vote. Some are weighing whether to back the resolution and others pushing for resolutions condemning Republicans for their comments and roles around the events of the January 6 Capitol riot, according to Democratic members.

Waters, a California Democrat, on Saturday night had called for protesters to "stay on the street" and "get more confrontational" if Chauvin is acquitted. The comments, coming at a time of simmering national tension amid several high-profile killings of Black people at the hands of police officers, were immediately seized on by Republicans who said Waters was encouraging violence. In a subsequent interview, Waters said she was "nonviolent" and was not encouraging violence but instead asking people to confront the US justice system.

McCarthy introduced a resolution Monday to censure Waters for her "dangerous comments," while accusing Pelosi of "ignoring" Waters' behavior.

"We've heard this type of violent rhetoric from Waters before, and the United States Congress must clearly and without reservation reprimand this behavior before more people get hurt," he said in a statement Monday.

McCarthy, however, has downplayed former President Donald Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol riot that left several dead and injured more than 100 law enforcement officers. He avoided taking any action to punish GOP Rep. Mo Brooks for his incendiary rhetoric at a rally earlier that day, even though some members of his own conference had wanted to reprimand Brooks and weighed stripping him from committee slots.

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise dodged a question from CNN when asked why Republicans believe Waters' comments are worthy of censure but haven't censured Brooks.

"Look, a lot of people have talked about the comments that other people have made and spoken out against it, right now I haven't heard any Democrat speaking out against what Maxine has said," Scalise said. "It's time for Democrats to speak out when they see it on both sides. They only want to speak out on one side of the aisle, not both, and that hypocrisy, I think, is starting to shine through."

Some Democrats are speaking out against Waters' comments, including Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, telling CNN, "She should never have said it."

"Right now is not a good time for that type of rhetoric, it really isn't," he added. "Maybe (Waters) just misspoke."

Pelosi told CNN on Monday that Waters does not need to apologize for her comments. When asked if she believed Waters' comments incited violence, Pelosi told CNN, "No, absolutely not."

Hoyer also told CNN that he didn't think Waters meant violence and "she's never advocated violence," adding that the congresswoman is "passionate" and "believes in her issues."

Waters said her reference to "confrontation" was meant in the context of the Civil Rights movement's nonviolent history.

"The whole Civil Rights movement is confrontation," she told CNN on Capitol Hill Monday night.

Asked about GOP efforts to censure her, Waters threw her hands in the air and refused to comment.

This story has been updated with additional developments Tuesday.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
NIGERIA: A staff of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS ) unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Olokose Oluwasola Ojo, has allegedly been murdered for ritual purposes by his next-door neighbour, identified as Kazeem Mohammed, and his gang members.



Vanguard reports that on Monday, March 8, the deceased who was at the peak of preparations for his wedding scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo state on March 13, 2021, reportedly gave N350,000 to Kazeem to help him buy three cows.



According to the report, Kazeem who hails from Patigi in Kwara North had previously convinced and tricked the deceased that cows are very cheap in his area. The duo had in the wee hours of March 8, travelled to Patigi with the intention of buying the three cows while the bride to be, planned to return to Ilorin on the same day and then take the cows to Akure the next day for the wedding.



It was further reported that the plan did not come to pass as the groom-to-be was attacked in the bush in Patigi by other members of the gang who were already laying an ambush. The gang were said to have dispossessed the deceased of other valuables including the N350,000.00, and his phone through which they called his relations that he had been kidnapped and demanded N12M ransom. After much pleadings by the relations, the suspected ritualists agreed to collect N3M in ransom before he could be released for his wedding.



The suspected ritualists having collected the victims phone and his ATM cards which were with him, reportedly collected about N1.2M including the victims March 2021 salary that was paid into his account before he was murdered in cold blood.



The suspected ritualists reportedly killed the victim shortly after the relations paid part of the ransom demanded.



Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, Kayode Okasanmi, said.



The incident is true. We have commenced investigation and started making some arrests, thats much I can say for now. The investigation is still ongoing.''

Source: LIB









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Featured Video
SHANGRAO, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that it has won the award for "Asia's Best Employer" for the third consecutive year. The Company's diversified talent training and development programs aims to promote a corporate culture that fosters innovation and leadership among teams.



Organized by HR Asia, an authoritative human resources magazine, the award for "Asia's Best Corporate Employer" recognizes enterprises with outstanding performance in human resource policies, and is one of Asia's most authoritative awards in the field of human resource management. Every company shortlisted for the award goes through an independent review panel composed of senior professionals, renowned scholars, journalists, and government representatives in Asia. To ensure the objectivity of the professional evaluation and analysis of the final results, evaluations were conducted based on the "Employee Appraisal Report" and "Enterprise and Employer Engagement Survey Report".



JinkoSolar has continuously optimized its employment practices, in order to create a family-like working environment for all employees, and to cultivate and develop talent at different levels within the organization. JinkoSolar currently has a complete ecosystem of scientific, standardized and personnel management systems, and it has been recognized for promoting best practices and values in human resource management, enhancing corporate culture and fostering equality, accountability and integrity.



Mr. Xiande Li, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer commented: "Talent is the cornerstone of an enterprise's strategy to stay competitive and continuously innovate and JinkoSolar places great importance on developing its talent pool. We cultivate excellent working conditions and provide continuous learning through employee development platforms for professional training and advancement. We are a people-oriented company and will continue to invest in the future of our people."

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 22 GW for mono wafers, 11 GW for solar cells, and 31 GW for solar modules, as of December 31, 2020.

JinkoSolar has 9 productions facilities globally, 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Portugal, Canada, Malaysia, UAE, Kenya, Denmark, and global sales teams in China, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Ukraine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Poland and Argentina, as of December 31, 2020.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends, "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Stella Wang

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Related Links

www.jinkosolar.com


The Queen turns 95 today - just days after the funeral of her beloved husband Prince Philip - as she spends her first birthday without him in more than seven decades.

The world's oldest reigning monarch will mark the day in a 'low key' fashion at Windsor Castle, according to sources, hosting a visit from close family members and walking her dogs.

Celebrations will be a subdued affair this year with no traditional gun salutes and no traditional birthday picture, as the Queen remains in mourning for her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh, who she has called her 'strength and stay'.

Cruel coronavirus restrictions meant the farewell was a royal funeral like no other - with the monarch sitting isolated and alone at the service in images that shocked the nation.

And today is set to bring more sadness as the Queen prepares to celebrate her first birthday during her reign without her husband - and Britain's longest serving consort - by her side.

The Trooping of the Colour in June - which celebrates the monarch's 'official' birthday - is no longer going ahead due to the Covid pandemic.

Instead, courtiers are considering an 'alternative parade' in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, similar to an event dubbed 'mini Trooping' that was held last summer.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, saying: 'I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.

'I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth. I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.'

Pictured: The Queen and Prince Philip attend a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral held in honour of her official 80th birthday in 2006

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, writing a message on Twitter

The Royal Family said in a statement: 'Today is The Queens 95th birthday. HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York'

The Royal Family said in a statement: 'Today is The Queens 95th birthday. HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York.

'This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.'

In a bid to keep Her Majesty company, the family have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to ensure that she is not left alone.

Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are reported to be among the Queen's first visitors.

It comes as the royals mark two weeks of mourning following Philip's death on April 9 at the age of 99.

Because of the mourning period, there will be no gun salutes to celebrate the Queen's birthday - marking the second year in a row without the tradition.

The Queen last year decided the celebratory display of military firepower would not be 'appropriate' as the UK was in lockdown with thousands dead from the coronavirus outbreak.

Usually a 21-gun salute is fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

On this day last year, the Royal Family marked the celebration by releasing poignant private home videos of the Queen playing with her younger sister Margaret.

The touching archive films from the Royal Collection Trust revealed candid memories of the two sisters growing up.

They provide a rare insight into family life for the Queen as a young Princess Elizabeth.

The clips showed Elizabeth playing with a pram as a toddler, on a seesaw and playing in a garden and dancing on a yacht with Margaret.

Poignant images of Her Majesty bowing her head and watching the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin from behind a mask in St George's Chapel moved millions in Britain and around the world

The world's oldest reigning monarch will spend the day at Windsor Castle. Unlike her official birthday, which is celebrated on the second Saturday in June, Wednesday's anniversary will pass without public celebration

The Queen and Prince Philip wave to guests attending celebrations for the Queen's official 90th birthday on The Mall on June 12, 2016. Today marks the Queen's actual birthday. Her official birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday in June with the Trooping the Colour parade.

The Queen has said she was 'coping' after the funeral of her husband on Saturday and was spotted a day later driving out of Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar.

Reports have suggested that family members have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to make sure the Queen has company on the day - with Princess Anne and Sophie Wessex among the first.

Both women form part of a group of loyal, discreet and 'utterly trustworthy' women of the Queen's inner circle who are offering crucial support as she faces life without her beloved Philip.

Also in this core group of confidantes are the Queen's childhood friend Lady Pamela Hicks and Royal dresser Angela Kelly.

'Sophie is like another daughter to the Queen, they are that close,' said a Royal source.

'She is trusted and relied on like few others.'

Queen Elizabeth will spend her birthday at Windsor Castle. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth at Windsor on the occasion of her 50th birthday in 1976 [File photo]

The Queen, who was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street, central London, grew up not expecting to become queen. Her father, George VI, only took the crown when his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Pictured: The newly-born Princess Elizabeth with her mother and father

The pair are said to speak at least once a day and enjoy regular Saturday 'movie afternoons' when they watch old films together.

Today marks the Queen's actual birthday. Her official birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday in June with the Trooping the Colour parade.

The June tradition was started by King George II in 1748, who felt it would be too cold to have the outdoor ceremony on his actual birthday in November.

She will also be visited by her son Andrew and granddaughter Eugenie in the coming days, the Mirror reported.

Camilla is also expected to visit the Queen this week.

'The Queen will not be alone. She will have others who care about her deeply and want to be there to support her in her most pressing hour,' a source told The Mirror

'In typical fashion the Queen has insisted she is coping and despite the suggestion she had prepared herself for this day to come, everyone is well aware there is nothing like the experience when it comes.'

8th July 1941: Princess Elizabeth is pictured amongst a syringa bush in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire at the age of 15

The Queen ascended to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25, and surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria as Britain's longest reigning monarch in September 2015. Pictured: Princess Elizabeth, as she was then, with a pony in 1939

Prince Charles is presented with the runners-up prize by his mother, the Queen, following his team's defeat in the Silver Jubilee Cup match against France at Windsor Great Park on July 24, 1988

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born at 2.40am on April 21 1926.

She was the first child of the then-Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was born by caesarean section at 17 Bruton Street, the Mayfair home of her mother's parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

She was never expected to be a monarch when she was born, but the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII in 1936 put her father on the throne, and changed her destiny.

She wed Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947, and became Queen at the age of 25 when George VI died from lung cancer in 1952.

Elizabeth II, who has been monarch for more than 68 years, is Head of State, the Armed Forces and the Commonwealth.

She will celebrate her platinum jubilee of 70 years on the throne in 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II with her baby Prince Charles in the grounds of Windlesham Moor, country home in Surrey
Berlin, Germany -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/21/2021 -- Thanks to the GDPR, compliance has been an even hotter topic in recent years, in particular areas such as the duty to provide information on data protection requests. Article 15 of the GDPR gives individuals the right to ask a company for information about the storage of their personal data with that company and this is something that has caused a number of headaches. There is the time-consuming logistics of searching all available databases and directories for one thing, as well as the potential discrepancies that can arise with spellings. One company based in Stuttgart has now developed a solution to this issue that is designed to make it easier for companies to instantly provide information to customers who request it. The TOLERANT software produced for this purpose provides a central customer index where data can be searched and analysed across a number of systems. This will mean that when a business receives a data protection query it can be processed much more quickly and - most important of all - it's much simpler for organisations to ensure that they are acting in a way that is compliant with the GDPR without taking on a significant additional resources burden as a result.



With an extensive history in banking and financial services and a reach that extends nationally and internationally, Selby Jennings is a clear choice as a compliance recruiter in Germany. The firm works with organisations across the financial services sector, including managing talent acquisition for industry-leading companies and helping agile start-ups embed resilient and productive recruitment strategies. Key to the firm's success over the 15 years it has been in business is the ability to reimagine the recruitment process and to streamline it to find new opportunities for improvement. Selby Jennings has a 750+ global workforce and offices in more than 60 countries, providing a unique ratio of national and international reach. Understanding the market for financial services recruitment in Germany is a priority for Selby Jennings consultants who are extensively trained and encouraged to develop a broad understanding of industry players, movement and trends. Regulation, too, has been a priority for this compliance recruiter. Candidates partnering with the firm pursue stellar career paths across a full range of specialisms with consultants able to help talented people capitalise on opportunities in private wealth management, corporate and investment banking, financial technology and risk management, as well as sales and trading. A range of permanent, contract and multi-hire solutions allow Selby Jennings consultants to tailor recruitment strategy to the individual acquisition needs of every business client.



As part of the Phaidon International Group, Selby Jennings is the recruitment partner of choice to 70+ world-leading enterprises. This is combined with an in-depth local knowledge of the financial services market in Germany, as a compliance recruiter working with enterprises across the country. There are opportunities in all major cities in Germany, including Berlin and Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne, as well as many other locations in between. Selby Jennings consultants are dedicated to ensuring businesses and candidates feel supported at every stage of the hiring process, from initial advertising through to interviews and offers. An approach that is best described as recruitment beyond borders - opens up a wealth of new opportunities for those who are keen to take next steps in their career, as well as organisations with a strategic eye on the next wave of business-critical talent. Some of the opportunities that are currently available through Selby Jennings in Germany include: Data Scientist [m/w/d Rectech NLP], Senior Compliance Manager, Team Lead Quantitative Analyst, Model Validation [IRRBB], Quantitative Credit Risk Manager [Energy], Lead Cloud Engineer [d/m/w Greenfield Project], BI Consultant [m/w/d Data Governance], Data Science Consultant and Junior BI Developer. Streamlining the process of recruitment provides an alternative approach to financial services recruitment in Germany, one that makes it possible to prioritise the interests of the people involved.



"2020 was a year of seismic change across the recruitment sector. Challenges of logistics and ongoing uncertainty tested the commitment of many organisations to goals, values and ideals. An unwavering sense of duty and focus on our clients has helped us to build even stronger networks and connections for the coming year," commented Luis Rolim, Global Marketing Director at Selby Jennings. He went on to say, "the challenges that we have faced in virtually securing and retaining talent have proven to be an opportunity in terms of increasing the versatility of our team and demonstrating just how adaptable and insightful we can be when it comes to providing talent acquisition support under any conditions."



To find out more about compliance recruiter in Germany visit https://selbyjennings.de



For any media enquiries please contact Gary Elliot at Iconic Digital - 020 7100 0726



For all other enquiries please contact Selby Jennings: +49 30 72 62 11 444.



For more information about Selby Jennings please go to https://selbyjennings.de



Selby Jennings knows that building the right team isn't easy. However, with the support of the right hiring partner, access to key networks and contacts, it's possible to reimagine the process of recruitment to make it more positive, satisfying and productive.
Zac Efron abruptly ended his ten-month relationship with Australian girlfriend Vanessa Valladares 'after discovering she was to appear on a controversial new reality show'.

The Hollywood star, 33 - currently in Australia while he films Down to Earth with Zac Efron - embarked on a whirlwind romance with the model after he met her waiting tables at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe in July 2020.

It's understood that he has since ended the brief relationship, sending Vanessa back to Byron Bay in April after seeing media reports that she was set to star in the forthcoming Netflix influencer reality series, Byron Baes.

Furious residents in the celebrity-packed Australian town of Byron Bay have lashed out against the reality show amid fears will damage their beachside paradise.

Revealed! Zac Efron abruptly ended his ten-month relationship with Australian girlfriend Vanessa Valladares 'after discovering she was to appear on a controversial new reality show'

A source close to the star tells Daily Mail Australia the couple have not only '100 per cent split' but revealed the 'final nail in the coffin' that led to him calling things off was sparked by her potential involvement in the show.

'He's a very good person who wanted a genuine, normal, down-to-earth partner,' an insider said.

'Zac sent her home from the set [Down to Earth with Zac Efron] last week. There still may have been a chance.

'I'm sure the final nail in the coffin was him seeing the story of her being possibly on Byron Baes and the claims that he was helping her get on it.'

The source also claimed that Zac doesn't read media reports about him so was 'very hurt' when a friend showed him the story, adding: 'He is an absolutely down to earth person, not fancy, quite humble.'

Finished: It's understood that Zac sent Vanessa back to Byron Bay in April after seeing media reports that she was set to star in the forthcoming Netflix influencer reality series, Byron Baes

The reality show, set to be called 'Byron Baes', plans to follow the lives of social media influencers on the trendy town's beaches.

Mayor Simon Richardson warned the town's opposition to the show was strong and 'you'd be struggling to find one person' who supported the plan, in an interview with ABC.

Richardson said the 'vacuous, fake show' could damage the town's reputation and bring 'not just sensitivity challenges for us, but also economic challenges'. Locals have branded the concept 'tacky and trashy'.

Previously: The pair were last pictured together in the Blue Mountains, NSW on March 30th (Zac is pictured on the hike)

With its spectacular surfing beaches, the town of 9,000 people - in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales - has become a major draw for the rich and famous in recent years.

Acting couple Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have built a mansion in the area while the likes of Matt Damon, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman are among international celebrities who have spent time in the area.

Thousands have already signed a petition campaigning for authorities to cancel filming permits and some local businesses have refused producers permission to film at their venues.

Not happy: Furious residents in the celebrity-packed Australian town of Byron Bay have lashed out against the Netflix reality show amid fears will damage their beachside paradise

Protest: Around 100 surfers paddled to sea on Tuesday to form a cancel symbol off the coast of the New South Wales state town in the hope that Netflix will can the 'Byron Baes' series

In a statement announcing the show on April 7, the streaming giant said the 'docu-soap' would follow Instagrammers without the filter of social media, promising 'fights, flings and heartbreak'.

According to Emerald City, Love Island Australia star Elias Chigros and plus-size model Jessica Vander Leahy are set to star on the upcoming series.

The revelations of the Netflix show blow up comes after Australian radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands - who is good friends with Zac - confirmed the news on KIIS FM on Wednesday morning.

Cancelled: 'I'm sure the final nail in the coffin was him seeing the story of her being possibly on Byron Baes and the claims that he was helping her get on it' a source claimed

'He doesn't look at the media': A source close to the star claimed he was left hurt by the recent claims

Kyle confirmed the split 'wasn't just a rumour', saying: 'I can also confirm after speaking with him yesterday.'

Kyle told his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson that he had phoned the actor to speak about the upcoming Netflix show, Byron Baes.

There had been rumours published in Woman's Day that Zac was trying to get Vanessa on the influencer-focused 'docu-soap', that Kyle refused to believe.

Pals: Kyle Sandilands confirmed the news of their break-up on live radio on Wednesday, after speaking to the Hollywood actor on the phone

Happier times: The High School Musical actor first met Vanessa while she was waiting tables at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe around June last year. Pictured together on July 1 2020

When he asked his pal about the rumours, Zac admitted that he and Vanessa were no longer together.

Kyle said their split was 'recent' but not 'yesterday recent', and that there was 'no drama' in their break-up.

'It's confirmed by Kyle,' Jackie concluded, as Kyle claimed Zac was simply getting back into the swing of work and their busy lives weren't in sync.

Kyle and Zac have been friends for years, with the Australian personality even attending his 33rd birthday celebrations in Byron Bay back in October.

Zac and Vanessa's relationship 2020: May: Rumours swirl Hollywood star Zac Efron has been secretly living in Byron Bay June: Zac is reported to have first met inspiring model, Vanessa Valladares, while she was waiting tables at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe June 22: Social media goes into frenzy with reports Zac was spotted dining alone at General Store & Cafe July 1: Zac was pictured for the first time in Australia, giving Vanessa a kiss on the cheek during her shift August 2: TMZ reported Zac was formulating' a plan to escape LA and move full-time to Australia' August 22: Zac is reported to have 'inspected and put in an offer' on a Byron Bay property August 24: Zac 'cancelled his flight back to LA' amid rumours he was looking to move Down Under for good September 3: Zac and Vanessa pictured enjoying ski holiday in Thredbo September 4: Things appeared to be going from strength-to-strength, Zac and Vanessa were spotted holding hands for the first time during lunch date September 5: Zac and Vanessa were spotted looking loved-up while during brunch date in Lennox Head September 9: Zac is reported to have been spotted house hunting September 22: Zac is said to be 'torn between living in Australia with his girlfriend and his career in Hollywood October 2: Zac and Vanessa were spotted in Sydney's Bondi Beach October 14: Reports surfaced Zac was 'planning to propose to his girlfriend' October 18: Zac hosted star-studded birthday party in Byron Bay with Kyle Sandilands and Melissa McCarthy also in attendance October 22: Zac and Vanessa spotted having lunch on Gold Coast November 6: Zac was spotted at an Adelaide Bar - after it was announced he's filming upcoming movie Gold in South Australia December 4: Zac and Vanessa were seen together for the first time in weeks, amid rumours they 'took a break' December 22: Zac listed his $7.8million LA bachelor pad for sale 2021 Jan 9: Zac and Vanessa spotted packing on the PDA during beach outing Feb 14: Zac finalised $2million purchase of block in Tweed Valley amid rumours he is planning to permanently relocate to Australia March 9: Zac begins filming his new Netflix docuseries, Down to Earth, across Australia March 27: Zac was spotted chatting to camera crew while he was visited by Vanessa in Melbourne, Victoria March 30: Zac was spotted abseiling and hiking with his girlfriend in the Blue Mountains, while filming his Netflix series April 2: Zac was spotted going on a coffee run without Vanessa April 8: Vanessa was reported to have been walking around Sydney's Barangaroo alone April 11: Zac is understood to have 'sent Vanessa home' April 21: Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands said that he spoke to Zac on the phone and he confirmed he was no longer dating Vanessa Advertisement
Beneath a painted banner that read George Floyd Rest in Power, dozens of people gathered at a San Jose church Tuesday evening to pay homage to the man whose murder sparked a national reckoning over the treatment of Black people by police.

The solemn crowd arrayed on the steps of Grace Baptist Church applauded the jurys conviction of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who killed Floyd, and decried the police tactics that led to the 47-year olds killing last year.

George Floyd should be here with us today, said Santa Clara County Deputy Public Defender Sajid Khan, speaking on the steps of the church.We dont celebrate because George Floyd is not here with us. We do welcome our community, our country, holding police accountable.

The vigil capped off an emotional day of reflection and relief for many, as the trials conclusion unfolded on TV news and social media. The guilty verdict prompted a collective sigh of relief from Bay Area political leaders and activists, who pleaded for calm following the swiftly-rendered conviction.

Looming large over Tuesdays San Jose vigil were the local victims of police brutality: Jacob Dominguez, killed by San Jose police in 2017, and Anthony Nunez, fatally shot by San Jose police on his front porch in 2016. Attendees held up signs bearing the images of the two men, along with that of Daunte Wright, killed by Minnesota police earlier this month.

Nunezs mother Sandy Sanchez spoke tearfully about her son, who she said was shot during a mental breakdown. Nearby, the teenagers father held a banner bearing his sons likeness.

He was 18. He was just a baby, Sanchez said.

Sanchez said Chauvins guilt on three counts gave her hope for systemic change and greater police accountability, but that no verdict could replace a lost loved one.

As night fell on the church, attendees lit candles in honor of the victims of police brutality. It was the second such vigil in recent days, after hundreds of people gathered outside San Franciscos Mission High School on Thursday to mourn Wright and Roger Allen, killed April 7 by Daly City police.

Speaking to a scattered crowd beneath the church steeple, Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Peter Ortiz called the verdict a step in the right direction, but condemned what he characterized as a racist and outdated justice system that contributes to continued killings of Black and brown people at the hands of the police.

We need a true reimagining of what public safety looks like in our communities, Ortiz said.

Chase DiFeliciantonio and Nora Mishanec are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com, nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice, @NMishanec
Catholic Bishop to Answer Questions about Religion, Culture on Reddit 'Ask Me Anything'

NEWS PROVIDED BYApril 21, 2021IRVING, Texas, April 21, 2021 / Standard Newswire / -- The mission of Word on Fire is to utilize the tools of new media to proclaim Christ in the culture and draw people intoor back tothe Catholic faith. A Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) threada real-time, crowdsourced question-and-answer sessionis a perfect opportunity to do precisely that. Bishop Robert Barron will be hosting his third AMA on the site, taking place Wednesday (4/21) at 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. PT).Reddit is an enormously popular and influential cultural platform that has drawn in celebrities, bestselling authors, and even American Presidents for AMAs. But more importantly, Reddit's audience also tends to be young, intellectually curious, and largely nonreligious. This is a great opportunity to introduce countless "nones" to Christ and his Church.In 2018, Bishop Barron became the first Catholic bishop to ever host a Reddit AMA. With over 11,000 comments, it became the third-most-commented-on Reddit AMA of 2018 (behind only Jordan Peterson and Bill Gates). In 2019, he returned for a second AMA, and this one was even more popular. It attracted nearly 15,000 comments and, once again, was the third-most-commented-on Reddit AMA of 2019 (behind only Beto O'Rourke and Bill Gates).To support this third discussion, users can "upvote" Bishop Barron's AMA and their favorite questions and answers. Further, they can share a link to the AMA with friends and family to let them know about this evangelistic opportunity. For more details, visit wordonfire.org/reddit Word on Fire Catholic Ministries ( wordonfire.org ) exists to support the evangelization efforts of Bishop Robert Barron by drawing people into the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby giving 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.SOURCE Word on Fire Catholic MinistriesCONTACT: William Sipling, Communications Director, 866-928-1237, communications@wordonfire.org Related Links
A Government TD has said he has no confidence in Taoiseach Micheal Martin in his handling of the Covid-19 crisis.

Sligo TD Marc MacSharry hit out at the Governments repeated use of lockdown as its only strategy, despite World Health Organization (WHO) advice to the contrary.

Speaking on Newstalk, Mr MacSharry said just because he is a Government TD, it doesnt mean he has to stop exercising his brain or his own individual judgement on how the crisis is being managed.

No, I dont have confidence in his handling of the crisis, said Mr MacSharry.

While Mr MacSharry's comments were made in the context of a discussion on the pandemic, there has been mounting speculation of a move against Mr Martin.

There is widespread unhappiness within Fianna Fail as to the party's performance in Government as well as its current record low opinion poll ratings.

Mr MacSharry said he had serious concerns about the implications of decisions being taken purely based on the health perspective alone.

He said the country has been subject to abnormal conditions for 15 months and what is needed now is a strategy for living with the virus in the long term.

He cited a medics prediction that Covid-19 could be with us for centuries and hit out at what he called the wasted opportunities so far to upskill the country to allow it open up successfully.

He hit out at Ireland being the country which has been in lockdown for longer than anywhere in the world.

Mr MacSharry, who has been among a number of Fianna Fail TDs to voice persistent criticism of Mr Martin and the Government in recent times, also voiced concern at Irelands failure to think outside of the box when it came to securing extra vaccines outside of the EU structure.

We sought to be the best boys in the class and look where that got us. The EU has no competence in health matters and it has shown itself to be that way again.

He said that despite his unhappiness with the Governments handling of the crisis, he is not prepared to resign as a member of his party.

Mr MacSharry has clashed with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Mr Martin at meetings of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party in recent weeks.

When it was pointed out that he had called for an opening of society when case numbers were in excess of 1,000 per day, Mr MacSharry said he accepted he got it wrong but said his call was based on "available data" at the time.

He said he was not afraid of getting it wrong and political leadership must be prepared to admit when they get it wrong.

In this paper, Mr MacSharry said the virus was not "indiscriminate" and mostly impacted old people and those with pre-existing conditions.

He said he didn't want to put anyone in danger and that his views would have changed over Christmas.
The heartbroken girlfriend of a father-of-two found dead in a home says she hopes his killer is brought to justice.

The body of Shane Brown, 30, was found at an address on Henry Street, Melton, in Melbourne's west, just before 4pm on Tuesday.

Brown, who was stabbed to death, leaves behind two children aged just three and three months.

His partner Bianca Kerr is still in disbelief and hopes the killer 'rots in jail'.

The body of Shane Brown (pictured right) was located at an address on Henry Street in Melton, in Melbourne's west, just before 4pm on Tuesday

Bianca Kerr (pictured left) the mother of Shane Brown's two children, has promised the 'babies will live on' in his memory

'I would do anything to bring (him) back,' she told the Herald Sun. 'I will make sure our babies never forget who you are and I know they will live on in you.

'This isn't fair. We love and miss you so much. I hope [the killer] rots in jail and gets everything he deserves.'

Earlier Ms Kerr confirmed the grim news of Brown's death on social media, sparking an outpour of tributes online.

'You were such a sweet, funny, cheeky young boy who was loved by lots of us,' one person wrote.

'Being in (your) class (at school) was pretty great and amusing too! Rest in peace dude.'

Another woman wrote Brown would be 'missed by so many and in so many ways', while a third person posted they would 'never be the same over this'.

A crime scene was established outside the Henry Street home on Tuesday afternoon as officers searched the area for clues.

An 'extensive amount' of blood was found inside the house, Channel 7 reported.

Homicide squad detectives are investigating the cause of Brown's death, with a Melton man questioned by police. Charges are yet to be laid.

'Investigators are currently speaking to a local man who is assisting them with inquiries,' Victoria Police confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
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President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Wednesday delivered an annual address replete with threats against the West but, despite intense tensions with Ukraine, stopped short of announcing new military or foreign policy moves.

Russias response will be asymmetric, fast and tough if it is forced to defend its interests, Mr. Putin said, pointing to what he claimed were Western efforts at regime change in neighboring Belarus as another threat to Russias security.

He pledged that Russia wants to have good relations with all participants of international society, even as he noted that Russias modernized nuclear weapons systems were at the ready.

The organizers of any provocations threatening the fundamental interests of our security will regret their deeds more than they have regretted anything in a long time, Mr. Putin told a hall of governors and members of Parliament. I hope no one gets the idea to cross the so-called red line with Russia  and we will be the ones to decide where it runs in every concrete case.
The Founder and Leader of the Alive Chapel International, Bishop Dr. Elisha Salifu Amoako has called on young girls who have taken to social media to post their nakedness and share their secrets to the world to learn a lesson from the predicament of Rosemond Brown, known in showbiz as Akuapem Poloo.



According to him, the imprisonment of Akuapem Poloo should be a wake-up call and a concern for Ghanaians especially the young ladies who are on social media displaying everything about themselves to the world.



"What has happened is a concern for all Ghanaians. When something happens, we have to learn from it. What has happened to Akuapem Poloo is a lesson to all Ghanaians especially our young ladies who are always on social media displaying their nakedness, their secrets, and everything about them," he cautioned.



Speaking to the media last Sunday in his office regarding Akuapem Poloo's prison sentence, Bishop Salifu Amoako warned against some offensive activities that Ghanaians do but get away from the claws of the law.



He stressed that it is even an offense to post someone's pictures on social media without the person's consent; thus, there are so many laws in the country that many Ghanaians are not aware of but it does not stop the laws from being active when they are being raised in court.



To him, the Judge simply carried out her constitutional duty after Akuapem Poloo herself pleaded guilty with the full consent of her lawyer to the charges brought against her by the Prosecutor.



"The problem is that when Akuapem Poloo went to court she pleaded guilty to all the charges against her, and those charges she pleaded to are against the law and since it is the against the law, then the Judge has the right to pronounce judgment in accordance with the law," he stated.



He, however, advised that, "the fact that it is a free platform and you can afford a credit to operate the medium should not allow you to discredit others on social media. We have laws against this action because if you insult me on social media, I have the right to sue you for destroying my image".



He further encouraged Akuapem Poloo to make the best out of her situation as she can seize the moment to write a book about her prison experience and even create a career through her predicament.



He reiterated that she [Akuapem Poloo] should not see her imprisonment as a punishment but rather a place of reform as well as an opportunity for God to turn things around in her life, reminding her of how great men like Joseph in the Bible and Nelson Mandela of South Africa came out of prison to be great men.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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During the chaos of the Coronavirus pandemic, its become clear that self-care is essential to your well-being. But if youre on a budget, or even out of work due to the pandemic, you may not have extra funds laying around to go treat yourself. Typical self care, like massages, facials, and manicures all cost a pretty penny. Here are 5 ways I treat myself without breaking the bank.

1) Buy Flavored Coffee

If youre a coffee drinker like me, you know just how luxurious a delicious cup of joe can be. But before you go running out to your local coffee shop and splurge on a pricey drink, consider making your own instead.

I bought a cheap French-press at Ikea to make my own coffee at home. But I will splurge on buying nicer, flavored coffee, like caramel, French vanilla, and hazelnut. While the flavored coffee is a little more expensive than the old-school brands you can buy in bulk, overall, its still much more affordable than going out to grab a coffee on the go.

And you can take it a step further by buying flavored creamer, a milk frother, and a pretty coffee mug. It truly starts my day off on the right note, and doesnt cost much money at all.

2) Do an At-Home Spa Night

Once a week, I like to treat myself to an at-home spa night. All you need is time and a few of your favorite products!

You can go as simple or as in-depth as you want. From hair treatments to bubble baths, at-home manicures, and homemade facials, you can pamper yourself without breaking the bank.

3) Go for a Walk

During a chaotic day, theres possibly nothing better than taking a short break to take a walk, especially if its a nice day. And best of all? This is totally free!

Plus, you can take a timeout to listen to your favorite music or podcast. Personally, I love to take my dogs with me, which always puts me in a better mood.

4) Cook a Healthy Meal

Admittedly, Im not a great cook. I tend to eat on-the-go, and rarely give myself time to really enjoy a meal, let alone cook one.

But recently, I have been experimenting with cooking simple, healthy meals. I have to say, its fun! You can take a few basic ingredients and make it into something delicious that makes you feel good.

So try out a new recipe and get out the nice dishes. Your body will thank you.

5) Take a Nap

Lastly, when I find myself really stressed or anxious, I love to treat myself to a quick nap. After all, how liberating is it to take a timeout to take a nap? I find that a nap is essential when Im overwhelmed, especially on busy days. Then I can wake up rejuvenated and focused.

If youre able to, find time to build a quick power nap into your day. Its a luxury thats completely free!

Read More:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): Renowned Acneologist Dr Suyomi Shah, MD Dermatologist and Certified Trichologist (IAT Australia), has been felicitated with the prestigious National Award "Champions of Change 2020" by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE), a non-profit recognized by Govt. of India, for her exemplary achievements.

Dr Suyomi Shah, who is popularly known as Dr Su, received her award from Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra & Goa, who was the Chief Guest at the Champions of Change Awards ceremony held in Goa.

Dr Su's followers refer to her as an Acneologist, a moniker that she has rightfully earned through her hard work, was among the many luminaries who also received their awards at the gala ceremony for their contribution in various fields including their efforts in India's fight against the pandemic that has rocked the nation. She was the youngest amongst all the awardees.

Some of the other prominent awardees included Shri Pramod Sawant (Hon'ble CM GOA), Shri Shripad Naik (Hon'ble Union Ayush Minister of India), Raj K Purohit (Indian Politician), Suresh Jain (India politician), M.K Stalin (Indian Politician, Tamil Nadu), Sonu Nigam, Hema Malini, Sushmita Sen among several others.

Speaking on her spectacular achievement, Dr Su said, "It is a great honour to be called a Champion of Change. It is the validation of the confidence that I have in my work and I am so grateful for all the appreciation from my followers around the world. I sincerely hope that I am able to reach out to as many people as possible and help relieve them from the immense trouble they have to face in life due to acne."

This year, the prestigious Champions of Change Awards were conferred in the following categories - Social Welfare, Culture, Education, Health Care, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Special Contribution in Aspirational Districts, Corona Warrior, and for the National Unity.

Dr Suyomi Shah finds a place among the Champions of Change this year as she has literally disrupted the telehealth sector in India with her young and vibrant brand, Dr Su, which is growing rapidly in the space of dermatology and skin care in India.

During the trying times of COVID lockdown in 2020, Dr Suyomi Shah started her page on Instagram (drsu.official), which has crossed the 300K follower milestone within less than a year. Today, the brand Dr Su has emerged as a decisive voice in the cluttered cosmetics world and is consistently inspiring and educating people about skincare and haircare.

"Acne is something I struggled myself with for years. Successful treatment requires implementation of holistic lifestyle changes. I started my journey as a dermatologist with a special emphasis towards treating acne for my patients. The word of mouth from those who benefited from my treatment made sure that my brand, Dr Su made progress at a huge pace. And before I knew it, I was given the title of - 'World's first Acneologist' which aptly describes what I started with," shares Dr Suyomi.

Dr Su has helped thousands of patients get rid of their acne. Extraordinary results often lead her patients to call her a super doc, however, Dr Su is as friendly as one can be. Her intention is to be accessible to all her patients on a personal level.

No wonder then, Dr Suyomi has emerged as one of the most sought-after dermatologists today and her brand, Dr Su is on a mission to help as many people as possible and empower them to combat skin and hair-related problems more effectively, which effectively makes her a true Champion of Change!

The Jury for Champions of Change Award is headed by Justice K.G. Balakrishnan (Former CJI and Former Chairman NHRC) and the Jury members include former Supreme Court Judges.

An initiative of Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE), a non-profit recognized by Govt. of India, The Champions of Change Awards are aimed at promoting Gandhian values, cleanliness (Swachhata), community service, and social development. The Champions of Change Award comprises a certificate and a gold medal.

For more information, log on to [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champions_of_Change_(award) ]

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
\The African country of Chad announced Tuesday that its president of more than 30 years died visiting troops fighting a rebel group.

Idriss Deby Itno came to power in 1990 when he led a rebellion against then-President Hissene Habre.

Deby visited troops on Monday, the same day he was declared the winner of an election that would have kept him in power for a sixth term. The 68-year-old leader could have stayed in power until 2033 after a new constitution was passed in 2018.

The Chadian military said the president joined the fight against rebels who had marched toward Chads capital, NDjamena. The rebel group is known as Front for Change and Concord in Chad. The conflict concerns many Western nations, including France and the United States.

Details of his death could not be independently confirmed. Some Africa experts wonder if Debys death was the result of a coup.

They said if the countrys leader dies in office, the remainder of his term should be completed by a member of the countrys parliament.

Instead, the military announced that Debys 37-year-old son, Mahamat Kaka, is now acting as president. He will lead an 18-month transitional council.



Chad is a French ally in Africa. Frances president Emmanuel Macron released a statement on Tuesday calling Deby a brave friend, and asked for a quick return to civilian leadership. There are about 5,000 French soldiers based in Chad.

They are involved in security measures against Islamist militants including Boko Haram and others linked to the Islamic State terror group.

Nathaniel Powell studies the history of Frances military in Chad.

He said the announcement of Mahamat as the countrys new leader shows continuity and may serve to stop any military officers from thinking they can take over the country. He said it also shows France and the United States that Chad remains an ally.

Powell noted there remains strong opposition to Debys rule within the countrys military and among Chadian people. Deby said he won 79 percent of the vote in the recent election. But many people in the opposing party chose not to vote.

The Reuters news agency spoke with a diplomat in the area who was not identified. He said Deby loved visiting his troops while fighting was going on. But, he said, it is problematic that a member of Chads parliament did not take over the country.

That in itself is a coup, he said.

The military has ordered a nighttime curfew and parliament has been dismissed. The spokesman who announced Debys death said all measures have been taken to guarantee peace, security and the republican order.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on reporting by the Associated Press and Reuters. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

Do you think Chad will have a peaceful transition of leadership? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page.

___________________________________________

Words in This Story

coup n. a sudden attempt by a small group of people to take over the government usually through violence

transition n. a change from one state or condition to another

council n. a group of people who are chosen to make rules, laws, or decisions about something
This article first ran in Hot Pod, an industry-leading trade newsletter about podcasting by Nick Quah. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/Shutterstock/Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/Shut

You might have noticed that Facebook means to make a bit of noise on the digital audio front this week.

Yesterday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg stopped by Sidechannel  the shared Discord project that Im a part of with seven other independent newsletter writers (more info here)  for an interview with Platformers Casey Newton, where he announced several audio-related features that are slated to roll out on the Facebook platform in the coming months. As it turned out, Zuckerbergs Discord appearance was part of a broader press push around Facebooks new adventures in audio, which also included an official blog post and a Bloomberg story with a few quotes from Facebook App head Fidji Simo. Though, interestingly enough, Recodes Peter Kafka preempted the push with a scoop on Sunday evening that got the bulk of the product announcements spot-on.

Heres a list of the companys upcoming audio-related features that were announced in an official capacity:

 A Clubhouse competitor called Live Audio Rooms that will be deployed both on Facebook Groups and Facebook Messenger. (The New York Times first reported the existence of this product back in February.) Facebooks blog post on the matter also mentioned that the new feature will allow users to convert their live conversations into on-demand recordings for later consumption and that theres some intent to get public figures to use the tool in a broadcast-like fashion. Put together, it seems the company is poised to pursue all possible social audio use cases the same time, whether its the many-to-many social media context or the one-to-many media performance context.

 Monetization tools attached to the Clubhouse competitor, which will start off through an integration with Facebooks new-ish Stars tipping tool  something that Ive never heard of before prior to this week but seems connected to the platforms adventures in video streaming  and will eventually branch out to include other forms of monetization, like subscription and one-time purchases.

 A new social audio format theyre calling Soundbites, described as short-form, creative audio clips. This seems to be a gambit around some sort of TikTok- or Instagram-like experience for audio. (Shout-out to everybody whos ever complained about podcasts being too long, and everybody whos ever asked why audio doesnt go viral. Also, Paris Hilton, whose upcoming podcast adventures, as detailed in The New York Times, will supposedly feature something she calls Podposts, short audio dispatches meant to match the cadence and tone of posts on social media.) In another move of Clubhouse mimicry, Facebook is also rolling out an Audio Creators Fund to help kickstart the new format.

 Finally, Facebook is also apparently planning to more directly integrate podcast consumption into its app experience, meaning that Facebook users can listen to podcasts directly on the Facebook app. Its unclear to me, at this point, whether this means that Facebook will be building an in-app feature to download and play podcasts, or whether it refers to an upcoming media player integration that Ill talk about in a bit. The companys blog post also had some language around promoting podcast discovery  finding new podcasts and episodes based on your interests, that kind of thing  but at this point, just about every platform newly participating in the podcast space says they want to do that, so, I dont know. Anyway, theres additionally some further language around podcast creators now being able to use Facebook to reach and connect with new listeners, though I imagine some already do, using Facebooks existing advertising options. That is, of course, if they had a dedicated marketing budget to do so.

So thats the official stuff. However, in Zuckerbergs interview with Newton, he also talked about a few other things, including an upcoming expansion to Facebooks relationship with Spotify that will involve the latters media player directly integrated into the Facebook feed. (This detail was mentioned in Kafkas Sunday scoop, though not in the corporate blog post.) The initiative is apparently regarded internally as Project Boombox, and Im told that the rollout of this integration could take place as early as next week.

Heres one thing about this bit that caught my attention during the interview: Zuckerberg seemed to principally frame the Project Boombox partnership around the music side of the player experience. This is curious, because Im pretty sure podcasts could be easily distributed over the integrated Spotify player in much the same way that any music track could. Which is to say, I wouldnt necessarily discount the podcast piece from Project Boombox  unless, of course, theres some sort of internal podcast player initiative yet to be announced by Facebook.

In any case, Spotify certainly doesnt seem to see much distinction between the music and podcast pieces in its expanded relationship with Facebook. At least, thats what I gather from the official statement by Spotify in response to Zuckerbergs interview yesterday: Facebooks interest in audio is further validation of the category and reinforces what weve known all along  the power and potential for audio is limitless. Our ambition has always been to make Spotify ubiquitous across platforms and devices  bringing music and podcasts to more people  and our new integration with Facebook is another step in these efforts. We look forward to a continued partnership with Facebook, fueling audio discovery around the world.

However things shake out, heres the one big thing Ill be watching for when the player integration rolls out: How will the data flows work between the two sides? Will Facebook get any of that data? And how will all this fit into the larger context of Apples upcoming data privacy update that has gotten Facebook a little riled up?

Three more things I want to hit before we move on:

Firstly, heres my read on the Facebook side of the equation: This is very clearly Facebook feeling like it needs to respond to (or at least have a play in) the rising buzz and money sloshing around the modern digital audio category. And so I think were looking at the company now doing the thing its really good at, which is leaning on its core advantages  scale, gigantism, monopolistic power, and so on  and toss a bunch of in-category clones and incentives at the wall to see what sticks.

Clubhouse is hot? Lets do that. Podcasting is hot? Lets plug that in here. Spotify is hot? Were doing them already, but lets do more. The organizing principle for Facebook  as always, and as is the case for any attention-economy business  is to keep users on its apps and platforms as much as possible, and catching the modern digital audio wave in this manner falls from that imperative. Will any of these things stick? TBD, my dude. However, despite the fact that Im not a particularly close observer of Facebook, even I know that the company has a lets say, mixed track record when it comes to new product innovations in recent years. I wouldnt bet the farm on this.

This is probably the appropriate point to bring up Facebooks last major audio push: a 2016 product called Facebook Live Audio, which let select publishers like the BBC World Service and HarperCollins stream live audio broadcasts to Facebook users. This attempt was connected to another media fad at the time  livestreaming  which has since faded for the most part. (RIP Periscope and Meerkat.)

Secondly, lets go over the Clubhouse side of the equation. In a matter of weeks, Clubhouses competitive field has gone from mildly tentative to very, very crowded all of a sudden. Facebook has its upcoming Live Audio Rooms, Spotify acquired Locker Room, and rival products can be found from the likes of Twitter, Slack, LinkedIn, and Discord, among others. Yesterday, Reddit unveiled its cover of this pop song. Im almost certain Im missing somebody, and Im almost certain more are on the way.

Which is presumably why, barely four months after its last fundraise, Clubhouse announced over the weekend that it has raised yet another funding round, once again led by Andreessen Horowitz with participation from DST Global, Tiger Global, and Elad Gil. The social audio startup didnt disclose the actual dollar amount of new money raised, but Reuters reports that its now valued at $4 billion, confirming an earlier report by Bloomberg. The previous round had valued it at $1 billion.

A beefed-up war chest always comes in handy to keep up with and stave off competitors  I mean, obviously  but as I sketched out in my February column on the company, Clubhouses principal challenge is of a more fundamental kind. Three months ago, the startups identity was chiefly defined by the vast universe of possible things it could be: a place to hang out with your friends, a place to meet strangers, a place to cosplay the most tedious of work conferences, a place to have a communal sports- or events-watching experience, a place to create brand new experiences native to the app, and so on. It was pure potential and, as a result, a vessel onto which investors can project their wildest dreams.

But with the introduction of each new competitor, most of which typically come attached to preexisting use cases, communities, and business engines, those possible identities are being progressively taken away from Clubhouse  or at least are having their viabilities substantially challenged. And so its my belief, then, that the startups primary challenge at this point is to figure out just what its supposed to be and consequently what core constituencies its supposed to serve, then to proactively organize around that moving forward.

Thirdly, heres my read on the podcast ecosystem side of the equation. The thing that perhaps most intrigued me about Zuckerbergs interview with Newton yesterday was an emphasis in his language around creators. The term is all the rage right now, and in Zuckerbergs responses, there was some talk about how Facebook could help creators like newsletter writers and podcasters, and how the platform could help people like that better monetize their work and products. Maybe they could even provide better margins in doing so. Maybe theyll even do this stuff for free.

Its not hard to grasp the theoretical value of this appeal. After all, Facebook is one of the biggest internet platforms on the planet, and one can reasonably be tempted to think that even a little platform-sanctioned boost in the face of all those possible users could yield delicious returns.

However, as anybody whos lived through the Pivot to Video can tell you, Facebook is best kept at arms length, maybe even farther. Whether by malice or neglect, theres very little historical reason to even remotely trust Facebook on anything related to creators and media businesses. (And certainly, as many people whove closely watched Facebooks impact on civil society over the years can tell you, theres little historical reason to even remotely trust Facebook on anything at all.)

This isnt to say theres no possible upside to Facebook doing this song and dance around audio. This slew of new product announcements is almost certainly going to increase the visibility, accessibility, and excitement around audio formats of all shapes and sizes, podcasting included, at least for a while. Maybe itll even convert more listeners into the medium.

But however those creator tools shake out, I wouldnt build a media business thats mortally dependent on Facebooks infrastructure under any circumstances. I would go just about anywhere else. Play on, Reznor.

1.5x Speed: A Weekly Newsletter of Podcast Recommendations and Reviews Listening notes for the top shows, from Vultures critic Nick Quah. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.

Selected Notes

 Id keep a very close eye on todays Apple Spring Loaded event if I were you. Theres been a bit of reporting leading up to the event that suggests Apples going announce some sort of paid subscription service to its podcast platform. Whether this means an Apple TV+/Netflix for podcast-style service or something more Patreon-like within the Apple Podcast context  as noted in this Wall Street Journal report  is the question, and well get that answered in a few hours. More broadly, though, the big organizing question will be: how will todays announcement impact the open podcast ecosystem?

 Back to Spotify: Last week, the company rolled out a revamped podcast charts experience, complete with a blog post explaining what the charts do (and do not) actually convey. Its a transparency bit that doubles as a smart piece of marketing, given Apple Podcasts historical opacity around their own charts system, which has for the longest time been the most important piece of podcast marketing real estate, so much so that it spawned countless how do the Apple Podcast charts work? posts, including one from myself back in 2016.

 The new iteration of NPRs Invisibilia, now hosted by Kia Miakka Natisse and Yowei Shaw, launches this week.

 Also returning this week: Slates Slow Burn, with a new season hosted by Noreen Malone on the U.S. run-up to the Iraq War. The eight-part series will kick off tomorrow, and Slates doing that thing where Slate Plus members will get eight additional episodes with bonus content.

 Heres an intriguing new company Im tracking: Sonoro Media, a venture-backed podcast studio thats working to position itself as a leading provider of U.S. Latinx and global Hispanic content in audio. The company has about 25 employees in Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City, and it has been operating under the radar over the past year or so, poking its head up last October with a fiction horror project called Cronicas Obscuras. Today, theyre rolling out its first big project of the year: Toxicomania: El Experimento Mexicano, a Spanish-language fiction podcast starring Luis Gerardo Mendez, Aida Lopez, and Rainn Wilson.

 Leo Laportes sixteen-year-old (!) TWiT podcast network is launching a membership program, called Club TWiT. The acronym, by the way, stands for This Week in Tech, in case youre unfamiliar.

The Wide and Wonderful World of Weed Podcasts

By Kevin Cortez

I think its safe to say that many of you reading this have probably smoked weed before, maybe even still do. And guess what? Thats totally cool. Smoking weed is normal, despite the plant being listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, alongside such substances as heroin, bath salts, and mescaline. Nearly 70% of Americans support legalizing marijuana, and over 32 million Americans say they smoke regularly (numbers, by the way, that keep going up yearly). New York just became the 15th state in our nation to legalize recreational weed.

And yet, it takes a certain kind of person to become a public advocate of the plan, and perhaps even more so to be a podcaster who solely focuses on covering it. They are the snack eaters of Weed + Grub; the wine pundits of Wine & Weed; the multiple stock market analysts and business insider gurus on Ganjapreneur, Benzinga Cannabis Hour and Cannabis Tech Talks; Henry Zebrowski of The Last Podcast on the Left, whose podcast sold out herb grinders in no time and looks to be gearing to launch official podcast weed vapes sometime soon. And beyond the category of podcast creators, there are the Weedarinos, the weeded My Favorite Murder murderinos fans who congregate and bond over pot on Facebook. Whether they realize it or not, all these players make up a constituency thats contributing to setting the record straight over decades of stigma attached to smoking weed. Theyre all normalizing it.

One notable example of a podcast thats been helping push this course correction is Great Moments in Weed History, a show that gives high history lessons while the hosts get high themselves. Rather than chasing the industry news beat, each episode sees David Bienenstock and Abdullah Saeed presenting listeners with a history lesson on a weed-smoking hero of the past. These heroes include, but are not limited to, John Lennon and his rally for John Sinclair, a political activist targeted by Michigan police who was sentenced to ten years of prison for passing two joints; Native American leader Alex White Plume and the harassment he received from the DEA for harvesting hemp crops on the Pine Ridge Reservation; and jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman, who smoked a ton of weed and cited the plant as being influential to their music.

We started our podcast after spending a decade working for major media companies and creating valuable properties, only to realize those companies ultimately dont care about cannabis or even their own employees  except as a means to making money, Bienenstock tells me. So much about humanitys 10,000-year love affair with cannabis has been actively suppressed by the government and the media. And the emergence of corporate cannabis as a byproduct of legalization brings its own kind of erasure. All of which means, theres a wealth of incredible weed stories that people have either never heard before or know just the scantest details.

Being public about cannabis use within a cultural, social, or professional sphere definitely carries the risk of being unfairly judged, Saeed tells me over email. This type of thinking is beginning to subside, but theres still people out there who would say [Bienenstock and I are] not serious because were enthusiastic in our celebration of cannabis, or that were politically biased towards it just because we enjoy it ourselves. The fact of the matter is, were counteracting a culture that has been biased against weed for decades based on a complete lack of understanding, and thats far more dangerous.

Comedian Doug Benson has also been a major proponent for weed since discovering it in his late twenties and seems to have carved out an entire career around it. His video podcast Getting Doug with High was initially a product of JASH, a comedy network started by comedians Michael Cera, Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Sarah Silverman, and Reggie Watts, which aimed to provide professional comedy content on YouTube. Getting Doug With High was created after Benson pitched JASH head and producer Daniel Kellison a show in which he could smoke weed with guests and talk about weed-related things. According to Benson, the shows intent is to normalize recreational cannabis consumption and have a few laughs in the process.

Nowadays, Getting Doug with High resides on Patreon as a Zoom-oriented show, but it remains relatively the same. The formula is straightforward: bring a celebrity or three onto the show, smoke a bunch of weed, and shoot the shit live at around 4:15 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Wednesdays  timed, obviously, to start blazing at exactly 4:20 p.m.

The show usually begins with the celebrities explaining their personal introductions to weed, but as you would expect, the hangouts often end in tangents, derailed conversation, and occasional quietness due to Benson and co. imbibing a little too much. Getting Doug with High gave performers like Aubrey Plaza, Natasha Leggero, and Michael Ian Black the opportunity to quietly admit to the public that they, too, smoke weed. Its also an experience that brings a more humanizing aesthetic to the celebrity in question, capturing a casual hangout on film where they could comfortably smoke weed together in a small setting. Although, in the cases of Jack Black and Eric Andre, it also showed how smoking too much could trigger anxiety for some folks.

Celebrity or not, the stigma still exists for this privileged class. When asked about why certain celebrities would turn down doing his show, Benson said: Some say they dont want to do it because their family doesnt know they get high. Others worried that they would lose work with a company, like Disney, if they were seen doing drugs on the internet. I guess theyve never heard of Snoop Dogg. But yeah, it seems to be less so every day, but theres still a lot of stigma attached to cannabis use.

Beyond the famous, theres also a plethora of shows dedicated to normalizing weed on the ground level. Blunt Blowin Mama, for example, was started by host Shonitria Anthony to fight the stigma of cannabis-smoking mothers. I just had a baby three months ago, she says on the shows first episode. Im [still] breast-feeding my baby boy, and Im smoking a joint right now It doesnt make me a bad person. I know society has taught us what motherhood should look like, and Im here to turn that shit on its head. This is what my version of motherhood looks like.

Since the shows debut, Anthony has spoken with numerous guests from college students to lovers in polyamorous relationships to other busy parents, all of whom smoke weed and appear on the show to help counter the social stigma that pot might make them lazy and generally unmotivated people. The conversations drift into spaces of relationships, love, education, and wellness, but the common denominator for everything remains the same: marijuana.

How to Do the Pot occupies a similar lane. Created by host April Pride, the show is exclusively aimed at educating women on the good green. Each episode is a short explainer on various topics catered to women who dabble in pot, from smoking for period pain relief to using cannabis to spice up sex life. Theres also cannabis advocate and former TV host Montel Williams, whos been smoking daily since 1999 to relieve the symptoms of his chronic illness. His show, Lets Be Blunt with Montel, sees the host speaking with medical workers, comedians, rappers, lawyers, and a plethora of other advocates on a weekly basis, unraveling what each professional does in their unique spaces and how marijuana has given them an added meaning to their respective crafts.

I list out all these podcasts to basically say: Hey, theres a healthy spot for weed in the podcast world, and thats pretty cool. Smokers dont always have it so great, even if theyre not public facing or using for medical purposes  we can look at the recently fired teacher Allison Enright as a fresh example of this. But marijuana is nonetheless a helpful crutch for some creators in the industry and the center of attention for some great podcasts. To be a face of weed means to bear a social stigma by friends and family, not to mention the potential weight of a federal-level offense, according to our national policies. Marijuana still has potential to burn bridges.

But as Abdullah Saeed tells it, its better to have smoked and gotten high than not smoked at all. As for the jobs weve sacrificed or the relationships weve forgone, if they werent going to tolerate our zeal for cannabis, we didnt want them anyway. Were doing what we want to do. When people who consume our content tell us the podcast makes them feel included, empowered, and emboldened to let their freak flag fly and tell the world I love cannabis and I dont give a damn what you think about it, then we know were doing our job.

How Do You Make a Market Rapport?

In the marketing materials for Pod Across the Pond, youll find brief descriptions of the shows premise: a chatcast hosted by two American sisters, Erin and Shannon Huebscher, about their parallel experiences living in Germany and the U.S. What you wont find, however, is any mention of the hosts comedic timing or the wells of knowledge they have about each other, which comes through as much on the show as it does when you just get them on the phone. (Shannon: I can start, since Im the oldest. Erin: I knew she was gonna do that.) As with many other chatcasts, thats the stuff that really makes the show pop, but its hard for a newcomer to know that without having already picked up the podcast.

The sisters synergy is the main reason they started the show, says Shannon, a devoted listener of personality- and relationship-driven shows. The people that host them have a chemistry with each other that transcends the airwaves, she explains, which she realized she didnt have to limit herself to just consuming: That is actually something that I have with my sister.

Existing listeners of their show express that they enjoy the dynamic, says Shannon, but when asked if she and Erin think they effectively convey this energy to potential listeners  particularly in, say, the social media assets theyve rolled out  the older Huebscher sighed. Ultimately, the component of their show thats so vital for hooking listeners is also something thats incredibly challenging to advertise: rapport.

You probably know what I mean if youve ever listened to a chatcast and thought, I havent even read the book these people are discussing, but man, I could listen to them talk all day. If the conversation is compelling, it has the capacity to tether you to topics that, on paper, maybe youd never seek out on your own. But again, thats a hard thing to efficiently communicate in the fast-moving media universe.

If chemistry, vibe, and rapport are things that keep listeners coming back, can they make them show up in the first place? How, in any intentional way, do you market those intangibles?

For the hosts I spoke to, its a continual challenge.

Looking forward, I would hope that thats something that becomes more obvious to people, Huebscher says, imagining that potential listeners might pick up on her and her sisters energy from audio clips or word of mouth. She points to My Favorite Murder as an example: Thats never been marketed as  to your point listen to two friends talk about crime stories, then end up learning this loving friendship and business relationship. Yet, thats ultimately what the show provides.

As has long been established by now, My Favorite Murder has a massive following, with listeners often praising the energy and interplay of the hosts in particular. Whats intrigued so many listeners for so many years  and made it the fifth-most-listened to show of 2020, according to Edison Research  is likely a combination of the hosts dynamic and the focus on true crime. The importance of the latter cant be ignored, since such an in-demand topic is pretty likely to draw people in in the first place, which means working with subjects less popular than true crime often equals less likelihood that listeners make the gamble of clicking, which in turn means fewer opportunities for hosts to make a case with their voices alone.

Sometimes, hosts just get lucky. I was put onto Pod Across the Pond by a chance Google Alert; for many listeners of The Greatest Generation, it happened via press that hosts Ben Ahr Harrison and Adam Pranica received early in the shows production. The former acknowledges that, given how many early listeners were funneled in, the show had the advantage of being able to speak for itself. But though lots of listeners have stuck around, gaining new ones requires strategy. While Star Trek, the focus of The Greatest Generation, is by no means an indie topic, Ahr Harrison and Pranica do still struggle with how to make their show the one people go to from the start; there are plenty of Star Trek competitors out there, after all. In that case, assuming a potential listener might fan through shows by cover art or descriptions, they try to make theirs stand out.

We call the show A Star Trek podcast by a couple of guys who are a little bit embarrassed to have a Star Trek podcast not because were actually embarrassed to have this show, but more because we recognize that these arent the kinds of conversations wed have in public in front of strangers, Ahr Harrison told me over email.

For them, the particular word embarrassed in their promotional materials has come to serve as a filter for new listeners, bringing in those who have a similarly nuanced relationship to the franchise and would likely appreciate hearing it reflected back to them. I think a lot of them can relate to really loving a sci-fi show but not necessarily wanting to put that on main in a professional environment or on a first date, Ahr Harrison wrote.

Capturing complexity is particularly important for the chatcast FANTI, which is less about a particular topic than it is about an approach. That approach, says co-host Jarrett Hill, is to complicate things that might otherwise be regarded as simple or be praised blindly. (The shows title is a portmanteau of fan and anti.) Even more specific and central to the show, he says, is emphasizing the nuance of Black and queer individuals, which both he and co-host Trevell Anderson identify as. We have complex ideas about things, Hill says. Mind you, Im usually right and Trevells usually wrong, but thats not what were discussing.

FANTI topics vary widely, as do how listeners might react to them. I hope that folks just feel like they can be involved in the conversations that were having and that it challenges them and pushes them to think differently, Anderson says. With something so variable being arguably hard to capture and market, what the pair chose to focus on  what they felt they really could focus on  was the diversity of opinion and experience that Anderson and Hill themselves bring to each conversation. To this end, the team concocted specific visuals.

For an early photoshoot, says Anderson, we wanted each of our faces to convey some conflicting energy. So if he was smiling, I was supposed to have a ratchet face on or something like that, to be kind of a visual representation of our dynamic and the uniqueness of our personalities. You can see this most vividly in the first iteration of FANTIs cover art, which presents tension, if you will, in our expressions, says Anderson.

Ultimately, though, just getting audio in front of folks is what makes the most difference, says Hill, and to that end, he and Anderson have previously arranged for episodes of FANTI to be distributed through other shows feeds, which resulted in a surge of new listeners. Words can only say so much about a show, notes Hill; its, in his words, more valuable to give it a shot.

As it goes, to get someone to give it a shot, there sometimes isnt much more one can do than say, as Anderson does in the FANTI trailer, trust me  youre gonna love it.

For now, the Huebschers are relying on such trust, since once theyre heard, charm can take over. Erin says their rapport on the show, which launched in January 2021, is already getting attention. What weve heard from people that have tuned in so far is that they feel that.

We dont know exactly how theyre finding us, Shannon notes, which Erin affirms.

Like the Saudi Arabia one, she laughs. I have no idea who found us in Saudi Arabia.

1.5x Speed: A Weekly Newsletter of Podcast Recommendations and Reviews Listening notes for the top shows, from Vultures critic Nick Quah. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
With regular clothes shops shut for months on end, supermarkets upped their fashion game during lockdown. As a result, they won over a host of new customers who would previously never have dreamt of buying clothes at the same time as picking up a pint of milk or loaf of bread.

But with the High Street open again, can budget supermarket offerings really compete with fashion stores in the long run? And when presented with similar styles, can you tell the difference between them?

Here, CLAIRE COLEMAN compares styles, pitting lines from our top supermarkets against those from the High Street.

1. Tesco vs Ganni

The must-have leopard blouse

Blouse, 16, and trousers, 13, Tesco, versus blouse, 155, and trousers, 155, ganni.com

Claire Coleman gives verdict on if budget UK supermarket clothes can compete with fashion stores. Pictured left: Tesco, right: Ganni

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 281

The fashion crowd has gone crazy for this leopard-print Ganni blouse with an oversized frilled collar, but I would struggle to justify spending this much when the Tesco version is so similar.

Often the fabric will give the less expensive version away, but these are both 100 per cent cotton. Gannis style has button sleeves rather than elastic cuffs, but who would know?

WINNER: Supermarket

2. Tesco vs M&S

The versatile denim dress

Dress, 25, F&F at Tesco, versus dress, 55, marksandspencer.com

Claire said she slightly prefers the versatile denim dress from M&S (pictured right) to the style available at Tesco (pictured right)

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 30

These are ideal for the current entertaining options  wear them over thermals and boots for now, then roll up the sleeves and slip on sandals when warmer days arrive.

Id happily wear either of these  not only is the shade of denim almost identical, the fabric is very similar and both have button cuffs. Its a close call, but the M&S one just edged it.

WINNER: High Street

3. Sainsburys vs Whistles

The dress-down jumpsuit

Claire said she isn't sure the dress-down jumpsuit from Whistles (pictured left), is worth the price at almost six times the amount of the style at Sainsbury's (pictured right)

Jumpsuit, 25, and trainers, 16, tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk, versus jumpsuit, 149, and trainers, 139, whistles.com

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 247

Im delighted that jumpsuits are still in fashion. They have the all-in-one convenience of a dress, but with a load more practicality.

The Sainsburys version is less tailored than the Whistles one, but at this price, I can absolutely see myself buying it as an easy-to-throw-on alternative to jeans, to wear while I am hanging around the house.

The Whistles offering has a much more sophisticated vibe  the slight puff shoulder and nipped-in waist are flattering  but at almost six times the price, Im not sure its worth the difference.

WINNER: High Street

4. Tesco vs Ted Baker

The plush jacket and jeans outfit

Jacket, 25, and jeans, 22, F&F at Tesco, versus jacket, 429, and jeans, 99, tedbaker.com

Claire said she would buy the plush jacket and jeans outfit from Tesco (pictured left), over the pricier Ted Baker style (pictured right)

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 481

While its pretty enough, the pink suede Ted Baker jacket will get grubby, and a drop of rain will ruin it. Its Tesco counterpart is washable. That said, up close the suedette feels almost slimy and looks like a 1980s throwback in the worst way.

Id buy the supermarket jeans over the pricier Ted Baker ones though, as I find them far more flattering.

WINNER: Supermarket

5. Tesco vs Mint Velvet

The everyday shirt and jeans combo

Blouse, 18, and jeans, 22, Tesco, versus blouse, 69, and jeans, 79, mintvelvet.co.uk

Claire said the everyday shirt and jeans combo from Tesco (pictured left) looks identical to the style being sold by Mint Velvet (pictured right)

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 108

I cant see the oversized puffy sleeves on these blouses being in for more than a season, so Im instinctively drawn to the less expensive Tesco version.

That said, the supermarket belt feels cheap, although Id be tempted to style both versions with a brown leather belt, so it wouldnt matter.

The Tesco jeans are a revelation.

They look identical to the Mint Velvet ones  so often the dye job on inexpensive denim is a giveaway, but not in this case  plus theyre soft, comfortable and fit like a glove.

WINNER: Supermarket

6. Morrisons vs Monsoon

The on-trend gingham look

Dress, 18, nutmeg.morrisons.com, versus dress, 65, monsoon.co.uk

Claire said she slightly prefers the cut of Monsoon's gingham dress (pictured left) to the style being sold by Morisson's (pictured right)

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 47

To me gingham checks scream school dresses, but its one of the hottest prints for summer  Victoria Beckhams bell-sleeved orange version has been hailed the fashionistas must-have.

Still, I didnt love either of these. Morrisons version in a polyester cotton has a really unflattering shape.

I slightly prefer the cut of the Monsoon style, which gives me more of a waist and is also made from 100 per cent organic cotton, which feels nicer, although from a distance who would know?

I wont be rushing out to buy either.

WINNER: High Street

7. Asda vs & other stories

The pretty ruffle dress

Dress, 18, direct.asda.com; shoes, 18, tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk, versus dress, 95, stories.com; shoes, 22.50, marksandspencer.com

Claire said the pretty ruffle dress from Asda (pictured right) won her heart the moment she out it on. Pictured left: &Other Stories

PRICE DIFFERENCE: 81.50

The &Other Stories dress has much more hanger appeal than the Asda version, and while both are made from 100 per cent viscose, the more expensive one is lined.

But the minute I put them on, the Asda dress won my heart. The cut is more flattering, it gives me a waist, and the ruffles, which feel fussy on the &Other Stories dress, sit more elegantly.

I think most people would struggle to identify which is from the supermarket and which is from the swanky Swedish label.

WINNER: Supermarket

FINAL VERDICT

I was surprised by just how much I liked the supermarket styles. They won my vote for four of these seven looks.

But what was staggering was when I came to add up the savings and discovered the final total for the supermarket outfits was a whopping 1,275.50 less than the cost of the High Street clothes. Thats my summer holiday budget!

While the High Street clothes often have tiny details that give them a flattering edge, unless someone is up close examining the seams, you might be the only person who notices.

The big reveal

Did you guess which ones were the supermarket steal? Answers below...

1. Left 2. Left 3. Right 4. Left 5. Left 6. Right 7. Right
Rachel Cusks new novel is about a writer M who invites the artist L to stay with her. For Cusk, the problems of writing have continued to parallel the problems of living. The great, white blank she faced as a novelist after completing the trilogy, was also one she faced as a woman. Im a 54-year-old woman, my children are going out into their own lives, and that blankness is very much a blankness of life as well. Am I just going to repeat myself? Is that what people do at 54? Do they realise that their generative state is over? And that either they just repeat and do the same things over again, or have to face quite a massive task of questioning and, not reinventing of the self, but asking questions of the self. The inspiration for Second Place came when Cusk was researching a magazine article on artists colonies and discovered arts patron Mabel Dodge Luhans 1932 memoir Lorenzo in Taos about the time D.H. Lawrence stayed with her in Taos, New Mexico. Second Place, Cusk says, is intended as a tribute to Luhan with Lawrence figured as the painter M. I saw, I suppose, an abandoned element of female voice and I felt very, very motivated and energised by the idea of invoking it or rebuilding, or doing something with it, occupying somebodys elses voice. So in lots and lots and lots of ways, but especially in the way of thinking about form as a location, that book as a vessel and as a shell really works for me, Cusk says.

Loading Cusk sees Second Place as more of a staged drama than a narrative and was emboldened by her experience playwrighting, including creating a retelling of Euripides Medea in 2015. The novel reads as a parable. Its slightly unreal, out of space and time, with moments of overt, symbolic meaningfulness. It doesnt hide its brushstrokes, the layers of paint are clear. Cusk says she suddenly felt like putting on the mask of drama, the mask of fiction but sees how the move might appear contradictory to her previous comments about the novel form. I suppose because the events and the characters, to an extent, were taken from Mabel Dodge Luhan, it did not feel like the sordidness of imagination, the sordidness of making things up, which is something that I had really come to feel and still do feel. It didnt feel like that was part of it. It felt like a cast of characters who had been assembled in life in another time, and I was using those masks and making a different kind of play out of them, she says.

Im never going to go back to explaining what the room looks like, or what James said to John. Im not going back there but Im going to make it very obvious that this is a staged series of events with, I suppose, more open access to its own themes. If Cusk is again trying to find the frontier of form, Second Place continues her longstanding interest in gender, sex, power and art. M is struggling to regain control of her destiny, to find the authority to define herself and to challenge the male entitlement to make art. Cusk says Ms voice sits between speaking and writing, mirroring the characters halfway existence between being created and creating herself. On a more meta level, Cusk wanted Second Place to embody how M feels, a low status object in itself. Rachel Cusk says she has always envied visual artists. Credit:Getty As you can see, its easy to get sucked into the whirlpool of Cusks worldview, which is of course what makes her novels so addictive. Cusk says writing Second Place during lockdown  free from events, launches and media  recaptured the freedom she felt writing her 1993 debut Saving Agnes. I relished that simple return to just me sitting there writing, and not doing anything else, and I think I probably enjoyed writing it more than Ive enjoyed writing anything for a while, Cusk says.

She has lived in Norfolk for several years but had planned to move to Paris in a post-Brexit protest before the coronavairus pandemic returned her back home a week after relocating. Cusk still plans to move once restrictions have lifted and says she is self-exiling from England as a gesture of contempt. [Its because of] the absolutely stunning drift of our country into some despicable ways of thinking about the world and about other people, she says. And that is something that I feel is going to get worse and worse and worse here. I see it coming. So, I do not want to play any part in it. I grew up in America, I came to live in this country when I was eight, and so Ive never actually felt that I belong here anyway, so it will be interesting for me to get rid of it, and get free of it. I think it might make me quite happy. While Second Place is interested in how one can write like a visual artist, Cusk says shes never picked up a paint brush but marvels at how artists can push the form forward. I feel a great envy of that existence outside language and the politics of language. I have so much language blood on my hands. Im so wearied from my struggles with language and the conflict that is endlessly generated by it, and its bourgeoisness and its absolute centrality to judgment, and ways of living, and conventionality, and control, and lack of freedom, and all of those things. Cusk is known for her penetrating eye  but she recently found herself under someone elses gaze. Her husband, artist Siemon Scamell-Katz, painted her portrait for the first time during lockdown. It was somewhat bewildering for the observer to become the observed.
[April 21, 2021] Axonius Secures Contract to Support DHS CDM for Group F Federal Agencies

Axonius, the leader in cybersecurity asset management, today announced it secured a contract to provide services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Dynamic and Evolving Federal Enterprise Network Defense (DEFEND) Group F program. The contract was awarded through the company's new General Services Administration ( GSA (News - Alert) ) Schedule 70 listing with IntelliPeak Solutions, Inc. The Axonius Cybersecurity Asset Management solution will be available as part of a shared services platform created to deliver cyber capabilities to more than 70 non-cabinet level federal agencies. "New funding from the presidential administration and increasing complexity created by evolving models of work are factors driving a huge movement for change right now," said Bobby McClernon, vice president of federal sales, Axonius. "By adopting a solution like Axonius, federal agencies immediately have a unified view of all their assets and their coverage, empowering them to ask questions, get answers, and take action to enforce their security policies. This ability is a huge part of achieving CDM compliance and a zero-trust environment." The DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) CDM program aims to reduce cyber risk and provide visibility across the federal goernment. The program delivers automated tools to federal agencies to strengthen their ability to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks on an ongoing basis, prioritize these risks based on potential impacts, and quickly enable cybersecurity personnel to focus on the most significant problems first. The program provides cybersecurity tools, integration services, and dashboards to participating agencies to improve their respective security posture.



Axonius connects to more than 300 security and technology products to provide a unified view of all assets, empowering organizations to uncover security solution coverage gaps, and then automatically validate and enforce their security policies. As a result, they will gain immediate benefits in addressing CDM requirements. By using Axonius to automate security and compliance efforts and continuously monitor for changes, organizations can save an average of 89 person-hours of labor 19 times per year. "Asset management is historically one of the most difficult problems to solve for, but it is a top priority within the CDM program because of the huge impact it has on risk," said Phil Flores, President & CEO of IntelliPeak. "Axonius is able to deliver a single source of truth for all assets-devices, IoT, cloud or otherwise-and then automate actions to maintain security and compliance. Adding Axonius to our newly awarded GSA schedule ensures the federal agencies we work with have access to the huge value the Axonius platform delivers."

Axonius is a DHS CDM-approved vendor for asset management. Visit Axonius online to learn more about how the company brings value to federal programs. About Axonius Axonius is the cybersecurity asset management platform that gives organizations a comprehensive asset inventory, uncovers security solution coverage gaps, and automatically validates and enforces security policies. By seamlessly integrating with over 300 security and management solutions, Axonius is deployed in minutes, improving cyber hygiene immediately. Covering millions of devices at Fortune 500 customers like The New York Times, Schneider Electric (News - Alert) , and AB InBev, and earning prestigious accolades from CNBC and Forbes in recent years, Axonius has been cited as one of the fastest growing cybersecurity startups in history. For more, visit Axonius.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005257/en/

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Impact21_logo We are so excited to be adding Pete and Matt to the Impact 21 team. Their successful track records and extensive industry knowledge benefit our company and help drive the success of our clients." Lisa Biggs, President and CEO, Impact 21

Impact 21, a retail consulting, analytics, and services company, announced the appointment of Pete Chrystal and Matt Dicke as its newest Principal Consultants. Chrystal and Dicke will help Impact 21s clients by offering specialized in-depth knowledge and expertise gained from their past accomplishments and achievements.

We are so excited to be adding Pete and Matt to the Impact 21 team, said Impact 21 President and CEO, Lisa Biggs. Their successful track records and extensive industry knowledge benefit our company and help drive the success of our clients. The value they bring to Impact 21 will be long-lasting.

Pete Chrystal is a highly accomplished leader in Loss Prevention and Operations Management. He brings his expertise and experience in all aspects of security and loss prevention to Impact 21. He is an industry leader and recognized for his ability to analyze and troubleshoot organizational problems, providing clients with strategic solutions.

Chrystals history in Loss Prevention and Operations Management offers great advantages to clients. Prior to Impact 21, Pete championed the development and enforcement of loss prevention processes as the former Loss Prevention Manager for TravelCenters of America LLC, working with Store Operations to ensure proper execution of all company policies and procedures. He led the PMO business, aligning IT and cross-functional business departments through requirements planning, process change implications, and deployment of corporate and store automation. Extending his expertise, Chrystal has authored Retail Store user manuals and managed training and development for Stores/Fuels Group.

Chrystal graduated from the University of Phoenix, Cleveland, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He generously lends his expertise to the Loss Prevention and Safety Networking Group (LPN), Interview Interrogation Organization, and the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, NATSO.

Chrystal added, It is rewarding to be working with industry leaders and experts at Impact 21, and it is an honor to be a member of this team. Impact 21 is committed to achieving its goals and seeing growth for the company and its clients. I look forward to helping them achieve that success.

Matt Dicke is a proven expert in project management, research, and analytics with considerable experience in leadership, shopper and customer insights, and both market and competitive research. Dickes impressive track record is evidenced by his 20+ years of experience as well as his work with some of the biggest names in the retail and consumer products world.

In addition to his role at Impact 21, Dicke shared his deep industry knowledge as Project Director for Kantar Consulting in the Retail, Sales, & Shopper division. He effectively managed the design and execution of projects as part of the project management team for the Shopper Research Group, including relationships with third-party vendors. He has also served as a Senior Analyst for Kantar Retail, an Analyst at legacy Retail Forward, and a Competitive Intelligence Analyst for the Abbott Nutrition Division of Abbott Laboratories, monitoring and analyzing competitor activity relating to all business units.

Native to Ohio, Dicke attended The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.

Dicke commented, Companies like Impact 21 are rare in the c-store and retail industry. Their dedication to clients and store growth is evident through their successful business model. I am happy to be a part of such a great and impressive group of people. Im looking forward to what we can accomplish together.

For further information, please visit http://www.impact21.com or call (859) 219-3040. Get timely updates on Twitter and connect with Impact 21 on Facebook and LinkedIn for insightful industry trends and best practices.

About Impact 21

Impact 21 was founded in 1998 by industry experts and former retailers, Lesley Saitta and Lisa Biggs. The company is headquartered in Lexington, KY.

By offering a proven business model for integration of business and technology strategies, as well as a world-class collaboration, project, and content management solution, we position companies to drive profitability and enhance their customers experience.

Our experienced team of industry experts brings real-world solutions to manage and execute initiatives of all sizes and impact. We have a passion for driving business alignment for our clients and bringing thought leadership to all the industries and clients we serve.

For more information, please visit http://www.impact21.com or call (859) 219-3040.

###
Maybe some officers who think its OK to use more force against African Americans than most other people looked at Chauvin and saw his fear. Perhaps it will convince the next officer that its not worth it to kill someone who is not posing a threat.
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML) (NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce the initiation and ramp-up of In-Situ Recovery ("ISR") field test activities, including the installation of a five-spot ISR test pattern ("Test Pattern"), at the Company's 90% owned Wheeler River Uranium Project ("Wheeler River" or the "Project"). Mobilization of drilling equipment necessary to complete the large diameter drill holes, for each Commercial Scale Well ("CSW") planned for the Test Pattern, was completed in early April 2021 and, to date, four of the five planned CSWs have been successfully drilled to target depths, cased, and cemented into position. The fifth CSW is in progress and is expected to be completed within the next week. The installation of the Test Pattern is the first step in an ambitious 2021 ISR field program, which is designed to support the further de-risking of the application of the ISR mining method at the high-grade Phoenix uranium deposit ("Phoenix"). View PDF version.

David Bronkhorst, Denison's VP Operations, commented, "We are excited to have our 2021 ISR field program underway at Wheeler River. Our Saskatoon based technical team has assembled an industry-leading group of experts to design, install and operate the Test Pattern as part of our 2021 ISR field program. We are very pleased with the productivity achieved to date, for the installation of the large diameter CSWs, and are looking forward to further validating the effectiveness of various permeability enhancement tools and collecting additional hydrogeologic data to support the permitting and set-up of a lixiviant test in 2022. The lixiviant test is expected to be a key de-risking milestone for the Project  as it is intended to confirm technical feasibility by verifying the permeability, leachability, and containment parameters needed for the successful application of the ISR mining method at Phoenix."

The 2021 ISR field program is expected to involve the following key components:

Installation of a Five-spot Test Pattern: The Test Pattern is located in the Phase 1 area of the Phoenix deposit and is planned to consist of five new CSWs (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The Test Pattern has been designed to facilitate the further evaluation of the ISR mining conditions at Phoenix  for incorporation into detailed mine planning that is expected to be completed as part of a future Feasibility Study ("FS") for the Project;





The Test Pattern is located in the Phase 1 area of the deposit and is planned to consist of five new CSWs (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The Test Pattern has been designed to facilitate the further evaluation of the ISR mining conditions at  for incorporation into detailed mine planning that is expected to be completed as part of a future Feasibility Study ("FS") for the Project; Installation of 11 Additional Monitoring Wells ("MWs"): In addition to the existing small-diameter MWs, eleven further MWs are planned to be installed in the Phase 1 area (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) and are designed to surround the Test Pattern on all sides and above the ore zone horizon, in order to facilitate detailed monitoring of pressure changes and observations of fluid flow patterns during active hydrogeological tests. Certain MWs will also allow for water quality sampling over the duration of test work;





In addition to the existing small-diameter MWs, eleven further MWs are planned to be installed in the Phase 1 area (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) and are designed to surround the Test Pattern on all sides and above the ore zone horizon, in order to facilitate detailed monitoring of pressure changes and observations of fluid flow patterns during active hydrogeological tests. Certain MWs will also allow for water quality sampling over the duration of test work; Extensive Hydrogeologic Testing: Approximately twenty-five hydrogeologic tests are planned to be completed during the ISR field program. Tests are expected to (1) evaluate baseline conditions, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of permeability enhancement tools deployed on an individual well basis, and (3) assess the Test Pattern's total permeability on a full-scale basis. Additionally, ion tracer tests using inorganic salts are expected to be conducted on the full Test Pattern to establish breakthrough times for each CSW and confirm sub-surface pathways  thus allowing for a more complete understanding of the hydrogeologic characteristics expected throughout Phase 1, which is expected to support the permitting and design of a lixiviant test, planned for 2022, utilizing the existing Test Pattern.

Please refer to the Company's news release dated February 8, 2021 for additional details related to the Company's 2021 evaluation program plans for Wheeler River, which also includes information about the resumption of the Environmental Assessment process.

Phoenix Phase 1

As outlined in the Company's freeze wall trade-off study (see news release dated Dec. 1, 2020), Denison has decided to adapt its plans for the Project to use a freeze wall in future Project design and environmental assessment efforts. The trade-off study highlighted a key opportunity for the Project  whereby the freeze wall could be installed in stages to facilitate a phased mining approach at Phoenix. In a phased mining approach, only a limited portion of the freeze wall is required to support first production, with the subsequent expansion of the freeze wall perimeter allowing for additional mining phases to be brought into production over the duration of the mine life.

The phased mining approach is expected to allow for the targeted extraction of the least capital-intensive reserves first, based on the grade and distribution of ore in various areas of the deposit. The trade-off study provides for mining to occur over 5 phases.

Phase 1 of the deposit is estimated to contain approximately 22.2 million pounds U 3 O 8 (37,242 tonnes at 27.1% U 3 O 8 , above a cut-off grade of 0.8% U 3 O 8 ) in Probable mineral reserves. Based on current designs, the Company estimates approximately 6.6 million pounds U 3 O 8 (7,717 tonnes at 39.2% U 3 O 8 , above a cut-off grade of 0.8% U 3 O 8 ) in Probable mineral reserves are contained within the expected operating perimeter of the Test Pattern (see Figure 1). These estimates are derived as a direct subset of those reported in the Technical Report titled "Pre-feasibility Study for the Wheeler River Uranium Project, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated October 30, 2018 with an effective date of September 24, 2018. The key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral reserves herein remain unchanged.

COVID-19

The Company is committed to ensuring that the Wheeler River site is a safe operating environment for its staff and contractors and that the Company's field activities do not compromise the health and safety of the residents of northern Saskatchewan. In 2020, the Company's Occupational Health and Safety Committee in Saskatoon developed a comprehensive guide for the safe resumption of work at Wheeler River. The protocols consider the unique health and safety risks associated with operating a remote work camp amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidelines and best practices (including testing) have been incorporated into the Company's protocols.

Despite the Company's current intentions, it is possible that the 2021 ISR field program may be disrupted by the continuously evolving social and/or economic disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which are outside of the control of the Company  for example, the ability of Company or contractor staff to attend to the site, Provincial or local travel restrictions, and changing public health guidelines.

About Wheeler River

Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan  including combined Indicated Mineral Resources of 132.1 million pounds U 3 O 8 (1,809,000 tonnes at an average grade of 3.3% U 3 O 8 ), plus combined Inferred Mineral Resources of 3.0 million pounds U 3 O 8 (82,000 tonnes at an average grade of 1.7% U 3 O 8 ). The project is host to the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, discovered by Denison in 2008 and 2014, respectively, and is a joint venture between Denison (90% and operator) and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited (10%).

A PFS was completed for Wheeler River in late 2018, considering the potential economic merit of developing the Phoenix deposit as an ISR operation and the Gryphon deposit as a conventional underground mining operation. Taken together, the project is estimated to have mine production of 109.4 million pounds U 3 O 8 over a 14-year mine life, with a base case pre-tax NPV of $1.31 billion (8% discount rate), Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 38.7%, and initial pre-production capital expenditures of $322.5 million. The Phoenix ISR operation is estimated to have a stand-alone base case pre-tax NPV of $930.4 million (8% discount rate), IRR of 43.3%, initial pre-production capital expenditures of $322.5 million, and industry leading average operating costs of US$3.33/lb U 3 O 8 . The PFS is prepared on a project (100% ownership) and pre-tax basis, as each of the partners to the Wheeler River Joint Venture are subject to different tax and other obligations.

Further details regarding the PFS, including additional scientific and technical information, as well as after-tax results attributable to Denison's ownership interest, are described in greater detail in the NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Pre-feasibility Study for the Wheeler River Uranium Project, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated October 30, 2018 with an effective date of September 24, 2018. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Denison suspended certain activities at Wheeler River during 2020, including the EA process, which is on the critical path to achieving the project development schedule outlined in the PFS. While the EA process has resumed, the Company is not currently able to estimate the impact to the project development schedule outlined in the PFS, and users are cautioned against relying on the estimates provided therein regarding the start of pre-production activities in 2021 and first production in 2024.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to the Wheeler River project, Denison's interests in the Athabasca Basin include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill that is contracted to process the ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 66.90% interest in the Tthe Heldeth Tue ("THT," formerly J Zone) and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake property. The Midwest, Midwest A, THT and Huskie deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. In addition, Denison has an extensive portfolio of exploration projects covering approximately 280,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region.

Denison is engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Closed Mines group (formerly Denison Environmental Services), which manages Denison's Elliot Lake reclamation projects and provides post-closure mine care and maintenance services to a variety of industry and government clients.

Denison is also the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.

Qualified Persons

The technical information contained in this release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. David Bronkhorst, P.Eng, Denison's Vice President, Operations, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of the applicable United States and Canadian legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison.

Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur', 'be achieved' or 'has the potential to'.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the planned scope, elements, and objectives of the 2021 ISR field programs, including the drilling of CSWs and MWs and development of the Test Pattern; other evaluation activities, including a planned future lixiviant test and those connected with the EA process; the results of the PFS and expectations with respect thereto; expectations with respect to freeze wall containment and phased development, and the estimates of reserves in each such phase; other development and expansion plans and objectives, including plans for a feasibility study; and expectations regarding its joint venture ownership interests and the continuity of its agreements with its partners.

Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, the modelling and assumptions upon which the work plans are based may not be maintained after further testing or be representative of actual conditions within the Phoenix deposit. In addition, Denison may decide or otherwise be required to discontinue its field test activities or other testing, evaluation and development work at Wheeler River if it is unable to maintain or otherwise secure the necessary resources (such as testing facilities, capital funding, regulatory approvals, etc.) or operations are otherwise affected by COVID-19 and its potentially far-reaching impacts. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and results may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2021 or subsequent quarterly financial reports under the heading 'Risk Factors'. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this news release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources and Probable Mineral Reserves: This press release may use the terms 'measured', 'indicated' and 'inferred' mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms have been prepared in accordance with the definition standards on mineral reserves of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Mineral Disclosure Standards ('NI 43-101') and are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, these terms are not defined under Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act and, until recently, have not been permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'). 'Inferred mineral resources' have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. In addition, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" for the purposes of NI 43-101 differ from the definitions and allowable usage in Industry Guide 7. Effective February 2019, the SEC adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act and as a result, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be "substantially similar" to the corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, as required under NI 43-101. However, information regarding mineral resources or mineral reserves in Denison's disclosure may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies.

Figure 1: Plan Map Showing Location of Phoenix Deposit (Phase 1)  ISR Test Pattern

Figure 2: 3D Isometric Views of the Phoenix Deposit (Phase 1)  ISR Test Pattern

Showing Locations of Monitoring Well Horizons

SOURCE Denison Mines Corp.

Related Links

http://denisonmines.com/s/Home.asp


Xi calls for strengthening global governance at BFA annual conference

Xinhua) 17:01, April 20, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021, on April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on all countries in Asia and beyond to answer the "call of our times," defeat the pandemic through solidarity, strengthen global governance, and keep pursuing a community with a shared future for mankind.

When delivering a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021, Xi said that the world needs consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the BFA, this year's annual conference is themed "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation."

"Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape in the world, conform to the historical trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation, and meet the practical needs in addressing global challenges," Xi said.

All countries should follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold true multilateralism, and make the global governance system more fair and equitable, Xi said.

"What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony," he said. "Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility."

Calling for the building of an open world economy, Xi said that openness is essential for development and progress and holds the key to post-COVID economic recovery.

"We need to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains," he said.

Efforts should also be made to boost the digital economy, and step up exchanges and cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine and modern energy, to turn the fruits of scientific and technological innovation into greater benefits for people in all countries, according to Xi.

On creating a future of health and security with solidarity and cooperation, Xi said the key role of the World Health Organization (WHO) must be given full play in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

"We must put people and their lives above anything else, scale up information sharing and collective efforts, and enhance public health and medical cooperation," he said.

For this purpose, international cooperation should be bolstered on the research and development, production and distribution of vaccines, so that everyone in the world can access and afford the vaccines they need, said the Chinese president.

On climate change, Xi stressed the importance of following the philosophy of green development, advancing international cooperation and doing more to implement the Paris Agreement.

He also said the world needs to be committed to justice to create a future of mutual respect and mutual learning.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that we must reject the cold-war and zero-sum mentality and oppose a new 'Cold War' and ideological confrontation in whatever forms," he said.

Xi also underscored the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual trust in state-to-state relations, which "must be put front and center."

"We must advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, and encourage exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations to promote the progress of human civilization," Xi said.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Emory President Gregory L. Fenves sent the following message to the Emory community on April 20.

Dear Emory Community,

Today, a Minnesota jury rendered its decision in the trial of the former police officer who murdered George Floyd last May. The verdict  guilty on all counts  is a relief to me and many others, but the pain left in the wake of this tragedy remains. For the Emory community, the harrowing video of George Floyds last breaths moved you to speak out and take action. You, and individuals across the country, helped inspire change and much-needed self-reflection.

Although there was accountability today, there is still much left to be done.

At Emory  as scholars, educators, researchers, students, and discoverers  we have a responsibility to use our knowledge and talents and lead with our values. It starts right here on our campus, and in recent months we have taken steps to strengthen our commitment to social justice and build upon ongoing work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of the institution. It will take a shared commitment across our community, but from all Ive seen from you  your commitment, heart, and empathy  I know we can get there.

This trial comes at a time when many are exhausted and weary from all of the loss and strife that have been endured during the past year. Please seek support if you need it  there are resources available to you as a member of the Emory community through Campus Life; Counseling and Psychological Services; the Faculty Staff Assistance Program; the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.

My thoughts are with the Floyd family today. George Floyds death inspired so many to reconsider their beliefs and actions. We must continue making progress  to improve ourselves, our nation, and our world.

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Fenves

President
More than 600 San Antonio community members tuned in to a virtual accountability session where city politicians and candidates addressed police reform, workforce development, education and Februarys power outages.

Communities Organized for Public Service and the Metro Alliance, or COPS/Metro, hosted the session Sunday in the runup for the city election May 1. Early voting starts Monday.

Nearly 40 incumbents and challengers running for mayor, city council and San Antonio Independent School District board seats joined the conversation.

One notable absence was mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse, whod agreed to participate on April 5, but sent an e-mail declining the opportunity hours before the Zoom-based panel began, organizers said.

In a later interview, Brockhouse said COPS/Metro mischaracterized his commitment to attend and provided a copy of an email exchange March 30 in which he told organizers he had an appointment Sunday afternoon that he wasnt sure he could break. The emails set up the April 5 conversation in which the group said he affirmed he was planning to be there.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg attended the session and voiced his support of the COPS/Metro agenda, saying of police reform efforts, I am not silent on this agenda as we're currently bargaining, and I will not be silent if we have a contract that falls short.

On ExpressNews.com: Would Prop B hold San Antonio police accountable or defund them? Both arguments are a stretch

Sonia Rodriguez, a COPS/Metro leader from Saint Margaret Marys Catholic Church, found Brockhouses absence disappointing.

It was quite a surprise to find out this morning, at around  nine o'clock, that he had a previous commitment, she said, adding that the candidates actions spoke loud and clear - we got it.

Regarding workforce development, Nirenberg noted his collaboration with COPS/Metro on developing the SA Ready to Work program to be paid for with the 1/8-cent sales tax that San Antonio voters approved in November.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's job-retraining program off to a slow start

It is our greatest generational opportunity to turn back cycles of generational poverty and turn this once low-wage town into one that is equitable for all people, he said.

Nirenberg also voiced support for an independent investigation into Februarys mass power outages and plans to make recommendations to help ensure a similar situation doesnt occur again.

The mayor also said, It was one of the great honors of my life to lead the development and ratification of an affordable housing framework that is comprehensive and compassionate, and we will also lead the way as we currently are underway with implementation of that framework.

When letting them know on Sunday morning that he couldnt be at the accountability session, Brockhouse said, according to an email he provided, I appreciated our talk last week and am thankful for the invitation. My positions stand on all items as a yes, with the exception of Prop B, which I am a No and will be voting against.

According to COPS/Metro, five people in addition to Brockhouse didnt participate after previously agreeing to do so.

They included District 2 councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan, District 10 councilman Clayton Perry, District 2 council candidate Chris Dawkins, District 2 council candidate Kristi Villanueva and SAISD District 3 candidate Leticia Ozuna.

We've heard from the candidates, and yes, we've even heard from those who didn't show up, said Jerry Dailey, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church pastor and COPS/Metro leader. But more important than that, I hope and pray that the candidates heard from us.

I hope that they heard from our track record, that we speak truth to power.

On ExpressNews.com: Dallas Fed: Weatherization of Texas power plants could cost hundreds of millions, but price tag is 'justifiable'

Yolanda Turner, a COPS/Metro leader from Macedonia Missionary Baptist, said she was disappointed that incumbent office-holders were among the no-shows.

COPS/Metro will use the candidates answers from the session to develop a report card to help educate voters.

We're big believers in making this democracy work, and it works when people are educated on the issues and they vote, Rodriguez said. Our job is to make sure we get every single person that we can to the polls.

We will do whatever we can to fight the kinds of voter suppression that is going on not just in Texas, but in so many states throughout the country.

Turner agreed that getting people to vote is critical for democracy.

That's the only voice we've got, and every voice needs to be heard, she said. That's the voice that we need to hear - we the people - and so that's my thing, voter education and getting those voters to the polls.

Brandon Lingle writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. brandon.lingle@express-news.net
After two days of meetings, talks between the United Steelworkers and Allegheny Technologies, where 1,300 workers in five states have been on strike since March 30, broke off Tuesday afternoon after the company left, saying that the sides were too far apart.

According to a statement issued by the union Tuesday evening, Allegheny Technologies has continued to demand cuts to health care, pensions and jobs.

The breakoff of talks happened only one day after a return to the bargaining table by the USW. An ATI spokeswoman Natalie Gillespie said in a Monday morning statement that the company has committed to remaining at the table for so long as the discussions remain productive and are moving the parties closer to an agreement. According to the union statement, the USWs bargaining committee will now meet on Thursday to review the companys position and decide its next steps.

Pickets assembly across from one of the gates to the ATI mill in Brackenridge (WSWS Media)

ATI workers have not had a pay raise in seven years. The last contract expired in February 2020 and was extended for one year. Hoping to avoid a strike, the union kept workers on the job for another month without a contract.

In calling the strike, the USW did not issue any basic demands for its members, but rather limited itself to the claim that ATI refused to bargain in good faith. The classification of the strike as an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike allows the union to call it off any time claiming that the company is now negotiating in good faith.

While Mondays talks broke off, the union has again reiterated its position that it is willing to talk with the company any time. The USW is hoping that it can use the existing talks to call off the strike.

Next week the company plans to cut the strikers health care benefits. Workers will be able to receive insurance under COBRA, but the costs can run over $1,100 a month.

Striking workers are yet to receive any payment from the USW strike fund, which currently stands above $150 million. USW officials say that workers will not receive payments until after they have been on strike for over four weeks. Then it will be a mere $260 a week.

The strike by the 1,300 steelworkers is taking place at five Pennsylvania facilitiesBrackenridge, Latrobe, Natrona Heights, Vandergrift and Washingtonand at Lockport, New York; Louisville, Ohio; New Bedford, Massachusetts; and Waterbury, Connecticut.

The problem around here is that the company only cares about profits, said Michelle Jageman, who has been working for ATI for 28 years at its flagship mill in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania. This company always forgets what you have done. Working overtime, being away from your family.

You can keep your $3,000 [signing bonus], give us a raise. You will spend your bonus, but a raise lasts forever. We have been rolling over too long. There comes a time when you have to take a stand.

Layoffs and seniority are two major concerns for the workers, as the company has been steadily cutting jobs. The Brackenridge plant had over 2,000 workers when Jageman started working for the company in the early 1990s. By 2015, the plant was running with 900 workers. Before the start of the strike, there were about 500 people working in the plant.

In June, ATI announced job cuts to both union and nonunion positions, including an early retirement offer, due to a drop in demand from the coronavirus pandemic.

In December, the company announced a major restructuring, which resulted in the loss of another 400 jobs. It is eliminating its line steel products used for appliances and cars, which the company says only makes a 1 percent profit, while concentrating on the more profitable specialty steels used for airplanes, electronics and the military.

The restructuring will cost another 200 jobs at the companys Pittsburgh area mills, including about 120 jobs at its Brackenridge mill. The plans call for ceasing production at four other facilities in Waterbury, Connecticut; Louisville, Ohio; Bridgeview, Illinois and Pico Rivera, California.

The company has laid off the last 60 workers at its Albany, Oregon facility, which has been ramped down, using the companys terminology. As recently as 2019, the company employed over 900 workers at three facilities in the Albany area.

As part of an effort to help ATI boost profits, last year the USW agreed to shift changes that allowed the company to run 12-hour shifts at straight time, a move which allowed the company to lay off workers.

The company is demanding concessions and layoffs because of $1.6 billion in losses reported from last year. While much of this was due to falling demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most were costs associated with the restructuring.

Company CEO Bob Wetherbee said that the job cuts and elimination of the standard steel sheet product lines will make the company a leaner, more competitive aerospace and defense-focused powerhouse.

Ive been laid off since September, continued Michelle. That is another thing that should be talked about. It is wrong to lay off people with 25-28 years service, while people who have just started are still working. Seniority should mean something.

To this company there are no rules, they break the rules whenever they want. They are very good at lies, continued Michelle. They will say they are giving us a raise but then want to take it away on health care. No raise in seven years. We dont get sick days, no personal days. We could settle if they gave us a raise. Dont touch our health care, and dont cut the pensions.

John Rua has been a bricklayer for 29 years. Ive been working 12-hour shifts for the past six months. I dont want to do that anymore.

I want to spend time with my family. By the time you get home, you cant go out to dinner with your wife. It is too late, and you are just too tired.

We work three 12s [12-hour shifts] and two 8s [8-hour shifts]. The company figures that it is cheaper to work us than to bring the laid off people back on and have to pay them health care. Think of that. Who else would work seven years without a raise?

The strike at ATI is part of a growing movement of coal miners, autoworkers, health care workers and educators across the country who are taking a stand against the massive layoffs and attacks on their living standards. It is becoming clearer to workers that the government and companies literally put profits ahead of the very lives of people.

In addition, powerful struggles of workers are emerging throughout the world, in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Far from seeking to unify these struggles in a common struggle by the working class, the United Steelworkers is seeking to isolate and force the ATI workers back to work without a contract.

The union is especially eager to end the strike before it develops into a confrontation with the Biden administration, which the union supports. While the United Steelworkers is telling its members that the strike is an Unfair Labor Practice strike, such a determination has to be made by the Bidens administrations National Labor Relations Board, which is likely to rule against the workers.

The USW has a long history of using nationalism and chauvinism to divide American workers from their class brothers and sisters in other countries. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, this tactic was used to prevent a struggle against the closure and reorganization of the steel industry, which left over 100,000 workers without jobs.

The USW was a strong backer of the Trump administrations steel tariffs against China, Europe, Brazil and elsewhere. It only criticized Trump for not going far enough.

The union supported the election of Joe Biden, who supports in all essentials the same trade war measures of the Trump administration. Biden has continued and promoted the hostilities towards China, and his America is Back plan is in part an attempt to further ally with the trade unions and to use them to whip up chauvinism among workers.

The USW does not want a confrontation with Biden. It is hoping that the administrations infrastructure plan will provide a windfall to the union. The union is seeking to make deals to provide low cost Tier-2 labor for government projects while receiving increased dues payments.

We call on ATI workers to follow the example of autoworkers, educators and Amazon workers across the country and form democratically controlled rank-and-file committees, completely independent of and in opposition to the pro-corporate unions.

In contrast to the USW, these rank-and-file committees must fight for what workers need, not what the company says it can afford. These demands must include a substantial wage increase, no cuts to health care, full pensions for new hires, job security (including for the hundreds of workers slated to lose their jobs this contract), an end to wage and benefit tiers and a return to the eight-hour day.

At the same time, workers must demand that all negotiations are open and live streamed so workers can see the deals being made. In addition, workers must demand $900 a week from the strike fund, paid for out of the dues from rank-and-file workers, not Tom Conway and the rest of the USW functionaries.

We urge workers who agree with this perspective to contact the World Socialist Web Site today.
[April 21, 2021] The Claro Group Announces Important Milestones For Two Senior Employees

The Claro Group (" Claro (News - Alert) "), a financial advisory and management consulting firm, announces important milestones in the careers of two of its senior employees. The Members of The Claro Group recently elected Joseph Krock, Ph.D., a Managing Director, to become the newest Member of the firm. Dr. Krock has been with The Claro Group for 12 years and leads the firm's Economic Consulting Practice and its Los Angeles Office. Dr. Krock is widely considered to be one of the country's foremost economic experts in labor and employment litigation, specializing primarily in wage and hour class action matters and discrimination cases. In addition to this work, Dr. Krock routinely provides consulting and expert witness testimony services for antitrust, consumer class action, breach of contract, and other complex commercial litigation matters. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswie.com/news/home/20210421006048/en/



Joseph A. Krock, Ph.D., Managing Director, The Claro Group, LLC, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert)

Mr. Prateek Shah, who works out of the firm's Austin office was promoted to Managing Director. Mr. Shah has over 16 years of experience managing and testifying on large consulting engagements for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and law firms. Mr. Shah's work spans a wide range of practice areas, including intellectual property, antitrust, finance, valuation, and commercial damages. He also leads Claro Academics, a practice that specializes in providing Claro's clients with the specialized skills and talents of Claro's network of world-renowned academics. Claro's Chairman, John Cadarette, commented: "We are pleased to recognize and reward these outstanding individuals who have consistently provided the level of expertise and service to our clients we expect from all our professionals. Dr. Krock and Mr. Shah have well-deserved reputations for excellence both in the marketplace and within our firm. We are highly confident they will both continue to excel and be tremendously valuable resources to The Claro Group and our clients for many years to come." These internal advancements reflect Claro's ongoing commitment to providing its employees opportunities for growth and development, even during this very challenging time. About Claro: Founded by former "Big 5" accounting and consulting firm partners, The Claro Group, LLC is a highly respected, privately owned financial and economic consulting firm. Claro provides analytics and solutions in high-stakes litigation matters, insurance claims, corporate finance and restructuring, and the technology solutions that support them. Our offices are located in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Austin. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421006048/en/

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Around 20 employees and ex-employees of the investment bank told Bloomberg that they had witnessed harassment or even experienced it themselves.

"Harassment Allegations and Fear Haunt European Investment Bank": This is the title of a Bloomberg article, which includes reports on disturbing cases of employees committing suicide within the bank itself, allegedly due to the toxic work environment at the financial institution.

Bloomberg spoke with around 20 employees and ex-employees of the Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank (EIB) and all of them confirmed that they had witnessed harassment or even experienced it themselves. Some spoke of "inappropriate comments" or "sexual advances". Half of them admitted that they had thought of taking their own lives.

The EIB stated that there is no evidence linking the suicides to problems at the workplace.

Following the Bloomberg report, the responsible commission of the European Parliament has stated that it would discuss the situation at the EIB in a meeting this week.
Santander International expands its operations in the Isle of Man

Santander International has announced plans to expand its operations on the Island.

It proposes to move the remainder of its operations roles that are currently in Jersey to the Isle of Man to improve productivity and efficiency.

The majority of Santander Internationals customer service and operational activities are already based in the Isle of Man, and the move would see the remaining operational roles (currently based in Jersey) transition to operate from one location. This would see the creation of 13 new roles on the island.

As a result of the proposed changes, Santander Internationals headcount in the Isle of Man will increase from 62 to 75. All staff have been informed of the proposed changes.

James Geldart, Managing Director, Isle of Man Branch, Santander International said: The proposal to move all of our operational roles to the Isle of Man demonstrates our investment in the island and our confidence in the local market to build a talented workforce.


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called off his planned official visit to the Philippines, Malacanang confirmed on Wednesday.

Japanese state media first reported that their top official will not be pushing through with the trip, originally scheduled later this month, due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was confirmed by the Palace, which said that it understands the decision of the prime minister.

Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic is high on both the Philippines and Japans agenda and remains a key point of cooperation, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. The decision to postpone a planned official visit based on this ground, therefore, deserves support."

Roque added that the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries will continue to strengthen as the health crisis drags on.

Aside from the Philippines, Suga also cancelled his scheduled trip to India, local media reported.
Non-invasive Camera-trap Technique Confirms Existence of Dryas Monkeys in New Locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Endangered dryas monkey (Cercopithecus dryas), endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa's most mysterious primates. The discovery of the dryas monkey killed by a hunter in the buffer zone of Lomami National Park in 2014 has prompted field research of this small species (5-7 pounds). However, they are difficult to detect because they live in dense vegetation in secondary forest thickets.

Using non-invasive research and no-flash camera traps from 2014 to 2019, scientists from Florida Atlantic University in collaboration with researchers from the FZS-Lomami Project, Democratic Republic of the Congo, now have picture-perfect details on this elusive species. They have confirmed the occurrence of the dryas monkey at seven locations in both Lomami National Park and its buffer zone spanning a total area of 3,453 square kilometers, based on opportunistic reports provided by local village residents and park patrols.

Their findings, published in Oryx--The International Journal of Conservation, indicate that Lomami National Park and its buffer zone contain the greatest extent of the species' known range, and Lomami is the only national park with a confirmed population.

Although camera traps - a method for capturing wild animals on film when researchers are not present - are widely used to detect and survey cryptic species, the FAU scientists had to develop specific camera trap methods and placements to reliably detect the dryas monkeys.

Daniel Alempijevic, M.S., first author and a doctoral student at FAU, and Kate Detwiler, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology in FAU's Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, developed a species-specific multi-strata (0 to 29 meters) camera-trap technique to detect the species with a placement of three camera traps at each survey point, one each monitoring the ground, understory and canopy.

Alempijevic positioned the camera traps on game paths (0.2 to 0.5 meters above ground), shrubs and liana tangles (1.5 to 10 meters), and horizontal limbs (14.9 to 29 meters) forming pathways to adjacent tree crowns. He used a single rope technique to access the canopy, and a double-rope technique to move to the desired camera-trap location when needed. With the solicited information on the dryas monkeys from the residents of villages, he selected specific sites for camera-trap surveillance.

"We selected Bafundo Forest in the buffer zone for camera-trap surveillance, starting at the location where the first reported dryas monkey was killed by a hunter," said Detwiler. "We established the second survey site 40 kilometers west of Bafundo Village, at Camp Bartho in Lomami National Park after a ranger patrol team saw a dryas monkey there in 2014."

Camera traps accumulated 1,742 trap days on the ground, 2,821 trap days in the understory and 2,927 trap days in the canopy. Understory camera traps recorded 32 dryas monkey events, canopy camera traps detected a single event, and dryas monkeys were not detected by camera traps at ground level. The cameras that detected the species most frequently were those in the lower strata of the canopy and understory, at 2 to 10 meters above ground. At least 365 trap days are required to achieve a 95 percent detection probability, although dryas monkeys may be detected sooner in suitable habitats.

"Our camera-trap placements detected dryas monkeys almost exclusively in the understory across all surveys, regardless of canopy structure, which supports our hypothesis that the species appear to prefer structurally complex understories and forest edges," said Alempijevic. "Because our camera traps on the ground did not detect dryas monkeys, it seems unlikely that they travel on the ground. Only one camera trap in the canopy detected a dryas monkey, suggesting that they rarely travel in the upper canopy."

The researchers note that high heterozygosity and low inbreeding measures from genomic analysis of a hunter-killed dryas monkey (collected on Oct. 26, 2014) from Bafundo Forest suggest that it was a representative of a larger contiguous population.

"We recommend that researchers and conservationists working in the central basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo mobilize local knowledge to identify other areas where the dryas monkey occurs and confirm any reports using our species-specific camera-trap placement technique," said Detwiler.

###

Study co-authors are John A. Hart, Ph.D., and Terese B. Hart, Ph.D., Frankfurt Zoological Society, FZS-Lomami Project, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

L'Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature granted research permission to work in Lomami National Park. The local chiefs of Bafundo, Likandjo and Bote villages and the Balanga sector chief of Maniema Province granted permission to access the forest.

Funding for this research was generously provided by the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, FAU, Primate Conservation Incorporated, the Lukuru Foundation, International Primatological Society, Dynamic Youth Community and Indigogo crowd funding.

About Florida Atlantic University:
Sunita Shekhawat, founder of Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur and Niharika Shekhawat, creative director for Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur recently joined NewsX for an exclusive conversation as a part of NewsX India A-List. Talking about her brand Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur, Sunita said, I think first of all lot of credit goes to the city itself, the city, Jaipur has been an inspiration for so many designers and so many best karigars since the Mughal era. Moreover, Jaipur is known as the emerald city of Asia. We have access to all the coloured stones, the best karigars and the city is so colourful. So, colours inspired me to get into designing, and then I got into manufacturing. I honestly owe a lot to Jaipur itself and hence, the name Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur.

Niharika pitched in, There are two ways I look into inspiration. Definitely one, is by working at the brand, and second constantly, how I push myself. For the brand definitely, my mom takes over everything and I think the regeneration is by her. Taking the Legacy forward, I have learned a lot from her and it organically became a part of my childhood. I am not a part of the whole designing product process so when something is getting created, I do observe that in stages and finally when the product or that piece is there on the table and we see it. I just really overwhelmed thinking what best I could do to create that experience with that piece and how do I take the brand forward. So, that inspiration is definitely a great piece of art because it has been created by a designer, and my mom heading it.That in itself is a superb inspiration, and definitely when people just come and be like we love what you do.

When asked about the USP of their brand, Sunita said, The most important thing is there are very few design houses who focus a lot on the integrity of the design. Everything is under one roof. From design, manufacturing to retail space, we dont source anything from outside. You can literally call it a design house. So, we design from farm to market. A lot of time, it is architecture, travel gives you lots of creative ideas and as Niharika has put up, its art and craft. Whether it is textile, handicraft, or a piece of furniture, as a designer anything creative inspires me. Even a designer carpet inspires me. I was in Azar Baizan two years ago and those patterns are still there at the back of my mind and while I was doing some beautiful combination of Meenakari and suddenly those carpets propped in my mind and changed the pattern.

Expressing her views on adapting to change, Sunita said, The new digital age, I think last year we had a lot of bridal appointments on a zoom call since the brand already has a legacy, the trust value is there, people love what we made, so that was already there we gave them the liberty to decide over a zoom call so that was very convenient for all of us for the team also. That was a new way of working. I think today also Niharika had 2-3 bridal appointments & we are very happy and excited to serve them.

All praises for her mom, Niharika Shekhawat, on a concluding note, said, For me, my mom is a constant teacher, a mentor, a friend. I definitely learn everything that I do at work, and, personally speaking, it makes sweet mix working with your parents who are apparently your bosses too. I learned how to go gather like whatever things happen with work she is a hardcore believer in Geeta so, we had learned one thing, i.e work hard.

When asked from Sunita about her learnings from her daughter Niharika, Sunita responded, Honestly, a lot of things and I think that new age that Crispness you know whether its in terms of communication, creating a piece of jewellery, travel, work, adapting to the new ways of working, lot of things because of Niharika. The new, the little tadka is all because of Niharika.
[April 21, 2021] Cerevel Therapeutics Appoints Abraham N. Ceesay as President

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cerevel Therapeutics, a company dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the brain to treat neuroscience diseases, today announced the appointment of Abraham N. Ceesay to the newly-created role of president, effective May 3, 2021. Mr. Ceesay brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience leading operations at a number of biopharmaceutical companies, serving most recently as chief executive officer at Tiburio Therapeutics, a privately-held biotechnology company. As president, he will be responsible for developing Cerevels commercial capabilities and infrastructure and will oversee corporate strategy, business development, and portfolio and program management.

Abe brings tremendous experience and a strong track record in building outstanding commercial organizations. His strategic business expertise will ensure Cerevel is set up for success as we look ahead to introducing new therapies to patients with devastating neuroscience conditions, said Tony Coles, M.D., chairperson and chief executive officer of Cerevel Therapeutics. He brings exactly the broad leadership capabilities and operating experience that we need at Cerevel as we continue on our journey to become the premier neuroscience company. I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic organization, one that is positioning itself to make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of patients struggling with Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other neuroscience diseases, said Mr. Ceesay. I look forward to joining this outstanding team to build the capabilities Cerevel needs for its next phase of growth. About Abraham N. Ceesay

Abraham Ceesay has nearly two decades of experience in leading biopharmaceutical companies and commercializing innovative therapeutic products. Abraham previously served as the chief executive officer at Tiburio Therapeutics, a company focused on the development of novel therapies for rare neuroendocrine tumors and endocrine diseases. At Tiburio, Abraham built a fully integrated company that led to the IND enablement of Tiburios lead program for a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Prior to joining Tiburio, he served as chief operating officer at scPharmaceuticals, where he developed and led all operational and commercial aspects of the company. He was integral in raising more than $150 million in private and public capital, as well as closing the companys initial public offering. Prior to joining scPharmaceuticals, he served as the head of commercial (sales, marketing, and commercial oerations) at Keryx Biopharmaceuticals and spent four years at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals as vice president of marketing. At Ironwood, he led the launch of Linzess and also held responsibility for the management of the U.S. P&L, leadership of the Linzess brand team, and co-promotion collaboration with Forest Laboratories.



Previously, Abraham was at Genzyme/Sanofi, initially as a field sales specialist and ultimately as the director, Renal Global Marketing, in which capacity he led the global launch of Renvela and held global marketing responsibility for the companys renal franchise. Abraham serves on the Board of Directors for Life Science Cares and Camp Harbor View. He holds a bachelors degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk Universitys Sawyer School of Management.

About Cerevel Therapeutics

Cerevel Therapeutics is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the brain to treat neuroscience diseases. The company is tackling diseases with a targeted approach to neuroscience that combines expertise in neurocircuitry with a focus on receptor selectivity. Cerevel Therapeutics has a diversified pipeline comprising five clinical-stage investigational therapies and several pre-clinical compounds with the potential to treat a range of neuroscience diseases, including Parkinsons, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Cerevel Therapeutics is advancing its current research and development programs while exploring new modalities through internal research efforts, external collaborations, or potential acquisitions. For more information, visit www.cerevel.com. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: may, will, could, would, should, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, project, potential, continue, ongoing or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about our potential to become a premier neuroscience company and introduce new therapies to patients and the potential attributes and benefits of our product candidates. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. Actual performance and results may differ materially from those projected or suggested in the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties, including, those under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2021 and our subsequent SEC filings. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Media Contact:

Kate Contreras

W2O/Real Chemistry

kcontreras@realchemistry.com Investor Contact:

Matthew Calistri

Cerevel Therapeutics

matthew.calistri@cerevel.com



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MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed on Wednesday to the country's significant contribution to de-escalating tensions in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh.

"Russia is always open for international cooperation.

We are consistently in favor of strengthening the role in international affairs ... We seek providing assistance in settling regional conflicts. We have already done much to stabilize the situation in Libya and to establish political dialogue in Libya. As you know, Russia has played a key role in stopping the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh," Putin said in his annual address to the Russian parliament.
Texas Capital Bank, N.A., referred to herein as Texas Capital Bank or the Company, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with PHH Mortgage (PHH), a subsidiary of Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE: OCN), under which PHH will purchase, in a bulk sale, the Companys portfolio of Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSRs) attributable to a mortgage loan portfolio approximating $14 billion. In a related Letter of Intent, PHH has also confirmed it will extend employment opportunities to many of the Companys Correspondent Lending employees, and Texas Capital Bank has agreed to make best efforts to cooperate with PHH in transitioning its Correspondent Lending client base. The MSR sale and transition of employees and clients is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

The transaction is consistent with Texas Capital Banks strategic objectives to increase capital flexibility and better align resources and investments to core, high-growth opportunities for long-term value creation. Importantly, Texas Capital Bank is reinforcing its commitment to its Mortgage Finance, Mortgage Warehouse and Specialty Lending businesses, which will continue to be core to the Companys go-forward strategy and is not expected to be impacted by this transaction. The Company expects to increase its investments to those lines of business and continue providing innovative mortgage solutions to its clients.

Rob C. Holmes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Capital Bank, said, Todays announcement represents another important step to optimize our balance sheet, implement enhanced discipline and mitigate risk across Texas Capital Bank. Over the last several weeks, we have been taking important actions to strengthen our financial position and hone our focus on our core growth drivers, including through this agreement with PHH, our recently announced Credit Risk Transfer transaction and our issuance of new preferred stock. We believe the transaction with PHH maximizes value for our Correspondent Lending and MSR assets while continuing to support those clients needs with a strong partner. As a result, Texas Capital Bank is expected to have additional capital resources to strategically deploy in support of our objectives to deliver enhanced services and solutions for our clients and drive more predictable, profitable results.

Mr. Holmes continued, Importantly, this announcement does not impact our commitment to our Mortgage Finance, Mortgage Warehouse or Specialty Lending businesses, which will continue to be core to our long-term strategy. I want to express my appreciation to all of our Correspondent Lending stakeholders, in particular our dedicated colleagues. Over the last five years, the team has helped to expand our capabilities and grow this division, and we are pleased PHH recognizes the talent of our experienced team. We are confident that PHH is the right partner to advance the business, and we look forward to working with them to ensure a smooth and successful transition for our Correspondent Lending clients and employees.

Alston & Bird LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal counsel to Texas Capital Bank.
Mental health experts and principals are pushing for a new national benchmark of one school-based psychologist for every 500 students across Australia to address the alarming rates of mental illness among children.

About 600,000 school-aged children - about one in seven - experience a mental health disorder each year with 20 per cent of those starting primary school education showing high levels of emotional problems.

Mental health experts want a new national benchmark of one school-based psychologist for every 500 students. Credit:iStock

With groundbreaking data showing poor mental health and suicide costs the country $200 billion a year, national cabinet is this year poised to make sweeping changes beyond the health system to fix it.

Australian Psychological Society president and clinical psychologist, Tamara Cavenett, said the proposed ratio should be a new national standard funded in next months federal budget.
Costa Mesa, Calif, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sovereign Lending Group (https://www.slgmortgage.com/), a leading mortgage lender for veterans and millennials, announced today that it has appointed Allison Wapato as Vice President of Processing. With over two decades of experience, Alison will be leading Sovereign Lending Groups mortgage processing department to ensure that all mortgage loans are processed and completed according to established policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

With a sole focus on business optimization, Alison Wapatos addition to Sovereign Lending Group aligns with its continued business growth and increased employee recruitment efforts.

Alison brings extensive experience in Mortgage processing and a deep understanding of the market. We expect Allison will contribute to developing and executing comprehensive mortgage lending strategies that deliver the brand promise of Sovereign Lending Group, said Dan Holtz, CEO of Sovereign Lending Group. We are excited to continue to strengthen our leadership team as we drive our next stage of growth.

Previously, Alison was the Assistant Vice President of Processing at Mr. Cooper, where she led numerous processing divisions which supported a collective pipeline of 9,000 customers. Recognized for her success building and leading strong results-oriented loan processing teams, Alison will continue to contribute to the development of Sovereign Lending Groups business strategy and objectives.

Im excited to join Sovereign Lending Group because of their consistent efforts to set new standards in the mortgage industry, said Alison Wapato, Vice President of Processing at Sovereign Lending Group. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to create sustainable growth and company development.

Alison holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

About Sovereign Lending Group

Sovereign Lending Group is a VA loan lender with headquarters in Southern California and Dallas, Texas. Sovereign Lending Group provides home purchase, home refinance, second mortgage, and home equity loans to clients throughout the U.S. To learn more about Sovereign Lending Group, please visit, www.slgmortgage.com.
Ex-policeman Derek Chauvin found guilty of George Floyds murder

WORLD: Derek Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted yesterday (Apr 20) of murdering African-American George Floyd after a racially charged trial seen as a pivotal test of police accountability in the United States.

crimedeathmurderpolice

By AFP

Wednesday 21 April 2021, 09:00AM

This combination of pictures shows former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin listening to the verdict and being taken away handcuffed in his trial for the killing of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 20, 2021. Photo: AFP

The jury deliberated less than 11 hours before finding 45-year-old Chauvin guilty of all three charges against him: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.

A crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courtroom erupted in cheers, and some wept tears of relief, when the verdicts were announced after a three-week trial that had an entire nation on edge.

Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was put in handcuffs after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill read out the unanimous verdicts reached by the racially diverse, seven-woman five-man jury.

Wearing a facemask and displaying no visible emotion, Chauvin was escorted out of the courtroom by a deputy as one of Floyds brothers, Philonise Floyd, embraced prosecutors.

Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison on the most serious charge - second-degree murder. Sentencing will be at a later date.

The 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force, was seen on video kneeling on the neck of Floyd for more than nine minutes as he lay facedown and handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly I cant breathe.

The 46-year-old Floyds death during his May 25, 2020 arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit US$20 bill (B625) sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.

Ahead of the verdict, cities across the United States had been braced for potential unrest and National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis.

George Floyds brother Rodney told AFP that Black people in America had been victims of deadly injustice at the hands of the authorities for hundreds of years.

We needed a victory in this case, its very important, and we got it and hey, we might actually breathe a little bit better now, he added.

President Joe Biden called members of the Floyd family to say he was relieved by the verdicts, then later he and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation in televised remarks.

This can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America, Biden said, as he called on citizens to unite against racism and violence.

Harris, Americas first female and first Black vice president, told the family it was a day of justice in America, and that history will look back at this moment.

Turning point

Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the conviction as a landmark victory for civil rights and a springboard to legislation currently before Congress to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities.

This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement, Crump tweeted.

Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!

Barack Obama, the nations first Black president, said a jury did the right thing but true justice requires much more.

Three other former police officers involved in Floyds arrest are to go on trial later this year.

Minneapolis has been tense awaiting the Chauvin verdict and the city has seen nightly protests since Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot dead in a suburb of the Minnesota city on April 11 by a white policewoman.

In Washington, the National Guard said some 250 troops were being deployed to support local law enforcement in response to potential demonstrations.

Prosecutors, in closing arguments Monday, showed excerpts from the harrowing bystander video of Floyds death that was seen by millions around the world.

This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first, when you saw that video, prosecutor Steve Schleicher told the jury.

You can believe your eyes, Schleicher said. Its exactly what you knew, its what you felt in your gut, its what you now know in your heart.

This wasnt policing, this was murder, Schleicher added. Nine minutes and 29 seconds of shocking abuse of authority.

Much of the evidence phase of the trial involved testimony from medical experts about Floyds cause of death.

A retired forensic pathologist called by the defense said Floyd died of cardiac arrest brought on by heart disease and the illegal drugs fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died from a lack of oxygen from Chauvins knee on his neck and that drugs were not a factor.

Among the 38 witnesses who testified for the prosecution were some of the bystanders who watched Floyds arrest and pleaded with Chauvin to get off him.

Darnella Frazier, the teenager who took the video that went viral, said Floyd was scared and begging for his life.

It wasnt right. He was suffering, Frazier said.

US Senator Tim Scott, one of just three Black Republicans in Congress, said there was no question that the jury rendered the right decision.

While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers, he said.
When it comes to action cameras, the first and last thing that comes to anybodys mind is GoPro. It is probably the best action camera in the world as it comes with an attractive and strong build with an abundance of features making it a must-have and a desirable gadget.

Moreover, it only gets better every year. But, all the cool features such as durability that GoPro provides comes with a heavy price tag. The recently launched GoPro Hero 9 black costs Rs 65,500 in Nepal. This price may not be affordable for all those who want to own an action cam. So, today, we bring for you a list of some cheaper alternatives of GoPro that you can purchase in Nepal.

5. Eken H6S 4K

Photo: ekenmalaysia

Eken H6S 4K comes with a variety of features. It probably is the best budget action camera you can purchase in Nepal. It can capture videos, single or burst photos, time-lapse videos, and series of photos at set time intervals. It also has video playback and photo playback options and one can easily adjust camera settings and resolutions. The camera can capture pictures up to 14MP and videos in 4K up to 30fps which is more than sufficient for most of the people out there.

There is a 1050mAh battery that can be fully charged in three hours. The camera also has a super wide-angle lens of 170 degrees. The camera has an Ez iCam app with which the user can control their camera using their smartphone or tablets. It includes full camera control, live preview, photo playback and more. There is also a splashproof remote that lets the user take videos and capture photos up to a distance of 6.6 feet.

Specifications

Display 2-inch+0.95 inch status screen Dimension Length: 59.3mm

Width: 21.4mm

Height: 41.1mm Video resolution [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Video interval 1min/5min Photo resolution 14M Field of view 170 degrees Waterproof housing Up to 100 feet Storage Up to 64GB Battery 1050mAh

The price of Eken H6S 4k in Nepal is Rs 16,999 and comes with an action camera tripod, waterproof camera case, mount accessories and a wireless remote.

4. AEE S50

Photo: Axiom Telecom

Along with capturing pictures and videos, AEE S50 comes with many other features. It has a 175-degree wide-angle lens and comes with multiple interchangeable recording modes. An additional feature of this action cam is it supports an external microphone and HDMI output. This action cam is said to be waterproof up to 40 metres. The 1250mAh battery can give you a decent run while recording videos. The battery can last up to three hours.

There is no 4K recording option though. The cam records video in [email protected] 30fps and clicks pictures at 12 MP high resolution. It also has 10x digital zoom and up to 16x fast forward and fast reverse mode.

Specifications

Display LCD movable screen Dimension Length: 9.5cm

Width: 5cm

Height:9.5cm Video resolution [email protected] fps, [email protected] Photo resolution 12 MP Field of view 175 degrees Waterproof housing Up to 40 metres Storage Up to 64GB Battery 1250mAh

The price for AEE S50 is Rs 19,800 and upon purchase, it comes with waterproof housing, camcorder plate, flat adhesive pad, curved adhesive pad, USB cable and quick starter guide.

3. AEE S71T Plus

Photo: Evertek

A better version that gives a better value for money among AEE action cameras is the AEE S71T Plus. This action camera has professional 4K shooting and can click 16MP supersharp photos. It has a built-in 2-inch touchscreen display and a built-in wi-fi transmission function. It also has an IP68 waterproof housing dive depth of up to 328 ft. This action cam also supports slow-mo, burst shooting, time-lapse, up to 150-degree ultra-wide-angle and 10X digital zoom for the ultimate action camera experience. It supports an external microphone and has up to 16x fast forward and fast reverse mode. Smartphones and tablets can have real-time control and operation. The action cam will also be equipped with multi-functional wi-fi remote control. Another noticeable feature about this action cam is it has a built-in G-sensor.

Specifications

Display 2 inch TFT touchscreen Video resolution [email protected] [email protected], [email protected] Photo reolution 16 MP Field of view 150 degrees Waterproof housing Up to 100 metres Storage Up to 64Gb Battery 1500mAh Built-in Wi-fi Yes

The price for the AEE S71T Plus is Rs 26,350 and upon purchase, the buyer will get waterproof housing, wi-fi watch remote, camcorder plate, 2-pin mount, camera bag, USB cable and curved adhesive pad.

2. SJ 8 Pro

Photo: Super G

SJCam is one of the widely used and popular action cameras in Nepal. SJ 8 Pro is probably the best mid-range action cam you can find in Nepal. This cam comes with an Ambarella chipset installed. It can record 4K videos in 60fps and click sharp photos through its 12MP Sony IMX377 sensor. It also shoots image in RAW format.

There is a variety of features this cam offers like video lapse, slow rec, still, photo lapse, burst mode, video+photo mode, car mode, and FPV mode. It has a long-lasting detachable battery that can last up to 90 minutes recording 4K videos in 60fps. It also has a 7G lens, gyro stabilisation, 8x digital zoom, external microphone and remote support. There is an SJCAM Zone app that allows users to control settings and functions and offers an all-in-one real-time experience for easy previewing of recordings and photos.

Specifications

Display Front: 0.9 inch OLED

Main: 2.33 inch IPS touch screen Dimension Length: 62.5mm

Width: 28.8mm

Height: 41mm Chipset Ambarella H22 S85 Video resolution [email protected]/30/50/60fps

[email protected] 25/30/50/60fps

[email protected]/25/30/50/60/120fps

[email protected] 240fps Photo resolution 12MP (40003000 4:3) Field of view 170 degrees Waterproof housing Up to 30 metres Storage Up to 128GB Battery 1200mAh Weight 85 grams

The price for SJ 8 Pro in Nepal is Rs 30,000 and the buyer will get waterproof housing, quick release buckle, 2 x 3M adhesive tape, 4 x camera mount, tripod mount, adapter, cleaning cloth and a type-C cable along with the camera.

1. DJI Osmo Action

Photo: BBC

DJIs Osmo Action is probably the best GoPro alternative you can find in Nepal. It is not so cheap as you expect it to be, but if you want to save a few thousand bucks, this is the best option you have. This action cam comes with almost all the feature of a GoPro.

Though it cannot compete against the likes of GoPro Hero 8 and Hero 9, it gives a tough challenge to the Hero 7, which is a pretty badass action camera itself. It can record HDR videos in 4K up to 60fps; the user can rotate the display 90 degrees to take the photos. It has a dual display that allows the users to preview the images and videos. Osmo Action is waterproof up to 36 feet and up to 30 minutes. With waterproof housing, the depth can be extended up to 197 feet. This action cam also records videos in slow motion. DJIs RockSteady electronic image stabilisation (EIS) technology stabilises footage in standard record modes. RockSteady is enabled in all video modes except in slow-motion, hyper-lapse, or time-lapse modes. The Osmo Action can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi from an iOS or Android smartphone using the DJI Mimo app.

Specifications

Display Front: 1.4 inches

Main: 2.25 inches Dimension Length: 65mm

Width: 35mm

Height: 42mm Video resolution [email protected]/50/48/30/25/24fps

[email protected]/50/48/30/25/24fps

[email protected]/200/120/100/60/50/48/30/25/ 24fps

[email protected]/200fps Photo resolution 40003000 pixels Field of view 145 degrees Waterproof housing 36 feet (without housing)

197 feet (with housing) Storage Up to 256GB Battery 1300mAh Charging time 90 mins Weight 124 grams

The price for DJI Osmo Action in Nepal is Rs 48,000 and the buyer will get a mounting frame, a USB Type-C cable, a quick-release base, a flat adhesive mount, a curved adhesive mount, and a connector screw along with the camera.
TSEC officials said the commission wrote to the state government on April 19 seeking its opinion on holding the municipal polls following the high court directives in this respect, but there was no response till as yet. (Representational Photo: AFP)

HYDERABAD: The State Election Commission (TSEC) is going ahead with arrangements for holding municipal polls on April 30 as scheduled. There is no response from the government on its letter whether to hold the elections as per schedule or postpone them in the wake of the rise in corona cases.

TSEC officials said the commission wrote to the state government on April 19 seeking its opinion on holding the municipal polls following the high court directives in this respect, but there was no response till as yet.

The state government might not opt for a postponement at this stage as filing of nominations ended on April 18 and only a week is left for campaigning. Besides, the elections cover only two municipal corporations (Warangal, Khammam) and five municipalities (Siddipet, Jadcherla, Achampet, Nakrekal, Kothur), feel some officials

There were fresh indications on Wednesday over the ruling party opting for holding the polls as scheduled on April 30.

Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao, who is the ruling party's election in-charge for Warangal corporation and senior TRS leader B Vinod Kumar issued B-forms to 18 party candidates in Warangal. Ministers T Harish Rao and Puvvada Ajay were

campaigning extensively in Khammam and Siddipet on Wednesday.

This apart, campaign by ministers V Srinivas Goud, Niranjan Reddy, G Jagadish Reddy covered other four municipalities on Wednesday.
Police detained 302 people at protests across Russia in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the OVD-Info protest monitoring group said.

Thousands of Russians took to the streets in support of the jailed Russian opposition leader, ignoring warnings from police to stay home.

The arrests come as Navalny's top aide and spokeswoman was detained on Wednesday morning after Russian police raided the Saint Petersburg offices of the jailed Kremlin critic ahead of the nationwide protests.

Four UN experts also warned Navalny's life was in 'serious danger' in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, and said the conditions he is being held in could amount to torture.

Police detained at least 302 people at protests across Russia in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the OVD-Info protest monitoring group said (pictured, a women is detained at a demonstration in Ulan-Ude)

Thousands of Russians attended pro-Navalny protests across the country on Wednesday (pictured, a protesters in St Petersberg holds a placard reading 'change')

Police were stationed in city centres across the country in preparation for the protests on Wednesday (pictured, police prepare for demonstrations in Moscow)

Thousands of Russians across the country took to the streets in support of the jailed Russian opposition leader, ignoring warnings from police to stay home (pictured, protesters in Vladivostok)

People attend a rally in support of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Moscow

Russian riot police officers block a street during a rally in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny

Opposition supporters attend a rally in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny

Supporters of imprisoned Russian opposition Alexei Navalny gather to stage a protest in Moscow

Police officers block the street during the opposition rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny attend a demonstration organized by the group 'Art of Rebel' outside the Russian embassy in London

Supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny attend a demonstration organized by the group 'Art of Rebel' outside the Russian embassy in London

Law enforcement officers detain a participant of the protest

A woman argues with police officer during a protest in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Ulan-Ude

Demonstrators march during a rally in support of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Saint Petersburg

A man holds a Russian flag during an opposition rally in Moscow

UN rights experts, including those with mandates on torture and the right to freedom of opinion called on Russian authorities to release Navalny for urgent medical care.

Navalny has been kept in harsh conditions in a high-security penal colony and 'denied access to adequate medical care', conditions that may amount to torture, they said in a statement.

'We urge the Russian authorities to ensure Mr. Navalny has access to his own doctors and to allow him to be evacuated for urgent medical treatment abroad, as they did in August 2020'.

Supporters of imprisoned Russian opposition Alexei Navalny gather to stage a protest in Moscow

Supporters gather together in Moscow to stage a protest in support of Alexei Navalny

Law enforcement officers stand guard during a rally in support of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny

Russian riot police officers block a street during a rally in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny

Supporters of imprisoned Russian opposition Alexei Navalny gather to stage a protest in Moscow

A woman argues with a police officer using a megaphone during a protest in Ulan-Ude, near the Russian-Mongolian border, on Wednesday

Russian authorities warned protesters the demonstrations had not been authorised and warned against participating in them, but thousands still came out on Wednesday (pictured, a woman is arrested in Ulan-Ude)

Russian opposition leader Navalny's team had called for protests across the country at 7pm, only hours after President Putin's annual state-of-the-nation speech (pictured, protesters in Lenina Square, Moscow)

Demonstrations took place across Russia on Wednesday, the same day as Putin's annual state-of-the-nation address (pictured, protesters in Omsk)

Law enforcement officers were sent to stand guard during Wednesday's mass pro-Navalny demonstrations in Omsk

Russian riot police blocked off central streets and squares in Moscow in an attempt to control protesters

A similar police presence was seen in St Petersberg, where heavily armed officers guarded Palace Square

Thousands of people took to the streets to protest in support of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Protesters carried posters of Navalny's face, this one reading 'One for all and all for one', while taking part in a rally in Novosibirsk

Just hours before President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address - in which he warned the West not to cross Russia's 'red lines', saying Moscow would respond swiftly and harshly to any provocations and those responsible would regret it - Russian police swooped in on Navalny's top aide Lyubov Sobol and spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh in Moscow.

The morning police raids came as the Kremlin sent military trucks and police vehicles to close off city centres today to disrupt planned protests on Wednesday evening in support of Navalny who is on hunger strike in prison.

The two close aides were arrested in the capital while monitors reported police raids on Navalny's offices in Saint Petersburg and further arrests of his supporters across the country.

At least eight people were detained after taking part in a pro-Navalny rally in the Russian city of Magadan on Wednesday morning.

Russian riot police officers prepare to block a street during an opposition rally in St. Petersburg

Pictured: Riot police march in formation in St Petersburg

Police officers detain an opposition supporter during a rally in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny

Police officers detain an opposition supporter during the protest

People attend the opposition rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow

Russian riot police officers block a street during an opposition rally in St. Petersburg

Police blocked off the central square of Ulan-Ude on Wednesday evening in an effort to disperse protesters

A supporter of jailed Russian opposition leader attends a protest in Moscow while holding the national flag

Navalny's team called for the demonstrations in more than 100 cities on Wednesday, after the opposition figure's doctors said his health was failing following three weeks on hunger strike (pictured, a demonstration in Khabarovsk)

Police, equipped with riot gear, including shields and helmets, were deployed at the protests in Khabarovsk

Protesters hold hands and dance in support of Alexei Navalny at a protest in Khabarovsk, 6,100km east of Moscow

Supporters of Alexei Navalny rallied in Sedova Street, Irkutsk, on Wednesday in rare show of defiance against the Kremlin

Protests also sprung up in Rome calling for the release of Alexei Navalny. The rally was held by Italy's Radical Party

People attend a rally in support of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Saint Petersburg

Law enforcement officers detain a participant in an unauthorized rally held by supporters of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny

Law enforcement officers detain participants in an unauthorized rally

Protesters pose as they are arrested by Russian police

Police detain a man during a protest in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in St. Petersburg

Another protester is arrested by Russian police during the St Petersburg protest

People shine the lights of their mobile phones during the opposition rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow

Navalny's team called for the demonstrations in more than 100 cities on Wednesday, after the opposition figure's doctors said his health was failing following three weeks on hunger strike.

Security forces had issued a warning against taking part in 'illegal gatherings' on Wednesday and appeared to be moving quickly to deter protesters.

In the Russian Far East, video and pictures showed police and military vehicles were highly visible on the streets of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, the two largest cities.

Law enforcement officers guard the area by Pioneers Public Garden during an unauthorized rally held by supporters of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny

Law enforcement officers guard a street during an unauthorized rally held by supporters of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny

Supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny attend a demonstration organized by the group 'Art of Rebel' outside the Russian embassy in London

People attend an opposition rally in Moscow

Russian riot police officers detain men during opposition rally in St. Petersburg

A protester is arrested by Russian riot police

A protester is seen being bundled into a police van during a rally in St Petersburg

Supporters of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny hold an unauthorized rally in Pioneers Public Garden

Police yanked Navalny ally Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer with Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, out of a taxi near Navalny's main offices in Moscow on Wednesday and detained her, Sobol's lawyer Vladimir Voronin said.

Authorities opened a case against Sobol late on Wednesday, citing violations of protest regulations.

According to Voronin, she could face up to 30 days of administrative arrest of a fine of up to 300,000 rubles ($3,900).

Russian police today detained Alexei Navalny's top aide Lyubov Sobol (right) and spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh (left) in Moscow after they raided Navalny's offices ahead of nationwide protests on Wednesday

The morning police raids came as the Kremlin sent military trucks and police vehicles to close off city centres today to disrupt protests on Wednesday evening in support of Navalny who is on hunger strike in prison. (pictured, military trucks in the city of Khabarovsk)

Navalny has been on hunger strike since March 31 over poor treatment in prison

Spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said she was also detained at the entrance to the building, while independent monitor OVD-Info said police had conducted searches and detained activists in at least 20 cities across the country.

'Searches were carried out from the very morning,' Navalny's team in Saint Petersburg said on Twitter.

'They have already come for the office's cameraman, several volunteers and activists.'

Putin's annual speech sets the political agenda for the year and in 2020 saw the longtime Russian leader lay out a plan that eventually gave him the power to stay in office until 2036.

This year's address came with Moscow locked in diplomatic disputes with the United States and Europe over Navalny, a Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's borders and a series of espionage scandals.

In the Russian Far East, video and pictures showed police and military vehicles were highly visible on the streets of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk (pictured), on Wednesday morning

In Khabarovsk, military trucks and police vehicles lined the streets ahead of planned protests on Wednesday evening

A string of police cars and trucks are pictured entering a carpark in the centre of Vladivostok on Wednesday

With parliamentary elections due in September, Putin sought to shore up support at home while remaining defiant towards the West, in Wednesday's 'state-of-the-nation' speech.

He also announced a series of measures to boost Russia's pandemic-hit economy.

But his address was overshadowed by country-wide demonstrations called by Navalny's supporters, who fear the opposition leader's life is in grave danger.

Protests, organised by Navalny's team, started at 7:00 pm in cities across Russia to support the anti-corruption campaigner, who launched his hunger strike three weeks ago to protest his lack of medical treatment in prison.

More than 10,000 people were detained during demonstrations in support of the Kremlin critic in late January and early February.

Navalny was arrested when he returned to Russia in January after months recovering in Germany from a near-fatal poisoning he blames on the Kremlin - an accusation it rejects.

A group of Russian police officers are seen gathered together in Vladivostock on Wednesday as more officers arrive in trucks and cars

Navalny: From poisoning to hunger strike August 20, 2020: Navalny is hospitalised in Omsk, Siberia, after losing consciousness during a flight August 22: Navalny is put into a medically induced coma and transferred to a Berlin hospital September 2: Berlin says tests carried out by a German army laboratory yielded 'unequivocal evidence' that he was poisoned with Novichok September 4: Russia rejects claims it was behind the poisoning September 7: Navalny emerges from coma while French and Swedish laboratories confirm Germany's findings that Novichok was used. Putin condemns 'unsubstantiated' accusations September 22: Navalny accuses Putin of being behind poisoning as he is discharged from hospital. Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calls his claims 'groundless and unacceptable' October: Navalny releases a recording of him tricking a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agent into confessing that he tried to kill him. The FSB describes the phone call as a 'provocation'. January 17 2021: Navalny is arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport after Russia's prisons service alleged he had violated parole terms from a suspended sentence on a 2014 embezzlement conviction January 19: Navalny releases video of his investigation into 'Putin's palace', a lavish Black Sea property. Putin denies this January: Tens of thousands of demonstrators demand Navalny's release in late January. Police detain thousands February 2: Navalny is handed a near three-year prison term. February 5: The Kremlin expels German, Swedish and Polish diplomats for supporting Navalny. The three countries expel Russian diplomats in return February 17: The European Court of Human Rights orders Russia to release Navalny 'with immediate effect'. Russia accuses it of 'interference'. February 20: Moscow court dismisses Navalny's appeal, but reduces the sentence to two-and-a-half years Separately he is convicted of defamation and fined 850,000 rubles (8,027) February 22: The EU sanctions four senior Russian officials February 26: Navalny sent to penal colony in the Vladimir region March 2: The U.S. sanctions seven senior Russians and says its intelligence concluded that Moscow was behind Navalny's poisoning. March 15: Navalny says he is locked up in a 'real concentration camp' and accuses Russian authorities of torture by depriving him of sleep in prison March 31: Navalny announces a hunger strike to demand proper medical treatment April 17: After more than two weeks his doctors say his condition has rapidly deteriorated and he could go into cardiac arrest and 'die any minute' April 18: The U.S. warns Moscow of 'consequences' if Navalny dies in prison France, Germany and the European Union join the growing international chorus of protest at Navalny's plight April 19: Russia's prison service says Navalny will be transferred to a hospital for inmates but deems his condition to be 'satisfactory' April 20: Navalny's doctors and lawyers are denied access to him at the new penal colony Russian state TV imposes a news blackout of Navalny's hunger strike Today - April 21: Massive demonstrations called by Navalny's team take place across Russia. Nearly 200 are arrested just hours after Putin's annual state-of-the-nation speech Advertisement

Vladimir Putin's most prominent rival, 44, was imprisoned in February and is serving two-and-a-half years on old embezzlement charges in a penal colony in the town of Pokrov, around 60 miles east of Moscow.

His team announced the protests to coincide with Putin's speech over the weekend, after his doctors said Navalny was suffering from a range of ailments in prison and could die at 'any minute'.

Navalny's doctors were again denied access to him on Tuesday despite growing concerns over his health as Russian state TV imposed a news blackout on his hunger strike.

Navalny has been on hunger strike since March 31 because he says Russian prison guards are refusing him 'proper medical care' for acute pain in his back and numbness in his legs. Moscow insists he is being given adequate care but no independent doctors have been able to examine him.

Last week, his team said in an Instagram post quoting him that prison doctors had held back from examining him out of fear of 'it will turn out that the loss of sensation in my limbs may be associated with this [Novichok] poisoning.'

The opposition politician's lawyers said on Tuesday he is 'very weak' after being transported to prison hospital on Sunday.

They said he has not been receiving any medical care and demanded he be treated in a civilian hospital.

'He is very weak. It's difficult for him to speak and to sit up,' lawyer Olga Mikhailova told reporters outside the prison colony, adding that 'medical care in this case is not being given'.

In Russia, major news channels have refused to report on his condition, with no TV bulletins mentioning his transfer to hospital or the EU meeting which ruled Russian authorities were responsible for Navalny's health.

Russia's prison service, which has repeatedly prevented Navalny's doctors from visiting him, said on Monday that he had been moved from his penal colony in the Vladimir region some 60 miles east of Moscow to a medical facility at another colony in the same region.

His personal physician, Dr. Anastasia Vasilyeva, led three other medical experts to try to visit Navalny at the prison clinic and the IK-3 prison in the city of Vladimir. They were denied entry after waiting for hours outside the gates.

'This is super disrespectful to people who came to fulfil their human duty, a medical duty to help a patient,' Vasilyeva said.

'We are talking now only about health and life.'

Navalny's lawyers also arrived at the penal colony on Tuesday and were allowed in, an AFP journalist at the scene reported.

But Navalny's chief of staff Leonid Volkov tweeted that the lawyers were being told to wait and predicted they would not be allowed to see their client.

The EU and the United States have imposed sanctions on Russia over Navalny's poisoning, and on Monday threatened Moscow with further penalties in the event of his death.

Putin made no mention of his chief critic in the address and the Kremlin continues to dismiss him as an ordinary prisoner.

But he did touch on other sources of contention with the West, especially over Ukraine.

He said: 'We want good relations...and really don't want to burn bridges,

'But if someone mistakes our good intentions for indifference or weakness and intends to burn down or even blow up these bridges, they should know that Russia's response will be asymmetrical, swift and harsh.'

A Russian troop build-up on the border with Ukraine - where Kiev's forces have been battling pro-Russia separatists since 2014 - has sparked widespread alarm and warnings from NATO.

Ties with the West have also been hit by a series of spy scandals.

The EU and the United States have imposed sanctions on Russia over Navalny's poisoning, and on Monday threatened Moscow with further penalties in the event of his death.

A number of European countries have accused Moscow of increasingly aggressive espionage tactics and expelled Russian diplomats.

Washington last week announced sanctions and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in retaliation for what the White House says is the Kremlin's US election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity. Russia has vowed to respond in kind.

As tensions peaked last week, US President Joe Biden spoke to Putin by phone, inviting him to hold a summit in a third country. The Kremlin has said it is considering the offer.

Navalny's team this weekend announced the protests to coincide with Putin's speech, after his doctors said Navalny was suffering from a range of ailments in prison and could die at 'any minute'

Putin made no mention of his chief critic in the address and the Kremlin continues to dismiss him as an ordinary prisoner (pictured, Putin delivers his annual address in Moscow on Wednesday)

The IK-2 corrective penal colony, where Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is serving his jail term. He was moved to IK-3, a penal colony with a medical facility for inmates, on April 19)

During his speech last year, Putin set out a series of constitutional reforms that were eventually approved in a referendum and reset presidential terms so he could run twice more after the end of his current six-year term.

This year's address focused on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic hardship.

Concrete economic improvements will be crucial for Putin going into September's elections.

While the president himself remains widely popular, his United Russia party is seen as stagnant and corrupt. One poll last month by the Levada Centre predicting it would win only 21 per cent of the vote.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global productivity fell in 2020 but it will recover through 2021, according to the latest release of annual productivity growth rates for 131 countries by The Conference Board.

Globally, growth in output per worker fell 0.9 percent in 2020 after rising 1.0 percent in 2019, but is projected to rebound to 2.9 percent growth in 2021. These productivity improvements are unlikely to be sustained, however, as they are driven by the global economy reopening amid a waning pandemic. The latest estimates extend the downward trend in global labor productivity growth from an average annual rate of 2.6 percent between 2000-2007 to 1.7 percent between 2011-2019. The latter is roughly the same as the average growth rate of output per worker in 2019-2021.

"Recent years have seen the bottoming out of a decade-long trend of weak productivity growth," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Senior Director, Economic Research at The Conference Board. "But while productivity growth is projected to rebound in 2021, these gains are likely to be transitory without further acceleration in digital transformation, accompanied by sustained investments in new business models, modern infrastructure, and human capital for the twenty-first century. Such investments could set the stage for a revival in productivity trends for the next decade, leading to a more balanced, sustainable, and innovative economic recovery that uses resources more efficiently and increases overall living standards. However, many hurdles to achieving this productivity revival remain. These include the risk of labor-market scarring, extended unemployment after the pandemic, legacy technologies and slow investment in digital transformation, an imbalanced recovery and increasing inequality."

The 2021 Productivity Brief is based on data from The Conference Board Total Economy Database, which are comprised of labor productivity measures, including output per worker or per worker-hour. Later this year, The Conference Board will also publish the Total Factor Productivity measure, which provides a more accurate picture of the overall efficiency by which capital, labor, and skills are combined in the production process.

Among the world's mature economies, the long-term productivity slowdown appears to have hit bottom, with further deterioration unlikely but also no clear signs of a revival yet. Emerging markets still have a substantial productivity growth advantage over mature economies. However, overall productivity growth rates in emerging markets have been slowing since 2010, and this downward trajectory should continue in the post-pandemic period.

"In the wake of the pandemic recession, productivity growth rates in emerging markets and mature economies are converging," said The Conference Board economist Klaas de Vries, "but thus far for the wrong reason. The former are running out of catch-up potential while the latter have been slow to reverse weakening productivity trends. However, a more positive convergence is possible in the years ahead. Mature economies with strong human capital bases and well-developed innovation systemsin particular, the US, Europe, and Japanare proposing long-term investments with the potential to substantially accelerate productivity. If executed successfully, they offer an opportunity to close the competitive edge that the largest emerging economies have seized in recent decades."

Key Regional Highlights

In the United States , growth in output per hour accelerated to 2.5 percent in 2020 compared to 1.3 percent in 2019driven by the deep and sudden pandemic downturn early last year. Growth in hourly output slowed from +2.2 percent in 2000-07 to +0.7 percent in 2011-19.

, growth in output per hour accelerated to 2.5 percent in 2020 compared to 1.3 percent in 2019driven by the deep and sudden pandemic downturn early last year. Growth in hourly output slowed from +2.2 percent in 2000-07 to +0.7 percent in 2011-19. Meanwhile, growth in total hours worked ticked up from +0.5 percent in 2000-07 to +1.5 percent in 2011-19, before falling 5.8 percent in 2020 amid COVID-19 shutdowns. Total hours worked is projected to increase 4.7 percent in 2021. Still, US labor productivity growth is ahead of that in most other mature economies.



In the Euro Area , 2020 was an exceptionally weak year for productivity growth, driven by the pandemic recession. Hourly output grew by +0.8 percent in 2020, above 2019's +0.4 percent but comparable to the 2011-2019 average of +0.7 percent.

, 2020 was an exceptionally weak year for productivity growth, driven by the pandemic recession. Hourly output grew by +0.8 percent in 2020, above 2019's +0.4 percent but comparable to the 2011-2019 average of +0.7 percent. Among large European economies, productivity in 2020 climbed modestly in France , fell slightly in Germany , and dropped by a substantial 0.6 percent in Spain .

, fell slightly in , and dropped by a substantial 0.6 percent in .

The stagnation in productivity growth in Germany in the last three years was likely due in part to weakening trade growth with China as well as COVID-19.



in the last three years was likely due in part to weakening trade growth with as well as COVID-19. Output per hour in the United Kingdom has remained stagnant over the past three years, at +0.4 percent in 2018, unchanged in 2019, and +0.4 percent in 2020.

has remained stagnant over the past three years, at +0.4 percent in 2018, unchanged in 2019, and +0.4 percent in 2020. Among mature economies, the UK saw the sharpest decline in productivity growth rates between 2000-2007 (+2.1 percent) and 2011-2019 (+0.3 percent).



While strong employment performance in part offset the UK's productivity growth weakness, the growth rate of hours worked has rapidly declined recently, but it is forecast to increase by 4.8 percent in 2021.



Among the eight largest emerging markets ( Brazil , China , India , Indonesia , Mexico , Russia , South Africa and Turkey ), growth in output per worker slowed from +5.2 percent between 2000-2007 to +3.5 percent between 2011-2019.

and ), growth in output per worker slowed from +5.2 percent between 2000-2007 to +3.5 percent between 2011-2019. China 's growth in output per worker dropped from +8.1 percent in 2000-2007 to +4.2 percent in 2011-2019, according to The Conference Board's alternative estimates of Chinese GDP. Even so, China's productivity growth rates are still upwards of four times larger than those across the mature economies.

's growth in output per worker dropped from +8.1 percent in 2000-2007 to +4.2 percent in 2011-2019, according to The Conference Board's alternative estimates of Chinese GDP. Even so, productivity growth rates are still upwards of four times larger than those across the mature economies.

India continues to lead the largest emerging economies with output per worker averaging +6.1 percent growth between 2011-2019. However, output per worker remains just 14 percent of US levels.

continues to lead the largest emerging economies with output per worker averaging +6.1 percent growth between 2011-2019. However, output per worker remains just 14 percent of US levels.

Average productivity growth in Latin America remained negative for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019, showing that the region continues to struggle with the legacy of decades of weak growth in output per worker. Output per worker is projected to increase by only 0.1 percent in 2021 after rising by 1.8 percent in 2020.

For complete analysis, charts, and data tables, visit The Conference Board Total Economy Database, Productivity results (April 2021 update):

https://www.conference-board.org/data/economydatabase

For more information on The Conference Board Global Economic Outlook:

https://www.conference-board.org/data/globaloutlook/

For related information on international comparisons of manufacturing sector productivity:

https://www.conference-board.org/ilcprogram/productivityandulc

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org.

SOURCE The Conference Board

Related Links

http://www.conference-board.org


(Natural News) Every day, there are new headlines in the mainstream media downplaying the side effects that people are experiencing from the COVID-19 vaccines being pushed on people in massive vaccination campaigns around the world  even as some people are dying from the vaccine. It is not difficult to find articles where various health experts have said that side effects and deaths from the shot are rare and should not prevent people from getting it.

However, the numbers do not lie, and the story they tell is far more damning. According to Childrens Health Defense, there have been 56,869 adverse events reported following the COVID-19 vaccine so far. This includes 7,971 serious injuries and 2,342 deaths between December 14, 2020 and April 1, 2021. On April 13, the CDC reported on its website that the number of deaths that have been reported since December 2020 had increased to 3,005.

One very important thing to keep in mind is the fact that many adverse effects of this and many other vaccines are never reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System that is operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. Healthcare providers are required to report certain events to the system, but a survey has shown that less than 20 percent of healthcare providers actually use the system. Although that data came from 2005, it seems unlikely that the situation has changed much in the intervening years. Not only are some  indeed, many  of these effects going intentionally unreported, countless others are being missed, downplayed or outright dismissed.

Vaccines can be more dangerous in general population than they are in trials

Many groups of patients were excluded from the vaccines clinical trials, such as people who are immunocompromised. Many of these individuals are now being given the vaccine despite insufficient data about its safety in their subpopulations  something that is noted in an FDA briefing document on the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

One Israeli study recently found that patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases are experiencing herpes zoster, a painful and irritating skin infection that can lead to nerve damage, following the vaccine. This is just one of many effects that the trials would not have detected. There are likely to be many similar issues becoming obvious as more and more people get vaccines as part of the major rollouts that are currently underway throughout the world.

The FDA warned about this concern in a December 2020 briefing, stating that using the vaccine in large numbers of individuals may reveal additional, potentially less frequent and/or more serious adverse events not detected in the official trials because they only used healthy individuals.

An additional risk the FDA warned about that may come to light in the near future is that of vaccine-enhanced disease over time and waning immunity. This means that the people who have received the vaccine could have an even worse response if they are exposed to the virus again in the future.

All of this serves as yet another reminder that these vaccines that people are so desperately trying to get appointments for and proudly showing off on social media remain very much experimental. Even more disconcerting is the fact that vaccine manufacturers have been granted immunity from liability for any adverse events that these vaccines cause as part of an incentive by the government to speed up development and keep costs down. Moreover, people cannot sue the FDA for authorizing a vaccine for emergency use that causes them harm.

If vaccine companies cannot be held liable for killing you with their shots, what motivation do they have to ensure a safe vaccine?

Sources for this article include:

NaturalHealth365.com

CNBC.com
Press Release

21 April 2021

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SET: SHR), the flagship hospitality arm of Singha Estate PCL (SET: S), has disclosed its intention to divest a selection of its underperforming hotel assets in the United Kingdom, as part of its strategy to optimise its UK portfolio and maximise returns.

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The company announced today that it intends to enter into a sale agreement for the 73-key Mercure Newbury Elcot Park. S Hotels & Resorts in the amount of GBP 4.25 million (equivalent to THB 182 million). In addition, the company is also considering to dispose up to five other UK hotels in the portfolio which have been identified as non-core assets. Proceed from sales will be used to reinvest in the renovation of core hotel assets in the portfolio to lift up the product and potentially enhance their profitability.

Mr. Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer of S Hotels & Resorts, revealed that the transaction forms part of the company's portfolio enhancement strategy comprises three elements:

Asset enhancement : the company is evaluating to put capex to renovate core hotel assets  the asset that provides consistently solid performance and could generate higher EBITDA with proper enhancement program. These enhancements will boost the hotels' competitive advantage and extend the profitability of those properties.

Asset disposal : the company intends to dispose of some assets that have limitation on profit generation, but potentially can be sold at market price. The company targets the sale of 4-6 hotels which fall under these criteria and is currently in negotiations for potential buyers. The transactions are expected to be completed in 2021-2022.

Assets optimization : 60% of the portfolio is fallen into this category. We would seek further opportunities to enhance the efficiency of this group to allow the asset to become a core asset e.g. conversion of leasehold to freehold assets.

"Strategically, we believe the optimal number of hotels in this portfolio should be around 20-21 hotels and in the medium to long run we wish to uplift the EBITDA performance of this portfolio back to the peak level of GBP 18 million (THB 720 million equivalent)."

"This is a part of our strategic direction to focus on maximising our portfolio returns and creating value for the company and its investors." Mr. De Cuyper commented.

Mercure Newbury Elcot Park, UK  Photo: S Hotels & Resorts

In February 2021, S Hotels & Resorts invested THB 560 million to purchase additional 50% stakes in 26 of its 29 UK hotels, raising its total ownership of these properties to 100%. This marked a significant commitment to the UK, reflecting the company's confidence in the future of the country's hospitality sector. S Hotels & Resorts believes that ongoing international travel restrictions and the UK's successful vaccination programme will drive domestic tourism demand in 2021, followed by the recovery of inter-regional travel from 2022.

To learn more about S Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com, or for more information about Singha Estate, please visit www.singhaestate.co.th.
Pune, India., April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malaria Treatment Market: Key Insights

According to our new research study on Malaria Treatment Market to 2027  Global Analysis and Forecast  by Malaria Treatment Type, Route of Administration, and End User, the Malaria Treatment Market Size was valued at US$ 1,508.12 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 2,126.42 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during 20202027. The increasing resistance toward antimalarial drugs is hindering the market growth.

Malaria Treatment Market: Competition Landscape and Key Developments

Advanz Pharmaceutical, Ipca Laboratories Ltd, Zydus Cadila, Glenmark, Olympus Corporation, Abbott, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis AG, and TEVA PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. are among the key companies operating in the global malaria treatment market. The leading players are focusing on the expansion and diversification of their market presence, and acquisition of new customer base, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities.

In January 2021, GSKs, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) filling for Kozenis (tafenoquine) accepted by Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Get Exclusive Sample Pages of Malaria Treatment Market - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00018229/



In May 2020, ADVANZ PHARMA Corp. Limited entered into an arrangement agreement to acquire a specialty pharmaceutical company named Correvio Pharma Corp. The acquisition provided ADVANZ PHARMA with an immediate and direct commercial presence in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Benelux region.

In 2019, the Middle East and Africa dominated the global malaria treatment market and accounted for approximately half of the market revenue. The growth of the market in this region is mainly attributed to the rising prevalence of malaria, surge in malaria awareness programs, availability of diagnostic tests for the disease, and initiatives by governments to control and prevent the prevalence of malaria across the region. On the basis of treatment type, the malaria treatment market is segmented into diagnostic tests, antimalarial agents, and vaccines. The diagnostic test segment accounted for more than 30% of the malaria treatment market in 2019. On the basis of route of administration, the malaria treatment market is segmented into oral and parenteral. The oral segment is expected to register a higher CAGR in the market during the forecast period. On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals specialty clinics and others. The hospital segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium spp. The growth of the malaria treatment market is mainly due to the high prevalence of malaria in low-income countries and large-scale implementation of malaria elimination programs by international and national organizations. Also, the increasing launch of advanced diagnostic tools and rising research activities to provide effective therapeutics is further driving the growth of the market. The WHO African Region accounts for the highest share of the global malaria burden.

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As per the WHO, in 2019, the region accounted for ~94% of malaria cases and deaths. Also, six countries in the region accounted for half of the global count of death caused by malaria, with Nigeria (23%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), the United Republic of Tanzania (5%), Burkina Faso (4%), Mozambique (4%), and Niger (4%) being the prime contributors to the this. Children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria. In 2019, children accounted for 67% (274,000) of all malaria deaths worldwide. Also, every year, ~125 million pregnant women are at the risk of malaria worldwide. In Africa ~10,000 women and 200,000 babies die annually due to malaria. Apart from this, the increasing number of traveler malaria cases is also contributing to the demand for the malaria treatment modalities, as every year, thousands of people travel to malaria-affected region.

Malaria Treatment Market: Segmental Overview

In terms of treatment type, the antimalarial agents segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the malaria treatment market during the forecast period. In terms of route of administration, the oral segment is estimated to dominate the market during the forecast period. In terms of end user, the hospital segment accounted for more than 40% share in the global malaria treatment market in 2019.

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As if to underscore the quick-moving pace and national scope of the issue of race and police brutality, the rally was held as two pieces of news about shootings in other states broke. Some at the rally got mobile push alerts that the Justice Department, led by new Attorney General Merrick Garland, announced it would investigate the Minneapolis police. Just hours earlier, officer bodycam footage of the fatal police shooting of Bryant, 15, had started circulating on social media. It appeared to show Bryant threatening another girl with a knife before she was killed by the officer Tuesday, around the same time as the Chauvin verdict was read in Minnesota.
HERZLIYA, Israel, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CNBC's "Advancements With Ted Danson" is scheduled to run a special feature on science-based cannabis publisher The Cannigma in its upcoming episode this Saturday, April 24.

Featuring Cannigma CEO Elana Goldberg, cannabis researcher and pediatrician Dr. Orit Stolar, and Perry Davidson, CEO of medical vaporizer company Syke, the segment explains why progress in the field of cannabis is dependent upon educating the broader public about the plant.

"Education is going to be crucial when it comes to the cannabis industry expanding," explains Goldberg in the episode. "If lawmakers properly understand what we now know from cannabis research about the plant, they are going to be able to make the right laws which are going to help cannabis businesses really thrive."

Once that type of regulatory transformation takes place, Goldberg continues, "researchers are going to be able to look into the myriad uses for the plant, healthcare providers will have all of the information they need to treat their patients well."

The tools being developed by The Cannigma are an important pillar of that massive undertaking of educating the world about cannabis and allowing anyone to make decisions for themselves about the plant  based on reliable scientific research.

After airing on CNBC, the episode will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

The Cannigma is a cannabis content platform that creates and distributes cannabis information, products and services while maintaining an unbiased scientific approach.

For more information, visit https://www.cannigma.com

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ROCHESTER, Minn.  A Minnesota prison inmate takes a plea deal over an Olmsted County kidnapping.

Ryan Daniel Seavey, 37, entered a guilty plea Wednesday to one count of stalking. Three counts of kidnapping, one count of domestic assault, and one count of pattern of stalking conduct were dismissed.

Seavey was accused of taking a woman and two children prisoner on June 3, 2019. Seavey allegedly told the woman several times he would kill her if she contacted anyone before eventually driving his victims to Grand Meadow and letting them go.

Seavey is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10. He is already serving a seven year and eight month sentence in Minnesota state prison for pleading guilty to 2nd degree drug possession and DWI in Mower County in September 2015. Court documents say he was initially given probation but after repeatedly violating it, he was put behind bars in September 2019.
New Delhi, Apr 21 (PTI) Efforts are being ramped up for massive production of vaccines and make them available in the shortest possible time, a top government official said on Wednesday, stressing that India currently has a promising pipeline of four-five COVID-19 vaccine candidates, while three have already been approved for emergency use.

Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said a financial support of 400 crore is being provided to vaccine candidates from Zydus Cadilla, Biological E, Gennova and Bharat Biotech (single-dose intranasal vaccine).

Her statement came days after the government widened the vaccination drive to cover everybody above the 18 years of age.

"There are three vaccines in India, which have been approved for Emergency Use Authorisation -- Covishield by Serum Institute of India (SII), Covaxin by Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL) and the Russian Vaccine, Sputnik-V. Besides these, there is promising pipeline of 4-5 candidates in advanced clinical stages of development," Swarup told PTI.

DNA Vaccine candidate by Zydus Cadila, protein subunit vaccine candidate by BioE, mRNA vaccine candidate by Gennova, and single dose intranasal vaccine candidate by Bharat Biotech are in advanced stages of clinical trials, she said.

"The Department of Biotechnology has provided technical, advisory and financial support for these vaccine candidates during their early development. Now, under Mission COVID Suraksha, financial support of nearly 400 crore for late stage clinical development of these vaccine candidates is being provided.

"The manufacturers already have existing capacities and can contribute to about 15-20 million doses per month, which can be made available for immunisation, once approved," Swarup said.

Six Indian firms including Dr Reddy's will collectively produce 70 crore doses per annum of Russian vaccine Sputnik V, she added.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Pauline Hanson has been spotted wearing a golliwog face mask as she travelled through an airport.

The One Nation leader posted an image showing her wearing the mask to her social media accounts on Wednesday afternoon.

'I love my new golliwog face mask when travelling,' Senator Hanson wrote in a caption alongside the photo.

Her Facebook page was inundated with comments in response to the image, with her supporters taking issue with her wearing a face mask, which are mandatory in Australian airports and on planes.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson uploaded a photo of herself wearing a golliwog face mask to her Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon

Senator Hanson (pictured sitting in parliament) wrote in a caption posted to Facebook: 'I love my new golliwog face mask when travelling'

'Ditch the mask Pauline! Stand up to it,' one person commented.

Another said: 'Ditch the f mask Pauline... please stand up and hear our voices... We, the people do not consent, do not comply.'

Senator Hanson said the face mask, which featured images of multiple golliwog dolls, had been given to her by a woman named Joan.

The Queensland-based politician has courted controversy ever since she was first elected to parliament in 1996 as the federal member for Oxley.

She was elected to the Senate in 2016 and a year later came under fire for wearing a burqa inside the chamber.

The golliwog was created by Florence Kate Upton in 1895 in her book 'The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwog', where it was described as 'a horrid sight, the blackest gnome'.

But it has increasingly been seen as an offensive racist caricature of black people.

The word 'golliwog' has also increasingly been seen as racist due to the term 'wog' being used as a racial slur for foreigners.
"We're excited to welcome Swift Prepared Foods to Columbia," said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. "Missouri is a great place for the company to grow its business and develop a world-class workforce. This investment and the jobs it will create will provide many new opportunities for the mid-Missouri region, and we look forward to seeing the company succeed for years to come."

The 325,000 sq. ft. Italian meats facility will employ more than 250 people in the region.

"We are excited to join the Columbia community and to bring good-paying jobs and innovation to the area with the addition of this new, state-of-the-art facility," said Thomas Lopez, President and Chief Operating Officer, Swift Prepared Foods. "After an extensive review of potential locations, we are confident that Columbia is a great fit for our company, and this decision supports our focus on continued growth."

"This project will further solidify Columbia's standing in the food manufacturing industry, complementing other great Columbia employers like Aurora Organic Dairy, Kraft Heinz, Quaker Oats and Beyond Meat," said Brian Treece, Mayor of Columbia. "Having Swift Prepared Foods in our community will bring new living-wage jobs and career opportunities for Columbia families."

This is Swift Prepared Foods' second major recent investment in Missouri. Last year, the company announced plans to invest more than $68 million in a new ready-to-eat bacon facility in Moberly, Missouri. It's slated to open in May. Construction on the new facility in Columbia is set to begin in a few weeks, dependent upon pending project approvals and agreements.

About Missouri Partnership

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri's business strengths. Since 2007, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 27,000+ new jobs, $1.3 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $3 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, Amazon, Casey's General Stores, Chewy, Inc., Square, USDA, and Veterans United.

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New Delhi: The deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the national capital can now also be witnessed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida. Several patients are gasping for oxygen and the hospitals have been complaining of a shortage of supply, which is also the current condition of the hospitals in Delhi.

As per a few reports, in some Noida hospitals, the patients had to face the oxygen crisis twice in 12 hours due to the surge in demand amid rising COVID-19 infections.

The Gautam Buddha Nagar district reportedly needs over 60 tonnes of oxygen, but are barely getting 30 tonnes daily.

The severe shortage of oxygen for COVID-19 patients has led to the Uttar Pradesh administration stationing officers at a Greater Noida oxygen manufacturing plant to check movement of oxygen cylinders.

ALSO READ | Need Oxygen cylinders at home? Check out these contacts

Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate Suhas LY on Tuesday (April 20, 2021) issued orders posting two senior officers round-the-clock at Inox Air Products Pvt Ltd's Greater Noida factory that manufacturers and supplies medical oxygen.

The officers, of the rank of the deputy district officer, will be present at the company site during the allotted hours and ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to COVID-19 hospitals in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district.

One officer has been posted at the factory from 8 am to 8 pm and another for 12 hours beginning at 8 in the evening, according to the order reviewed by the PTI news agency.

Meanwhile, Gautam Buddh Nagar on Tuesday recorded eight more COVID-19-related fatalities that took its death toll to 114. The district's total coronavirus caseload was also increased by 640 to 31,597. Gautam Buddh Nagar currently has 3,765 active cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi: Amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases, concerns over oxygen supply for coronavirus patients continue in the national capital on Wednesday, with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia flagging the urgent need in both government and private hospitals across the city.

Sisodia, who is also Delhi`s nodal minister for Covid-19 management, said he is getting calls from all several hospitals regarding the shortage of oxygen and many of them need supplies immediately.

"In many hospitals in Delhi, oxygen is available till only next 8-12 hours. We have been demanding for one week to increase the oxygen supply quota to Delhi, which the Central government has to do. If oxygen does not reach the hospitals in sufficient quantity by tomorrow morning, there will be an outcry," Sisodia said in a tweet.

       8  12       .                      .                . pic.twitter.com/omO7RCTaCj  Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 20, 2021

Late on Tuesday, the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal`s Office said, "We (Delhi Govt) are responding to the below query, that 241 MT of oxygen was supplied to Delhi on Monday and 355.33 MT on Tuesday (upto 3 PM) by five manufacturers, and the total stock of oxygen in the city`s hospitals upto 3 PM on Tuesday was 508 MT."

Sisodia also shared the list of some government and private hospitals with the period for which they have oxygen supply. Among government hospitals, DDU Hospital has 12 hours supply, the Burari Hospital and Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital for 8 hours, Ambedkar Hospital for 24 hours, the Acharya Bikshu Hospital for 10-12 hrs.

Amid private hospitals, the BL Kapoor Hospital has 8-10 hours supply, the Stephen Hospital for 12-15 hours, Max Patparganj for 10 hours and the Maharaja Agrasen for 5 hours.

CM Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi and his deputy Manish Sisodia said there will be chaos in the city if the stocks are not replenished by Wednesday morning. ICU beds in Delhi hospitals were also filling up fast amid a surge in coronavirus infections.

Only 30 of them were available for coronavirus patients in government and private hospitals across the national capital at 10 pm, according to data from the city government's Delhi Corona app.

"Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi," Kejriwal tweeted, adding some hospitals are left with just a few hours of stock. In another tweet, he said, "I urge the Central government with folded hands to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi."

Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi. I again urge centre to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi. Some hospitals are left with just a few hours of oxygen.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 20, 2021

Health Minister Satyendar Jain sent an SOS to Union Minister Piyush Goyal at 10:20 pm, saying oxygen at GTB Hospital may not last beyond 4 hrs. More than 500 corona patients on oxygen. Pl help @PiyushGoyal to restore oxygen supply to avert major crisis.

According to Jain, Delhi got 240 metric tonnes of oxygen on Monday and 365 MT on Tuesday against the requirement of 700 MT per day.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said its oxygen stock would last till 1 am. The hospital has 485 COVID beds, of which 475 are occupied. Around 120 patients are currently in the ICU. Its chairman D S Rana said, "6,000 cubic meters of it is left, which at the rate of current consumption will last till 1 am. Need urgent replenishment."

Kejriwal had on Sunday termed shortage of oxygen for coronavirus patients an "emergency". He had also written to Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal, seeking his intervention in the matter.

On Monday, the Delhi government set up a 24-member committee to ensure "rational" use of oxygen for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. An order issued by the Health Department said the 'Oxygen Audit Committee' will identify areas of wasteful consumption.

The consumption of oxygen has undergone a quantum increase with the admission of a large number of serious patients who require oxygen support, it said. Sisodia on Tuesday said the Centre should be "sensitive and active" in handling the situation so that there is no clamour among states over its supply.

He also alleged that people involved in supplying oxygen are being stopped in different states. Also, of the 4,585 ICU beds for coronavirus patients in government and private hospitals across Delhi, only 30 were available at 8 pm.

Only 2,426 COVID-19 beds are available at hospitals in Delhi at present, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday and assured people that the city government was increasing the number of beds at a fast pace.

The details of the available beds can be found on the Delhi Corona app, he told reporters, adding the Delhi government was making efforts to increase the number of beds, and approximately 1,000-1,500 beds are being added every day.

On Tuesday, the city recorded another massive surge in new Covid cases at 28,395, the highest single-day spike so far while there were 277 deaths.

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In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul tells Christians that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth. He goes on to say that we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies (8:2223).

We African Americans understand this inward groaningthe discomfort of waiting for the full redemption of our physical selves. Like all creation, our bodies await renewal because they have borne pain and loss for far too long.

Some of our pain includes violent death at the hands of police officers or vigilantes who are intimidated by our presence and fire their guns, hang us from trees, pound us with their clubs, or crush us with their knees.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin didnt accept George Floyds humanity but instead perceived his body as a threat. Chauvin ignored the onlooking crowd, who shouted at him to stop, and proceeded to drain the life out of Floyd over the course of nine and a half minutes.

The Minneapolis police officer was ostensibly fearful of a man who was already subdued and placed face-down on the ground. Because of the justice systems track record of accepting police brutality as a necessary part of the job, Chauvin relied on his badge to justify his actions.

Still now, so many Black and brown bodies groan because of the bullets or the pounding they take, even from those entrusted to protect and serve us. Yet even when we are not physically beaten, we still groan. We groan for many different reasons.

There is another cause for groaning in anticipation of redemption: Our bodies are decaying faster than those of our white counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the health disparities already present between white and nonwhite people. And Black and brown folks are carrying so much anxiety that our life expectancy is significantly lower than that of whites.

Due to the stress of being Black and brown in the USA, we are physically less healthy than white people, even when our income levels are the same. We ache and groan simply because of the toll racism takes on our bodies, even when we are not physically under attack. We ache in the pit of our stomachs whenever we see the police cruiser in the rearview mirror, or hear the sirens getting louder.

We ache in our bodies when white people perceive us as being out of our place. We get followed in stores. We get mistaken for the help. We get ignored when we should be heeded, and we receive extra attention when were minding our own business. We inwardly groan because of slights, microaggressions, and especially encounters with authority figures that often quickly escalate to dangerous altercations.

Our children start to ache and groan early in life because they get suspended or otherwise punished more frequently than white students. Our bodies inwardly groan and eagerly await our adoption because injustice is painful. We ache and groan because our sisters and brothers get killed and we feel powerless. In pain we take to the streets. With groans, we raise our voices in protest and cry, Black lives matter!

But rather than receiving support from Christian sisters and brothers, we find that prominent and significant numbers of them demonize our pleas but not the system that crushes us.

It is no surprise that Chauvins murderous act was recorded, since we are hyperaware of police activity. And we are grateful for the young woman, Darnella Frazier, who pressed through her pain to record the horror. We ached and groaned for George Floyd, but also for all the other victims, many of whom did not have their brutal encounters recorded.

We held our breath for nearly a year, all the way up until the afternoon of April 20, 2021, when Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict. Chauvin was pronounced guilty of the three charges against him.

Even so, our groans havent stopped. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison rightly acknowledged that the guilty verdict did not signal justice but rather accountability, because justice implies true restoration.

Indeed, justice means George Floyd would be alive today, because our society would find better ways to live as neighbors. Through love, wed eliminate much injustice and tackle evil rather than tolerate it.

When I heard the verdict that Chauvin was found guilty, I wept in relief. But my inward groaning hasnt stopped. The apostle Paul writes that all creation groans, yet we know that some parts are in more agony than others. Of course, our hope is eschatological, which is to say that justice will reach a climactic fulfillment at the end of time when Jesus returns. However, in the meantime, we strivein the words of an old hymnfor a foretaste of glory divine.

We get that foretaste by focusing not only on individual behaviors but also on the unjust systems that exploit, threaten, and endanger anyone, especially those with relatively little societal power.

As we anticipate full redemption, then, let us do the handiwork that God has for us to do (Eph. 2:10). Our good work glorifies God not because we will put an end to all evil but because we might reduce some peoples suffering. Reducing the aches and pains demonstrates the love of a Savior who healed and fed brown bodies to show what the kingdom of God is like.
By Tom Allard and Poppy McPherson

JAKARTA/BANGKOK (Reuters) - United Nations special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener will go to Jakarta on Thursday to meet senior members of Southeast Asian governments searching for a path to end bloodshed and restore stability in Myanmar, according to three sources familiar with her movements.

Burgener, the U.N. special envoy on Myanmar, will not be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' summit on Saturday but aimed to hold meetings on the sidelines of the event, the sources said.

Since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on Feb. 1, Myanmar has descended into violent turmoil amid a lethal crackdown by the junta on protesters and a collapse in its economy, raising concerns it will become a failed state.

At a closed-door meeting of the Security Council on April 1, Burgener warned if "collective action" was not taken by the international community to overturn the coup then a "bloodbath is imminent".

Burgener has arranged meetings with the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei, according to a U.N. source, who asked not to be identified.

She has also requested a meeting with the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, who will attend the meeting in Jakarta according to a military spokesman quoted by Nikkei Asia.

Senior Jakarta-based diplomats told Reuters they still doubted Min Aung Hlaing would appear in person. "Everything is very uncertain," said one.

Burgener, who has been in Thailand for the past 12 days, has communicated with the military since the coup, but repeated efforts to visit Myanmar have been blocked.

The U.N. source said hopes were not high that the meeting with Min Aung Hlaing would take place. Burgener did not respond to requests for confirmation she had sought the meetings.

An Indonesian diplomatic source told Reuters that Indonesia's foreign minister, Retno Marsudi would be "happy to meet" Burgener.

Singapore and Brunei's foreign ministries and a spokesman for Myanmar's military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Tom Allard and Poppy McPherson. Additional reporting by Aradhana Aravindan in Singapore; Editing by Martin Petty)
Syracuse, N.Y.  The all-guilty verdict in the case of a Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd and sparked worldwide protests represents a step forward in holding police accountable, according to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick.

It has changed the narrative about policing in America, Fitzpatrick said Tuesday.

Former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin kneeled on George Floyds neck for more than nine minutes last May 25 after Floyd, 46, was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market.

The former officer, who was handcuffed in the courtroom and taken to jail after the verdict, could now be sent to prison for decades.

Fitzpatrick, the former president of the New York State and National district attorneys associations, acknowledged the verdict was the result of cameras filming Chauvin and a change in attitudes toward police.

Im not sure that decades ago Chauvin would have been convicted, Fitzpatrick said. ... Im not even sure he wouldve been fired.

The key to the case, outside of video, was Floyds cause of death, Fitzpatrick said. While the Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled that Floyds death was caused primarily by being subdued and restrained, the defense tried to argue a sudden cardiac arrhythmia caused his death.

The prosecution partially relied on jurors believing the video of Floyd being kneeled on by Chauvin shows that the former officer killed Floyd.

Fitzpatrick said that the verdict will change communities, some more than others, but all for the better.

We recognize that there is such thing as bad cops. Fitzpatrick said.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
Mr. Biden was eager for the praise that would come from vastly increasing Mr. Trumps record-low limit, people familiar with his thinking said, and he decided to increase the cap even earlier than the usual start of the fiscal year, Oct. 1.

But only weeks into Mr. Bidens presidency, immigration and the border had already become major distractions from his efforts to defeat the coronavirus pandemic and to persuade Congress to invest trillions of dollars into the economy  issues championed by aides like Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff, as more central to his presidency.

Now, a decision to raise the refugee limit to 62,500  as Mr. Biden had promised only weeks earlier to members of Congress  would invite from Republicans new attacks of hypocrisy and open borders even as the president was calling for bipartisanship. It was terrible timing, he told officials, especially with federal agencies already struggling to manage the highest number of migrant children and teenagers at the border in more than a decade.

The exchange on March 3 took place shortly after Mr. Biden had dispatched Mr. Blinken and two other cabinet secretaries to formally tell Congress that he would increase refugee admissions during the next six months to 62,500 people from the annual 15,000-person limit set by Mr. Trump.

Instead, the president undercut his emissaries and left hundreds of refugees in limbo for weeks.

For the next month and a half, Mr. Bidens aides stalled, repeatedly telling reporters and refugee advocacy groups that the president still intended to follow through. But the delay had real-world consequences: Flights were canceled for more than 700 refugees who had already been thoroughly screened and issued tickets to travel to the United States.
One shot dead by police in Ohio (REUTERS/Gaelen Morse )

A Black teenage girl was shot and killed by police in Ohio on the same day the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial was reached.

Family members identified 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant as the victim of the shooting in the city of Columbus.

Paula Bryant told local 10TV that her daughter, whom she described as an honor roll student, was shot dead in the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

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The shooting took place when officers were called to a disturbance on the southeast side of the city after reports of an attempted stabbing.

Police responded after they received a 911 call where a person reported a woman was trying to stab them and then hung up, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The shooting occurred at 4:45 pm, around 20 minutes before Derek Chauvin was found guilty of George Floyds murder.

Hazel Bryant told the newspaper that she was the aunt of the teenage victim, and that the youngster had got into a fight with another person at the home.

Authorities have confirmed that the victim was shot by an officer and transported to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but died from their injuries.

Police showed bodycam footage at a news conference on Tuesday night of the officer shooting the girl as she appeared to attempt to stab two people with a knife.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said: We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community.

Earlir on Twitter he urged the community to remain calm.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details, he tweeted.

There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible. BCI is on the scene conducting an independent investigation as they do with all CPD-involved shootings.

We will share information that we can as soon as it becomes available. Im asking for residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather the facts.

Member of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children and other protestors gathered in the area of the shooting, with one person reportedly carrying a sign that read enough is enough.

Story continues

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Protestors with Black Lives Matters signs later joined the crowd on onlookers at the scene.

We dont get to celebrate nothing, K C Taynor said through a megaphone of the verdict in the George Floyd trial, according to The Dispatch.

In the end, you know what, you cant be Black.

The shooting caught the attention of the Floyd familys lawyer, Ben Crump.

As we breathed a collective sigh of relief today, a community in Columbus felt the sting of another police shooting @ColumbusPolice killed an unarmed 15yo Black girl, Mr Crump posted on Twitter.

Another child lost! Another hashtag.

 With additional reporting from The Associated Press
A Michigan school district has responded after a dad says an employee cut his 7-year-old daughters hair without his permission.

Last month, Jurnee Hoffmeyer arrived home from Ganiard Elementary in Mount Pleasant looking different than when shed left  hair on one side of her head had been chopped off, the Associated Press reported.

Jurnee explained to her dad, Jimmy Hoffmeyer, that another student had cut her hair while they were on a bus, according to the outlet.

Hoffmeyer took Jurnee, who is biracial, to a salon where a stylist tried to fix the cut into an asymmetrical style, but the next day, Jurnee arrived home from school with the other side cut as well, the AP reported.

Photos posted to Facebook show Jurnees hair  which had once been long and curly  cropped close to her head.

She was crying, Hoffmeyer told the AP. She was afraid of getting in trouble for getting her hair cut.

Jurnee told her dad a school staff member had done the haircut, according to the outlet.

Hoffmeyer said he initially couldnt get a hold of the school and ultimately contacted police after no one answered, USA Today reported. Mount Pleasant cops confirmed to the newspaper that theyd talked to Hoffmeyer, but that he hadnt made a police report.

He eventually talked to a school assistant who advised him the principal wouldnt be available to speak with him until after spring break, according to the outlet. Hoffmeyer said he heard from the principal on April 5, and the administrator explained the incident had gone on the employees report, but that the principal didnt have the authority to do anything else.

About 45 minutes later, Hoffmeyer said he received a call from Mount Pleasant Public Schools superintendent Jennifer Verleger, who offered to send Jurnee an apology by mail, USA Today reported.

On Tuesday, Verleger sent a letter  which has since been posted online  to parents explaining that the district planned to conduct a full review of the incident.

Story continues

Verleger said the girl had asked another student to cut her hair, adding that the student removed scissors from a classroom and cut the girls hair on the bus. The principal met with both students after the fact.

Verleger went on to say that the girl was unhappy with the way her hair looked and asked a school library employee to fix it.

Rather than declining this request or consulting with the students parents or school administrators, the library employee  who is also a cosmetologist  agreed to even out the students hair to make her feel better, Verleger said in the letter. She brought in professional shears and special barrettes. Our preliminary review shows the students teacher was also aware the library employee was planning to cut the students hair.

Verleger said early information suggests the girls teacher was also aware the library employee planned to cut the girls hair.

Regardless of their good intentions, these actions are unacceptable and show a lack of judgment on the part of our two employees, she said. Both employees have admitted their actions and apologized. Both are being reviewed for further disciplinary actions in accordance with our school policies and procedures. I have personally apologized to the family on behalf of the school district.

Hoffmeyer said the classmate and employee who cut Jurnees hair are both white, according to Michigan Live. Hoffmeyer is Black and white, and Jurnees mother is white.

Hoffmeyer reached out to the National Parents Union earlier this month.

The NPU describes itself as a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents.

Christina Laster, NPU director of policy and legislation, released a statement in response to the schools letter, explaining the organization was standing behind the Hoffmeyer family.

Laster said Jurnee loved her hair and didnt ask for a haircut from the school, adding that placing blame on the girl isnt the best way to offer remorse and accountability.

She said that the Hoffmeyer family is unrelentingly pursuing whatever is in their civil, criminal and federal right and legal abilities to pursue.

The group is also petitioning the Biden administration to support CROWN Act legislation at the federal level.

The CROWN Act  which stands for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair  seeks to ban hair discrimination and has been adopted in several states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, Live reported.

Hoffmeyer said he has transferred Jurnee to Vowles Elementary School, which she attended last year before redistricting, according to USA Today.

Read next:

Discriminatory dress codes must end at hundreds of Texas school districts, ACLU says

This is a racial issue. Boy punished for hairstyle at Texas school, mom says
Mumbai: A three-member committee has been formed to probe if negligence led to the leakage of oxygen at a municipal hospital in Nashik that claimed the lives of 22 people, including 11 men and 11 women, all of whom were on ventilators. The incident took place at Zakir Hussain municipal hospital in north Maharashtra city earlier in the day.

According to local officials, the patients died as the oxygen supply was disrupted due to a leakage in the oxygen storage plant.

A senior civic official told PTI that of the 150 patients admitted to the hospital, 23 were on ventilator support at the time of the incident while the rest were on oxygen support.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, however, announced an ex-gratia to kin of the deceased in the Nashik incident. The Chief Minister said, "Nashik incident is shocking. No words to express my grief. Rs 5 lakh compensation announced for the families of the deceased. A high-level probe has been ordered."

District Collector Suraj Mandhare told reporters, "As per the current information, 22 people have died due to the interrupted supply of oxygen at the Zakir Hussain municipal hospital. The patients were on ventilators as well as on oxygen supply, which got interrupted after the leakage in the oxygen supply tank."

Expressing grief, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the 22 deceased, including 11 men and 11 women, died due to a low supply of oxygen caused by the leakage from the storage tank.

Tope said, "It is a very tragic incident. It is a COVID-19 hospital run by the Nashik Municipal Corporation where 157 patients were admitted of which 67 were on ventilator," adding "It is yet to be ascertained if the leakage from the oxygen tank was caused by negligence or it was the issue of workmanship. The incident will be probed thoroughly."

Commenting on the leakage from the oxygen tank, Tope said, "The liquid oxygen which was filled in the tank has the temperature of around (minus) 180-degree celsius. There is extreme pressure on the walls of the tank which supplies the oxygen to patients on ventilators. It is more of a technical issue".

Tope said a probe will ascertain whether the leakage was caused due to negligence or due to any other issue.

Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner Kailas Jadhav said no patient is in serious condition now, adding "Out of the 150 patients admitted in the hospital, 23 were on ventilator support at the time of the incident while the rest were on oxygen supply."

Sources told PTI that two oxygen tanks were recently set up at the hospital and the task of maintaining the oxygen storage and maintenance has been given to a private company. They further added that the incident occurred when oxygen was being filled in one of the tanks from a tanker, which disturbed the supply to the patients who were on ventilators as well as to those dependent on oxygen for breathing.

Meanwhile, senior police officers and personnel rushed to the hospital to control the situation and dispersed the crowd of onlookers, and also restricted entry to the hospital.

Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Pandey stated that the tragedy occurred due to the oxygen leakage while filing up the storage tank.

Notably, Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in India both in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities.

(With Agency Inputs)

Live TV
Washington: President Joe Biden says George Floyds death was a murder in the full light of day and it ripped the blinders off for all the world to see the problems with race and policing in the US.

Biden, speaking after former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder in Floyds death last May, said the verdict can be a giant step forward for the country against systemic racism.

The systemic racism is a stain on our nations soul, he said. Todays verdict is a step forward.

President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks at the White House in Washington, after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Credit:AP

Nothing can ever bring their brother, their father back, but this can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America, he said.
HOV lanes are coming to key corridors of Highways 1 and 101 in San Francisco that will temporarily limit general car traffic to two lanes on busy streets as part of the citys effort to reduce public transit travel times.

The proposal approved Tuesday evening by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agencys Board of Directors reserves the outer right lanes for high-occupancy vehicles on stretches of three-lane corridors that run through Golden Gate Park, the Richmond District and Cow Hollow.

The HOV lanes would be enforced only on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. and be open to public transit, taxis and private vehicles with two or more occupants.

As early as May, HOV lanes will be installed on Crossover Drive from Lincoln Way through Golden Gate Park and Park Presidio Boulevard to north of Lake Street. The second corridor approved for temporary HOV lanes will be implemented in Cow Hollow on Lombard Street and Richardson Avenue between Lyon Street and Van Ness Avenue.

The lane changes arrive at a time when Munis bus lines have limited passenger capacity due to social distancing protocols as the agency expects more traffic congestion on San Francisco streets as the city continues to reopen.

The new HOV lanes, approved in a 5-1 vote, will be striped with white paint and signage. The remaining lanes on these corridors are not affected by the changes. A board presentation noted the changes would have little initial effect on traffic because 34% of commuters travel on Park Presidio and Lombard in high-occupancy vehicles.

Many people voiced support for the HOV lanes as well as a separate proposal to add transit-only lanes along the 1-California line, believing the measures would help strengthen public transit reliability.

Still, Tuesdays public hearing attracted opposition from some residents who said the HOV lane changes would jam the roads with traffic and negatively affect commutes through the corridors. They pleaded with the board to keep general traffic open to three lanes.

Several residents told the board they felt SFMTA did not do enough public outreach ahead of Tuesdays vote.

I think one of the things the city forgets is those are two of the major thoroughfares through the city, Mario Tarantino, who lives near Lombard Street, told the Board of Directors during one of the seven-hour meetings public comment portions. I think its a little shameful to be restricting people that are driving, say, from Marin to the South Bay or to the airport. Youre blocking these major thoroughfares up with what youre calling an HOV lane.

Tuesdays board action also gives the city traffic engineer the authority to raise the minimum number of passengers required to use the HOV lanes to three occupants, though that would require approval from Caltrans because the lanes are on state roadways.

Asked by a board member why the HOV lanes didnt set the minimum for private vehicles at three or more passengers to start, Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin said the agency was taking a cautious approach and would gauge the lanes effectiveness.

We want to start at a modest, although fairly radical level, test it and adjust until we get it right, Tumlin told the board. We know its going to need adjustments as it goes along before we make a final decision about what the configuration should be long-term.

Prior street lane changes implemented under the temporary emergency transit lane program Muni started last June have been successful in maintaining or improving service reliability during the pandemic amid increases in car traffic, Muni staff said.

The agency, for example, pointed to data showing that emergency transit lanes installed on Mission Street between Third Street and 11th Street in the South of Market area mostly held transit travel times steady even as traffic on the corridor went up 20% since last summer.

There really needs to be more transit service and it needs to be prioritized so people can get to recreation without having to drive, Scott Feeney, a supporter of the emergency transit lane proposals, told the board.

The Muni board had approved more than 12 miles of temporary transit-only lanes prior to Tuesdays decisions, with lanes in half of those miles already implemented along stretches of Geary Boulevard in the Richmond and on several busy corridors South of Market.

The temporary HOV and transit-only lanes installed during the pandemic will be automatically removed 120 days after the end of the citys emergency order if Muni doesnt begin a public process for making them permanent,

The agency is considering making five of the emergency, transit-only lanes permanent and envisions an ambitious expansion of HOV or transit-only lanes, though the rollout process could take years.

Future plans could include HOV or transit-only lanes on 19th Avenue that would cut through the Sunset District all the way to the citys southern border, according to a map outlining the programs progress. Other potential transit-related lane changes involve stretches of Potrero Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard as well as on Fulton Street that would run along the entire northern edge of Golden Gate Park.

The board also approved a proposal at Tuesdays meeting to implement new transit-only lanes on the 1-California bus line serving Chinatown and Nob Hill as well as adding enforcement hours to existing transit lanes.

The approved HOV and transit-only lanes were fast-tracked as part of the SFMTAs quick-build policy that lets the city traffic engineer make certain street changes following a public hearing.

The proposals are the latest in a nearly yearlong effort by the citys largest transit agency to increase reliability as the pandemic reduced transit services and forced more San Franciscans back into their cars.

Ricardo Cano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ricardo.cano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @byricardocano
[April 21, 2021] Publix Commits $2 Million to Everglades Restoration Supporting Florida Freshwater Conservation

In continuation of its commitment to water stewardship, Publix is contributing $2 million to remove invasive trees and plants in 1,000 acres of wetland in the Florida Everglades. These trees and plants use more than their share of water, interrupting Florida's natural water system. The company is funding projects at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the saline glades in Everglades National Park that will restore the health of these habitats and return an estimated 174 million gallons of water per year to the local environment. "A clean water supply is fundamental to the health and wellness of our communities," said Publix CEO Todd Jones. "Through these collaborations with the National Audubon Society and the National Park Foundation, we are deepening our commitment to water stewardship by protecting, restoring and conserving an area that supplies nearly 8 million Floridians with fresh water every day and provides a critical natural habitat for endangered native species." Part of the donation will be provided to the National Audubon Society over a period of five years to help remove invasive willows and other plants from approximately 500 acres in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the western Everglades. "In Florida, our quality of life and prosperity depend upon a healthy environment," said Executive Director of Audubon Florida Julie Wraithmell. "Publix's ambitious restoration initiative at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary will not only improve the habitat for iconic Florida species like the wood stork, but it is an investment in the quality of life for downstream communities in Naples, Bonita Springs and more." Similarly, Publix has pledged a three-year donation to the National Park Foundation to help remove and control Australian pine trees in approximately 500 acres of the saline glades region in the eastern portion of Everglades National Park. "Publix understands that healthy parks and healthy people are interconnected," said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. "Thanks to Publix's support, the National Park Foundation is helping to create a healhier future for Everglades National Park and everyone who lives nearby. We couldn't be more proud to partner with Publix on this important effort."



The plants Publix is helping to remove disrupt Florida's natural water process by absorbing water from rainfall before it can seep into the underground aquifers which provide South Florida residents with their daily supply of drinking water. They also displace native species like mangroves, which are important for their ability to convert salt water to fresh water. Additionally, the Florida Everglades acts as a natural hurricane barrier and helps reduce the impact of flooding in storm events. And the Everglades is home to 39 federally protected and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile and Florida panther.

Restoration work at the two sites will begin later this year. For more information, please visit publix.com/TheEverglades. In addition to its contribution toward Everglades restoration, over the past five years Publix has collaborated with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 605,000 native longleaf pine trees across more than 870 acres in Florida's Little Orange (News - Alert) Creek Preserve and Withlacoochee State Forest. The trees are estimated to collect over 66 billion gallons of rainfall and absorb more than 182,000 metric tons of net carbon dioxide over the next 50 years. For more information about Publix's sustainability efforts, please visit sustainability.publix.com. About Publix Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 225,000 associates, currently operates 1,269 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 24 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix's dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company's website, corporate.publix.com. About National Audubon Society Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. About National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of the parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005641/en/

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The word, Balkans is a Turkish term that literally means, Chain of wooded mountains. Originally, the term referred to the Balkan mountain range in Bulgaria, but was eventually used to denote the entire Balkan Peninsula.

Geography Of The Balkan Peninsula

Balkan Peninsula Map

The northern border of the Balkan Peninsula is generally considered to be the Sava and Danube rivers. The peninsula is bordered to the west by the Adriatic Sea, to the southwest by the Ionian Sea, to the south by the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, to the east by the Black Sea, and to the southeast by the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits, which separate the peninsula from the Anatolian part of Turkey.

Balkan Countries

Balkan Countries

The term Balkan Countries, or simply The Balkans, refers to the countries that are located on the Balkan Peninsula, which is situated in southeastern Europe. There is, however, a distinction between what constitutes the Balkan Countries from a geographical perspective and what constitutes them from a political perspective. In terms of geography, the boundaries of the Balkan Peninsula in the north are generally considered to be the Danube and Sava rivers. Thus, from a geographical perspective, the Balkan Peninsula includes most of Slovenia, southeastern Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, continental Greece, and the European part of Turkey. In terms of politics, however, Greece and Turkey are normally excluded from the discourse of Balkan affairs.

The Peoples Of The Balkan Countries

People wearing national costume dancing in traditional music festival in Berat castle in Albania.

The Balkan Peninsula is home to many different peoples, cultures, and languages. Most of the languages in the region belong to the Slavic family of languages, or more specifically, the Southern Slavic family. Indeed, the term, Yugoslavia, which included the countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, literally means, Land of the Southern Slavs. Thus, Southern Slavic languages are the most widely spoken in all the countries of the former Yugoslavia, with the exception of Kosovo. Bulgarian is also a Southern Slavic language, though Bulgaria was never part of Yugoslavia.

Interestingly, Southern Slavic languages do not all have the same alphabet. Whereas the Slovenes and Croats write their languages using a Latin script, the other Slavic states use a Cyrillic script. The non-Slavic languages of the Balkans are Romanian, Albanian, Greek, and Turkish.

Muslims offering prayers at a mosque in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In terms of ethnicity, the borders of the Balkan states are largely drawn along ethnic lines, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, a term denoting Bosnian Muslims. There are also minority communities in most of the Balkan countries. There are, for example, many ethnic Albanians in the northwest of North Macedonia. Serbia has a large Hungarian community in the northern part of the country, and the southeast of Bulgaria contains a significant number of Turks or Turkish-speaking people.

Aerial view of beautiful Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on a small island at Lake Bled (Blejsko Jezero) in Bled, Slovenia.

In the case of religion, the Balkan Peninsula is overwhelmingly Christian, with the exception of the Bosniaks, Kosovars, and Albanians, who are mostly Muslim. The Christians of the Balkans follow different denominations. The Serbs, Montenegrins, Macedonians, Bulgarians, Romanians, and Greeks are adherents of Eastern Orthodox churches, while most Croats and Slovenes are Roman Catholics. Ethnic and religious tensions have been the cause of numerous armed conflicts in the Balkans.

A Brief History Of The Balkans

Map of the Byzantine Empire showing its extent of rule including the Balkan countries.

In ancient times, the Balkan Peninsula was largely dominated by the Greeks and Illyrians, the latter of whom were the precursors of the modern-day Albanians. The Roman Empire was the last ancient empire to dominate the region, before it split apart, and the Eastern Roman Empire became the Byzantine Empire. Slavs arrived in the Balkans around the time when the West Roman Empire fell, in 476 CE. About two hundred years later, the Bulgarian Empire controlled vast swathes of the Balkans. In the 10th century, the first Serbian kingdom was established.

The Ottoman Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge in Visegrad, Bosnia Herzegovina.

By the mid-14th century, the Ottoman Turks began their expansion into the Balkans. By the end of the 15th century, nearly the entire Balkan Peninsula was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman control of most of the Balkans would remain until the 19th century, when the peoples of the Balkans began to rebel against their Turkish rulers. By the end of the 19th century, the Greeks, Serbs, Romanians, and Montenegrins had all regained their independence. Bulgaria regained its independence in 1908. In the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Montenegro sought to push the Ottoman Empire out of their remaining European territory. For the most part, they succeeded, and by the eve of World War I, the Ottoman Turks were driven out of the entire Balkan Peninsula, except for the small area that is still part of Turkey today.

Croatian militia men and Muslims fighting, along with the Germans, against Tito's partisans. The combat takes place in the Bosnian mountains, 1944, in Yugoslavia, during World War 2.

When WWI began, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had control over present-day Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But after the war, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved, and the Slovenes, Croats, and Bosnians were freed from its control. Shortly thereafter, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was created. It would later change its name to Yugoslavia. Nazi Germany invaded and conquered the entire Balkan Peninsula during World War II. After WWII, most of the Balkan Countries, except Greece, fell under communist control.

Night view of old stone bridge and old Ottoman Sinan Pasha Mosque. Historic city located on the banks of the Bistrica river, beautiful night landscape after sunset.

Communist rule ended in the Balkans in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The early 1990s was also when the violent breakup of Yugoslavia began. Slovenia and Croatia were the first to break away, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, atrocities committed by the warring parties resulted in NATO intervention. A peace deal in 1995 finally put an end to the Bosnian conflict. Four years later, the ethnic Albanian majority in the Serbian province of Kosovo rebelled against the Yugoslav government. Again, NATO intervened to protect the Kosovo Albanians from retaliation at the hands of the Yugoslav authorities. In 2006, Montenegro voted in favor of independence, thus bringing an end to the country known as Yugoslavia.

The Balkans Today

Most of the Balkan Countries are now members of the European Union (EU). Some are also members of NATO. Ethnic tensions are still visible in the countries that made up Yugoslavia. The issue of Kosovo in particular has still not been resolved. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but its sovereignty is not recognized by Serbia, from which it broke away, nor is it recognized by the United Nations.
Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (left) was found dead with burns to her body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home on Tuesday morning. Her ex-husband Brian Johnston (right) has been charged with her alleged murder

A shell-shocked neighbour of the woman allegedly set alight by her ex-husband has revealed the harrowing moment he found her body - and her three children crying on the front driveway.

The neighbour, who would only give his first name 'Benny', said Kelly Wilkinson's alleged attacker, an ex-U.S. army marine who is now in hospital under police guard, had previously described his fear of being 'kicked out' of Australia.

Kelly, 27, had sought a police restraining order against Brian Earl Johnston, 34, before her body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel, Gold Coast home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Johnston has been charged with his wife's alleged murder and breaching a bail condition.

On Wednesday Benny told Daily Mail Australia he often spoke to Johnston when he was still living at the Spikes Court address with Kelly and the three children.

'The last time I spoke to him, I backed out one day and I saw him in the yard and wound down the window and asked, 'How are you going Brian?' He said, 'I'm getting kicked out.

'He mentioned there was the chance of him being deported so in hindsight he was in a bad mental state.

'Now I think I should have hopped out of the car and had a chat to him.'

Local resident Louise Christy sunk to her knees outside the Arundel crime scene on Wednesday afternoon to mourn Ms Wilkinson. Neighbours reported seeing a 'huge fireball'

Ms Christy broke down (left) to grieve the loss of Ms Wilkinson, a 27-year-old mother of three and was visibly emotional while speaking to media about the tragedy (right)

Benny recalled the moment yesterday when his wife heard the explosion in the backyard of the house next door.

'There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard,' he said. 'My wife heard it. I have hearing aids and didn't hear a thing.

'We raced through our garage and there are the three kids on the driveway next door.

'The children were totally distraught, one of them was in a nappy.

There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard Neighbour Benny

'My wife said, I'll take the kids, you go. I went through the house and out the back and saw this huge fireball.

'I went around the corner of the house looking for the hose because I thought the house was on fire.

'The neighbour at the back came with a hose too and it wasn't until we got the fire down that I saw there was a body in there. I rang the police straight away and waited in the driveway until they came, which happened quickly.

'We brought the kids inside. We have a room in there for our grandchildren and the two older children came in and upended the Lego container.

Ex-U.S. Marine and Ohio native Brian Johnston moved to Australia and told a fellow veteran friend he 'had no one' there

The couple holding one of their children during a holiday in the US. Johnston (right) is in a serious condition under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

'We fed them, clothed them, and then child safety arrived to take them.

'We still have their dog Riley in our backyard.'

Police said they had found a melted red plastic jerry can, three knives and duct tape in the backyard of the house.

Benny said the family had been at the house for about 18 months but Johnston's dual cab ute had recently not been seen at the property.

'He was a normal guy, he loved to talk, sometimes I had to tell him to go home,' said Benny.

'We never saw or heard arguments or anything so it was strange. But he was obviously distressed.'

Benny said Johnston had established a successful business on the Gold Coast as a marine hydraulic engineer, even fixing one of the Victorian cruisers that had attempted to evade Queensland's border closure during the height of the pandemic.

Benny, a retiree, said he saw Kelly walking her kids to school every morning and afternoon, bringing along their youngest in a pram.

'She didn't drive. I think they've got her a car and her mother was giving her driving lessons before she [the mother] passed away in February.

'He actually came over and told me that the mother-in-law had died.'

Alleged killer's 'worrying' call to friend

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Johnston served two tours of duty in Iraq with the aviation division of the US Marine Corps - but did not see combat.

A fellow marine said he last spoke to the alleged killer about three weeks ago in a call where he expressed concerns about his life in Australia.

'Last time I talked to Brian his biggest fear was he had nobody in Australia but his wife and kids,' the friend said.

'All his family was in Ohio and she (his wife) was making accusations against him.

'He told me he was living in his office and didn't know what to do.'

Pictured: A family photo of Ms Wilkinson from 2016 showing her smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls

The friend said Johnston had met his wife in Ohio after his time in the military and he understood they had separated.

'Brian was struggling with the fact Kelly did not want to be with him,' the friend continued.

'He only expressed concerns about how much he missed Kelly and his kids and they were everything to him.

'He said they were all he had over there. My concern was making sure he knew it would be OK and he was strong enough to get through all this (the separation).'

The friend said he was struggling to come to terms with the allegations against his mate.

Alleged killer's family in mysterious GoFundMe

Kelly Wilkinson's body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Police were called to her home at 6.40am after reports of an explosion and screams coming from the home.

Johnston was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state'. He was charged with murder on Tuesday night.

Tuesday's alleged attack came seven years after the couple shared photos of their wedding, surrounded by their loved ones.

The estranged couple on their wedding day. Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen died in February in a tragic double blow for the family

Other photos showed Mr Johnston holding one of their children next to Ms. Wilkinson during a holiday in the US, and Ms Wilkinson smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls.

Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen, who died in February in a tragic double blow for the family, had also shared images on Facebook of her daughter and her young family visiting his native Ohio.

On April 6, exactly two weeks before the alleged murder, Mr Johnston's sister Kelly Kruft created the 'Help Brian and his Children' GoFundMe page.

'I'm Kelly, Brian's sister. This is all I know to do to help my brother currently since he is in Australia! He needs our help! Please and Thank you! God Bless,' was the only message on the fundraiser, which did not say why he needed help.

A day after creating the crowdfunding page, which featured a photo of Johnston's three children, Ms Kruft took to Facebook to plead for donations.

'We are asking for your help and most definitely your prayers please! I can't go into details currently but Brian needs his family and friends!!!!' she wrote.

On Tuesday night, Ms Wilkinson's heartbroken sister Danielle Carroll lashed out at Ms Kruft for posting about the fundraiser.

Ms Kruft took down her Facebook page late on Tuesday night after being bombarded with thousands of abusive messages directed to her brother, but the GoFundMe page is still active.

Ms Wilkinson's body was found in the backyard of her Gold Coast home early on Tuesday morning

Police were called to the area at 6:40am and immediately cordoned off the street

The house where police say Johnston was found unconscious with burns to his hands and airways

A separate GoFundMe was created by Ms Wilkinson's sister Natalie on Tuesday afternoon asking for help in paying for the funeral of her 'beautiful angel'.

'Unfortunately Kelly has passed away... we are trying to raise money to pay for the funeral, the kids schooling and all other costs,' she wrote on the page.

The GoFundMe has already seen donations totalling more than $50,000 in less than a day.

Ms Wilkinson's sister asked for friends and family to 'help the children' through the difficult period.

Several people responded to Ms Wilkinson's sister's post, expressing their condolences and devastation at the news.

Det. Insp. Ahern said he did not know if the man was the father of the children and could not comment as to whether he was known to police for earlier domestic violence incidents

Police examined bins in Spikes Court in case the man had left anything as he fled the scene

'Thinking of you and your family,' one friend replied.

'Oh babe... my heart reaches out to you all... If u need anything we are only a call away,' another said.

'I am so so so sorry Natalie,' another said.

Johnston was formally refused bail during a brief mention at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

His solicitor Chris Hannay said Johnston was expected to apply for Supreme Court bail in the coming months.

Mr Hannay said outside court that he had met with Johnstone on Sunday, less than 48 hours before he allegedly attacked and murdered Ms Wilkinson.

'On Sunday, I got some instructions from him in relation to some other fairly serious matters that he has been charged with, and I haven't spoken to him since,' Mr Hannay said.

Johnstone did not appear distressed or agitated for the weekend conference, Mr Hannay said.

'Obviously, no one expected this to happen, but everyone thought that they were just chugging along as a normal process.'
Egnyte, the unified content security, compliance, and collaboration solution for multicloud businesses, today announced registration is open for its first annual Managed Service Provider (MSP) Summit taking place on May 11, 2021. The Egnyte MSP Summit will be held virtually, with inspiring keynotes, innovative product news, and industry breakouts designed to equip Managed Service Providers to accelerate their customers digital transformation initiatives.

The Summit follows a breakout year for Egnytes MSP Partner Program, which grew upward of 59% amid the global pandemic.

Work-from-anywhere is here to stay, and has enormous implications for Managed Service Providers, said Charles Bieler, Director of MSP Sales, Egnyte. There is no better time to evaluate if your standard offerings align to remote workers and develop new, high-value services suited to the new ways of working. The Egnyte MSP Summit will equip MSPs to get the right solutions in place quickly and efficiently.

Egnytes cloud-native content platform leverages the industry-leading content AI engine to deliver a simple, secure, and vendor-neutral foundation for managing content across business applications and storage repositories. Egnytes unified content security, privacy and compliance offering is particularly relevant for MSPs and their customers in the wake of recent, high-profile data breaches and new regulations, and the rapid shifts to cloud work.

As our clients migrate to the cloud they face new challenges of trying to provide rapid access to disparate data sets in a secure, high performing manner, said Eric Tomah, CIO of Network Coverage. Egnyte has provided us with the ability to unify content delivery mechanisms and cloud computing workloads extended to AWS and Azure, while improving both operational efficiency and governance for a rapidly growing user base.

Following Egnytes recent announcement of expanded support for Microsoft 365 and Exchange, the Summit will feature a keynote by Karl Palachuk, author of several books for MSPs and a Microsoft Small Business Specialist.

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The United States Postal Service is using its law enforcement arm to track Americans' social media posts ahead of protests, according to a report Wednesday.

A leaked bulletin first reported by Yahoo News details how the US Postal Inspection Service collected data as part of the Internet Covert Operations Program or iCOP.

Analysts are said to have looked through posts on Facebook, Parler and Telegram before flagging 'inflammatory' messages to other government agencies.

An alleged member of the right wing Proud Boys is named, among others who did not appear to have posted anything threatening.

It is unclear exactly why the USPIS is putting resources into surveillance or how iCOP is funded. The USPS was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In August last year it reported losing $2.2 billion in the three months that ended in June.

University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey Stone told Yahoo: 'I don't understand why the government would go to the Postal Service for examining the internet for security issues.'

Rachel Levinson-Waldman, deputy director of the Brennan Center for Justice's liberty and national security program called the tracking 'bizarre'.

DailyMail.com has contacted the US Postal Inspection Service for comment.

The United States Postal Service tracked Americans' social media posts ahead of a planned protest, according to report Wednesday

A leaked bulletin first reported by Yahoo News details how the US Postal Inspection Service collected data as part of the Internet Covert Operations Program or iCOP

Analysts are said to have looked through posts on Facebook, Parler and Telegram before flagging 'inflammatory' messages to government agencies

Levinson-Waldman added: 'If the individuals they're monitoring are carrying out or planning criminal activity, that should be the purview of the FBI.

'If they're simply engaging in lawfully protected speech, even if it's odious or objectionable, then monitoring them on that basis raises serious constitutional concerns.'

The US Postal Inspection Service said in a statement to Yahoo: 'The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the primary law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service.'

'As such, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has federal law enforcement officers, Postal Inspectors, who enforce approximately 200 federal laws to achieve the agency's mission: protect the U.S. Postal Service and its employees, infrastructure, and customers; enforce the laws that defend the nation's mail system from illegal or dangerous use; and ensure public trust in the mail.

They added: 'The Internet Covert Operations Program is a function within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which assesses threats to Postal Service employees and its infrastructure by monitoring publicly available open source information,.

'Additionally, the Inspection Service collaborates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to proactively identify and assess potential threats to the Postal Service, its employees and customers, and its overall mail processing and transportation network.

'In order to preserve operational effectiveness, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service does not discuss its protocols, investigative methods, or tools.'

The March 16 government bulletin focuses on a March 20 protest, the World Wide Rally for Freedom and Democracy which demonstrated against COVID lockdowns.

The March 16 government bulletin focuses on a planned protest March 20, the World Wide Rally for Freedom and Democracy, to demonstrate against COVID lockdowns

About one hundred supporters of World Wide Rally for Freedom and Democracy along with two dozen Proud Boys attend a gathering to impeach Governor Roy Cooper and for the return of constitutional freedoms in Raleigh, NC, United States on March 20

The bulletin reads: 'Analysts with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP) monitored significant activity regarding planned protests occurring internationally and domestically on March 20, 2021.

'Locations and times have been identified for these protests, which are being distributed online across multiple social media platforms, to include right-wing leaning Parler and Telegram accounts.'

The bulletin notes: 'Parler users have commented about their intent to use the rallies to engage in violence.'

It shares screenshots from right leaning social media site Parler 'indicating two users discussing the event as an opportunity to engage in a 'fight' and to 'do serious damage' as well as from Telegram and Facebook.

The bulletin adds: 'No intelligence is available to suggest the legitimacy of these threats.

'iCOP analysts are currently monitoring these social media channels for any potential threats stemming from the scheduled protests and will disseminate intelligence updates as needed.'
Overview

May 11

11AM PT, 2PM ET



Watch Now

Many government agencies turned to virtual meetings to continue serving constituents amid social distancing requirements. Health and human services caseworkers, parole officers, building inspectors and more leveraged video platforms to connect with their clients. These new virtual services often have resulted in better access and more convenience for constituents.



Now, governments have an opportunity to capitalize on this innovative service delivery model by making it permanent, but they need technologies to efficiently do so.



Join Government Technology on May 11 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern for a brief overview on how you can use new tools that enable constituents to self-serve, booking virtual appointments with your agency online.



Join us to hear:

- How you can streamline the scheduling of virtual meetings for constituents and your staff

- How you can simplify administration and workforce deployment

- How you can apply analytics to better understand gaps in your services
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 23:53:46|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China will implement the direct allocation of fiscal funds on a regular basis, to amplify the role of public money in benefiting businesses and the public, the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday.

"Past practices have shown that the direct-benefit mechanism is a major creative step in exercising macro regulation," Li said, "Last year, the central government directly channeled 1.7 trillion yuan of much-needed fiscal funds to prefecture and county-level governments, to support their tax and fee cuts. This has served as an important underpinning for keeping the economic fundamentals stable and won extensive support from market players and the people."

As required by the Government Work Report, the direct allocation mechanism will become a regular practice this year, and the central government's subsidies for public well-being will all be included in the mechanism. The total amount of funds under the mechanism will reach 2.8 trillion yuan.

To date, the central government has directly transferred a total of 2.6 trillion yuan to local governments, of which more than 2.2 trillion yuan has been allocated to the fund users.

"Different from the funds last year, which all came from additional budgetary funds, this year's directly funneled funds are mainly from existing budgetary funds. The allocation of funds and interests involved will be adjusted through reform," Li said.

Going forward, the usage of the directly-funneled funds needs to be better targeted. With a focus on reinforcing the economic recovery, the funds will serve as an important measure to offset the impact of phasing out some provisional support policies, and will continue to be mainly used to support employment, people's basic needs and market entities. The funds should go where the needs of the people and businesses lie, and help ensure salary payment and normal functioning of primary-level governments.

"Though the economic recovery is firming, circumstances facing market entities are still uneven. And primary-level governments are still in need of support. Hence, more directly-funneled funds shall be channeled to the prefecture and county level," Li said.

Sub-national governments must ensure that the remaining directly-funneled funds are effectively delivered and utilized, and that relevant policies are executed in a timely manner. On top of the funds allocated by the central government, sub-national governments will be encouraged to place more local budgetary funds under the direct allocation mechanism in light of local conditions.

Provincial-level governments should continue to act as involved intermediaries in the distribution of these funds, rather than detached onlookers, and see that more funds reach the primary level to bolster the capability of prefecture and county-level governments for policy execution.

Stringent oversight will be enforced over the directly funneled funds. Finance, audit and other relevant departments must strengthen oversight, and follow the allocation, disbursement and utilization of the funds on an on-going basis. Problems identified must be promptly addressed, and the local authorities and officials in charge will be admonished and relevant information made public as deemed necessary. Any irregularity such as fraudulent claims, withholding funds or diverting funds for non-designated purposes, will be seriously dealt with. Those involved will be held to account. Every effort needed will be made to ensure that the funds will be used where they count the most to benefit businesses and the people more effectively.

"The directly-funneled funds must be put under strict oversight, to maximize the effects of the precious funds. More fiscal resources will be pooled to support public well-being, including compulsory education, basic medical care and basic housing needs, as well as farmland irrigation and water conservancy projects. These efforts will deliver concrete benefits to the people," Li said. Enditem
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A House committee has boosted education funding as part of its finishing touches to a state budget plan, setting up the bill for approval by the full House as soon as Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee tweaked the school-funding overhaul contained in the two-year, $74.4 billion budget bill, adding another $115 million for K-12 schools. Including the new money, the bill now calls for increasing K-12 funding by $360.7 million over two years. When the plan is fully implemented in 2027, it would boost school funding by $2 billion annually.

The bill also cuts state income taxes by 2%. That would cost the state $294 million over two years, while it will save someone who makes a $60,000 salary about $29 a year.

Finance committee members voted 24-9 to advance the budget bill, with the nine no votes all coming from Democrats. Cleveland Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, who took the lead on developing the new school funding formula, and Rep. Dan Troy of Willowick, were the two Democrats who joined Republicans in advancing the bill.

The bill now heads to the House for a full vote. After that, it would go to the Senate, which could make major changes, including removing the school-funding language. Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, has made skeptical comments about the House plan, and said he thinks the state spends too much on administrators.

Once the House and Senate agree on a plan, it will head to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. There is a June 30 deadline in the state Constitution.

Including the changes to school funding, committee members on Tuesday approved 83 amendments, totaling 391 pages, to the bill. They included:

Reinstating the liquor license of any bar that lost its license due to violations of state coronavirus restrictions, as long as they pay a $2,500 fine. Among the bars this seemingly would benefit is Clevelands Barley House, a downtown bar that lost its license in January , although its remained open as its appealed the decision.

Broadening a provision in the budget that would have refunded COVID-19 related fines for bars to apply to all businesses. The amount of fines wasnt immediately available, but the narrower version that only applied to bars would have forced the state to offer about $100,000 in refunds.

Creating a new state tax deduction on profits someone would make from selling their ownership share of a business, similar to an existing capital-gains tax that exists for someone who sells shares of a companys stock. It also creates a tax deduction for profits from venture capital funds.

Requiring the Ohio Department of Transportation to perform a traffic study of highways and other roads in Strongsville, North Royalton and Brunswick, three communities off Interstate 71.

This is a balanced plan that supports Ohios schools and students, funds important programs to continue Ohios economic recovery, invests in families and individuals, and protects Ohios most vulnerable citizens, said state Rep. Scott Oelslager, a North Canton Republican who chairs the finance committee. It is a budget bill we can be proud of.

Columbus state Rep. Erica Crawley, the ranking Democrat on the finance committee, criticized Republicans for voting for tax cuts while rejecting Democratic amendments that would have created a partially refundable earned-income tax credit and boosted funding for public health, among other changes.

Democrats wanted to see a bold blueprint for Ohios future. Thats not what this budget is. Its disappointing that Republicans didnt want to work with us to invest in the working people and families who have faced unprecedented uncertainty over the past year amid the worst public health and economic crisis in our lifetimes, she said.

But a major portion of the budget bill is the school-funding overhaul, which backers say finally will make the system fair while sending billions in new funding to schools once its fully phased in.

The Ohio Supreme Court first found the states system of funding schools unconstitutional in 1997 in whats known as the DeRolph case, because of its overreliance on local property tax revenues, which justices said unfairly disadvantaged poorer areas.

I think its a huge step on finally and honestly addressing the DeRolph litigation to have a fair, transparent and predictable school funding system, said Rep. Jamie Callender, a Concord Township Republican who was the other lead sponsor of the plan. Its something that most states have lacked, and that Ohio has lacked for at least 30 years.

This really is a monumental thing that weve accomplished here, said Sweeney, the Cleveland Democrat who also took the lead on the school-funding overhaul. I understand why a lot of my colleagues voted against it. There were a lot of things I didnt like, but to me, what we did here cant be overstated: making sure we have a fair funding system.

Ohio funds its schools largely through local property taxes, and sometimes income taxes, with the state providing extra funding to make up the difference in poorer districts while capping state funding for richer districts.

The new formula gets rid of the funding caps and floors, while aiming to base school funding on what each district actually spends. The change will be a major boost to most school districts, once the plan is fully phased in. The plan includes transitional payments to districts that are expected to eventually lose money to give them time to adjust to the new formula.

In the short term though, the formula also cut state funding for some poorer districts, because lawmakers decided to delay funding targeting impoverished areas until later in the six-year phase-in timeline.

The changes approved Tuesday were meant to help most of these districts by changing a baseline used to calculate how much money each district got. Instead of basing them on 2021 numbers, which reflect cuts DeWine imposed last year in response to a pandemic-related budget crunch, theyre now based on the districts original budgets before the cuts.
Exactly one year later  at 5.36pm on Thursday  police stations across Victoria will fall silent. At the same time, as dusk falls, dozens of Melbourne buildings  from well-known landmarks such as the Flinders Street Station and the MCG to small businesses  will be illuminated in blue light. The four police killed in the Eastern Freeway crash (from left): Constable Josh Prestney, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Glen Humphris. Credit:The Age The state government will also on Thursday announce that a state memorial service to honour the lives of the four officers will be held this year on National Police Remembrance Day, September 29. Police union secretary Wayne Gatt, who will be one of those attending a small, private memorial for the officers on Thursday morning at the Victoria Police Academy, said everyone in the force had been affected by the crash, no matter what role they held.

The biggest realisation that came out of the tragedy was the fact that we lost four members doing a task that so many of our members do every shift; I think it increased the realisation of their vulnerability at work, he said. Whilst our members are acutely aware of the dangers they confront ... we can put to one side at times the sad reality that our members have in great number and in recent history made the ultimate sacrifice. I think thats been brought into sharp focus for us. Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt at the associations offices, which were lit up on Wednesday in memory of the four officers. Credit:Jason South The Prestney family  parents Andrew and Belinda and brother Alex  say they are comforted every day by love and support from friends, families and even strangers. But learning to live without Josh has left scars that will never completely heal. Joshs guitars have fallen silent, the music he loved is no longer pumped around the house and there is no more witty banter across the dinner table or cheering at the footy, they said on Wednesday.

Our son was generous, loving, discerning and honest, with a deep love of family and for his partner Stacey. He was eager to excel in his new career with Victoria Police and we would like to acknowledge the members he trained with and worked with, who are struggling with his loss. We all miss him so very much. Joshs story was not finished, there was still so much more to do. Constable Prestney after finishing an ironman challenge. Mr Robinson remembered his partner Glen as a smiling, bubbly and beautiful man. He touched many people in his life, and many people cared for him. I want these stories and memories of joy and optimism to be forever remembered. Leading Senior Constable Taylor was remembered last year by her family as a devoted mother and experienced officer. She was building a retirement home overlooking Bass Strait with her husband, where they planned to indulge their shared passion for travel and fishing.

Loading Senior Constable Kings family said last year that he was a big softie who was gentle, kind-hearted and loved being a police officer. On Thursday morning, a wreath will be laid for each officer by Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and the families at the police memorial on St Kilda Road prior to the memorial service. The police radio will broadcast a message at the end of the service and at 5.36pm, requesting a minutes silence. The deaths of four of our own continues to be felt right across the police force, said Mr Patton. The deaths of our colleagues struck at the very core of Victoria Police and brought home the sobering reality of the inherent dangers that come with police work. Truck driver Mohinder Singh was sentenced to 22 years in jail last week over offending that a judge labelled chilling and said caused an entirely unnecessary loss of life.
The jig is up: Texas will have to expand Medicaid, reduce the number of uninsured and embrace Obamacare or suffer the consequences.

Probably not this year, possibly after the Republican primary next year, but definitely before October 2022. Some in the GOP may even try to avoid calling it Medicaid expansion, but it will be in essence.

By the next time the Legislature meets in 2023, Texas may no longer have the highest uninsured rate in the nation, and the states health care industry will thrive.

The Biden administration is done with the Legislatures games around health care for the poor. If Texas does not act, the resulting economic chaos will gut the safety-net system for the rest of us. To understand why this is not federal overreach, consider the history.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: Anti-vaxxers could bring COVID back like a horror movie monster

Medicaid is a joint program between the federal and state governments to provide health care for the needy. Historically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide most of the funding, and therefore, set most of the rules.

The Affordable Care Act was designed to ensure every American has coverage, either from their employer, the Obamacare exchange, Medicare for the elderly, or Medicaid for the poor and disabled.

In 2011, Obamacare offered subsidies to working people above a certain income level while ordering states to expand Medicaid to include the working poor who could not afford the lowest premiums.

Republican leaders in the states sued because their base loved hating on Obamacare, even though studies show the program pays for itself in lower health care costs. Some GOP leaders decided that denying people coverage is a conservative value, even when the feds pay 90 percent of the costs.

The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the states, and Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick started wearing their rejection of Medicaid expansion as a conservative emblem. The only problem is uninsured people still get sick and injured, and they still dont have any money to pay their bills.

The Legislature ordered the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to ask the feds for a few billion dollars, not to expand Medicaid, but to cover unpaid emergency room bills and experiment with community care. The Obama administration agreed, granting whats called an 1115 waiver.

The Obama administration hoped that in time Texas lawmakers would figure out that expanding Medicaid made economic sense. Emergency departments are expensive, and they are not the correct setting for treating the flu or minor injuries.

Giving people coverage so they can see a primary care doctor would save billions. Surely, Texas would expand Medicaid, just as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky did, Obama reasoned.

Some Republicans did see the light, and over the years theyve proposed a dozen ways to expand Medicaid and save the state money. They even came up with fancy names to avoid mentioning Medicaid, Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act.

As recently as February, San Antonio Republican state Rep. Lyle Larson declared in an op-ed: Refusing to expand Medicaid is a bad business decision for Texas. We have an opportunity this legislative session to fix this.

Some Texas politicians, though, like to fetishize policy positions to the point where they would rather ruin lives and waste taxpayer money than compromise. Abbott and Patrick remain vehemently opposed, and new House Speaker Dade Phelan is not picking any fights.

The Biden administration is not playing around. Texas has had a decade to develop an alternative to Medicaid expansion but still has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. Texas must expand Medicaid by October 2022 or lose the money.

Without a waiver, hospitals will have no way to recoup from the federal government the cost of treating the sick and injured who cannot afford insurance or their bills. Many of these are hardworking people at low-wage jobs with employers too cheap to provide health insurance.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: America's health care system flails again, focused on profit over patients

ER bills are among the highest in health care, and hospitals have few choices. They can raise rates on those with insurance, so hip replacements for Medicare patients will cost more. Or they can shut down the ER.

They can also lay off doctors and hospital workers, reduce capacity, and create long lines for emergency care. Once the ER is full, they can start sending ambulances to other facilities. People who could have survived will die because the Texas Legislature did not want to help the poor.

Larson explains that Medicaid expansion would bring in $5.4 billion in new federal funds every year. Comprehensive coverage would generate $45.3 billion in additional economic activity. Financially, its a no-brainer.

The sooner our leaders find a fig leaf so they can expand Medicaid, the better Texas workers, businesses and the economy will perform.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics.

twitter.com/cltomlinson

chris.tomlinson@chron.com
After a dream run that saw it receive backing from the highest levels of the Chinese state, Inc. is getting a reality check, with the automaker coming under fire for how it treats its customers in the worlds largest, and increasingly most competitive, car market.



The Palo Alto, California-based company earlier this week found itself on the pointy end of missives from two government entities, both of which criticized its attitude toward consumer service. The drubbing came after was the focus of a protest at the Shanghai Auto Show on Monday, during which the owner of one of its electric cars jumped on top of a display vehicle and yelled that she almost died because her cars brakes failed.



The unwanted publicity comes at an uncomfortable time for Tesla, which since breaking ground on its Shanghai Gigafactory in early 2019 has enjoyed an enviable run in China, receiving all-important support from the government and appearing to skirt the tensions between Washington and Beijing. The worlds biggest maker of EVs has extracted perks other have struggled to obtain, including tax breaks, cheap loans and permission to wholly own its domestic operations.



The first rebuke came early Tuesday when Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency published an article that said the quality of Teslas EVs must meet market expectations in order to win consumer trust. should address consumer hesitation over buying its cars after issues ranging from malfunctioning brakes to fires during charging emerged, the article said.



A few hours later, the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of Central Committee weighed in, posting a commentary on its WeChat account saying Tesla should respect Chinese consumers and comply with local laws and regulations. Making an effort to find the cause of problems and improve features is something any responsible business should do, and Tesla hasnt done that, the Communist Party body that oversees Chinas police, prosecutors and courts said.



The blowbacks stem from an incident Monday at the Shanghai Auto Show when a woman climbed on one of Teslas display vehicles shouting that her cars brakes had lost control. Her protest was captured by scores of onlookers who then uploaded the footage to social media, helping it go viral. Teslas booth at the show had a noticeably increased security presence the next day.



Late on Wednesday, the local market regulator in northern Chinas Zhengzhou city ordered Tesla to hand over driving data to the woman, state broadcaster CCTV said. Tesla needs to unconditionally provide the complete driving data for the half hour before the car had an accident that the owner claims was due to brake failure, according to the report. Tesla had earlier said it would give the data only under certain conditions and the local market regulator has been dealing with the owners complaint since early March.



After initially pushing back against the womans claims on Monday, saying she was widely known for protesting against Tesla, the automaker struck a more conciliatory tone in a statement late Tuesday, apologizing for the delay in resolving her problems.



Tesla appreciates the trust and tolerance given by our car-owners, netizens and media friends, and actively listens to the suggestions and critics, it said. In order to make up for the discomfort of the owner as much as possible and the negative impact on her car using experience and life, we are always willing to try our best to actively communicate with her and seek solutions with the most sincere attitude.



On Wednesday, the Communist Partys discipline commission said in a separate commentary that Teslas apology shows a better attitude than before. The woman who protested meanwhile is being detained for five days.



It isnt the first time Tesla has had to defend itself and its actions in China, which is now one of its largest markets. In fact demand from Chinese buyers helped Tesla report estimate-smashing deliveries of EVs in the first quarter, promping Dan Ives at Wedbush to note that the eye popping numbers coming out of cannot be ignored.



In March, Tesla had its cars banned from military complexes in because of concerns about sensitive information being collected by cameras built into the vehicles. And in February, it was forced into issuing a public apology to Chinas state grid after a video purportedly showed staff blaming an overload in the national electricity network for damage to a customers vehicle.



After the military order, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk strenuously denied the company would ever use a cars technology for spying, and Teslas Beijing unit said cameras that are built into its EVs arent activated outside of North America.



The companys China head of communications and government affairs, Grace Tao, was also noticeably absent from a panel that she was due to attend at Wednesdays annual Boao Forum. Tao was originally scheduled to speak at a 9 a.m. on building a secure and manageable supply chain. The panels introduction board outside the ballroom didnt include her name, and she didnt show up.



Teslas China honeymoon appears to be coming to an end right as the U.S. automaker is facing increasing competition from a slew of younger, cashed up local EV players like the New York-listed Nio Inc. and Xpeng Inc.. Their presence at this years Shanghai Auto Show was telling, with their large, shiny booths overshadowing exhibits from some of the more traditional carmakers.



Chinese EV makers like Nio and Xpeng not only enjoy the support of municipal governments in China but are also riding a wave of nationalistic sentiment that has ensnared other names. Earlier this year, Swedish clothing giant Hennes & Mauritz AB was criticized by state entities for an old statement on its website about forced labor in the contentious Chinese region of Xinjiang.



In September, Nio Chief Executive Officer William Li, speaking at the Beijing Auto Show, waxed lyrical about customer service, saying that its more important than volume. Freeman Shen, the founder and CEO of another EV upstart WM Motor Co., noted that Tesla in China is just like Apple in the early days, they educate the whole market.



Tesla has also come under fire for its perceived arrogance toward car owners. Many have taken to social media to complain about its lack of customer service and seeming disinterest in addressing problems. Others are angry that theyve purchased a Tesla only to discover the company has steeply discounted the same model weeks later.



However for all the grumbling, Teslas cars remain hugely popular in China. A record 34,714 China-built and imported Teslas were registered in the country in March, almost double the 18,155 registrations in February, when the week long Lunar New Year holiday slowed sales, and almost triple the number a year earlier, when the nation was in the grip of coronavrius lockdowns.
Minneapolis: Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man's neck in a case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US.

Chauvin (45), was immediately led away with his hands cuffed behind his back and could be sent to prison for decades.

The verdict 'guilty on all counts, in a clear-cut victory for Floyd's supporters, set off jubilation tinged with sorrow around the city. Hundreds of people poured into the streets, some running through traffic with banners. Cars blared their horns.

"Today, we are able to breathe again," Floyd's younger brother Philonise said at a joyous family news conference where tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened.

Another brother, Terrence Floyd, marveled, "What a day to be a Floyd, man."

The jury of six whites and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days.

The now-fired white officer was found guilty as charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

His face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom. His bail was immediately revoked. Sentencing will be in two months; the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson followed Chauvin out of the courtroom without comment.

US President Joe Biden welcomed the verdict, saying Floyd's death was 'a murder in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world' to see systemic racism.

But he warned, "It's not enough. We can't stop here. We're going to deliver real change and reform. We can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen again."

Today, a jury in Minnesota found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd. The verdict is a step forward. And while nothing can ever bring George Floyd back, this can be a giant step forward on the march towards justice in America.  President Biden (@POTUS) April 20, 2021

At a park next to the courthouse, a hush fell over a crowd of about 300 as they listened to the verdict on their cellphones. Then a great roar went up, with many people hugging, some shedding tears.

At the intersection where Floyd was pinned down, a crowd chanted, 'One down, three to go!' ' a reference to the three other fired Minneapolis officers facing trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd's death.

Janay Henry, who lives nearby, said she felt grateful and relieved.

"I feel grounded. I can feel my feet on the concrete," she said, adding that she was looking forward to the 'next case with joy and optimism and strength.'

The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.

The jurors' identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.

It is unusual for police officers to be prosecuted for killing someone on the job. And convictions are extraordinarily rare.

Out of the thousands of deadly police shootings in the US since 2005, fewer than 140 officers have been charged with murder or manslaughter, according to data maintained by Phil Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University. Before Tuesday, only seven were convicted of murder.

Juries often give police officers the benefit of the doubt when they claim they had to make split-second, life-or-death decisions. But that was not an argument Chauvin could easily make.

Floyd (46), died on May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit USD 20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, 'I can't breathe' and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyd's neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went silent and limp.

Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, and told the jury: 'Believe your eyes.' And from there it was shown over and over, analysed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.

In the wake of Floyd's death, demonstrations and scattered violence broke out in Minneapolis, around the country and beyond. The furor also led to the removal of Confederate statues and other offensive symbols such as Aunt Jemima.

In the months that followed, numerous states and cities restricted the use of force by police, revamped disciplinary systems or subjected police departments to closer oversight.

The 'Blue Wall of Silence' that often protects police accused of wrongdoing crumbled after Floyd's death: The Minneapolis police chief quickly called it 'murder' and fired all four officers, and the city reached a staggering USD 27 million settlement with Floyd's family as jury selection was underway.
President Moon Jae-in of South Korea has a message for the United States: President Biden needs to engage now with North Korea.

In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Moon pushed the American leader to kick start negotiations with the government of Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, after two years in which diplomatic progress stalled, even reversed. Denuclearization, the South Korean president said, was a matter of survival for his country.

He also urged the United States to cooperate with China on North Korea and other issues of global concern, including climate change. The deteriorating relations between the superpowers, he said, could undermine any negotiations over denuclearization.

It was part plea, part sales pitch from Mr. Moon, who sat down with The Times as the United States tries to rebuild its relationships in the region with an eye to countering Chinas influence, and North Korea builds up its nuclear arsenal. Mr. Moon, who is set to meet with Mr. Biden next month in Washington, appeared ready to step once again into the role of mediator between the two sides.
Over the past two years, China's previously reticent diplomats have taken to Twitter and the airwaves to feature a raft of highly nationalistic and sometimes combative positions, often directly damaging their relationships with their host countries. A new book explains this shift in behavior.

The big picture: An increasingly tense political environment at home, combined with a growing belief that China's time has come, has convinced many Chinese diplomats that the safest way to advance their own careers and their country's interests is through displays of patriotism.

Meetings with Chinese diplomats can often feel scripted and formal, and it's difficult to develop the kind of personal working relationships that are common among diplomats from many other countries.

But in his new book, "China's Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy," Bloomberg reporter Peter Martin paints a deeply human portrait of China's emissaries, pulling back the veil on their motivations and struggles.

Martin draws on dozens of interviews and more than 100 Chinese-language memoirs of former Chinese Foreign Ministry officials, digging up behind-the-scenes anecdotes and mining the often-stilted formal writing for occasional glimpses into the personalities and true feelings of China's diplomats as they navigated career, politics, bureaucracy and the rest of the world.

Chinese diplomats may act differently than officials from many other countries, Martin told Axios in an interview, but "theyve got a comparable set of anxieties about their careers, and the system, and how their families fit into things. Its just that the system sets them up with a different set of incentives than Western diplomats and thus they behave differently."

"But they make a great deal of sense when you meet them on their own terms."

The book is a masterful retelling of modern Chinese history through the lens of China's diplomats, following top Communist Party cadre Zhou Enlai as he seeks to build a Foreign Ministry from the bottom up after the 1949 founding of the People's Republic.

The book's title comes from a phrase that Zhou used to describe his vision of the Foreign Ministry as a "civilian army" that emulated the strict discipline and ideological dedication of the People's Liberation Army.

The story follows the earliest ambassadors, a group of battle-hardened generals, as well as new diplomats fresh from China's countryside, as they learned the basics of diplomatic protocol from Soviet counterparts, took etiquette classes, and tried to balance the austere communist values back home with the gilded lifestyles of diplomatic communities abroad.

But the Foreign Ministry, like every other organization in China, suffered through periodic waves of political paranoia, including the violence and abuse of the Cultural Revolution as diplomats were sent to labor camps in the countryside, family members of fallen officials died by suicide, and one top official was locked in a single room for years.

What's happening: "The impulse for Chinese diplomats to follow Xi's lead is rooted in fear as well as ambition," Martin writes. "The easiest way for diplomats to work towards Xi's wishes is to assert Chinese interests forcefully on the world stage."

"As the domestic political environment becomes increasingly tense, and there is more focus on one individual leader at the top and more focus on ideology throughout the system, Chinese diplomats start to behave in ways that they feel will advance their careers and manage uncertainty. This is entirely consistent with what has gone on in the past," Martin told Axios.

What's different this time, Martin said, is that the Chinese leadership is now convinced that the West is in decline and that China's time has come.

"Because of this confluence of factors, it makes most sense from their perspective to be very combative in the way they defend China."

Go deeper: China's "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" comes to Twitter
An investigation has been launched into the running of a Derry charity.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has opened a 'statutory inquiry' into Foyle Youth & Community Association (FYCA).

The association, which is based at Spencer Road in the Waterside, was granted charity status in 2010.

The cross-community group describes its work as giving children 'the opportunity to learn dance and fitness to enhance their creativity, confidence and lead a more active and healthier lifestyle'.

A CCNI spokesperson said the inquiry relates to concerns over the 'governance and administration' of FYCA.

CCNI said that among actions they had taken on the opening of the inquiry was to issue orders preventing those involved in the charity from 'parting with charity property or entering into transactions without the approval of the Commission'.

The Commission has also appointed two people as additional charity trustees.

The CCNI spokesperson added: As a proportionate regulator, and so as to ensure that the investigation is fair, the Commission will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.

CCNI is the independent regulator of charities in Northern Ireland. It has a statutory function to identify and investigate apparent misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities.

It has the power to institute investigations, with the opening of an inquiry giving the Commission access to a range of protective and remedial powers.

The Derry News contacted FYCA in relation to the new inquiry.

A spokesperson for the charity said their administration and governance procedures have been 'backlogged' to 2018/19 due to a member's 'surgery and follow-on treatments'.

The spokesperson also highlighted issues with a fire at their Spencer Road premises in 2019 and the problems caused by the Covid lockdown.

We wrote a letter to the inquiry team at CCNI for advice and had a meeting in December 2020, added the FYCA spokesperson.

So we now welcome the inquiry with their help and advice to get all our administration procedures up to date.
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In an early analysis of coronavirus vaccine safety data, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no evidence that the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines pose serious risks during pregnancy.

The findings are preliminary and cover just the first 11 weeks of the U.S. vaccination program. But the study, which included self-reported data on more than 35,000 people who received one of the vaccines during or shortly before pregnancy, is the largest yet on the safety of the coronavirus vaccines in pregnant people.

During the clinical trials of the vaccines, pregnant women were excluded. That left patients, doctors and experts unsure whether the shots were safe to administer during pregnancy.

Theres a lot of anxiety about whether its safe and whether it would work and what to expect as far as side effects, said Dr. Stephanie Gaw, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.
Lahore: The Pakistani Parliament will resume debate on Friday on whether the French ambassador should be expelled over the publication in France of controversial cartoons depicting Islams prophet Muhammad.

MP Amjad Ali, from the ruling party Tehreek-e-Insaf, kicked off the heated debate on Tuesday. His resolution is seen as a test of whether the government gives in to threats from radical Islamists.

It came hours after the interior minister announced success in his talks with an outlawed hardline Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan and after 10 people, including four police officers, were killed in protests that erupted on April 12 after the arrest of Saad Rizvi.

Rizvi is the leader of the Tehreek-e-Labaik. He had threatened the government with mass protests if the French envoy was not expelled.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The city and the police union are prepared to move forward with an agreement that would require newly hired officers to live in Syracuse for their first five years on the job.

Both sides will head to arbitration next month, where a third party arbitrator will determine terms for a contract for police officers.

Heading into arbitration, though, they have a general agreement on those terms, including residency, according to Corey Driscoll Dunham, the citys chief operating officer who is negotiating the contract.

We have kind of a framework of things weve agreed to with PBA, Dunham said. There really, in our mind, wasnt any reason to go back to the drawing board and start all over again.

The city and the union reached a contract deal in 2019. But the Common Council rejected that contract, which would have added $19.5 million to the police budget over four-and-a-half years.

That original agreement included five years of residency as well as incentive bonuses for officers with military experience, higher education or proficiency in a second language. It also included big pay bumps for officers who stay with the department more than 20 years.

That rejection forced the contract into arbitration, where an independent third party hears arguments and requests from both sides and then decides the terms. An arbitration hearing is scheduled for May 25. Since both sides generally agree on terms, Dunham said she expects it to move fast.

We spent a year negotiating this contract. We put a lot of time and thought into the figures...PBA was satisfied with the provisions wed already agreed to, so they werent asking for anything in addition to what wed already negotiated, Dunham said.

She added that things like residency and language incentives will help improve police-community relations, while longevity bonuses will help shore up staffing numbers after a spate of retirements in recent year.

Dunham said the city and union have continued negotiating fine points of a contract in the year since that initial agreement was rejected by the council. They kept most pieces of the original contract, but agreed that incentive bonuses wouldnt be made retroactive, as originally proposed.

That will cut about $4 million from the cost of the contract over two years.

The councils criticism last year arose from the cost of the contract. The original deal would have added about $19.5 million to the police budget over four-and-a-half years, mostly in pay and benefits for officers.

Weve shaved about $4 million off just through negotiating, she said. The feedback we got from the council was vague, but they said that cost was an issue.

Police Benevolent Association President Joseph Moran confirmed the general details of the agreement.

Were excited to be moving forward with this contract, he said.
The Delhi High Court is likely to pronounce verdict on Thursday on pleas by social media platforms Facebook and WhatsApp challenging competition regulator CCI's order directing a probe into the latter's new privacy policy. Justice Navin Chawla had on April 13 reserved judgement on the two separate petitions by Facebook and WhatsApp.

While reserving its decision, the court had observed that the order of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) does not reflect an investigation into abuse of dominant position and rather appears to be concerned with privacy issues of consumers. The observation came in response to CCI's stand that it was not examining the alleged violation of individuals' privacy which was being looked into by the Supreme Court.

CCI had argued before the court that the new privacy policy of WhatsApp would lead to excessive data collection and "stalking" of consumers for targeted advertising to bring in more users and is therefore an alleged abuse of dominant position. "There is no question of jurisdictional error," it had contended and added that WhatsApp and Facebook's pleas challenging its decision were "incompetent and misconceived".

WhatsApp and Facebook have challenged the CCI's March 24 order directing a probe into the new privacy policy. CCI had also told the court that only after the investigation can it be determined whether the data collection by WhatsApp and sharing it with Facebook would amount to an anti-competitive practice or abuse of dominant position.

CCI had also contended that the data collected, which would include an individual's location, the kind of device used, their internet service provider and whom they are conversing with, would lead to creation of a customer profile and preference which would be monetised by way of targeted advertising and all this amounts to "stalking".

The two social media platforms, on the other hand, had contended that when the top court and the Delhi High Court were looking into the privacy policy, then CCI ought not to have "jumped the gun" and intervened in the issue. They had also said that CCI's decision was an abuse of the commission's suo motu jurisdiction.

They claimed that the CCI in the instant case has "drifted far away" from the competition aspect and was looking into the privacy issue which was already being looked into by the apex court and the Delhi High Court. The two social media platforms had also told the court that private conversations continued to be protected by end to end encryption and WhatsApp cannot read what people message each other.

They had also contended that the most of the data generated belonged to WhatsApp as the only data provided by customers was their phone number which is required to register on the messaging platform. In January, the CCI on its own decided to look into WhatsApp's new privacy policy on the basis of news reports regarding the same.

Also read: Cutis Biotech claims 'Covishield' over prior use; Bombay HC says 'No', will cause confusion
Princess Sofia of Sweden has shared adorable new portraits of her oldest son Prince Alexander to celebrate his fifth birthday.

The royal mother-of-three, who gave birth to her third son Prince Julian in March, shared two new photographs of her eldest to her personal Instagram account, which she shares with husband Prince Carl Philip, 41.

Proud Sofia, 36, posted the images alongside the caption: 'Today we celebrate our charming, curious and mischievous five-year-old.'

Royal fans couldnt help but notice how Prince Alexander, smiling for the camera in a blue shirt, is looking more like his mother every day.

Princess Sofia of Sweden has shared adorable new portraits of her oldest son Prince Alexander (pictured) to celebrate his fifth birthday

The royal mother-of-three (pictured in February 2021), who gave birth to her third son Prince Julian in March, shared two new photographs of her eldest to her personal Instagram account, which she shares with husband Prince Carl Philip, 41

The photographs, shared on Monday, show Prince Alexander wearing a similar smile to his mother.

So like mum, commented one fan, while another said: So cute and like his mother.

It is Prince Alexanders first birthday since the family welcomed baby Prince Julian Herbert Folke of Sweden, Duke of Halland, who was born on March 26 at a hospital in Greater Stockholm.

Last month, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip shared their first family photos of their newborn son posing alongside his two older brothers.

Royal fans couldnt help but notice how Prince Alexander (pictured), smiling for the camera in a blue shirt, is looking more like his mother every day

Taking to their personal Instagram account, the royal couple shared an image of the baby boy, who is seventh-in-line to the throne, captured next to his father, as well as his proud siblings Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel, three.

Writing on her social media profile, which she shares with her husband, Sofia said: 'Life has given me not just one but four beautiful princes.

'A heartfelt thank you from us for all the warm congratulations in connection with Julian's birth.'

Prince Julian's grandfather King Carl Gustaf revealed his name and dukedom at a cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, both of which are touching tributes to royal family members.

Last month, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip shared their first family photos of their newborn son Prince Julian posing alongside his two older brothers (pictured)

Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip were spotted leaving Danderyds hospital hand-in-hand after welcoming their third child together (pictured)

Prince Julian is the Duke of Halland, the former duchy of King Carl's beloved uncle Prince Bertil, whose former home Carl and Sofia currently live in with their children.

Meanwhile, Folke is one of the Kings middle names and was the name of the grandson of King Oscar II, who negotiated the release of around 31,000 prisoners from German concentration camps during the Second World War.

Unlike his older brothers, Prince Julian will not receive Royal Highness status after King Gustaf revoked the HRH style from the children of Sofia and Carl in October 2019.

While the children lost their positions in the Royal House and won't be expected to carry out senior royal duties, they will remain in the line of succession.
State Bank of India (SBI) said that IRDAI has imposed a penalty of Rs 25 lakh on its unlisted subsidiary SBI General Insurance Company for violation of regulations relating to motor third party insurance obligations.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 25 lakh on SBI General Insurance Co. (unlisted subsidiary of State Bank of India) for non-compliance with minimum obligations under Motor Third Party Business as specified in IRDAI (Obligation of Insurer in respect of Motor Third Party Insurance Business) Regulation, 2015 for the financial year 2018-19.

This penalty has been imposed for violation of Sec. 32D of Insurance Act, 1938.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 April 2021. Shares of SBI fell 0.5% to settle at Rs 329.60 yesterday. Stock markets are shut today on account of Ram Navami.

State Bank of India (SBI) is an Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services statutory body. As of 31 December 2020, the Government of India held 56.92% stake while Life Insurance Corporation of India held 9.61% stake in the bank.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A jury took just ten and a half hours to find former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin unanimously guilty of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd.

But with Chauvin, 45, almost certain to appeal, the politically explosive case could be far from over. With nine out of every ten appeals refused by US courts, defense attorney Eric Nelson will face an uphill task.

But here, DailyMail.com analyzes the four key issues the disgraced ex-cop and his legal team will seize upon as grounds for a re-trial.

TOO CLOSE TO HOME

George Floyds shocking death under the knee of Derek Chauvin triggered months of protests across the globe.

But nowhere was the pain and anguish felt more acutely than in his native Minneapolis where crowds greeted todays verdict with roars of approval and tears of joy.

The ex-cops legal team had argued there was no way their client could get a fair trial in Hennepin County but District Judge Peter Cahill refused to move it to another city.

Cahill said the chaos and anger surrounding Chauvin would follow the defendant wherever he went.

A jury took just ten and a half hours to find former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin (right) unanimously guilty of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd

But with Chauvin, 45, almost certain to appeal, the politically explosive case could be far from over. With nine out of every ten appeals refused by US courts, defense attorney Eric Nelson will face an uphill task

George Floyds shocking death under the knee of Derek Chauvin triggered months of protests. But nowhere was the pain felt more acutely than in his native Minneapolis. The ex-cops legal team had argued there was no way their client could get a fair trial in Hennepin County

As far as change of venue, I do not think that that would give the defendant any kind of a fair trial beyond what we are doing here today, Cahill said last month.

I dont think theres any place in the state of Minnesota that has not been subjected to an extreme amount of publicity in this case.

Likewise, Cahill refused to delay proceedings given how unlikely anyone could forget the names of those involved or harrowing video of Floyds last moments.

Unfortunately, I think the pretrial publicity, in this case, will continue no matter how long we continue it, Cahill said.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson will nonetheless argue that nobody can receive a fair trial under these circumstances.

ANOTHER SHOOTING, FRESH OUTRAGE

Judge Cahill refused repeated defense requests to sequester the jury during the three-week trial to shield them from any mention of the case or related news.

But nobody could have anticipated what happened next: a horrifying police shooting of an unarmed black motorist just ten miles from the spot where Floyd choked to death.

The killing of Daunte Wright, 20, by a police officer, who claims she mistook her firearm for a taser when she blasted him at close range, triggered a fresh wave of protests and violence.

The killing of Daunte Wright (left), 20, by a police officer (right), who claims she mistook her firearm for a taser when she blasted him at close range, triggered a fresh wave of protests and violence. The trial judge refused repeated defense requests to sequester the jury

There seems little doubt that jurors heard about it. One lives in Brooklyn Park, the neighborhood where the disturbing incident unfolded on April 11. Another has relatives living there.

Nelson told the court he was worried fresh civil unrest and the specter of a defenseless young black male losing his life in what appeared a routine traffic stop could evoke painful memories for jurors.

He told the court: I understand it does not involve these same parties. But he problem is, the emotional response that case creates, sets the stage for a jury to say, I'm not going to vote not guilty, because I'm concerned about the outcome.

Nelson implored the judge, once again, to sequester the jury and asked him to remind them at the beginning and end of each day to ignore the media.

Cahill decided ultimately that sequestering the jury could bring even more attention to the Brooklyn Center tragedy.

He told the court: I think sequestration will only aggravate that. Oh I heard about the civil unrest, and now the judge is putting us in sequestration, there must be a greater threat to our security.

I think the better way is to continue with the trial as we've been going.

ENTER MAXINE WATERS

In the 11 months since he died face down in the street, handcuffed, gasping for air and begging for mercy, Georges Floyds family have not wavered in their calls for restraint, calm and peaceful protest.

But it seemed firebrand California Rep Maxine Waters had not read the script when she flew into Minneapolis on the eve of jury deliberations to rally protestors and demand justice.

Were looking for a guilty verdict. And if we dont, we cannot go away. Weve got to get more confrontational, she urged crowds Sunday night.

As jurors began deliberating the very next day Republicans condemned the veteran congresswomans call to arms as incitement to riot and jury tampering.

California Rep Maxine Waters (pictured) flew into Minneapolis on the eve of jury deliberations to rally protestors and demand justice. Were looking for a guilty verdict. And if we dont, we cannot go away. Weve got to get more confrontational, she urged crowds over the weekend

Judge Cahill was equally unimpressed, describing Waters remarks as abhorrent.

He denied Chauvin a retrial but told his attorney: I grant you congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.

Nelson will argue that he repeatedly asked for the jury to be sequestered and that, had the judge agreed, they would never have been exposed to Waters incendiary demands.

He will also point out they could have seen reports of how vandals dumped a severed pigs head outside a Californian house, mistakenly believing it was the home of the defenses use of force expert, Barry Brodd.

Waters was one of numerous politicians, including President Joe Biden, who waded into the explosive trial even as jurors deliberated.

Hours before todays verdict Biden told reporters he was praying for the right verdict. His words would not have reached jurors because they were finally sequestered on Monday.

However Nelson will argue the judges instructions - he simply told jurors towards the end of the trial, Dont watch the news - were completely inadequate.

PAY OFF THREATENS CASE

The Floyds received the justice they craved. They will also receive a massive amount of money.

Five days after jury selection began the City of Minneapolis made the extraordinary decision to announce to the world that they had approved a $27million settlement in the civil case brought by the family.

Nelson immediately asked for the trial to be moved and postponed but his request fell on deaf ears.

Instead, it was agreed that the judge would re-voire dire the jurors already seated.

Two were dismissed as a result, having admitted that they had heard about the settlement and it left them unable to be impartial.

The timing of the announcement clearly enraged Judge Cahill, prompting an outburst from the bench in which he ordered both the state and defense, Just stop talking about it!'
They also found that Asians were significantly less likely to receive as comprehensive a diagnostic screening as whites, for example, with only 28.8 percent of Asians receiving a specialist evaluation compared to 35.4 percent of whites.

Early intervention important

Two of the study researchers, Katherine Possin, an associate professor of neurology at the Global Brain Health Institute at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and Elena Tsoy, a postdoctoral fellow in neuropsychology at UCSF's Memory and Aging Center, explained via email the importance of early intervention when it comes to brain health.

"When dementia diagnosis is delayed, there are missed opportunities for good care. This includes the identification of reversible causes, timely treatment of cognitive symptoms, and supportive care for families. With new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias on the horizon, these delays in diagnosis  if left unaddressed  will further deepen inequities in treatment, they said.

An accompanying editorial in JAMA Neurology noted that the study apparently is the first to focus on disparities related to time to diagnosis and comprehensiveness of evaluation of dementia. Claudia Kawas, M.D., a geriatric neurologist and researcher at the University of California, Irvine, and other authors of the editorial noted that they were surprised to find that despite having Medicare insurance, most beneficiaries did not receive a comprehensive workup including neuroimaging, laboratory blood assays and specialty referrals for their MCI or dementia diagnoses.

"The absence of workup was particularly true for those who were older and had multiple comorbidities, groups that may be more likely to benefit from completion of these studies, they wrote. Physician education and outreach will be an essential component to address these issues and to improve health care delivery to the most vulnerable populations."

What you can do

Given the disparities revealed by their study, Possin and Tsoy say it is important for individuals, family members and caregivers to be strong health care advocates.

"If you have concerns about changes in your or your loved one's memory or thinking skills, tell your primary care provider and advocate for a comprehensive evaluation, they say. A comprehensive evaluation should include a standardized cognitive test to objectively quantify the memory and other thinking changes, a clinical interview, and laboratory tests to evaluate for treatable causes. For many patients, brain imaging, such as CT or MRI scans, and a referral to a dementia specialist may be indicated."

What doctors should do

The researchers also note the important role of health care providers in working to limit disparities in dementia treatment based on race, ethnicity or socioeconomic factors.

"We recommend that primary care providers routinely ask all older patients about changes in memory and thinking skills, just as they would routinely check for other health factors like high blood pressure or hearing loss, Possin and Tsoy say.

If a concern arises, they recommend primary care providers conduct a standardized cognitive assessment. The UCSF Memory and Aging Center has a 5-Step Brain Health Work-up portal available to primary care providers. The researchers also suggest dementia specialists consider reaching out to underserved communities to reduce treatment inequities.

More research needed

In the editorial, Kawas and her colleagues point to the need for more diversity in dementia research  particularly as the aging U.S. population grows more diverse.

"Most of what we know today about risk and protective factors for dementia, treatment effects, and biomarkers related to cognitive impairment is derived from highly educated, urban dwelling, non-Hispanic white individuals, they wrote. Recruiting diverse populations into research requires directed resources to cultivate trust and engage with different communities. Importantly, physicians must be made aware of the disproportionate effect of dementia in underrepresented and diverse communities and fully recognize the biases of the medical establishment in the diagnosis and care of these underserved individuals.

Peter Urban is a contributing writer and editor who focuses on health news. Urban spent two decades working as a correspondent in Washington, D.C., for daily newspapers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, California and Arkansas, including a stint as Washington bureau chief for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. His freelance work has appeared in Scientific American, Bloomberg Government and CTNewsJunkie.com.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Away , the global travel lifestyle brand, today announced that Jen Rubio has been appointed CEO, effective immediately. Following an executive search, the Board of Directors identified Rubio as the ideal leader to advance the business into its next critical phase. Rubio, who co-founded Away in 2015 and has previously served as President and Chief Brand Officer, has been serving in the CEO role on an interim basis since the February departure of Stuart Haselden.

Jen Rubio, Away co-founder & CEO Laura Willensky, Away Chief Commercial Officer

During Rubio's tenure as interim CEO, as well as in her previous role as President, she artfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, well-positioning the company to capitalize on the imminent return to travel. The company's Board of Directors recognized Rubio's strong leadership amid industry turmoil, the advantages of maintaining continuity across the business, and her unique ability to be an ongoing steward of the company's long-term vision.

"The past year has been a difficult one for nearly every industry, but especially so for retail and travel businesses. The Away team has demonstrated an acute ability to remain resonant among our consumers while delivering resilient financial performance," said Jen Rubio, co-founder and CEO, Away. "As the industry is redefined in a post-pandemic era, I'm eager to lead Away in shaping modern travel by removing frictions and transforming the travel experience for everyone."

Away successfully capitalized on early recovery indicators and heightened customer demand, achieving impressive sales performance in recent months. During this rebound, Rubio oversaw a company-wide strategic planning initiative, resulting in long-term investments across physical and digital infrastructure, opportunities for product category expansion, as well as a refreshed brand strategy, which refocused the company's mission, vision, and core values.

To further bolster the Away executive team, Rubio hired Laura Willensky as the brand's first-ever Chief Commercial Officer. Willensky brings extensive retail experience with billion-dollar brands, including Talbots, J.Crew, and Victoria's Secret Beauty, to her new role leading Away's e-commerce, merchandising, retail, customer experience, and international teams.

"'I've deeply admired Away for many years and am thrilled to now work alongside this impressive team as we capitalize on, and help steer, recovery in both travel and retail sectors," said Willensky.

"Laura's depth of experience and industry expertise across e-commerce, merchandising, and retail strategy will be crucial for the journey ahead as the floodgates of travel re-open," added Rubio. "Her addition to Away's leadership team will enable the company's continued expansion, and we couldn't be more excited to see her impact on our business."

Willensky rounds out an impressive C-Suite of tenured Away executives: Selena Kalvaria, Chief Marketing Officer, Cuan Hanly, Chief Design Officer, and Lydia Cheuk, General Counsel, as well as Catherine Dunleavy, Chief Financial Officer, and Candan Erenguc, Chief Supply Chain Officer and SVP of Operations, who both joined the company in the past year.

About Away

Away is a global lifestyle brand with a mission to transform travel through products and content that inspire people to get away more. The company launched in 2016 with one perfectly designed carry-on and has since expanded to offer an array of luggage and travel essentials built for the modern traveler. Headquartered in New York City, with teams in London and Toronto, Away currently ships products to over 35 countries around the world. Away has been named one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies" and has been recognized on TIME's list of "Best Inventions." To learn more, visit awaytravel.com.

Media Contact

Away

Hillary Karsten Layton

Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs

[email protected]

SOURCE Away

Related Links

www.awaytravel.com


Ioane Teitiota and his wife fought for years to stay in New Zealand as refugees, arguing that rising sea levels caused by climate change threaten the very existence of the tiny Pacific island nation they fled, one of the lowest-lying countries on Earth.

While New Zealand's courts didn't dispute high tides pose a risk to Kiribati, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia, laws dealing with refugees didn't address the danger so the government deported them.

No nation offers asylum or other legal protections to people displaced specifically because of climate change. President Joe Bidens administration is studying the idea, and climate migration is expected to be discussed at his first climate summit, held virtually Thursday and Friday.

The day the summit starts, Democratic Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts plans to reintroduce legislation to address the lack of protections for those who dont fit the narrow definition of refugees under international law. It failed in 2019.

We have a greater chance now than ever before to get this done, Markey said in a statement to The Associated Press, citing Bidens climate diplomacy and greater awareness of the problem.

The idea still faces monumental challenges, including how to define a climate refugee when natural disasters, drought and violence are often intertwined in regions people are fleeing, such as Central America.

If the U.S. defined a climate refugee, it could mark a major shift in global refugee policy.

Biden has ordered national security adviser Jake Sullivan to see how to identify and resettle people displaced directly or indirectly by climate change. A report is due in August.

It makes sense for the United States to lead the way, being a principal producer of greenhouse gases, advocates say.

No nation in the world has taken the leadership to address this reality, which we face today, said Krish Vignarajah, head of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Its not an issue that we can punt to 20, 30 years from now. Our hope is the U.S. can take strong action that will produce a domino effect on other nations.

The United Nations says there may be as many as 200 million climate-displaced people worldwide by 2050.

A World Meteorological Organization report released Monday showed its already happening, with an average of 23 million climate refugees a year since 2010 and nearly 10 million recorded in the first six months of last year, especially in Asia and East Africa. Most moved within their own country.

The 1951 Convention on Refugees defines refugee as a person who has crossed an international border owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

Some argue that's outdated, but few expect changes to the international accord to account for those fleeing rising sea levels, drought or other effects of climate change.

The U.S. may define the displaced as climate migrants instead of refugees and offer them humanitarian visas or other protections.

Biden ordered the idea to be studied after a landmark ruling last year from the U.N. Human Rights Committee on a complaint Teitiota filed against New Zealand.

Teitiota argued his 2015 deportation violated his right to life. He said saltwater from rising seas destroyed land and contaminated the water supply on the island of Tarawa in Kiribati. Scientists say the impoverished string of 33 atolls with about 103,000 people is among the nations most vulnerable to climate change.

The committee said Teitiota was not in imminent danger at the time of his asylum claim, rejecting his case. But it said it may be unlawful for governments to send people back to countries where the effects of climate change expose them to life-threatening risks  from hurricanes to land degradation.

This ruling sets forth new standards that could facilitate the success of future climate change-related asylum claims, committee expert Yuval Shany said.

Even so, identifying climate refugees is not easy, especially in regions rife with violence. In Central America, for example, thousands initially leave their villages because of crop failure from drought or flooding, often end up in cities where they become victims of gangs and ultimately flee their countries.

Its a threat multiplier, and so creating a status or category would have to address this complexity rather than to ignore it or to seek pure climate refugees," said Caroline Zickgraf, who studies how climate change affects migration at Belgiums University of Liege. Does someone have to prove they were displaced by climate change? Thats an extraordinary, if not impossible, thing to ask of someone."

Carlos Enrique Linga traveled to the U.S. border with his 5-year-old daughter after rains from back-to-back hurricanes caused landslides and flooding that destroyed more than 60,000 houses in Guatemala alone, including Linga's farm and home.

He said he took the dangerous trip north because he needed to feed and clothe his children, including 2-year-old twins who stayed behind with his wife.

To come here, we had to sell whatever harvest we had to pay a smuggler, said Linga, who stayed at a Texas shelter last month after U.S. immigration authorities released him and his daughter.

He hoped to find work in Tennessee, where a friend lives, and send money back to Guatemala.

Global warming is shifting the migrant population from men seeking economic opportunities to families uprooted by hunger, according to Duke University and University of Virginia researchers studying migration out of Central America.

Researchers reviewing data for about 320,000 Hondurans apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border from 2012 to 2019 found they were largely from violent, agricultural regions also experiencing their lowest rainfall in 20 years.

According to the study released in March, even when homicide rates in the regions dipped, if the drought worsened that year, apprehensions of families from there jumped at the U.S. border.

Climate change is a driving force, but theres little political will to help climate migrants, said David Leblang, a professor of politics and policy at the University of Virginia who co-wrote the study.

As a political scientist, I would say the chances of this happening right now are close to zero," he said.

Some fear political pressure may lead Biden to back off after the number of people stopped by the Border Patrol last month hit a 20-year high.

He faced similar criticism Friday for expanding refugee eligibility but not lifting his predecessor's record-low admissions cap of 15,000. Hours later, the White House said Biden would raise it by May 15, without saying how much.

Climate migrants should be treated separately from those resettled under the 41-year-old U.S. refugee program, experts say, to not take spots from traditional refugees.

In New Zealand, a new government in 2017 tried offering humanitarian visas to Pacific Islanders affected by climate change, aiming to let in about 100 people a year.

Six months later, the plan was quietly dropped.

New Zealand Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the government is focusing on reducing emissions so people are not displaced.

Right now, Pacific nations want us to help safeguard their future by focusing on mitigating climate change and supporting them to adapt, he said. And so thats what were doing.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Sexual assault survivor Amy Coronakes (pictured) has delivered an impassioned message to the ex-boyfriend who raped her 17 years ago

A rape survivor has sent a courageous message to her 'cowardly and abusive' ex-boyfriend after he was sentenced for raping her after a row over a cooked dinner.

Ex-DJ and charity boss Craig Koning, 36, was on Wednesday sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of two rape charges dating back to 2004.

He attacked his then 18-year-old victim and girlfriend Amy Coronakes after she surprised him at his Auckland apartment with a home-cooked meal, a court heard.

She locked herself in the bathroom to escape her boyfriend, who forced his way in and then chased her into the bedroom where he raped her twice.

She later discovered she was pregnant and decided to abort the baby.

Ms Coronakes - who has waived her legal right to anonymity in the media - spoke of how Koning made her feel like she 'wasn't worth anything'.

'How can I describe in one statement how much you truly destroyed me?' she said via video link at Waitakere District Court, the New Zealand Herald reported.

'I went from abusive relationship to abusive relationship because of you, and how you made me feel like I wasn't worth anything.'

Former DJ Craig Koning (pictured) has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of two rape charges

She told how she came forward after hearing allegations of inappropriate behaviour about Koning while he was running the charity Floating Foundation.

Ms Coronakes called her ex-boyfriend a 'complete and utter coward' in court on Wednesday.

She said her grandmother - who also knew of the rape - died over a year ago, but would have been watching over her as Koning was brought to justice.

Koning still denies the charges, a probation officer told the court.

The rape victim earlier told Daily Mail Australia she is not ashamed about what she has gone through as she did nothing wrong.

She said she plans to be open about the traumatic experience with her young daughter Ava when she gets older.

'I didn't do this for me, I came forward to ensure he didn't hurt anyone else,' she said.

'I lifted my name suppression because I am not ashamed.

'I feel like sexual assault is treated similarly to mental illness, in that it isn't discussed enough and there is a stigma attached to it.

Now based in Australia, Amy Coronakes (pictured) waived her right to a name suppression order, telling Daily Mail Australia she is not ashamed of what happened

'If I can help one person feel safe, comfortable or strong enough to come forward, then I have achieved what was intended. To bring strength to others in the same situation.

'When I was initially raped it was not spoken about at all, so I had no one to look up to. I had it lifted so that others feel they are not alone and that if I can get through this, so can they.'

Her comments came days after she posted a powerful quote from US actress Angelina Jolie on her Facebook page.

'We must send a message across the world that there is no disgrace in being a survivor of sexual violence- the shame is on the aggressor,' the quote read.

Ms Coronakes moved to Australia for a fresh start, where she has since married and started a family.

Former Floating Foundation boss Craig Koning (pictured) is behind bars after he was found guilty of raping his then-girlfriend twice at his Auckland unit in 2004

'Being raped had a huge impact on my life for a long time and I went from bad relationship to bad relationship until I met my husband, who is amazing. I had zero sense of self worth and believed I wasn't worthy of love,' she said.

She added it was important to tell her story to Ava when she's older so she knows if she's ever a victim of abuse that she is not alone.

'I will protect her and love her no matter what,' she said.

'Looking back, I feel like a bit of an idiot for having a go at her bringing food over,' Koning told the court.

'I wouldn't say I mistreated her. I would say it was a bit of an overreaction.'

Koning denied he raped Ms Coronakes and threatened to take his own life the next day if she told anyone.

Pictured: Craig Koning. His victim came forward after hearing allegations of inappropriate behaviour about him while he was running the charity Floating Foundation

The jury spent two days deliberating before they reached a majority verdict after they were unable to reach an unanimous decision.

Ms Coronakes' mother Glenis Parker was in court to hear the majority guilty verdict and was on the phone to her daughter moments afterwards.

'Amy was telling the truth, and they believed her. I'm just proud of Amy coming forward and telling the truth,' Ms Parker told reporters outside court.

'This case was about Amy.'

She sent Koning a Facebook message six years earlier, declaring she would go to police if she found out if he hurt another person again.

'I'm not afraid of him any more... I'm in a much better place in my life than he will ever be,' Ms Coronakes told Stuff.

'Honestly my, focus was to make sure no one else got hurt. Now, it is about me healing.'

The brave rape survivor shared this poignant quote about sexual violence on her Facebook last year

The court process and procedures to lift name suppression took a financial and emotional toll on Ms Coronakes.

She had to fork out $3,500 and write a letter proving she was of sound mind.

'That was almost more painful than the trial. When a victim has to prove they're capable of making a decision for themselves, that's just wrong,' she said.

Koning founded the Floating Foundation after he saw a need in remote communities.

'My experience as a DJ, event and party planner, student and sailor didn't prepare me for this human, real and impactful experience,' his LinkedIn bio states.

'Since then, Floating Foundation has expanded into an operation that connects volunteers, brings medical training and supplies, supports research work and helps bring self-reliance to remote locations.'

'I've been challenged each year in different ways, learning to lead in different environments. Slightly different to leading a sailing team through a storm.

'The storms will still come, just in different forms.'
New Delhi:

Following the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha By poll (Punjab) and Vengara By Election (Kerala), it is over to the Gorakhpur and the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh.



The recent visits of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to Amethi and BJP president Amit Shah and the SP national convention in Agra are setting the stage for a high-octane contest.



Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya had vacated the seats after becoming MLCs.



The Election Commission (EC) is yet to announce the dates for the by-elections. The BJP, Congress, and the Samajwadi Party will make every effort to wrest the seats in order to send a strong message before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.



Gorakhpur has been a traditional stronghold of the BJP since 1991 while it won the Phulpur seat for the first time in 2014.



A confident UP BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said, "Undoubtedly, the BJP will not only emerge victorious in both the by-polls, it will also improve its victory margin."



"The public welfare work which is being done by the UP government and that too in a short span of six months drops enough hints that the party will retain both the seats rather comfortably," added Shukla.



Last week, BJP's top leaders had gathered in Amethi, the traditional Nehru-Gandhi family stronghold and Lok Sabha constituency of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi.

BJP President Amit Shah had questioned Rahul Gandhi over development work in Amethi while slamming him for mocking Gujarat's development. Joining Shah were Union Minister Smriti Irani and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in attacking Gandhi.

Earlier, during his Amethi visit, Rahul Gandhi had accused the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh of re-inaugurating the projects launched by the previous UPA in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi.



"I am happy to note that our BJP friends are out to re-inaugurate these projects started by us...but I am happy that we initiated these works for the people of Amethi," Gandhi had said.



He referred to projects like a hospital worth Rs 90 crore, FM radio, Sainik School, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation University at Fursatganj, and Institute of Hotel Management.



He also named Central School at Jais, Amethi-Uchahar new rail line, doubling of Rae Bareli-Amethi rail line, multi-functional complex at the railway station, four-laning of Lucknow-Sultanpur NH 56, bypass of NH and six national highways through Amethi.



During the Samajwadi Partys Agra convention held last week, party chief Akhilesh Yadav had said that the two key by-elections will give his party a chance to gauge which way the wind is blowing after it was routed in the Assembly polls.



Yadav said if results of the elections were in "our favour, it will give a message not only for the 2019 (Lok Sabha polls), but also for the 2022 (assembly polls)".



Exhorting party workers to strengthen the organisation, he had said the SP should emerge as a big force in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.



SP spokesperson Hilal Ahmad said, "We will definitely contest the Lok Sabha bypolls. Modalities in this regard are being worked out."



SP MLC and party spokesperson Sunil Singh Sajan said, "Our preparations down to the booth level are almost complete and we are just waiting for the EC to announce the poll schedule."



In such a scenario, a split in opposition votes might help the BJP.



There was no word from the BSP though.



In 2014, Maurya had bagged 5,03,564 votes (52.43 per cent of the votes polled) to give BJP its maiden victory in the parliamentary constituency.



Gorakhpur saw Adityanath emerging victorious by securing 5,39,127 votes (51.80 per cent of the votes polled) in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

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New Delhi: Popular television actor Nakuul Mehta and his wife Jankee Parekh were blessed with their first child - a baby boy on February 3, 2021. Two months after his arrival, the newborn baby was diagnosed with Bilateral lnguinal Hernia and the doctors advised a surgical intervention.

Jankee Parekh took to Instagram and shared her heartbreaking experience. In a long emotional post, new mommy shared: Almost thought would not share this, but seeing so many of you open up your lives to me, I feel so much more courage to share my story, now.

3 weeks ago, our little Sufi was diagnosed with Bilateral lnguinal Hernia & the doctors advised immediate surgical intervention. Inspite of it being a safe surgical procedure in infants, just the thought of having my little one having to undergo a surgery under general anesthesia broke my heart.

The day I found out, tears wouldnt stop. My next 3 nights went in preparing him for the procedure. What worried me was the fact that he had to fast for 4 hours before and 2 hours after surgery as he was going to be administered anesthesia. So until the day of the surgery, I would wake him up every night at 3 am, feed him & then time his sleep pattern making sure that he doesnt wake up for the next 4.5 hours & if he did, I didnt feed him immediately. My plan was to mimic the day of the surgery, so that his body clock gets trained for the procedure & he doesnt wake up earlier & ask for milk. Besides that I kept talking to him about how he needs to sleep for longer on that day, how we are going to get through this together. He would keep staring at my face & listen attentively. Or atleast thats what I thought

Cut to the day of the surgery, the day when he turned 2 months. Sufi behaved exactly the way we planned. He slept till the time I handed him over to the surgeon in the OT. Post the surgery, when he woke up, the next whole hour I just spoke to him on how well he did, what a champ hes been through it all & how he needs to wait just a little bit longer for milk. I was just amazed at how this boy who needs milk every 2 hours patiently waited for 7 hours in total before getting his feed. The smile on his face after he got milk was just priceless.

Babies are a lot more resilient than we think. They understand & sense each & everything that we feel & communicate. I truly believe my long chats with Sufi & our training helped him pass this exam with flying colours.

The best gift that we can give our children is to teach them to be Happy and Fearless inspite of all the challenges that life throws at them.

Continued

Nakuul Mehta made his TV debut in 2012 with Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara. He featured in several music videos, ad commercials before making it big on the small screens.

He also made his movie debut with Haal-e-Dil in 2008. Then, in 2015, Nakuul Mehta hosted India's Got Talent 6. However, it was his role of Shivaay Singh Oberoi in Ishqbaaaz and the show's spin-off, Dil Boley Oberoi, which earned him rave reviews.

He recently featured in a short film called Ved and Arya, opposite Sanaya Irani.

Nakuul Mehta got married to Jankee Parekh on January 28, 2012.
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DENVER  Authorities have launched a search for the person who threw a small dog out of a moving vehicle while on a highway in northeastern Colorado earlier this week.

The Jefferson County sheriffs office responded to a witness report on Tuesday around 1:45 p.m. that a dog was thrown from a black sedan on Interstate 76 before Sheridan Boulevard, KMGH-TV reported Tuesday.

Witnesses told police it appeared the miniature poodle was deliberately thrown. Authorities said the dog was taken to Foothills Animal Shelter in critical condition where it later died.

The sheriffs office has urged anyone with additional information to call police.

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A $160,000 Big Bird costume that was stolen from a circus and held captive for days has been returned by two men 'wearing dark clothing' with an apology letter stuffed inside its beak.

The Sesame Street Circus Spectacular was rocked by the brazen robbery of the popular character from its current performance site at Bonython Park, in Adelaide's north-west, over the weekend.

The circus was forced to pull the lovable yellow personality from his regular appearance during show intervals, leaving thousands of fans devastated.

But 'Big Bird Bandits' had a change of heart after learning of the devastation they had caused by whisking off with the beloved television icon, and returned the canary home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A Big Bird costume stolen from a Sesame Street-themed circus and held captive for days has been found dumped on the site (pictured) with a letter stuffed inside its beak

Police were called to the scene just before 5am and found the outfit dumped by an electricity box in the southwestern end of the circus, with a handwritten note inside its mouth.

'We are so sorry!!' The note read.

'We had no idea what we were doing or what our actions would cause.

'We were just having a rough time and were trying to cheer ourselves up.

'We had a great time with Mr Bird, he's a great guy and no harm came to our friend.

'So sorry to be such a big birden! Sincerely, the big bird bandits.'

The costume was intact and has been returned to the circus.

Police found a handwritten note inside the yellow bird's mouth written by its captors who apologised for the kidnapping

Police dogs searched the area but were unable to locate the men.

The Sesame Street themed circus took to Facebook to share the good news after their star performer was brought home.

'Big Bird has been returned safely to us at Bonython Park!' The circus wrote on its page.

'Thank you to everyone that assisted in helping his return and thank you to everyone for their messages of support! Adelaide you are a true family!'

Police are continuing to investigate the theft and those responsible could face criminal charges if caught.

The theft occurred between 4.30pm on Sunday and 9.30am on Monday, leaving a trail of yellow feathers behind along nearby Port Road.

The Sesame Street Circus Spectacular was forced to withdraw Big Bird (pictured) from its popular production following the theft of the bird's costume

The yellow feathered costume was stolen from the circus' current performance site at Bonython Park in Adelaide north-west.

The brazen theft has brought Big Bird's appearances on the production to an abrupt halt

Devastated fans flocked online after hearing the news to express their heartbreak.

'This is so sad.. why do some humans choose to be so dishonest and unethical.. give Big Bird back to he's friends and family!' one woman commented online.

Another added: 'That's awful, the kids and adults really enjoy the show.'

The 90-minute production which was locally written and produced tours South Australia along with regional Victoria and New South Wales.

Many of Sesame Street's most loved characters star in the show, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie and Grover.

The circus also features performers from Switzerland, Argentina, Colombia, Morocco, Brazil, Ethiopia and Australia.

The circus held the first of its daily Bonython Park shows on Monday, where it's currently based until May 2.
The Myanmar military detained Japanese freelance journalist, Yuki Kitazumi in Yangon on April 18 for allegedly disseminating fake news. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemn the continued threat to journalists across Myanmar and calls for the immediate release of all detained journalists.

Yuki Kitazumi, a freelance journalist and owner of Yangon Media Professionals, a media production company, was arrested at his home in Yangon and transferred to Insein prison overnight.Myanmar state television stations reported, Kitazumi was charged with spreading fake news under article 505(A) of the Penal Code.

While not providing a name, the Japanese government confirmed a journalist in his forties was detained on April 18. Japanese Embassy officials said they are unable to visit him in detention, and chief cabinet secretary, Katsunobu Kato asked Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and release him as soon as possible.

Article 505(A) of Myanmars penal code is a new amendment made by Myanmars State Administrative Council, a body set up by the military after the coup on February 1. The amendment was announced on February 14 and criminalises comments which cause fear, spread false news, (or) agitates directly or indirectly a criminal offense against a government employee.

Kitazumi was previously detained and released the same day on February 26 while covering protests. According to Reuters, Kitazumi was the first foreign reporter to be detained since the military-coup on February 1.

At least 60 media workers have been arrested since the coup began including Mizzima News co-founder and journalist, Thin Thin Aung two weeks ago. Thin Thin Aung disappeared on April 8 and she is now held in Yay Kyi Eaing interrogation centre. Her apartment was raided by authorities on April 9. Aung had previously spent 15 years in exile in India due to the countrys troubled political history. Since her arrest, many human rights and journalists groups have called for her release, including the Womens League of Burma.

The IFJ said: The volume of journalists detained by the Myanmar military has proven extreme concern for the IFJ. The Myanmar military continue to erode processes of democracy and press freedom across the country. The military must listen to calls from journalist and human rights groups and stop the arbitrary arrest of journalists.
A Metropolitan Police officer who became the first cop in the UK to be convicted of belonging to a neo-Nazi terrorist organisation was kicked out of the force today.

Benjamin Hannam, 22, joined banned far-right organisation National Action in 2017 but failed to declare his extremist beliefs during the police vetting process.

Hannam started at the Met as a trainee on March 26, 2018 and was paid 66,000 in wages before his secrets came to light.

Benjamin Hannam, 22, joined banned far-right organisation National Action in 2017 and began training with the Metropolitan Police in March 2018

Following his arrest last March officers seized a USB stick from his home which contained manuals detailing the production of biological weapons

Hannam, circled, was convicted by a jury at the Old Bailey of terrorism offences following a three-week trial

Following his arrest last March officers seized a USB stick from his home which contained manuals detailing the production of biological weapons.

He had a copy of the manifesto of Anders Breivik, the Norwegian who killed 69 people in a mass shooting at a summer camp in 2011 and other fascist publications.

Hannam was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of terrorist offences after a three-week trial.

He had admitted possessing indecent and prohibited images of children after the jury retired to consider their verdicts in his terrorism trial.

Hannam was also convicted of fraud by false representation by failing to disclose his membership of National Action.

A Metropolitan Police misconduct tribunal was told today Hannam accepted possessing the prohibited images but continued to deny being a member of the terrorist group.

He had admitted possessing indecent and prohibited images of children after the jury retired to consider their verdicts in his terrorism trial

But Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said that she was more than satisfied he had committed the offences for which he had been convicted.

Finding Hannam guilty of gross misconduct, AC Ball said: My decision PC Hannam is dismissed without notice.

The tribunal was told that Hannam had already received a final written warning for another matter at the time of his arrest.

Because the final warning was in place at the time, I couldnt give a second final warning and I couldnt extend the first one, said AC Ball.

If this situation did not exist and I had been able to grant a final written warning, I would not have done so.

She added: I believe that the provision of a final written warning during his short service is an aggravating factor.

AC Ball said that Hannams behaviour was wholly antithetical to the values of the Met and discredited himself and the service.

In behaving as he did, he has without question harmed the publics trust and the reputation of the Metropolitan Police Service, she said.

He had a chance not to do this and to stop at every stage, but he didnt make the right choice.

Hannam was not present, and not represented, as his career was ended.

The extremist, pictured centre left, had told jurors his grandfather was gay, his step-granddad was Jewish, and that he had dated a Muslim girl at school in a bid to hide his intolerance

The extremist had told jurors his grandfather was gay, his step-granddad was Jewish, and that he had dated a Muslim girl at school in a bid to hide his intolerance.

He claimed he suffered autism and turned to the far-right group because he struggled socially and wanted to make friends.

In a diary Hannam kept throughout his time with the proscribed organisation, he described its members as a good bunch of lads.

He accepted in his evidence that hed taken a camping trip with them and travelled to Swindon for a meet-up but claimed he was oblivious to the extent of their views.

Dan Pawson-Pounds, prosecuting, had told jurors Hannams activities with National Action were not limited to the online world and he recorded a meeting with the group in Paddington, on 6 March 2016, in his diary.

Hannam wrote: Me and five others meet with an National Action, official called Ivan.

We all went to a nearby pub and had some drinks (coke for me).

Theyre a good bunch of lads and Ivan is a strong character, cant wait to get more involved.

Meet was from 3.30pm till 6.00pm. He added at a later date, Guys at first meet: Ivan, David, John, Tom, Charlie, Iilya and me.

The prosecutor said: Perhaps unsurprisingly, in light of that diary entry, Benjamin Hannam accepts that he was at that National Action meeting.

The same is true of the National Action 2016 conference, held on 23 April 2016 in Liverpool.

Indeed, Benjamin Hannam posed for an official National Action conference photograph, together with five other men holding the National Action flag on Crosby Beach, just north of Liverpool.

Detectives found electronic copies of two documents on a USB stick belonging to Hannam.

There is no dispute by the defence that one of these documents contained information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism - namely guidance on how to produce a number of radiological, chemical and biological weapons, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The other document on Benjamin Hannams USB stick provided, as you will see, detailed guidance on how to carry out a fatal attack with a knife.

You will be aware from your own knowledge of current affairs that knives have been used to lethal effect in terrorist attacks throughout the world, including in this city.

Hannam had applied to join the police on 19 July 2017, starting as a trainee on 26 March 2018.

As part of the application process he, like all applicants, had to fill in both an application form and a vetting form.

Both forms ask whether the applicant has ever been a member of the British National Party, a far-right, fascist political party, although not a proscribed organisation in its own right, or a similar organisation, whose constitution, aims, objectives, or pronouncements may contradict police officers duty to promote race equality.

On any view, National Action is one such organisation. Benjamin Hannam answered no to these questions on both forms.

Benjamin was well aware of what the BNP was, must have known that his membership of National Action, either before or after proscription, was caught by these questions and, in answering no deliberately misled the police.

Had he answered yes, as he would have well known, his application would have been rejected, and the 66,000 spent employing him, before this falsehood was discovered, would not have been lost.

Hannam, of Enfield, denied but was convicted of membership of a proscribed organisation, two counts of fraud by false representation and two counts of possession of terrorist documents.

He admitted one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child and one count of possession of an indecent image of a child.

Hannam remains on bail ahead of sentence at the Old Bailey on April 30.
Ross Noble will swap the stand-up stage for the boardroom in the upcoming Channel Nine revival of Celebrity Apprentice.

But the comedian revealed on the Nova's Fitzy and Wippa show that he forced filming to stop after making a very embarrassing mistake before an important meeting with CEO Alan Sugar.

On Wednesday, co-host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli told listeners that during the show Ross enjoyed playing 'side jokes entertain himself in case it wasn't entertaining enough.'

Gag gone wrong? Celebrity Apprentice SPOILER: Comedian Ross Noble revealed the VERY embarrassing reason he forced filming to stop before an important boardroom meeting with Alan Sugar

Wippa recalled: 'I remember one day I saw him in a makeup chair and he was when he a little longer in normal in a make up chair.

'He got out of the chair and he looked more orange than Donald Trump. He was covered in make up, full orange, with the white eyes,' he added, as the studio giggled.

Ross explained his heavy makeup look was that it was the boardroom in which participants had to justify why they were 'good business person.'

'I had full make-up on, and it wasn't until I was literally about to walk in and all the sudden you can hear radios going "stop stop, you're not going in like that".

Prank: Co-host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli told listeners that before filming a boardroom meeting, he noticed Ross was in the make-up chair for a lot longer than usual and afterwards saw his comedian friend with thick orange make-up, much like Donald Trump

'It was ironic because some of the other people on the show had make up that was more full on than that,' he joked.

Wippa, also in on Ross' joke, then chimed in, 'They (the producers) knew that we were close.

'One of the producers took me aside and said have you noticed Ross' make-up? Has something happened? And I went "Yeah, it's really sensitive so don't ask him about it,"' he laughed.

Joke over: Ross said, 'I had full make-up on, and it wasn't until I was literally about to walk in and all the sudden you can hear radios going "stop stop, you're not going in like that"

'The next thing you know the boardroom stops, Ross has got one of the executive producers on the side and he's saying "you're going to have to change your face" to Ross.

'And Ross is saying: "if I was a woman you would not tell me to change my makeup",' he laughed.

Ross will join the likes of Michelle Bridges, Olympic gymnast Olivia Vivian and Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis in the competitive show.

You're fired! British billionaire Alan Sugar will reprise his role as the fearsome CEO from the UK series as he puts the celebrity contestants to the test with business-related tasks. Pictured is Celebrity Apprentice CEO Alan Sugar

British billionaire Alan Sugar will reprise his role as the fearsome CEO from the UK series as he puts the celebrity contestants to the test with business-related tasks.

The celebrities will compete for a grand prize of $100,000 for their chosen charity in addition to the money raised on the show.

Celebrity Apprentice Australia will air on Channel Nine later this year.
DETROIT, MI -- Kenya Fentress cried as she waited to hear whether a jurys decision would provide justice in the murder of George Floyd.

Fentress, a Detroit Black woman who has experienced police injustice in her hometown, described the moment as overwhelming. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter just under a year after he was recorded on video pinning Floyd to the ground until he died.

Fentress said she believes Chauvin wouldnt have been charged if the country wasnt able to watch Floyd die over the nine minutes and 29 seconds caught on camera. The video was damning, she said, but police brutality against Black people still continued in the year since Floyds death.

Its justice for now, for this moment, she said.

A few dozen activists gathered outside the Detroit Police Department headquarters after a jury announced its verdict Tuesday evening. Floyds death sparked daily marches in Detroit and hundreds of other demonstrations across Michigan.

Detroit demonstrators carried handmade signs bearing the names of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo and other people killed by police since Floyds death. Others called read stop police terror and jail all killer cops.

Organizers with Detroit Will Breathe, a social justice organization formed last year after protests started in Detroit, said the verdict doesnt end their struggle against injustice.

Sammie Lewis, an organizer with DWB, said the verdict is bittersweet.

Its a step toward accountabiltiy, and thats great, but this is one of many cases, she said. True justice exists in liberation and disrupting the system.

Nakia Wallace, co-founder of Detroit Will Breathe, said the charges against Chauvin were brought because people put pressure on prosecutors. Wallace said Chauvin was put on trial because people took to the streets to demand justice for Floyd.

Today is certainly a victory for the movement in defense of Black and brown lives; unfortunately it falls short of freedom, she said. The lesson to be learned, if there was one, is that every single time we are under attack we need to be able to build bigger and larger, because it is the only way we get any type of justice.

Wallace said the fight continues in Detroit, where DWB is engaged in a lawsuit against the city, Chief James Craig and several police officers. DWB alleges protesters faced excessive force from police who used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, disorienting sound cannons and put demonstrators in chokeholds.

Five legal observers with the National Lawyers Guild also sued the city of Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan and Craig, arguing police violated their civil rights while they documented protests last summer.

In a statement on Twitter, Duggan said he was proud of Craig when he became the first big city police chief to describe Floyds death as murder. But demonstrators who gathered outside the police department headquarters said Duggan shouldnt be proud of how protesters were treated last year.

What we are seeing is a police chief who has given his officers the right to do whatever they want and he is going to defend them; that is unacceptable, Wallace said.

Wallace cited a report by The Guardian that found mayors in every city except Detroit dropped all citations issued at protests last year. DWB co-founder Tristan Taylor is among those still facing charges.

Taylor said Duggan, Craig and President Joe Biden dont reflect their interests.

Taylor said their goals go beyond reforming policing. DWB remains focused on building a serious mass movement focused on supporting oppressed people in Detroit.

Several demonstrators said waiting for the jurys decision Tuesday was a traumatizing experience. Christine Turner said she couldnt bring herself to watch.

Turner said shes happy that Floyds family has received justice, but shes on edge for the next time a Black person is unjustly killed by police. Nothing substantial has changed with the guilty verdict to prevent that, she said.

Its not really a win, Turner said. The man is still dead and his daughter doesnt have a father. A murder got put behind bars, but theyre trying to not focus on the fact that it was a race thing.

LC Bulger, an activist with By Any Means Necessary, said people need to keep marching and bringing awareness to incidents when they happen.

This is a key time, Bulger said. We have to keep standing up and make it happen. We cant just think its going to happen.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

The fight isnt over. Black activists ready for another year of advocating for justice.

Black activists: Dont compare the Capitol attack to Black Lives Matters protests

For 110 days, protesters have called for police reforms in Michigan. Nothing has changed.

Detroit protesters chant for firings of Detroit Police Chief, officers involved in vehicle incident with marchers
Editor: Now more than ever, we need open and honest candidates and elected officials.

People like me are fed up with politicians lying and deceiving the public. Thats why I am angry about the lack of transparency that Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, has shown when filing his financial paperwork to run for state Senate. Flynn filed his financial information on multiple occasions and has left off key information every time.

I am not sure if these issues were incompetent mistakes or the purposeful hiding of information, but either way we should demand better from our government leaders. Our state government is broken, in large part because of a lack of transparency. Sending another senator to Harrisburg like Flynn who hasnt shown transparency in the past is a bad idea.

MARY NOLDY

DUNMORE

Editor, I am appalled at the politicization of the pandemic.

As a nation this is a time that we should all work together to follow the science. If we all go in the same direction, we can bring this to an end. This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. It is an international survival issue.

Recently a commercial on television accused a candidate seeking office of not fighting for his constituents because he supported the governor, who followed the science to protect the people of the entire state.

How much more evidence is needed to prove that the virus spreads in groups? People are dying, that is a fact. Business will not face problems if everyone is dead.

ANNETTE PALUTIS

SCRANTON

Editor: With all of the recent attention on states efforts to pass laws restricting voting rights, I think its important to understand some recent history of our own states voting laws.

In 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf signed Act 77, an election reform law that allowed for no-excuse, mail-in voting. It extended the voter registration period and extended mail-in and absentee ballot submission deadlines. It was passed by the Republican-controlled majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.

Barely two years later, Republicans across the country, including in our own legislature, aggressively push to enact much more restrictive voting laws. The GOP has taken its lie that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election and used it as an excuse to try to suppress the vote.

Its the same lie that fueled the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. As traumatizing as that event was for our democracy, it wont ultimately be the people waving Trump flags and building a gallows in Washington D.C., who would do the most long-term damage. It will be white men  and it is overwhelmingly white men  in suits and ties in GOP-controlled state legislatures across the country who want to make it harder to vote.

The GOP has worked hard to become the party of voter suppression and I hope people pay attention and do what they can  calling their representatives, donating to appropriate organizations and discussing the issue with friends and family  to stop them.

ANNE STOPPER

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP.

Editor: Philosopher Cornell West recently was denied tenure at Harvard, claiming it was in part because of his advocacy for Palestinian rights.

A disciple of Martin Luther King Jr., he is one of Americas leading public intellectuals, has written 20 books, numerous articles and is a frequent guest on the public and academic circuit. He is proof that the issue of Palestine is a taboo academic and public subject.

In 2014 Stephen Salaita, a tenure-track professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana, was fired as result of tweets criticizing the Israeli assault on Gaza in 2014 and the killing of more than 2,000 people, including many civilians. The reason given was that his comments were uncivil and that they constituted disrespectful and demeaning speech that promotes malice.

The real reason was that donors put pressure on the schools administration and threatened to withdraw financial support if Salaitas hiring was approved. Salaita sued, won a settlement and moved on to another university.

In 2007, Norman Finkelstein was forced out of a teaching position in the political science department at DePaul University following an academic feud with Alan Dershowitz over Israel/Palestine historiography. Finkelstein, a Princeton Ph.D. whose parents were Holocaust survivors, was supported by members of the DePaul faculty, social critic Noam Chomsky and Holocaust authority Raoul Hilberg. He agreed to a private settlement but allegedly was undone by Dershowitz and outside forces.

These are three notable cases of a sustained policy by pro-Israel advocates such as Campus Watch and the Canary Mission who reportedly compile dossiers on students, professors and organizations that are critical of Israel. It causes a chilling effect on classroom discussions, research, academic freedom and free speech.

DOMINIC SAADI

SCRANTON

Editor: Does ATV stand for almighty twit vehicle?

Is it possible to get these stupid annoyances off city streets? I know a law was passed but nobody seems to care about following it. All of a sudden, it seems as thought everyone in Scranton wants to act like Evel Knievel. You may have seen these fearless jokers flying up and down your street at 100 mph.

No, that is not the Flash. It is just some stooge on four wheels with no regard for the law or the safety of others. I hope these frequent flyers come to their senses but I am not too confident in their intelligence.

Maybe they will get fines and that will put an end to their reckless charades. We can only hope.

JOE BARBUTI

SCRANTON
A fire caused extensive damage to a textile manufacturing facility in Portland early Monday, officials said.

The first reports of the blaze came in around 3:30 a.m. Monday at a commercial building in southeast Portland, said Lt. Liz Thompson, a spokeswoman for Portland Fire & Rescue told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Arriving firefighters saw flames coming from the second story of the building and started fight the blaze from the inside, Thompson said.

They soon exited after seeing the roof becoming unstable and were outside when it partially collapsed, she said.

The Portland Garment Factory, a small textile manufacturing business that changed course and began making masks in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic took hold, was housed inside.

A nearby apartment building was evacuated, Thompson said, and the Red Cross was helping residents find accommodations.

Fire officials said they were mopping up the fire around 7 a.m.

More than 70 firefighters worked on the fire at its peak. No injuries were reported, and the cause was under investigation.

Fire officials asked any witnesses with information to call 503-823-INFO.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Oregon Manufacturing
Mumbai, April 21 : Actor Jisshu Sengupta, who plays a single father to twins in the upcoming Bangla film "Baba, Baby O...", says working with the kids was the best experience he drew from the project.

Jisshu plays a single father through surrogacy in the film, produced by the popular Bengali filmmaker duo of Nandita Roy and Shiboprasad Mukherjee. The film is directed by Aritra Mukherjee.

"The story of this movie is very unique and I have never done a character like this before. Working with the kids was the best experience for me because they have given immense happiness and positivity. I am doing a Bengali film after almost a year, so overall it was a great experience, too," said Jisshu.

Screenplay writer Zinia Sen wrote the film during lockdown last year, and shoot began on March 21 this year in Kolkata and was wrapped up by April 9.

Co-producer Nandita Roy said about working with Jisshu: "We are extremely delighted to work with him again after 'Posto'. The film encircles a very special subject and when Zinia narrated the story we unanimously opted for Jisshu as the apt choice for the character." "Baba, Baby O..." marks Jisshu Sengupta's return to Bengali cinema after almost a year. The film is being billed as a romantic drama with comic shades.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The motion describes for the first time some of the investigative steps taken  and rejected  before prosecutors first applied for a wiretap on the aldermans phones in 2017. Among the options considered was to have an undercover agent pose as a real estate developer to try to catch Burke in the act, according to the filing. But it was determined it would be very difficult to develop a satisfactory cover story and the idea was scrapped as too risky.
(Natural News) Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on Tuesday on all three counts in the death of George Floyd last May.

Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for kneeling on Floyds back and neck areas for nearly nine minutes, pinning him to the pavement after he resisted arrest. Prosecutors and the defense gave their closing arguments on Monday, sending the case to the 12 jurors.

Prosecutors didnt have to prove Chauvins restraint was the sole cause of Floyds death, but only that his conduct was a substantial causal factor. Chauvin is authorized to use force as a police officer, as long as that force is reasonable, said the Associated Press in an explainer.

In addition, the prosecution asked Judge Peter Cahill to revoke Chauvins bond and remand him to custody, which the judge granted.

On the most serious murder charge alone, Chauvin faces up to 40 years behind bars.

Following the incident, widespread rioting and looting brook out in Minneapolis, then quickly spread throughout the country coupled with a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

It wasnt clear that Chauvin was going to be convicted, however.

An initial report from Dr. Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner, concluded there was no physical evidence linked to Floyds death, according to court documents, which added that the level of fentanyl in his system at the time was pretty high.

A memo from the medical examiners office stated if Mr. Floyd had been found dead in his home (or anywhere else) and there were no other contributing factors he would conclude that it was an overdose death.

But the medical examiners report also noted that at least in part, Floyds death was due to homicide supported by the video evidence of Chauvin pinning Floyd to the pavement with his knee.

His death was caused by the police subdual and restraint in the setting of severe hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and methamphetamine and fentanyl intoxication, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner said.

Previously, a defense attorney representing Thomas Lane, one of the four total officers charged in the case, also alluded to Floyds drug use, noting that video from Lanes body cam showed a white spot on the left side of his tongue that was described as two milligrams of fentanyl, a lethal dose.

All he had to do is sit in the police car, like every other defendant who is initially arrested. While attempting to avoid his arrest, all by himself, Mr. Floyd overdosed on Fentanyl, Lanes attorney, Earl Gray, wrote in a motion to dismiss charges against his client. Given his intoxication level, breathing would have been difficult at best. Mr. Floyds intentional failure to obey commands, coupled with his overdosing, contributed to his own death.

During the trial, Dr. David Fowler, Marylands former chief medical examiner, told the court that there was both fentanyl and methamphetamine in Floyds system at the time, as well as possible carbon monoxide poisoning from auto exhaust, which he says all contributed to his death.

In addition to Lane, former officers Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng were also charged in connection with Floyds death. Their trials are upcoming.

In anticipation of post-verdict violence, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz activated elements of the Minnesota National Guard weeks ago so they could begin preparing to assist civilian law enforcement authorities.

But others, including Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California, attempted to stoke violence ahead of the verdict. She went to Minneapolis on Saturday and told protesters to prepare for confrontation if the verdict didnt go their way, which is to say, Chauvin must be found guilty of murder.

Cahill suggested this week that because of Waters comments, Chauvins defense team could seek to have any conviction overturned at a later date.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

APNews.com
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has strongly condemned the continuous attempts by the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Channel to broadcast and disseminate lies on the conditions of inmates at the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry affirms that what was aired by Al Jazeera was based on completely false information with the intention of offending the gains achieved by the Kingdom in upholding human rights for all, including inmates.

The networks allegations only aim to politicise the situation, exploit the feelings of the inmates families, and generate sympathy through deception, it added.

The Ministry stressed that the rehabilitation institutions in the Kingdom are open and follow a reform approach under the era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

They, in fact, strictly follow a framework for law enforcement and transparent administration of justice. The Kingdom also has developed systems in the field of reform and rehabilitation, in addition to expanding the implementation of the alternative penalties law and studying the application of the experience of open prisons.

The Ministry deplored Al Jazeeras propensity for obtaining its information from unofficial sources, and people convicted of terrorism. It called on the Qatari channel to practise professionalism in broadcasting, pointing out that neglecting official responses and explanations clearly means a loss of credibility and professionalism.

Shura Councils Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, headed by Youssef bin Ahmed Al Ghatam, also expressed its strong condemnation of Al Jazeeras constant attempts to insult and distort the image of Bahrain.

It lacks accuracy and objectivity, the committee noted, that undermines the gains the Kingdom has reaped in the field of human rights and respect for freedoms.

In a statement, the committee indicated that Al Jazeera deliberately twists the facts, and seeks to split national unity, which is a violation of media honour codes and its basic values and principles.

It affirmed that the Kingdom is making continuous efforts to strengthen the human rights system, especially with regard to inmates at the Correction and Rehabilitation Center where the law is enforced according to fair and transparent reform systems and based on high standards that guarantee all rights for them.

The Bahraini Journalists Association (BJA) slammed Al Jazeeras malicious campaign towards tainting the Kingdoms image and attempts to harm the Bahraini society, as well as destabilise security and stability.

BJA described Al Jazeera as a political tool that Qatar exploits in its hatred campaign against Bahrain because of its progress and development. Broadcasting erroneous information is clearly Qatars expression of its constant feeling of inferiority towards the global achievements of our dear country, said BJA president Ahdeya Ahmed Al Sayed.
Instagram has added a raft of new 'anti-bullying tools' including a filter for abusive direct messages, and better blocking tools to prevent trolls from contacting you on new accounts.

The Facebook owned social network hopes to also tackle hate speech and bullying with stricter penalties for people who send abusive messages to other users.

The firm said tackling abuse, particularly in direct messages, is a 'complex challenge' with no single step that could eliminate it completely.

Among the measures is a direct message filter that automatically removes messages containing offensive words, phrases and emojis before the users sees them.

Another feature will allow a user to not just block an account, but also block any new accounts created by the same user as Instagram becomes aware of them.

The new measures designed to limit abuse on Instagram won't be available immediately. Instead they will be gradually rolled out over the next few weeks.

Instagram has added a raft of new 'anti-bullying tools' including a filter for abusive direct messages better blocking tools to prevent people starting a new account

TWO NEW FEATURES TO TACKLE ABUSE Direct messaging filter This feature will allow users to define phrases, terms, keywords and even emojis they don't want to see. Then, if someone sends them a message request the offending terms will be blocked from view. Users can then block the user, delete the message without opening it, report the user or open the message and tap on the blocked word to read it. Block future accounts The other major feature will allow users not only to block a user, but to block any future accounts they create. This form of recidivism is banned by Instagram, but users still create new accounts after they've been banned. In future if an account is flagged as belonging to somebody a user previously blocked under a different username, the new account will also be blocked. The new features won't be rolled out immediately, gradually appearing over the coming weeks. Advertisement

'We understand the impact that abusive content - whether it's racist, sexist, homophobic, or any other kind of abuse - can have on people,' Instagram said.

Adding that many people in the community, particularly those with a larger following, regularly received abuse in the direct message request inbox.

These came from people they didn't know, and in some instances people they previously blocked would just open a new Instagram account to message them.

'Because DMs are private conversations, we don't proactively look for hate speech or bullying the same way we do elsewhere on Instagram,' a spokesperson said.

This tool focuses on DM requests, because this is where people usually receive abusive messages, as it includes messages from people you aren't 'friends with'.

It will work in a similar way to the comment filters already offered by Instagram, which allow you to hide offensive comments and choose what terms you dont want people to use in comments under your posts.

You can turn both comment and DM request filters on and off in a new dedicated section of your Privacy Settings called Hidden Words.

'Weve worked with leading anti-discrimination and anti-bullying organisations to develop a predefined list of offensive terms that will be filtered from DM requests when the feature is turned on,' the spokesperson said.

'We know different words can be hurtful to different people, so youll also have the option to create your own custom list of words, phrases or emojis that you dont want to see in your DM requests.'

All DM requests that contain these offensive words, phrases, or emojis - whether from your custom list or the predefined list - will be automatically filtered into a separate hidden requests folder.

If you choose to open the folder, the message text will be covered so youre not confronted with offensive language, unless you tap to uncover it.

You then have the option to accept the message request, delete it, or report it.

The Facebook owned social network hopes to also tackle hate speech and bullying with stricter penalties for people who send abusive messages to other users

Instagram could soon let you CHOOSE if you want to hide likes Instagram has revealed it could give users the option to hide likes. It is about to conduct 'a small global test' of the feature, which will let users choose what experience they prefer. The popular app began hiding like counts for users in seven countries back in 2019 to understand if it 'reduces pressure with posting'. But the trial received some negative user feedback  leading to Instagram making a few alterations this time around. This time, users will be able to choose whether they see likes on other users' posts, as well as whether other users see likes on their posts. For the 2019 test, users didn't have this choice. Instagram has concerns that seeing a post with thousands of likes can lead to feelings of low self-worth for users who only get a few likes or have just a handful of followers. The efforts to make users feel happier online amid concerns social media can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in young people. However, other independent experts have previously suggested the decision is actually more to do with advertising and revenue. Advertisement

This new feature is designed to help protect users from potentially offensive or abusive DM requests, while also respecting your privacy.

All message filtering will take place on your own device, which means this feature wont send any message content back to Instagram servers.

Using this feature doesn't share the content of your DM requests with Instagram, unless the user opts to report them, in which case the message is shared.

'Well start rolling out this feature in several countries in the coming weeks and will look to expand to more countries over the next few months,' the firm said.

The firm is also making it harder for someone youve already blocked from contacting you again through a new account.

With this feature, whenever you decide to block someone on Instagram, youll have the option to both block their account and preemptively block new accounts that person may create. This will be available globally in the next few weeks.

This is in addition to existing harassment policies, which already prohibit people from repeatedly contacting someone who doesnt want to hear from them.

'We also dont allow recidivism, which means if someones account is disabled for breaking our rules, we would remove any new accounts they create whenever we become aware of it,' the firm explained.

Users can also allow or restrict comments on posts to people they follow or are following them, according to Instagram.

They are also working to hide common misspellings of offensive words so that even if a word you don't want to see is spelled wrong - you won't see it.

'We know theres still more we can do, and were committed to continuing our fight against bullying and online abuse,' Instagram said.

'Well keep working in partnership with experts, industry organisations, teens, creators, and public figures to understand their experience on Instagram and how we can evolve our policies and products to protect them from online abuse.'
A Flirtey Eagle unmanned aircraft is shown in flight making a medical delivery. The Kongsberg IRIS technology is a key part of Flirtey's best-in-class technology for last-mile drone delivery, and Kongsberg Geospatials experience powering Air Traffic Control Systems worldwide, as well as U.S. and Australian Navy combat systems give Flirtey and our customers great confidence.

Kongsberg Geospatial, developer of the TerraLens Geospatial Software Development Kit (SDK), and Flirtey, the pioneer and a leader in the commercial drone delivery industry in the US, announced today that the Kongsberg Geospatial IRIS airspace situational awareness application has been implemented by Flirtey within their autonomous software platform that conducts BVLOS autonomous flight operations. Flirtey has conducted more than 6,000 flights to date.

Flirtey recently announced that it had completed the technology to certify and expand U.S. production of its best-in-class autonomous drone delivery system for last-mile delivery. Flirtey's technology solves the last-mile delivery problem with faster, lower cost, and more convenient delivery, which takes vehicles off the roads, reduces CO2 emissions and increases the overall safety of the transport system.

The Kongsberg Geospatial IRIS airspace visualization technology enables multiple drones and sensor feeds to be monitored simultaneously by a single remote operator and provides real-time calculation of aircraft separation and communications to enable BVLOS operations. Built on Kongsberg Geospatials industry leading TerraLens SDK, IRIS provides advanced real-time 2D and 3D visualization of all airborne track and weather data, as well as cues, alerts and warnings to enable a single operator to monitor the complex airspace environment.

"Flirtey is now taking pre-orders for its autonomous drone delivery systems, which enable businesses to operate their own logistics by providing store-to-door drone delivery to their customers to unlock lower delivery costs and billions in potential new revenue. The Kongsberg IRIS technology is a key part of Flirtey's best-in-class technology for last-mile drone delivery, and Kongsberg Geospatials experience powering Air Traffic Control Systems worldwide, as well as U.S. and Australian Navy combat systems give Flirtey and our customers great confidence," said Flirtey Founder and CEO Matthew Sweeny. Flirtey is focused on completing the FAAs certification process, in addition to scaling its operations in New Zealand (where the companys technology already has regulatory certification) and expanding US production of delivery drones to meet growing demand.

Were very pleased to be working with an industry leader in UAS last-mile delivery like Flirtey said Ranald McGillis, President of Kongsberg Geospatial. Weve worked closely with them to implement our technology and their FAA certification will be a testament to their world leading capabilities.

To learn more about Kongsberg Geospatial, visit their website at http://www.kongsberggeospatial.com.

About Kongsberg Geospatial: Based in Ottawa, Canada, Kongsberg Geospatial (https://kongsberggeospatial.com) creates precision real-time software for air traffic control, UxS and military situational awareness. The Companys products are primarily deployed in solutions for air-traffic control, Command and Control, and air defense. Over nearly three decades of providing dependable performance under extreme conditions, Kongsberg Geospatial has become the leading geospatial technology provider for mission-critical applications where lives are on the line. Kongsberg Geospatial is a subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

About Flirtey: Flirtey is an aerospace technology company and U.S. drone delivery manufacturer that sells full-stack drone delivery hardware and autonomous software systems. Flirtey is the pioneer of the commercial drone delivery industry, with a mission to save lives and improve lifestyles by making delivery instant for everyone. The company first made history in 2015 when it conducted the first ever FAA-approved drone delivery. In the years that followed, Flirtey has gone on to become the first company to perform an autonomous drone delivery to a home, the first company to perform a commercial drone delivery, and the first company to pioneer AED drone delivery in the U.S. Flirtey has worked alongside NASA, the City of Reno, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emergency medical services provider REMSA, and various commercial partners to create the best-in-class drone delivery system for last-mile delivery. Learn more at http://www.flirtey.com.
COLUMBUS, OhioOhio lawmakers are preparing a police-reform bill that would create a police licensing board, increase officer training requirements, require independent investigations of police shootings, and set up state use-of-force and disciplinary action databases, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday.

The governors announcement about the yet-to-be-introduced legislation, which is being drawn up by two House Republicans with backgrounds in law enforcement, comes a day after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd and a Columbus police officer fatally shot MaKhia Bryant, a 16-year-old girl.

In addition, the states two-year budget plan  as currently written  would provide $10 million for local law-enforcement agencies to purchase body cameras for their officers, as well as $1 million for local agencies to recruit more women and minorities. It further provides $15 million to help offset the cost of yearly training requirements already set by the state, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

DeWine, a Greene County Republican, laid out some additional police reforms his administration is undertaking, including soon requiring all Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers to wear body cameras, banning state-level law enforcement officers from using chokeholds on people except in life or death situations, and setting new (often voluntary) standards for how police should respond to mass protests.

DeWine announced plans to take those steps last June, after Floyds death sparked mass civil-rights protests in Ohio and around the nation  many of which ended in sometimes-violent confrontations with police.

As we go forward as a nation, there is a lot for us to learn from this great tragedy, DeWine said, referring to Floyds death.

The pending legislations co-sponsors, Republican state Reps. Phil Plummer (a former Montgomery County sheriff) and Cindy Abrams (an ex-Cincinnati police officer), initially introduced a police reform bill last year as an alternative to DeWines plan. That bill went nowhere before session ended in December.

The legislation being crafted now appears to blend many of the policy changes sought in their old bill (more training, a disciplinary database) and what DeWine proposed (a state board to license police officers in the same way teachers and lawyers are licensed).

Last sessions Plummer/Abrams bill sought to offer pay raises for police officers, but Plummer said in an interview Wednesday that would not be in the new version of the bill.

Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp, a Lima Republican, told reporters Wednesday that the House will hold hearings on the bill, as its subject matter is obviously something of public concern.

Cupp added about the bill: It tries to have a balanced approach so (theres) the ability to weed bad cops out -- good cops dont like bad cops. ...Theres also money for additional training, which is a good thing.

No members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus -- or any House Democrats at all -- have been consulted by Plummer or Abrams about their police-reform bill, according to state Rep. Stephanie Howse, a Cleveland Democrat.

Howse, a former OLBC president, said thats she concerned about the Plummer/Abrams bill because she doesnt know who the bill is intended to benefit.

It is hard for me to believe that whatever they put out will be in a spirit of leading to healing and building confidence -- specifically from Black and brown communities -- when you have not been intentional in having those voices in that piece of legislation, Howse said.

Plummer said he got input on the bill from a couple of meetings with minority, faith-based groups in his Dayton-area district. He also said he worked on the bill with police unions, law-enforcement officials, and community leaders.

Well still have more meetings with the minority community, just to make sure theyre on board and get their input on it, Plummer said, But this has to be balanced for both sides -- the police and the community.

Cleveland.com politics reporter Andrew J. Tobias contributed to this story.
PITTSFIELD  One man is dead and a second is facing murder charges after a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday night.

The shooting took place at 6:18 p.m. on 631 North St. Police responding to a ShotSpotter activation found the victim, Lemond Grady, 39, seriously injured, said Andrew McKeever, spokesman for Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington.

Grady was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center by Action Ambulance and later died from his wounds, he said.

Responding officers received a description of a suspect, who ran from the area after the shooting. Patrol units searched the area and quickly arrested the man nearby on Lincoln Street, McKeever said.

Edward Jennings, 34, of Pittsfield has been charged with first-degree murder and could face additional charges. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday morning in Berkshire District Court, McKeever said.

The Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney and Pittsfield Police are investigating the crime. Harrington also responded to the scene, he said.

Pittsfield Police is asking anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call detectives at 413-448-9700, ext. 570.

Related Content:
The Coalition operates on the principle of solidarity and collegiality, and the Prime Minister will revoke a minister after prior notification of the formation that proposed the minister, on the basis of arguments and after a debate in the coalition, is specified in the Additional Act to the Government Agreement concluded on Tuesday by the leaders of the PNL (National Liberal Party), USR PLUS (Save Romania Union Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity) and UDMR (Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania).

According to the document, political responsibility will be assumed together, with the participation in decision-making of all members of the Coalition and the Prime Minister, and major political decisions are taken on the principle of collegiality with the agreement of the Coalition formations.

"The Coalition, the Prime Minister and members of the government assume not to adopt public positions undermining the work and agenda of the government and members of the government. Public communication will be done in a spirit of mutual support and solidarity. Given that the Prime Minister has been vested with the confidence of the members of this coalition, the Prime Minister's constitutional prerogative to send the request for the revocation of a minister to the President is exercised after prior notification of the formation that proposed the minister, on the basis of arguments contained in an objective assessment made by the Prime Minister and after a debate in the coalition," the document reads.

The Prime Minister will allow a reasonable period of time to ensure the transition between the holders of the ministerial portfolio, it is mentioned in the Additional Act.

Coalition leaders also decided that ministerial performance should be assessed periodically, "with the governing programme voted on by Parliament as a benchmark and the coalition's subsequent decisions to go". The government's performance will be assessed periodically within the Governing Coalition.

They also agreed that coalition meetings will be held every Monday, once in the Chamber of Deputies, once in the Senate, each party in the coalition will provide the secretariat by rotation for one month, and the topics on the agenda will be announced in advance to the secretary and will be approved by the leaders at the beginning of the coalition meeting.

Representatives of parliamentary groups and ministers will be invited to coalition meetings and the representative of the parliamentary group of national minorities will also participate.

"The government's agenda and the process of prioritizing pieces of legislation will be decided by the Prime Minister together with the Deputy Prime Ministers, in the meeting following the preparatory government meeting organized by the Government's Secretariat General (SGG). The agenda of the government meeting will be agreed at this level and then transmitted to the ministries and in the public space," the document states.

According to the Additional Act, "the governing coalition operates on the basis of the programme of government and collegial decisions", and "the parliamentary agenda and voting decisions in Parliament follow the priorities of the programme of government".

"In the absence of consensus in the Coalition on certain legislative projects or on topics other than those contained in the programme of government, the parliamentary groups of the component parties may work outside the Coalition, with the prior announcement of the partners, and after their refusal to support those initiatives," the coalition leaders said.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is a priority for the coalition, the document says.

"The government will publish weekly the data on vaccination, the number of doses administered, the provision by centers, the percentages of persons in the categories stipulated in the piece of legislation adopted by the Government. Transparency is a rule, not an exception. All Coalition ministers must take measures to increase access to public data, to make budget execution, contracts and public procurement transparent where it exists. Health reforms will continue: transparency and efficiency of investments in hospital infrastructure, reform of hospital management. The reform of special pensions on the principle of contribution will be done by the end of the year. The laws on justice will be endorsed until the end of the year, respecting the principles of the international instruments ratified by Romania, as well as with the recommendations made within the framework of the European mechanisms - CVM, GRECO and the Venice Commission," the Additional Act says.

Coalition leaders also committed to make the Electoral Code Committee operational, based on an agreed mandate in the Coalition.

The Coalition will set out a permanent working group to streamline the functioning of the state, the document states.
The logo for Alibaba Group is seen at the company's headquarters in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang Province on Dec. 24, 2020. (Chinatopix via AP)

Why Is Alibaba Full of Gratitude for Record $2.8 Billion Fine Imposed by Beijing?

Commentary

Chinas Alibaba Group found itself under the spotlight following a record antitrust fine slapped on the tech giant, yet it openly expressed its gratitude to the Chinese regime.

On April 10, the worlds biggest e-commerce company was fined 18.2 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) by Chinese regulators for anti-competitive tactics, as the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tightens control over fast-growing tech industries in the mainland. But Alibaba quickly responded and said in an open letter that it is full of gratitude and respect, as it would not have achieved its growth without sound government regulation and critical support.

Its mind-boggling as to why Alibaba would immediately release such a statement after being slapped with a huge fine. But a quick look into its past would help explain the situation.

Back in 2000 when the world entered a new internet era and e-commerce became hugely popular, mainland China was losing ground due to its lack of online payment means. In the early days, overseas e-commerce relied upon credit card payments, but there were few credit card users in China. So the lack of an online payment system, coupled with rampant fraud, made it difficult to promote e-commerce in China for a long time.

In 2004, Alibaba started Alipay as the first Chinese online payment platform. Since then, the e-commerce industry in China has flourished and Alibaba has made a lot of money, with Alipay becoming its most profitable business.

According to Jack Ma, Alibabas founder, the idea of launching Alibabas own online payment system Alipay was copied from the PayPal model. In one of his later speeches, Ma mentioned what he had once told his employees when they were establishing Alipay: if it caused any legal problems, he would be responsible for any consequenceseven if it meant going to jail. The way he put it, it was only after the launching of Alipay that Alibabas growth spurt and the rapid development of Chinas internet commerce industry took place.

Anyone who understands the characteristics of the CCPs totalitarianism would know why it gave Alibaba the first access to Chinas enormous online marketit was not just because of Mas grit and tenacity that had given him his vision of developing e-commerce in mainland China, but he had, and still has, support from a large number of political forces that made the CCPs totalitarian system make concessions.

These forces give rise to the CCPs capitalism of the privileged special interest group. At the top of the list are the sons and grandsons of former leader Jiang Zemin. Of course, besides Jiangs family, the shareholders behind Alibaba at that time included the family members of almost all the top officials above the level of the CCPs Politburo, such as Xi Jinpings family. Xis brother-in-law later withdrew from Alibaba when Xi formally ascended to the top of the CCP. But most of the other senior officials did not, and they are the real core of Alibabas monopoly. In other words, without this group of political forces, there would be no Alibaba, not to mention Alibabas monopoly.

The company sign of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is seen outside its Beijing headquarters in China on June 29, 2019. (China Out/Reuters)

The second kind of monopoly, which also involves power, has been achieved by preventing foreign competitors from entering the Chinese market. If the CCP had not blocked foreign credit cards, foreign online payment tools and foreign e-commerce companies from entering the mainland, Alibaba would not have grown so easily.

The biggest problem with monopoly is that it controls the market and prices, causing social resources to be allocated in a less efficient manner and ultimately hindering the development of society as a whole.

The fundamental reason for the inefficient allocation of social resources in mainland China over the years is not the monopoly of enterprises, but the monopoly of power. From example, what is behind Alibaba is not capital but a power monopoly, which monopolizes the market by monopolizing capital first. This is the inevitable result of the totalitarian system.

Ma is definitely business savvy and very smart, but without the monopolistic political power behind him, he could never have had the chance of building up Alibabaturning a small company of a few million into one of the worlds largest e-commerce powerhouse in just over a decade.

After the CCP announced a record fine of 18.2 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) against Alibaba, the company said publicly that it accepts the penalty and the lesson with great gratitude. The foreign media were puzzled by the companys response.

Imagine what could happen if the U.S. government slapped a huge fine on Google or Amazon: the two companies would not only fight with the government but also spend money on advertising and express their discontent everywhere.

If foreign media and foreign companies knew how Alibaba has built its fortune over the years and how Chinese enterprises operate, they wouldnt have been surprised by Alibabas situation. Chinese enterprises are different from Western companies. They are not independent business entities, but only a link in the whole power chain. The Chinese constitution does not contain the clause that honors the sanctity of private property because it is a totalitarian communist society.

About half of the business activities of Chinese entrepreneurs are related to dealing with the CCP authorities.

I have a friend who used to be in the real estate business in China. When we talked on the phone, he always sounded so happy as he had made a lot of money. But sometimes he would say with great regret that he had been so close to getting a super project that could have made him a national-level billionaire. In 2014, his attitude changed and he told me that several of the big bosses who had gotten those super projects back then were imprisoned. The reason is simplethose big projects are the result of the operation of power. When the local authorities who were behind the projects were taken down as a result of political conflict, their subordinates were are also implicated.

So lets take another look into Alibabas public statement, and if you can read between the lines, this is what the company was really saying: Beijings monopoly of power has provided us with room to grow by driving out countless competitors; even though we got into illegal practices in the past, we still received Beijings support; Beijings power is unlimited and can determine life and death, and now Beijing allows us to continue to survive by asking us to change and pay a fine, instead of arresting us and taking away all of our companys assetsfor which we are full of gratitude.

Now, things start to make more sense. Chinas BATBaidu, Alibaba, and Tencent as a trio of large tech companiesnow compete with their counterparts in the United States. After Alibaba, Beijing wants to investigate Tencent, which mainly monopolizes music and games. In fact, the structures of these big tech companies are very similar to that of Alibaba.

Alibabas co-founder Jack Ma (R) and Tencent Holdings CEO Pony Ma applaud during a celebration meeting marking the 40th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening up policy at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Dec. 18, 2018. (Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images)

Earlier this month, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, along with former White House national security adviser Robert OBrien, held a Nixon Seminar, in which Peter Thiel, a renowned venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, was invited to talk about the issues on the technology competition between China and the United States.

Thiel said that Americans are good at innovation and creativity, and the Chinese are good at stealing. Some people dont like the word steal, so lets use the word learn in this context. What he means is that over the past few decades, almost all technological innovations and creations have been made by Americans, while China has improved on the basis of American innovations and turned them into a more marketable one with the so-called Chinese characteristics.

Think about it, isnt it true that Thiel hit the nail right on the head? Almost all of Chinas scientific and technological achievements in recent years have been based on such a model.

At the seminar, Pompeo asked if China could start to create its own technology without having to learn from the United States. Thiel said that it is unlikely, because the spirit of innovation is a culture and social mechanism that China does not seem to have developed yet.

There are many books on corporate innovation and creativity in the United States, and most of them talk about the following issues: 1) establishing a clear goal; 2) authoritative figures undermine innovation; 3) innovation and entrepreneurship must have a constructive confrontation environment, that is, without conflict, questioning or argument, there can be no innovation; 4) experimentation is encouraged; 5) failure is encouragedprobably the most important characteristic.

Based on the above, China has a clear goal and it encourages experimentation, but it lacks other essential traits to support innovation.

Peter Drucker, one of the worlds most famous business management gurus, once said that central planning is the greatest enemy of the innovation economy. However, the CCP touts central planning as the greatest strength of its system. China is a totalitarian systemnot only at the state level, but also at all local levelswhich is systemically the opposite of the innovation and open system in the West that embraces constructive conflicts, encourages and accommodates different ideas and different opinions, and encourages failure.

In addition, Pompeo, OBrien, and Thiel talked about the issue of Chinese students. There were 360,000 Chinese students in the United States in 2019. Many of the Chinese students are highly intelligent and have received solid training in science at Chinese universities. But they have never received any training in China in innovation and entrepreneurship, which is conducted in American institutions, including universities, research institutes, and large companies.

On U.S. national security forums, issues regarding Chinese students have often been discussed because Americans believe that both the United States and China may have been engaged in a long-term competition, not only in politics, military, and diplomacy, but also in economics and, most importantly, in science and technology, especially in innovative technology. In this case, we can conclude that Chinese students in science-related fields will have fewer and fewer opportunities to come to the United States.

As for Chinas tech giants, such as Alibaba, that have emerged in recent years, what will be in store for them in the future? First, they will face more pressure from the CCPs power monopoly; second, they will still lack innovation; and third, the opportunities to learn from the United States will likely become fewer and more difficult. Therefore, the good times will be over for Chinese tech giants.

Alexander Liao is a columnist and journalist in research on international affairs in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia. He has published a large number of reports, commentaries, and video programs in newspapers and Chinese financial magazines in the United States and Hong Kong.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A new study has found up to half of all children with language difficulties and mental and physical health problems have been exposed to intimate partner violence, prompting calls for health and social care services to provide more effective identification and early intervention.

The research, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and published in The BMJ, showed children exposed to intimate partner violence from infancy were twice as likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and impaired language skills at age 10. They were also more likely to have asthma and sleep problems.

The study also found that children exposed to intimate partner violence in the year they turned 10 were two to three times more likely to experience poor mental health, elevated blood pressure and sleep difficulties. But with the exception of language difficulties and asthma, child health outcomes at age 10 were not affected if their only exposure to intimate partner violence occurred before they turned five, highlighting the need for more effective early intervention.

The research involved 1507 first-time mothers and their first-born children. Women were recruited to the study from six public maternity hospitals in Melbourne. More than one in four women and children in the study were exposed to intimate partner violence during the first 10 years after the child's birth.

MCRI Professor Stephanie Brown said the findings showed the size of the burden of ill health carried by children growing up in households where intimate partner violence occurred.

"Intimate partner is the most common form of violence against women and their children and is a global public health issue," she said. "It's not limited to physical and sexual violence and is often characterised by a pattern of psychological control and coercion. Children may pick up on this and experience constant fear or anxiety at home.

"The impact of COVID-19 has increased pressures on families and heightened the need for more effective intervention and support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse."

Professor Brown said that many women experiencing intimate partner violence were unsure about seeking support from family health and social care services.

"Services need to aware of the impact of intimate partner violence on children's health and wellbeing and work to overcome barriers that may get in the way of women seeking support for themselves and their children," she said.

"Barriers may include fear of judgement, the perception that health services can't help, the cost of GP appointments, limited availability of low cost psychological and other allied health services, and lack of services that take a holistic approach to women and children's health and wellbeing.

"If child health and social services do not recognise and respond to intimate partner violence as a potential contributing factor to poor child health outcomes, interventions to support children with health and developmental problems are likely to be less effective."

MCRI Dr Deirdre Gartland said some mothers and children experience good health and wellbeing despite their exposure to intimate partner violence.

"It is important to recognise that not all children exposed to intimate partner violence have poor physical and mental health," she said.

"Women are doing everything they can to protect and look after their children to give them the best possible outcomes despite the situations they are in."

Researchers from The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, The Royal Women's Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University and Deakin University also contributed to the findings.

###

Publication: Deirdre Gartland, Laura J Conway, Rebecca Giallo, Fiona K Mensah, Fallon Cook, Kelsey Hegarty, Helen Herrman, Jan Nicholson, Sheena Reilly, Harriet Hiscock, Emma Sciberras and Stephanie J Brown. 'Intimate partner violence and child outcomes at age 10: a pregnancy cohort,' The BMJ. DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320321

*The content of this communication is the sole responsibility of MCRI and does not reflect the views of the NHMRC.

Available for interview:

Professor Stephanie Brown, MCRI Group Leader, Ingenerational Health

Dr Deirdre Gartland, MCRI Team Leader, Ingenerational Health

Funding:

The Maternal Health Study was supported by project grants from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC; #199222, #433006 and #491205) and Australian Rotary Health. Stephanie Brown holds an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (#1103976). Rebecca Giallo, Fiona Mensah and Emma Sciberras hold NHMRC Career Development Fellowships (#1123900, #1111160 and #1110688). Emma Sciberras holds a Veski Inspiring Women's Fellowship. Harriet Hiscock holds an NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (#1136222). Deirdre Gartland and Laura Conway are supported by the NHMRC Safer Families Centre (#1116690). Laura Conway and Fallon Cook hold Lifecourse Postdoctoral Fellowships supported by The Royal Children's Hospital Research Foundation. Research at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute is supported by the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Support Programme.
 Flash

Another 2,524 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,393,307, according to official figures released Tuesday.

The country also reported another 33 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 127,307. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

More than 33 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures.

Earlier Tuesday, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed a major move of the region's lockdown easing from Monday next week.

According to the rules, travel will be permitted between Scotland and other parts of Britain and all shops are able to reopen from Monday next week. Pubs and restaurants can also reopen, but alcohol will only be served outside.

Sturgeon said as the coronavirus cases continue to fall in Scotland, she hopes that by the "deeper part of the summer", "something much more like normality" will be possible.

"We are hopeful, very hopeful, of seeing sustained progress," she said.

In England, all shops reopened from April 12 as lockdown eases, along with hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services.

Restaurants and pubs were allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors. Meanwhile, gyms, spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centers can all open.

On May 17, restaurants and pubs are expected be allowed to resume indoor service and see most rules on gathering outdoors lifted.

The British government's four-step plan is expected to see all legal restrictions in England being removed by mid-June.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the United States as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.


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NEW BROCTON, Ala.  Two people were hurt Tuesday when an Army helicopter crashed at a training base in south Alabama, military officials said.

Fort Rucker officials said in a news release that the aviation mishap involved a UH-72 Lakota helicopter. The two-person crew on board were conducting flight training. The incident occurred at Ft. Ruckers Brown Stagefield heliport near New Brockton.

Officials at Fort Rucker did not immediately release information about a potential cause of the accident.

The two people on board were evacuated for medical treatment. No fatalities were reported. The helicopter was damaged.

Fort Rucker is the Armys primary training facility for helicopter pilots.

This article was written by The Associated Press from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
(ANSAmed) - CAIRO, APRIL 21 - Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared a state of emergency and stopped operations at the oil terminal of Marsa al Hariga due to a problem with the Central Bank. "This announcement was the result of the refusal by the Central Bank of Libya to fund the budget of the oil sector for long months", a situation that "led to the worsening indebtment of some companies, first of all the Arabian Gulf Oil Company", NOC said Monday, as noted today by the website Libya Observer.



NOC expressed understanding for the company's reasons in suspending operations in Hariga. According to initial estimates by NOC, daily losses could exceed 118 million Libyan dinars and negatively influence revenues in April and thus money in public coffers.(ANSAmed).


The drug discovery engine is eyeing future partnerships after securing deals with Sanofi and Indivior

( ) has made pre-clinical work the centre of its focus.

The firm aims to create the world's most productive drug discovery engine by designing small-molecule medicines that can be easily delivered to the affected area of the patients body.

We don't plan to become a clinical company and we remain in the early phase, and the reason for that is we have a couple of very good technologies which we believe make a big difference in that phase and differentiates us from the rest, chief executive Clive Dix told Proactive.

We plan to always have a portfolio of projects that we work on using our technologies to find really good molecules, high-quality molecules, which we take anywhere from starting point all the way through to a clinical candidate ready to go in the clinic.

The portfolio is focused on inflammation, neurodegeneration and oncology, including immuno-oncology, with the aim of replenishing big pharma discovery pipelines and driving returns through revenue-generating pre-clinical licensing deals.

C4X has recently clinched its second major licensing deal with French group Sanofi, worth up to 414mln for its oral IL-17A inhibitor programme.

At the moment both the UK company and its partner are a long way from commercial launch.

However, they are working on a hugely promising potential treatment for inflammatory diseases, tapping into a multi-billion-dollar market.

Currently, IL-17 monoclonal antibodies are administered by injection, so having an oral version represents a significant breakthrough.

Everybody wants an oral IL-17 inhibitor  all the companies that have an antibody want an oral molecule, a small molecule that you can pop a pill, and all the companies that haven't gotten IL-17 but are in the inflammatory space also want a small molecule, so there's a lot of demand, Dix, who is also interim chair of the UK Vaccines Task Force, explained.

Because we've got differentiated technologies we can crack some problems that maybe others can't, or if they can, it's quite hard for them to.

The companys first major deal dates back to March 2018, when it agreed to supply its treatment to FTSE 250-listed Indivior for opioid use disorder into the clinic as part of a deal worth US$294mln.

Phase I trials for the drug, which aims to treat opioid addiction by targeting the "craving" process, started last summer.

The first part of the two-part study is double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomised, with a single-ascending dose given to fasting volunteers.

The second part is an open-label study, in which the patients are aware of what they are given, with a single dose to be administered once under fasting conditions and once after eating a standard US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) high-fat breakfast.

The trial benefits from funding by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), made to Indivior in 2019 to develop medications to prevent and treat opioid addiction, as the US continues to battle an opioid crisis.

But C4X doesnt rest on its laurels and continues looking for the rest of its portfolio.

[The programmes] are in areas where we know there's a lot of interest, both medical interest and unmet need, and companies are looking to get molecules in these areas, Dix noted.

The oral NRF-2 activator programme is also targeting inflammatory diseases activating the NRF-2 pathway, which is important in mediating illnesses such as sickle cell disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and others.

It worked in lots of areas, Dix said, in fact, the companies who are interested can't make their mind up which area they think is the best.

We have our own views but it's not really down to us to decide. We want the partners to look at it, and in many cases now we're already talking to partners and we do material transfer agreements and they test them in their specific model systems.

According to Dix, this molecule is a little bit like a steroid as it causes powerful anti-inflammatory responses but also has antioxidant properties, so it helps against the destruction of tissue which inevitably happens when the disease hits.

Theres also the oral 47 integrin inhibitor programme, which received an InnovateUK Feasibility Award to fund the early stages.

Clinical tests showed that it was effective in avoiding too many white blood cells to migrate into the tissue when paired with an antibody.

We have looked to see if we can find small molecules that do the same as the antibody yet again and we've got some really nice early molecules, Dix continued.

There's a lot of interest already in that programme and we'll be developing the full data package on that and, as we go through, companies will keep coming and looking at it and talking to us and at some point we will decide to initiate a full licensing programme there again.

Finally, theres the collaboration with medical research charity LifeArc as part of the Medical Research Councils out-licensing and drug discovery programme.

The pair entered a partnership in 2018 to work on programmes for oncology and inflammation indications.

Similarly to other work done by C4X, the scope is to develop oral, potent and selective small molecule drug candidates in areas of high unmet clinical need.

Shares were trading at 42.99p on Wednesday, having climbed 34% in the year to date.
OMAHA, Neb., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet Linx, the leading private jet management and Jet Card membership company in the United States, today announced the introduction of its Joint Ownership Program, an innovative solution that makes aircraft ownership more accessible and affordable, providing all the benefits of owning a private jet but at 50% of the cost due to shared ownership of the asset. The announcement was made by Jamie Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jet Linx.

The Jet Linx Joint Ownership Program also eliminates all of the complexities of owning a private jet, because Jet Linx identifies and purchases the aircraft, recruits, trains and employs the pilots, as well as provides complete management of the aircraft, inclusive of hangar, fuel, insurance and maintenance. To reduce the operating expenses normally associated with private jet ownership, aircraft in the Jet Linx Joint Ownership Program also benefit from the Company's buying power and scale as part of its nationwide fleet of 120 aircraft. In addition, whenever an owner isn't using their aircraft, Jet Linx generates revenue for the aircraft through its Jet Card membership program, making the Jet Linx Joint Ownership Program the most cost-effective private jet ownership solution in the marketplace.

Jet Linx today announced its new Joint Ownership Program, making aircraft ownership more accessible and affordable. Tweet this

Unlike traditional fractional jet ownership programs in which an aircraft has 16 different owners and the operator then uses the aircraft to service thousands of fractional owners nationwide, the Jet Linx Joint Ownership Program serves only two owners for each aircraft which is based locally at a Jet Linx private terminal and hangar to serve its owners. "Our Joint Ownership Program clients actually fly on their own aircraft with their own pilots, offering a truly unique and outstanding service experience compared to the conventional fractional ownership model," said Mr. Walker.

In addition to sourcing and purchasing aircraft for Joint Ownership Program clients, Jet Linx also offers to facilitate the sale of an owner's half-interest. "We have seen a recent trend towards shared ownership, from both new buyers and existing aircraft owners, to reduce the capital outlay and carrying costs associated with whole aircraft ownership," said Mr. Walker. "We're thrilled to introduce a new and innovative solution that allows individuals and companies to experience the benefits of private jet ownership without the financial requirements of whole aircraft ownership. Our Joint Ownership Program leverages our extensive experience in whole aircraft ownership and management and brings it to a much larger audience of prospective clients by removing half of the expense and risk of whole aircraft ownership, while providing what's been missing from traditional fractional jet ownership  the enjoyment of flying on your own aircraft with your own crew from a local private terminal and hangar."

The launch of the Jet Linx Joint Ownership program follows the recent expansion of the company's industry-leading Jet Card programs and aircraft management solutions. In January 2021, Jet Linx introduced the Complete Aircraft Transaction (CAT) program, the industry's first and only full-service solution for the purchase, management and sale of a private jet. Jet Linx also introduced two new Jet Cards in 2020, its 90-day Affiliate Jet Card for those in need of a short-term private aviation solution for necessary travel and the Enterprise Jet Card, which provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of services and products designed to optimize their corporate travel strategy through increased connectivity and productivity.

For more information on Jet Linx and the new Joint Ownership program, please visit www.jetlinx.com/joint-aircraft-ownership.

About Jet Linx Aviation

Jet Linx Aviation is a locally-focused private jet company founded in Omaha, NE in 1999 as a more personalized approach to national private jet companies. Jet Linx offers two different ways to experience private aviation  a guaranteed jet card and private jet management program  providing its clients with an all-encompassing, local solution to all of their private jet travel needs. Jet Linx is an IS-BAO Stage 3, ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman safety rated operator, an accomplishment earned by less than one percent of all aircraft operators in the world. In 2019, Jet Linx became the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star trained and accredited private aviation company in the world. In addition to establishing the independent global rating system's preeminent and unparalleled service standards for the in-flight experience, Jet Linx also collaborated with Forbes Travel Guide to develop their own customized, proprietary Jet Linx standards of service excellence. Jet Linx is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and has base locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Omaha, San Antonio, Scottsdale, St Louis, Tulsa and Washington D.C. For additional information, please visit the Jet Linx website (www.jetlinx.com).

SOURCE Jet Linx

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In context: As artificial intelligence systems get more ubiquitous, the need to regulate their use becomes more apparent. We have already seen how systems like facial recognition can be unreliable at best and biased at worst. Or how governments can misuse AI to impinge on individual rights. The European Union is now considering implementing formal regulation on AI's use.

On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed regulations that would restrict and guide how companies, organizations, and government agencies use artificial intelligence systems. If approved, it will be the first formal legislation to govern AI usage. The EC says the rules are necessary to safeguard "the fundamental rights of people and businesses." The legal framework would consist of four levels of regulation.

The first tier would be AI systems deemed "unacceptable risk." These would be algorithms considered a "clear threat to safety, livelihoods, and rights of people." The law would outright ban applications like China's social scoring system or any others designed to modify human behavior.

The second tier consists of AI technology considered "high risk." The EC's definition of high-risk applications is broad, covering a wide range of software, some of which is already in use. Law enforcement software that uses AI that may interfere with human rights will be strictly controlled. Facial recognition is one example. In fact, all remote biometric identification systems fall into this category.

These systems will be highly regulated, requiring high-quality datasets for training, activity logs to trace back results, detailed documentation, and "appropriate human oversight," among other things. The European Union would forbid the use of most of these applications in public areas. However, the rules would have concessions for matters of national security.

The third level is "limited risk" AIs. These mainly consist of chatbots or personal assistants such as Google's Duplex. These systems must provide a level of transparency significant enough that they can be identified as non-human. The end-user must be allowed to decide whether or not he or she interacts with the AI.

Finally, there are programs considered "minimal risk." These would be AI software that poses little to no harm to human safety or freedoms. For example, email filtering algorithms or AI used in video games would be exempt from regulation.

Enforcement measures would consist of fines in the range of six percent of a company's global sales. However, it could take years for anything to go into effect as European member states debate and hammer out the details.
Church elders under fire for threatening to expel mom who left husband, started dating woman

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A team of elders from the Woodstock Church of Christ in Georgia who threatened to expel one of their members after she divorced her husband and made her new lesbian relationship public are now coming under fire online for trying to live according to their religious beliefs.

On Sunday, the church member, Krystal Cox, published a letter on Instagram dated April 1. In the document, Woodstock Church of Christ Elders Rick Reynolds, Gary Kyle, Don Williams and Eric Dotson explain how they have tried to reason with her about going against the churchs teachings on sexuality since last December.

As we have previously stated, we feel it is crucial to remind you that our Lord considered it vital that no one can be involved in homosexuality and be in a pleasing relationship with God," the letter stated.

We sent you a letter in the second week of December 2020 that was confirmed by the USPS as delivered on December 10, 2020. A copy of that letter is enclosed. In that letter, the Eldership requested an opportunity to discuss with you this situation and the condition of your soul. We have not received a response to that letter."

Material published on Woodstock Church of Christs website notes that: Our authority in religious matters is found only in the inspired Scriptures. Therefore, we seek to be governed in organization, faith, worship and work by Gods holy Word.

The nondenominational congregation, which seeks to model itself after the New Testament Church, also takes a minimalist approach to worship with their congregational singing without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments.

This may appear strange to the first-time visitor, but many consider this is the most inspirational part of our worship. This type of singing is used by the New Testament church (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We believe that following their example is pleasing to God, the church explains.

The local congregation selected the four Woodstock Church of Christ elders to serve as pastors or overseers of the church and "teach and exhort the church in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict the truth.

Elders are involved in the lives of the members, providing spiritual guidance, prayer and visits in time of sickness, comfort and support in times of bereavement, counseling, and spiritual nourishment as members experience the realities of this life," the church explained on its website, which has since been disabled.

"Elders are to lead by example and will provide instruction for equipping the saints for the work of ministry as well as provide the edification needed for healthy relationships within the church (Ephesian 4:11-12). These men are shepherds of this congregation and their primary interest is helping the souls of this congregation reach heaven together."

Since Cox was unresponsive to their appeals, the elders gave her an ultimatum.

If we fail to hear from you by April 30, 2021, we would understand you are not repentant and do not desire to be forgiven of your sinful behavior," the elders wrote. "That being the case, an announcement to that effect will be made to the Woodstock Church of Christ on the following Sunday. We will announce that we have withdrawn fellowship from you following efforts to establish a dialogue to persuade you to repent. Your name will be removed from our membership role [sic] until you decide to make your life right with the Lord."

It is important that you understand after fellowship has been withdrawn from you, Christians must not interact with you except to encourage you to repent and seek forgiveness (1 Corinthians 5:11-13 and Ephesians 5:11), the elders added.

Cox, a longtime hairstylist who owns the Hair Bar Salon in Woodstock, told CBS 46 that she was enraged after reading the letter from the elders.

Well, when I opened it, I was kind of enraged. Like, why am I getting picked on and getting called out when everyone has sin? she asked.

The fact that theyre going to point it out and release my personal business to the entire congregation of the church and tell them that I can no longer come there, I just dont feel like thats right, Cox added.

I feel like its not wrong. I look at my relationship and how much love I have with her and think, how can people think this is so wrong?

Cox, who previously celebrated her relationship with her now ex-husband online, now celebrates her relationship with her girlfriend.

She insists that she does not want her former congregation to be attacked for their beliefs.

I just really dont want anything bad to come out of this," she said. "Like I want it to be good. I dont want people to be saying ugly things to them and sending them ugly stuff. I just dont want that. That was not my intent."

Since Cox publicized the letter, Woodstock Church of Christ has disabled its social media accounts and website. Calls made to the elders and the church by The Christian Post on Tuesday also went unanswered.

LGBTQ advocates are now slamming the church online with negative reviews and have driven down the church's rating on Google to two stars.

Incredibly judgmental and close-minded," wrote reviewer Alyssa Bowden. "Very rude. God must be very ashamed."

Many reviewers, like David Patterson, gave the church five-star ratings before Coxs letter was made public.

Came to Woodstock last October out of a really bad experience. This is truly a family of believers trying to help one another get to heaven," he wrote in a review five years ago. "The church has a wonderful group of elders and the preacher is truly book, chapter, and verse, but makes sure everyone understands the everyday applications of whatever the lesson in our daily lives. There has been an emphasis since we have been there on teaching the lost in the way New Testament did in the first century. If you are looking for a church to call home, COME TEST IT FOR YOURSELF."

Another reviewer, Kristi Busby, wrote on Tuesday that the church is a "loving congregation that adheres to what the Bible says."

"We have many personal friends who worship here, wrote Busby.
New Delhi: The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 Foreign Ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3 to 5th.

The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, "the meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the worlds biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change."

A key focus of the meet will on the COVID crisis, even as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate Change will be the other big focus area, given the UK also hosts the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical G7 meet to take place in over 2 years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from 11th to 13th June.

India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019 -first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic.

The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 with "disinvite" to Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

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Global nitrous oxide market is expected to grow from USD 789.2 million in 2017 to USD 1,441.2 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period according to a study published by Polaris Market Research.

Increasing application of nitrous oxide from medical, automotive and semiconductor manufacturing, chemical and even food & beverage packaging industries are expected to drive its market. Significant pervasiveness of several types of chronic diseases and increasing number of geriatric population globally are anticipated to be some potential implications for the product to experience higher demand during the forecast period. Few of the non-medical applications of the product include semiconductors, food processing & packaging and premium automobiles among the major end-uses.

Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/nitrous-oxide-market/request-for-sample

The increasing application from the semiconductor and automobile industry has been the present trend and hence these two end-use segments are anticipated to be among the fastest growing segments by the end of the forecast period. Higher definition new display technologies including the ultra high definition and OLED require higher amounts of nitrous oxide and this has been a new expansion in its demand. Currently, the gas has also been used to manufacture metal oxide transistors which are replacing the conventional silicon based technology ones.

Its use as food & beverage propellant such as for whipped creams, industrial agents and foaming agents, as fuel oxidizer in race cars and rockets are some of its promising application sectors. But, it has been consider as a global warming compounds by Kyoto protocol. Almost most of the warming contributions globally arise from secondary reaction of fertilizers in solids and other agriculture sources. Hence, this fact has been a major restraint in the industry growth till now.

The report provides an extensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market trends and growth prospects of the Global Nitrous Oxide Market, 2017-2026. This report comprises a detailed geographic distribution of the market across North America, Europe, APAC and South America, and MEA. North America is further segmented into U.S., Canada. Europe is divided into Germany, UK, Italy, and Rest of Europe. Asia-Pacific is bifurcated into China, India, Japan, and Rest of Asia-Pacific.

Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/nitrous-oxide-market

Competitive Landscape and Key Vendors

Asia Pacific was the largest regional market in 2017. Increasing demand from the medical industry which has been growing in proportional to the regions rising economy is anticipated to be the primary source for it. Even the electronics manufacturing industry of China, Japan, South Korea and even India has always been a major contributor to Asia Pacifics demand for this gas.

Presence of or increasing availability of cheap but qualified and highly skilled labor in the region has attracted many of the premium car manufacturers to set up their manufacturing facilities for economies of scale. The rapidly developing and expanding automobile manufacturing industry in this region also has and will further augment demand for nitrous oxide over the next eight years.

Some of the leading industry participants include KVK Corporation, SS Gas Lab Asia, Promas Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Ltd., Air Liquide S.A., Merck KGaA, SOL S.p.A., Matheson Tri-Gas Inc., Airgas, Inc., The Linde Group, Praxair, Inc., and Oxygen and Argon Works Ltd.

Key Segments Outlook

 End-Use Type

Medical

Automotive

Electronics

Food & Beverage

 Region

North America U.S. Canada

Europe Germany UK France

Asia-Pacific China India Japan

Latin America Brazil Mexico

Middle East and Africa

Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/nitrous-oxide-market/request-for-discount-pricing

About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world.

Contact us-

Polaris Market Research

Phone: 1-646-568-9980

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Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com
A Further Step in the Development of a Fully Integrated U.S. Rare Earth Element Supply Chain

Energy Fuels and Hyperion have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the potential supply of monazite sands from the Titan Project in Tennessee to Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah for the production of rare earth products.





to Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in for the production of rare earth products. Monazite is a very valuable rare earth-bearing mineral, planned to be produced at the Titan Project as a component of its heavy mineral sand concentrate product.





The MOU highlights the potential importance of Hyperion's Titan Project, as Energy Fuels advances its initiatives to establish a fully integrated, low-cost U.S rare earth element supply chain.





Energy Fuels and Hyperion will also evaluate a potential arrangement to collaborate in the development of an integrated U.S. rare earth supply chain.

LAKEWOOD, Colo., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. ("Energy Fuels") (NYSE: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) and Hyperion Metals Limited ("Hyperion") (ASX: HYM) are pleased to announce the execution of a non-binding memorandum of understanding ("MOU") for the supply of natural monazite sands ("Monazite") from Hyperion's Titan Project in Tennessee (the "Titan Project"). Energy Fuels plans to produce mixed rare earth element ("REE") products from processing the Monazite at its White Mesa Mill in Utah.

The parties have also agreed to evaluate a potential teaming, joint venture, equity investment or other arrangement under which Hyperion would collaborate with Energy Fuels, and potentially other parties, in advancing Energy Fuels' current initiative to establish a fully integrated, "mine to market" U.S. rare earth supply chain for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, as well as other specialty uses.

The collaboration between Energy Fuels and Hyperion will initially focus on the potential commercial supply of Monazite from Hyperion's Titan Project to Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill. Under the MOU, the parties have agreed to negotiate a definitive sales agreement for this supply of Monazite. In addition, subject to Hyperion supplying Energy Fuels with a sufficient quantity of Monazite from the Titan Project within a reasonable period of time, Hyperion and Energy Fuels will evaluate entering into a joint venture or other similar arrangement whereby Hyperion would participate with Energy Fuels, and potentially other parties, in the continuing development and operation of an integrated, low-cost and sustainable independent U.S. rare earth supply chain, under which Monazite would be supplied from The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) ("Chemours") U.S. projects, the Titan Project, and potentially other U.S and international mines, with the Monazite to be processed and separated into value-added rare earth products at Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill. This could potentially also result in the development of rare earth metal production capabilities.

Hyperion's Titan Project covers a large area of heavy mineral sands properties in Tennessee prospective for titanium, zircon, Monazite and other valuable minerals such as high-grade silica sand and other refractory minerals. The Titan Project is in an area which saw significant historic exploration from 1960  1990 by DuPont, BHP and others, strategically located in the southeast of the U.S., close to significant manufacturing capacity, providing what Hyperion believes to be a significant logistical advantage over current U.S. supplies of imported titanium feedstock.

Hyperion is nearing completion of a three-phase drilling and bulk sampling test work program at the Titan Project. Results to date have successfully confirmed the high grade and significant thickness of mineralization over approximately a 3.6 km strike length. Assays from the drill programs to date have returned thick zones of high-grade Total Heavy Mineral ("THM") near surface, with highlights including:

47.2m @ 3.69% THM including 10.7m @ 8.09% THM and 10.7m @ 5.47% THM

@ 3.69% THM including @ 8.09% THM and @ 5.47% THM 36.6m @ 3.37% THM including 12.2m @ 7.65% THM

@ 3.37% THM including @ 7.65% THM 35.1m @ 3.04% THM including 10.7m @ 8.16% THM

@ 3.04% THM including @ 8.16% THM 41.1m @ 2.14% THM including 9.1m @ 5.55 THM

@ 2.14% THM including @ 5.55 THM 33.5m @ 2.21% THM including 12.2m @ 5.64% THM

Hyperion's bulk sampling test work for flow-sheet development is nearing completion, and is evaluating the production of a number of mineral products, including:

Titanium minerals  used to produce titanium metal and for the production of paint and pigments;

Monazite  used for the production of rare earth products;

Zircon  used for the ceramic and foundry markets; and

High quality silica  used in float glass, solar panel glass and pharmaceutical grade glass.

A 70-hole Phase 3 drill program is nearing completion, and together with the bulk sample program will form the basis for Hyperion's initial mineral resource estimate expected to be delivered in Q2 2021. For more information about the Titan Project go to: www.hyperionmetals.us

Energy Fuels and Neo Performance Materials Inc. (TSX: NEO) ("Neo") recently announced the joint launch of a U.S.-European REE supply chain involving Energy Fuels, Neo and Chemours. Under this emerging initiative, Energy Fuels is currently purchasing 2,500 tons of Monazite per year from the Chemours Company's Georgia (USA) heavy mineral sand operations. Energy Fuels is currently processing this Monazite at its White Mesa Mill in Utah into a clean, mixed REE carbonate, as well as recovering the contained uranium. Energy Fuels is selling this intermediate REE product to Neo's REE separations facility in Sillamae, Estonia for the production of commercial value-added REE products, supplying U.S. and European markets.

In addition to producing mixed REE carbonate, Energy Fuels is also evaluating the potential to develop U.S. separation, metals, alloys, and other downstream REE capabilities at the White Mesa Mill, or nearby, thereby fully integrating a U.S. rare earth supply chain in the coming years. Energy Fuels is seeking to increase its supply of Monazite feed to approximately 15,000 tons per year (or greater) for this initiative. Subject to completion of permitting, development and commencement of operations, the Titan Project is expected to be a potential future source of Monazite to supplement Chemours' supply of Monazite to Energy Fuels.

The MOU highlights the importance of Hyperion's Titan Project as a potentially important source of high value American rare earth minerals, expected to play an integral role in rebuilding sustainable, robust and resilient transportation, energy and defense sectors, and the desire of Energy Fuels to build diversified and significant Monazite feedstocks from various sources.

Energy Fuels' President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Chalmers, said: "Energy Fuels, along with Chemours and Neo, are creating a new U.S.-Europe rare earth supply chain. For this initiative to achieve its full potential, we are actively seeking new, ethically-produced sources of Monazite, with sources from the U.S. being our first priority. Therefore, we are excited to work with Hyperion to secure additional sources of Monazite for processing at the White Mesa Mill. Through their association with Piedmont Lithium's project in North Carolina, members of the Hyperion team have demonstrated to us that they have the know-how and resources to bring U.S. critical mineral projects into production. We look forward to working with the Hyperion team and potentially seeing our relationship grow through their participation in a fully-integrated, low cost U.S. rare earth supply chain in the future. We are particularly excited about the prospect of sourcing U.S. mined Monazite, which together with our current supplies from Chemours' Georgia operations and the unique capabilities of the White Mesa Mill, demonstrates to us that a world-competitive and world-scale, fully integrated U.S. rare earth supply chain is becoming a reality."

Hyperion's Managing Director, Mr. Anastasios Arima, said: "We are excited to progress the potential supply to Energy Fuels of American Monazite for its rare earths supply chain right here in the USA, bringing back sustainable American industry and skilled jobs for generations. The import dependence of the U.S. for key critical minerals, including rare earths and titanium, presents a huge threat to the security of key domestic industries, including defense, space, aerospace, renewables and electric vehicles. Our collaboration with Energy Fuels highlights the importance of Hyperion's Titan Project in the U.S. as a leader in American sourced critical minerals through its plans to produce zero carbon titanium metals, delivering a clean energy future through the supply of rare earth elements for electric vehicles and the renewable power sectors."

This announcement has been authorized for release by Hyperion's Managing Director.

About Energy Fuels: Energy Fuels is a leading U.S.-based uranium mining company, supplying U 3 O 8 to major nuclear utilities. The Company also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is in the process of ramping-up to commercial production of REE carbonate in 2021. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado near Denver, and all of its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds three of America's key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah, the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") Project in Wyoming, and the Alta Mesa ISR Project in Texas. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE carbonate and uranium from Monazite. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is currently on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Alta Mesa ISR Project is also currently on standby. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the U.S. and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." Energy Fuels' website is www.energyfuels.com .

About Hyperion: Hyperion Metals' mission is to be the leading developer of zero carbon, sustainable, critical material supply chains for advanced American industries including space, aerospace, electric vehicles and 3D printing. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Titan Project, covering nearly 4,000 acres of prospective titanium, rare earth minerals, high grade silica sand and zircon mineral sands properties in Tennessee, USA, as well as an option to secure the exclusive license to produce low carbon titanium metal using the breakthrough HAMR technology, invented by Dr. Z. Zak Fang and his team at the University of Utah with government funding from ARPA-E. The primary trading market for Hyperion's common shares is the Australian Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "HYM." Hyperion's website is www.hyperionmetals.us.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Forward-looking information may relate to future events or future performance of Energy Fuels or Hyperion. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, with respect to Energy Fuels' or Hyperion's objectives and goals, as well as statements with respect to their beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions, are forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this discussion include, but are not limited to, the following: any expectation that the Titan Project will be permitted and developed into a commercial producing mine; any expectation that the Titan Project will provide a significant logistical advantage over current U.S. supplies of imported titanium feedstock; any expectation that future exploration or bulk sample results at the Titan Project will meet expectations; any expectation that a JORC Code report will be prepared for the Titan Project and that it will confirm current exploration or bulk sampling results or otherwise meet expectations; any expectation that the Titan Project will contain Monazite in a commercial form or that the Titan Project will be capable of producing satisfactory amounts of Monazite per year; any estimation of the mine life of the Titan Project or when it may commence production of Monazite, if at all; any expectation that the White Mesa Mill will be successful in producing REE carbonate on a commercial basis; any expectation that Neo will be successful in separating the White Mesa Mill's REE carbonate on a commercial basis; any expectation that Energy Fuels will be successful in increasing its supplies of Monazite, developing U.S. separation, metals or metal/alloy capabilities at the White Mesa Mill or nearby, or otherwise fully integrating a low cost U.S REE supply chain in the future; any expectation with respect to the quantities of Monazite to be acquired by Energy Fuels; any expectation with regard to the cost of producing and separating REE carbonate; and any expectation that Energy Fuels and Hyperion will be successful in completing definitive agreements and hence proceeding with their collaborative efforts . Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: permitting and developing the Titan Project; exploration results not meeting expectations on the Titan Project; commodity prices; the Titan Project never going into production; legal challenges and injunctions; processing difficulties and upsets; available supplies of Monazite; the ability of the White Mesa Mill to produce REE carbonate to meet commercial specifications on a commercial scale at acceptable costs; the ability of Neo to separate REE carbonate to meet commercial specifications on a commercial scale at acceptable costs; market factors, including future demand for REEs; and the ability of Energy Fuels and Hyperion to finalize definitive agreements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and Energy Fuels and Hyperion disclaim, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Energy Fuels and Hyperion assume no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to the Titan Project Exploration Results is extracted from Hyperion's ASX Announcements dated 10 March 2021 and 7 January 2021 ("Original ASX Announcements") which are available to view at Hyperion's website at www.hyperionmetals.us. Hyperion confirms that a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the Original ASX Announcements; b) all material assumptions included in the Original ASX Announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed; and c) the form and context in which the relevant Competent Persons' findings are presented in this report have not been materially changed from the Original ASX Announcements.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.

Related Links

http://www.energyfuels.com


(Natural News) Weve seen HPV vaccines cause spontaneous abortions, still births and miscarriages. Somehow, mothers still let their girls as young as nine get the deadly, maiming HPV jab. Weve watched the vaccine industry insert human abortion cells into vaccines to conjure up severe immune reactions that are extremely dangerous, including to the reproductive system of women. Those human fetal tissue cells are being used right now in the AstraZeneca and J&J Covid-19 vaccines, and still Americans are confused as to why people are dying from the vaccine itself, or they just dont know, yet. So, its time to wake up.

The deaths from the Covid-19 vaccine are in the thousands, surpassing the total death count from the 9/11 terror event. Think about that for a minute. Now comes mRNA smart-vaccine-sterilization-technology and the most insidious genocidal event ever planned. Get ready.

SVST  Smart Vaccine Sterilization Technology and Chinas intrauterine devices soon to be used in America for depopulation plan

Yes, mRNA can be used to shut down the human immune system and reproductive system with the flip of a switch. Just as the medical industrial complex creates miniscule cameras and nanotechnology for manipulating human function, Chinas forced fertility program is about to present itself in America in the most surprising way  via Covid-19 mRNA vaccines. Theyre already targeting teen and pre-teen girls in America. Ask yourself why.

The Biden Regime has teamed up with the CCP (Communist Chinese Party) to turn America into one gigantic third world country, full of infected illegal immigrants and dying, non-reproducing Americans.

As the mRNA vaccines and Covid-21 comes to kill off the sick, the elderly, and the newborns (including babies still in the womb), Communist China will begin forced sterilization of anyone whos left that can still reproduce organic humans. The rest will be genetically modified zombies who work in factories and concentration camps.

In China, right now, they use a force-sterilization program on Uighur women, and literally leave the IUDs inside the Chinese women indefinitely, where only surgery can take them out. Can you say One-Child-Policy coming to America without choking behind your Chinese-Flu mask?

If an IUD is left in a womans womb for a long period, it adheres to the surrounding tissue, leading to infections, cancer, and even mental health problems. Bones must be broken to remove it after a few years.

Sterilization chemical HCG that causes spontaneous abortion used by WHO and UNICEF in tetanus vaccines to try to sterilize 2.3 million females in Kenya

Leave it to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the WHO and UNICEF to target young Black women first for extermination and population reduction schemes. Those organizations literally hate all Black people, and thats why they use vaccines to sterilize girls as soon as they reach child-bearing age and into their teens and young adult years. And yes, again, we have proof.

The WHO and UNICEF were caught red-handed in Kenya administering sterilization agents in tetanus vaccinations that have no use other than sterilization. Those organizations are being charged by Kenya Catholic Doctors Association for using vaccines laced with HCG, an antigen that causes miscarriages.

Over 2 million girls were jabbed with this dirty vaccine intended to kill off more poor Black people in Africa, as the insidious Bill Gates, the WHO and UNICEF further their campaign to reduce the worlds population by a few billion people, starting with poor Blacks in Africa. Six samples from all over Kenya were analyzed in laboratories in South Africa and all tested positive for the HCG sterilization antigen.

The World Health Organization developed HCG as a chemical specifically for sterilization purposes, because once injected into a pregnant woman, the baby is DESTROYED through spontaneous abortion by the womans own antibody response to HCG. Plus, HCGs lethal effects last for up to 3 years, causing miscarriage of any pregnancies during that time.

So why would America be any different for insidious Bill Gates, who has headed up the whole Covid-19 plandemic with his best buddy Fraudulent Fauci? The next jab in the series of Covid-19 vaccines will be a tell-all, as we see millions of Americans suffering from violent chemical and mRNA side effects, including abortions, miscarriages, psychotic episodes and massively compromised (or totally shut down) immune systems. Its called SVST  Smart Vaccine Sterilization Technology. Its the next phase of the mRNA vaccine series, folks.

Tune your internet dial to Vaccines.news for updates on the mRNA vaccine being the cause of sterility, spontaneous abortions, and mass death (by programmed immune system failure) across America.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Iconic villain Janine Butcher is reportedly set to return to EastEnders, seven years after she departed Albert Square.

The murderous character, played by Charlie Brooks, 39, is said to be making an explosive return to Walford as part of a 'huge' storyline planned by BBC bosses.

Janine was last seen back in 2014 at St Pancras as she boarded a train to go to Paris - where she joined daughter Scarlett and sister Diane after being forced to leave Walford when she is found not guilty on husband Michael Moon's murder.

Exciting: Iconic villain Janine Butcher is reportedly set to return to EastEnders , seven years after she departed Albert Square

A source told The Sun: 'Bosses have a huge story planned for Charlie's return. They are keeping tight-lipped about whether Janine will come back as a reformed character after all the chaos she has caused in the past.

'But she certainly has a lot of history in Albert Square so whether she will be welcomed back with open arms or not remains to be seen.

'One thing the viewers can be sure about is that it is bound to be explosive. Wherever Janine goes, drama is never far behind.'

Return? The murderous character, played by Charlie Brooks, 39, is said to be making an explosive return to Walford as part of a 'huge' storyline planned by BBC bosses (pictured 2019)

Charlie is reportedly set to reinstate her role as a full-cast member on the soap, with filming set to begin in the next few weeks.

Plot details are not yet known, but Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap, which first began in 1999.

MailOnline has contacted Charlie's representatives and EastEnders, who declined to comment.

Bad character: Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap, which first began in 1999, including pushing husband Barry Evans off a cliff

Most notably, Janine married Barry Evans  played by Shaun Williamson  for his money before pushing him off a cliff.

She went on to marry a rich elderly Jewish businessman called David, who died of a heart attack at the ceremony, before tying the knot with Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott), whom she also tried to kill.

Although she was unsuccessful in her murder plot against Ryan, she framed arch-rival Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) for the attempted crime.

Janine married a fourth time to Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) and had daughter Scarlett with him, before she eventually set out to kill him too.

The evil killer was successful in ending Michael's life, but was found not guilty in court - leading to her being shunned by locals which made her eventually leave Walford.

Farewell: The evil killer was successful in ending fourth husband Michael Moon's life, but was found not guilty in court and so she left Walford
Gov. Greg Abbott stirred up the debate surrounding Proposition B ahead of San Antonio's May 1 election.

If approved, the charter amendment would repeal Chapter 174 from the Texas Local Government Code, which gives the San Antonio Police Officers Association's right to bargain collectively with the city.

During the first day of early voting, the Republican governor fired up a tweet urging San Antonians to vote against the possible change.

RELATED: Here's where to early vote for San Antonio elections

"San Antonio. Dont defund your police," he said. "We need SAPD to keep San Antonio safe. #BackTheBlue"

He shared a graphic used by opponents of the proposition which also claims SAPD would be defunded if approved.

Locals quickly jumped in to correct the governor.

"Prop B is about removing collective bargaining for SAPD... please inform yourself first," Twitter user @Mando33 said.

The comments piled on.

"Saying that prop B has anything to do with funding is a flat out lie. we need accountability in our police force, stop lying to try to get your way," user @zane4tx said.

Another user, @cateatsglitter, summed it up a different way: "Greg, do you mind pointing out which part of prop B calls for defunding? I dont see it anywhere on there."

Others asked Twitter if the post could be flagged for misinformation.

The amendment was added to the ballot after community organizers presented more than 20,000 verified signatures to City Clerk Tina Flores in February.

READ MORE FROM MADALYN: The number of vaccinated San Antonians just topped the record-breaking total of 2020 Bexar voters

The early voting period lasts until April 27. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and next Monday and Tuesday. Polls are closed on Sunday.

Residents can vote any of the locations listed here.
Conor McGregor was quick to join in with those poking fun at the seemingly failed European Super League on Tuesday.

With Manchester City confirming they were pulling out of the competition and Chelsea expressing doubts, the Irishman suggested that he could come in at Manchester United, where Ed Woodward is set to leave his position as executive vice chairman.

"Hey guys," McGregor wrote on Twitter. "I'm thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?"

While the comment was made in jest, it has had some speculating that he could some day become a shareholder at Old Trafford.
Image: HoneyRock

A few years ago, I wrote an article, Why Girls Need Camp. In it, I reflected on my daughters and how camp has benefitted them. The response was surprising and encouraging. Last year, camp was hit and miss, with good reason. But, now people are asking about camp in summer 2021. Well, one of the leading camp experts in the world happens to work with me at Wheaton College. He both leads HoneyRock, our Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Center (aka camp), and is a professor at Wheaton. We had a successful camp last summer, and I wanted him to share what next summer looks like.

I recently had a meeting with several camp leaders in Australia, where they had just completed their summer camp programs (thats November-January down under). I asked how their summer went during COVID-19, to which they responded Fantastic! They said it was their biggest summer ever, up by 20% over pre-COVID levels.

While the summer season doesnt start here for another three to four months, camping leaders and parents alike in the United States are asking, What is going to happen with camp this summer?

As the Executive Director of HoneyRock, the Outdoor Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College, I oversee eight weeks of summer camp for 1st through 12th grade. I believe that summer camp is desperately needed now, and it can be offered safely if we continue to follow proper health protocols. As the data coming out of Australia suggests, there is a deep hunger for the camp experience amidst the deprivation we have all experienced during COVID.

Summer Camp is Needed Now More Than Ever

Parents have first-hand experience regarding the impact of COVID on kids. Extensive research is now emerging which backs up what parents already know. COVID has had tremendous negative effects on our kids. Social isolation, inactivity, increased screen time, interrupted school, and continuous disruption is impacting the mental and physical health, learning, and social development of children and teens. [2-5] The potential long-term impact on an entire generation is significant. [3]

The summer camp environment is the antithesis and the antidote to the loss and deleterious effects of COVID. Rather than social isolation, camps offer a caring community and friendship. Instead of inactivity and screens, camps offer a wide range of activities that allow kids and teens to enjoy the outdoors and participate in activities that engage the whole person. During a summer camp experience, kids share life together with friends and mentors. They experience the freedom, joy, and connection that kids and teens crave which in turn leads to lasting memories and transformation. This is exactly what our kids always need, but they especially need it now to fill up what was lost this past year . [5]

Even in the early stages of the pandemic we saw this play out at HoneyRock. Last summer, we were able to safely operate summer camps at HoneyRock before tests and vaccines were widely available. As we do every summer, we sent a survey to camper parents after their childs session, asking them to share where they saw growth in their camper as a result of their summer camp experience. The numbers youll see below are higher than any other year on record.

93% of parents reported growth in the ability to connect Gods Word with their daily lives.

100% of parents reported growth in personal character.

100% of parents reported growth in willingness to face challenges.

99% grew in engagement with daily activities and events.

96% grew in their desire to serve others.

These statistics indicate that our children are more receptive to learning and growth because of what theyve experienced and lost over the past year. Their readiness for camp is at peak levels. An experience at camp this summer could provide the fresh air, strength, healing, and connections kids and teens need during this time.

Can We Operate a COVID-Safe Summer Camp This Summer?

Yes. Here are three reasons why:

Children are at significantly less risk of contracting or spreading the disease.

According to an article that summarized the research, Children, especially those under 13, are less susceptible to infection, less likely to experience severe symptoms, far, far, far, far less likely to be hospitalized or die if they are infected, and are less likely to transmit the disease if infected.([6]

Mitigation efforts work.

Last summer at HoneyRock, we did not have an outbreak of COIVD-19 while hosting 400+ campers and 115 staff on-site for four weeks. This was in part due to implementation of NPIs (non-pharmaceutical interventions) at camp. NPIs include pre-arrival quarantine and testing, using cohort models, monitoring symptoms, physically distancing, using masks when mixing with non-cohort groups and individuals, increased hygiene measures, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, increased programming outdoors, identifying infection and isolating early, and indoor ventilation.([8]) Each of these preventative measures adds an additional layer of protection and significantly decreases the likelihood that COVID will enter or spread at camp.

Deep Life-Changing Learning.

Last spring when COVID was new, our society responded by shutting down everything. The vast majority of camps cancelled their summer programs. However, our team at HoneyRock decided to move forward with adapted schedules and programming.

We all had to modify our behavior and sacrifice for the sake of others and for the opportunity to enjoy life together at camp. This process changed us and equipped us all for the year ahead. Most importantly, we learned how to sacrificially love one another through self-denial and service. As noted by the parent responses above and in our end of summer staff reports, the depth of learning and growth was unparalleled and wholly worth the effort and sacrifice. The eternal, life shaping outcome which we experienced was the opposite of the emotional, physical, and spiritual cost of staying at home and worth the risk.

I encourage you to seriously consider camp for your kids this summer. As one camper parent put it at the end of summer last year, My kids desperately needed camp, and so did I.
The President of Azerbaijan in his interview to the Azerbaijani general television spoke about the entire population of Armenia with open threats of use of force and war on April 20, 2021. The Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, wrote this on Facebook.

Referring to the territory of the sovereign Republic of Armenia, he spoke about the creation of the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" and the expulsion of the population of Armenia, regardless of the will of Armenia. The President of Azerbaijan also noted. "All forces are mobilized to implement the program. Thus, 101 years later, the Azerbaijani people are returning to the occupied Zangezur."

Before that, for example, in his speeches of April 12 and 13, 2021, the President of Azerbaijan openly stated that ordinary people living in Armenia and Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], the whole Armenian people have psychological disorders, they are full of poison, are incomprehensible, are savages, are arrogant, have no morals, etc. Instead, he demonstrates, in his opinion, the advantages of the people of Azerbaijan, considering them superior in class, morality and psychology, as compared to the Armenian people.

It is obvious that the April 20 interview of the President of Azerbaijan is a proof of genocidal policy, it contains intimidation of the entire population of Armenia, which is absolutely prohibited under international law. All this is done by openly distorting historical facts, presenting Zangezur as an Azerbaijani historical territory.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia specifically states that the President of Azerbaijan makes statements that are evidence of fascist policy, especially after the September-November war of 2020.

It is obvious that in this way the President of Azerbaijan insults, spews ethnic hatred and Armenophobia at the highest state level, and carries out public propaganda of animosity against Armenians.

Professional studies of the Human Rights Defender's Office of Armenia confirm that exactly this Azerbaijani state policy was the basis of atrocities, beheadings alive, torture, and other war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against civilians and servicemen of the Armenian side during and after the war.

These days the Human Rights Defender is carrying out fact-finding activities in the communities of the RA Syunik province. The results of the activities confirm Azerbaijani militarys shootings in the vicinity of peaceful communities, openly intimidating civilians and children, even making inappropriate hand gestures.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia firmly calls for the attention of international organizations, especially those with human rights mandates, to these genocidal and fascist statements.

International organizations must take into account that it was their silence that contributed to more of the Azerbaijani atrocities during the war, and the incredible gross violations of human rights. This is the reason why the President of Azerbaijan makes such absolutely aggressive statements that undermine the foundations of international law.

It is necessary to prevent the Azerbaijani genocidal and fascist policy, the state propaganda of hatred towards Armenians (Armenophobia) and the animosity with decisive steps, to ensure real results, and to prevent new violations of rights and new war crimes in the future, also reads the statement by the ombudsman of Armenia.
[April 21, 2021] Abiquo 5.2 Released: Simplifies visualization of cloud resources, helps optimization and protection of your company's cloud infrastructure and makes it easier to control cloud bills

BARCELONA, Spain, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Abiquo , the leading Cloud Management Provider, releases version 5.2, which delivers new functionalities for business competitive advantage along with new enhancements that help cloud users simplify tasks and workflow. DRaaS: Zerto integration to secure cloud resources Multi-cloud environments require a powerful backup system to allow companies to cover their customized disaster recovery needs and to help that purpose, Abiquo 5.2 introduces the new DRaaS feature providing self-service disaster recovery for Abiquo users, by adding its first integration with Zerto for vCenter. This new integration simplifies the process of disaster recovery and also enables users to set up their own DR policies and perform failover tests and failovers directly in Zerto. The new elements added in Abiquo, such as the Protection Managers representing the Zerto Virtual Managers and the DR protection button, will save administrators time securing VMs by allowing customization of their specific disaster recovery tasks. Enhanced Google Cloud Integration Abiquo 5.2 offers a new plugin that improves and extends the previous support for Google Cloud . Thanks to this new integration, users will be able to use more Google Cloud features directly from Abiquo which will enhance the ability to manage public cloud resources from the same place, which makes life easier for administrators. Some of the new features available in Abiquo include the ability to deploy VMs with Google Cloud's hardware profiles, manage VPC networks, subnets, internal and external IPs, add public cloud regions, load public projects with VM templates and create a catalog, automatic subnet creation for test environments, remote access with the user's SSH key or template password, view Google Cloud billing for projects, amongst others. Other Abiquo core features, such as scaling and action plans' automation are now available for Google Cloud too. Azure ARM Resource groups Abiquo 5.2 extends and enhances its Azure ARM integration including support for Resource Groups , enabling users to manage groups of resources across multiple regions in Azure. Thanks to this powerful new feature, companies will be able to get more control over cloud resources, saving important amounts of time and reducing management difficulty, increasing agility in dealng with admin tasks, making it possible to be more efficient in managing costs too.



Abiquo helps your business gain full control of your resources through the new Global section in the virtual datacenters' view which makes it possible to quickly create, edit and delete resource groups in the virtual datacenter, as well as perform additional actions, such as edit entities and move VMs from one resource group to another. Multicloud tagging

Abiquo 5.2 adds multicloud tag management to help optimize your multicloud infrastructure, adding extra visibility, and the ability to create reports and, thus, achieve greater comprehension and management of your multicloud resources. Tag Management in Abiquo enables you to group all the resources for the same project across your whole multicloud platform, making it easier to identify and group resources by tags in public and private cloud, as well as in the most popular public cloud providers (AWS and Microsoft Azure). Also, create internal tags for Abiquo resources, such as virtual appliances, that only exist in the Abiquo platform. In addition, Abiquo's UI has been properly adapted to make it even easier for you to search and display resources with tags. Good use of tagging can improve your Azure resource groups strategy too, as you can associate tags to your resource groups which will ensure greater optimization of all resources. Visualization and organization of billing data Abiquo 5.2 improves performance of the existing provider billing data feature leading companies to easier administration management thanks to an automatic installation and simplified configuration of billing data display. Administrators can now configure and schedule the download of billing data to deliver more customized, consistent and updated data according to their own company needs or any hierarchical organization design (resellers, business units or external customers). Those can now enjoy a simpler configuration and enhanced organization of billing details, including a new customized configuration for tenant properties which brings better management of the different prices in the hierarchy. In addition, Abiquo enhances its budgets feature to use daily cost usage data from the provider, instead of consolidated bills, making it more flexible and responsive including more frequent budget consumption updates. Display custom metrics of VApps and Scaling Groups Abiquo 5.2 helps visualize metrics for cloud and infrastructure entities in a clearer, more powerful way, helping you to gain a better understanding of relevant information at a glance with the addition of metric displays for virtual appliances and scaling groups. Filter the metrics displayed according to your business needs. Customize and get the information you need through the new metrics button on the Virtual appliance cards, the Scaling group icon, and the scaling groups view. Also, the Monitoring tab in the virtual appliance includes a new page for the Virtual appliance metrics, offering a more detailed view. Azure standard SKUs: public IPs and load balancers Abiquo 5.2 enhances support for Azure Standard SKUs which adds more features and functionalities, such as a larger backend pool size and Availability Zones. This adds a big competitive advantage for your company allowing work with Availability Sets which brings your business a lot more protection, reducing the probability of a network failure to a very low rate. The extra support added for Standard SKUs with standard public IPs and standard load balancers adds advanced features, introducing enhancements that will translate into a more granular control of traffic to your applications. VM icons customization and support for ESXi 7.0 In addition to the available icon change for VM templates, now you can customize the default VM icons for each OS without having to change it for every template and choose the branding theme and icons you want to create exceptional VM templates. Abiquo 5.2 also supports vSphere version 7.0. About Abiquo Founded in 2006 with headquarters in London and offices in Europe, Abiquo is a leading developer of Hybrid Cloud management solutions. Abiquo delivers cloud orchestration software for cloud service providers; Abiquo multicloud platform allows customers to quickly build and monetise cloud services, whilst managing hybrid, private or public cloud infrastructure from one intuitive portal. Abiquo serves the complex needs of enterprises and service providers as they advance their virtualization implementations into cloud services, adding value through greater efficiency, visibility, simplicity and control. Media contact: Anna Mari

Marketing and Communications Manager, Abiquo

+34-935-32-15-88

anna.mari@abiquo.com

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37 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Apple employees are against returning to work in office

Person dies in Armenia town mountains

Kim Jong Un appears in public for first time since early May

Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis fire at Gegharkunik Province village shepherd for about 30 minutes

Iraq may face severe water shortages

G7 countries sign deal to tax largest multinational companies

1st round of debates of presidential candidates takes place in Iran

6 die and 5 go missing in Sri Lankan flooding

Powerful blast thunders in Somalia capital

A body found in Artsakh

Nearly 100 people killed in Burkina Faso

Acting PM: It is necessary to create professional army in Armenia

UN demands investigation amid discovery of mass grave of children at Canada school

Acting PM: Armenia is a paradise for business

ICRC representatives visit 6 captured Armenian soldiers

Pashinyan: An absolute record for Armenia has been set for number of registered jobs

Civil Contract party holding fundraising evening

Nikol Pashinyan sends congratulatory message to Bashar al-Assad

South Korean air force chief resigns amid scandal over female sergeant suicide

Nikol Pashinyan visits morgue in Abovyan

Acting PM announces interference of external forces in electoral processes in Armenia

Pashinyan conducts procession in Abovyan

MO: Azerbaijanis carry out engineering work on territories without crossing Armenian border

8 security officials killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan

Philip T. Reeker's visit to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia

Biden gives prosecutors more freedom to terminate immigration cases

93 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day

Total of 1,557 bodies found in territories not controlled by Artsakh

Twitter launches paid subscription Twitter Blue

Robert Kocharyan: We are able to find solutions

Tennessee boat merchant willing to pay $ 100,000 to anyone who catches specially marked fish

Armenia ex-Ambassador to Vatican on Armenians' emigration and reasons

Catholicos of All Armenians takes remains of St. Gregory the Illuminator to Artsakh

Armenian ballet master Vilen Galstyan dies at 80

Putin shares expectations from upcoming meeting with Biden

Armenia 2nd President: Number of people who emigrated without returning has grown, only solution is shift of power

EU bans flights of Belarusian airline companies in its airspace

US deals blow to major Chinese companies

Armenia acting PM: 62% of weapons obtained were obtained between 2018 and 2020

Armenia acting PM: Meghri corridor issue and transfer of villages of Kazakh region were a topic in November 2020

Armenia ruling party MP drops mandate

Citizens of Armenia's Artashat greet acting PM by chanting 'Turk' and 'traitor'

Armenia Ombudsman reminds PM's ex-chief of staff about shortcomings in activities during war

Armenia 3rd President: We must start bringing back people who know everything about troops

Armenia MOD hosts consultation with deputy commanders and battalions' commanders

Armenia Ombudsman says acting PM's plan won't ensure restoration of Armenian citizens' rights

Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan's failure to return POWs is equivalent to war crime

Armenia 3rd President receives Netherlands Ambassador

Armenia Prosecutor General speaks at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

"Armenia" bloc: We plan to meet with residents of Shirak Province

Armenian water resources come under Azerbaijani control, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, Jun. 4 digest

Armenia acting PM: Health insurance is inevitable

Armenia Investigative Committee launches criminal case regarding keeping of bodies and remains of deceased servicemen

Opposition "Armenia" bloc representative: Authorities are actually busy bribing voters

Armenia legislature passes law to help ease requirements for future teachers

Russia ambassador visits Meghri, Armenia border checkpoint (PHOTOS)

Armenia ruling party's candidate for anti-corruption commission member not elected

Armenia acting premier: There will be statement in coming days about exposure of high treason

Dollar loses value in Armenia

Armenia acting PM: Our task is to support our farmers so that engaging in agriculture is planned activity

China Daily: Water tribe prospers ashore in Fujian

China calls for closer security, economic cooperation with Afghanistan

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: There was proposal from Azerbaijans Aliyev on Meghri issue

CIS Observation Mission continues to monitor snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Nepal reports first death from 'black fungus'

Armenian analyst: High-ranking US delegation's visit to Armenia can't be viewed as support to incumbent authorities

"Armenia" bloc: Things can't get any worse in the country from the perspective of censure

Edmon Marukyan calls on people to vote for Bright Armenia Party to establish unity in the country

Armenia Ararat Province deputy governor sacked

Russian Ambassador says Russia makes significant contributions to ensuring of Armenia's security

Azerbaijan reports 3 deaths from mine explosion in Karvachar

Sarkissian to Nigmatulin: Armenia, Kazakhstan have lot in common

ECHR fails to accept Azerbaijan's application against Armenia Government as new and separate case

Head of Armenia's Verin Shorzha: Azerbaijanis operating equipment to move from one military post to the other

Iran produces trial batches of Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine

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UN Security Council will make a recommendation on the next Secretary-General on June 8

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Turkish actress faces 2 years in prison for 'insulting' rapist

US lawmakers call for Turkey to be held accountable for repeated religious freedom violations

72 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

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Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday on all charges brought against him in connection to his killing of George Floyd: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. Members of Floyds family had been watching the trial and news cameras captured their overjoyed reactions as they heard the verdict over the TV while sitting with their legal team:

WATCH: George Floyd's family reacts to the conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three counts in the death of George Floyd. https://t.co/6nN46Fosol pic.twitter.com/15Q5jiE3oB  ABC News (@ABC) April 20, 2021

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Other members of the family watched the verdict from their home in Houston, Texas:

George Floyds family watched the reading of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial from their home in Houston: https://t.co/WXD1mCjIgH pic.twitter.com/TOC2wzipam  Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) April 20, 2021

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Ben Crump, a civil rights lawyer representing the Floyds, also tweeted out a video of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris calling the family to express their satisfaction with the verdict. Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now theres some justice, Biden said. Youre an incredible family. Harris told them, This is a day of justice in America. Your family have been real leaders at this moment where we needed you.

President Biden and VP Harris call the Floyd family after the GUILTY verdict! Thank you @POTUS & @VP for your support! We hope that we can count on you for the police reform we NEED in America!  pic.twitter.com/cg4V2D5tlI  Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) April 20, 2021

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At a press conference shortly afterward, the family linked arms and bowed their heads as the Rev. Al Sharpton recited a prayer. Sharpton held prayers with the family throughout the trial.

Dear God, we thank you for giving us the strength to stand together



George Floyds family link arms and pray after Derek Chauvin is found guilty of his murderhttps://t.co/gjOi6J0JCJ pic.twitter.com/DXtPoZEbXW  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 20, 2021

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George Floyds younger brother, Philonise, spoke through tears at that same press conference and invoked the memory of Emmet Till, the 14-year-old Black boy who was notoriously murdered in 1955. Philonise referred to Till as the first George Floyd. He talked about how the existence of video footage of his brothers death helped to raise awareness about the case, but also served as an emotional burden. It was a motion picture. The worlds seen his life extinguished, Philonise said. And I could do nothing but watch, especially in that courtroom, over and over and over again as my brother was murdered. Terrence, another of George Floyds younger siblings, spoke about his relationship with his older brother. He showed me how to be strong, Terrence said. He showed me how to be respectful. He showed me how to speak my mind. Im going to miss him, but now I know hes in history. What a day to be a Floyd. Georges youngest brother, Rodney Floyd, pressed lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would in part ban qualified immunity and chokeholds for law enforcement. For George this fight is not over. Were going to stand here together. Were going to try to get this George Floyd Act passed, Rodney said. The act has to be passed, people. It has to be. Were going to keep pressure on the Senate. The House passed the bill in March, though it could face opposition from Republicans and moderate Democrats in the Senate.

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Shortly before the reading of the verdict, the Floyd family had been receiving gestures of moral support. Biden called the family on Monday as well to offer his prayers and sympathies. Philonise told NBC after the call that Biden knows how it is to lose a family member, and he knows the process of what were going through, so he was just letting us know that he was praying for us and hoping that everything will come out to be OK. (The presidents son Beau died from cancer in 2015, and his wife and daughter were killed in a car crash in 1972.) Biden said to reporters on Tuesday that he was praying for the right verdict, which is, I think its overwhelming in my view. The family of Emmett Till was also reportedly with the Floyds to comfort them as the jury was deliberating.
(Bloomberg)  Global demand for semiconductors, fueled by 5G and high-performance compu-ting, showed little sign of easing off as Taiwans searing pace of export orders continued for a fifth straight month.

Export orders grew 33.3% to $53.7 billion in March, Taiwans economic authority said on Tues-day. Economists had forecast an increase of 34.9% in a Bloomberg survey. The data for March set a record high for the month.

Officials see the strong growth continuing for a sixth month, with the authority predicting orders will increase by between 29.8% and 33.7% in April.

Demand from end users is returning as the global pandemic begins to ease, the authority said in its statement. Components needed for remote-working devices, 5G equipment, high-performance computing and vehicles bolstered growth in orders.

The numbers are the latest sign Taiwan is emerging strongly from two years of uncertainty fol-lowing the U.S.-China trade war and the global pandemic. The National Development Councils monitoring indicator, which tracks an index of forward-looking data such as exports, share prices and money supply, rose to its highest level since 1989 in February, indicating Taiwans economy is in boom territory.

Taiwans largest company, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., warned last week that a global shortage of computer chips in industries from automaking to consumer electronics may extend into 2022, meaning the company and its peers will likely see little letup in demand in the coming months.

TSMC also raised its sales guidance for the second quarter, predicting revenue will grow 20% in dollar terms year-on-year.

One headwind for exporters could come in the form of a stronger local currency. The Taiwan dollar posted its biggest two-day advance this year, strengthening 0.8% versus the U.S. dollar this week, after a report by the U.S. Treasury indicated that the Biden administration could exert greater pressure on the central bank in Taipei to allow the currency to appreciate. The report la-beled the Taiwan dollar structurally undervalued.

The authority will continue to support companies in traditional industries to upgrade their prod-ucts and operations to better withstand the impact of a stronger currency, Huang Yu-lin, director of the authoritys statistics department, said after the release of Tuesdays data.

Contact editor Yang Ge (geyang@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.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled his planned visit to India and the Philippines due to a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Japan, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to Kyodo News, the trip, which had been scheduled from late April to early May, was intended to reaffirm Japan's cooperation with the two countries in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This would have been the first visit of Suga as Prime Minister to India.

Last week, Suga visited the United States for a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Japan, which has a population of 12.63 crores, has so far reported nearly 5,40,000 coronavirus infection. The death toll in the country stands at 9,707. The surge of infections is reported in mainly two cities Tokyo and Osaka.

The government plans to impose a fresh coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures soon as a surge in severe cases chokes the areas' health care systems, according to government sources.

Prime Minister Suga will meet later Wednesday with relevant ministers including health chief Norihisa Tamura and Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is in charge of the country's coronavirus response, to discuss what would be the third emergency declaration over the pandemic.

(ANI)
The Bank of England has unveiled plans to open a new hub in the North.

Parts of the Bank will quit its historic home on Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City and relocate to Leeds.

The decision comes after the Government last month announced plans to open an UK infrastructure bank in Leeds and a Treasury outpost in Darlington.

Parts of the Bank of England will quit its historic home on Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City and relocate to Leeds

The central bank has not yet decided what functions will move to Leeds, but it is understood that those who move could include officials as senior as the deputy governors.

One source said the Leeds hub would be something substantial in terms of the number of staff it would employ. They added that the city was chosen for its transport links and proximity to several universities which specialise in finance and economics.

The Bank, which has been dubbed the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street due to its near 300-year history at its current headquarters, has had operations in Leeds since 1827.

These include a cash distribution centre, which is set to close in 2023 when the lease on the building expires.

But Governor Andrew Bailey (pictured) told the Treasury Committee before his appointment last year that he wanted to ramp up the Old Ladys presence further outside London.

Announcing the plans for Leeds, he said: Working through a year of Covid has shown that we can function well virtually and, as the country begins to open up again, it is more important than ever to think about what our future working arrangements look like.

This includes the options for working more remotely, and how we can gain better insights into the country and the people we serve.

Having a greater proportion of our workforce located outside London and the South East will better enable us to support our mission.

Bailey wades into lobbying row 'Unavoidable': Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey said lobbying was a part of business Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has addressed the Greensill lobbying scandal  but said it was important to speak to varied people. In a speech on diversity, Bailey said meeting with lobbyists was an unavoidable part of business, adding: The answer is not to speak to no-one. That is not likely to lead to good decision making. The answer is to be rigorous about speaking to a diverse range of people to get their views. It comes as Bailey faces questions from MPs on the Treasury Committee in May over the collapse of Greensill Capital, and why the now-bust lender was not given access to the Banks Covid corporate finance facility. Greensill fell into administration last month, and it has emerged that it employed a network of political figures including former Prime Minister David Cameron to lobby officials.

The Bank is the latest UK institution to send heavy-hitters north. Even private firms which have traditionally failed to embrace life outside the M25 are now branching out. Goldman Sachs bankers recently announced they were planning a tech campus in Birmingham.

The moves will be welcomed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has promised to iron out inequalities between regions. Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said the move represents a substantial economic opportunity.

He added: Our region is already home to some of the UKs largest financial services institutions and todays announcement, which follows just weeks after Leeds was named as the home of the new UK Infrastructure Bank, makes West Yorkshire the undisputed second centre for financial services outside of London.

This new Bank of England hub will be the critical component in a truly integrated financial service cluster, where traditional banks and building societies and the tech firms of tomorrow collaborate, innovate and thrive.

The move signifies a new page in the relationship between the Government and cities and regions across the North.

Jo Place, the Banks chief operating officer, will lead a wider review of its locations. Currently, the Banks agents operate from offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Fareham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A federal grand jury has charged 46-year-old Ramajana Hidic Demirovic with cyberstalking three teenage boys in San Francisco between 2016 and 2018.

The charges include conspiracy to commit cyberstalking in connection with a scheme to harass and intimidate victims, including teenagers who had romantic relationships with Demirovic's unnamed co-conspirator.

The charges were announced Monday in a statement from Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Hinds and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair.

The indictment said Demirovic and her co-conspirator "sent hundreds of malicious, deceptive, and abusive communications intended to sabotage the personal relationships, social reputation, academic life, and work prospects of her intended victims. The indictment describes how Demirovic's co-conspirator dated three male teenagers between February 2016 and March 2018. In each case, after the relationship ended, Demirovic engaged in a campaign to punish the victims."

Each criminal count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Demirovic, a resident of San Francisco during the alleged crimes, was arrested at her Brentwood home on April 16.

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.
Columbus police on Wednesday released additional body camera video showing 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant lunging at another young woman with a knife before she is fatally shot by a police officer.

During a press conference held by police leaders and city officials, Interim Chief of Police Michael Woods identified the officer who shot Bryant as Nicholas Reardon and revealed that he has been on the force only since December 2019.

Police released three body camera recordings, along with two 911 calls reporting the disturbance that ultimately led to the shooting.

In one of the horrifying videos, a girl who Bryant allegedly tried to stab is seen getting off the ground as gun shots go off.

'I didn't do anything! She was trying to stab me!' the girl is heard screaming as other officers walked over to Bryant.

A second video from a responding officer showed him preparing to render aid to Bryant who was sprawled out on the cement.

As the officer tried to help Bryant, she is heard gasping for breath. The officer is seen trying to find the entry wounds of the bullets when the video ends.

Columbus police on Wednesday released additional body camera video showing 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant lunging at another young woman with a knife before she is fatally shot by a police officer. One of the alleged victims is seen sitting on the ground as Bryant is shot

Officer Nicholas Reardon (blurred left) is seen holding his gun after shooting Bryant as people at the scene screamed at him

A second video from a responding officer showed people running off after the shooting

The video also showed another officer arriving to the scene and preparing to render aid to Bryant who was sprawled out on the cement

As the officer tried to help Bryant, she is heard gasping for breath. The officer is seen trying to find the entry wounds of the bullets when the video ends

A third video shows the view from Reardon's body camera. He's seen arriving on the scene of the fight at 4.44pm on Tuesday, and encountering several people fighting outside.

One of them, Bryant, is seen in the video swinging a knife at a young woman in shorts, who falls to the ground.

A slowed-down version of the video shows Bryant then turning her attention toward another woman in a neon tracksuit and pinning her against a parked car.

Officer Reardon pulls out his gun and repeatedly shouts: 'Get down! Get down!'

As Bryant raises her right hand clutching the knife and directs it at the woman in the tracksuit, who cowers to defend herself from the blow, Reardon fires four shots and Bryant collapses to the ground.

'You shot my baby!' a man cries out.

Faced with growing outrage from witnesses, Reardon says: 'She had a knife. She just went at her.'

A third video shows the view from Reardon's body camera. He's seen arriving on the scene of the fight at 4.44pm on Tuesday, and encountering several people fighting outside (pictured)

A slowed-down version of the video from the body camera of the officer who shot Bryant shows the teen holding a knife in her right hand and raising it toward a woman in a neon track suit. Moments later, four gunshots ring out

After Bryant was shot, the woman in the neon tracksuit she was allegedly trying to stab was able to get away

Reardon is seen holding his service weapon after firing four shots at Bryant

The man who called Bryant his 'baby' screams at the cop: 'She's a f**king kid, man. Are you stupid?'

Authorities said on one of the 911 calls, a frantic young woman is heard begging an emergency operator to send an officer to an address on the east side of Columbus on Tuesday afternoon.

'We got girls out here... trying to fight us and trying to stab us,' she shouts into the phone to make her voice heard above sounds of people screaming in the background. 'We need a police officer here now.'

Relatives have said that it was Bryant herself who called the police, but the chief did not confirm that it was her voice on the call.

In other video from body cameras worn by other officers on the scene show Bryant lying on the ground in a pool of blood as police perform CPR on her.

The victim of the police shooting was identified by her mother as Ma'Khia Bryant on Facebook

Video from officers on the scene shows police administering first aid to a mortally wounded Bryant, seen resting on the ground against a car

Bryant was later rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

'We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community,' Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told reporters during Wednesday's press conference.

Police initially released portions of Reardon's body camera video within hours of the shooting in an attempt to ease tensions as Black Lives Matter protesters gathered at the scene.

Ma'khia - identified by her mother Paula Bryant on social media - died at 5.21pm, less than an hour after police were summoned to the scene.

Speaking to 10TV through tears, Paula Bryant said her daughter had called the police for protection and did not expect to be shot dead.

'This never should have happened,' she said. 'She's a loving girl.'

Paula Bryant told reporters her daughter was an honor student who was 'loving' and 'promoted peace'

Bryant said Ma'Khia lived in a foster home, but she was hoping to bring the teen and her sister back home soon. The mother and daughter last saw one another on Thursday.

It isn't clear why Ma'Khia was in foster care.

'We hugged each other. She said "Mommy, I made honor roll." She said "Mommy, Im looking forward to coming home,"' Bryant said.

The grieving mother added that she wants her daughter to be remembered for her 'motherly nature.'

'She promoted peace,' Bryant said.

Ma'Khia's aunt, Hazel Bryant, also told reporters that the 16-year-old was a 'good kid' and 'didn't deserve to die like a dog in the street.'

Though she was originally reported by her aunt as 15, her age has now been updated to 16.

Police had been responding to a report of a stabbing before the fatal shooting. A witness said Ma'khia got into an altercation with another resident of the home and was armed with the knife to defend herself when police arrived.

Officer Nicholas Reardon is seen standing on the scene after shooting and killing Bryant. He has been on the force since December 2019

Makhia Bryant - identified by her mother on social media - was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 5.21pm

Authorities said they had been responding to an initial stabbing call at around 4.30pm. The shots fire call was made just 15 minutes later

WARNING: Video contains strong language. A woman near Legion Lane says her niece was killed earlier tonight after an officer involved shooting. Police still havent confirmed victim pic.twitter.com/wpx9Wowtwl  Alexis Moberger (@alexiswsyx6) April 20, 2021

Authorities said they responded to the initial stabbing call at around 4.30pm. The shots fired call was made just 15 minutes later.

Columbus Police have requested Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation to respond to the scene and investigate the shooting.

Woods said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) had opened an inquiry into the case. He and the city's public safety director, Ned Pettus, Jr., appealed for calm while the investigation proceeds and facts are uncovered in what he called 'a devastating' loss of life.

'Fast, quick answers cannot come at the cost of accurate answers,' Pettus told a late news conference with the police chief and mayor.

'BCI will conduct a fully independent investigation, which will be made public. If an officer has violated policy or the law, if they have, they will be held accountable.'

Protesters soon convened at the crime scene and called for action after witnesses described what led to the shooting. Several could be seen praying over the scene while others screamed at the police for the shooting taking place just moments after the verdict for former Minneapolis police office Derek Chauvin was read.

A protester in Los Angeles holds a poster displaying the portrait of Ma'Khia Bryant

A crowd gathers to protest in the neighborhood where a Columbus police officer fatally shot Bryant on Tuesday

A crowd gathers to protest in the neighborhood where a Columbus police officer fatally shot Bryant on Tuesday

'She was a good kid. She was loving,' Hazel Bryant, the girl's aunt (left), told reporters on the street. 'She was 15 years old. She didn't deserve to die like a dog in the street.' Her age has since been updated to 16

People are showing up to the scene and saying to @ColumbusPolice officers On the day of the George Floyd verdict. pic.twitter.com/TJavyBU3EI  Lacey Crisp (@LaceyCrisp) April 20, 2021

A man can be seen holding a 'Black Lives Matter' sign at the scene where Makhia was fatally gunned down

A woman at the scene - identified on Facebook as Shonnell Kelley - shared a series of videos from the shooting, including one of the officer who allegedly shot the teen.

'This is the racist a*s b***h, that shot this poor f*****g girl,' she said in one clip, showing the officer and just part of the girl's body. 'I'm not going to put this sh*t on camera but he shot this f*****g girl, talking about she is trying to stab him. Da f**k, this is somebody's f****g daughter. B***h!'

Kelley shared in the post that the teen had the knife because 'somebody tried to jump her' and added that she was the one who called for help.

According to Kelley, the cop 'didn't tell her to put it down didn't ask questions or nothing.'

More footage from the scene shows paramedics coming to retrieve the teen and take her to a local hospital, where she died

Protesters soon convened at the crime scene and called for action after witnesses described what led to the shooting

Hazel Bryant talks to the media after her niece, 16-year-old Makiyah Bryant, was fatally shot by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio

A woman reacts to the shooting in Columbus

Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther said authorities would be reviewing the bodycam footage.

'This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details,' he said on Twitter. 'There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible,' he said in a statement released on Twitter.

Ginther said it appeared from an initial review of the footage that the officer who opened fire 'took action to protect another young girl in our community.'

'But another young girl will still not be coming home tonight, he said, adding, 'I ask everyone to pray for peace. Tonight we pray for this family, we pray for this city, and we pray for our neighbors,' Ginther said.
(Natural News) Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mask mandates around the country are ending. But in Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has not only decided to keep the states mask mandate in place, but she has also expanded it to include children as young as two years old. Health experts are warning that this move has no basis in actual medicine.

Before Michigan extended and expanded its mask mandate, children under the age of five were exempt from having to wear a mask in public. Now, kids in daycare facilities or camps must wear a mask at all times, and children as young as two must wear a mask whenever they are outside their homes.

A good faith effort is made to ensure that children aged two to four years wear a mask when participating in gatherings, wrote the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in its order. (Related: Michigan has now reached 36.5% of people vaccinated, yet the state STILL leads the nation in new COVID cases per capita.)

Children under the age of two are exempt from the mask mandate. The statewide order is set to expire on May 25 if Whitmer doesnt extend it any further.

Mask mandate is not in touch with medical science, unenforceable

Whitmers order has come under intense scrutiny, especially from the medical community. Dr. Marc Siegel, an author and a professor of medicine at the New York University Langone Medical Center spoke with Fox News to talk about how the order is not backed by medical science.

When the Fox anchor asked Siegel if there was any medical justification for forcing children as young as two to wear masks, Siegel responded: Absolutely not.

[There is] no advantage, no medical science behind it. Children as young as two years old are very unlikely to be carrying and spreading the virus, Siegel added. First of all, theyre not high-risk groups, they dont get very sick from it generally and then theres the issue of how youre going to [enforce] that.

Siegel talked about his recent visit to Michigan, and he described how most of the people he saw were not complying with the current mask order. People were either wearing the mask on their chin or under their nose or they werent going out of their homes at all. He remarked that, wherever he went, including the state capital of Detroit, it was a ghost town. He continued:

The superimposition of [government] regulations just scares people, it frightens people. And what are you going to do to a two-year-old if theyre not wearing their mask properly? Youre going to haul them off to jail? What exactly are you going to do? This shows you how the government is sitting there on high and not in touch with whats happening with the people.

Michiganders put in a tough spot by mask mandate

Dane and Tiffany Teal, two Michiganders and parents to Davis, a two-year-old boy, said they are worried by the states new mask rules.

Maybe a lot of people arent very understanding of two-year-olds, and especially our two-year-old, said Dane. Hes a master negotiator. Hes good at getting what he wants and if thats not wearing a mask, hell act like a two-year-old.

Very high chance theyre going to take it off, drop it, said Tiffany. Its going to get dirty, likely, if it lands on the floor and then theyre supposed to put it back on their face.

Dane and Tiffany said they will do their best to be responsible citizens and Michiganders and abide by the expanded mask mandate, like many other parents they know. But like a lot of other people with children, they will have a lot of problems enforcing this especially if their son doesnt want to wear a mask.

I dont expect him to keep it on all day, said Tiffany. Im not going to force it too much and make him upset.

Learn more about Michigans mask mandate and the other statewide mask orders in the U.S. by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Breitbart.com

News.Yahoo.com

ClickOnDetroit.com
Ukraine will export milk and dairy products to Libya, according to the Government portal.

"The competent agencies of Ukraine and Libya have agreed on a bilateral form of a veterinary certificate for the export of milk and dairy products from Ukraine to Libya. Thus, a new export market has been opened to Ukrainian milk and dairy producers," the report reads.

Earlier, both countries agreed on forms of international veterinary certificates for the export of cattle, poultry and poultry products from Ukraine to Libya. In addition, the parties consider the possibility of exporting sunflower oil, grain, fruit and berry products of Ukrainian producers to Libya.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine can increase grain exports to China by two or three times, President of the Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) Mykola Horbachev said on April 20 after the signing of a memorandum on strategic cooperation between UGA and the working committee of Chinas Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

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The Colorado Springs City Council unanimously imposed annual permitting fees and regulations on short-term rental property owners Tuesday after hours of protest and suggestions from dozens of residents.

The two new ordinances define short-term rentals, apply city regulations to them and charge property owners $119 a year for a permit.

Councilmen Don Knight and Dave Geislinger said their affirmative votes came with extreme reluctance.

This is a start, Knight said. Some people called it a good start. I wouldnt put that adjective on it, but it is a start.

Short-term rentals often are advertised through Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) and other online sites. City officials and others estimate that the city has 1,200 to 3,000 such properties.

We dont know, were just guessing, Council President Richard Skorman said. We dont know how theyre impacting neighborhoods. We dont know how theyre impacting private property rights and businesses.

The new ordinances will set a baseline for the burgeoning industry, said city Planning Director Peter Wysocki.

Lets get something in place and implemented and then, if necessary, make any changes, Wysocki said.

But some residents expressed concern that the ordinances will legitimize businesses they see as revolving doors for miscreants and criminals, endangering neighborhoods and destroying property values.

Michael Applegate, founder of the Neighborhood Preservation Alliance, urged the council to tweak the ordinances. Only property owners who live on-site should be allowed to operate short-term rentals, he said. Otherwise, out-of-state investors buy local homes to make money at the expense of property values and quality of life in city neighborhoods.

If theyre businesses, why are we allowing them in our residential zones? Applegate said. It will put gas on the bonfire thats already happening, and investors from anywhere in the world will be able to buy up our property for their own commercial gain.

The council did not tweak the ordinances.

Some took issue with the added financial burden,which requires operators to get a sales tax license and give the city 2 percent of each transaction.

Ceil Horowitz said the taxes and permitting fees will cut into her meager income.

I can only hold onto my house in Old Colorado City because of Airbnb, Horowitz said. I feel (the fees are) very heavy on my back.

Another man cautioned that overbearing regulation quashes businesses, infringes on property rights and discourages younger generations from coming to Colorado Springs.

Home sharing has been around for hundreds of years, and what youre doing is directly hurting a generation thats using technology to explore new things, he said. Youre saying, Hey millennials, we dont like you coming here because were not going to give you the option for this.

All three arguments were echoed many times throughout the meeting.

After the public comments, council members debated whether to cap how many short-term rentals can operate in the city. Geislinger moved to impose a cap, but his motion was shot down in a 3-5 vote.

Council President Pro Tem Jill Gaebler said she appreciated the concerns, though many complaints of criminal activity are covered by existing laws.

She said the ordinances will allow the city to track and regulate short-term rentals but also afford some flexibility, Gaebler said.

If there truly are things that need to be changed, the data will show that, she said.
In spite of the pandemic, the heritage organization that was instrumental in staging the first Pilgrimage to the Alamo in 1918 held a scaled-down version Wednesday on the 103rd anniversary of the solemn Fiesta events origins.

The pilgrimage, held each year on or near April 21  the anniversary of the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto  is a memorial tribute to the soldiers and volunteers who died in the Battle of the Alamo. In a normal year, hundreds or thousands of people with ancestral ties to the Texas Revolution, often joined by youth groups, would walk from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by the Tobin Center to the Alamo. At the same time, names of Alamo defenders would be called out at the historic mission and battle site. Wreaths are then placed on the lawn in front of the Alamo church during a reverent ceremony.
Movie credits typically fall into one of two categories: an infinite scroll of second unit assistant directors, or a list of names you sit through to see yet another nugget of Marvel Cinematic Universe lore.

The closing of Netflixs newest hit Concrete Cowboy is neither. The movie is excellent even if you dont stick around past the final scene and will probably be shortlisted as an Oscar contender for 2022, but the movie is the unique case where the credits not only enrich the preceding film, but actually completely change the viewers perception of what they just watched.

In this classic fish-out-of-water story, a young rebellious Black teen named Cole (Caleb McLaughlin) gets dropped off with his father for the summer in present-day Philadelphia, where his mother hopes he will stay out of trouble. He arrives at the house of his father, Harp (Idris Elba), and the place is a barn  literally. Theres an actual living, breathing, bad-smelling horse staying inside.

Aaron Ricketts / Netflix

Harp is part of a community of Black cowboys in Philadelphia trying to keep their way of life alive in the face of city regulation and impending gentrification. Cole falls in with a negative influence named Smush (Jharrel Jerome) and is faced with a choice of joining the cowboy community or drug dealing, constantly dodging the watchful eye of the neighborhood cop, Leroy (Method Man). Leroy serves as a tenuous ally to the cowboy community, which has dwindled as stable after stable has closed. Development is now zeroing in on Fletcher Street, the last remaining outpost of urban cowboy life.

At first, the film seems like a wildly creative take on the unfortunate and all too common themes of communities of color being displaced, with a dash of fantastic historical fiction. The community of cowboys wants nothing more than to exist, often prioritizing their animals health over their own. Their horses are their hobbies, like classic cars, but also their best friends. The quiet bonding moments between the men and their animals are some of the most poignant Ive seen this year.

What you learn if you fast-forward to the one hour and 45 minute mark as the credits role is that this is a true story, and whats more, some of the actors in the film arent really actors at all, but real life Philadelphia cowboys who tell their stories in their own words during the credit sequence.

Aaron Ricketts / Netflix

I live in Philadelphia, and there are people all the time who say to me, What do you mean you ride horses? Where do you ride horses? There are no horses in Philadelphia, says Ivannah-Mercedes, who plays Esha. There are horses all over Philadelphia. Yes, in North Philly, we ride horses. We have horses, we take care of the horses. And I think that if more people knew about it and knew how important the stable was to so many people, young people, who dont have anywhere else to go ...

Even when were riding around, people will be like, Where do the horses come from? Or, How do they get around here? says Jamil Prattis, who plays Paris. These horses have been here before me. When were telling this story, I want people to sit back and just look and see this is really happening. They do this. And people got good days and bad days and thats regular. Thats regular life, and this is life.

The subculture has existed in North Philadelphia for more than 100 years and was discovered by the filmmakers when director/co-writer Ricky Staub saw a horse-drawn buggy with 22-inch rims out of his window. It led him to the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri, which served as inspiration. Staub introduced himself to the community and spent a year hanging out in the stables to gain their trust, then enlisted several of the cowboys as actors in the film.

Making a big debut on Netflixs top 10 list, odds are most viewers (like myself) clicked in thinking of the film as a creative allegory buoyed by one of the most charismatic actors working today. The credits unveil that its not only a true story, but beyond Idris Elba and the young co-leads, these are real people living real lives, the dramatized raids on their stables an all-too-common occurrence for this unlikely urban community.
Chile legislature OKs euthanasia bill, which heads to Senate View Photo

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  Chiles Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday approved a bill to allow euthanasia and assisted suicide for those over 18. It now goes to the Senate for debate.

Under the legislation, which was submitted to congress by the center-left opposition in 2014, a person seeking euthanasia would have to be diagnosed by two doctors as having a serious and incurable disease, be conscious when making the request or have previously established the request, and suffer from unbearable physical ailments.

The initiative seeks to regulate euthanasia, in which a doctor administers a drug that causes death, and assisted suicide, in which a doctor gives a drug that the patients take themselves.

Cecilia Heyder, 53, hopes to become the first to use euthanasia if the legislation is finally approved.

Heyder has metastatic breast cancer and lupus and a couple of years ago developed a deficiency in one of the proteins involved in blood clotting.

This causes me multiple hemorrhages, bruises, she said, adding that doctors have told her there is no cure.

It is my dream to fall asleep and not wake up anymore. That is what I am waiting for, she said. Because it is not life that I am leading.

Pablo Villar, Heyders lawyer, had criticized the bills slow progress. Dona Cecilia cant wait any longer, he said.

Pro-government lawmaker Leonidas Romero said the leftist Broad Front and the Communist Party, which promoted the bill, are suffering from the James Bond syndrome: license to kill.

Supporters of the bill say doctors would have the right to refuse to participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Opposition lawmaker Leonardo Soto said the decision by a terminally ill person to use the law  if it wins final approved  will always depend on the person, the patient.

One of its articles states that a third party cannot request euthanasia or assisted suicide.
On Thursday, Apr. 8, Dispatch selected their favorite female idols who rocked blonde hair and shared their choices to fans through their official Instagram account, @koreadispatch.

Want to know who they chose? Then keep on reading!

1. TWICE's Jihyo

Jihyo first dyed her hair blonde in Nov. 2019 for TWICE's Japanese promotions. The idol was seen at the airport heading to Osaka for their "TWICELIGHTS" concert, and the idol shocked fans with her bright blonde hair!

At the time, TWICE was also promoting their Japanese studio album, "&Twice." The idol had blonde hair once again by Jun. 2020 and maintained it until Jul. 2020.

ALSO READ: TWICE Jihyo and Sejeong Reveal Their Regrets and Sacrifices Before and After Debut

2. TWICE's Dahyun

Dahyun first rocked blonde hair for TWICE's "Signal" era back in May 2017! She had blonde hair again for the group's "Dance the Night Away" comeback in 2018. The last time Dahyun was spotted rocking the color was back in Apr. 2020! Currently, Dahyun has black hair.

3. IZ*ONE's Hitomi

Hitomi dyed her hair blonde in 2019 for IZ*ONE's "Vampire" promotions in Japan. Hitomi's blonde hair was so popular among fans, with people complimenting how cute it made her look and how it allowed her to stand out on stage. When she dyed her hair blonde, her image change ranked #1 on Model Press News.

ALSO READ: These Idols Quickly Lost a Startling Amount of Weight

4. Girls' Generation's Taeyeon

While Taeyeon has dyed her hair blonde a number of times in the past, people particularly loved the platinum blonde shade she rocked in 2015 for her first mini-album, "I." She maintained the blonde look for Girls' Generation's "Lion Heart" and "You Think" promotions. She looked like an ice queen!

5. Lovelyz's Mijoo

Mijoo dyed her hair blonde for the first time two years after her debut. During their first concert in Seoul on Jan. 13, 2017, Mijoo surprised fans with her new blonde look. The idol, who is already praised for her visuals, further captivated fans with her enhanced visuals and adorable aura.

6. GFRIEND's Yerin

Yerin dyed her hair blonde in 2017, but she gained more attention for the color when she went blonde again in 2020 for GFRIEND's "Apple" promotions! For the comeback, she rocked platinum blonde. As GFRIEND was opting for a more mature image, the look definitely complements the concept. It also made her milky white skin stand out even more.

7. Oh My Girl's Mimi

Mimi dyed her hair blonde in 2018. For Oh My Girl's "Remember Me" promotions, Mimi rocked a charismatic blonde bob paired perfectly with bangs. Oh My Girl's charismatic rapper gave off a more adorable vibe with the look, proving that she absolutely can be both!

Did your favorite blonde-haired female idol make it to the list? Is there a female idol you wish Dispatch included? Tell us in the comments below!

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Alexa Lewis
[April 20, 2021] FinVolution Propels Growth in Phillippines, with Its JuanHand Platform Facilitating Local Finance Development

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On 15 April, 2021, FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) successfully hosted its first Partner Conference with the theme "Business Innovation with FinVolution" in Shanghai. The conference attracted more than 100 guests from the government as well as academic and financial institutions. As a pioneer in the fintech industry at the advent of the digital era, FinVolution is dedicated to innovate continuously with its partners to provide a broad user base with more digital and intelligent financial services, while actively expanding technological finance solutions in Southeast Asia region. In the Philippines, Finvolution has established it's wholly-owned subsidiary WeFund Lending Corp. This unit's product JuanHand owns an online lending license from the nation's Securities and Exchange Commission, and has served more than 1.3 million users in the country. WeFund also has robust partnerships with multiple enterprises ranging from e-commmerce and retailing companies to banks, including the Union Bank of the Philippines.



While promoting financial services, WeFund has also actively undertaken social responsibilities. Following the decade's worst floods in Manila on October 2020, it collaborated with prestigious ABS-CBN Foundation to donate food and drinking water to victims. Additionally, in the wake of tough challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, WeFund donated medical materials such as protective clothing and masks to 10 hospitals in Manila treating Covid patients, and police stations in Taguig.

Since inception, FinVolution has worked hard to develop strong innovation capabilities and accumulate in-depth experience in the technological finance landscape to further its mission-"To leverage innovative technology to make financial services better."The Company remains firmly committed to empowering financial services with proprietary cutting-edge technologies, and benefiting people's lives as a result. In the age of financial globalization, FinVolution will continue leveraging its comprehensive insights to capture development opportunities, while also joining hands with an increasing number of partners to revolutionize financial businesses with technological innovation. SOURCE FinVolution Group

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Ed Woodward held an emergency briefing with seriously unimpressed Manchester United players at Carrington on Monday morning.

Sportsmail understands that some members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaers squad were angered after they found out about the breakaway European Super League  and their own employers central role in it  via the media on Sunday.

Insiders have disclosed that some also felt Solskjaer was thrown under the bus when left to face questions from Sky after the story had broken during their 3-1 victory over Burnley on Sunday.

Ed Woodward was forced into an emergency meeting with Manchester United players about the Super League plans

A source told Sportsmail the players were angry they found out about the breakaway through the media and not via the club

They made their feelings known and the executive vice chairman delivered a briefing via Zoom to explain the clubs position at their training base.

Sources say the reception among many of the squad was lukewarm at best.

Woodward, who recently moved to London from Manchester, is said to have told the squad they were acting in the clubs best interests.

Twelve European clubs, including United, announced the breakaway tournament on Sunday

Some of the players were seriously unimpressed, a source explained. Not only that they were left to find out by the media about what had happened but that their manager was left to face the press when the owners had concocted this.

Woodward attempted to appease them but the response was lukewarm at best. It hasnt gone down well with many of them.

Bruno Fernandes expressed his disappointment at the plans by responding to Daniel Podence's anger at the Super League via social media

Earlier on Monday, star midfielder Bruno Fernandes reposted a message from compatriot and Wolves man Daniel Podence, who listed a number of Champions League highlights and added There some (sic) things we just cant really pay for.

Fernandes wrote: Dreams cant be (bought) along with clapping emojis.

Earlier on Monday, Woodward was eviscerated by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin for his part in the breakaway of the so-called dirty dozen.

I didn't have much contact with him but he called me last Thursday in the evening saying that he's very satisfied with the [Champions League] reforms, that he fully supports the reforms, and that the only thing he would like to speak about is about financial fair play, Ceferin said. And obviously he already signed something else.

The UEFA boss added: We didnt know we had snakes so close to us.
Gurugram, April 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed the nation on Tuesday in which he assured that no lockdown would be imposed, has provided hope to the industries association in Gurugram that the mass exodus of migrant workers will stop.

During his address on Tuesday the PM had urged the labourers and workers to remain relaxed and keep doing their work as there is no need to panic.

The representative of industrial associations in Gurugram told IANS that the lockdown in Delhi due to the sharp spike in Covid-19 cases starting from Monday has panicked the labourers. Workers employed in industries and construction work have started leaving fearing a repeat of last year's situation, despite repeated assurances by the state government.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Tuesday that industries in the state will not be affected like last year and work would not be hampered.

Factory owners in Manesar, Udyog Vihar and Sector-37 said that at least 20 to 25% of the workers have left the city and they expect more to leave, as the decision of the Delhi government to announce a lockdown and the enforcement of a night curfew in Haryana led to panic among migrants.

It is estimated that thousands of labourers in groups have left for their native places. Huge numbers of people are leaving the city in private buses from Rajiv Chowk, Sector-12, Sector-37, Sector-34 and Khandsa for UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

"Lockdown in the national capital has triggered panic among the workers. Despite our assurance the labourers are leaving Gurugram. Several workers from Udyog Vihar and Sector-37 industrial area have left the city fearing lockdown in Haryana. The mass migrant exodus will hamper ongoing production in the industries," KK Gandhi, President Sector-37, Industrial Association told IANS, adding that we hope the Prime Minister's assurance about no lockdown will give some confidence to the workers and the mass exodus will stop.

"Industries are worried about migrant exodus as at export houses maximum labourers are from Bihar, who are expert in garments. If they keep going to their places it will surely hit the garments industries hard. The closure of markets in Delhi has already stopped raw material supply and lack of workers will further hit industry badly," said Gulshan Chug, a garment unit owner in Gurugram.

Pawan Yadav, president, IMT Industrial Association, said that workers should not worry and industry will support them if a difficult situation arises.

"We have urged the workers not to leave the city. Even we are informing them that the Haryana government has assured there will be no lockdown in the state. But now after the Prime Minister's assurance about no lockdown we expect that the workers will accept the PM' word and will stay here," Yadav told IANS.

Taking cognizance of the problems faced by the workers, Khattar, who addressed the people in the state on Tuesday evening, urged migrant workers not to panic and remain calm. He said that economic activities will not be stopped and assured that industries across the state will remain operational in all circumstances.
First holes contain encouraging fault structures and alteration

Thick graphitic basement package intersected

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (FSE: DH7N) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") has curtailed winter drilling on its 100%-owned Waterbury uranium project. Late permitting and warming weather conditions hampered activities. Only half of the planned winter program was completed. Three drill holes, were completed on the South claim, and none on the East. The focus was to test targets near previously drilled holes which showed significant alteration, uranium values and untested geophysical targets on both the East and South Waterbury claims.

The target on the Waterbury South claim is close to the interpreted location of the regional Rabbit Lake - Collins Bay fault system, host to the Rabbit Lake, Collins Bay and Eagle Point uranium orebodies (Figure 1).





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/81122_91a98b2db4f5b9a2_001full.jpg

One hole targeted the unconformity one kilometre northeast of drill hole SOD-253 where a resistivity anomaly from a survey completed by CanAlaska highlighted a distinct unconformity breach style anomaly above the basement conductor (Figure 2). The drillhole located a thick graphitic sequence in the basement and graphitic faults associated with anomalous alteration overprint. The ideal unconformity target related to these structures and alteration remains untested at this stage.





Figure 2

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/81122_91a98b2db4f5b9a2_002full.jpg

A further two holes tested the unconformity for 150 metres southeast of failed Cameco drill hole SOD-253 and found the basement structures that were the focus of that program. The historic drillhole been abandoned above the unconformity in a faulted and altered section of Athabasca sandstone. CanAlaska's new drillholes passed though the sandstone and intersected a thick sequence of graphitic rocks in the basement. Notably the basement has a zone of strong faulting, and wide sections of very intense alteration consisting of clay, secondary hematization, and dravite, which together are prime signatures of fluid flow associated with uranium mineralizing events in the Athabasca region.

The new drill fence only extends to a point under the abandoned historic Cameco drill hole. Unfortunately, there was insufficient time available to drill a further hole to test the intersection of this basement structure with the unconformity, due to warming weather. The prime target for uranium mineralization is at the intersection of the basement structures with the unconformity, now determined to be just in front of the current drill fence.





Image of Waterbury Site

To view an enhanced version of this image, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/81122_91a98b2db4f5b9a2_003full.jpg

Core samples were collected and sent to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) for geochemical analysis. Samples for clay analysis are currently being processed.

President Peter Dasler commented: "The drill team has confirmed the geophysical interpretation of strongly altered basement and sandstone with underlying reactive graphitic sediments. These are a very encouraging features for us to focus our next drill program at Waterbury South. It is unfortunate that timing and weather did not allow further holes this season, however we have significantly upgraded the current target at Waterbury south, and look forward to getting another chance for discovery."

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 214,000 hectares (530,000 acres), in Canada's Athabasca Basin and Wollaston area - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies. CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the Company's properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. The Company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

The qualified technical person for this news release is Dr Karl Schimann, P. Geo, CanAlaska director and VP Exploration.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Dasler"

Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.

President & CEO

Contacts:

Peter Dasler, President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: info@canalaska.com

Cory Belyk, COO

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 306

Email: cbelyk@canalaska.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81122
For humans to safely survey planets and moons before landing on unknown territory, theyll need to rely on rovers, drones, and other vehicles and trinkets to gather adequate data about the requirements to sustain life.Thats what you see here; a vehicle meant to explore off-world terrains . I'll be honest; I have no idea what this vehicle is used for as the designer makes no mention of anything. Nothing about function, nothing about the drivetrain, or even how it's controlled. Why? For the time being, the vehicle you see is only a rendering, a design springing from the mind of Aleks Polygon of Minsk, Belarus.However, not all is lost. A few elements and features in the design give a pretty good indication of what the Sci-fi Vehicle, as it is dubbed, is meant for. For the sake of the argument, lets call this a rover.One clear indication that this vehicle is designed to explore extraterrestrial planets is the NASA logo seen at the rear of the rover. Another trait that supports off-world function is the suspension and wheels. To make things easier to understand, I'll start with the wheels.Theres nothing terrestrial about the wheel design . Aside from looking downright silly, once you think about how they could be applied to uneven and unexplored terrains, they seem like a good idea, but I'm no rover engineer. These tires could be effective on unknown terrains because they include a rather large surface area. Moreover, that surface is also curved to grip onto uneven objects and surfaces.The suspension is the next system that requires some attention. A rather simple and rudimentary joint system allows each wheel to move independently from the other wheels. That also seems to be one of the reasons for the funky wheel design I mentioned earlier. It seems the creator knew that raising or lowering a wheel would alter its ability to grip a surface, so the result is the curved tire.As for a propulsion system, a few could be in place. Judging by the size of those wheels, its possible that they include motors in each wheel. If this is true, this sort of design should allow even more control as the vehicle rides over obstacles.Another way the vehicle could be propelled is via the jet-like exhaust you see at the rear. Theres really no reason to doubt that this part of the rover is used to move it along. After all, I dont see any other use for a jet engine.As to the sort of functions this vehicle could perform, again, nothing is mentioned. It could just be used to survey terrain and roam somewhat aimlessly without end, or it could even be used to transport cargothats if its not some tiny remote-controlled car.I feel this vehicle is just a drone meant to tell you whats around the corner. Since theres no info on what this vehicle is meant for, leave a comment with what you think its use could be. Heck, I'd make a remote-control car out of the design; it would look hella cool.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 66F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 42F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Theo Wilson avoided smoking most of his adult life. He remembered the smell of menthol from his childhood, the smell of his father's cigarettes, his aunt's and his grandmother's. The minty smell of the cigarettes whose secondhand smoke gave him childhood asthma, the smell of the cigarettes that cut his grandmother's life short.

But in 2018, when he portrayed an Iraq War veteran in a play in Denver, his character was expected to smoke a marijuana cigarette onstage. The prop master got him an e-cigarette with a blinking blue light at the end, wrapping it in rolling paper to look convincing. After everything he knew, after railing against smoking, he got hooked. Over-the-counter minty e-cigarettes became fat vape pens, vaping turned into menthol and clove tobacco cigarettes. He bummed Kools and Newports - two of the most popular menthol brands - off the musicians he played with, off the former felons he knew, their own habits developing because "these cigarettes were currency in the yard."

"I couldn't put it down until one day I was driving to a nightclub and I couldn't breathe," said Wilson, 39. It took him a year to quit.

As Black Americans continue to suffer disproportionate health consequences of addiction to menthol cigarettes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this month must respond to a court order demanding it take a position on whether to ban the product.

The FDA has long targeted menthol cigarettes for a regulatory crackdown amid warnings from doctors and other public health experts that the products are easier to start smoking, harder to quit and cause outsize harm to African Americans.

But the FDA has held back, because of opposition from the tobacco industry, which spends tens of millions of dollars a year on lobbying and argues menthol cigarettes have not been shown to be more toxic than regular ones. Opposition has also come from GOP and Democratic officials as well as civil rights groups and leaders, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Al Sharpton, who have said that banning menthol would risk police targeting Black Americans for selling illegal cigarettes.

Now, the agency must respond by April 29 to a citizen petition - a unique regulatory tool that allows the public to request the FDA consider policy changes - demanding menthol cigarettes be banned.

Advocates of the ban cite a litany of health effects. Only 29% of White smokers choose menthol, as opposed to 85% of African American smokers, according to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, fueled by more than half a century of Big Tobacco aggressively marketing them specifically to Black Americans.

Although Black Americans smoke less than White Americans in general, Black men have the highest rates of lung cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The No. 1 cause of preventable death among African Americans, tobacco claims 45,000 Black lives each year.

Carol McGruder, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, an advocacy group that has also sued to force the FDA to take action on menthol, says menthol cigarette bans have been bargained out of tighter tobacco and vaping legislation for more than a decade, but that the time has come for the FDA to take action.

"For years, this has been an underdog issue that wasn't on the radar, but over time people have become educated and engaged. We are suing the FDA now to compel them to do what they were charged to do: to take menthol off the market," McGruder said. The lawsuit alleged that the FDA had unreasonably delayed issuing a final response to the citizen petition.

The FDA said the petitioners and the agency agreed to extend the original deadline of Jan. 29 for a response so the agency could consider more recent studies conducted after the original citizen petition was submitted.

"This will provide FDA with additional time to fully consider the new information, to ensure that the response takes into account all relevant information, to engage with new leadership, and to chart a path forward," the FDA wrote in an email.

However, some antismoking activists worry that momentum at the agency won't be sufficient because the Biden administration does not yet have a permanent FDA commissioner. Janet Woodcock, who until recently ran the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and has been on the FDA's Nicotine Steering Committee, serves as acting commissioner.

Scott Gottlieb, who as FDA commissioner during the Trump administration in 2018 led the last failed effort to ban menthol, says the science about menthol cigarettes should outweigh any arguments about a ban targeting a specific community.

"The science was strong then and is even stronger now," he said in an interview with The Washington Post. "Just because an addiction crisis disproportionately impacts one sector, it doesn't mean that it's racist to respond to that."

Wilson learned about the health hazards of smoking in fifth grade, racing home from school in tears to beg his grandma to quit. She poured all her cigarettes out of the carton.

"I felt so accomplished. But I woke up the next morning with her coming in carrying a brand new pack of menthols," he remembered. "She died of lung cancer, and when she passed, I judged her harshly. I didn't cry, because ultimately she chose the cigarettes over us."

He carried around a quiet anger at his grandmother for years. Now a poet and lecturer on race and social justice issues in Aurora, Colo., he's changed his mind.

"The hood doesn't have a corner store without a tobacco outlet, no strip mall without some place where you can buy this stuff. It's ubiquitous," he said. "Black lives are under so many threats, there are too many fires to put out. Tobacco is just one of them."

"Special marketing campaigns that kill people of a certain race? That's the definition of institutional racism," he said.

Menthol cigarettes may have been found by accident by Lloyd "Spud" Hughes of Mingo Junction, Ohio, in the 1920s - he stored his smokes overnight alongside crystallized menthol, a chemical naturally found in peppermint and other mint plants, which he used to relieve asthma. By 1927, "Spud Menthol Cooled Cigarettes" were sold nationwide, and since then tobacco companies have used menthol to mask throat and lung irritation and to make low-tar cigarettes more palatable.

"I argue menthol is the ultimate candy flavoring that helps the poison go down easier," said Phillip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council and recently retired from the University of California Office of the President's Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program. "It is by definition an anesthetic, allowing for deeper inhalation, and the more nicotine and toxins you take in, the more addicted you become."

A recent report in the Tobacco Control journal estimated that menthol cigarettes were responsible for 10.1 million extra smokers and 378,000 premature deaths in the United States between 1980 and 2018. Gardiner points to studies that suggest menthol activates more nicotine receptors in the brain, enhances the penetration of nicotine and keeps nicotine in the body longer, adding that "all these things add up to a greater level of addiction and impact on the body."

Kaelan Hollon, a spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds, disputes these findings, saying, "The science does not support regulating menthol cigarettes differently than non-menthol cigarettes, and the many issues implicated by a menthol cigarette ban - science, illicit trade and unintended consequences - are important and merit careful thought."

The tobacco industry has sponsored African American-focused community and music events such as the Kool Jazz Festival, and Gardiner says, marketed menthol cigarettes specifically to African Americans. In February 1989, Reynolds debuted Uptown cigarettes to coincide with Black History Month; in 1995, Menthol X launched with images linked to Malcolm X; in 1997, Camel marketed a menthol "Smooth Joe Camel" in Black communities.

Researchers have found tobacco companies offer cheaper pricing and better deals on menthol cigarettes in Black neighborhoods.

"Black neighborhoods have more outlets selling tobacco, menthol cigarette prices are cheaper, and stores are more likely to offer price promotions," said Sarah Mills, an assistant professor in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina, who in 2015 conducted one of the first national studies of disparities in retail marketing for menthol cigarettes.

While increasing taxes is a chief way to get smokers to quit, Lisa Henriksen, a senior research scientist at Stanford Prevention Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has found retailers and tobacco sellers in Black neighborhoods may eat those cost increases to keep prices low, blunting the intent of these taxes.

In 2009, Congress passed legislation that gave the FDA power to ban menthol tobacco products. The agency proceeded to study the issue, concluding in 2011 that the "removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States." In 2013, the FDA released a report finding that menthol cigarettes lead to increased smoking initiation among teens and young adults, greater addiction and decreased success in quitting smoking.

But the FDA shied away from action. "I think the FDA is remiss and that they should have acted on these reports," said former congressman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who was the author of the 2009 legislation.

George Parman, spokesman for Altria Group, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, argued that the FDA response to the report was correct.

"Our perspective is that in 2013, the FDA determined based on science and evidence that menthol does not play a unique role in smoking prevalence, dependence or cessation," Parman said. He says that in that report, the FDA concluded that menthol cigarettes did not differ from non-menthol cigarettes with respect to smoke chemistry and nonclinical toxicology, biomarkers of exposure, marketing, and consumer perception of risk and disease risk.

The 2013 FDA report did, however, in its summary of evidence state there is "adequate data [to] suggest that menthol use is likely associated with increased smoking initiation by youth and young adults. Further, the data indicate that menthol in cigarettes is likely associated with greater addiction."

As FDA commissioner, Gottlieb brought new focus to curbing tobacco use and teen vaping. In November 2018, he announced that the FDA intended to ban menthol cigarettes, but faced opposition from the White House as well as Democrats and Republicans in Congress, especially those from tobacco-growing states like North Carolina.

"There were people in the White House that generally supported my thoughts on e-cigarettes, but there were people sympathetic to the North Carolina group and they weren't talking to me," Gottlieb said. "The day I announced this policy, I knew I would get criticism. The Department of Health and Human Services was making this very hard on me."

Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, both Republicans from North Carolina, the country's No. 1 tobacco-growing state, immediately opposed the decision.

"This is not the first time the FDA has tried to ban menthol," Burr said in a statement. "It is troubling, however, that an administration that pledges to put America first is targeting legal, American-made products instead of focusing its attention on states that flout federal drug laws."

Gottlieb said Democrats had the opportunity to bring this legislation forward and that they stopped short: "This wasn't a concerted effort; I was on my own."

In a 2017 memo, Gottlieb wrote, "Unless we change course, 5.6 million young people today will die prematurely later in life from tobacco use." Nonetheless, the Trump administration delayed rules that would restrict flavored e-cigarettes or reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes. Gottlieb resigned in 2019, tobacco stocks jumped immediately, and momentum for a menthol ban stalled.

Some prominent civil rights activists have strenuously objected to menthol cigarette bans, concerned that a ban would spawn a black market for menthol-flavored tobacco products and increase overly aggressive policing in Black neighborhoods. Sharpton, who opposes a menthol ban, points to tobacco as a common theme in recent conflicts between citizens and police that have led to African American deaths.

Eric Garner died in police custody in New York after being approached for selling loose cigarettes illegally; Michael Brown was killed after being suspected of stealing cigars. George Floyd was killed by police responding to a claim that he tried to use a counterfeit bill to purchase cigarettes. Sandra Bland died in a traffic stop after a trooper arrested her after she refused to put out a cigarette.

"We do not think kids should be put in jail or given a ticket for selling menthol," Sharpton told The Post. "You're going to give the police another reason to engage our people?"

Detractors have noted that Sharpton's civil rights group, the National Action Network, has held events sponsored by R.J. Reynolds, which makes Newport cigarettes, the most popular menthol cigarette and the No. 2 U.S. cigarette brand overall.

"There's a level of predation in terms of our leadership groups," McGruder said. "Because we are always behind the eight ball in needed funding, leaders have made deals with the devil and turned a blind eye."

Sharpton told The Post that his organization will examine options such as restricting access and advertising of menthol cigarettes in Black neighborhoods, but he remains firmly against criminalizing the sale of menthol cigarettes.

"People are looking for reasons to discredit the National Action Network. Yes, [Reynolds] has given us money, I don't even know how much, but Facebook gives us money and I came out against Mark Zuckerberg. You ask the anti-menthol advocates if they're for decriminalizing marijuana. And if they say yes, then how do they explain their inconsistency? You can't have it both ways," Sharpton said. "Our position has been that it would be inconsistent to decriminalize marijuana but criminalize menthol cigarettes, it's just that simple."
Lee Yong-soo, a victim of Japan's wartime sex slavery, speaks in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, Wednesday, after the court dismissed a case filed by her and other victims seeking compensation for their suffering from the Japanese government. Yonhap



Court recognizes Japan's 'sovereign immunity'



By Bahk Eun-ji



A local court recognized Japan's "sovereign immunity" Wednesday and dismissed a claim for compensation filed by 20 former victims of sex slavery against the Japanese government.



The decision is seen as a defeat for all such victims as it could thwart their bids to hold Tokyo accountable for their suffering under its war crimes



It also contradicts an earlier ruling in January by a different judge at the same district court that held Japan accountable for the wartime atrocities and ordered it to make financial reparations of 100 million won ($89,490) to each of the 12 plaintiffs in the case.



It is yet to be seen how these contrasting decisions will affect Seoul-Tokyo ties, which have dropped to the lowest level over a series of historical issues, with the latest case being the January court ruling which Japan vehemently protested. Some predict the situation will make it more difficult for Seoul to set a consistent stance regarding the issue in future talks with Tokyo.



The Seoul Central District Court dismissed the compensation case filed by 20 plaintiffs, including former sexual slavery victims and some deceased victims' family members. The dismissal means the lawsuit was not seen as legitimate and so no judgment on the matter could be made.



The key issue in the case was whether to apply sovereign immunity, which allows a state immunity in civil suits filed against it in foreign courts. Earlier the judge in the January ruling did not apply the concept, saying immunity should not apply to systematic crimes against humanity.



This time, however, the court accepted it.



Citing cases of World War II victims from multiple European countries whose suits filed against the German government after the war were rejected due to sovereign immunity, the court said, "If exceptions to sovereign immunity are acknowledged, then diplomatic clashes are inevitable in the process of making a ruling and forcibly executing an order."



The court added, "Current customary international law recognizes international immunity for sovereign acts performed within its territory. We also confirmed this in a 1997 Supreme Court ruling."



The victims argued that the 2015 agreement made with Japan during the Park Geun-hye administration did not reflect their opinions. But the court said although there were problems in the procedure, this didn't mean the state abused its discretionary power.



The court said it neither denies the victims' right to claim compensation, nor believes the matter has been settled, adding the sex slavery issue, including how to pay damages to the victims, should be resolved through domestic and international efforts including negotiations with Japan.



After the decision, the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, a civic group supporting the former victims, said it was "unacceptable."



"This ruling doesn't mean the January decision is annulled," the group said, adding it would discuss with the victims on whether to appeal.



Lee Yong-soo, one of the plaintiffs, expressed dismay over the decision, calling on the government to take the issue to the International Court of Justice.



Earlier in the January ruling, the court ordered Japan to provide 100 million to each of 12 victims  the first legal victory for Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery.



Tokyo maintains it has no obligation to follow the ruling as the Korean court had no jurisdiction over Japan. It did not appeal, and the ruling was confirmed.


San Francisco elected officials and local immigration leaders traveled to the border to learn about the surge in unaccompanied children crossing it. The city saw an influx of migrant children in the past and likely will again, officials said.

Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Matt Haney, and school board president Gabriela Lopez joined the trip last weekend, organized by community organizations, to Tijuana on Sunday and San Diego Monday to meet with nonprofits and migrants. They also rallied outside San Diegos convention center, transformed into a federal shelter with a capacity for 1,450 children transferred from overflowing border facilities, to show solidarity and demand children be quickly unified with families or sponsors.

San Francisco has welcomed unaccompanied migrant children for years and funds their free legal representation. With an unprecedented new surge in border crossings, advocates expect more kids will end up in the Bay Area. Officials said the trip informed possible policies such as creating a support network for local families who want to foster children.

To me, its the human rights crisis of our time, Ronen told The Chronicle. Many of these children end up in the Bay Area and in San Francisco public schools and the trauma that they undergo ... follows them here.

The trip was organized by a coalition of five local community organizations as part of a campaign in Bidens first 100 days advocating for immigration reform.

We feel that letting children across the border is not enough, said Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, executive director of San Francisco nonprofit Central American Resource Center of Northern California, who spearheaded the trip. They must have the right to legal counsel. They must be guaranteed their best interest, which is to be with their families.

On Twitter, dozens of commenters chastised supervisors for focusing on children 500 miles away instead of the citys problems, including reopening schools, homelessness and the drug crisis.

Supervisors said they were working off and on throughout the day Monday on calls with staff and Zoom meetings, including joining the Latino Task Force virtually for an update on vaccinations.

Lopez and Haney paid their own way. Ronens trip was paid for by the nonprofit with a grant. Walton said his trip was a combination of personal funds and nonprofit support.

Walton shot back at critics by citing success in the citys pandemic response and a recent budget surplus that directly helped vulnerable residents. Haney said it was absolutely a part of his job. Ronen said she had a moral and practical responsibility to care about children who might end up in San Francisco.

If people dont think that city leaders should understand and learn about the roots of where theyre coming from and why and how we can better serve them, then they should not vote for me in the future, she said.

Lopez said that as a teacher, she welcomed many new immigrant students into classrooms, and met the San Diego school superintendent to learn how to help more in the future.

It is imperative that we not forget the experiences our children are going through to get here, and we continue to not only welcome and foster their learning, but also have the necessary perspective of the realities they are facing, she said.

When numbers of children crossing the border spiked in 2014, hundreds ended up in San Francisco. Supervisors voted to fund free legal representation for unaccompanied minors and families with children. That funding birthed the San Francisco Legal Immigrant Defense Collaborative that represents 1,200 migrants, half of them unaccompanied children.

In the most recent numbers from October 2019 to September 2020, 57 children were released from federal custody to the care of sponsors in San Francisco, according to federal data. Though former President Donald Trump used a public health rule to expel undocumented migrants to prevent the spread of COVID-19, President Biden is not deporting children under that rule.

On Sunday, the coalition went to Tijuana to meet with organizations supporting families waiting on asylum claims. In San Diego on Monday, the coalition met a 14-year-old U.S. citizen separated from his mother and nonprofit workers running the federally funded shelter. The coalition also gave donations to the shelter.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 01:55:06|Editor: huaxia

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ATHENS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Cyprus will be represented at the upcoming conference in Geneva convened by United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres to find a way for the island's Greek and Turkish communities to feel safe, Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades said here on Wednesday.

The UN has scheduled a meeting for April 27-29 with the aim of restarting negotiations for a settlement of the long-standing Cyprus issue.

"Our effort is to find a way for both communities (on the island of Cyprus) to feel safe and for the human rights of both communities to be guaranteed," Anastasiades said during his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek national broadcaster ERT reported.

Ahead of the Geneva conference, Anastasiades visited Greece to coordinate their stance, according to an e-mailed press release from the Greek prime minister's office.

The leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as well as the so-called guarantor powers -- Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom -- will participate in the Geneva meeting.

The UN hopes for the resumption of the Cyprus peace negotiations, which broke down in 2017, in order to find a solution for the island, which has been split since 1974 along ethnic lines.

The Greek Cypriots have said that they will negotiate along the lines of the UN resolutions for the reunification of the island based on a federal model, while the Turkish Cypriots said they will pursue a two-state solution.

"We always enter into dialogue with a good will to find a solution that will be fair, functional and viable and will benefit all Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots," Mitsotakis said. Enditem
NEW YORK - The Arab League, the United Nations, European Union and African Union have requested the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya.



In a statement released at the end of a top-level videoconference, the so-called 'quartet for Libya' has requested "the full respect of the arms embargo and the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all forces and foreign mercenaries inside Libyan territory".



The much violated arms embargo has been in place since 2011, when an uprising toppled Gaddafi during the Arab Spring. The UN estimates that some 20,000 foreign fighters, mainly Turkish troops and mercenaries coming from Russia, Syria, Chad and Sudan, are currently deployed in the country.



Over the past few weeks, the departure of Syrian mercenaries was discussed and, this weekend, N'Djamena spoke about the arrival in Chad from Libya of several hundreds of Chadian mercenaries who could have contributed to fighting that led to the death of President Idriss Deby.



During the meeting, the Libya Quartet "condemned the constant violations of the arms embargo of the United Nations and stressed that every external military intervention in Libya is unacceptable". It also requested "measures to identify and completely dismantle these groups".
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Bird Song of the Day

More from Amazonia.

* * *

#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.

Vaccination by region:

The Northeast jump is down to an enormous data error; the CDC data doesnt show it, so its down to Johns Hopkins of DIVOC-19; Ive written the maintainer.

Case count by United States regions:

Good news two days in a row.

AL

https://apnews.com/article/health-alabama-coronavirus-d3ada27e9600ee95d306f7d0458d8ab9

Re Silc

The Midwest in detail:

Michigan and Minnesota heading down, along with their neighbors (Could be that people actually do listen when Governors ask them do so stuff, but enough, and enough of them?)

Big states (New York, Florida, Texas, California):

Florida, by a nose. California not following.

Test positivity:

Midwest increases.

Hospitalization:

Still heading down.

Case fatality rate (plus deaths):

Good to see those deaths dropping. The fatality rate in the West is increasing again, for some reason as unknown as why it dropped.

* * *

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

Capitol Seizure

There are hundreds of posts about plans to attack the Capitol. Why hasnt this evidence been used in court? [NBC]. There are thousands of posts  with tens of thousands of comments  detailing plans to travel to Washington and engage in violence against the U.S. Capitol, said Daniel Jones, a former FBI analyst and longtime Senate investigator who is now president of Advance Democracy. The ultimate end goal of this violence was, on behalf of Trump, to disrupt the Congress and overturn the presidential election.  Yes, the Groer Generalstab, right there in plain sight. (Amazingly, this is the NGO thats driving the story: Check out the website. Looks like they need to do some fundraising.)

Biden Administration

Joe Manchin Mocked Bernies $15 Minimum Wage Bill at Lobbyist Event [Jacobin]. Of course Manchin, but also this: [Sean] Kennedy, who previously served in the Obama White House as a special assistant to the president for legislative affairs, has become the public face of corporate opposition to a $15 minimum wage.  Thanks, Obama! Problem Solvers Threaten Bidens Infrastructure Plan Over Rich Donor Tax Break [Read Sludge]. A bipartisan group of representatives led by New York Democrat Tom Suozzi is now playing hardball to get the SALT cap repealed and lower tax bills for their wealthiest constituents. In January, Suozzi, the vice chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and six other members of the caucus introduced the SALT Deductibility Act to strike the cap on SALT deductions from the tax code. Last week, Suozzi drastically ramped up his efforts by threatening to block Bidens infrastructure spending and tax package unless the tax cut for the rich is added. No SALT, no deal, Suozzi said in a statement. Hes being joined in his threat by Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.). With Democrats currently having a slim majority in the House with multiple vacant seats, if just two Democrats sided with Republicans on an otherwise party-line vote they could potentially block the infrastructure bill.

Realignment and Legitimacy

F.D.R. Didnt Just Fix the Economy [Jamelle Bouie, New York Times]. Roosevelt had to prove to all Americans that self-government worked; that it could restore confidence and tackle the economic crisis without compromising the principles of the revolution and the founding. Thats why Roosevelt embraced public employment and its direct line to ordinary Americans, so government could restore the close relationship with its people which is necessary to preserve our democratic form of government. Thats why he would direct his administration to build dams in the Tennessee Valley, bridges in Californias Bay Area and a second tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York  to show Americans that the government could do big things and do them well. The New Deal libraries and parks and postal offices and other buildings also stand as monuments to collective effort and the public good, to the idea that democracy works best when it works for most of us, and that through this effort, we come closer to the more perfect union of our Constitutions preamble. The New Deal was not perfect. It liberated some Americans from want at the same time that it deprived others of their freedom. It opened new opportunities for Black Americans  providing jobs, education and even housing to citizens who lived in need of each  at the same time that it, as Rauchway writes, left existing segregation untouched and even expanded it into new areas, perpetuating it for new generations. And yet the breakthrough of the New Deal  the way it reshaped the nations politics and transformed the relationship between state and citizen  set the stage for the social revolutions of subsequent decades. The New Deal brought, in Roosevelts phrasing,  the broadening conception of social justice  to American life.  Throwing down the gauntlet, here. The Politics of Cultural Despair [John Ganz]. I think the very formulationthe politics of cultural despair is a very accurate description of a mode thats becoming dominant on the right and it helps us to conceptualize a certain combination of conspiracism, belief in pervading social and political decadence and corruption, and the embrace of or sympathy with outbursts of violence. The sense one gets from many members of the intellectual right and seemingly among their public is that as a society we have reached a point where the social maladies of liberal society are intractable and only some kind extraordinary expedient can effectively combat them. There is a kind of giving up on the conventional institutions of American life and a belief that only desperate gambits like electing a disruptive leaders like Trump or preventing the electoral college vote from being counted will be effective measures to carry out Right wing politics. Extremist violence or some imagined dictatorial seizure of power, when not explicitly endorsed, is rationalized as a consequence of the state of society and politics. This is all combined with a kind of morbid fixation on the perceived cultural depredations of liberalism: an obsession with the presence of cultural products that are believed to contaminate or corrupt a more healthy sexual or racial order that existed in the past. In this imaginary world, sinister forces lurk behind every facet of liberal society: the most apparently milquetoast and moderate liberals are actually in the thrall of hardcore revolutionary Marxist ideology. Its tempting to silo this mood of cultural pessimism on the right, which is its more natural home I think, but it finds certain echoes in sections of the left that view themselves as defeated and dispirited in the wake of Bernie Sanders primary loss and view every apparent liberal adoption of a left-wing sounding programs as an example of trickery or co-option.  This is the most sophisticated instantiation of Horseshoe Theory Ive ever read! Pastor Arrested for Buying 39 Cars With PPP Loans [The Roys Report]. A Maryland pastor is facing a potential 20 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.5 million in Payback Protection Program (PPP) loans, which he then used to buy 39 cars, authorities say.  Why 39?

Stats Watch

Trucking: March 2021 Trucking Is Either Outstanding Or Contracting [Econintersect]. Headline data for the CASS Freight Index show that truck volumes show volumes improved month-over-month  and the year-over-year growth is now in double digits. In the opposite corner, the American Trucking Association (ATA) index declined and is in contraction year-over-year. The CASS index is inclusive of rail, truck, and air shipments. The ATA truck index is inclusive of only trucking industry member movements (ATAs tonnage data is dominated by contract freight). I put a heavier weight on the CASS index year-over-year which is more consistent with rail and ocean freight. Econintersect tries to validate truck data across data sources. It appears this month that the truck employment rate of growth continues to improve. Please note using BLS employment data in real-time is risky, as their data is normally backward adjusted (sometimes significantly). Additionally, Econintersect believes that the BLS is not capturing all truck employment.

* * *

Commodities: New Lithium Giant Emerges to Feed Surging Battery Demand [Bloomberg]. A planned $3.1 billion merger of two Australian miners is set to create one of the worlds biggest producers of lithium products key to meeting fast-growing global demand for electric vehicle batteries.. Lithium raw materials are most commonly extracted at brine operations which pump liquid from underground reservoirs into vast evaporation ponds, or in traditional hard rock mines. China is the biggest player in electric vehicle batteries, with the majority of the worlds production capacity, and has a stranglehold over processing of the required commodities.

Credit: $12.3 Trillion in Stimulus Killed the Debt Default Cycle [Bloomberg]. Almost all fear of bankruptcy has been obliterated from debt markets even though the global economy is still struggling under the worst health crisis in a century. The simplest way to see this is quite basic: The lowest-rated companies are enjoying the cheapest borrowing costs in history. All-in yields on corporate debt rated triple-C and below have fallen to about 8% from as high as 20.2% as recently as March 2020, ICE Bank of America index data show. Investors have raced one another to lend billions of dollars to cruise companies and airlines even as they bleed cash. The amount of U.S. junk-rated debt included in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High Yield bond index has surged to a record face value of $1.53 trillion from $1.2 trillion in October 2019.  Crack pipe, anyone? And isnt this moral hazard? And is this any way to allocate capital? And speaking of crack

Finance: Dogecoin Rips in Meme-Fueled Frenzy on Pot-Smoking Holiday [Bloomberg]. On 4/20: Fans are driving Dogecoin higher to mark a day known for celebrating pot smoking. In the past week, Dogecoin has jumped more than 400% and now has a market value of more than $51 billion The likes of Bitcoin and Ether are still up about 90% and 180%, respectively, this year as the crypto industry matures.  Or not: Theres a tribe of investors, many of them millennials, who see it as a cause, a movement, said Antoni Trenchev, the co-founder of crypto-lending firm Nexo. Dogecoin is symptomatic of the zeitgeist happening before our very eyes.'  I sure will be glad when we get this carbon trading thing really rolling. And more crack

The Bezzle: A New Threat to New Yorks Clean Energy Goals: Bitcoin Mining [New York Focus]. A decade ago, the bankrupt owner of the Greenidge power plant in Dresden, New York, sold the uncompetitive coal-fired relic for scrap and surrendered its operating permits. For the next seven years, the plant sat idle on the western shore of Seneca Lake, a monument to the apparent dead end reached by the states fossil fuel infrastructure. But today, Greenidge is back up and running as a Bitcoin mining operation. The facility hums with energy-hungry computers that confirm and record Bitcoin transactions, drawing power from the plants 106-megawatt generator now fueled by natural gas. The mining activity is exceptionally profitable, thanks to an 800 percent rise in Bitcoins price since last April. Seeking to ride the boom, the plants new owners plan to quadruple the power used to process Bitcoin transactions by late next year. Environmental advocates view Greenidges ambitions, if left unchecked, as an air emissions nightmare. And they fear that dozens of other retired or retiring fossil-fueled power plants across New York could follow Greenidges example, gaining new life by repurposing as Bitcoin miners or other types of energy-intense data centers.  And more crack

The Bezzle: Massachusetts regulators seek to revoke Robinhoods license; brokerage sues [Reuters]. Massachusetts regulators on Thursday sought the revocation of Robinhoods broker-dealer license after charging that it encourages inexperienced investors to place risky trades without limits, while the online brokerage sued to invalidate a new rule underlying the case.  And more crack

Tech: Robot buses:

China's first autonomous bus line started commercial operations in Yongchuan district of SW China's Chongqing on Monday. The L4 autonomous driving bus can carry 19 passengers at a cruise speed of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. pic.twitter.com/raeiengxpO  China Science (@ChinaScience) April 16, 2021

That road looks more like a railroad than a road

* * *

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 56 Greed (previous close: 47 Neutral) [CNN]. One week ago: 50 (Neutral). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Apr 21 at 12:21pm. Looks like readers want to keep this. Thank you!

Health Care

Top Canadian WHO adviser under fire after downplaying airborne threat of COVID-19 [CBC]. Dr. John Conly, an infectious diseases physician and professor of medicine at the University of Calgary, not only denied that aerosol transmission is a primary route of transmission, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, but also said that N95 masks can cause harms  including acne. Any time you look at benefits, you need to look at harms, of which there are many harms with N95s  and I think to ignore them you are at your peril, Conly told a panel discussion at the University of Calgary on April 9 on the role of airborne transmission in the COVID-19 pandemic. There is acne, also issues with eczema, conjunctivitis, CO2 retention; there has been decreased O2 concentrations in pregnant women  many side-effects to this. His comments on oxygen and carbon dioxide have been largely discredited, with a 2014 study in the American Journal of Infection Control showing no significant differences in levels between pregnant and non-pregnant women wearing N95 masks. The WHOs position is theres a possibility that aerosol transmission can lead to outbreaks of COVID-19 in certain situations. A change in stance from the WHO on aerosol transmission as the main driver would have huge implications on the need for increased air ventilation and better personal protective equipment for health-care workers and essential workers around the world.  And we know huge implications translates to

The institutional reaction to Ten scientific reasons in support of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Lancet:

45/ Reaction from higher ups in large Public Health agency (confidentially thru colleague) They still don't think it's airborne, based on these considerations:  there are still not enough good masks

 ventilation changes would be expensive Not a joke, this is what I was told  Jose-Luis Jimenez (@jljcolorado) April 20, 2021

As I suggested here.

Filtration Efficiency of Hospital Face Mask Alternatives Available for Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic [JAMA]. From last March, still germane. Handy chart:

2/ N95s maintained top-level protection despite speaking/movement/ head turning compared to medical grade surgical masks #covid19 pic.twitter.com/ipUlsH4zdp  Abraar Karan (@AbraarKaran) April 19, 2021

Cmon, lets be reasonable. Everybody knows surgeons are the only HCWs who talk or move their heads!

No-prescription, rapid COVID-19 home tests to be sold at CVS, Walgreens and Walmart beginning this week [USA Today]. Consumers will be able to buy rapid coronavirus tests without a prescription this week at three national chain retailers, an expansion that comes as the nations vaccination effort accelerates and states relax distancing requirements and mask mandates. Abbott Laboratories BinaxNOW coronavirus self-test kits will be shipped to CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Walmart locations, and also will be sold online. The two-test kit, which last month received Food and Drug Administration emergency-use authorization for serial screening, will cost $23.99, the company said. Another rapid test made by Australia-based Ellume will be sold at CVS stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for $38.99. It also can be purchased online or at most CVS stores in other states by the end of May. These retail tests eliminate another barrier for people who want to test themselves without visiting a doctor or a telehealth provider. Both tests deliver results in about 15 minutes and dont require a lab.  havent seen any reviews on accuracy.

More on meta-epistemology: an epidemiologists perspective [Whitney R. Robinson, Insight]. Principle 1. Look to previous phenomena to know what questions to ask Principle 2. Observed versus expected. In other words, Pay attention to unexpected data that has no natural constituency and to lack of data that are in high demand Principle 3. Beware of sticky priors.  Worth reading in full, since the application is How One Epidemiologist Decided Whether to Send Her Children to Group Childcare.

Americas incredibly successful pilot of universal health care [Ryan Cooper, The Week]. Last weekend, I finally got my first coronavirus vaccine shot (the Pfizer/BioNTech version), at one of the FEMA sites here in Philly. It was without question the best experience I have ever had with American medicine. The National Guard troops and volunteers had the process down to a science  along with hundreds of others, I just answered a few quick questions, sat down, got my shot, and then scheduled my second appointment while waiting to make sure I had no allergic reaction. The whole thing took about 20 minutes from start to finish. I didnt have to get out my insurance card, or fork over any co-pays or co-insurance, or fill out a stack of paperwork, or sit in a waiting room for hours. I didnt get a bill at a 10,000 percent markup, or have to argue with my insurance company about whether FEMA is in-network, or spend weeks fighting some enormous surprise bill afterwards. I just got the care I needed and went on my way. Its not a coincidence that this is very similar to how Medicare-for-all would work : treatment that is free at the point of service, funded by the government. When we have a truly dire need for medical care, the status quo health care system is simply too complicated and broken to get the job done.

The Agony Column

What rude jibes about Caesar tell us about sex in ancient Rome [Psyche]. Like many premodern societies, the Romans rarely if ever identified people by their sexuality, at least not in terms of what gender their sexual partners were. To be sure, they had categories for types of sexual activities, but not for the sexual identities we use today. The terms homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual and so on are modern inventions. There is no evidence for the existence of the concepts themselves, and Romans didnt define people by the gender of their sexual partners. But that doesnt mean the kinds of sex wed label with those words didnt exist  far from it. And in all these combinations and activities, we see again and again that it isnt the genders involved or the acts themselves that the Romans cared about, but the question of whos doing it, and whos being done to. Thats where gender and status suddenly mattered  a lot. The key thing, for a Roman, was that your sexual participation lined up with your perceived gender. The essence of masculinity was to be the penetrator, while to be vulnerable to penetration was to mark yourself as nonmale. The flip side was that, as long as the man was doing the penetrating, he was (usually) living up to his masculine duties  and it didnt matter whom exactly he was penetrating.

Water

There are no clear winners in the Wests water wars [High Country News]. The inevitable train wreck has not yet happened, for two reasons. First, Lakes Mead and Powell  the two largest reservoirs on the Colorado  can hold a combined 56 million acre-feet, roughly four times the rivers annual flow. But diversions and increased evaporation due to drought are reducing water levels in the reservoirs. As of Dec. 16, 2020, both lakes were less than half full. Second, the Upper Basin states  Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico  have never used their full allotment. Now, however, they want to use more water. Wyoming has several new dams on the drawing board. So does Colorado, which is also planning a new diversion from the headwaters of the Colorado River to Denver and other cities on the Rocky Mountains east slope.

Black Injustice Tipping Point

We get press releases:

Seriously, read it again knowing what we know: pic.twitter.com/XqPWCpoxeQ  Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 20, 2021

This Is Not Justice. Its Self-Preservation. [New York Magazine]. More than a legal referendum on Chauvins conduct, the trial was a bilateral effort to defend the virtues of policing.. The crux of the prosecution focused on whether Chauvins behavior was deviant enough to warrant consequences. Close to a dozen former and current police officials  mostly from Minneapolis, but elsewhere too  testified against the former officer, who last spring was video-recorded kneeling on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes until the 46-year-old Black man died. . Killing people is not usually a problem for American police, who on average kill roughly 1,000 civilians a year, including fatally shooting more than 400 unarmed people total since 2015 Thus, the rebuke of Chauvin by his fellow officers should not be interpreted as institutional opposition to needless death. It is a preservationist response to the questions of legitimacy that arise when an officer gets caught on camera torturing a handcuffed man to death. Throwing Chauvin under the bus in court is a good way to reassure people that this system can and does work the way they want it to. This case is called the State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin, said prosecutor Steven Schleicher. This case is not called the State of Minnesota v. the Police. Policing is a noble profession  and there is nothing worse for good police than a bad police, who doesnt follow the rules, who doesnt follow procedure, who doesnt follow training, who ignores the policies of the department, and the motto of the department: To protect with courage, to serve with compassion.'

I Wish I Were Relieved [HuffPo]. It felt like a shift was happening, like maybe we could finally be optimistic about real change. But through the remainder of 2020 and into 2021, fervor for fighting for a world where Black people are humanized and protected faded. Then, just a week prior to the verdict announcement, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was fatally shot 10 minutes away from the building where the judge announced the conviction. I refuse to tell anyone how to process or react to this news. Its surely an anomaly and a piece of hope that one day some future generation will live in a system that doesnt kill Black people. But I cant celebrate right now. I cant celebrate because Floyd didnt ask for any of this. He was going to the store, for Gods sake. He didnt ask to be a martyr, he asked for breath in his lungs. 

Pelosi criticized over thanking George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice' [USA Today]. Thank you, George Floyd, for sacrificing your life for justice. For being there to call out to your mom  how heartbreaking was that  call out for your mom, I cant breathe, Pelosi said. Floyds name will always be synonymous with justice, she said. However, many people took issue with Pelosis phrasing, noting that Floyd did not willingly sacrifice his life, but rather was murdered.  Nancy.

specifically, Pelosi's words struck me as cribbing from King's obituary for James Reeb, a white UU minister who went down to Alabama and was murdered after dining with some of the other marchers. That is a very different relationship of the dead to sacrifice and martyrdom. pic.twitter.com/HshaNePk5P  Kelsey D. Atherton (@AthertonKD) April 20, 2021

Chauvin verdicts reduce pressure for police reform [Axios]. Senior Democratic and Republican aides  who would never let their bosses say so on the record  privately told Axios the convictions have lessened pressure for change. They noted the aftermath of mass shootings: time and again, Congress has failed to pass gun control legislation, and the conversation ultimately moves on until another terrible event occurs.  Then again, a lot of Congress critters watched the verdicts on TV

Class Warfare

Lessons from Labor History for Organizing Amazon [Labor Notes]. Amazon did everything it could to stymie the union drive; no surprise there. Thats what capitalists do and any organizer who expects, or hopes for, fair treatment should find another line of work. (Which is not to say that unions shouldnt use every opportunity to expose corporate duplicity and inhumanity.) But we should remember that whatever Amazon does to coerce or intimidate its employees pales in comparison to what employers in previous eras were able and willing to do, up to and including murder. Tom Girdler at Republic Steel amassed a private arsenal that dwarfed the civil defense resources of many major cities (though the Chicago police did the killing at the Memorial Day Massacre, allowing Girdler to preserve his ammunition). Ford and General Motors employed networks of company spies and vigilantes who ensured that organizers were beaten and fired, and blacklists guaranteed that they couldnt find employment anywhere else. Yet despite the raw power those corporations possessedJeff Bezos is a piker compared to the tycoons of yesteryearworkers organized and won. Amazon too can be overcome.

Inside a Long, Messy Year of Reopening Schools [The New Republic]. When it comes to workplace safety, avoid taking an employer at their word. They also highlight something that, following dragged-out reopening fights, has been confusing to worn-out parents and community members, who are unclear why the pledges made by school districts have been insufficient to persuade educators to return more quickly: Isnt this enough? Arent you letting perfect be the enemy of the good? These dynamics are compounded by a raft of shifting and not infrequently conflicting local, state, and federal public health guidelineswhich can and are routinely used to accuse each side of not following the science. Even in February, following the release of the long-awaited Biden Centers for Disease Control and Prevention school reopening guidelines, experts quickly came out with contrasting opinions on the recommendations. Some felt the CDC shouldnt have tied in-person learning to community transmission rates, despite evidence linking the two. Others thought the CDC should tie them but believed their metrics were too conservative. Others were frustrated the CDC stuck to recommending six feet of social distancing, and yet still others criticized the agency for downplaying the role of ventilation. (Two weeks after releasing its guidance, the CDC responded by releasing additional recommendations on school ventilation.)  Im filing this under Class Warfare, not Health Care, because of the strong role of the unions. The whole piece is worth a read. (releasing additional recommendations on school ventilation misstates the politics of what CDC did. These are separate, standalone documents not part of the school re-opening guidance per se (and with every click-through you lose readers). The CDC and its DIrector, Rachel Walensky, have ferociously resisted making aerosols and ventilation bulleted talking points in their routine, public communications.

Another press union drive:

 The @thisisinsider/@BusinessInsider US editorial staff have organized one of the largest @nyguild union drives for a digital media company to secure what we've built and strengthen it. Here's why 300+ members of our newsroom are taking this step.

https://t.co/frA7c35GAO pic.twitter.com/0UOmjadaur  Insider Union (@InsiderUnion) April 19, 2021

No One Told Me Being Middle Class Meant Wearing My Retainer Forever [Culture Study]. My braces went on when I was in fifth grade. They didnt come off for nearly three years. Id go in every month to get them tightened, and would cry from the pain for days afterwards. What Im trying to say is that my parents paid thousands of dollars for me to be tortured by small pieces of metal and rubber in my mouth over the course of three years. I had big protruding buck teeth and a crossbite. It was never a decision, it was a given. Those braces were for my dental health but they were also for my middle-class future. There are other, less medically pertinent sites of continual middle class maintenance. For women in the amorphous life stage before it becomes acceptable to have classy gray woman of a certain age hair, its eliminating evidence of it, often at a significant cost. Theres teeth whitening, and sun spot eliminating, and facial hair waxing, and appropriate moisturizing. Make-up isnt enough; in fact, too much make-up, particularly on an aging face, is too much. Breast implants have to be replaced. Botox has to be refreshed. None of these tasks are one-and-done. Theyre monthly, quarterly, yearly costs.  This is excellent.

The devastating cost of the Big Tech billionaires immense wealth [Fast Company]. The barons financial advantage over the average person is extraordinary. While their median net worth is $90.2 billion, the net worth of the median white American household is $189,000, while that of Black American families is $24,000. In other words, the median Big Tech billionaire is more than 477,000 times wealthier than the median white American family, and more than 3.7 million times wealthier than the median Black family. What is to be done? Even when billionaires commit to giving away their wealth, they invariably give to undemocratic, private institutions. This allows billionairesnot democraciesto set global priorities.  What is to be done, eh? When youve lost Fast Company

News of the Wired

Scientific conclusions need not be accurate, justified, or believed by their authors [Haixin Dang & Liam Kofi Bright, Synthese]. When stating their central claims scientists should not be held to the kind of norms we hold assertions to if collective inquiry is to flourish. At the least, properly put forward scientific public avowals frequently do not and need not satisfy those norms of assertion that have been discussed in the analytic epistemology literature. Public avowals in science ought to be governed by a different norm.Underlying all our arguments is the conviction that a scientific research community must ensure its members must spread out across logical space. We must allow for the exploration of different theories, by different methods, and accept that there will be different positions adopted as time goes by and results accumulate. Perhaps inquiry shall prove to be a process of never ending adjustment, and this will be our state in perpetuity. Or perhaps we may eventually learn from science what is actual. But even if so, in order to get there, we must allow that in the midst of inquiry, scientific public avowals will frequently be defences of implausible possibilities.

* * *

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 (JK):

JK writes: The Bluebonnets are just starting to come up in central Texas. In another week these will be twice as high with all the spots where you can still see grass in this shot filled in. Gorgeous!

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Police on Wednesday identified both men involved in a fatal Vancouver shooting last week that occurred after a newspaper carrier shot and killed a man who had entered his delivery vehicle.

Officers responded to the 700 block of Waterfront Way about 4:30 a.m. Saturday on reports of a shooting, the Vancouver Police Department said. A newspaper carrier, later identified as 35-year-old Justyn Vallandingham, told officers he had left his car to make a delivery and returned to find a man sitting in the drivers seat, police said.

Vallandingham pulled out a firearm, for which he had a concealed carry license, police said, and pointed it at the man, whom police identified as 29-year-old Kin Bossy.

Vallandingham told investigators Bossy leaned toward the vehicles center console, police said.

Vallandingham was in fear that Bossy was trying to acquire a weapon, and he discharged his firearm, police said in a statement. Vallandingham made contact with 911 shortly thereafter to report the incident.

Bossy later died, police said.

Vancouver police said the investigation into the incident continues, and officers expect to search Vallandinghams vehicle this week. After the investigation is complete, police will forward the case to county prosecutors who will decide if charges are warranted.

No arrests had been made as of Wednesday morning.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
Two Ecuadorean sisters who were caught on a security camera being dumped over the United States-Mexico border wall by smugglers have been reunited with their parents.

Three-year-old Yareli and five-year-old Yasmina were back with their parents Saturday.

Surveillance camera footage released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a smuggler dropping each girl over a 14-foot high steel barrier on March 30 in New Mexico.

Border Patrol then directed agents to the remote location where the children were rescued.

El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez provides snacks to the two girls from Ecuador who were abandoned by human smugglers and dropped over a 14-foot high border wall in New Mexico on March 30. The girls were reunited with their parents in New York on Saturday

Yolanda Macas (left) and Diego Vacacela (right) were reunited with their daughters on Saturday. Vacacela's father told Univision that she became increasingly worried about being separated from her daughters after she and her husband left the girls behind when they migrated from Ecuador to the United States several years ago before deciding to hire a human smuggler to ferry their children across the U.S.-Mexico border last month

Humberto Jimenez, Ecuador's consul general in Chicago, told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that Yareli and Yasmina were in CBP custody for 13 days.

They were transferred to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office in Chicago April 13 before they were reunited with parents Diego Vacacela and Yolanda Macas.

According to the Ecuadorean government, the children met up with their parents in New York.

'We were in contact with the Resettlement Office and two other agencies were in charge of the matter, and also with the parents of the minors. The family reunification took place Saturday per the ORR's order," Jimenez told Spanish news agency EFE.

Jimenez told DailyMail.com that he could not provide additional details behind the reunification. The parents have been living in the New York area since migrating from the western Ecuador city of Jaboncillo years ago.

'They have asked us for privacy and at the request of the parents, we had direct contact, but very limited,' Jimenez said.

He also declined to comment on whether the children already had applied for asylum. He could not confirm if the parents are legal residents of the United States.

Footage release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a human smuggler (top) climbing over the Mexico-United States border wall in New Mexico after dropping two sisters from Ecuador, aged 3 and 5, over the steel barrier last Tuesday

The girls' paternal grandfather, Lucio Vacacela, told Univision, that Macas became distraught separated from her children. The parents agreed to hire human smugglers to ferry the girls across U.S.-Mexico border.

Yareli and Yasmina left Ecuador for Mexico on March 27, accompanied by their grandmother Rosa Delfin and their uncle Angel Vacacela.

Three days later, the two smugglers were captured on camera at the southwestern border dropping the children onto U.S. soil.

The whereabouts of Delfin and Vacacela remain unknown.

The number of migrants unlawfully entering the United States has risen to record levels, according to data released by CBP on April 8.

Border Patrol agents apprehended 172,331 migrants in March after stopping 101,028 people in February. The 70% increase is a 20-year record high.

The agency also reported 18,663 unaccompanied children were taken into custody in March, a 99% increase from the 9,271 migrant minors who were stopped for illegally crossing the United States from Mexico in February.
Chinese vice president hopes for more Boao views

Xinhua) 10:26, April 21, 2021

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan attends the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 opening ceremony in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 20, 2021. Wang met with members of the BFA board of directors and the forum's strategic partners, and exchanged views with representatives from the business circle. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BOAO, Hainan, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan Tuesday expressed the hope that the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) can form more Boao views with Asian countries' wisdom to improve suggestions for the long-term development and prosperity in Asia.

Wang made the call Tuesday when meeting with members of the BFA board of directors and the forum's strategic partners. Wang attended the BFA Annual Conference 2021 opening ceremony on the same day and exchanged views with representatives from the business circle.

The world is currently undergoing new, complex and profound changes, and all parties need to strengthen exchanges, build consensus and cooperate to find ways to respond. Therefore, the forum is now experiencing a broad space for development, he said.

Wang encouraged people to grasp the pulse of the times and pay attention to the emerging new trends of international politics, economies, societies, cultures and ecological civilization to promote all parties to meet challenges and share opportunities.

It is necessary to strengthen the construction of talent teams and think tanks to provide more intellectual support for governments and enterprises to carry out pragmatic cooperation, he said.

BFA Chairman Ban Ki-moon, members of the BFA board of directors and representatives from BFA strategic partners expressed their readiness to provide experience and insights for promoting multilateralism, opening-up and inclusiveness.

When meeting with entrepreneurs, Wang stressed that glory and suffering accompany each other. People must stay calm and sober through historical, cultural and philosophical thinking and build confidence and patience.

"There is no end to development, reform and opening-up," he said.

Entrepreneurs attending the meeting said that China's proposals and the super-resilient economy of China are exciting. They said they would seize the opportunity to deeply integrate into China's fostering of a new development paradigm and commit to jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday (April 21) claimed to have arrested two over-ground workers of The Resistance Front (TRF) in Bandipora district of North Kashmir.

The police released a statement which read, acting on a credible lead that some individuals were involved in aiding and abetting militants, the input was jointly developed by Bandipora Police, army and CRPF leading to the uncovering of a terror module of the TRF Organisation.

After thorough investigation and technical analysis, two OGWs of TRF namely Mushtaq Ahmad Parray and Sajad Ahmad Sofi were found to be involved in terror activities as well as actively harbouring and providing shelter and logistics to TRF militants, the statement added.

Additionally, the police revealed that the over-ground workers of TRF were also found motivating youth to join terror ranks in the state. The terror associates have been arrested and incriminating material has been recovered from them.

In this regard, a case under the relevant provisions of law has been registered in police station Aragam and further investigation is underway, as per the statement.

Live TV
Whereabouts, in contrast, is an austere, virtually plotless book. Its unnamed narrator is a solitary Roman woman  though Rome is never mentioned  who recounts her few excursions in brief chapters. Lahiri offers readers glimpses of the woman at the pool (In that container of clear water lacking life or current I see the same people with whom, for whatever reason, I feel a connection), herded unexpectedly into a guided tour (Im caught in the charade, I play a part in it, albeit as an extra), eating a sandwich in a playground (As I eat it, my body bakes in the sun that pours down on my neighborhood, each bite, feeling sacred, reminds me that Im not forsaken).

Other characters appear  her therapist, her mother, a friend  yet the interactions reinforce the narrators isolation. Solitude: Its become my trade, she tells herself.

Alessandro Giammei, an assistant professor of Italian at Bryn Mawr and a former colleague of Lahiris, was an early reader of both the Italian and English versions. In Dove Mi Trovo, he was struck by the elegance of the language and the precision of Lahiris word choices. You cannot read this book without moving your mouth in Italian, he said.

The incredible detail of her observational writing that is classic Jhumpa Lahiri is not in Whereabouts, Giammei said. If, in English, Lahiri is an eye, he added, in Italian, shes an ear.

Lahiri began drafting Whereabouts in 2015, after the Italian version of In Other Words had been released. It began as a series of sketches, scenes shed jot down in a notebook. By the time she could see them coming together in a book, she had moved to the United States for the job at Princeton, but she returned frequently to Rome, writing more sequences with each visit.

The Italian was like a faucet back then, she said. It would only work when I was there.

Apart from her own writing  Whereabouts is the third book she composed in Italian, following In Other Words and The Clothing of Books, published in 2016  Lahiri kept busy with other translations and editing projects. She has translated two novels by an acclaimed contemporary writer, Domenico Starnone, one of which was a finalist for a National Book Award, and has a third set for release in the fall. Dismayed by the lack of quality translations of some of her favorite Italian writers, she edited and contributed translations to a volume of collected short stories. Several of those selections, including stories by Elsa Morante and Fabrizia Ramondino, had never before appeared in English.
GURUGRAM, India, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnam's Elevating Economy: Vietnam's growing economy is supporting the Road Freight industry in Vietnam. The Government of Vietnam has allowed 100% FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in its Logistics sector. Along with it, Vietnam has been increasing the no. of free trade agreements with ASEAN countries like Cambodia, Laos, China, and Singapore among others. The development of infrastructure has been a major driver for the Vietnam's road freight transport market. Vietnam's boosting economy has been attracting major players from around the world to strengthen its potential to become one of the leading e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia.

Increased focus on Innovation: As market awareness increases, the road freight service providers are focusing more on product innovation and addition of latest technologies. Digitization is helping address challenges in Vietnam's road freight system. Technological solutions, such as GPS, Intelligent Transportation System, increase access to real time tracking information and optimizing the travel routes and freight arrival times.

Logistics Demand to Rise: Vietnam has expanded to become a leading manufacturing hotspot in SE Asia owing to high availability of labor and low labor costs. In the past 20 years the land allotted to Industrial parks have increased from 330 to more than 80,000 hectares. Vietnam imports majority of the raw material and exports the manufactured products increasing the demand for Logistics over the years.

The report titled "Vietnam Road Freight Market Outlook to 2025" by Ken Research suggested that the logistics market is expected to grow at a double digit positive CAGR. Increased Trade and Technological advancements in the fleet are driving the ambient container truck market in Vietnam. The Road Freight revenue in Vietnam is expected to grow over the next few years owing to the increasing industries and trade parks in the country.

Key Segments Covered:-

Logistics Market

By Freight Volume

By Transport Sector

By Transportation

By Enterprise Ownership

Road Freight Market

By Freight Volume

Fleet Characteristics

Key Target Audience:-

Manufacturing Industry

FMCG Industry

Food Processing Industry

Agriculture industry

Food Packaging industry

Transporatation industry

Consumer Electronics Industry

Electrical Industry

Automobile Industry

Time Period Captured in the Report:-

Historical Period: 2015-2019P

2015-2019P Forecast Period: 2020F2025F

Companies Covered:-

Road Freight Industry

Viettel Logistics

SNP  Saigon New Port

MP Logistics

Indo Trans Limited

DB Schenker

Transimex Corp.

Bollore Logistics

VinaFreight International

U&I Logistics

Gemadept Corp.

Nguyen Ngoc

Bee Logistics

VinaTrans

TCI Logistics

Minh Chau JSC

Interlink

End User:-

Trung Nguyen

Unilever

Samsung

Viettel

Sapporo Breweries

Yakult Honsha

PetroVietnam

CocaCola

TOTAL

Nestle

VinaMilk

Masan Holdings

Suntory Pepsico

Sabeco Brewery

Procter & Gambler

Key Topics Covered in the Report

Vietnam Logistics Market Introduction

Vietnam Logistics Market Size, 2015-2019P

Vietnam Logistics Market Segmentation, 2015-2019P (Revenue, Freight Volume, Transport Sector, Transportation, Enterprise Ownership)

Detailed Analysis on Road Freight Market ( Revenue, Freight Volumes, Fleet Characteristics, End User Analysis, Supply EcoSystem, Cost Component, Demand Analysis)

Major Challenges in Vietnam Road Freight Market

Road Freight Market Regulatory Landscape in Vietnam Logistics Market

Logistics Market Target End Users(Analysis on Top 15 FMCG companies)

Comparative Landscape in Vietnam Road Freight Market

Road Freight Market Vietnam Road Freight Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2020F-2025F (Revenue, Freight Volumes, Future Innovations)

Impact of Covid-19 on Road Freight Industry

Vietnam Logistics Market

Vietnam Ambient Container Truck Market

Vietnam Road Freight Market

Logistics in Vietnam

Road Transportation in Vietnam

Container Trucks in Vietnam

Road Transport Revenue in Vietnam

Volume of Road Transport in Vietnam

Challenges in Road Freight in Vietnam

Future of Vietnam Logistics Market

Future of Vietnam Ambient Container Truck Market

Future of Vietnam Road Freight Market

Growth of Vietnam Road Freight Market

Impact of Covid-19 on Road Freight in Vietnam

Impact of Covid-19 on Logistics in Vietnam

For More Information on the research report, refer to below link:

Vietnam Road Freight Market

Related Reports:-

India Road Freight Market Outlook to 2024  Driven by BS VI Norms, revision in Existing Axle Norms by the Government and Technological Advancements

The report covers various aspects including the current logistics scenario in India, its components viz, freight transportation, warehousing, CEP and VAS. The report specially focuses on Road freight market highlighting its issues and challenges, major growth drivers, investment in infrastructure, tech disruptions and innovations, and competition benchmarking.

Turkey Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2025  By Domestic and International Freight Forwarding Throughput, Revenue & Flow Corridor (Road Freight and Pipelines, Sea, Air and Rail Freight), By Warehousing (Industrial / Retail, Container Freight / Inland Container Depot & Cold Storage), By 3PL, Courier Express & Parcel, Domestic and Cross Border E-commerce Logistics

Turkey logistics and warehousing market displayed a consistent growth during the period 2013 to 2018. The growth in the automotive exports coupled with rising e-commerce sector was witnessed to drive the Turkey logistics market. The country also has a robust manufacturing sector that contributes to almost 25% of the country's GDP and provides the boost to the logistics industry in Turkey.

Philippines Road Freight Market Outlook to 2024  Driven by Government Spending on Road Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

Philippines Logistics Sector has witnessed a robust CAGR with the highest share to freight forwarding Market followed by Warehousing, Courier parcel, and Express market, and VAS Market. Sea and Road are dominant modes of transportation with road transportation only possible domestically due to its Archipelago location.

Contact Us:-

Ken Research

Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

+91-9015378249

SOURCE Ken Research
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges Romeo Power, Inc. (NYSE: RMO) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now. A securities class action has been filed and certain investors may have valuable claims.

Class Period: Oct. 5, 2020 - Mar. 30, 2021

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: June 15, 2021

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/RMO

Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

Romeo Power, Inc. (NYSE: RMO) Securities Fraud Action:

The complaint centers on Romeo's misrepresentations and omissions concerning its access to battery cells, a key component of the company's battery modules and packs.

During the class period, Romeo emphasized the company's 4 key battery cell supply partners, which in turn eliminated supply chain risks and support its lofty revenue projections ($11 million for 2020 and $140 million for 2021). The company repeatedly assured investors it had sufficient long-term contracts to supply enough battery cells even in the face of the tight supply.

But the truth emerged on Mar. 30, 2021, when Romeo released a dismal outlook for 2021, reducing its 2021 guided revenues by a whopping 71%  81%, claiming the shortfall stemmed from a shortage of battery cells. On an earnings call later that same day, management elaborated on the supply constraint, admitting that Romeo depended on just 2 (not 4, as previously touted) battery cell suppliers.

Analysts were shocked by news, with Morgan Stanley slashing its Romeo share target price from $12 to $7, citing the battery cell supply chain risk not previously contemplated and the dramatically lower 2021 revenue estimate as the drivers.

In response to this news, Romeo shares declined $2.04 per share, or almost 20%, in a single trading day.

"We're focused on investors' losses and proving Romeo misled investors by misstating its true supply chain risks," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you are a Romeo Power investor and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Romeo Power should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .

Contact:

Reed Kathrein

844-916-0895

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Related Links

https://www.hbsslaw.com


Former Health Secretary K Sujatha Rao has criticised the government's decision to permit open market sales of COVID-19 vaccines before India has sufficient supply of vaccines.

In a series of tweets over the last couple of days, Rao has been warning against the opening up of vaccine administration without proper planning to ensure adequate supplies and pricing mechanisms. "The vaccine policy announced yesterday is completely biased towards pharma companies. It has neatly shifted the confusion and chaos that will emerge from May 1st away from itself and towards the state governments to answer. Never seen such abdication of a fundamental duty," she tweeted on April 20.

On April 19th - the day when the Central government announced that a Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 Vaccination programme will start from May 1 - she had said that the 'procurement of vaccines by states is not a good idea' and the Central government must rethink its decision. "It will be a mess," she had warned.

However, she had welcomed the move to make all persons above the age of 18 eligible for the vaccination. The only issue she flagged was that "supply will compel prioritisation". She had asked the government to conduct sero surveillance surveys to get positivity rate among age groups. She also expressed concern over the decision of the Centre to ask state governments to buy the vaccine directly from the vaccine manufacturers as quality assurance capacity is weak in some states. Stating that this needs to be sorted out, she warned of the possibility of price hike of vaccines and resultant access barrier to millions of people.

In fact Rao was one among several others who had expressed the same concerns. For instance, Thomas Isaac, finance minister of Kerala tweeted that the central government "has abdicated its responsibility of ensuring universal vaccination". "The new policy will create serious strain on state finances, chaos in vaccine procurement, escalation of prices and exclusion of the poor. Net result would be prolongation of the calamity," Isaac said.

On April 19, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to allow COVID-19 vaccination for everyone above 18 from May 1 onwards. It was also decided that vaccine manufacturers would supply 50 per cent of their monthly doses to the central government and would be free to supply the remaining doses to state governments and in the open market. Manufacturers were asked to make an advance declaration of the price for 50 per cent supply that would be available to state governments and in the open market, before May 1. "Private Vaccination providers shall transparently declare their self-set vaccination price. The eligibility through this channel would be opened up to all adults, i.e. everyone above the age of 18," the vaccine policy of the government said.

Also read: India to remove import duty on COVID-19 vaccines

Also read: Covid-19 vaccine: How much can Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech jack up prices?
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The publisher of a bestselling biography about writer Philip Roth is pausing its promotion and shipping of the book after the former Lusher Middle School teacher who authored it faces accusations that he fostered close relationships with girls he taught and then exploited their trust to seek sex from them early in their adulthood.

A spokesperson for W.W. Norton & Company said Wednesday that the allegations against author Blake Bailey are serious.

In light of them, we have decided to pause the shipping and promotion of Philip Roth: The Biography pending any further information that may emerge, the spokesperson added.

Author Blake Bailey accused of abusing ex-Lusher students' trust for sex; denies illegal conduct A celebrated literary biographer who taught eighth-grade English at New Orleans Lusher Middle School in the 1990s is now facing accusations t

Bailey, who is now 57, denied wrongdoing through a statement issued by New Orleans attorney Billy Gibbens.

It is absurd to suggest that (Bailey) was grooming students for anticipated encounters as adults many years later, Gibbens statement said. The allegations  are false, hurtful descriptions of conduct between adults. Mr. Bailey has never treated a woman inappropriately and has never forced himself on a woman.

In interviews published Tuesday, three former students of Bailey who he taught as eighth graders in the 1990s said Bailey stayed in contact with them for years under the guise of life and career mentorship. All three reported sexual encounters with him early in their adulthood, with one of them  Eve Crawford Peyton  accusing him of rape.

A fourth former student, Elisha Diamond, said she fled after meeting him at a bar during her freshman year in college when he slid his hand up her thigh following a series of suggestive remarks.

In a New York Times article posted Wednesday, publishing executive Valentina Rice alleged that Bailey raped her while they were both overnight guests at the New Jersey home of a book critic for The Times in 2015. Rice alleged that Bailey forced himself on her even as she said no and stop repeatedly, according to The Times.

Rice told The Times that she wrote to Norton's president and accused Bailey of nonconsensual sex. Norton's president didn't respond, but Bailey did, saying the publisher had forwarded her note, The Times reported.

I can assure you I have never had nonconsensual sex of any kind, with anybody, ever, and if it comes to a point I shall vigorously defend my reputation and livelihood, Bailey wrote to Rice, according to The Times.

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The Times reported Wednesday that Bailey made a statement to them calling Rice's allegations categorically false and libelous.

Baileys past at Lusher  where he taught for about eight years beginning in 1992  emerged following critical praise he received for his 900-page volume on Roth, released earlier this month. That book was penned after Bailey's successful biographies of authors John Cheever and Richard Yates, which were published after he left Lusher.

Norton's halting of the distribution and promotion of the Roth book came after Bailey's literary agency  the Story Factory  fired him as a client on Sunday, when some of the biographer's former students started publicly speaking out online. Norton said it confronted Bailey about Rice's allegations, which he categorically denied.

The statement that Gibbens released on Baileys behalf reflected an argument Bailey has made personally to some of the women who are now coming forward, including some who have confronted him.

Whatever the rumor mill says, I had sex with no minors or students who were my students at the time, Bailey said in an email to one of the women, in which he also asked her to ponder the effect her speaking out would have on his family. My behavior was deplorable, but I did nothing illegal.

That woman, who asked to not be publicly identified, wrote: We cannot deny that he waited until we no longer were his students to cajole, coerce and rape us, (but) we also cannot deny the deep and lasting betrayal of trust that his actions ignited.

The Times on Wednesday reported that Bailey also asked Rice to think of his family before she publicly aired her allegations.

I appeal to your decency, he wrote, according to The Times. I have a wife and young daughter who adore and depend on me, and such a rumor, even untrue, would destroy them.

Note: This post was updated to include details from a New York Times article posted late Wednesday.
[April 21, 2021] Awarding Ceremony of "2021 Yiwugo Top Landladies" was held

YIWU, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, which is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world, held the 6th Fashion Party of "Yiwugo Top Landladies" at Marriott Hotel of Yiwu on the evening of April 20th to present the awards for "Yiwugo Top Landladies" and nominated candidates. The winners of "2021 Yiwugo Top Landladies" were Fu Jiangyan from Zhangweichao Socks Firm, Shi Xin from Yiwu Xiaomeng Stationery Co., Ltd., Li Xinglin from Wangjin Bag Firm, Zhang Jinxia from Qixia Kitchenware Firm, Zhang Jiying from Zhejiang Xingbao Umbrella Co., LTD, Long Dongzhao from Bacai Toys Firm, Xia Lingling from Yiwu MingCan Knitting Elastic,Ye Yili from Shifeng Socks Firm, Deng Tingting from Nantong Ennas Home Textile Co., Ltd., and Wang Chunxing from Butterfly Fly Lace Firm. According to the big data of Yiwugo.com, female business owners account for 52.63% of the ttal with most aged between 35 and 55. Many female business owners have been worked in their business for more than 8 years and are very high-quality first-class wholesalers in the commodity industry. Business owners are faced with new challenges with higher international exposure and rise of e-commerce. In the face of these challenges, female business owners actively learn new expertise, broaden their vision, show their strength without holding back to develop their own business, which have also made contributions to the development of Yiwu market.





Voting of this event started from March 8th, 2021 and ended on April 8th, 2021. The contestants covered all the female business owners in Yiwu market and its industrial belt with 133 eligible contestants. Contestant registered and received votes on Yiwugo webpages, Yiwugo App and Yiwugo WeChat official account. The event reached hundreds of thousands of people, attracted the attention of mainstream media and relevant purchasers, and served as a brand promotion platform for contestants and enterprises. Wang Jianjun, CEO of Yiwugo, said that both markets and business owners need to drive development with innovation while physical stores seek transformation and upgrade to rise to the current challenges. Yiwugo promotes outstanding female business owners by "Yiwugo Top Landladies", creating a number of branded enterprises in Yiwu. It has played a positive role in guiding merchants to build brands with their expertise and seek development. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/awarding-ceremony-of-2021-yiwugo-top-landladies-was-held-301273512.html SOURCE Yiwugo.com

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Golden State Hemp co-founders cut ribbon to mark first shipment of hemp by rail in 84 years. Todays first shipment by rail is another goal in our company mission of Changing the world one acre at a time, stated Jeff Friedland, co-founder and CEO. It all starts here by reducing our carbon footprint with railroads instead of trucks. Todays first shipment may be relatively very small com

Other World Management Inc, along with Golden State Hemp, and Union Pacific, the nations largest railway with 32,000 miles of track, today loaded the first legal hemp shipment via railroad since the prohibition of hemp, 84 years ago, from Fowler Train Depot. The first shipment of approximately 17,000 pounds of hemp, grown at the 550-acre Golden State Hemp farm in Fresno, California, is expected to be delivered to their Denver, Colorado medical R&D lab. Making the announcement was Golden State Hemp co-founder and CEO Jeff Friedland who was joined by executives from Union Pacific and United States Representative David Valadaos office.

Todays first shipment by rail is another goal in our company mission of Changing the world one acre at a time, stated Jeff Friedland, co-founder and CEO. It all starts here by reducing our carbon footprint with railroads instead of trucks. Todays first shipment may be relatively very small compared to our harvest and the millions of pounds of hemp transported by trucks all over the US, but it also marks the dawn of hemps next revolution in the US.

Since 8,000 BC, the world has been using hemp to make paper and other products essential to everyday life. The first recorded mention of hemp in America was found in 1632. The Virginia Assembly actually mandated that every planter as soone as he may, provide seede of flaxe and hempe and sowe the same. Massachusetts and Connecticut passed similar guidelines to encourage local farmers to grow and cultivate the plant. According to diary entries, both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on their plantations. Additionally, Benjamin Franklin began one of Americas first paper mills using hemp to make paper. The first two drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper in 1776.

Realizing the environmental benefits of hemp including reducing the worlds carbon emissions, the plants biodegradability, and the FDAs approval of Epidiolex, the first drug approved by the FDA containing CBD. The United States Senate passed section 10113 of the 2018 Farm Bill, permitting the transportation of hemp across state borders. Many experts believe that hemp can displace trees as hemp farms can produce 4x more per acre in 5 months rather than 20 years of tree forestation.

Golden State Hemp

Golden State Hemp (GSH), founded in 2019 shortly after the 2018 farm bill legalized hemp in the United States and a subsidiary of Other World Management, is a vertically integrated agri-business with multiple divisions in the hemp space. GSH, with over 550 acres in California and operations and partnerships in six US states, is led by co-founders Jeff Friedland, Chief Executive Officer, and Josh Anderson, Chief Cultivation Officer, who have more than 35 years in the Hemp and Cannabis industry.

GSH has a zero-waste philosophy where every aspect of the plant is used to monetize a variety of revenue streams. From seed to sale, we create high-grade organic hemp products, while transforming the public's perception of the hemp plant's health benefits and environmental sustainability. GSHs vertical integration and love for the hemp plant give customers assurance they are receiving the highest quality products on the market. To learn more, please visit http://www.goldenstatehemp.com.

Other World Management

Changing the world one acre at a time, privately held Other World Management is dedicated to pioneering the re-evolution of Hemp as we develop new genetics, practice regenerative farming, and harness patented technology to create biodegradable products. We are Building the supply chain of tomorrow while reducing the carbon footprint. Our Zero Waste approach allows Other World to utilize every aspect of the plant to monetize multiple revenue streams.

Other World Management is an integrated agribusiness-industrial holding company. Other World has multiple divisions and JV partnerships in the medical and industrial Hemp space. Golden State Hemp is the forward-facing brand for several of these businesses.

Editors Note: Video and photography from todays 4/20 event is now available and will be updated throughout the day. Editors can visit: Press Kit  GoldenStateHemp
New Bombardier Line Maintenance Station in Geneva is the tenth to open worldwide and will provide enhanced service capabilities in Europe





Facility is the latest addition to the quickly expanding Bombardier customer service network, which is in the process of growing its footprint by 50%





Located at a major hub, the station is set to satisfy maintenance demands of Bombardier's growing fleet of Challenger and Global business jets



MONTREAL, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is pleased to announce the opening of a new Line Maintenance Station at Geneva Airport. This most recent addition further complements the tip-to-tail maintenance services provided by Bombardier's rapidly growing Services and Support network in Europe and worldwide.

Located at Geneva Airpark, Bombardier's new Line Maintenance Station offers customers line maintenance services by highly-skilled technicians who are certified to maintain Challenger 300, Challenger 350,Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Challenger 650, Challenger 850 and all Global series business jets, including Bombardier's flagship Global 7500 aircraft.

"This addition is an integral part of our overall mission to enhance OEM support for our operators in Europe, and we are very pleased to offer our customers turn-key service solutions for aircraft and crew members," said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier. "In keeping with our commitment to offer an exceptional customer experience, we are delighted to provide our customers with expanded support in Europe."

The new Line Maintenance Station in Geneva offers customers access to 10,000 sq m (over 107,000 sq ft) of hangar space and is ideally situated adjacent to business aviation terminal C3 and its handling agents. Geneva Airpark personnel also offer premium services such as hangaring aircraft in clean, temperature-controlled conditions, tire pressure checks, oxygen tank refills, fuel tank drainage, and 24/7 cleaning of aircraft interiors.

The new Line Maintenance Station builds on Bombardier's series of announcements regarding enhancements to its worldwide customer service network. These announcements include the expansion of Bombardier's service centre network in: Berlin, Miami, London-Biggin Hill, Singapore and the recently announced new service centre to be built in Melbourne, Australia. Additionally, new Line Maintenance Stations are open to customers at strategic locations in the U.S. and Europe, while new products and services are constantly being developed and released, including the Smart Link Plus connected aircraft program.

As the seventh European Line Maintenance Station and tenth worldwide, the new facility in Geneva joins Bombardier's award-winning network of nine service centres and a total of 30 Customer Response Team mobile units around the globe, all equipped to support Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global business aircraft. Since 2017, Bombardier began rapidly expanding its service centre footprint worldwide and is currently on the way to growing its Services and Support infrastructure footprint by 50%.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, creating innovative and game-changing planes. Our products and services provide world-class experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier is present in more than 12 countries including its production/engineering sites and its customer support network. The Corporation supports a worldwide fleet of approximately 4,900 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments and private individuals.

News and information is available at bombardier.comor follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

Visit the Bombardier Business Aircraft websitefor more information on our industry-leading products and services.

Follow @Bombardieron Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier.

To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feedsection.

Bombardier, Challenger, Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Challenger 650, Challenger 850, Global and Global 7500 are either unregistered or registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For information

Matthew Nicholls

Bombardier

+ 1 514-243-8214

matthew.nicholls@aero.bombardier.com
Bengaluru, April 21 : In the wake of the increasing body count at the crematoriums in Bengaluru due to the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, crematorium staff have sent out a loud and clear message that they would not be able to handle more bodies.

A staff at the Medi Agrahara Crematorium in Yelahanka told IANS on condition of anonymity that all the workers were tired, as they had been working almost 18 to 20 hours a day for the last two days and they are not able to discharge their duties any further.

"We are tired of seeing so many bodies piled up outside the crematorium. By the time we burn one or two bodies, four more are in the queue. It is a horrific scene by any yardstick. We are one among the seven crematoriums in the Bengaluru Civic Body which is designated to handle Covid bodies. We have burnt at least 25 to 28 bodies each in the last two days. We have only two furnaces here," he said.

He also said that if the same trend continues, that day is not far off when the media will come here to report about furnaces melting for being unable to handle the bodies.

Hearing these complaints and after the Bengaluru city legislators suggested to the Karnataka government to temporarily allocate vacant land to cremate Covid bodies, the revenue department of the state had decided to allocate cattle grazing land across the city for cremating bodies using wood.

Revenue minister R. Ashoka told reporters that the department is in the process of identifying cattle grazing land which can be converted into temporary cremation grounds.

"Even to set up a temporary cremation ground, we need to provide basic infrastructure like borewell, electric points, water facility etc. At least this much is needed. It is not just a matter of allocating land alone," he explained.

Karnataka remains one the worst Covid-hit states in the country, reporting 21,794 fresh cases and 149 deaths on Tuesday. However, its mortality rate is still lower compared to few other states.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
India's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp has tied up with Taiwanese electric two-wheeler maker Gogoro to accelerate the shift to sustainable electric mobility in India which will see the Indian bike maker develop Gogoro's battery swapping stations. Additionally, the collaboration also includes Hero-branded EVs that will be powered by Gogoro Network vehicles.

This is the first direct foray of Hero MotoCorp in the nascent but fast moving two-wheeler EV space. It has also invested in EV start-up Ather where it is the largest shareholder with a 35 per cent stake. Hero's direct rivals Bajaj and TVS have already forayed into the EV space with the Chetak and iQube, respectively.

"Our strategic partnership with Gogoro is in line with our Vision - 'Be the Future of Mobility' which we are bringing alive through our Mission to 'Create, Collaborate & Inspire'," said Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp. "Today marks another major milestone in our journey, as we bring Hero's leadership in two-wheelers, our Global scale and innovation powerhouse, with the leadership of Gogoro in swapping business model, as they have demonstrated over the years in Taiwan and rest of the world."

ALSO READ: Lockdown impact: Hero to shut factories for 4 days as precaution

"This partnership will further extend the work, which we are doing at our R&D hubs at the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur and our Tech Centre in Germany," he added. "The vision and commitment of Hero and Gogoro is perfectly aligned towards the common goal of accelerating the shift to smart, sustainable electric mobility in India, and around the world. With this new partnership, we commit to introducing a sustainable mobility paradigm, first in India and then in other markets around the world. This partnership will strengthen and expedite the Indian government's electrification drive and will have a significant impact on India's energy and mobility future."

In the post pandemic era, sale of electric vehicles have surged in the country imparting momentum to the electrification journey of the industry. In fiscal 2021, despite the pandemic, over 40,000 electric two-wheelers were sold in the country against less than 25,000 units in the previous fiscal. Though Hero has not given a timeline for the launch of its first EV two-wheeler in the country, its foray will further push electrification in the country.

ALSO READ: Hero Electric to train 20,000 roadside mechanics to deal with EVs

"We are at a critical stage in the transformation of urban mobility and the evolution of smart cities. With more than 225 million gas-powered two-wheel vehicles in India, the need for smart and sustainable electric transportation and refueling is vital," said Horace Luke, Founder & CEO, Gogoro Inc. "The Hero-Gogoro partnership addresses these challenges and will leverage Hero's market strength and Gogoro's industry leading innovations to deliver smart vehicles and refueling with Gogoro Network battery swapping."

Founded in 2011, Gogoro Network is a hyper-efficient battery swapping platform that was recognised by Frost & Sullivan with the 2020 Company of the Year Award for the Global Swappable Battery Electric Scooter Market. It has more than 375,000 riders and 2,000 battery swapping stations and manages 265,000 daily battery swaps with more than 174 million total battery swaps to date.

Battery swapping is seen as an effective way to get around the problem of lack of charging stations in India and is believed to be highly effective for B2B fleet and delivery services. Chetan Maini's Sun Mobility is the first battery swapping solutions provider in India.

ALSO READ: After Maruti, Hero MotoCorp announces hike in motorcycles, scooters prices from April
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the rule of law in a constitutional framework is fulfilled when law is substantively fair, procedurally fair and applied in a fair manner, as it held that the power to order a provisional attachment of property, including a bank account, of a taxable person, under the GST law is "draconian in nature".

The top court emphasised that this power of attachment can't be used as an "unguided discretion" by the authorities.

A bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah said: "The power to order a provisional attachment of the property of the taxable person including a bank account is draconian in nature and the conditions which are prescribed by the statute for a valid exercise of the power must be strictly fulfilled."

The bench noted a provisional attachment under Section 83 is contemplated during the pendency of certain proceedings, meaning thereby that a final demand or liability is yet to be crystallised. "An anticipatory attachment of this nature must strictly conform to the requirements, both substantive and procedural, embodied in the statute and the rules," said the bench.

In the 61-page judgement, the bench observed the formation of the opinion must be based on tangible material which indicates a live link to the necessity to order a provisional attachment to protect the interest of the government revenue. "The commissioner must be alive to the fact that such provisions are not intended to make pre-emptive strikes on the property of the assessee, merely because property is available," the bench said.

The top court allowed an appeal by Radha Krishna Industries, challenging the Himachal Pradesh High Court order of January 1, 2021. The High Court had dismissed its plea against the order for provisional attachment of properties under the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Service Tax Act, 2017 for tax liability of Rs 5.03 crore.

The top court stressed: "The exercise of unguided discretion cannot be permissible because it will leave citizens and their legitimate business activities to the peril of arbitrary power. Each of these ingredients must be strictly applied before a provisional attachment on the property of an assesses can be levied."

The bench noted that the High Court erred in dismissing the writ petition on the ground that it was not maintainable. "In the facts of the present case, there was a clear non-application of mind by the Joint Commissioner to the provisions of Section 83, rendering the provisional attachment illegal," noted the bench.

The bench said the Commissioner was clearly misconceived in law in coming into conclusion that he had a discretion on whether or not to grant an opportunity of being heard. "The Commissioner is duty bound to deal with the objections to the attachment by passing a reasoned order which must be communicated to the taxable person whose property is attached," said the bench.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
An average of 3.5 million shots a day have been given for the past week, according to data released by the National Health Commission

(Bloomberg)  China is expected to approve BioNTech SEs Covid-19 vaccine in June, according to Ker Gibbs, the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

The Shanghai government told the group, known as AmCham, that it expects the shot to be cleared somewhere in the June time frame, he said, citing a conversation with Vice Mayor Zong Ming.

The shot, which will be rolled out by Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co., is likely to be the first of the highly effective mRNA vaccines approved in the Chinese mainland. Its availability will help alleviate supply shortages facing the worlds most populous country. China has a target of vaccinating 40% of the nation, or 560 million people, by the end of June.

Limited Supply

Supply shortfalls recently slowed the pace of Chinas immunization push, following an acceleration in late March spurred by Vice Premier Sun Chunlans call to ramp up a nationwide vaccination campaign. An average of 3.5 million shots a day have been given for the past week, according to data released by the National Health Commission, while the country needs to administer more than 5.3 million doses a day to meet its June target.

With supply remaining a pressure point, authorities have devised several ways to make vaccinations available to more people. They include prioritizing distribution in densely populated and developed cities and extending the interval between the two doses needed to achieve full immunization.

Fosun secured the rights from BioNTech to exclusively develop and market the shot in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Pfizer Inc. sells the vaccine in other places. The messenger RNA vaccine works by delivering genetic instructions for making the viruss spike protein inside healthy cells, which spurs an immune response. The mRNA shots have higher effectiveness rates than immunizations from domestic makers, including those from Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and Sinopharm Group Co.

Pre-Registering

Fosun indicated a price of roughly 1,000 yuan ($154) for two doses in December, according to Gibbs, and they havent had further talks about cost since then.

Around 40,000 people expressed an interest in getting the BioNTech shot in an AmCham Shanghai survey, conducted to help Fosun pre-register people.

Were having ongoing conversations with Fosun, and we have high confidence in their ability to efficiently distribute the vaccine once its approved, Gibbs said.

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Apr. 21Nobody likes paying taxes. But after they're paid, it's easier if the check clears quickly so one can forget about them (until the next time they're due).

In Pittsburgh, that hasn't been the case. There's a six- to eight-week backlog processing real estate and parks tax payments, according to a notice on the city's website.

Bills for the second installment of property taxes will also be delayed, according to the city's website.

It means that although taxpayers mailed checks that were received two months ago by the city, they haven't been processed and cashed.

"It has been an unacceptably long period. We recognize that and apologize, it should not be an ongoing problem," Dan Gilman, Mayor Bill Peduto's chief of staff, said Wednesday.

The city's finance office was faced with what Gilman called a "double whammy."

The finance department had to mail separate bills for the new parks tax, which levies an extra $50 for every $100,000 of assessed property value, to property owners.

Next year, the new tax will be included in property tax bills, but this year it wasn't. As a result, the city doubled the number of bills and/or checks it needed to process, while also dealing with staffing cuts because of the covid-19 pandemic, Gilman said.

It left the finance department with twice the checks and half the staff to process the checks, because fewer people were allowed in the office to allow for social distancing, he said.

"We've made changes to bring more staff on and we're starting to catch up," Gilman said.

The postmark date will be honored despite the delay in processing and no penalties will be assessed because of the delay, according to the city.

"Taxpayers have every right to be upset. We're doing everything we can to alleviate the problem," City Finance Director Douglas Anderson said.

Tom Davidson is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tom at 724-226-4715, tdavidson@triblive.com or via Twitter .
121eCommerce and Century partner to provide streamlined credit card processing to customers. We will now be able to offer our clients industry-leading credit card processing at great rates. -- Ben Chafetz, CEO of 121eCommerce

Century Business Solutions is excited to announce its partnership with 121eCommerce, a premier Magento website development agency.

The partnership will use Centurys proprietary payment gateway, EBizCharge, to provide credit card processing for thousands of merchants across the country.

The powerful EBizCharge payment gateway integrates with dozens of ERPs and accounting programsas well as CRM software and online shopping cartsto automate payment acceptance and allow credit card processing directly inside existing software.

EBizCharge is fully PCI compliant and offers advanced data encryption and tokenization technology to ensure maximum transaction security within over 100 leading ERP and accounting systems and major online shopping carts.

Were excited about this partnership because we will now be able to offer our clients industry-leading credit card processing at great rates, explained Ben Chafetz, CEO of 121eCommerce. But what Im most excited about is their five-star customer service. Like us, they take a customer-first approach, and thats why we complement each other so well.

EBizCharge provides unlimited transaction and batch history for reporting purposes. With EBizCharge, users can run custom reports, sort through transactions by category, and immediately release funds when issuing refunds.

The partnership between 121eCommerce and Century Business Solutions will help streamline workflow, eliminate double data entry, and make payment processing more efficient.

About Century Business Solutions

Century Business Solutions is reinventing the way companies accept credit card payments with their all-in-one payment solution, EBizCharge. EBizCharge is one of the top payment gateway alternatives to its more expensive and inefficient counterparts and is specifically designed to reduce payment processing costs and inefficiencies. EBizCharge integrates seamlessly with over 100+ accounting, ERP, CRM, and shopping cart systems, including QuickBooks, Sage, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Magento, and WooCommerce. Century is partnered and certified with Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Magento, and many more. For more information, visit https://www.centurybizsolutions.net.

About 121eCommerce

121eCommerce is an eCommerce web development company that has earned a reputation as a go-to agency for project rescues and complex site builds. Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, they offer a full stack of Magento web development services and have helped hundreds of B2C and B2B eCommerce sites realize their ROI by delivering expert Magento services with solid customer service. They are an Adobe Gold Solution Partner and only one of twelve North American partners with a specialization in Magento Commerce Cloud. They were named Adobes 2020 Emerging Solution Partner of the Year and have worked with top companies, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Cessna, and Graco. For more information, visit https://www.121ecommerce.com/.
House rejects resolution to censure Maxine Waters for controversial comments on Derek Chauvin trial

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats came to the defense of Rep. Maxine Waters, rejecting an attempt by Republicans to censure the California Democrat for telling activists to get more confrontational if ex-police officer Derek Chauvin was acquitted in the George Floyd murder trial.

Maxine talked about confrontation in the manner of the Civil Rights movement. I, myself, think we should take our lead from the George Floyd family, Pelosi said during an appearance on CNN Monday. Theyve handled this with great dignity and no ambiguity or lack of misinterpretation by the other side.

No, no, I dont think she should apologize, the fellow California Democrat added.

Waters faced a censure resolution from Republicans over comments she made at a protest in Minnesota Saturday in response to the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who had a warrant out for arrest and was shot by a police officer after he attempted to resist arrest last week during a traffic stop.

The protest took place in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, not far from the location of the pending trial for Floyds murder in downtown Minneapolis.

Were looking for a guilty verdict. Were looking for a guilty verdict. And were looking to see if all of this [inaudible] that took place and has been taking place after they saw what happened to George Floyd, Waters, D-Calif., said at the protest, according to the Daily Wire.

If nothing does not happen, then we know that weve got to not only stay in the street, but weve got to fight for justice. But I am very [hopeful] and I hope that were going to get a verdict that will say guilty, guilty, guilty, Waters continued. And if we dont, we cannot go away.

Judge Peter Cahill, the judge presiding over the murder trial, was asked by Chauvins defense attorney, Eric Nelson, to declare a mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct and Waters controversial comments.

Nelson said the jury might be influenced by external factors that could affect jurors due to the inflammatory nature of the comments made just two days before closing arguments began. He moved for a mistrial on Monday, but the judge denied the motion.

Cahill said he wished elected officials would not reference the case, especially in a way that is disrespectful to the rule of law. The judge called for lawmakers to let the judicial process play out as intended, according to Politico.

Ill give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned, Cahill was quoted as saying.

On Tuesday, a jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Many Republican members of Congress have accused Waters, 82, of inciting violence.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., announced he would introduce a resolution to censure Waters due to the confrontational comment if Pelosi did not take action.

This weekend in Minnesota, Maxine Waters broke the law by violating curfew and then incited violence, McCarthy tweeted. Speaker Pelosi is ignoring Waters behavior  thats why I am introducing a resolution to censure Rep. Waters for these dangerous comments.

However, the House on Tuesday rejected the attempt to censure waters, according to The Washington Post. The vote to kill the censure resolution was along party lines: 216 to 210.

Democratic leaders in the House called the censure attempt a ploy to turn attention from inflammatory rhetoric used by Republicans in Congress.

I think its a totally phony effort to distract from what the Republicans know has been the rhetoric of so many of their members, which has in effect, aided and abetted and condoned violent activity, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R.-Ky., also criticized Waters' weekend actions.

Its harder to imagine anything more inappropriate than a member of Congress flying in from California to inform local leaders, not so subtly, that this defendant had better be found guilty or else there will be big trouble in the streets, McConnell said, per Politico.

Waters, who serves as the House Financial Services Committee chairwoman and has been a member of Congress since 1991, defended her inflammatory comments.

She said during a Sunday interview on MSNBC that it is up to those who hold significant positions to stand up and call for justice when dealing with the criminal justice system.

Waters previously faced backlash in June 2018 for calling on supporters at a rally in Los Angeles to publicly confront or harass members of the Trump administration.

Lets make sure we show up wherever we have to show up, Waters said at the rally. And if you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd. And you push back on them. And you tell them theyre not welcome anymore, anywhere.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (FSE: 3PG) (the "Company") is pleased to report the closing of a non-brokered private placement. In connection with closing, the Company has issued 3,150,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of $315,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Issuer (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share (each, a "Warrant Share") of the Issuer at a price of $0.15 per Warrant Share until April 21, 2026.

The Company also announces it has entered into debt settlement agreements with certain directors and officers to settle outstanding indebtedness of $167,000 in consideration for the issuance of 1,670,000 common shares issued at a deemed price of $0.10 per share.

All securities issued in connection with the private placement, as well as the 1,670,000 common shares issuable in settlement of accrued liabilities, are subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws until August 22, 2021. In connection with the private placement, the Company has paid finders' fees of $13,800 in consideration for the introduction of subscribers.

Proceeds of this private placement will go towards exploration advancement and general working capital.

The issuance of shares to directors and officers in connection with the debt settlement constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. However, the Company considers such issuance to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the shares issued to directors and officers, nor the amount of the indebtedness, exceeds 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver resources within North America. The Company currently holds interests in two properties in Nevada, USA. For further information please visit the Company's website at https://provenancegold.com or contact rclark@provenancegold.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to proposed use of proceeds from the private placement, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81139.
The presidents of two energy lobbying groups recently lamented the shenanigans currently going on in the Louisiana Legislature in support of t
She said she loves 'a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there' after her unfiltered bikini image went viral earlier this month.

And Khloe Kardashian shared yet another picture perfect swimsuit snap.

The 36-year-old reality star donned a black one-piece in a stunning image posted by her company Good American on Instagram Wednesday.

Scroll down for video

'Drops tomorrow': Khloe Kardashian donned a black one-piece in a stunning image posted by her company Good American on Instagram Wednesday

Courting controversy: After a leaked photo of her in a bikini began circulating online earlier this month, it was reported that the 36-year-old reality star and her family were working overtime to wipe any trace of it from the internet

Though it was the swimwear that will surely get people talking, it was the footwear that she was promoting as the brand she founded with Emma Grede is dropping the CINDER-F*CKING-RELLA Collection on Thursday.

After a leaked photo of her in a bikini began circulating online earlier this month, it was reported that she and her family were working overtime to wipe any trace of it from the internet.

Khloe addressed the drama on Instagram days later, as she shared live videos of herself to prove that her body 'isn't photoshopped.'

Subsequently she issued a lengthy statement where she spoke about the pressure of being in the spotlight and her body being 'micro-analyzed' as a public figure.

Addressing the drama: Khloe addressed the drama on Instagram as she shared live videos to prove that her body 'isn't photoshopped' along with a lengthy statement

Taking back power: 'My body, my image and how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice. It's not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not anymore,'she wrote

Picture perfect: The Good American founder recently appeared unfiltered and un-airbrushed in a recent leaked snap - and not as flawless as she appears in her social media shots (seen here in a similar bikini in July 2020)

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star also revealed that being compared unfavorably to her siblings, Kim and Kourtney, in addition to 'constant ridicule and judgment' has been 'too much to bear.'

An excerpt from her message read: 'As someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn't flattering in bad lighting or doesn't capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point  and then shares it to the world, you should have every right to ask for it to not be shared, regardless of who you are.

She continued: 'My body, my image and how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice. It's not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not anymore,' also adding that she likes a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there.

Tough subject: Many have shared their thoughts over the controversy including Chrissy Teigen most recently who talked about her mixed feelings about it during an appearance on the Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen aftershow on Tuesday night

The 35-year-old model said: 'You get frustrated because I look at Khloe and Im like, "Of course, youre so beautiful, youre so strong"

Many have shared their thoughts over the controversy including Chrissy Teigen most recently who talked about her mixed feelings about it during an appearance on the Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen aftershow on Tuesday night.

The 35-year-old model said: 'You get frustrated because I look at Khloe and Im like, "Of course, youre so beautiful, youre so strong."

'The changes that shes made to her body, shes so proud of and everybodys so proud of. You want someone to be like, F*** yes, this is my body" in any light.'

'If she didnt want that photo to be out, she didnt want that photo to be out, and thats fine, too': Despite being friends with Kim, Chrissy wanted to make sure to look at both sides as she noted that 'there can be two truths' when it comes to famous women dealing with body image issues

Despite being friends with Kim, Chrissy wanted to make sure to look at both sides as she noted that 'there can be two truths' when it comes to famous women dealing with body image issues.

Teigen explained: 'If she didnt want that photo to be out, she didnt want that photo to be out, and thats fine, too.'

She went on to explain that some social media users struggle to understand 'someone would not want this photo out' but can 'also be proud of that photo.'

After the leak image and her subsequent statement, Page Six also reported that Khloe has been been 'deluged with proposals' from health and fitness firms.

Fitness offers: 'Khloe has been deluged with offers from health and fitness brands and companies in the wake of this,' a source told the New York Post column

Now and then: In her statement she spoke about the pressure of being in the spotlight and her body being 'micro-analyzed' as a public figure

'Khloe has been deluged with offers from health and fitness brands and companies in the wake of this,' a source told the New York Post column.

The insider continued: 'The unretouched photo was met with some criticism about how the Kardashians manipulate their images, but mostly the reaction to Khloe herself was positive. And opening up how she has struggled with her body image her entire life resonates with a lot of women.'

Khloe - who has 136 million followers on Instagram - is also attracting the attention of campaign groups following the photo-editing controversy.

A second source added that a 'lot of people' are 'interested in starting conversations, some new [to Khloe] with different ideas of how to partner (whether it be equity, campaign, social) and others she has partnered with before.'

Photoshop backlash: This is not the first time Khloe or her sisters have been dragged for editing photos as she clapped back on Twitter before when people marveled at her looking disproportionate in Good American campaign photos

After her statement millions commended her on her bravery and candor with regards to her struggles.

Khloes famous sisters Kim, Kendall and Kylie, as well as mother Kris Jenner took to the comment section to send support, with 'momager' Kris writing: 'Khloe you are the kindest most loving, most supportive, most beautiful heart I have ever known, and I adore you and am so proud of you.... you are an inspiration to all of us and I appreciate and love you each and every single day.

'Thank you for teaching the rest of us to be kind and to not judge.... you are one of a kind.... what a blessing you are. You are a gift.'

Not the first time Khloe or her sisters have been criticized for their love of facetune and often promoting unhealthy body standards, the most controversy started after the original bikini photo emerged on social media over the weekend.

Proud: Khloe showed all the results of her time at the gym in the video which she shared on Wednesday

Friends and family: Khloe's sisters Kim, Kendall and Kylie as well as Ariana Grande showed their support in the comments

Mother's love: Kris Jenner branded Khloe a 'blessing' as she left a poignant comment

The image in question shows Khloe standing by a pool wearing a skimpy leopard print string bikini and appearing unfiltered an un-airbrushed.

Soon after it leaked on various forums online, members of the Kardashian PR team reported the posts as copyright infringement, due to the photo being posted without permission.

In the candid image, which is still up on one subreddit, the mother-of-one appears to be mid-conversation and has her hair pulled up in a ponytail as she holds her phone and flashes a subtle smile at the photographer.

The image seems to have been snapped at Kris Jenner's desert compound in La Quinta, California, where the Kardashian and Jenner clan just spent the Easter weekend.

Soaring temperatures: Earlier this month, Khloe showed off her incredibly taut figure in a purple string bikini while relaxing by the pool in Palm Springs

Fit: Khloe has admitted to struggling with her body image, and is attracting offers from various companies following the recent controversy, which saw an un-airbrushed picture of her appear on Instagram before it was removed

While most would be proud to look so good in a bikini, it's not hard to see that Khloe looks very different to her highly glamorized Instagram images.

In the alleged unedited snap, her waistline appears less defined, her curves less dramatic and her skin not as impossibly smooth as it looks in her carefully staged glossy fashion shoots.

Tracy Romulus, Kim Kardashian's BFF and chief marketing officer for KKW brands, said in a statement to Page Six: 'The color edited photo was taken of Khloe during a private family gathering and posted to social media without permission by mistake by an assistant.

'Khloe looks beautiful but it is within the right of the copyright owner to not want an image not intended to be published taken down.'

The mistake could well cost the assistant their job, as the Kardashian team have been unable to contain the leak.

After the photo surfaced on Saturday it spread across the internet before quickly disappearing on many sites.

Comparison: She spoke about being called the 'fat sister' for years and the toll its taken

It wasn't long before reports emerged from Reddit users who were asked to take the photo down, with some allegedly receiving legal threats from the Kardashian team because of 'copyright infringement'.

A user named 'Calithetroll' started a subreddit to discuss the Kardashian PR team's attempt to remove all of the posts online. They explained that 'after reposting the picture, the mods confirm that someone reached out to them warning them about potential legal action due to the picture.'

Some people, including subreddit moderators who attempted to share the Khloe photo, were reported for posting 'personal and confidential' information.

It's unclear how the photo originally leaked online. There is some speculation on Reddit that it was Kris Jenner's mom MJ that posted it on her 'finsta' which is the term used for a 'fake Instagram' created by users to share more candid snaps with only with their closest friends and family.

However, screenshots of a Instagram conversation show Romulus contacting one poster and claiming the image of Khloe was 'stolen and doctored and originated from a fake IG account.'

Despite the Kardashian clan scrabbling to take down the photo, much of the Reddit commentary about it was positive.

'Are you kidding? There is one pic of her looking actually natural and gorgeous with some flaws and she wants it gone from the internet?!' one person wrote.

Controversy: Khloe has long been under fire for her changing face and body, with many accusing the KUWTK star of brazenly photoshopping her Instagram posts

Hitting out: As a host of her 112million Instagram followers swarmed the comments section, one penned: 'Why do you look so different', before the famously-funny star hit back: 'My weekly face transplant clearly', much to her fans' delight

'I am loving this hot tea. Kinda sad though. Khloe looks so stunning in it.' another added to the discussion.

'Is this the photo they're talking about or a different one? Because this pic looks good?' another user chimed in.

Khloe has come under fire in recent years for her changing face and body, with many accusing the KUWTK star of brazenly photoshopping her Instagram posts to an extent fans sometimes struggle to recognize her.

Following a slew of questions from fans, cosmetic and injectables specialist Claire McGuinness weighed in on the discussion, offering her opinion on what changes Khloe may have made.

She speculated that the mother-of-one had changed her appearance so dramatically thanks to a combination of 'surgery, injectables, weight loss... and filters, makeup and lighting'.

Comparisons: Khloe chalks her morphing looks up to picture perfect contouring done by shading and highlighting through makeup (Left 2019, right 2008)

However, sources insisted that Khloe is not concerned with the backlash over her changing looks.

An insider told UsWeekly back in May: 'Khloe doesn't care about the backlash she's been getting from fans saying she doesn't look like herself in her recent photos.'

'She thinks she looks great,' the insider adds. 'And actually [she] does not care what people think as long as she's happy.'

She's certainly having a sense of humor about it at least, after clapping back to fans who have questioned her new look.

After being asked by a fan 'Why do you look so different in all your photos?', Khloe hit back: 'My weekly face transplant clearly.'

Khloe's changing appearance has undoubtedly been controversial in recent months, but she has denied going under the knife to achieve her new look.

Changes: Following a slew of questions from fans, cosmetic and injectables specialist Claire McGuinness weighed in on the discussion, offering her opinion on what changes Khloe may have made

In 2016, Khloe admitted to having fillers to change her facial shape, and in the same year she was made the face of Kybella and its Live Chin Up campaign.

Kybella is an increasingly popular new treatment that targets double chins. The FDA-approved injectable, available at Cosmetique Aesthetics in LA, contours and improves fatty areas.

She has admitted to getting Botox and fillers in the past but said she had them dissolved after feeling like she looked 'crazy.'

To this day, Khloe maintains she has never had a rhinoplasty, and says her nose looks slimmer because of contouring.

In 2013, she told Cosmopolitan magazine that she had never had cosmetic surgery but did not rule it out for the future.

'I'm proud for losing weight when I wanted to and I've never resorted to surgery,' she said. 'I'm not against it - one day I probably will but it would be on my terms. I won't be bullied into it by social media or anyone else.'
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti has dismissed Citizen TVs Guns Galore expose as inaccurate and highly sensational.

The expose aired on Sunday, April 18 showing how police officers allegedly hire out guns, police uniforms, bulletproof vests, and handcuffs to criminals and unlicensed members of the public.

Responding to the Guns Galore report, George Kinoti held a live broadcast on TV Tuesday to prove that the guns obtained and submitted by Citizen TVs parent company Royal Media Services do not belong to the National Police Service(NPS).

These guns do not belong to our police force, all our firearms have certain characteristics that these ones do not have as our ballistic expert will show you,  the DCI boss said.

One of the firearms, an AK-47, lacked the serial number that is typical of rifles issued to Kenyan security agencies, Kinoti stated.

This gun is a copy of the Russian AK-47 made in China, its parts are also from different guns as their serials do not correspond with the guns serial number, said Charles Mwongera, the directorates ballistic expert.

He also debunked a Turkish-made pistol recovered during the expose saying it is a non-lethal firearm readily available at licensed gun shops and in the criminal world.

We call this a baby pistol, you would normally find it in the criminal world, they have recently been on the increase, it is not a strong weapon.

This type of magazine can be bought from any licensed guns and ammunition dealer, same with these rounds of ammunition which appear to have been from a hand-gun, Mr. Mwongera explained.

Kinoti claimed the Guns Galore report was aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the police service.

The report seemed to be a malicious attempt to discredit the National Police Service; we can only conclude that it was aimed at creating public pandemonium over the management of the security sector.

We have filed a complaint with the Media Council of Kenya against the station, said Kinoti.
[April 21, 2021] Maximus Announces Agreement to Acquire Veterans Evaluation Services, Inc. for $1.4 Billion

Maximus (NYSE: MMS), a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it signed an agreement to acquire the parent company of Veterans Evaluation Services, Inc. (VES) for a purchase price of $1.4 billion, subject to certain adjustments. Privately held VES serves the U.S. Federal Government and has established a strong reputation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a leading provider of Medical Disability Examinations to determine Veterans' eligibility for compensation and pension benefits. The proposed transaction is subject to U.S. antitrust filing requirements and customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the Company's third fiscal quarter. The acquisition furthers a core element of Maximus' long-term corporate strategy to increase revenue attributable to providing independent and conflict free clinical business process outsourcing (BPO) services at scale. The acquisition also supports the Company's ongoing strategic priority of expansion into the U.S. federal market. Further, the acquisition complements the previously announced Attain Federal combination by expanding the Company's support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and creating new opportunities to apply digital solutions to improve citizen services. "We welcome the employees of VES, who are leaders in serving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and, together with Maximus, will continue to support our nation's heroes, through programs and services targeted at addressing the personal, health, and employment needs of Veterans and their families," commented Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maximus. "We are pleased to enter into this transaction with Maximus, an organization that shares the unwavering commitment to Veterans that has always been the core of the VES mission," said VES Founder George Turek. "We admire the Maximus organization's high-quality reputation and track record of operating and managing large complex programs and performing mission critical functions for government agencies. Maximus brings additional resources, scale, and technology innovation that will position VES to provide enhanced service to our nation's Veterans while maintaining industry-leading medical disability examination services." As a leading global provider of customer contact center operations, and case management services to governments and their citizens, Maximus also recognizes macro-trends driving demand for BPO services with a more clinically based dimension. The Company reported $535 million of revenue from assessments and appeals or 15% of total revenue in fiscal year 2020. With the addition of VES the portion of assessments and appeals revenue is expected to increase to approximately 25% of the Company's total revenue on a pro-forma basis. Caswell continued, "In May 2018, we established a goal to increase the portion of our revenue driven by value-add services led by credentialed health professionals and to demonstrate our ability to provide independent clinical BPO solutions at scale. The addition of VES to Maximus delivers on that commitment, and also enables us to pursu new opportunities with a wider set of federal and state customers seeking independent and conflict free clinically based services."



The VES business will be part of the U.S. Federal Services Segment of Maximus and is expected to generate revenue of $160 million to $175 million for the last four months of fiscal 2021. This implies an annual run rate in the range of $480 million to $525 million. The impact to earnings is dependent on the valuation of acquired intangible assets and the resulting amortization. This valuation work is in process. Due to the nature of the acquired entity and underlying contract types, the addition of VES will blend up the Company's average margin. The transaction will have one-time expenses, including financing charges, and ongoing interest charges. As a result, the transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and should be accretive in future periods. Outlook

Maximus will provide updates to guidance on the next earnings call which is planned for May 6, 2021. This is concurrent with the reporting of the Company's results for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 ending March 31, 2021. Conference Call and Webcast Information Maximus will host a conference call this morning, April 21, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. (ET). The call is open to the public and available by webcast or by phone at: 877.407.8289 (Domestic) / +1.201.689.8341 (International) For those unable to listen to the live call, a recording of the webcast will be available on investor.maximus.com. Raymond James served as exclusive financial advisor to VES. About Maximus Since 1975, Maximus has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. Maximus delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability, and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 34,000 employees worldwide, Maximus is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's confidence and strategies, and the Company's expectations about revenues, results of operations, profitability, future contracts, market opportunities, market demand, or acceptance of the Company's products are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to: The possibility that anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected

The possibility that costs related to the Company's integration of VES' operations may be greater than expected and/or that revenues following the acquisition may be lower than expected

The effect of the transaction on the ability of the Company and VES to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, including the U.S. Federal Government

Responses from customers and competitors to the acquisition

Results from the acquisition may be different than those anticipated

The ultimate duration of the COVID-19 pandemic

The threat of further negative COVID-19 pandemic-related impacts

Delays in our core programs returning to normal volumes and operations

The potential impacts resulting from budget challenges with our government clients

The possibility of delayed or missed payments by customers

The potential for further supply chain disruptions impacting IT or safety equipment

The impact of further legislation and government policies on the programs we operate These risks could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. A summary of risk factors can be found in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2020, and found on maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005266/en/

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The Fresno State chapter of the NAACP hosted a gathering on Tuesday night to remember George Floyd while calling the jury's verdict to convict him the first step toward change in the country.

Video Transcript

ALYSSA FLORES: Margot, that's right. Local leaders and community members gathered here in prayer and in solidarity after taking in the news of the guilty verdict this afternoon. A lot of people who we spoke with here today is saying that coming here together as a community was an opportunity to take a collective sigh of relief.

D'AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON: This is not over. We got a long way to go.

[APPLAUSE]

ALYSSA FLORES: Reflecting on the historic verdict and looking ahead, community members gathered at Fresno City Hall around a portrait of George Floyd.

JIM PARKS: I just hope now that police officers who don't do what they're supposed to do and end up committing homicide, that they can be held accountable.

ALYSSA FLORES: Samantha Trass says the moment former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty for Floyd's death was a moment of relief for her family.

SAMANTHA TRASS: Because I want my son to live. I want my son to live. I don't want him to be profiled. I don't want the police to see him as a threat because he's not a threat.

ALYSSA FLORES: But activists say they're seeking more justice starting here in Fresno.

D'AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON: We have our own issues. We have our own George Floyd case.

ALYSSA FLORES: Fresno State NAACP President D'aungillique Jackson points to the death of Joseph Perez in 2017.

D'AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON: Say his name.

- Joseph Perez died.

ALYSSA FLORES: Recently released video from a Fresno police officer's body worn camera shows him telling officers he was struggling to breathe while on the ground being restrained minutes before his death. The family's attorney say Fresno police officers, Fresno County Sheriff's deputies, and American ambulance paramedics all contributed to the 41-year-old man's death.

Story continues

They sued all three entities and blamed bad training for creating conditions for compression asphyxia.

D'AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON: As community members, were still hurting. And that though we can celebrate for the Floyd family, we can still be angry, and we can still grieve our own loss, and we can still push for change, that we're not supposed to be comfortable right now.

ALYSSA FLORES: Jackson says Chauvin's conviction is a start.

D'AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON: This is a precedent that we're going to hold onto. So let's do that

ALYSSA FLORES: Now May '31 marks one year since protesters peacefully marched from Fresno City Hall to the police department, and Fresno NAACP organizers tell us they are planning a one year anniversary march to reflect on today's conviction and what's still ahead. In Downtown Fresno, Alyssa Flores, ABC 30, Action News.

- Thank you, Alyssa.
Two field hospitals for COVID-19 treatment would be built in a province sitting along the Vietnam-Cambodia, according to a plan inveiled by a senior doctor from Ho Chi Minh City.

The two makeshift hospitals would be constructed in Ha Tien City and Rach Gia City, both located in Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, said Dr. Nguyen Tri Thuc, director of Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, after a field trip to the province on Sunday.

Cho Ray Hospital doctors will work with authorities in Kien Giang on the construction of a 500-bed hospital in Ha Tien and another 500-bed hospital in Rach Gia, Dr. Thuc elaborated.

Kien Giang has a 56km border with Cambodia, which has recorded more than 7,700 COVID-19 cases so far, including over 300 new infections recorded on Wednesday, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health said, adding that Vietnam is at risk of transmission from border jumpers from the neighbording country.

Thirteen seasoned medical professionals from Cho Ray, a top general hospital in southern Vietnam, have been seconded to Kien Giang to help local health workers cope with contagion threats from Cambodia.

The health ministry, Cho Ray Hospital, and the Pasteur Insitute in Ho Chi Minh City will provide assistance in testing, medical equipment, and treatment to Kien Giang, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said on Sunday.

The Kien Giang administration has suggested that the health ministry prioritize COVID-19 vaccination for residents on the provinces Phu Quoc Island as a precautionary measure, for border jumpers have been found entering mainland Vietnam from Cambodia via this island.

Vietnam has registered 2,801 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon, with 2,490 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths, according to the health ministrys data.

Health workers had administered the first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine to 106,929 people in 27 provinces and cities by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, the government said in a report on Wednesday morning.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has reiterated its call for Belarusian authorities to release Ihar Losik, a popular blogger and RFE/RL consultant, as he marked his 300th day in detention on charges widely considered to have been trumped-up.



Losik has been "cruelly separated from his wife, his daughter, and his colleagues for far too long" and "must be freed from detention and allowed to rejoin his family," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement on April 21.



He also urged the government to cease its "repressive campaign against independent journalists, including RFE/RL reporters and staff," and allow them to "continue their work to provide objective information to the people of Belarus."



Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has ruled the country since 1994, has orchestrated a brutal crackdown since protesters flooded streets across the country following a presidential election they say was rigged in his favor.



Almost 30,000 people have been detained since the August 2020 vote, hundreds beaten, several killed, and the media targeted by security forces.

Losik, 28, is among more than 300 political prisoners caught up in the crackdown, according to human rights groups.



Losik has been in pretrial detention since June 2020. He was initially charged with allegedly using his popular Telegram channel to "prepare to disrupt public order" ahead of the August election.

Earlier this month, he tried to slit his wrists and launched a four-day hunger strike after being informed of new, unspecified charges. He had previously launched a six-week hunger strike to protest the original charges.



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.

On March 22, 11 days after he was informed of the new charges, a court extended Losik's pretrial detention to May 25. He has yet to face a court hearing on any of the alleged offenses police say he committed.



The Belarusian opposition says its candidate, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, won the vote. The West has refused to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of the former Soviet republic.



The European Union, the United States, and other countries have slapped sanctions on top Belarusian officials in response to the crackdown on protesters and the opposition.



In a letter addressed to Losik on March 26, a bipartisan group of seven U.S. lawmakers condemned his "unjust and illegitimate detainment," saying they stood "shoulder to shoulder" with him, his family, and all other Belarusians struggling in the country's pro-democracy movement.

"We join the international community in strongly condemning your unjust and illegitimate detainment by the Belarusian authorities," the congressmen said in their letter. "We stand ready to hold those complicit in your illegitimate detention to account through targeted sanctions working with our friends and allies in the European Union."



The U.S. State Department and other members of Congress have previously condemned the wrongful detention of Losik and other political prisoners.

On April 19, the U.S. State Department announced it would not renew a special license authorizing transactions with nine state-owned Belarusian companies, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that the country's "regression" on human rights is "exemplified" by independent media experts like Losik and other Belarusians "unjustly imprisoned by the Lukashenka regime for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Wade Hasty, candidate for Select Board, during his 'meet the candidate' statement earlier this month on WilliNet.

Hasty Wants Williamstown to Do the 'Hard Right'

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Forget forsythias.

The real harbinger of spring in small towns is the political lawn sign.

And this spring, Wade Hasty livened up Williamstown's curbsides with distinctive bright yellow and green signs carrying a simple message, "Electorate leads the way," and bordered by images of flowers.

"I'm anti-partisan," Hasty said in explaining his choice in color scheme. "At this time in the American social climate, a large grouping are hyper-partisan. I chose two colors that represent the two largest third-party organizations. The mayflower outlines the sign as it is the Massachusetts state flower. I'm a 'transplant,' and I thought, 'how fitting.' "

On Tuesday, May 11, Hasty hopes that the local electorate will lead him to the town's Select Board. He is contending with Albert Cummings to fill the remaining year on a three-year term being vacated by Jeffrey Thomas. Two other candidates, Nicholls White and Barbara Rosenthal, each announced this month that they are ending their respective campaigns.

Hasty was raised in southwest Maine near the New Hampshire border and enlisted in the Army in 2004. He served three combat tours in Iraq before leaving the service as a sergeant first class in 2015.

After serving his country, Hasty studied at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and eventually settled with his family in Williamstown.

"It was a family decision  closer to my partner's work, a decent school for our son and, at a time prior to my being laid off from the pandemic, closer to my work," said Hasty, who chose to answer questions by email rather than be interviewed for this story.

Running for local elected office was not part of the plan, Hasty said. In fact, he described himself as being relatively disinterested in local politics, thinking it did not make much of an impact on his day-to-day life.

That changed last summer.

"The pandemic put me out of a job, so I had some free time on my hands," he said. "After some time, I was added to the Williamstown Mass. Info and Issues Facebook page, then shortly after that time, I had become aware as others had about the lawsuit against the town."

The federal whistleblower lawsuit filed by a sergeant at the Williamstown Police Department contained serious allegations of sexual misconduct and racist actions in the department stretching back for a decade. Coming in August, at the height of a national conversation about the state of policing in America, the suit sparked outrage and intensified calls for reform at the local level.

Hasty's was one of the voices that demanded action from the Select Board. Its failure to act was what drove Hasty to seek one of the seats that opened up this spring.

"Those in power weren't prepared to do the hard right over the easy wrong," Hasty said. "I have called for the resignation of the police chief, I have called for the resignation of the town manager, I have called for the resignations of any Select Board members that would serve to protect the power structures over the electorate. In my calls for accountability, myself and those I care about were illegally targeted by members within the WPD."

Hasty in March told an Albany, N.Y., radio station that he was one of the 20 residents whose personal information on the commonwealth's Criminal Justice Information System was illegally accessed by WPD officers.

As for the town's police chief and town manager, each did step down following weeks of calls for their removal by Hasty and others.

Finding a permanent replacement for outgoing Town Manager Jason Hoch will be a task for the incumbents on the Select Board and the two successful candidates in the May election. The current board is directing a search for an interim police chief with the intention of letting the next town manager choose a permanent replacement to lead the WPD.

Hasty said he wants to be a strong voice in both those decisions, which will have lasting impacts on the community.

He also has other priorities for the town, but Hasty is realistic about what can be achieved in the one year remaining on the seat he seeks.

"I understand I am the bottom rung on the Select Board ladder, during my year term, I am not going to be chair, nor vice chair," Hasty said. "This doesn't mean I don't have aims, it just means there needs to be a pragmatic sense of expectations. My goals beyond what I already claimed can then be realized outside of being a member of the Select Board, and for that I am grateful.

"Encourage a deaf chat, to get members of the community to practice American Sign Language. To connect with veterans locally, and assist those amidst reintegration/transition, posit education to combat predatory online shopping."
[April 21, 2021] New Report Features Women's Technology Visions for a More Equal Future

Women worldwide are using tech to power movements, learn about and secure their rights, advocate for marginalized groups, and mobilize offline actions. But they say technology needs a transformation of its own: more women in decision-making roles, stronger laws to protect privacy and safety, lower-cost tech access, and digital skills training taught by women. These are some of the key findings and recommendations released today in the #SheTransformsTech report, an in-depth collection of data-driven insights, personal narratives, and visionary solutions released by global social network World Pulse (News - Alert) . At the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, World Pulse surveyed grassroots women leaders and marginalized communities from around the world on key technology issues and opportunities. Their responses reaffirm dire statistics that show that about half of the world's women remain offline and are globally underrepresented as users, makers, and leaders in the technology industry. These inequities have only been compounded by the pandemic's rapid digitization. The #SheTransformsTech report highlights actions that policymakers, tech companies, and governments must take to make technology work for women, sourced directly from those who are most impacted. The report's release coincides with Girls in ICT Day and is backed by a coalition of 27 partners, including EQUALS, Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL), World Wide Web Foundation, Vodafone Americas Foundation and international women's rights networks.



The #SheTransformsTech report is the culmination of a year-long campaign and includes: Analysis of more than 530 responses from 60+ countries (400+ survey responses; 130+ personal narratives).

Key findings and recommendations for policymakers, tech companies, and individuals related to digital empowerment, technology access, online safety, and more.

Stories from women, in their own words, on how they utilize tech for good and how tech can do better to support women's leadership.

Special highlights on the impact of COVID-19 on technology access and use; improving access for those with disabilities; and advancing digital skills training. Key #SheTransformsTech stats:

91% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: "Technology has made a positive impact on my life."

Almost 50% report the quality of their internet connection is a barrier to accessing tech.

75% said they experienced some form of online harassment or abuse.

Over 22% of those who had experienced harassment said they shut down an online account due to that harassment. Along with chronicling the barriers and concerns that limit women's ability to fully benefit from technology, the report presents solutions for a way forward. "In this report, you will read the unheard voices and powerful perspectives of women and gender-diverse individuals from across the world," said World Pulse Founder and CEO Jensine Larsen. "Taken together, these voices call for nothing less than a fundamental realignment of the priorities of the technology industry and urge us to wake up to the vast leadership potential of women coming online globally to shape a better technology future for us all." In the report, Leonida Odongo of Kenya wrote how COVID-19 awoke the world to a new era of technology and drove home the urgency of closing the digital divide. "My ideal world is where there is access to technology for everyone - where we can connect regardless of where we live," she said. The findings of the report will be delivered to global decision-makers, technology leaders, and the United Nations as one of the inputs into the Beijing+25 #GenerationEquality campaign. The report is just the beginning. World Pulse launched a technology hub on its social network so that women can connect and exchange technology-related stories and solutions. Recommendations are also informing new international cross-sector initiatives to expand global networks of women digital trainers, increase inclusivity in technology design, and use technology to strengthen women's rights movements. "We need to center those most impacted by the problems in creating the solutions," says a survey respondent from the United States. Software developer Karen Mukwasi from Zimbabwe asserts, "It's time we take up space and bring the revolution to the tech field." Read the full report on World Pulse here. About World Pulse: World Pulse is an independent, women-led social network that is connecting women leaders worldwide to speed up global change. With a decade of experience using the power of technology to grow women's leadership across the globe, World Pulse provides a supportive, protected online space where 75,000 women from 200+ countries are connecting, gaining digital leadership skills, and exchanging stories and resources to grow their impact. About EQUALS: EQUALS is a ground-breaking global network delivered by a committed partnership of 100+ corporate leaders, governments and non-profit organizations around the world working together to bridge the digital gender divide - by bringing women and girls to tech, and tech to women and girls - and in so doing, bettering the lives of millions worldwide. About Vodafone (News - Alert) Americas Foundation: Vodafone Americas Foundation is part of Vodafone's global network of foundations. The Vodafone Americas Foundation fosters social change in global and local communities through innovative solutions. Its mission is to connect an ecosystem of partners that use technology to empower women and girls. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005678/en/

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OTTAWA - Canada's chief public health officer says new information on COVID-19 and variants prompted the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to suddenly cancel its planned announcement on who should get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam speaks during a technical briefing on the COVID pandemic in Canada, Friday, January 15, 2021 in Ottawa. Tam says new information on COVID-19 and variants prompted the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to suddenly cancel its planned update on who should get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Canada's chief public health officer says new information on COVID-19 and variants prompted the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to suddenly cancel its planned announcement on who should get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

NACI was minutes away Tuesday afternoon from providing an update to its advice that AstraZeneca shouldn't be given to people under the age of 55 but the planned briefing was called off. That cancellation came even as five provinces had already decided to lower the age limit as doses of the vaccine sat in freezers and cases of COVID-19 soared.

The cancellation immediately led to concern from some Canadians that NACI knew something they didn't about the vaccine's safety.

Not so, said Dr. Theresa Tam, who is not part of the committee but interacts with them as the country's top public health doctor.

Tam said Wednesday the panel believed some new data on the virus and its variants of concern, and the effect they were having on severe outcomes, had to be taken into account. She said that information came from the provinces and territories and she doesn't know if the new data will change the advice NACI had been set to deliver.

"Just to reassure everyone that it is because they received some new data that they thought was pertinent in terms of analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 on the population in light of variants of concern, and not because of any changes in the data already existing for the thrombosis disorder itself," Tam said.

NACI said on March 29 that the vaccine should be used only in Canadians at least 55 years old as regulatory bodies in Europe and Canada studied data on a small number of people who developed a rare blood clotting disorder after being given a dose of AstraZeneca.

The thinking at the time was that early data showed more of the people getting the clots were under the age of 55 and that COVID-19 posed a much higher risk to people over 55, therefore getting vaccinated was even more critical to that age group.

A week later, European and British regulators both said the vaccine was safe and very effective, even though it did appear the vaccine could be causing a new syndrome  now called vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia, or VIPIT  in a very small number of people.

The syndrome is caused by an immune reaction that affects the blood platelets, leading to clots in the brain and digestive system.

There were reports at the time of 222 people getting VIPIT out of 34 million shots.

Health Canada said last week its review of the data came to the same conclusion. Canada has had three confirmed cases of VIPIT  one woman in her 30s in New Brunswick, a man in his 60s in Alberta and a woman over the age of 55 in Quebec. All three are recovering at home.

As of April 10, almost 710,000 doses had been given in Canada. That includes 488,038 doses from a shipment of 500,000 made at the Serum Institute of India, and 221,484 doses from a supply of 1.5 million from the United States.

Canada has received 2.3 million doses of AstraZeneca overall, and expects to get at least 23.6 million by the end of September.

Tam couldn't say when NACI would come out with updated advice, but she said the provinces that jumped ahead of those recommendations did so using information provided to them at a meeting with NACI over the weekend.

"So they do have the analysis at hand as they were making their decisions that you have seen announced over the last few days," she said.

All provinces agreed to follow the NACI recommendation in March, even though the advice was not binding.

British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario this week stepped away from it, offering AstraZeneca to people at least 40 years old. Quebec chose to offer it to people who are at least 45. The Atlantic provinces, where the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, have not changed their age limit at this point.

NACI is made up of vaccine experts who volunteer their time to make non-binding advice on how vaccines should be used in Canada. The group of 14 doctors, public health policy experts and infectious disease scientists develop their guidance based on a consensus view of available scientific data.

While Health Canada authorizes vaccines based on their risks and benefits, NACI's role is then to look at the authorized vaccines and recommend how they are used, such as who should get them first.

Provinces get to decide whether to follow the advice.

Several European countries continue to limit the use of AstraZeneca to individuals older than 55 or 60, including Italy, Germany and France, while Denmark and Norway are no longer using it at all.

The United Kingdom recommended it not be given to people under 30 or to pregnant women.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2020.
PHILOMATH, Ore. -- The death of a Philomath couple in March has been declared a murder-suicide.

Philomath Police say their investigation determined that Carl Rath, 55, murdered his wife Merry Rath, 53, in an act of domestic violence. She died of multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation also revealed that after killing his wife, Carl Rath sent several text messages to relatives and another acquaintance, informing them he had killed his wife.

Carl Rath then committed suicide. The cause of his death was one self-inflicted gunshot wound.

RELATED: TWO FOUND DEAD IN PHILOMATH

Philomath Police responded to a 911 hang-up call at 1284 N 19th St, #4 at 10:41 a.m. on March 7. When officers arrived and received no response from the occupants, they forced entry into the house and found the couple dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Based on evidence at the scene, police began a criminal investigation which included the following:

 Crime scene investigation by the Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory.

 Death investigation by the Benton County Deputy Medical Examiner.

 Death investigation by the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office.

 Review of cellular phone data of both deceased individuals.

 Review of video tape evidence seized from nearby businesses and housing complexes.

 Interviews of numerous individuals, including relatives, friends, co-workers, and neighbors of the couple.

RELATED: GOFUNDME CREATED FOR KIDS OF PARENTS FOUND DEAD IN PHILOMATH

The Benton County District Attorneys Office and the Philomath Police Department encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out for help. Locally, you can contact any law enforcement agency or the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) at 541-754-0110 or 1-800-927-0197 or https://cardv.org/.
Shimla, April 21 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday said he and all his Cabinet colleagues would contribute their one month's salary to the CM Covid Fund.

The fund will help the needy in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic during the time of distress.

The Chief Minister said cheques for the amount would be handed over to him in the Cabinet meeting slated on Thursday.

He said the state government has also decided to deduct a two-day salary from all the MLAs and Class I and Class II employees and one-day salary of Class II and IV employees of the government as contribution towards the CM Covid Fund.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Samyukta Ganesh Iyer, Marketing Head, Baskin Robbins has moved on from the company, according to the media reports.

Before joining Baskin Robbins in 2019, Iyer was associated with organizations like Abbott India as Senior Marketing Manager and at Unilever as Innovations and Insights Lead, where she handled brands like Lakme and Vaseline.

She has done her MBA in Marketing from Sies College of Management Studies Mumbai. Iyer has not made any announcement about her next move yet.
London / Sydney, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22 April, London / Sydney - Leading global digital out of home marketplace VIOOH, today announced its expansion into the Australian market, partnering with JCDecaux Australia to enable its premium digital inventory to be traded programmatically. VIOOHs platform now connects advertising buyers and sellers in a premium marketplace, making JCDecaux Australias digital out of home (OOH) street furniture and large format inventory easily accessible in the Australian market.

Led by a team of digital OOH and programmatic tech experts, VIOOH is pioneering the transformation of the OOH sector, championing its role in enhancing omni-channel digital campaigns through the use of programmatic capabilities and data.

The company, which actively trades across 12 markets globally including Australia, has been trialling digital OOH to gauge interest and appetite among Australian advertisers, buyers and media owners over the last few months, and plans to launch in New Zealand in the coming months.

Key campaigns from the initial market pilot includes work with Dulux, through OMD and demand side platform (DSP) Vistar Media. The 10-week campaign used weather-based triggers across Large Format and Street Furniture to optimise creative and deliver contextually-relevant messages targeted to sites within a 3km proximity to Bunnings hardware locations nationally. Initial results have delivered strong growth, demonstrating an appetite for the flexibility, transparency and smart capabilities delivered by digital OOH.

Despite the challenges in the last 12 months, digital OOH is predicted to have a strong bounce back this year. Our ambition is to change the conversation about out of home, with an independent platform to help accelerate transformation in outdoor advertising through automation, said Jean-Christophe Conti, CEO at VIOOH.

Were incredibly pleased to launch in Australia. In Q1 alone, it was one of our best performing markets with a 150% revenue increase from Q4 last year, and we saw a 75% increase in the number of campaigns. The top verticals in Australia include tourism, software, home improvement, e-commerce and apparel. We have high expectations for this new market and are already seeing advertisers and media owners alike maximising this new opportunity to thrive.

We have held a long-term belief in the future concept of programmatic Out-of-Home, said Max Eburne, Chief Commercial Officer, JCDecaux Australia. In collaboration with market-leading technology platform VIOOH, we have step changed from concept to reality. Were thrilled to now offer Australian advertisers the true benefits of data-driven, real-time executions across our high-quality digital portfolio.

VIOOH has over 30 DSP partnership agreements globally, including foundation partners for the Australian market - Hivestack, The Trade Desk, Verizon Media, and Vistar Media.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Contact:

victoria.fairclough@viooh.com at VIOOH

About VIOOH

VIOOH is a leading global digital out of home marketplace. Launched in 2018 and with headquarters in London, VIOOHs platform connects buyers and sellers in a premium marketplace, making OOH easily accessible.

Financially backed by the worlds number one out of home company JCDecaux, and led by a team of digital OOH and programmatic tech experts, VIOOH is pioneering the transformation of the OOH sector, championing its role in enhancing omni-channel digital campaigns through the use of programmatic capabilities and data. VIOOH currently trades programmatically in 12 markets, with more to follow.

For more information about VIOOH, please visit www.viooh.com

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:53:02|Editor: huaxia

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File photo taken on Oct. 5, 2017 shows Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402 during a ceremony honoring the 72nd anniversary of the country's Armed Forces Day at Cilegon, Banten province, Indonesia. The Indonesian submarine with 53 people aboard is feared to have sunk about 60 miles off the northern coast of Bali Island on early Wednesday after losing contact, according to local media. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

JAKARTA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- An Indonesian submarine with 53 people aboard lost contact with the navy after a training drill near the sea in Bali, a navy spokesman told the media on Wednesday.

The Indonesian military, quoted by the media, said it has sought help from Singapore and Australia in the search mission.

The German-made KRI Nanggala-402 submarine was reportedly conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the resort island of Bali when losing contact early Wednesday.

At the depth of about 700 meters, the submarine is feared to have sunk about 60 miles off the northern coast of Bali Island on early Wednesday after losing contact, according to local media.

The submarine, which was built in Germany in 1979, reportedly lost contact at around 3:00 a.m. local time.

"Right after being given permission to dive, after being given the clearance, (the submarine) lost contact," Indonesian military chief Hadi Tjahjanto was quoted by Indonesia's daily newspaper Kompas as saying.

The Indonesian military is deploying a number of warships to the site where the submarine was thought to have lost contact, he said.

The military chief said he would tour the location on Thursday. Enditem
A day before the first anniversary of the killing of Vanessa Guillen, the Texas House overwhelmingly passed a resolution Wednesday paying tribute to the Houston Army soldiers life and vowing to change the system that led to her death.

By a 146-0 vote, lawmakers passed HCR 51, which calls on Congress to pass reforms to overhaul the militarys response to missing service members and how it investigates sexual harassment and sexual assault.

This resolution will not bring back Vanessa Guillen, but it will recognize the loss of this precious Texan and will bring the family some comfort knowing that we support them and we acknowledge this horrific loss, state Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston, told the Texas House in a speech shortly before the legislation passed.

Guillen, a 2018 graduate of Cesar E. Chavez High School, was stationed at Fort Hood when she went missing for 70 days after telling family members she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant on the base. A work crew found her remains in a rural area 30 miles from the post. Investigators said a fellow soldier killed Guillen and buried her with help from an accomplice.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Guillens death sparked a national outcry. Her family, their lawyer and crowds of supporters rallied behind the young soldier as an example of the U.S. Armys sluggish response to the loss of one of its own and a crisis of unpunished sexual harassment in the ranks.

In Congress, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, has been a catalyst in launching hearings into Guillens murder and the Armys response. Shes pushing legislation called the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act that would make sexual harassment a crime within the Uniform Code of Military Justice and moving prosecution decisions of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases out of the chain of command.

Morales legislation in the Texas House urges Congress to pass the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act.

Always remember Vanessa, Morales said.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
A North Carolina sheriff's deputy was serving a search warrant on Wednesday morning when he shot and killed a black man who family members say was driving away from the scene.

Gunfire erupted at 8.30am in the 400 block of Perry Street in Elizabeth City. According to neighbors, they heard six to eight shots.

The Pasquotank County Sheriffs Office confirmed one of its officers shot the man, but has released few details, including whether or not the victim was armed at the time of the incident.

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A man identified by relatives as Andrew Brown (left and right) was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, early Wednesday

Witnesses said Brown got into his car (pictured) and was driving away when the deputy opened fire.

A large crowd of neighbors and protesters descended on the scene in the wake of Brown's shooting

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, officials remained tight-lipped and refused to answer most questions about the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.

Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten II did confirm that a deputy from his department shot Brown. He revealed that the unnamed deputy has been on the force for about a year.

The deputy was placed on leave pending a review by the State Bureau of Investigation. His race has not been revealed.

Wooten said that the deputy was wearing a body camera but said he has yet to review the footage. It could take time for that video to be released since releasing such footage requires a judges approval in the state

Family members identified the victim as Andrew Brown Jr, a 40-year-old father of 10 children. It is unclear why he was being served with a search warrant, WAVY first reported.

Witnesses said Brown got into his car and was driving away when the deputy opened fire.

According to relatives, Brown was unarmed and did not hurt anyone, but authorities have yet to confirm that information.

Brown's body was removed from his vehicle and placed beneath a blue tent, where it remained for hours after the shooting.

The shooting drew a large crowd of angry neighbors and protesters, some of whom were livestreaming video from the scene.

Brown's death comes a day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts of murdering George Floyd, an unarmed black man.

Officers are seen working inside a tent that was erected to shield Brown's car from view after the fatal shooting in Elizabeth City Wednesday

Just minutes before the verdict was announced, an officer in Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant during a confrontation with two other women that involved a knife.

Several people who identified themselves as Brown's relatives have posted messages on social media mourning his death.

'The last time I saw my cousin in October, we talked more than we ever have. Lots of laughs. Now I know why. R.I.P. Jr,' wrote Jadine Hampton.

Another woman who also identified herself as Brown's cousin wrote in a status update: 'I can't believe this .. You see stuff like this on TV but I never thought it would happen in my own family R.I.P cousin Andrew Brown. U just messaged me last week.. this is crazy.'

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will lead the probe into Brown's fatal shooting.

Keith Rivers, the president of the Pasquotank NAACP, was on the scene of the shooting in Elizabeth City and called on the sheriff's office to release body camera video as quickly as possible.
and other high-risk artificial intelligence applications will face strict constraints under new rules unveiled by the that threaten hefty fines for companies that dont comply.

The European Commission, the blocs executive body, proposed measures on Wednesday that would ban certain AI applications in the EU, including those that exploit vulnerable groups, deploy subliminal techniques or score peoples social behavior.

The use of and other real-time remote biometric identification systems by law enforcement would also be prohibited, unless used to prevent a terror attack, find missing children or tackle other public security emergencies.

is a particularly controversial form of AI. Civil liberties groups warn of the dangers of discrimination or mistaken identities when law enforcement uses the technology, which sometimes misidentifies women and people with darker skin tones.

Digital rights group EDRI has warned against loopholes for public security exceptions use of the technology.

Other high-risk applications that could endanger peoples safety or legal statussuch as self-driving cars, employment or asylum decisions -- would have to undergo checks of their systems before deployment and face other strict obligations.

The measures are the latest attempt by the bloc to leverage the power of its vast, developed market to set global standards that companies around the world are forced to follow, much like with its General Data Protection Regulation.

The U. S. and China are home to the biggest commercial AI companies -- Google and Microsoft Corp., Beijing-based Baidu, and Shenzhen-based Tencent -- but if they want to sell to Europes consumers or businesses, they may be forced to overhaul operations.

Key Points:
Photo: The Canadian Press SNC Lavalin interim CEO Ian Edwards speaks at the inauguration for the new Samuel de Champlain bridge in Montreal, Friday, June 28, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

SNC-Lavalin's chief executive received a big pay raise in his first full year at the helm of the engineering firm as his total compensation surpassed $8 million, according to a regulatory filing.

Ian Edwards's total compensation rose to $8.02 million from $3.74 million in 2019 largely due to a big boost in share-based awards and a doubling of his annual bonus, which he converted to stock.

Edwards's salary increased 8.3 per cent to $1.03 million and rose again in 2021 to $1.4 million. Share-based awards last year were valued at $5.6 million, up from nearly $2 million a year earlier.

SNC said $1.8 million of the stock awards came from a one-time grant in March that was deferred from 2019 because of restrictions in its insider-trading policy. It will vest over three years.

He also received a $1.07-million bonus, $216,462 pension value and $90,179 in other compensation, according to the proxy circular filed ahead of its annual meeting on May 14.

Edwards became CEO on Oct. 31, 2019, several months after he was appointed interim head upon the departure of Neil Bruce. He joined the company in 2014 as vice-president of infrastructure construction.

Chief financial officer Jeff Bell's total compensation was $3.17 million while his predecessor, Sylvain Girard, saw his total compensation nearly double to $4.86 million.

Most of the increase for Girard, who left the company on Aug. 31, was the result of $2.4 million in other compensation.
Indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, neutralises multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively works against the double mutant strain as well, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Wednesday.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin has received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 treatment in India and in several countries across the globe with another 60 in the process.

"ICMR study shows Covaxin neutralises against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well," the ICMR tweeted.

ICMR-National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated and cultured multiple variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 virus: B.1.1.7 (the UK variant), B.1.1.28 (Brazil variant ) and B.1.351 (South Africa variant).

ICMR-NIV has demonstrated the neutralisation potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant, the apex health research body said.

ICMR-NIV recently has been successful in isolating and culturing the double mutant strain B.1.617 SARS-CoV-2 identified in certain regions of India and several other countries, the ICMR stated.

"Covaxin has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain as well," it said.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

In August 2018, a person contracted HIV after getting a vampire facial at an Albuquerque salon.

When officials inspected the business a month later, they discovered unwrapped needles strewn about, unlabeled blood tubes in the kitchen area and phony certificates  for Botox and vampire facial training  hanging on the walls.

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Now, the former owner of the salon has been indicted on two dozen felonies, including fraud and practicing medicine without a license.

Maria Ramos de Ruiz, 59, former owner of VIP Beauty Salon and Spa at 809 Tijeras NW, is charged with racketeering, fraud, five counts of practicing medicine without a license, six counts of money laundering, four counts of tax evasion and seven counts of willful failure to collect and pay taxes.

Ramos de Ruiz could not be reached for comment.

The New Mexico Attorney Generals Office began investigating Ramos de Ruiz and her salon following an inspection by the state Department of Health. Officials launched the investigation after a client contracted HIV following a vampire facial treatment, a medical procedure in which a provider injects the clients own blood into the clients face as a way to rejuvenate the skin.

Individuals who jeopardize the health and safety of New Mexican families must be held accountable, Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a statement. We look forward to presenting this case at trial.

Balderas is urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed to a disease through the treatment in question to call his office for information and resources.

According to a search warrant affidavit filed in 2nd Judicial District Court:

The New Mexico Department of Health in August 2018 learned a person with no risk factors for HIV had contracted the bloodborne infection after getting a vampire facial at the VIP Beauty Salon and Spa.

The DOH, the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department and deputy director of Boards and Commissions inspected the VIP Spa the following month.

They found Ramos de Ruiz had a cosmetologist license, but the license displayed at the salon had expired in 2013. Ramos de Ruiz told them she does breast and buttocks sculpting, cellulite treatments and vampire facials.

Inspectors found numerous health code violations and unsafe infection control practices, including unwrapped needles, blood being dumped into the kitchen sink and unlabeled syringes beside food in the refrigerator.

They also found foreign and American prescription and dangerous drugs, and medical products that required an order from a licensed physician.

Inspectors discovered inadequate cleaning and disinfection, and Ramos de Ruiz told inspectors that machine tubing was not cleaned or changed between clients.

Inspectors also found on display phony certificates of her education and training, including a certificate to administer vampire facials, a diploma suggesting she was trained to perform Botox procedures and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix.

The organizations listed on the documents, and the University of Phoenix, told officials they either did not hold the courses or had no record of Ramos de Ruiz attending their institutions.

It appears VIP Spa attempted to give its clients the impression that it was a licensed, accredited medical facility, an agent wrote.

NMDOH determined vampire facial and Botox injections fall under the medical boards jurisdiction and require a medical license  something Ramos de Ruiz did not have.

In December 2018, the New Mexico Medical Board demanded Ramos de Ruiz stop her unlicensed practice of medicine in the state. And in February 2019, the state Department of Health found a second person who had contracted HIV after getting four vampire facial treatments, including one at Ramos de Ruizs home.

Both people had the same strain of the HIV virus and told agents they paid $100 for the procedure.

Both clients said they believed Ramos de Ruiz was qualified to perform vampire facials due to the training certificates in the building.

In the end, 137 clients received unlicensed and fraudulent services from Ramos de Ruiz, and sought tests for HIV and hepatitis, according to the affidavit.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 00:26:04|Editor: huaxia

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JOHANNESBURG, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Residents and businesses have been warned to prepare for possible water interruptions as South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members at Rand Water would embark on strike action from Wednesday.

Rand Water which is a water supply utility supplies water to municipalities in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West.

Samwu's Gauteng deputy provincial secretary Mamorena Madisha said there would be interruptions. "The decision that we have taken as Samwu to go on strike is a painful one as we know that taps will definitely run dry in all areas that are serviced by Rand Water," she said.

"Almost 2,100 of our members will participate in the strike tomorrow from 8 am," she told Xinhua.

The union said that Rand Water's decision not to pay workers their performance incentive bonus was one of the main reasons behind the strike.

"An ultimatum has already been given to the employer to immediately reverse this anti-worker practice and restore all terms and conditions of employment, including incentive bonuses," Madisha said.

However, Rand Water Media Relations Manager Justice Mohale said the strike would be unprotected as the matter was expected to be heard for conciliation on April 28.

He said Rand Water workers working in the purification and pumping plants were regarded as essential workers who were not legally permitted to join an industrial action.

"Rand Water received a written notification from Samwu about the strike but it would be illegal and unprotected," Mohale said. Enditem
(Newser)  A Virginia police lieutenant is out of a job over his support of Kyle Rittenhouse. Lt. William Kelly III's name first emerged Friday in a report by the Guardian on a hack that revealed some personal data tied to donors to Rittenhouse via Christian crowdfunding website GiveSendGo. A $25 donation made anonymously on Sept. 3 was linked to Kelly's work email, the Guardian reported, and was accompanied by this message: "God bless. Thank you for your courage. Keep your head up. Youve done nothing wrong. Every rank and file police officer supports you. Don't be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership." Police Chief Larry Boone launched an administrative investigation into the claim, and City Manager Chip Filer said on Tuesday that Kelly had been fired.

story continues below

Filer cited the "egregious" comments Kelly posted in support of Rittenhouse, which Filer said go against departmental policy and "erode the trust" between Norfolk's police and its citizens. Kelly, the No. 2 officer in the department's internal affairs unit, has the right to appeal. In comments to the Virginian-Pilot, the head of the local police union slammed the hasty nature of the probe. "We were hoping for a full, transparent investigation, but after 72 hours, I do not believe that is what we got," said Clay Messick. The online fundraiser for Rittenhouse, the teen accused of murdering two people at a Black Lives Matter protest in Wisconsin last August, reportedly raked in $586,940 to help fund his legal defense. (Read more police officer stories.)
Media Tech SPAC's John Mahtani talks to Proactive London about the company's 1.64mln fundraise.

The plan is to now complete the FCA prospectus documents, Initiate the IPO (ideally Mid May) - with the aim of raising 6mln for their London market debut.

( ) has invested 50,000, the investment comprises a subscription for 1.25mln shares at 4p and is part of the 1.64mln capital raising.
Motorists are screened at a police check point to limit non-essential travel from Quebec at the entrance of the province of Ontario on Highway 401 near Bainsville, Ont. on April 19, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson)

Ontario Police Officer: Im Not Proud of Our Government Right Now

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on April 17 walked back new pandemic measures he announced just one day earlier, which included random police checks to ensure people complied with restrictions on social gatherings and organized events. But for one active-duty officer, things have gone far enough.

I took an oath to protect the Constitution and to protect the public. [All police] took the same oath, and yet whats happening in Ontario and other provinces, the Constitutions being breached. Things are happening that shouldnt be happening, said the officer, who spoke to The Epoch Times on condition of anonymity.

It makes no sense and yet its being done. Im Canadian and Im proud of it. Im also proud of being a police officer and have no regrets, but Im not proud of our government right now.

The officer works for a large city police force, one of the biggest of 45 provincially mandated police services in Ontario, which include 44 municipal forces along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). All of them made public that they would not comply with the governments enhanced spot checks.

The OPP originally backed the premier, but according to independent journalist Andrew Lawton, who kept tabs, it reversed its decision shortly after Ford did. Lawson reported that several of the nine self-administered First Nations police services in Ontario also came out against the order.

The Epoch Times was put in contact with the officer by Police On Guard For Thee, a growing group of active and retired officers across Canada who decry the lockdowns and say they will not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to enforce public health orders.

Retired inspector Len Faul, who spent 11 years with the Metropolitan Police in England and 32 years with the Toronto Police Service, is the groups public face and spokesperson.

Faul said his group is preparing to seek a judicial review of the COVID-19 public health orders police are being asked to enforce in Ontario, and he is hopeful that not all police forces are using a hammer-and-tongs approach.

Weve seen a situation, for example in Toronto, where the chief of police there is clearly putting a lot of pressure on all of his officers to stomp all over anti-lockdown protests, he said.

The chief in Vancouver has taken a completely different approach, going public that his officers have individual discretion. If they feel that theyre in a position where they have to lay a charge under the emergency measures, thats entirely up to them.

The active-duty officer whom The Epoch Times spoke with described a situation in his department similar to that of Vancouverit has taken a laissez-faire approach in its dealings with the public during the pandemic.

The way I saw it, if I wouldve been called to assist by-law, its no longer by-laws issue, its mine, so I always looked at it as just trying to smooth things over, leave it as it is, the officer said. We were never asked to enforce anything unless it became, say, something hazardous to the public.

The officer also has his own take on some of the high-profile incidents involving clashes between police and citizens over lockdown restrictions.

One of those led to police action being taken against Toronto BBQ restaurant owner Adam Skelly, who opened his restaurant in defiance of lockdown orders and was fined $187,000 by the City of Toronto for the costs it incurred while enforcing public health restrictions.

My guess would be a lot of the officers are like, I didnt want to do this, I was told to. And I think a lot of them probably didnt realize what they were being told to do was against the Constitution, the officer said.

In another incident, the RCMP assisted Alberta Health Services to close GraceLife Church in Edmonton by surrounding it with fencing and 24-hour security.

The fact that they would put a fence around [a church]thats a breach of the Constitution, the officer said. It is there in black and white [in the Charter], based on your ability to worship freely.
[April 21, 2021] NIST Confirms STL as an Accurate and Reliable Source for Wide-Area Delivery of Coordinated Universal Time

RESTON, Va., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Satelles, Inc. (www.satelles.com), innovative provider of highly secure satellite-based time and location services, today announced an important new finding by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) about Satellite Time and Location (STL). Following a detailed performance study in 2020, NIST determined that STL is a reliable source of timing that is highly consistent with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and is based on a signal that is independent from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The STL service was able to deliver this consistent performance in a deep indoor environment where GNSS signals did not reach.

The results of the study were shared by Dr. Elizabeth Donley, Chief of the Time and Frequency Division at NIST, when she presented at the recent Workshop on Synchronization and Timing Systems (WSTS) conference organized by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). She addressed the WSTS audience about NIST's work to develop non-GNSS sources of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and in her presentation categorized STL as one of the non-GNSS sources of UTC. Dr. Donley articulated the details of the study conducted by NIST last year in which a GPS-disciplined clock (GPSDC) and a Satelles EVK-2 evaluation unit with a quartz oscillator comparable to that in the GPSDC were both compared to UTC(NIST), the national time scale in the United States, for a period of 50 days. In this evaluation, the GPS device received its signal from an outdoor antenna whereas the Satelles device was connected to an indoor antenna in a deep indoor environment where GNSS signals were not able to reach. Time deviation (TDEV) calculations estimated the stability of the two signals with respect to the UTC(NIST) time scale. Based on one day of averaging, the GPS instability was less than two nanoseconds, and the STL instability was only slightly higher at under three nanoseconds (view chart). These measurements demonstrated that STL delivers stability that is comparable to GNSS and does so in an indoor location where GPS signals usally cannot penetrate.



STL delivers a positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service from satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to back up or augment GPS and other GNSS. The evaluation by NIST confirms that users of PNT-reliant applications can obtain accurate and reliable timing without using GNSS. "We are thrilled that NIST has performed these independent tests which confirm what we have long known, which is that STL delivers an independent timing source that is reliable and highly consistent with UTC. This report complements and reinforces the findings of the U.S. Department of Transportation which identified STL as a top-ranked PNT system in its technology demonstration report released earlier this year and showed STL to be the only solution that demonstrated a wide-area timing capability that works indoors and out," said Dr. Gregory Gutt, President and CTO of Satelles.

Dr. Michael O'Connor, CEO of Satelles, was also complimentary of the NIST report and its significance. "The challenge of providing reliable back-up sources of PNT is critical to our society. The data from this important report by NIST underscores that solutions exist today that provide an essential contingency capability to protect the operations of PNT-dependent critical infrastructure and ensure the survivability and resilience of our nation."

For more information about STL visit www.satelles.com.

About Satelles

Satelles provides secure time and location signals from low Earth orbit (LEO) that are independent of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Satelles' Satellite Time and Location (STL) service safeguards against devastating attacks to GPS/GNSS capable of disrupting or disabling electrical grids, wireless communications networks, financial systems, and other private and public infrastructure in ways that seriously imperil the safety and security of our society.

Available anywhere on the planet, the STL service delivers assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) via a satellite broadcast signal that is stronger and more secure than other solutions. The company delivers assured PNT at levels of stability, reliability, and trust required by commercial enterprises and government entities across a range of critical infrastructure, IoT, and cybersecurity applications. Satelles partners with device manufacturers to incorporate STL signal support into today's latest equipment, bringing the benefits of Satellite Time and Location to customers around the world. CONTACT:

Kirk Vespestad,

Satelles, Inc.,

kvespestad@satelles.com,

+1 (703) 282-1800;

Corporate Website: https://www.satelles.com/,

Twitter: https://twitter.com/satellesinc,

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satelles/ ### This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nist-confirms-stl-as-an-accurate-and-reliable-source-for-wide-area-delivery-of-coordinated-universal-time-301273477.html SOURCE Satelles, Inc.

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A bust of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius is among a collection of 2,000-year-old bronze artefacts dug up in Yorkshire  and set to sell for around 100,000.

The 'fantastically preserved' 6 inch (13cm) bust of Aurelius, who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 161 to AD 180, depicts him with hair and beard flamboyantly curled.

As well as the bust of Aurelius, the collection includes a statuette of the god Mars on horseback and the handle of a knife shaped as part of a horse.

The items were discovered last year by metal detectorists James Spark and Mark Didlick in a field in Ryedale, North Yorkshire.

Experts believe they were buried as an offering to the gods as part of a Roman religious ceremony in about AD 160  which was the year before the start of Aurelius' reign.

The stunning collection is due to be sold by Hansons Auctioneers on May 20, with a pre-sale estimate of 90,000.

A bust of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The finely-modelled bust of the Roman ruler depicts him with hair and beard flamboyantly curled

The items were buried in a field in Ryedale, North Yorks, as an offering to the gods as part of a Roman religious ceremony in about AD 160

'We have had worldwide interest in the hoard from both private individuals and museums,' said Adam Staples, head of historics at Hansons Auctioneers, which is based in Etwall, Derbyshire.

'This is a unique opportunity to own something like this.

'The items are 2,000 years old and have been fantastically preserved. They were clearly really, really well made.

'They are both archaeological finds and pieces of art and can be appreciated as art.'

Staples said the collection is being sold as one  not separately  because they are 'more important as a group'.

'They were interred in the ground together so they should stay together.

The bust depicts emperor Marcus Aurelius - whose death is said to have marked the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire

'We think they were buried as a ritual deposit, as part of a Roman religious process and an offering to the gods.

'I know the finders and they are excited about the sale.'

The Aurelius bust would have been attached to the end of a sceptre  an ornate wand or staff  that probably belonged to a senior military commander about 1,900 years ago.

As well as the bust, the toy-like god of Mars on horseback and the decorative horse-shaped knife handle was a plumb-bob.

A plumb-bob is a pointed weight, usually suspended on a string, used to mark out what is exactly vertical.

It would have been used by the Romans in construction to make sure stone and marble slabs were vertically aligned  much like today's spirit levels.

Going clockwise from top right is the bust of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the plumb-bob, the decorative horse-shaped knife handle and the god Mars on horseback

The plumb bob - a pointed weight which is suspended from string to show what is exactly vertical - that is part of the North Yorkshire hoard

It was initially thought the four objects  found over a 10-square-foot (one square metre) area in the Ryedale field  might be worth about 15,000 in total.

But Hansons has received worldwide interest due to their rarity and their remarkable condition.

The auction house will exhibit the collection before the sale in London on April 29 and in York on May 11. Anyone interested in viewing will have to contact them through phone or email.

Staples told MailOnline it will be publishing an official announcement in the next few days.

The artefacts have been authenticated by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), which records finds made by metal detectorists.

The two finders of this hoard  Spark and Didlick  will have to split the proceeds of the sale with the anonymous landowner.

Spark, 40, from York, previously described the moment he and Didlick found the hoard.

'We were having a pretty slow day when, as we were just about to pack up, I came across a strong signal,' he said.

'The first item recovered was the horseman which I thought was Victorian at first. The second item then popped up and it was the bust  this was a game changer!

James Spark (left) and Mark Didlick uncovered the bust of emperor Marcus Aurelius, a statuette of the god of Mars on horseback and a horse-head knife handle last year

'We knew straight away that we had stumbled upon something very rare and unique.

'We ran the detector over the hole again and were shocked to find that we had another target in the hole and this turned out to be the plumb bob weight.

'Mark returned the following day and unearthed the fourth item which was the galloping horse that would have been a knife terminal.

'There are some known Roman link roads in the area so they may have some link to that.

'We are really pleased to find the items and add to the local history of the area and proud to find such an important historical artefact.'

The historical bust of Aurelius, which is the largest of the collection, is likely to stimulate the most interest.

Statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback at Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy. Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 161 until his death in AD 180

The death of Aurelius is said to have marked the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire.

His son, Commodus, later ruled the Empire between 176 and 192, when he was assassinated by strangulation in his own bath.

Commodus was known for his interest in chariot racing and bloodsports and a preoccupation with his own appearance than being an efficient ruler.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Rain ending this morning. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 80F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.
In televised remarks aired late on Tuesday, Aliyev again referred to Syunik as a historical Azerbaijani land and said Baku will accomplish the task of creating the Zangezur corridor whether Armenia wants it or not.

If Armenia wants, we can solve that easily. If it does not, we will solve that by force, he said.

I already said during and before the war [in Nagorno-Karabakh] that they must willingly get out of our lands; or else, we will throw them out. This is what happened. The same will happen to the Zangezur corridor.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry was quick to condemn Aliyevs remarks as a fresh threat to Armenias territorial integrity.

Such statements seriously undermine regional peace and stability. They reveal the false nature of Azerbaijan's recent statements on peace and reconciliation, the ministry spokeswoman, Anna Naghdalian, said in a late-night statement.

We are in constant touch with our strategic ally [Russia] as well as with all our partners interested in peace in the South Caucasus. Armenia will undertake all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, added Naghdalian.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian also deplored Aliyevs remarks when he visited Syunik on Wednesday.

With such provocative statements, Azerbaijans leadership wants to  walk away from our understandings, heightening tensions in the region to continue blockading Armenia, Pashinian said at a meeting held in the provincial capital Kapan.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry insisted earlier in the day that Aliyev did not threaten Armenias territorial integrity or lay claim to any Armenian territory. In Pashinians words, the ministrys denial contradicted what the Azerbaijani leader said.

The Russian-brokered agreement that stopped the Karabakh war on November 10 commits Yerevan to opening rail and road links between Nakhichevan and the rest of Azerbaijan. Armenia should be able, for its part, to use Azerbaijani territory as a transit route for cargo shipments to and from Russia and Iran.

If Azerbaijan talks about a Zangezur corridor, then by the same token Armenia can talk about a Nakhichevan corridor or a north Azerbaijan corridor, Pashinian said in this regard.

At a January meeting in Moscow hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Aliyev and Pashinian agreed to set up a trilateral working group tasked with working out practical modalities of reopening transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The group co-headed by deputy prime ministers of the three states has held several meetings since then. Aliyev reportedly praised its activities on April 1. But earlier this year he accused Armenia of dragging its feet over the corridor and threatened to force Yerevan to open it.

The Armenian government dismissed those threats and argued that the truce agreement makes no reference to any transport corridors. It maintains that Baku itself has violated the agreement by refusing to free dozens of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives.

Syunik borders districts southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh which were retaken by Azerbaijan during and after a six-week war. Russia deployed soldiers and border guards there late last year to help the Armenian military defend the region against possible Azerbaijani attacks.

Pashinian said last week that Russian and Armenian officials are holding quite productive discussions on a possible deployment of more Russian troops to the area which also borders Iran.

During a March visit to Yerevan, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif voiced strong support for Armenias territorial integrity, calling it a red line for the Islamic Republic.
Employees of Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) say they have were blindsided with a 33 1/3 per cent pay cut in their salaries.

While some workers were under the impression the cut was supposed to occur next fortnight, many were unprepared for managements move.

One employee told the Express yesterday while talk was being bandied about a few days ago with regard to the pay cut, she thought more notice would have been given to staff since globally theres a pandemic. I am hurt and disappointed.
By Joseph N. DiStefano, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

In a sign of more turmoil at Pennsylvanias largest pension fund, the $64 billion retirement plan for teachers on Tuesday hired an outside manager to oversee its complex and low-performing investments.

Seattle-based Verus Investments will take on monitoring and oversight of investment, the job done by PSERSs chief investment officer, James Grossman, the highest-paid employee of Pennsylvania government. Grossman has been the architect behind the funds pursuit of exotic and far-flung investments that have drawn increasing criticism.

Grossman hasnt left his position. But the emergency hiring is needed to monitor and oversee investments during internal and external investigations of PSERS investments, the fund said.

James Grossman, the Public School Employees' Retirement System's chief financial officer, was the highest state government employee earner in Pennsylvania in 2020. (PennLive.com/file)

The scrutiny includes a federal probe of a flurry of real estate deals in Harrisburg and investigation by outside lawyers into an error that exaggerated PSERS investment profits.

Citing that mistake, the fund on Monday took the painful and embarrassing step of reversing its previous stand and requiring school employees to pay more to support their retirement.

The reversal came after the funds executives, including Grossman, had reported the inflated investment results, citing them as a reason not to increase payments by employees.

The Monday vote was a bitter one for teachers. It will boost payments to PSERS  the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System  for about 100,000 school workers hired since 2011.

PSERS board reverses course and raises pension payments made by Pa. school employees

Their annual deduction will climb to 8% of their pay, up from 7.5%. Such a teacher earning $60,000 a year will pay about $4,800 to PSERS, an increase of $300.

Teachers and other educational staff hired since 2019 will face an even bigger bump: up to 8.25%.

Union leaders were caustic. Arthur Steinberg, head of the Pennsylvania unit of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents 36,000 teachers in Philadelphia and 60 other districts, cited recent revelations in The Inquirer of extravagant travel by Grossmans investment staff as more reason for outrage.

After being wined and dined at the expense of Pennsylvanias educators, it is infuriating, but unsurprising, to learn that the PSERS board has voted to take more money out of the pockets of the commonwealths educators, Steinberg said.

The national AFT recently published a report highly critical of private investment firms such as the ones favored under Grossman, citing academic studies showing that past returns had been no better than the stock market.

Heres why PSERS was forced to raise rates for school employees: Under a 2010 pension reform law, teachers must join taxpayers in paying more into the fund if the retirement plan does not meet specified goals for investment returns.

But in 2020, the funds professional staff reported that PSERSs investment returns had averaged 6.38% over the last nine years  just above the critical 6.36% threshold goal.

Then-state Treasurer Joe Torsella disputed the math, noting that the staff had gone back almost a decade to revise  and improve  figures for past investment performance.

PSERSs executive director, Glen Grell, rejected Torsellas concerns, saying that the adjustments are not errors. The Inquirer published copies of their exchange last week.

In December, the full board approved the revised number. Torsella was one of three board members to abstain, along with State Rep. Frank Ryan (R., Lebanon) and Richard Vague, the state banking secretary.

Board chairman Chris Santa Maria, a Lower Merion teacher, and the senior pension staff, including Grossman, insisted that the numbers were solid.

We did our due diligence, Grossman said. We covered it. Im not worried about it.

Grossman, a 1989 Elizabethtown College accounting graduate, has worked at PSERS since 1997. He became chief investment officer in 2013. He makes $485,000 a year.

The PSERS board has said little about how the math mistake occurred. Nor has it disclosed the new and lower figure for investment returns. But in late March, it said it was looking into the conduct of both its own staff and outside consultants who advise PSERS.

PSERS is also facing an FBI investigation into the funds purchase of millions of dollars in real estate in Harrisburg over the last few years, The Inquirer has learned.

Its unclear whether the federal prosecutors and FBI agents with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia are also looking at the error in investment returns.

In recent years, the giant fund has been criticized for its lagging returns, especially given the plans underfunded condition going back 20 years. In its last fiscal year, ended June 30, the plan had an investment rate of return of only 1.1%, compared with 5.4% for the S&P 500.
Courtesy Allison Ramirez

This is the latest in our series on underrated destinations, Its Still a Big World.

The busiest intersection in the world is Japans Shibuya crossing; its fascinating to watch from above the way tiny people weave in and out on foot, just walkingnever talkingand always with a destination in mind.

A sharp contrast to Tokyo, nobody really walks in Los Angeles. This is a city built around cars, so its no surprise to find the busiest freeway interchange in the world a stones throw from Downtown LA. The East LA Interchange runs through Boyle Heights, a historic, multicultural borough just east of the Los Angeles River and a 10-minute drive from hipster Silver Lake.

If you happen upon Boyle Heights, youll want to check out historic spots like the Benjamin Franklin Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, which has been open for more than 100 years. Then theres Mariachi Plaza, where musicians have gathered since the 1930s to vie for the attention of passersby who might be looking to hire a band. Those who dont know much about Boyle Heights will probably end up there for the food. The original Guisados, serving up Mexican comfort food (homestyle braises on corn tortillas using fresh masa thats made at Carniceria Uruapa just next door), is a main attraction and the perfect start to an afternoon getting to know the neighborhood.

I find myself in the area on a chilly March day, passing Farmacia Ramirez on my way in before securing street parking in front of a Jack in the Box. There is mild traffic, but nothing to write home about. I am meeting up with Mario Christerna who is a Boyle Heights native and for him, theres no place like home. The Chicano chef travels abroad with his wife and daughters as often as possible, yet LA is still his favorite. Im a custodian of my neighborhood, he tells me as we embark on a walking tour of Cesar Chavez Ave.

Hes promised me food and fun and stories that are sure to blow my mind. How much time do you have again? he asks, and I already know Ive messed up by not blocking an entire day, at least.

Story continues

Formerly known as Brooklyn Ave., everything you could possibly want or need is here on this one street. Its name was meant to entice travelers from the East Coast to settle in LAs first suburb, and it worked. For quite some time, this was the Ellis Island of the West, home to the largest Jewish population in the US outside of New York. The neighborhoods nickname? The Lower East Side of Los Angelesa melting pot of Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and Eastern European working-class immigrants. Native to LA, indigenous people from the Tongva tribes also made Boyle Heights (at the time it was called El Paredon Blanco) their home in the 1800s.

There is an instant connection when I tell Mario I originally hail from Miami. Oh, Miamis my second home, he says. I love Miami. It turns out we have friends of friends in common since Mario was once a tour manager, hanging around megaclubs like the infamous Space and the (now defunct) Prive and Mansion. As a young chef, he moved to Spain to pursue a dream job with three-Michelin-starred Chef Martin Berasategui and continued working in music, simultaneously. When he wasnt in the kitchen, he was probably at an electronic music party in Ibiza.

Christerna greets people left and right, pointing out the artistic intricacies I mightve missed if I were here on my own. He finds beauty in everything, from the hand-lettered storefronts to the sidewalk planters (really), which have little mosaic tile designs on the sides to represent the diversity of the people who have lived in the neighborhood over the years. Its his personal mission to fight gentrification while preserving everything thats special about Boyle Heights.

We stroll down Cesar Chavez Ave. and at times, I feel like Im in a movie. There are women selling frutas, nodding as we pass; a fluffy white dog runs out in front of a truck at a green light. I hold my breath and feel the whole block let out a collective sigh when the pup is spared another day. We cruise into La Barbacha, a small Mexican shop still not allowing indoor dining because of the size of the space, but the woman working is in good spirits nonetheless. Que quieren, mijo? She asks Mario, and he orders gorditas for the two of us: de barbacoa  the regional style of Hidalgo, Mexico  and chicharron.

Courtesy Allison Ramirez

They smell so good, yet theres no time to sit and eat as we move from one shop to the next. Mario tells me well take our food back to his restaurant after weve made a few more stops, the next being Sonido del Valle. The only record store in Boyle Heights, it has more Latin vinyls than Ive ever seen in one place. Cumbia, mariachi, Spanish rock  you name it, Sonidos got it. Mario picks out and pays for two records: Cumbias con Mariachi by Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and The Kennedy Dream by Oliver Nelson and His Orchestra. You sure you dont want one? he asks me on the way out.

We grab a burger to share at Georges Burger Stand (owned by the same people as the well-known Guisados) along with a couple of grape sodas, which remind me of hot Florida summers and old, faded vending machines by the pool. Mario is approached by two kids selling bouquets of flowers who cant be older than 10. They speak both English and Spanish, jokesters trying to hustle him for $20. OK, OK, come with me to the ATM, Mario says, and they go. He pays the boys for the flowers and points to a street vendor nearby. See that lady selling produce over there? Go give these to her and thank her for providing fresh food to our community. The boys run over, hand off the flowers and she waves at us, grinning from ear to ear.

With our bags of food, we stop in to say hi to his barber, then Mario points out the neighborhood plant shop, LatinX With Plants. The owners mission is to build a community that tackles environmental racism in communities of color and, in collaboration with plant designer Plantitas Verdes, shes recently brought life to Marios restaurant window with fiddle leaf figs and other flora. Friendly competition and unconditional support seems to keep the locals in business here. This includes two ice cream shops within 700 feet of each other, La Michoacana and La Jerezana Ice Cream Parlor.

Our last stop of the afternoon is Chef Marios pride and joy, the beautiful brick building thats home to Brooklyn Avenue Pizza Co. Opened inside the historic Paramount ballroom at the height of the pandemic, this space has a 100-year history that includes performances by Sonny and Cher (when they were called Caesar & Cleo) and Afro-Cuban musician and composer Arsenio Rodriguez, who had a weekly residency there in 1965. Before all that, it was used as a meeting hall, barbershop, a center for socializing and organizing, and a place for the Jewish Bakers Union to work.

Mario takes me up a narrow staircase to show me the rest of the space and then all of a sudden, were on the roof. Come on, he says. Were going to eat up here. If hes trying to convince me how amazing his neighborhood is, I was already sold, but theres nothing like seeing a city from above. Finally, I can dig into the food we picked up earlier, while remembering to save room for some pizza. Im in awe of the views  the Downtown LA skyline to one side, and to the other, the expansive greenery that is Evergreen Cemetery.

The first official and sanctioned cemetery in Los Angeles, Evergreen is nearly 150 years old. The 67-acre cemetery is where many notable Californians are buried regardless of race or ethnicity. The Lankershim/Van Nuys families (LA real estate tycoons with full-blown city subdivisions named after them) are buried here, as is the founder of Ralphs supermarkets. Then theres Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved African-American woman who was successful in real estate and philanthropy and even founded the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. The cemetery is segregated into sections (Armenians, Japanese, Chinese, European, Mexican), and unlike other cemeteries in the country, never banned African-Americans from being buried there.

Back downstairs, we talk about Marios life before opening Brooklyn Ave Pizza Co. and how hes managed to stay true to his upbringing. The menu pays homage to his heritage and his hood with Flaming Hot Cheetos wings, mole pizza, Chicano gravy, boozy horchata, and cocktails like the elote old fashioned and an Evergreen negroni named afteryou guessed itthe neighborhood graveyard.

By merely doing business in Boyle Heights, by getting his haircut there, and filling his restaurant with plants curated by the local shop, by hosting musicians and live concerts post-pandemic, Mario is giving back to his community in the most organic of ways. Growth is inevitable, but he sticks close to his roots which I think is the secret for everyone whos chosen to stay and flourish there.

Courtesy Allison Ramirez

My time is cut short, and before heading back to my car, ready to brave rush hour traffic, I tell Mario I wish I could stay a little longer. He has a piano in his office at Brooklyn Ave Pizza Co. and another in his kitchen at home; music is still a major part of the process in everything he creates and this feels familiar to me.

If you ever come over for dinner with me and my wife, youll see it, he says about the piano. Ill hold him to it, too. Even if it means crossing the East LA Interchange during gridlock, I wouldnt miss it for the world.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The male victim that was found in Dutch Quarter after the vehicle he was driving crashed in the vicinity of Zerk en Rust passed away late Tuesday night confirmed Police Spokesman Joe Josepha. The victim has been identified as Shaquan Gumbs who is also from the Dutch Quarter area. Details on the shooting that has claimed the life of the young man are not yet available.

Josepha said on Tuesday evening March 20th approximately 06.50 pm, the dispatch center received several calls concerning a male victim who was found in a vehicle in Dutch Quarter suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower extremities.

At the location, the patrols encountered a male victim sitting in his car who had sustained a gunshot wound. The victims were quickly stabilized on the scene by the paramedics and rushed to the Sint. Maarten Medical Center in critical condition.

So far the police have no clear picture of what had taken place. The forensic department is still collecting evidence in this investigation. The vehicle in which the victim was encountered was later confiscated for further investigation.

More information will be provided as it becomes available. If you or anyone you know may have information as to what took place do not hesitate to contact the Police Detective Department at +1 721 54 22222 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also visit the website at www.policesxm.sx to report crime anonymously via the tip contact form, or you can leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know or suspect something.

KPSM Press Release.
With Congress heatedly debating President Joe Bidens $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal , members of the public, private and research sectors came together recently to discuss its game-changing potential.In a recent Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program-hosted panel , Rebuilding American Infrastructure for the 21century, participant U.S. Senator Tom Carper  who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  said the bill is an opportunity to expand the economy while slowing climate change and better meeting residents basic needs.We have an opportunity to do great things to get the economy moving  fix our roads, highways, bridges  and do so in a way that is helpful for thisplanet, Carper said.For many panel participants, the right technology investments appeared key to achieving these kinds of economic and environmental goals. Several speakers also said during the panel that the infrastructure proposal should be viewed not only as a necessary fix to stop the degradation of existing systems but also as a forward-looking opportunity for state, local and federal government and other partners to proactively advance toward a more desirable future. Designing for the future also means both preparing for changing environmental conditions and experimenting with technology to be ready for developments that may come, said Austin Ramirez , CEO of hydraulic components provider HUSCO International.We often think of resilience as resilience to climate change, and thats important, but we also need to (think) about resilience in terms of the robustness of our infrastructure in light of technological change, Ramirez said. We need to make sure what were building is relevant for not just the next five years, 10 years, but the next 50 years.Among the major technological shifts is the ever-growing push toward more environmentally friendly systems and solutions. According to Chris Castro , the city of Orlando's director of sustainability and resilience, green energy initiatives like those in Bidens plan can bring significant employment boosts. Growing opportunities in the renewable energy sector may be able to more than replace jobs lost from the phasing out of fossil fuels, he said.There are over 250,000 solar jobs in the country and its still in the low single digit percentages of power in the entire United States. When you compare that, coal mining jobs are less than 50,000 currently and dwindling, Castro said. One of the greatest economic and job creation opportunities of the 21century is this transition toward a low-carbon economy,The solar employment figure Castro cited appears to come from solar energy advocacy nonprofit The Solar Foundations most recent national solar jobs census , which reported on 2019, and his coal miner count aligns with federal data for the same year. Solar accounted for about 1 percent of energy produced in the U.S. that year while coal represented 14 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Landing such solar energy jobs  as well as careers in nearly any other sectors  is typically much easier for residents who are able to use high-speed Internet access to visit job hunting sites, a point the Metropolitan Policy Program underscored in a report it launched to coincide with the panel event. More than 16 million households lack this broadband access, however, the study said. Bidens infrastructure proposal aims to tackle this, with calls for connecting all residents with affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband.The digitization of everything has transformed broadband from a luxury to a necessity, said Metropolitan Policy Program Fellow Adie Tomer during the event. We cant prosper as a society if people cant connect to the modern economy.Job seekers are not the only ones who benefit from such a move, because giving households broadband access can put them on better financial standing in various other ways, such as by enabling residents to use digital banking tools and helping students develop skills via online classes and resources, the report stated. Extending reliable Internet connectivity to more areas also could help merchants, with e-commerce retailers able to reach more potential customers as the number of broadband-equipped households expands.Building a stronger economy can also rely on a combination of traditional brick-and-pavement development and newer technology. Senator Maria Cantwell , who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, emphasized that a central piece of national economic growth rests on creating and maintaining physical bridge, road and waterway infrastructure that can help U.S. farmers, manufacturers and other businesses deliver their goods to ports quickly and reliably, after which products can then be shipped for sale to a growing base of middle-class consumers worldwide. Any issues during any stage of transit could lead to foreign competitors making the sale to overseas consumers instead, she warned.Any delays in transportation infrastructure costs all of us, Cantwell said. Freight cant wait.Carper, separately, pointed to how greener technology can play a role and modernize the vehicles used to transport goods.Not many people talk about hydrogen fueling stations, but for large trucks hydrogen could be really good, Carper said.Installing a variety of such stations along roadways could make it more feasible for drivers to use long-haul vehicles that are equipped with hydrogen powered fuel cells. These vehicles power their motors via electricity produced in chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen within the fuel cells. Unlike gas-burning vehicles that release carbon dioxide exhaust fumes, fuel cell-powered ones only emit water vapor.While heralding the long-term and widespread economic gains offered by the federal infrastructure plan, some speakers also expressed concern over its funding these and other initiatives. Sweeping changes come at a price, and current plans outlined by the White House propose funding the projects by adjusting corporate tax law. Those adjustments include both measures for generating new revenue through raising corporate tax rates and closing loopholes some major companies use to avoid paying taxes, as well as efforts to trim some federal expenses by ending subsidies and tax credits offered to the fossil fuel industry, freeing up that money for other purposes.Some speakers argued that the federal government should consider a variety of other fundraising tools as well. Debra Knopman , a principal researcher at RAND Corporation, advocated for efforts to entice more private investment in infrastructure in general  not only for a major project like this. Ramirez, representing a voice from the business sector, said Bidens plan should draw on more financial sources including some form of user fees  which could mean anything from gas taxes to highway toll collections  and a carbon tax.Its not funded appropriately, Ramirez said of the Biden plan. To put all of this infrastructure on the back of a corporate tax increase is a bad strategy.Discussion continues to swirl over the federal infrastructure plan, and many members of states and local governments are likely eyeing their wish lists. While many may disagree over specific details and decisions, all are likely to concur that significant investments in traditional and digital infrastructure and related technologies can massively change how residents work, learn and live.As Tomer commented, Show us your infrastructure and youll show us your priorities.
Noida, April 21 : Amid the increasing coronavirus cases and the high demand for Remdesivir injections, miscreants have started black-marketing this medicine. In a joint operation, Noida police and Crime Branch apprehended a man and recovered 105 doses of the injection.

The accused, Rachit Ghai, from Delhi's Pitampura area, was living in Noida Sector-168.

According to the police, a team of Noida Sector-20 police station and Crime Branch Gautam Budh Nagar arrested Ghai on Tuesday while he was selling the medicine at a premium. The police have also recovered 105 doses of the injection, a car and Rs 1.54 lakh cash from him.

The accused was selling the injection at Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per unit to needy people. He was procuring the medicine from Delhi and Chandigarh. The police is now trying to trace the source of the medicine.

DCP Crime Abhishek Singh said: "The man was arrested on April 20. He is a resident of Delhi and had been in Noida for the last few months. He was selling the medicine at a premium and was sourcing it from Delhi and Chandigarh." "However, the police are investigating who was providing him these medicines. He has been booked under various sections of the IPC," the DCP added.
China's growing economy very important for Hungary, world, says official

Xinhua) 16:04, April 21, 2021

BUDAPEST, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China's growing economy is a very important element for Hungary and the world, Mihaly Patai, deputy governor of Hungary's central bank Magyar Nemzeti Bank, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

"It is very important for Hungary that the Chinese economy is growing this year as well, like it was growing last year, since last year was very important for the world economy," Patai said.

The "continuing growth of the Chinese economy was a stabilizing factor in the world economy" in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patai said.

"The economic cooperation between Hungary and China is strong, and is getting stronger each year," he said, listing two specific examples to illustrate the strong friendship between China and Hungary.

On one hand, Hungary got healthcare equipment from China during the pandemic year which was very important for the safety of the Hungarian population, Patai said.

On the other hand, on the financial side, Hungary has strong cooperation with the People's Bank of China, Patai added.

"We do believe that the strong cooperation in finances, and in general in the economic sector will continue, and as far as it concerns Hungary, we will do our best to continue," he added.

China became the biggest direct foreign investor in Hungary in 2020, Patai revealed.

He also stressed that Hungary is not only part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but was the first European country to sign the BRI cooperation agreement with China.

Besides, Hungary is also part of the cooperation mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European Countries, and these relationships are growing and getting more and more important, he said.

Patai noted two major current projects to be conducted under the framework of the BRI, which are of great importance for the Hungarian economy and the Hungarian society.

One is the Belgrade-Budapest railway project. "It will increase the capacity of the modern railroad in Central Europe, and it is part of the Silk Road," Patai said.

The other is that China's Fudan University will open its first foreign campus in Budapest, which he said would be another huge step forward in the BRI for both Hungary and China.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
OTTAWA  Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux has bowed to pressure and scrapped plans to table a petition to give police officers protection under hate speech laws.

OTTAWA  Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux has bowed to pressure and scrapped plans to table a petition to give police officers protection under hate speech laws.

"This has been a learning experience for me," the Winnipeg North MP wrote in an email. "I will not be tabling this petition, now that I have come to fully understand its contents."

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/JUSTIN TANG Winnipeg MP Kevin Lamoureux: This has been a learning experience for me."

This month, a retired Winnipeg police inspector wrote a petition, asking Parliament to broaden hate speech laws to include vocations, in particular police officers.

Stan Tataryn had argued police who are cleared of any criminal charges should not be called "murderers" for shooting people dead in heated incidents.

It is the kind of language, he said, heard at protests related to the death of Eishia Hudson, a 16-year-old Indigenous who girl was fatally shot by a Winnipeg officer.

That April 2020 shooting on Lagimodiere Boulevard during afternoon rush hour followed a high-speed chase and liquor store robbery.

Police watchdog Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba cleared the officer of any wrongdoing in January.

Holocaust controversy unintended: ex-cop RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Former WPS inspector Stan Tataryn. OTTAWA  Stan Tataryn, the former Winnipeg inspector who launched a petition to include police officers in hate speech laws, says he regrets controversy over referencing a Holocaust denier. The petition's text had cited the James Keegstra case, in which the Supreme Court defined the line between hate and free speech. Some in Winnipeg's Jewish community felt it was offensive to reference that case, given the gravity of the Holocaust. click to read more OTTAWA  Stan Tataryn, the former Winnipeg inspector who launched a petition to include police officers in hate speech laws, says he regrets controversy over referencing a Holocaust denier. The petition's text had cited the James Keegstra case, in which the Supreme Court defined the line between hate and free speech. Some in Winnipeg's Jewish community felt it was offensive to reference that case, given the gravity of the Holocaust. Tataryn said Tuesday he was not trying to draw a comparison, and only intended to point to the definition, to clarify free speech needs to be upheld. Calling policemen 'bastards' doesnt qualify as hate; what I wanted was the same definition used (for other) listed groups, said Tataryn, who volunteers with the federal Liberal party. I'm hardly a right-wing activist.  Dylan Robertson Close

Tataryns petition was published online in April, just as a former Minneapolis police officer went on trial for the death of George Floyd in May 2020. (On Tuesday, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in the homicide.)

The petition prompted a swift backlash from residents of Point Douglas and the North End, which fall inside Lamoureuxs constituency.

MPs often endorse petitions from the public, including ones they dont agree with. Many MPs argue almost anything that can reach the House of Commons threshold of 500 online signatures is worth bringing to the government for a response.

However, Lamoureux told the Free Press last week he endorsed the views of the petition.

He said it was important everyone be covered by the Criminal Code, which makes it an offence to publicly communicate a statement that "incites hatred against any identifiable group, where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace" or "wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group," such as race, religion or sexual orientation.

Lamoureux has since walked back that view, and said he will not table the petition in the Commons. It had garnered 716 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.

In the future, I will review these requests carefully, and I will not authorize any petition which I do not fully agree with."  Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux

"In the future, I will review these requests carefully, and I will not authorize any petition which I do not fully agree with," the MP wrote.

Tataryn, who has helped Lamoureux campaign as former Manitoba head of the federal Liberal party, was disappointed.

"Were being stifled, I guess, due to the protests, by the very ones I said were the ones communicating hatred," said Tataryn, who said the horrors in the United States do not reflect the reality in Canada.

In February, a Winnipeg constable took his own life, and his family said it was in part over distress caused by anti-police protests and sentiment.

Related Items Click to Expand Articles Apr 14, 2021: Retired Winnipeg inspector calls for hate speech laws to include police Dylan Robertson

Tataryn had previously argued the heated debate over the role of police in society is reaching a point where officers are losing their respect and moral authority, and thus will have to reach for their weapon to keep situations from escalating.

The grassroots group Winnipeg Police Cause Harm argues this thinking reveals a tendency to prioritize police control over public safety.

Bronwyn Dobchuk-Land, a University of Winnipeg criminology professor, says the tools and training given to officers creates that mindset.

"Police (have an) inability to distinguish situations that are dangerous from situations of non-compliance," she said.

Dobchuk-Land argued the uproar around the petition will probably steer people away from the view that communities should partner with police, instead of coming up with their own ways of maintaining safety.

"It probably helped people clarify just how obsessed with authority the police are, and just how dangerous that is for our rights and our safety."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
[April 21, 2021] Tencent Cloud Collaborates with Incheon Tourism Organization in South Korea on Smart Traveling Solution to Boost Tourism

HONG KONG, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tencent Cloud today announced its collaboration with Incheon Tourism Organization in South Korea to build a smart tourism solution to prepare for post-pandemic inbound tourism recovery. The collaboration is a joint effort to help South Korea's businesses and tourism efforts in reaching travelers from China, as well as those from all over the region and around the world. China has emerged as a major contributor to South Korean tourism, ranking second in the country's number of tourists with more than six million inbound visitors in 2019, equivalent to almost 35 percent of the total number of inbound visitor[1]. This significant development indicates a need to boost initiatives and efforts to promote the country's post-pandemic tourism to Chinese travelers. Through Tencent Cloud's innovative technologies, Incheon Tourism Organization will be able to better connect with inbound travelers and speed up the recovery of the Korean tourism industry. With the help of Tencent's social solution, which includes travel and culture content recommendations, Weixin advertisements and Weixin Mini Programs, South Korea's tourism efforts will easily reach its target audience while deepening Incheon Tourism Organization's understanding of Chinese tourists. Tencent Cloud will be providing Incheon Tourism Organization a one-stop smart tourism solution for travelers, leveraging the user base of 1.2 billion monthly active users of Weixin and WeChat, Tencent's robust technology platform and strong digital marketing service capabilities  allowing visitors to bookmark hotels, check local weather forecast, discover shopping and tour guides, explore local restaurants, scenic attractions, download coupons, get directions and routes to landmark spots, as well as tax refunds via a Weixin mini-program before and after traveling. Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President, Tencent Cloud International, said, "In line with our goal to help the tourism industry bounce back from pandemic-related challenges, we are pleased to announce that it is providing cloud solutions to support Incheon Tourism Organization. This collaboration aims to boost South Korea's inbound tourism, which was affected by the global pandemic, with a focus on catering to the evolving needs of Chinese travelers. This is another opportunity to show Tencent Cloud's capability to support tourism boards as well as travel and hospitality industries around the world." Lee Gun Woo, Vice President of Incheon Tourism Organization, said, "The growing number of Chinese tourists exploring South Korea, as seen in pre-pandemic statistics, demonstrates a need for the South Korean tourism industry to reach out to and further understand Chinese travelers' preferences and habits. Looking ahead to the world's recovery from the impact of COVID-19, we are now provided with the technology to better address and cater to the needs and requirements of visitors from China through our collaboration with Tencent Cloud." Last year, Tencent Cloud also achieved the Korean Information Security Protection Management System (K-ISMS) certification, a Korean government-backed certification that helps Korean organizations consistently and securely protect their information assets, proving that the information security management systems and capabilities developed by Tencent Cloud comply with relevant Korean laws and standards. The collaboration with Incheon Tourism Organization is a welcome addition to Tencent Cloud's growing list of tourism-related projects, which include working with Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), South African Tourism, Tourism New Zealand and YESMILANO, to help bolster efforts in further reaching and understanding Chinese inbound visitors.







Note 1. Statistic from Korea Tourism Organization Tourism, 2019

About Tencent Cloud Tencent Cloud is Tencent's cloud services brand, providing industry-leading cloud products and services to organizations and enterprises across the world. Leveraging its robust data center infrastructures around the world, Tencent integrates cloud computing, big data analytics, AI, Internet of Things, security and other advanced technologies with smart enterprise scenarios. At the same time, we provide a holistic smart enterprise solution for sectors including finance, education, healthcare, retail, industry, transport, energy and radio & television. Media Contact Irene Fung

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TikTok lawsuit made its way to United Kingdom's court, as the video streaming application was allegedly collecting illegal information on private data and information of children's accounts. The social network platform is now facing a billion-dollar lawsuit which was claimed to be endangering and putting these users at risk.

The Chinese short video sharing platform has been faced with a lot of controversies since its establishment and fame across the world, but this one is a different case as it talks about children. The sensitive claims against TikTok said that it has collected private user data and it includes a handful of children accounts in the process.

While most age restrictions are still observed and seen via the different social media platforms, there are a few of these that have surpassed the limit and can use the platform without parental consent. The generation is inclined to use the different technology available to man, especially the utilization of social media platforms such as TikTok.

Read Also: April 24 TikTok Trend Is Wrong For Many Reasons-Here's How to Report it

TikTok Lawsuit: Children Endangerment via Collecting Private User Data

According to Reuters, a former Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, has pushed claims against the video-sharing platform of TikTok and ByteDance, Inc., its parent company, regarding children endangerment. The process of endangering children is through the company's alleged illegal data harvest that took sensitive information.

The case was taken to London's High Court and is a multi-billion-pound (dollar) lawsuit which the Chinese social media developer is now facing. The claims against TikTok were pursued by Longfield, along with an anonymous 12-year-old girl that has been using TikTok for some time now, believed to be part of the data collection victims.

The lawsuit claimed that the data collection from children's accounts dates back to May 25, 2018, and these data were sold to unknown third-party clients of ByteDance and TikTok. Moreover, those going against TikTok have claimed that it has violated the UK and European Union's laws about data collection that have allegedly violated the minors.

Is Your Child's Data In Danger? What Does TikTok Have to Say?

Currently, the claims of the prosecutors and plaintiffs of the case are all allegations and have no proven evidence that TikTok is guilty of the crime and charge against them. According to Bloomberg, TikTok denied everything that was blamed unto them, saying that their priority is safety, and are fighting it out in court.

Currently, there is no way of knowing whether a child with a TikTok account is in trouble or subject to the illegal data collection by the alleged party. It was also claimed by the US government that TikTok has been collecting data for China, and selling it for state and third-party purposes.

Related Article: Police Now Investigates a WhatsApp Group Promoting the Latest TikTok April 24 Trend: They Even Have Name List for Targets

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah A.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI)- Governor Eric Holcomb along with other state leaders laid out the latest update to the state budget. 1.9 billion dollars in new funding will go to K-12 education. Lawmakers are making sure that money goes to teachers' pay in three ways. The first way is that the budget will suggest schools start teachers off with a salary of $40,000 a year.

If a school doesn't pay that salary to a teacher starting out they have to send an explanation to the department of education as to why the pay is lower. Indiana leaders say this will help highlight where the state would like teachers to pay to be.

Also, 45 percent of the funding the schools receive will have to go towards teachers' pay. The third way is that school will not be able to drop their teacher's salaries below the point that it was in the previous year.

State Senator and President Pro-Tem Rodric Bray said if a teacher retires the money a school district is using to pay them would have to stay in the budget for teachers' salaries.

"That pay scale is lower if you've got younger teachers making a lower salary," said President Pro-Tem Bray. "Sometimes there is the temptation to put those dollars elsewhere in the school's budget. This would help keep those funds in that teacher salary budget if it can't be lower than it was in the previous year."

The budget also expands school choice by expanding income eligibility to 300 percent. Speaker of the House Todd Huston says the salary cap in this budget plan for a family of four to qualify for vouchers is at $150,000 a year. The Senate had amended that salary cap to $95,00 a year.

Already the salary cap for families to qualify for school vouchers is facing criticism from Democrats. The Indiana Democratic Party sent out a statement saying in part. "It should not be lost on anyone that instead of providing a full investment to public schools, Republicans are choosing to give more dollars to a partisan voucher system that Republican State Senator Vaneta Becker even described as being a tool for the rich to educate their kids for free."

However, the plan is gaining praise from Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner. She said in part.

In Indianas budget, all Hoosier kids win, said Secretary Jenner. With a historic $1.9 billion in new K-12 education dollars over the biennium, Indianas school funding increases are enabling Indianas schools to strategically invest in our students as well as our educators. This transformational funding increase, in addition to the influx of more than $3 billion in emergency federal funding, puts our schools on solid footing to accelerate beyond the challenges of the last year and ensure each and every Hoosier student is prepared for lifelong success."

This plan still has to be voted on and signed before it becomes permanent. The budget also lays out a pay raise for Indiana state police and several other education, infrastructure, and health care initiatives. It also restores some funding to higher education and the unemployment fund. To read the breakdown click here.
Justice Department Declines to Disclose Basis of Investigation of Minneapolis Police Department

Senior Department of Justice (DOJ) officials repeatedly declined Wednesday to provide details on why the government launched a Patterns and Practices civil investigation of the Minneapolis Policy Department (MPD).

Attorney-General Merrick Garland announced the investigation earlier in the day, and reporters were later given a background briefing on condition the names of the participating officials would not be published.

The purpose of the investigation is to determine if the MPD engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, Garland said.

Garlands announcement came the day after former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on three counts in the July 2020 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was detained after trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill.

Floyd died after being pinned to the ground chest down by Chauvins knee on his neck for nearly 10 minutes. The former officer now faces as much as 40 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder. He was also convicted of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Sentencing will come in eight weeks.

Im not going to comment on when or how our career staff make recommendations as thats part of our internal deliberations, but I can tell that obviously while the state trial was leading up to this big trial and while it was proceeding, the department didnt want to do anything that would at all interfere with the fair proceedings in that case, so we thought now, after the verdict, was the appropriate time to make this public announcement, a senior DOJ official said when asked by an Associated Press reporter when the decision was made to investigate the MPD.

When an ABC reporter noted that Garland had said earlier in the day that DOJ had already made contact on the ground with community groups and other stakeholders, and then asked when that contact had started, the senior DOJ official again demurred.

But the official said such investigations typically involve two separate phases. The first is a preliminary work by DOJs Special Litigation Section on whether to open a formal Patterns and Practices investigation, and then there is the opening of the formal investigation.

The official added that DOJ officials are regularly in touch with communities, both locally in Minneapolis and across the country just as part of our normal operations. The official said the department had been regularly in contact with those [Minneapolis] groups for quite some time.

When a Wall Street Journal reporter asked, if anything had changed on the ground since former Attorney General William Barr announced a criminal investigation of the George Floyd case, the senior DOJ official said Yeah, Im really not going to be able to comment on the internal decision-making other than just to say we wanted to be respectful of the state trial.

The briefing was ended before the official could be asked if there were other incidents or allegations of incidents prior to or following the Floyd case that prompted the investigation, or if the government was in touch with whistleblowers in the MPD or the Minneapolis city government.

The Epoch Times posed those questions via email to the DOJ media office, but a response has not yet been received.

Minneapolis City Attorney Jim Rowader told The Epoch Times: The City welcomes the federal investigation announced today and has already begun working with the Department of Justice team both in Washington D.C. and in Minnesota to help them quickly get this investigation organized and underway.

Garland said DOJ will publish a report on the results of the investigation, and he expects there will be a consent decree entered with a federal court in which the MPD will agree to changes recommended by the federal government.

The DOJ is currently enforcing 16 settlements with law enforcement agencies, including 12 consent decrees, and post-judgment orders in two cases. The government has three open Pattern and Practice investigations of law enforcement departments, including two in Orange County, California, and Springfield, Massachusetts, besides the new MPD probe.

Congressional correspondent Mark Tapscott may be contacted at mark.tapscott@epochtimes.nyc
London: The Queen has marked her 95th birthday with a rare personal statement thanking the public for supporting her during a period of great sadness.

In her first remarks since the April 9 death of Prince Philip and his funeral last Saturday, the grieving monarch said she had been deeply touched by the response.

Queen Elizabeth II sits alone in St Georges Chapel ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip. Credit:AP

I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate, she said.

While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
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Victoria has introduced three mass vaccination hubs for thousands of Australians to receive their Covid-19 jab in an effort to expedite the nation's delayed vaccine rollout.

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Geelong's former Ford factory in Victoria opened on Wednesday morning to solely administer the AstraZeneca vaccine for anyone eligible in phases 1A and 1B.

The Convention and Exhibition Centre hub alone can hold 2,400 people per day to receive their jab and no appointment is required.

Thousands of Victorians will now receive their Covid-19 vaccination as the state opens three mass vaccination hubs (pictured, queues outside Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Centre on Wednesday)

The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne (pictured) opened as a mass Covid vaccination hub on Wednesday morning

'It really depends on if there's people waiting, but if there's no-one waiting the whole process should take half an hour,' Dr Shazeea Mohamed Ali told 7NEWS.

Nurses have received training for communicating with people under the age of 50, as two new questions centred around blood clots have been added to the eligibility checklist.

Workers behind the front desk will ask recipients about potential allergies and request for identification to ensure age, occupation or health factors make them eligible for the vaccine.

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is among three new hubs created to expedite the nation's delayed vaccine rollout

The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Victoria opened on Wednesday to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to thousands of Victorians

Mass-vaccination hubs have opened in Melbourne and Geelong today, open to people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine (pictured: people lining up outside The Royal Exhibition Building to receive their jab)

People eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination line up outside The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Wednesday morning in Melbourne

After the jab is administered, patients are taken to a communal waiting area to be monitored for any potential side effects.

'This is one way that we can expedite the vaccine rollout, as quickly as possible, particularly to our most vulnerable cohort,' Acting Premier James Merlino said on Tuesday.

Despite concerns about the potential side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Merlino said calls from older Victorians wanting to receive the jab have increased.

Australia has administered around 1.7 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine - half of the intended amount since the rollout was announced earlier this year.

The NSW government has also announced it will establish a 'mass vaccination hub' in Homebush located in Sydney's inner west to administer around 300,000 jabs.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the facility at Sydney Olympic park would be open within the next few months and will hopefully deliver 60,000 jabs a week.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre can hold up to 2,400 people per day to receive their Covid-19 vaccination (pictured, the vaccine hub as it opened on Wednesday)
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.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Fourth of July fireworks display in downtown Grand Rapids remains in limbo amid the pandemic and state gathering limitations.

The annual free display typically draws tens of thousands of visitors to downtown.

Like many other Fourth of July celebrations, it was canceled last year. Organizers at the time said it would be difficult, if not impossible to maintain social distancing among the massive crowds.

Evette Pittman, who manages the citys Office of Special Events, said city staff are cautiously planning with great hope that the display will happen. The decision to go forward with it or cancel it will be announced mid-May, she said.

Recognizing that the pandemic has put us all in a constant state of change, we hope to announce confirmation in mid-May, Pittman said. It is important to both the organizer and the city that we make the best decision we can with the information we have.

The display is organized by Riverbank Events and Media and co-sponsored by Grand Rapids. If the fireworks display does go forward, it would likely take place Saturday, July 3, at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.

With the number of people vaccinated continuing to increase, city commissioners last week authorized numerous events to go forward throughout the year so long as COVID-19 mitigation measures are reviewed and in place.

Some communities, such as Grand Haven and South Haven, have already called off their fireworks displays this year.

Under the states current health rules to limit the spread of COVID-19, outdoor gatherings are limited to up to 1,000 people. Those rules are set to expire May 24, and it remains unclear what restrictions might take their place.

The conversations around the fireworks display come as Michigan currently ranks No. 1 in the country for per-capita coronavirus cases, although new cases in 56 of the states 83 counties are trending downward.

Related: Michigan coronavirus data for Wednesday, April 21: 56 counties trending down in case counts

Russ Hines, CEO of Riverbank Events and Media, said staff have looked at how to make a display work under the current guidelines, potentially putting up to 1,000 spectators on one bridge and 1,000 on another, but it would be difficult to manage.

We have spent many hours going through scenarios and possibilities of how to do it, Hines said. We would like this to be the first big event thats back in the community, but it has to make sense as well.

Hines said theyre waiting for indications on whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmers administration will ease or tighten restrictions. They also want to be compliant with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, he said.

Ultimately, he said, the city and his company want to protect public health, which ongoing vaccination efforts could help ensure.

We want to make sure we have everybody safe, Hines said. Were hoping with the vaccines, well be able to be close  to back to normal sometime in July.

Read more:

Man claims self-defense in roommates killing in dispute over PlayStation controller

Grand Rapids police still have work to do in wake of Chauvins conviction, advocate says

No guests allowed at GRCC spring commencement events to limit crowd sizes due to COVID-19 increases
"There are probably several different syndromes that cause long COVID. In other words, long COVID isn't just one thing": Professor Gail Matthews. Credit: Shutterstock

With over 139 million COVID-19 cases globally, the latest challenge for medical researchers is a post-COVID-19 syndrome referred to as "long COVID."

Since the COVID-19 global pandemic was declared over a year ago, medical research has gradually turned its focus on a condition that has been coined 'long COVID'  a term to describe the effects of COVID-19 that can continue for months after the initial acute infection.

Since April 2020, UNSW Sydney medical researchers have been investigating the long-term effects of COVID-19 to develop improved post-COVID-19 clinical care and help guide future health service requirements. This is part of the ADAPT study at the Kirby Institute where researchers have been following patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at regular intervals over a minimum of one year post-diagnosis.

In its most recent reportpublished on preprint server medRxiv and yet to be peer reviewedthe ADAPT team revealed only 80 percent of patients reported full recovery at eight months. Additionally, there was no significant improvement in symptoms or measures of health-related quality of life between the four- and eight-month assessments.

What is 'long COVID'?

Professor Gail Matthews from the Kirby Institute, who is one of the lead investigators of the study, said there was no clear definition for long COVID yet, and it was likely to be several different syndromes with different causes.

"Generally, long COVID refers to people who don't recover from the acute COVID-19 infection and go on to have longer-term symptoms. The acute phase of illness can last up to two weeks, but beyond that, you potentially have a post-acute illness, or what is now called long COVID. Most people are tending to use a period for long COVID at around the two to three months mark," Professor Matthews said.

The most common symptoms long COVID sufferers experience are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog. Professor Matthews notes one systematic meta-analysis describes 55 different symptoms of long COVID.

"It's very hard to come down to a clear definition, and there is no accepted global definition. But most accept the common symptoms being fatigue, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, racing heart, difficulty concentrating and brain fog.

"There are probably several different syndromes that cause long COVID. In other words, long COVID isn't just one thing. There can be many underlying causes for somebody still being persistently symptomatic three months-plus after infection," she explained.

Who are the long COVID sufferers?

"People who've been very sick in intensive care on a ventilator for two to three weeks are most likely not going to be fully recovered, even at three months. This can also happen with other infections and we refer to this as post-intensive care syndrome or post-sepsis syndrome. Certainly, some people who have long COVID fall into that bracket."

However, Professor Matthews said, the most interesting thing about long COVID was the number of people who only suffered mild illness, weren't hospitalized, didn't have pneumonia or go to ICU. Yet a large proportion of these people were still not better at 12 weeks after infection.

"The question is, why aren't these people better? Why wouldn't they have recovered as they should have if they had the flu or another viral illness?

"We know from our ADAPT study, that 30 percent of our group were not better at 12 weeks. What we're concerned about is, by this stage, more people should have recovered by now because it's now after six months post-infection."

She added the syndrome was not limited to elderly patients. The patients participating in the study range from 18 to 80-year-olds with the average being in the mid-40s.

"We really don't understand why fit, young adults are still unwell. In some cases, they have evidence of myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart. In other cases, we can't find evidence of specific organ damage, but the patient continues to experience intense fatigue, almost like a chronic fatigue type syndrome," explained Professor Matthews.

Women affected twice as often as men

Professor Matthews said there were several theories about why long COVID affected certain individuals. One theory is the SARS-CoV-2 virus (that causes the COVID-19 disease) is very good at triggering an immune response and in some individuals, the immune response is triggered in the wrong way.

"It's almost as though the immune response has been turned up but doesn't turn itself off. So, you have this chronic, aberrant immune response with the body trying to react against something. And that's why people have this ongoing fatigue and viral-type symptoms."

Another theory relates to an auto-immune phenomenon where the COVID-19 virus triggers the autoimmunity, which may also explain why the virus has a female predominance, as women tend to be affected twice as often as men.

"We know that women have a tendency to suffer from autoimmune diseases, so maybe that's the reason why it's common in women. It could be an autoimmune process that is stimulated by the virus," Professor Matthews explained.

"There is also the theory that the virus is still in the body, but deep insidenot an active infectious virusand that's triggering an ongoing reaction in terms of an immune response."

Does the vaccine reduce long COVID symptoms?

Recent cases have suggested that vaccines has helped reduce long COVID symptoms, but Professor Matthews said that at this stage, it was anecdotal.

"It's a very interesting theory. And certainly, we would all agree that people who have had COVID-19 should be vaccinated because although they've got antibodies, they do start to drop off. Biologically, the theory could go that if there was still some virus hiding in the body, and we triggered the immune system with another dose of vaccine, maybe that would help switch off that aberrant immune, but don't believe we have any evidence to suggest that's the case yet."

Professor Matthews said research would continue at the Kirby Institute, looking at the immunological response of COVID-19 patients and what their cells looked like. They will also collaborate with other institutions including The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, ANU and Deakin University to look at aspects of the cohort and to answer questions about specific areas of their ill-health.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: DR Darley et al. Limited recovery from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) at eight months in a prospective cohort, medRxiv (2021). DR Darley et al. Limited recovery from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) at eight months in a prospective cohort,(2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.29.21254211
Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly paid a state visit to his Libyan counterpart Tuesday in a move to renew relations between the two countries, reports say.

During the visit, Madbouly and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the Libyan National Government (GNU) held talks on several areas including the reopening of the Egyptian embassy, enhancing the services provided by the consular offices, and facilitating the crossing and movement procedures for citizens from both countries, Libya Observer reports.

They also touched on ways to stimulate trade between the two countries by activating the maritime line and resuming direct flights, insisting that these steps are instrumental for expanding cooperation in other fields.

Both sides also inked a number of agreements in in the fields of electricity, communications, infrastructure, technical cooperation and investments.

Madboulys visit, is the highest by the Egyptian government. The Arab Republic rekindled ties with Egypt in February with pledged to reopen its embassy in Tripoli closed in 2014 over security concerns.

The renewal of ties comes following the appointment of the GNU and Dbeibahs choice in February as Libyas Prime Minister during the UN-backed Libyan Political Dialogue Forum attended by 75 delegates stemming various tribes of the oil-rich country.
Japan's Suga sends offering to controversial shrine

A ritual offering sent by Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was seen at the controversial war shrine. Photo: AFP

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, a move likely to anger China and South Korea as it honours war dead, including perpetrators of Japan's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.



The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.



But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.



Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person as it marks a spring festival, a Yasukuni spokeswoman said.



Suga sent a sacred tree to mark the spring festival but was not expected to visit the shrine in central Tokyo.



A 2013 visit to the shrine by Abe, when he was serving as prime minister, sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States. (AFP)
Kyle Rittenhouse. Nam Y. Huh/Pool via Reuters

Officer William Kelly of Norfolk, Virginia, donated to Rittenhouse, The Guardian reported last week.

Rittenhouse is accused of fatally shooting two people at an anti-racism protest last August.

Norfolk officials announced Kelly's firing on Tuesday, saying his donation eroded public trust.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A Norfolk, Virginia, police officer has been fired for donating to the legal defense of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old accused of fatally shooting two anti-racism protesters last year.

Rittenhouse is accused of killing two protesters and injuring a third after he opened fire at a demonstration against the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year.

Lt. William Kelly has been relieved of duty, a Tuesday press release from the city of Norfolk said. Insider was unable to reach Kelly for comment Wednesday morning.

News of Kelly's firing comes four days after The Guardian published a list of public employees who donated to various funds on a Christian crowdfunding website called GiveSendGo, which was the target of a data breach. Kelly was among four public employees who donated to Rittenhouse's legal defense on the website, The Guardian reported.

The report said that Kelly donated $25 anonymously to the legal defense, but he was identified because he used his official email address.

He left a comment on the fund along with his donation: "God bless. Thank you for your coverage. Keep your head up. You've done nothing wrong. Every rank and file police officer supports you. Don't be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership," The Guardian reported.

A man at a Trump rally in Minnesota wearing a "Free Kyle" T-shirt in September. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Before his firing, Kelly was the executive officer of internal affairs in the Norfolk Police Department, The Guardian reported. He was initially placed on administrative leave when the report was published last week, the city's press release said.

'Egregious comments' erode trust, city says

Story continues

Norfolk City Manager Chip Filer said on Tuesday that after an investigation, he and Police Chief Larry Boone "concluded that Lt. Kelly's actions are in violation of City and departmental policies."

"His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve. The City of Norfolk has a standard of behavior for all employees, and we will hold staff accountable," Filer said.

"A police department cannot do its job when the public loses trust with those whose duty is to serve and protect them. We do not want perceptions of any individual officer to undermine the relations between the Norfolk Police Department and the community," Boone added.

The press release said Kelly will have the opportunity to appeal his firing. Insider has asked the city and police department whether Kelly had announced intentions to appeal, but they did not immediately respond on Wednesday morning.

3 other public employees donated to Rittenhouse

The three other public servants who donated to Rittenhouse's legal defense were Craig Shepherd, a paramedic with the West Valley City Fire Department in Utah; Keith Silvers, an employee of Huntsville, Alabama; and Michael Crosley, an engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a federal research facility.

The West Valley City Fire Department told ABC 4 in a statement that it's "conducting an investigation into" Shepherd's donation, but said "such a donation would be representative of personal actions and not those of West Valley City."

The fire department did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment on Wednesday.

The director of communications for the city of Huntsville also did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Keith Silvers' donation.

Lynda Seaver, the director of public affairs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, told The Guardian that Michael Crosley had made "an honest mistake" and had "never intended to use his Lab email on this matter." Insider has contacted Seaver for further comment.

Some also donated to the officer who shot Jacob Blake

The Guardian also published the names of police officers who donated to a fund in support of Rusten Sheskey, the Kenosha police officer whose shooting of Blake last year prompted the protests that Rittenhouse attended.

The donors included two Green Bay, Wisconsin, police officers - Chad Ramos and Keith A. Gehring - and Pat Gainer, a police officer in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith told The Guardian that the department is "looking into the matter" of Ramos' and Gehring's donations. Insider was unable to contact the department for further comment on Wednesday morning.

The Pleasant Prairie Police Department has not responded to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
TRACY, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With families balancing work and at-home or modified school schedules, starting the day off right has become more important than ever. To help encourage families to cherish shared moments at the breakfast table, Real California Milk has created a new digital series of short stories for children. These Breakfast Time Stories, starring lovable animated characters, will launch and be available in English and Spanish on April 24 at: realcaliforniamilk.com/BreakfastStories.

Breakfast Time Stories include:

Real California Milk presents Breakfast-Time Stories, three interactive tales for families to share over breakfast. Photo Credit: Ben Morris Real California Milk presents The Chipmunk Who Was Raised By Wolves / La Ardilla Que Fue Criada Por Lobos, an interactive story for families to share over breakfast. Photo Credit: Ben Morris

"The Chipmunk Who Was Raised by Wolves" / "La Ardilla Que Fue Criada Por Lobos"

"Burt, The Busiest Bear" / "Oscar, El Oso Ocupado"

"Shelly Shellbert, Loner Turtle" / "Soledad Caparazon, La Tortuga Solitaria"

To celebrate the launch, California's dairy farm families are partnering with Emmy-winning host of Access Hollywood, actor and dad Mario Lopez for an Instagram LIVE reading event Saturday, April 24th at 10:30 a.m. PT. During the event, families across the country will be able to join Lopez on his Instagram page as he reads the story of Charlie, "The Chipmunk Who Was Raised by Wolves" in English and Spanish.

"As a father of three kids, I know how important it is to sit down together for a healthy breakfast, which isn't always easy," said Mario Lopez. "Real California Milk's Breakfast Books are such a great tool to get everyone to take a moment to start the day off on the right foot nutritionally and as a family unit."

"We developed these simple, sweet breakfast stories for families to enjoy while kicking off the day with a healthy breakfast together," says Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications at Real California Milk. "More time at breakfast means more time with dairy, which plays an essential role at the heart of many breakfast favorites, from cereal and milk and buttered toast to yogurt smoothies and cheesy eggs."

The Breakfast Time Stories were written in collaboration with Deutsch LA creative directors Trevor Kuhn, Justin Lesinski and Ryan Wolin, and illustrated by global artists Flavio Remontti, Dmytro Hladkyi and Nathan Joyce. Each one follows a relatable creature as they learn the value of community and bringing their loved ones together through the power of breakfast. Presented digitally using dynamic "scrollytelling" technology, the books allow readers to scroll through charming illustrations to activate engaging animations.

The initiative is an extension of Real California Milk's "The Day Can Wait" creative campaign, which showcases how breakfast with family and friends can start the day on a positive step before the demands of everyday life intrude.

California is the nation's leading milk producer and is responsible for producing more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made exclusively with milk from the state's dairy farm families.

About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB's programs focus on increasing demand for California's sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Learn more about ways Real California dairy can make breakfast special at https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/better-breakfast and find recipes from Burt, Charlie and Shelly to enjoy with your family.

SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board

Related Links

https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com


Derek Chauvins conviction on Tuesday for murdering George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, brought both relief to his family and calls to continue the fight for racial justice in policing and beyond.

I mean, Im feeling tears of joy, so emotional that no family in history ever got this far, Mr Floyds brother Rodney said on Tuesday. I know were not done yet, he added.

As community members and activists told The Independent, this movement began long before George Floyd was murdered, and will continue until the whole system is one built on racial equity. Theyve got their work cut out for them.

According to data, policing in Minneapolis is often done by officers who dont live in the city, who single out Black people for disproportionate arrests and violence, and who rarely face any form of internal or criminal discipline when they step out of line, and are given massive amounts of resources in a state with deep underlying inequality.

Heres how unequal policing really is in Minneapolis, by the numbers:

Officers from out of town

Charles McMillian, one of the bystanders who watched Mr Floyd die, said he recognised Mr Chauvin from previous patrols in the neighborhood . But the vast majority of Minneapolis police officers, 92 per cent by some estimates , live outside the city, one of the highest proportions in the country.

Disproportionate force

Throughout the trial, numerous current and former Minneapolis police officers, as well as outside experts , testified that Mr Chauvin, a 19-year veteran on the force who had received nearly 900 hours of training , wasnt following department rules during his fatal arrest of Mr Floyd. Its not part of the official training, of course, but data suggests that it is in fact quite normal for Minneapolis police to use disproportionate force on Black people.

According to a CNN analysis, in the year after George Floyds death, Black people were the targets of more than 60 per cent of police use of force in Minneapolis, compared to their roughly 20 per cent share of the population. Another recent study, from The New York Times, found that officers are seven times more likely to use force on a Black person.

Biased stops and arrests

These same imbalances carry over to how the Minneapolis police department, and state of Minnesota at large, have historically chosen whom to arrest and for what. In 2018, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey ordered police to stop low-level marijuana stings because reports showed nearly everyone they arrested for such offences was Black. Still, in 2020, the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union found that Black people were more than five times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in Minnesota, while another report found that Black Minnesotans in the Minneapolis-St Paul area are incarcerated overall at 11 times the rate of white people. Between June 2019 and May 2020, Black drivers made up nearly 80 per cent of routine traffic stops in Minneapolis.

Minimal discipline

In addition to these larger-scale inequities, individual officers are rarely punished in the city or state for harming people in their care.

Numerous witnesses during the trial spoke to the Minneapolis departments thorough training on the safe use of force and how to provide medical care to people in custody.

Still, the city of Minneapolis has paid out an average of more than $3 million a year to settle conduct cases against the police over the last decade. And thats not even counting the recent $27 million settlement with George Floyds family.

Outside of these settlements, official accountability for officers is rare. In 2012, the city established an Office of Police Conduct Review to evaluate complaints about individual officers. Over the next eight years, more than 2600 complaints yielded just 12 officers being disciplined, with the most severe punishment a one-week suspension.

Though it was largely kept out of the trial, Chauvin himself had a long record of using force , often against people of colour , which continued through the days just before he arrested George Floyd and resulted in 22 complaints or internal investigations over his 19 years on the force, but only one formal instance of discipline. His conviction is believed to be just the second time an on-duty Minnesota police officer has been convicted of murder in the states history, and the first time for a white officer.

Extensive resources

The Minneapolis police forces budget is just as extensive as the list of community complaints against the department. Even after Mr Floyds murder, and following months of calls to redirect city funds to things like housing and health, Minneapolis only cut a few million from the mayors proposed $179 million 2021 police budget. The city spends roughly six times more on police than health, according to its 2021 budget, a ratio unchanged since George Floyds death.

An unequal, progressive city and state

Despite its reputation as a progressive haven, Minneapolis and Minnesota are both deeply unequal on nearly every metric. Black people are two times more likely to die of a drug overdose in Minnesota. In 2018, Minneapolis had a nearly $50,000 income gap between white and Black families, the second-highest in the nation and a 2021 report from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank found the state had the fourth worst racial home ownership gap.

What do community members say they want to change?

Many in the Twin Cities and beyond have taken Mr Floyds death as evidence that much bigger change is needed than one conviction.

If we view the whole of justice as wrapped up in this case, I think that that would be a huge miscalculation on our part as a community, Minneapolis city council member Jeremiah Ellison told The Independent. Hes pushing to entirely disband the Minneapolis police department and replace it with a more holistic public safety agency.

If we want to honour his legacy and respect what George Floyd was put through at the hands of our current system of public safety, then its on us to make systemic changes, or else as weve seen in the last few days this is going to keep happening, he said.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib said Wednesday that Congress had sent a message to Muslims that 'you are welcome here' after the House voted for legislation that would prevent actions like President Trump's Muslim ban.

The House on Wednesday passed the 'No Ban Act,' which would limit the president's ability to to suspend or restrict the entry into the U.S. of a 'class of aliens.'

'I want to really be very loud and very clear and sending a message to every Muslim and African person here and around the world that you are welcome here. And the United States of America,' said Tlaib, who famously called to 'impeach the mother******' in reference to Trump at the start of her term in 2019.

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), with House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), speaks to reporters about proposed legislation to make it more difficult for future U.S. presidents to institute immigration bans, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. ''I want to really be very loud and very clear and sending a message to every Muslim and African person here and around the world that you are welcome here,' said Tlaib

She unloaded on Trump's administrative actions Wednesday, as the House once again passed legislation it also passed under Trump  when the president certainly would have vetoed it if it ever reached his desk.

'The Congress United States of House of Representatives took action to ensure racist and dangerous bans like The Muslim and African ban will be no more,' she said. 'Today the passage of the no ban app or ban as is showing our immigrant neighbors and refugees everywhere. The House Democrats will not tolerate racist immigration policies,' she said.

The bill passed on a 218-208 vote.

Republicans bashed the move. Rep. Tom McClintock of California said it would harm the president's ability to 'protect against threats.'

Trump called for a Muslim ban during the 2016 campaign

QUEENS, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 3: The New York Immigrant Coalition protests President Trump's executive order to ban immigration from seven muslim countries by holding jJummah, the muslim Friday prayer, in the parking lot of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport on February 3, 2017

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), who also defended Trump when Democrats brought up a resolution to condemn his call for lawmakers to 'go back' to the countries they came from, said the bill would make the U.S. vulnerable.

'The last thing we should be doing as a nation is making it easier for terrorists in Iran, Iraq, Syria and other terrorist harboring nations to travel to the United States,' said Steube.

President Joe Biden reversed the travel restrictions from the Trump administration in one of his first moves in office, easing limits on Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, as well as North Korea and some government officials from Venezuela. But Democrats say Congress has a responsibility to prevent future administrations from enacting similarly broad restrictions.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 218-208. It is unlikely to advance in the evenly split Senate, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposed.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., listens as his panel holds a markup of a bill to create a commission to study and address social disparities in the African American community today. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said presidents from both parties have used their authority to exclude narrow groups of people from entering the U.S, such as certain North Korean officials. 'But former President Trump abused this authority, twisting it in ways that were never intended.'

The White House announced its support for the measure earlier this week. 'The prior Administrations haphazard misuse of this authority highlights the need for reasonable constraints,' it said.

Trump had proposed a broad, all-encompassing Muslim ban during the presidential campaign. Within a week of him taking office in early 2017, the first travel ban was announced with little notice, causing chaos at airports and sparking protests across the nation.

The Trump administration was forced to revise its original order twice to resolve legal problems concerning due process, implementation and exclusive targeting of Muslim nations.

In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the ban in a 5-4 decision. It determined that the ban was within a U.S. presidents considerable authority over immigration and responsibility for keeping the nation safe.

Republicans said Trumps actions were not a Muslim ban. Rather, he was seeking to secure the United States from terrorists. They said the ban was limited to countries that were previously designated by Congress or prior administrations as posing national security risks.

They also noted that the ban affected only a fraction of Muslim-majority countries.

'Do not listen to repetitions and lies about Muslim bans when it is not true,' said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas.

'The president said he was going to impose a Muslim ban, and he did,' Nadler countered.

Under the House bill, sponsored by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., the secretaries of state and homeland security must first determine that the entry of certain aliens would undermine national security or public safety before the president could order a temporary travel restriction.

Republicans called that requirement a 'constitutional absurdity.'

'You know, in this bill, the president may only act if the secretary of state allows him to act, and that is backwards,' said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.

The House also passed a bill that requires the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that people with valid travel documents who present themselves at the border, airports or other points of entry can communicate with counsel and other interested parties if they are subjected to prolonged inspection by agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Republicans took issue with the focus of both bills and sought to highlight a surge of migrants trying to cross into the U.S. at the southern border, blaming Biden for policies they say are responsible.
When Rep. Maxine Waters urged people to stay on the street in the pursuit of justice for George Floyd, advocates for racial equity and an end to police violence heard a leading Black voice in the nations long march toward civil rights.

But detractors, including the judge in the case against Derek Chauvin, criticized Waters push for a guilty verdict as incendiary, momentarily diverting attention away from the white police officer accused in the death of Floyd, who was Black, and onto the words of the congresswoman. Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of murder and manslaughter.

As the action and reaction ricocheted around social media, and on endless cable television loops as the jury deliberated, it was an all-too-familiar call and response, a politically fraught exchange that has played out throughout much of Americas troubled racial history.

People are concentrating their fire on Maxine Waters in a moment where a police officer is on trial for murdering a man, said Leah Wright Rigueur, the Harry Truman professor of history at Brandeis University.

Theyre calling for law and order, she said, but the whole idea of what people are rebelling against  and historically have rebelled against  is the idea of law and order when it is applied unfairly and unjustly.

Waters, a Democrat from California, has long been a galvanizing figure, speaking boldly for racial justice in communities across the country and showing up, just as she did at the suburban Minneapolis police station ahead of jury deliberations in Chauvins trial.

Waters told the crowd Saturday night that she wanted to see a murder conviction against Chauvin for Floyds death.

When asked what should happen if Chauvin wasnt convicted on murder charges, she replied, We got to stay on the street, weve got to get more active, weve got to get more confrontational.

Chauvins attorney swiftly moved for a mistrial in light of Waters comments.

Judge Peter Cahill denied the defense motion Monday, but he called it disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch for elected officials to comment on the outcome of the case. Abhorrent, he said.

The term Maxine Waters skyrocketed on Facebook and Instagram after her comments, according to data from CrowdTangle, a Facebook-owned tool that tracks public insights on the social media platforms.

On Monday and Tuesday, as the jury deliberated, public Facebook posts naming the congresswoman received several million more total interactions than posts naming Chauvin. Posts about Waters also appeared frequently in Facebook discourse about the trial in general. In a public search Tuesday, videos shared by conservative commentators were among those with the most interactions.

Leading Republicans on Capitol Hill criticized Waters remarks, some taking to Fox News and social media themselves as debate churned. Some particularly criticized her call for confrontation.

The House Republican leader, Kevin McCarthy, introduced a resolution to censure Waters for these dangerous comments. It failed to advance Tuesday on a party-line vote.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said, Its harder to imagine anything more inappropriate than a member of Congress flying in from California to inform local leaders, not so subtly, that this defendant had better be found guilty.

GOP leaders fended off questions about their partys own incendiary rhetoric, namely Donald Trump urging his supporters to fight like hell for his presidency before they stormed the Capitol in the deadly Jan. 6 riot to overturn Joe Bidens election.

Democrats rose to defend Waters, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying the comments should be viewed in the context of the long struggle toward civil rights.

Maxine talked about confrontation in the manner of the civil rights movement, Pelosi told reporters Monday at the Capitol.

Asked if Waters should apologize, Pelosi said no.

At the White House, press secretary Jen Psaki said, Its important to provide a space and an opportunity for peaceful protest. But protesting should be peaceful.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said in a speech, Chairwoman Waters remarks reflect the very profound anger and sense of hopelessness that she and so many others, myself included, feel when we see African Americans being killed during encounters with our law enforcement and their families not seeing justice.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic Caucus chair, said that with House Republicans scrambling to tamp down a movement within their ranks to form a white-focused Anglo-Saxon caucus, the GOP leaders criticizing Waters should sit this one out.

The comments Waters made do carry some legal risk in the former officers trial. Public officials usually avoid speaking out about cases because their words are easy fodder for appealing a conviction  evidence of a possible effort to poison a jury pool and to determine guilt without a trial.

After the verdict Tuesday, Waters told reporters at the Capitol, You know, someone said it better than me: Im not celebrating, Im relieved.

Known as Auntie Maxine on Capitol Hill, Waters has become a role model to a younger generation of leaders for her unswerving style in a decades long career focused on racial and economic justice.

With the deaths in recent years of Rep. John Lewis and other top Black leaders in Congress, Waters is a bridge to that earlier era of civil rights leadership.

Auntie Maxine is not an easy target for anybody, and I commend her for her leadership, said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y.

Waters began focusing on policing issues in 1979 after the police shooting of a Black woman during a confrontation in Los Angeles over an unpaid gas bill. Joining Congress in 1991, she swiftly became a leading advocate for policing changes after the videotaped beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers.

In some ways, this is exactly why we have representative government, said professor Ravi Perry, chair of Howard Universitys political science department.

Its so that folks who go to the halls of power can use that lived experience to inform others who dont have that lived experience how it might be to walk in those shoes, he said, and how we might want to change our laws to better reflect that diverse lived experience.

Rashad Robinson, president of the advocacy group Color of Change, dismissed the manufactured outrage of critics of Waters as a distraction.

The history of civil rights  a history that is celebrated in this country, even while being undermined  is a history of Black people having to raise their voices, of having to speak out, of having to show up, he said.

What are bus boycotts, what are the lunch counter sit-ins, if not people showing up? he said. And now people are acting outraged.
BlaBlaCar is consolidating its position on the European shared travel market and begins to expand outside of the European space, as well. With the recent $115 million (97 million) funding, the French carpooling platform is ready not just to grow, but also to become a catalyst for digitalization in shared travel industry.BlaBlaCar is a well-known name throughout Europe , where it grew from a simple carpooling community to a shared travel marketplace with 90 million members, from over 20 countries, who share cars or buses. Now, with Otiva J/F AB and FMZ Ventures joining VNV Global as investors, the company will start providing their services in neighboring regions as well.Another strategic step for the carpooling platform was to acquire Octobus, a Ukrainian company that is the creator of a digital Inventory Management System for buses . Since BlaBlaCar is now growing their business in non-European countries, where most bus operators are still operating offline, they required a customized digital solution for ticket selling.But the company has even more ambitious goals, with plans to also include trains as means of transportation for shared long-distance travel. Plus, BlaBlaCar intends to double the existing bus network, in just 18 months.The crisis has reshuffled the cards of the game in the mobility space, and we see attractive opportunities to accelerate our ambitions to grow our multimodal offer. The funding, which adds to an already strong balance sheet, will help us lead an offensive strategy as we emerge stronger from an unprecedented year of crisis. We were in a good and safe position before this funding, now we are in a great position to take some risks, play offense and dream big, said Nicolas Brusson, co-founder and CEO of BlaBlaCar.
Gamers wont be able to shop for Rs 50 or less on gaming apps via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) because the UPI-governing body, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), is reportedly planning to ban all such transactions.

The rule is likely to be announced soon. The NPCI is taking the decision to moderate UPI volumes that have taken off since the first set of lockdowns that were introduced in early 2020.

In the past few weeks, NPCI has witnessed a massive surge in transactions below Rs 50. According to a report by Economic Times, the surge has led to increased transaction loads that could lead to frequent system outages.

The craze of fantasy leagues during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is likely to have aggravated the situation, as many gamers are trying their luck on leagues that start at prices as low as Rs 1.

According to a message by NPCI that was accessed by Outlook, the payments handling body said, This is to inform you all that (National Payments Corporation of India) NPCI will block all UPI transactions of INR 50 and less for all gaming merchants. The timeline for the same is unknown yet but from some resources we have heard that it might be done in the next 24 hrs. We request you to be prepared with this and let us know if Paytm can help you in anyway.

How you can still add Rs 50 or less to gaming apps?

If NPCI bans UPIs payments below Rs 50 for gaming apps then you can easily use payments modes such as net banking, credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, among others.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under pressure to step up his commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Canada within the next decade as he heads into a United States-hosted climate summit with global leaders.

The virtual two-day event starting tomorrow, which is Earth Day, is where the government says Trudeau plans to unveil new reduction targets for 2030.

The Liberal government has promised to release new targets ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference this fall, when Canada plans to discuss progress on the issue.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries signed on to keep global warming below 2 C degrees, ideally 1.5 C degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Participating countries agreed to set national targets to lower emissions of these heat-trapping gases every five years, increasing the aggressiveness of targets over time.

In Monday's budget  which promises a "green" recovery out of the COVID-19 crisis  Trudeau's Liberals say existing federal and provincial measures will see emissions lowered by 36 per cent by 2030 below 2005 levels.

Environmentalists and climate organizations say to show its serious, Canada needs to set a reductions target of at least 40 to 50 per cent below 2005 levels.

"There is no way they can go to Washington with 36 per cent and not get laughed out of the room," said Keith Stewart, a senior energy strategist with Greenpeace Canada.

Some say it needs to be higher, like 60 per cent.
President Biden praised a guilty verdict in the murder trial of the former police officer Derek Chauvin, but called it a too rare step to deliver basic accountability for Black Americans who have been killed during interactions with the police.

It was a murder in full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see, Mr. Biden said of the death of George Floyd, who died after Mr. Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes, and whose death ignited nationwide protests. For so many, it feels like it took all of that for the judicial system to deliver just basic accountability.

Mr. Biden delivered his remarks to the nation hours after taking the unusual step of weighing in on the trials outcome before the jury had come back with a decision, and telling reporters that he had been praying for the right verdict.

This can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America, Mr. Biden said during his address.
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The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP, Delta) on Wednesday, called for the resignation or suspension of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, for alleged links to extremists.

Coming under Order 6 rule 1 and 2 (Point of privilege) he said the minister should resign due to his alleged connection to such groups.

In his motion, Mr Elumelu said as a serving member of the House, he cannot allow Mr Pantami to continue to serve as a minister of the federal government.

As a serving member of this House, I have been called by several members of his constituency that why would I be in the House while a man with links to extremism will be allowed to remain a minister.

It will be out of place for me to be in this chamber and allow a man with links to extremism to remain a minister.he should either resign or be suspended.

The Pantami controversy started with a report that the United States of America government reportedly placed the minister on terrorists watch list. However, the report which failed to quote or referrence any source has been recanted and apology offered to the minister.

Mr Pantami who is also an Islamic scholar denied the alleged links to extremists in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

The initial report has caused more spotlight to be placed on Mr Pantamis past sermons, some of which appear to be sympathetic to extremist groups.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Pantami during his daily Ramadan sermon at the Alnoor Mosque on Saturday, said he made those comments while he was still very young.

Mr Elumelu was however opposed by the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, who said he (Mr Elumelu) came under a wrong point of order. He noted that Order 6 rule 1 and 2 cannot be debated.

He added that his point of Order is however noted.

Mr Elumelu is one of several Nigerians that have called for the resignation of the minister.
The Government is being urged to urgently protect community post offices in the wake of further warnings from the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) that more closures are inevitable in Laois unless state intervention is put in place.

Senator Fiona OLoughlin of Fianna Fail has committed to working in Leinster House to ensure that Laois keeps its 14 remaining post offices.

The post office is considered to be at the heart of local communities both rural and urban providing vital services to its customers, she said.

I will raise concerns over the threat of more post office closures in Laois. Our Post Office network must be valued for the role it plays in Irish life and the essential service it provides. The services are vital to rural towns and to people living in rural areas, said the former TD for South Kildare which now takes in Portarlington and other parts of Laois and Offaly.

In her statement, Sen O'Loughlin added that a recent review the IPU says that financial support of up to 17 million is required to secure the future of post offices nationwide. The report also estimates that a significant proportion of the network will become loss-making with an average loss of 19,181 per post office.

She added that under the previous government, two post offices in Ballinakill and Ballybrittas were closed during the national consolidation programme that followed on from the agreement between An Post and the Irish Post Masters Union when a number of postmasters sought to exit the business.

Bank of Ireland recently announced that it wanted to offer retail banking services in Post Offices after it closed 88 branches in the Republic including three in Laois.
In the meantime, the commission heard from the vice president of the Homeowners Association for another phase of Creekwood Crossing, who said the group was concerned that the third phase would have a separate HOA and wouldnt help pay for the common areas and signage leading into the subdivision.
John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, stated, "Ten years ago, we had the vision to enrich people's lives through technology and innovation. Now heading into the next decade, we see a clear path before us. Our 2030 vision is to become a global top tier biopharma company, with the mission to make high quality, safe treatments more accessible to patients around the world."

Samsung Biologics also introduced its new mission statement, "Driven. For Life." representing the company's purpose, commitment, and unrelenting will to build a better future for all humanity. Rim said, "Samsung Biologics does not just develop and manufacture products, but produces life-saving solutions. We are driven, for life."

Since its launch in 2011, Samsung Biologics has achieved significant and meaningful milestones: the world's largest biomanufacturing capacity at a single site at 364,000 liters, over 85 regulatory approvals from global agencies, and a growing list of 70+ clients from all over the world within a decade.

Responding to the rising demand in biopharma, the company is currently building a fourth manufacturing plant in addition to its existing three state-of the-art facilities, when combined will account for approximately a quarter of the global CMO production at a 620,000-liter total capacity upon its completion. The company recently expanded its global footprint with the opening of its first US R&D Center in San Francisco, CA and announced plans for further geographic expansion and portfolio diversification in the coming decade.

"The work we do today with cutting-edge innovation and technology impacts a better tomorrow for humanity," Rim said. "We are driven to discover, develop and manufacture breakthrough solutions to save lives, and are only just getting started." He added, "I'd like to thank all our clients, partners, and employees from across the globe for helping the company get to where it is today."

Visit the Samsung Biologics website to download its 10th anniversary e-Book, celebrating a decade of breakthroughs and innovations.

About Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) is a fully integrated CDMO offering state-of-the-art contract development, manufacturing, and laboratory testing services. With proven regulatory approvals, the largest capacity, and the fastest throughput, Samsung Biologics is an award-winning partner of choice and is uniquely able to support the development and manufacturing of biologics products at every stage of the process while meeting the evolving needs of biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.samsungbiologics.com.

Samsung Biologics Press Contact

Claire Kim

[email protected]

SOURCE Samsung Biologics

Related Links

https://samsungbiologics.com/kr


Now that a jury has found Derek Chauvin guilty in the killing of George Floyd, the former Minneapolis police officers fate lies in the hands of Judge Peter A. Cahill, who oversaw the trial. Cahill has immense discretion in sentencing Chauvin; the judge will even engage in additional fact-finding that could extend the defendants prison term. Depending on Cahills views of the defendant and his crime, Chauvin could receive a sentence of between 12.5 years and 40 years.

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Prosecutors brought three charges against Chauvin: second-degree unintentional murder (also known as felony murder), which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years; third-degree murder, which carries a maximum of 25 years; and second-degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum of 10 years. He was found guilty on all three counts. Under state law, Chauvin will be sentenced only for the most serious crime, felony murder. Minnesotas sentencing guidelines counsel Cahill to impose a penalty on the lower end because Chauvin has no criminal history. If the judge follows these guidelines strictly and does not find any aggravating circumstances, he will sentence Chauvin to 12.5 years.

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But there is a catch: Prosecutors are seeking to prove the existence of aggravating circumstances that would justify an upward departure from Minnesotas sentencing guidelines. They have identified three such circumstances: first, that Chauvin killed Floyd in front of children (hence the extensive testimony of child witnesses at trial); second, that Chauvin treated Floyd with particular cruelty; and third, that Chauvin abused his position of authority as a law enforcement officer. The Supreme Court has held that Chauvin has a constitutional right to require the jury to find each aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the defendant waived this right, which means Cahill, not the jury, will decide whether prosecutors proved the presence of these circumstances. If the judge does find aggravating factors, he can impose a higher sentence, extending Chauvins prison term by several yearsthough, as a general rule, courts may impose no more than double the top of the sentencing guidelines, which would bring Chauvins sentence to a maximum of 30 years.

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There is another complication to add to this mix: It appears that federal prosecutors are considering bringing civil rights charges against Chauvin, presumably for violating Floyds rights under color of lawthat is, exceeding and abusing his legal authority as a law enforcement officer. The New York Times has reported that the Justice Department launched a federal investigation into the crime under Donald Trump, but the investigation languished until Joe Biden assumed the presidency and prioritized the probe. According to the Times, the Justice Department impaneled a grand jury focused on Chauvin in February. During the state trial, Hennepin County Medical Examiner Andrew Baker confirmed this reporting when he mentioned that he had testified before a federal grand jury.

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If Chauvin is tried and convicted on federal charges, he could receive a federal prison term of many years. (In theory, he could even face a life sentence, though it is highly unlikely.) The interplay between state and federal sentences is extremely complicated and differs from case to case. But the upshot is that a federal conviction for a civil rights offense could add many years onto Chauvins prison term well beyond the sentence handed down by Cahill.

The jurys verdict on Tuesday marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Floyd case. Indeed, the fact-finding portion of the trial is not even over; Cahill will need to rule on the presence of aggravating circumstances, then go through the complex calculation in the sentencing guidelines to land on a term of incarceration that he deems just. On the horizon, there is the possibility of yet another trial, this one in federal court, and another sentence that dramatically extends Chauvins time behind bars. It may be years before we find out the precise punishment that Chauvin will receive for the crime for which he was found guilty on Tuesday afternoon.

Update, April 20, 2021: This article has been updated to clarify that the state sentences cannot run consecutively.

To understand more about how police training perpetuates a culture of fear and, sometimes, violence, listen to this recent episode of What Next.
Warming seas might also look less colorful to some fish. Here's why that matters.

DURHAM, N.C. -- When marine biologist Eleanor Caves of the University of Exeter thinks back to her first scuba dives, one of the first things she recalls noticing is that colors seem off underwater. The vivid reds, oranges, purples and yellows she was used to seeing in the sunlit waters near the surface look increasingly dim and drab with depth, and before long the whole ocean loses most of its rainbow leaving nothing but shades of blue.

"The thing that always got me about diving was what happens to people's faces and lips," said her former Ph.D. adviser Sonke Johnsen, a biology professor at Duke University. "Everybody has a ghastly sallow complexion."

Which got the researchers to thinking: In the last half-century, some fish have been shifting into deeper waters, and climate change is likely to blame. One study found that fish species off the northeastern coast of the United States descended more than one meter per year between 1968 and 2007, in response to a warming of only about one degree Celsius.

Could such shifts make the color cues fish rely on for survival harder to see?

Previous research suggests it might. Scientists already have evidence that fish have a harder time discerning differences in each other's hues and brightness in waters made murkier by other causes, such as erosion or nutrient runoff.

As an example, the authors cite studies of three-spined sticklebacks that breed in the shallow coastal waters of the Baltic Sea, where females choose among males -- who care for the eggs -- based on the redness of their throats and bellies. But algal blooms can create cloudy conditions that make it harder to see, which tricks females into mating with less fit males whose hatchlings don't make it.

The turbidity makes it harder for a male to prove he's a worthy mate by interfering with females' ability to distinguish subtle gradations of red or orange, Johnsen said. "For any poor fish that has beautiful red coloration on his body, now it's like, 'well, you're just going to have to take my word for it.'"

Other studies have shown that, for cichlid fish in Africa's Lake Victoria, where species rely on their distinctive colors to recognize their own kind, pollution can reduce water clarity to a point where they lose the ability to tell each other apart and start mating every which way.

The researchers say the same communication breakdown plaguing fish in turbid waters is likely happening to species that are being pushed to greater depths. And interactions with would-be mates aren't the only situations that could be prone to confusion. Difficulty distinguishing colors could also make it harder for fish to locate prey, recognize rivals, or warn potential predators that they are dangerous to eat.

In a study published April 21 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Caves and Johnsen used mathematical models to determine what the colors of the underwater world might look like as fish in the uppermost layer of the ocean shift to new depths.

They were able to show that, while the surface waters may be bursting with color, descending by just 30 meters shrinks the palette considerably.

"It's like going back to the days of black and white TV," Johnsen said.

When sunlight hits an object, some wavelengths are absorbed and others bounce off. It's the wavelengths that are reflected back that make a red fish look red, or a blue fish blue. But a fish sporting certain colors at the surface will start to look different as it swims deeper because the water filters out or absorbs some wavelengths sooner than others.

The researchers were surprised to find that, especially for shallow-water species such as those that live in and around coral reefs, it doesn't take much of a downward shift to have a dramatic effect on how colors appear.

"You really don't have to go very far from the surface to notice a big impact," said Caves, who will be starting as an assistant professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, this fall.

Precisely which colors lose their luster first, and how quickly that happens as you go down, depends on what depths a species typically inhabits and how much deeper they are forced to go, as well as the type of environment they live in -- whether it's, say, the shallow bays or rocky shores of the Atlantic, or a tropical coral reef.

In clear ocean water, red is the first color to dull and disappear. "That's important because so many species use red signals to attract mates or deter enemies," Johnsen said.

The team predicts that some species will be more vulnerable than others. Take, for instance, fish that can't take the edge off the heat by relocating toward the poles of the planet. Particularly in semi-enclosed waters such as the Mediterranean and Black seas or the Gulf of Mexico, or in coral reefs, which are stuck to the sea bed -- these species will have no option but to dive deeper to keep their cool, Caves said.

As a next step, they hope to test their ideas in the coral reefs around the island of Guam, where butterflyfishes and fire gobies use their vivid color patterns to recognize members of their own species and woo mates.

"The problem is only accelerating," Caves said. By the end of this century, it's possible that sea surface temperatures will have heated up another 4.8 degrees Celsius, or an increase of 8.6 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to the 1896-2005 average.

And while warming is happening faster at the poles, "tropical waters are feeling the effects too," Caves said.

###

This research was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement (No 793454).

CITATION: "The Sensory Impacts of Climate Change: Bathymetric Shifts and Visually Mediated Interactions in Aquatic Species," Eleanor Caves and Sonke Johnsen. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, April 21, 2021. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0396

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
In March, Variety reported that Instant Influencer would no longer be hosted by Mr. Charles.

On April 1, Mr. Charles admitted that he had sent messages to minors in a video on his YouTube channel called holding myself accountable. In the video, Mr. Charles said that at the time, he believed that the recipients of his messages were 18 or older. But, he said, these conversations shouldve never happened, point blank period.

There is no excuse for it, he added.

On April 16, as the backlash intensified, Mr. Charles issued another statement on Twitter. Many other people have come forward with a series of misleading stories and false allegations which have been reported on by many people, creators, and news outlets, he wrote. My legal team has begun taking action against those that have spread misinformation and/or created completely fake stories, as this has gone too far. Mr. Charles did not reply to a request for comment for this article.

What does it mean to be demonetized by YouTube?

The company said it had applied our creator responsibility policy and removed James Charles from the YouTube Partner Program. When creators step outside the bounds of what YouTube considers appropriate behavior, YouTube can turn off the ads that play in their videos or prevent their content from being recommended.

Not to sound all dad-like here, but you might say that with great popularity comes great responsibility, Matt Koval, the companys creator liaison, says in a video that explains the Creator Responsibility Initiative.

Reckless, dangerous or inappropriate behavior can lead to corporate-enacted punishment, Mr. Koval says. And its not just about what you show in your videos, according to the initiative. Offline actions count, too; those include abuse, violence, cruelty or fraud.

How much money does Mr. Charles make?

Cosmetify, a company that helps shoppers compare cosmetics prices and directs them to stores, estimates that Mr. Charles earns about $25,500 for every YouTube video that he posts, based on his number of subscribers, the average views on his videos and viewer engagement, and other metrics. This makes him the highest-paid beauty influencer on the platform, according to Cosmetify.
Sales of the top eight Covid-19 related products contributed 6.4% to the underlying growth

( ) saw good revenue growth in the first three months of 2021 driven by sales of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other Coronavirus (COVID-19) related products.

The FTSE 100 consumables distributor said total revenue rose 5.4% in the period since end-December, with underlying revenue growth of 1.4%.

Sales of the top eight COVID-19 related products, which are primarily own brand, contributed 6.4% to the underlying growth and more than offset a 5% decline in revenue from mainstream products.

Prices for specific COVID-19-related products also remained strong, Bunzl added sales of other lines have now started to recover.

By area, continental Europe and UK & Ireland were affected by pandemic-related restrictions, particularly on foodservice and non-food retail segments, said the statement.

Going forward, Bunzl said it expects revenue growth this year to be robust, though good organic growth in the first half is likely to slow over the rest of the year as some COVID-19 orders reduce.

Frank van Zanten, chief executive, said: Looking ahead we are confident in the strength of our consistent and proven compounding strategy, supported by enhanced hygiene trends.

We have announced three acquisitions in the year to date with the pipeline remaining active and a number of discussions ongoing."
A Laois councillor has called for the authority to remove pairs of hanging runners from powerlines in Portlaoise, because she finds them 'offensive'.

Cllr Thomasina Connell said that there are now two pairs of runners, hanging from the powerline on the Ridge Road, beside Portlaoise Leisure Centre.

Pictured below.

She said the runners "signal a particular anti-social behaviour".

"Is it a job of the council to remove them? There are now two sets on the Ridge Road. If we could contact Electric Ireland, I would ask you to remove them, I find them quite offensive," Cllr Connell said, at the April meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

Cllr Connell also asked Laois County Council to paint over graffiti at the centre.

"There is graffiti there that refers to vandalism. I find it really offensive. I would appreciate if the council could find some money to paint the wall. I don't think it should be left to Tidy Towns to do," said the Portlaoise councillor who is also a practicing solicitor (pictured below).
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to an unprecedented success in the striving for development, shared development fruits and experience with other countries and played an important role on the world stage, Arab politicians have said.

In a recent video interview with Xinhua, Mohsen Basurra, member of Yemen's Islah Party, said that the CPC has united Chinese people of all ethnic groups and provided them with political guidance, which is why China has achieved so much today.

Hailing the CPC's achievements over the past 100 years since its founding, Basurra, also deputy speaker of Yemen's House of Representatives, said that countries of the third world, including Yemen, are expected to draw inspiration from China's experience in developing trade, technology and culture, among other areas.

Under the CPC's leadership, China has carried out extensive cooperation with other countries and has actively helped others fight COVID-19 by unreservedly sharing its experience in containing and treating the disease, he said.

Echoing Basurra, Ibrahim Al-Shehabi, member of the Board of Trustees in Egypt's Coordination Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians, told Xinhua that the CPC's success in leading the Chinese people through the health crisis mirrors the great solidarity between the ruling party, the government and the Chinese people.

In the fight against the novel coronavirus, China has provided Egypt with medical supplies, including masks and vaccines, and shared its experience and expertise in defeating the epidemic. The assistance reflects the traits of friendliness and cooperation in the Chinese culture, said Al-Shehabi, also deputy governor of central Egypt's governorate of Giza.

He also expressed his hope that Egypt can be inspired by China's great stories in development, and that the CPC, in the next 100 years, can lead China to greater progress.
Sangrur: Punjab school education and PWD minister Vijay Inder Singla, on Wednesday, took the first jab of Covid vaccine here at Civil Hospital Sangrur. While appealing to frontline workers and other people to get vaccinated against Covid, the cabinet minister said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab government has established 3,251 vaccination centers in the state and more than 26.10 lakh people have already got the vaccine.

Vijay Inder Singla said that India as well as Punjab has been engulfed by the second wave of Covid and the mutated virus is more dreadful & infectious than its primitive source. He added that to protect people from this virus, the Punjab government will soon initiate a Vaccination drive for all persons above 18 years of age. He said that presently, this vaccination drive has been limited to people aged above 45 years but after May 1, everyone above 18 years would be vaccinated to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Vijay Inder Singla

The cabinet minister said that their government has made sure that every town, block and locality must have a vaccination center with required dozes & other facilities.

Singla said, Many of us have already lost our dear-ones to Covid but it is now on us to be more responsible and act with more maturity. I have already got myself vaccinated and would request you all to get the jab at the earliest to protect yourself and your family from this pandemic.

Covid-19 vaccineThe minister also urged the people to cooperate with the Health workers for getting everyone in the family vaccinated at the earliest. He added that the Punjab government has been working overtime to ensure that maximum numbers of Punjabies were able to get the vaccine in the shortest span of time.
Collins was also a producer of last months Grammy Awards, a telecast that drew praise for its personal, jam-session feel. That sense of community is something the Oscars want to exude, too. My big thing has always been: Its not intimate. It doesnt feel personal, Soderbergh says. Were in a COVID world. It has to be that way. Nominees, guests, presenters. Thats it. Those are the only people in the room. That was just a weird alignment of catastrophe and my personal preoccupation. Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison at the (virtual) Golden Globes presentation in February; there will be no acceptance speeches made in a hoodie at this years delayed Academy Awards. Credit:NBC via AP The Oscars, most assuredly, will differ greatly from Februarys largely virtual Golden Globes. The producers have made a stand against both Zoom and casual wear. This is the Oscars, after all; there will be no acceptance speeches made in a hoodie. The producers pressed the nominees to attend in person, with appropriate safety precautions. Some bristled at the academys stance  lockdown regulations are in effect in some countries and cases are persistently high in Europe and elsewhere  leading to compromise. There will be a hub for nominees in London, and, as of late last week, about a dozen remote satellite hook-ups. Some material will be pre-taped; every nominee has spent 45 minutes with the producers.

Soderbergh envisions the broadcast as a three-hour movie, not a webinar. But what does that mean, exactly? If the Oscars are a movie, what kind will it be? From the director of Oceans 11 and Logan Lucky, should we expect a heist film? Its going to feel like a movie in that theres an overarching theme thats articulated in different ways throughout the show. So the presenters are essentially the storytellers for each chapter, says Soderbergh. We want you to feel like it wasnt a show made by an institution. We want you to feel like youre watching a show that was made by a small group of people that really attacked everything that feels generic or unnecessary or insincere. Thats the kind of intention when I watch shows like this that is missing for me. A voice. It needs to have a specific voice. Technically, the broadcast will have a more widescreen look and a more cinematic approach to the music. (Questlove is music director.) Presenters are considered the ensemble cast. One thing you wont see, says Collins, is standard banter before an award is handed out. When you see cast members go up to give awards, youll see a connection, Collins says. It wont be two people walking up that just met in the greenroom who are struggling to stick with the teleprompter. Its undeniably a lot to pull off, with ever-fluctuating COVID-19 conditions and restrictions. The logistics are mind-numbing, Soderbergh says. The egos, a whole other fascinating component. Oh, its a chapter for the memoir, for sure, he says. But the show is coming together. Im feeling pretty amped, he says.

The role of Academy Awards saviour is an unlikely one for Soderbergh, who dramatically bid Hollywood goodbye eight years ago. His criticism then was that the studios werent innovating and that movies had drifted from the cultural centre. But after returning to moviemaking in a restless sprint of adventurous, conceptually daring films (some shot on iPhones, one made on an ocean liner), Soderbergh helped lead the industry back to production during the pandemic, mapping out safety protocols  including the kinds of testing and quarantining that will be in effect for attending nominees next week. Loading The Oscars are an annual meeting, of sorts, for Hollywood  a moment of reflection, aspiration and backslapping for the industry. This years awards, postponed by two months, follow a punishing pandemic year for the industry that saw movie theatres shuttered and streaming services proliferate. Soderbergh hopes the Oscars will be cathartic, and a shot in the arm for Hollywood. The cliche when you go to pitch a movie is to say its about hope and scope, he says. That is kind of what we want to do, to show whats possible. That includes an affectionate celebration of each categorys craft and nominees.
DUBLIN, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Regenerative Medicines Market 2020-2030: Focus on Products, Applications, 17 Countries' Data and Competitive Landscape" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global regenerative medicines market is projected to reach $87.03 billion by 2030. The study also highlights that the market is set to witness a CAGR of 13.99% from 2020 and 2030.

The market is driven by certain factors, including increasing consolidation among healthcare juggernauts, rising number of clinical trials for regenerative therapies, a favorable regulatory environment to accelerate approvals and market entry, and rising awareness for stem cell therapeutics, that are fueling the growth of the global regenerative medicines market.

Regenerative medicine is challenging the current healthcare practices by targeting the treatment of the root causes of disease and disorders, transforming it into an incredibly exciting space. However, these advancements have not come without significant challenges and uncertainties, which will also further need to be overcome to realize the full potential of regenerative medicine.

This comprehensive study of the regenerative medicines market extensively covers the following:

Market numbers on micro-segments that are influencing the market

More than 230 products and services present in the market

Over 50 brands

More than 350 pipeline products

Market share analysis for more than eight product segments

Application information on more than six extensively employed applications

Detailed global and regional market share analysis, including the scrutiny of more than 17 countries

Study of data of more than 50 companies

Besides these parameters, the study also encompasses the market growth drivers, opportunities, market restraining factors, competition mapping, segmental analysis, and a visual dashboard of 550+ products, services, and pipeline potential.

The study indicates increasing consolidation among healthcare juggernauts, a rising number of clinical trials for regenerative therapies, a favorable regulatory environment to accelerate approvals and market entry, and an increasing awareness for stem cell therapeutics are fueling the growth of the global regenerative medicines market.

The market intelligence additionally throws a spotlight on the opportunities existing in the market, such as drug approvals and a strong pipeline of cell and gene therapies, multiple investments into building cGMP facilities, and innovations in regenerative medicine, among others.

To gain a holistic view of the market, data from different segments of the market has been analyzed minutely. These segments include types of products and services, applications, and regions. The products and services segment and the region segments have been further sub-segmented to offer an in-depth analysis of the global regenerative medicines market.

The product and ecosystem analysis of the global market includes data analysis on the type of offerings available in the market. Pertaining to the market segmentation, the product segment is segmented broadly into tissue engineering products, stem cell products and services, and cell and gene therapy products. The tissue engineering segment has been further segmented into allogenic tissue, autologous tissue, xenogeneic tissue, synthetic tissue, and other tissue products. The stem cell products and services segment has been further segmented into stem cell services and stem cell therapeutics.

Further, cell and gene therapy has been segmented into cell therapy and gene therapy. The cell therapy segment has also been segmented into CAR-T therapies and other cell therapies.

Key insights are drawn from in-depth interviews with the key opinion leaders of more than 15 leading companies, market participants, and vendors. The key players profiled in the report include AbbVie, Inc., Baxter International Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic plc, Mesoblast Ltd., Novartis International A.G., NuVasive, Inc., Organogenesis Holdings, Inc., Smith & Nephew plc, Stryker Corporation, Vericel Corporation, and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

The study also offers strategic recommendations that can help organizations in tracking various products and trends that are changing the dynamics of the market. The recommendations by the analyst also offer bespoke research services to help organizations meet their objectives.

Who should buy this report?

Pharmaceutical companies looking to enter the cell and gene therapy market

Manufacturers of regenerative medicine products such as tissue engineering products, attempting to understand short-term and long-term trends expected to influence market demand

CDMOs and CMOs who are actively participating in the manufacture and scale-up of cell and gene therapies, worldwide

Cell and gene therapy innovators looking forward to creating synergies with CDMOs and CMOs

Emerging cell and gene therapy innovators attempting to understand the competitive landscape of the industry

How can market intelligence on regenerative medicines add value to an organization's decision-making process?

Aid in product development

Help in targeting a segment for launching a new product or service

Offer go-to market access strategies

Support in diversifying the product portfolio basis risk and progression of underlying technologies

Help in analyzing specifications

Aid in understanding the pipeline potential of emerging companies

Gain holistic views pertaining to the regions and understand the market potential of the countries

Support in analyzing the competitive landscape to gain an understanding of the business strategies incorporated by the companies

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Consolidation in the Regenerative Medicines Market

Rising Number of Clinical Trials

Favorable Regulatory Environment

Rising Awareness for Stem Cell Therapeutics

Market Restraints

Lack of Reliable Vector Production for Cell and Gene Therapy

Exorbitant Cost of Next-Generation Therapies

Opportunities

Drug Approvals and Strong Pipeline of Cell and Gene Therapies

Multiple Investments in Expansion of cGMP Units

Innovations in Regenerative Medicine

Companies Mentioned

AbbVie, Inc.

Baxter International Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation

Johnson & Johnson

Medtronic plc

Mesoblast Ltd.

Novartis International AG

NuVasive, Inc.

Organogenesis Holdings Inc.

Smith & Nephew plc

Stryker Corporation

Vericel Corporation

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sj39ob

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. ("West High Yield" or the "Company") (TSXV: WHY) announces that, further to its news release dated March 23, 2021, it has received an extension from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") with respect to its previously announced disposition of a contractual royalty (the "Royalty") by way of the issuance of Royalty units to investors (the "Transaction").

The outside date for all final submissions and filing requirements required by the TSXV for final acceptance of the Transaction has been extended by 30 days to May 26, 2021. All material terms of the Transaction remain unchanged. The Transaction remains subject to conditional and final approval of the TSXV.

About West High Yield

West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to locate and develop economic gold, nickel and magnesium properties.

Contact Information:

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.

Frank Marasco, President and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (403) 660-3488 Facsimile: (403) 206-7159

Email: frank@whyresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.

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 OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81186
The right lane that has been closed since the partial collapse of a retaining wall on I-295 last month reopened Wednesday morning as the excavation work and investigation into why it failed continues in Bellmawr, New Jersey transportation officials said.

As promised by Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, the DOT also hired a forensic engineer to investigate the cause of the retaining wall collapse. She made the commitment during a public meeting arranged by District 5 legislators on April 7.

The right lane was closed on March 25 as a safety precaution after the collapse and to allow construction vehicles to access the retaining wall. It was being constructed as part of the Direct Connection project that was under construction and not open to traffic.

Excavation work is ongoing and there may be a need for future lane closures as the work advances, DOT officials said. Demolition of the wall started on April 1 and it will be torn down until experts determine the soil is secure.

Hardesty and Hanover has been hired to do the forensic engineering work for an amount not to exceed $283,000, said Stephen Schapiro, an NJDOT spokesman.

The retaining wall is part of the larger $900 million I-295 project, which is meant to build a better and safer junction between I-295, 76 and Route 42. It was started in 2014 and was scheduled to be completed in 2028 before the collapse.

NJDOT is also investigating the cause of the collapse with its contractors, designers, consultants and in-house staff. Once the cause has been determined, a repair will be designed.

The DOT is also still in the process of setting up a system for email and text alerts about the I-295 Direct Connection project for drivers and residents, Schapiro said. That system was requested at the public meeting and committed to by the commissioner.

Once it is active, drivers could sign up for email and text alerts about the I-295 project, traffic pattern changes and other information.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
Blue Nature Alliance partners to protect 18 million square kilometers of ocean globally over five years. Tweet this

The Blue Nature Alliance is working with governments and other partners on large-scale efforts in Fiji's Lau Seascape, Antarctica's Southern Ocean, and Tristan da Cunha to collectively secure protections over 4.8 million square kilometers (1.9 million square miles) of the ocean. The Alliance will soon engage in efforts in Canada, Palau, Seychelles, and the Western Indian Ocean. This will aim to strengthen and enhance the protection of nearly 2 million square kilometers (734,000 square miles) of the ocean. A pipeline of 18 additional Blue Nature Alliance engagements has been identified across North and South America, Europe, and the Asian Pacific region. The Blue Nature Alliance will announce the next round of locations in summer 2021.

"A Healthy ocean is key to our existence. It provides nutrition and employment for a majority of people around the world and half of the oxygen each of us breathes. Yet significantly less of our ocean is protected when compared to land," said 'Aulani Wilhelm, senior vice president of Oceans for Conservation International. "We must collaborate globally, in partnership with local governments and Indigenous peoples, to make the conservation of our ocean a priority. The time is now to take big practical action to move this work forward."

The world's ocean is under stress, it is facing threats from climate change, damaging fishing practices, and pollution. Science shows that protecting and conserving large areas of the ocean is necessary to support the air we breathe, regulate the climate, and maintain essential levels of biodiversity.

"From the coastlines to the high seas, we need to tackle conservation holistically and in partnership. Our collective efforts will help secure a healthy ocean that is more resilient to climate change and yields benefits to both nature and people," said Tom Dillon, senior vice president for environment at The Pew Charitable Trusts. "To boost biodiversity, fisheries, and economies, the Blue Nature Alliance will work with partners globally to apply science and lessons learned, and build on best practices to conserve our ocean at scale. We need this type of ambition to address the challenges facing our ocean today."

The Blue Nature Alliance's efforts support the push to protect at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030, a global conservation goal expected to be formally adopted at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference later this year. To date, less than 10 percent of the global ocean is protected. The 30 percent goal is widely agreed upon as the threshold needed to maintain a resilient and functioning ocean that supports the health of people and nature.

"Conserving 30 percent of the world's land and sea in the coming decade will require all of us to work together, with science as our North Star," said Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility. "It is heartening to see collaborative work underway in the South Atlantic, South Pacific, and Antarctica's Southern Ocean, and with work about to begin in even more locations around Palau, Seychelles, Canada, and the Western Indian Ocean. Through the Blue Nature Alliance, we will be contributing significantly to the 30 percent global ocean conservation goal and ensuring we have momentum to build on as we strive for our 2030 ambitions."

To achieve its ambitious goal, the Blue Nature Alliance is creating a global network of partners dedicated to building on lessons learned from well-functioning marine protected areas and innovating new approaches to conserving large ocean areas, many of which have heavily incorporated the traditional knowledge and needs of local communities and governments into their long-term management plans  a practice that helps ensure resilience, both in funding and implementation.

"Engaging with local communities is essential to the long-term success of ocean conservation efforts," said Dr. Tony Worby, CEO of Flourishing Oceans at Australia's Minderoo Foundation. "Local communities rely on the ocean directly for livelihoods, cultural activities and recreation, so it is critical that they are involved in decision making that supports long-term sustainability. A measure of success for the Blue Nature Alliance will be to build community support for ocean conservation measures that are enduring."

"Melani and I care deeply about the future of our planet and the communities that depend on nature for their health, livelihoods and culture," said Rob Walton, co-founder of the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation. "That's why we are pleased to be part of the Blue Nature Alliance - which brings together philanthropists, businesses, governments and NGOs to substantially increase and improve ocean conservation. Now is a critical time. The ocean is under immense pressure, and we all have a responsibility to help safeguard it."

In addition to its five founding partners, the Blue Nature Alliance's growing network includes world-renowned conservation experts, scientists, and financial strategists including Big Ocean, the Global Island Partnership, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Murphy Family Foundation, Nekton, Oceana, Ocean Unite, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and SkyLight Surveillance and Enforcement Technology.

SOURCE Blue Nature Alliance

For further information: [email protected], https://www.bluenaturealliance.org

Related Links

https://www.bluenaturealliance.org


Will and Valarie Kobrovsky Bulsiewicz walk through the maritime forest on Sullivan's Island on Nov. 9 with their children, Sarah Grace and Liam. Larry Kobrovsky/provided
Many restaurateurs were put in knots over the crippling loss of business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but Kelly Brown manifested her knots into the twists of a pretzel.

Brown owns Browns Brewing Company with her husband, Garry Brown. Though brewing operations continued for Brown's award-winning beers, the dining rooms of both the Troy and Walloomsac brewpubs were shuttered for months. Before the pandemic, the Troy location, nestled against the Hudson River, would seat 900 guests on its busiest nights. The sudden lack of patrons in-house afforded Brown the opportunity to review kitchen operations and try to reinvent the Browns Brewing Company recipe book.

During COVID things slowed down, and doing takeout only was the perfect time to look at some of our recipes. We are such a high volume restaurant that when we slowed down, we were able to perfect our kitchen, Brown said. She used the slower pace to consider ways in which the brew pub might be able connect the ethos of the brewery with the philosophy of the kitchen, and one product seems to link the two halves together perfectly: Pretzels.

Pretzels and beer have an intricate history dating back to at least medieval Europe, though some sources claim ancient Rome also had pretzels. Either way, pretzels have been a hallmark of German cuisine for hundreds of years, most prominently being featured as a carb-heavy gut sponge to soak up the sudsy beer that revelers enjoy each Oktoberfest. The influx of German and Scandinavian immigrants to America in the 1800s brought the pretzel to domestic shores, and ever since Americans have enjoyed pretzels as a bar snack, a lunchtime side or strung on a cord necklace during beer festivals. According to data from SuperPretzel, the top-selling soft pretzel company in the U.S., the average American eats 2 pounds of pretzels a year while Philadelphians eat as much as six times that annually thanks to the rich Pennsylvania Dutch community near the city.

April 26 is National Pretzel Day, and Browns Brewing Company is primed for twisted pleasure for those looking to enjoy the salty snack and a cold pint of beer.

Brown says she and baker Norine Ellett, who owns Truly Delectable Delights home bakery in Waterford and works part-time in the Browns kitchen, make 400 pretzels a week. I thought I was going to have to freeze them, but each week they sell out, Brown said. She experimented with many recipes over the summer before landing on a recipe that relies on the rich, malty flavors of Browns oatmeal stout in the dough and in the water that the pretzels are boiled in. The flavor is intense and layered. It tastes like the smell when the brewers are making the oatmeal stout, Brown said.

After the boil, the pretzels are sprinkled with flaky salt and are baked in a small impingement oven that Garry Brown found and rebuilt for the pretzel project. The pretzels are sold in both brew pub locations on the appetizer menu. The housemade pretzels can be ordered on their own, or as part of a pretzel platter that features more traditional soft pretzels that most other restaurants sell. Brown said it is a way to ease people into the stronger flavor of her pretzels. As we exposed people to the pretzels, they really began to respond to them, Brown said. The pretzels are served with sides of IPA beer cheese dip and pale ale honey mustard.

The pretzels were the catalyst to transform the Browns kitchens into places where scratch-made is the norm, not the exception. This is how we do things now. It makes for more work for us but it is attracting more talent to both kitchens, Brown said. The pretzels also served to meet the New York State requirement that food be purchased along with restaurant alcohol sales. Ellett said that being hired by Brown to develop the pretzel program provided her with a source of income during the pandemic shut-down, which deeply impacted her business. It kept me afloat during the pandemic, Ellett said.

Brown said she is hoping to find a packaging solution to sell pretzels by the half-dozen for those wanting to grab a growler and a pretzel pack for at-home entertaining or watching a game. Ellett offered a rewarming hack: placing the pretzels in an air fryer at 400 degrees for a few minutes was all that was needed for the just-baked pretzel experience, though five to seven minutes in a 400 degree oven will also work fine.

Brown looked lovingly on her pretzels and they emerged from a slowly simmering kettle of water, beer and baking soda. They are imperfect and no two are alike. Almost like our beers. We aim for consistency, but each product is unique, she said. Though the pandemics no-touch mentality has permeated all facets of life, Brown said, we want them to look like human hands made them.

Deanna Fox is a food and agriculture journalist. www.foxonfood.com, @DeannaNFox

Soft Pretzels

Makes 8 large pretzels or 16 smaller pretzels

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

3 ounces unsalted butter, melted

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

4 1/2 to 5 cups all purpose flour

Vegetable oil, enough to coat a bowl

3 quarts water

2/3 cup baking soda

1 egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash)

Coarse sea salt

Combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, yeast, and butter in a bowl and mix until combined (if using a stand mixer, use a dough hook). Let sit for five minutes.

Add the salt and flour to the mixture and mix until combined. Continue to mix/knead in the bowl until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface, and knead into a ball with your hands.

Coat a large bowl with vegetable oil; add the dough and turn to coat. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size (about one hour).

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Bring the 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.

Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide the dough into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. To shape into pretzels, take the right side and cross over to the left. Cross right to left again and flip up.

Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water. Boil the pretzels in the water solution, two at a time for 30 seconds, slashing the tops with the bowling water using a spoon. Remove with a large, flat slotted spatula or a spider. Place pretzels on a baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each pretzel, and brush the tops with the egg wash and season liberally with the coarse salt. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until pretzels are golden brown. Remove pretzels from the baking sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Recipe from Deanna Fox
Mr George Akanlo, the Upper East Regional Chairman for Friends of Bawumia says Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is an embodiment of competence in divergent forms, capable of leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a Flagbearer to victory in 2024.



The group, through its Chairman, said the complementary role of Dr Bawumia in the Akufo-Addo led administration, and his level of experience gave him a greater chance to lead the Party and break the tradition where governments were changed after every eight years in the fourth republic.



Once the people of Ghana know that with the work he has done with President Nana Akufo-Addo from 2016 till date, coupled with his level of competence, he would be able to lead the NPP to victory.



Mr Akanlo said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, prior to the official launch of the Upper East Regional branch of the group.



He said We are here for our maiden meeting of Friends of Bawumia to evangelise politically, the good deeds and works of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for people to know and understand who he is.



The Chairman said the group had been in existence since 2012 and had a national leadership who campaigned for President Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia, but noted that It has not been officially launched in Upper East.



According to him, there was the need for them to form the group in 2012, saying We anticipated a day like this will come, where the people of Ghana will call for him to lead the NPP and the people of Ghana.



Mr Akanlo emphatically stated that Dr Bawumia has not officially said anything, but we are hoping that the voice of the people is the voice of God. One day he would heed to that voice, and if he does, we will all throw our support behind him.



We were friends right from 2012, and we are going to continue to propagate the agenda about Dr Bawumia. He has carved for himself a niche in the Ghanaian political landscape from 2008, and has made a good name, he said.



He said the group was in readiness for the day the Vice President would officially declare his intention to lead the Party or direct them as to who they should support to lead the Party to victory in 2024.



Mr Akanlo said members of the group took it upon themselves to remind Ghanaians about the works of Dr Bawumia pending his official declaration to lead the Party.



So before he would make his decision, people would have already known about him. We think that will make a very big impact, the Chairman said.



He called on all members of the NPP in the Region who believed that the eight-year political tradition in the fourth republic could be broken, to rally their support behind the Vice President to enable the Party break the political tradition.



The only way out for us to break the tradition is to present Vice President Dr Bawumia to lead the Party in 2024, he said.

Source: GNA









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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-20 22:40:10|Editor: huaxia

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People visit the Barouk cedar forest in Lebanon, on April 18, 2021. The Lebanese have always taken pride in their cedar tree, or Cedrus libani, which presents in the middle of their national flag. However, the current situation of the national tree is worrying as the remnants cover only 3 percent of the country, or 17 square kilometers. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)

by Dana Halawi

BEIRUT, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese have always taken pride in their cedar tree, or Cedrus libani, which presents in the middle of their national flag. However, the current situation of the national tree is worrying as the remnants cover only 3 percent of the country, or 17 square kilometers.

Alain Daou, director of the Nature Conservation Center at the American University of Beirut (AUB), told Xinhua that intensive sheep and goats grazing, as well as climate change affect the cedars' living conditions in Lebanon.

Daou said that cedar forests only in the northern part of the country are likely to survive the stress of climate change, suggesting preserving these forests by implanting them to higher altitudes for favorable temperature and moisture.

Samer Khawand, an agricultural expert at Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture, told Xinhua that preserving cedar trees requires joint efforts by authorities and the society.

"It is best to use drones to spread cedar tree seeds on snow directly, providing them with the coldness they need to grow," said Khawand.

Today, the biggest cedar forest is in Shouf reserve, comprising 20 percent of Lebanon's total.

Some cedar forests are considered as part of nature reserves like in Barouk, Maaser El Shouf, Niha, Ehden, and Tannourine, while cedar trees in Qammouaa are listed as a protected natural site, and as protected forests in Jaj, Sir El Dinniyeh, and Sweisse.

Khawand said that Maaser el Shouf has, in fact, witnessed a partnership with the local community in managing the forest.

Meanwhile, Daou emphasized the efforts made by local guards and workers in the Tannourine reserve where cedars have been considered as endangered species since 1998.

However, he noted the need to involve citizens further in the reforestation. "Lebanese authorities should also create economic incentives for the citizens who live around the reserves to protect cedar trees."

Lebanese authorities have, on the other hand, launched several initiatives to protect the nation's wealth. The most important measure is declaring cedar forests as nature reserves or protected forests, with a management committee in cooperation with the Lebanon Ministry of Environment.

Moreover, the symbolic and cultural value of cedar trees encouraged national efforts to seek several external funds for the conservation, according to AUB's Nature Conservation Center.

The Ministry of Environment in Lebanon launched in 2004 a national project entitled "Integrated Management of Cedar Forests in Lebanon in Cooperation with other Mediterranean Countries" to contribute to the management of cedar forests and the protection from serious insect pests.

Also, more than 600,000 cedar trees have been planted in Lebanon since 2011 with the help of the ministries of Environment and Agriculture, local NGOs, and in-country scientific institutions.

Furthermore, Lebanon's Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, announced a new reforestation plan in 2014 to plant 40 million trees in the country with around 12 million trees being planted so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:39:43|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged Japan to earnestly reflect upon its history of aggression and take practical steps to win trust from neighboring countries.

"China urges Japan to hold fast to the principles established in the four political documents between China and Japan, as well as the four-point principled agreement, and face up to and earnestly reflect upon its history of aggression," spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily press briefing.

Wang's remarks came after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, on the occasion of its spring festival.

Noting that the Yasukuni Shrine honors Class-A convicted war criminals in World War II who were directly responsible for Japan's war of aggression, Wang said China firmly opposes the wrong practices of Japanese politicians.

He urged Japan to make a clear break with militarism and take practical actions to win trust from its Asian neighbors as well as the international community. Enditem
"Raising awareness about these different types of partner violence is important, so survivors can label what they are experiencing, ideally early on during the relationship, share with someone and be met with nonjudgmental support." Credit: Alex Green from Pexels

Women who experience partner violence at a young age don't always show physical signs of abuse and don't always discloseor recognizethe dangerous position they're in. A new study from Michigan State University is one of the first to examine multiple factors that influence young women's disclosure of partner violence that occurred during their first relationships, when they were just under 15 years old, on average.

"Physical abuse is widely understood as unhealthy, wrong and abusive, but sexual violence and coercive control are less understood and still pretty hidden, especially among young women," said Angie C. Kennedy, MSU associate professor of social work and lead author. "Raising awareness about these different types of partner violence is important, so survivors can label what they are experiencing, ideally early on during the relationship, share with someone and be met with nonjudgmental support."

The study was published in the Journal of Family Violence and includes co-authors Elizabeth Meier, a doctoral candidate in MSU's School of Social Work, and Kristen A. Prock, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The researchers interviewed a diverse group of young women between the ages of 18 and 24, all of whom had endured some form of partner violence with their first boyfriends. Overall, 91% experienced physical partner violence, 58% of which was severe; 91% experienced coercive control, which involves a partner having control over a survivor's life; and 50% experienced sexual partner violence, defined as rape or attempted rape.

Further, the interviews revealed four patterns of partner violence and disclosure:

1) Nearly 20% of women experienced both physical and coercive control that was severe. The coercive control included forced isolation from others, which made it very difficult to disclose, but they all eventually told someone and were able to escape the relationship.

2) Several women who were raped by their boyfriends had experienced a lot of abuse growing up, which led them to minimize the sexual violence. Additionally, some participants who had been raped noted they had been socialized to believe that forced sex was part of their role as a girlfriend. These factors resulted in limited or no disclosure.

3) More than 80% of the women reported feeling stigmatization such as shame or self-blame related to the partner violence, which was a barrier to them disclosing.

4) Only a few participants sought help from law enforcement. Those who sought help had experienced severe physical violence or coercive control, but not sexual violence. They also had a supportive friend or family member, or a personal connection to law enforcement, which aided in their disclosure.

"I was surprised by the severity of the partner violence many experienced, oftentimes at a young age. The partner rape was especially alarming," Kennedy said. "Some of these relationships can go on for years, and while the abuse stays secret, the suffering young women experience is immense."

Kennedy says that she is encouraged by survivors going public with their experiences and using the media to share their stories and hold their abusers accountable.

"Seeing people going public with their stories of partner violenceespecially recent examples of high-profile young women like FKA twigs and Evan Rachel Woodcan help survivors make sense of their own experiences and lift the shame and self-blame they've been carrying," she said.

Explore further Domestic violence survivor elder abuse risk

More information: Angie C. Kennedy et al. A Qualitative Study of Young Women's Abusive First Relationships: What Factors Shape their Process of Disclosure?, Journal of Family Violence (2021). Angie C. Kennedy et al. A Qualitative Study of Young Women's Abusive First Relationships: What Factors Shape their Process of Disclosure?,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10896-021-00258-5
Chinese President Xi Jinping will speak Thursday at the global summit on climate change organized by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in a written statement Wednesday that President Xi will deliver an important speech during the virtual conference.

Xi is among 40 world leaders invited by President Biden to attend the two-day virtual summit, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His acceptance comes days after John Kerry, Bidens special envoy on climate change, held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, in Shanghai.

Xis appearance is his first with Biden since the latter took office in January, and comes amid increasing tensions between the two economic superpowers over a host of issues, including Beijings tightening control on semi-autonomous Hong Kong and its brutal treatment of ethnic Uyghur Muslims in northwestern Xinjiang province.

But the two countries have apparently found common ground on reducing climate change, as they are the worlds two biggest emitters of greenhouse gasses, which is directly linked to climate change.

The global climate summit is part of Bidens efforts to restore U.S. leadership after his predecessor Donald Trumps dismissive attitude towards the issue, including withdrawing from the 2015 Paris Agreement that set a cap on global carbon emissions. Biden rejoined the agreement immediately after taking office.
Tasmania's first international flight in 23 years is set to take off from Auckland in what has been hailed as a 'special' day for the state.

Air New Zealand flight NZ197 leaves Auckland at 9am NZST on Thursday, landing at 11am AEST at Hobart International airport.

Speaking from Auckland, Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said it was a thrilling and historic day.

'There hasn't been an international flight to Hobart for 20 years from New Zealand. So it's special,' he said.

Speaking from Auckland, Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said it was a thrilling and historic day (Passengers boarding an Air New Zealand flight)

The flights have been underwritten by the federal government, which last year announced a $50million investment in returning international flights to Hobart.

Much of that has gone into upgrading Hobart International Airport.

Air New Zealand successfully bid for the rights to operate the route, and has committed to a twice-weekly service from Auckland for the next two years.

The airline's chief executive Greg Foran said he was keeping an open mind about adding a Tuesday service.

'Potentially as we get into the winter season, the ski season, we may end up adding a third one on,' he said.

'We think it's going to end up paying its way reasonably well and we're excited that it's going to get underway.'

Air New Zealand successfully bid for the rights to operate the route, and has committed to a twice-weekly service from Auckland for the next two years

The last regularly scheduled international flights out of Hobart, a Hobart-Christchurch route, ceased in 1998.

Since then the state has seen intermittent overseas charter flights and services to Antarctica.

Thursday's flight will also bring a suite of Air New Zealand executives, trade partners and Kiwi journalists eager to explore the Apple Isle.

The flights have been made possible by the trans-Tasman bubble, which began on Monday when New Zealand removed the need for Australian travellers to complete a fortnight's quarantine on arrival.
New Delhi: After Uttar Pradesh and Assam, the Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday (April 21) announced that it will provide COVID-19 vaccine free of cost to all above 18 years of age.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

All aged above 18 years will be administered COVID-19 vaccine free of cost in Madhya Pradesh, a statement released by Chief Minister's Office on Twitter said.

The chief minister also urged people to observe the Janata Curfew till April 30 strictly in order to break the chain of infection.

Strict action will be taken against those who flout the guidelines, the CM said.

Chouhan also appealed to the migrant workers to stay in the state and said that adequate arrangements have been made to provide them work.

In Madhya Pradesh, complete arrangements have been made to provide work to laborers, brothers and sisters. There is no need to go out of the state. Around 21 lakh laborers are employed through MNREGA. All possible help will be given to them. Three months ration is being given to them free of charge, he said.

Earlier this week, BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh and Assam also made vaccines free for all above 18 years.

The central government has said that people over 18 years will be able to get COVID-19 vaccine from May 1.

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The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered some seventy years ago, are famous for containing the oldest manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and many hitherto unknown ancient Jewish texts. But the individual people behind the scrolls have eluded scientists, because the scribes are anonymous. Now, by combining the sciences and the humanities, University of Groningen researchers have cracked the code, which enables them to discover the scribes behind the scrolls. They presented their results in the journal PLOS ONE on 21 April.

The scribes who created the scrolls did not sign their work. Scholars suggested some manuscripts should be attributed to a single scribe based on handwriting. 'They would try to find a "smoking gun" in the handwriting, for example, a very specific trait in a letter which would identify a scribe', explains Mladen Popovic, professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Judaism at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Groningen. He is also director of the university's Qumran Institute, dedicated to studying the Dead Sea Scrolls. However, these identifications are somewhat subjective and often hotly debated.

Scribes

That is why Popovic, in his project The Hands that Wrote the Bible which was funded by the European Research Council, teamed up with his colleague Lambert Schomaker, professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Schomaker has long worked on techniques to allow computers to read handwriting, often from historical materials. He also performed studies to investigate how biomechanical traits, like the way in which someone holds a pen or stylus, would affect handwriting.

In this study, together with PhD candidate Maruf Dhali, they focused on one scroll in particular: the famous Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) from Qumran Cave 1. The handwriting in this scroll seems near-uniform, yet it has been suggested it was made by two scribes sharing a similar writing style. So how could this be decided? Schomaker: 'This scroll contains the letter aleph, or "a", at least five thousand times. It is impossible to compare them all just by eye.' Computers are well suited to analyse large datasets, like 5,000 handwritten a's. Digital imaging makes all sorts of computer calculations possible, at the microlevel of characters, such as measuring curvature (called textural), as well as whole characters (called allographic).

Neural network

'The human eye is amazing and presumably takes these levels into account too. This allows experts to "see" the hands of different authors, but that decision is often not reached by a transparent process,' Popovic says. 'Furthermore, it is virtually impossible for these experts to process the large amounts of data the scrolls provide.' That is why their results are often not conclusive.

The first hurdle was to train an algorithm to separate the text (ink) from its background (the leather or the papyrus). For this separation, or 'binarization', Dhali developed a state-of-the-art artificial neural network that can be trained using deep learning. This neural network keeps the original ink traces made by the scribe more than 2,000 years ago intact as they appear on the digital images. 'This is important because the ancient ink traces relate directly to a person's muscle movement and are person-specific', Schomaker explains.

Similarities

Dhali performed the first analytical test of this study. His analysis of textural and allographic features showed that the 54 columns of text in the Great Isaiah Scroll fell into two different groups that were not distributed randomly through the scroll, but were clustered, with a transition around the halfway mark.

With the remark that there might be more than one writer, Dhali then handed the data to Schomaker who then recomputed the similarities between the columns, now using the patterns of letter fragments. This second analytical step confirmed the presence of two different. Several further checks and controls were performed. Schomaker: 'When we added extra noise to the data, the result didn't change. We also succeeded in demonstrating that the second scribe shows more variation within his writing than the first, although their writing is very similar.'

Handwriting

In the third step, Popovic, Dhali, and Schomaker have produced a visual analysis. They created 'heat maps' that incorporate all the variants of a character across the scroll. Then they produced an averaged version of this character for the first 27 columns and the last 27 columns. Comparing these two average letters by eye shows that they are different. This links the computerized and statistical analysis to human interpretation of the data by approximation, because the heatmaps are neither dependent nor produced from the primary and secondary analyses.

Certain aspects of the scroll and the positioning of the text had led some scholars to suggest that after column 27 a new scribe had started, but this was not generally accepted. Popovic: 'Now, we can confirm this with a quantitative analysis of the handwriting as well as with robust statistical analyses. Instead of basing judgment on more-or-less impressionistic evidence, with the intelligent assistance of the computer, we can demonstrate that the separation is statistically significant.'

New window

In addition to transforming the palaeography of the scrolls - and potentially other ancient manuscript corpora - this study of the Great Isaiah Scroll opens up a totally new way to analyse the Qumran texts based on physical characteristics. Now, researchers can access the microlevel of individual scribes and carefully observe how they worked on these manuscripts.

Popovic: 'This is very exciting, because this opens a new window on the ancient world that can reveal much more intricate connections between the scribes that produced the scrolls. In this study, we found evidence for a very similar writing style shared by the two Great Isaiah Scroll scribes, which suggests a common training or origin. Our next step is to investigate other scrolls, where we may find different origins or training for the scribes.'

In this way, it will be possible to learn more about the communities that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls. 'We are now able to identify different scribes', Popovic concludes. 'We will never know their names. But after seventy years of study, this feels as if we can finally shake hands with them through their handwriting.'

###

Additional information:

Digital images of the Dead Sea Scrolls and of the Great Isaiah Scroll were kindly provided by Brill Publishers and the Israel Antiquities Authority (the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library).

From 6-8 April 2021 an international online conference took place, Digital Palaeography and Hebrew/Aramaic Scribal Culture, organized by the University of Groningen. A link to presentations will appear soon on this page: https:/ / www. rug. nl/ ggw/ news/ events/ 2021/ digital-palaeography-and-hebrew-aramaic-scribal-culture

Reference: Mladen Popovic, Maruf A. Dhali, and Lambert Schomaker, Artificial Intelligence Based Writer Identification Generates New Evidence for the Unknown Scribes of the Dead Sea Scrolls Exemplified by the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa)
Whoopi Goldberg is reflecting on her historic Oscar win for playing the iconic Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, which earned her the Best Supporting Actress trophy at the 1991 Academy Awards.

Goldberg, 65, not only became the first black woman to receive an Oscar in over 50 years when she won, but also, unknowingly at the time, was on her way to becoming the first black female EGOT winner (a term given to performers who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony Award - which was conceived in a 2009 episode of 30 Rock.)

Appearing on the cover of Variety Magazine's Hollywood Royalty issue for an Oscars 2021 special, Goldberg revealed how her mother stayed home so she wouldn't 'jinx' her chances, how she took her fellow nominees out for dinner afterwards, and what went into finding the right gown for the momentous occasion.

Hollywood Royalty! Whoopi Goldberg, 65, looks regal as she appears on the cover of Variety Magazine's Oscars 2021 special edition, where she reflects on the 30th anniversary of her win

'I couldn't look glamorous like other people look glamorous. I wasn't thin and I wasn't a white lady, so I had to find my own style,' Goldberg told the publication.

The actor opted for a black sequined column gown from veteran costume designer Nolan Miller, who had worked with Goldberg's mentor and friend Elizabeth Taylor.

Impressed with the end result, Goldberg told Variety looking back at her ensemble: 'I looked really good. My hair was cool. Dress was cute.'

Watching her acceptance speech back during the interview, Goldberg noted that it was 'great to see' her brother Clyde Johnson (who died in 2015) and her daughter Alex Martin, 47.

'I wasn't thin or a white lady': Whoopi said she had to 'find her own style' for the event, where she wore a black sequined column gown from veteran costume designer Nolan Miller

Stunning gown: Impressed with the end result, Goldberg told Variety looking back at her ensemble: 'I looked really good. My hair was cool. Dress was cute.'

'[I remember] just being happy to be there, get the speech out of the way and get off the stage,' Goldberg explained, while also revealing that she took her fellow nominees out for dinner, including Annette Bening.

Goldberg added: 'Any one of us could've taken it, and I don't think anybody would've been mad at anybody else. Sometimes you look at actors and you know, 'Oh, he's mad,' but with us, it was just 'Whoever wins is paying, that's all I know. Free food.''

Elsewhere in the wide-ranging interview, Goldberg touches upon the highs and lows of her movie career - particularly when she became Hollywood's highest-paid female star for 1993's Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, for which she received $12million.

'That lasted 25 minutes, and then it was gone. I'm really glad that I was one of the first to break that little ceiling or crack it,' she said.

Fighting for the role: Whoopi says in the interview, and has previously stated, that actor Patrick Swayze fought for her to be in the 1990 movie Ghost

The star - who is also a popular host of daytime show The View - teased the hotly-anticipated Sister Act 3 movie for Disney+, saying she would love for the some of the original cast members to come back, which included Lauryn Hill.

She also spoke about her friendship with Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor who was a mentor to Goldberg and often gave her career advice.

Goldberg says in the interview that Taylor once told her: 'You and I know you can do anything, but you are Black, so its going to be harder for folks to believe,' adding: 'It's going to be up and down. If you have a way to see where you were, it will allow you to not give up in tough times.'
Everest Group Everest Group offers insights for buyers of IT, business process and engineering services and service providers in the sourcing industry by identifying key risks to watch out for and major developments underway in each region

The risks and uncertainties of doing business in a disrupted world cannot be entirely avoided, but Everest Group can assure enterprises that some countries are a far better bet than others when it comes to outsourcing and setting up global business service centers (GBSs).

Everest Group has released its Global Locations State of the Market 2021: Risk Watch, which includes a risk assessment of 61 countries. For each location, Everest Group rates the risk of doing business in each location; the assessment covers important occurrences in the past year and captures positive and negative movements in risk ratings based on these events.

Everest Group uses seven parameters to evaluate overall risk across locations:



Infrastructure quality

Geopolitical stability

Macroeconomic stability

Regulations and ease of doing business

Safety and security

Digital readiness

Quality of life

In addition, Everest Group offers insights for buyers of IT, business process and engineering services and service providers in the sourcing industry by identifying key risks to watch out for and major developments underway in each region.

Key Findings

In general, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region offers a safe and secure business environment with relatively high macroeconomic stability. The Americas offer a high quality of life in general; however, there are some concerns in this region, primarily in Central and South America, with respect to regulatory environment, digital readiness, and quality of infrastructure. In general, locations within the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region offer high-quality infrastructure, high quality of life, and a safe and secure business environment.

Asia Pacific: 14 countries assessed



Most favorable  Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea are characterized by high quality of infrastructure, stable economy, high safety and security and quality of life.

Least favorable  Cambodias poor infrastructure and concerns in the geopolitical and regulatory environment make it the least favorable business environment in the region.

Americas: 19 countries assessed



Most favorable  Canada, Chile and the United States offer the most favorable business conditions, given the high quality of infrastructure and stable political and macroeconomic environments.

Least favorable  Nicaragua offers the least favorable business environment in the region, given its geopolitical instability and poor regulatory environment.

EMEA: 28 countries assessed



Most favorable  Germany, the United Kingdom, Estonia and the Czech Republic are among the leading locations offering low risk across all parameters.

Least favorable  Nigeria has one of the least favorable business environments given its poor state of infrastructure, macroeconomic instability, and concerns around the regulatory and business environment.

***Download a complimentary abstract of the report here.***

About Everest Group

Everest Group is a consulting and research firm focused on strategic IT, business services, engineering services, and sourcing. Our clients include leading global enterprises, service providers, and investors. Through our research-informed insights and deep experience, we guide clients in their journeys to achieve heightened operational and financial performance, accelerated value delivery, and high-impact business outcomes. Details and in-depth content are available at http://www.everestgrp.com/


Chinas New Censored Words Reveal A Young Journalists Dream of Freedom

The combination of eight-year-old and anti-China recently became censored words in China. This combination represents the past experience of a 22-year-old Chinese journalist who is currently being detained in Beijing.

According to reported statistics in U.S.-based China Digital Times, the words are now censored in China because of journalist Tian Chang. Online search results of these words on social media platforms only show official announcements and posts that are approved by the regime.

Chinese state-owned tabloid Global Times reported on April 15 that Tian was convicted of collusion with foreign forces to subvert state power in China. He started to listen to anti-China radio when he was eight years old and became a target of foreign anti-China forces to use him as their agent, states the report.

Yi, a university student from Beijing who knows Tian, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times on April 19 that Tian used to write news reports for U.S.-based media Boxun, Voice of America, and pro-democracy newspaper Yibao, and he mainly reported the facts in detail. He is not anti-Chinese Communist Party (CCP), let alone anti-China.

Han Lianchao, vice president of the U.S.-based pro-democracy group Citizen Power Initiatives for China, and Wang Jie, a U.S.-based independent Chinese scholar, also shared their personal experiences with Tian on Twitter and YouTube.

Wang said Tian is an outstanding young journalist who is pursuing democracy and freedom. Han criticized the Global Times on Twitter, saying it was lying, and that Tian is an innocent, productive journalist who didnt slander China nor follow any foreign officials order.

Guo Jun, a U.S.-based former senior reporter for China Youth Daily, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times on April 19 that he felt bad for the young journalist. He said the Chinese regime is inhumane and doesnt allow Chinese reporters to have contact with overseas media.

A police officer gestures as he secures an area outside Beijings Tiananmen Square, on World Press Freedom Day in Beijing, China, on May 3, 2020. (Nicolas AsfouriI/AFP via Getty Images)

Young Journalist

Tian, born in 1999, was a university student at Yanshan University in northern Chinas Hebei Province. His major was literature and news.

According to Wang, Tian introduced himself as the third generation of a CCP senior official. His father is a Chinese refugee living in Russia who left China in June 1989 after the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Tians parents divorced when he was young and his mother works for the communist regime. Wang didnt mention when Tians parents met and married, nor where Tian was born.

Global Times said according to the National Security Agency, Tian started to listen to foreign radio when he was eight years old. Since then, he has frequently crossed the Great FirewallChinas internet censorship systemby using a virtual private network and surfed overseas websites full of anti-China political information.

In January 2016, Tian registered on foreign social media platforms and started to chat with people who the regime called anti-China forces. After entering university, Tian started to write for foreign media and was paid.

The report didnt mention which media Tian wrote for, but said he wrote over 500 articles on these media and visited a foreign country secretly to receive orders from Western officials.

Han and Wang clarified that Tian visited the United States for two weeks from late April 2019 to early May 2019.

Tian Chang stayed in New York for most of his time except when he visited Voice of America headquarters, Radio Free Asia, and his fathers friend Han Lianchao in Washington D.C., Wang said in his video posted on April 15.

When he was in New York, Tian had visited some friends and some Chinese people who support democracy and freedom, according to Wang. At other times, Tian went shopping and visited tourist sites.

Han said that he took Tian to visit several human rights officials in Washington, and Tian told them about his life and work environment in China. Nobody asked him to do anything, Han emphasized.

The Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 17, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Tians Disappearance

Yi told The Epoch Times that in late June 2019, Tian asked him to contact another Chinese journalist if he couldnt contact him for two weeks. Tian explained that he was in some trouble and the regime would likely do something to him.

Yi then couldnt contact Tian anymore. He and the other journalist, who Tian asked him to contact, couldnt figure out what happened to Tian.

Wang shared an audio recording from October 2019, in which Tian said he was released by Chinese police and was required to work for Chinese-owned DW News and write four propaganda articles per week. Soon after, Wang lost contact with Tian. No one has seen Tian since that time.

[This is] shameless political persecution! Han commented on Twitter. CCP officials must have tortured Tian.

Guo told The Epoch Times that the CCP controls all journalists tightly. If I publish one sentence Chinese people wish you a happy new year! in your newspaper, I will be guilty according to the CCPs rules. The CCP doesnt allow any journalist to have contact with foreign media.

Its unclear where Tian is detained and whether he is healthy.

In the Global Times report, other young journalists who supported Hong Kong people were punished by the CCP.
by Scott F. Aikin and Robert B. Talisse

Enthusiasm for public philosophy, and public-facing scholarship more generally, is pervasive. As active contributors to the public philosophy genre, we hold that its valuable for academics to reach out to broader audiences. Its good to think deeply about the issues central to living a meaningful life, and this activity shouldnt be confined to the halls of academia.

Yet the practice of public philosophy occasions problems of its own. To start, there is the tendency towards cheapening and deforming philosophical reflection, which comes with selling philosophical programs as life hacks and self-help regimens. This tendency is often accompanied by an effort to monetize philosophy, which in turn of course makes it less public. Weve already written on this problem (here and here). Setting this aside, there is an additional problem. Enthusiasm for public-facing work among professors has recently begun percolating up into university administration. This, in part, has been fueled by the insistence among the professoriate that public scholarship ought to be institutionalized, counted alongside strictly academic work for purposes of promotion, merit assessment, and other forms of advancement. In short, college administrators have begun warming to the idea that faculty ought to develop a profile of public outreach. In some institutions, that faculty will contribute public-facing work is a more-or-less explicit expectation, often tied, albeit vaguely, to benchmarks for promotion and other institutional rewards.

Were suspicious of the proposal that public-facing scholarly activities should be institutionalized.

To repeat, we think that public academic engagement is generally valuable. We also think that for academics with certain kinds of expertise and capacities, public-facing work is imperative, perhaps rising to the level of a civic duty. But not everything thats valuable can be assessed in terms of professional advancement. And not everything worth doing as an academic can be transferred into the currency by which colleges and universities recognize and reward faculty. In our view, there is important civic work that academics may be required to perform for which there could be no institutional credit. More specifically, we believe that philosophers should resist the institutionalizing of their public engagement.

To get a sense of what we think should be resisted, consider the American Philosophical Associations Statement on Valuing Public Philosophy:

The APA encourages departments, colleges, and universities to recognize public philosophy as a growing site for scholarly improvement. To that end, the APA encourages institutions to develop standards for rewarding public philosophy in decisions regarding promotion, tenure, and salary, so that faculty members who are interested in this work may, if they choose, pursue it without professional discouragement or penalty.

Surely faculty should not be penalized for contributing scholarship that reaches out to nonacademic audiences and the general public. However, the injunction to abandon the view that public philosophy isnt worth doing differs from the proposition that institutions to develop standards for rewarding public philosophy in decisions regarding promotion, tenure, and salary. The danger of the latter proposal is that, once a faculty members public-facing work is folded into the usual schemes of recognition and reward, its quality will become a focus of professional assessment. However, most public-facing scholarship is not subject to peer review, and thus its content often does not have the endorsement of the scholarly community to which the faculty member belongs. What this means is that, in crediting public scholarship, administrators will need to apply their own conception of the relevant metrics for evaluation. The danger is that, once it is introduced into the formal channels of professional advancement, ones contributions to public philosophy will be assessed according to administrators ideals concerning the branding and public face of the university.

Imagine a Dean who is considering a tenure and promotion case in which the faculty candidate has made several contributions to public philosophy, in addition to their standard package of teaching, research, and service accomplishments. The strictly academic publications have passed peer review. So, if the Dean doesnt think so much of the candidates research program, thats beside the point  longstanding principles of academic freedom protect faculty from that kind of caprice. But with public-facing work, surely the Dean gets to judge its quality. Thats partly what it means for the scholarship to be public, after all. Now, if the Dean thinks the candidates public work is silly, superficial, politically risky, or out of step with the Deans own vision of the universitys brand, thats relevant. Because now its the administration thats the judge of the philosophical quality of the work.

As is often lamented among faculty, universities increasingly are keen to cultivate and protect an image. The idea that colleges and universities are fundamentally brands, and thus need to be managed and curated is not far off the mark. This is partly why professors are regularly reminded, often in official documents, that they are at all times representatives of their universities. Although public-facing scholarship that cultivates that image and affirms that brand will certainly be appreciated. But what about work that causes a stir, perhaps with donors, alumni, or the broader community?

In asking colleges and universities to give faculty official credit for public scholarship, we also invite those institutions to assess our contributions. And here the norms and standards for evaluation are not only unclear but very likely will be alien from the perspective of the usual markers of quality that apply to strictly academic work: peer-review, citation metrics, and the like. In short, the movement to introduce public-facing scholarship into the usual scheme of academic evaluation and credit risks commodifying that work in ways that make it hostage to the commercial interests of colleges and universities.

Perhaps it goes without saying that this danger is especially pronounced when it comes to public philosophy. Philosophical thinking often requires one to take seriously strange ideas, remote possibilities, and disconcerting theses. Sometimes, these are offered for the purpose of defending counterintuitive claims. But, perhaps just as often, they are introduced for the sake of initiating a kind of reflection on the seemingly ordinary and obvious ideas we inhabit in day-to-day living. Public philosophy is in this sense different from, say, public physics. The latter is typically a matter of popularizing physics in ways that make difficult concepts accessible to nonacademic audiences. Public philosophy isnt simply popularizing philosophical ideas (though it typically involves that). It is more often a matter of instigating a kind of thinking, a kind of thinking that can be disorienting, heretical, and frustrating.

When done well, public philosophy presents a challenge for anyone seeking to protect the universitys brand. Consequently, the proposal that such work be credited alongside other scholarly activities that are already governed by strong norms of academic freedom should be rejected.
This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it weekdays.

Big technology companies are still misdiagnosing why they have so many enemies.

Mark Zuckerberg this week told interviewers that people and institutions who are losing control in the world blame Facebook for the changes theyre seeing. Jeff Bezos last week countered critics of Amazon by doing back-of-the-envelope math to calculate his companys value to shoppers, employees and businesses.

The sentiment behind these executives messages was, basically: If people dont appreciate our companies contributions to the world, theyre wrong.

Zuckerberg and Bezos were sort of right, but they also missed the point. They failed to acknowledge the root cause of government investigations into tech companies and criticisms from some competitors and business partners: Where there is power, there is suspicion. And technology companies are among the most powerful forces in the world.
Several Chinese hackers are accused of breaching Pulse Secure VPN and targeting the United States and international defence agencies, financial institutions, and government departments. The FireEye cybersecurity firm released this info.

Security experts involved in the current investigation said that hackers could be members of the alleged Chinese government-linked UNC2630 cyber attacker group.

They added that the hacking group could have started their malicious act way back in June 2020 or even earlier than that. FireEye also explained that the current breach is a serious one since many financial, government, and defence organizations rely on Pulse Secure's VPN service.

Is the Chinese hackers' alleged activity really serious?

Security Magazine reported that since the current Chinese hacking issue could lead to a massive breach, CISA (The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) has already issued an emergency directive on Pulse Connect Secure.

Also Read: Instagram Anti-Abusive DM Tool Helps Protect Users from Harassing and Harmful Messages

This directive orders government agencies and departments across the globe to use the Pulse Connect Secure Integrity Tool since it could help them protect their valuable credentials and other sensitive information.

On the other hand, FireEye security researchers claimed that the accused hacking group could also be connected to APT5, another online attacking group, which was also linked to the Chinese government.

"We suspect some intrusions were due to the exploitation of previously disclosed Pulse Secure vulnerabilities from 2019 and 2020," added the involved security experts.

Is Pulse Secure working on the issue?

On Tuesday, Apr. 20, Pulse Secure confirmed that they are already investigating the alleged VPN issue. The company added that its team is working on possible ways and methods on how to fix the said flaw.

"The team has been working proactively with leading forensic experts and industry groups, including Mandiant/FireEye, CISA, and Stroz Friedberg, among others, to investigate and respond to the exploit behavior," said Pulse Secure.

Meanwhile, Business Insider reported that the United Kingdom. government's National Cyber Security Center advised its domestic customers to conduct a workaround published by the giant VPN provider.

For more news updates about the Pulse VPN issue and other serious security breaches, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Ransomware Group Targets Apple Supplier Quanta Demanding $50M in Exchange of Stolen Data

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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BELLEVUE  An undeveloped downtown parking lot at 100 107th Ave N.E. in Bellevue sold for $14.5 million, according to King County records.

The buyer was 100 107th LLC, which is associated with a Bellevue broker and attorney. No new plans have been filed.





. . .
"As the father to children who have benefitted from the incredible work of the therapists and volunteers at HorseAbility, I am so grateful for equine organizations like HorseAbility," Krafft said. "My daughter has been riding with HorseAbility for over five years, and it has been an absolute blessing for our family. The volunteers and instructors are so wonderful with the children and horses. I want to bring awareness to organizations like HorseAbility in any way that I can and encourage others to lend their support."

HorseAbility is proud to be one of only two Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Centers on Long Island. HorseAbility offers a variety of Equine Assisted Services for recreation, education, and wellness therapy. Qualified lesson plans may involve riding, driving, or ground-based activities (e.g., grooming, handling, leading, observing) to match each child's needs and comfort level.

Mr. Krafft's professional accolades and international presence as a former L'Oreal executive puts him in front of a large audience of business insiders and influencers who can make a difference for nonprofits like HorseAbility. The hope is to bring more awareness to these organizations and enable their growth and sustainability.

In addition to supporting HorseAbility, Mr. Krafft volunteers with several other children-centric charitable organizations. He has helped renovate an education center for kids disconnected from their families organization and another facility to support children with special needs.

To support HorseAbility, please visit www.horseability.org/support and to learn more about Nicolas Krafft, click here .

About Nicolas Krafft:

Nicolas Krafft brings more than a decade of experience to the L'Oreal brands. Starting as a product manager at L'Oreal Professional, Krafft moved through the company's ranks to become VP of Global Business Development and later the International General Manager for the Pulp Riot brand. His successes included launching new product lines , growing market share in challenging economic environments, and developing an international presence for L'Oreal-owned brands like Kerastase, Matrix, and Biolage. Nicolas recently attended the Digital Executive Education program at Columbia University in New York City.

Born in Switzerland, Krafft is fluent in French, German, and English and is truly a global citizen . He has also lived in Canada, the United States, France, Latvia, Romania, and Germany. This has led Krafft to better understand the cultures of the world through his work and personal life. He loves working with people in ways that help them develop and grow as employees and people. He has found success across borders, building, and maintaining relationships with people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Nicolas Krafft
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A recent market study published by FMI on the Power Generator for Military market includes the global industry analysis of 2015-2019 & opportunity assessment for 2020-2030, and delivers a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics. Our analysts have conducted thorough research on the historical as well as current growth parameters of the market to obtain growth prospects with maximum precision.

Regions and Countries Level Analysis

Regional analysis is another highly comprehensive part of the research and analysis study of the global Generator for Military is presented in the report. This section sheds light on the sales growth of different regional and country-level Generator for Military. For the historical and forecast period 2016 to 2026, it provides detailed and accurate country-wise volume analysis and region-wise market size analysis of the global Generator for Military .



The report offers in-depth assessment of the growth and other aspects of the Generator for Military is in important countries (regions), including United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, etc. It also throws light on the progress of key regional Generator for Military such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.

Power Generator for Military Market: Segmentation

Capacity

Upto 60 KW

61 to 250 KW

251 to 500 KW

501 to 1000 KW

Output Type

AC

DC

Visit For Sample>>https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12533

Report Chapters

Chapter 01  Executive Summary

The report gives a brief with the executive summary of the power generator for military market, which includes a summary of the key findings and statistics of the market. It also includes the demand & supply-side trends pertaining to the power generator for military market.

Chapter 02  Market Overview

In this chapter, readers can find the definition and a detailed taxonomy of the Power generator for military market, which will help them understand the basic information about the power generator for military market. Along with this, comprehensive information about power generator for military is provided in this section. This section also highlights the inclusions and exclusions, which help readers understand the scope of the power generator for military market report.

Chapter 03  Key Trend

The chapter reveals key trend shaping the power generator for military market growth.

Chapter 04  Key Success Factors

This section includes key successful factors and strategies adopted by key market participants.

Chapter 05  Global Power Generator for Military Market Volume Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This section also explains the global market volume analysis and forecast for the power generator for military market in the forecast period of 2020-2030.

Chapter 06  Pricing Analysis

Pricing analysis of the Power Generator for Military market at the regional level has been provided in this section.

Chapter 07  Global Power Generator for Military Market Demand Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This section explains the global market value analysis and forecast for the power generator for military market for the forecast period of 2020-2030. This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the historical power generator for military market, along with an opportunity analysis for the future. Readers can also find the absolute $ opportunity for the current year (2019), and incremental $ opportunity for the forecast period.

For any queries linked with the report, ask an analyst >>https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-12533

Chapter 08  Market Background

This chapter explains key macroeconomic factors that are expected to influence the growth of the power generator for military market over the forecast period. Along with the macroeconomic factors, this section also highlights supply chain, forecast factors, and value chain analysis for the power generator for military market. Moreover, in-depth information about the market dynamics and their impact analysis on the market have been provided in the successive section.

Chapter 09  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Capacity

This chapter provides details about the power generator for military market on the basis of capacity and has been classified by Upto 60 KW, 61 to 250 KW, 251 to 500 KW, 501 to 1000 KW, and Above 1000 KW.

Chapter 10  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Output Type

This chapter provides details about the power generator for military market based on Output type and has been classified into AC and DC.

Chapter 11  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Fuel Type

This chapter provides details about the power generator for military market based on Fuel Type and has been classified into diesel and natural gas.

Chapter 12  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Installation Type

This chapter provides details about the power generator for military market based on Installation type and has been classified as stationary and mobile & portable.

Chapter 13  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Application

This chapter provides details about the power generator for military market based on application type and has been classified as Communication System, Air Defence System, Field Hospitals, Field Camps/Accommodation, Lighting, Military Vehicles, and Others.

Chapter 14  Global Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Region

This chapter explains how the power generator for military market will grow across various geographic regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa.

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Chapter 15  North America Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the North America power generator for military market, along with a country-wise assessment that includes the U.S. and Canada. Readers can also find the pricing analysis, regional trends, and market growth based on material and countries in North America.

Chapter 16  Latin America Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter provides the growth scenario of the power generator for military market in Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and the Rest of Latin America. Along with this, an assessment of the market across target segments has been provided.

Chapter 17  Europe Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

Important growth prospects of the power generator for military market based on its application in several countries such as Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Spain, Russia and the Rest of Europe are included in this chapter.

Chapter 18  South Asia Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter highlights the growth of the power generator for military market in South Asia by focusing on India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Rest of SA. This section also helps readers understand the key factors that are responsible for the growth of the Power Generator for Military market in South Asia.

Chapter 19  East Asia Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter highlights the growth of the power generator for military market in East Asia by focusing on China, Japan, and South Korea. This section also helps readers understand the key factors that are responsible for the growth of the Power generator for military market in East Asia.

Chapter 20  Oceania Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter highlights the growth of the power generator for military market in Oceania by focusing on Australia and New Zealand. This section also helps readers understand the key factors that are responsible for the growth of the Power Generator for Military market in Oceania.

Chapter 21  MEA Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter provides information about how the power generator for military market will grow in major countries in the MEA region such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and the Rest of MEA, during the forecast period of 2020-2030.

Chapter 22  Africa Power Generator for Military Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

This chapter provides information about how the power generator for military market will grow in major countries in the Africa region such as Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rest of Africa, during the forecast period of 2020-2030.

Chapter 23  Market Structure Analysis

In this chapter, readers can find detailed information about the tier analysis and market concentration of key players in the power generator for military market, along with their market presence analysis by region and product portfolio.

Chapter 24  Competition Analysis

In this chapter, readers can find a comprehensive list of all the prominent stakeholders in the power generator for military market, along with detailed information about each company, which includes company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Some of the market players featured in the report are Cummins Inc., Caterpillar Inc., Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, HIMOINSA, Harrington Generators International, Teknel srl, GRUPEL S.A., VYVOJ Martin, HITZINGER GmbH, Fischer Panda GmbH, Ascot Industrial S.r.l., GREEN POWER SYSTEMS S.r.l., Kohler Co., Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., and Ausonia S.r.l.

Chapter 25  Assumptions and Acronyms

This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provides a base to the information and statistics included in the power generator for military market report.

Chapter 26  Research Methodology

This chapter help readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the power generator for military market.

About FMI

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMIs latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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NEWS that Lidl stores in Ireland are to donate free period products to girls and women each month has been warmly welcomed by the girls in the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore.

Transition Year students undertook to raise the issue last year and ran a campaign called ''Bloody Outrageous''.

The students carried out a survey in the school and discovered that many girls were finding it difficult to pay for sanitary products each month.

They asked for donations of pads and tampons and received many from pharmacies and other students.

Esra Mukassabi was one of the students involved in the campaign, she is delighted with the response from Lidl.

''All the girls are filled with happiness. Lidl is making history. I think it will have a huge impact and hopefully other businesses will follow and it will have a domino effect.''

Esra went on to say the sanitary products are ''not cheap'', she said branded tampons and pads can cost around 2.50 while unbranded are around 1.60.

''We are so grateful for this act of kindness. Finally someone stepped up.'' Esra said she hopes the rest of the world will follow Lidl's lead.

Lidl Ireland is set to become the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in stores nationwide to women and girls across the country affected by period poverty in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland and The Simon Communities of Ireland. The new initiative will see the retailer offer a dedicated coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons per customer each month through their app Lidl Plus, and has also committed to quarterly donations of these products to The Simon Communities to ensure people experiencing homelessness - who may not have access to a smartphone - can access these essential products.
The verdict  and the aftermath  will be a continuing test for Biden. He has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping African Americans who supported him in large numbers in last years election in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyds death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.
Remote support software specialist LogMeIn is claiming that it contributed to avoiding as much as 63 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through its customers use of GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar during the first year of the pandemic - between April 2020 and March 2021 - compared to daily commuting and business travel for company meetings.

LogMeIn's claims come with its announcement on Wednesday of data quantifying the impact of a years worth of remote work on sustainability efforts around the globe.

LogMeIn also cites a report that, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that figure (63 million) is equivalent to taking nearly 13.8 million cars off the road for a year, 7.6 million homes' energy use for one year, or one billion trees planted.

LogMeIn says that through its suite of remote work products, it has enabled customers to effectively work safely and securely from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to LogMeIn, reduced carbon emissions through the enablement of remote work is just one way it is committed to global sustainability - and through its Corporate Social Responsibility program, the company is also continuing to work toward actionable sustainability goals, including reaching Net Zero Emissions by 2030, and to further the companys own practices both in the office and at home as it adopts a remote-centric work policy globally.

As part of that strategy, the company is procuring certified carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs) to mitigate 100% of the companys own operational emissions in 2020 and beyond, LogMeIn says.

LogMeIn says the increased usage of LogMeIns products during the pandemic underscores the companys contribution to customers working effectively from home while reducing emissions substantially.

In addition to the above impact from the GoTo unified communications and collaboration (UCC) products, a usage surge was also seen across the companys full portfolio of products, including remote access and support solutions such as LogMeIn Central, LogMeIn Pro and Rescue, LogMeIn notes.

Even as we temporarily physically distance to help bring COVID-19 under control, the digital revolution is connecting us more closely than ever and is here to stay. LogMeIns products, such as GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar, help to enable this work from anywhere revolution, said Jim Boyle, CEO & Founder of Sustainability Roundtable, Inc.  a shared-cost industry leadership service that assists LogMeIn with its own sustainability goals.

In leveraging the impact these products can have on LogMeIns global community of employees, customers, and partners to improve their environmental responsibility, it demonstrates the difference a science-inspired company can make when it decides to lead.

According to LogMeIn, while there will continue to be a place for certain types of face-to-face meetings, many companies, including LogMeIn, are looking to reduce the amount of business travel and commutes for employees.

LogMeIn says this shift will help offset the time, expense and carbon footprint by utilising technology to host virtual interactions.

It is expected that products like those from LogMeIn will continue to play an essential role in maintaining business continuity and allowing employees the flexibility to work how, where and when they want, as well as to help companies achieve their own sustainability goals, LogMeIn commented.

Even when a return to the office and business travel is safe, companies that offer remote work and reduce business travel in favor of virtual events and meetings will continue to see a lasting impact on their own emission reduction goals.

2020 and the early part of 2021 were full of challenges for us all, however, as a company we are immensely proud of the role we were able to play supporting organisations remote work needs, said Bill Wagner, President and CEO at LogMeIn.

Through the use of our products, business leaders were able to see that flexible work could and should be something that continues long after the pandemic. Not only because data shows its what employees want, but also because its what can help our environment.

Sustainability is a core pillar here at LogMeIn and as restrictions begin to lift and our new normal takes shape, we, and many others, are embracing the learnings from this past year to adopt a totally new way of working that includes a hybrid approach to where we work.

By reducing business travel and commutes in favor of virtual meetings and events we can make a significant and lasting impact on the world around us, Wagner concluded.
South Africa: Limpopo Premier signs up for vaccination

Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha has reiterated governments commitment to protecting the elderly from the deadly COVID-19 virus during the provincial launch of the vaccination self-registration campaign.

Mathabatha, who publicly registered for his jab on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), said the day signified another milestone in governments unwavering commitment to tackling the pandemic.

The hallmark of a caring government is to protect first the most vulnerable. The vaccination of this section of the society will also begin with registration just like with the rest, Mathabatha said on Wednesday.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, officially opened the COVID-19 vaccine online registration for the public on Friday, starting with those who are aged 60 and above.

We are indeed making strides in the rollout of South Africas biggest vaccination drive. Standing here today, we can proudly say to ourselves that indeed, we are on course, said Mathabatha.

He told the residents of Ga-Mphahlele village that the country is expecting to wrap up its first phase soon, which focused on healthcare workers.

Those who are aged 60 and older will follow the first phase, as they are classified as among the most susceptible to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

The process of registration will ensure that government achieves its objective of distributing the vaccine among all its qualifying citizens equitably, Mathabatha said.

The Premier urged all qualifying sections of society to vaccinate against COVID-19, as government works tirelessly to achieve herd immunity.

Here, we will have a certain percentage of people, who will be vaccinated, such that the virus can no longer spread in communities. Hence, we must assist our elderly people to register to vaccinate.

The Premier said he has instructed the MEC of Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, to come up with strategies to ensure easy access for the elderly who live in rural areas and townships, and may not have the internet.

The MEC has promised me that in the few coming weeks, her department will announce facilities which will serve as registration sites for those who cannot register themselves, said Ramathuba.

Limpopo will use the services of community healthcare workers to go door-to-door to register those who live far from these sites.

Our community healthcare workers are currently being trained to undertake this mammoth but noble duty, said Ramathuba.

She pleaded with youngsters to assist pensioners to register.

We need to emphasise that it is important to register in advance because only those who are registered on the EVDS will be allowed to receive the vaccine.

On Monday, Mkhize said 343 420 senior citizens have already registered on the EVDS.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has been declared guilty by the jury on Tuesday for all three counts of murder of George Floyd.

CBN News reported that Chauvin has been charged guilty for felony murder to second degree manslaughter for his culpable negligence that led to the death of Floyd. Chauvin pinned down Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, on the neck for 9.5 minutes.

As per CBN News, the jury--a mix of five men and seven women with six white and four black--took two days of deliberating for 10 hours to arrive at the verdict. The prosecution stressed Floyd posed no threat to the officers on the scene. While the defense focused the issue on Floyd's cause of death be seen in the context of drugs and heart disease and not what Chauvin did.

Many applauded the verdict, taking it as sign of justice rendered and renewed hope in America. The NPR reported that "scenes of joy and relief erupted across the country" after the jury declared Chauvin guilty. While CNN run a gallery of photos that show people from across America in tears while rejoicing.

"It's a new day in America. I was really worried, I was worried about my city. Thank God my city will not burn tonight. Finally, some little piece of justice," remarked B.J. Wilder, one of the people gathered a the George Floyd Square waiting for the verdict to be delivered, in an interview with NPR.

While the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference said in its statement that the jury's decision shows how far Americans "have to go on" the "long march toward justice". NHCLC, through its President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, expressed hopes that the "ultimate solution" may come for both Republicans and Democrats towards the "understanding and love of one's neighbor whatever the color of their skin".

"Today's decision has demonstrated yet again how far we have to go on our long march toward justice. The wounds of our past continue to bleed into our present reality and the tensions in American life--revealed by this terrible tragedy--have remind us that there will probably be another George Floyd and another Derek Chauvin," Rodriguez said.

Similarly, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement on the matter through Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development Chairman Archbishop Paul Coakley and Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism Chairman Bishop Shelton Fabre. The bishops stressed the "deep need to see the sacredness in all people" and the "urgent need for racial healing and reconciliation" in the country.

"Today, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. As we receive this result, we recall that God is the source of all justice, love, and mercy. The death of George Floyd highlighted and amplified the deep need to see the sacredness in all people, but especially those who have been historically oppressed. Whatever the stage of human life, it not only matters, it is sacred. The events following George Floyd's death also highlighted the urgent need for racial healing and reconciliation," the USCCB said.

The Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission through its President Russell Moore, on the other hand, expressed gratitude through his Twitter account for the decision that signified a "new era" for America.

"Grateful for justice rendered in Minneapolis. Let's remember today the family of George Floyd. And let's work together for a new era of racial justice and American hope," Moore said.

The case has actually brought a string of riots in the cities of Minnesota and across the country, as per CBN News. This was on top of the controversy added to it by California Representative Maxine Waters for inciting violence should the jury not declare Chauvin guilty.

CBN News highlighted that despite inciting violence, Democrats sided with Waters by rejecting an attempt to censure her and cited a tweet of Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise taking to Twitter his disappointment for it.

"BREAKINGEvery single House Democrat just voted to stand with Maxine Waters. They made it clear: Democrats are fine with Democrat politicians inciting violence and chaos," Scalise tweeted on Tuesday.

Lawyer Alan Dershowitz hit Waters, saying she used the "playbook of the Ku Klux Klan" to influence the result of the trial, the Washington Examiner reported.

"The irony of what congresswoman Waters did. She borrowed the playbook of the Ku Klux Klan from the 1920s and 1930s. They would stand outside of courtrooms, and they would threaten violence," he explained.

"What she did was disgraceful," he said.
Originally, enough Moderna doses for 20 million people were supposed to arrive in May after President Moon Jae-in personally made a troubleshooting call to the Moderna CEO, but that seems to have netted only an empty promise.

Supplies of Moderna's vaccine to Korea have now also been delayed and will not arrive until the second half of this year, Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki admitted Tuesday.

Last Thursday, health authorities said "consultations are underway" about contract manufacturing of "an authorized vaccine" by a Korean pharmaceutical company, and if those come to fruition production could start in August. They did not name the brand but seem to have been referring to Moderna.

That means neither the promised Pfizer nor Moderna vaccines will arrive on time, leaving the government's vaccination plan in ever greater disarray.

A minuscule portion of the population have been inoculated with the available AstraZeneca vaccine, but the rollout is proceeding at a snail's pace after setbacks due to fears of blood clots, and the vaccine will now not be given to under-30s.

As criticism mounts, the government said it has been discussing with Washington a "vaccine swap" -- modeled on a currency swap -- which would allow Korea to secure more supplies from the U.S. and give the same amount back later through manufacturing locally here or by other means.

In a parliamentary session earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong said Korea is "seriously" considering the arrangement and that was one of key issues in his meeting with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in Seoul last week.

But even though the U.S. has enough vaccines for every American, it is reportedly saying that there are insufficient supplies.

Meanwhile, the daily tally of new coronavirus infections here surged to 731 as of Wednesday morning.
Jailed Russian critic, Alexey Navalny has been moved from prison to a regional hospital for prisoners as concerns grow amongst the international community over his health. Navalny has been on hunger strike since March 31, demanding "proper medical care" and to be examined by an independent doctor -- something his team claims he has been unable to get in the penal colony in Pokrov.



Navalny's supporters say that his medical condition is rapidly deteriorating. His press secretary said over the weekend that Navalny was "dying" and his doctors said medical tests showed he is at growing risk of renal failure and heart problems.



Biden Administration thereafter, announced it will punish Russia if anything is allowed to happen to Navalny who was allegedly given nerve poison by Russian agents in 2020, an act that almost claimed his life.



Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) said in a statement Monday that the opposition leader had been moved to the hospital, which specializes in "dynamic" observation of patients.



The hospital is located on the "territory" of another penal colony, in the Vladimir region.



The statement said that Navalny was in "satisfactory" condition and is being examined by a doctor every day. With Navalny's consent, he has been prescribed "vitamin therapy," the penitentiary service added.



Russia's move also comes after nearly a dozen Russian politicians published an open letter to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, saying that he was personally responsible for the Navalny's life.



Responding to the letter from politicians, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday April 19, that "frankly ... the overwhelming majority of those who signed this letter have no information at all about whom and what this is all about."



When asked how the Kremlin perceives warnings from US officials that Russia will face consequences if Navalny dies, Peskov said: "We in no way perceive such statements, which are voiced by representatives of other states. The state of health of convicts on the territory of the Russian Federation cannot and should not be a topic of their interests."



Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on April 21 in support of him.









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President Joe Biden is expected to push for a long-term extension of the child tax credit that would keep $300 monthly payments in place until 2025. According to CNBC, Biden wants to extend the credits as part of a soon-to-be announced American Families Plan.

While the plan has not been officially unveiled, a source close to the administration confirmed the tax credit plans earlier this week. Along with extending the tax credit, the plan would also make money available for child care, paid leave and pre-K education. The American Families Plan will include roughly $1 trillion in spending and $500 billion in tax credits.

The Biden plan would be funded through tax increases for the wealthy. Those tax increases may include raising the top income tax rate to 39.6% and taxing capital gains as ordinary income, according to CNBC.

President Biden has already put forward the first part of his historic plan to invest in the strength of Americas economy and families, and hell be outlining the second element of that proposal in the coming days, said White House spokesman Michael Gwin in a statement.

The child tax credit was expanded as part of the American Rescue Plan, passed last month, which also included stimulus checks for millions of Americans. Lawmakers expanded the annual child tax credit for one year and allowed tax payers the option to receive six monthly payments from July 2021 until December 2021 rather than receiving all the money as a tax credit on their 2021 taxes.

As part of the expansion, the credit increases the value from a maximum of $2,000 per child to $3,000 for each child aged 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under 6. If a qualified married couple has three children aged between 6 to 17, they can expect to receive $250 per child or a total of $750 per month for six months.

In order to qualify for the full tax credit, your adjusted gross income must not exceed certain thresholds. For a single person, their adjusted gross income cannot exceed $75,000 a year in order to receive the full credit. The credit will be reduced on incomes up to $95,000 for single people, but anyone earning more than that will not qualify for the larger credit.

Married couples or those who file jointly must be below $150,000 in combined adjusted gross income to receive the full benefit and up to $170,000 for a reduced credit. If your income exceeds the thresholds, you can still claim the $2,000 tax credit if your income is less than $200,000 for a single person or $400,000 for a couple.

Currently, there is no limit on the number of children you can receive credits for as long as your children are the correct age and your income does not exceed the thresholds.

The new plan will coincide with an already-announced $2 trillion American Jobs Plan, which is expected to include money for infrastructure improvements across the U.S. Those improvements would include money for repairing roads, bridges and airports while also expanding broadband access, improving utilities, housing and job training.

Republicans in Congress have been critical of the previous expansion of child tax credit and on calls to increase corporate taxes to pay for Bidens infrastructure plans. The American Jobs Plan would increase the corporate tax rate to 28% as part of the initial infrastructure plan, CNBC reports.
She never fails to turn heads in stylish ensembles on her way into work.

And Kelly Brook looked chic as ever as she arrived at Heart FM in London on Wednesday.

The broadcaster, 41, dazzled onlookers with a beaming smile as she walked in to Global Studios in a black turtleneck jumper and grey ripped jeans.

Stylish: Kelly Brook looked chic as ever as she arrived at Heart FM in London on Wednesday

Kelly looked cheerful as she strutted her stuff in the figure-hugging jumper and jeans combo.

She completed the laidback look with a pair of high-heeled black Chelsea boots that accentuated her model pins.

The presenter had given her hair a bouncy blow dry which styled her caramel tresses in glamorous curls.

And Kelly kept her makeup minimal for the outing as she accentuated her natural beauty with a touch of nude lipstick.

Chic: The broadcaster, 41, dazzled onlookers with a beaming smile as she walked in to Global Studios in a black turtleneck jumper and grey ripped jeans

She accessorised with a link gold necklace that featured a cute crest charm and decorated her ears with a pair of dinky hoops.

A social media star, Kelly clutched her phone as she headed in to work and flaunted a flawless red manicure.

And the presenter made a friend on the way into work as she playfully patted a zebra print camel statue that was positioned on the pavement.

New friends? She playfully patted a zebra print camel statue that was positioned on the pavement on the hump

The TV and radio star recently revealed she's considered proposing to boyfriend of six-years Jeremy Parisi on the next leap year.

Tradition dictates that women propose on leap years, and specifically the leap day itself, with the next one set to fall on February 29, 2024.

And it seems the host has a plan in place if she isn't engaged by then as she'll take matters into her own hands.

On call: A social media star, Kelly clutched her phone as she headed in to work and flaunted a flawless red manicure

Speaking to Hello! magazine about the last leap year - which they spent in Italy - she mused: 'I've missed that window so I'll just have to wait another four years!'

The actress also cleared up any confusion surrounding the diamond band that she is often seen wearing on her ring finger.

Although the jewellery was a gift from Jeremy - which has their names and date engraved on the back - it isn't to symbol an engagement, with the businesswoman revealing: 'I wear the ring on that finger because it's the only one that fits!'

Upbeat: Kelly looked cheerful as she strutted her stuff in the figure-hugging jumper and jeans combo

The honey-blonde beauty has been in a relationship with model Jeremy, 36, since April 2015, and said although she would love to get married and have children with him, neither are 'high on her list' of priorities right now.

And late last year, Kelly revealed her weight crept up to size 16 during the first lockdown, but she has since dropped two dress sizes.

She also admitted to altering her social media pictures in the past to recreate 'the 20-year-old version' of herself after struggling to come to terms with her figure.

Glitzy: She accessorised with a link gold necklace that featured a cute crest charm and decorated her ears with a pair of dinky hoops

Kelly told MailOnline: 'I would make the 20-year-old version of myself. It's been a process for me to accept my new body and my new life. So now, pretty much what you see on my Instagram is what I am.

'Some of the selfies I take, even though I don't digitally enhance them, they're beautifully lit and I know how to take a nice picture of myself. That's kind of cheating as well.'

The model, who was accused of using Photoshop in 2018 when she appeared to make herself look slimmer in a picture with boyfriend Jeremy Parisi, 35, at Ascot, added: 'It's a terrible message to send out if I started altering pictures digitally.

'That's not fair, so I wouldn't do that. Not to say in the past I haven't done that! When I was a size 16, I was like 'that's not what I look like!'' she added.
The tariff reduction implemented in the power sector in 2018 by the Akufo-Addo government is to blame for the current dumsor situation, former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor has posited. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) released a load-shedding timetable for parts of the Greater Accra Region spanning 10  17 May 2021 to allow its engineers to do critical works at the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point.



The project is meant to serve 350,000 households.



ECG CEO Kwame Agyeman Budu told the media during a tour of the project on Tuesday, 20 April 2021 that: We are coming up with a planned schedule for the areas that are going to be affected.



The areas have been grouped into four, he noted.



He added: It has been scheduled in such a way that no single customer will see the outage throughout for the eight days.



According to Mr Agyemang Budu, customers will see probably 12 hours outage in the day time while the next three days, they will experience the outage in the night time.



It will be rotated, he noted.



However, Dr Donkor told Class FM Wednesday, 21 April 2021 that the current challenges with power supply has its roots in the 2018 power tariff cuts.



We have real challenges and the challenges emanated from the first quarter 2018s tariff reduction. That is the crux of the matter, the Pru East MP said, explaining: In the first quarter 2018, specifically in March, the PURC and the government came out with a tariff reduction. Arising out of that tariff reduction, GRIDCo and all the other electricity utility [providers] came to parliament. I was and still am a member of the committee of mines and energy. When they appeared before us, we asked what the repercussions of the tariff reduction was going to be.



The GRIDCo CEO said theyll have to suspend some projects because they were going to lose about GHS280 million for 2018 alone as a result of that tariff reduction and, so, they were going to curtail some expansion projects, they were going to also slow down some maintenance works because they didnt have the cash flow to back it with that reduction and then they had this cooperation with the French Agency for International Development who also pulled the plugs because the balance sheet of GRIDCo arising out of that tariff reduction could not generate the cash flow needed for GRIDCos component on that project, he said.



And, therefore, Dr Donkor noted, projects which ought to have been completed in 2019, at worst 2020, have not been completed, adding: Some of them have just been reinstated. The French Agency project was reinstated only last year.



In his view, we lost out because of that tariff reduction.



Not only GRIDCo; ECGs cash flow was impaired. The same goes for NEDCo and, therefore, there has been a maintenance backlog, theres been a challenge with expansion and we must recognise that each year, theres a spatial growth.



Almost every area in Ghana is growing and that naturally comes along with a growth in power demand: extension of power to new areas, the need for new distributors, the need for new transformers etc., and, so, ordinarily, GRIDCo ECG, NEDCo would have to have a certain amount of growth ordinarily to keep up with growing spatial development, he added.



As far as he is concerned, the challenges with the power sector are being massaged and not tackled from the roots.



We are plastering major cracks and that is what leads to this shift from one excuse to another, Dr Donkor noted.



Concerning the debate about whether or not Ghana is experiencing dumsor, Dr Donkor said: Remember, a minister said this couldnt be dumsor because there was no timetable and now there is a timetable, so, does the timetable, per se, change the situation to dumsor? The challenge we have is that of shifting posts; dumsor is not an engineering term and when I was a minister [I was uncomfortable with the term dumsor] and I still am uncomfortable with the term dumsor. Im talking about load-shedding, that is very specific and that is engineering-based. Engineering supply-side management-based, so, you know exactly that at one point, you dont have generation capacity and, therefore, you have to ration what you have and that is what we call load-shedding.



At another point, you dont have enough transmission capacity and, so, you have to ration or you dont even have enough distributing capacity because if the distributing capacity is compromised, then you dont have enough and, so, youd have to load-shed but Ghanaians coined a political term dumsor to basically mean theres inadequate supply of electricity, so, it comes on and goes off. That is the term, so, the term dumsor is not a technical term. Its a political term invented by Ghanaians to denote the absence of stable power. If we look at it from that perspective, then it is easy to categorise the state we are in now. Do we have stable electricity supply? So that is what we should be looking at and not the acrobatic we are having.











Source: classfmonline.com









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2021-04-21

Maeci

MALAYSIA  NEW MoU SIGNED BETWEEN THE MILAN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY AND THE SARAWAK TIMBER INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (STIDC).



Poli.design, the Milan Polytechnics institute for design, has signed a MoU with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), an entity tasked with developing the timber industry in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

The aim of the MoU is to foster the development of the wood industry in Sarawak, both by collaborating in the research on the materials available in the state, which boasts over 2000 different species of wood, and through international education and skills-building projects for young designers from the State, who has started implementing training programmes in the field. In particular, Poli.design intends to support STIDC's programmes through transfer of know-how and new training methodologies regarding the design of finished products, furniture, interiors, etc..

Sarawak also hopes that the MoU may increase its commercial presence in European markets, which until now has been rather limited; according to STIDC's own sources, in fact, less than 1% of the State's exports end up in Europe.

The MoU builds on the prior collaboration, in the design sector, with the University of Kuala Lumpur, which started in 2019 with the establishment of the MIDI  Malaysia Italy Design Institute, again with the support of the Polytechnic, confirming the Italian design sectors endeavours to spearhead its international leadership in Malaysia as well.
ATLANTA, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community-based health centers and other facilities overcome recruitment challenges amid the nation's physician shortage, Jackson Physician Search, a firm specializing in the permanent recruitment of physicians, physician leaders and advanced practice providers throughout the U.S., and CommonWealth Purchasing Group (CPG), the leading group purchasing organization for community health centers, extended its partnership to provide recruitment solutions and consultative resources to CPG members.

Jackson Physician Search is a trusted organization with a 40+ year track record of success in physician recruitment that continues to pioneer innovative recruitment methodologies coupled with personalized service. As patient demand increases for the affordable and accessible services that FQHCs and other community-based centers provide, there has been a growing need for an effective and efficient recruitment solution.

Located in both urban and rural areas, community health centers have long struggled to recruit and retain primary care providers due to a rural maldistribution of talent, competitive compensation challenges and a host of other factors.

"We recognize that community health centers often have limited financial resources, which makes attracting top physicians and other providers especially challenging," said Jackson Physician Search President Tony Stajduhar. "Our 100% digital sourcing strategy that we've perfected during the last decade accelerates the recruitment process by identifying candidates who are both interested in the opportunity and are a strong cultural fit."

CPG's array of carefully vetted relationships streamlines the vendor selection process and enables facilities to operate more efficiently. Under the recently extended partnership with Jackson Physician Search, members will continue to benefit from a robust, opted-in candidate database, targeted email and social media advertising, job exposure on dozens of nationwide and specialty job boards, and an all-inclusive pricing model with no additional out-of-pocket expenses, as well as a CPG member discount.

"Three years ago, we recognized the synergy between Jackson Physician Search's commitment to a transparent process and fee structure and our dedication to creating discounted, high-quality resources for our network of cost-conscious FQHCs and other organizations," added CPG Senior Vice President Richard Bryant. "Since then, our members have benefited from a partner who understands their unique recruitment needs and whose candidate acquisition process has proven to be superior. It was an easy decision to extend our partnership."

To address an increasingly competitive market, Jackson Physician Search has also created resources to help organizations succeed in hiring and retaining providers. The firm provides research studies and white papers, recruitment calculators and educational webinars.

"I feel fortunate to continue to champion our relationship with CPG. With more Americans than ever depending on its members for their healthcare needs, it is rewarding to facilitate the recruitment of a wide variety of primary care providers, including physicians, advanced practice providers and dentists," said Jackson Physician Search Regional Vice President Trevor Strauss. "Our team is honored to have gained the trust of CPG and community health centers nationwide."

About CommonWealth Purchasing Group (CPG)

CommonWealth Purchasing Group is the leading group purchasing organization for community health centers and other community-based, non-profit organizations. Founded in 1998 by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, CPG has more than 725 members across all 50 states.

About Jackson Physician Search

Jackson Physician Search is an established industry leader in physician recruitment and pioneered the recruitment methodologies standard in the industry today. The firm specializes in the permanent recruitment of physicians, physician leaders and advanced practice providers for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and medical groups across the United States. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., the company is recognized for its track record of results built on client trust and transparency of processes and fees. Jackson Physician Search is part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies. For more information, visit www.jacksonphysiciansearch.com.

For More Information, Contact:

Kristen Myers

[email protected]

SOURCE Jackson Physician Search

Related Links

jacksonphysiciansearch.com


If progress is made on the remaining issues as expected, Tehan and his delegation will have the chance to sign a draft deal on Friday. However, the team has been angered by the UKs tactics and agreement could possibly be delayed by several weeks. Plans are well advanced for the deal to be formally signed when Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the UK in June for the G7 summit of world leaders, according to Australian and British officials not authorised to speak on the record. Trade Minister Dan Tehan is seeking to progress trade deals with Britain and the European Union. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The signing ceremony could happen on the sidelines of the Cornwall gathering, or afterwards at a lavish ceremony in London. The British government is under domestic political pressure to strike a series of global post-Brexit trade deals as promised during the 2016 referendum and 2019 election.

While Australia is happy to work on a trade deal with Britain, it is not seen as a vital boost to the economy whereas Downing Street is desperate to sign new deals to justify leaving the European Union. The British have all but shelved any pursuit of a trade deal with China and have made little progress on talks with the United States, meaning Australia is one of the first new major deals Johnsons government can secure._ Australia wants a deal free of all tariffs and quotas but the UK has insisted that some protections remain for farmers in largely Conservative seats. The UK claims Canberra is not giving enough ground on investment and services. While Tehan is relatively new to the cabinet position, he has decades of experience in diplomacy and trade negotiations. He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1995 and served as a diplomat between 1999 and 2001, before helping negotiate Australias free trade deal with the Bush administration in 2004 as a political advisor.

Loading A senior DFAT official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Tehan was highly respected due to his experience in the department_. If this was briefed by a member of Trusss staff, that is very disrespectful, the official said. Its also a very bad tactic. It wont work. Truss texted Tehan on Wednesday morning UK time to say she was looking forward to seeing him and hopes for productive talks. There was also a flurry of other phone calls to manage the diplomatic fallout from The Telegraph story. Tehan laughed off the report once he arrived in London for the trade talks.

Liz rang me last night and apologised for the article and I accepted her apology, Tehan said It was very gracious of her to do so. And Ive been knocked out playing Australian Rules Football so the idea that that Id be intimidated by an uncomfortable chair I found rather quaint. A source close to Truss said that while the British are frustrated by blockages on trying to harmonise services and investment regulations, they dont believe this is the fault of Tehan personally. Liz and Dan have struck up a really good relationship, theres mutual respect on both sides, the source said. Loading

Theres mild frustration on both sides that more progress hasnt been made since minister Tehan came on board but were not laying the blame with minister Tehan, personally. Truss enjoyed a strong working relationship with Tehans predecessor Simon Birmingham, who recently replaced Mathias Cormann as Finance Minister. The free trade talks have been set for Thursday and Friday UK time at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in central London. Britains top diplomat in Canberra, Vicki Treadell, denied the chairs that both ministers will be seated on are uncomfortable. People like to speculate  I know the venue that is being used and certainly the chairs in the room in question are very comfortable, the High Commissioner told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra. Treadell defended the attack on Tehan, arguing it was part of tactics to get a better trade deal.
New Zealand has farewelled Prince Philip in a reverential memorial service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Around 500 people attended a service rich in pomp, song and prayer on Wednesday in a cathedral adorned with British and Kiwi insignia.

Prince Philip, who visited New Zealand 10 times as the Queen's husband and consort, died at Windsor Castle on April 9 at the age of 99.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not eulogise the Duke, who she never met in the job, instead delivering a reading titled 'Memories'.

Governor Dame Patsy Reddy (middle) and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (right) arriving at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for Prince Phillip's memorial service

Prince Phillip and the Queen visited New Zealand ten times, most recently in 2002

Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy gave the tribute, saying he was a bedrock of the monarchy.

'His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a loyal companion and beloved support to Her Majesty the Queen for more than 70 years,' Dame Reddy said.

'For many of us, he has, like the Queen, always been there.

'We could perhaps be forgiven for seeing him as one of the unchanging stars in our sky.'

The venue was a fitting one: the Queen laid the foundation stone to the cathedral in 1954, and the couple visited three times more on official visits, most recently on their final trip to 2002.

Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy, usually known for her colourful dress sense but arrived in all black in mourning for the Prince, Jacinda Ardern was also dressed in black for the occasion

In the pews sat a veritable who's who of New Zealand life, including Ms Ardern, opposition leader Judith Collins, and members of the diplomatic corps including British High Commissioner Laura Clarke and Australian High Commissioner Patricia Forsythe.

Dame Reddy, known for her colourful dress sense but clad in all black for the occasion, said Prince Philip delighted in engaging outside of high society.

'On his visits he travelled throughout the motu (nation) to meet people from every culture, walk of life, and region,' she said.

The service was appropriately held in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul where Queen laid the foundation stone to the cathedral in 1954

'Many New Zealand families will have stories about a time when when one of their members met the Duke.

'He was well known to be a frank and engaging conversationalist. I'm sure those stories are being fondly retold now.'

The memorial was televised across New Zealand by television network Three and screened in cathedrals across Aotearoa.

'Grieve. Acknowledge. Farewell. Rest now. Rest in peace,' Dame Reddy concluded.
More than 90% of people develop cataracts by the age of 65, 2 and cataract surgery is one of the most common outpatient procedures performed today with a success rate of approximately 98%. 3 Phacoemulsification is the most common cataract surgery technique performed 4 and allows ophthalmologists to effectively emulsify and efficiently remove the eye's internal lens when it has become cloudy from cataracts 5 . It is a delicate procedure that requires significant effort and control during surgery, which can be taxing on the surgeon.

"While the phacoemulsification technique has been used successfully for decades, ease of use continues to be the unmet need with cataract surgeons," said Rajesh K. Rajpal***, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision. "Every aspect of Johnson & Johnson Vision's new VERITAS System was designed to give surgeons an excellent user experience  optimizing features for safety and efficiency, with improvements in two main areas: fluidics and ergonomics."

The VERITAS Vision System FDA clearance and CE mark further underscore Johnson & Johnson Vison's commitment to innovation and meeting the unmet needs of eye care professionals and patients. Last month, the company also announced the FDA approval of the TECNIS EYHANCE6 and TECNIS EYHANCE TORIC II intraocular lens (IOL)7 for the treatment of cataract patients in the United States. Both innovations come as the company celebrates the anniversary of its TECNIS platform, the proprietary combination of materials and design on which the company's IOLs are built. The TECNIS platform is responsible for two decades of breakthroughs in cataract treatment.

A full commercial launch of the VERITAS Vision System globally is expected later this year8.

About Johnson & Johnson Vision

At Johnson & Johnson Vision, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies**, we have a bold ambition: to change the trajectory of eye health worldwide. Through our operating companies, we deliver innovation that enables eye care professionals to create better outcomes for patients throughout their lives, with products and technologies that address unmet needs including refractive error, cataracts, and dry eye. In communities with greatest need, we work in collaboration to expand access to quality eye care, and we are committed to helping people see better, connect better, live better. Visit us at jjvision.com, follow @JNJVision on Twitter, Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn, and @JNJVision on Facebook.

About Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies

At Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, we are helping people live their best lives. Building on more than a century of expertise, we tackle pressing healthcare challenges, and take bold steps that lead to new standards of care while improving people's healthcare experiences. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we are helping to save lives and paving the way to a healthier future for everyone, everywhere.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for the VERITAS Vision System

Rx Only

INDICATIONS FOR USE: The VERITAS Vision System is a modular ophthalmic microsurgical system that facilitates anterior segment (i.e., cataract) ophthalmic surgery. The modular design allows the users to configure the system to meet their surgical requirements

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Risks and complications of cataract surgery may include corneal burn. This device is only to be used by a trained licensed physician

ATTENTION: Reference the labeling for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the VERITAS Vision System. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson Vision and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainty of regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; challenges to patents; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Johnson & Johnson Vision nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

*Johnson & Johnson Vision represents the products and services of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., and the affiliates of both.

**The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies comprise the surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson's Medical Devices segment.

***Dr. Rajesh K. Rajpal is an employee of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc., serving as Head of Clinical and Medical Affairs across both the Surgical Vision and Vision Care organizations.

 Johnson & Johnson Vision 2021. All rights reserved.

1 Operator's Manual Z370584 Rev. E

2 Kellogg Eye Center. Cataract. https://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/cataract.

3 Vision Health Initiative, Common Eye Disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html

4 The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139750/

5 As with any medical procedure, risks and potential complications may occur. Please consult your eye care specialist for detailed information and to discuss these possible risks and complications with you prior to the procedure.

6 The TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System is used to fold and assist in inserting the TECNIS EYHANCE IOL which is indicated for the visual correction of aphakia in adult patients in whom a cataractous lens has been removed by extracapsular cataract extraction. The lens is intended to be placed in the capsular bag.

7 The TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System is used to fold and assist in inserting the TECNIS EYHANCE TORIC II IOLs which are indicated for the visual correction of aphakia and pre-existing corneal astigmatism in adult patients with or without presbyopia in whom a cataractous lens has been removed by phacoemulsification and who desire reduction in residual refractive cylinder. The lens is intended to be placed in the capsular bag.

8 Disclaimer: Sales of products subject to registration and regulatory approval. Products might not be available in all EMEA countries.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Vision
HOUSTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dannenbaum Engineering, a Texas-based civil engineering firm for more than 75 years, is changing its name to reflect the company's future as a modern, strong, employee-owned company.

President and CEO Michel Maksoud said, "While we're modernizing our name and look, we'll continue to recognize our company's remarkable history and accomplishments."

Founded in 1945, DEC has built a solid reputation as a premier civil engineering firm with expertise in public infrastructure, surface transportation, land development, hydrology and hydraulics, airports, ports and harbors.

"We team with clients and others to find innovative solutions to make communities better. Through the decades, we've partnered to provide safe water and sewer systems, address subsidence, and identify ways to fund major mass transit and highway projects."

Looking Forward

Since taking the helm in 2019, Maksoud has led a number of changes to strengthen the established civil engineering company, which is managed by an Executive Committee with broad experience and expertise.

"Our new, streamlined name and crisp, modern look point to the direction we're heading. We'll continue to strive to deliver engineering excellence and realize our vision to be the engineering company of choice, both for clients and high-value employees," Maksoud said.

ABOUT DEC

Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, DEC is one of the state's premier civil engineering firms with expertise in public infrastructure, surface transportation, land development, hydrology and hydraulics, airports, ports and harbors. The company has seven offices across Texas.

SOURCE DEC

Related Links

https://www.decorp.com


A 3-alarm fire swept through Organic Valley Creamery in McMinnville on Tuesday afternoon, prompting fire officials to evacuate the immediate surroundings.

The blaze broke out about 1:30 p.m. at the business, located at 700 Oregon 99W, just outside the citys downtown core. Photos showed a dramatic scene with large flames and thick smoke pouring from the building.

Fire officials are worried about the potential release of anhydrous ammonia into the surrounding area, said Debbie McDermott, fire marshal for McMinnville. The chemical can cause irritation to eyes and lead to trouble breathing. Its used as a refrigerant at the site, which processes milk and produces butter and powdered milk.

Authorities evacuated the area within a quarter-mile of the creamery and asked residents within a half-mile to be prepared to evacuate if winds pick up.

The creamery is several buildings, McDermott said. She said the cause remains under investigation.

Oregon 99W remains closed in both directions near the fire. Officials expect the road to remain closed for several hours.

We are working to support all of our employees, the first responders, their families, and the community of McMinnville, Bob Kirchoff, Organic Valley CEO, in a statement. Everyone at our cooperative is ready to help. We are thankful that there are no reported injuries, and we are working to ensure the safety of our employees and the surrounding community.

-- The Oregonian
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is assessing the potential impact of the export of cocoa beans by China on the local cocoa industry.



Relatedly, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has intimated that Chinas entry into the production and export of cocoa beans must not in any way hurt Ghanas industry.



The two entities were sharing their thoughts on the potential impact of Chinas export of cocoa beans to the global market.



China exports



The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) recently reported that South China's island province of Hainan had exported cocoa beans to Belgium for the first time.



The China Daily newspaper quoted Hao Zhaoyun, a researcher with CATAS. as saying: The first batch of 500kg of cocoa beans, worth $3,600, was produced in Xinglong, a township of Hainan with a tropical climate.



Apprehension



Although China currently does not appear in the 45 top cocoa-producing countries in the world, many experts have opined that its full entry into the cocoa export space is a potential threat to the fortunes of the two biggest cocoa-producing countries, Cote dIvoire and Ghana.



Their apprehension is bolstered by the application of technology in cocoa production in China.



Put together, Ghana and Cote dIvoire produce about 60 per cent of the worlds cocoa beans.





In the 2020 cocoa season, 4.8 million metric tonnes of cocoa was produced worldwide, with Cote d'Ivoire, the worlds biggest producer, accounting for 2,034,000 tonnes, while Ghana, the second-biggest producer, did 883,652, with Indonesia, the third-largest producer, making 659,776 tonnes.



COCOBOD perspective



Although COCOBOD expressed concern about the development, it nevertheless said it was too early for the country to panic.



We are concerned, but it is too early for anyone to start panicking because if you look at the quantity of cocoa that has been exported by China, it is quite small and less than one tonne.



We are concerned due to the fact that if production is increasing at a time when consumption in the world is not increasing, then obviously it will have an effect on the price, the Senior Public Relations Officer (PRO) of COCOBOD, Mr Fiifi Boafo, told the Daily Graphic in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting between COCOBOD and some local cocoa processing companies in the country in Accra yesterday.



Use of technology



Mr Boafo said it was necessary to assess what exactly China was doing in order to determine whether it was a major threat or not.



It has been proven scientifically that in order to grow cocoa in commercial quantities, the land has to be between 10 degrees north and 10 degrees south of the Equator, with the climate ranging between 18 and 32 degrees celsius and annual rainfall of about 1,500mm and 2,000 mm.



So if you consider China, it does not have that weather pattern, which means it requires some technology to do so, he said.



The questions we should ask ourselves are: how much will that technology cost China? And if you look at the world market price of cocoa, will the employment of that technology be able to produce cocoa at a commercial level and break even and make profit?



He said while China had proved that it had the capacity to create things that had not been in existence and to bring out initiatives, as things stood now, there was no need to panic.



MoFA plays down fears



Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, said Ghana is not only the second-largest producer of cocoa beans in the world but also produces the best premium cocoa beans, which is the envy of other countries.



He said the extraordinary cocoa liquor flavour of Ghanas cocoa beans made the beans the first choice consumers and processors craved for.



You cannot substitute the flavour of our cocoa with any cocoa anywhere in the world. This the country is not ready to surrender to any country, he stated.



Dr Akoto said Chinas current production was very minimal and posed no threat to Ghana, adding that even if the entire Hainan province produced cocoa, it would not come as a threat to Ghana.



Its a little island and so if they use the whole island to produce, it cannot meet our production, he said.



Another advantage for Ghana, he said, was Chinas growing taste for cocoa products.



The Asian giants chocolate consumption, which used to be very low, has seen systematic growth in recent years.



In Dr Akotos view, Ghana could capitalise on the increasing demand for cocoa products by the Chinese to increase cocoa exports to that country.



In 2019, Ghanas exports of cocoa and cocoa preparations to China amounted to $128.71 million, according to the United Nations International Trade Statistics Database.



Adding value to cocoa



Earlier, speaking at the meeting with the cocoa processors, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, had said Ghana was earning less than six per cent of the entire cocoa value chain of about $110 billion.



That was because the country still exported majority of its cocoa beans in the raw state, he said.



With the entire value chain expected to increase to about $140 billion by 2024, he said, Ghana could not continue to export cocoa in its raw form and, therefore, urged the local processors to make it a point to process all the cocoa beans produced in the country.



The Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Nana Agyenim Boateng, for his part, urged players in the industry to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to promote cocoa consumption in the region.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Sarah Coits body has been returned home to Connecticut, where arrangements are being made for her funeral. The 23-year old woman was brutally murdered inside her Clinton Street apartment this past weekend.

A representative from the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home in Stamford, Conn., told DNA Info funeral plans were not yet set. In a brief statement, the family said it greatly appreciates all of those that have extended their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Meanwhile, the family of Coits alleged killer is speaking out. Raul Barrera, Sr. told the New York Post, his heart goes out to her grieving family. Barrera said his son is a good person. Im sure it was the passion in the moment. Yesterday, he visited Raul, Jr. in the jail ward at Bellevue Hospital. According to a witness, Barrera (whos been charged with 2nd degree murder) was crying through the whole time. His mother was on her knees, holding him, praying and crying.

The Daily News spoke with a woman named Marisol Reyes, a former girlfriend who shares a child with the murder suspect. While she was reluctant to talk in any detail, her ex-husband, Ramon Pabey had plenty to say about Barrera:

People told me what he was doing to her (Reyes), said Pabey, 44, of the lower East Side. He used to hit my ex-wife. Pabey said he took a swing at Barrera when he thought he was violating a restraining order. Police records confirm Pabey filed a harassment claim against Barrera in March 2003. A close friend of Reyes said Barrera, who is charged with second-degree murder, kept her a virtual prisoner while she was pregnant with his son. The boy is now 9 and also named Raul. He tortured her for three years, said the friend, who asked not to be identified. She would walk around with black eyes and broken ribs, she said. Hes not crazy, hes a bastard.

The News also looked at Barreras legal record and found at least seven domestic violence incidents:
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a signing ceremony following the Russian-Chinese talks on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Sept. 11, 2018. (Sergei Chirikov/AFP/Getty Images)

China and Russiathe New Axis Powers?

Deepening coordination between Beijing and Moscow threatens U.S. power on a scale not seen since World War II

Commentary

Are China and Russia conspiring powers, the way Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia were conspiring together against Poland before the former invaded the latter in World War II?

History Repeating Itself?

Before we go further, a caveat is in order. Its often said that history repeats itself, or at times, tends to rhyme. But making facile historical parallels when interpreting current events is often a trap because no two eras or event setups are identical. Each time period and event are unique.

That said, nations with similar interests often cooperate with one another. Today, the current alignment between the worlds most aggressive, totalitarian powersChina and Russiaagainst the worlds democracies in general and the United States and Israel specifically, has begun to take shape.

Beijing and Moscows Similar Interests

Both nations have similar interests. One would have to be a fool to not see it. To that point, what do both China and Russia intend to accomplish?

In a word, expansion. Both nations are seeking to expand their regional and global footprints at the expense of the United States. Both are actively seeking to replace the United States as the dominant global power.

Chinas Top Priority

In Chinas case, it has already acted decisively against Hong Kong, a West-facing democracy that enjoyed a special trading status with the United States and was the financial center of Asia. But under the diversion of the CCP virus pandemic, Beijing has expanded its influence in Hong Kong, arresting hundreds of democratic protesters and instituting new laws and restrictions. Today, Hong Kong is no longer free and democratic, but is effectively under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Next on the Chinese regimes agenda is Taiwan. Conquering the democratic island nation, a staunch ally of the United States, is the CCPs top priority. In fact, some military experts believe that a Taiwan invasion will be sooner than later.

Recall that under the Trump administration, major arms deals were made as a deterrence against military intimidation and perhaps even invasion by the communist regime. Its also worth noting that former President Donald Trump linked Beijings treatment of Hong Kong with tariffs on Chinese goods. Trumps hardline against Chinese expansion bolstered by arms deals and tariffs, made Beijing think twice about their actions.

But under the Biden administration, the resolve to protect Taiwan appears to be lessened. The current weakness in the U.S. leadership is certainly no deterrence. At the first summit between the two nations under President Joe Biden, Chinese diplomats openly ridiculed and insulted the U.S. delegation, with little pushback from the U.S. side.

More recently, Chinese warplanes routinely violate Taiwans airspace, prompting Taipei to conduct war games with the assumption of a Chinese invasion. The CCPs attitudes and actions have underscored that potential, warning the United States that it was, playing with fire by interacting with Taiwan.

Russias Play Against US Influence

Likewise, Russia sees the same weakness in the U.S. leadership. Biden is mistreating our allies and coddling our enemies in the Mideast while begging Iran to agree to a new nuclear weapons agreement. Russia is watching very carefully how this unfolds.

Thats because countries in the region are preparing for a total U.S. collapse of its Israeli-centric security strategy policy. Under Trump, multiple peace treaties between Israel and Arab states were possible because the United States was steadfast in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

But now, Bidens urgency to return to the negotiating table with Tehran tells all of them, and Putin, that the United States under Biden doesnt have the will to respond to strength with strength with regard to Iran or other nations. That fact is demonstrated in Putins mobilizing 40,000 troops on the Russian-Ukraine border and his concurrent warning to Biden to not interfere.

The key point here is the clear coordination between Beijing and Moscow, as both warn the United States not to interfere with events that may transpire in Taiwan and Ukraine. It seems likely that both nations have coordinated plans in place to synchronize potential actions against Taiwan and Ukraine respectively.

An Absent President

Such an outcome would force the United States to confront its most powerful adversaries at the same timeor not. It may well be the case that, with the apparent inability of Biden to function in a dynamic public setting, that our adversaries are convinced that there will be no consequences for either invasion.

If either or both invasions occur without serious response by the United States, American prestige around the world would fall, and rightly so. This is particularly true with Taiwan, as a CCP takeover would cause doubt to spread across the Asia Pacific region. Either or both may also weaken the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency, as confidence in the United States as an active global power that protects its interests and its allies, wanes.

It is worth noting that traditional analysis of geopolitical actors typically includes three factors: intentions, capabilities and the will to realize a goal or perform an action. Those three factors apply to all nations, including the nation(s) that would oppose the provocative actions that both China and Russia are apparently contemplating.

Its not clear that anyone in the Biden administration understands this reality, or for that matter, history.

James R. Gorrie is the author of The China Crisis (Wiley, 2013) and writes on his blog, TheBananaRepublican.com. He is based in Southern California.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Highlights Amazon website does not list oxygen cylinders or concentrators as essential items.

Hence it does not deliver such items to the regions experiencing a lockdown, as per the protocol.

Other basic items like masks and hand sanitisers are available under the essentials category.

As India goes through its most distressing phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, the focus for all the citizens and entities has changed radically towards putting an end to it. One such industry facing steep challenges is that of e-commerce, which now bears the burden of getting the "essentials" to the masses. But in these troubled times, it might become hard to point out what can be considered as essential and what not.

Case in point, e-commerce majors like Amazon, are not able to clearly portray many essential items on their online portals. Some of these items include oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and even oxygen masks.

A quick search on Amazon for any of these items reveals a list of vendors that have the products in availability. Amazon users can easily order items such as oxygen cylinders, concentrators, masks and more. The problem arises for people in areas with a lockdown imposed to curb Covid-19 spread.

With several Indian cities going into lockdowns, the e-commerce players are only authorised to deliver essential items to their customers in such regions. Since some much-needed items are not marked under the category, people are not able to order the potentially life-saving items even when they are listed online and are available for purchase.

Wonky algorithms to blame

(Screenshot: Amazon India website)

Note that the issue does not persist with all the Covid-19 related medical equipment. We searched the Amazon website for several items which are deemed as essentials for Covid-19 prevention as well as its remedial measures. We found that only the most basic items are listed under the essentials category, while some advanced but pretty obvious ones are left out of it.

As mentioned above, the ones that are not listed as essentials are portable oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oxygen masks as well as PPE kits for safeguarding one against the Coronavirus.

The website, however, lists other items like N95 masks, hand sanitisers and disinfectants as essentials and is hence able to deliver these even in regions with an ongoing lockdown.

(Screenshot: Amazon India website)

The problem thus seems to lie with the algorithm that Amazon uses to mark items as essential. While it has been trained to identify masks and sanitisers as essentials over the past year of the pandemic, the need for oxygen cylinders and masks has skyrocketed only in recent times.

Amazon knows this. Earlier this week, the e-commerce major appealed to the Maharashtra government to allow deliveries of all items under lockdown. It mentioned it to be very challenging to define a static essentials list and that such essential items varied from one household to another.

(Screenshot: Amazon India website)

In such a case, the database should be rapidly updated with a renewed categorisation so people in dire need of such life-saving items can gain access to them. After all, such e-commerce services are, at present, the only way of getting essentials for people in some areas of the country.
They were inseparable since meeting at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe around June or July last year.

But cracks started to show in Zac Efron and Vanessa Valladares' relationship just weeks before their split was confirmed this week.

Last month, the Hollywood star, 33, and the model, 25, were spotted spending time apart during a getaway to Leura, a suburb of the Blue Mountains.

The signs there was trouble in paradise: Zac Efron (left) and Vanessa Valladares (right) spent time apart during their last trip away together just three weeks before their split

During the trip, Vanessa was seen walking along a quiet street alone while exploring local shops.

Zac was later spotted stepping out for a coffee run alone after filming a segment for his new Netflix series Down to Earth.

The former couple also appeared to be distant as they went hiking and abseiling just one day earlier.

Time alone: Last month, Zac and Vanessa spent time apart during a recent trip to Leura, a suburb of the Blue Mountains. During the trip, Vanessa was seen walking along a quiet street alone while exploring local shops

Rumours first surfaced that the actor and Byron Bay waitress had called time on their relationship on Tuesday.

Radio host Kyle Sandilands - who is good friends with Zac - then confirmed their split one day later on live radio.

Kyle told his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson that he'd phoned the actor to speak about the upcoming Netflix show, Byron Baes.

When he asked his pal about the rumours, Zac apparently admitted he and Vanessa were no longer together.

Kyle said their split was 'recent' but not 'yesterday recent', and there was 'no drama' in their break-up.

Solo outing: Zac was later spotted stepping out for a coffee run alone after filming a segment for his new Netflix series Down to Earth

On Wednesday, a source close to Zac told Daily Mail Australia that the couple have not only '100 per cent split' but revealed the 'final nail in the coffin' of their relationship that led to Zac walking away.

According to the insider, Zac sent Vanessa back home to Byron Bay earlier this month after seeing media reports that she was set to star in Netflix's controversial influencer reality series, Byron Baes.

'He's a very good person who wanted a genuine, normal, down-to-earth partner,' the source said.

It's over: On Wednesday, a source close to Zac told Daily Mail Australia that the couple have not only '100 per cent split' but revealed the 'final nail in the coffin' of their relationship that led to Zac walking away

'Zac sent her home from the set [Down to Earth with Zac Efron] last week. There still may have been a chance.'

'I'm sure the final nail in the coffin was him seeing the story of her being possibly on Byron Baes and the claims that he was helping her get on it,' the insider said.

The source also said Zac doesn't read media reports about him, so he was 'very hurt' when a friend showed him the story.

'He is an absolutely down to earth person, not fancy, quite humble.'
If any milestone is not satisfied by the date specified for its completion, the corresponding number of Common Shares will be returned to the Company.

The Common Shares are subject to volume transfer restrictions that prohibit, on any trading day, the sale, through any stock exchange, of a number of Common Shares that would exceed 10% of the prior trading day's total volume of the Common Shares.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company has agreed to issue 4% of the aggregate number of Common Shares issued to the Company to an arm's length party as a finder's fee, up to a total of 1,978,609 Common Shares. Such shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.

About Nature's Best

Nature's Best is a premier consumer-driven cannabinoid company specializing in product development, production, distribution, and retail placement of cannabinoid rosin products. Our development team includes a pharmacologist and process engineer with 30 years of experience, product distribution, and retail placement executive with 20 years of experience, as well as an experienced team in cannabinoid operations in Oregon and California.

About Halo Collective

Halo is a leading, vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, extracts, manufactures, and distributes quality cannabis flower, oils, and concentrates and has sold approximately nine million grams of oils and concentrates since inception. Halo continues to evolve its business and scale efficiently, partnering with trustworthy leaders in the industry, who value the Company's operational expertise in bringing top-tier products to market. Current growth includes expansion in key U.S. markets, the United Kingdom and Africa, with planned expansion into the Canadian retail market.

Halo is led by a strong, diverse, and innovative management team with deep industry knowledge and blue-chip experience. The Company is currently operating in the United States in California and Oregon. The Company sells cannabis products principally to dispensaries under its brands, Hush, Mojave, and Exhale, and under partnership or license with OG DNA Genetics, Terphogz (doing business as Zkittlez) and FlowerShop*, a cannabis lifestyle and conceptual wellness brand in which G-Eazy is a partner and key member of Flowershop*.

As part of continued expansion and vertical integration in the U.S., Halo boasts several grow operations throughout Oregon and California. In Oregon, the Company has a combined 7 acres of outdoor cultivation, including East Evans Creek, a six-acre grow site in Jackson County, and Winberry Farms, a one-acre grow site located 30 miles outside Eugene in Lane County. In California, the Company is building out Ukiah Ventures; a planned 30,000-square-foot indoor grow, processing, and manufacturing facility including up to an additional five acres of industrial land to expand. Recently, Halo partnered with Green Matter Holding to purchase Bar X Ranch in Lake County, developing up to 80 acres of cultivation which would comprise the largest grow in Northern California.

Internationally, the Company's subsidiary Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness (Pty) Ltd. ("Bophelo") is currently cultivating cannabis in Lesotho, which holds one of the most extensive marijuana cultivation licenses in Africa with a future capacity of up to 495 acres. To further Halo's global presence, the Company has recently acquired CBPM importation and distribution licensing in the United Kingdom via cannabis suppliers Canmart Ltd ("Canmart"). Halo expects the cultivation and manufacturing operations of Bophelo, combined with the importation and distribution capabilities of Canmart, to drive a well-positioned business to serve the U.K. market.

The Company also has acquired a range of software development assets, including technology platforms CannPOS, Cannalift, and, more recently, CannaFeels. Halo also owns the discrete sublingual dosing technology, Accudab. The Company intends to spin-off these assets along with its intellectual property and patent application into Halo Tek, which is planned to be its own public company by way of a return of capital to Halo's shareholders.

For further information regarding Halo, see Halo's disclosure documents on SEDAR at www.sedar.com

Connect with Halo Collective: Email | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Halo's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Halo's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "will continue," "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information may relate to anticipated events or results including, but not limited to: Halo's planned expansion into the Canadian retail market, Halo's planned operations in Malta, the expected size and capabilities of the final facility planned at Ukiah Ventures, the size of Halo's planned cultivation facility in Northern California and the ability of Bophelo and Canmart to serve the U.K. market.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Halo is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Halo has made certain assumptions. Although Halo believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: delays in obtaining required approvals from regulators, changes in general economic;, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; delays in obtaining required licenses or approvals; delays or unforeseen costs incurred in connection with construction; the ability of competitors to scale operations in Northern California; delays or unforeseen difficulties in connection with the cultivation and harvest of Halo's raw material; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form dated April 16, 2020 and available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Halo does not undertake to update any forward looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward looking information and statements attributable to Halo or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

SOURCE Halo Collective Inc.

For further information: Contact Information: Halo Collective, Investor Relations, [email protected], www.haloco.com/investors

Related Links

https://haloco.com/


New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (April 21) ordered the Centre to "forthwith" provide oxygen by whatever means to hospitals here facing a shortage of gas in treating serious COVID-19 patients. The HC also issued unusually strong strictures on the Modi government and private industries, saying it "seems human life is not important for the state".

The court is learned to have told the Centre, "You are not exploring all avenues to augment oxygen supply. Beg, borrow or steal," asking why is it not waking up to the gravity of the emergency situation. The court also warned that certainly, all hell will break loose with the stoppage of medical oxygen to the hospitals.

Holding an urgent hearing on a public holiday on a plea filed by Balaji Medical and Research Centre, which owns and runs various hospitals in the name of Max, the court said if supply of oxygen is not replenished on an immediate basis, the lives of the patients who are critical and on oxygen support will be endangered.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli asked, "Do you want to see thousands of people dying in the country?" It came down heavily on the Centre for not diverting sufficient oxygen supply from industries to hospitals.

The court further said that the responsibility to ensure oxygen supply lay squarely on the Central government's shoulders and if necessary, entire supply of oxygen to industries including steel and petroleum can be diverted for medical usage.

"Why is the Centre not waking up to the gravity of the situation? We are shocked and dismayed hospitals running out of oxygen but steel plants are running," the court said, adding "how the government can be so oblivious of the reality".

It further said, "There is no sense of humanity left or what? This is really really ridiculous and shocking. You are concerned about industries when people are dying. It an emergency you should realize. It seems human life is not important for the state."

The court also directed the Centre to protect the fundamental right to life of citizens who are seriously ill and require medical oxygen and to supply the same by whatever means it is required.

The HC bench said, "Our concern is not just for Delhi, we want to know what the Central government is doing with regard to oxygen supply across India," adding "what is the Central government doing. If this is the situation in Delhi, we are sure it is the same in other states."

"Do you want to see thousands of people dying in the country? Is running steel plants so important and urgent?," the bench said, and added that today, the country is facing an emergency situation where hospitals are short of oxygen which is also going to end in few hours.

"If Tatas can divert oxygen they are generating for their steel plants to medical use, why can't others? This is the height of greed. Is there no sense of humanity left or not," the court observed.

The court said transportation of oxygen from the place of production to the place of supply is also a challenge and time-consuming activity as it is done only through highways in the normal course.

It said, "The Central government shall consider ways and means for transportation of oxygen either by creating a dedicated corridor so that the supply lines are not obstructed or even airlift it from the place of production to the place of usage."

The court said heavens are not going to fall if the industries, including steel and petroleum, run on lower capacity till oxygen is imported, adding that certainly all hell will break loose with the stoppage of medical oxygen for hospitals.

"We are constrained to direct the Centre to forthwith implement this order and take over supply of oxygen from steel plants and if necessary also from the petroleum plants, to supply it to hospitals," it directed.

The plead said that there are six Max hospitals in the national capital and NCR and are treating 1,400 COVID-19 patients. The bench was informed by the counsel for M/s Inox, which supplies oxygen to hospitals in Delhi, that certain quantity is on its way from a UP plant to Max Hospital, Patparganj.

On the apprehension that there could be some obstructions and law and order problem, the court directed the Centre that a safe passage be provided to oxygen supply from the place of production to the place of supply.

Notably, several Delhi hospitals treating COVID-19 patients faced a major medical oxygen crisis with their depleting stock for the second consecutive day, prompting the Centre to increase the city's quota to 480 metric tonnes against the AAP dispensation's demand of 700 MT.

Although Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal said the Delhi government is "very grateful" to the Centre for increasing the oxygen quota, officials in the city administration flagged that 100 MT supply will come from Odisha and West Bengal which will take almost 72 hours to reach the city.

A record 28,395 coronavirus cases and 277 deaths marked the aggravation of the pandemic situation in Delhi on Tuesday as the positivity rate shot up to 32.82 per cent amid a "serious oxygen crisis" unfolding in the city.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Courtesy Pixar Animation Studios

The Emeryville-based animation studio behind iconic films like "Toy Story" is no stranger to pushing boundaries.

Their SparkShorts program, in which promising young staff members are encouraged to spend six months creating a short film, has produced some of the company's most diverse works yet. The short film "Out" showed the company's first openly gay protagonist as he struggled to share his sexual identity with his parents. "Loop" follows an autistic teen as she takes a canoe trip out on a lake inspired by Berkeley's Aquatic Park, developing a heartwarming friendship in the process. "Float" features Filipino American characters, and "Wind" is an allegory for the director's family's immigration story.
[April 21, 2021] Luis Sabate, Appointed As Chief Operating Officer Of Matrix Renewables

MADRID, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Matrix Renewables, the TPG-backed renewable energy platform, has announced the addition of Luis Sabate to its executive team as Chief Operating Officer. In his new position, which he assumed on 1 March 2021, Sabate will direct the execution of Matrix Renewables' key operational strategies aligned with its corporate goals and its endeavors to globally acquire, develop and operate renewable energy projects. Sabate joins an experienced management team at Matrix Renewables, which includes Nicolas Navas, CFO; Inigo Asensio, Managing Director Investments; Chris Matthews, Managing Director, Development; and Caro Chapatte, Chief of Staff. The platform was founded by the global alternative asset manager TPG and its investing platform The Rise Fund. Prior to joining Matrix Renewables, Sabate has previously held executive positions in the energy, engineering, consulting, and manufacturing industries including numerous positions at SunEdison, across several locations worldwide, and BP Solar Spain. He comes, most recently, from leading operations at NexTracker as COO, the global leader in solar tracking technology, from their headquarters in Fremont,California.



Speaking of his new position, Sabate notes, "I'm thrilled to be embarking on this new opportunity and to work with the Matrix Renewables team, to ensure the correct implementation of strategies and initiatives and to enable streamlined and agile operations across the company as it continues to grow." Matrix Renewables launched in July 2020 with the acquisition of around 1 GW of Solar PV projects from leading solar panel manufacturer Trina Solar. Since then, Matrix Renewables has added two more transactions to its portfolio, earlier this year purchasing 154 MW of distributed generation solar assets from Verano Capital under Chile's PMGD program and signing a 1 GW partnership agreement with Rolwind Group in Spain. Matrix is on track to further expand its portfolio across Europe and recently entered the US market where it will be establishing a permanent presence over the next quarter.

About Matrix Renewables Matrix Renewables is a renewable energy platform created and backed by global alternative asset manager TPG and its $5 billion impact investing platform The Rise Fund. Matrix Renewables has a 1.3 GW existing portfolio and is focused on growth across Europe, the United States and Latin America. Matrix Renewables benefits from TPG's extensive investing and business building experience, global network, and deep infrastructure and renewable energy expertise. For more information, visit www.matrixrenewables.com or send an email to info@matrixrenewables.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luis-sabate-appointed-as-chief-operating-officer-of-matrix-renewables-301272976.html SOURCE MATRIX RENEWABLES

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Posted Tuesday, April 20, 2021 8:09 am

It isnt often we hear good news from Hanford, but the Deptartment of Energy recently announced the nations first commercial advanced nuclear power reactor would be developed on the massive federal reservation north of Richland.

Much of the news from Hanford focuses on radioactive waste cleanup and storing it safely. It has accumulated since the 1940s when nuclear reactors enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.

While that tedious work will continue for years to come, Hanford scientists have a new mission  develop smaller and safer nuclear reactors which will replace traditional nuclear power plants.

Their smaller size and ability to quickly ramp up and down makes them a perfect complement to intermittent renewable resources, such as wind and solar, that rely on weather conditions to generate, the TriCities Herald reported.

If Washington is to substantially reduce CO2 emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, it will need nuclear plants. Currently, our countrys nuclear plants provide 55 percent of the carbon-free electricity, while hydro, wind, solar and geothermal account for the rest.

While wind and solar are ramping up nationally, Texans learned what life was like under a grid which depends too heavily on renewables.

An electricity grid that relies on renewables also needs nuclear or coal power, the Wall Street Journal editorialized.

In early February, Texas, the nations leading wind energy producer, was hit with a historic blast of frigid temperatures. Wind turbines froze and the share of the states electricity fell from 42 to 8 percent between Feb. 7-11, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Suddenly, many Texans not only lost electricity, but natural gas demand soared beyond supplies. Coal power plants, which are required to keep a 90-day coal supply on hand, stepped in to fill the gap.

Even with fossil fuel plants running out, Texas utilities implemented a series of mandatory short power outages to keep the system from total collapse.

The lesson is wind and solar need back up from reliable sources which generate electricity consistently. If the emphasis is on carbon-fee emissions, nuclear has to be part of the equation. Meanwhile, it would be wise to consider increasing research on cleaner coal and natural gas.

New advanced nuclear power is needed. Older nuclear plants, such as the Columbia Generating Station on the Hanford Reservation near Richland, will be retired in coming decades. CGS, which has operated since 1984, produces 1,207 megawatts  enough electricity to power a city the size of Seattle and its suburbs.

Wind projects are expansive and getting harder to build. For example, Scout Clean Energy is proposing a 112-square-mile clean energy production site located south and west of the TriCities. Scouts wind turbines would stretch along the Horse Heaven Hills from south of Finley to south of Benton City.

The visual impact and height of the wind turbines have raised objections with 150 of the 244 standing up to 670 feet tall which is higher than Seattles Space Needle at 605 feet. According to reports in the TriCities Herald, the site would generate electricity only 30 percent of the time, whereas similar sites in the Midwest generate power half the time.

Hanford is the ideal location for the testing of advanced nuclear power. It has a reservoir of talented people and is surrounded by a concentration of operating solar, wind, hydro, natural gas and nuclear power production facilities. Thankfully, the federal government is funding advanced nuclear and partnerships are forming for research and development.

Carbon free energy emissions are important, but as we learned from the Texas winter blast, wind and solar need back up from nuclear, hydro, natural gas and even coal.



Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He retired as president of the Association of Washington Business, the states oldest and largest business organization, and now lives in Vancouver. He can be contacted at theBrunells@msn.com.
London: Coronavirus cases could be stopped in their tracks by take-at-home pills the British government plans to develop and distribute within six months.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the search for new antiviral medication would revolutionise how COVID-19 is treated should the disease permanently circulate similar to the seasonal flu.

The British government wants to support the creation of at least two antiviral pills.

Johnson said a new taskforce would drive the development of at least two new pills or capsules by the onset of autumn in September.

This means that if you test positive, there might be a tablet you can take at home to stop the virus in its tracks and significantly reduce the chance of infection turning into more severe disease, he said.
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Netflix wants people to pay their fair share to access its streaming service. But Reed Hastings promises that any crackdown on illicit password-sharing that the company decides to launch across its global footprint wont be done in an aggressive manner.

Well test many things, but we would never roll out something that feels like turning the screws' on people who enjoy the service, Hastings, Netflixs co-CEO and co-founder, said on the companys first-quarter earnings interview Tuesday. Its gotta feel like it makes sense to consumers, that they understand.

To date, Netflix hasnt taken broad steps to shut down password-sharing activity aside from the restrictions in its terms of service, which spell out that any sharing of account credentials outside of the primary account holders household is prohibited.

Last month, the company launched a new global test that displays a warning message to some users on connected TVs that says, If you dont live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching. Users who see the prompt have the option of receiving an email or text verification code to authenticate the account, or they can click on a button that says Verify Later.

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With the test, Netflix wants to make sure that the people who are using a Netflix account  who are accessing it  are the ones that are authorized to do so,  COO and chief product officer Greg Peters said in Tuesdays video interview.

The companys password-verification test follows the same framework as other Netflix trials, Peters said, in that it will be conducted iteratively and the results will inform how Netflix proceeds. He said there are different ranges of behavior by country in terms of password sharing.

We dont really know what the right place to land is, a priori, Peters said, referring to notifying freeloaders that they need to purchase their own accounts (or potentially cutting them off). The test is mostly about letting that process unfold and letting our members speak to us about what the ideal model is.

For the first quarter of 2021, Netflix fell short of expected streaming subscriber gains  adding about 4 million, compared with its previous 6 million forecast  while it topped Wall Street financial estimates.

As Netflixs growth slows, converting unauthorized password-borrowers into paying subs will become increasingly important. A recent Bank of America survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that 26% of respondents shared passwords with another household  which technically is a violation of Netflixs terms of service.

Also in the earnings interview, Hastings said that Netflixs biggest competition right now is linear TV, followed by YouTube, while Disney Plus is considerably smaller than those two. (On a call in 2017, Hastings cheekily had said Netflixs No. 1 competitor was sleep.)

Hastings said the company analyzed Q1 metrics across markets  and concluded that competition didnt play a factor in inhibiting subscriber growth.

Its intensely competitive, but it always has been, he said, noting that Netflix has squared off against Amazon Prime Video for 13 years and against Hulu for 14 years. So theres no real change we can detect in the competitive environment.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 02:38:34|Editor: huaxia

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BERLIN, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany would extend the deployment of its troops in the west African country of Mali, which had been operated in cooperation with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), the government announced on Wednesday.

"The threat of terrorism and organized crime not only affects Mali, but threatens to destabilize the whole of West Africa," the government said in a statement, adding that Germany's military involvement in Mali was still necessary to "sustainably support stability and peace in the Sahel region."

According to the German government, the operational area of EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with the main purpose of training Malian armed forces would be expanded to Niger and Burkina Faso, with the number of German soldiers increasing from 450 to up to 600.

The participation of the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces, in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) would continue unchanged. According to the statement, the UN mission focused on "implementing the intra-Mali peace agreement and restoring statehood and political dialogue."

The extension of the Bundeswehr mandates for both missions for the time until May 2022 still needs formal approval by the parliament. Enditem
COLUMBIA  The University of South Carolina is asking students and staff for their recommendations as it grapples with how to better respond to instances of sexual violence on campus.

While the school has already formed several smaller task forces, the confidential survey announced April 20 marks the first step by USC leaders to engage the university community as part of a promised review of campus policies.

The review follows a number of lawsuits filed by women who say USC mishandled their reports of sexual assault and harassment at the hands of faculty and staff.

The school hired Philadelphia-headquartered Cozen OConnor, a firm that helps educational institutions improve policies and procedures surrounding federal Title IX law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education. The firm, which has done work in more than 40 states, will conduct a review of USC's existing system and will provide training to those charged with investigating these cases when they arise.

"This engagement is designed to ensure our approach is consistent with the law, regulations and effective practices, to identify issues with our reporting, investigatory and survivor support systems, and most importantly, to improve the experience of campus community members who report sexual or gender-based harassment and violence or participate in an investigation or resolution process," USC President Bob Caslen wrote in a letter.

Those who have filed sexual assault and harassment reports in the past or who faced complaints are encouraged to share their personal experiences in the survey. Information gleaned from the survey, which will remain available online throughout the summer, will inform any possible changes at USC.

Caslen acknowledged more instances of assault or harassment could come to light as a result of the survey.

"I strongly encourage survivors and those with knowledge of harassment or abuse to come forward and report it," the president said in his letter.
(CNN)  People under the age of 65 in Sweden who have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be given a different vaccine for their second dose, with a so-called mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer/Biontech or Moderna, the Swedish Health Agency announced on Tuesday.

In view of the very rare but serious side effect reported after vaccination with Vaxzevria [the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine], the Swedish Public Health Agency considers that the vaccine cannot be generally recommended for persons under 65 years of age, a Swedish Health Agency spokesperson said in a phone call to CNN, following a statement issued by the agency

The Swedish Public Health Agency said both it, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA,) considered AstraZeneca to be effective in preventing Covid-19 disease and reducing serious illness and death, and will continue to use it to vaccinate people over the age of 65 years old.

Sweden paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in March after reports of rare blood clots among people vaccinated with the shot.

A mix and match trial was expanded in the UK last week to examine whether different coronavirus vaccines can safely be used for two-dose regimens, with results expected by summer 2021.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Sweden will give different second vaccine dose to people under 65 who had first dose of AstraZeneca."
A legislative proposal that wouldve enabled doctors to prescribe medication to a terminally ill Connecticut patient to end his or her life will not go forward.

Tuesday was the deadline for the General Assemblys Judiciary Committee to act on the aid-in-dying legislation, but a significant majority of the committee was uncomfortable advancing the bill, said state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, the committees co-chair.

The legislation would apply to mentally competent patients who have less than six months to live. Those on all sides of the issue agree its now unlikely to come up for a vote before the legislative session concludes in June.

There are certain folks who outright object to the idea of it on moral, religious or other grounds, Stafstrom said by phone Wednesday. The other thing, and whats important for the judiciary committee, is, as drafted, the bill seemed to have unintended legal consequences.

The states division of criminal justice said in testimony that the bill effectively mandates the falsification of death certificates under certain circumstances, by allowing the signer of a death certificate to list the qualified patients underlying terminal illness as the cause of death as opposed to the medication used to end his or her life.

That would pose a problem for the criminal justice system, the division said, when faced with cases involving a potential murder prosecution if the cause of death is not accurately reported on a death certificate.

Under the bill, a person would be guilty of murder if he or she willfully altered or forged a request for aid in dying or coerced someone to complete such a request.

But those actions dont cause death, rather they potentially offer evidence of intent to kill, thus removing the causation requirement that is essential to any murder charge, the criminal justice division said, recommending that section be deleted.

Given the legal uncertainty and the folks who just outright object to the concept all together, the votes were clearly not there to move the bill out of committee, Stafstrom said.

The judiciary committee also had limited time to work through the legal implications of the bill, Stafstrom said, receiving it from the Public Health Committee, which advanced it by a 24-9 vote, one week before members had to act.

State legislators have considered aid-in-dying legislation at least 14 times since 1994, according to the Harford Courant.

A longtime backer of the proposal, Tim Appleton, Connecticut campaign director for Compassion & Choices, said in a statement Wednesday that proponents believe they had the bipartisan support to pass the bill this year.

We are bitterly disappointed by this outcome, Appleton said. But our disappointment does not come close to that of terminally ill advocates who had the courage to share their stories, and those around the state who are desperate for this option now.

Appleton thanked Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, who co-chairs the public health committee, for his leadership on the bill and the members of the committee for their support.

As is the case each time the bill fails to move forward, he said, next year will simply be too late for some.

Sen. Will Haskell, D-Westport, said he just spoke with a terminally ill patient suffering from terrible pain who doesnt want to put themselves or their family through a few more weeks of this.

I cant tell them with a straight face that well fight for it next year because theyre not going to be here next year, Haskell said.

The bill was carefullyconstructed to prevent any misuse and abuse, he said, adding the nine other states and the District of Columbia, which have passed similiar legislation, have figured out a way to reconcile legal concerns.

The inaction by the judiciary committee means Connecticuts most vulnerable: people with disabilities, the elderly, people of color, and those with life-threatening illness, are protected from the dangers and discrimination inherent to assisted suicide laws, Matt Valliere, executive director of Patients Rights Action Fund, which has lobbied against the issue across the country, said in a statement.

Connecticuts resources should be spent increasing access to quality medical care, rather than pushing suicide, especially in the midst of a pandemic, Valliere said.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Seventy Ohio craft breweries are joining forces in a massive collaboration to produce From the Heart, a beer to raise money for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

Brewer Mark Hunger of Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland helped develop the recipe, the organization said, along with John Haggerty of Warped Wing Brewing in Dayton. Both are OCBA board members.

The collaboration coincides with American Craft Beer Week, May 10-16.

The organization relies on membership dues from breweries and beer festivals, many of which were, or are on, hiatus as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The 70 breweries represent almost 20 percent of the states 366 breweries. About three-quarters of the total number of breweries are OCBA members.

What better way to give back to an organization that has tirelessly supported craft beer throughout the entire pandemic than by participating in the From the Heart collaboration, Carmone McFarlane, co-owner of The Phoenix Brewing Co., said in a release. We are excited to work with members from every part of the brewing industry, which not only survived the pandemic but is growing because of the efforts of the OCBA.

The non-profit association lobbies on behalf of and promotes the industry, which has grown steadily. Ohio ranks fifth in craft-beer production.

Several companies in and out of Ohio donated ingredients and packaging materials: Blue Label Packaging in Lancaster, Lemon Grenade Creative in Hamilton and Origin Malt in Marysville, as well as Crosby Hops, Great Western Malting and White Labs on the West Coast. Participating breweries then bought the ingredients from the OCBA to brew From the Heart, which is billed as a variation on an India Pale Ale / Pale Ale.

Krista Alvarado of 4KD Crick Brewery in Defiance coined the name From the Heart, according to the OCBA, which was founded in 2007.

The ale will be available on draft at taprooms May 10-16.

Northeast Ohio breweries participating in the project

Blue Heron Brewery, Medina

Bookhouse Brewing, Cleveland

Boss Dog Brewing, Cleveland Heights

Codex Brewing, North Canton

Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland

Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, Cleveland

HiHO Brewing Co., Cuyahoga Falls

Hop Tree Brewing, Hudson

Hoppy Dude Brews, Hinckley

Ignite Brewing, Barberton

Lock 15 Brewing, Akron

McArthurs Brewhouse, Cuyahoga Falls

Millersburg Brewing Co., Millersburg

Paradigm Shift Brewing, Massillon

Railroad Brewing Co., Avon

The Phoenix Brewing Co., Mansfield

Uniontown Brewing Co., Ashland

Related coverage: Ohio craft-beer production ranks 5th in U.S.; 3 breweries in top 50

I am on cleveland.coms life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. And tune in at 7:05 a.m. Wednesdays for Beer with Bona and Much, Much More with Munch Bishop on 1350-AM The Gambler. Twitter: @mbona30.

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Katie Holmes has been seen working hard on her next project which she is starring in and producing.

The actress, 42, had on a red jacket as she posed next to a vintage maroon Mustang on the Connecticut set of the film The Watergate Girl, which is based on the best-selling autobiography by former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks.

This comes amid claims that she and chef beau Emilio Vitolo Jr, 33, have cooled off after seven months of dating.

Working girl: Katie Holmes has been seen working hard on her next project which she is starring in and producing amid claims she is cooling off with her beau

Katie wore a big, red handkerchief style jacket with fringe as she held on to a red cell phone. Her hair was worn down and she was made up for her scene.

This is a big movie for the former teen star. The Watergate Girl is the real life story of a young woman trying to balance her job and marriage.

She began her career as an organized crime prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice which led to her selection as one of three assistant Watergate special prosecutors in the obstruction of justice trial against President Nixons top aides.

All the while her marriage was failing.

Filming time: The actress, 42, had on a red jacket as she posed next to a vintage maroon Mustang on the Connecticut set of the film The Watergate Girl

And there was pressure on her.

The film is based on the best-selling autobiography by former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks

She had to deal with sexist preconceptions, and was harassed: her house was burglarized, her phones were tapped and her office garbage was inspected.

The full title of the book, which was released in 2020, is The Watergate Girl: My Fight For Truth and Justice Against A Criminal President.

Katie optioned the book through her Noelle Productions.

The new images of her on set comes just as Katie and Emilio - who first met in early 2020 - have reportedly cooled off.

They looked very in love for the past seven months as they kissed and cuddled like high school sweethearts all over Manhattan.

One of the main reasons they have not seen as much of each other is because the Dawson's Creek veteran has left New York City to film a movie in Connecticut.

She comes back to the Big Apple only now and then.

Last seen together: This comes amid claims that she and her chef beau Vitolo Jr have cooled off after seven months of dating. The two were seen side by side in New York City on March 9

Another reason, it has been claimed, is she is a single mother who wants to spend more time with her 15-year-old daughter Suri Cruise whom she had with ex-husband Tom Cruise.

The last time Katie and Emilio were photographed together was in early March.

According to PageSix, the pair have fizzled out a bit but are not split up: 'While Holmes and Vitolo haven't broken up, things have definitely cooled down.'

Their early days of love: (L-R) Holmes, Vitolo Jr. and Emilio Vitolo Sr in SoHo on September 25, 2020 in New York City

They were the hottest thing in NYC during lockdown: They often could not keep their hands off each other as they kissed. Seen on September 18, 2020

The source also said: 'Katie has a lot of big priorities in her life  shes a single mom, her daughter always comes first and things were moving very fast.'

Another source noted are were doing their own thing these days: 'Katie has a lot going on and Emilio is busy working at his restaurant with his dad,' said the insider.

The Batman Begins star met Vitolo in early 2020 at his familys Emilios Ballato restaurant in NYC's Soho neighborhood, it has been claimed.

A match: He posted a photo of them together in December 2020 for her birthday saying she was 'the most amazing, kindest, beautiful person. Every time I see your face it makes me smile.' Emilio added, 'Happy Birthday!!! I love you!!'

Smitten: On March 9 he shared this image of Katie with the caption, 'Nothing like it'

The two have not been shy about their love.

He posted a photo of them together in December 2020 for her birthday saying she was 'the most amazing, kindest, beautiful person. Every time I see your face it makes me smile.'

Emilio added, 'Happy Birthday!!! I love you!!'

Before Emilio she dated actor Jamie Foxx from 2013 until 2019. Before that she was married to Tom Cruise before they divorced in 2012.
The drivers of each vehicle had different stories of why the crash occurred, but both stated the Kia SUV struck the Toyota in the rear, police said. The evidence clearly shows that as well, they said.
Song Seung Heon received a heartwarming gift from fellow actor Lee Dong Wook while filming for his upcoming drama "Voice 4."

While on the set, the "Dinner Mate" star updated his fans on social media, flaunting a coffee truck behind him.

Over Song Seung Heon's Instagram, he revealed that the sender of the food truck was none other than Lee Dong Wook.

He thanked the "Goblin" actor, saying, "Thank you~~Wook!!!" followed by three thumbs up emoji.

In the series of photos, the 44-year-old smiled in front of the truck alongside the duo's standing tarpaulin as he held a cup of coffee.

On the other hand, there's also a message that says "Coffee you cannot miss! Voice Cafe" written in the background.

Fans Lauded Song Seung Heon and Lee Dong Wook's Bromance

As of this writing, the photo has reached over 73,000 likes and counting.

Meanwhile, fans can't help but gush over the duo's bromance and even called them #friendship goals.

"Wow, it's a friendship goal.. thanks to Lee Dongwook. Sweet and kind gestures to our love SSH," one fan wrote.

The second fan echoed the same sentiment and commented, "You deserve the best, Oppa SSH!"

Song Seung-Heon and Lee Dong Wook Joins Online Fan Meeting "Men with Mission"

In 2020, Song Seung-Heon and Lee Dong Wook both joined an online fan meeting dubbed as "Men with Mission," together with other top leading men which include "Boys Over Flowers" star Kim Bum, "Hospital Playlist's" Yoo Yeon Seok, and "Running Man" star Lee Kwang Soo.

Their local and international fans attended the virtual fan meeting in collaboration with the actors' agency, King Kong by Starship and TikTok.

At the time, fans enjoyed the online interaction between the celebrities as they participated in quizzes, games, and requests from fans through TikTok's "two-way communication segments."

Aside from five actors, "Tomorrow Victory" actress Jun So Min also appeared as the event's special guest.

Song Seung Heon Joins "Voice 4"

Back in March, OCN revealed that the "Law Firm" actor is set to appear in the upcoming fourth season of the hit drama "Voice."

Together with Lee Ha Na, who would reprise her role as the life-saving voice profiler, Kang Kwon Joo, Song Seung Heon will play the character of Detective Derek Jo.

Helmed by "Cross" director Shin Yong-Hwi, and written by Ma Jin-Won, the fourth installment for the popular evening drama is scheduled to premiere this June.

In a previous report, "Voice 4" producers shares that they are confident that "The Great Show" star will give justice to play Derek Jo, adding "We are certain that Song Seung Heon, with his solid acting talent and depth, will bring out the many charms of Derek Jo, a character whose skills are top-class but who harbors hidden emotional wounds and a secret that no one knows."

First aired in 2017, Jang Hyuk appeared as the lead star together with Lee Ha Na, followed by Lee Jin Wook in seasons two and three.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Dong Wook Graces The Cover of Nylon Magazine

KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
After graduating from high school in 1994, Chauvin worked as a prep cook at a McDonalds and a buffet restaurant. He attended a community college and Metropolitan State University, where his focus shifted to police work. Chauvin entered active service in the US Army and did two stints in the military police: domestically and in Germany. Jerry Obieglo, stationed in Germany with Chauvin, remembers him as laser-focused on studying to become a police officer. Chauvin didnt go out drinking and instead volunteered to be the designated driver. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video He was a regular guy, didnt stand out, did his job, kept his uniform clean and kept his equipment accounted for, Obieglo said. On patrol

Chauvin joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 2001. Within five years he was recommended for a Medal of Valour following the shooting death of Wayne Reyes, a stabbing suspect who fled in his truck with officers in pursuit. Police said Reyes pointed a shotgun toward Chauvin and five other officers. They all fired on Reyes, killing him. Chauvins one disciplinary action came in 2007 from a woman he had stopped for going 16km/h over the speed limit. She said he frisked her and put her in his police car. Chauvin got a letter of reprimand for his handling of the stop and for not turning on his recording equipment. A protester stands outside Derek Chauvins house in May 2020. Credit:Star Tribune A year later, Chauvin shot Ira Latrell Toles in the abdomen after responding to a domestic-abuse call. Chauvin later told investigators that he had tried to hit Toles in the head with the butt of his handgun because Toles failed to comply with commands, then shot him when he thought Toles reached for his gun. Toles ex-girlfriend reported that Chauvin fired his gun about two seconds after he entered the bathroom. If he was reprimanded for shooting me, then maybe more lives could have been saved, Toles said in a recent interview.

Kristofer Bergh was a high school senior in 2013 when he and some friends were driving home after school. Theyd been playing a Nerf-gun game, and one of his friends fired a dart out of the car. Seconds later, as they pulled up to Berghs home, and two police officers  one identified as Chauvin  came at them, one with his gun drawn. Loading Bergh said they yelled obscenities and demanded to know who fired the Nerf dart; they stuck his friend in the police car and berated him. Another complaint was filed by Lasean Braddock, who said police stopped him as he drove home in 2013 from a double shift as a mental health worker. Braddock said he suspected they had mistaken him for someone else and Chauvin began hitting the window with his torch when he hesitated to get out of the car. Officers tried to force him to the footpath and he went down on his own to avoid injury, he said.

They booked him for failing to comply with police orders and resisting arrest. Prosecutors tossed out the case after watching the video from the police car. Braddock said he was not surprised to learn that the officer that night was Chauvin. To Braddock, Chauvin was running around like a loose cannon. In this image from a video, Derek Chauvin listens to the verdicts at his trial on Wednesday (AEST). Credit:Court TV via AP Chauvins peers said he rarely opened up about his personal life. His wife, Kellie filed for divorce after his arrest in Floyds death and sought to change her last name. The two met during one of Chauvins shifts, when Kellie, a refugee from Laos, worked at a medical centre.

Loading In July, Washington County prosecutors charged both Derek and Kellie Chauvin with nine counts each of aiding and abetting tax evasion and tax fraud. They are expected to face trial in June. I saw both sides of him After his police shifts, Chauvin worked security for bars and restaurants, making $220 to $250 a night  money prosecutors say was not fully reported as income from 2014 to 2019. Maya Santamaria, former owner of the El Nuevo Rodeo nightclub where Chauvin worked, described him as a mellow guy but quick to get aggressive, especially on events that the club marketed to attract black customers.

Loading I saw both sides of him, Santamaria said. Pepper spraying everybody, sometimes using holds that were not apparently the most legal of holds, getting freaked out if there were a lot of black clientele in our club and needing backup right away for no apparent reason. In footage of Floyds final moments alive, Chauvin appears to lose his cool only when onlookers moved towards him as he knelt on Floyds neck. Dont come over here! Dont come over here! Chauvin shouted as he pulled out his pepper spray. He quickly stowed it as another officer stepped in to fend off the crowd. As Floyd yelled out for his mother and said he couldnt breathe, Chauvin replied: Youre doing lots of talking. A lot of yelling. It takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to say that.
Good morning, Chicago. On Tuesday, Illinois public health officials reported 2,587 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 9 additional deaths. Officials also reported that were 81,963 doses of the vaccine administered Monday. The seven-day rolling average of daily doses is 122,531.

Meanwhile, travelers from two of Illinois neighboring states are no longer subject to Chicagos COVID-19 restrictions as of this week, but Indiana could be added back to the citys travel order list later if its cases do not go down. Here are the details.

Heres more coronavirus news and other top stories you need to know to start your day.

For your smart speaker 5/8 Join our COVID-19 Facebook group 5/8 More newsletters 5/8 Puzzles & Games 5/8 Daily horoscope 5/8 Ask Amy

Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black mans neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

Dahleen Glanton column: Derek Chauvins conviction is a big step toward criminal justice reform. But the blue wall is still standing.

President Biden says verdict in Derek Chauvin trial can be a giant step forward in the fight against systemic racism

As people celebrated in the streets of Minneapolis following Derek Chauvins murder conviction Tuesday, Chicago activists and politicians praised the verdict as an important step toward achieving justice for people of color while offering different views on what comes next.

Chicago activists condemn Lightfoots National Guard request ahead of Derek Chauvin trial verdict, demand charges be dropped against protesters arrested in Logan Square march

Story continues

A number of hospitals in northwest and central Illinois are filling up  and at least one ran out of intensive care unit beds  amid the latest COVID-19 surge.

The spike in cases is being felt across the state, including in the Chicago area where ICU bed availability is also down, though not as severely.

Illinois climate is swiftly changing, becoming warmer and wetter and signaling long-term shifts that could push people, cities and ecosystems to the brink. If the planet fails to curb greenhouse gas emissions, whats ahead could be more worrisome.

In an extensive new report released Tuesday, the Nature Conservancy details how Illinois climate has transformed and looks forward to what more change might mean for the states agriculture, human health and already-stressed ecosystems.

What might be ahead for birds, fish and trees facing Illinois changing climate

Jonathan Macedo got his start at 15, at Pekes Pozole, his familys small restaurant on Pulaski Road in Archer Heights, waiting tables, arranging contracts with vendors, seating customers, filing paperwork, cooking. In November, after his 18th birthday, his parents signed the restaurant ownership over to him. If you met him, you probably would, too, the Tribunes Christopher Borrelli writes.
Ian C. Ballon and Susan L. Heller, shareholders at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, have been recognized by the Daily Journal among its Top Intellectual Property Lawyers of California for 2021. Ballon and Heller are routinely named to the prestigious annual list, which honors attorneys who provide creative, innovative, and winning strategies for clients intellectual property matters, according to the Daily Journal.

The Daily Journals Top Intellectual Property Lawyers are selected from hundreds of nominees from law firms, public agencies, nonprofits, and universities, honoring attorneys on the cutting edge of intellectual property work, according to the publication.

Ballon, who is based in the firms Silicon Valley and Los Angeles offices, is co-chair of Greenberg Traurigs global Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Group and represents clients in internet- and mobile- related intellectual property and technology litigation (including copyright, trademark and patent infringement litigation, trade secret and right of publicity litigation, and matters involving database protection, screen scraping and artificial intelligence) and in the defense of data privacy and cybersecurity class action suits.

He is also the author of the leading treatise on internet and mobile law, E-Commerce and Internet Law: Treatise with Forms 2nd edition, the 5-volume set published by West (http://www.IanBallon.net), which includes extensive coverage of intellectual property law issues. In addition, he serves as executive director of Stanford University Law Schools Center for the Digital Economy, which hosts the annual Digital Economy Best Practices Conference where lawyers, scholars, and judges are regularly featured and interact. (See https://law.stanford.edu/center-for-digital-economy/#slsnav-contact)

Ballon was named the Lawyer of the Year for Information Technology Law in the 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2013 editions of Best Lawyers in America. For the past four years, he has been recognized as one of the Top 1,000 trademark attorneys in the world for his litigation practice by World Trademark Review. In addition, in 2019, he was named one of the top 20 Cybersecurity lawyers in California and, in 2018, one of the Top Cybersecurity/Artificial Intelligence lawyers in California by the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal. He received the 2017 Trailblazer Award, Intellectual Property from The National Law Journal and he has been recognized as a Groundbreaker in The Recorders 2017 Litigation Departments of the Year Awards. He was also the recipient of the California State Bar Intellectual Property Law section's Vanguard Award for significant contributions to the development of intellectual property law. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute and served as an advisor to its international intellectual property jurisdiction project.

Heller, co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurigs Orange County office, chair of the Global Trademark & Brand Management Group, and co-chair of the global Greenberg Traurig Womens Initiative, is consistently recognized as having one of the preeminent international trademark practices in the country and for being a game-changer in the field. When the stakes are high and critical brands are at risk, Fortune 500 companies, world champion athletes, high-net-worth individuals, A-list celebrities, and highly visible pre-IPO companies turn to Heller for her strategic thought leadership and counsel, honed by three decades of experience. At the forefront of global strategic management and monetization of big-name brands on a worldwide level, she is known for developing cutting-edge branding strategies, most notably in "bet-the-brand," high stakes trademark cases. Heller works directly with CEOs and senior executives, in and out of corporate boardrooms. Her practice has spanned over 30 years across virtually every industry and in most jurisdictions throughout the world

Heller serves on the Board of Visitors of University of California, Irvine (UCI) Law School, Deans Advisory Board of the UCI Merage School of Business, Executive Committee of the University of Southern California (USC) IP Institute, and Cornell Universitys President's Council of Cornell Women. She is also a board member of Orange Countys Human Options, an organization focused on breaking the cycle of domestic violence and on the Leadership Committee of 5050 Women on Boards.

The National Diversity Council named Heller one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in the US and she was honored with the 2020 Client Choice Award for the Intellectual Property  Trademarks Category in California (voted for exclusively by corporate counsel). Euromoney twice named her the winner of its Americas Women in Business Law Awards, Best in Trademark, and Best Lawyers in America named her Lawyer of the Year in Trademark Law for Los Angeles for two years. Heller was named Trademark Lawyer of the Year by Finance Monthly Global Awards, Lawyer of the Year for Intellectual Property by Lawyer Monthly, and a WIPR Leader by World Intellectual Property Review. She was also honored by her alma mater, Cornell University, which has named her a Distinguished Classmate.

About Greenberg Traurigs Intellectual Property & Technology Practice: With more than 200 intellectual property attorneys and patent agents in the United States, Asia, and Europe, Greenberg Traurig provides a broad range of patent, trademark and copyright protection and strategic counseling. Greenberg Traurig was named Law Firm of the Year for Trademark Law and a National Tier 1 Law Firm for IP Litigation, Patent Law and Litigation, Copyright Law, and Technology Law by U.S. News and Best Lawyers, 2020 Best Law Firms."

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
OWINGS MILLS, MD, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Popular public television series Steven Raichlens Project Fire is back this spring with 13 new episodes just in time for the summer grilling season. Season three features a line-up of Stevens signature creative recipes, cutting-edge grilling techniques, and easy-to-follow instructions to help viewers take their grilling to the next level. A preview is available at youtube.com/watch?v=kaQKmgtljJg.

Steven Raichlens Project Fire comes from the same production team that brought viewers Steven Raichlens Project Smoke and Primal Grill. The series is a co-production of Maryland Public Television, Barbacoa, Inc., and Resolution Pictures.

Steven Raichlen returns to his roots  Baltimore, Maryland  where he grew up. From the Pearlstone Center, located in the rolling countryside outside of the city, Steven salutes the delicacies of his hometown with an episode titled Charm City Que, built around Chesapeake Bay rockfish, a triple-decker pit beef sandwich, and a Project Fire first: Charm City S'mores.

The new season also highlights the twin themes of health and sustainability. In the first episode, BBQ Health Food, Steven explores barbecue from around the world that not only tastes great but is good for you, including Vietnamese Beef and Rice Noodle Salad and Grilled Vegetable Paella from Spain. The Killer BBQ  Hold the Meat episode explores the revolution in grilling vegetables, including recipes for Nashville Hot Cauliflower and Smoke-Roasted Acorn Squash with Creamy Parmesan Flan.

Later in the season, the episode Sustainable Seafood focuses on sea fare that can be grilled and eaten with an eco-clean conscience, including Grilled Oysters with Prosciutto and Parmigiano. And, of course, Stevens hometown trip features blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay -- steamed over a wood-burning fire.

The episode Planet Steak offers up three steaks using unexpected grilling techniques with some of the best beef on the worlds barbecue trail, including Hanger Steaks with French Mustard Sauce and Cambodian Steak with Big Flavor Condiments. The next episode, Best Ribs Ever, showcases three innovative methods for grilling Americas favorite bones. Theres also a trip to Italy, or at least Little Italy, delivering the Raichlen twist on three Italian grilled classics, including Salt Slab Chicken with Pepperoncini Vinaigrette.

Project Fire also brings viewers its annual celebration of tailgating. During the Social Distance Tailgating episode, Steven focuses on Buffaque Broccoli with Blue Cheese Drizzle, Cajun hobo packs, and a Project Fire mystery box. With the economic challenges of COVID-19 in mind, the Barbecue on a Budget episode offers delicious, cost-conscience recipes, from Pamplona of Pork to Tea-Smoked Chicken.

New this season is the Ask Steven segment, in which fans pose their grilling questions and Steven responds with an in-show grilling demonstration. Also new to Project Fire this year is a Mystery Box Challenge, during which field chef Chris Lynch and food stylist Nora Singley present Steven with a box of surprise ingredients. Viewers get to experience Stevens creativity at work as he creates a new dish (or even several) spontaneously and in real time.

Viewers interested in watching Steven Raichlens Project Fire are encouraged to contact their local public television station to find out when it will be available in their area. Local stations can be located here: aptonline.org/pages/viewers/Index-Stations+Near+You.

Funding for the series is provided by Big Green Egg, Inc.; Fire Magic Grills/RH Peterson Co.; Green Mountain Grills/GMG Products, LLC; Blue Rhino/Ferrellgas L.P.; Maverick Industries, Inc.; Shun Cutlery/ KAI USA, Ltd.; Basques Hardwood Charcoal, Inc.; Rougette Bonfire Grilling Cheese/Champignon North America, Inc.; KUDU: The Open Fire Company; and Workman Publishing Co., Inc.

# # #

About Steven Raichlen

A five-time James Beard Award-winning author and Barbecue Hall of Famer, Steven Raichlen has written more than 30 books  several multi-million copy bestsellers  with translations in 17 languages. Founder of the celebrated Barbecue University at the Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, Raichlen has lectured on the history of live-fire cooking at the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University. Raichlen hosts TV shows in Quebec and Italy and created and starred in Barbecue University, Primal Grill, and Steven Raichlens Project Smoke and Project Fire on public television. Raichlens latest book, How to Grill Vegetables (Workman Publishing), follows his New York Times bestsellers The Brisket Chronicles, Project Fire and Project Smoke. Raichlen writes for the New York Times Le Journal de Montreal. His work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Esquire, GQ, and all the major food magazines. In 2012, he published his first novel, Island Apart. For more information visit stevenraichlen.com.

About Maryland Public Television

Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT is a leading producer and distributor of national public television programming in the United States. As a major content supplier to PBS stations, MPT boasts a five-decade legacy of groundbreaking and innovative contributions to public television schedules nationwide. MPT is one of the most prolific producers of regional programming in the public television system, serving a six-state area in the Mid-Atlantic region. MPTs Emmy award-winning catalog includes news, public affairs, documentary, performance, and lifestyle programming. For more information visit mpt.org.

About Resolution Pictures

Launched in 1998, Resolution Pictures is an Emmy award-winning documentary and lifestyle production company specializing in food and travel television. Resolution Pictures has a long relationship with Steven Raichlen and Maryland Public Television, together producing multiple seasons of Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen, three seasons of Steven Raichlens Project Smoke, and now Steven Raichlens Project Fire. Its documentary, The Science of Healing, produced for PBS pledge, explores the mind-body connection to healing featuring the impact of the Mediterranean diet and low stress living on health. Many of its programs have won James Beard Awards including Lidias Italy, Food Trip with Todd English, and My Country My Kitchen. Resolution Pictures earned an Emmy for exploring Native American food and culture in Seasoned with Spirit with Loretta Barret Oden. Resolution Pictures is currently producing the fourth season of the popular public TV series My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas. For more information visit resolutionpictures.com.

About APT

American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nations public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APTs diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, childrens series, and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, Americas Test Kitchen From Cooks Illustrated, AfroPoP, Rick Steves Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimballs Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidias Kitchen, Kevin Beltons New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live From the Artists Den, James Pattersons Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APTs programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes CreateTV  featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming  and WORLD, public televisions premier news, science, and documentary channel. To find out more about APTs programs and services, visit APTonline.org.

Attachments
Video screenshot shows a human smuggler dropping a child over the U.S. border wall in the desert in New Mexico, in a file photo. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Girls Dropped Over Border Wall by Smugglers Reunited With Family

Two Ecuadorian girls who were dropped from a 14-foot-high barrier at the U.S-Mexico border by smugglers near El Paso about a month ago have been reunited with their families.

The Ecuadorian minors aged three and five, who were abandoned by human traffickers on the border between the United States and Mexico, were finally reunited with their family on April 17, Ecuadors Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility wrote in a statement.

The Foreign Ministry ratifies its commitment to continue workingin coordination with the competent institutionsfor the prevention of risky migration of Ecuadorian citizens, especially children and adolescents, the statement reads.

After the late March incident, the girls were located by border agents and placed at a temporary holding facility in Texas, reported AP News.

The Ecuadorian consulate in Houston said on April 2 that the children were safe, uninjured, and that their parents were contacted.

In the San Diego sector, Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke published a distressing video of a smuggler dropping a 2-year-old child from an 18-foot high border wall to the childs father, who was standing at mid-altitude on a concrete structure.

Heitke said that the incident occurred on Sunday and that, luckily, the child wasnt hurt.

Sunday, #BorderPatrol agents witnessed a smuggler drop a two-year-old child from atop the 18-foot-high border wall into the arms of the childs father, wrote Heitke. This event could have been catastrophic. Luckily, the child was not injured.

Sunday, #BorderPatrol agents witnessed a smuggler drop a two-year-old child from atop the 18-foot-high border wall into the arms of the childs father. This event could have been catastrophic. Luckily, the child was not injured. pic.twitter.com/5uDEtbs8NW  Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke (@USBPChiefSDC) April 14, 2021

U.S. Customs and Border Protection released an operational update on April 8, which stated that more than 172,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in March along the Southwest border.

Compared to February, March has seen a 100 percent increase of unaccompanied minors from Central America18,890, the agency stated.
NEW YORK, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) is scheduled to release its financial results for the third quarter and the nine months ended March 31, 2021 of fiscal year 2021 on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Broadridge will host a webcast and conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on May 4, 2021, to discuss the results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021. Tim Gokey, Chief Executive Officer, and Edmund Reese, Chief Financial Officer, will participate on the call.

To listen to the live event and access the slide presentation, visit Broadridge's Investor Relations website at www.broadridge-ir.com prior to the start of the webcast. To listen to the call, investors may also dial 1-877-328-2502 within the United States and international callers may dial 1-412-317-5419.

A replay of the webcast will be available and can be accessed in the same manner as the live webcast at the Broadridge Investor Relations website. Through May 13, 2021, the recording will also be available by dialing 1-877-344-7529 passcode: 10155380 within the United States or 1-412-317-0088 passcode: 10155380 for international callers.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $4.5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. In addition, Broadridge's technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of on average more than U.S. $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is a part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 12,000 associates in 17 countries. For more information about us and what we can do for you, please visit www.broadridge.com.

Investors:

W. Edings Thibault

Investor Relations

(516) 472-5129

Media:

Gregg Rosenberg

Corporate Communications

(212) 918-6966

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.broadridge.com


New Delhi, April 21 : Amid shortage of oxygen reported in several government and privates hospitals in Delhi since last few days due to sudden increase of Covid-19 cases, the city government found some relief as the Centre has agreed to increase Delhi's oxygen quota, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday.

Kejriwal, who is in self-quarantine after his wife Sunita Kejriwal tested Covid-19 positive, tweeted: "Central govt has increased Delhi's quota of oxygen. We r very grateful to centre for this." The Chief Minister's tweets came moments after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, addressing a digital press conference, expressed alarm of shortage of oxygen in Delhi's hospitals.

Amid flood of SOS messages from hospitals regarding shortage of oxygen, Sisodia said around 18,000 Covid-19 patients admitted in different hospitals in Delhi require oxygen support, but the stock of gas in many hospitals is running out.

"We have been requesting the Centre time and again to increase the oxygen quota for Delhi as it has reached high demand," he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The historic quest to rekindle the human exploration and colonization of space has been spearheaded by two tech moguls who view space as the next entrepreneurial frontier: Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

Last year, Bezos Project Kuiper scored a big win after the FCC issued the green light for its $10B internet satellite plan that aims to provide high-speed Internet service to low-density areas.

However, it will be Musks SpaceX, and not Bezos Blue Origin, that will take U.S. astronauts back to the surface of the moon for the first time since 1972.

SpaceX has just won a $2.89 billion NASA contract to build the agency's next spacecraft to land astronauts on the moon, beating out Bezos's company and others, despite Blue Origin partnering with defense and aerospace stalwarts such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and Draper.

The contract vaults SpaceX into the top tier of NASA's most trusted partners.

Space rivalry

Over the years, Musk and Bezos have waged war--largely on social media--to become the most influential space company.

Christian Davenport, a Washington Post reporter and author of The Space Barons, has revealed that a 2004 meeting between Bezos and Musk to discuss their rocket ambitions in 2004 did not go well due to key ideological differences. The rivalry has only intensified over the years: In 2013, Musk outbid Bezos to acquire NASA's Launch Pad 39A used by Apollo 11 the Space Shuttle before Bezos responded by buying Launch Complex 36, used by NASA's unmanned missions to Mars and Venus.

You might be wondering why all the fuss about returning to our main satellite half a century after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrins historic Apollo 11 mission and the even more impressive Mars landing in February

Hint: It has little to do with trying to find little green men there.

Well, you can chalk it up partly to nostalgia and partly due to the need to deal with unfinished business.

After 1969, the U.S. was forced to abandon further travel to the moon mainly due to a vastly expensive war in Vietnam, which is hardly surprising considering that at one point Apollo 11 cost as much as 4% of the US federal budget. Since then, just a handful of robot missions to the moon have been launched, and human ventures have been restricted to missions in low Earth orbit including the International Space Station.

However, key technological advances have dramatically reduced the need for the continual presence of humans in hostile environments.

Turns out theres a huge cost gap between manned and unmanned missions. With each advance in robots and miniaturization, there is less need to put people into space or onto the moon, and that saves a lot of money. For a space agency like Nasa which survives on a shoestring budget that is little more than 10% of funding in its heyday, that is a major consideration.

For instance, the [unmanned] Mars Perseverance Rover has been assigned to study the Red Planet's geology and test how astronauts on future Mars missions could produce oxygen from CO2 in the atmosphere, something that was unthinkable five decades ago.

Mars is a very unique and extreme environment, even for space robotics. The robotics must be able to not only to survive this harsh environment but also successfully perform tasks such as digging and drilling to enable scientific investigations. Some scientists see Mars as a planetary mausoleum of dead microbes, and suspect that digging deeper into the surface might turn up evidence for life--which would be a first for anywhere outside our planet. NASAs humanoid robots might be able to do just that. The next generation of mechanical pioneers sent to Mars in the near future will be even more sophisticated, using AI, novel propulsion methods and more versatile smallsats that can meet the challenge of colonizing the planet.

Chinas Change-4 probe provides a prime example of what an unmanned mission can achieve. As the first vehicle ever to alight on the moons far side, Chang'e-4 has continued to operate without problems including surviving prolonged periods when temperatures have plummeted to below minus 180C during lunar nights. In contrast, Apollo schedules were planned to make sure astronauts landed on the moon only during the 14-day long lunar day.

Nasas Lunar Gateway Project plans to build a smaller version of the International Space Station that will orbit the moon. Astronauts will use Gateway to operate robots working on the lunar surface to set up radio telescopes, to harvest minerals, or search for ice and water.

Given that the moon has lain virtually undisturbed for the last 4.5 billion years, it could act as a museum of the history of the solar system and help us better understand the challenges of colonizing other planets.

By Josh Owens for Safehaven.com
LAS VEGAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's 'Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices- Market Insights, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecast -2026' provides the current and forecast market of the Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices and comprises of market trends and key competitors of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices. DelveInsight estimated the market to grow at a steady CAGR over the study period of 2018  2026.

Key Highlights of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market report:

 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices are minimally invasive devices that are used for the mechanical closure of the Patent Foramen Ovale. The device incorporation involves using a small occluder device into the heart through the vein.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of using these PFO closure devices for PFO closure in patients who have already suffered from a cryptogenic stroke in the past, and the risk levels for another stroke have elevated and need to be controlled.

According to DelveInsight's analysis, the prevalence of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices patients increases to about 4050% in patients who have a cryptogenic stroke or stroke of unknown cause.

According to the estimates, the highest contribution in the market size Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices is from the United States (45%), followed by Japan (17%) among the seven major markets.

followed by among the seven major markets. The report also provides the estimated patient pool population in the 7MM. In the year 2018 , the total prevalent cases of selected indications for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices were 51,434 cases in the 7MM, which might reach 53,250 cases by 2026 . The US , in 2018, accounted for 21,226 cases (the highest number), which will probably rise to 22,178 cases by the year 2026.

, the total cases of selected indications for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices were cases in the 7MM, which might reach cases by . The , in 2018, accounted for cases (the highest number), which will probably rise to cases by the year 2026. On November 9, 2009 , the Amplatzer PFO device, constructed by AGA medicals, got its first approval and licensing by the Chinese Regulatory Authorities. On October 28, 2016 , the FDA approved the Amplatzer PFO Occluder device for patients under a stroke risk due to PFO. The Amplatzer PFO occlude was the first of its kind device that was approved for PFO closure in patients under the risk of acute ischemic stroke.

, the Amplatzer PFO device, constructed by AGA medicals, got its first approval and licensing by the Chinese Regulatory Authorities. On , the FDA approved the device for patients under a stroke risk due to PFO. The Amplatzer PFO occlude was the first of its kind device that was approved for PFO closure in patients under the risk of acute ischemic stroke. On March 30, 2021 , W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore), had published the Gore REDUCE Study long-term follow-up results in the March 2021 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), illustrating the benefits of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The extended follow-up data further supports the benefits of GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder in long-term recurrent stroke prevention.

Request for Sample @ Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market

Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market

PFO is amongst the most common forms of congenital heart defects that are encountered on an everyday basis. PFO that persists even after birth is found to be as prevalent as 1 in every 4 births. It has been found to play a major role in patients suffering from ischemic strokes, cryptogenic strokes, and people acquainted with migraines. Needless to say, the closure device industries are taking a profound interest in this segment.

The Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices market size in the 7MM is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% due to the launch of emerging medical devices and upcoming technologies such as the first generation of a light-activated implant for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) by Holistick Medical SAS.

The Amplatzer PFO Occluder (AGA Medicals), Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder (W.L Gore and Associates), and CardiO-Fix Septal Occluder (Starway Medical Technology) are some occluder devices that have recently been approved for the treatment of different types of PFO. The FDA has approved the Amplatzer PFO Occluder for the treatment of PFO. In addition, Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder and CardiO-Fix Septal Occluder have been approved both by the FDA and CFDA to treat PFO.

The Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices market is driven by the increasing prevalence of PFO cases, escalating preferences for minimally invasive procedures, safe, technically feasible, and effective, and increasing patient preferences for less- time-consuming procedures across 7MM.

Key Competitors in Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market:

Abbott Vascular

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Starway Medical Technology Inc.

OCCLUTECH GMBH

Comed BV

Cardia Inc.

Lifetech Scientific Corporation

Heartstitch Inc.

PFM Medical AG

Lepu Medical Technology

Know more about the key companies involved @ Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market Key Companies

Table of Contents

1 Key Insights 2 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market Report Introduction 3 Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices Market Overview at a Glance 4 Executive Summary of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices 5 Patent Foramen Ovale: Background And Overview 6 Regulatory and Reimbursement of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market 7 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Marketed Products 8 Assumptions and Rationale: Eligible Patient Population and Market Analysis for PFO Closure Devices 9 PFO Closure Devices Eligible Patient Population 10 PFO Closure Devices: Market Analysis 11 Kol's Views 12 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market Drivers 13 PFO Market Barriers 14 Unmet Needs 15 Pest Analysis 16 Appendix 17 DelveInsight Capabilities 18 Disclaimer 19 About DelveInsight

Visit to know more about the report offerings @ Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market

The report provides valuable insight for clients venturing into the Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices and acts as the source of guidance for taking strategic business decisions in the field of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices by providing a descriptive overview of pathophysiology, various diagnostic approaches, and treatment algorithm including detailed chapters for marketed products and emerging therapies.

Along with this, the report has a detailed review of the market containing historical and forecasted market size in 7MM, by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices Market landscape.

This report has been prepared by DelveInsight's analysts after a thorough secondary and primary research into the Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices market. Analysis and estimations are done by taking into consideration the share of topmost companies and industry expert viewpoints of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices and also the prevalent patient population of 7MM countries.

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For more insights into Medical devices market, get in touch @ Medical Devices Market Analysis

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SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP
Seoul court dismisses 'comfort women' case

Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II. File image: Shutterstock

A South Korean court on Wednesday dismissed a case brought by a handful of World War II sex slaves and their families against the Japanese government, citing Tokyo's "sovereign immunity", reports said.



The ruling comes after the same court in January ordered Tokyo to pay compensation to a handful of women forced to serve Japanese troops  euphemistically labelled "comfort women"  marking the first civilian legal victory against Tokyo in the South.



But the Seoul Central District Court dismissed a separate case on Wednesday after "reaching the decision that sovereign immunity must be applied to the Japanese government", Yonhap news agency reported.



The comfort women issue has been at the core of frosty ties between the two neighbours, despite a 1965 treaty between Seoul and Tokyo which declared claims between them and their nationals had been settled.



Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.



The Japanese government denies it is directly responsible for the wartime abuses, maintaining that the victims were recruited by civilians and that the military brothels were commercially operated.
Lee Yong-soo came out of a South Korean court disappointed on Wednesday (April 21).

She is one of the surviving "comfort women" who raised a lawsuit against Japan for the sexual abuse they endured when forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

The court upheld Japan's state immunity and dismissed the women's lawsuit, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims.

"It is very, very absurd. It's nonsense. Anyway, if the result is good or not, we will seek international litigation over the case. We must go. That's all I can say."

Many surviving "comfort women" - a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims - are demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation.

Remnants of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula remain contentious from both sides.

In January, diplomatic tension flared between the two countries, after another judge ruled in favor of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time.

The verdict had drawn rebuke from Tokyo, which says that the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal.

Under the deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided $9.3 million to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to "irreversibly" end the dispute.

But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations.

Video Transcript

- Lee Yong-soo came out of a South Korean court disappointed on Wednesday. She is one of the surviving comfort women who raised a lawsuit against Japan for the sexual abuse they endured when forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels. The court upheld Japan's state immunity and dismissed the women's lawsuit, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

- It is very, very absurd. It's nonsense. Anyway, whether the result is good or not, we will seek international litigation over the case.

Story continues

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

- We must go. That's all I can say.

- Many surviving comfort women, a Japanese euphemism for the sexual abuse victims, are demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation. Remnants of Japan's 1910 to 1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula remain contentious from both sides. In January, diplomatic tension flared between the two countries after another judge ruled in favor of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time. The verdict had drawn rebuke from Tokyo which says that the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal. Under the deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided $9.3 million US to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to irreversibly end the dispute. But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations.
Oxygen supply disruption kills 22 COVID-19 patients in India View Photo

NEW DELHI (AP)  Twenty-two COVID-19 patients on ventilators died in a hospital in western India on Wednesday when their oxygen supply was interrupted by a leak in a supply line, officials said.

Suraj Mandhar, the district collector, said the supply of oxygen has since resumed to other patients.

Fire officer Sanjay Bairagi said the leak was halted by the fire service within 15 minutes, but there was supply disruption in the Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, a city in Maharashtra state that is the worst hit by the latest surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

Television images showed white fumes spreading in the hospital area, causing panic.

Surinder Sonone, a police officer, said the leak occurred in a pipe connecting the oxygen supply to the main tank in the hospital complex.

Five of the 140 COVID-19 patients were shifted to another hospital, he said.

The state government ordered an investigation of the leak, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.

India has reported a new record 295,041 coronavirus cases, as the daily death toll crossed 2,000 for the first time.

Even with hospitals struggling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday advised state governments against imposing a harsh lockdown in favor of micro-containment zones as he sought to avoid another economic slump.

The surge in India has exacerbated the slowdown in global vaccination campaigns. India is a major vaccine producer but was forced it to delay deliveries of shots to focus on its domestic demand. So far, India has administered over 130 million doses of vaccines in a nation of nearly 1.4 billion since mid-January.

Overall, India has reported more than 15.6 million confirmed cases, the second highest behind the United States. The number of deaths stood at 182,553.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TETRA Technologies, Inc. ("TETRA" or the "Company") (NYSE: TTI) announced today that it will release first quarter 2021 results before the opening of the market on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Following the release, TETRA will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. Brady M. Murphy, President and CEO, and Elijio V. Serrano, Senior Vice President and CFO, will host the call.

TETRA invites you to listen to the conference call by calling the toll-free phone number 1-888-347-5303. The conference call will also be available by live audio webcast and may be accessed through the Company's website at www.tetratec.com. The news release will be available on the Company's website prior to the conference call. A replay of the conference call will be available at 1-877-344-7529 conference number 10155551, for one week following the conference call and the archived webcast will be available through the Company's website for thirty days following the conference call.

Company Overview

TETRA is a geographically diversified oil and gas services company, focused on completion fluids and associated products and services, water management, frac flowback, and production well testing. Visit the Company's website at www.tetratec.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tetra-technologies-inc-announces-first-quarter-2021-earnings-release-conference-call-and-webcast-301273135.html

SOURCE TETRA Technologies, Inc.
by Melani Manel Perera

The attacks killed 269 people on 21 April 2019. The former Methodist bishop of Colombo Asiri Perera urges people to go beyond the wounds. For him, Gods justice is our only guide.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Today marks the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday attacks by a group of Islamic suicide bombers against three churches (two Catholic and one Evangelical) and three hotels, resulting in the death of 269 people and the wounding about 500 people.

The anniversary comes amid ongoing protests by Sr Lankas Christian community over the slow pace of the investigation, which so far has brought to light only the names of the attackers.

The Catholic Church has criticised in particular the report of the commission of inquiry set up by the government, deeming it inadequate.

In view of the situation, former Methodist Bishop of Colombo Asiri Perera called on people not to be hostage of the political row over the legal ramifications of what happened; instead, the country should start with Easter in order to go beyond its wounds.

Unfortunately, we have allowed certain politicians hijack this issue, he told AsiaNews. It seems that the Easter Sunday attacks have become the cause for one government to be removed from power in favour of another.

As a Christian, I reflect on the struggles for justice found in the Bible, and I firmly believe that it is the only source we can trust, he added. No one will escape from divine justice. [. . .] No one can intimidate Him.

This said, I dont want to blunt the pain of those who suffer because of human injustice or believe that everything else has failed. If we are not told the truth about what happened, the Christian community of Sri Lanka must find in Scripture and prayer the way to fight for justice so that it is not limited only to street protests or statements to the media.

Let us not forget that the victims were killed while celebrating the Risen One on Easter Day. I fear that we are forgetting that. Even in the minds of many Christians, Easter is becoming a synonym for the 2019 attacks, as if its message was the many lost lives.

Today too we are called to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection. The Acts of the Apostles remind us that, with the resurrection of Jesus, a small flock became a force capable of transforming the world. What does that mean for the Christians of Sri Lanka today?

The essence of Easter is rooted in the Passover celebrated by Jews since Moses and the passing of the Red Sea. Jesus gave it a new meaning by announcing God's great power of life and resurrection. Both events created a transformed and transforming community through the Passover experience.

Now the time has come for the Christian community to experience it rather than place its trust in the countrys rulers whoever they may be. The black colour we wear and the protest marches we walk in are not going to soften the hard heart of the pharaohs of our time.

Everything tells us that the current and future governments will continue their march, ignoring and leaving behind those who demand justice for the Easter Sunday attacks. Let us leave them to their wounds of Egypt and look to God who listens to the cry of his people.

Finally, for Bishop Asiri Perera, attention should be paid to the burden the relatives of the victims carry.

Sri Lankan Christians must help them go beyond what happened two years ago. They must give concrete support to those who have lost loved ones not to remain prisoners of their burden.

We must not leave them in the hands of those who prefer to keep their wounds open to pursue their agendas. Some still deny what happened, others carry their resentment, slipping into depression.

Among those who have suffered there is a growing feeling of anger towards the Muslim community. Even in the hearts of many Muslims there is a burden; they would like to express solidarity but are afraid of being misunderstood or rejected.

Is knowing who masterminded the attacks the only important thing? If we knew, the dead would not be brought back. The real struggle is how to really deal with these losses; how hope can help us start to move forward again.
RALEIGH, N.C., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertical IQ, a Raleigh-based Industry Intelligence firm that helps thousands of professionals who advise small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has launched Global Perspective, its most recent enhancement to the company's cornerstone Industry Intelligence product, the Industry Profile.

Each Global Perspective Industry Profile chapter offers users critical information about industries with a large international presence and includes:

A list of major global companies impacting the industry

Insight into worldwide demand through import/export trends over the past several years

A breakdown of total imports and exports between the U.S. and other countries

The chapter will be included for industries such as manufacturing and wholesale, and will help advisors discuss global impacts within a business owner's industry and explore their potential for global expansion.

"Business is increasingly done on the international stage, and small and medium-sized business owners don't want to miss out on these potential expansion opportunities," explains Bobby Martin, co-founder and CEO of Vertical IQ. "We have heard from our Vertical IQ customers that they want internationally focused Industry Intelligence, but in the easy-to-digest format they've come to love from Vertical IQ. That's exactly what Global Perspective provides."

Martin continues: "No matter what services or products your company provides -- whether it is consulting and tax advice, currency exchange, letters of credit, or lines of credit to fund international accounts receivables and inventory -- your team will be ready to add value, cultivate trust, and generate opportunities using Global Perspective."

This highly anticipated product enhancement is especially timely for many financial services providers and business consultants.

"The pandemic has reiterated just how interconnected the global economy is," notes Bill Walker, co-founder and EVP of Product Strategy at Vertical IQ. "Our new Global Perspective chapter gives advisors the global Industry Intelligence they need to better understand global supply chains and be ready to add value before, during, and after prospect or client calls."

To learn more or to request a demo, visit www.verticaliq.com .

About Vertical IQ



Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., Vertical IQ is a nationally recognized leader in Industry Intelligence . Whether pitching a local brewery or a national biotech, successful sales and marketing teams use Vertical IQ to better understand a prospect's or customer's business challenges before, during, and after sales meetings. Covering more than 525 distinct industries, 3,400 local economies, and more than 90 percent of the U.S. economy, Vertical IQ equips users with the confidence and credibility to make memorable first impressions and sustain enduring relationships. Learn more VerticalIQ.com .

SOURCE Vertical IQ

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President Biden invites Johnson Controls' CEO to speak at Leaders Summit on Climate Tweet this

"I am honored to accept President Biden`s invitation to join him and other world leaders calling for urgent climate action. It is especially important to establish a roadmap to limiting the rise of global temperatures as we get closer to the COP26 climate conference scheduled for November in Glasgow," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls. "Transitioning to a lower-carbon economy is an opportunity to build back better, as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Providing clean, sustainable and energy efficient solutions creates jobs while building strong, resilient, global economies."

According to the White House, a major theme of the summit will be the broad economic benefits of climate action, with a strong focus on job creation. This will explore both the economic benefits of green recovery and long-term decarbonization and the importance of ensuring that all communities and workers benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy.

Representing both Business Roundtable and Johnson Controls, Oliver will address these topics in a session on April 23 as well as the role buildings can play to slash both emissions and costs.

Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America's leading companies. Oliver was named chair of the Business Roundtable Energy & Environment Committee in January this year. The Committee is dedicated to advancing policies that encourage innovation and support an environmentally and economically sustainable future.

The vast majority of Business Roundtable's 223 member CEOs have made public commitments to reduce their companies' greenhouse gas emissions/carbon footprints, are making serious progress and reporting on it publicly. Nearly half of those commitments are for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, if not sooner.

Business Roundtable members are playing a significant role in driving ambitious climate action and the policy needed to spur low-carbon economic growth. Last September, the organization endorsed the goals of the Paris Agreement and proposed aggressive policies to achieve those goals.

Johnson Controls own ambitious emissions reductions targets were recently approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative  an independent organization that assesses corporate sustainability claims. As part of its environmental sustainability commitments, Johnson Controls aims to cut operational emissions by 55 percent and reduce customers' emissions by 16 percent before 2030. Johnson Controls believes its OpenBlue platform for optimizing building sustainability will be central to fulfilling these goals and ultimately creating an environment for healthy people, healthy places and a healthy planet.

The company also recently joined the Business Ambition for 1.5C campaign and is a signatory to The Climate Pledge, an initiative of business leaders co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. Signatories to the pledge commit to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040  ten years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement goal.

As a leader in the buildings space for more than 135 years, Johnson Controls has been a pioneer in sustainability and is ranked in the top 12 percent of climate leadership companies globally by CDP. It is on the World's Most Ethical Companies Honoree List and is named one of Corporate Knights' global 100 most Sustainable Companies.

To read more about Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability, please visit:

https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/environment

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.

SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc

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Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill this week banning inclusionary zoning, taking a major part of Bozemans affordable housing plan off the table.

House Bill 259, signed into law Monday, prohibits local governments from requiring developers to pay a fee that would go to providing homes at specified prices or for people in specific income levels.

Bozemans Affordable Housing Ordinance, passed in 2018, requires 10% of developments of more than 10 homes to be priced affordably. Developers have the option to pay fees in lieu of building homes.

Bozeman City Manager Jeff Mihelich said in a statement Tuesday that it would be an understatement to say the city is disappointed in the new law.

This is the final action to take away one of the few tools that our city has been successfully using to create more affordable housing in Bozeman, Mihelich said.

Melody Mileur, city spokesperson, said there are 51 homes approved as part of affordable housing plans and dozens more under review. Mihelich said it is unclear how the new law applies to development under review.

The legislation is riddled with complexity and unknowns. Mihelich said. To be clear, this wont stop the city of Bozeman from continuing to pursue other policies to ensure that every Bozemanite that wants a home can afford one.

As the bill made its way through the Legislature, representatives from several cities throughout Montana opposed the legislation, including Bozeman, Missoula and Billings. Opponents generally criticized it for encroaching on local control and limiting local officials ability to address the affordable housing crisis.

Supporters argued that inclusionary zoning increases the costs of other homes within a development and puts an undue burden on developers to create affordable housing.

A Bozeman developer, Eugene Graf, who supported the bill, said Tuesday there are other ways the city can support affordable housing

We need to make sure that we continue to encourage the supply to be there to meet the demand ... whether we are encouraging land owners to develop or if we are encouraging the city to approve things at a rate that keeps up with demand, Graf said. All of these things need to work together. I dont know if theres a one stop solution.

Brian Popiel, a Bozeman contractor who unsuccessfully ran for the Legislature last year, said he is cautiously optimistic that removing inclusionary zoning from Bozemans arsenal will force the city to pursue other avenues.

Inclusionary zoning is sort of a Band-Aid-type solution, Popiel said.

The city is reviewing its codes guiding development, which will be focused on fostering and speeding the construction and preservation of affordable homes.

Kevin Thane, a member of the Bozeman Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board, said the city will have to build more incentives for affordable housing into the code.

We have to use more carrots and less sticks, Thane said.
By Benjamin Jumbe

Parliament has observed a moment of silence in honour of the fallen president of Chad, Idriss Deby.

President Deby died over the weekend from wounds sustained in battle with rebels after three decades in power.

His death came shortly after he was proclaimed the projected winner of a presidential election that would give him a sixth term in office.

Meanwhile the house also honoured the Chair of the Common Wealth parliamentary Association Emilia Monjowa Lifaka who died yesterday.

The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga prayed for stability in Chad and return to civilian rule.
Former US president, Donald Trump has revealed he is looking 'very seriously' at running for president again in 2024. Speaking during his very first television interview since leaving office in January, Trump announced his Presidential ambitions. He also attacked Joe Biden for his handling of the southern border and then warned that Latin America was 'sending rapists' into the United States. 'I am looking at it very seriously,' he said. 'Beyond seriously.' Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity.



Trump invited Sean Hannity of Fox News into his Mar-a-Lago estate. He said he believed his high poll ratings - what he termed his 'tremendous numbers' was due to disappointment in Biden's rule. 'I've got tremendous numbers. Nobody has ever gotten the numbers I got. No sitting president has come even close. There is more popularity now the end there was the day before the election,' he said. Trump, now 74, said he is not ready to officially declare his candidacy.



'From a legal standpoint, I don't want to really talk about it yet,' he added. He singled out having reduced taxes, reduced the cost of prescription drugs, created Space Force, and built parts of a wall along the border with Mexico.

More than 170,000 migrants were taken into custody at the U.S.-Mexico border in March - the highest monthly total since at least 2006. Now Trump says Biden's undoing of his immigration policies was very bad. 'All he had to do was leave it alone,' said Trump, pointing out that tens of thousands of migrants are currently arriving, and claiming that they were criminals and drug traffickers.'They are sending us not their best people,' Trump said.'They are sending us people that in many cases - not in all cases - are murderers, drug dealers, human traffickers, rapists, really bad people.



'They are sending people from prisons.' 'It's a horrible situation,' he said. 'It could destroy our country. People are pouring in.'He told Hannity that he was looking forward to campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates for the 2022 election, and said they should embrace his policies 'if they want to win'.



'We've got to take back the house in '22,' he said. 'We have a real chance.'









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A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is held in Vienna, Austria, April 20, 2021. /Xinhua

Complete lifting of all relevant sanctions, including those on Iran and third parties, is the key to the success of the current negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Wang Qun, Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks after attending the latest meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission. The meeting was chaired by Enrique Mora, the deputy secretary general and political director of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.

Wang said that the negotiations in recent days have been "beneficial" and that the current negotiations have entered a new stage.

He said China welcomes the Joint Commission's intensive talks through the two processes, the nuclear implementation and sanctions-lifting working groups' work, and the "proximity talks" with the United States, to draft texts of an arrangement for the U.S. and Iran to resume compliance with the deal.

Wang said that all parties now have a clearer understanding of the framework and main elements of the aforementioned arrangement. These efforts laid a solid foundation for the next stage of negotiations of the Joint Commission, he noted.

Wang said that China firmly supports the resumption of JCPOA implementation by the U.S. and Iran "as soon as possible," and that China is ready to work hand in hand with relevant parties to promote the talks on substantive texts, with the aim of achieving results acceptable to all parties at an early date.

The EEAS said in a press release on Tuesday after the talks that the Joint Commission had "decided to create a third expert group to start looking into the possible sequencing of respective measures."

"Participants reiterated their resolve to further pursue their joint diplomatic effort including in the Joint Commission and through continued separate contacts of the Coordinator with all JCPOA participants and the United States," it added.

The EEAS said that the Joint Commission will reconvene in the course of next week.
The Irish jobs market has experienced an increase in job vacancies in the first three months of this year as industries prepare for the steady lifting of lockdown restrictions.

That is according to the latest Irish Jobs Index from e-recruitment platform IrishJobs.ie.

The index, which analyses quarterly job vacancy data reveals that job postings for Q1 2021, were up 34 per cent when compared to Q4 2020, showing early signs of an accelerated jobs market for the year ahead.

According to the data, overall jobs vacancies increased by 5% when compared to the same period in 2020, with industries including science, pharmaceuticals, and food (+102%, YoY), medical professionals and healthcare (+97%) and IT (+171%) showing the most resilience over the past twelve months.

Sectoral changes

Despite long periods of lockdown restrictions, the construction sector also experienced significant levels of growth in Q1 where job vacancies within the sector grew by 45% QoQ.

This growth comes as the Irish construction sector began to reopen last week, resulting in job postings within the sector increasing by 7% overall when compared to 2020.

Although overall job vacancy figures point to positive trends in Ireland, sectoral data shows that sectors that remain closed under current public health restrictions, are experiencing subdued hiring activity. These industries include: hotel and catering ( -75% YoY), beauty, haircare, leisure, and sport (-72% YoY), retail, wholesale and purchasing ( -46% YoY), and education, childcare, and training (-26% YoY) The Index shows all but four counties experienced a rise in vacancies over the first quarter of the year.

Regional changes

Irishjobs.ie said that Irelands main cities have proven to be particularly resilient in the face of the third Covid-19 lockdown with all experiencing a rise in vacancy numbers quarter-on-quarter of 8 per cent in Cork.

Vacancies increased by 47 per cent in Dublin (QoQ), by 45 per cent in Limerick, by 35 per cent in Waterford and by 21 per cent in Galway.

Commenting on the latest Index, Orla Moran, General Manager of IrishJobs.ie, said:According to our latest data, the Irish jobs market is steadily recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is an extremely encouraging sign as we look towards the next twelve months. Ms Moran added: Looking towards the year ahead, overall general economic predictions are positive, with the Governments latest Stability Programme Update projecting upward momentum in 2021, with increased consumer spending and, vitally, more people in work.

The anticipated reopening of sectors such as hospitality and retail, will play a significant role in this recovery and gives us reason to believe that there will be continued growth within the employment market over the next twelve-month period.

However, this will be a challenging process and one that remains entirely dependent on the course of the vaccine rollout and the evolution of the virus, which we know are highly changeable.

For this reason, the next few months will be crucial. Representative bodies and the government must work together to ensure that there is a reasonable balance between public safety and the ability for newly reopened businesses to serve customers with as few impediments as possible.
GREENWICH  The town of Greenwich is putting out a renewed call for all residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as appointments start to go unfilled.

We have to encourage people not to sit on the sidelines but to go and get their vaccinations so we can arrive at herd immunity, First Selectman Fred Camillo said Wednesday during his weekly update on the towns coronavirus response.

Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly echoed that message, reminding residents that COVID-19 is still a public health threat.

The majority of our (COVID-19) patients across the system have not been vaccinated, Kelly said. Not getting vaccinated is leading to people being admitted to the hospital. This is something for people to pay attention to.

Taking a cue from Camillo, Kelly said residents should not sit on the sidelines but step in and be part of the solution.

Some parts of the nation are reporting there is more vaccine supply than demand, and Kelly said she is starting to see that in Greenwich, too.

Thats not terribly surprising because we in Greenwich are doing a pretty good job of getting people vaccinated, and at the same time were having more vaccine released, she said. Its not a problem. Its an opportunity to fix the problem of getting people in to get their vaccines.

All Connecticut residents age 16 and up are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This breathing room now offers an opportunity for residents who were waiting for the crush of demand to let up to now search for an open appointment, Kelly said. The entire Yale New Haven Health System, of which Greenwich Hospital is a part, is actively engaged in encouraging and educating residents about the importance of vaccines through community outreach.

Camillo said he has talked to some residents who are reluctant to get vaccinated, and he wanted to assure them and others to get the shots.

I do run into people now and then who wont get it, he said. Ive also run into people who say theyre probably going to get it but are waiting. I would keep encouraging people to not wait any longer. Were seeing millions and millions and millions of people have gotten it safely and the risks of not getting it far outweigh the risks of getting it.

Three vaccine clinics are operating in town. Greenwich Hospital has the biggest at Brunswick Schools King Street campus. Family Centers Inc. also runs a clinic on weekdays at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and the Town Hall clinic operates three days per week.

Latest COVID numbers

The town has seen 4,936 cases of COVID-19 among residents since the pandemic hit more than a year ago, Camillo said. That is an increase of 119 cases since last week, but that number includes only 116 active cases, which has decreased by 34 since last week, he said.

The number of Greenwich residents who died after contracting COVID-19 remains at 88, where it has been the last two weeks, Camillo said.

At Greenwich Hospital, COVID-19 cases are up, Kelly said. As of Wednesday, 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were hospitalized, up from 13 last week, she said. Of those, six patients are in the hospitals intensive care unit and five are on ventilators, Kelly said.

There has also been an increase in the number of COVID patients throughout the Yale New Haven Health System, with 210 this week after there were 177 last week, she said.

Despite the increase, Kelly said the patient level has remained in the range of what the hospital has seen in recent months.

These numbers are staying right around that level between 15 and 20 patients, she said.

Planning for events

As more residents get vaccinated, Camillo said the town is making plans for the summer. The Fourth of July fireworks in Old Greenwich are tentatively scheduled, and planners hope that in September events such as the Greenwich Town Party, Puttin on the Dog and the Concours DElegance car show can all take place as public health guidelines allow for larger gatherings.

Were telling everyone to plan as if its a go, Camillo said. We can always dial it back, and were going to take a look 45 days out (from an event) and put out a hard yes or no on it 30 days out just like we did last year. Were in a much better place than we were last year, and we have precautions in place.

The hospital and the town, like the rest of the nation, is waiting for guidance on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommended last week that use of that vaccine be halted after reports that six women had developed serious blood clots after receiving the one-shot vaccine  among the 6.8 million doses administered.

In the meantime, all of the clinics in town are using the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, both of which require two doses. Greenwich Hospital had made specific appointments for residents to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine earlier this month, but Kelly said they have been able to reschedule them.

Greenwich Hospital still has a large supply of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which will be good for three months, said Dana Marnane, director of public relations and communications for YNHHS.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
On Monday, the fortune of tycoon Elon Musk fell by 5.6 billion dollars , as shares of Tesla , his electric vehicle company, fell about 6% . The loss would be related to a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S car , allegedly self-driving, where two people died.

Yesterday, around 9:00 am (GMT), Tesla shares registered their lowest price : 694.82 per unit . Just two days earlier, at the close of the markets on Friday, April 16, each share of Musk's company was trading at about $ 739.78 , according to data from Yahoo Finances .

Image via Yahoo Finances .

This left Elon Musk with a net worth of $ 174.1 billion , according to the Forbes Billionaires Ranking.

Thus, the CEO of Tesla fell to third place on the list , and gave second place to French magnate Bernard Arnault , owner of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH , with a fortune of 180.300 million dollars . In the first place is Jeff Bezos , founder of Amazon , whose assets are around 195,000 million dollars .

It may interest you: Ford CEO criticizes Tesla for treating customers 'like guinea pigs'

Why did Elon Musk lose so much in such a short time?

The fall followed an accident that occurred Saturday night on a highway north of Houston, Texas. A 2019 Tesla Model S car lost control while cornering, crashed into a tree and caught fire.

Rescue services found the bodies of two men aged 59 and 69, one in the passenger seat and the other in the back seat. The authorities said they were "99.9%" sure that "no one was driving the vehicle at the time of impact," which led to the assumption that the Tesla would have activated the 'Autopilot' or autopilot function , one of the main characteristics of the firm.

It took rescue teams about four hours to extinguish the fire, as the Tesla's high-voltage lithium battery continued to catch fire, even after putting out the initial fire.

Read also: Elon Musk proclaims himself Emperor of Mars

The autopilot wasn't engaged, says Elon Musk

Yesterday afternoon, Elon Musk responded to a Wall Street Journal post , denying that the crashed Tesla was using the 'Autopilot'.

"The data records retrieved so far show that the autopilot was not enabled and that this car did not buy FSD," Musk wrote referring to the full autonomous driving (FSD) function . "Also, the standard autopilot would require the lane lines to turn on, which this street did not have," he added.

Your research as a private individual is better than professionals @WSJ !



Data logs recovered so far show Autopilot was not enabled & this car did not purchase FSD.



Moreover, standard Autopilot would require lane lines to turn on, which this street did not have. - Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2021

Today, Tuesday, Musk's situation appears to be improving. At 9:15 am (GMT) , Tesla shares reached $ 735.97 , up 5.92% from their lowest price yesterday. Now, the Forbes Billionaires Index puts him back as the second richest person in the world , with an estimated fortune of $ 175.7 billion .

This is the financial roller coaster, one day you go down and the next you go up, and if anyone has the super power to come back after a setback, that is Elon Musk .

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Getty Images / Contributed Photo

EAST HARTFORD  A local man was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for being in possession of a gun and ammunition as a previously convicted felon, according to prosecutors.

Judge Vanessa L. Bryan in Hartford sentenced 25-year-old Dionte Wilson to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, officials siad.
SEATTLE, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Properties was again recognized by the National Multifamily Housing Council's (NMHC) 2021 NMHC Top 50, the annual ranking of the nation's largest apartment owners and managers. Security Properties rose in the ranks to the become 43rd largest apartment owner in the nation, with 26,075 units for its second year on the list.

Crossroads at the Gulch - Nashville, TN The Ardea - Portland, OR

Security Properties attributes success to an outstanding team that leads the industry. "For over its 50-year history, Security Properties has created substantial value as a fiduciary for its owners, investors, and partners. We have done this by hiring professional, knowledgeable, and committed staff to acquire, develop, and manage our assets. We are committed to continuing these efforts to grow our business and provide exceptional living spaces for our residents," said Bob Krokower, Chief Executive Officer.

Dan Byrnes, Managing Director, Conventional Investments, went further, "This has been a particularly challenging year for everyone in our industry. Our continued success is a testament to the hard work and skill of exceptionally talented team members throughout our platform."

Security Properties has sustained profound growth in recent years, highlighted by investments that have significant upside potential through physical enhancements or improved management. "Security Properties continues to be creative on the acquisition and development of new multifamily opportunities across the country. Our integrated platform and business intelligence database for asset management have allowed us to continually create value for investors across our diversified portfolio," said Bryon Gongaware, Managing Director, Affordable Housing Group at Security Properties.

About Security Properties

Security Properties is a national real estate investment, development, and operating company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more than 50 years, Security Properties has provided quality housing to its residents as well as excellent financial performance for its investors. Since its formation in 1969, Security Properties and its partners have invested over $1.8 billion of equity in multifamily real estate, representing a portfolio value of nearly $7.2 billion. Today, Security Properties' portfolio reflects interests in 125 assets encompassing over 25,000 multifamily housing units. Security Properties maintains a focused multi-family strategy supported by integrated teams of professional acquisition, development, construction, investment, and property management specialists. For more information, visit www.securityproperties.com.

SOURCE Security Properties

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Case in point, fun-haver Vaughn Gittin Jr., who seems to have taken most of the social media mantle from his long-time friend Ken Block after the latter severed years-long ties with Ford. While Gittin Jr. had long shared a meaningful connection with the Blue Oval , its pretty much obvious hes become the lead act as of late.So, whenever hes not busy showcasing his companys new Bronco RTR or indulging in all sorts of adventures with the official 2021 Ford Bronco builds (conquering the notorious Hell's Revenge, for example), Gittin Jr. is having fun... with more Fords.More precisely, his own 450-hp Coyote-swapped 1969 Mustang RTR-X. And because its always better to share the good time with someone else, he also has Joey Logano along for the ride, and the latter brings his 1935 Factory Five FR9 Ford, a mind-boggling hot rod sporting no less than 850 horsepower.Not that anyone would need a serious reason for the two getting together and ripping the tires for some great sideways action, but theyve actually set up the road course for a quick and utterly cinematic Touge battle (a type of Japanese-invented race where drivers go out in pairs on twisty roads).This is probably a nice extension of a previous encounter they had around a month ago. The duo then had some practice in and around the RTR lab before going out for some awesome backroad drifting and checking out a historic NASCAR racetrack. No worries, we have that action embedded below as well, just in case anyone missed it the first time.
It's a win for a small Orthodox Jewish congregation in Houston Texas after city officials finally acknowledged their right to congregate under the law's provision for religious freedom.

CBN News reports that the city of Houston has tried to enforce a deed restriction against Heimish of Houston, a small Jewish group, which would put an end to their meetings at their current place of worship.

The move was unfair considering that many businesses and churches within the neighborhood are allowed to operate. This prompted First Liberty Institute to intervene by asking the city officials through a letter to also recognize the religious rights of the Jewish community. They argue that the small Jewish congregation is under the protection of both state and federal laws from "unreasonable regulations that substantially burden the free exercise of their religion."

The officials reportedly offered no response to this request.

First Liberty Institute and K&L Gates had to file a federal lawsuit in the late March for the city officials to finally respond and settle the complaint. The suit, according to the report, was filed against the city government for threatening the small Orthodox Jewish congregation that meets at a Houston home. The officials agreed to not enforce deed restrictions as well as dismiss previous citations issued against Heimish of Houston.

Deputy general counsel for First Liberty Institute Justin Butterfield said that "religious freedom prevailed' in their fight for Heimish's case.

"We are grateful that city officials followed federal and state laws protecting religious practice, and we are thrilled that Heimish of Houston can continue to meet the needs of its community," he said.

"We are also hopeful that Houston's response will serve as an example to other cities of how a diverse city can welcome people of all faiths," the counselor added.

Yakov Wohlgelernter of Heimish of Houston commented that they are relieved that the fight for their right is over which means they can continue to gather and worship together.

Jamie Bryan, a partner at K&L Gates, said that they are thankful that the settlement brought resolution for their client and congregation's families.

CBN states that the Heimish of Houston, a house in the southwest part of the city, has served as the Jews' synagogue for two years. The arrangement was for the convenience of members who happen to live in the area as a custom law for Sabbath forbids Jews from driving.

According to a local news outlet, the city sent a letter to Heimish in July 2020 demanding the cessation of all activities in the venue within 15 days. Failure to comply would mean they could face further legal action including a fine of up to $1,000 per day.

Aside from the deed restriction, two neighbors reportedly complained about the house being used as a synagogue. Their concerns include parking issues and traffic during the week.

First Liberty thinks that the city is just looking for an excuse to target the congregation.

"Deed restrictions are subject to restrictions on being used to violate people's religious freedom and we think that's what the city is doing here," said Butterfield.
Everyone has flavors they love and Ina Gartens no different. The Barefoot Contessa hosts Carrot Cake With Ginger Mascarpone Frosting includes two of her favorites. Hint: One of them is a Barefoot Contessa classic Garten makes at home.

Ina Garten likes to turn up the volume on her flavors

Ina Garten | Brad Barket/Getty Images for The New Yorker

RELATED: The 1 Meal Ina Gartens Made the Most Is a Barefoot Contessa Classic

The Barefoot Contessa has a lot of catchphrases. Isnt that fabulous?, How easy is that?, and Store-bought is fine, are some of her most popular. But those arent her only ones. Watch enough episodes of Gartens cooking show and notice she also has a habit of saying, Turn up the volume. The 73-year-old likes to turn up the volume on her flavors.

Gartens known for creating simple recipes but she always wants them to be packed with flavor. She often uses coffee to make chocolate taste more intense in desserts. The Barefoot Contessa also roasts chicken with the skin on for better-tasting chicken salad.

RELATED: Ina Gartens Chocolate Cake Recipes Besides Her Famous Beattys Chocolate Cake

Garten adds two of her favorite flavors to make for what shed call a fabulous carrot cake. On Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro Season 10 Episode 5: Birthday Boat Party, she made an elevated version of the classic recipe.

Preparing the batter for her Carrot Cake With Ginger Mascarpone Frosting, the cookbook author let fans in on some of her favorite flavors. While adding the wet and dry ingredients together, Garten referred to cinnamon and vanilla as two of my favorite flavors, according to a video on The Food Networks YouTube channel.

Garten doesnt just like any old vanilla extract. She bakes with good vanilla. What does that mean? In Barefoot Contessa-speak it means vanilla of the highest quality. Gartens recommended vanilla brand is Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract. She also makes homemade vanilla extract, something shes been doing for nearly 40 years.

Carrot Cake with Ginger Mascarpone Frosting for Easter! https://t.co/ocSmDWZESS pic.twitter.com/fEabIb4mZ9  Ina Garten (@inagarten) April 6, 2017

RELATED: Barefoot Contessa: 4 Gluten-Free Desserts From Ina Garten

According to The Food Networks website, Gartens Carrot Cake With Ginger Mascarpone Frosting is classified as an easy recipe to make. It takes three hours, including cooling time, to prepare.

Heres how the Barefoot Contessa does it. She mixes together sugar, oil, and eggs before adding vanilla extract. In another bowl, she sifts together all the dry ingredients. Then the contents of both bowls are combined.

Then comes the quintessential carrot cake ingredients. Garten coats the carrots, raisins, and walnuts in flour so they dont sink to the bottom of the cake. After adding the mix-ins to the batter, the mixtures divided between two pans and baked.

Finally, the frosting gets made. All the ingredients are mixed together except for the salt and crystallized ginger, which are added at the end. Once the cakes are cooled, the frosting goes on and the carrot cake is ready to eat.

Ingredients for the carrot cake:

Sugar

Vegetable oil

Eggs

Pure vanilla extract

All-purpose flour

Cinnamon

Baking soda

Kosher salt

Carrots

Raisins

Walnuts

Ingredients for the ginger mascarpone frosting:
The states fiscal condition  and the squeeze of out-of-control pension costs, a bill backlog and debt payments on borrowing costs  means the states most vulnerable often are the last to get the services they deserve. All the mandatory costs of state government come first. And despite court orders mandating better care for Illinoisans with disabilities, the state continues to rank near the bottom nationally.
By Maurice L. Hall

I couldnt listen to the radio in the car this evening at the moment the George Floyd verdict was announced. I couldnt listen, because the decision felt too momentous, too consequential for where we are as a country. I thought to myself, If they let Chauvin go, then what...? Where do we go from here...?

That was not the jurys decision, fortunately. I was relieved to know that a jury of peers looked at the same video we all looked at and came to the same conclusion  that this horror cannot stand.

But I was haunted by the question Why do I care? Why does it matter in New Jersey what a jury decides about a murder case in Minnesota? Why am I impacted by this? And the answer is unsettling...

Because as a Black man, I am George Floyd  or at least one potential police stop away from that circumstance.

The horror of the Floyd killing is that a seemingly innocuous series of events that, taken individually, are unremarkable, nevertheless, because of the history of state-driven violence directed at Black bodies in this country, led to all-too-familiar sights  a dead body, grieving families, angry fellow citizens.

The Floyd verdict is important in New Jersey because the random set of circumstances that brought Chauvin and Floyd together produced a result that is not unique to Minnesota. Very few people I know in New Jersey would look at the Chauvin case and go, Well that cant happen here!

And that is the horrible point. Particularly as Black and brown people, we are subject to this kind of state-driven violence whether we live in New Jersey, New York or Florida.

But, here is the other unsettling reality  and this is why I couldnt listen to the reading of the verdict on the radio, the reason why there was a knot in my stomach before I read the news on my phone  if the jury had acquitted him, had found him not guilty of that heinous crime then the other almost unspeakable, reality would set in that as a country, we are Derek Chauvin.

As individual citizens given special powers by our government, Chauvin, like the jury in the case, acts in our name. Depending on the verdict, either the jury or Chauvin represented our collective response to George Floyds killing yesterday. Not convicting Chauvin would have made us complicit in George Floyds death.

For, at least this moment, I am glad that George Floyd, in the most horrific, ironic sense of this word, won.

Maurice L. Hall, Ph.D., dean and professor at The College of New Jersey School of the Arts and Communication.

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Rotunda Rumblings

Final touches: The House Finance Committee voted 24-9, with two Democrats joining Republicans in voting yes, to refer House Bill 110, the state budget bill, to the floor for a full vote. As Andrew Tobias reports, the last-minute changes included boosting education funding in the bill by $115 million over two years to ensure poorer districts didnt lose money in the short term as the bills school-funding overhaul is phased in. The House is expected to approve the budget bill as soon as today.

Its broken, theyre not fixing it: As Jeremy Pelzer details, Gov. Mike DeWine and state lawmakers have taken no meaningful steps to come up with a new execution method, or alternatively, abolish the death penalty altogether. As it stands, Ohios 130 death-row inmates are in sort of legal purgatory, with executions delayed indefinitely after state officials were unable to obtain drugs used in lethal injections.

Nine is fine: DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on Tuesday added their names to the list of Republicans endorsing a constitutional amendment mandating that the U.S. Supreme Court be composed of nine justices  rather than 13, as many Democratic lawmakers have proposed. To pack the Court is to politicize the Court with the consequence of further undermining trust in our institutions and hardening, rather than healing, our divisions, the two said in a release, which (as Jessie Balmert of the Cincinnati Enquirer noted) was issued a day after Democratic Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley announced her bid for governor next year. Attorney General Dave Yost, a Columbus Republican, has also backed the Keep Nine constitutional amendment.

On the sidelines: A panel of three retired judges appointed by Ohio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor has suspended Cleveland City Councilman Ken Johnson, who is under indictment on 15 federal charges accusing him of abusing his office. As Robert Higgs writes, the judges held that the charges against Johnson related directly to his position in public office and that the rights and interests of the public would be adversely affected if he were allowed to continue to serve. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had sought the suspension.

Fish story: Great Lakes Task Force co-chair Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Rep. Dave Joyce of Bainbridge Township on Wednesday released a letter seeking more than $20 million from the Biden administration for design and operation of a barrier to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes, $10 million for Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem restoration,M full funding for a coastal resiliency study and more than $100 million for rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of Michigans Soo Locks. Every dollar spent on these projects will have a profoundly positive impact on our region, said a statement from the 32 Congress members who signed the letter.

The old college try: After falling short of his goal last year, U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez is reintroducing a bipartisan bill that would let college athletes across the country be compensated for their names, images and likenesses without being banned from competition, Sabrina Eaton writes. I think its the right approach, the Rocky River Republican said of his bill, which he hopes will become law by the end of 2021. The sooner we get a federal response, the better.

More Jordan jousting: Less than a week after clashing with Dr. Anthony Fauci at a House of Representatives hearing, Champaign County GOP Rep Jim Jordan got into a shouting match with Florida Democratic Rep. Val Demings during a Tuesday House Judiciary Committee discussion of a bill to address recent hate crimes against Asian Americans, Mediaite reports. Demings responded after Jordan attacked Democrats for rhetoric about police. Law enforcement officers deserve better than to be utilized as pawns! Demings yelled at Jordan. And you and your colleagues should be ashamed of yourselves!

The 3 Ds: University of Virginia political prognosticator Kyle Kondik, who is managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, on Tuesday told the Cleveland Club of Washington that he believes that Ohio will likely have just three reliably Democratic districts when the states congressional districts are remapped before the 2022 elections. A possible map would be that youd have, essentially, a safe Democratic seat in Cleveland, a safe Democratic seat in Columbus and maybe a safe Democratic seat in Cincinnati and then youd have the rest of the districts, said Kondik, an Independence, Ohio native who served as research director for Richard Cordray when he was Ohio Attorney General.

19,000 lives lost: On Tuesday, the federal government sent new coronavirus fatality numbers, which showed 19,033 Ohio residents have died with the virus, Laura Hancock reports. The 21-day rolling average is 20 deaths a day.

Wading in: A new business advocacy group has formed focused on water quality issues. The Ohio Water Partnership, funded by grants from the Gund Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation and Joyce Foundation, says it has 50 members, including large companies like the Eaton Corporation. The group for now is supporting funding for H2Ohio as it recruits additional members and develops consensus around future policy goals.

Mayor player? Athens Mayor Steve Patterson says hes considering a run for outgoing Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers 15th Congressional District seat. Part of your calculus should always be: Who else is running in the southeastern portion of this district? Patterson, a Democrat, told Cole Behrens of the Athens Messenger. At this point there isnt anybody whos thrown their hat in the ring.

Keeping a secret: Yu Zhou, a former researcher at Nationwide Childrens Hospitals research institute, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for conspiring to steal trade secrets to sell in China, the Associated Press reports. Yu, along with his wife, Li Chen, admitted to taking exosome-related materials, used in the research, identification and treatment of multiple conditions including liver fibrosis and liver cancer.

Full Disclosure

Five things we learned from the Feb. 12, 2020 financial disclosure of state Rep. Scott Oelslager, a Canton Republican who is chair of the Ohio House Finance Committee:

1. Scott is his middle name. His first name starts with a W, although his disclosure sheet doesnt say what it is.

2. In addition to his state representative salary, he also made less than $1,000 from two sources: interest on a bank account with PB Investment, and interest on a bank account with Key Bank.

3. He serves on two community boards: The Malone University Presidents Advisory Council and the Stark County Transportation Improvement District Board.

4. He received gifts from the Canton Rotary Club, the Cleveland Orchestra, Mr. And Mrs. Keith Gartner and David Ewing.

5. He has an active law license.

On The Move

Jessica Warner, who has been Ohio Right to Lifes legislative affairs director, has accepted a new position at Heartbeat International. Her last day at Ohio Right to Life is Friday.

Sarah Spence has been named executive director of the Conservative Energy Network. Spence previously worked for the Ohio Environmental Council and for the DeWine and Kasich administrations. She has also served on the executive boards of the Ohio Young Republicans and Young Republican National Federation.

Birthdays

State Rep. Brigid Kelly

State Rep. Tom Young

Straight From The Source

Tell me youre from Ohio without telling me youre from Ohio. Ill go first: I really need to mow the grass today before it snows tomorrow.

-Political consultant Ryan Stubenrauch, on Twitter, with a timely quip

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
The United Nations expressed its condolences on Tuesday following the death of Chad's president Idriss Deby Itno. Deby, who'd ruled Chad for three decades, died from wounds suffered during a visit to frontline troops fighting anti-government rebels. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, said the UN chief was "deeply saddened" at the news.

He said the UN would continue providing humanitarian support to Chad and called on the international community to help. The UN has currently only received 6% of its $617m funding target to help people in need in Chad, Dujarric said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
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Islamabad, April 21 : Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar on Wednesday warned of more restrictions due to the deteriorating Covid pandemic situation across the country.

The Minister after chairing an important session at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), said that this time the implementation of Covid-19 SOPs is not good and shared that the number of critical cases in the country has exceeded 4,500, geotv reported.

"At the NCOC we reviewed the pandemic situation, which is bad. We have taken several decisions to impose more curbs which would be announced on Friday," Umar said, adding that right now we are not closing major cities but we just have a margin of a few days.

He said that the positivity ratio in Karachi and Hyderabad is 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively while in Mardan it is 33 per cent and 38 per cent in Bahawalpur. "In several cities, more than 80 per cent of ventilators are in use." Umar added that the administration has failed to implement the SOPs, the result of which is evident.

"Health facilities are under stress due to increasing number of positive cases which have now crossed 83,000." He asked the Chief Ministers to take action against the SOP violators and urged them to help the NCOC in controlling the pandemic.

"You are the elected leaders, people have voted you, they will listen to you."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
(In First Look, we pay a quick visit to a new restaurant or bar in Central New York to give readers an idea of what to expect. Our food critics might visit these places eventually and give us their take, but we want to highlight whats new in our area. If you know of a new place, send an email to cmiller@syracuse.com or call/text me at 315-382-1984.)

Syracuse, N.Y.  One beer was never enough at Now & Later. How could it be? The 12-foot-by-7-foot see-through cooler at this Tipperary Hill bar is always stocked with more than 400 different brands.

The problem, though, is youd want to try something different after that first beer, and perhaps something else after that. And then youd get the urge to leave so you could get some food in your tummy.

That conundrum disappeared last Thursday afternoon when the owners of Now & Later started serving craft sandwiches to pair with their craft beers. These arent just any sandwiches; these are gourmet grilled sandwiches trucked in from the Cider Mill restaurant 2 miles away.

These will make you want to stay, Now & Later co-owner Jason Purdy said. Actually, these are good enough to get you to come here in the first place.

Hes right, you know. They are that good.

How they got started

Jason Purdy and Sarah Norcross opened Now & Later on Dec. 24, 2015. They gutted the old Brilbecks corner grocery store and turned it into rustic beer emporium devoid of oversized flat-screen TVs. The thought was to create a relaxing space for customers to enjoy hard-to-find beers and have a conversation while listening to music from the vast collection of vinyl albums.

They eventually added an outdoor patio thats larger than the barroom inside. Drive by on any warm afternoon, and youll see why its among the citys most popular outdoor spots for a beer.

Now & Later on Ulster Street.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

From the start, they just offered warm pretzels with a beer mustard and fancy cheese plates. The problem was the snack orders would momentarily pull the bartenders into the kitchen and away from serving thirsty customers.

On a busy Friday, a group of four might walk in while the bartender is putting together a cheese plate or heating up pretzels. That became a hassle because suddenly youd have a bunch of people waiting to get a drink, Jason said. This is better: Better selection, better ingredients.

Dan and Teresa Seeley have had drinks at Now & Later several times over the past six years. They own the Cider Mill restaurant at 4221 Fay Road in nearby Taunton. Thats one of Jasons favorite restaurants. Dan and Jason both graduated from Corcoran High School, and theyve become friends over the years.

During the second pandemic shutdown, Dan suggested offering boutique sandwiches at his bar. Offer a few unique sandwiches, each with fresh ingredients on artisan breads, and change the menu every other week to mix it up, he suggested.

Its really a no-brainer, Dan said last week. I told him we could put the sandwiches together at our restaurant before we open and deliver them each afternoon. All hed have to do is have someone grill them and present it with our homemade chips.

It didnt take long for the customers to catch on. They sold every one of the sandwiches Dan delivered Thursday. It happened again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jason now has one of his employees working the flattop grill so the bartenders can keep the drinks flowing.

You must try ...

The Caprese Classic ($10): This was the immediate best-seller on the opening night. Its two thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese surrounding vine tomato covered with basil pesto and sun-dried tomato on ciabatta.

I washed this down with an 8-ounce draft Single Batch #45, a New England IPA from Syracuses Middle Ages Brewery ($5). Mo, the bartender, recommended it, and she served it in a fancy class. Shes much smarter about beer than I, so I happily took the recommendation.

I can see why Jason thinks this concept will work: having this sandwich to fill my belly kept me here for at least an extra hour.

The Caprese Classic sandwich with a Middle Ages single-batch 45 beer at Now & Later on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

The Fine Swine ($10): The Caprese Classic was so good that I felt the need to go back on Friday to try the other sandwiches. I realized that all three could be categorized as gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Instead of tomato soup, you serve them with beer.

The Fine Swine sandwich is braised pork belly with caramelized onions, muenster cheese on rustic sourdough bread. This was a little thinner than the Caprese, but it was packed with bacon-like flavor. The chips, by the way, come with a cup of caramelized onion dip. Midway through the sandwich, I jammed a few of the chips between the bread and swiped it with some of the dip. It might not have been the proper way to eat such a delicacy, but it sure was tasty.

Mo recommended a Das Bier from Garland City Beer Works in Watertown ($4). This is what Jason called a gateway beer. I think thats his gentle way of saying its transitioning me away from my typical Miller Lite. (They do serve Miller Lite here, by the way.)

The Fine Swine sandwich being served at Now & Later on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

The Grape Ape ($10): Two of the sandwiches offered now are vegetarian. Dan said he is making sure to offer at least one meatless sandwich. Macerated red grapes, taleggio and brie cheeses on brioche bread.

The cheeses makes this sandwich. The semisoft taleggio has a sweet tang that blends with the soaked red grapes. The brie makes the whole thing extra gooey.

Believe it or not, I couldnt eat two entire sandwiches myself, so I enlisted the help of two gentlemen who had stopped in for a beer after work. They were thrilled to each take a half along with the full baskets of chips.

Wait a minute, one of them said as I pushed the meals their way. They serve food here? Wow, this is great.

Then they ordered another beer and stuck around for awhile.

The inside of the Grape Ape sandwich being served at Now & Later on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

The Details:

The venue: Now & Later, 620 Ulster St., Syracuse. (315) 422-0606

Hours: Monday-Wednesday 4 to 10 p.m. (food 4 to 8 p.m.); Thursday-Friday 4 to 11 p.m. (food 4 to 8 p.m.); Saturday noon to 11 p.m. (food 1 to 8 p.m.); Sunday noon to 10 p.m. (food 1 to 8 p.m.)

Credit cards? Yes

Parking: On-street parking

****

MORE CNY FOOD

First Look: Mother-son chef team opens Syracuse cafe specializing in gourmet toast

First Look: A new ice cream store in Camillus with a menu created by kids

First Look: New DeWitt sandwich shop specializes in big flavors and house-cured bacon

First Look: Downtowns newest pizzeria serves a mean slice, but the wings are on FIRE (literally!)

Hidden Gems of CNY

Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at 315-382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him on Twitter @HoosierCuse.
Derek Chauvin in his intake photo after being convicted. Minnesota Department of Corrections

Derek Chauvin is in "administration segregation" at a Minnesota prison, a Department of Corrections spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Chauvin being held alone in a single cell in the unit for his own safety.

He's being held at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights after being convicted of murdering George Floyd.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Derek Chauvin is being held apart from the general prison population after being convicted of murder and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd, a spokesperson from Minnesota's Department of Corrections told Insider.

Chauvin is on "administration segregation" in a restrictive unit for his own safety, the spokesperson said. That means he is being housed alone in a single cell.

The spokesperson said Chauvin is being held in a single cell in the Administrative Control Unit (ACU) at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights, the state's most secure unit.

Inmates are put into the ACU for either for disciplinary reasons or if their presence in the general population is a safety concern, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections' website.

The correctional facility is in Stillwater, east of Minneapolis.

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death on Tuesday. In May 2020, he knelt on Floyd's neck for about nine minutes during an arrest.

He was taken into custody after the guilty was announced, and he will be sentenced in eight weeks.

Read the original article on Insider
Like humans, certain plants are treated with antibiotics to ward off pathogens and protect the host. Saving millions, antibiotics are one of the 20th century's greatest scientific discoveries, but repeated use and misuse of these life-saving microbial products can disrupt the human microbiome and can have severe effects on an individual's health. Overuse has led to several microbes developing resistance to the antibiotic, rendering it useless, and created "superbugs" that overpower medication. But do we find that same phenomenon in plants and our food industry?

This was the question Dr. Anna Wallis and colleagues investigated in their recent research "Endophytic bacterial communities in apple leaves are minimally impacted by streptomycin use for fire blight management," published in Phytobiomes Journal in April 2021.

Pathogens like Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight in apples, can have severe impacts on fruit production. Current management practices include using the antibiotic streptomycin to protect apples from this disease but the long-term impacts on the microbiome are poorly understood. Antibiotics are often broad-spectrum, meaning they destroy all susceptible bacteria, both good and bad. In many cases, antibiotics give relief from an immediate problem but can result in long-term negative effects as beneficial microbes are demolished from the environment.

To assess if this was true in apple orchards, Wallis and her advisor Dr. Kerik D. Cox analyzed the microbiome of apple leaves over two years in two orchards in Geneva, New York. Some were treated with various amounts of streptomycin and others were under organic management strategies without any antibiotics. Cox and a former student, Dr. Kiersten Tancos, had previously looked at the surface (epiphytic) microbiome of apple trees being treated with streptomycin and saw large effects with this application. When Wallis and Cox decided to look at the endophytic microbiomes (microbes living within the plant), they were expecting to see a similar trend.

Surprisingly, Wallis and Cox found little evidence that streptomycin altered the leaf bacterial microbiome and instead found that geographical location, even though the orchards were in close proximity, played a bigger role in bacterial composition than management strategy. While it is well-known that geography plays a role in microbial community assemblage, it is surprising this factor is a stronger influencer on the microbial composition than an antibiotic.

"Our work adds to a growing body of literature that demonstrates the sustainability of current methods [such as antibiotics] of disease control used by apple growers," said Wallis. While previous research investigated this question by looking at just the soil or microbes living on the plant surface, this is the first study to look at the impact of streptomycin on the endophytic leaf microbiomes, which are likely attributing more to host health than the surface microbes.

The authors hypothesize the endophytic microbiomes are more resilient to the streptomycin application because of the possibility of naturally obtaining resistance to the antibiotic application. Soil and plant microbiomes are filled with several microbes that have the innate ability to produce antibiotics. So, while Erwinia amylovora remains susceptible to streptomycin, it is likely the soil and endophytic microbiome have naturally acquired resistance to streptomycin prior to commercial applications.

Interestingly, several other papers have shown that soil amendments and other crop manipulations dramatically impact the microbial communities and may make them beneficial to the crop. Because streptomycin is naturally occurring in soils and agricultural environments, it is not known if the endophytic microbiome has gained antibiotic resistance to streptomycin in the last few years or if the innate apple microbiome has long had resistance to this antibiotic. Current evidence suggests streptomycin is a sustainable management strategy for fire blight of apple.

###

Dr. Anna Wallis, the lead author, hopes to continue her work in sustainable apple and tree crop agriculture. She recently defended her Ph.D. and has started a position with Michigan State University Extension as the Tree Fruit Production Specialist in the Grand Rapids Region. You can read more about her work in the article published in Phytobiomes Journal or you can follow her on Twitter @jesuisunanana. Dr. Kerik Cox, the corresponding author of this paper, is an associate professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section at Cornell AgriTech. He is an expert in fungal ecology and understanding fungicide resistance in orchards.

Author Bio: Tess Deyett, Ph.D. is a current postdoc under the guidance of Dr. Philippe Rolshausen at the University of California Riverside. She serves as an assistant feature editor for the Phytobiomes Journal. A passionate and driven science communicator, Tess also hosts her own website microbigals.com and podcast The Microbe Moment. She aspires to share how microbes are a constant force of good to every person and that everyone has many unique microbe moments!
Proprietary aeroponic cultivation system and high-tech sun chambers expected to produce high-efficiency, low-carbon-footprint crops with high plant density and yields

DOVER, DE / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Hero Technologies (OTC PINK:HENC; Twitter: @heroicmindtech), a cannabis company focused on a vertically integrated strategy, today reported on the environmental aspects of its plans to cultivate cannabis in state-of-the-art greenhouses, or "sun chambers," using its proprietary aeroponic cultivation methods. The company plans to make sustainability, as well as profitability, a high priority for its multi-state cannabis operations.

Cannabis Environmental Concerns

Recent reports by Colorado State University (CSU) and Nature Sustainability emphasize the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation.

CSU notes that more than 80% of cannabis is grown indoors, which requires energy-intensive lighting, cooling, humidity controls, and other equipment, as well as carbon dioxide gas to promote plant growth. CSU also points out that producing the materials needed to grow marijuana (water, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) add to its carbon footprint.

A Nature Sustainability report on the energy and materials required to grow cannabis indoors reinforces CSU's observations. Analyzing cannabis growth life cycles across the United States, the report pegs CO2-equivalent emissions in a range from 2,283 kg to 5,184 kg per kilogram of dried flower, depending on geography. The emissions are attributable primarily to the production of electricity and use of natural gas for environmental controls, lighting, and carbon dioxide.

States that have legalized marijuana are also taking action to monitor how growing cannabis affects the environment. California, Oregon, and Massachusetts, for example, are all developing environmental policies and regulations on cannabis cultivation.

Hero Technologies' Environmentally-Friendly Methods

Hero Technologies' subsidiary, BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC ("BlackBox") has developed a proprietary growing system for cannabis, based on aeroponic cultivation technology. This unique system produces ideal cannabis growing conditions with a highly efficient use of materials. The result is enhanced photosynthesis, large plant flowers, and optimal harvest yields, all of which helps reduce the carbon footprint per pound of product produced.

To further reduce its CO2 emissions, BlackBox has contracted an industry leader, Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, to design and build advanced, energy-efficient cannabis "sun chambers." These environmentally-sealed structures maximize sunlight to reduce energy use, and trap supplemental CO2 to avoid emissions into the atmosphere.

The sun chambers also use renewable, local geothermal energy for exceptionally efficient heating, cooling, and dehumidification. And the chambers feature precise sensors and controllers to regulate the environment and avoid energy waste.

Hero Technologies' Environmental Action Plans

The company plans to deploy BlackBox's proprietary cultivation system in sun chambers across the 120-acre property planned for purchased in Michigan and future cultivation sites.

Hero Technologies' management has also committed to evaluate:

Sourcing energy from renewable resources (solar, wind, and hydro-electric, as well as geothermal) instead of fossil fuel sources, wherever possible.

Potentially forming partnerships with solar panel manufacturers.

Joining the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition to promote best environmental practices.

Utilizing the cannabis PowerScore energy measurement tool wherever possible to benchmark, monitor, and report compliance with state environmental standards.

"We see environmental sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint as synonymous with being good corporate citizens and running a profitable business," said Hero Technologies' CEO Gina Serkasevich. "Sustainable cannabis production has mutually-reinforcing drivers: increasing productivity, conserving energy and other resources, reducing environmental waste, and maximizing profitability."

Serkasevich noted that, "Traditional HVAC and lighting systems can represent close to half of a typical cannabis grower's operating costs. But we anticipate that our aeroponic growing system and super-efficient sun chambers could reduce those operating costs by one-third or more."

"In addition," concluded Serkasevich, "we expect our cannabis cultivation technologies to produce optimal plant density and crop cycles for the lowest possible cost-per-yield, which is the biggest contributor to sustainability, efficiency, and positive environmental impact."

About Hero Technologies

Hero Technologies Inc. is a cannabis company working toward a vertically-integrated business model. The company owns a majority stake in BlackBox Systems and Technologies LLC, an aeroponic cannabis cultivation system that provides optimal growing conditions to enhance photosynthesis and cultivation of large flowering plants, creating increased harvest efficiencies. The company's strategic business plan includes cannabis genetic engineering, farmland for both medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production licenses, distribution licenses, consumer packaging, and retail and dispensary operations that will make the company a multi-state operator (MSO).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include: management plans relating to the proposed project; the expected timing of the completion of the proposed project; the ability to complete the proposed project; any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, products or services, including the execution of plans proposed project; any statements of expectation or belief; projections related to certain financial metrics; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would" and other similar words and expressions or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time and are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Neither Hero Technologies Inc. nor its holding company or subsidiaries assumes any duty and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements, by their nature, are uncertain or assumptive to varying degrees, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those that Hero Technologies Inc., its holding company or subsidiaries anticipated in the forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

Hero Technologies Contact:

Ms. Gina Serkasevich, CEO

(302) 538-4165 | info@herotechnologiesinc.com

# # #

SOURCE: Hero Technologies Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641523/Hero-Technologies-Cannabis-Grow-Plan-Prioritizes-Sustainability-against-Climate-Change
While the streaming giant let down investors with its first-quarter numbers, one analyst says the firm still has the capability and the cash to stay ahead in the short-term despite a plethora of new rivals nipping at its heels

s Inc ( ) subscriber numbers proved to be a nasty surprise for investors overnight and potentially signalled that the pandemic-inspired boom for the streaming platform has come to an abrupt end.

In its first-quarter results, released after the close on Tuesday, the platform reported 3.98mln people signed up to the platform in the first three months of 2021, well below forecasts of 6mln. Total paid memberships were up 14% at 207.6mln, again below company forecasts of 210mln.

The sharp drop in new subscribers comes at a bad time for the company, which is currently seeing its dominance of the sector challenged by well-funded and content-rich competitors, notably Disney+, which launched a year ago and has seen its subscriber base more than treble.

With this in mind, one analyst said that in order to maintain its position in the fiercely competitive sector, will need to keep pouring cash into its original content development.

Investment in content is showing no signs of easing up which will be paramount. This is encouraging for retaining subscribers and attracting new users to sign up, Paolo Pescatore, media analyst at PP Foresight, told Proactive.

Exclusivity is key in this race for supremacy in a post-pandemic streaming watch party, he added.

One benefit has despite its recent weakness is that it already has a massive existing library of original content to keep its subscribers hooked including royal drama The Crown and successful period series Bridgerton in addition to several movies that have attracted the attention of industry awards bodies such as the Oscar-nominated Trial of the Chicago Seven.

This drive to expand its content library has come at considerable cost to Netflix, which in the past has often been reliant on external financing to boost its cash reserves and fund its spending splurges.

However, Pescatore notes that Netflix is now at a different phase of growth compared to its newer rivals, who will now need to spend those same huge sums on content while the company itself may be approaching equilibrium in its own spending needs.

The year ahead will be pivotal in being more self-sufficient than dependant on other financial sources. It will be many years before many other streaming services turn a profit. All are placing huge bets and will be loss leaders for years, the analyst said.

In contrast to its rivals, Netflix has already become a profitable business, reporting an operating profit of US$4.6bn for 2020, up 76% year-on-year, which in turn will bring plenty of cash to boost its coffers and avoid a reliance on external financing as it has done in the past.

While rivals such as Disney+ may have deep pockets, they are still in a start-up mentality, says Pescatore, and as such will need to burn large amounts of cash in order to catch up to Netflix before presenting a threat to its market share.

Netflix is the undisputed leader and fully expect it to remain so for the short term, despite fierce competition, he added.

This same view was echoed by Netflix co-founder, chairman, president and co-chief executive Wilmot Reed Hastings on an earnings call on Tuesday, where he said the competition in the market was nothing new for the firm.

We've been competing with Amazon Prime for 13 years, with Hulu for 14 years. It's always been very competitive with linear TV, too. So there's no real change that we can detect in the competitive environment. It's always been high and remains high, Hastings said.

Shares in Netflix were down 8.8% at US$501.50 in pre-market trading in New York on Wednesday following the weaker-than-expected results overnight.
SEOUL, KOREA / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / In line with the rapidly changing O2O market business environment in Korea, the AWNEX Foundation has announced recently that it is preparing to launch AWN GachiSS (Share Value) Platform and add features that can sell and buy value in corresponding market with AWNNEX coin.

Customers of GachiSS mobile application can freely create and sell goods or services in the form of coupon. Customers can engage in economic activities in the new digital market through exchanging issued coupons for goods or services or coupons they want.

The goal of this new platform is to provide blockchain-based platform and make P2P market easily accessible to small and medium-sized-businesses and self-employed people, who have been pursuing to offline business for many years, and digitalize the offline market economy system in accordance with new-normal era.

AWNEX is going to give high benefits to the customers when they trade with AWNEX coin in the mobile application. AWN GachiSS application is going to set up a market for small and medium sized businesses and self-employed people in Korea. In cooperation with related agencies and Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, it will contribute to revitalizing the stagnant local small businesses and local markets.

AWNEX Foundation related personnel commented that "the goal of newly launching AWN GachiSS Mobile Application is to make users utilize certain proportion (20%) of in-platform total transaction with AWNEXCoin". He also added that they" will provide practical benefits to customers and small and medium-sized businesses by allowing them to purchase goods or services at discounted price with AWNEX Coin, and continue to secure loyal users of the GachiSS service."

The AWNEX Foundation is preparing to be listed on Korean exchanges in the first half of this year. The AWNEX GachiSS mobile application is currently in beta service and is expected to be officially launched in the first half of this year after upgrading to Dapp.

Social links

Telegram: https://t.me/AWN_Official

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWNOfficial1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awn-project/

Github: https://github.com/HAECHI-LABS/audit-AWNEX

Media contact

Company: AWN Ltd.

Contact Person: Jeff Kim, CIO

E-mail: awnex@awn2021.com

Telephone: +82-10-4027-5579

Website: http://awn2021.com/index_EN.html

SOURCE: AWN Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641577/AWNEX-GachiSS-a-Blockchain-based-Value-Exchanging-Platform
New Delhi: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's stunning daughter Suhana Khan is a social media star. She sure knows how to make the right kind of buzz with her interesting posts online. Recently, Suhana, who is in New York City, completing her higher education, teased her toned midriff and oh boy is she a fitness freak or what!

From Suhana Khan's Instagram story, we also got a sneak peek into her chic, NYC apartment which has whites on the wall and looks perfect for a chillax zone. Take a look here:

Suhana Khan has often shared pictures posing with her NYC BFFs.

She is one of the most followed star kids with over a million followers on Instagram alone, explaining her rising popularity.

SRK and Gauri Khan's darling daughter headed to New York University in 2019 where she is studying acting. She completed her graduation from Ardingly College in England.

Speculation of her making her starry entry into the movie business has always been around and now that she is studying acting as a course, looks like very soon the pretty girl will be making her big-screen debut. However, no announcement has been made so far.

She has acted in several plays and also in a short movie.
An Apple iPhone XR caught fire during a flight in October last year after it was shoved down the side of a passenger seat, according to a report from Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch made public on Tuesday.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9, had 53 passengers and 10 crew on-board, the report said, adding that there had been no damage to the plane itself.

In summing up the incident, the AAIB said: "A passengers mobile phone became trapped in the seat mechanism and was crushed when the seat was adjusted. This damaged the battery, generating flames, smoke and fumes. The cabin crew were able to extinguish the fire using their existing procedures."

It said the aircraft was coming to the top of its descent, when cabin crew noticed smoke coming from a passenger seat.

The plane was flying from Miami to London and about 40 minutes landing an announcement by the crew woke one of the passengers.

The iPhone XR that combusted on a plane last October. Courtesy AAIB

"The passenger moved her seat from the flat-bed position to a more upright position then left her seat to use the washroom," the report said. "One of the cabin crew asked the passenger if she could stow the bedding whilst the passenger was away from her seat.

"As she removed the bedding, she smelt a strong odour and noticed a charging cable which was plugged into the seat socket with the other end down the side of the seat. The smell which she described as 'sulphur', was getting stronger so she attracted the attention of the senior cabin crew member.

"At this point they heard a 'hissing' sound and a large plume of grey smoke emitted from the seat in a 'tornado' motion. They remembered seeing an orange glow in the seat area amongst the smoke."

The report went into what could be classified as excruciating detail about the incident and is here for those who like to mull over these things.

There have been numerous incidents of mobile devices combusting, with the most well-known being the case of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 in 2016. The issue left its parent company, Samsung Electronics, with plenty of egg on its face.

Thanks to the Register for a link to the report.
People queueing in Singapore in 2020. (PHOTO: Joseph Nair for Yahoo News Singapore)

Israel has rescinded its order to wear masks outdoors. More than 81% of citizens or residents over 16 have received both doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab. (Masks are still required in indoor public spaces.)

As of April 2021, Singapore's vaccine rollout isn't quite as advanced as Israel's, but some 60% of seniors have booked vaccination appointments. Indeed, scientists have learned a lot about the airborne transmission of COVID-19, with experts saying the air outdoors is much safer than indoors.

So, how do you feel: Is it time that Singapore do away with its mask mandate, at least outdoors? Have your say in our poll.

Related:

Israel drops outdoor COVID mask order

Do we need masks outdoors? Experts weigh in

Yahoo Quiz: How well do you remember the Circuit Breaker period?
A new definition of a right berk

Philip Berk, a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the past 44 years, has been expelled from its membership two days after emailing an article to his fellow members that described Black Lives Matter as a racist hate movement.

Berk, an eight-term past president of the group behind the Golden Globe Awards, slammed its co-founder, Patrisse Cullors, for purchasing a home in Topanga Canyon.

Effective immediately, Phil Berk is no longer a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the HFPAs board said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

Berk, an 88-year-old from South Africa, received considerable backlash to his email from fellow members, according to the Los Angeles Times.

One member labeled Berks email racist, another vile and a third called him a thundering disgrace, while the HFPAs COO notified Berk that it was not appropriate behaviour.

Berk replied, I only intended to illustrate the hypocricy [sic] that engulfs us I forwarded it as a point of information I had no hidden agenda I now regret having sent it.

This was, in effect, Berks third strike with the HFPA. He previously took a leave of absence after writing a 2014 memoir,that did not reflect well on the organisation, and was accused by the actor Brendan Fraser, in 2018, of groping Frasers buttocks at an event in 2003.

The HFPA is already under fire for a lack of diversity amongst its press members.

In a statement, the HFPA said: Since its inception, the HFPA has dedicated itself to bridging cultural connections and creating further understanding of different backgrounds through film and TV. The views expressed in the article circulated by Mr. Berk are those of the author of the article and do not  in any way shape or form  reflect the views and values of the HFPA. The HFPA condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and hate speech and finds such language and content unacceptable.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Related
WASHINGTON  Now that President Biden has met his goal to have all adults eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, health officials around the country are hitting what appears to be a soft ceiling: More than half the nations adults have received at least one dose, but it is going to take hard work  and some creative changes in strategy  to convince the rest.

State health officials, business leaders, policymakers and politicians are struggling to figure out how to tailor their messages, and their tactics, to persuade not only the vaccine hesitant but also the indifferent. Officials in many states are looking past mass vaccination sites and toward having patients get vaccinated by their own doctors, where people are most at ease  a shift that will require the Biden administration to ship vaccine in much smaller quantities.

White House and state health officials are calling this next phase of the vaccination campaign the ground game, and are likening it to a get-out-the-vote effort. The work will be labor intensive  much of it may fall on private employers  but the risk is clear: If it takes too long to reach herd immunity, the point at which the spread of the virus slows, worrisome new variants could emerge that evade the vaccine.

If you think of this as a war, said Michael Carney, the senior vice president for emerging issues at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, were about to enter the hand-to-hand combat phase of the war.
Good morning.

On Tuesday, Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted of murdering George Floyd, the Black man whose death under Mr. Chauvins knee led to a nationwide uprising against police brutality last summer.

The news was met with a kind of collective sigh of relief, a moment of catharsis that reverberated across the country. In California, where some of the nations most notorious police violence has taken place, it was also a stinging reminder of calls for justice that activists say have gone unanswered.

This is not justice. Justice would be that we would get our loved ones back, said Stevante Clark, the brother of Stephon Clark, who was killed by the Sacramento police in 2018. But this is accountability. And Ill take that.

Stephon Clark was gunned down in his grandmothers backyard when police officers responding to a vandalism call mistook his cellphone for a firearm. The community uproar led to waves of protests. A civil rights lawsuit brought on behalf of Stephon Clarks children was settled for $2.4 million, but the officers were not charged.
NHS unions are appealing for billions of pounds from the Government to hire more staff and stop a 'chronic undersupply' of health workers.

Leading medical organisations, including NHS Confederation and the British Medical Association, say there are nearly 90,000 empty job posts.

In an open letter warning to Boris Johnson, they warn there will be a 'haemorrhaging of doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers' if staff rosters aren't filled up to ease the workload.

The Prime Minister last week pledged the NHS would get 'all the funding it needs' to get back on track after the Covid pandemic and No10 has promised to boost doctor and nurse numbers.

But critics say the Government has an 'unwillingness to plan and invest in the health care workforce' and caution the extra work staff have to do because of shortages will drive more to quit, leaving more vacant jobs and creating a 'vicious circle'.

Specific roles aren't named in the letter but the most recent NHS statistics showed that the biggest gaps are in nurses, midwives, health visitors and GPs.

The letter demands 'billions of extra funding' to tackle the issue, saying staff burnout and stress over the last year threatens to further increase vacancies.

NHS data show that more than 74,000 people left the health service in autumn last year, with around one in three of those exits caused by a resignation. The number was higher than at the same time of year in the previous two years

A record 4.7million people are now waiting for routine hospital treatment, official data showed today as the NHS scrambles to catch up with a Covid backlog

The Prime Minister (pictured outside No10 today) last week pledged the NHS would get 'all the funding it needs' to get back on track after the Covid pandemic and No10 has promised to boost doctor and nurse numbers

The letter was published today by NHS Confederation, a membership organisation representing health and care workers across the UK.

It was signed by other major unions and member groups, which represent hundreds of of thousands of NHS staff: NHS Providers, the British Medical Association (BMA), the Royal College of Nursing, the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges and Unison.

BORIS JOHNSON PROMISES MONEY TO CLEAR SURGERY COVID BACKLOG Boris Johnson last week promised the NHS would 'get all the funding it needs' to fight the Covid backlog, with a record 4.7million patients in England now on the waiting list for routine treatment. The Prime Minister pledged to help the health service back to its feet as official data showed 400,000 people have waited over a year for surgery. And the proportion of cancer patients who hadn't been treated within the two month target after being diagnosed has also jumped to a record 30.3 per cent. Medics said NHS England's performance figures laid bare the true toll of the Covid pandemic on hospitals, which were forced to turf out patients with other illnesses during the national lockdowns. Cancer charities described coronavirus as being 'catastrophic' for treatment. While MPs called for an NHS rescue plan to cut down waiting lists as hospitals scramble to cope with a Covid-induced backlog. Mr Johnson said during a visit to a military base in Dartmouth, Devon: 'We do need people to take up their appointments and to get the treatment that they need. 'We're going to make sure that we give the NHS all the funding that it needs, as we have done throughout the pandemic, to beat the backlog.' Advertisement

The letter said almost two thirds of NHS staff believe there are too few people in the health service to enable them to do their job properly.

And more than four in 10 also said they feel unwell as result of their job, it added.

NHS data released last month shows nearly 75,000 staff left the NHS during the second quarter in 2020 to 2021  jumping from 33,131 in the previous quarter and 66,390 in the same quarter in 2019-20.

The majority of those were because of fixed term contracts ending but the second most common reason was voluntary resignation, with more than 4,000 citing work-life balance as an issue.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said it is 'deeply worrying' that many medics feel unable to do their jobs properly due to a lack of support.

Mr Mortimer said: 'We desperately need the Government to give the people working in the NHS hope that the gaps in their teams will be filled in the longer term.

'It is deeply worrying that far too many NHS staff feel that they are unable to do their job properly because they simply do not have enough colleagues to support them.'

It comes after official NHS data last week showed a record 4.7million patients in England are now on the waiting list for routine treatment, with health service buckling under the strain of Covid.

Chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, has called on the Government to provide a 'fully costed' plan.

He said: 'We must see a fully costed and funded national workforce plan, so we stop asking NHS frontline staff to bear an unsustainable workload shift after shift, week after week.

'Currently, the NHS cannot consistently give its staff a reasonable workload and the work life balance they need and deserve. That has to change.'

BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said a survey by the association found that 'almost a fifth of doctors' were considering leaving the NHS for another career.

He said: 'There is simply not enough staff and those staff who have been working over the past year are exhausted and in desperate need of some respite.'

Unison's head of health Sara Gorton added that a 'proper pay rise' is needed to incentivise NHS staff to stay in their jobs and attract much-needed recruits.

Fewer than 70 per cent of patients diagnosed with cancer were treated within two months of being referred for urgent tests by their GP  a record low

CANCER WAITS HIT RECORD LOW, NHS FIGURES SHOW Fewer than 70 per cent of patients diagnosed with cancer were treated within two months of being referred for urgent tests by their GP  a record low. NHS England figures today showed just 69.7 per cent of newly-diagnosed patients met that target in February this year. For comparison, the figure for February 2020 was 74.0 per cent. The number of people seeing a specialist for suspected cancer in the first full year of the pandemic is now more than 370,000 lower than in the previous year  a 15 per cent fall. And there was a six per cent drop in the number of people starting cancer treatment compared with this time last year, with no improvement over 2021. The total number of people starting treatment between March 2020 and February 2021 is now at least 38,500 lower than expected. Sara Bainbridge, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'Today's data further illustrates the catastrophic impact of Covid-19 on cancer diagnosis and treatment. 'Whilst there has been a marginal improvement from January in terms of urgent referrals, the number of people starting treatment remains lower than we'd expect. 'Tens of thousands of people are still missing a diagnosis due to disruption caused by the pandemic, which could affect their prognosis. 'It's vital that cancer services continue to be prioritised and that those with cancer are not forgotten. 'To address the extensive challenges that lie ahead, the NHS urgently needs a long-term, fully-funded plan for its workforce, ensuring there are more dedicated staff are able to provide the best care for cancer patients, now and in the future.' Advertisement

She said: 'Preparation for the future needs investment in both NHS services and staff.

'This means the resources to cope with the backlog, and the funding to give staff the proper pay rise they've more than earned.

'Without better wages, experienced staff will be lost and new recruits much harder to attract.'

It stated up to 10million people predicted to need new or additional mental health support as a result of the pandemic.

In response to the letter the Department for Health and Social Care said: 'This Government is committed to supporting the NHS and its staff in the fight against Covid and beyond the pandemic through the NHS People Plan.

'There are over 6,600 more doctors and 10,900 more nurses working in our NHS, compared to last year, and we are on track to deliver 50,000 more nurses by the end of this Parliament.

'We have funded an extra 1,500 university places for medicine expansion of university places for medicine by over 1,500 and are now offering nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students at least 5,000 a year in grant funding.'

Official NHS data released last week showed 400,000 people have now waited more than a year for surgery after operations had to be cancelled and postponed due to Covid.

And the proportion of cancer patients who hadn't been treated within the two month target after being diagnosed has also jumped to a record 30.3 per cent.

Boris Johnson last week pledged to help the health service back to its feet, while speaking at a military base in Dartmouth, Devon.

He said: 'We do need people to take up their appointments and to get the treatment that they need.

'We're going to make sure that we give the NHS all the funding that it needs, as we have done throughout the pandemic, to beat the backlog.'

But Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has blamed 'Tory underfunding and cuts' for the staff shortage.

He said: 'Our hardworking NHS staff have gone above and beyond this past year but the reality is that the health service entered the pandemic short of 100,000 staff after a decade of Tory underfunding and cuts.

'It is vital that ministers listen to calls from across the NHS to invest in and increase the numbers of staff, but also show our NHS staff how much we value them with a fair pay rise not an insulting real terms pay cut.'
OTTAWA - Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland sent a warning to provinces about her budget's pledge on child care, saying she would negotiate in good faith but not bend on reducing parental fees, as several provinces questioned the tight strings on the promised new spending.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joined virtually by Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland as they talk online to a group of front-line pharmacists from across the country to discuss the ongoing vaccination efforts in the fight against COVID19, from the Prime Ministers office on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland sent a warning to provinces about her budget's pledge on child care, saying she would negotiate in good faith but not bend on reducing parental fees, as several provinces questioned the tight strings on the promised new spending.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed up that warning Tuesday with one of his own: provinces must agree to required targets on affordability, quality of care and training of early childhood educators if they want a share of federal child care funding committed in Monday's federal budget.

Provinces that don't want to agree to those conditions, won't get any federal funding, he said.

The budget outlined $27.2 billion over five years, starting this fiscal year, in new spending the Liberals want to send to provinces to subsidize daycares.

The specific strings attached on the spending pledge would dictate what forms of child care could be eligible for federal funding, and how much parental fees must drop over the next five years.

On Tuesday, Freeland said she had spoken with some provinces and territories, but didn't go into more detail. She said she wanted to give them time to read the budget.

She said the government wants to understand what each province and territory needs, but underlined the budget's aim to have child-care fees come down in the coming years.

"Although Canada is very, very diverse in the provision of early learning and child care  our goals are now national," Freeland said at a news conference in Ottawa.

"Every Canadian parent five years from now, everywhere in the country, should have access to affordable, high-quality early learning and child care for an average of $10 a day."

Later Tuesday during an interview with Edmonton-based online talk show host Ryan Jespersen, Trudeau was asked what would stop a province from simply passing along the federal funding to parents to spend as they see fit.

"That is exactly the question that we have spent the last many, many months wrestling with," he said.

"We have very, very clear targets around affordability, around quality, around training of early childhood educators that are going to be requirements to the bilateral agreements that will be signed by the provinces who want to move forward on this."

Trudeau added: "Those who aren't interested, well, there's nothing we can do to force them to do it but they won't be getting the resources that will come through a bilateral deal to move forward on child care."

Trudeau said earlier Tuesday that Quebec will receive funding in recognition of the existing provincial system upon which the federal program is based.

The warnings marked the opening lines in negotiations the Liberals must have with provinces to create a national system if Parliament approves the minority government's first budget in two years.

The Liberals hope to build on previous child-care funding deals first signed four years ago that broadly outlined how spending tied to the Trudeau government's first foray into daycare needed to be used.

A key goal coming out of the initial three years of the $7.5-billion, 11-year spend was to create or maintain 40,000 spaces, but Freeland's first budget doesn't say how many spaces the new pledge would create, nor estimate how many spaces might move from home-based or private care to non-profit settings.

Expanding spaces needs to go hand-in-hand with fee reductions, otherwise long wait-lists at daycares would become even longer, said David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

"There are not specific targets on the number of child-care spaces created. Hopefully, there will be soon," he said.

"That's a big part of a national child-care plan, particularly if your goal is to reduce fees."

How the money can help create more spaces or assist with wages for child-care workers, as the budget alluded to, were key issues for Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin, who was open to the new funding.

Similarly, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said he wanted details, but voiced skepticism about Freeland's vow of collegiality after the Liberals ignored provincial calls for more health-care spending.

The budget's child-care spending pledge would see the government increase funding over time before matching provincial spending on child care.

Provinces aren't being asked to match costs over the ramp-up, if they sign on to five-year funding agreements starting this fall, said economist Armine Yalnizyan.

"I'm very hopeful that for the first time with political will, as well as money, and ambition at the table, we are going to get to where we need to go," said Yalnizyan, who sits on Freeland's task force on women in the economy.

"The only hiccup is going to be intransigent provinces."

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said any long-term support needed to be "flexible to respond to the unique needs of every parent, not a one-size-fits-all approach." In Alberta, Finance Minister Travis Toews said any funding deal needs to uphold the "fundamental principle of parental choice."

Allowing the money to go anywhere but to high-quality group care would water down the economic benefits, said economist Jim Stanford.

The budget estimated the spending could help 240,000 Canadians, largely women, join the workforce, but Stanford's own work suggests a larger bump in employment.

"Even conservative provincial governments are going to rake in billions of dollars of new revenue because of this program," said Stanford, director of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute. "They will be putting ideology before reality if they try to stop this."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.

 With files from Kevin Bissett, Keith Doucette, Shawn Jeffords, Chris Purdy, and Steve Lambert.
New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, which is being celebrated this year on April 21, devotees pray for the blessings of the Lord. The day also concludes the 9-day Chaitra Navratri festival which began this year on April 13 respectively. Much like everywhere else, Lord Rama's birthday is celebrated with much gusto in Shirdi.

SHIRDI SAI BABA AND RAM NAVAMI FESTIVAL:

This year, celebrations are low key due to the deadly novel COVID-19 pandemic. With the surge in corona cases, several religious places including Shirdi Sai Baba temple has been closed for public darshan. Along with the Sai Baba temple, the 'Prasadalaya' and the 'Bhakta Niwas' is also be closed. The Shirdi temple administration took the decision in the first week of April after the Maharashtra government announced a partial lockdown in the state amid rising coronavirus cases.

It is believed that Shirdi Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on the day of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Therefore, during the Chaitra Navratri which falls in March-April, the Ram Navami day is celebrated as Baba's birthday and Sharad Navratri culminating on Dussehra is the day when Baba went Antardhyan.

Both the days are observed in a huge manner at Shirdi Sai Baba's temple where devotees make a long queue just to get a glimpse and blessings of the lord.

The name Sai was given to him by Mhalsapati upon his arrival in the temple town of Shirdi as not much is known about Sai's birth. According to Sai Satcharita, Baba came to Shirdi when he was only 16-year-old. It is believed that he came along with a man who was coming for a wedding to the place. Many believe that Baba's date of birth happens to be September 28, 1835.

There is still no definitive date which can claim Baba's birthday.

THE LEGEND OF RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATIONS:

Baba's ardent follower named Gopalrao Gund was childless for a long time and finally was blessed with a son. To offer his thanks to Baba, seeking blessings for the newborn baby too, he took Baba's permission to organise a thanksgiving fair which coincided with Urus, a festival of Muslims in honour of a Sufi saint.

As per Sai Charitra book, the day for the Urus was fixed on Ram Navami, after having consultation with Sai Baba. It seems he had some purpose behind this, viz. the unification of the two festivals, the Urus and the Ram Navami and the unification of the two communities  the Hindus and the Mohammedens. As future events showed, this end or object was duly achieved.

Gopalrao Gund had a friend by name Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar. He also was similarly unhappy in the matter of progeny, though he had two wives. He too was blessed by Sai Baba with sons and Mr. Gund prevailed upon his friend to prepare and supply one flag for the procession of the fair. He also succeeded in inducing Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar to supply another flag. Both these flags were taken in procession through the village and finally, fixed at the two corners of the Masjid, which is called by Sai Baba as Dwarkamai. This is being done even now.

SANDAL PROCESSION IN SHIRDI:

An excerpt from Sai Charitra mentions:

There was another procession which was started in this fair. The idea of Sandal procession originated with one Mr. Amir Shakkar Dalal, a Mohammeden Bhakta from Korhla. This procession is held in honour of great Muslim Saints. Sandal i.e. Chandan paste and scrappings are put in the Thali (flat dishes) with incense burning before them and carried in procession to the accompaniment of band and music through the village and then, after returning to the Masjid, the contents of the

dishes are thrown on the Nimbar (niche) and walls of the Masjid.

This work was managed by Mr. Amir Shakkar for the first three years and then afterwards, by his wife. So, on the same day the two processions, the Flags by the Hindus and Sandal by the Muslims, went on side by side and are still going on without any problem.

Sai Baba made Dwarkamai masjid his abode and on Ram Navami day, flags are changed there.

With many more legends and events which unfolded post this, according to Sai Charitra, from 1912, the Ram Navami festival was thus going on, the procession of the two flags by day and that of the Sandal by night, went off with the usual pomp and show. From this time onwards, the Urus of Baba was transformed into the Ram Navami festival.

Therefore, till date on Ram Navami and Urus, Shirdi sees huge celebrations in place.

Sai Baba of Shirdi is a spiritual figure worshipped across the globe. The saint or fakir of Shirdi has an ocean of devotees scattered in every corner of the world. Baba's teachings and learnings have travelled over years and people irrespective of their religion have shown utmost faith in the Satguru.

God Is One' was his motto and 'Sabka Malik Ek', Allah Malik favourite epigrams associated with Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Om Sai Ram and a very Happy Ram Navami to all!
Heinekens global beer volumes stayed flat in Q1 as the brewers exposure to the pandemic-hit European on-premise made for a challenging start to the year.

Volumes in the three months to the end of March remained at 50.3m hectolitres as growth in Asia and the US was undercut by a 10% decline in Europe, Heineken said today. Europe, which accounts for 27% of Heinekens total beer volumes, has seen widespread closures of bars and restaurants to contain COVID-19, thus heavily impacting demand.

According to the group, its on-premise volumes in Europe fell by two-thirds in the quarter.

Within Europe, Heinekens regional teams struggled against the pandemic. UK total volumes fell by 30% as on-premise volumes sunk to near zero. In the companys home market of the Netherlands, total volumes dropped by about 20%, the company said.

Off-premise volumes grew across Europe, however, as consumers switched to supermarket and convenience channels, although not enough to outpace declines overall. The effect of the volumes drops on sales was unclear as Heineken does not provide revenue data for the first quarter. However, in 2020, Heinekens full-year sales were among the beer industrys worst-affected, dropping 12% over the 12 months.



In Asia, where some countries have already emerged from lockdowns or escaped relatively unscathed by COVID, beer volumes increased by 5%, driven by the double-digit growth of Vietnam, Singapore, Laos, Taiwan and South Korea. For brand Heineken, Chinas volumes grew by double-digits, driven by the roll-out of Heineken Silver through local distribution partner China Resources Beer.

In the US, beer volumes increased by low-single-digits.

Heineken praised the performance of its namesake brand, which was up 12% in global volumes. The brewer also hailed the progress of a cost-cutting programme, unveiled last year, which has seen a reduction in staff and an expanded focus away from beer to high-growth categories such as hard seltzer.

CEO Dolf van den Brink

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We had a solid start to the year, despite facing severe restrictions across many markets and the closure of the on-trade in Europe due to the pandemic. Overall beer volume was in line with last year, with strong growth in Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific and modest growth in the Americas.

Heinekens hard seltzer switch and the rise of ranch water  Click here for a just-drinks focus
Villages large and small across Illinois are looking to attract pent-up demand for outdoor events and, despite COVID-19, some already are announcing masks wont be required.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said the villages Memorial Day event will go on with no social distancing requirement, but masks will be required. After that, he said, events for the community of around 33,000 will go on without a mask mandate.

If you feel uncomfortable, dont come, you dont have to be there, Johnson said. If youre nervous, wear a mask. Youre more than welcome to do so, well give you a mask. If you want to distance, theres more than enough room at our concerts.

On July 4, the village welcomes rock group Daughtry. On July 13, George Thorogood and The Destroyers will perform at the Village Green. Loverboy performs July 20 and The Beach Boys perform July 27.

Johnson said Elk Grove Village will be firm, but flexible, with its events.

Obviously if something comes on June 15, some kind of virus from the moon came down that affected coronavirus, makes it deadly no matter if you have the vaccine or not, we would obviously change, Johnson said. We dont think thats going to happen, but were firm but flexible. But we are opening up.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said it has issued guidance for outdoor events and festivals that local officials should reference.

Face coverings and social distance continue to be a part of all guidance as we try and beat back another rise in cases, a spokesman for the department said.

Gov. J.B. Pritzkers mask mandate expires in early June, unless he issues another emergency rule.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends even fully vaccinated people avoid medium or large gatherings.

Just north of Springfield in Sherman, Mayor Trevor Clatfelter said the village of around 4,500 also is moving forward with events at the villages pavilion, including a fireworks display on July 4.

If anybody else is canceling their fireworks, just know that again, Independence Day, its going to happen again in Sherman and were going to celebrate it July 4th, the day of, Clatfelter said.

In 2020, as other villages and fireworks displays across the state canceled their events, Clatfelter moved forward with a display. This year, in addition to fireworks, he said, there will be live music.

Clatfelter said Sherman will host 84, a Van Halen tribute band, on July 10 and a Def Leppard tribute band on July 30.

We are going to be responsible and take various different measures to try and ensure that were all being responsible and trying to enjoy ourselves, Clatfelter said. Its not going to be the wild west, but its also not going to be lockdown central either.

.

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

689 total, 676 recovered, seven deaths

Fully vaccinated: 19.69%; 65 or older: 68.57%

Cass County

1,956 total, 1,916 recovered, 33 deaths

One new case.

Fully vaccinated: 30.87%; 65 or older: 70.61%

Greene County

1,408 total, 1,351 recovered, 48 deaths

Fully vaccinated: 22.61%; 65 or older: 56.33%

Jersey County

2,602 total, 2,535 recovered, 48 deaths

Fully vaccinated: 29.66%; 65 or older: 75.54%

Macoupin County

4,761 total, 4,433 recovered, 110 deaths

Six new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 28.30%; 65 or older: 74.01%

Morgan County

3,855 total, 3,713 released from restrictions, 101 deaths

Two new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 29.86%; 65 or older: 73.75%

Pike County

1,744 total, 1,677 recovered, 47 deaths

Fully vaccinated: 23.87%; 65 or older: 62.79%

Sangamon County

17,806 total, 229 deaths

18 new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 33.71%; 65 or older: 81.2%

Schuyler County

677 total, 654 recovered, 16 deaths

Three new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 28.93%; 65 or older: 66.26%

Scott County

470 total, 466 recovered, one death

Two new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 22.88%; 65 or older: 62%

Statewide, 2,587 new cases of coronavirus disease and nine deaths were reported Tuesday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

There have been 1,306,787 cases and 21,694 deaths in Illinois.
The unnamed distributor will store and deliver Covid-ID Lab test kits according to the product specifications and all applicable regulations to XPhyto's customers

XPhyto also noted that the sales launch in Europe is targeted for April, 2021 and it is in discussions with various potential customers, distribution and wholesale partners and potential licensees

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp ( ) ( ) FRA:4XT) said it has taken a step towards commercializing its 25-minute coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test called Covid-ID Lab in Germany, striking a deal with an established wholesaler and service provider in the country.

The unnamed distributor will store and deliver Covid-ID Lab test kits according to the product specifications and all applicable regulations to XPhyto's customers. It will also fulfil any reporting and notification obligations and process any returned products.

"With this agreement, we have secured a strong partner with an established medical distribution network throughout Germany," Hugh Rogers, the CEO of XPhyto, told investors in a statement.

"This is an exciting and critical step towards commercial sales of COVID-ID Lab. The company's commercialization strategy is focused on the German market for initial product launch and the creation of robust and sustainable sales," he added.

XPhyto also noted that the sales launch in Europe is targeted for April 2021 and that it is in discussions with various potential customers, distribution and wholesale partners and potential licensees.

Covid-ID Lab is a multiplex viral RNA probe kit based on the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Many widely available standard PCR instruments are suitable to carry out the test.

The elimination of RNA extraction for sample preparation reduces cross-contamination risk and minimizes the need for lab materials and trained personnel, noted the bioscience company.

XPhyto has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.

Shares in Canada advanced 4.6% on the day to C$2.48 each.

----Updates for share price---

Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com
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Aldi donates over 54,000 meals to Welsh charities over the easter school holidays

More than 54,000 meals were donated to people in need across Wales over the Easter school holidays.

Aldi paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and foodbanks to donate surplus food, prioritising donations to those focused on feeding children.

Around 149 tonnes of food were donated throughout the UK, with more than 250,000 meals donated to causes supporting families and children in need.

The donation is part of Aldis commitment to donate 10 million meals across the country in 2021, in partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.





So far this year, Aldi stores across the UK have already donated more than two million meals to good causes.

Mary Dunn, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, said: Were proud to support good causes in Wales, helping them to provide meals to those in need over the Easter period.

At a time when more people are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity due to Covid-19, we are committed to doing what we can to donate more meals in 2021 than ever before.

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: The school holidays are often a busy time for the nations charities and food banks.

Im sure Aldis donation will have been a massive help for so many of these vital organisations.
For so many, it feels like it took all of that for the judicial system to deliver a just  just basic accountability. We saw how traumatic and exhausting just watching the trial was for so many people. Think about it, those of you who are listening. Think about how traumatic it was for you. You werent there, you didnt know any of the people. But it was difficult. Especially for the witnesses who had to relive that day. Its a trauma on top of the fear so many people of color live with every day, when they go to sleep at night and pray for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.

Again, as we saw in this trial from the fellow police officers who testified, most men and women who wear the badge serve their communities honorably. But those few who fail to meet that standard must be held accountable, and they were today. One was. No one should be above the law, and todays verdict sends that message.

But its not enough. We cant stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform, we can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that a tragedy like this will ever happen to occur again. To ensure the Black and brown people  or anyone  so they dont fear the interactions with law enforcement, that they dont have to wake up knowing that they can lose their very life in the course of just living their life. They dont have to worry about whether their sons or daughters will come home after a grocery store run or just walking down the street or driving their car or playing in the park or just sleeping at home.

And this takes acknowledging and confronting head on systemic racism and the racial disparities that exist in policing and in our criminal justice system more broadly. You know, state and local government and law enforcement needs to step up, but so does the federal government. Thats why Ive appointed the leadership of the Justice Department that I have that is fully committed to restoring trust between law enforcement and the community they are sworn to serve and protect.

I have complete confidence in the attorney general  general Garlands leadership and commitment. Ive also nominated two key Justice Department nominees, Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, who are eminently qualified, highly respected lawyers who have spent their entire careers fighting to advance racial equity and justice. Vanita and Kristen have the experience and the skill necessary to advance our administrations priorities to root out unconstitutional policing and reform our criminal justice system, and they deserve to be confirmed.

We also need Congress to act. George Floyd was murdered almost a year ago. Theres meaningful police reform legislation in his name. You just heard the vice president speak of it, she helped write it, legislation to tackle systemic misconduct in police departments, to restore trust between law enforcement and the people theyre entrusted to serve and protect. But it shouldnt take a whole year to get this done.

In my conversations with the Floyd family, and I spoke with them again today, I assured them were going to continue to fight for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so I can sign it into law as quickly as possible. Theres more to do. Finally, its the work we do every day to change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies. Thats the work we have to do. Only then will full justice and full equality be delivered to all Americans.
Derek Chauvin should be put under the jail for death of George Floyd, Pat Robertson says

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If the decision to convict Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of George Floyd's murder was left up to Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson, Chauvin would be put under the jail.

Speaking on The 700 Club last Thursday, Robertson raised concern about the "onslaught" of police violence in the wake of the killing of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on April 11.

Kimberly A. Potter, a white Brooklyn Center police officer who resigned after shooting the 20-year-old Wright, has since been charged with second-degree manslaughter after days of protests and riots.

"I am pro-police, folks. I think we need the police, we need their service and they do a good job. But ... they cannot do this," Robertson said. "Derek Chauvin, I mean, they oughta put him under the jail. He has caused so much trouble by kneeling on the [neck] of George Floyd ... It's just terrible what's happening. And the police, why don't they open their eyes to what the public relations are? We've got to stop this stuff."

President Joe Biden revealed on Monday that he spoke with Floyds family. He suggested that even though the evidence in the case is overwhelming, the family is urging peace regardless of the verdict reached by the jury in the case.

I can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they are feeling, and so I waited until the jury was sequestered, and I called, Biden explained.

They are a good family, and theyre calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is, Biden said. Im praying the verdict is the right verdict, which is, I think its overwhelming, in my view.

He further noted that: I wouldnt say that unless the jury was sequestered now, and not hearing me say that. But so we just talked a little. I wanted to know how they were doing, just personally. We talked about personal things.

Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, told NBC's "TODAY" show on Tuesday that President Biden offered prayers for his family as they await the verdict.

"He knows how it is to lose a family member, and he knows the process of what were going through. So he was just letting us know that he was praying for us, hoping that everything will come out to be OK," Floyd said.

He also expressed optimism about the outcome of the trial against Chauvin.

"Me and my family, we pray about it every day," he said. I just feel that in America, if a black man cant get justice for this, what can a black man get justice for?"

While he also called directly for protests to be peaceful regardless of the outcome, he added that I cant stop people from doing the things that theyre doing because people are in pain."

The jury in Chauvin's trial continued its second day of deliberations Tuesday and reached a verdict.
GOTTINGEN, Germany, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Order intake up 89.2 percent; sales revenue up 61.6 percent;

underlying EBITDA margin 33.3 percent

20 percentage points of sales growth influenced by the coronavirus pandemic

Accelerated expansion of production capacities in all regions on track as planned

Sartorius_Logo

The life science group Sartorius had an exceptionally strong start in fiscal 2021 and grew substantially in order intake1, sales revenue and earnings. Businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic additionally fueled this growth.

"Many of our products play an essential role in helping to overcome the pandemic. In addition to a very positive general business performance in the first quarter, we accordingly experienced strong demand for our products and technologies used in the development and production of vaccines as well as of coronavirus tests and achieved a sharp increase in sales. The substantial rise in the company's profit margin was also supported by underproportionate development of costs, such as the low number of business trips as well as fewer new hires in non-production areas. These effects are expected to decrease as the year progresses. In many areas, we are working at the limits of our capacity and are therefore continuing to move ahead with accelerating the expansion of our production facilities and are hiring additional employees," said Executive Board Chairman and CEO Joachim Kreuzburg. In the first three months of the current year, Sartorius has already created some 640 new jobs; the Group now employs around 11,300 people in total.

Business development of the Group

Group sales revenue surged by 61.6 percent to around 791 million euros in constant currencies (reported: +55.1 percent). The comparative base for these high growth figures, though, is the relatively low prior-year quarter, which was impacted in the Lab Products & Services Division by the lockdown in China due to the pandemic and overall did not yet include an acquisition that was consolidated as of May 2020. In the first quarter, acquisitions2 contributed overall about 12 percentage points to growth while the contribution attributable to businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic was about 20 percentage points. Order intake1 grew even more dynamically than sales revenue, rising to 1,139 million euros (in constant currencies: +89.2 percent, of which a good 30 percentage points were related to the coronavirus; reported: +80.9 percent). Underlying EBITDA1 climbed, due to economies of scale and underproportionate cost development, to 264 million euros, up from 138 million euros a year earlier (+91.2 percent). The corresponding margin rose to 33.3 percent (Q1 2020: 27.0 percent). Relevant net profit1 for the Group soared by 111.8 percent to 122 million euros; earnings per ordinary share were 1.77 euros (Q1 2020: 0.83 euros); earnings per preference share, 1.78 euros (Q1 2020: 0.84 euros).



Story continues

Business development in the regions

Sartorius increased its revenues very significantly in all three geographies. Sales in the Asia | Pacific region surged by 71.1 percent to 204 million euros. Revenue in the EMEA3 region totaled 334 million euros, a gain of 63.1 percent. Sales in the Americas amounted to 253 million euros, equating to 53.4 percent growth. (All figures in sales revenue growth in constant currencies)

Key financial indicators

The Sartorius Group has a very sound balance sheet and financial key figures. Its equity ratio stood at 29.7 percent at the end of the quarter (December 31, 2020: 29.9 percent). Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 was 2.2 on the reporting date, relative to 2.6 at year-end 2020. The ratio of capital expenditures (CAPEX) to sales revenue increased as expected to 10.2 percent due to the Group's extensive investment program (Q1 2020: 8.8 percent).

Business development of the divisions

The Bioprocess Solutions Division that offers a wide array of innovative technologies for manufacturing biopharmaceuticals expanded in the reporting year at an exceptionally dynamic rate by 61.4 percent in constant currencies to 611 million euros (reported: +54.9 percent), benefiting from the ramp-up in coronavirus vaccine production by many manufacturers. The latter contributed a good 23 percentage points to this increase. Non-organic growth contributed by the acquisitions closed in the prior year was around 9 percentage points. The division's order intake1 increased even more strongly than its sales revenue, soaring 97.1 percent in constant currencies to 953 million euros (reported: +88.3 percent). Part of this high order intake is due to the changed ordering patterns of some customers who in the current situation have been placing their orders further in advance than usual.

Underlying EBITDA1 of the Bioprocess Solutions Division was 217 million euros, up 81.1 percent, also very significantly above the prior-year figure of 120 million euros. The division's respective margin climbed year over year from 30.4 percent to 35.6 percent. Economies of scale as well as a cost base that increased only slowly due to the pandemic contributed to this rise in profitability.

The Lab Products & Services Division specializing in equipment and technologies for life science research and pharmaceutical laboratories grew just as strongly as the Bioprocess Solutions Division in the first quarter, also against weaker prior-year comparables as described above, by 62.3 percent in constant currencies to 180 million euros (reported: +56.0 percent). While non-organic growth accounted for about 23 percentage points, organic growth was a good 39 percentage points of which around 9 percentage points were impacted by high demand for components used in coronavirus test kits. Order intake1 rose sharply by 56.8 percent (reported: +50.5 percent) to 186 million euros.

Underlying EBITDA of the Lab Products & Services Division jumped by 157.9 percent to 46 million euros (Q1 2020: 18 million euros); the division's respective margin reached 25.7 percent (Q1 2020: 15.6 percent). This very substantial margin expansion was based on economies of scale, positive development of the product mix and cost development that was underproportionate due to the pandemic.

Forecast raised for the full year of 2021 confirmed

Management confirmed its growth forecast for fiscal 2021, which had been raised in mid-March based on very strong order intake and high demand anticipated to continue in the further course of the year. Accordingly, management projects consolidated sales growth of around 35 percent (of which 5.5 percentage points are expected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 16 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). Regarding profitability, an underlying EBITDA1 margin of about 32 percent is forecasted for the Group. Management points out that in the currently very dynamic and volatile situation, forecasts are subject to higherthanaverage uncertainties.

For the Bioprocess Solutions Division, Sartorius anticipates that sales will increase by about 40 percent (of which 6 percentage points projected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 18 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). The division's underlying EBITDA1 margin is forecasted at about 34 percent. Expected sales growth for the Lab Products & Services Division is about 20 percent (of which 5 percentage points projected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 5 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). The division's underlying EBITDA1 margin is forecasted to reach about 24 percent.

The CAPEX1 ratio for the Group is projected at about 14 percent. Sartorius' approximately 400millioneuro investment program especially covers the partly extended and accelerated expansion of production capacities, primarily at sites in Germany, Puerto Rico, China, and South Korea. Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 is expected to be about 2.0 at year-end. Possible acquisitions are not included in these projections.

Mid-range targets updated in January 2021 remain unchanged and assume that by 2025, consolidated sales revenue will increase to around 5 billion euros at an underlying EBITDA margin of around 32 percent.

All forecasts are based on constant currencies, as in the past years. In addition, the company assumes that the global economy will increasingly recover as the current year progresses and that supply chains will remain stable.

Financial indicators of the comparative period partly restated due to the finalized purchase price allocation of Biological Industries

1 Sartorius publishes alternative performance measures that are not defined by international accounting standards. These are determined with the aim of improving the comparability of business performance over time and within the industry.

Order intake: all customer orders contractually concluded and booked during the respective reporting period

Underlying EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and adjusted for extraordinary items

Relevant net profit: profit for the period after non-controlling interest, adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization, as well as based on the normalized financial result and the normalized tax rate

Ratio of net debt to underlying EBITDA: quotient of net debt and underlying EBITDA over the past 12 months, including the pro forma amount contributed by acquisitions for this period

2 Acquisitions of selected life science businesses from Danaher Corporation as well as of BIA Separations and WaterSep BioSeparations

3 EMEA = Europe, Middle East, Africa

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future development of the Sartorius Group. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sartorius assumes no liability for updating such statements in light of new information or future events. This is a translation of the original German-language press release. Sartorius shall not assume any liability for the correctness of this translation. The original German press release is the legally binding version.

Follow Sartorius on Twitter @Sartorius_Group and on LinkedIn.



Conference call

Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of Sartorius AG, and Rainer Lehmann, CFO and a member of the Executive Board, will discuss the company's business results with analysts and investors on April 21, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) in a teleconference. You may register by clicking on the following link:

https://78449.choruscall.com/dataconf/productusers/sar/mediaframe/44545/indexl.html

The presentation will be available on the same day starting at 3:15 p.m. CEST, for viewing on our website at:

https://www.sartorius.com/sartorius/com/group/investor-relations/sartorius-ag

Current image files

http://www.sartorius.com/en/company/newsroom/downloads-publications

Financial calendar

July 21, 2021 Publication of the first-half figures (January to June 2021)

October 20, 2021 Publication of nine-month figures (January to September 2021)

Key Performance Indicators for the First Quarter of 2021

A profile of Sartorius



Sartorius Group1 Bioprocess Solutions1 Lab Products & Services1 In millions of  (unless otherwise specified) Q1

2021 Q1

2020  in % Reported  in %

cc2 Q1

2021 Q1

2020  in % Reported  in %

cc2 Q1

2021 Q1

2020  in % Reported  in %

cc2 Order Intake and Sales Revenue Order intake 1,138.6 629.4 80.9 89.2 953.0 506.2 88.3 97.1 185.6 123.3 50.5 56.8 Sales revenue 791.1 509.9 55.1 61.6 610.7 394.3 54.9 61.4 180.3 115.6 56.0 62.3  EMEA3 334.4 207.0 61.5 63.1 260.3 153.8 69.2 70.7 74.1 53.2 39.3 41.1  Americas3 253.1 180.7 40.1 53.4 197.1 149.8 31.6 43.9 56.1 30.9 81.5 99.6  Asia | Pacific3 203.6 122.2 66.5 71.1 153.4 90.8 69.0 74.0 50.2 31.5 59.5 62.9 Earnings EBITDA4 263.5 137.9 91.2

217.1 119.9 81.1

46.4 18.0 157.9

EBITDA margin4 in % 33.3 27.0



35.6 30.4



25.7 15.6



Net profit for the period5 121.6 57.4 111.8

















Financial Data per Share Earnings per

ordinary share5 in  1.77 0.83 112.4

















Earnings per preference share5 in  1.78 0.84 111.1

















1 Figures for the comparable period partially restated due to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of Biological Industries 2 In constant currencies, abbreviated as "cc" 3 According to customers' location 4 Relevant / underlying EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and adjusted for extraordinary items 5 After non-controlling interest, adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization, as well as based on the normalized financial result and the normalized tax rate

































The Sartorius Group is a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry. With innovative laboratory instruments and consumables, the Group's Lab Products & Services Division concentrates on serving the needs of laboratories performing research and quality control at pharma and biopharma companies and those of academic research institutes. The Bioprocess Solutions Division with its broad product portfolio focusing on single-use solutions helps customers to manufacture biotech medications and vaccines safely and efficiently. The Group has been annually growing by double digits on average and has been regularly expanding its portfolio by acquisitions of complementary technologies. In fiscal 2020, the company earned sales revenue of some 2.34 billion euros. At the end of 2020, nearly 11,000 people were employed at the Group's approximately 60 manufacturing and sales sites, serving customers around the globe.

Contact

Petra Kirchhoff

Head of Corporate Communications& Investor Relations

+49 (0)551 308 1686

petra.kirchhoff@sartorius.com

Cision

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sartorius-with-first-quarter-uptick-in-sales-and-earnings-301273397.html

SOURCE Sartorius AG
'Religious Liberty in Crisis': Ken Starr says new challenges are undermining America's first freedom

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Prominent legal scholar Ken Starr, best known for serving as the independent counsel who investigated former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, has written a book warning that societys growing hostility to religion and the coronavirus pandemic have created new challenges to America's first freedom.

Starrs latest book,Religious Liberty in Crisis: Exercising Your Faith in an Age of Uncertainty, was released last week. It examines the history of religious liberty case law in the United States and looks ahead to the possible future threats to the First Amendment.

In an interview with The Christian Post, the 74-year-old said he was motivated to write the book in light of the pandemic restrictions on religious worship, which he discusses at the beginning of the book.

The pandemic and the onset of the pandemic brought a new set of challenges, and I was moved to write a book which has actually been on my heart for 40 years, he said.

We now see that government has enormous power, even at state and local levels, he added.

The government has power to do good, but it also has power to infringe upon our fundamental liberties. So, the pandemic provided the occasion to step back and reflect on our culture of liberty and to provide a tool for believers to understand their liberties and to speak out in favor of their liberties.

Starr, who formerly served as president of the Baptist higher education institution Baylor University in Texas, said the book is designed to give every American a grounding in [the] fundamental principles of religious liberty.

I hope that parents and grandparents will see fit to guide their children and their grandchildren to read and understand these great principles which need to be transmitted on to the rising generation, he said.

While Starr acknowledged that hostility to religious liberty has existed for many years, he explained that the culture has shifted quite significantly in recent years.

He warned that in many quarters, religion is viewed as a negative influence on society and accused in broad terms as serving as a mask from discrimination that inflicts harm on others.

We need to be able to understand that narrative and to counter that narrative with what I think [is] the truth about religious commitment, especially in the Christian community  that the Church is a source of enormous good as society measures good, he added.

Starr cited the Equality Act, a sweeping piece of legislation marketed by Democrats as a necessary measure to enshrine nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals into law, as one of the gravest threats to religious liberty.

It would be disastrous because, by its terms, it would prevent the invocation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Starr told CP.

The fundamental purpose of  the Religious Freedom Restoration Act [of 1993] was to protect individual conscience and freedom and conscience belief. The statute, by its terms, if enacted, would eradicate that.

Starr went on to say that the Equality Act raises profound First Amendment concerns as to its constitutionality.

But that will take many years to litigate, and so we need to preserve these historic mechanisms, such as the filibuster, to protect us against essentially a runaway majority  a very narrow majority  but a runaway majority, he argued.

The Equality Act passed the Democratic-led House of Representatives earlier this year on a largely party-line vote. But a vote has yet to take place in the Senate, where Democrats have a narrow 50-50 majority with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of Democrats.

The passage of the Equality Act would require the abolition of the filibuster rules, which require most Senate bills to receive 60 votes instead of a simple majority. As of right now, Democrats lack the votes necessary to abolish the filibuster or pass the Equality Act with a simple majority.

Regarding the Biden administrations position on religious liberty, Starr maintained that the signs are not promising thus far.

Starr expressed particular concern about the effort to eradicate freedom of conscience, to say to conscientious objectors, We dont care about your beliefs. We want to achieve our social ends and we will simply ignore your concerns based on faith.

In the book, Starr listed Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who has repeatedly found himself in court because he refused to make cakes celebrating same-sex weddings and gender transitions due to his religious beliefs, as an example of a conscientious objector.

He told CP that the assault on religious belief and practice, which includes the adverse treatment of Phillips, represents a sea change in attitude in the culture.

Historically, Americans have understood and appreciated freedom of conscience and have stood by dissenters and the right to dissent, he assured. That is part of our constitutional heritage. But that heritage is being challenged now by those who have social goals and are very aggressive in their effort to pursue those goals.

Starr takes solace in the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has articulated six great principles in favor of religious liberty, and those principles have been articulated over the past half-century.

In particular, 40 years ago, the Supreme Court issued a breakthrough opinion in a case allowing Christian groups on college campuses to meet on the same footing as secular groups, he said, referring to the 1981 Supreme Court caseWidmar v. Vincent.

In that case, the nations higher court ruled the University of Missouri at Kansas Citys policy preventing religious groups from meeting on campus unconstitutional.

And over these four decades, the Supreme Court, as the culture has changed, has remained steadfast in support of these great principles, he stressed.

Most recently, in 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that the presence of a cross honoring fallen soldiers on public land in Bladensburg, Maryland, did not violate the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Phillips, ruling that the state of Colorado was overly hostile to the baker when it penalized him for violating a state discrimination law by refusing to bake a same-sex wedding cake.
Reach Records artist GAWVI talks new album, legalism he experienced in youth group

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Reach Records artist GAWVI has released his debut Spanish album, Noche Juvenil, and hopes it reaches youth in the Latino community who might be feeling like an outcast in their church.

The young artist told The Christian Post that he created Noche Juvenil, which translates as Youth Night, to capture the Christian experience he and his friends wish they'd had in their youth group.

"I grew up in a Pentecostal house, which church Pentecostal is a little bit stricter on some occasions, said GAWVI, explaining that growing up, he was taught that "hip-hop was of the devil."

As he got older and reached high school, his parents decided to explore why he was passionate about that genre of music. After listening to some Christian hip-hop, they "started realizing ... this is legalistic, thinking that this music is of the devil, which it's not."

Legalism is contrary to the biblical teaching that the believer is saved by grace and not by works.

The late Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul illustrated three forms of legalism in an article published at Ligonier Ministries.

Sproul described legalism as: Focusing on Gods laws more than having a relationship with God; keeping external laws without a truly submitted heart; and adding man-made rules to divine laws and treating them as divine.

"That background was basically the culture I grew up in," GAWVI said. "In church, reggaeton and all of that was looked down upon. It was 'other world.'"

Many churches were once opposed to listening to rock 'n' roll, "but now rock is the main thing of worship," he added, naming Hillsong as one example.

While he initially planned for Noche Juvenil to be an EP, because of the downtime he had during the COVID-19 pandemic, GAWVI was able to release what he calls his passion project." He said this was the music he wishes he had growing up.

The event, Noche Juvenil, is well-known in the United States as a big church gathering in the Hispanic community. It's an occasion where Hispanic churches all gather together for youth night, he explained.

Although the events were impactful, he said many young people often felt preached at. GAWVI told CP that he wants his music to create a space where youth can ask questions and not feel condemned.

"Most of the time, what me and my friends laugh about is, it was kind of corny," he said of the youth events he attended growing up. We did get to experience God  that's without a doubt. God definitely was moving in all of them. But there's a lot of moments, as I'm creating the album, me and my friends, we were just talking about the nostalgia ... those announcements were so long. Service went to like, three o'clock at night. Funny thing is, we were like, 'Man, if we could have done youth night, we would have done it like this.'

As the conversations with his friends continued, he began to realize what the album needed to feel like, he explained, describing the messages he wanted to have when he and his friends were in high school. His new music aims to close the gap that makes the younger generation feel unrepresented and without a voice in their ministry.

"This is not all churches, but the churches that I got to grow up in, and I think a majority of a lot of Hispanic churches were like this back then, he told CP.

Noche Juvenil features a number of skits where a pastor can be heard saying, We don't want colored hair, no earrings, no necklace. Women  no makeup, [wear] long dresses all the way to the floor.

We wanted to capture that nostalgia and be like, 'OK, [now] we're gonna come as we are, he quipped back.

Latin music is one of the top genres in the music industry worldwide and GAWVI wanted his album to reflect what's currently popular, but with a Gospel message. The entertainer commented that he piggybacked off some of the iconic legends in Latin Christian music such as Redimi2 and Funky.

They're like the Lecraes in the Latin market, GAWVI remarked. I'm not making anything new, I'm just piggybacking off what they have started for guys like me.

"We're like, How do we bring the Gospel and Jesus into that world and be relevant? Where if someone was in Youth Night tonight, they'd be like, 'Man, I connected with this. I feel like you're speaking my language, he continued.

"I've been on a great journey recently, where I call this season of my life permission, GAWVI continued. The reason why I call it permission is through the album process. I've been able to talk to my parents a lot more than usual, asking them, 'What was it like when you were growing up in youth?' They would tell me, 'It was actually hard too.'

He explained that his parents fell into the same legalistic patterns on certain issues, despite them also experiencing the sting of living by the law and not grace.

"My mom, I remember her telling me that she wore jeans one time, and the pastor was like, 'youre a sinner,' he shared.

"I call this season permission because a lot of times we grew up in church thinking we don't have permission to ask questions about 'Why is church culture like this?' or 'Why am I worshiping God with my hands up right now?' Basic things that are good, or 'Is this traditional, is this religious, is this actually something biblically solid?' GAWVI added. That's been something that I just really enjoy about this album process for me.

The South Florida resident went on to say that creating the album has been "personally therapeutic" for him where he has been able to dive deeper into where does Christianity comes from? Western Christianity, Eastern Christianity, overseas, he told CP.

I'm not just going on YouTube anymore and looking up sermons. I'm actually just diving deeper, into the Greek and all that, GAWVI said.

GAWVIs Noche Juvenil draws inspiration from topics within Christianity that he's learning to embrace.

"I have this one song called '1822,' which is Proverbs 18 verse 22, which [says], for those who find a good thing in a wife. The song is basically a Christian sex song, he admitted.

From his upbringing in youth group, GAWVI always recalled ministers preach that Sex is bad, don't have sex before marriage, the lust of the eye. Although he maintained that all those teachings were great foundations, he also said that those one-dimensional teachings created a ceiling where when you get married, how do I view sex now, is this OK?

"I wanted to make a song like that for people that are in youth, where it's like, I'm going to describe how this could be a loving, romantic thing when you get married, GAWVI asserted.

Like that song, the popular producer hopes all his new tracks will grant his listeners the permission to start asking their pastors and parents the hard questions.

Noche Juvenil is filled with dance songs the can easily be mistaken for music played in secular clubs today. To those who might criticize his sound, however, the young artist said he has the utmost respect for them because they know what's convicting to them.

A close friend of mine can't watch movies that are with blood and gruesome things because it gives them a lot of scary dreams and makes your mind start getting fearful and fear is not of God. So I understand certain people that have conviction, he said. "But then, there's other people that are just saying, It's not of God, because of traditional things [but] you don't even know why you're saying it's not of God. And for me, that's where I extend grace, I understand.

"As I was studying church culture, in Latin America, it's really sad how colonialism just really took over, it was forced for you to be a Catholic. Basically, in all these countries, a lot of slaughter happened, a lot of rape happened where you're forced to believe this, and that's what it's gonna be, GAWVI detailed. I think years and years of trauma and years and years of trying to break that mold, some countries still feel that weight of, 'Well, we have to be Catholic, we have to be Christian. And I don't know why I'm a Christian, I don't know why I'm Catholic. That's just the way it is. And I'm just gonna say this is not of Jesus.'

According to a Pew study, Latin America is home to more than 425 million Catholics, nearly "40% of the worlds Catholic population."

The father of two said he extends grace for some who are extra critical because of the history.

GAWVI continued by saying hes inspired by the younger generation because they push back against things that we know are not really of God.

"This whole generation is very vocal and how they feel, what they believe, he added. "I think it's great that people are having conversations and it's fine that people are being more bold. The more we can step away from fear and be bold is amazing.

This Spanish language album follows GAWVI's last release, Heathen, an English dance record also filled with a strong Christian message meant to ruffle some religious feathers. When asked if he purposely fights the religious norms in todays society he said he didn't even realize he was following that pattern until recently.

"It wasn't until recently, I've noticed [the] pattern that I'm having with my albums. I don't feel called to do that, he assured. But it is interesting that I always feel God plants certain emotions and ideas in my mind, a message that I want to give. I don't think I'm called to do that, but I think God has planted me in a position to speak on certain things.

The 32-year-old ended the interview by sharing his wish for his passion project.

"I hope there's a lot of freedom that could be broken in the Latin community, where people don't have to feel the weight of trying to put on a show, GAWVI said.

"Many years I went through life having to hold my Bible real close and prove how Christian I am, and that's a sad life to have. You feel like you're dying inside. I pray that this album, specifically for the Latin community, that it will be like a breath of fresh air, he added.



Noche Juvenil is now available.
April 1, 2021, saw the reopening of the long-awaited road connecting the Uzbek Sokh enclave, located within Kyrgyzstan, with Uzbekistans mainland, allowing free movement of cars and pedestrians. This became possible after the visit of Kyrgyzstans newly elected President Sadyr Japarov to Uzbekistan in March 2021, during which the two states announced their determination to eliminate all remaining border problems between them. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan demonstrated and confirmed their relationship as strategic partners and provided a new example of Central Asian cooperation.

BACKGROUND: Several so-called enclaves  lands belonging to one country but surrounded by the territory of another neighboring country  exist between the three Central Asian states Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. These are the Uzbek enclaves Sokh, Shakhimardan, Jangail and Chon-Gara in Kyrgyzstan; the Tajik enclaves Vorukh and Kapaygach in Kyrgyzstan and Sarvak in Uzbekistan; and the Kyrgyz enclave Barak in Uzbekistan. This unusual distribution of lands is a legacy of the Soviet cartography with its divide and rule policy, as well as the unique geographical structure of the Fergana Valley.

Throughout the period of independence, the existence of these enclaves has played a dual function. They have been symbols of unity and indivisibility of people residing in and around the enclaves; and at the same time functioned as instruments of micro-geopolitical games between Central Asian states in order to exert influence and pressure on each other.

The Sokh enclave has been subject to such controversy. The distance between Sokh and the nearest town in Uzbekistans mainland, Rishtan, is about 20 kilometers. However, the Kyrgyz side has blocked this short road for many years and residents of the enclave had to bypass it through another 80 kilometer-long road to get to Rishtan.

In May 2020, a small incident occurred in Sokh between the local Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities over the small spring Chashma. Border incidents sporadically occur in the region like small earthquakes. The conflicting sides are usually engaged in disputes over water reservoirs, lands, pastures, illegal border crossings as well as ethnic discords. Such disputes are usually accompanied with measures such as road blocking, local hassles, skirmishes between border guards and nationalistic statements (see CACI Analyst, July 16, 2020). Due to the rapid reaction of both states governments and presidents, the incident was halted after a few days and the situation was normalized.

On March 11-12, 2021, Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Japarov visited Tashkent. More than 20 agreements were signed during the visit and the two states announced that all remaining border problems would be fully resolved within a period of three months. As a confirmation of this progress, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan demonstrated major breakthroughs in border delimitation by the end of March 2021: the disputed segments of the border were delimited and the road from Sokh to Rishtan was unblocked.

IMPLICATIONS: The ceremony of reopening the road was solemn and attended by the Khokim (Mayor) of Uzbekistans Fergana province and the Governor of Kyrgyzstans neighboring Batken province. In his speech, the Khokim proclaimed May the friendship of our peoples be eternal! This reminded of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship, signed in 1997 between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. This official political and legal document, containing the emotional word eternal is quite illustrative of the historical background of relations between the countries and the regional status-quo, meaning that friendship always prevails over tensions.

During the Sokh incident, the Sokh-Rishtan road was blocked due to custom regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), of which Kyrgyzstan is a member but Uzbekistan is not. This fact revealed the essential dissonance between the ambiguous membership interests in the EEU and the needs of everyday communication and cooperation between the neighboring local populations of two Central Asian countries.

Despite these controversies, the Uzbek and Kyrgyz sides also agreed on some other segments of the interstate border. For instance, the borderline around the water reservoir Kempir-Abad in Uzbekistans Andijan province was finally resolved. This agreement was very illustrative of an innovative and win-win approach to the issue. Indeed, it was decided that the Kempir-Abad water resources would be jointly managed. The Uzbek side will provide Kyrgyzstans citizens free and unrestricted access to water from this reservoir for drinking, watering, fishing, etc. The Uzbek side also guaranteed not to erect engineering-technical installations around the water reservoir, and the two sides decided to exchange some territories in order to finalize border delimitation to their mutual benefit.

Indeed, the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan relationship has maintained a progressive pace over the last four years. In October 2017, the two states signed a Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which has a special article on cross-border cooperation and regional security. Kyrgyzstan has since changed presidents three times. Despite this political turbulence, each subsequent Kyrgyz president has explicitly confirmed the friendly and strategic relations with Uzbekistan. It took only two months for Mr. Japarov to achieve a resolution of the border problems with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev, with the official establishment of a three-month deadline to fully resolve the border question. It seems that this task is being accomplished.

The Sokh enclave is a very symbolical place in the Fergana Valley and in Central Asia. It is mostly populated by ethnic Tajiks, belongs to Uzbekistan, and is located in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, it symbolizes the permanent spirit and environment of regional integration in Central Asia. For the regional states, this case can serve as an example of best practice on which to capitalize.

Finally, it should be noted that this outstanding event took place before the upcoming third Consultative Meeting of the presidents of five Central Asian states this year. Revitalized in 2017, this regional process  valuable in itself  has not been free from geopolitical distortions and has slowed down at times. The opening of the Road from Sokh to Uzbekistans mainland  although a quite modest development at first glance  also has a geopolitical dimension. For example, some experts (mostly from Russia) have pointed out that it was possible without Moscows mediation, ignoring the fact that Central Asian states have actually always rejected third party mediation in solving regional problems.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the geographical importance of reopening of the road is limited, the political implications are very significant. This breakthrough in Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border regulations provided an instructive and strategically important experience and lesson: innovative solutions are possible and in demand when there is political will. It was accomplished in the spirit of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship and the Declaration on Strategic Partnership.

Until recently, both sides have been stubborn in their positions regarding water management and border issues. These positions were based on three factors: 1) a narrow understanding (or overestimation) of the value and essence of national sovereignty; 2) misunderstanding (or underestimation) of the value and essence of regional integration; 3) exaggeration and fear of geopolitical uncertainty in Central Asia.

Joint is a word that very well reflects the innovative approach to resolving the road issue in the Sokh enclave and other segments of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border. The sides demonstrated their ability and will to find common solutions to the joint use of water reservoirs and installations. When the sides find technical solutions to politically delicate problems, even the existence of the border per se will lose its importance and divisive character.

There is much work ahead on remaining issues regarding other enclaves, as well as border and water management issues. However, the next steps on these issues will be greatly simplified since both states can build on the recent success. In regional affairs overall, the so-called spillover effect can manifest itself as success in one sphere and on one issue stimulates solutions to other issues in other spheres.

30 years have passed since independence, and no excuse should be accepted for delays in solving regional problems that, as seen in this case, appeared to be easily solvable. What used to be a stumbling block in border cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan can now turn into a cornerstone of regional integration in Central Asia if all regional countries learn a positive lesson from this small but strategically important breakthrough.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Dr. Farkhod Tolipov holds a PhD in Political Science and is Director of the Research Institution Knowledge Caravan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Image Source: Public Domain


Budget carrier JetBlue Airways plans to offer service from San Antonio International Airport to New York and Boston in the fall  a needed boost for an airport that lost more than half its flights to the pandemic.

Service from San Antonio to New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport will begin in October 2021, the airline announced Wednesday.

San Antonio airport officials have been trying for years to secure regular service to Boston.

On ExpressNews.com: You can fly nonstop to Las Vegas for $48 from San Antonio

Today is an exciting day as we not only welcome a phenomenal new airline partner in JetBlue but also new nonstop service to Boston and New York, said Jesus H. Saenz Jr., San Antonios aviation director. Boston has been our largest unserved market for many years, and were thrilled that JetBlue is planting its roots in San Antonio to offer more options to our traveling public.

It was not immediately clear how many flights a week JetBlue will offer or the exact starting date of the service. Additional details were expected to be announced at a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

San Antonio International Airport lost direct service to New York City last year as passenger volume fell sharply and airlines cut routes.

JetBlue, known for its low fares, has flown out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport since 2006, but has never served the San Antonio market. The airlines presence at San Antonio International is expected to help reduce fares at the airport, which are among the highest in the U.S.

On ExpressNews.com: Air fares drop, but San Antonio International still among costliest airports for passengers

Airline analysts say the absence of JetBlue and another bargain carrier, Spirit Airlines, has contributed to higher fares at San Antonio International, particularly in comparison to Austin-Bergstrom.

JetBlue was founded in 1999 by former Southwest Airlines employee David Neeleman and has a strong presence on the East Coast. Its largest hub is John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JetBlue is beginning San Antonio service at a time when passengers are starting to travel again in large numbers as more Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19.

So far in April, San Antonio International has seen more travelers than at any time since the pandemic began, although volume is still down 30 percent compared with 2019 levels.

JetBlue is the seventh largest U.S. carrier, with a 4.7 percent share of the passenger market.

randy.diamond@express-news.net
Handguns are displayed in the Para booth during the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas on May 5, 2013. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Texas Senate Lacks Votes to Pass No-Permit Carry of Handguns, Lt. Gov. Says

Days after the Texas House passed a landmark bill that would allow permitless carry of handguns, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said that there currently arent enough votes in the Republican-led Senate to pass the measure.

If we have the votes to pass a permitless carry bill off the Senate floor, I will move it, Patrick said in a statement. At this point, we dont have the votes on the floor to pass it.

Patrick added that he would meet with representatives of law enforcement groups that oppose no-permit carry as well as groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Gun Owners of America that back the measure in order to see if we can find a path that a majority of senators will vote to pass.

Senate bills in Texas typically need 18 votes from the 31-member chamber to be considered on the floor and so the no-permit carry bill would need all 18 Republican senatorsor some Democrat votesto proceed.

Last week, Republican state Sen. Kel Seliger told The Texas Tribune that its too early to say if he would back the bill, saying that his office was still researching the issue and that while he tends to support just about all bills related to gun rights, the system that we have now works.

Texas, unlike most states, requires a permit for legally-owned handguns to be carried outside of limited areas such as ones home and vehicle. Last week, on an 8456 vote, the Texas House gave its initial approval to House Bill 1927, which would allow residents of the Lone Star State to carry a handgun without a state-issued license, also known as constitutional carry.

Passing constitutional carry while maintaining licensing as optional for reciprocity purposes is one of the legislative priorities of the Texas GOP.

Anyone who legally possesses a handgun should be able to carry it, open or concealed, without a permit, the Texas Republican Party said in a statement.

Criminals do not follow the law. The permit requirement disarms their victims. Based on evidence from other states, a permit requirement does not make people safer, the GOP stated.

The measure is backed by the NRA, which said in a statement that its time for Texas to join the 20 other states that have legalized this personal protection option.

Opponents of the measure, including Democrats and some law enforcement officers, have instead called for stricter gun control measures.

Instead of focusing on fixing our grid or working to restore our economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Republicans are laser-focused on making it easier for criminals to access dangerous weapons despite the mass shootings that weve seen time and time again across this country, Mike Collier, a Democrat with plans to challenge Patrick for lieutenant governor in 2022, said in a statement.

On April 20, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declined to say whether he would sign the bill if it passes the Senate and reaches his desk.

We are looking at all of these bills as they are working their way through the Capitol, Abbott told reporters when asked about House Bill 1927. While we are working to see what happens with legislation like that, what I am focusing on are the items that I listed as emergency items.

Rachel Malone, the Texas director of Gun Owners of America, told Texas Scorecard that the organization looks forward to discussing with Lt. Gov. Patrick the best path forward to repealing the license requirement so that legal gun owners do not have to apply for a permit to simply carry a handgun.

We urge all Texans to contact your State Senators to be sure they know that their constituents want them to prioritize this policy.

It would be unthinkable for the Senate to let this bill die after the House has taken such strong and decisive action on it, Malone told the Texas Tribune.
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Blood Plasma Derivatives Market - Overview

The global blood plasma derivatives market is growing mainly due to the increasing demand for plasma derived products. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global blood plasma derivatives market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 - 2023).

Blood Plasma Derivatives Market Projected to Grow Radiantly by 2023; Asserts MRFR Unleashing Industry Forecast

Plasma is a fluid part of the blood that contains blood cells, and protein responsible for blood clotting. Plasma derivatives are obtained from specific plasma proteins by the process of fractionation. The derivatives are then solvent detergent-treated or heat-treated to kill certain viruses. The most common plasma derivative includes factor IX concentrate, factor VIII concentrate, anti-inhibitor coagulation complex (AICC), anti-thrombin III concentrate, immune globulins, Alpha 1-Proteinase inhibitor concentrate, albumin, and anti-thrombin III concentrate. Blood plasma derivative widely used clinically to treat various conditions such as hemophilia A, hemophilia B, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, thrombocytosis, and others.

Inquire for Sample Research Report https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1325

Global Blood Plasma Derivatives Market  Competitive Analysis

Grigols (Spain), Baxter International Inc. (US), Octapharma AG (Switzerland), CSL Limited (Australia), Kedrion S.p.A (Italy), Bain Capital, LLC (US), Biotest AG (Germany), Fusion Healthcare (India), SK Plasma Co., Ltd. (South Korea) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the blood plasma derivatives market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.

Global Blood Plasma Derivatives Market is currently dominated by few players.

Grigols is one of them by holding a strong share in the market. The companys stronghold is largely attributed to its innovative and sustainable products. Grigols aoperates in three major divisions i.e. Bioscience, Diagnostic and Hospital. On November 17, 2017 Grigols received FDA approval for a new genetic test used to detect alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. On November 11, 2013, Grifols acquired blood transfusion testing unit of Novartis AG for USD 1.68 billion. In the year 2016, Grifols has also acquired NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) donor screening unit of Hologic for USD 1,850 million.

Baxter is also one of the leading player in Blood Plasma Derivatives Market Demand. Baxter International Inc., the US based biopharmaceutical company, operates in two major segments, i.e. Hospital Products and Renal. Baxters product Bebulin (Factor IX Complex) is specifically used for the prevention, of hemorrhagic episodes in case of hemophilia B. Bebulin may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, such as viruses and, CreutzfeldtJakob disease (CJD) agent.

On July 27, 2017, Baxter International Inc. completed the acquisition of Claris Injectables Limited for approximately USD 625 million. The main motive of acquisition is the expansion of generic pharmaceuticals.

On June 06, 2017, ADMA Biologics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, has acquired therapy business unit of Biotest Pharmaceuticals. As a result of this, ADMA acquired two FDA approved products ie Nabi-HB , and and BIVIGAM .

Browse Complete Premium Research Report https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/blood-plasma-derivatives-market-1325

Regional Analysis of Blood Plasma Derivatives Market:

Globally, Blood Plasma Derivatives market consists of four regions North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa.

North America is the largest market for syringe and needle. The North American market for Blood Plasma Derivatives is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.25% which is expected to reach at US $ 35.50 billion from US $ 20 billion in 2016 by the end of the forecasted period.

Awareness regarding use of plasma derivatives for patients suffering from infectious diseases drive this market in North America. Europe is the second-largest market for Blood Plasma Derivatives which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8%. Extensive research on safe blood transfusion in healthcare organizations and research laboratories favor the growth of this market in Europe.

Whereas Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for Blood Plasma Derivatives market. India is expected to be the emerging and fastest growing market. Demand for plasma derivatives for inactivation of HIV favor the demand of plasma derivatives in Asia-Pacific. The market shows steady growth in Middle East and Africa.

About Market Research Future: MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.
- To support government-insurer discussions on how to close the protection gap for business interruption risk in the case of a pandemic, The Geneva Association has released Public-Private Solutions to Pandemic Risk, outlining four possible government-led schemes: 1) direct insurance, 2) reinsurance, 3) social insurance and 4) post-event protection.

- The first report in this series, An Investigation into the Insurability of Pandemic Risk, revealed that business interruption risk is uninsurable by insurers alone: compared to projected global output losses of more than USD 4 trillion for 2020 due to the pandemic, the global P&C insurance industry collects USD 1.6 trillion in annual premiums, with just an estimated USD 30 billion for business interruption policies.

- Capital at risk makes it impossible for private insurers to offer meaningful pandemic business interruption coverage, but they can make important non-risk bearing contributions that leverage their expertise in risk assessment, risk mitigation and claims management.

ZURICH, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- COVID-19 has illustrated that pandemic-related business interruption is directly linked to the decisions of governments to implement lockdown measures, making it impossible for insurers to model and price such a risk. Furthermore, it is systemic in nature, inducing widespread and simultaneous financial losses. Coverage for pandemic business continuity risks with meaningful limits will therefore remain unavailable from the private insurance market due to prohibitively high capital requirements. Government involvement is essential to enhancing preparedness for and resilience to future pandemic shocks.

In this context The Geneva Association has just released Public-Private Solutions to Pandemic Risk, expounding four exemplary pandemic risk funding schemes where governments can play a leading role:

Direct insurance : the public sector provides voluntary or mandatory insurance to businesses exposed to pandemic risk

: the public sector provides voluntary or mandatory insurance to businesses exposed to pandemic risk Reinsurance : governments provide reinsurance coverage to insurers that kicks in above a certain threshold and up to a certain limit

: governments provide reinsurance coverage to insurers that kicks in above a certain threshold and up to a certain limit Social insurance : modest public-sector coverage with mandatory participation through pre-event payments (e.g. tax or levy)

: modest public-sector coverage with mandatory participation through pre-event payments (e.g. tax or levy) Post-event protection: an ad hoc safety net offered by governments to those affected

Recognising there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the report assesses the benefits of each scheme against seven public policy goals: 1) maximum coverage, 2) limited public exposure, 3) matching of funds with needs, 4) risk mitigation incentives, 5) cost-efficiency of risk transfer, 6) operational efficiency, and 7) macroeconomic benefits.

Jad Ariss, The Geneva Association's Managing Director, said: "It is a tragedy that businesses, particularly SMEs, have suffered so much financial loss during the pandemic as a result of the lockdowns, which were beyond their control. The public sector had to step in with multi-trillion dollar emergency relief measures. Governments and insurers must work together on how to close the massive protection gap exposed by COVID-19, with governments as the leading players."

Kai-Uwe Schanz, The Geneva Association's Head of Research & Foresight and the leading author of the report, said: "We want to emphasise that of the four pandemic risk insurance schemes outlined, distributing cash post-event  as many governments did for COVID-19  is likely least effective. For the other schemes, deciding whether participation is mandatory or voluntary, as well as the role of insurers in pricing and offering coverage, are critical considerations. We hope this report effectively guides governments and insurers in finalising their partnership terms."

About The Geneva Association

The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association Identifies and investigates key trends and risk areas that are likely to shape or impact the insurance industry and develops corresponding recommendations for the industry and for policymakers.

In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 25 countries around the world; manage USD 17.1 trillion in assets; employ 2.4 million people; and protect 1.8 billion people.

[email protected]

SOURCE The Geneva Association
Chronicle file

Today we're looking at the Houston Chronicle front page published on this San Jacinto Day in 1936 -- 100 years after the decisive battle for Texas independence.

Since this was an afternoon paper, coverage of some of the day's festivities could be found in this edition. You'll notice the schedule of events in the lower corner meant there was much more planned for that day at the battleground.
SHENZHEN, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nam Tai Property Inc. ("Nam Tai" or the "Company") (NYSE Symbol: NTP) today announced that the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in the British Virgin Islands (the "Court") has granted an order ("Order") postponing the Special Meeting previously scheduled for April 26, 2021. The Court's Order was issued in connection with the Company's appeal against the order of Justice Adrian Jack of March 3, 2021, in which he held that the private placement previously announced by the Company on October 5, 2020 was void and should be set aside. The Special Meeting will be rescheduled at a later date to be determined by the Court in due course.

Forward-looking Statement and Factors that Could Cause our Share Price to Decline

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "might", "can", "could", "will", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "seek", or "timetable". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business and the industry in which we operate. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future events. There are several factors, many beyond our control, which could cause results to differ materially from our expectation. These risk factors are described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and in our Current Reports filed on Form 6-K from time to time and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors could, by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. There may also be other factors currently unknown to us, or have not been described by us, that could cause our results to differ from our expectations. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this announcement; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstance occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ABOUT NAM TAI PROPERTY INC.

We are a real estate developer and operator, mainly conducting business in Mainland China. Our main land resources are located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area") and Wuxi, China, of which the three plots in Shenzhen will be developed into Nam Tai Inno Park, Nam Tai Technology Center and Nam Tai Inno Valley. We plan to build these technology parks into landmark parks in the region and provide high-quality industrial offices, industrial service spaces and supporting dormitories to the tenants. Based on the experience of developing and operating technology parks and an industrial relationship network accumulated over the past 40 years, we have also exported the operation model of technology parks to other industrial properties. Through an asset-light model, we have leased industrial properties for repositioning and business invitation. We will also expand the commercial and residential property business in China as an auxiliary development strategy of the Company. As the growth prospects of China maintain, we shall seize development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and other first- and second-tier cities in China, and continue to strengthen and expand the business of industrial real estate, and commercial and residential properties.

Nam Tai Property Inc. is a corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "NTP").

Please refer to our corporate website (https://www.namtai.com/) or the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for our press releases and financial statements.

SOURCE Nam Tai Property Inc.

Related Links

https://www.namtai.com/


Protesters try to break through a police barrier on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. PHOTO:AP Photo/John Minchillo

Kentucky Man Faces Charges from Capitol Riots

By The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - A central Kentucky man has been charged with assault on a federal officer and other crimes in connection with the January protests at the U.S. Capitol.The FBIs Louisville Field Office said Tuesday that Stephen Chase Randolph of Harrodsburg has been charged with assaulting a federal officer, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and obstruction of justice and Congress.The agency said Randolph is being held in federal custody and will appear before a federal judge Wednesday.The FBI didn't give additional details about his arrest or charges. It's unclear whether Randolph has an attorney who can comment for him.
The popular Chinese video app TikTok is being sued for several billion pounds and accused of illegally collecting the personal information of millions of children in the UK and Europe.

The case, backed by the former childrens commissioner of England Anne Longfield, claims TikTok collects a huge volume of childrens private information while using the app  including phone numbers, pictures, videos, their exact location and biometric data  and transfers this information to unknown third parties for profit.

We think parents and children will be shocked, and this is made much more serious for me because of the sheer scale of usage of this social media [app] by families and children of this age, Longfield said. According to Ofcom [the UKs independent media regulator], 44 per cent of eight to 12-year-olds use TikTok. We think there is likely to be in the region of 3.5m children in the UK alone that fall within this claim and many more across Europe.

The claim argued that childrens personal information was collected without sufficient consent, which for underage children would be required from an adult, or transparency. That constituted a severe breach of UK and EU data protection law, according to Tom Southwell, a partner at the law firm Scott + Scott, which is representing the plaintiffs in the case.

It was not the first time that TikToks data collection policies have come under fire. In 2019, the app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, was fined a record $5.7m by the US Federal Trade Commission for allegedly illegally collecting personal information from children. The app was temporarily banned in India over allegations that it was degrading culture and encouraging pornography; it has since been shut out of the country.

TikTok, which is intended for users over 13, is currently under investigation by the UK Information Commissioners Office for similar data violations. The ICO has been undertaking an investigation of TikToks compliance with UK data protection rules, including how it protects childrens information rights. Our work is nearing its conclusion and we intend to publish our findings later this year, a spokesperson told the FT.

Aside from claiming thousands of pounds in compensation per child, Longfield said the plaintiffs would demand more transparency from the company over the data being collected, and that it be more robust about the fact that this is an app that isnt for under-13s.

Clearly, they know under-13s are using it, companies often say kids put the wrong age on but my view is that isnt good enough, she said. Knowing kids will do that, you need additional measures to provide more robust verification of children when they are online.

TikTok said: [W]e have robust policies, processes and technologies in place to help protect all users, and our teenage users in particular. We believe the claims lack merit and intend to vigorously defend the action.

Governments around the world have started to take a hard line on protecting children online. The UK recently introduced a draft of its Online Safety Bill, which will set out duty of care requirements for tech platforms.

In the US, members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives told the Financial Times last week that they want to pass laws to curb social media companies that offer products aimed at under-16s, particularly around issues of data and privacy.

Longfield added: I would like to see this is as a landmark case to make it clear that there are limits to what families are willing to sign up to, with social media companies.

Financial Times
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen starred across from each other in the first Marvel series to premiere on Disney+, WandaVision. The show dove headfirst into Wanda Maximoffs emotional turmoil and trauma  and the decisions she took to subdue her grief. During a discussion with Olsen for Interview Magazine, Bettany asked about the show. He questioned Olsen on whether the Marvel installment took a step forward in female-driven storytelling.

Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen attend the Marvel Studios Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center | Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen talk WandaVision

After discussing the state of the world  and the impact Joe Bidens presidential win had on the American public  Bettany and Olsen made their way to WandaVision. The critically-acclaimed series is quite different from its MCU predecessors  venturing into the world of classic sitcoms (via Wandas fractured state of mind) as a foundation for its narrative. Bettany asked Olsen, I have a question for you: Do you think WandaVision is a step forward in female-driven storytelling? And what do you hope it adds to the cultural conversation?

RELATED: WandaVision: How Paul Bettany May Have Epically Trolled Marvel Fans With 1 Comment

Olsen argued that the show definitely took a step forward in the female-driven narrative department, sharing:

Yes, I think it is. I think anything that is a female-driven story that is true and authentic to anything elses experience is a step forward. I also think there is something really interesting that, thematically, is in our show about parenting, and the desire to control and create a bubble that I think was burst out of [director] Jac Schaeffer, and is this larger metaphor and experience of what it means to be a parent. Olsen | Interview Magazine

Elizabeth Olsen related WandaVision to parenthood

Olsen explained that as much as WandaVision is a show about Wanda and Vision, it is also a show about what it means to be a parent. And, despite its supernatural inclinations, its quite relatable  the thematic undertones represent the daily parental struggle. She went on to say:

Like, how much you would want to actually expose your child to, and when, and what age, and how quickly they grow up. I think there is something very maternal about it, as well, which is what I love. Even her birthing this creation from Greece. I dont really know how much to talk about this show, to be honest, without spoilers. Sorry. What do you think? Olsen | Interview Magazine

Bettany agreed with Olsens assertion, adding in that the testosterone-driven world of the MCU took a backseat in WandaVision. He said, I do. I think its also so nice that this has been born out of films in a genre that is quite testosterone-driven and has a smattering of estrogen. And now we have a show made of estrogen with a smattering of testosterone in it, and it felt really good. This is a terrible pun that wasnt intended, but I do marvel at what Jac managed to create, and it feels like a beautiful little puzzle box.
Germany announced the start of preparatory work for the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan by July 4.

The German defense ministry said talks are underway between military planners and the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Kabul on a possible withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan as early as July 4, AP reported.

Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul is currently considering shortening the withdrawal period, Defense Ministry spokesman David Helmbold told reporters in Berlin.

July 4 is currently regarded as the date for the withdrawal of troops.

Earlier this month, NATO agreed to withdraw approximately 7,000 non-US troops from Afghanistan, in line with US President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw all US troops from the country starting May 1.

Biden wants the process to be completed by 9/11, while NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the withdrawal is expected within a few months."

Germany, which currently has just over 1,000 troops on the mission, said it hopes to complete its portion of the withdrawal by mid-August.

The defense ministry did not comment on which country put forward the idea of a complete withdrawal of troops by July 4. The participating countries are now studying what problems this will entail and what the consequences will be, said Helmbold.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Two elderly spinsters, Grace Eldering (1900-1988) and Pearl Kendrick (1890-1980) lived together in a small house in Comstock Park, a down-market suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They developed the first successful whooping cough vaccine.

I saw Grace a year before she died. She seemed anxious to talk to someone who somewhat understood the infection as well as the immunization practices. I spent some time listening to this pleasant and iconic figure.

There is an excellent history of how two women developed the original whooping cough immunization. It leaves unexplained what got them making a whole cell vaccine and how they managed to get so much free cooperation.

They both had had whooping cough in childhood and had grim memories of the experience. The infection (called pertussis in medical circles) caused widespread community outbreaks before 1948. The bacteria is extremely contagious. It infects all age groups but in infants and very young children it can lead to death and, in the long-term, damage lungs producing slow lung destruction and bad breath. In the 1930s it killed around 6,000 children each year. It causes adults to have a chronic cough which is not otherwise damaging to their health and identifies them as carriers.

The State of Michigan had established four laboratories, one of which was in Grand Rapids. Doctors and public health officials in the area sent them cultures of contagious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and pneumonia as well as dairy and food surveillance samples at a time when ordinary hospitals did not have this capability.

Kendrick and Eldering undertook helping local physicians, mainly pediatricians and ENT specialists (who were very prominent 100 years ago) contrive a way to treat the Michigan sinus. Doctors would send swabs from afflicted patients to the lab which the two investigators would culture. After growth, colonies of bacteria, mainly ordinary streptococci and staphylococci, were harvested, exposed to merthiolate which killed the bacteria and left the surfaces of the bugs exposed as antigens. They send the resulting concoction back to the referring physicians who would inject the brew into their patients causing a moderate to severe inflammatory reaction. The resulting stress elicited hydrocortisone and epinephrine secretion which calmed the Michigan sinus.(Dont try this!)

One day shortly after meeting in 1932 they decided to do something significant and applied the same procedure to a strain of pertussis that they had just cultured in their laboratory. They gave each other the vaccine as a rough test for safety and then contacted the physicians with whom they routinely worked and asked them to immunize children in their practices with this vaccine. This seemed to work, and over the next several years they worked with the Public Health Service in the Grand Rapids area to immunize 5800 children who attended a vaccination clinic. They established a control group of similar children who are not immunized. They personally saw and cultured most of the studys cases of whooping cough. After three years they could show that the immunized children had only a miniscule possibility of developing whooping cough versus the unimmunized children. Their 1939 paper caused a sensation. Researchers from Harvard and Hopkins became involved. Over the next decade during the depression and World War II, despite only meager financial support, they continued developing their vaccine, finding more immunogenic strains, exploring different concentrations of their vaccine and better methods to measure the protection that it conferred. They combined their vaccine with the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines and this combination was accepted by the World Health Organization in 1948. Their whole cell preparation remained a standard in these immunizations for the next 45 years.

The above account answers questions about how they got into the vaccine-making business and why they made it out of whole bacteria (thats all that they had to work with.) It also explains how they got so much cooperation from the medical community; they were helping and interacting with the local doctors and public health officials on a daily basis. Grace emphasized several times to me that they were always treated as equals and with respect even though they were women.

However from the beginning the whole bacteria vaccine had several problems. In a tiny minority of children it caused seizures, in others a high fever and yet in others a day or two of continuous screaming, all of which was very disturbing to parents. None of the short-term complications ever led to long-term problems. In the early years it was widely understood that they were very acceptable compared to having potentially lethal childhood whooping cough. The vaccine generally protected children for five years and was first given shortly after birth. Kids got their one booster when they went to school at age five and were protected until age ten. Whooping cough in older children did not cause serious problems although I can recall being miserable with it when I had it at age 11; the whites of my eyes were bloodshot from bleeding into the tissues, my head felt as though it would explode and I was barely able to move from the bed. Our general practitioner made a house call and prescribed an incorrect antibiotic, after which I promptly improved.

The vaccines were fairly acceptable despite their toxicities to people who could remember having outbreaks of whooping cough and deaths but by the 1980s this was forgotten and many parents refused to have their children immunized. After this there were huge outbreaks of whooping cough because there emerged large pools of susceptibles.

There followed the development in 1996 of the second pertussis vaccine, the aqueous, which contained only some humors from the whole cell. This vaccine does not have the complications of seizures, crying spells and fevers that characterized the original vaccine but it only protects people for three years and it is thought to allow individuals to transmit the disease to others although they themselves are protected. Having to give the first booster at age three years is at an interval that is not very compatible with ordinary pediatric immunization practices. They can get their second booster when they enter school for a few more years of protection but then need a booster again. The aqueous pertussis vaccine protects for too short a time to do the job that the original vaccine did so well.

Ideally adults get a routine vaccine that contains the aqueous antigen every 10 years (I havent had a booster in over 15 years) but it only protects for three years and probably does not eradicate the pertussis bacteria in carriers or impact the chronic cough conundrum much.

So after nearly 90 years of developing a vaccine against a bacteria that we can grow in any hospital laboratory, pertussis vaccination still falls short. We are still seeking a better vaccine after an 89-year effort created in part by the lifes work of two gifted women, by the results documented as billions of individuals received multiple doses and where every minor aberration is investigated by a malpractice lawyer.

I find the claim that the COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed and deployed to lack credibility. Where is the record of safety and how long and against what do these concoctions protect? The claims and appeals to immunize by the NYT, NPR, and CDC under color of science appeal only to the credulous.

And this old doctor aint having none of it.

Erwin Haas MD MBA, an Infectious Diseases consultant, a flight surgeon in Vietnam served as a city commissioner in Kentwood, Michigan. He is a policy advisor at the Heartland Institute.

Image: Pixabay

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Xi, Putin congratulate 9th meeting of China-Russia dialogue mechanism between ruling parties

Xinhua) 16:55, April 20, 2021

Photo taken on Sept. 17, 2020 shows a view of downtown Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday respectively sent congratulatory letters to the ninth meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia, held via video link.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, expressed his warm congratulations to the meeting.

Xi said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, and the establishment of relations between the CPC and the United Russia party.

Xi said in the past 20 years, China and Russia have carried forward the vision of lasting friendship and the principle of a new type of international relations while maintaining close comprehensive strategic coordination, which has set an example of developing relations between major countries.

The long-term institutionalized exchanges between the two parties have consolidated political and strategic mutual trust and promoted mutually beneficial cooperation in all dimensions between the two countries, Xi said.

The combined forces of changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century have brought the world into a phase of fluidity and transformation, he said.

Xi called on China and Russia, as major powers of global influence, to deepen comprehensive strategic coordination in the new era, and to play an underpinning role in safeguarding international fairness and justice, maintaining world peace and stability, and promoting common development and prosperity.

Xi expressed his hope that participants from the two parties can engage in in-depth exchanges and build consensus to open a new chapter of strategic cooperation between the two parties and contribute wisdom and strength to comprehensively deepening bilateral relations in the new era, promoting the establishment of a fairer and more reasonable international order, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

In his letter, Putin noted that dialogue between the two parties has always been an important component of the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership, and in spite of the impact of the pandemic, the two parties have maintained comprehensive exchanges from the central to local levels.

Putin said the two sides have engaged in in-depth discussions on major issues of bilateral cooperation, and have coordinated to form numerous social-political initiatives on party building and legislative work that meet the needs of reality.

Putin said he hopes participants of the meeting will carry out constructive and effective work to further consolidate the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and the two peoples.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace apologised today for the 'pervasive racism' of the British Empire a century ago after a report found as many as 350,000 black and Asian troops who died fighting for Britain during World War One were not commemorated in the same way as their white comrades.

Around three million soldiers from the Empire served in the British armed forces in World War One and fought against German forces in East Africa, the Ottomans in the Middle East and some fought in Western Europe.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was established in 1917 under the principle that all soldiers should be commemorated with a headstone or by their names being engraved on a memorial, but researchers found it regularly fell short of this goal when it came to non-white troops recruited from the Empire.

All fallen UK military personnel received this honour, but the report estimates that between 45,000 and 54,000 World War One casualties (predominantly Indian, East African, West African, Egyptian and Somali personnel) did not.

For some, rather than marking their graves individually, as would have been the case in Europe, these men were commemorated collectively on memorials. For others who were missing, their names were recorded in registers rather than in stone.

A further 116,000 WWI casualties (predominantly, but not exclusively, East African and Egyptian personnel)  but potentially as many as 350,000  were not commemorated by name or possibly not commemorated at all, out of the around 500,000 colonial and white dominion troops who died during the conflict.

Within Gold Coast (now Ghana), Nigeria and Sierra Leone, which had around 600 burials combined, no African fatality of the First World War is commemorated with a headstone.

In East Africa after World War One, statues were erected in Dar es Salaam, Mombasa and Nairobi as the only memorial to up to 55,000 African soldiers and labourers whose final resting place went unrecorded.

And it is accepted that between 100,000 and 300,000 nameless African soldiers were killed fighting for the British against Germany but their final resting place is unrecorded

Many colonial soldiers were commemorated by memorials that did not carry their names  in part because the military or colonial authorities never provided their names. In the words of one colonial official: 'The average native would not understand or appreciate a headstone.'

Today the historian Professor David Olusoga said the CWGC, under its previous leadership, 'chose to ignore' research published in 2012 which pointed to these disparities. 'This has not been a secret,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Despite the widespread knowledge of the history of colonial soldiers, the special committee behind the investigation was established by the CWGC in 2019 after a critical documentary on the issue, titled Unremembered and presented by Labour MP David Lammy.

The CWGC cemetery in Voi, southern Kenya, which Labour MP David Lammy visited for a 2019 documentary about the unequal treatment of Britain's dead from the First World War (pictured are the graves of white British officers, including those from the 2nd Loyal North Lancs). This sparked the CWGC report

Beyond the perimeter fence, in scrubland, are the graves of Africans who served Britain in the East Africa Corps, where they are buried in unmarked graves

The Nairobi African Memorial is one of three memorials in East Africa commemorating between 50,000 and 300,000 African troops who died fighting for Britain, including members of the King's African Rifles, without listing their names. Meanwhile the nearby British and Indian Memorial has individual gravestones for British and Indian troops whose remains were identified and a separate memorial carved with the names of over 1,200 missing

Dar es Salaam African Memorial in Tanzania, (left) which commemorates the thousands of local Africans who died fighting in the British campaign against the German Army in East Africa in World War I without giving any of their names. Meanwhile, at the local CWGC memorial, the names of missing British troops are inscribed in stone, in addition to some of their Indian co-combatants

At Basra War Cemetery in Iraq, the names of Singaporean Chinese casualties who worked as labourers for the British during WWI are remembered in a paper register (left) - but British soldiers have their names inscribed on a permanent memorial

What is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission? The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was founded in 1917 by the journalist and Army officer Sir Fabian Ware and constituted through a Royal Charter. The organisation, named the Imperial War Graves Commission until 1960, was established under the principle that all Commonwealth war dead should be commemorated equally and individually with no regard to nationality, race, class or military rank. This approach is the reason behind the characteristic appearance of its cemeteries as regular rows of identical headstones engraved with brief information about the occupant of the grave. It remains tasked with maintaining cemeteries and memorials to Commonwealth war dead from the two World Wars across the globe. The CWGC's president is Edward, Duke of Kent, and it is funded by Commonwealth governments led by the UK, which covers 78% of its budget. Advertisement

Today, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed 'deep regret' that it took so long to rectify the situation on the commemoration of troops.

'There can be no doubt, prejudice played a part in the some of the commission's decisions. In some cases officials considered that the communities of forgotten personnel would not recognise or value individual forms of commemoration, in other cases they were not provided with the names or burial locations.

'On behalf of the CWGC and the government, both of today and of the time, I want to apologise for their failure to live up to their founding principles all those years ago and express deep regret that it has taken so long to rectify the situation.

'Whilst we can't change the past, we can make amends and take action.'

Shadow defence secretary John Healey said the report is 'a great discredit ... to the Britain of a century ago.'

Speaking in the Commons, he said: 'This report is a credit to the commission of today, but its content is a great discredit to the commission, and to the Britain of a century ago.'

He later added: 'This history needs to be corrected and shared, and the unfinished work of the 1920s needs to be put right where possible.'

Mr Wallace said the CWGC would carry through with the report's recommendations, including searching for examples of 'inequalities in commemoration' and correcting them.

It is likely this process will include mentioning all previously unnamed war dead in a digital database, but Mr Wallace also laid open the possibility of building 'physical structures'.

The CWGC report referred to the need to add 'context panels' to existing memorials to explain why they do not carry names - so any new structures will likely take this form.

'The average native would not understand or appreciate a headstone' One example given is based on communications in 1923 between F.G. Guggisberg, the governor of the Gold Coast colony, now Ghana, and Arthur Browne, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. At a meeting in London, it was said that the governor said 'the average native of the Gold Coast would not understand or appreciate a headstone' as he argued for collective memorials. A response from Arthur Browne showed 'what he may have considered foresight, but one that was explicitly framed by contemporary racial prejudice', according to the report. He had said: 'In perhaps two or three hundred years' time, when the native population had reached a higher stage of civilisation, they might then be glad to see that headstones had been erected on the native graves and that the native soldiers had received precisely the same treatment as their white comrades.' Advertisement

In its response to the report, the CWGC said it 'acknowledges that the Commission failed to fully carry out its responsibilities at the time and accepts the findings and failings identified in this report and we apologise unreservedly for them'.

The investigation found that the failure to properly commemorate the individuals was 'influenced by a scarcity of information, errors inherited from other organisations and the opinions of colonial administrators'.

'Underpinning all these decisions, however, were the entrenched prejudices, preconceptions and pervasive racism of contemporary imperial attitudes,' it added.

One example given is based on communications in 1923 between F.G. Guggisberg, the governor of the Gold Coast colony, now Ghana, and Arthur Browne, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

At a meeting in London, it was said that the governor said 'the average native of the Gold Coast would not understand or appreciate a headstone' as he argued for collective memorials.

A response from Arthur Browne showed 'what he may have considered foresight, but one that was explicitly framed by contemporary racial prejudice', according to the report.

He had said: 'In perhaps two or three hundred years' time, when the native population had reached a higher stage of civilisation, they might then be glad to see that headstones had been erected on the native graves and that the native soldiers had received precisely the same treatment as their white comrades.'

The special committee behind the investigation was established by the CWGC - originally called the Imperial War Graves Commission - in 2019 after a critical documentary on the issue, titled Unremembered and presented by Labour MP David Lammy.

The Giza Memorial in Egypt commemorates the men of the Egyptian Labour and Camel Transport Corps without giving any of their names or even an idea of how many had been lost. Recent estimates have placed this figure at upwards of 10,000, according to the commission

Units of the Egyptian Camel Transport Corps crossing the Jordan River by the pontoon bridge at Ghoraniyeh in March 1918

The Egyptian Labour Corps worked for the British Army in Egypt during the First World War's Sinai and Palestine Campaign

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace today apologised and expressed 'deep regret' for failures to properly commemorate black and Asian service personnel who died fighting for the British Empire

Ben Wallace's full statement: Defence Secretary vows to correct 'all examples of unequal commemoration' Ben Wallace said there 'can be no doubt' that prejudice played a part in some of the decisions made by the commission. He said: 'The IWGC relied on others to seek out the bodies of the dead and where it could not find them, it worked with the offices of state to produce lists of those who did not return and remained unaccounted for. 'Given the pressures and confusion spun by such war, in many ways it is hardly surprising that mistakes were made at both stages. 'What is surprising and disappointing, however, is that a number of the mistakes, the number of casualties commemorated unequally, the number commemorated without names and the number otherwise entirely unaccounted for is not excusable.' Mr Wallace continued: 'There can be no doubt prejudice played a part in some of the commission's decisions. 'In some cases, the IWGC assumed that communities of forgotten personnel would not recognise or value individual forms of commemoration. 'In other cases, they were simply not provided with the names or burial locations. 'In some circumstances, there was little the IWGC could do, with neither bodies nor names, general war memorials were the only one way in which some groups might be commemorated at the time. 'Nonetheless, there are examples where the organisation also deliberately overlooked the evidence that might have allowed it to find those names. 'In others, commission officials in the 1920s were happy to work with local administrations on projects across the empire that ran contrary to the principles of equality in death. 'There can be no doubt, prejudice played a part in the some of the commission's decisions. In some cases officials considered that the communities of forgotten personnel would not recognise or value individual forms of commemoration, in other cases they were not provided with the names or burial locations. 'On behalf of the CWGC and the government, both of today and of the time, I want to apologise for their failure to live up to their founding principles all those years ago and express deep regret that it has taken so long to rectify the situation. 'Whilst we can't change the past, we can make amends and take action.' Outlining what action will be taken, Mr Wallace continued: 'The (Commonwealth War Graves) Commission will geographically and chronologically extend the search in the historical record for inequalities in commemoration and act on what is found. 'The commission will renew its commitment to equality in commemoration through the building of physical or digital commemorative structures. 'Finally, the commission will use its own online presence and wider education activities to reach out to all the communities of the former British Empire touched by the two world wars to make sure their hidden history is brought to life. 'Over the coming six months, the commission will be assembling a global and diverse community of external experts who could help make this happen.' Outlining work the Government can do, Mr Wallace said: 'In order to honour the contribution to our armed forces by our friends from the Commonwealth and Nepal, myself and the Home Secretary will shortly be launching a public consultation to enable non-UK service personnel who choose to settle in the UK on proposals to remove their visa settlement fees. He concluded by speaking of his own experience as a soldier and the relationships forged on operations. 'True soldiers are agnostic to class, race or gender because the bond that holds us together is a bond forged in war. When on operations we share the risk, we share the sorrow and we rely on each to get through sometimes the toughest of times. 'The friendships I made in my service are still strong. Those common bonds were what lay behind the imperial war grave commission's principles and it is truly sad that on the occasions identified by the report those principles were not followed. 'I feel it is my duty as a former soldier to do the right thing by those who gave their lives in the First World War across the Commonwealth and take what necessary steps we can to rectify the situation.' Advertisement

Mr Lammy discovered that the graves of African soldiers in Tanzania were being abandoned while the graves of European officers were still being tended.

He also visited the CWGC cemetery in Voi, southern Kenya, where he found that the remains of Africans who died fighting for Britain were buried in unmarked graves in scrubland outside the cemetery boundaries - in contrast to the immaculate graves of native Britons.

Last night the commission said: 'The report highlights that, in certain circumstances, those principles so rigidly adhered to for all who fell in Europe were applied inconsistently or abandoned in the more distant corners of the globe when applied to the non-European war dead of the British Empire, in the immediate aftermath of World War One.

'The commissioners acknowledge that this was not right then and must not be allowed to remain unaddressed now. Those identified in the special committee's report deserve to be remembered as much today as they did 100 years ago.'

The findings of the report are due to be announced by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in the House of Commons.

The historian Professor David Olusoga said the failure to properly commemorate potentially hundreds of thousands of predominantly black and Asian service personnel who died fighting for the British Empire is 'one of the biggest scandals I've ever come across as an historian'.

Prof Olusoga, whose television company produced the documentary Unremembered: Britain's Forgotten War Heroes, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'These are men who died fighting for Britain in the most appalling war Britain's ever faced, the war that killed more British soldiers and more Commonwealth soldiers than any conflict in history.

'It is a war that deeply changed our culture and part of the impact of the First World War was the power of the way those who fell were memorialised.

'When it came to men who were black and brown and Asian and African, it is not equal, particularly the Africans who have been treated in a way that is, as I said, it's apartheid in death.

'It is an absolute scandal. It is one of the biggest scandals I've ever come across as an historian, but the biggest scandal is that this was known years ago.'

Prof Olusoga said the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, under its previous leadership, 'chose to ignore' the work of Professor Michele Barrett.

Prof Olusoga said he first read her research papers back in 2012, adding: 'This information was in my book The World's War in 2014 and this has not been a secret.

'This information has been known. It's been known to historians. It's been known to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

'I'm very pleased that this report has come out and I look forward to an acknowledgement and an apology today.

'But people knew about this. This is not something that's been uncovered by this report. It's being acknowledged by this report. Michele's work uncovered this a decade ago.'

He said the CWGC's initial response to the documentary was not to launch a committee but instead was 'annoyance and anger'.

He added: 'The first attempt to put a committee together excluded Professor Barrett, and I know that because they invited me to sit on it and not her.

'I'm very pleased this is all happening but it has been somewhat reluctant, it has been somewhat dragged down to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.'

In a statement CWGC director general Claire Horton said: 'The events of a century ago were wrong then and are wrong now.

'We recognise the wrongs of the past and are deeply sorry and will be acting immediately to correct them.'

Members of the King's African Rifles - made up of volunteers from Britain's possessions in East Africa - pictured during WWI. They are commemorated with a memorial in Nairobi, which does not list their names

A group of British soldiers wearing pith helmets in Abbassia, Egypt on March 28, 1916. They are seen with a local boy (middle bottom) and man (left)

A table showing the huge numbers of memorials to British Empire troops that do not contain there names. In contrast, the names of British dead were carefully logged and remembered on individual gravestones and memorials up and down the country and in carefully tended cemeteries around the world

The British Empire's forgotten soldiers: Millions of black and Asian troops fought and died for Britain before being left in unmarked graves, reduced to a number... or simply abandoned

By Harry Howard for MailOnline

When the First World War broke out in July 1914, Britain had the world's largest empire.

Throughout the four-year war, the British Government drew on its immense resources of manpower, territory, sea power and later air power to overcome Germany with the help of other Allied nations.

But among the nearly 9million men who were mobilised by Britain, more than three million soldiers and labourers from across the Empire served in the conflict.

Many of these soldiers fought against German and Ottoman troops as well as additional personnel recruited from their imperial territories and local allies.

Now, a report by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has found that as many as 350,000 black and Asian troops who died fighting for the British Empire were denied gravestones or had their names left off memorials or replaced with numbers due to 'pervasive racism'.

Of the troops and labourers who came from the colonies, India contributed the most - around 1.5million Indians took part in the British war effort. Around 74,000 Indians were killed in the conflict.

In the British Army's Carrier Corps, at least 180,000 Africans served in the east of the continent to provide military labour.

By the end of 1914, troops from the Indian subcontinent made up two infantry and two cavalry divisions which fought on the Western Front in France.

A year later Indian troops fought against the Ottoman Turks in Palestine and Mesopotamia  a region which now includes Iraq, Kuwait and parts of Iran, Syria and Turkey.

African troops were also crucial in defeating the Germans in West Africa  a region in which white European troops struggled because of the hot climate.

Among the nearly 9million men who were mobilised by Britain in the First World War, more than three million soldiers and labourers from across the Empire served in the conflict. Of the troops and labourers who came from the colonies, India contributed the most - around 1.5million Indians took part in the British war effort. Around 74,000 Indians were killed in the conflict. Pictured: A Sikh regiment on the march in France in 1914

By the end of 1914, troops from the Indian subcontinent made up two infantry and two cavalry divisions which fought on the Western Front in France. Pictured: Indian cavalry members after a charge on the Somme, in France, in 1916

Many of the imperial soldiers fought against German and Ottoman troops as well as additional personnel recruited from their imperial territories and local allies

By the time the war had ended, the British Army in East Africa was largely made up of troops from Nigeria, the Gold Coast (which is now Ghana), Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda and Nyasaland (now Malawi).

Today's CWGC report revealed how it is estimated that, in Nyasaland, 'perhaps 83 per cent of the available manpower  totalling some 210,000 men  served either as soldiers or more commonly as carriers in the East African campaign.'

It also reveals that the Imperial War Graves Commission enacted policies to abandon the burial sites of West African, East African and Indian troops in favour of commemorating them on centralised, collective memorials.

Overall, the African colonies produced around 57,000 soldiers and a further 932,000 porters and labourers.

A further 43,000 black South African labourers worked for the British war effort. In Egypt, 330,000 labourers provided service in France and the Middle east.

In the Caribbean, around 15,000 men chose to enlist, with some serving in regular British Army units. However, most served in the West India Regiment and the British West Indies Regiment.

The troops served in conflict zones in France, Italy, Africa and the Middle East.

Although China was not part of the British Empire and was neutral in the war, nearly 100,000 citizens served in a special force known as the Chinese Labour Corps.

The contribution of non-white labourers was so extensive that, by 1918, around 300,000 Chinese and Africans were serving in France alone.

Historian Laurence James, the author of The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, said in his book: 'By undertaking the donkey work of total war, these men, like their counterparts on other fronts, released white men to replenish the firing line.'

However, the CWGC report reveals that, whilst large numbers of colonial subjects volunteered across the British Empire, 'an equally high proportion may have been coerced or forcibly conscripted'.

'This could involve political and economic threats, intimidation, extortion and, in some cases, mass kidnappings,' the report said.

'Within Egypt alone, it has been suggested that around 75 per cent of the 327,000 men who served were recruited forcibly.

'In these cases, how they were raised appears to have been of less concern than the fact that they were raised.

Two Senegalese soldiers serving in the French Army as infantrymen, in June 1917. They were part of the Tirailleurs Senegalais and from the Bambara, a Mande ethnic group in West Africa

A patrol of Indian lancers near Amiens in France soon after the outbreak of war in autumn 1914. The I Indian Corps of 3rd (Lahore) and 7th (Meerut) were part of Indian Expeditionary Force A

'Despite these substantial contributions to the British Empire's war effort, many are rarely spoken about and the cost in lives is rarely disaggregated from the combined total.'

Part of the lack of visibility stems from the fact that the CWGC's casualty database does not allow deaths to be 'disaggregated from the United Kingdom', the report's authors said.

They added: 'At least part of this problem with recognition is born out of the enduring Eurocentrism that still dominates the study of the First World War and pays little heed to the most diverse contributions, which predictably took place beyond the Western Front.

'However, the way in which these men are counted as casualties and commemorated  or, indeed, not commemorated  by the CWGC has most likely also contributed to the collective lack of knowledge about the parts they played.'

Mr Bance revealed how troops from the British Army's Manchester Regiment fought with members of the 47th Sikhs brigade 'as one'.

He added: 'And the 7th Ferozepur Brigade consisted of 47th Sikhs and the London Brigade.

'Sikhs not only fought from within their own Sikh regiments but they were also in the Punjabi Regiments, cavalry, sappers and miners regiments as well.

'There was also Sikhs and other Indian soldiers who were present in British Army service corps working as labourers too.'

Dr Simon Walker, a military historian at the University of Strathclyde, said in response to Fox's remarks that Indian soldiers were of 'paramount importance' at key battles including Ypres in 1914, Neuve Chappelle and Gallipoli.

The expert said soldiers from different races were mainly separate from each other at the start of the conflict.

But he said this changed as huge losses meant men were transferred around the various battle grounds.

Dr Walker added: 'Therefore by the middle of the war it would not be unusual for Sikh soldiers to serve side by side with their British comrades, as was necessitated by the demands of the war and losses.

'This was visible in Britain, as burial practices were briefly changed to allow open air cremation for such soldiers.'

Sikh soldiers from the Indian Service Corps with British Army soldiers on the Western Front in the war in 1916. ISC members were from all over India and also performed labouring tasks

And Gurharpal Singh, professor of Sikh and Punjab Studies at SOAS University of London, told MailOnline after Fox's comments: 'My understanding is that most Indian troops were kept apart from British troops and had specific functions, for example logistical support, or in areas of combat.

'These troops were of course officered by British and were closely monitored for any signs of disaffection.

'However, it is not inconceivable that on occasions, and in particular actions, Indian troops were involved in joint actions with the British troops.'

In addition, around 10 per cent of the Canadians who enlisted were killed.

Among the most famous black soldiers involved in the First World War was former Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town footballer Walter Tull.

His father had arrived in Britain from Barbados in 1876. Kent-born Mr Tull played in front of tens of thousands of fans at White Hart Lane, but died in combat near Arras aged 29.

In 2018, more than 1,000 of veteran interview transcripts, which were recorded in the 1970s, revealed how Indian troops who fought for Britain faced racism, brutality and prejudice in the trenches.

Some suffered inhumane physical punishments such as floggings, were denied home leave and were banned from taking command positions.

They also received a lower wage than their white counterparts and were segregated in camps, on trains and in ships.

The interview transcripts were offered to the British library by historian George Morton-Jack.

Among the most famous black soldiers involved in the First World War was former Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town footballer Walter Tull

His father had arrived in Britain from Barbados in 1876. Kent-born Mr Tull played in front of tens of thousands of fans at White Hart Lane, but died in combat near Arras aged 29. Above: Tull (left) - who died during the war in 1918 - is pictured with two other members of his regiment

Despite the racist abuse Tull had suffered as a footballer, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an officer, dying a hero's death on the battlefields before being remembered on a First World War centenary stamp (pictured) in 2018

Until they emerged, information on how Indian troops were treated was only available from letters sent by a small proportion of troops.

However, the soldiers were careful not to express their true feelings because censors would have read them before they were sent back to their families in India.

Speaking of the revelatory interviews, Mr Morton-Jack told The Guardian: ''They were careful about what they said [in the letters]. They knew dissent could be punished by the British as their colonial masters. So they habitually held back their true feelings.

'But the interviews show they had a strong sense of the racial discrimination they suffered under the British, and their growing belief that they should have civil rights, they shouldn't be subject to colonial domination, and they should live in their own free country. They describe how those feelings developed through the war.'

One soldier, Sujan Singh, who was 80 when he was interviewed, told how he and others were 'slaves'. Another, Nandh Singh, spoke of a 'curtain of fear' which separated Indian and white soldiers.

Along with troops from India and Africa, more than 410,000 Australians, 100,000 New Zealanders and 620,000 Canadians served in the war.

The Australian troops suffered about 200,000 casualties in campaigns at Gallipoli, on the Western Front and in the Middle East.

In the British Army's Carrier Corps, at least 180,000 Africans served in the east of the continent to provide military labour.

By the end of 1914, troops from the Indian subcontinent made up two infantry and two cavalry divisions which fought on the Western Front in France.

A year later Indian troops fought against the Ottoman Turks in Palestine and Mesopotamia  a region which now includes Iraq, Kuwait and parts of Iran, Syria and Turkey.

African troops were also crucial in defeating the Germans in West Africa  a region in which white European troops struggled because of the hot climate.

By the time the war had ended, the British Army in East Africa was largely made up of troops from Nigeria, the Gold Coast (which is now Ghana), Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda and Nyasaland (now Malawi).

Overall, the African colonies produced around 57,000 soldiers and a further 932,000 porters and labourers.

A further 43,000 black South African labourers worked for the British war effort. In Egypt, 330,000 labourers provided service in France and the Middle east.

In the Caribbean, around 15,000 men chose to enlist, with some serving in regular British Army units. However, most served in the West India Regiment and the British West Indies Regiment.

The troops served in conflict zones in France, Italy, Africa and the Middle East.

Although China was not part of the British Empire and was neutral in the war, nearly 100,000 citizens served in a special force known as the Chinese Labour Corps.

The contribution of non-white labourers was so extensive that, by 1918, around 300,000 Chinese and Africans were serving in France alone.

Historian Laurence James, the author of The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, said in his book: 'By undertaking the donkey work of total war, these men, like their counterparts on other fronts, released white men to replenish the firing line.'

The actor and campaigner Laurence Fox provoked ridicule last year when he criticised the 'incongruous' inclusion of a Sikh soldier in the WW1 film 1917.

Hitting back, Sikh historian Peter Singh Bance said Sikhs and other Indians fought with the British Army corps, such as the 1st Manchesters and the 47th Sikhs fighting as one

Mr Bance told Fox to 'check his facts' and added: 'Laurence Fox is incorrect with his facts as Sikhs did fight with British forces, not just with their own regiments.'

He told MailOnline: 'There were definitely Sikhs and other Indian soldiers who fought among the British Army corps, and they wore the same uniform.'
Update: On Wednesday, George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd issued the following statement in support of Mark Davis while thanking the Raiders for their support:

On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our nations ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for alll Now more than ever, we must come together as one and continue on in this fight.

For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that goes for so many across the nation and globe, as well. Lets take this breath together in honor of my big brother who couldnt. Lets do it for George.



Tuesday's verdict convicting former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on all three charges in the murder of George Floyd marked a catharsis for many.

In communities weary of the lack of police accountability for the deaths of people of color, Chauvin's conviction was cause for hope. It didn't bring Floyd back to his family. It didn't ensure that unnecessary deaths would cease. But for people distrustful of a system they see as repeatedly failing them, Chauvin's conviction demonstrated that justice is attainable. In this one instance, a least.

Raiders 'I can breathe' tweet draws backlash

The news prompted an outpouring of response from a sports community that's played a significant role in driving the social justice conversation prior to and since Floyd's murder last May. The responses from athletes, teams and leagues ranged from relief and joy to warnings that Chauvin's conviction is not the end of the conversation.

Then there was the Las Vegas Raiders response, which drew immediate and widespread backlash on social media.

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Raiders owner Mark Davis explains, stands by tweet

The tweet elicited Floyd's repeated pleas of "I can't breathe" as Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes before he died. When made aware of the backlash toward the tweet, Raiders owner Mark Davis took responsibility for it.

Story continues

"That's my tweet," Davis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Ed Graney. "That was me. I don't want anyone in the organization taking heat. I take full responsibility for that."

Davis told The Athletic's Tashan Reed that tweet was an ode to Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd, who said in a news conference Tuesday: "Today we are able to breathe again."

"If I offended the family, then I'm deeply, deeply disappointed," Davis told Reed. Davis also told Reed that he was not taking the tweet down.

Mark Davis said that the Raiders won't be taking the controversial tweet down. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Reed pointed out that counter-protesters in support of the NYPD wore shirts with the same slogan in 2014 in an apparent reference to Eric Garner. Garner, like Floyd, pleaded "I can't breathe" while placed in a police chokehold before his death.

"I learned something," Davis told Reed. ... "I have to do a little bit more research into that just so I can speak coherently on that aspect. ...

"Let me say this right off the bat: I was not aware of that. Absolutely not. I had no idea of that. That's a situation that I was not aware of. I can see where there could be some negativity towards what I said based on that."

Raiders chastised on social media

The tweet drew widespread backlash and calls for its removal that apparently won't be heeded.

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Reddit likened the tweet to an ill-advised Florida State graphic that showed Martin Luther King Jr. doing the tomahawk chop.

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But mostly, folks just wondered how long the Raiders were actually going to keep the tweet up while marveling over their social media team pinning it to the top of their timeline.

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CALGARY, AB, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Vermilion Energy Inc. ("Vermilion", "We", "Our", "Us" or the "Company") (TSX: VET) (NYSE: VET) will release its 2021 first quarter operating and condensed financial results on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 after the close of North American markets. The unaudited interim financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 will be available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, and on Vermilion's website at www.vermilionenergy.com.

Annual General Meeting and Webcast Details

Vermilion will hold its Annual General Meeting on April 28, 2021 at 3:00 pm MT. Our Meeting will be held as a virtual only shareholder meeting with participation electronically as explained further in the Proxy Statement and Information Circular. As a reminder, proxies must be received by 3:00 pm MT on Monday, April 26, 2021.

Shareholders can participate electronically at https://web.lumiagm.com/227999924. Please see our Virtual Meeting Guide at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/files/pdf/investor-relations/2021_Virtual_Meeting_Guide.pdf for detailed instructions on how to access the meeting, vote on resolutions and submit questions. Following the formal portion of the Meeting, a presentation will be given by Curtis Hicks, President of Vermilion. Guests may also view the event at https://web.lumiagm.com/227999924 by registering as a guest. The live webcast link, webcast slides, and archive link will be available on Vermilion's website at http://www.vermilionenergy.com/ir/eventspresentations.cfm.

Please visit the Annual General Meeting page on our website under Invest with Us for complete details and links to all relevant documents ahead of the Meeting at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/invest-with-us/annual-general-meeting.cfm.

About Vermilion

Vermilion is an international energy producer that seeks to create value through the acquisition, exploration, development and optimization of producing assets in North America, Europe and Australia. Our business model emphasizes organic production growth augmented with value-adding acquisitions, along with returning capital to investors when economically warranted. Vermilion's operations are focused on the exploitation of light oil and liquids-rich natural gas conventional resource plays in North America and the exploration and development of conventional natural gas and oil opportunities in Europe and Australia.

Vermilion's priorities are health and safety, the environment, and profitability, in that order. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the public and those who work with us, and the protection of our natural surroundings. We have been recognized as a top decile performer amongst Canadian publicly listed companies in governance practices, as a Climate Leadership level (A-) performer by the CDP, and a Best Workplace in the Great Place to Work Institute's annual rankings in Canada, the Netherlands and Germany. In addition, Vermilion emphasizes strategic community investment in each of our operating areas.

Employees and directors hold approximately 5% of our outstanding shares and are committed to delivering long-term value for all stakeholders. Vermilion trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VET.

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3 1 of 3 Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 3 OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Bernie Sanders has thrown his support behind two San Antonio candidates ahead of the 2021 city elections.

The Vermont senator took to Twitter on Tuesday, April 20, to announce his endorsement of Terri Castillo, who is running for City Council District Five, and Luke Amphlette, a candidate for San Antonio ISD District Four School Trustee.
The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race hosted by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, returns April 23, 2021. (Courtesy of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association)

Sailing Tradition Returns to Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (N2E) hosted by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, returns April 23 after a year-long COVID-19 pandemic postponement of the tradition.

It marks the 73rd year for the sailing competition, with nearly 170 vessels registered to cross the start line off the coast of Newport Beach.

N2E has morphed throughout the years to include three races in one event, each race with its own merits but starting at the same time and point. About 120 boats will make the 125-nautical mile trek to Ensenada, 20 will take the sprint course to Dana Point Harbor, and another 45 will head around the Coronado Islands on the extended San Diego course.

More than 200 sailors and skippers will gather at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC) on the evening of April 22 for the events traditional send-off dinner.

Over the years, BCYC has had the great honor of hosting numerous N2E events, bringing together hundreds of boaters from all over the world, Rhonda Tolar, 2021 BCYC commodore told The Epoch Times. Its good to be back after last years cancellation, and especially to see such a great turnout of enthusiastic race attendees and sponsors.

A reduction in COVID-19 restrictions allows the event to resume both in the U.S. and Mexico. Organizers said the Mexican Navy will be offering landing assistance when racers arrive at the Hotel Coral and Marina where the sailors and boats will stay once theyve arrived in Ensenada.

First raced in 1958 with participants including Hollywood stars Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, and Errol Flynn, N2E has become unique among international distance sailing races due to a format that accepts a large and diverse group of sailors and boat types.

While many of the boats participating will be hoping to improve their Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) standing, many of the participants are in it for the fun and camaraderie of the sailing community. PHRF is a handicapping system used for yacht racing in North America that allows dissimilar classes of sailboats to be raced against each other.

Returning racer Steve Dunlap, skipper of Some Tuesday, said that despite the challenges of their 2018 N2E race experience, which included the boats boom detaching at 3 a.m. and a torn spinnaker, he and his crew will defend their previous two-year winning streak with an adjusted handicap and a lot more experience.

Were not hard-core racers, I bought Some Tuesday to have fun, but we take the race seriously, and we hope to make fewer mistakes this year and still enjoy the experience, Dunlap said.

Theres a misconception about yacht racing, boat racing, in that some think its stuffy, blue blazer boring. Sailing is an exciting, passion-based hobby in which everyone has a story about overcoming adversity and solving problems as they arise.

But more than that, Dunlap said, sailing is about sitting at the helm with a fellow crew member in the middle of the night, 30 miles offshore, talking about life, watching the stars and the moon, man and machine taking on naturethe whole thing is magical.

The N2E race will commence with boats arriving at the start line off the Balboa Pier at 10:30 a.m. with the first race warning signal to sound at 10:55 a.m.
Precious Metals and Miners Start of New Longer-Term Bullish Trend - P2

This second part of our research article related to the new Bullish price phase in Precious Metals and Miners will continue to explore the potential range and targets for higher price trends.

In the first part of this article, I discussed how precious metals have started moving higher in somewhat of a stealth mode  not really drawing a lot of attention from traders. While other commodities and market sectors continue to rally, Gold and Silver have recently been setting up a new momentum base over the past few weeks. If our research is correct, we may soon see a stronger bullish price rally in precious metals which may drive miners 3x to 5x higher as Miners have greater Alpha than precious metals.

Are The Stars Aligning For A Big Market Shift Focusing On Gold & Silver?

Another key factor is that weve recently shifted away from an appreciation cycle phase and into a depreciation cycle phase. This new Depreciation cycle phase suggests the US Dollar may enter a decidedly downward overall trend while the US stock market may continue to move higher with increased volatility and extended price rotation ranges. Additionally, this new Depreciation cycle phase clearly suggests precious metals will begin an upward price trend that may last well into 2027~2028 or longer.

Be sure to sign up for our free market trend analysis and signals now so you dont miss our next special report!

The following Monthly Gold chart highlights the broad Appreciation/Depreciation cycle phases (with the GREEN: Appreciation and RED: Depreciation sloping lines) and also shows two Fibonacci Price Extension ranges (or Measured Moves). Interestingly, the 100% measured move ranges of both Fibonacci anchor points highlight a $2700 target level. Beyond that level, we see $3250 and $3550 as substantial upside target levels. This suggests Gold may rally over 50% from current levels to reach the first target level near $2700 (or higher) over the next 5+ years.

In the shorter term, we need to watch metals, miners, and the US Dollar for signs that this pending longer-term trend is confirming. Currently, Gold and Silver are starting to break a downward/sideways price channel and appear to be starting a new upside price trend. We need to watch for technical confirmation of this breakout as it will likely start a new, broader, price trend based on our cycle research. Keeping that in mind, lets take a look at some current Daily charts that show why any breakout price trend in metals may present an explosive opportunity for traders.

Junior Silver Miners Need To Breakout Above $16.50~$17.00 For Bigger Rally

You can see from this the Silver Junior Miners Daily chart (SILJ) price has recently broken above the downward sloping price channel shown as a CYAN line. This upside price breakout is important, yet we need to see SILJ move above $16.50~$17.00 to really start a broader bullish price trend. Once this level has been breached, which may be very soon, we believe an explosive upside price trend may quickly take SILJ well above $18.50 and beyond.

Silver and Silver miners share one key facet that makes them extremely opportunistic for traders. Typically, when these types of cycle phase trends take hold, Gold will rally substantially higher over time. Yet, Silver, which is often overlooked as a metals hedge instrument, begins to rally faster than Gold in a percentage term. For example, from the bottom in 2015 to the current highs, Gold rallied a little over 101%  whereas Silver rallied over 124%. This happened near the end of the previous Appreciation cycle phase. When and if our expectations become true, Gold will rally 50% to 75% (or more) from current levels and Silver may rally 85% to 175% or more.

Miners May See An Incredible Breakout Rally If Metals Begin A Big Bullish Cycle

The following Daily Coeur Mining Chart (CDE) highlights the similarities between how the price activity of SILJ and CDE. On the CDE chart, you can see a more defined Pennant/Flag formation that is nearing an Apex. You can also see the bullish breakout event starting to set up on the right side of this chart. If Silver breaks into a bullish trend, pulling SILJ higher as well, CDE will likely break above the $10.50 level and begin to move towards the previous high price level near $12.00 to $12.50 (or higher). This represents a solid 20% to 35% upside price advance for CDE  possibly much higher over time.

In closing, there are two key elements we want readers to focus on. First, the transition into a Depreciation cycle phase, which usually prompts a stronger precious metals price rally and ending in a parabolic price advance. Second, the current setup of Gold and Silver, which have already been moving higher since 2015. This combination suggests the excess phase rally in the US stock market over the past 5+ years has already prompted a move into hedging instruments (Gold & Silver). This is very similar to what happened in 2000 to 2005  after the DOT COM bubble burst. The real rally in precious metals didnt start until after 2005~2006  when Gold rallied over 365% from the $400 price level. Silver rallied over 600% during that same span of time.

It is very likely that many precious metals mining stocks are set up in similar patterns recently. Mostly flagging sideways into Apex formations with some already starting to break out into an upward price trend. We are watching for Gold and Silver to confirm this new upside price trend by attempting to move substantially higher to break previous price peaks. If we can see Gold and Silver continue to move higher while breaking through historical resistance levels (past price peaks), then we would expect this to indicate a broader market trend is setting up and momentum for this move in building.

Remember, this is a 6 to 7+ year cycle related to the new Depreciation cycle phase. Eventually, as the markets transition into this new phase, Gold and Silver will begin a broad rally mode while the US stock market may enter a period of excessive volatility and rotation. The last Depreciation cycle phase took place from 2001 to 2010 (roughly). We are certain many of you remember how the stock market reacted during that market phase?

Dont miss the opportunities in the broad market sectors over the next 6+ months. Staying ahead of these sector trends is going to be key to developing continued success in these markets. As some sectors fail, others will begin to trend higher. Learn how BAN Trader Pro can help you spot the best trade setups. Learning to profit from these bigger trends and sector rotation will make a big difference between success and failure. If you are not prepared for these sector rotations, then you can sign up now for my FREE webinar that teaches you how to find, enter, and profit from only those sectors that have the most strength and momentum. Staying ahead of sector trends is going to be key to success in volatile markets.

For those who believe in the power of trading on relative strength, market cycles, and momentum but dont have the time to do the research every day then my BAN Trader Pro newsletter service does all the work for you with daily market reports, research, and trade alerts. More frequent or experienced traders have been killing it trading options, ETFs, and stocks using my BAN Hotlist ranking the hottest ETFs, which is updated daily for my premium subscribers.

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




U.S. President Joe Biden speaks after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd at the White House in Washington, April 20. AP-Yonhap



President Joe Biden said Tuesday the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd ''can be a giant step forward'' for the nation in the fight against systemic racism. But he declared that ''it's not enough.''



Biden spoke from the White House hours after the verdict alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, with the pair saying the country's work is far from finished with the verdict.



''We can't stop here,'' Biden declared.



Biden and Harris called on Congress to act swiftly to address policing reform, including by approving a bill named for Floyd, who died with his neck under Chauvin's knee last May. Beyond that, the president said, the entire country must confront hatred to ''change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies.''



'''I can't breathe.' Those were George Floyd's last words,'' Biden said. ''We can't let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can't turn away.''



Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of ''liberty and justice for all.''



''It is not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American,'' she said. ''It is holding our nation back from reaching our full potential.''



''A measure of justice isn't the same as equal justice,'' she said.



Biden addressed the nation after telephoning Floyd's family following the verdict, telling them, ''We're all so relieved.'' He added later that he sought to comfort Floyd's young daughter Gianna, telling her, ''Daddy did change the world.''



After about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury convicted Chauvin of two counts of murder and one of manslaughter.



The verdict  and the aftermath  will be a continuing test for Biden. He has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping African Americans who supported him in large numbers in last year's election in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd's death and restarted a national conversation about race. But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.





George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd wipes his eyes during a news conference in Minneapolis, April 20, after the verdict was read in the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. AP-Yonhap




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There's a beautiful scene in Nomadland in which dawn comes up over a campsite where the protagonist, played by Frances McDormand, is working as a host.

As she heads off to share her coffee with other campers, the camera lingers on the spectacular scenery.

I didn't just recognise the location but even the campsite. It's where, nine years ago, the intrepid but possibly foolish Leonard family spent what we thought might be our last night on Earth, as a monstrous storm swept through the Badlands of South Dakota and gave our tent such a pounding we were convinced we were going to be blown away with it.

Tom Leonard writes: 'You pretty much know what you're going to get in California, Florida or the North-East - the usual destinations for British and other foreign tourists - but the Midwest is full of surprises, and invariably pleasant ones'

Frances McDormand in Nomadland. The movie is what a U.S travel magazine hailed as a 'love letter to America's wide open spaces'

The award-winning film (heavily fancied to pick up an Oscar or two) explores America's dark underbelly.

Recently widowed and now jobless Fern (McDormand) travels around the American hinterland in a van as she encounters a burgeoning subculture of those whose lives have been ravaged by a recession and, too poor to retire, find themselves living like modern nomads. They go between temporary jobs while living in their vehicles.

However, looked at another way, Nomadland is what a U.S. travel magazine hailed as a 'love letter to America's wide open spaces'. It was shot across five states  South Dakota, Nebraska, Arizona, Nevada and California  but it's South Dakota that provides the film with its most memorable backdrops.

'Fern' doesn't actually go to South Dakota and the Badlands, with its lunar landscape, in the book on which Nomadland is based, but film director Chloe Zhao  who won the best director Bafta  is a devotee of this part of the Great Plains. She also used the Badlands as the central setting for her previous film The Rider.

You will soon see why. The Badlands  most of it contained within a 244,000-acre national park  looks like it was painted by a Hollywood set designer.

The prairies are spectacularly interrupted by a huge expanse of colourful rock spires, canyons and jagged buttes where you can find the bones of sabre-toothed cats and camels.

The Badlands  so named by French-Canadian fur trappers who once travelled through and found them unbearably exposed, arid and hot  perfectly encapsulate how West and East Coast snobs who dismiss the Midwest as the 'flyover states', as in you simply fly over them to get to and from the good parts of the U.S., couldn't be more wrong.

The Badlands  most of it contained within a 244,000-acre national park  looks like it was painted by a Hollywood set designer, writes Tom

The Badlands was named by French-Canadian fur trappers who once travelled through and found them unbearably exposed, arid and hot

We've done a lot of American road trips, but the one we took in 2012 from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Bozeman, Montana, has to be the most memorable.

You pretty much know what you're going to get in California, Florida or the North-East  the usual destinations for British and other foreign tourists  but the Midwest is full of surprises, and invariably pleasant ones.

Who would have thought, for example, that the nearest town to the prehistoric wilderness of the Badlands also happens to be home to a unique manifestation of American consumerism  Wall Drug Store, a 76,000 sq ft kitsch-filled mega-store where, incidentally, McDormand's character also gets a job in Nomadland?

The Black Hills (black because they are heavily wooded) and the cowboy town of Deadwood are not far away, as is Mount Rushmore, America's most imposing presidential monument.

Not far from the Badlands is Mount Rushmore, pictured, America's most imposing presidential monument

The key locations in America's Midwest

However, those supposed must-see attractions now register less in my memory than far more mundane Midwest encounters, such as going out for dinner on a Saturday night in a cattle town in the high plains of Wyoming (due west of South Dakota) and finding pretty much every other man was wearing a stetson  and at the table, too.

It was like something out of the TV series Dallas, only genuine and completely unaffected.

But then Midwesterners have a reputation for being as down-to-earth and unpretentious as the inhabitants of Los Angeles, Manhattan and Miami have for being, well, the opposite.

Folks here still use quaint phrases like 'slow as molasses in January' without irony.

'Yes, yes,' wail my American friends in New York, 'but they're all hardcore Trump supporters out there.'

Some of them certainly are  last summer we managed to flee the city and drove to the eastern side of the Midwest in the Great Lakes region.

On our first night, this time briefly under canvas in a campsite in Michigan, we found ourselves surrounded by an extended family so Trumpian they could have come straight from Hollywood central casting.

Take to the water by canoeing in Michigans Great Lakes. Tom explains: 'The Great Lakes take some getting used to - sandy beaches, warm and clean water, even waves and a perfect sea-like horizon - except that you're at least a thousand miles from any sea'

Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, pictured, which according to Tom feels like Cornwall, with 'pretty fishing villages selling cherry pie (this is cherry country)'

TUCK IN TO AMERICA'S 'BREADBASKET' The American Midwest usually refers to 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It occupies land sandwiched on plains between the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Appalachian Mountains to the east. Chicago in Illinois is the biggest city (population 2.6 million). The Midwest is also sometimes referred to as America's 'breadbasket' and its agricultural areas as the 'Corn Belt'. The phrase 'will it play in Peoria?'  as in Peoria, Illinois  is a rhetorical question to ask if an idea/policy will appeal to America. In the 17th century, the fur trade between French and Native Americans was huge. Railroads (railways) were built across the region in the mid 19th century. Detroit in Michigan became a motor industry HQ with Ford setting up in 1903. Motown Records was established in Detroit in 1959. Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on May 24, 1941 (his birth name was Robert Allen Zimmerman). Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 7, 1958. Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958. British involvement in the 18th century led to the Seven Years War between Britain and France, won by the British. Advertisement

They had the pit bull terriers on chains, the fleet of vast flatbed trucks with Trump flags attached, and even the intention  amiably but firmly communicated to us before we'd even brewed our first cup of tea  that they intended to have quite a party that night.

In the event they did no such thing and were quiet as mice long before we were.

They even took commendable care to ensure their dogs didn't murder our little puppy, and the next morning one of them was utterly charming when I asked him for directions.

He insisted on giving me his list of the state's must-see attractions.

Midwesterners also have a reputation for being super-friendly and helpful.

Ellen and Cris, the couple who ran the Airbnb where we stayed further north in Michigan, didn't just provide accommodation but, completely gratis, took us out kayaking and allowed our son to rumble around their woods on their quad bike.

In the summer, the Lakes  particularly Superior and Michigan  are idyllic.

In places like Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula or Wisconsin's Door Peninsula it feels like Cornwall, with pretty fishing villages selling cherry pie (this is cherry country).

The Great Lakes take some getting used to  sandy beaches, warm and clean water, even waves and a perfect sea-like horizon  except that you're at least a thousand miles from any sea.

While one might not rush out there in the frozen winter, even that drawback isn't going to last.

Global-warming forecasts project that the Great Lakes region will eventually have the best year-round climate in America.

Only this week CNN reported on this trend and identified Duluth, a small and surprisingly cool 'Rust Belt' Minnesota city that sits on the westernmost point of Lake Superior, as particularly desirable.

Superior contains 10 per cent of the world's accessible freshwater and the world is going to get progressively more parched.

Some are already hailing Duluth as the San Francisco of the Midwest, which I hope for Duluth's sake isn't true.

We stopped off in Duluth for supplies for our actual destination: another lake  or rather lakes  further north.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is some million acres of forests, lakes and streams only accessible by canoe.

You get your boat, supplies and entry licence from an outfitter who loads everything on to a motor boat that takes you to the edge of the beautiful wilderness.

And then you're on own.

You have to find somewhere to camp, and get between the 1,100 lakes with the canoe on your shoulders  a delightfully uncomfortable system known as portage.

Bald eagles circle overhead and the feeling of solitude is overwhelming. This is another type of Nomadland.

The city of Duluth in Minnesota, which sits on the westernmost point of Lake Superior. Some are hailing Duluth as the San Francisco of the Midwest

After three wonderful days and less pleasant nights (when the mosquitos appear just before sunset in a dense cloud which you hear before you see, and territorial beavers demonstrate their annoyance by slapping their tails on the water with such force it sounds unnervingly like a gun going off) we left with a genuine sense of achievement.

And then we met a party of students heading out there for an entire month.

Americans like to say their country has lost its pioneering spirit, but it's still out there  somewhere between the Statue of Liberty and Disneyland.
DALLAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the continued public health crisis of opioid addiction in Missouri, Behavioral Health Group (BHG), the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient opioid treatment and recovery centers in the US, announced a relocation and expansion of its Kansas City, MO location to improve access to care and to evolve its approach to counseling and behavioral health therapies as means to deliver long-term recovery. The expanded facility now situated at 2534 Campbell Street on what is locally referred to as "hospital hill" is a short distance from the former location but significantly improves access to public transportation, visibility, and parking. Within the larger footprint, BHG redesigned its counseling and therapy rooms to focus on the engagement between each patient and their counselor.

Counselors meet with patients in private rooms devoid of normal office clutter and distractions, creating an environment of safety and trust. When not meeting with patients, counselors share a collaborative workspace supporting peer-to-peer conversations and problem-solving. The group counseling room now accommodates more patients, and BHG increased its number of dosing rooms. The expanded size of the new facility addresses the growing need of the population dealing with opioid use disorder.

In Missouri, the need is pressing. "In a 2018 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the state of Missouri reported some 38,000 residents who were already aware that they had Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and another 110,000 adults reported needing but not receiving treatment for illicit drug use that same year," explained Jay Higham, BHG Chief Executive Officer. "This is a growing epidemic compounded by the coronavirus pandemic and we need to act decisively to save our communities. In fact, the CDC recently reported on the increase in drug overdose deaths by state from September 2019 to September 2020 and Missouri jumped nearly 20 percent."

The Company's approach to treatment is individualized under physician supervision in an outpatient setting. Through evidence-based programs such as Medication Assisted RecoverySM (MAR), successful recovery is possible. MAR, the gold standard of care for opioid addiction, utilizes the combination of FDA approved medications with a full modality of behavioral health counseling and other support services for a comprehensive treatment approach to addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. These programs demonstrate excellent results as measured by almost all objective criteria  abstinence from drug use, improvements in employment, family dynamics, and general well-being.

BHG accepts new patients in all locations, both by appointment and as walk-ins. BHG has seven locations across Missouri including Kansas City, Springfield, Joplin, Columbia, Poplar Bluff, and West Plains. In addition to Missouri Medicaid, BHG locations accepts Medicare, United Healthcare/Optum and Humana commercial health plans, though individual plan acceptance and coverage will vary. Other plans may be accepted. BHG also welcomes patients who choose to self-pay, and grant funding may be available for qualified patients.

About BHG

Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient opioid treatment and recovery centers in the U.S., delivering comprehensive, personalized evidence-based medical and behavioral therapies for individuals with opioid use disorder. With 77 locations in 17 states, BHG has more than 1,300 employees who serve more than 27,200 patients. To learn more, visit bhgrecovery.com.

Media Contact:

Nancy Buttyan

[email protected]

214-918-1811

SOURCE Behavioral Health Group

Related Links

http://www.bhgrecovery.com


Mount Everest has seen its first Covid-19 infection after a member of an expedition tested positive for the virus.

The infected person was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, last week while the rest of the group were forced to quarantine at Base Camp.

It comes as climbers have been allowed to return to the mountain this month for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Mount Everest has seen its first Covid-19 infection after a member of an expedition tested positive for the virus. File image of Mount Everest's Base Camp above

Mountaineers and government officials stated climbers will be scaling the peak under Covid-19 restrictions.

A source told the publication Outside that the one person on the mountain had tested positive for Covid-19. It was initially thought they were suffering from high-altitude pulmonary edema.

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu hospital they tested positive for the virus.

No other cases have been detected and teams on the mountain are proceeding with the climbing season, which is predicted to be quieter than normal.

Nepal requires foreign travellers to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival in the country, as well as undergo a quarantine period.

In this file photo taken on September 14, 2013 Mount Everest is seen from an aircraft over Nepal

The climbing season restarted on the world's greatest mountain this month after it was forced to close to climbers for a year due to the pandemic,

Over 300 climbers are predicted to attempt to scale the mountain, which stands at 29,032 feet (8,848.86 meters), this season, compared to 381 climbers, who attempted to climb it in the same period in 2019.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to fight for peace through diplomatic means and at the same time prepares to defend itself.

"Does Ukraine want war? No. Is it ready for it? Yes. Will Ukraine stop fighting for peace through diplomatic means? Never. Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple - Ukraine does not start a war first, but always stands to the last," the president said during a video address on Tuesday, April 20.

According to Zelensky, "a large number of Russian troops are concentrated near the state borders of Ukraine."

"Officially, Russia calls it exercises. Unofficially, the whole world calls these things blackmail," he said.

"Does Ukraine and its international partners demand to withdraw troops from our borders? Yes. After all, the Russian Federation constantly repeats that it wants peace, but at the same time creates all the conditions for escalation. Is this logical? No. Is it unexpected? No. Does this mean that escalation is inevitable? No," the appeal says.

Zelensky also said that "Ukraine-21 has no illusions."

"We are not afraid, because we have a powerful army and powerful defenders. They have high-quality equipment with weapons, valuable experience, courage [...] willingness to rebuff anyone and explain as far as possible that the passage, passage or flight of our land is unwanted guests - prohibited and impossible," the president said.

Addressing international partners, Zelensky said: "Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, the country, which at the cost of lives of its people is a shield for Europe, will receive support not just as partners from the stands, but as players of the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder".
A NSW horse breeder who ran his farm with volunteer workers pressured six young women into accepting nude or partially nude oil massages before sexually and indecently assaulting them, a Sydney court has been told.

Gregory Richard Douglas, 68, is on trial in the NSW District Court accused of a string of assaults against the young women, five of whom were foreign backpackers, who worked for food and board at his Peelwood horse stud in the NSW Southern Tablelands between August 2014 and September 2019.

Horse breeder Greg Douglas, 66, has been charged with sexually assaulting women staying on his farm. Credit:The Goulburn Post

Five of the six complainants were engaged at the property via the Willing Workers on Organic Farms program, also known as WWOOF, the court heard.

Mr Douglas, who operated the leased farm from 2014 to 2019, admitted to several massages and some sexual activity with the complainants but denied any of it was non-consensual or criminal. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and six counts of sexual touching without consent.
A group of 28 church-goers was charged at the Kibera Law Courts for failing to observe Covid-19 prevention measures.

The worshipers who were arrested at the Abundant Grace Church in Mashimoni area of Kibera pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to maintain physical distance of not less than one metre from each other.

They admitted to causing crowding contrary to public health restriction of movement and related measures imposed by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The worshipers however told senior principal magistrate Derrick Kuto that the crowding happened during a changeover between the first and second service.

They claimed that a group that was vacating the church spotted police officers and returned inside, joining the other group which caused the congestion.

The worshipers were fined Sh3,000 each or an alternative of three months in prison in default.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio  Juanita Rucker said she was praying as she watched a judge in Minnesota read the jurys verdict in former police officer Derek Chauvins trial.

Rucker, a Cleveland resident, knows the pain of losing a loved one like George Floyds family. Gathered with dozens of others at Public Square in downtown Cleveland on Tuesday evening, she identified herself as the godmother of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old shot and killed by police outside Cudell Recreation Center in 2014. Nobody was criminally charged or convicted in Rices death.

Seeing Chauvin convicted of three charges, including second-degree murder, for Floyds death was like a relief, a burden off of me, Rucker said.

She was not alone in that feeling. Many who gathered at Public Square for a demonstration led by Black Lives Matter Cleveland were there to show support for Floyds family and to applaud what they see as progress in a criminal justice system that too often imposes strict penalties on minorities while letting police officers get away with using excessive force.

LaTonya Goldsby, a leader of Black Lives Matter Cleveland and Tamirs cousin, said the group planned the event knowing it would happen on the day of the verdict, but not knowing when that would be. She said the plan was to give people a chance to collectively grieve and  to celebrate this step towards victory.

Shortly after the judge over Chauvins trial announced the verdict, activist and Ward 8 City Council candidate Aisia Jones led the crowd in chants of killer cops are going to jail.

The scene at Public Square on Tuesday evening was vastly different than the one on May 30, which took place just a few blocks away and a few days after video emerged of Chauvin holding Floyd down and placing a knee on his neck, all of which killed Floyd. That day, thousands first gathered at Willard Park and moved to the Justice Center, in a scene that saw righteous indignation met with a show of force by police. The protests turned into riots, with police cars smashed and storefronts throughout downtown smashed and looted.

Those riots led the city to enact curfews downtown and along West 25th Street, enforced by the Ohio National Guard.

At the time, the shock of the video showing Chauvins actions against Floyd was still setting in. On April 20, with a guilty verdict and Chauvin potentially facing decades in prison, the dozens of people who showed up had a different attitude. The jurys decision represented a step forward, even if it was just a small one.

Still, those who spoke at Tuesdays demonstration noted that they felt they had a long way to go to ensure a fair justice system. The verdict came just days after a police officer in suburban Minneapolis shot and killed Daunte Wright during a traffic stop, and after officials in Chicago released footage that showed a police officer fatally shooting 13-year-old Adam Toledo. Both received national attention.

In Cleveland, the verdict came after city police officer Daniel Piper fatally shot murder suspect Innes Lee Jr., and an unidentified, undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent shot 20-year-old Trayvon Johnson outside his home in the citys Hough neighborhood.

Both shootings happened last week, and Johnson was among those mentioned at Public Square on Tuesday. So was another case in Columbus, where an officer there was involved in yet another fatal shooting late Tuesday afternoon.

Still, cautious optimism persisted.

Myron Phillips, an outreach worker with the nonviolence group Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, said he and several other members of the nonprofit showed up to show their support of the verdict and demonstrators. He said the Chauvin verdict affects the entire country and believes that peoples reaction to the case could lead to positive change.

Its bad, but it kind of has a silver lining for the next generation, Phillips said.
Merrion Vaults, an Ireland-based provider of safe deposit boxes, has selected biometric identity verification technology from Iris ID.

Merrion Vaults rents safe deposit boxes, like those found at banks, but with a significant difference, customer identities are authenticated through highly accurate iris readers, in order to enhance security.

Private safe deposit boxes

Merrion Vaults operates private safe deposit boxes in Glasgow and Edinburgh, in Scotland, Nottingham, Liverpool and Newcastle, in England and Dublin, in Ireland. Seamus Fahy, Director, Merrion Vaults, said the iris readers are replacing fingerprint recognition systems for authenticating customer identity.

Fahy believes the choice of contactless iris readers was well timed, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Seamus Fahy stated, The initial customer reaction to the Iris ID readers has been excellent. The customers love it.

Fingerprint readers

Its a simple, easy process for them to swipe an access card and then look into the reader with nothing to touch"

He adds, Its a simple, easy process for them to swipe an access card and then look into the reader with nothing to touch. The entire process takes a few seconds to complete. Using the fingerprint reader, customers would forget which finger they registered with or would press too hard or too lightly on the reader. If they couldnt get access, wed have to check their names and passwords, and then re-register them. It was a hassle.

According to Fahy, the Iris ID readers are part of a tight security plan that includes video surveillance, access control, turnstiles, intrusion alarms and panic buttons, as well as seismic and water sensors. Employees monitor cameras at each facility and in a system-wide control room in Dublin, Ireland.

Iris recognition system

Mohammed Murad, Vice President of Iris ID feels the iris recognition system allows rapid and highly accurate authentication of Merrion Vaults customers, due to each persons unique iris patterns.

Mohammed Murad said, The accuracy, speed and convenience of the Iris ID system are critical for a business that identifies its customers using biometrics. Our system also provides another critical layer of security, ensuring only Merrion customers gain access to the vault. No two people, including identical twins, have the same iris patterns.

Iris iCAM7S system readers

The Iris iCAM7S system readers provide a mirror interface with colour-alignment indicators guiding customers through the authentication process while capturing iris images at distances of up to 15 inches.

Fahy adds that many banks in the United Kingdom are discontinuing safe deposit box service, creating an opportunity for private vendors to fill the gap. Merrion Vaults plans to open new facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Reading and Bristol, England and Barcelona, Spain in 2021. Longer-term plans include locations in cities across the U.S.

Merrion Vaults partners with Aditech, which uses dial-in capabilities to remotely configure and set up the system and test it with Merrion Vaults IT department.
Sundance Vacations co-owner Tina Dowd hasnt put gas in her car in the last eight years.

She owns a Tesla electric car, her second one, which she said is better for the environment because it reduces carbon emissions and has no engine oil.

Throughout Pennsylvania, electric vehicle sales have increased by 24% in 2020 even though total vehicle sales dropped 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Global sales of electric cars also accelerated in 2020 but sales in Northeast Pennsylvania havent kept pace, said Kayla Kelly, internet manager at Tom Hesser dealerships. She said Tom Hesser Nissan sells a few Nissan LEAF cars a year.

While electric cars save on fuel costs and eliminate emissions, they take time to charge and can be pricey, even with state rebates and federal tax incentives for buyers.

A Tesla can cost between $37,990 and $144,490. The starting price of a Nissan LEAF is $31,670, and Kelly said she has been seeing a growing interest in them at Tom Hesser Nissan.

There are a certain amount of people who are into going green, she said. Buying those cars is like a lifestyle.

Dowd was one of the first in Luzerne County to install an electric vehicle charging station  which is free for electric vehicle owners to use  at Sundance Vacations headquarters on Highland Park Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

She had the charging station installed at Sundance Vacations in 2013 after she bought her first Tesla. She charges her Tesla overnight in her garage in Lehighton and said she could drive about 240 miles after a charge.

I felt more comfortable having a place to charge here during the day, she said.

With the popularity of electric cars growing, more charging stations have been popping up throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

Electric vehicle chargers also can be found in Luzerne County at Breaker Brewing in Wilkes-Barre Twp., Arena Bar and Grill in Wilkes-Barre, Holiday Inn in Plains Twp., Ken Pollock Nissan in Wilkes-Barre Twp. and Benco Dental in Jenkins Twp.

Benco Dentals two electric vehicle chargers were installed in 2016 and the dental distributor will install two more this year, said John Muscovitch, BENCOs national facilities and fleet manager.

The chargers at Benco Dental accommodate any electric vehicle including Teslas with adapters, and the new chargers will accommodate all electric vehicles as well, Muscovitch said.

Muscovitch said they continually seek out new opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities.

Benco Dental doesnt have electric vehicles but he said they are keeping a close eye on the industry as electric vehicles become more available.

We saw increasing support for electric cars and aligned our infrastructure to accommodate the needs of our associates and customers, he said.

In Lackawanna County, electric vehicle chargers can be found at the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic, Tom Hesser BMW and Chevrolet in Scranton and Tom Hesser Nissan in Dunmore, which also sells an electric vehicle: the Nissan LEAF.
The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has called on the country's development partners to increase their support for the education sector.



That, he said, was to ensure that the sector became more robust to produce the right human resource to speed up the transformation of the country.



Dr Adutwum said this yesterday in his opening remarks during a meeting with representatives of development partners in Accra.



Good citizens



Education should be seen as a means to an end and not as an end in itself. We are not just training the children, we are training them so that they would be good citizens who will transform the fortunes of our country.



We cannot do this without the support of development partners, we cant. You have supported us over the years and I am calling on you to do more with me, he said.



Development partners



The development partners that attended the meeting included the World Bank, United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), UNESCO, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which was previously known as DFID, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the French Embassy and USAID.



The development partners are helping in various ways to improve the education sector. They are contributing to, among other things, improve access, quality and accountability in the education sector.



They are also involved in the development of textbooks, for instance French, digital learning, reading initiatives, improving school management commitments as well as Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.



Destination



He said in a developing country like Ghana, the people could not afford to have an educational system that was a journey to nowhere, it has to be a journey to somewhere



The minister said although some development partners might have had their frustrations, he wanted them to work together to get to the destination of an improved and quality educational system to produce the requisite human resource as there was so much to be done.



There is so much ahead of us and the opportunity is tremendous.



We cant talk about the transformation of this country when our Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio is 18.8 per cent, he said and added that if that number does not go up, we are not going to get there.



World Bank Report



On the 2018 World Bank Human Capital Index Report that said 56 per cent of Ghanas human capital was going to go waste in the next 18 years because of the poor quality of the countrys education system, Dr Adutwum said the ministry was going to review the report.



The report made a stunning revelation that only 44 per cent of children born in the country today would become productive when they grew up.



But Dr Adutwum gave an assurance that the ministry would look at the indicators and turn them around.



So our team is going to review that report. We have already requested to meet with the World Bank statistics group to walk us through every indicator that is in there, ...I want us to change this, he said.









Source: graphiconline.com









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UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm alerts issued, with threat of damaging winds, small hail

A series of severe, quick-moving thunderstorms are expected to roll through New Jersey on Wednesday afternoon as a cold front pushes across the state and temperatures drop toward the freezing mark tonight, forecasters say.

The heavy rain should start by 1 p.m. and the most serious threat is expected to be damaging wind gusts before the storms move off-shore by 5 p.m., the National Weather Service said this morning.

Temperatures will then begin falling sharply, setting up a cold night with readings near or below freezing in parts of northern and central New Jersey.

The mercury will reach the low 70s by noon Wednesday before gradually dropping during the afternoon storms and then plunging into the 30s overnight across most of the state. It will be cold enough that a freeze warning will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m Thursday for Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

Temperatures will plunge on Wednesday evening after a strong round of thunderstorms.AccuWeather.com

The greatest risk for storms this afternoon is along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor, with less of a chance in extreme western New Jersey. Small hail also cant be ruled out, the weather service said.

Expect a sunny, breezy day on Thursday, with temperatures in the low 50s and wind gusts as high as 35 mph. A second freeze is also possible in northwestern areas on Thursday night, the weather service said.

It gets a bit warmer Friday with highs in the low to mid 60s, though it will still be a bit windy. The weekend will be a mixed bag  dry, warm and sunny on Saturday with highs in the upper 60s before rain moves in Saturday night and makes for a wet start to Sunday. The second day of the weekend shouldnt be a washout, though.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.

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[April 21, 2021] New Research: California's Historic EV Carbon Reduction Strategy Must Put Equity First or Risk Falling Short of Benchmarks

To reach Gov. Gavin Newsom's net-zero emission vehicle (ZEV) goal by 2035, officials must put equity goals at the forefront of the state's ZEV strategy - or risk falling short of benchmarks and worsening disparities in priority communities, according to new research by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. The study, An Agenda for Equity-Centered Clean Transportation, was released today amid what could be a momentous budget season for climate change action, highlighting challenges and opportunities amid California's push to cut carbon emissions and local air pollution. The groundbreaking research, which links equity to the effectiveness of the state's ambitious zero-emission vehicle push, will be delivered to the Governor's office to help establish equity metrics and principles to inform ZEV policy from the ground up. The study comes as state lawmakers consider Gov. Newsom's 2021-22 budget proposal, which includes a $1.5 billion fiscal blueprint to achieve the state's zero-emission vehicle goals in the coming decades. "As California transitions to a zero-emission transportation system, it needs a robust and multifaceted agenda for equity-centered clean transportation policies," said J.R. DeShazo, director of the Luskin Center for Innovation at UCLA, which conducted the study. "Pursuing this agenda of recommendations elevates and builds equity into the next generation of California's clean transportation policies." The study underscores that the past decade of clean transportation policies has not equally benefited all Californians. Instead, low-income communities hit hardest by pollution have been largely left behind in the green transition - disparities that threaten to impact communities of all income levels through climate change. Policymakers must design and pursue a deliberate, overarching policy and regulatory framework to send zero-emission vehicles to low-income areas atscale, researchers determined.



The research was commissioned by the Los Angeles Business Council Institute and aided by a working group of key community advocates, business leaders, and policymakers who helped inform the findings. "The climate crisis threatens the lives and health of millions of Californians, and policymakers need to build from the ground up taking thoughtful, evidence-based action to protect our communities," said Mary Leslie, president of the LABC. "These recommendations provide an important foundation to create equitable policies, build stronger communities, and achieve our clean transportation goals."

The greatest hurdle to meeting environmental goals appears to be directing clean vehicles to moderate- and low-income drivers who are more likely to own older, emissions-heavy vehicles. In response, researchers recommend pursuing reforms to lower the purchase price of new and used zero-emission vehicles, subsidize vehicle financing, and reduce the cost of both charging infrastructure and the electricity or fuel itself. "History tells us that equity doesn't happen by accident. It requires deliberate, proactive measures to create fair outcomes, no matter your zip code," said Bahram Fazeli, director of research and policy at Communities for Better Environment. "Our state's zero-emission vehicle strategy must consider the importance of equity from the ground up. These recommendations make clear what must be done." A key recommendation is to ensure public and private zero-emission fleets are first deployed to disadvantaged communities. From parcel delivery vehicles to school buses and police cruisers, these fleets can help clean air in disadvantaged communities. Policymakers can drive these changes through public contracts and licenses, as well as through public-private partnerships. The research also recommends expanding investments in e-mobility and e-transit, such as electric scooters and bikes, to bridge these gaps. "'Equity in every decision' is the foundation of California's recently released ZEV Market Development Strategy," said Tyson Eckerle, deputy director of Zero Emission Vehicle Market Development in the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. "This study is a key building block in turning that foundation into a reality shared by all of California's diverse regions and communities." The state's zero-emissions benchmark stems from Gov. Newsom's ambitious September 2020 executive order, which set a goal to make all in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks zero-emission by 2035. All medium- and heavy-duty vehicles should be zero-emission by 2045, the order says. About the Los Angeles Business Council Institute The LABC Institute is a forward-thinking research and education organization dedicated to strengthening the sustainable economy of California, particularly the Southern California region. Founded in 2010, the LABC Institute provides a bridge between the business, government, environmental, labor and nonprofit communities of Southern California to develop policies and programs that promote investment, jobs and business development. We are the research and education arm of the Los Angeles Business Council, one of the most respected business advocacy organizations in Southern California. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005378/en/

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(Newser)  A county district attorney on Monday called for a criminal investigation into the arrest last year of Karen Garner, a 73-year-old woman from Loveland, Colo., with dementia that has sparked headlines recently with the release of bodycam footage and Garner's own lawsuit against the city and its cops. "Involved and investigating agencies have agreed that an independent criminal review is appropriate, and an investigation of the incident will occur," Gordon P. McLaughlin said, per CBS News. Garner's family called the move a "small, but long overdue, step in the right direction," the New York Times reports. Garner, who allegedly left Walmart without paying for $13.88 worth of items, appeared confused as she was arrested while picking wildflowers on her walk home; her arm was broken and a shoulder dislocated after the officer twisted her arm behind her back while pressing her against his car. Her family says she has little functional use of her arm to this day.

story continues below

Her family says she was then taken to jail for six hours and given no medical help; she also had bruises all over her 80-pound body, they say. The charges against her were dropped by McLaughlin's predecessor, who cited her dementia; her family says she also suffers from disorientation and sensory aphasia, which causes her to have difficulty understanding speech and communicating. Walmart employees had already taken the items from her, and refused her offer to pay for them, according to the lawsuit, before calling police, which they say they did because she "forcibly removed" an employee's mask, the Washington Post reports. Separately, the city of Loveland said that after the DA's investigation is finished, it will separately investigate whether officers followed policy. The Loveland PD also promised to review the arrest. The arresting officer is on administrative leave and the assisting officer and their supervisor are both on desk duty. (Read more Colorado stories.)
Shares in small banks, buy now pay later apps and boutique technology companies are set to soar this month as speculators get excited about Australia's economic recovery.

The Australian Securities Exchange's benchmark S&P/ASX200 was 0.3 per cent weaker late on Wednesday afternoon.

This followed two strong trading weeks which saw the share market on Monday reach a level that was just 1.5 per cent below the all-time high of 7,197 points set in February 2020, a month before the Covid shutdowns.

While investors have this week been selling to make a quick profit, other shares have continued to climb with the broader share index at 6,997 points.

Shares in small banks, buy now pay later apps and boutique technology companies are set to soar this month as speculators get excited about Australia's economic recovery. Pictured is a Bank of Queensland branch in Brisbane

Freelancer, a cloud-based platform matching employers with professionals looking for one-off work, has defied the market correction to see its share price soar from just 61 cents on Monday to 86 cents as of Wednesday - a mammoth 44 per cent increase in just two days. Pictured is chief executive Matt Barrie

Freelancer, a cloud-based platform matching employers with professionals looking for one-off work, has defied the market correction to see its share price soar from just 61 cents on April 12 to 86 cents as of Wednesday - a mammoth 41 per cent increase in less than two weeks with the price going up by 8.8 per cent on Wednesday.

The share price rose even before Freelancer revealed, on Tuesday, that its net cash receipts after tax had soared by 12 per cent to a record $15.6million during the first quarter of 2021.

IG market analyst Kyle Rodda said risk-taking investors were particularly excited about smaller technology companies.

'The small cap space has roared over the last few weeks and there's a lot of interest,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'There's a real appetite to take risk in corners of the market that in more normal circumstances perhaps you wouldn't see such risk taking occur.'

The Bank of Queensland was also regarded as a good investment to cash in on Australia's economic recovery favouring financial stocks.

While its $9.10 share price was down 0.6 per cent on Wednesday, it still marked a healthy 3.4 per cent increase from $8.80 on April 15.

The Brisbane-based bank's share price is still a lot cheaper than Commonwealth Bank ($88.17), Westpac ($24.98), ANZ ($28.42) and NAB ($26.21).

On Tuesday, BoQ updated its first half results for 2021 to clarify that its basic earnings per share would rise to 35.5 cents, up from the 34.3 cent figure quoted on Thursday last week.

Mr Rodda said smaller banks were benefiting from the strong sentiment that had propelled a recovery in the share prices of the big banks.

Investors are also getting excited about ZipCo, a smaller buy now, pay later app company

IG market analyst Kyle Rodda said risk-taking investors were particularly excited about smaller technology companies and were more willing to speculate and take risks

'We're seeing the strength that has more or less been expressed in the prices of the big four banks spill over into the mid-tier space as well,' he said.

'There's the whole notion now with the Australian economy picking up, the housing market picking up, credit conditions improving, the financial sector as a whole is one that's really going to outperform.

'In situations where you see the market sentiment very, very strong, you get a broad-based move in the financial sector or in the banks and an element of that is spilling over into the way BoQ is trading at the moment.'

Job vacancies advertised on the internet in March rose by 19.1 per cent to a 12-year high of 238,700 to be up 96.4 per cent over the year, the federal government's National Skills Commission revealed on Wednesday.

The economic rebound has also helped buy now, pay later apps, with Afterpay surging from $8.80 in March last year to $158 in February. It has since moderated to $121.82 as of Wednesday.

A smaller player ZipCo has also been volatile with his share price surging from $2 a year ago to $13.92 in February before dropping back to $8.75, a daily drop of 2.8 per cent.

Despite day-to-day volatility, Mr Rodda said speculators were still interested in both Afterpay and ZipCo based on optimism about future profits and not existing company fundamentals.

Mr Rodda said speculators were still interested in both Afterpay and ZipCo based on optimism about future profits and not existing company fundamentals. Pictured is Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar with his wife Gabrielle

'There's still a very big desire to speculate in this space and try and take risks on buying buy now, pay later because really it's the closest thing the ASX200 has had for a really long time to a market darling,' he said.

'Everybody loves Afterpay because it's a success story in the Australian market and it attracts a lot of people who just want to trade in and out of the market to try and make a quick buck as well.

'People are just trading on the hype, the narrative and trying to, at the very best, estimate a fair value of these companies that are very, very difficult to get at because their profits are expected to arrive so far in the future.'

Mr Rodda said ZipCo's share price was more likely to surge in the short-term than much bigger Afterpay in a volatile market.

'Anywhere in the buy now, pay later space, something like Zip is a little more sensitive to that sort of dynamic because the market cap's a little bit smaller,' he said.
The Orleans Parish Coroners Office has identified the teenage boy slain in St. Roch and the man found dead on the Crescent City Connection in separate incidents Sunday.

The youth shot to death in the 2200 block of N. Johnson Street about 7:40 p.m. Sunday was 15-year-old Brandon Santiago, the coroner said.

Police have released few details about the killing and more information about Santiago wasn't immediately available.

One resident said he was stepping into his house when he witnessed two cars whipping down the street.

As shooting began, 70-year-old Marine Corps veteran Oren Forges ran up his houses front steps for cover. He sprinted so fast that he didnt lock his door behind him, he said.

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Pop! Pop! Pop! Forges said. Im trying to do a Houdini out here.

Forges said police stayed for hours, collecting what seemed like dozens of shell casings. He said hes lived on the street for eight years, and that as far as he knew the victim had no connection to the block.

Separately, the coroner identified the victim discovered dead on the Crescent City Connection about 2 a.m. Sunday as Darien Williams, 32. Police said that officers notified of a suspicious vehicle on the bridges eastbound side near the Tchoupitoulas exit found Williams dead inside the vehicle and another male, whose age hasnt been released, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The second victim was listed in critical condition at the hospital as of Sunday.
EVART  Lake-Osceola State Bank broke ground on its newest location on West 7th Street, between Fosters Super Market and Osceola Grand Hotel, in Evart on Friday, April 16.

Bob Fisher, President and CEO of Lake-Osceola State Bank said Lake-Osceola State Bank is at home in this part of Michigan, and will bring fresh, new resources to Evart and surrounding areas.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd April, 2021) US embassy officials in Moscow met with Russian officials on Wednesday to discuss the Kremlin's response to the Biden administration's latest round of sanctions, State Department spokesperson Ned price said in a press briefing.

"US embassy officials in Moscow met today with Russian officials to discuss various bilateral topics, including the Russian response to our announcement last week on April 15," Price said. "We expect these discussions will continue in the coming days."

Price said Russia already notified the US administration about which American diplomats had been expelled.
This is the Education Briefing, a weekly update on the most important news in American education. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Teaching the Chauvin verdict

On Wednesday, many teachers will have a big topic to discuss with their students: the news that a jury convicted Derek Chauvin of murder for the killing of George Floyd. We reached out to some of the educators who have been in touch with this newsletter to see how theyll handle it.

Emily Beenen, an English teacher in Albuquerque, N.M., said she will have just a very simple debrief with her students, and then ask them some basic questions: What do you think? How do you feel?

I am not trying to traumatize anybody, but you want to acknowledge their lived experience, but do so in an academic way and in a supportive way, said Beenen, who teaches mostly Native students. It kind of gives these names to these things that they already see and know around them.

Kellie Crook teaches at an all-girls charter school in Baltimore that she said was 99 percent Black. Like other teachers in the school, she plans to start a conversation with the poem Allowables, by Nikki Giovanni, and discuss justice and accountability.
DUBLIN, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "China Blood Product Industry Report, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

With the adjustment in the catalog of medicines covered by national medical insurance system, the scope and reimbursement ratio of almost all blood products for clinical use grow tremendously, which has further opened up the blood product market. In 2020, the lot release volume of blood products in China sustained growth, hitting 101.31 million bottles, a year-on-year upsurge of 12.7%.



Wherein, the lot release volume of human albumin rose 14.78% on an annualized basis, making up 60%; that of human immunoglobulin (pH4) for intravenous injection as a percentage of 12.92% in the total showed a year-on-year increase of 11.78%; that of human tetanus immunoglobulin soared by 76.7% and accounted for 6.9%; other products like human fibrinogen, human prothrombin complex and human coagulation factor VIII took relatively low shares.



The Health Commission of Yunnan Province proposed to set up 24 plasma collection stations (adding 20 new ones based on the 4 pilot ones) across the province, according to the Plan of Yunnan Province for Setting up Plasma Collection Stations (2020-2023) (Exposure Draft) it issued in December 2020. Currently, Shanghai Blood Products under Beijing Tiantan Biological Products has 2 pilot stations operated in Yunnan, having collected a total of around 42 tons. Also, the document indicates blood product companies that construct production bases in Yunnan will be given priority to build. With its plasma station expansion plan, Yunnan may set the pace in loosening the restrictions on new plasma stations. On one estimate, China had boasted 273 plasma collection stations by the end of 2020.



In 2020, the pandemic suspended plasma collection in China for two months, stopping collection volume growth. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences predicted a like-on-like slump of 22%, or 1,000 tons, in plasma collection volume in the first half of 2020.



Companies with more plasma stations, such as Beijing Tiantan Biological Products, Shanghai RAAS Blood Products, China Biologic Products and Hualan Biological Engineering gather pace and will scramble for larger shares on the strength of their great ability to collect plasma, promising their far higher industry status. In 2019, Beijing Tiantan Biological Products, Hualan Biological Engineering, China Biologic Products and Shanghai RAAS Blood Products took a higher combined market share of up to 34.47%.



In recent years, there were an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions among blood products companies in China. Leaders roared ahead mainly by way of mergers and acquisitions, an expansion model supplemented by self-built plasma stations. Mergers and acquisitions have been a key part of their long-term strategic plans.

On January 28, 2020, Southern Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy made an announcement that it would merge with Harbin Pacific Biopharmaceutical and restructure it, and raise funds. Southern Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy now has 13 plasma collection stations, collecting roughly 400 tons in 2019, compared with Harbin Pacific Biopharmaceutical which owns 10 stations collecting 240 tons in 2019.

Moreover, Southern Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy and Xinjiang Deyuan Bioengineering forged a strategic partnership in which Xinjiang Deyuan Bioengineering promises to provide over 180-ton plasma for Southern Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy every year, totaling more than 900 tons for the five years to come. Southern Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy is thus expected to be a first-echelon player in the industry.



China Blood Product Industry Report, 2020-2027 highlights the following:

China blood product industry (policy, status quo, market structure, supply & demand, market size, competitive pattern);

blood product industry (policy, status quo, market structure, supply & demand, market size, competitive pattern); China blood product market segments (status quo, bid price, competitive pattern);

blood product market segments (status quo, bid price, competitive pattern); 13 blood product companies (operation, revenue structure, gross margin, blood product business, etc.);

Summary and forecast.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Blood Products

1.1 Definition

1.2 Classification

1.3 Recombinant Blood Products

1.4 Industry Chain

1.5 Features



2. China Blood Product Market

2.1 Policies

2.2 Status Quo

2.3 Market Structure

2.4 Supply and Demand

2.4.1 Supply

2.4.2 Demand

2.5 Market Size

2.6 Competitive Pattern



3. China Blood Product Market Segments

3.1 Human Albumin

3.1.1 Status Quo

3.1.2 Bid Price

3.1.3 Market Structure

3.1.4 Competitive Pattern

3.1.5 Prospects

3.2 Human Immunoglobulin (pH4) for Intravenous Injection

3.3 Coagulation Factor VIII

3.4 Human Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin

3.5 Human Immunoglobulin

3.6 Human Prothrombin Complex

3.7 Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin

3.8 Human Rabies Immunoglobulin



4. Major Enterprises

4.1 China Biologic Products (CBPO)

4.1.1 Profile

4.1.2 Operation

4.1.3 Revenue Structure

4.1.4 Gross Margin

4.1.5 R&D Investment

4.1.6 Blood Products Business

4.1.7 Guizhou Taibang Biological Products Co., Ltd.

4.1.8 Shandong Taibang Biological Products Co., Ltd.

4.1.9 Xi'an Huitian Blood Products Co., Ltd.

4.2 Hualan Biological Engineering Co., Ltd.

4.3 Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co., Ltd.

4.4 Beijing Tiantan Biological Products

4.5 Guangdong Shuanglin Bio-Pharmacy

4.6 Jiangxi Boya Bio-Pharmaceutical

4.7 Weiguang Biological Products

4.8 Beijing Bohui Innovation Technology

4.9 Wuhan ZhongyuanRuide Biological Products Co., Ltd.

4.10 Sichuan Yuanda Shuyang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

4.11 Shanxi Kangbao Biological Product Co., Ltd.

4.12 Green Cross China

4.13 Nanyue Biopharming Corporation Ltd.



5. Summary and Forecast

5.1 Summary

5.2 Development Trends

5.2.1 The Industry Continues to Boom

5.2.2 Industry Integration Speeds Up, Concentration Rises Further

5.2.3 Plasma Collection Volume and Number of Plasma Stations Determine the Status in the Industry

5.2.4 Plasma Collection Volume Increases Progressively

5.2.5 Enterprises Make More Input in R&D of New Products to Sharpen Competitiveness, Comprehensive Utilization of Blood Plasma Gets a Further Rise

5.2.6 Downstream Demand Stimulates the Industry

5.2.7 Healthcare System Reform Deepens, Gradual Perfection of Medical Insurance System Favors the Growth of the Industry

5.2.8 COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Development Opportunities to Domestic Companies



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bqv833

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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You are here: China

Two crewmen in Taiwan tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, though the source of their infection remains undetermined, the local epidemic monitoring agency said.

The two men, one in his 50s and the other in his 60s, were on board a cargo flight to the United States on April 14.

After returning on April 16, they were placed under three-day quarantine and thereafter tested positive for the virus.

To date, Taiwan has reported a total of 1,078 COVID-19 cases, of which 1,038 have recovered, 11 have died and 29 remain under treatment in hospital.
Today, Florida Orthodontist, Dr. Larry Kawa launched the new website, JoeBiden.org in opposition of President Joe Bidens recently proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure bill known as the American Jobs Plan.

As every American should, I support my country and my president and wish for their mutual success," said Dr. Larry Kawa. "I believe that the US could use an overhaul of our infrastructure. However they've turned $115 billion of spending on roads, bridges, and highways into a $2.3 trillion lobbyists dream, filled with paybacks and items that are definitely not infrastructure. Even worse, theres another $1 trillion + bill that will follow this one, making it even more egregious.

President Biden and his team have been selling this bill as an infrastructure bill, which has caused controversy because the majority of what is in the bill is not related to infrastructure.

I launched JoeBiden.org so that the American people can see whats really going on with their money and their elected officials, stated Kawa. Congress has hundreds of billions of dollars left over from previous spending bills that can be used to rebuild our roads, bridges, and highways. Why dont they use that first before spending another $2.3 trillion of our money?

Kawa then added that, the American people have become so desensitized to numbers, that we dont really have a concept of whats another $2.3 trillion. Its so much money you could give every single one of the 19 million residents of New York a million dollars and have enough left over to buy each of the 19 million residents of Florida a brand new $200k+ Lamborghini.

Kawa stated that the real loser of this bill is the American people.

I for one am sick of what comes from Washington DC every year. Politicians have always said one thing and done another, and since weve never held them accountable they are flaunting it in our faces. Im asking my fellow Americans to join me and Just Say No. We need to let our Representatives and Senators know that if they vote for this bill, we will vote them out of office.

JoeBiden.org allows people to send a personalized email to all of their elected officials from their district using a simple webform.

JoeBiden.org Is not owned, operated, or affiliated with President Joe Biden or any of his designees.
Consumer Advisory: Guan and Golden Medal Brand Enoki Mushrooms Test Positive for Listeria Monocytogenes

For immediate release: April 21, 2021

Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers not to eat the following brands of fresh enoki mushrooms, which have tested positive for listeria monocytogenes. The food safety issue was identified as part of proactive, routine sampling and testing by the department.

MDARD is working with its partners at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health to assist industry in removing affected products from commerce. However, since enoki mushrooms have a long shelf life, some consumers may still have the mushrooms. Consumers should discard these products or return them to the place of purchase.

Guan's has issued a recall for its products covered under this advisory.

The impacted brands are listed below:

Guan's brand Enoki Mushrooms (UPC-810023170303) packaged in a clear 200g (7.05 oz.) bag with blue label, white and gold lettering; "RY3434A" in black letters on front of bag. Labeled "Product of China" on back of bag.

(UPC-810023170303) packaged in a clear 200g (7.05 oz.) bag with blue label, white and gold lettering; "RY3434A" in black letters on front of bag. Labeled "Product of China" on back of bag. Guan's brand Enoki Mushrooms (UPC-810023170303) packaged in a clear 200g (7.05 oz.) clear bag with blue label, white and gold lettering; "RY3428A" in black letters on front of bag. Labeled "Product of China" on back of bag.

(UPC-810023170303) packaged in a clear 200g (7.05 oz.) clear bag with blue label, white and gold lettering; "RY3428A" in black letters on front of bag. Labeled "Product of China" on back of bag. Enoki Mushrooms (UPC-809165582015) labeled as distributed by Golden Medal Mushroom, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, packaged in a 200g clear bag with green label and black lettering; "Enoki Mushroom - Product of Korea" on front of bag.

Samples of these mushrooms were collected by MDARD from several retail stores across the state. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products.

If you think you or a family member may have become ill from consuming any of these products, seek immediate medical attention.

As a reminder and as directed on packaging, enoki mushrooms should not be eaten raw or undercooked. The mushrooms should be cooked thoroughly and heated to an internal temperature of at least 165F to eliminate the risk of illness due to the presence of harmful microorganisms like Listeria monocytogenes.

###

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It took nearly a decade, but a flute worth more than $10,000 that was left in a taxi cab has now been returned to its rightful owner, according to Boston police.

Detectives returned the $13,000 flute to its owner Monday. The instrument had been missing since 2012 after its owner left it in the cab, authorities said.

The efforts to return the multi-thousand-dollar flute to its owner began more than a month ago. On Feb. 19, officers were contacted by an employee of a musical instrument store in Boston who described how a man came into the shop with the flute to determine its value, according to a statement from the citys police department.

The employee took the mans contact information and a photograph of the flute with its serial number, later discovering the instrument may be the one reported missing nine years ago, the Boston Police Departments statement said.

On April 9, detectives spoke with the man who entered the music store to determine the value of the flute. He turned over the flute to police and told officers he bought the instrument from an unknown man, according to the department.

Police said they later determined the man who was in possession of the flute was the cab driver who was operating the taxi the day the instrument was reported missing.

Authorities noted they are seeking criminal complaints against the man in Boston Municipal Court for receiving stolen goods.
A nationwide torch-passing event arrived Tuesday in Jersey City, where more than 50 undocumented immigrants marched and chanted while urging Congress and President Joe Biden to pass major immigration reform within his first 100 days.

The March to Victory: Rally Across America marches began on the West Coast, and will end in Washington D.C. on May 1, Bidens 100th day in office. Bilingual songs and chants resounded in J. Owen Grundy Park at Exchange Place, catching the attention of onlookers with the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop.

Having citizenship would mean having more opportunities in this country. Im the mother of two daughters and I want to give them the best possible life. My husband wants to open a store and contribute to this country, and I dream of giving my daughters a place to call home, said Cristina, an Elizabeth resident who came to America for the first time for what she believed was a family vacation at age 17.

Biden announced a plan to overhaul the immigration just hours after he was inaugurated, and urged Congress to pass a major immigration bill sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez to give a path to citizenship to the countrys 11 million undocumented immigrants.

The bill would give some immigrants temporary legal status and make them eligible to apply for a green card after five years, and residents protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Status would be immediately eligible for a green card, and citizenship after three years. It hasnt gained the 60 supports needed to pass the Senate.

Now its time for all workers to receive the respect and protection that we deserve, said Sonia Elgueta, a Jersey City resident and member of labor union 32BJ who works as a cleaner and said she pays taxes.

The group of migrants shared stories about why they moved from their towns, largely from South America, to New Jersey, and the hurdles they face due to not having legal papers. It can be difficult to find a job, buy a car, or have health insurance and near impossible to buy property or be eligible for state and federal benefits available to American citizens, like Social Security.

The rally arrived in New Jersey on the second week of a hunger strike for undocumented workers who have been denied relief since the coronavirus pandemic began.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

In an effort to quell the hunger strike, Murphy officials held a call with advocates and proposed a potential $40 million fund for excluded workers, according to community leaders on the call. But those activists said the number was insulting for undocumented immigrants who have gone 13 months with no financial relief.

Anna Cerrato, a 19-year-old undocumented student who came from Honduras five years ago, said her family has fallen thousands of dollars in debt over bills and rent after not being able to work during the pandemic. Her mom, grandma, and uncle sold masks they made from home to try to make ends meet, but it didnt cover everything.

Our gas bill from this past winter has us worrying the most, she said. It might seem like a little for some other families, but not for ours.

"Hate has no home here!" the immigrants and advocates chanted while walking down the Exchange Place waterfront.

She also noted how permanent protected status would be able to help her  she was accepted into her dream school, the Fashion institute of Technology in New York, but cant apply for financial aid or scholarships due to her immigration status, so she has to work and save money.

Im a good student. Now Im trying to learn other things and see what else I can do, she said. My struggles keep me going, and remembering I came from there.

Thirty-four undocumented immigrants and allies participated in the hunger strike, which began April 7, but many have dropped out due to feeling weak and health concerns. Make the Road New Jersey, which is organizing the hunger strike and led the march Tuesday, said some fatigued strikers are taking electrolytes, and the group is working with a nurse.

More than a dozen continue the hunger strike, which passed its 14th day Tuesday, but theres been no good news from lawmakers in Trenton. Debates continue over whether or not federal funds from stimulus packages can be used, and if state funds should be appropriated.

Gov. Phil Murphy said during his press conference Monday conversations are continuing with advocacy groups, lawmakers, and union leaders who represent migrant workers, but theres been no agreement.

We want to try to get to a good place here, he said.

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Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz.

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The three-member inquiry commission probing the encounter killings of gangster Vikas Dubey and five of his alleged associates has given a clean chit to Police because of lack of evidence, sources said on Wednesday.

The commission is headed by former Supreme Court judge B S Chauhan. The other two members are former Allahabad High Court judge Sashi Kant Agrawal and former UP Director General of Police K L Gupta.

The panel submitted its reported to the state government on Monday, eight months after it was set up.

"Yes the commission has submitted its report to the state government on Monday. A copy of the report will be submitted in the Supreme court also," Gupta told PTI.

He, however, did not elaborate on the contents of the report.

Asked about it, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said, "I would not like to comment on it."



According to the sources, the inquiry commission has found no evidence of wrongdoing by the state police.

Speaking to PTI, a senior police official said, "No witnesses came forward to challenge the police claims even after advertisements in newspapers and media. Also, no one from the media came forward to get their versions recorded."



There were, however, witnesses supporting the police version, he added.

On July 3 last year, eight policemen were killed in an ambush in Bikru village in Chaubeypur area of Kanpur when they were going to arrest Vikas Dubey.

Police later killed Prem Prakash Pandey (55) and Atul Dubey (35) in an encounter in Kanpur on July 3.

On July 8, Amar Dubey (30), who carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on him, was killed in an encounter in Maudaha village in Hamirpur district.

On July 9, Praveen Dubey, alias Bauwa (48), and Prabhat, alias Kartikeya (28), were killed in separate encounters in Etawah and Kanpur districts.

Six PILs were filed in the Supreme Court after this to seek a court-monitored probe into the encounter killings.

The apex court had then on July 22, 2020 approved the government's decision to institute the inquiry commission.

(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 former Minneapolis Police officer who kneeled on George Floyd's neck for over 9 minutes last year was found guilty Tuesday of all three charges against him in one of the most consequential trials of the Black Lives Matter era.

Derek Chauvin, 45, was convicted on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days in coming to their decision.

Wearing a mask inside the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Chauvin had no apparent reaction to the guilty verdict. Afterward, his bail was revoked and he was placed in handcuffs and removed from the court through a side door.
The reached a tentative climate deal that should make the 27-nation bloc climate-neutral by 2050, with member states and parliament agreeing on the targets on the eve of a virtual summit that US President Biden will host.

Our political commitment to becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050 is now also a legal commitment. The Climate Law sets the EU on a green path for a generation, said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen early Wednesday.

Under the provisional deal reached after officials negotiated through the night, the EU also commits itself on an intermediate target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

It was high time for the agreement, as Europe has to show where it stands in view of the positive developments in the USA and China, said MEP Peter Liese, the negotiator for the EPP Christian Democrat group.

The United States, the world's second-biggest polluter after China, is preparing to announce its new target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The deal still needs to be officially approved by the member states and the legislature, but Wednesday's agreement should make that little more than a rubber stamp.

(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.)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will take any action needed to see the free flow of goods, including medicines, to Northern Ireland and is working with the European Union to find solutions, the British minister for the province Brandon Lewis said on Wednesday,

"We will ensure that we take the action we need to take to ensure we continue to see the flow of goods and products ... the issue around medicines is one we are working (on) intensively with the European Union Commission," Lewis told parliament.

"There are some difficult issues, but we will do what we need to do working in partnership with the EU to get a resolution that works for the whole of the UK."

(Reporting by Paul Sandle and Sarah Young, writing by Elizabeth Piper; editing by William James)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Alabama's largest city will issue blanket pardons for more than 15,000 people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions dating back to 1990, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said Tuesday.

The pardons, linked to city court cases, are automatic, Woodfin said in an announcement made on April 20, a day that many associate with marijuana use.

Many people have a hard time finding work because of drug convictions, and Woodfin said the move would allow them to rejoin the workforce and provide for their families.

Heres why were doing this  no one should be held up by a single past mistake. No one should be denied job opportunities or freedoms due to missteps from the past, he said in a statement.

The pardons will eliminate convictions for marijuana possession from criminal records from 1990 through 2020 but do not affect pending cases, said a news release. A pardon also does not cancel fines, fees or other costs linked to a marijuana conviction.

The announcement by Woodfin, a Democrat, came as the Alabama Democratic Party said it would support the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in the state.

Legislative committees have approved a Republican-backed bill allowing marijuana for medical uses, putting the measure in line for a key vote in the Alabama House.

Rep. Chris England, the chair of the state Democratic Party, said thousands of people have been trapped in the state's criminal justice system because of laws against marijuana.

Reforming policy surrounding cannabis not only serves our state in producing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues, but is an important step in reducing arrests and expunging records. Nobody should be sitting in jail for carrying a little bit of weed, he said in a statement.
Larry Culp

Two directors are better than one at GE... General Electric CEO Larry Culp faces an interesting shareholder proposal at the May 4 virtual annual meeting.

Shareholder Martin Harangozo is hopping mad that GEs stock has lost nearly all its valuation in the last two decades while the S&P 500 about tripled in value. The Boston-based company also shaved its quarterly dividend to a penny a share.

Heres Harangozos beef: The dividend is all but gone and less than when Mr. Jack Welch became CEO in 1981. Promised benefits to retirees have been broken. Rolling heads around as Mr. John Flannery replacing Mr. Jeffrey Immelt, or Mr. Lawrence Culp Jr. replacing Flannery has had no substantial positive effect in restoring the company valuation or growing it to the broader market.

At the very least, Harangozo hopes GEs stock can keep up with the general stock markets performance.

His idea is to give shareholders more of a choice in directors.

Electing board directors where each board seat has only one option, is a laughable circus and has no performance merit as demonstrated by the General Electric stock price. A presidential election for example, with only one candidate, would be unimaginable, laughable, and void of any election merit where voters have a legitimate voice.

Harangozo wants GE to put forth at least two candidates for every available open board seat. Do you have a twin, Larry?

Culp and company shoot down the resolution, claiming GE employs a rigorous and thorough process for selecting the candidates and that each board member has skills that complement each other.

GE notes Harangozos unique approach of presenting two candidates for each open board seat is not utilized by any company in the S&P 500, may result in individual nominees being considered in isolation and, thus may produce a board of directors that fails to represent a diversity of experiences and viewpoints.

The company claims board teamwork is the key to success. Harangozo suggests it is time to break up the team.

The Rockefeller Foundations Pandemic Prevention Institute is looking for a director of communications to further its mission of heading off the next COVID-19 crisis.

PPI is positioned as a global platform for rapid pathogen threat detection, evaluation, and action designed specifically to prevent pandemics.

Coordinating with governments, international health authorities, policymakers, NGOs and academics, PPIs goal is to contain all pandemic-potential outbreaks within 100 days.

The desired communications director will develop and execute influence strategies that combine expertise in PR, campaigns, and strategy to help advance the Institutes goals.

Curiosity, creativity and versatility, a global perspective, and a passion for innovative thinking are musts.

PPI last month made a high-profile hire, recruiting Rick Bright to head its operations.

The former Dept. of Health and Human Services Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority moved into the national spotlight last year when he quit his post to protest Team Trumps political interference in the handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Bright also blamed the White House for spreading inaccurate information that he said was dangerous, reckless and causing lives to be lost.

He can now save countless lives by using science to head off the next pandemic.
Myanmar: Releases 12 SL fishermen

April 21,2021 | Source: Daily Mirror Online

Twelve Sri Lankan fishermen who were taken into custody by Myanmar Navy in February, have been released, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar said. The fishermen were arrested on February 11 and were charged with trespassing into Myanmar waters, fishing in those waters, disobeying naval orders and entering the country. The two captains of the fishing boat have been sentenced to five years and six months imprisonment, while the other 10 fishermen have been sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment. In addition, they have also been fined. The fishermen were held at the Pathan Prison in Myanmar.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
CHICO, Calif.  A head-on collision shut down the Esplanade at Tonea Way Tuesday afternoon.

One person is facing major injuries, according to police.

Police said the collision was reported around 3:20 p.m. near Basque Norte and Esplanade.

The collision blocked traffic in both directions from DeGarmo Park to Sols Mexican Grill.

Police said two people, the drivers of the vehicles, were involved in the collision.

This is a developing story. Action News Now will keep you updated with new information on-air and online.
ROSH HA'AYIN, Israel, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquarius Engines (Aquarius Engines AM Ltd) (TASE: AQUA) Board and Audit Committee have approved a strategic agreement with Honda-affiliate Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co. Ltd, a leading publicly traded Japanese auto-parts manufacturer and one of the Aquarius Engines controlling shareholders. In addition, the Audit Committee classified the engagement as a transaction that is not an 'exceptional transaction' in accordance with Section 117 of the Companies Law. The agreement focuses on strategic collaboration on research and development, assembly, distribution, marketing and sales of the Aquarius Engines and generators. The specifics of the deal are still subject to change with negotiations ongoing .

The 10kg Aquarius Engines Linear Free Piston Engine. Photo Credit: David Katz

The move comes after Aquarius Engines announced another strategic partnership with Japanese auto-parts manufacturer TPR. Aquarius Engines has also begun the process of establishing a Japanese subsidiary to extend their reach in Japan and propel Aquarius Engines towards its entry into the automotive market through a strategic partnership with a leading player in the industry.

The Government of Japan continues to encourage the development of technological innovations in the field of hydrogen as an energy source and allocates significant resources for this purpose, a move that serves as a fertile ground for the Aquarius Engines plans to revolutionize green energy.

"This week's approval of our strategic agreement with Musashi Seimitsu is one more move towards realising our potential in Japan. Together with our Japanese partners, we hope to welcome a new age of global green energy and transportation," said Gal Fridman, Chairman of Aquarius Engines.

Aquarius Engines has developed and produced a tiny 10kg linear engine for generating electricity, with an internal combustion mechanism. Unlike large traditional engines, the Aquarius Engine only has one moving part and converts fuel into electricity without the use of oil. Due to its size and light weight, the engine has high mechanical efficiency that allows for low emissions and low pollution.

In addition to its partnerships with the Japanese Musashi Seimitsu and TPR, Aquarius Engines has a partnership with Nokia in the field of remote communication and energy equipment management.

The Aquarius Engines technology currently has around 20 patents registered worldwide. With additional applications in the fields of aviation, marine and range extenders for the automotive market. Aquarius has manufacturing and development centers in Israel, Germany and Poland. https://www.aquariusengines.com/

For more information contact [email protected]

SOURCE AQUARIUS ENGINES
The University of Bucharest ranks in the 301-400 margin out of 1,115 institutions participating in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, holding "the first position nationally".

"The University of Bucharest has the best performances at the level of Romanian higher education in terms of social and economic impact, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, one of the best known rankings in the global academic space. According to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, the University of Bucharest (UB) is positioned in the 301-400 margin, out of 1,115 participating institutions, proving, once again, its adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals", informs a press release of the higher education institution.

According to the quoted source, UB appears in 8 categories out of the 17 analyzed, standing out in areas such as "Quality Education", "Gender Equality", "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions", "Reduced Inequalities" and "Decent Work and Economic Growth". Thus, the University of Bucharest ranks 44th out of 966 institutions in the "Quality Education" category and 38th out of 776 institutions in the "Gender Equality" category, while in the "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" category it ranks in the margins 101-200, and in the fields "Reduced Inequalities" and "Decent Work and Economic Growth", UB falls within the margin 201-300, agerpres.ro confirms.

"In detail, the results of the University of Bucharest position the institution as the first university in Romania in the categories of" Quality Education "," Gender Equality "and" Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions", states the same source.

The criteria according to which higher education institutions are classified in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are based on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The hierarchy highlights the impact of universities on society, based on their success in achieving goals such as "Good Health and Wellbeing", "Gender Equality", "Decent Work and Economic Growth", "Reduced Inequalities" or "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions", "Partnership for the Goals".

According to the same source, in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, the University of Bucharest is followed, in the margin 401-600, by two other member universities of the Universitaria Consortium: "Babes-Bolyai" University of Cluj-Napoca and the Academy of Economic Studies from Bucharest, as well as by the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.
April 20, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Crowds at Hennepin Government Center after Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Floyd died on May 25, 2020 while in police custody. A video showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyds neck sparked world wide protests against police brutality.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Jews all across the world are reacting to Tuesdays jury verdict on former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

Floyds death on May 25, 2020, touched off massive worldwide protests, violence and an examination of U.S. race relations and police conduct in the last year. The Jewish communityactive in civil rights and with a long history of black-Jewish tiesreacted with outrage over Floyds death, one of a number of high-profile cases nationwide.

Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Congregation Shaare Emeth

This week, the Jewish community is studying the Torah portion, Kedoshim, in which we read the verse, Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds (Lev. 19:16).

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For far too long, our nation has stood idly by or turned a blind eye or actively participated in devaluing, criminalizing and killing people of color. The guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was one small step forward in our communities holding ourselves accountable to the value of justice we purport.

But I believe that justice will truly be served when we begin to dismantle a racist criminal justice system and build in its place a system that centers equity, inclusion and compassion for the pain of the oppressed.

Rabbi Randy Fleisher of Central Reform Congregation



I remember the incredible disappointment I felt the night that the grand jury in St. Louis decided not to hold the officer who killed Michael Brown accountable. So, I was especially relieved when Derek Chauvin was found guilty.

Relieved that millions of people stood up for the humanity of George Floyd; relieved that other police officers decided to testify to Chauvins brutality; relieved that there is finally a growing awareness of the insidious bias and unequal people of color face day to day; and relieved that the jury agreed that George Floyds heart was not too big, but tragically, Derek Chauvins heart was too small.'

Relief that should give us all the strength we need to continue doing the vital mitzvah of pursuing racial justice.

Rori Picker Neiss, executive director of Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis

I think we have to remember that this is ultimately a case in which one man lost his life and now another man is going to be going to prison, and there is no happy ending that comes from any of that.

What we hope is that there is continued necessary conversation around police reform, that this case has highlighted the profound brokenness of the systems we have in place and the deep need for our community to do internal reflection on where we are and how we can help move forward with the necessary reforms.

Our JCRC has a Jewish coalition on racial equity that has a subcommittee that is working on specific policy issues, supporting initiatives that are taking place in Jefferson City, including [State Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City) has a bill that passed in the [Missouri State Senate] to ban chokeholds in Missouri.

Some of these are just individual steps, but there are real changes that are happening, many of which have bipartisan support.

Rabbi Garth Silberstein, Bais Abraham Congregation

I feel relief. It seems clear that in this case at least, justice has been served, but I also am aware that our responsibility for pursuing justice doesnt stop with the prosecution of one criminal but in making sure that we continue to work towards a society where injustice is not tolerated or condoned.

We live in a very racially-segregated city, and as a Jewish community which is mostly but not entirely white, I think we can make sure that we are constantly working to build bridges across lots of difference to try to listen to and understand  especially those of us who are white  to understand the experience of people of color in this community and understand what they see as the most pressing needs in building a more just community here in St. Louis.

Well continue to update this story as more reactions come in.
Head of European Union diplomacy Josep Borrell has said that the EU is ready to consider options for action in the event of continued aggression against Ukraine, and to oppose Russia's attempts to pose itself as a mediator rather than a party to the conflict.

"Tensions are rising fast in and around Ukraine. At the Foreign Affairs Council, we have sent a clear signal of our collective support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Borrel wrote in his blog on Tuesday.

He noted that the foreign ministers in a joint video conference on Monday focused on Ukraine and on how the EU can best support it in solving problems. To do this, they invited Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba to join the videoconference.

The ministers, Borrell said, agreed that they should speak with one voice bilaterally in their conversations with Russia and in all relevant international fora  the G7, the OSCE, with the US - and pass coordinated messages of steadfast solidarity with Ukraine.

He said that he and President Michel had confirmed their participation in the Summit on the International Crimean Platform planned for 23 August in Kyiv.
A man killed himself soon after killing one person and wounding another early Wednesday morning outside a Wawa in Upper Macungie Township, authorities report.

During a news conference Wednesday morning outside the store at Schantz Road and Route 100, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said the incident began just after 4:45 a.m. as a person driving a white Toyota Corolla fired a shot at a woman who was driving a car on Route 22 between Route 309 and Cedar Crest Boulevard.

The woman didnt realize she was shot at, and stopped at the Wawa to get a sandwich, Martin said. She realized her car was shot as she left the store, Martin said.

The Toyota pulled into the store lot, and the driver shot and wounded someone in a Jeep, Martin said. The driver of the Toyota then shot and killed the driver of a tractor-trailer who was pumping gas, Martin said.

The Toyota driver then walked about a quarter-mile south on Route 100, shot himself in the hand and the chest, and died, Martin said.

A child care center down the road posted that the shooter was at its site. An active shooter was on foot and police took him into custody at our Brookside Parkland site. Everyone is SAFE, the Brookside Childrens Early Education Centers posted on its Facebook page.

Authorities have not identified the gunman or any of the victims.

We dont have any motive at this point. It appears that the three shootings ... were indiscriminate and unrelated, Martin said.

Arthur Sanchez, a security guard for one of the nearby businesses, told The Morning Call that he parked next to a car that had bullet holes and shattered windows on its passenger side. He had stopped at the Wawa before work.

In the area, businesses were put on lockdown, a school was closed, and roads were off-limits this morning.

This story has been updated with details about motive, identities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
FLINT, MI -- Attorney Geoffrey Fieger says 25 clients with pending Flint water crisis lawsuits wont be strong-armed into dropping their cases against McLaren Regional Medical Center and joining in a $641-million settlement with the hospital, the state of Michigan and others.

Speaking in a virtual hearing in federal court Wednesday, April 21, Fieger told U.S. District Court Judge Judith E. Levy and Genesee Circuit Court Judge Joseph J. Farah that all but one of his clients with Legionnaires disease claims dont want to settle their cases under the terms of the agreement thats received preliminary approval from the courts.

The decision of Fieger clients to opt-out of the settlement could impact the overall agreement because McLaren has the ability to walk away from the deal if any of the individual lawsuits against it continue. In that case, the hospital could take back the $20 million it agreed to contribute to the $641-million settlement and defend itself against the lawsuits in court instead.

Im certainly not going to let anyone -- not the defense attorneys, not the lead counsel, not anyone -- question my clients about their decisions concerning whether or not to participate in a settlement that they had no input into whatsoever, Fieger said.

We were alerted in advance that one or both of you might try in some way to coerce a settlement by accusing us of having some kind of ethical violation or conflict ..., the attorney told Levy and Farah, calling the effort an attempt to strong-arm us.

The judges said they want to address a potential conflict for Fieger if one or more of his clients settle while others opt-out of the deal and go to trial. The decision by most of the clients to take their cases to trial could harm the opportunity of others who want to settle because McLaren could walk away from the settlement, Farah said.

Farah, who is handling most of the Legionnaires cases in Genesee Circuit Court, gave Fieger 21 days to tell him in writing how his firm will handle the potential conflict.

Both Farah and Levy denied they were attempting to strong-arm Fieger into settling.

Mr. Feiger indicated that Judge Farah and I were here to coerce a settlement. Most certainly not, Levy said. Please rest assured that is absolutely not true, just to put it frankly.

Levy said if Fieger pursues his cases against McLaren, the cases most likely would not be heard until sometime next year because of delays in hearing cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The judges closed a part of Wednesdays hearing to the public and met privately with Fieger and some of his clients.

McLaren has been accused but previously denied responsibility for outbreaks of Legionnaires disease that occurred during the Flint water crisis.

In 2016, the hospital told former Genesee Circuit Court Judge Judith A. Fullerton that it had no duty to inform patients of a Legionnaires disease outbreak at the facility, but Fullerton denied its motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Fieger.

That lawsuit claimed the hospitals water system was tainted by legionella bacteria, which led to multiple cases of Legionnaires disease outbreak.

Hospital officials have said the city of Flint was responsible for providing it with clean water.

Fieger filed the lawsuit in February 2016 in Genesee County on behalf of 58-year-old Debra Kidd and three others who were victims of Legionnaires disease.

Kidd died from Legionella pneumonia on Aug. 2, 2015, seven days after she arrived at the hospitals emergency room with a headache.

Read more on MLive:

Attorney Geoffrey Fieger seeks $100 million in Flint Legionnaires lawsuit

McLaren asks Fieger to admit: Others were negligent in Legionnaires outbreak

11 takeaways from judges preliminary OK of Flint water crisis settlement
[April 21, 2021] Molecular Testing Labs Partners With Concentric By Ginkgo To Provide Pooled COVID-19 Testing For K-12 Schools Across The Country

VANCOUVER, Wash., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vancouver, Washington-based Molecular Testing Labs ("Molecular") announced today that it has partnered with Boston-based Concentric by Ginkgo, the public health and biosecurity effort at Ginkgo Bioworks ("Ginkgo"), the organism company, to offer pooled COVID-19 testing for schools across the country. Ginkgo is the country's largest provider of COVID-19 testing for K-12 schools, offering pooled testing at over 800 schools across more than a dozen states. Molecular is an industry leader in self-collect diagnostic testing. Molecular has run COVID-19 testing in every state in the U.S. "This partnership allows us to get kids back in the classroom in an affordable and easy way," said Molecular co-founder James York. "Pooled testing will also be key to America's economic recovery and we look forward to expanding our partnership to other venues. "Pooled testing will also allow the $12 billion being invested in testing by the Biden Administration to go further and allow for more frequent testing of students and teachers," York said. "Enabling testing for every student and every teacher, every week, gives schools the information they need to make informed public health decisions in real time," said Jason Kelly, Ginkgo's CEO and co-founder. "Parents can rest easier knowing their kids are being continually tested while attending in-person classes." Pooled classroom testing, which combines swabs from all consenting individuals in a classroom and runs them as a single test, can significantly increase testing capacity and lower the cost of testing programs. Results come back within 48 hours an pooled testing can cost as little as $6 per person.



Since the protocol for having even one positive test in a classroom can be the same as having multiple positive tests, a single pooled result can provide timely data to schools to inform further mitigation efforts. The tests are also easy for schools to administer and can be used on students from kindergarten on up. Test kits are provided by Ginkgo. Each test combines samples collected from a group of people, usually 10-12, but ranging as high as 25. The samples are then shipped to Molecular Labs to be analyzed and results are delivered on a secure, online portal. The test kits offered by Ginkgo provide schools with everything teachers need to easily test students as young as 5. The test kits come with easy-to-understand training materials and a return priority shipping label.

About Molecular Testing Labs

Molecular Testing Labs' mission is to provide accessible and innovative laboratory solutions through collaborative partnerships with payors, private healthcare institutions, universities, and public health organizations. Molecular Testing Labs has revolutionized access to convenient and affordable testing and has designed a proprietary information system capable of monitoring patient specimens for adherence to medical testing policies. In addition to traditional labs, Molecular Testing Labs has pioneered unique distribution and specimen collection methods that open access to medical testing where geographic, financial, and stigma barriers once created gaps in care. These unique methodologies advocate for improved compliance in required annual testing and access to follow-up care. Molecular Testing Labs takes pride in setting itself apart on the principles of innovation, integrity, and partnership. More information can be found at moleculartestinglabs.com . About Ginkgo Bioworks

Headquartered in Boston, Ginkgo Bioworks uses the most advanced technology on the planet biology  to grow better products. The company's cell programming platform is enabling the growth of biotechnology across diverse markets, from food to fragrance to pharmaceuticals. Ginkgo is also actively supporting a number of COVID-19 response efforts, including community testing, epidemiological tracing, vaccine development and therapeutics discovery. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/molecular-testing-labs-partners-with-concentric-by-ginkgo-to-provide-pooled-covid-19-testing-for-k-12-schools-across-the-country-301274018.html SOURCE Molecular Testing Labs

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[April 21, 2021] Bright Machines Welcomes SMT Capital as a Manufacturers' Representative

Today, Bright Machines, a full-stack technology company offering a revolutionary approach to software-defined manufacturing, announced a new partnership with SMT Capital. Bright Machines Microfactories combine intelligent software with adaptive hardware to automate repetitive assembly & inspection tasks, a perfect complement to the selection of electronic assembly equipment that SMT Capital - a leading solution provider in capital equipment serving the printed circuit board assembly market across Ohio - offers manufacturers. "Our mission is to increase the speed, scalability, and flexibility of manufacturing through automation solutions that enable manufacturers to be more resilient, more dynamic, and more scalable," said Steve Heinzen, Business Development Directory, Bright Machines. "We're looking forward to working with SMT Capital to help manufacturers in the Ohio Valley discover the power of our solutions." "Our customers are inreasingly looking for ways to modernize their operations, and we're excited to offer them Bright Machines Microfactories as an option to implement smart automation," said Bill Timms of SMT Capital.



About Bright Machines

Headquartered in San Francisco, Bright Machines is an industry leading, full stack technology company that offers a revolutionary approach to intelligent, software-defined manufacturing. It leverages computer vision, machine learning, 3D simulation, and adaptive robotics to fundamentally change the flexibility, scalability, and economics of production. With more than 500 employees worldwide, Bright Machines operates R&D centers in the U.S. and Israel, with additional field operations in the U.S., Mexico, China, and Poland. In 2019, Bright Machines was named a "Technology Pioneer" by the World Economic Forum and one of "America's Most Promising Artificial Intelligence Companies" by Forbes. Bright Machines is reimagining the way products can be designed and produced, in order to address the realities of today and the future ahead. Rethink everything you ever knew about manufacturing. Visit www.brightmachines.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005018/en/

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Alexei Navalny. Moscow City Court Press Office\TASS via Getty Images

Two of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's allies have been detained, their lawyers said.

They took place Wednesday morning, before planned protests over Navalny's health while in prison.

Navalny is on hunger strike over a lack of access to medical treatment. Doctors warn he could die.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Russia has detained two of opposition leader Alexei Navalny's closest allies, their lawyers said, ahead of planned protests over his health.

Reuters reported that Lyubov Sobol, who had appeared on Navalny's YouTube channel; and Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, were detained in Moscow Wednesday morning.

Navalny's team had urged people to protest over his treatment in jail and demand that he get medical treatment.

Wednesday also marks Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, a de facto State of the Union address.

Navalny is three weeks into a hunger strike over what he says is a lack of access to medical treatment while in jail.

His doctors are demanding to see him, saying the hunger strike puts him at risk of severe heart problems and warning that he could "die any minute." But several doctors, including his personal physician Dr. Anastasia Vasilyeva, said they were denied entry into his prison to see him.

Navalny also said that prison authorities threatened to force feed him.

Yarmysh was placed under house arrest in January after she attended a protest against Navalny's prison sentence.Under her house arrest rules, she is allowed to leave the house for one hour.

It was during this hour, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m, that she was arrested on Wednesday, her lawyer said.

Navalny is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence after being found guilty of missing parole meetings. His lawyer said he missed the them because he was in Germany recovering from being poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent. Navalny has blamed the poisoning on Putin.

Read the original article on Business Insider
More than 5,500 pounds of cocaine  worth about $94.6 million  arrived in Miami after Coast Guard crews on Tuesday found the drugs aboard a boat near Colombia.

Crew members from the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, which is based in Portsmouth Virginia, offloaded 87 bales in Miami Beach and turned them over to Homeland Security.

According to the Coast Guard, a vessel was spotted April 9 by maritime patrol flight in the waters near Punta Gallinas, Columbia. The law enforcement team from the cutter responded and detained three suspects  who were reportedly in good condition. The names of those detained and whether they have been charged were not released Tuesday.

The Coast Guard sank the vessel so it wouldn't be a hazard to navigation, the Coast Guard said.

"This event is the perfect example of numerous key partners unifying our efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations who look to exploit the maritime environment," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Neiman, Seventh District public affairs officer in a news release. "By strengthening partnerships, we counter threats together."

Beginning in April 2020, the U.S. Southern Command beefed up patrol under the Enhanced Counter Narcotics Operations in the Western Hemisphere as a way to stop drugs from entering the country.

This article is written by Carli Teproff from Miami Herald and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
The U.S. Air Force will wrap up its second survey on disparity in the ranks in the next few weeks, a service spokesperson said Tuesday.

The service began the survey earlier this month as part of an Inspector General Independent Disparity Review. The review, which covers both Air Force and Space Force personnel, is focused on racial disparities in the administration of military justice by race, gender and ethnicity within the Asian, Hispanic and American Indian communities, the service said.

"Each Airman and Guardian should have the opportunity to thrive," Acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth said in an April 9 release. "As a department, we need to understand what is happening, so we can knock down barriers to success. That process requires listening and gathering the facts. I ask and encourage all Airmen or Guardians to share their inputs and ideas so we can address the issues that will make our services better, more inclusive organizations."

Read Next: Fort Bragg Paratrooper Killed in Training Accident

In December, the Air Force released the findings from its first racial disparity review, which compared the experiences of Black service members with those of their peers. That six-month review concluded that Black airmen are nearly twice as likely to be suspects in a military criminal investigation; apprehended by base patrols; or involuntarily discharged based on misconduct.

The IG's office received more than 123,000 survey responses from active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members and conducted 138 group interviews -- ranging from 12 to 50 service members, officer and enlisted, per group in two-hour discussions -- to understand where Black airmen are at a disadvantage.

While the review confirmed racial disparity exists across multiple areas, including military justice and career development, it could not define the root causes, said Air Force Inspector General Lt. Gen. Sami Said in December after the first review's publication.

For some key findings, "we're not implying that [either] racism or bias is the causal factor of such risk disparity," Said told reporters at the time. "That requires more detailed assessment and analysis. When we say 'disparity,' it doesn't imply, immediately, racism, bias or otherwise."

The latest review, which will also include Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander and Latinx members, will mirror the first through anonymous online surveys distributed forcewide to enlisted, officer and civilian members; targeted interviews and small-group surveys; and a comprehensive review of available data, the release said.

While the survey will conclude in a few weeks, the second overall review will take six months to complete.

"The review we conducted last year and the follow-up efforts we've taken since have really opened the door to meaningful, enduring and sustainable change in the areas of racial disparity," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown in the release. "But we have a lot more work to do, and the overwhelming responses we had from our first review indicate that our Airmen and Guardians want to have a voice in the solution. I am 100 percent focused on ensuring we follow through with lasting results."

Brown pointed to a series of systemic initiatives that the Air Force has pushed since the first IG review to remove barriers that often sideline minority members.

For example, at Air Education and Training Command, or AETC, leaders launched the Rated Diversity Improvement Strategy to recruit, develop and retain prospective pilots from diverse backgrounds.

One such effort is the "You Can Fly" program, through which leaders allocated $2.4 million to the Air Force ROTC for the 2020-2021 academic year.

ROTC commanders in four U.S. regions vetted and selected "700 cadets to receive $3,500 scholarships to enroll in Federal Aviation Agency private pilot certificate ground school programs," according to an AETC announcement.

"Officials hope youth from under-represented groups will benefit from the monetary assistance to gain skills that help with successful applications," AETC said last month.

The scholarship money can be used toward flight time, flight equipment rental, classes, books and other academic resources.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: Air Force Orders New Review of Racial Disparities Focused on Asian, Hispanic Communities
Some women claim to be experiencing irregular, heavy or painful menstrual periods following their COVID-19 vaccine. But experts said, while theyve heard of the phenomenon, theyre not sure what might be causing it, and they say it should not dissuade someone from getting the vaccine.

Are there reports of funky periods? Yes. Do we have a ready explanation? I dont think so, said Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Minkin said she has heard of women having heavy periods, cramping and other problems after getting the vaccine, but theres no biological reason for it.

Minkin said there are multiple causes that can lead to irregular or difficult periods, including stress, so its still unclear whether there is a link between the vaccine and the period.

However, two researchers  Kate Clancy, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Katharine Lee, a postdoctoral scholar in the division of public health sciences at Washington University  have been seeking participants in a study on the impact of the COVID vaccine on the menstrual cycle.

According to a research consent form now online, women who participate in the study will take a survey that asks about the timing of their vaccines, menstrual cycles and menstrual period.

This research study is about your experiences with your period or other menstrual bleeding (such as spotting) and associated symptoms after receiving at least one dose of a vaccine for COVID-19, the form reads. Side effects are a common and even an important element of the vaccine response, and bleeding patterns can be an important way to understand how our immune systems are activated.

Clancy had previously posted on Twitter, looking for anyone who had irregular periods following vaccination.

A colleague told me she has heard from others that their periods were heavy post-vax, Clancy posted on Feb. 24. Im curious whether other menstruators have noticed changes too? Im a week and a half out from dose 1 of Moderna, got my period maybe a day or so early, and am gushing like Im in my 20s again.

In addition to Minkin, obstetrician/gynecology Dr. Daniel Gottschall said he hadnt heard from patients having irregular periods after vaccination, but pointed out the vaccine is still relatively new.

In Connecticut, most women young enough to still be menstruating werent eligible to receive a vaccine until about eight weeks ago, said Gottschall, vice president of medical affairs for the Fairfield region of Hartford HealthCare and St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport. There were some young women  including health care workers  who were eligible for the vaccine sooner, but Gottschall said its still too early in the process to know what the effects are on this population.

I dont think theres a good cause and effect of how we understand the virus to work and how it might affect the menstrual cycle, he said.

Even if there is a connection, Minkin and Gottschall said that shouldnt dissuade women from getting the vaccine. Everything has a risk/benefit, but the risks of this vaccination are very, very, very small, Gottschall said.

Minkin agreed. If somebodys got menstrual pain, we can take care of it, she said. But we have a much harder time dealing with the COVID itself.
The Union Territory of Puducherry has decided to impose lockdown from April 23 (Friday night) till April 26 (Monday morning) amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

The decision to impose lockdown in the Union Territory was taken by a high level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Additional Charge), Tamilsai Soundararajan held at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday late night.

All shops will remain closed after 2 p.m. from Wednesday onwards and in restaurants only takeaways are permitted from 2 p.m. onwards. The UT has imposed a night curfew from Tuesday onwards between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Puducherry reported 4,692 active cases till Tuesday, according to the health department officials.

It may be noted that the fatality rate of the Union Territory has touched 1.5 per cent on Monday which is above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Puducherry headquarters has the maximum number of deaths with 572. Karakkal has 84 deaths followed by Yanam with 45 deaths and Mahe with 12.

Interestingly the recovery rate of the Union Territory is 88.8 per cent which is above the national average of 86 per cent.

a total of 48,336 cases were reported from Puducherry Union Territory of which 42,931 patients recovered from the disease.

Health department has sent 7.33 lakh swab samples for testing of which 6.66 lakh samples turned negative and more than half of the population of the Union Territory of Puducherry underwent Covid test. Puducherry has a population of 14 lakh people.

A press release from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare states that it has so far administered Covid 19 vaccines to 30,202 healthcare workers, 17,961 frontline workers and 1,08 lakh others taking the total of people who were administered vaccine to 1.55 lakh people.
Intensifying military cooperation in the bilateral and allied format, security in Western Balkans region and supporting NATO and EU actions in the area were among the topics tackled by the Head of the Joint Chief of Staff, lieutenant-general Daniel Petrescu, during a visit in the Republic of North Macedonia, according to a press release sent by the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) to AGERPRES.

Lieutenant-general Daniel Petrescu paid an official visit on Tuesday to the Republic of North Macedonia, upon the invitation of his counterpart, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, lieutenant-general Vasko Gjurchinovski.

According to the source, on the agenda of the Joint Chief of Staff (SMAp) there were meetings with the president of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski and with the Minister of Defence, Radmila Sekerinska-Jankovska, as well as a visit to the Special Forces Unit and the Pilots Training Center in Skopje.

Discussions with North-Macedonian officials were focused on intensifying military cooperation, in both allied and bilateral format, maintaining a dialogue's constant dynamics, as well as interest aspects regarding the security in the Western Balkans region and supporting NATO and EU actions for the efficient cooperation with regional allies and in the benefit of the Western Balkans states.

Liutenant-General Daniel Petrescu appreciated the contribution of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia for the combined effort of NATO and EU to ensuring a stable environment in the Western Balkans, highlighting the deepening of NATO-EU cooperation based on the principles of complementarity, transparency and avoiding duplicating efforts.

According to the source, given the intrinsic connection between the region of the Black Sea and the Balkans area, Romania is interested in ensuring security in this region of strategic importance, supporting and promoting the values and missions of EU and NATO.

"Amplifying the participation of the two armies to training and joint multinational exercises will ensure a firm, solid and durable partnership between the countries, as well as an increase of interoperability among the force structures of our armies," said lieutenant-general Daniel Petrescu, quoted in the press release.

Furthermore, the head of the Romanian Defence Chief of Staff reiterated the support for the military authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia in the process of hosting, for a period of 6 years, in the town of Kumanovo, of the Headquarters of the Multinational Brigade of South-Eastern Europe (SEEBRIG).
A new type of COVID-19 testing strategy could help streamline the process of identifying cases, tracking variants and detecting co-infecting viruses.

At present, separate assays and complex workflows are involved in each of these three diagnostic procedures, with analyses typically performed in highly specialized facilities. KAUST researchers have now combined all three kinds of tests into a single procedure that should allow for point-of-care tracking of COVID-19 and the many emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.

"Our all-in-one test provides a promising integrated solution for rapid field-deployable detection and mutational surveillance of pandemic viruses," says stem cell biologist Mo Li, who led the study.

The test involves a portable briefcase-sized mini-laboratory that avoids all the slow and expensive techniques that are standard for COVID-19 screening and monitoring. The new test takes advantage of a recent genetic method (called recombinase polymerase amplification) and a next-generation portable sequencer to quickly detect the presence of viral sequences and provide read-outs  in up to 96 patient samples at a time.

Li's team, in collaboration with researchers from Saudi Arabia, the United States and Spain, designed the test to decode five segments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, each chosen to help guide variant tracking. They also incorporated assays for three common respiratory viruses that can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19.

Working with clinical collaborators from hospitals in Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, the team validated the technique  termed NIRVANA  using nose and throat swabs from people suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 infections. They also tested wastewater samples collected from municipal sewage at KAUST to show how the method could allow for population-level surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

"NIRVANA can rapidly diagnose multiple viral infections in a high-throughput manner," notes Chongwei Bi, a Ph.D. student in Li's lab. What's more, when it comes to SARS-CoV-2 monitoring, "it can simultaneously detect the virus and report its mutations," he adds.

With support from the Rapid Research Response Team (part of the university's Smart Health Initiative), Li and his lab group are continuing to refine the NIRVANA platform for large-scale deployment.

One limitation of the test is that it can only detect SARS-CoV-2 mutations in selected genomic regions, and as new variants of concern keep cropping up around the world, those regions might need to be updated to reflect the evolving nature of the virus.

At the same time, we are seeking to collaborate with hospitals to test NIRVANA in the clinic." Mo Li, Stem Cell Biologist
The expected return of the spotted lanternfly has prompted preventative measures around the county.

Trees have been removed at the Fairlane Village mall in Pottsville in anticipation of the insects egg hatching, Patty Coughlin, property administrator, said Tuesday.

Were trying to be proactive, Coughlin said. When they start to hatch in a few weeks, its gonna get nasty.

Coughlin said the U.S. Department of Agriculture sprayed the trees, but they had damage from the lanternflies last year, as well as signs of old age.

Some of the branches are falling off, and we just didnt want to have a problem with getting these flies all over the place, Coughlin said. USDA tried helping us out, but they could see that there was damage done.

The trees had been planted during a remodel in the 1980s, Coughlin said, so it was a shame to have to take them down.

You want trees to last forever, but when you have an invasive bug like this, it just kills them, Coughlin said.

Coughlin said about 15 trees were taken down around where people park most. She didnt know what type of trees they were.

Kyle Schutt, insect management technician for the Schuylkill Conservation District, said that while the lanternflies may not kill a healthy tree merely by feeding on it, that activity can lead to infection.

The most damage youll see is actually from the holes they leave in the tree from feeding, Schutt said. If you get several thousand lanternflies feeding on the tree, youll have several thousand pinholes. A lot of times, that could lead to disease getting into the tree or some sort of infection at the feeding site.

Trees cut in Schuylkill Haven

Other areas of the county have worked with the Schuylkill Conversation District to combat the Spotted Lanternflies.

Jessica Seiders, assistant to the borough administrator, said Schuylkill Haven borough had Ailanthus Altissima trees, or Tree of Heaven, removed last year to control the spotted lanternflies population.

Like the lanternfly, the Tree of Heaven is an invasive species native to China. Although studies are not conclusive, the insect seems to prefer reproducing on the Tree of Heaven, which was introduced to Pennsylvania in the late 1700s.

We will continue our efforts this year to remove these trees as needed, Seiders said.

Over the past two years, Schutt said the Conservation District has removed trees around the county as part of its spotted lanternfly control project, through funding from the USDA.

Through the program, Schutt said they have cut down Tree of Heaven in Minersville, Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven, including on the Penn State Schuylkill campus.

Those were basically a preventative measure, Schutt said. We took them down because theyre a quality food source and egg laying site for the lanternflies, plus the Tree of Heaven itself is invasive.

Once the trees are removed, Schutt said he treats them to prevent from them resprouting. However, he leaves some Tree of Heaven standing.

Were trying to get them to congregate on a few remaining Tree of Heaven, Schutt said. They will spray those Tree of Heaven that we left with a systematic insecticide. Once they feed on the trees that we left, hopefully it kills large numbers of them instead of having them evenly spread out across all of the trees.

Schutt said this method also reduces the amount of pesticide put into the environment.

Watch for egg masses

Schutt said the conservation district is waiting on funding from the USDA to continue the control program this year. For now, people can be on the lookout for egg masses, which may hatch in late May or early June.

It looks like a mud spot on the tree, Schutt said. Its probably between an inch or 2 long, and its going to have eggs laid in vertical columns, usually 10 to 12 eggs in a column and probably five or six columns.

Egg masses can be found on the underside of tree branches or roots, as well as on outdoor furniture or underneath decks. Schutt said masses can be scraped off or smashed. Homeowners can also buy circle traps or home sprays to treat their trees.

Its kind of just a waiting game now to see when they start to hatch, and hopefully we can find something out about our grant and get a program together, Schutt said.
BEIJING: China`s President Xi Jinping will attend a US-led climate change summit on Thursday (April 22) at the invitation of President Joe Biden, in the first meeting between the two leaders since the advent of the new US administration.

Biden has invited dozens of world leaders to join the two-day virtual summit starting on Thursday (April 22) after bringing the United States back into the 2015 Paris Agreement on cutting global carbon emissions.

Xi will attend the summit via video and will deliver an "important" speech, Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman at the Chinese foreign ministry, said in a statement on Wednesday (April 21).

Beijing and Washington have persistently clashed over a range of issues from alleged human rights abuses to China`s economic clout over other nations.

In Alaska last month, US and Chinese officials held the first high-level in-person talks that bristled with rancor and yielded no diplomatic breakthroughs.

But the two countries, the world`s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters, have rediscovered a common interest in battling climate change.

Last week, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry traveled to Shanghai to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the first high-level visit to China by a Biden administration official. Both agreed on concrete actions "in the 2020s" to reduce emissions.

The talks also marked a resumption of climate dialogue halted during the Donald Trump administration, who withdrew from the Paris agreement.

Live TV
(Corrects in lead to run for fourth term instead of third)

AMMAN (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday submitted documents to run for a fourth term in an election scheduled for May 26, parliament's speaker said on state media.

Parliament announced the election on Sunday. Washington and the Syrian opposition have denounced it as a farce designed to cement Assad's authoritarian rule.

Assad's family and his Baath party have ruled Syria for five decades with the help of the security forces and the army, where his Alawite minority dominate.

This year is the 10th anniversary of a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters which triggered a civil war that has left much of Syria in ruins.

The multi-sided conflict has sucked in world powers, killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more, but is now nearing its end with Assad, supported by Russian and Iranian allies, back in control of most of the country.

Candidates must have lived in Syria for the last 10 years, which prevents opposition figures in exile from standing.

(Story corrects in lead to run for fourth term instead of third)

(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; editing by John Stonestreet and Angus MacSwan)
Balurghat: Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (April 21) alleged that the second COVID-19 wave in the country and its management is a "Modi-made disaster".

Addressing an election rally at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district, the TMC chief asserted that West Bengal will be run only by a "Bengal engine government" and not by "Modi's double-engine".

"The second COVID wave is more intense. I would say this is a Modi-made disaster. There are no injections or oxygen. Vaccines and medicines are being shipped abroad even as there is a scarcity of these items in the country," she told the rally.

She claimed that this election is a fight to save West Bengal and "protect the honour of the Bengali mother".

"Our state will be run by a Bengal engine government and not by Modi's double-engine government. We will not allow Gujarat to capture our state or run it from Delhi. Bengal will rule Bengal," she said.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi slams Centres COVID-19 vaccine strategy, says it is 'not less than demonetisation'

The term "double-engine government" often used by BJP leaders denotes the government of the same party at the Centre and the state.

The TMC chief also urged people not to vote for Left- Congress-ISF alliance candidates claiming that voting for them will strengthen the BJP's hand.

Banerjee said that the Centre had said seven months ago that the pandemic had subsided.

"Now, with elections underway in West Bengal, the BJP is bringing in people from other states and spreading the infection among the people here," she said.

She said that her administration is finding it difficult to set up safe homes as many government accommodations are being used to house central forces.

"We are finding it difficult to set up safe homes. Although we have increased the number of beds, I would suggest that patients who don't have severe symptoms, please remain in home isolation," Banerjee said.

He also asked COVID patients with mild symptoms to cast their votes after 6 pm.

ALSO READ: 'Where is leadership and planning?': Priyanka Gandhi questions PM Narendra Modi's COVID strategy

Banerjee claimed that the BJP is saying different things at different places on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

She said that refugees who have come to West Bengal have been given land rights.

"You are all citizens of the state. So don't worry. I will act as a watchman," she said.

Banerjee said that in the last 10 years, the TMC government has built roads, hospitals, bridges, stadia and an industrial centre in Dakshin Dinajpur district.

Elections to the 294-member state assembly are being held in eight phases from March 27 to April 29. Results will be announced on May 2.

Meanwhile, India on Wednesday recorded 2,95,041 new coronavirus cases and 2,023 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest ever since the pandemic broke out.

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MASON CITY, Iowa - Many counties in northern Iowa are declining some or all of their vaccine allotment for next week.

Of Iowas 99 counties, 43 have made that decision, and that includes the following counties in northern Iowa: Cerro Gordo, Kossuth, Winnebago, Hancock, Floyd, Chickasaw, Franklin and Butler.

CG Public Health Director Brian Hanft says there's an allotment threshold counties must meet in order to earn the following week's allocation.

"We want to achieve the goal that's put out there for us when receiving vaccines. We would rather take fewer vaccines, and achieve the 80% rule, than take all of the vaccines and not achieve the 80% rule. We're making those decisions based on supply and demand. Right now, there doesn't seem to appear to be a lot of demand."

When a vial is opened up, Hanft says there's about a 6-hour window to administer the full vial. But with low demand, the department is now working to avoid wasting precious vaccines..

"We struggle now to get people in the door to make sure we don't have any wastage. we don't want to waste any vaccines. Unfortunately, I think we're getting to the point that it's going to be likely that we can't always use up a full vial."

Gov. Kim Reynolds said a big reason for the decision stems from the J&J vaccine being pulled.

This shift isnt unique to Iowa, she said. Vaccine hesitancy is becoming a real factor across the country.

She said that young- and middle-aged adults are the least likely to be vaccinated.

The doses that counties are declining will be given to more populated areas, Reynolds said

In Iowa, 37% of those 18 and over are fully vaccinated. 53% have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
Arizona AG Urges States Democratic Senators to Oppose Court-Packing Proposal

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Tuesday wrote a letter to Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), urging them to reject the House Democrat proposal to expand the Supreme Court from nine to 13 seats.

Brnovich said in his letter (pdf) that efforts to expand the nations top court would be nothing less than a direct assault on judicial independence.

The cornerstone of our Constitution rests on the notion that power is divided between separated branches of government. This unique system creates checks and balancesan essential defense against any form of tyranny, he continued.

His letter to the two senators came in reaction to the proposal that was put forward last week. The Judiciary Act of 2021 would add four seats to the nations top court, effectively flipping the balance from six to three in favor of conservative-appointed justices, to seven to six in the opposite direction.

Lobbying efforts by liberal activists to pack the court have ramped up in recent months following their unsuccessful attempt last year to stop then-Judge Amy Coney Barretts nomination.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the bill with Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), and Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.).

(L-R) Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) hold a press conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on April 15, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Nadler sought to justify the proposal by saying that 13 seats would match the 13 circuit courts.

Brnovich told Sinema and Kelly that he was very disturbed to learn that Congress may soon be entertaining legislation to dramatically redesign the Supreme Court of the United States.

He urged the Democratic senators not to back the measure if it comes to a vote.

History has demonstrated that when elected officials propose legislation to alter the composition of the Supreme Court, their real motives are less than noble. In fact, these misguided actions have almost always attempted to bypass the principles of the Constitution in a quest for more power, Brnovich continued.

The attorney general noted that the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2019 said that she thought it was a bad idea when former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt tried to pack the court.

The institution of the Supreme Court is not, and must never be, accountable to other branches of government, but only to the Constitution of the United States. Term limits for the justices do not exist so they can remain focused on the law and not be concerned with ever changing political trends and special interests, he wrote.

I urge you to vocally and adamantly oppose any attempts to blatantly undermine our Constitution and the independence of our judiciary, Brnovich concluded.

The letter comes just days after Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said during an appearance on Fox News that efforts to expand the Supreme Court will likely destroy the rule of law and politicize the judiciary.

U.S. 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)

Similarly, several groups of Republican lawmakers have launched countermeasures in an effort to keep the number of seats on the bench to nine. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, announced his effort the same day the group of Democrats promoted their new bill. The GOP proposal requires an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to limit the number of justices.

A number of Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have yet to completely back the bill.

I have no plans to bring it to the floor, Pelosi told reporters in Washington. Instead, she said she supports President Joe Bidens commission to study possible reforms to the court.

Earlier this month, Biden signed an executive order to form a commission to study possible reforms to the court, including proposals to expand it. He presented the idea of a commission as an alternative to court-packing efforts.

Janita Kan contributed to this report.
The chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has passed to Germany, and Germany is one of the countries responsible for discussing the Armenian POWs issue at the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Naira Zohrabyan, a member of Armenias delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Wednesday wrote about this on Facebook.

"The European Court has sent a complaint to the Committee of Ministers, according to which Azerbaijan refuses to provide the European Court with information on the real number and condition of Armenian prisoners of war being held in Baku.

Today at the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe I met with the members of the German chairmanship and discussed the issue of Armenian prisoners of war; I handed to the German chairmanship the lists confirmed by both the Red Cross and the European Court, as well as the lists of supposed prisoners of war, the number of which is about three hundred.

Also, I handed to the German chairmanship numerous video reports, materials which clearly record the captivity of Armenian soldiers and civilians, record the brutal treatment of Armenian prisoners of war.

During the discussion, I was asked why the Armenian side does not pass the maps of the minefields to Azerbaijan. In response, I noted that Azerbaijan has never formally applied to Armenia in connection with maps; thats one. And second, the maps of minefields have nothing to do with the issue of prisoners of war, and to condition these two issues on one another is another manipulation of Azerbaijan.

And since the mothers of the Armenian prisoners of war had handed to meon my way to Strasbourga letter signed by them addressed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, I have passed that letter to the German chairmanship to pass [it] on to Merkel," Zohrabyan added.
Chevron is pursuing a strategic alliance with Toyota North America to develop large-scale hydrogen businesses.

The California oil major on Wednesday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese automaker to collaborate on public policies to support the development of hydrogen infrastructure and pursue joint research and development of hydrogen-powered transportation and storage, particularly for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles.

We are excited to collaborate with Toyota. Working towards a strategic alliance on hydrogen presents an opportunity to build a large-scale business in a low-carbon area that is complementary to our current offerings, Andy Walz, president of Chevrons Americas Fuels & Lubricants, said in a statement. This opportunity leverages our market position, assets, technology, and organizational capability and supports our efforts to help advance a lower-carbon future.

Oil companies are increasingly looking to diversify into hydrogen as the world shifts away from fossil fuels over growing concerns about climate change. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth that can be harnessed to store and deliver a tremendous amount of energy for transportation, power generation and industrial uses. For oil companies, hydrogen offers properties similar to oil and natural gas in that they can be transported through pipelines and distributed through existing fuel station networks with some adjustments.

Toyota has been researching and developing fuel cell technology for nearly 25 years, and manufactured its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2014. The company in December unveiled its second-generation hydrogen car -- called Mirai, after the Japanese word for future -- which starts just below $50,000. Toyota projects that fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen will one day be as common as hybrid gas-electric vehicles.

ENERGY TRANSITION: Pricey hydrogen still attracts oil companies looking to future

This is another important step toward building a hydrogen economy, Bob Carter, Toyota North Americas executive vice president, said in a statement. Combining Toyotas decades of experience in developing hydrogen powered fuel cell electric technology with Chevrons deep resources in the energy sector has the potential to create new transportation choices for both consumers and businesses that move us toward our goal of carbon neutrality.

However, hydrogen today is too expensive to produce in vast amounts, costing $200 to $250 per barrel to produce, as much as five times the cost of a barrel of oil. Many oil companies believe if they can get the cost of hydrogen down, it could become a major energy source powering the global economy.

Chevrons prospective partnership with Toyota isnt the first time the oil major has invested in hydrogen. The company over a decade ago installed several hydrogen fuel stations along Californias hydrogen highway, but as of last August, only 42 hydrogen stations have been built.

Oil executives speaking at industry conference CERAWeek by IHS Markit last month said hydrogen will likely need incentives from policymakers and bold investments from industry to rival fossil fuels.

As an industry, we cant give the market what it doesnt want, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth told CERAWeek attendees virtually last month. Weve got to find a way to work across the value chain in order to create that pull through for hydrogen into the right markets and the right uses that make sense for our customers.
Following a swathe of brutal reviews earlier this month for its first smartwatch, OnePlus has released an update that might resolve some of the device's key issues. It also revealed some features it's planning to add later, such as an always-on display.

The first update for the OnePlus Watch is rolling out in the US and Canada. It'll expand to other regions in the coming days. Along with bug fixes and better system stability, OnePlus claims the update brings improvements to GPS performance and more accurate activity tracking for running and walking. The company says it optimized the heart rate monitor and notification sync algorithms, turned on notification icons for the most-used apps and improved the raise-to-wake function.

Better activity tracking should come as welcome news for early OnePlus Watch owners. Engadget reviews editor Cherlynn Low found the device failed to keep a correct tally of step counts, noting that "on one of my treadmill runs, it lagged the machine by a third of a mile, which messed up my pace." Gizmodo's Victoria Song, meanwhile, wrote that "step counts were off by more than 10,000 steps."

As well as the always-on mode, OnePlus revealed what else it's working on. If you have a smartphone running Android 6.0 or later, you'll eventually be able to control the device's camera remotely from a connected OnePlus Watch. An AI watch face, 12-hour time format and support for German, Italian, Spanish and Polish are on the way. OnePlus also plans to switch on all 110+ workout modes.

These refinements and added features might not be enough to completely salvage the reputation of the OnePlus Watch, but it's a start.
Jaipur, April 21 : Six accused, including a medical store operator, were arrested in Rajasthan for black marketing Remdesivir injections, much in demand during the second wave of Covid-19, after raids at 48 places across the state, police said on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajaypal Lamba and DCP, Crime, Digant Anand, police had raided 48 places. "When the team reached Samarth Medical Store and asked for injection, owner Jaiprakash Verma said that the injection will cost Rs 15,000 each. Dalveer Singh brought two injections and gave them to Verma," the officials said.

Police then took both Verma and Singh in custody and interrogated them. They spilled the name of Vikas Mittal who was arrested as well. Mittal named Basant Jangid who named Vikram Gujjar and Shankar Mali for providing them the injections.

Additional DCP Sulesh Chaudhary said that on interrogation, it was revealed that Gujjar and Shankar Mali had bought 725 injections from Gurugram and were selling them at exorbitant prices in Jaipur via agents.

Further investigations are on in the case.
BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday respectively sent congratulatory letters to the ninth meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia, held via video link.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, expressed his warm congratulations to the meeting.

Xi said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, and the establishment of relations between the CPC and the United Russia party.

Xi said in the past 20 years, China and Russia have carried forward the vision of lasting friendship and the principle of a new type of international relations while maintaining close comprehensive strategic coordination, which has set an example of developing relations between major countries.

The long-term institutionalized exchanges between the two parties have consolidated political and strategic mutual trust and promoted mutually beneficial cooperation in all dimensions between the two countries, Xi said.

The combined forces of changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century have brought the world into a phase of fluidity and transformation, he said.

Xi called on China and Russia, as major powers of global influence, to deepen comprehensive strategic coordination in the new era, and to play an underpinning role in safeguarding international fairness and justice, maintaining world peace and stability, and promoting common development and prosperity.

Xi expressed his hope that participants from the two parties can engage in in-depth exchanges and build consensus to open a new chapter of strategic cooperation between the two parties and contribute wisdom and strength to comprehensively deepening bilateral relations in the new era, promoting the establishment of a fairer and more reasonable international order, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

In his letter, Putin noted that dialogue between the two parties has always been an important component of the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership, and in spite of the impact of the pandemic, the two parties have maintained comprehensive exchanges from the central to local levels.

Putin said the two sides have engaged in in-depth discussions on major issues of bilateral cooperation, and have coordinated to form numerous social-political initiatives on party building and legislative work that meet the needs of reality.

Putin said he hopes participants of the meeting will carry out constructive and effective work to further consolidate the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and the two peoples.

(Source: Xinhua)
Invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease, notably meningitis, during the first days and months of a baby's life can have persistent effects for children and hence their families, according to new research. Published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, the study is the first evidence of long-term effects including after GBS sepsis (infection in the bloodstream).

This large study analysed outcomes for nearly 25,000 children born in Denmark and The Netherlands, between 1997 and 2017. Results show that children who had invasive GBS infection are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments (NDI) and to require special educational support than children who did not have GBS disease.

Effects later in life are significant - about one in 20 survivors will experience some form of neurodevelopmental disability. The authors note that the majority of GBS infection survivors will not have long-term effects.

This study was conducted through a partnership of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Aarhus University (Denmark), Amsterdam UMC (Netherlands) and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

Invasive GBS infection is increasingly recognised as a leading cause of newborn illness worldwide, with ~300,000 cases estimated annually. Important knowledge gaps have been highlighted especially regarding the long-term outcomes of patients who survive the acute disease during this critical period of life. Previous small studies have followed babies after GBS meningitis to a median age of about two years. No study has examined outcomes after GBS sepsis.

Dr. Bronner Goncalves, from LSHTM and a lead author on the study, said: "This is the largest study quantifying long-term effects of GBS infection for babies who survive, with follow-up to the second decade. We add to findings on long-term effects after meningitis, showing subtler cognitive outcomes at older ages. These new findings show an important, previously unquantified risk after GBS sepsis. Our results suggest that continued medical follow-up is key and could lead to earlier identification of problems, and more support to families."

Children in the study were identified using national administrative, medical, and laboratory databases. 2,258 babies were diagnosed as having had GBS infection, including meningitis and sepsis, within the first three months of life. For every GBS case, ten children who did not have the infection were matched on age, sex and other characteristics influencing long-term outcomes.

Children were followed up for an average of fourteen years in Denmark and nine years in the Netherlands, to analyse risks of death and of NDI (e.g. motor, cognitive, and socio-behavioural, and special educational needs). The findings are striking and reinforce the severity of this condition with a 5% mortality risk for babies dying from invasive GBS disease in high-income settings, although the risk is much higher in low and middle income countries. Compellingly, there are also serious consequences for some of the children who survive.

In Denmark, history of GBS infection in the first three months of life was associated with 1.8-fold increase in risk of NDI: 45 of the 969 children who survived the acute phase of the disease had moderate or severe NDI, such as motor impairment, by the age of 10. The risk was even higher in the Netherlands, where 36 of the 252 children with a history of invasive GBS disease needed special educational support by age 10, a more than two-fold risk.

Dr. Erzsebet Horvath-Puho, an associate professor at Aarhus University, Denmark and a lead author, said: "Our study suggests that babies who recover from invasive GBS disease have increased risks of cognitive, motor, and behavioural impairments, which can impact their lives and their families. The long term effects on children was also evidenced by higher rates of hospitalisation for those who survived this infection. In Denmark, a nearly two-fold increase in outpatient visits was observed and a 1.3 higher increase for hospital admissions compared to children who did not develop GBS disease."

Currently, the only available GBS disease prevention strategy is to provide antibiotic prophylaxis to women in labour whose baby is at increased risk of developing GBS disease. However, this strategy is not sufficient even in these two European countries and currently not adopted in settings with limited resources.

Professor Merijn Bijlsma, a paediatrician at Amsterdam University and a lead author, said: "Even with the best medical care, such as available for Dutch and Danish babies, survivors of GBS meningitis and also sepsis may be affected for life. The best way to protect these children is prevention of invasive GBS disease. We need better ways to identify at birth who is at risk, so prevention including with intrapartum antibiotics becomes more effective."

Professor Joy Lawn, from LSHTM and senior author and PI, said: "Every year hundreds of thousands of babies have GBS sepsis or meningitis, with a high mortality risk. Families in all continents are affected. Our study shows that GBS also affects educational potential for survivors. The global burden of disease is more than has previously been estimated, underlining the urgent need for prevention. Despite 30 years of research, maternal GBS vaccines currently are not yet available - a contrast to more than 100 COVID-19 vaccines in process within one year. We can and must deliver more for families affected by GBS all over the world."

Charlotte Cleary's daughter Aimee developed early-onset group B Strep meningitis and sepsis shortly after birth in July 2011. She spent three weeks very sick in hospital. and has recovered with brain damage and physical disabilities. Aimee was diagnosed with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy and pseudobulbar palsy, along with learning difficulties and sensory issues. Put simply, she can't sit, stand, walk, talk and is mostly tube-fed. Charlotte said: "Every day is a challenge and it's hard to look after a disabled child, although she does bring me so much joy. I do however have anger inside of me that GBS is so easy to prevent, so why are they not doing more to routinely test it in pregnancy? That is my question as Aimee's disability would most likely be non-existent."

The authors acknowledge study limitations including differences in the identification of children with GBS infection cases selection between the two countries. Importantly, these results from Denmark and the Netherlands reflect two high income European countries, and results in low and middle income countries may differ, hence data are needed from these contexts. Further research is needed as to why different children are affected differently. We know preterm birth is an important linked risk factor and more studies are needed to explore this association.

###

This study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to address a key global data gap regarding GBS, and contribute vital information for the World Health Organization's Report on GBS prevention, linked to the new Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis. The Dutch team was also supported by the Stichting Remmert Adriaan Laan Fonds.

Notes to Editors:

To request a copy of the embargoed paper or to request interviews with authors please email press@lshtm.ac.uk.

For parent spokespersons please contact oliver.plumb@gbss.org.uk (0330 120 0798).

For Danish version of the embargo paper please contact hhh@au.dk (+ 45 22929897)

For Dutch version please contact Jan Spee, j.spee@amsterdamumc.nl (+31 6 53943537).

Images available with permissions.

Publication details:

Erzsebet Horvath-Puho*, Merel N van Kassel*, Bronner P Goncalves*, Brechje de Gier, Simon R Procter, Proma Paul, Arie van der Ende, Kirstine K Sgaard, Susan J M Hahne, Jaya Chandna, Stephanie J Schrag, Diederik van de Beek, Mark Jit, Henrik T Srensen, Merijn W Bijlsma, Joy E Lawn. Mortality, neurodevelopmental impairments, and economic outcomes after invasive group B streptococcal disease in early infancy in Denmark and the Netherlands: a national matched cohort study. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. DOI:10.1016/S2352-4642(21)00022-5

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The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. LSHTM has a strong international presence with over 3,000 staff and 4,000 students working in the UK and countries around the world, and an annual research income of 180 million. LSHTM is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, is partnered with two MRC University Units in The Gambia and Uganda, and was named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2016. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.

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Aarhus University is one of Denmark's top research intensive universities. The university was founded in 1928 and today it has several world class research fields. It has a long tradition of partnerships with some of the world's best research institutions and university networks. Aarhus University has a strong commitment to the development of society that is realised through its collaboration with government agencies and institutions and the business community. Aarhus University's goal is to contribute towards solving the complex global challenges facing the world. The university therefore strives to combine the high level of academic standards of its researchers with collaboration across disciplinary boundaries to combine research in new ways and solve challenges in close contact with the world around us. http://www. kea. au. dk

Amsterdam UMC Since June 2018, AMC and VUmc have joined forces. More than 16,000 professionals work at Amsterdam UMC on good and accessible healthcare. For now, and for generations to come. Together we work towards a future in which we prevent diseases and make the best treatments available to all patients. To this end, we develop new diagnostics and treatment methods, in collaboration with professionals from other renowned national and international institutions. Every year we treat more than 350,000 patients at both our locations - AMC and VUmc. The emphasis is on complex patient care and the highly specialized treatment of rare disorders. In Amsterdam UMC we train thousands of young people to become doctors, specialists or nurses. Our researchers are united in eight research institutes so that we can give shape to our ambition to conduct internationally leading research. In Amsterdam UMC, AMC and VUmc work together on the best academic patient care, scientific research and education & training.
Police in Vietnam on Tuesday said they had arrested two women for operating a surrogacy ring for commercial purposes.

The detainees included 33-year-old Bui Thi Hien, a local resident, and Khong Thi Lan, 34, from Yen Bai Province, police officers in Nam Dinh Province said.

They were arrested on charges of organizing surrogacy for commercial purposes under the Criminal Code, police said.

At the time of their arrest, Hien and Lan were taking care of nine women, three of whom were 12-16 weeks pregnant.

Through varied groups and forums on social networks, Hien had sought for people wanting to hire surrogate mothers and for women wishing to be hired as such mothers, investigators said.

She would then act as an intermediary between the two sides to perform her illegal surrogacy services.

She asked the surrogacy hirer to pay her up to VND850 million (US$37,000) for each surrogacy case, but paid only VND250 million ($11,000) to the hired surrogate mother.

According to the rings process, after reaching an agreement on a surrogacy case, Hien took the hired surrogate woman to a hospital where that woman would undergo the stages of embryo culture and transfer.

After the successful embryo transfer, Hien brought the surrogate mother back to Hiens home in Nam Dinh for care.

She hired Lan to seek and contact potential surrogate mothers on social networks to serve her illegal surrogacy ring.

Hien paid Lan VND10 million ($426) for recommending a woman who agreed to be hired as a surrogate mother. She also paid Lan the same amount for looking after each surrogate mother.

Investigators are expanding their probe into the case.

Vietnam has legalized surrogacy since 2015 to benefit infertile couples but strictly bans surrogacy for commercial purposes.

Under Article 187 of the Criminal Code, commercial surrogacy is subject to a fine of up to VND200 million ($8,500) and an imprisonment sentence of up to five years.

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The announced withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan will grant Iran one of its biggest wishes and lead to the departure of all foreign forces, which Tehran has long blamed for insecurity in the region.

Analysts say the pullout of U.S.-led NATO forces from Afghanistan could potentially give Iran more room to maneuver within its war-torn neighbor, with which its shares cultural and religious ties.

But if Afghanistan spirals into chaos -- as some Afghans fear -- then Iran could be faced with the problems created by a humanitarian and security spillover as it did during the Afghan civil war, when Tehran was faced with an influx of refugees and, later, a hostile Taliban government.

"I think for the Iranians, I'd say, 'Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it,'" says Colin Clarke, director of research and policy at the Soufan Group. "In other words, while Iran has been beating the drum for a U.S. withdrawal for years, there are potential second-order effects that Tehran might struggle with."

U.S. President Joe Biden on April 14 announced that the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan will be leaving by September 11. NATO said it will follow Washington's timetable and pull its remaining 7,000 non-U.S. soldiers out of Afghanistan by the same date.

Andrew Watkins, a senior Afghanistan analyst with the International Crisis Group, says the departure of U.S. and NATO forces will certainly leave something of a power vacuum, giving Tehran more space to seek influence both with Afghan officials and other power brokers in the country, including the Taliban.

But he adds that "it is unclear how much Iran's essentially defensive, border-oriented interests in Afghanistan would expand, if at all."

"Throughout the U.S.-led intervention in Afghanistan, Iran has sought to gain influence among local actors and stymie U.S. interests, but via a low-risk, low-reward approach," says Watkins, who notes that "Iran generally exercises more restraint on its eastern border than it often has westward looking to the [Persian Gulf and the Levant]."

Fear Of A Vacuum

Speaking on April 16, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described the "responsible" departure of U.S. forces as a "positive move," saying the "presence of foreign forces has never contributed to peace and stability in our region and [their] removal will lead to at least less grounds for violence."

But Zarif also warned against a "vacuum" forming that the militant Taliban could try to fill. "That is a recipe for a new war in Afghanistan and we in the region cannot tolerate, with 3 million Afghan refugees in Iran, we cannot bear more burden," he said in on online discussion with Afghan and Indian officials. He added that Iran and other countries in the region need "a stable Afghanistan, a peaceful Afghanistan."

Analysts say that in the case of increased violence in Afghanistan, Tehran could work with regional allies to ensure stability, fortify its borders, as well as deploy its proxy forces, which have played a key role in promoting Iran's interests in the region.

Tamim Asey, executive chairman of the Institute of War and Peace Studies in Kabul, says Tehran's actions going forward will depend on its level of threat perception from Afghanistan, adding that Iran could work with regional powers that have similar interests in order to prevent the Taliban from returning to power.

"In fact, Iran could revive the axis of Iran, Russia, and India to support a second national resistance against the Taliban if Afghanistan plunges into a civil war," Asey, a former Afghan deputy defense minister, told RFE/RL.

The Daesh Threat

The Soufan Group's Clarke says Tehran could also secure its porous border with Afghanistan with more troops if the security situation worsens. "If a U.S. withdrawal leads to an immediate return to civil war in Afghanistan, as some have predicted, Iran is going to move quickly to fortify its border and ensure that spillover violence is mitigated," he told RFE/RL.

In his April 16 comments, Zarif warned about the presence in Afghanistan of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, also known as Daesh, which has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly attacks.

"Now we see the role of Daesh; we don't know who's supporting Daesh in Afghanistan but of course we have some circumstantial evidence about the people behind the transfer of Daesh from Iraq and Syria to Afghanistan," Zarif said.

He added that "Daesh is a threat to Afghanistan, to Iran, to Pakistan, to everybody -- so we have a common threat."

Clarke says one byproduct of a U.S. withdrawal could be an uptick in IS plots and attacks targeting "Iran and or Iranian assets in Afghanistan."

"The Islamic State's Afghan branch has repeatedly attacked sectarian targets and, if it hopes to rebound from a string of recent setbacks, it'll likely resort to its playbook," he says.

In that case, Clarke suggests Tehran could deploy the Fatemiyoun Brigade, which has fought in Syria. The militia -- whose members are reportedly recruited and trained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps -- is comprised mainly of men from Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority. Between 2,500 to 3,500 Fatemiyoun fighters are believed to have returned to Afghanistan.

In a December 2020 interview with Tolo TV, Zarif suggested the Fatemiyoun fighters could help Kabul's fight against IS. "They are the best forces with a military background in the fight against Daesh. The Afghan government, if willing, can regroup them," Zarif said in remarks that were criticized.

Watkins believes all sides in Afghanistan are likely to oppose the deployment of the Fatemiyoun Brigade. "Both Taliban and the Afghan state, and many other stakeholders, would see them as foreign proxies and threats to their authority. Not to mention, the brigade is made up of Hazaras, an ethnic minority that widely feels under siege around the country, and in need of community defense [not aggressive expansion]," he says.

Biden has said Washington will ask other regional states to "do more" to support Afghanistan.
Chauvin found guilty of the murder of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty yesterday on all three charges he faced in the death last year of George Floyd, capping one of the most-watched trials in the U.S. in recent memory. Follow live reactions.

Just one day after lawyers had made their closing arguments, the jury unanimously found Mr. Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. He faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in the coming weeks, but is likely to receive far less time.

Mr. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground under the knee of Mr. Chauvin, who is white, for more than nine minutes. His death set off worldwide protests against police brutality and racism.

On the ground: Minneapolis residents greeted the verdict with joy and relief. We matter, one woman said on the street where Mr. Floyd was killed outside a convenience store.
Fire crews had largely contained a big wildfire on the slopes of Cape Towns Table Mountain on Tuesday as the city started to come to terms with the damage caused by what officials described as one of the areas worst blazes in years.

About 90% of the fire had been contained, the Table Mountain National Park authority said, but only after firefighters again worked through the night and were into a third day battling the flames.

Those firefighters faced extreme circumstances overnight, said the Working on Fire organization, which specializes in dealing with wildfires and has been helping the citys fire department. The operation on Table Mountain had now reached the mop-up stage, Working on Fire said.

Fire-fighting helicopters dropped water on areas where the fire still smoldered and smoked on the rocky peaks of Table Mountain. South African army choppers joined the operation to support the fire department after the helicopters were all grounded Monday because of strong winds.

The winds had eased, but thick smoke still hung over the city and fire crews watched for flareups.

Our first priority remains fully extinguishing all of the fire lines, local government official Anton Bredell said. Then, over the next few days, firefighters will continue to dampen down the affected areas and monitor for flareups until we are 100% sure the fire is out.

Once the fire has been extinguished, the investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted.

Wildfires are reasonably common in the mountains and peaks around Cape Town during the hot, dry summer months and become especially dangerous and unpredictable when fueled by strong coastal winds.

They sometimes spark because of the heat and dry ground, and other times are a result of fires set by people blowing out of control.

This fire started early Sunday and, fueled by strong winds, ripped down and across the slopes of the mountain toward residential areas overlooking downtown Cape Town.

Neighborhoods were evacuated while firefighters mostly kept the flames at bay and away from homes _ sometimes with just a few meters to spare. Around 250 firefighters were mobilized.

In all, 11 buildings were destroyed, six firefighters have been hurt battling the blaze and nine other people have been treated for breathing problems because of smoke inhalation, city authorities said.

The University of Cape Town campus was one of the first sites to be hit and appears to have suffered the most damage. Numerous buildings at the university burned, including part of a near 100-year-old library containing rare books and manuscripts on African studies. The university said some of those priceless works had been lost, but it was unclear yet how much.

Other historic buildings nearby, including a 225-year-old windmill and a renowned restaurant and tea room near a memorial to British colonial politician Cecil Rhodes, also burned down.

At the tea room, plates and half-full cups sat on charred tables amid the ruins, showing how customers and staff had been forced to suddenly flee. Small fires still burned in the nearby forest.

The South African government said a residence owned by its Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was completely destroyed by the fire. The house was empty at the time but family members of a national minister and two deputy ministers had to be evacuated from their homes nearby. The fire also came close to South African Deputy President David Mabuzas Cape Town residence, the government said.

Around 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of land had burned, the Table Mountain National Park authority estimated.

Top Photo: Firemen work at the University of Cape Town Campus in Cape Town, Monday April 19, 2021. People were evacuated from Cape Town neighborhoods as a raging wildfire sweeping across the slopes of the citys famed Table Mountain was fanned by high winds and threatened homes. City authorities said the fire, which started early Sunday, was still not under control. The blaze has already burned the library and other buildings on the campus of the University of Cape Town. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SELBYVILLE, Del., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest report "Microcatheter Market by Product (Delivery Microcatheters, Diagnostic Microcatheters, Aspiration Microcatheters, Steerable Microcatheters), Design (Single Lumen Microcatheters, Dual Lumen Microcatheters), Application (Cardiovascular, Neurovascular, Peripheral Vascular, Oncology), Regional Outlook, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast 2027", by Global Market Insights Inc., the market valuation of microcatheters will cross $1.3 billion by 2027.

Major microcatheter market players include Terumo Medical Corporation, Stryker, Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Teleflex Inc., Penumbra Inc., and Merit Medical System.

The growing focus of key industry players in introducing innovative and technologically advanced product offerings is playing a vital role in the market growth. The surging number of microcatheter-related studies and research is another factor fostering the market expansion. Preference for minimally invasive procedures, supportive government initiatives and demand for advanced microcatheters majorly in cardiovascular and neurovascular domains will augment the market value.

Request for a sample of this research report at https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3572

As the adoption and demand for microcatheters is increasing majorly, companies and research organizations have conducted numerous studies related to microcatheters in the last few years. A number of studies are underway, focusing on various outcomes such as risk of distal embolization associated with microcatheter navigation across the clot, relationship between the microcatheter's shape and stability and other microcatheter related infections in a patient's body. Similarly, in a 2019 study approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), it was concluded that use of a steerable microcatheter provides an easier and quicker target vessel selection with lesser procedure time in a complex vessel anatomy. Thus, more and more studies are being conducted to offer advanced and affordable product offerings.

The steerable microcatheter market is anticipated to observe an 8% growth rate till 2027, owing to the technological advancement and a suitable alternative to standard microcatheters. For instance, during a complex vessel anatomy, the conventional microcatheters are used with a guiding wire as they have fixed shapes which cannot be changed, whereas steerable microcatheters provide a simpler and faster target vessel selection with shorter procedure times. Moreover, use of such microcatheters in treatment of vascular disorders is supporting the industry growth.

The dual lumen microcatheter market accounted for USD 424 million in 2020. Dual lumen microcatheters enables placement & exchange of guidewires and also assist in avoiding the tangling of guidewires. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in developing countries have seen a rise in acceptance of minimally invasive procedures that requires dual lumen microcatheters for the support in complex anatomy.

The neurovascular application in the microcatheter market is estimated to attain a CAGR of 8% through 2027. The rising cases of heart attacks around the world is among the major factors supporting the market progression. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) is the second leading cause of death globally. In addition, a significant amount of all strokes (around 60-80%) are ischemic. All these factors coupled with growing incidences of diabetes and hypertension will contribute to the segment growth.

The India microcatheter market size was over USD 25 million in 2020. Rising government initiatives, growing awareness regarding minimally invasive surgeries for cardiovascular-related diseases has propelled the industry expansion. For example, government launched the India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI) in collaboration with the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR). This initiative will further strengthen government's National Program for Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). All such initiatives and supportive government policies coupled with growing awareness regarding health safety will spur the demand for minimally invasive procedures that in turn will impel the market growth in the country.

Request for customization of this research report at

https://www.gminsights.com/roc/3572

Some of the major companies operating in the microcatheter market include Terumo Medical Corporation, Stryker, Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Teleflex Inc., Penumbra Inc., and Merit Medical System among others. Focus on technological advancements introduction of new products is among the strategies adopted by industry leaders. Partnership with other leading players to enhance the company's product offerings is also boosting the market share.

Table of Contents (ToC) of the report:

Chapter 3 Microcatheter Market Insights

3.1 Industry segmentation

3.2 Industry landscape, 2016 - 2027 (USD Million)

3.3 Industry impact factors

3.3.1 Growth drivers

3.3.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.4 Growth potential analysis

3.4.1 By product

3.4.2 By design

3.4.3 By application

3.5 COVID-19 impact analysis

3.6 Porter's analysis

3.7 Competitive landscape, 2020

3.7.1 Competitive matrix analysis, 2020

3.8 PESTEL analysis

Browse the Complete Table of Contents (ToC) at

https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/microcatheters-market

About Global Market Insights Inc.

Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

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Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights Inc.

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Related Images

microcatheter-market-growth.png

Microcatheter Market Growth Predicted at 7.9% Through 2027: GMI

Major microcatheter market players include Terumo Medical Corporation, Stryker, Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Teleflex Inc., Penumbra Inc., and Merit Medical System.

SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.
MYRTLE BEACH  As the trio of guilty verdicts were read just after 5 p.m. on April 20 in the Minnesota case of Derek Chauvin's killing of George Floyd, police departments in Georgetown and Horry counties were preparing for potential peaceful protests, although none had been publicly announced.

Chauvin, a former White police officer, was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter nearly a year after a video of Chauvin leaving his knee on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes sparked outrage around the world.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Police Department and Conway Police Department did not respond to attempts to garner each department's plan on handling any potential protests throughout Myrtle Beach.

The Horry County Police Department and Horry County Government acknowledged The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach's questions, but declined to comment.

According to the Census, the city of Myrtle Beach is 15.2 percent Black, while Horry County is 13.4 percent Black. The county's population is just under 355,000.

In May of 2020, the city of Myrtle Beach declared a civil emergency in the fear of protests turning violent, The Post and Courier previously reported.

Like our entire community, I have been burdened all week over the horrific and senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As a mother and grandmother, Ive been grieving over the violence across our nation, Mayor Brenda Bethune said on social media when the civil emergency was declared.

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

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I dont want my grandsons to grow up in a society where hatred and prejudice still prevails. Our country deserves better, our city deserves better, and our children deserve better, she said. Our Myrtle Beach Police Department shares in the anger that many in our community are feeling and we support people coming together to share their voices peacefully.

Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Mark Kruea was not able to comment and asked that questions regarding the police department be directed to Cpl. Tom Vest, the MBPD spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said in a statement to The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach that his office and Georgetown Police Department are not aware of any planned peaceful protests at this time. Carter also said his office is trained and equipped to handle such events and will call upon other local and state agencies if needed.

The Georgetown County Sheriffs Office monitors any and all events that have the potential for causing civil disorder, Carter said.

When The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach asked Carter how he and the police department planned to balance honoring peoples First Amendment rights to protest publicly, specifically people of color, with the mission of public safety, Carter responded that there is no balancing.

Peaceful protests can be protected by the First Amendment, so there is no balancing as your news agency has suggested. Anything short of that which violates laws or ordinances will be dealt with accordingly, Carter said.

Carter ended his statement by saying the Sheriffs Office has a long history of respectfully serving its citizens, who are 31 percent Black according to Census data (of 63,000 total residents), and he hopes this established relationship will calm any disorder that may arise.
PRESS NOTE

1,000 + activists, academics, concerned citizens from 20+ states in India and across the globe write to Chief Minister Chhattisgarh

Call for immediate release of Hidme Markam and end state excess on adivasis in Bastar

21 Apr, 2021: Deeply outraged by the arbitrary incarceration of Hidme Markam, an adivasi human rights defender and environmental activist, for over 40 days, more than a thousand activists, academics, concerned citizens from across the globe sent a petition to Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh calling upon him to immediate ensure the release of Hidme Markam and take pro-active steps to end the cycle of repression against adivasis in Chhattisgarh. They also appealed that false charges against Hidme and other adivasi activists be dropped and an independent inquiry be conducted into all instances of sexual and state violence. [The full text of the letter is pasted below. . .]

It has been widely reported that on 9th March, 2021, Hidme Markam, a committed environmental activist from the adivasi community, working in the Nandraj Pahad anti-mining movement was openly abducted by the Dantewada Police (and later shown as arrested) when she was attending a programme commemorating the International Womens Day in Sameli, Bastar. Several women had gathered peacefully to remember and mourn the rapes and murders of adivasi women at the hands of the State. But ironically, that day became witness to another incident of state high-handedness She has been in jail for over 40 days now.

The letter states that Hidme Markam along with other adivasis, organized as the Nandraj Pahad Bachao Andolan, has been resisting the mining of a sacred indigenous hill by corporations like Adani Pvt Ltd. She has also been organizing against the Bailadila Mine Deposit project that would result in grave ecological damage in the region especially on the local forest, land and water bodies. As a member of the Chhattisgarh Mahila Adhikar Manch, Hidme has been present in numerous public spaces and meetings in Chhattisgarh, asserting the rights of adivasi women, especially against displacement and state repression. Her arrest is just the latest in the chain of the State hounding adivasi women activists who are fighting for constitutional and human rights.

The violence of ill-thought and arbitrary development projects have haunted the adivasi state of Chhattisgarh and Central-Eastern India for decades. The wide scale displacement and environmental devastation caused by these projects remain unaccounted, and they multiply constantly, to cater largely to corporate profits. The local communities who have peacefully existed there for decades, not only depend on these forests and mountains for their sustenance, but also sustain them, have been violently crushed to build mines and industries. But they continue to resist, and democratically fight for their rights.

Condemning Hidmes arrest as entirely wrongful, the Chief Minister has been called upon to immediately:

a. Free Hidme Markam and drop all charges against her, including UAPA matter.

b. Stop clamp down on environmental, adivasi and other human rights activists as well as adivasi villagers in Chhattisgarh, in particular women in the garb of combating Naxalism.

c. Halt all potentially destructive projects that displace adivasis and jeopardizes the environment and dialogue with the adivasi communities.

d. Disband questionable schemes like Lon Varatu and unconstitutional entities like the District Reserve Guards Force (DRGF).

e. Institute an independent and high-level inquiry into the sexual violence and alleged suicide of Kawasi Pande, the rape and death of Nande, the rape and murder of Bheeme Mandawi and other young women who have been sexually assaulted by the police. Put an immediate end to the sexual violence being rampantly inflicted by the police and security forces on the women of Bastar.

CAMPAIGN TO FREE HIDME MARKAM

o o

18th April, 2021

Open letter to Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh: Free Adivasi Environmental Activist and Human Rights Defender Hidme Markam Now!

To,

Mr. Bhupesh Baghel,

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Raipur

Sir,

We the undersigned signatories, representing diverse mass movements, environmental groups, rights organizations, feminist collectives as well as academics, activists and other concerned citizens are aghast at the manner in which Hidme Markam, a noted young environmentalist and human rights defender from the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh and a leader of the Nandraj Pahad anti-mining movement has been picked up by the Dantewada police arbitrarily on 9th March and currently lodged in jail. We call upon you, as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh to immediately intervene to ensure that all false cases against Hidme, including UAPA charges, are dropped and that she be released forthwith.

We are equally distraught that her open abduction by police happened at a program intended to celebrate International Womens Day, in the presence of the Sub Divisional Magistrate at Sameli, Dantewada and in violation of all due process. Reportedly, Hidme, along with Soni Sori, many other activists of Chhattisgarh Mahila Adhikar Manch and a few hundred villagers gathered there peacefully to remember two young women who had been sexually assaulted and lost their lives because of the brutality of the police and security forces  Kawasi Pande who allegedly committed suicide in police custody under the watch of the Dantewada SP after being physically and sexually assaulted by the police, and Nande, who was pushed to take her life after being gang-raped by members of the police and CRPF. At the meeting, the shocking case of Bheeme Mandawi, who, was picked up by the DRGF in December 2020 along with another young woman from Jabeli, Keda Para, raped and shot, was also brought forward. It is for such brutal human rights violations and violence that Hidme would speak out.

It was only upon questioning later that the police claimed to have arrested Hidme, in multiple cases with serious charges, including UAPA. Not only was the manner of the arrest illegal and highly objectionable, but the charges were obviously concocted and even the FIRs the police claimed to have against Hidme had discrepancies even in the name: they refer to Kawasi Hidme, while the person arrested in Hidme Markam! The charges are evidently also being constructed post-facto; as time passes, they suddenly seem to have found more cases against her. First they identify her as the president of the KAMS, specifying her as an unarmed member of the womens group, and in direct contradiction, the FIRs talk about her as a vardidhari bandukdhari (uniformed and armed) member. Despite the fact that neither the names or the stories match, Hidme Markam, a Human Rights Defender who has been working entirely in the public eye, even meeting with police and officials to raise cases of Human Rights violations, has been arrested.

Hidme is widely respected in the entire region of Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur for her work as an environmental and anti-displacement activist. She has led, along with other adivasis, the Nandraj Pahad Bachao Andolan, resisting the mining of a sacred indigenous hill by corporations like Adani Pvt Ltd. She has also been organizing against the Bailadila Mine Deposit project that would result in grave ecological damage in the region especially on the local forest, land and water bodies. A member of the Chhattisgarh Mahila Adhikar Manch, Hidme has been present in numerous public spaces and meetings in Chhattisgarh, asserting the rights of adivasi women, especially against displacement and state repression.

As convenor of the Jail Bandi Rihai Committee (Committee for Release of Prisoners), she has been vocal in the demand for release of thousands of innocent adivasis implicated and incarcerated in false cases. Her sudden arrest in old cases raises many questions including why the State is going after her now, when she was all the time present in public and infact met many important authorities including the Governor, Chief Minister, Superintendent of Police, Collector etc demanding the release of arrested adivasis, an end to construction of para military camps in the region and halt to mining. Her abduction deemed as arrest, adds yet another shameful layer of harassment to what she has already been facing for speaking truth to power.

How does the Govt. explain the arrest of an adivasi woman activist who has only been trying to draw the attention of the state and police authorities to violations of constitutional rights? Like many others, Hidme is clearly being targeted for her political work in defence of adivasi lands and lives and standing up against the might of the State and profit-making corporations. The State should know better that such scare-mongering tactics would neither dampen the spirit of the adivasis of the region nor the democratic minded citizens across the country who stand resolutely in solidarity with them.

We express our severe condemnation at the manner in which the State is hounding young voices in the environmental and social justice movements. In this particular case, we cannot but express our utter displeasure at the high-handedness of the Congress Government in the state which is not only turning back on its poll promise of releasing arbitrarily jailed adivasis, but is infact unabashedly arresting more adivasi women activists who are fighting for constitutional and human rights.

We call upon you to immediately:

a. Free Hidme Markam and drop all charges against her, including UAPA matters.

b. Stop clamp down on environmental, adivasi and other human rights activists as well as adivasi villagers in Chhattisgarh, in particular women in the garb of combating Naxalism.

c. Halt all potentially destructive projects that displace adivasis and jeopardizes the environment and dialogue with the adivasi communities.

d. Disband questionable schemes like Lon Varatu and unconstitutional entities like the District Reserve Guards Force (DRGF).

e. Institute an independent and high-level inquiry into the sexual violence and alleged suicide of Kawasi Pande, the rape and death of Nande, the rape and murder of Bheeme Mandawi and other young women who have been sexually assaulted by the police. Put an immediate end to the sexual violence being rampantly inflicted by the police and security forces on the women of Bastar.

Signed by,

Full list of Signatories
CAPE TOWN, South Africa  Fire crews had largely contained a big wildfire on the slopes of Cape Towns Table Mountain on Tuesday as the city started to come to terms with the damage caused by what officials described as one of the areas worst blazes in years.

About 90% of the fire had been contained, the Table Mountain National Park authority said, but only after firefighters again worked through the night and were into a third day battling the flames.

Related: Wildfire on Cape Towns Table Mountain Rages Out of Control

Those firefighters faced extreme circumstances overnight, said the Working on Fire organization, which specializes in dealing with wildfires and has been helping the citys fire department. The operation on Table Mountain had now reached the mop-up stage, Working on Fire said.

Fire-fighting helicopters dropped water on areas where the fire still smoldered and smoked on the rocky peaks of Table Mountain. South African army choppers joined the operation to support the fire department after the helicopters were all grounded Monday because of strong winds.

The winds had eased, but thick smoke still hung over the city and fire crews watched for flareups.

Our first priority remains fully extinguishing all of the fire lines, local government official Anton Bredell said. Then, over the next few days, firefighters will continue to dampen down the affected areas and monitor for flareups until we are 100% sure the fire is out.

Once the fire has been extinguished, the investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted.

Wildfires are reasonably common in the mountains and peaks around Cape Town during the hot, dry summer months and become especially dangerous and unpredictable when fueled by strong coastal winds.

They sometimes spark because of the heat and dry ground, and other times are a result of fires set by people blowing out of control.

This fire started early Sunday and, fueled by strong winds, ripped down and across the slopes of the mountain toward residential areas overlooking downtown Cape Town.

Neighborhoods were evacuated while firefighters mostly kept the flames at bay and away from homes _ sometimes with just a few meters to spare. Around 250 firefighters were mobilized.

In all, 11 buildings were destroyed, six firefighters have been hurt battling the blaze and nine other people have been treated for breathing problems because of smoke inhalation, city authorities said.

The University of Cape Town campus was one of the first sites to be hit and appears to have suffered the most damage. Numerous buildings at the university burned, including part of a near 100-year-old library containing rare books and manuscripts on African studies. The university said some of those priceless works had been lost, but it was unclear yet how much.

Other historic buildings nearby, including a 225-year-old windmill and a renowned restaurant and tea room near a memorial to British colonial politician Cecil Rhodes, also burned down.

At the tea room, plates and half-full cups sat on charred tables amid the ruins, showing how customers and staff had been forced to suddenly flee. Small fires still burned in the nearby forest.

The South African government said a residence owned by its Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was completely destroyed by the fire. The house was empty at the time but family members of a national minister and two deputy ministers had to be evacuated from their homes nearby. The fire also came close to South African Deputy President David Mabuzas Cape Town residence, the government said.

Around 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of land had burned, the Table Mountain National Park authority estimated.

Photograph: Firemen work at the University of Cape Town Campus in Cape Town, Monday April 19, 2021. People were evacuated from Cape Town neighborhoods as the wildfire swept across the slopes of the citys famed Table Mountain. Photo credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
European Commissioner for Europe fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager, left, and European Commissioner in charge of internal market Thierry Breton participate in a media conference on an EU approach to artificial intelligence, following a weekly meeting of EU Commissioners, at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)

Risky uses of artificial intelligence that threaten people's safety or rights such as live facial scanning should be banned or tightly controlled, European Union officials said Wednesday as they outlined an ambitious package of proposed regulations to rein in the rapidly expanding technology.

The draft regulations from the EU's executive commission include rules for applications deemed high risk such as AI systems to filter out school, job or loan applicants. They would also ban artificial intelligence outright in a few cases considered too risky, such as government "social scoring" systems that judge people based on their behavior.

The proposals are the 27-nation bloc's latest move to maintain its role as the world's standard-bearer for technology regulation, as it tries to keep up with the world's two big tech superpowers, the U.S. and China. EU officials say they are taking a four-level "risk-based approach" that seeks to balance important rights such as privacy against the need to encourage innovation.

"With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted," Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president for the digital age, said in a statement. "By setting the standards, we can pave the way for to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way."

To be sure, the draft rules have a long way to go before they take effect. They need to be reviewed by the European Parliament and the European Council and could be amended in a process that could take several years, though officials declined to give a specific timeframe.

European Commissioner for Europe fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager speaks during a media conference on an EU approach to artificial intelligence, following a weekly meeting of EU Commissioners, at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)

Previous EU tech regulation efforts have been far reaching and influential, earning it a reputation as a pioneer. Vestager, also the bloc's competition chief, filed aggressive antitrust challenges against Silicon Valley giants like Google years before such action became fashionable. The EU was also early to the data privacy battle with stringent rules known as General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, that became the de facto global standard.

However, results have been mixed: Google still retains its online dominance and EU privacy cases against global tech companies are backed up. Officials are also working on updating the EU's digital rulebook to protect internet users from harmful material or rogue traders.

Under the AI proposals, unacceptable uses would also include manipulating behavior, exploiting children's vulnerabilities or using subliminal techniques.

"It can be a case where a toy uses voice systems to manipulate a child into doing something dangerous," Vestager told a media briefing. "Such uses have no place in Europe and therefore we propose to ban them."

The proposals include a prohibition in principle on controversial "remote biometric identification," such as the use of live facial recognition to pick people out of crowds in real time, because "there is no room for mass surveillance in our society," Vestager said.

European Commissioner in charge of internal market Thierry Breton speaks during a media conference on an EU approach to artificial intelligence, following a weekly meeting of EU Commissioners, at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)

There will, however, be an exception for narrowly defined law enforcement purposes such as searching for a missing child or a wanted person or preventing a terror attack. But some EU lawmakers and digital rights groups want the carve-out removed over fears it could be used by authorities to justify widespread future use of the technology, which they say is intrusive and inaccurate.

Biometric and mass surveillance technology "in our public spaces undermines our freedom and threatens our open societies," said Patrick Breyer, an EU Pirate party lawmaker. "We cannot allow the discrimination of certain groups of people and the false incrimination of countless individuals by these technologies"

Other AI applications are considered high risk because they "interfere with important aspects of our lives," Vestager said, including criminal courts, law enforcement, critical infrastructure such as transportationthink software for self-driving carsand management of migration, asylum and border control. But their use is allowed provided operators follow rules including using high quality data to minimize discrimination and having a human in charge.

Herbert Swaniker, a technology lawyer at law firm Clifford Chance, compared the proposals to GDPR, which affect companies worldwide.

"With GDPR, we saw the EU's rules reach every corner of the world and apply pressure on countries globally to reach a new international gold standard," Swaniker said. "We can expect this too for AI regulation. This is just the beginning."

European Commissioner for Europe fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager, left, and European Commissioner in charge of internal market Thierry Breton participate in a media conference on an EU approach to artificial intelligence, following a weekly meeting of EU Commissioners, at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)

The draft regulations also cover AI applications that pose "limited risk," such as chatbots which should be labeled so people know they are interacting with a machine. Most AI applications, such as email spam filters, will be unaffected or covered by existing consumer protection rules, officials said.

To help develop standards and enforce the rules, which would apply to anyone providing an AI system in the EU or using one that affects people in the bloc, the commission proposes setting up a European Artificial Intelligence Board.

European Commissioner in charge of internal market Thierry Breton speaks during a media conference on an EU approach to artificial intelligence, following a weekly meeting of EU Commissioners, at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)

Violations could result in fines of up to 30,000 euros (more than $36,000), or for companies, up to 6% of their global annual revenue, whichever is higher, although Vestager said authorities would first ask providers to fix their AI products or remove them from the market.

EU officials, trying to catch up with the Chinese and American tech industries, said the rules would encourage the industry's growth by raising trust in artificial intelligence systems and by introducing legal clarity for companies.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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In the months leading up to Tuesdays verdict in the George Floyd police brutality case, Easton Area School District teachers have had a visual aid to spark conversation about the tragic case.

The Boys and Girls Club of Easton donated posters of Floyds likeness to each of the schools to spark discussion on the difficult topics of racism, equity and police brutality. Under the rendering of Floyd are his words, Please. I cant breathe.

Not everyone is on board with the posters, though. At least one parent said the poster doesnt belong in Tracy Elementary School in Palmer Township. Superintendent David Piperato acknowledged that complaints at the high school led administrators to move the poster from the lobby to the library. Piperato spoke about the posters during the school board meeting Tuesday. You can watch the meeting on YouTube.

Piperato stands behind his decision to accept the posters from the Boys and Girls Club and distribute them to the schools.

I wanted the posters to spark conversation and open a forum for honest discussion, Piperato said. From my perspective this poster says to our members of our school community, We hear you. We know youre hurting. We support you. You are safe here. It is safe for you to express how you are feeling here.

The posters were designed by Johnny Wilk, a longtime volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Easton, according to club executive director Dean Young. Theyre reproductions from a piece of artwork the Whitehall resident made to vent his frustration over Floyds death.

Floyd was killed May 25, 2020, by former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyd was accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes, and Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd suffocated and died. Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of Floyds murder.

This should have been preventable. Thats a conversation we need to have, Young said.

Young had 12 posters made in October and distributed them to community leaders with the mandate that they use them to spark discussion about the case and issues related to it. Among the initial recipients was Piperato.

Piperato decided his poster belonged in the high school.

Art is intended to stir our senses and touch our souls and I didnt want the poster to be hung in my office and seen by only a few people throughout the school year, he said.

Principal Kyle Geiger put it in the lobby, where it garnered some complaints, Piperato said.

I was informed that some members of our community were offended, Piperato said.

The poster then went to a less prominent location in the library. Then, a dozen teachers expressed interest in using it in their classrooms, so they agreed to share it on a rotating basis.

When word of their interest got back to Wilk and Young, they had 70 more posters made in March. Each teacher got a signed copy, Young said.

Thats when Young handed out enough framed posters for them to go up in every Easton Area school.

Piperato said each school principal was authorized to decide where to put the poster, or even whether to hang it at all. In Tracy Elementary School, it hangs near the front door. Its near where the school resource officer sits, according to parent Tim Walker.

Walker said the poster doesnt belong there because it detracts from the officers ability to gain the childrens trust, to show them that police are on their side.

I just think its demoralizing to the police officer, Walker said.

Piperato said he addressed similar concerns.

I was particularly concerned by the feelings of our own Easton Area School District police force as I believe some members were drawing conclusions about our feelings regarding law enforcement, he said. He met with the full police force for 90 minutes to discuss the poster.

He said he was proud of the officers mindful approach to a difficult conversation.

I assured our police officers that they were appreciated and respected, he said. After the talk, some of the officers posed for photos with the posters.

Walker still thinks the poster needs to come down.

Its just not appropriate, especially for first and second graders, Walker said. The kids havent been to school all year. They have enough issues. Theyve got COVID. This isnt the time to deal with this.

If not now, then when is the right time, Young wondered.

This is supposed to be a campaign to bring awareness. Its nothing against the police, he said. We have to ask ourselves why (parents like Walker) are uncomfortable. Thats where I believe the discussion can begin.

Walker said hes not alone in his beliefs. Two people complained to lehighvalleylive.com about the poster, but neither agreed to be named in an article. Walker said many parents have complained to the superintendent, but Piperato said he hasnt received many complaints.

Walker stands by his position.

He said our children have their own problems. They dont need to be involved in adult conversations like this. Its just inappropriate.

Teachers union president Kevin Deely thanked Piperato for his position. Deely was one of the teachers who got a signed poster.

I want to commend the district for taking a stand proclaiming loudly and proudly that we are an anti-racist school district. We should be united in that, regardless of politics, Deely said.

School board member Ed Keegan thanked administrators for allowing difficult conversations to take place in a safe environment.

Thats what schools are for as far as Im concerned. Im glad to hear were fostering that type of approach, Keegan said.

Johnny Wilk of Whitehall poses with the poster of George Floyd he designed.Courtesy Boys and Girls Club of Easton

Young said Wilks artwork didnt just gain notoriety in the Easton area. Floyds uncle saw the artwork on Facebook and asked for t-shirts with the picture to be made prior to the funeral. Wilk sent the uncle 10 shirts to be worn by members of the family and supporters.

Young has given more posters out to the Phillipsburg School District, Northampton County officials and the Sigal Musem.

Civil discussions about police techniques and equity are long overdue, Young said.

At the end of the day weve got to move the needle from what were experiencing now, Young said. Lets be honest. Lets fix this.

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

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
In the aftermath of the death of President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled Chad for three decades, his 37-year-old son has taken over as president, according to a charter released Wednesday by the presidency.



The charter states that Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has been named transitional leader as head of a military council following his fathers death and will "occupy the functions of the president of the republic" and also serve as head of the armed forces.



Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno immediately took charge of a transitional military council and appointed 14 of the most trusted generals to a junta to run Chad until "free and democratic" elections in 18-months time.



Commander in chief of the all-powerful red-bereted presidential guard or DGSSIE security service for state institutions, he carries the nickname Mahamat "Kaka" or grandmother in Chadian Arabic, after his father's mother who raised him.



Mahamat is a career soldier, just like his father.



"He has always been at his father's side. He also led the DGSSIE. The army has gone for continuity in the system," Kelma Manatouma, a Chadian political science researcher at Paris-Nanterre university, told AFP.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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He added that Mr. Chauvins conviction alone would not end police abuse, but its a start of a change.

Here is how other New Yorkers reacted:

I held off expectations

Hawk Newsome, a founder of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York, announced the verdict through a megaphone at Union Square Park in Manhattan. A crowd gathered around him chanting: George Floyd! George Floyd! George Floyd!

I feel elated, said Gurpreet Singh, 46, who works in the neighborhood. Mr. Singh said that although the verdict would not bring Mr. Floyd back, at least this one wrong has been righted.

Alexandria Farrell, 30, was at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn with other cyclists with Mind Body Results, a group that shifted its focus from fitness to activism after Mr. Floyds murder.

I held off expectations with the verdict because I have been burned in the past, she said, adding, It makes me feel like justice wont always fail us.

A glimmer of hope

Mr. Floyds murder drew comparisons to the death of Eric Garner six years earlier in New York. The two men uttered the same dying words  a phrase that became a rallying cry: I cant breathe.

None of the officers who pinned Mr. Garner on a Staten Island sidewalk and placed him in a chokehold ever faced criminal charges. But on Tuesday, Mr. Garners mother, Gwen Carr, said that the verdict in Mr. Chauvins trial was for everyone in America.
Chairman Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) speaks at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 23, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images)

US Lawmakers Intensify Bipartisan Efforts to Counter China

A bipartisan U.S. congressional push to counteract China picked up steam on Wednesday as a Senate committee overwhelmingly backed a bill pressing Beijing on human rights and economic competition and other lawmakers introduced a measure seeking billions for technology research.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee backed the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 by 21-1, sending the bill for a vote in the 100-member Senate, even as they voiced a need to do even more to counteract Beijing.

Separately, a group of Senate and House of Representatives lawmakers introduced the Endless Frontier Act, calling for $100 billion over five years for basic and advanced technology research and $10 billion to create new technology hubs across the country.

Both bills have strong support from both political parties and are expected to eventually become law. The desire for a hard line in dealings with the Chinese regime is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided U.S. Congress, which is narrowly controlled by President Joe Bidens fellow Democrats.

The Biden administration supports many provisions of the measures.

This is a challenge of unprecedented scope, scale and urgency, and one that demands a policy and strategy that is genuinely competitive, said Senator Bob Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the Senate panel.

He and Senator Jim Risch, the panels top Republican, wrote the Strategic Competition measure together, with Risch telling members it was truly bipartisan.

Human Rights and Military Spending

The 280-page Senate bill addresses competition with the Chinese regime through efforts such as increasing international development funding. It pushes humanitarian and democratic values, like imposing sanctions over the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighurs and supporting democracy in Hong Kong.

The bill stresses the need to prioritize the military investments necessary to achieve United States political objectives in the Indo-Pacific. It recommends a total of $655 million in Foreign Military Financing funding for the Indo-Pacific region for fiscal 2022 through 2026, and a total of $450 million for the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative and related programs for the same period.

It would expand the scope of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which scrutinizes financial transactions for potential national security risks.

The two measures are part of a fast-track effort announced in February by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a wide range of legislation to counter Beijing. Schumer is a lead sponsor of the Endless Frontier bill.

Foreign Relations Committee members said they want to do more.

I dont believe anyone would think that this legislation is going to change Chinas march toward a global hegemony of autocracy and repression, Republican Senator Mitt Romney said. I would suggest we have a lot more work to do.

Eric Sayers, who studies technology policy and U.S. defense strategy in the Asia-Pacific at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, called the legislation an important part of efforts to address challenges posed by the Chinese regime.

The proposed spending builds on earlier legislation taking a bold step in the technology competition with China through investing in our domestic competitiveness and building new resilience in our supply chains, Sayers said.

By Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina
Police: Weapons stolen in burglary

VALLEY VIEW  State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that happened on West Main Street between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 9.

Police said a 61-year-old woman reported someone stole a Taurus Falcon valued at $362, a Derringer small-caliber pistol and a bayonet for a long gun valued at $40.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 560-754-4600.

Two not injured in two-vehicle crash

TOWER CITY  Two people escaped injury when their vehicles collided on East Grand Avenue, just east of South Second Street, around 3:20 p.m. April 14.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Bruce A. Deiter, 56, of Williamstown, was driving a 1983 Chevrolet S-10 on Route 209 when he ran into the back of a 2019 Ford Explorer driven by Kira Wertz, 41, of Pine Grove, who was stopping for a vehicle in front of her.

Police said Deiter was cited for following too closely and that Tower City firefighters assisted.

Woman cited following accident

FRIEDENSBURG  State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a crash that happened at routes 443 and 183 in Wayne Township around 6 a.m. Thursday.

Police said Jessica Jade Tucker, 32, of Minersville, was driving a 2007 Mazda 3 east on Route 443 when she turned left without yielding and drove into the path of a 2009 Dodge Caravan driven by Joseph M. ONeill, 59, of Pottsville.

No injuries were reported and, police said, Tucker was cited for vehicles turning left as a result of the crash.

Friedensburg firefighters and Schuylkill EMS assisted.

Police: Woman ran light, hit SUV

POTTSVILLE  Two people escaped serious injury when their vehicles collided at Route 61 and Tunnel Road in Norwegian Township around 8:45 p.m. Friday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Danette Mahute, 53, of Pottsville, was driving a 2011 Subaru Imprezza south on Route 61 when she failed to stop at a red light and collided with a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer being driven Eric Ramirez, 18, of Lost Creek, who was making a left turn and had a green left turn light in front of him.

Police said Mahute was taken to a hospital by Schuylkill EMS for treatment, while Ramirez was not hurt.

As a result of the crash, police said, Mahute was cited for a traffic control signal violation.

Man says window smashed on vehicleSHENANDOAH  A criminal mischief incident that happened at 315 W. Cherry St. between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday is being investigated by state police at Frackville.

Police said Jorge Cristobal, 51, reported someone smashed the drivers side window of his 2013 Ford Escape and fled. Police said a neighborhood canvass yielded no results.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Police: Man says dirt bike damaged

MINERSVILLE  State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that happened around 2:05 a.m. Friday on Schaeffer Hill Road in Cass Township.

Police said a man reported someone caused about $2,000 to his Honda CRF 450R dirt bike and fled the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Parking-lot crash under investigation

SHENANDOAH  State police at Frackville are investigating a hit-and-run crash that happened in the parking lot of Redners Warehouse Markets around 2:45 p.m. Thursday.

Police said someone was driving in the area and struck the drivers side bumper of a 2008 Suzuki SX4 owned by Mary Racis, of Shenandoah, and fled the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Two charged for harassment incidentFRACKVILLE  Two were charged with harassment by state police at Frackville after an argument inside a home at 209 S. Wylam St. in West Mahanoy Township around 6:15 a.m. Thursday.

State police at Frackville said Troy Payne, 44, of Frackville, and Alexis Day, 39, of Mahanoy City, got involved in an altercation during which they punched each other.

Charges against the two were filed with Magisterial District Judge Thomas Xavios, Frackville.

Man charged with pushing woman

SHENANDOAH  A borough man was charged with harassment by state police at Frackville after an incident on West Coal Street around 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Police said a 52-year-old Shenandoah woman reported she and her husband, Stephen Mackeravage, 49, became involved in a verbal argument that resulted in him pushing her around the house.

Mackeravage fled the home and will now have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, police said.

Tamaqua police issue reports

Tamaqua police reported the following:

 An officer on patrol in the area of 330 E. Broad St. stopped a green Subaru for traffic violations at around 3 a.m. April 11, when they found suspected methamphetamine and a smoking pipe in a bag belonging to David Starling, 36, of Lansford.

 Officers responded to an April 1 crash in front of the Tamaqua EMS garage at 99 N. Railraod St., at 12:54 p.m. and were told Conner G. Miller, 24, of Tamaqua, drove into the back of a box truck. Miller had a license that expired in January and it was also suspended. He was wanted on a bench warrant in Carbon County and there was about 1.36 grams of marijuana in his vehicle, too.

 Joseph Coleman, 18, of Tamaqua, faces a disorderly conduct citation after a school resource officer within the Tamaqua School District told police Coleman was getting loud and using profanity in a school hallway at 12:15 p.m. April 6 and told the school officer to get him on the street.

 Marley C. Geusic, 32, of Harrisburg, was charged with theft and public drunkenness after police were called to 223 South St., at around 1 p.m. April 13 for a theft from a vehicle and found an intoxicated Geusic there with the keys to a GMC Sierra in her hand. The vehicle owner told police he left the keys inside the vehicle. Her bail was set at 10% of $5,000 bail on April 13 by Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua.

 Joshua J. Schrepple, 39, of Tamaqua, faces a citation after he admitted to taking down condemned signs from 29 Mauch Chunk St., on April 5, saying the signs were an invitation for people to take things from his place.

 Steven W. Schickram, 42, of Tamaqua, faces citations for disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief after a sign on a borough home was defaced on March 30 between 2 and 2:20 p.m. A woman living at 27 Market St. told police the sign that was hanging on her porch which said, (expletive redacted) Biden was vandalized and altered with cardboard stapled to her porch. She told police Schickram was with a child and captured on security camera in the act. Police couldnt view that footage but saw screenshots she took of Shickrams Facebook account in regards to the sign. Her husband said Schickram was harassing his wife on social media and he wanted charges pressed.
By Ben Mikek

mikekben@grinnell.edu

The Grinnell College administration is separating the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) from the academic affairs division in an effort to allow for longer-term planning. It remains unclear, though, what concrete impact the changes will have, and students involved in disciplinary processes are wondering whether the new structure will do anything to fix the problems they have encountered.

The DSA, which includes Student Health and Wellness, Campus Safety, Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice, Intercultural Affairs, Residence Life and International Student Affairs, will now be independent of the dean, who oversees academic programs and faculty, the libraries, the registrar and other academic services. The change was announced by President Anne Harris in a March 8 email.

Several administrators at the top of the division are accordingly receiving new titles. Sarah Moschenross will continue to lead Student Affairs, now as vice president for Student Affairs. She will report directly to Harris, rather than Interim Dean Elaine Marzluff. Ben Newhouse, previously the dean of students, will now hold the title of associate vice president of Student Affairs and take on a greater role in residence hall renovation and construction. Maure Smith-Benanti, previously the dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion, will now have the role of assistant vice president of Student Affairs and dean of inclusive initiatives.

The shift will allow me and my colleagues to think more strategically about the co-curricular experience at Grinnell, Newhouse wrote in an email to The S&B. Among his goals will be to create a greater sense of belonging, invest in the residential experience, and partner with students to enhance campus life overall.

According to Harris, the changes will allow Student Affairs staff to have a more long-term focus.

I had the honor of serving as dean, and so really experiencing that first hand, and I can tell you that, while I was able to keep operations going [in Student Affairs], there really wasnt the bandwidth to do strategic work, right  new programs, new ideas, things like that, she said.

Another reason for the change, said Harris, was the disproportionate size of Academic Affairs relative to the Colleges other divisions  220 faculty members, 138 staff and before the separation, 65 additional Student Affairs staff members.

The weightiness of that structure, those two huge divisions in one place  it was one of those moments where I realized theres something in the structure that doesnt allow for the movement, Harris said. Part of it is that its so intensely rich with so many people and so much expertise.

Despite Harris aim to improve the division, students who have interacted with Student Affairs remain skeptical that the changes will benefit them.

I think that Ben Newhouse isnt the right person to be continually promoted to different positions and staying at the College because I think that while hes trying to be respectful to students, a lot of times his own desire to be right or protect the College gets in the way of students interests, said Emily Louden `22.

Louden interacted with Newhouse after initiating a Title IX complaint against another student for sexual assault. An external adjudicator found that the student was not responsible, but Louden thought that Student Affairs staff did not handle the appeal fairly.

I think that they crossed over the line [of neutrality] when Ben [Newhouse] said that he thought the adjudicator made the right call, said Louden. That made me feel like I had been doomed from the start when I had been going through the process, because if he thought I was in the wrong, then how could I trust that anything had gone according to policy or process?

Newhouse wrote that he has not been involved in making decisions in the Title IX process, neither in the initial fact-finding nor in the appeal process. According to Grinnells policy on sexual misconduct, only the external adjudicator can make findings of fact and interpretations of College policy, and appeals can be heard only on the basis of procedural errors or previously-unavailable evidence.

I think that while [Ben Newhouse is] trying to be respectful to students, a lot of times his own desire to be right or protect the College gets in the way of students interests.  Emily Louden 22

It is my role  to affirm the adjudicators finding and communicate the finding to the respondent and the complainant, he wrote.

CErra Houston `21 also feels she was treated unfairly by the Student Affairs staff. In August 2019, during New Student Orientation, Campus Safety initiated a conduct case against her, and she admitted to violating College policy to avoid a search of her room or involvement of police, she said.

As a result, Student Affairs kicked me and three people of color who are low income who live eight plus hours away off campus, Houston said. Sarah Moschenross looked us in our eyes and she asked if we had a place to go, and we shook our heads no, and she said Youll figure it out.

For a week, I slept on friends couches. I had $20 in my account, Houston said.

Moschenross declined to speak with The S&B for this story.

Houston said that the punishment for College policy violations was disproportionate. Those are the people who are supposed to keep me safe, but I will never forget that they made me homeless for a week, she said.

Both Houston and Loudon described lack of student input and recourse in decisions about student affairs as key problems.

Harris affirmed the importance of giving students recourse if they think a decision has been made incorrectly. Recourse is incredibly important to me, that everybody at the institution understand their recourse. The usual way is to go up and up the supervisor line to a higher and higher supervisor, she said. The other option is to talk to the Ombuds  I mean, Chinyere Okabiala is incredible, and Ombuds is confidential, and she sits outside the institution. In other words, she doesnt report to me.

Those [DSA] are the people who are supposed to keep me safe, but I will never forget that they made me homeless for a week.  CErra Houston 21

The changes to DSA in particular, though, were not made in consultation with students.

Among the student population, I dont recall really discussing structure with students, it was really more about student experience, said Harris. I will say the lived experience in the residence halls certainly made me think  it would be very, very good for us to build some strategic room beyond just operations in our structure.

Harris cited the upcoming Downtown Student Residence construction project and the renovation of existing residence halls as the key areas where she hopes the new structure of the DSA will better serve students.
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights:

FICO today released its Consumer Digital Banking study that found consumers across the U.S. and Canada have embraced digital account opening and biometric security in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

have embraced digital account opening and biometric security in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost half (41 percent) of consumers are more likely to use digital channels to open a financial account than a year ago.

Interestingly, 23 million Americans (11 precent) believe their identity has been used by a fraudster to open an account.

As a result, three-quarters of consumers will provide their banks with their biometrics to secure their accounts including facial scan, fingerprint and/or voiceprint.

On average, 25 percent of Americans will go to a competitor or abandon the application completely if asked to go outside of channel to complete an application.

FICO, a global analytics leader, today released its 2nd annual Consumer Digital Banking study that found consumers across the U.S. and Canada have embraced digital banking and biometric identity proofing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that almost half (41 percent) of North American consumers are more likely to use digital means to open a financial account than a year ago, while almost a third (32 percent) are less likely to visit a branch to open a new account.

"In an effort to help stop the spread of the virus, consumers across North America have accelerated their move from brick-and-mortar branches to digital banking channels," said Liz Lasher, vice president, FICO. "As a result, consumers' expectations have shifted, placing higher priority on having a seamless and engaging digital experience, which includes establishing account security. For financial service providers, this means tomorrow's success will rely on having the right platform to deliver enhanced customer experiences, improved fraud protection and financial crime compliance."

Higher Digital Banking Consumer Expectations

Consumers across North America expect a seamless, uninterrupted experience when opening accounts digitally, either using a website or a mobile app. They also don't want to be forced to use another channel to complete tasks, particularly those associated with identity proofing. Specifically, Canadian consumers have higher expectations about the tasks they should be able to complete digitally than those in the U.S. Canadians expect to be able to prove their identity (70 percent), prove where they live (60 percent) and set up biometric security (45 percent) within the digital channel they used to make the application. Whereas for Americans, these expectations drop to 62 percent, 52 percent and 42 percent respectively.

With this shift towards to digital-first banking, identity proofing and biometrics have become increasingly top of mind for consumers as identity theft is a real threat for people across North America. In the U.S., 11% of people believe their identity has been used by a fraudster to open an account, compared to 6% in Canada, which is equivalent to 23 million Americans and 660,000 Canadians. As a result, more than two-thirds of Americans (72 percent) and Canadians (68 percent) acknowledge that banks' identity proofing is vital to protecting them from fraud.

Once accounts are open, the vast majority of consumers across North America are happy for their banks to use biometrics such as facial scan, fingerprint and/or voiceprint to protect them. The survey found that 76 percent of Americans and 74 percent of Canadians would be happy to do this, with over 40% (U.S. 42%, Canada 45%) even expecting biometric account logins to be set as part of the account opening process.

People Need to Develop a Skillset to Use Apps to Open Financial Accounts

The survey also found that when consumers are asked to move out of channel to prove their identities, for example by mailing documents, visiting branches or even sending scanned documents by email many of them will abandon the application. On average, 25 percent of Americans will go to a competitor or abandon the application completely, which dips slightly for Canadians at 21 percent.

While a significant portion of consumers can carry out the tasks needed to open a bank account using a mobile app, some will need help; particularly when they need to verify their identity. In general, a slightly higher percentage of Canadians say they can carry out these tasks compared to those in the U.S.:

Download the provider's mobile app: 53 percent (U.S.) vs 57 percent ( Canada )

) Provide a selfie: 37 percent (U.S.) vs 38 percent ( Canada )

) Scan documents such as a passport or driver's license: 46 percent (U.S.) vs 47 percent ( Canada )

) Scan a QR Code: 41 percent (U.S.) vs 42 percent ( Canada )

) Scan your fingerprint: 41 percent (U.S. and Canada )

"Consumers embraced the digital first economy during the past 12 months, but how, when and what digital channels they prefer still varies greatly across demographics," added Lasher. "For banks, it's critical they understand their customers and deploy solutions and policies that can operate across channels and adapt to their customers evolving preferences."

For more details and insights regarding the survey results:

Join the FICO Virtual Event.

Download and view the eBook as well as Infographic.

Listen to the new FICO podcast series.

For more information on FICO fraud solutions, visit www.fico.com/identity.

FICO's Consumer Banking Survey was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 using an online, quantitative poll of 14,000 consumers across 14 countries, carried out on behalf of FICO by an independent research company. The countries surveyed were Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

About FICO

FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956 and based in Silicon Valley, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 195 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 120 countries do everything from protecting 2.6 billion payment cards from fraud, to helping people get credit, to ensuring that millions of airplanes and rental cars are in the right place at the right time.

Learn more at https://www.fico.com

FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

SOURCE FICO

Related Links

https://www.fico.com


Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

After months of stalemate, all parties, pro-Russian and pro-Western, agree on a path of reform. The EU as arbiter. The release of the opposition leader Niki Melia is expected; elections in 2022 under certain conditions.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Representatives of the pro-Russian party in power and those of the pro-Western opposition, have signed a document entitled Georgia's way to progress which could unlock the stalemate in which the country has been held for several months. The agreement took place in the residence of the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili, the palace of the Orbelian princes in Tbilisi, in the presence of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

The signatories of the document are the speaker of the parliament Archil Talakvadze and the member of the ruling party, the Georgian Dream, Shalba Papuashvili, together with the Lelo party leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Dzhaparidze, leaders of the Citizens party Aleko Elisashvili, and Girchi party Vakhtang Megrelishvili, of the Girchi-Piu Liberta party Zurab Dzhaparidze, of Strategija Agmashenebeli Georgij Vashadze, of the republican party Khatuna Samnidze, and the independent deputies Salome Samadashvili and David Bakradze.

Karl Hartzell, EU ambassador to Georgia, and Kelly Degnan, US ambassador were also present at the signing ceremony. Michel had presented a new plan for the solution of the Georgian political crisis the previous day. It envisages the release of the president of the unitary national movement, Niki Melia, and the co-owner of the Mtavari television channel, Georgij Rurua, two opponents imprisoned in recent months, together with a reform of the electoral system, the division of powers and the administration of justice.

Under the agreement, early parliamentary elections will be held by 2022, if the ruling Georgian Dream party does not get at least 43% of the votes in next autumn's local elections. Opponents pledge in exchange to stop the boycott of parliamentary work. Former president Mikhail Saakashvili, who currently lives in Ukraine, strongly criticized the "43% rule": "why not 50 + 1%? And who will count the votes? Those even if they take the 3, they will count 43 the devil is hiding in the details.

It was the arrest of Melia on 23 February that threw the country into a very acute political crisis. It was carried out with violence and the use of tear gas. The president of the United Movement was accused of organizing mass violence, in which he himself allegedly participated on June 20, 2019, known as "Gavrilov's night". Melia had also refused to pay the fine imposed by the court, and the parliament had annulled her immunity as a deputy.

To avoid Melia's arrest, Prime Minister Georgij Gakharya resigned on February 18. He was replaced by Iraklij Garibashvili, who instead decided to raid the headquarters of the movement, calling Melia a "criminal". On February 26, the opposition organized a protest in the center of Tbilisi, shouting "Freedom for Niki Melia!", Waving national flags along with NATO banners. Since then, the picketing of the entrances of parliament has begun, preventing its functions, and of other government buildings, forcing politicians to pass through the "corridors of shame".

Michel's proposal for conciliation (on behalf of the EU) had provoked reactions of dismay among the men of government. President Zurabishvili finally accepted by setting a series of conditions, aimed at controlling the constitutional and electoral reform projects. Neither party seems satisfied with the compromise reached. It will be difficult for the members of Georgian Dream to digest the liberations of the opponents and participants in the "night of Gavrilov", but as Michel said with satisfaction, "finally the train has moved".


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The COVID-19 pandemic is now spreading across India like wildfire, threatening a human catastrophe of biblical or, to be more precise, 21st century capitalist proportions.

Yesterday, Indian health authorities reported 259,170 new infections, only marginally lower than Saturdays record tally of 273,802. Indias daily count of new COVID-19 cases has exceeded 200,000 every day since April 15. That is for six straight days.

Daily COVID-19 fatalities have been increasing by more than 1,000 a day since April 14although numerous reports suggest that this is a gross undercount. Yesterdays daily COVID-19 death toll set a new record: 1,761 deaths were officially attributed to the virus, bringing the total to more than 182,000.

People line up to get tested for COVID-19 at a government hospital in Jammu, India on April 19, 2021 (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Despite the wave of infections and death, Indias Narendra Modiled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is adamant that it will not impose a nationwide lockdown to halt the spread of COVID-19, which is being fueled, as around the world, by new, more contagious and lethal variants.

On Monday, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke with the heads of major business lobby groups and the CEOs of some of the countrys biggest corporations, including Maruti Suzuki and Tata Steel, to reassure them that the Union government will continue to prioritise corporate profits over human lives.

Sitharaman said that there is no plan [for a] national lockdown. Animesh Saxena, the president of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME), told the Economic Times of India that the Focus would be on creating small containment zones to stop the [viruss] spread. She wanted our inputs for addressing any of our concerns.

R.C. Bhargava, the head of Maruti Suzuki, Indias largest automaker, voiced his satisfaction with the governments decision to let the virus run rampant. He told the Kolkata-based Telegraph, Do not think lockdown is the appropriate response this time. [It] will do more harm than good.

In a national televised address last night, Prime Minister Modi delivered much the same message as his finance minister. Only far from wanting to address the concerns of the Indian people, he effectively told them to live with the threat of mass death and continue to fend for themselves in the face of an unprecedented socio-economic crisis.

Rewording the capitalist mantra that the cure must not be worse than the disease, Modi declared that India must be saved not from the pandemic, but from a lockdown aimed at halting the viruss advance and saving lives! In todays situation, we have to save the country from lockdown, Modi declared.

I would also request the states, he continued, to use lockdown as the last option. We have to try hard to avoid lockdown and the focus should be on the micro containment zones only.

Harrowing as the current situation is in India, everything suggests that the exponential growth in COVID-19 infections and deaths has only begun:

* There are currently more than 2 million active COVID-19 cases, almost a four-fold increase from the 580,327 on April 1.

* The virus is surging in multiple regions, from Maharashtra in the west, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in the north, to Chhattisgarh in the centre-east, and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the south.

* Indias ramshackle public health system is collapsing under the weight of the surge in cases.

Hospitals are already overwhelmed by shortages of staff, intensive care beds, and antiCOVID-19 drugs, such as Remdesivir and Tocilizumab. Several states and the Delhi National Capital Territory, which has the countrys highest per capita number of COVID-19 cases, are facing acute oxygen shortages.

We have collapsed, Maharashtra is sinking and other states will follow, Dr. Jalil Parkar, a top pulmonologist at Mumbais Lilavati Hospital, told NDTV journalist Barkha Dutt. This is worse than World War II.

So serious are the drug and oxygen shortages some hospitals are now telling patients and their families to procure them directly from dealers.

The surge in COVID-19 cases is far outpacing the governments vaccination campaign. As infections began to spike in February and early March, Modi and his government cavalierly dismissed calls for action to stop the viruss spread, claiming that the answer to the contagion would be found in Indias world-beating vaccination campaign. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan even fatuously boasted India was in the endgame of the pandemic.

The much-vaunted vaccination drive is now in a shambles. As of Monday, April 19, just 8 percent of Indias 1.4 billion people had received a vaccination shot, and little more than 17 million people or 1.3 percent of Indias population were fully vaccinated.

Moreover, whilst India is the worlds largest vaccine producer, the supply of vaccines is running dry. This despite the Modi government imposing a reactionary export ban, which will have a devastating impact on the many low- and middle-income countries that were counting on Indian production for all or much of their vaccines.

Because they have lost or fear that they will lose their jobs and be left penniless by local lockdown measures, migrant workers are starting to flee major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This raises the prospect of a further spread of the virus to rural India, where public health facilities are largely non-existent.

Last March and April, more than 10 million migrant workers returned to their villages in a chaotic mass migration prompted by the BJP governments calamitous lockdown, which without any warning or provision of social support had suddenly deprived hundreds of millions or their livelihoods.

By Monday afternoon, 50,000 people had reportedly descended on Delhis bus depots in search of a means to get home. We know very well after last year that no one will take care of us and hence I am going back, one worker told NDTV. When we are at home, said a woman waiting for a bus to Bundelkhand, we at least know we can ask someone for help and our children will not starve. Last year, we had to stand in queues and beg for food.

While Indian authorities are criminally trying to downplay the significance of the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, they have rendered the pandemic more virulent and changed the profile of those becoming seriously ill and dying.

As elsewhere, the current wave of infections is striking down many more people in the prime of life. According to data from the Union governments Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, 31.5 percent of COVID-19 hospitalisations, or almost a third, are of people 39 years old and younger, with children and adolescents accounting for 5.8 percent of the hospitalised.

In addition to the three major global variantsthe so-called British, South African and Brazilian strains of COVID-19all of which are now circulating in the worlds second most populous country, India has seen the emergence of a so-called double mutant virus that combines two mutations identified elsewhere.

In Maharashtra, which has been averaging almost 55,000 infections per day for the past week, testing indicates that the double mutant was responsible for 20 percent of all new infections last week, and in some districts more than 60 percent.

Although the Indian double-mutant variant was first identified late last year, and was quickly linked by some epidemiologists to the February spike in infections, the government, in keeping with its callous indifference to the health of the population, had less than 1 percent of positive COVID-19 samples genetically sequenced last month, thereby making it impossible to properly track the variants impact.

Determined to defend the profits and wealth of Indias elite, the Hindu-supremacist BJP government wont take even the most minimal measures to safeguard the population in the face of this unfolding catastrophe. Yesterday, the Delhi High Court pointed to the governments failure to immediately order the suspension of oxygen deliveries to all but essential industries, so hospitals could be resupplied. Noting that the government order banning the industrial use of oxygen will only take effect on Thursday, the court felt compelled to chastise the government, declaring, Industry can wait. Patients cannot.  Lives are at stake. Are you going to tell patient to wait till April 22 for oxygen?

However, it is not only the Modi government that is responsible for the catastrophe now engulfing India. The entire ruling class and political establishment have blood on their hands. Maharashtra and Delhi, the two most severely impacted states, are led by the BJPs ostensible political opponents, but they have pursued the same homicidal policy of prioritising corporate profit over workers lives. The corporate media, like the rest of big business, has railed against lockdowns. It cynically invokes the plight of the hundreds of millions of Indians whose meagre incomes were further reduced as a result of the pandemic, only in the next breath to celebrate the swelling fortunes of Indias billionaires as proof of Indian capitalisms rise.

Indeed, while Indias workers and toilers were ravaged by the pandemic and its economic fallout, the ruling class gorged itself. According to Forbess 2021 billionaires list, the number of Indias dollar billionaires swelled from 102 to 144 last year and their wealth nearly doubled to $596 billion.

The fight against the pandemic in India, as around the world, is a class struggle. It requires the independent political mobilisation of the working class to enforce a socialist programme that places human lives and social needs before capitalist profit, and appropriates the ill-gotten wealth of the bloated capitalist elite to fund the necessary public health measures and social supports needed to halt the viruss spread until the population can be inoculated.
Most police officers in the United States likely saw nothing amiss in the video depicting a police encounter in Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, with then-police officer Derek Chauvin, in the company of three of his fellow officers, pressing his knee into the neck of the Black man lying on the ground, 46-year-old George Floyd. Another day at the office. I know this because I was a city of Boston police officer for 27 years.

The police in the United States are socialized and enculturated to believe that any and all commands of a police officer  what the police term lawful commands  must be obeyed, complied with, and venerated. Any deviations from, challenges to, or refusals to comply with these commands are seen in the police world as not only violating criminal law, but more fundamentally, affronting the core essence of the moral fabric of (white) society.

In the eyes of the police  not just in Minneapolis, but throughout the United States  George Floyd failed to defer to the police in the rightful way. Floyd sought answers, a justification, an explanation, a chance to be heard  all of which the police deem an affront to their prerogative to command deference from those who are their subjects.

When Derek Chauvin elected to use force to subdue George Floyd, he was ensuring police dominance and control of a situation in ways that were not only demonstrative but performative. The performance was not only for onlookers but for Chauvins less senior colleagues, who would never dare to question Chauvins terrible decision. To do so would risk ostracization from the ranks the of tough guy street cops, as the three other officers present no doubt saw themselves.

John Van Maanen captured the sentiment accurately in his 1978 essay titled The Asshole, and police in the United States are well acquainted with the term  as Van Maanen explores, citizens encountered during urban policing are usually categorized by officers as either assholes, suspicious persons, or know-nothings. It is a universally understood code, and racism is at the heart of it. Police practices that discriminate, oppress, vilify, and brutalize too many Black people, too many George Floyds, are built into this shared set of beliefs.

Chauvin has been convicted on all counts and will likely receive a lengthy prison term. But one (or even two or three) guilty verdicts do not a trend make. The transformative changes that so urgently need to be undertaken in law enforcement as enacted in the United States may not necessarily follow the clear message being sent by jurors in Hennepin County.

There is, however, cause for hope (absent optimism) that incremental changemay be underway, and that the nascent movement to reimagine the role of the police in the United States. Such ideas may gain traction as more and more police officers are tried and convicted in instances where excessive and deadly force incidents are prosecuted criminally. When the police continue to see that violence, excess, and the use of deadly force as a default response to a perceived threat will have consequences, they may pause and reassess.

But as long as the police are socialized and trained to believe (as they do) that theirs is a world that is fraught with danger, violence, and peril, they will continue to see threats, hostility, and confrontation in too many of their interactions with the public. This makes a toxic combination with racism, and relates particularly to their interactions with Black men and women, boys and girls, in what Michael Sierra-Arevalo calls the Danger Imperative.

I have written extensively about the ways that law enforcement surveils and saturates marginalized communities, using strategies and tactics that endorse and even encourage the use of violence to maintain compliance from Black residents. In so doing, they imperil and alienate these communities. The cycle continues.

Within minutes of the delivery of the verdict in the Chauvin case, police in Columbus, Ohio shot and killed a Black teenage girl  16-year-old MaKhia Bryant  and we are once again asked to reimagine a similar situation involving a 16-year-old white girl. It is not difficult to envision a different outcome.

Thomas Nolan is a former police officer, a writer and a criminologist
Kathmandu: Former Nepalese king Gyanendra Shah and his wife and former Queen Komal Shah have been found corona positive on their return from India after attending the Mahakumbh in Haridwar. This information was given in media reports on Tuesday. According to the Health Ministry, the 73-year-old former king and 70-year-old former Queen have recently returned to Nepal from India. He had taken a holy bath during Mahakumbh at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Tell us that Mahakumbh is a religious confluence of Hindu saints and devotees. According to reports, their samples were tested RTPCR, which confirmed covid-19 infection. According to the report, hundreds of people had gathered at Kathmandu airport on their return to Nepal to welcome the former king and former Queen. Authorities have started tracking people who came in contact with the couple so that they can be investigated.

Gyanendra became the king of Nepal in 2001 after his elder brother Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and his family members were massacred in the royal palace. Birendra's son Dipendra was found guilty of genocide in the investigation. He was also among the dead. Shah had to step down in 2008 after the revolt and the centuries-old monarchy was abolished. After that, the Constituent Assembly transformed the country into a republic.

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[April 21, 2021] Retrotope Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase 2 Study of RT001 in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

LOS ALTOS, Calif., April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Retrotope, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, first-in-class therapies for degenerative diseases, today announced that enrollment has been completed for its multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating RT001, the companys lead development candidate, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease). The studys enrollment target of 40 patients was exceeded in less than six weeks, highlighting the high demand for participation in the trial featuring a novel treatment approach for ALS. Based on this rapid patient enrollment, Retrotope expects data from the trial to be available by the end of 2021.

"Patients living with ALS are in need of new and improved treatment options for this devastating disease," said Caroline Ingre, M.D., Ph.D., head of the ALS Center at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and a clinical investigator for the ongoing RT001 ALS study. "This trial enrolled very rapidly due to the enthusiasm of ALS patients for a new potential treatment with a unique mechanism for combatting this disease. We look forward to assessing the results of this investigation later this year."



The Phase 2 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of RT001 in patients with ALS. Study participants have been randomized to receive either RT001 or placebo daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is change from baseline in the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) at 24 weeks. Several additional secondary and exploratory endpoints will also be evaluated to further elucidate the efficacy and safety profile of RT001 as compared to placebo. The global ALS patient community remains in desperate need of effective treatments for ALS. Clinical trials like the ongoing study of RT001 from Retrotope, are essential if we are to significantly impact ALS progression or symptoms, said Ammar Al-Chalabi, Ph.D. FRCP, professor of neurology and complex disease genetics at Kings College London and director of the MND Association-funded Kings MND Care and Research Centre. RT001 is a clinical-stage isotopically stabilized, synthetic linoleic acid (LA) discovered and developed with Retrotopes novel platform technology. This platform is designed to combat the oxidative stress and cellular degeneration that arises from lipid peroxidation (LPO). While all healthy human tissues undergo this physiological process of cell degeneration and repair, it is well-established that a wide range of serious degeerative diseases are precipitated when the LPO process becomes out of balance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which make up cell and mitochondrial membranes throughout the body and are vital to healthy cellular function, are the target of the LPO process due to their inherent instability. Free radicals in the body exploit the instability of PUFAs to trigger chain reactions that drive LPO and the resulting degradation of these vital PUFAs. Retrotopes novel platform technology creates stabilized PUFAs, such as RT001, that become an integral part of all membranes and are capable of down-regulating LPO in order to protect membranes from degeneration.



RT001, which is currently being evaluated in clinical trials across several neurodegenerative diseases, has been safely administered orally on a daily basis to more than 100 patients, spanning more than 1,000 patient months. This includes the companys initial clinical research on RT001 in ALS, which comprised treatment of 23 patients for up to 24 months and demonstrated both safety and potential signs of disease slowing. Retrotope seeks to build upon these promising initial data in ALS with its ongoing Phase 2 ALS trial. Retrotope is grateful for the confidence shown by investigators and patients for this clinical trial of RT001 to treat ALS. We believe that the interest of the ALS community has been driven by the existing unmet medical need and the unique attributes of RT001, said Mark G. Midei, M.D., Retrotopes vice president for medical affairs. These include RT001s ability to prevent the oxidative stress and cellular degeneration that arises from lipid peroxidation, all of which appear to play a role in the fundamental degenerative processes involved in the onset and progression of ALS. Furthermore, as an oral drug, RT001 offers patients significant convenience and administration advantages over other potential treatments that require injections or infusions.

For more information about the study, including a list of trial sites and contacts, please visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04762589). About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily involves the nerve cells, or neurons, that are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements such as walking, talking and chewing. ALS and its related disorders are caused by the gradual degeneration of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling communication between the brain and muscles responsible for voluntary movements. As these motor neurons deteriorate, communication between the brain and these muscles is impaired, leading to difficulty for patients in performing voluntary movements. As the disease progresses, voluntary muscle control becomes more and more difficult for patients, leading to an inability to breathe on their own and ultimately death. There is currently no cure for ALS and no effective treatment to halt, or reverse, the progression of the disease. About Retrotope Retrotope is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of first-in-class therapies for degenerative diseases ranging from orphan neurodegenerative indications to large market degenerative conditions. The company leverages its proprietary drug discovery platform to create novel, disease-modifying drugs designed to combat the oxidative stress and cellular degeneration that arises from lipid peroxidation (LPO). It does so through the creation of isotopically stabilized synthetic versions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that trigger the downregulation of the LPO process. The companys lead development candidate, RT001, is a clinical-stage isotopically stabilized, synthetic linoleic acid (LA) that is in development for a range of orphan neurodegenerative diseases, including infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), Friedreichs ataxia (FA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). In addition, the company is advancing its second development candidate, RT011, an isotopically stabilized, synthetic docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), toward the clinic for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For more information, please visit www.retrotope.com.

Contacts: Vida Strategic Partners Stephanie Diaz (Investors) 415-675-7401 sdiaz@vidasp.com Tim Brons (Media) 415-675-7402 tbrons@vidasp.com

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Jahangir Alam Shahin, a district correspondent of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha was assaulted and tortured by members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Kulaghat, Lalmonirhat district, while trying to get information regarding incidents of drug smuggling in the area. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands a thorough investigation into the assault.

Journalist Jahangir Alam Shahin and his friend Sohag Islam were attacked by BGB men with sticks on April 15. They sustained injuries to their eyes, necks and bodies when they arrived in the Kulaghat area to report on drug smuggling.

Shahin and Islam were stopped by a BGB patrol team while travelling in Kulaghat. During their conversation, the journalist asked about the drug trafficking situation in the area, angering BGB Kulaghat special camp commander, Habildar Anwar Hossain. A team of BGB officers then attacked Shahin and Islam. Afterwards, they tied the journalists hands and waists with a rope and took them to Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station.

The BGB claimed that the journalist was arrested due to his possession of a bottle of Phensedyl, an illegal drug, and that he was injured trying to flee the scene. The BGB later filed a case against Shahin for allegedly carrying the illegal drug.

The case was taken to court where Shahin was granted bail in a virtual hearing.

The case is one of many where Bangladesh journalists are intentionally tortured and punished on false accusations; where laws are commonly misused, including the Digital Security Act.

The BMSF said: The BMSF are currently investigating the incident. We strongly protest against the arrest, torture and handcuffing of BSS journalist, Jahangir Alam Shahin.

The IFJ said: With false accusations and misuse of the law to punish journalists becoming a trend in Bangladesh, the IFJ demands a thorough and fair investigation into this case. The government needs to punish those responsible for the attack on Shahin and Islam and must stop such abuses of power immediately.
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The podcast IP Hot Topics , presented by Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, closed out the first quarter of the year by hosting the President of Howard University, Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick. The episode covered several topics, including: Howard's legacy of research and innovation; the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in graduating STEM students; developing intellectual property; solutions to the challenges faced by Howard and Black communities during the pandemic; and more.

The episode was the sixth in the "Innovation Conversations" series, which features discussions with noteworthy innovators, influencers, authors, scientists, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officials and other prominent players in intellectual property. The IP Hot Topics podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud, as well as the "Multimedia" section of the firm's website www.sternekessler.com.

Full topics and episodes are available below:

2021

Innovation Conversations: Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick : Sterne Kessler Director R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Director of Marketing & Communications Kathryn Holmes Johnson spoke with Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick , president of Howard University .

: Sterne Kessler Director R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Director of Marketing & Communications spoke with Dr. , president of . Innovation Conversations: Paul Reed Smith : Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Donald J. Featherstone spoke with Paul Reed Smith , founder and managing general partner of guitar manufacturer Paul Reed Smith Guitars. Topics included technology in music and the essential role of patents and trademarks in the company's IP portfolio.

: Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and spoke with , founder and managing general partner of guitar manufacturer Paul Reed Smith Guitars. Topics included technology in music and the essential role of patents and trademarks in the company's IP portfolio. Innovation Conversations: Dr. Claire Fraser : Sterne Kessler Director R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. spoke with the President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Director of the Institute for Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland , Dr. Claire Fraser , on the importance of genome sequencing, perspectives on the U.S. patent system and hopes for the future of biotech.

2020

Innovation Conversations: Andrei Iancu : Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Robert Greene Sterne spoke with Andrei Iancu , the former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, about changes implemented at the agency during his tenure.

: Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Robert Greene Sterne spoke with , the former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, about changes implemented at the agency during his tenure. Innovation Conversations: Walter Isaacson , Part 2 : Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Eldora L. Ellison , Ph.D. discussed the future of innovation and new disruptors on the horizon with Walter Isaacson , Tulane University professor and author of The Code Breaker . The new book profiles Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier who were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for the development of a method for genome editing."

: Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and , Ph.D. discussed the future of innovation and new disruptors on the horizon with , professor and author of . The new book profiles and who were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for the development of a method for genome editing." Innovation Conversations: Walter Isaacson , Part 1 : Sterne Kessler Directors R. Wilson "Trey" Powers III, Ph.D. and Eldora L. Ellison , Ph.D. explored COVID-19 research as an opportunity to strike a necessary balance while serving the good of mankind with Walter Isaacson .

About IP Hot Topics

The podcast IP Hot Topics explores timely and trending topics in intellectual property law ranging from ground-breaking cases in the courts and U.S. Supreme Court decisions to changes in regulations at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the International Trade Commission. Highly experienced attorneys from Sterne Kessler, a top-tier IP specialty firm based in Washington, DC, discuss what is happening, why it is happening and what action steps IP stakeholders may want to take as a result. Subscribers to this podcast can stay up to date on developments in IP law effectively and efficiently with brief 20-30 minute episodes.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C. and renowned for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, transfer, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, students, and technical specialists include some of the country's most respected practitioners of IP law tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm's practitioners hold over 50 masters and over 50 doctorate degrees in science or engineering and represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.

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The comeback is complete.

Former New York Mets ace Matt Harvey picked up his first win in almost two years, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-5 victory Tuesday over the Miami. Marlins.

Harvey gave up three runs on eight hits over five innings, striking out four. It was his first win since July 13, 2019. According to MLB.com, Harvey entered play 0-5 with an 8.16 ERA in 11 games (eight starts) for three different teams since then.

To be honest, I didnt know if it was ever going to happen again, the right-hander said. And then with how I was throwing the ball in spring training and the last couple of outings, there was some hope that it was coming back.

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To buy Mets tickets, visit: VividSeats, TicketNetwork and StubHub

For Yankee tickets visit: VividSeats, Ticketmaster and StubHub

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I thought it was gutty, manager Brandon Hyde said, per MLB.com. That was a gutty performance. Five innings, had traffic in four of them. He pitched out of innings well. His fastball command wasnt as good as it has been. But he made pitches when he needed to and left with a 6-3 lead.

Harvey signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles in February after playing in 2020 for the Kansas City Royals, going 0-3 with an 11.57 ERA in seven games.

Harvey was an All-Star with the Mets in 2013 and finished fourth that year in National League Cy Young Award voting. He won a career-best 13 games in 2015, helping the Mets reach the World Series (which they lost to the Royals).

Injuries then derailed the 32-year-old Harveys career, with the Mets eventually trading him to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
New Delhi:

A 19-yr-old girl was allegedly kidnapped by a few men from Delhi-Agra Highway while returning from her uncle's home. The incident took place in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. The girl was allegedly molested in July too.

While talking to ANI, the victims mother told that they were returning from her uncle's home when a few men, who were in car, pulled her out of the auto took her with them.

A senior police official informed that they have received a complaint and a probe is underway after examining the spot.

We were returning from her uncle's home when few men, in car, pulled her out of the auto&took her with them. Couldn't recognize them: Mother pic.twitter.com/yPG0k8lOof  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 15, 2017

We received the complaint. We have examined the spot and our investigation is underway, said Vinay Kumar Chauhan, Circle Officer, Mathura.

We received the complaint. We have examined the spot and our investigation is underway: Vinay Kumar Chauhan, Circle Officer, Mathura pic.twitter.com/BVOY6qIKqY  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 15, 2017

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[April 21, 2021]

ZTO Files Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year 2020

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and HKEX: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 21, 2021. The annual report can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at http://zto.investorroom.com as well as the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company's IR Department at ir@zto.com.







The Company has also today published its annual report for Hong Kong purposes pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEX"), which can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at http://zto.investorroom.com as well as the HKEX's website at http://www.hkexnews.hk.

About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

ZTO is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

Investor Relations

E-mail: ir@zto.com

Phone: +86 21 5980 4508

SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
The Manhattan district attorneys office announced Wednesday that it would no longer prosecute prostitution and unlicensed massage, putting the weight of one of the most high-profile law enforcement offices in the United States behind the growing movement to change the criminal justice systems approach to sex work.

The district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., asked a judge on Wednesday morning to dismiss 914 open cases involving prostitution and unlicensed massage, along with 5,080 cases in which the charge was loitering for the purposes of prostitution.

The law that made the latter charge a crime, which had become known as the walking while trans law, was repealed by New York State in February.

The announcement represents a substantive shift in the Manhattan district attorneys approach to prostitution. Many of the cases Mr. Vance moved to dismiss dated to the 1970s and 1980s, when New York waged a war against prostitution in an effort to clean up its image as a center of iniquity and vice.
Vietnamese independent journalists Nguyen Thanh Nha, Nguyen Phuoc Trung Bao, and Doan Kien Giang are shown left to right in undated photos.

Police in southern Vietnams Can Tho city on Tuesday arrested three independent journalists connected with the publishing of articles online last year criticizing tollbooths set up under a controversial infrastructure funding program, state media sources said.

Nguyen Thanh Nha, Doan Kien Giang, and Nguyen Phuoc Trung Baoall writers for the popular Facebook page Clean Newspaper, which discusses Vietnamese social issueswere taken into custody in connection with an investigation into the activities of journalist Truong Chau Huu Danh, who was arrested in December.

Danh, another contributor to Clean Newspaper, had posted criticisms online of build-operate-transfer (BOT) highways that Vietnam has adopted in recent years, sparking rare protests over toll collections described by motorists as unfair.

He was detained by police in Can Tho, a province-level city in the countrys Mekong Delta, on charges of abusing democratic rights to infringe upon the interests of other individuals and/or organizations, under Article 331 of Vietnams 2015 Penal Code.

The Clean Newspaper page was taken offline, presumably by state authorities, at around the time of Danhs Dec. 10, 2020 arrest and prosecution.

The decision this week to charge and arrest Nha, Giang, and Bao was approved by the Peoples Procuracy of Can Tho City, and authorities raided the journalists homes and seized many items and documents related to the case under investigation, state media said.

Harsh forms of persecution

With Vietnams media all following Communist Party orders, the only sources of independently-reported information are bloggers and independent journalists, who are being subjected to ever-harsher forms of persecution, the press freedoms watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says in its 2021 Press Freedoms Index.

Measures taken against them now include assaults by plainclothes police, RSF said in its report, which placed Vietnam at 175 out of 180 countries surveyed worldwide, a ranking unchanged from last years.

To justify jailing them, the Party resorts to the criminal codes, especially three articles under which activities aimed at overthrowing the government, anti-state propaganda and abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to threaten the interests of the state are punishable by long prison terms, the rights group said.

Also ranked low in this years survey were Vietnams neighbors Laos at 172, Cambodia at 144, and Myanmar, whose ranking at 140 represents a one-point drop from last years score, RSF 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. But arrests continue in 2021.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Richard Finney.
TEMPE, Ariz., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Business owners and government officials face an increasing obligation to shareholders and their communities to improve sustainability efforts in the face of a growing global climate crisis and water shortage.

The City of Los Angeles named "Innovator of the Year" for saving millions of gallons of water and attributes their success to Dynamic Water Technologies. Mike Boyko, co-founder and COO of Tempe, Ariz.-based Dynamic Water Technologies, has spent his 30-year career working with companies that promote a healthier environment. The DWT water treatment system shown here uses electrolysis to clean the water, resulting in millions of gallons of saved water each year. The United States Drought Monitor map is released weekly by the National Drought Mitigation Center to visually show the effects of drought in the United States.

On the eve of Earth Day, government leaders throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada brace for restrictions on water use as supplies from the Colorado River and tributaries shrink to alarming levels. A contingency plan for water reduction could be triggered as early as this year if levels in Lake Mead drop below a specified level. The Nevada reservoir is 39 percent full.

"While governments put in place water-reduction efforts for their communities, business leaders must also look at ways to reduce water use," says Mike Boyko, co-founder and COO of Dynamic Water Technologies. "It's the moral responsibility of every resident and every industry to find ways to protect our water supplies."

Boyko has spent more than 30 years working with companies that generate sustainable business options. A native of Arizona, he recognizes the impact of the megadrought affecting America's southwestern states. One of his go-to partners in persuading both business and government that innovative technology can reduce water use is Gabbard Energy Group, based in Folsom, Calif.

Glenn Gabbard, founder and co-owner, serves as a broker connecting business owners and governments to companies and individuals developing technological advances that can save water.

"It is time to face the reality of our drought conditions and act responsibly," Gabbard says. "We need a consistent, coordinated daily effort from the public and private sectors to actively adopt water conservation practices. Whether a business owner accepts the reality of climate change, it is simply smart business practice to incorporate water-saving technology into any business operation."

Dynamic Water Technologies, for example, uses electrolysis to treat process and industrial water without using harsh chemicals. The treatment system allows water to be reused for multiple more cycles, saving millions of gallons of water per year for large industrial complexes, tall buildings with massive cooling towers, shopping centers, and medical centers.

Boyko agrees with Gabbard that it is the responsibility of both government and businesses to act.

"Business owners cannot afford to ignore what is happening in the environment," Boyko says. "Smart business leaders will embrace technology that saves natural resources because, in the end, it makes sense financially and ethically."

But Boyko and Gabbard say they face an uphill battle in getting key leaders in government and business to understand the necessity of adapting.

"Unfortunately, our biggest challenge is getting them to listen," Gabbard says. "to give us a chance to explain how some simple changes in their technology and business operations can make a huge difference in the amount of water that they can save each day."

For example, DWT partnered with the City of Los Angeles to install its system at City Hall East. Data from the project shows more than 2.4 million gallons of water saved annually since installation.

The installation at Los Angeles City Hall East is one of two at government facilities that used DWT's treatment system as part of studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a division within the U.S. Department of Energy. A multi-month study at the 242,000 square-foot Juliette Gordon Low Federal Building in Savannah, Ga., produced similar water-saving results as those reported in Los Angeles and recommendations that DWT's technology be adopted at all federal government facilities.

Neither Boyko nor Gabbard can understand why these statistics aren't swaying leaders.

"Our work and case studies with the City of Los Angeles alone should be compelling but we are still working to get an audience with the State of California and other large municipalities like the City of Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco," Gabbard notes. "It's frustrating considering the many environment initiatives that California has implemented over the past few years."

Gabbard and Boyko both believe that educating leaders in government and the private sector on the benefits of saving water is what will make the difference.

"Education and communication with the key decision makers in every business is essential," Gabbard says. "Once we have an opportunity to explain how our technology works, show them the many proof of concept case studies with the GSA, Department of Energy, City of Los Angeles, and others they can understand why our technology such as DWT's makes sense."

For Boyko, it's simple, "Water rights will be the next major battleground, and we've got to prepare for even greater scarcity of this precious resource. The time to plan is now  before it's too late."

ABOUT GABBARD ENERGY GROUP

Gabbard Energy Group provides proven air, water, solar and waste management technologies, solutions. Our team works directly with decision-makers to share access to the latest innovations in clean air and water conservation. Learn more by visiting Gabbard Energy Group or calling (925) 381-1102.

ABOUT DYNAMIC WATER TECHNOLOGIES

Dynamic Water Technologies is a Tempe, Ariz.-based company that provides electrochemical treatment of process water allowing facilities to use the water two to six more cycles than traditional chemical-based approaches. Contact Dynamic Water Technologies at [email protected], or call (480) 289-2401.

MEDIA CONTACT

Tess Dumlao

Phoenix PR & Marketing

[email protected]

(602) 653-6585

SOURCE Dynamic Water Technologies

Related Links

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Harry Styles will reportedly film sex scenes with co-star David Dawson in upcoming LGBT romantic drama My Policeman.

According to reports, the musician, 27, will go nude on screen to play gay officer Tom Burgess  who is married to school teacher Marion (Emma Corrin), but has a secret affair with museum curator Patrick Hazelwood for years.

An insider said: 'Harry will be having sex on screen and they want it to look as real as possible. The plan is to shoot two romps between Harry and David, then another scene where Harry is naked on his own.'

Raunchy: Harry Styles will reportedly film sex scenes with co-star David Dawson in upcoming LGBT romantic drama My Policeman (pictured last month)

Production on the film has kicked off in Brighton, and it is currently unclear when the film will be released.

A source added to The Sun: 'Not much is going to be left to the imagination. Harry is throwing himself into this new role and is really excited about the challenge, even though its a daunting task.

'He always wants to do things that people wouldnt expect and challenge what people think about him  and this film will really do that.'

A spokesperson for Harry declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. MailOnline has also contacted a representative for David.

Portrayal: According to reports, the musician, 27, will go nude as gay officer Tom  who is married but has a secret affair with museum curator Patrick (David pictured in 2018)

They've started: Production on the film has kicked off in Brighton, and it is currently unclear when the film will be released (pictured last month)

Baz Bamigboye revealed in The Daily Mail last month that The Last Kingdom star, 38, will portray the lover of Harry's character.

Rupert Everett will appear as the older version of Patrick in the film, while the former One Direction artist will be replaced by Linus Roache.

Newly crowned Golden Globe winner Emma, 25, will morph into Gina McKee in the new film.

Set in Brighton in the late 1957 the film, which is based on Bethan Roberts' novel, focuses on police officer Tom, who is gay but chooses to marry Marion due to social expectations in the era.

Awkward! The wife of Harry's character - played by The Crown's Emma Corrin (pictured last year) - decides to take drastic action during a time when homosexuality was illegal

Despite this, Tom embarks on an affair with Patrick after the latter falls in love at first sight when they meet at Brighton Museum years later.

His spouse becomes jealous when she discovers their passionate relationship, and decides to take drastic action during a time when homosexuality was illegal.

The 2012 novel explores the sexual mores of the 1950s and the criminalisation of homosexuality.

The Amazon Studios production is set to be directed by Michael Grandage, and it will shoot from April 12 on locations in London and the South-East coast, while the more intimate moments will be filmed at one of the big film studios.

A-list cast: Rupert Everett (pictured in 2018), Linus Roache and Gina McKee also star in the project

The film will be adapted by Oscar-nominee Ron Nyswaner, and Amazon will be working with Berlanti Schechter Productions.

Harry is currently in a relationship with American actress Olivia Wilde, 37, and has previously dated celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, 25, Taylor Swift, 31, and Kiko Mizuhara, 30.

The hunk previously insisted he is not using 'sexual ambiguity to try and be more interesting' but demands fans respect his refusal to discuss his sexuality.

Speaking to The Guardian's Weekend Magazine, the hitmaker revealed that while he doesn't mind being asked about his sexuality, he has no plans to definitively provide an answer.

He explained: 'What I would say, about the whole being-asked-about-my-sexuality thing  this is a job where you might get asked. And to complain about it, to say you hate it, and still do the job, that's just silly.

'You respect that someone's gonna ask. And you hope that they respect they might not get an answer.

'It's not like I'm sitting on an answer, and protecting it, and holding it back. It's not a case of: I'm not telling you cos I don't want to tell you. It's not: ooh this is mine and it's not yours. It's: who cares? Does that make sense? It's just: who cares?'
Pressure is mounting on the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to publicly release documents pertaining to the role of the Saudi government in the September 11 terror attacks ahead of the 20th anniversary.

On Wednesday, a group of GOP lawmakers wrote a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland making the plea, while Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Middle East, made a similar case to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

'We call on the Department of Justice to immediately declassify and publish these reports to the American public,' wrote five House Republicans, in an effort spearheaded by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York. 'The Biden administration has voiced its commitment to transparency at every level of federal government.

On Wednesday, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (left), a New York Republican, led a GOP effort to have Attorney General Merrick Garland release secret 9/11 files, while Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch made a similar ask to FBI Director Christopher Wray

Nearly 20 years after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the victims' families still don't know the full story of whether Saudi government officials assisted the hijackers

'Our 9/11 families and the American people expect the DOJ to make good on that commitment,' wrote Malliotakis and Republican Reps. Brian Mast, Thomas Massie, Gus Bilirakis and Maria Elvira Salazar.

Both Deutch and the Republicans are particularly interested in the April 2016 Operation Encore Final Report, which was the FBI's investigation into Saudi government ties to the 9/11 hijackers, among other files.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, but the Saudi government continues to deny any involvment in the attack, which killed 2,751 people in the initial assault in New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

Hundreds more, including droves of first responders, have subsequently died from illnesses related to dust exposure.

The letter, the Republicans said, was written on behalf of the 9/11 community: '[V]ictims' families, injured and sickened survivors, first responders and thousands of associated family members.'

'These individuals bore witness to the most destructive and consequential attack on American soil this century, and for almost 20 years, have been deprived of due justice,' they wrote.

Deutch said that in his role as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee he was aware of the 'regional sensitivities' involved in such a release - essentially it would anger the Saudis, who are a key partner of the U.S. in the Middle East.

'But I firmly believe that given the time that has passed and the significant public reporting on these issues, the benefits of full public disclosure outweigh the costs of doing so,' Deutch said.

Deutch and Mast have previously been involved in the effort to publicly release the files, while the other Republicans have newly signed on.

Brett Eagleson, a leading 9/11 family member who lost his father in the World Trade Center, applauded the lawmakers' help.

'It's unconscionable to think that information about the murder of nearly 3,000 Americans 20 years ago is a "state secret,"' he told DailyMail.com Wednesday. 'President Biden has the unique opportunity to do what three administrations before him failed to do, which is help the 9/11 community instead of instructing our government to provide cover for [the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia].'

The letters came after Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, expressed frustration to FBI Director Christopher Wray in a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing last week that the committee couldn't even get a classified version of the FBI's 9/11 report

FBI Director Christopher Wray said some disclosures would be coming soon, with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand pushing him to get new documents out to the public within the next two weeks, with an April 29 deadline

The letters come after Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, spoke to Wray last week during a Senate Select Intelligence Committee hearing and complained that the committee couldn't even get a classified version of the report from the FBI, calling it 'deeply concerning.'

'As we approach the 20th anniversary of the attacks, I'm trying to understand what information in the reports could still be so sensitive that it cannot be shared with the American people,' Gillibrand said.

Wray pledged to release some material soon.

'We do have to be careful here, because of certain source and method issues and grand jury issues, but I have instructed our subject matter experts to review to see if there's more we can share, and I'm happy to report that we have identified some additional documents that we will be able to make available for review very shortly,' the FBI director said.

Gillibrand asked that this happen in the next two weeks, with Wray replying that a forthcomng release was 'consistent with that rough timeframe.'

'OK. And if you're not going to provide the particular document that I have requested, I need a reason in writing to the committee since as a member of the committee I have every right to review the document,' Gillibrand added.

In Deutch's letter, the Florida Democrat referenced the deadline, noting to Wray that it stood at April 29.

A renewed effort to see the 9/11 documents came in March after the Biden administration released documents in late February that said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

'I don't understand how our government can release the documents on the murder of one man two years ago but not the documents on the murder of 3,000 people 20 years ago,' Eagleson told Yahoo News, which first reported the families' request.

Nearly 2,000 family members of 9/11 victims signed on.

When DailyMail.com asked White House press secretary Jen Psaki at a March briefing if Biden backed the effort to release the FBI's 9/11 files, she said that was a question for the Justice Department, which oversees the agency.

The DOJ, however, refused to comment.

In April 2020, the former attorney general, Bill Barr, and acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell prevented the release of additional FBI disclosures that had been sought by the 9/11 families in their ongoing civil lawsuit against the Saudi government over the terror attack.

Barr, Grenell and other Trump administration officials used last-minute court filings to stop the release, arguing that the disclosures would imperil national security.

They couldn't even reveal their justification for why the release could harm national security, because that could too, the officials argued, according to ProPublica's reporting.

A lawyer for the families, Steven Pounian, told ProPublica at the time, 'The extraordinary lengths that they're going to here suggest that there must be some deep, dark secret that they're still trying very hard to hide after almost 20 years.'

'But who are they protecting?' Pounian asked. 'Something might be a Saudi government secret. But how can these be secrets that still need to be kept from the American people after all this time?'
China has slammed Australia's 'provocative' decision to tear up Victoria's Belt and Road Initiative agreement with Beijing, warning the move will further damage bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced on Wednesday night that the infrastructure deal had been cancelled under new foreign veto powers.

China's embassy in Australia responded swiftly, expressing 'strong displeasure and resolute opposition' to Senator Payne's announcement.

Morrison government has scrapped Victoria's 'Belt and Road' deal with Chinese government

'This is another unreasonable and provocative move taken by the Australian side against China,' a Chinese embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

'It further shows that the Australian government has no sincerity in improving China-Australia relations.

'It is bound to bring further damage to bilateral relations, and will only end up hurting itself.'

The Morrison government in December granted itself the ability to torpedo deals between individual states and foreign powers under the Foreign Relations Act.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne (pictured) announced the cancelation on Wednesday night

The foreign minister can assess such arrangements to check if they align with Australia's foreign policy goals.

Senator Payne said four agreements would be cancelled, two of which related to Victoria's Belt and Road deal for infrastructure investment.

'I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations,' she said in a statement.

Victoria signed a memorandum of understanding in relation to the Chinese regional infrastructure initiative in 2018 and then signed a 'framework agreement' with Beijing in 2019.

Areas of cooperation included increasing participation of Chinese companies in Victoria's infrastructure program and promoting cooperation of Victorian businesses in China.

It also allowed Victoria's engineering and design firms to bid for contracts for Belt and Road Initiative projects around the world.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has previously advised against the cancellation of the deal, saying it would place Victorian jobs at risk.

Decision ends battle between Morrison and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews over the $1.5T deal

A state government spokeswoman told AAP the Foreign Relations Act was a matter for the Commonwealth.

'The Victorian government will continue to work hard to deliver jobs, trade and economic opportunities for our state,' she said in a statement on Wednesday.

Beijing has previously raised Canberra's veto power as one of 14 grievances damaging to bilateral relations.

China has in the past 12 months launched a series of damaging trade strikes against Australia after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chinese government also remains furious with Australia over foreign interference and investment laws and the decision to ban Huawei from the country's 5G rollout.
SINGAPORE, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings said today that Incheon International Airport Corp.'s (IIAC) Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Framework is fully aligned with the four components of the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and the four components of the Social Bond Principles (SBP), collectively referred to the Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG). The Framework Alignment Opinion report is available here.

"We consider IIAC's green, social and sustainability bond framework to be fully aligned with the SBP because the company commits to using the net bond proceeds to fund eligible green and social projects that fit into the categories defined by the principles," said Giselle Wong, the primary contact at S&P Global Ratings.

The framework provides details on the management of proceeds, outlines the process for project evaluation and selection, and commits a high level of transparency for impact reporting.

IIAC's vision is to minimize the environmental footprint of its operations while ensuring many people, especially the vulnerable population, benefit from economic opportunities the airport creates. The green, social and sustainability bond framework explains how the company intends to contribute to a few of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations. These include No poverty (SDG 1); Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8); Sustainable cities and communities (SDG11); Responsible consumption and production (SDG12); and Life on land (SDG 15).

S&P's Green, Social, or Sustainability Framework Alignment Opinions are not credit ratings. They are a point-in-time second opinion on a seeker of finance's financing framework's alignment with the International Capital Market Association's (ICMA's) Green Bond Principles (GBPs), Social Bond Principles (SBPs), or a combination of the GBPs and SBPs, collectively known as ICMA's Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBGs). FAOs reflect the financing framework only, and do not consider individual financial transactions. They remain effective until such time as there is a change in the financing framework or the relevant Principles.

This report does not constitute a rating action.

S&P Global Ratings is the world's leading provider of independent credit ratings. Our ratings are essential to driving growth, providing transparency and helping educate market participants so they can make decisions with confidence. We have more than 1 million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. We offer an independent view of the market built on a unique combination of broad perspective and local insight. We provide our opinions and research about relative credit risk; market participants gain independent information to help support the growth of transparent, liquid debt markets worldwide.



S&P Global Ratings is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/ratings.

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As nuclear talks in Vienna enter a critical stage, the gaps and suspicions over Iran between the Israeli government and the Biden administration are growing.

Why it matters: Both sides want to avoid the kind of public fight that emerged during the negotiations over the 2015 deal. But in private, there's growing frustration on both sides about the lack of trust, coordination and transparency.

Driving the news: In between the first and second round of nuclear talks  which the U.S. hopes will lead to a restoration of the deal and Israel hopes will fail  an apparent act of Israeli sabotage led to an explosion at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.

Two days later, senior U.S. and Israeli officials met for a second round of strategic talks on Iran.

Behind the scenes: According to two Israeli officials involved in the talks, Israeli national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat raised concerns that the U.S. was not showing sufficient consideration of the Israeli governments positions during its Iran diplomacy, Israeli officials tell me.

The U.S. side raised concerns of its own that Israel was engaging in military and intelligence operations against Iran without fully informing Washington, the Israeli officials say.

The Israelis stressed their right and duty to defend Israel against Iran. Israeli officials tell me they had notified the U.S. in advance of recent operations. "It was not a surprise for the Americans," one Israeli official told me.

On the one hand: The Israelis claim that the Biden administration hasn't been fully transparent with them on the proposals it is making in Vienna  for example, on the non-nuclear sanctions the U.S. would consider lifting, per a senior Israeli official.

On the other: A senior Biden administration official pushed back on those claims, stressing that senior U.S. and Israeli officials have been engaged in close consultations on an ongoing basis. The U.S. and Israel will maintain this close and candid dialogue going forward," the U.S. official said.

The Israeli prime ministers office declined to discuss its talks with the Biden administration.

Whats next: Senior Israeli national security officials will descend on Washington next week for talks on Iran. They include Ben-Shabbat, Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Aviv Kochavi, military intelligence chief Tamir Hayman and Mossad director Yossi Cohen.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a meeting on Thursday with those officials as well as Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to discuss the policies to be presented in Washington.

A senior Netanyahu aide told me the size of the gap with the U.S. will only be clear after the face-to-face meetings next week. We dont think it is a done deal, and as long as we have a chance to give our input, we are going to give it a try, hoping it makes a difference."

Go deeper: Iran's president says deal could be reached soon
Jonathan Bennett revealed he was rejected from his dream wedding venue for being gay.

The 39-year-old actor  who stars on the cover of The Knot's summer 2021 issue, Pride & Joy, with fiance Jaymes Vaughan  recalled a major challenge when touring destinations for his upcoming nuptials.

Jonathan remembered the gut-wrenching feeling when the owner of a Palace Resorts property in Mexico denied them access because of their same-sex relationship.

Adversity: Jonathan Bennett  who stars on the cover of The Knot 's summer 2021 issue, Pride & Joy, with fiance Jaymes Vaughan  recalled a major challenge when touring destinations for his upcoming nuptials

'When we got engaged, the owner said he couldnt marry us because were two men and it goes against his morals,' he said. 'That was a sucker punch to the gut.

'We decided in that moment that our wedding was bigger than us. Its our wedding, but it isnt just about us. Its about the LGBTQ+ community. Were really making a point to make this wedding very loud on purpose.'

Despite the unnecessary challenges, the couple found a new location for their loud and proud wedding.

Staying strong: Jonathan remembered the gut-wrenching feeling when the owner of a Palace Resorts property in Mexico denied them access because of their same-sex relationship

'We knew we could go to the UNICO Hotel, because on social and in their marketing, they have shown us that were welcome there,' he said. 'When we first started talking about having our wedding there, they were excited for us, which is what everyones wedding is supposed to be.'

Jaymes dropped down to one knee and proposed to the Mean Girls star in November in front of friends and family.

And while details of their wedding are still under wraps, the pair created custom diamond rings to wear for both engagement and ceremony.

'When we got engaged, the owner said he couldnt marry us because were two men and it goes against his morals,' he said. 'That was a sucker punch to the gut'

'There really isnt a precedent for two guys,' Vaughan said. 'I knew we both wanted to wear rings to say were engaged. When you wear the ring diamond-side out, the world sees were engaged. When we get married, it flips and the diamonds face us, because my world is more beautiful with you in it forever.'

Jonathan and Jaymes are 'breaking away' from most wedding traditions, but plan to incorporate small details to complement their 'classic with a masculine vibe' event.

'We want to make sure that there's never a moment during the engagement or wedding planning journey that LGBTQ+ people aren't excited,' Bennett said. 'We want to make sure that they are celebrated every moment and don't feel a sense of otherness. The otherness needs to be removed from gay weddings.'
John Firstium was out trout fishing Saturday with his 15-year-old son and a buddy on two Albany County streams and wasnt having any luck.

So, we decide to try a local pond where I know there are panfish, he said.

Upon arriving, Firstium, 42, figuring there were also bass in the pond, so he tied on a bass lure -- a red and yellow diver.

Shortly before 3 p.m., the 42-year-old Averill Park resident hooked and landed a monster largemouth bass on his ultra-lite pole with 4-pound test line  a fish that could have been a new state record.

However, since it is currently the statewide catch and release season for bass, Firstium released the fish back into the pond. But not before measuring it three times, he added, with a 10-inch ruler on the back of a package of hooks that he had.

Firstium said the lunker bass measured 27 inches. He didnt have a scale, he added, so he didnt get the fishs weight. He asked that the name of the pond and its location not be revealed.

The existing New York State freshwater fishing record for largemouth bass was set in 1986 on Buckhorn Lake in Otsego County. That fish, caught by John Higbie, measured 25  inches and weighed 11.4 pounds, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Was Firstiums fish a new state record? He thinks so, but hell never know for sure. State fishing records are determined by weight, not length. The fish must be weighed on an official scale.

It was definitely a dream fish, Firstium said, adding it took him nearly 10 minutes to tire and beach the bass on the side of the pond.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation website has a chart where anglers can approximate the weight of a fish based on its length. Unfortunately, the DECs chart listings for largemouth bass ends at 25 inches.

The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife has a chart on its website for estimating the weight of bass based on its length. That chart estimates that a 27-inch largemouth would weigh 12.55 pounds. However, the weight of fish can vary by the time of year, by what its eating and other factors.

Firstium, a heavy equipment mechanic and operator, realizes there will be doubters but he said he knows what he caught and his son, Tyler, and buddy, Tim Van Voorhis, are witnesses.

He added it was definitely an old fish and mostly will be spawning soon.

I put it back in the water so it can live to get bigger, he said. And I dont eat bass. If I dont eat it, I aint killing it.

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A life settlement refers to a life insurance policy holder that has decided to sell their policy for cash rather than allowing it to lapse or accepting the cash surrender value. Most policyholders are unaware of this financial option. Those seeking a life settlement are often in ill health or reaching old age. In other words, they are among the more vulnerable consumers in our society. There is new tech in the life settlement market that helps these consumers save time by instantly determining if they should pursue longer conversations with providers and brokers, often referred to as 'life settlement calculators'

The first step in the life settlement process often includes finding providers and filling out these calculators that promise instant quotes. These personal questions are casually asked as if they are not serious questions about the insured's health status, age, and financial situation. How are consumers made to feel comfortable that their data is safely being stored and not sold to competitors? The short answer is, they are not.

Beware of "Life Settlement Marketing" Companies

When a user searches for 'life settlements' on Google or Bing, the first page is made up of a few helpful resources by Wikipedia, Investopedia, and LISA.org. Other listings are from private companies that evaluate policies to determine if they qualify for sale. They simply require your name, email address, phone number, and about a dozen or so very personal questions. But what are they doing with this data?

A quick look at their fine print will bring to light that most of these companies are not licensed. In fact, most of their fine print reads something alarming like "We are a life settlement marketing company". This is basically the company coming out and telling you that they are moving your data to at least one other company possibly more. So, consumers can look forward to an influx of random emails, phone calls, and text messages coming from random companies inquiring about the insured's health and finances.

"A quick look at their fine print will bring to light that most of these companies are not licensed. In fact, most of their fine print reads something alarming like "We are a life settlement marketing company."

A Life Settlement Companies New Tech Making Things Better Not Worse

Those seeking a life settlement are usually in a sensitive position in life. Many are in poor physical health and in poor financial health. For those considering a life settlement, Windsor Life Settlements offers consumers a life settlement calculator for everyone without even so much as requiring an email address or phone number. So users can get a quote without worrying that their personal data is being sold by marketing companies, because their quote is anonymous. Furthermore, Windsor is a team of life settlement brokers. They are not one of the many insurance companies ranking on the first page of Google that buy policies "direct" for low offers. As a broker, they are fundamentally on the side of the insured, fighting for the highest offer possible because their commission depends on it. They have a fantastic case study on their homepage for consumers to consider.

At Tech Times, we applaud tech that makes things better for consumers, not worse. A life settlement calculator is certainly an example of tech that makes things better for its consumers. Windsor was one of the first companies to offer a calculator. Today, there are dozens of companies with calculators. So, Windsor has taken their efforts to the next level by offering their tool anonymously and for this reason, we recommend the brokers at Windsor Life Settlements for anyone seeking to sell a policy for cash.

Windsor Partners With Salesforce To Keep Consumer Data Safe

There are many CRMs available for companies to use to keep track of their customer data. But seeing as how life settlement data involves medical history and financial records, a life settlement company should be using a secure database to house this data. To achieve this, Windsor pays the extra money to use Salesforce, which is HIPPA compliant and used by hospitals and any company who has a legal responsibility to keep sensitive data safe.

Salesforce has core security safeguards such as data encryption in transit, ongoing monitoring for security violations, and audit logging to identify changes in activity. Customer administrators can use configurable tools to make consumers feel secure that world class encryption is protecting their sensitive health and financial data.

Windsor Life Settlements is a life settlement broker based in Chicago IL but licensed in all 50 states.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Islamabad, April 21 : The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a country formed on the basis of freedom of religious rights for its citizens, is a Muslim majority state, where religious groups and organisations play a pivotal role in the countrys democratic system and political setups.

It is common in Pakistan for political parties to seek allegiance from various conservative and hardline religious groups to attain political strength, which could lead them to the victory throne to rule the country.

Hardline religious groups, under the guise of political gains by many political parties, have been supported, facilitated and protected, giving them the leverage to practice and spread their narratives of the religion among the masses.

However, while many such religious groups have made headways and have challenged the country's democracy in the past, the recent surge of popularity and intensity of the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) has certainly raised serious questions over how the country's democratic setup and government operate.

TLP, a hardline religious organisation, which was part of the political race during the last general elections, was declared as proscribed by the Imran Khan-led government after the former had detained security officials and unleashed mayhem in the country.

TLP's popular identity is its aggressive reaction to any activity or action by any person or country that targets Islam and its Prophet Muhammad.

TLP's prime agenda has been to protest against any blasphemous action or intent, which has seen support pouring in from all corners of the country.

TLP's protests have seen violence, blockages, killings and vandalisation, chocking the whole country through its widespread massive support across the nation.

TLP has certainly demonstrated that its public presence and violent reaction to issues related to religion has time and again brought the sitting government and the authorities to their knees.

This poses a serious threat to the country, which is now witnessing a backlash by such organisations, which were its own creations.

Islamist hardline groups in Pakistan have been able to spread their narrative openly and have been mainstreamed by the governments to the level that they have now become a threat to their own country's security and its standing in front of the world.

TLP's demand for expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan and severing relations with France in protest against the 'blasphemous' caricatures of Islam and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has put the Imran Khan-led government in a difficult position as the premier has stated that the country cannot afford to sever ties with France or with Europe at large.

However, the government, succumbing to the pressure from the Islamist group, has tabled a resolution in the Parliament, seeking its vote on the expulsion of the French Ambassador.

Such Islamist hardliner elements have also enjoyed support from the country's establishment, which has in the past supported them in their protests.

In 2017, TLP had staged a protest sit-in in Faizabad, the connecting bridge between the capital Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, demanding the resignation of the then sitting law minister over his alleged role in proposing changes to the wording of the oath taken by the parliamentarians, as they deemed it to be blasphemous.

The demand back then was met as the law minister had to resign, even after repeated clarifications that he had never intended to commit any blasphemy.

What is shocking to see is that these Islamist hardliners have been able to dictate terms to the government, both in terms of foreign policy and parliamentary agenda.

This has now become a serious concern for the Imran Khan-led government, which has been trying to portray a positive image of Pakistan to the world.
Bonn Group of Industries, a leading and trustworthy FMCG brand in the food products, today announced the launch of their new AD FILM campaign Khayal Apno Ka. Through this campaign, created by Pitamaas, Bonn Group intends to draw more attention to its core value of timeliness, personal care and connecting people in a striking, unconventional and appealing manner.

The film tells the story of an old chaiwallah and a delivery guy, whose determination and concern for his consumers are exemplary. Set in the snow-clad hilly terrains of an isolated locality, the commercial tends to make the audience feel nostalgic, while also reinforcing its core proposition, and leaving a smile on their faces. This, coupled with brilliant performance and likeable on-screen presence of the actors, successfully drives the point home.

Introducing the new campaign, Mr Amrinder Singh, Director, Bonn Group of Industries, said, Bonn Group is considered one of the most reliable brands when it comes to food products. Through the campaign, we wish to put emphasis on Bonn Groups products, which are amongst the largest selling breads, biscuits and buns in the country. We are thankful to our factory workers and the delivery personnel for their continued patronage and extra-ordinary dedication to the brand despite the extreme conditions. We are extremely hopeful that the AD FILM campaign will help us building a greater brand connect with our end users.

The AD FILM has been conceptualized by Pitamaas. Talking about the simple yet very powerful and relatable campaign concept, Mr. Ritaz, MD said, Either breads, buns or biscuits are essential components of our first meal of the day. Its a common story of every household. We all eagerly wait for our bread delivery guy every morning. We had a very interesting brief which was single mindedly emphasized on the brands core values. We took this as an opportunity to humanize the product and bring about humor and nostalgia alongside our key proposition. We have attempted to make it crisp and universally understood. We had a great time working on the creatives as it brought out the child in all of us and we hope that it brings out the same emotion in everyone who sees it.

The AD FILM is being aired across multiple GEC channels and will be a part of Bonn Groups 360-degree integrated campaign supported by print, outdoor and below the line activation.
Haryana minister Anil Vij on Wednesday alleged that a tanker carrying medical oxygen for COVID patients in hospitals, which was going from Panipat to Faridabad, was ''looted'' by the and said all oxygen tankers will now move with a police escort.

Vij also said given the increased demand for oxygen due to a surge in cases, Haryana can spare the supply for others only after the state meets its own demand.

Interacting with reporters, the health and home minister, while referring to the tanker, said, ''Yesterday, one of our oxygen tankers was going from Panipat to supply to hospitals in Faridabad. When it was passing through Delhi, the tanker was looted by the which is very wrong.''



''If governments indulge in such things, then it will result in chaos,'' he said.

Vij said that he has now ordered that all oxygen tankers will move with a police escort so that such incidents do not happen in the future.

''But to take out gas from a tanker in this manner is highly condemnable,'' he said.

''We will write to officials about this incident,'' he said.

He further claimed that pressure was being put on the state to give medical oxygen to Delhi. Faridabad in Haryana lies adjoining the national capital.

The minister said the two neighbouring states from which Haryana earlier used to get the supply for oxygen have currently stopped it to meet their own demand.

''We also used to get supply the from Baddi in Himachal Pradesh and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan but the governments there have stopped the supply now'' he said.

''In our plants in Haryana, I have deployed officials and police because we want to first meet our requirements. Pressure is being put on us that we should supply to Delhi. We have no problem in doing so if we have spare supply, but our first priority is Haryana,'' Vij said.

Vij said that given the pandemic is global everyone needs to join hands to fight it, but the state has to first meet its own needs.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi and his deputy Manish Sisodia said there will be chaos in the city if the stocks are not replenished by Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, on remdesivir, Vij said there are two depots selling the antiviral drug and a strict vigil is being kept so that no one indulges in its black marketing given the surge in demand.

''We have deployed drug department officials there and the movement of every vial is being recorded. All chemists have been asked to keep a record of remdesivir being sold to anyone by noting their Aadhaar card number,'' he said.

During the past three weeks, Haryana registered a sharp increase in cases.

On Tuesday the state recorded 7,811 new cases of COVID-19, its biggest single-day spike so far, while 35 more people succumbed to the viral disease.

(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 Jaycees, a nonprofit organization that was once active in the area several years ago, has recently been making a comeback.

Dellaray Hileman, a resident of Golden Eagle who has also lived in Jersey County, spearheaded the push to bring the organization back into the area.

aWe organize events in the community and give back to any causes that we decide,a Hileman explained. aItas not restricted like some organizations where you can only give back to certain things. We can give back to anyone we want.a

The Jersey-Calhoun Jaycees chapter comprises the entirety of Calhoun and Jersey counties and will hold its monthly meeting at the Quarry Township building in Grafton, close to the Grafton Legion, on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

The group has yet to receive their official charter from the stateas Junior Chamber International organization, but theyare chipping away at the requirements they must meet in order to do so at a quick pace, demonstrating a lot of promise for the group.

aWeare getting everything put together, and it should come together fairly quickly,a Hileman said.

Already, the group has attracted 17 members, seven more than the required minimum of 10, and are currently working on nominating and establishing a board, all while conducting regular meetings.

The Jaycees is a group geared toward younger community members who seek to better their representative communities through such means as fundraising and hosting community events.

As Hileman relates, anyone is more than welcome to get involved with the organization, but the state counts official membership to those between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.

Also, given that this chapter is open to residents in Calhoun and Jersey counties, seasoned individuals as well as the community leaders of tomorrow from both counties will be able to work together, fostering working relationships and friendships between them that will positively impact both counties.

Though the Jaycees are a branch of the Junior Chamber International, it provides a more relaxed atmosphere for its members, providing an environment in which younger individuals can get engaged in their communities while working to make them better.

Already, the group is discussing areas in which they can work to promote stronger communities in the counties.

aI know one of our very first projects will be geared toward police officers, firefighters and EMTs,a Hileman said. aCalhoun deputies need tasers, and Jersey police need some materials as well, so weall want to raise money for that cause.a

But, as Hileman relates, the types of causes that the Jaycees can back covers a fairly broad spectrum.

aSomething that I like is giving back to families. For example, right now in St. Charles, thereas a family over there in which both parents passed away suddenly. The St. Charles Jaycees are working toward raising money for that family. If thereas a family in need in the area in some situation they canat control, we can do an auction, a basket raffle or whatever. Iam excited to be able to do that in the community,a Hileman said.

Hileman further mentioned other types of projects that regional Jaycee chapters have taken on that highlight their community outreach, including the chapter in Highland, which was able to build a dog park.

Of course, this implies that younger individuals in the community who get involved with the organization will be learning a great deal about local leadership, including working with local governmental bodies, already-existing community organizations and events planning, just to name a few. But, these things will come in their own time.

For now, the Jersey-Calhoun Jaycees are focusing their efforts on getting established and laying out their vision and goals for the future.

aWe really want to be a staple in the community,a Hileman said. aWeare hoping to have a lot to give back to.a

Those desiring more information are encouraged to contact Dellaray Hileman at jerseycalhounjci@gmail.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

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Whites Arent Hated for Slavery but for Making America and the West

Commentary

In Why the Jews? my book on anti-Semitism, there is a chapter on anti-Americanism. My co-author, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, and I long ago understood that many of the reasons for Jew-hatred and America-hatred were the same.

Among them are envy of successmaterial, of course, but even more importantly, success in terms of influence. Another is the religious foundation of both peoples: Both America and the Jews are rooted in belief in God, belief they are a Chosen People and belief in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, as the book from which they derive their values.

America-haters and Jew-haters resent the enormous influence both nations have had on the world, have contempt for their belief in being Chosen and dismiss the Bible as irrelevant and even malevolent.

In the premodern age, Christian anti-Semitism was primarily animated by the charge of deicidethe charge that the Jews killed Christ, a charge that does not have a parallel in anti-Americanism. But beginning in the 20th century, the reasons for the two hatreds converged.

In his recent biography of Adolf Hitler, Brendan Simms, a professor of the history of international relations at Cambridge University, identified Hitlers hatred of America and especially of capitalism as central to Hitlers worldview: Hitlers principal preoccupation throughout his career was Anglo-America and global capitalism.  Hitler wanted to establish what he considered racial unity in Germany by overcoming the capitalist order and working for the construction of a new classless society.

In other words, another commonality of America-hatred and modern Jew-hatred has been hatred of capitalism. The Nazis hated America and the Jews, both of whom they identified with capitalism. And the Left (not the liberal, who traditionally loved America, but who has become the primary enabler of the Left) hates America, which it regards as the paragon of capitalism. By becoming the most successful country in history, America, the quintessential capitalist country, remains a living rebuke to everything the Left stands for. If America can be brought down, every left-wing egalitarian dream can be realized.

The question for the America-hater, just as for the Jew-hater, has been: How do we destroy them? What has always rendered anti-Semitism unique among ethnic and religious hatreds was its goal of extermination. No other ethnic bigotry is exterminationist. Regarding America, the Left does not seek to exterminate Americans; the idea is ludicrous, since most of those on the Left who loathe America are themselves American. What the Left does very much seek is to destroy America as we have known itthe capitalist and Judeo-Christian enclave of personal freedom.

The Jews created something world-changing by introducing into the world the Hebrew Bible, a universal and judging God, the Ten Commandments, the rejection of the heart as the guide to behavior, the emphasis on justice (not social justice) and the doctrine of Jewish Chosenness. They were forever hated for this. So, too, is America hated for placing the Bible at the center of its value system, its belief in being a Second Chosen People, its freedoms and its capitalism. America is not hated for its slavery. If it were, given the ubiquity of slavery throughout world history, every country and ethnic group on earth would be hated. America is hated for its values and its success.

The fact is that, just as did the ancient Jews, the Americans made something unique: the American experiment in freedom. And it succeeded beyond even its founders dreams. With all its faults, America did become a shining city on a hillthe famous phrase first articulated in 1630 by John Winthrop echoing Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and repeated throughout American history. For example, President Ronald Reagan, in his 1989 Farewell Address, said, Ive spoken of the shining city all my political life.

And who created this unique place of liberty, opportunity, and unequalled, widespread affluence? More than any other group, it was the WASP, the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. I say this as neither Anglo-Saxon nor Protestant. Catholics, Jews, nonbelievers, and members of every faith, ethnicity, and race (blacks, in particular) made major contributions; but it was the WASP, more than any other group, who made America. And for that reason, America-hatred is WASP-hatred and, more broadly, white-hatred.

The idea that whites unique achievementsin making America, in music, art, literature, and the sciencesmeans that white people are intrinsically superior is absurd. Hitler was also white, as was Joseph Stalin, as are most American mass-murderers. Those facts are no more a commentary on whites than Johann Sebastian Bach or Leonardo da Vinci being white is a commentary on whites.

Whites made the country and the greatest civilizationnot because they were white, but because of the values they held. Hatred of the white is ultimately hatred of those values.

Given what the WASP has achieved in the West and in America, it takes extraordinary levels of dishonesty and ingratitude to be anti-white. But neither truth nor gratitude is a left-wing value.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A man looks on his mobile phone while fishing along a beach in Singapore on April 13, 2021. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed 39 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore on Saturday (17 April), taking the country's total case count to 60,808.

Among them are four community cases.

The rest are imported cases, of which 10 are Singaporeans or Singapore permanent residents, and eight are foreign domestic workers. They had all already been placed on Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore and were tested while serving SHN.

Two community cases unlinked



Two of the cases in the community are linked to a previous case and two are currently unlinked.

One of the unlinked cases is a 35-year-old Singaporean man who works as a freelance photographer. He was detected when he was tested on 15 April for COVID-19 as part of the Singapore Armed Forces protocol to test national servicemen at the start of their in-camp training.

His pooled test on 15 April came back positive for COVID-19, and an individual swab done on 16 April was also positive for COVID-19 infection. He was conveyed in an ambulance to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and developed a fever on the same day.

Another test conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) on 16 April was negative for COVID-19 infection but a subsequent test on 17 April by NPHL was again positive for COVID-19. His serological test result has come back positive, which is indicative of a past infection.

He could be shedding minute fragments of the virus RNA from a past infection, the ministry said, "but given that we are not able to definitively conclude when he had been infected, we will take all the necessary public health actions as a precautionary measure."

The other unlinked case is a 41-year-old female Singapore permanent resident. She works as an accountant at OM Universal Pte Ltd (11 Kaki Bukit Road 1) but had not gone to work since onset of symptoms.

She developed a cough in the evening of 14 April after work, and sought medical treatment at a general practitioner clinic the next day, where she was tested for COVID-19. Her test result came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 16 April and she was conveyed to NCID in an ambulance.

Story continues

Her serology test result is pending. One of her household contacts is a work pass holder who arrived from India on 2 April. He tested positive for COVID-19 infection on 2 April but was subsequently assessed to be a recovered case based on his positive serology result on 4 April.

Two community cases linked to a past case



One of the linked community cases is a 31-year-old female Swiss national who is a work pass holder. She is a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore and colleague of Case 61993, and had interacted with him on 12 April, the ministry said.

She developed a sore throat on 15 April but did not seek medical treatment. As she had been identified as a close contact of Case 61993, she was contacted by the MOH on 16 April and placed on quarantine. She reported her symptom and was conveyed in an ambulance to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital where she was tested for COVID-19. Her test came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 16 April.

Her serology test result is pending.

The other linked case is a 35-year-old male Indian national who is a work pass holder. He is the brother of Case 61993, and his household contact.

He works at DBS Bank (2 Changi Business Park Crescent) but has largely been working from home. He last went back to his workplace between 6 April and 9 April.

As he had been identified as a close contact of Case 61993, he was placed on home quarantine on 15 April. He developed a fever on 16 April and was conveyed in an ambulance to NCID after he informed MOH of his symptom. He was tested for COVID-19 and his test came back positive on 17 April.

His serology test result is pending.

Details of 35 imported cases



Among the 35 imported cases:

Five are Singaporeans and another five are Singapore permanent residents who returned from Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Liberia.

Four are dependants pass holders who arrived from Nepal.

One is a students pass holder who arrived from India.

One is a work pass holder who arrived from India.

17 are work permit holders who arrived from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and the Philippines, of whom eight are foreign domestic workers.

Two are short-term visit pass holders. One had arrived from Bahrain for a work project in Singapore and the other had arrived from India to visit his family member who is a Singapore permanent resident.

Overall, the number of new cases in the community has increased from two cases in the week before to seven cases in the past week, the MOH said. The number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased from two cases in the week before to four cases in the past week.

99% of total cases have recovered, 2 in ICU



With 17 more patients discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities on Saturday, 60,463 cases  or 99.5 per cent of the total  have fully recovered from the infection.

Most of the 62 hospitalised cases are stable or improving, while two of them are in the intensive care unit.

A total of 253 patients  with mild symptoms or are clinically well but still test positive  are isolated and cared for at community facilities.

Apart from the 30 patients who have died from COVID-19 complications, 15 others who tested positive for the virus were determined to have died from unrelated causes, including three whose deaths were attributed to a heart attack and another four, whose deaths were attributed to coronary heart disease.

Among the 175 confirmed cases reported from 11 April to 17 April, 51 cases have tested positive for their serology tests, 84 have tested negative, and 40 serology test results are pending.

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Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has set up a new subsidiary company, Diriyah Development Company (DevCo) to handle the development activity taking place within its ambitious SR75 billion ($20 billion) Diriyah Gate development which is projected to increase by 450 per cent over the last year.

Work is in full swing on the Phase One of Diriyah Gate masterplan; marking the beginning of a bold new era of construction and transformation for historic Diriyah, said a statement from DGDA.

The new company DevCo will have its own board, structure and team led by its President Jonathan Timms.

Currently DGDAs chief design and development officer, Timms will be retaining his reporting line into CEO Jerry Inzerillo, it stated.

His existing role has been split between three new C-Suite roles as follows: Chief Development Officer; Chief Design Officer; and Chief Delivery Officer, while Mohamed Saad has been appointed as Chief Development Officer.

Currently a senior development director at DGDA, he has been with the company for over two years. In his new role, Saad will lead the development for two masterplans - Diriyah Gate and Wadi Safar, said the statement from DGDA.

On the launch of DevCo, Inzerillo said: "Through operating this new company structure, we are preparing the company for expedited and imminent growth. Our dedicated leadership team continues to grow from strength to strength, and we are thrilled to be promoting this exceptional internal talent."

"We are also excited to be additionally searching the global market for further talent acquisition to fulfill our current C-suite vacancies," he added.

Timms said: "2020 was an immensely successful year for all divisions of DGDA, including the great progress we achieved as a team on our core purpose to develop our three masterplans. Our development activity is progressing quickly as we move from a planning phase to the more intense detailed design and delivery phase."

Developing our Saudi team is just as important as the progression of our masterplans, and DGDA has been blessed with a large group of incredibly passionate and dedicated Saudi talent.

"Impressively, over 50 percent of our Saudi team were promoted at the end of 2020, including our new Senior Director of Health & Safety Izac Assiri and Dalia Muhndis who was promoted to Interior Design Director," he noted.

"We are confident that our Saudi leadership will continue to grow throughout 2021 and beyond as we enthusiastically work towards Vision 2030, he added.

Timms pointed out that DGDA's aspirations and targets for 2021 were very ambitious, with the level of development activity planned being a 450% increase on that of 2020.

"We are also honored to have been tasked by HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman with an ambitious new masterplan of more than 5 million sq m of gross floor area, which is more than four times the size of Diriyah Gate," he observed.

"I am delighted to be spearheading this critical next stage of growth for the company and delivery of phase one, and look forward to the rapid implementation of our next phase," he added.
Gina McCarthy worked six or seven days a week, 12 to 14 hours a day, to produce Americas first real effort to combat climate change, a suite of Obama-era regulations that would cut pollution from the nations tailpipes and smokestacks and wean the worlds largest economy from fossil fuels.

Then the administration of Donald J. Trump shredded the work of President Barack Obamas Environmental Protection Agency chief before any of it could take effect.

Now Ms. McCarthy is back as President Bidens senior climate change adviser, and this time, she is determined to make it stick.

She is the most powerful climate change official in the country other than Mr. Biden himself, and her charge is not simply to reconstruct her Obama-era policies but to lead an entire government to tackle global warming, from the nations military to its diplomatic corps to its Treasury and Transportation Department. She will also lead negotiations with Congress for permanent new climate change laws that could withstand the next change of administration.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 16:04:03|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China has seen over 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide, a health official told a press conference Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the pandemic keeps spreading across the world, with the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases rising for eight weeks in a row, said Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission.

There were 5.26 million new cases reported globally last week, the highest weekly rise since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Mi said.

As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, China still faces challenges in preventing imported cases and domestic resurgence, he added. Enditem
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Viet Capital Bank JCB Platinum Corporate Credit Card

HO CHI MINH CITY & TOKYO, Apr 21, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Viet Capital Joint Stock Commercial Bank (Viet Capital Bank), and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., a Japan's only international payment brand, announced the launch of Viet Capital Bank JCB Corporate Credit Card today.Viet Capital Bank becomes the first Vietnamese bank to issue JCB Corporate Credit Card. Launching the JCB Corporate Credit Card issuing strengthens the long-term strategic relationship with JCB.The card offers high security transactions with an EMV(R) standard chip and 3-D Secure technology. The cardholders can access JCB's acceptance network with about 35 million merchants around the world and receive special privileges at selected merchants, and customer services at JCB PLAZA, an oversea service counters.There are also key features offered to cardholders.- Free lifetime annual fee for cardholders- Loyalty point program with 5 points for each 1,000 VND transaction amount- Interest free period up to 55 daysMr Ngo Quang Trung - CEO of Viet Capital Bank had shared "The collaboration with JCB - one of the major global leading credit card issuer, is a significant measure in our strategic plan to become a multifunctional retail bank that is modernized, customer-oriented, especially for individual customers and small and medium sized enterprises. With the launch of Viet Capital Bank JCB Corporate Credit Card that is distinctively building on numerous features in the bank markets for SME customers. We believe JCB Corporate Credit Card is not only made a big hit on financial market, but also bringing in the most valuable interest for customers. In addition, Vietnamese consumer behavior towards cashless payments would expect some trigger to accelerate from cash to digital payments."Mr Kazuma Shukuin, Chief Representative, The Representative Office of JCB International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh city said, "We are pleased to have Viet Capital Bank being our first Vietnamese bank for issuing JCB Platinum Corporate Credit Card. Starting in late 2019, Viet Capital Bank has been contributing significantly for our business and the cooperation is now stepping forward for corporate client. This is an exciting step of our expansion for this potential customer's segment. It's also marking one of the most important milestones which is proving the concrete relationship with Viet Capital Bank. We strongly believe this collaboration is just starting upcoming opportunities for another impressive year ahead, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic challenges."*EMV(R) is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC.About Viet Capital BankViet Capital Commercial Joint Stock Bank has known as Viet Capital Bank was established in 1992, with many changes over 28 years of operation, Viet Capital Bank is gradually asserting its position on financial and banking market with the ability to flexibly meet the diverse needs of customers' products and services, business partners and company shareholders. With a comprehensive approach to grow sustainability and superior based on the foundations that have been built. Viet Capital Bank conterminously to pursuing the goals to become "A multifunctional retail bank that is modernized, customer-oriented, especially for individual customers and small and medium sized enterprises" by implemented the development strategy for the period of 2021-2023. Predominantly, Viet Capital Bank also aiming to be an effective and efficient digital enterprise in banking. In 2020, Viet Capital Bank was honored to receive the award of "The outstanding bank of innovative products and services" by IDG and Vietnam Banking Association.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 35 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued in over 20 countries and territories, with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/Contacts:JCBKumiko Kida, Ayaka NakajimaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jpViet Capital BankTuyen Tran (Ms)Communication ExecutiveTel: +84 028 62 679 679Email: tuyentt@vietcapitalbank.com.vnSource: JCB / Viet Capital BankCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Winnipeg city councils most powerful committee has backed a symbolic motion to support the media.

In a six-to-one vote, the executive policy committee voted Wednesday in favour of having council back future measures to "rejuvenate" news outlets and urge the federal government to pass legislation that supports "a healthy news media."

The motion doesnt commit council to any financial contribution toward that goal but stresses a professional and independent news media strengthens democracy.

"Its meant to indicate support for the importance of local journalism across the country in a period where its been a challenge, I think, to keep some of our print outlets going and to just have an independent third-party voice out there. We dont always agree with them, of course, but its important to have that estate as part of our local democracy," said Coun. Brian Mayes, who raised the motion.

The pledge still requires council approval.

Bob Cox, publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press said he commended the mayor's cabinet for publicly supporting journalism and backing government action to help "ensure strong, independent local news media."

"This is important recognition of the crucial role that news media play in keeping Winnipeg informed about what is really going on. Its also important recognition of the current threats to fact-based, independent reporting," he said.

"There were ten newspaper closures in Manitoba last year alone. The traditional ad revenues that supported journalism have dropped dramatically, leaving fewer and fewer resources to scrutinize the work of public institutions like city hall and the provincial government. Ive argued for years that public interest journalism needs to be sustained with government support. Its great to see the city also support this idea."

Coun. Scott Gillingham voted against the motion over concerns it could commit council to support future legislation with unknown details. Mayor Brian Bowman joined councillors Mayes, Matt Allard, Jeff Browaty, Cindy Gilroy and Sherri Rollins to support it.

The acknowledgement matches similar motions raised in other Canadian cities, Mayes said. The motion notes media outlets face an uncertain future since about 3,000 Canadian media workers have experienced a temporary or permanent layoff since the COVID-19 pandemic began, despite playing an important communications role during the public health crisis.

"The news media in the Winnipeg area has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring local citizens have accurate local information," the motion states.

Rollins and Bowman both argued the role of a professional news media is more critical now as Winnipeggers need reliable access to facts about the pandemic.

"We have, overall, Id say, a very responsible media in Winnipeg and they do assist elected officials and public servants to communicate messages, especially during times of crisis, to the public," said Bowman.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:49:51|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Pakistan on Wednesday opened the third cross-border point to enhance trade exchanges, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The Pishin-Mand border crossing, located on the border of Iran's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan with Pakistan, was opened for trade exchanges, the report said.

Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami and Pakistan's Minister for Defense Production Zubaida Jalal Khan attended the opening ceremony, according to the report.

Eslami said that basic steps have been taken over the past years in developing relations with Pakistan, including the opening of cross-border points.

"From now on, cross-border exchanges and trade with Pakistan will totally change," he was quoted as saying.

Iranian and Pakistani officials inaugurated the Rimdan-Gabad border crossing in December last year, providing the shortest land route linking the Pakistani port of Gwadar to westward corridors.

Analysts said that the crossings will boost the import and export of goods between both countries, as well as the passage of Pakistani travelers towards Iran. Enditem
London: Britains Trade Secretary Liz Truss has texted her Australian counterpart Dan Tehan in a bid to smooth over a rocky start to free trade talks in London this week after she was cited personally insulting him as inexperienced.

A source close to the Trade Secretary told Britains Telegraph she was also planning on seating Tehan in an uncomfortable chair in the Foreign Offices famous Locarno room so he has to deal with her directly for nine hours. Trusss allies also told the paper the trade deal progress was glacially slow under Tehan.

Britains Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Australias Trade Minister Dan Tehan. Credit:AP/Alex Ellinghausen

The source described Tehan as inexperienced compared to Liz and claimed that Australias most senior trade negotiator would have to show that he can play at this level.

Australia need to show us the colour of their money, the source said. Theyre great friends of ours and talk a good game about free trade and wanting a deal, but they need to match those words with action.
Despite years of press conferences and public forums, town supervisors in Onondaga County think their concerns about the Interstate 81 project have been ignored.

The state Department of Transportation is advancing its preferred alternative  a community grid  to replace the I-81 viaduct in Syracuse. Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently said that the 2021-22 state budget includes $800 million for the first phase of the $2 billion project, which is scheduled to begin next year.

But the Onondaga County supervisors have long opposed the community grid option. They want to keep through traffic on I-81, whether that's by rebuilding a new viaduct or constructing a tunnel.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, a move likely to anger China and South Korea as it honours war dead, including perpetrators of Japans World War II atrocities on its neighbours.

The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the countrys wars since the late 19th century.

But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japans military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.

Sugas predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person as it marks a spring festival, a Yasukuni spokeswoman said.

Suga sent a sacred tree to mark the spring festival but was not expected to visit the shrine in central Tokyo.

A 2013 visit to the shrine by Abe, when he was serving as prime minister, sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Shortly after former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., delivered a bizarre speech that immediately angered and disturbed people following along on social media.

"Thank you George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice," Pelosi said. "For being there to call out to your mom  how heartbreaking was that?" she interjected. "Call out to your mom, 'I can't breathe.' But because of you, thousands, millions of people around the world who came out for justice, your name will always be synonymous with justice. And now we have to make sure justice prevails in the sentencing. But, you know, that's its own procedure."
Le Cordon Bleu celebrates sixth anniversary

By:Liu Xutong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-04-20 14:33

Recently, the sixth anniversary of Le Cordon Bleu Shanghai was held in Shanghai. The event was divided into three parts: Le Cordon Bleu, open cooking experience class, and Da Dong's new book release conference, with nearly 500 peopleparticipating.

On the day of the event, Le Cordon Bleu opened itspractical kitchen to the public, allowing food lovers to learn from Le Cordon Bleu chefs and make a gourmet dish or dessert, and learn about the advantages and characteristics of Le Cordon Bleu courses. Le Cordon Bleu chefsYannick Tirbois, Philippe Martel, and Loic Goubiou taught how to make delicious spring salmon rolls, European style risotto and classic puffs with a crispy outside and soft inside.

Under the leadership of Le Cordon Bleu chef Arnaud Souchet, teachers and students of NYU Shanghai made a pumpkin cream cheese cakebased on Chinese ingredients and combined with the health regimen of Chinese medicine.

Le Cordon Bleu attracted more than 20exhibitors, including thoseselling gourmet products, raw materials, baked productsand wine from France and Italy.
Chandigarh, April 21 : Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said the state has decided to provide police protection to all tankers carrying medical-grade oxygen.

The state government's action comes in the wake of one oxygen tanker that was heading to Faridabad hospital via the national capital was 'looted' by the Delhi government a day earlier.

"We have sufficient stock of oxygen. We are producing 270 metric tonnes. We were getting the (oxygen) stock from Baddi, but the Himachal Pradesh government had stopped that supply. It was coming from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan and that was too stopped," Vij told the media.

"I have stationed police officials on all oxygen plants in the state. First of all we will meet the requirement of Haryana. We are being pressurized to give (the oxygen) to Delhi. If there is any left-over oxygen then we will give. We have no problem," he said.

Describing the Tuesday's incident of 'looting' the tanker as unfortunate, Vij, who also holds a Home portfolio, said "now the police escort will accompany all tankers carrying oxygen".
Chandigarh: While the district administration of holy city Amritsar claims to have sufficient stock of oxygen, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC ) and many private hospitals are crying foul over the poor supply of oxygen with SGPC taking up the issue with the Punjab government for the early restoration of normal supplies of medical essentials in wake of spike in Covid 19 cases.

While talking to Zee News on Wednesday (April 21) SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur expressed concern over the poor supply of oxygen as well as COVID-19 vaccine at the SGPC-run Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College Vallah, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital Amritsar, Baba Buddha Ji Hospital Bir Sahib etc.

"There is a big problem of oxygen for the treatment of corona patients for which the government should make sufficient arrangements and COVID-19 vaccine are also not fully available which could be a problem in future she informed.

Kaur said that the matter had also been taken up with the Chief Secretary of the Punjab government.

Echoing similar views as Kaurs, the managing director of Hartej Hospital, Dr. H S Nagpal also expressed concern over the poor supplies of medical oxygen and demanded from the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen in the city.

Amritsar civil surgeon Dr. Charnjit SIngh said that with the rationing of oxygen the district health authorities had been able to resolve the oxygen issue.

Zee News also came to know that a few rich people have already started purchasing oxygen concentrators, a domestic device that delivers the medical-grade oxygen to the patient after filtering the surrounding air and compressing it to the required density, the demand of which has led to their black marketing.

A wholesaler in the medicine market Rajiv Kumar informed that the queries about the oxygen concentrators had suddenly gone up with many people ready to pay extra money to secure one for oxygen supply in case of exigency.

Kumar informed that an oxygen concentrator was being sold for around Rs 60000 which was nearly Rs 10000 above its print price. However, Dr Nagpal said they recommend the domestic oxygen concentrator to only those patients who were dependent on oxygen for two to four hours in a day.

Meanwhile, the district administration has geared itself to receive the Indian jatha that would be arriving home from Pakistan via Attari international border on Thursday. Deputy commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khera informed that all the Indian devotees would undergo Rapid Antigen Test at the border. Notably, there had been a spike in Covid 19 cases in Lahore where the Indian jatha is presently staying.

Live TV
German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has questioned the use of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a nearly complete conduit to transport Russian natural gas to Europe.

The question is "whether gas will be passed through, how much gas will be passed through," Kramp-Karrenbauer said at a debate during a visit to Paris. Lawyers were currently working on the issue, she said.

However, she said she saw little chance that the project would be scrapped, dpa reported.

Nord Stream 2 has been one of the main points of contention in Germany-U.S. relations for years. The US fears that Europe will become too dependent on Russian gas and wants to stop the project with sanctions. The German government has refused to intervene, arguing that it is commercial project.
Sheriff: Deputy fatally shot Black man while serving warrant View Photo

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina deputy shot and killed a Black man while serving a search warrant Wednesday, authorities said, spurring an outcry from community members who demanded law enforcement accountability and the immediate release of body camera footage.

Authorities wouldnt provide details of the shooting but an eyewitness said that Andrew Brown Jr. was shot while trying to drive away, and that deputies fired at him multiple times. The car skidded out of Browns yard and eventually hit a tree, said Demetria Williams, who lives on the same street.

Williams said after hearing one gunshot, she ran outside, where she saw other shots being fired at the car.

When they opened the door he was already dead, Williams told The Associated Press. He was slumped over. She said officers tried to perform chest compressions on him.

A car authorities removed from the scene appeared to have multiple bullet holes and a broken rear windshield.

The Pasquotank County Sheriffs deputy was placed on leave pending a review by the State Bureau of Investigation, Sheriff Tommy Wooten II said at a news conference. Court records show Brown was 42 years old and had a history of drug charges and a misdemeanor drug possession conviction.

Dozens of people gathered at the scene of the shooting in Elizabeth City, a municipality of about 18,000 people 170 miles (274 km) northeast of Raleigh, where they expressed their anger and rallied around Browns family members. A large crowd later stood outside City Hall while the City Council held an emergency meeting, some holding signs proclaiming Black Lives Matter and Stop killing unarmed Black Men. As the evening wore on, a group gathered in the parking lot of the sheriffs office and a crowd that grew to more than 200 blocked traffic on a main thoroughfare of the city, forcing cars to turn around.

The police didnt have to shoot my baby, said Martha McCullen, an aunt of Brown who said she raised him after his parents died. McCullen stood on the stoop of Browns rental home, her eyes moist with emotion.

Andrew Brown was a good person, she said. He was about to get his kids back. He was a good father. Now his kids wont never see him again.

Wooten said the deputy shot Brown about 8:30 a.m. The deputy was wearing an active body camera at the time of the shooting, said the sheriff, who declined to identify the officer or say how many shots he fired, citing a pending review by the State Bureau of Investigation. Wooten also did not say what the warrant was for.

Williams, the eyewitness who also was among those demonstrating outside City Hall on Wednesday evening, said Brown, who was known by neighbors as Drew, wasnt a violent person.

I didnt believe that (officers) really did that because he wasnt a threat to them. He was driving off even though he was trying to get away, Williams said.

During the emergency meeting, Black members of the City Council spoke emotionally about the fears of their community amid multiple police shootings across the country and implored investigators to remain transparent.

Im afraid as a Black man, an emotional Councilman Gabriel Adkins told his colleagues. Im afraid that I may be the next one that my family might have to see on the news that I was gunned down.

Adkins said businesses in the neighborhood of the shooting had begun boarding up their windows in anticipation of violence.

Not only do we need transparency  we need accountability, said City Councilman Darius Horton, who called for the immediate release of bodycam footage, the search warrant and a speedy explanation of what led to the shooting. We need answers.  Lets not hide behind anything.

Others councilors urged the community to remain calm until all of the facts about the shooting are known.

Browns grandmother, Lydia Brown, and his aunt Clarissa Brown Gibson told The Associated Press that they learned about his death through a TV news report. Both said they want the shooting thoroughly investigated.

I am very upset. Andrew was a good person, Lydia Brown said. The deputy didnt have to shoot him like that.

Clarissa Brown Gibson said: We want to know if he was served with a warrant, why the shooting over a warrant?

Among those who gathered at the scene of the shooting was Keith Rivers, president of the Pasquotank County chapter of the NAACP.

When is it going to stop? We just got a verdict yesterday, Rivers said in a phone interview, referring to the guilty verdicts handed down Tuesday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. Is it open season now? At some point, it has to stop. We have to start holding the people in charge accountable.

The State Bureau of Investigation will turn the findings of its review over to District Attorney Andrew Womble, who pledged a thorough and deliberate inquiry.

What we are looking for at this time will be accurate answers and not fast answers, Womble told a news conference. Were going to wait for the full and complete investigation  and well review that and make any determinations that we deem appropriate at that time. This will not be a rush to judgment.

Elizabeth City is located near where the Pasquotank River empties into the Albemarle Sound. It is home to a U.S. Coast Guard air station, Elizabeth City State University and a medical center, all of which support numerous jobs. The citys population is more than 50% Black and about 40% white, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 23% of residents live in poverty.

___

This story has been edited to remove an incorrect reference to how George Floyd died.

___

Lavoie reported from Richmond, Virginia. Associated Press writers Allen G. Breed in Elizabeth City and Tom Foreman Jr. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

By GARY D. ROBERTSON and DENISE LAVOIE

Associated Press
Russian Investigative Committee registers falsification complaints of forensic study in Cherkalin case

 AGN Moskva

18:57 21/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 21 (RAPSI)  Russias Investigative Committee and Prosecutor Generals Office have registered applications concerning falsification of the examination in a case of the Federal Security Services (FSB) colonel Kirill Cherkalin.

The complaints were filed by attorneys from Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev & Partners. Defense lawyers demand to check investigators actions for several crimes including tampering with evidence and results of law enforcement intelligence operations (Article 303 of the Russian Criminal Code), abuse of power (Article 285), illegal institution of a criminal case (Article 299, Part 3), accessory in money laundering (Article 33, Part 5 and Article 174.1).

Disputed forensic examination

There are three counts in the Cherkalin case. The first count is 12 billion rubles (about $160 million) found in his flat. The second episode is a bribe of $850,000 for the operations of Transportny Bank. Thirdly, the story with the price of 49% of the minority stake in the company Yurpromconsulting, which the FSB officers, including Cherkalin himself, allegedly advised the owner of its 49% stake to sell it to the owner of the control stake in order to relieve itself of responsibility for a loan repayment. It would allow to the the bank lender of the overdue loan in the amount of almost 2 billion rubles ,to independently deal with the city, as loan could not be repayed in full and the question was who would compensate this damage to the bank.

The disputed examination is related to the Yurpromconsulting count.

According to peer-reviewer and forensic expert accredited to several Russian courts Petr Leonov, who has been brought by defense to bear appropriate expertise, state expert organizations refused to conduct examination in Cherkalins case. Finally, it was carried out on December 8, 2011, allegedly for the deals date. However, the bargain date was misdefined. The proper date is November 29, 2011, proved by notarial contract, Leonov noted.

Expert Sergey Romanov conducting the enquiry has no required professional qualification in business appraise, Leonov states. Thus, none of the experts involved by investigators never appraised companies, businesses, stakes and shares, he added.

Taking into account the fact that experts did not have available tax or accounting reports, they could not give an answer to the share market value question that is the obligatory requirement of the federal appraisal standards. They also had no credit agreement with the outstanding balance of 1.9 billion rubles (about $60 million on the sale date) and several other important documents, Leonov explained.

Moreover, the examination presumes that a project reversed by Moscows Mayor Office in 2009 is not actually stopped and actively running; and Yurpromconsulting accommodates resources for its execution. However, according to Leonov, that is not so. The project involving the company was terminated long before the 49% sale happen. Yurpromconsulting, the expert states, failed to pay up the second part of investment contribution to the city of Moscow about $27 million in ruble equivalent and taking into consideration the huge 1.9 billion-ruble loan with collateralized 100% of its shares and 100% of investment rights under the co-investing agreement with the city, the company could be recognized as unbankable. This fact was recorded in many administrative documents of Moscows government and court rulings, the reviewer explained.

He pointed that the investment project as part of which Yurpromconsulting co-invested in the construction in one of Moscows districts was not fully realized due to the ex parte rejection of the city to execute the co-investing contract. Therefore, only 5 of 23 blocks were built.

As on the appraisal date, the project was discontinued by the Moscow governments decisions and even the companys lawsuit over the co-investment agreements dissolution and recovery of losses was pending in the Moscow Commercial Court within a year. However, despite publicly available documents and facts the expert misrepresents that this investment contract between Yurpromconsulting and Moscow is ongoing.

Leonov claims this is obviously an arithmetic error. The companys 2 billion-ruble debt was not taken into account while calculating but it was to be deducted, he stated. Other experts and reviewers involved defense are of the same opinon, Leonov told RAPSI. The Justice Ministrys Russian Federal Center of Forensic Science said a repeated forensic evaluation was necessary, he added.

According to the established practice, the cost of the company in such case is equated to 1 ruble. This means that no one suffered any damage from the sale of 49% of Yurpromconsulting at a nominal value of 4,900 rubles under a notarial paid transaction in December 2011.

The value of the company and any share in it was negative and is usually accepted by experts, investigators and courts for 1 ruble, the agency's informant believes.

As a result, there were so many mistakes that expert reviewers involved by the defense, including the conclusion of the Russian Federal Center of Forensic Science of Ministry of Justice , call the examination and its results misleading.

Cherkalin case

On April 20, a judge of the Moscow Garrison Military Court retired into chambers for the imposition of sentence. The sentencing is scheduled for April 22.

The case was heard under a special procedure, without examination of evidence and interrogation of witnesses, as the defendant had pleaded guilty in full and signed a deal with investigators.

Cherkalin also stands charged with receiving a bribe in the amount of $850,000 from a businessman for the common protection in the other episode.

According to the website of the financial crimes agency Rosfinmonitoring, Cherkalin represented FSB in the Interdepartmental Anti-money laundering Commission. Investigators believe that his illegal activity lasted from November 2013 to February 2015.

In November 2019, Moscows Golovinsky District Court forfeited to the state assets of Cherkalin and his family worth over 6 billion rubles (about $80 million at the current exchange rate), including four apartments, two cottages, six land plots with a total area of 7,116 square meters, 14 nonresidential premises, 2 cars, 800 million rubles, $72 million and over 8 million euros found during the investigative activities in Cherkalins premises.
"The people of Western North Carolina deserve to live, thrive, raise a family and retire in communities where they have access to good paying jobs, quality, affordable healthcare and safety and protection in our communities," said Hess. "My job is to listen and to put practical plans in place to improve people's everyday lives. I found myself asking, 'Who else is listening? Who else sees what's going on in our community? Who else is finding solutions?' That's when I decided to run for Congress."

Bo's mom was also a social worker and his dad retired from the United States Air Force. Like them, Bo felt a call to public service. For nearly 20 years, he has been proud to call Western North Carolina home. Bo earned an Associate of Human Services Technology from Asheville-Buncombe County Technical College, a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Carolina University and eventually his Master of Social Work from WCU.

"For years I have listened to my patients, their struggles, their heartbreak, what keeps them up at night, what causes them to fall into despair. Lack of opportunities, the rising cost of healthcare and affordable housing has pushed people into hard times," said Hess. "I want to give the people of Western North Carolina a voice. I want to work everyday in Congress to create practical policies that will help real people in their everyday lives."

Bo will host his first official virtual event with WNC's own Aisha Adams on Tuesday, May 6, 2021. Register for the event here: https://www.mobilize.us/bohessforuscongress/event/381525/

To learn more about how you can help build a grassroots coalition to bring back real representation to WNC, go to https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bohessforuscongress and www.bohessforuscongress.com

Contact:

Juven Jacob

Campaign Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Bo Hess for US Congress

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Chennai, April 21 : Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, the Greater Chennai Corporation is mulling to increase Covid testing to 25,000 tests per day.

The Chennai administration is also planning to increase the number of beds to 12,000 in the healthcare facilities for Covid patients.

Greater Chennai Corporation Secretary G. Prakash told IANS: "There is a demand for an increase in tests and we are increasing the number of daily testing capacity to 25,000 from the present 12,000 to 16,000 per day.

"The Chennai corporation is equipped with the necessary beds and all the other facilities are available here." With the number of Covid-19 cases increasing in Chennai, the corporation has gone for more stringent Covid protocols and micro containment zones in the city as this would cause minimum difficulty to the general public.

Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said, "Increasing the testing and then isolating those Covid positive patients is the best method to contain the pandemic." The civic body has already taken stringent action in increasing the number of micro containment zones in the city and checking the mobility of people.

With curbs imposed on night travel across Tamil Nadu, Chennai has been witnessing lesser mobility of people at the Koyambedu municipal bus stand. Besides, the night curfew after 10 p.m. has also restricted people's movement on the streets.

The corporation has been conducting regular campaigns on the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, testing and vaccination via various social media platforms.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WYOMING, MI -- An 18-year-old Grand Rapids woman died after fleeing from police at high speed, then crashing into a Division Avenue median and then a pole.

Police said they had ended a pursuit before the crash.

The vehicle crashed in the area of Division Avenue and Alger Street about 1 a.m. Wednesday, April 21.

The driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, was identified as 18-year-old Shynia Jones.

Wyoming police said an officer initially spotted a vehicle without a plate at 44th Street SW and Division Avenue. The vehicle matched the description of a vehicle taken in an armed carjacking in Grand Rapids a few hours earlier.

Police later, after the crash, determined it was not the same vehicle.

The driver fled from the cruiser at high speed and eluded the officer. Then, not long after, a different officer witnessed a vehicle run a red light at South Division Avenue and 36th Street and started a pursuit. The vehicle had no taillights and was going 80-90 mph, police said.

The vehicle went north on Division Avenue and through the 28th Street intersection at reckless speeds, police said. The pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle and ended the pursuit for safety reasons.

Moments later, the officer saw a dust cloud in the area of Division Avenue and Alger Street. He found the vehicle had crashed.

An investigation showed the vehicle struck a boulevard median, went airborne and struck a light pole on the east side of the road. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Wyoming police said they do not know why Jones was fleeing from police.

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On Wednesday, President Klaus Iohannis signed the decree on the appointment of Ioana Mihaila as Minister of Health.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Cotroceni Palace, at 6.15 pm.

Ioana Mihaila was proposed by USR PLUS (Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party) for this position, agerpres.ro confirms.

"My priority will be to solve the health crisis through concrete measures to support hospitals. I am a doctor and I know closely the situation in hospitals and what my colleagues have been facing for more than a year. They need firm and clear solutions. This is what I intend to do, together with my colleagues at the Ministry - to come to their aid, and everything that has been done well so far will be continued. I stay devoted to my commitments assumed as secretary of state, namely: to rebuild the health infrastructure, support the outpatient segment and family medicine, as well as allocate funds on objective criteria. Depoliticization of the health system will be an essential point of my mandate," said Ioana Mihaila, according to a press release of USR PLUS.

Ioana Mihaila was born in 1980 and is a primary endocrinologist by profession. She was appointed Secretary of State with the Ministry of Health in early 2021. In this capacity, she coordinated the activities of managing investments from external funds in the Romanian medical system and the draw-up of the health component of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Mogadishu:

The death toll in the massive truck bomb attack in a busy area of Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday has reached 230, police and hospital sources said.

Doctors struggled to assist horrifically wounded victims, many burnt beyond recognition. Officials feared the toll would continue to climb from yesterdays truck bomb that targeted a busy street near key ministries.

Sources for the death toll spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to reporters.

Ambulance sirens still echoed across the city as bewildered families wandered in the rubble of buildings, looking for missing relatives.

In our 10-year experience as the first responder in Mogadishu, we havent seen anything like this, the Aamin Ambulance service tweeted.

Theres nothing I can say. We have lost everything, wept Zainab Sharif, a mother of four who lost her husband. She sat outside a hospital where he was pronounced dead after hours of efforts by doctors to save him from an arterial injury.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed declared three days of mourning and joined thousands of people who responded to a desperate plea by hospitals to donate blood for the wounded victims. I am appealing all Somali people to come forward and donate, he said.

The hospital is overwhelmed by both dead and wounded. We also received people whose limbs were cut away by the bomb. This is really horrendous, unlike any other time in the past, said Dr Mohamed Yusuf, the director of Medina hospital.

Overnight, rescue workers with flashlights searched for survivors trapped under the rubble of the largely destroyed Safari Hotel, which is close to Somalias foreign ministry.

The explosion blew off metal gates and blast walls erected outside the hotel.

Somalias government has blamed the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group for the attack it called a national disaster. However, al-Shabab, which often targets high-profile areas of the capital with bombings, had yet to comment.

They dont care about the lives of Somali people, mothers, fathers and children, Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said. They have targeted the most populated area in Mogadishu, killing only civilians.

Somalias information minister, Abdirahman Omar, said the blast was the largest the city had ever seen. Its a sad day. This how merciless and brutal they are, and we have to unite against them, he said, speaking to the state-run radio station.

The United States joined the condemnation, saying such cowardly attacks reinvigorate the commitment of the United States to assist our Somali and African Union partners to combat the scourge of terrorism.

The US military has stepped up drone strikes and other efforts this year against al-Shabab, which is also fighting the Somali military and over 20,000 African Union forces in the country.

Yesterdays blast occurred two days after the head of the US Africa Command was in Mogadishu to meet with Somalias president, and two days after the countrys defence minister and army chief resigned for undisclosed reasons.

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A sailor helped prevent the sinking of the destroyer John S. McCain. A Marine received the Purple Heart when his vehicle was blown off the road in Afghanistan.

Both now bear the lifetime stigma of having their service branded as "other than honorable" by the military.

They are among thousands of veterans cut off from Department of Veterans Affairs benefits by so-called "bad paper" discharges despite a Defense Department directive and an act of Congress ordering discharge review boards to give "liberal" consideration to upgrades for those with diagnoses of post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury.

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The sailor, who spoke to Military.com on condition that his name be withheld, was a 19-year-old seaman culinary specialist when the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer McCain collided with the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Alnic MC at 5:24 a.m. Aug. 21, 2017.

"I was in the galley on the grill," he recalled, when the bulbous bow of the tanker bashed a 28-foot hole in the port side of the McCain, which was east of the Strait of Malacca on the way to a port call in Singapore.

"It felt like an earthquake, pretty much this huge thump. Everything got tossed around, everything was shaking," he said. "And yeah, that's when we figured out we got hit and the ship was sinking."

He and the rest of the crew went to general quarters in a frantic rescue effort, which the Navy credited with keeping the listing destroyer afloat.

"We had to pretty much do what we were assigned in that situation to pretty much save the ship," the sailor said.

"The crew fought back against progressive flooding across numerous spaces for hours on end. Facing constant peril from flooding, electrocution, structural damage and noxious fumes, these sailors prevented further loss of life and ultimately saved the ship," the Navy said in a release from the time.

Ten sailors were killed and five injured in the collision. The teenager who had been working the grill knew them all.

"The crew was about 300 people so I would see those people every day when we were underway. We just ran into them all the time -- talk to them, hang out, things like that," he said.

The memories of the collision haunted him, and he would eventually be diagnosed with PTSD.

"I got other than honorable [when I was discharged]," he said. "It's because I popped on a urinalysis test for smoking weed. And that was just due to my mental state at the time -- wasn't good. And I didn't know how to cope by myself."

The Marine who received the Purple Heart had similar episodes of self-medication with drugs and alcohol, which also resulted in an other-than-honorable discharge.

He said he joined the Marines at age 17 with thoughts of making it a career, "maybe security guard at an embassy."

In 2009, he was deployed to Afghanistan with 8th Engineer Support Battalion out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In October 2009, he was the turret gunner on a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle that hit an improvised explosive device in northern Helmand province. "Blew the doors off, but there were no fatalities," he said.

He was airlifted for medical treatment with a concussion and two ruptured spinal discs, he said.

It was hard for him to stand for long periods of time, he said, but the medical teams decided he could return to duty. "I went back out on missions," he said.

Back at Lejeune, he was separated from his platoon, assigned to administrative work and told that he likely would not be allowed to continue in the Marine Corps, he said.

"I started drinking and not for fun," he explained. He also began using the designer drug "Spice," a cannabis derivative often called "synthetic pot."

At the same time, he was undergoing treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. But he insists that, "My choices, my actions, were not related to any injuries."

His actions led to a month in the brig and an other-than-honorable discharge. "I was three months shy of being discharged anyways," he said.

Since leaving the Marines, he has gone through bouts of homelessness and difficulties in finding and keeping a job, he said.

"There's only so much you can do unless your boss is considerate of your situation," he explained. "Not many employers really look at veterans in a positive light unless you have an honorable discharge for work purposes."

The McCain sailor and the Marine were among five veterans interviewed by Military.com on condition of anonymity. They all received other-than-honorable discharges and are being assisted in seeking upgrades to their discharges by the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The free program is sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and backed by the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

Its goal is to help veterans gather documents and evidence for discharge review boards to support an application for an upgrade; it also assists veterans in appeals when such a request is rejected.

The process can be cumbersome and subject to lengthy delays, said Danica Gonzalves, a lawyer and program director for the consortium's Discharge Upgrade Program. "It's a very frustrating process for advocates and veterans," she said.

Bad Paper Catch-22

About 200,000 service members are discharged each year; the vast majority receive honorable discharges, entitling them to VA benefits, health care, home loans and the GI Bill for education.

Other types of discharges carry stigma and may limit or restrict post-service benefits. A general discharge under honorable conditions usually means the veteran's service was satisfactory but might have involved minor misconduct. Those who receive that discharge are eligible for all veterans benefits except the GI Bill.

An other-than-honorable discharge means the veteran is unlikely to be eligible for any veterans benefits, but the VA can make exceptions for things such as disability compensation after a "character of service" review, which is different from a discharge upgrade.

In documents, the Army Discharge Review Board defined other-than-honorable discharges as "the worst possible discharge that you can receive with an administrative separation and is usually given for serious misconduct or Chapter 10 (Discharge in Lieu of Court-Martial). This discharge is not honorable service or duty. Typically awarded for felonies, AWOL, desertion, and drug offenses."

More than 51,400 discharges under other-than-honorable conditions were issued for active-duty personnel from fiscal 2010 through 2020, according to the Defense Manpower Data Center.

There are also two kinds of discharges considered punitive.

A veteran who received a bad-conduct discharge through a special court-martial might still be eligible for some benefits after a VA "character of service" review. Those who received such a discharge through a general court-martial are not.

Veterans who receive a dishonorable discharge, reserved for the most serious offenses, are ineligible for all benefits.

In 2014, then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a memo directing the service discharge review boards to give "liberal consideration" to upgrades to veterans who could show that they had been diagnosed with PTSD or TBI during their time in uniform.

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., was the main author of the Fairness for Veterans Act of 2016, which essentially codified Hagel's memo into law and added that upgrade consideration should be given to victims of sexual trauma.

The bill was signed into law as an amendment to the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act by President Barack Obama. In a statement Friday to Military.com, Peters called on the military to follow the law and speed up the process.

"Bureaucratic delays can never be an excuse that prevents veterans suffering with PTSD or TBI from receiving the care they've earned," he said.

"The Fairness for Veterans legislation I authored requires that discharge review boards give liberal consideration to appeals, and I urge them to do so in a speedy manner," Peters said.

A less-than-honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments -- behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI and other trauma-related conditions, Peters said.

Despite the Hagel memo and the Fairness for Veterans Act, veterans groups and advocates charge that the discharge review boards have been dragging their feet on processing applications for upgrades and appeals.

The discharge review process has recently been the target of two class-action lawsuits: Kennedy v. McCarthy against the Army, and Manker v. Spencer against the Navy and Marine Corps. The suits also seek agreements by the military to review cases where upgrades are denied.

Both were filed in Connecticut federal district court on behalf of the plaintiffs by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School before Judge Charles Haight, who has previously rejected motions by the Army and Navy to dismiss the suits.

While the Manker suit is ongoing, the Army in November agreed to a settlement under which the Army Discharge Review Board will reconsider less-than-honorable discharges issued from April 2011 to November 2020.

Since many veterans are unaware that they can request an upgrade, the Army also agreed to notify those discharged from 2001 to 2011 that they had the right to apply.

Currently, there is a Catch-22 aspect to the system that in many cases denies VA mental health treatment to those who can show evidence of TBI or PTSD, said Steven Kennedy, an Iraq veteran and the main plaintiff in the suit against the Army.

"You can't get the benefits you need to actually recover from the thing that got you discharged in the first place," Kennedy said.

He noted that the Army also agreed to drop the requirement that veterans appealing a rejection of an upgrade appear in person before the board. Appeals by phone or Zoom will now be allowed. "That was one of the things I was really happy with," Kennedy said.

The settlement with the Army was the subject of a fairness hearing before Haight on March 24, but he has yet to issue his final approval.

In a statement, Alexander Conyers, deputy assistant secretary of the Army and director of the Army Review Boards Agency, said the settlement is a fair way to address soldiers' concerns but added that implementation will require more resources.

"The Army is actively gathering the necessary resources, in terms of personnel and administrative support, and taking the appropriate steps to plan for the efficient adjudication of any requests for reconsideration pursuant to this settlement," Conyers said.

The settlement, which could serve as a model for the other services, gave encouragement to William, a former Army sergeant who served from 2003 to 2012 with two tours in Iraq who is being assisted by the Veterans Consortium.

In a phone interview and in an email, he said that his other-than-honorable discharge left a stigma that to him was worse than if he had been sent to a civilian jail for drug offenses.

"I couldn't use my military service to seek employment. I would have been better off telling people I was in prison. They have programs for the formerly incarcerated," he said.

William, who asked only that his first name be used, said his first tour in Iraq was as a military police officer with the 1st Infantry Division. His problems began on his second tour after he reenlisted and was assigned to detainee operations. He said he was overcome by anxiety and depression, resulting in what he called a "suicidal episode."

He was sent back to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with a diagnosis of PTSD. Treatment amounted to "fistsful of medications," he said.

He fell into drug abuse, he said. "When somebody would say you can live your life clean and sober, I'd be like what kind of drugs are you taking that I don't know about?" he added.

William said he left the base for three months, explaining that "I just couldn't stay there anymore."

When he returned, he was given the choice of a court-martial or an other-than-honorable discharge. William said he responded, "I'm damaged goods. Just get me out."

He eventually was able to get treatment through the VA, which gave him credit for honorable service during his first enlistment. He said he has now been clean for five years, but "if you had told me five years ago that I could get clean and sober, I would have said, 'You're nuts.'"

William and others interviewed by Military.com said the worst part of having an other-than-honorable discharge is the loss of the sense of pride most veterans have, coupled with the feeling that their service didn't count.

"I have this dirty, embarrassing secret that I carry around. When I actually do find myself around other people, I avoid talking about my service because there may be too many questions. I just told my girlfriend of three years about my discharge. My family knows. No one else," William said.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: Army Agrees to Review Thousands of 'Bad Paper' Discharges
Ex-cop Guilty of Murder and Manslaughter in Floyd Case

Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a white officer, pinned his knee on or close to the 46-year-old Black mans neck for about 9 1/2 minutes.

The jury reached a verdict Tuesday at the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who was pinned to the pavement with a knee on his neck in a case that set off a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

The verdict, arrived at after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, was to be read late in the afternoon in a city on edge against the possibility of more unrest like that that erupted last spring.

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The courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were brought in ahead of the verdict. Some businesses boarded up with plywood.

Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a 45-year-old now-fired white officer, pinned his knee on or close to the 46-year-old Black mans neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as Floyd gasped that he couldnt breathe and onlookers yelled at Chauvin to get off.

The jury, made up of six white people and six Black or multiracial people, weighed charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with convictions on some, none or all of the charges possible. The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

The city has been on edge in recent days  not just over the Chauvin case but over the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright, in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center on April 11.

Earlier in the day Tuesday, President Joe Biden weighed in by saying he believes the case is overwhelming.

He said that he had spoken to Floyds family on Monday and can only imagine the pressure and anxiety theyre feeling.

Theyre a good family and theyre calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is, Biden said. Im praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think its overwhelming, in my view. I wouldnt say that unless the jury was sequestered now.

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The president has repeatedly denounced Floyds death but previously stopped short of commenting on the trial itself.

Other politicians and ordinary citizens also offered their opinion as the jury was deliberating.

It shouldnt be really even questioned whether there will be an acquittal or a verdict that doesnt meet the scale of the crime that was committed, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, said in Brooklyn Center. The congresswoman said the Chauvin case looks open-and-shut.

Guilty verdicts could mark a turning point in the fight for racial equality, she said.

We are holding on to one another for support. Hopefully this verdict will come soon and the community will start the process of healing, Omar said.

Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. Associated Press video journalist Angie Wang in Atlanta and Associated Press writers Doug Glass, in Minneapolis, Mohamed Ibrahim in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed.
Spain does not want to waste a single day before introducing the Janssen single-dose vaccine.

After the European Medicines Agency (EMA) endorsed the Belgian pharmaceutical formula on Tuesday (20 April), the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, confirmed that the Government wants to administer this vaccine "immediately", as the company also announced that it is resuming its distribution, which was halted last Tuesday.

Darias, wanted to demonstrate her support for the vaccine by going to the warehouse where the first 146,000 doses, which arrived before the suspension, are stored.

The European Medicines Agency gave the green light to the use the vaccine in any age group despite having found links between the formula and eight cases of "unusual" blood clots registered in the United States. The head of the EMA Safety Committee, Sabine Straus, however, said, "The benefits [of using Janssen] outweigh the risks."

The EMA said that it had not found specific risk factors, such as sex or age, for cases of thrombi, but said that the investigations on the Janssen vaccine "will continue", and asked the laboratory to carry out "more studies on its formula.

The Ministry of Health expects to receive 5.5 million injectables during this quarter and 12 million more in July, August and September.

Spain has decided that the Janssen formula should be administered initially in the age group between 70 and 79 years, the furthest behind in the immunisation campaign.
(Newser)  The New York Times uses the word "staggering," and understandably so. Hong Kong police say a 90-year-old woman fell victim to a phone scam that over a period of just six months saw her hand over $32.8 million. The initial caller who contacted her in August reportedly claimed to be a detective from mainland China who told the woman that her identity had been stolen and used in a crime and that they needed to confirm the source of her money, reports the South China Morning Post. Within days, a man posing as a Chinese police officer delivered to her a cell phone that she was instructed to use during the probe. Police say the scammers convinced her to transfer massive amounts of money into accounts they held, and that some 11 transfers occurred between Aug. 12 and Jan. 4, reports the BBC.

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A member of her household staff finally let the woman's daughter know what was going on, and a police report was filed in March. The AFP reports police have revealed little about the victim beyond that she lived in a mansion on the Peak, the most exclusive neighborhood in Hong Kong, reports the AFP. A 19-year-old college student with the surname of Wong was arrested on suspicion of "obtaining property by deception." He has been released on bail and the investigation is ongoing. It's said to be the biggest phone scam ever to occur in Hong Kong, which sees plenty of scams, particularly at the hands of people pretending to be Chinese authorities. Hong Kong police identified 1,193 such scams that netted $73 million last year. (Read more scam stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-20 04:16:48|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Aerospace Forces launched airstrikes against a terrorist training base near Syria's Palmyra, killing up to 200 militants, the Russian military said Monday.

In the camouflaged base northeast of Palmyra, illegal armed groups were planning attacks on government agencies in major cities to destabilize the situation in Syria ahead of the presidential elections, said Alexander Karpov, deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria.

After confirming the location of the terrorist objects through various channels, Russian aircraft destroyed two shelters, up to 200 militants, 24 pickups with heavy machine guns, about 500 kg of ammunition and components for creating improvised explosive devices, he said. Enditem
Portland Rioters Smash Windows at Starbucks, Attack Police Officer

Rioters in Portland in the wake of the verdict in Derek Chauvins trial started a fire and attacked businesses on April 20.

Video footage and photographs showed two Starbucks in the downtown area damaged.

An Antifa symbol was spray-painted on one of the broken windows. Antifa is a far-left, anarcho-communist network that has members in Portland.

Cops kill and stolen land were also scrawled on the buildings.

Starbucks didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment.

During the evening, a crowd started a dumpster fire near the Justice Center and blocked traffic, prompting authorities to lock the center to prevent unlawful entry into the building.

At approximately 10:07 p.m., an officer was wheeling his bicycle on the sidewalk when a person stepped in his path. The sergeant moved the person aside and kept walking, but was then punched in the face by another person.

The sergeant landed in a dangerous position, underneath the suspect and on his back. Thats when other officers moved in to stop the assault. In response to the violent conduct, some focused blows were used. Pepper spray was also deployed by an officer. After the suspect was handcuffed, officers rendered aid to help alleviate the effects of the pepper spray, the Portland Police Bureau stated in a news release.

The suspect was arrested and identified as Randy Gray, 36. He was charged with assaulting an officer, among other charges.

One other arrest was made.

A flier circulated for demonstrations, including language favored by the far-left Antifa network, in Portland, Ore. (Portland Police Bureau)

Fliers for the nights activities were circulated by far-left radicals that stated, in part: We got the verdict now George Floyd can rest in peace! But we cant forget about the others. Celebration of Georges Life and All Out for Duante Wright.

Wright was fatally shot by a police officer earlier this month in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, after resisting arrest. The officer, Kim Potter, resigned and was charged with second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted on April 20 on all three counts in Floyds death.

Acting Portland Police Chief Chris Davis said in a statement after the verdict was announced that he believed Chauvins actions were beyond the bounds of the law and what we expect of police officers in the performance of their duties.

Portland Mayor and Police Commissioner Ted Wheeler said before the verdict that he hoped Chauvin would be convicted of murder.

Police declared an unlawful assembly after the destruction, and demonstrations began winding down, the bureau stated. The area affected by the criminal activity was contained within a few blocks.

Hours before the rioting, Wheeler declared a state of emergency.

The declaration stated that peaceful demonstrations were to be expected, to advance the racial justice movement in the United States, but criminal activity has sometimes coincided with otherwise peaceful demonstrations, with the criminal activity seeking to take advantage of the circumstances created by the peaceful demonstrations.

The declaration gave police flexibility in responding to violent demonstrations.

Portland police and fire crews respond to a fire set by rioters in Portland, Ore., on April 17, 2021. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Wheeler and other elected officials urged anarchist groups not to continue the rioting that they have fomented in Portland since spring 2020.

A significant threat to our ability to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic towards a more equitable and inclusive Portland is the group of 100 or so largely white self-described anarchists who engage in the criminal destruction of our economy and our confidence, said Wheeler, a Democrat.

We all recognize the need for change in our public safety and criminal justice systems. We need to own up to the harms those systems have done in the past. Violence and destruction dont have anything to do with this. People have a right to free speech. They also have a right to be free from violence and anarchy in their communities. We will do everything we can with the resources we have to protect the safety and uphold the rights of all.

Rioters damaged a slew of establishments the prior evening, including a Boys & Girls Club.

Terry Johnson, the clubs CEO, told KOIN that roughly $20,000 in damage was inflicted.

Theyre hurting the kids who are being impacted by social injustice, the very thing that people are protesting about, Johnson said. When they disrupt our programming, then theyre perpetuating that harm thats happening because of the reform thats needed in our country.
ITV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth has revealed how her controlling husband would slap her across the face if she fell asleep before him as she admitted she 'wouldn't be alive today' had she not eventually asked for help.

Ms Dodsworth, 45, appeared on This Morning earlier today to encourage other domestic abuse sufferers to speak out.

She said that her now ex-husband, of 18 years, Jonathan Wignall left her with nothing after the nine-year campaign of abuse which she branded as 'degrading' and 'isolating'.

Former nightclub owner Wignall, 54, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to coercive behaviour and stalking earlier this month.

He was sentenced to a total of three years in custody, of which he will serve half before being released on licence, and was also issued with a restraining order against contacting Ms Dodsworth.

Ruth Dodsworth, 45, appeared on This Morning earlier today to encourage other domestic abuse sufferers to seek help

Speaking to hosts Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes, Ms Dodsworth said: 'At its worst, just under two years ago, when things escalated, I'd been in work and during that week he had been phoning me hundreds and hundreds of times a day, turning up at the office, texting me "where are you", asking who I was with.

'That particular day he started drinking early in the day and by the time my children got home from school they were phoning me saying "mum, don't come home, he's going to kill you" and I think, for me, that was a turning point.

'I didn't go home that night because I think if I had, I wouldn't be here now in any way, shape or form.

'It took confiding in someone else for them to say "Ruth, if you don't ring the police I will" - and that really changed everything.'

Ms Dodsworth explained: 'If I waited for him to go to sleep first, it was okay. But if I went to sleep first he would slap my face to wake me up because it was not on his terms.

'This is a man that I loved and is the father of my children. It is degrading, it was humiliating but it is so hard to get out. I would say to people, just get out. Speak to someone...

'You don't realise that isolation until you look back on it. His paranoia, his jealousy - I work in a very public job, I meet a lot of people and he couldn't handle that.

'Every male I met was a potential affair and that jealousy escalated to the point where he offered to pay my children money to go into my phone.'

'I wouldn't be alive if I didn't ask for help.'

She said that her husband of 18 years Jonathan Wignall (pictured together previously) left her with nothing after the nine-year campaign of abuse which she branded as 'degrading' and 'isolating'

The presenter also added that she had desperately tried to make the relationship work: 'I was married to this man for 18 years, and I think sometimes within a marriage you try to make it work, you make excuses, you try to justify, you plaster a smile but life is not always what it seems.

'Especially with a job like ours, you smile and make it look like you are happy, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. I was determined to make it work, but it just didn't in the end.

'The signs were there, we were happy but there were moments where his temper became obvious,' she said.

'I was the one person he could direct his anger at as business started to fail.

'But the very phrase domestic abuse was very difficult for me to say, even now, because I still didn't see myself in that category.'

After his arrest Ruth found out that the house they lived in was rented and there was thousands of pounds worth of debt in her name that she had no idea about.

She said: 'I have worked for 25 years but have nothing to show for it. I am not able to go for a mortgage, can't take out a credit card, but I have got my children, I am sitting here talking to you now and I have got family around me who love me.

'The are dark days, but I was saved and if people can do that for me, they can do that for everyone.

'Not being believed was something I was worried about, but I was believed.'

Earlier this month, Cardiff Crown Court heard the couple met in 2001, a year after Ms Dodsworth started her weather job, and were married in 2002.

But Wignall's controlling behaviour began around 2010 when the couple moved from Swansea to Cowbridge and she became their main breadwinner when his nightclub business started to fail.

The court heard that far from rejoicing in his wife's TV success, he was an obsessive partner who would set an alarm to check Ruth's nightly forecasts on TV and call her dozens of times a day demanding to know where she was and who she was with.

He would turn up to her outside broadcast locations or insist that she ate her lunch in the car with him, rather than at a studio canteen which had a 'devastating impact' on Ms Dodsworth and her confidence.

In a statement read out to the court Ms Dodsworth said she would have to portray a 'happy, sunshine-like' personality while on television even though she felt the opposite inside.

At home, he would demand access to her phone so he could check her messages and delete contacts he didn't like.

The presenter also added that she had worked for ITV for 25 years and, apart from her pension, she had 'nothing to show for it'

Wignall pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to coercive behaviour and stalking. He was sentenced to three years in prison this week for a campaign of abuse

He would insist on watching her use the toilet and shower in case she was using her phone in the bathroom and accompany her to medical appointments. He even placed a tracking device under the steering wheel of her car.

Sentencing, Judge Daniel Williams said: 'It's clear you have no remorse for that which you did. You seek to justify your actions and in your eyes you have done no wrong and you have no perception to how others may see you.

'You affect the air of a respectable beleaguered but successful businessman but you are not. You are a fantasist with a fragile ego which makes you an unrepentant possessive bully.'

He told Wignall he posed 'high risk' to his ex-wife and imposed an indefinite restraining order, meaning that when he is freed he will be banned from going near her.

Wignall pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to coercive behaviour and stalking.

He was sentenced to three years in prison this week for a campaign of abuse.
The shooting happened about 25 minutes before a judge read the verdict convicting former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the killing of Floyd. It also took place less than 5 miles from where the funeral for Andre Hill, who was killed by another Columbus police officer in December, was held earlier this year. The officer in Hills case, Adam Coy, a 19-year veteran of the force, is now facing trial for murder, with the next hearing scheduled for April 28.
HK youth should move to Hainan, for the chicken: CE

The CE noted that Hongkongers love to eat Hainanese chicken rice. File image: Shutterstock

Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Wednesday offered an alternative suggestion for any young Hongkongers who have failed to be convinced about the attractions of the Greater Bay Area, suggesting they pack up and move to Hainan instead.



She said not only could people "enjoy the shadow of coconut trees", but they could also feast on Hainanese chicken rice  a dish widely associated with Singapore.



Lam, who's been on Hainan for the Boao Forum, said the island's leaders have noted Beijing's plans to lure Hong Kong youth to other parts of the Greater Bay Area, and they are taking the initiative to also provide opportunities for SAR residents.



"My colleagues and I were very moved", Lam wrote in a post on Facebook.



She said she would like to see young people in Hong Kong moving to the island for work or internships.



In a further bid to persuade young people to consider leaving their home city for Hainan, Lam noted that as well as the trees and Singaporean food, the island also has a friendly local population and is rich in agricultural products.



Lams Facebook post attracted hundreds of comments.



While the CEs fans cheered her suggestion, saying Hainan is a beautiful place and Hong Kong youngsters would love it there, others posted sarcastic remarks accusing her of failing to fact check with her promotion of Singaporean cuisine.



Just because the name of the dish has the word Hainan in it doesnt mean it is a Hainan speciality. Its the same with pineapple buns having no pineapples in them, or Swiss Chicken Wings having nothing to do with Switzerland, one netizen said.



Another, meanwhile, said Hong Kong is a food paradise and there is no need for Hongkongers to go anywhere else just to get something good to eat.



As an international city, weve got all sorts of different cuisines and we can get any food we want here. Hongkongers should stay in Hong Kong, the person wrote.
Longtime Beauty and the Beast director Robert Jess Roth has resigned from an upcoming U.K. and Ireland tour of the Disney stage production following the leak of an email he sent to producer Scott Rudin about Tony-winning actor Karen Olivo.

Roth's private email to Rudin was written on an airplane during a flight, transcribed by a nearby fellow passenger, and subsequently leaked on social media. According to published reports, Roth's email said that Rudin deserved an "honorary Tony Award for somehow getting that horrible woman to quit acting."

Olivo recently announced on social media that she will not return to her Tony-nominated role in Moulin Rouge! in protest of the theater industry's largely silent response to allegations made against Rudin in a recent Hollywood Reporter article, which detailed decades of alleged mistreatment that employees suffered at his hands. Rudin, who is not involved with Moulin Rouge!"' or Beauty and the Beast'', has subsequently announced that he will "step back" from his upcoming film and Broadway productions.

Roth confirmed the contents of the email to the U.K. theater publication The Stage, saying in a statement "Upon consideration of recent events, it is clear that I am not in a position to lead this production at this time. I see now that the sentiments included in a private email that went public were thoughtless and insensitive, and I am profoundly sorry that my comments have caused unintended pain. I deeply regret making light of bullying, which I know to be a horrible experience. For the good of the show and this wonderful company of artists, I have made the difficult decision to step aside as director."

Disney Theatrical Productions was quick to act, replacing Roth as director with Matt West, the production's original choreographer. Beauty and the Beast has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, and is based on the award-winning animated film of the same name. The tour will open at Bristol Hippodrome in late August.


The sound is strange and not of this earth.

Lets listen.

But this sound is very much of this earth. That is what a spiderweb sounds like. Well, that is what a mathematical model of a spiderweb sounds like.

Markus Buehler is an engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He said from communicating to building, spiderwebs offer much information about their creators.

He explained to Reuters that spiders use vibrations as a way to communicate with the environment and with other spiders.

He said, We have recorded these vibrations from spiders and used artificial intelligence to learn these vibrational patterns. Buehler then explained the scientists connected those patterns with certain actions, basically learning the spiders language.

Buehler and his researchers created 3D models of spiderwebs when the spiders were doing different things -- such as making and repairing their webs as well as hunting and feeding. They then listened for patterns in the spider signals and recreated the sounds using computers and mathematical processes.



Spiders are a whole different animal, said Buehler. He explained they can hear and see things that we cannot with our human ears and eyes. So, by using science and math to turn vibrations into music, we begin to experience and better understand the world of the spider.

Buehler hopes his teams work could help humans to understand the language of a spider and one day communicate with them.

The music, said Buehler, is what  the spider would also experience. And so, we can begin to feel a little bit like a spider in that way.

There are more than 47,000 kinds of spiders. They all create these webs to provide housing and catch food. Scientists say silk, the material created to from a spiderweb, is five times stronger than steel.

Buehler said that understanding the living structure of a spiderweb could lead to improvements of man-made materials and structures.

Im Anna Matteo.

Reuters staff wrote this story for Reuters News Agency. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

spiderweb -n. the silken web spun by most spiders and used as a resting place and a trap for prey

artificial intelligence-n. a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers

vibration -n. a continuous slight shaking movement : a series of small, fast movements back and forth or from side to side

pattern -n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done

3D -n. a three-dimensional form
KYODO NEWS - Apr 21, 2021 - 18:35 | World, All

Chinese President Xi Jinping will participate in the online climate change summit to be hosted later this week by U.S. President Joe Biden, the nation's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, amid lingering tensions between the world's two major powers.

Xi will make a speech on the first day of the two-day virtual gathering starting Thursday, which political leaders of other countries, such as Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also set to attend.

China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, has expressed eagerness to work in tandem with the United States, the second-largest emitter, on combating the impact of global warming despite their increasing rivalry for military and economic supremacy.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters, "China expects that this summit will provide a useful platform for global exchanges and cooperation in addressing the challenges of climate change," voicing willingness to join hands with the United States

China hopes that the United States "will truly respect China's core interests and take a correct view of China's development, while working with China to jointly safeguard regional and world peace, stability and development," Wang said.

Xi has pledged to make his nation carbon neutral by 2060 and adhere to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, which Biden's predecessor Donald Trump abandoned.

During their video conversation on Friday, Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng told U.S. climate envoy John Kerry that Beijing "welcomes the U.S. return" to the Paris accord.

Kerry, who was secretary of state under former President Barack Obama, visited Shanghai last week for talks with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, becoming the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit China under the Biden administration since its launch in January.

Following the talks between Kerry and Xie, Beijing and Washington said they agreed to take enhanced actions to strengthen the implementation of the Paris agreement, sidestepping their disputes including over China's alleged human rights abuses.

At an online summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, meanwhile, Xi said climate change issues should not be used as a political "bargaining chip" in an apparent warning aimed at the United States.
Melissa Benoist was spotted spending some down time on the Supergirl set as she filmed the final season.

The 32-year-old actress was spotted in her full Supergirl costume as she hung out between takes on the Vancouver set.

After the actress finishes filming the sixth and final season, which debuted on The CW on March 30, she may focus on the projects with her newly formed production company and overall deal she signed with Warner Bros. Television in February.

On set: Melissa Benoist was spotted spending some down time on the Supergirl set as she filmed the final season

The actress was spotted in her full-body Supergirl suit, including the emblazoned red Kryptonian symbol for hope on the blue suit.

Her hair was being tended to as she waited between takes, standing on set in her red knee-length boots.

Her iconic red cape flowed behind her along with her blonde locks as she walked through the Vancouver set.

Spotted: The actress was spotted in her full-body Supergirl suit, including the emblazoned red Kryptonian symbol for hope on the blue suit

Benoist revealed on her Instagram in September that her run as Kara Danvers, a.ka. Supergirl, is coming to an end after Season 6.

'To say it has been an honor portraying this iconic character would be a massive understatement. Seeing the incredible impact the show has had on young girls around the world has always left me humbled and speechless,' Benoist said.

'Shes had that impact on me, too. Shes taught me strength I didnt know I had, to find hope in the darkest of places, and that we are stronger when were united. What she stands for pushes all of us to be better. She has changed my life for the better, and Im forever grateful,' she added.

Ending: Benoist revealed on her Instagram in September that her run as Kara Danvers, a.ka. Supergirl, is coming to an end after Season 6

Honor: 'To say it has been an honor portraying this iconic character would be a massive understatement. Seeing the incredible impact the show has had on young girls around the world has always left me humbled and speechless,' Benoist said

Benoist signed an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television in February, while also launching her production company Three Things Productions, via Deadline.

The exclusive multi-year deal is for Benoist to develop and produce original content for all of Warner Media's platforms, including HBO Max.

'Ive had a wonderfully supportive home at Warner Bros. for the last six years, and Im thrilled to have the opportunity to put on a producers hat and continue working with them,' she said in a statement back in February.

Overall deal: Benoist signed an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television in February, while also launching her production company Three Things Productions, via Deadline

'I approach my work as an actor in search of that magic gut feeling you get when you know something is right. I plan on following those instincts as a producer, approaching each story with passion, playfulness, curiosity, a sure-footed step, and like all things worth taking a risk on, a hint of terror,' she added.

'I cant wait to collaborate with new voices and find stories that hit the heart in that indefinable way,' Benoist concluded.

She also celebrated her husband of nearly two years, Chris Wood, with a helicopter snap, adding, 'Happy birthday, sweetheart. Odds are you wont see this, but I felt like shouting from the rooftops how wonderful you are and how glad I am you were born.'

Magic: 'I approach my work as an actor in search of that magic gut feeling you get when you know something is right. I plan on following those instincts as a producer, approaching each story with passion, playfulness, curiosity, a sure-footed step, and like all things worth taking a risk on, a hint of terror,' she added
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aion Therapeutic Inc. (CSE: AION) ("Aion Therapeutic" or the "Company") announced today that its proprietary and patented combinatorial mushroom preparations AION F7 and AION F8 (collectively, the "Aion Mushroom Preparations" or "Preparations") showed high efficacy in killing HER2+ breast cancer cells, ER+/PR+ breast cancer cells, and triple-negative breast cancer cells by direct cytotoxicity.

As shown in recently completed third-party independent and carefully controlled 3D-spheroid cell culture studies performed at BIOENSIS laboratories, these cytotoxicity studies demonstrated direct killing of the breast cancer cells by the Aion Mushroom Preparations, which suggests such preparations may be effective in treating HER2+ breast cancer, ER+/PR+ breast cancer, and the very difficult to treat triple-negative breast cancer, with each of these types of breast cancers tested independently.

In separate independent studies at BIOENSIS laboratories using the Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay and the Antibody-Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP) assay, the Aion Mushroom Preparations also demonstrated enhanced cell killing of HER2+ breast cancer cells via stimulation of the immune system. The Preparations showed similar effectiveness as trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment sold under the brand name Herceptin, manufactured by Roche and is a US FDA approved medication useful for treating HER2+ breast cancer that is either early-stage or advanced-stage/metastatic. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is the leading breast cancer drug with annual global sales of around $7 billion.1 Other FDA approved biosimilar trastuzumab products include: Trazimera (Pfizer), Kanjinti (Amgen), Ontruzant (Merck), Herzuma (Teva), and Ogivri (Mylan). When Aion Mushroom Preparations were combined with Trastuzumab, there was a greater than 60% increase in the killing of HER2+ breast cancer cells when compared to Trastuzumab used alone.

Based on these results, Dr. Herbert A. Fritsche, Chief Science Officer of Aion Therapeutic and former Professor and Director of Clinical Chemistry at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, stated, "The extremely exciting results obtained from these independent 3D cell culture studies suggests that when appropriate Aion Mushroom Preparations are used together, they may offer a dual approach to the killing of HER2+ breast cancer cells through two separate and distinct pathways (direct cytotoxicity and antibody dependent cytotoxicity). The significant improvement in cancer cell cytotoxicity that was observed when the Preparations were combined with Trastuzumab warrants immediate further investigation in breast cancer patients." Dr. Fritsche continued, "We look forward to the next step of initiating clinical trials of the Aion Mushroom Preparations with and without Herceptin (and other trastuzumab biosimilars) for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer patients as well as the Aion Mushroom Preparations alone in ER+/PR+ breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer patients."

"Each year more than 1.6 million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed globally, making it the most common cancer among women, and more than 500,000 women will die of the disease," said Graham Simmonds, Executive Vice Chair and CEO of Aion Therapeutic. He added, "We are excited that these Aion Mushroom Preparations that have shown very encouraging initial test results will be developed to be transformative in how women are treated globally."

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.

About BIOENSIS

BIOENSIS is the solution of choice of predictive pharmacology needs led by a scientific team with more than 40 years of combined experience in preclinical pharmacology, BIOENSIS is the premiere innovator of 3D pharmacology technologies that more accurately recapitulate the microenvironment of human tissues and tumors. Their cutting-edge technology has been validated and optimized in more than 130+ cell lines and primary tissues, and their flexible technology enables assay customization and optimization for additional cell lines and organ tissues. They have a demonstrated track record of unparalleled commitment to and collaboration with customers to achieve their predictive pharmacology objectives.

About Aion Therapeutic Inc.

Aion Therapeutic Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AI Pharmaceuticals Jamaica Limited, is in the business of research and development, treatment, data mining and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (machine learning) techniques, focused on the development of combinatorial pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals utilizing compounds from cannabis (cannabinoids), psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin), fungi (edible mushroom), natural psychedelic formulations (Ayahuasca), and other medicinal plants in a legal environment for this type of discovery. In addition, Aion Therapeutic is creating a strong international intellectual property portfolio related to its discoveries.

DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company and the commercialization and use of the Aion Mushroom Preperations. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the parties. The material factors and assumptions include regulatory and other third-party approvals; licensing and other risks. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the parties are not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

______________________ 1 Forbes: Can Roche's Blockbuster Drug Herceptin's Sales Grow?

www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2019/08/28/can-roches-blockbuster-drug-herceptins-sales-grow/'sh=7c23957842e5

Contact: Public Relations: KCSA Strategic Communications, Anne Donohoe, aion@kcsa.com Investor Relations: KCSA Strategic Communications, Phil Carlson, (212) 896-1233, aion@kcsa.com; Aion Therapeutic Inc.: Graham Simmonds, Executive Vice Chair & CEO, (416) 843-2881
The House has rejected an effort from the Republicans to censure Representative Maxine Waters over her remarks at a protest over the weekend in Minneapolis, where the murder trial of Derek Chauvin is being held.

Republicans argued that Waters incited violence for saying to "stay on the street" and "get more confrontational" if Chauvin was found not guilty in the death of George Floyd, The Hill reported.

Waters gave her comments in front of a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn Center on Sunday, while the Derek Chauvin trial is ongoing. Her remarks also came in light of the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, who is a Black man killed by a cop in Minnesota.

With no defections from both sides, lawmakers voted 216-210 to set aside the resolution from Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

READ NEXT: 'Shut Your Mouth': Maxine Waters Snaps At Jim Jordan as COVID Hearing With Fauci Gets Heated

House on Censuring Maxine Waters

The voting for censuring Maxine Waters happened before the jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges in George Floyd's murder, Los Angeles Times reported.

It can be recalled that Kevin McCarthy slammed Waters for her comments. He condemned her words, adding that Waters broke the law by "violating the curfew and then incited violence."

Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill, the judge overseeing Chauvin's murder case, said it was abhorrent of Waters to tell those comments in front of the protesters.

Cahill noted that these comments might be a ground for the defense to appeal for a mistrial.

The House was in heat as the Democrats labeled the Republicans as hypocrites knowing that the party has defended former President Donald Trump and other GOP lawmakers, who had been accused of inciting mob attack at the U.S. Capitol last Jan. 6.

Some Democrats blasted McCarthy, saying that the minority leader has no business criticizing Waters, New York Daily News reported.

"Kevin McCarthy should focus on his own conference," said New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries added that the GOP members in the House "are a mess right now."

But House Minority Whip Steve Scalise noted that Democrats are the ones who are hypocrites because they "only want to speak out on one side of the aisle."

"Right now I haven't heard any Democrats speaking out against what Maxine has said," said Scalise. The Louisiana representative noted that the Democrats need to voice out the issues on both parties.

"I haven't heard Maxine saying anything about peacefully protesting," said Scalise said.

Maxine Waters on Censuring Her

Maxine Waters shrugged off the criticisms thrown at her, emphasizing that she has always promoted nonviolence. Waters, who also accused the Republicans of "bullying" her, confidently stood while the voting for censuring her was ongoing.

Los Angeles Times reported that the California representative was chatting with other lawmakers while occasionally looking at the vote tally in the chamber.

"I don't want to hurt them or hurt their chances of re-election," said Waters as she offered her sympathies for her colleagues.

Waters noted that she wanted to make sure that her colleagues were comfortable with her kind of advocacy to "be sure that we can do the right thing."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended Waters, arguing that the representative talked about "confrontation in the manner of civil rights movement." She added that for that, Waters does not need to apologize.

Waters maintained that she was not encouraging violence. She said she was just confronting the justice system, the policing that's going on, and talking about speaking up and about "elected officials doing what needs to be done."

The Hill noted that the resolution from McCarthy against Waters would have issued the chamber's harshest disapproval short of expulsion.

READ MORE: Derek Chauvin Plans to Seek to Overturn His Trial Due to Media Coverage and Civil Settlement

WATCH: Ted Cruz Makes the Case for Censuring Maxine Waters - From Fox News
The Czech Republic will announce the new expulsion of Russian diplomats on Wednesday, local media reported Tuesday citing high-ranking sources.

According to the report, the new diplomats expulsion will be announced by Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek, who will undergo the appointment ceremony earlier the same day. The number of diplomats to be expelled is yet unknown. The report points out that the expulsion will not involve Ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky, who was invited to the Foreign Ministry for Wednesday.

Local media reported Tuesday that the Ambassador will receive the Foreign Ministry protest over Russias reaction to Czechias expulsion of 18 Russian Embassy employees.

The Czech diplomatic corpus believes that the Czech Embassy in Russia staff is much smaller than that of the Russian mission in Prague. The opposition urges the government to take steps to achieve parity in the size of both missions.

According to the Czech Foreign Ministry, the Russian mission staff includes 27 diplomats and 67 technical employees, while the Czech Embassy employs 5 diplomats and 19 technical employees.
Toronto: Quebec will be able to bar government workers in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols such as Muslim hijabs and Sikh turbans on the job following a court ruling on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).

The law will apply to police officers and judges but not to teachers, principals, and vice-principals at public schools teaching primarily in English.

The new law stops government workers in positions of authority wearing religious symbols like the hijab, but excludes teachers. Opponents say the law runs contrary to the culture of respect for individual rights and religious freedoms taught in schools.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc-Andre Blanchard said that the law, known as Bill 21, did not violate the Canadian constitutional architecture but sections pertaining to the provinces Anglophone schools infringed upon constitutionally protected minority-language education rights.

He also struck down a ban on members of the National Assembly, the provincial legislature, from wearing face coverings while providing services to the public.
Ghana is in the throes of a mobile money boom. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

PK Senyo, Senior Lecturer in Information Systems, University of Southampton.

_____

Mobile money  a technology that enables financial transactions through mobile phones without a bank account  is driving financial inclusion, especially in developing countries. It gives more people a chance to use financial products and services.

In Ghana, there is a policy to encourage the use of mobile money and reduce the flow of cash. And mobile money has proved popular because of its advantages. People can transfer money or make payments wherever they are, in a simple, fast, convenient and affordable way. Mobile money has improved the efficiency of transactions and initiated some changes in traditional banking in the country. By 2017, Ghana had over 11 million active mobile money accounts.

But in recent times, incidents of mobile money fraud have increased. Statistics from the cybercrime unit of the Ghana Police Service showed over 300 reported cases in 2019.

As a result, MTN, the biggest mobile money operator in Ghana, has introduced a new policy . It requires proof of identity (ID) before a customer can withdraw cash. Valid forms of proof are a drivers licence, voters ID, passport, Social Security and National Insurance Trust ID, National Health Insurance card or Ghana card (national ID). All mobile money agents will have to select the ID type and enter the ID card number presented by the customer before completing the transaction.

There are two problems with this: it excludes people from financial services and it encourages the use of cash. There are better ways to address fraud.

The ID problem

According to Ghanas National Identification Authority, only about 15.5 million out of the population of 30 million have been registered with formal ID. The new policy potentially excludes these individuals from using mobile money.

Research shows that people without formal ID tend to be the poor, living in remote villages, where mobile money is their only access to financial services. They rely on mobile money agents for remittances.

In Ghana, mobile money is becoming the favourite channel for financial transactions and this new policy means that people need to carry IDs every time. It is difficult to obtain and replace IDs in Ghana because of bureaucratic processes. So this policy could create inconvenience, which could discourage customers from using mobile money.

Ive done research on what influences behaviour related to financial technologies. One of my findings is that people are more open to using mobile money when they expect the effort of doing so to be small. On this basis, I believe they will not use mobile money if there are hindrances like constantly providing ID. Faced with this effort, they may revert to the use of cash  thereby derailing Ghanas financial inclusion progress. This new rule about presenting an ID has good intentions but might produce unwanted effects.

The new policy also encourages the conversion of mobile money to cash, which works against the governments agenda of discouraging cash. The government encourages electronic payment to widen the tax net and to fight corruption and robbery. Mobile money policies should support this agenda instead of undermining it.

Alternative solutions

Providing ID before withdrawals will not solve mobile money fraud. Fraudsters can easily use fake IDs for transactions because of the limited integration of all national databases. Also, IDs in Ghana are not properly linked to residential addresses, so it will be difficult to trace perpetrators even when mobile money fraud is detected.

Rather, focus should be on the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop algorithms that can automatically detect, flag, and temporarily block potential fraudulent transactions for further investigation.

Similarly, theres the option of two-factor authentication. This allows people to use authentication apps or text messages to validate transactions before they are authorised. It gives people another level of security in addition to personal identification numbers to fight fraud.

Another solution available to fight fraud is to eliminate fees for inter-mobile money transfers. This will encourage e-funds to remain in circulation, which makes it easier to trace fraudulent funds and uncover fraud networks. Fraudulent funds that are not withdrawn can be easily traced.

Ghana also has a universal QR code payment technology to encourage cashless transactions. MTN needs to work with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems, merchants, petty traders, drivers and others to roll out the technology throughout the country. This would enable more people to use mobile money to pay for daily activities.

Lastly, more could be done to improve peoples awareness of how mobile money fraud works and can be prevented. And perpetrators should be prosecuted.

Using this policy of no ID, no cashout will only derail the financial inclusion gains and Ghanas cashless agenda. Mobile money operators should use advanced technologies to proactively foil fraudulent transactions instead of relying on manual interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

____

Learn more:

- As Bitcoin's Taproot Nears, Ex-CIA Director's Paper Raises Privacy Concerns

- Charities, Buskers & Beggars Arent Feeling So Festive In Cashless Society

- Cash Still a Top Hedge Pick, but Digital Winning Payments War  Bank Strategist

- Influential Historian Urges Joe Biden to Bring Bitcoin Into Financial System

- Warning: Physical Cash Will Be Mostly Gone by the End of the Decade

- Going Cashless Isn't Straightforward. Ask Sweden, or Zimbabwe
LONDON, April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online CFD broker InvestingCrypto launches new services for Australian based clients beginning this month. As of April 1st, online Australian traders will be able to benefit from brokerage services provided by InvestingCrypto.

This well-known brokerage has many years' experience servicing clients worldwide. Traders looking to execute cryptocurrency, forex and CFD trades can do so quickly and efficiently on InvestingCrypto's state of the art trading platform.

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Pastor 'deeply sorry' for sermon telling women to keep slim, be sexually available in marriage

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Stewart-Allen Clark, a General Baptist minister in Missouri, has apologized after telling women in his congregation to keep slim, wear makeup and be sexually available for their husbands to keep their marriages healthy.

In the sermon, I made insensitive remarks about women and made statements deemed unbiblical, said Clark in a statement posted on the website of First General Baptist Church of Malden, Missouri.

To the ladies within the church, ladies in the community, and those viewing our Livestream; I want to say I am deeply sorry for any and all pain or distress that my words brought on you, he added in the statement addressed to Dear Church & Community.

The pastor took a leave of absence starting Feb. 28 after receiving backlash in response to the sermon, first highlighted by artist Reagan Williams in a Facebook post. According to Word and Way, Clark has since been reaffirmed by church deacons, but it is unclear when he will return to the pulpit.

In his February sermon, Clark quoted 1 Corinthians 7:4 to encourage women to be sexually available for their husbands, which says: The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

So whenever shes not in the mood [take out your body], he said.

Earlier in the sermon, the pastor told the audience that husbands need their wives to stay attractive to keep them interested in marriage.

I want you to know a need that a man has that he wont ever tell you about. But since Im the preacher man, Ill say it. Your man needs an attractive wife, he declared.

I really dont believe women understand how visual men are.  I really dont think women understand how important it is for a man to have a beautiful woman on his arm. Its really important to a man to do that, he said, questioning why women appear to stop paying attention to their physical appearance after marriage.

Why is it that so many times, women, after they get married, let themselves go? Heres how way too many women are  Ive got him now, the chase is over. Hey, thats where youre wrong. The chase aint never over, he said.

He explained that his wife, who has had three children, gained weight during her pregnancies, but she responded to her weight gain by getting involved with the Weight Watchers program and he joined her to show his support.

Because she knows its important. I want a good-looking woman on my arm, he said of his wife. She wasnt always a bean pole, but she is now. She has lost a lot of weight. She is thin and she wants to look attractive herself and she wants me to look at her and nobody else. One of her favorite expressions is food never tastes as good as skinny feels.

In his new statement, Clark said he's been meeting with a professional counselor during his leave of absence.

I want to say to the church that Im truly sorry that I embarrassed you, he said in the statement.

I recognize and understand that what I said was imprudent and discourteous. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness and to be restored as your pastor. I genuinely believe this is the best way forward.

After the sermon went viral, First General Baptist Church, a member of the General Baptist denomination, announced in a statement that Clarks message was not consistent with their values.

The denomination also noted that Clark had resigned as moderator for the General Association of General Baptist meeting scheduled for July 2022.

In a statement posted beside Clarks on the church's website, the deacons of the church also apologized for being complacent and accepting Gods blessings toward our church as signs of His favor without adequately attending to our responsibility that the complete principles, truths, and love of Christ are presented from our churchs pulpit."

We, the deacons of the First General Baptist Church of Malden, Missouri, offer this unreserved apology to our congregation, our surrounding communities, our denomination, and the followers of Jesus Christ everywhere, they wrote. We bear the blame for not offering our pastor counsel, correction, and restoration when errors or inappropriate content was presented.

The deacons urged prayer for unity and harmony in the congregation in the days ahead.

We are called to model Christs love through forgiveness and restoration toward our Pastor, they wrote. This is our goal and we encourage the congregation toward the same love and forgiveness.
Burma Myanmar Activists Launch Blue-Shirt Campaign to Demand Freedom for Detainees

A blue-shirt campaign has been launched in Myanmar on Apr. 21, to call for the release of 3,300 detainees held by the junta.

A blue-shirt campaign has been launched in Myanmar on Wednesday to call for the release of 3,300 detainees held by the junta.

In the latest campaign against the military regime, blue-shirted protesters posted photos with a raised hand displaying the name of a detainee abducted since the Feb. 1 coup.

The blue shirts commemorate the renowned pro-democracy activist and journalist U Win Tin who spent 19 years in prison for his opposition to the former military regime. He died on April 21, 2014. U Win Tin kept his blue prison shirt after his release and pledged to wear a blue shirt every day until all political prisoners were released. He wore the color until his death.

As long as political prisoners are not released, we all are prisoners. In other words, the concept is that we all are with you, read photos on social media.

The campaigners also called for those beaten and taken to military interrogation centers to be given medical treatment and to receive visits from their families and a lawyer.

On April 15, the regimes forces rammed the motorbike of Ko Wai Moe Naing, a prominent protest leader in Monywa, Sagaing Region, who was leading a motorbike rally. He was then detained.

One day after his detention, a picture of his severely beaten face went viral online. His mother told The Irrawaddy that she is extremely worried about him as he has been held for a week.

Four former student union members were violently abducted on April 17 in Ahlone Township, Yangon Region, and taken for military interrogation. The Alliance of Student Unions in Yangon stated on Wednesday that Ko Soe Htet Oo, one of the four, is reportedly in poor health after severe beatings, calling for families and lawyers to be allowed to visit and for them to receive health care.

Six protesters, including two females, who were detained in Yankin Township in Yangon, appeared to have been severely tortured, with bruised and bloody faces, in pictures aired on the juntas-controlled television. The junta accused them of carrying out bombings in the township on Saturday.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which tracks detentions, said on Monday that the junta is using its media to scare other protesters.

Medical treatment is urgently needed. The consequences of these interrogations by the junta is extremely worrying, it added.

Pro-democracy rallies have been held across the country since early February following the coup. The junta has responded with brutal force, killing at least 738 civilians, including more than 40 children, and making arbitrary arrests.

According to the AAPP, among 3,300 detainees, 76 have been sentenced. The junta has also issued 1,020 arrest warrants.

Among the juntas prisoners are elected leaders, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, lawmakers, members of the National League for Democracy, activists, doctors, striking civil servants in the civil disobedience movement, writers, poets, monks, artists, celebrities and journalists.



You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Junta Forces Kill Six Villagers in Sagaing Using Heavy Weapons

Mother of Prominent Protest Leader Detained by Myanmar Junta Fears for his Health

Myanmar Regime Disputes Protest-Related Death Toll Compiled by AAPP
As more people begin to think about traveling again, Massachusetts residents might not have to go very far for one of the best hotel stays in the world.

Travel & Leisure named 73 hotels on its 2021 It List for the best new hotels in the world. Five of those are based in Massachusetts, including an all-inclusive in the Berkshires.

Believe it or not, the past 12 months were big for hotel openings, the website stated. Our guide to the essential openings of the past year took us to 29 countries in pursuit of the unforgettable.

Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa in Lenox is an all-inclusive stay that feels like a summer camp, Travel & Leisure said.

There are many activities including hatchet throwing, ropes courses, and classes in primitive fire-building techniques, as well as workshops on beekeeping, rehabilitating birds of prey, and meditating with horses (a fascinating practice in which the horse responds to the guests energy).

Booze is generously available, and while baby-kale-quinoa bowls are offered at the smoothie bar, so is a sizable array of fresh-baked pastries, the website states. Treatments in the 28-room Life in Balance spasuch as the Kombucha Facial, which uses a tuning fork to release jaw tensionare similarly imaginative.

Miraval Berkshires (courtesy)

Another new hotel The Newbury is in Boston.

Forty-two of the 286 guest rooms still have their original wood-burning fireplaces, and its worth asking for one, particularly during those frigid winters when the perfect evening involves curling up by the fire with room service, the website said. Its worth checking out the 17th-floor conservatory trattoria, the Rooftop, for some of the best views in the city. And dont miss afternoon tea in the Newbury Salon or drinks in the Street Bardespite the hotels modern refresh, youll still find a distinct feeling of old Boston here.

Life House in Nantucket is a third Massachusetts hotel on Travel & Leisures list. It is also small with only 14 rooms.

Hearty complimentary breakfast surpriseslike chia and oats or smashed berries with almond butter on toastgive way to evening cocktail hours and small bites, making Life House a comfortably modern way to inhabit a seafaring dreamscape, Travel & Leisure said.

The final two hotels on the list are both on Marthas Vineyard.

Edgartown Inn is an historic Marthas Vineyard getaway.

Although its not very big with only 12 rooms, its more affordable than some of the options on the list.

Relatively wallet-friendly starting rates make this a welcome addition to what can be a high-barrier-to-entry hospitality scene on the island, the website states.

Harbor View Hotel had a $15-million renovation, which includes a four-room penthouse, according to the website.

The editor, Flora Stubbs, is still thinking about the lobster rolls they ate while by the pool.

Of course, if Massachusetts residents are looking to get outside the commonwealth there are a number of other hotels that made the list, including a 19th-century mansion in Jaipur, India, a hotel in a tropical forest on Malaysias Desaru coast or safari lodge in Botswanas Okavango Delta.

Miraval Berkshires (courtesy)

Related Content:
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ara Aivazian delivered opening address at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation, the MFA told Armenpress.

The FMs speech runs as follows:

Mr. Chairman,

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today I am delighted to launch the Armenian Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation.

Let me start by thanking Germany as it leaves the FSC Troika, congratulating former FSC Chair U.S. for successful leadership of the Forum in the last trimester and welcome Austria as the new member of the Troika.

Armenia is taking over the Chairmanship of the Forum for the second time after 17 years. Back then FSCs preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of armed conflicts and the threat of such conflicts set the tone of our Chairmanships agenda.

Today, Armenia assumes the Chairmanship of the Forum when the security, peace, and stability in the OSCE area is being challenged like never before due to several factors.

Firstly, the security map of Europe had always covered wider geography than Europe itself and this logic is embedded in the OSCE extending from Vancouver to Vladivostok. After 46 years of establishing geography of the European security, we have to acknowledge that its current map does not entirely reflect the realities. New threats to the European security emerged particularly from the South - Mediterranean and Middle East regions. These threats especially the phenomenon of the foreign terrorist fighters have been on the radar of our Organization since 2014. However, too little was done to create effective capacities to counter these security risks. As a result, in 2020 we had the first case of massive use of foreign terrorist fighters from Syria and Libya in the OSCE area amid complete inaction of our Organization.

Inability to sustain indivisibility of the European security has been reflected in its mapping as well. The OSCE area seems to be fragmented into the core and periphery of the European security. This phenomenon is well observed in the disproportional attention towards different conflict and crisis situations in the OSCE area.

Secondly, OSCE mechanisms designed to strengthen security have been questioned due to the growing disagreements on essential arms control regimes and CSBMs. And here I am primarily referring to those who formally remain in those regimes and undermine their credibility by systematically, intentionally and massively violating them for many years. As a result, the integrity of the arms control regime had been seriously damaged which allowed certain participating States to create capacities for war.

Thirdly, the global decline and erosion of multilateralism, which did not bypass the OSCE, is reflected here by clear shortcomings to utilize early warning and conflict prevention toolbox.

Last but not least the very idea of the Security and Co-operation in Europe whether within Conference or Organization has been inadmissibility of war and use of force.

The Helsinki Final Act revealed the determination of the participating States to cooperate and engage in an inclusive dialogue with the aim to reduce the risks of war, inter alia by seeking mutually agreed ways to resolve the disputes peacefully even in the event of failure to reach a solution.

It was 46 years ago. Last year the massive use of force by Azerbaijan with direct involvement of Turkey and its supported foreign terrorist fighters took 44 days and led to thousands of casualties, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, tens of thousands of displaced in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan has not been merely justifying the use of force but claiming that through the force it resolved the conflict and created new realities on the ground. Realities created by the use of force cannot be legitimate as they generate environment conducive to war in each and every conflict and crisis situation.

The mere fact that the use of force occurred within the conflict addressed by the OSCE clearly indicates that the Organization has not been able to defend its key values, principles and commitments.

Thus, the relevance of the OSCE as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and as a primary organization for the peaceful settlement of disputes within its region, has been questioned.

Apparently, our Organization today does not meet requirements set up by the Helsinki Final Act. It failed to prevent, undertake early actions or respond to conflicts particularly through the work of executive structures. The successful conflict related missions are exception rather than rule and we risk to turn the OSCE into a single conflict related arrangement.

In a situation when a large portion of the OSCE commitments particularly those related to the politico-military dimension is not implemented, we need to reassess the role of the executive structures initially designed for assisting participating states to implement those commitments.

The genuine dialogue among participating states on the implementation of the OSCE commitments should be our first priority. In our view, we need to be driven by the spirit of dialogue which prevailed in Helsinki and led to the establishment of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The current security environment in the OSCE area requires joint efforts, commitment, and political will to uphold the OSCE concept of comprehensive, indivisible and cooperative security. The programme of the Armenian Chairmanship derives from the urgent need to protect the OSCE principles and commitments to prevent further erosion of the OSCE security environment. Armenia is committed to lead these efforts during the second trimester of the FSC Chairmanship under the motto of Rebuilding trust and confidence through implementation of the Politico-Military Commitments.

Dear colleagues,

The Armenian Chairmanship will launch a Security Dialogue on the compliance with international humanitarian law which will provide an opportunity for the participating States to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law as embodied in the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.

We believe that the OSCE as the largest regional security organization should be resolute in protecting its principles and combating terrorism particularly the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. It requires consolidated and comprehensive efforts and a cross-dimensional approach given the nature of the threat. The role of the OSCE in combating terrorism in all its forms and implementation of the existing commitments will be at the focus of a joint FSC-PC meeting.

Arms control and disarmament issues have always been in the center of the OSCEs activities as they are key in ensuring security and stability. Since the early 1990s, the OSCE has gone beyond a modest set of confidence-building measures introduced by the Helsinki Final Act and developed the conventional arms control regime in Europe which is considered as the cornerstone of European security. The CFE Treaty, Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures, Open Skies Treaty, and other confidence- and norm-setting measures have for years proved their effectiveness in enhancing military transparency and predictability. Yet it is unequivocally clear that today we are experiencing a crisis in this field as many participating states believe that those regimes no longer serve their interests.

Thus, we need to stand back and assess the very foundation of the comprehensive and cooperative security upon which all arms control regimes were hinged. Without clear commitments of all participating states to non-use of force and collective efforts to prevent use of force everywhere in the OSCE area, the efficiency of legally and politically binding mechanisms will be elusive.

With this in mind, the Armenian FSC Chairmanship will initiate a number of Security Dialogues dedicated to arms control and confidence-and security-building measures, new generation warfare, military exercises, small arms and light weapons, and UN Security Council Resolution 1540 enabling the participating States to engage in dialogue on the future of these measures and their role and relevance in enhancing European security.

The evolving security threats require coordination of efforts and cooperation among relevant organizations. Similar activity areas of the OSCE and CSTO establish a solid foundation for interaction between the two organizations. The Security Dialogue of the Armenian Chairmanship on regional security arrangements will be aimed at discussing the role of the CSTO in enhancing regional security and addressing the contemporary security challenges and threats, and the perspectives of strengthening cooperation between the OSCE and CSTO towards a common and indivisible Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community.

Distinguished colleagues,

Peace is not sustainable without protection and promotion of human rights, including human rights of women. Women, peace and security is among our priorities and will remain high on the agenda of the Armenian FSC Chairmanship. Armenia firmly believes that women have a key role to play in all stages of conflict cycle and peace is more sustainable with full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

In conclusion, let me commend the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship for its leadership and dedication. Armenia will continue to cooperate with the OSCE Chairpersonship, as well as the members of the Troika and stands ready to work with all the participating States who are willing to support our efforts in renewing respect for shared principles and commitments.

Thank you.
Vials with COVID-19 vaccine stickers attached, with the logo of U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer, on Nov. 17, 2020. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine May Trigger Shingles in Certain Patients: Study

The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may trigger herpes zosteror shinglesin certain patients after just one dose, a new study suggests.

Scientists in Israel found that six women with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases developed herpes zoster infections within three to 14 days of receiving either the first or second dose of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine for the CCP virus, according to a study published in the journal Rheumatology.

Researchers from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Carmel Medical Center in Haifa found that people with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases were more likely to develop the infection.

Out of 491 patients, six people, or 1.2 percent, experienced the viral infection, the researchers said. Five of the women developed the infection after the first Pfizer vaccine dose, and one woman after the second dose. The Pfizer vaccine, like the one from Moderna, requires two doses.

One of the women had received the shingles vaccine two years before the COVID-19 vaccination, the researchers noted.

Herpes zoster causes a painful rash and can affect any part of the body, although it largely appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either side of the torso. The condition isnt life-threatening, but it can cause nerve damage and pain, skin infections, and vision loss, according to Mayo Clinic.

Its different from the virus responsible for cold sores or genital herpes.

Its unclear, however, whether the Pfizer vaccine caused the cases of herpes zoster, the researchers said.

We cannot say the vaccine is the cause at this point, lead researcher Dr. Victoria Furer, a rheumatologist at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, told The Jerusalem Post. We can say it might be a trigger in some patients.

Cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the prevention of varicella zoster virus reactivation. Declining cell-mediated immunity with age or disease is associated with a reduction in varicella zoster virus-specific T cells, disrupting immune surveillance and increasing the risk of reactivation, with age being the major risk factor for 90 percent of cases of herpes zoster, the researchers wrote in their study.

The women in the study had a mean age of 49the youngest, 36, and the eldest, 61and their rheumatic disease was mild or stable. Herpes zoster is most common in people older than 50, and the risk of getting the infection increases with age.

That is why we reported on it, Furer said, noting that further research is needed on the matter to prove cause and effect.

We should not scare people, the lead researcher told the news outlet. The overall message is to get vaccinated. It is just important to be aware.

Pfizer officials didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
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Innocent led from behind without any compulsive interest in taking credit or seeking the limelight. He told me that the key to building partnerships and bringing people to work together is to be less interested in attribution or taking glory but rather to allow the people you work with stay in the light. To him, as long as the work got done, it didnt matter who took the credit.

In 2016 I lost my father and my daughter within six months. That experience normalised death for me and made me believe that death could no longer hurt or shock me deeply. For five years, this held true. However, 2021 has been a harvest of painful losses but the loss of Innocent hit me at a very different level. I still stare at the message I sent to him hours before he died. A message that he read. I was waiting for a reply but rather got a message that he was gone. I stayed up that fateful night alone in my living room for about three hours, going from tears to anger and back to tears again. I knew that I had lost a dependable support base, a great friend, a patient mentor, and an elder brother.

I joined Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS) as a fresh law graduate in 2003. At that time, Innocents name had already become synonymous with police reform in Nigeria and his organisation, CLEEN Foundation, was the leading NGO on issues related to policing. I admired him from afar. Our relationship got deeper when he assumed leadership of the Ford Foundation and became one of the closest partners and collaborators of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). He also became a trusted friend and a remarkable role model. He was a shining light, an accomplished goal getter and an incurable feminist. In those years of great friendship, there was so much to learn from Innocent; lessons that hold special value for every leader but most especially for the NGO sector.

Innocent was genuinely interested in helping and building people. There was no drawback to his help. He simply wanted to help without demanding undying loyalty or unreasonable expectations of eternal debt. He did not use his position of influence to manipulate loyalty or build a personal army. He understood the age long wisdom of giving without expectation. The outpouring of love for him was not coerced but borne out of genuine appreciation for a man who gave his all to build people and organisations. This attribute is sorely needed in the NGO sector and in our world today. On a personal level, during a particularly trying moment in my professional life, he was an indispensable support base. On one instance, he drove hours to come and see me just to be sure I was holding up okay. I remember vividly his words to me that day in Igbo: jidere ndia ofor. Loosely translated, this means that when you are in the right, your adversaries are fighting with a higher power and not just you. He ensured he approach every relationship with fairness. He often had the moral high ground.

Innos ability to treat people with politeness and decency, even when they were working against him or when he disagreed with them, was unbelievable There were numerous instances of let down by friends or even outright betrayals. He always confronted such situations with measured understanding and a forgiving mien that was saintly and oftentimes infuriating to me.

Innocent led from behind without any compulsive interest in taking credit or seeking the limelight. He told me that the key to building partnerships and bringing people to work together is to be less interested in attribution or taking glory but rather to allow the people you work with stay in the light. To him, as long as the work got done, it didnt matter who took the credit. He lived this principle everyday, sometimes to my chagrin. He would always respond to me that, I am only interested in getting the job done. Such level of uncommon selflessness and overpowering humility made him an effective leader. His ability to craft networks and partnerships was simply legendary.

Innos ability to treat people with politeness and decency, even when they were working against him or when he disagreed with them, was unbelievable. As a practice between us, whenever he told me, check your Gmail, I always knew that there was some difficult issue to deal with. On a particular day, he called in an unusually subdued manner and asked me to check my mail. There had been a petition by a group of people questioning his judgment, in the most vindictive and unhelpful manner. I was furious at the audacity of their unfairness and was already drafting a response in my head. He then informed me that he had already responded and shared the mail with me. It was the most polite and charitable mail I had ever read. There was no bitterness in it but an attempt to reason with folks who obviously had no interest in being reasonable. I disagreed with his response and told him so. He responded that we had a lot of work to do and we should not allow this kind of bitterness to distract or detract from the goal. To him, there was always some sense in avoiding needless conflict, especially where a polite word could assuage the situation. I was beyond words. That incident gave me a new insight into the character of Innocent and his fierce constitution to keep his eyes on the ball. There were numerous instances of let down by friends or even outright betrayals. He always confronted such situations with measured understanding and a forgiving mien that was saintly and oftentimes infuriating to me.

Innocent loved his roots and was very focused in developing Alaigbo, not at the expense of any other ethnic group, but as a tool of addressing social injustice and unlocking development. This influenced his founding of Oluaka Institute and also his quiet commitment and invaluable support for the establishment of Centre for Memories (Ncheta ndi Igbo). The Centre is fast becoming the repository of Igbo history, a tool for building Igbo consciousness and learning the best of our culture, and promoting the lessons from our history. The story of the Centre will not be complete without Innocent. He was also invested in Igbo leadership and the relationship of Igbos with the Nigeria state. Late last year, he brought me and Professor Ebere Onwudiwe into a small work group to think through how the relationship of Igbo political leadership with other parts of the country can be improved, to ensure equitable political participation and a constructive political relationship. We held late night brainstorming sessions in Professor Onwudiwes residence and started consultations with key Igbo leaders before the second wave of COVID-19 stalled our work and claimed the life of Professor Onwudiwe. Now Innocent has departed too. Realising that these two great men, who gave me a seat on their table of ideas, are both gone scares and hurts me beyond words.

I will miss those moments of rare insight into his life outside of the workplace. In Innocent, the world got a unique gift; his family got a phenomenal father; Nigeria got an exceptional activist and I got a brother and a friend. This really hurts!

With Innocent, it was about the mischievous jokes and good, humored jabs. It was not all about serious life lessons. We talked about fun things. He liked talking about cars or his foray into being a D.J. He called it his midlife crisis. We also talked about girls  our girls. We were both minorities in our homes  the only men in our households. We often traded stories of how we are outvoted or how we have to maintain the peace amongst our girls. It was fun watching him talk about what is obviously his lifes biggest joy  his family. These discussions bring out his feminist side. His desire to make sure that the workplace is safe for everybody, his intolerance of bullying and his consistent belief in equality and fairness for women all over the country. I will miss those moments of rare insight into his life outside of the workplace. In Innocent, the world got a unique gift; his family got a phenomenal father; Nigeria got an exceptional activist and I got a brother and a friend. This really hurts! After my father and daughter passed, I poured my pain out in poetry. For Innocent too, this is part of his:

There may be no nirvana beyond the sky but there is redemption for us in hearts that hold us dear

Hearts that envelop our memories with the fondest of tenderness

Hearts that see us as the reflection of the imagined power beyond the sky

The voice of the people is perhaps the biggest gift

That offers our memory the biggest price  ETERNITY.

Udo Jude Ilo heads the Nigeria Office of the Open Society for West Africa OSIWA. He tweets as @udoilo
New Delhi, April 21 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday urged the industry to wait and watch for next few days to assess the situation amid the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, while assured it of full government support.

Addressing the FICCI National Executive Committee members through virtual mode, she said that with the Prime Minister's address to the nation, along with the new vaccination guidelines and with the five-fold strategy adopted in handling the Covid-19 cases - i.e., test, track, treat, COVID-19 protocols and vaccination - there will be a sense of reassurance.

"With all these steps, we should hope to see a positive change in the way the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic is moving. Industry is watching out and I would want you (industry) to keenly observe what is going on and we are together with the industry in (fighting) this (pandemic). I am sure all of us together will understand how best to now ramp-up and sustain the growth momentum which all of us are keen to see between the last quarter and this quarter," Sitharaman added.

"I would request the industry to watch the next few days a bit more carefully, and then assess for yourself what this quarter is going to be like," the Finance Minister exhorted.

Sitharaman stated that sectors like hospitality, aviation, travel, tourism and hotels faced great difficulty since the start of the pandemic. "We have extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECGLS 2.0) for these sectors and I will ensure the efficiency with which it was performing last year shall perform even for the aviation and tourism sector," she said.

FICCI President Uday Shankar said that some clarity may be needed over essential and non-essential supply of goods. He further stressed on the need to support the MSME sector which is currently under facing difficulty.
By Umar Farooq

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani police on Wednesday opened an investigation into the shooting and wounding of a former prominent journalist and head of the state media regulator, who has been a vocal critic of the military and its alleged meddling in politics.

Absar Alam, who is in his 50s, was shot at by an unknown person in a park close to his home in Islamabad on Tuesday, police said in a statement.

He headed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for two years under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who had fallen out with the military before he was sacked by a court on corruption charges, which he denies.

Alam was shot in the ribs and was in hospital but out of danger, police said.

"I have not lost my spirit, and I will not lose my spirit," Alam said in a video message he recorded in a car on his way to hospital after the attack.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's relations with the press and broadcasters have become increasingly strained since he took office after an election in 2018.

Opponents say Khan secured office with the help of a crackdown on the media by the military, which has a history of involvement in Pakistani politics, including staging coups to oust civilian governments.

The military denies meddling in politics or involvement in the shooting.

"We vehemently deny this. The military has nothing to do with this," the military's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing told Reuters.

Activists say the crackdown on the media since 2018 has left 3,000 journalists and other media workers jobless.

Alam alleged in a tweet over the weekend that the current chief of the military's ISI spy wing called him when he was PEMRA chief to reinstate live coverage by a local TV channel of an Islamist group. The Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) had choked Islamabad in 2017 protests against cartoons published in France depicting the Prophet Mohammad.

The TLP called an end to violent nationwide anti-France protests on Tuesday after the government called a parliamentary vote on whether to expel the French ambassador over the same issue.

Story continues

Amnesty International and the Community to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on authorities to investigate the shooting and find those responsible.

The shooting "highlights the dangerous climate that all members of the press face in Pakistan if they dare to criticize the country's powerful military", said Steven Butler, CPJ's Asia programme coordinator.

Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan among the five deadliest countries for journalists in 2020, when four journalists were killed.

(Reporting by Umar Farooq; Writing and additional reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Nick Macfie)
CPPCC National Committee working organs hold sharing activity on Party history learning

Xinhua) 10:36, April 21, 2021

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The working organs of China's political advisory body on Tuesday held an activity for staff members to share their experience and outcomes of learning the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) through reading books in Beijing.

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the event and issued an address.

After hearing remarks from seven representatives of Party members and officials, Wang stressed the need for officials with the working organs, especially young cadres, to read more books and learn the history of the Party.

He urged efforts to turn the outcomes of learning into greater motivation and efficacy in serving the CPPCC as it performs its duties.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
An Italian hospital safety officer nicknamed the 'King of absenteeism' has been accused of taking a salary for 15 years without ever turning up for work.

Public health worker Salvatore Scumace, 66, allegedly cost the state 538,000 (464,410) as he falsely claimed to work as a fire safety officer in the Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital in Catanzaro for 15 years.

He was only seen at the hospital once - on the day he went to sign his work contract in 2005, according to The Telegraph.

Public health worker Salvatore Scumace, 66, allegedly cost the state 538,000 (464,410) as he falsely claimed to work as a fire safety officer in the Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital (pictured) in Catanzaro for 15 years

Scumace has been charged with aggravated extortion, fraud and abuse of office.

He allegedly threatened the directors of the hospital by telling them their relatives would be hurt if they turned him in.

When police compared a list of the hospital's workers with shifts they had been present for, they found a discrepancy with Scumace and his salary.

He was fired last September and has been charged with aggravated extortion, fraud and abuse of office.

He was only seen at the hospital (pictured) once - on the day he went to sign his work contract in 2005. Scumace is not pictured

Six of his superiors, Nino Critelli, 66, Vittorio Prejano, 64, Maria Pia De Vito, 68, Domenico Canino, 62, Laura Fondacaro, 52, and Antonio Mole, 53, are also under investigation.

Another 57 employees supposedly working at the hospital have been fired recently for not showing up and are under investigation.

And those who skived off work were reportedly seen drinking in bars and playing slot machines.
EUGENE, Ore.-- Like many across the country, people in Western Oregon were holding their breath as the verdict was read for former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Tuesday afternoon.

Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges in the death of George Floyd, including second and third-degree murder. Many community members said they were shocked to hear the jury's decision but happy justice was served. Eric Richardson, the Executive Director of the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, is one of those who agree.

"I'm just really happy today. I've talked to some of my staff who said they cried," Richardson said. "I think it was tears of relief."

At Oregon State University, a public forum was held where students and faculty were able to express their thoughts on the verdict. Many speakers echoed the feeling of relief Chauvin was found guilty. Charlene Alexander, OSU's Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, said it was a surreal moment to hear the verdict.

"I was fearful that it wouldn't happen," Alexanders said. "So there was a moment of shock and a moment of relief."

Isiah Wagoner is a black activist in Eugene and he said, days of protesting kept the conversation alive, leading to Tuesday's outcome.

"Everyone who was in the protest, everyone that spoke about it, everyone that posted something had their own little token in making sure this case was out there that it was important," Wagoner said. "So I think that everyone that stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, stood with George Floyd, and all the other victims had a piece in making sure that justice was served today with three guilty counts."
[April 21, 2021] Cybersecurity leaders, Avast & Recorded Future, partner to enhance real-time threat intelligence reporting capabilities

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Avast (LSE: AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy, today announced its partnership with one of the world's largest providers of intelligence for enterprise security Recorded Future . Avast will deliver intelligence on common vulnerabilities and exploit prevalence (CVE) to Recorded Future, contributing to its real-time intelligence reports shared with clients across the globe. The Recorded Future Intelligence Platform gives global organizations the ability to accelerate detection, decision making, and response times by putting real-time intelligence at the center of security workflows and sending daily threat intelligence reports to its customers. Avast will provide CVE prevalence threat intelligence from their global endpoint telemetry to boost the security insights Recorded Future provides to its enterprise customers. The insights from these reports allow enterprises to prioritize alerts, calculate risk scores for patching, and make better informed decisions on how to handle a threat or cybersecurity incident - and all through a single, unmatched source of security intelligence. Speaking about the partnership Craig Adams, Chief of Product and Engineering at Recorded Future, said, "At Recorded Future, we empower our clients with intelligence to disrupt their adversaries. Avast will help our clients prioritize their vulnerabilities based on exploitations they have seen directly from their tremendous global endpoint telemetry at the scale we need. We chose to partner with Avast not just for geographic reach but also to increase the breadth of our endpoint data collection and ensure data independence by diversifying our data sources." Michal Pechoucek, Chief Technology Officer at Avast, said, "The work that Recorded Future does is so important in helping enterprises spot and mitigate vulnerabilities. We are pleased to be able to collaborate with them and share our threat intelligence so they can better inform their customers. We look forward to working with them in an increased capacity in the future." Commenting on the new partnership, Nick Viney, Senior Vice Presidnt, Partner Business at Avast said, "Avast is at the forefront of the threat landscape with decades of award-winning security and AI-driven innovation that protects customers and businesses. We believe in making it as easy as possible for our partners and customers to protect against growing cyber threats, which is why our threat intelligence seamlessly integrates into Recorded Future's platform. Our partnership demonstrates Avast's broad-based sensor network and experienced analysis of vulnerabilities and exploits that enables Recorded Future enterprise customers to prioritize their responses to the risks they may face from cyber threats."



Recorded Future is the latest partnership established via the Avast Partner team, which works with organizations in a variety of sectors including telecommunications providers and device manufacturers, to deliver bespoke AI-driven cybersecurity solutions to their customers around the world. 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 more than 1,000 businesses and government organizations around the world. Learn more at www.recordedfuture.com and follow us on Twitter at @RecordedFuture.

About Avast:

Avast (LSE: AVST), a FTSE 100 company, is a global leader in digital security and privacy. The Avast Partner Team works with ISPs, MNOs, OEMs and other organisations to deliver AI-driven cybersecurity solutions to their millions of customers around the world. 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. 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/

For handy guides, advice and tips, visit Avast Academy: https://www.avast.com/c-academy

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/cybersecurity-leaders-avast--recorded-future-partner-to-enhance-real-time-threat-intelligence-reporting-capabilities-301273311.html SOURCE Avast

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No matter how the jury decides the Chauvin case, it's interesting to hear Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota say this:

"We can't live like this[.] ... We simply can't. But we can't have thousands of businesses burned and people put at risk."

The governor is correct but nine months late. Imagine if had said that last May, when the police station was destroyed. Maybe businesses would not have been burned or many people put a risk?

What we are watching is the direct consequence of Democrat politicians who exploited the riots to hurt President Trump.

Many of us saw the riots in Minneapolis and did not understand why Walz waited as long as he did or tolerated so much violence. We saw buildings burn and Democrats making excuses for the looters.

Now Walz and the mayors of these blue cities are living with the consequences, as Kyle Smith wrote:

The balance of cities, already hit by a fiscal hurricane because of the duration of the lockdown, will tip toward heavy consumers of government services and away from high earners. Cities will be forced to raise taxes. The taxes on high earners and corporations will seem punitive. Even more of them will flee as taxes go up. The things successful people like about cities, such as high-end restaurants and culture, will follow them out to the suburbs. Corporate office parks in the suburbs will see a resurgence. People who stop commuting into cities will lose interest in them and their institutions. They will lose interest in funding cities. This will worsen the fiscal problems for the cities. Cities will lose congressional seats. Federal funding will be steered away accordingly. Voters left behind in cities will be a combination of the indigent, immigrants working in low-end jobs, the young, and the woke. These people will vote for a hard-left agenda focusing on aid to the poor, forgiveness for criminals, hatred of the rich, and boutique woke issues such as global warming that will push the Democratic Party well to the left. In other words, the demonstrators and rioters are going to remake the cities in their own image. And it's going to be disastrous for those cities.

Yes, the "donut hole" will get bigger. It will be almost impossible for these city governments to attract business relocations because the new arrivals would rather live in Frisco than Dallas, as we see here in Texas. The middle class will get out, and the poor left behind will attend worse and worse schools. The streets will look like the surface of the moon, exactly as I felt driving in Dallas with potholes so big that I was afraid of losing my car. Last, but not least, it will be impossible to attract new recruits to the police force.

So thank you, Governor Walz, for realizing that "we can't live this." It would have been a lot better if you had said that the night that the first firebomb was thrown in Minneapolis.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image: Pixabay.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The number of New Jersey schools offering virtual-only instruction has dropped 71% since the start of the school year, as districts continue to grapple with how to educate students during the coronavirus pandemic.

As of April 17, 526 school districts were hybrid, 69 were remote and 186 were fully in-person  the fourth week in a row the number of in-person districts increased. Thirty districts have different educational formats for different schools.

In-person learning is at a new high again this week, with 23% of schools offering fully in-person education. At the start of the school year, only 9.5% of districts were fully open.

The number of remote districts fell by 49 this week. Since September, the number of schools offering virtual-only learning has dropped by 71%, while the number offering totally in-person instruction has increased by 169%. Hybrid schools have increased by 35%.

Those increases were not linear, with many districts switching formats as virus conditions changed. The number of remote districts peaked the first week in January, as New Jersey was in the throes of a second wave following the holidays.

Although 23% of districts are fully in-person, those schools educate just 13% of New Jersey students, as almost all of the states largest districts remain remote or hybrid.

And the number of students being offered each educational type does not take into account students who are voluntarily learning virtually, an option all schools must provide. In Newark, the states largest school district, just 39% of its 36,460 students have returned to classrooms.

Gov. Phil Murphy has called for all districts to reopen for either hybrid or in-person learning, announcing in March that some schools could relax social distancing measures.

The option to learn virtually will be rescinded next year, and reserved only for students and teachers with medical concerns, Murphy said.

Some schools have remained entirely remote since last March, while other districts have changed formats as virus numbers have gone up or down.

Districts have cited concerns about the viruss spread as the main reason for choosing to remain remote. Several school districts, including Jersey City, have said they will remain remote through the end of the school year with the intention of bringing students back in September.

There have been 245 outbreaks and 1,094 cases of the coronavirus linked to schools in New Jersey. For cases to qualify as an outbreak, they must be confirmed to have been transmitted in the classroom or during academic activities. All 21 counties have seen an in-school outbreak.

All New Jersey residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine this week. No vaccine has been approved for children under 16, although Pfizer has announced its vaccine is highly effective in children aged 12 to 15. Studies on younger children remain ongoing.

Fifty-one formerly remote districts brought students back into the classroom this week:

Principle Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Edgewater School District: Remote to Hybrid

Englewood Public School District: Remote to Hybrid

Camden City School District: Remote to Combo

Environment Community Opportunity (ECO) Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Brookfield Academy: Remote to Hybrid

Brookfield Academy Transition to College: Remote to Hybrid

Brookfield Elementary School: Remote to Hybrid

Bridgeton City School District: Remote to Hybrid

Compass Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Lawrence Township School District: Remote to Hybrid

Achieve Community Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Bloomfield Township School District: Remote to Hybrid

East Orange School District: Remote to Hybrid

Gray Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

LEAD Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Link Community Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Marion P. Thomas Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Montclair Public School District: Remote to Hybrid

New Horizons Community Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

North Star Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Phillips Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Pride Academy Charter School District: Remote to Hybrid

Robert Treat Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Roseville Community Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

TEAM Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

University Heights Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

West Orange Public Schools: Remote to Hybrid

East Newark School District: Remote to Hybrid

Hudson County Schools of Technology School District: Remote to Hybrid

Kearny: Remote to Hybrid

West New York School District: Remote to Hybrid

Area Vocational Technical Schools of Mercer County: Remote to Hybrid

Foundation Academy Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

Mercer County Special Services School District: Remote to Hybrid

New Brunswick School District: Remote to Hybrid

Brielle Boro School District: Remote to In-Person

College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Charter School: Remote to In-Person

Hope Academy Charter School: Remote to In-Person

Monmouth Regional High School: Remote to Hybrid

Tinton Falls School District: Remote to In-Person

Union Beach Public School District: Remote to In-Person

C.P.C. High Point Adolescent and Elementary School: Remote to Hybrid

Harbor School: Remote to In-Person

Dover Public School District: Remote to Hybrid

Somerville Public School District: Remote to Hybrid

South Bound Brook Public School District: Remote to In-Person

Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School: Remote to Hybrid

New Road School of Somerset: Remote to Hybrid

Roselle Public Schools: Remote to Hybrid

Thirteen hybrid districts switched to fully in-person learning this week:

Mullica Township School District

Northfield City School District

Weymouth Township School District

Haddonfield School District

Denville Township K-8 School District

Montville Township School District

Bedminster Township Public School District

Bound Brook School District

Green Brook Township Public School District

North Plainfield School District

Warren Township School District

Green Brook Academy

Warren Hills Regional School District

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

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Germany continues supporting the diplomatic efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, highlighting the principles of territorial integrity of states, peaceful settlement of conflicts and self-determination of nations.

''The announcement of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the PACE gave room for different interpretations. In the past, Germany supported the settlement principles of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, including the right to self-determination. Has the position of Germany changed following Azerbaijans use of force?'', ARMENPRESS news agency asked the spokesperson of the German Government.

''The Federal Chancellor referred to the importance of the international law in her PACE speech. Referring to Crimea and Nagorno Karabakh together in this context, first of all should be understood that the Federal Government rejects force and use of force for both cases as means of conflict solving. The Federal Government continues supporting the diplomatic efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, based on the three Helsinki Basic Principles of Helsinki  territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of conflicts and self-determination of nations''.
Jessica Alves appeared absolutely delighted with herself as she was seen at LAX airport in Los Angeles after arriving from Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday.

Despite her happy demeanour, the media personality, 37, told MailOnline she was 'suffering with her confidence' after being diagnosed as obese, following her sex reassignment surgery two months ago.

Jessica said following the operation she has gained 66 lbs (4.7st) and is struggling to find well-fitting clothes, explaining that the hormones she has to take have caused an increase in appetite.

All smiles: Jessica Alves appeared absolutely delighted with herself, as she was seen at LAX airport in Los Angeles after arriving from Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday

She said: 'While always suffering from gender dysmorphic disorder but easily confused with plastic surgery addiction and the fact that I have been diagnosed obese with 100 kilos where prior transaction I was 70kg.

'I am really struggling to find clothing that fits me and it is playing a lot with my confidence.'

She added: 'It is amazing to be the woman that I was meant to be at birth and now having my body running on estrogen female hormones, I feel and I look 100% woman, I kind of forgot about my past as a man.

'I feel constantly hungry and craving for chocolate and good food. I am finding it hard to control it due to the high dose of female hormones injections that I take weekly.

Finding herself: Jessica has been very open about her journey to being recognised as a woman pictured as Rodrigo in November 2017 - because she wants to help others

'I am starting to feel self conscious as a woman and to compare my self to others. I am really big and curvy, but apparently it is what a lot of men like. The struggle for me is just to find outfits that fits me properly.'

'As from all my TV shows in Germany, Italy, Brazil and America they are all picking it up and coming back. Also I maybe be back to do TV shows in Russia like I did in the past as a man. I am in talks with then at the moment.'

Explaining why she was in America, Jessica said: 'I am here on behalf of NBC universal to film a great TV show of which I cant disclose much, but it will help the public to get to know me a lot better in the USA. I am truly excited.'

Wow! The reality personality, 37, who was beaming from ear to ear, showcased her assets in a deeply plunging black maxi dress

Surgery: Jessica, who recently had sex reassignment surgery, said that following the operation she has gained 66 lbs (4.7st) and is struggling to find well-fitting clothes (pictured left shortly after her sex reassignment surgery)

She added: 'LA has always been home away from home, a lot of the TV shows that I did in the past was filmed here but then obviously due to COVID everything got cancelled and postponed.'

'Thankfully due to the high speed of the Covid vaccine in LA and London most of us now mean business and we want to film and work hard.

During her outing Jessica showcased her assets in a deeply plunging black maxi dress.

Candid: Despite her happy demeanour, the media personality, 37, told MailOnline she was 'suffering with her confidence' after being diagnosed as obese

Jessica opted for full glamour as she sported a pair of high heels while pushing along a trolley laden with suitcases and a Gucci bag.

She wore her long blonde hair extensions in a straight, sleek style and enhanced her visage with a full face of make-up - including a dramatic eye look.

Before arriving in The States, Jessica had been spending time in the Turkish capital on a resort break.

Work it! Earlier this month she appeared to be in great spirits as she posed up a storm while enjoying dinner with a very impressive view.

Earlier this month she appeared to be in great spirits as she posed up a storm while enjoying dinner with a very impressive view.

Jessica flaunted her curves and trim waist in a pink velour tracksuit for the meal.

Jessica smiled as she held one hand to her head and tucked her long blonde locks, which were styled perfectly straight, behind her ear.

She donned a full face of makeup for dinner at the Seven Hills Restaurant in Istanbul, including a touch of nude lipstick and false eyelashes.

The star completed her look by adding a selection of stylish jewellery and ensuring her red nails were perfectly manicured.

Jessica shared several glimpses into her Turkey trip in recent weeks, with the star also enjoying a pampering session at Akra Hotels.

Stunning: Jessica teamed her comfortable pink ensemble with a slick of nude lipstick and false eyelashes

During the day, Jessica put on an elegant display in an oyster grey robe and tied her long extensions back into a sleek ponytail.

It came after Jessica revealed to MailOnline that she was inundated with offers of cash from men after she shared a nude snap to her Instagram Stories.

However, the former Celebrity Big Brother star insisted she would never 'sell her body' and is 'looking for love'.

She said: 'I took that photo down because a lot of men sent me messages and I dont know how to handle it.

'Some even offer me money to break my virginity. One man offered me 15,000! I would never sell my body, I am looking for love and not for money.'

In the snap, Jessica displayed her jaw-dropping figure as she posed in a mirror of her room in Bangkok, where she stayed following her sex reassignment surgery.

Jessica protected her modesty with fire emojis over her chest.

Elsewhere, Jessica recently gushed that she was delighted with the results of her gender reassignment following the Penile-Peritoneal Vaginoplasty.

Treatments: Jessica has been sharing regular glimpses into her trip to Turkey and posted an elegant snap of herself in a silk robe after a day of pampering at Akra Hotels last month

Speaking on a recent episode of This Morning, she explained: 'The aesthetics of my vagina is exactly the same as a biological vagina, I look at it all the time.

'In three months time, it will behave like a biological vagina. It's elastic, it self-lubricates.'

Jessica almost became emotional during the interview as she told how her life can finally begin after her surgery.

She said: 'I promised myself I was not going to cry. My life will start now. I'm going to continue doing television shows. I've done more than 400 television shows as a man and will continue as a woman.'

Jessica underwent the procedure on February 17 and said she is recovering well and feeling comfortable.

Shocking: Last month, Jessica claimed she had been offered up to 15,000 by men eager to take her virginity after she shared this nude snap to her Instagram Stories

She told MailOnline that her family have been incredibly supportive of her decision to get surgery - which cost her 13,700.

But she admits that not everyone has been so accepting of her decision.

'I lost most of the people that I assumed were my friends. They could not cope with the changes,' she regretfully revealed.

'2020 was a very lonely year with COVID restrictions - but I was able to have my feminisation surgeries and do my hormone therapy all privately as the waiting list on the NHS to have the first assessment is three years so I could not rely on it.'

Jessica also told MailOnline she is already planning a breast enlargement, just days after her last procedure.
Mumbai, April 21 : With demand for medical oxygen soaring, the Centre has barred industrial use (except by nine sectors) from April 22. Demand for medical oxygen is estimated to have rocketed five-fold in the second week of April versus pre-pandemic levels as Covid-19 infections took off, Crisil said on Wednesday.

The consequent higher supply of medical oxygen will save lives, but will have a bearing on some sectors, the rating agency said.

Crisil Ratings Director Gautam Shahi said: "The disruption in the supply of oxygen for industrial use would temporarily impact the revenues of small and mid-sized companies into metal fabrication, automotive components, shipbreaking, paper, and engineering. These typically do not have captive oxygen plants and source their requirement through merchant suppliers for operations such as welding, cutting, cleaning and chemical processes." Setting up an air-separation plant or importing oxygen requires significant lead time and involves relatively prohibitive cost, so is not a viable option. That leaves them more vulnerable compared with larger peers.

Oxygen is consumed by industry in two ways - onsite, and merchant sales. Onsite is through captive plants for process-driven industries (including the nine sectors exempted by the government), which account for 75-80 per cent of oxygen manufactured in India. The balance 20-25 per cent is supplied through merchant sales (called liquid oxygen) through cryogenic tanks and cylinders. The healthcare sector consumes 10 per cent of merchant sales, and others the rest.

Crisil Ratings Associate Director Sushant Sarode said: "At this juncture, we believe that the disruption in oxygen supplies for industrial use will be for 6 to 8 weeks. Besides, affected sectors can partly manage their oxygen requirements with inventory. Therefore, we expect only a limited decline in revenue for them. Their credit profiles are expected to be stable." However, a prolonged and intense second wave that curtails oxygen supply to industries for a longer period than expected will exacerbate downside risk in affected sectors, Crisil said.

The impact will be greater for companies in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, where medical oxygen demand has increased multiple times due to high Covid-19 case loads.
Seizing the moment recently, Russia made light of the Suez Canal blockage to promote its Arctic-spanning Northern Sea Route as an alternative Asia-Europe shipping lane. Russias natural resources minister has said that by 2024 over 80 million tons of cargo will traverse the waterway each year, confirming how climate change is opening up pristine Arctic territory to human activity.

Opinion

Seizing the moment recently, Russia made light of the Suez Canal blockage to promote its Arctic-spanning Northern Sea Route as an alternative Asia-Europe shipping lane. Russias natural resources minister has said that by 2024 over 80 million tons of cargo will traverse the waterway each year, confirming how climate change is opening up pristine Arctic territory to human activity.

The region is warming at a rate two to three times faster than anywhere else on the planet, unveiling new economic opportunities. Although along with these opportunities comes all kinds of environmental and geopolitical risks.

Large-scale, trans-Arctic shipping could be economically viable as soon as 2040. The ecologically vulnerable area also contains around one-fifth of the worlds oil and gas reserves, along with vast fish stocks and huge deposits of rare earth minerals used in advanced manufacturing, including the production of smartphones, fighter jets and clean energy technology.

Despite all of this  and how an oil spill from increased tanker traffic could be devastating to the fragile Arctic ecosystem  Canada and its northern NATO allies lag well behind both China and Russia in asserting their strategic interests in the far North.

Russia passed laws in 2020 opening up $300 billion in tax incentives for new Arctic ports and oil and gas projects. Authority for the Northern Sea Route rests with Russias state nuclear energy agency, Rosatom, whose subsidiary is now busy building next-generation nuclear-powered icebreakers capable of plowing through up to ten feet of frozen ice. The first of these monster ships was launched last year, joining a Russian fleet of icebreakers already numbering more than 50. President Vladimir Putin has promised to have at least eight more nuclear-powered icebreakers in operation by 2035.

By comparison, Canada has seven icebreakers that are used mostly off the East Coast and on the Great Lakes. Ottawa only began in February 2020 to consult domestic shipyards about building polar icebreakers, estimated to cost $800 million apiece.

Russia has also massively upgraded its Arctic military capabilities. Four-fifths of its nuclear submarine fleet has been relocated to the area and hundreds of new structures now dot Russias expansive northern coastline. From over a dozen airbases, 10 radar stations, and satellite-jamming systems, to anti-aircraft batteries and anti-submarine defences. Russias combat units are quickly adapting to the regions unforgivable terrain, too. An awe-inspiring three-day equipment testing exercise in 2020 commenced with Russian paratroopers dropping from 30,000 feet onto an uninhabited archipelago 900 kilometres from the North Pole in -30 C weather.

Meanwhile China  possessing both the world's largest navy and biggest, most aggressive fishing fleet  appointed itself a "near-Arctic state" in 2013 and has since signalled its own Arctic endgame. A 2018 white paper outlines the Chinese Communist Partys intention to create a "Polar Silk Road" that will connect northern trade routes to its Belt-and-Road initiative, a vast Beijing-centric international development and supply chain scheme spanning over 130 nations, to be completed by 2049.

Ottawa, though, has been conspicuously absent in the race to shape the regions future. An array of Arctic experts, investors, Indigenous communities and northern leaders have been calling on different federal governments for years to devise a coherent, forward-thinking Arctic strategy. But Canadas approach so far has been a scattered mix of various announcements, programs and funding initiatives that either never seem to align, quickly fall apart, or fail to materialize.

Complicating matters is how China and Russia arent purely economic competitors, but hostile foreign states of main concern for Canada, according to the head of CSIS, Canadas spy agency.

Attempts by Ottawa to stake its claims in the Arctic will no doubt raise the frequency and severity of ongoing Chinese and Russian cyberattacks against Canada, and increase intellectual property theft, trade disruption, socially polarizing disinformation campaigns, intimidation tactics against Canadian citizens and attempts to manipulate election outcomes.

The U.S. Coast Guard last summer even stumbled upon China and Russia conducting joint naval exercises in Arctic waters. As the deputy commander of NORAD has said before, "North America is no longer a sanctuary."

Canada has historically been able to pick and choose  or neglect  its foreign policy priorities thanks to geographical luck: bordered by oceans on three sides and the worlds military superpower on the other. But climate change and the pandemic have both shown that in a globalized, interconnected world, risks no longer respect sovereign boundaries. A deficit-addled federal government must now be both assertive and creative in taking ownership over Canadas Arctic territory.

If not, Beijing and Moscow will happily dictate Canadas northern prospects.

Kyle Hiebert is a Winnipeg-based researcher and analyst and the former deputy editor of the Africa Conflict Monitor.
FORMER Mayor of Limerick Maria Byrne has been elected to Seanad Eireann for a second time.

At a count in Leinster House, the Fine Gael politician, who is based in OConnell Avenue won 118 votes, beating her opponents Ian Marshall, who received 69 votes, and Labours Angela Feeney, who secured 15.

Ms Byrne's results will show she received 118,000, due to the way the count for Upper House elections are conducted.

Speaking following her election, she thanked the electorate for placing their trust in her.

"Currently, there are many exciting projects happening in Limerick and I look forward to playing my part in seeing them progress. From the Opera Centre to the development of the former Cleeve's factory site, there are many developments underway to make the Mid-West an even more attractive place to live and work. Limerick is also lucky enough to have three excellent third level institutions. The outcome of the joint application between LIT and Athlone IT to become a Technological University is expected shortly," she said.

In terms of agriculture, the newly-elected Senator said it's faced "huge challenges" over the last year due to Covid-19 and Brexit.

"I look forward to continuing my work with the agri-food sector and the IFA to ensure the voices of farmers are heard clearly in Seanad Eireann and this vital sector receives the support it needs," she concluded.

Ms Byrne replaced her party colleague, the former Wexford TD Michael DArcy who resigned to become chief executive of the Irish Association of Investment Management last September

Having missed out on re-election to Seanad Eireann 12 months ago, she was picked by her party to fill the vacancy.

The two other government parties are not running candidates which made her the favourite.

Unlike regular Seanad elections, where the electorate is wider, those voting in by-elections must be a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Its the second time Ms Byrne will have served in the Upper House, previously winning election in 2016, but losing out in 2020.

She becomes Limericks second representative, alongside Sinn Feins Paul Gavan.

In a statement, Ms Byrne's running mate in the 2020 general election Kieran O'Donnell offered his congratulations.

He said: "Maria will make a terrific addition to the Fine Gael team in the Seanad with the vast experience she brings of working in public life and I look forward to working with Senator Maria."
A one-woman show about heartbreak, madness and how condiments are the ultimate coping mechanism by an award-winning playwright and performer will be streamed this Friday.

Mustard by Eva OConnor is described as 'Part Fleabag, part Marina Abramovic, it straddles the line between theatre and performance art'.

Eva O'Connor is a writer and performer from Co. Clare who has an MA in theatre ensemble from Rose Bruford drama school in London.



Her plays include My Best Friend Drowned in a Swimming Pool, Kiss Me and You Will See How Important I Am, My Name is Saoirse, Overshadowed, The Friday Night Effect (co-written with Hildegard Ryan), Maz and Bricks, and Mustard (Fringe First winner 2019, Lustrum Award 2019).

Eva runs her own company Sunday's Child, with Hildegard Ryan. Eva has won various awards for her work including Best Emerging Artist Award, 2012 (Edinburgh Fringe), First Fortnight Award, 2014 (Dublin Fringe), Argus Angel Award, 2015 (Brighton Fringe), Fishamble Award for Best New Writing, 2015, Best Theatre Award, 2017 (Adelaide Fringe), Scotsman Fringe First Award in 2019 (Edinburgh Fringe) and Lustrum Award 2019 (Edinburgh Fringe).



Her play Overshadowed was recently adapted for television by BBC Three and Rollem productions, directed by Hildegard Ryan. It won Best Drama at the Mind Media Award 2019.

Eva has also written for radio. Her play My Name is Saoirse was adapted for radio by RTE Radio 1 and Eva's short story The Midnight Sandwich was recently aired on BBC radio 4.

Mustard can be streamed from home this Friday (April 23) from 8pm. Book online at watergatetheatre.com for only 10.
Miami, FL , April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Real estate investment firm, Cardone Capital LLC, announces their acquisition of Bask in Harbor Park, a 310-unit luxury apartment community situated along Fort Lauderdales fast growing 17th Street corridor. This acquisition is part of the firms strategy to provide investors with the opportunity to participate in institutional grade real estate deals in high-growth markets.



CEO Cardone Capital

The eight-story apartment complex comprises one and two bedroom apartments with an average size of 1,074 square feet, 12 ceilings in select units, and 28,000 square feet of space dedicated to the propertys resort-like amenities.

You cant find a better location in Fort Lauderdale than this. The property is just steps away from 1.1 million square feet of retail including three grocery stores, LA Fitness, Orange Theory, and several restaurants and everyday shops. says Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Capital.

The Property is centrally located between Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Broward Health Medical, and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. This strategic location provides excellent highway connectivity and easy commute to the largest employment centers in Broward County.

Cardone Capital VP, Ryan Tseko, said This property caters to the growing demands of renters in the Fort Lauderdale market with its highly walkable location and a state of the art business center, with private offices, to meet the needs of the growing number of remote workers.

Cardone Capital will rename the property to 10X Living at Fort Lauderdale.

Robert Given, of Cushman and Wakefield PLC (NYSE: CWK), brokered the transaction on behalf of the seller, who developed the property in 2018. Cardone Capital was assisted by New York Community Bank (NYSE: NYCB), who provided the debt with a full-term interest only note.

The property was purchased by Cardone Capitals most recent equity fund, Cardone Equity Fund XI, LLC, which allows accredited investors to participate in the firms institutional grade real estate deals through crowdfunding.

This purchase brings the companys portfolio to 8,983 units across 28 properties, and total assets under management to $2.1 Billion.





About Grant Cardone

CEO of Cardone Capital, international speaker, entrepreneur, author of The 10X Rule, founder of 10X Movement, creator of 21 best-selling business programs. Cardone was named the #1 marketer to watch by Forbes Magazine, and is starring on Discovery Channels new hit business show, Undercover Billionaire.

About Cardone Capital

Cardone Capital, located in Aventura, FL, acquires and manages income producing class A multifamily properties, which provide investment vehicles for accredited investors through Regulation D offerings and for non-accredited investors through Regulation A offerings. To date, the company has raised over $532M through crowdfunding.

Cardone Capitals portfolio currently consists of properties in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland.

To view upcoming private offerings from Cardone Capital visit https://cardonecapital.com

Contact:

Ryan Tseko

Executive Vice President

+1 833-822-7435

Ryan@cardonecapital.com




President Joe Biden today nominated Huntsville business leader Kimberly Lewis to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors.

If ultimately approved by the Senate, Lewis would represent Alabama on the board of the federal authority that provides electrical power to 53 local power companies serving 10 million people in Tennessee and parts of six surrounding states, including north Alabama. Founded in 1933, the authority also powers 57 large industries and federal installations and is a key partner in recruiting and expanding business in the region. TVA is also involved in managing land and flood control on the Tennessee River System.

Lewis is the chief executive officer of PROJECTXYZ, Inc., and was the first Black woman elected to serve as board chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The White House described Lewis business as one that provides services and products in the areas of engineering, logistics, technical services, manufacturing, and international foreign military sales.

She leads a workforce that supports federal and commercial customers across several diverse subsidiaries and at locations across the U.S. and around the world, the White House said. Lewis has a 25-year career spanning business operations and management, technology, and federal government contracting.

Lewis also recently became the first minority owner of North Alabamas only locally owned broadcast television station, WTZT-TV. She is a lifelong resident of Madison County, Alabama.

Lewis was one of 10 nominations made by Biden today. He also nominated two others to the TVA board. Robert Klein of Chattanooga, Tenn., and former White House official Michelle Moore will be joining Lewis as TVA directors if approved by the Senate. Read more about them and the presidents other appointees here.

Reaction to the appointments came quickly from environmentalists today. We hope these nominations mark the start of a new day at TVA, said Gaby Sarri-Tobar, a campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversitys Energy Justice program. For too long the nations largest public power provider has clung to dirty fossil fuels that harm communities and disrupt our climate. The Biden administration must push these nominees to lead TVAs just transition to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2030 to beat back the climate emergency.
Rush has begun collecting random COVID-19 samples from about a half-dozen local hospitals. The lab is using molecular biology tools like whole genome sequencing to analyze specimens for virus mutations, to get a better understanding of how many variants are circulating and where theyre spreading. State officials say its one of about a half-dozen labs that are able to perform genomic sequencing for COVID-19 statewide, including two Illinois Department of Public Health labs in Chicago and Springfield.
Following his contact with George Russell and the subsequent heavy crash at the Imola circuit, large parts of Valtteri Bottas' W12 may be written off, trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed.

In their usual debrief after the Grand Prix, Shovlin explained how the team has tried to repair Bottas' car, and what the damage is. Unfortunately, the car has not done quite so well", Shovlin begins. "There is a fair amount of damage."

Read more Power Rankings: Norris stays ahead of Verstappen

The Brit continued, acknowledging that his driver's car could probably not be repaired in its entirety. "We have managed to bring a lot of it back to the UK, we got the power unit at Brixworth where thats being checked and inspected carefully and we will just pick through this and some of the bits we might be able to salvage," Shovlin said.

Race against the clock

The trackside director foresees a race against time for his team, in order to get the necessary parts fully functional and in Portugal before the start of the next Grand Prix weekend.

Shovlin: "Unfortunately, quite a lot of it is damaged beyond repair and we are just looking at a logistics plan to try and be able to get sufficient parts to Portimao, which is the week after next, to make sure we can run both cars in the correct spec."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  Meat importers are rushing to book orders of frozen pork from abroad for the next three months to take advantage of cheap tariffs announced by Malacanang, an industry group said Wednesday.

Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. Director Jet Ambalada said Executive Order 128 and another order to be issued by President Rodrigo Duterte will allow up to 400,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen meat to be shipped to the country subject to a 5% duty - a bargain compared to the previous 30% rate.

Additional shipments will be charged 15% of the declared cargo value, down from 40%. This is in place for three months starting April 7. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the order subjecting over 350,000 MT of imported meat to the cheapest duties will be "issued soon."

"Right now, my friends in the industry are all rushing to apply to import pork," Ambalada told a webinar organized by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

"I think there will be a large bulk of importation taking advantage of EO 128. Depending on what happens in the economy, we believe that it can even go higher than 400,000, it may even reach 600,000 metric tons this year on total importation under what we call the MAV (minimum access volume)," he said.

Meat producers in the United Kingdom are among those interested to supply pork to the country, according to British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines chairman Chris Nelson.

Pork still expensive

The Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) offered an explanation as to why liempo (pork belly) still ranges from 370 to 420 per kilogram in Metro Manila wet markets even if tariffs have been slashed for two weeks now.

"The importers are carrying inventory that paid 30-40% tariff. We need some time for them to sell off these products unless they are willing to average down their costs so they would diminish their losses," MITA President Jesus Cham told CNN Philippines. "What we need to do now is for the imported carcasses to have unhindered access to the marketplaces."

RELATED: Senators doubt imports surge can pull down pork prices

No less than the President's economic team defended the DA's proposal, with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III telling senators he will take "full responsibility" for the measure aimed at reducing pork prices to benefit Filipino consumers.

"The President's Executive Order to temporarily increase MAV and decrease tariff rates for imported pork will immediately address the abnormally high pork prices caused by the supply deficit," he said in a letter addressed to Senate President Tito Sotto. "This will give some 100 million Filipinos who eat pork, especially the poor, access to adequate and affordable food amid the pandemic."

Senators last week passed a resolution telling Duterte to withdraw the EO, which they saw as a death wish for the local hog industry - something Dar and Dominguez have denied.

But Dominguez said pork supply will still largely come from local producers, with imports expected to cover only 22.8% of domestic consumption. He vowed to make more loans available to hog farmers through the government's Land Bank of the Philippines.

Long recovery seen

Relying on importation to plug local supply gaps will put local farmers at a disadvantage, a group said.

"Sabi ng Presidente, madali lang namang bawiin yung EO. Pero may kasunod: babawiin niya after mag-stabilize 'yung presyo at mag-normal daw 'yung supply ng baboy," Nicanor Briones, vice president of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, said in an interview.

"Three years pang hindi mangyayari kasi wala sa aming magre-repopulate sa ginagawa ng gobyerno. 'Yun ang katotohanan."

[Translation: The President said it's easy to revoke the EO. But there's a catch: he will revoke if after prices stabilize and pork supply returns to normal. It will take 3 years before that happens because no hog raiser will repopulate given the current policies. That's the reality.]

RELATED: 'Easy' to recall EO lowering tariffs on imported pork once local supply stabilizes, Duterte says

Dar said during the webinar that state-run banks have set aside 42 billion in loans for commercial hog raisers to repopulate their piggeries, on top of reimbursements for animals culled due to the African Swine Fever outbreak in the country, which caused the narrow supply.

The Bureau of Animal Industry said there were 466,670 culled pigs nationwide due to ASF, with active cases concentrated in 43 barangays in 5 regions. The agency added it is procuring testing machines and RT-PCR test kits to better detect the presence of the virus, which has proven deadly to pigs.
During a tour of the West Jefferson High School with coronavirus precautions it can be seen that each desk in the classroom has a grey or red sticker on the top corner in Harvey, La. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Each period, students will be asked to alternate their use of desks and to clean them off after each class. The school is scheduled to open on August 26. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
In this undated file aerial photo is the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M. The U.S. government plans to build a new transmission line and make other upgrades to ensure its northern New Mexico nuclear weapons laboratory has enough electricity for current and future missions. Officials say one of the existing lines feeding Los Alamos National Laboratory is expected to reach capacity in summer 2021. (The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File)

The U.S. government plans to build a new transmission line and make other upgrades costing hundreds of million dollars to ensure its laboratory in northern New Mexico has enough electricity for ongoing operations and future missions that include manufacturing key components for the nation's nuclear arsenal.

Officials have said one of the existing lines that feeds Los Alamos National Laboratory is expected to reach capacity this summer.

The other likely will hit its limit within the next few years amid more high-computing projects related to nuclear weapons design and performance and as work ramps up to build the plutonium cores that are used to trigger weapons.

The U.S. Energy Department's National Nuclear Security Administration announced Monday that it will work with federal land managers to assess the project's potential environmental effects. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for May 6 and the public will have until May 21 to weigh in on the scope of the planned review.

The proposed transmission line would stretch more than 12 miles (19 kilometers), crossing national forest land in an area known as the Caja del Rio and spanning the Rio Grande at White Rock Canyon. New structural towers would need to be built on both sides of the canyon.

The projectwhich could cost up to $300 millionalso would require new overhead poles with an average span of 800 feet (244 meters), access roads for construction and maintenance and staging areas where materials can be stored.

Federal officials have said they plan to try to have the project avoid known biological, recreational, cultural and historical resources, such as the Camino Real Aldentro National Historic Trail. Another goal would be minimizing visibility of the transmission line from residential areas.

Part of the line would be built along an existing utility corridor, but a new path would have to be cut through forest land to reach an electrical substation.

The Los Alamos Study Group, a watchdog group that has been critical of the lab's expansion plans, reiterated concerns about the lack of an overall analysis of the cumulative effects that plutonium core production and more weapons work could have on the surrounding communities.

Greg Mello, the group's director, said no comprehensive information regarding the future of lab is available to the public, to local and state governments or to the immediately affected Native American tribes. He pointed to future land acquisition and site plans and other documents that have been redacted.

"This is a poorly-justified project, one we strenuously oppose," he said in a statement, adding that the electrical capacity the lab claims it needs is double what it has now and is premised on as-yet-unapproved programs and projects.

Environmentalists, residents and others have suggested that the lab tap into its scientific capabilities and consider other options such as superconducting transmission lines, battery storage and solar generation.

They point to the project as an opportunity to move the state close to reaching mandates of electricity generation being carbon-free over the next two decades.

They also voiced concerns about potential effects on the Caja del Rio, saying it encompasses wide Indigenous landscapes and is a scenic gateway to northern New Mexico.

The area has seen an increase in outdoor recreational use and it serves as a migration corridor for wildlife.

Explore further National lab details $13B in building plans over next decade

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.  Returning to the Minneapolis court room on Tuesday afternoon, jurors in the trial of Derek Chauvin delivered their verdict on three charges stemming from the death of George Floyd.

The jury found Chauvin guilty on all counts  second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Following the conviction, Judge Peter Cahill revoked Chauvin's bail, and the former officer was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. Cahill said that he expected a hearing for Chauvin's sentencing would be held in eight weeks.

The verdict arrived after roughly 10 hours of deliberations over the span of two days.

The 12 jurors had those three counts to consider as they weighed whether Chauvin was responsible for Floyd's death. The case was expected to come down to two key questions: did Chauvin cause Floyds death and were his actions reasonable? Each charge required a different element of proof as to Chauvins state of mind.

George Floyd's death after his arrest by police officers in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, sparked widespread anger after millions of people saw video of the event. The four officers at the scene were quickly fired and charged in his death.

The agonizing bystander video shows Floyd repeatedly crying I can't breathe" and eventually going still as Officer Derek Chauvin presses his knee on Floyd's neck.

The video's release sparked immediate protests and sometimes violent riots nationwide and around the world.

The courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and thousands of National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were brought in ahead of the verdict. Some businesses were boarded up with plywood.

At the Minneapolis intersection that has been dubbed George Floyd Square, about 100 people gathered around a large painting of Floyd in anticipation of the verdict in the murder trial.

The site is located outside of Cup Foods, the convenience store linked to Floyds fatal interaction with Chauvin last May.

Several families with small children are among those holding vigil for an announcement from the court.

Eliza Wesley, who identified herself as a gatekeeper of Floyd Square, led those gathered in a word of prayer.

I dont have any doubt in you, God, she said. You said no weapon formed against us can prosper. ... Weve been here for 11 months. ... This is the day that the Lord has made.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown released a statement shortly after the verdict, offering her thoughts on the outcome:

George Floyds life mattered. His death, at the hands of Derek Chauvin, shook our nation to its core. My thoughts are with his family today.

Thousands of people last year, including here in Oregon, took to the streets to raise their voices in a clarion call for racial justice and police reform. A call for an America where Black Lives Matter.

Todays verdict is one step towards that goal. But it is only a single step toward police accountability. It is also a reminder of how much work we have left to do. We will dismantle the structures of racism and inequality in this country just as they were built, brick by brick.

As a nation, we grieve for the life of George Floyd. And we will honor his memory by continuing to do the hard work to increase police accountability in this country. As we have seen in the last year, that process is not easy and change will not come overnight.

The path to a more just and equitable Oregon begins with understanding. Understanding our state and our nations deeply racist history, and resolving to work together to build a better future for this generation and those to come.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
While the night curfew in these districts will be effective from 8 pm to 7 am next day starting Tuesday, the weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, with all non-essential activities restricted.  Representational image/DC

New Delhi/Lucknow: The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the Allahabad high courts order directing a lockdown in five Uttar Pradesh cities  Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian passed the stay order on a plea by the UP government against Mondays high court order.

Soon after that, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday imposed a weekend curfew across the entire state and a night curfew on weekdays in all districts having more than 500 Covid-19 cases.

While the night curfew in these districts will be effective from 8 pm to 7 am next day starting Tuesday, the weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, with all non-essential activities restricted.

These decisions, aimed at breaking the transmission chain of the virus, were taken at a meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

The night curfew was imposed earlier in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar), Allahabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bareilly and Muzaffarnagar districts and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
The Supreme Courts scathing judgment notwithstanding, Nepal's PM KP Oli has prorogued the House a second time

by Ashok K Mehta

After the Supreme Court of Nepal on February 23 overturned Prime Minister (PM) KP Olis decision to dissolve Parliament, he prorogued the House session on Monday afternoon.

A two-year power struggle between Oli and his bete noire, revolutionary leader Prachanda, has ended in a climactic anti-climax with Oli providentially keeping his chair. Witness the events in the last six months: Oli dumped the Prachanda-Madhav Nepal group, ditched the Chinese by refusing to step down as the PM, dissolved Parliament, ordered elections and reinstated himself as the PM  not caretaker  of a revived Government, insisting that it was business as usual. Except that the quality of governance had declined further through rule by ordinances, boosted by the party faithful President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

In a shock-and-awe judgment, the Supreme Court deprived the Nepal Communist Party (merged CPN-UML and CPN Maoist Centre) of its label and symbol, reducing it to separate constituents. Prachandas writ petition for the NCPs revival was rejected. Strangely, the Election Commission withheld its decision on allotting the NCPs Sun symbol and party label to either faction, saying the party had not split. The story of political hara-kiri was scripted in the NCP despite its overwhelming and unprecedented political stability in Parliament, majority Governments in six of the seven provinces and 80 per cent of posts in the local elections.

Landmark dates in the calendar of events are February 2018 (Oli elected as the PM with Maoist support); May 17, 2018 (the merger of the NCP factions); July 2, 2020 (Oli prorogues House); December 20, 2020 (Oli dissolves Parliament); February 23, 2021 (the Supreme Courts verdict on revival of the House on March 7); April 19, 2021 (Oli prorogues the House again).

While Oli has not resigned on moral grounds, the Maoists have not withdrawn support to him. No single party has the necessary majority of 138 lawmakers in a House of 275. No party or combination of parties has filed a motion of no-confidence according to Article 100 (5) of the Constitution that requires 68 lawmakers. (The new Constitution bars a no-confidence motion in the first two years of any Government.) The political conundrum continues with Oli at the helm.

The arithmetic of the revived House is the CPN-UML - 121 (including 38 dissident lawmakers belonging to the Nepal-Khanal faction); Nepali Congress - 63 (fractured among Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ramchandra Poudyel and Koirala factions); Janata Samajwadi Party - 32 (Upendra Yadav, Baburam Bhattarai, Mahanta Thakur and Rajendra Mahto groups), CPN Maoist Centre - 48 to 53. The Government-formation combinations realistically at play are the CPN-UML plus JSP; NC, Maoists plus JSP; and CPN-UML plus NC. As Oli is tarred by the brush of poor governance and self before service, the NC is unlikely to support Oli, who has not sought a vote of confidence. Strange are the ways of Nepali politics (imbibing the Belgian model where the country operates seamlessly without a Government), probably due to the hurriedly drafted Constitution of 2015.

Nepal has had seven Constitutions (1948, 1951, 1959, 1962, 1990, 2007 and 2015). It is a federal, secular, democratic republic, not completely inclusive though one-third of Parliaments strength is meant to be women. But janjatis and Madhesis are dissatisfied with its provisions. The Madhesis in the JSP are negotiating with Oli to redress their constitutional grievances in lieu of supporting the Governments formation. It is interesting that in 2008-09, Nepal turned away from a Maoist Government (Maoists won nearly a 2/3rds majority but were relegated to the third position in 2013). In 2021, Nepal has shied away from Communist rule despite Chinas Herculean efforts to keep the Left flock together. Ambassador Hou Yanqui has not abandoned her efforts to keep the Left parties united and has met both former Prime Ministers Madhav Nepal and Prachanda. But the unity project appears to be beyond reach. The Himalmedia Public Opinion Survey April 2021 has blamed Oli and Prachanda for putting the democracy at risk.

India has made an impressive comeback, thanks to the good and quiet work by Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and agencies. The Kathmandu-Raxaul DPR for a broad gauge railway line, 198-km-long and costing $3.15 bn, has been submitted to Singha Durbar. India has said it will complete the railway five years after the land is obtained. In addition, several legs of the Hulaki Rajmarg connecting the East-West Highway with the Indian border are being completed. The grand China-Nepal Economic Corridor, which includes a road and railway line from Kyrong-Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini, is awaiting the green light and funds. Once completed, Chinese goods will reach the rich markets of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

While Deuba has said there is no chance of a new Government till Maoists withdraw support to Oli, the PM has prorogued the House again even as a no-confidence vote was being planned. The political conundrum seems embedded in the Constitution of Nepal.

(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.)
Derek Chauvin plans to appeal for a mistrial, arguing the jury had prejudice during his trial. Chauvin's camp insisted that the media coverage and civil settlement may have swayed the jury in giving their decision on the case, BBC reported. This is the defense team's next move after the jury on Tuesday found the former Minneapolis policeman guilty of three charges.

It can be remembered that Judge Cahill has also noted that the comments of Representative Maxine Waters can be a ground for overturning the case. Waters' rhetoric urges the public to stay on the street and become confrontational in case Chauvin will not be found guilty. Cahill slammed Waters, saying that her comments were "unrespectful to the rule of law."

READ NEXT: Derek Chauvin Trial: Vandals Place Pig Head on the Wrong Address

Derek Chauvin Tries to Serve an Appeal

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree depraved mind murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. He will remain in prison while waiting for his sentence. Chauvin's attorney, however, will have to notify the court within 60 days if their side is going to pursue an appeal, Reuters reported.

Media Coverage and Protests

One of the grounds the defendant's side will have to use is the media coverage of the Daunte Wright shooting, which happened nearby the Minneapolis suburb. The shooting took place during the late stages of the Chauvin trial. Because of this, Reuters noted that protests erupted where Representative Maxine Waters was able to give her comments that might have influenced the jury on their decision.

However, legal experts noted that the chances of the appeal's success are slim. The legal experts added that there is only little precedent in challenging a case basing on a venue.

Minnesota criminal defense attorney Joseph Friedberg noted that the appeals court will not invalidate a conviction due to media coverage and emotional protests.

Civil Settlement

The civil settlement given to Floyd's family for a civil lawsuit is also a ground for the defendant's side to serve an appeal. Defense Attorney Eric Nelson noted that the said settlement tends to spoil a jury pool.

"It is impossible for the find an impartial jury in the city which was rocked by protests over Floyd's death," said Chauvin's side.

Views on Derek Chauvin's Conviction

Officials have shared their sentiments on Derek Chauvin's conviction following the death of George Floyd.

FOX 40 noted that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Floyd's family shortly after the verdict was served.

"Nothing is going to make it all, better but at least now there's some justice," said Biden to Floyd's family.

The Obamas also expressed their thoughts on the verdict saying that Floyd's death has prompted conversations and new legislation, adding that "true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial."

Meanwhile, the court's verdict has led to celebratory scenes outside the court where hundreds of people gathered.

To serve an appeal, Derek Chauvin's lawyers have months to review transcripts and court filings from the start of the case to build their arguments.

READ NEXT: Jury of Color to Seat for Trial of Derek Chauvin, Police Officer Charged for the Death of George Floyd

WATCH: Closing arguments wrap up in Derek Chauvin murder trial - from CNBC Television
People recently released from state prison in New York would automatically regain the right to vote, according to legislation passed today in Albany.

The proposed bill, which is now headed for Gov. Andrew Cuomos desk, would make permanent and automatic a three-year-old practice that restored voting rights to parolees using an approval process, according to Assembly Speaker Carl Heasties office.

If Cuomo signs the bill, anyone leaving prison would automatically be able to vote again in New York, according to the Let NY Vote Coalition, a group that promotes wider access to voting in the state.

The Assembly approved the legislation today 97 to 52. Assembly members Pam Hunter, D-Syracuse; Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse; and Al Stirpe, D-North Syracuse; voted for it. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, voted against it.

The state Senate passed the same legislation in February, 43 to 20. Sens. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, and John Mannion, D-Geddes, voted for it. Sens. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, and Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, voted against it.

Current New York law prohibits former prisoners who are still under supervision from voting without a special waiver. In 2018, Cuomo signed an order creating a system to help parolees apply for these waivers, or pardons.

Since then, more than 60,000 people in the parole system have been able to vote, according to Heasties office.

The legislation passed today eliminates the need to seek a pardon.

The bill also requires that people leaving prison be given a voter registration form and help filling it out, if needed, according to Heasties office.

People currently in prison cannot vote in New York. Changing that would mean amending the states constitution. Changes to the constitution require approval from lawmakers during two consecutive years and then approval by registered voters.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share with a Syracuse-area reporter? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
A live-in nanny in Idaho is being accused of allegedly forcing a teenage girl to do drugs, drink alcohol, and even share a bed with the nanny.

Wanda May Mansfield, 34, has been arrested and charged with injury to a child, as well as possession of a controlled substance. Both crimes are felonies.

She is being investigated for sexual misconduct and baggies found in Mansfield room are being tested by the Idaho State Police Forensics Laboratory.

Mansfield has been accused of sharing a bed with a 13-year-old girl due to problems with bedbugs. She allegedly used a debit card from the girl's father to buy adult products online.

Wanda May Mansfield, 34, has been arrested and charged with two felony crimes

She is also being accused of encouraging the girl to use drugs, while encouraging the girl to hide it and lie about it to her father.

The girl admitted in court documents that she carried around a blowtorch to use for s'mores, though it's not clear if Mansfield allegedly put her up to that.

She also said that she drank Mike's Hard Lemonades, which have alcohol in them, thinking that they were just normal lemonades.

She allegedly shared a bed with the 13-year-old she was taking care of in Idaho

Child Protective Services called the Bannock County Sheriff's Office on April 2 to report problems with Mansfield, sometimes known as Wanda Kimball.

Deputies then spoke to the principal of the school the unidentified girl attended, who were directed to turn to social workers.

The Pocatello Police Department went to the girl's home on April 7, where they were shown Mansfield's room.

While conducting a search, they found smoking devices, marijuana, an empty bag police believe may have contained methamphetamine, and an empty pill bottle without a prescription label.

In an affidavit obtained by EastIdahoNews.com, social workers expressed concern about the safety of the 13-year-old girl's home.

They observed animal urine and feces inside of the home. There was also the presence of painkillers due to a surgery underwent by the father.

One of the allegations is that Mansfield allowed the girl to drink hard lemonade and believe that the lemonade was non-alcoholic

The father, who was also not identified, claims that he is the one who contacted authorities to make allegations against Mansfield.

He also told the news outlet that there were no bedbugs and cited the training of a new puppy as the reason for the urine and feces.

'I acted right away to defend my daughter,' the father said.

Pictured: The Bannock County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction in the case

The girl told two social workers at her school that she smoked 'weed' with her nanny for the first time around January 21, and proceeded to smoke with her four or five more times.

But she also told the social workers that she smoked 'weed crystals' by lighting the bottom of a glass bong, which is the way meth is typically consumed.

The 'weed crystals' led her and Manfield to stay up throughout the night, the girl said.

If convicted on the two felony charges, Mansfield could face up to 17 years in prison, as well as $65,000 fines.
Peter Clark, 51, who legally smoked marijuana before flying to Dubai and being arrested on a drugs charge has been freed

A businessman who legally smoked marijuana before flying to Dubai and being arrested on a drugs charge has been freed.

Peter Clark, 51, was deported after prosecutors decided against filing any charges over traces of marijuana that showed up in his system.

The 51-year-old had legally smoked marijuana at his home in Las Vegas before flying to the United Arab Emirates to explore business opportunities.

After being arrested he was banned from leaving Dubai despite protesting his innocence that he had not violated the country's strict drugs laws.

Police escorted Clark to Dubai international airport on Tuesday where he was put on an overnight flight to New York City.

He said the enforced two month stay in Dubai has cost him $50,000 as well as his relationship with his girlfriend.

Before leaving he said: 'I just don't know why anyone would want to come here. If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. You can get arrested for anything.'

The Al Barsha police station in Dubai where Clark was detained in February on drugs charges

His nightmare began in February the day after arriving in Dubai having flown from his home in Las Vegas, Nevada

Clark had faced up to two years in jail if convicted of the drugs charge.

His nightmare began on February 25 the day after arriving in Dubai having flown from his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was rushed to hospital suffering from pancreatitis where doctors took a urine sample.

Traces of marijuana showed up in his system and he said a soldier was stationed at his bedside.

He was held in a detention centre for 72 hours before being allowed to return to his hotel. His passport was taken away and he was told he could not leave until prosecutors had decided if he should be charged.

Speaking about his ordeal on a Gulf in Justice podcast he said he readily agreed to a urine test as he thought it was part of the hospital treatment.

He said: 'Next morning at 6.30am two armed police officers came in and said they were escorting me back to my hotel. But I was taken to a police station, and I was told to wait in a room.

'At 5pm they took me, and that's when I thought this is not the exit. I knew something was wrong.'

Clark said he was put in a detention cell for hours before being woken in the early hours of the morning and handcuffed.

He was taken to building where he found out for the first time he was being held on a drugs charge after other prisoners said he was in a drugs unit.

Speaking about his ordeal on a Gulf in Justice podcast he said he readily agreed to a urine test as he thought it was part of the hospital treatment

Clark said he was put in a detention cell for hours before being woken in the early hours of the morning and handcuffed

Paperwork that had been handed to him detailing the charge was written in Arabic and he was not given access to a translator.

After being released from jail said he was repeatedly summoned to the police station having been told he was being deported.

After taking a Covid test he was disappointed to learn no flight home had been approved.

Apart from spending thousands on his hotel stay and legal fees he said his girlfriend had left him and pet birds at his apartment had died due to his enforced stay in Dubai.

Clark was trapped in the United Arab Emirates for over two months while he waited to find out if he will be prosecuted. (Pictured, The Dubai skyline)

Clark was represented by the pressure group Detained in Dubai who help visitors who fall foul of the country's legal system.

Founder Radha Stirling said: 'It's outrageous that Peter was held in Dubai for almost two months on charges pertaining to cannabis he had smoked legally in Las Vegas before travelling to Dubai.

'Peter was a responsible traveller. He made sure he left any pharmaceuticals at home, including Aspirin, just to be sure he didn't have any delays or issues at customs. Never did he imagine he could be arrested for cannabis smoked outside of the UAE.

'Peter did nothing wrong. He should never have been arrested and treated so badly. As soon as we found out about the case, we appointed legal representatives and contacted US officials and members of the Senate.

'Fortunately, we were able to resolve Peter's case and get him home safe.'
Australia could become the first country in the southern hemisphere to manufacture mRNA coronavirus vaccines, with the Victorian government committing $50million to the project.

Acting Premier James Merlino said the funds would help establish a facility able to manufacture coronavirus vaccines, such as those produced by Pfizer and Moderna, in Melbourne.

He said mRNA vaccines, which contain genetic code from a virus rather than the virus itself, are highly effective and can be manufactured quickly, cheaply and safely.

'Twelve months ago would have been the best time to have done this, but the next best time is right now,' he told reporters on Wednesday.

Mr Merlino said the facility would take at least a year to start production but will secure vaccine supply for Australia, as well as neighbouring countries.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are currently only being produced in Europe and the United States (pictured, a Pfizer jab)

'We have seen the challenges of global supply. We know the benefits of onshore manufacturing, and we know the benefits of this technology,' he said.

The $50million will be spent in partnerships with universities and medical manufacturers over the next two years.

Mr Merlino conceded the final cost of the project would be 'hundreds of millions of dollars' and implored his federal counterparts to pitch in.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are only being produced in Europe and the United States.

Australia has relied heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which it has been producing domestically at CSL in Melbourne.

Australia could become the first country in the southern hemisphere to manufacture mRNA coronavirus vaccines (pictured, a Border Force worker gets the jab in Sydney)

The rollout, however, was plunged into disarray after a very rare blood clotting disorder was linked to the AstraZeneca jab. It led the country's vaccine advisory group to recommend people under the age of 50 get Pfizer instead.

Professor Peter Doherty said the announcement was good news, given regular booster vaccines against COVID-19 will be needed as the virus changes.

'If we could make those vaccines that would be an enormous advantage,' he said.

He said while the state has the experts to do the job, setting up facilities and getting government approvals would take time, and described the government's one-year time frame as 'ambitious but realistic'.

Health Minister Martin Foley said mRNA technology could also be used to treat cancer and other rare diseases.

Victoria has also resumed its rollout of the AstraZeneca shot to people under 50s after a pause on April 9 (pictured, vaccine queues in Melbourne on Wednesday)

'This technology is the way of the future,' he said.

It comes as Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, in an effort to boost public confidence in the jab.

'I know it will protect me - and with the second dose in 12 weeks time - that will be really substantial protection,' he told reporters at the Royal Exhibition Building.

Professor Sutton, who is aged in his 50s, reiterated the risk of blood clots was incredibly low and urged anyone eligible for the jab to 'step up' at the state's mass vaccination centres, which opened on Wednesday.

'You are more likely to get a clot at whatever age you are on a long-haul flight to Europe or North America than getting this jab,' he said.

'It's the risk we accept because it's really small.'

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Geelong's former Ford factory will provide AstraZeneca shots for anyone over 70 with or without bookings as part of phase 1a and 1b of the national rollout.

Victoria has also resumed its rollout of the AstraZeneca shot to people under 50s after a pause on April 9.

The state recorded its 54th day with no new locally-transmitted cases of coronavirus, following 12,606 tests.

There were three new cases in hotel quarantine, taking the number of active cases to 17.
Japan Coast Guard vessel PS206 Houou sails past Uotsuri island, one of the disputed islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea on Aug. 18, 2013. (Ruairidh Villar/Reuters)

SugaBiden Meeting: Promises, Promises

Commentary

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and U.S. President Joe Biden met in Washington on April 16, and both sides declared the meeting a success. The official joint statement issued afterward was comprehensive and unusually pointed to one particular topic: China.

Suga and Biden stated their serious concerns about Chinese activities in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. Beijings oppression of Hong Kong and the Uyghurs were also mentioned. Both sides pledged to work together to address the Chinese regimes aggressive behaviorto include having candid conversations with Beijing.

Japan agreeing to such blunt language toward Beijing is no small matter given that China is next doorand Japanese corporations do huge amounts of business in China. This was, in fact, the first time in 50 years that a Japanese leader joined a U.S. president in a statement on Taiwan.

North Korea, the Quad, ASEAN, and Burma, also known as Myanmar, were also addressed. And the two leaders agreed to launch a Competitiveness and Resilience (CoRe) Partnership combining various activities and initiatives to better work together on 5G technology development, sorting out COVID-19, and tackling climate change, while aiming for a low-carbon future.

However, the thing that most frightens the Japanese is China. And Suga came to the meeting with one main objective: to get the Americans to state publicly once again that they will defend Japan.

Read the joint statement and the transcript of the SugaBiden post-meeting press conference and Tokyo might be thinking mission accomplished.

From the joint statement:

Japan resolved to bolster its own national defense capabilities to further strengthen the Alliance and regional security. The United States restated its unwavering support for Japans defense under the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear. It also reaffirmed the fact that Article V of the Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands.

So, it seems that Japan made what looks like a promise to strengthen its military, in exchange for the services of the worlds most powerful militaryto include its nuclear weapons.

But when evaluating these sorts of summit meetings, it is best to consider whats saidand then wait a while and see what actually happens. This is especially true given previous U.S.Japan meetings have agreed to pretty much the same things that were announced on April 16.

Heres the problem: Americans tend to assume that Japans promise to bolster its own national defense capabilities means that Japan will push the limits and improve its long-standing defense shortcomings.

However, Japan often seems to regard its promise as meaning it will do nothing more than what its already doingwhile expecting the United States to use everything in the arsenal on Japans behalf.

So, when it comes to Japan keeping its part of the bargain and improving defense capabilities, lets wait 90 days and see if Tokyo moves to do any of the following:

1. Increase defense spending. Its still much too loweven at about $50 billion a year. Whats needed are 10 percent increases each year for the next five yearsspent properly. This means spending on personnelto address 25 percent yearly recruiting shortfallsand then spending to ensure forces can train adequately. Only then consider buying more weaponry.

2. Improve the capabilities of the three Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) services (ground, sea, and air) to be able to operate in a coordinated fashionor, jointly in military-speak. They currently have only rudimentary capabilities, if that. It doesnt matter if Japan buys or develops high-tech weapons, such as hypersonics or strike capabilities if the three services dont have a radio with which they can talk to each other. Yes, its that serious.

3. Establish a combined headquarters in Japan where U.S. and Japanese forces work out the planning, training, exercises, and other activities necessary for Japans defense. There currently is no such headquartersafter 60 years of the defense alliance.

If these three bellwether indicators arent addressed, one wonders whether Tokyo is serious about bolstering its defense capabilitiesas it promised (once again). It could be that Japan still might think the Americans will save the dayno matter what Japan does or doesnt do. But that might not be what happens.

President Joe Biden meets with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on April 16, 2021. At left are Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

A Troubling Scenario

The promise of U.S. support is sincerely made but, paradoxically, it might be easier to carry out if the Chinese regime launches a full-scale assault on Japan. If China follows its current below the line approach, Japanand the regionmight get into serious trouble, quickly.

Imagine the following:

Three hundred Chinese fishing boats show up at the Senkaku Islands, along with 25 Chinese maritime militia boats. And a dozen China Coast Guard ships are with them, and an equal number of PLAN (the Peoples Liberation Army Navy or Chinese navy) warships as well.

The Chinese armada tells the Japan coast guard on station to clear outand then lands a small team onto one of the Senkaku Islands.

The Japanese navy and coast guard send reinforcements but are outnumberedand outgunned. The Americans send ships from 7th Fleetand U.S. and Japanese submarines are lurking nearby.

However, the United States and Japan might be reluctant to sink the invading Chinese vesselsbecause the PLAN might retaliateand potentially risk starting World War III.

And Beijing and the PLAN know this and might have launched the invasion calculating that the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force wouldnt retaliate.

At this point, as one observer notes: Its check and mate, unless you want to go nuclear.

But didnt Tokyo get Washingtons promise that nuclear weapons are part of the defense? Kind of. However, there will be a strong constituency in the United States against using them in such gray-zone situations, especially when U.S. territory isnt directly threatened. And the Chinese just might say: Go ahead. Take a shot.

But couldnt the United States use smaller tactical nuclear weapons? In theory, but using nuclear weapons doesnt get any easier just because it is a little nuke. A nuke is a nuke. And a Senkaku scenario may not be enough for Washington to pull the trigger on Japans behalf.

The point of all this?

Conventional capabilities still matter, and Japan hasnt got what it needsand is expecting too much from the Americans. The United States is overstretched and spent the past 20 years focused on Iraq and Afghanistaninstead of China.

The U.S. military is, of course, still potent. But the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army or Chinese military) outmatches U.S. forces in some areas, such as ship numbers, anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and a massive PLA rocket force that can hit U.S. bases in Japan and the regionincluding the U.S. territory of Guamas well as moving ships.

Japan ought to realize that it cant rely on the United States as it has doneand apparently still does. Rather, it needs to do much more to genuinely improve its capabilities, and in the process, it will make the U.S.Japan alliance stronger and more of a deterrent against Chinese aggression.

When the Chinese show up in the Senkakus ready for a fight, it wont matter much if Biden and Suga agreed to 5G technology development and to have low-carbon footprints. China will be more impressed with warships, aircraft, submarines, supersonic ASCMs, hypersonic weaponsand lots of all of them.

So now that the SugaBiden summit is over and all the right things were saidand promisedlets see what Japan actually does about bolstering its defense. Because it will take more than summit meetings and joint statements to deter the Chinese regime.

Does Japans Constitution prohibit it from doing more militarily? No. Article 9 that covers the use of force has been reinterpreted repeatedlyalmost from the day it was enactedto allow Japan to do whatever is necessary in its own defense. Japanese officialdom has wielded the Constitution and Article 9 as effective excuses to avoid doing anything it doesnt want to do.

Does Japans financial condition preclude it from increasing the defense budget? No. Japan is a wealthy country and has all the money it needs for its own defense. It just chooses not to spend it. And its easier to rely on the Americans to fill in the gaps. The United States has never really complained about this even though it undermines the security of both countries.

Does Japanese public opinion inhibit the Japanese government from strengthening defense capabilities? Not if Japans leaders made the case. Public opinion is overwhelmingly negative on China. And a large majority favors forceful measures to protect Japanese territory. If the public knew the reality of JSDF weakness, they would be surprisedand probably none too happy with Japans ruling class.

Grant Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine officer and a former U.S. diplomat and business executive who lived and worked for many years in the Asia/Pacific region. He served as a reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine attache, U.S. Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. He is a senior fellow with the Center for Security Policy.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
As an alliance of 22 New Jersey mayors call on Gov. Phil Murphy to waive outdoor gathering limits for graduation ceremonies, he signaled Wednesday he will have more guidance next week on that and other steps the state will take to ease coronavirus restrictions.

Murphy hinted that will include some sort of timeline for further reopening  something Republicans have pushed the Democratic governor to put in place to calm anxiety for weary residents and struggling businesses.

Assuming our numbers continue to go in the right direction  they were a little bit sideways yesterday and today  but assuming they do and our prospects and optimism remain high, were gonna give a pretty significant amount of guidance by early to mid-next week, the governor said during his latest coronavirus briefing in Trenton.

Folks are rightfully asking for that, Murphy added. We dont want to lurch. Were the only state in America that has not lurched  in other words, gone forward and then had to pull something back. We dont want to start that now. But we also owe people our best guess as to what its gonna look like for graduations, summer on the beaches, and whatnot.

The governor did not provide more details on what he steps the state may take. New Jerseys stores are still limited to 50% capacity, as is indoor dining at restaurants. Outdoor gatherings in the state are limited to 200 people, while indoor gatherings are capped at 25. Masks are required indoors and outdoors in public across the state, the latter when social distancing isnt possible.

The 22-mayor alliance, known as Mayors for Main Street, has asked Murphy to lift the states 200-person outdoor gathering limit for graduations. Wedding ceremonies and receptions, funeral, memorial services, religious activities, and political activities are already exempt from that limit.

We have taken so much from our students in the last year, but the class of 2021 deserves a graduation, said Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello, a Republican. Its time for the governor to permit our schools to hold outdoor graduations this spring. Schools are planning now and we cannot wait any longer for action from the state.

Three weeks after officials declared a third wave of the pandemic was hitting the state, New Jerseys COVID-19 numbers have improved in recent days as vaccinations continue. The state on Wednesday reported another 2,961 confirmed cases and an additional 46 confirmed deaths, while 37% of the states adults have been fully vaccinated. The states seven-day average for new confirmed positive tests is now 2,961, down 4% from a week ago and 11% from a month ago.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Connecticut Mayor Ned Lamont announced Monday that his state will lift all coronavirus restrictions on May 19, though masks will still be required indoors.

But Murphy said Wednesday that New Jersey will continue reopening incrementally, instead of in one fell swoop.

If we think theres an opportunity to do something bolder than incremental, well do it, he said. But our reality does not suggest that at the moment.

Youll have to ask Gov. Lamont in terms of his rationale on May 19, Murphy added. But I know what our reality is here. The numbers have gotten somewhat better in the last week to 10 days. Theyre still not where we need them to be. But they are showing a trend that is beginning to build in the right direction.

Asked whether its possible to give people a timeline for reopenings, Murphy said he will begin to do that next week.

Theres a lot of moving parts here, he said. So I would just ask peoples patience for a few more days.

New Jersey has so far not come close to matching the prediction models that Murphys administration released last month to warn about the third wave. The models showed the state could peak at 5,445 cases and 2,669 people hospitalized with COVID-19 under a moderate scenario on April 18, which was Monday. The worst-case scenario said the state could peak at 8,162 cases and 3,664 people hospitalized on May 18. But officials stressed that these were just projections and that human behavior, including mask-wearing and social distancing, could prevent those scenarios from happening.

State Sen. Declan OScanlon, R-Monmouth, chastised Murphys administration on Wednesday for promoting fear with those predictions and instead called for cautiously optimistic messaging and policies and for projected dates for when proms, graduations, fairs, and festivals can be planned.

We need nonsensical restrictions eliminated right now and a target date  soon  for complete elimination, OScanlon said. If things take an unexpected turn for the worse, people will understand, but right now all indications point toward victory over the virus, and soon.

At the same time, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Murphy in Novembers governors race, called for Murphy to end indoor and outdoor gathering limits by May 15.

It is past time for a new approach and bold leadership, Ciattarelli said.

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

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
The San Francisco luxury handbag brand Senreve is selling gently used totes and shoulder bags for up to 50 percent off.

Plus, Pali Swim debuts its versatile Shore skirt/dress, Freedom Moses collabs with Jonathan Simhkai on summer-chic slides, and Faherty opens its first Marin shop.

Slide into summer with Freedom Moses x Jonathan Simkhai. (Courtesy of Freedom Moses x Jonathan Simkhai) Don't you just love it when two of your favorite brands get together? Our dream team of Freedom Moses and Jonathan Simkhai went all peanut butter and chocolate on us with their recent collab. The result? Three styles of FM's cruelty-free, recyclable, vegan, and waterproof slides featuring designer JS's signature ethereal prints. We're talking two tie-dye colorways and one gorgeous floral printall inspired by Cali cool and the New York designer's spring collection (translation: exciting news for those who live to match their slides to their swimsuits). // The slides retail for $65 and can be purchased exclusively online at shopbop.com, jonathansimkhai.com and freedomoses.com.

A handbag revival event you definitely want in on: S-A-L-E at Senreve. (Courtesy of Senreve) Can you handle it? Right now the SF handbag label known for structured styles in water-resistant Italian leather and a slew of pretty colors is holding its bi-annual Handbag Revival Event. The Senreve sale features gently used styles at savings up to 50 percent off. For example, the Maestras, doctor bags, Alunnas and crossbodies may have been featured in a photoshoot or lived on a showroom shelf. Sale prices are determined by each bag's categorization as Almost Perfect, Perfect Enough or Perfectly Imperfect. You get the idea. If you have your heart set on grabbing the Senreve of your dreams, hurry upthey will sell out. (We're stalking this bracelet pouch in lilac.) Note: the sale bags are only available online and not in the Jackson Square showroom (disappointed face emoji). // Shop online, senreve.com.

Faherty expands its Bay Area footprint with new Marin shop. (Courtesy of Faherty) American heritage family brand Faherty is celebrating the opening of its newest brick-and-mortar at The Village at Corte Madera. So yeah, Marin-ites no longer have to cross a bridge to get to the Hayes Valley or Santana Row stores to scoop up sustainably minded men's, women's, and kids' classics. Like all its stores, the colorful Corte Madera shop has a warm, beachy vibethe perfect backdrop to showcase the label's much-loved threads. // Village at Corte Madera, 1618 Redwood Hwy (Corte Madera), fahertybrand.com
Boston, MA - In a worldwide survey, pregnant and postpartum women reported high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Such high levels of distress may have potential implications for women and for fetal and child health and development, according to the study.

The study will be published online in PLOS ONE on April 21, 2021.

"We expected to see an increase in the proportion of pregnant and postpartum women reporting mental health distress, as they are likely to be worried or have questions about their babies' health and development, in addition to their own or their family's health," said study senior author Karestan Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Harvard Chan School. "However, the number of women who had significantly elevated symptoms was much larger than what had previously been published during the pandemic."

Koenen and her co-authors were interested in pregnant and postpartum women because prior research suggests that perinatal mental health problems can adversely impact not only women's own health but also infant outcomes, mother-infant bonding, and children's health over time. To gauge the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women during the pandemic, the researchers conducted an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of women in 64 countries between May 26, 2020 and June 13, 2020. The survey, available in 12 languages, was hosted on the Pregistry platform for COVID-19 studies.

Of the 6,894 participants, substantial proportions of women scored at or above the cutoffs in widely-used psychological screening tools for elevated levels of anxiety/depression (31%), loneliness (53%), and post-traumatic stress in relation to COVID-19 (43%), despite the fact that only 117 women (2%) had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 510 (7%) had been in contact with someone with COVID-19. The levels of psychiatric distress were significantly higher than previously published data on such distress in the general population during the pandemic and among pregnant and postpartum women before the pandemic.

Certain factors were linked with worse mental health among the women surveyed. Seeking information about the pandemic five or more times a day from any source (e.g., social media, news, or word-of-mouth) was associated with more than twice the odds of elevated post-traumatic stress in relation to COVID-19 and anxiety/depression. Worries about children and childcare and economic worries were also important factors in women's mental health.

The majority of participants reported engaging in COVID-19 prevention behaviors (e.g., 93.3% reported practicing hand hygiene and 84.5% reported wearing a face mask) but these behaviors were not associated with anxiety or depression symptoms.

First author Archana Basu, research scientist of the Department of Epidemiology, said that the study's results indicate that public health campaigns and medical care systems should explicitly address the impact of COVID-19-related stressors on mental health in pregnant and postpartum women.

"In addition to screening and monitoring mental health symptoms, addressing potentially modifiable factors such as excessive information seeking and women's worries about access to medical care and their children's well-being, and developing strategies to target loneliness, such as online support groups, should be part of intervention efforts for perinatal women," Basu said.

Other Harvard Chan School researchers who contributed to the study include Hannah Hayoung Kim, Rebecca Basaldua, Nora Kelsall, and Sonia Hernandez-DIaz.

"A cross-national study of factors associated with women's perinatal mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic," Archana Basu, Hannah Hayoung Kim, Rebecca Basaldua, Karmel W. Choi, Lily Charron, Nora Kelsall, Sonia Hernandez-Diaz, Diego F. Wyszynski, and Karestan C. Koenen, PLOS ONE, online April 21, 2021, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249780

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The so-called Dzhankoy District Court in Russia-occupied Crimea has sentenced Yevhenii Dobrynskyi, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to three-and-a-half years in prison for allegedly illegally crossing the state border of the Russian Federation and smuggling drugs, Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Liudmyla Denisova has said.

"The so-called Dzhankoy District Court, controlled by the occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied Crimea, has just handed down an illegal sentence to Yevhenii Dobrynskyi, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, for allegedly illegally crossing the state border of the Russian Federation and smuggling drugs," she wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday, April 21.

She specified that Dobrynskyi had been sentenced to three years and six months of imprisonment in a general-security penal colony.

The ombudsman condemned the actions of the court controlled by the occupation authorities as the criminal case has been trumped up.

"Evidence provided to the court by the defense team during the court hearings shows that the Ukrainian serviceman is innocent," she said.

Denisova called on the international community to continue putting pressure on Russia so as to stop the illegal persecution and trials of Ukrainian citizens and to free all Kremlin prisoners.

"I consider it unacceptable to persecute our citizens for fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and I condemn the actions of the occupation authorities that continue to violate international treaties and norms of international law," she said.

Earlier reports said that Dobrynskyi disappeared early on May 30, 2020 near Ukraine's administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea. A search operation did not yield any result. According to preliminary information published by the Ukrainian Military Law-Enforcement Service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, traces of a struggle were seen near an observation post, so it is believed that the serviceman was abducted while on duty.

A few days later, Russia's FSB Federal Security Service stated that the Ukrainian serviceman had been detained and criminal charges had been brought against him "for illegally crossing Russia's border." On June 3, a court in occupied Crimea ruled to arrest Dobrynskyi.
BANGOR, MI - You can enjoy all the blueberries you can eat while living in a serene setting at this property, which is now on the market. This blueberry farm and 1880s Victorian home is not far from some of Michigans best beaches.

Located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, this is the MLives House of the Week where we feature a home or property every Wednesday. Bangor is in Van Buren County, just southeast of South Haven.

Lets first talk about the historic home. Built in 1882, it has 1,840 square feet of space. Its move-in ready and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Stepping inside feels like you just arrived via a time machine.

This home and blueberry farm, located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, MI, is on the market for $595,000. (Photo by Jason O'Brien | 18th Hour Productions LLC)

Its period based and definitely a showpiece, said Dan Hoffman with Five Star Real Estate Leaders. Its in a very nice area. Its in a farming community and quiet.

This home and blueberry farm, located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, MI, is on the market for $595,000. (Photo by Jason O'Brien | 18th Hour Productions LLC)

The home, listed for $595,000, comes with many of its original features including stained and etched glass, hardwood flooring and gingerbread woodwork.

Also on the property is a newly built 42 x 60 foot Morton building which is ideal to be used as a venue or for family gatherings.

The Morton building at this property, located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, MI, on the market for $595,000. (Photo by Jason O'Brien | 18th Hour Productions LLC)

And then theres the blueberries. Theres probably about a quarter acre, or U-Pick size worth of blueberries, Hoffman told MLive. Right now the homeowners are using it as a hobby with just friends and family coming over to pick blueberries. They are whats called early blueberries. Theyre great for table, pies, pancakes, yogurt, smoothies and more.

The blueberry field at this property, located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, MI, on the market for $595,000. (Photo by Jason O'Brien | 18th Hour Productions LLC)

This home and blueberry farm, located at 32744 62nd Street in Bangor, MI, is on the market for $595,000. (Photo by Jason O'Brien | 18th Hour Productions LLC)

Here is a link to the listing. For more information, you can contact Dan Hoffman with Five Star Real Estate Leaders at 269-377-4049 or via email.

VIDEO TOUR OF THE PROPERTY:

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Aerial view of a burning area of Amazon rainforest reserve, south of Novo Progresso in Para state, on August 16, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden is receiving warnings from Brazilian state governors, indigenous leaders and environmental groups that the countrys president Jair Bolsonaro is not to be trusted on the issue of the climate crisis.

The United States is attempting to come to an agreement with Brazil on how to stop the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

Delegates from the Brazilian government have been negotiating a deal with Mr Bidens climate team since February. If they can agree on a plan to end deforestation and other environmental goals, the US could end up sending billions of dollars in aid to the country.

The rightwing firebrand Mr Bolsonaro, who was elected in October 2018 and entered office in January 2019, sent a letter to Mr Biden on 14 April vowing to end illegal deforestation by 2030.

Illegal deforestation makes up for an estimated 95 per cent of the practice.

Governors in 23 out of Brazils 27 states will send a letter to Mr Biden as he hosts a virtual climate summit on Thursday and Friday with dozens of world leaders. The letter, which is already publically available, doesnt mention Mr Bolsonaro or his federal government but instead sets out a framework for possible cooperation between the US government and Brazilian states.

The letter says the states have funds and mechanisms  available for the safe and transparent use of international funds, guaranteeing rapid and verifiable results.

The governor of Brazils most populous state, Sao Paulo, told Time that Mr Bolsonaro wont even try to keep his deforestation promise.

Bolsonaro has demonstrated a total disregard for the environmental agenda and he hasnt done anything to suggest he has any intention of changing his behaviour, Joao Doria told the magazine.

Senate Democrats have already expressed hesitancy concerning a deal. More than a dozen of them sent a letter to Mr Biden on Friday blasting the environmental record of Mr Bolsonaro, and urging the US president to condition any support for Amazon preservation on meaningful progress.

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A senior Biden administration official told The Independent that Brazil is an important partner when it comes to tackling climate issues, noting that the country is one of the worlds largest economies.

The official added that climate solutions need the leadership of Brazil. The administration is looking to the country to present its plans on illegal deforestation, its concrete goals and how they will involve civil society. Rather than looking at specific funding avenues, the conversation has focused on what actions need to be taken to address the issue, the official said.

Since taking office, Mr Bolsonaro has slashed the budget of environmental agencies and he has tried to weaken regulations as he slams foreign leaders who try to intervene.

In July 2019, he cancelled a climate meeting with the French foreign minister and got a haircut instead.

Several nations have cancelled or frozen donations to Brazil that were meant to help them halt the destruction of the largest rainforest in the world, 60 per cent of which is in Brazil. Smaller parts exists in neighbouring nations such as Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia.

Environmental advocates say Mr Bolsonaros actions have given free rein to loggers, farmers and miners to unlawfully cut down trees, lighting a fire under an issue that previous governments had managed to get under control.

More than 4,200 square miles of rainforest were destroyed between August 2019 and July 2020, a 47 per cent increase compared to a similar period leading up to July 2018, just before Mr Bolsonaro took the helm.

Mr Doria toldTime: The US should not strike an agreement with the federal government because it wont be fulfilled.

They should make deals with state governments, one by one, with well-established commitments and independent, transparent auditing of how funds are used.

Brazilian environmentalists and indigenous communities have also sent letters to Mr Biden. Along with 15 Senate Democrats, they have urged the president not to enter a deal that doesnt include oversight by state governments and representatives from civil society. They argue that without these checks, Mr Bolsonaro could use the infusion of cash to take a stranglehold on the rainforest and boost his allies.

A spokesperson for the State Department toldTime: We would very much hope President Bolsonaro would use this opportunity to demonstrate his seriousness in addressing climate change, including emissions from deforestation in the Amazon.

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FAIRFIELD  Fairfield University is offering COVID-19 vaccine clinics for students and staff, including one running until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Fairfield University and Griffin Hospital have partnered to host on-campus vaccine clinics for university and eligible Fairfield Prep students and all employees.

After Wednesdays event, a second is set for three weeks  on May 13. Students and staff who received their first dose this week are encouraged to return for the second clinic.

Fairfield Universitys goal has been to help facilitate vaccinations for as many students, faculty and staff members as possible, said Karen Donoghue, the vice president of Student Life at Fairfield. We are grateful for this partnership with Griffin Health to make these clinics available on campus, for the health and safety of our community and the community at large.

The clinics offer the Pfizer vaccine, the only jab approved for 16- and 17-year-olds so far.

Representatives for the school and hospital said they have 1,500 vaccinations available.

The shots will be administered by Fairfield Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies students, faculty and Griffin Hospital staff, at 20 stations set up in the Field House in the Recreational Complex.

Students and employees who received first doses of Pfizer elsewhere are permitted to get their second shot at either of the clinics.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Fairfield University to protect its students and the family and friends they will return home to when the semester ends in a few short weeks, said Pat Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Health.
New Delhi: Due to the restrictions imposed in the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases SLBS (UP), an institution of banks, has issued circulars and directed to reduce working hours and cut the number of staff. The institution said that these instructions will be applicable from 22 April.

So, if you have got some work which requires you to visit your bank branch, these rules and regulations will be handy for you. Check them out before visiting your respective bank branch.

State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) is an apex inter-institutional forum to create adequate coordination machinery in all States, on a uniform basis for development of the State. Currently, the Conveyor of SLBS in UP is Bank of Baroda. In the circular, the SLBS (UP) has made it clear that if any other orders are issued by the central, state government or district administration in view of the situation, then they will be considered at the top.

Check out these latest banking rules

1. Banks in UP will open only from 10 am to 2 pm. Banks will be closed every day in the evening.

2. Now customers will get only minimum service in banks. These will include cash deposit and withdrawal, check clearing, government transactions and transactions.

3. Only 50% of the staff can be called in the bank at a time, while the remaining people will work from home. Till the next guideline comes, this kind of work will have to be done on rotation basis.

4. All alternative delivery channels will continue to work.

5. All the work related to currency chest, ATM, security, data operation, cyber security, clearing house, bank treasury in the bank will continue to run normally.

6. All these arrangements have been made from 22 April to 15 May. It can also be extended later on the instructions of the government.

7. If the district administration issues a new order in view of the situation of corona infection, then its order will be considered at the top.

India is currently witnessing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic reported over 2.73 lakh fresh infections in the last 24 hours - the highest since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 19,29,329 active cases in the country.

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The last five years have seen a plethora of fintech applications in Nigeria (and Africa, in general) grow at an astonishing rate. But most of these companies and developers find it difficult to access real-time banking data. This, in turn, creates a bottleneck when onboarding and verifying customers.

Since 2019, Plaid-esque companies, but with different twists to their offerings, have emerged to solve these issues. Today, Nigeria's Okra, arguably the first to gain mainstream attention, is announcing that it has closed a seed round of $3.5 million.

U.S.-based Susa Ventures led this latest tranche of investment. Other investors include TLcom Capital (the sole investor from its $1 million pre-seed round in 2020), newly joined Accenture Ventures and some angel investors. In total, Okra has raised $4.5 million in two rounds and the company will use the investment to expand its data infrastructure across Nigeria.

Okra likes to describe itself as an API super-connector that creates a secure portal and process to exchange real-time financial information between customers, applications and banks.

Fara Ashiru Jituboh and David Peterside founded the company in June 2019. Since its launch in January 2020, Okra has aggressively pushed by connecting to all banks in Nigeria and even claims to have a 99.9% guaranteed uptime.

Its business model provides integrations to developers and businesses into existing banking services and takes commissions off subsequent transactions. These integrations include accounts authorization, balance, identity, income, payments and transactions. Per partners (developers and businesses), they are well over 100 with some big names like Access Bank, Aella, Interswitch and uLesson.

Ashiru Jituboh tells TechCrunch that besides making APIs, Okra is in the business of selling "digital first-experiences and transformation".

"We are building an open finance infrastructure that enables developers and businesses to offer digital-first experiences and financial products," she said. "We're at a point where businesses are realizing that digital transformation is one of the most conversation happening in most boardrooms. So for us, we're essentially just making tools and services needed to achieve digital transformation at scale with our APIs."

Story continues

Positioning the company in such a way might be the reason for its immense growth in over a year. The company says it has recorded an average month-on-month API call growth of 281%. Okra has also analyzed more than 20 million transactions; last month, it analyzed 27.5% of this figure at over 5.5 million transaction lines. For a bit of context, Plaid has analyzed more than 10 billion transactions in its eight years of existence.

"I think it's a good indicator that we're on the right trajectory in terms of traction," COO Peterside added.

Okra

Image Credits: Okra

If anything one can learn from the Nigerian fintech ecosystem over the past two years is that with growth comes regulatory scrutiny. Since last year, different regulatory moves from some of the country's financial bodies have been targeted toward payments, crypto and wealth tech startups. While these regulators claim to foster the interests of the Nigerian public and protect consumers, their moves reek of innovation stifling and jurisdictional play.

So far, these regulators appear not to be concerned with the activities of API fintech infrastructure startups. But will these companies be prepared to deal with the situation should that change?

According to Peterside, Okra is preparing for unforeseen circumstances by taking the initiative and engaging with the regulators in its space. Since 2018 when the EU released the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to deal with data protection and violations resulting from it, most African countries have mirrored these laws for their region. In Nigeria, there's the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and due to its similarities with the GDPR, Peterside believes Okra has nothing to worry about -- at least for now.

"In terms of what the law says, I think the fine print is clear not just in Nigeria but globally, so how we operate as a business is straightforward. But in terms of what we think, the regulators whether they make the necessary decisions... we can't really speak about that but generally, the laws and global standards are clear," he said.

If the company succeeds in keeping harmful regulations at bay, it can grow at whatever pace it wants. However, a bane that might threaten this pace is hiring, according to the CEO. "The one challenge I'll say we face has to be hiring," Ashiru Jituboh said.

Now, one of the significant reasons Okra proves attractive despite just over a year in operation is how it prioritizes speed. The company claims to onboard new clients in 24 hours or less while supporting them through the use cases specific to their product.

An increasing clientele means increased problems which means more personnel to handle them. So besides using the recent check to expand its data infrastructure across Nigeria, Okra will put a sizeable chunk into sourcing for talent.

"We want to ensure that we're solving our customers' problems as fast as possible and give the clients the support they need. We want to make sure our hiring speed is the same as the speed of our growth and I think being able to raise capital is one of the solvers of that problem... making sure we're bringing great talent and building a great team," she added.

Ashiru Jituboh understands the need for great engineering talent because of her engineering-heavy background. Before starting Okra with Peterside, she worked with JP Morgan, Fidelity Investments and Daimler Mercedes Benz. At Okra, she doubles as the chief executive and CTO, staking a claim as one of the most promising founders in Africa's male-dominated fintech scene.

Omobola Johnson, a senior partner at TLcom Capital, maintains that these qualities and Okra's proposition made the company its first fintech investment. It was more than enough to convince the firm to follow up in this round.

A year on, Okra has managed to make its investor list more impressive. Susa Ventures, its lead investor, has made notable early investments in Robinhood, Flexport and Fast. However, Okra is the only African-based startup the VC firm has invested in asides from Andela.

Were thrilled to partner with Okra as they enable developers across the African continent to transform digital financial services, general partner at Susa, Seth Berman said. Were blown away by the quality of Okras team, pace of development and the excitement from the customers building on their API.

As part of a Fortune Global 500 company, Accenture Ventures has invested in more than 30 startups. However, Okra is the first Black founded startup in its portfolio. Tom Lounibos, the firm's president and managing director, said the reason behind the investment stems from partnering with Okra to bring open finance to Africa, the calibre of founders and their technology.

The founders tell me that Accenture and Susa represent smart money investors aligned with Okra's vision and technology infrastructure play.

"For us, if we're building an API infrastructure for the continent, we thought Accenture would be a really good partner because we're essentially building an API which is a technology-based infrastructure," said the CEO.

Besides, the investors will be pivotal to the company's hiring and imminent pan-African expansion plans to Kenya and South Africa, where Okra is currently in beta.

Accenture coming onboard to Okra as an investor marks the latest in a line of major companies jumping in on the African fintech wave -- Stripe with the acquisition of Paystack and Visa and WorldPay partnership with Flutterwave.

In terms of investments, Accenture Ventures continues the list of first-time U.S. investors in African fintech. Names like Bezos Expeditions in Chipper, Tiger Global and Avenir Growth Capital in Flutterwave and Valar in Kuda come to mind.

Beyond Susa and Accenture Ventures, Okra also brought on three angel investors to the round. Rob Solomon, chairman at GoFundMe and former partner at Accel; and two ex founding engineers at Robinhood -- Arpan Shah and Hongxia Zhong.

Okra is not the only company looking to capitalize on the budding API financial infrastructure space. Stitch, another South African API fintech, came out of stealth with $4 million in funding. Pngme raised $3 million in February. Others like Nigeria's Mono and OnePipe have raised six-figure pre-seed rounds and are backed by Y Combinator and Techstars.

Despite seeming competition, the infrastructure business, unlike a commoditized business, is one with room for many winners.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the Single European Sky (SES) project to reform Europes air traffic management system faces collapse if European states do not support the European Commissions proposals to reboot the stalled initiative.

The European Commission has been trying to deliver the benefits of SES since the early 2000s. But state inaction has meant that none of its targets have been met. New legislation, as proposed by the Commission, is the only way to force the reform and improvements that are desperately needed. But the intransigence and selfishness of key EU states and their air navigation service providers (ANSPs) threatens to collapse the latest Commission effort, said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General.

The SES is vital for a safe, sustainable, and efficient European air transport industry. Among its benefits are:

 An improvement in safety performance by a factor of ten

 Greater capacity and fewer delays, giving a EUR 245 billion boost to Europes GDP and a million extra jobs annually from 2035

 A 10 per cent cut in EU aviation emissions, supporting the European Green Deal.

The Covid-19 crisis makes the efficiency gains of the SES more critical than ever. And the climate crisis makes the sustainability benefits essential. Europe talks a good game about the importance of sustainability and competitiveness. Its time to put action behind those words with the SES. If the combined weight of the climate crisis and the Covid-19 crisis are not sufficiently compelling drivers for SES, its hard to know what could be, said Walsh.

The SES has so far failed because ANSPs have had inadequate targets and insufficient independent oversight. The Commissions proposal provides a remedy by giving regulators the power to enforce robust performance targets. IATA strongly supports the efforts of the Commission and some reform-minded states in a package that includes:

 The creation of powerful, independent national economic regulators, and an EU-wide regulatory agency, and

 The strengthening of the pan-European Network Manager to improve efficiency, which will help cut delays and emissions.

Air traffic control is a monopoly business. In every other business sector, monopoly suppliers are subjected to strong independent regulationbut not in air traffic control. European states make grandiose statements about climate action yet refuse to back common-sense reforms that would force ANSPs to make routings more efficient. And, oblivious to the 27 billion ($32.4 billion) collective loss made by European airlines last year, Europes ANSPs are demanding further price increases while sitting on at least 2.5 billion ($3 billion) of cash. This is pure madness. But, instead of driving solutions at this critical time, many states are positioning to block reforms and we are in serious danger of moving backwards, said Walsh.

Many European states are considering blocking the reforms in favour of an alternative vision which will weaken the targets and regulatory oversight from what is currently in place. This is completely unacceptable and could collapse the entire package of reforms.

Such a catastrophic failure of the Commissions proposal would take years to recover from. We would have lost a real opportunity for change when it is vitally needed. And the environment and the European economy will pay a high price for that, along with travelers and airlines. Its time for states to put an end to years of short-sighted political maneuvering and administrative paralysis and support the Commissions proposal to finally deliver a Single European Sky, said Walsh.

IATA calls on the transport ministers to adopt at the next Transport Council on June 3 a more ambitious general approach in line with the Commissions proposal. - TradeArabia News Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 03:10:20|Editor: huaxia

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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrives at the venue of Iran nuclear deal talks in Vienna, Austria, April 6, 2021. (Photo by Georges Schneider/Xinhua)

TEHRAN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday that the latest round of the talks in Vienna are "progressive" despite "the existing difficulties."

Diplomatic efforts continued on Tuesday in Vienna to restore the 2015 nuclear accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with lifting sanctions and nuclear issues topping the agenda.

After discussions with representatives from other signatories of the JCPOA, namely Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany, Araqchi said that Tehran will stop the negotiations whenever the talks move toward "excessive demands, wasting time and irrational bargaining."

"Progress made over the last two weeks. But much more hard work needed. Third expert group was created to address sequencing issues," tweeted Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general and political director of the European External Action Service, who chaired Tuesday's meeting.

Previously, two expert-level working groups have been working on nuclear implementation and sanctions lifting, respectively.

"I continue to think that diplomacy is only way forward for the #JCPOA to address ongoing challenges," Mora added.

Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments in May 2019, one year after the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the agreement and re-imposed sanctions on Iran. 
New Delhi, April 21 : To scale up production of its Covishield vaccine, the Serum Institute of India (SII) had borrowed money from banks instead of waiting for the government's aid to arrive.

The company assumed that the funding from the government will reach them very soon, probably by this week.

Covishield has been developed by the Oxford University and AstraZeneca, and manufactured by the Pune-based SII.

To boost India's vaccine production in wake of the huge surge in Covid-19 caseload, the government on Monday announced that it has given in-principle approval for credit to vaccine manufacturers, SII and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. The Union Finance Ministry has approved a sanction of Rs 3,000 crore credit for SII and Rs 1,500 crore to Bharat Biotech.

The credit will be disbursed at the earliest.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, earlier had suggested that the company would require around Rs 3,000 crore to increase production of Covid-19 vaccines.

SII, an Indian biotechnology and pharmaceuticals company, on Wednesday announced that Covishield will be sold at Rs 400 per dose to the state government and Rs 600 to private hospitals. They issued the statement after the government allowed vaccination of all persons above the age of 18 from May 1.

The decision was announced following a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with pharma companies, doctors, Cabinet ministers in charge of health, drugs and officials spanning multiple nodal ministries.

Poonawalla welcomed the government's announcement to accelerate India's vaccination drive.

"The promising directives will help to scale up vaccine production, and allow state governments, private hospitals,and vaccination centers to procure vaccines directly," he said.

The SII also said that for the next two months, they will address the limited capacity by scaling up the vaccine production."Going ahead, 50 percent of our capacities will be served to the Government of India's vaccination programme, and the remaining 50 percent of of the capacity will be for the State governments and private hospitals," the company said.

The company also stated that considering the global vaccine prices which cost anywhere from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per dose, they are ensuring that vaccines are affordable in Indian comparison to any other vaccines in the world.

"Furthermore, owing to the complexity, and urgency of the situation, it is challenging to supply independently to each corporate entity. We would urge all corporate and private individuals to access the vaccines through the state facilitated machinery and private health systems," the company stated.

Post four to five months, the vaccines will be made available in retail and free trade.
The came down heavily on the Maharashtra government on Wednesday for its extremely callous behaviour towards the issue of procuring and allocating Remdesivir injections for COVID-19 patients and said the authorities are shirking their responsibilities.

The critical remarks by the Nagpur bench of the HC came in the backdrop of a nationwide scramble for the anti- viral drug being widely used to treat COVID-19 patients.

A division bench of Justices S B Shukre and S M Modak was irked that its April 19 order, directing the state government to supply 10,000 Remdesivir vials to Nagpur, badly affected by COVID-19, on that very day, was not complied with completely.

In strong remarks, the court noted that it was ashamed to be a part of this "nasty and evil society" and was unable to do anything for the patients of Maharashtra.

The bench was hearing a bunch of petitions on the issue of the pandemic, lack of medical facilities in hospitals and the hurdles being faced by affected people.

The bench noted that the affidavits filed by the Joint Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Nagpur, and the Additional Collector have made contradictory statements on why the order could not be complied with.

We find that these officers have now started to shirk their responsibilities in giving certain relief to COVID-19 patients and in a way, they are also on the path to violate their fundamental duties, the court observed.

It added that at this stage it was refraining from passing any adverse order and giving the authorities concerned an opportunity to correct themselves.

The Joint Commissioner (FDA), in his affidavit, said the Maharashtra government has no authority to control, distribute and allocate Remdesivir and that the process is handled by Mumbai-based Haffkine Bio Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd.

He told the court that pharma companies send vials to their depots in Maharashtra from where they are dispatched to hospitals. The affidavit said at present there is a shortage of Remdesivir in Maharashtra, the worst COVID-19-hit state.

The bench then pointed out that on the last hearing it was told that a state-level committee has been appointed to allocate Remdesivir injections to hospitals across districts in Maharashtra.

Whose responsibility is allocation? This is highly objectionable. This shows extreme callousness and now the government is trying to shirk its responsibility.

"Is it not the state governments job to find a solution at its level, Justice Shukre said.

The bench further noted that the authorities are not providing any solace or relief to patients and are refusing to even comply with court orders.

Are you not ashamed of yourselves? We are ashamed to be a part of this nasty and evil society where we are not able to do anything for the unfortunate patients of Maharashtra, Justice Shukre said.

What nonsense is going on here...you (government) wont do anything on your own and when we are trying to provide a solution you do not follow that too. You cannot walk away from your responsibilities, the court said.

The bench directed the court-appointed Nagpur Covid- 19 Committee, headed by the Nagpur Divisional Commissioner with the Nagpur Collector as its Member Secretary, to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday and make efforts to procure Remdesivir vials on an urgent basis for Nagpur.

The bench also took note of a recent incident of Mumbai where police unearthed an alleged malpractice where the director of a Gujarat-based company was trying to sell 60,000 vials of Remdesivir in the black market.

It said the Nagpur police should carry out periodical checks, surprise raids and inspections to stop such malpractices.

Nagpur Collector Ravindra Thakare told the court that around 4,000 vials of Remdesivir are expected to be received on Wednesday.
Bill Nelson was in friendly territory during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, with former colleagues heaping praise and softball questions on the nominee to lead NASA.

The former Democratic senator was exalted for being passionate about space and for being willing to reach across the aisle. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, even gave him the nod of approval.

There are not many (President Joe) Biden nominees about whom I am enthusiastic, and your nomination is a notable exception to that, Cruz said. Im enthusiastic because you and I have worked together for a lot of years, and I know that you genuinely care about the mission of NASA.

More on his nomination: Former Sen. Bill Nelson poised to become head of NASA

The hearing stands in stark contrast from the hearing in 2017 when U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine sat before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation prior to becoming NASA administrator. Senators, including Nelson, criticized him for being a politician and for lacking space experience.

Ultimately, Bridenstines familiarity with Congress proved useful for advocating on behalf of NASA. And on Wednesday, not a single senator asked Nelson about his previous comments or hesitancy regarding a politician leading NASA. Instead, they praised his political chops and said it would help the agency as its Artemis program seeks to return astronauts to the moon.

"As NASA embarks on its Artemis program, the agency needs a leader who not only has a longstanding understanding of NASAs goals and missions but someone with political leadership skills who can build consensus and chart a bold path forward for NASA and our country, said former Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who worked with Nelson on NASA issues while they were both in the Senate.

Nelson, 78, was on the verge of tears when reminiscing about his time in the Senate. His long political career included serving as a ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. He was also chairman of the Space and Science Subcommittee and even a crew member on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1986.

Space continuity

Nelsons Senate confirmation hearing comes three months after Biden was sworn into office. And while space is not typically a top priority for incoming presidents, Biden has shown an interest in NASA.

The president is displaying a moon rock in the Oval Office. He called employees with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory to congratulate them after the Perseverance rover landed on Mars, and hes requesting a 6.3 percent increase in funding that would boost NASAs budget to $24.7 billion.

He also appears to be continuing key programs that were started or revived by President Donald Trumps Administration.

The Biden Administration can disagree with lots of things that the Trump Administration did and still point to space and say, Except in this area, there was a lot of good stuff, said Jared Zambrano-Stout, a space policy expert with the law firm Meeks Butera & Israel.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has said Biden supports NASAs Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon. He wants the Space Force to remain an independent branch of the military, and hes continuing the National Space Council to coordinate federal space policies and activities.

When asked by a reporter if space and space policy is one of the few areas where President Biden actually agrees with his predecessor, Psaki said, that sounds accurate to me.

Its welcome news for a community accustomed to new presidents changing policies and canceling human spaceflight programs, including a previous moon shot.

Previous policy swings: NASA treads carefully in politics that determine its fate

We are finally able to complete something we started, said Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. This is about whats best for America. And Biden sees that the policies implemented during the previous administration was the right set of goals and initiatives.

Zambrano-Stout noted that many of the policies created during the Trump Administration had wide support and, in some cases, were the result of many years of consensus building.

Nelson likewise voiced his commitment to continuity on Wednesday and said his vision for NASA was to continue for us to explore the heavens with humans and with machines.

He thanked Bridenstine, saying he did a remarkable job under difficult circumstances. And he said NASA continues working toward the 2024 goal of landing people on the moon. This is a goal many in the space community believe is unrealistic, and Nelson acknowledged that its an ambitious timetable and that space is hard.

Reaching the moon

Bidens fiscal year 2022 budget request includes $6.9 billion for Artemis, and there are many reasons why Biden might wish to continue this program.

For starters, its a sign of American strength. Its also a diplomacy tool that encourages international cooperation, said Todd Harrison, director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

And with Russia and China potentially partnering on lunar exploration, America wants to create a sustainable lunar presence to maintain space leadership and its reputation as a desirable nation to partner with in microgravity.

If we dont go to the moon and the only way a smaller space power could get to the moon is by partnering with Russia and China, then they might do it, Harrison said. And thats going to bring them closer to our competitors.

To lower Americans to the moon, NASA is partnering with commercial companies to develop human landing systems. On Friday, it announced that the SpaceX Starship being developed and tested in South Texas would be used on Artemis first crewed mission. Other companies could develop systems for later missions.

More on the selection of SpaceX: NASA picks SpaceX Starship for lunar landing system

On Wednesday, Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, expressed concern that just one company was chosen to move forward with this initial human landing system. With other NASA programs, such as the Commercial Crew program thats carrying astronauts to the International Space Station, NASA selected two commercial companies in case one had an issue.

I want to know that youll commit to rapidly providing Congress with a plan for assuring that kind of resiliency out of the human lander program, Cantwell said.

Nelson committed to doing this and said competition is important.

The specifics

Biden has only scratched the surface of space policy, and the space community is waiting to see where the president stands on more nitty-gritty policy details.

But thus far, it appears there wont be any sweeping changes that could derail space progress or cost jobs  and jobs were something multiple senators emphasized on Wednesday.

It is explicitly acknowledged now that space policy is one area where what Trump was doing is largely going to continue under the Biden Administration, Harrison said, and it seems to have a lot of bipartisan support.

andrea.leinfelder@chron.com

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[April 21, 2021] Momentum Dynamics' Wireless Charging Solution Achieves CE Mark

High Power Wireless EV Charging now Available for Commercial Deployment Across Europe for all Vehicle Types MALVERN, Pa., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum Dynamics Corporation (Momentum) of Malvern, PA, a global leader of wireless charging for electric vehicles has issued a declaration of CE conformity for its 75 kilowatts (kW), 150 kW, and 300 kW charging solutions. This is the first and only wireless EV charging solution to achieve this important designation for power levels in excess of 75kW. CE Marking indicates the company's technology and products comply with the European Union's directive and is required for products manufactured or sold in the European Economic Area. Specifically, this declaration of conformity states that Momentum's solution meets the relevant harmonized performance and safety standards and will not endanger lives or property. To achieve the declaration the company's products had to undergo a stringent series of tests including environmental, efficiency, personal safety, structural integrity, and electro-magnetic emissions/immunity testing. "These tests and this certification are critically important given the rapidpace of advancement in the market for vehicle electrification in Europe and the rest of the world. This is a breakthrough for automatic inductive charging as a commercial alternative to conductive EV charging that will accelerate the transition to fully electrified transportation and logistics," said Andy Daga, founder and CEO of Momentum.



The company is preparing to launch fleets of wirelessly charged taxis with Jaguar Land Rover in Oslo, Norway this spring and with other major automakers, delivery vans, trucks, and buses later this year. CE designation is a critical step in activating these networks and expanding the network of chargers throughout Europe. Momentum's system has been proven through years of service in the U.S. market with power levels of 50 kW to 300 kW and can scale to power levels more than 450 kW. The company's solutions in the U.S. marketplace have been delivered under UL Field Certification since 2016.

Wireless Charging Keeps Fleets Moving

Wireless charging for electric vehicles allows automatic charging during regular operation. While in-service, such as during the loading of passengers or parcels, an equipped vehicle parks over charging pads that are embedded in the pavement or mounted on the floor of a garage. The charging is automatic and requires no action or supervision by the driver who is free to continue primary duties such as vehicle loading or attending to passengers. The system works in all weather and is unaffected by rain, ice, or snow. Automatic wireless charging also enables automated charging of the full range of autonomous vehicles including restricted fleets (logistics yards, vehicle depots, geofenced areas) and open road fleets (delivery, shared mobility, and passenger vehicles). About Momentum Dynamics

Momentum Dynamics is a market-leading original technology developer of efficient, automatic, wireless charging systems for the automotive, transportation, and logistics industries with real-world technology in operation that proves the capability and need for fast, automated opportunity charging of electric vehicles. www.momentumdynamics.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1492084/Momentum_Dynamics_Corporation_Logo.jpg

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Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Kill Six Villagers in Sagaing Using Heavy Weapons

Anti-regime protesters gather in Yinmabin Township, Sagaing Region on March 25, 2021 / CJ

Six civilians were killed when junta forces attacked with heavy weapons after using drones to conduct surveillance of anti-regime villagers movements in Sagaing Regions Yinmabin Township on Tuesday evening.

After 6 p.m. on Tuesday, some 200 soldiers arrived in Thigon Village from Wingon Village and started firing, prompting clashes with villagers, said Yinmabin resident Ko Soe.

However, they [the soldiers] used artillery and the peoples forces retreated. Following the clash, they conducted house-to-house raids in the village last night. Many villagers fled and are still in hiding as of [Wednesday] morning, he said.

He said six civilians were confirmed killed and about half a dozen injured. A few villagers were arrested.

We are still gathering the casualties. They used drones to conduct surveillance of peoples movements and then fired on their locations using RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades], he said.

Another resident said there were reports that junta forces had been killed, but The Irrawaddy was unable to confirm them.

Rejecting military rule and the juntas fatal crackdowns on anti-regime protesters since the Feb. 1 coup, residents of Sagaing Regions Kale, Tamu, Taze, Pale, Salingyi, Mingin, Kani and Yinmabin townships have begun resisting regime forces with rudimentary arms.

Residents of Yinmabins Thapyayaye Village have fought back against the junta forces with traditional homemade firearms.

On the northern boundary of Yinmabin Township last week, villagers took defensive action against junta forces. Casualties were reported on both sides on Saturday.

In Kani Township west of the Chindwin River, Class 2 Warrant Officer Soe Soe Aung was killed when he was struck by lead bullets fired from traditional homemade firearms, according to state-run MWD news. The junta accused villagers of killing the officer.

Following the junta forces armed attack and raids, residents of at least four villages in Kani Township and at least three villages in Yinmabin Township have yet to return to their homes.

Six civilians were killed on April 15, and at least two have been killed in the townships daily since then. Residents said a total of at least 16 people had been killed since last week, including a monk.



You may also like these stories:

Mother of Prominent Protest Leader Detained by Myanmar Junta Fears for his Health

Myanmar Regime Disputes Protest-Related Death Toll Compiled by AAPP

ASEAN Summit on Myanmar Should Include NUG, Not Legitimize Junta
San Antonio police shot and killed a man accused of gunning down another man in a shed on the South Side, the chief said Tuesday evening.

It was the second shooting involving a local officer Tuesday and the fourth in less than a week.

Chief William McManus said officers received a call for a shooting about 6 p.m. at a home in the 400 block of East Pyron Avenue.

A man, 49, who lived at the home was in a shed when another man, 37, drove up to the home, according to police.

The second man walked to the shed in the backyard and shot the 49-year-old, McManus said. A third man who had been with the victim fled the scene, he said.

The victims wife then fired a couple of rounds at the shooter, McManus said. Its not clear whether either of those shots hit the man.

Afterward, the man waited in the backyard for police to arrive, the chief said. While waiting, he was doing cryptic, strange things, the chief said.

McManus said he wouldnt offer more information on what the man was doing because he didnt want to jeopardize the investigation.

Five officers arrived at the scene and split up, with some approaching from the front of the house and the others from behind, McManus said.

As soon as they entered the backyard, the individual started shooting at them, the chief said.

The officers returned fire, killing the man, the chief said. None of the officers was injured, police said. Neither the man nor the officers have been identified.

The 49-year-old, who also hasnt been identified, died in the shed, the chief said.

Police do not have a motive for the shooting.

At this time, theres still a lot of investigative work to be done, the chief said.

All five of the officers, who have between one and 10 years of experience each, will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation, officials said.

Theres been several shootings involving local law enforcement in the last week.

Earlier Tuesday, a man was shot and killed after being confronted by two VIA Transit officers responding to a call about a man with a gun on a bus.

On Friday, a San Antonio police officer shot and killed two men during a traffic stop that turned into a shootout Friday on the West Side.

On Thursday, a San Antonio park police officer confronted a man who was firing a gun indiscriminately outside a terminal at San Antonio International Airport. The officer shot the gunman twice before the man fatally shot himself, police said.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale died on Monday at the age of 93. His death brought back a flood of memories to me. I want to offer these personal notes on the occasion of his death.

I talked my way into an internship in then Minnesota Senator Mondales Washington office in the summer of 1969, just after I graduated from high school in St. Paul. I had gone to hear Mondale speak at an event that spring and tracked him down outside the building afterwards. I told Mondale that Syd Berde, his former chief deputy when he served as Minnesota Attorney General, had called him and recommended me to him. Thats what I had been given to understand, although Im not sure it was accurate. (Mr. Berde was the father of my classmate Chuck Berde, by far the smartest student in our class. Chuck told me that his father had called Mondale on my behalf, as I had requested.)

However, Mondale didnt disagree. It didnt take more than a mention of Mr. Berde for Mondale to tell me to call Mike Berman, the manager of his office in Washington. I called Mike and arranged a start-up date.

Working for Mondale that summer was a life-changing experience. I found him to be a decent, honest, and surprisingly candid boss. He had me performing the traditional functions of an intern at the time. During my first day on the job, Mike asked me to go to the vendor outside the Senate Office Building and buy rum-soaked crooks for Mondale. Its a cigar I havent heard of before or since.

Mondale kept a so-called first-name file of friends and supporters under Mikes jurisdiction. When letters came in with the salutation Dear Fritz, we had to check them against the file and make sure that responses were not signed with the office autopen. My job was to sign them Fritz, in Mondales cursive style. I got pretty good at it, too.

I enjoyed it all. According to Hegels famous adage, No man is a hero to his valet. This is not because the hero is not a hero, but because the valet is a valet. These may be the only two sentences by Hegel that I think I understand. Although I had a valets perspective on Mondale, and although my politics have changed considerably since that summer, I have nothing but good to say about him as a man.

Mondale came up in the Minnesota DFL as a protege of Hubert Humphrey. Indeed, as a precocious young man, Mondale served as a Young DFL anti-Communist organizer in Humphreys struggle to throw the Communists out of the DFL. See John Earl Hayness invaluable Dubious Alliance: The Making of Minnesotas DFL Party (1984). Mister, we could use a man like the young Walter Mondale again.

Back in 1969, the Senate committees held real hearings and exchanges of substance took place on the Senate floor. With Mondales encouragement, I played hooky on occasion to take them in. One day I was surprised to see Louisiana Senator Russell Long mercilessly interrogating Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire on Proxmires criticism of the oil depletion allowance on the Senate floor. I thought Long may have had the better of the argument but was surprised at how bitter and unrelenting he was. When I asked Mondale about it, Mondale simply observed: Russell was drunk.

During his service as vice president Mondale attended the official opening of the new University of Minnesota Law School building on the west bank of the campus in January 1978, I think. I was a second-year student and a member of the law school student council at the time. I somehow snagged the honor of greeting him with his Secret Service contingent when he arrived.

The following year the council solicited items for a fund-raising auction. Mondale had made his name in part as an ardent advocate of campaign-finance reform, but he contributed an autographed copy of his January 1956 Minnesota Law Review note opposing Minnesotas then current campaign finance reform law (Minnesota Corrupt Practices Act: A Critique of the Fixed Campaign Expenditure Limitations). It is an intelligent and insightful piece that remains relevant to the larger issues and seemed to me, given his about-face on the subject, a characteristically humorous contribution to the auction. (Im the proud owner.) In May 2001 the law school building was named Walter F. Mondale Hall in his honor.

After Mondales last public service, as ambassador to Japan in the Clinton administration, he returned to the Twin Cities to work at the Dorsey and Whitney law firm. Although he sought unsuccessfully to return to his old job as Senator after Paul Wellstones death in 2002, he wasnt wedded to Washington. He had a life and family in Minneapolis.

Our paths crossed occasionally in the downtown Minneapolis skyway. He would always take the time to stop and chat with me in his candid style. I asked him during one such chat about Steven Gillons The Democrats Dilemma: Walter F. Mondale and the Liberal Legacy (1992). Mondale had arranged for Gillon to have unconditional access to archives and former staffers to facilitate his work on the book.

The book reflected a liberals disillusion with aspects of Mondales career, and Mondale was disappointed by it in turn, but he was a big boy who never lost his gift for self-deprecation. Gillon relates that when he first approached Mondale in 1986 about his desire to write the book, Mondale asked him, Who would want to read a book about me?

Gillon responded that Mondales career served as a prism for viewing recent American politics (recent as of 1986). Mondale laconically commented: So maybe Lane Kirkland will buy a copy. Lane Kirkland and me, I guess. Mondale to the contrary notwithstanding, its a valuable book about a politician of rare grace and integrity.

When my youngest daughter graduated from college in 2015, we went to dinner with the family of her boyfriend (now fiancee). Former Ambassador to Rumania (1994-1997) Alfred Moses is his grandfather. In the Carter White House he served as special counsel and special advisor to Carter as well as lead counsel to Carter in the Billygate hearings. I asked him whom he respected most among his colleagues in the Carter administration. He answered without hesitation: Fritz Mondale. RIP.
With the Democrats totally in control of the federal government, the push for reparations (ostensibly) to the descendants of black slaves is picking up steam. Any rational person knows that a reparations mandate will be a complete mess. It goes without saying that Uncle Sam essentially screws up everything he (can I still use that pronoun?) touches. But a Department of Reparations, or whatever the heck they'll call it, will face the insurmountable task of figuring out who is actually "entitled" to receive said payments. That's assuming that slavery-based reparations is the actual goal.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately forty-two million blacks currently living in the United States. That's about 13.5 percent of the population. Many blacks are successful and independent and have no interest in enlarging the already bloated welfare state. Conversely, there are millions, especially from urban areas, whose families have been totally dependent on government largesse for generations.

Some observers refer to the welfare state as modern-day slavery. But instead of doing forced labor, they receive a monthly stipend to vote Democrat. (That's better than being forced to pick cotton in the blazing sun, but the advancement opportunities aren't much improved.) Most citizens who are trapped in this endless cycle of dependence will certainly feel entitled, so they'll take every penny they can get. Others, who have no connection to slavery in this country, will apply simply because of the color of their skin. And in the long run, that's probably all they'll need.

Noted historian Roger D. McGrath, a Marine Corps veteran and former history professor at UCLA, wrote a fascinating article in Chronicles (June 2019), "Sins of Omission: Getting Real about Reparations." It's well worth the read, addressing many aspects of slavery that are virtually unknown to most of us...especially the yapping hyenas circling for the kill on the reparations issue. One point in particular jumps out: the number of black slave-owners in the preCivil War South.

"There were more than a quarter-million free blacks in the South and more than 4,000 of them were slavemasters who owned more than 20,000 black slaves," McGrath wrote. "William Ellison, only one of several hundred black slaveholders in South Carolina, owned 63 slaves as recorded in the U.S. Census of 1860. In Charleston, 125 free blacks were slaveholders, and in Charleston City, the port city for Charleston, the largest owner of slaves was a black woman." John Stanly, one of 69 black slaveholders in North Carolina, owned three plantations and 163 slaves, McGrath noted.

The most prolific state for black slaveholders was Louisiana. In the New Orleans area alone, 28 percent of free blacks owned slaves. When the Civil War was imminent, free blacks in New Orleans pledged their unwavering support for the Confederacy. A documented declaration, included in McGrath's article, reads as follows: "The free colored population of Louisiana ... owns slaves, and they are dearly attached to their native land ... and they are ready to shed their blood for her defense. They have no sympathy for abolitionism, no love for the North, but they have plenty for Louisiana[.] ... They will fight for her in 1861 as they fought in 18141815."

When read in its entirety, McGrath's article is a persuasive argument for why slavery-based reparations is a terrible idea. The facts about black slaveowners was included to show a little known, but ultimately important, piece in the much larger anti-reparations puzzle. Unfortunately, none of the facts is likely to matter.

As usual, liberals will be unable to counter a strong argument from the opposition. Marxist loons are already trying to simplify the process, saying the color of your skin should be the only necessary criterion. They're even hinting that "brown people" should receive reparations as well (kudos to AOC!), which obviously has nothing to do with slavery. But...well...you know...systemic racism, blah, blah, blah.

If reparations become a reality, which is entirely possible, it will be like COVID stimulus checks on steroids. Based entirely on skin color. Whites need not apply. Just another example of rampant racism from the left.

Image via Pxhere.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
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on Wednesday cancelled four bilateral deals with China, Iran and Syria under new laws that give the federal government power to overrule agreements by lower-level administrations that violate the national interest.

The cancelled deals include Victoria state's two Belt and Road infrastructure building initiative deals with Beijing signed in 2018 and 2019, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. Those deals triggered the legislative response.

Victoria Education Department pacts signed with Syria in 1999 and Iran in 2004 were also cancelled.

I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations, Payne said in a statement.

had previously cautioned against disrupting successful pragmatic cooperation with Victoria.

in 2018 passed sweeping national security laws that ban covert foreign interference in domestic politics. Beijing protested that the laws were prejudiced against and poisoned Chinese-Australian relations.
Meanwhile, travelers from two of Illinois neighboring states are no longer subject to Chicagos COVID-19 restrictions as of this week, but Indiana could be added back to the citys travel order list later if its cases do not go down. Here are the details.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (File Photo)

Washington [US], April 22 (ANI): The United States will continue to support the people of Myanmar against the military coup, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Blinken's statement comes after US imposed sanctions on two state-owned Burmese companies, Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE).

"The Burmese military regime continues to ignore the will of the people of Burma to restore the country's path to democracy. Instead of acceding to the clear aspirations of its citizens, the regime has intensified its violent crackdown, killing more than 650 people, including many children, and detaining more than 3,200 others since February 1," Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The United States is taking further action to restrict the regime's access to key economic resources by designating two state-owned enterprises that benefit the regime as it engages in violence against the people of Burma. Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE) are being designated pursuant to Executive Order 14014, for being a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the government of Burma," he added.

The US Secretary of State further stated that "US action today reinforces our message to the military that the United States will continue to target specific funding channels and promote accountability for the coup and related violence. We will continue to support the people of Burma in their efforts to reject this coup, and we call on the military regime to cease violence, release all those unjustly detained, and restore Burma's path to democracy".

On February 1, the Myanmar military overthrew the civilian government and declared a year-long state of emergency. The coup triggered mass protests and was met by deadly violence, resulting in the death of several hundred people. (ANI)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 15:01:22|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A Sino-French cultural exchange festival kicked off here Wednesday.

Known as "Festival Croisements," the festival, which runs through July 31, will stage 78 cultural events featuring a series of artistic and cultural exchanges between the two countries in 14 cities across China.

The festival was suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of the festival in 2021 bears a special meaning, said France's Ambassador to China Laurent Bili.

The high-quality and diversified activities demonstrate the tremendous creativity of the two peoples and their strong desire to communicate with each other, the ambassador said.

Cultural activities will be held with a special focus on such fields as visual arts, operas, films, dances and books.

This year, the festival starts to seek communication in the fashion industry. A fashion show will be held in Shenzhen, an economic hub in south China's Guangdong Province, with designers from both countries cooperating under the theme of sustainable fashion.

Chinese actor Jin Dong, actress Tong Liya and designer Shangguan Zhe are the "ambassadors" of this year's festival. Enditem
Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (left) was found dead with burns to her body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home on Tuesday morning. Her ex-husband Brian Johnston (right) has been charged with her alleged murder

A seemingly insignificant photo of a bundle of Halloween treats has shed light on how a mother-of-three who was allegedly set on fire and killed by her estranged husband 'lit up the room'.

Kelly Wilkinson, 27, had sought a police restraining order against Brian Earl Johnston, 34, before her burnt body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel, Gold Coast home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Johnston was found two blocks away in a semi-conscious state. Later that day he was charged with his wife's alleged murder and breaching a bail condition.

A resurfaced photo Ms Wilkinson posted to a community Facebook page in November last year highlights the mother-of-three's heart of gold.

'Hello is there any kids who missed out on trick or treat. We have plenty left I have sorted into bags if anyone wants to stop by for a bag I'm happy to dress up in my costume,' Ms Wilkinson wrote alongside a photo of lollies and chocolate she had placed into individual zip lock bags.

Ms Wilkinson's death has sent shockwaves through the country and triggered an outpouring of grief from heartbroken loved ones and neighbours.

Friend Rachel Walshe said the young mother 'always lit up the room with her smile and always had us laughing'.

A resurfaced photo Ms Wilkinson posted to a community Facebook page in November last year highlights the mother-of-three's heart of gold

The couple holding one of their children during a holiday in the US. Johnston (right) is in a serious condition under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

Local resident Louise Christy sunk to her knees outside the Arundel crime scene on Wednesday afternoon to mourn Ms Wilkinson. Neighbours reported seeing a 'huge fireball'

'Every memory with Kelly brings a smile to my face. Kelly, you will be missed so dearly, we will never forget you,' Ms Walshe told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Ruby Lorenz, who went to school with Ms Wilkinson, said she was 'heartbroken, disgusted and angry' at what happened to her old friend.

'I am lost for words,' she said.

Other locals described her death as a 'devastating and senseless loss'.

Jill Ellis said she was 'absolutely horrified that this has happened again,' while Chris Hancock said his heart goes out to her family and 'innocent children that will have to live with this for the rest of their lives'.

The heartfelt tributes come after a shell-shocked neighbour of Ms Wilkinson revealed the harrowing moment he found her body - and her three children crying on the front driveway.

The neighbour, who would only give his first name 'Benny', said Ms Wilkinson's alleged attacker, an ex-U.S. army marine who is now in hospital under police guard, had previously described his fear of being 'kicked out' of Australia.

Ms Christy broke down (left) to grieve the loss of Ms Wilkinson, a 27-year-old mother of three and was visibly emotional while speaking to media about the tragedy (right)

On Wednesday Benny told Daily Mail Australia he often spoke to Johnston when he was still living at the Spikes Court address with Kelly and the three children.

'The last time I spoke to him, I backed out one day and I saw him in the yard and wound down the window and asked, 'How are you going Brian?' He said, 'I'm getting kicked out.

'He mentioned there was the chance of him being deported so in hindsight he was in a bad mental state.

'Now I think I should have hopped out of the car and had a chat to him.'

Benny recalled the moment yesterday when his wife heard the explosion in the backyard of the house next door.

'There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard,' he said. 'My wife heard it. I have hearing aids and didn't hear a thing.

'We raced through our garage and there are the three kids on the driveway next door.

'The children were totally distraught, one of them was in a nappy.

There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard Neighbour Benny

'My wife said, I'll take the kids, you go. I went through the house and out the back and saw this huge fireball.

'I went around the corner of the house looking for the hose because I thought the house was on fire.

'The neighbour at the back came with a hose too and it wasn't until we got the fire down that I saw there was a body in there. I rang the police straight away and waited in the driveway until they came, which happened quickly.

'We brought the kids inside. We have a room in there for our grandchildren and the two older children came in and upended the Lego container.

Ex-U.S. Marine and Ohio native Brian Johnston moved to Australia and told a fellow veteran friend he 'had no one' there

'We fed them, clothed them, and then child safety arrived to take them.

'We still have their dog Riley in our backyard.'

Police said they had found a melted red plastic jerry can, three knives and duct tape in the backyard of the house.

Benny said the family had been at the house for about 18 months but Johnston's dual cab ute had recently not been seen at the property.

'He was a normal guy, he loved to talk, sometimes I had to tell him to go home,' said Benny.

'We never saw or heard arguments or anything so it was strange. But he was obviously distressed.'

Benny said Johnston had established a successful business on the Gold Coast as a marine hydraulic engineer, even fixing one of the Victorian cruisers that had attempted to evade Queensland's border closure during the height of the pandemic.

Benny, a retiree, said he saw Kelly walking her kids to school every morning and afternoon, bringing along their youngest in a pram.

'She didn't drive. I think they've got her a car and her mother was giving her driving lessons before she [the mother] passed away in February.

'He actually came over and told me that the mother-in-law had died.'

Alleged killer's 'worrying' call to friend

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Johnston served two tours of duty in Iraq with the aviation division of the US Marine Corps - but did not see combat.

A fellow marine said he last spoke to the alleged killer about three weeks ago in a call where he expressed concerns about his life in Australia.

'Last time I talked to Brian his biggest fear was he had nobody in Australia but his wife and kids,' the friend said.

'All his family was in Ohio and she (his wife) was making accusations against him.

'He told me he was living in his office and didn't know what to do.'

Pictured: A family photo of Ms Wilkinson from 2016 showing her smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls

The friend said Johnston had met his wife in Ohio after his time in the military and he understood they had separated.

'Brian was struggling with the fact Kelly did not want to be with him,' the friend continued.

'He only expressed concerns about how much he missed Kelly and his kids and they were everything to him.

'He said they were all he had over there. My concern was making sure he knew it would be OK and he was strong enough to get through all this (the separation).'

The friend said he was struggling to come to terms with the allegations against his mate.

Alleged killer's family in mysterious GoFundMe

Kelly Wilkinson's body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Police were called to her home at 6.40am after reports of an explosion and screams coming from the home.

Johnston was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state'. He was charged with murder on Tuesday night.

Tuesday's alleged attack came seven years after the couple shared photos of their wedding, surrounded by their loved ones.

The estranged couple on their wedding day. Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen died in February in a tragic double blow for the family

Other photos showed Mr Johnston holding one of their children next to Ms. Wilkinson during a holiday in the US, and Ms Wilkinson smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls.

Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen, who died in February in a tragic double blow for the family, had also shared images on Facebook of her daughter and her young family visiting his native Ohio.

On April 6, exactly two weeks before the alleged murder, Mr Johnston's sister Kelly Kruft created the 'Help Brian and his Children' GoFundMe page.

'I'm Kelly, Brian's sister. This is all I know to do to help my brother currently since he is in Australia! He needs our help! Please and Thank you! God Bless,' was the only message on the fundraiser, which did not say why he needed help.

A day after creating the crowdfunding page, which featured a photo of Johnston's three children, Ms Kruft took to Facebook to plead for donations.

'We are asking for your help and most definitely your prayers please! I can't go into details currently but Brian needs his family and friends!!!!' she wrote.

On Tuesday night, Ms Wilkinson's heartbroken sister Danielle Carroll lashed out at Ms Kruft for posting about the fundraiser.

Ms Kruft took down her Facebook page late on Tuesday night after being bombarded with thousands of abusive messages directed to her brother, but the GoFundMe page is still active.

Ms Wilkinson's body was found in the backyard of her Gold Coast home early on Tuesday morning

Police were called to the area at 6:40am and immediately cordoned off the street

The house where police say Johnston was found unconscious with burns to his hands and airways

A separate GoFundMe was created by Ms Wilkinson's sister Natalie on Tuesday afternoon asking for help in paying for the funeral of her 'beautiful angel'.

'Unfortunately Kelly has passed away... we are trying to raise money to pay for the funeral, the kids schooling and all other costs,' she wrote on the page.

The GoFundMe has already seen donations totalling more than $103,000 in less than two days.

Ms Wilkinson's sister asked for friends and family to 'help the children' through the difficult period.

Several people responded to Ms Wilkinson's sister's post, expressing their condolences and devastation at the news.

Det. Insp. Ahern said he did not know if the man was the father of the children and could not comment as to whether he was known to police for earlier domestic violence incidents

Police examined bins in Spikes Court in case the man had left anything as he fled the scene

'Thinking of you and your family,' one friend replied.

'Oh babe... my heart reaches out to you all... If u need anything we are only a call away,' another said.

'I am so so so sorry Natalie,' another said.

Johnston was formally refused bail during a brief mention at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

His solicitor Chris Hannay said Johnston was expected to apply for Supreme Court bail in the coming months.

Mr Hannay said outside court that he had met with Johnstone on Sunday, less than 48 hours before he allegedly attacked and murdered Ms Wilkinson.

'On Sunday, I got some instructions from him in relation to some other fairly serious matters that he has been charged with, and I haven't spoken to him since,' Mr Hannay said.

Johnstone did not appear distressed or agitated for the weekend conference, Mr Hannay said.

'Obviously, no one expected this to happen, but everyone thought that they were just chugging along as a normal process.'
Queensland health authorities are investigating blood clots in a man who received the Pfizer vaccine this week but are unsure whether his clotting was related to the jab.

Queensland Health confirmed a 40-year-old had presented to hospital after receiving the vaccine.

Queensland Health is investigating any links between the vaccine and blood clots. (File image) Credit:Achmad Ibrahim/AP

The patient presented to a private hospital, is not currently admitted and any queries should be directed to the federal government, a statement read.

In Queensland, all adverse events in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines are reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Another day, another revelation that the world is a fundamentally sexist and misogynistic place. Researchers in Australia have discovered that women who daub themselves in lots of make-up are more likely to be objectified by men and looked down upon by women.

To reach their damning conclusions, Australian psychologists lined up 844 people, asking them to rate photographs of women in terms of the subjects brain power and likelihood to engage in casual sex. Their findings, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, suggest that the painted will be pariahs, deemed to be of lower moral status (translation: up for it) and significantly less bright.

Last time I looked, enjoying sex wasnt a bad thing so lets park that right here. However, no one wants to be seen as dim  even by 844 individuals of clearly limited wits.

Hannah Betts (pictured) recalls the prejudice she's experienced for being 'too glamorous', as researchers reveal women who daub themselves in lots of make-up are more likely to be objectified by men and looked down upon by women

So much for those of us who live for a fuchsia pout or emerald eyelid, who crave highlighted cheekbones, or cornflower-coloured nails. To be deemed clever, one must eschew Technicolor techniques for puritan scrubbed cheeks and a nun-like appearance just short of the wimple.

Tell me something I dont know. As a 50-year-old who has taken enormous pleasure in sporting a full face of slap every day since the age of 11, I can confirm that this prejudice is alive and kicking. Throughout my life, I have been informed that I couldnt be an academic, a leader writer and/or a feminist because I was too glamorous; read: caked in cosmetics.

I remember a piously bare-faced science teacher gazing with scorn at my 1980s eyeliner and gloopily glossed lips. My cosmetic fixation meant I must be extremely stupid, she declared, and I would never earn any money.

In fact, my interest in the cosmetic arts has introduced me to cultures past and present from Bronze Age beauties onwards. While the most I have ever been paid was actually to name nail varnish shades for a designer brand: several thousand a day to come up with Crimson Claw and the like.

The prejudice against painted ladies is not something that ends with adolescence. Far from it. Society is never happier than when its telling women how they should look, categorising them according to a stereotype that claims blue stockings are incompatible with blue eyeliner.

In my 20s, I taught English for six years as a lecturer at Oxford, while researching descriptions of female beauty within Elizabethan literature.

In my early 30s, I wrote a make-up column for a newspaper, while also being part of its editorial and comment department of serious writers. I took over the cosmetics gig from the famously bookish Nigella Lawson, gifted by anybodys standards, who also happens to share my fascination with powder and paint.

Hannah (pictured) argued male interests are viewed as sacred, meanwhile womens as merely stupid - despite the beauty industry generating this country 18 billion a year

The far-sighted and generous male editor who appointed me said that he knew smart women could love make-up because he was friends with Susan Greenfield, then director of the Royal Institution, and as notorious for her scarlet lips and long blonde hair as she was for her planet-sized brain.

Professor Greenfield, whom I had had the pleasure of knowing at Oxford, has held research fellowships in its Department of Physiology, the College de France in Paris and in NYU Medical Center New York.

She has been awarded 32 honorary degrees from universities around the globe.

She is currently CEO of a biotech company developing a disruptive approach to Alzheimers disease based on her research exploring mechanisms linked to neurodegeneration.

Originally a classicist before becoming a brain specialist, now a writer, broadcaster, novelist, member of the House of Lords, and holder of both a CBE and Frances Legion dHonneur, a love of lipstick has not dimmed Baroness Greenfields brilliance.

I adore make-up and refuse to occupy the priggish universe in which it is suspect

And yet, still, a city editor announced that my beauty column would mark the end of my being taken seriously, while being perfectly happy for male colleagues to take on side hustles in sport, wine or cars. She and everyone else perceived boys toys as big business, beauty as a ghetto for girls and gay men.

Behold, the sexism that sees male interests as sacred, womens as merely stupid.

The beauty industry generates this country 18 billion a year, putting it in the same bracket as the 20 billion-generating car trade.

Regardless, like fashion, it must be belittled for the simple fact that women enjoy it.

During my years as a make-up columnist, I was regularly advised that my interest made me a dimwit; typically, by people rather less educated than myself.

Hannah who adores make-up, said grooming is a joy, solace and an art for her (file mage)

Women, in particular, enjoyed putting me down at parties. On one occasion, some particularly scathing specimen asked a chap whether he was talking to that dumb-a***d beauty journalist because we were sleeping together. No, he replied, she taught me at Oxford.

Another divulged that she was surprised I could string a sentence together and that men had more respect for her because she was a natural beauty.

Meanwhile, men might want to sleep with me, but wouldnt hang around. I responded that I didnt care what she or men thought: my make-up habit was about pleasing myself.

When I wasnt being branded as vacuous for wearing cosmetics, I was being condemned as brain dead for not perceiving their destructive political force. Fellow feminists disputed that I could be one of their number, the mascara wand being that well-known tool of oppression.

Naomi Wolfs The Beauty Myth, may have been published back in 1990, but its legacy lives on in every dinner-party bore who wields its disputed and outdated figures to argue that the industry is oppressing, and even killing, women.

Well, naysayers be damned. I adore make-up and refuse to occupy the priggish universe in which it is suspect. For me, grooming isnt a chore, but a joy, a solace, an art.

Trowelling on the slap is my hobby, my daily expression of creativity, my morning meditation, if you will. No less a genius, Dame Joan Collins once told me she feels the same.

Hannah said women will be condemned however they look, whatever they do and life would be intolerably mundane without every theatre (file image)

Far from being dim, self-adornment is the sign of a civilised society. Indeed, theres an argument that it was ornamentation that actually gave us our civilised society, Homo sapiens advancing over his rival species by bonding over baubles, bangles and, yes, make-up.

Not only is it a source of pleasure and sophistication, it is also cunning, manipulative, devious. This, of course, is what moralists have objected to from ancient times.

With it, I can look happier, healthier, more business-like or intimidating as the situation requires. It gives women the power to self-invent rather than be what authority tells us, and this is necessarily subversive.

The cosmetic arts great heroines have been not only intelligent, but power players, non-conformists, be it Cleopatra with her kohl, Elizabeth I and her leaden white mask, or the artfully maquillaged Mrs Thatcher.

The fact is, women will be condemned however they look, whatever they do.

When they tell us were wearing too much make-up, they mean were excessive full stop. Do what society says, back in your box.

Id rather be too much in other peoples eyes than not enough in my own; forgo the ordinary for the extraordinary, the chaste face for the self-created. Without this everyday theatre, life would feel intolerably mundane.

Ultimately, I feel sorry for make-ups detractors in their relentlessly realist world, faces as raw as cut thumbs.

In the end, theyre the ones who are just a little bit thick.
[April 21, 2021] ExecOnline Raises Additional $45 Million to Extend Market Lead as Pioneer in Online B2B Leadership Development Space

ExecOnline, the pioneer of online leadership development for enterprises, today announced a Series D funding round of $45 million USD led by OMERS Growth Equity. All of ExecOnline's major existing investors are also participating in the round, including Kaplan, ABS (News - Alert) Capital Partners, NewSpring, and Osage Venture Partners. As a result of the transaction, Saar Pikar, Managing Director with OMERS Growth Equity, will join the ExecOnline board of directors. ExecOnline partners with elite business schools like Berkeley Haas, Columbia, Stanford GSB, and Wharton, and leverages its unique applied learning approach and proprietary online platform to deliver participant completion rates above 90%, impressive NPS scores, and strong ROI for the enterprise. The funding will be used to accelerate growth by investing in sales and marketing, expanding the company's content Experience Library, and enhancing its technology platform. "As the pioneer in online leadership development for enterprises, we have been focused on delivering world-class learning experiences for companies from day one. Leadership capability is a key competitive differentiator that becomes even more important as organizations prepare for the future of work. With the adoption of new hybrid work models, ExecOnline's flexible, scalable platform powers our clients' talent strategies in a way that also provides career-enhancing opportunities to a broader, more inclusive group," said ExecOnline Co-Founder and CEO Stephen Bailey. "This investment led by OMERS Growth Equity will help us solidify our strategic position as the world's top leadership development platform for enterprises, and further our ability to make a meaningful impact on ur clients' businesses. OMERS Growth Equity is a well-respected, thoughtful player in edtech, and we look forward to accelerating our company's growth with their support."



"ExecOnline has identified significant white space in the popular edtech sector, which equates to a multi-billion dollar opportunity that we believe the company is ideally positioned to access. We prioritize our investments in organizations that demonstrate innovative, sustainable approaches to modern challenges, which ExecOnline has shown since their inception," said OMERS Growth Equity Managing Director, Saar Pikar. "The ExecOnline team is driven by a vision that resonates strongly with our own--to advance relevant solutions that change how organizations operate, specifically by transforming leadership development education and widening access to it. Stephen Bailey and his colleagues are truly 'doing well by doing good,' by facilitating this further evolution of executive development programs." About ExecOnline

As the pioneer of online leadership development for enterprises, ExecOnline has delivered transformational learning experiences to corporate leaders at over 500 global organizations since 2012. Through partnerships with elite business schools such as Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, Columbia, Duke CE, IMD, Ivey Business School, MIT (News - Alert) -Sloan, Stanford GSB, Tuck at Dartmouth, Wharton, and Yale, ExecOnline consistently provides top-tier leadership courses. As a Forbes "Technology Company to Watch," our proprietary online ecosystem combines the engagement of on-campus study with the convenience of online education, through dynamic, high-impact experiences tailored to the unique strategic, innovation and operation concerns of corporate executives. Visit www.execonline.com to learn more. Follow ExecOnline on LinkedIn and Twitter. About OMERS Growth Equity OMERS Growth Equity invests in high-growth companies backed by exceptional teams. OMERS Growth Equity is a long-term investor, focused on supporting companies to pursue all types of growth opportunities. These growth opportunities could include scaling operations, making acquisitions, expanding product lines, or entering new markets. To learn more, visit: https://www.omersprivateequity.com/GrowthEquity. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005209/en/

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Chandigarh, April 21 : Underlining his government's zero tolerance policy towards drugs, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday approved a reward policy to encourage information and inputs leading to recovery of drugs under the NDPS Act.

The Chief Minister termed it as an important step towards motivating people to play a proactive role in helping the government in cracking down on drug smugglers and traffickers.

The policy will recognise government servants, informers and sources for their role in providing inputs leading to the recovery of substantial quantity of drugs and in successful implementation of various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, said Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta.

The quantum of reward for successful investigation, prosecution, forfeiture of illegally acquired property, preventive detention and other significant anti-drug work shall be decided on case-to-case basis.

The decision is in line with the suggestion mooted by the DGP for instituting such a policy during the February 23 meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review the status of his government's 'War on Drugs'.

Gupta clarified that government officers and officials would normally be eligible for 50 per cent of the maximum reward. The rewards in excess of this limit may be considered only in cases where the government officer or official has exposed himself or herself to a great personal hazard or displayed exemplary courage.

He said the reward is purely an ex-gratia payment and cannot be claimed as a matter of right and the decision of the competent authority to grant reward would be final.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the SME sector, supported its members with procurement contracts worth AED896 million ($244 million) from 61 local and federal government entities and other establishments in 2020.



The contracts, facilitated as part of the Government Procurement Programme (GPP), had a major role in start-ups and SMEs in Dubai enhancing their competitiveness and sustaining growth in spite of Covid-19, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



The procurement contracts underline the importance of GPP in enabling Emirati entrepreneurs to play their part in the national economy as well as the role of Dubai SME in promoting collaboration between the various entities supporting the SME sector and economic development in Dubai.



Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, commented: "The Government Procurement Programme reflects the continuity and firm commitment from the public and private sectors in the country to supporting SMEs. In spite of Covid-19, a total of 61 governmental, semi-governmental, and private entities cooperated with Dubai SME members in 2020.



"Simultaneously, the Programme has become a benchmark for the diversity and competitiveness of Dubai SME members. We are grateful to the leadership for their foresight and we look forward to SMEs emerging as a strategic component of sustainable and innovation-driven economic growth in Dubai, and the UAE."



Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, said: "SMEs constitute 99% of the businesses in the Dubai and GPP has contributed to enhancing confidence in their capabilities and potential. Since its inception in 2002, the Government Procurement Programme has continued to empower entrepreneurs and the local start-up community."



A law issued by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mandates government agencies, institutions, and entities in which the government holds 25% or more in equity to allocate 10% of their purchases to Emirati companies that are members of Dubai SME, thus affirming the leaderships confidence in national competencies and their role in building a competitive and diversified economy.



The GPP has so far supported Dubai SME members with AED7.5 billion worth of contracts. Members of the GPP are exempt from registration fees for membership in the smart procurement portal for government procurement Al Janahi said Dubai SME members won AED896 million worth of contracts under GPP in 2020, of which 47% were from Dubai Government entities while 22% came from semi-governmental entities, 21% from the private sector, and 10% from federal government entities.



The commercial sector accounted for 83% of the purchases, while 12% came from the professional sector, 4% from the industrial sector, and 1% from the tourism sector.



Al Janahi also called for improved co-ordination and response from government agencies and institutions that have yet to achieve the SME procurement target percentage. He also reminded about the importance of giving priority to tenders submitted by Emirati entrepreneurs and projects in line with the directives of the leadership to ensure the best service and highest level of support for citizens.



Dubai government entities awarded AED427.563 million worth of contracts to Dubai SME members in 2020. RTA topped the list of government entities supporting owners of national projects with contracts valued at AED101 million, followed by Dubai Health Authority (AED82.7 million), Dubai Municipality (AED52.6 million), Dubai Police (AED40.6 million), and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (over AED33.9 million).



Among federal government entities the Ministry of Education led in terms of supporting GPP members with purchases and contracts valued at AED45 million, followed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (AED21.8 million), and the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (over AED17 million). Altogether, support from federal government entities exceeded AED87 million in 2020.



Emirates Group topped the list of semi-governmental entities supporting the GPP members with purchases and contracts valued at AED79 million, followed by Emirates Flight Catering (AED34.9 million), Dubai Holding (AED26.5 million), Emirates National Oil Company, ENOC (AED18.7 million), and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Du (AED16.4 million). Overall, the sector contributed AED195 million in contracts to Dubai SME members in 2020.



The GPP has also led to various partnerships with the private and public sectors in the UAE, which is an essential component of the Dubai SME strategy to provide added value to entrepreneurs through facilitating their business development and contracts and purchases from both sectors. Union Coop topped the list of private sector entities supporting the GPP with purchases and contracts valued at AED136.5 million, followed by Emaar (AED25.9 million), and Etihad Airways (AED21.8 million).


WHO says 650,000 children in 3 African countries get malaria vaccine

Xinhua) 09:41, April 21, 2021

NAIROBI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- More than 650,000 children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have received the malaria vaccine in the last two years since its launch, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday ahead of World Malaria Day to be marked on April 25.

Kate O'Brien, WHO director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals said the three African countries have established robust infrastructure to ensure that children are inoculated against the tropical disease.

"Ghana, Kenya and Malawi show that existing childhood vaccination platforms can effectively deliver the malaria vaccine to children, some of whom have not been able to access insecticide-treated bed net or other malaria prevention measures," she said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"This vaccine may be key to making malaria prevention more equitable and saving more lives," she added.

More than 1.7 million doses of the world's first malaria vaccine candidate called RTS,S have been administered in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi during the pilot phase that was launched in 2019.

"In some ways, malaria is the child health emergency of a lifetime-or many lifetimes- in Africa," said Akpaka Kalu, team leader for tropical and vector-borne diseases in the WHO African region.

"We applaud the work of participating countries that has resulted in malaria vaccine pilots with strong vaccination coverage that will add to our understanding of the RTS,S vaccine's potential to improve child health and strengthen malaria control and, potentially reverse trends," Kalu added.

According to WHO, data generated from the implementation of the pilot phase of malaria vaccination in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi will inform its broader use.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
With new data gathered from over 2,000 IT professionals worldwide, the report shows the continued adoption of DevOps must be supported through a learning organization and the continuous development of multi-faceted, skilled DevOps professionals

BOCA RATON, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DevOps Institute, a global professional association for advancing the human elements of DevOps, today announced the release of the "Upskilling 2021: Enterprise DevOps Skills Report." In its third year, the report examines DevOps hiring trends around the globe within enterprise IT organizations of all sizes. In addition to DevOps roles, the report examines the top skill domains and associated must-have skills within these domains, which are essential for a successful DevOps journey. Data in the 2021 report is based on research gathered from an open survey of more than 2,000 respondents from organizations of all sizes around the world.

Infographic Source: DevOps Institute, Upskilling 2021: Enterprise DevOps Skills Report. Learn more at https://devopsinstitute.com/.

The report is available for download at https://info.devopsinstitute.com/2021-upskilling-report-download

"DevOps Humans remained in-demand, despite a global pandemic that upended our ways of life and business," said Jayne Groll, CEO of DevOps Institute. "This is a testament to the importance and value of DevOps transformations at companies across industries and around the globe. The findings in the 2021 Upskilling Report give us clarity into the evolution of DevOps Humans and how IT organizations will shape their talent-based structures in 2021 and beyond."

The research and data analysis was led by DevOps Institute's Chief Research and Content Officer, Eveline Oehrlich, with support from Platinum Sponsor, GitLab; Gold Sponsors, CloudBees and The LLPA; Bronze Sponsors, Tricentis and HCL Software; and Media Sponsor, MediaOps.

Key Findings from the 'Upskilling 2021: Enterprise DevOps Skills Report' include:

Stop talking about being a learning organization and start acting. Seventy percent of survey respondents said that a learning organization was a predominant model--the DevOps way of working--while 45 percent leaned toward a safety culture. And, while 39 percent of IT teams are still struggling with a defined and systematic upskilling program, 52 percent of organizations already have a formally designed upskilling program or are currently developing one.

Seventy percent of survey respondents said that a learning organization was a predominant model--the DevOps way of working--while 45 percent leaned toward a safety culture. And, while 39 percent of IT teams are still struggling with a defined and systematic upskilling program, 52 percent of organizations already have a formally designed upskilling program or are currently developing one. Hiring for DevOps initiatives is high. COVID-19 has not stopped the hiring of DevOps roles. Sixty percent of organizations are recruiting now or in the future.

COVID-19 has not stopped the hiring of DevOps roles. Sixty percent of organizations are recruiting now or in the future. Capabilities and skill development must go hand in hand. DevOps teams must assess which critical capabilities they can perform or not, across key areas. But capabilities must be supported with skilled DevOps Humans. Upon examining the priority domain skill categories, the survey data shows that the essential combination of skills for a successful DevOps human are across the automation, human, technical, functional, process and framework knowledge skill domain categories.

DevOps teams must assess which critical capabilities they can perform or not, across key areas. But capabilities must be supported with skilled DevOps Humans. Upon examining the priority domain skill categories, the survey data shows that the essential combination of skills for a successful DevOps human are across the automation, human, technical, functional, process and framework knowledge skill domain categories. Pressure continues to force old IT operating models to change. As new forms of hybrid computing are on the rise, it gives application developers more freedom to choose tools and programming languages. As this increases, IT operations teams not yet practicing DevOps feel more pressure to embrace DevOps.

As new forms of hybrid computing are on the rise, it gives application developers more freedom to choose tools and programming languages. As this increases, IT operations teams not yet practicing DevOps feel more pressure to embrace DevOps. Value Stream Management (VSM) skills are seen by 39 percent of respondents as a must-have skill within the process and framework skill domain. DevOps and Agile practices have been adopted to innovate and create more iterative approaches for software development and delivery. However, the value must come through the customer lens. This is where VSM comes in. In simple terms, understanding and examining value streams of software being delivered end-to-end enables teams to make complex processes visible and provides the ability to pivot towards further value improvement.

DevOps and Agile practices have been adopted to innovate and create more iterative approaches for software development and delivery. However, the value must come through the customer lens. This is where VSM comes in. In simple terms, understanding and examining value streams of software being delivered end-to-end enables teams to make complex processes visible and provides the ability to pivot towards further value improvement. The adoption of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) as an operating model is 22 percent in 2021 compared to 15 percent in the previous year. SRE is needed to continue automation and reduce toil. Forty-seven percent of the survey respondents voted SRE skills as a must-have skill in the process and framework skill domain this year compared to 28 percent in the previous year's survey.

SRE is needed to continue automation and reduce toil. Forty-seven percent of the survey respondents voted SRE skills as a must-have skill in the process and framework skill domain this year compared to 28 percent in the previous year's survey. DevSecOps is a key trend. Security is integral to protect the business and enforce internal and external policies of the company. DevSecOps makes security an equal consideration alongside development and operations. According to survey participants, DevSecOps achieved a must-have percentage vote of 56 percent in the automation tool category.

Security is integral to protect the business and enforce internal and external policies of the company. DevSecOps makes security an equal consideration alongside development and operations. According to survey participants, DevSecOps achieved a must-have percentage vote of 56 percent in the automation tool category. New models such as DataOps and ModelOps are showing up. DataOps was voted by 27 percent as a must-have skill domain in the automation tool skill domain, whereas ModelOps received 22 percent. These new models are shaping the ongoing iterations of DevOps operating models.

DataOps was voted by 27 percent as a must-have skill domain in the automation tool skill domain, whereas ModelOps received 22 percent. These new models are shaping the ongoing iterations of DevOps operating models. DevOps Engineers are the most in-demand job title this year. It represents 53 percent of recently recruited DevOps positions. The DevOps engineer's responsibility might differ from company to company, but all should be engaged in upskilling themselves and their teams.

"Our research shows that the future of DevOps at any organization is dependent upon the breadth and depth of capabilities and the supporting skills of the team members and within the team," said Oehrlich. "A successful DevOps journey (actually any journey) has the DNA of a learning organization which means there is a commitment of continuous learning across all layers and players. Team members have changed their mental models to look at different views working in a collective and collaborative team. For example, problems and mistakes are opportunities to learn. This ability to continuously learn enables individuals and teams to work better together across boundaries regardless of process, team or technology boundaries. This mental continuous learning model will take time to develop, adapt and apply. Still, each individual can bring their skills and abilities to shape the bigger collective effort of DevOps. For everyone in IT, this is an exciting time to unlock your power, abilities and skills to accelerate your DevOps journey and that of your team and company. DevOps Human readiness and organizational learning must take on new importance now and in this next normal."

DevOps Institute Membership

DevOps Institute now offers a tiered professional membership model. Membership levels include Basic, Premium, Government/Nonprofit, Educator, and Enterprise Membership options, with Student and In-Transition member tiers to follow. DevOps Institute Professional Membership offers exclusive access to leading DevOps resources, discounted certification exams, DevOps capability assessments, premium content, discounted DevOps simulation experiences, members-only networking opportunities, career center access, and more. Join or learn more at https://devopsinstitute.com/membership

Share This: New Findings! The @DEVOPSINST Upskilling 2021: Enterprise DevOps Skills Report is now live! Download it to discover the latest trends for the #HumansofDevOps: http://bit.ly/PRUpskilling21

About DevOps Institute

DevOps Institute is a professional member association. Our mission is to advance the human elements of DevOps.

We create a safe and interactive ecosystem where members can network, gain knowledge, grow their careers, lead and initiate, and celebrate professional achievements.

We inspire thought leadership and knowledge by connecting and enabling the global member community to drive human transformation in the digital age.

Web | https://devopsinstitute.com/

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MobilityOne Ltd - e-commerce infrastructure payment solutions and platform provider - Subsidiary in Malaysia, MobilityOne Sdn Bhd, strikes deal with vendors of Tanjung Pinang Resources Sdn Bhd to terminate the proposed acquisition by M1 Malaysia of the entire issued share capital of TPR.

"As a result of the group's recent acquisition of OneTransfer Remittance Sdn Bhd, M1 Malaysia and the vendors of TPR have mutually agreed not to proceed with the acquisition," company explains.

It adds: "A nominal deposit of about GBP2,600 was paid to the vendors of TPR at the time of the acquisition agreement being entered into in December 2020. Under the terms of the termination agreement entered into today the vendors of TPR have agreed to refund this deposit to M1 Malaysia within three months of today's date."

In early April, MobilityOne completed the acquisition of the 50% shareholding it did not already own in OneTransfer Remittance. Total consideration for the deal is about GBP531,000, paid from existing cash resources.

Current stock price: 14.09 pence

Year-to-date change: up 52%

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Two farmers in Victorias west who will lose parts of their land to make way for the controversial Western Highway duplication project have lost a long-running court battle against the Andrews government.

After a string of court challenges that have spanned more than four years, sisters MairiAnne and Iona Mackenzie and a community environmental group were ordered to pay the governments court costs on Wednesday afternoon.

MairiAnne Mackenzie took action to stop the Western Highway project being built through her property and destroying a large number of old trees. Credit:Eddie Jim

Work on the $157 million duplication of a 12-kilometre stretch of highway between Buangor and Ararat, north-west of Melbourne, may not start until 2022  two years after the initial planned completion date.

The project is now running $60 million over budget following a public outcry over the governments plans to chop down trees that traditional owners deem sacred.
by David Oates

We are always looking for the book it is necessary to read next. Saul Bellow

That quote hangs over my writing desk. Its purpose is to remind me of the urgency of writing. Not the correctness of writing, not its sentiment or fashionability or mild amusement: its urgency. Bellow wants what I want  what every reader wants: the book that is necessary and of the moment, now.

Its what drives me as a writer. As a reader. And as a small-press publisher.

In the marketplace of books, it can be hard to find that next, necessary book. I keep a list of what to read next  lots of people do. But what is offered to me? Mostly big books from big names, published in editions up into the millions of copies (Michelle Obamas initial print run for Becoming was 3.4 million, increased to 4.3 million because of demand). The big publishers want sure-fire bestsellers. . . but are these really the necessary books? The Big Six publishers who dominate the English-speaking book world have consolidated yet again  its the Big Five now  and they want a guaranteed return on investment. Until authors can guarantee sales  until they are already in some way famous  why would Penguin Random House give them a contract?

Profit is their necessity, but its not mine. I want what is of the heart and of the moment, not merely what is salable.

This disconnect is what has brought small publishers to the fore. They take chances. They can afford to look for excellence, freshness, that je ne sais quoi. I think they follow trends that no trends that arent trends yet. And they look above all for urgency. They give writers their first and second books. They edit, sometimes fiercely. They create for writers time and space to grow.

In the economy of creativity, this is how it works now. Its the little presses who are performing these crucial services. While the big guys make money.

It is easy to bemoan the difficult path of the creative soul. How we miss those legendary nurturing editors of yore! But I also want to ask  was it ever really that easy? I am imagining that for every F. Scott Fitzgerald or Ernest Hemingway discovered by an avuncular editor of astounding patience, there were hundreds of comparable talent whom weve never heard of. The mute unsung Miltons of their day.

The small presses are fulfilling functions that once were available at the big houses for only a few lucky writers! And rather than thinking ourselves blue with nostalgia, lets acknowledge that in todays publishing landscape, almost anything is possible. Little books from unknown authors break into print every day. And among them are many that are wise, clever . . . and urgent. The good ones are finding their way despite the Big Five.

* * *

Like a golden-age myth, the memory of famed Scribners editor Maxwell Perkins haunts American writers. In 1918, twenty-one year-old Fitzgerald had managed to get the manuscript of his novel The Romantic Egoist into Perkins hands . . . only to be rejected with extreme gentleness and the alluring phrase we should welcome a chance to reconsider its publication. Of course the author worked on it like a hive of bees and in six weeks sent a retitled, rewritten version back to Perkins. . . to be rejected for a second time. But still Perkins saw something in it and offered the now-famous advice of changing the narrative point of view to third person.

Kathleen Dixon Donnelly at the American Writers Museum tells what happened next:

By the time the finished manuscript arrived on Perkins desk in September 1919, the title had changed to This Side of Paradise and Perkins knew he had something worth fighting for. Perkins legendary meeting with the editorial board introduced the themes which continued throughout his career at Scribners. When the book was rejected by the other editors for the third time, Perkins said, My feeling is that a publishers first allegiance is to talent. And if we arent going to publish a talent like this, it is a very serious thing. . . . If were going to turn down the likes of Fitzgerald, I will lose all interest in publishing books.

The debut novel went on to become a sensation. Fitzgeralds jazz-age tale of a mad new generation had caught the postwar mood exactly. Perkins would edit and mentor luminaries such as Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, John Jones (From Here to Eternity), and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. He brought his writers along with kindness and insight; urged them (sometimes with great specificity) to rewrite; acted as mentor and defender and advisor and friend. This is the kind of editor we all revere and miss, from lo even these many generations later.

But let me introduce a note of realism. How exactly did green young Fitzgerald manage to get his manuscript to penetrate so deep into Scribners in the first place? It was because of someone he knew. He had attended the Newman School, a prep academy in New Jersey. His English teacher had been one Father Sigourney Fay who happened to be friends with Scribners author and Irish diplomat, Sir Shane Leslie. He persuaded Leslie to forward the manuscript to Scribners, and away it went.

As a West-coast writer with nary a famous friend, I can tell you Ive heard far too many stories of East-coast preppies (and even known a few) whose careers run forward on mysteriously greased skids. That part of the story hasnt changed, 1919 or 2019. And for all those talented writers in St Paul and Bakersfield and Amarillo whose manuscripts are not welcomed and massaged and revised by people who know the right people . . . let us temper our golden-age nostalgia. Then and now, high-powered getting-ahead has as much to do with who you know as what talent you might be bringing. Its the way the world has always worked.

* * *

Yet there are evidently no more Perkins-like editors welcoming non-bestselling manuscripts anywhere in the Anglophone world of big publishing.

Bigness has overtaken publishing, and bigness must be fed continually. The behemoth of publishing is the newly amalgamated Penguin Random House, which according to New York Times reporter Alexandra Alter is now as big as the rest of the Big Five combined (Hachette, Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, Macmillan).

As publishing becomes even more of a winner-take-all business, Penguin Random Houses dominance represents the culmination of decades-long trends that have made the industry more profit focused, consolidated, undifferentiated and averse to risk. Like Hollywood, which pours resources into universe-scale superhero franchises that are nearly guaranteed to get an audience, publishing has become increasingly reliant on blockbusters  a development that has left beginner and midlist authors struggling. Mass-market retailers like Target, Walmart and Costco . . . buy books that are surefire hits, and often wait for an unproven author to hit the best-seller list before they even order copies.

The impact on literary culture is more homogenization, says independent-press co-publisher Dennis Johnson of Melville House. Bigness wants one thing: gigantic hits. It doesnt want fresh books  even brilliant ones  if they will need a year or more to find their audiences. So mostwriters, good bad and excellent, are ruled out before their letters of inquiry are ever trash-binned at the big houses.

Who will spot breakout literary talent when it appears? No one at the Big Five.

Which leaves, obviously, a niche waiting to be filled: an opportunity that has led to the flowering of small-press and independent publishers.

* * *

I write to praise the small presses. In the literary ecosystem, they are the photosynthesizers and unobtrusive bugs, the quiet fields of ripening grass and the silent throngs of unseen life. What they do is allow a writer hope  and the fellowship of the love of books and beautiful courageous expression  and feedback on what works or what must be revised. To look into this tangled bank is to see brilliance as well as oddity. It is to be filled with hope and the desire to order even more books for ones already sagging shelves.

Consider small presses like Dorothy, Rose Metal Press, Black Lawrence Press, Ugly Duckling, Yesyes, and Spurl Editions. These are some publishers listed by Brent Cunningham of Small Press Distribution (SPD). Hes one of the sharpest and most generous professionals Ive met in my decades in the writing life. He writes me back about these indies: They each have a book or three they recently managed to get out there pretty widely, but are still serving all those critical small press functions you mention (many, yes, formerly the domain of bigger presses. . .).

SPD is the distributor for about 400 academic and small presses (including mine), the critical link for getting books into bookstores and the hands of readers. Its mission:

SPD is the only wholesaler in the country dedicated exclusively to independently published literature. We take risks on exciting new writers, enabling their work to develop an audience and gain recognition in the marketplace.

Lee Wind of the Independent Book Publishers Association observes, Something we see at IBPA is that indies are often mission-driven. His list of favorite examples includes Just Us Books, Patagonia Books (the publishing part of the clothing company thats all about their sports/outdoors/environmental mission) Elva Resa Publishing (books for military families), She Writes Press, and poetry stalwart Red Hen Press.

* * *

I became a small publisher in 2008-2009. Its an origin story grounded in frustration, that strangled-and-ignored feeling that is so familiar to most of us in the writing life. Though I had a nice handful of books in print, mostly from university presses, I had a new project for which I could get no traction at all. It was hot and of the moment: a book of essays on the experience of being a citizen of the regime of George W. Bush and Dick Cheneythe regime of state propaganda (the orchestrated lies leading to the Iraq War), the regime of torture and almost fantastically botched military adventurism.

Probably our recent experience with the mendacious quasi-fascist president has somewhat softened memories of that previous round.

But for me it was scarring, an alarm-bell in the night, and I felt compelled to get into print immediately  with (yes) urgency. Some of its pieces had appeared in periodicals, but slogging the book manuscript through years-long rejection processes promised me nothing but more frustration. Bush was leaving office and I felt I must get the work in front of readers.

I scrambled. I founded Kelson Books. And I got What We Love Will Save Us into print before the blood had dried on the Bush/Cheney nightmare.

What shocks me now is how relevant that title essay still seems. The struggle for moral and spiritual balance, under the provocations of high-level evildoing  these are challenges as sharp-edged now as ever.

We are all, too much of the time, captives of the wreck and the mistake. Cant take our eyes off it, cant stop thinking about it, cant stop picking that scab. Defined by what we refuse, we slide into our merely negative identity. But its not enough, is it. Is our nation adrift, hijacked by mountebanks and neocons and thugs? It is not enough to hate them. We must remember what we love. Time spent saying no is, at some point, time robbed from the yes that must follow. A long time ago I read Jesus words Do not resist evil and wondered what in the world he could have meant. Maybe this: We must stand on what we love  live it, be it and bring it. And not waste time in the other direction, preaching up devil and denunciation.



Though the triggering catastrophe is now far back in the rear-view mirror, every year I still get a few surprise emails thanking me for this little essay.

* * *

At Kelson Books in the years since, I have had the opportunity to fulfill some of that Max-Perkins role, helping talented writers who have come to our house with projects not quite shapely yet, obscured in some obscure way and not ready for print, yet at base worthy and exciting. Ill give one example, the beautiful book we recently published called A Way Home: Oregon Essays, by Scott F. Parker.

Parker was already an experienced writer when he contacted me about his manuscript. When I read it, I was excited: here was immediacy, brains, a touching theme. He took his reader, step by step, into classic Oregon terrains and made them new and fresh. It was like remembering yesterdays hike, full of sweat and unexpected vistas. Yet . . . like a lot of brainy writers, he sometimes got in a little too deep. Some chapters seemed to resemble academic seminars  though they were thoughtful and on-topic, they had me longing to get back into the sensory world.

Amidst his big thick manuscript I spied a gorgeous small book.

Carefully I sketched to him what I imagined. Cut this. Cut that. Depend on the quick brief chapters, the impressionistic short takes. This writing was so captivating . . . why not make a whole book of it?

Reader, he saw the vision. He took it up as his own and began the rewrites. For the chapters that we kept  about half of the original manuscript  I offered suggestions (again: carefully!). And the result was everything I had hoped for and more. His ego was never in the way. In every case he sought the spirit of my marks and cross-outs and comments. When I asked him to shorten the too-long, too-smart sentences, he turned them into short sharp sentences that smarted. Here is a sample, the entire section called Petroglyph Lake:

You can see all the way to nowhere in all directions from the road in. Petroglyph Lake appears right at the moment you give up on finding it. A quiet lake that announces nothing. The glyphs wait for you if you can find them, theyve been waiting for some time.

In my three decades of teaching writing  in college freshman comp, research paper, and creative writing classes . . . in workshops and seminars with adult writers, many of whom were already accomplished and published . . . and in graduate writing programs: Parker was absolutely the best re-writer I ever encountered. It was breathtaking.

And so is his little book. I wanted real beauty in the hand and for the eye, to go with the gorgeous language. I commissioned Portland artist Alex Hirsch to read the text and experiment with in-the-moment sketches. Her hand, with brush, pen, and ink so light and so responsive, gave us our perfect little book.

And that book was honored beyond what I could have dared hope for: named by Kirkus Reviews as One of the top 100 indie press books of 2018. Kelson Books is a tiny enterprise. This was an amazing result.

The collaboration of editor and writer; the discovery of beauty and insight from unrenowned authors; the good books appearing from small presses all over the country  yes, all over the world: this is the answer to the monotonous ocean of fame created by Big Publishing. Like little waves breaking on strangely original shores, we go on doing good work in our corners and coigns, our private inlets and islands and harbors of humanity.

And lest I make myself look too good in this telling, let me acknowledge that this same editorial creativity and patient nurturing had been extended to me, too. Way back in 1988, Jo Alexander of Oregon State University Press had the vision to say yes to the manuscript of my first book  though it was, at that stage, poorly shaped and repetitive. She saw beneath the surface flaws. She told me those empowering Perkins words: Well take a look at this again, if you rework it. And then she told me how.

She must have done this countless times in her thirty years at OSUP, whose first allegiance, like that of other small-press publishers, is to talent.

* * *

It is a kind of gloomy fun to lament the commercialization of art and the short-fingered vulgarians who have taken over publishing (or movies, or the galleries, or . . .).

Yet who has ever solved the messy indignity of a soaring mind contained in a body of necessitous mud? Surely this is the core struggle of sentience. The demands of the flesh mock the life of the mind. And vice versa. It takes a sort of Claude-Rains delivery to be shocked  SHOCKED! that elevated pursuits are interwoven with crass practicality. Sullied. Enlivened. What you will.

So . . . I decline to be horrified. I do not lift the hem of my garment. I merely say: somehow, anyhow, the poets (of all genres) must get into print. The Mozarts must be heard, the Bachs must compose their fugues of astonishing complexity, no matter what the aldermen and bankers say about it.

And one way the poetry gets printed, just now, is through the efforts of small presses and their editors. So rejoice!

***

Coming in 3QD: I look forward to examining small-press publishers in several more essays, one on nonfiction and one on poetry. Ill zero in to review a few exceptional books. This will be such fun! The riches are astonishing.

See you next month.
Court must consider giving doctors religious exemption from performing trans surgeries: judges

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A circuit court panel has ruled that a district court must consider giving faith-based hospitals and doctors an exemption from an Obama-era mandate requiring them to perform elective sex-change operations.

On Thursday, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit weighed in on the case of Franciscan Alliance et al v. Xavier Becerra.

At issue was an Obama administration regulation under the Affordable Care Act that the Franciscan Alliance, Christian Medical and Dental Society, and the Specialty Physicians of Illinois sued to be exempted from due to their religious exemptions.

In a per curiam decision, the Fifth Circuit panel remanded the case back to the district court level, although they did not rule on the merits of the litigation.

HHS repealed the 2016 rule and finalized a new rule in 2020; the Supreme Court interpreted Title VIIs prohibition of sex discrimination to include gender identity in Bostock v. Clayton County, the panel said of its decision.

 applying Bostocks reasoning to Title IX, two district courts entered preliminary injunctions against the 2020 rule and purported to restore certain provisions of the 2016 rule at the center of this case; President Biden issued an executive order declaring that his administration would apply Bostocks interpretation of Title VII to other statutes prohibiting sex discrimination.

In light of these and other developments regarding the transgender coverage debate, the panel concluded that they express no view as to their relative merits at this time.

Luke Goodrich of Becket Law, a legal group that has successfully argued religious liberty cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, took to Twitter to celebrate the circuit court panel decision.

The plaintiffs in this case are religious doctors and hospitals that joyfully serve all patients, regardless of sex or gender identity. Based on medical expertise, they believe transition procedures are harmful and cant in good conscience perform them, he tweeted last week.

Bottom line: We expect the court to protect doctors consciences and respect their medical expertise. Doing so not only aligns with the law and medical research, but also ensures the best care for patients.

In 2016, the Obama administration implemented a new regulation via the Affordable Care Act that was commonly known as the Transgender Mandate.

The controversial regulation required healthcare providers to perform gender transition procedures, including on minors, even if they held religious objections.

The mandate was the subject of much litigation, with various religious entities that provide medical services filing lawsuits against the administration over the regulation.

In January, U.S. District Judge Peter Welte in North Dakota ruled against the mandate in the case of Sisters of Mercy, et al. v. Azar, citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The Catholic Plaintiffs have demonstrated an entitlement to permanent injunctive relief. An RFRA violation is comparable to the deprivation of a First Amendment right, ruled Welte earlier this year.

Having weighed the pertinent factors, the Court will permanently enjoin the Defendants from enforcing the successfully challenged interpretations of federal law against the Catholic Plaintiffs.
The Senate has mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, to investigate the alleged lopsidedness in the appointment of the members of the Board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

This followed a petition by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), to the Senate requesting it to advise President Muhamadu Buhari to withdraw appointees of the board of the commission.

Mr Falana said the president should ensure compliance with Section 14(3) of the constitution and Section 4 of the Federal Character Commission Act in the appointments.

The petition was laid on the floor of the Senate by the Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

His petition came about three weeks after the president sent the names of 16 nominees appointed to the board and governing council of the commission and sought the Senates approval.

The nominees were screened last year but are yet to be confirmed.

In the letter dated April 19 and addressed to the Senate President, the lawyer noted that three of the four nominees representing the North-east are from Kebbi State  including the chairperson of the Governing Council, Salamatu Suleiman.

He said the South-east and South-south zones have four representatives each while the South West and North-central zones have two representatives each.

He also said the North-east Zone has no representative  even as the rate of human rights abuses in the region was higher than any other region in the country because of the counter insurgency operations being prosecuted there.

Against the constitution

The nominations, he said, are not in consonance with Section 14(3) of the Constitution which stipulates that

The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.

He also referred to Section 4 (1)(a) of the Federal Character Commission Act which states that:

Each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital-Territory shall be equitably represented in all national institutions and in public enterprises and organizations.

Once a candidate has attained the necessary minimum requirement for appointment to a position, he shall qualify to fill a relevant vacancy reserved for indigenes of his State or the Federal Capital Territory and;

Where the number of positions available cannot go round the States of the Federation or the Federal Capital Territory, the distribution shall be on zonal basis but in the case where two positions are available, the positions shall be shared between the northern and the southern zones.

Demand

Mr Falana asked the Senate to advise the president to withdraw the nomination of the members of the Commission and ensure that the proposed appointments comply with the provisions Of 14 (3) of the Constitution and section 4 of Federal Character Commission (Establishment etc) Act.

The appointment process, he said, should also involve representatives of civil society, especially human rights defenders representing the interests of particularly vulnerable sections of society, and also include NGOs, opposition leaders, trade unionists, social workers and journalists.

If not immediately withdrawn, the nominations and appointment process would undermine public trust and confidence in the integrity and independence of the Commission. This would ultimately weaken the effectiveness of the Commission that is supposed to be a beacon of hope for victims of human rights violations and abuses in the entire country.

In the light of the obvious fact that lopsided appointments have recently fuelled agitations for secession in some parts of the country by disenchanted youths and socio-cultural bodies, we are compelled to call on the Senate to ensure that all appointments that require Senate confirmation are in consonance with the provisions of the Constitution and other relevant laws in the interest of the corporate existence of the country, part of the letter read.

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The petition was subsequently referred to the committee on rthics, privileges and public petitions.

The committee is to report back in two weeks.

The NHRC was established in 1995 to serve as an extra-judicial mechanism aimed at creating an enabling environment for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights.

Its board was dissolved by Mr Buhari in November 2015.
I cant breathe. Those fateful words of a dying George Floyd sparked months of civil unrest across the United States and beyond. His death, brought on by then police officer Derek Chauvin when he kneeled on Mr Floyds neck for more than nine minutes, was filmed by distressed onlookers. The graphic, disturbing vision became a lightning rod for a push for racial justice. Just short of a year later, as anxious crowds stood outside the court, the presiding judge in Chauvins trial read out the jurys verdict: guilty of all three charges, including felony murder. The former Minneapolis policeman, after having his bail revoked, was handcuffed and led away. Facing decades in prison, he will be sentenced in eight weeks. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The judges words led to an outpouring of tears and elation. Many fists were raised. US President Joe Biden led the reaction from political leaders: This can be a moment of significant change. We have a chance to change the trajectory in this country. Celebrities also weighed in. Oprah Winfrey said she was relieved and emotional in ways I didnt expect. I cried tears of joy as each verdict was read. Despite the clear video evidence, a guilty verdict was no sure thing. Americas justice system has in the past often fallen short when it has been called upon to adjudicate on police violence against mostly young black Americans. This time it came up with the right verdict, to the relief of us all.

This moment will be an important marker in the tortured history of racial justice in America. It has been a journey of many decades. But few would be under any illusion that one verdict offers resolution of a problem that is deeply embedded in US culture and history. As former president Barack Obama said: True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day. That is borne out by the evidence. On the same day as the Floyd verdict, there was a fatal police shooting of a black teenager in Ohio. Already this year, American police have shot and killed 274 people. For the past year, that figure is close to 1000. As a proportion of the population, black Americans are killed by police at more than twice the rate of white Americans. That is not a statistical glitch. It has been going on for years. Loading Mr Biden made racial equity and police reform a central platform of his election campaign in the wake of Mr Floyds death, and this verdict gives him the political momentum to try to fulfil that promise. He will need whatever momentum he can find. Legislation that is before the US Congress to standardise police training, to keep problem officers from moving between departments without their records following them and to ban the use of chokeholds has so far struggled to gain enough support. Real reform closer to home is also no easy task. But it is a challenge that Australian politicians should also be prepared to confront. The 30th anniversary of the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody has laid all too bare the lack of progress in the treatment of Indigenous people in this country.




SINGAPORE, Apr 21, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - To celebrate Moonstake's first anniversary, we've conducted an interview with our Founder, Mr. Mitsuru Tezuka, to talk about Moonstake's past achievements and future business development, as well as discuss the blockchain industry.Interview video link: https://youtu.be/mAT0q_mLulEThe interview was moderated by Shogo Ishida, Senior Advisor at Moonstake. Please see the summary below.Mr. Ishida: Can you tell us how Moonstake was found?Mr. Tezuka: Having been in the crypto business for 10 years now, I want to create a horizontal connection as a business while interacting with various people and projects in the crypto industry and community. When proof of stake began to attract attention in recent years, we started the business to create a wallet with staking power for multiple coins. This is a good opportunity to utilize our technical strength and expertise in the industry to meet the demands of the crypto community in the world.Mr. Ishida: Please share about Moonstake's 2020 business development.Mr. Tezuka: When we started Moonstake Wallet in 2020, we wanted to raise awareness of staking. We decided to partner with projects that are connected in the industry and help them utilize staking in order to increase the liquidity of their own token. We are actively working to improve Moonstake's UI/UX to differentiate ourselves from competitors in the market. With more tokens available on Moonstake, everyone can freely stake without any limitation.Mr. Ishida: In early 2021, Moonstake was ranked 8th as best staking validator in the world in staking volume. How did Moonstake achieve this result?Mr. Tezuka: I believe that our active development over the past year is starting to bear fruit and help us achieve industry leading position. We were also supported by the market that was soaring throughout the industry from the end of the year to the first quarter of 2021. I think that this achievement was an opportunity to increase the recognition of Moonstake in the industry. Recently, we have been interacting with our competitors a lot and discussing the possibility of collaborating with them in the future.Mr. Ishida: Moonstake announced its entry into the DeFi space. What kind of development can we expect from Moonstake in the future?Mr. Tezuka: Our advantage is having a strong staking wallet that offers support for various blockchain products and DeFi services. Moonstake had considered partnering with other projects to penetrate DeFi. However, the market has yet to reach maturity, as there are not as many well-established projects still. This is why we decided to enter DeFi as a formal project ourselves and take on the challenges of this new frontier.Mr. Ishida: In the DeFi area, we launched a project called Muse Finance. As its founder, I would like to utilize the assets of Staking, based on the premise of working together with Moonstake. From a user's perspective, we think it is very important to have more options for financial services by providing access to lending and DEX while having more ways to earn staking rewards. The DeFi market has expanded 66 times last year, so it is definitely an area with extreme growth potential. In this market, Moonstake would like to consider developing services that will allow us to take advantage of the achievements we have made in 2020.Mr. Ishida: What are your thoughts on the industry in the next year and the next three years?Mr. Tezuka: I understand that the market is busy in 2021, but personally it is not what I'm focused on. I believe it is more important how much blockchain technology is advancing the connection with society rather than price changes. For now, I think there are cases where blockchain services are implemented in the supply chain and in governance. If this part is realized, I expect that liquidity will increase in line with actual demand and become even greater than the liquidity that is currently centered on investment.Mr. Ishida: What is Moonstake's business outlook?Mr. Tezuka: Currently, no specific product has penetrated the crypto wallet business in Japan. I think it's a difficult business to conduct on its own. With Moonstake Wallet, we will actively introduce staking and DeFi services that enable customers to grow their assets. In the future, we hope to gain market share as a user-friendly wallet provides liquidity to various assets in the digital payment domain.Mr. Ishida: What is the meaning of Moonstake to you, Mr. Tezuka?Mr. Tezuka: Right now we believe that a wallet with ultimate UI/UX is indispensable. In Japan, there is a strong culture of traditional cash payment, but looking at the financial infrastructures in less developed countries, I believe that the existence of digital currencies is very valuable. Currently, we are positioning Moonstake Wallet mainly in Asia. But in the future, I would like to reach into the field of digital payments, which is accelerating worldwide.Mr. Ishida: Last question, do you have any message for our users?Mr. Tezuka: We would like to thank all of our users for choosing Moonstake Wallet. Our motto is to actively listen to users' opinions and suggestions and upgrade our product accordingly. This way, we can continue to improve our service to make it easier for you to use. Together, we can create a better service and the best staking wallet! Thank you for supporting Moonstake and please stay tuned for more updates from us.About MoonstakeMoonstake was recently established to develop a staking pool protocol to satisfy increasing demands in regional and global blockchain markets. Moonstake develops a staking pool protocol and provides business services through partners and companies.Moonstake aims to be the largest staking pool network in Asia by providing an active environment for crypto asset holders. Establishing a clear partnership roadmap with Moonstake represents another significant milestone for continuing to strengthen ties with leading platforms across Asia's burgeoning Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) ecosystem. Partnership has been announced with Emurgo, Ontology and NEO to boost staking adoption, Binarystar, Japan's biggest blockchain hub, OIO Holdings Limited (SGX: OIO), a Singapore Catalist-Listed company. Industry's reputed advisors, such as Lisk and Lawrence Lim of RAMP DEFI support Moonstake's innovative journey.With a full-scale operation launched in August 2020, we expanded our business and as of now, our total staking assets exceeded over USD 900 Million. https://www.moonstake.io/Source: MoonstakeCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Franklin County in Ohio, where black 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant was shot and killed by police on Tuesday, saw 38 deaths involving law enforcement between January 2015 and December 2020.

The county, which encompasses the state capital Columbus, has one of the highest rates of deadly police shootings in the country at 4.81 per million residents.

The county has the highest rate in the state of Ohio and the 18th highest rate of the 100 most populous counties in the US, according to a February study released by The Ohio Alliance for innovation in population health. More than 1.3 million people live in Franklin County, according to the US Census Bureau.

MaKhia was killed around 20 minutes before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd, prompting protests at the scene of her death.

Officers were called to a disturbance on the southeast side of Columbus on Tuesday following reports of an attempted stabbing. Bodycam footage from the police officer who killed the 16-year-old was released on Tuesday evening.

Police were met with a chaotic scene of numerous people on the front lawn where the teen in question was brandishing a knife and charged toward one female who fell backwards, then lunged at a second female.

The video showed the second victim stumbling backwards against a car parked in the driveway as the girl raises the knife as if about to stab her, and an officer discharges their weapon.

The Ohio Alliance determined that the rate of black people being killed in the state is 339 per cent higher than that of white people. They used a database from The Washington Post to come to the conclusion.

The rate for black people killed by police is 6.96 per million each year, while that same number for white people is 1.59 per million.

Franklin County is home to around 20 per cent of the states Black population, but 33 per cent of deadly police shootings take place in the county, according to the data.

The most deadly county in the United States when it comes to police shootings is Bernalillo County, encompassing Albuquerque in New Mexico. The county was home to more than 679,000 people in 2019, data from the Census Bureau shows.

The average number of people killed in Bernalillo county from 2015 to 2020 was 9.82 people per million residents. The second-highest rate could be found in Jackson, Montana at 8.77 people per million each year. Denver, Colorado was the third-highest county on the list, with a rate of 8.25 people killed annually.

MaKhia was shot less than five miles from where the funeral of Andre Hill was held. Mr Hill was a 42-year-old black man who was shot and killed by white officer Adam Coy on 22 December 2020. Mr Coy has been charged with murder.

Less than three weeks before the death of Mr Hill, 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr was shot and killed in Columbus by a Franklin County Sheriffs deputy. The case is under federal investigation.
Jaipur, April 22 : Citing the steep rise in Covid numbers and oxygen crisis hitting the nation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay due attention in making smooth medical arrangements rather than concentrating on his political rallies.

"India is one of the largest countries producing oxygen, medicine and vaccines. Yet deaths due to lack of oxygen and medicines here are unfortunate. There have never been deaths due to this in other countries of the world.

"I again appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the situation is getting worse. In view of the Ovid scare, he should concentrate on making smooth medical arrangements, while leaving aside the rallies in Bengal," Gehlot said.

"The sooner we fix our arrangements, the more lives of people can be saved. The Central government should ensure to provide medicines and oxygen to the patients and complete the vaccination work quickly," he added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
After 15 months of separation due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Luke Jacobz' American fiancee Raychel Stuart is finally heading Down Under.

Speaking to Woman's Day, the Dancing With The Stars contestant revealed that a wedding is on the cards, sooner rather than later.

'She's finally coming, she'll be here in June!' the 40-year-old told the publication.

She's on her way! After 15 months of separation due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Luke Jacobz' American fiancee Raychel Stuart is finally heading Down Under. Speaking to Woman's Day, the Dancing With The Stars contestant revealed 'She'll be here in June!'

The couple were initially planning to marry in November last year, but were forced to postpone their nuptials until Raychel was able to fly to Sydney from Los Angeles.

Although Luke said they're yet to pencil in a wedding date, the talented dancer isn't prepared for wedding planning just yet.

'I hope she doesn't want me to choreograph any dances for our wedding because that won't be happening,' he said.

Last year, Luke returned home from the US to reprise his role as Angelo Rosetta on Home and Away, almost a decade after leaving the long-running soap.

In November, the star paid tribute to Raychel on the day which was supposed to be their wedding day.

Wedding plans: Although Luke said they're yet to pencil in a wedding date, the talented dancer prepared for wedding planning just yet. 'I hope she doesn't want me to choreograph any dances for our wedding because that won't be happening,' he said. Pictured, Luke on Dancing With The Stars with dancing partner Jorja Rae Freeman

Heartwarming: In November, the star paid tribute to Raychel on the day which was supposed to be their wedding day. Luke, 39, penned an emotional tribute to his wife on Instagram to mark the occasion - emotionally confirming he hadn't seen the 'love of his life' in '294 Days'

Luke penned an emotional tribute to his fiancee on Instagram to mark the occasion, confirming he hadn't seen the 'love of his life' in '294 Days'.

'Right now its 11:11am on 11/11/2020. Today, I was supposed to marry the Love of my Life. Unfortunately COVID-19 has forced us to Postpone,' he wrote, alongside a photo montage of the pair.

'We have been through some incredible difficult times. This year has been harder than Thors Hammer but we have worked really hard.

So loved-up: The couple were supposed to fly overseas to visit each other while Luke took up his role on Home and Away - but haven't been able to due to restrictions

'No matter where we are, on this Earth- I will do my best to be Her Starlord until the end of time.'

He went on to say how much he loves his other half, before adding: 'I know we havent had our amazing wedding just yet. But to me, from today, you are my wife.'

The former X Factor host had previously revealed that the couple had plans to relocate Down Under in late 2020.

So in love: The former X Factor host previously revealed that the couple had plans to relocate Down Under

'She was actually supposed to be moving over here around now so she obviously hasnt been able to get over yet or even to come to set and watch,' he told The Daily Telegraph in August.

'We were planning that with each production break over the year I would fly over there with an empty suitcase and just pack a T-shirt and start bringing her stuff back and forth,' he added.
JetBlue said Wednesday that it would be adding a new flight connecting Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and LaGaurdia Airport in New York City, starting in the first quarter 2022.

The new LaGuardia route would bring to four the number of direct JetBlue flights from the New Orleans airport. The announcement is part of a broader expansion of flights announced by JetBlue and American Airlines under their Northeast Alliance deal, whereby the two airlines coordinate schedules and marketing on certain routes in an effort to accelerate recovery from the pandemic.

JetBlue currently has direct flights from New Orleans to Boston, JFK and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Delta Air Lines also flies directly to and from LaGaurdia, and during the pandemic Southwest Airlines periodically flew to and from the airport in the Queens borough of New York, New Orleans airport spokesperson Erin Burns said.

The New Orleans airport has been recovering in the last two months in line with other airports nationally, as the vaccination program has encouraged more travel.

Early April passenger numbers from the Transportation Security Administration showed a further improvement during the Easter period after a boost in March for spring break. Passenger traffic in the first eight days of the month was down about 38% compared to the comparable period in 2019, which was significantly better than the previous several months when traffic was running 60% or more below pre-pandemic levels.

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The improvement in the travel and tourism economy has encouraged airlines to proceed with expansion plans. New Orleans has seen several new flights announced in recent weeks.

Boutique Air, a San Francisco-based micro airline, said it will start a "concierge-style" flight service on small, eight-seater prop planes from Thursday, April 22. Boutique will be flying two round trips to Greenville, Mississippi, on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Spirit Airlines has opened up bookings on its website for nonstop flights to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, starting July 1 and to Cancun starting July 2

American Airlines, the second-largest carrier at the airport after Southwest, said in March that it will add a daily nonstop flight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas starting May 6.
South Africa: Police urge parents not to leave children unattended

Parents and guardians have been urged not to leave their children unattended after an incident where a three-year-old girl died in a house fire.

Reports indicate that the victim and her siblings aged seven and nine, were left alone by their mother in the shack where they stay. When she returned home, she found the shack engulfed in flames and immediately called for help. The other two children managed to escape the fire unharmed, except the three-year-old, said the South African Police Services (SAPS) on Tuesday.

A case of culpable homicide was opened against the woman with an additional charge of child neglect.

The incident happened on Monday evening at Siyathuthuka township in Belfast.

Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred last week where two young girls, aged seven and eight, burned to death in a house fire.

The two children who are said to be cousins, were asleep in the house at Jerusalem near White River whilst their parents were away.

Their uncle was visiting neighbours at the time and it is said that he was notified by one of the neighbours that a spotlight at the house where the children were asleep, was off. He then went to investigate and on his arrival, he realised that the bedroom where the girls were was on fire.

He reportedly called other neighbours to assist to extinguish the fire, however the flames were too intense and the girls perished in the fire.

An inquest case is currently being probed and a charge of child neglect will be added.

In another incident, a 23-year-old woman was recently arrested in Bushbuckridge for child neglect, after she reportedly left her three children, aged four, five as well as a nine-month old baby unattended between the evening of Friday, 09 April and the morning of Saturday, 10 April 2021.

Her family then thought that she was missing and the matter was brought before the attention of police.

The woman was later found at a tavern.

A case was opened against her and she was arrested, appeared before court on Monday where her case was remanded until Thursday, 22 April 2021 for bail application.

Police management in the province urge parents as well as guardians to play their role in order to prevent such incidents from occurring, said Colonel Donald Mdhluli. SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Apr. 21Senior Judge Don Ash on Tuesday dismissed two charges against activists Marie Mott and Cameron Williams, leaders of last summer's racial injustice protests in Chattanooga, and sent their remaining charges to the grand jury.

Mott, Williams and six other protesters face multiple misdemeanor charges stemming from two separate July incidents: the burning of a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office flag and the blocking of an emergency vehicle.

Tuesday's four-hour preliminary hearing, during which both Mott and Williams laughed from their seats in the jury box and were admonished for using their cellphones, was not to determine guilt. It was to determine whether there was enough evidence to support probable cause  the lowest legal standard to find that someone could have committed a crime  in order to send the charges to a grand jury.

The grand jury would then take another look at the evidence and vote on whether to indict the defendants in criminal court.

In the case involving the obstruction of the Hamilton County emergency vehicle, the prosecution showed a body camera video from one of the Chattanooga officers who responded to the intersection of Market and Main streets. Protesters there were blocking all four directions of traffic and had set up a tent in the center.

A motorist, business owner and a pedestrian all complained on the video about the protesters being in the road.

Shortly thereafter, the video showed the Hamilton County vehicle pull up to the intersection on Market Street heading to North Shore with its emergency lights and sirens activated.

"That's EMS! You idiots! Somebody's in need of help!" the officer was heard shouting on the video as he approached protesters standing in front of the emergency vehicle.

The protesters did not appear to move.

At the same time, two fire trucks barreled through from Main Street to Market Street. And as the officer got closer, the EMS vehicle turned off its siren and kept its flashing lights turned on. The vehicle was not an ambulance but was equipped to respond to scenes where "advanced life-support measures" are needed, testified EMS Capt. Marc Puglise, who was driving the blocked vehicle.

Story continues

Defense attorneys argued their clients may not have known to move short of an announcement and that the vehicle's lights were similar to those seen at previous demonstrations.

"There is a way," Officer Caleb Hargraves testified. "It's written on the side, which you can see several of these people are standing  were standing before they gathered in front of it it's clearly written on the side of the vehicle."

He added that police vehicles have blue lights, not red lights. And Puglise later testified that, while EMS vehicles were stationed near protests out of precaution over the summer, they were not typically visible.

"A reasonable person would see flashing lights and sirens and know that it's an emergency vehicle," Hargraves said.

Puglise said he took a photo of the people blocking his vehicle before turning around, but he didn't see any of the people in his photo in the courtroom, he testified.

Police officers testified that they identified the people they say blocked the vehicle via driver's license photos and social media posts. Asked why action wasn't taken on the spot, officers said they were outnumbered at the time.

Attorneys also argued that protesters wouldn't have known they needed to move out of the road with haste because the police department hadn't enforced pedestrian traffic laws up until that day.

Officers who testified said the department had taken the strategy of creating safe spaces for protesters to demonstrate in order to prevent loss of life and damage to property while avoiding conflict. But the department changed that approach once it started to receive complaints from citizens about blocked traffic, which officers said was that day.

Judge Ash said that, regardless, police department policy does not trump state law, which makes it illegal to obstruct traffic.

Another attorney asked Chattanooga Sgt. Billy Atwell if it was possible that the EMS vehicle was sent through that intersection "to create this charge."

"Anything is possible. That's why we play the lottery," Atwell responded after a brief pause.

With the exception of Mott and Williams' charge of inciting a riot, Ash sent all charges to the grand jury.

As for the flag-burning incident, Ash dismissed theft charges because he said he did not hear evidence that Mott or Williams were the ones who stole the sheriff's office flag from a flagpole outside the jail.

However, a sheriff's office detective Brevin Cameron testified he had seen social media posts by Mott and Williams taking responsibility for taking the flag.

In July, the Times Free Press reported that Mott took to Facebook to discuss the incident.

"I took the flag that belongs to the sheriff down from the flagpole in front of the county jail and I burned it," Mott said in a now-deleted 38-minute video.

At the time, she said she took down the flag because she "got tired of seeing that flag flying in the wind knowing that right behind that flag there are Black, brown and poor bodies being funneled into our jails. But we have white people who can openly decide to break the law and will not be cited for spreading a virus that is killing so many."

Two other charges  vandalism and reckless burning  were bound over to the grand jury after prosecutors played Miller Park security video footage showing both Mott and Williams pouring accelerant onto the burning flag multiple times.

Three other defendants  Joshua Tilford, 34, Cedric Josey Jr., 24, and Grason Harvey, 22, who all face disorderly conduct and obstruction of highway charges  also had their cases sent to the grand jury.

Two others  Gerald Cowley, 19, and Daniel Cash, 39, who face the same two charges  will have their cases heard on May 20.

The last defendant, 33-year-old Lindsay Baker, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on Aug. 27 and received a sentence of 30 days on probation.

In issuing his ruling, Ash referenced the countrywide protests against racial injustice sparked by last year's killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, who was found guilty on Tuesday.

"I understand these are difficult days in our country," Ash said. "It's not just today  it's been difficult days since the 1600s.

"And I certainly agree with the people's right to protest. I think that's the foundation of our country. And I also understand, I think, racial tensions But all we can do, I think, is try to be better. I think all of us need to step back  I've tried to step back and think about my life and my biases and my prejudices, and how do I deal with those and get over those. And I think we, as a country, need to do that.

"My ruling today, many of you will not be pleased with that," he added. "But I want you to understand that I hope with your excellent counsel that you will continue to pursue your defenses on this."

Contact Rosana Hughes at 423-757-6327, rhughes@timesfreepress.com or follow her on Twitter @HughesRosana.
Clinical Sites Will Require Vaccinations for SoCal Nursing Students

Some nursing students in Southern California may be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine to complete their university credits, according to an email obtained by The Epoch Times.

Vaccinations will be required for the mandatory clinical portion of their educationthe hands-on experience nursing students gain in a hospital or some other on-site equivalent. Students in the state must complete nearly 900 hours of clinicals to graduate and receive their registered nursing credentials.

Janeen Hill, dean of the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University, told students and faculty that the schools clinical partners, including K-12 schools, will require proof of vaccination to participate.

Unless an underlying health condition prevents you from vaccination, I expect everyone to vaccinate, Hill said via email earlier this month. Students, please know, without proof of vaccination, you will be unable to complete the clinical aspects of your educational programs.

Faculty and staff wont be eligible to participate in any in-person labs, human-based research, and other medical activities unless they get vaccinated, she said.

If you delay your vaccination and must sit out a rotation, this delay will be at your expense. Special arrangements to accommodate procrastinators, including issues surrounding financial aid and tuition, will not be made, Hill stated.

Jamie Ceman, Chapmans vice president of Strategic Marketing, told The Epoch Times that the requirement didnt come from the university. I want to clarify that Chapman University is not mandating vaccinations for employees or students.  Its the clinical sites that mandate the vaccine, not the university.

In a follow-up email, Hill told students that the universitys programs arent mandating the COVID-19 vaccination.

College graduate programs do NOT have a requirement to show proof of COVID vaccination for admission into them. Furthermore, access to Rinker campus, to your classrooms, to lectures and labs is open to all graduate health professional students regardless of vaccine status.

However, she urged students in Crean College graduate programs to choose to vaccinate.

Why? We are increasingly challenged to place students, who are not COVID vaccinated, in clinical sites and K-12 schools due to the requirements imposed by these sites, Hill said. These are sites which give you the clinical and school-based experiences you must have to graduate.

Loma Linda University is also urging students to vaccinate, according to an unnamed source who didnt wish to be identified.

All of the students are afraid to talk now. They are afraid that there will be some measure of retribution if they speak, the source told The Epoch Times via text.

A group of nursing students recently wrote a letter to the School of Nursings Associate Dean Brandie Richards, the source said, because they were concerned the requirement could affect their graduation.

Essentially the students involved are completing their last year of nursing school.

Richards didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

One of their training courses requires training from an outside vendor. Said vendor required the students to be vaccinated to complete their training with them, the source said.

In some cases, professors were asking students to raise their hand if they have received their vaccine yet, which is a violation of HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] laws.

What is most disappointing is the staff at Loma Linda denying the students health choices that they are trained to protect  the same rights of their future patients.

A spokesperson for the Loma Linda School of Nursing told The Epoch Times that the university doesnt mandate that students receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Some of the students (sic) outside rotation sites are requiring it, the spokesperson said via email. Students who wish to rotate must get the vaccine to enter those outside sites. If they do not want to get the vaccine, we will allow students to take a leave of absence and complete the rotation later.

Leanne T. Burke, director of pre-licensure programs at the University of CaliforniaIrvines Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, told The Epoch Times that the COVID-19 vaccine isnt currently a requirement for entry into the schools programsbut they too are working with clinics that require it.

We do work with clinical facilities that are already requiring it of the students sent to their facilities, Burke confirmed in an email.

She said the schools current practice has been to request students who are vaccinated to upload their documentation into their system, and then students who are already vaccinated are selected to attend clinicals at those locations.

However, as things develop, it may be necessary to require the vaccine of our students because of the clinical portion of their education, she said.

If the vast majority of our affiliated clinical facilities require the vaccine, then we must require it of our students unless there is an allowed medical reason for declining it, as we do with other vaccines, and that is up to the discretion of the facilities whether they will accept a medical declination.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nurses are required to have their hepatitis B, influenza, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and varicella (chickenpox) immunizations prior to becoming registered. COVID-19 isnt currently listed as a requirement.

The Biden administration said in a March 29 press briefing there wouldnt be a federal vaccine mandate. However, employers can legally require health care workers to show proof of vaccines as a criterion of employment.

In January, a New Jersey nursing school mandated students must get the vaccine to comply with regulations of the hospital with which it was affiliated for the clinical portion of their education. If they didnt, they would be forced to withdraw their spot in the program.
Tyra McKinsey had seen this story before.

Like many in the African-American community, the longtime community activist had come to expect law enforcement officials to be aquitted in court for actions against Black people. This led to an emotional outpouring upon seeing the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin.

"I didn't know what to expect, because we saw this movie before, even with video being played," McKinsey said. "And so I didn't know what the jury was going to say. I couldn't stop crying, especially as a mother of three black sons and a daughter. Even to hear George Floyd on the ground saying 'mom,' you know, I couldn't stop crying to be honest."

Chauvin's conviction for second-degree accidental murder resonated throughout the country, and Utica is no exception. But while many African-Americans expressed joy for the verdict, Utica consultant on race relations and community liason Patrick Johnson took a more measured approach.

"This is not so much a time to jump up and down and be glad, per se," Johnson said. "It is an opportunity to say yes, there is hope that America is capable of showing spots of accountability. But we know that this thing called justice for black and brown people too often is far fetched."

While the local leaders expressed relief at the verdict, they also recognize that their work is not yet done.

"We're not saying that this is the end all be all, because we're still in the fight," McKinsey said. "I think that is a great start. And I think that because the world was watching, this thing is way bigger than even George Floyd."
You are here: Business

China's agricultural and rural economy reported stable performance in the first quarter (Q1), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Tuesday.

The value added of the country's primary industry in Q1 exceeded 1.13 trillion yuan (about 173.57 billion U.S. dollars), up 8.1 percent year on year, ministry official Zeng Yande told a press conference.

"Overall, this year's summer grain production has seen a good foundation," said Zeng, citing a rise in the area for growing summer crops and faster progress in spring sowing.

The planting area of winter wheat has reported an increase of more than 200,000 hectares, according to him.

Meanwhile, the country's hog production continued to recover, with further advancement in green agriculture and rural industries, Zeng noted.

More work needs to be done to guarantee grain production and the steady growth of income for rural people, and to maintain the good momentum of agricultural and rural economic development, said the official.
Berlin, April 21 : Germany's Constitutional Court gave the green light on Wednesday for the government to back the European Union's coronavirus recovery fund, which has set aside 750 billion euros ($900 billion) to revive the bloc's economy.

The court threw out an urgent application for German participation in the fund to be declared unconstitutional. Nevertheless, Wednesday's ruling is not the last word in the case as the court has yet to make a definitive judgement, DPA reported.

The court said its "summary examination" had not found a high likelihood of an infringement of the constitution.

On March 26, it had called a halt to the ratification process, by preventing President Frank-Walter Steinmeier from signing the relevant legislation, which had previously been passed by both houses of parliament.

Part of the package entails placing EU bonds in the market as joint EU debt. The European Commission can only launch this process once all 27 member states have ratified the measure.

Agreed in the summer of 2020, the full package of measures aim to place some 1.8 trillion euros at the bloc's disposal up to the end of 2027.
Nepal's former king and queen have tested positive for Covid-19 on their return from the Kumbh Mela, which was attended by lakhs of pilgrims.

Former king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, 73, and his queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, 70, returned to Kathmandu on Sunday after a week-long visit to Haridwar to celebrate Kumbh Mela.

Shah's press secretary Phani Raj Pathak confirmed the couple had tested positive.

"They are in self-isolation at Nirmal Niwas," he said in a statement Tuesday evening, referring to their residence.

Kumbh Mela attracts enormous crowds of Hindu devotees to take a ritual dip in the Ganges River.

Pressure has grown to halt the festival, which has drawn as many as 2.5 crore people since January, as India struggles to curb its raging coronavirus outbreak.

Health experts have warned it could turn into a "super-spreader" event as pilgrims who have mostly ignored official advice to maintain distancing return to their towns and villages all across India and abroad.

A top seer of one of the akharas died from coronavirus after the festival and hundreds of attendees have tested positive.

Shah, the last king of Nepal, was crowned in 2001 after his elder brother Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and his family were killed in a massacre that wiped out most of the royal family.

He stepped down from the throne in June 2008 after parliament voted to abolish Nepal's 240-year-old Hindu monarchy, transforming the country into a secular republic.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Ohios lieutenant governor promised a group of Asian American neighbors during a weekend meeting that he would use his public platform to speak out against unwarranted violence facing their community, though he failed to apologize for the divisive tweet that prompted their concern.

Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted confirmed during an unrelated news conference Tuesday that the private, two-hour meeting took place this past weekend at his suburban Columbus home, which he and his wife, Tina, thought would be the best way to show our genuine desire for dialogue.

Bishop Lord, an informal spokesperson for the Asian American families, called the meeting productive, but noted that it did not end in an apology from Husted. The lieutenant governors March 26 tweet in which he used the term Wuhan virus has been criticized as racist.

Its very difficult to sit around and talk about a subject that is as complex as race, said Lord, who attended the meeting. Its especially complex when youre dealing with feelings and cultures that you may not necessarily have a lot of exposure to.

Lord said about half a dozen of the 80 Asian and Asian American neighbors who had signed a letter of concern to Husted attended the meeting. He called the gathering a hopeful sign that future dialogue about race could take place in their tight-knit Upper Arlington neighborhood.

Husted echoed that sentiment, calling attendees of the closely watched meeting our new friends. He described the conversation as enjoyable and said he believed it built understanding and trust.

While Husted said he reiterated that he did not intend the tweet as racist but as an attack on the Chinese government, he said, As they listened to me, I also heard them.

In his tweet, Husted shared a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention directors assertion, without evidence, that the virus that causes COVID-19 originated in a lab in Wuhan.

So it appears it was the Wuhan Virus after all? tweeted Husted, who has been at the forefront of Ohios response to the virus.

Lord said the meeting was emotional for both parties but never reached a point of hostility.

This was just some neighbors sitting around and talking to one another about how we solve the bigger problems, he said.

The meeting came weeks after the letter in which neighbors told Husted that his choice of words has only raised the anxiety and fear that Asians and Asian Americans in Upper Arlington are currently experiencing.

They described bullying and abuse in the school district they share with the Husteds that began well before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but increased significantly in the last 14 months and has reached levels that have brought news media attention to our doorsteps.

Husted said Tuesday that he agreed at the groups request to raise their concerns over misdirected violence toward Asian Americans and to emphasize that anybody who may have frustrations with what a foreign government may do, in this case the Chinese Communist Party, that it can never be manifest in violence or hate toward people who originated from those countries.

It has nothing to do with them, he added. As a matter of fact, thats a reason for us to show additional kindness, care and concern for people who may feel that intimidation or fear.

This story was reported by Farnoush Amiri, a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, and by Julie Carr Smyth of the Associated Press. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: MON) (Montero or the Company) has been awarded exploration concessions covering 13,200 hectares (the Avispa project or Property) in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. More recently the Company submitted 14 new applications covering an additional 3,800 hectares adjoining the Avispa project to control a total of 17,000 hectares. Avispa is located about 40 km west of the Chuquicamata copper mine which is the worlds largest open pit copper mine (Figures 1 & 2). The Avispa project is situated within the defined north to south trending Palaeocene  Eocene Cu-Mo porphyry belt and is located about 40 km north of BHPs Spence Cu-Mo mine and KGHMs Sierra Gorda Cu-Mo mine.

The geology of the Avispa project area consists of extensive sedimentary evaporite salt deposits intercalated with fine grained clastic sediments of Tertiary age. The sediments largely cover a suite of Palaeocene monzodiorite and diorite porphyries as well as Cretaceous andesitic and diorite porphyries. The Avispa district was previously the target of some wide-spaced exploration drilling by BHP. Avispa is a legacy asset originally acquired in 2019, the Company believes it holds considerable potential for buried porphyry-type Cu-Mo mineralization.

Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montero commented, Montero has secured 17,000 hectares in this highly prospective copper district in proximity and in the same geological setting as other significant world class operating Cu-Mo mines. Avispa is a legacy exploration asset that the Company is seeking to monetize and provide Montero shareholders exposure to the burgeoning copper market in the new green economy. Monteros primary focus remains on advancing the Isabella Au-Ag project in the highly prospective and under-explored Coastal Range of southern Chile.

Figure 1. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2e6a141b-00db-409b-9a19-22185ccca064

Figure 2. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b837320e-a07b-4315-97e5-a42b3b72e9d0

Monteros Chief Geologist, Marcial Vergara, is reviewing publicly available data on Avispa and has conducted a field visit. Marcial previously worked for Codelco and Anglo American, both major operating copper mining companies in Chile. Montero has adopted a prospect generator model at Avispa where it will de-risk the project and carry out limited exploration while seeking a partner to advance the project through the drill phase. This will provide Montero shareholders with exposure to the copper space while it continues to focus on the gold silver potential of southern Chile.

Qualified Person's Statement This press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Mike Evans, M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat. and Sr. Marcial Vergara B.Sc. who are qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Sr Vergara is based in Santiago and has more than 30 years experience in copper exploration experience in Chile.

About Montero Montero is a junior exploration company focused on finding, exploring, and advancing globally significant gold deposits in Latin America. The Company is in the process of relinquishing its portfolio of battery metal projects in Africa to focus on gold opportunities in Latin America. Monteros board of directors and management have an impressive track record of successfully discovering and advancing precious metal and copper projects. Montero trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON and has 38,647,485 shares outstanding.

For more information, contact: Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer E-mail: ir@monteromining.com Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688 4671 www.monteromining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Share Consolidation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, completion of the agreement, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to complete the agreement on the terms as announced or at all; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Figure 1 Location of the Avispa Exploration Concessions and major copper mines in northern Chile. Figure 2 Location and geology of the Avispa Concessions Awarded (black) and Concessions in Application (red).

Source: Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.
A man from Uttar Pradesh's Deoria has become the first offender to be fined Rs 10,000 for not wearing a mask in public.

The hefty penalty comes days after the state heightened restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. This was the second time the man was caught without a mask. Earlier, he had been fined Rs 1,000 for violating the COVID-19 precautionary measures, News18 reported.

Representational Image/PTI

On Monday, Amarjit was spotted at the main crossing in Lar without a mask. Immediately, cops imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. We had already warned him on April 18 and fined him for Rs 1,000. We had also given him a mask," Station House Officer (SHO), Lar, T.J. Singh told IANS.



Superintendent of Police, Deoria, Shripati Mishra said with sudden surge in Covid-19 cases across the state, the police were trying to enforce safety protocols in the district which had 390 active cases on Monday.

Also read: This Is Why You Should Not Panic Looking For Plasma Or Remdesivir For COVID Positive Patients

Representational Image/AP

"We have formed teams and divided the district into sectors to enforce Covid-19 safety protocol. People not following protocols are first warned and then slapped with a challan of Rs 1,000. If someone flouts norms even after this, a fine of Rs 10,000 is realized from him," he added.



Meanwhile, Uttar Pradeshs active caseload breached 2 lakh and it has become the second worst-hit state in the country after Maharashtra.

Also read: From Food To Medicines, People Across India Are Doing What Authorities Should - Helping COVID-19 Patients

Representational Image/PTI

UP recorded 28,287 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours  the second highest in the country  and 167 fatalities  by far the highest in a single day for UP  taking the total deaths to close to 10,000.

The active caseload in UP stands at 2,08,523 at the time of writing this.

Notably, the state added the last one lakh active cases in mere five days.



Also read: COVID Patients Running Out Of Breath Amid Acute Oxygen Shortage: How Govt Plans To Tackle It
WEST ORANGE, N.J., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, is supporting National Donate Life month in April by raising awareness of organ donation within the communities it serves. At Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Heart Transplant Program has transplanted over 1,100 healthy hearts, a milestone made possible only through the aid of organ donors and their families.

"The generosity of one donor can save so many lives," said Margarita Camacho, M.D., Surgical Director of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center's Heart Transplant Program. "As we celebrate National Donate Life month in April, it is more important than ever that we raise awareness about the life-changing power of organ donation."

Dr. Camacho is one of the nation's most renowned cardiac surgeons, having completed a record-setting 649 of the 1100+ -and-counting heart transplants which have taken place at Newark Beth Israel, and has performed more than 500 heart procurements. "There is nothing more amazing to me than performing a transplant surgery from the moment of procurement, preparing organs for patients in need," added Dr. Camacho. "It's like conducting an orchestra; a symphony that will provide a new future for not just one individual, but many." Dr. Camacho recently published this blog post to inspire more people to commit to organ donation.

About Newark Beth Israel Heart Transplant Program

Newark Beth Israel has always been at the forefront of cardiac care and heart transplant. In 1986, Dr. Victor Parsonnet performed the first heart transplant in New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. In 1992, Newark Beth Israel became the first center in New Jersey to employ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Newark Beth Israel was the first hospital to use Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) in New Jersey, and for more than a decade the Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel has been ranked among the top heart transplant programs in the nation.

RWJBarnabas Health is home to one of the top 15 largest heart transplant programs in the nation, with locations in Newark and New Brunswick. In addition, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has the only lung transplant program in New Jersey, providing access to single and double lung transplants. Saint Barnabas Medical Center is home to one of the largest kidney-pancreas transplant programs in the county, with more than 300 transplant surgeries performed each year and a leading Living Donor Institute that offers innovative living donation techniques available at only a few of the world's leading transplant centers. New Jersey's only academic medical center-based kidney-pancreas and heart transplant programs are both located at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, where the most pancreas transplant surgeries are performed each year.

As part of RWJBarnabas Health's support for National Donate Life Month, the system will continue to post information, images and graphics about organ donation using the #DonateLifeMonth hashtag.

To learn about any of the RWJBarnabas Health transplant programs, please visit rwjbh.org/transplant or call 888-724-7123.

SOURCE RWJBarnabas Health

Related Links

http://www.rwjbh.org


Following the government directive due to the rising Covid cases in Karnataka, Wonderla Holidays announces the closure of its Bangalore park till 4 May 2021, or until further notice.

The state government is taking all possible precautions to contain Covid 19 across the state due to the steep spike in the number of cases in Karnataka.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WILLIAMSPORT  The Lycoming County commissioners have obtained a temporary restraining order they say was needed to ensure employees and vendors would be paid this week

They did this, according to county court documents, because Controller Krista B. Rogers would not allow her signature to be attached to those checks.

Rogers is upset because the commissioners recently restructured their budget and finance office to again include payroll, accounts payable and general ledgers functions.

The restructuring resulted in the transfers of the employees responsible for these functions back to the county fiscal office where they had been until 2019.

It is the commissioners position that Rogers office was not performing those functions in a timely or competently manner.

Potter County Senior Judge John Leete was assigned the case after all the Lycoming County judges recused themselves. Leete issued the restraining order without a hearing.

It enjoins Rogers from interfering with the processing of payroll, accounts payable and general ledger functions or the transfer of employees.

She also was ordered to preserve all necessary documents related to those functions and transfer them to the budget and finance office.

Its sad what it has come to, Commissioner Tony R. Mussare said.

It was thought the transfers in 2019 would be seamless and have no effect on county government and taxpayers but that has not been the case, the commissioners said.

It became apparent, at least for now, those functions needed to be transferred back to where they were capably handled for many years, to protect the county, its employees and its citizens, they said.

Rogers threatened to withhold her signature recently for the payroll check of one of the employees being transferred from her office, Mussare said.

Said Commissioner Scott L. Metzger, Hopefully we can get this resolved in-house. We dont want anyone to fail. She acknowledged there have been mistakes.

Rogers, who has been the elected controller since 2004, called the commissioners action a violation of state law and the biggest waste of county taxpayer dollars.

She accused the commissioners of grossly misrepresenting the facts and abusing their office.

Just this week my office corrected two errors where employees would have been paid out more than would have been proper, according to policy, based on improper information given to employees by the HR department and the commissioners office, she said.

I have, and will always, stand up and fight for the taxpayers of Lycoming County to make sure the commissioners do not create a shadow government where they can spend money with no checks and balances.

Rogers refused to sign a memorandum of understanding that would delineate the specific duties of the two offices, the countys court complaint states.

The document contains a list of alleged failures by the controllers office and these points:
New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Ram Navami on Wednesday and asked people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines, saying the message of Lord Ram to all of us is that they should follow the appropriate behaviour.

May Lord Shri Ram's boundless compassion always remain on the countrymen, he tweeted.

The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ram.

The prime minister asked people to follow all the protocols in place to avoid getting the infection and keep the mantra of "dawai bhi, kadai bhi" (have medicine and follow guidelines) in mind.

UNI RHK0927
Judge delays Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing

Meng Wanzhou's defence team had asked for more time to review additional documents. File photo: AFP
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd eased tensions across the nation, including in Cleveland.

You can listen online here.

But Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Police Chief Calvin Williams said the city was prepared to handle unrest had the trial ended with a different result, with Williams saying he had arranged to have enough officers available to deal with any situation. The city was quiet Tuesday, with a peaceful demonstration held downtown after the verdict. Also in Cleveland, City Councilman Ken Johnson has been suspended while he remains under a criminal indictment. And in other news, U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, an Ohio Republican, is reintroducing a bipartisan bill that would let college athletes across the country be compensated for their names, images and likenesses.

Hear cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn discuss these stories and more in The Wake Up podcast.

The podcast is a summary of cleveland.coms morning newsletter The Wake Up. You can receive The Wake Up through email at 5:30 a.m. each weekday by subscribing here.

You can get our podcasts delivered directly to your phone, and we have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe here.

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Regulatory News:

CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR) (Paris:ALCAR), the designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to fulfill an unmet medical need by providing a therapeutic alternative to people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, announces the availability of preparatory documents for the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of May 12, 2021 at 10 am and the procedures for participating and remote voting.

In the Covid 19 pandemic context, Annual Shareholders' Meeting of CARMAT will be held in camera without the physical presence of the shareholders and the persons who are usually present.

It will be broadcast live on May 12, 2021 at 10 am, via the following link:

https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=5F8F86A0-2E90-4E47-99F4-3E670E3F55F2&LangLocaleID=1036

The shareholders will be able to follow the management presentation in French and ask written questions via the platform during the Q&A session. Questions will be answered orally during the meeting. However, it will not be possible to vote via the Internet during the meeting.

CARMAT's shareholder are thus invited to exercise their voting rights exclusively remotely, before the Annual Shareholders' Meeting, either:

by sending a proxy to the Company, or,

by voting by postal ballot,

by using the voting form available on www.carmatsa.com according to the procedures indicated in the prior notice published on April 7, 2021 in the BALO.

All documents relating to this General meeting are available upon request to the company and may be consulted on the company's website section Investors Documentation Shareholder's Meeting.

About CARMAT: the world's most advanced total artificial heart project

A credible response to end-stage heart failure: CARMAT aims to eventually provide a response to a major public health issue associated with heart disease, the world's leading cause of death: chronic and acute heart failure. By pursuing the development of its total artificial heart, Aeson, composed of the implantable bioprosthesis and its portable external power supply system to which it is continuously connected, CARMAT intends to overcome the well-known shortfall in heart transplants for the tens of thousands of people suffering from irreversible end-stage heart failure, the most seriously affected of the 20 million patients with this progressive disease in Europe and the United States.

The result of combining two types of unique expertise: the medical expertise of Professor Carpentier, known throughout the world for inventing Carpentier-Edwards heart valves, which are the most used in the world, and the technological expertise of Airbus Group, world aerospace leader.

The first physiologic heart replacement therapy: given the use of highly biocompatible materials, its unique self-regulation system and its pulsatile nature, the CARMAT total artificial heart could, assuming a successful clinical development, potentially save the lives of thousands of patients each year with no risk of rejection and with an enhanced quality of life.

A project leader acknowledged at a European level: with the backing of the European Commission, CARMAT has been granted the largest subsidy ever given to an SME by Bpifrance; a total of 33 million.

Strongly committed, prestigious founders and shareholders: Matra Defense SAS (subsidiary of the Airbus Group), Professor Alain Carpentier, the Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, Truffle Capital, a leading European venture capital firm, ALIAD (Air Liquide's venture capital investor), CorNovum (an investment holding company held 50-50 by Bpifrance and the French State), the family offices of Pierre Bastid (Lohas), of Dr. Antonino Ligresti (Sante Holdings S.R.L.), of the Gaspard family (Corely Belgium SPRL and Bratya SPRL) and of M. Pierre-Edouard Sterin (BAD 21 SPRL), Groupe Therabel as well as the thousands of institutional and individual shareholders who have placed their trust in CARMAT.

For more information: www.carmatsa.com

Name: CARMAT

ISIN code: FR0010907956

Ticker: ALCAR

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to, shares in CARMAT ("the Company") in any country. This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's objectives. Such forward-looking statements are based solely on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management and involve risk and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, whether the Company will be successful in implementing its strategies, whether there will be continued growth in the relevant market and demand for the Company's products, new products or technological developments introduced by competitors, and risks associated with managing growth. The Company's objectives as mentioned in this press release may not be achieved for any of these reasons or due to other risks and uncertainties.

No guarantee can be given as to any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements, which are subject to inherent risks, including those described in the Universal registration document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers on February 24, 2021 under number D.21-0076 as well as changes in economic conditions, the financial markets or the markets in which CARMAT operates. In particular, no guarantee can be given concerning the Company's ability to finalize the development, validation and industrialization of the prosthesis and the equipment required for its use, to manufacture the prostheses, satisfy the requirements of competent authorities, enroll patients, obtain satisfactory clinical results, perform the clinical trials and achieve commercial objectives.

Aeson is an active implantable medical device commercially available in Europe ONLY, CARMAT SA., CE0344. The Aeson TAH is intended to replace ventricles of native heart and is indicated as a bridge to transplant in patients suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure (INTERMACS classes 1-4) who are not amenable to maximal medical therapy or LVAD and are likely to undergo heart transplant in the 180 days following device implantation. The decision to implant and the surgical procedure must be executed by Health Care professionals trained by the manufacturer. Carefully read the documentation (clinician manual, patient manual alarm booklet) for characteristics and information necessary for patient selection and good use (contraindications, precautions, side effects).

In the USA, Aeson is currently exclusively available within the framework of clinical trials.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005053/en/

Contacts:

CARMAT

Stephane Piat

Chief Executive Officer

Pascale d'Arbonneau

Chief Financial Officer

Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50

contact@carmatsas.com

Alize RP

Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol

Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59

carmat@alizerp.com

NewCap

Investor Relations

Strategic Communication

Dusan Oresansky

Quentin Masse

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94

carmat@newcap.eu
George W. Bush warns Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal plan empowers Taliban, endangers girls

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Former President George W. Bush warns of harmful implications that could result from President Joe Bidens plan to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans and sparked the U.S. war on terror.

Biden, the fourth president to handle the conflict in Afghanistan that began during the Bush administration, reportedly went against the advice of military commanders when he announced his recent decision to remove the troops from Afghanistan by September.

The Afghanistan withdrawal was negotiated during the Trump administration in a deal with the Taliban despite heavy opposition from Republicans.

Biden said he spoke with former Presidents Bush and Barack Obama before making his decision.

Democratic leaders and former President Donald Trump praised Bidens decision, while Bush, Republican leaders and leading military officials warned that withdrawing troops would bolster the Talian and destabilize Afghanistan.

Bush expressed concern for the women and girls in Afghanistan who will face increased danger with the removal of U.S. troops.

"My first reaction was, wow, these girls are going to have real trouble with the Taliban," Bush said in a Today interview. "A lot of gains have been made, and so I'm deeply concerned about the plight of women and girls in that country."

... All I know is the Taliban, when they had the run of the place, they were brutal, Bush, who often avoids criticizing the policy decisions of his successors, continued.

A spokesperson for the Taliban criticized the Biden administrations decision to keep troops in Afghanistan beyond a May 1 deadline agreed to last year by the Trump administration, warning that those whom failed to comply with the agreement will be held liable.

In the interview, the 74-year-old Bush also discussed immigration, the Derek Chauvin trial, the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and his new book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of Americas Immigrants.

Biden's decision to continue with a plan to remove troops and end a decades-long military presence in Afghanistan was made without the support of many top military leaders concerned it could undermine security in the region.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired military commander, cautioned that withdrawing U.S. troops would further remove stability from Afghanistan, according to The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. officials said some generals recommended retaining the current force of 2,500 troops in Afghanistan and increasing diplomacy to lead to a peace agreement instead of completely removing the troops.

Trump praised the announcement as a wonderful and positive thing to do, but said the U.S. should stick as close to the May 1 withdrawal deadline his administration set and advised against setting Sept. 11 as a deadline, CNN reported.

"I wish Joe Biden wouldn't use September 11 as the date to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan, for two reasons, Trump said Sunday. First, we can and should get out earlier. Nineteen years is enough, in fact, far too much and way too long.

"September 11 represents a very sad event and period for our country and should remain a day of reflection and remembrance honoring those great souls we lost, Trump added.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., cautioned the withdrawal of troops would lead to Afghanistans inability to restrain the Taliban.

"Apparently, we're to help our adversaries ring in the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by gift-wrapping the country and handing it right back to them," McConnell said, according to Fox News.

"The Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the Taliban at bay.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said America does not need to fight forever wars.

"[A]fter sinking two decades of blood and treasure into wars in the Middle East, it is time to bring our troops home," Schumer said.

Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, a leading conservative Christian activist organization, recently hosted Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., on his radio program to discuss the implications of this decision for the Middle East.

Graham called Bidens decision a disaster in the making.

Wilson said this decision especially puts Israel, an American ally, and other countries in the region in direct danger.
A New York City teenager crawled through a broken window to join in the US Capitol riots because he 'wanted to be where the action was,' he told federal investigators on Tuesday.

Dovid Schwartzberg appeared at federal court in Brooklyn on Tuesday

Dovid Schwartzberg, 19, from Brooklyn, appeared before a federal court close to his home on Tuesday after being charged over the attack.

Hours before his court appearance, he is said to have willingly confirmed to FBI agents Tuesday that he was the MAGA-cap wearing man photographed leaving the Capitol building through a door afterwards.

Schwartzberg, charged with disorderly conduct, is also said to have shared with agents that he traveled to Washington DC on the morning of the riots for fear of missing out.

The rioter believed to be Schwartzberg was filmed flicking a V sign with his fingers, and clenching his fist triumphantly as he left the trashed seat of the US government.

Schwartzberg, right, is seen inside the Capitol building, after allegedly crawling through a broken window

Schwartzberg was one of thousands of protesters who illegally entered the Capitol building on Jan. 6. He said he went to the protest because he 'wanted to be where the action was'

The photographs were posted to an unidentified Facebook group, which a witness found and turned over to the FBI after naming Schwartzberg as the rioter.

That witness, who has not been named, claimed that they do not know Schwartzberg personally, and only learned of his name from the Facebook group, according to court documents.

Schwartzberg is then said to have shown FBI agents multiple videos and photographs he took on his cell phone from inside and outside the Capitol that day.

One clip, said to have been shared on his since-suspended TikTok account, depicted an individual inside the building yelling 'I came to live, but I'm ready to f****** die' with the caption 'It was intense inside the Congress today.'

Schwartzberg did not identify others in the videos, allegedly saying he did not want to incriminate others for doing 'stupid things.'

FBI agents have gone undercover to trap other suspected rioters into confessing.

Schwartzberg is now charged with disorderly conduct, as federal law prohibits anyone from knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building 'without lawful authority to do so' and to 'knowingly and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions, engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct.'

The riots began on Jan. 6, after then-President Trump encouraged his supporters to protest the certification of the 2020 election results.

The Capitol siege: A timeline of events 6 a.m. - Thousands prepare for pro-Trump rally 11 a.m. - The Save America rally begins 12:15 p.m. - President Trump addresses the crowd 1 p.m. - Lawmakers gather for a joint session to certify election results 1:10 p.m. - Rioters begin confronting Capitol police 2:11 p.m. - Rioters breach the Capitol Advertisement

He had planned a Save America rally outside of the White House to protest the election results that morning, which drew thousands of far-right supporters.

Trump spoke to the crowd at around noon, reiterating his unfounded claims that the election had been stolen and encouraged his supporters to march down to the Capitol building.

'Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue ... and were going to the Capitol,' Trump said.

Less than an hour later, reports broke out of protesters trying to storm the Capitol building, while Capitol Police tried to evacuate those inside.

The rioters were inside the building shortly after 2 p.m., after tearing down metal barricades, beating down the doors and shattering the windows.

At that point, both houses of Congress were put on recess, as lawmakers said they tried to hide from the protesters, who made their way through the building, stealing some government property along the way.

Five people had died as a result of the siege, including an officer and several protesters.

Schwartzberg is now free on bail.

He is being represented by defense attorney Steve Yurowitz, and is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing on May 11.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Tesoro Minerals Corp (TSXV: TES) ("Tesoro" or the "Corporation"), announces that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Mr. Peter Tegart as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Corporation. Mr. Tegart has decided to pursue other opportunities and the Board wishes him well with his future endeavours. In light of Mr. Tegart's resignation, the Board has appointed Mr. Scott McLean, P.Geo., FGC as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McLean will oversee the Corporation and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Tesoro's business until such time as a new President and CEO is appointed. Mr. McLean has been with Tesoro for a number of years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

About Tesoro

The Company has assembled a team of experienced geoscientists with extensive exploration experience in the Americas with the aim of acquiring other assets. For further information on the Company please contact Scott McLean, Interim President & CEO at info@tesorominerals.com or (604) 710-2140.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81259
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:30:59|Editor: huaxia

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COLOMBO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's health authorities on Wednesday issued a warning on the rise of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals across the country, including those in intensive care units.

The Health Promotion Bureau of the Health Ministry warned all citizens to act with responsibility in order to avoid a further spread of the pandemic which has to date infected over 97,000 people, according to a statement released on Facebook.

It said if health guidelines were ignored, travel restrictions and other strict measures would possibly be enforced like the time when the country was experiencing the first wave of the pandemic.

Sri Lanka's capital Colombo has been one of the worst affected by the virus, with municipal health workers also issuing a warning on Tuesday, saying the number of patients in the city was on the rise especially after the local New Year celebrated last week.

Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni told journalists that the resurgence of infections was due to the careless behavior of the people during the local New Year as health guidelines had been ignored.

He said the COVID-19 patient percentage which stood at 2 percent previously had increased to 8 percent in the city.

According to the official figures, the country has to date detected 97,472 positive cases out of which 93,547 patients had been discharged and released from hospitals, bringing down the active patient count to 3,305.

A total of 620 deaths have been reported from the virus. Enditem
CIENCE Wins Two Major Awards from UpCity This is the voice of the customer speaking loudly and clearly. Were committed to winning with the brands that put their trust in us to generate new business opportunities. Im thrilled to see our work recognized in this fashionas it means that our clients are winning too!

CIENCE, the global leader in managed services for lead generation, was recently recognized by UpCity as both a National and Local Excellence Award winner. Each year, UpCity honors outstanding B2B service providers based on customer satisfaction and brand integrity.

We are happy to be recognized as a national leader by UpCity, as we strive everyday to live up to the expectations of our customers. This honor proves that we are continually growing our brand one successful customer experience at a time, said John Girard, CEO of CIENCE.

UpCity uses a proprietary algorithm, known as a Recommendability Rating, that measures the credibility and trustworthiness of B2B service providers. They use this algorithm to create a standard rating, allowing them to compare service providers and give recommendations based on what services a company is looking for and the area they are located in.

Outstanding achievement for a service providers Recommendability Rating guides the UpCity excellence awards. They start with ranking and recommending the top service providers by service area in each local market. Then, national ranks are factored in, such as customer reviews, engagement, Google reviews, presence in search engines, and domain authority.

Recommendability Ratings cannot be purchased and rely solely on factors that impact how recommendable a service provider is. These recognitions ultimately provide buyers with a trusted, credible resource when selecting a service partner.

This is the voice of the customer speaking loudly and clearly, said Eric Quanstrom, CMO of CIENCE. Were committed to winning with the brands that put their trust in us to generate new business opportunities. Im thrilled to see our work recognized in this fashionas it means that our clients are winning too!

For CIENCE, this is the first time they are featured as both a National and Local Award Winner in the San Diego, Denver, and San Francisco markets.

*About CIENCE*

CIENCE is a People-as-a-Service company, offering a unique blend of managed services and software to scale fast-growth sales organizations. Through highly targeted bespoke sales research and multi-channel orchestrated outbound campaigns, CIENCE delivers scalable results for over 1,000 companies across more than 150 B2B industries.

CIENCE is a global organization, with headquarters in San Diego, CA (USA) and offices in Denver, CO (USA), San Francisco, CA (USA), Lexington, KY (USA), Kyiv, Ukraine (Europe), Manila, Philippines (Asia), and Guadalajara, Mexico (Americas). Connect with us online at cience.com or on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

*About UpCity*

UpCity is a resource that helps connect businesses to trusted service providers. With more than 50,000 listed B2B providers, from marketing agencies to accounting firms to HR consultants, UpCity has become a trusted resource with over 1.5 million unique visitors.
Harbour View:--- On May 21, 2012, His Excellency, Governor E.B. Holiday, officiated the appointment and administered the oath of office of minister to Mr. Omar Ottley,

Mr. Ottley has met the regulatory requirements and has been appointed as Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour. During the official ceremony, which took place at the Cabinet of the Governor, Governor Holiday stated:

On March 28, 2020, a new team of ministers and the minister plenipotentiary were installed with responsibility for the governing of our island. Today, just over one year later we are gathered for a change in the composition of the team. Mr. Omar Ottley .. in deciding to join the team you have accepted to serve in challenging social economic and financial times. At the swearing-in ceremony, just over a year ago, I spoke of the need for a united sense of urgency. Today that needs is still fully present. The coronavirus pandemic continues to pose extraordinary health and economic challenge. It is therefore vital that government continues to work to protect the critical sectors of our economy, such as health care and tourism, and with that our health, our jobs, and our most vulnerable. This calls for a persistent and united focus on the priorities of our people, in everything government says and does. The magnitude of this challenge calls for cooperation with each other as the council of ministers, with our people, with our health sector, with our businesses, and with our partners in the north, in the region, and in the Kingdom. This will foster and provide for the broad support necessary to effectively contain the disease, limit its socio-economic consequences, and ultimately secure the wellbeing of our people.

Accepting the function of Minister through the oath which you are about to take in a few moments, is

 First, a solemn expression of your commitment to perform your function with integrity;

 Second, it is your pledge of allegiance to the King and the Kingdom Charter;

 Third, it is your individual declaration to always uphold the Constitution of Sint Maarten; and

 Finally, it is your pledge to always dedicate yourself to foster the wellbeing of the People of Sint Maarten.

In that regard, you will be entrusted and as such there will rest on you individually as a minister and jointly with your colleagues in the Council of Ministers a great responsibility. Through your oath, you will be accepting the obligation to serve all the people of Sint Maarten.

And as I said you have accepted to serve in challenging social economic and financial times. At a time when there is much to do with scarce resources. Your decisions on the use of the scarce means to meet the needs of our people will have lasting influences on the lives of the people of Sint Maarten.

Thus, as you deliberate on taking action on the matters that will come before you during your tenure, I recommend that you use the oath as a guide in the performance of your function in service of the general interest. And in doing so, help to offer solutions for the challenges our people face. As such, I wish you wisdom and strength, in the performance of your responsibilities as you seek to meet your constitutional responsibility to the people of Sint Maarten.

MP Omar Ottley was sworn in as Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, PM.

Philipsburg  Today, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, former Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley was ceremoniously sworn in as Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) at the cabinet of His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday. Minister Ottley was put forth by the United Peoples (UP) party as candidate minister after Chair of Parliament Rolando Brison withdrew his name as candidate Minister of VSA. After discussions of the screening reports during the past week, it was agreed that Ottley would be sworn in as Minister of VSA as originally intended. As part of the process, outgoing Minister of VSA, Richard Panneflek made his position available via letter to Governor Holiday on Friday, April 16, 2021.

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs stated, As Prime Minister and Chair of the Council of Ministers, I am grateful to Minister Panneflek for assuming the position of Minister of VSA at a crucial time and wish him much success in his future endeavors. We welcome the incoming Minister of VSA to join the Council of Ministers during this very challenging period. We look forward to good cooperation in the execution of our governing program and handling of the ongoing health pandemic he will now inherit.

Minister Ottley stated, As incoming Minister of VSA, my top three priorities for the Ministry are tackling labour protection, the continuation of the island-wide vaccination campaign, and the completion of the St. Maarten General Hospital. It is also my intention to continue the collaboration with our French counterparts on a public health level to ensure that the management of the pandemic is synchronized in order to attain a full measure of herd immunity in the country. I look forward to serving the people of St. Maarten together with the Council of Ministers, my support staff, and the entire Ministry of VSA.
Mob Artifact NFTs muscle in on the Blockchain Tweet this

Now simply "The Mob Experience," the company will be releasing select Signature items from its extensive collection through OpenSea for purchase as NFTs for a two week period beginning on April 22, 2021.

Signature Artifact NFTs can be viewed at https://MobExperienceNFT.com.

NFTs, or non- fungible tokens, have become the digital counterpart to all things collectable. Even those who have passed on can have their encrypted signatures kept alive on the blockchain.

The Mob Experience's initial release of 8 of its most precious artifacts in its NFT series will include such signature items as:

The only example of a Bugsy Siegal owned handgun,

owned handgun, The only example of a Bugsy Siegel , handwritten letter, 5 pages long, to his wife about his family. The letter was written while he was traveling on a plane to Las Vegas , mere months before being murdered in his home, which is considered the most famous mob hit in history,

, handwritten letter, 5 pages long, to his wife about his family. The letter was written while he was traveling on a plane to , mere months before being murdered in his home, which is considered the most famous mob hit in history, Meyer Lansky's Medal of Freedom, as awarded to Lansky by President Truman in a secret ceremony at the White House, for the Mob's helping the Allied Forces win WWII during Operation Husky and Operation Underworld,

Medal of Freedom, as awarded to Lansky by President Truman in a secret ceremony at the White House, for the Mob's helping the Allied Forces win WWII during Operation Husky and Operation Underworld, The only example of a handwritten letter, 3 pages long from Al Capone to his son, offering him life advice and describing his daily life in prison while serving out his sentence in Alcatraz,

to his son, offering him life advice and describing his daily life in prison while serving out his sentence in Alcatraz, A mysterious letter from an FBI agent to Mob Boss, Jimmy "Blue Eyes" Alo, tipping off the Mob boss about a major investigation repaying his dying father's wishes to repay the favor,

Meyer Lanksy's jacket, tie, shirt and hat, as a set. The houndstooth jacket is the one matching his friend Bugsy Siegal's and the hat was worn by Meyer upon his return from Israel where he was arrested upon his arrival,

and the hat was worn by Meyer upon his return from where he was arrested upon his arrival, The notorious Mickey Cohen's brass knuckles, slightly used , and

brass knuckles, , and Meyer Lansky's handwritten Diaries.

The idea to partner with The Mob Experience in converting the most coveted pieces of its collection into NFTs, was the brainchild of successful model and actor, turned entrepreneur and cryptocurrency investor, Michael Evers.

Mr. Evers, said "Never before has a museum quality collection been tied to the NFT market. The opportunity for Mob fans and collectors, as well as NFT owners, to be the only one in the world to own an extraordinary and unique, One of a Kind piece of history is an exciting new first for the NFT marketplace." Evers continued, "Additionally, each owner of an NFT will have the opportunity to have their name or nickname on display in The Mob Experience's Las Vegas real world location alongside the actual physical artifact tied to the NFT they acquired."

Jay Bloom, the original founder of the Las Vegas Mob Experience and current Chairmen of Pegasus Group Holdings, LLC. said "We are excited about the prospect of bringing ownership of these signature pieces as NFTs to the public and making them available to Mob and NFT fans worldwide. Each piece in our collection of 1,500 artifacts is a one of a kind with a story to tell, so too are our initial NFT offerings each going to be a 1 of 1."

The Mob Experience plans to open its interactive, brick and mortar location in a Las Vegas venue during the first quarter of 2022, where the physical artifacts behind the NFTs will be prominently on display.

Contact:

Carolyn Farkas

[email protected]

702-378-4877

SOURCE The Mob Experience

Related Links

www.MobExperience.com


Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 06:54:37|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of migrant children reported in Mexico has increased sharply, jumping from 380 to nearly 3,500 since the beginning of the year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported on Tuesday.

Children comprise at least 30 percent of migrants in Mexican shelters, who come from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and the country itself. Half have travelled without their parents, which is among the highest proportions ever recorded in Mexico.

The agency estimates that an average of 275 additional migrant children find themselves in Mexico every day after being detected by the authorities, waiting to cross into the United States, or being returned.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in unaccompanied migrant children, and the arrival of entire families with children, has put significant strain on Mexican assistance centers.

The journey from their homelands towards the United States - often on the run from violence and destitution - is perilous, and can last up to two months, amid extremely harsh conditions, the agency said.

UNICEF has collected harrowing testimonies of sexual abuse, extortion, kidnapping and human trafficking, among other violations. Some migrant women tearfully told UNICEF they were deprived of food, had their belongings confiscated, or slept on the floor, covering their children with their own bodies to keep them warm at night.

Last year, UNICEF welcomed Mexico's decision to reform its migration and refugee laws, which ban immigration detention for children and prioritize the best interests of migrant children in the development of immigration policies affecting them. It is critical that the international community support efforts towards the successful implementation of these reforms, the agency said.

UNICEF has also called on the international community to place children and women at the heart of all investment plans across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and southern Mexico, in efforts to create better living conditions and opportunities for communities.

Last year, more than 7,160 "children on the move" benefited from UNICEF-supported assistance in Mexico, such as protection and psychological services, recreational and learning activities, and accommodation.

UNICEF and partners have been scaling up humanitarian response across Central America and Mexico in recent months, including stepping up presence at the Mexico-U.S. border.

So far, over 2,100 migrant children have received assistance, and an additional 10,000 children and their parents will be reached this year.

However, with needs on the rise, and expected to remain high in the coming months, UNICEF is seeking 23 million U.S. dollars to fund operations in Mexico to provide vulnerable groups with access to education, improved water and sanitation facilities, life skills and vocational training, alternative care, and violence protection activities. Enditem
ROME, APR 21 - Italy is starting to distribute a batch of 184,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to its regions on Wednesday. Like the AstraZeneca jab, the Italian authorities are recommending the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only be given to over-60s after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it could be linked to some highly rare cases of blood clots in younger people. The EMA also stressed that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks. The batch had been put into storage at a military airport near Rome, pending the EMA's verdict. Unlike other COVID vaccines, only one dose of the Johnson & Johnson jab is required. Francesco Paolo Figliuolo also said in a statement on Wednesday that 1.5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine were arriving at airports all over the country. Italy has given out almost 16 million COVID vaccine shots so far and over 4.6 million people are fully vaccinated after having had two doses. (ANSA).
Michigan has put more than 6 million COVID-19 vaccines into arms since late December, including almost 90,000 per day over the last two weeks.

By the end of the day Monday, April 19, more than 3.7 million residents had received their first dose -- or 45.6% of the states 16 years and older population. About 2.35 million had gotten their second dose, meaning an estimated 31.5% of the eligible population had completed their recommended dosage.

In total, Michigan has administered 6,065,254 doses of vaccine, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took to Twitter to note the milestone Tuesday afternoon.

Today, Michigan will surpass six million doses administered of the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines, Whitmer wrote. This is incredible news, and we will not stop until we reach our goal of equitably vaccinating 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and up.

Despite our progress, we are still fighting this virus. The rising cases and hospitalization rates are a reminder that we must continue masking up, socially distancing, washing our hands, and getting vaccinated. If you havent already, please sign up for your vaccine today.

Last week, the state administered 586,072 vaccines, or 83,725 doses per day. Thats down from 94,304 shots per day the week prior, and marks the first week-over-week decline in shots per day in eight weeks.

Below is a breakdown by age group of adults who have gotten at least one dose of vaccine and those who are fully immunized.

75 and older: 71.4% initiated; 63.3% completed.

65 to 74: 72.8% initiated; 63.9% completed.

50 to 64: 53.2% initiated; 36.6% completed.

40 to 49: 38.9% initiated; 21.8% completed.

30 to 39: 34.9% initiated; 18.8% completed.

20 to 29: 25.2% initiated; 12.2% completed.

16 to 19: 19.5% initiated; 4.5% completed.

The highest immunization rates so far are in the northern Lower Peninsula, where 52% of residents 16 and older have gotten at least one dose.

The interactive map below shows the number of adults per capita who have received as least one dose of vaccine so far. The numbers are based on residence of the vaccine recipient vs. where the the vaccine was given.

Pharmacies have outpaced all other provider types in recent weeks, administering 561,619 doses since March 30. Local health departments have administered 512,195 shots in that span, followed by hospitals with 315,076.

The federal clinic at Ford Field in Detroit administered 110,473 shots over the last three weeks, and 143,599 total doses since its inception in mid-March.

Of the total doses administered to date, more than 3.21 million have been the Pfizer shot, while about 2.63 million have been the Moderna shot and 218,486 have been the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The latter is the only available vaccine in the country to only require one dose for maximum efficacy.

Last week, usage of the Johnson & Johnsons shot was paused out of an abundance of caution after six of the more than 6.8 million Americans who received the shot reported a rare but severe blood clot condition. Health officials expect use to resume in the near future with further guidance on what rare symptoms to monitor for, including severe headache and severe abdominal pain.

All residents 16 years and older are eligible to get a vaccine. Appointments are available to be scheduled at various sites statewide. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Read more on MLive:

Is Michigan turning a corner on coronavirus surge? Too soon to tell, experts say

Michigan coronavirus data for Wednesday, April 21: 56 counties trending down in case counts

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing site opens at Briarwood Mall

At-home COVID-19 vaccinations being offered to Jackson County residents
All Lanes of I-24 Open after Marshall Semi Crash

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARSHALL COUNTY - All lanes of Interstate 24 are open at the 24 mile marker after a semi overturned early this morning.The road was partially blocked for several hours Wednesday morning after the truck carrying a load of energy drinks overturned.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The first business at the second phase of Western Michigan Universitys Business, Technology and Research Park is set to open its doors later this fall.

The Ascension Medical Group Borgess Cancer Center will open in September in the business parks second phase, Ascension spokesperson Christopher Hunt said.

The facility will be the first to open at the newly constructed business park, located along Drake Road south of Stadium Drive in Oshtemo Township. Nearly two years after the parks second phase was opened to individual developers, the Borgess facility remains the only business that has purchased land so far, WMU spokesperson Paula Davis said.

Related: Western Michigan prepares to sell sites at business park expansion

Sites at the second phase of the business park went on sale to future developers in June 2019.

It takes multiple years to build out a business park, Davis said. That was true for BTR Park 1 across the street. The same is expected for BTR Park 2.

The first phase of the park, completed in 2002, is at capacity and currently houses 40 different businesses, the university said. The parks first phase is located on WMUs Parkview Campus near the intersection of Parkview Avenue and South Drake Road.

The Borgess cancer center will be a 38,000-square-foot facility offering medical oncology, hematology and infusion services, according to a February news release from Ascension Borgess. The center will feature 33 infusion bays, five private infusion rooms, 35 exam rooms, an on-site pharmacy and an on-site laboratory, according to the release.

Additionally, it will offer services such as a nurse navigation program, survivorship program, medical social work, cancer education and health and wellness programs.

The second phase of WMUs business park is the former site of Colony Farm Orchard, which was deeded to WMU by a state land grant in 1977 and restricted for public park and recreation uses. In 2009, the state passed a bill lifting the deed restriction, allowing WMU to use the Orchard property for other purposes.

Kalamazoos other major hospital system, Bronson Healthcare, recently built its own five-story cancer center near downtown for medical oncology, hematology and infusion services. The 85,000-square foot facility, which opened in February, was named in honor of former Bronson president and CEO Frank Sardone.

Related: Bronson Cancer Center opens its doors in Kalamazoo

A 2018 announcement from the West Michigan Cancer Center laid out plans to move medical oncology into separate centers for Bronson and Borgess. West Michigan Cancer Center still provides radiation and surgical oncology services, treating thousands of patients per year. The cancer center was opened at 200 N. Park St. in downtown Kalamazoo in 1994.

As construction of the Borgess cancer center moves toward completion, Hunt said the facility is on track to hire 46 new full-time employees, ranging from pharmacists to oncology specialty nurses.

Also on MLive:

Giant marijuana joints being raffled off by Michigan dispensary chain for 4/20

Alleged drink tampering at Kalamazoo bar prompts thousands to sign online petition

Western Michigan University vaccine clinic pivots to Pfizer shots after latest from CDC
Sierra Takushi 21 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to Thailand.

Takushi, a race, ethnicity, and migration studies major and education minor, will be an assistant teacher in Thailand for 12 months, with her position beginning in late September 2021.

This Fulbright award is the greatest gift; I am humbled by the opportunity to live and teach in my mother's home country, she says. My mother is an immigrant from the Chachoengsao Province of Thailand, and for the past four years, I have been working on rebuilding my relationship with my mother and my severed ties with my Thai culture. I am honored with the chance to reconnect with my culture, my people, and my family through this Fulbright award.

Takushi credits Chelsea Walter, the cultural and linguistic diversity education specialist at Colorado College, with introducing her to teaching English as a second language in her course, Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners. The class introduces students to theories, applications, and issues related to teaching English as a Second Language.

She also credits Walter with encouraging her to apply for the Fulbright and says she was a key supporter throughout the application process.

Takushi has a personal blog, where she writes culturally sensitive, conscientious travel writing reflections on my travels. Her most recent blog series was about her travels to Thailand to visit family. Visiting family, spending time in Thailand, and reflecting on my connection to people and place, all was integral to my decision to apply for the Fulbright, she says.

Takushi also serves as a senior ambassador of outreach and access for the CC Office of Admission. She was one of a record 12 Colorado College Fulbright semifinalists this year, selected from more than 11,700 applications, representing a 12% increase from the 2019-20 application cycle.
Delhi finally heaved a sigh of relief on Tuesday night as its dwindling oxygen supply was replenished in the eleventh hour. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain had made desperate appeals to the Centre to provide the national capital with oxygen amid unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital received fresh stock hours before running out. Max Hospital, Patparganj also received a consignment early Wednesday morning.

Ganga Ram received 14,000 cubic metres of oxygen in two separate late night and early morning consignments. This is believed to hold the hospital for a day or two.

GTB Hospital received a tanker at 1:30 am on Wednesday. Oxygen stock in the hospital was not expected to last beyond 2 am. More than 500 critical COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital were on oxygen support. Satyendar Jain had appealed to the Centre to restock the hospital.

Acute shortage of oxygen at GTB Hospital. Oxygen may not last beyond 4 hrs. More than 500 corona patients on oxygen. Pl help@PiyushGoyal

to restore oxygen supply to avert major crisis. pic.twitter.com/QNMSoWgNTA a Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) April 20, 2021

A consignment in Max Hospital arrived at 8 am on Wednesday. Of the 300 patients in the hospital, 200 are on oxygen support.

"Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi. I again urge centre to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi. Some hospitals are left with just a few hours of oxygen," CM Kejriwal had tweeted.

The Delhi High Court intervened on Monday and asked suppliers not to divert stocks to other states. The Delhi government had told the court that the main vendor for the state's hospitals, Inox, was moving its quota to Uttar Pradesh. The Centre has, meanwhile, assured the states of all help required.

Also read: Despite COVID-19 crisis at home, India doubled oxygen exports in FY21

Also read: COVID-19: Bombay Oxygen shares up 256%; it doesn't even make oxygen
Boris Johnson will tell a summit of world leaders today that 2021 must be the year countries 'get serious' about climate change.

The virtual talks have been called by President Joe Biden, who is expected to pledge to at least halve America's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The Prime Minister yesterday announced a 'world-leading' target for the UK to cut emissions by 78 per cent by 2035.

It comes ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

Mr Johnson will urge leaders to come to Glasgow armed with ambitious targets and the plans needed to hit them.

The Prime Minister yesterday announced a 'world-leading' target for the UK to cut emissions by 78 per cent by 2035

He is expected to tell today's meeting: 'If we actually want to stop climate change, then this must be the year in which we get serious about doing so.

'The 2020s will be remembered either as the decade in which world leaders united to turn the tide, or as a failure.'

The summit comes as the International Energy Agency warns global carbon emissions are set for their second biggest rise on record after a sharp fall in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Greenpeace's Jennifer Morgan said: 'Our survival depends on real climate action.'

The two-day US-led summit will also hear from leaders of major economies including China, Japan, Russia, Canada, India and Australia, who will be watched closely to see what ambition they will bring to the table.

Japan and Canada are among the countries expected to unveil new climate targets at the meeting, while the European Union has agreed a new climate law which includes a goal to cut its emissions by 55% by 2030 on 1990 levels.

As part of diplomatic efforts in the lead up to the summit, the US and China issued a statement pledging to work together and with other countries on the issue.

The two-day US-led summit will also hear from leaders of major economies including China, Japan, Russia, Canada, India and Australia, who will be watched closely to see what ambition they will bring to the table

For the US, Mr Biden is expected to set out a pledge to cut emissions by at least 50% on 2005 levels by 2030, nearly double the nation's previous commitment, as he seeks to encourage other countries to boost their efforts.

The proposal - estimated to be around a 41% cut on 1990 levels - is part of the US's national climate plan, which it is submitting as part of its return to the Paris climate accord, the world's first comprehensive climate treaty which Donald Trump quit when he was president.

Countries have been expected to come forward with more ambitious plans up to 2030, known as nationally determined contributions (NDC) in the Paris deal, ahead of Cop26 in November.

That is because existing plans are not enough to meet countries' commitments under the Paris deal to curb global temperature rises to 'well below' 2C above pre-industrial levels - or 1.5C if possible - and avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change.

The summit, which will have sessions on increasing climate action, finance for developing countries, the role of natural solutions such as restoring forests and peatlands, and security impacts of climate change, will also hear from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Pope Francis.

Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, said history had to be made at the summit.

'True climate leadership requires laws and regulations to phase out fossil fuels, end deforestation, and restore nature. Our survival depends on real climate action.

'To get closer to the 1.5 pathway, significant political will and action are required,' she urged.
The file photo shows a wind power plant in Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Xinhua] President Xi Jinping will attend the Leaders Summit on Climatevia video link and deliver an important speech at the invitation of US President Joe Biden, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday.
In the midst of rumors that Subway is setting itself up for sale, some of the chain's franchisees have banded together to raise concerns and demands.

On Monday, a group of franchisees voiced outrage at their treament and proposed solutions in an open letter to Elisabeth DeLuca, the widow of Subway co-founder Fred DeLuca. According to the New York Post, the signed letter comes from 250 Subway locations, which total 1% of the chain's U.S. locations.

"Sadly, for many of us, this dream has turned into a nightmare," the letter says. "We didnt understand that language in our Franchise Agreements was written in a way so that Subway could change the rules on us at any time, without notice, for anything."

Some of the frustrations come from pandemic-related issues, such as the corporate office preventing franchisees from reducing hours to make ends meet. Other points of contention extended beyond Covid-19, with complaints of the inability to source higher-quality ingredients.

The letter includes a list of six demands, which include the ability to directly lease stores and exemption from royalty payment in correlation to the amount of the PPP loan and federal aid received.

Recent rumors of the sandwich chain's sale have put a spotlight on Subway's issues. According to Restaurant Business, Technomic's 2021 Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report indicated that Subway suffered a 18.5% loss in revenue compared to 2019 sales.

Subway's owners, which include DeLuca, appointed John Chidsey as the CEO in 2019 to remedy the downward spiral the company was experiencing even before the pandemic. Since Chidsey began as CEO, Subway has closed more than 1,700 stores and let go of hundreds of employees. The New York Post estimates Subway's corporate office laid off nearly 500 employees last year, which equate to a 40% cut of its initial 1,200 corporate-level employees.

In the early 2000's, Chidsey made similar cost-cutting measures as CEO of Burger King before selling the company to investment firm 3G Capital in 2010. Alongside Miami relocations and a restructuring of Subway's franchise program, many see this as a sign that the company is looking to sell.

"He's following the exact playbook that he followed for Burger King," one operator told Business Insider.

Some of the rumors seem to have merit, as Business Insider reports that restaurant companies Restaurant Brands International and Inspire have looked into buying the brand.

"What is confirmed through chitchat in the restaurant industry is that both RBI  Restaurant Brands International  and also Inspire, in the last year to year and a half, have done due diligence looking at Subway," chain restaurant analyst John Gordon told Business Insider.

Subway has declined to comment on the rumors.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Marina and Yevgeniy Belilovskiy and Nadezhda Kutolkina, who immigrated from Russia more than two decades ago and settled on Staten Island, developed a keen interest in the beauty of their new surroundings. So much so, theyve immersed themselves in myriad local causes  the latest of which is a project dedicated to improving the appearance of beaches in the borough.

Last weekend nearly 50 members of the Russian community, family members and friends, gathered to clean up an unprotected part of Midland Beach and discuss ways to improve other beaches on Staten Island.

Marina, one of the organizers, is hopeful more volunteers will get on board and is appealing for help.

This was our first event but plans are in the works for our next endeavor at Great Kills, says Marina, who added that these are unprotected beaches that need the help of local residents.

I want to believe that the younger generation was inspired by an example of the older ones. People came with their families to clean the shore and set a good example for their kids. The beach breathed joyfully and gratefully, and we all left with a feeling of fulfilled duty to the earth on which we live. After all, there are no indifferent people in this group.

Marina and her family immigrated from Moscow 28 years ago and settled on Staten Islands East Shore, while Nadezhda calls the boroughs South Shore home.

People came with their families to clean the shore and set a good example for their kids. In total over 40 people showed up to help, she added. We spent about two hours cleaning the beach and another 30 minutes on a free yoga class provided by Nadezhda Kutolkina, founder of I Want Retreat, as a participation gift for those who came to the event. I Want Retreat, is a yoga program offered in the Pocono Mountains area.

(Courtesy/Marina Belilovskiy)Staten Island Advance

Marina also hosts a Basket of Opportunities a charitable project which runs live on Facebook in both Russian and English, an ongoing endeavor where she supports members of the community since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Though the project she offers opportunities available from various providers, techniques for self-development and resources to improve physical and mental health, as well as children programs.

Her Facebook project contains more than 180 live classes from specialists the world over as a means to give support and provide different ways for self-growth to followers. The program also has its own YouTube channel.

Interested in becoming part of the project? Contact Marina at belilovskiym@yahoo.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/283314919299935
[April 21, 2021] Acrisure Creates Large Relationships Division

Acrisure, a top-10 global insurance broker and fintech services provider, today announced the addition of Doug Hodo, Jr. as Director of Large Relationships. In this new position, the 30-year industry veteran will unify Acrisure's direct sales efforts toward large companies seeking products and services in critical coverage lines including property and casualty, group benefits, surety and executive liability. Hodo will lead a team specializing in large customer relationships across the sales lifecycle, leveraging Acrisure's internal product and technology experts. His value will be magnified across a best-in-class distribution network. "Through our Agency Partner network and technology capabilities, Acrisure is uniquely positioned to tailor our services to the unique needs of large entities," said Greg Williams, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Acrisure. "Doug's expertise adds tremendous value and will immediately help us serve these clients with our differentiated model." Hodo most recently served as West Regional President for McGriff, a full-service insurance broker providing risk management and insurance solutions. Among his accomplishments, Hodo helped grow the company into a significant regional broker and ran operations in its Texas market. His expertise in preparing thoughtful property and casualty, employee benefits and other coverage strategies made him an asset to clients and colleagues alike. "No broker or financial services company matches Acrisure in technology investment, broker network and culture," said Hodo. "I look forward to building our large relatonships team as we provide an independent, client-focused alternative with global scale."



Acrisure has generated considerable momentum in the first four months of 2021. The Company announced a $3.45 billion capital raise, expanded into Asset Management and recently hired a Chief Innovation Officer. Earlier this year, Acrisure launched a joint venture with Russell Wilson, Ciara and Russell Westbrook focused on the insurance and financial product needs of minority-owned businesses and diverse communities. About Acrisure

As one of the world's top 10 insurance brokerages and the fastest growing in the world, Acrisure provides a broad array of insurance and financial related solutions, including commercial property and casualty, personal lines and employee benefits insurance and Asset Management products and services. The company has over $2.2 billion in revenue. The operating partners have significant local autonomy which keeps product and service decisions at the customer level. Acrisure is driven by the pursuit of limitless growth through exceptional partnerships. Find out more at www.acrisure.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005309/en/

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Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Tuesday invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet "at any location" in the conflict-hit eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass.

In a video address, released on Tuesday, Zelensky said that advisers to Normandy Quartet leaders (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France), as well as security subgroup of the Contact Group on Ukrainian reconciliation discussed restoring full ceasefire in Donbass on Monday and Tuesday.

"A proposal was made to meet at the line of contact to see and understand the situation in the best possible way. What am I supposed to understand? Im visiting it every month. Mr. Putin, Im ready to go even further and invite you to meet at any location of Ukraines conflict-hit Donbass," TASS cited him as saying.

Addressing Russia, the Ukrainian leader said Moscow and Kiev have different views about their future, but this should be treated as an opportunity rather than as a problem.

"Despite a common past, Ukrainian Russia have different views about the future," he said. "But this is not necessarily a problem, this is an opportunity."

Zelensky declared his readiness to meet with Putin back in December 2020, to discuss, among other things, an exchange of detained persons.
KEF Media celebrates 35th anniversary on May 1. The firm has worked in the marketing, food and beverage, travel, health, pharma, sports, consumer products and retail categories. KEF also carved out a niche advising on and executing brand activations for Olympic sponsors, including satellite and virtual media tours, B-roll, radio media tours and digital media placements. I got the Olympic bug when I went to Sarajevo in what was then Yugoslavia in 1984 on behalf of a client, said KEF chief Kevin Foley. Since then weve worked with clients in Calgary, Barcelona, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Athens, Torino, Beijing, Vancouver, London, Sochi, Rio, and PyeongChang. Since Japan is not allowing foreigners into the country for the 2021 Summer Games because of COVID, KEF Media has come up with a number of ways for sponsors to get their messages to U.S. audiences.

PR Boutiques International adds six members. They are The Other Agency, which has offices in New York and Los Angeles; Brunnen Communications, a Helsinki, Finland firm; London-based tech firm Together Agency; PR Partner, a crisis communications agency in Tallinn, Estonia; Revolve Marketing and PR, a Dublin-based firm that targets luxury brand clients; and Together LTD., a boutique media strategy consulting firm in Tel Aviv. PRBI now includes more than 40 boutique agencies on five continents.

5W Public Relations founder and CEO Ronn Torossian updates his 2011 book For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Result with Game-Changing Publications, to reflect best practices in todays public relations market. The book outlines how businesses and individuals can use a strategic mix of psychology, research, data, aesthetics, and digital and intuitive common sense to work withor defend againstthe media. Torossian writes that his goal in the new edition is to demonstrate that public relations remains one of the most relevant and effective tools for entrepreneurs, emerging brands, Fortune 500 companies, personalities, and politicians to get their messages across in an increasingly fragmented communications environment.
BOSTON - Legislation currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress would increase regulatory oversight of certain diagnostic tests, and a new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and colleagues from several other institutions demonstrates that its potential impact will depend on key details in the bill's final language. This study, published in JCO Oncology Practice, offers the first evidence-based analysis of how new rules proposed for the regulation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) could affect health care costs in the United States.

"The idea of having more oversight of LDTs is justified," says Jochen Lennerz, MD, PhD, medical director of the MGH Center for Integrated Diagnostics (CID) and the study's senior author. "But our results show that it's very important to align the language in this new law with the intent of what it's trying to accomplish."

From a regulatory standpoint, there are two categories of in vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), which include diagnostic tests performed in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism. Manufactured tests for many different conditions are commercially available. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely regulates these tests, requiring manufacturers to submit data for premarket approval before they can be sold. However, clinical laboratories at hospitals and in other health care settings can create their own IVCTs for use in-house, which are known as LDTs. Currently, the FDA does not require premarket approval of LDTs and exercises little oversight of their use.

LDTs serve a variety of purposes, but one critically important role is identifying patients for novel drug therapies that target specific DNA variations, particularly if a commercial test is not yet available. This form of therapy, known as personalized medicine, is becoming increasingly important in cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, faulty IVCTs can produce inaccurate results, causing some patients to forgo potentially beneficial treatments and others to receive unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies. The proposed legislation, currently known as the Verifying Accurate and Leading-edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act, clarifies the authority of the FDA over all diagnostics tests.

If passed, VALID would focus on so-called high-complexity IVCTs, which have the greatest potential for patient harm if the results are incorrect. To comply with VALID, clinical laboratories would have to demonstrate accuracy of their LDTs, which includes a process called technology certification.

Lennerz believes that the stringency of how VALID is interpreted, which is not currently defined in the bill, will influence whether the proposed law can improve the quality of LDTs without significantly increasing future health care costs. He joined lead author Richard Huang, MD, and several colleagues in an effort to model the overall expense of maintaining the technology certification framework under VALID for cancer diagnostics. They based their estimates on 2019 data from CID, which performs more than 10,000 high-complexity LDTs for MGH patients each year.

The study found that maintenance costs for a lab performing that volume of LDTs would be $638,000 a year under low stringency and slightly higher ($685,000) under moderate stringency, but soar to $1.2 million under highly stringent enforcement. Extrapolating that data to reflect the added expense for the nation's 886 cancer treatment centers, complying with VALID would increase U.S. health care costs by $565 million, $606 million, or $1.1 billion over a three-year period, depending on stringency of enforcement.

Lennerz believes the study's important contribution is putting a price tag on VALID, which no one has yet done. "The key finding is that maintaining this new infrastructure will come at a cost," he says.

And while those numbers may seem high to some, they should be kept in perspective, says study co-author Jeff Allen, president and CEO of Friends of Cancer Research, a nonprofit patient advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.: "In the United States, we consistently see increases in health expenditures in the realm of $200 billion annually." Even with added FDA enforcement, the increased costs of VALID amounts to less than 0.5% of annual increased expenditures, he notes. "At the gain of assured quality in testing, the avoidance of medical errors, and improved support for medical decisions, the costs offset. But most important, patient care will improve," says Allen. VALID has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress, which will likely begin debate on the bill in early summer.

###

Huang is a former clinical informatics fellow in the Department of Pathology at MGH. Lennerz is also an associate professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School.

About the Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The Mass General Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with annual research operations of more than $1 billion and comprises more than 9,500 researchers working across more than 30 institutes, centers and departments. In August 2020, Mass General was named #6 in the U.S. News & World Report list of "America's Best Hospitals."

About Friends of Cancer Research
Another high roller has ended in the GG Spring Festival, and it's no surprise that another top pro has emerged as champion. This time, it was longtime nosebleed player Sami Kelopuro who topped the field of 99 entries to add $574,878 to his bankroll in H-84: $25,500 Super High Roller.

Kelopuro was simply on fire from the bubble onward. Even a final table with the likes of Mike Watson  who struck gold in a different GGSF event --, Isaac Haxton, Nick Petrangelo, and Benjamin Rolle couldn't stop him from taking over near the end as he amassed a stack that dwarfed all the other players combined by the time it got short-handed.

From there, it was a matter of who could ladder to second  it turned out to be Wei Zhao  as long as Kelopuro could fade anything completely crazy happening.

Official Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Sami Kelopuro Finland $574,878 2 Wei Zhao China $440,696 3 Isaac Haxton U.S.A. $339,952 4 Nick Petrangelo U.S.A. $262,076 5 Matthias Eibinger Austria $202,040 6 Benjamin Rolle Germany $155,575 7 Thomas Muehloecker Austria $120,076 8 Zhuang Ruan Japan $92,569 9 Mike Watson Canada $71,363

While Kelopuro had the chip lead heading to the final table after Joao Vieira and Stephen Chidwick were among the few to make the money but fall before the final nine, it wasn't a prohibitive one. And it wasn't a knockout that would propel to take command.

Instead, an unusual hand developed where Kelopuro three-bet preflop and faced a four-bet from Haxton. Kelopuro peeled with the two players starting about 50 blinds deep. On the jack-high flop, Haxton went for a check-min-raise only to get shoved on and wind up tank-folding.

Armed with the lead again, Kelopuro ramped up the pressure and soon had more than half of the chips in play. He proceeded to bust Rolle and Matthias Eibinger to take 80 percent of the chips four-handed.

That sort of lead is tough to contend with, so while Zhao got the next two knockouts to give himself a fighting chance, it didn't take long before his thin value-shove with top pair ran into a rivered Kelopuro straight to end it.
Funding from York IE, One Way Ventures, and PJC brings alternative option for Boston's rental market, creating largest room based rental platform in the city

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / SplitSpot, Boston's largest flex-lease room based platform, today announced it has raised $2 million in financing. The funding round was led by both York IE and One Way Ventures, with support from PJC among other investors. SplitSpot has quickly become the largest room rental platform in Boston, and this funding will help it rapidly expand to meet the needs of both renters and landlords.

SplitSpot simplifies the rental process with a more turnkey, tenant-friendly experience, as well as a supportive tenant placement and management partner for property owners and landlords. With over 500 rooms across greater Boston, SplitSpot has had 3x year-over-year growth within the last 24 months. The company plans to use this latest investment to continue their expansion to other geographies beyond Boston and to invest in the company's tech and internal operations teams.

Co-founders Ernesto Gaxha and David Mazza draw upon their own rental experiences as the inspiration behind the platform. Having experienced numerous challenges living in cities like Boston and New York with brokers' fees, high costs, and inflexible leases, they were inspired to come up with a way to untangle the rental process.

"We understood the complexity behind the rental market and saw room for improving the process in an innovative way for both landlords and tenants," said Gaxha. "We're excited to continue tackling the massive problem of unaffordable and inaccessible housing in major cities. With these new resources, we will be able to expand SplitSpot into more metro areas across the country, and expand our reputation as an easy, reliable, and trusted renting solution."

The Covid-19 pandemic has escalated the need for a simpler way to find properties with flexible lease options with a heightened roommate screening process. The platform is gaining traction at a time where the formalities of renting a property are increasingly difficult to navigate. Lease terms are seldom flexible with overhead broker fees and hidden charges without one centralized place for local listings. SplitSpot, on the other hand, advertises properties by the room, providing flexible and accessible rentals that appeal to those looking for these housing solutions. For landlords, SplitSpot minimizes risk by maximizing rental income and providing an end-to-end marketing, sales, and tenant management service for their units

"We truly believe SplitSpot is poised for explosive growth," said Marshall Everson, VP, Investments at York IE. "We saw two founders who had a deep understanding of the problem they were trying to solve and the way they wanted to solve it. Additionally, I think the fact they have growth hacked their way to become the biggest room rental platform in Boston showed the grit, intelligence, and execution any early-stage investor would want to partner with."

"SplitSpot is changing the industry of renting a market that is ripe for disruption between user frustration, high costs, and regulations," said Semyon Dukach, Managing Partner at One Way Ventures. "They're giving back the power to renters by formalizing the rental process while improving occupancy rates for landlords at the same time. We are incredibly impressed with how SplitSpot understands their market, the opportunity ahead, and how they can shake up the rental space as we know it."

"Ernesto and David are tackling a sizable market and have shown great progress thus far," said Matt Hayes, General Partner at PJC. We are excited to have been early supporters in SplitSpot and feel confident this round will enable them to continue growing exceptionally fast."

Alongside the funding, SplitSpot has expanded their Board of Directors with the addition of seasoned early-stage startup executive, Bryan Goodwin, formerly SVP of Drizly, now Co-Founder, President & CRO at TorchCo. Goodwin's presence on the board comes with extensive advising and investing experience in more than 25 startups over the past five years, which will translate to prominent value for SplitSpot's expanding future.

To learn more about SplitSpot, visit SplitSpot.com.

About SplitSpot:

Founded in 2019, SplitSpot simplifies renting for both tenants and landlords. The company intermediates the renting process by providing rooms with flexible lease arrangements and reduced upfront costs, producing an affordable solution for long-term renters in cities. SplitSpot works to improve accessibility for housing while providing landlords quality tenants. http://www.SplitSpot.com

CONTACT:

York IE

Kate Campbell

Kate@york.ie

SOURCE: SplitSpot

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641408/SplitSpot-Raises-2M-in-Funding-to-Simplify-Rental-Process-for-Tenants-and-Landlords
Former peace facilitator Norway to help Sri Lanka monitor fish stocks

Former peace facilitator Norway is to help Sri Lanka better monitor its fish stocks.



Norway played a crucial role in facilitating peace talks between the Government and the LTTE.



The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo today said that the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) in Sri Lanka and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway (IMR) have joined hands to continue their cooperation in fisheries research in Sri Lankan waters.



The two institutions will engage in research on fish stocks in the waters of Sri Lanka, with the aim of improved and sustainable management of marine resources in the country.



Norway's financial assistance enabled an ecosystem survey in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka by the Norwegian Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in Sri Lanka in 2018. After the successful completion of the first phase of the project, the Norwegian Embassy was pleased to approve the second phase of the project for development of fisheries management tools at a cost of close to NOK 8.75mn (approx. 1 Million USD), which will be operational until 2022.



Speaking at the event, the Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Trine Jranli Eskedal, underscored that Norway is 'committed to bilateral cooperation on oceans and to helping Sri Lanka put in place data-based management systems for ocean resources, which will enable Sri Lanka to better monitor its fish stocks.'



She added that the Norwegian fisheries cooperation with Sri Lanka, which dates back to the 1970s, includes fisheries management, research and education, and private sector development. From 2013 to 2020, NOK 20.3 mill. (approx. 2.4 mill. USD) have been disbursed to the fisheries sector.



Ambassador Eskedal also highlighted the importance of sharing these research findings with other Sri Lankan stakeholders, both in the public and private sector, to make informed decisions related to oceans and fisheries and to bringing in new and advanced technology to Sri Lanka's fisheries sector. She also reiterated the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14)  to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, and the importance of the fisheries sector to advance more sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.



Speaking at the event Hon. State Minister Kanchana Wijesekara mentioned that the Government's strategy for enhancing the marine fisheries sector in Sri Lanka aims at developing and managing the sector in a successful way using scientific evidence and modern technology. 'To obtain science-based recommendations for managing the fisheries, capacity building of Sri Lankan scientists is essential,' the State Minister underscored.



Speaking at the event, the Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, mentioned that the Government of Sri Lanka is looking for renewed opportunities to strengthen the fisheries sector. 'Research projects of this nature are an opportunity for our Sri Lankan fishermen and for the sector as a whole. Sri Lanka and Norway have a longstanding bilateral relationship within the fisheries sector and wish to ensure the livelihoods of fishermen and the local economy,' he stressed.



The Minister added that Sri Lanka is an island nation blessed with abundant marine resources. It is the government's mandate to sustain such resources, while bringing in research-based advanced technology to boost the sector. The Minister also thanked the Government of Norway for its continued support during these unprecedented times.

 2000 MENAFN. All rights reserved.

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The solidarity of Catholic families is helping more than 2,000 people unable to pay for hospital care. The Corpus Fund was set up by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Percival Fernandez who today celebrated the 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Poor families in Mumbai who might otherwise not be able to pay for healthcare costs are helped by the generosity of other Catholic families through the Corpus Fund of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

This financial plan is a beautiful gift the Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, Mgr Percival Fernandez, left to the great metropolis. Today, the prelate celebrated the 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

The Corpus Fund was set up on 1 March 2006 based on an idea Bishop Fernandez had when confronted with the urgent need of so many poor families unable to pay their hospitalisation and other medical bills.

I got it [the fund] off the ground putting 10,000 rupees into it and inviting families in the archdiocese to contribute. Over the years, we raised 130 million rupees (.6 million), said the bishop.

In 15 years of activity, the Corpus Fund has responded to 58,000 appeals from families in difficulty. Currently, some 2,016 are still supported thanks to donations.

The outreach initiative is entirely the work of volunteers, starting with parish priests who receive reports about needy cases and direct the people involved to the Fund with the related health documentation.

The Archdioceses finance office manages the Fund. Each family is entitled to maximum assistance of 750,000 rupees (US$ 10,000).

For his part, Bishop Fernandez, who is now 85, continues to personally follow the reports and relationships with donors, thanking them one by one.

The Corpus Fund was my creation, he explained, and continues to be so. It needs motivation to work on more than 60,000 letters.

Born in Mangalore in 1935, Bishop Fernandez was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Bombay on 21 December 1960 at St Pius X College in Goregaon.

In 1978 Card Valerian Gracias sent him to Bangalore to join the administration of St John's Medical College, an institution of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).

Back then, it offered a BA and had a clinic with only 50 beds and no nursing school, Bishop Fernandez noted. When I left, 22 years later, it had become the St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, with a large 1,200-bed hospital.

He returned to Mumbai on 21 April 2001 and was ordained auxiliary bishop by Cardinal Ivan Dias.

In 2002 he was also chosen as CBCI secretary general. About 10 years ago he retired from the post of auxiliary bishop because of age limits, but continues to personally follow the work of the Corpus Fund.

During the 1970s, Bishop Fernandez played a role in helping people affected by drought in Maharashtra, the crisis in Uganda and the refugee emergency in Bangladesh. The bishop is also a good painter.
Workers at Detroit-area auto plants are increasingly concerned with management and the United Auto Workers prioritization of production over health and safety, in spite of record levels of coronavirus infections in the state of Michigan.

State health officials reported 9,251 newly reported cases and 65 deaths on Tuesday, bringing the statewide total up to 882,436 cases and 17,987 deaths. Hospitalizations are now at the highest level since the start of the pandemic.

Shift change at SHAP (WSWS Media)

According to a report by Bloomberg, last Tuesday 630 workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) north of Detroit were out with COVID or in quarantine, almost 10 percent of the workforce. Workers who spoke with the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter say that management at the plant is attempting to cover up the number of infections and refusing to notify in a timely manner any worker who has been exposed.

The high absentee rate has made conditions at the plant even more difficult and dangerous as management, with the full support of the UAW, tries to maintain production of the best-selling Ram 1500 pickup truck. Staffing shortages have hit the skilled trades very hard, where a grueling 12-hour seven-day work schedule went into effect earlier this month.

A skilled trades worker described the conditions at SHAP since the start of the 12/7 regime to the Autoworker Newsletter.

Weve had several cases in the trades here. The most recent is a maintenance supervisor testing positive, and although he is continuously in close contact with the tradesmen he oversees, none of those employees were even informed that their supervisor had tested positive. Then, two or three days after this, another tradesman tested positive, after being at work the entire shift and not feeling well himself. He was told that it was not COVID, and if it was, he got it on the outside, not in the plant.

So now we have seven to 10 tradesmen out for contact tracing, this after the company just forced us into an AWS work pattern that reduced skilled trades manpower. This added workload for the remaining tradesmen covering those COVID absences, on top of the newly forced 12-hour days is just too much.

And people on the other crews are still angry about being forced into this work pattern and are turning down offers for overtime to cover these absences. Thus, were being forced to now do multiple jobs, covering multiple areas of the plant, with one half to one third of the manpower needed to run.

The fact that the union has said nothing, refusing to answer calls or emails from its membership, paints a pretty good picture as to their true colors, an issue all are sure to remember come election time, if not pulling our dues before that in disgust. If theyre not representing our best interests, our health and safety, and with COVID rampant in the plants, our families health and safety as well ... then why give them a nickel of our money?

Another skilled trades worker said, The problem with the whole operation is that contact tracing is nonexistent. If it was being carried out, the whole plant would be shut down. They wouldnt have enough people to run production.

They are not telling workers if they came in contact with anyone with COVID. They are not disclosing information. We only find out through the grapevine.

Now they are raising HIPAA privacy laws as an excuse for this. I dont need to know the name, I just need to be alerted that I was in contact with someone who tested positive or who is out for COVID. No different than HIV or any other case. All you need to know is you are exposed and then you can start going through your contacts. But they are not telling us anything.

A friend told me that at his GM plant they send out an email every day saying which area there were COVID cases. We dont even get that.

They make us wear a mask at work, but people are still getting sick at work. If that is the problem, that people are not exercising their personal responsibility, thats why you should shut it down. Now you are saying you are not going to protect us from ourselves?

He said other minimal safety protocols had gone by the wayside. They went from them giving us masks we thought were good to ones that we know arent.

He added, There is no way to know if these temperature checks actually work. How do I know if they give me the thumbs up? ... They are looking at the phone and giving me the thumbs up. It is just a show.

The conditions at SHAP are being replicated at other auto plants. At the Detroit Assembly ComplexJefferson Assembly, workers on the trim line stopped production Friday afternoon over an incident where a worker tested positive for COVID-19. By making it difficult for workers to collect compensation while out sick or on quarantine, management is encouraging workers not to report symptoms or get tested.

A worker at the Stellantis Kokomo, Indiana, transmission complex told a meeting of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Safety Committee Network on Monday, We dont have what we need to stay safe. They are playing roulette with our lives. All they want is numbers.

The union is almost like management. They dont care what we think. It is almost like talking to the wall. We pay union dues but dont know where the money goes. Dont check the dates when you enter. They just let anyone in through the gates.

Under these conditions, the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Safety Committee Network is demanding a four-week shutdown of the auto industry, with full compensation for laid-off workers to help bring the spiraling pandemic under control. For more information, including how to form a committee at your plant, contact autoworkers@wsws.org.
A Minnesota jury on Tuesday found Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, nearly eleven months after the former police officer knelt on Floyds neck for over nine minutes, killing him and setting off racial justice protests throughout the country.

Oregon activists, racial justice advocates and elected officials reacted to Chauvins conviction with feelings ranging from relief at the verdict to frustration that it was ever in question.

Meanwhile, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a 24-hour state of emergency, allowing him to impose a curfew, close city streets and take other extraordinary measures should widespread political unrest develop. No large crowds had gathered by early Tuesday evening.

Heres how Oregon activists, community leaders and politicians reacted to Chauvins conviction:

ACTIVISTS EXPRESS RELIEF, RECOGNIZE NEED FOR GREATER CHANGE

Anxiety was high Tuesday morning for activist Lydia Gray-Holifield, 53, as she awaited the jurys decision.

Before the verdict I had all kinds of emotions and thoughts that were in my head and nervousness, Gray-Holifield said. After hearing the verdict, I felt like prayers had been answered, and even though hes not bringing Mr. Floyd back to us, its still a move in the right direction.

Gray-Holifield hopes that Tuesdays verdict will spur Portland police and police departments nationwide to receive mandatory, regular trainings focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. Part of that training, she said, should be focused on learning the trauma many Black and brown people experience during their interactions with police.

Not just as a mom but as a Black mom, being pulled over by the police and having to tell your kids that are 12 and 7 and 8 years old, Put your hands in the air and be still. Dont make any sudden moves.  Thats the worst feeling in the world, Gray-Holifield said. I want (the police) to understand, as a mother, the severity of what happens to us every time were pulled over, or one of our kids are pulled over, or my brother or my uncle. That fear.

Sharon Gary-Smith, the president of Portlands NAACP chapter, said she had mixed emotions about the verdict.

I dont think any of us could be anything less than joyful that justice was served, she said. But the fact that its an unusual verdict given the number of killings of Black men, women and children  its sort of a bittersweet moment.

Gary-Smith said the contrast was especially stark when she considered her childhood in Portland and the police bureaus own cases of use of force  especially against Black residents.

She said she hopes the verdict will lead to Portland-area leaders immediately and strongly scrutinizing qualified immunity for officers who commit acts that would be considered criminal by anyone else.

Demetria Hester, an activist who has been a prominent voice at Portland protests, called the verdict inadequate.

She questioned the phrasing of Chauvins charges, namely his second-degree unintentional murder charge.

Ive never heard of that, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. When you put your knee on his neck for eight minutes with your hands in your pockets, thats unintentional? Are we still playing these games?

Hester said she felt the verdict was an attempt to appease the public while not really holding Chauvin accountable.

They knew everyone was going to be in uproar if he was found not guilty, she said. Everyones going to go back to comfortability.

Teressa Raiford, a former mayoral candidate and founder of the nonprofit Dont Shoot Portland said Tuesdays verdict was a step toward accountability  but noted there is still work to be done.

It doesnt mean that our children cant go out and be murdered like Quanice Hayes was or shot in the park because of a mental health emergency like the person at Lents Park was, Raiford said, noting that one officers conviction does nothing to change the violence entrenched in policing.

Mac Smiff, an activist and independent journalist, praised the verdict but said more work remains.

Our goal is still not simply to hold a police officer accountable, but really to change the system of public safety all together, Smiff said. Its a step in the right direction. Its still a historic moment, but its just a step.

A group of nearly 40 Black creatives, activists and community members also penned an open letter, calling for protesters to listen to Black leaders and support them in the way they ask to be supported, rather than a way thats detrimental to Black people. The letter was published in light of destruction to historically Black neighborhoods and Black-owned businesses during recent protests.

There is no excuse for the police to murder civilians. This is completely unacceptable and every abuse of power is a stain on our nation, and an obstacle to peace. Every cover up, lie and delay prove to us further that this system is not reformable, the letter said. Understand that doing damage to us, our communities, and our resources undoes the work we do.

ELECTED OFFICIALS RESPOND

Several Black legislators expressed complicated feelings about Chauvins conviction.

Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat from Happy Valley, said the trial brought up competing feelings for her about the dangers her own sons face  and her fears that something could happen to them for no reason, at any time.

Maybe today makes it a little easier to breathe, but I wont stop praying for them. Im not sure weve really turned a corner, she said in a statement. The reason Im not sure is that the ability to convict lies in the laws that are written and the jury instructions. We can have all the evidence in the world, know that something is wrong, but if the question itself is flawed and the person is poor/Black, nothing even matters. Justice wont be served.

Sen. Lew Frederick said the verdict was appropriate and that he hopes it reinforces the changes already underway.

Mayor Ted Wheeler also praised the verdict.

Justice was served today. Derek Chauvin was rightfully declared guilty for the murder of George Floyd, Wheeler said in a statement. The verdict wont bring back George Floyd, and it wont repair the damage, but it is an encouraging waypoint on the long road to justice and equity. That we live in a world where this can be the outcome gives me hoppe about the future and our ability to make the reforms we need in Portland. My colleagues on the City Council and I are committed to the hard work ahead.

A host of other officials released statements acknowledging the magnitude of the verdict and sending thoughts to the Floyd family. Local law enforcement agencies, including Portland police and the Multnomah and Washington county sheriffs offices, also issued statements in support of the verdict.

Gray-Holifield said the verdict was a beginning, not an end.

These people took an oath to protect us, and instead theyre killing us, Gray-Holifield said. Yes, we can celebrate this victory, but we also have to stay focused and stay wide awake and down for the cause and continue to fight this battle of equity and diversity and inclusion for Black and brown people. This was a victory for us, but its not the end for us.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; @JRamakrishnanOR

Catalina Gaitan; @catalinagaitan_

Noelle Crombie of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.
Za Uk Lian had been sick, missing some days of work, and under stress, but there was no warning of the deadly outburst hes accused of before dawn Wednesday, a longtime friend said.

Lian shot two people about 4:48 a.m. outside a Wawa in Lehigh County, killing a truck driver whod been pumping gas after wounding another victim, investigators say. Moments earlier, hed shot at a woman driving on Route 22, before both Lian and that victim drove into the parking lot of the convenience store off Route 100 in the Breinigsville section of Upper Macungie Township.

The man who was killed was 31-year-old Ramon Ramirez, of Allentown, a father of three who was fueling up the cab he drove for Lehigh Valley trucking company A. Duie Pyle. Authorities have not identified the victim who was shot and wounded while in a Jeep outside the Wawa, or the woman whose car was shot on the highway.

Law enforcement officers came to the South Whitehall Township home where Lian had lived until about two years ago, and spoke with the homeowner there, Abraham Pa Cawi. Cawi spoke Wednesday afternoon with lehighvalleylive.com from his front door.

Lian was single, with no siblings, and his parents back home in Burma where he and Cawi grew up. Theyve known each other more than 20 years and have been in the United States for about seven or eight years, Cawi said.

Its really surprised me, he said of Wednesdays series of shootings.

The two spoke Tuesday night via Facebook, and Lian brought Cawi money he owed him, saying it had been awhile and was time to repay the debt. Lian had been sick, and Cawi gave him medicine and made him an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot after Lians shift Thursday at the Home Depot Distribution Center in Breinigsville, Upper Macungie Township, a couple of miles from the Wawa.

Cawi tried to help Lian with the language barrier that he faced, and which added to his stress when he had to call out of work at the warehouse due to being ill.

He was stressed from the job, said Cawi, who is lay director for Chin Burmese ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown. The coronavirus pandemic added to his friends stress, Cawi said, but still he was a good guy, good-natured who never argued or got into fights.

All his life, hes a really good man, Cawi said. He helped as much as he could whoever.

He knew Lian had a gun, but he thought it was just for hunting. The Lehigh County District Attorneys Office on Wednesday afternoon was not immediately saying what type of firearm was used in Wednesdays shootings, or whether it was legally purchased.

Lian had only traffic tickets on his criminal record, three from 2019, according to online court records.

He had been looking to buy a house, and on Wednesday, Cawi got a call from the Realtor whod been helping him: Is it our Za? the agent asked after hearing the news.

Cawis own home is less than two miles from the Allentown home owned by Ramirez and Yulissa Wilson. Those gathered there Wednesday afternoon declined to speak to a reporter. There is no indication Lian and Ramirez knew each other, and District Attorney Jim Martin described the shootings as indiscriminate and unrelated.

A Home Depot spokeswoman referred questions to law enforcement.

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

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
The UK government is exploring the possibility of creating a new digital currency that could be known as Britcoin". The Bank of England and the Treasury said on Monday, April 19, that they will work together to assess the benefits of a central bank digital currency amid reports cash payments are generally on the decline, partly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The bank said the new currency if it comes to pass, would be a new form of digital money for use by households and businesses and would exist alongside cash and bank deposits, rather than replacing them.



"The Government and the Bank of England have not yet made a decision on whether to introduce a CBDC in the UK, and will engage widely with stakeholders on the benefits, risks and practicalities of doing so," the BoE said in a statement. At the financial industry conference, British finance minister Rishi Suna said: "We're launching a new taskforce between the Treasury and the Bank of England to coordinate exploratory work on a potential central bank digital currency (CBDC)."



"Our vision is for a more open, greener, and more technologically advanced financial services sector," he told a fintech conference. "And if we can capture the extraordinary potential of technology, we'll cement the UK's position as the world's preeminent financial centre.



Soon after, Sunak tweeted the word "Britcoin" in reply to the finance ministry's announcement of the taskforce.









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
Gardai are warning of an elaborate fraud which shows the lengths which some criminals are willing to go to to try and scam money and personal information from people.

Last week, a young woman who lives in Abbeyfeale attended at the local garda station in a distressed state.

"She outlined that she had received a phone call to her mobile from a landline number beginning with 022 earlier in the day. The caller identified himself as an Officer from the Data Protection Office and gave his name. He informed her that he was investigating the fraudulent use of her personal data," explained Sergeant Ber Leetch.

The caller stated that he had the woman's name, address and PPS number and informed her that her details had been used in the transfer of crime funds, the obtaining of credit cards for crime, and that a vehicle had been rented in her name and later found with drugs and blood in the car.

According to gardai, while the woman did confirm some of her details, she refused to give him any other information over the phone.

"The caller then asked if she had a bank account and a credit card. She confirmed she had an account and named her

bank but said that she did not have any credit card. When she refused to give him any other details he stated that she would receive a call the following morning from one of the Limerick agents who would meet her in person and arrange for a new PPS number for her as her current PPS was compromised and had been cancelled," said Sgt Leetch.

The culprit gave the woman his work ID number and an investigation number. He also gave her a Dublin phone number to call if she had any concerns.

Having received the complaint, gardai dialled the 022 number and established it was not a genuine number.

"They then rang the Dublin number and got through to the Office of the Attorney General. Here they spoke with the Facilities Manager for the Attorney General and he informed gardai that he has been contacted on a number of occasions in recent weeks relating to same scam," explained Sgt Leetch.

Gardai advised the woman to change her various pin numbers and to keep track of her accounts and phone credit balance in case any funds were withdrawn.

While the authorities do not believe that the woman's PPS number was compromised, she was in fear that criminals were using her PPS number and that someone could call to her house.

The Department of Social Protection has been informed of what happened.
A 12-month sentence suspended for three years, and with a number of conditions was imposed on a man at Portlaoise district court on Thursday last.

Brian McCann, 36, of 50 Georgian Hamlet, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 was charged with sending a parcel with menacing words on the cover at Kilnacourt, Portarlington on January 11, 2021.

Mr McCann appeared via video link from Arbour Hill Prison, and had been in custody since January 15.

Defence Solicitor Philip Meagher said that the report before the court dealt with the background to the case concisely.

Mr Meagher said that Mr McCann immediately felt bad about it and had tried to put a burning tissue into the mail box to destroy the item. He had tried to stop delivery.

He had issues and admitted he needed help. He had been attending a GP and psychiatrist at St. James and intended to continue treatment into the future. He was not a man coming back to an unsupported situation.

He had spent a number of months in custody and was an exemplary prisoner in Arbour Hill.

Judge Catherine Staines said it was a particularly upsetting episode for the female prisoner officer who had received unwanted attention.

He had pleaded guilty to the offence and had spent four months in prison.

The Judge said she had heard the victim impact evidence from the injured party and this acknowledged that he could not be locked up forever.

The question was what would happen upon his release.

Sgt JJ Kirby noted that the offence carried a Class A fine of 5,000 and a 12-month prison sentence.

Judge Staines sentenced him to 12 months, suspended for three years.

He is to have no contact with the injured party, heis to continue to engage with the mental health services, provide urine samples, abstain from all alcohol and drugs.

She took into the account the four months he had served.

The Judge told Mr McCann he would be released today but that in the event of any breach his case would be re-entered immediately.

Mr McCann said he wanted to apologise.

Judge Staines reiterated to him to have no contact with the woman, she told him to attend psychiatric services, take his medication and no alcohol or drugs and that he was under probation supervision.
The targeting of a member of the police force with an explosive device is a grim sign that the violence which has broken out recently in Northern Ireland could rapidly escalate, with serious consequences in the near future.

The attack in County Londonderry was described as an act of terrorism by first minister Arlene Foster of the DUP ( Democratic Unionist Party) and  reprehensible attempted murder by deputy first minister Michelle ONeill of Sinn Fein, with both warning of the danger of a return to the days of strife.

A security source told The Independent that the device, which was professionally put together and viable, had been placed in a bag on the officers doorstep.

The woman targeted worked in a civilian capacity dealing with staffing issues at a police station. It is believed to have been the first time in two years that an attack of this type has been carried out on a member of the security forces.

Dissident Republicans are believed to have been responsible, with the Real IRA and New IRA the main suspects.

The leadership of the New IRA was said to have been dismantled in an operation, codenamed Arbacia, by MI5 and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) last year.

Eight men and two women are in custody for 39 alleged offences, including directing terrorism and seeking to obtain Semtex plastic explosives.

But the group, which killed journalist Lyra McKee during disturbances in Londonderry two years ago, are said to be still active.

Around 20 per cent of MI5s work is now focused on Northern Ireland, a rise in recent years after years of relative calmness in the region following the Good Friday Agreement.

The attempted bombing comes during prolonged protests by loyalists over a series of grievances including the imposition of a sea border between Britain and Northern Ireland following Brexit and the refusal by prosecuting authorities to take action against Sinn Fein politicians, including Ms ONeill, for alleged breach of Covid regulations when they attended the funeral of Bobby Storey, a prominent republican.

Both former IRA and loyalist paramilitary fighters have insisted that they have not encouraged the recent riots by youths in the catholic and protestant communities.

But rise in violent acts by dissident nationalists, as well as rogue loyalist groups which have become heavily criminalised, raises apprehension about resurfacing of sectarian fighting.
In a bid to save the remnants of the school year, the Mexican Government increasing the vaccination range of teachers as a top priority.

By James Blears

This decision has been taken by Mexico`s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who says teachers will be given the single dose Cansino Vaccine, to boost return to school, as the educational year in Mexico ends in July. Deputy Health Minister and Covid Tsar Hugo Lopez Gatell says three million teachers will be vaccinated in the coming month. Starting next week, teachers in the States of Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Coahuila, Veracruz and Chiapas will be vaccinated. The Ministry of Education says children will attend school on alternate days to keep class sizes down and distancing at a maximum.

With scant testing in Mexico, the Government estimates that more than two million people have been infected, while 320,000 have died, but simultaneously acknowledges that the real number is much higher. More than 13 million elderly people have already received the first vaccination of various types. But with a population in excess of 126 million, there`s still a very long way to go.

Thousands of more affluent families are going on vaccination vacations to the neighboring United States to visit relatives, but primarily to get inoculated in a desperate attempt to save their lives, as back home they might have to wait months before being eligible.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
A bottle of the Pfizer vaccine ready for injection for staff and residents of Cedar Lane in Montara on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. Adam Pardee / Review
ANN ARBOR, MI  Washtenaw County leaders and community members say they are hopeful the guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin leads to greater accountability for police in abuse cases.

Chauvin was convicted Tuesday, April 20, in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd, whose neck he kneeled on for nearly nine minutes, sparking the largest civil rights movement in decades.

A jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, punishable by up to 40 years in prison; third-degree murder, punishable by up to 25 years in prison; and second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Im interested to see what happens in eight weeks if they sentence him concurrently and let him serve his time side-by-side, or if hes going to do each individually, said Ann Arbor resident TJ Towler.

Guilty: Michigan reacts to George Floyd murder trial verdict

Its important Chauvin be made an example to deter police officers from abuse, said Towler, adding he had been following the news and wasnt surprised about the jurys guilty verdict.

If we dont check the cops, people are going to become angry, said Towler, who served as a U.S. Army military police officer. Police have an obligation to protect and serve. If he was suffering in some way, then they need better medical training.

Ypsilanti resident Loren Griffin said he thinks the verdict is the right one.

It was clear he was out of line, Griffin said. Im a supporter of police officers but its about time they start taking these cops to task. Im glad justice was served.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Victoria Burton-Harris issued a joint statement Tuesday, saying the verdict brings some sense of relief, as well as a measure of accountability.

Real justice would mean that George Floyd was with us today. George Floyd did not want a murder conviction. All he wanted was to breathe, the statement reads. Today, Derek Chauvin was -- rightly and appropriately -- found guilty on all counts. We pray that this brings some comfort to George Floyds family. Through this painful and traumatic trial, we witnessed history.

Savit and Burton-Harris said they hope the guilty verdict serves as a symbol that the reckoning for racial justice has indeed sparked reform.

Real justice will come about only once Black people are safe and valued, their statement reads. Real justice will come about only once we have dismantled the historic legacy of racism in our country -- a country that owes its greatness to Black people.

Eastern Michigan University President James Smith also issued a statement to EMU community members on Tuesday.

Although the verdict against Derek Chauvin is a step in moving us forward, the reality is we have much work to do across all of our structures, organizations, and institutions to eradicate systemic racial inequities and injustices, Smith said. Holding Derek Chauvin accountable will not eradicate the racism woven throughout the fabric of our society.

The murder of George Floyd and countless other Black people is just the tip of the iceberg, Smith said.

This is not only a problem within policing and our criminal justice system, Smith said. We see it in the attack on voting rights, the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, inequities throughout our education system, and all levels of society.

READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Marchers in Grand Rapids react to murder verdict in George Floyds death

Guilty verdict in George Floyd murder trial sends a strong signal to police, says Kalamazoo activist

Photos: Michigan reacts to Derek Chauvin verdict in death of George Floyd
COLUMBUS, Ohio  As use of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine continues to be on pause, the state has decided that Pfizer vaccines will be administered in the final weeks of the mass vaccination clinic at the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday.

This will likely result in the clinic remaining open for more time -- possibly 12 weeks in all -- considering a second dose is needed with the Pfizer shot. The state initially planned to keep the mass vaccination clinic open for just eight weeks.

DeWine, during a coronavirus briefing, said hell likely announce the timeframe next week.

Were still lining people up, he said. Were still lining up volunteers. A lot of moving parts here.

Officials initially planned to use single-dose Johnson & Johnson shots during the seventh and eighth weeks of the clinic. The seventh week begins next week. But officials had to find an alternative when the federal government suspended its use last week.

Six women across the country reported rare severe blood clots after 6.8 million J & J doses had been administered. Federal officials are trying to better understand if theres a direct link.

The goal will be to extend that, and to extend that a number of weeks, DeWine said. Next week we will start the seventh week with Pfizer. And in the eighth week, in all likelihood it would be Pfizer. Then we would pick up a ninth week, and then we would flip those back.

Under such a scenario, the 10th, 11th and 12th week would be for people returning to the Wolstein for their second doses of Pfizer, DeWine said.

Appointments are open now for next week. People can schedule a vaccine at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov, or by calling 1-833-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634.)

More coverage:

Ohio reports 1,789 new coronavirus cases: Wednesday update

Gov. Mike DeWine to give a coronavirus update: Watch live

Ohio coronavirus deaths exceed 19,000: Tuesday update

State board votes to increase Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries to 130 from current 57

Ohio Senate bill would require doctors to provide life-saving care to fetuses surviving abortions

Ohio legislature to see bills critics say are anti-transgender
ARMONK, N.Y., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new capabilities for IBM Watson designed to help businesses build trustworthy AI. These capabilities further expand Watson tools designed to help businesses govern and explain AI-led decisions, increase insight accuracy, mitigate risks and meet their privacy and compliance requirements.

An IBM-commissioned survey found that trust, transparency and explainability are top-of-mind concerns for businesses, with 84% of AI professionals surveyed agreeing that consumers are more likely to choose services from a company that offers transparency and an ethical framework on how its data and AI models are built, managed and used. However, the barriers to developing trustworthy AI and mitigating risk remain pervasive, with 82% of AI professionals surveyed saying their organization has been negatively impacted by problems, like bias, with data or AI models[1].

To help businesses overcome these challenges, IBM is continually bringing new capabilities to its Watson products that are designed to build trust throughout key stages of the AI lifecycle and to help businesses achieve greater confidence in AI-powered outcomes. The new capabilities announced today include:

New data privacy management capabilities : IBM OpenPages with Watson now includes a new Data Privacy Management module designed to help businesses meet evolving data privacy challenges. By integrating with Watson Knowledge Catalog, IBM OpenPages can now provide businesses with a holistic, near real-time view of how private data is being used throughout the organization, from applications to AI models. As new privacy regulations are enacted around the world, businesses need to be able to account for how they use personal data. This new capability is designed to help automate the reporting of personally identifiable information (PII) in order to improve accuracy and reduce audit times.

: IBM OpenPages with now includes a new Data Privacy Management module designed to help businesses meet evolving data privacy challenges. By integrating with Watson Knowledge Catalog, IBM OpenPages can now provide businesses with a holistic, near real-time view of how private data is being used throughout the organization, from applications to AI models. As new privacy regulations are enacted around the world, businesses need to be able to account for how they use personal data. This new capability is designed to help automate the reporting of personally identifiable information (PII) in order to improve accuracy and reduce audit times. Enhanced explainability for planning forecasts: IBM Planning Analytics with Watson will include a new statistical details page designed to provide more transparent and easy-to-understand facts about how a forecasting prediction was generated. As more businesses turn to predictive forecasting capabilities to strengthen their financial, sales and supply chain planning, they require transparency in the models and data used to generate the forecast. This new feature is planned for generally availability in 2021 Q2 to provide users with more granular information as well as increased explainability and accountability in their forecasts.

IBM Planning Analytics with will include a new statistical details page designed to provide more transparent and easy-to-understand facts about how a forecasting prediction was generated. As more businesses turn to predictive forecasting capabilities to strengthen their financial, sales and supply chain planning, they require transparency in the models and data used to generate the forecast. This new feature is planned for generally availability in 2021 Q2 to provide users with more granular information as well as increased explainability and accountability in their forecasts. New Federated Learning capabilities: IBM Watson Studio now includes new federated learning capabilities as a tech preview to help businesses apply machine learning techniques to situations where data cannot or should not be moved due to reasons such as data privacy, secrecy, regulatory compliance, or simply the size of data involved. With IBM Watson Studio, businesses will be able to train AI models on previously siloed data sources.

IBM Watson Studio now includes new federated learning capabilities as a tech preview to help businesses apply machine learning techniques to situations where data cannot or should not be moved due to reasons such as data privacy, secrecy, regulatory compliance, or simply the size of data involved. With IBM Watson Studio, businesses will be able to train AI models on previously siloed data sources. New Time Series capabilities: IBM Watson Studio now includes Time Series capabilities in beta designed to tackle the challenges of automating, analyzing, and forecasting time series data commonly seen in many industries like finance, manufacturing, and retail. The new capabilities are designed to help businesses develop models that predict future values of a time series based on past data or features. Time Series on IBM Watson Studio is designed to achieve accuracy across a variety of univariate datasets  including data such as phone call data logs, weather data, travel times, retail sales, production volume, to driving increase insight accuracy.

"AI is only as useful as your trust in it. Especially in business and when the stakes are high," said Daniel Hernandez, General Manager, Data and AI, IBM. "IBM Watson continues to deliver critical new capabilities to help enterprises build trust into every step of the AI lifecycle so business leaders can confidently operationalize AI across the hybrid cloud."

Leading global brands are using IBM Watson to infuse trust into their workflows. Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Germany's largest airline, is using IBM Watson Studio to build a trusted data and AI foundation to enhance the customer experience and better empower its employees while achieving operational excellence.

IBM is continually harvesting innovations from IBM Research to give businesses the tools, solutions, practices, and skills to govern AI responsibly, including the recently announced AI Factsheets methodology that will be commercialized into Watson Studio in Cloud Pak for Data throughout 2021. Factsheets further complements existing solutions such as IBM Watson OpenScale, IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog, and IBM Watson Machine Learning to provide customers with end-to-end AI lifecycle management and governance capabilities.

Global research firm Gartner recently positioned IBM as a Leader in the 2021 Magic Quadrant for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms[2]. IBM Planning Analytics with Watson has been recognized as a 2021 Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice in the Cloud Financial Planning & Analysis market. IBM OpenPages with Watson is recognized as a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for IT Risk Management for the fifth time[3].

This news builds on IBM's long-standing commitment to the ethical, responsible stewardship of AI. In addition to applying its Principles of Trust and Transparency across the full scope of global operations, IBM recently joined forces to launch the Global AI Action Alliance focused on guiding the responsible policies, practices, and partnerships needed to ensure global cooperation on the design, development and use of AI.

For more information on today's announcement, please visit: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/watson/2021/04/ibm-watson-trust-data-models-processes

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Gartner or its affiliates.

About IBM Watson

Watson is IBM's AI technology for business, helping organizations to better predict and shape future outcomes, automate complex processes, and optimize employees' time. Watson has evolved from an IBM Research project, to experimentation, to a scaled, open set of products that run anywhere. With more than 40,000 client engagements, Watson is being applied by leading global brands across a variety of industries to transform how people work. To learn more, visit: https://www.ibm.com/watson.

1IBM and Morning Consult: Scaling AI, Not Risks: Removing Trust as a Barrier to AI Adoption, [Dec. 2019]

2 Source: Gartner, "Magic Quadrant for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms," Peter Krensky, Carlie Idoine, Erick Brethenoux, Pieter den Hamer, Farhan Choudhary, Afraz Jaffri, Shubhangi Vashisth, [March 1, 2021]

3 Source: Gartner, "Magic Quadrant for IT Risk Management," Khushbu Pratap, Brent Predovich, Claude Mandy, [August 11, 2020]

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

IBM's statements regarding its plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at IBM's sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion.

Media Contact:

Sarah Murphy

IBM Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE IBM
Georgian PM, foreign politicians praise the signing of the EU-backed agreement, ex-President Saakashvili calls for the UNM to sign the agreement after Nika Melia is released

By Veronika Malinboym

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili praised the signing of the EU-backed agreement to end the political crisis in the country. On his official Twitter account, PM Garibashvili posted:Today, Georgia is a winner. The majority of the Georgian opposition parties signed the EU mediated agreement. We are grateful to the President of the European Commission, EU Delegation to Georgia, and the US Embassy in Georgia. Democracy and Dialogue have prevailed again.Many of the Western politicians have also applauded the reaching of the compromise between the ruling party and the opposition bloc. President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda stated in his Twitter post that he welcomed the agreement reached in Georgia:Welcome, the achieved political consensus in Georgia! The EU, President of the European Commission and the USA joint mediation efforts proved fruitful. Lithuania supports Georgia's European aspirations and strengthening of democratic values! read the post.Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde expressed a similar sentiment:I welcome the agreement between political leaders in Georgia. Encourage those who have not yet signed, to do so. The agreement and its implementation will strengthen Georgias democratic development and European integration. Grateful to the President of European Commission for all efforts, Minister Linde posted on her official Twitter account.The US Embassy to Georgia released an official statement in which it applauded the signing of an agreement and reinstated the USs readiness to assist the Georgian Parliament in implementing the agreement in the upcoming months:While signing the agreement is a significant step, ending months of negotiations, we recognize that its implementation is equally important. The United States is committed to assisting the Parliament to ensure this agreement achieves its aspirations, the statement reads.Similarly, the UK Embassy in Georgia tweeted earlier that it welcomes the resolution of the political crisis in Georgia:Welcome progress towards resolution of the political crisis. Call on all political parties who have not yet signed the agreement to have the courage to do so, in the interests of #Georgias citizens and the countrys continued Euro-Atlantic progress.The ruling Georgian Dream party, as well as the opposition Lelo for Georgia, the Republican party, Citizens alliance, Girchi, Girchi- More Freedom, and Strategy Agamshenebeli have already signed the proposal aimed at solving the political crisis that erupted in Georgia when the results of the October 2020 Parliamentary Elections have been released.Earlier, the former President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili made a statement in which it called for the United National Movement to sign an agreement and enter the Parliament as soon as the party chairman Nika Melia is released:Nika Melia should walk free without any humiliating conditions and without some sort of bail, just like he wishes, because he is being kept there illegally and with no wrongdoing to blame him for. However, once he is out of prison, and so long as all the above-mentioned conditions are kept, I would like to call on the United National Movement to sign this agreement, because with it, in the fall, together with the local self-government elections, it will bring about a kind of a referendum to get the Georgian Dream to abandon its power, Saakashvili said in his address.Former President Saakashvili promised that he would visit Georgia in autumn prior to the self-government elections to be there with the United National Movement.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 20, 2021 / Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (TSXV:YAK)(OTC PINK:MNGGF) ("MGG") or ("the Company") a commercial real estate investment company participating in the Mongolian economy, announces that Mr. Harris Kupperman reports that he has acquired (the "Acquisition") ownership and control of an additional aggregate 35,000 common shares (the "Shares") of Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (TSXV: YAK) (the "Issuer").

Mr. Kupperman filed an early warning report on January 26, 2021 that reported that he held 6,314,500 common shares, representing approximately 20.2% of the Issuer's then issued and outstanding common shares. Prior to the Acquisition, Mr. Kupperman held an aggregate of 6,550,000 common shares, representing approximately 21.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares.

Following the Acquisition, Mr. Kupperman has ownership and control of 6,585,000 common shares of the Issuer representing approximately 21.9% of the 30,028,499 issued and outstanding common shares of the Issuer. The Acquisition occurred through multiple purchases of common shares of the Issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange on April 19, 2021 for aggregate consideration in the amount of $16,100. This news release and the early warning report were filed due to Mr. Kupperman's current shareholding percentage of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Issuer representing an increase of 1% or more since his previously filed early warning report.

This acquisition was made in reliance on the normal course purchase exemption in National Instrument 62-104. The purchase was at a price that did not exceed the market price for the Shares (determined in accordance with National Instrument 62-104) and the aggregate number of common shares acquired by Mr. Kupperman over the 12 months prior to April 19, 2021 inclusive of the Shares purchased on that date, represented less than 5% of the outstanding common shares of the Issuer at the beginning of that 12 month period. Mr. Kupperman may acquire up to 5% of the Issuers' issued and outstanding common shares over the next twelve months in reliance on the normal course purchase exemption in National Instrument 62-104.

The Shares were acquired by Mr. Kupperman for investment purposes.

A copy of the early warning report filed by Mr. Kupperman in connection with the Acquisition can be found under the Issuer's profile at www.sedar.com.

For additional information, or for a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

Mrs. Genevieve Walkden, Corporate Secretary

(877) 644-1186

gwalkden@MongoliaGrowthGroup.com

Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. is a publicly traded and leading property investment and development company in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. owns an extensive property portfolio in diversified segments of the property market, with an emphasis on institutional-grade commercial assets.

Forward-looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to MGG that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to MGG which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that MGG anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "forecast", "future", "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "potential", "enable", "plan", "continue", "contemplate", "pro-forma", or other comparable terminology.

In particular, forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning MGG's upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and the timing thereof, the approval of the Rights Plan, the operation of the Rights Plan in the event of certain circumstances, and the amendments to the General By-Law.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by MGG as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The assumptions of MGG used for this news release may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by MGG and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Although MGG believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. MGG's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements and readers should no place undue importance or reliance on the forward looking-statements. Statements including forward looking statements are made as of the date they are given and, except as required by applicable securities laws, MGG disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE: Mongolia Growth Group Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:
Thai energy firm Gulf Energy Development has lodged a bid to take over Intouch Holdings, which holds a 40.45% stake mobile market leader AIS.

Gulf Energy, which is controlled by billionaire Sarath Ratanavadi, already holds an 18.9% stake in Intouch, and has bid 169 billion baht (US$5.4 billion) to take control of the unit. Approval is required from both regulators and Gulf Energy Developments shareholders, but if the deal goes through it would grant the energy firm access to a far wider range of revenue streams.

Intouch also holds a 41.13% stake in Thai satellite operator Thaicom; however, Gulf Energy is reportedly only interested in acquiring Intouch if it does not also have to acquire Thaicoms remaining shares. Spacenews reports that Gulf Energy has asked Thailands securities regulator to waive the requirement for it to make an offer for the shares.

Singapores Singtel is Intouchs largest shareholder, holding 21% of the firm along with 23% of AIS. In a stock exchange announcement, Singtel noted that it views both units as strategic investments and is reviewing its options for them.

Fitch Ratings noted that Gulf Energy has not disclosed how it intends to fund its bid, despite offering to buy the Intouch shares that it does not already own for 65 baht per share  11% higher than they closed on 16th April.

If it is able to acquire at least 50% of Intouch via this tender offer, the energy firm has proposed a full buyout of AIS shareholders, offering 122.86 baht per share. Fitch Ratings noted that it would almost certainly place AIS on its watchlist if the buyout went through.
Migrants: asylum requests accepted by EU down 5%, Eurostat Italy fifth behind Spain, Greece, France

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, APRIL 21 - In 2020, EU member States have given asylum to 281,000 people, 5% less compared to the previous year, Eurostat said. The institute noted that Germany is the country in Europe that accepted the highest number of asylum applications, giving a positive answer to 98,000 requests, or 35% of overall applications accepted in the EU. It was followed by Spain (51,200 or 18%), Greece (35,800 or 13%) and France (29,400 or 10%). Italy ranked fifth, providing asylum to 21,300 people, or 8% of protection requests welcomed in Europe.



These five member States represent together over 80% of all protection applications granted in the EU in 2020.



Syria is the main country of provenance of asylum seekers in the EU. Syrians, in fact, make up for 27% of the total of migrants who were granted protection by EU States. In particular, Germany accepted 60% of requests presented by Syrians. The most numerous groups also include Venezuelans (17%) and Afghans (15%). Of all the accepted requests, 45% of applicants were granted refugee status, 29% received the status of humanitarian protection and 26% of subsidiary protection. A reported 41% of decisions of first instance for asylum in the EU received a positive answer.(ANSAmed).




Accountancy firms are costing workers, suppliers and the economy billions of pounds, says economist Carsten Jung

Auditors are 'failing society' through their inability to prevent corporate collapses, a former Bank of England economist has warned.

Accountancy firms are costing workers, suppliers and the economy billions of pounds, according to a report by Carsten Jung, senior economist at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank.

Jung, who worked for the Bank for six years, accused auditors of enabling 'boom and bust' cycles which enrich bosses by allowing them to present an overly optimistic version of their firm's finances before weak foundations eventually lead to collapse.

The report warned that 'a large number of small-scale Carillions are likely happening every year', a reference to the construction firm which imploded in 2018 amid criticism that auditors had failed to spot the weakness of its finances.

The IPPR has called on the Government to expand auditors' remit so they also have to examine their clients' governance, climate risks and use of personal data.

Accountancy firms should also make it clear to investors and customers if a business's finances lack transparency, the IPPR added.

And they must introduce a culture of challenge to their work, separating audit arms from other consultancy activities to avoid conflicts of interest.

The IPPR said this should help to break up the 'oligopoly' of the Big Four auditors  Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and EY.

Jung said: 'Auditors should be the gatekeepers helping keep financial mismanagement at bay, yet too often they are failing to do so and are failing society. To meet society's expectations and needs, there needs to be profound audit sector reform.

'A well-functioning audit sector should be expected to flag problematic accounting practices and risky business activities before they turn into damaging debacles.

'However, the current legal set-up does not require this from auditors.'

The IPPR's recommendations echo those made by Sir Donald Brydon and Sir John Kingman, both of whom have completed reviews into the sector in the wake of high-profile collapses such as BHS and Patisserie Valerie.

The Government is consulting on audit reform.
The hearts of political leaders in the United States and its imperialist allies are bleeding for imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Jailed on February 2 this year, after returning from Germany where he received treatment for an alleged poisoning by the Russian state, Navalny has since gone on hunger strike.

The outrage over Navalnys imprisonment and resulting health crisis is an object lesson in imperialist cynicism and intrigue. Those most passionately invoking his democratic rights are the architects of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assanges continuing and vastly more severe persecution.

Left: Alexei Navalny (Wikimedia Commons), Right: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange [Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham]

There is nothing remotely comparable between the two men, and the differences are not in Navalnys favour.

Assange is a heroic journalist who played a leading role in the exposure of some of the worst imperialist crimes of the 21st century, from covered-up details of the brutal occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan to US torture camps and extraordinary renditions.

Navalny is a right-wing, nationalist politician, who has referred to migrants from the Caucasus as cockroaches that should be killed. He represents a wing of the Russian oligarchy opposed to President Vladimir Putin and in favour of opening Russia up more widely to Western imperialism.

It is this difference which underpins their night and day treatment.

The WikiLeaks founders work was a spur to global antiwar sentiment and contributed to popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. He is being made an example of as retribution for the damage he inflicted to imperialist interests. The same interests mandate support for Navalny, who offers himself up as a tool for realising their designs on Russia.

The contrasting treatment tears apart claims by the likes of US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to be supporting Navalny on human rights grounds while pursuing Assange on supposedly legal ones.

Assanges persecution began more than a decade ago when Sweden launched a politically manufactured sexual assault investigation to secure his extradition. This would have been a staging post to the United States. Assange was forced, in 2012, to claim political asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was kept arbitrarily detained by British police for the best part of seven years.

Following his illegal seizure and arrest in April 2019, he has spent the past two years in Belmarsh maximum security prisonon the charge of skipping bail for 25 weekson remand while the US pursued an extradition request for over a year, and since then for close to four months while the US appeals a ruling against extradition on health grounds.

His politically motivated case is a litany of abuses of legal and democratic rights, carried out alongside a slander campaign involving the worlds media and pseudo-left groups, designed to blacken his name and psychologically destroy the WikiLeaks founder.

Were Assange to be sent to the US, he faces a sentence of 175 years on charges under the Espionage Act.

Every government in the world lined up behind this imperialist conspiracy to have Assange, denounced as a high-tech terrorist by Biden, face justice, in the words of Johnson. German Chancellor Angela Merkel summed up the stance of the European powers with the comment in 2019 that Assanges case is a matter which doesnt concern Germany and is in the hands of British justice. Australia, Assanges home country, washed their hands of him.

In contrast, when Navalny was arrested this year, also for violating parole, in connection with a 2014 embezzlement case, and sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment, this gang of criminals miraculously discovered their democratic sensibilities.

Johnson praised the brave Navalny and said the Russian ruling fails to meet the most basic standards of justice. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the violation of human rights. Merkel declared the Navalny verdict far from any rule of law standards. French President Emmanuel Macron stated, respect for human rights such as democratic freedom are not negotiable.

Especially severe condemnations were made of the outrageous attack on his [Navalnys] life, referring to his alleged poisoning by the Russian state. Yet nothing was said when an investigation into Spanish security firm UC Global, which provided surveillance for the Ecuadorian embassy, revealed a CIA plot to either kidnap or poison Assange.

As Navalnys health has deteriorated due to his hunger strike, these officials have reiterated calls for his freedom, citing the danger to his life. Biden called Navalnys treatment totally unfair and totally inappropriate, while his administration warned of consequences if he were to die. Josep Borrell, the European Unions High Representative for foreign affairs demanded, Russian authorities must grant him immediate access to medical professionals he trusts. The UKs Foreign Office said the same in its statement: Mr Navalny must be given immediate access to independent medical care.

This is precisely the demand made by campaign group Doctors for Assange and United Nations special rapporteur on torture Nils Melzer, but which was disparaged by the British government. Assange has been repeatedly denied bail despite the serious risk posed to his life by COVID-19 and by his own mental health.

UK Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled against his extradition to the United States solely on the grounds that to do so would endanger his life and might lead to his suicide. The response of the Biden administration was to insist, as Trump had previously, We continue to seek his extradition.

The criminal agenda of the ruling class is echoed by their paid chorus in the media, who have been working overtime to fabricate progressive credentials for Navalny while leaving Assange to rot.

Since January this year, the Guardian, Britains leading nominally liberal paper, has published 78 articles and videos on Navalny. It published 16 on Assange, with just one since February. It only belatedly adopted a for-the-record opposition to Assanges extradition in a November 2019 editorial, after waging a decade-long smear campaign against him. It wrote another in December 2020 and then again in January this year. It has written three on Navalny this year alone.

Amnesty International refused to acknowledge Assange as a prisoner of conscience for years but was so quick to apply the label to Navalny that they were forced into an embarrassing retreat in acknowledgment of his record of hate speech a few months later. US Democratic Party Senator Bernie Sanders has maintained near total silence on Assange, issuing a single tweet opposing his indictment in May 2019 that succeeded in not mentioning the WikiLeaks founder by name. He tweeted this Monday: Make no mistake about what is happening here: activist Aleksei Navalny is being murdered in front of the world by Vladimir Putin for the crime of exposing Putins vast corruption. Navalnys doctors must be allowed to see him immediately.

Phrases like human rights and democratic freedom turn to ash in the mouths of Sanders, Biden, Johnson and their ilk. Their support for the politically filthy Navalny is a calculated provocation against the Russian state. They hope to use his fate as a pretext for a further escalation of military aggression against Moscow. Assange has had his democratic rights eviscerated with the consent of all the major powers to suppress opposition to this imperialist war drive.

The only real constituency for democratic rights in the world today is the international working class, which can only defend those rights through a combined struggle against the imperialist governments, their stooge Navalny and the Russian oligarchy represented by Putin. The demand for the immediate release and unconditional freedom of Julian Assange must be placed at the centre of that struggle.
When the roommate returned about 1:30 p.m., he couldnt enter the coach house because the door was locked, and he sought help from the person who lived in the main house, who climbed through a window and opened a locked door from inside, Deboni said. The two then saw Braboys lifeless body, with apparent stab wounds, on a landing leading to the upper floor of the home, Deboni said.


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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pure NZ has been setting new standards in the bottled water industry (and the beverage industry as a whole) for a decade and change. Along with delivering the highest quality spring water, the company has built an impressive factory that specializes in bottling water in containers made of RPET plastic. This delivers an unprecedented level of sustainability to an industry that has traditionally been the antithesis of Earth-friendly.

Pure NZ was founded over a decade ago in 2010. The company is headquartered in the southern region of the bustling New Zealand metropolis of Auckland, where it has built a state-of-the-art bottling facility. In this case, the location of the plant is critical, as the structure is built right on top of an underground aquifer.

This proximity to life's most essential resource has allowed Pure NZ to capitalize on bottling some of the purest H2O in the world. Each blue receptacle of aquiferous goodness that Pure NZ makes is more than just another bottle of water. It consists of a liquid that has been, in the words of the brand, "captured by nature, collected over hundreds of years and stored in an underground aquifer beneath the factory, which is then bottled at source." The water is free of heavy metals, minerals, and silica and even has electrolytes that can be naturally found in spring water, making it an even more effective hydration tool.

Where Pure NZ really shines, though, is with its packaging. The company doesn't use the quality of its water to overshadow a reckless and destructive use of virgin non-compostable plastic. Instead, the brand is committed to bottling every drop of its precious resource in RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic.

Pure NZ takes existing plastic and repurposes it into the bottles it needs to hold its water. This makes the entire packaging process extremely sustainable and environmentally friendly.

In other words, the company delivers some of the purest water on the planet in bottles designed to preserve the very celestial orb from which that water came.

Pure NZ has capitalized on the trifecta of an abundant natural resource, a quality processing plant, and a commitment to sustainability in order to bring a unique product into the beverage industry. The brand's eco-friendly water  which comes in various sizes and even in a carbonated version  is not just helping to keep its increasingly international customer base well hydrated. It's also setting a new gold standard for beverage manufacturers across the globe.

About Pure NZ: Pure NZ was founded in 2010. Since its inception, Pure NZ has remained in full compliance with the Waikato District Council, Woolworths Supplier Excellence Program. It has also received various accolades, including the Australasian Bottled Water Institute Inc.'s "Order of Excellence" award.

Please direct inquiries to:

Shae Fradenburg

(954) 683-4553

[email protected]

SOURCE Pure NZ
PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents of Cay Hill on Tuesday submitted a petition to Minister of VROMI Egbert Doran protesting a recent commercial development on Welgelegen Drive, on a lot designated for residential use only. The petition was also copied to Parliament and all other Ministers.

The residents said they are tired of complaining to the government without any serious response, acknowledgment, or action from the government, more specifically the VROMI Ministry. They hope that the petition of signatures yields some results and a stop is put to the illegal operation.

"To our knowledge, the lots in the outlined area/location have been pegged for residential use. However, the proprietor of this property has placed over twenty (20) forty-foot containers on the said lot and seemed to have commenced an illegal commercial operation of some sort from the location as of March 22, 2021," the petition read.

"As a result, all residents have had to put up with an influx of noise, dangerously parked cars, unknown personnel, and daily heavy equipment and container movement at various hours and on holidays. This raises our level of concern for the safety and security of our neighborhood in addition to how this sort of operation will affect the valuation of our properties. The double-stacked 40-foot containers pose a serious hurricane hazard to the direct and surrounding area," the petition read.

The residents are asking the Minister and by extension the government and Parliament for their urgent attention to this matter and look forward to a reply from the Minister soonest.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed was among the many Bay Area leaders who shared reactions to Tuesday's Derek Chauvin murder verdict.

"This verdict does not bring back the life of George Floyd," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. "What this verdict does reflect is that the tide is turning in this country, although still too slowly, toward accountability and justice."

Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes on May 25, 2020.

"I am relieved by the verdict today but also know that it doesnt heal the pain George Floyds family suffered, Chesa Boudin, San Francisco's district attorney posted on Twitter. "Nor does it alleviate the grief of the family of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo & so many more Black and Brown people who have been killed or hurt by police."

"Though nothing can bring back George Floyd, I hope that today's guilty verdict can bring his family and friends some peace," said U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa. "And I hope that this measure of accountability for his tragic death can help our nation heal."

"I feel that justice is being served," Bishop Bob Jackson, pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland said. "I feel like it was right. He (Chauvin) was guilty of murder."

"I'm stunned," said Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti Police Terror Project, which has sought reform for years in the way police treat people of color. "A little in shock," she said.

Brooks said the case does not signify a turning point in race relations in the U.S. but "it signifies progress."

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said more needs to be done.

"Let us all be in conversation about what's next," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said. "We still have a lot of justice work tomorrow."

Bay City News contributed to this story.
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Market Definition:

Inorganic Rheology Modifiers are segmented into type, application, and region. On the basis of the type, the market is segregated into clay, fumed silica, specialty clays, and others. The fumed silica is the most widely used inorganic rheology modifier owing to thixotropic properties, especially in paints and coatings industry. The product is used in the room temperature vulcanizing silicone sealants for water proofing and structural glazing in buildings. Inorganic rheology modifiers are being increasingly used in the skin care products such as for lightening of acne marks, antiperspirant, fragrance, and hair care products owing to inflammability and improved viscosity.

Market Scenario and Growth Factors:

Based on the technology, the market is segmented into water-based and solvent-based. Clay is made using water-based technology owing to strong heat and sag resistance. Fumed silica and specialty clay are made using solvent-based technology due to shear thinning properties, which makes them suitable for various applications.

Get a Free Sample of This Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6059

Based on the application, the global market is segmented into paints & coatings, cosmetics & personal care products, adhesives & sealants, composites, household and industrial products, pharmaceuticals, printing ink, cable compounds & gels, oil-well drilling, electronics, and others. Paints and coatings accounted for the largest market share in 2017 owing to surging demand from the major end-use industries such as automotive and construction industry. Cosmetics & personal care industry is the second largest application owing to enlarging demand for deodorants and UV protective skin care products globally.

Competitive Analysis

Some of the key players in the global Inorganic Rheology Modifiers Market are:

BASF SE (Germany),

Evonik Industries AG (Germany),

Jaychemmarketing (India),

Cabot Corporation (U.S,)

XUNYU CHEM (China),

Orisil (Ukraine),

OCI COMPANY Ltd (South Korea),

ALTANA (Germany),

Tokuyama Corporation (Japan),

Wacker Chemie AG (Germany).

Regional Analysis

Based on the region, the Inorganic Rheology Modifier Market Size is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the inorganic rheology modifiers market owing to the increasing demand for cosmetics & personal care products coupled with rising disposable income of the consumers.

North America is the second largest region in the inorganic rheology modifiers market with expanding cosmetics & personal care industry as a result of rising need for UV protective skin care products. Additionally, increasing spending on healthcare coupled with rising health awareness and high per capita income of the consumers is likely to propel the market growth.

Europe is another significant region in the market due to growing healthcare industry with rising geriatric population. Moreover, surging demand for paints & coating from the reviving automotive industry is driving the market growth.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are likely to witness a moderate growth during the review period due to rising spending on the cosmetic and skin care products.

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Mike Tindall has paid tribute to his wife's grandfather Prince Philip saying it's been a 'difficult 10 days' as he praised the 'amazing' Queen saying that she is 'leading the country by example'.

The husband of Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall spoke on his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, saying the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral was 'eerie' due to the lack of crowds, but that it's exactly how the royal would have wanted it because it's 'no fuss'.

He added that his love for The Queen is 'even better' than ever and that the funeral was 'well run' and Philip was 'well looked after'.

Mike Tindall has paid tribute to his wife's grandfather Prince Philip saying it's been a 'difficult 10 days' as he praised the Queen saying that she is 'leading the country by example'. He is pictured with wife Zara at Prince Philip's funeral on Satuday

'It's been a difficult 10 days,' he told co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne.

'I look back on the day I think is eerie as it was with no crowds and the social distancing.

'I think it was the perfect day for how he would have liked it, if that makes any sense whatsoever. No fuss, get on with it,' he added.

The former England rugby pro, 42, sat with his wife Zara Tindall, 39, who looked distinctively teary-eyes as she mourned her grandfather during his funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Saturday.

Mike (far right with Prince Philip) said that Prince Philip's funeral was 'exactly how he would have liked it'. He is pictured with (from left) Prince Edward, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, and Zara Tindall at the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations in 2016

The husband of Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall spoke on his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby , saying the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral was 'eerie' due to the lack of crowds, but that it's exactly how the royal would have wanted it because it's 'no fuss'. Members of the military march ahead of the funeral service of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle

Mike missed his podcast last week, which was recorded just days after the death of Prince Philip, but her also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the duke sharing a photograph of the royal eating with his great-granddaughter Mia Grace.

'My love for the Queen was even better, she was sat there completely on her own,' Mike added.

'She separated herself. She knew this is what the world is right now, and thought I'm going to lead by example.

The former England rugby pro, 42, uploaded the snapshot to Instagram last week alongside a heart-felt caption

'She's amazing, literally amazing,' he added.

'There were eerie moments for the family. It could have been his hat on the his carriage that he rides, or his gloves, or it could be the hat on his coffin, and the sword, the bugler, the piper.

'There were a lot of things that brought home memories and it was a sad day but you know I think it was a very well run and he was very well looked after.

'He was were very well looked after and hopefully he's looking down and he was happy with the day.

Mike added that his love for The Queen is 'even better' than ever and that the funeral was 'well run' and Philip was 'well looked after'. The Queen, 95, is pictured at her husband's funeral on Saturday

Mike said that Philip's hat on the his carriage that he rides and his gloves was an 'eerie moment' for the family

Co-host Alex Payne said that Mike has 'put that pretty perfectly'.

'It was an extraordinary event to watch and I hope that there'll be at the right moment they'll be lots of hugs for those that need them.

'I hope you've nailed it by saying it was exactly what he wanted it was been proud.

'Hopefully, well done, let's not do too much more on that because I know that as we said last week lots, lots of far more better place people can can eulogise better than we ever will,' he added.

The Duke of Edinburgh's granddaughter Zara Tindall was joined by her husband Mike as she arrived at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral on Saturday

Mike said it was 'eerie' to be socially distanced. Mourners including, front row from left, Kate Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Prince Edward, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Windsor, the Countess of Wessex, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles. Back row: Zara and Mike Tindall are pictured with Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank

Alex added that the service was 'remarkably poignant and significant' and that Mike looked 'incredibly smart'.

While the Queen got back to work days after her husband's death, Mike also revealed he had a 'working lunch' on Sunday, just a day after the funeral, where he got sun burned.

'I went for lunch with someone who wants to support the podcast. And it was boiling hot in the middle of Teweksbury, and I say, I wish I could I'd say I put lotion on,' he added, as his co-host teased him for being 'the colour of beetroot' and a 'nuclear Phil Mitchell'.

Mike, 42, married Philip's granddaughter Zara Tindall , 39, in 2011 and the couple now share three children

Last week, the father-of-three missed the recording of his podcast with French rugby union player Benjamin Kayser stepping in, to replace him and James Haskell who was 'recharging his batteries'.

'No Tins for obvious reasons,' co-host Alex said, referring to the the father-of-three's nickname.

'Obviously there are lots of people saying far more eloquent things and suitable things than we ever could.

'But as he always knows lots of love and hugs from us and hopefully from those you who listen and enjoy the show, a very sad time for a great man.

It comes just days after Prince William and Kate Middleton released their own touching photo of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen with seven of their great-grandchildren - Prince George, Prince Louis, Savannah Phillips, Princess Charlotte, Isla Phillips holding Lena Tindall, and Mia Tindall

'More on that to come from far more important sources in due course,' he added.

Mike, married Prince Philip and the Queen's eldest granddaughter in 2011. Prince Philip passed away aged 99 at Windsor Castle on 9th April.

He has previously used the podcast to break royal news, including the birth of the couple's third child last month.

Her Majesty's granddaughter, 39, gave birth to their son Lucas Philip Tindall, weighing 8lbs 4oz, at 6pm on 21st March on the bathroom floor of their family home on Princess Anne's Gloucestershire estate.

Mike, married Prince Philip and the Queen's eldest granddaughter in 2011. Prince Philip passed away aged 99 at Windsor Castle on Friday. He is pictured behind The Duke of Edinburgh at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly in 2008 with The Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice

Like her cousin Princess Eugenie, Zara paid tribute to her beloved grandfather by naming her newborn son, Lucas Philip Tindall, in his honour.

Proud father Mike who shares daughters Mia, seven, and Lena, two, with his wife, shared the news on his podcast - and hailed Zara a 'warrior'. He later revealed he took the little one straight downstairs to watch sport on TV, after snipping the cord and enjoying skin-on-skin contact.

Speaking about the birth, Mike told how Zara had experienced contractions the night before, so they organised childcare for Mia and Lena - but the little boy arrived so fast they didn't have time to make it to hospital.
El presidente @FSagasti participo en la XXVII Cumbre Iberoamericana de jefes de Estado y de Gobierno, que tiene como lema "Innovacion para el desarrollo sostenible - Objetivo 2030. Iberoamerica frente al reto del coronavirus".#Andorra2020 pic.twitter.com/zjkAyYN5NY
[April 21, 2021] Si2 Names Vic Kulkarni Chief Strategy Officer

Vic Kulkarni, former vice president of strategy at Ansys (News - Alert) , has joined Silicon Integration Initiative as chief strategy officer. He now supports the Si2 leadership team's expanding opportunities as one of the semiconductor industry's leading R&D joint ventures. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005739/en/ Vic Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer, Silicon Integration Initiative (Photo: Business Wire) Before retiring from Ansys last month, Kulkarni was responsible for steering the business, technology, go-to-market and product strategy of the Semiconductor Business Unit. His areas of responsibility included chip-package-board and system design software solutions, multi-domain simulationtechnology, and AI/ML to address challenges faced by multiple verticals ranging from connectivity, 5G, autonomous, aero-defense, HPC and edge-node compute. He also drove strategic acquisitions for the Ansys leadership team.



Prior to Ansys, Kulkarni served as co-founder, president and CEO of Sequence Design, which focused on EDA solutions for power and energy-efficient chip designs. He also held a variety of engineering and senior management positions in leading semiconductor and EDA companies in Silicon Valley. Kulkarni earned an MSEE in Solid State Electronics from the University of Cincinnati, which honored him with the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" in 2007. He has a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

John Ellis, Si2 president and CEO, said Kulkarni's time as a former Si2 board member provides an excellent backdrop for his current role. "While on the board," Ellis said, "Vic was involved in developing a new methodology for setting Si2's long-term strategy. In this newly created role, he will be diving even deeper into hands-on reshaping of the organization for its future sustainability and growth." "The duality of Moore's Law and the More-than-Moore trend in scaling below 10 nanometers is creating a renaissance in the semiconductor industry," Kulkarni observed. "I am honored to join John and the Si2 ecosystem in addressing crucial interoperability challenges facing the next generation of semiconductor-to-electronic system designs." About Si2 Founded in 1988, Si2 is a leading research and development joint venture that provides standard interoperability solutions for integrated circuit design tools. All Si2 activities are carried out under the auspices of The National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993, the fundamental law that defines R&D joint ventures and offers them a large measure of protection against federal antitrust laws. The Si2 international membership includes semiconductor foundries, fabless manufacturers, and EDA companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005739/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 14:43:48|Editor: huaxia

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SUVA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Fiji announced on Wednesday stringent measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 after more COVID-19 cases have been reported in the island nation in recent days.

To further contain the spread of COVID-19, Fiji's Health Ministry announced that COVID-19 restrictions that will be enforced across Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and other parts of Fiji.

From Thursday, funerals are the only social gatherings that will be allowed, but will be limited to 20 people only. All other social events that will require large gatherings need to be canceled. All gyms, movie theaters, video gaming shops, bars or amusement arcades must be closed for at least the next 14 days. Restaurants must not offer in-person dining.

All supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), and other essential service providers will continue and must limit the number of customers to at least 50 percent and customers must maintain two meters distance. They must also have the careFIJI app activated on their phones.

The Permanent Secretary for the Health Ministry James Fong warned that businesses that do not manage these risks with COVID safe plans will be shut down.

He also urged Fijians not to panic as it will deter their approach to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Currently, Fiji has had 78 cases in total, with 11 active cases, 65 recoveries and 2 deaths, since its first case was reported on March 19 last year.

Fiji maintains strict travel restrictions to date for foreign visitors alongside a nationwide curfew effective from March 30 last year to ensure safety on the island nation. Enditem
Facing an audience of supporters, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams this week heralded changes hes made as one of the Deep Souths few progressive prosecutors in a speech marking his 100th day in office.

The former criminal defense attorney and City Council president has made major moves, such as refusing most drug possession charges, waiving objections to tossing split-jury convictions and transferring youth defendants from adult to juvenile court.

But hes also encountered discontent from New Orleans residents frustrated by carjackings, and anger from crime victims in cases where long-ago non-unanimous jury convictions have been overturned with his consent.

Williams asked the public to stay with him. He said he is crafting a new partnership with the Police Department to focus on serial carjackers, planning a summit on juvenile offenders and dropping or diverting minor cases in order to focus on violent crime.

Leon Cannizzaro is back: Former New Orleans DA now has top role under Attorney General Jeff Landry Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro kept a low profile after bowing out of last years election amid growing voter discont

Williams delivered his address at McDonogh 35 High School on Tuesday, the same day that his predecessor Leon Cannizzaro, who Williams has criticized harshly for taking an overly punitive approach, was appointed co-chief of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landrys criminal division. Williams didnt mention Cannizzaro by name, but he painted a dim portrait by implication.

The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office is no longer a Jim Crow office, Williams said. Rather, we are building a 21st century prosecutors office that is laser-focused on delivering safety for all of our neighborhoods, not just the well-heeled ones, Williams said.

Deluge of challenges

The new DA said he faced a deluge of challenges when he took office Jan. 11. Case files were strewn around in boxes, some employees couldnt name their supervisor, participants in the diversion program were kept track of on legal pads and entry-level prosecutors were woefully underpaid, he said.

It was not the fault of these hard-working employees in the office. I believe that wholeheartedly. It was just a lack of vision and a lack of direction, Williams said.

Cannizzaro didnt immediately respond to a request for comment through the Attorney Generals Office. In the past, he said his technology and staffing problems were due to budget cuts that Williams approved as a member of the City Council.

However, Williams said Tuesday he has been able to raise prosecutor pay, add trial assistants to court sections and launch an electronic case management system while staying under budget.

In Williams first week in office, there was also a major staff shakeup.

In Williams first few weeks, there have been major staff shakeups. Williams has fired seven prosecutors and 10 resigned, according to his office. But he has also hired 18 assistant district attorneys, leaving the office with 59 overall.

Those line prosecutors will soon see their duties enlarged: Jurors have been exiled from Criminal District Court since March 2020 because of the pandemic, but theyre set to return in July.

+3 Sentenced to 23 years after stealing two shirts, a New Orleans man just walked free Guy Frank wears a silver watch on his right arm. Its a memento from his brother Joe, who died of cancer last April during Frank's 20th year i

That gives Williams a short window to prove his trial divisions chops before he faces a federal jury himself Nov. 1 on tax fraud charges. Williams didnt reference the case that has loomed over his election and first few months, but he did suggest he will take a personal role in state court prosecutions.

I am excited about trying cases, Williams said. I am excited about getting in court and trying cases with them. Not the easy cases, but the tough cases.

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The trial caseload will include roughly 30 cases overturned by the Supreme Court about a year ago, when it said split jury verdicts violated the U.S. Constitution. Louisiana was one of only two states to allow non-unanimous convictions, and it first approved the practice during an 1898 Constitutional Convention, which one delegate said had succeeded in its mission "to establish the supremacy of the White race in this State to the extent to which it could be legally and constitutionally done.

The high courts decision applied only to people whose appeals were still pending. But Williams has gone beyond the U.S. Supreme Court decision, and other district attorneys in the state, by using his discretion to let prisoners with final convictions obtain new trials. Williams dubs it the Jim Crow Jury Project.

The project, which is still in its initial stages, could eventually cover hundreds of cases. And it has dismayed some victims who thought they were finished with the court system, or who dont support the plea agreements Williams has used to resolve many cases thus far.

However, Williams pointed to the case of a man convicted by a non-unanimous jury of armed robbery on the word of an accuser, who recanted shortly after Williams took office. The accuser reportedly told prosecutors that he felt comfortable coming forward only because Williams is in charge. Prosecutors quickly dismissed charges against the defendant, Jermaine Hudson, who had served 22 years behind bars.

That is just about as humbling as it can get - seeing Jermaine Hudson hugging his fiance, Williams said. That is why we do the work.

Complex issues

Williams address came after a presentation by members of his more than 100-person transition team, who met for weeks in a process more akin to a presidential handover than the typical change of power in Louisiana. With a U.S. flag and a PowerPoint presentation by their side, volunteer advisers laid out some of the liberal policy proposals included in a glossy, 50-page booklet released by Williams office.

The teams ideas include:

Expanding the offices diversion program, which allows defendants who comply with counseling and other conditions to avoid a conviction, to include violent crimes

Diverting all drug possession cases

Making all cases eligible for a restorative justice program if the victim and defendant agree

Eliminating cash bail

Tracking police officer misconduct and making the data accessible to defense lawyers

Refusing all cases from police officers with a history of wrongdoing

Refusing to prosecute all minor misdemeanors in juvenile court

Advocating in the Louisiana Legislature for the legalization of recreational marijuana and the end of the death penalty

Williams said he would take the recommendations seriously.

Whistleblower in Attorney General Jeff Landry's office comes forward, alleges more misconduct Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes has resigned from Attorney General Jeff Landry's office after he said that Landry has targeted him f

One transition team member who helps domestic violence victims said it will be difficult but important for Williams to change office culture. Mary Claire Landry, executive director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center, said she hopes prosecutors will explore solutions outside of the criminal justice system.

The 705 charges dismissed by Williams during his first month in office included 58 domestic abuse or violence charges. But prosecutors must move away from judging themselves by conviction rates alone, Landry said.

These are complex issues, and they're complex issues to resolve, and they're not necessarily going to be resolved by a criminal justice system that is very punitive, she said.
Saudi Arabian Airlines has revealed that 20 countries, on which a travel ban was imposed in early February, will not be included in the decision to resume international flights from May 17, said a report.

The Saudia sources said this in a statement on its Twitter account while replying to a query regarding if the travel suspension will be lifted for all countries, including the banned ones, reported Saudi Gazette.

Welcome, our dear guest, the suspension of all international flights will be lifted starting from 1 am on Monday, May 17. But this wont be applicable to countries where the relevant official committee decided to suspend travel to or from due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the statement from the national carrier said.

The countries facing the ban are Argentina, the UAE, Germany, the US, Indonesia, India, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the UK, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Swiss Confederation, France, Lebanon, and Egypt.

The decision includes those coming from other countries if they had passed through any of the above mentioned 20 countries during the 14 days preceding their application to enter the kingdom, the report said.
WINNIPEG, MB, April 20, 2021 /CNW/ - Media representatives are advised that the Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Jim Carr, will speak to the 2021 Budget and the Government of Canada's plan to make a transformative investment to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system at a virtual event.

Media will be able to ask questions via teleconference (details included below).

Media will be able to view the news conference via Zoom (registration required, details below).

Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Time: 3:00 p.m. (Central Time)

Media who wish to participate by phone can dial-in by using the numbers below. Please dial-in 15 minutes before the start of the news conference. (Note: only teleconference participants will be able to ask questions).

Participant dial-in numbers: 1-866-805-7923 or 613-960-7518

Access Code: 2313379#

To view the news conference via Zoom please send an email to mediacentre@pco-bcp.gc.ca.

Registrations must be completed no later than 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Wednesday, April 21.

SOURCE Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/20/c9114.html
The company will initiate a dialogue with the new government over the protection and enforcement of its legal position, including the right to be granted an exploitation licence for the Kvanefjeld Project.

Kvanefjeld is well-placed to meet a surge in rare earth demand generated by the transition to electric vehicles along with growth in renewable energy.

( ) ( ) (FRA:G7P) is seeking to consult with the new coalition government in regard to its Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Project.

The company has sought legal advice regarding its rights to continue development of the project after the new government, formed by two political parties, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) and Naleraq, publicly stated a political intention to cease the development.

This coalition is being formed after the national election on April 6, 2021.

GGG said the Kvanefjeld project was based on an exploration licence granted under the Greenland Mineral Resources Act and had been operated by the company in close dialogue with all Greenland governments since commencing operations in 2007.

The company plans to continue its public consultation process for the project and aims to initiate discussions with the new government when in place.

Project development to date

The company has applied for an exploitation (mining) licence and taken advice from senior Danish legal counsel as to its legal rights in respect of its application.

Following a multi-year investigation process, on December 17, 2020, the former Greenland government approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) reports as meeting the requirements for initiating the statutory public consultation process.

This process was determined by the authorities to take place in the period from December 18, 2020, to June 1, 2021.

Best environmental practice

The independent scientific review of the EIA and supporting technical studies concluded in 2020, with the EIA assessed to meet the requirements of the EIA Guidelines to commence the statutory public hearing.

Fulfilment of the guidelines means that all aspects of the project are based on international environmental standards and the principles of Best Available Technology and Best Environmental Practice.

Independent scientific reviews of the EIA were conducted by the Danish Centre for Environment with assistance from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources.

Going forward, the company will keep the market informed of any material developments upon its application for an exploitation licence.

Rare earths and EVs

Kvanefjeld is one of the most significant and advanced emerging rare earth projects globally  critical elements to the electric vehicle revolution and renewable energy.

The Project is forecast to be a globally significant producer of all commercially important rare earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium, over an initial 37-year mine life.

Notably, the project is near existing infrastructure in southern Greenland with year-round direct shipping access to the project area.

Kvanefjeld is well-placed to meet the major surge in rare earth demand that will be generated by the transition to electric vehicles, along with growth in renewable energy.
Northern Irelands Veterans Commissioner has suggested that any time limit on Troubles prosecutions should apply to all.

However, Danny Kinahan told the PA news agency that he does not equate members of the armed forces with terrorists, adding: I never have and I never will.

Mr Kinahan has pressed for a way to put legacy behind us.

His comments came following the resignation of veterans minister Johnny Mercer.

Soldiers on patrol in Belfast in 1969 (PA)

Mr Mercer said he had no choice but to leave the Government after frustration at a lack of progress over legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles.

The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill, which is going through its final stages in Parliament, was developed in response to legal claims made after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does not cover incidents in Northern Ireland.

Mr Kinahan said he wants to see engagement over legacy prosecutions.

We have all got red lines, I dont want to see any veterans going to court that dont have to or shouldnt be, but there are cases that must go there from all sides, he told the BBC, pointing out that 90% of killings were carried out by terrorists or non state forces.

I dont support anything that stops someone who should be going to court going to court but we do need to put some limit here because you have cases here bubbling on people who served 30/40 sometimes close to 50 years ago and from all the people you talk to, were not likely to get any prosecutions from it and were about to spend an absolute fortune going through it.

Mr Kinahan mooted a limit of 10 years for all cases.

I think it has to be for everyone, he said.

We need to get people to move to pink lines or be ready to bend and let us find a way to look after people the talk was this could cost us as much as a billion, its going to take seven to 15 years to go through the remaining cases.

Is that really what we want? We need to minimise the number of cases that are coming up, let society move on and at the same time, try and find a way for families to find out what happened to their loved ones and help them.

However, both the DUP and Sinn Fein disagreed with Mr Kinahans position.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said there is no equivalence between terrorists who go out to murder and maim and those veterans who go out to serve their country and protect.

People who stepped outside the law and murdered and did things they shouldnt do should be held to account.

Mrs Foster said many who lost loved ones still hope for justice.

They know that the prospects of getting justice for their loved ones is receding, however we cannot take that hope away for justice, she said.

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer resigned (PA)

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard expressed concern that a time limit on prosecutions may mean some families would not be able to get justice.

There cant be that hierarchy of justice, everybody should be equal in the eyes of the law, he said.

In statement to PA, Mr Kinahan said he does not equate members of the armed forces with terrorists.

I never have and I never will  there is no comparison between those individuals who put on the uniform of the Crown to protect law and order and those who went out to indiscriminately murder innocent civilians or members of the security services, he said.

When it comes to the rule of law, however, everyone is treated equally under the law.

As the voice of veterans in Northern Ireland, I want to see veterans treated with the respect they deserve as they bore the brunt of terrorism and all its horrors, and did so on behalf of us all.

It is therefore imperative that veterans have a key role in shaping any future proposals and I will do all I can to ensure that happens.

Mr Kinahan and Mrs Foster spoke of regret at the resignation of Mr Mercer on Tuesday.

However, Mr Hazzard welcomed his departure, claiming he had offered nothing positive or healing or consensus when it comes to dealing with legacy here in the north.
Medical research charities have lost nearly 300million since the start of the Covid pandemic, MPs were told today.

Experts fear the blackhole will threaten the development of future treatments for all diseases, including dementia and heart disease.

The Association of Medical Research Charities, which represents more than 150 non-profit organisations, has now appealed for emergency funding.

The group's chief executive Hilary Reynolds said Government funding is needed to address the 'Covid shadow on research'.

She made the appeal in front of Parliament's Science and Technology Committee today, describing the funding shortage for charities as 'a real and present emergency'.

Nearly a third of all research charities in the UK  which fund more than half of all medical research  have had to cancel new studies that 'are crucial to finding new treatments'.

They have lost 292million in income over the last year, according to AMRC's latest survey.

The body said this was mainly a result of shops being closed and public fund-raising events being cancelled.

The Association of Medical Research Charities chief executive Hilary Reynolds (left) said Government funding is needed to address the 'Covid shadow on research'. Sir Adrian Smith (right), president of the Royal Society, raised concerns money for UK research could be used instead for Britain's membership to Horizon Europe

Ms Reynolds said: 'We've seen investment drop by 270million since the start of the pandemic and that translates into a range of things.

'Most of our charities try to protect and honour existing commitments, that's not been possible in all places. We've seen new grant rounds cancelled.

'We've seen plans for early career researcher programmes and places delayed or dropped.

'At the height of the lockdown, 70 per cent of our members' clinical trials and study programmes were stopped, paused or delayed.'

Medical unions warn of NHS staffing crisis with 90,000 empty job posts NHS unions are appealing for billions of pounds from the Government to hire more staff and stop a 'chronic undersupply' of health workers. Leading medical organisations, including NHS Confederation and the British Medical Association, say there are nearly 90,000 empty job posts. In an open letter warning to Boris Johnson, they warn there will be a 'haemorrhaging of doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers' if staff rosters aren't filled up to ease the workload. The Prime Minister last week pledged the NHS would get 'all the funding it needs' to get back on track after the Covid pandemic and No10 has promised to boost doctor and nurse numbers. But critics say the Government has an 'unwillingness to plan and invest in the health care workforce' and caution the extra work staff have to do because of shortages will drive more to quit, leaving more vacant jobs and creating a 'vicious circle'. Specific roles aren't named in the letter but the most recent NHS statistics showed that the biggest gaps are in nurses, midwives, health visitors and GPs. The letter demands 'billions of extra funding' to tackle the issue, saying staff burnout and stress over the last year threatens to further increase vacancies. Advertisement

Ms Reynolds said: 'Most expect to have to cut their funding further in this coming year by over a third of what their strategies say [they need]. It is a real and present emergency.'

She called on the Government to provide emergency funding to cover the losses so that the charities can continue to fund they projects they have already committed to.

'We know that funding will bounce back but we're looking for temporary support to protect existing research and to enable new research to get going so that the long-term impact on careers, research and projects and treatments that can really bring hope are not damaged irreversibly,' she said.

'Let us avoid the long Covid shadow on research. There's still time for the Government to offer that funding now.'

British research has been behind a host of the biggest Covid breakthroughs in the last year, including pioneering the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and the new antiviral dexamathasome pill that can be taken to treat the illness.

Meanwhile, health chiefs bemoaned the Government's lack of long-term vision for its membership to Horizon Europe.

The UK's membership to Horizon  the EUs main scientific funding programme with a budget of 95.5billion  costs around 1billion a year.

Its membership is vital to ensure British researchers are able to collaborate with their European counterparts on international projects.

But after leaving the union, the UK Government has had to shoulder the burden of membership instead of having it paid for out of the EU's budget.

Sir Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, had previously raised concerns some of this 1billion fee would be taken from existing funds reserved for domestic research.

The Department of Business announced a separate 250million of funding for Horizon's membership, with the rest of the cash expected to fronted up by the rest of the year from sources other than British research funds.

But Sir Adrian described the Government's move to shore up the membership with money coming from 'somewhere or another' as only a temporary relief from the issue.

He said: 'Its annoying. Reaching around the sofa isnt really compatible with our aspiration to be a science superpower.'

More long term planning is needed to ensure Britain's membership doesn't come at the cost of funds earmarked for research in the UK, he suggested.

And Hetan Shah, the chief executive of the British Academy, urged the Government to lay out its strategy for coping with the membership fee increasing over the next few years.

He said: 'We all need more transparency with this. I think even the billion figure is somewhat hypothetical that the scientific community is working off.

'The payment for Horizon is backloaded rather than front loaded so it increases year on year, so I think we all need clarity on that.

'But the sense we get from talking to officials is that this year we will get through it, but the uncertainty has just been put back a further year.

'And the bill will get bigger as the years go by.'
But it is a hollow feeling in many ways because as a white person, I feel it is not my right to decree that our country in any way is cleansed of its racist ways, and we as a country applaud ourselves for entertaining such a belief at our own peril.

We are expecting our first grandchild this fall, and I could not help but imagine the fear for that childs safety I would still feel if that child were Black.

Until the time arrives that such a child and its family can feel safe in their own homes or in public regardless of their race, I will refrain from breathing a sigh of relief. And until moments like the Chauvin conviction become the rule rather than the exception, I will refrain from celebrating.

Greg Joseph

Sun City, Ariz.

To the Editor:

Overlooked in the jubilation about the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd is the enormous debt we owe to Judge Peter A. Cahill, who conducted this trial with such brilliant administration of the law.

From the beginning, with his decision about televising the trial so that we could all see and hear what the jury saw and heard, to his ruling that the jury be sequestered for deliberations, he oversaw the proceedings throughout firmly, calmly and in an unbiased manner that made us trust the fairness of the trial. We are so lucky to have had such a man at such a time.
Food delivery app gives PLA soldiers in Tibet access to fresh groceries

People's Daily Online) 16:12, April 21, 2021

A food delivery app that was recently put into trial operation offers officers and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) stationed in Tibet Autonomous Region a platform to buy any fresh products they need via their smartphones.

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

The online store sells 530 kinds of non-staple food, including fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. After placing an order on it, the soldiers can receive their parcels in a relatively short period of time.

The food suppliers are mainly located in places outside the autonomous region. Upon receiving an order, they immediately transport the commodities to a designated distribution center, where the products go through a quality test before being packed. They are then delivered via cold-chain logistics to preserve their freshness.

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

On April 17, a brigade in Tibet received over 90 types of food, including fresh vegetables, fruits, pork, beef and mutton, all bought by the PLA officers and soldiers via the app.

"In the past, we often ate frozen meat, but now we basically have access to chilled meat, which tastes better, said Zeng Wang, a quartermaster who has been serving in the military in Tibet for 14 years.

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

The app is currently being used by soldiers in Lhasa, the capital of the autonomous region, and Shigatse. For the next phase, it will be introduced to all PLA troops in Tibet.

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

(Photo/WeChat account: Xuexijuntuan)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
In comments made just hours after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, President Biden said that the incident exposed the stain of systemic racism in America for the world to see.

It was a murder in the full light of day and it ripped the blinders off the whole world to see, Biden said during the Tuesday evening address. Systemic racism is a stain on our nations soul.

Riots broke out in Minneapolis and across several American cities after footage of Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes went viral, garnering international attention.

Chauvin was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter, in a verdict delivered earlier Tuesday.

In a press conference shortly after the verdict was announced, Floyds legal team and members of his family called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

This is not a case against every officer, attorney Chris Stewart said at a press conference. My life was saved by two law-enforcement officers years ago, so I will never throw every cop under the bus. But we will put more cops in jail when you kill someone for no reason, just because theyre black.

Stewart added, We can find a unifying purpose between law enforcement and the African-American community  by changes, starting with the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Karen Bass (D., Calif.), seeks to lower the standard needed to prosecute and convict police officers of alleged misconduct, and would eliminate officers qualified immunity that shields them from civil suits. The Democrat-controlled House passed the legislation 236181 in June 2020, but was not advanced in the Senate, where Republicans held a majority until January 2021.

Biden joined the Floyd legal team in urging Congress to pass the Democrats criminal-justice reform bill in his Tuesday night address.

Story continues

I assured them were going to continue to fight for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so I can sign the law as quickly as possible, Biden said of his discussions with Floyds family.

Attorney Tony Romanucci as well as Floyds brother, Rodney Floyd, joined Stewarts call for the bill to be passed.

Make no mistake: we are not done, Romanucci said. The Floyd police-reform bill must pass the Senate. We now know that today, police can and will be held accountable for needless death.

Rodney Floyd stated that for George, this fight is not over. Were going to stand here together, were going to try to get this George Floyd act passed. . . . Were going to keep pressure on the Senate.

The Senate is currently tied 5050 between Democrats and Republicans, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote. It is unclear if Democrats will be able to garner support from ten Republican senators needed to pass the legislation without threat of a filibuster.

More from National Review
[April 21, 2021] NoiseAware Eclipses 1 Million Protected Short-Term Rental Stays

DALLAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NoiseAware, the leader in smart noise monitoring, has reached the milestone of more than one million short-term rental stays protected by its service. The achievement comes on the heels of the company's Series A fundraising and at the cusp of a historic travel season in which short-term rental bookings have doubled pre-pandemic levels1 . Short-term rental analytics firm AirDNA cited March 2021 as the highest month of occupancy on record, and the months-to-come show a similar trajectory1. NoiseAware has observed rapid growth in requests for its service consistent with trends of increased short-term rental bookings. The company's recent partnership with listing platform Vrbo and its long-standing ties with Airbnb, Booking.com and the country's top professional property management companies have helped drive the growth, along with an abundance of new property managers entering the market. "The one million stays landmark is fitting to have occurred this year, during a time when our services were needed more than ever," said NoiseAware CEO Andrew Schulz. "The passionate return to safe travel has been a pleasure to witness. It will be important for those renting out their homes for the first time to be prepared for the unique challenges of the business." New inventory, new challenges The attraction of record occupancy levels and traveler demand are leadin to more properties entering the market of short-term rentals for the first time. Professional management company Frontdesk has doubled their growth rate between February and March this year with new clients looking to cash in.



"We are seeing more bookings than ever, even exceeding pre-pandemic demand despite our inventory being based in urban markets that were hit heavily by pandemic lockdowns," said Frontdesk Co-Founder Jesse DePinto. "The pent-up travel demand has impacted our business so much that we are adding five new cities to our supply portfolio this springNew Orleans, Savannah, Philadelphia, Nashville, and Austin." With such a strong influx of properties entering the market, it is important for those new to the business to recognize the need for reliable home protection services like NoiseAware. Proactive protection increases profits and peace of mind. After the previous lockdown lifts last year, an almost 50% increase in noise incidents and consequential property damage occurred.

NoiseAware provides a privacy-safe, enterprise-grade solution that assures a property is protected from nuisance issues that can affect the community around them. With NoiseAware's help, most (75%) NoiseAware customers mitigate disturbances in less than 15 minutes, and primarily through simple remote, automated communication. "The Frontdesk brand has grown from a single apartment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2017 to now over 600 units in 33 cities," added DePinto. "We did not achieve this growth without reliable monitoring services like NoiseAware. NoiseAware allows us to prevent incidents before they even happensomething that has proven to be vital in developing a trusted reputation within the communities in which our rentals operate." "The need for property protection assurance is essential as the instances for noise issues arise," added Schulz. "NoiseAware stands ready to provide peace-of-mind to our partners that their homes and neighbors are protected." To learn more about NoiseAware's smart noise monitoring solution, visit www.noiseaware.com . 1 AirDNA Market Review, March 2021 About NoiseAware Developed by a rental property owner in 2015, NoiseAware was the first to enter the market with a solution to the number one signal of potential property damage  noise. The NoiseAware privacy-safe smart noise monitoring solution saves property owners and managers time and money, allowing them to maximize their Return on Rentals and minimize hassle and expense. The company has helped short-term rental homeowners and managers save $105 million in lost rental revenue due to noise disturbances. NoiseAware helps create responsible guests, good neighbors, and community harmony. To learn more visit www.noiseaware.com . Media contact:

Madison Perry

972-951-5961

307844@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noiseaware-eclipses-1-million-protected-short-term-rental-stays-301273907.html SOURCE NoiseAware

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A report from WLS in Chicago cited the office of the Cook County medical examiner for news that gun violence deaths reached a record 875 in 2020. This lamentable figure apparently went without notice from Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). Certainly there has been no known report citing Rep. Waters to the effect that there must be a confrontation with the perpetrators of black-on-black crime. Joe Biden has not been known to issue statements opposing "systemic" violence within the black communities of urban America.

Indeed, why hasn't the Hon. Waters gone to Chicago to declare that the streets of Cook County, Illinois must be made safe again for the blacks of Chicago and that, accordingly, the law-abiding blacks of Cook County must take to the streets to ensure the same sense of security for inner-city blacks enjoyed by the white folks of suburbia?

It should be noted that of the 875 deaths by gun violence in Cook County, Illinois, in 2020, 78% of the victims were black. The silence of Maxine Waters in response to black-on-black murders is simply astounding.

When it comes to a black's death consequent to an incident with a white policeman, Rep. Waters is all too quick to demand immediate "justice"  that is to say, a murder conviction of the white officer. Yet there is no demand from the congresswoman for civil rights protection for blacks assaulted, shot at, killed by other blacks.

What is the ultimate nature of civil rights if not protection against termination of life by illegal violence? Or is Rep. Waters unconcerned about the justice for urban blacks as reflected by safety to walk urban thoroughfares?

The matter cannot be stated more starkly than this for Rep. Waters and her like-minded leftists in Congress: don't black lives matter in confrontations with other blacks, as well as with confrontations with police? A little consistency, please!

Image via Public Domain Pictures.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Significant increase in number of points of sale for iMicrodose Packs within the Netherlands with over $31 million of cash and cash equivalents remaining on balance sheet to support growth

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTC Pink: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, is pleased to provide an update on the distribution of its iMicrodose Packs in the Netherlands.

"Over the last few months, we have continued executing on our goal to increase both the availability of our products and our brand's visibility. iMicrodose Packs powered by Red Light Holland are now available in 144% more locations than previously announced. Relationships held by our wholly owned distribution company SR Wholesale, already, account for 13 new locations, demonstrating some of the synergies that we strategically planned to realize from the recently closed acquisition," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "With over $31 million of cash and cash equivalents remaining on our balance sheet, we look forward to continuing to conservatively deploy capital into growth opportunities that support our long-term business objectives, while SR-Wholesale continues to do a major sales push across the Netherlands. We have a clear plan to get Red Light Holland products into many more retail stores hopefully for the summer market, while also concentrating on growing our online sales at www.iMicrodose.nl. As I've said in the past, we're proud to be providing access now and we continue to deliver on that mandate."

About Red Light Holland Corp.

The Company is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale (through existing Smart Shops operators and an advanced e-commerce platform) of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal market within the Netherlands, in accordance with the highest standards, in compliance with all applicable laws.

For additional information on the Company:

Todd Shapiro

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: 647-204-7129

Email: todd@redlighttruffles.com

Website: https://redlighttruffles.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (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.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control.

Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward- looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, information relating to the synergies from the acquisition of SR Wholesale and conservatively deploying capital into growth opportunities. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward- looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81144
An extremely rare blue lobster was discovered by a fisherman along the coast of Cornwall before being released back into the sea.

Tom Lambourn, 25, from Newlyn, had been fishing off the coastal town of Penzance when he captured the foot-long colourful crustacean in his lobster pot.

The fisherman photographed the rare 'one-in-two-million' creature before releasing it back into the sea as it was 'too small to bring into land'.

He said: 'With every pot you never know what is going to be inside, and I've certainly never seen one that colour before.

The rare 'one in two million' blue lobster was captured off the Cornish coast of Penzance

Tom Lambourn (pictured), 25, from Newlyn, had been fishing off the Cornish coast when he captured the colourful crustacean

'This is only my second fishing season so I think I've been very lucky.

'I measured it and it was undersized so there was never any thought of keeping it.

'If it had been bigger, I would have taken it to the National Hatchery.

'I sent them some photos of the lobster and they told me it is one-in-two-million so that is quite special.

A spokesman for National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, Cornwall, said: 'It is a pretty rare colour morph to come across, about one in two million chance, so we were amazed when Tom sent us the photo of it.

'The lobster was too small to bring in to land so was popped back in the sea so it can keep growing.

'Who knew that a crustacean could be so vibrant?'

Ben Marshall, National Lobster Hatchery supervisor, said: 'It is very, very rare and very interesting to see a blue lobster.

'The skipper threw it back as it was under the length you are allowed to catch lobsters in Cornwall (12ins).

Mr Lambourn deiced to photograph the rare find before letting it go back into the sea

Blue lobsters acquire their colour as a result of a genetic defect that causes them to produce excessive levels of protein

'Blue lobsters have a different colour pigmentation in their shells which means they find if much harder to camouflage so they get preyed upon, reducing their numbers.'

In 2005, Professor Ronald Christensen, at the University of Connecticut, discovered that blue lobsters acquired their colour as a result of a genetic defect.

The defect causes the lobsters to produce excessive levels of a protein that combines with a red carotenoid molecule known as astaxanthin.

This then forms a blue complex known as crustacyanin and it is this that gives the lobsters their unusual colour.

Speaking at the time Dr Christensen said: 'I suspect more blue lobsters than we realise are born but don't survive because they become major targets for predators.

'The reason you don't want to be a blue lobster is you stick out like a sore thumb.'

In 2016, a blue lobster was caught by fisherman Keith Setter at Ladram Bay, off the Devon coast, before it was released back into the sea.

And in 2011 two fishermen in Dorset were able to capture an albino, or 'crystal', lobster near Portland Bill before they handed the rare creatures to Weymouth Sea Life Park.

Meanwhile in 2006, lobsterman David Percy caught a yellow lobster near Whaleback Island in the US at the mouth of the Kennebec River.

Fishermen who come across blue lobsters believe it to be a sign of good luck and usually do not eat it.
Volunteer nurses inoculate patients with the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine inside a sports stadium in Marikina City, east of Manila, April 5, 2021.

The United States has added the Philippines and other countries in the region to its do not travel list, citing very high levels of coronavirus infections, officials said.

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday downgraded its travel advisories for the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and other countries to Level 4, advising American citizens against traveling to those countries due to COVID-19.

There was a very high level of COVID-19 in the Philippines, Malaysia and Bangladesh, the department said, citing Level 4 travel health advisories for those countries issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All three countries have been hit hard lately with waves of infections from the virus. Level 4 is the CDCs gravest health alert.

On Monday, the State Department announced it was planning to issue do not travel alerts for 80 percent of countries worldwide, saying the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers.

Do not travel to the Philippines due to COVID-19. Additionally, exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping, Tuesdays advisory said.

Many Filipinos have dual U.S.-Philippine citizenship.

In the Philippines, the cumulative number of coronavirus cases reached 962,307 on Wednesday  the second highest number of cases in East Asia behind neighboring Indonesia, where 1.6 million cases have been detected since the pandemic began early last year.

The number of cases has been rising with few signs that the infections will slow. Most of Metropolitan Manila and four adjacent provinces have been on lockdown since early April, with restrictions placed on travelling and gatherings.

Local hospitals have been struggling to cope with the new wave of infections, with many turning away patients. As of Wednesday, the health department said that its vaccination program was continuing but it had only administered 1.5 million doses of coronavirus vaccine.

The Philippines is aiming to vaccinate about 70 million of its more than 100 million population by this year to ensure herd immunity, but that likely wont happen, experts say.

Because of the current situation in the Philippines even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to the Philippines, the CDC said.

If you must travel to the Philippines, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travelers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands, the agency advised.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Japanese government announced that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had postponed a scheduled trip later this month to India and the Philippines because he decided to stay home to deal with a new outbreak of coronavirus cases in his country.

In order to take all possible coronavirus countermeasures, it has been decided [that] Prime Minister Suga wont take any overseas trips during the Golden Week., Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters, referring to a series of Japanese holidays starting in late April.

During Sugas visit the Philippines and Japan were expected to mark the 65th anniversary of normalized bilateral ties.

President Rodrigo Duterte understood Sugas decision to stay home because beating the pandemic was a priority shared by countries, the spokesman for the Philippine leader said Wednesday.

Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic is high on both the Philippines and Japans agenda and remains a key point of cooperation. The decision to postpone a planned official visit based on this ground, therefore, deserves support, presidential spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

Despite the postponed visit, ties between Manila and Tokyo will remain strong, he said.

The strategic partnership and broad cooperation between the Philippines and Japan will continue to strengthen even as we jointly and individually work to address the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

Jeoffrey Maitem contributed to this report from Cotabato City, Philippines.
Australias stock market was caught in a mid-week global sell down on Wednesday as surging COVID-19 cases in Asia saw travel restrictions reintroduced and a potential lockdown in India weighed on oil prices.

The US tech sector was also expected to fall in tonights session after streaming giant Netflix reported surprisingly bad subscriber growth.

The S&P/ASX 200 fell back below 7000 points to close 0.3 per cent lower at 6997.4. It had been down as much as 1.6 per cent during the day but climbed back up in the afternoon.

The ASX200 fell by 0.3 per cent on Wednesday, having been down by as much as 1.6 per cent. Credit:Louie Douvis

ASX newcomer Nuix plunged 15.4 per cent to $4.29 after revealing it would not meet the targets promised to shareholders ahead of its float in December.

Banking stocks followed European and US counterparts lower with NAB falling 1.1 per cent, Westpac 1 per cent, ANZ Bank 0.8 per cent, while the Commonwealth Bank gained 0.5 per cent to $88.17. Challenger extended Tuesdays decline to fall a further 5.6 per cent to $5.25.

Chief investment officer at Burman Invest, Julia Lee, said the ASX inherited weak leads from overseas with the US down and European bourse closing deep in the red.

Importantly, it is reporting season (in the US) and very much in focus are some of the high-growth FAANG stocks, she said, referring to the group of highly valued technology stocks that includes Netflix, Facebook, Amazon, and Google.

A correction of five to ten per cent (on the ASX) is quite normal and generally we see it once or twice a year. Given where valuations are, I guess the market had been pricing for perfection. It is quite healthy to see a pull back.

Confusingly, local iron ore producers also dropped, despite the heavy metal currently trading at nine-year highs of $US181.20 per tonne.

BHP fell 0.5 per cent, while Rio Tinto and Fortescue were flat. Rare earths producer Lynas dropped 5.3 per cent to and hit a new two-month low during trade before closing at $5.54.

Among the local technology stocks, Afterpay fell 2.7 per cent, WiseTech fell 3.6 per cent, and Appen fell 4.5 per cent.

Oil stocks dropped on concerns India, one of the worlds biggest oil importers, could impose restrictions to curb a massive second-wave of COVID-19 infections.
New Delhi, April 21: has witnessed a remarkable fall in while China, which "continues to take Internet censorship, surveillance and propaganda to unprecedented levels", is still firmly anchored among the worst countries in the 2021 World Index compiled by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which provides information about the media freedom situation worldwide.

The annual report published on Tuesday shows that journalism - "the main vaccine against disinformation" - is completely or partly blocked in 73 per cent of the 180 countries ranked by the organisation in the last 12 months.

It said that the Covid-19 pandemic has been used as grounds to block access to information with the journalists finding it increasingly hard to investigate and report sensitive stories, especially in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

According to the report, the country that fell the furthest in 2021 was where the problems include a recent "anti-fake news" decree allowing the government to impose its own version of the truth.

was ranked 101st in RSF's 2020 World Index but the organisation said that many press freedom violations since Muhyiddin Yassin took over as Prime Minister in March 2020 have severely impacted its ranking in the new index released Tuesday.

The RSF had earlier this month called on the Malaysian government to immediately rescind a so-called 'anti-fake news' emergency ordinance that effectively bans any information about the pandemic or current state of emergency that is not to its liking. This ordinance constitutes a gross violation of press freedom and another step in the flouting of the democratic process, RSF says.

The report blasted (177th), saying it continues to be the world's biggest jailer of press freedom defenders in 2021 as the Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on news and information even more since the emergence of Covid-19. It said that Beijing is trying to export its oppressive model by promoting a "new world media order" under China's influence.

"Kunchok Jinpa, a leading media source of information about Tibet, died in February 2021 as a result of mistreatment in prison, just as Liu Xiaobo, a Nobel peace laureate and winner of the RSF Press Freedom Prize, and Yang Tongyan, a dissident blogger, did in 2017. By relying on the massive use of new technology, President Xi Jinping's regime has imposed a social model based on control of news and information and online surveillance of its citizens," the report detailed on

The organisation mentioned that China's state and privately-owned media are under the Communist Party's ever-tighter control, while the administration creates more and more obstacles for foreign reporters.

"Seven journalists are still being held for their coverage of the pandemic and more than 450 social media users were briefly arrested for sharing 'false rumours' about the virus. More than 120 press freedom defenders are currently detained, often in conditions that pose a threat to their lives," RSF mentioned.

Pakistan, under the military establishment's thumb

Meanwhile, RSF mentioned that the Pakistani media, which have a long tradition of being very lively, have become a priority target for the country's 'deep state', a euphemism for the military and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the main military intelligence agency, and the significant degree of control they exercise over the civilian executive.

"The influence of this military 'establishment' which cannot stand independent journalism, has increased dramatically since Imran Khan became Prime Minister in July 2018. There have been many cases of brazen censorship in which the military have used one or other of its methods for exercising pressure. Distribution of newspapers, especially the leading daily Dawn, has been interrupted. Media outlets have been threatened with the withdrawal of advertising. The signals of TV channels that gave airtime to opposition representatives have been jammed," said RSF's country report on

It said that Pakistani journalists, who dared to broach subjects deemed off limits by the military, have been subjected to ISI-orchestrated harassment campaigns with several being abducted in 2020 in order to be told: "Stop covering unwelcome stories or your family won't find you alive."

The report says that journalists in continue to be at risk in the field, especially in the western provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The stepping up of online 'regulation' which clearly means censorship and cyber-harassment campaigns by pro-government or pro-military trolls against journalists has made things worse in

"Journalism is the best vaccine against disinformation," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "Unfortunately, its production and distribution are too often blocked by political, economic, technological and, sometimes, even cultural factors. In response to the virality of disinformation across borders, on digital platforms and via social media, journalism provides the most effective means of ensuring that public debate is based on a diverse range of established facts," he added.

The Nordic nations' approach towards upholding press freedom continues with Norway being ranked first in the 2021 Index for the fifth year running even though its media have complained of a lack of access to state-held information about the pandemic. Finland maintained its position in second place while Sweden (up 1 at 3rd) recovered its third place ranking, which it had yielded to Denmark (down 1 at 4th) last year.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

--indianarrative/

(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 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer is a 43-ton artillery system, with an automated laying and fire control system (ALFCS) installed on it, designed to combat tanks, air defense, missile defense and to destroy defensive structures.It is considered one of the lightest in the 155 mm class and some of its best assets include a gun that can be loaded at various elevation angles and the ability to cross through water obstacles that are 15 ft. (5 m) deep and 3,280 ft. (1,000 m) wide.The Orlan-10E drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is mainly designed for reconnaissance operations, being able to monitor various objects in areas that are less accessible to people. And seeing that it can install interference transmitters, it could also be considered an electronic combat device.Weighing around 22 lbs. (10 kg), the Orlan-10E drone is able to continue to fly for 10 hours and to emit video signals on a 74-mile (120 km) distance.During the exercise, that was set up to demonstrate how these two weapon systems can coordinate their actions, the drone initiated by locating the target. Then, based on the data received from the drone, the control system performed the calculations for the firing. After receiving these calculations, the crew on the howitzer conducted the firing.The Orlan-10E drone was able to successfully locate and then transfer the target coordinates to the control system and the Msta-S self-propelled howitzer also proved its capabilities, by firing at a maximum distance of 25 miles (40 km).According to Rostec , Msta-S has also shown excellent results when used in coordination with a control system and Orlan-10E UAV.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the loss of lives in the Nashik oxygen tanker leak incident, wherein atleast 11 people were killed at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday (April 21).

Expressing grief, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Distressed to hear the news of the accident. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this incident."

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane told ANI, "It is an unfortunate incident. As per preliminary information, we have learnt that 11 people died in the incident. We are trying to get a detailed report," adding "We have ordered an enquiry as well. Anyone found responsible will not be spared."

An oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital, Nashik on Wednesday. Officials were also present at the spot and an operation to contain the leak is underway.

Expressing grief over the Nashik oxygen tanker leak incident, Maharashtra Minister Rajesh Tope told ANI, "This is an unfortunate incident. I spoke to Nashik Municipal Commissioner who has informed me that the situation is under control now. I'll be going to Nashik soon. Nashik Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has already gone there."

Notably, several states are facing a shortage of medical oxygen, especially Maharashtra, where 58,924 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

The state health ministry further said that as many as 52,412 people recovered in the said period and 351 died. The total case tally reached 38,98,262 while the death toll reached 60,824.

Live TV
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) The Federal civil rights investigation into the death of George Floyd while in police custody is ongoing despite the guilty verdict, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a press release.

Earlier in the day, a US jury in the state of Minnesota found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in connection to Floyd's death last May.

"The Justice Department has previously announced a federal civil rights investigation into the death of George Floyd," Garland said on Tuesday. "This investigation is ongoing."
A number of business associations have called on the Ukrainian government to reconsider approaches to organizing vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19), providing an opportunity to vaccinate those who want to receive the vaccine, as well as restarting efforts in the fight against the pandemic.

"It is worth making a strategically considered decision that will help save public money in the long term. We are convinced that such a decision should be to vaccinate the part of the population that really wants to receive it," it is proposed in a communication to the government signed by 15 business associations, the text of which is available to Interfax-Ukraine.

According to the appeal, "business understands the need for lockdown, however, it expects a reverse understanding from the authorities."

"The application of harsh health protection measures, including lockdown to employees of enterprises, has already led to significant costs in many industries. Ukraine does not have enough financial reserves to support business, as in other countries. A complete ban on certain types of activities leads to large losses in entire industries, such as the cinema and theatrical sector, restaurant business, retail trade in non-food products and others," the business associations said.

In its address to the government, business said that "the sooner the Ukrainian population receives full protection from the virus, the closer the state will get out of the actual crisis situation, and the need to suspend the economy will disappear."

"The business community calls on the government to strategically approach the process of resolving the situation with coronavirus and vaccination, to revise the vaccination roadmap and make every effort to provide the country with sufficient vaccine. In addition, to ensure a fast and transparent process of vaccine procurement, logistics and organization. The business community, for its part, is ready to join and support the government's progressive steps in this direction," the business associations said.

The appeal to the government was signed by the European Business Association (EBA); the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP); CEO Club Ukraine; Business People Club; the MriyDiy NGO Entrepreneurs' Platform and others.
On the bad days, when the chimneys make much noise so intensely that the windows vibrate, families say thick smoke appears in the air, killing plants and dusting everything to volcanic grey. For many years now, this has been the stale life of people in Iraq, where air pollution is at its all-time high.

Great Contributor to the Climate Crisis

For the residents of Nahran Omar, a town in southern Iraq that is next to some oil wells, the flames coming from the towers, ejecting chemicals that are toxic into the air, are their everyday reality. This disputed flaring practice - burning excess gas manufactured during the oil extraction - is a great contributor to the climate crisis, scientists say, but also a dangerous threat to those who live close by.

The pollutants discharged have been connected to skin and lung diseases, asthma, and cancer. Iraq is among the biggest lawbreakers in the world for flaring, and Basra, which is a province in which Nahran Omar is sited, is the most affected region in the country.

Sponsored by a Supporter Programme, The Independent spoke to residents who warn that the action is killing the weak and the fit, children and the elderly. Though it's difficult to prove a direct connection between specific illnesses and the flares, there has been a 50 percent increase in the rate of cancer over the last decade, according to the mayor of the town, who reveals there are as many as 150 cases within the 1,600-strong community.

Also Read: Air Pollution from Stubble Burning Continue to Plague Northern India

Effects of the Poisoned Cloud

43-year-old Muhammed Hassan, whose 14-year-old son has bone marrow cancer, tells The Independent: "When I went to see the doctor with my son, whose spine was bent and skin was pale, he asked me where I stay. I said, 'Nahran Omar,' and he said, 'You don't have to say more. I am aware this is due to the pollution."

Holding a picture of his son, whose body is painfully folded in a wheelchair, he says he is more disturbed than ever this year due to the pandemic. A current report by the European Society of Cardiology evaluates that 15 per cent of deaths due to coronavirus are associated with pollution of air. He said the immune system of his son is compromised already by his treatment, which is so agonizing that his son pleaded with him to let him die.

Myriad Health Problems

"Everybody in the family wants to survive. We are so disturbed about our health," he added. Against the deafening sound and astonishing heat of the towers, Basheer al-Jabari, the mayor, says most of the town suffers some type of sickness.

His own sister is one of those that have cancer. Across the country, the sky at night is brightened by flare stacks, which discharges greenhouse gases like methane and also local air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and soot, that led to myriad health problems.

According to the latest data of World Bank, Iraq burns just more than 17 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

Related Article: The Countryside Areas of India Suffer from Heavy Air Pollution, Particularly PM2.5

For more news, updates about poisonous clouds and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Tyrannosaurs  theropod dinosaurs that lived in what is now North America and Asia between 100 and 66 million years ago (Cretaceous period)  may not have been solitary hunters as popularly envisioned.

The idea that tyrannosaurs were social with complex hunting strategies was first formulated by Canadian paleontologist Professor Philip Currie in 1998.

It was based on the discovery of skeletons of over 12 Albertosaurus sarcophagus individuals at a site in Alberta, Canada.

The idea has been widely debated, with many paleontologists doubting the giant predators had the brainpower to organize into anything more complex than what is observed in modern crocodiles.

Because the Alberta site appeared to be an isolated case, skeptics claimed it represented unusual circumstances that did not reflect normal tyrannosaur behavior.

The 2005 discovery of a second tyrannosaur mass death site in Montana again raised the possibility of social tyrannosaurs, but that site was still not widely accepted by the scientific community as evidence for social behavior.

Localities that produce insights into the possible behavior of extinct animals are especially rare, and difficult to interpret, Professor Currie said.

In the new research, Bureau of Land Management paleontologist Alan Titus and colleagues examined a recently-discovered large bonebed containing at least four individuals of the tyrannosaur species Teratophoneus curriei.

Called the Rainbows and Unicorns Quarry, the site is located in the northern Kaiparowits Plateau area of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah.

Using analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes and concentrations of rare earth elements within the bones and rock, the researchers found that the remains from the site all fossilized in the same environment and were not the result of an attritional assemblage of fossils washed in from a variety of areas.

They concluded that a group of Teratophoneus curriei died together during a seasonal flooding event that washed their carcasses into a lake, where they sat, largely undisturbed until the river later churned its way through the bone bed.

Traditional excavation techniques, supplemented by the analysis of rare earth elements, stable isotopes and charcoal concentrations convincingly show a synchronous death event at the Rainbows site of four or five tyrannosaurids, Professor Currie said.

Undoubtedly, this group died together, which adds to a growing body of evidence that tyrannosaurids were capable of interacting as gregarious packs.

The new Utah site adds to the growing body of evidence showing that tyrannosaurs were complex, large predators capable of social behaviors common in many of their living relatives, the birds, said Dr. Joe Sertich, curator of dinosaurs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

This discovery should be the tipping point for reconsidering how these top carnivores behaved and hunted across the northern hemisphere during the Cretaceous.

The study was published online in the journal PeerJ.

_____

A.L. Titus et al. 2021. Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness. PeerJ 9: e11013; doi: 10.7717/peerj.11013
Rescuers Search for Entangled Baby Whale

SAN CLEMENTEWhale watchers up and down the coast of Southern California April 20 were on the lookout for an entangled baby gray whale first spotted near the San Clemente Pier.

Efforts to disentangle what appeared to be fishing lines wrapped around the calfs head were unsuccessful April 19 as rescuers on an inflatable and two support boats attempted to pull off the lines with a telemetry buoy, said Justin Viezbicke of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The lines entangled on the babys head just kept breaking, but the main part of the entanglement is still there, Viezbicke said. So obviously, thats a concern to us.

When the sun went down, rescuers lost sight of the baby and its mother, who was protective and alarmed by all the commotion, making rescue attempts more difficult.

We have not had any sightings of the whale today, Viezbicke said April 20, adding that its now a waiting game.

The baby gray whale, which could eventually grow to be up to 40 feet long and weigh about 40 tons, is migrating through Southern Californias waters from Baja California up to Alaska. Gray whales are distinguishable by a lack of dorsal fin and their dark gray coloring, typically with white barnacle scars or colored whale lice on their backs. They appear off the Los Angeles coastline typically between January and April.

Because the whales are in a northbound migration, Viezbicke said rescuers are alerting our folks up north  all the way up to Monterey Bay.

Viezbicke praised local whale watching organizations, sheriffs deputies and the Pacific Mammal Marine Center for their help trying to rescue the whale.

Were very appreciative of the overall effort, he said.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, there have been more than 280 reported whale entanglements along the West Coast between 2015 and 2020, mostly around California, and the nonprofit organization has been advocating for a Whale Entanglement Prevention Act that would require trap fisheries to convert to rope-less gear to help prevent such tragedies.

Its heartbreaking to see this baby whale entangled in fishing gear as its mother helplessly watches. This is a grim reminder of why we must do more to prevent whale entanglements off Californias coast, said Kristen Monsell, ocean legal director with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Boaters are asked to keep an eye out for the entangled baby whale, and to stay with it if it is safe to do so. But experts warn that distressed whales may act unpredictably, so people should not approach the whale or attempt to remove entanglements without proper gear and training.

Report entanglements to 877-SOS-WHAL or 877-767-9425.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Since it began on 30 December 2020, Singapore's vaccination program has continued to make good progress. More than a million doses of vaccine have been administered, with around 40,000 doses now being administered per day. The vaccines were first given to those working on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic, followed by the elderly. In March 2021, those age 45 to 59 years old become eligible for vaccination.

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are being administered at vaccination centers around the nation. Singapore has also received approximately 200,000 doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine as part of advanced purchases made last year, but these will not be used until the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved it.

In this article, Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, Vice Dean of Global Health and Leader of the Infectious Diseases Program at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, gives his insights on some common questions related to the vaccination program, and the differences between the vaccines available.

Q: What is the difference between the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines?

A: The two mRNA vaccines are very similar, with tiny doses given twice to achieve optimal priming of the immune response against COVID-19. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the doses are 21 days apart while the Moderna vaccine is administrated 28 days apart.

The time intervals differ depending on the research done by the companies, but in general, it is not good to have the second dose too early before the stipulated period. A delay of up to six weeks or perhaps longer is thought to be okay, because the immune boost may be blunted if the second dose is given far too early.

Q: Are mRNA vaccines the most effective among the vaccine types?

A: The two mRNA vaccines currently used in Singapore are remarkably effective at protecting against COVID-19. It is not easy to compare vaccine efficacy because the licensing clinical trials were done differently, with different outcomes measured. However, the real-world experience shows that the majority of licensed vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19, albeit efficacy appears to be reduced against the new variants.

Q: Why does the Sinovac vaccine have a reported efficacy rate between 50 to 90 percent?

A: This is because the clinical trials were done in three different countries with different protocols and recruitment numbers. The real-world experience of Sinovac has yielded mixed results, with a markedly lower efficacy of under 60 percent in Brazil and Chile. This could partly be attributed to lower efficacy against new variants, such as the Brazil variant of COVID-19.

Q: Are there any benefits of importing other types of vaccines, like those manufactured by Astra-Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson?

A: Boosting supply is the primary benefit in case supply chain issues develop with one or more vaccines (as has occurred even in the European Union and the United States). For those people who may have harmful reactions to one vaccine, they may yet be eligible for other COVID-19 vaccines because they are really fairly different products.

Q: How do you see the take-up rate for vaccination in Singapore, and are we on track to achieve herd immunity?

A: The take-up rate for vaccination has been far better than I expected, which is great. I do not think we can consider herd immunity as yet, because a substantial proportion of the population, like children, pregnant women, those who are immunocompromised, etc, are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination until more evidence of the safety and efficacy emerges. Nonetheless, I understand that we are on target with regards to projected numbers to be vaccinated.

Q: Why do people experience side effects after taking the vaccination, and why do the side effects tend to be worse after the second jab?

A: The majority of side effects, especially the common ones like pain, fever and headaches, are reactogenic. This means that they arise because vaccines are specifically engineered to trigger an immune response. These side effects can be worse or manifest with the second dose because the immune system has been primed by the initial dose, resulting in a greater response with the second. There can be allergic reactions, which are much rarer. Individuals can, for reasons that are not well understood, react abnormally and excessively to one or more components of the vaccine, which results in hives, rash, or in extreme cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Q: Are side effects more common among certain groups of people?

A: Reactogenic side effects are more common among younger as opposed to older people, and also among women, because of the stronger immune responses. Those with multiple allergies are probably no more likely to be allergic to the COVID-19 vaccines than the general population unless they are allergic to one of the vaccine components.

Q: How long does the protection from COVID-19 vaccines last, and are they effective against newer strains?

A: We are learning about this as we go along. With the other human coronaviruses, immunity post-infection is not lifelong, with reinfections possible after half a year or longer. This is not the case with COVID-19, where reinfections are still very rare for those who have been previously infected, even in countries where there is a widespread transmission of the virus. It is unlikely that vaccination will result in longer immunity compared to natural infection, and it is also likely that existing vaccines will become less and less effective against newer variants of COVID-19.

Q: Can a vaccinated person still get infected and spread the virus if exposed to COVID-19?

A: With the mRNA vaccines, we know that efficacy against infection exceeds 90 percent, so perhaps at most one in 10 vaccinated persons will be inadequately protected and can still be infected if exposed. Even in these persons, there will be partial protection and the infection is far less likely to lead to a bad outcome for them. So, these are still significant advantages that accrue with vaccination.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
COLUMBIA  Gov. Henry McMaster picked Charleston Republican Peter McCoy Jr. to lead Santee Cooper, the troubled state-owned utility that is working to redeem itself from its $4 billion nuclear fiasco.

After stints as chairman of the S.C. House's powerful Judiciary Committee and then as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, McCoy is poised to lead Santee Cooper's board, a part-time gig that pays $24,000 a year.

McMaster said April 21 he picked McCoy  who previously investigated that nuclear debacle as a lawmaker and prosecutor  to bring transparency and accountability to an agency that has been accused of backroom deals and misleading lawmakers in recent years.

"I am confident Peter McCoy will be a true change agent," McMaster said as he announced the pick for chairman.

But first, McCoy must face screening and confirmation by the state Senate, which already blocked one of McMaster's previous Santee Cooper nominees.

An attorney by trade, McCoy would take the helm of Santee Cooper's board at a trying time.

The agency's reputation has been in the gutter since it wasted $4 billion of its ratepayers' money before cutting the cord on the failed expansion of its V.C. Summer nuclear power plant in July 2017. That joint project with Cayce-based South Carolina Electric & Gas, which no longer exists, is widely regarded as the greatest business failure in state history.

And the General Assembly is in the final throes of a yearslong debate over whether to sell  or simply restructure  Santee Cooper to protect its customers after that debacle. McMaster himself wants the agency sold.

But the governor and his supporters see McCoy as someone who could spearhead positive changes at Santee Cooper if it remains state-owned.

"He is a strong advocate for transparency at Santee Cooper," said House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville. "With Peter, I can tell you decisions won't be made in back rooms and then announced in public. They'll be made in public with all ratepayers and all taxpayers looking at what Santee Cooper does."

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McCoy led the special House committee that convened in 2017 to investigate the V.C. Summer project's failure. Then he oversaw the U.S. Attorney's Office as it brought federal charges against two SCE&G executives who led the ill-fated nuclear venture.

McCoy's confirmation to the job isn't guaranteed, despite his popularity and experience.

His selection, which comes late in the 2021 legislative session, gives slow-moving senators just weeks to screen and confirm him.

Senators and McMaster also have a history of butting heads over Santee Cooper, in part because they have resisted his efforts to privatize the utility.

In June 2018, McMaster appointed former S.C. Attorney General Charlie Condon, a political ally, to the job. But senators sued to block Condons off-session appointment, arguing they hadnt confirmed the Charleston Republican to lead the utility.

The state Supreme Court sided with McMaster, but in 2019 the governor withdrew Condons name after a Senate panel rejected him.

Some senators had qualms about installing Condon in the midst of a debate about whether to sell Santee Cooper.

But McCoy's selection has received more positive reviews, thanks in part to the former lawmaker's relationships in the General Assembly.

McCoy was guarded about his plans for the agency because he hasn't gone through the Senate confirmation. But he said he wants to lead the charge to restore public trust in Santee Cooper.

"I want to be the face of that," he said.
[April 21, 2021] Connect by Stars On Board Pre-IPO Regulated Crowdfunding Campaign Hits $113,000 In The First Week

LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Connect by Stars On Board Technologies, announced today that it is raising funds via equity regulated crowdfunding campaign on netcapital.com to expand operations and support the growth of its popular app "Connect". The company set out to raise $1M on netcapital.com Connect App is an onDemand Social Monetization Platform company based in LA, United States. It's an app to enable users and fans to connect, engage and communicate with the world's best talents and celebrities of all kinds. Connect; it's an opportunity with endless earnings for everyone on the platform. "We are offering common shares in our company at $0.32 a share valuing the company at US$16M. The minimum amount is $100 and the maximum amount is 50,000. The offering will remain open until May 31,2021" said Ray Fares, Founder and CEO.



The company enjoys strong board of advisors, commitments from celebrities and influencers in Hollywood, Bollywood and Middle East (Dubai). "Our history shows our credibility for the future expansion and growth of Connect. Backed with our past 10 years, we're confident to offer to the market a must to use app for earnings for everyone on the platform" Said Youssef Harb, co-founder and President.

The total addressable market (TAM) for such services provided by Connect estimated at $900B by 2023, having strong support from our pre-signed celebrities and influencers is a great motivation for us to develop and market Connect for the new generation which they demand services to engage and communicate rather than commenting and liking posts only. This offering is being made pursuant to Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act. To invest; please visit: https://bit.ly/starsonboard Contact: Maya Taha, 307987@email4pr.com; Office +1 (310) 975-7133

Twitter @starsonboardapp | website: https://connectworld.me View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/connect-by-stars-on-board-pre-ipo-regulated-crowdfunding-campaign-hits-113-000-in-the-first-week-301273566.html SOURCE Connect by Stars On Board

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New black empowerment laws in the telecommunications industry are jeopardising the rollout of SpaceXs Starlink Internet service in South Africa.

Excitement has been building over Starlinks potential to provide uncapped, high-speed, low-latency Internet to the most remote locations in the world.

Starlink uses a constellation of thousands of small low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to beam Internet services to customers using its cutting-edge dish antennas.

It is already available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in a beta, currently capable of speeds between 50Mbps and 150Mbps, with latency between 20ms and 40ms.

The performance is expected to improve as more of its satellites are launched into orbit over the next few months.

In February, SpaceX opened pre-orders for Starlink in several countries around the world  including South Africa.

Placing an order for an address in the country revealed that Starlink was expected to go live in South Africa in 2022.

To provide Internet services in each of the countries it plans to operate in, it would have to receive regulatory approval from the respective telecommunications authorities.

While SpaceX has already registered as a company in South Africa with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, approval to provide Internet services via Starlink would fall to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

ICASA previously told MyBroadband that it had held discussions with SpaceX, but that the company still needed to apply for an Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I-ECNS) and Individual Electronics Communications Service (I-ECS) license to provide its satellite-based broadband Internet locally.

In addition, it would have to acquire a Radio Frequency Spectrum licence to allow for Starlink to communicate on specified frequency spectrum bands for satellite broadband services.

There is one major problem, however.

ICASA recently published new regulations which require all telecoms licensees in the country  including ISPs  to have black owners.

An Individual Licensee must have a minimum of 30% of its ownership equity held by black people, determined using the flow through principle, the regulations stated.

In addition, individual licensees must have a minimum of 30% of its ownership equity held by historically disadvantaged groups, which include black people, women, people with disabilities, and youth.

An Individual Licensee must comply with both the black equity requirement and the HDG equity requirement, ICASA said.

Furthermore, both individual licensees and class licensees must have a minimum B-BBEE contributor status of level 4.

MyBroadband asked ICASA whether SpaceX would have to meet these new rules, given that it was a US company and not required to implement such measures under that countrys laws.

The Authority said that any new applications for ECS and ECNS licences would not be considered if the company does not meet the new black equity requirement.

According to ICASAs latest update, SpaceX has not applied for these licences yet.

Therefore, if it does not have 30% black ownership, it would not be able to acquire the necessary regulatory approval and spectrum to offer Starlink services in South Africa.

As SpaceX is not publicly listed, very little is known about its exact ownership breakdown, aside from CEO Elon Musks majority share in the company.

The most recent information from an FCC filing showed that Musk held 54% equity and 78% voting rights in SpaceX.

According to Reuters, the remainder of the shareholding is split between SpaceX employees, Google, five Fidelity Investments funds, and private investors like Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Founders Fund, Valor Equity Partners, and Capricorn.

None of these shareholders owned 10% or more of the company as of 2018.

The exact racial make-up of these shareholders is an even bigger mystery, and is unlikely to have been recorded.

Based on the optimistic assumption that as much as half of the remaining shareholders were black, it would still not be enough to meet ICASAs new black equity requirements.

MyBroadband asked SpaceX whether it would be able to provide a breakdown of its shareholders by race, but the company did not respond by the time of publication.
Connecticut leaders reacted swiftly Tuesday afternoon after a verdict was handed down convicting former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on all counts in the killing of George Floyd.

Floyds killing last May sparked a year of nationwide protests against police brutality and renewed calls for a reckoning with the nations history of racial injustice.

Chauvin, who was filmed pressing his knee on Floyds neck in a video seen by millions, will be sentenced in eight weeks. A jury composed of six white people and six Black or mixed-race individuals found Floyd guilty on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after about 10 hours of deliberation, the Associated Press reported.

About one hour after the verdict was handed down, about a dozen people had gathered on the New Haven Green. The group slowly began to grow as time passed.

Meredith Benson, a member of Black Lives Matter New Haven, said she went to the green after hearing the verdict..

I felt it was a duty of mine to be in community with the community at this time, she said.

Benson said she had a moment of joy from the verdict and a sense of gratitude. As the mother of a 22-year-old Black man, Benson said she has anxiety every day when he walks out of my house. As a local activist, she said she tells her son to let her do the advocacy and fighting on his behalf.

I just want you to come home, she said she tells him.

Despite feeling a sense of relief, Benson said it only reflects one case.

Theres so much systemic racism in the structures of our society that are interconnected, she said. I hope it can be the beginning of conversations.

Todays guilty verdict confirms for officers everywhere that there will be consequences for their actions, said Harry Rilling, mayor of Norwalk and the citys former chief of police. Good cops should not protect bad officers.

He offered praise for the officers who testified against Chauvin at his trial  an unusual step that included the Minneapolis chief of police.

We need officers to speak up more often, said Rilling. When I think of all the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, who continue to serve us honorably day in, day out, this verdict supports them.

In a statement, Connecticut Police Chiefs Association President Darren Stewart said police swear an oath to protect and serve their communities, but Chauvin did not protect, he did not serve.

Throughout our State, Connecticut Police Departments are committed to working with our communities on strategies and programs that respect individual rights, safety and promote community engagement, said Stewart, who is also Chief of Police in the borough of Stonington.

The decision came as thousands of National Guard and police personnel descended on Minneapolis anticipating rioting and demonstrations following the verdict. In Connecticut, many leaders praised the decision but said it is only the beginning.

The jury believed what they saw plainly with their eyes. But it should not have come to this, said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., on Twitter. We must make the decision to respect the lives of people of color, doing so with actions and not words and lawn signs, the senator wrote.

For far too long, our justice system has offered inconsistent protections to the rampant killings of unarmed Black and brown Americans by police officers, said state Treasurer Shawn Wooden, who called the guilty verdict an anomaly.

A jury has rightfully found Derek Chauvin responsible for the murder of George Floyd. No ruling from a jury can bring back George Floyd, but I hope that a weight has been lifted for his family. I continue to pray for them as they grieve, Wooden said.

He compared the video of Chauvin kneeling of Floyds neck to the 1955 death of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy who was murdered and dumped into the Tallahatchie River by the husband and brother-in-law of a woman who claimed Till whistled at her.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., echoed that sentiment expressed by many other Connecticut leaders  that true justice would have resulted in Floyd remaining alive. But he also called the verdict emphatic, necessary accountability.

No verdict in a single case can eliminate racism or correct the injustice that continues to afflict our country. There is so much more work to do, Blumenthal wrote in a tweet.

U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5, and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus huddled together listening to the Chauvin verdict together in the U.S. Capitol Tuesday afternoon. Hayes stood near the front of the group quietly watching on a laptop computer as each charge was announced.

Some members sighed in relief and stamped their feet as the first guilty count rang out but the group immediately quieted down to listen for the verdict on the other charges. After the announcement, members of the caucus headed outside the Capitol for a news conference with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., hailing the verdict and calling for passage of Democrats police reform bill, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Hayes was not immediately available for comment Tuesday. Later, in a prepared statement, Hayes said the verdict released a flurry of emotions and a collective sigh.

Today is a moment of reflection for our entire country  tomorrow we resume the work and recommit ourselves towards building a more just nation, Hayes said.

In statements, U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, and John Larson, D-1, also called for the bill to be passed into law. The measure would end qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, require federal officers to wear body-cameras and have dash-cameras in their department vehicles and require state and local law enforcement to purchase body-cams. It would also create a nationwide registry on police misconduct, require reporting on use-of-force data, and prohibit federal officers from having sex with someone who is under arrest.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker on Tuesday called the conviction one slight semblance of justice, in a statement released just moments after the verdict finding Chauvin guilty was read aloud a little after 5 p.m.

We all remember where we were when George Floyd was murdered, and we all will remember when Derek Chauvin was brought to justice. Savor this moment, ready yourself, because we still must keep fighting, the statement from Elicker said.

He invoked the names of Adam Toledo, Duante Wright and Breonna Taylor; all of whom were shot and killed by police and whose deaths have drawn similar calls for police reform and racial justice from activists.

Photos posted to Twitter showed metal railings chained together around the police headquarters in Bridgeport. The site was the scene of multiple protests in response to Floyds death last May, including one in which officers used pepper spray on demonstrators at the buildings entrance.

Todays verdict delivers justice and, I hope, some peace to George Floyds family and community, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, wrote on Twitter. But, the injustice and racism that lead to the disproportionate killing of Black men and women remain, Himes said, calling for more work to be done.

State Rep. Matt Blumenthal. D-Stamford, called the verdict justice for Floyds family. But we have a lot of work to do to ensure every American, and every community, receives their due: true justice, and equal protection of the law, the lawmaker wrote on Twitter.

The Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said real justice would have meant Floyd being able to return home. Real justice means ending all police violence against Black people, in Connecticut and throughout the U.S., the organization said in a tweet.

The protests in the wake of Floyds death sparked a conversation and movement toward reform within police departments in Connecticut and across the country.

Elicker, New Havens mayor, highlighted the work of the citys police commission to create a crisis response team for incidents that would benefit from a social service response rather than a police response, and implementing additional training for police in de-escalation both reforms sought by activists.

It is my deep hope that we can all come together to heal as a community and find ways to undo racism together. I am reminded now more than ever to keep fighting, keep calling out injustices in our community, and work together to make it happen, Elicker said.

Stamford Mayor David Martin called the verdict appropriate during his Tuesday evening press conference on the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have a long way to go in achieving equal justice for everyone, this case should reassure us that our country is moving in the right direction, and we can see that when a person is treated wrongly, no matter who they are, that justice can prevail, he said.

Staff writers Emilie Munson, Brian Zahn and Brianna Gurciullo contributed to this report.
The process of building an mRNA vaccine is reasonably simple. One major advantage: the key ingredient, mRNA, is incredibly small and light. It would take less than two kilograms of mRNA to vaccinate all Australia; to make that two kilograms, just 20 grams of DNA is required.

Scientists begin with a target protein they want the body to produce. In the case of COVID-19, that is a copy of the viruss spike protein.

Scientists write the genetic code to produce the target protein using the four letters of DNA: G, C, A and T, producing a small double-helix strand of DNA about 4000 letters long.

Custom DNA is regularly used in many research projects and can be produced at many factories offshore; scientists often order it and find it at their doorstep in a small vial tucked into an envelope.

The custom DNA is then fed to E. coli bacteria, which copy it hundreds of times. Several Australian facilities to do this already.

Those copies are then placed inside a stainless steel bioreactor  this can be as small as 50 litres  along with nucleotides, the raw material of mRNA, enzymes and chemicals to control the reaction.

Inside the bioreactor, the enzymes copy the double-stranded DNA again and again into single-stranded mRNA. The mRNA is then filtered out and is ready for the next step of vaccine production.

MRNA itself is extremely fragile, and would be quickly destroyed inside the body. The secret sauce of mRNA vaccines is packing the mRNA into tiny balls of fat known as lipid nanoparticles. When these fat balls hit our cells, the cells naturally reach out and pull them inside  where they release the mRNA.

Producing the lipids for the nanoparticles is highly specialised and is generally done by a pharmaceutical chemical manufacturer. There are currently no domestic manufacturers, and the world is in the middle of a worldwide shortage. But turning the lipids into nanoparticles is relatively straightforward.

Finding a way to either make or source the lipid nanoparticles is likely to form part of the $50 million investment by the Victorian government.

Perhaps the two largest costs are running the entire manufacturing line under the highly sterile conditions needed for pharmaceutical manufacturing, and filling the vaccine safely into bottles.

One option for fast-tracking a facility: several companies produce sterile pods  similar to portable classrooms  that could be bought and installed, ready to be filled up with manufacturing equipment.

Filling the vaccine into bottles  fill and finish, as it is known  would probably require a large pharmaceutical manufacturer such as CSL.
(Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers on AIM in London on Wednesday.







AIM - WINNERS







System1 Group, up 28% at 244.40 pence, 12-month range 85.00p-244.40p. Shares in London-based 'advertising effectiveness' agency hit fresh 12-month high. Says profitability was stronger in second half than in first half as sales picked up faster than adjusted operating costs which were 16% lower than last year in the second half. Expects to report a adjusted pretax profit of around GBP2.9 million for financial 2021, up from GBP2.0 million in financial 2020.







Mirriad Advertising PLC, up 8.8% at 64.2p, 12-month range 8.7p-65p. The in-content advertising company says it qualifies to trade on OTCQX Best Market in US, alongside brands such as Roche, adidas and Heineken.







Anglo Asian Mining PLC, up 7.2p, 12-month range 102.01p-181.8p. The miner says it has obtained ratification for the first of the two permitted five-year extensions of the Production Sharing Agreement for its Gedabek contract area. The company is also currently in negotiations with the Government of Azerbaijan to obtain an extension of the territory of its existing contract areas and for new contract areas in Azerbaijan.







AIM - LOSERS







Savannah Resources PLC, down 20% at 4.02p, 12-month range 1.52p-5.97p. The mineral resource development company raises GBP10.3 million through 258 million share placing at 4p per share. Says net proceeds will mainly go towards progressing its flagship Mina do Barroso project in Portugal.







By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Jane Fonda revealed that she was 'relieved' and 'grateful' Tuesday after learning that Derek Chauvin had been found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd.

The 83-year-old actress was asked for her thoughts on the verdict during a remote appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after a jury in Minnesota returned its verdict after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation.

'I was so relieved, so grateful to the jury, so grateful to those policemen who testified against one of their own, testified against Chauvin. That's so important,' Jane said.

Jury verdict: Jane Fonda revealed that she was 'relieved' and 'grateful' Tuesday after learning that Derek Chauvin had been found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd

'Right now, the anvil of justice is hot and we have to seize it and make sure that we use it to bend the arc of history in the direction of Martin Luther King said, in the direction of justice,' she told Jimmy, 46.

'But the most important thing for me, as a white person, we white people have to realize this isn't a zero sum game. You know, they get something, we lose something. No. When black people can access health care, and housing, and decent education, and living wages and so forth, it doesn't take away from us, from white people. What we don't realize is that all of us lose, we all suffer because of racism,' Jane added.

'Never was this more obvious than during the pandemic you know, when most of the front line workers were people of color and they were denied the personal protective equipment. They were not able to stay at home if they got sick, because they couldn't afford to. We're all in this life together, and we have to overcome racism,' she concluded.

Jimmy then asked the longtime activist what was different about the Black Lives Matter movement that became prominent in the wake of Floyd's murder.

Longtime activist: The 83-year-old actress was asked for her thoughts on the verdict during a remote appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after a jury in Minnesota returned its verdict after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation

'I think for a lot of reasons, most of them having to do with the incident itself. It's very hard to stay in one place for nine minutes. That guy was committed to killing George Floyd and we all saw it,' Jane responded.

She said the protests were 'more diverse than ever before' and many people during the pandemic for the first time realized that 'so many people, especially people of color, are barely hanging on'.

Jimmy also asked Jane if she agreed with a quote he just read saying the Chauvin case had made activists out of ordinary citizens.

Protest movement: Jimmy then asked the longtime activist what was different about the Black Lives Matter movement that became prominent in the wake of Floyd's murder

'I hope that's true,' Jane said noting that people from all walks of life turned out to protest systemic racism and police brutality.

Jane also was asked by Jimmy if she remembered the 'exact moment' she became an activist.

'Yeah. It was 1968 and I was living in Paris because I was married to a Frenchman and American GIs who had fought in Vietnam started to teach me about the war. And they gave me a book to read by Jonathan Schell called The Village of Ben Suc. I read it one sitting and by the time I was through I was a different person,' Jane said.
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.
Fort Myers, Fla., April 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pareshkumar Patel, MD, medical oncologist with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), is the recipient of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) 2021 Advocate of the Year Award. The recognition was announced at the FLASCO Business of Oncology Summit & Spring Session held last week in Kissimmee, FL.

Dr. Patel has served FLASCO in so many ways it would be impossible to begin to list them all, said FLASCO President Dr. Luis E. Raez in presenting the award. His tireless efforts are greatly appreciated. Dr. Patel has served as FLASCO Legislative Committee Chair since 2018. In this leadership role he helps foster relationships with legislators and key policy makers, advocating on behalf of cancer patients and providers and serving as an expert resource on oncology issues.

In addition to caring for patients at our FCS clinic locations in Tallahassee, FL, Dr. Patel works tirelessly to ensure access to cancer care throughout Florida and across the U.S. through numerous advocacy efforts, said FCS Chief Executive Officer Nathan H. Walcker.

FCS President & Managing Physician Dr. Lucio Gordan said, Dr. Patel has been steadfast in his efforts on behalf of cancer patients and community oncology providers. This recognition by his peers is well deserved.

Dr. Patel attended B.J. Medical College Pune, Maharashtra, India and graduated with First Class Honors. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ followed by fellowships in Hospice and Palliative Care and Hematology and Oncology. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA. He is quadruple Board Certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care.

###

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. Over the past 5 years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, MD Anderson, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians, and staff.

*Prior to approval

Attachment
WINNIPEG, MB / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Winston Gold Corp. ("Winston Gold" or the "Corporation") (CSE:WGC)(OTCQB:WGMCF) is pleased to announce that it currently has 30 tons of flotation concentrate ready for shipment to a refinery. An additional 10 tons of concentrate will be ready to ship once necessary upgrades are completed at the Paradine Mill Facility, near Radersburg Montana.

"Until Winston leased the Paradine mill, it lay idle for 20 years, commented Murray Nye, CEO and Director of Winston Gold Mines. "The overall advantages of renovating an old mill significantly outweigh building and permitting a new one. In just eight months, we have completed numerous upgrades to make the Paradine mill reliable and efficient."

Some of the more significant upgrades include:

a new primary and secondary crushing circuit;

a new primary feed hopper enclosure and digital belt scale;

a new ball charge for the ball mill;

a new air compressor;

a new plate filter for the flotation concentrate;

A Wilfley table to further concentrate gold and silver from the Knelson concentrator.

It was recently discovered that the trunnion bearings in the ball mill needed to be replaced. This will keep the mill out of operation for about 30 days. Winston Gold will take advantage of this down-time to continue to streamline the mill by inspecting and repairing minor issues that have been identified with the primary flotation cells and the installation of a set of cleaner cells to further improve gold and silver recoveries.

Once these upgrades have been completed, Winston plans to run the Paradine Mill 24 hours a day, 6 days a week to process the high-grade stockpile from the Winston Gold Mine.

About the Paradine Mill Facility

The Paradine Mill located just 35 miles (56 km) by paved road from the Company's wholly owned Winston Gold project which is situated near Helena, Montana. The Mill has a nameplate capacity of 150 tons per day and hosts a ball milling circuit as well as both a gravity and flotation circuit. A new lined settling pond has been constructed for tailings disposal with a 35,000-ton capacity and two additional ponds are also being built.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content and interpretations contained in this news release have been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Criss Capps PhD. P.Geol., an independent consultant to Winston Gold Corp. Dr. Capps is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Winston Gold

Winston Gold is a junior mining company focused on advancing high-grade, low-cost mining opportunities into production. Towards that end, the Corporation has acquired the under-explored and under-exploited Winston Gold project near Helena, Montana.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Winston Gold Mining Corp. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

For more information, please visit www.winstongoldmining.com; or contact:

Murray Nye,

Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Winston Gold

Suite 201-919 Notre Dame Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0M8

Telephone: (204) 989-2434

E-mail: murray@winstongold.com

SOURCE: Winston Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641489/Winston-Gold-Updates-Progress-at-Paradine-Mill-Facility
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Intercity State Transport Corporation, Nana Akomea has suggested that government creates separate road lanes for transport buses.



He noted that the absence of special lanes for the buses that travel long distances is frustrating.



Nana Akomea was discussing the impact of road accidents and its solutions on the Tuesday edition of Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo''.



He explained that most times the buses using same lanes with other cars affects the long-distance transport bus business and also drivers who drive such buses as they have to travel long journeys, hence resulting in fatigue or sleep and if care is not taken, could lead to road accidents.



To him, it's about time the government looked at the road lane construction.



"We have to create bus lanes. From Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Nsawam, we need to have bus lanes. It will encourage people to develop a liking for boarding buses."











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
DALLAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recovco Mortgage Management, LLC -- a leading provider of residential and consumer due diligence, quality control, transaction management, and loan servicing solutions -- today announced that Trey Beal has been named to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer based in Dallas.

"We are excited to welcome Trey to the Recovco team as we continue to strengthen our ability to provide superior value and service to our clients," said Craig Pino, Recovco President. "Trey's understanding of the secondary market will be instrumental in providing insight into our business operations and processes as our company continues to expand and rapidly evolve as a leading provider of Transaction Management services."

Mr. Beal is a seasoned industry veteran with 20 years of experience in residential due diligence, including underwriting (residential mortgages, student loans, PACE, and automobile/marine), regulatory compliance, RMBS requirements (NPL/RPL and new origination), operations, and client service management.

He previously held numerous leadership positions at Clayton including Vice President of Transaction Management and Vice President of Client Service Management. Trey was instrumental in establishing Centralized Underwriting facilities in Shelton, CT, Tampa, FL and Atlanta, GA. We are proud to welcome him to the Recovco team and excited to share his leadership.

Mr. Beal attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and served in the United States Marine Corps for 5 years.

About Recovco Mortgage Management, LLC

Recovco Mortgage Management, LLC , is a leading provider of residential and consumer loan fulfillment, due diligence, quality control, transaction management, and loan servicing solutions. Founded in 2009 by a team of experienced mortgage professionals, Recovco provides mortgage and consumer loan originators, investors, servicers, and aggregators with the tools and solutions to help maximize their operations while reducing associated risks.

CONTACT:

Thomas Walek

Peaks Strategies

[email protected]

917-353-7575

SOURCE Sprout Mortgage
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ - Fidelity Investments Canada ULC today announced the April 2021 cash distributions for Fidelity's suite of High Dividend Factor ETFs, Fixed Income ETFs and Monthly High Income ETFs.

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC (CNW Group/Fidelity Investments Canada ULC)

Detailed in the tables below, unitholders of record as of April 28, 2021 will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable on April 30, 2021.

Fidelity ETF Name Ticker Symbol Cash

Distribution

Per Unit ($) CUSIP ISIN Payment

Frequency Exchange Fidelity Canadian High

Dividend Index ETF FCCD 0.08653 31608M102 CA31608M1023 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity U.S. High

Dividend Index ETF FCUD 0.08178 31645M107 CA31645M1077 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity U.S. High

Dividend Currency

Neutral Index ETF FCUH 0.08418 315740100 CA3157401009 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity U.S. Dividend for

Rising Rates Index ETF FCRR 0.06399 31644M108 CA31644M1086 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity U.S. Dividend for

Rising Rates Currency

Neutral Index ETF FCRH 0.06813 31644P101 CA31644P1018 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity International

High Dividend Index ETF FCID 0.09233 31623D103 CA31623D1033 Monthly Toronto Stock

Exchange Fidelity Systematic U.S.

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ETF FCCB 0.03222 31644F103 CA31644F1036 Monthly Toronto Stock Exchange Fidelity Global Core Plus

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As a privately-owned company, our people and world class resources are committed to doing what is right for investors and their long-term success. Our clients have entrusted us with $187 billion in assets under management (as at April 19, 2021) and they include individuals, financial advisors, pension plans, endowments, foundations and more.

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Grade one students enjoy returning to the classroom at Lysterfield Primary School on Oct. 12, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Victorian COVID-19 Lockdowns Cause Kids to Fall Behind in School

Education experts are calling for calm after it was revealed that many children in Victoria have fallen behind their peers, with some as old as seven starting the school year without knowing the alphabet.

To help, the Victorian state government has employed more than 5000 tutors in schools to help kids catch back up after a chaotic academic year.

Melton West Primary School teacher Nicole Douglas, who is working as a tutor in Victoria, told the Herald Sun that students fell behind in their learning because some parents could not support their online learning.

A lot of our grade one students were quite far behind (when they started school), Douglas said, as she had quite a number of students who were unable to count to 20, while others didnt know any letters.

They werent on a reading level and couldnt recognise words, she said.

However, education experts in Victoria are telling parents not to panic if their children have fallen behind.

Adam Voigt, a former principal and education expert, said parents need to take a chill pill because children all learn at their own pace.

We just need to trust our teachers, stop panicking, stop putting pressure on kids, and actually help them love learning again, because that is what the loss has been from 2020, Voigt told 3AW radio.

A teacher is seen demonstrating a virtual classroom at Glenunga High School in Adelaide, April 3, 2020. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

More parents are also turning to private tutoring to help children learn. A tutoring centre in Melbourne told Nine news that they were experiencing record high enrolments across all year levels.

The younger ones Ive seen lack even being able to count forwards and backwards from 10, tutor Andrew Lasky said but was confident children would be able to catch up quickly.

Voigt said he received more feedback from teachers about the social gap students are returning to school with rather than education gaps.

For some of our kids, getting back intothe classroom and being in environments where theres a lot of social interactions was challenging, he said.

The $250 million package was announced last October to hire tutors who can provide targeted teaching to students.

We know some students thrived during remote learning, but we also know some struggled, Victorian education minister James Merlino said. This is about ensuring that no student is left behind.

Three children do school work at their family home and cattle property on April 05, 2020, in Tarpoly Creek, Australia. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Parents and children worldwide are also experiencing the same issue of kids falling behind from online learning compared to classroom learning.

An Epoch Times reader survey showed more than two-thirds of respondents from the U.S. said their children had fallen behind due to virtual schooling.

People need to open their eyes and realize that our children are much more at risk from social isolation and depression than COVID, a reader Shelly Gorczyca said. What these shutdowns have done to our children is horrible, and any politician that supports them should be removed from office.

A UK report also found 2.5 million children had received zero formal education during the lockdowns, and a fifth of students were out of school.
Minister Brophy hosts final on-line Town Hall on new Irish Aid Development Education Strategy

Press release

The Minister for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, today led the third of three on-line Town Hall meetings which will help shape a new Irish Aid strategy for greater public engagement on such global issues as climate change, migration and hunger.

Minister Brophy said:

The pandemic has reminded us all of the interconnectedness of life in Ireland with life elsewhere. Issues such as responding to COVID-19, or addressing climate change, hunger, injustice and inequality require global action, which will in turn shape our future. Given that we all have a stakein the future, I want to bring as many people as possible into conversations about the issues, so as to help shape Irelands response to these challenges.

That is why I am developing a new strategy for Irish Aids engagement with the public, an opportunity to reimagine, rejuvenate and refresh our work on global citizenship and development education. This new strategy will help create a framework for greater public engagement on global issues which impact on us today and tomorrow.

Approximately 80 people attended the event, bringing to 300 the total number of people who attended one of the Town Halls over the last month. This included members of the public and representatives of adult, community and youth groups, third level institutions, schools, NGOs and Government Departments.

The Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education strategy is due to be finalised by the end of the summer and todays meeting was an important step in hearing the publics views. The strategy will set out how Irish Aid will work with community groups, schools, colleges and through non-formal education to advance global citizenship education.

ENDS

Press Office

21 April 2021

Notes for Editors Irish Aid, at the Department of Foreign Affairs, is developing a new strategy for global citizenship education for the period 2021- 2024. The new strategy will be launched in mid-2021. Todays town hall is the last in a series of three consultations which have taken place in March and April, including a youth consultation on 7th April organised in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland. A written consultation process is also a key part of the process. Irish Aid defines global citizenship education as a life-long education process which aims to increase public awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live.

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Just two months after filing to run for Staten Island and southern Brooklyns conservative-leaning congressional seat in 2022, political newcomer Brittany Ramos DeBarros raised nearly $129,000 from more than 1,000 donors, she told City & State.

The progressive Democrat and Afro-Latina combat veteran is trying to win the support of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican who represents the 11th Congressional District, defeated moderate Democrat Max Rose last year. She said she is not concerned about running as a left-leaning candidate in a conservative district that no moderate Democrat  let alone a progressive Democrat  has held for two terms in Congress since former Democratic Rep. John Murphy ended his nine-term run in 1981.

Instead, Ramos DeBarros believes voters in the district are actually craving a progressive candidate and fresh face to politics who will energize the existing majority Democratic base. I think what weve heard over and over is people are really hungry for a fresh face, for someone who is really rooted in the movement, who has the political courage to be unapologetically progressive and support the progressive policies that we know are actually popular in (this) district, contrary to conventional belief, she told City & State.

Ramos DeBarros campaign will certainly test the extent of the districts budding progressive movement, and the theory that the district is ready for a more progressive member after Roses loss, which he attributed to his attendance at a Black Lives Matter rally. Although there have historically been more registered Democrats than Republicans on Staten Island, Republicans have dominated the boroughs politics and have largely controlled this congressional seat. The borough voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and again in 2020, and ousted Rose in favor of Malliotakis, who closely aligned her campaign with Trump.

Ramos DeBarros may be getting into the race early to cement her place in a tough Republican-leaning swing district, but a source within Staten Islands Democratic Party said there are definitely other Democrats waiting in the wings to announce, but want to first see how the states redistricting commission will redraw the district lines. When the 2020 census is finalized, New York could lose at least one congressional seat, which means the Staten Island and southern Brooklyn congressional district could gain more Democratic voters, depending how the lines are redrawn.

Regardless, Ramos DeBarros said she believes running as a progressive will be the way to win once the district is redrawn. We are building a strategy that doesnt depend on redistricting, she said. Weve run the scenarios and we just dont really see a scenario where if the district is expanded as a part of the redistricting process, that it becomes more conservative. It really could only become more progressive, which ultimately could only help us in what we think is a winnable race even without that.

But some longtime Staten Island Democrats remain skeptical that a progressive Democrat can win in a conservative district that has only elected moderate Democrats. It doesnt matter how much money she raises, she cant erase her policy positions, a Staten Island Democrat said. Its the first time Malliotakis wont have to lie about her opponent in order to win. Nonetheless, Ramos DeBarros hopes her early announcement and big fundraising numbers will discourage Democratic challengers.

Theres talk that Michael Decillis, a retired NYPD officer and teacher who briefly ran in Staten Islands 2018 Democratic congressional primary, could jump in later, the source said.

There are also rumors that Mark Murphy, the party-backed Democratic candidate running for borough president, who ran for the boroughs House seat in 2012 against then-Rep. Michael Grimm, could jump into the congressional race if he wins the five-way Democratic primary for borough president seat but loses in the general election. There is also talk that Yesenia Mata, the executive director of Staten Islands immigrant workers rights nonprofit and the wife of Democratic borough president candidate Cesar Vargas, might also jump in.

I can see that someone doesnt necessarily need to announce today, maybe at the end of the summer. If they can raise enough money for a primary, theyll be fine for the general, but then you get into the politics of does Brittany draw them to the left? And I think a large part of the primarywill probably be won in Bay Ridge, the source within the Democratic Party said, pointing out that it could be difficult for a more moderate Democrat to win a primary if the lines are drawn into more left-leaning parts of the city.

For now, an organizer in the southern Brooklyn portion of the district told City & State that activists in Bay Ridge are rallying around Ramos DeBarros.

I know a lot of friends and people I trust like Brittany and are working on her campaign. She seems to be a true progressive and shes a woman of color, which to me are both very important, said Bay Ridge community activist Sally McMahon. I dont know if theres any new candidates on the horizon but she seems to be everyones choice. A lot of good people I trust backing her hard.

New York City Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents Bay Ridge, told City & State he has met with Ramos DeBarros but has not heard of any other Democrats on his side of the district who are considering running for the seat at this time.

When Rose conceded to Malliotakis, and later said he would not run for mayor after he had started exploring a potential run, some speculated whether he would try to reclaim his seat in 2022.

But Rose, now a special adviser on COVID-19 to the U.S. secretary of defense, would not be able to run unless he leaves his current post, because the Hatch Act prevents him from engaging in political activities. If he does decide to jump into the congressional race late, the source in the Staten Island Democratic Party thinks Rose has the name recognition to pull off a last-minute plunge.

Hes not going to be able to do anything until he leaves the Department of Defense, the source said. So, hes sort of at a disadvantage where Mark Murphy is actively campaigning and then he can start his congressional (campaign) the next day. Cesar Vargas wife can start campaigning now, so its just a matter of youre losing time, but if theres someone who can come in and raise a lot of money it would obviously be Max.
Short- and long-term weaknesses of painting the M&A target on select Vietnamese textile and garment producers

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, general secretary of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, said that foreign investors are purchasing shares and making capital contributions into Vietnamese textile companies to capitalise on the global textile and garment market. Given the impact of COVID-19 and their long-standing weaknesses, several Vietnamese textile enterprises are struggling, setting them up as potential M&A targets.

At present, Vietnam is home to 7,000 textile and garment companies. Over 80 per cent of whom are small- and medium-sized enterprises limited by a lack of capital, technology, skilled workforce and good governance. Meanwhile, foreign-invested companies are equipped with modern technology, experts, strong financial capability, and have a stable market for their projects.

Meanwhile, Vu Kim Hanh, chairwoman of the Vietnam High-Quality Goods Association said that Vietnamese textile and garment firms have yet to catch up with the digitalisation trend. Many are confused about digital marketing and online sale. Due to their small scale, local firms cannot fulfil large orders. They remain weak in design and branding, making it difficult to increase added value and raise the competitiveness in the market.

She expected that the participation of strategic investors via M&A will help Vietnamese firms address the challenges and scale up in the future.

E-Land, Korea's first and largest integrated fashion and retail company, has been a strategic partner of Thanh Cong Textile Garment Investment Trading JSC for over the past 10 years by holding a 30 per cent stake at the local firm.

E-Land has steadily increased its ownership to 43.26 per cent to become the largest foreign strategic investor in Thanh Cong Textile, making significant contributions to improving corporate restructuring and governance. Thanh Cong Textile has seen its after-tax profit growing six-fold since E-Lands investment.

In 2018, Japanese trading house Itochu has increased its stakes in Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) to nearly 15 per cent by investing $46.9 million with an aim to turn the country into a textile export hub for Europe. Itochu is now the second-largest stakeholder in Vinatex after the Vietnamese government.

Itochu exports a little over 60 billion ($553 million) worth of apparel from Vietnam a year, half of which is produced by Vinatex. The company aims to raise outsourced production and exports to 100 billion ($922 million) by 2021.

The outlook for Vietnams textile and garment exports is brighter in 2021 as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has taken effect. There is also a higher demand for "Made in Vietnam" fabrics as big brands are increasingly sourcing fabrics from Vietnam than China. The fabric prices are steadily increasing this year, improving the profit margins of local firms.

In the past two years, there have not been so many M&A deals in the textile and garment industry. The majority of buyers scooped up around 10-15 per cent stake in Vietnamese companies as an investment rather than holding a controlling stake.
From the Archive Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

U Win Tin after his release from prison in 2012.

On the seventh anniversary of the death of Myanmars prominent democracy activist and journalist U Win Tin, The Irrawaddy revisits an article about him by the current deputy foreign minister of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG), U Moe Zaw Oo, who originally wrote under the penname of Kay Latt in 2007.

Like the English poet William Blake, who wrote the immortal line Tiger, tiger, burning bright, Burmas long-serving political prisoner, writer and journalist Win Tin used the image of the proud jungle predator as a metaphor in one of his own works.

As long as the black stripes on the yellow background are vividly painted, the tiger is still a tiger, Win Tin wrotea line that embraces a metaphor for himself and his caged existence. After 18 years behind bars, Win Tin is defiantly saying that caging a tiger doesnt change the animal into a docile cat. The tiger remains a tiger.

Win Tin actually befriended a cat in prison, and the animal repaid him by contributing some of its hair to bind a paste from which he made crayons. The inventive and determined writer crushed bits of red brick, mixing them with water and then binding the mixture with cats hair. After two days in the sun, the dried mixture provided serviceable red crayons.

I first met Win Tin when he was transferred to cell block 3 of Insein prison, where I was also incarcerated. He had just been sentenced to serve a further 11 years shortly before completing his first term of imprisonmenta flagrant act of calculated cruelty by the regime.

At first, we were able to meet and exchange a few words daily during the 15 minutes when we were allowed out of our cells to shower and empty slop pails. But I also found opportunities to visit his cell, when he invariably asked: Any news today?

A senior jailer who overheard these exchanges even gave Win Tin the nickname Mr Any News. News and books were indispensable to Win Tinhe called them a kalikaw, which means timeless need in Pali.

Admitted once to the prisons hospital block for hernia treatment, he couldnt wait to exchange the relative comfort of his sick room for his dank and filthy cell because he missed his reading matter and his news.

He told me after his discharge from hospital that although the facilities and standard of comfort were three star, he wasnt happy there. He had nobody to talk to, no news, no reading material, no paper to writeand he missed the singing of political prisoners from neighboring cells.

His political engagement remains undampened in prison, and he has paid dearly for his defiance of authority, seeing his sentence willfully increased despite his age and failing health.

I lived in the same cell block as Win Tin for four years, until I was transferred to another prison. He talked to me and other prisoners on every topic except his personal life and family, admitting only that it was difficult to live alone. The news from outside that was so important to him never disclosed anything about any family members, although friends visited and engaged him in debate.

He never asked any favor from anybody apart from news and books. If he was given a treat he gave it away to somebody more in need. once, on my birthday, I asked him to let me wash his blanket. He refused, but I told him I wanted to perform a kuthoel (a good deed) on my birthday, and then he handed his blanket over. And it certainly needed washing!

Win Tin told me hed like to see me become a journalist, and he set about teaching me the trade. He entrusted me with completing his unfinished works. Whatever I achieve as a journalist I shall owe to him.

His strict routine extends to his eating habitsjust one daily meal and some gruel in the evening. He has his preferences, though: sausages, fried eel and peanuts. But his teeth give him problems, and he cant manage hard food. He has other health problems, which restrict what comfort he has in prison. He has to wear a neck collar because of a spinal problem and a hernia belt.

Despite failing health and the rigors of life in one of the worlds most notorious prisons, Win Tins spirit remains unbroken. He is truly a tigerand will remain one.

He was sentenced to a total of 20 years imprisonment because of his pro-democracy writings and his attempts to alert the UN to human rights abuses in Burmese prisonsthe official charge against him was producing anti-government propaganda.

In 2001, he was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for his efforts to defend and promote freedom of expression. In the same year, he was awarded the World Association of Newspapers Golden Pen of Freedom.

Repeated international calls for his release have been ignored by Burmas military regime.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Military Raids Kachin Churches

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Throughout the pandemic, North Texas Bells has provided food donations to first responders within the communities their 58 Taco Bell restaurants operate. The pandemic has also brought to light the high percentage of children experiencing food insecurity within the metroplex. North Texas Bells partnered with TCHS, a Title I high school, to feed their students after school, and to ensure no child, on Thursday, April 15 th , went home hungry.

North Texas Bells served hot crunchy tacos distributed by a food truck provided by Taco Bell Corporation. The food truck is equipped with its own kitchen, refrigeration system and cleaning facility. North Texas Bells employees staffed the truck and served over 2,000 tacos for the event.

iHeart Radio 106.1 Kiss FM joined the party, thank you to Billy the Kidd, Radio DJs and DJ K-Sparkle for bringing the energy for the event. Thank you to Taco Bell Corporate for providing the food truck, Dr. Pepper for donating canned drinks, and North Texas Bells employees making and serving food for the event.

The event was high-energy, and The Colony High School cheerleaders were on hand to celebrate and throw a great taco party. Peter Allen, Executive Vice President of Operations was on hand to host the event. "It was a great event showcasing the energy and excitement around the Taco Bell Brand."

About North Texas Bells, LLC

North Texas Bells, LLC (NTB) is a Franchisee of Taco Bell Corp. NTB was founded on December 21, 2011 with the acquisition of 13 units in the Dallas DMA. The company was founded and committed to its mission statement, "Consistently, Best on Block." Delivering Great Food and a Great Guest Experience is paramount to the success of NTB. The company has grown to over 58 Taco Bell locations in North Texas and Central Oklahoma. NTB celebrates its culture focused on family and winning in every category. Our people are the foundation of our success and we treat everyone as Family.

For information about North Texas Bells, LLC, visit www.ntbells.com

SOURCE North Texas Bells
Rakayo Vinson, 24, of Kenosha, was charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and three counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting early Sunday at Somers House Tavern in Somers in Kenosha County, online court records indicate. He would face life in prison if convicted on any of the counts.
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union

LAKE GEORGE  A new radio station - 93.5 Lake George Radio - is being touted as the first local station to exclusively focus on the Lake George area.

Loud Media's station will present a variety of hits, local news, local weather and information relevant to the village and surrounding area, including Glens Falls, Warrensburg and Queensbury. It can also be streamed as lakegeorgeradio.com,
Hannah Clarke's devastated mother has sent a heartfelt message of solidarity to the family of a young mother allegedly set alight and killed by her ex-husband.



The burnt body of Kelly Wilkinson, 27, was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Her estranged partner Brian Johnston, 35, was found two blocks away in a semi-conscious state with burn injuries of his own and was later charged with her murder.

Sue Clarke - whose daughter Hannah, 31, was burned to death along with her three young children by her estranged husband in a gruesome street attack - said the alleged murder brought back painful memories.

Clarke's estranged husband was pronounced dead at the scene last February with self-inflicted knife wounds.

Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (pictured) was found dead with burns to her body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home

'I'd just like to say to Kelly's family, I'm so terribly sorry,' she told Sunrise on Wednesday morning.

'(That) should never happen to any family. Not ever.'

Ms Clarke said she wanted to raise awareness about 'coercive control' - which slowly strips victims of power in a relationship.

'I would love to see a story on one of the soapies like Home and Away that the children watch with coercive control on it so they can understand what it is,' she said.

She said families of domestic violence victims need to 'to listen to what they tell us' and 'let them know we are there for them'.

The Queensland government in February took the first step towards criminalising coercive control by setting up a taskforce to consult with survivors of domestic violence.

The mother's message of support to the Wilkinson family came as Johnston remained under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital.

The 35-year-old former US Marine suffered burns to his airways and hands and was in a serious condition, police said.

A GoFundMe was created by Ms Wilkinson's sister Natalie on Tuesday afternoon asking for help to pay for the funeral of her 'beautiful angel'.

'Unfortunately Kelly has passed away... we are trying to raise money to pay for the funeral, the kids schooling and all other costs,' she wrote on the page.

The GoFundMe has already seen donations totalling more than $55,000 in the space of a day.

Hannah Clarke (pictured, right, with her grandmother, left) and children Trey, Laianah and Aaliyah were doused in petrol and set alight by her estranged husband last February

Sue Clarke said the alleged murder of Kelly Wilkinson brought back painful memories of the Clarke family's own ordeal

Johnston (right) and Ms Wilkinson (left) are pictured together on their wedding day

Ms Wilkinson's sister asked for friends and family to 'help the children' through the difficult period.

Several well-wishers responded to Ms Wilkinson's sister's post, expressing their condolences and devastation at the news.

'Thinking of you and your family,' one friend replied.

The couple holding one of their children during their time in the US. Former US Marine Johnston (right) is in a serious condition under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital

'Oh babe... my heart reaches out to you all... If u need anything we are only a call away,' another said.

'I am so, so, so sorry Natalie,' another said.

Neighbours said they saw a bleeding man run from the scene on Tuesday morning.

'He turned up in the bushes in the house next door to me  his left arm was heavily bandaged,' one resident told 9News.

Ms Wilkinson's body was found in the backyard of her Gold Coast home early on Tuesday morning. Police pictured at the home on Wednesday

Police work at the home of alleged murder victim Kelly Wilkinson on the Gold Coast on Wednesday

'(A passerby) saw the fella and asked you know, 'are you okay mate?' He made some remark like, 'I'm fine', but he had his head down.'

'The forensic examination will take some time,' he said.

They were investigating whether there had been domestic violence calls made to the house in the past.
Based on Atos' BullSequana XH2000, the 'Vega' supercomputer was inaugurated at the Institute of Information Science (IZUM) in Slovenia

Maribor, which is now installed following a start-up ceremony hosted by IZUM with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Jansa, in attendance, together with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager, the Minister of Education, Science and Sport Dr. Simona Kustec and the Executive Director of EuroHPC Joint Undertaking Anders Dam Jensen.

Vega, the largest supercomputer in the country, is based at IZUM, a public infrastructural institution and research organization established by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. It will be used to support the development of leading scientific, public sector and industrial applications in many domains, including personalized medicine, bio-engineering, weather forecasting, fight against climate change and discovering new materials and drugs.

It will provide researchers from Slovenia and the EuroHPC network with a modern infrastructure delivering maximum performance for computing, data processing, high-performance data analysis (HPDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning model development with fast network connectivity to other computing centers in Slovenia and Europe.

Dr. Ales Bosnjak, Director of IZUM: "We're delighted to announce the start-up of the first EuroHPC supercomputer here in Slovenia. Now we can drive forward our research and innovation projects, in particular our HPC RIVR project design goals, supporting Slovenian and European researchers and users from the public and industry sectors, to meet new challenges and further contribute to the regional and European HPC initiatives."

Named Vega, after Slovenian mathematician Jurij Vega, the new petascale supercomputer will be co-owned and jointly operated by the EuroHPC JU (The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking). Capable of executing more than 6,8 petaflops (6,8 million billion calculations per second), the system will be amongst the world's top 50 supercomputers.

Agnes Boudot, Senior Vice President, Head of HPC & Quantum at Atos concluded "As the leading European supercomputer manufacturer, we are proud to be contributing towards advancing research and innovation in Slovenia and in Europe. 'Vega', as part of the EuroHPC program and network, is part of a European worldclass supercomputing ecosystem and will help Europe compete globally in strategic domains such as artificial intelligence, bio-engineering and the fight against climate change."

Atos was awarded a 5-year 17.3 million euro contract to supply, install and maintain the BullSequana XH2000 'Vega' supercomputer.

###

Technical Information

12 x BullSequana XH2000 Direct Liquid cooling racks

6.8PF Linpack Performance (Rmax)

960 CPU nodes with AMD EPYC 7H12 processors

60 GPU nodes with 4 x NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPUs each

Total 325TB of memory

1PB of usable storage for High Performace storage

18PB of usable storage for Large Capacity Storage

Infiniband HDR Interconnect

38 x Atos Sequana x400 series service node

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 105,000 employees and annual revenue of over  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos operates under the brands Atos and Atos|Syntel. Atos is a SEis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. www.atos.net



Press contact:

Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau



Attachment
The Duchess of Cambridge was the picture of elegance in a favourite D&G coat as she visited an air cadet centre today.

Kate, 39, donned the black designer coat with gold button detailing as she joined husband Prince William on a tour of the 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps.

The visit, which takes place on the Queen's 95th birthday, was carried out in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, who was Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief of the squadron for 63 years before Kate took over as Commandant-in-Chief in 2015.

Demure Duchess: The Duchess of Cambridge was the picture of elegance in a favourite D&G coat as she visited an air cadet base today

Favourite piece: Kate Middleton previously wore the military-inspired coat, which falls to just below the knees, on Remembrance Sunday in 2017 (pictured, with the Countess of Wessex)

The Queen is currently observing a two-week mourning period and Kate reflected the sombre mood with her black ensemble.

She previously wore the military-inspired coat, which falls to just below the knees, on Remembrance Sunday in 2017. At the time she was pregnant with Prince Louis.

Today she paired the simple piece with a pair of suede Tod's pumps with a chunky block heel and a simple Mulberry clutch.

In keeping with the 'less is more' look, Kate wore her brunette locks loose around her shoulders and kept her makeup natural.

Special visit: Kate, 39, donned the black coat with gold button detailing as she joined husband Prince William on a tour of the 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps

Good spirits: During the visit to 282 Squadron, The Duke and Duchess met cadets taking part in field craft exercises and leadership tasks, before speaking to a number of the young people who are preparing for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards

In keeping with the 'less is more' look, Kate wore her brunette locks loose around her shoulders and kept her makeup natural

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared in excellent spirits during the engagement

Ready for anything: During the visit Kate was guided through a flight on the Grob Tutor, which is used by the RAF for elementary training

During the visit Kate was guided through a flight on the Grob Tutor, which is used by the RAF for elementary training,

The couple were also treated to a moving three cheers for the Duke of Edinburgh during the visit.

Established in 1941, the Air Cadets is a UK-wide cadet force with more than 32,000 members aged between 12-19 years old.

During the visit to 282 Squadron, The Duke and Duchess met cadets taking part in field craft exercises and leadership tasks, before speaking to a number of the young people who are preparing for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Husband Prince William held her handbag as she tried out the flight simulator today

Kate on a flight simulator during their visit to 282 (East Ham) Squadron Air Training Corps in east London

Each year, the Air Cadets receives approximately 3,000 Duke of Edinburgh Awards across the schemes Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, amounting to over 193,000 Awards since the programme began in 1956.

The Duke and Duchess also spoke with a group of serving RAF officers who were all previously cadets and heard more about how the scheme help them to gain important life and social skills which they have taken forward into their careers.

It comes just three days after the Duke and Duchess joined family including Prince Harry at the Duke of Edinburgh's intimate funeral at St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Air Cadets receives approximately 3,000 Duke of Edinburgh Awards across the schemes Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, amounting to over 193,000 Awards since the programme began in 1956. Pictured, Kate Middleton at a centre today

The Duke and Duchess also spoke with a group of serving RAF officers who were all previously cadets and heard more about how the scheme help them to gain important life and social skills which they have taken forward into their careers
The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has elected Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante as its Chairman.



Rt. Rev. Prof. J.O.Y Mante who is the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana was elected Chairman at the Councils 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place at the Rev. Peter Kwei Dagadu Memorial Methodist Church in Osu on April 21, 2021.



His election follows the successful end of term of Most Rev. Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana.



Rt. Rev Prof. J.O.Y Mante served as the Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group set up by the Christian Council of Ghana to ensure credible, peaceful, free and fair election 2020.



The Council is very grateful to Most Rev Paul Boafo for his enormous contributions to the work of the Council during his tenure as the Chairman, and asked God to continue to bless him for his dedication to the work of the Council.



The Council congratulates Rt. Rev Prof. J.O.Y Mante on his election and ask the good Lord to grant them the needed grace and wisdom to lead the Council.



Rt. Rev Prof. J.O.Y Mante holds an MA, MPhil and PhD in Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion from Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California in the USA.



He has served on many committees and boards in Ghana and abroad over the past 20 years including World Alliance of Reformed Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.



Rt. Rev. Prof. J.O.Y Mante was one time the President of the Trinity Theological Serminary, Legon Accra.



In his acceptance speech, he thanked the Council for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work hard to move the biggest Ecumenical group in Ghana.



He has been a minister of the gospel in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana since 1981 and he served as the Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson from 2006 to 2011.

Source: Rev George Larbi, Public Relations Officer Presbyterian Church of Ghana









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Queensland will offer up 36,000 free travel vouchers in a bid to stimulate the Sunshine State's tourism industry.

There will be 30,000 vouchers worth $100 available for tourism experiences in Greater Brisbane and a further 6,000 vouchers worth $200 up for grabs for the Whitsundays.

The vouchers will be available to Queensland residents aged over 18.

Residents can register their interest in vouchers for the Greater Brisbane region - including Scenic Rim, Moreton Bay, Redlands Coast, Somerset, Logan and Ipswich - online between 12pm on April 27 and 11:59am on April 30.

Those who receive a voucher, which can be redeemed for 50 per cent off tours, attractions or accommodation up to $100, will be contacted from May 6, with bookings to be made by June 4, for travel by August 15.

Queenslanders are being encouraged to explore the Whitsundays with 6000 travel vouchers up for grabs. Pictured is Airlie Beach

Residents in the Sunshine State are also being encouraged to get out and about in the Greater Brisbane region (the city is pictured) with 30,000 travel vouchers worth $100 up for grabs

The Whitsundays vouchers can be used to claim 50 per cent off any eligible tourism experience booked, up to a maximum of $200.

Those vouchers are available to locals and visitors who are in the region from May 4 to June 30.

'In the Whitsundays, accommodation bookings are quite strong but we want to encourage more people to take up these special tourism experiences like Great Barrier Reef trips, guided tours, or scenic flights,' Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

'6000 vouchers valued up to $200 each are available for people already staying in the region through local hotels or visitor information centres from May 4.

'Whitsundays Holiday Dollars can be used for experiences across the region, including the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Coast.'

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe told ABC Radio: 'While our tourism industry has generally, on the domestic side, bounced back, there are still challenges. That international border closure has an impact.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Whitsundays Holiday Dollars can be used across the Whitsunday Islands (pictured), the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Coast

The Whitsunday vouchers are available to locals and visitors who are in the region from May 4 to June 30. The Whitsundays is pictured

'We've got so many domestic visitors visiting their usual domestic spots, this is about making sure we target the response and help those parts of the industry that are international focused.

'We've got to help stimulate and encourage people to do something they haven't done before (in Brisbane) climb the Story Bridge, go kayaking on the Brisbane River, get out and stay overnight in the Scenic Rim, stay in a CBD hotel.

'This is going to generate $90m for local businesses who have been waiting for the international visitors we've been missing.'
[April 21, 2021] Komainu Granted ISAE 3402 Type 1 and ISO 27001:2013 Security Certifications

The Digital Asset Custodian continues to set the industry standard for trust and transparency with the latest certifications ST. HELIER, Jersey, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Komainu ("the Company"), a regulated digital asset custody services provider built by institutions for institutions, today announced it has secured the ISO 27001:2013 and ISAE 3402 Type 1 certifications, completing the external auditing process. These certifications demonstrate Komainu's commitment to provide digital asset investors institutional-grade custody solutions which adhere to the highest industry standards for security protocols. ISO 27001:2013 is a globally recognized information security standard that dictates how companies should manage internal data. Komainu's systems and controls were externally audited against the ISO27001:2013 framework to ascertain their effectiveness and how they contributed to the security of the Company's custodian services. ISO27001:2013 is held by only a handful of firms within the digital asset industry, further establishing Komainu as a leading digital asset custody services provider. The ISAE 3402 Type 1 is a reporting option established by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants to analyze the suitability of an organization's controls design. The certification is granted to an organization after undergoing rigorous scrutiny via an indpendent, third-party audit. The audit was completed through an independent third-party, which granted the ISAE 3402 Type 1 to Komainu. Having controls independently reviewed provides reassurance for institutions working with Komainu that the control infrastructure meets industry standards.



Komainu's Chief Information Security Officer Andrew Morfill said, "Komainu was established by industry leaders in both the traditional and digital asset markets to provide custody services to financial institutions. These two certifications of our platform's security and controls through third-party testing is the latest step for Komainu in establishing itself as the go-to provider of institutional-grade custody solutions." Komainu's controls are contained within their Information Security Management System (ISMS), which focuses on continuous improvement across the organization rather than a snapshot of control effectiveness at one particular point. In order to continue holding these high-level certifications the Company has to maintain and improve the comprehensive control environment it has put in place.

Morfill continued, "These certifications demonstrate our commitment to the security of our clients' data and to providing a custody solution that financial institutions can trust. These certifications serve as a third-party attestation that our controls supporting financial reporting and operations not only meet, but exceed the high standards of financial institutions." About Komainu

Komainu is the first hybrid custodian for institutional digital asset investors created by the Japanese investment bank, Nomura, digital asset manager, CoinShares and digital asset security company, Ledger. Komainu is solving the problem of decentralized and secure digital asset custody by providing a single application-based solution to institutions allowing multi-asset support benefits, regulatory compliance and insurance. Headquartered in Jersey, Komainu merges best in class financial services with the highest security standards for the next generation of institutional custody. For more information, please visit https://www.komainu.com/ . Media Contact

Jay Morakis

M Group Strategic Communications (for Komainu)

+1 646 859 5951

komainu@mgroupsc.com

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Looks like there are factions trying to get this done!

They want all Russians expelled

But then there are complaints that the EU would be out of a bunch and I mean a bunch of money.if they do

Lets watch what happens?

WtR

Lets update:

An iron curtain has descended across Europe. Or at least it will if Estonias former president is able to convince Brussels to completely close its borders to Russian students, workers and tourists amid growing political tensions. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who led the Baltic nation for a decade until 2016, proposed the policy on Saturday. Maybe there should be a time out for any and I mean any visits from Russia, he said. Just freeze visas except for family emergencies. It is Europes security at stake. Ilves, who was raised and educated in the US, served as the head of the Estonian desk for Washingtons state-run overseas media service Radio Free Europe during the final years of the Cold War. He was later appointed as Tallinns ambassador in Washington. Since stepping down from his countrys top job, he has taken a number of roles with prestigious think tanks and as a co-chair of the World Economic Forum.

Source: Proposal to ban ALL Russians from EU would hurt blocs economy, Moscow warns, after ex-Estonian president pitches radical policy  RT Russia & Former Soviet Union

I guess the grapes were right
Sibongile Sibanda, Liberty's group executive for brand and integrated marketing, believes that the financial services environment is an exciting space for communicators because it exists in highly emotive territory. She chats more about how trust in a well-established brand can be enhanced by technology, and that 2020 was a year of great learning.

Sibongile Sibanda, group executive for brand and integrated marketing, Liberty

Why is the whole concept of a brand so important, particularly in the financial services industry?

it takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.

Now more than ever, customers expect brands to DO what they SAY they will do, and again this is even more true for financial services brands from a reputation perspective as compared to some other businesses.

Is social media a help or a hindrance to brands? Can you give us your three golden rules of social media engagement?

Educate  ensure that the brand's social pages exist to share information and resources about it for the greater good of your current and potential clients across various segments and cohorts. Customer servicing channel  use social media as you would your contact centre. Use social listening tools to hear the conversation customers are having about the brand and use these to spot opportunities which can drive insights to inform your strategies. Drive engagement and brand love  consumers are multi-faceted and while they have financial products with us, they are interested in many other things. Therefore, share content that is grounded in authenticity which showcases the ethos of the brand. I also love promoting our own staff members on these platforms because they are our brand ambassadors with real stories of their own to tell.

How has the pandemic and subsequent national lockdowns affected how Liberty communicates with its clients?

It is no understatement to say it has been a year of great learning, tweaking and agility.

What are some of the brand's most successful campaigns?

Comment on the power or value of branded content as a form of advertising.

If you were mentoring a future you, what career advice would you give to aspiring young marketing and branding professionals?

Spend time building your competencies. This will serve you well as you progress in your career or branch out as an entrepreneur. Learn the art of synthesis... This will help in the articulation of your thoughts; it will help you hook your audience and build the stamina of your strategic capability. Lastly, enjoy the journey. Take time along the way to reflect, breath and learn.

We're all familiar with Warren Buffet's words:This sentiment is particularly true for financial services brands particularly because they are service-driven and therefore consumer interaction happens on a regular basis.Building a reputable financial services brand on the basis of a solid customer experience is critical to the success of any financial services organisation because there are so many opportunities to either surprise and delight clients, or to get the service experience wrong.The evolution of technology has also meant that customers have expectations of how brands should act, react and interact. This forces organisations to pay attention to how they deliver their brand across all elements of the customer journey at any given time.It is always important to see and use social media for what it is, a potential engagement and education platform or tool that provides access not only to your current customers, but a larger audience. To this, my approach to social media is simple:The pandemic has forced a lot of organisations to rethink how to communicate with clients, and what to say to them. At the beginning of lockdown, we had to ensure that all our client touchpoints were informative and provided a sense of calm - reiterating the message that as uncertain as the world feels now, they can count on us to be there when they need us the most.We could not pretend everything was normal, because it was not. We had to redefine the status quo for ourselves. And slowly but surely craft the new normal, however short-lived that too might have been. We used a lot of our channels and resources to reiterate our support for government's lockdown initiatives, as well as how we truly were in it with our clients. Something we at Liberty make a point of doing.Two years ago, together with our agency partners, we embarked on a brand repositioning exercise to bring ourselves closer to our clients and potential customers. In the process we relooked some of our business practises with the idea of bringing these into better alignment with our customer needs, as well as those of the market.The intention was always to take the new positioning to market in 2020, and when the pandemic and lockdown restrictions hit in the first quarter of 2020, we knew that this would throw a spanner in the works for us. However, a lot of great work had happened behind the scenes and we pressed on.All of this meant that we had some limitations with some of our above-the-line elements, launching to an internal workforce that was working remotely, and landing a message in the market during a time when people were fighting for survival the world over.Ultimately, we delivered a campaign that was truly reflective of where the world was, what clients needed to hear and how we could show up to not only offer support during this global crisis, but land our new positioning which is the idea of being In It With You. In hindsight, the challenges provided opportunities to become part of a narrative grounded in doing good and showing care when the world was in turmoil.The increase in branded content over the last few years has provided brands with additional avenues and platforms for exposure. It is a more customer-focused type of content marketing, which provides value through making an emotional connection, as opposed to direct punting and selling of products.I think that there is great value in branded content, through its ability to attract attention to the unique values and ideals of the brand to create an affinity with consumers. Branded content seems to be well-placed in creating brand love and stickiness through relatable content that sparks interest and conversion without a hard sell approach.It's a great addition to the traditional advertising mix of tools, each of which have a clear and complimentary role to play.To the young and upcoming marketers, my best advice would be to:
Did you know you can save your preferences across all your digital devices and platforms simply by creating a profile? Would you like to get started?

Yes, I'd like to register/log in

Not right now

No, never ask again
Prince Andrew faced danger on Monday morning after security guards allowed a woman to enter Windsor Residences.

According to The Sun, security was so convinced by the 44-year-old woman's Spanish national appearance that they even paid for her taxi ride before allowing her into the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The woman, who was described to wear "very smartly dressed," told security she had a lunch appointment with the Duke of York.

She then spent 20 minutes wandering the grounds before heading inside the Grade II listed building, where she asked a member of the royal staff where Prince Andrew was.

Police were immediately called to the scene, where she was temporarily held in the lobby.

Prince Andrew Home Intruder: Who Is Irene Windsor?

At that point, the Spanish national revealed that her name was Irene Windsor and that she was engaged to the Duke. She even went on to claim she lived there with him.

Inside her handbag, it was revealed she had maps of the Royal Lodge and other Royal Family residences. They also found a self-defense key ring that had two sharp prongs.

It is believed that the intruder flew from Spain to the UK on Saturday, the day of Prince Philip's funeral.

Despite security forces being on high alert for the funeral, the Spanish woman was allowed to enter the front gate of the Royal Lodge without being asked to provide proof of identification.

An insider revealed to The Sun, "She was apparently very smartly dressed, in suit trousers, a yellow blouse and peach jacket and her hair done up and full make up."

"She got quite a glamorous figure and the guards were completely taken in by her," they added.

She was immediately arrested on suspicion of burglary and was later sectioned under the 1984 Mental Health Act.

A security review was immediately carried out after the break-in.

At the time of the intrusion, The Sun revealed that Prince Andrew was at home but wasn't aware of anything happening outside his home.

READ ALSO: Prince Philip's Touching Tribute To Queen Elizabeth Showed He Was A 'Wonderful Husband'

Duke of York's Security

Since last year, Prince Andrew's security protection has been scaled back for cost-cutting measures after withdrawing from Royal duties because of his connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Though he still has personal police protection, his officers are no longer routinely armed.

The Queen's personal income known as the Privy Purse provides the private security at Royal Lodge where Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, live.

READ MORE: 7 Most-Watched British Royal Family Events: How Many Tuned In To Prince Philip's Funeral?

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
VINCENNES, Ind. (WTHI) -Two people were charged after an alleged bomb threat at the Vincennes Community School Corporation building.

Around 9:30 Wednesday morning dispatchers received a call about the possible threat.

The Vincennes Police Department learned a three-person text message group. The three people were employees of Sodexo.

According to police, Rudy Lowen sent a text saying to call in a bomb threat for the school administration building. That is when Erica Davis allegedly responded 'NOW.'

The third person involved in the text group believed the threats to be real and called 911.

Lowen and Davis were both arrested and charged with intimidation and false informing.
Japans nuclear wastewater lies exposed amid ban on sales of scorpionfish from Fukushima waters

Global Times) 10:36, April 21, 2021

File photo taken on Oct. 12, 2017 shows huge tanks that store contaminated radioactive wastewater in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.(Photo: Xinhua)

The Japanese government's sales ban on black scorpionfish caught in Fukushima waters shows it lied about its nuclear contamination claims, experts said Tuesday, urging the Japanese government to face up to science, instead of confusing the public with pseudoscience to further harm human food chain and marine life.

Media reports said the Japanese government announced on Monday that a ban has been placed on black scorpionfish caught off Fukushima waters from entering markets due to the detection of excessive radioactive materials. It was the first ban since restrictions on seafood sales in Fukushima waters were completely lifted last February in Japan.

About 270 becquerels of radioactive cesium was detected per kilogram of a black scorpionfish caught at a depth of 37 meters, 13 kilometers from Minamisoma city, Fukushima Prefecture on April 1, exceeding the standard value stipulated by the Food Sanitation Law, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday, citing Fukushima Prefecture authorities.

Some Japanese politicians have boasted the nuclear-contaminated water is "drinkable," but their actions have already revealed their lies. Experts urged the Japanese government to face up to science, instead of confusing the public with pseudoscience to harm human food chain and marine life.

This is not an isolated case of the discovery of contaminated fish. In February, levels of cesium were detected over the limit in the same species caught off Fukushima, Greenpeace East Asia, an NGO on environmental protection, cited media reports told the Global Times.

The radioactive substances detected in the rockfish, caught at a depth of 8.8 kilometers off Shinji Town, Fukushima Prefecture in February, was five times the Japanese national food standard. It contained the radioactive substance cesium with an average concentration of 500 becquerels per kilogram, reports showed.

Ten years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, radiation-contaminated fish is still being found off Fukushima, showing the long-term impact of the accident. Japan's decision to dump nuclear wastewater will only add more uncertainties to the recovery of the marine environment.

In 2019, fish contaminated with radioactive substances were also caught in the waters of Fukushima, reports said.

It is a worrying situation that fish with excessive radiation have been repeatedly caught, and this latest decision by the Japanese government has made it even worse for Fukushima fishermen who have been experiencing the bitterness of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in the past decade, Shaun Burnie, senior nuclear specialist at Greenpeace East Asia, an NGO on environmental protection, told the Global Times.

Shang Qi, a former research fellow from the National Institute of Environmental Health with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), told the Global Times it is a lie to say Japan would dilute hazardous substances by a factor of seven and then discharge them. It is the organic matter that could be naturally degraded in the natural environment, rather than nuclear materials. Dilution makes no sense to total amounts of emissions, Shang said.

When the Global Times reached Fukushima Fisheries Cooperative Association (FCA), it said that the ban of the black scorpionfish is an isolated case. No other marine life from the Fukushima waters is likely to contain radioactive material, because the industry carries out examinations regularly.

Zhu Jianzhen, former vice president of Guangdong Ocean University, believes FCA is driven by industry interests. Openly acknowledging that other marine organisms possibly contain radioactive materials would deal a blow to the entire industry in Fukushima and further deepen consumers' distrust of Fukushima fisheries. "The real situation is often concealed by the interests of stakeholders," Zhu told the Global Times.

In this case, the concept of marine "biomagnifications" was also ignored by the FCA. Shang explained that excess radioactive substances detected among marine life is proof that nuclear-contaminated waters have caused radioactive pollution to the surrounding waters. Those pollutants would stay inside marine life.

Shang added that if marine life in the bottom food chain contains radioactive substances and then is consumed by upper marine life, the radioactive density accumulated in the top food chain could be tens of thousands times higher than that of the discharged nuclear-contaminated water.

The radioactive substances inside the fish are caused by other marine life also containing radioactive substances apart from nuclear-contaminated water. The individual ban on fish cannot guarantee all marine life is safe from radioactive substances, Shang noted.

In addition, the expert said harm to human beings is very hard to predict but the damage was reflected in a case of minamata disease in Japan.

Radioactive substances like a "hidden killer" cannot be detected without equipment as it has no odor. Its damage to marine life and humans would last hundreds of years, Shang noted.

Japan should uphold a scientific attitude, face up to challenges and opposition from the international community and correct its irresponsible decision to dump nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, instead of confusing the public with pseudoscience, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson also said Tuesday.

The contaminated water of over 1.23 million tons, is expected to contain many radioactive isotopes such as tritium or carbon 14, strontium-90, iodine 129 or cobalt-16, international environment NGO Greenpeace East Asia told the Global Times.

The water that Japan will dump contains many radionuclides which have the potential to cause damage to human and non-human DNA. Those radionuclides can accumulate in the marine food chain over long periods of time, even more than a thousand years, and could potentially pass back through the food chain to human communities on land, Burnie said.

While the domestic public and organizations are strongly opposed to Japan's decision, Yonhap citing South Korea's foreign minister said Seoul has no reason to object if Japan's Fukushima water dumping follows IAEA standards, which is seen as a compromise South Korea is taking on the issue.

"South Korea expressed firm opposition before John Kerry's visit to Seoul, but that attitude changed after the visit. I'd say the swaying attitude of South Korea came from US coercion," Lu Chao, a fellow at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Sources said that Japan may use vessels to carry tons of radioactive water to the middle of the ocean as a way of dumping. This method would cause major harm to the Korean Peninsula and waters close to China, and less harm to the US, Lu told the Global Times.

Lu believes South Korea, one of the main victims, is able to weigh and balance between US coercion and domestic opposition. Fundamentally altering its position from opposing to acceptance is unlikely.

In a sign that outrage over Japan's decision to dump the contaminated water into the ocean persists among South Korean public, more than thirty South Korean college students shaved their heads in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul in protest over Japan's dumping plan on Tuesday, media reported.

Messages on protective sheets draped on their bodies said, "Japan, drink the nuclear-contaminated water yourself!" The Japanese government should immediately withdraw the plan to dump the contaminated water," another reads.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Commentary Dos and Donts for ASEAN to Avoid Complicity in the Myanmar Juntas Crimes

Cartoon by Dynamite

History tells us that ASEAN has no integrity, no credibility and, therefore, no authority when it comes to exerting influence on military dictators in Myanmar.

But the past is the past. The upcoming ASEAN summit on Myanmar gives the regional blocs leaders an opportunity to display some humanity and political courage in dealing with the countrys new military ruler, who bears primary responsibility for the slaughter of hundreds of innocent citizens, demolishing a fledgling democracy, upending the countrys stability and devastating its once promising economy.

ASEAN leaders are due to meet in Jakarta on Saturday to discuss the crisis stemming from the Myanmar militarys Feb. 1 coup led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The coup leader himself will attend, according to Nikkei Asia, which received confirmation from the juntas spokesperson.

The regional grouping has never been able to shed the poor record on human rights and democracy that has bedeviled it since its formation in 1967. That history offers little hope of a meaningful outcome from the upcoming summit.

Western countries including the US and world organizations like the UN have put on a show of enthusiastically looking forward to seeing meaningful results from the summit. But their high expectations are at odds with the history of bloc (of which they are well aware) and the political attitudes of its individual member states, most of which are non-democratic.

No one should entertain false hopes, but if the summit is deemed a necessary prelude to further action, we must accept it. The important question then becomes what ASEAN should and should NOT do at the summit.

By now, ASEANs leaders are well aware of the actions undertaken by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing since he seized power from Myanmars elected government. Its time for them to stand up for what is right. ASEAN must not repeat its past mistakes by seeking to appease the coup leader and his regime in Myanmar.

Here is a list of Dos and Donts to help ASEAN leaders avoid falling into the trap of becoming an accomplice of the senior general and getting blood on their hands.

Lets start with the Donts (beginning with the very moment they meet the Myanmar military leader.)

DONT shake hands with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing. His hands are still soaked with the fresh blood of more than 730 innocent peopleincluding dozens of childrenslain by his troops in less than three months. Those pro-democracy fighters souls are still restless, because his soldiers and police didnt allow family members to bury the victims properly, and even destroyed some of their graves, forcing family members to conduct urgent burials in secret. In some cases his troops snatched the bodies from the grieving families and never returned them. Dont let your hands be stained with the blood that coats Min Aung Hlaings hands. (Luckily, COVID protocols may give you the perfect excuse to avoid touching him.)

DONT treat Min Aung Hlaing as your counterpart. He is not a legitimate head of government, or even a professional military chief. He is merely a power-hungry coup plotter whose priority is his familys business interests. He is the chief architect of the overthrow of Myanmars democratically elected government, an act that has plunged the country into social and economic chaos, and resulted in the slaughter of many hundreds. To many in Myanmar he is now known as the murderer-in-chief, rather than the commander-in-chief. To treat him as an equal would be to bring disgrace upon yourself. Even as you sit with him in the conference room in Indonesia, his troops back in Myanmar will be dutifully killing innocent civilians on the streets. He is a criminal who has shown a repeated willingness to engage in mass killings.

DONT recognize the military regime. Myanmars 54 million people have been almost completely united in rejecting its coup and rule since Feb. 1. On a daily basis, Myanmar people have been sacrificing their lives to oppose the brutal regime, which has been unable to run the country. The regime is indisputably illegitimate; unsurprisingly, not one if the members appointed to the juntas governing body were elected.

DONT listen to Min Aung Haling with your ears; rather, use your instincts. Because the coup leader will lie to you, as he keeps lying to Myanmar and the international community about all of the reasons his regime staged the coup, how the National League for Democracys landslide victory in the 2020 election was fraudulent, how his troops have shown restraint against the protesters, and on and on. All that he tells you will be lies. If you trust your instincts, you will be open to the reality of his regimes brutal oppression and murder of Myanmars people.

DONT be naive and cowardly. Press him to return to democracy, release all political detainees right away and respect the results of the 2020 electionthe demands the people of Myanmar have been making through their ongoing anti-military dictatorship protests since Feb. 1. You will be the heroes of the Myanmar people, their friends in a time of need, and demonstrate political integrity as leaders of ASEAN.

DONT let Min Aung Hlaing use each of you individually or your ASEAN grouping collectively as a shield to protect his regime from accountability for the killings, brutal oppression, looting and other immoral acts it has inflicted against the entire population. Nearly the whole world has turned against him; dont let yourselves be his savior. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

DONT accept the regimes roadmap, including its promise of an election in two years. That is no solution at all. Myanmar people reject it utterly; they cast their votes from the bottom of their hearts in last years election. No elections will be necessary under the military regime. To accept their roadmap is to insult the people of Myanmar and to join the coup leaders in annulling their votes.

DONT place your investmentsor planned investmentsin Myanmar above the aspirations of Myanmars people. If you wont help, DONT block Myanmar peoples efforts to shape their own destiny and secure a future for themselves.

DONT do anything that will discourage the Myanmar people in their life-and-death struggle to uproot the military dictatorship. They are sacrificing their own lives (not yours); they have a right to fight for their freedom and take control of their destiny.

Here are some Dos:

DO see, feel and understand the feelings, determination and sacrifice of the Myanmar people, who no longer want to live under the military dictatorship, which has oppressed them for five of the past seven decades since independence in 1948. Standing up to the coup leader might create a few awkward minutes in the meeting room in Jakarta; put yourself in Myanmar peoples shoes for a few minutes and imagine what they are enduring every day.

DO recognize the National Unity Government (NUG), formed on April 16 by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. The NUG was formed by a committee of lawmakers who were elected in the 2020 election. It has 100 percent legitimacy as the government of Myanmar. Most people in Myanmar support the NUG. The international community led by the US needs to work with this legitimate government to restore democracy, secure the release of all political detainees, reinstate the results of the 2020 election and oversee the militarys return to the barracks.

DO realize that coup leader Min Aung Hlaing will ignore any suggestions you have that are not in line with his regimes stated roadmap, including an election to be held in two years. If you wish to spare ASEANs already tarnished record on human rights from being compromised further, insist that he change course immediately, relinquish power right away and restore democracyeven though he wont.

DO the right thing and take the steps that are necessary to save Myanmars people together with the Western powers and global organizations, including the UN and its Security Council. Its not a sin to save innocent people from being slain by a murderous general who has been killing his own people in order to maintain his grip on power.

DO understand that the people of Myanmar will not give up in their determination to uproot the military dictatorship this time, whatever the cost. And by extension, do know that they wont forgive any accomplices of the junta.

ASEAN leaders,

If you allow yourself to do any of the DONTs listed above, youll be helping Min Aung Hlaing and his regime kill more innocent people in Myanmar. If you refrain from the DOs, you are morally corrupt, not only as leaders of ASEAN, but as human beings too.

This is not about the internal affairs of one country; its about preventing the crime of killing innocent people, destroying a democracy and stealing power in defiance of the will of Myanmars people. If these things are allowed to happen in the 21st century, it would disgrace not only ASEAN but the world.

The coup, mass killings and brutal oppression committed by Min Aung Hlaing and his regime since Feb. 1 are a crime against humanity.

You must NOT be accessories to this crime and accomplices of Min Aung Hlaings regime. You should help to stop it immediately.

Naing Khit is a commentator on political affairs.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Sativa Wellness Group Inc. (CSE:SWEL) ("Sativa Wellness" or the "Company") wishes to announce that the Company's subsidiary, PhytoVista Laboratories, has been granted accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

Accreditation for the testing of cannabinoids, has been granted by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK governments appointed National Accreditation Body. The accreditation process determines the technical competence and integrity of organisations such as those offering testing services.

ISO17025 accreditation offers the Company a competitive advantage in regulated markets where organisations are required to test with an accredited laboratory. This development also positions the Company well to take advantage of a growing international market and developing regulatory landscape. The Company plans to increase the scope of testing covered by accreditation and penetrate other areas of testing, whilst continuing to develop and expand cannabinoid testing capabilities.

The Company is in the process of extending the Phytovista testing services to its laboratory in Poland to service Europe and as part of that process intends to implement the ISO17025 standard there.

Geremy Thomas Executive Chairman says "This success supports the direction of the Sativa Wellness Group to be the gold standard in the testing industry, driving growth through providing trusted services".

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Geremy Thomas

Executive Chairman

Sativa Wellness Group Inc.

+44 (0) 20 7971 1255

enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com

www.sativawellnessgroup.com

Anne Tew

Corporate Secretary

Sativa Wellness Group Inc.

+44 (0) 20 7971 1255

enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com

www.sativawellnessgroup.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Sativa Wellnesses' control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" "plan is" or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur", "will be achieved" or "shortly". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to information concerning the fact that ISO17025 accreditation offers the Company a competitive advantage, positions the Company well to take advantage of a growing international market and developing regulatory landscape, will increase the scope of testing covered by accreditation, allows the Company to penetrates other areas of testing, develop and expand its cannabinoid testing capabilities or will be able to achieve ISO17025 in Poland.

Although Sativa Wellness believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in increasing their scope of testing, penetrating other areas of testing or developing and expanding cannabinoid testing capabilities or achieve ISO17025 in Poland. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and Sativa does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Sativa Wellness Group Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641423/Sativa-Wellness-Groups-Laboratory-Achieves-ISO17025-Accreditation
She "clearly has a passion for Miami students, the hard of hearing and Deaf community," a nominator said

By Susan Meikle, university news and communications

Megan Gross, associate clinical lecturer of speech pathology and audiology, is the recipient of Miami Universitys 2021 E. Phillip Knox Distinguished Teaching Award.

The award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate creative, innovative and engaging teaching methods at the undergraduate level.

Gross serves as the program coordinator for Miamis American Sign Language (ASL) courses. She teaches ASL courses, Global Perspectives on Deaf Culture and ASL service-learning courses, among others, and trains and supervises graduate teaching assistants.

Gross "clearly has a passion for Miami students, the hard of hearing and Deaf community, and for making Miami courses available to those who cannot come to our campuses," a faculty nominator said. She seeks community partnerships and engagement opportunities that bridge the gap between the Deaf community and her students.

Another nominator, a former student who is currently a speech pathologist, wrote that Gross "introduced me to a language and culture that has become a fundamental part of who I am. To learn ASL, one must be immersed in Deaf culture. At a university in a rural area like Miami, this immersion proved difficult at times.

However, Gross provided an abundance of opportunities to her students to be around Deaf individuals and gives her students the opportunity to learn about Deaf community from Deaf individuals themselves, the student nominator said.

Experiential learning and inclusivity

Gross designed the ASL curriculum to challenge students to develop a conversational fluency upon completion of the four-semester language sequence. Each language course requires students to attend an event in the Deaf community. Events such as Deaf Day at the Cincinnati Zoo, Deaf Day at the Aquarium, Reds games, or silent coffee chats expose students to native-signers in informal settings.

The opportunities for experiential learning built into the classes are truly one of the most impactful assignments for students, Gross said.

Gross teaches courses in American Deaf Culture and Deaf Cultures from around the world. The course exposes students to a culture of people that lives in our society, that many of them never knew existed," Gross said. One of my favorite discussion topics at the end of this course centers around how students can take the knowledge and understanding gained during this course and apply it to their majors and future careers.

This introduction allows students to think about diversity in a new way, a former student said. Personally, gaining and understanding an appreciation for Deaf culture has allowed me to think critically about the ways that I, as a speech language pathologist, can be more inclusive of the Deaf community, she said.

Gross led a service-learning course focused on ASL and the Deaf Community. This course has allowed students the opportunity to interact with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals on a more personal level. Students have completed placements at St. Ritas School for the Deaf, the Oxford Senior Center, local organizations and school districts.

Students developed a basic ASL course for members of the Oxford Senior Center, many of whom have some degree of hearing loss, Gross said. The connection the students formed with the members was inspiring to watch. It also gave students a unique perspective on potential ASL language users.

Other students had the opportunity to collaborate with the department of kinesiology, nutrition and health to create a video series of basic Gambian Sign Language for students preparing for a study abroad trip to The Gambia.

Teaching online "invaluable for students' continued success"

Gross, who began her career at Miamis Regionals Campuses in 2013, has also created and taught online courses. Her contributions to alternative learning modes for both the Miami Oxford and Regional Campuses has been invaluable for students continued success, Janet Hurn, senior director of the Miami Regionals E-Campus office, said.

Gross has created courses that some have disputed are possible in an online environment, Hurn said. American Sign Language is an active language that can only be demonstrated via video or in person. Megan has designed these courses using authentic assessments that necessitate students show exactly what they are able to do and that the learning outcomes are indeed being met.

Gross is now one of our go-to experts in authentic assessment and is always willing to share her experiences with new online faculty, Hurn said

As faculty advisor for the American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Club, she helps to bring nationally recognized Deaf talent to campus each semester to share their experiences with students. The group has hosted comedians, magicians, advocates, educators and musicians. Being able to provide students access to these incredible Deaf individuals is an important part of the curriculum I have developed, Gross said. It is through these experiences that students truly gain an appreciation for this cultural and linguistic minority within our society.

Her work and innovative teaching strategies do much to move forward diversity, equity and inclusivity here at Miami, according to a nominator. Gross said her hope "for all of my students is that they leave my classes with a greater cultural understanding and acceptance, a confidence to communicate with people in languages other than their own, and that also endeavor to create accessible and inclusive interactions with all people they encounter.

A nationally certified interpreter, Gross has worked in the education, medical, legal and video relay service industries. She received her masters degree from Walden University in 2014.

Knox Award

Established by Miami alumnus E. Phillips Knox ('68), the award is presented to faculty members whose achievements unequivocally merit recognition for excellence in teaching along dimensions such as learning through inquiry and experimentation; awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity; or active participation in experiential learning and community partnerships.

Award winners receive a professional expense allocation of $3,000.

(Note: Story thumbnail image shows Megan Gross and the architect's rendering of the new Clinical Health Science and Wellness facility that will house Miami's clinics, the department of speech pathology and audiology and other programs in 2023. Read more about building here.)
A knifeman who stabbed a Government worker outside the Home Office before walking away with his pet ferret has been locked up in a secure hospital.

Dominic Hornberger, 31, knifed Paul Reeves, a contractor working for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as he talked to his wife on the phone in Westminster on August 15, 2019.

Southwark Crown Court heard the victim, who was in his 60s, was left with a 25cm wound to his back and a 10cm superficial wound to the forehead, along with other facial injuries.

Hornberger then approached a woman sat on a nearby bench, but was fended off by civil servant Stephen Nelson, who shouted at him to leave her alone.

Mr Nelson then continued to pursue Hornberger, calling police and providing a running commentary until the knifeman was arrested, having fled the scene after sheathing his knife and putting it in a rucksack.

Images from the scene of the arrest also show a green and white pet carrier, used to house Hornberger's ferret.

Paul Reeves, a contractor working for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, was stabbed as he talked to his wife on the phone in Westminster on August 15, 2019

Images from the scene of the arrest also show a green and white pet carrier, used to house Hornberger's ferret

Items left on the steps outside the Home Office building included a basket containing a live ferret, what appears to be a knife holder and a backpack

The court heard Dominic Hornberger, who did not attend the hearing on Wednesday, will receive treatment in a medium secure ward

Peter Clement, prosecuting, said: 'Madeline Thomas was sitting on a wall outside and did not see him being assaulted, but became aware of people walking away.

'At the same time the defendant approaches, stood in front of her and looked at the identity card around her neck and asked 'do you work at Home Office?'

'Although she did at the time, she was unsettled at the time and replied 'no,' [and] the defendant walked away.'

Onlooker Mr Nelson saw Ms Thomas being approached and shouted at the knifeman to 'get away', jurors heard.

'The defendant shouted something at Mr Nelson, he did not hear what,' Mr Clement said.

'Mr Nelson saw the defendant walk towards a woman who was sitting at the wall.

'Mr Nelson saw that and walked towards them, he shouted to get away.

'He said 'you b******s,' looked directly at Mr Nelson, walked towards him before turning back to his rucksack and put it in a sheath.

'He picked up the ruck sack and the animal container and walked away.'

Police pictured at the scene outside the Home Office in Westminster, central London, as they scour the scene following the stabbing

Southwark Crown Court heard the victim, who was in his 60s, was left with a 25cm wound to his back and a 10cm superficial wound to the forehead, along with other facial injuries

Items including spray, cash, train tickets, keys and an Oyster card are pictured behind a police cordon outside St John's Smith Square Church in Westminster after the incident today

Judge Deborah Taylor today praised Mr Nelson's actions and said he should receive a High Sheriff's Award.

'Without Mr Nelson's bravery and public-spirited behaviour, Mr Hornberger may not have been apprehended and may have carried out further knife attacks on strangers,' she said.

Hornberger, from Birmingham, was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and having a bladed article in a public place.

The judge found him unfit to enter pleas after hearing he suffered from autism, psychotic disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, but a jury found he did the acts associated with the offences.

On Wednesday, she made a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a restriction under Section 41 of the act, meaning the question of whether he is ever released would be a matter for the Secretary of State.

'This was an unprovoked, serious violent attack on a stranger, apparently on the basis that he worked for the Home Office,' Judge Taylor said.

'It is necessary to impose a Section 41 restriction for protection of the public from serious harm.

'You attacked Mr Reeves with a knife. If a member of the public had not intervened, you may well have gone on to attack more.'

The court heard Hornberger, who did not attend the hearing on Wednesday, will receive treatment in a medium secure ward.
New Delhi, April 21 : In a leaked video Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is seen taking a meeting at the GTB hospital and directing officials to take quick decisions without waiting for approvals from the Secretariat.

Sisodia is heard saying take clearance on What's app from him and put the screenshot when the file is sent for approval to the Secretariat.

Sisodia said, "Take clearance from me on WhatsApp, don't wait for approvals, take quick decisions." The Delhi Deputy CM is on his toes since the resurgence of the pandemic and monitoring each thing personally along with Health Minister Satyendra Jain.

Delhi is facing a shortage of oxygen and beds and the proactive role of Sisodia is helping people in dire need of healthcare facilities.

The Covid positivity rate in the national capital has shot up to 32.82 per cent (till April 20, night), making health management more challenging.

As per the Delhi government's report on April 20, a total of 86,526 samples were tested (56,724 RT-PCR and 29,802 Rapid Antigen) in the last 24 hours, of which 28,395 tests were found Covid positive.

A total of 19,430 people were reported recovered from Covid infection till Tuesday night, while a total of 8,07,328 people have recovered so far in Delhi.

The tally of active cases in Delhi has risen to 85,575. With 277 deaths on Tuesday, the capital's death toll reached 12,638.

Dr. B.L. Sherwal, Medical Director of Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital said, "It means every third person tested was Covid-19 positive. This is an alarming situation. This is the reason several hospitals in Delhi are overburdened with patients and short of oxygen."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) called out Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for not censuring Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) for gaslighting the trial of Derek Chauvin. Saying the Democrat's rhetoric is uncalled for.

Why did Liz Cheney say Maxine Waters' words were inflammatory?

Democrats have politicized the case of Derek Chauvin from day one and owe their headway to the unfortunate death of George Floyd that occurred during the arrest by Officer Chauvin, as reported by Epoch Times.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chauvin was convicted on all three charges, and this should have been the end of it, but the Democrats cannot resist pandering to the Left on the issue.

Rep. Cheney's Side on the Matter

Liz Cheney said that no elected official should ever attempt to incite violence through any statements of any kind. Waters did not mince words and goaded people to protest and commit violence. Next, she said Pelosi must make her fellow Democrat pay for what she did and not ignore it.

Cheney points out that on April 17, Waters took part in a protest at the Brooklyn Center in Minnesota. She told protesters to be more confrontational if the trial of Chauvin does not get a guilty verdict. Waters was quoted to say," We've got to make sure that they know that we mean business."

Pelosi was asked if the flaming rhetoric of Maxine Waters if they were not right and was inciting unnecessary confrontation; she said that her fellow Democrat should not unlike Liz Cheney, who thinks it's not appropriate.

Republicans say Democrats Shouldn't Change the President's Nuclear Authority, Call it Dangerous Precedent

The Democrat Speaker of the House is quoted in this statement: "Maxine spoke about the conflict in the manner of the civil rights movement." "I believe we should follow the George Floyd family's lead. They've handled it with grace, leaving no space for misunderstanding or misinterpretation on the other side. No, I don't believe she has to apologize."

Rep. Cheney's reaction came after the House voted against a GOP-led resolution on the hate-mongering speech of the California Democrat. It was a slim 216- 210 vote with six more Democrats votes, but two Democrats did not vote.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took time to torch Waters comments.

"Maxine Waters broke the law this weekend in Minnesota by violating curfew and then encouraging aggression. McCarthy wrote on Twitter, "Speaker Pelosi is dismissing Rep. Waters' behavior, that's why I'm introducing a resolution to reprimand Rep. Waters for these dangerous comments."

One comment by the judge handling the Chauvin Trial said that the Democrat's behavior was despicable.

Judge Peter Cahill stated that congresswoman Waters spoke about the Chauvin trial, and demanded a conviction for the murder, and told crowds to employ violence. He scoured officials like her, who won't be impartial and shut up saying anything that can influence the case. These politicians do not respect the rule of law and sanctity of the courts. They are destroying respect for the judicial system.

He said that Waters has failed to respect her oath to protect the Constitution as a member of Congress; this is what is abhorrent. Liz Cheney said that Maxine Waters needs to be sanctioned, but Nancy Pelosi does not seem to regard it as a problem.

Schumer Callously Mocks Texas over Energy Crisis, Says They Ignored Climate Change

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Islamabad, April 21 : The United Arad Emirates (UAE) has decided to help Pakistan with a $2 billion bailout package, committing "every possible support to Pakistan".

The UAE's support came during the visit of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to the Gulf nation.

Qureshi thanked UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating that UAE's help "reflected the warm and brotherly ties between the two countries".

"We greatly appreciate the UAE's continued support and cooperation," maintained the Pakistan foreign office.

Qureshi has also raised the issue of visa restrictions for Pakistanis in his meeting with the Emirati Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh.

During the visit, Qureshi also highlighted the contributions made by the Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE for both the countries.

"He emphasised the need for nurturing and strengthening people-to-people linkages, as well as removing the impediments that hamper travel between the two countries," maintained the Pakistan foreign office.

It is pertinent to mention that the UAE had put a ban on work visas for Pakistani nationals, creating a major impact on Pakistan as it relies on remittances from the Emirates.

While the restriction was attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, many believe that the move came after Pakistan started showing inclination towards the formation of a joint consortium with Turkey and Malaysia to represent the Muslim world, which would be a direct opposing and challenging entity to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), led by the Arab world.

Moreover, Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process and a cold shoulder support by the Arab world to Pakistan on its stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with India, were also among the reasons why the relations between the two countries hit a bump.

But the recent intervention by the UAE in initiating and facilitating backdoor secret talks and meetings between top level intelligence officials of India and Pakistan resulted in imposition of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), delegation level talks on water dispute and signs of opening of trade through the Wagah border.

On the other hand, a massive number of Pakistanis are employed in the UAE, who send remittances back to their home country, playing a pivotal role in supporting the country's crippling economy.

Pakistan has stressed the need for an early resolution to the visa restrictions for its citizens, apprising the UAE of the difficulties being faced by the Pakistani community in the UAE.
A man receives the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Chicago on April 6, 2021. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

22 in Chicago Nursing Homes Tested Positive for COVID-19 After Vaccination

Twenty-two people in skilled nursing homes in Chicago have tested positive for COVID-19 two or more weeks after being fully vaccinated against the CCP virus, officials disclosed on April 21.

Out of 627 people with confirmed infections of the CCP virus in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in the Illinois city, 12 residents and 10 staff members were identified as having been fully vaccinated 14 or more days before contracting the virus.

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Instances of people who are fully vaccinated and still get COVID-19 are described as breakthrough cases.

Out of the 22 breakthrough cases identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health officials, 14 showed no symptoms, four required hospitalization (two for reasons said to be unrelated to COVID-19), and one died.

The patient who died experienced fatigue and respiratory symptoms before being diagnosed with pneumonia. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 when admitted to a hospital, and died seven days later.

The death certificate listed complications of COVID-19 infection as the primary cause of death, with underlying conditions including chronic kidney disease.

No signs of secondary transmission, or breakthrough patients passing along the virus to others, were confirmed.

Although few SARS-CoV-2 infections in fully vaccinated persons were observed, these cases demonstrate the need for SNFs to follow recommended routine infection prevention and control practices and promote high vaccination coverage among SNF residents and staff members, researchers wrote in a report published by federal health officials.

Whether vaccinated asymptomatic persons can transmit SARS-CoV-2 is also unknown; therefore, facilities should continue to require residents to quarantine after close contact with an infected person, they said.

SARS-CoV-2 is another name for the CCP virus.

The time period studied was between each facilitys first vaccination clinic date and March 31.

During the period, nearly 8,000 residents in the facilities and 6,824 staff members were fully vaccinated.

Nationwide, some 5,814 reports of breakthrough cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal health agency, as of April 13. The cases were between Dec. 14, 2020, and April 13.

A spokesperson for the agency declined to provide a state-by-state breakdown of the cases, of which 396 were hospitalized and 74 died.

To date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in case demographics or vaccine characteristics, the spokesperson said in an email, adding that the CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone who is eligible.

S. Mark Tompkins, professor of infectious disease for the Center for Vaccines and Immunology, said he wasnt surprised by the number of breakthrough cases.

No vaccine or naturally acquired immunity is 100 percent effective. That combined with the high level of SARS-CoV-2 infections, or circulating virus mean we will see potential breakthrough cases. And we are nowhere near herd immunity, he told The Epoch Times via email.

For example, if a vaccine is 90 percent effective, a simple way to look at it, is a vaccinated person would be protected from 9 out of 10 potential infections. If there are a lot of infected and shedding people around you, you are likely to have many exposures to the SARS virus. This is an oversimplification but captures one of our current challenges. And it exemplifies the need to vaccinate. 90 percent protection is fantastic!

Because the United States contains such a diverse population, people will respond differently to vaccines. A small number may not have robust immune responses to the vaccine they receive, he said.

So, they get partial protection, but imperfect. So, with lots of virus around us, they are more likely to become infected, Tompkins said. This really drives home the reason for everyone to get vaccinated. Some will have imperfect immunity or not be able to be vaccinated.
Seventy three percent of Australian CIOs plan to extend salary increases to their tech employees in 2021, according to a new salary guide from one recruiting firm.

The 2021 Salary Guide from ICT industry recruiter Robert Half reveals that 69% of the CIOs say they are also willing to increase their initial salary offering to secure tech talent.



And the survey also reveals that growing demand for technology skills is driving companies to increase their remuneration offerings well beyond that of other sectors in a bid to attract and retain top tech candidates.

According to Robert Half across most industries, the pandemic sparked the rapid roll out of extensive digital transformation agendas as well as the initiation of new strategic projects to meet the changing needs and expectations of clients and consumers.

As a result, there is strong growth in the technology sector which is defying stagnant growth trends in other industries with total jobs in the information and technology sector growing by 7.3% in the last quarter compared to a national growth of 2.2%, Robert Half says.

As new business opportunities emerge while the entry of international talent slows, the study of 100 CIOs found that over four-in-five (82%) are concerned about losing their top tech talent due to the impact of COVID-19.

In response, nearly three-quarters (73%) of businesses plan to extend salary increases to their existing tech employees with four-in-ten (39%) of them saying they will extend salary increases to all tech employees and 34% saying only top performers would receive increases.

And while national wage growth is forecast at a stagnant 1.5% for the year ahead, salaries in the tech sector are well-positioned to achieve above-market growth, with Robert Half research revealing that the average increase for those expecting a salary increase is well above national wage growth levels at 6.8% - more than 5% above the forecast national wage growth.

Robert Half says salary trends in 2021 are driven for new employees, with Australian companies also concerned about finding the right IT talent with over half (53%) of CIOs saying it is more challenging to find qualified IT employees compared to before the pandemic, emphasising the dual challenges of attraction and retention in the technology sector.

In the race to attract skilled tech talent as the market becomes more competitive and with employees less willing to change jobs, the survey reveaals that 69% of respondents say they are willing to increase their initial salary offering to secure in-demand IT professionals.

And more than four in 10 (43%) CIOs say they will increase salaries to secure top talent only, while 26% state they will increase pay offers to get all IT staff to accept their job offer.

According to Robert Half, COVID-19 has accelerated change and transformation, but the long-term benefits of investing in technology have also become apparent to many business leaders.

In 2021, the study found that industries such as healthcare and not-for-profit are significantly increasing their hiring activity for IT staff.

According to the study, while tech roles that immediately support new digital capabilities are paramount, such as leveraging data for efficiency and planning purposes, longer-term strategies for investing in tech are creating strong demand for specialist skills such as IT security, IT management, and business transformation.

Robert Half says that the specialist skills within technology that are proving to be the most difficult to find amongst job candidates include IT security (36%), IT management (33%), business transformation (30%), development or design (28%), and business intelligence (27%).

And with limited supply and high demand in the market, these skill sets are well positioned to command above-market salary offers from employers eager to secure their talent.

Wage growth in the tech sector is being driven by a demand-supply imbalance. There is increased demand for tech talent as companies expand their IT teams and enhance their digital capabilities because of the pandemic. But as the tech sector remains buoyant compared to many others, elevated demand for tech skills is coinciding with a tightening supply of skilled talent, which is becoming increasingly insufficient to meet demand, says David Jones, Senior Managing Director Asia Pacific.

Remuneration has always been a key driver to attract and retain IT professionals. However, while there is a willingness to offer salary increases  particularly to top performers  not every company is positioned to engage in a bidding war as they recover from months of uncertainty.

Companies should therefore complement remuneration with alternative employee benefits to help differentiate themselves from their competitors. Non-financial benefits such as supporting work-life balance, working flexibility, including a mix of remote and in-office hours, and career development are just some of the non-financial benefits likely to add value to employees in 2021, Jones concludes.
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To take one glance at Joaquim Calcada, you might expect him to have a story as tall as his hair. Pushing 70 years of age, zipped tightly into a leather bomber as glossy and black as his shellacked pompadour, he has the look of a grizzled Elvis impersonator, way adrift in small-town Portugal. Yet Joaquims life is a grounded one, weighed down by ordinary personal regrets and socioeconomic strains, even as his memories are dusted with second-hand glitter: Once a New York limo driver to the likes of Muhammad Ali and Jackie Kennedy, he now finds himself facing a lean blue-collar retirement in his home country, with little to show for his erstwhile travels and ambitions but some well-worn anecdotes. They find a sympathetic ear, however, in Susana Nobres lovely, surprising miniature Jacks Ride, a perceptive hybrid documentary that leans into drama as it indulges its subjects gifts as a raconteur.

After premiering in the Forum section of the Berlinale, the film  whose malleable nonfiction playfulness merges the stricter documentary sensibility of the directors earlier work with the narrative diversion of 2018s fest-traveled Ordinary Time  should continue to find favor with a broad range of festival programmers. Yet that very formal flexibility makes Jacks Ride a harder sell to arthouse distributors: Specialist streaming outlets are likeliest to take a chance on its gentle, curious charms, which seem to reap inspiration from sources as disparate as Ken Loach, Aki Kaurismaki and Miguel Gomes.

Nobre sends her audience mixed messages in the films opening minutes: Opening proceedings on herself, as she fixes the camera on her affable, slickly groomed subject, Jacks Ride announces itself as hands-on verite, before artifice trickles in via the retro stylings of its saturated 16mm lensing and jaunty throwback score. Perhaps Joaquim himself views his life story as the kind of genre caper these affectations are suggesting, though its hit a hard reality in the present day.

In a Portugal still ravaged by austerity and unemployment, Joaquim (previously a laborer in the aeronautics industry) is months away from retirement, though to collect benefits, he must be a proven job-seeker. This absurd bureaucratic muddle sets him on a trail across the country, scrambling for stamps as he applies for work he doesnt want and cannot get.

Thus is Jacks Ride set up as a kind of shaggy-dog road movie, with no destination but the humble, colorfully tiled home he already shares with his quiet, patient girlfriend Miranda. As he rambles cross-country on this listless quest, however, Joaquim reflects wistfully on the 20 years he spent as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, and a more purposeful parallel journey is tracked in the past tense.

In the 1970s, the young Joaquim was hungry to escape the political turmoil and economic hardship of the Estado Novo, even if it meant working around the clock in pursuit of a modestly paid American Dream. I never saw my son with his eyes open, he says. Perhaps tellingly, we hear little more of his family life than that.

An arduous cycle of menial jobs finally gave way to a steadier gig as a taxi driver and limo chauffeur, and its here where his memories seem at once rosiest and most violently fraught. Nobre re-stages this period of his life as Scorsese-style urban mood piece, with the older Joaquim steering a stationary car down back-projected New York streets: Colorful anecdotes from these years are recalled in drawling voiceover, and sometimes dramatized in heightened, gauchely acted fashion by the man himself.

Perhaps such detours allude to the embellishing powers of memory. Since returning to his hometown in the 1990s  No longer a dear son but a poor devil, he quips mordantly  his life has seemingly been a comparatively staid affair, more akin to a kitchen-sink drama than the underworld-adjacent flash of his New York years. Yet even in the present, Nobre finds room for romance and improbable beauty: Paulo Menezes gorgeous, grainy camerawork can somehow make a captivating composition from a stack of industrial pallets in an empty warehouse. Jacks Ride is a docufiction that rather cleverly matches the blurred lines of its own subjects storytelling at each formal turn.

Reviewed in Visions du Reel festivals (online), London, Apr. 19, 2021. (Also in Berlin Film Festival.) Running time: 70 MIN. (Original title: No taxi do Jack)

Running Time: Running time: 70 MIN.

Production

(Portugal) A Terratreme Filmes production. Producer: Joao Matos.

Crew

Director, writer: Susana Nobre. Camera: Paulo Menezes. Editors: Nobre, Joao Rosas.

With

Joaquim Verissimo Calcada, Armindo Martins Rato, Maria Carvalho. (Portuguese, English dialogue)

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Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is seriously considering running for president in 2024, three people familiar with his thinking tell Axios.

Driving the news: While Christie isn't saying anything publicly about his thinking  besides telling radio host Hugh Hewitt he's not ruling it out  people close to him have an early sense of the rationale and outlines of a potential candidacy.

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The big picture: Absent another run by former President Trump, the field would be wide open.

Christie, whose 2016 bid for the nomination was short-lived, has told friends that he'd be the only person in the 2024 field with executive experience who has run a presidential race before.

That's a clear shot at one potential rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who's enjoying a surge of popularity from Republican voters for his handling of COVID-19 and his sparring with the media but hasn't yet endured the scrutiny of a presidential bid.

Christie could run on a reputation for toughness that appeals to Trump's base minus the former president's recklessness, said one source. Another said he has a mix of combativeness and charisma that Republicans are looking for to take on President Biden and Democrats.

He has potential crossover appeal to blue-collar and suburban right-of-center voters.

And his experience as a former federal prosecutor could help distinguish him in debates and prepare for a primary contest in which there may be less of a premium on ad-libbing than in 2016.

Between the lines: Christie has a steep hill to climb if he does decide to run. In 2016, his candidacy got a walloping by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as well as the unexpected, once-in-a-generation political phenomenon that was Trump.

Now that Christie is out of any elected office, his statements don't carry the newsworthiness of a sitting governor's or a senator's.

But from his perch as an ABC contributor, Christie has been making statements designed to get headlines and position himself as a top Republican attack dog against the President Biden. On a recent "This Week" appearance, Christie accused Biden of "lying" in his descriptions of infrastructure.

The bottom line: Christie has told associates that Trump's decision about running again in 2024 won't affect his own decision-making.

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By Denis Slattery | New York Daily News

Albany, N.Y.  New York lawmakers put the finishing touches on a piece of legislation mandating extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID crisis.

The New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act, sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D- Queens) and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D- Bronx), calls for fines against businesses that fail to adopt and enact new standards to protect workers and stem the spread of coronavirus or other airborne diseases.

Too many workers have already sacrificed their health for our communitys benefit, Gianaris said after the Senate passed the measure on Tuesday. The New York HERO Act honors their efforts by giving workers the tools to protect themselves while on the job.

The union-backed bill directs the Department of Labor to issue airborne infectious disease standards for businesses thatll include protocols on testing, face masks, personal protective equipment, social distancing and other measures.

The standards will be crafted by industry-specific worker committees, and the bill also includes strong anti-retaliation provisions that allow workers to call out employers without fear of reprisal.

The devastating infection rate and death toll that continues to ravage New Yorkers, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, shows that the status quo is broken workers must have meaningful workplace health and safety protections, with real enforcement, said Dennis Trainor, the vice president of CWA District 1. This legislation is a long-overdue step to ensure all workers are protected on the job, and we call on Gov. Cuomo to sign this bill into law.

While it had widespread support from labor leaders, the bill faced criticism and pushback from the business community.

A group of organizations, including the National Federation of Independent Business, New York State Restaurant Association and the Business Council, submitted a last-minute memorandum opposing the act.

Many say they are concerned with the provision since it also allows employees to sue employers for noncompliance with these COVID-19 safety protocols, potentially opening the door to frivolous lawsuits. They also point to how contact tracing data has found these businesses are not a significant source of transmission.

This new mandate on businesses is an overreach that will additionally distress job creators and businesses bottom lines at a time when revenue is down and the economic future is rife with uncertainty, our state should be focusing on a full and fast economic recovery, the groups wrote.

The Democratic-led Senate initially passed the bill last month, but last-minute language changes as the Assembly approved the measure on Monday meant it had to go through the upper chamber once more.

The Legislature is once again taking action to protect workers, said Sen. Jessica Ramos (D- Queens). Throughout this pandemic, workers across our state have had to put their lives and the lives of their families at risk to keep New York running. Its our turn to take care of them.
The number of Russian troops, currently concentrated near Ukraine's borders, is not sufficient for a full-scale offensive, analysts from the International Crisis Group (ICG) have said.

According to them, there appears to be little likelihood of an imminent resurgence of the bloody fighting that shook Donbas, a swathe of eastern Ukraine, in 2014 and 2015.

"Troop numbers and postures, although worrying, do not fit the template for an invasion," the statement reads.

The ICG believes that Russia's recent troop movements and rhetoric suggest it may be growing frustrated, and perhaps is trying to squeeze Ukraine into making concessions.

"Moscow may hope that a combination of force build-up and Russian rhetoric about "protecting citizens" will make Kyiv think twice about responding if Russian-backed forces, unbound by the ceasefire as it dissolves, seek tactical advantages," the statement reads.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Andrii Taran said on April 10 that the real goals of Russia's military build-up near Ukraine's borders could be to increase pressure on Ukraine so that it makes concessions in the negotiation process and to demonstrate the readiness to use force.

President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukraine was ready for a Russian invasion, which could happen at any time.

Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak said in his speech in the Ukrainian parliament that Russia had deployed 28 battalion tactical groups along its state border with Ukraine, as well as in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and Crimea, which poses a potential threat to Ukraine's national security.

op
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - With the increase in demand for technology-enhanced items (TEIs) for large-scale e-assessment that are interoperable (to enable sharing assessment items among various jurisdictions), two leading e-assessment organizations, Vretta (Canada) and Wiquid (France), have entered into a collaboration to deliver a unique solution that meets this need.

They are creating an innovative catalogue of Portable Custom Interactions (PCIs), that are essentially interoperable TEIs, for examination bodies, research institutions, and ministries of education to provide students with truly engaging and meaningful e-assessment experience. The Vretta-Wiquid partnership brings 20+ years of experience, delivering large-scale e-assessment solutions through data-driven strategies that focus on student-success.

The benefits of the interoperability of assessment items are more evident than ever before. The trend at a growing majority of examination bodies, research institutions, and ministries of education around the world has been steadily leaning towards collaborating and sharing large-scale e-assessment items for use in their jurisdictions.

PCIs are designed to follow best practices in interoperability, adhering to IMS Global Assessment Custom Interactions standards. Designed and developed to be inherently interoperable, PCIs allow for the creation of interactive assessment items without the need to worry about ensuring compatibility standards during development or transforming items later.

PCIs allow for a high level of customization in order to meet the needs of an institution or ministry looking to create custom e-assessment items, while providing deeper insight into student interactions which can inform teaching and learning decisions, as well as guide the development of future e-assessment items.

This feedback loop of a student's interaction, to data collection, and then to item development, is an essential feature of PCIs. But it is wholly dependent on one element: engagement. It does not matter how much data the PCI has the potential to gather if students are not motivated to make the interaction in the first place. If student engagement is not front and centre in the development PCIs, the core feedback loop becomes less effective and could even potentially lead to incorrect assumptions about student-behaviour.

Given the benefits of PCIs and its increase in demand, Vretta and Wiquid have entered into a collaboration to deliver this solution on a large scale. At the heart of these developments is the focus on motivating student-interaction by creating PCIs that not only maintain the engagement of TEIs, but significantly increasing it.

To learn more about transforming the large-scale e-assessment experience in your jurisdiction, email [email protected] .

About Vretta

Vretta is a multi-award winning organization that specializes in delivering assessment and learning experiences that support student success at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational levels. With over a decade of research and dedication in understanding how students succeed by interacting with rich and engaging technology-enhanced assessments, Vretta specializes in the innovative use of assessments to provide greater equity and strengthen the skills of students. They focus on modernizing assessment and learning solutions through creative design, backed by psychometric precision, delivering reliable, flexible and equitable learning and assessment experiences for students, educators, and administrators.

SOURCE Vretta Inc.

Related Links

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Chris Pratt is back on set and scaling a set of steps in a rather unconventional way while filming his new series The Terminal List.

The 41-year-old actor was spotted climbing up the side of an outdoor staircase while filming the new Amazon Studios series.

The actor was not seen with any of his co-stars on the set, which include his brother-in-law, Patrick Schwarzenegger.

On set: Chris Pratt is back on set and scaling a set of steps in a rather unconventional way while filming his new series The Terminal List

Pratt was spotted wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt under a black t-shirt, with a black t-shirt poking out from under his shirt.

He completed his look wearing black pants and black sneakers as was seen hanging from the outside of a set of stairs.

The Jurassic World star was also seen pulling himself up from the handrails as production continued.

Chris' look: Pratt was spotted wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt under a black t-shirt, with a black t-shirt poking out from under his shirt

Pratt signed on to star in The Terminal List back in May 2020, which is adapted from the 2018 novel of the same name by Jack Carr.

Pratt will portray James Reece, a Navy SEAL who returns home after the rest of his platoon is ambushed on a mission.

While Reece has conflicting memories of the ambush, new evidence comes to light that has this soldier questioning everything and putting his family in danger.

New role: Pratt signed on to star in The Terminal List back in May 2020, which is adapted from the 2018 novel of the same name by Jack Carr

The Terminal List is the first in a series of books centering on Pratt's character James Reece, including 2019's True Believer, 2020's Savage Son and The Devil's Hand, which was released just last week.

Pratt stars alongside Constance Wu as Katie Buranek, Jeanne Tripplehorn as Lorraine Hartley, Patrick Schwarzenegger as Donny Mitchell, Riley Keough as Lauren Reece and Taylor Kitsch as Ben Edwards.

David DiGilio (Strange Angel) created the series based on Jack Carr's book, with Pratt also executive producing and Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) directing the pilot.

New character: The Terminal List is the first in a series of books centering on Pratt's character James Reece, including 2019's True Believer, 2020's Savage Son and The Devil's Hand, which was released just last week

Pratt also shared how special this project was to him when he shared a photo of real Navy SEALS on Instagram.

'Our world balances between light and dark. And though it feels precarious, it was created that way. We are called, each of us, to be of some service- to be light. Few answer the call. And fewer yet to the degree of the Warfare Special Operator. It has been my great honor to work alongside the men in this photo,' Pratt said.

'Many of whom are actual Navy Seals. As far as men go, it is my opinion there are none equal to the SEAL. Im trying my hardest to portray James Reece in a believable way. With enough smoke and mirrors and technical advice from the men whove lived it, well fake it just enough to tell the incredible story,' he added.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Police misconduct, racism and voting rights were the first issues candidates for New Mexicos 1st Congressional District were asked about during a virtual forum Tuesday night.

Hosted by the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative, the forum was the first in the race for the vacant Albuquerque-based seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. It began with a moment of silence to recognize the trial centered on the murder of George Floyd, which ended hours earlier with a guilty verdict against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

The trial was referenced throughout the night by the three candidates who participated: state Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat; Chris Manning, a Libertarian; and independent Aubrey Dunn. Absent was the Republican candidate, state Sen. Mark Moores.

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This is quite an emotional day, Stansbury said. Today, jurors in Minneapolis recognized that George Floyds life matters.

Asked how to address police misconduct, Manning said qualified immunity  a legal principle that shields police officers and other government officers from civil penalties in some cases  should be reformed at the federal level.

I dont think agents of the state should be allowed to kill you without repercussions, he said.

He added that police departments across the country should be barred from investigating their own shootings and use-of-force cases.

Stansbury said that if elected she would support the Breathe Act and the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act, which have been introduced in Congress and aim to reform policing and work to restrict qualified immunity. She also said that its important to address criminal justice matters by tackling underlying issues, such as education and behavioral health.

The system is broken, clearly. People are dying, people of color disproportionately, she said. We have to reform policing in America and dismantle systemic racism.

Dunn, a former state land commissioner, said he also thinks there should be a better way to hold officers accountable.

We talked about systemic problems. The parties have pandered for votes rather than making improvement. What I bring as an independent is I want to work for you, not for a party, he said. I think one of the systemic issues is a two-party system.

One of the forums moderators, Khalil Ekulona, the host of KUNM Radios No More Normal, said Moores declined to participate or provide a statement.

Moores was scheduled to appear at another event the same time as the forum. The state GOP had said he would attend the Republican Party of Sandoval Countys monthly meeting at a Rio Rancho church.

New Mexicos 1st Congressional District includes most of Bernalillo County, all of Torrance County and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties.

The seat is vacant after former Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., resigned when she was confirmed to be U.S. secretary of the interior. Moores, Stansbury and Manning were all selected by officials in their parties to run for the post.

A special election to determine who will fill the seat is scheduled for June 1.
WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will reopen hair salons and let some children return to schools in 11 of its 16 regions from April 26, the health minister said on Wednesday, as daily COVID-19 case numbers start to fall.

Poland has seen record daily numbers of cases and deaths during the third wave of the pandemic, and introduced a raft of nationwide restrictions, including the closure of cinemas, hotels and many shops, in March. (Graphic of global cases and deaths) https://tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi

However, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told a news conference that the infection rate in many regions was now at a level where authorities believed they can lift some restrictions.

"We wanted to separate... those regions where the situation is the most difficult," he said. "However, in other regions we want to introduce some loosening (of restrictions)."

Children in the first three years of primary school will return to school for some lessons in the regions with lower rates of infection, Niedzielski told a news conference. Hair and beauty salons will also reopen.

In the remaining five regions, which include the southern industrial centre Silesia, the current restrictions will remain.

Asked about the presence of counterfeit Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines in Poland, Health Ministry Spokesman Wojciech Andrusiewicz said authorities had not received any information about this.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Pfizer had identified counterfeit versions of its COVID-19 vaccine in Poland and Mexico.

"The risk of some counterfeit appearing in official circulation is practically non-existent," Niedzielski added. "The entire logistic chain is built in such a way as to ensure security, so that no counterfeit will appear in official circulation."

(Graphic on global vaccinations) https://tmsnrt.rs/3tUM8ta

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz and Anna Koper; editing by John Stonestreet and Lisa Shumaker)
The Washington Free Beacon is reporting:

A North Carolina education advocacy group launched a website this week to help whistleblowers expose radicalism in K-12 schools.

Education First Alliance launched its Schoolhouse Shock watchdog site on Monday to help parents and teachers call attention to radicalism in the classroom. Users can anonymously upload videos, photos, and documents from their childs class to catalog critical race theory-based lessons being taught in schools.

"Our new statewide whistleblower program, Schoolhouse Shock, will add to our toolbox in the fight against the onslaught of racially inflammatory and sexualized curriculums that children are being immersed in all over North Carolina," Sloan Rachmuth, Education First Alliance president, said in a statement.

The North Carolina Board of Education in February adopted radical curriculum standards built around critical race theorythe idea that American economic and political systems are inherently racist. Critics including the Education First Alliance and North Carolina lieutenant governor Mark Robinson (R.) say the politically charged standards undermine students education.

Rachmuth, an investigative reporter, established Education First Alliance in January. The nonprofit opposes the use of anti-American ideologies like critical race theory and antiracism in classrooms and pushes "for the equality of dignity and of opportunity for all K-12 students."

"Asking children to solve, or suffer the punishment for, previous generations injustices is not only irresponsible and ineffective, it is a continuance of that same injustice," the groups mission statement reads.

Education First Alliance charts the rise of critical race theory in education on its blog. The group reported on a nine-week-long "Culturally Responsive Teaching" training that instructed teachers to "disrupt" the education system with critical race theory. The group also documented a series of tweets in which James Forda North Carolina state education board member who was hand-selected by Democratic governor Roy Cooperlauded anti-Semitic preacher Jeremiah Wright.

The organization uncovered documents that instructed North Carolina public school teachers to ask students about their sexual orientations and more. Middle school students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district were asked about their sexual preferences. Sixth graders at Innovation Academy, a school south of Raleigh, were given a survey that asked students to count the number of genders and sexual orientations they believe exist, as well as whether they believe the gay community deserves rights.

Grassroots opposition to leftist indoctrination is on the rise. In North Carolina, Robinson in March created the F.A.C.T.S. Task Force, which provides parents another way to share radical education materials and other examples of "indoctrination" in schools. The national, nonpartisan Parents Defending Education launched in March to provide resourcesincluding a tip-line and instructions for filing public records requeststo parents who want to protect their childs education from "activists promoting harmful agendas."

North Carolinas education board began revising the states K-12 history curriculum in 2019. Early drafts of the standards called for teaching students as young as kindergarten terms like "systemic racism" and "gender identity."

Under the standards passed in February, second graders will learn "how various indigenous, religious, gender, and racial groups advocate for freedom and equality." Students in fourth grade will learn how "revolution, reform, and resistance shaped North Carolina." High school American history students will learn to "compare how some groups in American society have benefited from economic policies while other groups have been systematically denied the same benefits."

Robinson, the first black lieutenant governor of North Carolina, said that teaching students that America is systemically racist is a "disservice to students."

"To say that this is a racist nationthat is not true," Robinson said. "And when we write standards that point to that direction in any way, we are doing our students a disservice."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Derek Chauvin jury voted with their eyes.

The infamous video of Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer, kneeling on the neck of a handcuffed, unresisting and prone George Floyd for nine minutes and 29 seconds, leading to Floyds death, was simply too much for the defense to overcome.

Its impossible to look at the video and to think that it was normal police procedure. Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter.

But the outcome of the trial, one of the most closely watched in history, isnt likely to immediately unite Americas battling political factions.

Those on the left said they were relieved and gratified by the verdict. But as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said in a joint appearance afterward, much work still needs to be done when it comes to racial justice in America.

Many on the right, despite agreeing that what Chauvin did was wrong and deserving of punishment, wondered how someone can be found guilty of both murder and manslaughter. They think that Chauvin is being thrown to the wolves of the woke mob.

For the left, justice never comes fast enough. The right says that liberals will never be satisfied. Thats the rub.

But the Chauvin verdict showed that there can be justice in a case of a police-involved death. Or at least accountability. That hasnt always been in the case in this country. Its progress, even if for some its too incremental.

The reading of the Chauvin verdict was another of those ever more rare moments when Americans were tuned in to one event, either watching on TV, looking at their phones or listening to the radio.

The reading of the verdict against O.J. Simpson was like that. As was the verdict against the Los Angeles police officers accused of beating of Rodney King, another horrific moment caught on video for all to see.

So it was a moment of American unity, at least in some small way.

And even though demonstrators broke store windows during a protest Tuesday night in Portland, Ore., the overall tone across the country after the reading of the verdict was celebratory. We didnt see widespread violence, not even by anarchist types who look to disrupt at every opportunity, no matter the issue at hand. That was encouraging.

The Floyd case isnt done yet, of course. Chauvin has yet to be sentenced. There will be appeals. There will no doubt be dissatisfaction on both sides of the aisle over whatever punishment is eventually meted out.

And there are other cases of police-involved deaths yet to be adjudicated out there, each one another potential tinderbox.

And we must continue to have the debate in this country over the appropriate use of force by police. Because sometimes force has to be used. Cops cant be afraid to do their jobs.

Even though police must show restraint, we simply cant allow suspects to disagree to be arrested. The cheering for defunding of the police stops when its you or your loved ones who are threatened. There has to be a balance.

And Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) needs to formally answer in Congress for her incendiary call for protestors to be more confrontational if the Chauvin verdict wasnt to their liking. It was dangerously irresponsible and Waters should be called out, no matter what side of the aisle youre on.

And Biden in the future must refrain from giving his opinion of ongoing criminal cases. Its not for him to announce that Chauvin should be found guilty, as he did before the verdict was handed down. His defense that he only did so after the jury was sequestered simply doesnt hold water.

America has a long way to go no matter where you look.
Michael Mosley (Ozark) is set as a series regular in the upcoming fourth season of USA Networks crime anthology series The Sinner, starring Bill Pullman.In Season 4, still reeling from the trauma of a previous case a year ago, the now-retired Harry Ambrose (Pullman) travels to Hanover Island in Northern Maine for a recuperative getaway with his partner, Sonya (Jessica Hecht). When an unexpected tragedy occurs involving the daughter of a prominent island family, Ambrose is recruited to help the investigation, only to be thrown into a mystery of mounting paranoia that will turn this sleepy tourist island, and Ambroses life, upside down.Mosley will play Colin Muldoon, a rugged lobsterman and the devoted son of Meg Muldoon. Colin helped raise his niece, Percy (Alice Kremelberg), and will do anything to protect his family.
For many in San Antonio, the sweeping and swiftly rendered guilty verdicts against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pointed toward progress for a nation profoundly shaken by deadly collisions of race and policing.

After three weeks of testimony, it took a jury about 10 hours to find Chauvin, 45, guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, a Black man.

La Juana Chambers Lawson, 33, said she had serious anxiety as she waited to hear the verdicts. When the news came, she stared at the television in disbelief.

Im like crying over here, said Lawson, owner of Tacit Growth Strategies. I honestly didnt know what to expect. Were just used to not getting a guilty verdict. This is profound, it feels like the beginning of a new day.  I feel like were beginning to see America for the first time. Its not just Black people out there, its the entire tapestry.

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Lawson said she feels it took the coronavirus pandemic to humble and remind everyone how valuable and precious we are.

The killing of Floyd last May sparked protests across America and a national reckoning over race and policing. Video captured Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for nine and a half minutes as Floyd, handcuffed and prone in the street, struggled to breathe. Chauvin kept his knee on Floyds neck even after Floyds eyes closed and his body went limp.

City and county officials welcomed the verdicts  but only as one step toward racial justice.

In a statement, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said justice was served, but cautioned that America still has a long way to go in the quest for true social and racial justice.

Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan, the City Councils lone Black member, watched the verdict live at home with her mother and two sons, ages 21 and 24. As the judge read each verdict, shock and awe set in. Her younger son wondered why hasnt this been done before?

Andrews-Sullivan said she walked through my house praising God before she hugged both of her sons.

You try to take it all in, she said. You try to wrap your head around its real, its real, the verdict is real.

Air Force veteran Josey Garcia couldnt help but cry tears of joy after hearing Chauvin was found guilty on all counts. After seeing the video of Floyds murder over the summer, Garcia came out of retirement to work with Reliable Revolutionaries, a political and criminal justice reform organization.

Weve been fighting so hard, Garcia said. What we were fighting for is accountability against the unjust murder of citizens  Seeing this verdict come back today lets us know that our efforts have shown others that we need justice.

Tears also overtook Debbie Bush, the aunt of Marquise Jones, a Black man killed by a San Antonio police officer in 2014. She said the verdicts have reinvigorated her fight for justice for her nephew and energized other families affected by police brutality.

It feels good to know a family finally has broken through the thin blue line and got real justice, Bush said.

Ananda Tomas, deputy director of police reform organization Fix SAPD, considered the verdicts historic.

This is the first time weve had really true accountability and justice for a case thats this big dealing with police brutality in a long time, Tomas said. I think that all the protests, all the conversations, all the added pressure and attention in this definitely contribute to getting this.

But the verdicts wont change the system overnight, Tomas said.

Its a small step, but its going to really depend on what we do after this, Tomas said. Its just one example instead of actually changing the system. So its going to rest on our backs, in our hands, if this is something that continues.

In contrast to last spring, when a protest over Floyds death turned into a riot downtown, the streets were quiet Tuesday afternoon.

Kenneth Grimes, 46, was typing on his laptop beneath the shade of a tree near the Commerce Street bridge.

The military veteran and writer said he didnt listen to the trial or the verdicts because he saw the whole thing as more of the same.

People need to stop criminalizing Black men for all the ills in America, Grimes said. It just cant keep going on like this.

Our society can do better as a whole and its up to individuals inside, how they feel about other people, he added. I cant have negative feelings toward people I dont know.

Civil rights activist Mario Salas had mixed emotions about the verdicts.

Salas started out in the civil rights movement more than half a century ago with a police brutality case similar to the one that killed Floyd. In 1968, Bobby Joe Phillips, a Black man, was arrested and beaten by police. He later died from his injuries.

There was no justice at all, Salas said, George Floyd has to be looked at as a time when we finally got some accountability. But we still have a long way to go before we get justice.

In Chauvins trial, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that the former officer violated police policy when he knelt on Floyds neck for so long.

Chauvin also failed to provide medical aid to Floyd after he became unresponsive, another violation of policy, according to Arradondo. Several expert witnesses supported the prosecutions contention that Floyd died from asphyxia, or the deprivation of oxygen  not drug use or an underlying heart condition, as argued by Chauvins defense team.

Michael Smith, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Texas at San Antonio, called the guilty verdicts appropriate and the evidence against Chauvin  especially the extensive video footage of Floyds death  overwhelming.

Youve got multiple videos that were taken of the slow-motion execution of Mr. Floyd, Smith said. I think the video evidence was overwhelming.

The case, he said, has had an impact on policing  even before the verdicts came down.

Since May, when this happened, theres legislation thats underway or in some cases has already been passed by legislatures across the country, in varying degrees, dealing with police reform topics, Smith said. And I think thats a direct result of this case.

The Chauvin case did not necessarily reflect a lack of police training, Smith said, because the former officer was not trained to kneel on Floyds neck for so long  in fact, he was trained not to do that. But so many other episodes of police violence across the country, particularly shootings by fearful police officers, must be addressed by improved training, he said.

There are ways we can inoculate officers to that kind of stress and high-pressure, time-pressure decision making and help them get better at it, Smith said. That takes additional training and time and money.

State Judge Velia Meza was conducting a hearing in the 226th District Court when one of the attorneys on the Zoom call remarked during a break that a verdict was upcoming. The court began keeping track of developments for security reasons, should something happen at the courthouse.

After the verdicts were read, Meza remarked on how quickly they came. Typically, jurors take an hour of deliberations for an hour of testimony.

Obviously in this case, the verdicts came back really fast, considering the law they had to follow, Meza said.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the verdicts should help the nation find a way forward.

George Floyds final moments became part of our national consciousness, Gonzales said in a statement. The trial of the officer accused of causing this national tragedy before our eyes must serve to drive changes that restore trust in the criminal justice system, he added.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar echoed that call.

Justice has been served, Salazar said in a statement. My hope is that the verdict reached and the changes being brought about bring solace to Mr. Floyds family and the community at large.

Staff Writer Jacob Beltran contributed to this report.
New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (April 21) questioned the Central government on its response to the rapidly rising COVID-19 infections in the country. The congress leader accused the government of lack of planning to handle the COVID-19 crisis.

While talking to a news agency, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned, "Where is the leadership? Where is the planning? Why are we short of facilities? Where is the money from the PM fund being used?"

The congress leader also added that when the whole nation is in crisis, the prominent political leaders and decision makers of the country are holding the rallies. "It's shocking when the country is crying, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are laughing in campaigns," she said.

"The government's response has been extremely disappointing. The Prime Minister is still continuing with his election campaign while people are battling against the worst wave of COVID yet. At a time when the government should be focusing completely on fighting the catastrophic situation unfolding all around us, it appears to be practically absent," she alleged.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi slams Centres COVID-19 vaccine strategy, says it is 'not less than demonetisation'

The Congress general secretary alleged that the government ignored the citizens of India. The forward-thinking governance in India for the last 70 years had enabled the nation to become the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, but this government "prioritised overseas PR and self-promotion over Indian lives.

While emphasising that this is the moment when the entire nation needs to stand together, Congress leader hit out at Central government for their reply to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's earnest recommendations.

"Manmohan Singh ji was Prime Minister for 10 years. Everyone knows how dignified a person he is. If he is giving suggestions...then suggestions should be taken up with the same dignity with which they were offered," she said, asking that if opposition leaders do not raise their voice, who will.

Meanwhile, India on Wednesday recorded 2,95,041 new coronavirus cases and 2,023 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest ever since the pandemic broke out.

(With Agency inputs)

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Russian-occupation forces violated the ceasefire in Donbas six times from the beginning of the day to 17:00 on April 21, according to the Joint Force Operation (JFO) Facebook page.

"There are no combat losses among the Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainian side of the JCCC informed the OSCE representatives of all the facts of violations by the Russian armed formations," the JFO said.

During the shelling, the enemy opened fire from 82 and 120 mm mortars, automatic heavy and heavy anti-tank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, as well as from an infantry fighting vehicle.

At the same time, the pyrotechnic crews of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine cleared more than three hectares of land in the area of the Joint Force Operation and transferred 62 explosive items for destruction.
Black Gateway Seminary board member protests racial insensitivity of SBCs seminary leaders

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Terry Turner, the senior pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas, says he will not attend his final board meeting at the Southern Baptist Conventions Gateway Theological Seminary in California to protest the racial insensitivity of the denominations Council of Seminary Presidents.

This week I have decided to protest the racial insensitivity shown by the council of seminary presidents over race issues in our society, Turner wrote in a statement on his Facebook page Monday. Therefore, I will not attend my last board meeting with The Gateway Theological Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention where I have served as a trustee for the last ten years.

Turners statement comes in the wake of ongoing turmoil on race within the SBC sparked most recently by a decision at the councils annual session in 2020, where it voted to reject critical race theory and intersectionality as incompatible with the Baptist Faith & Message while also condemning racism in any form.

Several pastors of color have voiced opposition to that view, and the debate around the issue has led to an exodus of high-profile black pastors from the denomination.

Critical race theory is a framework through which some scholars seek to understand how victims of systemic racism are affected by cultural perceptions of race and how they can represent themselves to counter prejudice. Scholarship on the theory traces racism in America through the legacy of slavery, the civil rights movement and recent events.

The Christian Post reached out to Gateway Seminary for comment Tuesday, but officials could not immediately comment on Turners statement.

Turner lamented that his time serving on Gateways board did not help with racial reconciliation despite raising concern about the diminishing number of African American staffers at the institution during his decade of service.

During these years I witnessed the African American staff decline at Gateway despite my expressing concerns to leadership, Turner wrote in his April 19 Facebook post. I leave feeling frustrated and broken that my time was not beneficial to the cause of racial reconciliation. My commitment to improve the SBC in other areas will continue. I pray in the future that Gateway and all the SBC seminaries will strive to be more racially inclusive with African American employees and professors.

More proof of growing racial hostilities in the SBC. This is also proof of continual entity head mouth-service that claims diversity is essential, but a practice that negates what is preached.



.@Jeff_Iorg & trustees of @GatewaySeminary owe us an explanation.



H/T: @pastordmackpic.twitter.com/j1sgVDKxcA  David Bumgardner (@david_bumg) April 19, 2021

Outspoken SBC Pastor Dwight McKissic, who founded and leads Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, said Turners statement is a strong indicator that the SBC needs to commit more resources to heal the racial divide.

New SBC peace committee is needed, to heal the racial divide. There is not an AA SBC pastor more orthodox, loyal to the SBC, & authentically respected, valued & love[d], across all spectrums of the SBC. When Pas Turner protest SBC racial insensitivity, all should stop & take notice, McKissic tweeted.

Last December, Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of six Council of Seminary Presidents members, defended the groups statement on critical race theory and intersectionality in an open letter. He dismissed much of the criticism around it as emotional misunderstandings.

Feelings and sentiments are undeniably visceral, but not unimpeachably veridical. Specifically, the CSP statement not only did not deny systemic racism, but reaffirmed denominational condemnations of it, Greenway wrote.

He called out critics who, among other things, asserted that we were reaffirming our commitment to whiteness, assumed that we are propagating fear to maintain control, announced that we are complicit with evil, and ascribed to us the pejorative label of theological architects of American slavery.
REDDING, Calif.  A Yreka man is under arrest and accused of threatening two women in their car Tuesday afternoon.

47-year-old Paul Dean Tabash, from Yreka, was booked into the Shasta County Jail on multiple charges including terrorist threats and false imprisonment, according to RPD.

Officers initially responded to a possible carjacking on Hilltop Drive around 3:15 p.m.

Officers said Tabash was in the car with two women when he pulled out a gun and threatened to kill them.

The women were able to exit the car unharmed. However, police said the man continued on with an apparent third victim and asked the victim to drive him north, RPD said.

Officers located the car and stopped them at the Highway 299 interchange on I-5. Tabash was taken into custody. RPD said two handguns were located in his possession.
A team of researchers led by the Spanish scientist Juan Carlos Izpisua has created 132 human-monkey embryos in a laboratory in China, in a controversial experiment first revealed by EL PAIS in the summer of 2019 and now officially published in detail.

Three of the embryos, which grew to contain up to 10,000 cells, developed for 19 days outside the uterus, at which point the researchers interrupted the study, they said in an article published by the scientific journal Cell on April 15. Scientists use the term chimera from Greek mythology to refer to these hybrids, in reference to a creature with the head of a lion, a goats head on its back and a snakes head for a tail.

Izpisua, 61, who is originally from Albacete in Spain, said that the real objective is the creation of human-pig chimeras, with the ultimate goal of growing human organs in pigs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that some 130,000 transplants are performed globally annually, but this is less than 10% of those needed. Every year tens of thousands of patients die on the waiting list for an organ, Izpisua said. Growing organs in pigs would solve this problem, he believes.

Izpisuas group is made up of members of the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in La Jolla, California, and of Murcia Catholic University (UCAM) in Spain. The team already announced the creation of rudimentary human-pig chimeras in 2017, but these contained barely one human cell for every 100,000 pig cells. The scientists chose macaque monkeys for their next chimera study given the much closer genetic ancestry they share with humans, and with hopes of better understanding why the pig experiment failed.

The researchers retrieved eggs from a dozen female crab-eating macaques and fertilized them with sperm from the same species. After six days of cultivation in the laboratory, they had obtained 132 embryos, each containing 110 animal cells. The team then took 25 human cells that had been reprogrammed back to an embryonic stage to make them capable of becoming anything from skin cells to heart or liver cells (known as induced pluripotent stem cells), and injected them into the monkey embryos.

Nineteen days later, three of these embryos had reached the size of 10,000 cells, with human content of up to 7%. The experiments were carried out at the Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, a facility that holds thousands of monkeys in the Chinese city of Kunming.

The announcement of the studys results unleashed both stringent criticism and applause. British biologist Christine Mummery, president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, warned that human-animal chimeras are crossing established ethical and scientific boundaries. Her organization will issue new guidelines in May regarding this type of research. Mummery, of the University of Leiden (Netherlands), said that she felt unsure if the means justified an end that could be very far off for Izpisua and his team. The results of the experiments are interesting, but justifying them in the context of regenerative medicine to generate human organs in animals for transplants seems to me a very distant goal, she said. There are, she added, more ethically acceptable alternatives to the use of monkey embryos.

Federico de Montalvo, president of the Spanish Bioethics Committee and a professor of constitutional law at Comillas Pontifical University, asked why the experiments were carried out in China rather than in Spain or the United States: Is it because they are scientifically more advanced or is it because ethically they are more relaxed? De Montalvo is concerned about the unintended consequences of the research. What they are aiming for is to be applauded, but perhaps one should also consider whether it could be used for other purposes, like creating some kind of in-between species. The risk is in opening up a path that other people could follow, he reflected.

The Chinese scientist Ji Weizhi, a senior author of the study, and the Spaniard Juan Carlos Izpisua. Instituto Salk

Scientists have experimented in this area for some time. In the mid-1920s, the Russian zoologist Ilya Ivanov, supported by the Soviet authorities of the time, tried to create chimpanzee-human hybrids by artificially inseminating females. Ivanov travelled to what is known today as Guinea-Conakry in West Africa with the intention of capturing apes for his experiments, but failed to achieve any results with them.

The idea of a half-human, half-animal creature remains science fiction for the time being, but potentially not for much longer. We dont know if human-monkey embryos would be biologically possible, but our goal in chimera research is not to develop new organisms, but to better understand how humans function in order to develop treatments for disease, said Izpisua.

Elsewhere, French biologist Pierre Savatiers team published details three months ago of their attempt to create human-monkey chimeras in his laboratory at the University of Lyon. In that case, researchers only achieved a maximum of 10 human cells within monkey embryos composed of 250 cells that lived for seven days, according to Spanish biochemist and co-author of the study Manuel Serrano. Izpisua used a different chemical cocktail on the human cells that he implanted in the monkey embryos. This allowed him to obtain embryos with around 7% of human cells that survived for 19 days. His cells work spectacularly well, said Serrano, of the Institute for Biomedical Research in Barcelona. The reality is that Izpisua is breaking down barriers. We are not going to have human organs growing in animals tomorrow, but thats science. Were learning, he added.

Renowned Polish biologist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz said the study was an impressive show of how human cells could integrate into a macaque embryo, but warned of the difficulty of controlling where these human cells travel, as they could potentially end up in an unwanted organ. Izpisua argues that the technology already exists to prevent human neurons from forming in an animal brain, for example. In the hypothetical case of being able to generate a live pig with human cells, we could prevent such scenarios, he said. Zernicka-Goetz, a professor of mammalian development and stem cell biology in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, nonetheless wants society to discuss the ethical implications of these experiments.

Another Spanish biologist, Alfonso Martinez Arias, disagrees. It was unnecessary to open this Pandoras box, he said, and his own group at the University of Cambridge last year produced structures similar to a human embryo that lived to around 20 days old. Created from embryonic stem cells developed in a lab, they grew components of a heart and nervous system, but could not form a brain. Martinez Arias believes that his laboratory pseudo-embryos could be an alternative to monkey chimeras for studying the development of human organs.

Martinez Arias, who recently joined Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, is highly critical of Izpisuas experiments in China, which he describes as being of dubious ethics and low technical quality. The viability of the chimeras has not been established, he argued. This type of experiment can generate unjustified fears in society and endanger the work of other scientists who are trying to create an ethical and legal framework for related research, said Martinez Arias.

Medical law specialist Carlos Romeo of the University of the Basque Country said he saw no problem with how Izpisuas research was conducted, as long as the embryos are not implanted into a uterus or cultivated in the laboratory for too long. I have no criticisms on an ethical basis, and there is nothing that these experiments could be legally prosecuted for, he said. Romeo is the only Spanish member of the scientific ethics committee that advises the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. He recalled that in the 1970s the so-called hamster test was developed, in which human sperm penetrated hamster eggs. An animal was fertilized and no one was scandalized, he noted.

Izpisua (second from right) with associates from the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia. UCAM

A Spanish law from 2006 prohibits the creation of hybrids of different species that include human genetic material, but confusingly adds except in the cases of currently permitted tests. Romeo believes that Izpisuas experiments could be carried out in the European Union, and in fact the 2017 human-pig chimeras were largely carried out in Spains southeastern region of Murcia. Two of the co-authors of that study, the biologist Estrella Nunez and the veterinarian Llanos Martinez, are named as co-authors in the new human-monkey chimera study.

Research with human embryos left over from fertility clinics is limited by a strict international deadline of 14 days, i.e. the moment of development when the concept of the individual is supposedly created. From that point on, the embryo can no longer divide into two or more siblings. Working with Zernicka-Goetz, Spanish biologist Marta Shahbazi developed a method to cultivate embryos outside the uterus up to that 14-day limit in 2016. Izpisuas team has gone further with their human-monkey chimeras at 19 days, just before the nervous system begins to develop.

Shahbazi applauded the new research. This study shows that chimeras do form. It seems like their system works and that its efficient, she said. Shahbazi believes that human-monkey chimeras are a very useful system for studying embryonic development. Its a complementary tool for understanding basic biology, she said. Later, that knowledge could be used to go back to the pig and form a model for creating human organs in farm animals. That would be the ideal.
The directive to offer provincial jail inmates free canteen products and a meat tray, if a minimum number agreed to be vaccinated for COVID-19, was quickly revamped after at least one reluctant inmate was assaulted, the Free Press has learned.

The directive to offer provincial jail inmates free canteen products and a meat tray, if a minimum number agreed to be vaccinated for COVID-19, was quickly revamped after at least one reluctant inmate was assaulted, the Free Press has learned.

The email directive issued to jail administrators Friday quickly pitted inmates who wanted the "reward" against those who didnt want to be vaccinated, exposing both inmates and staff to increased risk of violence, a source said Monday.

"This is going to be a s--- storm, because everybody is really, really mad," the source said. "Every time there is a fight, I am putting myself at risk. Every fight that we have to go in and respond to and stop puts us in jeopardy. Yes, I want them vaccinated, but not like this."

The source said a message sent to jail superintendents on Friday directed that staff encourage inmates to receive the vaccine, with a promise that if 90 per cent of inmates in a unit did so, they would each get a bottle of pop, a bag of chips, a chocolate bar, a 15-minute phone call to family, and a meat and cheese tray for the entire unit.

"They have to have 90 per cent or no one gets anything," the source said.

TRIBUNE MEDIA TNS In jail, inmates view a bag of chips or bottle of pop as currency. (Richard B. Levine / TNS files)

In jail, inmates view a bag of chips or bottle of pop as currency they can use to gamble, purchase contraband or buy sexual favours, the source said, and anyone who stands in the way of earning that "money" can be a target for intimidation or violence.

"If there are 40 guys in a unit and five guys dont want it, well we need one of those five guys to flip, so you take the smallest guy or the weakest guy or the guy with the most (cognitive) issues and you either bully him or threaten him. If that doesnt work, you beat the crap out of him so he will agree to be vaccinated," the source said.

If the 90 per cent threshold isnt reached, those who resisted could be targeted for retribution, the source said.

If there are 40 guys in a unit and five guys dont want it, well we need one of those five guys to flip, so you take the smallest guy or the weakest guy or the guy with the most (cognitive) issues and you either bully him or threaten him."

As of Friday, the directive had resulted in at least one reported incident of a Headingley Correctional Centre inmate assaulting another inmate who did not want to be vaccinated, a shoving match between two other inmates, and three reluctant inmates agreeing to be vaccinated after suspected intimidation by other inmates, the source said.

"I just think its asinine that this is something that we are being told to do I think we are taking advantage of people who are marginalized, who dont want the vaccine. We are bribing them to take it and we are painting a target on their back if they dont," the source said.

A second, well-placed reliable source confirmed the Headingley jail incident, saying the quota requirement was eliminated as a result.

"I dont know if the (administrator responsible) was trying to get creative to get an uptick in vaccinations but because they had this one fight, they took (the quota requirement) away," the source said.

"We are bribing them to take it and we are painting a target on their back if they dont."

Another source told the Free Press all inmates who agree to watch a 15-minute informational video are given a chocolate bar; if they agree to be vaccinated, they are given a bag of chips and a bottle of pop.

A Manitoba Justice spokesperson, in an email, did not acknowledge the assault incident or the short-lived quota requirement.

"Inmates are being encouraged to receive the vaccination and are being provided with information to ensure they can make informed consent," the spokesperson said.

"Post-vaccination, inmates can receive snacks such as chips or candy bars through canteen profits. These are not contingent on other inmates in the unit getting the vaccine. This approach is in effect at all provincial correctional facilities, and we will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed."

CP A directive to offer inmates free canteen products and a meat tray if a minimum number agreed to be vaccinated for COVID-19 was revamped after at least one reluctant inmate was assaulted. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press files)

John Howard Society of Manitoba acting president Sharon Perrault said her contacts in the jails have told her vaccine participation rates "are almost 100 per cent."

Perrault said she would rather see the jails focus on informing inmates, not rewarding them with treats.

"I would be more championing an opportunity to ask questions, to dispel the anxiety and the fear over getting the shot," she said.

Manitoba has five provincially run jails: Headingley, Milner Ridge, The Pas, Winnipeg Remand Centre and the Women's Correctional Centre.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
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Prince Harry returned home to California from London yesterday, Dailymail.com can reveal, missing the Queen's birthday today and with the Windsors' family row unresolved after meeting only once with his father and Prince William following the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

The Duke of Sussex, 36, is understood to have flown into Los Angeles on an American Airlines flight from London Heathrow shortly after 1.30pm local time yesterday.

His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm.

Harry returned to the US just 24 hours before his grandmother the Queen turned 95 today - just days after the funeral of her beloved husband of 73 years - as she spends her first birthday without him in more than seven decades.

Her Majesty, the world's oldest reigning monarch, will spend a 'low key' day at Windsor Castle, where she will see family members and walk her dogs. Prince Charles is at his Welsh home and Prince William is not expected to visit.

Family members living closest to the Queen, who may be able to see her, including Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. There will be no traditional gun salutes or birthday photo due to the monarch remaining in mourning.

Harry also chose to fly from Britain with the rift with his father and brother caused by his decision to emigrate and pour his heart out to Oprah still seemingly unresolved.

After Saturday's emotional funeral William and Harry took 'baby steps' towards healing their relationship after they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Later there was a face-to-face meeting within the grounds of the castle between the brothers and their father Prince Charles, but, in an unprecedented development that lays bare the depth of their rift, Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed yesterday.

Prince Harry's chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm

Harry's car was seen arriving at his home in Montecito at around 4 pm to return to wife Meghan and son Archie

He had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor

The royal, 36, is understood to have flown into LAX on an American Airlines flight that arrived in Los Angeles shortly after 1.30pm local time

His car was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX minutes after the plane landed and was spotted again arriving in Montecito around 4pm

Harry's return to the U.S. means he will miss the Queen's 95th birthday tomorrow. She remains in mourning following the death of Prince Philip but will resume official duties on Friday

William had joint meeting with Harry because they were too scared to meet him individually Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together at Windsor so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed. A senior royal insider said: 'Obviously after the worldwide fallout of the Oprah interview trust has to be rebuilt. 'There was no official wake after the funeral, but Charles, William and Harry took the opportunity to speak and catch-up face to face after many months apart. 'They were only able to spend a short time together outdoors given Covid restrictions and also without staff, including senior courtiers, overhearing what was being said. 'It was important to Charles and William that they were both there together. It means nothing spoken about can be misconstrued in the future.' Kate also attended parts of the talks, some of which took place at Frogmore Cottage, Harry's home within the grounds of Windsor Castle, according to The Sun. Given the tensions, sparked by claims of racism and uncaring behaviour by the Royal Family when Meghan says she was suffering from mental health issues, a full rapprochement did not occur. Another senior royal insider said: 'There is much pain and hurt on both sides, so this reconciliation will take place in baby steps. 'First, they need to decide on some ground rules as to how they conduct business going forward in a way that makes all parties feel safe and protected.' Crucially, Charles and William have the Queen's support to deal with the situation. The source explained: 'The Queen has made it clear to senior advisers that she is united with Charles and William, and was disappointed with aspects of Harry and Meghan's interview.' Advertisement

Harry had been widely reported to have been planning to stay for the Queen's birthday, although sources said he was 'conflicted' about the decision and wanted to get home to Meghan.

He had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Father-of-one Harry will now begin a second 10-day quarantine  a requirement for international travelers journeying to the US, although it is not mandatory unlike in the UK.

CDC guidelines recommend travelers get a Covid-19 test prior to departure and self-isolate for 10 days after they return.

California also has its own travel advisory, with visitors and residents required to fill in a form that includes their contact details on arrival at LAX.

The LA guidelines also say travelers should quarantine, although that advice includes exemptions for those traveling for work or for urgent family matters.

Harry's brief visit to the UK for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was his first trip back to Britain in a year.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath.

The trip also marked the first time he has seen his family since making explosive allegations about royal racism during an interview with Oprah last month and claiming his father and brother are 'trapped in the system'.

Sources told the Mail on Sunday Harry received a frosty reception when he appeared at Philip's funeral on Saturday and was largely ignored by senior royals, among them Princess Anne and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

His presence also caused problems for courtiers  although the Duke of Edinburgh had wanted military uniform to be worn for his funeral, Harry is not entitled to wear it having given up his military roles as part of the Megxit deal.

Instead, the Queen decided to spare Harry's blushes by having the royal party wear morning suits to the funeral.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath

The monarch said in a statement: 'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life'

He reportedly texted with his father and brother beforehand but didn't see them in person until shortly before the service began.

Although William and Harry's interactions initially looked frosty, they were pictured chatting together after the service as they made their way back to the castle.

Prince Charles and his two sons are then reported to have spent three hours 'clearing the air' immediately after the funeral.

Although William and Harry's interactions initially looked frosty, they were pictured chatting together after the service as they made their way back to the castle

But Page Six and The Telegraph both reported that Harry and Charles did not have a one-on-one due to fears of a misunderstanding.

The pair were said to be unlikely to meet again before the Duke of Sussex headed back to the US, reported The Times.

Sources told the outlets that both Charles and William wanted each other present for any meeting for fear that a 'twisted version of events' would leak out from Harry's camp.

Harry is due to return to the UK again at the end of July for the unveiling of a memorial to his mother Princess Diana.

The Queen today said she was 'deeply touched' by the 'support and kindness' shown by the public following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as she marked her 95th birthday without her beloved husband of 73 years.

In her first comments since Prince Philip's death, the monarch thanked well-wishers across the globe for the tributes paid to her husband which have 'deeply touched' the royal family.

The Queen said she and her family were in a 'period of great sadness' but were comforted by words of praise for Philip, who died peacefully at Windsor aged 99.

Her Majesty said: 'I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

'While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

'My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days.

'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.'

Grieving Queen turns 95 alone just days after husband Philip's funeral  with Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex among the 'rota' of royals set to pay her a morale-boosting visit

Charlotte Mitchell for MailOnline and Rebecca English for MailOnline

The Queen turns 95 today - just days after the funeral of her beloved husband Prince Philip - as she spends her first birthday without him in more than seven decades.

The world's oldest reigning monarch will mark the day in a 'low key' fashion at Windsor Castle, according to sources, hosting a visit from close family members and walking her dogs.

Celebrations will be a subdued affair this year with no traditional gun salutes and no traditional birthday picture, as the Queen remains in mourning for her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh, who she has called her 'strength and stay'.

Cruel coronavirus restrictions meant the farewell was a royal funeral like no other - with the monarch sitting isolated and alone at the service in images that shocked the nation.

And today is set to bring more sadness as the Queen prepares to celebrate her first birthday during her reign without her husband - and Britain's longest serving consort - by her side.

The Trooping of the Colour in June - which celebrates the monarch's 'official' birthday - is no longer going ahead due to the Covid pandemic.

Instead, courtiers are considering an 'alternative parade' in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, similar to an event dubbed 'mini Trooping' that was held last summer.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, saying: 'I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.

'I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth. I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.'

Pictured: The Queen and Prince Philip attend a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral held in honour of her official 80th birthday in 2006

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, writing a message on Twitter

The Royal Family said in a statement: 'Today is The Queens 95th birthday. HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York'

The Royal Family said in a statement: 'Today is The Queens 95th birthday. HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York.

'This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.'

In a bid to keep Her Majesty company, the family have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to ensure that she is not left alone.

Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are reported to be among the Queen's first visitors.

It comes as the royals mark two weeks of mourning following Philip's death on April 9 at the age of 99.

Because of the mourning period, there will be no gun salutes to celebrate the Queen's birthday - marking the second year in a row without the tradition.

The Queen last year decided the celebratory display of military firepower would not be 'appropriate' as the UK was in lockdown with thousands dead from the coronavirus outbreak.

Usually a 21-gun salute is fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

On this day last year, the Royal Family marked the celebration by releasing poignant private home videos of the Queen playing with her younger sister Margaret.

The touching archive films from the Royal Collection Trust revealed candid memories of the two sisters growing up.

They provide a rare insight into family life for the Queen as a young Princess Elizabeth.

The clips showed Elizabeth playing with a pram as a toddler, on a seesaw and playing in a garden and dancing on a yacht with Margaret.

Poignant images of Her Majesty bowing her head and watching the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin from behind a mask in St George's Chapel moved millions in Britain and around the world

The world's oldest reigning monarch will spend the day at Windsor Castle. Unlike her official birthday, which is celebrated on the second Saturday in June, Wednesday's anniversary will pass without public celebration

The Queen has said she was 'coping' after the funeral of her husband on Saturday and was spotted a day later driving out of Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar.

Reports have suggested that family members have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to make sure the Queen has company on the day - with Princess Anne and Sophie Wessex among the first.

Both women form part of a group of loyal, discreet and 'utterly trustworthy' women of the Queen's inner circle who are offering crucial support as she faces life without her beloved Philip.

Also in this core group of confidantes are the Queen's childhood friend Lady Pamela Hicks and Royal dresser Angela Kelly.

'Sophie is like another daughter to the Queen, they are that close,' said a Royal source.

'She is trusted and relied on like few others.'

Queen Elizabeth will spend her birthday at Windsor Castle. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth at Windsor on the occasion of her 50th birthday in 1976 [File photo]

The pair are said to speak at least once a day and enjoy regular Saturday 'movie afternoons' when they watch old films together.

Today marks the Queen's actual birthday. Her official birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday in June with the Trooping the Colour parade.

The June tradition was started by King George II in 1748, who felt it would be too cold to have the outdoor ceremony on his actual birthday in November.

She will also be visited by her son Andrew and granddaughter Eugenie in the coming days, the Mirror reported.

Camilla is also expected to visit the Queen this week.

'The Queen will not be alone. She will have others who care about her deeply and want to be there to support her in her most pressing hour,' a source told The Mirror

'In typical fashion the Queen has insisted she is coping and despite the suggestion she had prepared herself for this day to come, everyone is well aware there is nothing like the experience when it comes.'

8th July 1941: Princess Elizabeth is pictured amongst a syringa bush in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire at the age of 15

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born at 2.40am on April 21 1926.

She was the first child of the then-Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was born by caesarean section at 17 Bruton Street, the Mayfair home of her mother's parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

She was never expected to be a monarch when she was born, but the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII in 1936 put her father on the throne, and changed her destiny.

She wed Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947, and became Queen at the age of 25 when George VI died from lung cancer in 1952.

Elizabeth II, who has been monarch for more than 68 years, is Head of State, the Armed Forces and the Commonwealth.

She will celebrate her platinum jubilee of 70 years on the throne in 2022.
Manhattan's DA has announced he will no longer prosecute prostitutes, and asked a court to dismiss nearly 6,000 related cases as part of a city-wide change in policy.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. said prosecuting these types of crimes does not make the city safer, 'and too often, achieves the opposite result by further marginalizing vulnerable New Yorkers.'

Vance appeared via Zoom at Manhattan criminal court to dismiss 914 'prostitution' and 'unlicensed massage' cases and 5,080 'loitering for the purpose of prostitution' cases dating back to 1976.

It comes after New York State's February repeal of the 'Walking while Trans' law, which was originally a state loitering law designed to discourage prostitution but became too broad.

Civil rights advocates said the former statute was an excuse to allow police harassment of anyone who they viewed as looking different or suspicious.

The DA's office will continue to prosecute other crimes related to prostitution, including patronizing sex workers and sex trafficking, the New York Times reports.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance announced that his office will no longer prosecute prostitution and dismissed nearly 6,000 prostitution-related cases going back to the 1970s.

Manhattan District Attorney Vance's Tweet of Wednesday's announcement that his office will no longer .

'By vacating warrants, dismissing cases and erasing convictions for these charges, we are completing a paradigm shift in our approach,' Vance said.





'These cases  many dating back to the 1970s and 1980s  are both a relic of a different New York, and a very real burden for the person who carries the conviction or bench warrant.'





ProPublica published a report in December that said nearly everyone arrested for these types of crimes in the last four years is nonwhite. The publication's data analysis of the last four years showed 89 percent of the 1,800 charged with prostitution and 93 percent of the 3,000 accused of trying to buy sex were nonwhite. The move by Vance is part of a growing, national trend to stop prosecuting low-level, non-violent crimes.

Manhattan joins the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, whose district attorneys made their policy changes in January and March, respectively, as well as the cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore to decriminalize prostitution.

Sex workers are largely nonwhite and already victims of human trafficking, advocates say. Decriminalizing sex work has been a decades-long fight that gained traction within the last two years.

Abigail Swenstein, staff attorney with The Legal Aid Society's Exploitation Intervention Project who worked with Manhattan's district attorney to make this change, told the New York Times that prostitution prosecution has been declining over the last decade.

She said there was a spike 2014, which she attributed to Super Bowl being held locally in Giants Stadium.

But this policy change is vital, she said, because many sex workers are already victims of human trafficking.

Prosecution adds layers of despair to an already unforgiving lifestyle that extend into family and immigration court, Swenstein said.

Sharifa Abdullah, a founding member of the Exploitation Intervention Project's Advisory Board who had a first-hand experience of being arrested for prostitution after being trafficked, said she felt 'like there was no way out.'

'Even after leaving my trafficker, prostitution was the only job that I could get for a while,' she said. 'This left me with a criminal record. Until all records are vacated, all people with prostitution arrests will still be limited in their employment options. The DA's new policy is helpful, but our hope is that the NYPD stops making these arrests altogether.'

Decriminalizing sex work has been a decades-long fight that gained traction with the formation of Decrim NY in 2019, according to the New York Times.

Decrim NY advocates for sex workers and lobbies lawmakers in New York City and New York State for the full decriminalization of sex work.

A major milestone in decriminalizing sex work came in February, when New York State repeal a loitering law known as 'Walking while Trans,' which Vance alluded to repealing in this June 2019 Tweet.

There's a similar bill being discussed among New York State lawmakers, which Swenstein stressed is just as important to get passed.

'Today's announcement should not supplant the need to pass legislation that would fully decriminalize sex work and provide for criminal record relief for people convicted of prostitution offense,' she said. 'The Legal Aid Society reaffirms the need for Albany to enact S6419/A8230, legislation that would accomplish this, immediately this session.'
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Santiago, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Two veterinarians in Chile are under investigation for allegedly giving dog coronavirus vaccines to at least 75 people in the months before human jabs arrived in the country, health officials said Tuesday.

The pair stand accused of having administered vaccines developed against canine coronavirus, which is not the same as the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the global human pandemic, to people in the city of Calama in Chile's north.

Questions first arose last September, when visiting health officials noted workers at a veterinary clinic in Calama operating without masks. Questioned, they claimed they had been vaccinated by a local veterinarian.

The first Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Chile months later, in December.

It later transpired another vet had given the canine vaccine to more people.

"This is very dangerous," health secretary Rossana Diaz of the Antofagaste region told broadcaster 24horas.

"There are studies saying that the effects in humans can be local, as in irritation... or systemic," she added.

The two cases came to light this week when health officials reported to prosecutors that the vets had failed to pay the fines they had been given.

The Seremi public health authority said at least 75 people had received the dog inoculations, including health workers and miners.

Chile has so far given at least one dose of an approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to some 7.7 million people, out of a 15.2 million target population.

The country has registered 1.13 million coronavirus infections and more than 25,000 deaths.
HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / According to the Texas Department of Transportation, motorists on the state's roadways are involved in accidents resulting in more than 3,000 deaths and more than 15,000 serious injuries annually. These numbers place Texas firmly in contention among those states reporting the most car accidents and vehicular deaths.

But things may be about to take a turn from bad to worse if Texas House Bill 19 is passed, according to Kirk Law Firm, PLLC. Kirk Law Firm explains that the bill, which would go into effect September 1, 2021, aims to hide the liability of the company that owns the commercial vehicle that caused a motor vehicle accident, behind their employee, driver.

What Texas House Bill 19 Could Mean for Texas Motorists

Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as big rigs and semis, often cause significant damage that results in serious injury and even death. According to Kirk Law Firm, those impacted by such accidents, including the victim and the victim's family, often, rightfully seek financial relief and justice in the form of a lawsuit.

What Texas House Bill 19 does is shield the liability of the company, employer of the trucker behind the individual driver manning the vehicle. The bill would prevent the claimant from naming, or mentioning, the company who owns the vehicle, and employs the driver, in the first phase of the trial. A jury is less likely to award proper damages if they believe that a single truck driver will have to pay them rather than a company who has large insurance policies for that very purpose. In effect, this bill could limit the damages awarded to those injured in a commercial vehicle accident because the jury would be misled into believing an individual rather than the responsible company is solely responsible.

Kirk Law Firm is no stranger to personal injury cases involving commercial vehicles. They know first-hand the type of financial, emotional, and physical damage that can be left in the wake of an accident. Families with loved ones lucky enough to survive the crash are often inundated with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and more. For some, their lives will never be the same as it was prior to the accident.

If Texas House Bill 19 were to pass, victims and families of victims would be limited in their ability to file suit against negligent trucking companies. The bill would place a large obstacle in the way of holding those responsible accountable and to getting the victims the compensation they deserve.

Growing Concern for an Already High Risk

When it comes to the number of accidents involving large commercial trucks, Texas led the country between 2016-2020. Worse yet, this trend seems to be growing with no signs of slowing down.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, big rig accidents resulting in deaths in Texas skyrocketed 108% between 2009-2019, jumping from 318 to 652 per year.

Given the potential outcome of the proposed legislation, Bill 19 is a looming cloud over Texas roadways.

Rights of Auto Accident Victims in Texas

As a leading personal injury law firm in Texas, Kirk Law Firm has dedicated its practice to helping personal injury victims and the families of victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Those involved in commercial vehicle accidents in Texas, may be entitled to seek compensation for damages and injuries sustained. Under Texas laws, a negligent party found at fault for a motor vehicle accident may be liable for the damages they cause.

Compensation May Be Claimed for:

? Pain and suffering

? Medical bills

? Physical therapy and rehabilitation

? Therapy (psychologist or psychiatrist)

? Lost wages (past, present, and future)

? Lost future earning potential

? Physical impairment

? Physical disfigurement

? Loss of consortium (change to the marriage and family relationships)

The Role of an Auto Accident Attorney

An auto accident or personal injury attorney, such as those at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, champions the cases of victims who have been injured as the result of the actions of a negligent party. In the case of trucking accidents, this could be a trucking company that failed to properly maintain its fleet of vehicles, directly contributing to or causing the crash.

Auto accident attorneys act as an advocate and voice for the victim, fighting 'big insurance' and filing a claim aimed at seeking out the maximum compensation they can achieve for their clients. They handle everything from investigations and discovering evidence, to negotiations and trials if the case goes to court.

In the aftermath of a truck accident, many victims and families feel overwhelmed without knowing where to turn for support and assistance. A personal injury attorney acts as an extension of their support system, advocating and fighting for those victims so that they can focus on what matters the most; recovery.

About the Kirk Law Firm, PLLC

Conveniently located at 440 Louisiana St Suite 2425 Houston, TX 77002, Kirk Law Firm is an award-winning Houston-based law firm that brings more than 60 years of combined legal experience to the table.

With extensive experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims, and a documented track record of successful outcomes, this Kirk Law Firm believes in providing ethical and effective legal services to residents throughout Texas.

Those interested in learning more about the firm or their rights if injured in an auto, truck or another type of accident are encouraged to reach out for a no-cost consultation.

Media Contact:

Kirk Law Firm

kirk@kirklawfirm.com

713-651-0050

SOURCE: Kirk Law Firm

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641544/Kirk-Law-Firm-Discusses-the-Effects-of-House-Bill-19-in-Texas
Rishi Arora, MD, FHRS, FAHA AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting six million people in the US and 33 million worldwide, said Dr. Rishi Arora, CEO of Rhythm Therapeutics and Professor of Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine.

Rhythm Therapeutics, Inc. (RTI), a biotechnology company pioneering a revolutionary gene therapy to improve the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), was awarded $462,689 from the NHLBI to complete the Phase 1 segment of development which includes optimizing gene doses and electroporation parameters required for atrial gene delivery.

Upon successful completion of the Phase 1 segment (projected year-end 2021), RTI will be eligible to receive an additional $3,212,600 in NIH funding to carry out the Phase 2 segment, which will include determining optimal dose of gene therapy required to attenuate established electrical remodeling in AF, determining the duration of gene efficacy, and assessing the toxicology profile of targeted genes.

AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting six million people in the US and 33 million worldwide, said Dr. Rishi Arora, CEO of Rhythm Therapeutics and Professor of Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine. Existing standard of care treatments including drugs and ablation have suboptimal efficacy for patients with AF. This is especially the case for patients with more advanced AF or persistent AF, which constitutes more than half of the AF patient population. Improving patient care and avoiding readmissions for high-burden patients is a priority.

Under Dr. Aroras leadership, Rhythm Therapeutics has identified major molecular mechanisms contributing to AF, identified trans-genes to selectively target these mechanisms, and developed a novel method of facilitating gene delivery via electroporation. This has decreased AF in clinically relevant, large animal models of atrial fibrillation.

The use of targeted electroporation to deliver gene therapy to the heart is an exciting addition to the field of gene therapy, stated grant principal investigator and gene therapy industry veteran Robert C. Moen, MD, PhD., and we believe this grant award enables RTI to complete important steps necessary before its promising approach can be tested in the clinic.

With support from this valued award, Rhythm Therapeutics has the opportunity to revolutionize the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation via our proprietary gene therapy platform with the goal of reducing mortality, and improving the quality of life for those suffering with AF worldwide, said Dr. Arora.

Following projected receipt of the SBIR award on May 1st, 2020, RTI is planning to move company operations to Portal Innovations, a life sciences focused venture development engine located in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood providing crafted capital in the form of wet lab & office space, seed investments, managerial expertise and an extensive partner network to promising early stage life science companies developing life saving technologies for patients.

About Rhythm Therapeutics

Rhythm Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company based in Chicago, is dedicated to delivering the promise of gene therapy for treating serious cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a 4-5 times higher risk of stroke and heart failure and is a significant health issue worldwide. Its atrial fibrillation program utilizes electroporation to deliver therapeutic transgenes targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Additional information about RTI is available at https://rhythmtherapeutics.com.

About NIH Research Grant

Research reported in this publication was supported by the NHLBI under award number R44HL154912. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NHLBI or the National Institutes of Health.

# # #

For More Information, contact:

John Vita

John Steven Vita Communications

John.vita@jsvcom.com

847/853-8283
San Francisco, April 21 : Virtual assistant Alexa can now help customers find and connect with nearby vaccination sites, starting with the US.

In addition to helping customers find their local vaccination site, Alexa can also answer questions about vaccine availability and eligibility requirements in more than 85 countries.

To get started, just ask, "Alexa, where can I get a COVID vaccine?" to hear a list of locations close to you.

Customers can also say, "Alexa, call the first one," to connect to a specific location directly and learn more about vaccine or appointment availability.

"We will continue to evolve our experiences over time to provide customers with information that is important to them," Amazon said in a statement on Tuesday.

Amazon is already helping vaccinate thousands of people through pop-up clinics in Washington State and Florida.

"We're lending support to President Joe Biden's administration in its effort to vaccinate 100 million people in the first 100 days of his presidency," the company said.

"We quickly ramped-up onsite COVID-19 testing for employees thanks to the ingenuity of our fast-moving response team," it added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
HOUSTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Talos Energy Inc. ("Talos" or the "Company") (NYSE: TALO) intends to release first quarter 2021 results for the period ended March 31, 2021 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 after the U.S. financial market closes. In addition to this release, Talos will host a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the internet, on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time).

Listeners can access the conference call live over the Internet through a webcast link on the Company's website at: https://www.talosenergy.com/investors. Alternatively, the conference call can be accessed by dialing (888) 428-7458 (U.S. and Canada toll-free) or (862) 298-0702 (international).

Please dial in approximately 15 minutes before the teleconference is scheduled to begin and ask to be joined into the Talos Energy call. A replay of the call will be available one hour after the conclusion of the conference for seven days and can be accessed by dialing (888) 539-4649 and using access code 155603.

ABOUT TALOS ENERGY

Talos Energy (NYSE: TALO) is a technically driven independent exploration and production company focused on safely and efficiently maximizing cash-flows and long-term value through our operations, currently in the United States Gulf of Mexico and offshore Mexico. As one of the US Gulf's largest public independent producers, we leverage decades of geology, geophysics and offshore operations expertise towards the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of assets in key geological trends that are present in many offshore basins around the world. Our activities in offshore Mexico provide high impact exploration opportunities in an oil rich emerging basin. For more information, visit www.talosenergy.com.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Sergio Maiworm

+1.713.328.3008

[email protected]

SOURCE Talos Energy

Related Links

http://www.talosenergy.com


Jusung Engineering Chairman Hwang Chul-joo motions during an interview with The Korea Times at the company's R&D Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



Jusung Chairman highlights why components matter in an eco-system



By Kim Bo-eun, Kim Yoo-chul



YONGIN, Gyeonggi Province  Jusung Engineering Chairman Hwang Chul-joo is considered a legendary figure, as one of the small number of entrepreneurs who founded Korea's first-generation venture companies.



Hwang established Jusung, a manufacturer of semiconductor, flat-panel display and solar cell production equipment, back in 1993. The company became the country's first to export equipment used in the front-end manufacturing process for chips in 1997.



Jusung holds the largest number of patents  2,167  particularly in the semiconductor equipment industry, and has developed 18 technologies recognized as world firsts.



The company has made it through many ups and downs over the past decades, including losing a major client.



What appears to have kept Jusung going is Hwang's relentless drive. To keep new developments going, 150 billion won ($134.15 million) was invested in building an R&D center on a 26,000-square-meter site in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which opened in 2020. The chairman, 62, in hazmat coveralls and Crocs clogs, is ready to enter the R&D center's clean room anytime throughout the day, to check ongoing developments.



At his office in the R&D center, a huge world map covers the wall behind him.



"The map is to remind me how small of a country Korea is, and how small Jusung Engineering is when considering the entire world," Hwang told The Korea Times in an interview at the center in Yongin, April 19. "This keeps it engrained in my mind that technological innovation is the only way for Jusung."



Strong local tech suppliers crucial



Korea is home to the world's two largest memory chip manufacturers  Samsung Electronics and SK hynix  that design, manufacture and sell integrated circuit products.



But Hwang said that in order for these players to truly lead the market, they need strong local suppliers for materials, parts and equipment. Various data show that local manufacturers only account for 20 percent of chip-making equipment used in the country.



"Korea's industry grew on infrastructure, personnel and technology developed in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. Much has been achieved since then, but little progress has been made in localizing technology," he said.



"This is because Korea did not make the distinction between imitation and innovation."



However, Japan's trade restrictions imposed in 2019  in response to a Supreme Court of Korea's October 30, 2018 decision to order Japanese company Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal to compensate four Korean victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial rule  came as a blessing in disguise. As diplomatic tensions escalated between the countries, Tokyo made it more difficult to export key chemicals to Korea for the production of semiconductors.



President Moon Jae-in turned this situation into a chance to heighten the competitiveness of homegrown technology, boosting support for local vendors of materials, as well as parts and equipment makers for high-tech products, in order to reduce the reliance on Japanese suppliers.



"It has been a year-and-a-half since the government stepped up its efforts to assist high-tech suppliers. Innovation does not happen in such a short time. It will take five to 10 years to see innovations commercialized," Hwang said.



"But it is meaningful that now, a consensus has been formed that we need to develop our own technology. Now that there is the willingness, and the infrastructure is being laid out, we can expect to see outcomes soon."



The chairman stressed, "A top player relying on foreign suppliers will only be a top player momentarily."





Jusung Engineering Chairman Hwang Chul-joo stands in the company's R&D Center's clean room, where R&D personnel work on upgrading the company's equipment. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
In the wake of the chaos set off after Legislative Councilwoman Valerie Horsley told fellow Councilman Justin Farmer to call her doctor, top elected officials issued a joint statement calling for unity.

But the storm isnt over yet.

Despite town leaders attempts to deescalate tensions, the exchange sparked clashes involving individuals at multiple levels of governance, with seemingly more people getting caught up in the tornado .

While Farmer accepted Horsleys apology in a public statement, he said he repeatedly has suffered disrespect on the council and criticized council leaderships response to the latest incident - a response the council president said was characterized incorrectly. Meanwhile, top officials have condemned online comments made about another councilwoman who supported Horsley.

Clare Dignan / Hearst Connecticut Media

The turmoil began two weeks ago, during a meeting of the Legislative Councils finance committee. In the exchange, Farmer had referred to Horsley as councilwoman. She cut in, correcting him - Dr. Horsley, please - and he again used councilwoman.

Horsley then posted about the exchange on Facebook, prompting widespread public support of Farmer from those who considered the post an unfair attack. Activists, Councilman Brad Macdowall and the Democratic Town Committee slate for the 4th District, which Horsley represents, all described the exchange as an example of a white woman using her privilege and title to shut down a Black man.

Clare Dignan / Hearst Connecticut Media file

Horsleys social media post about the matter, which has since been deleted, caused further harm, according to a letter from the 4th District DTC slate.

Janina Tauro, a member of that slate, said she and her colleagues felt previously disagreed with some of Horsleys stances, especially around race.

Tauro pointed to a vote Horsley cast last year that approved a police drone purchase, saying she did not feel Horsley adequately considered concerns from residents of color who opposed the move.

She also noted a Twitter controversy from around the same time, when Horsley wrote a Tweet some found insensitive, according to a New Haven Independent report. (Horsley apologized and removed the Tweet, the report said.)

The slates letter asked the councilwoman to resign, as did Macdowall and a coalition of activist groups.

Meanwhile, other Democrats said calls for Horsleys resignation went too far, condemning some of the angry comments made about her on social media.

Horsley did not return a request for comment.

A mediation, and an apology

Four days after the Horsley-Farmer exchange, Horsley again addressed the issue on social media.

I recognize that I was disrespectful toward Councilman Farmer both during the meeting and on social media afterwards. I am committed to continue to learn from this experience and ensure that I can work for a better Hamden and community, her statement read.

Horsley also indicated she had met with Farmer during a mediation session.

I owned the impact of my actions and apologized to Justin for my role in the issues that escalated this week, she wrote. I left the meeting with a better understanding of Justin's point of view and will do all I can to make certain that there will be a foundation for productive legislative activities.

Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo /

Farmer issued his own statement.

In the interest of moving forward to do the peoples business, I accept Councilwoman Horsleys apology, he wrote.

But he contended his problems on council went beyond a single incident.

Since I was first elected by the people of the 5th district to serve as their representative on the Hamden Town Council, I have been repeatedly subjected to acts of disrespect. Whether it is due to my political positions, the color of my skin, my age, or my disability, it should not matter, he wrote. As an elected official, a resident of Hamden, and a human being, I, like all others, deserve to be treated with civility and respect just (as) I strive to treat others.

Farmer recently recirculated an opinion piece he authored in February 2019, describing an incident in which a North Haven police officer was called to supervise Farmers visit to an animal facility. He was there on behalf of constituents.

For too long, I feel I have made every effort to ignore, accept and brush off the disrespect I have experienced, his statement said. For the record, for those who serve with me, for those who will come after me, I will no longer tolerate that behavior and will call it out where I see it.

Council leadership

During the events of the past weeks, Farmer said he was subjected to public disrespect by Horsley, and the silence and complicity of the leaders of the Town Council.

I am  disappointed in the leaderships failure to speak up and more, in the attempt to diminish the significance of these repeated acts of disrespect directed at me by suggesting that I sign a letter that lays blame and responsibility equally between me and Councilwoman Horsley for Councilwoman Horsleys acts, the statement went on.

But Council President Michael McGarry said he did not suggest Farmer sign any such letter. Further, he was not involved in mediation, he said, attended by Brigitte Cogswell, Hamdens human resources officer, and Steven Mednick, an attorney who advises the town.

Farmer did not return requests for comment, but told the Yale Daily News he had been urged to sign such a letter during the mediation because council leadership wanted to deescalate the situation, according to a YDN report.

Mednick declined comment, citing the confidentiality of the mediation session.

McGarry had paused budget deliberations until the council could undergo professional training. The first session was to be held Thursday by the National Council for Community Justice.

The NCCJ offers antiracism workshops. In a video he posted online, Farmer said he suggested two years ago that the council take part in sensitivity training, after a Hamden police officer opened fire at a car, injuring Stephanie Washington, an unarmed Black woman.

Friday marked the second anniversary of the shooting.

As a young elder, I gave us counsel that we should do anti-racist training and that we should be thinking about these things and building it into a budget of the town council, he said.

Despite a commitment from the council president, Farmer continued, such training did not happen.

Im disappointed, he said. I gave us the tools to not be in this situation.

McGarry did not recall discussing sensitivity training with Farmer, but he did remember acknowledging the importance of having an equity task force. The administration launched such a task force last year, but McGarry said it ran into difficulties after COVID-19 hit.

Reverberations

Other clashes have followed in the wake of the contentious council meeting, many of them on social media.

One set of public comments, involving a member of the Charter Revision Commission, has drawn rebuke from top officials.

Commissioner Marnie Hebron, who had criticized Horsley online, also spoke of Councilwoman Berita Rowe-Lewis with comments that were then criticized.

Rowe-Lewis, a Black woman, had expressed support for Horsley during the meeting that sparked the ongoing tension.

In a Facebook comment, Hebron, who is Black, criticized Rowe-Lewis and used a derogatory term to describe her.

Rowe-Lewis said, I thought those days are long gone. ... I think it is hypocritical for individuals who are talking about race relations to at the same time use those inflammatory comments about me.

Leng also condemned Hebrons comments.

It was disgusting and it saddened me, he said in a written statement. Such hurtful and harmful slurs are really intolerable, to anyone, and in this case to a person who has given 20+ years of public service working to help our community.

Hebron declined comment.

Meanwhile, Frank Dixon, chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, issued a letter to members saying he had learned of members who had been involved in activities on social media with at least two members of the Legislative Council ... unbecoming for members of a public commission.

Contributed photo / Frank Dixon

Dixon would not provide specifics about which incidents he referred to.

His letter noted such behavior.

I would ask those of you who feel compelled to engage in this type of politics to please refrain (from) such conduct, he wrote. I also believe that it is never too late to apologize to Councilmembers for the behavior.

A statement from leadership

Leng and Rowe-Lewis, the councils majority leader, signed a statement condemning toxic language, racial slurs, and hate speech.

McGarry, who also signed, said there have been other concerning messages, emails and comments circulating online.

Clare Dignan / Hearst Connecticut Media

We call for and sincerely hope that those who took part in racist and deeply hateful name-calling, find the fortitude to acknowledge and rectify these wrongs immediately, it said. We call for everyone who participates in Hamdens government or political process to engage in a respectful debate to allow Hamdens residents to learn and consider different views and ideas.

Other signatories included Board of Education Chairman Arturo Perez-Caballo and Secretary Melinda Saller, as well as Kathleen Schomaker, the Legislative Council president pro-tem, and Betty Wetmore, the Legislative Council minority leader.

Some who had voiced support for Farmer panned the statement after its release.

It seems in this attached statement that you are denouncing the freedom of speech rights and using government censorship against two Black people, Black and Brown United in Action, a group that had signed onto calls for Horsleys resignation, wrote in an email to Leng.

Catherine John, who runs the group, said the statement referred to Farmer and Rhonda Caldwell. Caldwell organized a press conference calling for Horsleys resignation and voiced support of Farmer online.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

Leaderships statement acknowledged the exchange between Horsley and Farmer, indicating it was important to continue to be active listeners to learn and improve on how to best treat people.

It also recognized Horsleys apology and said she reaffirmed her commitment to continue working on building a culture of equity and inclusion.

The leaders called for unity and healing.

Lets move forward and heal together; listening to each other, and expressing our differences respectfully and constructively, the statement said. We must continue working together to build a better Hamden community for everyone.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
Fourteen people, including senior officials, have been arrested in Malawi and Labour Minister Ken Kandodo has been sacked over misuse of COVID-19 funds, President Lazarus Chakwera and police said on Sunday.



Chakwera said in a televised address he had commissioned an audit into how 6.2 billion Malawian kwacha ($7.95 million) intended for the country's coronavirus response programme had been spent, and that this had identified that funds had vanished, been misused and left idle. "As I speak, over a dozen individuals suspected of committing the crimes exposed by this audit report have been arrested," he said, adding this included an arrest at the office of the president and cabinet. "There are no sacred cows," Chakwera said. "If the finger of evidence points to you... you are going to prison."



Kandodo had used 613,000 kwacha worth of COVID-19 funds for a foreign trip, Chakwera said, adding that even though he had since repaid the money his actions meant it was not available for its intended purpose when it was needed.



Kandodo told Reuters he was shocked by the decision but declined to comment further until Monday.



Chakwera promised to curb corruption when he took office in June last year, bringing his Malawi Congress Party out of opposition for the first time in 26 years.



He said there would be more arrests related to the audit, that civil servants would be made to repay stolen funds and that he would commission further audits into coronavirus-related spending and the use of funds in other areas like infrastructure.



Malawi's police said a total of 14 people had been arrested so far, including an immigration official and 10 individuals working at district councils.



More arrests were imminent, the statement continued, adding the suspects would be charged with crimes including theft by a public servant.



($1 = 779.4900 kwacha)







Source: Reuters









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3. What variants of concern are in Illinois? More than 1,500 cases of COVID-19 variants have been reported statewide. Of these, 1,141 cases were the B.1.1.7 variant, a more contagious strain first identified in the United Kingdom, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Other variants of concern detected in Illinois include 328 reported cases of the P.1 variant, also known as the Brazil variant;97 reported cases of the B.1.427/B.1.429 variant first found in California; and 19 reported cases of the B.1.351 variant, which was first identified in South Africa.
New York Citys builders have had a curious reaction to a pandemic that emptied Manhattans office towers, shuttered restaurants and kept tourists home.

Over the past year, as scores of businesses closed and many residents beat it out of town, developers doubled-down on visions of steel-and-glass grandeur, hatching plans that could transform the city.

After office construction in New York City ground to a virtual halt in the second and third quarters of last year, developers began work on $US2.7 billion worth of projects in the final three months of 2020 Credit:AP

Vornado Realty Trust recently said it will demolish the Hotel Pennsylvania and add an office tower taller than 366 metres at the site by Madison Square Garden.

Near Grand Central Terminal, giant towers are sprouting, including a project to redevelop the Grand Hyatt next to the transit hub. The developers are proposing a skyscraper that would be among the tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
NORWALK  An internal inquiry into the leadership of Brien McMahon High School has widened to include two assistant principals, including the administrator recently appointed to temporarily lead the school.

In an email to parents on Friday, Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said Assistant Principal Barbara Wood has been placed on administrative leave while the school district addresses an undisclosed personnel matter. Chief Communications Officer Brenda Wilcox Williams said Tuesday that Assistant Principal Qadir Abdus-Salaam has also been placed on administrative leave.

The announcements came about a week after the school system informed the public that Wood would serve as interim principal following the districts decision to place Scott Hurwitz, Brien McMahons principal, on administrative leave earlier this month.

Ms. Wood has not been terminated or disciplined in any way by the Norwalk Public Schools, Estrella said in the April 16 email, which was obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media. As you may know, we consider personnel matters to be confidential, and we have no further comment on this matter at this time. However, we are working to resolve this matter promptly.

Estrella and the school district issued a similar statement on April 9 to inform parents about Hurwitzs abrupt leave of absence. At the time, Estrella stressed Hurwitz had not been fired or punished. District officials have declined to discuss the reason behind Hurwitzs time away from the school.

The safety of our students and the continuity of their instruction are our primary concern, and we remain committed to communicating with students and parents as the situation develops, Estrella said in her April 9 and April 16 emails to parents.

Julie Parham, the director of the Center for Global Studies, will serve as the interim principal for Brien McMahon while Hurwitz and Wood are on leave. Hurwitz, Wood and Parham could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Wilcox Williams said Parham will continue to lead the center, which is housed at Brien McMahon, during her time as interim principal. James Martinez, the districts director of school counseling and the former principal at Fox Run Elementary, and Sandra Faioes, the districts director of school improvement and the former principal at Brookside Elementary, have also been assigned to the school by the superintendent.

All are committed to making sure that instruction and all school operations continue without interruption. That includes plans for graduation ceremonies and other end-of-year traditions and events, Wilcox Williams said on Tuesday.

Hurwitz, a former teacher and housemaster, has served as the Brien McMahon principal since 2017. Wood, a longtime housemaster, is an assistant principal overseeing the 12th grade and Abdus-Salaam is an assistant principal overseeing the 9th grade, according to the schools website.

Joe Perella, the parent of a Brien McMahon sophomore and junior, described Hurwitz as an attentive administrator who regularly kept families informed about changes to the curriculum and schedule during the pandemic.

Im concerned about the leadership of the school as we deal with a pandemic and the eventual return to normal, Perella said Tuesday. The principal was continually communicating with parents via email. Sometimes multiple times per day. Now its radio silent.

Brien McMahon, which serves about 1,700 students, reported 15 new COVID-19 cases last week, according to state data. The school is one of 13 in the city that have reported new cases in recent days.
French President Emmanuel Macron met senior government ministers in Paris on Tuesday to discuss the next stage of the country's coronavirus vaccination campaign. The meeting came just after the European Union's drug regulatory agency announced it had found a "possible link" between Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine and extremely rare blood clots and recommended a warning be added to the label.

But experts at the agency reiterated that the vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks. Macron met with Prime Minister Jean Castex and health minister Olivier Veran at the Elysee Palace where he confirmed further doses of the Pfizer vaccine had been obtained through the EU.

France's ramped-up vaccination rollout is increasingly branching out from the most vulnerable who were targeted for the first jabs to younger and healthier populations. But health authorities are still having trouble satisfying demand for jabs, especially for the Pfizer vaccine.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Rep. Kyle Mullins believes raising the minimum wage to $12 an hour would properly recognize the efforts of essential workers in Pennsylvania.

They are real-life heroes walking among us, said Mullins, D-112, Blakely. The best way for policymakers in Harrisburg to honor everything theyve done day in and day out, especially through the COVID crisis, is to ensure were respecting them.

Mullins joined Jennifer Berrier, the states Department of Labor & Industry acting secretary; Thom Welby, chief of staff for state Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton; and Scranton home care worker Dominick Cutro at a virtual news conference Tuesday afternoon to back Gov. Tom Wolfs proposal to increase the minimum wage.

Unsuccessful in previous years, Gov. Tom Wolf again proposed raising the states minimum wage to $12 an hour starting July 1. After that a 50-cent-a-year increase would bring the states minimum wage to $15 an hour by July 1, 2027.

Pennsylvanias minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009, the lowest minimum wage allowed by federal law.

Every worker in Pennsylvania deserves to earn a living wage, especially those who put themselves in harms way to protect us, Berrier said. Too many of our health care and essential workers are earning poverty wages while putting themselves at risk to keep our society running.

Cutro, a member of the United Home Care Workers of Pennsylvania, noted the struggles care workers have faced to earn a living.

I would like to see an increase so I dont have to put in so many hours in a day, he said. It would definitely help all of us.

House Republican Caucus spokesperson Jason Gottesman fears raising the minimum wage could deliver the final blow to many struggling businesses.

Over the last 13 months, 500,000 jobs have been permanently lost and Pennsylvanias employers have been devastated as a result of unilateral and inconsistent shutdown orders issued by Gov. Wolf, he said in a statement. Seeking to raise the minimum wage at this time might be what ultimately breaks many of the employers who are living on the edge between closing and remaining open with employees hired, health care benefits paid, and families supported.

Gottesman added many employers have raised wages at their companies to meet market conditions and attract employees to return to work.

On the other hand, Welby thinks an increase to the minimum wage would help businesses maintain continuity on their staffs and save money in the long run.

Oftentimes, one of the higher costs for employers is having to replace and retrain workers, he said. The ability to pay a little bit more for them and not have to deal with retraining and hiring new employees is a huge benefit.
GRANTS PASS, Ore.  When the Almeda Fire tore through Phoenix and Talent in September, the Grants Pass High School Band thought of their counterparts in the Phoenix-Talent School District and quickly sprang into action. That thoughtfulness has now earned them recognition in the form of a national award.

After learning about the damage done in Phoenix and Talent on September 8, the GPHS band's student leadership team met later in the day to discuss making care packages for every student in the Phoenix High School Band. The two schools usually compete every year at the Pride of the Northwest marching band competition in Grants Pass.

We decided to share photos of the damage in the Phoenix community with our students, GPHS band director Lewis Norfleet wrote. We felt it was an important teaching moment, one that superseded our music class curriculum. We shared the photos and let the students speak. They immediately wanted to help.

Phoenix High School assistant principal Dave Ehrhardt wrote in a letter that many groups reached out to provide support for Phoenix-Talent students in the wake of the fire, but the GPHS band was one of the first.

"A few days later, an armada of vehicles from Grants Pass was at our school. They brought each of our students multiple gift bags and a wide variety of thoughtful items. Even more importantly, they brought them hope and the idea that someone truly cared about them in the midst of this tragedy," said Erhardt.

The GPHS band was later nominated for the "National High School Heart of the Arts Award" from the National Federation of State High School Associations for the initiative they took in helping their fellow musicians. The award looks to recognize individuals or groups who "exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core Mission of education-based activities," the Grants Pass School District said.

We are proud of our students for their awareness of what people in their community were experiencing and their enthusiasm for wanting to help however they could, said Norfleet. It will be quite the celebration when the Phoenix band returns to the field at PNW (hopefully in 2021!), and we have a chance to cheer them on.
One of the oldest known meteor showers will make an appearance just in time for Earth Day 2021.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower, which typically peaks during late April, will light up the sky on the night of Wednesday, April 21 into the early morning hours of Thursday, April 22.

Lyrids are known for fast and bright meteors though they arent as quick or plentiful as the more well-known Perseids that come in August, according to NASA. However, the Lyrids have surprised watchers with as many as 100 meteors per hour. Generally, about 10-20 Lyrid meteors can be seen per hour during the peak times.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Lyrids are best viewed during the dark hours after moonset and before dawn. Viewers hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star should find an area well away from city or street lights and come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.

Other NASA viewing tips:

Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible.

After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.

Be patientthe show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

The fireballs created by Lyrid are unique. NASA said they frequently leave flowing dust trails behind them as they streak through the Earths atmosphere with the trains observable for several seconds. Their radiant  the point in the sky from which the Lyrids appear to come from  is the constellation Lyra, the harp, particularly the star Vega, the brightest star in the constellation.

The Lyrids have been observed for 2,700 years with the first recorded sighting going back to 687 BC by the Chinese. They are produced by debris from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.
Brussels: Johnson & Johnson will resume the rollout of its coronavirus vaccine in Europe after the European Unions drug regulators said a warning should be added to the product indicating a possible link to rare blood clots, but that the shots benefits outweighed the risks.

The reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects, the European Medicines Agency said in a statement, referring to the division of Johnson & Johnson that develops vaccines, Janssen. The rare clots were very similar, the agency added, to those associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, for which the agency made a similar recommendation.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. Credit:AP

Johnson & Johnson decided to delay its rollout in the blocs 27 member states last week, after regulators in the US called for a pause following concerns about the potential serious side effect.

The EMAs recommendation is not binding, but it is the first indication of what might happen next with the European rollout of the much-anticipated, single-shot vaccine thats already been given to nearly eight million people in the United States. The agency said that regulators in individual EU member states should decide how to proceed taking into account their particular case load and vaccine availability.
WASHINGTON  President Biden has declared that he intends to end the war in Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks this year. But it is less clear whether anything will change for detainees at the prison at Guantanamo Bay that was opened for that war.

Traditionally, when conflicts end, wartime detainees are sent home. But the government, under the administrations of both parties, has taken the position that the war Congress authorized after Sept. 11 is bigger than the conflict in Afghanistan. Moreover, Mr. Biden is not declaring defunct the broader war against Al Qaeda and its progeny, wherever they are.

Still, lawyers for at least two of the 40 remaining prisoners at Guantanamo told federal judges this week that whatever wartime legal authority the government had to detain their clients was evaporating. The motions were the first legal fallout from Mr. Bidens announcement.

One of the detainees, Khalid Qassim, 44, is a Yemeni man who has been held without trial at Guantanamo for nearly 19 years; he was captured in late 2001 or early 2002 and is being held as a Qaeda trainee who may have fought for the Taliban in or near Kabul and Bagram, Afghanistan, before fleeing to the Tora Bora mountains in late 2001.


Jan-Ie Low and her family have owned a restaurant in Las Vegas for the past 15 years. Like many restaurants during the pandemic, it shut down for two months last year.

When the SATAY Thai Bistro & Bar reopened it could not have people inside. Because of the hot desert heat, people could not eat outside either. And conventions which bring people to Las Vegas were cancelled because of the health crisis. So they turned the restaurant into a food delivery business.

If you dont adapt, youre going to be left behind, said Low. Even with the changes, sales dropped by half from 2019.

The pandemic has been especially hard on Asian-owned businesses like the Lows.

Many Asian Americans operate small businesses like restaurants and nail salons. These service industries were hit hard by pandemic restrictions on indoor gatherings.

Language barriers and limited relationships with banks have made it harder for them to learn about government aid. And they have also faced a rise in hate crimes from those that blamed Asians for the virus.

A JP Morgan Chase Institute study showed that, by the end of March, sales for Asian-American businesses dropped by more than 60 percent. In comparison, most small businesses faced a 50 percent drop during the pandemic.

Michael Parks family has owned a dry cleaning business in Philadelphia for 34 years. He said business has gotten better since the summer. But sales are still only 25 percent of what they were before the pandemic. Park is using government loans to stay in business.

Were just trying to stay afloat, he said.

Trouble getting aid

Last year, the U.S. government created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic.

Researchers at the University of California at Santa Cruz and the University of Nevada found that many minority-owned businesses were left out at the start of the program. The program was later changed to include more small and community-based lenders, which resulted in more support for minority-owned businesses.

Jamie Lee works for a community development organization that supports small businesses in Seattles Chinatown area. She said many business owners she works with just know enough English to serve customers. But some might feel their English is not strong enough to go through the complex process to seek government assistance.

Teizi Mersai runs Lams Seafood Market, a Vietnamese-American-owned food store in Seattle. He said small businesses like his have survived with the help of neighborhood groups and local aid organizations.

The community really does come together, he said.

An Asian American worker at the store, however, was attacked on his way home from the store. He was not seriously hurt. It is unclear whether the attack was a hate crime but employees are taking precautions.

We tell everyone to make sure you travel in pairs as much as you can, Mersai said.

Im Jill Robbins

Jonnelle Marte reported this story for Reuters. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________

Words in This Story

delivery-n. the act of taking something to a person or place

adapt- v. to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

sale-n. the act of selling something : the exchange of goods, services, or property for money

afloat-adj. having enough money to continue : able to continue without suffering financial failure
A former minister who was sacked after a row over the treatment of soldiers in Northern Ireland has said the Government is the 'most distrustful, awful environment' he has ever worked in.

Johnny Mercer left the Government yesterday after expressing frustration at a lack of progress over legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles.

A furious Mr Mercer today gave Whitehall both barrels as he claimed 'almost nobody tells the truth' and UK politics is like a 'cesspit'.

Mr Mercer said he exited the Government because he felt like he was the 'last man in the room who's willing to fulfil our manifesto commitments' as he also accused ministers of a 'gross betrayal of people who signed up to serve in the military'.

Mr Mercer has already been replaced in the veterans minister role by former Scots Guard captain Leo Docherty.

Former Army officer Mr Mercer yesterday said he was 'sorry to have been relieved of my responsibilities in Government' amid reports that he was sacked by Boris Johnson.

Johnny Mercer left the Government yesterday after expressing frustration at a lack of progress over legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles

Former Army officer Mr Mercer yesterday said he was 'sorry to have been relieved of my responsibilities in Government' amid reports that he was sacked by Boris Johnson

In his formal exchange of letters with the Prime Minister, Mr Mercer said he was 'forced' to offer his resignation with a 'heavy heart'.

In an interview with Times Radio broadcast this afternoon, Mr Mercer blasted the Government.

He said: 'I think Boris Johnson is deeply committed to this agenda. I think he wants to deliver it. But the truth is that nothing, nothing has been done.

'And we've had an incredibly difficult year with coronavirus and all the rest of it and he's the Prime Minister. He's got all these challenges going on. And I respect that and I totally accept that.

'But he should, you know, he should expect his ministers I think to be as committed to the manifesto as he is, alright. And if I'm made to feel like I'm the last man in the room who's willing to fulfil our manifesto commitments, there's something wrong. We reached that point, so I left.'

Mr Mercer continued: 'This is the most distrustful, awful environment I've ever worked in, in government.

'Almost nobody tells the truth is what I've worked out over the last 36 hours. And, you know, so I don't think anyone really can get on their high horse about trust and ethics and all the rest of it in politics, because as far as I'm concerned, most of it is a bit of a cesspit, I think we do have a clear commitment to follow through on our promises and do right by those who serve.'

The Tory MP said he believed the Government was guilty of a 'gross betrayal' by failing to do more to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles.

He said: 'The reality is that for these people, their experiences after having served this nation, 50 years later, they are constantly being dragged over to Northern Ireland, and asked to relive their experiences, it is people are drinking themselves to death.

Mr Mercer published his resignation letter which revealed he was 'forced' to leave Government

Mr Mercer said he will lobby on behalf of Northern Ireland veterans in Parliament, having said he made promises to those troops in Mr Johnson's name

10 Downing Street claimed Mr Mercer resigned, but the former veterans minister said he was 'relieved of my responsibilities' in Government

'It is breaking up families, it is ruining our finest people. And all they did was serve at the behest of this government at the behest of the House of Commons, to uphold the rule of law on the peace and when the peace in Northern Ireland.

'And yet now we're happy to cut them off to people who want to rewrite history. And that is all that's going on, you know that nothing's changed here.

'But the politics, and for me, it's a gross betrayal of people who signed up to serve in the military.'

Mr Mercer has been heavily involved in the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill, which was being considered by MPs today as it goes through its final stages in Parliament.

The legislation was developed in response to legal claims made after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does not cover incidents in Northern Ireland.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has applied to the OTC Markets Group to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB"), a US trading platform operated by the OTC Markets Group in New York.

The Company believes that trading on the OTCQB will provide increase its visibility for ScreenPro and additional liquidity within the U.S. capital markets. ScreenPro will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under its symbol "SCRN". Company will provide further information once its common shares commence trading.

John McMullen, CEO of ScreenPro Security Inc, commented: "This new OTCQB listing provides access to a wider support from investors in the United States and enhances our visibility in the capital markets. Our efforts to improve the profile of the Company's objectives and liquidity of the Company's stock overall in the markets."

The OTCQB is recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission as an established public market providing public information for analysis and value of securities. As a verified market with efficient access for U.S. investors, OTCQB helps companies build shareholder value with the goal of enhancing liquidity and achieving a fair valuation.

The Company will also in connection to OTQB listing make an application to Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. ("DTC") for the Company's common shares to be cleared and settled electronically in the United States once the OTQB listing is complete.

About OTC Market Group Inc

OTC Markets Group Inc. operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how OTC Markets creates better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation

Depository Trust Company is a New York based entity which performs the functions of a Central Securities Depository as part of the US National Market System and is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. which manages the electronic clearing and settlement of share transactions for publicly traded companies.

To learn more about DTC, visit www.dtcc.com

About ScreenPro

ScreenPro provides turnkey coronavirus screening solutions to the private sector including testing, track and tracing with GoStop alerting software. ScreenPro's unique access to multiple manufacturers of high quality South Korean test kits and its strategic partnership with Canvas Labs in Vancouver and Integrated Explorations in Ontario. This platform allows ScreenPro to be a nationwide provider of a full-service testing solutions across Canada. In addition to providing test kits, ScreenPro has its own nursing professionals, and access to high quality PPE to ensure that its clients are protected in all aspects of their testing needs. GoStop's passport was developed with a privacy preserving approach that will enable individuals to use the alerting software and downloadable app with authentication certificates. The alerts can be scheduled on an on-demand, daily, weekly, or monthly basis and can be used also for vaccine scheduling.

For additional information on ScreenPro and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.screenprosecurity.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor it's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"John A. D. McMullen"

President and CEO

For further information please contact:

John McMullen

Email: info@screenprosecurity.com

Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements relating to expectations regarding the future development of ScreenPro's business. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The actual results of ScreenPro could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which ScreenPro operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to ScreenPro's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of ScreenPro. Management of ScreenPro believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents ScreenPro's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. ScreenPro disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81189
UES & Don Brown Bus Sales We are pleased to have the trusted team at Don Brown Bus Sales deliver the UES bus repower solution to school districts and transportation operators. Fleets can enjoy the single point of service across their gas, diesel or electric buses. noted Joe Ambrosio, CEO Unique Electric Solutions.

Well known bus provider Don Brown Bus Sales has aligned with Unique Electric Solutions (UES), a leading manufacturer of electric powertrains for Class 4-8 vehicles, to bring the UES uniqueEV electric drivetrain conversion to school bus fleets.

School bus operators are seeking the benefits of electrification which include cleaner, quieter, and dramatically lower cost operation. Electric buses are healthier for both students and community, better for the environment, more efficient, require less maintenance and are more reliable than gas and diesel alternatives. However bus operators can face challenges procuring new electric buses, including higher upfront costs and production lead times. Converting existing on-road vehicles offers a dramatically lower cost, quicker, and less disruptive path to the benefits of electric propulsion.

Serving school bus fleets for over 48 years, Don Brown Bus Sales now offers the UES uniqueEV electric repower to their customers. Mark Sebast, CEO of Don Brown Bus Sales said, Our company strives to make sure that we provide the exact vehicle our bus customers want and need. In some cases, that may be the vehicle they already own. The UES electric repower allows us to bring all the benefits of electric buses to our customers at a fraction of the price of new.

Joe Ambrosio, CEO Unique Electric Solutions noted, We are pleased to have the trusted team at Don Brown Bus Sales deliver the UES bus repower solution to school districts and transportation operators. Fleets can enjoy the single point of service across their gas, diesel or electric buses.

About Unique Electric Solutions (UES)

Unique Electric Solutions, UES, manufactures electric (EV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicle propulsion systems for commercial fleets, upfitters and select OEMs. These engineered, end-to-end EV systems are deployed in both new production vehicle platforms as well as mid/high volume conversions of on-road medium and heavy duty trucks and buses for numerous applications such as package delivery, passenger transportation and terminal trucks. The uniqueEV platform, a Class 4-8 all-electric drive system available in both full EV and a range-extended HEV fuel-cell version, is field proven including daily service in UPS (United Parcel Service) fleets in New York City and California.

For more information please go to http://www.uesmfg.com

About Don Brown Bus Sales

Don Brown Bus Sales, supporting the ground transportation community since 1973, maintains and provides one of the largest bus inventories in the U.S. market from New & Used School Buses to Wheelchair vans & shuttles, Mini-buses, Ambulettes, Airport shuttles, Multi-Function School Activity Buses (MFSAB), church buses, box trucks, step vans, food trucks & specialty vehicles. We back up our sales with a large inventory of parts and a fully equipped mechanical shop. Don Brown Bus Sales gets it done right so that your transportation programs can keep rolling.

For more information please go to http://www.buscrazy.net
Dan Price is an entrepreneur who became famous a few years ago because he cut his own salary to be able to raise the minimum payroll of his employees to at least 70 thousand dollars a year, he says that his company has tripled its profit in the last year.

Price, CEO of Seattle-based credit card processing company Gravity Payments , posted a series of tweets claiming he tweeted last Tuesday.

"6 years ago, today I raised my company's minimum wage to $ 70,000. Fox News called me a socialist," he said in a tweet in English. "Since then, our revenues have tripled, we are a Harvard Business School case study, and our employees experienced a 10-fold increase in home buying."

6 years ago today I raised my company's min wage to $ 70k. Fox News called me a socialist whose employees would be on bread lines.



Since then our revenue tripled, we're a Harvard Business School case study & our employees had a 10x boom in homes bought.



Always invest in people. pic.twitter.com/o7Ca7I4b7e - Dan Price (@DanPriceSeattle) April 13, 2021

"Always invest in people," he added.

Price said its workforce has grown 70 percent and its revenue tripled, as well as that the company's customer base has doubled as well.

As reported by The Hill , this CEO has appeared on various financial news channels in recent years to spread his business philosophy of spending more on employees rather than cutting expenses.

Price posted a thread on the microblogging social network about his company's accomplishments this year. "The staff had 10 times more babies, 70% of the employees paid their debts and the employees bought 10 times more houses."

Last year Price reported that he asked his employees how to avoid layoffs during the pandemic. His own employees asked to volunteer anonymously for pay cuts. "I thought it was crazy," Price says. "I thought we would waste a week's time to see that the plan would not work."

Price was wrong. His team volunteered nearly half a million dollars a month from their salaries. Some offered their entire fortnight; others offered 50 percent; others offered 5 (Price capped all contributions to 50 percent).



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(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Diurnal Group PLC - Cardiff, Wales-based pharmaceutical company focused on hormonal diseases - Raises GBP20.0 million through placing of 28.5 million shares at 70 pence each. Funds will go towards Phase 3 studies of Efmody, a potential treatment for genetic disorder adrenal hyperplasia.







Victoria PLC - Worcestershire-headquartered flooring firm - Buys ceramics firms Ceramica Colli, Vallelunga and Ceramiche Santa Maria for EUR35 million. Victoria says firms are located near its existing Italian operations and "bring significant additional spare production capacity". Victoria adds: "As a result, they will not only provide an immediate earnings contribution to the group in their own right, but will enable continued profitable growth at Victoria's already established Italian business through the utilisation of that spare production capacity."







Bushveld Minerals Ltd - South Africa focused-vanadium producer - Says unprotected industrial action threat at Vametco resolved and "workers have started safely returning to work". Says resolution was down several reasons including recognition of recently signed employee protection plan, company's profit performance and that "no work no pay principles apply".







Oilex Ltd - Australian oil & gas exploration and production company - Arranged funding to complete acquisition of Gujarat State Petroleum Corp Ltd's 55% interest in Cambay. "In order to satisfy the acquisition consideration, the Company has arranged an equity capital raising, with existing sophisticated shareholders and clients of Novum Securities Ltd, of GBP2.4 million," Oilex says.







Bezant Resources PLC - copper-gold exploration and development company - Signs pact with SkyTEM Surveys ApS for airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of Hope copper and gold asset in Namibia. "The objective of the airborne geophysical survey is to identify unmined potential extensions to Hope and Gorob, as well as identifying other drill prospects along the extensive 130 kilometre strike length of prospective geology. The team is excited about the potential of the Matchless copper belt," Executive Chair Colin Bird says.







Tirupati Graphite PLC - London-based graphite producer with operations in Madagascar and India - Opens second mine at Vatomina project, Madagascar. "The opening of the mine marks the beginning of commercial operations at the greenfield Vatomina project, taking us one step further towards our goal of increasing capacity in Madagascar to 30,000 tonnes per annum by Q1 2022 and 84,000 tpa by 2024," Chief Executive Officer Shishir Poddar says.







Trans-Siberian Gold PLC - operates Asacha gold mine in Kamchatka, far east Russia - Total first-quarter revenue up 81% annually to USD16.9 million from USD9.3 million. Total gold dore production in first quarter up 37% yearly to 9,371 ounces. Says activities resume in Vein 25 after two fatalities during accident in January. "We continue to work closely with RTN implementing the recommendations from their investigation and to support the families of those affected by the accident in January. We are pleased to have resumed mining operations at Vein 25 at the start of March," Chief Executive Officer Alexander Dorogov says.







Hummingbird Resources PLC - UK-based gold ore mining company - Gold poured in first quarter down 25% annually to 22,781 ounces from 30,282 ounces. Expects first-quarter to be its eakest in 2021. Hummingbird adds: "As indicated at the start of the year, Hummingbird expects that the 2021 production profile to be weighted to the second half of the year. Q1 2021 production of 22,781 oz is expected to be Hummingbird's lowest production quarter for the year, with improvements anticipated from Q2 2021 and the rest of the year from Q1 levels."







Lexington Gold Ltd - gold projects in US states of North Carolina and South Carolina - Completes phase one drill programme at the Jones-Keystone-Loflin project. "All six holes intersected visible sulphide mineralisation, which is an encouraging indicator of the presence of gold," Lexington says. Notes drilling programme completed within budget.







Shanta Gold Ltd - East Africa-focused gold miner - Gold production in first three months of 2021 down 29% quarter-on-quarter to 14,641 ounces from 20,622. "Gold production to increase throughout the year with H1 delivering 45% of production as previously guided," Shanta adds. Reiterates 2021 output guidance of 80,000 ounces.







Biome Technologies PLC - Southampton, England-based developer of biodegradable natural polymers and radio frequency systems - Says revenue in first quarter of 2021 in line with internal expectations, rising to GBP1.4 million from GBP1.2 million in year prior. Bioplastics division posts 18% revenue growth to GBP1.2 million. RF Technologies revenue in line with prior year at GBP200,000. "The board's view of the group's performance remains in line with current market expectations," Biome adds.







Checkit PLC - Cambridge-based workflow management software provider - Announces self-installation feature which provides automated temperature monitoring in food industry. Says development of product was accelerated in response to Covid-19. "This technology launch is expected to provide a significant boost to the company's competitive position and remove a barrier to its global expansion plans since it enables customers to set up their own sensor networks in minutes without the need for specialist field engineers," Checkit adds.







Kooth PLC - London-based digital mental health platform - Partners with Chartered Management Institute to give all CMI members free access to Kooth's digital mental health platform.







Agronomics Ltd - alternative proteins company - Portfolio firm LegenDairy Foods rebrands to become Formo. Agronomics has 6.4% stake in investee.







Catena Group PLC - venture capital firm - Shares resume trading after posting admission document. Agrees deal to acquire remaining near-90% of Insight Capital Partners Ltd for GBP27.9 million. To be funded through issue of 47.3 million shares and GBP1.5 million cash. Also proposes placing to raise GBP6.1 million.







By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Dozens of Tory MPs have written to Boris Johnson to demand he step in to ensure live music events and festivals can go ahead this summer.

The 42 MPs want the Prime Minister to back a 250million insurance scheme for event organisers to ensure festivals can go ahead after 21 June.

It comes after Boomtown, a 70,000-person music festival, cancelled this summer's event, blaming the lack of a government-backed insurance scheme.

Glastonbury Festival, the traditional season curtain-raiser in June, has already been postponed to 2022 and will instead run this year online.

Reminding Mr Johnson of his promise of a 'one-way road to freedom' by 21 June in accordance with the roadmap, the MPs write that 'this underwriting should not cost the taxpayer a penny'.

Among the signatories are Mark Harper and Steve Baker, chairman and deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory backbenchers.

Writing for MailOnline today, Mr Baker said: 'After a year in which we have forced young people to stay at home, stop doing everything they love to do, and having asked them to give up so much, many have rightly been looking forward to a conventional British Summer  especially as they have been told we are on a 'one-way road to freedom' by 21 June.

'But this prospect is now days from being snatched away.

The 42 MPs want the Prime Minister to back a 250million insurance scheme for event organisers to ensure festivals can go ahead after 21 June.

Reminding Mr Johnson of his promise of a 'one-way road to freedom' by 21 June in accordance with the roadmap, the MPs write that 'this underwriting should not cost the taxpayer a penny'.

It comes after Boomtown, a 70,000-person music festival, cancelled this summer's event, blaming the lack of a government-backed insurance scheme.

The MPs' letter in full: Dear Prime Minister, Thank you for all you and your team are doing to fight Covid-19. With the success of the vaccine rollout and as we head towards 21 June, its vital that ministers act now to ensure live music events and festivals can go ahead this Summer by assuming contingent liabilities against cancellation and restrictions imposed by Government. The live events industry is one of the UKs major employers, with 262,000 people employed in music alone. Figures from October 2020 show that around 170,000 employees are set to lose their jobs due to the pandemic and the response to it. Decisions about whether these events can go ahead this Summer are going to have to be made in the next few days. The live events industry does not require another lump sum from the Culture Recovery Fund. It requires insurance  insurance against the political risk, however minimal, that the Government will impose restrictions on the industry and its customers after 21 June. A government-backed insurance scheme for event organisers announced this week will ensure that live music festivals can proceed with their plans to go ahead after 21 June. It would cost a maximum of 250 million and given that we are on a one-way road to freedom by 21 June as stated by the Prime Minister, and the Health Secretary said he hoped social distancing rules would be removed from then too, this underwriting should not cost the taxpayer a penny. Without this, most music festivals and live events will be cancelled this Summer with countless job losses and business closures. This scheme would save 1.1 billion of costs to the industry, would give confidence to organisers so that they can prepare for their festivals to go ahead, would turbocharge Britains economic recovery and would bring hope to millions of festival-goers and young people  who have borne the brunt of lockdown  that life this Summer will be a normal one. Advertisement

'Every day, the public and those trying to make a living from putting on and performing in live events and festivals hear a constant to-ing and fro-ing on the news about what life will really be like after 21 June.

'Nobody feels they can plan, invest or even look forward to anything with any certainty any more.'

The MPs distinguish their plan from previous government support schemes and furlough by saying that the live events industry 'does not require another lump sum' from government, but requires 'insurance against the political risk, however minimal, that the government will impose restrictions on the industry and its customers after 21 June'.

The letter said: 'With the success of the vaccine rollout and as we head towards 21 June, it's vital that ministers act now to ensure live music events and festivals can go ahead this summer by assuming contingent liabilities against cancellation and restrictions imposed by government.

'Without this, most music festivals and live events will be cancelled this summer with countless job losses and business closures.

'This scheme would save 1.1billion of costs to the industry, would give confidence to organisers so that they can prepare for their festivals to go ahead, would turbocharge Britain's economic recovery and would bring hope to millions of festival-goers and young people - who have borne the brunt of lockdown - that life this summer will be a normal one.'

Organisers of Boomtown, which is held in Winchester, Hants, said last night they were 'devastated' to abort for a second straight year but unwilling to stake millions on lockdown having ended by August.

They said: 'For an independent event as large and complex as Boomtown, this means a huge gamble into an eight-figure sum to lose if we were to venture much further forward, and then not be able to go ahead due to Covid.'

They lamented a lack of a Government-backed insurance scheme to provide a 'safety net' for festivals grappling with unprecedented circumstances.

It piles more pressure on the Treasury to insure festivals through an indemnity arrangement, which has been backed by the likes of Jools Holland and Robert Plant.

Boomtown had been scheduled for August 11 to 15 and in February sold out.

But organisers announced the 'heartbreaking news' they had run out of time to find a solution to the 'mind-boggling conundrum' of how to pull off the event.

A statement said: 'With less than four months to go until the event, and after almost half a year of collective campaigning to the government, sadly Covid specific cancellation insurance for events simply does not exist at this point in time.

'This means anyone putting on an event this year, will be doing so without the safety net of insurance to cover them should Covid prevent them from going ahead in any capacity.'

A 'very generous' grant from Arts Council England only covered a 'fraction' of the costs, it added.

Fans were left dismayed by the news, with one saying he had 'nothing to look forward to now until December'.

Young people have borne the brunt of the pandemic, now let's give them something to look forward to, says Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group

Young people may have borne the brunt of the economic impacts of this pandemic. Their life chances have narrowed, job prospects and economic security diminished and, with many living alone or in shared accommodation, unable to see families and friends, their mental health has often been severely impacted too.

After a year in which we have forced young people to stay at home, stop doing everything they love to do, and having asked them to give up so much, many have rightly been looking forward to a conventional British Summer  especially as they have been told we are on a 'one-way road to freedom' by 21 June. But this prospect is now days from being snatched away.

Every day, the public and those trying to make a living from putting on and performing in live events and festivals hear a constant to-ing and fro-ing on the news about what life will really be like after 21 June. Nobody feels they can plan, invest or even look forward to anything with any certainty any more.

After a year in which we have forced young people to stay at home, stop doing everything they love to do, and having asked them to give up so much, many have rightly been looking forward to a conventional British Summer

When the Prime Minister says we are on a 'one-way road to freedom', I take him at his word. On 25 March, when Parliament was debating the Government's roadmap out of lockdown, the Health Secretary confirmed that Step 4  June 21  was freedom from regulations.

And in early March he said he hoped social distancing rules would be removed then too. But I can fully understand why the events industry finds it difficult to invest the time and the resources into planning events they fear might be banned at the last minute by Government.

So, with the success of the vaccine rollout and as we head towards 21 June, it's vital that ministers act now to ensure live music events and festivals can go ahead this Summer by assuming contingent liabilities against cancellation and restrictions imposed by Government.

Decisions about whether these events can go ahead this Summer are going to have to be made in the next few days and we've already lost the prospect of the Boomtown music festival this week.

Everyone is worried about spending more and more taxpayer's money on bailouts. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, our borrowing levels are at the highest levels in peacetime in more than three centuries and we now have a higher national debt than the size of our economy for the first time since 1963. But the live events industry isn't asking for another lump sum from the Culture Recovery Fund.

They require insurance  not against a business risk, but against the political risk, however small, that the Government will impose restrictions on the industry and its customers after 21 June.

A government-backed insurance scheme for event organisers announced this week will ensure that live music festivals can proceed with their plans to go ahead after 21 June. It would cost a maximum of 250 million  which is, of course, a lot of money. But none of this would ever need to be paid if - as I suspect - we are all truly on a 'one-way road to freedom' by 21 June and to reclaiming our lives and freedoms.

The live events industry is one of the UK's major employers, with 262,000 people employed in music alone. Figures from October 2020 show that around 170,000 employees are set to lose their jobs due to the pandemic and the response to it. And the economic impact of each cancellation will take its toll for a second year running.

This isn't about famous stars being unable to perform. It's about those people working on staging, lighting, sound, video, catering and more  many of them younger people, again losing out on work and impacted the most.

Without certainty, most music festivals and live events will be cancelled this Summer with countless job losses and business closures. If ministers do step up and do what is required, we can save jobs, protect 1.1bn of costs and unleash 9bn of economic activity, give confidence to event organisers, turbocharge Britain's economic recovery and bring hope to millions of festival-goers and young people who now need it so desperately.

Governments in Germany, Austria, Norway and the Netherlands have all come up with their own schemes to back their festival industries. It makes little sense to have a world-beating vaccination rollout led by the NHS here in the UK, a roadmap out of lockdown and the promise of freedom, but then a refusal to back up that promise by underwriting the industry by 250m. This simply condemns this Summer's festivals to cancellation.

After 13 months of misery, Britain's young people need something to look forward to this Summer. It's time for the Government to step in, to realise that this important industry is key to the promise that it made to the British people to bring back normality after the 21st June, and to make life here in Britain worth living again.
A fake message doing rounds on social media offering free internet is likely to be a scam. To protect their users from falling into the trap, telecom companies are now issuing a public advisory, warning users that such messages promising free recharge plans for online education floating on social media could possibly steal their personal data.

In a statement, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said, It has been brought to our notice that fake messages are being circulated by people on social media platforms with fraudulent intentions.

The telecom organisation noted that the message falsely claims that the Government has promised 100 million users free recharge plans for online education. It encourages people to click on a link to avail the free offer, COAI added in its statement.

COAI further warned all telecom users and urged them not to click on any malicious links that could steal their data from their smartphones or computers. We want to caution the public about this scam. If you get such a message, DO NOT click on the Link as it could lead to data and information theft from the mobile device, and can have other serious consequences.

The industry body further urged users to break the chain by not forwarding these messages to any of their friends or relatives. By simply deleting and not forwarding such message, we can together fight this menace and save others from getting cheated, it added in its statement.
West Australian police will continue to search the former home of convicted killer Francis John Wark in a bid to find the remains of teenager Hayley Dodd.

Special crime detectives and forensic officers on Tuesday began searching the property in rural Badgingarra, near where Hayley was last seen in 1999.

'At this time there have been no significant developments and search activity will continue' on Wednesday, police said in a statement.

Police have resumed searching Francis John Wark's property in an attempt to find Hayley Dodds' remains

Police began the search at Wark's rural Badgingarra property on Tuesday

Hayley Dodds' was 17 when she was last seen in 1999 in Badgingarra

Wark, 65, was last month acquitted by a WA Supreme Court jury of murdering Hayley after a six-week retrial but found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Justice Stephen Hall last week jailed Wark for 18 years - six years longer than the previous record manslaughter sentence in WA.

Wark will be eligible for parole after 16 years but will only be released if he complies with the state's 'no body, no parole' law.

Hayley was 17 when she was last seen alive in 1999, walking along a road near Badgingarra, about 200 kilometres north of Perth.

Her body has never been found.

In his sentencing remarks, Justice Hall found Wark had lured Hayley into his ute with an intention to sexually assault her and had attacked her when she resisted.

The judge found that Hayley Dodds was lured into Wark's ute before she was killed

Francis John Wark was sentenced last month to 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter

He then disposed of her body with 'callous disregard' in a way that ensured he would not be linked to her death.

Wark was only charged in 2015 after a cold case review linked an earring and a strand of hair found in the ute to Hayley.

Hayley's mother Margaret Dodd welcomed the sentence after earlier appealing directly to Wark to reveal where Hayley's body was left.

Wark has been behind bars since 2007 when he was jailed for raping a woman he picked up in a remote part of Queensland in 2007.

Justice Hall said Wark's offending fell into the worst category for manslaughter given the apparent sexual motivation and Hayley's youth and vulnerability.

'She was a very young woman - no more than a girl, in fact,' the judge said.

'At 17, she had her whole life ahead of her.'

This earring linked Wark to the killing of Hayley Dodds. It was found with a strand of her hair in his ute
NEW HAVEN  Members of the states university faculty union took a whiff of what may be included in their next contract, and they dont like the smell.

Standing beside a 14-foot inflatable skunk, members of the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professionals gathered at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven Wednesday to say the Connecticut Board of Regents initial contract proposals stink.

The union represents faculty under the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system that is governed by the Board of Regents; the system includes four universities  Southern, Central, Western and Eastern Connecticut State Universities.

Representatives of the CSU-AAUP, which favors the use of public theater during contract negotiations, said Board of Regents negotiators made a proposal that would limit research opportunities for faculty as well as increase class sizes and faculty workloads.

Cindy Stretch, an English professor at SCSU and a co-chairwoman of the unions organizing committee, said the Regents proposals would give faculty less power in determining how competitive research grants are allocated by giving central office administrators more say on those committees.

The idea is if I want my research funded I have to kiss the ring, she said.

Additionally, she said the proposal would increase faculty workloads, leaving less time for faculty to address student needs.

A spokesman for the CSCU system said the proposals discussed at Wednesdays rally represent starting positions within the negotiating process.

As always, both sides in these types of exchanges start with initial proposals and work to the middle to ensure a balanced agreement in the end, said system CSCU spokesman Leigh Appleby. We are confident that we will ultimately come to a reasonable agreement that enables our management team, including the campus leaders who helped craft our proposals, to provide excellent education and services that students can afford and that can be sustained in every community.

Several speakers at Wednesdays rally criticized the Board of Regents as being cloistered, non-educators making decisions that dont benefit education within the system.

The Board of Regents seems to make decisions based on spreadsheets, said Shelly Jones, a mathematics professor at Central Connecticut State University. As faculty, we are experts in our fields. If only the Board of Regents would consult with us and us with them before making decisions.

Tim Parrish, a writing professor at SCSU, said he was able to receive an education because of affordable public school. He said it was there, having interacted with professors, that he realized what he wanted to do as a career path.

This Board of Regents proposal wants to undercut that by removing personnel from decisions, he said.

He said that, should the system further centralize its operations, the school may become Southern Connecticut State University of Phoenix  a reference to a for-profit, online college. He warned against replacing faculty with factories and treating students as units we need to move.

The union also was supported by several students who spoke about the impact professors have had on them and their education.

Jacob Chamberlain, a senior at SCSU and an aspiring literature professor, said he believes students have been barred from sharing their thoughts with the Board of Regents.

Our faculty has always been open to student discussions, he said.

Josh Cam, a senior at SCSU who began his education at Norwalk Community College, said students like him would have nothing to gain from supporting professors if it were merely a pay dispute.

The Board of Regents arent the ones teaching us, he said.

Appleby said that, during negotiations, the system is mindful of its financial situation.

Enrollment at the universities saw a staggering 8 percent drop this semester. Perhaps more concerning was the steep drop in residence hall occupancy, which led to a 41 percent decrease in housing revenue. The current-year projected deficit for universities stands at $36 million. That is to say nothing of the 17 percent enrollment decrease at the community colleges, he said.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Why should Marvel fans have all the fun?



While fans of superhero franchises across the world relish at the sight of movies or TV series from different production houses release in theatres of OTT platforms, there are sections of fans who pledge their alliance to either the DC Universe or the Marvel Universe.

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There is no denying that the Marvel Universe, which comprises characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Captain American, Hulk, the X-men, and Fantastic Four, has sailed far ahead in the lead especially in the last decade.



While DC took the battle to Marvel with Christopher Nolan at the helm of the Batman trilogy, the excellence of Marvel Studios under the Presidency of Kevin Feige has meant that the former have not been able to compete.

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Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice along with the Justice League, despite holding a lot of promise, failed to deliver, with fans fearing for the future of the DC universe.



However, amidst the positive reception of the recently released extended version of Zack Snyder's Justice League, it is now revealed that The Flash standalone film featuring Ezra Miller, has begun filming in London.

What is certain to excite fans the most is that the film about the "Fastest Man Alive" will see Michael Keaton return as Batman, 29 years after starring as the caped crusader in Tim Burton's "Batman Returns".

Michael Keaton's publicist confirmed he will don the cowl once more and return as Batman in The Flash.  https://t.co/5nhJWhOQTQ pic.twitter.com/GLd5DDxBk1  IGN (@IGN) April 19, 2021

The news of the 69-year-old "Birdman" actor's return was confirmed by his talent agency, ICM Partners, in a report carried out by TheWrap.

Keaton's return to the fold will take the number of Batmans appearing in the Flash film to two, with Ben Affleck also set to reprise his role.

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The solo Flash film is expected to confront DC's multiverse, with the plot being a new take on the Flashpoint storyline.



While Keaton had been rumored to return as the Dark Knight in the past, the confirmation of the news saw reactions of fans on Twitter.

The best batman.  Dean Russell (@Vistrix) April 19, 2021

To the older generation he's the best batman  TJ1179 (@jtorr79) April 19, 2021

One step closer to Keaton playing Old Bruce Wayne in a Batman Beyond movie.  Ether Sol'Rac (@Ether_SolRac) April 19, 2021

The best Batman actor  Mohamed Enieb (@its_menieb) April 19, 2021

I look forward to seeing every character over shadow the flash in his own movie lol  Dax (@jedi_fi) April 19, 2021

I love Michael Keaton as Batman. He was my favorite until @BenAffleck came along. Now, I want them to #RestoreTheSnyderVerse and #MakeTheBatfleckMovie pic.twitter.com/WcZBJfTlkn  BookishThoughts702 (@BThoughts702) April 20, 2021
On Tuesday afternoon, leaders in Boise responded with positive comments after a jury found Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, guilty of murder in the death of George Floyd.

Floyds death late last spring sparked nationwide demonstrations, including in Boise, where hundreds gathered at the Idaho Statehouse and elsewhere to protest. The killing of Floyd was a focal point for the Black Lives Matter movement, and throughout the summer, supporters held demonstrations in Idahos capital city, sometimes clashing with counterprotesters.

A Minneapolis jury that deliberated for about 10 hours found Chauvin guilty Tuesday of all three charges against him: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His conviction could result in as many as 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in the coming weeks. Chauvin was remanded into custody until sentencing right after the verdict was read in court.

On Tuesday, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said she was pleased.

Todays verdict is a powerful reminder that no one is above the law, she tweeted. My hope is that this is the beginning of a journey to rebuild trust, transparency, and accountability in our law enforcement.

The Boise Police Department also responded.

As a department we are committed to continuing to analyze our policies and procedures to ensure they are in line with national best practices and the expectations of our community, BPD tweeted. While the verdict can never right the wrong of George Floyds death, hopefully it can bring some measure of closure to the pain in our nation and particularly to the Floyd family.

Echoing calls around the nation for police reform, the Idaho chapter of the ACLU tweeted that more change is needed.

Justice is more than one verdict, read an ACLU tweet. The fight for justice doesnt end/stop here. Justice would have been George Floyd never being killed in the first place.
Im not happy. I simply sighed.

Im pleased that a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges.

Guilty.

Guilty.

Guilty.

I dont recall a time when I heard the same word three times with such far-reaching impact.

I can breathe.

At least for a minute, or a day.

Though I thought the verdict was obvious, I didnt know what to expect. Ive been disappointed so many times when police officers who killed Black people got off without accountability.

George Floyd wasnt on trial, but sometimes it felt that way. Im pleased that the trial is over. Im pleased that Floyds family gets a relief far greater than mine.

Thank you, Darnella Frazier. Thank you for being a brave, courageous and determined 17-year-old seeing something wrong, saying something and video recording what you saw because it seemed to the best thing you could do. Thank you for being compassionate and passionate about doing the right thing. The Minneapolis police report said Floyd was transported to a medical center where he later died. Thanks to you, we know that was a lie. Your actions proved to be central in the prosecution of Chauvin as jurors were told Believe your eyes. What you saw, you saw.

A Cup Foods neighborhood store clerk suspected Floyd of using a counterfeit $20 bill. Police were called. Several police officers showed up. Floyd ended up on the ground, and under Chauvins knee, for 9 minutes and 46 minutes. Floyds limp body was put in the ambulance, not a man with a medical emergency. Maybe he deserved to be arrested and investigated. He didnt deserve to die.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25, 2020 death while Floyd was in police custody.

He did not die an ambulance. He did not die at a medical center. We saw what we saw when we saw Darnellas video.

In 1992, a California jury acquitted the police officers responsible for Rodney Kings 1991 beating. Kings beating was videotaped. We saw what we saw. Yet the jury didnt see what we saw, or they ignored it.

Subsequent days were not pretty. There was much angst and unrest. Property was destroyed. People were hurt. That wasnt pleasant. Some things improved. We got police body cams and vehicle dash cameras. It was not enough.

Black teenagers are more likely to be killed by police. Black people are three times more likely than White people to be killed. Thats why we know the names Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Tamir Rice, Antwon Rose, Philando Castile and too many others.

The Chauvin verdict was not justice. Justice is for those of us who live on and for those coming behind us. There is no justice for those we've lost to senseless violence. Say it however you wish, the fight for right must continue.

There were important changes after the King trial. There can be important changes now. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would change the qualified immunity that allows police officers claim I was doing my job and make it easier to charge police misconduct when we see it. The measure would ban chokeholds, some no-knock warrants. It would require data involving police encounters. The act would make it wrong to profile based on race and religion.

The measure passed narrowly in the U.S. House. The Democrats need some Republican Senate help to get these changes enacted. Ive got to believe Floyd's death, the trial and the verdict help some good people know whats right. For all of us.
UFG Insurance

Property/casualty insurer, UFG Insurance, has promoted Christine Starr to marketing manager of its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, branch. Starr previously served as senior marketing representative.

UFG was founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company.

Omaha National

Omaha National Insurance Company, an Omaha, Nebraska-based workers compensation and payroll services provider, has promoted Nate Weides to vice president, applications, and Greg Zimmerman to director of underwriting.

As vice president, applications, Weides is leading the development of a unique, comprehensive enterprise software application designed to perform all key functions including sales, underwriting, adjusting, policy management, medical management, and outward-facing functionality. This application, called Oncore, is central to the companys strategic vision. Weides joined Omaha National in 2016.

Zimmerman joined Omaha National in 2017 as an underwriting manager. He has nearly 18 years of experience in the workers compensation industry. Zimmerman has been with the companys underwriting division since its inception and provides expert training and leadership to underwriters with a focus on deep risk assessment. He received the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation in 2012 from the AICPCU/IAA.
The companys growth strategy remains on course, with organic business growth exceeding budget and further potential acquisitions in the pipeline.

RPM remains on track to generate record revenues of $50 million in FY21.

( ) has acquired two Victorian tyre businesses, Elite Tyre Group (ETG) and Super Tyre Mart (STM), which will be integrated into RPMs Wholesale Tyre Division and its Repairs and Roadside Division respectively from July 1, 2021.

This is the second acquisition since the completion of RPMs $5.1 million capital raising in January, enabling the company to advance operations together with providing working capital and funding for potential new opportunities.

RPM says ETG, based in Kealba, and STM, based in Ravenhall, are culturally and operationally aligned, with the management of the acquired businesses to be retained.

Potential to add value

Chief executive officer Clive Finklestein said: Having raised capital to fund the companys growth, Im delighted to welcome Elite Tyre Group and Super Tyre Mart into the RPM fold.

These two businesses are operationally and culturally aligned with RPM, and we see attractive potential to add value to both businesses through revenue synergies from cross-selling products and cross-pollinating customers, and cost synergies from the scale benefits of a larger group.

Importantly, these acquisitions are value and earnings per share accretive before synergies, and comfortably funded, supporting further sustainable growth.

We continue to evaluate further bolt-on and strategic acquisitions in line with RPMs focused growth strategy.

ETGs distribution capabilities across Australia

ETG is a tyre and wheel wholesaler based in Melbourne, with distribution capabilities across Australia.

It is the exclusive distributor of a number of PCR (passenger car tyre) brands, including Imperial Tyres, Aptany Tyres and Kinforest Tyres.

The company can supply passenger tyres from 12 inches to 22 inches in size, with the range focused on passenger tyres, high-performance tyres, SUV and 4WD tyres.

Strong strategic rationale

The acquisition of ETG is strongly aligned with RPMs goal of expanding the groups tyre wholesale and distribution platform.

Around $250,000 of efficiency synergies are expected from integrating ETG with RPMs other Tyre Wholesale Businesses.

In addition, potential revenue synergies from cross-pollinating customer bases and cross-selling ETGs product range are expected.

Conditions precedent to completion

The sale and purchase agreement contains standard conditions precedent for completion, and RPM anticipates completing the acquisition on or around June 30, 2021.

RPMs growth strategy remains on course, with organic business growth exceeding budget and further potential acquisitions in the pipeline.
Tall Ship Pinta Ready for Tours in Grand Rivers

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAND RIVERS - A replica of Christopher Columbus famous ship, will open for public tours in Grand Rivers.The tall ship Pinta will be docked at Green Turtle Bay Resort until her departure on June 1st.The original Pinta was the first ship to sight land on Columbus' voyage to the New World in 1492. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.The Pinta replica is on tour as a sailing museum. The public is invited to visit the ship for a self- guided tour. The ship will be open every day from 10 am to 5 pm through May 31. No reservations are necessary.Admission charges are $6.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5.50 for students ages 5-16 years-old. Children 4 and under are free.Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member can call 1-850-686-3612 or visit: ninapinta.org and click take a tour. Minimum of 15 for group rate at $4.50 per person.
(Tuesday) Additionally, through its SodaStream home-carbonation platform, PepsiCo has committed to saving the use of 78bn single-use plastic bottles by 2025. According to the company, the target is set on the back of an increased uptake in the use of SodaStream over the last year. The group will also begin to develop its sparkling water makers from recycled or plant-based material and will also switch all of its flavour bottles from plastic to metal before the end of 2020; a measure the company expects will save 200m single-use plastic bottles. To back the announcements, PepsiCo has launched a marketing campaign video entitled Dont Share, Just Care, led by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergs sister, Randi.
JACKSON, MI -- Arson is suspected in a fire that destroyed a vehicle early Monday morning in Jackson, police said.

Officers were dispatched to the vehicle fire in the block of 400 W. North St. at about 12:57 a.m. April 19, Jackson Director of Police and Fire Services Elmer Hitt said. The silver 2005 GMC Envoy was a total loss, Hitt said.

No one was injured and the fire remains under investigation, Hitt said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Police Department at 517-768-8724 or report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 517- 483-7867.

The Jackson Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Read more:

Jackson County house fire displaces residents

Home, vehicles struck by gunfire in Jackson

Motorcyclist suffers minor injuries in Jackson County crash
[April 21, 2021] Nerdy Posts Analyst Day Presentation, Provides Update on Business

Nerdy on April 20, 2021 held an analyst day and provided an update on its business in connection with its planned business combination with TPG Pace Tech Opportunities (NYSE: PACE). The Company has posted the analyst day presentation, which provides an overview of the Company's business, growth strategy and financial profile, to its website. As part of the presentation, the Company announced that active learners increased 67%, online sessions jumped 186%, and sessions taught per active expert grew 60% in the first quarter of 2021. The Company expects to release first quarter financial results in early May. The Company expects the business combination to close in the second quarter of 2021, after which the combined company will operate as Nerdy Inc. and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NRDY." The analyst day materials may be accessed in the Investors section of the Company's website using the following link: https://www.nerdy.com/investors in addition to TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' website using the following link: https://www.tpg.com/pace-tech-opportunities. About Nerdy Nerdy is a leading curated direct-to-consumer platform for live online learning. Nerdy's mission is to transform the way people learn through technology. The Company's purpose-built proprietary platform leverages technology, including AI, to connect learners of all ages to experts, delivering superior value on both sides of the network. Nerdy's comprehensive learning destination provides learning experiences across 3,000+ subjects and multiple formats-including one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large format group classes, and adaptive self-study. Nerdy's flagship business, Varsity Tutors, is one of the nation's largest platforms for live online tutoring and classes. Learn more about Nerdy at https://www.nerdy.com/. About TPG Pace Group and TPG Pace Tech Opportunities TPG Pace Group is TPG's dedicated permanent capital platform. TPG Pace Group has a long-term, patient and highly flexible investor base, allowing it to seek compelling opportunities that will thrive in the public markets. TPG Pace Group has sponsored seven special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs") and raised more than $4 billion since 2015. TPG Pace Tech Opportunities is a publicly listed (NYSE: PACE) special purpose acquisition company, which raised $450 million in its October 2020 IPO along with $150 million of forward purchase agreements in order to seek a business combination with a leading technology company that complements the experience and expertise of our management team and TPG and is a business that TPG's transformative operating skills and strategic advice can help improve. For more information, visit https://www.tpg.com/pace-tech-opportunities. No offer or Solicitation This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer or securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offr of securities shall be made except in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act or by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, and applicable regulations in the Cayman Islands.



Important Information for Investors and Shareholders In connection with the proposed business combination, TPG Pace filed a registration statement on Form S-4 and the related proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC (News - Alert) on March 19, 2021 (the "Registration Statement"). Additionally, TPG Pace will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the proposed business combination. The materials filed or to be filed by TPG Pace with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders of TPG Pace are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed business combination because they contain or will contain important information about the business combination and the parties to the business combination.

Participants in the Solicitation TPG Pace Tech Opportunities, Nerdy and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities in connection with the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' initial public offering prospectus, which was filed with the SEC on October 8, 2020, and the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Other information concerning the interests of participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their shareholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination when it becomes available. Forward Looking Statements The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the proposed business combination, TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' future financial performance following the transaction, as well as TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, TPG Pace Tech Opportunities disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or any new information. TPG Pace Tech Opportunities cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities. These risks include, but are not limited to, (1) the inability to complete the transactions contemplated by the proposed business combination; (2) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, and the ability of the combined business to grow and manage growth profitably; (3) any inability of Nerdy to adequately protect its intellectual property; (4) any security breaches, loss of data or other disruptions; (5) any loss of key employees, including Nerdy's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; (6) effects on TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' public securities' liquidity and trading; (7) the market's reaction to the proposed business combination; (8) the lack of a market for TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' securities; (9) TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' financial performance following the proposed business combination; (10) costs related to the proposed business combination; (11) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (12) the possibility that the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") may hinder TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' ability to consummate the business combination; (13) the possibility that COVID-19 may adversely affect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities or Nerdy; (14) the possibility that TPG Pace Tech Opportunities or Nerdy may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; and (15) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by TPG Pace Tech Opportunities. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any oral statements made in connection therewith occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' expectations and projections can be found in TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' initial public offering prospectus, which was filed with the SEC on October 8, 2020, and the Registration Statement. In addition, TPG Pace Tech Opportunities' periodic reports and other SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Additional Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find it A full description of the terms of the proposed business combination has been provided in the Registration Statement, which includes a proxy statement for the stockholders of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities that also constitutes a prospectus of Nerdy. TPG Pace Tech Opportunities urges investors, stockholders and other interested persons to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus as well as other documents filed with the SEC because these documents will contain important information about TPG Pace Tech Opportunities, Nerdy and the business combination. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be included in the Registration Statement will be mailed to stockholders of TPG Pace Tech Opportunities as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Stockholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the proxy statement/prospectus, without charge, by directing a request to: TPG Pace Tech Opportunities, 301 Commerce St., Suite 3300, Fort Worth, TX 76102. The preliminary and definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be included in the Registration Statement, once available, can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005807/en/

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In a recent study, Sunil Sharma--section chief of pulmonary/critical care and sleep medicine at the WVU School of Medicine--and his colleagues found that rural e-cigarette users are older--and often get sicker--than their urban counterparts. Credit: Zane Lacko/WVU

Just as e-cigarette ingredients can vary from one region to another, the health effects of vaping can have regional characteristics as well. A new study out of West Virginia University suggests that rural e-cigarette users are olderand often get sickerthan their urban counterparts.

Researchers with the WVU School of Medicine are investigating severe lung injuries occurring among e-cigarette users in rural Appalachia. In a recent study, Sunil Sharmasection chief of pulmonary/critical care and sleep medicine at the School of Medicineand his colleagues present a case study of patients with EVALI (electronic cigarettes and vaping-associated lung injury) admitted to WVU hospitals from August 2019 to March 2020.

The study, published in Hospital Practice, suggests that EVALI in rural Appalachia results in severe respiratory failure.

"Ours is the first rural study," Sharma said. "One of the real lessons we learned is we can't take data from urban centers and apply them to rural. We could be different, and we physicians need to treat the way that the science is showing in our areas."

Sharma and his team recorded demographics, baseline characteristics, health conditions and vaping behavior for 17 patients admitted to WVU hospitals with EVALI. They also evaluated lung specimens for signs of inflammation and analyzed patient-volunteered e-liquid materials using mass spectrometry to determine chemical composition.

Compared to other EVALI studies performed in urban centers, patients in the rural study were older, had a higher amount of illicit drug use and were much sicker. The median age of patients in this study was 33, compared to 23 in a large national study.

Thirteen patients had a history of cigarette smoking, while four were never smokers. Urine testing determined that nine patients were also consuming THC and another nine were positive for other illicit drugs. Seven of the patients consuming THC required critical care, and four of the 17 had secondary infection of the lungs. Ten patients required mechanical or noninvasive ventilation while two required treatment with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, which pumps someone's blood outside of their body, oxygenates it and returns it to the body.

Sharma's analysis of e-liquids identified toxic volatile organic compoundssuch as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, propylene glycol and cyclohexanein addition to nicotine. Higher levels of these VOCs were found in the e-liquids provided by the three most severely ill patients.

"We were the first ones to show that there was high correlation of volatile organic compounds, specifically in patients who were really sick," Sharma said. "Inhaling all these volatile organic compounds into your lungs at high temperatures, producing these really toxic gaseous compounds, can cause chemical burns in your lungs."

Sharma suspects the particularly high levels of VOCs may be due to the production of some e-liquids in local "garage labs." Garage labs are unregulated, and the labs likely use chemicals easily available to them.

"Volatile organic compounds are very common," he said. "They are very easily acquired, and they are cheap. And we found that there's a regional flavor to each one of the e-liquids, depending on what their garage labs have access to, what they think is cheaper and how it's made."

Despite the strong correlation between lung injury and high VOC levels, Sharma said many other factors determine how much e-cigarettes harm the lungs. These factors include the type of device or technique used to vape, the ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycol used as the e-liquid base, what flavors were added, the age of the patient and if the patient uses other drugs.

"Depending on these, you could have a mild chest pain and feeling of discomfort, which might go away once you stopped smoking, or you could get a lung injury so severe that it requires intubation, mechanical ventilation and sometimes even ECMO," he said.

Sharma believes that the age gap between urban and rural e-cigarette users stems from rural areas' relatively older populations. He also believes that older adults may become engaged in vaping as a way to quit smoking and may not know how dangerous it is, as most warnings from regulatory agencies have targeted teens.

Ad campaigns, such as the Food and Drug Administration's "The Real Cost," have been warning teens and young adults of the "real cost" of e-cigarettes and vaping since 2014. The FDA has also banned advertisements for e-cigarette products targeted at minors and banned enticing fruit and mint e-liquid flavors.

The results of Sharma's study indicate that it may be time to target messages about the dangers of vaping to older populations in rural areas.

"All the effort has been directed toward high schoolers and young people, but maybe in rural areas, we should be having awareness campaigns for older populations," he said.

E-cigarettes are commonly thought to be healthier or less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. Results of the study's follow-up interviews emphasize just how untrue this is, especially for older people. Six to 12 weeks after discharge, it was found that 12 patients completely stopped vaping or smoking, but four patients still experienced persistent cough, trouble breathing and wheezing, and two needed home oxygen therapy.

"The older you are, the more dangerous vaping is for you, and you're going to end up in a very bad situation, probably in an ICU," Sharma said.

Three patients reportedly continued vaping after discharge and had persistent cough and trouble breathing.

"All of these are tied," Sharma said. "You have garage labs that are producing all kinds of chemicalswhich are adulterants and not authorized by a regulatory agencyand the people who are buying them are a much older population. And I think these two conspired in order for us to see a very, very sick population in West Virginia."

Explore further Vaping marijuana associated with more symptoms of lung damage than vaping or smoking nicotine

More information: Rahul Sangani et al. Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): A Rural Appalachian Experience, Hospital Practice (2020). Rahul Sangani et al. Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): A Rural Appalachian Experience,(2020). DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2020.1843282
2021-04-20

Maeci

We have learned with dismay of the death of the President of the Republic of Chad, Idriss Deby Itno.

The Foreign Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and expresses its strongest condemnation of any use of violence to gain political power.

Chad is a crucial partner for Italy in the fight against terrorism and instability in the Sahel region. The security of and fight against terrorism in the Sahel will be one of the key themes of the ministerial meeting of the Anti-Daesh Coalition that Italy will host in the coming months.

In this delicate situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation therefore reiterates Italy's support and closeness to our friends, the people of Chad, in the hope of a peaceful transition towards a fast return to an inclusive constitutional order based on respect for the rule of law.
Discord, a popular video app for gaming, is allegedly suffering from an internet connectivity issue. Various sources stated that thousands of users are affected since core services are not working properly.

Since most regions are experiencing the rumored connection issue, speculations claimed that this could be a worldwide outage. Because of this, Discord's support team confirmed that they are now working to fix the alleged issue.

For those panicking: NO I DID NOT DELETE MY SERVER. Discord is having maaajor issues right now... #discorddown pic.twitter.com/hyg6vLHXTI  SphinxyGyptian (@SphinxyGyptian) April 20, 2021

"We're so sorry for the trouble! Our team is currently aware and investigating the situation; you'll be able to stay updated through our status page," said the app's support team.

Discord's Connectivity Issue

Express UK reported that Down Detector, the popular outage detecting website, claimed that the internet connection issue is mostly experienced by users in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Also Read: Discord Blocks iOS Users From Accessing NSFW Contents

Down Detector also previously received more than 20,000 reports about the internet connectivity problem.

On the other hand, according to Talk Esport's latest report, Discord's current issue prevents players to access any features offered by the popular video app.

User reports indicate Discord is having problems since 12:54 AM IST. https://t.co/uknUGyZPBT RT if you're also having problems #discorddown  Down Detector India (@DownDetectorIN) April 19, 2021

Aside from this, Discord users also complained that they are stuck on connecting, preventing them to move forward and access their accounts.

How to Fix Discord's Connectivity Issue

As of the moment, Down Detector hasn't received new reports yet from Discord users. The website's latest highest number of reports was on Apr. 20. It stated that 3% experienced website issues and 96% of the reports are about server connection problems. But, if you are still having the internet connecting loop issue, here's what you need to do:

The first thing you need to do is click the "Show Hidden Icons" option. This is located in the bottom left corner of your account's taskbar. After that, you need to click the Discord option and then close it. Once it is removed, you must open the menu and enter the correct time in your server or area. You can do this by changing the date and time in the search results. On the other hand, you need to make sure that the options "Set The Time Automatically" and "Set The Time Zone Automatically" are both activated on the new page. After that, all you need to do is re-run your Discord app and log in to your account.

For more news updates about Discord and other popular apps, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Discord Lets You Stream Netflix and Watch Movies With Your Friends In The Server, Here's How

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Giuliano de Leon

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
She has been living it up with friends in LA and New York since just after Christmas.

But Lottie Moss was getting back to reality as she touched down in the UK after four months away in the sunshine on Wednesday.

The model, 23, cut a casual figure as she made her way through arrivals at Heathrow Airport with four huge pink Away suitcases and a Louis Vuitton holdall - in a rather inexplicable move, given her penchant for scantily-clad clothes.

Home: Lottie Moss was getting back to reality as she touched down in the UK after four months of living in LA and NYC on Wednesday

Lottie dressed down in pink tracksuit bottoms, a white T-shirt and black bomber jacket after stepping off the plane from LA.

She wore her blonde tresses in a messy bun and went makeup free while wearing her face mask.

Since she has arrived from the US, Lottie will have to quarantine for 10 days back at her London home.

Back: The model, 23, cut a casual figure as she made her way through arrivals at Heathrow Airport with four huge pink suitcases and a Louis Vuitton holdall

Woah! She is known for sporting next to nothing in her clothes, so her piles of luggage were somewhat mysterious given her penchant for lingerie and tiny bikinis

Low-key: Lottie dressed down in pink tracksuit bottoms, a white T-shirt and black bomber jacket after stepping off the plane from New York

It comes after on Tuesday Lottie marked 420 - the annual cannabis celebration day - by posing with a roll-up in an Instagram snap.

The younger sister of supermodel Kate Moss went make-up free as she played with the platform's nose-bleed filter.

Opting for comfort, the fashion star dressed down in a pink hooded jumper and tied her tresses into a bun.

Relaxed: She wore her blonde tresses in a messy bun and went makeup free while wearing her face mask

Ooh err! Lottie looked sensational in all her snaps - yet they were not indicative of her piles of luggage

Pandemic: Since she has arrived from the US, Lottie will have to quarantine for 10 days back at her London home

In 2016, growing, possessing and using limited quantities of weed became legal in California.

It was recently claimed that Storm Management appears to be fighting a desperate campaign to stop the blonde from ruining her career.

Blonde beauty Lottie, who rose to prominence as a starlet with promise of a successful fashion career, now sells raunchy photos of herself on the site, where erotic photos of influencers sell for as little as 3.

Holiday: Lottie has spent the last four months living it up with her friends in LA and New York

Luggage: Lottie was seen returning with five suitcases, to the point where she could barely see where she was pushing the trolley

Long trip: Lottie will return to her London home to quarantine for 10 days as she has arrived from the US

And now, sources say, Storm is working frantically to protect Lottie and 'save her from herself'  though some family members fear she could have already sabotaged her future.

An insider told The Mail On Sunday's Charlotte Griffiths: 'These photos and the path she's on will affect her future as a model, but also as a woman. What if one day she wants a normal job?

'Storm can't let Lottie become another victim of this crazy influencer-meets-celebrity, image-obsessed culture. Her mental health needs to be protected.'

'Happy 420!': It comes after on Tuesday Lottie marked 420 - the annual cannabis celebration day - by posing with a roll-up in an Instagram snap

Another source close to the agency said: 'Storm feels very protective of the lovely Lottie. They are hoping this phase will pass.

'Lottie is still pretty and is far from finished, but she needs to stop messing with her appearance and underselling herself.

'Not so long ago she... was modelling for Chanel and appearing in Vogue. She showed a lot of promise and now she has lost her way.'
Haas has suffered heavily in the last two races, finishing at the back of the grid in both races. 2021 looks set to continue with these difficulties, with most pundits and fans expecting the team to finish last in the standings. But will it continue down this path for the future?

Backstory

Haas has experienced two consecutively troubled seasons. In 2019 they struggled with a bad upgrade added in Bahrain, resulting in high tyre overheating and in 2020 they had to cope with an underpowered Ferrari engine. This year, team principal Gunther Steiner declared that Haas would run a very limited development program on their current car. This, combined with the signing of two rookie drivers wouldnt seem to help their positioning either. So, it comes as no surprise that 2021 seems like another year following that painful trend. But heres why Haas believes that things look on the up for 2021 and onwards.



Funds

Its a well-documented fact that Haas is heavily sponsored by Uralkali - the Russian fertilizer company - partially owned by Nikita Mazepins father, Dmitry Mazepin. One would expect, with Nikita being in the team, that there would be a significant flow of funds from the Uralkali sponsorship towards the teams accounts. German web hosting company, 1&1, has also recently come on board, likely buoyed by the fact that a German driver, Mick Schumacher, is racing for the team. By having both drivers in the team with the support from their major sponsors, Haas would be provided with greater financial resources for the long term.



Also, as the Concorde Agreement has been signed by the Haas team, one would expect Gene Haas to be still involved in supporting the team and their efforts. Yet, we shouldnt expect him to endlessly fork out cash for the teams development & other expenditures. The team is most likely depending on the cost caps playing in their favour and would require efficient allocation of resources. Until this efficiency can be fully reached, the Haas F1 Team would be benefitting from a more stable inflow of money to help push themselves up to reach the cost cap, and for better performance in the future.



Consistency

Consistency in the driver line-up should be expected for their future in F1. In the case of Mick Schumacher, his performances further along this season could make him stand out. However, with him being a Ferrari-backed junior, there seems to be little to no reason why any other team would pick him up, as he would seemingly be destined for the iconic Italian marque. Plus, Ferraris Carlos Sainz has displayed a strong work ethic that would seemingly keep him at Ferrari for the medium term, if not longer. This would mean Mick would likely be staying for a decent amount of time at Haas.



Looking at other drivers on the current grid who have wealthy relatives supporting their path into F1, and the minimal heat they generate in the driver market, it would seem that Nikita Mazepin would follow this trend. Not to mention, the significant sponsorship that he brings would mean that his position within the Haas team does not seem to currently be in jeopardy. Therefore, Mazepin would look to stay at Haas for the long term.



By keeping the drivers the same through these next few years, moments such as engineering debriefs, simulator sessions and driver feedback will become more fluent, as drivers and team personnel learn better communication techniques and patterns to reach conclusions. This paired with an entire year to build experience and understand the teams aims and procedures would provide them with greater confidence going forward.



Looking forwards

Haas has already come out and strongly stated that there will be no development on the current car through the year, with the focus firmly set on 2022. While this sets expectations low for their current season, it shows Haass long term commitment to their sport, as well as an opportunity for pragmatic thinking. This will allow a greater provision of resources and focus on the next generation of F1 cars, aiming to provide themselves with an immediately better pace advantage.



By agreeing with Ferrari to bring Simone Resta into the Haas Technical department, it shows a greater connection between the iconic Italian marque and the fledgling American team. This will not only strengthen the long term connection between the two teams but allows a transfer of technical knowledge and prowess from a leading team, to a team that aims to be fighting at the front. This, in conjunction with the incoming Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions - which provides lower teams with greater WindTunnel usage - could provide a great deal of data & information to work with to correlate research and development with upgrade data.



As such, Haas is keeping their eyes forward, and aiming to restore their team to the loftier heights which they achieved in earlier years.
When Cuban President Raul Castro retired last week, he created an historic moment: it was the first time the island had not been ruled by a Castro since the triumph of the 1959 revolution.

The 89-year-old announced that he was stepping down as head of the Communist Party, handing the leadership position to his protegee, 61-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Nothing, nothing, nothing is forcing me to make this decision, Castro said upon retiring. As long as I live, I will be ready with my foot in the stirrup to defend the homeland, the revolution, and socialism with more force than ever.

Michael Touchton, associate professor of political science in the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, said that Castro has relinquished the day-to-day running of the country but could still exert influence in the background, sending messages and even orders to Diaz-Canel.

He is leaving the opportunity for Diaz-Canel or someone else to do something different, he said. But while Castro is alive, I would not expect to see any meaningful reforms.

Those reforms are precisely what many younger Cubans long for, experts said.

The island is undergoing a crisis with a tattered economy that has shrunk 11 percent in 2020 and a loss of tourism revenue estimated at $2.5 billion, according to the Cuban National Office of Statistics. Lines for food are long.

Remittances from abroad have also diminished. The COVID-19 pandemic has also spread widely throughout the island, and the government has promised a vaccine but has not delivered.

Yoani Sanchez, the Cuban independent journalist who was the first Distinguished Presidential Fellow at the University of Miami, wrote in her blog 14ymedio that when the national press covered Castros retirement and predicted a new future for the country, they were being shortsighted.

Castrismo is more than one man and his cronies, she wrote. It is a way to handle the politics, of controlling the press, allowing the military to manage the economy, controlling what one studies, carrying out international relations, and framing ideological propaganda.

She mused whether Diaz-Canel was up to the task of change.

The Cuban economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic are huge stumbling blocks for the new party leader.

These transitions usually take place in times of crisis, Touchton said. Diaz-Canel is inheriting a very bad situation.

He is also inheriting a growing discontent by young people who are internet savvy and can compare their lives to those of other youths in other countries, experts said. Dozens of protests against the government are posted on social media platforms daily.

As he moves ahead, Diaz-Canel must walk a fine line, said Touchton. He is not part of the original group that toppled dictator Fulgencio Batista in the Cuban revolution.

A lot of older people in Cuba gave the Castros extra leeway because they had a heroic mythological status, seeing them as heroes who defeated Batista, faced-off against the United States, and led the country during the entire Cold War period, said Touchton.

There are people who supported the revolution because a Castro was in charge and they might not support Diaz-Canel, said Touchton. He will receive more blame for the current crisis because he was not part of the Cuban revolution.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  The first community pantry in the town of Daraga, Albay opened on Tuesday in a remote village of Lacag.

The organizer, Jessica Marcellana, is a government employee working for the Albay provincial governments health emergency unit.

She said she would like to use her influence in the community by convincing more of her friends to put up a pantry like hers. She added that one of her friends will be setting up a community pantry in Legazpi, the first in the city.

Despite threats, Marcellana said she does not fear any red tagging as she has nothing to hide, and her motive is only to help.

She said they are also planning to make their pantry roving to bring it to more places and make it more accessible for people. This Saturday, the pantry will be brought to Legazpis boulevard, she added.

Several groups and individuals, especially in Metro Manila, recently opened their own community pantries in their respective areas to provide basic needs for free to their fellow residents.

However, some organizers decided to temporarily stop operations due to security concerns after alleged red-tagging activities and profiling of organizers and volunteers by public authorities, which were later on denied by the Philippine National Police.

Lawmakers and local governments have expressed their support for the community pantries amid such issues.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is trying to hold a march in Agarak town of Syunik Province, where the situation remains tense.

At the moment, Pashinyan is walking in the town, accompanied by a large number of security officers.

During the march, the people of Agarak are cursing and shouting insults at Pashinyan and telling him to leave the town.

Also, Nikol Pashinyan spokethrough a loudspeakerduring this failed march. "We [the incumbent authorities] are the guilty. We will resolve this issue as well, I apologize to all of you. Dear people, we apologize for them," he said.

As reported earlier, the Agarak residents on Wednesday greeted Nikol Pashinyan with unfriendly chants calling him a traitor and a Turk. There was even a scuffle between the police and the people of this town.

Armenian News-NEWS.am had reported Tuesday that Pashinyan left for Syunik Province in top secrecy.

And last night, Armenian News-NEWS.am learned that Pashinyan visited Shurnukh village at night.

There are press reports that the PM was received by the local residents indignantly and coldly.

To note, the Syunik Police chief, his deputy, and the Goris and Kapan town police chiefs were changed unexpectedly on Monday.

Also, except for one community, the leaders of all other Syunik communities have publicly demanded Pashinyan's resignation.
GENESEE COUNTY - Genesee County residents will decide on May 4 whether or not to renew a 911 surcharge.

The Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted in January to approve placement of the renewal surcharge of $1.86 on the special election ballot. The current 911 surcharge is due to expire at years end.

Right now, everybody is getting charged $1.86 per device, and that legislation sunsets on Dec. 31, 2021, so our funding will go away 100%, said Spring Tremaine, Genesee County 911 Administrator. We are 100% funded by this $1.86 per device, so we have to renew it to continue our existence.

If approved by the voters, the surcharge will assess a charge on all landline, wireless, and voice over internet protocol service devices located within Genesee County of up to $1.86 per month, for a period ending on December 31, 2026.

Voters approved a hike to the 911 consortium surcharge back in 2017 that increased the rate from $1.24 to the current $1.86 surcharge. The surcharge rate had not changed since it was set by the state in 2008.

We actually went to the voters back in 2017, and they approved a 62-cent hike which did increase our budget and we have ever since purchased radios and all kinds of equipment that was at end of life, Tremaine said.

$1.86 is actually one of the lowest in the state. We are allowed to use up to $3 per device and many agencies are pulling that and many are in the $2 range, so we are one of the lowest in the state, she said. We pay for everything from labor to our operations, our equipment, sustaining our nine towers in the county, and all of those funds help us continue on.

However, if the surcharge is not approved, and funding was to be decreased, a backup plan has been set aside to make sure the dispatch center continues, but on a limited basis.

There is a plan, its called the 911 plan, and in the plan, if the money went away, theres a feature in there where all of these municipalities would have to pitch in and help pay for it, Tremaine said. But many of those municipalities have come forward and said we cant possibly afford that.

The plan is funded through a percentage thats based on how large a city is, meaning that a city like Flint would have to pay more into the funding.

Although it would help keep dispatch in continuation, Tremaine said the individual municipalities across Genesee County would have to pitch in a bombshell just to help keep us going.

Its just under $8 million and most of these agencies cant come up with those funds, so we do have roughly $3 million, right now, in our reserves that we could rely on, but that would only get us through about half of the year, she said.

Genesee County 911 Dispatch Authority represents 31 local municipalities and dispatches for all police, fire and EMS agencies within the county, with the exception of the city of Fenton. Genesee County Dispatch Authority is made up 60 employees, of which 50 of them are assigned as dispatchers and work 365 days a year, seven days a week.

We do everything from all of the 911 calls plus numerous non-emergency type calls for alarms, and things like that, Tremaine said. We handle approximately 400,000 dispatch calls for police, fire and EMS, a year.

Despite the City of Fenton having its own dispatch center, the Genesee County surcharge does help fund part of Fentons dispatch center and also helps to offset the cost on their budget.

The City of Fenton is in full support of the surcharge, Tremaine said, having approached the County Board of Commissioners on the matter multiple times.

Tremaine wants to reassure the residents of Genesee County that the renewal is to keep $1.86 the same and not to raise the surcharge, taking into account the hard times that everyone has dealt with this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I want to assure the public that we are spending our money in a smart way and in a very fiscally responsible way, Tremaine said. We appreciate that and we operate with that and we hope that it will continue. We just want Genesee County residents to be served well and we want them to know that they are in control of their 911 center, this is their 911 center.

Read more on MLive:

MTA offering free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Genesee County residents

With cases rising, Genesee County health officials push for vaccine sign-ups

Genesee County considers 911 surcharge while Flint public safety, MTA tax requests head to May ballot
The new Minister of Health, Ioana Mihaila, on Wednesday told in a press conference that she will accelerate the presentation "ex officio of all relevant public data" and will encourage "all elements" of reform, agerpres.ro confirms.

"This is what for the USR PLUS (Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party) received the vote of the citizens, because it presented a government plan that includes reforms and transparency. These things are also part of the government programme and I will do everything so that my mandate is guided by these values. Thus, I will speed up the ex officio presentation of all relevant public data and encourage the reform. It is a our duty in front of the citizens and an essential thing for the confidence in the health system, in government in general. We are still in a health crisis, but I am convinced that together we can overcome it, I am convinced that through joint efforts, at the end of this crisis, the health system will result stronger," said the newly-appointed Minister.
MINNEAPOLIS  As a young civil rights lawyer almost 20 years ago, Keith Ellison took on a client who accused two Minneapolis police officers of sodomizing him with a toilet plunger.

The case had echoes of an earlier police brutality case in New York, in which four officers were sent to prison in connection with the sexual assault of Abner Louima, who was attacked with a broken broom handle in a precinct bathroom.

The officers in the case involving Mr. Ellisons client, Stephen Porter, were ultimately cleared by an F.B.I. investigation. But Mr. Ellison achieved a very different outcome on Tuesday regarding another Black mans encounter with the police, when Derek Chauvin, the white former officer charged with killing George Floyd, was convicted of two counts of murder as well as manslaughter.

Mr. Ellison, 57, who grew up in Detroit and moved to Minnesota to attend law school, became the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2006 and a rising star of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He served in Washington for 12 years before abandoning a safe seat to run for attorney general in Minnesota in 2018, becoming the first Black person elected to statewide office. A little more than a year after taking office as attorney general, he took charge of the Chauvin case.
HARRISBURG  April 20 is a holiday in the world of marijuana, and here in Harrisburg, recreational users had a reason to celebrate this 4/20.

The states lieutenant governor and two senators from different parties are supporting efforts that would legalize marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania and expunge the criminal records of those who have been convicted of marijuana-related crimes.

More than 100 people gathered at a rally at the state Capitol Tuesday in support of the legalization of marijuana in Pennsylvania. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who has been outspoken about legalization, as well as two state senators who introduced a bill to that end, were among those who spoke at the rally.

The event started with a gathering of supporters at Front and State streets, where they waved flags and signs and held up large banners with slogans like #LegalizePA. Passing cars honked in support.

They then marched up State Street to the Capitol for a rally.

Were here to march and be heard and demand legalization for everyone in Pennsylvania, said John Wronski of Lehigh Valley NORML. Its here for everyone.

Hes optimistic that the state can get there, especially with the support he is seeing.

After the cheering crowd arrived at the Capitol, Fetterman greeted them with a Happy 4/20, getting an even louder cheer.

From an economic sense alone, legalization is a good idea, Fetterman told them as he introduced Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly, a Seattle-based marijuana marketplace.

Miyashita said her companys annual Cannabis Jobs Report showed the marijuana industry added 77,000 new jobs in the U.S. in 2020.

No other industry comes close to this engine of job creation, she said.

Medical marijuana jobs in Pennsylvania were a part of that equation, she said, noting that Pennsylvanians spent $810 million last year on cannabis and created 7,000 new jobs in the state.

If Pennsylvania fully legalizes adult use, she estimates that would create 17,000 to 31,000 new, full-time jobs in the state, bringing in an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion in annual sales during the first three to five years with $520 million in tax revenue.

Without legalization, that is money that will go to neighboring states, like New Jersey and New York, where marijuana is legal, she noted.

Beyond the finances, legalization would keep people out of jail for minor offenses, Fetterman told the crowd.

If you have a stupid weed conviction in on your record, get your pardon application in now, Fetterman said. Pennsylvania fills Beaver Stadium every five years with stupid weed charges. 20,000 a year. Thats 100,000 over five years.

Part of that effort will be the dedication today of a pardon drop box, to be placed at the Dauphin County Courthouse for those who want to apply for pardons of marijuana-related convictions.

Fetterman announced his full support for legalization, which may be one step closer with a bipartisan Senate bill, which is currently in committee.

Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie County, and Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia, introduced that bill earlier this year. They attended todays rally to discuss their bill, which includes legalization for recreational use.

I know Ive gotten a little of press simply because Im a Republican, but I consider myself to be a commonsense legislator thats here to solve problems, Laughlin said. This is just an issue in Pennsylvania that needs to be dealt with. We took a very pragmatic approach to this.

Laughlin said this bill is about creating jobs and bringing in revenue. Its about freedom, and its about stopping the waste of resources that is harming of lives of the 20,000 Pennsylvanians who are charged each year in marijuana-related offenses.

His co-sponsor, Street, told the crowd, The time to end the prohibition of cannabis has come.

Right now, the law is not enforced equally, he said. The wealthy are much less likely to be arrested on marijuana charges than the poor and people of color, he said, adding, If we arent going to enforce it equally, we shouldnt enforce it at all.

Too many lives have been ruined, too many people have been hurt, Street added. We are proposing that anyone who has ever been convicted of a cannabis crime can have their record sealed and the opportunity to have it expunged.

In the bill, they are also proposing a small amount that can be grown at home for eligible medical marijuana patients, but not for recreational users. They are also proposing licenses that would allow small businesses to participate in a micro-grow program, allowing them to compete with the bigger companies.

The crowd cheered loudly as Street said, Lets end the prohibition now and keep the revenue in Pennsylvania.

Though Laughlin and Street have come together on the issue, not everyone in the state House and Senate supports this bill.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre County, said, I dont see support in our caucus for legalizing recreation marijuana. Were still very supportive of the medical marijuana. I think theres an argument that would have a negative impact on that and on the research component of the medical marijuana.

He added theyll watch the success and failures of other states that have legalized it, and make a decision, but I dont think this is something we need to rush into.

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre County, said his caucus was intricately involved in passing the medical marijuana law a few years ago, and they are still studying its medical effectiveness.

I would say right now there isnt a lot of support to be taking a second step, he said, adding that the legalization of marijuana is not at the top of his priority list.

Our priority is getting the economy opened up and getting people back to work, children in school and continue the vaccine rollout, Benninghoff said.

Though Fetterman knows there may be a fight ahead for legalization, he told PennLive after the rally that hes hopeful.

I would like to think we are getting closer every day, but I also know politics will play a role in this. It shouldnt because this is a true bipartisan solution for Pennsylvania, he said. This isnt a Democratic issue. This isnt a Republican issue. This is a Pennsylvania issue, and thats what today is all about.

Longtime advocate and executive director of Lehigh Valley NORML Jeff Riedy said he is hopeful, as well.

Im very excited about this, he said. Its a very exciting day in Pennsylvania.

With the bill introduced by Laughlin and Street, and with some Republican support, he believes it can get out of committee and come before the full Senate with support.

It may not be the perfect bill after some likely compromises are made, but he said its a step in the right direction.

Getting legalization on the books is the most important thing right now in Pennsylvania, he said.

Reporter Jan Murphy contributed to this report.
A Manitoba man was given a $3,500 fine and a one-year driving ban for causing a collision that killed a mother of five from La Salle who was a school bus driver.

A Manitoba man was given a $3,500 fine and a one-year driving ban for causing a collision that killed a mother of five from La Salle who was a school bus driver.

Evan Charbonneau pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death for the Aug. 22, 2018, collision that killed Tammy Rosko.

The 42-year-old was on her way to work, when an eastbound pickup truck driven by Charbonneau jumped the raised centre divider on the Perimeter Highway near the Brady Road Landfill and collided head-on with Roskos westbound minivan.

Charbonneau, who was 32 at the time, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Provincial court Judge Lawrence Allen handed down the sentence Monday.

Members of the Rosko family, including her husband and children, were present during the sentencing hearing in Winnipeg. Crown attorney Colin Soul read aloud multiple victim impact statements from loved ones.

"Losing Tammy has been a life-changing event. Her sudden and unexpected passing rattled our lives and devastated her children. The grief of Tammys passing will never leave their hearts," read a letter from Tammys brother Mike Rosko and his partner.

A friend of Tammys described her as a generous person whose children were her whole world.

A mother of five was killed when her van was hit head-on on the Perimeter Highway Aug. 22, 2018. Andrew Ryan / Winnipeg Free Press files

Police and paramedics who dealt with Charbonneau at the crash scene reported that he did not seem impaired. Court was told Charbonneau had made comments to first responders about having used cannabis.

Blood samples drawn from Charbonneau confirmed there were traces of cannabis in his system at the time of the crash. However, court concluded marijuana was not a contributing factor to the collision.

"Ultimately, it was decided there was not a case in relation to impairment," Soul told the court.

Charbonneau had no criminal record at the time.

The Rosko family didn't support the Crowns decision not to seek impaired driving charges. Court was told it was determined Charbonneau was not speeding or texting when he lost control of his vehicle while on his way to work.

Charbonneau cant recall the moments leading up to the collision, which caused him to weave into the oncoming lane, defence lawyer Jeff Gindin told court.

Paramedics took him to Health Sciences Centre to be treated for injuries that required him to use a wheelchair and crutches for nearly a year.

Charbonneau, 35, apologized to the Rosko family in court.

"There are no words that can express how truly sorry I am," he said. "Not a day (has) passed without the tragedy going through my mind."

The judge assured those present that the Crown gave "the fullest attention possible" to the case and considered "every angle" to determine how the court could obtain justice for Tammy.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
Samsung's SmartTags have been a useful little device over the past year. Attaching this Bluetooth-enabled tile tracker to keys, bags, wallets, and other small things users have in their possession can easily help in finding them if they are lost through the Samsung SmartThings App.

However, with the upcoming rollout of a new update, the device will have more functionalities.

Samsung SmartTag New Features

Slash Gear reported that Samsung is rolling out new features for its SmartTag next week. Using the Samsung SmartThing App, users can now locate other SmartTags in their vicinity by using the new feature called Unknown Tag Search.

This feature allows users to scan a nearby area for any SmartTags that do not belong to them but are moving along with them. The presumption is that a tile tracker moving along with the user is most likely also trying to spy on them.

Other than that, Samsung promised that the company will not track user data, as they assured that using SmartTags will be a secure and private feature. The data will be encrypted and protected by a random ID feature that changes every 15 minutes. Also, a user's SmartTag location will not be revealed to anyone other than the tracker's owner.

This SmartTag feature is a big win for user safety. It can locate other SmartTag devices that the user maybe unaware of, as the tile-tracker could be slipped into the user's bag, jacket, pocket or any other things stalkers can slip it on.

Read Also: iTest Samsung App: This Website Turns Your iPhone Into an Android Device!

Other than that, PhoneArena noted that Samsung is coming with a voice-assist feature for its SmartTags. With the use of Bixby, users can ask commands to locate user's things around the house and amplify a ringing sound from the tile tracker to find the missing item.

Samsung users who attach their personal belongings with a SmartTag will surely benefit from this as it makes searching easier and hands-free.

What Is a Samsung SmartTag?

According to Consumer Reports, Samsung SmartTag is a Bluetooth-enabled tile tracker that lets users find their missing things around them. Attaching this device to your remote, keys, wallet, bags, purse, and other valuable items can locate the lost items through the use of the Samsung SmartThings app.

If users have lost their wallet after a quick bite on a restaurant, the tag's last location can be found on Google Map built into the SmartThings app. If users are close to the SmartTag, meaning it is within range of their phone's Bluetooth or a UWB signal, they can activate the Search Nearby feature and slowly sweep their phone from side to side. The app will allow users know if they are close or far from the device.

Also, if users are really close to the SmartTag, the Samsung SmartThings app will toggle a VR mode, which uses the phone's camera and points out the location of the tile tracker. Using the VR mode will let the app direct the user to the tile site, with pointing arrows popping up the screen while indicating how far you are to the device. Once users locate the tile tracker, fireworks will spawn out of the app.

Users can purchase a Samsung SmartTag on the Samsung website, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retail stores in the market for only $30 or less.

Related Article: Samsung Android Apps Crash: How to Uninstall WebView and Fix the Issue
The district administration here on Tuesday said around 77,000 migrant workers were sent home in over 1,500 buses.

Though the workers had started returning home after a rise in coronavirus cases, their number swelled after the Delhi government imposed a week-long lockdown on Monday, an official said.

According to District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey, around 77,000 workers were sent to their destinations in 1,537 buses.

Pandey said the buses were operated from the ISBT, Anand Vihar, Kashmir Gate, and the Kaushambi bus stand.

Teams of officials from the Health Department and police were deployed for the task, which turned challenging due to the sudden announcement of lockdown in Delhi, he said.

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A health care worker prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a new vaccination site in the California Polytechnic State University in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, Feb. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, April 21 : Increasing efforts towards faster mass vaccination and virus surveillance is the key to ward off dangers posed by a triple-mutant coronavirus now present in the country, health experts said on Wednesday.

The B1617 variant, first detected in Maharashtra, contains mutations from two separate virus variants -- E484Q and L452R. The third mutation evolved from the double mutation where three different Covid strains combined to form a new variant.

Two of these triple-mutant varieties have been found in samples collected from Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

The RNA virus has the potential to acquire mutations as it replicates and spreads. These mutations can, sometimes, result in virus variants with better adaptability to its environment.

"As the virus spreads, it gets more opportunities to acquire mutations and evolve at a faster rate. This is a natural aspect of virus life-cycle but it is very important that we track these changes (virus surveillance) and follow the important viral characteristics associated with these mutations," Dr Veena P. Menon, Faculty-In-Charge, Clinical Virology Laboratory, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, told IANS.

While the SARS-CoV2, causing the Covid-19 infections, has evolved at a much slower rate compared to Influenza or HIV viruses but as the number of infections rises, we are observing a rapid emergence of numerous viral variants.

With the increase in the number of infections and spread, there are more opportunities for the virus to mutate.

"As the infections are increasing at an alarming rate, there is a very high likelihood that we will encounter more virus variants in our population. Some of these variants get selected for faster transmissibility (spread) or 'increased severity' (more pathogenic) and also "immune (vaccine) escape", Menon explained.

The evidence so far suggests that none of the important virus variants are associated with increased severity. However, an increased transmissibility is associated with the UK variant (lineage B1.1.7) while the Brazilian and South African variants exhibit ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity.

"Mutation in the respiratory virus is a natural process. This process is augmented in situations of high spread and presence of vaccinated people in the community. We will see more variants in India in future too," Dr Harshal R. Salve, Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, told IANS.

Stricter implementation of public health infection control measures like usage of masks, social distancing and vaccinations are all key to prevent the spread. Besides, the need is to continue monitoring the virus evolution, the experts said.

"Combining genetic surveillance methods with evaluation of the biological and clinical characteristics of these virus variants will aid in better understanding virus variants and its clinical and public health impact," Menon added.

Vaccinations can play a great role in curbing the spread of Covid.

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech, is able to "effectively neutralise" the double mutant strains, including the UK variant and the Brazil variant of the coronavirus, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a report.

(Rachel V Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
"We were very impressed with the ease of use of the product and are thrilled to have implemented it as another layer of protection within our health and safety protocols," said Kenny Miller, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities and Planning, Iredell-Statesville Schools. "Its accuracy and the speed of scanning, all within the normal movement of our students, allows us to dedicate resources elsewhere that would otherwise be required to operate manual temperature screening solutions. The system also allows us to remain socially distanced and to adhere to the CDC guidelines. Working with the ThermalPass team was extremely easy as they are customer-oriented and interested in providing a quality product, at a reasonable price, with superior service after the purchase. I highly recommend ThermalPass and their team if you need a simple, effective, reasonable health screening solution."

Watch ThermalPass in action at Iredell-Statesville Schools here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_2M05sDvxW-7xaNaE0gCztUHP54687Pa/view

Jason Elmaleh, President of Commersive Solutions, joint venture partner in ThermalPass said, "We're thrilled to be working with such a dedicated group of educators who see the value in our solution now, during the pandemic and beyond, as we start to get back to our normal lives. If we are able to reduce the average number of sick days taken from students being out of school by just half a day, that will result in well over a half-million dollars of additional district funding for Iredell-Statesville Schools that would otherwise not be disbursed. We look forward to our ongoing work with them as we explore additional integrations such as adding metal detection to their units."

"We anticipate the education market for ThermalPass will expand rapidly, especially in the US where the American Rescue Plan Act was just passed," said Michael Lende, CEO of Predictiv AI. "This COVID-19 stimulus package includes an unprecedented US$1.9 trillion aid package to help state agencies and school districts reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools."

While many factors contribute to school absenteeism, student illness is believed to be the main driver of student absenteeism. According to a report by EMist, the average student in the US (K-12) misses 4.5 days per school year, while the average teacher misses 5.3 days per school year. The total loss of funding to education systems associated with student absenteeism each year in the US is estimated to be $10.7 billion dollars.

For more information on Predictiv AI or ThermalPass, visit: www.predictiv.ai and follow Predictive AI on:

* Predictiv AI is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-2 coronavirus) at this time.

* CNBC; Bidens signs $1.9 trillion covid relief package: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/11/biden-1point9-trillion-covid-relief-package-thursday-afternoon.html

* Emist; Absenteeism in schools: https://emist.com/absenteeism-in-schools-10-7-billion-loss-in-funding/

About Predictiv AI Inc.

Predictiv AI Inc. www.predictiv.ai is a technology company which helps businesses and organizations make smarter decisions using advanced artificial intelligence, deep machine learning and data science techniques. Its Weather Telematics Inc. subsidiary uses patented air quality monitoring sensors to provide predictive weather risk information to the insurance, logistics, fleet management and public safety sectors. The Company's R&D division, AI Labs Inc., develops new products that solve real-world business problems. The joint venture with Commersive Solutions Corp. is developing innovative technologies for use in various public spaces, starting with the ThermalPass temperature screening system.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of the Company to differ materially from the conclusion, forecast or projection stated in such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, ThermalPass achieving the commercial results anticipated by the Company, market demand for ThermalPass and other factors referenced in the Company's other continuous disclosure filings, which are available at sedar.com. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

SOURCE Predictiv AI Inc.

Related Links

https://www.predictiv.ai/


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International documentary sales company Reservoir Docs has acquired Danish doc Dark Blossom ahead of its upcoming world premiere and international screenings at CPH:DOX and Hot Docs respectively. Reservoir Docs has secured exclusive worldwide sales rights, with the exception of Denmark.

The feature debut of documentary filmmaker-music video director Frigge Fri, Dark Blossom is a visually and musically immersive story of three young Danish Goths who express their strong friendship through a shared love of darkness, macabre make-up and fashion, and social media expression. They channel a shared fascination with death to combat loneliness, inner demons, and the prejudices of small town life. But when one of them falls in love and plans an escape from the countryside, their deep bond is inexorably threatened.

Dark Blossom, a Made In Copenhagen production, was directed, written, and lensed by Fri, produced by Mathilde Hvid Lippmann, and executive produced by company CEO Helle Faber. Made In Copenhagen holds the films sales and distribution rights in Denmark.

The film will world premiere in competition at CPH:DOX in two sections, the Next:Wave Award and Politiken:Danish:Dox Award. It will then screen at Hot Docs in the Nightvisions section, which is dedicated to future cult classics.

Anais Clanet, partner and head of sales and acquisitions for Reservoir Docs, said: We loved Dark Blossom immediately for its startling visual quality and its nuanced and realistic look at the world of Goth culture, which is so often misjudged. This film is a uniquely inspiring story about the importance of finding friendship, love and community in todays modern world.

Producer Mathilde Hvid Lippmann added: An exceptional look into a modern youth subculture rarely seen in film, Dark Blossom is the debut of a talented new filmmaking voice in Denmark. We believe the film will win the hearts of audiences worldwide. We are very pleased to partner with Reservoir Docs to bring Dark Blossom to international audiences, and we could not be in better hands. Their passion and taste for innovative cinema are without rival, and were proud to have it join their library of accomplished world cinema.

Reservoir Docs, formerly known as Wide House and renamed in June 2020, is an independent international sales company specialized in feature documentaries. Among its titles are Subaib Gasmelbaris Talking About Trees, winner of the documentary award in Berlin, Anna Somershafs Women of Valor and the Sundance award winner The Black Power Mixtape.

Danish production company Made in Copenhagen was founded in 2010 by Faber. Previous productions include Long, Live, Love (2020), Qs Barbershop (2019), A Married Couple (2019), The Stranger (2017), Me and Dad  No Expectations of Applause (2015), Warriors From the North (2014), and Motleys Law (2015).

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The landlords of Grenfell Tower were allowed to "choose the price tag" of tenants' lives, a former resident has claimed.

Speaking at an inquiry into the fire that killed 72 people in June 2017, Emma O'Connor - who lived on the 20th floor despite having mobility problems and walking with crutches - said she struggled to deal with the rude tenant management organisation.

Ms O'Connor claimed the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) would only give selective information on refurbishment work.

Residents were sent a newsletter on the works but Ms O'Connor said it was "only the bits they wanted to share with us".

Ms O'Connor said she knew she could become a member of KCTMO but felt like she would not be taken seriously because her complaints were never handled properly.

"They didn't really like coming out to you," she said, adding: "On the phone they were quite rude sometimes."

Ms O'Connor became distressed when an image of a former employee at KCTMO appeared on a screen at the inquiry and asked for it to be removed, saying: "I have so much anger."

At the end of her evidence, an emotional Ms O'Connor said: "I don't think it's fair that these corporate companies were given the choice to choose what the price tag on our lives should be."

She continued: "I just lost possessions, thankfully not my life, but my heart goes out to all my fellow neighbours and the bereaved.

"We fight this together, and we've got so much support, and thank you for the opportunity to speak."

Corinne Jones, who lived on the 17th floor with her partner and two sons, described Grenfell Tower's flimsy fire doors - which should have held for 30 minutes in a blaze - as "ridiculous".

"Thirty minutes for a door to hold a fire on the 17th floor is ridiculous - it could take firefighters 30 minutes to get to my floor or even to the 10th floor," she said.

Ms Jones said she knew the advice was to "stay put" in the event of a fire but that she would always have ignored it.

Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Show all 20 1 /20 Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary People attend a commemoration to mark the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire in London. The fire claimed 72 lives on 14 June 2017 PA Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary PA Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Tributes tied to the railings outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower AP Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary PA Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary PA Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary David Badillo, a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade, speaks during the commemorative tribute JUSTICE4GRENFELL/Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Grenfell Humanity Choir with Damel Carayol sing during the commemorative tribute JUSTICE4GRENFELL/Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AFP via Getty Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary AP Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary Reuters Grenfell Tower fire: Third anniversary PA

"Prior to moving to Grenfell Tower, one of my worst nightmares was to be trapped high up," she said.

"If I ever thought there was a fire in the building, I am not going to stay put and rely on anybody to save my life or my children's lives  I'm going to take that into my own hands."

Earlier, nurse Betty Kasote said she had been treated as a "troublemaker" by KCTMO when she tried to get leaks in her flat fixed.

Ms Kasote, who moved into the tower in 1996, said in a statement: "As time went on, I felt that interactions with the TMO - not just for complaints - became much worse.

"Staff were shorter with me and were less open to trying to sort things out for me - it felt like I had to chase and fight much more."

The inquiry heard that as those living in the tower became more frustrated at the poor quality refurbishment works, KCTMO decided to scrap regular residents' meetings.

In a witness statement, KCTMO project manager Claire Williams said "meetings could become difficult with disruptive conduct from a small number of residents".

She said these people "took over and dominated the meetings with their comments to the exclusion of other residents".

Ms Kasote said she could not remember anyone being disruptive, saying only: "There were a few residents that wanted to give their opinion and what they thought about the refurbishment."

Youssef Khalloud, who lived on the 11th floor with his family, said he joined a residents' group when KCTMO tried to "pressure" him into moving the boiler into his hallway.

Mr Khalloud said KCTMO had only engaged with residents once "forced" to do so when residents enlisted the support of former MP for Kensington Victoria Borwick.

Both Ms Kasote and Mr Khalloud said they were not told they were entitled to become members of KCTMO and attend annual general meetings.

Rosita Boniface, who also lived on the 11th floor of the tower with her husband, said she had never heard a fire drill in her 36 years living at Grenfell.

She said she had not told KCTMO her husband, who is blind, would need a special evacuation plan in the event of a fire "because I did not think they would care".

"It was always a struggle to get them to respond to my complaints, so I felt that there was no point going to them for help," she said.

The inquiry continues.

Additional reporting by PA
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. A group of citizens demanding the resignation of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan are protesting near the Government Houses, ARMENPRESS reports they are waiting for Pashinyans return from Syunik Province.

Participant of the protest, ARF member Gegham Manukyan said that they are planning to continue the protest that started in Syunik today for the resignation of the PM.

Pashinyan paid a visit to Syunik on April 20. On April 21 a group of citizens in Agarak community of Syunik blocked the movement of the PM's car, chanting insulting expressions.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Russian-Algerian exercises "Algeria-2021" will be held this September in the southwestern Russian republic of North Ossetia, the Southern Military District press office said on Wednesday.

"Exercise 'Algeria-2021' will take place in September this year at the Tarskoye testing ground in North Ossetia. The exercise will involve around 80 servicemen from the Southern Military District's motorized infantry units of the North Caucasus," the press office said.

According to the military, Algeria hosted the first planning conference on the preparations for the drills, and the sides agreed that their soldiers will train tactical actions on pursuing, detecting and eliminating illegal armed groups.

The press office also said that Russia and Pakistan are planning joint exercises "Druzhba-2021" in Russia's Krasnodar Territory this September for training in counterterrorism.

In 2021, the Southern Military District command also plans to take part in international exercises involving military units from Abkhazia, Armenia, India, Kazakhstan, and South Ossetia.
And just like the conversation began, the city of Beaumont will continue to pay up to $90,000 each year to the Beaumont ISD crossing guard program.

Getting to that solution, which theyve had since 1986, wasnt easy.

But after a number of heated meetings and threats from a couple of school board members that the district no longer would allow the city to use its buses in the event of a hurricane evacuation, both government bodies seem to be better for the conversation.

The issue became a flashpoint for the board and the council last year, when Councilman Taylor Neild proposed an agreement that would progressively decrease the citys share of the program to $0 across years. The council approved that change in a 4-3 vote, but earlier this month, council members Robin Mouton and Audwin Samuel brought the issue back up, hoping to reverse the decision.

The City Council took up the issue again during the day Tuesday and ultimately voted unanimously to continue $90,000 annual payments through September 2023.

That vote came after more than 30 minutes of discussion on the issue. However, much of it revolved more around whether the council members would need to attend the evening meeting if it approved the funding as opposed to conversation about the issue itself.

Related: Council debates crossing guard funding

During the evening meeting, Councilman Randy Feldschau, who was one of several members to initially vote to ramp down funding for the program, said his initial vote was a mistake.

Six months ago, when I made the decision to vote to in essence end that funding, for me, it was an accounting issue, it was a budget issue, he said. Little did I know it was going to telegraph the message to the school district, to the parents, to the students a negative message that I didnt care about the school district, or about students  because thats just not true.

And it telegraphed that message, and for that I am truly sorry, he added.

Trustees and council members agreed there was a need to work together on issues beyond the crossing guards. In fact, Councilman Taylor Neild suggesting the council vote to formalize the partnership and hold a joint meeting once a quarter to discuss areas of shared interest.

BISD attorney Sierra Fisher told The Enterprise after the meeting that once it is voted on and approved by the council, such a measure would be considered by the BISD board. That likely would not come until after the election when a new board and council are seated.

The benefits of a shared meeting were already apparent Tuesday evening, with the two bodies coming to an agreement on reimbursements for the usage of facilities and buses during recent tropical storms and brainstorming other possible collaborations.

Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox

While the city is awaiting disaster funds to be approved through a lengthy federal process, it is expected to pay Beaumont ISD about $100,000 for Tropical Depression Imelda and about $47,000 for Laura.

Councilman Mike Getz said the two bodies should hash out specific areas of collaboration.

For example, he proposed the city and school partner to train students to be lifeguards for city pools, an idea he said came from Mayoral Candidate Roy West.

Ive never agreed with Mike Getz about anything, outgoing board member Zenobia Bush said. But the statement (Getz) made about the lifeguards was a very good idea, so now I can say weve agreed on one thing. As I leave this place, I finally smiled with Mike Getz.

Outgoing board President Thomas Sigee said the meeting was an important step  hopefully the first of many.

The relationship has not necessarily been rugged or bad, Sigee said. But when your city and your school district are on the same page, you get better results as opposed to not. This meeting here is an example of working together  we worked out three more things.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com
Somalia operation

Ali, EP3CQ, will once again be active as 6O1OO from Somalia starting sometime in May. He returns to Mogadishu on April 25th, and expects to be operational after his quarantine at the end of the month.

The length of his stay will be two months (exact end date to be confirmed later). As always, his activity will be limited to his spare time because he works for the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Mogadishu.

Activity will be on 80/60/40/30/20/17/15/10/6 meters (mostly on 40/20 meters FT8) using CW, SSB and FT8. It is suggested to watch for him on 20 meters most days at 1700z.

His rig is a FT-450D w/100 and 180 watts into a Little Tarheel II and SE-360. The 6O1OO station is currently the

only active and licensed Amateur Radio Station in Somalia.

QSL direct to:

Ali Solhjoo, Schnackenburgstr. 3, Berlin 12159, Germany. QSL cards will be replied on a bi-monthly basis. IRC's are not accepted. For updates, it is suggested to watch QRZ.com or Twitter (https://twitter.com/EP3CQ).

All received QSL cards by April 10th, 2021, will be replied to by April 15th, 2021. Any QSL card that is received after April 10th, will be replied to in July 2021. Ali also mentions that he is looking for support/help to upgrade his 3 year old station.

OPDX
Under the original deal, signed in 2017, Taiwan-based Foxconn would have qualified for $2.85 billion in state tax credits if it invested $10 billion and created 13,000 jobs. Under the new deal, Foxconn will qualify for $80 million if it employs 1,454 people with an average wage of $53,875 and invests $676 million by 2026. Under the original deal, when taking into account local government incentives, the taxpayer subsidies for Foxconn totaled more than $4 billion.
New Delhi, April 21 : To serve the surging cargo demand, airline major IndiGo plans to convert four A321ceo aircraft from passenger jets to a full freighter configuration.

The air carrier has signed a Letter of Intent with an aircraft lessor for two aircraft already, and expects to reach agreement for the rest shortly.

IndiGo said the initiative will make best use of the natural synergies that IndiGo offers, using the same pool of pilots and engineers that fly and service its current fleet.

"IndiGo was already the largest carrier of cargo in domestic India before Covid-19, and we expect the market to continue to grow after the pandemic," said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer and Wholetime Director, IndiGo.

"Our investment in the Airbus Freighter Programme will help strengthen our product and services in the segment, and not only help accelerate our own business recovery but also be a strong engine of economic growth for the country." As per the airline, the A321P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter conversion) is the most efficient narrow-bodied freighter available, offering 24 container positions and supporting a payload of up to 27 tonnes.

These are being converted through a programme involving ST Engineering and Airbus with their joint venture, Elbe FlugzeugWerke (EFW).

In addition, IndiGo said it expects to take the delivery of the first freighter during the first half of 2022, which will be used for both domestic and regional missions.

The remaining three aircraft in the initial commitment are expected to arrive within a year or so from arrival of the first freighter, and further aircraft may be sourced depending on market development, the airline said.
Days shy of the one-year anniversary of Vanessa Guillens death, Fort Hood is honoring the former soldier and murder victim in a new way.

On Monday, April 19, officials at the Army base dedicated a gate renamed in Guillens memory, according to an Express-News report. Previously named the Access Control Point 2 Alpha, the gate leads to the area where Guillen served on base. It is used by civilians, soldiers, and their families every day.

Guillen went missing in April 2020, setting off a statewide search and attracting headlines across the nation. Though her body was not found until June 30, officials determined she was bludgeoned to death on April 22 by a fellow soldier.

Fort Hood commander Lt. Gen Pat White said the renaming of the gate, as well as a new plaque adorned with Guillens photo, is a way of acknowledging that the assault and death of the 20-year-old woman is part of the bases history. White said the gate will ensure that in two, three, four years we havent forgotten what this is all about.

Natalie Khawam, the Guillen familys lawyer, said history was being made through the gate dedication.

God makes examples out of everyone, and God chose Vanessa Guillen for a better future for every soldier in our country, she said.

Steve Gonzales / Staff photographer

Houston-born Guillen became a household name across the U.S. as social media users shared her name and image in hopes of finding the soldier, who was missing for more than two months before her body was found buried along the banks of the Leon River.

The sexual harassment and murder of a woman in the armed forces led to national outrage and calls for military leaders to be held accountable. Last December, numerous Fort Hood soldiers were either suspended or removed following an external investigation that determined there was a climate of sexual harassment and sexual assault on base.

Fort Hood has one of the highest crime rates within all Army bases, according to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.

Also this week, Texas legislators announced bills related to the renaming of a highway in the Houston area after Guillen as well as September 30, Guillens birthday, being named Vanessa Guillen Day.
EXTON. Pa., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Republican US Senate Candidate, Everett Stern will launch a series of statewide speaking engagements in Pennsylvania with an address to the Huntingdon County Republican Committee Spring Dinner on April 22, 2021 at Smithfield Fire Hall. The event is expected to attract 21 County chairs and an estimated 300 attendees, with follow up events at the Lake Raystown Resort in Entriken, PA.

On Monday, April 26, Stern will speak at the Berks County Republican Committee Spring/Dinner Kick Off at Stokesay Castle, in Reading PA. This year's event is slated by the organizers as "the largest and most attended Berks GOP Spring Dinner/Kickoff event ever remembered; certainly, in the last 20 years."

Stern, who is running as a Common-Sense Conservative says "It is a great chance for people to hear what I have to offer and for me to listen to what they have to say."

For further information on Everett Stern US Senate 2022:

www.everettstern.com

Contact:

Everett Stern

[email protected]

SOURCE Everett Stern US Senate Campaign

Related Links

http://www.everettstern.com


Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:12:29|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Research data on China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine published by Chilean health authorities last week showed very positive, encouraging signs and high vaccine efficacy, said a Chinese health expert Wednesday.

The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine was 67 percent effective in preventing infection and 80 percent effective in preventing death, the data showed.

The results suggest the vaccine is highly effective in preventing both infection and, more importantly, hospitalization, severe illness and death, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention expert Shao Yiming told a press conference.

The study in Chile involves more than 10 million people, and it is the largest and most complete study to date, said Shao.

"This precious data from such a large-scale national research offers a piece of great news and it tells us that we should get vaccinated as soon as possible to build up herd immunity against the virus," he added. Enditem
In this edition of the Controversial Question series, we asked our panel of experts how they might go about building an entire new internet, learning from all the mistakes made in the construction and maintenance of the one we have right now. This is the question we posed:

We all know that the original design of the Internet assumed everyone was friendly and there was no expectation of malicious activity. However, once the Internet was opened to the big wide world, that became a major problem as security had to be shoe-horned into a structure that was never designed to be secure. Further, the Internet has grown far beyond anything anticipated by the original designers. The obvious choke-points are IPv4 and DNS (yes, I know we're moving to IPv6!).

So, here's the question: Given a totally clean slate, how would you design a new Internet that was more efficient, more secure and was more attuned to further significant growth? Oh, and any other useful new attributes you might consider would make your submission stand out.

Scene Setting

"The internet was originally created, almost as an experiment, by academics for simple communication" said Martin Holzworth, head of cybersecurity (Asia Pacific), Fujitsu. "Over time, this 'experiment' has morphed into something larger that now connects us all via a single network."

According to Garrett O'Hara, Principal Technical Consultant at Mimecast ANZ, "Back in 1999, David Bowie nailed it: 'I think the potential of what the internet is going to do - both good and bad - is unimaginable. I think we're on the cusp of something exhilarating and terrifying.' It's funny that a rock star saw an unimaginable future in a world of dial up connections, not always-on internet. We were too busy innovating at speed -- we didn't consider the long-term impact."

Oliver Cantor, Associate Director of Product Strategy, Verizon adds, "Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, once told CNBC. 'If you'd asked me 10 years ago, I would have said humanity is going to do a good job with this. If we connect all these people together, they are such wonderful people they will get along. I was wrong.' Ultimately, we all want the internet to be ubiquitous, affordable, safe and open. And the positive developments brought about by the Internet should not be overlooked. Nonetheless, as it grows so do its related challenges.

"Take internet security, it raises a complex mix of technical, economic and political issues. Early attempts to introduce any form of data security were challenged by various government agencies whose preferred modus operandi was adopting a wait and see attitude."

O'Hara continues, "In hindsight we now know that much of the Internet's back-end infrastructure would be built differently. Protocols would have security baked in - DMARC, DNSSec and IPSec all point to the problem of retrofitting security after the design. It all works, and it's full of clever fixes and enablers (just look at the magic of PKI) but it's not at all how we'd do it if we could start over.

"It's important to note that one thing we're not good at as a species is rolling the clock forward to understand the impact of today's decisions and approaches on tomorrow's world. Nearly every physical design, software approach and protocol were designed first and foremost to work and be an enabler, with security as a secondary thought - if we're lucky. When it all goes wrong we produce mitigating technologies and protocols to fix the security, at greater cost and hassle than it would have been if included at the start. Everything from DMARC, IPSec, TLS, and DNSSec to how we secure communications via mobile devices we wouldn't have security protocols we would have secure protocols and never again would need to tack on "Sec" to something that would have been secure from its inception.

Holzworth points out that, "The internet has no single owner, or chief designer. In fact, the platform hosts billions of designers who are simultaneously implementing features as they desire. In an effort to provide some form of governance, ICANN attempts to provide organisational control around IP addresses and domain names. However, apart from that, it is mostly ungoverned.

"Like many modern inventions, the internet can be used for both good and bad. In a similar way that a car can get someone from A to B quickly, the internet can help people connect instantly with one another over long distances. On the other hand, the anonymity which the internet offers could be used for dishonest activities such as false news, identity theft, or malware, just to name a few."

Theoretical basis for a new internet

Casey Ellis Founder, Chairman and CTO of Bugcrowd described three elements he would leverage to make a more efficient, secure and prepared internet.

"Organic: The Internet grew out of ARPANET, which was the introduction of TCP/IP as a resilient and flexible communication protocol, designed specifically around resilience to nuclear attack. When you combine this combination of self-preservation and flexibility with a "desire to grow" you end up with a machine that looks and behaves very much like a living organism. I strongly believe that this is an evolutionary reflection of what humans want, and as the primary users of the Internet (either directly, or by building things which use it) I think any updated version would need to preserve this capacity for organic growth.

"Flat: The Internet was really the thing that exposed the notion that "the world is flat" - That state and national boundaries aren't an absolute inhibitor of the pursuit of opportunity and learning. Bugcrowd's model pretty clearly reflects my belief in this idea, and I do think that the future of work contains substantial lift from unfettered global connectedness. That said, COVID has highlighted the nature of nation and state politics and political boundaries, and the invariable temptation for states is to try and Balkanize the internet to reflect national boundaries and priorities. This is unavoidable in a lot of ways, but I also believe that transnational barriers radically dilute the value of the Internet. So, I'd want to see a V2 that is designed to preserve a "world is flat" model as much as possible.

"Resilient: The early days of the Internet were a bit like the Wild West. I think that the power should still largely reside with the people, but we've already seen what happens as a result of unmitigated free rein, e.g. the Morris Worm. There are inevitably going to be unplanned actors in any setting that you create, including things like squirrels and shipping anchors, but establishing an environment that is resilient to these variations and attacks is going to be the most effective strategy for properly securing the system as a whole, including it's availability. Taking an active approach to security and creating an environment that factors in users' malicious, evolving behaviour into its design will much more effectively thwart cybercrime. In order to do that, protocols must be established from the onset to help strengthen the network's ability to absorb, deflect and altogether eliminate attacks."

What are the problems?

"Over 20 years has passed since it was introduced, yet the adoption of IPv6 is not 100 percent," says Kamalakannan Subramani, IT Manager at ManageEngine. "Hence, we must try to design an IP addressing version which will be interoperable with IPv4 and easier to handle. With respect to DNS, we need to simplify the way DNSSEC works and its PKI flow. We need to make its PKI like Web SSL, in which certificate handling is simple. Even though the internet depends on BGP, its security has many loopholes and considered to be slow. So, new and faster protocols with RPKI kind of security will need to be made mandatory."

Building from scratch

"Given a clean slate and with the benefit of hindsight, you'd make personal data sovereignty front and centre on the web," offered Nathan Connors, Head of Product - EngagementHQ, Bang the Table. "Every internet user should own their personal information from day one and have full rights over how that data could be used by online (and by all) services."

Connors continues, "Data sovereignty measures would seek to avoid the consolidation of power amongst big tech giants who have benefited from the original open internet. These monoliths have developed private networks and established huge financial and data war chests to use for their benefit.

"By now, the downsides of social media and big tech are widely known and trust in these platforms is declining. Pervasive data collection and monetisation of personal information, inability to rein in the spread of misinformation, and poor performance in moderating hate speech and vitriol have all helped in tarnishing their image.

"Perhaps though, the even bigger risk is how business and government have become reliant on these platforms. Facebook's recent (albeit brief) banning of news and content from not only publishers including the ABC, but also some government agencies and non-profit organisations in Australia is just one example of how consolidated power negatively affects the fairness of the internet. It became clear that smaller businesses who have built on top of the APIs and private networks of these companies are at the behest of rule changes driven by big tech's self-interest.

"Whilst legislators across the globe have sought to regulate these giants, more barriers to growth have sprung up for other businesses in a playing field which is already unfavourably skewed towards these monopolies.

"Perhaps a global internet where a person's ID is decentralised and transparently used is a good start. If each individual controls their own ID, they can be handed the steering wheel to direct how - and if - it is used in every context. Hindsight is a beautiful thing, but maybe we should have been given the keys to our ID in the beginning, instead of either being reluctant to give our info away or thinking that privacy has gone the way of the dodo."

Alex Lyons, Solutions Engineer, DekkoSecure is also eyeing off that 'clean slate.' "Starting with a clean slate - with the benefit of hindsight - is a truly amazing thought. There are millions of far-flung places we could go with this concept of the New Internet, but for me it really boils down to two key things (well, probably a lot more than two, but these two are pretty important).

"Currently the internet is a patchwork quilt of operating systems, code, standards, security measures and more, leading to a system that for most is not trusted by default. How can we start to address this? Take payment systems for example. We could hold a global competition to define an open standard for handling payment data, and once a standard was awarded (or won), it would then be adopted as the required methodology for all payment handling. This open standard, alongside the many other standards winners, which would be governed by an appointed, apolitical entity. Let's call it the Internet UN.

"In the New Internet, any website, application, shop, device, etc., which handles payment information must utilise the defined payment mechanism. As a result, people will have more confidence that their data will be safe. Having this Internet UN standard payment gateway will take away that feeling of nervousness that people can get when entering payment details into a new or less-than-professional looking website. You know the ones, where you think, "Who am I actually giving this info to and do I need to call my bank as soon as I submit my payment?"

"The same approach to standardisation and governance will also be applied to file sharing, video communication, cloud-based collaboration and any other interaction or transfer of data that could be seen as a target for malicious activity. Holding a competition to determine an online standard isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. In 2015 the Password Hashing Competition was held, with Argon2 being the winner.

"Rebuilding the net like this will do away with the dozens of logos you currently see across websites that talk to payment gateways, security certificates and more, all screaming, "We're a good site. Really. Trust us!" I'll take a guess that these logos really don't mean a lot to most people who are just looking to make a purchase, gather information, submit a query or carry out some other sort of online activity as quickly as possible. These logos have been around for so long they've likely become invisible in plain sight. With the Internet UN approach and a standard for payments, they won't be necessary.

"Identity is a much more complex beast to tackle. Sometimes you need to verify your identity, but at other times you want to protect it. New Zealand has an online ID system called Realme which can be used for lots of different services, but a centralised, country-bound system is not necessarily ideal. Anonymity should be the default in the interests of protecting privacy, and if you need to prove who you are then the mechanism for doing so should be highly secure and universally acceptable (hello Internet UN!). The closest thing to this currently is PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) and GPG (GNU Privacy Guard, but using them is extremely technical and an exhausting process for most users. Just ask Moxie Marlinspike, co-founder of the Signal Foundation.

"So, one of the first tasks for this Internet UN will be to crack a better way giving all internet users the keys to their identity, ensuring identity can be credibly proven when needed and only when needed. People are making inroads here, but we aren't there yet.

"This task is made even tougher by the fact that striking the balance between safety and security is also difficult. This is proven time and time again. For instance, we have moderated platforms like Twitter, and unmoderated platforms like Parler, where the lack of moderation leads to an environment considered problematic by many. A social platform that is truly end-to-end encrypted can't really be effectively moderated and the last 12 months or so have shown what that could lead to. Homomorphic encryption is touted as a solution to challenges such as moderating encrypted data privately, but it is yet to be developed far enough to be proved as the key to solving the problems to come (or even some of the ones that exist now).

"Another layer of complexity to consider is that currently commercial entities are policing and regulating the most popular platforms, which they also own. This is another job for Internet UN, but we really will have to ensure it's an unbiased, uncommercial, independent body that cannot be influenced for commercial or political gain. Perfect privacy in the New Internet could spell the end of some forms of advertising so new business models would be needed. Also, think of the individuals who actually want to see tailored ads!

"The solutions to the problems that the New Internet will solve aren't simple because the internet was originally built by tech people for tech people; running inside a closed network that wasn't exposed to outside forces, commercial interests or bad actors. Unexpected traffic of all shapes, sizes, weights, speed and owner have piled on it since that first connection was made leading to the incredibly valuable patchwork of solutions that we see today. Starting from scratch should take all of the above into account, with a trust-by-default mindset. This Internet UN is really going to be busy during its probation period, that's for sure!"

O'Hara continues this thread, "In terms of a new Internet, there are at least two areas we could overhaul that would achieve a more efficient and more secure internet: globally and homogenous policy and secure-by-design technology.

"So what would I do differently? With a clean slate a new Internet would be even more decentralised for availability, built for trust (with end users having more visibility and control by technical design not because of policy e.g. GDPR) and with each layer from physical through to application built with security at the centre.

Holzworth also offers some thoughts on improvement. "Firstly, Implement security by design. By embedding good security in the framework of the network, and not just at applications, the internet could provide a secure platform for all businesses.

"Secondly, Implement zero trust. Anonymity provides a cover for bad actors such as trolls, bullies, stalkers and criminals. Removing this could help control them. In practice, although this may be impossible to implement, it is worth considering how it could be done in conjunction with maintaining the privacy of the individual.

"And thirdly, Implement an Internet Bill of Rights. This would underpin the design and include elements such as the right to privacy, opt-in consent, access to individuals' own datasets, data collection ethics, fair practices, and more.

"With all these controls in place, the internet would be a much safer place, at least initially. However, this would mean handing control of the internet over to the government, compromising the space of its original independence and openness."

Security and Identity

Ass some of the contributors have already pointed out, security and privacy are not well embedded into the current internet; in addition, we lack robust methods for the identification of people (should that prove legally necessary).

"We grapple with a range of security challenges such as Identity i.e., how do you know the person is who they say they are? This is being tackled with approaches like Zero-Trust Architecture," offered Cantor. He continues, "Then there is the issue of who is responsible and liable for Internet security? A retail merchant who has your credit detail or your internet service provider? As the internet matures, so does the realm of geopolitical control, in other words, there are no globally consistent rules that apply to the internet. As the internet knows no borders, whatever technical measures you put in place, countries may decide what they do and don't accept for example data localisation requirements?

"Having said that, there are experts who continue to argue strongly that security is not any more important than performance and reliability. For example, Linus Torvalds, who wrote and 'controls' Linux (the biggest operating system on the Internet) has often been a critic of over-zealous security professionals. The public internet is the network of networks and is decentralised. It is the building block upon which all networks will eventually evolve and it continues to serve its primary purpose which is maximum connectivity for best-effort performance and reliability. Those fundamentals should not change and are essential for the growth of the digital economy.

"The need for more effective internet security is proportional to its growing use so now when we think about security and improved performance (hindsight is a lovely thing), then it is fairly easy to say that the "new and improved" Internet can include an embedded 'MPLS-type' routing mechanism so all providers can offer a tiered performance and segmentation services. Encryption should be a basic building block, along with larger IP address space. However overall security should be best served as an overlay technology/discipline that is best designed and implemented by large trusted organisations as the internet continues to evolve."

"For years now, protecting the anonymity of Internet users has been a huge issue," says Tushar Kothari, CEO, Attivo Networks. "As a result, it is used by nefarious actors to perpetrate crimes with impunity - often "masking" themselves behind proxy servers in countries where [relevant] laws don't exist.

"If we want to visit a country, it may require a passport or visa before entry. No one can enter a country anonymously. However, through the Internet, you can enter a country and wreak havoc without revealing your identity.

"Internet service providers (ISPs) should be required to maintain and monitor digital identities once they've been established. In addition, IP addresses need to be traceable in case malicious activity occurs. If these controls are established, the internet can become crime free."

Andrew Slavkovic, Solutions Engineering Manager, CyberArk echoes these thoughts. "At the heart of the new internet would be a greater emphasis on security by design, factoring in the multitude of lessons learnt from our past failings and using identity as a way to securely authenticate and authorise users.

"We need to be mindful to balance these security considerations with the usability, openness and privacy that has made the internet so powerful and accessible to everyone.

"Another major shift in thinking versus Internet 1.0 should be to adopt an 'assume breach' mentality, realising that designing an internet that is completely 'safe' is a pipe dream. Instead, we should look to implement a 'verify first' approach before trusting any activity and incorporate basic security hygiene such as the least privilege operating model. Once the inevitable happens we need a way to limit the impact by working closely with service providers in real time to proactively take action on suspicious and / or malicious activities"

Growth and Scale

Pointing out that the current internet was never designed to scale to the size it is now, Connors notes, "When it comes to making the internet more attuned for significant growth, we should continue to regulate the monopolies and their use of our data and private information. We should also put in place codes and penalties for companies who change the rules of engagement unnecessarily and to the detriment of the developers who build on top of their platforms. Outside of the regulated internet, we should return to the original principles of openness and seek to build a more decentralised internet where the protocols, standards and governance cannot be owned by any one company and personal information is auditable, secure and controlled by the individual."

Policy issues

To a degree, O'Hara is pointing out the obvious in relation to government policy and legislation when he says, "Policy, by necessity, generally lags behind societal change. Arguably, the speed of adoption and interaction with the Internet has meant policy simply hasn't and cannot catch up. If we had realised the importance of the Internet, and speed of adoption at its infancy, and were willing to slow down its development, could we have built out global frameworks for how the internet would work for business, government and the citizenry? Instead, we might have multiple fragmented frameworks and policy sets at national levels, and then further fragmentation at state levels for security and privacy -- imagine for one brief and unrealistic moment the efficiency unleashed."

Innovation doesn't always achieve what is in our best interests

"While it has started to change, innovating Internet companies are not incentivised to do security, adds O'Hara. "Their tenets have been catchy phrases like grow-or-die, or scale and fail fast. Our unicorns all too often have their horns held on with rubber bands. User adoption trumps user safety. Privacy and security costs get spread and externalised to millions of people - until a story big enough breaks. Competition means start-ups must accelerate out of the gate, at a pace that means compromises in design. Without regulation as a leveller the only incentive for good internet security is the potential for reputation damage. Roll back the clock to the genesis of the Internet and we could have a Geneva Convention for our digital age with political tools like tariffs and trade agreements hinging on compliance.

"The Internet reflects on a huge scale the technical debt organisations accrue over their operating lifespans. Technology decisions get made in silos, or by people whose interests don't extend past the next 12 months. We channel our inner MacGyver and we make things work for today. Rinse and repeat - and you end up with a functioning mess."

Alternate viewpoint

Joseph Carson, CISSP, Chief Security Scientist & Advisory CISO, Thycotic challenged the premise of this question. "I do not believe we need or must create a new Internet but improve how we use the existing one. Starting from scratch would be like rebuilding all the roads and highways in the world which is not a feasible approach. We have an Internet that works however the way we currently use it and secure it has much room for improvement.

"Just like we build better and safer cars to drive on the same roads we must take the same approach to the Internet and how we build applications and secure privileged access to the services and data. That is where we need to focus our efforts. Let's improve the existing Internet with smarter applications."

After receiving this submission, we asked Carson to reconsider and offer thoughts within the original framework, he declined and instead added to his original thoughts. "The Internet is not just one thing or a single protocol, it is a mass connection of billions of devices using thousands of different protocols for which many things work well. We have so many security protocols all for different things from access, encryption, secure communications, internet browsing, payment transfer and so forth.

"IPv6 is a protocol to fix a problem with the limited Internet addresses. DNS is an address book on how to resolve names to addresses and neither are focused or designed for security. They address very specific Internet challenges. Are we asking to change all of those or can we be more specific about what the term a new secure Internet even envisions? It is like saying we must build new roads without even thinking about the types of vehicles that will be driving on them. Or, for example, a spoon was designed for eating soup, however, some people use it as a musical instrument. Does that mean the original designers should change the spoon to be a better musical instrument?"

Conclusion

We will ask Holzworth to draw this to an end. "In summary, the great power of the internet comes down to society's decisions of what is considered acceptable. And, while there are some downsides to the internet, such as addiction, bullying, malware, violent or explicit images, never being able to disconnect from work, and more, it is a place of opportunity. Individuals with great ideas can leverage the platform to make something great, or even revolutionary, happen. As a result, the cost to improve the internet outweighs the benefits that could be achieved."
VALENCIA, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Med Tech Solutions (MTS), provider of practice-centered IT solutions for healthcare organizations, today announced it has formed a strategic alliance with Avertium and LIFARS. The three-way partnership creates the first combined suite offering managed cloud services, a managed security operations center (SOC) and incident response for always-on, comprehensive IT security that is designed for the unique needs of healthcare organizations. The partners will also participate in an Xtelligent Healthcare Media panel discussion on how to plan and practice response to a security breach on April 29.

Med Tech Solutions' secure, reliable IT infrastructure; optimized clinical and business applications; and full end-user support are depended on by thousands of healthcare organizations nationwide. With 100% of its focus on healthcare organizations, MTS is also one of the few IT services organizations to achieve HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) certificationthe gold standard for safeguarding personal health informationfor its cloud platform. The alliancewhich combines MTS' solutions with Avertium's security monitoring and LIFARS' digital forensics and cyber resiliency servicesexpands on MTS' security commitment by creating the first complete, high-level security team and product set to prepare and protect healthcare organizations from an attack.

Typically, organizations must piece-meal security and cloud services, and there is little or no proactive interaction between the vendors. If a security incident occurswhen every second counts to limit damage and restore vital servicesthat is often the first time those vendors interact, which can cause expensive delays and additional losses. This alliance gives MTS cloud clients access to a coordinated team that understands each client's full environment and business practices, that can run proactive preparedness and incident response exercises and that is available 24/7/365 for immediate response.

"Very few healthcare organizations can afford to create and maintain the level of always-on cloud security that is offered by this allianceand that the current threat environment requires," said Mona Abutaleb, CEO, Med Tech Solutions. "The combination of these three companies' technologies and expert services gives our clients a proven model to continue to improve their security posture and their ability to focus on what's most importantpatient care."

According to a HIMSS cybersecurity survey, 70% of healthcare organizations experienced a security incident in 2020. Healthcare has become a prime target for cyberattacks designed to access or sell practices' business and patient data. In many cases, hackers install ransomware that shuts down a practice's access to data and costing them tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom, along with fines, damage to their brand and loss of patient trust.

"Avertium's expertise in threat prevention, detection and response perfectly complements Med Tech Solutions' focus on delivering resilience to the healthcare industry," said Paul Caiazzo, SVP corporate development and CISO, Avertium. "Together, our team seamlessly integrates 24/7/365 visibility and coverage with operational expertise, deep customer engagement, and next-gen security technologies to protect healthcare organizations from modern threats like ransomware and data theft."

"Just as fire drills save lives in case crisis occurs, incident response planning and preparedness are critical components to a healthcare organization's comprehensive security approach so they can return to caring for patients as quickly as possible if a breach occurs," said Steve Lubchansky, VP sales and alliances, LIFARS. "This union of LIFAR's digital forensics and cyber resiliency services along with MTS and Avertium sets the bar high with the first-of-its-kind comprehensive security team."

On Thursday April 29 at 11am ET, Xtelligent Healthcare Media will host Med Tech Solutions, Avertium and LIFARS in a panel discussion webinar, "Your Practice Is at Risk: How to Build an Always-On Cloud Security Team." Attendees will learn about the security specialties required for an always-on team, how to plan and practice response to a security breach, and immediate preventive actions to improve their security posture. To register, visit https://medtechsolutions.com/webinar/.

About Med Tech Solutions

Med Tech Solutions (MTS) creates technology systems that work the way healthcare practices work. Its Practice-Centered Care services are supported by dedicated IT Care Teams to ensure technology systems support essential clinical workflows and strategic business plans. Provider organizations and networks can count on a secure, reliable IT infrastructure, optimized clinical and business applications, and full end-user support so they can focus on patient care. Founded in 2006, MTS serves thousands of healthcare practices nationwide. The company has been recognized as a six-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company and a Channel Futures MSP 501 provider, and it has achieved HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) certification for its cloud platform.

Media contact

Shermineh Rohanizadeh

Market Street Group for Med Tech Solutions

[email protected]

SOURCE Med Tech Solutions

Related Links

http://medtechsolutions.com


TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday received India Ambassador to Bahrain Piyush Srivastava.

Dr Shaikh Abdullah welcomed the Indian Ambassador and praised the historical and distinguished relations between the two friendly countries, highlighting the abundance of opportunities available in various investment and strategic sectors that will expand the partnership between the two friendly countries in order to achieve common aspirations.

The Undersecretary shed light on the success of the work of the third meeting of the High Joint Commission (HJC) between Bahrain and India, chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, which was held in New Delhi on April 7.
Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally in September 2020 - AP Photo/Misha Friedman

Lilia Suboch startles every time her doorbell rings. Her mother, sister, and brother have all been jailed for minor infractions, and her home of the outskirts of Minsk was raided two days earlier, leaving her terrified she will be next.

Eight months after a popular uprising nearly toppled Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president of 26 years, authorities are rounding up hundreds of people and slapping them with short prison sentences for the most minor infractions, sowing fear in a country in the centre of Europe that is quickly turning into a totalitarian state.

Mrs Subochs relatives are all being kept at the same infamous detention centre. Her sister is serving 25 days, her mother five and brother six days in custody.

Lilia Suboch is anxious that she will be arrested - Maxim S./The Telegraph

Protests in Belarus erupted in August when Mr Lukashenko was handed a landslide victory in a rigged election.

Enraged by violent arrests and hundreds of documented cases of torture, Belarusians demonstrated every weekend until the end of the year, demanding Mr Lukashenko step down.

But the Belarusian regime did not crack, and punished the dissent by unleashing what Belarusians call a steamroller of repressions.

Over the last few days, a 13-year-old schoolgirl was detained for spraying a protest slogan on the pavement, a mother of five was jailed and charged with extremism for tea parties with her neighbours, and a man whose car was attacked by a dozen riot police during the summer protests was sentenced to four years in prison for fleeing and pushing one of the policemen.

Since last August, investigators have brought charges against at least 2,300 people for their involvement in the protests.

Last month alone, 370 Belarusians were sentenced to administrative arrest, serving combined 6,107 days in custody, according to the rights group Viasna which lists 321 people as prisoners of consciousness.

Mr Lukashenko over the weekend accused US intelligence of plotting to kill him and said that he would announce "one of the biggest decisions" in his lifetime as president in the coming days.

Story continues

Analysts speculate Mr Lukashenko is about to declare a closer union with Russia or even an invitation for Russian troops as he is expected to meet President Putin for talks on Thursday.

Innocuous gestures such as displaying the white-and-red protest colours have become a jailable offence in Belarus where two prisons including the notorious KGB jail proudly stand in the heart of the capital.

Holding a blank sheet of paper and waving flowers in the street is what earned Mrs Subochs 30-year-old sister Yulia four previous stints in jail. Most recently, she was found guilty for protesting illegally, joining several women dressed in white and red and carrying matching umbrellas.

Yulias brother and mother were arrested during a police raid last week as well, accused of resisting arrest.

The discontent is snowballing and the goal of the government is to crush all forms of protest, Mrs Suboch says. We live in a time when you can get jailed for your thoughts.

Pro-democracy activists used to rally in their own neighbourhoods in Minsk, to avoid the police who locked down the entire city centre.

But the bubble was burst when Roman Bondarenko, an activist in the neighbourhood known as Plaza of Change, was picked up by riot police and beaten to death in custody.

Plaza of Change was once a hotbed of activism - Maxim S./The Telegraph

Now, Plaza of Change and a few other hotbeds of resistance in Minsk are patrolled by men in camouflage. Older Belarusians liken it to the countrys war-time Nazi occupation.

Lena, a 51-year-old accountant and a Plaza of Change resident, has already served three brief sentences for protesting. Her neck is dotted with white spots - traces of injuries from stun grenades that she sustained during the election night crackdown.

The government is poised to harshen the repressions. One draft law would allow police to open fire at unarmed people at their own discretion and under another, a Belarusian could be charged with extremism for merely speaking out in favour of the anti-Lukashenko movement.

Belarusian law enforcement in recent months infiltrated neighbourhood group chats, arresting and charging several people with extremism.

Lena's neck is scarred from a stun grenade that went off during the protests - Maxim S./The Telegraph

Lena, who thinks that a fourth arrest would mean she would face criminal charges under the new law, uses smaller chat groups with trusted contacts to coordinate sporadic protests: a walk with the white-red-and-white flag or something as innocent as throwing paper planes from a tower block in the memory of the local killed activist.

She says the protest movement has not been extinguished. We didnt go anywhere. Were still here, and we will not back down.

The Daily Telegraph had to rely on a network of trusted activists in order to meet Lena and other protesters, many of whom are considering leaving or have already packed their bags and moved elsewhere.

Katya, a successful IT executive who happily posed for a Western news photographer last summer, now has to hide her identity for fear of reprisals.

Katya now has to hide her identity - Maxim S./The Telegraph

She counts the number of times she sees security forces in her neighbourhood on a given day and worries about displaying white and red candles in her window - something that has landed some of her neighbours in jail.

One family she knows recently had to flee fearing imminent arrest, another friends husband spent 15 days in jail, and a colleague is now a suspect in a criminal case.

You sit and think: people around me are disappearing. What am I doing here? Katya says.

I wouldnt be all that surprised, if next time they started shooting people in the street.

She says she will leave by the end of the year if Mr Lukashenko is still in power.

The ongoing brain drain and repressions against the countrys creative classes are visible in Oktyabrskaya Street, a former industrial area which has recently been regenerated as a hipster hub.

Mr Halatrian was arrested in August, beaten up and charged with organising riots - Maxim S./The Telegraph

Levon Halatrian, who owned a popular bar in the district before joining the opposition campaign last summer, counts himself lucky. The 35-year-old was arrested in August, beaten up and charged with organising riots but he was released six months later. He still has to serve a year of community service away from his family.

Mr Halatrians bar was on the premises of Ok16, a modern art gallery run by protest icon Maria Kalesnikava who tore up her passport to avoid forcible expulsion from Belarus last year and is now in jail on charges of conspiracy to seize power. Mr Halatrian says that he sensed fear after he was released.

I was surprised by seeing so much fear in other people and myself, too: It wasnt that scary in jail - the worst has already happened to you. Now, your situation can get so much worse because of the steamroller of repressions.

The vast majority of Belarusian opposition leaders like presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have been pushed out of the country or jailed like Ms Kalesnikava.

Some of the most popular galleries and bars shut down in Minsk's hipster hub on Oktyabrskaya street after the post-election violence - Maxim S./The Telegraph

Maxim Bogretsov is a rare opposition figure still working in Minsk.

The 48-year-old IT executive who moved back home last summer after living in the U.S. for twenty years, is confident about an inevitable regime change if not in the short term.

Were in a stalemate: authorities are facing a giant hole in their budget, a massive brain drain and pretend that everything is okay, Mr Bogretsov says.

We have the critical mass of a new generation of people who wont accept the idea of living in Stalins 1930s.
MediaMarkt, the leading international chain for the sale of technological and domestic electrical products in Spain, has this week opened its new store on the Miramar retail park in Mijas on the Costa del Sol.

The new store, which opened its doors last Monday, has almost 1,600 square metres of floor space and will stock the latest in electronics and technology products and household appliances.

The company has introduced new coronavirus control measures to ensure the safety of customers and employees and has also installed individual lockers for the collection of online orders.

MediaMarket has opened in Mijas after reaching an agreement with Worten for the acquisition of 17 of its stores in Spain.

Ignacio Dominguez, director of Miramar Shopping Centre and Miramar Retail Park said, "We are very proud to incorporate an international benchmark brand such as MediaMarkt, offering technology products with a lot of demand."

The Miramar shopping centres already have more than 170 stores offering the most complete leisure, shopping and restaurant proposals along the Costa del Sol.
Published on 2021/04/20 | Source

Actors Cha Tae-hyun, Jin Young and Krystal have confirmed their appearance in KBS2's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Police Class".

"Police Class" is a drama about a detective who beats up criminals with all his heart and a hacker-turned-criminal student who solves everything with his smart head, meeting as a professor and student at a police university and co-investigating a case.

In the drama, Cha Tae-hyun plays Yoo Dong-man, a professor at the National Police University who has 20 years of experience from detective to cyber investigation unit. Jin Young stars as Kang Seon-ho, a freshman at the National Police University and ex-criminal of hacking crime, and Krystal plays Oh Kang-hee, a freshman at the National Police University, who is set to be a character with no pretense, no secrets, and no regrets.

"Police Class" is scheduled to premiere in July. The production said, "Please look forward to the unusual story in a special space called Police University, the chemistry of the main characters who met through a relationship of a detective and a criminal and a professor, and the feast of colorful characters".
Mumbai, April 21 : Maharashtra witnessed a new record figure of Covid-19 deaths even as the case tally crossed the staggering 4 million-mark on Wednesday along with a spike in the number of active cases, health officials said.

The state's fatalities jumped from the previous peak of 519 (April 20) to a new high of 568 on Wednesday, taking the state's overall death toll to 61,911, the worst in the country.

Dropping a little from the record high of 68,631 new cases notched on April 18, the state on Wednesday reported 67,468 fresh cases, taking its tally to 40,27,827 till date.

The situation worsened in Mumbai with a spike in new infections from 7,192 on Tuesday to 7,654, as the city's tally shot above the 6 lakh-mark to 601,713 till date, 17 days after it touched the highest single-day spike of 11,206 cases on April 4.

The number of fatalities in Mumbai zoomed to 62 on Wednesday, taking its overall death toll to 12,508, the highest for a single city in the country.

On a brighter note, a total of 54,985 fully cured persons returned home, taking the total number of recoveries in the state to 32,68,449, with the recovery rate slightly improving from 81.14 per cent on Tuesday to 81.15 per cent now.

The death rate again dropped from 1.55 per cent a day earlier to 1.54 per cent now, while the number of active cases in the state increased to 695,747.

The Mumbai Circle - comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts - reported 16,491 new cases on Wednesday, which is considerably lower than the peak of 19,953 (April 11), mounting its overall tally to 12,52,334, while 150 deaths in the past 24 hours took its death toll to 22,057.

Of the day's 568 total fatalities, Mumbai led the chart with 62 fatalities, followed by 51 in Raigad, 41 in Nagpur, 37 in Thane, 35 in Pune, 29 each in Nashik and Ahmednagar, 24 each in Nandurbar and Satara, 23 in Bhandara, 20 in Latur, 18 in Chandrapur, 17 each in Aurangabad and Osmanabad, 16 each in Jalgaon and Amravati, 13 in Nanded, 12 each in Sangli and Beed, 11 in Kolhapur, and 10 each in Sindhudurg and Buldhana -- in the higher range.

There were 9 deaths in Solapur, 8 in Akola, 7 each in Parbhani and Gondia, 5 in Wardha, 4 in Washim, and 1 Ratnagiri -- in the lower range.

Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home isolation increased from 38,76,998 to 39,15,292 now, while those shunted to institutional quarantine went up from 27,690 to 28,384 on Wednesday.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Magma project, an open-source software platform that gives network operators an open, flexible and extendable mobile core network solution, announced project and community growth since its recent move to the Linux Foundation to establish a neutral governance framework.

Since moving to the Linux Foundation, Magma has made strides as a community, in partnership with the Open Infrastructure Foundation and the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance. The collaboration has formally become the Magma Core Foundation, and project and community growth includes new members, the adoption of a master architecture roadmap, and formation of a neutral governance structure. In addition, the community will host its first Linux Foundation-managed event, Magma Day, co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2021.

"We are pleased to see the Magma Core Foundation continue to evolve as a leader in network innovation," said Arpit Joshipura, general manager, Networking, Edge, and IoT, the Linux Foundation. "Additional collaboration efforts are underway via initiatives like the 5G Super Blueprint which enables communities to build and augment modern networks at scale across 5G, carrier Wi-Fi, private LTE, and more."

"The OpenAirInterface Software Alliance continues to participate in the Magma Core Foundation as a major contributor to the developments of the core network," said Irfan Ghauri, director of Operations of the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance (OSA). "The seed code for one of the main components of the Magma core (MME) is in fact OAI. The fact that early implementations are making it into production improving users' lives is in itself a great source of satisfaction for the OSA. The Alliance continues to contribute through its engineers in the entrails of the Magma core and looks forward to increased adoption of the latter, as greater stability and completeness is achieved over time. This is very hard work but the OSA remains committed to delivering the next features including non-stand alone support and others."

"Since the early days of the Magma project, the OpenInfra Foundation and our global community have aligned with the community's goals to connect the next billion people," said Mark Collier, COO of the Open Infrastructure Foundation and member of the Magma Core Foundation governing board. "We support the development of Magma to form a next-generation mobile networking stack that's aligned with our mission to create open infrastructure code that runs in production. We're excited to see more organizations coming on board to collaborate with us as we support that goal."

"The OpenAirInterface Software Alliance continues to participate in the Magma Core Foundation as a major contributor to the developments of the core network," said Irfan Ghauri, Director of Operations of the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance. "The seed code for one of the main components of the Magma core (MME) is in fact OAI. The fact that early implementations are making it into production improving users' lives is in itself a great source of satisfaction for the OSA. The Alliance continues to contribute through its engineers in the entrails of the Magma core and looks forward to increased adoption of the latter, as greater stability and completeness is achieved over time. This is very hard work but the OSA remains committed to delivering the next features including non-stand alone support and others."

The Magma Core Foundation welcomes 11 new member organizations across CSPs, processing, storage, edge, and more. New members 0chain, Aarna Networks, Connect5G, FreedomFi, GenXComm, Helium, Highway9Networks, MotoJeannie, Shoelace Wireless, Vapor IO, and Whitestack join existing members, including Arm, Deutsche Telekom, and Facebook. The community will work collaboratively on the future of mobile network core solutions, via a new architecture roadmap that's 3GPP generation and access network (cellular or WiFi) agnostic. It can flexibly support a radio access network with minimal development and deployment effort, and includes three major components: Access Gateway, Orchestrator, and Federation Gateway.

To help shepherd this work, a new neutral governance structure, including a Technical Steering Committee (TSC), has been formed. Newly-elected TSC members include Marie Bremner, Raphael Defosseus, Hunter Gatewood, Scott Moeller, and Pravin Shelar.

Magma Day

Join the Magma Core Project community on May 3 from 2:30 - 6:00 pm CEST for a virtual Magma Day event . Co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2021, Magma Day is designed to bring CNCF/Kubernetes, LF Networking, and LF Edge communities working across 4G, 5G, and global connectivity together. Magma Day will include a comprehensive review of Magma (use cases, roadmap, vision, architecture) and how to build end-to-end telecom solutions using Magma across open source projects. Access the event schedule and register to add Magma Day to your KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2021 registration today.

Member support for the Magma Core Foundation

0chain

"0Chain powered Magma enables siloed WiFi connectivity within businesses to form a seamless augmented network to enhance mobile user experience and reduce operator costs," said Saswata Basu, CEO & Founder of 0Chain, world leader in blockchain and decentralized storage. "In addition, 0Chain dramatically cuts contract negotiation time from years to seconds, and provides dynamic pricing for augmented network providers."

Aarna Networks

"We are delighted to join the Magma Core project," said Amar Kapadia, co-founder and CEO, Aarna Networks. "By integrating Magma Core with ONAP and Kubernetes, we plan to provide communication service providers, government organizations, and enterprises with a fully open source solution that could democratize and accelerate 5G deployments worldwide."

Connect5G

"Magma is the one and truly pioneering project - providing open, unified and access convergent networking. We at Connect 5G believe that the future of the global communication lies in the open technology stacks. Our mission is to bring the rural and remote areas to the global network," said Patrik Melander, chairman and CEO, Connect5G, Inc. "For that purpose we selected Magma as the one and truly pioneering project that provides open, unified and access convergent networking layer."

FreedomFi

"Most common customer objection about any open source project is that it's not enterprise ready. We've heard those objections about Linux and Kubernetes for years prior to those becoming a standard, and we've heard a lot of the same about Magma last year," said Boris Renski, Co-Founder and CEO at FreedomFi. "This year we start seeing customers like Access Parks choosing Magma over a variety of open source and proprietary alternatives to power hundreds of cell sites across the national and state park system. We are quickly approaching the end of Magma-is-not-enterprise-ready cycle and are excited to collaborate with the Linux foundation to grow the project ecosystem."

Helium

"Helium started with a vision to enable wireless networks for IoT powered by the people with a new blockchain-based incentive model," said Frank Mong, the COO of Helium Inc. "We're excited to join the Linux Foundation and the Magma ecosystem to continue to make building all wireless networks possible by combining cryptocurrency, open source, and bringing access to more people globally."

Highway9 Networks

"Magma significantly opens, modernizes and steers the mobility core stack. Highway9 Networks is excited to partner with the Magma community as we deliver innovative 5G ready edge cloud solutions to the enterprise," said Allwyn Sequeira, Founder/CEO of Highway9 Networks

MotoJeannie

"Magma Core provides the necessary toolset that's needed for the industry to innovate. At MotoJeannie, we use a curated form of Magma core, enabling us to focus on delivering the desired value to our end customers. Linux foundation knows how to develop values for the ecosystem using open source, and we are very excited to be part of this community," said Auyush Sharma, founder and CEO, MotoJeannie.

Shoelace Wireless

"Magma converged core provides cost effective cloud native orchestration of WiFi and LTE networks which is critical for Shoelace Wireless' intelligent-edge multipath traffic steering, switching, and aggregation technology to enable use cases such as: network augmentation, smart contract roaming, predictive traffic steering, and HetNet optimization," said Jim Mains, CEO, Shoelace Wireless. "The fact that Magma is open-sourced also allows us to work with innovative partners to accelerate market deployment which otherwise would take many years."

Vapor.io

"Open technologies like Magma will help revolutionize both US and global communications infrastructure," said Cole Crawford founder & CEO of edge and grid infrastructure company Vapor IO. "We have always believed that neutral host multi-tenancy and shared infrastructure unlock the economics that enable the worldwide rollout of advanced networks like 5G. Vapor IO's Kinetic services are ideal for Magma, and we look forward to working with our partners to implement and deploy it on our network."

Resources

About the Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the organization of choice for the world's top developers and companies to build ecosystems that accelerate open technology development and commercial adoption. Together with the worldwide open source community, it is solving the hardest technology problems by creating the largest shared technology investment in history. Founded in 2000, The Linux Foundation today provides tools, training and events to scale any open source project, which together deliver an economic impact not achievable by any one company. More information can be found at www.linuxfoundation.org .

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Changhun Sung receives a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech at a mobile clinic in Los Angeles. Once full protection kicks in, it should last for at least six months. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

In the United States, the number of adults who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is now higher than the number who havent. In addition, one in three U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With so many Americans becoming immunized  and millions more joining them each day  its natural to look ahead and wonder how long this protection will last.

The answer is as simple as it is unsatisfying: No one knows.

We dont know yet how long immunity lasts from the vaccines that we have at hand right now, Dr. Katherine OBrien, who heads the vaccines department at the World Health Organization, said in a podcast. Were really going to have to wait for time to pass to see just how long these vaccines last.

The first two vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration  one made by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other made by Moderna  started going into arms in late July as part of their Phase 3 clinical trials. The second doses came three weeks later in the Pfizer-BioNTech trial and four weeks later in Modernas.

After the second dose, it takes an additional two weeks for the immune system to build up to full protection. That means the first people to become fully immunized hit that mark in September  about six months ago.

The vaccine makers are keeping track of these clinical trial volunteers and testing them to see if the benefits of their shots have held steady or begun to wane. So far, both are looking strong.

As of April 1, the number of people who were at least six months out from their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had passed 12,000, and they are still seeing high vaccine efficacy, according to Albert Bourla, Pfizers chief executive.

Among all trial participants, the vaccine has been 91.3% effective at preventing cases of COVID-19 up through March 13, Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement. That figure increased to 92.6% for participants from the U.S. In addition, the vaccine was at least 95.3% effective at preventing cases of severe COVID-19.

Story continues

The companies said they plan to publish more detailed data in a peer-reviewed medical journal soon.

Moderna said in a statement last week that its vaccine was more than 90% effective at preventing all types of COVID-19 and more than 95% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease among its clinical trial participants. About half of those people were at least six months out from the point when the vaccine took full effect.

Additionally, blood tests of 33 people who participated in the first phase of Modernas clinical trial showed that coronavirus antibodies remained prevalent six months after they received their second shot. Those results were published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Only time will tell how long this performance will last.

In the meantime, both companies are working on booster shots that would stimulate a flagging immune system. Some of those boosters are designed to better target the new coronavirus variants that have emerged since the original vaccines were created.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Australia is set become the first country in the southern hemisphere to manufacture mRNA coronavirus vaccines, with the Victorian government committing $50 million to the project.

Acting Premier James Merlino said the funds would help establish a facility able to manufacture coronavirus vaccines, such as those produced by Pfizer and Moderna, in Melbourne.

He said mRNA vaccines, which contain genetic code from a virus rather than the virus itself, are highly effective and can be manufactured quickly, cheaply and safely.

Twelve months ago would have been the best time to have done this, but the next best time is right now, he told reporters on Wednesday.

Merlino said the facility would take at least a year to start production and will secure vaccine supply for Australia, as well as neighbouring countries.

We have seen the challenges of global supply. We know the benefits of onshore manufacturing, and we know the benefits of this technology, he said.

The A$50 million will be spent in partnerships with universities and medical manufacturers over the next two years.

Merlino conceded the final cost of the project would be hundreds of millions of dollars and implored his federal counterparts to pitch in.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the state governments announcement but stressed it would not deal with the nations current vaccine needs.

mRNA vaccines will be important for vaccine element into the future. Australia is going to be part of that and my government will be a part of that, he said.

mRNA vaccines vaccines are currently only being produced by Pfizer and Moderna in Europe and the United States.

Australia has relied heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which it has been producing domestically at CSL in Melbourne.

The rollout, however, was plunged into disarray after a very rare blood clotting disorder was linked to the AstraZeneca jab. It led the countrys vaccine advisory group to recommend people under the age of 50 get Pfizer instead.

A 40-year-old Brisbane police officer was reported on Wednesday to have been admitted to hospital when he suffered blood clots three days after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said that it is not yet known whether the mans health condition was linked to the Pfizer vaccine.
The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday announced free COVID-19 vaccine for all people above the age of 18 in the state.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the state government will pay for the coronavirus vaccination of people over 18 years of age, according to an official release.

"We will take all possible steps to protect the lives of our citizens," the release quoted Baghel as saying.

On April 19, the Centre had announced that everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from May 1, while private hospitals and states will be able to buy doses from manufacturers.

The Chief Minister requested the central government to ensure availability of adequate number of vaccines for Chhattisgarh, which has seen a spurt in COVID-19 cases.

Baghel appealed to eligible beneficiaries to get themselves vaccinated against coronavirus to prevent serious complications caused by the infection.

He said Chhattisgarh ranks fourth in the country in giving the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to the age group above 45 years.

"If we talk about vaccination of people aged 60 and above, then Chhattisgarh is fifth in the country after Ladakh, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Tripura," he said.

The CM said 88 per cent of the healthcare workers and 92 per cent the frontline workers have been given the first dose of the vaccine.

So far, 51,25,640 vaccine doses have been administered to beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh, Baghel said.

Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination: India needs 8 yrs 9 months to achieve herd immunity

Also Read: Hero Motocorp to develop EVs, set up battery swapping stations with Taiwan's Gogoro

Also Read: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin 78% effective; works against most COVID-19 variants
Welcome Place workers still have no labour agreement just days away from a lockout which would leave some Manitoba refugees without services.

Welcome Place workers still have no labour agreement just days away from a lockout which would leave some Manitoba refugees without services.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents workers at the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council's Welcome Place, said although talks have continued since an April 27, a lockout notice was issued last week and there is no sign of an agreement.

"The employer's response to (the union's) latest offer is evidence that they are unwilling to bargain fairly and prefer to put vital refugee services at risk," said Lee McLeod, CUPE's Manitoba regional director in a statement on Wednesday.

"The union has made no significant demands of the employers. In fact, we have approached these negotiations with the clear understanding that the (council) is facing funding challenges, and so have made every attempt to accommodate what the organization needs to continue."

Welcome Place, on Bannatyne Avenue, bills itself as "the refugees first home in Canada as they transition to permanent housing."

While wages have been negotiated, the union says the employer refuses to negotiate other issues, including a proposal to extend employees' right to recall, which the union says is necessary because of the pandemic.

The employer also wants to reduce vacation time and end wellness days off, the union said.

"Our members are only asking that the employer back off from concessions that are not necessary," said Nasra Hassan, an interpreter/adviser at the council.

"We take pride in our work providing important services that help refugees and new Canadians adjust to life in their new country. We just want to go to work."

A spokesperson for the council could not be reached for comment.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
An elderly millionaire in Hong Kong was conned out of 23m by fraudsters in what is the territorys largest ever phone scam.

The unnamed 90-year-old woman was fooled into transferring hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars into the accounts of the scammers, police said. The con artists posed as mainland Chinese security officials and told their victim her identity had been stolen by criminals in China.

She was then told she must transfer money from her bank account into ones controlled by the scammers for safekeeping while they supposedly investigated the fake identity theft, reported the South China Morning Post.

Police investigating what they report is the most lucrative phone scam ever detected in Hong Kong have arrested a 19-year-old university student in connection with the crime.

Bank accounts containing HK$9m (about 832,000) have been frozen but the vast majority of the HK$250m stolen by the fraudsters remains missing.

She was told her identity was used in a serious criminal case in mainland China, a police source told the newspaper.

She was then instructed to transfer her money to designated bank accounts to investigate whether the cash was the proceeds of crime.

She was promised that all the money would be given back to her after the investigation.

The student arrested later visited the victims mansion in Hong Kongs luxurious The Peak neighbourhood to give her a special phone to communicate with the con artists.

Police were only brought in after the 90-year-olds domestic helper suspected something was wrong and alerted the victims daughter.

Phone scams in Hong Kong, which has one of the worlds highest concentration of the ultra-rich, have been on the rise in recent years, up 18 per cent in the first quarter of 2021. Police said cases handled this year already amounted to a total of HK$350m (32m) being stolen.
Greys Anatomy Season 17 just teased a new storyline for Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams), and ABC is already dropping some major clues. Following the all-new episode on April 15, many viewers speculated that Jacksons next arc will involve April Kepner (Sarah Drew) or Robert Avery (Eric Roberts) in some capacity. Now, it seems the network confirmed a few fan theories. Heres what we know so far.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14, Look Up Child.]

Greys Anatomy fans think Jackson Avery will reunite with April Kepner and Robert Avery in season 17

Sarah Drew as April Kepner in Greys Anatomy Season 17 | Richard Cartwright via Getty Images

RELATED: Greys Anatomy Season 17: How Many New Episodes Are Left? What to Know Ahead of the Finale

In Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 12, tited Sign O the Times, Jackson left on an 11-hour road trip. However, the ABC medical drama did not confirm the characters destination. Thus, many viewers theorized Jackson was headed to April or Robert.

Back in March, Greys Anatomy confirmed Drews return as April in season 17. So following the April 15 episode, many viewers wondered whether a Japril episode was on its way. However, some individuals remembered that April currently lives in Seattle. Therefore, it seems more likely Jackson will reunite with his father, who lives about 11 hours away in Bozeman, Montana.

Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14 synopsis confirms Jackson Avery will visit Robert Avery

Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery in Greys Anatomy Season 17 | Richard Cartwright via Getty Images

RELATED: Greys Anatomy Season 17: Kevin McKidd Hopes Owen and Cristina Reunite and the Reason Why Will Give You Life

Now, it appears ABC confirmed Jackson and Roberts reunion in Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14, titled Look Up Child. The press release for the new May 6 episode revealed Roberts will guest star as Jacksons father.

Meanwhile, the synopsis for season 17 episode 14 reveals how Jacksons reunion with Robert will impact his storyline moving forward.

Jackson pays a visit to his father that helps set him on the right path on a new episode of Greys Anatomy, the synopsis says.

New Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14 photos tease Jackson Avery and April Kepners reunion

Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner in Greys Anatomy Season 17 | Richard Cartwright via Getty Images

RELATED: Greys Anatomy: Giacomo Gianniotti Says Last Andrew DeLuca and Meredith Grey Scene With Ellen Pompeo Was Sad

Roberts isnt the only guest star in Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14. On April 16, Drew revealed shes returning to the show in the new May 6 episode. The ABC press release also confirmed her appearance in Look Up Child.

That said, the Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14 synopsis didnt tease whether Aprils cameo will involve a moment with Jackson. But the network released photos of the exes together. So fans can expect some Japril scenes.

Meanwhile, Kim Raver (who plays Teddy Altman) recently described Drews return as a shining light in Greys Anatomy Season 17. Then Camilla Luddington (who plays Jo Wilson) suggested that Aprils appearance will set things in motion for Jo and Jackson. So whatever happens in Greys Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14 on May 6, fans are certainly in for a treat.
BALTIMORE  A fire at the Domino Sugar plant sent white smoke billowing over the Inner Harbor in Baltimore on Tuesday, but no injuries were immediately reported, a fire department spokeswoman said.

A conveyer belt apparently carried a burning substance from a silo to other parts of the facility, said Baltimore City Fire Department spokeswoman Blair Adams. Fire and smoke could be seen coming through the roof when firefighters arrived, and the silo collapsed after they entered the building, according to the department.

Firefighters were still trying to extinguish the blaze inside the facility around 5 p.m., approximately two hours after they responded to the three-alarm fire, according to Adams.

All of the employees safely escaped from the building, and no injuries to firefighters were immediately reported, Adams said.

All the employees were accounted for, Adams added.

Flames could be seen from a distance after 3 p.m. at a storage facility behind the waterfront refinery. Fire boats were seen in aerial video pouring water on the fire from the harbor.

The 99-year-old refinery, which employs 510 full-time workers and is in the midst of replacing its massive, beloved neon rooftop Domino Sugars sign with an LED replica, processes about 6.5 million pounds of raw cane sugar a day, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Firefighters and workers stand near the entrance to a Domino Sugar plant where a fire broke out, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)AP

American Sugar Refining, Inc., the owner of the Baltimore refinery, said in a statement that the fires cause is under investigation.

In November 2007, a powerful explosion and fires forced the refinery to shut down for a week. The powdered sugar mill was declared a total loss.
A survey conducted by Unisys reveals that while leaders and employees agree that hybrid working is more productive, they feel it is not aligned on what is required to achieve it.

64% of Asia Pacific organisations plan to change their operating model by 2022, driven by the desire to improve their employee experience, according to a new survey conducted by Unisys.

In the survey, leaders and employees have different views on the technologies and policies required to achieve greater productivity and an ideal employee experience.

The findings are included in a new IDC white paper, sponsored by Unisys, titled Digital Workplace Insights: Seeking Digital and Experience Parity to Support the Hybrid Workforce.

The research surveyed more than 1,100 respondents, including business leaders and employees across 15 countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The research examined how organisations are transforming their operating models to respond to business disruptions. To do this, the research found, business leaders are focused on the employee experience to shape their technology, procedures, and policies.

It noted, however, while aligned in this common objective to provide employee experience parity, there are some gaps between what employees want, and what their employers think they want to achieve it.

Hybrid working and the digital workplace are here to stay

The survey found that before the pandemic, 5.2% of the workforce across Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore worked remotelythe highest of the four regions surveyed.

COVID-19 forced remote working in 2020, and more than one third (36%) of this workforce were already working remotely last November 2020.

Based on this experience, majority of employers (74%) and employees (70%) agree that working remotely is just as, or more, productive than working in an office.

The survey also said, while some roles will return to the office by 2022, business leaders estimate 24% of their workforce will work remotelymore than seven times higher than before the pandemic.

40% of Asia Pacific employees prefer remote working, higher than North America (34%), Europe (35%) and Latin America (39%), the survey found. Globally, the highest preference is among Millennials, born 1981-1996 (47%) compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers, born 1946-64.

Leon Sayers, Advisory Director at Unisys Asia Pacific, explains: This shift to a large proportion of employees working remotely, as well as across hybrid offices, other facilities and in the field, demands digital paritywhere all workers have secure access to the resources required to do their jobs, no matter their preferred device or location.

However, he notes that most successful organisations will be those who offer experience parity.

This requires thinking beyond just technology and considering the organisational structure, policies, procedures, and culture required to ensure an excellent employee experience where people can engage effectively with each other, collaborate and work productively in an agile work environment, he adds.

Disconnect on what drives a positive employee experience and experience parity

The top three reasons given by Asia Pacific business leaders to change their operating model by 2022 are better employee experience (71%), employee productivity (56%) and employee safety (56%).

However, the survey revealed a disconnect between Asia Pacific leaders and employees about what technology and policies would improve the remote working experience:

When asked what technology would make remote working more productive , leaders want collaboration tools (35%), secure remote access (33%), moving applications to the cloud (33%), and virtual desktop infrastructure (32%). Whereas employees want upgraded laptops (31%), connectivity solutions (27%) and printers or scanners for home use (26%).

, leaders want collaboration tools (35%), secure remote access (33%), moving applications to the cloud (33%), and virtual desktop infrastructure (32%). Whereas employees want upgraded laptops (31%), connectivity solutions (27%) and printers or scanners for home use (26%). Leaders say the greatest challenges to working from home are unreliable connectivity (51%) and difficulty accessing data or systems (48%). However, majority of employees say there are no challenges (30%), although one in five cite non-work distractions and unreliable connectivity as issues.

are unreliable connectivity (51%) and difficulty accessing data or systems (48%). However, majority of employees say there are no challenges (30%), although one in five cite non-work distractions and unreliable connectivity as issues. When looking at what policy changes would provide a better employee experience , leaders are focused on employee safety and wants commuter benefits to reduce the risk of exposure going to and from the workplace (33%), procedures to identify employees with symptoms (30%), extra security policies for entering facilities (31%), and self-quarantine for workers who had been exposed to COVID-19 (29%).

, leaders are focused on employee safety and wants commuter benefits to reduce the risk of exposure going to and from the workplace (33%), procedures to identify employees with symptoms (30%), extra security policies for entering facilities (31%), and self-quarantine for workers who had been exposed to COVID-19 (29%). Whereas employees want more liberal remote work from home policies (28%), updated leave options due to COVID-19 (25%), and ways to identify if employees have COVID-19 symptoms (24%).

Leaders and employees agree that ensuring employees are recognised for their accomplishments is the top non-salary or non-benefit criteria for making an ideal employee experience . However, having a work location and schedule that is conducive to family life is more important to employees than leaders.

. However, having a work location and schedule that is conducive to family life is more important to employees than leaders. There are generational differences too: to be more productive, Millennials want upgraded laptops while Baby Boomers want better connectivity. Technology used at work is twice as likely to make Millennials feel positive about their job or proud to work for their employer (65% globally) compared to Baby Boomers (34%). It is also important for almost half of Generation X (49%), born 1965-1980.

too: to be more productive, Millennials want upgraded laptops while Baby Boomers want better connectivity. Technology used at work is twice as likely to make Millennials feel positive about their job or proud to work for their employer (65% globally) compared to Baby Boomers (34%). It is also important for almost half of Generation X (49%), born 1965-1980. 47% of Asia Pacific employees, and almost half of respondents globally (49%), say that the technology support they receive makes them feel good about their job or proud to work for their employer. But again, it is twice as important for Millennials (66% globally) than for Baby Boomers (32%). And is important for half (50%) of Generation X.

To create a great employee experience, employers need to understand what technology, processes, and policies their people require to do their jobs effectively, says Sayers.

For this to happen, it requires two-way conversations with their teams and a preparedness to change existing procedures. The right devices and sufficient connectivity are fundamentals for remote workers to create digital parity, notes Sayers.

According to Sayers, experience parity is driven by things like equal access to IT support as well as employee recognition for their accomplishments no matter where or when they workthey dont want to be left in a vacuum. They also want to tap into the flexibility of the hybrid work environment to achieve better work-life balance.

But they dont want to be lumped with extra costs to work from home. These elements help create employee experience parity and must be factored into an overall organisational change management approach to successfully move to a hybrid work environment, explains Sayers.

In addition, while organisations need to support the breadth of generations they currently employ, Millennials are now aged 25-40 years, accounting for a growing proportion of the workforce, and leadership roles, so their preferences about what makes an excellent employee experience must be given weight in a digital workplace strategy. This includes the quality of the devices they use, IT support they can access and ability to work from home, he concludes.
[April 21, 2021] Voyager Digital Adopts Normal Course Issuer Bid to Repurchase Up to 5% of Common Shares

CSE: VYGR

OTCQB: VYGVF

Borse Frankfurt: UCD2 NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Voyager Digital Ltd. ("Voyager" or the "Company") (CSE: VYGR) (OTCQB: VYGVF) (FRA: UCD2), a publicly-traded holding company whose subsidiaries operate a licensed crypto-asset trading and investment brokerage platform, today announced that it has adopted a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) under which the Company can repurchase up to 5% of its Common Shares. "The NCIB repurchase of Voyager's Common Shares will give the Company some additional flexibility in managing its market price to more accurately reflect the company's current value and growth projections, and in turn, strengthen shareholder value," said Stephen Ehrlich, CEO and Co-Founder of Voyager. The NCIB will commence on May 30, 2021 and terminate on May 30, 2022. All shares purchased under the NCIB will be at the market price for the Common Shares at the time of purchase and will be facilitated through the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE). Common Shares repurchased by Voyager under the NCIB will be purchased for cancellation. The Company intends to appoint Eight Capital as its broker to conduct the NCIB on its behalf. About Voyager Digital Ltd. Voyager Digital Ltd. is a publicly traded holding company whose subsidiaries operate a crypto-asset platform that provides retail and institutional investors with a app and platform to invest in and trade crypto assets. The Voyager Platform provides its customers with competitive price execution through its smart order router as well as a custody solution on a wide choice of popular crypto-assets. Voyager was founded by established Wall Street and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who teamed to bring a better, more transparent, and cost-efficient alternative for trading crypto-assets to the marketplace. Please visit us at https://www.investvoyager.com for more information.



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voyager-digital-adopts-normal-course-issuer-bid-to-repurchase-up-to-5-of-common-shares-301273422.html SOURCE Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd.

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Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) speaks during a news conference with other House Republicans at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 10, 2020. (Erin Scott/Reuters)

Pelosi Is Wrong for Not Holding Maxine Waters Accountable: Liz Cheney

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) said Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is wrong for not holding Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) accountable for her comments about the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of all three charges in the death of George Floyd on Tuesday afternoon.

Ive been really clear that no elected official should ever incite violence and she should not have incited violence. She did. The speakers wrong in terms of not holding her accountable for that, Cheney, the No. 3 Republican leader in the House, told reporters on Tuesday.

Cheney was referring to remarks Waters made at a protest in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 17, regarding Chauvins trial where she said protesters should get more confrontational if Chauvin is not found guilty.

Waters said she is going to fight with all of the people who stand for justice and told protesters to stay on the street, get more active, and get more confrontational, if the former officer isnt found guilty. Weve got to make sure that they know that we mean business, Waters said.

When asked about Waterss comments being inappropriate and if she should apologize, Pelosi said she shouldnt.

Maxine talked about the confrontation in the manner of the civil rights movement, Pelosi said. I myself think we should take our lead from the George Floyd family. Theyve handled this with great dignity and no ambiguity or  misinterpretation by the other side. No, I dont think she should apologize.

Cheneys comments after the House on Tuesday voted down a resolution that would have censured Waters. The party-line vote saw 216 Democrats reject the resolution and 210 Republicans back it. Two members from each party did not vote.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) condemned Waterss comments.

This weekend in Minnesota, Maxine Waters broke the law by violating curfew and then incited violence. Speaker Pelosi is ignoring Waters behaviorthats why I am introducing a resolution to censure Rep. Waters for these dangerous comments, McCarthy wrote on Twitter.

The judge overseeing the Chauvin trial called Waterss comments abhorrent.

I am aware that congresswoman Waters was talking specifically about this trial, and about the unacceptability of anything less than a murder conviction, and talk about being confrontational, said Judge Peter Cahill. This goes back to what Ive been saying from the beginning. I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law, and to the judicial branch and our function.

Cahill said Waters should have been more respectful to her oath to defend the Constitution as a member of Congress. Their failure to do so I think is abhorrent, but I dont think it is prejudiced, with additional material that would prejudice history they have been told not to watch the news, I trust they are following those instructions, he said.

While Republicans have come out against Waterss comments, some Democrats have indirectly addressed Waterss comments.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters: To be honest, Im not that familiar with what she said, I know she made clear in comments afterward that she supports peaceful protests. Dr. King supported non-violent direct action. That is what House Democrats support.

Janita Kan contributed to this report
MEXICO CITY, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Holding, S.A. de C.V. ("AlphaCredit" or the "Company"), a leading technology-enabled, financial services company, today announced that the Company will restate its financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (the "Prior Period Financial Statements") to correct an error in the Company's accounting for its derivative positions. The Company has determined that a restatement was necessary based on an internal review by the Company and following discussions with KPMG (KPMG Cardenas Dosal, S.C., "KPMG"), the Company's current auditing firm, and Deloitte (Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.), its auditor for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and prior years. The Company's previously released Prior Period Financial Statements, quarterly financial statements for 2020 and any earnings releases or other communications related to those periods should no longer be relied upon.

AlphaCredit identified additional accounting errors that it anticipates will result in a restatement of other assets and other accounts receivable in the Prior Period Financial Statements or a current write-down of other assets and other accounts receivable. The errors relate to the Company's: (i) allowance for loan losses; (ii) reserves for certain accounts receivables; and (iii) amortization of certain capitalized expenses. Although AlphaCredit cannot predict the full impact of the restatements and adjustments at this time, it anticipates there will be an impairment of a majority of the MXP 4.1 billion reported as other assets and other accounts receivable in the Company's September 30, 2020 balance sheet.

The Board of Managers of Alpha Latam Management, LLC, the general partner of the Company's controlling shareholder, has formed a special committee (the "Special Committee") comprised of non-management members of its Board of Managers to conduct an investigation of the accounting errors (the "Internal Investigation"). The Special Committee has retained advisors, including but not limited to, the law firms Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP ("Skadden") and Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, S.C. In addition, Skadden has retained forensic accountants from a Big 4 accounting firm to assist Skadden in advising the Special Committee with respect to these matters.

The Company is diligently working with its current and predecessor auditing firms to complete the analysis of the accounting errors and to finalize the adjustments of its Prior Period Financial Statements, as well as to complete the audit of its 2020 annual financial statements.

About AlphaCredit

AlphaCredit is a technology-enabled, financial services company in Latin America that provides consumer loans to individuals and financial solutions for SMEs in Mexico and Colombia.

Forward-looking statements

Except for historical information, the matters discussed herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's intent to restate its Prior Period Financial Statements, the estimated adjustments of the restated financials and the Internal Investigation by the Special Committee, involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated here. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risk that additional information may arise from the final conclusion of the Special Committee's Internal Investigation, the risk that the process of preparing and auditing the financial statements or other subsequent events would require the Company to make additional adjustments, the time and effort required to complete the restatement of the financial reports and the impact of the inquiry initiated by any related or additional governmental investigative or enforcement proceedings. Forward-looking statements reflect management's analysis as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake to revise these statements to reflect subsequent developments. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

SOURCE AlphaCredit
Editors Note: The following obituary appeared in the Sun Times previously but is being republished because service arrangements have been made that had been delayed due to COVID.

Robert Ray (Bob) Nelson was born in Elwood Nebraska in 1936 to Ray and Dorothy Nelson.

They later moved to Fairfield, Montana where Bob attended Greenfield and Fairfield Schools. Bob was always involved in music from an early age. His biggest thrill was to march in the Rose Parade in Portland Oregon during his high school years.

During his senior year he joined the Air National Guard and served seven years. Bob also worked for Sun River Electric for 13 years.

In 1962 he married Betty Jo Hovden and they have have been together for 58 years. They had three children: Daniel (Tracy); Timothy and Kory (Justin Van Hauen). They have 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Bob was a Cub Scout leader.

In 1968 Bob took his family to Washington State where he worked for Weyerhauser Timber Co. In May of 1970 the 3 Rivers Telephone Manager called and wanted him to come to work for them.

The family moved back to Montana, living in Conrad for 22 years. Bob retired in 1998 and they enjoyed going south to Texas and Arizona in the winter.

During all his years he was involved in various bands starting with his familys band The Mavericks and many others. Wherever we lived we always went to church and sang in the choir together. Bob held many postitions at the Conrad Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ in Fairfield. He was custodian for both churches for many years.

Bob was a special person to many people. There wasnt anything he couldnt repair. He would help anyone who needed help. He loved everyone.

Bob is survived by his loving wife; his brothers Ronald and Randy (Sue) his three children and their spouses, all grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bob succumbed to Alzheimers on December 29th with his family by his side.

A celebration of life will take place for Bob Nelson on Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 am at the Fairfield United Church of Christ.

Condolences may be left on line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com
The Analysis of a Conflict Event Between a Co-Worker and Me: a fascinating study about the triumph and the struggle that the author faced when a good friend of his turned his back on him and tried to ruin his image. The Analysis of a Conflict Event Between a Co-Worker and Me is the creation of published author Rev. Zuxing Chen, a writer who holds a PhD in Space Physics from Perking University and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary.

Rev. Chen shares, Not long after the Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12, 2008, Zuxing and his family embarked on a three months journey to aid those victims. It was during the time he met Paulo, a house church leader from northeast area of China. Paulo is a man of action; he dreamed big even though the beautiful dream (a big project to help the earthquake victims) did not come true finally. They became fellow co-workers and even good friends. However, not long after Zuxings family came back to the United States, Paulo mishandled his dissatisfaction of Zuxing, resulting in a big spiritual crisis.

Zuxing felt shamed, insulted, personally threatened, devalued, and he was tempted to defend and vindicate. What did he do to resolve the conflict?

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rev. Zuxing Chens new book is a great analysis that examines how one man arrived at a satisfying conclusion after winding up in a complicated situation with a friend who shamed him.

The author reveals this gripping conflict from his true perspective.

View a synopsis of The Analysis of a Conflict Event Between a Co-Worker and Me on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Analysis of a Conflict Event Between a Co-Worker and Me at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Analysis of a Conflict Event Between a Co-Worker and Me, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
(Newser)  Seema Gandotra, sick with the coronavirus, gasped for breath in an ambulance for 10 hours as it tried unsuccessfully at six hospitals in India's sprawling capital to find an open bed. By the time she was admitted, it was too late; the 51-year-old died hours later. Rajiv Tiwari, whose oxygen levels began falling after he tested positive for the virus, has the opposite problem: He identified an open bed, but the resident of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, who's in his 30s, can't get to it. "There is no ambulance to take me to hospital," he said. Such tragedies are familiar from surges in other parts of the worldbut were largely unknown in India, which was able to prevent a collapse in its health system last year through a harsh lockdown. But now they are everyday occurrences in the vast country, the AP reports, which is seeing its largest surge of the pandemic so far and watching its chronically underfunded health system crumble.

story continues below

Tests are delayed. Medical oxygen is scarce. Hospitals are understaffed and overflowing. Intensive care units are full. Nearly all ventilators are in use, and the dead are piling up at crematoriums and graveyards. India recorded over 250,000 new infections and over 1,700 deaths in the past 24 hours alone, and the UK announced a travel ban on most visitors from the country this week. India's wave of cases is contributing to a worldwide rise in infections, spurred in part by new, more contagious variants. At the same time, vaccination campaigns have seen setbacks in many placesand India's surge has only exacerbated that: The country is a major vaccine producer but was forced to delay deliveries of shots to focus on domestic demand. Bhramar Mukherjee, a biostatistician at the University of Michigan who has been tracking Indias pandemic, said India failed to learn from surges elsewhere and take anticipatory measures. Now India's two largest cities have imposed strict lockdowns, the pain of which will fall inordinately on the poor.

(Read more coronavirus stories.)
Pensionbee has become the latest British tech company to begin trading on the London Stock Exchange, dodging the scepticism which has dogged Deliveroos float.

The savings firm launched at 165p a share, giving the seven-year-old firm a value of 365million and valuing founder Romi Savovas stake at 132million.

Although it managed to avoid the same fate as Deliveroo, whose shares tumbled 26 per cent on their first day last month, Savova (pictured with co-founder Jonathan Lister Parsons) may have been hoping for a warmer reception.

Pensionbee launched at 165p a share, giving the firm a value of 365m and valuing founder Romi Savova's (pictured with co-founder Jonathan Lister Parsons) stake at 132m

The stock ended the day at 166.2p  a contrast with online shopping titan The Hut Group, up 24 per cent since its float last year.

Online greetings card company Moonpig and shoe chain Dr Martens, which floated earlier this year, are up 24 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.

On Monday, full trading begins  meaning 5,000 customers can sell their shares, and other small shareholders can buy in.

Savova said: We are delighted with the strong support we have received from institutional investors and our customers.
Royal Dutch Shell said on Wednesday it was conducting a feasibility study with partners to trial the use of hydrogen fuel cells for ships in Singapore, the first such move for the oil major.

If successful, the trial will pave the way for cleaner, hydrogen-powered shipping, the company said, adding that its analysis points to hydrogen with fuel cells as the zero-emissions technology having the greatest potential to help the shipping sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The trial will involve the development and installation of an auxiliary power unit fuel cell on an existing roll-on/roll-off vessel that transports goods, vehicles and equipment on lorries between Singapore and Shell's Pulau Bukom manufacturing site located on an island near the mainland.

(Also read | Michelin reinforces Hydrogen bet in move beyond selling tyres)

A roll-on/roll-off vessel is a cargo ship designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, which are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.

Shell will charter the trial vessel and provide the hydrogen fuel. It is also working with SembCorp Marine Ltd and its unit LMG Marin, which will design the fuel cell and retrofit the vessel, owned by Penguin International Ltd.

The team will first carry out a feasibility study with the intention to install the fuel cell next year and the vessel will operate for a trial period of 12 months, Shell said.

"We see fuel cells and hydrogen as a promising pathway for decarbonising shipping and working with partners in this way will develop our understanding of this critical technology," said Nick Potter, general manager of Shell shipping and maritime, Asia Pacific & Middle East.

To achieve the goals for the shipping industry set by the United Nations, industry leaders say the first ships with net-zero emissions must enter the global fleet by 2030. Ships powered by hydrogen could help meet the target.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
5G development best realized when U.S., Chinese companies "unite to drive innovation," says Qualcomm CEO

Xinhua) 09:31, April 21, 2021

WASHINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The possibilities with 5G are limitless and will be best realized when U.S. and Chinese companies unite to drive innovation around the world to achieve great things, Qualcomm Chief Executive Officer Steve Mollenkopf told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

Mollenkopf participated in the China-U.S. Entrepreneurs Symposium online, which was held on the sidelines of the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).

Held from April 18 to 21 in south China's island province of Hainan, this year's BFA annual conference is themed "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation."

Mollenkopf told Xinhua he looks forward to the future cooperation between U.S. and Chinese companies, adding Qualcomm is committed to continuing its long friendship with Chinese partners.

"The future of wireless technology has never been more exciting, and the importance of connectivity to China achieving its development goals has never been clearer," Mollenkopf said.

For over 25 years, Qualcomm has collaborated with companies in China, helping them expand their businesses - both at home and around the world, he told Xinhua.

"Now our collaboration is helping China's mobile ecosystem power 5G across China and beyond," Mollenkopf said, adding 5G is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything, and the technology will transform the economy and enrich lives around the world.

Qualcomm recently launched new 5G Innovative Centers with local governments and partners in Nanchang and Hangzhou, adding up to a total of five Joint Innovation Centers in China, according to Mollenkopf.

"We are also helping China deploy fundamental 5G technologies such as mmWave, which will allow incredibly fast and reliable wireless connections," he said.

Citing China's rapid 5G progress as an example, Mollenkopf said a recent study by ABI Research shows China is forecast to reach almost 740 million 5G subscribers by 2025. "5G will deliver innovations that we have yet to imagine and 5G's impact on China's economy will span decades."

China is leading the world in connected transportation and manufacturing, Mollenkopf told Xinhua. Qualcomm is supporting the Chinese ecosystem through efforts such as the "5G IoT Innovation Initiative," and the deployment of cellular vehicle to everything technology for safety-focused and more efficient transportation, he noted.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
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Columbus police have released bodycam footage showing the officer shooting of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant, who was fatally gunned down just moments before Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the 2020 murder of George Floyd.

In an attempt to show more transparency and ease tensions as Black Lives Matter protesters descended on the scene, the police department released footage that appears to show the teen run out of her home with a knife.

Bryant - described by her mother as a peace-loving honor student - can be seen with a knife as she storms out of the home and towards another woman, with the woman falling backwards.

Scroll down for video

Columbus police have released bodycam footage that appears to show 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant with a knife right before she was gunned down by police

The teen turns her attention towards another woman at the scene and runs towards her as the officer opens fire, sending her to the ground.

People can immediately be heard screaming in shock and horror as the scene unfolds.

Officers could be seen looking over Bryant's body in the footage.

Columbus Police said earlier on Tuesday that one person was killed in the officer-involved shooting that took place on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, in the afternoon.

The officer who opened fire was not identified. Police Chief Michael Woods said he 'would be taken off the street' pending an investigation.

Bryant can be seen with a knife as she storms out of the home and towards another woman, with the woman falling backwards. She storms off to another woman as the first woman is kicked in the head by a man

The teen turns her attention towards another woman at the scene and runs towards her as the officer opens fire

As Bryant falls to the ground, the person she was after runs from the gunfire

The victim of the police shooting was identified by her mother as Ma'Khia Bryant on Facebook

Makhia Bryant - identified by her mother Paula Bryant on social media - was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 5.21pm, WCMH reports.

Speaking to 10TV through tears, Paula Bryant said her daughter had called the police for protection and did not expect to be shot dead.

'This never should have happened,' she said. 'She's a loving girl.'

Paula Bryant told reporters her daughter was an honor student who was 'loving' and 'promoted peace'

Bryant said Ma'Khia lived in a foster home, but she was hoping to bring the teen and her sister back home soon. The mother and daughter last saw one another on Thursday.

'We hugged each other. She said "Mommy, I made honor roll." She said "Mommy, Im looking forward to coming home,"' Bryant said.

The grieving mother added that she wants her daughter to be remembered for her 'motherly nature.'

'She promoted peace,' Bryant said.

Ma'Khia's aunt, Hazel Bryant, also told reporters that the 16-year-old was a 'good kid' and 'didn't deserve to die like a dog in the street.'

Though she was originally reported by her aunt as 15, her age has now been updated to 16.

Police had been responding to a report of a stabbing before the fatal shooting. A witness said Makhia, who Hazel Bryant said lived in a foster home, got into an altercation with another resident of the home and was armed with the knife to defend herself when police arrived.

Columbus Police said that one person was killed in the officer-involved shooting that took place on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon. A woman at the scene - identified on Facebook as Shonnell Kelley - shared a series of videos from the shooting, including one of the officer who allegedly shot the teen

Makhia Bryant - identified by her mother on social media - was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 5.21pm

Authorities said they had been responding to an initial stabbing call at around 4.30pm. The shots fire call was made just 15 minutes later

WARNING: Video contains strong language. A woman near Legion Lane says her niece was killed earlier tonight after an officer involved shooting. Police still havent confirmed victim pic.twitter.com/wpx9Wowtwl  Alexis Moberger (@alexiswsyx6) April 20, 2021

Authorities said they responded to the initial stabbing call at around 4.30pm. The shots fired call was made just 15 minutes later.

Columbus Police have requested Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation to respond to the scene and investigate the shooting.

Woods said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) had opened an inquiry into the case. He and the city's public safety director, Ned Pettus, Jr., appealed for calm while the investigation proceeds and facts are uncovered in what he called 'a devastating' loss of life.

'Fast, quick answers cannot come at the cost of accurate answers,' Pettus told a late news conference with the police chief and mayor.

'BCI will conduct a fully independent investigation, which will be made public. If an officer has violated policy or the law, if they have, they will be held accountable.'

Protesters soon convened at the crime scene and called for action after witnesses described what led to the shooting. Several could be seen praying over the scene while others screamed at the police for the shooting taking place just moments after the verdict for former Minneapolis police office Derek Chauvin was read.

A crowd gathers to protest in the neighborhood where a Columbus police officer fatally shot Bryant on Tuesday

A crowd gathers to protest in the neighborhood where a Columbus police officer fatally shot Bryant on Tuesday

'She was a good kid. She was loving,' Hazel Bryant, the girl's aunt (left), told reporters on the street. 'She was 15 years old. She didn't deserve to die like a dog in the street.' Her age has since been updated to 16

People are showing up to the scene and saying to @ColumbusPolice officers On the day of the George Floyd verdict. pic.twitter.com/TJavyBU3EI  Lacey Crisp (@LaceyCrisp) April 20, 2021

A man can be seen holding a 'Black Lives Matter' sign at the scene where Makhia was fatally gunned down

A woman at the scene - identified on Facebook as Shonnell Kelley - shared a series of videos from the shooting, including one of the officer who allegedly shot the teen.

'This is the racist a*s b***h, that shot this poor f*****g girl,' she said in one clip, showing the officer and just part of the girl's body. 'I'm not going to put this sh*t on camera but he shot this f*****g girl, talking about she is trying to stab him. Da f**k, this is somebody's f****g daughter. B***h!'

Kelley shared in the post that the teen had the knife because 'somebody tried to jump her' and added that she was the one who called for help.

According to Kelley, the cop 'didn't tell her to put it down didn't ask questions or nothing.'

Hazel Bryant said Makhia dropped the knife before she was shot dead.

10TV reports that Makhia called police because the girls were fighting in front of her house.

More footage from the scene shows paramedics coming to retrieve the teen and take her to a local hospital, where she died

Protesters soon convened at the crime scene and called for action after witnesses described what led to the shooting

Hazel Bryant talks to the media after her niece, 16-year-old Makiyah Bryant, was fatally shot by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio

A woman reacts to the shooting in Columbus

Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther said authorities would be reviewing the bodycam footage.

'This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details,' he said on Twitter. 'There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible,' he said in a statement released on Twitter.

Ginther said it appeared from an initial review of the footage that the officer who opened fire 'took action to protect another young girl in our community.'

'But another young girl will still not be coming home tonight, he said, adding, 'I ask everyone to pray for peace. Tonight we pray for this family, we pray for this city, and we pray for our neighbors,' Ginther said.

Authorities have not provided any additional information but Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther added that there is 'body-worn camera footage of the incident'
[April 21, 2021] Baxter Recognized Globally for Inclusion Efforts

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a leading global medical products company, announced today that it has been recognized by the Global Inclusion Index in 11 countries for its inclusion efforts. Baxter Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the UK earned spots on the inaugural Index. The recognition is presented by Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media), the company that produces the U.S.-based Inclusion Index of which Baxter has also been named. The new Global Inclusion Index assesses corporate efforts at hiring and promoting women, with the ability to measure other underrepresented groups on a country-specific basis; creating inclusive cultures; and holding country leaders and managers accountable for results. Baxter was recognized in all countries for which it applied. "We are honored to be on the inaugural Global Inclusion Index list," said Jeanne Mason, senior vice president, Human Resources. "It highlights our relentless efforts to be an inclusive company where all employees can feel safe to bring their authentic selves to work every day across the world; it is an important component of being a best place to work." Baxter's region and country leaders build on Baxter's global diversity and inclusion goals by creating a diverse and inclusive environment in a manner that aligns with local needs and cultures. "Moving more women into leadership positions in Europe is a priority. Each of Baxter's 21 European business leaders sponsor at least one woman in the company, advocating for responsibilities that will position sponsees to grow and excel professionally," says Andrew Goldney, vice president, Medication Delivery and Pharmaceuticals in Western Europe and head of the Regional Inclusion & Diversity Council. "We are seeing our efforts make an impact and help women progress their careers at Baxter." Baxter has been recognized by multiple organizations for its diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices. The company continues to be featured on Forbes' 'America's Best Employers for Diversity' and 'America's Best Employers for Women' list. Baxter is also a Seramount (Working Mother) 100 Best Company, a Best Company for Dads and one of The Top Companies for Executive Women. Baxter has consistently received a top score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Fondation's Corporate Equality Index and has secured a top 10% spot on both the Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index and the Disability Equality Index. Additionally, the company has received numerous regional and country-specific recognitions across the globe. More information on Baxter's global D&I work can be found here.



Seramount's Global Survey included 30 questions dealing with women's demographics and best practices in hiring and advancement, including diverse interview slates, mentoring and sponsorship, local Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) structure, and accountability measures by the in-country CEO or country head. The only common demographic measured everywhere is gender, although other demographics increasingly are assessed in specific countries, especially age and disability. Companies were invited to apply in each of these 15 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. They did not have to apply in every country, but to qualify for the index in each country, the company needed a score of 60 percent. About Seramount

Seramount is a strategic professional-services firm dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. For four decades, our qualitative and quantitative metrics on the employee experience have empowered clients to realize the business benefits of an inclusive workplace. We advise organizations with actionable insights, data-powered solutions, and inspiring events that provide a guide to setting new culture standards in an ever-changing landscape. About Baxter Every day, millions of patients and caregivers rely on Baxter's leading portfolio of critical care, nutrition, renal, hospital and surgical products. For more than 85 years, we've been operating at the critical intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the healthcare providers that make it happen. With products, technologies and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter's employees worldwide are now building upon the company's rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative healthcare innovations. To learn more, visit www.baxter.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Baxter is a registered trademark of Baxter International Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005667/en/

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This request will be made to Transport and Communications Minister Eduardo Gonzalez , Executive Branch representative for pandemic-related issues in La Libertad, so that he can forward the petition to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
House Bill 4029, Legalize stun guns: Passed 78 to 32 in the House

To repeal a ban on the sale, possession or use of "stun devices" by adults, defined as a device that is capable of creating an electro-muscular disruption  capable of temporarily incapacitating or immobilizing an individual by the direction or emission of conducted energy." This does not include a launchable device, which means Tasers would still be prohibited.

 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y

 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant Y

 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y

House Bill 4568, Push back tax deadlines in epidemic: Passed 108 to 1 in the House

To push-back the April 15, 2021, deadline for filing 2020 individual state income tax returns and payments, and the April 30 deadline for corporate income tax filers. The new dates for 2021 only are May 17 and June 1, respectively. This is part of a legislative package that also places in statute delays to city income tax and other 2021 tax deadlines, after the IRS pushed back federal tax filing deadlines in March.

 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y

 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant Y

 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y

House Bill 4055, Revise details of certain state scholarships in epidemic: Passed 107 to 3 in the House

To expand the eligibility standard in the 2020-21 school year for a competitive state merit award scholarship, so that students would be eligible if they get a high grade point average, class rank, or other measure of academic success. Under current law the eligibility threshold for these scholarships is a score of at least 1,200 on the SAT test, but most students will not have the opportunity to take that test due to school lockdowns and restrictions.

 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y

 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant Y

 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y

House Bill 4343, Mandate public schools give excused absence for playing Taps at military funeral: Passed 105 to 5 in the House

To add a provision to Michigan law requiring that if a public school student who is absent for a day because he or she is playing Taps at a military funeral it is considered an excused absence.

 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y

 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant Y

 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y

SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, nonpartisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, nonpartisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Permission to reprint this legislative summary in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that MichiganVotes.org is properly cited.

Y = Yes, N = No, X = Not Voting
As the coronavirus pandemic wears on with its restrictions, difficult financial times continue as well.

With that in mind, communities throughout the Thumb have welcomed a free service that helps provide some relief. Blessing Boxes offer free non-perishable food as well as some baby and hygiene products.

The newest Blessing Box is in the village of Sebewaing. It is located at the Trinity United Methodist Churchs side door at 513 Washington St. However, the church is just a site for one of the boxes and it is not sponsored or stocked by the church.

Blessing Boxes are a community supported effort. They are a resource open to all who need some help.

The boxes operate on the premise of take only what you need and leave what you can to continue helping others in the community.

The cost to start up a Blessing Box in a community is minimal, but they provide a valuable resource for someone who is in need of some assistance.

The start up cost is getting a tote box, lumber for the stands, vinyl stickers for the boxes, and initially stocking the boxes when they are placed.

Although the items vary daily, some of the items in Blessing Boxes include: non-perishable food items, infant formula, feminine products, diapers, wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes, lotion, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and brushes, toilet paper, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, school supplies, and more.

According to the last update, there are Blessing Boxes at:

 Wilcox Park at 650 Whitelam Street, Bad Axe.

 The Elkton Missionary Church, 220 Main St., Elkton.

 Garfield Street next to the little library in Ubly

 Port Hope Activity Center at 7840 Portland Road, Port Hope.

 Davidson Park on Court Street in Harbor Beach.

 Kilmanagh and Sebewaing next to St. Johns Lutheran Church, which is at the side of the old bank building on the corner of Bay Port and Kilmanagh roads.

 At 7184 Nitz Street,Pigeon, at Shelter Plumbing and Heating.

 At the Corner of Berne and Charles streets by the co-op in Pigeon.

 Kemp park under the pavilion-corner of Bay City Forestville and M-25 in Unionville.

 At Cass City Rotary Park by the alleyway at 6530 Main St., Cass City.

 At 414 Main St., Kinde, at the west end of the building out front.
Oil prices fell for a second day on Wednesday, weighed down by concerns that surging COVID-19 cases in India will drive down fuel demand in the world's third-biggest oil importer. Brent crude futures for June fell 48 cents, or 0.7%, to $66.09 a barrel at 0515 GMT, after dropping 48 cents on Tuesday.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for June fell 52 cents, or 0.8%, to $62.15 a barrel. The May contract expired on Tuesday down 1.5% at $62.44. "India is a major crude oil consumer. So rising virus cases and thereby restrictions to limit the spread will dampen the demand outlook," said Ravindra Rao, vice president for commodities at Kotak Securities.

"Global crude markets remains well supplied with OPEC and its allies scheduled to hike production in coming months. So, if the demand picture does not improve significantly, prices may correct further." India, also the world's third-largest oil user, on Wednesday reported another record increase in the daily death toll from COVID-19, at 2,023, and another record rise in cases at more than 295,000.

The country is facing an oxygen supply crisis to treat patients. Large parts of the country are now under lockdown due to a huge second wave of the pandemic. "You've seen refiners there (in India) scale back runs because demand has fallen with the spread of lockdowns. That's clearly weighing on the market and sentiment," said Lachlan Shaw, head of commodity research at National Australia Bank .

Further battering the market, data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) industry group showed US crude oil and distillate stocks rose in the week ended April 16, according to two market sources, compared with analysts' forecasts for drawdown in inventories.

Crude stocks rose by 436,000 barrels, API reported, according to the sources. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 3 million barrel drawdown in crude stocks. "This latest Covid surge has wrong-footed more than few traders, who were building long positions ahead of what is expected to be a successful US summer driving season," said Stephen Innes, chief market strategist at Axi.

The US Energy Information Administration will release its inventory data for last week later on Wednesday.

Also read: China's crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia rise 8.8% in March
Marjorie Taylor Greene

Freshman Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene could use some PR counsel to smooth some of her rougher edges in the aftermath of her "White People's Caucus."

The Georgia Republican took flak for her involvement in the aborted launch of the America First Caucus, which was supposed to advocate for Anglo-Saxon political traditions.

After Republican leader Kevin McCarthy trashed nativist dog whistles, Greene distanced herself from the caucus, saying it was nothing more than a proposal from an outside group that she hadnt bothered to read.

She then trained her sights on the media and went into overdrive.

The scum and liars in the media are calling me a racist by taking something out of context, said Greene in a statement. Its more proof so-called journalists lie and create false narratives. The media are ones focused on race and use it to divide the American people with hate through identity politics.

The Congresswoman went on to say that she believes America First with all my heart and that means every American, of every race, creed and color."

Shes confident millions of Americans stand with her and that the hyenas in the media are terrified of that.

Those hyenas may get the last laugh.

Dame Anna Wintour, global chief content officer at Conde Nast since 2020 and Vogue editor since 1988, told the Financial Times that it is wrong to think of Conde Nast as an elitist company: were a company that believes in quality and the best storytelling.

Wintour admitted that the lines around the block at reopened Gucci and Dior stores in London are good news for Conde Nast.

People have been locked out for a long time and they are going to go out and want to spend, said the 71-year-old Wintour.

Shoppers at Diors New Bond Street store can snap up a womens paisley long jacket for 7,100 pounds (roughly $10,000), a pair of mens hightop sneakers for 1,050 pounds ($1,463) and a water bottle/holder/strap for 620 pounds ($864).

Though Wintour denies Conde Nast is an elite company, she certainly has her eye on the super-elite crowd pounding on Diors door.

Americans arent buying Wintours spin that pent-up demand and the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccinations are going to supercharge the global economy.

The pandemic has left many Americans clueless about their financial future, according to the mixed results of a Allianz Life Insurance Co. survey released April 13.

While nearly seven-in-ten (68 percent) of respondents expect their financial future will improve in 2021, 56 percent believe a recession is right around the corner and 52 percent predict a big market crash right around the corner.

Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) believe markets will remain volatile this year and about half (48 percent) are going to remain neutral and avoid playing the market.

Investors seem to be in limbo right now, wavering between nervousness about the potential for volatility and hope for a better year, resulting in a lot of inaction that can be costly in the future, said Kelly LaVigne, VP-consumer sights at Allianz Life.

Cluelessness about the future combined with supreme financial cautiousness is not the recipe for Boomtown USA.
By Chen Qinhan

The in-person meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden on April 16 lasted 20 minutes, which was later expanded into a group meeting that lasted another two and a half hours.

Both American and Japanese media reported that the topic high on the meeting agenda was China, which was well expected. Still, the people who are concerned also noticed a difference in the two leaders' stance on several China-related issues.

Half a century on, Japan has developed an increasingly close economic and trade relation with China, and it has to be careful about the immense shocks that might result from a rupture of bilateral relations. According to a report by The New York Times on April 17, Mr. Suga stuck carefully to his script when he talked about Chinas influence. Issuing no warnings to China, he simply said the two leaders agreed to the importance of peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, as written in the joint statement.

In comparison, Biden was more outspoken about his stance on China. According to a BBC report, many analysts believed the Biden administration had released definite strategic signals  the US is committed to reinforcing its alliance with Japan while simultaneously urging for a quad alliance of the US, Japan, Australia, and India to respond to the so-called all-round threats from China.

In the latest US-Japan joint leaders statement, the two countries underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The last time Taiwan was mentioned in a US-Japan joint leaders statement was in November 1969, the heyday of the Cold War, when the then US President Nixon met with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in Washington.

Ben Ascione, a research associate at the Japan Centre for International Exchange and Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, said in an interview with The Paper that from Japans perspective, the wording about Taiwan in the joint statement was nothing more than a standard expression used by Japanese Foreign Ministry. It was mentioned at the US-Japan two-plus-two meeting in March this year, and now its put into the statement. There is report that Washington hoped for Japan to make a more aggressive statement about Taiwan, but Tokyo refused because it wants to keep things the way they are.

Compared with the Taiwan question, what Tokyo is more concerned with may be the Diaoyu Island issue. The United States just restated in the joint statement that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Diaoyu Island. Nakanishi Hiroshi, professor of the Graduate School of Law at Kyoto University, held that Japan actually hoped for a tougher statement from the US regarding this issue, but it was obviously disappointed.

The US-Japan joint statement also pointed fingers at human rights issues in China. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the regular press conference on April 19 that on human rights issues, Japan and the US are in debt to the Chinese people and the worlds peopleWhat Japan and the US should do is to reflect on their aggression in history and redress wrong actions that violate human right in other countries, rather than meddling in Chinas internal affairs under the disguise of human rights.

Despite deepening cooperation between the US and Japan, Tokyo, restricted by its Constitution, wont make any radical change in its security policy, said Ben Ascione. He held that although the Biden administration hasnt formed a full-fledged Asia policy yet, all signs are pointing to the Asia Pacific as a priority in its diplomatic framework, with China at the core. Japan has the potential to act as a bridge between China and the US and spur on the sound competition.

Between China and the US, Japan has obviously picked the US side, but that doesnt necessarily mean it will be antagonistic toward China. One of Japans missions is to consolidate Americas influence in Asia, Toshihiro Nakayama, a professor at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, told The Paper.

Given its close economic relations with China, Japan has a strong will to avoid a deterioration of bilateral ties. Nakanishi Hiroshi from Kyoto University analyzed that except in a few areas, Japan is unwilling to delink from China and expects to become the window and bridge for China-US dialogue.

Editor's note: This article is an excerpt from an article written by thepaper.cn based on interviews with Japanese scholars, and has been edited and translated from Chinese into English by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Facing Obstacles with Faith

Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them (Numbers 14:9 NKJV).

Have you ever been so discouraged that you wanted to die?

Thats how the Israelites felt as they were poised to enter the Promised Land. They said, If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! (Numbers 14:2 NLT).

These people had lost perspective. They were allowing their fear to overwhelm them.

But Caleb and Joshua told the people, Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them (Numbers 14:9 NKJV).

God doesnt want us to run from our giants. He wants us to attack them. For example, lets take the giant of addiction. Lets say you have a problem with drugs or a problem with drinking. Recognize you have a problem. Bring it into the open, into the light of day. Make yourself accountable to someone and realize that you cannot do this in your own strength.

Call on God and pray for His power. But dont just face your giants; defeat them. Dont leave any backup plan to go back and do that thing again. Deal with your giants. Dont let them conquer you.

Faith and worry cannot coexist because when faith walks in, worry walks out. And when worry steps in, faith walks out. They dont get along. In fact, they cancel each other out.

Someone has wisely pointed out that when you trust, you dont worry, and when you worry, you dont trust. So we want faith in our lives, not worry.

Every Christian will face difficulty. The Christian life is not a cakewalk; its a conflict. The Christian life is not a playground; its a battleground. So lets face the obstacles that are before us with great faith.

Copyright  2021 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

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The Polish Senate's commission on foreign affairs and the EU has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's aggressive actions near Ukraine's border and expressing support for Kyiv.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, all senators who took part in the commission meeting voted in favor of the resolution.

The document says that Russia is massing troops along Ukraine's borders, and every day Ukrainian servicepersons are killed in the east of the country as a result of shelling by Russian forces, as well as armed groups led by Russian officers.

The resolution focuses on the growing militarization of Russia-occupied Crimea, as well as on the increased activity of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, where "a blockade of the Kerch Strait has been declared, contrary to international law."

According to the document, further attempts by Russia to escalate tension should be interpreted as "a continuation of the strategy to destabilize Europe."

In its resolution, the commission recalled that the armed conflict had already claimed the lives of more than 13,000 military and civilians.

"The commission expresses its deep respect for the heroic Ukrainian people, who are defending their independence. [] The commission reaffirms its deep conviction that the Ukrainian people have the right to self-expression, particularly the choice of their strategic orientation and their alliances," the document reads.

Polish senators stressed that Russia's activities pose "a threat to security on the European continent and are another attempt to question the principle of inviolability of borders in Europe."

The Senate commission urged the Russian authorities to "stop further escalation and destabilization in the region" and called on NATO leaders to "start consultations in accordance with Article 4 of the Washington Treaty [consultations on the threat to territorial integrity]."

"Only a firm position by the EU and NATO can prevent military escalation and war," the resolution reads.

op
Soundcore by Anker, a US-based audio brand, has launched Liberty Air 2 Pro in India with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. With this offering, SoundCore is taking on companies like OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi, and others, who are also offering a TWS at this price range.

The Liberty Air 2 comes features ANC with three different modes  indoor, transport, and outdoor. The TWS comes with six different microphones that work together to offer various ANC modes. It also supports QI Certified Wireless Charging.

Further, it has two transparency modes as well  total and focuses on vocals that help users to communicate with people.

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 specifications

Headphone driver unit: 11mm

Impedance: 16 ohms

Audio codec: SBC and AAC

Bluetooth range: 10m

Battery: 500mAh | 55mAh (each earbud)

The TWS supports Bluetooth 5.0 and supports AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. It is also IPX4 certified, meaning it can withstand sweat and light splashes.

Each earbud comes with a 55mAh battery and, the charging case has a 500mAh. As per the companys claims, these buds offer 6 hours of backup with ANC turned on. Also, it takes around 1.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%.

The Liberty Air 2 comes in Onyx Black, Titanium White, Sapphire Blue, and Crystal Pink. Priced at Rs. 9,999, it is now available on Flipkart.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in criticized former President Trump's attempts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, telling the New York Times he "beat around the bush" with North Korea and "failed to pull it through."

Why it matters: Moon, now in his final year in office, called denuclearization a "matter of survival" for South Korea and urged President Biden to resume negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after a standstill of nearly two years.

What they're saying: I hope that Biden will go down as a historic president that has achieved substantive and irreversible progress for the complete denuclearization and peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula, Moon told the Times.

He beat around the bush and failed to pull it through, he said of Trump. The most important starting point for both governments is to have the will for dialogue and to sit down face to face at an early date.

Moon also called on the U.S. to cooperate with China on North Korea and other issues, warning that if "tensions between the United States and China intensify, North Korea can take advantage of it and capitalize on it."

Context: Talks between the U.S. and North Korea and unprecedented engagement between Trump and Kim quickly soured after the two countries couldn't reach a substantive agreement on denuclearization and drawing down sanctions.

After Biden assumed office, North Korean quickly rebuffed his attempts to restart negotiations and warned the U.S. to "refrain from causing a stink" if "it wants to sleep in peace for coming four years."

North Korea also conducted its first major weapons test since Biden took office in March by firing two ballistic missiles into the East Sea.

Go deeper ... Biden's blinking red lights: Taiwan, Ukraine and Iran
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 23:32:58|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday informed the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that 10 of its staffers must leave the country by the end of May 21 in tit-for-tat retaliation. (Russia-US-Expulsion)

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JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Defense Ministry has deployed warship Rigel and mine-sweeper Rengat to search for the Nanggala-402 submarine which lost contact with the navy during a strategic weapons firing exercise in Bali Strait waters in the early hours of Wednesday, according to an official source.

"The Indonesian Navy has also sent distress to the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison officer," said the Ministry's Public Relations Bureau in a press release. (Indonesia-Submarine-Missing)

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MOSCOW -- Russia is continuously strengthening its armed forces by modernizing weaponry, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday in his annual state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly.

The share of modern weapons and equipment is expected to reach 76 percent by 2024, and this share in Russia's nuclear triad will exceed 88 percent this year, Putin told lawmakers and government officials. (Russia-Putin-Armed Force)

- - - -

ISLAMABAD -- A head-on collision between a passenger van and a bus on Wednesday has left at least 12 people dead and over 20 others injured in the Khairpur district of Pakistan's south Sindh province, local media reported.

According to the reports, the passenger bus coming from Sukkur city collided with the van coming from Nawab Shah district near the Shah Abdul Latif University, some 10 km away from Khairpur city. (Pakistan-Road Accident) Enditem
After nearly three years of political horse-trading, Gov. Murphy announced his nominees for the mighty Port Authority board of commissioners, which compels us to look at the candidates who will face confirmation votes in the Senate late next month  along with a notable omission.

One hopeful that did not make the list has had a career in transportation that can only be described as stellar, but she was passed over because she lacked the political cronies who shepherd such appointments.

Another candidate who did make the cut is someone less than a decade out of law school with zero transportation experience, who happens to be the son of New Jerseys senior Senator.

Were not exactly in riddle-of-the-sphinx territory here.

This is not the way you appoint the leaders of a $7.3 billion agency with a profound effect on the life of every New Jerseyan. It is how New Jersey earns its reputation for, among other things, political nepotism.

Lets be clear: This is not to say that the governors head-scratching designee, Robert Menendez Jr., isnt a talented young attorney with a bright future, though he isnt even a partner at his law firm. Indeed, he is the only new nominee who has something that can loosely be defined as PA experience, as an Eagleton Fellow in the Port Commerce Department  though he doesnt find it significant enough to mention it on his LinkedIn account.

Murphys original choice, however, checked every box. Amy Rosen was a deputy DOT commissioner under Gov. Byrne, she sat on the boards at Amtrak and NJ Transit, and she was a Senior VP at Lockheed-Martin. If there is someone from our state more qualified to sit on the Port Authority board  which oversees the mission of running and maintaining our bridges, tunnels, airports, PATH lines and the largest cargo port in the East  we dont know of her.

But the advise and consent process from our state Senate failed in this case. Rosen was nominated by Murphy in 2018, but the support from state senators in Hudson, Essex and Bergen County was soft.

Senate President Steve Sweeney says he doesnt doubt Rosens qualifications, but when you have Senatorial courtesy, sometimes nominees are hard to move, he said. And now we have nominees that are more reflective of New Jerseys diversity  two women, one of them African American, and a Latino man. Thats a better package, period.

Murphy nominates Sen. Menendezs son to high-profile Port Authority post https://t.co/uZavelfFjB @PANYNJ  Larry Higgs (@CommutingLarry) April 15, 2021

In the end, the package  the only nominees Murphy could get past Sweeney  comprised a councilwoman from Cliffside Park, a Hudson County development expert, and a 35-year-old lawyer with a powerful dad.

Sweeney asserts that qualifications arent always paramount, because you could question everyones qualifications on there, he said. Retiring commissioner David Steiner, he noted, is a film producer. Where does that expertise come into play? Sometimes political skill is more important, because you are negotiating with the other (New York) side that is trying to dominate.

The antipathy between the two states is well known, even though a better relationship has been forged by Board Chairman Kevin OToole (a New Jersey appointee) and executive director Rick Cotton (a New York appointee). And because of it, New Jerseys transit priorities are starting to be on more equal footing with those favored by Andrew Cuomo.

But it wont stay that way unless you appoint smart and qualified people to the board to defend New Jerseys interests. That is why this board traditionally included only the best and brightest -- university presidents, CEOs of Fortune 500s, and senior partners at prestigious firms. People with gravitas, who make judgments that decide the future of commerce throughout the region.

To wit: This behemoth  which in just a quarter century added two tubes to the Lincoln Tunnel, built the worlds largest bus terminal, added a lower deck to the George Washington Bridge, and hoisted a pair of 110-story towers into the sky over lower Manhattan  has a $3 billion shortfall projected for 2022.

Soon its board may have to decide which capital projects must be delayed. It must conjure solutions to the existential danger of tolls and fees fading in a post-COVID world. It will soon have to appoint a Chief Executive Officer, and continue to push for a new bus terminal.

These are not strategies you leave to amateurs and patronage appointments. Once again, our politics have failed us.

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A young nurse is facing serious drug trafficking charges after two separate police raids allegedly uncovered bundles of cash and party drugs.

Samantha Bidmade was arrested after a commercial quantity of meth and GHB was allegedly found at her Geelong home and another apartment in Melbourne.

Geelong Magistrates Court heard Bidmade, 29, used at least five mobile phones fitted with encrypted messaging apps to run her illicit drug operation.

Samantha Bidmade, 29, (pictured) is facing serious drug trafficking charges after two separate police raids uncovered bundles of cash and party drugs

Police allege the phones that were seized in the raids revealed detailed discussions about the movement of drugs and money.

Bidmade was once a nurse at Geelong Hospital before her career was derailed last year.

Police executed a search warrant in November, busting down the door of an apartment on Queens Road in Melbourne where she was the only person found inside.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Jacki Davis said 135g of meth was found along with 2.5L of GHB and more than $57,000 in cash, the Geelong Advertiser reported.

She was granted bail after agreeing to a $20,000 surety, a curfew and regular urine screenings.

But the court heard she 'repeatedly breached' the conditions, landing back in police custody after the home she shared with her mother in St Albans Park, Geelong, was raided in February.

Geelong Magistrates Court heard Ms Bidmade (pictured left and right) used at least five mobile phones fitted with encrypted messaging apps to run her illicit drug operation

Police allegedly uncovered small quantities of meth and butanediol - a chemical compound which can be converted to GBH.

Bidmade appeared in court via video link on Tuesday to ask for bail again, despite allegedly breaching it the first time.

First Constable Georgia Downward told the court it was his belief Bidmade was trafficking 'large quantities' of drugs to support her addiction and repay drug debts.

Bidmade's career began to unravel after she suffered nerve damage opening a curtain in a bizarre workplace injury.

Ms Bidmade's (pictured) career began to unravel after she sustained nerve damage opening a curtain in a bizarre work-place injury

Her lawyer Rob Melasecca told the court his client was battling a drug addiction and also owed money.

'There is no doubt that she is a user and there is no doubt that she is under threat,' he said.

Mr Melasecca urged the court to grant Bidmade bail and proposed she enter a drug rehabilitation clinic.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie will make her ruling on April 28.
AUBAGNE, France, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Sales revenue up 61.1 percent to 655 million euros; underlying EBITDA margin 35.4 percent

A good 23 percentage points of growth contributed by the coronavirus pandemic

Accelerated expansion of production capacities in all regions on track as planned

Sartorius Stedim Biotech, a leading partner of the biopharma industry, had an exceptionally strong start to fiscal 2021 and grew substantially in order intake1, sales revenue and earnings. This was fueled by strong fundamental growth, additional business from vaccine manufacturers, and acquisitions.

"Many of our products play an essential role in helping to overcome the pandemic. In addition to a very positive general business performance in the first quarter, we accordingly experienced strong demand for our products and technologies used in the production of vaccines and achieved a sharp increase in sales. The substantial rise in the company's profit margin was also supported by underproportionate development of costs, such as the low number of business trips as well as fewer new hires in non-production areas. These effects are expected to decrease as the year progresses. In many areas, we are working at the limits of our capacity and are therefore continuing to move ahead with accelerating the expansion of our production facilities and are hiring additional employees," said Joachim Kreuzburg, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO. In the first three months of the current year, Sartorius Stedim Biotech has already created some 600 new jobs; the Group now employs around 8,200 people in total.

Group sales revenue surged by 61.1 percent to around 655 million euros in constant currencies (reported: +55.2 percent), benefiting from the ramp-up in coronavirus vaccine production by many manufacturers. The comparative base for these high growth figures, though, is the relatively low prior-year quarter, which did not yet include any pandemicrelated business or an acquisition that was consolidated as of May 2020. In the first quarter, acquisitions2 contributed about 8 percentage points to growth while the contribution attributable to businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic was a good 23 percentage points. Order intake1 grew even more dynamically than sales revenue, almost doubling to 1,004 million euros (in constant currencies: +95.9 percent of which a good 37 percentage points were related to the coronavirus; reported: +87.8 percent). Part of this high order intake is due to the changed ordering patterns of some customers who in the current situation have been placing their orders further in advance than usual. Underlying EBITDA1 climbed to 232 million euros, up from 127 million euros a year earlier (+82.8 percent). The corresponding margin rose to 35.4 percent (Q1 2020: 30.0 percent). Economies of scale as well as the pandemic-related underproportionate cost development contributed to this rise in profitability. Relevant net profit1 for the Group soared by 87.4 percent to 151 million euros; underlying earnings per share1 were 1.64 euros (Q1 2020: 0.88 euros).

Business development in the regions

Sartorius Stedim Biotech increased its revenues very significantly in all three geographies. Sales in the EMEA3 region surged by 70.8 percent to 284 million euros, particularly benefitting from additional demand from coronavirus vaccine manufacturers and acquisitions. Revenue in the Asia | Pacific region totaled 167 million euros, a gain of 68.5 percent. Sales in the Americas amounted to 204 million euros, equating to 45.2 percent growth. (All figures in sales revenue growth in constant currencies)

Key financial indicators

The Sartorius Stedim Biotech Group has a very sound balance sheet and financial key figures. Its equity ratio stood at 47.0 percent at the end of the quarter (December 31, 2020: 48.3 percent). Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 was 0.6 on the reporting date, relative to 0.8 at year-end 2020. The ratio of capital expenditures (CAPEX)1 to sales revenue increased as expected to 9.5 percent due to the Group's extensive investment program (Q1 2020: 6.0 percent).

Forecast raised for the full year of 2021 confirmed

Management confirmed its growth forecast for fiscal 2021, which had been raised in mid-March based on very strong order intake and high demand anticipated to continue in the further course of the year. Accordingly, management projects consolidated sales growth of around 38 percent (of which 5.5 percentage points are expected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 18 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). Regarding profitability, an underlying EBITDA1 margin of about 33 percent is forecasted for the Group. Management points out that in the currently very dynamic and volatile situation, forecasts are subject to higherthanaverage uncertainties.

The CAPEX1 ratio for the Group is projected at about 14 percent. Sartorius Stedim Biotech's investment program especially covers the partly extended and accelerated expansion of production capacities, primarily at sites in Germany, Puerto Rico, China, and South Korea. Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 is expected to be about 0.6 at year-end. Possible acquisitions are not included in these projections.

Mid-range targets updated in January 2021 remain unchanged and assume that by 2025, consolidated sales revenue will increase to around 4 billion euros at an underlying EBITDA margin of around 33 percent.

All forecasts are based on constant currencies, as in the past years. In addition, the company assumes that the global economy will increasingly recover as the current year progresses and that supply chains will remain stable.

Financial indicators of the comparative period partly restated due to the finalized purchase price allocation of Biological Industries

1 Sartorius Stedim Biotech publishes alternative performance measures that are not defined by international accounting standards. These are determined with the aim of improving the comparability of business performance over time and within the industry

Underlying EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and adjusted for extraordinary items

Order intake: all customer orders contractually concluded and booked during the respective reporting period

Relevant / underlying net profit: profit for the period after non-controlling interest; adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization, as well as based on a normalized financial result and a normalized tax rate

Underlying earnings per share: relevant / underlying net profit for the period divided by the number of shares outstanding

Ratio of net debt to underlying EBITDA: quotient of net debt and underlying EBITDA over the past 12 months, including the pro forma amount contributed by acquisitions for this period

CAPEX ratio: investment payments in relation to sales revenue for the same period

2 Acquisitions of selected life science businesses from Danaher Corporation as well as of BIA Separations and WaterSep BioSeparations

3 EMEA = Europe, Middle East, Africa

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future development of the Sartorius Stedim Biotech Group. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sartorius Stedim Biotech assumes no liability for updating such statements in light of new information or future events.

This is a translation of the original French-language press release. Sartorius Stedim Biotech shall not assume any liability for the correctness of this translation. The original French press release is the legally binding version.

Follow Sartorius Stedim Biotech on Twitter @Sartorius_Group and on LinkedIn.

Conference call

Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, will discuss the company's business results with analysts and investors on April 21, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) in a teleconference. You may register by clicking on the following link:

https://78449.choruscall.com/dataconf/productusers/sar/mediaframe/44545/indexl.html

The presentation will be available on the same day starting at 3:15 p.m. CEST, for viewing on our website at:

www.sartorius.com/en/company/investor-relations/sartorius-stedim-biotech-sa-investor-relations

Current image files

www.sartorius.com/en/company/newsroom/downloads-publications

Financial calendar

July 21, 2021 Publication of the first-half figures (January to June 2021)

October 20, 2021 Publication of nine-month figures (January to September 2021)

Key Performance Indicators for the First Quarter of 2021

in millions of 

unless otherwise specified 3 months

2021 3 months

20201  in %

Reported  in %

cc2 Order Intake and Sales Revenue







Order intake 1,004.4 534.8 87.8 95.9 Sales revenue 655.2 422.1 55.2 61.1 - EMEA 284.1 167.6 69.5 70.8 - Americas 204.0 152.7 33.6 45.2 - Asia | Pacific 167.1 101.7 64.2 68.5 Results







EBITDA3 231.6 126.7 82.8

EBITDA margin3 in % 35.4 30.0



Net profit4 151.2 80.7 87.4

Earnings per share4 in  1.64 0.88 87.4

1 Figures partially restated due to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of Biological Industries 2 In constant currencies 3 Underlying EBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and adjusted for extraordinary items 4 Relevant / underlying net profit = net profit after non-controlling interest; adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization,

as well as based on a normalized financial result and normalized tax rate

Reconciliation

in millions of  unless otherwise specified 3 months 2021

 in mn 3 months 20201

 in mn EBIT (operating result) 197.5 101.0 Extraordinary items 1.7 4.9 Depreciation & amortization 32.4 20.8 Underlying EBITDA 231.6 126.7





in millions of  unless otherwise specified 3 months 2021

 in mn 3 months 20201

 in mn EBIT (operating result) 197.5 101.0 Extraordinary items 1.7 4.9 Amortization | IFRS 3 10.7 4.3 Normalized financial result2 -2.5 -1.2 Normalized income tax (26%)3 -53.9 -28.3 Underlying net result 153.4 80.7 Non-controlling interest -2.3 0.0 Underlying net result after non-controlling interest 151.2 80.7 Underlying earnings per share (in ) 1.64 0.88 1 Figures partially restated due to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of Biological Industries 2 Financial result excluding fair value adjustments of hedging instruments and currency

effects relating to financing activities and change in valuation of earn-out liability 3 Normalized income tax based on the underlying profit before taxes and non-cash amortization

In millions of , unless otherwise specified 3 months 2021

 in mn 3 months 20201

 in mn Gross debt 609.1 119.3 - Cash & cash equivalents 149.4 69.9 Net debt 459.8 49.4





Underlying EBITDA (12 months) 709.6 450.1 + Pro forma EBITDA from acquisitions (12 months) 8.3 2.3 Pro forma underlying EBITDA 717.9 452.4 Net debt/Underlying EBITDA 0.6 0.1 In millions of , unless otherwise specified 3 months 2021

 in mn 3 months 20201

 in mn Sales revenue 655.2 422.1 Capital expenditures 62,0 25,2 Capital expenditures as % of sales revenue 9.5 6.0 1 Figures partially restated due to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of

Biological Industries

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.

Contact

Petra Kirchhoff

Head of Corporate Communications& Investor Relations

+49 (0)551 308 1686

[email protected]

SOURCE Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A.
Finland-based smartphone manufacturer Nokia has announced that it has been selected by Taiwanese carrier Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) to expand the operators 5G network in Taiwan.

Chunghwa Telecom plans to expand its network coverage to 80 percent of the population and increase its 5G subscriber base to 20 percent of its current subscriber base. Chunghwa Telecom will adopt products from Nokia's AirScale portfolio.

The Finnish vendor said in a press release that it has been a long-term partner of CHT, since the 2G era. The expansion focuses on high-traffic areas, as well as locations with high business demand, including metropolitan cities, universities, subways, high-speed rail stations, industrial parks, and exhibition halls, and over 120 highly populated tourist hotspots.

CHT is also expecting to further expand its enterprise footprint by enhancing its 4G/5G coverage as well as deploying private network solutions.

Dr. Max Chen, President of Mobile Division, Chunghwa Telecom, said: This is a continuation of our innovative and ambitious approach to small cell deployment across Taiwan. We are an existing customer of Nokias 4G small cells portfolio and had no hesitation in also adopting their 5G products for the first wave of deployment.

According to the release, the deal includes the deployment of products from Nokias AirScale portfolio, including AirScale base stations and AirScale radio access products. These will include industry-leading Massive MIMO radios, enabling CHT to boost the capacity of the existing spectrum and increase throughput.

Nokias AirScale products offer huge capacity scaling and market-leading latency and connectivity, as well as supporting current and future technology trends, including network slicing and Cloud RAN, it said.

The network will be designed specifically to leverage Nokias 5G radio solutions to support enterprise use cases. Chunghwa Telecom will strengthen its cooperation with leading local manufacturers for industrial 4.0 applications using solutions in 3.5GHz and 28GHz spectrum to meet the high throughput requirements.

Supporting enterprise and individual customers through advanced 5G services is an important focus for Chunghwa Telecom, Alex C.C. Chien, President of Mobile Business Group, Chunghwa Telecom, said in a statement.
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.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has released a dumsor timetable as planned outages are set to begin May 10 to 17, 2021.



According to the CEO of the Company, Agyemang Budu, this has become necessary due to the ongoing works on the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point.



Earlier, Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh urged Ghanaians to bear with the current situation saying "so we plead with you to bear with us. This has become necessary because of governments investment in the power sector. The idea is to make power supply even better after the works are done".

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Scott Morrison pleaded with Australians over 70 to book an appointment and get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The prime minister warned elderly Australians they are at 'greater risk' if an outbreak occurs and said he did not want a repeat of Victoria's second wave which killed 801 people last winter.

His comments came as a Queensland police officer was treated in a Brisbane hospital with blood clots three days after getting the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

The 40-year-old officer had recently had knee surgery and suffered deep vein thrombosis as a side-effect.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) and President of the Business Council Tim Reed arrive at the Business Council of Australia (BCA) dinner at the Fullerton Hotel, in Sydney on Monday

Reminding Aussies that it's important to take the jab, Mr Morrison said: 'I wanted to continue to encourage, particularly those aged over 70 at the moment, make that appointment, go and see your GP, and the GP practices that are administering the vaccine.

'Make sure you do that, because if there is a Covid uptick in Australia... you are at greater risk from COVID.

He added: 'We saw that with the second wave in Victoria. Over 600 Victorians died away in those vulnerable groups for the second wave went through.

'I do not want to see that here in Australia again, and the protection against that is the vaccine, the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is safe and effective for those over 50.'

Mr Morrison has been trying to encourage vaccine take-up in recent weeks after the AstraZeneca vaccine was found to cause blood clots among four in a million patients.

The policeman who suffered a blood clot worked patrolling the state's quarantine hotels and received the vaccine on Sunday, Nine News reported.

He was rushed to hospital after developing the clots on Wednesday and is being treated.

It is understood Queensland Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration are investigating.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said it was too early to say if the incident is linked to the Pfizer vaccine.

A Brisbane police officer is reportedly in hospital with blood clots three days after he got the Pfizer vaccine. Pictured is a Brisbane nurse with the vaccine

'What people should be very confident in though, is that our medical authorities are determined to investigate any such incident and provide that information and data, nationally and indeed internationally,' he said on Wednesday.

'It will be thoroughly investigated, our TGA is one of the strictest in the world.'

Given the current scale of the state's rollout is much smaller than Mr Miles would have hoped, he said mass vaccination hubs were not likely in the short term.

'Currently our hospitals are able to do the number of vaccines that we have available but certainly I've discussed with the chief health officer the points in time at which those larger vaccination centres might be useful,' he said.

A Queensland Health spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the patient presented to a private hospital, is not currently admitted.

'In Queensland, all adverse events in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines are reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration,' the spokesperson said.

'The TGA will then undertake an assessment and determine whether there is any clinical link to the vaccination.'

If the latest case is confirmed, it will be the first Pfizer case in Australia to be linked to blood clots.

Three Australians were previously diagnosed with blood clots after they received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Genene Norris, 48, from the New South Wales Central Coast died on April 14 after receiving the embattled coronavirus jab on April 8.

The diabetic developed blood clots the next day and was later placed on dialysis in an intensive care unit until her death.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration's vaccine safety investigation found Ms Norris' case of thrombosis is likely to be linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The first two cases - a Western Australian woman and a Melbourne man, both in their 40s - are still in hospital but are recovering well.

At least 14 people in Australia have had allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine, but none have developed blood clots.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advised earlier this month that people aged under 50 should not be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca jab due to the risk of blood clots.

News of another vaccinated patient developing blood clots emerged on the same day three mass vaccination hubs were launched in Melbourne. Pictured are people lining up outside The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Wednesday

The advisory came after The European Union's drug watchdog said it had found a possible link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and very rare blood clot cases.

News of the latest case emerged on the same day three mass vaccination hubs opened in Melbourne and Geelong.

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Geelong's former Ford factory will provide jabs for anyone over 70 with or without bookings as part of phase 1a and 1b of the rollout.

They will only be offered the AstraZeneca jab, with Pfizer doses prioritised for healthcare workers under 50 at hospital vaccination clinics.

Victoria has also resumed its rollout of the AstraZeneca shot to eligible people under 50 after it was paused on April 9 when health officials confirmed a link between the vaccine and rare but potentially deadly blood clots.

Those under 50 will be required to sign a consent form, which outlines the risks of taking the vaccine.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is among those who will roll up their sleeves for the jab on Wednesday.

'The risk of really serious adverse events is rare, which is why I'm getting my vaccination. The best vaccine to get is the one available right now,' he tweeted.

If the latest case is confirmed, the Brisbane man will be the first Pfizer recipient worldwide to be linked to blood clots. Pictured is the Pfizer vaccine

Meanwhile, the Victorian government announced it will spend $50 million to develop and manufacture cutting-edge mRNA vaccines - including the Pfizer version - in the state.

The mRNA vaccine technology can be manufactured quickly, cheaply, and safely, and forms the basis of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccinations.

'Twelve months ago would have been the best time to have done this, but the next best time is right now,' Acting Premier James Merlino said on Wednesday.

Mr Merlino said he was well aware of the challenges of securing supplies of vaccines internationally and he expected onshore development to take at least a year.

'We know the benefits of onshore manufacturing, and we know the benefits of this technology,' he said.

The money will be spent in partnerships with universities and medical manufacturers over the next two years, and it's hoped mRNA manufacturing capabilities will be established in Melbourne.

Three newly opened mass vaccination hubs in Melbourne and Geelong will provide jabs for Victorians aged over 70. Pictured is the The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Wednesday

Professor Peter Doherty says the announcement is good news.

'It's really important to do this because this virus is changing, we're going to need further vaccinations, I think that's pretty obvious,' he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

'If we could make those vaccines that would be an enormous advantage.'

He said while the state has the experts to do the job, setting up facilities and getting government approvals would take time, and described the government's one-year time frame as 'ambitious but realistic'.

The federal government recently identified onshore production of mRNA vaccines as a national priority.
A day after the federal government released its budget for this year, the governing Liberals were hard at work selling Canadians on their fiscal plan as well as their colleagues in a minority Parliament.

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A day after the federal government released its budget for this year, the governing Liberals were hard at work selling Canadians on their fiscal plan as well as their colleagues in a minority Parliament.

To explain what people in Westman will get out of the budget, the Sun spoke with Winnipeg South Centre Liberal MP Jim Carr, also the federal governments special representative to the Prairies and a minister without portfolio.

"I think the top highlight was a historic investment in early learning and child care," Carr said. "People think of child care as social policy, and it certainly has very strong elements of social policy to it, but really its an economic policy.

"It unleashes all that potential, especially among women, to participate in the workplace and the labour force that they otherwise couldnt. This impressive, historic investment that over five years will lead to $10-a-day child care I think is an extremely important element of a budget thats absolutely full of investment for Prairie Canada."

He said that splitting B.C. off into its own regional economic development agency, leaving the Prairies with its own agency, will allow investments from the budget to go out more easily to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The spilt was first announced in December 2020.

Of note to agricultural producers will likely be a rebate program for carbon tax paid on grain drying.

The opposition Conservatives have been trying to pass a bill that would exempt farmers from paying carbon tax on grain drying, but the Liberals proposed solution in the budget is a $100-million rebate program that would return money paid out to producers.

Carr noted that this measure is also coupled with a $15-million program farmers can access to improve their grain drying equipment.

"In my travels, however virtual, across the Prairies, I heard about this issue a lot," Carr said. "(Agriculture and Agri-Food) Minister (Marie-Claude) Bibeau answered the call weeks ago in a policy statement and now its made real in the budget ... weve heard the irritation  I think I can use that word  weve heard the frustration felt by many Prairie producers, and weve answered it with impactful investment.

Overall, Carr said his partys budget "is all directed at getting us through this wave the pandemic and to be able to emerge on the other side of it with a strong economic development plan."

On Monday, Westmans Conservative MPs gave a big thumbs-down to the federal budget, calling the record deficit reckless spending.

"Ive never really seen a budget that burdens our future generations so much," Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier said Monday.

Addressing that criticism, Carr said its the oppositions duty to oppose, but also to give an alternative to the government.

"I guess I would ask my colleagues from the opposition: what investments in this budget would they not have made?" Carr asked. "What would they say to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians still unemployed because of the damaging impact of the pandemic? How would they invest in a build-back economic strategy for Manitoba and for the country?"

A Brandon child care worker the Sun talked to on Tuesday said the proposed child-care plan has potential to have a reaching impact but was unsure about the specifics.

The proposed plan would institute $10-per-day child care.

Lorraine McConnell of Childrens Den Inc. said the current maximum per day price allowed for child care in Manitoba is $20.80 for preschool children and $30 for an infant under two years old.

"That, however, is not the cost of care," McConnell said. "The cost of care for a preschool child is closer to $40 a day, and the cost of care for an infant is closer to $60."

In short, non-profit child-care centres are already getting 45 per cent of their revenues from operating grants, and no parent is paying the full cost of care.

So when the federal government talks about reducing the average preschool child care fees parents pay by 50 per cent over the next few years, McConnell wants to know if daycares will have their funding bumped up so they can remain operational.

During a joint press conference with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday, Premier Brian Pallister said they would need to see the details of the federal plan before Manitoba would commit to sharing the cost of the initiative.

"We have trouble with a federal government that doesnt want to partner effectively on health care, so Im very hesitant to give a blank cheque to the government on a pronouncement pre-election," Pallister said. "If you dont care about health care, yesterdays budget was a great budget."

Ultimately, McConnell says shes cautiously optimistic about the plan as she waits for it to take shape. She does hope, though, that the money in the plan will be spent on non-profit daycares and not for-profit ones.

"I struggle every single year to make ends meet with a workforce that are incredibly professional but not well compensated," she said. "Were losing them. Were losing them faster than weve ever lost them before because its not fair to have early childhood educators with college diplomas and degrees that have to work two or three jobs to pay their rent. So Im a little nervous when I dont know the plan."

That loss of employees, she said, has only gotten worse since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
An inquiry has been launched into a new state school which allowed students to make anti-police posters that called officers 'pigs'.

Students in Years 5 and 6 at Lindfield Learning Village on Sydney's north shore made placards with the words 'stop killer cops' and 'pigs out of the country', slogans which have featured in the Black Lives Matter movement in the US.

Other alarming posters read: 'white lives matter too much' and 'you can't silence the speechless'.

Lindfield Learning Village (pictured) on Sydney's north shore has no uniform

Lindfield Learning Village, which opened in January 2019, accepts children from kindergarten to year 12

This was one of the posters made by the students at Lindfield Learning Village in Sydney's north

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell launched a review into how the incident happened and warned her department was considering 'disciplinary action'.

'The comments on the poster are in no way endorsed by the department or represent the department's view of police, who do an indispensable job of keeping the community safe and secure,' NSW Education said.

'The school has been reminded of the controversial issues in schools policy.'

Lindfield Learning Village, which opened in January 2019, is an alternative state school that has no uniform and accepts children from kindergarten to year 12.

It follows a 'human-centred learning' method which 'enables the student to direct their own learning journey.'

Teachers are required to maintain 'a balance between the explicit teaching of new learning and supporting students as independent learners,' the school's website reads.

NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham slammed the school as a 'sinkhole for leftist ideological teaching'.

'I'm told the school has three types of toilets for five-year-olds: a boys toilet, a girls toilet, and a gender-neutral toilet,' he told Ray Hadley on radio 2GB.

Earlier NSW police minister David Elliot called for the teacher involved to be stood down for demonising police officers.

Teachers at the school (pictured) are required to maintain ' a balance between the explicit teaching of new learning and supporting students as independent learners'

One of the offensive posters made by the students read 'stop killer cops'

'The headmistress should be fronting the media today to explain why taxpayers' dollars are being spent to educate children in this manner,' he told 2GB radio on Wednesday morning.

'They have completely let their student body down by indoctrinating and brainwashing them.

'We are supposed to be telling our kids that if you wear a uniform you're a hero and teaching these kids the history of Australia is one of tolerance and sacrifice and courage and then we get this crap stuck to us.

'If my kid was at this school I'd want my money back and I'd be getting my kid out of there.'

Mr Elliot apologised to the parents of police officers.

'We don't think that your children are pigs, we think your children are fantastic,' he said.

'Police haven't done anything wrong, they are the pillar of our society. This sort of mentality has no place in Australia.'

Host Ben Fordham said the teacher should be sacked and Mr Elliot said: 'That's right.'

NSW police minister David Elliot called for the teacher involved to be stood down for demonising police officers. Pictured: The school

Radio host Ben Fordham said the teacher should be sacked and Police Minister David Elliot said: 'That's right'. Pictured: One of the posters

Mr Elliot later spoke about the incident on Nine's Today show where he slammed 'ideologues that work in the education department'.

'Children don't need the police built up as some sort of bogey man which is what we're seeing with this indoctrination,' he said.

Images of the posters were shared on social media and featured in the Daily Telegraph.

Black Lives Matter is a movement founded in the US in 2013 to protest about some high-profile incidents of black men being killed by police.

It came back to prominence after George Floyd was killed by a police officer who in Minneapolis, Minnesota last year.

That officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on Wednesday morning Australian time of murdering Mr Floyd by leaning on his neck for nine and a half minutes on May 25.

The BLM movement spread to Australia where Indigenous rights activists held marches in major cities last winter.

One Nation's NSW Legislative Council MP Mark Latham backed calls for the teacher to be sacked, and said the principal should also be dismissed.

'For a student to be saying 'white lives matter too much' and for the teacher to display it in the classroom is appalling,' Mr Latham said.

'It is not education it is indoctrination, they're polluting the minds of little kids. It is not humanity, it is not compassion, it is a warped mutant ideology shoved down the throats of little kids.'

Derek Chauvin was handcuffed and led away on Tuesday to be held in jail before sentencing

Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for nine and a half minutes on May 25 outside Cup Foods

Lindfield Learning Village was established in 2019, with children not required to wear uniforms, and with no structured lessons or classrooms but instead using open-learning spaces.

The Learning Village said its education model was based on 'three archetypal learning spaces  the campfire, cave, and watering hole  that schools can use as physical spaces and virtual spaces for student learning.

'Our approach is designed to create independent, resilient learners who possess the learning dispositions required for success in their life within and beyond school.'

The school's stated 'Code of Collaboration' vows to 'listen actively and challenge each other's ideas to help them grow'.

'We will notice what is not being said and enable all voices,' the code reads.

The controversy came just a month after the school held Harmony Day 2021 in which students and staff were encouraged to wear orange or 'cultural dress' and to make donations to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's Feast for Freedom.
MOSCOW -- Russian police have detained more than 1,700 people across the country during protests demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, amid reports his health is failing as he enters the third week of a hunger strike.

On a day when President Vladimir Putin gave his annual state-of-the-nation address, thousands of citizens from Vladivostok in the Far East to Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea joined the April 21 protests called by leaders of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), who fear the Kremlin critic will be harmed "irreparably" if he doesn't get adequate medical treatment.



OVD-Info, which monitors the detention of political protesters and activists, reported more than 1,700 people had been rounded up across the country by late in the night, with nearly half the detentions in St. Petersburg.

The nationwide demonstrations come just days after the authorities took steps to shut down the FBK, claiming it is an "extremist" organization. Navalny's FBK has rattled the Kremlin over the years with its video investigations exposing the unexplained wealth of top officials, including Putin.

"It's obvious why we came today. We want freedom for Navalny," Yevgeny Fartuk, a 35-year-old engineer who joined the Moscow protest, told RFE/RL.

Fartuk, who was carrying a toilet brush, a reference to Navalnys expose on the president's alleged billion-dollar palace in southern Russia, said the opposition leader had "opened everyone's eyes" to the state of corruption inside the country.

Navalny's allies initially intended to call a rally later this spring but moved it up amid fears the activist's health is quickly deteriorating. Navalny went on a hunger strike to demand doctors treat him for severe pain in his back and legs.



"We believe Mr. Navalny's life is in serious danger," a group of four independent UN experts on the issues of freedom of expression, torture, extrajudicial executions, and the right to physical and mental health said in a statement on April 21.



"We are deeply troubled that Mr. Navalny is being kept in conditions that could amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," said the experts, who are appointed by the UN but do not speak on behalf of the world body.

'Deplorable' Arrests

As they gathered at central squares around the country, some protesters carried signs demanding Navalny be freed while others chanted "Let the doctor in," a reference to the activist's demand to receive medical treatment.

Nastasia Madison, an 18-year-old who joined the protest in Moscow, told RFE/RL she feared the authorities "are slowly trying to kill" the activist.

The number of protesters appeared smaller than expected amid a heavy police presence, a roundup of Navalny allies early in the day, threats of arrest, and the closure of key meeting spots, like Manezh Square near the Kremlin.



Protests called by Navalny and his allies in January to condemn his arrest drew tens of thousands of people, making them the largest anti-government demonstrations in years.



Police began to detain key Navalny supporters on April 21 even before the start of the rallies at 7 p.m. local time, prompting criticism at home and abroad for the heavy-handed tactics.

Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny associate, said police carried out searches, preventive arrests, and attacks on FBK offices in 20 regions earlier in the day.



In Moscow, Lyubov Sobol, one of the faces of Navalny's popular YouTube channel, and Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, were both detained on April 21, according to their lawyers.

Yarmysh was later sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on April 22 condemned the "unjustified" clampdown on the protests.

"There was less police violence and brutality on April 21 compared with the January and February pro-Navalny protests, but the authorities' continued clampdown on freedom of assembly is wholly unjustified," HRW Russia researcher Damelya Aitkhozhina said.

"The authorities are quick to allege that without police interference so-called 'unauthorized' gatherings become violent, but the April 21 protests showed how baseless that allegation is."

Calling the preventive arrests "deplorable," European Council President Charles Michel said the authorities "must respect the right to assembly."

'Extremist' Label

Just days before the protest, the Moscow Prosecutor's Office asked a court to label as "extremist" three organizations tied to Navalny -- the FBK, the Citizens' Rights Protection Foundation, and Navalny's regional headquarters.



Prosecutors claim the organizations were "engaged in creating conditions for destabilizing the social and sociopolitical situation under the guise of their liberal slogans."



The request comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections later this year, in which Navalny's organizations are seeking to organize citizens to vote against the ruling United Russia party at a time its ratings have tumbled amid growing frustration over eroding living standards.



Some Navalny supporters have expressed fear that the April 21 protest could be among the last if the authorities win their case. Others hoped a large protest turnout would cause the state to back off.



"This isn't the final battle. There'll be many other opportunities to be heard," Oleg, a 32-year-old who joined the Moscow protest, told RFE/RL.

Independent Doctors

Navalny was arrested on January 17 upon his return to Russia from Germany, where he received life-saving treatment for a poisoning attack in Siberia in August.

He has insisted that his poisoning with a Soviet-style chemical nerve agent was ordered directly by Putin. The Kremlin has denied any role in the poisoning.

In February, a Moscow court ruled that while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered as being politically motivated.

Navalny's 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from the case was converted to a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison given time already served in detention.

The activist, who is serving his term in a notorious prison about 100 kilometers from Moscow, went on a hunger strike three weeks ago to protest the lack of medical treatment he has received while in detention. He is demanding an independent doctor be allowed in to see him.

Russian human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova was quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency as saying four doctors from outside Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) visited Navalny on April 20 and found no serious health problems.

She gave no details on the doctors and there was no immediate word from Navalny's team about the report.

However, the assessment runs contrary to a letter to the FSIN last week by Anastasia Vasilyeva, Navalny's personal physician, and three other doctors, including a cardiologist, who said the 44-year-old's health was rapidly deteriorating and his potassium count had reached a "critical level," meaning "both impaired renal function and serious heart rhythm problems can happen any minute."

U.S. lawmakers later on April 21 introduced a bipartisan nonbinding resolution condemning the poisoning, "wrongful imprisonment and brutal treatment" of Navalny.

The United States and European Union have already imposed sanctions on Russia for the use of a chemical weapon to poison Navalny.

His supporters are now calling on the West to impose new sanctions on Russia to force the Kremlin to address Navalny's health needs.

"I prefer that Putin be held accountable for what's happening now, before Navalny dies," Volkov said the day before the rally.

With reporting by Siberia.Realities, MBKh Media, Kam 24, and TASS
In court documents filed this week, prosecutors in the Kristin Smart case made a startling allegation: that the Cal Poly student's body was buried for decades under the deck of Ruben Flores' home, but as the walls closed in on him, he "recently moved" her remains.

Smart hasn't been seen since disappearing on the walk home to her dorm on Memorial Day weekend 1996. The lone suspect for over two decades was Paul Flores, a fellow Cal Poly student who walked back with her that night. Flores and his father, Ruben Flores, were arrested on April 13, marking the first time anyone has been arrested in connection with Smart's disappearance. According to investigators, Flores, now 44, killed Smart during an attempted sexual assault and his father helped cover up the crime. Ruben Flores, 80, was charged with accessory to a felony. Both pleaded not guilty in an arraignment Monday.

There have long been suspicions Smart's body was buried on the property of Ruben Flores' Arroyo Grande home, an approximately 20-minute drive from the Cal Poly campus. A number of search warrants have been executed on the property in recent years, including two in the last year that permitted investigators to dig up the backyard. Photos showed investigators focusing on the back deck, bringing in cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar to aid in the search.

That search yielded evidence she was buried there until "recently," according to prosecutors' filing first reported by the San Luis Obispo Tribune's Matt Fountain.

San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office/Handout

"The excavation below his deck at 710 White Court showed damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved," prosecutor Christopher Peuvrelle said.

"Due to evidence gleaned from the excavation, it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores currently knows the location of Kristin Smart's remains," Peuvrelle continued. "Should he be allowed bail, it is a virtual certainty that he would use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart the prosecution."

The filing also alleged Paul Flores is a "serial rapist" with many victims. "Dozens of women have recounted Paul Flores' sexual assaults and predatory behavior that document his twenty-five years as a serial rapist," Peuvrelle wrote. "If he were released from custody, the Court would be putting a serial rapist back on the streets."

Nikki Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the court, said the documents were not supposed to be public. The judge in the case has issued a gag order preventing lawyers, investigators, witnesses and others from speaking about the case or releasing documents. The Tribune said it got the public documents from the San Luis Obispo courthouse.

Paul Flores was ordered held without bail Monday. But the judge indicated he would set a reasonable bail amount Wednesday for the father, who has health problems and is currently in the San Luis Obispo jail on $250,000 bail.

AP

"The day of reckoning is coming," the Smart family said in a statement to SFGATE, "and soon we will all gather together to celebrate justice for Kristin."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
He has been busy working on his stage production Appropriate for the Sydney Theatre Company.

And on Tuesday, Sam Worthington took time out of his schedule to do a spot of shopping for his three sons, who he shares with model wife Lara.

The 44-year-old actor showed off his new look for the play while visiting a toy store in Rose Bay.

What would Lara think? Sam Worthington revealed his shock dishevelled look while shopping at a toy store for his children in Rose Bay on Tuesday

Sam rocked a ponytail and a beard and dressed in a black bomber jacket, loose-fitting trousers and boots.

The Avatar star teamed his look with a black cap on that hid his hair and carried a camouflage backpack.

Inside the store, he keenly browsed at the items on display, looking for the right toys for his kids.

The London-born Sydney-raised actor was seen picking up a several boxes including Spy Watches and board games.

Keeping under wraps: Sam was dressed in a black bomber jacket, loose-fitting trousers and boots. The Avatar star teamed his look with a black cap on that hid his ponytail and carried a camouflage backpack

Home for the boys: After making the purchases, he was seen heading back into his black SUV and heading home

After making the purchases, he was seen heading back into his black SUV.

Sam has recently signed on to star in the ABC drama anthology called Fires.

The six-part series, which is currently filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria, will be centered on the stories of people who survived the nation's devastating fire season, from late 2019 to early 2020.

He is currently the lead in the Wesley Enoch-directed stage production, called Appropriate, while Lara has several modelling jobs lined up in Sydney.

Star power: Sam has recently signed on to star in the ABC drama anthology called Fires. The six-part series will be centered on the stories of people who survived the nation's devastating fire season, from late 2019 to early 2020

Reports surfaced last year that the couple were planning to move Down Under on a permanent basis after spending years living in the U.S.

The family has lived in both New York and California in the past, moving depending on Sam's work commitments.

In June last year, the pair welcomed their third son. They are also parents to two older boys, Rocket, five, and Racer, four.

Lara and Sam began dating in 2013 and married in secret a year later.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 23:38:18|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A 10-day peace conference on Afghanistan has been postponed due to Taliban's refusal to attend, casting a shadow over the international efforts to achieve a political settlement in the war-torn Asian country.

Turkey, Qatar and the United Nations had planned to convene the conference in Turkey's largest city Istanbul from April 24 to May 4, attended by the representatives from both the Afghan government and Taliban.

Days before the conference, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a complete withdrawal of all American troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks on New York and Washington that prompted the U.S.-led military invasion against the Asian country.

However, the Taliban, demanding the withdrawal of foreign troops before May in line with the Doha agreement reached last year, said it would not attend any peace conference before the complete U.S. pullout from Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced in a written statement that the conference was postponed to a later date when "conditions for making meaningful progress would be more favorable."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the Turkish media on Tuesday that the meeting was postponed until after the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in mid-May.

"The conference would be meaningless without the Taliban joining. At the moment, we decided to postpone it since there is no clarity about the formation of the delegations and participation," he said.

Turkish diplomats were working around the clock to promote the Istanbul conference, but the refusal by the Taliban has shadowed the efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan, experts said.

"The absence of the Taliban would have a very adverse effect on the result of the talks," Merve Seren, an assistant professor of international relations at the Ankara-based Yildirim Beyazit University, told Xinhua.

"It would be frankly naive to expect a tangible result in Istanbul in the absence of the Taliban, which is the essential group to be convinced for the conclusion of a peace agreement in Afghanistan," Seren said.

"The Taliban is seeking to buy time by not participating in the peace talks," argued Seren, noting that the Taliban boycott will make the Kabul government's efforts to seek a peaceful settlement "more visible and meaningful."

A Turkish diplomatic source told Xinhua that Turkey, which had asserted considerable efforts among the parties involved to make the Istanbul conference a success, deplored the Taliban's move.

"We will try to organize these talks in the near future because Afghanistan needs peace. That is the most important factor that has to be prioritized," the source said on condition of anonymity.

He noted that Pakistan, which wields important influence over the Taliban, had also sought to convince the Taliban of the importance of attending the peace conference in Istanbul.

Seren added that "the Taliban will not be a party to the reconciliation unless there is substantial international pressure on it."

If "unity is not established in Afghanistan quickly, it is highly likely that a civil war could break out in the country," Seren warned. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 01:20:39|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker administers a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Rabat, Morocco, on April 20, 2021. Morocco's COVID-19 tally rose to 506,669 on Tuesday as 720 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua)

RABAT, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's COVID-19 tally rose to 506,669 on Tuesday as 720 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours.

The death toll hit 8,959 with seven new fatalities, while 376 people are in intensive care units, according to a statement by the Ministry of Health.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 492,725 after 625 new ones were added, the statement said.

The COVID-19 fatality rate in Morocco stands at 1.8 percent while the recovery rate is 97.2 percent.

Meanwhile, 4,684,557 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 4,193,888 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. Enditem
U.S., Japan urged to stop interfering in China's internal affairs

Xinhua) 11:00, April 21, 2021

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday urged the United States and Japan to abide by the one-China principle and stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks when asked to comment on a U.S.-Japan joint statement expressing concern over issues relating to Taiwan.

"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Taiwan question, as China's internal affairs, brooks no external interference," Ma said.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities, who are relying on foreign support and are merely pawns of anti-China forces, will only put Taiwan in a more dangerous situation, Ma added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
PHILADELPHIA, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: AEF), a closed-end management investment company, announced that the Fund will pay quarterly distributions at an annual rate, set once a year, that is a percentage of the average daily NAV for the previous three months as of the month-end prior to declaration. The Board has determined that the initial annualized rate beginning with the June 2021 distribution will be 6.5%. This policy will be subject to regular review by the Board.

The policy is expected to provide a steady and sustainable quarterly cash distribution to Fund shareholders that may help reduce any discount to NAV at which the Fund's shares trade. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve these results.

In approving the stable distribution policy the Board considered, among other factors, the ability of the Fund to sustain the policy and that making periodic distributions could increase liquidity for common shareholders and may assist in narrowing the discount to NAV at which the Fund's shares have tended to trade. There can be no guarantee that these benefits will occur or that any improvement would continue.

The distributions will be made from net investment income generated by dividends paid from the Fund's underlying securities and return of capital. As net assets of the Fund may vary from quarter to quarter, the quarterly distribution may represent more or less than one quarter of 6.5% of the Fund's net assets at the time of distribution. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the distributions or the terms of the Fund's policy.

The Fund is managed and advised by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited. The Fund's shares trade on the NYSE American under the symbol "AEF".

In the United States, Aberdeen Standard Investments is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd., Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Ltd., Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Ltd., Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, Aberdeen Standard Investments ETFs Advisors LLC and Aberdeen Standard Alternative Funds Limited.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact [email protected]

aberdeenaef.com

SOURCE Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc.
In November 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published the National Status Report for U.S. Coral Reefs, a first-of-its-kind report about the state of all coral reefs in the United States, geared specifically towards the public and policy makers. There were 22 authors. Six, or more than a quarter, were alumni of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Its an impressive feat, and a testament to the number and reach of University of Miami alumni who are contributing to coral reef conservation efforts, whether directly or indirectly, across the country. Rosenstiel alumni are all over the place in the coral reef research world, said Ross Cunning, Ph.D. 13, a coral research biologist at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. I find that I have contacts almost everywhere now because based of the connections I made at the University.

They work as scientists, policymakers, activists, program managers, educators, and even scientific advisors for movies. They work in labs or in the field, in schools, government or NGOs. Some, like Dr. Diego Lirman, Ph.D. 98, and Dr. Andrew Baker, Ph.D. 99, are right here at the U, conducting groundbreaking research, leading restoration efforts, and training the next generation of leaders in coral research.

And they stay connected to each other and to the U, leading collaborative research projects between the University and their own institutions, working jointly on reports and conservation efforts, and often returning to campus (or Zoom) to speak with other alumni and current students.

Read below to learn about just a few of the extraordinary alumni working to save our coral reefs, and be sure to check out our special Rescuing our Coral Reefs feature.
Carolyn Lea Kranson Mandlman of Creve Coeur died on January 22, 2021, after a 5-year fight with Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia.

She grew up in University City, MO, as the only child of Richalieu, zl, and Bernice Kranson, zl. Rich owned the neighborhood Kranson Drug Store at the corner of Purdue and Tulane. Uncle Harry Kranson, zl, (Sadie, zl) owned Kranson Drug in Gaslight Square, and Uncle Bernard Kranson, zl (Edith, zl) was a pharmaceutical salesman.

Carolyn believed family came first, and she was close to all of her relatives, especially St. Louis cousins Melanie (Kranson) Bruder (Jerry), Jo Lois (Kranson) Zeffren (Jerry), and Meyer Kranson (Kathy).

Her father was the youngest of 10 children, and Carolyn was fascinated knowing that, even though she was an only child, she had so many relatives. She memorized how each one was related (a first cousin once-removed is NOT the same as a second cousin), and she invested hundreds of hours as the family genealogist. She even traveled to Michigan with her 90-year-old mother to attend a strangers family reunion after discovering a previously unknown branch in the family tree.

Through her UW/Madison housemate and lifelong friend, Joan (James) Krikelas, she met her husband and only love of her life, the late Sheldon Shelly Mandlman, zl. They had 4 children, Lori (Mandlman) Feldman (Mick Knobbe); Ellen (Mandlman) Wolf; Steve Mandlman (Debbie); and Amy (Mandlman) Moran (Bob), all of St. Louis.

Throughout their years together, Carolyn, Shelly, and the kids would frequently travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Shellys hometown, to visit all the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins in Shellys family.

After Shelly suffered a massive heart attack at age 40 and could no longer work a 9 to 5 job, Carolyn stopped being a stay-at-home mom so they could start The Frame Factory, a do-it-yourself picture framing concept, with long-time friends, Stan and Judy Becker and Shirley and Ray Lieber, zl. By the time Shelly died 9 years later, they had built the business into a $2 million enterprise. There were 9 retail stores, a wholesale operation (MBL) and a commercial framing department run by Bernice, the former head of the Famous-Barr training department.

Carolyn, who had behind the scenes operations duties to Shellys out-front visionary role, was suddenly forced into the CEO job, overseeing 100 employees. She knew each one by name, and enjoyed celebrating their birthdays and dressing up for each holiday to surprise them.

As busy as she was, she actively participated in her grandchildrens lives: First Kristen (Mandlman) Mastroianni (Joe), of St. Louis. Then Emily and Stephanie Wolf of Kansas City. The day her fourth granddaughter, Novelle Mandlman, was born, she went to hold her in the hospital before leaving for Kansas City.

She also made time for her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, as she had since she was a child. She watched and/or recorded every game, and had season tickets for 20 years. She knew every players stats and could explain Whiteys and Tonys game strategy better than the on-air sportscasters. She liked to keep a scorecard at live gameswhile listening to her mini-transistor radio for the play-by-play. On her bucket list was to tour every MLB stadium (she almost made it).

The through-line of Carolyns life was her bond to family and friends. Every family member felt they had a special connection with her. Her friends, such as Selma Balk, Hortie Schieber (Bill), Hannah (Harold, zl) Tennenbaum, Nancy (Fleischman) Levin, zl, and Eleanor (Rickensohl) Kaiser, zl, were lifelong. She and Lena Komm, zl, who met as next-door neighbor moms, and her children Liz Magee (Noel) and Michael, adopted each others families. Forty years after they were first hired as store managers, Melanie Redler and Maud Essen remained close.

Carolyn didnt believe in retirement. After she and her partners sold the business, she went to work part-time for Lori and Steve. Never liking to cook, she planned multiple lunch and dinner dates every week, insisting on picking up everyone in her SUV so they could all be in one car on the way to the restaurant for maximum togetherness.

She also had a full itinerary of travel plans. She visited Canada, the UK, France, Greece, and went scuba diving in Belize. For her 70th birthday, she took her children and grandchildren to Mexico. Her mantra was, Dont buy me presents; save up so we can go on a trip together.

On the day of her funeral, her family rode together in one limo, dressed in Cardinal t-shirts and jackets. Because of the pandemic, extended family couldnt attend, but everyone wore Cardinal attire to honor her. She was buried in her favorite Cardinal t-shirt and cap, and the family sang, Take Me Out to the Ballgame as a final tribute.

As her ultimate act of love, Carolyn donated her very smart, analytical, intuitive brain to the Washington University Movement Disorder Clinic, headed by Dr. Joel Perlmutter, to help find a cure for Parkinsons Disease and LBD. The family requests donations be sent in care of Dr. Joel Perlmutter to the Department of Neurology Research, 660 S. Euclid, Campus Box 8111, St. Louis, MO 63110.

A RINDSKOPF-ROTH SERVICE
Beamsville, ON, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Minister Paul Merriman has introduced The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Amendment Regulations, 2021, limiting the sale of flavoured vape products, excluding mint, menthol and tobacco flavours, to age-restricted specialty vape shops in Saskatchewan. This type of regulation has previously proven effective at balancing youth protection with adult harm reduction in Ontario and British Columbia.

The CVA commends the actions taken by the Government of Saskatchewan to protect youth. Vapour products are harm reduction tools intended for adult smokers. We see this legislation as having great potential to support adult smokers that have chosen vaping to reduce their harm. The CVA has previously recommended many of the measures within the new legislation and are pleased to see Saskatchewan has taken an evidence-based approach, said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director of the CVA.

Each year 45,000 Canadians die from smoking related illness, this accounts for around 21% of total deaths. Vaping presents an unparalleled opportunity for smokers to significantly reduce their harm. Flavours are a key component in vapings efficacy as a quit aid. Saskatchewan has reviewed the evidence and has chosen to be a leader in the fight to end tobacco use.
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BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation leading the advocacy for transparency and accountability in Nigeria, has raised concerns over the management of COVID-19 Fund in Nigeria.

In a research report on COVID-19 Fund Management titled COVID-19 Fund: Fiscal Support, Palliative Analysis & Institutional Response, the civic group expressed worry over the poor accountability mechanism in the management of the fund.

For example, as of April 7, 2020, CACOVID, a private coalition of donors and corporate founders, has received donations totalling N21.5bn, according to PROSHARE, BudgIT said in a statement Tuesday.

Suffice it to say that the federal government has disbursed N288bn from the N500bn set aside for Covid-19 intervention programmes through its Economic Sustainability Plan.

As of the time of our report, comprehensive details of disbursed funds have not been published on the Open Treasury platform. This further establishes our concerns about the lack of a proper framework for COVID19 fund accountability in Nigeria.

BudgIT said that it reviewed Nigerias current fiscal support and institutional response to the pandemic, analysed data on COVID-19 response in Nigeria, including donations, allocations, disbursements and palliative distribution processes at both the national and subnational levels.

In 2020, the COVID-19 response in Nigeria began with the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Headed by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the task force was mandated, alongside other government agencies, to coordinate and oversee Nigerias multi-sectoral intergovernmental efforts to contain the virus spread.

The Nigerian government also initiated a process to provide palliative measures, including funds disbursements and food items distribution to Nigerians, especially the marginalised and vulnerable.

BudgIT said its report reviewed the activities of these agencies as well as the support received by the government from both private and international institutions, including the $5.6 billion received as donations, grants, and relief support by the Nigerian government.

It also spotlighted concerns about intervention programmes from private coalitions.

It is discouraging to discover that not much has been done regarding COVID-19 fund accountability in Nigeria, says Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa, Senior Program Officer at BudgIT.

To this end, we are committed to partnering with agencies like the ICPC and others, to ensure a proper framework for probing COVID-19 response issues.

BudgIT said the call for an effective framework for COVID-19 transparency and accountability could not have happened at a better time, especially in an environment deeply rooted in a profiteering culture and aversion to openness in the use of public funds.

Per our findings, the continuous mismanagement of palliative items and funds earmarked for the COVID-19 response has created a wider gap between the rich and the poor where the vulnerable and marginalised are denied access to the palliative items that rightfully belong to them, the civic organization said.

Using six states  Niger, Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Enugu and Rivers  as case studies, the research further revealed that many people vehemently disagreed with the governments method of palliative distribution in their communities as they could not access any of the distributed palliative items, especially to the vulnerable.

Gabriel Okeowo, BudgITs Chief Executive Officer said: Health emergencies are inevitable, and a country must never be caught unawares. An effective response must begin with adequate preparation and resource allocation to the health sector, after which a proper process for monitoring, transparency and accountability should be established.

The organisation said while it awaits responses from the government on the concerns raised, the government must improve investment in the health sector, ensure the timely release of audited statements on COVID-19 funds, institutionalise access to information to reduce misinformation, and prioritise citizen inclusion in committees and decision-making process.
(Alliance News) - Distribution and services firm Bunzl PLC on Wednesday confirmed that all resolutions proposed at its annual general meeting were passed but noted a significant minority voted against the proposals to re-apppoint Stephan Nanninga and appoint Vin Murria.

"The board is fully satisfied with both Stephan's and Vin's contribution and commitment of time to the company and strongly supports their re-appointment and appointment, respectively," the company said.

Murria currently is chair of Summerway Capital PLC and Marwyn Acquisition Co I Ltd. She also is a non-executive director of M&C Saatchi PLC and Softcat PLC. She was the founder and CEO of Advanced Computer Software Group PLC from 2008 until 2015.

Nanninga was formerly CEO of CRH PLC and is a member of the supervisory board of CM.com, a non-executive director of IMCD NV and an executive director of Dutch Star Cos TWO BV.

Bunzl continued: "However, the company will engage with those shareholders who voted against the relevant resolutions to understand and discuss their concerns. The company will provide further updates in due course, in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's UK Corporate Governance Code."

Earlier Wednesday, Bunzl said it expects "robust" revenue growth for the year ahead, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

London-based Bunzl reported a 5.4% rise in revenue in the first quarter of 2021 and a 10% increase at constant exchange rates, driven by demand for Covid-related products such as personal protective equipment.

Despite expecting organic revenue growth in the first half of 2021, the firm did warn of a "moderate decline" in the second half of the year.

Acquisitions contributed 4.3% to constant currency growth and additional trading days 4.7%, Bunzl said. Underlying revenue growth at constant exchange rates was in line with expectations at 1.4%.

Bunzl expects "robust" revenue growth in 2021 after excluding larger Covid-19 related orders, which contributed around GBP550 million last year. Adjusted operating margin will return to a more historical level in 2021, it said, having been elevated by Covid-19.

"The resilience of the Bunzl model continues to be demonstrated by our ability to respond to changing customer needs and through our financial performance," Chief Executive Frank van Zanten said.

"Looking ahead we are confident in the strength of our consistent and proven compounding strategy, supported by enhanced hygiene trends, our differentiated offering of sustainable and responsible solutions and acquisition momentum.

"We have announced three acquisitions in the year to date with the pipeline remaining active and a number of discussions ongoing."

Shares in Bunzl closed 3.2% lower in London on Wednesday at 2,424.00 pence each.

By Will Paige; willpaige@alliancenews.com and Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A Maine man accused of setting fire to a Massachusetts church with a predominantly Black congregation been charged with hate crime offenses, federal prosecutors said.

Dushko Vulchev is charged in federal court with four counts of damage to religious property involving fire and one count of use of fire to commit a federal felony stemming from the Dec. 28, 2020, blaze at the Martin Luther King Jr. Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

Investigators found messages on his electronic devices revealing Vulchevs hatred of Black people, prosecutors said.

The 44-year-old Houlton, Maine man had already been charged in state court for a series of earlier smaller fires at the church. He pleaded not guilty in January to six charges, including attempted arson, and remains in state custody. His lawyer in that case called it a case of mistaken identity.

A lawyer representing Vulchev in the federal case said he couldnt comment.

Vulchev, a naturalized citizen from Bulgaria, was charged in 2016 with kidnapping and domestic assault in Maine, where he allegedly held a woman captive. The kidnapping charge was dismissed but he was sentenced to 258 days in jail for assault and other charges. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening Bulgarian officials.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Fraud Abuse Molestation Church Arson Maine
by Christopher Horner

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (dir. John Ford)

No man is a hero to his valet. proverb

The highest act of reasonis an aesthetic act. Holderlin (attrib)

Sometimes it seems that growing up and learning things is one long process of disillusionment. Dis-illusion: we shed illusion, fantasy and myth, and so we disenchant the world. Somehow this is both a good and a bad thing. Good, because we cannot, must not, live on lies; bad because we cannot live on facts alone.

There are plenty of people ready to feed us lies, and plenty who want to believe them: about American Exceptionalism, about race, about the economy  about how global warming is nothing to worry about, when in fact it threatens our very lives. We really do need to find out what is happening and and how it came to be. In the UK, for instance, there seems to be the widespread vague sense that the empire was a sort of outdoor relief programme, all about building railways and schools for the lucky natives, and not at all about exploitation and oppression. So who are all these brown skinned people and what have they to do with us? In the USA we have seen the effects of nurturing lies about race and nation, lies that go all the way back to the the founding: the denial of a history of slavery, genocide and subjugation. And our heroes have feet of clay: Gandhi, Wollstonecraft, Lincoln, Churchill, Jefferson, all were flawed. Indeed, the last three in that list can be indicted of racism. And because of their actions, people died.

And yet there is more to be said about myth, legend and facts. Sometimes the facts can lead us towards error, and the myth can convey something true, as when an event or person inspires us to reach for something higher and better. Moreover, the desire to debunk and find the dirty laundry can generate its own smell: it can be motivated less by a desire to get at the truth than what Nietzsche called ressentiment: half suppressed feelings of hatred and envy that find a brief satisfaction in bringing down anything noble or good. Sometimes, too, something of the truth is to be grasped in the very illusion it engenders  as Hegel says, appearances both conceal and reveal the essential thing. Let me try to explain with some examples.

I was brought up on the story of Britains lone stand against the Nazis in 1940: the legend of The Few, Churchills defiant speeches, the Blitz Spirit. All that. And my parents had direct experience of it: the dogfights overhead, the bombing, the fear. Many of their friends had similar experiences, or at least had similar stories, no doubt edited a bit as time went on  I heard them reminisce, I watched the TV documentaries. But look closer and the story begins to fray a bit around the edges, and threatens to unravel: Britain had an Empire and was hardly alone in 1940; the Blitz caused many cases of mass panic (no stiff upper lip, then); the Spitfires and Hurricanes, manned by pilots from around the world, fought mainly to stave off defeat, rather than win outright; the War Cabinet was wondering about ways of making peace with Hitler well into 1940. And so on.

Another Example: The American Revolution (or American War of Independence as we call it in Britain). The myth is of the shot that was heard around the world, brave patriots, a stirring commitment to freedom (We hold these truths.. Etc) and so on. But that is all Front of House. Backstage we find that a large motive for the Revolution was the seizure of Native peoples land (forbidden by the Crown); we discover slave holding among not just a few southerners but in the leading figures, none of whom were keen on extending democracy to the entire population; that the war was in many ways a civil war, with patriots and loyalists slitting each others throats; then there are the massacres and ethnic cleansing of native peoples even as the Revolutionary War was fought, with much more to come when it ended. Why do we hear the loudest yelps for freedom from the drivers of slaves? Dr Johnson asked rhetorically. What a sad and horrible place is reality.

Or is it? Sometimes the myths that sustain us can somehow be truer than the dirty facts. And sometimes the true and the false can be woven together in ways that make them seem, at times, interchangeable. Sometimes the truth can be more complex than the facts would lead us to believe. Lies can reveal truth; the truth can be a lie. Theres a passage in GK Chestertons The Man Who Was Thursday in which a character explains that he tried to conceal the fact that he was a violent anarchist by adopting various plausible disguises as a law abiding citizen. None of them convinced people. In the end he realised that the best way to conceal who he was was to tell people he was an anarchist. That was the best cover of all: no one believed it. Just as the truth can do the work of a lie, so an illusion can be more true than the truth of the facts.

Look again at the myths by which we understand ourselves and where we came from: surely Britains stand was heroic, not despite, but because of all those complicating facts; and the same goes for 1775, which really was a great step towards freedom for the human race. And yes, Churchill, Jefferson and even Lincoln had a dark side, sometimes very dark. But the darker side isnt the whole truth and may not always be the important thing. The myths of 1940 and 1775 are in part the dreams of our better selves, of what we want to be, and of what we sometimes almost attain. The dream of the good and the great can stand as a kind of demand on us, which is surely why (the flawed) Martin Luther King Jnr. cited the words of the Declaration of Independence in his famous civil rights speech of 1963.

The urge to dig for the truth can be heroic and necessary, but not always. The close up will show you dirt, but close ups can often be out of focus. Nietzsche pointed out in his Use and Abuse of History for Life that history always must involve selection and omission if we are to put it to any good use in the present. Furthermore, he argues that we need to be able to forget some things. What we see is not only determined by what is there, but also by what kind of person we are, and what we are looking for. As Hegel says:

No man is a hero to his valet; not, however, because the man is not a hero, but because the valet  is a valet, whose dealings are with the man, not as hero, but as one who eats, drinks, and wears clothes, in general, with his individual wants and fancies. Thus, for the judging consciousness, there is no action in which it could not oppose to the universal aspect of the action, the personal aspect of the individuality, and play the part of the moral valet towards the agent. (Phenomenology of Spirit, S.665, trans AV Miller.)

Does this mean that we should prefer illusions to reality? Certainly not. All the examples I have given can be read in two directions, as it were: towards the facts or towards the myth. A myth is a truth in aesthetic form. In that form it can appear as beautiful and inspiring, like art. But like a work of art, it needs our careful attention: is this gleaming thing a bright shining lie, or something precious? Often, it can be a bit of both. So there is no substitute for critical engagement with our traditions, and with what they seem to say about us. Stories and images are powerful: they can mobilise our emotions like little else, but their power comes from the way they simplify and condense. Hence the understandable fastidiousness of the left when it comes to such things. We want truth, not lies. We need to be alert to the way the powerful want us to believe their justifying stories, which demand critical examination, and contestation. Yet analysis is grey, while myth glitters. The record shows that it is the right, not the left, that understands this. So the right comes to the fight armed with a bright sword, the left with a calculator. The question is: can the left use myth and symbolism without abandoning truth? I think it can. There are plenty of examples in history, and in the present, of utterly heroic and inspiring deeds and people: think of the Paris Commune, of Sylvia Pankhurst, of Fred Hampton, of Nelson Mandela. Ideas matter, but so do emotions.

Injustice should be confronted, not evaded: history is full of crime. But it is great mistake to to think that crime is all history has to show us, for then we abandon the hope that is the spur to making a better world. We must value truth, but we must not mistake the pursuit of it with petty moralism or ressentiment. Some truths are uncomfortable, and we have to acknowledge that, and act on that knowledge. But there were also good and noble things in our past that can illuminate our present and point the way to a better future. We need to see the difference, which can be hard to do. There can be no rule or prescription here: difficult as it can be, we are going to have to apply the faculty of judgment. For growing up and learning things is a tough business, and so is thinking.
(Newser)  With Canada's vaccination campaign lagging a long way behind the US, North Dakota has decided to step up and offer doses to its neighbors who cross the border for essential purposes. Up to 4,000 truck drivers from Manitoba will be offered COVID vaccines for free under a program announced Tuesday and the plan might be expanded to include energy workers, the BBC reports. "The US has got a lot of vaccines and Canada's got less," says North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. "We want to do our part to help those essential workers from Canada who are frequently travelling through our state." Burgum's office says the CDC confirmed that there is no ban on the state vaccinating non-citizens.

story continues below

"In the small rural communities where we grew up, it was always about neighbors helping neighbors," Burgum said during a joint announcement with Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, per the Duluth News Tribune. Pallister said he hoped the program would "lay the groundwork" for a safe reopening of the border, which has been closed to nonessential travel for more than a year, reports CTV. The Washington Post notes that Canada is being hit hard by a third wave of COVID infections and frustration with the slow pace of vaccinations is growing. Only around 3% of adults in Canada have been fully vaccinated, compared to more than 25% across the border. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
Portland police on Tuesday declared an unlawful assembly and arrested at least two people amid a demonstration held after jurors convicted former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd.

Floyds death in May ignited nearly a year of protests, rioting and political unrest in Portland, and it thrust the issues of police violence and systemic racism into the middle of a tense national conversation.

A crowd initially gathered near the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse and Multnomah County Justice Center on Tuesday evening, and some began spray-painting the latter building about 9 p.m.

A group of roughly 60 began marching about 9:45 p.m., while about 25 other people remained near the courthouse and Justice Center.

Some demonstrators broke a number of downtown windows, according to police, who declared an unlawful assembly at roughly 10 p.m.

About that time, a police sergeant and protester engaged in a heated confrontation. Another officer arrived on a bicycle, pushing a different nearby protester. That protester then punched the sergeant, and police piled on the person who threw the punch in flurry of physical confrontation captured on video by an Oregonian/OregonLive journalist.

A different video of the flurry shows an officer throwing repeated punches.

The sergeant who was punched did not require medical treatment or hospitalization, according to a police spokesperson. In a statement Wednesday, Acting Police Chief Chris Davis called the punch reprehensible.

We ask for those who want to demonstrate to do so peacefully--breaking windows, lighting fires and assaulting others does not further any racial justice movement, Davis said.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT AND LANGUAGE

Police said officers arrested two people during the protest and that they used pepper spray against one of them.

Randy Gray, 36, is accused of punching the sergeant. He has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, harassment, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said in a statement.

Kenneth Harold, 24, was also arrested on suspicion of criminal mischief, police said, and was in possession of a glass-breaking tool and cans of spray paint when he was taken into custody.

Harold is suspected of damaging windows at a Starbucks shop on Southwest Morrison Street, Schmidt said. The windows Harold is suspected of breaking will cost more than $1,000 to repair, according to court documents.

Tuesdays events came after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a 24-hour state of emergency, allowing him to impose a curfew, close city streets and take other extraordinary measures should widespread political unrest erupt.

The mayor also said the city would have the state police and National Guard on standby, while Portland police received assistance from the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and other law enforcement agencies in the metro area.

Well before the march, Lisa Dooney, 69, was among those who gathered near the Justice Center and federal courthouse.

Dooney  who has been protesting since the late 1960s, when she first attended a Portland protest against the Vietnam War  said she came by for a little while to pay homage to what happened today.

Still, she said, far more must be done.

True justice would be George Floyd still living, she said.

Remington Smith, 27, said the verdict was justified and hopes pressure will shift to demanding reparations and justice for other people killed by police, including Breonna Taylor.

I would like to be able to see that happen, Smith said.

-- Fedor Zarkhin

503-294-7674; fzarkhin@oregonian.com
The invasive ant world is a competitive one, rife with territorial battles and colony raids. And yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), one of the world's worst invasive species, have an especially interesting trait: they're the only invasive ant known to have workers who can reproduce.

Worker reproduction has big implications for a colony's social dynamic. So we observed and experimented with more than 200 captive colonies of yellow crazy ants to understand what triggers worker reproduction and the potential costs and benefits for the colony.

We used a range of techniques, including removing queens and observing worker behavior, and setting up ant gladiator rings to test how well reproductive workers fought other ants.

It wasn't just for funlearning about ants' basic biology, including reproduction, may allow us to better understand their success and tailor management programs to help save the ecosystems they threaten.

Life in the queendom

Yellow crazy ants are thought to originate in southern or southeastern Asia but have spread across much of the Indo-Pacific, including several locations in Australia. They're most well known for the cascade of ecological effects they've caused on Christmas Island by killing red land crabs and contributing to the damage, such as tree die-back, caused by scale insects.

Yellow crazy ants, accidentally introduced by cargo ships, and subsequently multiplying to number in the billions, threaten the yearly crab migration on Christmas Island.

Attempts to control or locally eradicate them are ongoing on Christmas Island, in Arnhem Land, and several locations in Queensland, including in and around the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Like honey bees and wasps, yellow crazy ants are social insects. In these colonies, queens, workers and males all play distinct roles.

Queens and workers are all females. The queens reproduce, while the aptly named workers are the colony's laborers, primarily responsible for bringing in food, caring for the queens' offspring and defending the colony. The sole role of males is to mate with a queen before dying.

This elaborate task division is thought key to the success of social insects. However, in yellow crazy ant colonies, workers challenge the reproductive monopoly of the queen and produce males.

We could differentiate workers with active ovaries from regular workers by looking at their abdomen, which would be oversized as eggs take up space in the larger workers' abdomen.

When the queen was present, typically less than 20% of workers in our captive colonies had oversized abdomens. When we removed the queen, as much as half of the workers became oversized. We returned the queen after two months, and found the number of oversized workers decreased.

Our findings are consistent with the idea queens inhibit worker reproduction through pheromones, one of many chemical signals in ant colonies influencing ant worker behavior and colony dynamics. Indeed, an ant queen's failure to "smell" fertile may leave her subject to eviction or execution.

In this picture, the worker ant on the far right has a regular-sized abdomen while the other workers have abdomen that looks swollen. Credit: Dr Peter Yeeles, Author provided

More lazy than crazy

So, did our yellow crazy ant queen wannabes behave more like workers or royalty? Our observations of oversized and normal workers revealed stark differences in behavior.

Regular workers foraged during 85% of observations, whereas oversized workers were seen looking for food in only 5% of observations. Most of the time, oversized workers were immobile and remained sheltered inside their nests.

These oversized workers are slow to move when the nests are disturbed, not displaying the fast, erratic movement for which the species is named. Their behavior was more similar to queens than workers.

Colony and resource defense is another important task for workers, as yellow crazy ant colonies often compete with native ants.

To test how these sluggish workers compare to normal workers in colony defense, we placed three oversized workers in one container, three regular workers in another, and paired each group with one gladiator, the charismatic green tree ant.

Regular-sized workers are territorial and aggressive. Credit: Peter Yeeles, Author provided

Green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) are native and known for being very aggressive and territorial.

Our two videos show the typical response of oversized and regular workers:

In the first video, each encounter between a yellow crazy ant and green tree ant ends with the green tree ant rapidly retreating, often after having her legs bitten and pulled by the yellow crazy ant.

In the second video, you can see how oversized workers were more sedentary, less aggressive and less likely to start fighting with the green tree ant than normal workers in the first video. They were also less likely to kill their oppon-ant.

It seems oversized workers are lazy and would be ineffective at defending the colony. So why do they occur at all?

Like walking vending machines

Generally, ant colonies need workers to function and only the queen can produce this caste. In the ant world, the death of the queen signifies the death of the colony.

However, if the queen dies after laying eggs, including one destined to become a queen, then the virgin queen who eventually emerges can mate with a worker-produced male. This is important because males are unlikely to be present unless the colony is very large.

So while workers lack organs for receiving and storing sperm, their ability to produce males asexually may extend the life of the colony.

What's more, oversized workers can produce sterile eggs as well, which serve as food for the queen and other colony members. We believe these workers may be like walking vending machines within the colony, providing food when conditions aren't suitable for foraging.

We also found males with mismatched eyes. These odd-looking individuals may possess a female eye on one side and a smaller male eye on the other side.

Such individuals are potentially sex mosaics, with male and female genes spread across their body in patches. Whether these individuals function as normal males is a question for further research.

What's next?

Researchers don't know the full story of yellow crazy ant reproduction, but it's likely to be highly complex and potentially unique. Our study contributes to solving this mystery.

Eradication and control programs for yellow crazy ants will benefit from understanding their reproductive system and behavior. It can shed light on how even a few workers and eggswho may be inadvertently moved around by humans or persist after control treatmentcould eventually build into large numbers.

Likewise, understanding foraging behavior is useful for planning insecticidal baiting, because effective baiting relies on foraging ants bringing bait back to the colony to share with queens and larvae.

We have no doubt future genetic work and experiments will shed further light on the fascinating reproductive biology of yellow crazy ants.

Explore further Worker ants that can shrink their brains and then grow them back when needed

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Rep. Matt Gaetz was a central figure in Justice Department drama last year, when he told President Donald Trump about a plan that would open the door for a state-wide voter fraud investigation in his home state of Florida.

Politico reported Tuesday that Attorney General Bill Barr threatened U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe after Keefe told Gaetz about a legal theory that would green-light such a probe - and then Gaetz repeated it to Trump.

'If I ever hear of you talking to Gaetz or any other congressman again about business before the department, I am going to f***ing fire your ass,' Barr reportedly told Keefe.

Rep. Matt Gaetz was a central figure in Justice Department drama last year, when he told President Donald Trump about a plan that would open the door for a state-wide voter fraud investigation in his home state of Florida

Attorney General Bill Barr (left) told U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe (right), 'If I ever hear of you talking to Gaetz of any other congressman again about business before the department, I am going to f***ing fire your ass' after Keefe's legal theory got passed to Trump through Gaetz

President Donald Trump heard about Keefe's legal theory through Gaetz and told White House counsel Pat Cipollone to tell Barr that the president believed Keefe's legal theory should be explored

Keefe, who was nominated by Trump as the U.S. attorney for Florida's northern district in August 2018, was looking into ways to conduct a voter fraud investigation as now President Joe Biden was wrapping up winning the Democratic nomination last spring.

He needed the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section to sign off on the probe.

Lawyers there believed the statewide investigation was too broad, Politico wrote.

Keefe then complained to Gaetz, a top ally of the former president, about the resistance he was dealing with from DOJ's headquarters.

'Keefe did not share with me any details of any investigative work, nor would he. We were having a broad discussion about legal doctrine related to jurisdiction and venue,' Gaetz told Politico in an interview.

Gaetz explained that Keefe was looking into whether U.S. attorneys who have jurisdiction over state capitals, could investigate voter fraud outside their districts.

Keefe's district included Florida's capital, Tallahassee.

Gaetz explained that Keefe believed that since presidential electors are certified in state capitals, any harm related to a fraudulent certification would be caused there - and thus U.S. attorneys working in those districts could investigate those crimes.

'I got the sense from Keefe that the DOJ wanted the U.S. attorneys to be very passive when it came to election integrity,' the Florida Republican told Politico.

After the conversation between Gaetz and Keefe, Gaetz met with Trump in the Oval Office, where the then-president was telling the Florida congressman his concerns about mail-in voting.

Across the country, state officials were increasing access to mail-in voting - with GOP officials in some states on board as well - in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Upon hearing Trump's concerns, Gaetz told the president Keefe's legal theory.

'I said to him that an appreciation for the Keefe position on venue would give good U.S. attorneys in every capital city the necessary jurisdiction to root out fraud,' Gaetz told Politico. 'I also shared with President Trump that Keefe had faced substantial resistance from the Department of Justice.'

Gaetz said Trump told White House counsel Pat Cipollone, who was in the Oval with them, to tell Barr that the president believed Keefe's legal theory should be explored.

Barr wasn't happy.

Politico reported that Barr cussed Keefe out.

Gaetz said he was unaware of that conversation.

'But I did get a message from Keefe subsequent to my meeting in the Oval wherein Keefe said he was not going to be able to discuss these matters with me, and I got the sense that the politics of the Department of Justice were such that they did not want U.S. attorneys looking for election fraud in this type of very proactive way,' Gaetz said.

Gaetz now finds himself potentially in hot water with the Justice Department - completely unrelated to last year's saga with Keefe and Barr - as investigators are looking into whether the Florida congressman had a sexual relationshp with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her travel, potentially violating sex trafficking laws.

Keefe announced he was stepping down from his role in February, as the Biden administration asked him to resign as part of the presidential transition.
Refugee Son Exposes Persecution of Father in China: The Communist Party Is Evil

His family were brutally abused for refusing to give up their faith

A young Chinese refugee in Australia, who fled the communist country with his mother in 2012, hopes that one day they will reunite with his father who has been severely persecuted in China for his faith.

Eric Jia, originally from Shaanxi Province, China, was just 11 years old when he last saw his father, Ye Jia, in the year 2011.

He was still in prison, Eric, 22, told The Epoch Times. All I knew at that time was, my family was imprisoned for doing nothing wrong, and that the Chinese police is evil, the communist party is evil, but there is nothing I can do.

Although Eric cant remember his fathers voice now, the memory of Yes reassuring smile still strengthens his resolve to seek truth and justice.

Ye, 58, has been unlawfully detained several times in the past two decades for refusing to give up his faith in the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, the three core teachings of Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa)a self-improvement cultivation system that has been brutally persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since July 1999.

Eric Jia as a toddler with his father Ye Jia. (Courtesy of Eric Jia)

Ye, who worked at the Hu County Power Plant, Xian City, not only lost his job but also faced harrowing torture at the hands of the communist regime. Yes courage to confront the suppression only escalated his persecution; he was forced into homelessness for six long years, enduring the agony of being separated from his family and his little son.

From Freedom to Persecution

During the early 1990s, Ye and his wife, Chunli Liu, witnessed firsthand the healing power of Falun Gong. Erics grandmother was plagued by various health issues in 1996 and learned the gentle exercises of Falun Gong from her friend.

My grandmother had many illnesses, including Emphysema, tracheitis, heart disease and the worst was her uterine fibroids, Eric said. After she started practicing, her uterine fibroids magically disappeared in three months. All illnesses she had were eventually gone with the practice of Falun Gong.

Ye, who was always interested in Qigong (ancient Chinese energy and healing exercises), began learning Falun Gong after seeing positive changes in his mothers health. According to his son Eric, it wasnt long before Ye began to experience health improvements himself. My dads immunity was weak before practicing Falun Gong. After he took up the practice, he became healthy, Eric said.

Ye Jia before being persecuted for his faith. (Courtesy of Eric Jia)

Chunli, who owned a shop in China, experienced improvements in the way she handled her business deals. She said her entire family became harmonious and peaceful, and they smiled a lot more. Their family were among the hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong adherents in China who experienced the physical and mental benefits of the practice.

By the late 1990s, according to state estimates, 70 to 100 million people were practicing Falun Gong. Fearing its popularity as a threat to the CCPs iron-fist reign, former leader of the CCP Jiang Zemin initiated a genocidal campaign against Falun Gong, arresting and detaining countless practitioners as state enemies.

In hopes to appeal to the communist officials to restore the freedom to practice their faith, Ye, like many other adherents, went to Tiananmen Square (or the Gate of Heavenly Peace) in Beijing in April 2000. However, he was identified and arrested, and the Beijing police then contacted the local law enforcement in Yes hometown.

He was brought back and was sentenced at Hu County (Drug) Addiction Treatment Center for one month. The police even charged us 2,000 yuan (approx. US$300) for petrol, Eric said.

In September 2001, Ye was again arrested and taken to Hu County Detention Center, Xian City, for a year and two months. Eric, who was a toddler back then, remembers that his family were continuously harassed by the police.

To avoid persecution, Ye was forced into homelessness for six long years.

An 8-Year-Long Arrest

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the CCP began mass-arresting Falun Gong adherents and other religious and political dissidents. Ye was among those who were arrested on June 4, 2008.

Ye was later sentenced to eight years in Wei Nan Prison, Weinan City, in September that year. During his incarceration, Ye faced unimaginable abuses, causing his health to deteriorate. For as long as half a month, he was locked to a bunk bed and handcuffed for more than 12 hours a day. Due to the severe torture, he lost weight, suffered from hemoptysis, black sputum, and liver pain.

Eric said that his father was put under solitary confinement. He was locked in a small room for 6 years, with 2 to 3 prison guards watching him every day, he said.

He was only allowed to go out when a family member visited him once a month. During the first year and a half, we werent permitted to visit him. He was only allowed to go out when there was a yearly reporting time, which happened only twice a year.

Eric said that when his dad went homeless in 2003, his hair was all black. But when he and his mother visited Ye in prison around the beginning of 2009, his hair was almost all white. Eric recalled that when his grandmother met his dad in jail on Sept. 8, 2013, she was shocked.

My fathers face was very pale, white, and he looked very weak. She asked him what happened. That is when we got to know that he was locked in an isolation room all the time, Eric said.

We Can Be Ourselves Again

On Jan. 10, 2012, Eric and his mother reached Australia. Living in a free country, Eric said, The biggest change for us, was that we could be who we are.

Eric, a university student, said that in China, his family were not only at risk of being arrested at any time, but also faced continuous monitoring by their neighbors who were brainwashed by the CCP propaganda against Falun Gong.

After arriving in Australia, the worry of being in danger and discriminated for our beliefs has completely disappeared. We can be ourselves again, he said.

Eric Jia (R) in an event to raise awareness of the persecution of Falun Gong in China. (Yan Nan/The Epoch Times)

The young man is now resolutely raising awareness of his fathers plight. He had shared his familys story with local media and written letters to government officials, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Bligh Turnbull and foreign ministers.

While I did not go through much emotional pain since I was too young. My mother certainly has had to deal with a lot of pressure, fear, hopelessness, and discrimination to raise me up and take care of the rest of our family members, he said.

Erics father was released from Wei Nan prison on July 23, 2016, after eight years. After his release, Ye tried living a normal life and finding a job. However not long after, in 2017, he was arrested and taken to Ba Qiao brainwashing center in Xin He district, Xian city. Erics grandmother, then 73, and older aunt, Chunxia Liu, were arrested in the same year too.

To expose the injustice forced upon his family, Eric, his mother, and younger aunt stood outside the Australian parliament, holding signs that read, Please help rescue my family. Fortunately, their peaceful appeal caught the attention of the Australian Greens senator for Victoria, Janet Rice, who stopped by to know more about the unlawful imprisonment of his family members.

Moved by what she heard, Rice wrote a letter to the Mayor of Xian city, to immediately and unconditionally release Ye Jia and Chunxia Liu, reported Minghui.org.

Senator Rice said in her 2017 letter: I am informed that they have been detained solely for exercising the right to freedom of belief and expression. Pending their release, please ensure that they have regular and unrestricted access to their family and lawyers.

After the letter, Ye Jia was released on Dec. 21 that year and Chunxia was tried on Dec. 26, but no adjudication was given; she was later sentenced to four years in prison in January 2018.

However, Eric told The Epoch Times that Chunxia was released from prison in late March this year.

Eric said that his family members had faced abuses that are hard to describe. He said his older aunt experienced as much persecution as his father; she was physically tortured, beaten, sleep-deprived, and handcuffed in uncomfortable positions.

Even my grandmother, who turns 76 years old this year, has been through nearly 2 years of prison term. She was also physically tortured, shocked with an electric baton, not allowed to sleep or eat and drink for 3 days, and beaten, he said.

I am saying this only to point out how severe the persecution is in Chinahow much one family alone is made to suffer. I want people to know how the CCP treats good people, people of faith.

Despite all the pain and suffering, the family remain hopeful.

There is nothing wrong with being a good person, Erics mother said. I believe a good person will have a good fate. Goodwill always prevailsit does not matter how many hardships might be in the way.

Arshdeep Sarao contributed to this report.
Senate Republicans agreed on Wednesday to uphold a largely symbolic conference ban on earmarks, even as the rest of Congress is poised to bring back the practice with strict transparency requirements.

The decision to maintain the prohibition on earmarks  the practice of letting lawmakers set aside funding in large spending bills for individual projects in their communities  underscored how some Republicans, after disregarding deficit fears during the Trump administration and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, are quickly embracing fiscal conservatism under a Democratic president. House Republicans voted last month to overturn a similar ban in their conference.

But because conference rules are nonbinding, multiple senators signaled that they would take advantage of earmarks anyway as Democrats recast the process as community project funding and impose a series of guardrails to ward off abuse.

Democrats are going to use the earmarks and the House Republicans are going to use them  are we going to give the Democrats in the Senate $8 billion to use against us? said Senator Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. If you dont want to ask for an earmark, dont ask for one. If you ask for one, you might not get one, because the old earmark days  theyre gone.
It is also in talks to obtain an extension of the territory of its existing contract areas and for new contract areas in Azerbaijan

( ) said the government of Azerbaijan has approved the first of two five-year extensions of the production sharing agreement for its Gedabek contract area.

"I am very pleased to announce that the company has obtained the first of the five-year extensions of the production sharing agreement for the Gedabek contract area, especially as we continue with our exploration programme which has already identified a number of new mineral occurrences including Zafer and Avshancli, said chief executive Reza Vaziri.

The AIM-listed gold, copper and silver producer said it was also in talks with the government to obtain an extension of the territory of its existing contract areas and for new contract areas in Azerbaijan.

It is expected these negotiations will be concluded shortly, Vaziri added.

The company's main operating location is the Gedabek contract area, a 300 square kilometre area in the Lesser Caucasus mountains of western Azerbaijan. Anglo Asian developed Azerbaijan's first operating gold-copper-silver mine at Gedabek and started to produce gold there in 2009.

The Gedabek mine produced 69,000 gold equivalent ounces in 2020.
A Chinese national who lived under a false name for eight years after buying another person's birth certificate was a model citizen in all but name, a court has heard.

Wenzi Wang (38) first came to this country in 2002 on a student visa, but after his visa had expired he obtained a legitimate Northern Irish birth certificate belonging to another person and used it to obtain an Irish passport in the name Sau Kee Lee.

Wang went on to obtain a driving licence, a taxi licence, a Public Service Card and a mortgage all under this false name.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard his wife, who he first met in 2010, did not become aware of this until 2017 when she was pregnant with their second child.

The court heard that an investigation began after Wang registered the birth of this child using his real name. He had previously registered the birth of their first child using the false name.

Lawyers for the accused man submitted that their client was a model citizen in all but name and that while living under the false name he paid taxes, did not commit offences and did not sign onto social welfare.

Wang of Brandon Square, Waterville, Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to providing a birth certificate he knew to be false in connection with a passport application at a Garda Station in Co Donegal on May 25, 2009.

Wang further pleaded guilty to six counts of deception at locations in Co Dublin and Co Meath on dates between October 8, 2010 and April 18, 2017, and to two counts of giving a registrar false information at locations in Co Dublin on September 7, 2010 and July 28, 2011.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of an air rifle and ammunition, and to possession of a jumper and epaulettes closely resembling those of An Garda Siochana, all at his address on November 13, 2017.

Wang has two previous convictions for driving without a licence and without insurance, both of which relate to the use of a false name in this offending.

Detective Garda Emer Keshan told Grainne O'Neill BL, prosecuting, that in June 2017, the accused produced a Chinese passport in his own name while registering the birth of his child.

Det Gda Keshan said that facial recognition software was used to match Wang to a Mr Lee who had applied for a Public Service Card in October 2016. An investigation was launched after it was determined that Wang and Mr Lee were in fact the same person.

During the investigation, the Civil Registration Office confirmed that Wang had registered his marriage and the birth of a child under the name Mr Lee.

The investigation culminated in a search of Wang's address in November 2017, during which gardai found numerous false documentation. Gardai also found an air rifle, ammunition and a jumper and epaulettes resembling those of An Garda Siochana.

Wang was arrested and made full admissions to gardai in interview. He told gardai he had bought the fake garda apparel on eBay to use as a Halloween costume.

The court heard that Wang's status in this country is still with the Department of Justice for consideration.

Det Gda Keshan agreed with Vincent Heneghan SC, defending, that the jumper and epaulettes are clearly to her not a proper garda uniform, but that non-gardai might not be aware. She agreed his client told gardai he had bought the air rifle from a friend and never used it.

The detective agreed with counsel that while his client had lived and operated under the false name he had not been on the radar of gardai, Revenue or the Department of Social Protection.

Mr Heneghan said his client was born in China, but came to this country on a student visa in 2002 before moving to Northern Ireland in 2004 where he worked illegally.

Counsel said that in 2009 his client's mother became ill and he wished to visit her in China, so he purchased a legitimate Northern Irish birth certificate belonging to another person. He used this birth certificate to obtain an Irish passport which in turn he used to obtain other documents.

Mr Heneghan said his client's wife was unaware of his true identity until January 2017 while she was pregnant with their second child. They decided that this child's birth would be registered under Wang's real name.

Counsel said his client's wife borrowed money from her friends in order to pay off the mortgage on their house which is now registered in her name only.

He said that many people in the US from this country are living such lives as his client lived here. He submitted that while his client did make a gain for himself by deception nobody has made a loss.

Judge Pauline Codd ordered a report from the Probation Service and adjourned the matter for finalisation to July 5, next.
The volume weighted average CO2 emissions (NEDC) of vehicles registered in Europe during 2020 was 106.7g/km, 12% lower than for 2019.

In a COVID-19 pandemic-challenged year, demand for electric vehicles increased and CO2 emissions fell further than before, according to data from JATO Dynamics for 21 countries.

This was due to tougher government regulations such as the enforcement of WLTP fuel economy rules and a shift in consumer attitudes in favour of electric vehicles.

Felipe Munoz, JATOs global analyst, said: Although the industry still needs to do more to meet the European Commissions CO2 targets, manufacturers have demonstrated significant progress with their range and sales in 2020.

Registrations of pure electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) reached 1.21m units last year or 10.6% of the total market. Volume in 2019 totaled 466,000 units for a 3.1% share.



The COVID-19 pandemic had supported the growth of EVs across Europe. Focusing on how to bring the automotive market back to full strength, European countries opted to promote a green, sustainable recovery, with some governments creating new purchase incentives within their economic-stimulus packages. This resulted in many consumers moving away from traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles during the pandemic, instead purchasing low-emissions alternatives.

ICE volume fell from 14.7m units in 2019, to 8.6m last year, accounting for three of four cars registered in Europe. This had an immediate effect on emissions levels.

Munoz said: In a year when millions of potential buyers were not allowed to leave their homes, it is notable total average emissions decreased by 15g/km. It signifies a fundamental change to our notion of mobility and a greater appetite for sustainable options.

With lockdown restrictions imposed across Europe and many governments delivering incentives packages for zero and low emissions cars, OEMs made changes to their models, deals and marketing in order to entice consumers towards EV and PHEV vehicles.

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Six countries achieved average emissions below 100g/km: the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, France and Finland. This also reflected the ranking for countries with the highest registration of EVs with Sweden (32%) and the Netherlands (25%) topping the list. Finland, Denmark and Portugal were next. It was the opposite in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland which all saw the highest CO2 averages and low levels of EV penetration.

Despite the turbulent economic backdrop, SUVs were a key driver of growth last year, easing the fall in sales across traditional hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs and wagons. In 2020, the volume of SUV registrations accounted for 40% of all passenger cars, and also posted the best results for average reduction to emissions levels. According to the data, SUV emissions fell by 16.2g/km between 2019 and 2020  the biggest decrease among the five mega segments analysed (regular cars, MPVs, sport cars, SUVs and vans). This was, in part, due to the improved range of PHEV and BEV midsize, and large SUVs now available.
Hotel development across the Middle East and Africa has slowed for more than a year, with hotel construction in the region declining almost 2 per cent during the first quarter of 2021, according to hospitality data analyst STR.

Rooms in the final planning stage in MEA fell 5 per cent and rooms in the earlier stage of planning was down almost 30 per cent, according to March pipeline data from STR

The UAE and Saudi Arabia continued to lead the region in construction, with Saudi Arabia projected to see the fastest growth in hotel supply in the world over the next three years.

Europe is the only world region showing increased hotel construction activity in comparison with the end of Q1 last year.

The number of hotel rooms in construction increased almost 27 per cent year-on-year in Europe in March.

Germany and the UK led the way with almost 51,785 rooms under construction in Germany and just under 37,000 in the UK.

Europe also recorded the greatest rise in hotel rooms in the final planning stage in March, up 23.7 per cent year-on-year at 181,101, according to STR data. However, there was a 8.8 per cent fall in hotel planning at an early stage.

The Asia-Pacific region recorded a 3.4 per cent dip year-on-year in construction in March and a 17.5 per cent increase in hotel rooms in the final planning stage.

The number of rooms under construction in Asia-Pacific stood at 462,795 rooms, of which 283,893 were in China.

The US led the world in new hotel openings in the first quarter of 2021 despite a year-on-year decline in construction activity.

However, STR reported room construction in the Americas as a whole fell almost 11.6 per cent year on year in March, and the number of rooms in the final planning stage declined 13 per cent. - TradeArabia News Service
Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled his planned visit to India and the Philippines, said government sources on April 21 as per news agency ANI apparently due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Japan. Sugas trip had been scheduled from late April to early May and was aimed to reaffirm Japans ties with both nations to further achieve a free and open Indo-pacific while countering Chinas military buildup and assertiveness in the region. While coronavirus infections surged in japan, India and the Philippines are also rocked with an uptick of fresh cases.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called off a planned visit to India and the Philippines, government sources said Wednesday, apparently due to a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Japan: Japanese media



(File photo) pic.twitter.com/O2heIyPLMU  ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2021

Meanwhile, broadcaster FNN and other media reports said that the Japanese PM will be postponing his India visit to elevate the focus on the current COVID-19 situation. As of April 20, the nationwide cases in Japan of coronavirus was 4,335 with most cases in Osaka and Tokyo. Other prefectures that also recorded a hike in COVID-19 cases include Hyogo, Saitama, Aichi, Kanagawa among others. The number of deaths reported was 38.

Meanwhile, India is rocked with the second wave of COVID-19 with a record surge in daily cases. On April 21, India reported 2.94 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases with a death toll crossing 2,000 for the first time since the outbreak began in the nation. Further, the national case count on Tuesday of 2,94,291 was nearly three times higher than the peak of daily infections recorded during the first wave in around September 2020. While Sugas India trip has been cancelled, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi most recently during the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) that was convened by the US along with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

PM Modi cancels trips to Portugal, France

As most nations are engulfed in the crisis of another wave of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cancelled his visit to Portugal and France that were scheduled for the second week of May. PM Modi was also set to take part in India-EU Leaders meeting on May 8 among other bilateral meetings. However, in the wake of COVID-19 cases, the government said that the meeting with EU leaders will now take place via video conference on the same day and the visit to France will most probably be rescheduled.

Image credits: Twitter/AP
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- All the citys street lights are expected to shine once more sometime this year.

That was the result coming out of Tuesdays (April 20) City Council Safety Committee meeting, in which talk centered on the approximately 100 street lights that had been shuttered or allowed over the past nine years to burn out without replacement.

In recent weeks, some members of council and residents have asked that, for safety reasons and to make the city a brighter place, all of Richmond Heights 600 street lights be made active.

I talked with the president of council (Eloise Henry) and I think our intent is to proceed in turning on the lights and have the burnt-out ones turned (back on), Mayor David Roche said after the committee heard details about the citys lighting from The Illuminating Co.s local representative, Kevin Smalley.

Kevin and I have talked over the last few weeks on this intent and have negotiated down to a reasonable rate of $55.50 (per light) to turn them all on. Over the years, weve had quotes of up to $800, so Im happy with $55.50 right now.

Roche explained that in 2012, almost one-sixth of the citys street lights were shuttered in an effort to save money.

We didnt know if we were going to make (city employee) payroll then, so every $25,000 (in approximate savings) counted, Roche said.

Smalley said The Illuminating Co., at the citys request, shuttered 152 lights in 2012, saving the city just over $23,000 per year. Since that time, some of the lights have been made active once more.

Resident Terry Butler, who spoke to council a week earlier and urged that all lights be turned back on, told the committee Tuesday that there are 105 lights now shuttered or burnt out and not replaced.

Butler and a team of male residents called MORE (Men of Richmond Heights Empowered), who seek to better the city, drove around and counted the non-working lights, and even recorded the power companys numbers assigned to each pole.

Smalley said The Illuminating Co. will replace any lights that need replacement with LED lights. Currently, the citys lighting consists of high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor and a few LED lights. Eventually, all lights will be LED as the others burn out.

Safety Committee Chairman and Ward 2 Councilman Frank Lentine asked Smalley how long it would take to turn the shuttered lights back on. Smalley said that weather always plays a part in how fast work gets done.

While unsure of the installers current workload, Smalley said that once the job begins, it should take eight to 12 weeks to complete. When Lentine asked if all the lights would be on by fall, Smalley said they would.

The street lighting matter will next go to councils Finance Committee for approval, then, after three readings, to a full council vote.

Roche said he will have Finance Director James Teknipp estimate the cost to the city, but added that it should cost approximately $5,500 to turn back on the 100 lights, then about $1,200 a month to pay for the power.

Im very pleased, Butler said after the meeting.

While speaking to council on April 13, Butler had asked that council come to a decision on turning the lights back on by May 11. While three readings will bring a vote later than May 11, Butler was happy that council and the administration have begun the process.

I think they know its time, he said.

In coming weeks, Butler said he will ask city leaders to look at taking steps to ensure that the parking lots of its apartment complexes are also well lit.

Read more from the Sun Messenger.
After being without an executive director for about a year, the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. has come back strongly, appointing two people to lead the organization as co-directors.

After being without an executive director for about a year, the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. has come back strongly, appointing two people to lead the organization as co-directors.

John Morris and Kristen Lynch, who are also partners at the branding agency, KiK Partners of Winnipeg, will bring decades of association management and government and public affair experience.

Kristen Lynch

Lynch has about 30 years of experience in branding, marketing and association management and Morris has extensive experience in public policy, as director of policy for a federal environment minister, director of communications for two federal fisheries ministers in Ottawa and a stint as director of policy for Mayor Brian Bowman.

Lyle Safronetz, president of MAMI and a longtime manager with Vale who has held a number of positions with the mining company in Thompson, said, "We believe this new management structure and partnership with KiK gives MAMI access to the support and leadership skills we need to deal with the challenges, opportunities and issues facing the mining industry in Manitoba today."

The industry in Manitoba has been hit with a number of setbacks over the last few years with mine closures, including the latest just last year with Vale being forced to close another of its operating mines and HudBay closing its small Reed Lake mine in 2018 and expecting the closure of its legacy Flin Flon mine in 2022.

But Morris said the associations new management is looking forward, not in the past.

"The federal government speaks about building back better, well mining is going to play an important role producing the materials needed to build that economy of tomorrow," Morris said.

There has been plenty of excitement about the potential for significant lithium deposits in Manitoba and Morris said there are more than 40 documented rare metal occurrences in the province which are all required in varying proportions to produce and run so many of the electronic devices we rely on.

"Its like back to the future," Morris said. "Mining will play a major role in the new economy. In that sense you have one of the oldest concepts of mineral extraction being applied to build the 21st economy."

John Morris

While Vale has been forced to close mines  and its nickel processing plant a couple of years ago  the company has aggressive proposals on the table to make extensive investments in Thompson.

And while HudBay has planned the closure of its very productive 777 mine in Flin Flon next year, its Lalor zinc/copper/gold mine in nearby Snow Lake is likely going to able to use all the experienced workers it can find to keep up with the growth of that operation.

In October 2019, the Government of Manitoba announced a $20-million investment to create the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, which the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce officially launched in July of 2020. It provides much-needed funding for all sorts of exploration projects in the province.

MAMI technically only represents the handful of companies with producing mines in the province, but there is plenty of crossover with the exploration side of the sector.

The mining industry is cyclical and most of the base metal prices have been on the upward curve for the past year, so the prospects of a more productive phase are not inappropriate.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
A truck driver killed in a senseless shooting at a Pennsylvania Wawa on Wednesday morning leaves behind a wife and three children, the company he worked for said.

Ramon Ramirez, 31, was driving for A. Duie Pyle and was hired in 2019 to work out of the Hoover Avenue terminal near Airport Road, said Peter Dannecker, the companys vice president of risk and integrated resources.

Ramirez was well-liked and did a good job. Its a tragic loss of a working dad, Dannecker said.

District Attorney Jim Martin said Ramirez was pumping gas when the gunman, who earlier had shot at a woman driving on Route 22, began shooting at the Wawa at Route 100 and Schantz Road in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County.

Another person in a Jeep was shot and wounded, Martin said.

The gunman then ran down Route 100 to a daycare center, where he killed himself, according to Martin.

Authorities have not identified the gunman or the victims. Dannecker released the information after Ramirezs next of kin was notified.

A. Duie Pyle is a family-owned and -run business, family means a lot to us and employees were still in shock and digesting the news, Dannecker said.

The company will make sure Ramirezs wife and family are supported, and will be providing mental health resources for Ramirezs co-workers

Its just a senseless tragedy, Dannecker said. Theres no solving it. We want to help people cope with it, but the seemingly random nature of the crime means I doubt very much we will have any answers.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.

More:

Woman made daughter sick with fake medical records, then lied to raise money: state police

Daughter was killed 4 minutes after police left family dispute: dispatch records
The first truly biodegradable plastics that break down in just a few weeks when exposed to heat and water have been developed by scientists.

Most so-called 'compostable' plastics today are made of a polyester called polylactic acid, or PLA, and don't actually breakdown during typical composting.

As a result, they often end up disposed of in landfills  where they last just as long as traditional, 'forever' plastics.

Researchers from the US, however, have embedded polyester-eating enzymes, protected by a special polymer wrapping, into polyester plastics as they were made.

When exposed to heat and water, the enzymes are released by their wrappers and work to break down the plastic into its constituent parts.

In the case of PLA, the plastic is reduced by the enzyme proteinase K to lactic acid  which can be used to feed the soil microbes found in compost.

The enzyme wrappers also degrade under ultraviolet light, the team explained.

Furthermore, the enzyme-laced plastic does not produce microplastic pollutants when it breaks down  with 98 per cent degrading into small molecules.

The first truly biodegradable plastics that break down in just a few weeks when exposed to heat and water have been developed by scientists. Pictured: the modified plastic containing polyester-eating enzymes (left) breaks down in regular compost (right)

MAKING PLASTICS BIODEGRADABLE In their study, Professor Xu and colleagues focussed on plastics made out of the polyester 'polylactic acid'. However, they said, it should be possible to apply the same principle to other types of polyester plastics. This, the team said, may allow the creation of compostable plastic containers  replacing polyethylene ones which will not degrade. Professor Xu said she believes that polyethylene and other so-called polyolefin objects would be better turned into higher value products at the end of their original life. To this end, the team is now working on ways to transform recycled polyolefin plastics for reuse. Advertisement

'People are now prepared to move into biodegradable polymers for single-use plastics,' said paper author and materials scientist Ting Xu of the University of California Berkeley.

'But if it turns out that it creates more problems than it's worth, then the policy might revert back,' she added.

'We are basically saying that we are on the right track. We can solve this continuing problem of single-use plastics not being biodegradable.'

The problem with conventional plastics is that they are inherently designed not to break down  which is great for normal use, but unhelpful for the environment later when discarded.

In fact, the most durable plastics have an almost crystal-like molecular structure, with polymer fibres that are so tightly aligned that polymer eating microbes from the outside can not get in.

Professor Xu and colleagues' approach gets around this problem by adding the microbes to the plastic before use.

Key to the researchers' innovation was developing a way to keep the polyester-eating enzymes from falling apart  which is what proteins typically do when removed from their native environment, like that of a living cell.

The wrappers they used to protect the enzymes were made of molecules called 'random heteropolymers', which gently hold the proteins together without restricting their natural flexibility.

These molecules degrade under ultraviolet light and are present at a concentration of only 1 per cent by weight in the plastic  which the researchers say is low enough to not pose a problem.

To make the biodegradable material, the nanoparticles of wrapped enzymes are embedded in their billions in the resin beads that are the starting point for all plastic manufacturing  much in the same way pigments are used to colour plastic.

'If you have the enzyme only on the surface of the plastic, it would just etch down very slowly,' Professor Xu explained.

'You want it distributed nanoscopically everywhere so that each of them just needs to eat away their polymer neighbours, and then the whole material disintegrates.'

In their study, the team demonstrated that the random heteropolymer-wrapped enzymes did not change the fundamental properties of the plastic  which could still be melted and extruded into fibres at temperature of around 338F (170F).

To make the biodegradable material, the nanoparticles of wrapped enzymes are embedded in their billions in the resin beads that are the starting point for all plastic manufacturing  much in the same way pigments are used to colour plastic. 'If you have the enzyme only on the surface of the plastic (as depicted top), it would just etch down very slowly,' Professor Xu explained. 'You want it distributed nanoscopically everywhere (bottom) so that each of them just needs to eat away their polymer neighbours, and then the whole material disintegrates'

Under high-temperature industrial composting conditions of 122F (50C) the modified PLA was found to degrade completely within six days.

Another modified plastic  this one based on polycaprolactone with lipase enzymes added  broke down faster, however, degrading in just two days at 104F (40C).

Both lipase and proteinase K are inexpensive and easily manufactured enzymes.

The researchers are also looking to program the random heteropolymers so that the plastic break down can be halted part-way through, which would allow the plastics to be re-melted for other purposes.

According to the team, the modified polyesters do not degrade at low temperatures or during brief damp periods  meaning that they could be used to make clothes, for example, that could survive sweat and being washed at a moderate temperature.

Similarly, being soaked in water for three months at room temperature did not cause the plastic to degrade  unlike in lukewarm water.

'It turns out that composting is not enough  people want to compost in their home without getting their hands dirty, they want to compost in water,' Professor Xu said.

'So, that is what we tried to see. We used warm tap water. Just warm it up to the right temperature, then put it in, and we see in a few days it disappears.'

One modified plastic (left)  this one based on polycaprolactone with lipase enzymes added  broke down in just two days in water heated to 104F (40C), as shown right

'It is good for millennials to think about this and start a conversation that will change the way we interface with Earth,' Professor Xu commented.

'Look at all the wasted stuff we throw away: clothing, shoes, electronics like cellphones and computers. We are taking things from the earth at a faster rate than we can return them.'

'Don't go back to Earth to mine for these materials, but mine whatever you have, and then convert it to something else,' she recommended.

With their initial study complete, paper author Aaron Hall  who was formerly a doctoral researcher at Berkeley  has formed a spin-off company in order to further develop these biodegradable plastics.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Nature.
A suspected US Capitol rioter accused of attacking three cops and whose image was circulated on social media with the hashtag #GrayCarharttHat was arrested after the FBI used facial recognition software to find his girlfriend's Instagram.

Stephen Chase Randolph, of Harrodsburg in Kentucky, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with assaulting a federal officer, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and obstruction of justice and Congress, according to the FBI statement.

Randolph was identified as an alleged rioter thanks to sophisticated facial recognition software that matched images of him at the riots to photos uploaded to his partner's social media from December 2020, the FBI revealed.

Some of the Instagram snaps are said to have shown him wearing the same clothes as the man pictured rioting.

Using open-source software to find a photo of Randolph on his girlfriend's social media, agents were then able to find Randolph's own Facebook page and mount an undercover sting. The girlfriend has been identified as Jeannie Hood.

Randolph's girlfriend's Instagram containing the photo the FBI used is private. It is unclear if the profile was open when it was scanned with the software.

Agents have yet to disclose further details about the software. But it likely used an algorithm to study the suspect's facial features, before turning them into a mathematical code. That code is then compared to millions of photographs on databases - or social media - to try and find a face whose features match.

'Open source' is a category of software that is accessible to the public for use and can be shared, modified, or enhanced thanks to its available source code which can be altered by programmers.

Federal authorities allege that Stephen Chase Randolph of Harrodsburg, Kentucky (above) took part in the January 6 MAGA riot at the United States Capitol

The use of facial recognition technology has sparked concerns from civil liberties groups that it violates people's privacy.

Dozens of companies now sell the ability to identify people from pictures of their faces.

As the technology has evolved, some municipalities have banned their police departments from using it to identify suspects.

In February, Minneapolis city council voted to ban its police department from using facial recognition technology.

Other cities have also done the same, including Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; and Boston.

Randolph's arrest has become the highest profile acknowledgement by the FBI that they use the software to hunt down suspects.

According to a federal court affidavit, the face recognition tool yielded results associated with the Instagram page of an individual (Individual-1) from Kentucky who appeared to be the girlfriend of the SUBJECT.

Individual-1s Instagram account also contained a photograph of the SUBJECT (see Figure 11) wearing the same grey toboggan with white Carhartt embroidered on the front.

Last week, two FBI agents working undercover managed to speak to Randolph at his workplace. During their conversation, the topic of the Capitol riots came up.

According to court papers, Randolph told the undercover agents that s*** went crazy and that it was f*****g fun to take part in the insurrection.

RANDOLPH opined that the female police officer likely had a concussion because she was curled up in the fetal position after being pushed to the ground, according to federal investigators.

He was arrested and taken into custody on Tuesday, with his case the most high profile acknowledgement by the FBI that they have used facial recognition technology to identify suspected Capitol rioters.

The agency said Randolph was being held in federal custody and was expected to have his first appearance before a federal judge on Thursday.

It was unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment for him.

Federal authorities say that Randolph is the man pictured above as he and several others stormed metal barricades just outside the US Capitol on January 6

Randolph is allegedly seen above pushing through a metal barricade manned by a Capitol Police officer. The officer hit her head on a staircase and lost consciousness as a result of the assault, according to federal investigators

The FBI says that is used facial recognition technology to identify Randolph from his girlfriend's Instagram account. The image above was posted to Instagram by Randolph's girlfriend in December 2020. Randolph is seen above wearing the same gray Carhartt knit cap. Randolph's girlfriend's Instagram containing the photo the FBI used is private. It is unclear if the profile was open when it was scanned with the software.

Federal authorities managed to track down Randolph through the social media account of Jeannie Hood (right)

Randolph is seen above in a photo wearing the gay Carhartt hat

After the riot, a video of a man purported to be Randolph went viral on Instagram.

It shows the individual assaulting a member of the US Capitol Police and engaging in disruptive or disorderly conduct, according to court documents first obtained by Huffington Post.

Randolph was alleged to have been among a crowd that gathered to the west of the US Capitol near the Peace Monument in the roundabout that connects Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 1st Street NW.

According to court papers, Randolph and another individual led the crowd past a fence line and toward a second line of metal barricades manned by uniformed Capitol Police officers.

Randolph, who is allegedly seen in photos and video wearing a gray Carhartt toboggan, a black jacket, and a gray turtleneck, can be seen violently pushing and pulling the barricades until the crowd successfully pushed the barricades down on top of the officers, according to federal investigators

On social media, a Twitter account with the handle @SeditionHunters circulated the suspects image with the hashtag #GrayCarharttHat, a reference to the knit cap that Randolph was allegedly wearing

Federal investigators then used an open source facial comparison tool that has been known to provide reliable results in the past. According to a federal court affidavit, the face recognition tool yielded results associated with the Instagram page of an individual (Individual-1) from Kentucky who appeared to be the girlfriend of the SUBJECT

Last week, two FBI agents working undercover managed to speak to Randolph at his workplace. During their conversation, the topic of the Capitol riots came up. According to court papers, Randolph told the undercover agents that s*** went crazy and that it was f*****g fun to take part in the insurrection

Randolph, who is allegedly seen in photos and video wearing a gray Carhartt toboggan, a black jacket, and a gray turtleneck, can be seen violently pushing and pulling the barricades until the crowd successfully pushed the barricades down on top of the officers, according to federal investigators.

At one point, a man alleged to be Randolph can be seen knocking over a police officer, causing the officers head to hit the stairs behind her, resulting in a loss of consciousness.

Randolph is then alleged to have continued to assault two other USCP officers by physically pushing, shoving, grabbing, and generally resisting the officers and interfering with their official duties, according to federal court papers.

In late January, the FBI asked the public for help in identifying a man designated as #168-AFO.

On social media, a Twitter account with the handle @SeditionHunters circulated the suspects image with the hashtag #GrayCarharttHat, a reference to the knit cap that Randolph was allegedly wearing.

The FBI released these photos which allegedly show Randolph just outside of his workplace last month. He appears to be wearing the same gray Carhartt hat

Federal investigators then used an open source facial comparison tool that has been known to provide reliable results in the past.

The FBI did not immediately give additional details about Randolphs arrest or charges.

At least a dozen other Kentucky residents have been arrested in connection with the January 6 riot in which a mob forced its way into the US Capitol building.

More than 370 people are facing federal charges in the deadly insurrection, which also sent lawmakers into hiding and delayed the certification of President Joe Bidens election win.

Many of those who have been arrested and charged were tracked down through viral videos that led investigators to identify them on their social media accounts.

HOW DOES FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY ACTUALLY WORK? At least 117 million Americans have images of their faces in one or more police databases. According to a May 2018 report, the FBI has had access to 412 million facial images for searches Facial recognition technology (FRT) is available to the wider public thanks to open source software whose code can be modified or enhanced by programmers. There are dozens of FRT software available on the market today. The technology is used to log in to mobile phones, access biometric data, gain clearance into secure spaces, and even pay for groceries. In 2014, FRT first appeared when Facebook announced the rollout of DeepFace, a program that was able to determine whether two photographed faces belonged to the same person. DeepFace was a smashing success having achieved an accuracy rate of 97.25 per cent. A year later, Google unveiled FaceNet, which bested its rival with an accuracy rate of 99.63 per cent. The technology has evolved leaps and bounds since then as open source algorithms on most available software today can net an accuracy rate that is even better than FaceNet. How does FRT work? There are three stages. First, an algorithm is trained to detect a face in an image. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to automatically detect human faces from surveillance cameras, social media and other sources and attempts to match the images with a countywide mug shot database Faces are then mapped by measuring the distance between nodal points, which are placed in several areas including between the eyes, nose, eyebrows, and the other facial features. These measurements are then compared with other data sets within a database of other photographs, where a match can be found. The final step involves identifying the photo by attaching a name to the face using information from the database. At least 117 million Americans have images of their faces in one or more police databases. According to a May 2018 report, the FBI has had access to 412 million facial images for searches. The technology has raised concerns by some who worry it could be a dangerous step toward a surveillance state where peoples movements are tracked the moment they leave their homes. Earlier this year, Minneapolis' city council voted to bar the local police department from using facial recognition technology. Minneapolis joined a small, but growing number of cities that have banned the technology, including Los Angeles, Boston and Portland, Oregon. Law enforcement has defended the technology as an important a tool and that even a grainy image captured on a security camera or social-media account can lead investigators to a suspect who might otherwise have gone undetected. Sources: Data Driven Investor, Norton Advertisement

While there has been some pushback against the use of facial recognition technology, one company has seen its technology increasingly adopted by law enforcement.

Clearview AI, one of the leading face recognition software brands, said that after the Capitol riot, law enforcement agencies have come to rely on their technology. Usage of the brand increased by 26 per cent, according to the firm.

A report by the federal Government Accountability Office found that between 2011 and 2019, law enforcement officials around the country have performed 390,186 searches using face recognition technology.

Last summer, as Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets in the wake of the police-involved death of George Floyd, the usage of face recognition technology spiked.

Face recognition technology is also widely deployed by US Customs and Border Protection personnel that man ports of entry across the country.

In 2020, CBP used face recognition on more than 23 million travelers - an increase from 19 million the year prior.
MINNEAPOLIS - Lavish Metger had to be here. The 28-year-old had spent the past two months vacationing in Colombia, far from the bitter cold we
ust the thought of finding time to go to the doctor, making an appointment and waiting for lab work stresses out Missy Beasley.

The Spring resident is a busy mom and co-owns CORE Health and Fitness with her husband, Ty Beasley. When she is not teaching a boot camp, shes guiding a client through their nutrition plan as a registered dietitian.

Health is Beasleys passion  but its not always easy to fit her personal concerns into her schedule.

For the past few years, Beasley has struggled with regular headaches. One of her boot camp clients suggested she try an allergy test with imaware  a company that offers at-home tests  to see if food or respiratory allergens could be at the root.

Beasley signed up. And after a quick finger prick, she mailed the test back for analysis.

I had my results in like two days, she said. It was extremely convenient.

Beasley learned that she had no food or respiratory allergies. Now, having eliminated this potential, she feels more empowered for her next doctors visit.

I like the fact that Im in control, she said.

Health care instead of sick care

Beasleys story is exactly what Austin resident Jani Tuomi had in mind when he founded imaware in 2018.

He knew several people were struggling to find the causes of health concerns but felt powerless on their wellness journeys.

Tuomi wanted to put patients in the drivers seat. But there was a problem.

On HoustonChronicle.com: She's found vaccine appointments for 500 people. For free.

I had no health care training, said Tuomi, who earned his bachelors in mathematics from the University of Waterloo and later worked as vice president of a technology firm in Canada. Im a computer science student who worked in production and data.

Still, he was confident that technology could empower consumers, including individuals who wanted better medical care.

Doctors are really good at sick care, Tuomi said. If you have a symptom or pain or something happens, then, the doctors can fix you. But that doesnt fit the definition of health care.

He began working with doctors to develop tests that would make it easier to become proactive about their own health. He launched imaware in 2017 with a $99 at-home test for celiac disease. He explained that individuals with autoimmune disease often struggle with diagnosis and treatment.

Were not trying to replace doctors, Tuomi said. We want to equip patients  so they can go to their doctors with more knowledge and more data.

Before long, the tests expanded to rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Now, clients can sign up for screening blood sugar and cholesterol or checking thyroid and testosterone levels.

Having knowledge leads to prevention and smarter treatment, Tuomi said. Everything was moving forward and imawares menu of services were expanding.

Then COVID arrived, Tuomi said.

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3

Shortly after news of the coronavirus arrived in Houston, Tuomi began to ask, Can we do an at-home test for COVID?

There was no national testing strategy, he said. A lot of people thought COVID would be a small case. We saw it starting to expand and we wanted to help. And we already had doctors, nurses and tests.

Soon, imaware was approved to begin offering their product. Tuomi contacted Deborah Moore, assistant director to the Houston Health Department.

They reached out to us when we had early signs that COVID was really going to be a problem in our community, Moore recalled. They made us aware that they had the ability to do at-home COVID testing.

That was particularly interesting to the department, she explained, because of concerns about elderly or disabled citizens who would not be able to go in person to testing sites.

Being tested in their home was much more attractive to them, Moore said.

After assessing the option with her team, the Houston Health Department moved forward.

We felt like, lets try it, she said. It began as a pilot. We authorized them to test a small number of older adults, and they passed muster. We struck up a partnership.

The company and health department have now worked together since last June and have tested about 1,000 elderly adults or individuals with disabilities in their own homes.

On HoustonChronicle.com: UTMB nurses deliver COVID vaccines to homebound patients in bitter-cold conditions

Some of our population are homebound, and they could not get out even if they wanted to, Moore said. imaware fit that niche perfectly. Before we even recognized how big the issue was, we had the opportunity to get in front of it.

The company also had the ability to deploy staff to senior housing complexes, she added.

Having a partner willing to do that, and provide the testing, is one of the strategies that helped us a lot, she said.

Having already developed the at-home tests for other conditions made it easier to switch gears for COVID, Tuomi said.

We launched it in eight days, he said. We had built 98 percent of it beforehand, with no idea COVID would hit.

And that offered further proof of the concept.

It was validating for me, he said. The platform can help people, and thats the most important thing.

A new normal  for health

COVID-19 also validated the need to detect and treat underlying conditions, Tuomi explained.

Going forward, we have to all think about health and prevention, he said. Weve got to get more prevention-oriented.

Making that shift in health care has been a longtime pursuit of Dr. Ford Brewer, a preventative and occupational medicine specialist based in Lexington. He joined imaware last year as medical adviser.

Brewer had promoted telemedicine for decades, before COVID-19 made it the norm; he also had been working in the start-up of diagnostic apps.

The real crux of medicine and prevention is chronic disease, Brewer said.

His mission was to make it simpler to discover health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease.

The doctors were ready, the technology was there and ready, and the need was there, he said. Then COVID happened, and its quickly becoming a standard.

The missing piece, however, was the availability of lab testing, Brewer explained. Then, he discovered Tuomi, and they began working together.

Its a big deal for people to start getting information about their bodies from the comfort of their own home, he said.

In February, imaware conducted a study asking 1,000 individuals across the U.S. how their health care habits have changed since the pandemic, learning that more patients are interested in at-home care. About 65 percent of survey respondents said they would prefer to have their blood work checked at home.

Tuomi said that the results of the survey show that individuals value having easily accessible health care options, which he is confident will remain true long after the pandemic.

Dr. Jake Kushner serves as medical director of McNair Interests, a private investment and management company headquartered in Houston, an investor in imaware.

This company will bring testing directly to consumers, he said. I view this as a visionary idea.

Before joining McNair Interests, Kushner served as chief of pediatric diabetes and endocrinology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital.

He said that when patients are more proactive about their health, doctors benefit.

He explained that during the pandemic, telemedicine allowed patients to rethink traditional health care. And he doesnt think the demand will go away. I dont see it reversing, he said. Once consumers know they can get tests delivered in the mailbox, why would they want to go out to a lab?

At-home tests can also eliminate barriers to health care, he said. Rural communities benefit from not having to drive a long distance to a doctor, and the availability of a la carte tests can help keep costs low.

Thats next-generation medicine, he said. Thats something well see more and more of.

Tuomi expects to add more tests to the menu at imaware. Making them more affordable and getting results rapidly are also high priorities.

He envisions a day when health care could be like auto insurance, where consumers can shop around for the best programs and have more options. In the meantime, providing individuals more information about their health in their own homes remains his goal.

Were pretty good at doing things when we have data, Tuomi said. If your car gets to 20,000 miles, you get an oil change. If your fire alarm starts to beep, you replace the battery. Well keep making that shift in health care.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer.
Beckwood 110-ton custom hydraulic press for WHK BioSystems With so few manufacturers capable of creating UHMW components for implantable medical devices, we saw this as an opportunity to add to our list of growing capabilities for the medical and life science communities.

Beckwood Press Company, a leading manufacturer of custom hydraulic and servo-electric presses, automation systems, and the Triform line of precision forming equipment, was recently awarded a contract to design and build two custom hydraulic presses for medical contract manufacturer, WHK BioSystems.

The first press is a 110-ton 4-post compression molding machine which will be used for R&D. It features 12x12 heated platens with a bed shuttle that includes a heated mold. The second is a larger 1650-ton compression molding press which will be used for production of UHMW sheets. It features 36 x 60 heated platens and a hydraulically-actuated bed shuttle which also includes a heated mold.

Both machines will feature hot oil heating systems with temperature capacities up to 500-deg. F. and temperature tolerances to within +/-5-deg. F. They also include custom mold frames with heaters as well as Beckwoods proprietary PressLink remote support module for fast, easy troubleshooting.

Over the last five years, weve seen a dramatic increase in demand for machinery to produce UHMW as its use expanded into the medical, aerospace, and defense sectors, said Caleb Dixon, sales engineer at Beckwood. In response to this need, Beckwood has developed multiple press systems that are optimal for manufacturing UHMW sheets.

"In order to mitigate lead times and contamination risks associated with the implant materials supply chain, we made the decision to bring UHMW sheet manufacturing in-house within our own Class 7 cleanroom environment," said Robert Klingel, Jr., President of WHK BioSystems. "With so few manufacturers capable of creating UHMW components for implantable medical devices, we saw this as an opportunity to add to our list of growing capabilities for the medical and life science communities."

About WHK Biosystems

Established in 2012, WHK BioSystems is a contract manufacturer of single-use process components and assemblies for the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, and medical industries. They are an FDA registered facility and maintain an ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management system. WHK also offers Class 7 cleanrooms and controlled environment production. Headquartered in Clearwater, FL, they offer a wide array of manufacturing capabilities including TPE and silicone injection molding, TPE extrusion, laser cutting, machining, assembly, 3D printing, and RF welding. Learn more at whkbiosystems.com.

About Beckwood Press Company

Beckwood Press Company is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic and servo-electric presses, located in St. Louis, MO - USA. Established in 1976, they offer both standard and custom presses as well as automation equipment for virtually every industry and application, including a line of temperature-controlled presses for compression molding and high-temperature hot forming / SPF applications. Beckwood also manufactures the Triform line of precision forming equipment and the EVOx line of servo-electric presses. Get the latest news from Beckwood at beckwoodpress.com/news.
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In Sivasagar District, Assam

Three employees, two Junior Technicians (Production) and a Junior Engineering Assistant of Oil & Natural Gas Corpn (ONGC) have been abducted by unknown armed miscreants in the early hours of 21 April 2021. The abduction took place on a rig site of ONGC in Lakwa field of Sivasagar District.

The abducted employees were taken by the miscreants in an operational vehicle belonging to ONGC. Later, the vehicle was found abandoned near the Nimonagarh jungles close to the Assam-Nagaland border.

A complaint has been lodged by ONGC with the local police. Higher officials of the State Police are on the site. Local administration has been informed about the incident and ONGC is in constant touch with the higher authorities.

ONGC has been exploring and producing oil and gas in Upper Assam since early 1960s.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It did not surprise me that the jury in the Chauvin case found him guilty on all charges. From the guy in the White House to Maxine "Guilty, Guilty, Guilty" Waters to the local reporters, the leftist establishment made it clear to the jurors that if they did not rule "the correct way," not only would cities across America burn but also that they and their families would be at risk of serious, possibly deadly, repercussions. What BLM has turned us into is a nation in which a despicable faux equity, which is really collective punishment, has superseded justice.

Here's what the evidence showed: George Floyd, a repeat felon who once held a gun to a pregnant woman during a home robbery, was hopped up on a whole pharmacy of illegal drugs, and passed a fake $20 bill. When the police arrived, this huge man was showing all the signs of acute drug intoxication  rapid speech, confusion, paranoia, and an inability to breathe. He fought them viciously when they tried to get him into the police car.

The police on the scene figured out that Floyd was suffering from excited delirium, called paramedics, and then used a textbook restraint  Floyd on his stomach with Chauvin's knee on Floyd's shoulder blades. (Chauvin, incidentally, was smaller and lighter than Floyd.) Floyd continued to talk, which meant he could breathe, even if he repeated his earlier claim that he couldn't breathe. The fentanyl on which he was overdosing sedated his breathing.

Normally, once Floyd was subdued, the cops might have let up on him. However, a loud, aggressive, and threatening crowd surrounded them, making it impossible for the police to release the textbook restraint Chauvin had on Floyd. So Floyd died.

An autopsy showed three times the fatal level of fentanyl in his system, along with myriad other drugs, COVID, obesity, and advanced heart disease. The autopsy did not show any of the signs of suffocation. He died because of bad lifestyle choices and because a woke crowd made it impossible for the police to do anything but maintain their defensive posture. Woke killed Floyd.

Here's what the facts also show: Minneapolis handed $27 million to Floyd's family, proving he was worth a lot more dead than he ever was alive. The media did everything it could, short of naming them, to identify the individual jurors. Because the judge refused to sequester them, the jurors knew this.

The jurors also had to have known that Eric Nelson, Chauvin's attorney, faced serious threats to his life. They may even have known that Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman and other public officials have literally been chased out of Minneapolis because of threats.

Jurors couldn't have helped but notice that their city was preparing for a violent siege if, God forbid, Chauvin was found not guilty. And despite Biden's boast that he had waited until the jury was sequestered to say he was certain Chauvin was guilty and that the jury had better come out with the "right" verdict, I'm willing to bet they knew about that, too.

With the verdict in, the Vichy Republicans are already on the move:

Sen. Tim Scott and other Republicans on Capitol Hill and nationally lauded the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd on Tuesday, saying that the verdict proved the strength of the American judicial system. [snip] Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, also said he agreed with the verdict. [snip] Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville said the conviction was the result of strong American institutions.

Intimidating a jury is now justice in America. It was all summed up in an email from a "Republican consultant" named Jonathan Lockwood, who sent out this BLM-inspired mass email:

Chauvin verdict must be followed by more. Black lives matter. Today's justice must not be a blip, but become the baseline: if you execute a black man in the streets, you will be held accountable. The Republicans dog-whistling following today's justice are more KKK, than they are conservative. Today is a turning point and it deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, but it must be followed with more justice. Injustice never rests, we must never rest.

Predictably, Nancy Pelosi made a completely inane statement about "justice":

Speaker Pelosi at the Congressional Black Caucus presser after Chauvin verdict:



Thank you George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice. pic.twitter.com/JfapSsKdtX  The Recount (@therecount) April 20, 2021

Floyd now joins the long list of other Democrat martyrs: Trayvon Martin, the drugged up thug who tried to beat George Zimmerman to death; Michael Brown, the strong-arm robber who tried to steal a cop's gun; Breonna Taylor, the drug-dealer's moll whose boyfriend shot at the police; Adam Toledo, the 13-year-old gun-toting gangster known as "Lil Homicide"; Daunte Wright, wanted for choking and robbing a woman; Jacob Blake, rapist with a knife; and Rayshard Brooks, a convicted child-abuser who stole a cop's taser. For each of them, one could say what Shakespeare said of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor after his death: "Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it." I prefer the Christian martyrs of old who stood for moral principles, but I guess I'd better get with the times.

Note well: what we have seen for the last year, which culminated in Minneapolis, is not justice. It isn't even revenge. Revenge is leveled against the person who did the wrong. Chauvin, however, did exactly what police are supposed to do. What we're seeing here instead is race-based and police-based collective punishment. It's completely evil and is the antithesis of justice.

We can only hope that, on appeal, the judges who review the circumstances surrounding the verdict understand that Chauvin's trial was so tainted that the verdict cannot stand. Otherwise, a police officer who did what he was trained to do will spend life in prison because the Democrats see a path to permanent power by convincing a hate-filled mob that two wrongs make a right.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
OTTAWA  Housing advocates are giving a thumbs-down to the Trudeau governments massive budget, saying the proposed funding will have limited effect on homelessness in cities such as Winnipeg.

OTTAWA  Housing advocates are giving a thumbs-down to the Trudeau governments massive budget, saying the proposed funding will have limited effect on homelessness in cities such as Winnipeg.

"It's not going to end or reduce homelessness; it's not keeping up with demand," Christina Maes Nino, head of the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association, said about the spending plan announced Monday in Ottawa.

"Unless there's a big change and a massive investment, we're not going to see an end of homeless encampments."

A month ago, local Liberal MPs held consultations with Manitoba housing groups, building up expectations that the budget would drastically improve or expedite the existing national housing strategy.

Instead, the Liberals proposed a $1.5 billion top-up to a popular program to retrofit unused buildings for rental housing, all to be spent within a year.

The Rapid Housing Initiative was launched only last fall, but has already paid for 88 units for some of Winnipegs most vulnerable.

The Liberals are adding $1 billion in various subsidies spread out over seven years.

The budget also expedites funds for loans meant to help build mixed-income housing, without adding more money. Instead, it pulls forward $1.3 billion originally planned from later years into the next 24 months.

"There will be an incremental increase (but) given the needs, especially caused by COVID, it really is a missed opportunity," said Jeff Morrison, head of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.

He was pleased with the boost in funding for retrofits, but disappointed there wasnt an increase in financing for new builds.

"That doesn't really add any new housing; that just shifts the time frame a bit," Morrison said.

"It's really not going to make a substantial difference to people waiting for affordable housing."

Mondays budget changes are supposed to result in 35,660 affordable housing units either built or repaired across Canada. Thats in addition to 126,450 previously announced units, not all of which have been built yet.

The housing strategy remains backloaded, with most of its spending weighed toward its March 2028 completion.

Advocates say the funding commitments simply don't match the growing needs across Canada.

According to a 2020 report commissioned by the city, Winnipeg needs more than 300 new affordable units each year to keep up with demand.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer recently found that since the housing strategy launched in November 2017, only 143 affordable units were earmarked for Manitoba, not all of which have actually been built.

Housing advocates are distressed that Ottawa has failed to publish a housing plan for urban Indigenous people, despite promising to do so in November 2017 at the launch of the national housing strategy.

In February, the PBO reported that Winnipeg has the highest number of Indigenous households living in inadequate conditions, more than in larger cities.

Indigenous people living off-reserve in Manitoba are 1.7 times more likely than others to be living in a home considered to be overcrowded, unaffordable or in major disrepair.

In the wake of that report, federal cabinet minister Dan Vandal told the Free Press he agreed with critics that his government isnt moving fast enough for the chronic needs of Indigenous people in Winnipeg.

"We have to move quicker on that; I will admit that," the Saint Boniface-Saint Vital MP said. "Working with urban Indigenous people has to be a priority. Certainly, we need to a better job."

Vandals office said he was not available Tuesday for an interview.

In Manitoba, just 663 housing units are dedicated to low-income Indigenous people. The budget watchdog found none of those units were built in the last fiscal year, and most of the billions in earmarked funding wont flow for years.

"Most people in the housing world were really expecting and hoping there'd be at least a start of an urban and rural Indigenous housing strategy, and that's not in this budget so that's a huge disappointment," said Maes Nino.

"I don't know what more evidence is needed to show that Indigenous people are disproportionately suffering from poor housing conditions. How could it be any more obvious?"

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 01:27:37|Editor: huaxia

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-- "While we live in an age rife with challenges, it is also an age full of hope," Xi said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 via video.

-- Xi said that the world needs consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits.

-- Reiterating that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a public road open to all, Xi said all interested countries are welcome aboard to take part in the cooperation and share in its benefits.

BOAO, Hainan, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday advocated a more fair and equitable global governance system while opposing unilateralism, hegemony and "Cold War" mentality.

Xi underscored the trend toward a multi-polar world, resilience in economic globalization, and the need to uphold multilateralism and enhance communication and coordination, striking the right chord at a time when the world is marred by rising instability and uncertainty.

"While we live in an age rife with challenges, it is also an age full of hope," Xi said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 via video.





CHINESE VISION ON GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Xi said that the world needs consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits.

"Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape in the world, conform to the historical trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation, and meet the practical needs in addressing global challenges," he said.

"What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony," Xi said. "Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility."

Calling for the building of an open world economy, Xi said the world needs to "promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains."

In the age of economic globalization, attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles, and would hurt others' interests without benefiting oneself, he noted.

Xi added that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that "we must reject the cold-war and zero-sum mentality."

Xi's vision for global cooperation on issues such as public health security and climate change was echoed by world leaders who attended the conference.

The issues of the pandemic, economic recovery, poverty and climate change call for leaders to stand out in a challenging time and lead with insights and solutions, said former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the conference.

"We must join hands and stand as one, improving global governance, enhancing international cooperation and moving the world closer to the 2030 sustainable development goals through innovative initiatives such as the Belt and Road," he said.

Participants pose for a group photo during the 2021 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 18, 2021.(Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Meanwhile, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said that more countries should commit to supporting an open, non-discriminatory and rule-based trade system worldwide particularly during these trying times.

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hailed China for sharing its COVID-19 vaccines with the rest of the world, especially developing countries.

"We appreciate that China considers its vaccine against the coronavirus a global public good," she said.

HIGH-QUALITY BELT AND ROAD COOPERATION

Reiterating that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a public road open to all, Xi said all interested countries are welcome aboard to take part in the cooperation and share in its benefits.

Going forward, China will continue to work with other parties in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said Xi, adding that efforts will be made to build a closer partnership for health cooperation, connectivity, green development, and openness and inclusiveness.

China will work with all sides to promote "hard connectivity" of infrastructure and "soft connectivity" of rules and standards, ensure unimpeded channels for trade and investment cooperation, and actively develop Silk Road e-commerce, Xi said.

As for cooperation in the health sector, Chinese businesses have already started joint vaccine production in BRI participating countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.

Xi also called for strengthening cooperation on green infrastructure, green energy and green finance, and making green a defining feature of Belt and Road cooperation.

Photo taken on April 17, 2021 shows the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

The BRI, proposed by Xi in 2013, was hailed by conference participants for opening up possibilities and sharing opportunities among countries and regions.

Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said the BRI could be a laboratory of initiatives that are good for the health and the sustainable future of the planet.

"The BRI is about connectivity. Over the years, we saw how China has gone out and focused on creating connectivity through building highways and container ports, said Jens Eskelund, managing director of Maersk China Ltd.

Going out and creating the right infrastructure can be a powerful enabler of trade and bring countries together, Eskelund added.

(Video reporters: Yin Le, Wang Junfeng, Guo Liangchuan, Li Shuting, Jiang Sai, Su Yiren, Zhu Jing, Wu Siyu, Lu Jia, Zhou Xuan; Video editor: Zhang Yucheng)
New Delhi: Amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases, concerns over oxygen supply for patients suffering from coronavirus continues to haunt the national capitals hospitals on Wednesday (April 21).

Some major government and private hospitals in Delhi received fresh stock of medical oxygen in the early hours of Wednesday, averting a crisis just in time, according to officials.

A day after Delhi hospitals reported an acute shortage of oxygen supply in the high court and political leaders including Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia appealed the Centre to supply oxygen cylinders to the COVID hospitals in the national capital, over 4500 cubic metres of oxygen were supplied by a private vendor and 6000 cubic meters by Inox Air to Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital. Additionally, 10 tons of oxygen was supplied to LNJP Hospital as well.

These oxygen tanks arrived at Delhi hospitals late on Tuesday (April 20) after the city reported it had only hours of oxygen supply left. An official at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital confirmed that a truck carrying oxygen from a firm reached them around 1:30 am.

4500 cubic metres of oxygen supplied by a private vendor last night, 6000 cubic meters by Inox Air. The total requirement at present is 11,000 cubic meters. Supply should last till 9 am tomorrow. Indian Oxygen Ltd & Inox promised to refill tanks during the day, Ganga Ram Hospital stated.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi and his deputy Manish Sisodia said there will be chaos in the city if the stocks are not replenished by Wednesday morning.

Amid the worsening COVID-19 situation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal are scheduled to hold a meeting at 11 AM today to discuss the issue of oxygen cylinders.

Most hospitals in Delhi have only eight to 12 hours of oxygen left. We have been asking the Centre to increase its supply for the last seven days. There will be chaos in Delhi if hospitals do not get enough oxygen by Wednesday morning, Sisodia had tweeted in Hindi, along with a note.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had sent an SOS to Union minister Piyush Goyal at 10:20 in the night on Tuesday, saying "oxygen at GTB Hospital may not last beyond 4 hrs".

"More than 500 corona patients on oxygen. Pl help @PiyushGoyal to restore oxygen supply to avert major crises," he tweeted on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded 277 deaths in the last 24 hours on Tuesday evening, the highest since the pandemic began over a year ago, and 28,395 new cases of COVID-19.

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BTC/USD PRICE OUTLOOK: BITCOIN STRUGGLING BELOW ITS 50-DAY SIMPLE MOVING AVERAGE

Bitcoin has stayed subdued since invalidating its year-to-date ascending trendline

BTC/ USD price action looks likely to remain under pressure below its 50-day SMA

The cryptocurrency could search for technical support near the $50,000-price level

Check out the DailyFX Education Center to sharpen your technical analysis skills!

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) has faced headwinds over recent trading sessions. The largest cryptocurrency by market cap plunged roughly -10% this past weekend and has been struggling to regain altitude ever since. This selloff led to a breakdown of the bullish trend that guided Bitcoin higher throughout most of the year. The latest stretch of downside also pushed Bitcoin below its 50-day simple moving average, and this could leave BTC/USD price action vulnerable to further weakness.

BTC/USD  BITCOIN PRICE CHART: DAILY TIME FRAME (27 DEC 2020 TO 21 APR 2021)

Chart by @RichDvorakFX created using TradingView

In our last Bitcoin forecast, we highlighted potential for another breakout that would likely face pushback from bearish divergence on the relative strength index, which came to fruition. Now, it looks like Bitcoin bears have wrestled back control of direction, but the bottom Bollinger Band has provided buoyancy to BTC/USD price action so far. Reclaiming the 50-day simple moving average could increase the odds of a rebound higher, but the negatively sloped 20-day simple moving average still lurks overhead. This brings to focus the $50,000-price level into focus as a more formidable area of technical support for Bitcoin, which is roughly underpinned by its 38.2% Fibonacci retracement and 100-day simple moving average.

To that end, though the Bank of Canada may be one of the relatively smaller fish in the pond of major central banks, their latest decision to taper weekly asset purchases by C$1-billion seems noteworthy. This rollback of extraordinary monetary support reduces the amount of liquidity being injected into the financial system, and arguably, paves the way for other central banks to follow suit down the road. As such, anti-fiat assets like Bitcoin could face headwinds from this less-dovish shift in monetary policy  particularly once the Federal Reserve signals appetite for hopping aboard the taper train. This fundamental driver will likely remain on the backburner for now, however, as more dominant forces, like increasing private sector adoption and threat of regulatory oversight, strongarm the direction of cryptocurrencies.

-- Written by Rich Dvorak, Analyst for DailyFX.com

Connect with @RichDvorakFX on Twitter for real-time market insight
The Federal Council

Bern, 21.04.2021 - The Federal Council has approved on 21 April 2021 the first status report on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2018 report on the Swiss commodities sector, which shows that significant progress has been made in improving the framework conditions for the commodities sector, while at the same time strengthening its integrity.

On 30 November 2018, the Federal Council had made 16 recommendations in its report 'The Swiss commodities sector: current situation and outlook.' The new report shows that essential progress has been made in the areas of competitiveness, innovative strength, integrity, sustainability of industry practices and dialogue with stakeholders (cantons, companies and NGOs).

The commodities sector  in particular commodities trading  remains a significant segment of the Swiss economy. New figures published in March by the Federal Statistical Office show that some 900 firms in Switzerland are engaged in commodities trading. Nationally, they provide employment for almost 10,000 people. These actors are supported by a whole range of associated professions in the areas of finance, certification and transport.

In the Federal Council's view, the principal focus areas of work currently in progress are still relevant. These are to reinforce Switzerland's position as a competitive, environmentally and socially responsible place to do business, and a commitment to improve sector governance at the international level. Since the November 2018 report, Switzerland has focused on implementing its recommendations to address specific challenges, particularly in the areas of gold, commodity trade finance, transparency and research support. The joint work of the Federal Administration's various offices has ensured a smooth flow of information with external partners. This coordinated approach strengthens Switzerland's standing as a contributor to the development of multilateral standards for the commodities sector.

Switzerland will remain committed to achieving a level playing field at the international level and will continue to promote responsible practices, and to maintaining dialogue between the various stakeholders. To this end, the interdepartmental platform on commodities will be maintained and will continue work already under way.

Address for enquiries

For further information:

FDFA Communication

Tel. +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55

kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




Japan to cut 2021 saury catch quota to record low

April 21,2021 | Source: The Japan Times

The Fisheries Agency of Japan on Tuesday unveiled a draft plan to cut Japans saury catch quota for 2021 to a record low of 155,335 tons, down 41.2% from the previous year.



Based on an international agreement, Japan aims to reduce its 2021 quota by more than 40% from the current provisional level of 264,000 tons, unchanged from 2020.



Amid some of the poorest saury catches in history, Japan will step up its efforts to conserve fish stocks for a future recovery, informed sources said.



The agency presented the draft plan at a meeting with domestic fishers. It will be formally adopted in the near future after a meeting of the Fisheries Policy Council, which advises the agriculture minister.



Pacific saury stocks are believed to be decreasing due to higher seawater temperatures and aggressive fishing by China and Taiwan in the high seas before the fish reach Japanese coastal waters.



At an annual meeting of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission in February, eight members, including Japan, China and Taiwan, agreed to set a cap on their overall saury catches for 2021 at 333,750 tons, down 40% from the previous year.



Japans saury catches have been generally declining since their peak of some 575,000 tons in 1958.



According industry data, the countrys saury catches in 2020 fell 27% from the previous year to 29,566 tons, hitting a record low for the second successive year.



Despite progress in fishery resource management, Japans new 2021 quota would be still 120,000 tons more than the amount caught in 2020.



Some observers are calling for the lowering of quotas for Japan and other economies to ensure that fish stocks recover faster.

 THE JAPAN TIMES LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 03:07:29|Editor: huaxia

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Fire breaks out at the blast site in Quetta, Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, on April 21, 2021. Three people were killed and 11 others injured when a bomb went off inside the parking area of Serena hotel in Balochistan province Wednesday night, hospital sources said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and 11 others injured when a bomb went off inside the parking area of Serena hotel in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province Wednesday night, hospital sources said.

A spokesperson of Civil Hospital where the injured people were shifted told Xinhua that two of the injured people are in critical condition while more injured people are being brought to the hospital.

Inspector General Police of Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Rai told media that explosive materials were fixed inside a car in the parking area and the site has been sealed by the counter terrorism department of police which has restricted media to reach the site.

Bomb disposal squad reached the blast site to investigate further into the incident.

The country's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad told media that the injured people also included policemen deployed at the security of the hotel.

Intelligence sources from Quetta told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that it was a loud blast which was heard many miles away.

Fire erupted in several vehicles following the blast and window glass of the hotel and nearby buildings also broke due to the impact of the explosion, the sources added.

No group has claimed the attack yet. Enditem
The Italian town of Pietrasanta is where youll find Officine 08, an ambitious workshop co-founded by Simone Spina and Danilo del Raso in 2011. Tuscanys craftsmen pride themselves with a gorgeous selection of custom motorcycles bred on their premises, among which we spotted a stunning Moto Guzzi 1000SP. In fact, lets take a closer look at this gem.Before it rolled into their garage, this mean machine was a regular 1981 variant from the House of Mandello del Larios lineup. The donor in question is powered by a 90-degree 949cc V-twin engine, with four valves and a compression ratio of 9.2:1. In stock form, this air-cooled fiend generates a respectable 71 hp at 6,800 revs and 62 pound-feet (84 Nm) of twist at about 5,200 rpm.A five-speed transmission is tasked with distributing the mills force to the rear wheel via a shaft final drive, enabling the stallion to run the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 92 mph (148 kph). Now, a stock 1000SP is no toy, but Officines unique showstopper (dubbed Banfugliera) takes things to an entirely different level.For starters, the team modified the bikes swingarm to accommodate a wider tire. As soon as the correct proportions were achieved, they shortened the subframe unit in preparation for the bespoke bodywork. Next, they discarded the cast hoops in favor of laced counterparts from Borranis range.Up front, we notice 50-mm (2-in) inverted Showa forks, while the Guzzis rear suspension setup received a pair of adjustable YSS shock absorbers. For an ample dose of additional stopping power, Italys moto architects installed a neat selection of premium braking components from Brembo on both ends. The following step consisted of treating the V-twin powerplant to a comprehensive makeover.As such, the 949cc colossus has been adorned with a lightweight flywheel and high-compression pistons, as well as 38 mm (1.5 inches) DellOrto carburetors and a two-into-one exhaust system developed by Mass. Furthermore, the Officine 08 crew went as far as fitting a state-of-the-art Toyo oil cooler to ensure that temperatures will be kept under control.In terms of electrics, a reworked wiring harness breathes life into fresh LED lighting modules and a Dynatek ignition setup. Banfuglieras cockpit comes equipped with a single Acewell speedometer that keeps it free of any unwanted cutter. With these items in place, the surgeons turned their attention to the cosmetics.Thus, this one-off Guzzi brings about a complete fiberglass attire fabricated in-house. At the front, the predator flaunts a hand-shaped fender and a full fairing with retro racing vibes, while its rear end supports a classy tail section that comes together with the side panels to form a single unit. In between, you will find a custom fuel tank rounding things out.Besides bespoke garments, this sexy beast also exhibits an array of aftermarket accessories, such as Menani clip-on handlebars enveloped in Tommaselli grips and Tarozzi rear-mounted foot pegs. To top it all off, the entire structure was enveloped in a two-tone paint scheme incorporating a pale green base and white patches, as well as gold and black pinstripes. In conclusion, its quite safe to say that Officine 08 s pros totally outdid themselves on this remarkable venture.
Bengaluru, April 21 : Karnataka on Wednesday urged the Central government to rush 1,500 tonne of medical oxygen daily to the state for treating Covid patients in state-run and private hospitals.

"Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has written to the Centre to supply 1,500 tonne of medical oxygen daily to overcome its shortage in our hospitals where demand for the gas been rising due to surge in Covid cases," state Health Minister K. Sudhakar told reporters here.

Hoping for an early response from the Centre, he said though 300 tonnes of oxygen has been allotted to the state, the need had doubled due to the surge in cases.

"We need about 600 tonnes of oxygen daily this month and 1,500 tonne in May as Covid cases are expected to peak in the coming weeks," he said.

Referring to anxiety among the people to get admitted to hospital soon after they test Covid positive, the minister said 95 per cent of the cases does not require hospitalisation, as they can be quarantined at home and treated for mild symptoms.

"Patients with mild symptoms or asymptomatic can be isolated at home or in hotels and Covid care centres, set up in cities and towns across the state. Our doctors are visiting home-isolated patients to counsel them on treatment. Only patients with severe symptoms or comorbidities need to be admitted in hospitals, as they require oxygen or ventilator and care," said Sudhakar.

According to the state health bulletin, a record 23,558 new cases were registered in a day, taking the state's Covid tally to 12,22,202, including 1,76,188 active cases.

The infection claimed 116 lives across the state, taking the death toll to 13,762.

Allaying fears about shortage of beds for admitting severe Covid patients, the minister said 1,400 beds have been reserved in private medical colleges in Bengaluru for admitting serious cases on priority.

"In all, 9,851 beds in state-run and private hospitals across the state have been earmarked for treating severe Covid patients. Though positivity rate rose to 15.47 per cent, case fatality rate was 0.49 per cent on Tuesday," he said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Andrew Yang may be leading early polls in the New York City mayors race, but he has nonetheless faced skepticism from many left-leaning voters and trails most of his main Democratic rivals in endorsements.

On Wednesday, Mr. Yang attempted to address some of that skepticism, announcing that he had landed the support of Carlos Menchaca, a city councilman from Brooklyn.

Before dropping out of the mayors race last month, Mr. Menchaca had positioned himself as one of the most left-leaning Democrats in the field.

Mr. Menchaca, who is Mexican-American and grew up in public housing in Texas, is best known for scuttling the Industry City rezoning on the Brooklyn waterfront last year  the citys biggest clash over development since the collapse of the Amazon deal in Queens  and for co-sponsoring the legislation that created identification cards for undocumented residents.
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group.

Dear Care and Feeding,

I have never really agreed with the concept of posting about kids on social media. I think that sharing pictures and information should wait until they can understand the consequences and consent to it. Unfortunately, no one else I know, including my wife, seems to share this sentiment. Our kids are 3 and 5, and my wife posts pictures of them constantly, even though I have asked her to stop. She thinks that she has the right, since theyre her kids too. Its not even just my wife; its also my MIL, who loves sharing photos of her grandkids, and friends who post pictures of my kids with their kids on play dates or outings. I cant even ask those people not to post pictures because my wife doesnt follow those rules. For the record, none of the pictures are bad or anything, just normal kid pictures. But I really dont want my kids on social media, period. Is this just something I need to deal with in this era? I feel like the battle is over and I lost, but I dont want to just give up.

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Privacy Please!

Dear PP,

I realize that your wife, MIL, friends, etc., are likely the rule, not the exception, when it comes to sharing photos and info about kids online, but I fully understand your discomfort. My own gut take is that even if your wife doesnt think your kids consent is necessary, she should probably care that you are so uncomfortable with their pictures and details about their lives being out there. I disagree that you cant ask family or friends not to share photos of your kid publicly even though your wife does itI think its totally OK to let others know you arent comfortable with this and would appreciate them respecting this boundary. Acquaintances and even other relatives cant claim, as your wife does, that sharing photos of your kids is a parental prerogative. And theres a difference between your wife sharing things with her friends, whom she at least knows, and your friends sharing things with their friends, including many people you dont know.

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Im not sure how specific youve gotten with your wife about what gives you pause, but perhaps you could also think about whether there are legitimate risks or safety issues related to kids and online sharing that you two havent yet discussed in detail? If my spouse were uncomfortable with what I shared about our family, especially if there were any safety concerns, Id pay attention to that and try to respect it, even if I personally didnt see what the big deal was. Ideally, parents should be in agreement about how much of their family life will be on display for those outside the family; I hope you and your wife are able to get on the same page. In the meantime, make sure the images and personal details arent public, at leastthat theyre limited with privacy settings to friends only. And, as a potential compromise for now, maybe your wife could set up a narrower filter for select friends and family on Facebook and/or Instagram Stories, and the two of you could discuss and agree on the criteria for who gets added to the kid photo/details filter.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

Two years ago, my then-11-year-old daughter tearfully confessed to me that something weird had happened with her uncle when she was 6. At the time, this man had just married my sister-in-law, a single mom of two young daughters whose husband had died six months previously. I was suspicious of him, mainly because my SIL and her kids were in such a vulnerable place and the marriage had taken place so quickly. I never would have allowed my kids to be alone with this guy who I didnt even know, but my mother-in-law was watching them while I was working, and he came over and wanted to take all the cousins to a fun center for the afternoon. I told my kids on the phone to make sure they stayed together. Apparently, after they came back from the fun center, the uncle took my daughter in a bedroom to rest and closed the door. She remembers that they watched TV and snuggled, but nothing else.

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This was all relayed to me five years later, and she said she thought it was weird because this is the only memory she had of this person. Their family moved abroad soon after the wedding. I took her to see a therapist, and the therapist told me she was pretty confident that nothing else had happened. I have gently asked my daughter about it since, and no additional information has come up.

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My dilemma is that the SIL and her family have recently moved back to our area. She wants to get together often, and my excuses for not attending family gatherings are running out. We did finally tell my partners parents, and they were understanding of our reluctance to see this man, but my SIL is persistent. Is this something I should just get over? Should I talk to my SIL about my concerns?

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Undecided in Utah

Dear Undecided,

The fact is we do not know, with certainty, what this man may or may not have done. You have a therapists pretty confident guesswhich may not be entirely reassuring, especially if your child only saw this therapist once or twice. What we do know is that your daughter was in tears when she came to you about this, and years after the fact at that. Even if the whole story is that this brand-new relative isolated your childa child he barely knewtook her to a bedroom, closed the door, and snuggled with her, that is still completely inappropriate. This is not something you or your daughter should just get over, and I dont think you should put her in a position where she might have to see this man over and over at family gatherings.

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I reached out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and consulted with Heather Drevna, RAINNs vice president of communications, who agreed that your daughter should not have to see this uncle again and pointed out that there are a lot of unknowns hereno one can say for certain what happened, or what the repercussions for your daughter or your family would be if you spoke very frankly with your sister-in-law. Whats most important is making sure your daughter is heard and fully supported, so that if she remembers or has more to say at any point, she feels safe talking to you and/or others.

Im linking a few more resources from RAINN (content warning, obviously, before you click). If you ever do suspect that your child may have experienced sexual abuse, or if you just want to talk about this confidentially with a trained service provider, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or rainn.org.

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I truly hope your child has had the opportunity to continue seeing a good therapist, and that she gets all the help and care she needs. You may also decide that you want to seek professional help to talk through your own feelings and figure out how to navigate family gatherings and relationships while prioritizing your daughter. I believe it is far more important to support and protect her than to extend your SILs husband some unearned benefit of the doubt for the sake of avoiding awkwardness or family strife.

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 If you missed Tuesdays Care and Feeding column, read it here.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

I have always wanted kids and still absolutely do. However, Ive slowly been realizing that I dont know if I ever want to be pregnant. It terrifies me. My cousin almost died giving birth; my mom had a difficult C-section and recovery. I also dont love how my body would change. Im not sure if my feelings will change in a few years, when were ready to have kids. I definitely have motherly instincts, but feel like I missed the hormones that are supposed to make me want pregnancy. I admire people who do it and sometimes feel like theres something wrong with me for not wanting to. My mom always talks about how much she loved being pregnant and its the best thing ever. When I point out the birth experience, she says thats just a surgery she had, as if its totally unrelated.

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I am very open to adopting and think its wonderful. I have friends who were adopted, my younger sisters were conceived with an egg donor, and my genes are not so wonderful anyway. I dont think it would change how I feel about my kids. My boyfriend also very much wants kids someday, but he is very adamant on wanting bio kids. He has made comments like hed be willing to adopt one of our kids, but wants to have at least one bio kid. This is super concerning to me for multiple reasons. Im worried he wouldnt love an adopted kid as much. One and one is not a compromise I can say Im willing to make; either Ill be willing to be pregnant or I wont. Im also concerned that Ill officially decide that I want to adopt and that will result in us separating. Alternatively, Im worried hell say hes fine with adoption because he loves me and doesnt want us to break up, but will always have some resentment/regret.

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Do you think adoption is something he could genuinely become OK with? If not, how can I figure out what I want and talk to him about it? I just dont want us to spend years building a life together only for this to tear us apart, and now I cant let go of that fear.

Beware of Birth

Dear Beware,

I sympathize with your feelings of fear and anxiety around pregnancy, labor, and childbirth; I remember feeling the same way. I just really want to stress this part: It doesnt mean that theres something wrong with you if thats not what you want! Its totally OK to decide that pregnancy is not for you.

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As an adoptee, I can confidently say that adoption is not for everyone, either. Nor is it something that anyone should be pressured or forced intothat would be unfair to them, and especially unfair to any future adopted child(ren). For what its worth, I also dont think adoption ought to be chosen solely because you dont want to or cannot have biological kids (though of course those can be and often are contributing factors); I believe you also have to actively want to adopt for its own sake. And even if you do, thats only the first step in deciding whether you should do soI highly recommend that anyone considering adoption educate themselves about it as much as possible, and seek out and read the work of adult adoptees in particular.

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What were open to and what we want can change all the time, of course, especially as we learn new information. Its possible that one day your boyfriend might change his mind and be genuinely open to the possibility of adopting all your kids. But do I think that movement on his part is something you can absolutely, 100 percent count on? Not based on the information you have shared so far.

Its all right if you decide, now or at some point down the road, that this is a deal breaker for youthat you really want to adopt, and that any long-term partner/co-parent will need to be fully on board with that. In the meantime, since you havent fully made up your own mind yet, I think you can just be as open as possible and talk with your boyfriend earnestly, as you do in your letter, about why you feel the way you do right now. You can acknowledge that this might change, but that you do want him to be aware of your current fear and hesitation regarding pregnancy and childbirth (he may not yet understand just how strong those feelings are for you). Maybe the two of you can try to read and learn more about both pregnancy and adoption. In the end, its completely OK if your respective ideal family situations are not identical, but should that prove to be the case, its a good thing to find out about and discuss now as opposed to later.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

My son is almost 3, and we have another little boy due next month. Being active feminists, we believe our sons need to be very clear about consent, what it means, and why its important. When were tickling and our son says stop or no, my husband and I say, Stop! and then we stopsame when wrestling, or any other sort of physical play. What Im struggling with are situations where its not safe for him to say nofor example, when Im getting him into the car after preschool and he says, No! and sprints into the parking lot, I have to go after him and pick him up, against his will. We use redirection, which generally works, but sometimes the stakes are high, and him saying no or stop isnt respected. Are there guidelines for determining when and how to respect a request or demand to stop, while still ensuring they know the importance of consent and respecting other peoples bodily autonomy?

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Consent in the PNW

Dear Consent,

Sure, I actually think youve already found and identified the line: when its a matter of your sons safety or, potentially, someone elses. There are times when he may need to be stopped, held back, picked up, or moved without his consenteither because you dont have time to ask, only to react to prevent him from getting hurt, or because you have to override his no to keep him or others physically safe. You obviously cant just let him run into the road, or climb a tree that cant hold his weight, or punch another kid, just because thats what he wants to do with his body in that moment. (Im not saying he would punch another kid! Just saying that if he ever tried, youd be justified in intervening, if necessary, to restrain him.)

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I would think these exceptions are relatively few and far between, and hopefully will decrease as your son gets older, more mature, more aware of his surroundings and potential dangers, etc. I truly dont think this should lead to him not understanding consent or respecting his and others bodily autonomy, so long as youre consistent in every situation you can safely be regarding his boundaries! Sometimes we do have to step in or override our kids stated wishes to protect them or others from harm.

Nicole

More Advice From Slate

My husband and I have 7-year-old twins. For the first few years I was a stay-at-home mom, but I rejoined the workforce about two years ago. My husband and I decided to hire a nanny instead of sending our kids to day care. After a diligent interview process, we chose Gretchen. She was an outstanding candidate with great experience and references. My children adored her and I did, too. Unfortunately, about five months ago I discovered that Gretchen and my husband were having a sexual affair. In my shock and anger, I fired Gretchen and kicked my husband out of the house. He begged me to reconcile, but I have decided to divorce him. As the months have passed, though, I realize that I regret firing Gretchen. My friends and family think I am nuts, but I want to rehire her! Am I crazy for wanting to take back my nanny and not my husband?
[April 21, 2021] Tuya Smart: Industry Leaders Discuss UK Smart Home Market Growth Trends at the ABC Business Conference 2021

DUSSELDORF, Germany, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA) a leading global IoT cloud platform today concluded the seventh of ten virtual events for the AI+IoT Business Conference Europe series. Today's event featured experts from the UK and Europe who shared insights on trends and outlooks for the UK smart home industry. Remaining in the Europe series are conference days dedicated to Turkey, Greece and finally to the German IoT and smart home market. During the speaker presentations, Ella Yuan, Tuya Smart's Regional Director of Western and Northern Europe, Eurasia pointed out that the UK, Germany, and France are the largest IoT markets in Europe. In fact, the UK might be considered one of the fastest growing markets for smart security solutions. Smart speakers, which are often one of the first purchases a household makes in the smart home segment, are popular products in the UK. Kevin Nolani, Geeral Manager of Operations & Sales for Technical Consumer Products (TCP), an energy efficient lighting company, commented that four key segments are driving smart home adoption in the UK: businesses driving industry adoption, small businesses looking for ease of use, first time buyers trying out small home products, and more mature consumers fully integrating smart home products throughout their household.



Nigel Callaghan, CEO of Link2Home, a UK-based smart home firm, remarked that security and utility management are expected to become the two largest smart home segments in the UK. While currently around 56% of the UK smart home market is comprised of single device users, future development will come from users adopting multiple devices to create an interconnected smart home. Jon Harros, Director of Certification and Testing Programs at Zigbee Alliance, an organization dedicated to creating open standards for IoT products, shared some industry figures in his conference speech. He remarked that currently 57% of homes in the UK have smart devices, with smart meters and smart speakers the most popular smart home devices.

To view the conference presentations, please register at https://www.tuya.com/event/abc/eur. The next event will come on April 22 and relate to the development of smart home market in Greece. For more information, please visit:

Tuya Smart's website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. SOURCE Tuya Smart

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Visas/ Working Holiday Authorisations

News

As part of a wide range of travel measures announced on 26 January 2021, and in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, visa-free travel to Ireland for nationals of certain countries- not the US- was temporarily suspended. Nationals of these countries are currently required to be in possession of an entry visa or transit visa, as appropriate, for travel to Ireland, regardless of where they reside, or the purpose of their travel to Ireland.

In addition, at that time, the Department of Justice temporarily ceased accepting new visa/ preclearance applications globally, with the exception of certain priority and emergency cases.

As of 1 June, we are now accepting all long stay visa and preclearance applications.

Please note, however, that for successful applications, unless your application meets the priority/emergency criteria, a visa or preclearance approval letter will not issue until such time as public health restrictions have been lifted. For further information on the priority and emergency criteria, please see the website of Immigration Service Delivery.

We would draw your attention to the fact that Covid-19 restrictions are severely affecting visa processing times. Priority and emergency applications may take longer than usual to be processed. Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be contacted directly.

In order to ensure that resources can be used to best effect, we ask that you do not contact the Consulate to seek updates on your application.

It remains the position that we are not accepting short stay visa applications, unless the application meets the priority/ emergency criteria.

The Government Advisory against all non-essential international travel remains in operation. Travel restrictions are in place to protect public health and to mitigate the risk of new variants of Covid-19 entering the country. Details of these measures are available on the travel section of the www.gov.ie website. The strong advice is that everyone, regardless of their nationality or visa/preclearance status, or where they started from, who cannot provide proof of essential travel, should not travel to Ireland.

Please note, all passengers arriving in Ireland must:

complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form

provide evidence that you have a negative or not detected result from a Covid-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive into Ireland, or have evidence that you are exempt from this legal requirement



If you are travelling from or via a designated state then you must also pre-book and pre-pay for a place in a designated facility for mandatory hotel quarantine.



Further information is available on the travel section of the www.gov.ie website.





The Government of Ireland continues to advise against all non-essential international travel. This applies regardless of a persons nationality, visa/preclearance status, or origin of travel.

US citizens do not require a visa for study in Ireland. However, you must register with the immigration authorities on arrival. If your university is delivering your course of study online only for the next semester, you should not travel to Ireland at this time.

The processing of Working Holiday Authorisations remains suspended until further notice.

Updated information is available on the gov.ie website, the website of the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service, and on this Departments country specific travel pages.

For more information, please refer to the Visas section of our website.

 Previous Item | Next Item 
FlatZero POS powered by Eagle Processing today announced a revolutionary payment processing system offering ISOs and agents a powerful partnership that solves the problem of restaurant cash discount on tips. FlatZero POS is the cash discount variant of the premier multi-concept restaurant business management system, Arrow POS, who is recognized as a leading provider of business management systems to pizza operations.

The new normal for virtually any restaurant operation is to offer takeout and delivery to get their food to the consumer, while also handling their in-house table, QSR and bar business. That sounds simple enough on the surface, but the mechanics are quite complex. The second dynamic killing restaurant owners is their credit card fees are skyrocketing since the pandemic has forced credit card usage to approach 95% of payments taken. Owners cant get a break and have no idea where to turn. Oddly enough, the answer has been there all along. Think of an off-premise concept, like a pizza or a sub operation, said Barry Brownhill, President of Arrow POS.

We continually hear from merchants about some POS that is going to add takeout and delivery into their platforms. Good luck with that. Those other companies are just beginning to encounter even the most basic of obstacles that we cleared ages ago and after developing this type of software for over 3 decades. Their current POS systems may be fine for table service or QSR, but lack the definitive tools needed to the customer management, phone ordering, integrated online ordering, 3rd party delivery services, and enterprise management. The trick is to accomplish those mission-critical functions with a singular comprehensive technology, Mr. Brownhill continued.

But thats just the beginning. Cash discounts is the new payment frontier and that has been incorporated into FlatZero. More than that, we have spent over a year of development curing the biggest barrier for restaurant cash discounts which is the handling of tips and the effects of deposits not matching a locations daily credit card POS sales reports. This issue has been conquered and required substantial co-development with Eagle Processing and Arrow POS The result is FlatZero POS, said Jared Ruggieri, President of Eagle Processing.

FlatZeros new solution is available immediately for select ISOs and agents to begin discussing with their restaurant clients. Eagle Processing is taking the lead and working with experienced ISOs and agents who see the clear opportunity for their clients to embrace the future of restaurant business management while enjoying losing the burden of ever-increasing credit card fees. Interested agents should reach out directly to Eagle Processing.

We understand that as your business grows, you cant count on cookie-cutter POS systems anymore, Flat Zero combined with Eagle Processing breaks the mold, said Brownhill.

Multi-concept POS with robust take-out / delivery has never been more important for a restaurant operation, and cash discounts have the biggest growth potential in the processing world. We have co- developed the ONLY comprehensive POS system that addresses both, especially as it relates to credit card tipping. There is no other system that even comes close, said Ruggieri.

To learn more about the new partnership and to become an authorized agent go to eagleprocessing.com.

About Eagle Processing Systems

Eagle Processing Systems has been in business since 1994 and operates as a payment service provider nationally. Eagle currently has locations in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and is expanding its footprint across the US. The company offers Agents, ISOs, and merchants a full suite of solutions for Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Petroleum, E- Commerce, B2B, and other niche markets. Eagle Processing Systems is a unique Full-Service Provider that offers its back-end settlement process specializing in a disruptive proprietary cash discount program and other customized solutions.

About FlatZero

FlatZero operates as a hardware and software solution for payment processing nationwide. FlatZero currently has locations in Indiana and

Ohio and its footprint continuously expands across the US thanks to strategic partnerships. The company offers Agents, ISOs, and merchants a full suite of hardware and software for use in restaurants that need a solution for restaurant cash discounts involving tips.

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State Reps Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, left, and Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, testified Monday, April 19, 2021, about legislation to make it easier to seek court protection from domestic violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 11:24:12|Editor: huaxia

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Mohsen Basurra, member of Yemen's Islah Party, also deputy speaker of Yemen's House of Representatives, receives an interview with Chinese media via video link on March 30, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to an unprecedented success in the striving for development, shared development fruits and experience with other countries and played an important role on the world stage, Arab politicians have said.

In a recent video interview with Xinhua, Mohsen Basurra, member of Yemen's Islah Party, said that the CPC has united Chinese people of all ethnic groups and provided them with political guidance, which is why China has achieved so much today.

Hailing the CPC's achievements over the past 100 years since its founding, Basurra, also deputy speaker of Yemen's House of Representatives, said that countries of the third world, including Yemen, are expected to draw inspiration from China's experience in developing trade, technology and culture, among other areas.

Under the CPC's leadership, China has carried out extensive cooperation with other countries and has actively helped others fight COVID-19 by unreservedly sharing its experience in containing and treating the disease, he said.

Echoing Basurra, Ibrahim Al-Shehabi, member of the Board of Trustees in Egypt's Coordination Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians, told Xinhua that the CPC's success in leading the Chinese people through the health crisis mirrors the great solidarity between the ruling party, the government and the Chinese people.

In the fight against the novel coronavirus, China has provided Egypt with medical supplies, including masks and vaccines, and shared its experience and expertise in defeating the epidemic. The assistance reflects the traits of friendliness and cooperation in the Chinese culture, said Al-Shehabi, also deputy governor of central Egypt's governorate of Giza.

He also expressed his hope that Egypt can be inspired by China's great stories in development, and that the CPC, in the next 100 years, can lead China to greater progress. Enditem
A motorcycle operator who knocked down Pangani OCS at a Covid roadblock in Pangani, Nairobi was Tuesday charged with driving without due care and attention contrary to the traffic act.

Patrick Anasta Orassa appeared before Magistrate Esther Kimilu at Milimani Law Courts, where he was accused of failing to stop after being directed to do so at the roadblock.

The bodaboda operator is said to have knocked down OCS Pangani Chief inspector Samir Yunus causing him slight injuries. Orassa told authorities he lost control as he sped home to beat the 8 pm curfew.

The court heard that Orassa committed the offence on April 18 at about 8.40 pm along Dr Griffin Road at the Pangani traffic lights in Nairobi.

He was also charged with driving without a licence and failing to carry a driving licence contrary to the traffic act law.

Orassa denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of Sh50,000.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 05:35:12|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, April 21 (Xinhua) -- "Not one drop" of Japan's Fukushima radioactively contaminated water should be released until the world is convinced that the water has been treated to remove nuclides to "non-detectable levels", a prominent U.S. marine conservation biologist told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday.

The Japanese government announced last week it had decided to discharge contaminated radioactive wastewater in Fukushima Prefecture into the sea.

"Prior to any marine discharge, the world deserves to know exactly what radioisotopes are in the wastewater, in what concentrations, and that all of the water has been treated with best available technology methods to remove all radionuclides to non-detectable levels," said Rick Steiner, former professor of marine conservation at the University of Alaska.

As of Dec. 31, 2019, 73 percent of the nuclear wastewater exceeded Japan's discharge standards after treatment by an advanced liquid processing system (ALPS) capable of removing most contaminants, according to a report from an organization researching the treatment of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear accident.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator handling wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear accident, has a record of covering up and falsifying information, according to media reports.

"TEPCO and the government of Japan have been somewhat non-transparent with the Fukushima issue," Steiner told Xinhua.

He said Japan's planned release is a "spectacularly bad idea" for a number of reasons -- it would expose marine ecosystems across the North Pacific to risk; it is unnecessary, as the long-term storage option is reasonable and prudent; it is likely illegal under international law; and it is exceptionally unethical.

"We can no longer accept dumping hazardous industrial wastes into our one global ocean," said Steiner, who consults for the United Nations, governments and NGOs on marine environmental issues.

"As far as ecological risk, so far we simply don't know exactly what radionuclides and in what concentrations are in the tanks, but we know there is radioactive cesium-137, tritium, Carbon-14, Cobalt-60, Strontium-90, Iodine-129, and over 50 other nuclides. Some of this may have been removed, some not," Steiner noted.

"We need to know," he stressed.

The international community should convene an international scientific and technological commission, agreed by the Japanese government, to provide independent scientific oversight of all aspects of the Fukushima cleanup, including the wastewater issue, Steiner said.

This international group should operate independently of the International Atomic Energy Agency, he added.

According to Steiner, if the contaminated water is held for another 15 to 30 years, the radioactive tritium will decay by 50 percent to 75 percent. This will give time to treat the contaminated water effectively.

Japan's decision to dump wastewater into sea has triggered opposition from the Japanese public and global environmental groups. It has also raised concerns from neighboring countries about a possible impact on human health and fishery businesses.

"The ecological impact of this sort of chronic release of radioactive waste into the North Pacific may be considerable," Steiner said.

Some of the contaminants will enter living organisms, and some of these can cause reproductive impairment, cellular damage, genetic injury, and cancers, he explained.

"The risk is entirely avoidable by using long-term storage on shore, and best available technology treatment systems," Steiner noted. Enditem
There is no doubt that climate change is affecting everyone, everywhereno matter where you live. But that does not mean the impacts and mitigation efforts are felt equally.

Nkosi Muse, an environmental science and policy doctoral student at the University of Miami, is leading a project entitled Defeat the Heat: Mapping extreme heat exposure in Miamis Black neighborhoods to explore what heat exposure looks like in Miamis Black neighborhoods.

Muses work is one of 13 projects funded by the inaugural Racial Justice Grant program, aimed at supporting research initiatives, service projects, and programmatic activities that focus on race, racial justice, and racial equity at the University and throughout the greater Miami community.

On Monday evening, President Julio Frenk, with Student Government, hosted the final Courageous Conversations event of the semester. During the webinar, he focused his discussion on the progress that has been made during the past academic year to lift racial justice efforts at the University. This includes the number of Black tenure-track faculty members added to the Universitys roster, more partnerships with minority-owned businesses as University vendors, and the establishment and support of the Center for Global Black Studies.

As we prepare for the close of this historic year, it is fitting to reflect on the progress madeto reflect on what we have learned and what we still hope to accomplish, said Frenk, who outlined the 15-point plan to support racial equality, inclusion, and justice across the University and in the greater South Florida community announced last year. The Racial Justice Grant program is a collaborative effort led by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, Multicultural Student Affairs, and the Butler Center for Service and Leadership.

The event was moderated by Landon Coles, the newly inaugurated Student Government president. His administration ran on the promise to continue pursuing justice for marginalized groups and creating a more unified campus.

Also featured on the panel was undergraduate student Taylor Washington, an industrial engineering major and president of the Universitys National Society of Black Engineers student organization. She has taken the reins from graduating senior Tiffany Demps to lead a project called STEAM-D, which will assist local Black high school students to gain a better understanding of skills necessary to go into a variety of science, technology, engineering, art, and math disciplines.

Laura Kohn-Wood, dean of the School of Education and Human Development who serves as the adviser to the team working on the project, The Role of CBOs in Mitigating COVID-19: Educational Disparities During Remote Learning for Black Middle School Students, shared her teams research vision during the event.

The project will collaborate with Breakthrough Miami, a community-based organization that will specifically engage with economically disadvantaged, gifted Black students in Miami-Dade County. Kohn-Wood, a community psychologist, said that researchers should not just focus on gathering information, but should be prepared to provide resources to those communities in which they are working.

In closing the event, Coles thanked the participants for an amazing conversation, and urged everyone to stay safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a University community, we must stay committed to asking tough questions, doing the research, diving deep beneath the surface in order to get those answers, and embracing the uncomfortable in order to grow, he said.

Courageous Conversations will resume in the fall. Suggestions for future conversations can be sent to President Julio Frenk at president@miami.edu.
The Justice Department will investigate the policies and operations of the Minneapolis Police Department, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced on Wednesday, a day after the former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd in a rare rebuke of police violence.

The Justice Department has opened a civil investigation to determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, Mr. Garland said in brief remarks at the Justice Department.

Such investigations are often the precursors to court-approved deals between the Justice Department and local governments that create and enforce a road map for training and operational changes.

Mr. Garlands announcement came a day after the conviction of Mr. Chauvin, who was fired by the Minneapolis Police Department last year after gruesome video of him kneeling on Mr. Floyds neck for more than nine minutes sparked protests across the nation.
Like other employers around the country, Michigans two legislative chambers have anti-harassment and discrimination policies in place aimed at giving the myriad of staff helping the Capitol function a means to report and resolve inappropriate behavior.

But the House and Senate, in many ways, operate differently than an average workplace. The workplace might be the Capitol, a lawmakers Lansing or district office, a conference, an extracurricular event, a downtown bar. Late nights in close quarters abound on busy session days. Theres frequent interaction between staff and people outside the purview of the House and Senate business offices, including lobbyists, special interest groups and members of the public.

And the top bosses  lawmakers  cant be fired outright even if theyre found in violation of policy. Because theyre elected by voters, not hired, the only way they can be removed is if fellow lawmakers vote to expel them or if theyre recalled by voters. Both are rare occurrences.

The policies technically also apply to people in peripheral fields who frequently come into contact with the Legislature, but they are not publicly posted online  although there are plans to distribute the updated version of the Senate policy more widely to frequent visitors and media.

In the last high-profile test of either chambers sexual harassment procedures, former Republican Sen. Pete Lucido lost a committee chair assignment after a Senate investigation found complaints from three women  Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahue, Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, and lobbyist Melissa Osborn  were credible. Lucido, who left the Senate in December 2020 after winning election for Macomb County Prosecutor, continues to deny that he harassed anyone.

Many current and former legislative staffers told MLive they dont have faith that the policies in place do much to protect rank and file employees, expressing concerns that coming forward could or would have negatively impacted their careers. Those fears, coupled with a lack of trust that the process would result in positive resolutions, contribute to high staff turnover and toxic workplace culture, sources said.

Following the Lucido investigation, Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, launched a bipartisan workgroup aimed at improving the Senates policy. Shes hopeful the changes, set to go into effect later this month, help make it easier for people to come forward.

Related: Butt pinches, threesome requests and a glass ceiling: sexism is systemic in Michigans political culture

Corporations have robust workplace harassment policies that offer more tools and avenues than what is available to people working in and around Lansing, said Elizabeth Battiste, a former legislative staffer who now works in public relations.

Even though we do have policies that address them, its the lack of working knowledge and the lack of a guide to how to have those conversations and how to process them in a way thats actually productive, she said.

There is no mechanism for true accountability in our state Legislature right now.

Policies exist, but concerns persist

Several staffers who spoke to MLive on the condition of anonymity said they found the current policies and procedures confusing, even after undergoing training.

Some felt the options available to them  going to their chambers business office, filing a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or in the case of sexual harassment or gender discrimination, filing a complaint in court alleging violation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act  were either out of reach or would be a fruitless exercise that could put their careers in a precarious position.

Others were thrown off by confusion over who they would report to, what types of behavior justify filing a complaint, and the different types of reporting options available. In addition to a formal complaint, staffers can also opt to file an informal complaint about a person that would put their concerns on file without kickstarting a formal investigation into the matter.

A recent Senate survey of all 413 current Senate members, staff and interns, 205 of whom responded, asked whether theyd been the target of inappropriate behavior by someone affiliated with the Senate in the last five years. Of those who responded, 18% of nonleadership staff, 26% of leadership staff, 57% of members, 22% of nonpartisan staff and 14% of nonpartisan managers/directors said they had.

20-26% of interns and staff who responded said they didnt report the behavior because they didnt think it was severe or pervasive enough, and many respondents cited fear of retaliation as one of the primary reasons they hadnt reported inappropriate or harassing behavior in the past. Others said the reporting procedure was unclear, particularly when it comes to what behavior should be reported and what happens after a report is made.

Speaking to concerns some staffers who spoke with MLive raised about possible career repercussions, House Business Office Director Doug Simon said the office is prohibited by policy and by law from taking adverse employment action against anyone who comes forward with a complaint or participates in an investigation.

He said that while lawmakers themselves cannot be fired for inappropriate behavior except by expulsion from the chamber, members could face other repercussions if found to be in violation of House policy, including removal of committee assignments, offices, and budgets for staff and other services.

Some described informally reporting behavior to colleagues and supervisors but not having it taken seriously, or not ultimately seeing the problem resolved. In some cases, it led to the employee leaving.

Sometimes, the ultimate result isnt very different with formal complaints.

When you file a complaint and put things in writing and make it official, its partially about standing up for yourself, but its about standing up for the people who come after you, said Sarah Studley, former counsel and senior policy adviser for the Senate Democrats who filed a gender discrimination complaint with the Senate in 2017.

During the time she worked there she experienced a toxic work environment, she said, where women were talked over in meetings, a supervisor did not make eye contact with women, and management failed to address sexism from one male colleague even after multiple women complained about it informally.

We were treated differently from men on the staff, she said.

The investigation into her complaint found no laws had been broken, she said, and she no longer works in Michigan.

Shes heard people who currently work in her former office have it better than she did, and if thats the case, shes happy going through with the reporting process worked.

It just didnt work for me, she said.

Little transparency

Because the Legislature is not subject to the states Freedom of Information Act, the policies themselves, results of completed investigations, employee personnel files and other relevant documents cannot be requested as public records.

That means unless one of the parties involved goes public or the House or Senate chooses to release documents, internal investigations into legislative harassment or discrimination complaints remain that way.

The Senates investigation into Lucido started in part due to public scrutiny  Donahue, in a January 2020 first-person column, described an interaction with Lucido where he told her a group of high school boys he was showing around the Senate could have a lot of fun with her after she approached him for an interview.

Shortly after, McMorrow and Osborn recounted their own experiences in Crains Detroit Business. McMorrow said he made a remark suggesting shed won her election based on her looks and held his hand on her lower back in a manner that made her uncomfortable and unable to distance herself. Osborn described a similar experience with Lucido at a government affairs conference.

The Senate did not release the full investigation, but released a memo summarizing the results, which ultimately found all of Lucidos accusers to be credible. Investigators concluded it was more likely than not that each incident happened as reported, according to the memo, and found the number of allegations and their similarities demonstrates an unfortunate pattern of behavior that requires little to no interpretation to be understood as inappropriate workplace behavior.

Lucido was removed from the Senate Advice and Consent Committee, whose members vet gubernatorial appointees, and was required to participate in additional training. He kept his chair position of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee until he left office.

Lucido has continued to deny that he sexually harassed anyone. In a recent episode of WKARs Off the Record, Lucido lashed out at reporters questioning him about the situation, saying the incidents did not occur as described and implying the women had political motivations in coming forward.

Tight windows on statutes of limitations for harassment and discrimination complaints and lengthy investigations can make filing a complaint with the MDCR difficult, and internal investigations by an institution can be problematic due to a lack of incentive to be objective, said Liz Abdnour, a Lansing attorney who specializes in Title IX and civil rights cases.

Greater transparency around the policies and what happens after a complaint is filed would go a long way towards building trust in the system, she said.

Theres not a lot of transparency anywhere in any of these systems, and that facilitates perpetrators being able to get away with stuff, she said. I think that a lot of these folks in that realm are just resting on the fact that they know nobodys really going to ever figure it out.

Related: Michigan senator hopes filing sexual harassment complaint against her colleague will change this culture

Sen. Stephanie Chang, stands for a portrait in the Lansing Capitol building on Tuesday April, 20, 2021 in Michigan. Nicole Hester/ MLive.comNicole Hester/ MLive.com

Seeking solutions

In the Senate, a bipartisan workgroup made up of lawmakers and staff led by Chang and Lana Theis, R-Brighton, met virtually over the course of nine months to craft recommendations on improving the Senates harassment and discrimination policy, the bulk of which were approved and are set to go into effect April 26. Mandatory virtual training sessions for all senators and employees under the updated policy will take place in May.

Chang also played a role in offering recommendations to update the Houses harassment and discrimination policies when the House last revised the policies in 2018, Simon said, noting that the biggest changes came from revamping training materials: We geared it more toward addressing behaviors, giving tools to deal with those behaviors and avoid those behaviors rather than, This is legal, this is illegal.

Chang said the goal of combing through the Senates policies and offering recommendations was to try to move towards a culture where harassment is not tolerated, and also where people feel more comfortable reporting.

Workgroup members reviewed existing policies, heard from experts and used results of the Senate survey to suggest a number of changes, the vast majority of the workgroups recommendations earned approval from the Senate Business Office and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, and others are expected to be implemented with minor tweaks. Those changes include:

Increasing communication, both at an internal office and Senate-wide level, about harassment prevention and protections for employees subject to inappropriate behavior

Encouraging caucus leadership to develop internal repercussions and remedies for members found in violation of the Senates anti-harassment policies

Requiring staff to sign an anti-retaliation pledge and encouraging members to do so

Distributing information about the policies, procedures and relevant educational tools on harassment prevention more frequently

Tailoring trainings to suit the needs of varying levels of power among lawmakers and staff, as well as incorporating clear directions about who a person should report to, real-world stories and bystander intervention techniques into training content

We appreciate the tremendous amount of work required to provide such thoughtful and thorough recommendations and acknowledge that these efforts serve the best interest of the organization as well as individual members and employees, Shirkey said in a March 25 letter to Chang.

Chang acknowledged the different levels of power and other dynamics at play in the Legislature often contribute to a lack of clarity around what should be reported. But shes hopeful adopting internal policy changes and an ongoing commitment to having frank conversations about the issue will help make a difference.

Theres probably no perfect training, however, we definitely know that there can be improvements, she said. I do think that the changes that will be made to the policy and through the training will be really solid steps forward.

MLive reporter Emily Lawler contributed to this report.
A man has died after running on to a railway line during a police chase in London.

The incident took place after officers attempted to stop a black Audi on Powder Mill Lane in Twickenham just after midnight on Tuesday.

The car did not stop and in the ensuing chase a man, understood to be in his 30s, got out of the car and ran onto the railway line in Hounslow.

An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead at 12.22am. His next of kin have been notified.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is investigating what happened.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said: My thoughts are with the mans family and friends, and those officers involved in this tragic incident.

We are making contact with the mans family to provide them with support and to explain our role investigating the circumstances leading up to his death.

We sent our investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.

When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory for forces to make a referral to the IOPC.

Our role is to establish the circumstances of the incident and this work is already under way.

Additional reporting by PA
Expect nation-state-sponsored threats to intensify in the coming two decades, according to two new reports released in the first half of April by United States intelligence agencies. Competitive and adversarial relations with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea percolate to the top, while global issues like the pandemic and economic migration will strain governments around the world, including the US.

The leading actors will be no surprise: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will boost their efforts to spy, disrupt critical infrastructure, spread disinformation, and steal intellectual property and money.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) set a baseline of understanding on the threats to the US posed by nation-states, terrorists and criminal entities with its Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. The National Intelligence Council provides a look over the horizon as far out as 2040 with the issuance of the quadrennial Global Trends 2040 - More Contested World.

In releasing the ODNI report to the public, Avril Haines, director national intelligence, said, The American people should know as much as possible about the threats facing our nation and what their intelligence agencies are doing to protect them. This report provides transparency to Congress and our nations citizens with the aim of bolstering trust in our work and institutions.

The concisely written assessment minces no words: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are the four primary provocateurs engaging the US. While transnational issues such as COVID-19, climate change, emerging technologies, foreign illicit drugs, and organized crime, as well as global terrorism present ongoing challenges. This is how the ODNI report described the threats presented by each of the four adversarial countries:

China focuses on cyberespionage, information suppression

The ODNI assesses China as presenting a prolific and effective cyberespionage threat. The country has substantial cyberattack capabilities and is becoming a bigger influence threat. Chinas cyber pursuits and proliferation of related technologies increase the threats of cyberattacks against the US homeland, suppression of US web content that Beijing views as threatening to its internal ideological control, and the expansion of technology-driven authoritarianism around the world, said the reports authors.

To achieve their cyberespionage goals, China can be expected to continue apace, as they strive to compromise telecommunications firms, providers of managed services and broadly used software.

Russia the biggest cyberattack threat to US

Russia remains the number one cyber threat to the US as it refines and employs its espionage, influence, and attack capabilities, according to the ODNI. Russia has demonstrated its capabilities in the successful targeting of supply chain and critical infrastructure (to include global telecommunications systems and industrial command and control (SCADA). Not only is Russia attacking networks for the purposes of collecting information, the ODNI noted that Russia has demonstrated its ability to damage infrastructure in a crisis.

Iran a threat to critical infrastructure

Iran has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to conduct attacks on critical infrastructure. Therefore, the ODNI assessed Iran to be a significant threat to US security. They have also shown themselves to be adroit at cyber operations, to include those operations conducted strictly for espionage purposes. The ODNI specifically calls out Irans continued foray into the realm of misinformation and disinformation.

North Korea a source of theft and disruption

The threat posed by North Korea, according to the ODNI, falls into three silos, espionage, theft, and attack. The ODNI assessed that North Korea could conduct cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure and business networks in the US. In addition, North Korea could likely also target and compromise software supply chains.

Somewhat unique to North Korea is the use of cyber operations to garner hard currency. North Korea has shown itself willing to attack global financial institutions, successfully stealing millions of dollars to fund their domestic (nuclear/military) agenda.

Global trends to drive nation-state threats

The Global Trends 2040 report from the National Intelligence Council (part of the ODNI), projects the expected threats for the next 20 years. It identified four structural forces that will shape the future: demographics, the environment, economics, and technology.

The report points out the importance of nations expanding technological, network, and information power. [This] will complement more traditional military, economic, and soft power aspects of the international system. China and the US will work to shape the global norms, rules and institutions in such a manner as to advance their own interests, according to the report.

Nations, and by extension those companies within each nation, may expect a combination of highly destructive and precise conventional and strategic weapons, cyber activity targeting civilian and military infrastructure, and a confusing disinformation environment. The report also concludes that nation-states will accelerate their use of surrogates and proxies to achieve national goals.

The recent actions by the US to reign in the proxies of Russia serve as a useful barometer in the realm of disinformation. Russia, China, and Iran have their fingers deep into the disinformation/misinformation pie and can be expected to continue to promulgate false narratives, making it more difficult to sort out truth from untruths.

Especially noteworthy to CIOs and CISOs are the efforts by nation-states to control key sites of exchange such as telecommunications, finance, data flows, and manufacturing supply chains. [This] will give countries and corporations the ability to gain valuable information, deny access to rivals, and even coerce behavior, said the report. It goes on to note the disproportionate concentration of networks in the US, Europe and Chinanot an insignificant consideration for the multinational conglomerates of the future.
Demand for COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania is holding steady but may dip within a few weeks, with Pennsylvania at that point intensifying an effort to convince people who may be hesitant because of misinformation, Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said on Tuesday.

Beam also said the state is within two to three weeks of beginning to expand the number of COVID-19 vaccine providers.

She said vaccine providers continue to order the same number of doses, with the state watching to make sure they are able to use at least 80% of the doses within seven days.

When the amount they are ordering begins to dip, which she expects to happen within the next three weeks, the state will begin giving more vaccine to smaller providers. Beam further said she expects by the beginning of June the state will supply any qualified health care provider who wants to distribute COVID-19 vaccine.

Presently, the state is shipping vaccine to fewer than 300 providers, focusing on those capable of high volume. There are some 2,000 providers in total, including small medical practices, that have asked to be able to give COVID-19 vaccinations.

The state has said that within the last two weeks or so abundant vaccine appointments had become available all over the state. That was a major reason the state expanded eligibility to include anyone 16 and older as of early last week.

Beam on Tuesday said the expansion has increased demand for appointments, which she expects to hold steady for the next two to three weeks.

After that, she expects the state will need to work harder to persuade people who are reluctant to be vaccinated.

Officials have said some of the largest pockets of hesitancy are in rural parts of the state. Beam said the health department has been working with people, including Republican lawmakers and local community leaders to overcome the hesitancy.

She said the state is working to make sure they are able to be armed with the truth around the science and development of these vaccines, and also be able to use information to somewhat disarm the misinformation thats out there.

Weve been able to use science and our evidence-based experience to be able to tell folks there might be more of a picture that they might not be seeing initially, Beam said.

Experts say 70-90 percent of Americans must be vaccinated to end COVID-19 as a major health threat.

As of early this week, 43% of eligible Pennsylvania residents had received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine. Twenty-six percent of Pennsylvanians were fully vaccinated, according to The New York Times vaccine data tracker.

As of early this week, Pennsylvania was averaging about 97,100 shots per day, according to the state health department.

A Muhlenberg College poll released last week found that 3 in 10 respondent who have not had a COVID-19 shot said they do not plan on getting vaccinated.

More from PennLive

UPMC touts COVID-19 vaccine appointments without any delay

55 Pa. counties have substantial spread of COVID-19, positive test rate rises slightly

What should Pa. learn from COVID-19? And will we embrace the lessons in such divided times?
[April 21, 2021] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) on Behalf of Investors

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. ("Emergent" or the "Company") (NYSE: EBS) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On March 31, 2021, The New York Times published an article reporting that in late February 2021, employees at Emergent's Baltimore manufacturing plant "mixed up" ingredients of the different COVID-19 vaccines, contaminating up to 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") vaccine forcing regulators to delay authorization of the plant's production line. On April 1, 2021, the Associated Press (News - Alert) reported on Emergent's "history of violations," noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has repeatedl cited Emergent for problems such as poorly trained employees, cracked vials and problems managing mold and other contamination in its facilities.



On April 3, 2021, The New York Times reported that the Biden administration placed J&J in charge of Emergent's Baltimore plant and prohibited it from producing the AstraZeneca vaccine, a setback for a Company that had touted its "unique" preparedness and "proven manufacturing capabilities" only months prior. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $14.29 per share, or over 15%, over two consecutive trading sessions to close at $78.62 per share on April 5, 2021.

If you purchased Emergent securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421006072/en/

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UN Chinese Language Day celebrated with online event

Xinhua) 09:11, April 21, 2021

GENEVA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A one-hour special event was held online to mark the UN Chinese Language Day on Tuesday, when people around the world were invited to express their passion and interest for the Chinese language and culture through short videos.

The event, organized by the UN Office at Geneva, the Chinese Mission to UN Office at Geneva and the China Media Group, is part of the first "Chinese Language Video Festival," which concluded on Tuesday.

It attracted participants from 27 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, with over 340 video submissions.

"Language is the carrier of communication, the bridge of interactions between states and the bond of mutual learning among civilizations," said Ambassador Chen Xu, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

According to him, as more and more foreign friends start to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture, the world will have a better understanding of China and its rich history, its friendly and hard-working people, as well as its development through innovation, and its openness and inclusiveness.

Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations at Geneva, said at Tuesday's event that as the most widely spoken language in the world, the Chinese language is an ample repository of Chinese wisdom, culture and traditions, as well as "the greatest contributors to our common cultural heritage."

Valovaya stressed the importance of multilingualism as a cornerstone of effective multilateralism, saying that China is a vital partner for the UN, especially as the world continues to face wide-ranging challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The date for the UN Chinese Language Day was selected to coincide with Guyu, literally meaning "Grain Rain," the sixth of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Darnella Frazier, who at 17 years old witnessed and filmed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd, was praised as a hero by observers, activists, celebrities and journalists after a jury delivered a guilty verdict for the since-fired cop on Tuesday.

Chauvin, a white man, pinned Floyd, who was Black, to the ground with his knee for about 9 minutes as other officers, charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter, did not intervene. Many observers argued Chauvin may have gotten off had it not been for Fraziers cellphone video, which captured Floyds cries that he cant breathe and showed Chauvin maintaining the knee-hold even after Floyd became unresponsive.

Yet Frazier testified that some nights she cannot sleep because shes apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more.

But, she did so, so much to get to this murder conviction, tweeted PBS Yamiche Alcindor, who argued Frazier quite literally changed the world.

The footage of Floyds May 2020 killing  played by prosecutors several times during Chauvins trial  ignited global protests and calls for policing reform as American public opinion shifted favorably toward the Black Lives Matter movement. A majority of Americans, regardless of race, age or political party, believe the jury made the right call, according to an Ipsos/USA TODAY poll.

Darnella Frazier is a hero, actress Kerry Washington said on Twitter Tuesday evening. Her bravery in that moment must never be forgotten. We lift you up Darnella.

Darnella Frazier is a hero. Her bravery in that moment must never be forgotten. We lift you up Darnella.  kerry washington (@kerrywashington) April 20, 2021

President Joe Biden, who is now pressing for signifiant federal policing reform, described Frazier as brave young woman.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz commented that taking that video, I think many folks know, is maybe the only reason that Derek Chauvin will go to prison.

Oprah Winfrey, who said the verdict brought her to tears of joy, said she was grateful to the witnesses and their testimonies. Grateful to Darnella Frazier. Grateful to every juror for seeing and acknowledging what the world saw on that tape.

When asked for his reaction to the verdict, Van Jones, the CNN political commentator and author, said he thinks about that young girl who brought out her cellphone and stood there in horror, not knowing what to do, but holding that phone steady. She did the right thing.

Darnella Frazier, a 17 year-old Minneapolis High School student, made a film that will go down in history, the North Carolina NAACP said in a statement. No one, not even many of Chauvins police colleagues, could argue against Ms. Fraziers film.

Frazier, in a Facebook post, said she just cried so hard after heightened anxiety before the verdict.

But to know GUILTY ON ALL THREE CHARGES! THANK YOU GOD ... George Floyd we did it! Justice has been served, she wrote. The jury found Chauvin guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

I just cried so hardThis last hour my heart was beating so fast, I was so anxious, anxiety bussing through the roof.... Posted by Darnella Frazier on Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Many noted how rare it is to see police officers convicted in police shootings, and how crucial Fraziers video turned out to be in the case. Prosecutors showed the video several times, reportedly shaking up jurors and others in the courtroom.

Only seven officers have been convicted of murder since 2005 despite thousands of shootings, according to the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

Only *seven* police officers have been convicted of murder for police shootings since 2005.  Public Citizen (@Public_Citizen) April 20, 2021

The defense was boxed in, in many ways, and had to make the case his conduct was reasonable, Philip Stinson, a Bowling Green State University criminologist, told The Washington Post. But the problem is, you cant rationally explain Derek Chauvins conduct.

A Post database shows police shoot and kill about 1,000 people every year; most are ruled to be justified. Fewer than half the rare cases against officers result in a conviction, even in incidents involving video evidence, the Post reported.

Authorities, including judges, typically trust police officers when they say force was necessary, but Christopher Slobogin, a law professor at Vanderbilt University, told the Post that prosecutors putting officer after officer on the stand to testify that Chauvin acted unreasonably dismantled the defenses case. Cops are trained to do just the opposite under similar circumstances, Slobogin said.

Keith Boykin, a CNN commentator, noted that the Minneapolis Police Departments initial narrative was nothing more than a fabricated police story. The misleading press release, titled Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police Interaction, included no mention of the use of force against Floyd, and makes it appear that officers quickly called an ambulance after Floyd suffered medical distress once in handcuffs.

Fraziers video laid bare for jurors police interactions that law enforcement officers across the country said went against basic training. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified the officers actions breached department values, Politico reported.

Had concerned citizens ... not intervened and recorded the police, that may have been the official account of George Floyds death, Boykin said.

This fabricated police story might have become the official account of George Floyds death if concerned citizens had not intervened and recorded the police. pic.twitter.com/9XOD5TkK3B  Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 20, 2021

Chauvin will be sentenced within eight weeks. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

Related Content:
San Diego Countys transportation agency has apologized and agreed to pay $5.5 million to the mother of a mentally ill man who died after a security officer kept a knee on his neck for several minutes.

It was announced this week that the Metropolitan Transit System, its security contractor and their insurers will split the payment in a mediated settlement over the 2019 death of 24- year-old Angel Zapata Hernandez.

The agency last summer revised its use-of-force policies, including banning chokeholds and knee restraints for the head, throat and neck.

The announcement comes in the midst of the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin pinned his knee on Floyds neck for nearly 9 1/2 minutes last May.

Hernandez, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was seen wandering and acting erratically near tracks in downtown San Diego, authorities said.

He ran from an MTS code compliance officer and was grabbed by the officer and a contracted transit security officer, authorities have said.

The MTS released video from security cameras and the officers body cameras that showed Hernandez running, then being handcuffed and taken to the ground. He struggles while face down, with officers putting knees on his back and neck.

A lawyer for the family alleged that one officer kept a knee on Hernandezs neck for around six minutes.

Hernandez eventually stopped breathing and was pronounced died at a hospital.

The MTS officer and the security officer later resigned, although the MTS said its officers resignation was unrelated to Hernandezs death.

No criminal charges were filed but at Mondays news conference, Sharon Cooney, chief executive officer of the transit agency, said the officers made mistakes on Oct. 15, 2019, that contributed to Mr. Hernandezs death.

We do believe that without a doubt, that the awful outcome could have been avoided had we provided better training for psychiatric emergency response and more robust de-escalation training, Cooney said.

His death has left an emptiness in our hearts that will never go away, Hernandezs mother, Claudia Hernandez, said at the news conference. The best way to honor Angels memory is that no family ever has to suffer the needless loss of their child.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who chairs the MTS board, called Hernandezs death a terrible tragedy that should not have occurred and apologized to the family.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Market Research Future has published a half-cooked research report on the Wind Turbine Composites Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023

Market Definition and Growth Factors:

Wind Turbine Composites Market is poised to expand at a moderate CAGR through the forecast period 2017 to 2023. The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources is anticipated to support the expansion of the market in the years to come. The rising shift towards the generation of renewable energy is likely to pave the way for demand generation for wind turbine composites.

These composites offer advantages such as corrosion resistance, tensile strength, etc. This, in turn, is expected to catalyze the growth of the Wind Turbine Composites Market Report over the next couple of years. The rising awareness about enhances the life span of the product is also projected to catapult the market on upward trajectory.

Get a Free Sample of This Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5005

Competitive Dashboard:

The key participants of the share analysis of the global wind turbine composites market are:

LM Wind Power (Denmark),

Vestas (Denmark),

Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composites Group Co., Ltd (China),

AVIC Huiteng Windpower Equipment Co Ltd ( China),

Gamesa Corporation Technology (U.S.), Suzlon Energy Limited (India),

TPI Composites (U.S.),

AREVA (France),

Siemens AG (Germany),

Molded Fiber Glass Companies (U.S.)

Industry News:

In June 2019, Covestro AG, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, has completed the delivery of polyurethane resin for wind blades to China.

In April 2019, a GE Renewable Energy business, LM Wind Power, has announced the installation of a 107-meter-long wind turbine blade at its factory in Cherbourg, France.

IN March 2019, General Electric Company, an American multinational conglomerate, has completed the installation of its onshore wind turbine prototype. The Cypress 5.3-megawatt prototype is installed in Wieringermeer, Netherlands and features a two-piece blade design.

Market Segmentation:

Wind Turbine Composites Market, by fiber type, has been segmented into glass, carbon, and others. Among these, the glass segment is projected to exhibit robust growth rate owing to its ease of application and cost-effectiveness.

On the basis of resin, the wind turbine composites market has been segmented into epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane, and others. The epoxy resin segment is poised to witness increased consumption in the foreseeable future. It is anticipated to expand at a moderate CAGR over the assessment period.

Based on process, the global wind turbine composites market has been segmented into vacuum injection prepeg, molding, and hand lay-up. Among these, the vacuum injection segment is likely to dictate the growth pattern of the market in the years to come.

The wind turbine composites market, by application, has been segmented into nacelles, hub, blades, tower, and others. The blades segment is expected to strike a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to strong mechanical strength and corrosion strength.

Regional Analysis:

The global wind turbine composites market, by region, is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the global market over the next few years. The primary factor expected to boost the revenue growth of the regional wind turbine composites market is the adoption of lightweight materials for installation. The rising demand for glass fiber is projected to favor market growth in the region. China, Japan, and India are forecasted to merge as the most prominent country-level markets in Asia Pacific.

North America is also expected to demonstrate a steep rise in the growth curve. Investments in end-user industry verticals are likely to propel the expansion of wind turbine composites market in the region during the assessment period. The U.S, Canada, and Mexico are anticipated to contribute significantly to the development of the regional market in the forthcoming years. The market in Europe is also poised to expand at a substantial rate owing to the increasing generation of renewable energy.

BROWSE RELATED REPORT @

https://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/covid19-analysis-on-honey-market-scenario-growth-size-share-research-methodology-regional-summary-industry-segment-and-forecast-to-2023_511449.html

https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/covid-19-analysis-on-honey-market-scenario-growth-size-share-research-methodology-regional-summary-industry-segment-and-forecast-to-2023-2020-10-13

https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/20/10/ab17890134/covid-19-analysis-on-honey-market-scenario-growth-size-share-research-methodology-regional-summar

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4839235
Credit Suisse could perhaps have avoided its scandals and losses of the past year had it learned from history. Credit:Bloomberg

Last year Credit Suisse was entangled in alleged frauds at Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee and German payments company Wirecard and revealed it could face losses of up to $US680 million from litigation over its US sub-prime mortgage dealings during the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis.

The clients within the $US10 billion supply chain finance funds that financed Lex Greensills dramatic rise now face losses of $US3 billion, or more, from his traumatic fall.

There are echoes of a familiar and not-so-distant past in the litany of woes and losses that have engulfed Credit Suisse this year.

The obvious conclusion to draw from this series of embarrassing and large-scale failures of judgement is that Credit Suisse -- a Swiss institution founded in 1856 and with a history of relative conservatism  has been reckless and that its management of risk has been abysmal.

That conclusion is supported by the dumping of a host of senior managers earlier this month, including its chief risk and compliance officer and the head of its investment bank.

Credit Suisse had been having a good pandemic until the Greensill and Archegos debacles emerged. Its shares had risen about 90 per cent from their pandemic-driven lows last March. Yet since the start of last month the share price has almost halved, wiping about $14 billion off its market capitalisation.

By contrast, its fellow Swiss banking giant, UBS, has seen its share price soar over the past year, adding more than $30 billion to its market capitalisation. Its now valued at about $78 billion against Credit Suisses $32 billion, nearly doubling the $20 billion gap between their relative valuations last March.

Its interesting to ponder whether a UBS return on equity almost twice that of Credit Suisses played a role in the misconceived strategies and the misjudgments the smaller Swiss bank made.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High around 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The comeback is complete.

Former New York Mets ace Matt Harvey picked up his first win in almost two years, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-5 victory Tuesday over the Miami Marlins.

Harvey gave up three runs on eight hits over five innings, striking out four. It was his first win since July 13, 2019. According to MLB.com, Harvey entered play 0-5 with an 8.16 ERA in 11 games (eight starts) for three different teams since then.

To be honest, I didnt know if it was ever going to happen again, the right-hander said. And then with how I was throwing the ball in spring training and the last couple of outings, there was some hope that it was coming back.

Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

I thought it was gutty, manager Brandon Hyde said, per MLB.com. That was a gutty performance. Five innings, had traffic in four of them. He pitched out of innings well. His fastball command wasnt as good as it has been. But he made pitches when he needed to and left with a 6-3 lead.

Harvey signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles in February after playing in 2020 for the Kansas City Royals, going 0-3 with an 11.57 ERA in seven games.

Harvey was an All-Star with the Mets in 2013 and finished fourth that year in National League Cy Young Award voting. He won a career-best 13 games in 2015, helping the Mets reach the World Series (which they lost to the Royals).

Injuries then derailed the 32-year-old Harveys career, with the Mets eventually trading him to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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As Beijing charges ahead with its massive Belt and Road Initiative, the US is moving to recalibrate its position in the Eurasian theatre, Middle East Eye reports. Beijing and Tehran recently announced a 25-year cooperation agreement worth an estimated $400bn that, if implemented, could mean much more than a breath of oxygen into Irans ailing economy. The deal lends itself to many interpretations, far beyond its strict bilateral context.

China, after its combative start with the Biden administration during recent talks in Anchorage, Alaska, seems to be relaunching its great infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Beijing aims to create a large Eurasian economic and trade bloc supported by a massive infrastructure plan worth an estimated $1 trillion - the largest since the US Marshall Plan in 1948, whose figures pale in terms of purchasing power parity.

The BRI would recreate the ancient Silk Road and affect sea trade, reducing Chinas trade exposure to bottlenecks such as Malacca, Bab al-Mandab, Suez and Hormuz. Iran could become an important southern segment, with extensions to Iraq, Syria and Turkey, up towards the Mediterranean and southern Europe.

The Iran-China deal is another piece of a mosaic that includes the recently signed Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade deal, and the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, and it could be a prelude to Iran formally joining the Shangai Cooperation Organization, one of the most important forums for Eurasian integration, together with the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

But while this Eurasian integration project should proceed along the political and economic lines envisaged by rising China-Russia cooperation, it could progressively accomplish the strategic nightmare that major Anglo-American geopolitics scholars have warned of for decades: a Eurasian bloc outside of American influence.

Iran nuclear negotiations

Meanwhile, negotiations to save the Iran nuclear deal have resumed, with the EU mediating between Washington and Tehran, as Iranian officials still refuse to meet openly with their American counterparts as long as Trump-era sanctions remain in place.

While rumours about the early stages of such talks reflected a surprising optimism, an Israeli torpedo timely arrived with the latest round of sabotage against the Iranian nuclear plant in Natanz. The move is a setback to Tehrans uranium enrichment roadmap, just as it announced a further enrichment of its uranium to 60 percent purity, closer to the 90 percent benchmark for a nuclear bomb.

Rumours in Tel Aviv and Washington suggest complacency over what might appear to be a significant weakening of Irans negotiating leverage. This will only be ascertainable during the next stages of negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel has been engaged in a clandestine naval war against Iran to hinder its supplies to Syria - and Tehran has now begun reacting.

Unfortunately, the EU, which has succeeded in reclaiming the important mediating role between Washington and Tehran, rolled out an untimely plan to impose sanctions against certain officials allegedly responsible for the violent repression of demonstrations in Iran in 2019.

Assuming that Brussels did not set out to undermine its credibility as mediator, especially in the wake of yet another Israeli attempt to torpedo the nuclear deals relaunch, it is plausible that the European move resulted from a decision taken some time ago and of which Iranian authorities were informed in advance, as an authoritative EU source confirmed to me.

Of course, had the EU waited a few more weeks, nothing would have changed. Iran has reacted negatively, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not miss the opportunity to mock the apparent European clumsiness.

De-escalation with Russia

In recent days, the US administration has been accelerating, and perhaps even making a qualitative leap in, its foreign policy conduct in the Eurasian theatre. President Joe Biden has announced the full withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, due to be completed on 11 September, and has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin a summit to deal with various hot dossiers, starting with the sensitive Ukraine file, which has ratcheted up tensions in recent weeks.

The dual US initiatives lend themselves to a composite reading, alongside the Iran negotiations that the White House seems intent on pursuing, despite Israels disruptive actions.

On the one hand, the attempt to de-escalate with Moscow might indicate that Washington has finally come to terms with the reality that it cannot assertively engage Russia, China and Iran at the same time. The fact that Biden proposed a summit first to Putin, rather than to Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaks volumes as to which is the greatest perceived threat in Washington right now.

The full disengagement from Afghanistan could mark the real beginning of the end of the endless wars in western Asia. It will be interesting to see whether a similar path is followed with regards to Iraq. But it could also imply, above all, Washingtons acknowledgement that the BRI is an incontrovertible reality, and staying in Afghanistan as a potential disturbing factor is no longer necessary, let alone sustainable.

Disengaging from Afghanistan could be a further conciliatory signal to Tehran, but it could also backfire: how pleased would Tehran be if the US exit from Kabul brought the Taliban back to full power?

Joe Biden's declaration that America is back notwithstanding, a US strategic retreat to reduce its unsustainable overstretch in areas where its great game has been probably lost, could better help the new administration to deal with its most compelling strategic and security threat: restoring order at home.
Several industry captains have shown confidence in the economy's recovery prospects and said the capex cycle is reviving and companies are investing to augment their capacity as well as back-end infrastructure.

The business leaders, including Sunil Kant Munjal, Harsh Pati Singhania and Sanjay Kirloskar, participating in an AIMA event here, unanimously said the industry is better prepared for the second wave of COVID-19 than it was at the onset of the pandemic last year.

Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal said there is a tremendous opportunity to invest, both for the financial investors and industrial companies, according to a statement by the All India Management Association (AIMA).

"The Capex cycle, which was slow for 12-14 quarters, is reviving and companies are making serious Capex commitments for the next few quarters," he said.

According to Munjal, the domestic investors are getting more adventurous during the crisis while money is flowing in from overseas in search of returns.

"There is a belief that this is a start of a long-term investment cycle that will go on for a decade or more," he said.

JK Paper Vice Chairman and Managing Director Harsh Pati Singhania said where capacity utilisation is nearly full, there it is time to invest.

However, he added that many sectors and companies are still in difficulty and will not invest.

A lot of investment will go not into producing more of the same but into digitalisation and enabling better customer experience, said Singhania, who is also president of AIMA.

Kirloskar Brothers Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kirloskar said the business models are changing and his companies' investments have been targeted more at the back-end than at capacity.

"I have to ask myself if my manufacturing business is going to turn into a subscription business. I have to prepare for that," he remarked.

Kirloskar also said his group has invested in areas like 3D printing, augmented reality and virtual reality.

On the second wave of the pandemic, Singhania said last year, companies did not know how the lockdowns would affect them.

Last year, the manufacturing facilities continued to produce till they ran out of raw materials and supplies, whereas this time they are tracking consumption in different states and working backwards on the supply chain, he said.

He further said the bigger challenge is the expansion work, which cannot be stopped overnight. A lot of people working there are migrant labourers and companies need to ensure that they do not panic and run away en masse.

Manufacturing plants are mostly in the rural areas and companies are working with the local administrations to help the local community while keeping the operations going, he added.

Munjal said stress testing businesses is essential.

"We invest in many companies and we have asked them to show us cash flows and not business plans. We have asked them how long can you last with 50 per cent of the revenues and how long with 0 per cent revenue," he said.

Munjal also observed that digitalisation and automation are becoming essential to keep a business running and planning for the unimaginable.

"One should take advantage of the downturn to do things that one could not do otherwise," he added.

Kirloskar said with the second wave of COVID-19, his company has brought back the protocols of the initial phase of the pandemic.

(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.)
Pauline Park, a Korean American transgender progressive activist, was skeptical of Andrew Yang when he ran for president. She thought his signature universal basic income proposal was too vague and did not not articulate a larger vision for addressing inequality and pursuing social justice.

But as Yang geared up to run for New York City mayor and eventually jumped into the race in January, Park found the candidates platform more concerning. She didnt like his position on the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and his vow to push back against the movement if elected. His support for providing more resources to the New York City Police Department was another, and Park said Yang has failed to outline a clear affordable housing plan. (Read Yangs plan here.)

I would like Asian Americans in the city to realize that Andrew Yang does not really have the best interest of the community at heart. His pronouncements and policy positions are not ones that will help the (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community if he is elected mayor, said Park, a member of GAPIMNY, a queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander advocacy group. Simply electing an Asian American is not going to change material conditions in which Asians in this city live, just like electing Barack Obama did not change conditions for African Americans, electing Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago didnt change the material conditions in which Black Chicagoans live.

Park isnt alone in how she feels about Yangs candidacy. More than 400 other progressive Asian and Pacific Islander American community members, organizers, and activists in New York City signed a letter shared exclusively with City & State and launched a website Wednesday opposing Yangs bid for mayor. They argue that representation alone is simply not enough and that Yangs track record, actions and policies do not uplift marginalized Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrant and working-class New Yorkers.

Signatories of the letter include Mayor Bill de Blasios communications adviser and deputy press secretary Angelene Superable, who is the executive vice president of the New York Pan-Asian Democratic Club; Senti Sojwal of the Asian American Feminist Collective; Vicki Niu of Asians 4 Abolition; and three Asian American City Council candidates: Carolyn Tran running in the Queens District 25 race, Hailie Kim running in the Queens District 26 race and Shahana Hanif running in the Brooklyn District 39 race.

The letter comes at a time when Asian Americans have faced a troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York City fueled by former President Donald Trump referring to the coronavirus as the Chinese Virus. In the backdrop of an uptick in anti-Asian violence, Asian American New Yorkers have also faced mounting economic challenges during the pandemic. A report from the Asian American Federation found that Asian New Yorkers filing for unemployment surpassed all other groups last year and that 1 in 4 Asians live in poverty in New York City.

The signatories criticized Yang for playing into racist, harmful stereotypes, pointing to his op-ed in The Washington Post last year, in which he called on Asian Americans to show our American-ness in the face of backlash against the Asian American community during the pandemic, and his anti-Black comments when he said the fellowship program at Venture for America might not be a good fit for Black applicants. They criticized Yang for taking pro-police stances by supporting more police in the citys subways and more funding for the NYPDs Asian Hate Crimes Task Force. They called out his campaigns ties to lobbying firm Tusk Strategies and his history of discriminating against female employees.

In 2022, New York City needs a leader who can truly grapple with the complex racial and economic injustices and the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander American New Yorkers in the pandemics aftermath, the letter reads. There are candidates more aligned with social and racial justice values,  whose mayorship would actually benefit our communities, and they are not getting the attention they deserve.

If he wins, Yang, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, would become the first Asian American elected mayor of New York City and the second Asian American to hold a citywide office after now-state Sen. John Liu served as the citys comptroller and then ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2013.

The scathing letter comes as Yang has distinguished himself as the clear front-runner in recent polls just two months before the Democratic primary. He has received endorsements from the New York City Asian American Democratic Club and sitting Asian American lawmakers, including progressive Queens Assembly Member Ron Kim and Manhattan Council Member Margaret Chin.

However, Yang has not won the endorsements of arguably the most powerful Asian American lawmakers in New York: Rep. Grace Meng, New Yorks first and only Asian American elected to Congress, and Liu.

Liu told City & State that even though he thinks Yang is energizing Asian American voters in New York City and that his candidacy represents a voice that needs to be both heard and seen, he believes the concerns outlined in the letter are legitimate. Liu said he will endorse in the mayoral race but declined to say who that candidate will be. He also pointed out that other candidates have been building a broad coalition of supporters just like Yang but over a much longer period of time.

The letter itself is not surprising. These concerns have been mounting over the past few months; its not coming out of the blue, Liu said. Its long been noted, justifiably, that many Asian Americans are very progressive and ideology and principle does go a ways farther than race and ethnicity, particularly among people who are knowledgeable and active.

Ron Kim urged Yang to listen to the progressive groups concerns and said he would work with Yang to move him on addressing inequities faced by the Asian American community. Kim said that what stands out about Yang is his willingness to listen and learn from his mistakes. Kim said Yang has not exhibited the toxic masculinity that most men in politics have displayed  the its my way or the highway or theget along or get killed type of politics, which Kim has seen from lawmakers like Gov. Andrew Cuomo. When Yang outlined his Green New Deal for public housing plan, drawing backlash from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  the plans original author  Kim said Yang quickly reached out to AOC to understand her original plan.

Whats refreshing to me about Andrew is hes not tied to any establishment, whether its the traditional Democatic establishment or the left establishment, or the civil rights establishment, theres an endless group of established groups in the city of New York that if youre here for a long time, youre beholden to  pigeonholed  to their specific interests and he doesnt have that, Kim told City & State. Hes coming in with a fresh set of eyes, offering solutions and willing to fail and pivot and learn, and thats a quality that Ive never seen in a politician.

Other progressives like Zara Nasir, with the Peoples Plan NYC, who helped organize the letter, think Yang aligning himself with the Orthodox Jewish community and business elites over the citys Asian American community is troubling. It again just reinforces this idea that (AAPI) dont matter, our political weight doesnt matter and therefore policies that are important to our community and the working-class poor Asians are not important to him, Nasir said.

Yangs campaign did not return requests for comment for this story. The progressive groups plan to hold an event on May 6 to discuss which candidates support the Asian American Pacific Islander community.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly described the members of GAPIMNY.
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis after a former officer was convicted in the killing of George Floyd there, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Wednesday.

President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the White House in Washington, after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis after a former officer was convicted in the killing of George Floyd there, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Wednesday.

The decision comes a day after the former officer, Derek Chauvin, was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death last May, a verdict that set off a wave of relief across the country. Floyd's death had led to months of mass protests against policing and the treatment of Black people in the United States.

The Justice Department was already investigating whether Chauvin and the other officers involved in Floyd's death violated his civil rights.

President Joe Biden speaks Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the White House in Washington, after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Yesterdays verdict in the state criminal trial does not address potentially systemic policing issues in Minneapolis," Garland said.

The new investigation is known as a pattern or practice"  examining whether there is a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing  and will be a more sweeping review of the entire police department. It may result in major changes to policing in the Minnesota city.

It will examine the use of force by police officers, including force used during protests, and whether the department engages in discriminatory practices. It will also look into the departments handling of misconduct allegations and its treatment of people with behavioural health issues and will assess the department's current systems of accountability, Garland said.

The Minneapolis police said in a statement that the chief, Medaria Arradondo welcomes this investigation and will fully co-operate with federal prosecutors. Arradondo "understand that the intent of this inquiry is to reveal any deficiencies or unwanted conduct within the department and provide adequate resources and direction to correct them, the statement said.

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks about a jury's verdict in the case against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, at the Department of Justice, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

A senior Justice Department official said prosecutors chose to announce the investigation a day after the verdict because they did not want to do anything to interfere with Chauvin's trial. The official would not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Three other ex-Minneapolis police officers charged in Floyds death will be tried together beginning Aug. 23. The official said their trial is far enough off that officials believed it was still appropriate to make the announcement Wednesday, even though the defendants are awaiting trial on state charges.

Its unclear whether the years under investigation will begin when Floyd died or before. Garland said a public report would be issued if the department finds a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. The government also could bring a lawsuit against the police department, which in the past have typically ended in settlement agreements or consent decrees to force changes.

The Minneapolis Police Department is also being investigated by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which is looking into the police departments policies and practices over the past decade to see if it engaged in systemic discriminatory practices.

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks about a jury's verdict in the case against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, at the Department of Justice, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said city officials welcome the investigation as an opportunity to continue working toward deep change and accountability in the Minneapolis Police Department. The city council also issued a statement supporting the investigation, saying its work had been constrained by local laws and that it welcomes new tools to pursue transformational, structural changes to how the City provides for public safety.

The Justice Department official said attorneys from the departments civil rights division are in Minneapolis, working with the U.S. attorneys office and speaking with community groups and others.

Floyd, 46, was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was bystander video of Floyd, handcuffed behind his back, gasping repeatedly, I cant breathe, and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyds neck for what authorities say was about 9 1/2 minutes, including several minutes after Floyds breathing had stopped and he had no pulse.

Floyd's death May 25 became a flashpoint in the national conversation about the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and sparked worldwide protests.

At trial, Chauvin's defence attorney persistently suggested Chauvins knee wasnt on Floyds neck for as long as prosecutors argued, suggesting instead it was across Floyds back, shoulder blades and arm.

The Justice Department had previously considered opening a pattern or practice investigation into the police department soon after Floyds death, but then-Attorney General Bill Barr was hesitant to do so at the time, fearing that it could cause further divisions in law enforcement amid widespread protests and civil unrest, three people familiar with the matter told the AP.

Garland said the challenges being faced are deeply woven into our history.

"They did not arise today or last year, Garland said. Building trust between community and law enforcement will take time and effort by all of us, but we undertake this task with determination and urgency knowing that change cannot wait."

Forliti contributed to this report from Minneapolis.

Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd.
The new season of Big Brother is set to launch on Channel Seven on Monday.

And to celebrate, a few of the contestants were seen enjoying a get together ahead of the show's debut.

Tilly Whitfield, Katie Williams, Sarah Jane Adams and Ari Kimber were seen attending a viewing party in Darling Point on Tuesday.

Catch up: Big Brother 2021 contestants Tilly Whitfield, Katie Williams, Sarah Jane Adams and Ari Kimber catch up in Sydney ahead of season premiere. Tilly (left) and Katie (right) were seen greeting a brunette gal pal after the viewing party in Darling Point on Tuesday

Tilly, 21, opted for a bright and eye-catching ensemble - a neon orange and bright pink top teamed with high-waisted blue jeans.

The blonde bombshell, who hails from Sydney's northern beaches, styled her luscious tresses in waves that cascaded down her shoulders.

She beamed alongside her Big Brother co-star Katie Williams as they greeted a brunette gal pal after the viewing party.

Beaming beauties: Katie, 27, showed off her sensational figure in a beige utility dress teamed with a $1600 black Prada purse and a pair of red mule heels for a pop of colour. She looked very happy to be reunited with her co-star Sarah Jane Adams, 66

Reunited: Big Brother co-stars Katie and Sarah were seen greeting each other with a warm embrace

Trademark outfit: Sarah Jane, 66, dressed for the outing in a camouflage print crop jacket with khaki green cargo pants and red combat boots. She was also seen greeting co-star Ari Kimber with a hug

Well dressed: Ari, who hails from Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, wore a navy cable knit jumper over a white collar button up, ankle crop jeans and Gucci sneakers

Katie, 27, showed off her sensational figure in a beige utility dress that featured a collar with a plunging neckline, which she accentuated with gold necklaces.

The former Australian Ninja participant accessorised with a $1600 black Prada purse for a touch of luxury and teamed her look with a pair of red mule heels for a pop of colour.

Also seen with the pair were fellow Big Brother stars Sarah Jane Adams and Ari Kimber.

Friends: Tilly was also seen greeting her pal Ari with a hug before heading off to their next destination

Private party: The group later moved their party to Bondi Beach Public Bar for a more intimate catch up

Sarah Jane, 66, dressed for the outing in a camouflage print crop jacket with khaki green cargo pants and red combat boots.

The artist styled her silver tresses up in her signature bun-style.

Meanwhile Ari Kimber, 22, wore a navy cable knit jumper over a white collar button up and ankle crop jeans.

Company: At the table, they foursome were seen enjoying each others company and appeared to be enjoying an animated conversation

Conversation: At one point Katie had the group's attention in the discussion

The student, who is based in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, completed his preppy outfit with a pair of $915 Gucci sneakers.

The group later moved their party to Bondi Beach Public Bar for a more intimate catch up.

At the table, they foursome were seen enjoying each others company and appeared to be enjoying an animated conversation.

Serious moment: Tilly then had appeared to have a serious moment in the group chat

Reality TV pals: Sarah Jane then showed Ari something intriguing on her phone. It's likely the four Big Brother stars, who all from NSW, formed an alliance during their time on the show that has translated to a friendship off screen

It's likely the four Big Brother stars, who all from NSW, formed an alliance during their time on the show that has translated to a friendship off screen.

They are among 20 new housemates competing for the $250,000 cash prize, in a season that promises 'new rules and massive twists in a house full of secrets'.

Big Brother premieres next Monday 26 April at 7.30pm on Seven
Photo: Twitter

The U.S. Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis after a former officer was convicted in the killing of George Floyd there, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Wednesday.

The announcement comes a day after former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death last May, setting off a wave of relief but also sadness across the country. The Black man's death prompted months of mass protests against policing in the U.S.

The Justice Department is already investigating whether Chauvin and the other officers involved in Floyd's death violated his civil rights.

"Yesterdays verdict in the state criminal trial does not address potentially systemic policing issues in Minneapolis," Garland said.

The investigation announced Wednesday is known as a pattern or practice"  examining whether there is a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing  and will be a more sweeping probe of the entire police department and may result in major changes to policing there

It will examine practices used by police, including use of force and force used during protests, and whether the department engages in discriminatory practices. It will also look into the departments handling of misconduct allegations and its treatment of people with behavioural health issues and will assess the department's current systems of accountability, Garland said.

Its unclear whether the years under investigation will begin when Floyd died or before.

Floyd, 46, was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was bystander video of Floyd, handcuffed behind his back, gasping repeatedly, I cant breathe, and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyds neck for what authorities say was about 9 1/2 minutes, including several minutes after Floyds breathing had stopped and he had no pulse.

Floyd's death May 25 became a flashpoint in the national conversation about the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and sparked worldwide protests.

At trial, Chauvin's defence attorney persistently suggested Chauvins knee wasnt on Floyds neck for as long as prosecutors argued, suggesting instead it was across Floyds back, shoulder blades and arm.

The decision to announce the investigation comes as President Joe Biden has promised his administration would not rest following the jury's verdict in the case. In a Tuesday evening speech, he said much more needed to be done.

I cant breathe. Those were George Floyds last words, Biden said. We cant let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We cant turn away.
President Joe Biden said the arrest of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd "can be a giant move forward" for the country in the battle against systemic racism. But, he noted that "it's not enough."

Biden, Harris spoke about Derek Chauvin's verdict

Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke from the White House hours after Chauvin's verdict, stating that the country's job is far from over despite the verdict. Biden and Harris urged Congress to move quickly on police overhaul, including passing a bill named after Floyd, who died last May when Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd's neck during an arrest.

Beyond that, the president said the nation as a whole must combat racism to transform hearts and minds, as well as laws and policies. "Those words do not perish with him. Those phrases must be said over and over. We do not avert our eyes. We can't just walk away."

Harris, the nation's first Black vice president, said racism prevented the country from upholding its founding promise of liberty and justice for everyone. "It isn't just an issue in Black America or with people of color. She said, "It is a problem that affects every American. It is preventing our country from realizing its full potential."

Police Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Mistakenly Fired Gun Instead of Using Taser, Police Chief Claims

After calling Floyd's family to inform them of the verdict, Biden addressed the country, saying, "We're all so relieved." Then, he went out of his way to console Floyd's little daughter, Gianna, telling her, "Daddy changed the world."

The jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of two charges of murder and one count of manslaughter after about 10 hours of deliberation over two days. The ruling and its aftermath would put Biden to the test for the rest of time, NBC New York reported.

He also promised to help African Americans who voted for him in massive numbers in last year's election in the aftermath of the nationwide protests that erupted after Floyd's death and reignited a national debate about racism. However, he has long portrayed himself as a supporter of police, dealing with criticism of long-used approaches and training methods and recruiting issues.

Derek Chauvin Trial: Jury Returns a Guilty Verdict but Ex-Cop Still Eligible To Keep His Pension

What Biden, Harris said to George Floyd's family

After a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called George Floyd's family on Wednesday to share their love and sympathy. The president also announced that he, Harris, and senior adviser Cedric Richmond had been viewing the verdict from the White House.

The vice president has encouraged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would restrict racial discrimination at all levels of law enforcement and the use of chokeholds, carotid holds, and no-knock warrants. It will also encourage the government to create a nationwide police misconduct register and overhaul law enforcement qualified immunity. The House approved the bill in March, but it would need 60 votes to pass in the Senate, where Republicans have voiced their opposition, as per the IBT.

Ben Crump, a civil rights lawyer representing the Floyd family, shared the video and expressed hope that the trial's verdict would prompt reform on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. For this reason, Biden said he would fly the family out to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One. At a crucial moment in history, Harris praised the Floyd family as "true leaders," The Hill reported.

Daunte Wright, George Floyd Come From Same Minneapolis Area, Have Lots in Common

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Frustration of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and more general withdrawal of the U.S. from diplomatic leadership in the Pacific, has provided an opportunity for Japan to fill the void. In January 2017, President Donald Trump publicly issued a memorandum withdrawing the nations signature from the TPP. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys 2016 presidential nominee, also became critical of the ambitious free trade initiative.
The European wildcat could be reintroduced into the wild in the UK outside of Scotland for the first time in over two centuries thanks to the work of conservation groups.

The wildcat is Britain's rarest mammal and is functionally extinct, with less than 300 thought to be remaining exclusively in the Scottish Highlands.

But wildlife charity Wildwood Trust announced yesterday it was hoping to save the species from total extinction by heralding a 'new dawn' for the country's last remaining native cat species.

Director of conservation Laura Gardner said: 'Our goal is to return a viable and self-sustaining wildcat population to its former range.

The European wildcat could be reintroduced into the wild in the UK outside of Scotland for the first time in over two centuries thanks to the work of conservation groups (stock image)

'As a leading British wildlife conservation charity, we have developed years of experience and expertise in breeding wildcats in support of the existing Scottish conservation project.

'We are now excited to be utilising these skills to benefit wildcat recovery more broadly across Britain.'

Wildwood Trust, partnered with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Vincent Wildlife Trust, hope to build 10 new wildcat breeding facilities across its two sites in Herne Bay, Kent and Escot, Devon.

Breeding is notoriously difficult as any noise or disturbance can stress the kittens out so their temporary homes will be out-of-sight.

Each enclosure will hold a breeding pair of cats - who usually mate between January and March - before their litters of one to eight kittens born in April or May are later released into the wild.

It is hoped the project, which could run between 10 and 20 years, will see new kittens allowed to roam the British wilderness every year.

Experts from the University of Exeter are currently researching suitable locations for reintroduction.

The Trust needs 50,000 to complete the build and has launched an appeal to raise vital funds from public donations.

The wildcat is Britain's rarest mammal and is functionally extinct, with less than 300 thought to be remaining exclusively in the Scottish Highlands (stock image)

Ms Gardner added: 'This will be a long term commitment for Wildwood requiring increased resources and infrastructure so we are relying on the public's support to help.'

The wildcat was hunted and persecuted to extinction in England and Wales more than a century ago when all predators were considered vermin.

It has not been able to return since due to loss and fragmentation of habitat and more recently interbreeding with domestic and feral cats.

Scotland's last wildcat group is no longer deemed a viable population. But it is hoped restoring a healthy number of one of the few native predators could restore balance in the ecosystem.

They perform important functions like controlling prey such as rabbits and rodents while giving other hunters competition for food.
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Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Baby Food in the United Arab Emirates "under Food category. The United Arab Emirates Baby Food Market is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports.

In 2020 overall, baby food will be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of current value growth rates. Compared to other years over the forecast period, baby food will see less current value growth, likely as many Emirates have been limiting the amount of time they spend outside of the house and therefore shopping less. However, at the beginning of lockdown there was a stockpiling trend as many consumers feared that food supply would soon run out.

Baby Food in United Arab Emirates report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data 2015-2019, 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, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2024 illustrate how the market is set to change.

Product coverage: Dried Baby Food, Milk Formula, Other Baby Food, Prepared Baby Food.

Request a free sample copy of United Arab Emirates Baby Food Market Report @

http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/241336

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?

* Get a detailed picture of the Baby Food 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

List OF CONTENTS AND TABLES

KEY DATA FINDINGS

2020 IMPACT

Stockpiling of milk formula at start of pandemic does not boost growth in 2020 overall

Players respond to concerns over nutrients and the growing popularity of breastfeeding

E-commerce gathers pace amidst lockdown in 2020

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Economic instability will impact growth of baby food over the forecast period

Organic baby food is expected to grow in demand due to growing health concerns

Post lockdown busy lifestyles will call for a need for on-the-go products

CATEGORY DATA

Table 1 Sales of Baby Food by Category: Volume 2015-2020

Table 2 Sales of Baby Food by Category: Value 2015-2020

Table 3 Sales of Baby Food by Category: % Volume Growth 2015-2020

Table 4 Sales of Baby Food by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020

Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Baby Food: % Value 2016-2020

Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Baby Food: % Value 2017-2020

Table 7 Distribution of Baby Food by Format: % Value 2015-2020

Table 8 Forecast Sales of Baby Food by Category: Volume 2020-2025

Table 9 Forecast Sales of Baby Food by Category: Value 2020-2025

Table 10 Forecast Sales of Baby Food by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025

Table 11 Forecast Sales of Baby Food by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025

Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/baby-food-in-the-united-arab-emirates/241336

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:

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The sexual assault charges against former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann are serious.

Ungermann, who featured in the 2017 season, disappeared from last years MasterChef Australia: Back to Win with little explanation in May. It then emerged that Victoria Police had charged him in March with sexual assault.

Ben Ungermann left the latest season of MasterChef mid-season.

Journalists covering an online hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday found their interest piqued when Ungermanns instructing solicitor appeared on screen.

He turned out to be West Australian lawyer Ben Bullock, who rose to modest fame by . appearing as a contestant on MasterChef. In fact, a contestant in the 2017 series alongside Ungermann.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Governments are looking at new limits for travel both into and within Canada, as the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to set heartbreaking records.

On a positive note, Canada hit a new milestone for vaccinations, with 25 per cent of the population vaccinated with at least one dose, as the number of people climbed over 9.5 million Tuesday afternoon.

Generation-X Canadians flocked to make appointments for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as several provinces lowered the eligible age, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

But even as vaccinations were flowing, Ontario's scientific advisers warned the province's hospitals are "buckling" as hospitalizations and critical care loads continued to grow.

Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, reported record numbers of active cases, hospitalizations and patients in critical care across the country.

An average of almost 1,200 people are now in intensive care daily with COVID-19, about half of them on ventilators. On April 12, the most recent single-day statistics available, there was a one-day record of 599 people on ventilators due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 deaths also grew in the last week, to an average of 44 deaths per day, after sitting close to 30 people a day over the last two months.

Much of it is being driven by new variants, with more than 66,000 confirmed variant cases in Canada now, 96 per cent of them B.1.1.7. That is twice the number of confirmed variant cases just one week ago.

In a bid to keep even more variants from entering Canada, Trudeau said Tuesday the use of quarantine hotels for international air travellers will continue until at least May 21, as will testing requirements for air and land-border arrivals.

He defended the government against criticism it didn't move fast enough to enforce quarantines for travellers, but said they are considering additional measures.

"We are continuing to look at more and I have asked our officials to look carefully at, for example, what the U.K. has done very recently on suspending flights from India," he said.

Although Canada's borders are officially closed, thousands of people, mostly Canadians, still cross into the country every week. Health Canada says about one per cent of international air travellers are testing positive for COVID-19 during their three-day quarantine, but can't yet provide data for how many tested positive after 10 days.

India has reported more than 250,000 new cases of COVID-19 daily this week and doctors are investigating whether another new variant, known as B.1.617, may be part of the reason.

Last December, Canada suspended flights from the U.K. for just over two weeks due to concerns about the COVID-19 variant that first emerged there.

In the last two weeks, 117 international flights arrived with at least one passenger who later tested positive for COVID-19, including 29 flights from Delhi, 20 from the United States and 24 from Europe.

Provincial governments are also moving to restrict travel within Canada. Ontario and Nova Scotia are barring entry to non-essential travellers who aren't residents, while British Columbia is looking at doing periodic police roadblocks at ferry terminals and Vancouver-area highways to discourage recreational travel even within the province.

Ontario reported almost 3,500 new cases Tuesday, the first time since April 12 the number was below 4,000. But hospitalizations, critical care admissions and patients on a ventilator all rose overnight, prompting new warnings from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table that hospitals are on the brink. The advisers said essential workers needed to be vaccinated faster and offered sick leave.

Public health chiefs in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region moved on their own to order any workplace closed that has had five or more positive cases in the last two weeks.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization cancelled a planned briefing to update its guidance on what age groups should get the AstraZeneca doses, as more information on the risk of very rare blood clots has now emerged. NACI is still deliberating on what advice to provide.

Three Canadians, including one newly reported in New Brunswick Tuesday, have now had the blood clots, out of more than 700,000 doses given. All three  a woman over 55 in Quebec, a man in his 60s in Alberta and a woman in her 30s in New Brunswick  are recovering at home.

Several provinces didn't wait for NACI. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. all cut the age from 55 to 40, although Saskatchewan said it has already used up much of the AstraZeneca supply it has received. Quebec is cutting it to 45 on Wednesday.

Trudeau, 49, told pharmacists during a virtual meeting Tuesday morning that he intends to be vaccinated at a pharmacy, publicly, as soon as his office can work out the details.
Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director, ActionAid Association recently joined NewsX for a conversation as part of NewsX Indias special A-List series. A social anthropologist by training and a development activist who has lived and worked with Indigenous people and Dalit communities in India all his life, Sandeep Chachra is currently the Executive Director of ActionAid Association. Prior to this, Mr Chachra was the International lead for ActionAid International, just and democratic governance and economic justice theme. He has worked in several capacities in ActionAid International and other development organisations for the last two decades.

Giving us a peak into his journey in the social sector so far, Sandeep said, I did my research and studies in social anthropology and interned at social work, and perhaps its my time I spent in Jharkhand with the tribal communities there as a student in school and later researches living with the Mundari tribes, or perhaps is the fact that my father is a first-generation refugee from Multan. We grew up in an environment where there were difficulties, perhaps those factors which contributed to me to commit myself to social change and justice efforts.

Talking about his long association with the ActionAid, he highlighted, ActionAid provides a platform for change for the most vulnerable communities, their movements and their formations. Over decades, some of which I have been part of, it makes several advances. I will take a few examples, back in early 2000 We took up the cause of homeless people. We organised homeless people and we provided support to homeless people in several cities of the country. Homelessness was then not on the national agenda, so i am working there to bring it to the national agenda to an extent. We went to the court and to the-then governments. Now. we have a national policy scheme for shelters for the homeless. So, it keeps you inspired when you see change happen not just on the ground but also in the policy framework.

We did our bit, so did other civil society organisations and formations. Youre right in celebrating and acknowledging their contributions over the last one year, we did our bit as well. Actually, more than about eight months in the last year after the lockdown. We did a bit to reach out for support to inform our workers more popularly we call them migrant workers, the kind of situation that all of us are in. So, we need to reach rations to them, food supplies to them, set up a community and mobile kitchens.

On a concluding note, Mr Sandeep Chachra spoke about Action Aids plan to combat the second wave of Covid-19. He said, We are in the middle of the second peak, so we will need to go back to some of the lessons in terms of what needs to be done, particularly for workers. Were preparing ourselves to once again provide full support and action support. This time around, the question of medicines comes, the question of encouraging people to vaccinate where theyre qualified to vaccinate comes. We are part of a national level campaign, the Peoples vaccine Alliance, which is campaigning for universal free vaccination for everybody, particularly in countries where vaccines are even down reaching so its not as national but globally also I think a lot needs to be done.
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Coveting may not be a word we use a lot today. It means the uncontrollable desire to acquire. The concept of wanting what is not ours is well known. In fact, the problem the tenth commandment addresses are so familiar, it is expressed in popular sayings:

The grass is always greener on the other side.

God made us a little lower than the angels, but most of us want to climb a little higher than the Joneses.

Our yearnings will always exceed our earnings.

Whether it is clothes, houses, lifestyles, or cars, we want what other people have  what we havent got.

Not all desire is wrong, of course. Some of our deepest desires are for good things: pleasure and joy, belonging and security, comfort and safety, excitement and adventure. After all, God gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). We want to be well respected, to be loved, and have some meaning in our lives.

Those are all good things. Indeed, you could argue that many of the great explorations and discoveries that have advanced the human race have come from desires, whether for money, security, or glory. Human beings dream of things we do not have from the moment we are born to the moment we die.

Yet if we have good desires, we also have bad ones. When we see a friend or a colleague with something better than we have  whether more social media followers, a better car, or we see someone upload a photo from a luxurious holiday destination, or check in on social media somewhere abroad  we find ourselves wanting the same. We have become covetous.

Matters are made worse because what we consider to be our desires are not entirely ours. From the moment we are born, our desires are encouraged and molded by the world around us. Soon we start to believe that the fulfillment of those good and natural desires to be loved, to belong, are to be found in obtaining material things. We live in a world that seeks to fulfill its internal appetite with a cup of externals. Our restless hearts seek contentment; we come to believe that the only way of achieving this is by acquiring things that we dont already have.

It is not surprising that in a desperate but futile attempt to satisfy the insatiable thirst that covetousness produces, our favorite national pastime is shopping. Napoleon famously accused the British of being a nation of shopkeepers; two centuries on, they would be better labeled as a nation of shoppers. Actually, these days, most countries are nations of consumers. You can see it in the architecture. In medieval times the focal point of a European city was often the soaring spires of the cathedral; in the twenty-first century, it is the gleaming glass and steel of the shopping mall.

So, why do we always want more? Why is it a universal truth that men and women desire what they havent got?

We all have desires that are God-given. The problem comes because the only satisfaction for these desires lies in the God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ.

Just as it would be a very unwise solution to satisfy the desire of hunger by stuffing your stomach with paper, so covetousness encourages us to try to satisfy our needs in the wrong way. How can I be satisfied in life? is a good question; the problem with covetousness is that it points us to the wrong answer. Instead of trying to find fulfillment for our legitimate desires by going to our creator God, the one who made our hearts and all we seek, we go elsewhere.

Cultivate contentment

The old saying the grass is always greener on the other side isnt true. The problem is that we have been watering it. Maybe its time we started watering the grass on our side.

Let me offer you some guidelines for contentment.

The first way we find lasting contentment is by letting God, not the world, shape our desires. God wants us to know that he desires us and that we can trust him. Then, if we let him, he will get to work on shaping our desires so that what we want is what he desires for us and is best for us. From the opening chapters of the Bible to the last, it is clear that God wants our love and our friendship. God is a loving, caring, forgiving, kind, and personal God who will settle for nothing less than the closest of relationships with us. We need to embrace his love.

Be a giver

Perhaps the best antidote for coveting is to be generous with what we have. Instead of being concerned to amass things we should be concerned about giving them away. Generous giving will break the grip of greed on your life. Our life isnt to be measured in terms of the harvest we reap, but by the seed, we have sown. One of the saddest outcomes is that since the lottery began, giving to charity has gone down.

Jesus talked a great deal about giving. Why? Because giving is the antidote to materialism and the cure for covetousness. Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). The great Christian writer C.S. Lewis succinctly stated that biblical charity should be more than just giving away that which we can afford to do without.

Lets do something for somebody who can never repay us. We need to live simply so that others can simply live. We need to learn again the gift of giving.

Evaluate your priorities

We make decisions based on a system of priorities in our life. It is oftentimes when order is restored, that blessing is released. However, complacency is dangerous. It is a wise policy to check ourselves once in a while and make sure we havent lost the things that money cant buy. Jesus himself said, Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own (Luke 12:15 NLT). We all need to make priorities. Remember, if you dont live by priorities, you will live by pressures.

Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing. It would serve us well to focus on what brings an addition to our lives, rather than adding on more accessories!
MOUNT PLEASANT, MI  Outrage is hanging over a Mount Pleasant school in the wake of a 7-year-old girl having her hair cut off by a classmate and then by a staff member of the institution.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Mount Pleasant father Jimmy Hoffmeyer said his daughter Jurnee arrived home from school on March 24 with the hair on one side of her head cut off. Jurnee, who is biracial, had long, curly hair prior to it being cut.

The cutting had been done by a female classmate on a school bus, the scissors having been obtained from a classroom at Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams St., according to Bernita Bradley, Midwest delegate for the National Parents Union, or NPU, which is working with Hoffmeyer.

Hoffmeyer took Jurnee to a barber, who said the cut was so severe, the only options were to provide an asymmetrical style or to cut off the remaining hair, Bradley said.

Jurnee was very clear that she didnt want to look like a boy, Bradley said. The barber trimmed Jurnees hair for free and said further work would be done to even out the hair once more grew in.

This undated photo provided by Jimmy Hoffmeyer shows his daughter Jurnee Hoffmeyer, 7, after a classmate and a teacher cut her hair on separate occasions. (Photo provided by Jimmy Hoffmeyer)

Two days later, Jurnee returned home from school with nearly all her hair cut off down to a few inches from her scalp. Jurnee told her father her library teacher had cut off her remaining hair.

She was crying, Hoffmeyer said in his AP interview. She was afraid of getting in trouble for getting her haircut. I asked what happened and said, I thought I told you no child should ever cut your hair. She said, But Dad, it was the teacher. The teacher cut her hair to even it out.

Hoffmeyer also learned the staffer in question had previously made comments to Jurnee about her hair, Bradley said.

Hoffmeyer met with school administration personnel, who asked what they could do to make this go away, Bradley said. The dad took issue with the response, countering by asking what the school was planning to do with the staffer who cut his daughters hair, Bradley said.

Hoffmeyer said he received a call from the Mount Pleasant Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Verleger about a week after the schools spring break, who offered to have Im sorry cards mailed to the family, according to the AP interview.

I got mad and hung up, Hoffmeyer said.

Hoffmeyer is Black and white and Jurnees mother is white. The school staffer who cut Jurnees hair is also white.

Im not one to try to make things about race, Hoffmeyer told the AP. Ive pretty much grown up with only white people, myself.

Hoffmeyer in mid-April contacted NPU, self-described as a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents. Our family advocates improve the quality of life for children across the United States and define the education conversation.

Bradley described the incidents as modern-day scalping and said the matter is racially motivated.

Thats exactly what it is, she said. It equates to the fact that you dont like something that naturally grows out of my body and to ostracize me, you scalp me.

Hoffmeyer has removed Jurnee from Ganiard and placed her in another school, Bradley said.

MLive has been unable to reach Verleger or Ganiard Principal Marcy Stout for comment.

Hoffmeyer and Bradley have said the incidents have left Jurnee traumatized.

Journee and her siblings are literally on edge, Bradley said. Jurnee just doesnt have the same spark in her smile anymore, and her dad said the most traumatic thing to him right now is the fact that Jurnee wont sleep by herself. Jurnee feels infiltrated. Her whole demeanor is different.

Bradley said Hoffmeyer and NPUs immediate goals are for the school district to release any and all video footage of both hair-cutting incidents and to acknowledge what the plans are for the staffer who cut Jurnees hair.

NPU is also working to raise awareness for the Crown Act, a bill that would ban race-based hair discrimination. The bill is sponsored by state Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, who reintroduced the bill in February.

The acts name is a backronym for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. States including California, Washington, New York, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut have adopted the Crown Act as law.

In Michigan, Ingham County on March 23 passed a resolution on to become the first county in the state to ban hair discrimination against public employees.

Its something that needs to go into effect to protect students, Bradley said. Who would think that in 2021 we are protecting people over hair?

She said Jurnees experiences have galvanized movement for the Crown Acts adoption.

When you mess with our babies, you mess with us, she said.

The incidents have spurred international outrage, which was showcased during a Monday, April 19, meeting of the Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and went until about 11:30 p.m. due to the influx of speakers during the public comment stage. People from as far away as Texas, California, and Australia voiced their opinions to the board.

During the meeting, board President Amy Bond said the board is aware of the allegations but cannot comment on it. She added reports the board has reviewed are inaccurate.

On social media outlets, the matter has gained traction via the hashtag #JusticeForJurnee.

Read more:

Prosecutors: Police justified in shooting death of Michigan man during meth raid

City Markets grocery in Bay City may close due to pandemics effect on business

Man airlifted to Flint hospital after arriving to Saginaw hospital with gunshot wound to his face
Shaxi Town, one of the world's 100 most endangered sites listed by the World Monuments Fund is a place where you can breathe in fresh air around-the-clock. Shaxi is also a village with a long history that can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period (770 BC-221BC). Stone Treasure Mountain and the Friday Market are the two most popular tourist attractions in Shaxi Town. [China.org.cn]




Akur8 is delighted to announce their global cooperation agreement with Munich Re to boost Munich Res pricing capabilities for their Global Consulting Unit1. With this agreement, Munich Re will have access to a new state-of-the-art rate modelling solution and Akur8 will reinforce its footprint by partnering with one of the worlds leading providers of insurance, reinsurance and insurance-related risk solutions. This non-exclusive cooperation is global, with users in multiple Munich Re operating geographies. All Munich Re entities and clients can benefit from the joint approach and tap into this solution.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420005018/en/

Specifically developed for insurance, Akur8s solution enhances insurers pricing processes by automating risk and demand modelling, using transparent Artificial Intelligence proprietary technology. The core benefits for insurers include a reduction in modelling time which will accelerate time to market, increase predictive power, while keeping full transparency and control over the models created.

Munich Res Global Consulting Unit is driving transformative change in insurance pricing through the application of data science and digitalization, bundled with risk transfer. A dedicated global practice of several insurance pricing experts develop product and pricing solutions: all clients of Munich Re can tap into these via the reinsurance relations. Akur8 will boost their pricing capabilities, bringing increased value and pricing sophistication to their customers, with a pricing tool that leverages AI in a transparent way. Munich Re teams will be using Akur8 for the end-to-end insurance pricing proposition.

Akur8 is extremely excited about this cooperation with Munich Re, which is one of the most renowned worldwide players in the insurance consulting space - let alone their reinsurance and primary insurance activities. This cooperation is also a demonstration of the relevance and attractiveness of Akur8s solution for numerous types of players from primary insurance carriers to reinsurers to solution providers to consulting firms., says Samuel Falmagne, CEO at Akur8.

Our strategic cooperation with Munich Re represents a significant strategic step in our development, spanning a global footprint. Our combined expertise and strengths will allow both of our companies to bring significant value added, says Brune de Linares, Chief of Sales at Akur8.

Akur8 is an impressive solution for risk and demand modelling, that represents a real leap forward in terms of pricing sophistication in the insurance industry. We are convinced that Akur8s solution will enable us to bring added value to our customers across our various consulting projects, notably by allowing our large consulting practice to work collaboratively in dedicated client workspaces, improving predictiveness of the models to eventually bring significant loss ratio improvement., says Joachim Mathe, Global Head of Global Consulting at Munich Re.

Akur8s strengths, pivoting on the commodification of prediction power, allow for what we call The third wave of insurance pricing: while keeping full control on the process, most of the time of the domain expert is spent on understanding the problem and applying the right solution, not in tedious repetitive modelling tasks. Although they are a start-up, the Akur8 teams professionalism, credentials, and reactivity along the whole process were determining factors in our choice - which was made after an in-depth selection process where each players value proposition and strengths were thoroughly reviewed., says Massimo Cavadini, Global Head of Actuarial Consulting and Data Analytics at Munich Re.

About Munich Re

Munich Re is one of the worlds leading providers of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk solutions. The group consists of the reinsurance and ERGO business segments, as well as the asset management company MEAG. Munich Re is globally active and operates in all lines of the insurance business. Since it was founded in 1880, Munich Re has been known for its unrivalled risk-related expertise and its sound financial position. It offers customers financial protection when faced with exceptional levels of damage  from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through to the 2019 Pacific typhoon season. Munich Re possesses outstanding innovative strength, which enables it to also provide coverage for extraordinary risks such as rocket launches, renewable energies or cyberattacks. The company is playing a key role in driving forward the digital transformation of the insurance industry, and in doing so has further expanded its ability to assess risks and the range of services that it offers. Its tailor-made solutions and close proximity to its customers make Munich Re one of the worlds most sought-after risk partners for businesses, institutions, and private individuals.

About Akur8

Akur8 is revolutionizing insurance pricing with transparent AI. Akur8 developed a unique AI-based insurance pricing solution that automates modelling for insurance companies while keeping full transparency and control on the models created, as required by regulators worldwide. Akur8 is the only solution on the market reconciling Machine Learning and Actuarial worlds - enabling customer lifetime value-based price optimization.

1https://www.munichre.com/en/solutions/reinsurance-property-casualty/global-consulting.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420005018/en/
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Washington: English actor Kate Winslet spilled the beans in a recent interview that her 20-year-old daughter Mia Threapleton started acting without anyone noticing since she has a different last name.

According to People Magazine, the Titanic actress shares Threapleton with ex-husband Jim Threapleton. Her daughter is quietly following in the footsteps of her mom.Winslet told Lorraine Kelly on her show recently,"[Shes] 20 and acting. Shes away now in the Czech Republic about to start on a TV series over there. I think I knew [it] was coming, I always suspected," said the actress.

She added, "And then a few years ago she turned around and said, Id like to give it a go, said the 45-year-old star about Threapleton following in her footsteps.

With a different last name, Winslet said Threapletons Hollywood connection was undetected and she landed her first role on her own. As reported by People magazine, Threapleton most recently starred in the 2020 movie Shadows.

"Whats great for her is she has a different surname so she slipped under the radar and the people who cast her didnt know she was my daughter and that was important for her self-esteem, of course," Winslet added.

As per People magazine, the Ammonite actor was married to Threapletos dad from 1998 to 2001 and later married American Beauty director Sam Mendes in 2003. She welcomed son Joe, now 17, that same year before splitting from Mendes in 2011. Winslet is now married to Edward Abel Smith, with whom she shares 7-year-old son Bear.

Last year, in an interview with Variety, Threapleton revealed Shadows was the very first part she ever auditioned for.

She told the outlet, "I had just finished school, was free of exam hell, and felt excited, nervous and ready to start auditioning for things, and hoping that the opportunities to audition would come my way.I just hoped I would get the chance to do what I had wanted to do for so long!"

As for her roots in Hollywood, Threapleton said visiting her Oscar-winning mom on set was a special treat that didn't happen often.

"I never actually spent much time around sets that my mum was working on. It was always a special treat. It's a very different experience when it is happening to you, and not just something I was getting to observe from time to time. I really understand why my mum has always impressed on us how hard the work is. She is right! And I loved every second of it," concluded Threapleton.
An Army soldier assigned to border security operations rescued a girl who was struggling in the Rio Grande after smugglers abandoned her, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

On Tuesday night, Laredo South Station agents responded to a report of migrants crossing the Rio Grande near the mouth of Zacate Creek. Agents monitored the movement of the group remotely.

A Department of Defense U.S. Army soldier assigned to the area reported to agents that the group had made landfall in the United States.

The soldier observed the group leave one individual on the riverbanks as they returned to Mexico, according to Border Patrol. The soldier observed the individual struggling to get out of the river because of the current and steep riverbank, authorities said.

Agents said the soldier approached the area and noticed the smugglers had abandoned a young girl. The soldier assisted the young girl out of the river. Agents then arrived to provide first aid. She did not require further medical attention.

Border Patrol said the soldiers quick action prevented injury and possibly even the loss of life.

It is frustrating to me as a parent to see a young child left by smugglers to fend for herself in the swift currents of the Rio Grande River. With the aid of technology, the smuggling attempt was detected and a U.S. Army soldier supporting our agents was able to quickly get to the lone child and pull her out of the water to safety, stated Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is scheduled to conduct aerial spraying for black flies, also known as biting gnats, on Wednesday over parts of Northampton and Bucks counties, according to a news release Tuesday from Northampton County.

A helicopter is set to take off about 7 a.m. from Braden Airpark in Forks Township to apply the naturally occurring bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) along the Delaware River from near Yardley to the Frost Hollow overlook area north of Easton, and along the Lehigh River from the Easton Dam to about six miles upstream.

The bacteria being used is called Vectobac 12AS, manufactured by Valent Biosciences and described as a thick brown liquid resembling chocolate milk with a fish odor. It kills the immature, or larval, form of the black fly when they feed on it in the waterways. B.t.i. is not toxic to fish or other macroinvertebrates found in the treated waterways and it degrades quickly in the environment, according to the release.

The helicopter being used is a green Bell OH58 helicopter with tail No. N637HA, operated by Gettysburg-based Helicopter Applicators, the release says. DEP personnel will be at all landing zones managing the operation, according to Northampton County.

This work does NOT involve a helicopter spraying over the entire county, the release states. This work is targeted to portions of specifically mentioned waterways. The helicopter will apply B.t.i. to designated areas every few miles along the treated waterways. Application is done by first circling the area to look for people on the ground or obstructions in the air. Then, the helicopter will fly perpendicular to the water flow (whenever possible), and apply the B.t.i.

Black flies are considered a pest which can inundate people seeking outdoor recreation in the warmer months, especially around rivers and streams.

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

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
MENLO PARK, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today reported revenues and earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, net income was $111 million, or $.98 per share, on revenues of $1.398 billion. Net income for the prior year's first quarter was $90 million, or $.79 per share, on revenues of $1.507 billion.

"We are extremely pleased that our first quarter results exceeded the high end of our guidance and reflect a broad-based recovery that is well under way," said M. Keith Waddell, president and CEO of Robert Half. "Protiviti's revenues grew 35 percent year-on-year, reflecting continued momentum across its wide array of service offerings, including very strong managed solutions with staffing. This is Protiviti's 14th consecutive quarter of year-on-year revenue gains. Our staffing operations significantly outperformed their historical sequential trends, led by small- and medium-size businesses and permanent placement, which grew 22 percent sequentially."

Waddell continued, "We are experiencing a faster early-cycle recovery than we have seen in the past which positions us well for future growth. As always, the strength of our brands, people, technology and business model will drive our continued success. Our employees have made possible many great accolades, including very recent inclusion on FORTUNE's '100 Best Companies to Work For' and Forbes' 'America's Best Employers for Diversity' lists for 2021.

"Return on invested capital for the company was 37 percent in the first quarter," Waddell concluded.

Robert Half management will conduct a conference call today at 5 p.m. EDT. The prepared remarks for this call are available now in the Investor Center of the Robert Half website (www.roberthalf.com/investor-center). Simply click on the Quarterly Conference Calls link. The dial-in number to listen to today's conference call is 877-814-0475 (+1-706-643-9224 outside the United States). The password is "Robert Half."

A taped recording of this call will be available for replay beginning at approximately 8 p.m. EDT today and ending at 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 20. The dial-in number for the replay is 855-859-2056 (+1-404-537-3406 outside the United States). To access the replay, enter conference ID# 5481208. The conference call also will be archived in audio format on the company's website at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center.

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm and a recognized leader in professional consulting and staffing services. The company's specialized staffing divisions include Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and senior-level project professionals, respectively, in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam, for highly skilled administrative support professionals; Robert Half Technology, for project and full-time technology professionals; Robert Half Legal, for project and full-time staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal support personnel; and The Creative Group, for creative, digital, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. Robert Half also is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides clients with consulting solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit.

Robert Half has staffing and consulting operations in more than 400 locations worldwide.

Certain information contained in this press release and its attachments may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the company's future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate", "forecast", "project", "plan", "intend", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", or variations or negatives thereof, or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes to or new interpretations of U.S. or international tax regulations; the global financial and economic situation; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for temporary employment or the company's ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the company's services; on the company's ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its temporary employees, or for events impacting its temporary employees on clients' premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the company's ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the company's ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the company's reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the company's SEC filings; the ability of the company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the company will incur as a result of healthcare reform legislation may adversely affect the company's profit margins or the demand for the company's services; the possibility that the company's computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting.

Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities.

Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. The company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release.

A copy of this release is available at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center .

ATTACHED :

Summary of Operations Supplemental Financial Information Non-GAAP Financial Measures



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)



Quarter Ended March 31,

2021

2020

(Unaudited)







Service revenues $ 1,398,380



$ 1,506,691

Costs of services 836,669



892,303









Gross margin 561,711



614,388









Selling, general and administrative expenses (1) 423,062



442,868

(Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts (which is completely offset by related costs and expenses) (1) (11,988)



40,376

Amortization of intangible assets 576



338

Interest income, net (45)



(957)









Income before income taxes 150,106



131,763

Provision for income taxes 39,508



41,848









Net income $ 110,598



$ 89,915









Diluted net income per share $ .98



$ .79









Shares:





Basic 111,424



113,187

Diluted 112,496



113,858





(1) Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses exclude gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. Under these plans, employees direct the investment of their account balances, and the Company makes cash deposits into an investment trust consistent with these directions. Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations noted above are included in SG&A or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while investment income is presented separately. Reclassifications have been made to prior periods' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications had no impact to previously reported income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in thousands)





Quarter Ended March 31,



2021

2020



(Unaudited) SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION:







Depreciation

$ 13,962



$ 15,913

Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs

$ 8,488



$ 10,379

Capital expenditures

$ 9,739



$ 14,276

Open market repurchases of common stock (shares)

797



983















March 31,



2021

2020



(Unaudited) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION:







Cash and cash equivalents

$ 497,930



$ 249,914

Accounts receivable, net

$ 799,673



$ 853,529

Total assets

$ 2,565,169



$ 2,274,852

Total current liabilities

$ 1,076,586



$ 913,354

Total stockholders' equity

$ 1,197,699



$ 1,129,925



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Beginning in Q3 2020, the Company modified its presentation of service revenues for Accountemps, OfficeTeam, Robert Half Technology and Robert Half Management Resources to include inter-segment revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. This is how the Company measures and manages these divisions internally. The combined amount of divisional intersegment revenues with Protiviti are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item. The Company has prepared the below schedule to provide readers with historical comparative information to better evaluate the related trends.



2018



2019



2020



2021



Q1



Q2



Q3



Q4



Q1



Q2



Q3



Q4



Q1



Q2



Q3



Q4



Q1

SERVICE REVENUES:





































































































Accountemps $ 476,055



$ 488,400



$ 486,240



$ 490,849



$ 490,084



$ 494,582



$ 501,905



$ 498,650



$ 489,884



$ 331,542



$ 351,598



$ 385,000



$ 417,116

OfficeTeam 261,642



268,902



265,758



269,125



252,633



261,952



267,023



259,147



239,979



136,299



173,685



214,985



220,467

Robert Half Technology 166,102



178,711



185,687



186,666



182,426



189,461



195,630



198,314



196,652



162,028



161,007



175,730



172,239

Robert Half Management Resources 186,690



182,737



181,638



187,745



196,003



195,236



200,421



201,097



211,878



165,031



154,917



167,116



183,271

Elimination of intersegment revenues (24,201)



(30,776)



(35,557)



(41,847)



(36,519)



(38,519)



(46,518)



(50,883)



(46,273)



(41,514)



(59,816)



(92,393)



(103,818)

Temporary and consultant staffing 1,066,288



1,087,974



1,083,766



1,092,538



1,084,627



1,102,712



1,118,461



1,106,325



1,092,120



753,386



781,391



850,438



889,275

Permanent placement staffing 121,400



135,038



129,667



125,884



131,562



140,894



134,582



126,394



120,489



71,030



87,203



91,387



111,703

Protiviti 207,645



234,042



252,793



263,236



252,341



272,779



299,089



304,666



294,082



283,910



321,303



362,261



397,402

Total $ 1,395,333



$ 1,457,054



$ 1,466,226



$ 1,481,658



$ 1,468,530



$ 1,516,385



$ 1,552,132



$ 1,537,385



$ 1,506,691



$ 1,108,326



$ 1,189,897



$ 1,304,086



$ 1,398,380























































ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The financial results of Robert Half International Inc. (the "Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). To help readers understand the Company's financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with the following non-GAAP measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; segment income; combined segment income and as adjusted revenue growth rates.

The following measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; and segment income include gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. The Company provides these measures because they are used by management to review its operational results.

Combined segment income is income before income taxes, adjusted for interest income and amortization of intangible assets. The Company provides combined segment income because it is how the Company evaluates segment performance.

Variations in the Company's financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, billing days, and certain intercompany adjustments. The Company provides "as adjusted" revenue growth calculations to remove the impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company's lines of business on both a reported basis and also on an as-adjusted basis for global, U.S. and international operations. This information is presented for each of the six most recent quarters. The Company has provided this data because it focuses on the Company's revenue growth rates attributable to operating activities and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages using the same number of billing days, constant currency exchange rates, and certain intercompany adjustments.

The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company's industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided on the following pages.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)



Quarter Ended March 31,

Relationships

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Reported

Adjustments

Adjusted (1)

Reported

Adjustments

Adjusted (1)

Reported

Adjusted SERVICE REVENUES:





































Accountemps $ 417,116







$ 417,116



$ 489,884







$ 489,884



29.8 %

32.5 %

29.8 %

32.5 % OfficeTeam 220,467







220,467



239,979







239,979



15.8 %

15.9 %

15.8 %

15.9 % Robert Half Technology 172,239







172,239



196,652







196,652



12.3 %

13.1 %

12.3 %

13.1 % Robert Half Management Resources 183,271







183,271



211,878







211,878



13.1 %

14.1 %

13.1 %

14.1 % Elimination of intersegment revenues (103,818)







(103,818)



(46,273)







(46,273)



(7.4) %

(3.1) %

(7.4) %

(3.1) % Temporary and consultant staffing 889,275







889,275



1,092,120







1,092,120



63.6 %

72.5 %

63.6 %

72.5 % Permanent placement staffing 111,703







111,703



120,489







120,489



8.0 %

8.0 %

8.0 %

8.0 % Protiviti 397,402







397,402



294,082







294,082



28.4 %

19.5 %

28.4 %

19.5 % Total $ 1,398,380







$ 1,398,380



$ 1,506,691







$ 1,506,691



100.0 %

100.0 %

100.0 %

100.0 %







































GROSS MARGIN:





































Temporary and consultant staffing $ 344,931







$ 344,931



$ 412,996







$ 412,996



38.8 %

37.8 %

38.8 %

37.8 % Permanent placement staffing 111,498







111,498



120,280







120,280



99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 % Protiviti 105,282



1,688



106,970



81,112



(3,671)



77,441



26.5 %

27.6 %

26.9 %

26.3 % Total $ 561,711



$ 1,688



$ 563,399



$ 614,388



$ (3,671)



$ 610,717



40.2 %

40.8 %

40.3 %

40.5 %







































SELLING GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE:





































Temporary and consultant staffing $ 278,547



$ (9,151)



$ 269,396



$ 286,174



$ 33,058



$ 319,232



31.3 %

26.2 %

30.3 %

29.2 % Permanent placement staffing 94,867



(1,149)



93,718



105,722



3,647



109,369



84.9 %

87.7 %

83.9 %

90.8 % Protiviti 49,648







49,648



50,972







50,972



12.5 %

17.3 %

12.5 %

17.3 % Total $ 423,062



$ (10,300)



$ 412,762



$ 442,868



$ 36,705



$ 479,573



30.3 %

29.4 %

29.5 %

31.8 %







































OPERATING/SEGMENT INCOME:





































Temporary and consultant staffing $ 66,384



$ 9,151



$ 75,535



$ 126,822



$ (33,058)



$ 93,764



7.5 %

11.6 %

8.5 %

8.6 % Permanent placement staffing 16,631



1,149



17,780



14,558



(3,647)



10,911



14.9 %

12.1 %

15.9 %

9.1 % Protiviti 55,634



1,688



57,322



30,140



(3,671)



26,469



14.0 %

10.2 %

14.4 %

9.0 % Total $ 138,649



$ 11,988



$ 150,637



$ 171,520



$ (40,376)



$ 131,144



9.9 %

11.4 %

10.8 %

8.7 % Amortization of intangible assets 576







576



338







338



0.1 %

0.1 %

0.1 %

0.1 % (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts (11,988)



11,988







40,376



(40,376)





0.9 %

(2.7) %

0.0 %

0.0 % Interest income, net (45)







(45)



(957)







(957)



0.0 %

0.1 %

0.0 %

0.1 % Income before income taxes $ 150,106



$ 



$ 150,106



$ 131,763



$ 



$ 131,763



10.7 %

8.7 %

10.7 %

8.7 %

(1) Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expense or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while the related investment income is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial measures shown in the table above are adjusted to reclassify investment income from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item which includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact to income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES COMBINED SEGMENT INCOME RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):





Quarter Ended

March 31,



2021

2020









Income before income taxes

$ 150,106



$ 131,763

Interest income, net

(45)



(957)

Amortization of intangible assets

576



338

Combined segment income

$ 150,637



$ 131,144



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATES (%) (UNAUDITED):





Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Reported)

Non-GAAP Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Adjusted)



2019

2020

2021

2019

2020

2021



Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1 Global















































Accountemps

1.6

0.0

-33.0

-29.9

-22.8

-14.9

2.1

-0.7

-32.3

-30.2

-23.1

-14.6 OfficeTeam

-3.7

-5.0

-48.0

-35.0

-17.0

-8.1

-3.1

-5.7

-47.8

-35.8

-18.2

-8.7 RH Technology

6.2

7.8

-14.5

-17.7

-11.4

-12.4

7.0

6.8

-14.2

-18.2

-11.9

-12.4 RH Management Resources

7.1

8.1

-15.5

-22.7

-16.9

-13.5

10.3

7.5

-14.8

-23.5

-18.1

-14.3 Elimination of intersegment revenues (1)

21.6

26.7

7.8

28.6

81.6

124.4

21.6

24.9

7.7

28.2

81.5

127.3 Temporary and consultant staffing

1.3

0.7

-31.7

-30.1

-23.1

-18.6

2.2

0.0

-31.2

-30.7

-23.8

-18.9 Permanent placement staffing

0.4

-8.4

-49.6

-35.2

-27.7

-7.3

0.9

-9.0

-49.1

-35.7

-28.5

-8.1 Total staffing

1.2

-0.3

-33.7

-30.7

-23.6

-17.5

2.1

-1.0

-33.2

-31.2

-24.3

-17.8 Protiviti

15.7

16.5

4.1

7.4

18.9

35.1

14.1

15.5

4.5

6.4

17.9

34.7 Total

3.8

2.6

-26.9

-23.3

-15.2

-7.2

4.3

1.9

-26.4

-23.9

-15.9

-7.6

















































United States















































Temporary and consultant staffing

3.0

2.0

-31.7

-31.0

-24.1

-20.3

3.2

0.5

-31.7

-31.3

-23.9

-19.4 Permanent placement staffing

3.0

-4.9

-51.6

-37.1

-31.3

-12.4

3.2

-6.3

-51.6

-37.3

-31.0

-11.4 Total staffing

3.0

1.3

-33.7

-31.6

-24.8

-19.6

3.2

-0.2

-33.7

-31.9

-24.6

-18.6 Protiviti

17.3

21.3

6.4

10.8

22.9

35.5

17.5

19.5

6.3

10.3

23.3

37.1 Total

5.6

4.7

-26.5

-23.3

-15.3

-8.7

5.7

3.2

-26.5

-23.7

-15.0

-7.6

















































International















































Temporary and consultant staffing

-4.8

-3.8

-31.8

-27.0

-19.3

-12.3

-1.0

-1.9

-28.9

-28.4

-23.5

-17.0 Permanent placement staffing

-5.3

-15.9

-45.0

-30.9

-19.3

5.2

-4.1

-14.6

-43.2

-31.7

-23.0

0.3 Total staffing

-4.8

-5.6

-33.8

-27.6

-19.3

-10.1

-1.5

-3.7

-31.1

-28.9

-23.4

-14.8 Protiviti

10.4

1.3

-3.9

-5.0

4.3

33.8

3.3

2.4

-1.5

-8.0

-1.7

26.1 Total

-2.2

-4.4

-28.4

-23.4

-14.7

-2.0

-0.6

-2.7

-25.7

-25.0

-19.2

-7.2

(1) Service revenues for Accountemps, OfficeTeam, Robert Half Technology and Robert Half Management Resources include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each line of business are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item.

The non-GAAP financial measures included in the table above adjust for the following items:

Foreign Currency Translation. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues, which include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to calculate "Constant Currency" revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period.

Billing Days. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon inputs from all countries and all lines of business. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the company calculates "same billing day" revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a "per billing day" amount. The "same billing day" growth rates are then calculated based upon the "per billing day" amounts.

Intercompany Adjustments. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by the impact of certain intercompany adjustments, applicable comparative period revenues are reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

The term "As Adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days, constant currency fluctuations, and certain intercompany adjustments are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the "As Reported" year-over-year revenue growth rates is included herein on Pages 10-12.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  GLOBAL



Q4 2019

Q1 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021 Accountemps























As Reported

1.6



0.0



-33.0



-29.9



-22.8



-14.9

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.5



-0.1



-0.3



-0.1



1.1

Currency Impact

0.5



0.8



0.8



0.0



-0.2



-0.8

As Adjusted

2.1



-0.7



-32.3



-30.2



-23.1



-14.6

OfficeTeam























As Reported

-3.7



-5.0



-48.0



-35.0



-17.0



-8.1

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.3



-0.1



-0.2



-0.1



1.1

Currency Impact

0.6



0.6



0.3



-0.6



-1.1



-1.7

As Adjusted

-3.1



-5.7



-47.8



-35.8



-18.2



-8.7

Robert Half Technology























As Reported

6.2



7.8



-14.5



-17.7



-11.4



-12.4

Billing Days Impact

0.1



-1.5



-0.1



-0.2



0.0



1.1

Currency Impact

0.3



0.5



0.4



-0.3



-0.5



-1.1

Intercompany Adjustments

0.4





















As Adjusted

7.0



6.8



-14.2



-18.2



-11.9



-12.4

Robert Half Management Resources























As Reported

7.1



8.1



-15.5



-22.7



-16.9



-13.5

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.5



-0.1



-0.2



0.0



1.1

Currency Impact

0.7



0.9



0.8



-0.6



-1.2



-1.9

Intercompany Adjustments

2.5





















As Adjusted

10.3



7.5



-14.8



-23.5



-18.1



-14.3

Elimination of intersegment revenues























As Reported

21.6



26.7



7.8



28.6



81.6



124.4

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.8



-0.2



-0.4



-0.1



2.7

Currency Impact

0.0



0.0



0.1



0.0



0.0



0.2

As Adjusted

21.6



24.9



7.7



28.2



81.5



127.3

Temporary and consultant staffing























As Reported

1.3



0.7



-31.7



-30.1



-23.1



-18.6

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.4



-0.1



-0.3



0.0



1.0

Currency Impact

0.5



0.7



0.6



-0.3



-0.7



-1.3

Intercompany Adjustments

0.4





















As Adjusted

2.2



0.0



-31.2



-30.7



-23.8



-18.9

Permanent placement staffing























As Reported

0.4



-8.4



-49.6



-35.2



-27.7



-7.3

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.4



-0.1



-0.2



0.0



1.1

Currency Impact

0.5



0.8



0.6



-0.3



-0.8



-1.9

As Adjusted

0.9



-9.0



-49.1



-35.7



-28.5



-8.1

Total staffing























As Reported

1.2



-0.3



-33.7



-30.7



-23.6



-17.5

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.4



-0.1



-0.2



0.0



1.1

Currency Impact

0.5



0.7



0.6



-0.3



-0.7



-1.4

Intercompany Adjustments

0.4





















As Adjusted

2.1



-1.0



-33.2



-31.2



-24.3



-17.8

Protiviti























As Reported

15.7



16.5



4.1



7.4



18.9



35.1

Billing Days Impact

0.1



-1.6



-0.1



-0.3



0.0



1.6

Currency Impact

0.3



0.6



0.5



-0.7



-1.0



-2.0

Intercompany Adjustments

-2.0





















As Adjusted

14.1



15.5



4.5



6.4



17.9



34.7

Total























As Reported

3.8



2.6



-26.9



-23.3



-15.2



-7.2

Billing Days Impact

0.0



-1.4



-0.1



-0.2



0.0



1.1

Currency Impact

0.5



0.7



0.6



-0.4



-0.7



-1.5

As Adjusted

4.3



1.9



-26.4



-23.9



-15.9



-7.6



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  UNITED STATES



Q4 2019

Q1 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021 Temporary and consultant staffing







As Reported

3.0



2.0



-31.7



-31.0



-24.1



-20.3

Billing Days Impact

0.2



-1.5



0.0



-0.3



0.2



0.9

Currency Impact























As Adjusted

3.2



0.5



-31.7



-31.3



-23.9



-19.4



























Permanent placement staffing























As Reported

3.0



-4.9



-51.6



-37.1



-31.3



-12.4

Billing Days Impact

0.2



-1.4



0.0



-0.2



0.3



1.0

Currency Impact























As Adjusted

3.2



-6.3



-51.6



-37.3



-31.0



-11.4



























Total staffing























As Reported

3.0



1.3



-33.7



-31.6



-24.8



-19.6

Billing Days Impact

0.2



-1.5



0.0



-0.3



0.2



1.0

Currency Impact























As Adjusted

3.2



-0.2



-33.7



-31.9



-24.6



-18.6



























Protiviti























As Reported

17.3



21.3



6.4



10.8



22.9



35.5

Billing Days Impact

0.2



-1.8



-0.1



-0.5



0.4



1.6

Currency Impact























As Adjusted

17.5



19.5



6.3



10.3



23.3



37.1



























Total























As Reported

5.6



4.7



-26.5



-23.3



-15.3



-8.7

Billing Days Impact

0.1



-1.5



0.0



-0.4



0.3



1.1

Currency Impact























As Adjusted

5.7



3.2



-26.5



-23.7



-15.0



-7.6



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  INTERNATIONAL



Q4 2019

Q1 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021 Temporary and consultant staffing







As Reported

-4.8



-3.8



-31.8



-27.0



-19.3



-12.3

Billing Days Impact

-0.4



-1.4



0.0



0.0



-1.0



1.4

Currency Impact

2.4



3.3



2.9



-1.4



-3.2



-6.1

Intercompany Adjustments

1.8





















As Adjusted

-1.0



-1.9



-28.9



-28.4



-23.5



-17.0



























Permanent placement staffing























As Reported

-5.3



-15.9



-45.0



-30.9



-19.3



5.2

Billing Days Impact

-0.4



-1.1



-0.1



0.0



-1.0



1.7

Currency Impact

1.6



2.4



1.9



-0.8



-2.7



-6.6

As Adjusted

-4.1



-14.6



-43.2



-31.7



-23.0



0.3



























Total staffing























As Reported

-4.8



-5.6



-33.8



-27.6



-19.3



-10.1

Billing Days Impact

-0.6



-1.3



-0.1



0.0



-1.0



1.5

Currency Impact

2.3



3.2



2.8



-1.3



-3.1



-6.2

Intercompany Adjustments

1.6





















As Adjusted

-1.5



-3.7



-31.1



-28.9



-23.4



-14.8



























Protiviti























As Reported

10.4



1.3



-3.9



-5.0



4.3



33.8

Billing Days Impact

-0.6



-1.4



0.0



0.1



-1.4



2.1

Currency Impact

1.4



2.5



2.4



-3.1



-4.6



-9.8

Intercompany Adjustments

-7.9





















As Adjusted

3.3



2.4



-1.5



-8.0



-1.7



26.1



























Total























As Reported

-2.2



-4.4



-28.4



-23.4



-14.7



-2.0

Billing Days Impact

-0.5



-1.3



0.0



0.1



-1.1



1.6

Currency Impact

2.1



3.0



2.7



-1.7



-3.4



-6.8

As Adjusted

-0.6



-2.7



-25.7



-25.0



-19.2



-7.2



SOURCE Robert Half

Related Links

http://www.roberthalf.com


Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1.
Regardless of the weather, twice a day, Mrs. Hai Tri stands by the signboard in the middle of the crowded lane to help students get home safely from school.

browser not support iframe.

The human 'mobile sign'

The scorching, suffocating and dusty summer road of Hung Nhon (Hamlet 3, Tan Kien Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City) at 11pm does not keep Ms. Nguyen Thi Bach Phuong (Ms. Hai Tri, 62) from going out to offer students of Tan Kien Secondary School support as they struggle to cross the crowded roads.

Grabbing her conical leaf hat, she rushes out onto the noisy lanes jam- packed with vehicles holding a sign: Please stop for a second and let students cross the street". Whenever a large car approaches with no intention of slowing down, she points the board towards it to ask for giving roads. When she notices that the two lines of cars has slowed down, she graciously leads the students across until they are safe, she then motions for the drivers to move normally.

Year after year, Ms. Hai Tri has become a "mobile traffic sign" to help students cross the street safely.

The small road from Tan Kien Secondary School to Hung Nhon Street. After school, students have to stand here for a long time trying to cross the road.

What shes doing is of her own accord and comes from her love for the children. Her house is opposite the road from Tan Kien Secondary School leading to Hung Nhon Street.

She said: One day, I saw the children standing on the other side of the street for a very long time looking at each other and not daring to pass. This road is quite narrow with 2-way traffic. At noon, there are more cars, trucks, and containers, so it is dangerous with no traffic signs.

Some of them even pleaded for help so she ran out to them. After that day Mrs. Hai Tri wondered how to assist these kids with road crossing. She soon decided to take a pen and scribble on a cardboard, then waited every day for students to finish school, holding a doodle board in the middle of the traffic lane, leading the students through. In fear of what was written on the board as too small to be seen by the drivers, she even tried to bold the text with a felt pen.

Offering help, even without money

To help students cross the street safely, Mrs. Hai Tri hang a cardboard which writes: "Stop for students to cross the road". Later, the parent of a student presented her a professionally-design signboard.

The students now feel more secure when crossing the street. Parents are no longer worried about their children being in traffic jams after class.

Seeing that the children were more confident and bravely crossed the street, Mrs. Hai Tri didn't think there was any need to hold a traffic control sign anymore. But one day, the students, after crossing the street, came to her again and asked: Grandma, why haven't you been holding the signboard to lead us across the street for several days? I'm afraid of cars."

Mrs. Hai Tri said: I was deeply moved by that. For now, I think I will do it all the time as the children are used to having me ask for help. If they do not see me, they will look forward to it and dare not pass.

I dont see myself as much help for them. Its only a little time and effort but the children are safe and happy. People have money, they go to charity. I don't, so I devote my effort and love and time, she added.

After school, she holds the board on the street to regulate traffic, helping children cross the street safely.

While some view her as a weirdo doing a "strange thing" or laugh at how shes not minding her own business, a great many others highly appreciate what shes doing for the children.

I got laughed at a lot but also loved and cheered. Many parents see me, nod and say thank you. There was a parent named Tam who often picked up his children, saw me holding a handwritten cardboard board, and gifted me a more professional and beautiful sign. I offered some money back but he refused to take it, saying that he just wanted to pay it forward, said Mrs. Hai Tri.

However, being kind is not always easy. There have been countless times she was shouted at and scolded for standing in the middle of the road by reckless drivers who refused to slow down.

It does take my breath away standing between two lanes of vehicles. I have no right to stop anyone's car. I just want to kindly ask them to speed down a bit so the students can cross the street, and then they can keep moving, she said.

The traffic in this section is quite complicated. After school, students and parents at two primary and secondary schools in Tan Kien commune pour in a lot. This road has no signs or traffic lights, so it is very dangerous.

One parent said: "I could not rest my mind if its not for the signboard and Ms. Hai Tri helping my child cross the street. We hope that the authorities do some research and arrange the traffic lights here to make the traffic circulation safer and easier."

Nguyen Son
OTTAWA, ON, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Honourable Ralph Goodale has been appointed as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

As High Commissioner, Mr. Goodale will provide strategic advice to the Prime Minister on areas of importance to people in Canada and the United Kingdom. His decades of experience will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries as we continue to work together to tackle the greatest challenges of today and tomorrow, including beating the global COVID-19 pandemic, fighting climate change, pursuing post-Brexit trade, creating jobs and opportunity for our people, and building back a better world for everyone.

For the past year, Mr. Goodale has served as a special advisor to the Prime Minister for Canada's ongoing response to Iran's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. His report on this tragedy was published last December, but the search for transparency, accountability, and justice for the families of the many Canadian victims continues. The Prime Minister will continue to consult Mr. Goodale for his experience and expertise in this area.

Canada and the United Kingdom are close friends and allies with a long history of strong people-to-people ties and common values. Our two countries work together in many international organizations to advance our common interests, including gender equality, science and innovation, trade and national security, and education.

Quote

"Ralph Goodale's decades of experience will continue to serve Canadians well in his new position as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. As a trusted advisor in London, he will work to further strengthen the friendship between our two countries while we work together to tackle our greatest challenges, and continue to offer thoughtful and heartfelt advice on behalf of Canadians."

 The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

Canada and the UK share a sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and are among the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world.

and the UK share a sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and are among the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world. The UK is one of Canada's largest trading partners. The Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement entered into force on April 1, 2021 , preserving preferential market access for businesses in both countries.

largest trading partners. The Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement entered into force on , preserving preferential market access for businesses in both countries. Canada and the UK work together through international organizations including the United Nations, NATO, the Five Eyes, the G7, the G20, and the Commonwealth. This year, the two countries will continue this work in support of the UK's agenda as G7 President.

Biographical Notes

Associated Link

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: [email protected]

Related Links

http://pm.gc.ca/


Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Mosaic Capital Corporation (TSXV: M) (TSXV: M.DB) ("Mosaic") intends to release its first quarter 2021 financial results on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, after market close.

FIRST QUARTER 2021 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call to discuss the results will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at

8:00 AM MT (10:00 AM ET). All interested parties are invited to join the conference call by dialing 1-855-353-9183 from within Canada or the U.S. or 403-532-5601 from Calgary or internationally, then entering the participant Code 63121#. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the call to secure a line. A recording of the conference call will be made available on Mosaic's website - https://mosaiccapitalcorp.com/.

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The Company also wishes to announce that its Annual and Special Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 3:00 PM MT at the offices of Mosaic Capital Corporation located at 400, 2424 - 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta. Due to the current public health crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the requirement for social distancing, the meeting will be conducted by way of conference call and shareholders should refrain from attending in person. The timing and process for voting by proxy remains the same as prior years and is described in detail in the Information Circular that was mailed to shareholders on April 9, 2021.

Additional attendance restrictions may be added due to the changing nature of the public health advisories related to COVID-19. In the event that more people choose to attend in person than the government-imposed restrictions on mass gatherings, the meeting, by necessity, will be rescheduled to a later date.

A live audio of the meeting will be available by conference call by dialing 1 (855) 353-9183 from within Canada or the U.S. or (403) 532-5601 from Calgary or internationally, then entering the participant code 63121#. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the call to secure a line. A recording of the conference call will be made available on Mosaic's website following the meeting. Mosaic will not be providing a corporate presentation at the meeting.

ABOUT MOSAIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

Mosaic is a Canadian investment company that owns a portfolio of established businesses which span a diverse range of industries and geographies. Mosaic's strategy is to create long-term value for its shareholders through accretive acquisitions, long-term portfolio ownership, sustained cash flows and organic portfolio growth. Mosaic achieves its objectives by maintaining financial discipline, acquiring businesses at attractive valuations, performing extensive acquisition due diligence, utilizing optimal transaction structuring and working closely with subsidiary businesses after acquisition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Cam Deller

Vice President, Corporate Development

Mosaic Capital Corporation

400, 2424 - 4th Street SW

Calgary, AB T2S 2T4

T: (403) 930-6576

E: cdeller@mosaiccapitalcorp.com

www.mosaiccapitalcorp.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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81205
Theres always been a bit of magical thinking when it comes to COVID-19 strategies.

No one has a crystal ball to anticipate the arc of the virus. As he revealed major next steps Monday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont was candid in sharing that We had no idea the scope of the tragedy we were confronting a year ago.

Back then, Lamont earned kudos as a model of caution. He earned measures of criticism as well, largely from conservative pundits parroting that the cure is worse than the disease.

That hackneyed phrase thankfully withered as Connecticuts death toll rose  lapping 8,000 in recent days.

Lamont is now pivoting further from the cautious approach embraced by President Joe Biden and inching closer to the cowboy attitudes of Texas.

Despite Bidens warning that Texan Gov. Greg Abbotts lifting of restrictions March 10 represented Neanderthal thinking, that gamble seems to be paying off. The numbers of daily cases and hospitalizations have continued to decline. Vaccinations helped, as has warmer weather and Texans  including merchants  who ignored the protocol and continued to wear masks.

So Lamont has had the advantage of seeing how scenarios such as that are playing out as temperatures rise in the northeast. But hes still playing with lives without the benefit of absolute answers. Theres still no reliable crystal ball. Its closer to a Magic 8 ball leaders shake in hopes of getting a better answer than reply hazy try again.

Nevertheless, Lamont is taking his boldest steps yet. Most outdoor-related mandates will vanish May 1. That means no one has to wear a mask outdoors. And other business restrictions are slated to disappear May 19.

This should be good news, though after more than a year we suspect many residents will continue to be vigilant. If speed limits were suspended for a day, we maintain some faith that many people would still stay in their lanes at safe speeds.

We are also wary that Lamont may be trying to hasten the process before his clock strikes midnight. Since the outbreak in mid-March 2020, he has acted swiftly through executive order. But the last extension of such authority will expire May 20.

After that, the governor will have to work with legislators on when to lift the restriction on indoor masks.

State officials anticipate that about 70 percent of eligible residents will have gotten at least one vaccine dose by the end of April. But theres a substantial difference between one shot and two, as well as the additional few weeks before the vaccine becomes effective. By that logic, it would make more sense to drop the mandates a full month later

Theres also a chasm between arenas having to limit audience sizes and being able to fill seats to capacity as of May 19.

We hope Lamonts answers are the right ones. We all want the same thing, an end to social distancing. Ultimately, though, these decisions will be personal.
The Dutch government said Tuesday it was relaxing tough coronavirus restrictions, ending a controversial curfew and allowing cafes to serve outdoors from April 28.

The introduction of the night curfew in January, the first in the Netherlands since World War II, sparked the country's worst riots for decades.

"We are of course glad that this is possible again because society yearns for more freedom," Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a press conference.

He added that it was a "step that is very careful and cautious", as infections are still rising week on week as the country tries to step up its vaccination programme.

Cafes will be allowed to serve people on outdoor terraces between 12 pm and six pm, with a maximum of 50 people, said Rutte.

People will also be allowed to have two guests at home per day, instead of the current limit of one.

Shops will meanwhile be allowed to admit customers without appointments, the government said.

Rutte, whose party won the most seats in elections in March on the back of his handling of the pandemic, insisted it was "no gamble" to ease Covid measures.

The Netherlands, with around 17 million inhabitants, has recorded 1.3 million Covid-19 cases and 16,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

After first opting for an "intelligent lockdown" that was far more lax than its European neighbours, the Dutch brought in tough restrictions in October as cases soared.

Days of riots broke out in several cities including Amsterdam and Rotterdam after the introduction of the curfew, which currently runs from 10 pm to 4:30 am.

dk-cvo/bp
[April 21, 2021] Saudi Payments Launches Instant Payments System 'sarie' in Cooperation with IBM and Mastercard

ARMONK, N.Y. and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Payments, under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the launch of Saudi Arabia's instant payments system 'sarie' in cooperation with IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Mastercard (NYSE: MA), the leading technology company in the global payments industry. This collaboration marks a key milestone for payments innovation in the region and is aligned with Saudi Payments' aim to improve the Kingdom's financial ecosystem, mainly through the adoption of faster payments and improvements to banking reconciliation. Today, 'sarie' supports all Saudi banks across the Kingdom and is available for use by their customers. The introduction of 'sarie' is in line with Saudi Arabia's Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP) under Saudi Vision 2030, which targets achieving 70% non-cash transactions by 2030. 'sarie' allows bank customers to send and receive money in real-time using a wider range of services and transfer options. Customers of local banks can make instant transactions of up to SAR 20,000 (USD 5,300) through the system. Further, "sarie" users can benefit from the quick transfer service to send up to SAR 2,500 (USD 660) using aliases, such as mobile number, email address, ID number, or IBAN number. Saudi Payments Managing Director Fahad Al-Akeel said, "The instant payments system 'sarie' can enable us to drive usage and engagement across the Saudi payments ecosystem of banks and businesses. It can help lay the foundation for new payments business initiatives, encouraging financial inclusion and banking reconciliation of Saudi banks. We welcome this momentous collaboration with IBM and Mastercard. It is a huge step forward that aligns with our ongoing smart solutions and payments modernization strategy, aimed towards achieving the assigned goals in vision 2030." Maria Medvedeva, Vice President and Country Business Development Lead, Saudi Arabia, Mastercard, said, "This is a significant milestone in our real-time payments journe and is the result of hard work. Saudi Arabia is an important market for Mastercard, and we anticipate that with this real-time payment system going live in the MEA region, many doors may soon open for ongoing innovation, both in the Kingdom and further afield. The initiative can significantly contribute towards digitizing and modernizing transactions in line with the goals of Vision 2030, and can also help increase the efficiency of the financial systems and offer consumers access to a wider range of financial services, positively impacting the Saudi economy and its citizens."



Saudi Payments selected IBM Global Business Services (GBS), the services and consultancy arm of IBM, to lead the project as the System Integrator (SI) partner and a leading end-to-end digital payments solutions provider. IBM GBS designed and architected the solution through its complex system integration methodology, built a technical platform and integrated Mastercard's instant payments platform into Saudi Payments' existing infrastructure while connecting it to the IT systems of locally operating banks. Not only is this a milestone for payments innovation locally, it is the fastest end-to-end rollout globally of a digital payments system of its kind and scale. Mastercard's innovative and secured real-time payment technology was selected for the rollout by Saudi Payments, enabling people and businesses in the Kingdom to send money instantly. It is part of the tech company's broader multi-rail strategy to lead payment innovation in the MEA region across all digital payment rails, enabling people and organizations to send and receive money how, where, and when they choose, across both card and account-to-account payments rails. Mastercard's experience of real-time payments implementations includes the launch of The Clearing House's RTP  the transformative real-time payment system in the U.S. - an evolution of Mastercard's highly successful and reliable systems developed for Faster Payments in the U.K., FAST in Singapore, and PromptPay in Thailand. Mastercard is now providing real-time payments infrastructure technology for 12 of the largest 50 countries ranked by GDP.

Dina Abo-Onoq, Managing Partner, IBM GBS, Saudi Arabia, said, "In order for banks and financial institutions to remain current, they should be prepared to adapt to the changing and on-the-go customer needs, using the latest innovations. This launch is another step towards the advancement of the payments and banking landscape in Saudi Arabia and the region. The new payments solution is designed to provide the citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia with Mastercard's real-time capabilities and help promote financial innovation." Saudi Payments has successfully rolled out 'sarie' across all banks operating locally, using the most advanced technology built on the latest ISO 20022 messaging standards. The ambitious system is expected to support local government, business, and consumer payment needs across various payment flows, creating a more convenient and accelerated economic activity across the Kingdom. About IBM For more information about IBM GBS, visit https://www.ibm.com/services About Mastercard Incorporated, www.mastercard.com Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. Media Contact:

Charlotte Bergmann

IBM External Relations

charlotte.bergmann@ibm.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-payments-launches-instant-payments-system-sarie-in-cooperation-with-ibm-and-mastercard-301273426.html SOURCE IBM

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Farmers in East Yorkshire have asked the government for additional funding to help alleviate pressures on their businesses following recent flooding.

Local producers discussed the issue virtually this week with representatives from the Environment Agency, East Riding Council, Graham Stuart MP and the NFU.

Mr Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, initiated the meeting after he had been contacted by farmers who have suffered significant flooding during the winter.

Affected farmers highlighted their individual experiences of crop failure and extended periods of fields under water.

It was concluded that additional funding and new projects are required in areas situated around the River Hull.

The Environment Agency also used the meeting to present its findings of their Bathymetric Survey of the river.

The survey was commissioned by the agency during 2019  2020 to determine the sedimentation and siltation within the River Hull.

The fall over the length of the river is unusually small, which affects the approach to pumping water from agricultural land into the river, the EA explained.

It added that managing the River Hull and drains required 'a delicate balance'.

Paul Stockhill, flood risk manager at the EA said: We have recently completed a detailed Bathymetric Survey of the River Hull, which will help identify any changes to the riverbed.

"Managing flood risk in low-lying rural catchments can be complex, and there are challenges in attracting funding.

"We hope our strong relationships, and working together, will provide some of the solutions in managing flooding into the future.

Mr Stuart added: Agencies need to work together to try reduce the effect of flooding that local farmers have experienced this winter and for several years.

"I look forward to meeting again in June, when Sir Greg Knight MP and I will join forces to consider what is possible.
When the Academy Award nominations were announced last month, David Finchers Mank gathered the most of any film at 10, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Gary Oldman) and Best Supporting Actress (Amanda Seyfried). One would think that this would set them up for a big night when the show airs Sunday, April 25, at 7 p.m. locally on ABCbut I am not so sure.

Finchers film, which was initially adored by mainstream critics, became more polarizing after its release in December  on Netflix and a small run in theaters  scoring an overall Metacritic score of 79 (100 is perfect). It started drawing extra unwanted attention for its erratic portrayal of the famous screenwriter, Herman Mank Mankiewicz (Oldman), with some saying facts were bent and twisted to better improve the story, which revolved around Manks attempts to work within the studio system and with the temperamental Orson Wells on writing Citizen Kane, which was released in 1941

In my review of Finchers film, I raved about Oldmans portrayal of an enigmatic and addictive yet brilliant man:

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A hero to many for those efforts, but a poisonous leaf to many suits for his recklessness, Mankiewicz was the only man for the job when Orson Welles wanted to make his big splash with Citizen Kane. David Finchers film, Mank, documents the tumultuous journey of an over-the-hill and injury-prone writer writing a script that was a secret at the time due to its subject matter.

The script for Mank was written ages ago by Finchers father, Jack. While critics liked the ageless look at the studio process churn that did no favors to writers like Herman, they were disappointed in the Old Hollywood rendition, calling it excessive. Tim Grierson of Mel Magazine said its heart is in the wrong place, while Jason Bailey at the Playlist and Mike Ryan at Uproxx both agreed that it wasted its spotlight on the screenwriter instead of the process.

While I enjoyed the film a good deal, others did not. A few years ago, Green Book overcame racial-infused backlash to win Best Picture, but I dont see that happening with Finchers film. While La La Land celebrated the golden age of Hollywood magic and opportunity, Mank just lays waste to the bureaucracy that blocks certain films from seeing the light of day, burning bridges with long-winded dinner party rants about poisoned studio executives and giving us a hero who is hard to root for in Mank.

I cant see the film having a good chance at any major award. Chloe Zhao is the favorite to win Best Director for Nomadland, a much more original and humanistic portrayal of how frail life can be-and the film has a good shot at Best Picture. Seyfrieds chances at winning are a lot better than Oldmans, whose nomination was more of a thanks for going there, pal brand of salute.

Every awards season has a film that gets showered with praise yet walks away from the big Sunday night with zero trophies. Martin Scorseses The Irishman had that problem, walking into the Kodiak Theater with 10 nominations and leaving with zip. According to awards pundits, the actor de-aging and the movie length/subject matter came off as boring and pretentious instead of provocative and desirable. Again, I enjoyed Scorseses film, especially with repeat viewings, but the Academy doesnt care to award those films.

Mank may have a gifted mind and savvy desires, but it was basically the old man shouting at the old(er) Hollywood machine for 131 minutes. Mankiewiczs gusto and glory arent undesirable traits, just tired ones for award distributors. Unlike the attention-grabbing abruptness of Seven or the infinite intrigue or Mindhunter, this one didnt have the legs to win big. Anti-hero screenwriters raging against the machine doesnt exactly corral the attention of voters.

When directors say they do one for themselves and then one for the studio, Mank should be considered one for Fincher. He made his preferred movie, and I think theres peace with that.

But if youre an Oscars prognosticator, the fate of Mank should match Scorseses awards-nomination (not actual awards) darling.
While the trial of Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis police officer found guilty Tuesday of murdering George Floyd, has come to a close, his name and the ongoing push for police reform will remain in headlines for months to come.

After Judge Peter Cahill read the jurys verdict  guilty on all three counts including second-degree murder while committing a felony, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter  Chauvins bail was revoked. Authorities handcuffed him in the courtroom and he was remanded to custody as millions of observers expressed relief and somber celebration.

Chauvin awaits sentencing in Stillwater, about 25 miles east of Minneapolis, at the Minnesota Correctional Facility Oak Park Heights, Sarah Fitzgerald, the states Department of Corrections spokesperson, told CNN. Cahill said Chauvin will be sentenced June 16  about a year and one month after the officer used his knee to pin down Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, for more than 9 minutes during an arrest caught on video.

Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison on the second-degree murder charge. He faces up to 25 years for the third-degree murder charge and a decade in prison for manslaughter. Prosecutors have asked for a stiffer sentence than whats recommended by the states guidelines, which are at least 12 years in prison for each murder charge and nearly four years for manslaughter, CNN reported.

The former police officer is likely to appeal the case, but experts say he has very few legal avenues to overturn the conviction.

Chauvins attorneys could claim bias among the jurors or that they received inadequate instructions on the charges. He could also attempt to claim that Cahill inappropriately allowed witnesses to go too far in expressing personal opinions, including when Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the officers actions breached department values, Politico reported.

Cahill recently said that Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat of California, may have stirred up a reason for an appeal by urging people to get more confrontational over police brutality if the verdict was not guilty, comments that conservatives pounced on. Waters and her colleagues said she was not inciting violence but calling for more active protest over excessive force by police.

Ill give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned, Cahill told the defense attorneys. This goes back to what Ive been saying from the beginning. I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and our function.

But the judge did not declare a mistrial; nor did he question jurors on Waters comments. The jury was sequestered during nearly two days of deliberations.

The unrelated Minnesota police killing of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop may have been a factor in jurors minds during the trial, Chauvins attorneys could try to claim. But experts say such appeals rarely work.

Chauvin could also claim that his lawyers were ineffective.

USA Today noted that about 90% of appeals in the U.S. are eventually rejected.

Three other fired officers who took part in the fatal arrest, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, face charges that they aided and abetted second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Their trial begins on Aug. 23.

Many lawmakers, from the Massachusetts delegation to the White House, were quick to point out that while they were pleased with the jurys verdict, it does not bring Floyd back. His killing in May of 2020 ignited global protests and calls for policing reform as American public opinion shifted favorably toward the Black Lives Matter movement.

Democrats, dissatisfied with a Republican proposal for reform, continue to press for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that passed in the House of Representatives last year.

According to Poynter, President Joe Biden called Floyds family and pledged to support the bill this year. The measure imposes a federal ban on chokeholds and requires officers to try to de-escalate and only use force as a last resort. It also prohibits no-knock warrants in federal drug cases and limits federal funding for state and local agencies that dont ban no-knock warrants.

Praying for George Floyds family. He should still be alive, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on social media after the verdict. And we must continue working to root systemic racism out of our criminal justice system.

Sen. Ed Markey said Floyds family, friends and community got the justice they deserved, but argued the trials outcome shouldnt be the end of the story.

It only begins to scratch the surface of what our country must do to atone for the shameful, racist policies that have denied and stripped Black Americans of their rights for generations, Markey added. George Floyd deserved to live his life fully. His children deserved to have him grow old with them. His community deserved to have him continue his life of service and mentorship. Todays verdict must spur us to do more to ensure we hold law enforcement accountable for their actions, including abolishing qualified immunity, demilitarizing the police and banning facial recognition surveillance.

Related Content:
(Newser)  Lawmakers from both parties are expressing satisfaction with Tuesdays guilty verdict of former police officer Derek Chauvin for murder and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd, the AP reports. Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters says: Im not celebrating, Im relieved." Sen. Tim Scott, the chambers only Black Republican, says he is thankful for a verdict that shows "our justice system continues to become more just." Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock says he hopes the verdict will let "people who have seen this trauma over and over again know the nations laws can give them equal protection.

story continues below

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expressing thanks to Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Congress must keep working on legislation "to bring meaningful change" to police departments. Former President Barack Obama says the conviction was correct but only one step in the fight for justice. In a statement, Obama said true justice requires Americans to understand that "Black Americans are being treated differently every day" and that millions live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last. "Today, a jury did the right thing," he tweeted. "But true justice requires much more."

(Read more George Floyd stories.)
Apr. 21Honolulu police have opened a felony terroristic-threatening investigation involving an alleged bomb threat at a business in the University area Monday.

Police said an unknown male called a business on South King Street just before 6 :20 p.m. and said there was a bomb in one of their packages.

There were no suspicious packages found at the establishment.

Police said there are no arrests at this time in the case.
An 18-year-old woman in Nevada has needed three brain surgeries after developing blood clots linked to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, a spokesperson for her family said.

Emma Burkey began feeling sick about a week after receiving the one-dose vaccine early this month, spokesman Bret Johnson said. She was one of six women in the U.S. and the only reported resident in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, who experienced a serious clotting side effect. One person died.

The cases of vaccine-linked blood clots remain rare, with six documented cases among the 7 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson shot administered in the United States.

Burkey was first treated at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson before being airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California for specialized care, Johnson said. Burkey suffered seizures and was placed in an induced coma, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. She is now awake and off a respirator. Her parents, Russ and Kathy, have visited Burkey briefly each day because of COVID-19 restrictions.

She is improving slowly, Johnson said. The word we got from her parents last night was slowly, slowly slowly. "

The U.S. government suspended use of the J&J vaccinations last week, just a week after European regulators declared that such clots are a rare but possible risk with the AstraZeneca vaccine, a shot made in a similar way but not yet approved for use in the U.S.

Federal health agencies have since been investigating if the vaccine could be the cause of blood clots in the women, or if providers should be aware of preexisting conditions or medications that could lead to complications.

A panel with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Burkey and other women experienced headaches and back pain prior to the discovery of blood clots, KVVU-TV reported. The panel said Burkey was given Heparin, a blood thinner. However, the panel and Dr. Anthony Fauci cautioned that blood thinners can make the condition worse.

The student body and staff here at Coral Academy have heavy hearts as we now know one of our very own students has experienced adverse side effects from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In a one in a million chance of this happening, we are heartbroken, yet pledge our support to the family during this difficult time, said Ercan Aydogdu, CEO of Coral Academy Las Vegas. Burkey was a senior at the school.
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silo Wellness Inc. (Silo Wellness or the Company) (CSE: SILO) (FRA:3K70), a leading wellness company in the psychedelics and functional mushroom marketplaces, today announced a series of psilocybin-assisted wellness retreats beginning in May. Based in Montego Bay, these retreats are one component of Silo Wellness existing psilocybin operations in Jamaica, where the Company currently conducts mushroom and truffle cultivation and testing of the Companys patent-pending nasal spray.



We are prioritizing the expansion of our wellness retreat offerings to meet rising consumer demand for these transformative psychedelic experiences, said Chief Executive Officer Douglas K. Gordon. Setting and mindset have a profound influence on an individuals experience, and our Jamaican retreats offer idyllic, natural backdrops for engaging in psilocybin-assisted exploration, introspection and self-actualization.

The new line-up of psilocybin-assisted retreats range from four to six days and are expected to take place in Jamaica between May and August of 2021. Each retreat presents a tailored offering for distinct audiences and interests:

Renew, Restore & Revitalize - Womens Psilocybin-Assisted Retreat

May 29, 2021 - June 2, 2021

This five-day/four-night psilocybin-assisted womens retreat taps into divine feminine energy to guide visitors towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Ultimate Pride & Love - Psychedelic Retreat

June 9, 2021 - June 13, 2021

This five-day/four-night retreat is designed as a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to embark upon their psilocybin-assisted journey together.

Body & Mind Recharge - Psilocybin-Enhanced Fitness Retreat

June 16, 2021 - June 21, 2021

Guests will build strength and resilience in body and mind on this six-day/five-night retreat, combining intense workout regimes and transformational psilocybin-assisted ceremonies.

Mushroom Grower's Workshop

July 17, 2021 - July 20, 2021

At this four-day/three-night retreat, would-be cultivators will learn the secrets of growing magic mushrooms from some of the first legal professionals in the industry.

Couples Connection - Psilocybin-Enhanced Retreat

July 21 - July 31, 2021

This five-day/four-night retreat is designed for couples seeking a psychedelic journey to build a deeper mutual connection and more satisfying romantic relationship.

Silo Wellness is the leading psilocybin cultivator and facilitator of psychedelic retreats in Jamaica, a jurisdiction where the cultivation, extraction, and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is not illegal.

For more information about Silo Wellness psychedelic retreats, or to register, visit https://www.silowellness.com/retreats. Each registration is subject to screening and approval by facilitators, and no medical treatment or psychotherapy is offered or available at the retreat. Mushrooms and these retreats do not cure or mitigate any physical or mental disease, symptoms, disorders, or abnormalities.

ABOUT SILO WELLNESS

The mission of Silo Wellness is to improve health and wellness by developing and introducing psychedelic medicine to reduce trauma and increase performance by destigmatizing the active compounds in psychedelics and innovating ease of administration and ingestion. Silo Wellness intends to introduce new, safe, and affordable alternatives to current medicines by facilitating entry into new and emerging markets where psychedelics are legal by conducting ketamine and psilocybin wellness retreats and elsewhere by manufacturing and distributing functional mushrooms.

Since its inception, Silo Wellness activities have focused on: (1) development of psilocybin-free functional mushroom tinctures; (2) the development of the formulation of a psilocybin nasal spray in Jamaica; and (3) offering of Jamaican and Oregon psychedelic wellness retreats as well as the cultivation of psychedelic mushrooms in Jamaica. None of Silo Wellnesss products claim to cure or mitigate any physical or mental disease, symptoms, disorders, or abnormalities.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations:

Stuart Kirby, VP of Marketing & Communications

press@silowellness.com

Silo Wellness Investor Relations:

(604) 343-2724

IR@empiregroupir.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the operations and efficacy of the Companys Oregon and Jamaican retreats, partnerships with the estate of Bob Marley, implementation of Measure 109 in Oregon and the business plans of Silo Wellness. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and the potential impact of COVID-19. 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.

Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Silo Wellness assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeeng, the trusted audience engagement and monetization partner for publishers, today announced the company has secured $5 million in new financing from Mizrahi-Tefahot, Israel's third-largest bank. The new line of credit provides working capital to fuel expansion of the company's exclusive Jeengage AI platform that helps publishers curate and deliver the personalized experiences subscribers expect from today's digital platforms.

As part of that expansion, the company has hired veteran Israeli Military Intelligence expert Roy Cagan as its new Chief Technology Officer and former Salesforce and Playtika data scientist Yair Even-Zohar as Chief Data Scientist. The duo will lead engineering, execution and scale-up of Jeeng's exclusive publisher-focused AI technology that automatically matches and delivers the right content to the right subscriber over the right channel.

"Financing proven and promising technology is a core part of our mission to support business growth and economic recovery. The Bank has rich and proven experience in financing Start-Up companies and it is one of the most active players in the Israeli Hi-Tech industry," said Dani, Maor, Head of Hi-Tech Department at Mizrahi-Tefahot. "Jeeng has demonstrated solid profitability and growth even in the face of a difficult global economy over the last year, and its groundbreaking technology solves a serious pain point for publishers of all sizes. We're pleased to support Jeeng's continued growth and look forward to seeing its technology expand to help even more publishers drive new revenue."

Jeeng: The Only Publisher-focused Data Driven Solution for Personalized, Automated Messaging

Jeeng's unique capability enables publishers to turn site visitors into logged-in subscribers without the use of a paywall to build 1:1 relationships with their audiences and end reliance on third-party cookies and social media platforms. With over 20% YoY growth in 2020 and more than 700 publishers now using the platform, the financing has already enabled Jeeng to bring on new talent to meet surging demand, growing its headcount by 40% over the last year.

The new access to capital also comes immediately on the heels of the company's rebrand from PowerInbox to Jeeng, reflecting the company's move beyond email to include push notifications, newsreaders and other messaging channels to engage new and existing audiences with personalized content and monetization.

"As cookies become obsolete and trust in social platforms like Facebook and Twitter continues to decline, publishers need a first-party data strategy to rebuild those critical 1:1 relationships with their subscribers," Even-Zohar said. "Jeeng delivers that solution, essentially providing the industry's first artificial neural network to index publishers' entire body of content and deliver the most personalized content recommendations to subscribers with practically zero publisher effort, enabling them to grow with minimal investment."

Investing in Tech & Talent Drives Market Expansion

Dr. Even-Zohar brings over 18 years of experience in developing and implementing machine learning, recommendation engines and data strategies in large-scale deployments. He will lead Jeeng's data science team, helping publishers implement the data strategies they need to compete without having to make huge investments in technology and personnel.

Cagan, who has spent more than 20 years perfecting data intelligence techniques, most recently served as Head of Cyber Operations and R&D with the Israeli Army. As CTO, he will not only lead efforts to build out a world-class engineering team, but also optimize the Jeeng platform for precise, yet privacy-compliant, personalization at scale.

"Investing in R&D and technology innovation has always been a core part of our value proposition, but now we've doubled-down on that promise to our customers," said Jeeng CEO Jeff Kupietzky. "With new expertise and new capabilities on board, we're extremely well-positioned to become the de facto standard in audience engagement and content monetization for publishers."

To learn more about the Jeeng personalized, automated messaging platform for publishers, visit www.jeeng.com.

About Jeeng

Jeeng, formerly PowerInbox, provides personalized, automated and multichannel messaging solutions allowing publishers to drive new revenue with personalized audience engagement. With Jeeng, publishers can better own and optimize their audiences  focusing on automated, cross-channel messaging tailored to audience interest, easily managed and supported by a dynamic messaging platform. Venture backed, Jeeng supports 150 million unique users a month from over 650 leading publishers including VICE Media, The Atlantic, Bonnier, Salem Web Network, Crain's, HarperCollins and Vox Media. For more information about Jeeng, visit www.jeeng.com.

Media Contact:

Gabrielle DePietro

[email protected]

SOURCE Jeeng

Related Links

https://www.jeeng.com


Demonstrators march to Brooklyn Center Police Department to protest the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minn. on April 13, 2021. (John Minchillo/AP Photo)

Minnesota Lawmaker Introduces Bill That Would Strip Convicted Protesters of Social Benefits

A Minnesota state lawmaker is seeking to punish those convicted of a crime committed during protests by stripping their access to state-sponsored assistance programs, including student loans, unemployment benefits, and food stamps.

State Sen. David Osmek, a Republican, earlier this month introduced Senate File 2381, as officials, business owners, and residents of Minneapolis fear that the fatal officer-involved shooting of Daunte Wright could lead to a repeat of the unrest that erupted last summer over the death of George Floyd. According to Gov. Tim Walz, the widespread riots, looting, and arson left the Twin Cities area with at least $500 million in damage during protests and riots last year.

If passed, the bill would make anyone convicted of a criminal offense in a protest, demonstration, rally, civil unrest, or march ineligible for, among other social benefits, college student loans and grants, unemployment benefits and assistance, business grants, medical assistance, and supplemental nutrition assistance, also known as food stamps.

The bill is not retroactive, meaning that it would not apply to crimes committed before it became law.

Opponents of this legislation have been saying this is an attack on the 1st Amendment, which it clearly is not, Osmek wrote on Facebook in defense of his bill. Minnesotans still maintain their freedom of speech, which I hope they use. What they cannot do is loot, riot, or cause harm to others without any consequences.

Osmeks bill was filed after the death of Daunte Wright on April 11.

After Wright was pulled over for a traffic violation, officers attempted to place him in custody upon learning that he had a warrant out for his arrest for a weapons charge. He slipped from the grasp of one officer before getting back into his vehicle; after a struggle, he was shot by Potter, body camera footage shows. Potter has since been arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail.

Protests at Brooklyn Center continued for several days following the shooting. John Harrington, commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety, said an initially peaceful protest on April 16 turned violent, with rioters pushing against the fence surrounding the citys police station and throwing glass bottles and rocks at officers.

This is a night that should have been about Daunte Wright, should have been folks there recognizing his death and the tragedy that that is. Tearing down a fence, coming armed to a protest, is not, in my mind, befitting a peaceful protest, said Harrington at a press conference. The police declared an unlawful assembly and arrested 136 protesters that night, in addition to nearly 100 arrests made in previous nights.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report
VANCOUVER - A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has granted Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request to delay the final leg in her extradition hearings, days before they were set to begin.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, walks down the street with an acquaintance after leaving B.C. Supreme Court during a lunch break at her extradition hearing, in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, April 1, 2021. A judge is scheduled to release her decision today on a request to delay the final leg of hearings in Meng Wanzhou's extradition case. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

VANCOUVER - A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has granted Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request to delay the final leg in her extradition hearings, days before they were set to begin.

Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes said Wednesday she will deliver reasons for her decision in writing in the next week or so and a date to resume proceedings will be determined April 28.

The hearings were scheduled to begin Monday, but Meng's lawyers said they needed more time to review documents related to the case obtained through a Hong Kong court.

They asked Holmes to adjourn proceedings until Aug. 3, a delay they argued would also allow time for the third wave of COVID-19 infections to subside.

Lawyer Richard Peck has said he believes the new documents will contain evidence supporting their argument that the United States misled Canadian officials in describing the allegations against Meng.

The legal team was set to launch that argument Monday in support of a stay of proceedings before moving into arguments for the extradition hearing, the final step in the case.

What we request is a reasonable time in which to assess the documents and determine their likely admissibility, Peck said.

Lawyers for Canada's attorney general had argued there is no justification to delay proceedings in the high-profile case, especially given the public interest.

There's no basis to believe the documents will be relevant, they argued, while accusing Meng's team of trying to turn the extradition hearing into a trial.

After 2 1/2 years of legal proceedings, and mere days from reaching the finish line, the applicant asks this court to take a several month pause. Her request should be denied, the Crown said in a written response.

Meng was arrested at Vancouver's airport in 2018 at the request of the United States to face fraud charges related to America's sanctions against Iran.

Both she and Huawei deny the allegations.

The arrest fractured Canada-China relations and the subsequent detention in China of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, is widely seen as retaliation.

Meng is accused of lying to HSBC about Huawei's control of subsidiary Skycom during a presentation in 2013, putting the bank at risk of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran.

While Meng's Canadian lawyers have not yet seen most of the documents from HSBC and their contents are unclear, Peck said it's believed they will shed light on what the bank knew about the relationship between the companies and how much it relied on Meng's 2013 presentation.

A teleconference next week with both legal teams will determine a new date for the hearing, which Holmes said should be on or around Aug. 3.

Any new applications arising from the documents should be made before then, she said.

Meng's team has said they anticipate applying to admit new evidence in the extradition case after reviewing the documents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021.
TUCSON, Ariz., April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BASIS Tucson North is joining thousands of schools throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world to celebrate National Student Leadership Week from April 1824, 2021. The week is dedicated to recognizing and reinforcing the important role of student leaders. The theme for this year's event is "Leadership Unlimited."

"I wanted to make the Southern Arizona community aware of the impact of student leaders across the region, especially during these very tumultuous times," said Andrew Pongratz, an 11th grader and Student Council President at BASIS Tucson North. "From hosting social events, to food drives, to giving encouragement and support, student leaders and their advisers have been working tirelessly to support students and educators as they navigate their education in a new environment this school year."

The pandemic has actually created opportunities for students to lean into learning and leadership  opportunities which will undoubtedly help them in their personal and professional futures.

"This year, when learning and school traditions have been so disrupted, it's important to celebrate how these students kept school spirit alive and continued to make a positive impact," said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). "This National Student Leadership Week, we're harnessing that momentum and reimagining the potential of student leadership going forward."

This year's theme highlights student leaders whowhen faced with new and unique challengestransformed obstacles into opportunities for creative thinking and continued to support their school communities. National Student Leadership Week provides an opportunity to recognize that unlimited determination and the ways student leaders find to lead, serve, and move forward.

"I'm very proud that our BASIS Tucson North Student Council, in just its first full year of existence, has stepped up in such powerful ways," said Sean Clark, Head of School at BASIS Tucson North. "They are an embodiment of positive student leadership, and they are fantastic representatives for our school, and our community."

National Student Leadership Week is celebrated each April to highlight and encourage student leadership and service in U.S. schools. In conjunction with the theme, student leaders at BASIS Tucson North have planned special activities to showcase the many ways involvement as student leaders helps prepare young people for the future.

National Student Leadership Week is sponsored by NASSP and its four student programs: National Student Council, the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and the National Elementary Honor Society.

For more information about these organizations and National Student Leadership Week, visit www.nhs.us, www.njhs.us, www.nehs.org, www.NatStuCo.org, or www.nassp.org.

About BASIS Charter Schools

The network of BASIS Charter Schools is among the nation's best, whether assessed by national rankings, OECD/PISA scores, AP Exam scores, college admissions, merit aid earned, or any other measure. Our passionate and knowledgeable expert teachers serve eager students in kindergarten through grade 12 using the college-prep oriented BASIS Charter School Curriculum  known for its STEM focus and liberal arts and sciences foundation. Our acclaimed programfounded in 1998 and cultivating excellence every school year sinceeducates students at the highest international levels, preparing them to be participants in the 21st century global workforce. In the 202021 academic year, BASIS Charter Schools has 29 operating public charter schools serving more than 20,000 students in Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

For more information, please visit BASISschools.org or BASISed.com. To apply, please visit enrollBASIS.com.

SOURCE BASIS Charter Schools
On Tuesday, as Derek Chauvins conviction for the murder of George Floyd was announced, a mix of relief and celebration and grief swept through Minneapolis and other communities. Then the messages from elected officials started coming in. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey tweeted: George Floyd came to Minneapolis to better his life. But ultimately his life will have bettered our city. In a press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi thanked George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice.

Pelosis and Freys words arent just tone-deaf expressions by two prominent voices in American politics. They point to something larger. Theyre telling slips that illustrate how easy it is to view Black victims of police violence not as people, but as means to an end, even if that end is just. The active verbs alone are an offense: a life sacrificed; a life that bettered a city by being lost. As if Floyd had any choice in his death at the hands of Derek Chauvin.

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The comments also reveal a deep misunderstanding of what happened on Tuesday. As Joel Anderson wrote in Slate, I cannot call what happened in a Minneapolis courtroom on Tuesday justice.  To those who see Chauvins conviction as a sea change, I ask: What exactly has changed? Not only do responses like Pelosis and Freys demonstrate an inability to grapple with the moment, they reveal the lack of imagination for what justice should be. Sending Derek Chauvin to prison will not bring back Floyd or other victims of state-sanctioned violence. The vague specter of police accountability after a nine-minute recording of cruelty will not suddenly mitigate the over-policing that has historically harmed Black and brown and immigrant communities. Most of all, it doesnt materially improve the lives of those whose underclass status and presumed criminality has justified the polices use of lethal force in cases like Floyds.

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So we must resist the urgeand the encouragementto canonize George Floyd, to allow his death to become synonymous with justice, as Pelosi put it. Not only does this overstate what Chauvins conviction actually means, it serves to diminish the very concrete demands voiced by the uprising that Floyds killing inspired, including for some an end goal of abolishing the police. Chauvins conviction itself is not a step toward either the biggest of changes or the mildest of reforms.

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That canonization is already happening. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which has passed in the House of Representatives, leaves the current form of policing as we know it intact rather than interrogating how the police have been an arm of the state to subjugate its Black citizens. It calls for a federal registry for complaints and instances of misconduct for police officers. It mandates that police only use deadly force as a last resort. And it restricts the application of the qualified immunity doctrine that protects many officers for facing criminal charges, among other provisions. While the bill is named in George Floyds honor, its not likely any of these proposals would have prevented his death.

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The instinct to immortalize Floyds death is in line with American tradition. It allows us to take comfort that bad people who do bad things will face the consequences they deserve. It packages the horror of Floyds murder in a way that preserves Americas rosy self-regard and allows white America to believe that justice prevails. It is a method of control. It serves to pacify demands for a broader, more radical approach to racial justice. It dehumanizes and diminishes the Black American experience. It suggests that our lives only have meaning in death.

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The most important thing for us to remember is that Floyds death was meaningless, not meaningful. It meant little to Chauvin as he listened to Floyd take his final breaths. What had meaning, though, was Floyds life. His love of hip-hop. His battle with addiction. His relationship with his young daughter, who will have to grow to learn these lessons without her father. The power of his memory that will persist through his family and loved ones. We will never get him back, his sister Latonya Floyd told a Los Angeles Times reporter after Chauvins conviction. Theres nothing left here to remind us of him but the memory of his face and the love we have for him.

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With each passing moment starting from Chauvins conviction, politicians and pundits on both sides of the aisle will craft their arguments for why Floyds death and Chauvins punishment is in line with their American myths. That Floyds death was an aberration. That Chauvin was a bad apple who faced the rightful consequences of his actions. These stories will mostly not know what to do with the fact that it all continues: Moments after Chauvins conviction was announced, police in Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a 16-year-old girl, MaKhia Bryant, who called the police to her home for help during an altercation.

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Anything less than an absolute reckoning with the damage done by policing wont prevent more Black people from falling victim to state-sanctioned violence. And any messages thanking Floyd for his sacrifice from those with the most power to right the wrongs of his death makes the necessary work more difficult to accomplish.

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Im glad Pelosi and Frey said what they did, saying the quiet part out loud. They gave voice to a belief that is still the dominant one among Democrats and Republicans alikethat the system will ultimately prevail, that it is capable of producing justice for Black Americans. Its exactly why so much of America, even liberal America, sees Black deaths not as tragedies in their own right but as steps on the march toward progress.

If we are not careful, some of the loudest voices in America will succeed in bastardizing the story of George Floyds life and death, and use it as a means to further a shallow idea of justice. We must not let that happen.

In the seven years Ive been covering news and politics for Slate, Ive written about some of the United States best and worst moments, people, and ideas. Your continued support of Slate Plus will allow me to continue to give our countrys high-stakes struggle to define itself the coverage it deserves. Thank you! Ben Mathis-Lilley, senior writer
Pankaj Gupta is leaving after leading the companys engineering in India and Asia-Pacific at a time when it competing with rivals for a share in the financial services market.

I came in as an Apple fan-boy but leave wowed by the unimaginable reach of Android, said Gupta, who was senior director of engineering at and NBU (next billion users). He will join the US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, an online platform for buying, selling, transferring, and storing digital currency.

I have a great sense of pride and gratitude to have been a part of the Tez rocketship aka alongside you from zero to nnnM+ users today now sending annually more than $mmm Billion to each other, he said.

Google Pay competes with players such as Walmart-owned PhonePe, Amazon Pay, and Alibaba-backed Paytm, which are also making significant inroads into the financial services market as well as payments.

An alumnus of Stanford University and IIT-Delhi, Gupta was the founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based Halli Labs that sepcialised in artificial intelligence and machine learning. He joined Google after it acquired Halli Labs in 2017. He headed all engineering in APAC for Google Tez (now called Google Pay India) right from launch. He also headed global engineering across countries for Google Pay Consumer Products.

Caesar Sengupta, Googles Next Billion Users head, quit the technology giant after nearly 15 years in March this year.

Gupta, who earlier worked as a senior staff data scientist at Twitter, said he had joined Google as a data-hungry machine learning practitioner and is leaving the firm as a data-shy privacy fanatic. I leave as someone who got the opportunity to go deep into real-time payment systems around the world and the very definition of money, said Gupta. I now converse with central banks around the world and co-architected the payment rails of our NUE application.

For the next phase of my life after Google, I am thrilled to share that I will be joining Coinbase as VP of Engineering and Site lead for India, said Gupta. Ill be responsible for leading and building the companys technology hub in India from scratch. I will be hiring across India.

Approximately 56 million verified users, 7,000 institutions, and 115,000 ecosystem partners in over 100 countries use Coinbase to easily and securely invest, spend, save, earn and use crypto.
For more than a century, they have operated in the shadows.

But now aspiring spies can read all about MI5's secret exploits on Instagram.

After years of monitoring social media to uncover terrorist plots and other threats, Britain's spy agency is making a public foray into the world of influencers and celebrities, sharing photos, videos and fascinating snapshots of missions.

MI5 promises the account, @mi5official, will 'bust popular myths about its work, provide explainers for intelligence terminology, promote career opportunities and bring to life events in MI5's 112-year past'.

MI5 has announced that it is launching its own Instagram account @mi5official, pictured, the organisation's headquarters building

MI5 also plans to host online Q&As with serving intelligence officers and promote career opportunities on the Facebook-owned social network, which boasts more than one billion users globally

For a spy agency that does not allow staff to share anything about their personal lives on social media, the move will be seen by many as ironic.

But it isn't the first British spy agency to join Instagram. GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre joined in 2018.

It comes just days after MI5 warned that social media was being used by foreign spies to target more than 10,000 British officials and other nationals with access to classified or sensitive information.

MI5 also plans to host online Q&As with serving intelligence officers and promote career opportunities on the Facebook-owned social network, which boasts more than one billion users globally, PA said.

The agency, once famous for approaching potential new recuits in discreet, shadowy encounters, began publicly advertising vacant positions in recent years.

Historical exhibits from its museum, located in the basement of London headquarters by the River Thames near Westminster, will also be shared for the first time on Instagram.

The move comes months after MI5's new director general Ken McCallum said he wanted the traditionally highly secretive agency to 'open up and reach out in new ways'.

'Much of what we do needs to remain invisible, but what we are doesn't have to be,' he said in his first media engagement in October, after taking up the job in late April.

'In fact, opening up is key to our future success,' added McCallum, a MI5 veteran of more than 25 years who oversaw all counter-terror operations around the 2012 London Olympics.

A 2018 parliamentary committee report strongly criticised the country's spy agencies for failing to reflect modern Britain and lacking women and ethnic minorities in senior positions.

The UK's spy network also includes the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) - better known as MI6 and home of the world's most famous fictional spook, 007 James Bond - as well as cybersecurity agency GCHQ.

GCHQ joined Instagram in October 2018.
A former Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore in the Ashanti Region, Frank Boakye Agyen has appealed to the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to maintain the existing MMDCEs in the Ashanti Region to ensure continuity in governance.



He was speaking on the PLATFORM show hosted by Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM. Honorable Boakye Agyen said the MMMDCEs contributed massively to the electoral fortunes of the NPP during the 2020 elections, so he sees no reason why they should not be given another mandate to continue their good works for the Party and Government.



Buttressing his point, the former Lawmaker posited that the President knowing the importance of continuity in governance has maintained most of his appointees who will help execute his agenda.



" . . thus maintaining the current MMMDCEs especially those in the Region where the Npp enjoys a lot of support, will be in the right direction," he added.



Commenting on the notion held by a section of Party supporters that some MMDCEs campaigned against Parliamentary candidates of the party, Honorable Boakye said, he finds it difficult to accept such comments.



He said, "I combed around the nooks and crannies of the Region to campaign for the Party, I did not see any MMMDCE campaigning against their Parliamentary Candidates".



He, however, advised the Party as it has started, to do in-depth analysis to ascertain what really contributed to its negative performance during the elections.



" . . I believe that some Constituency Executives should be blamed for the apathy that was witnessed during the December polls," he said.



The Legal Practitioner also appealed to the President to consult the Regional Ministers and consider their inputs in his final decision to appoint MMDCEs. To him, the practice where only Party Executives are consulted in the appointment of MMMDCEs does not augur well for the Party's development at the grassroots level.



"Most Party Executives have interest in becoming MMDCEs so I see no reason why they should be involved in the selection process," he concluded.



Frank Boakye Agyen is a Ghanaian politician and was a member of the 5th and 6th Parliaments of the 4th Republic of Ghana representing the people of Effiduase Asokore constituency in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He has also been an active member of the Party since 1992.

Source: Sampson Manu/ISD/Obuasi









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Indonesian rescuers searching for a missing Navy submarine with 53 sailors on board have found an oil spill near the vessel's dive location in the waters off Bali.

Officials fear the vessel sank to the bottom of a trough with a depth of 2,300ft during a torpedo military exercise. The navy has deployed a number of warships to search for the missing crew.

The German-made KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters 60 miles north of the island of Bali on Wednesday, but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said.

The 44-year-old submarine had asked for permission to dive to conduct the live torpedo exercises.

'After permission was given according to the procedure, the submarine lost contact and could not be reached,' Indonesia's Defence Ministry said.

An aerial search by a helicopter later found an oil spill in waters where the submarine was thought to have submerged. The navy deployed two vessels with sonar capability to assist the hunt, the ministry said.

The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402 (file photo of the submarine), has gone missing with 53 people on board

The hunt for Nanggala-402: Rescuers prepare to set off from Bali on a search mission with 53 submarine crew members missing

The submarine was conducting a torpedo drill in waters 60 miles north of the island of Bali

The navy requested help from other nations with submarine rescue vessels and Australia, Singapore and India have responded, the ministry said in a statement.

TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said contact with the submarine was lost at around 4.30am local time on Wednesday morning.

'We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles from Bali, (for) 53 people,' military chief Hadi Tjahjanto told Reuters in a text message.

He added: 'Tomorrow I will immediately go to the location.'

Missing Naggala 402 Age: 44 years after being built in 1977 Top speed: 25 knots (46 km/hr) Range: 8,200 nautical miles (15,200 km) Maximum diving depth: 843ft Weight: 1,395 tons Length: 65 yards Fuel: Powered by four electric deisel engines Armaments: 14 torpedos located in eight tubes. It is also equipped with a CSU-3-2 suite type sonar Built in: Lubeck, Germany Advertisement

The military chief confirmed that assistance in the search for the submarine and missing crew members had been sought from Australia and Singapore.

Representatives of the defence departments of the two countries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

'The navy is currently searching for [the submarine], said First Admiral Julius Widjojono. 'We know the area but it's quite deep.'

Commander Marshal Tjahjanto will hold a media briefing to share further information about the search on Thursday from Bali, a spokesman said.

Military analyst Soleman Ponto said it is too early to determine the fate of the submarine conclusively.

'We don't know yet whether the communication equipments were broken or the submarine has sunken. We have to wait for at least three days,' he said.

The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1977, according to the defense ministry, and joined Indonesian fleet in 1981. It underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012.

Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago.

But now it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels.

Indonesia has been seeking to modernise its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents in recent years.

An aerial search by a helicopter found an oil spill in waters where the submarine (file photo) was thought to have submerged

In 2016, an Indonesian air force transport plane crashed into a mountain, killing all 13 people board, during a training exercise in the remote region of Papua.

In 2015, an Indonesian military transport plane crashed into a northern residential area two minutes after takeoff, killing more than 100 people.

While the Southeast Asian archipelago has not previously suffered a major submarine disaster, other countries have been struck by accidents in the past.

Among them was the horrific sinking in 2000 of the Kursk, the pride of Russia's Northern Fleet.

The submarine was on manoeuvres in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000 when it sank with the loss of all 118 aboard. An inquiry found a torpedo had exploded, detonating all the others.

In 2018, authorities found the wreckage of a missing Argentine submarine that had gone missing a year earlier.

Crushed from an implosion, the ARA San Juan was located at a depth of more than 900 metres (3,000 feet) in a desolate area of undersea craters and canyons 400 kilometres (250 miles) off the coast of Argentina.

The accident took the lives of 44 sailors.

Then, in 2019, a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean over 50 years ago was found.

The diesel-electric Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 27, 1968.

The Minerve was on a training mission in bad weather when it went down while returning to its base in Toulon, France's main Mediterranean naval port.

Experts have speculated that the disaster was caused by a problem with the Minerve's rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems.
The government on Tuesday finally ratified several key conventions of the International Labor Organization.

Korea had been dragging its heels over the conventions under pressure from employer organizations and conservatives since joining the ILO in 1991, but ratifying them was among President Moon Jae-in's key campaign pledges.

It was also in trouble with the EU, which said Korea's failure to ratify them created an uneven playing field in their bilateral free trade agreement. A joint Korea-EU panel set up to iron them out concluded in January that Korea was in breach and urged it to "continue swiftly the process of ratifying" them.

The country has now ratified three more conventions -- abolition of forced labor (No. 29), freedom of association (No. 87) and the right to organize and collective bargaining (No. 98).

Under the Kim Dae-jung administration in 1998-2003, Korea had already approved minimum working age (No. 138), prohibiting child labor (No. 182), equal remuneration (No. 100) and prohibiting employment and occupation discrimination (No. 111).

The only one left now is No. 105, which prohibits forced labor as a means of political coercion or education, or as punishment for holding anti-government political views -- in other words, sentences of hard labor for political prisoners. But that convention clashes with the outdated National Security Law, which no government has had the nerve to touch.

Last year, the government revised a couple of labor laws to facilitate the ratification of the ILO conventions, including allowing unemployed workers to join trade unions.

Around the world, 146 out of 187 ILO member nations have ratified all eight key conventions, though the U.S. ratified a measly two, China four and Japan six.

Businesses took a last stand. Sohn Kyung-shik, head of the Korea Employers Federation, sent a letter to ILO Secretary General Guy Ryder to say it was "regrettable" that the opinions of the business community were not reflected in the process. He expressed concern that the ratification "will only worsen the labor-management relations."
BOXI by Semihandmade cabinets in a Princeton, NJ home designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel BOXI by Semihandmade upends the uninspired U.S. cabinet industry with a heavily-branded, partnership-driven line that streamlines selection, shortens lead times and removes store visits, pricey middlemen, and clunky design (via AI-3D technology). All from the comfort of your sofa.

Semihandmade, the leading home remodeling brand known for pairing stylish doors with IKEA cabinets, has announced the launch of BOXI by Semihandmade, the first American-built, direct-to-consumer cabinet system for the entire home.

In a world of mattress, eyeglass, and toothbrush brands seemingly everywhere we look online, BOXI asked, Why isnt the same true of cabinets?

Now it is. BOXI by Semihandmade upends the uninspired U.S. cabinet industry with a heavily-branded, partnership-driven line that streamlines selection, shortens lead times and removes store visits, pricey middlemen, and clunky design (via AI-3D technology). All from the comfort of your sofa.

Since starting the company in 2011, CEO and Founder John McDonald has grown Semihandmade from a one-man shop into a known and trusted multi-million dollar industry disruptor that has seen double-digit growth every year. Collaborations with top designers such as Sarah Sherman Samuel and legacy brands Caesarstone, Cafe Appliances, Fireclay Tile and Rejuvenation also set the brand apart.

If 2020 has taught us anything, its that how we shop  and live  will never be the same. With BOXI by Semihandmade, were combining the learnings of 20,000+ kitchens and bathrooms with the wants and needs of a new kind of consumer, said McDonald. Remodeling is already hard enough. Shoppers today want a quality product thats simple to purchase, reasonably priced, and arrives quickly to their doorstep. We think BOXI by Semihandmade is exactly what theyre looking for.

BOXI by Semihandmade worked with Enlisted Design, notable for their collaborations with Allbirds and Stance, to create the brand architecture with a modern, user-friendly approach and a next-level, direct-to-consumer aesthetic.

At a time when the term DTC' seems to be disappearing as more brands are taking on an omnichannel approach, BOXI is embracing it because, quite simply, there has never been a direct-to-consumer cabinet brand before, added McDonald.

Beginning April 21, BOXI will be available in six cities  New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin and Chicago  with design spaces opening in those markets and additional cities throughout the summer and fall.

To learn more about BOXI by Semihandmade, please visit http://www.boxibysemihandmade.com.

# # #

About BOXI by Semihandmade

BOXI by Semihandmade is the first American-built, direct-to-consumer cabinet system for the entire home. BOXI makes home space simple.

About Semihandmade

Founded by John McDonald, a former screenwriter, Semihandmade launched in 2011 with the goal of using IKEA cabinets as a base for handmade craftsmanship at a competitive price. Since then, Semihandmade has grown to over 60 employees, shipped twenty-thousand projects across the US, and opened design centers in NY, LA, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The company has ranked among Inc. Magazine's fastest-growing private companies every year since 2015, and reached $17MM in revenue in 2020.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 21:04:50|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver an important speech at the Leaders Summit on Climate on April 22 via video link from Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday.

China hopes this summit will serve as a useful platform for communication on global cooperation to tackle the challenge of climate change, promoting the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, and jointly promoting global climate and environmental governance, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing in response to a relevant question. Enditem
Researchers in the United States have shown that an antibody test measuring host reactivity to the nucleocapsid protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may better detect natural infection among vaccinated individuals than an assay that measures reactivity to the viral spike protein.

The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is the agent responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that continues to pose a significant threat to global public health and the worldwide economy.

The viral spike protein mediates the initial stage of the infection process by binding to host cell receptors, while the nucleocapsid protein is involved in packaging the viral genome into new virions once SARS-CoV-2 has accessed a cell.

The spike protein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies following natural infection or vaccination.

The currently approved vaccines that are being rolled out in many countries are based only on the spike protein. Antibody assays testing for reactivity to the spike, therefore, generate positive results following either natural infection or vaccination.

Now, a team from the University of Minnesota, Quansys Biosciences in Utah, the University of Chicago and the Minnesota Department of Health have conducted a study showing that in the context of vaccination, a nucleocapsid-containing assay was an accurate predictor of natural infection, while a spike-only assay performed poorly.

Ryan Demmer and colleagues say that, to their knowledge, this is the first investigation of this nature.

In the era of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, seroprevalence studies monitoring natural infection will require assays that do not rely on the spike-protein response alone, writes the team.

A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv server, while the article undergoes peer review.

Antibody assays are important for monitoring natural infection rates

Identifying cases of SAR-CoV-2 using antibody assays is important for monitoring rates of natural infection.

However, most currently authorized antibody tests cannot distinguish natural infection from vaccination; these assays detect reactivity to the viral spike protein, which triggers antibody responses in the case of both vaccination and infection.

Consequently, ongoing antibody studies will be unable to accurately differentiate prior SARS-CoV-2 infection from vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in populations with high vaccination coverage, writes Demmer and the team.

On the other hand, the currently authorized vaccines that are being rolled out in many countries are not expected to elicit a nucleocapsid response.

Antibody tests that target both spike and nucleocapsid proteins could, therefore, potentially identify prior infection among vaccinated individuals.

What did the researchers do?

The team compared the accuracy of a nucleocapsid-containing assay with that of a spike-only assay in identifying prior SARS-CoV-2 infection among a cohort of healthcare workers (aged 18 to 80 years; median age 40 years) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

Two rounds of seroprevalence studies, separated by one month, were conducted between November 2020 and January 2021.

Blood samples collected during rounds 1 and 2 were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies reactive to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using a qualitative ELISA (spike-only assay).

In a subsample of participants (n=82) with enough blood available for further testing at round 2, a second assay was performed that measured IgGs against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (nucleocapsid-containing assay).

All the round 1 blood samples were collected from participants before they had received a vaccine and vaccination status was determined via self-report at round 2.

What did the study find?

The seroprevalence at round 1 was 9.5% and 46% of participants reported being vaccinated prior to the round 2 testing.

Among those who reported being vaccinated, the mean time between vaccination and antibody testing at round 2 was nine days (range: 1 to 34 days).

Among individuals who had not recently been infected, the median value obtained from the spike-only assay was significantly elevated. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the value obtained from the nucleocapsid-containing assay.

Across all participants, reactivity to the nucleocapsid protein accurately predicted recent infection.

For individuals who had been vaccinated more than ten days prior to the round 2 testing, the specificity of the nucleocapsid-containing assay was 92%, while the specificity of the spike-only assay was 0%.

Among participants with apparent false-positive results for the nucleocapsid-containing assay (i.e., a positive nucleocapsid result at round 2, but a negative spike result at round 1), the median time between the two sampling rounds was 33.5 days.

Demmer and colleagues say this raises the possibility that these individuals were truly infected in the interim.

What did the authors conclude?

Among vaccinated individuals, the nucleocapsid assay had a substantially higher specificity and positive predictive value, compared to the spike-only assay, say the researchers. These findings suggest that in the era of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, seroprevalence studies monitoring natural infection will require assays that capture reactivity to the nucleocapsid protein, concludes the team.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 00:33:42|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ruled out a lockdown amid the second wave of COVID-19 in the country.

Addressing the nation on TV for the first time amid the second wave of COVID-19, Modi also appealed to state governments to consider lockdown as a "last resort."

The prime minister said that serious efforts were being made to ensure enough production and supply of oxygen across the country, especially those cities where it is required urgently.

He said that unlike last year when COVID-19 had initially struck, the country is better placed now. "We have enough medical facilities to curb the pandemic spread," he said.

Modi appealed to the people not to panic, strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols and not move out of homes until urgently required.

"We will overcome the second wave of the pandemic like we did last time."

India's COVID-19 death toll reached 180,530 on Tuesday. Besides, as many as 259,170 new cases were recorded between Monday and Tuesday, taking the total tally to 15,321,089.

There are still a total of 2,031,977 active cases in the country, with an increase of 102,648 active cases through Monday, even as 13,108,582 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals so far across the country. Enditem
Ahmedabad, April 21 : Being a good citizen and obeying the law of the land is not just a legal or moral obligation for thousands of villagers in Gujarat but it also comes with its own set of financial incentives. As part of a scheme named Tirthgam-Pavangam, the state government has gifted nearly Rs 23 crore to over 1,300 crime-free villages in 16 years.

Launched in 2004, the scheme aims to promote unity, social harmony and all-round development of villages. It helps in lowering the crime graph in rural areas as crime-free villages get rewarded. Till 2019, 1,319 village Panchayats have been gifted Rs 22.9 crore under the scheme.

What's the scheme According to a government notification on the Tirthgam-Pavangam scheme, if any village is free from crime for a consecutive period of three years, it falls under the 'Pavangam' category. Villages that hold crime-free status for five years consecutively fall under the 'Tirthgam' category. 'Tirthgam' consists of two words -- Tirth means pilgrimage centre and 'Gam' means village. The word 'Pavan' means sacred.

The crime-free status is determined by checking police records of all villages in the state. Gram Panchayats of Pavangam villages are given Rs 2 lakh, while Tirthgams are given an additional reward of Rs 1 lakh. The cycle then repeats, so it's not a one-time gift. Since 2004, 976 villages have become Tirthgam in the state, while 343 are Pavangam.

Out of the 33 districts of Gujarat, villages from 25 districts have benefitted from this scheme so far. It includes villages from Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Kachchh, Gandhinagar, Panchmahal, Surendranagar, Surat, Sabarkantha, Valsad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Patan, Surat, Banaskantha, Navsari, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Kheda, Amreli, Tapi-Vyara, Dang, Rajkot, Morbi, Mahesana and Junagadh districts.

Under the scheme, road accidents are not considered a crime as they are not intentional.

Free to pursue development The stated mandate of the scheme is to promote communal harmony and Mahendragadh, which was awarded Tirthgam status in 2011, is a testament to its success. Situated in Morbi district, 80 per cent out of the village's 750 residents belong to the Patidar community. But the interesting fact is that the Panchayat leader, or 'Sarpanch', is a Muslim woman -- Mumtaz Mutakbhai Bhoria.

"The fact that I am the Sarpanch of a Patidar village itself explains how closely bonded the people are over here. I am actively involved in every developmental activity in the village and that's what matters for all of us. The people are happy, I am happy and schemes like Tirthgam and Pavangam are a remarkable step from the government to promote peace and harmony in villages," Bhoria says.

She said due to the communal harmony, understanding and mindset of development, this village Panchayat has also been Samras Panchayat for the sixth term. The status refers to Samras Gram Yojana where leaders and members of Panchayats are chosen by consensus and not through elections. The state government provides additional incentives to Samras Panchayats.

Geratnagar, a beautiful village located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in Daskroi taluka, has a similar tale. The village was registered as Tirthgam in 2020. Village sarpanch Shardaben Ranchhodbhai Makwana agrees that such schemes have been a motivational factor.

"We have a population of about 2,000 people from different castes. There has never been any crime in the village as we want peace and development. That's why many young boys are doing various jobs in the city while others are busy with their agricultural activities. These schemes are wonderful if implemented properly," says Makwana.

The carrot and carrot approach Bipinbhai Girdharbhai Patel, a young Sarpanch from Sabarkantha district's Prithvipura village, explains that due to the crime-free nature of the village, the focus has been on undertaking various developmental works. "This scheme just endorses humanity and motivates us. It is essential that all the villages gradually become crime-free and people are happy," says Patel.

The village was awarded Tirthgam status in 2018.

Though the scheme is positive in its intent, it has to reach many more villages for its impact to be widespread across the state. A.K. Rakesh, additional chief secretary, state Panchayat department, is hopeful that the government would be able to take this scheme forward and deliver phenomenal results in the years to come.

"This scheme is unique in its nature and it's a reflection of how the state government is committed towards the welfare of the people. It has brought many positive stories from various villages. In future, more villages will be benefitted from the scheme," he said.

Police officials say there are many villages in the state that have always been crime-free. "But once it is recognised and rewarded, it brings a new change. When such schemes are introduced, it brings a positive movement in rural areas. If it brings peace among people, it's really worthwhile in today's time," D Jadeja, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anand district, says.

(The author is an Ahmedabad-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
Police break up a social gathering during an operation against illegal and clandestine gatherings that authorities believe are partly responsible for fueling the spread of COVID-19, at a party hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Saturday, April 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

Brazil's slowly unfolding vaccination program appears to have slowed the pace of deaths among the nation's elderly, according to death certificate data, but COVID-19 is still taking a rising toll as unprotected younger people get sick.

People 80 and over accounted for a quarter of the nation's COVID-19 deaths in February, but less than a fifth in March, according to data provided to The Associated Press on Tuesday by Arpen-Brasil, an association which represents thousands of the notaries who record death certificates in Brazil.

But relatively few beyond the elderly have been protected: Less than 9 million of Brazil's 210 million residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Our World in Data, an online research site.

Confirmed new infections from the virus among all age groups jumped about 70 percent between December and March: Reported cases rose from 1.3 million in December to 1.5 million in January, to 1.36 million in February and to 2.25 million in March.

But among people aged 20 to 59 the death toll tripled from February to March, hitting 23,366, according to the notaries.

Gustavo Renato Fiscarelly, the president of Arpen-Brasil, said the figures show the importance of vaccines as well as the danger of people letting down their guard. "There needs to be precaution by younger people, who have been proportionally more affected by the number of deaths."

A woman presents her identification as police break up a social gathering during an operation against illegal and clandestine gatherings that authorities believe are partly responsible for fueling the spread of COVID-19, at a party hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Saturday, April 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

Heath experts blame that lack of caution for a similar pattern across the continent.

"We are not acting like a region in the midst of a worsening outbreak," Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, head of the Pan-American Health Organization, said last week, complaining that the regional weekly death toll was higher than at any point in 2020.

"Despite ongoing transmission in many places, restrictions have been relaxed. Crowds are back, and people are gathering indoors and taking public transportation, often without masks," she said.

Experts complain that even Brazilians who want to isolate are often forced to go to work because government welfare payments meant to let people stay home were sharply reduced in the first months of this year.

Brazil's vaccine program has suffered repeated delays, but President Jair Bolsonaro has disregarded calls from health experts and some governors to impose a nationwide lockdown to slow the virus' spread.

Doctor Malek Imad treats 34-year-old COVID-19 patient Everton Barbosa Godoy at the emergency unit of a field hospital in Ribeirao Pires, greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

In the absence of countrywide restrictions, unvaccinated people remain vulnerable to the so-called Brazilian variant that has rapidly spread across the countryand Latin America as a whole.

"The new P.1 variant is much more transmissible, and very probably it is also much more aggressive. And it is contaminating a lot of young people," said Margareth Dalcolmo, a pneumologist and researcher at the state-run Fiocruz Institute.

Local leaders have found it hard to enforce restrictions while Bolsonaro is urging people to ignore them.

Sao Paulo state's government imposed limited hours for bars and restaurants, but they were widely violated. In the seven weeks through April 19, more than 500 establishments were fined for violating the rules and police have detained thousands of fun-seekers.

Eduardo Brotero, who helps head a police task force targeting clandestine parties, described one April 11 raid to The Associated Press:

Healthcare workers transfer patients from ambulances to the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, April 16, 2021. Lack of required medicines is the latest pandemic problem to befall Brazil, which is experiencing a brutal COVID-19 outbreak that has flooded the nation's intensive care units. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

A policeman talks with a woman outside a night club after it was shut down during a police operation against illegal and clandestine gatherings that authorities believe are partly responsible for fuelling the spread of COVID-19, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Sunday, April 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

A woman flashes a V sign as police break up a social gathering during an operation against illegal and clandestine gatherings that authorities believe are partly responsible for fueling the spread of COVID-19, at a party hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Saturday, April 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

A 43-year-old patient suspected of having COVID-19 is transferred from an ambulance into the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Doctor Malek Imad treats 34-year-old COVID-19 patient Everton Barbosa Godoy at the emergency unit of a field hospital in Ribeirao Pires, greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Carlos Alberto holds out his left arm during the burial service for his 41-year-old wife Aparecida de Freitas, who died from complications related to COVID-19, in the Inhauma cemetery, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, April 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

"There were almost 100 people drinking and smoking hookahs. There was even a barbecue inside, with no security measures, even in this period in which every day we face these enormous death figures."

Brazil has seen almost 375,000 deaths from the virus, a toll second only to that of the United States. Nearly half that total has come so far in 2021 . The seven-day average death toll surged to above 3,000, though the figure has retreated slightly over the last few days.

Everton Godoy, 34, is among these younger COVID-19 patients. He was laid up in a field hospital's infirmary April 13 in the small city of Ribeirao Pires on Sao Paulo's outskirts and said he believes he was infected while working at a produce shop.

"This disease has no age, and it's a very sad disease," Godoy said with labored breaths. "From one day to the next, unfortunately, it takes people away."

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.
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The recent shortfalls in AstraZeneca vaccine supplies to the European Union have been traced back to insufficient production of one of the drug's components, the serum, by a European subcontractor, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing the findings of a EU investigation

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th April, 2021) The recent shortfalls in AstraZeneca vaccine supplies to the European Union have been traced back to insufficient production of one of the drug's components, the serum, by a European subcontractor, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing the findings of a EU investigation.

According to the news outlet, only one of the company's European subcontractors was fulfilling its serum production contract with AstraZeneca. The plant in the Netherlands, on the other hand, was reportedly producing insufficient amounts of the drug substance to be included in the application for approval with European regulators as of December.

These serum shortages forced AstraZeneca to turn to its US plant in Maryland to make up the difference, Politico said. The report found that the US-produced serum was used in as much as 50% of the vaccines filled in vials in three of the AstraZeneca plants Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands responsible for the EU supplies.

However, the investigators concluded that AstraZeneca's increased imports of the drug substance from the US, and additional purchases from South Korea and China, would not be enough to help the company fulfill its commitments, the news outlet stated.

"According to our knowledge, the firm AstraZeneca is not able to honor the quantities defined in the contract with the European Commission and with the schedule defined at the origin," the inspectors were cited as saying by the Politico.

No further information on the exact amounts of serum shipped to the EU by the US or on the next deliveries is available, the news outlet noted.

The report also stressed that the relationship between the EU and the UK has not been reciprocal as London has not shared any amount of the drug substance with Brussels, Politico added.

In the first quarter of the year, AstraZeneca delivered 30 million doses of the vaccine instead of the scheduled 100 million to the EU. The company plans to ship another 70 million doses in the second quarter, totaling 100 million doses by July, in contrast with the contract 300 million doses.
(Newser)  The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which puts on the Golden Globes, has expelled a former president after he shared an article that described Black Lives Matter as a "racist hate movement." Philip Berk, who served eight terms as president until 2011, shared the FrontPage Mag articlewhich claimed BLM was carrying on the work of convicted murderer Charles Manson, who "wanted to start a race war"with association members, staff, general counsel and COO Gregory Goeckner on Sunday, reports the Los Angeles Times. It was horrible timing for the 87-person HFPA, which last month vowed to address a lack of diversity after the Times found it didnt have a single Black member. The Time's Up campaign and more than 100 PR firms threatened to keep talent from attending events put on by the group, which promised reforms by May 6, per the Hollywood Reporter.

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Angry members responded to Berk's email, blasting the "vile" and "racist" rhetoric, per the Times. One called Berk "a thundering disgrace," per the Guardian. Golden Globes broadcaster NBC joined with Globes production company Dick Clark Productions in calling for Berk's expulsion on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the crisis management firm the HFPA had hired for its internal review quit, and HFPA's own diversity and inclusion adviser (who himself had been criticized for his idea of adding 13 Black members) resigned Tuesday, saying the HFPA's diversity problem was much larger than he originally believed, per the Reporter. The HFPA said Tuesday that Berk is no longer a member "effective immediately." (Actor Brendan Fraser accused him of groping.)
Twenty of Arizonas highest-achieving high-school seniors have been awarded the prestigious Flinn Scholarship and will receive a full ride at one of the states public universities.

Now in its 36th year, the Flinn Scholars Program is supported by the Phoenix-based Flinn Foundation in partnership with Arizonas three state universities. The merit-based scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, study abroad, and many other exclusive opportunitiesa package valued at more than $120,000.

The 20 Flinn Scholars representing the Class of 2021, many of whom turned down offers from elite out-of-state universities, will attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona beginning this fall.

"There are so many great stories within this new class of Flinn Scholars," said Anne Lassen, Flinn Scholars Program director. "As is always the case, these are astonishingly intelligent and high-achieving students. But academic success is only the beginning. Theyre characterized by perseverance, engagement with their schools, peers, and families, and a dedication to improving the world around them."

The 2021 Flinn Scholars

Highlights from the Class of 2021 include:

Three schools are celebrating their first-ever Flinn Scholar: BASIS Ahwatukee in Phoenix, Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, and Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. The Flinn Scholar attending Navajo Preparatory School is a resident of Chinle, Arizona.

Five high schools from outside the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas have produced Flinn Scholars in 2021: Bradshaw Mountain High School, Navajo Preparatory School, Nogales High School, Page High School, and Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande.

BASIS Ahwatukee and Gilbert Classical Academy each have two 2021 Flinn Scholars.

For three high schools, 2021 marks their second Flinn Scholar: Liberty High School in Peoria, Vista Grande High School, and Westview High School in Avondale.

The Scholars represent public district schools as well as charter and private schools.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 951 Arizona high-school seniors applied for the Flinn Scholarship. Only 2.1% of these applicants were selected as Flinn Scholars.

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Flinn Scholars are selected based on academic rigor and performance, as well as leadership and service, communication skills, and personal characteristics.

The 2021 Flinn Scholars plan to study a wide range of fields at their respective university honors colleges, including biochemistry, computer-systems engineering, finance, nursing, English, hotel-and-restaurant management, applied physics, computer science, law and policy, economics, and physiology and medical sciences.

"The Flinn Foundation is proud to partner with Arizonas three public universities to offer this special program that attracts a diverse group of Arizonas brightest students, intent on discovering new ways to improve the lives of all Arizonans and people around the world," Flinn Foundation President and CEO Tammy McLeod said.

Flinn Scholarship Benefits

The Flinn Scholarship, in addition to enabling recipients to graduate without debt, offers:

An extraordinary community of more than 670 current and alumni Flinn Scholars, including about 80 Scholars studying at the three universities at any given time;

Membership in a university honors college , with amenities including small classes, access to top researchers, and guest lectures;

Personal mentoring from top faculty, and exposure to Arizona and global leaders in business, government, science, and the arts;

Intellectual, cultural, and social activities developed exclusively for Flinn Scholars by both the Flinn Foundation and the universities; and

Funding for a three-week summer seminar after the Scholars freshman year and for at least one additional study-abroad experience.

The Flinn Scholars Program, established in 1986, is operated by the Flinn Foundation Scholarship Program LLC and supported by the Flinn Foundation, a Phoenix-based private, nonprofit, grantmaking organization that aims to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. The foundation also supports the advancement of Arizonas bioscience sector, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.

Meet the 2021 Flinn Scholars

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005929/en/

Contacts

Brian Powell, Flinn Foundation Communications Manager, 602-744-6806, bpowell@flinn.org

Anne Lassen, Flinn Scholars Program Director, 602-744-6809, alassen@flinn.org
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A popular Nigeria comedienne, Ada Jesus, has died, BBC pidgin is reporting.

The entertainer, whose real name is Mmesoma Mercy Obi, died on Wednesday, after battling kidney disease for about a year.

Confirming the news on Wednesday, an activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who led a group of Nigerians that took Ada Jesus to the hospital, told BBC news this afternoon.

She is gone, he said.

News of her death comes days after celebrating her birthday in the hospital.

Diagnosis

Earlier in an interview with BBC Igbo, the comedienne said her refusal to adhere to certain things led to kidney disease.

She said before the diagnosis, she had gone to the pharmacy to get drugs following fever and swollen body symptoms but was told it was told she was having symptoms of kidney failure.

She also said since December after the diagnosis, her doctors advised her to raise some money to fly to India for a kidney transplant.

Ada Jesus noted that her body swells, especially her tummy and face, while noting that many people have made donations toward her medical trip, but the money was yet to be completed.

She revealed that the illness limited her physical activity as she is not able to stand up and use the rest room.

I feel like this sickness is sucking my blood. In fact, I take pints of blood at least three time a week, she said.

Background

She made the news recently when rumoured to have fallen sick because she attacked a certain Chi Marine Temple, Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie and Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry Inc. fondly called Indabosky, in her comedy skit.

The comedienne claimed that the Anambra-based prophet connived with Rita Edochie to perform fake miracles.

However, the duo of Chi Marine Temple and Rita Edochie publicly forgave her in a video they released separately.

Meanwhile, in another viral video, the father of the comedienne brought her to the prophets church to seek forgiveness and prayers for his daughter but the cleric refused, saying he will not forgive her.

Indaboski also refused to pray for the ailing comedienne at the time and said her generations will suffer for the insults and lies against him.

According to Indabosky, nobody speaks against him and goes scot-free.

It was later reported that he offered his forgiveness and some money to her family. The money was reportedly later rejected.

Ada Jesus rose to prominence on social media due to her comedy skits on social media which garnered a large following online.
Nashik : , April 21 (IANS) In a horrific incident, at least 11 patients died on ventilators in a Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) hospital after a sudden drop in pressure due to leakage in the oxygen supplies, officials said.

The incident took place in the Dr. Zakir Hussain Hospital run by the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled NMC, which is among the biggest civic bodies in the state, and one of the worst Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

Following certain technical issues which caused a variation in the pressure of the oxygen being administered in the ward, the 11 patients gasped for breath and succumbed on the ventilator beds.

Even as stunned relatives slammed the civic authorities, NMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Jadhav ordered a probe into the incident and assured action against all found guilty of lapses.

BJP's Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Darekar attacked the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and demanded lodging of cases under culpable homicide against those found responsible.

To control the outrage and uproar building up after the incident, the Nashik Police tightened security in and around the hospital premises.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Classical musicians, Supriyo Maitro (L) and Ravishankar Shukla (R) practice the Dhrupad style of Indian music at the Assi Ghat in the ancient city of Kashi on Feb. 19, 2021. (Venus Upadhayaya/Epoch Times)

In Search of Classical Music Traditions in an Ancient Indian City

VARANASISupriyo Maitro is an A-graded vocalist in Dhrupad, the most ancient tradition of classical Indian music. He has performed on both television and radio and is no stranger to large audiences. Yet he hasnt experienced what the best in his field have described as sadhana, or practice on a divine path in Indias ancient yogic traditions.

Sadhana simply means the cultivation of ones spirit for self-realization, and Dhrupada form of music that can be traced back to one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, the Sama Vedacan be seen as a meditative tool.

For Indian musicians like Maitro, who wish to continue learning even after seeming to have mastered everything about their craft, this aspiration for self-realizationfor improvement in his spiritual cultivationis natural. Its this wish that brought him to the ghats, or banks, of the Ganges River in the ancient city of Kashialso known by the modern name of Varanasi.

Kashian ancient city of paradoxes where people come for death, knowledge, and enlightenment in the Buddhist and Jain religions, as well as Hindu systemsis replete with stories of meditators, classical musicians, Sanskrit scholars, and even Western artists and seekers who sought similar self-realization. The latest such group the Indian media has flaunted are appreciators and aspirants from Hollywood.

How does one have the nerve to dare to risk ones successful career and leave behind most comforts in search of the spirituality of classical music? Maitro sees a rational link, one he expressed to The Epoch Times in a metaphorical Hindi style: If the mango doesnt have skin, how can it hold the flesh inside? Some people limit their comprehension by considering the mango to be just its skin.

In other words, whats learned superficially is never the truth, which cant be realized by mere surface-level comprehension.

On the iconic Assi Ghat of Kashiwhich is either crowded with devotees or those performing death ritualsMaitro has a noted companion: Ravishankar Shukla, a priest who plays the pakhawaj, a barrel drum shrouded in antique traditions that is believed to have been originally played by the god Ganesha, the Hindu god of knowledge personified by an elephant-headed form.

Shukla explained that the first generation who followed Dhrupad believed that the musical form was created by gods. Maitro added: Long back, it was practiced in the mandir [temples]. Only the Vedas were chanted, especially the Sama Veda. Music was not the motive thenchanting was the motive. He explained that traditionally, chanting was done with technically defined meters, intonations, and swaras, or musical notes. It was systematized. You see the Sanskrit meter, very disciplined.

The Vedasthe oldest classical Sanskrit literaturewere transmitted in their original forms orally, and this oral tradition was highly codified and refined. Today, to a non-practitioner, these chants may sound musical, but thats how these scriptures were originally passed down.

Classical vocalist Supriyo Maitro (L) and pakhawaj (barrel drum) player Ravishankar Shukla (R) practice Dhrupad style of Indian music at the Assi Ghat with the Ganges River in the background, in the ancient city of Kashi on Feb. 19, 2021. (Venus Upadhayaya/Epoch Times)

At that time only three musical notes (swaras) were there, and this was followed by the sama veda, which was followed by prabandh (composition written for gods, based on stories from mythology), according to Maitro, who quoted from an ancient musical treatise of India.

Maitro and Shukla sit in a small room of 1010 feet linked by a narrow staircase stretching like a spine through many floors that temporarily house the devotees who come to Shukla and his family of traditional priests for death and after-death rituals.

While Maitro starts the electric tanpura, a box thats a digital version of a string instrument that is used in all Indian classical music traditions, Shukla surprisingly kneads wheat flour into a dough.

The kneaded dough is applied on the center of the smaller, right face of the pakhawaj to bring out the deep bass sound, said Shukla, an accomplished musician. It takes a whole lifetime to learn to knead the dough with the right consistency for pakhawaj, said Maitro.

India has mystic music traditions. There are existing temples where music is embedded into carved stone pillars that play varied classical instrumental music when stuck, a music-architectural technique that has no known practitioners today.

The most popular among these musical monuments is the 15th century, Sri Vittala Temple in Hampi. It has 56 musical pillars.

When reminded of how the kneaded wheat dough of the density that makes bread is used to tune a pakhawaj and how matter and music could be interchangeable, as is visible in the musical pillars, Shukla smiles and nods in affirmation.

With tanpuras hymnic resonance and pakhawajs deep bass picking up, Maitros voice breaks into raga Yaman, a classical melody sung specifically at dusk and one of the first to be taught to learners of Dhrupad.

Maitro defines raga as roughly the classical melody but says its much more than that. To me, its ordered intuition, and its very difficult to explain. Its a basic quantum of Indian music. Its like a grammatical rule that helps to intuit music.

There is an infinite number of ragas in Dhrupad, he said. They have been classified into different numbers in different traditional texts. But musicians continue to compose new ragas.

Raag Yaman by Supriyo Maitro:

Culture of Music

Outside Shuklas home, theres always the hustle-bustle of an Indian pilgrimage townamidst traffic honking, a flute seller plays melodious music, while every evening priests line up on the Assi Ghat for prayers that include Sanskrit chants, massive lamps, bells, and cymbals.

Maitro, who also teaches music, said he has witnessed on the streets of Kashi a greater degree of technical musical awareness even among untrained musicians than one finds elsewhere. The first day I arrived in Kashi I heard a snake charmer playing bhim palasi on his been (folk wind instrument). Bhim palasi is an Indian melody thats played during late afternoon hours till sunset and needs training in classical music.

That flute player you see near the tea shop plays ragas. I asked him if he has learned, and he told me he has learned just by listening to exponents in the city. Its not common to learn ragas by listening to classical music. In this city, classical music is embedded in every home, in everyday life, said Maitro. These untrained people are not even aware that they have such high musical consciousness, he said.

They have no egoistic pride. Here even a boatman knows musical taan, he said. Taan is a technique used in the vocal performance of a raga. It is extremely technical and requires training.

Half a mile from Assi Ghat, Shuklas fast-paced steps march within the long cotton dhoti (loincloth) he was wearing, the end of which he holds with one hand as he ascends the steep steps of the Tulsi Ghat.

The Tulsi Ghat, lined with many small temples and homes, holds the legacy of the 16th-century saint and poet Tulsidas, who wrote Ram-charit-manas, a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. He spent most of his life on Tulsi Ghat and passed away at the Assi Ghat.

Carrying on Tulsidass legacy is Prof. Vishwambar Nath Mishra, a professor of electronics at the noted Indian Institute of Technology at the Banaras Hindu University and the 13th generation in the lineage.

Mishra is the head priest of the Sankat Mochan Temple, a 16th-century shrine established by Tulsidas. He is also an accomplished pakhawaj player and the current organizer of the century-old classical music festival about to happen in the city in the first week of May.

Generations of Mishras ancestors were classical musicians who grew up on the ghats. Others in his times linked to the musical legacy of Kashi include the sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and the shehnai (piped instrument) maestro Bismillah Khan, who continued to live and play regularly on the banks of the Ganges even in his heyday.

Khan wasnt a Ph.D. in music, but if you asked him anything about raga, he could demonstrate to you in detail, said Shukla. But if you would ask him to write about Raga, he wouldnt be able tohe was much more than a professor because he was trained in a parampara (tradition).

Classical vocalist Supriyo Maitro (L) and pakhawaj (barrel drum) player, Ravishankar Shukla (R) practice the Dhrupad style of Indian music at the Assi Ghat in the ancient city of Kashi on Feb. 19, 2021. (Venus Upadhayaya/Epoch Times)

Dhrupad has a culture, without culture nothing is possible. Music is a sadhana, in sadhana the more you cultivate, the more youll know it. That person will be quieter and theres a light visible in that person, said Shukla. Kashi is a spiritual town, and since the audience arrives at the town with devotion, their perception is not ordinary, he said.

Classical traditions of music according to him are in some way also like todays schooling. As an individual graduates from grade one to grade twelve, that person grows in knowledge and comprehension.

But classical music isnt about degrees, its about tradition. The more you do it, the more you gain clarity. Its like other classical traditions of learning like dhayana (meditation) and sanyasa (renunciation)the more the person is devoted, the more the person gains, said Shukla.

Maitro left Kashi due to a COVID-19 lockdown in the second week of April after spending eight months there. Shukla whom he calls bhaiya (brother) is happy that Maitro could practice in temples. He could practice for a week in the Ram temple and during one such practice he composed a bandish [poetry] in raga Basant.

I was trying to compose something in raga Basant for the past five years but wasnt satisfied with what I composed. That day I was practicing in the Ram mandir and at about 2 pm the whole composition came to me, said Maitro.

I played it to Shukla Ji that evening and asked him about the composer. And he answered that its traditional. I consider it an extraordinary blessing that comes from these holy places, said Maitro who plans to return to Kashi when the lockdown is lifted.
STORY: US Honduras WFP Migrants - WFP: 8 million Central Americans have food insecurity

LENGTH: 03:40

FIRST RUN: 1956

RESTRICTIONS:

TYPE: English/Natsound

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS/WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

STORY NUMBER: 4322071

DATELINE: 21 April 2021/Recent - Washington, D.C./San Pedro Sula/Concepcion de Maria/Department of Santa Barbara/Near El Triunfo

SHOTLIST:

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ARCHIVE: San Pedro Sula, Honduras - 12 February 2021

1. Various of Nory Yamileth Hernandez, walking with one of her sons through the mud next to cement block homes that were flooded when two hurricanes came through in the fall of 2020

2. Hernandez looking on from what was the doorway of her home

3. Hernandez's son stepping into mid thigh high water that is still inside their home

4. Mud and debris left after hurricane destroyed homes

WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)

Near El Triunfo, Honduras - 28 March 2021

5. Various of thin and emaciated livestock

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, D.C. - 21 April 2021

6. SOUNDBITE (English) David Beasley, WFP Executive Director:

"Definitely the problems are exacerbating, are getting worse and worse. I met just in the last few days, presidents of several countries. I sat down, for example, with the President of Guatemala, for literally two hours talking about how bad the situation has deteriorated just in the last couple of years. It's not just the back to back droughts but now you have back to back hurricanes and now you have COVID economic deterioration that is just devastating. The numbers, in fact, the number of people as we would say, marching towards starvation, has quadrupled in just one year. Just one year because of the COVID economic deterioration and impact; 2 million to 8 million just in those four countries in Central America."

WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)

Department of Santa Barbara, Honduras - 13 February 2021

7. Various of WFP personnel surveying damage done to homes by floods from two back-to-back hurricanes that swept through the region

8. Various of a woman and her young son scavenging through trash on the ground for food and putting what they find inside a large white plastic bag

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, D.C. - 21 April 2021

9. SOUNDBITE (English) David Beasley, WFP Executive Director:

"In Guatemala and Honduras, there is no question, listening to the presidents, they want to partner with us, they want to be strategic and let's be effective and that is a multitude of different types of programmes that need to be scaled up as opposed to just a little bit here and a little bit there, and if we can get the funds that we need, in particular in Central America, we believe that we can mitigate against a substantial amount of that migration by necessity."

WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)

Concepcion de Maria, Honduras - 27 March 2021

10. Various of centre for testing children for malnutrition

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, D.C. - 21 April 2021

11. SOUNDBITE (English) David Beasley, WFP Executive Director :

"We just did a survey and the number of people who are now thinking of migrating has jumped from 7-8 percent to 15-16 percent. Now there are thirty nine million people in the Central America of the Dry Corridor (Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala). Thirty nine million people and you just do the math, fifteen percent of thirty nine million is a lot of people and if something doesn't change I think you could very well see millions heading to the United States border and we've got solutions to it. We've got to act. We've got to act fast and we have to act comprehensively and not just piecemeal."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ARCHIVE: San Pedro Sula, Honduras - 30 March 2021

12. Various of migrants walking along avenue

13. Various high shots of migrants walking on avenue

STORYLINE:

The Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stated Wednesday that if something is not done quickly to feed and care for Central Americans "I think you could very well see millions heading to the United States border."

David Beasley recently returned from a trip to the countries of the Northern Triangle region of Central America and told the AP that the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are ready and willing to work together and with the United States to solve problems eviscerating the region.

"The number of people, as we would say, marching towards starvation, has quadrupled in just one year," said Beasley.

"Just one year because of the COVID economic deterioration and impact; 2 million to 8 million just in those four countries in Central America."

"There is no doubt they want to partner with us," he said of the Presidents of Honduras and Guatemala adding that the scope of any regional projects must be specifically targeted to build "resilience" and not be "piecemeal."

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection last month reported more than 41,000 encounters with Hondurans at the U.S. southern border.

That was some 12,000 more than during March 2019.

WFP conducted a recent survey throughout communities in Central America and found that the number of people saying they were thinking of migrating to the United States had jumped from 7-8 percent to 15-16 percent because of the dire humanitarian situation faced by residents there.

"Fifteen percent of thirty nine million is a lot of people," he said

"We've got to act."

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[April 21, 2021] Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of Two New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft to China Southern Airlines

Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced the delivery of two new Boeing (News - Alert) 787-9 aircraft on long-term lease to China Southern Airlines. Featuring GEnx-1B76A engines, these new Dreamliner aircraft are the fourth and fifth of five new 787-9s to deliver to China Southern Airlines from ALC's order book with Boeing. "We are pleased to announce that our fourth and fifth of five new Boeing 787-9s have delivered to China Southern Airlines," said Jie Chen, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia - President, Air Lease Corporation Hong Kong Limited. "ALC is honored to contribute to our long-term customer's continued success as one of Asia's premier airlines." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements 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 i 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 China Southern Airlines China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. is based in Guangzhou, and operates the largest fleet, most developed route network and largest passenger capacity of any airline in The People's Republic of China. Currently, China Southern Airlines operates 700 passenger and cargo transport aircrafts, including Boeing 787, 777, 747, 757 & 737 and Airbus A380, A330, A321, A320, A319. The airline fleet is ranked the first in Asia and the 4th in the world (Data: IATA, in terms of fleet size). China Southern Airlines is the first airline in the world to operate both A380 and 787. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421006045/en/

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AS Covid-19 deaths show little sign of abating, good news has come to Trinidad and Tobago of a vaccine gift from the United States.

According to Shante Moore, Charge dAffaires at the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, this gift comes with no hidden conditions and imposing conditions as other countries are doing.
Russia will withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) after reaching its planned lifespan in 2024 and is working on a new station to replace it, Russian media reported on Sunday. Chinese observers said that Russia's decision to build its own space station is consistent with its self-reliant principle of developing the aerospace industry but it will not overlook the option to cooperate on China's upcoming space station, as the craft might be the only operational station in orbit that will be open to foreign partners following the retirement of the ISS, Global Times writes.

Russia announced on Sunday that it will end its participation in the ISS project after the current agreement expires in 2024, according to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Yuri Borisov. He said that the ISS's "condition leaves much to be desired" as a number of technical malfunctions have been mounting. The station's first module was launched in 1998 and its lifespan was twice extended, first from 2015 to 2020 and later to 2024.

Vladimir Solovyev, a senior official working on the development of Russia's module of the ISS, said that several elements of the station had been damaged beyond replacement. "After 2025, we predict an avalanche-like failure of numerous elements onboard the ISS," he told the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The replacement, called Russia Orbital Space Station, or ROSS, will consist of three to seven modules. Solovyev announced last October that it is expected to include a core module, a production module, a logistics cabin, a platform cabin for assembling, launching and repairing, and a commercial cabin that can accommodate four space tourists.

Chinese space experts said that Russia's decision to build its own space station is consistent with its tradition in the aerospace industry and pointed to the country's technical capability as an advanced aerospace pioneer to develop the craft.

However, Wang Ya'nan, Chief Editor of the Aerospace Knowledge magazine, voiced concerns for the project funding, as "Russia has already rolled out ambitious plans in the next few years to carry out lunar exploration and Mars missions," he told.

Observers added that while Moscow has decided to do it alone, it has not shut the door for future cooperation on China's upcoming space station that is expected to be operational by 2022.

"There will be a gap for participants on the ISS after its expiration in 2024 and they will seek a new place to send astronauts and projects to. China's space station by that time may be the only one to be operational in orbit and China has shown an open attitude that welcomes the boarding of foreign partners," Wang noted.

In June 2019, the China Manned Space Engineering Office selected the first batch of scientific experiments to be brought onboard China's space station. Projects from 17 countries were approved, including Russia, Belgium, Kenya, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Despite Moscow's decision to go ahead alone, Roscosmos has also restated its commitment to welcome international cooperation. In March, it signed a lunar exploration deal with China to jointly build a lunar research station.
The price for Bitcoin dropped by $11,600 during the past weekend, and many people began to worry about the end of the "uptrend" of Bitcoin. What are Vietnamese investors thinking?

Bitcoin's "bloody" Sunday

The past weekend was a sad one for Bitcoin investors. Within two days, the price of the cryptocurrency fell by more than 18%, from $62,500 on Saturday to $50,900 on Sunday.

On Sunday, Bitcoin price plummeted by $10,000/day from the opening price of $60,500. At the end of the day, the decline stopped with a slight recovery. This helped Bitcoin keep its close price at $56,150.

Bitcoin price fell by $11,600 within two days.

There were many reasons for Bitcoin price's sudden drop. Firstly, a coal mine in Xinjiang (China) collapsed on April 11 leading to widespread power outages. This is an area which hosts a large number of Bitcoin mining machines to take advantage of cheap coal-fired power.

Bitcoin mining involves solving algorithms to confirm transactions. Power outages in Xinjiang significantly reduced the hash-rate, directly affecting Bitcoin mining as well as network performance. This is considered to be the direct cause of the sharp drop in Bitcoin price over the weekend.

Besides the aforementioned incident, there are rumors that the US Treasury Department will prosecute a number of companies for money laundering through cryptocurrencies. Earlier, the world saw the plunge of Ripple (the cryptocurrency once ranked third) in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Although this information has not been verified, it has contributed to instability and confusion among investors.

These factors mainly caused the price of Bitcoin - the cryptocurrency with the largest capitalization in the world - to unexpectedly drop. This situation had a negative impact and caused the price of most of the other cryptocurrencies on the market to plunge.

Technical staff check Bitcoin mining machines at a mining camp in Inner Mongolia (China). Besides Xinjiang (China), these are the two regions with the most Bitcoin mining farms in the world. They are taking advantage of cheap electricity prices.

What did Vietnamese investors think when Bitcoin prices plunged?

Confusion is the best word to describe the psychology of many Vietnamese investors over the weekend. On online forums and social networks, this topic was a hot issue of discussion over the weekend.

In general, investors were divided into two groups. The new investors felt anxious and unstable. But experienced investors saw this as a good opportunity to buy more.

Mr. Hoang Hieu, an investor from Ho Chi Minh City, told VietNamNet that with three years of experience in the cryptocurrency market, he was not surprised by the fall of Bitcoin price. However, a drop of 18% in just two days caused him to worry. This was also the general situation of investors who went through the "bubble" period of Bitcoin in 2017.

Ms. Nguyen Hoai  a new investor  was comfortable because she had determined that Bitcoin is an investment for the long term. She was also warned by her friends that Bitcoin price would fluctuate with a large margin, from 10-20%, much more than gold or stocks.

What did Vietnamese investors think when Bitcoin prices plunged?

Investing in Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies in general is a risky investment. The price fluctuation is normal. I will not cut losses and only sell Bitcoin when it makes a profit," Hoai said.

According to analyst Do Quan, Bitcoin's uptrend will only transform into a downtrend if the BTC price closes below $46,000. That is the time when investors should feel worried.

The sharp decline of Bitcoin price over the weekend only means that Bitcoin price is transitioning from a bullish state to a sideways trend. More time, at least until late April, is needed to observe whether the price accumulates to go up or down, he said.

Having been associated with the financial investment market for many years, analyst Do Quan said that it is not advisable to follow the psychology of the crowd. To invest in Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies or financial markets in general, investors need to have to be knowledgeable.

According to website CryptoQuant, although the price of Bitcoin has decreased by nearly 20%, the number of Bitcoin on exchanges has not increased, but is falling. This shows that many investors see this as an opportunity to buy more Bitcoin.

History shows that despite strong volatility, Bitcoin price is still moving upwards. Unlike previous years, this year cryptocurrencies are no longer only a playground for small investors, but also investment funds. Many believe that Bitcoin will be the future of the digital financial market.

Trong Dat

Finance ministry studies legal framework for cryptocurrencies The Ministry of Finance is studying the legal framework for managing cryptocurrencies on stock exchanges which would pave the way for legal cryptocurrency transactions in Vietnam.
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces at the US Capitol on January 6. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

A Capitol Police officer reported hearing a message to look only for anti-Trump protesters on January 6.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren said in a hearing that the officer made the claim as part of an internal review.

The force's inspector general, Michael Bolton, said he had no knowledge of the report yet.

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A Democratic congresswoman said Wednesday that a Capitol Police officer may have put out a radio broadcast on the morning of January 6 telling officers to keep an eye out for disturbances by anti-Trump, not pro-Trump, protesters. She cited a review of the insurrection undertaken by the Capitol Police's Office of Professional Responsibility.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the chairwoman of the House Committee on House Administration, disclosed the claim from the report in a Wednesday hearing. She questioned Michael Bolton, the inspector general of the US Capitol Police, about whether he had reviewed that report and if he had any knowledge of reports of Capitol Police officers actively undermining the department's response to the riot uncovered through the office's inquiries.

Read more: Congressional staffers are burned out and heading for the exits after a hellish year

In Lofgren and Bolton's exchange, which Politico reported earlier, Bolton said he hadn't reviewed the office's findings, telling Lofgren he wanted to wait until it had finished its investigation.

"In one of those OPR reviews, an officer made specific statements about radio transmissions made to officers outside the Capitol on the morning of January 6," Lofgren said. "You wouldn't have that information yet?"

"At this time, no," Bolton responded, saying he was planning on reviewing all of the office's findings concerning communications on January 6.

Lofgren, directly quoting an officer's statement made as part of an OPR review, said: "A radio broadcast was sent to all outside units, 'Attention, all units on the field, we're not looking for any pro-Trump in the crowd. We're only looking for any anybody anti-pro-Trump who wants to start a fight.'"

Story continues

The rioters, who sought to disrupt Congress' counting of Electoral College vote certificates that affirmed President Donald Trump's election loss, were almost entirely pro-Trump and/or affiliated with right-wing extremist groups.

In the hearing, Bolton confirmed six Capitol Police officers were under investigation for their conduct during the January 6 siege.

The force's preparation for and response to the January 6 insurrection, including whether any officers actively aided rioters that day, are key areas of focus of congressional investigators looking into the riot.

More than 100 Capitol police officers sustained injuries defending the Capitol. One officer, Brian Sicknick, died the next day after having two strokes, according to the Washington, DC, medical examiner.

Expanded Coverage Module: capitol-siege-module

Read the original article on Business Insider
Karma continues to align with partners that share the same philosophy on protecting the environment and investing in research and development projects that have a positive effect on the planet. Karma looks forward to collaborating with other Climate Pledge signatories on research and the development of green technologies in the automotive space to advance and attain the goal of becoming net carbon neutral. As part of The Pledge, Karma will employ the organization's collaborative Scope 3 reporting system and shares regular status updates with the World Economic Forum.

"We would like the community to work towards action and to use this platform for true change and show a true commitment to the environment," said Dr. Lance Zhou, Karma Automotive CEO. "We would like The Climate Pledge to continuously challenge those in the community to meet and exceed their goals."

ABOUT KARMA AUTOMOTIVE

Karma Automotive, founded in 2014, is a southern California based producer of luxury electric vehicles. Headquartered in Irvine, California with an assembly plant located in Moreno Valley, Karma sells vehicles via its dealer network in North America, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Karma's Innovation and Customization Center, which opened in 2017 offers world-class engineering, design, customization, and manufacturing services along with electrification platforms. Karma's flagship vehicle, the Revero GT, Green Car Journal's 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year, is an electric vehicle powered by dual electric motors that embodies Karma's goal of offering leading technology with a luxury experience. In 2021 Karma announced the GS-6 Series which include both an extended-range series hybrid EV and their first-ever all-electric vehicle. Every Karma vehicle is created with unparalleled individual care and craftsmanship.

For more information, visit www.karmaautomotive.com, or www.karmanewsroom.com.

ABOUT THE CLIMATE PLEDGE FUND

In June 2020, Amazon announced The Climate Pledge Fund to support the development of sustainable and decarbonizing technologies and services that will enable Amazon and other companies to meet the goals set by The Climate Pledge. The Climate Pledge Fund is a corporate venture capital fund that invests in companies that can accelerate Amazon's path to meeting The Climate Pledge. This dedicated investment programwith an initial $2 billion in fundingwill invest in visionary companies whose products and solutions will facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

KARMA AUTOMOTIVE SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include Karma Automotive's expectations. Forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "believe," and similar terms. Although Karma believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the automotive industry, competition in certain markets, the volatility of battery prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, and our ability to achieve the expected benefits and timing of our electric vehicle projects. Karma Automotive undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause Karma's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect Karma Automotive's future results.

SOURCE Karma Automotive

Related Links

www.karmaautomotive.com


Beachwood, Ohio -- Beachwood police made no arrests in a shooting that left a man dead in the parking lot of a Beachwood hotel.

Tyrone Majette, 24 was found dead in the parking lot of the hotel when police and paramedics arrived, Beachwood police Officer Jamey Apell said. The shooting is considered a homicide, but police have not made public any of the circumstances surrounding Majettes death.

Authorities received reports of gunshots fired at 11:43 a.m. Tuesday at the Embassy Suites Hotel located at the 3700 block of Park East Drive, just east of the Outerbelt Freeway.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations was called to the scene on Tuesday to help Beachwood Police process the crime scene.

Police have not publicly identified any suspects in the shooting.
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is welcoming the guilty verdict against the former Minneapolis police officer whose knee to the neck of George Floyd ended in the Black man's death last May.

In this image from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, center, is taken into custody as his attorney, Eric Nelson, left, looks on, after the verdicts were read at Chauvin's trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Court TV via AP, Pool

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is welcoming the guilty verdict against the former Minneapolis police officer whose knee to the neck of George Floyd ended in the Black man's death last May.

Derek Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday on all three charges against him: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Trudeau says the verdict is good news.

But he says the trial underlines how much work remains to be done to combat systemic racism.

Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground, with his knee to his neck, for more than nine minutes, as the 46-year-old struggled to breathe and called out for his mother.

Floyd's death sparked protests around the globe, including in Canada, where the treatment of racialized Canadians was brought into sharp focus.

"It is good news that we saw the verdict come through where people hoped it would," Trudeau told Edmonton-based online talk show host Ryan Jespersen in an interview shortly after Chauvin was found guilty.

"But it still underlines that there's an awful lot of work to do," he added.

"What we saw over the course of last year with the sudden awareness by everyone of what racialized Canadians and racialized people around the world had known for far too long that systemic discrimination continues.

"The micro-aggressions, the overt racism, the challenges within our institutions and within our daily lives that exist need to be addressed."

Trudeau said he believes anger over Floyd's death created "huge momentum" to transform societies so that they are "fairer and more inclusive for everyone."

"I think this was a real wake-up call for a lot of people a year ago."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.
President Biden's plan to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by or before Sept. 11, 2021, has its critics among Republicans in the halls of Congress, but Republican voters are mostly on board.

A Morning Consult poll released Wednesday found that the strategy is widely popular in the United States (overwhelmingly so among Democrats), and that 52 percent of Republican voters are in favor of it, compared to just 33 percent who oppose.

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The reason, it seems, is pretty simple: Americans just want troops to come home safely after two decades of conflict. The major counterargument to Biden's decision is that the absence of U.S. forces will allow the Taliban to regain control over Afghanistan, which, in turn, would provide an opening for terrorist groups to re-establish themselves, presenting a threat to the U.S. and its allies, both at home and abroad. But that stance doesn't appear to be resonating with Americans.

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The Morning Consult poll was conducted between April 16-19 among 1,992 registered voters. The margin of error is 2 percentage points. Read more at Morning Consult.

More stories from theweek.com

7 cartoons about Derek Chauvin being found guilty

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Biden nominates scientist Rick Spinrad to head NOAA


Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 00:27:54|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government is intensifying enforcement of COVID-19 standard operating procedures in all schools following the outbreak of the pandemic at some boarding schools in the country, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Wednesday.

Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, the information minister said 145 students at a boarding school in Manicaland Province and another 91 learners at a boarding school in Matabeleland South Province tested positive to the virus last week.

"Government would like to re-assure the nation that the situation is under control and all the cases are mild and asymptomatic.

"The Ministry of Health and Child Care is testing and vaccinating members in the adjoining communities where the schools are located. All those found positive have been quarantined," she said.

She reiterated that schools violating COVID-19 preventive measures will be sanctioned.

Zimbabwean schools reopened last month after spending the greater part of last year closed due to the pandemic.

Zimbabwe is rolling out its vaccination campaign which began on Feb. 18 after it received Sinopharm vaccines from China.

To date, 288,229 and 36,778 people have received their first and second doses respectively.

Mutsvangwa said due to the threat of the third wave of the pandemic, Cabinet had deferred the reopening of bars and nightclubs until further notice.

She also said police had been directed to increase surveillance on public transporters following an increase in the flouting of COVID-19 prevention measures in the public transport system.

Zimbabwe has to date recorded 37,875 COVID-19 cases, 35,058 recoveries, and 1,554 deaths since the start of the pandemic in March last year. Enditem
[April 20, 2021] UiPath Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

UiPath, Inc. today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 23,890,777 shares of Class A common stock at a price to the public of $56.00 per share. UiPath is offering 9,416,384 shares of Class A common stock and the selling stockholders named in the prospectus are offering 14,474,393 shares of Class A common stock. In addition, UiPath has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 3,583,616 additional shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions. UiPath will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. The shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PATH" on April 21, 2021, and the offering is expected to close on April 23, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan are acting as lead bookrunners for the offering. BofA Securities, Credit Suisse, Barclays, and Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Securities are acting as active bookrunners for the offering. SMBC Nikko, BMO Capital Markets, Mizuho Securities, eyBanc Capital Markets, TD Securities, Truist Securities, Cowen, Evercore ISI (News - Alert) , Macquarie Capital, Nomura, and RBC Capital Markets are acting as passive bookrunners for the offering. Canaccord Genuity, D.A. Davidson & Co., Oppenheimer & Co., and Needham & Company are acting as co-managers for the 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; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 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 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 UiPath UiPath has a vision to deliver the Fully Automated Enterprise, one where companies use automation to unlock their greatest potential. UiPath offers an end-to-end platform for automation, combining the leading Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solution with a full suite of capabilities that enable every organization to rapidly scale digital business operations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006244/en/

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Thirty seven people sentenced to life in prison in Russia last year

 flickr.com/ Patrik Theander

11:01 21/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 21 (RAPSI)  Russian courts sentenced 37 persons to life imprisonment in 2020, according to the statistical data presented by the Supreme Courts Justice Department.

Prevalently, the strictest punishment was imposed on murderers (34). Another 3 individuals were convicted of infringement on the life of law enforcement officers.

However, the number of life-termers decreased last year as compared to 50 lifers in 2019.

The total number of people convicted in Russia also dropped from 598,000 in 2019 to 530,000 in 2020. Among them, over 147,000 people were sentenced to prison last year.
Elite private schools in New York City are 'pitting students against each other' with their antiracist teachings that are 'demonizing white children because they are born oppressors', according to a human rights activist.

Melissa Chen, an advisory board member at the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR), told Fox News Wednesday morning that children are 'being taught a very cynical, intolerant, kind of new racist orthodoxy' in schools that 'forces everyone to see each other by their immutable characteristics' such as by the color of their skin.

She called for education institutions to go back to Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of 'judging people on the content of their character and not by the color of their skin'.

Chen's comments come in the wake of a growing number of controversies at elite NYC prep schools where some parents and teachers have complained about the antiracism ideology being taught to children.

In one incident, math teacher Paul Rossi was 'relieved of his teaching duties' at the $57,000-a-year Grace Church School in Manhattan after he penned an essay accusing the school of indoctrinating students last week.

On Tuesday Rossi released a recorded phone call in which the head of the school George Davison admitted to him that 'we're demonizing white people for being born.'

Elite private schools in New York City are 'pitting students against each other' with their antiracist teachings that are 'demonizing white children because they are born oppressors', according to human rights activist Melissa Chen (on Fox)

Chen is the New York Editor of Spectator USA magazine and the managing director of Ideas Beyond Borders, a non-profit human rights organization.

She is also a board member of FAIR, which describes itself as a 'nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civil rights and liberties for all Americans, and promoting a common culture based on fairness, understanding and humanity' on its website.

The organization was launched last month to tackle what it calls neo-racism and 'intolerant orthodoxy' in US institutions and has quickly become a champion for those condemning antiracism teachings in schools.

Board members include former New York Times journalist Bari Weiss and media pundit Megyn Kelly - who pulled her two sons from their Upper West Side private school last year due to its 'woke' teachings.

Its co-founder Bion Bartning also took his children out of Riverdale Country School in NYC last year after he said he learned the school 'teaches that each persons identity and status is based largely on skin color,' he told the Wall Street Journal.

FAIR has publicly said it stands behind ousted teacher Rossi and was first to leak the phone call between him and the head teacher on its social media accounts Tuesday.

Weiss also published Rossi's initial blog post on her newsletter last week and then hosted a Zoom discussion Tuesday with Rossi and parent Andrew Gutmann - who had complained about efforts to 'brainwash' his daughter at another elite NYC school The Brearley School.

When asked about the bombshell recording of the conversation between Rossi and Davison Wednesday, Chen told Fox she believed it was the 'logical conclusion of critical race theory' that has 'come to a head' in recent months.

'This is quite honestly the logical conclusion of critical race theory,' she said.

'So this has been going on in schools for a while but it has really come to a head in the last year.'

In one incident, math teacher Paul Rossi (above) was 'relieved of his teaching duties' at the $57,000-a-year Grace Church School in Manhattan after he penned an essay accusing the school of indoctrinating students last week

On Tuesday Rossi released a recorded phone call in which the head of the school (above) admitted to him that 'we're demonizing white people for being born'

FAIR was launched last month to tackle what it calls neo-racism and has become a champion for those condemning antiracism teachings in schools. It has publicly said it stands behind Rossi and was first to leak the phone call on its social media accounts

Chen slammed the anti-racist teachings as a 'new racist orthodoxy' that causes children to question if they are the oppressed or the oppressor because of their skin race.

'They are being taught a very cynical, intolerant, kind of new racist orthodoxy that forces everyone to see each other - students really - by their immutable characteristics,' she said.

'So by their skin color, their gender, their sexual orientation. And it's very harmful, it pits them against each other. It assigns moral values. Are you an oppressor or are you the oppressed?

'Just purely based on skin color and that's what we're seeing with this language about demonizing white children because they are born oppressors.'

Chen said this is 'harrowing' that children are being taught this.

She cited several schools mired in controversy recently as some parents and teachers have questioned their approaches to anti-racism.

Because these schools are the 'elite of the elite', Chen said these teachings are being taught to children likely to go on to become the future leaders of the country and top institutions.

'We've had several high profile cases already - you know Dalton school, Riverdale school this is happening at Grace Church school,' she said.

Chen, an advisory board member at the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR), told Fox Wednesday that children are 'being taught a very cynical, intolerant, kind of new racist orthodoxy' in schools

'These are all private institutions in NYC that charge about $54,000 to $60,000 a tea for K-12 education so this is the elite of the elite.

'And the people that graduate from these schools will go onto colleges and run our institutions and run our country.'

Chen called for a focus on the teachings of MLK Jr.: 'We need to go back to the original vision that MLK had about judging people on the content of their character and not by the color of their skin which is what FAIR hopes to promote.'

She also encouraged parents and teachers to 'run for your school board', 'organize' and have 'courage' to stop the spread of 'ideology' that she said is 'covered by fear.'

'The plan is to organize,' she said.

'I think that's the lesson that we have to learn. Have courage. So someone like Paul Rossi who had the courage to actually speak out is probably going to launch an entire movement.'

'He's also showing people that it can be done and it's really inspiring to see when you notice something is wrong and you're going to speak out about it

In a separate incident parent Andrew Gutmann, 45, wrote a letter blasting the $54,000 a year Brearley School over its woke antiracism 'obsession'

Gutmann pulled his daughter from the $53,000-a-year school on the Upper East Side (pictured)

It emerged Monday that Rossi had been ousted from Grace Church after he broke his silence last week to accuse the school of indoctrinating students with anti-racism teachings.

The elite school in NoHo is where celebrities including Brooke Shields have sent their children, with fees costing $57,000 a year.

Rossi slammed his employer in a public blog post published on Weiss' site Tuesday, saying the students at his school were being told that they were representatives of a racial group, and were not treated as free individuals.

He said he could no longer stay silent while 'witnessing the harmful impact' that anti-racism instruction was having on children.

Topher Nichols, the school spokesman, told DailyMail.com Monday that 'Paul was relieved of his teaching duties.

'He has been invited to spend the remainder of his contract with the school contributing to a new task force that will review best practices nationwide around belonging,' Nichols confirmed.

On Tuesday Rossi then published a recording of Davison, admitting: 'We're demonizing white people, for being born.'

Rossi and Gutmann appeared in a Zoom discussion with former NYT journalist Bari Weiss Tuesday. Weiss is also a board member of FAIR along with Megyn Kelly - who pulled her two sons from their UWS school last year due to its 'woke' teachings

He said: 'Any attempts to challenge that by kids, and they are gaslit - saying 'you don't have consciousness of it'.

He said he was deeply troubled by what he saw as the school's attempt to 'prioritize social category over who they are as individuals.'

Meanwhile, the head of Manhattan school Dalton announced he is stepping down this year after being slammed by parents for pushing an 'obsessive', antiracism agenda on students. Jim Best said he would see out the year at the $50,000-a-year institution then step down to pursue 'other opportunities'. His resignation came after Dalton parents penned an anonymous open letter to the school last week describing an 'obsessive focus on race and identity'. 'Every class this year has had an obsessive focus on race and identity, racist cop reenactments in science, de-centering whiteness in art class, learning about white supremacy and sexuality in health class. 'Wildly inappropriate, many of these classes feel more akin to a Zoom corporate sensitivity-training than to Daltons intellectually engaging curriculum,' it read. Jim Best said he would see out the year at the $50,000-a-year institution then step down to pursue 'other opportunities' Former students at Dalton include Anderson Cooper, Chevy Chase and Claire Danes. This came as a New York father hit out at the anti-racism teachings at another New York City school. Gutmann, 45, revealed in an April 13 letter also shared by Weiss that he has chosen not to reenroll his daughter in the all-girls Brearley school. Gutmann said he was pulling his daughter from the NYC school, where annual tuition is $54,000 and students include the daughters of Chelsea Clinton, Tina Fey, Drew Barrymore and Steve Martin, over its woke antiracism 'obsession.' He told the New York Post on Saturday that he sent the 1,700-word letter to 650 different families because 'someone had to speak out.' 'She hasn't been brainwashed yet by the school - but she's had me at home. I'm not so sure that's true of the other kids,' Gutmann told the outlet, referring to his daughter. 'Someone had to do it. Someone had to light the match. Everyone's so afraid of cancel culture. We're going to destroy the city, we're going to destroy the country.' Jane Fried, Brearley's head of school, sent a message to the school's families on Friday in which she slammed Gutmann's letter as 'deeply offensive and harmful.' Gutman claimed in a Zoom call with Weiss and Rossi that the issue is nationwide: 'This is not a rich person issue, this is not a New York City issue - this is an American issue. It is a disaster for education nationwide, which is a disaster for our future.' The controversy has extended further afield than New York with one $45,000-a-year school in Los Angeles sparking controversy among parents after it excluded classic novels To Kill a Mockingbird and the Lord of the Flies in a quest for a more progressive curriculum. The controversy has extended further afield than New York with $45,000-a-year Brentwood School in Los Angeles (above) sparking controversy among parents after it excluded classic novels To Kill a Mockingbird and the Lord of the Flies from its curriculum

Parents, faculty, staff and alums of Brentwood School clashed after the school participated in #BlackoutTuesday, a social media campaign to stand against racism, just days after George Floyd died under the knee of a white Minneapolis cop last year.

According to the Los Angeles Magazine, under a #BlackoutTuesday post that featured a black box, some alums criticized the school as being a 'toxic racist cesspool for students of color, but an ivory tower for the wealthy, white elite'.

Alums of color also demanded that the private school scrap its curriculum.

Teachers and administrators debated the literature on the syllabus and both books were scrapped for their use of the N-word.

The Crucible was also taken off the eight grade reading list at Brentwood.

Some parents formed a group called Concerned Parents hitting out at the changes and saying they should have been part of the discussion.
Passengers wait at the check-in counters for New Zealand flights at Sydney International Airport on April 19, 2021, as Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel bubble. (Saeed Khan/Getty Images)

Australians Taking Advantage of the Loophole in Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble May Face Prison

Australians who choose to travel onwards from New Zealand to other destinations through a loophole in the newly-opened trans-Tasman travel bubble could face prison under new biosecurity legislation.

On Monday, a change to the Biosecurity legislation warns that Australians may face a civil penalty if they travel onwards from New Zealand to other countries.

According to the Australian Parliament website, people who break the rules will face five years in prison and/or a $63,000 fine, which explains the legislation.

A person who intentionally engages in conduct that contravenes a requirement or a direction commits a criminal offence punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and/or a fine of 300 penalty units ($63,000), it says.

While Australians cannot travel outside the country without an exemption except for travelling to New Zealand, the New Zealand officials said they would not stop Aussies from leaving the nation.

A New Zealand Customs spokesperson told 9News that they have no power to stop Australians from travelling out of New Zealand.

This is a domestic issue for the Australian Governments Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the spokesperson said. The New Zealand Customs Service has no role or power to prevent the further departure of Australian citizens to overseas destinations from New Zealand.

Unlike Australians, who are banned from travelling internationally since March 2020, the kiwis are only advised not to do so.

Australians who want to travel through New Zealand to other destinations must apply for an outward travel exemption and face the potential risk of not returning home, a spokesperson for the Australian Border Force told 9News.

Those who travel onwards from New Zealand to another international destination must be aware that returning to Australia or New Zealand may be difficult due to the current restrictions on passenger numbers and the availability of flights.

A traveller departs for New Zealand at Sydney International Airport on April 19, 2021, as Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel bubble. (Saeed Khan/Getty Images)

Over 100,000 Australians were granted an exemption to leave the country between March 25 and Dec. 31, 2020. Reasons for the exemptions include lengthy overseas trips, business travel and family matters.

A further 34,000 Australians are still trying to return to Australia due to the restrictions on returning travellers.

Meanwhile, a worker at Auckland airport, New Zealand has tested positive for the CCP Virus just one day after the travel bubble opened, raising concern over the safety of the bubble.

However, officials of both countries have assured the public that the case would not affect the newly opened travel bubble.

Jacinda Arden, the New Zealand Prime Minister, told reporters that all signs indicate that the case was not related to new Australian arrivals. She also said she did not think it would shut down the travel bubble with Australia.

Health officials in Tasmania also said they did not expect the first flights between the states capital city Hobart and New Zealand, which was scheduled for Thursday, to be affected by the new case.

Mark Veitch, Tasmanias director of public health, said state health officials would meet with their NZ counterparts this afternoon to discuss the latest information.
Mitchell boys basketball coach Todd Neuendorf named Hamlin head coach

Todd Neuendorf has resigned after four seasons as Mitchell boys basketball coach, the school announced Friday afternoon.
Pune, Apr 21 (UNI) At least 22 Covid-19 patients, who were on life support system, died in Nashiks Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday owing to acute shortage of oxygen following massive leakage of the gas from an oxygen tank.

As per sources, the mishap occurred sometime around noon, when massive leakage from an oxygen storage tank caused disruption in supply of oxygen for at least half-an-hour, allegedly resulted in the deaths of several patients who were on ventilator support.

A Fire Brigade team was rushed to the hospital to contain the leak.

Soon after the incident, chaotic scenes erupted at the hospital premises as fraught relatives of patients converged upon the scene of the tragedy.

Irate kin of the victims accused the Nashik Municipal Corporation authorities of not giving them proper information on the mishap.

Attributing the cause of the tragedy to a valve malfunction in the oxygen storage tank, State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that a probe to ascertain negligence into the incident has been ordered.

At the time of the incident, 157 patients were undergoing treatment at the hospital, of whom 61 were in a critical condition and required oxygen, Mr Tope said.

Local Shiv Sena leader Sudhakar Badgujar, who was among the first to reach the spot of the accident, feared that the death toll may rise higher.

Acknowledging the anger and grief of relatives of the deceased, Nashik district collector Suraj Mandhare urged people to maintain restraint and assured that the incident will be probed thoroughly.

He said that oxygen was present in the tank at the time of the leakage.

This tank was of a private vendor. Apparently technicians tried to fix the valve, when low pressure caused the leakage. This led to the deaths of 22 critical patients who were on ventilator support. My deepest condolences to the kin of the deceased, he said.

Currently, other patients are being supplied oxygen from a repaired tank. They are in a stable condition, as per medical authorities, Mr Mandhare added.

BJP's Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council, Pravin Darekar blamed Nashik civic body authorities for negligence and demanded a case of culpable homicide against the NMC commissioner.

One cannot pin the blame for this tragedy just on mere technicians. The NMC authorities and the state government is equally blamed for this, he added.

UNI SP SS PS1927
The Chinese government has ordered primary and secondary schools to stop using books in libraries that may contain reverence for Western countries. Sources suggest that the move has been made to promote Chinese patriotism. Books containing the Chinese president's ideology formally called "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism for Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" are expected to have the main focus.

With this order that was imposed by China's Ministry of Education on April 1, 240 million school students will reportedly get affected. This comes ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that will be celebrated in July this year. This order is also given to promote loyalty and devotion to the Chinese President, who has somehow managed to work himself into the pantheon of his nation's strongest in history despite having a chequered reign, his primary achievements being amassing power, cracking down on thousands within his own party on charges of corruption, the expansionist Belt and Road initiative, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As per the reports, books showing context that goes against party's agenda and ideology are targeted, especially with political and economic ideas from the west.

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs-recommended books might be dropped

Chinese schools have earlier recommended books about the likes of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs; till date they have been using these. However, with this current order, these books might be removed. According to the Chinese government, these books promoting certain western ideas, "obsequiously embrace all things foreign" are prohibited.

Last year, boycotts of classes were witnessed when Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region decided to replace Mongolian language textbooks with books written in Chinese. However, post the boycotts Chinese authorities "only doubled down" on it. The move was not taken well by the citizens.

The government is holding study sessions aimed at adult party members.

"The Communist Party is conducting more study sessions aimed at adult party members. Providing instructions on its history, they are held once or twice a week in government organs and state-owned enterprises by party apparatchiks," suggested the report

China-Uyghurs tussle

Meanwhile, an international non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch has claimed that China is trying to cut Uyghurs roots, its ethnic Muslim minority. There report further asserts that China has prosecuted Turkic Muslims, their religion, culture, and lives. However, the Chinese Government has denied the allegations after the human rights group appealed to the U.N for a possible investigation on the matter. According to the Chinese officials, the move has been taken to undermine Xinjiang.
Representative Val Demings slammed Republicans on Wednesday for using law enforcement officials as pawns to advance their political agenda.

'You would think my Republican colleagues who are so in love and want to support the police, they would deal with the increase of hate crimes that the police have to deal with,' the Florida Democrat lamented to MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'.

'To seize that critical moment and use law enforcement as a political pawn to interject something that did not exist it was not reality there was anything in the legislation that talked about defunding the police was just simply ridiculous,' she continued.

Demings, who served as chief of the Orlando Police Department for three years, said Republicans are looking to stop the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act from defunding police even though there is no provision in the legislation that would do so.

Her comments come the morning after she got into a terse back-and-forth during a Judiciary hearing Tuesday with Republican Representative Jim Jordan while discussing a bill that would prevent police departments from being defunded.

Florida Representative Val Demings slammed Republicans on Wednesday for using law enforcement officials as pawns to advance their political agenda

Her comments came after she blew up at Rep. Jim Jordan during a House hearing on Tuesday regarding a bill that would block defunding police. Demings pounded her fish on the desk as she said: 'Did I strike a nerve?'

She told Jordan, who attempted to interrupt her, 'You don't know what the heck you're talking about'

In responding to that interaction, Demings told MSNBC: 'Let's stay focussed on why we're here and stop playing these political games. Stop being obstructionists. Let's remember January 6th when you were completely silent when the police were being beat down.'

On Tuesday, Demings was so upset when Jordan tried to interject that her voice nearly cracked when she yelled.

'I want to make it quite clear that this amendment is completely irrelevant,' Demings said.

'I served as a law enforcement officer for 27 years. It is a tough job,' she continued. 'And good police officers deserve your support.'

'You know, it's interesting to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle support the police when it is politically convenient to do so. Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day. They deserve better, And the American people deserve better ' the Florida Democrat said before Jordan sought to interject.

Instead, the Ohio Republican was met with a fiery rebuttal from Demings, who pounded hand against the desk in front of her as she exclaimed: 'I have the floor Mr. Jordan.'

'Did I strike a nerve?' Demings shouted as she looked in the Ohio Republican's direction. 'Law enforcement officers deserve better than to be utilized as pawns. And you and your colleagues should be ashamed of yourselves.'

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler attempted to quell the outbreak from Demings and insist Jordan not interrupt lawmakers during their time

Judiciary committee panel members met Tuesday as Republicans attempt stop the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act from defunding police even though Demings said there is no provision in the legislation that would do so

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler attempted to interrupt the showdown and urged Demings to suspend her irate outburst.

Jordan said he agreed with Nadler that members shouldn't shout out of turn, and Demings shot back: 'Mr. Jordan you don't know what the heck you're talking about. You know nothing about what law enforcement officers are.'

The hearing happened Tuesday while the jury in the trial against former Officer Derek Chauvin deliberated  and later that day found him guilty on all three charges of 2nd degree murder, 3rd degree murder and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd during an arrest last May.

'The verdict was a great step in the right direction,' Demings told MSNBC on Wednesday.

The tense interaction between Jordan and Demings came after a similar exchange earlier this month involving Jordan.

The Ohio representative, and staunch Trump supporter, got into it with California Representative Maxine Waters during his questioning of Dr. Anthony Fauci during a House subcommittee meeting earlier this month.

When Jordan interrupted Fauci to ask for clarification on when Americans would regain 'liberties' stripped during the coronavirus pandemic, Waters told the congressman, 'Shut your mouth.'
[April 21, 2021] Seraphim Solar and Menlo Electric Reach Significant Cooperation in Central Europe

CHANGZHOU, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seraphim Solar and Menlo Electric have signed module distribution agreements for 100MW+ of planned shipments in 2021, with the intent of increasing the highly-regarded brand's market share in Central Europe. The region has been attracting interest from global PV manufacturers for a while now, hoping to benefit from the rising energy transition wave. Poland alone passed 500 thousand installed home PV systems in 2020  a fivefold increase since 2019. "We are pleased to cooperate with Menlo Electric to co-develop the Polish and Central European market," said Polaris Li, President of Seraphim. "Our partnership will not be limited to providing our latest high-efficiency solar modules, but also professional technical and marketing services. Menlo Electric is an experienced clean industry player and we are really looking forward to our cooperation." The partnership is also in line with Menlo Electrics strategy. As Menlo Electric's Marta Walendzewicz explains: "We want to provide installers and distributors in Central Europe with equipment and services from top-quality global manufacturers. We ship most of our products through the Polish port of Gdansk, which is more conveniently located to serve the region than the more remote Hamburg and Rotterdam. As a result, we can offer attractive prices and convenient logistics".



Already present in 6 markets, Menlo Electric's management's focus is on expanding into new countries. "We are constantly looking for sales representatives and partners across the region."  stated Ms. Walendzewicz. Menlo Electric expects significant shipments starting in June, with focus on promoting Seraphim's new line of S3 and S4 monofacial modules, including SRP-370-BMB-HV and SRP-440-BMA-HV. The 370 Wp module, equipped with black frames, conveniently sized at 1755 x 1038 and with a 15-year guarantee on material and workmanship, is attracting primarily home rooftop system installers. The 440 Wp module is available in both: silver and black frames.

Seraphim Solar Founded in 2011, Seraphim specializes in research, development, production, and sales of solar PV products. As a Tier1 Solar Module Manufacturer listed by BNEF, as well as the Top Performer by PV Evolution Labs, Seraphim has shipped over 11GW products to over 40 countries worldwide. Menlo Electric Menlo Electric provides equipment and services to installers and distributors in renewable energy space. Equipment available from Menlo Electric comes exclusively from world's top quality manufacturers. Services offered by the company include financing, designing, installation, grid connection and aftersales customer service. SOURCE Seraphim Solar

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In Europe, only Russia and its big five powers produced more features in 2019 than Switzerlands 119. Few have a more pronounced documentary output. Twenty-six Swiss titles play at Swiss doc fest Visions du Reel this year, from The Bubble and Ostrov in main International Competition to 12 in a National Competition. Five more projects, near completion, mostly from directors who have already made their mark, screened via excerpts at a Swiss Films Previews showcase on Sunday. They say a lot about some directions that one of Europes proudest documentary traditions is heading:

Europes Most Cosmopolitan Production Sector

One direction, most obviously, is abroad. The Bubble is a shrewd take on the worlds biggest retirement community, in Florida. Ostrov is set on the benighted shores of the Caspian Sea. Another Swiss doc, The Lunar Course of My Life in National Competition, takes a pained look at Japans hikikomori youths, who suffer severe social phobia. Of the five titles in the Swiss Films Previews, only one, LUX, takes place entirely within Swiss borders. Others range over seven African countries (Womens Africa) or from Canada to Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai (My Old Man) or from France to Germany and the U.S. (Loving Highsmith). I Coroneri unspools mostly in Rome. An outsiders perspective, with no domestic agenda, may benefit many of these films.

Switzerlands Revisionist Gaze

Over the last decade a new generation of young Swiss directors has questioned many of the countrys dominant myths that forge its sense of identity, whether its independence from foreign intervention (Heimatland), the probity of its banks (Azor) or its democratic civility (Chrieg). The titles in Swiss Films Previews this year often had this sense of revisionism. The first feature of Raphael Dubach and Mateo Ybarra, LUX chronicles a huge military exercise that took place in October 2018 in Geneva in which the Swiss army is asked to quash a simulated terrorist attack. Introducing its own fantasy elements, LUX, a quietly mordant comedy, asks if its really up to the job. We wanted to show the Swiss army in a way that has never been seen before, a raw, frontal and immersive approach which questions the armys contemporary credibility, Dubach said at the Previews. LUX won the SRG SSR Award at Locarnos The Films After Tomorrow.

Aging: a Visions Leitmotif

Two potential Visions du Reel standouts this year, The Bubble and The Home, a work-in-progress, set retirement communities in larger social contexts. Seven Vits My Old Man also tackles the baby boomer crisis in a portrait of his father Rudys first three years of retirement. Rudy, Vit told Swiss Films Andreas Buhlmann at the Previews, represents a whole generation of men who led an old-fashioned way of life with his job as his central source of identity. In one excerpt from the documentary the director captures Rudy moping, purposeless. When simply living your life is all you have to do, who do you choose to be? Vit asks in a voiceover. It is a large question, indeed, as maybe the last generation who can afford it head toward retirement in ever more massive numbers.

A Gender-Issue Conscious Cinema

In an age of new accountability for festivals and the industry at large, Nobody should forget what are the voices and ideas which need circulation in these times, Sundance director Tabitha Jackson said at a Visions du Reel Talk on Monday. Its no coincidence that all the five documentaries explore gender issues, none more so than Womens Africa and Loving Highsmith. In the first, Mohammed Soudani, a Swiss Film Award winner for 1997s Waalo Fendo, interviews powerful women across Africa who are on a mission to better the continents future. After decades of catastrophic male authoritarian rule, Africas future, Soudani argues, belongs to women.

Loving Highsmith, from Eva Vitija (My Life as a Film), delivers a revisionist take on the famed novelist. A cynical misogynist? I immediately fell in love with the person hiding behind the famous crime writer, said Vitija. Diving into her unpublished diaries, I discovered a very romantic woman that astonished me, who had to conceal her very lively [lesbian] love life being born into a very conservative Texas rodeo family. That concealment primed Highsmiths recurring themes of guilt and double identity, Vitija argues.

I Coroneri: Seeking A New Take on COVID-19

Its now a near cliche that COVID-19 accelerated change. That can play out in multiple ways, however. With the pandemic, Laura Marzi and filmmaker partner Daniel Kemeny (Sone) retreated to her house in Rome. But an already fragile relationship breaks down. Daniel feels safer and better alone outside the house. Theres a game of mirrors between my house in Rome where Daniel and I are together, but distant and isolated, and the world outside, which is isolated because of the pandemic, Marzi, the films co-author, said at the Previews. Multiple lockdown stories have been made. But I Coroneri could be different, Kemeny argued. Theres also the suggestion that, having taken six years to make Sone, COVID-19 gave Kemeny a story on a plate. Its a love story, not just documentation, and has good characters. Theres narration. Even if that storyline records the failure of his relationship with Marzi.

TITLES AT SWISS FILMS PREVIEWS

I Coroneri

Dir: Daniel Kemeny

Prod: Michela Pini

Production Company: Cinedokke Sagl

Locations: Rome, Calabria

Loving Highsmith

Dir: Eva Vitija

Prod: Franziska Sonder, Maurizius Staerkle Drux and Carl-Ludwig Rettinger

Production Company: Ensemble Film GmbH

Locations: U.S., France, Germany and Switzerland

LUX

Dir: Raphael Dubach and Mateo Ybarra

Prod: Raphael Dubach and Mateo Ybarra

Production Company: Jeunes Sauvages

Locations: Geneva and Bern, Switzerland

My Old Man

Dir: Steven Vit

Prod: David Fonjallaz and Louis Matare

Production Company: Lomotion AG Filmproduktion

Locations: Switzerland, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and Canada

Womens Africa

Dir: Mohammed Soudani

Prod: Amel Soudani, Michela Pini and Tiziana Soudani

Production Company: Amka Films Productions SA

Locations: Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Burundi and Switzerland

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(Natural News) Two more universities, Columbia University in New York and Yale University in Connecticut, have announced that all eligible students returning to campus in the fall must get jabbed for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

Joining several other schools that have done the same, both Columbia and Yale have declared that the best weapon against the spread of the Chinese virus is a Big Pharma injection. Consequently, all students save for those with exemptions will have to get needled in order to receive on-campus indoctrination.

Yale says it will make reasonable accommodations for medical and religious exemptions from vaccinations. Columbia says it will provide religious and medical exemptions, as we do for the influenza and measles vaccines, in accordance with New York State public health laws.

More information is reportedly coming soon from the two schools as to what students will be required to show as proof of vaccination. In the meantime, students attending either school will probably want to start investigating how to get qualified for an exemption.

Only students have to get vaccinated, not faculty or staff

Just like at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., teachers, professors, and other staff members at Columbia and Yale are exempt from the mandate, at least for now. Only students are required to get injected as a condition of attending classes on campus.

Students at Columbia and Yale who refuse the jab will be punished by not being allowed on campus along with their vaccinated counterparts. All unvaccinated students, save for those with exemptions, will be forced to learn at home in isolation via Zoom.

More than a dozen other colleges and universities have announced similar policies, and many more will likely follow once it is determined that there are enough vaccines available for everyone.

On the flip side, Harvard University and Princeton University have both decided to make Chinese virus injections optional for students, though they will be encouraged to get jabbed.

At Dartmouth College, students will also have the option to get jabbed, though the school has announced that vaccinated students will be awarded with special privileges and freedoms.

The University of Pennsylvania, meanwhile, is asking all eligible students, faculty, staff, and postdocs to get vaccinated in order to be on campus this fall. The school will also require those on campus to complete and carry with them a daily PennOpen Pass symptom check and exposure assessment.

As of this writing, there are two vaccines for the Chinese virus currently available to Americans: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) jab is on hold at the present time due to numerous recipients developing deadly blood clots post-injection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) vaccine advisory committee could make a decision as soon as this Friday as to whether or not the J&J jab will continue to be administered.

Vaccine recipients who become injured or die post-injection are supposed to be logged into the CDCs Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). However, only a very small percentage of vaccine adverse events end up being reported in accordance with the guidelines.

Well over 3,000 cases of vaccine injuries stemming from Chinese virus injections have been reported to VAERS since mid-December. The CDC, however, denies that any of these deaths are linked to the jabs.

If there is a mandatory vaccination requirement and then the recipient has medical complications from the vaccine, I imagine the university would be accountable for any effects resulting from such a demand, wrote one commenter at The Epoch Times.

More of the latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
George Floyds family members expressed gratitude and called for more change Tuesday, shortly after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering the Black man in 2020.

We have to march. We have to do this for life. We have to protest, because it seems like this is a never-ending cycle, Philonise Floyd, Georges brother, said at a press conference. Ill put up a fight every day. Because Im not just fighting for George anymore, Im fighting for everybody around this world.

The Floyds spoke about an hour after a jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvins killing of Floyd on May 25, 2020, sparked worldwide Black Lives Matter protests, and the trial was closely watched.

Today, we are able to breathe again, Philonise Floyd said. Were gonna fight for everybody. Were here, and were not going anywhere. I wanna thank all the protesters, all the attorneys who stepped up, all the activists who stepped up. Thank you all. Justice for George means freedom for all.

Floyd family members, alongside their attorneys and the Rev. Al Sharpton, called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which has stalled in the Senate.

The Floyds thanked many people, including activists around the world, for contributing to Tuesdays verdict. Some noted how rare the decision was, and specifically contrasted it with Breonna Taylors case, where the top cops who fatally shot the 26-year-old Black woman in Louisville, Kent., in March 2020 were not charged with crimes.

Everything proved exactly what we saw in that video. But yet, we still questioned the decision of the jury, Brandon Williams, Georges nephew said. We need each and every officer to be held accountable. Until then, its still scary to be a Black man or woman in America and encounter the police. When I say today is a pivotal moment, its a chance for America to turn in the right direction.

___

(c)2021 New York Daily News

Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Mick Billing to relinquish the role of chief executive, but remain as executive chairman

(LON:THR, ASX: THR, ) has appointed Nicole Galloway Warland, previously exploration manager, to the board as managing director with immediate effect and announced that Mick Billing will relinquish the role of chief executive.

Geologist Galloway Warland has had a career spanning more than 25 years in the mining and exploration industry, working across a range of jurisdictions and geological provinces in Australia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Her experience covers grassroots exploration through to project evaluation and both open cut and underground mining.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to congratulate Nicole Galloway Warland on her promotion to the position of Managing Director, said Billing, who will remain as executive chairman.

Her performance, commitment, and enthusiasm as exploration manager has been outstanding, and we believe she is more than ready for the additional challenges of her new role.

"Thor Mining has a diverse portfolio of high-quality projects in commodities such as copper, uranium and gold that are highly favoured by the market at the current time. These projects are now entering a very busy period of exploration activity and we look forward to the contribution of Nicole and her team."
NEW HAVEN  Members of the Black clergy Wednesday called for the city to place more value on the lives of African-American community members, responding after an officer recently pointed a firearm at a man during an arrest.

The Revs. Boise Kimber, Stephen Cousin and John Lewis, among other clergy and community leaders, called for a greater seat at the table when the city makes decisions, including on police training.

The department released body camera footage Tuesday of the Sunday arrest of a man at the Walmart on Foxon Boulevard.

In the film, the officer points his firearm and stun gun at a man suspected of shoplifting after the man appears to reach at his waistband.

The officer wrote in his report that he feared the man was grabbing a weapon when he reached at his pants, which led him to take out his firearm.

Kimber and Cousin claimed the officer, in displaying his firearm, showed a lack of respect for the man and the worth of his life.

Where was the conversation being had in that video? We always say that Connecticut is not Minnesota, is not Ohio. But we have to remind ourselves that were just one trigger away, said Cousin. We need to make sure that were training our officers in being empathetic. ... If we still have this fear of other, then de-escalation will never work. ... Only when you are immersed in the society, immersed in the community youre policing, can true de-escalation begin.

Acting Chief Renee Dominguez said the officers actions were under review, as is standard  any display or use of force is reviewed by the patrol supervisor, Internal Affairs and the departments training academy.

The officer had appropriately disclosed the incident in his report, she said, and it had been flagged by Internal Affairs.

That was evidence the departments system was working, she said; it was appropriately responding to check the officers handling of the situation against its regulations and weigh whether further training or some other action was necessary.

She noted the man had reached into his waistband, which the officer said had prompted his reaction.

I think that the situation unfolded very fast, said Dominguez.

The man was charged with sixth-degree larceny and interfering with an officer. The stolen clothing was valued at $104.38, according to the police report.

Cousin and Kimber said mundane incidents had led to Black people being killed by police in the past.

Cousin noted the example of George Floyd, who had allegedly passed a counterfeit $20 bill, and Eric Garner, selling loose cigarettes, among others.

They dont value our lives as Blacks  and thats where we are. They dont value our lives, said Kimber. Im afraid, not just for myself; Ive got boys; Ive got girls. Im afraid.

The clergy members also expressed displeasure that they had not been consulted before the department began a new de-escalation training course.

Lewis said he wasnt questioning the qualifications of retired Lt. Raymond Hassett, the instructor of the course, but, given that they had previously worked with the department, a phone call would have been appropriate.

The real core value is respect for life; is to value the community that youre policing, said Lewis. We must allow the community to be involved in the decision-making when it comes down to training these officers that are policing us, that are policing the people that theyre supposed to serve.

The city should also should consulted them before planning the disbursement of funds from the American Relief Act, the clergy and former aldermanic candidate Rodney Williams said.

Williams called for some of the money to be put toward job training, which would help young people have a brighter future.

Please, take some of that money, invest in our future, our kids, said Williams.

Mayor Justin Elicker said in a statement that that process is ongoing.

The City will be implementing a robust community engagement process to guide decision making on how to best invest the American Rescue Plan funding. Well be implementing that process over the next several months, Elicker said. This first, smaller tranche of investment introduced this past Monday is more time-sensitive as it is specifically for ensuring a summer that supports youth, safety and fun.

Dominguez noted she and Kimber were planning to meet in the coming days to discuss the departments training.

Hassett was a POST-certified instructor to teach de-escalation, Dominguez noted; his course is about an approach to dealing with all individuals, not just people of a particular race.

The department offers cultural sensitivity courses, as well, which could involve community members in the future, she said.

Elicker noted Hassetts certification, as well, noting the department would continue to work with residents, including clergy, moving forward.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
He has been represented in court by a fellow former Masterchef contestant

Ungermann strenuously denies the allegations and will defend the charges

Police allege Ungermann sexually assaulted teenage girl in the area in February

Ungermann disappeared from MasterChef: Back to Win without any explanation

His alleged victim will endure a grilling that is expected to go for two days

Ben Ungermann faces three charges of sexual assault allegedly in Melbourne

MasterChef's Ben Ungermann has been granted the high school disciplinary records of his alleged child victim which he plans to use as a weapon against her in court.

Daily Mail Australia revealed in May that Ungermann faced three separate charges of sexually assaulting his alleged teenage victim.

On Wednesday, fellow season nine contestant and Ungermann's lawyer, Ben Bullock, filed a subpoena with the Melbourne Magistrates' Court requesting access to the child's records from 2014 to 2020.

Ben Ungermann has appeared in a Melbourne court via video link in Queensland. He is expected to eventually have to return to Melbourne to face child sex allegations

Ben Ungermann continues to post videos and photos of himself to social media flexing his guns to adoring fans

Ben Ungermann was quietly removed from MasterChef last year

The Western Australia-based lawyer turned chef appeared alongside Ungermann in the 2017 season of Masterchef.

Just hours earlier, the court had heard the alleged victim had made a previous complaint about the celebrity chef 18-months before he allegedly assaulted her in February last year.

Lawyer Ben Bullock appeared in court via videolink from Western Australia for Ungermann after the Masterchef star was forced to ditch Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Lawyers just last week.

Mr Bullock told the court his client wanted access to the child's disciplinary records to attack her credibility.

'In terms of assistance that it might provide to the defendant, and whether there is of course some legitimate forensic purpose, the disciplinary records may show any issues,' Mr Bullock said.

'They could certainly be used in cross examination as to credibility.'

The alleged victim is expected to endure a two-day grilling when she fronts court next month, which is why today's 'ground rules' hearing was called.

Mr Bullock said there was no chance of Ungermann pleading guilty to any of the charges and suggested the prosecution case against him was weak.

'There are difficulties the prosecution will (need) to overcome. Certainly there will be no plea of guilty to any charge, lesser or otherwise. It is vehemently denied,' he said.

Ungermann did not appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and is believed to be holed-up in Queensland where he continues to post videos of himself pumping iron on social media.

Mr Bullock said his client was aware his accuser had a troubled history at school.

Perth based lawyer turned chef Ben Bullock appeared alongside Ungermann in the 2017 season of Masterchef and has now represented him in court

Ungermann has 97,000 followers on Instagram, where he continues to post videos and photos

Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann makes regular Instagram posts

'It's certainly on the cards that there will be material of substantive assistance,' he said.

'Mr Ungermann ... is aware of some issues with the school and some difficulties that (have) had to be addressed and so they're very confident that there are materials there that will disclose that.'

Mr Bullock said Ungermann was aware of 'consistent poor behaviour' by the child over the six year period he sought her school records for.

'I think that time frame requested ... is fair and reasonable,' he said.

Magistrate Mia Stylianou granted the request, handing the records to both the prosecution and defence.

'Sometimes these subpoenas are double-edged swords,' she warned Mr Bullock.

'Once it's out, it's out and the prosecution can use it - assuming it's relevant.'

Earlier, the court heard police intended to make an application to use tendency evidence against Ungermann during his contested hearing in May.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Murphy said the alleged victim had made a statement against the Masterchef star in Queensland 18-months before her alleged attack in Melbourne on February 23 last year.

Ungermann continues to post buff photos of himself on Instagram

Ungermann likes to show-off on Instagram where he continues to receive support from fans

We all got problems: Ungermann took to Instagram to declare no-one cares about his problems

The court heard the young girl participated in a recorded interview with Queensland detectives, which did not result in any charges being laid against Ungermann.

However, Victorian detectives believe the allegations could prove the former reality star had a 'tendency' to behave in similar ways to the allegations now placed against him.

Mr Bullock said his firm had only been handed the brief of evidence against Ungermann last week and he had not yet viewed the video police wished to use against his client.

The court heard the alleged victim had participated in four video interviews with police - three directly in relation to the Melbourne charges.

Ms Stylianou was scathing of both the police prosecutor and Mr Bullock for failing to come prepared for Wednesday's scheduled two day hearing.

She slammed police for failing to disclose to the defence earlier that it intended to run tendency evidence against Ungermann.

'Did police not think that might be relevant?' she asked.

While the specifics of the earlier allegations remain unknown, Sgt Murphy said the alleged victim's statement 'puts into context' her relationship with Ungermann and the 'nature' of their relationship.

Ms Stylianou described the developments as 'substantial', warning it could greatly impact the upcoming contested hearing.

Mr Bullock, who admitted he had only 'glanced his eyes' over the transcript of the girl's earlier statement, said, if allowed, the evidence would prejudice his client's right to a fair trial.

'Certainly I think we'll be objecting to that evidence ... we say it is irrelevant and highly prejudicial with no probative value,' he said.

Court documents state police allege Ungermann intentionally touched his alleged child victim without her consent - and he knew it - at least three times.

One of the charges includes graphic detail of one of the alleged attacks against the young girl.

Police allege the teenage girl states that on Sunday, February 23, Ungermann 'sexually touched her right breast skin-to-skin' against her wishes.

Police intend to call four child witnesses to give evidence against Ungermann - each of them from interstate.

The hearing is expected to take seven days when it gets underway in May.

The court has heard 13 witnesses would be called at the hearing, including five other interstate witnesses, one from Melbourne and three police officers.

Ungermann himself hopes to call a 'civilian witness' from South Africa, who is expected to give evidence via videolink from abroad.

At the time of the alleged offending, Ungermann had been in a relationship with South African TV star and radio personality Leigh-Anne Williams.

Ben Ungermann faces multiple sex assault charges in Melbourne after he was arrested in Docklands in February

Ben Ungermann was quietly removed from the latest season of MasterChef.

Ungermann hit Instagram in late March as police continued to piece together the allegations against him. He will appear in a Melbourne court in May

Ben's Instagram Life On Display February 17: Hits Insta to tell his followers he's with his girlfriend in Melbourne while filming MasterChef February 23: A teenage girl alleges she is sexually assaulted by the MasterChef contestant while at the Docklands February 25: Promotes his appearance in newspapers talking about his appearance on the new MasterChef March 6: Police charge Ungermann with two counts of sexual assault March 13: Ungermann uses a different Instagram account to ask his girlfriend to call him ASAP March 19: Ungermann posts a selfie of himself working out, stating: THE COMEBACK IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN THE SETBACK He also a posts a photo of himself hand-in-hand with Leigh-Anne Williams - sparking reports the couple are engaged March 20: A brooding Ungermann posts: 'You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have' March 20-24: Reports surface that Ungermann has been arrested and had left MasterChef May 1: South African girlfriend posts Ungermann well wishes for his birthday from back in South Africa May 19: Daily Mail Australia reveals Ungermann faces sexual assault allegatons May 20: His Instagram page stops accepting comments Advertisement

All four of the child witnesses are expected to provide their evidence to the court via web cast when the matter eventually returns to court.

Ungermann himself continues to appear on Instagram where he posts buffed photos of himself to adoring fans.

On Tuesday, he posted a video of himself working out under the banner: 'I got a sad story too. But no-one cares. Grind harder. Work harder.'

Daily Mail Australia revealed that Ungermann had been staying in a serviced apartment in Melbourne's Docklands precinct when he put an urgent call out Williams.

His life was quickly falling apart after being charged on March 6 last year with sexually assaulting the teenage girl.

He was about to slip a ring on the South African TV star's finger and was on the verge of being cast into the spotlight again on a new MasterChef show.

But less than a week after being charged, the hulking Ungermann didn't make a phone call to his supposed bride to be and he didn't directly text her phone.

Instead, Ungermann placed a public message on Instagram from an account he does not normally outwardly use.

And it appeared to be a call for help.

'Honey, Leigh please call me asap at Quest New Quay room 1705B,' he messaged her sometime in early March.

The post and its responses have since been removed.

Victorian sexual crime squad detectives had already moved in and charged Ungermann after a report was made alleging he had sexually assaulted a 16-year old girl weeks earlier on February 23.

Ungermann had been filming in Melbourne for the MasterChef: Back to Win program.

In June, Sydney lawyer Adam Houda told Daily Mail Australia his client was completely blindsided by the charges.

'My client is distressed by the charges, which came as a huge shock to him,' he said at the time.

'The allegations, I am instructed, are a complete fabrication and are denied.'

The matter will return to court next month.

Ungermann put out this apparent call for help in the days after he was charged with sexual assault

Engagement rumours: MasterChef Australia star Ben Ungermann's Instagram post sparked rumours he was engaged to his then girlfriend, South African TV star and radio personality Leigh-Anne Williams. Ungermann has suggested she will act as a defence witness in his upcoming trial
Bear Grylls lives up to his name in the latest episode of his new show by baring all during a naked trek through the American wilderness.

The survivalist strips off while mountaineering training in a remote Utah forest for his National Geographic show Running Wild.

Accompanied by American actor Rainn Wilson - best known for his starring role in the US version of The Office - Grylls, 46, goes skinny dipping in a freezing river close to the La Sal Mountain range.

Steady on: Bear Grylls lives up to his name in the latest episode of his new show by baring all during a naked trek through the American wilderness

Referencing the water's unwelcoming temperature, Wilson, 55, yells: 'That lake is about 55 degrees. And every part of me is shrivelled up right now. So, uh . . . sorry, ladies.'

The actor, who greeted Grylls after being transported to Utah in a helicopter, later admitted the arduous trek through dense forests and mountainous terrain had exhausted him.

'I'm a suburban middle-aged dad,' he admitted. 'This is a little out of my comfort zone.'

Here we go: The survivalist strips off with guest Rainn Wilson while mountaineering training in a remote Utah forest for his National Geographic show Running Wild

I'm done: The actor, who greeted Bear after being transported to Utah in a helicopter, later admitted the arduous trek through dense forests and mountainous terrain had exhausted him

Getting involved: Bear and Rainn stripped off while hiking close to the La Sal Mountain range

The escapade comes after Grylls was granted permission to install two 'Private Property' signs warning tourists to stay off the Welsh island where he and his family live part-time.

The television personality purchased the island of Saint Tudwal's West on the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales, in 2001 for 95,000.

He is said to split his time between the Welsh island - which is less than half a mile long - and his main home in London, with his wife Shara, 47, and their three sons Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry.

Don't mind us: The pair left nothing to the imagination as they waded into a freezing lake

Not happy: Rainn didn't look impressed with the water's temperature as he joined Bear on his latest hike

Camaraderie: The pair managed to see the funny side despite having to strip off

Now, Grylls will be able to ensure would-be visitors are deterred from visiting his island home by putting up signs warning it is private property.

The presenter has been granted permission from Gwynedd Council to install two stainless steel signs, one in English and the other in Welsh.

The signs will be fixed to the slipway safety rail, with the English sign measuring 3.9 feet across, and 1.3 feet high, and the Welsh sign measuring 4.8 feet across, and 1.3 feet high.

Coming soon: Their escapades will feature on the next episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls

Home: It comes after Grylls was granted permission to install two 'Private Property' signs warning tourists to stay off the Welsh island where he and his family live part-time (pictured)

They will read 'St Tudwal's Island West Private Property'.

There were no objections to the plans, but one neighbour said: 'Information signs near the jetty on the Island are reasonable and the type and size are appropriate to the location.

'Strongly suggest, however, that the Welsh name "Ynys Tudwal Fawr" is included on the Welsh sign to reflect language and the culture of the Peninsula that is part of the archaic unique character.'

Strategic: The signs will be fixed to the slipway safety rail, with the English sign measuring 3.9 feet across, and 1.3 feet high, and the Welsh sign measuring 4.8 feet across, and 1.3 feet high
Kolkata, April 21 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is going to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the 'non-uniformity' of vaccine prices.

The Trinamool supremo decided to write to the Prime Minister after the Serum Institute of India (SII) said on Wednesday that its Covishield vaccine will be sold for Rs 400 per dose to the state governments and for Rs 600 to the private hospitals. The price for the same vaccine has been fixed at Rs 150 per dose for the Central government.

"I am going to write to the Prime Minister on the non-uniformity of the price of vaccines. They have set three different kinds of prices - one for the Central government, one for the state governments and one for the private facilities. This is not right.

"This is not the time to do business. It is a time when everybody should work together for the betterment of human beings," Banerjee said in a press conference in Malda district on Wednesday evening.

The SII issued the statement on vaccine prices after the Centre allowed vaccination for all persons above the age of 18 from May 1.

The decision was announced after a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with pharma companies, doctors, Cabinet ministers in charge of health, and officials spanning multiple nodal ministries.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government has created a fund of Rs 100 crore for the purchase of vaccines from the market.

"So far we have vaccinated 93 lakh people and we have asked for another 1 crore doses from the Central government. Once they come, we will be able to vaccinate another one crore people. In that case, a lot of families will be immune to the disease," she said.

The Chief Minister assured that presently there are 11,000 beds for Covid patients which will be increased to 13,000 soon.

"As many as 6,793 persons are admitted to different hospitals while another 51,593 are at the safe homes. There is a scarcity of oxygen, but we will be able to meet the requirement," she said.

The Chief Minister also warned that if anyone is found hoarding vaccines, strict action will be taken against the person.
An unidentified girl appeared to fall to the grass after being attacked by Ms. Bryant and then kicked by an unidentified man. The video footage then showed Ms. Bryant, who was holding a knife, appearing to lunge toward a person dressed in pink who was pinned against a car parked in the driveway.

Hey! Hey! Officer Reardon said as he pulled his gun. Get down! Get down!

He fired four quick shots, and Ms. Bryant dropped to the ground at the edge of the driveway.

A witness yelled, Why did you shoot her?

The officer responded, She came at her with a knife, apparently referring to Ms. Bryant and the person dressed in pink.

Chief Woods said Columbus officers were allowed to use deadly force to protect somebody who was in danger of being killed by another person. A Taser, he said, is generally reserved for situations where there is no immediate threat of death. Officers are not required to call out that they are about to fire their weapon, he added, though they try to if there is time.

Its a tragedy, Chief Woods said. Theres no other way to say it. Its a 16-year-old girl.

Two experts who reviewed the body camera footage said that in this case, the officers use of force appeared at first glance to be justified.

Geoffrey P. Alpert, a professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina, said investigators would look at whether the officer believed that there was an imminent threat to the life of the other woman.

If there was an immediate threat, investigators will look at whether the officer could have resorted to other methods of control, he said. Dr. Alpert said that based on his own review, Ms. Bryant did appear to pose a threat to the life of the other woman.
Napa County reported another 10 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total for the first three daily reports this week to 71 cases.

The week began with three hospitalizations, which increased to five on Tuesday and to eight on Wednesday, the county said.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help We're offering our best deal ever with this Editor's Special. Support local news coverage by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register.

Since the pandemic arrived in Napa County, 9,725 people have tested positive.

Vaccine doses increased by 654 in Wednesday's report, for a total of 135,948 doses since vaccinations began in mid-December.

OLE Health announced that 10,000 doses would be available this week for people 16 years and older at daily clinics at the Meritage Resort in south Napa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To sign up for vaccinations, visit www.olehealth.org and click the 'Schedule Your Vaccine" link. Walk-ins are also being accepted.

People wanting to sign up for vaccination through county channels for other upcoming vaccination events should go to MyTurn at https://myturn.ca.gov/ Those without access to email can call the California COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

Residents who want to be tested for COVID at the free county-sponsored site should go to countyofnapa.org/test for more information. For more information on COVID-19 and actions, you can take to #stopthesurge, visit countyofnapa.org/coronavirus.

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.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The firm said the ISO17025 accreditation for its PhytoVista business will provide it with a competitive advantage" in regulated markets

( ) said its subsidiary PhytoVista Laboratories was granted ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the UK for the testing of cannabinoids.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international standard by which a laboratorys commitment to quality and technical competence are evaluated. It was granted by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the government appointed national accreditation body. The process determines the technical competence and integrity of organisations such as those offering testing services.

Sativa said the accreditation will provide it with a competitive advantage in regulated markets where organisations are required to test with an accredited laboratory and allow it to take advantage of a growing international market and developing regulatory landscape,

Sativa added it is planning to increase the scope of testing covered by accreditation and penetrate other areas of testing whilst continuing to develop and expand cannabinoid testing capabilities.

The firm said it is in the process of extending the Phytovista testing services to its lab in Poland to service Europe, where it also intends to implement the ISO17025 standard.

"This success supports the direction of the Sativa Wellness Group to be the gold standard in the testing industry, driving growth through providing trusted services", Sativa executive chairman Geremy Thomas said in a statement.
[April 21, 2021] YMCA Flexes Power-Saving Muscles with Budderfly's Energy-Efficiency-as-a-Service

SHELTON, Conn., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Budderfly , the fastest growing firm in the North American Energy- Efficiency-as-a-Service market, today announced the YMCA of Southwest Kansas has selected the company to upgrade its lighting and HVAC unitsat no out-of-pocket expense. Budderfly provided 100 percent of the capital, equipment, and installation to transform the YMCA for better energy efficiency. Read the full YMCA case study at https://www.budderfly.com/landing/YMCA-EaaS to learn all the details and benefits of this unique energy reduction/cost-savings program. We would have been doing this for 10 to 12 years to do what Budderfly did for us in a matter of 3 weeks.



The YMCA of Southwest Kansas is a 68,000 square foot facility that welcomes 6,000 registered members and 22,000 guests per year. Lighting and cooling a facility of this size is no inexpensiv process. In a single month, the YMCA was consuming 11,208 kWh, and replacing worn-out bulbswhen they could find them to purchaseseemed to be a perpetual process costing thousands of dollars.



"For the capital investment, we would have been doing this for 10 to 12 years to do what Budderfly did for us in a matter of 3 weeks. It was a no-brainer for my committee because we had nothing to lose. Budderfly came up with the capital investment, it was just a huge benefit to have the money put upfront for us to make a difference in our facility, make a difference for our members, and most importantlyget the energy savings on the HVAC equipment so it was not running at full capacity all the time," said Chad Knight CEO, YMCA of Southwest Kansas. Budderfly's Energy-Efficiency-as-a-Service upgrades include:

Retrofitting recessed fixtures.

Retrofitting surface mount fluorescent fixtures.

Replacing high-bay fixtures with new, high-efficiency LED fixtures.

Installing NexRev Variable Frequency Drives on 6 HVAC units.

Installing HVAC chips in 7 units to regulate performance and extend the units' lifecycle. Budderfly's energy solution for the YMCA of Southwest Kansas might seem too good to be true. However, the company is able to finance and deliver all these benefits (and to create their own profits) through the ability to generate large energy savings. The solutions implemented by Budderfly reduce the YMCA's energy consumption by approximately 30%. A portion of the money saved goes back to the YMCA in the form of facility improvements, 24/7/365 management, maintenance services, and long-term contracted savings. "Many organizations lack the upfront capital to invest in energy-efficient LED lighting and HVAC upgrades, but desperately want to improve their customers' experience and carbon footprint," said Al Subbloie, CEO, Budderfly. "We are proud that our Energy-Efficiency-as-a-Service is helping the Southwest Kansas YMCA make their interior environment more comfortable and welcoming for members and guests while also saving money and the planet." About Budderfly Budderfly is disrupting the energy industry by leading the digital transformation of energy consumption conservation through its unique EnergyCloud Energy Efficiency as a Service model. With no cost to its customers, Budderfly implements proprietary energy intelligence software, energy efficiency upgrades such as LED lights, HVAC replacements and upgrades, variable frequency drives, refrigeration controls, options for comprehensive maintenance, and much morethat span more than 20 savings categories. Budderfly creates networks of patented IoT devices that meter and report on all elements of energy use. Together these optimize energy usage at the point of consumption within each facility across the enterprise. Budderfly's ongoing services and proactive maintenance ensure that a building's energy infrastructure never becomes outdated. The result is significant, immediate, and progressive energy expense savings, upgraded facilities, and a reduced carbon footprint for its client facilities. For more information visit www.budderfly.com or follow us on Twitter @BudderflyInc. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ymca-flexes-power-saving-muscles-with-budderflys-energy-efficiency-as-a-service-301274061.html SOURCE Budderfly

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Brie Larson showed off her sensational swimsuit body in a plunging one-piece while basking in the sun during her Hawaiian holiday this week.

The 31-year-old movie star, who is known around the world for playing Captain Marvel, was joined by her dashing shirtless boyfriend Elijah Allan-Blitz.

She could be spotted emerging dripping wet from the ocean wearing a clinging white bathing suit that featured a colorfully summery butterfly print.

Looking fab: Brie Larson showed off her sensational swimsuit body in a plunging one-piece while basking in the sun during her Hawaiian holiday this week

Cute suit: She could be spotted emerging dripping wet from the ocean wearing a clinging white bathing suit that featured a colorfully summery butterfly print

Brie, who won a best actress Oscar for the drama Room in 2016, was seen sauntering across the sand with her phone in her hand during her day at the beach.

The Sacramento-born actress warded off the chill from the ocean breeze by pulling a flowing hot pink sweatshirt over her swimsuit whilst on dry land.

After a dip in the ocean Brie, who has been dating Elijah since 2019, could be spotted unwinding by reclining on the sand and stretching out her legs.

Meanwhile her sizzling boyfriend showed off his toned arms, going shirtless as he carried a purple donut floatie out into the water during his big excursion.

Happy on the shore: Brie, who won a best actress Oscar for the drama Room in 2016, was seen sauntering across the sand with her phone in her hand during her day at the beach

Having a ball: After a dip in the ocean Brie could be spotted unwinding by reclining on the sand and stretching out her legs

Legging it: The Sacramento-born actress warded off the chill from the ocean breeze by pulling a flowing hot pink sweatshirt over her swimsuit whilst on dry land

The Lumiere Award-winning filmmaker looked completely delighted as he lay back on his donut in the sea, dipping his feet into the waves.

Elijah has also dipped his toes into the acting pool including with an uncredited role as a security guard in the Peter Bogdanovich movie She's Funny That Way starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

Brie's dating history includes a live-in romance with Phantom Planet frontman Alex Greenwald whom she was even engaged to for three years until their breakup in 2019.

There he is: The 31-year-old movie star, who is known around the world for playing Captain Marvel, was joined by her dashing shirtless boyfriend Elijah Allan-Blitz. They have been dating since 2019

Meanwhile: Her boyfriend showed off his toned arms, going shirtless as he carried a purple donut floatie out into the water during his big excursion

Aglow: The Lumiere Award-winning filmmaker looked completely delighted as he lay back on his donut in the sea, dipping his feet into the waves

She and Elijah recently worked together on the virtual reality show The Messy Truth VR Experience.

They both produced and which he directed.

As a result they both won an award together at the Creative Arts Emmys last year, sharing the honor with Van Jones who was a producer and executive producer on the project.

Fit as a fiddle: At the start of this month Brie uploaded a YouTube video that showed her working with her trainer Jason Walsh to get her in shape for the Captain Marvel sequel

The showbiz hot couple were seen laughing joyously as they accepted the award virtually from home, and Elijah pumped his fist triumphantly into the air.

At the start of this month Brie uploaded a YouTube video that showed her working with her trainer Jason Walsh to get her in shape for the Captain Marvel sequel.

This sighting comes after Larson joined forces with fellow Marvel heroines, such as Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Karen Gillan as Nebula, in an ensemble scene for Avengers: Endgame, and admits it was one of her favorite experiences as Captain Marvel.

She recalled: 'It was just a great day. To get to be with all of those women for the day and you get this feeling of, like almost this little bit of naughtiness because it's secret and none of us can talk about it - that it felt like we were a part of this coven working together for this goal.

'And as many people know, a lot of the time women aren't working together. It's kind of been this breath of fresh air for us in our industry that there are more female ensemble films.'
This year has been unusually cruel to us in many ways starting with the pandemic. The economy has taken a severe beating, and the world is now seeing a stagnation unheard and unseen in living memory. With business struggling, supply has suffered, and lack of employment has also affected demand.



While it is difficult to ask help from anyone when all are suffering, it is comforting to know about people who are willing to step up and do the right thing. Orel Shitrit, social media influence, entrepreneur, and former MMA fighter, is reaching out during the pandemic and lending a hand to small businesses in this challenging time.



"Major businesses may have survived at the cost of their employees, but local businesses have been drastically affected, and most are in the process of shutting down. In fact, several businesses have already shut shop. So I decided to find a way to help them," says Shitrit. He founded Noble Media & Partners, a social media agency through which he helps fellow entrepreneurs as much as he can.



"Our business is helping other businesses to thrive. But it becomes a problem when other businesses can't survive on their own, so we came up with the idea to offer our services for free," adds Shitrit. And that is exactly what they did. His guidance and time were offered to numerous businesses without any compensation, and the plan worked. Many businesses have bounced back from the pandemic piggybacking on the strong online presence that Shitrit has on social media.



It helps that Shitrit has a reputation for being a social media marketing genius, having leveraged his former success as an MMA fighter to start his own business, learning the ropes while also building his web following. Noble Media & Partners has grown to represent numerous high-profile clients under his leadership and manages several major social media accounts. The firm also handles public relations, ad marketing, and management, as well as e-commerce. So, during the pandemic, Shitrit provided several services for free and offered consultation services for several business ideas and opportunities personally.



There is no doubt that Orel Shitrit has a lot to offer clients. As an entrepreneur and social media genius, his work this year has been inspirational and deserves all the recognition it has received.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A city man is free on $100,000 bond after he pleaded guilty in U.S. Federal Court to possession of a firearm by a felon, according to federal authorities.

Demetrius Drew, 26, of New Haven, made his plea before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven and now faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced, according to federal authorities.
Won Seung-hyun, 37, of Farm Nevertheless in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, works at his tomato farm. Courtesy of Farm Nevertheless



By Jung Da-min



There are farmers who produce the finest quality crops through knowledge of the soil, says Won Seung-hyun, 37, who has been running a tomato farm in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, since 2015. He had quit his earlier job in Seoul as a package designer to inherit his father's tomato farm.



But the designer-turned-farmer added that farmers are not often also good at marketing or branding their products.



"I've seen those who are good at selling products through their skills in packaging and branding, and I've also seen those who put a lot of effort into producing the finest crops through their knowledge of the soil. But I've never seen any farmer who is good at both," Won said during an interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday.



Won said that his original plan was temporarily to help his father's business in branding and marketing tomato products. But he began to feel that it was his mission to bridge the gap between good farmers and good marketing professionals.



Won said that working in the field as a farmer was necessary to create a brand story through which he could communicate continuously with his customers.



"A brand is like a living creature, and if you stop taking care of it, it will soon die. To keep the brand alive, I had to become a farmer myself and to keep working in the field to continuously provide feedback for my own brand story," Won said.



Won has since been operating his own farm, named "Farm Nevertheless," with the story of growing organic tomatoes despite hardships in terms of timing and costs.



While growing organic tomatoes, Won has learnt about the importance of soil, where microorganisms aid the decomposition process of organic matter, affecting the quality of produce, including their shape and flavor.





Won Seung-hyun, 37, of Farm Nevertheless in Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, poses at his tomato farm. Courtesy of Farm Nevertheless



But he said it is regretful that not many farmers care about the efficient management of soil while focusing on immediate profits, just when it is becoming even more important, especially in this time of environmental crisis. He also said that it is not just a matter of the farming community; customers should also be aware of this issue, as their decisions have a significant effect on the practices of producers.



"There is growing interest in climate change all around the world, and environmental issues are topping the global agenda. But the fundamental issue lies with the management of soil, through which living things on the earth breathe," Won said. "To bring about changes among farmers, who deal with the soil directly, customers should start looking for crops that are properly produced rather than just low-priced ones."




20 years on, Boao Forum witnesses China's integration with world

Xinhua) 11:13, April 21, 2021

Photo taken on April 17, 2021 shows the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao Town, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

BOAO, Hainan, April 20 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), an increasingly influential platform that has witnessed China's opening up and integration with Asia and the global community.

The ongoing annual conference in Boao, a town in south China's Hainan Province, has attracted 2,600 attendees, including government officials, entrepreneurs and scholars from over 60 countries and regions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday underscored the significance of the theme of the BFA annual conference 2021, which he said is convened against "a very special background."

The theme -- A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation -- is most opportune and relevant under the current circumstances, Xi said in a keynote speech delivered via video at the opening ceremony of the conference.

For the last 20 years, Chi Fulin, director of the Hainan-based China Institute for Reform and Development, has attended each annual conference.

"I have first-hand experience with the forum's growing influence and role. It has become an important international platform in China for Asia and the world," he said.

At the BFA annual conference in 2018, Xi announced a batch of opening-up measures, with the expectation that the country's opening-up efforts will benefit all enterprises and people in China and around the world as soon as possible.

The measures included significantly broadening market access, creating a more attractive investment environment, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and taking the initiative to expand imports, among others.

People attend the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhou Jiayi)

Faced with the economic downturn and the pandemic, participants have used the forum to engage in dialogues and identify new areas of collaboration.

China's recent opening-up measures, especially those in the financial sector, have created tremendous opportunities for multinationals to tap into, said Eddie Chen, head of China &Asia at Eurazeo, an investment company headquartered in France.

"One of the most exciting parts of doing business in China is that things are changing fast, and changes bring opportunities," he said, noting that the changes happening in China are positive ones.

The gathering of political leaders, entrepreneurs and experts has also transformed the once-obscure town of Boao.

Seeing opportunities brought by the forum, Jiang Xiang, a local resident, opened a bar by the seaside 10 years ago. "Without the BFA, I wouldn't have started my business because Boao town was very underdeveloped then, with little transportation and no industry," said Jiang, adding that the forum has attracted many people.

He said many people from various industries at home and abroad have come to meet and exchange, develop industries and travel in Boao. The bar has become a hotspot for tourists and received a large number of Chinese and foreign guests every year, especially during the conference.

"As long as there are people and there is opening up, there will be opportunities," Jiang said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Two suspects are in custody for trafficking meth in Athens.

Athens police officers responded on Monday around 5:30 p.m. after receiving a call about a domestic incident on U.S. 31 at Elm Street. Officers found the vehicle at the Chevron Station on Elm Street.

They say the driver took off on U.S. 31 south and wouldn't stop. An officer then found the vehicle in a yard on Maze Street.

Police say the passenger was still in the vehicle, and the driver was found on Clinton Street.

The department says officers found an aerosol can with a false bottom inside the vehicle. They say there were 29.6 grams of meth inside it.

Shannon Lee Cochran and Pamela Rich were arrested and both charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Rich received additional charges for reckless endangerment and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.

Both suspects were booked at the police department and transferred to the county jail.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to allocate UAH 130 million for the reintegration of young people from the temporarily occupied territories.

This was reported by the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.

"UAH 130 million will be allocated for the reintegration of youth from the temporarily occupied territories. The corresponding budget program called "Ensuring the reintegration of youth from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol" was approved today, April 21, 2021, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine," reads the report.

The Ministry of Reintegration is the main manager of the funds.

The implementation of the relevant budget program, in particular, will be carried out within the framework of the National Youth Strategy until 2030, approved by the decree of the President of Ukraine dated March 12, 2021.

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The three other officers who were involved in the death of George Floyd still face aiding and abetting charges after Derek Chauvin was convicted of his murder on Tuesday.

Former Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao - who were with Chauvin when Floyd was murdered last May - are scheduled to face a joint trial that begins on August 23.

Each of the men were fired after Floyd's death and arrested - but all of them are free on $750,000 bail ahead of their trial on the charges that they aided and abetted second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

And their fate was the subject of widespread speculation social media today that they would also be found guilty.

Lane, 38, and Kueng, 27, were the first officers to arrive outside the Cup Foods store where Floyd was accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.

J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao have been charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin, who has been convicted for the murder of George Floyd

Tou Thao stands, left, while Derek Chauvin, second left, presses his knee on Floyd's neck murdering him. Former officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane are also pictured

Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao is pictured in a video from the death of George Floyd

Former officers Derek Chauvin, foreground, as well as Thomas Lane are pictured in Tou Thao's body camera footage

Former officers Kueng and Derek Chauvin are pictured on top of George Floyd in Thomas Lane's body camera footage

Derek Chauvin, left, Kueng and Lane, center and right, are pictured while bystanders watch the murder of George Floyd outside of Cup Foods

Former officers Lane, top left, and Kueng, right, are seen interacting with George Floyd, bottom right

Kueng had graduated from the police academy in 2019 and started as an officer in December - just six months before Floyd's murder.

During the fatal encounter, prosecutors said Kueng was between Chauvin and Lane, kneeling on Floyd's back, with his hand on Floyd's handcuffed left wrist.

After Floyd became unresponsive, it was Kueng who checked the right wrist for a pulse and said, 'I couldn't find one,' prosecutors said in their complaint. None of the officers moved from their positions, the complaint said.

Lane, who arrived at the scene with Kueng, ordered Floyd out of his car and handcuffed him, prosecutors said. He had been on the police force for only a matter of days.

Chauvin, Kueng and Lane each used their weight to restrain Floyd on the ground after he balked at getting into the back of a squad car.

Lane was positioned on his legs, 'kneeling on them and pressing them down with his hands,' according to the complaint.

At one point, Lane asked, 'Should we roll him on his side?'

Chauvin responded: 'No, staying put where we got him.'

Lane then said, 'I am worried about excited delirium or whatever,' to which Chauvin said, 'That's why we have him on his stomach.'

Thao, who had rejoined the force in 2012 after losing his job to layoffs as a rookie in 2009, arrived on the scene with Chauvin after Floyd had already been handcuffed.

Although Thao was the only one of the four officers who was not in physical contact with Floyd, prosecutors said he had a direct look at how Chauvin and the others were restraining him.

Thao stood watch over the onlookers who were gathering at the scene, keeping himself positioned between them and the three other officers who were on Floyd's prone body.

When a bystander stepped off the curb, 'imploring Chauvin to get off of Mr. Floyd, (Thao) put his hands on the citizen to keep him back,' the complaint said.

The state's Attorney General's office will try to add a third-degree murder charge against them at a hearing at the Minnesota Court of Appeals scheduled for May 20, KARE reported.

Former Minneapolis Police officer Tou Thao, right, arrives for a court hearing at the Hennepin County Government Center on July 21 on charges related to the murder of George Floyd

Former police officer Thomas Lane arrives in court on charges related to the murder of George Floyd

Former police officer Alexander Kueng arrives into court on charges related to the murder of George Floyd

Their trial had been split from Chauvin's in January for COVID-19 safety protocols, the outlet reported.

Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts for which he was charged - second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter - after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation.

His quick conviction has caused some people online to speculate about the upcoming trial for the other officers.

'We're not done, there are still three defendants to go: aiding and abetting,' @LauraAliaga2 tweeted.

Another Twitter user said: 'Wonder how Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane are feeling tonight.'

'Today's Chauvin verdict cannot bode well for the other 3 officers involved,' @mspoint1106 tweeted. 'I'd wager that each of them is talking to their attorneys right now about entering into plea agreements.'

Another Twitter user, Pitt Griffin, tweeted: 'Their future got a lot dimmer today.'

'We decide where we go from here. This one cop in this one city is going to jail. We have demanded much more in the name of #georgefloyd. Let's flip the system,' lawyer S. Lee Merritt tweeted.

Other legal experts also reacted to the news in statements on Tuesday.

The American Bar Association said in a statement on Tuesday that it 'respects the decision of the Minneapolis jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin.'

The ABA also emphasized 'that a single verdict is neither an indictment of all law enforcement nor a solution to the systemic inequities in our justice system.'

'Our society relies on the rule of law and the principle that laws must be applied and enforced fairly and without bias. A verdict may bring some justice, but it does not return George Floyd to his family,' the statement reads.

'While we have made great progress, the nation still must address the injustices, violence and racism that exist in our legal system that disproportionately and negatively affect people of color.'

Fordham Law professor Matthew Diller wrote in a letter to students that the conviction came as a 'relief' and it makes him 'hopeful for our future.'

'We have all been on edge these past two weeks as the trial has progressed. The prospect that a jury could have reached a verdict of acquittal, despite overwhelming evidence, is a reminder that our legal system still has a long way to go to prove itself worthy of calling itself a system of justice,' Diller wrote.

'The reality that a life could be taken in such a senseless and cruel way  a life that could be that of a son or daughter, a spouse, a parent, the life of any one of us  without any recourse is a devastating reality of our society. This is a reality that Black Americans live with every day.'

Diller said that the school would be providing counseling to students after 'this trial has stirred very potent emotions.'

'We are also planning a Dialogue Day where students, faculty, and staff will be invited to share their thoughts and feelings as a community,' Diller wrote.

Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said in a statement that Chauvin's verdict 'is an acknowledgement that police officers cannot get away with murder.'

'The killing of George Floyd was an appalling act of police violence that shocked and horrified millions of Americans and led to protests globally calling for racial justice and police accountability,' she wrote.

'We've all seen the sickening video of Derek Chauvin with his knee on George Floyd's neck.'

She continued: 'Today's verdict is an acknowledgement that police officers cannot get away with murder, but we still have a long way to go to achieve the justice demanded by so many protesters in the last year.'

Huang said that 'justice was done in this case' but that Americans cannot 'forget about the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Dion Johnson, among many others.'

'But this case galvanized a movement for justice that has expanded across the country, rooted in longstanding demands for a reimagining of a criminal legal system built on anti-Black racism and white supremacy,' she wrote.

'Lawmakers at the state and federal level must begin holding officers accountable for police violence.'

The American Civil Liberties Union, nonprofit and nonpartisan legal and advocacy group, called for the Biden administration to work toward defunding the police.

'We will never begin to achieve true justice for George Floyd until our country completely transforms public safety to save Black lives and reduce racist police violence,' the ACLU tweeted.

'The majority of people killed by police in America are killed in response to mental health crisis calls, traffic infractions, and other low-level offenses. Black people are arrested and killed by police at far higher rates than white people.'

The ACLU continued: 'Armed police are not needed in these situations, and in fact increase violence and danger. Instead of using force, arrests, and preventable death, we can ensure that trained civilian professionals are our first responders.'

'We need the Biden administration to publicly encourage cities nationwide to embrace alternative approaches to armed police officers and begin helping cities transition away from using police as the first and only responders.'
[April 21, 2021] Leading UK Home Furnishing Retailer Dunelm Doubles Online Sales and Site Traffic with Algolia

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algolia , a leading provider of an API Platform for Dynamic Experiences, today announced that the UKs leading homewares retailer, Dunelm , selected Algolia to deliver a more personalized and relevant online customer service on their digital properties. As a result, Dunelm increased its search relevance resulting in increased conversions, doubled site traffic, and more than doubled its online revenue. Algolias relevant, fast and personalized search is a key part of Dunelms new digital transformation initiative. The Algolia-powered online experience mirrors Dunelms physical store experience, delivering a welcoming digital shop window for customers.

We were able to improve our customer experience, double online sales, and significantly improve conversion rates by leveraging Algolias best-in-class search engine, transparent search ranking and rules, and pre-built UI libraries, said James Hoare, Chief Technology Officer, Dunelm. This, combined with our overall digital transformation strategy, enabled our teams to quickly and easily develop a search experience that met the demand and expectations of our customers. A Need for World-Class Search, Browse and Category Navigation

Before implementing Algolia, Dunelm, which has more than 170 stores across the UK, was constrained by its legacy site search features. Basically, the companys old search was not able to meet the retailers business goals, resulting in poor search relevance and consequently underwhelming conversion rates. Dunelms legacy site struggled with scalability and performance issues, and the legacy site required extensive, ongoing development support and maintenance resources consequently slowing down their continual improvement. Also, the previous search experience did not meet customers ever-increasing expectations nor could the solution easily scale to accommodate an escalating number of online users. Todays consumers expect nothing less than a Google or Amazon-like user search experience -- and todays businesses are constantly working to meet this high customer experience standard, said Bernadatte Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Algolia. Companies need poweful, intuitive search capabilities for web, mobile and voice applications -- and making these capabilities a reality is no easy task. Algolias search API and InstantSearch capabilities were the perfect complement to Dunelms online retail efforts. Search APIs enable developers to quickly add powerful search capabilities while business users gain the valuable insights needed to meet and exceed customer expectations. Its a win-win across the board.



Dunelm aimed to empower its business through technology with a digital shopping space that customers loved to visit. The retailer turned to Algolia to help it deliver an e-commerce experience that converted window shoppers into revenue-generating buyers. Dunelms shift from a monolithic, legacy platform to a cloud-native API platform would enable site visitors to easily discover and locate desired products  before they bounced to a competing site. Customizable, Transparent API-Based Personalized Recommendations

As part of Dunelms new digital strategy, the retailers technical team opted for a microservices, headless commerce approach, which decouples the front-end presentation layer from the backend e-commerce system. In 2019, Dunelm selected Algolia over other open source solutions due to Algolias customizable API-first platform that gives developers full control and is designed for headless commerce. Also, Dunelms digital team needed search technology that could easily integrate with the retailers existing AWS back end. Dunelm also cited Algolias pre-built capabilities, including indexing, merchandising ranking, rules, and analytics, along with quality documentation and support as deciding factors.

Relevance, Real Results in Record Time

Dunelm, with Algolia, gained search relevance and speed, in-house manageability and the ability to operate at scale. The company reaped the time and cost-saving benefits of its out-of-the-box superior search relevance, low total cost of ownership, and support from the Algolia team. Algolias search API and InstantSearch capabilities allowed Dunelm to boost its search conversion relevance rate in less than a month by quickly serving up products that accurately matched site visitors intent. The retail leader increased its search conversion relevance, doubled its web traffic, and more than doubled its online revenue. Meanwhile, Dunelms digital team now has a single, streamlined analytics dashboard  a dashboard that offers a single view of the sites search performance with the ability to easily customize and optimize the site experience. Dunelm next plans to harness the power of personalized search with additional voice features to continually evolve its online digital shop window. Helpful Links Blog: https://blog.algolia.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/algolia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/algolia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/algolia/

Careers: https://www.algolia.com/careers

About Algolia

Algolia provides an API Platform for Dynamic Experiences enabling organizations to predict intent and deliver results. Algolia achieves this with an API-first approach that allows developers and business teams to surface relevant content when wanted  satisfying the demand for instant gratification  and building and optimizing online experiences that enhance online engagement, increase conversion rates, and enrich lifetime value to generate profitable growth. More than 10,000 companies including Under Armour, Lacoste, Birchbox, Stripe, Slack, Medium, and Zendesk rely on Algolia to manage over 1.5 Trillion search queries a year. Algolia is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Paris, London, Tokyo, New York and Atlanta. To learn more, visit www.algolia.com . Contact:

Shannon Campbell

Offleash for Algolia

algolia@offleashpr.com





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From classic cars to crumbling buildings, Cuba carries the faded beauty of an old movie. Famous for revolutions, communism and its delicious drinks, countrys political history often goes hand-in-hand with its liquid one. Today were making one the islands classics, the Cuba Libre.

While classic concoctions such as the Daiquiri, the Mojito and El Presidente might require a little more skill (or a good bartender), this week we turn our attention to a much more simple drink: the Cuba Libre. On the face of it, the Cuba Libre is just rum and Coke with a bit of lime. But dig deeper, and it becomes so much more. This is not just a spirit/mixer, this is a cry for freedom.

Free Cuba

The Cuba Libre (which means Free Cuba) became a popular drink on the island following Cubas war of independence with Spain in the late 1800s. Before the arrival of Coca-Cola to the island, reports suggest the original Cuba Libre was a mix of honey or molasses with water and rum, or just water and brown sugar.

But by 1900, Coca-Cola was well-established in the country and no doubt a welcome sight for American soldiers still garrisoned there, following the war.

Bacardi, which at that time was still making its rum in its native Cuba, calls the Cuba Libre part cocktail, part rallying cry. And original recipes call for Bacardi in the mix.

The rum brands archivist Rachel Dorion says that in August 1900, a messenger to Roosevelts commander General Leonard Wood, who was later appointed the Military Governor of Cuba, witnessed a new incarnation of the Cuba Libre that used Coca-Cola.

The messenger, Fausto Rodriguez, said that shortly after the war in Cuba, with military intervention still in effect, two Americans opened The American Bar on Neptuno Street in Havana.

The invention of the Cuba Libre

Rodriguez remembered meeting an American member of the Signal Corps named Russell who ordered Rodriguez a Coca-Cola. He himself ordered his Coca-Cola with Bacardi Gold rum and a wedge of lime, says Dorion. The drink became extremely popular among the American soldiers who regularly gathered at the bar.

The story goes that Russell and his soldier friends decided the cocktail deserved a name. They went for Cuba Libre, since the phrase Free Cuba! was a cry embraced by both Cuban revolutionaries and sympathetic American soldiers.

Rodriguez later affirmed under oath in the State of New York that the event was the first time the phrase Cuba Libre was applied to an alcoholic drink, and that the ingredients were Bacardi Gold rum and Coca-Cola.

Records from the Bacardi archives show that the Cuba Libre cocktail made with Bacardi rum has been mentioned in publications as early as 1928 and in recipe books in the late 1930s. The earliest advertisement that mentions the Cuba Libre cocktail in the Bacardi archive dates back to the 1930s and it reads: Say make mine with Bacardi. Try our Bacardi Cuba Libre.

Refreshers to lamb chops

In fact, the Cuba Libre has been advertised in several different ways over the years. In a 1946 LIFE magazine ad, the drink was hailed for being refreshing and by 1953, it was all about calorie counting. This ad claims a Cuba Libre has fewer calories than a lamb chop! Good to know, I guess.

Besides Bacardi, Pernod Ricards Havana Club also champions the Cuba Libre. The rum is made in Cuba and in 2018, Havana Club relaunched its Anejo Especial, with a big push for the Cuba Libre cocktail.

Not to be confused with a basic rum and cola, the authentic Cuba Libre needs a generous squeeze of lime to even out the drinks sweetness, says Havana Club.

First taste of freedom

Balance is always important in a drink. And, as it happens, when youre standing up on a train.

My first Cuba Libre  and not just a plain old rum and Coke  was 2009, on board an old Hersheys Chocolate train that rattled through the sugar cane fields near Havana to Hershey station. US chocolate magnate Milton Hershey had set up business in Cuba in the early part of the 20th century, establishing a railway for the transportation of his sugar.

Anyway, nearly 100 years later, I was on the train in Cuba with Havana Club rum and about 15 bartenders.

It turns out that besides rum, cola and the necessary citrus, you need three other things to make a good Cuba Libre on the back of a rickety old train: pre-cut limes, plastic glasses and a steady hand. Of course, it also helps if youre surrounded by bartenders.

So, without further ado, heres how to make it:

How to make a Cuba Libre

50ml Bacardi Carta Oro rum

100ml Coca-Cola

2 lime wedges

Fill a glass with ice, squeeze over the lime and drop the wedges into the glass. Add the rum and cola. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with more lime. Raise a toast to Cuba Libre!
A plane equipped with Fire Boss water apparatus can hold up to 800 gallons to dump on a fire. Growers/Vintners for Responsible Agriculture made the $1.5 million offer in the wake of wildfires that since 2017 have burned about half the county and destroyed about 1,500 structures.

The idea is that the two Fire Boss planes run by Dauntless Air would be ready to take off as soon as a local wildfire broke out, wetting it down to help keep it in check. Planes could scoop water out of Lake Berryessa and Lake Hennessey.

County Supervisor Belia Ramos said the Cal Fire message is that the Fire Boss is the wrong tool.

Board of Supervisors Chairperson Alfredo Pedroza didnt rule out having Napa County create an initial aerial fire response capability of its own. He said he wants to see how added Cal Fire resources this fire season work out.

Cal Fire earlier this month announced it will base a helicopter in Napa County capable of dropping 1,000 gallons of water on a fire and then scoop more out of local reservoirs. It will also add 46 people to staff a 24-hour fire crew. The cost is $3 million.

Pedroza asked what happens when there are multiple fires in the state and Cal Fire resources are shared.
Discussion

In a SNF with 90.4% of residents vaccinated, an outbreak of COVID-19 occurred after introduction from an unvaccinated, symptomatic HCP. WGS identified an R.1 lineage variant, characterized by E484K and other mutations within the spike protein. Attack rates were three to four times as high among unvaccinated residents and HCP as among those who were vaccinated; vaccinated persons were significantly less likely to experience symptoms or require hospitalization.

Although the R.1 variant is not currently identified as a CDC variant of concern or interest,*** it does have several mutations of importance. The D614G mutation demonstrates evidence of increasing virus transmissibility (4). The E484K mutation, found within the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, is also seen in the variants of concern B.1.351 and P.1, which show evidence of reduced neutralization by convalescent and postvaccination sera (5,6). Mutation W152L might reduce the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies (7). Although vaccination was associated with decreased likelihood of infection and symptomatic illness, 25.4% of vaccinated residents and 7.1% of vaccinated HCP were infected, supporting concerns about potential reduced protective immunity to R.1. In addition, four possible reinfections were identified, providing some evidence of limited or waning natural immunity to this variant.

Point estimates for VE against SARS-CoV-2 infections were lower than were those reported from Israels national vaccination program (8). Whereas this could reflect reduced protection against R.1, other factors to consider include the smaller sample size in this study and the higher exposure risk associated with an outbreak in a congregate setting. In addition, testing, regardless of symptoms, was performed with high frequency for both residents and HCP, which contrasts with VE studies that use a primary reliance on individual test-seeking behavior. Such differences could influence VE estimates for infection; therefore, caution is urged when comparing these studies. Regardless of VE differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection, the estimated VE for COVID-19 symptom prevention (86.5% for residents; 87.1% for HCP) demonstrates a strong protective effect of vaccination.

The risk for poor outcomes among unvaccinated SNF residents is highlighted by the hospitalization of four of the six unvaccinated, infected residents, and two subsequent deaths, including in one previously infected resident. This underscores the importance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation that all persons, including those who have recovered from COVID-19, be vaccinated.

Low acceptance of vaccination among SNF HCP might increase the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission within a facility. Nationally, a median of 37.5% of HCP working in long-term care facilities had received at least 1 dose of vaccine by mid-January 2021 (9). Although the vaccination rate in this SNF surpassed this early national rate, approximately one half of HCP were vaccinated. To protect SNF residents, it is imperative that HCP, as well as SNF residents, be vaccinated. A continued emphasis on strategies for prevention of disease transmission, even among vaccinated populations, is also critical. Timely implementation of infection control strategies after outbreak identification likely contributed to the rapid decline in new cases during the second week of the outbreak.

The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, the health status of residents who declined vaccination might have differed from those who consented to vaccination. Thus, hospitalization and death outcomes might be biased when comparing the groups without controlling for underlying health conditions. Second, underlying health status and advance directives might affect decisions for resident hospitalization; therefore, association of vaccination with hospitalization in this SNF population might have limited generalizability. Finally, because of the reduced sensitivity of antigen testing in asymptomatic populations, it is possible that some asymptomatic cases were not identified. If this introduced differential bias for identification of cases in either the vaccinated or unvaccinated groups, actual VE for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections could differ from measured effectiveness.

An R.1 lineage variant, not previously detected in Kentucky, was identified in a SNF outbreak where 46 residents and HCP were infected. Compared with unvaccinated persons, vaccinated persons had reduced risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19. A continued emphasis on vaccination of SNF populations, including HCP, is essential to reduce the risk for SARS-CoV-2 introduction, transmission, and severe outcomes in SNFs. An ongoing focus on infection prevention and control practices is also critical.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet at the Korean Demilitarized Zone Reuters

South Korea's president said Trump "failed" when it comes to North Korea and its nukes.

"He beat around the bush and failed to pull it through," Moon said of Trump.

Trump met with Kim Jong Un on denuclearization several times, but North Korea retains its arsenal.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in during a new interview with the New York Times said that former President Donald Trump "failed" on the issue of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"He beat around the bush and failed to pull it through," Moon said, referring to Trump's efforts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

During his single term in the White House, Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un several times to discuss denuclearization. His interactions with Kim were historic - Trump was the first sitting US president to enter North Korea.

But by the time Trump left office, the rogue state had not given up a single nuclear weapon. North Korea has also continued provocative missile tests.

Though he was critical of Trump's efforts on North Korea, Moon during his interview with the Times urged President Joe Biden to engage with Pyongyang to succeed where his predecessor failed. Moon emphasized that denuclearization is a "matter of survival" for South Korea.

"I hope that Biden will go down as a historic president that has achieved substantive and irreversible progress for the complete denuclearization and peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula," Moon said.

In late March, the White House said Biden was unlikely to pursue a face-to-face meeting with Kim, though the president has signaled he's open to diplomacy with North Korea.

Trump excoriated Moon over his comments in a statement on Friday.

"Kim Jong-un of North Korea, who I have gotten to know (and like) under the most trying of circumstances, never respected the current President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in. I was always the one who stopped the aggression toward the South, but unfortunately for them, I am no longer there," Trump said.

Story continues

The former president went on to say that Moon was "weak as a leader and as a negotiator, except when it came to the continued, long term military ripoff of the USA (as is the case with many other countries we protect!)."

Critics of Trump have said his meetings with Kim helped legitimize one of the world's most repressive leaders, while offering virtually no benefits to the US or its allies.

Trump's relationship with Kim was controversial and perplexing to foreign policy experts. Early on in his presidency, he traded numerous threats and insults with the North Korean leader from across the globe - sparking fears of a nuclear war. But Trump's tone shifted drastically in 2018 ahead of his first summit with Kim. Over the rest of his time in office, Trump repeatedly showered Kim with praise and referred to him as a "friend."

Trump's amicable demeanor toward Kim, who maintains power largely via a system of concentration camps, frequently led to criticism in Washington and beyond.

In a recent interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Trump defended his relationship with Kim.

"When I came in President Obama said... 'the biggest problem we have is North Korea. There's going to be a war'. There was no war, we got along great," Trump told Hannity. "[Kim Jong Un] writes me letters. I like him, he likes me. There's nothing wrong with that."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Leading specialised payments platform achieves its zero global carbon footprint goal for a further two years

Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), a leading specialised payments platform, today announces its carbon neutral company status for 2021 and 2022. The milestone forms part of the company's ongoing commitment to offsetting its unavoidable carbon emissions as part of its environmental programme.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005454/en/

Paysafe first announced its commitment to carbon neutrality on Earth Day last year, the 50th celebration of the annual global event. The company's 2020 CarbonNeutral certification was also backdated to cover its carbon footprint for 2019. With today's announcement, extending its certification for a further two years, Paysafe has pledged to offset the impact of its carbon footprint by financing sustainability projects in developing countries.

The latest accreditation was achieved following extensive data gathering and independent third-party verification. This included the implementation of new measurements to take account of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on business practice such as a move to remote working. Paysafe's 2021/2022 CarbonNeutral certification, therefore, factors in a 'home office carbon footprint' calculation for every employee and move to more of a hybrid working model by 2022.

Paysafe worked with carbon finance and carbon neutral experts, Natural Capital Partners, to conduct the independent assessment and identify suitable sustainability projects. The projects that Paysafe has committed to are Community Reforestation, East Africa; the Acre Amazonian Rainforest REDD+ portfolio, Brazil and Sindh Wind Power in Pakistan.

Philip McHugh, CEO at Paysafe, said, "Like many other companies, the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our carbon footprint, however the return to physical office locations and international travel will happen in time and we can expect to see carbon emissions rise again. Meanwhile, we will continue to capture data based on home working carbon emissions and offset that as part of our pledge to sustainability. Bottom line, we are committed to supporting ongoing carbon reduction in the long-term and our environmental programme forms a central part of our approach to corporate responsibility and our commitment to doing business the right way."

Rebecca Fay, Chief Marketing Officer at Natural Capital Partners, added: "We are very pleased to support Paysafe in the achievements of its environment programme as it commits to four years as a carbon neutral business. Even after what the world has experienced over the past year, the need for climate action has not changed. Carbon neutrality is a critical step to achieving the global transformation of our economy and should be a priority for businesses everywhere. It's great to see international companies like Paysafe making and meeting commitments to being environmentally responsible."

In addition to carbon offsetting, Paysafe has also embarked on a number of employee engagement initiatives including sharing sustainability tips for the home and providing plant-based cookery courses.

About Paysafe Limited

Paysafe Limited ("Paysafe") (NYSE: PFSE) (PSFE.WS) is a leading specialised payments platform. Its core purpose is to enable businesses and consumers to connect and transact seamlessly through industry-leading capabilities in payment processing, digital wallet, and online cash solutions. With over 20 years of online payment experience, an annualised transactional volume of US $92 billion in 2020, and approximately 3,400 employees located in 12+ global locations, Paysafe connects businesses and consumers across 70 payment types in over 40 currencies around the world. Delivered through an integrated platform, Paysafe solutions are geared toward mobile-initiated transactions, real-time analytics and the convergence between brick-and-mortar and online payments. Further information is available at www.paysafe.com.

About Natural Capital Partners

With more than 300 clients in 34 countries, including Microsoft, MetLife, Logitech, PwC, Sky and rsted, Natural Capital Partners is harnessing the power of business to create a more sustainable world. Through a global network of projects, the company delivers the highest quality solutions which make real change possible: reducing carbon emissions, generating renewable energy, building resilience in supply chains, conserving and restoring forests and biodiversity, and improving health and livelihoods.

Natural Capital Partners was founded in 1997 and has teams in the US, Europe and Central America. It has been recognised as Environmental Finance Best Offset Retailer for the past nine years.

The CarbonNeutral Protocol was created and is managed by Natural Capital Partners. It was the first clear set of guidelines for businesses to achieve carbon neutrality back in 2002, and every year since then Natural Capital Partners has continued its commitment to providing a robust framework for clear, transparent and high-quality carbon neutral action. The Protocol is updated annually with input from an Advisory Council of external experts to ensure it reflects the latest industry and scientific best practice.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005454/en/

Contacts:

For media enquiries

Kate Aldridge

Kate.aldridge@paysafe.com

Mobile: +44 (0) 750 0797547
New Delhi, April 21 : As the Covid situation worsened in the national capital, the BJP intensified its attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for doing nothing to overcome the crisis.

In a tweet, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh said, "Goa purchased oxygen from Kerala. Madhya Pradesh gets medicine from Bengaluru by chartered flight and distributes it through choppers. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister dials Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat for hassle free movement of oxygen containers. What does Delhi Chief Minister do other than tweet and advertise?" BJP MP from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir tweeted, "No vision, no direction. Delhi is dying. If you have any shame, then resign Arvind Kejriwal." Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that the Kejriwal Government had not put in place any concrete policy or direction on how to deal with the severe corona crisis that has hit the national capital and has led to the virtual collapse of medical facilities. "There seems to be no effort on part of the AAP Government to deal with the situation and they had virtually thrown up their hands," Bidhuri said.

BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya pointed out that ensuring oxygen supply to Delhi's hospitals is Kejriwal's responsibility. "Someone remind Kejriwal and his ministers that it is their responsibility to ensure oxygen supply in Delhi hospitals. He can learn how to manage the situation from CMs of Assam, MP, UP, to name a few. Tweeting incessantly and appearing in TV ads is no substitute for governance," Malviya tweeted.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Aditya Jha said that the Delhi government is more interested in shifting blame and running away from its responsibilities. "Visionless Kejriwal government has no plan to handle the pandemic. First he said no lockdown and then introduced a six-day lockdown. There are several such incidents which expose the failure of the Kejriwal government to handle the pandemic," Jha added.
EDWARDSVILLE  The Madison County Sheriffs, Coroners and States Attorneys office will hold their annual Drug Takeback Day event Saturday, April 24.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison County Administration Building in Edwardsville.

The countys Emergency Management Agency mobile command vehicle will also be present.

Drugs are a scourge on our neighborhoods and communities, said States Attorney Thomas Haine, Im proud to partner with the sheriff and coroners offices to host this event and help keep unused prescriptions out of the hands of those who would sell, misuse, or abuse them.

The event is part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agencys National Prescription Take Back Day, which provides a nationwide opportunity for Americans to work together to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. The study also showed that the majority of the misused prescription drugs were acquired from family and friends, and oftentimes from the home medicine cabinet.

The drug takeback program has been an integral part on our continued battle against this drug epidemic that has swept over this nation and our county, said Coroner Steve Nonn. It never ceases to amaze me on the amount of drugs we take off the street every time we have been involved in these Drug Take Back Days.

Sheriff John Lakin noted the Sheriffs Department is very committed to the program because oftentimes old narcotics can fall into the hands of children or someone else who could succumb to temptation of narcotics experimentation.

We will continued to work with the federal authorities and the States Attorneys Office during this endeavor, he added. We highly encourage participation in the DEA drug take back program.

It was recently announced that the Sheriffs Department had turned over a large amount of prescription drugs that had been turned in to various police departments.
Nicholas Lyndhurst's wife Lucy has paid tribute to the actor on his 60th birthday and said their late son Archie was 'immensely proud' of his father.

The Only Fools And Horses actor and his wife were left heartbroken when their son passed away from a brain haemorrhage aged 19 while he slept at his family home in west London in September 2020.

In the touching message she posted on Instagram on Wednesday, the former ballet dancer, Nicholas' wife of 22 years, shared a series of sweet snaps showing the star alongside their son and in sweet selfies together.

She penned: 'Six decades of this beautiful human being. My soul mate and Archies hero. I never thought this would be part of our story but I will be forever grateful for every moment we all had together. Every day an absolute joy.' [sic]

Proud: Nicholas Lyndhurst's wife Lucy has paid tribute to the actor on his 60th birthday and said their late son Archie was 'immensely proud' of his father

Lucy has been active on social media since Archie's passing and has paid tribute to her late son, yet touchingly turned the focus to Nicholas.

Her full message read: 'Six decades of this beautiful human being. My soul mate and Archies hero. I never thought this would be part of our story but I will be forever grateful for every moment we all had together...

'Every day an absolute joy, filled with adventure, laughter and incredible love. Archie is immensely proud of you as I am. It is a honour to be your wife and journey the rest of my days with you even though they are tough without our boy...

'Thank you for Archie and for loving him and me like you do, we simply couldnt ask for more. A day to cherish all things you. All my love L XxX'.

An honour: The Only Fools And Horses actor and his wife were left heartbroken when their son passed away from a brain haemorrhage aged 19 while he slept at his family home in west London in September 2020

Emotional: Her full message read: 'Six decades of this beautiful human being. My soul mate and Archies hero. I never thought this would be part of our story but I will be forever grateful for every moment we all had together'

Larking around: Her full message read: 'Six decades of this beautiful human being. My soul mate and Archies hero. I never thought this would be part of our story but I will be forever grateful for every moment we all had together'

In January, Lucy revealed her son had died after an intracerebral haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia - an incredibly rare condition which kills just 800 people a year.

Lucy and the Only Fools and Horses actor, 59, found out the 'harrowing' details from his second post mortem just four days before Christmas, months after an inquest into his 'unexplained' death had been abandoned.

She wrote on her social media platform at the time: 'He died from an Intracerebral Haemorrhage caused by Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukaemia.

Sweet: She shared a series of sweet snaps

'This is not Leukaemia as we know it, the word Acute in medical terms means rapid. He assured us that there wasn't anything anyone could have done as Archie showed no signs of illness.

'Archie had numerous bleeds on the brain and the Dr went to great lengths to reassure us that he wouldn't have been in any pain as it happened in his sleep.'

Last month, Lucy paid tribute again when she honoured her first Mother's Day without her son. She said that getting through the day without her only child was 'the hardest thing ever' as she uploaded heart-warming images.

Happy days: Some of her pictures featured touching moments between father and son

Lucy wrote: 'My dearest darling boy. To get through today without you is the hardest thing ever. I miss you every minute of every day...

'I will never stop loving you. Not ever. Thank you for making me a mummy. It was the best adventure I've ever had. You never stopped me from smiling ever.

'Thank you for all those beautiful happy times. I shall be forever in your debt. You teach me everyday to be a better person. Love you today, tomorrow and always. All my love your devoted Mama. XxX.' (sic)
There was a shock jobs blow for Kilkenny this morning (Wednesday) with the closure of two city branches of Carphone Warehouse.

The tech-chain announced its immediate closure this morning, including the shop's website.

The mobile phone retailer had two branches in Kilkenny - in MacDonagh Junction and in the Market Cross Shopping Centre.

In Ireland more than 480 people have been made redundant with the closure of more than 80 retail outlets.

A statement on the Carphone Warehouse website reads:

WHY HAS CARPHONE WAREHOUSE STORES AND WEBSITE CLOSED?

As part of Dixons Carphones broader transformation, of one joined up and profitable business, it has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Carphone Warehouse in Ireland, in line with its decision to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK in 2020.

Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles. Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time. However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support. This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.

Well continue to offer our Irish customers a market leading range of top branded mobile handsets and accessories through our Currys PC World stores and on Currys.ie.



WHY HAVE WE CLOSED IMMEDIATELY?



Footfall in our Carphone Warehouse stores is down significantly, and we dont expect many customers to sign new contracts with us during this time; our stores will therefore close immediately. Well continue to help our customers via our central customer support team and will also ask some colleagues to provide operational support over the coming days.

For customer advice and information phone lines click here to go to the Carphone Warehouse website.
The request followed videos posted on social media of cops beating people with sticks and batons.

Cambodias Ministry of Interior on Wednesday called on the countrys authorities to refrain from using violence to enforce coronavirus restrictions, after videos emerged of police using sticks to beat residents of the capital region found in violation of an ongoing lockdown.

Last week, the government implemented a 14-day closure of all non-essential businesses in the capital Phnom Penh and neighboring Takhmao in Kandal province from April 15-28 and required the two cities combined 2.3 million residents to adhere to a strict curfew or, in certain red zones, stay in their homes except in the case of an emergency.

Cambodia, which had largely remained unscathed by the coronavirus in 2020, registered its first death from COVID-19the disease caused by the viruslast month, a year to the day that that the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled it a pandemic.

Since then, 56 people have died, and the countrys caseload has reached more than 7,500 people. Authorities recorded 300 new cases on Wednesday alone.

The drastic rise in infections led Prime Minister Hun Sen to issue the lockdown order last week, but residents of affected red zone districts within Phnom Penh and Takhmao told RFAs Khmer Service on Tuesday that they had yet to receive any promised food or supplies from the government, despite the threat of being arrested if they leave their homes.

On Wednesday, Minister of Interior Sar Kheng issued a statement thanking his officers for enforcing the governments lockdown to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and urged them to restrain from using violence against the public to do so.

I am taking this opportunity to remind all relevant authorities to perform their tasks with patience, maintain discipline with a dignified attitude, adhere to the forces code of ethics, and especially to avoid using any violence to resolve problems when implementing the governments order, he wrote.

In a separate Facebook posting, Sar Keng said he understands the difficulties and challenges that police face while maintaining the lockdown but said that only with restraint will they win public support.

Sar Khengs comments followed reports of authorities in Phnom Penh using batons and sticks to chase and beat people wandering outside of their homes in recent daysvideos of which were distributed by local authorities via posts to their Facebook accounts.

Authorities have also threatened to fine anyone found in breach of the lockdown between 1-20 million riels (U.S. $250-4,950) and punish them with between six months to five years in prison. At least 120 people have been arrested, six detained, and five charged for disobeying the curfew and lockdown since April 15.

Soeung Sengkaruna, spokesman for the local human rights group Adhoc, on Wednesday condemned the police violence, calling it equal to human rights abuse. He said police should be educating people about the need for a lockdown, rather than beating them with sticks.

The law prevents all sorts of violence and officials should look into police actions, he told RFA.

If the actions dont comply with the lockdown order, the offenders should be punished to make sure the public doesnt think the government instructed them to beat people.

Phnom Penh Municipal Police spokesman San Sokseiha confirmed to RFA that officers did use violence against those who violated the lockdown, adding that it was only carried out against people in the red zones.

Our intention is not to harm them, but we need the situation to get better soon, he said.

If people cooperate with the authorities, they will get their rights back and return to their normal daily lives.

However, Am Sam Ath of Licadho told RFA that it is against the law for police to use violence against residents, regardless of whether they live in the red zones.

He said that current outbreak does not allow such measures and suggested that such violence will hurt the governments image.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The Czech Republic has warned Moscow that it will expel more Russian diplomats unless Czech Embassy staff ejected from Russia are allowed to return to work by noon on April 22.



In a dispute over Russia's alleged role in a deadly 2014 explosion at a Czech arms depot, 18 Russian diplomats identified by Czech intelligence as being intelligence operatives left their posts in Prague on April 19 as 20 Czech Embassy employees in Moscow also were forced to leave.



The tit-for-tat moves over the Czech allegations have triggered Prague's biggest dispute with Russia since the 1989 end of Communist rule, putting the small Central European NATO member at the center of rising tensions between Moscow and the West.

Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek told reporters on April 21 that Russia "has until 12 p.m. tomorrow to allow the return of all expelled diplomats back to the Czech Embassy in Moscow."



"If they cannot return, I will cut the number of Russian Embassy staff in Prague so it would correspond to the current situation at the Czech Embassy in Moscow," said Kulhanek, who was appointed as minister on April 21.



Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Prague should "leave ultimatums for communication within NATO."



"With Russia such a tone is unacceptable," she said, adding that the Czech ambassador would be summoned on April 22.



The Kremlin has rejected Prague's "baseless accusations" and called the Czech moves "unreasonable and harmful to bilateral relations."



Speaking after summoning the Russian ambassador in Prague, Kulhanek said Moscow's "disproportionate" retaliation "paralyzed the functioning of our embassy," while the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats "did not jeopardize the functioning of the Russian Embassy."



The Czech Foreign Ministry put the number of Czech diplomats in Moscow at five, plus 19 other staff, after the expulsions. Russia's Embassy in Prague now has 27 diplomats and 67 other staff, according to the ministry. Both countries have additional staff at consulates in other cities.



As the spat escalates, the Czech government has decided to eliminate Russia's state-run corporation Rosatom from a multibillion-dollar tender to build a new unit at the Dukovany nuclear power plant.

Interior Minister Jan Hamacek, who was standing in as foreign minister until Kulhanek's appointment, has said that Prague would also no longer consider buying Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19.



Citing Czech intelligence, the government said that Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, orchestrated the explosion in the eastern town of Vrbetice in 2014 in what the Foreign Ministry called "an unacceptable violation of the state sovereignty and national security of the Czech Republic."



The blast in October 2014 set off 50 metric tons of stored ammunition, killing two people. Two months later, another explosion of 13 tons of ammunition occurred at the same site.



In connection with the October blast, Czech police said they were seeking two suspected Russian agents also identified as suspects in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in England.



However, the open-source investigation organization Bellingcat said the Russian operation that Czech authorities have linked to the blast in Vrbetice involved at least six GRU operatives.



Prague has called on fellow European Union and NATO members to show "solidarity" by also expelling Russian diplomats.



EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on April 21 that the bloc "expresses full solidarity with the Czech Republic, supports the actions taken by its authorities so far, and stands ready to support its further efforts to bring those responsible to justice."



"The EU condemns the disproportionate reaction and subsequent threats of Russian Federation towards the Czech Republic," Borrell added. "Disruptive actions of Russian intelligence services against the interests and security of the EU and its member states will continue to be met with the staunchest resolve, including at the level of the European Union, as appropriate."



A NATO official has said that the allies "stand in solidarity over Russia's dangerous pattern of destabilizing behavior."



Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer, and his daughter Yulia nearly died after being exposed to what British authorities later concluded was Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent. A British woman who accidentally came into contact with the substance died.



Britain's NATO allies responded to the Skripal poisoning by imposing sanctions on Russia and expelling diplomats.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  Residents unable to travel to a vaccine clinic or pharmacy can now request an appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from inside of their Jackson County homes.

The Jackson County Health Department, Center for Family Health and Jackson Community Ambulance are partnering to bring vaccines to the homes of residents across the county, health department officials said.

Part of this partnership is about meeting people where theyre at, said Terry Langston, Center for Family Health director of communications. Some folks cant get out of their homes either health-wise, or theres barriers such as transportation issues.

The service, which will operate for the foreseeable future, is targeted to homebound individuals but is available to anyone who would like to receive vaccinations at their home, Langston said.

Health agencies across the county have been working daily to engage community organizations and members to meet the needs of people in Jackson in hopes that they will take the vaccine, Langston said.

The hope is for the at-home vaccination program to increase the amount of vaccine being administered to residents across the county, he said.

As of April 19, 42,462 Jackson County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In all, 96,148 doses of vaccine have been administered by health systems in Jackson County.

People in need of receiving a vaccine at their home or elsewhere should contact the Center for Family Health at 517-748-5500 or at its COVID hotline at 517-748-5363. Residents can also contact the Department on Aging at 517-788-4364.

READ MORE FROM THE JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT:

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 12:21:20|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Putting a greater emphasis on primary healthcare and ensuring fairer access for all New Zealanders are two of the main drivers of health sector reforms, Health Minister Andrew Little said on Wednesday.

"We are going to put the emphasis squarely on primary and community healthcare and will do away with duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy between regions, so that our health workers can do what they do best - keep people well," Little said in a statement.

The reforms will mean that for the first time, New Zealand will have a truly national health system, and the kind of treatment people get will no longer be determined by where they live, he said.

The reforms will see all 20 district health boards replaced with a new national entity, Health New Zealand, which will be responsible for running hospitals and commissioning primary and community health services. It will have four regional divisions, the minister said.

Responsibility for public health issues will rest with a new Public Health Authority, and a new Maori Health Authority will monitor the state of Maori health and have the ability to commission services directly, he said.

The system will be overseen by a strengthened Ministry of Health, which will also advise the government on policy matters, he added.

The changes are in response to the Health and Disability System Review (HDSR), which found the public health system was under stress and that a greater emphasis on primary healthcare had the greatest potential to improve New Zealanders' health.

"The reforms herald a change in focus for the health system - we will treat people before they get sick so they don't need to go to hospital, thereby taking the pressure off hospitals," Little said.

"We all know how stretched our hospitals and specialist services are, and that's largely because people are not getting the healthcare they need, when they need it, to stop them becoming seriously unwell," he said.

The reforms will also ensure the system is able to cope with the effects of an aging population and respond more quickly to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

The reforms will be phased in over three years to make sure existing services - including the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program - are not disrupted, according to the minister. Enditem
A mob of protesters surrounded and chanted at diners at a Brooklyn taqueria to 'get the f**k out of New York' and 'we don't want you here', and blasted the 'white men' owners during a march after the Derek Chauvin verdict on Tuesday.

Video captured nervous diners outside the Maya Taqueria in Prospect Heights, as a man, who appears to be white, led the chant 'We don't want your f***ing money. We don't want your f***ing taqueria... owned by f***ing white men.'

Reporter Nick Pinto shared that the protesters moved north after their stop at Maya Taqueria, chanting, 'Fire! Fire to the gentrifiers!'

Daniel Nasser, who is cited as the operating manager and owner of Maya Taqueria, grew up in San Francisco before moving to Brooklyn in 2001. His heritage is not clear. However, staff pictures appear to show a mostly BIPOC team.

A staff member at Maya Taqueria told DailyMail.com simply 'no comment' when reached.

Maya Taqueria, like many restaurants in New York and across the US, has struggled during the past year due to coronavirus restrictions that saw all indoor dining banned until earlier this year. But the eatery has not closed and managed to deliver throughout the pandemic.

Tuesday's protest appeared to be organized by a group called NYC Shut It Down, who are activists who came together following the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of the police

NYC Shut Down has not publicly commented on the footage.

The protests outside of Maya Taqueria were led by this man on Tuesday night

Many of the people at the restaurant simply looked on as the protest unfolded

Diners at Maya Taqueria sat and watched as they were heckled by the protesters

It's not clear why one protester decided to open an umbrella during the protest

Daniel Nasser, who is cited as the operating manager and owner of Maya Taqueria, grew up in San Francisco before moving to Brooklyn in 2001. His heritage is not clear

The video, which was originally posted by Eric Thomas on Twitter, has garnered over 628,000 views so far.

Some people on Twitter took exception to the idea that Maya Taqueria was 'owned by white men.'

'So they clearly don't know anything about the Mexican American family that owns and operates Maya Taqueria,' Steven Kastenbaum tweeted.

'Psst Maya Taqueria is owned by a Mexican American family,' Amy Grimm added.

Emotions had been running high on Tuesday night following the conviction of Chauvin in the death of George Floyd just hours earlier.

In many cities, Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets in celebration of the verdict.

In New York City, demonstrators marched through Brooklyn until they came across diners at the taqueria.

Video of the incident picks up with a man leading a crowd of protesters in a call-and-response chant.

'Get the f*** out of New York,' he yelled. 'We don't want you here. We don't want you here.'

A protester then says 'Tip 30 percent,' which the call leader echoes and which draws cheers from the crowd.

Protesters descended upon Maya Taqueria on Tuesday following the Chauvin verdict

Protesters can be seen surrounding the restaurant as they chant together

They were in the midst of a bigger march, which passed through restaurants down the street

The protest appears to have organized by a group called NYC Shut It Down.

'WE DEMAND an end to racist police terror, mass incarceration, and white supremacy,' their website reads. 'We work in solidarity with those fighting for Black liberation, and the liberation of all oppressed people.'

Their platform includes abolition stemming from mass incarceration, decolonization, and liberation.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn after Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday evening.

They marched along Flatbush Avenue and briefly blocked traffic, chanting the names of other victims of police brutality.

The protests in New York City were peaceful, though. The NYPD was prepared for the protests in the wake of the verdict being read.

According to ABC7, the NYPD planned to deploy police on Tuesday night to ensure the safety of demonstrations.

Community affairs officers were set to be on the front lines a year after the NYPD was accused of using excessive force during the initial protests following George Floyd's death.

Daniel Nasser, who is cited as the operating manager and owner of Maya Taqueria, grew up in San Francisco before moving to Brooklyn in 2001. His heritage is not clear. However, staff pictures appear to show a mostly BIPOC team

The restaurant appeared quiet on Wednesday, the day after protesters surrounded diners

Kitchen staff got back to work as usual after the challenging evening

Like many restaurants, Maya Taqueria has struggled in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nasser recently gave a testimonial about the restaurant their experience in recent months to ChowNow.

'We've been in Prospect Heights for 11 years,' Nasser says of the restaurant. 'We've seen the neighborhood change and we've grown with the neighborhood. We've focused on the freshness of our ingredients and trying to make sure that we can serve the best possible type of cuisine.'

He also discussed the difficulty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Some of our biggest concerns relating to COVID-19 have been just how much everybody relies on us,' Nasser said.

Protests took place in Brooklyn following the verdict being read on Tuesday evening

Protesters appear to confront the police on Tuesday night during demonstrations

Tuesday night's protesters in Brooklyn briefly blocked traffic during their demonstration

'I think we ultimately face that when we see that there's employees that need their paychecks on a weekly basis to support their families, as well as keeping up with our bills and our vendors.'

During the video, he advocated for people to support his restaurant by ordering either through the restaurant itself or through ChowNow.

The New York Times reported in December that Maya Taqueria built a patio on the street over the summer to encourage outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They protected their Prospect Heights outdoor setup with heavy wooden barriers.

The setup caused a problem in the winter, however, when it was too challenging to move during the city's winter storms.

'These things now weigh 300 or 400 pounds,' Nasser said at the time. 'You can't tell me to make this thing weigh this much and then have me dismantle and bring it in.'

He had vowed to dismantle the outdoor setup if the winter storms destroyed it, though the outdoor setup was in place when the protesters arrived on Tuesday.

While some protesters in New York were heckling diners, most reactions to the Chauvin guilty verdict were of jubilation on Tuesday evening.

In Minneapolis, those who gathered outside the courthouse to hear the verdict cheered when Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin is not set to be sentenced for eight weeks, but he could serve up to 75 years in prison.
2019: Australian intelligence services conclude that China was responsible for a cyber-attack on Australia's parliament and three largest political parties in the run-up to a May election.

April 2020: Australian PM Scott Morrison begins canvassing his fellow world leaders for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Britain and France are initially reluctant but more than 100 countries eventually back an investigation.

April 15: Morrison is one of the few leaders to voice sympathy with Donald Trump's criticisms of the World Health Organization, which the US president accuses of bias towards China.

April 21: China's embassy accuses Australian foreign minister Peter Dutton of 'ignorance and bigotry' and 'parroting what those Americans have asserted' after he called for China to be more transparent about the outbreak.

April 23: Australia's agriculture minister David Littleproud calls for G20 nations to campaign against the 'wet markets' which are common in China and linked to the earliest coronavirus cases.

April 26: Chinese ambassador Cheng Jingye hints at a boycott of Australian wine and beef and says tourists and students might avoid Australia 'while it's not so friendly to China'. Canberra dismisses the threat and warns Beijing against 'economic coercion'.

May 11: China suspends beef imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors. These account for more than a third of Australia's $1.1billion beef exports to China.

May 18: The World Health Organization backs a partial investigation into the pandemic, but China says it is a 'joke' for Australia to claim credit. The same day, China imposes an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley. Australia says it may challenge this at the WTO.

May 21: China announces new rules for iron ore imports which could allow Australian imports - usually worth $41billion per year - to be singled out for extra bureaucratic checks.

June 5: Beijing warns tourists against travelling to Australia, alleging racism and violence against the Chinese in connection with Covid-19.

June 9: China's Ministry of Education warns students to think carefully about studying in Australia, similarly citing alleged racist incidents.

June 19: Australia says it is under cyber-attack from a foreign state which government sources say is believed to be China. The attack has been targeting industry, schools, hospitals and government officials, Morrison says.

July 9: Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offers to extend the visas of 10,000 Hong Kongers who are already in Australia over China's national security law which effectively bans protest.

August 18: China launches 12-month anti-dumping investigation into wines imported from Australia in a major threat to the $6billion industry.

August 26: Prime Minster Scott Morrison announces he will legislate to stop states and territories signing deals with foreign powers that go against Australia's foreign policy. Analysts said it is aimed at China.

October 13: Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says he's investigating reports that Chinese customs officials have informally told state-owned steelmakers and power plants to stop Aussie coal, leaving it in ships off-shore.

November 2: Agriculture Minister David Littleproud reveals China is holding up Aussie lobster imports by checking them for minerals.

November 3: Barley, sugar, red wine, logs, coal, lobster and copper imports from Australia unofficially banned under a directive from the government, according to reports.

November 18: China releases bizarre dossier of 14 grievances with Australia.

November 27: Australian coal exports to China have dropped 96 per cent in the first three weeks of November as 82 ships laden with 8.8million tonnes of coal are left floating off Chinese ports where they have been denied entry.

November 28: Beijing imposed a 212 per cent tariff on Australia's $1.2 billion wine exports, claiming they were being 'dumped' or sold at below-cost. The claim is denied by both Australia and Chinese importers.

November 30: Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao posted a doctored image showing a grinning Australian soldier holding a knife to the throat of an Afghan child. The move outraged Australians.

December 12: Australian coal is added to a Chinese blacklist.

December 24: China suspends imports of Australian timber from NSW and WA after local customs officers say they found pests in the cargo.

January 11, 2021: Australia blocks $300million construction deal that would have seen state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation takeover Probuild. The bid was blacked over national security concerns.

February 5, 2021: China confirms Melbourne journalist and single mother Cheng Lei has been formally arrested after being detained in August, 2020.

February 23, 2021: China accuses Australia of being in an 'axis of white supremacy' with the UK, USA, Canada and NZ in an editorial.

March 11, 2021: Australia is accused of genocide by a Communist Party newspaper editor.

March 15, 2021: Trade Minister Dan Tehan announced he wants the World Trade Organisation to help mediate discussions between the two countries over the trade dispute.

April 21, 2021: Foreign Minister Marise Payne announces Australia has scrapped Victoria's controversial Belt and Road deal with China using new veto powers.

May 6, 2021: China indefinitely suspends all strategic economic talks with Australia, blaming the Morrison Government's attitude towards the relationship. The move cuts off all diplomatic contact with Beijing under the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, freezing discussions between key officials below a ministerial level.
Across America, communities had prepared for the worst. They had put up barriers and called in reinforcements. They had boarded up windows and declared emergencies. They were bracing for Derek Chauvin to be acquitted of George Floyd's murder, for the inevitable protests that would follow, for the strife and conflict and destruction of last year to be replayed this spring.

That's certainly what B.J. Wilder was ready for. The Minneapolis resident had been disappointed too many times, seen justice deferred or denied all too often, particularly for Black Americans. His city, he said, felt like "a powder keg."

But when the decision came, he and the others who had gathered outside the Cup Foods store, where Floyd was killed, got something unexpected. As the guilty verdicts on all three counts of murder and manslaughter were announced to the crowd, there were tears of joy, hugs and cheers. Instead of anger and betrayal, Wilder experienced relief, and even some hope.

"It feels like a new day in America," said Wilder.

Nationwide, expected protests over the latest injustice gave way to celebrations that the jury in Minneapolis "did the right thing."

That was how Barack and Michelle Obama put it and, for once in a hyper-polarized nation, there was relatively little disagreement. At least in public.

Civil rights activists praised the decision, and so did police chiefs. Politicians on either side of the aisle found rare common ground. Mayors dared to exhale.

The Chauvin verdict wasn't enough to heal America's deepest wounds, all seemed to agree. But at least it wasn't going to inflame them further.

"Oh my lord," said Shawn Mayes, a fourth-generation Black Minnesotan in a trembling voice as she celebrated in Minneapolis. "I feel like I can breathe."

In predominantly Black West Philadelphia, a woman driving by lowered her window, raised a fist and shouted "Guilty!" moments after the verdict was read. On a sunny spring day, residents sitting on their porches - eyes trained to smartphones or listening intently to radio news - cheered. Cars honked, people whooped, neighbors hugged.

"I'm glad that Derek Chauvin is going to jail," said Shanee Garner, a lifelong West Philadelphia resident who is a legislative director for a city council member. "But I hope that this moment is not taken as an indicator that our system is just and police brutality is solved."

The reaction was a far cry from what community leaders nationwide had feared.

From the streets leading to the courthouse where Chauvin stood trial to cities across the country, buildings had been fortified with plywood and police had been put on high alert as state and local leaders prepared for possible protests.

In the Twin Cities, thousands of National Guard troops were deployed. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, had warned that rioting or looting "will not be tolerated."

In Oakland, Calif., Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong toured the city's shuttered downtown before the verdict and pleaded that protesters demonstrate peacefully, whether Chauvin was found guilty or not.

"Whatever the outcome might be, destroying our city is not going to change anything," he said.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said leaders are in "constant, literally daily conversations" about how to respond to possible protests.

Atlanta sent home all nonessential city employees.

Portland, Ore., Mayor Ted Wheeler, a Democrat, had declared an emergency, while putting the National Guard on call.

The responses reflected the scale of unrest last year - not only after Floyd's death but also after a number of other prominent cases in which Black men and women died or were gravely injured at the hands of police in cities such as Louisville; Kenosha, Wis.; Philadelphia; and Rochester, N.Y.

Rather than a descent into strife, the guilty verdict delivered something far different: a renewed faith that justice might be possible, a hope that out of the chaos of last year, a more equitable and just society might emerge.

But the optimism was also tempered by realism, along with reminders that a single verdict isn't enough.

"Holding one murderer accountable does not deliver justice for George Floyd and other victims of state-sponsored violence," Phillip Atiba Goff, CEO and co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity, said in a statement. "Only holding ourselves accountable for creating and maintaining the system that enabled Chauvin can bring us any closer."

Goff, who testified before Congress last June alongside Floyd's brother Philonise, said a "long slog toward justice" remained in order to overcome "generations of discrimination and disinvestment."

The National Civil Rights Museum - housed in the onetime Memphis motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead - issued a statement reminding people that the Chauvin verdict, while welcome, was an anomaly.

"Justice was served in this case," the statement offered. "But the justice we need is bigger than the verdict of this one case. Hopefully, this case will set a precedent for the verdicts to come for the many other victims of unjust police killings."

The King Center in Atlanta, meanwhile, emphasized that America has been exceptional in its injustice - and that that didn't change with Tuesday's decision.

"Only in America can a Black person be callously murdered on video for the world to see, then be vilified, dehumanized, and faulted for his own murder," the center wrote. "Although Chauvin was found guilty, this nation still faces an arduous journey toward implementing the demands of justice."

That journey is likely to involve far more discord than was on display Tuesday. Though police officers charged with crimes while in the line of duty typically get support from the law enforcement community, that wasn't true of Chauvin. His own chief of police testified against him, and officials around the country praised the verdict.

"Chauvin's conviction is a reminder to all who wear a badge that we are not above the laws which we swore to protect," said Sheriff Gregory Tony of Florida's Broward County. "Chauvin's lack of empathy and compassion and his brutality set off a firestorm across the world but moved the consciousness of America like never before."

Even the Fraternal Order of Police - the nation's largest police union - added its support.

"Our system of justice has worked as it should," said the group's president, Patrick Yoes. "The trial was fair and due process was served."

Many of those responding to the verdict noted that that isn't always the case - and that Black Americans often bear the brunt of the repercussions.

"True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day," the Obamas wrote in their response to the decision. "It requires us to recognize that millions of our friends, family, and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last."

- - -

The Washington Post's Maura Ewing in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
The Manitoba Association of Parent Councils is looking for like-minded advocates to join their new Save Public Education Coalition, which is designed to stop Bill 64 in its tracks.

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The Manitoba Association of Parent Councils is looking for like-minded advocates to join their new Save Public Education Coalition, which is designed to stop Bill 64 in its tracks.

To help kick-start this initiative, the non-profit organization is putting together a pair of virtual meetings that will take place on Zoom tonight at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 2 p.m., although there will be many more online gatherings in the future.

"Its not going to be a one-off meeting," MAPC executive director Brenda Brazeau told the Sun on Tuesday. "Were going to have several meetings to see what everybodys concerns are and work from there."

Brazeau said that this coalition is being formed to combat what MAPC sees as problematic education reform under Bill 64  the Education Modernization Act  especially when it comes to the roles and responsibilities of parents.

If this piece of legislation is passed, virtually all of Manitobas elected school boards will be dissolved in favour of a single provincial authority, although each institution will be represented by a school community council largely made up of parent volunteers.

However, MAPC officials believe that putting this level of responsibility on volunteers, as opposed to elected officials, will undermine the education system as a whole, since these individuals cannot dedicate the appropriate amount of time and effort into crafting school programming.

Brazeau told the Sun that groups outside of MAPC have voiced similar concerns about this proposed set-up throughout the last month, including rural parent advisory councils.

"Obviously, rural PACs have a bit more of a concern because some of them are feeling like theyre forgotten about, getting amalgamated with other rural groups," she said. "So their say is being taken away almost. Thats what they feel like."

Members of the Waskada School Parent Advisory Council echoed a lot of these same concerns during a recent public rally against Bill 64, bringing up the reality that local parents of this small Westman community barely have enough time to volunteer under normal circumstances.

"Ive been on our daycare board for seven years now, and its hard to get volunteers," teacher Katie Thom told the Sun on April 13, the day before the rally took place.

"And in small communities, its kind of the same individuals who are volunteering for different things, and I dont feel that thats adequate representation either."

Brazeau is also worried about the fact that the province hasnt clearly outlined the nuts and bolts of this new governance structure under Bill 64, including how much power these school community councils will actually wield.

But she hopes that this new coalition will help bring those answers to the forefront and give concerned parents and educators a better means of grabbing the attention of elected officials.

"Being more organized, it gives us a better audience when speaking to the ministers office," Brazeau said.

According to a April 13 letter addressed to parents, MAPC officials already hired an "experienced advocate/consultant" to walk them through the process of building an effective coalition.

This process involves establishing a comprehensive strategy and tool kit that will help MAPC and its advocates mount an organized response to Bill 64 before the legislature votes on it in the fall.

"Bill 64 is one of five bills delayed until the next legislative sitting, giving us approximately seven months to do all we can to protect the education of our children and stop this regressive education agenda," the letter reads.

Even though the province has already organized its own virtual town halls to consult with parents on education reform, Brazeau believes that their consultation process will be more welcoming and could actually lead to positive change somewhere down the line.

"We want to work together. We want to make the best education for children in Manitoba," she said. "And the more information we get from parents and the more backing we get from parents is the best outcome."

To take part in these upcoming meetings, or to find out more information about the Save Public Education Coalition in general, all interested parties can contact MAPC directly at info@mapc.mb.ca.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
By Garba Muhammad

KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Kidnappers killed one person and took an unknown number of students from a university in northwest Nigeria's restive Kaduna state, police said on Wednesday, in the latest in a series of abductions at educational institutes.

Armed groups have repeatedly struck northern Nigerian schools and universities since December, abducting more than 700 students for ransom.

The government and security forces have largely been unable to stop the attacks as they struggle to contain worsening violence and criminality across the West African country.

The armed kidnappers came on foot and struck Greenfield University in Kaduna at around 8.15 p.m. (1915 GMT) on Tuesday, state police spokesman Mohammed Jalige said by telephone.

"One of the staff of the university was shot dead, but the number of students abducted is not yet ascertained," said Jalige, adding that police should know the number later on Wednesday.

A university staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers had seized 17 male students.

Greenfield University could not immediately be reached for comment.

The abduction of hundreds of students since December has mainly hit northwestern Nigeria and drawn global attention to the country's deteriorating security situation.

Kidnap for ransom has become common in the region in recent years. President Muhammadu Buhari urged state governments in February to "review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and vehicles, warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously."

In March, attackers stormed a forestry college in Kaduna, seizing dozens of students despite the compound's proximity to a military academy.

After over a month in captivity, kidnappers released 10 of the college's students for a ransom of 17 million naira ($44,620), said Abdullahi Usman, a parent of one of those still being held. Reuters was unable to verify the alleged ransom payment.

($1 = 381.0000 naira)

(Reporting by Garba Muhammad in Kaduna and Maiduguri Newsroom; Writing by Paul Carsten; editing by Alexis Akwagyiram and Timothy Heritage)
Huge Groups top management has launched an explosive video which attacks the motives of Adapt ITs top management related to an offer from Volaris to acquire the company.

Adapt IT has received a firm intention from Volaris to buy over 50% of the shares of Adapt IT for a cash consideration of R6.50 per share.

The Volaris offer followed only weeks after Huge Group made an offer to Adapt IT shareholders to acquire all of the issued Adapt IT shares.

Huge Group said it would fulfil the purchase by issuing 0.9 Huge shares for each Adapt IT share tendered to each shareholder that accepted the offer.

Adapt IT CEO Sbu Shabalala said they were very interested in the Volaris transaction as it gave shareholders a significant premium on the prevailing share price.

It gives shareholders an exit price of R6.50 per share which was last seen in November 2018, Shabalala said.

Commenting on the Huge Group offer, Shabalala said while it remains an option to shareholders, the Volaris offers makes more sense.

Shareholders can take the Volaris cash offer, buy a Huge Group share, and still pocket some change  not only get 90%, he said.

Huge Group is now questioning the motives of Shabalala and other Adapt IT executives, arguing it is not in the interests of Adapt IT shareholders.

Huge Group CEO James Herbst told MyBroadband Huge and Adapt IT are better off together, remaining listed, and creating more value for shareholders than 650 cents per share.

Huge Groups investment style is to back the jockeys and the management teams in place, Herbst said.

Herbst dismissed Shabalalas argument that Adapt IT shareholders can take the cash and buy Huge Group shares, saying it appears to be self-serving.

The Huge Group offer ensures that an Adapt IT shareholder retains exposure to the Adapt IT basket of assets, he said.

Shabalala, in turn, wants his shareholders to accept the cash offer. He doesnt care what they do with the money afterwards.

Herbst said in terms of the Volaris offer the choice is to either:

Remain invested in Adapt IT but as a minority shareholder in a foreign owned private company, no longer listed on the JSE, or

Accept cash of 650 cents per share sometime in the future.

A big concern, Herbst said, is that Adapt IT executives appear to have already signed irrevocable undertakings to support the Volaris offer.

From what we can gather, Sibusiso Shabalala and the Tiffany Dunsdon & the Dunsdon self-managed super fund, as shareholders, are supporting the Volaris offer, Herbst said.

We question why these two shareholders would support the Volaris offer.

Herbst also raised concerns about Shabalalas recent comments about the capitalisation of Adapt IT.

On 11 March 2021, Shabalala told Business Day we believe were sufficiently capitalised for our strategy at this point, and should we need further capital, we can go to the SA market.

A month later, on 10 April 2021, he said the challenge for management was always the capitalisation of the business to have enough money for our future strategy. This transaction promises to do that.

Herbst said the comments made by Shabalala on 10 April 2021 seem to contradict his statements on 11 March 2021  30 days later.

Herbst further said it was important to look at the lease which Adapt IT has with Mshengu Property Holdings for its Johannesburg Campus.

Mshengu Property Holdings acquired the Adapt IT Johannesburg Campus from Inyosi 2 on 1 March 2019.

As a result of the change in ownership, the lease agreement signed by Adapt IT with Inyosi 2 on 19 December 2016 was automatically ceded to Mshengu Property Holdings.

According to the latest Mshengu Property Holdings company information it has only one shareholder and one director  Sibusiso Shabalala.

This was disclosed in Adapt ITs financial results for the year ended 30 June 2019 which said Mshengu Property Holdings is 100% owned by the Mshengu Family Trust.

Shabalala, the Chief Executive Officer of the group, is a trustee of the Mshengu Family Trust. Furthermore, Shabalala is a director of Mshengu Property Holdings, Adapt IT said.

Over the last financial year, which ended 30 June 2020, Mshengu Property Holdings earned lease rentals of R34.62 million from Adapt IT.

It is public knowledge that Shabalalas 14,316,646 Adapt IT shares are pledged as security for asset backed finance, which one might assume is related to this property, said Herbst.

When we met with Shabalala on 18 November 2021, his Adapt IT shares were worth R37.5 million at a closing price of 262 cents per share.

According to Herbst, these facts lead one to question the motives of Adapt ITs management.

He said Adapt ITs 12,500 shareholders should decide whether the Volaris offer is in their interest, or that of Adapt IT executives.

MyBroadband asked Adapt IT for comment about the Huge Group allegations, but the company did not respond by the time of publication.

Huge Group promotion video

Now read: AdaptIT CEO Sbu Shabalala opens up about new offer to buy the company
Chennai, April 21 : With nearly 50 per cent of the business gone since the outbreak of coronavirus and the lockdown last year, the night curfew and ban on tourists visiting hill stations will further wipe out the restaurant business, said hoteliers in Tamil Nadu.

They also said the migrant labour going back to their homes is not a major problem as many of them who had left last year have not returned and further business has not improved.

"Normally business in vegetarian hotels pick up from 7.30 p.m. and in non-vegetarian outlets at 8 p.m. The night curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. announced by the Tamil Nadu government from April 20 will hit the business hard. Already restaurants are near empty after 7.30 p.m," R. Srinivasan, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Hotels Association told IANS.

With Covid-19 second wave hitting Tamil Nadu and increasing the number of active patients, the state government recently tightened the restrictions like night curfew, restaurants to operate with 50 per cent capacity, ban on tourists visiting hill stations and others.

"Already business is down by 50 per cent since last year Covid-19 lockdown. The ban on tourists visiting hill stations during the summer season sounds the death knell for the hoteliers there. The business done during the four months sustains them for the remaining part of the year," M. Venkada Subbu, President told IANS.

Continuing further, Subbu said nearly 25 per cent restaurants on the highways and 10 per cent of the city outlets have shut down business since the first lockdown.

The highway hotels may see some brisk business as long distance business that usually run at night are now operated during the day due to night curfew.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FH&RAI) had earlier written to the Tamil Nadu government stating the prevailing restrictions and work from home arrangements, restaurants have no significant business during the day time and the imposition of night curfews is tantamount to closure of business for the sector.

On the issue of migrant workers going back to their home state with the imposition of recent restrictions and impacting the operations Srinivasan said: "Those who had gone back last year have not returned. As the business came down hotels managed with remaining hands." The hotels trained their remaining staff on multitasking in order to be sustainable.

Subbu who runs the three star Darling Residency hotel in Vellore and several restaurants said the room bookings which went up to 30 per cent since October/November 2020 has come down to 10 per cent Hotels across the categories in order keep their gas burners burning roped in Swiggy and Zomato online food aggregators last year.

In addition big star hotels had developed their own food ordering App and delivered their dishes at customer homes.

"The online food aggregators demand 20 per cent as commission which eats into our margins and is not remunerative. But in order to meet the fixed overheads outlets have signed up with them," Subbu said.

Hoteliers -- including four/five stars -- said they were seeing slight improvement in their business since November 2020 with room occupancy going up to about 30 per cent prior to the recent restrictions.

The room booking window which used to be several days prior to 2020 lockdown came down to 36 hours and now it is 24 hours, hoteliers told IANS.

"We are continuing with our arrangement with players like Swiggy and Zomato. We also have our own App. This enabled us to serve many new customers with our specialised offerings," Zubin Songadwala, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola and Area Manager, ITC Hotels, South.

"We will continue our association with Swiggy and Zomato. The one issue is that the per bill size has come down as compared to the size of dine-in bill," T. Nataraajan, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts had told IANS.

According to Songadwala, the bill size will be higher at restaurants as in most of the cases the corporate guests would go for beverages.

"In the case of home deliveries, the orders will be mainly for food," Songadwala remarked.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
NASHVILLE  A bill allowing Tennessee students, teachers and school employees to refuse to share bathrooms and locker rooms with their transgender peers cleared the state Senate 21-7 on Wednesday.

A similar measure passed the House 65-24 on Monday. The Senate bill, which includes slightly different language, is expected to pass the House and head to Gov. Bill Lee's desk.

The initiative, carried by Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, and Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, would allow students, teachers and staff to refuse sharing certain school facilities  including bathrooms, locker rooms and dorms  with transgender students and sue public schools that do not provide them with "reasonable accommodations."

Zachary previously told The Tennessean his bill would create a "clear path forward" for school officials confused over how to handle student bathroom access. But the bill raised opposition from LGBTQ rights advocates, who say the legislation discriminates against transgender children by requiring them to access facilities contrary their gender identity.

'Bathroom bill': New Tennessee bill would let students refuse to share bathrooms with transgender peers

Bell argued Wednesday some schools in his district appreciate the legislation that would provide clarity.

"If you don't think this is an issue our schools are dealing with, you need to talk to your local schools," he said.

The bill is the third targeting LGBTQ youths to advance out of the legislature this year, following restrictions on transgender student athletes' access to school sports and a measure allowing parents to opt their children out of LGBTQ-related content in school.

Bill leaves decision to school administration, establishes appeal process

Under the legislation, public school administrators would decide what to do if students and staff refuse to share bathrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters with others for any reason. Those who make the request must submit it in writing and would have the ability to appeal or even sue the schools afterward if their request is not granted.

Story continues

The bill establishes a detailed appeal process if a request is denied. Those who want to appeal must notify the school beforehand, work with the school administration and could eventually go through a hearing where the request is heard.

Business impact: Tennessee's 'onslaught' of anti-LGBTQ legislation could lose Nashville millions of dollars

Schools could get sued if students encounter someone with the opposite biological sex in the same changing room, shower room, bathroom or other facilities, according to the bill language. Any lawsuit must be brought within a year after the complaint against the school arises, the bill says.

The bill does not carve out exceptions for transgender students, whose sex at birth does not align with their gender identity. Accommodations would not include allowing students and teachers to use bathrooms designed for their opposite biological sex, or asking the schools to construct extra facilities to accommodate their needs, the bill specifies.

The Senate version of the bill lays out a more detailed process for an accommodation request, which would require the principal to approve or deny the request in writing. If the principal denies the request, they should include the reasoning in the decision. The request process would only apply to students, teachers and other school staff.

A fourth grade classroom awaits students at Tom Joy Elementary School Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Students are scheduled to phase-in for returning to in-person learning in Metro Schools beginning Feb. 4.

Democrats protest the bill on the floor

The bill drew concerns from Democratic lawmakers during floor debates in both chambers.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, pointed to the fiscal note of the bill, which details potential costs for litigation if the bill becomes law.

"The proposed language may result in increases in state and local expenditures associated with compliance measures and potential civil litigation," the fiscal note reads.

Zachary assured his colleagues Monday the bill would not invite lawsuits. However, the note cites two federal laws the bill could violate.

Transgender Tennesseans: 'Why do they hate us so much?': Frustration grows among transgender Tennesseans as bills targeting youth advance

One is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which requires employers to protect the rights of transgender employees. The other is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, which bars schools from disclosing confidential student information, including their gender identity.

"We are putting our schools in a place where they are going to be violating federal law," Yarbro said. "It doesn't help our schools navigate this situation, and it certainly doesn't help the students who are targeted."

Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville, said she talked to dozens of transgender people and their families. The bill, she said, is one of many targeting transgender students in Tennessee.

"There are human beings on the other side of these votes who will have to live with the fallout," she said. "And I just ask us to consider: What harm are they causing us? Why are we trying to get into people's bedrooms and doctors' offices and bathrooms and families? Is that the role of government?"

Reach Yue Stella Yu at yyu@tennessean.com and on Twitter @bystellayu_tnsn.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee transgender student 'bathroom bill' clears state Senate
Maori medical professionals and health advocates are "mildly optimistic" after the announcement that tangata whenua will have their own health body with the power to decide what services to fund.

A new Maori Health Authority will be set up to have joint decision-making power with the new entity Health New Zealand which will replace all 20 district health boards (DHB).

A consensus on whether a new Maori Health Authority should be able to fund its own services could not be reached by the Health and Disability System Review.

The report's author Heather Simpson and two other panel members dissented from the majority of the panel and went against the recommendation of the Maori Expert Advisory Group that the authority should have commissioning powers.

Minister of Health Andrew Little's decision that it should has been welcomed by the Waitangi Tribunal Maori health claimant group that has been calling for an independent Maori health authority with commissioning rights.

"It certainly has all the intentions of having more teeth than what we anticipated so we're mildly optimistic that maybe we are going to get something that is ... well resourced and have a lot of influence not only over Maori health but across the sector as well," says claimant Janice Kuka, who is also managing director of Bay of Plenty Maori health provider Nga Mataapuna Oranga.

Her ropu, led by Lady Tureiti Moxon, took the government to task over the persistent inequities in health for Maori which found successive failures to provide equitable healthcare to Maori.

Just this week, a review found rangatahi Maori aged 15 to 18 were three times more likely to die after significant physical trauma like a car accident than non-Maori.

The Maori Health Authority would be designing policies alongside Health NZ to turn statistics like this around, and Associate Minister Peeni Henare says targets will be put in place to measure its progress.

While the authority will have its own budget to fund kaupapa Maori health services, the decision of how much money will rest with the Ministry of Health.

Janice says this fell short.

"It was a disappointing result for us as claimants because we truly believe that for it to be effective and to endure the different type of changes in government, that it really should stand outside of government and have its own mana motuhake so that what we put in place stays there and is not at the whim of different parties."

To do this she wanted separate legislation for the Maori Health Authority to protect it, which Little indicated there would be.

Maori doctors have thrown their support behind the authority.

"We were very strong that it needed to have appropriate power and agency if indeed it was going to represent tino rangatiratanga in the health system," says deputy chair of the Maori Medical Practitioners Association Dr Curtis Walker.

"Now has it got there? ... There's going to be a lot of devil in the detail, but it's pretty high level and with the powers it looks like it will be given, I think we've got a lot to work with."

That detail includes who will sit on the new authority and the iwi-Maori partnership boards, who will develop policy at a local level.

Photo: Supplied / Helen Leahy.

South Island Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency kaiarahi Helen Leahy says Maori health leadership should not just be siloed to the authority.

"We would want to see that there is Maori health leadership in Health New Zealand as well so that the Maori Health Authority isn't talking past one another, but in principle, I think anything which is able to capture the voice of whanau to be able to design, determine, deliver, quality outcomes for our whanau has to be a good thing."

The question on everyone's lips remains how much money the authority will receive.

Henare says getting the figure right would be a challenge as it would need to take into account where Maori were receiving their care from.

Determining that would be up to Maori health leaders who would have their say in the coming months as the government travels the country canvassing their views.

A key question to be answered is how the iwi-Maori partnership boards will be established and operated.

An interim Maori authority will be set up by the end of the year as a departmental agency within the Ministry of Health, with the independent authority expected to be up and running in the next year.

In the meantime, the government is focused on accelerating primary and community care in certain areas, "some of which will take an approach centred on kaupapa Maori care".

An announcement on health measures for the new authority will be made soon.

Meriana Johnsen/RNZ.
Case study

Josephs story

Joseph Komakech and his family live in Northern Uganda. During Ugandas strict lockdown and curfew in response to COVID-19, radio provided an important source of information for many families. This was especially true for villages with poor internet access such as Alwee Keyo where Joseph lives. GOAL, supported by Irish Aid, sponsored a number of radio talk shows informing communities about the virus. The radio shows provide awareness messaging to 10 counties across Agago District every Friday on Radio Wang OOH FM. The guests include health experts from the area who share information on preventing the spread of COVID-19 including hand washing, social distancing and cough hygiene.

Joseph says: These shows are so important. We listen every week and they have helped keep my family informed and safe during this pandemic. Joseph describes listening to the shows as his corona time, and as a result he has installed a hand-washing station at the entrance to his home.

GOAL Uganda has reached over 1.5 million people with COVID-19 awareness messaging through Radio and social media since the virus hit in March 2020.

In addition to its work on COVID-19 GOAL, with Irish Aids support continued its work on long-term development in Uganda - such as through programmes to prepare for shocks related to flooding and other extreme weather events; and supporting market systems development including starting a new phase of its MasterCard Foundation-funded Young Africa Works programme in Uganda.
A male polar bear has died in a Russian zoo after swallowing a rubber ball that was thrown to him by a visitor.

The 25-year-old bear, named Umka, suddenly collapsed on the ground while having breakfast in his enclosure in the city of Yekaterinburg on Monday morning.

His carer who witnessed the incident immediately called for help. A crew of vets arrived at the scene within ten minutes and found that Umka was already dead.

An autopsy showed the bear died after swallowing a small rubber ball that was discovered by specialists in his stomach.

Umka, pictured above, suddenly collapsed on the ground while having breakfast in his enclosure in the city of Yekaterinburg on Monday morning

The city's zoo workers are devastated by the animal's sudden death and believe the toy was thrown to him by a visitor.

Umka's female friend, a polar bear named Aina, who lived in the same enclosure with him, took his death hard, say their carers.

Employee Yekaterina Uvarova told local media: 'Aina is very sad now. She and Umka shared the same enclosure and spent a lot of time together.

They cared about each other and exchanged toys. 'It is not common for polar bears to socialise with each other when they are adults.'

The zoo officials state they are not planning to look for the person who caused the tragic incident.

The city's zoo workers are devastated by the animal's sudden death and believe the toy, pictured above, was thrown to him by a visitor

However, they are going to keep a closer eye on Aina to prevent such incidents in the future.

Umka was admitted to the zoo in 1998. His mother had been killed by poachers when he was a cub.

After being orphaned, he was attacked by a pack of stray dogs near the village of Billings in Russia's eastmost Chukotka region while searching for food.

The episode was spotted by locals who saved Umka and later handed him to the zoo.

'Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to express their love properly. Despite the numerous warning signs, some visitors throw "treats" and foreign objects to animals, without even thinking about the possible sad consequences,' the zoo's spokesperson said.
Dallas, TX, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sealy & Company, a fully-integrated commercial real estate investment and operating company and recognized leader in the industrial real estate market, announces the acquisition of a distribution warehouse totaling 210,504 SF in Kansas City, Missouri. The off-market transaction was made for an undisclosed amount.

Marking the second transaction for the company in one week, the acquisition of Lone Elm Commerce Center brings Sealy & Companys holdings in the Kansas City market to over 1.3 million square feet. Rounding out the firms top markets by volume at number five, this top-tier market is attractive for numerous reasons including its centralized location, significant highway and railway infrastructure, and affordable cost of labor.

The newly acquired Class A distribution center features specifications targeting the under-served user pool in need of space within 50,000  100,000 square feet. With the opportunity and flexibility to demise the large warehouse into multiple spaces, Sealy may better serve a variety of potential users to accompany its existing tenants within the property.

Situated on twelve acres, the modern building features expansive parking, loading docks, vast paved outdoor storage, and a high-efficiency rooftop. These amenities, along with the aesthetically enhanced office storefront and surrounding windows, attracted Sealy to this contemporary asset.

The Johnson Country submarket in which this property is located is known for its high-quality concentration of newer industrial inventory along the I-35 corridor, and this property is no exception. This property was built in 2018, and its modern specifications are ideal for current and new tenants. This is a great addition to our portfolio, says Jason Gandy, Managing Director of Investment Services for Sealy & Company.

Sealy & Company purchased the property from Heise-Meyer, LLC with the help of brokers Mark Long and John Hassler of Newmark.

For more news and information regarding Sealy & Company, please visit the companys website at www.Sealynet.com.

About Sealy & Company

Sealy & Company, a fully-integrated commercial real estate investment and operating company, is a recognized leader in acquiring, developing, and redeveloping regional distribution warehouses, industrial/flex, and other commercial properties. Sealy provides a full-service platform for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors through our development, management, and brokerage divisions. Sealy & Company has an exceptional team of over 100 employees, located in five offices, with corporate offices in Dallas, TX and Shreveport, LA.

Attachments
AppOmni, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of SaaS Security Management solutions, raised $40M in Series B funding.

The round, which brought total funding to date to more than $53m, was led by Scale Venture Partners with participation from Salesforce Ventures and ServiceNow Ventures and existing investors ClearSky, Costanoa Ventures, Inner Loop Capital and Silicon Valley Data Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product development.

Led by Brendan OConnor, CEO, AppOmni provides SaaS Security Management solutions, which enable organizations to secure mission-critical and sensitive data. Its patent-pending technology deeply scans APIs, security controls, and configuration settings to evaluate the current state of SaaS deployments and compare against best practices and business intent. With AppOmni, organizations can establish rules for data access, data sharing, and third-party applications that will be continuously and automatically validated.

The companys customer base includes global leaders across technology, healthcare, banking, finance, and cybersecurity. In the past year, AppOmni has also created new and expanded partnerships with implementation providers worldwide, including Accenture, PwC, 4C/Wipro, Optiv, Activereach, Guidepoint Security, and NCC group.

FinSMEs

21/04/2021
DUBAI, UAE, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tristar Transport (PJSC - under incorporation) ("Tristar" or the "Company" or, with its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings, the "Group"), a leading global integrated liquid logistics solutions provider headquartered in Dubai, UAE, today announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (the "IPO" or the "Offering") on the Dubai Financial Market ("DFM").

Established in 1998 as a road transport service provider for the petroleum industry in the UAE, Tristar has evolved into a leading integrated energy logistics company serving a diversified customer base of "blue-chip" investment grade companies. The Group has operations in 21 countries and territories across three continents and has over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels, including the operation of 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites, providing a wide spectrum of integrated service offerings.

With a strong reputation for quality, built over two decades of operations and a commitment to safety and operational excellence, Tristar has become a trusted brand in the global logistics industry. The Group is a partner of choice for leading International Oil Companies ("IOCs") and National Oil Companies ("NOCs") in the energy sector. Tristar's diversified and integrated offering spans fuel logistics services to support Intergovernmental Organisations ("IGO") peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in remote geographies (remote fuels) as well as commercial enterprises (commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. Tristar has a unique position as an integrated, end-to-end energy logistics solution provider to an enviable blue-chip global client base.

The Group has a strong track record of growth demonstrated by a 12.4% CAGR in operating cash flows between 2018 and 2020 and a consistent EBITDA margin between 20.1% to 22.8% in the years 2018 to 2020. In the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group had a consolidated revenue of $453.4 million, and EBITDA of $103.6 million. This record is underpinned by a strong business model, operational excellence and rigorous financial management.

Commenting on today's announcement, Eugene Mayne, Group CEO of Tristar said: "I am proud to have witnessed the evolution of Tristar from a local road transportation business into a global world-class integrated energy logistics solutions provider serving blue-chip clients, with an offering that spans road and maritime transportation, specialized warehousing, fuel farms, and fuel supply operations.

"Our business, which enjoys a strong reputation, developed through years of operational excellence, underpinned by a customer centric model, and a commitment to the highest quality and safety standards, has become a trusted logistics partner for major oil companies globally.

"Tristar has always been a 'Business for Purpose' with the ambition to make a positive impact on our communities and to keep our corporate responsibility at the core of everything we do. In 2011, we signed on to the United Nations Global Compact supporting the advancement of Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Labour and Environment, demonstrating the extent of our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

"Tristar's IPO marks an exciting milestone in the Group's story as we continue to grow, innovate and shape the future of the logistics industry."

Offering Highlights

Intention to list on the DFM

Offer size is expected to represent up to 24% of the total issued ordinary shares after the Offering in the capital of Tristar (the "Shares).

The Offering is expected to comprise new shares issued by Tristar (the "New Shares") and shares to be sold by existing shareholders (the "Existing Shares") (collectively the "Offer Shares"). Tristar expects to receive between $120 to $160 million of gross primary proceeds from the Offering.

to of gross primary proceeds from the Offering. Admission of Shares on the DFM is expected in April 2021 , subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE (the "SCA").

, subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE (the "SCA"). The Offering will be made available to qualified investors. Five percent of the Offering will be reserved for offer to the Emirates Investment Authority (the "EIA").

The Offering is expected to be declared Sharia compliant, subject to confirmation by the Sharia Supervision Committee, on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering and upon the use of a portion of the proceeds to repay around AED 197 million in loans and payables due to related parties.

About the Offering

If all of the Offer Shares are allocated, the Offer Shares will represent up to 24% of the Shares.

The Offering will comprise a primary issuance of 199,000,000 New Shares in addition to a secondary offering of up to 88,760,000 Existing Shares by the existing shareholders.

The Existing Shares are being offered by Agility Tristar SPV Ltd (of which Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P. is the sole ultimate beneficial owner), Star Holdings Ltd (of which Gulf Investment Corporation is the sole ultimate beneficial owner), and Diamond SPV Limited (of which Mr. Eugene Mayne is the sole ultimate beneficial owner) (the "Selling Shareholders"), who currently own 65.12%, 19.61%, and 15.27% of the Shares of the Company respectively.

The Offering comprises an offering of the Offer Shares to qualified investors in the United Arab Emirates and in a number of jurisdictions.

The Offering is expected to be allocated to certain types of juridical persons and high net worth individuals and who are qualified investors as defined by SCA , with a minimum application size of AED 500,000 (for further details please see the FAQs set out in Tristar's IPO website - https://ipo.tristar-group.co).

In addition, the EIA has the right to subscribe for 5% of the Offer Shares in accordance with the requirements of article 127 of the UAE Federal Law No. 2 for the year 2015 with regard to commercial companies, and its amendments. If the EIA does not exercise its preferential rights to apply for Offer Shares, then those Offer Shares will be made available.

The completion of the Offering is currently expected to take place in April 2021, subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the SCA. Furthermore, the Offering is expected to be declared Sharia compliant, subject to confirmation by the Sharia Supervision Committee, on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering and upon the use of the proceeds to repay around AED 197 million in loans and payables due to related parties.

A syndicate of banks has been appointed for the Offering comprising BofA Securities and Citigroup Global Markets Limited as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC as Joint Regional Coordinator, Lead Manager and Joint Bookrunner, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited as Joint Regional Coordinator and Joint Bookrunner, Societe Generale as Joint Bookrunner and Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. ("Markaz") as Co-Lead Manager. BofA Securities, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, Societe Generale and Markaz are herein referred to as "Managers". Moelis & Company is acting as Independent Financial Advisor to Tristar.

Overview of Tristar

Tristar is an integrated energy logistics solutions provider. Its services include fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing and fuel farms. The Group is headquartered in Dubai (UAE) and operates in 21 countries and territories across three continents.

With over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels and a wide spectrum of integrated service offerings, including the operation of 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites, the Group has built a global and scalable platform, which enables it to provide an integrated logistics offering to the energy industry.

Key Investment Highlights

Tristar has a differentiated investment proposition as a leading integrated liquid logistics solutions provider to the energy industry globally. The Group's competitive strengths include:

Its trusted brand with a proven track record of established partnerships with a diversified, blue-chip client base . In the year ended 31 December 2020 , approximately 67.2% of the Group's consolidated revenue was derived from investment grade customers and only 0.1% were non-investment grade, with 32.7% of customers unrated.

. In the year ended , approximately 67.2% of the Group's consolidated revenue was derived from investment grade customers and only 0.1% were non-investment grade, with 32.7% of customers unrated. Its reputation for quality with a track record of safety and operational excellence . The Group's well-established safety systems and best practices have contributed to the Group consistently bettering the UK road fatality benchmark indicator of 0.00487 (fatality rate per million KM).

. The Group's well-established safety systems and best practices have contributed to the Group consistently bettering the UK road fatality benchmark indicator of 0.00487 (fatality rate per million KM). Its unique integrated and scalable capabilities with high barriers to entry . The Group's diversified service offering includes fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. The Group's operations are extensive and well invested across emerging markets, including Africa and the Middle East .

. The Group's diversified service offering includes fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. The Group's operations are extensive and well invested across emerging markets, including and the . Growing end verticals with emerging market exposure underpinned by logistics outsourcing trends. The Group's business model is supported by a continued global outsourcing trend, further embedding the Group in its clients' supply chains and thereby increasing customer retention.

The Group's business model is supported by a continued global outsourcing trend, further embedding the Group in its clients' supply chains and thereby increasing customer retention. Its customer-centric business model with strong expansion and diversification potential . The Group's service offerings have expanded from one business segment to four, creating further customer penetration potential and further embedding the Group within its customers' supply chains. This is highlighted through multiple diverse long-term contracts secured by the Group with key customers.

. The Group's service offerings have expanded from one business segment to four, creating further customer penetration potential and further embedding the Group within its customers' supply chains. This is highlighted through multiple diverse long-term contracts secured by the Group with key customers. Stable cash flow profile, with a history of consistent profitable growth and attractive financial returns , as indicated by revenues derived from long-term contracts consisting 78.9% of total for 2020, operating cash flows at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2018 to 2020 and a 21.0% average EBITDA margin between 2018 to 2020.

, as indicated by revenues derived from long-term contracts consisting 78.9% of total for 2020, operating cash flows at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2018 to 2020 and a 21.0% average EBITDA margin between 2018 to 2020. A founder-led management team driving a business for purpose. Led by Eugene Mayne , the Group has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest privately-owned liquid logistics company, since its inception in 1998.

Group Strategy

The Group developed a business model which places its customers at the centre of what it does and a strategy with multiple growth opportunities arising from: intrinsic organic growth from the Group's existing assets; in-market expansion from the launch and ramp-up of newly signed contracts; and the potential to expand existing capabilities and into adjacent areas as well as consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. The execution of the Group's strategy relies on the following principles:

Continuing to deliver high quality services and maintaining the Group's position as partner of choice.

Widening its client base in existing segments and expand into adjacent segments.

Deepening its range of core services / capabilities and expanding into adjacent offerings.

Strengthening its position in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and Africa and enter new markets across the Middle East and South and East Asia .

and enter new markets across the and South and . Maintaining attractive and sustainable profitability and returns through disciplined financial management.

Remaining a responsible and respected business in its local communities.

Capital Structure and Dividend Policy

The number of primary shares offered in the Offering is expected to be fixed, as required by the SCA. As such, the amount of primary proceeds to be received by Tristar will depend on the final offer price and is expected to be in the range of $120 to 160 million. The Group is targeting a reduction in the ratio of consolidated net debt to EBITDA (as at 31 December 2020) to approximately 2.2-2.5x as compared to the reported 3.5x.

The Company undertakes to repay AED197 million in loans and payables due to related parties on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering, with the balance of the net proceeds used for general corporate purposes including the funding of planned capital expenditure.

The Group intends to maintain a conservative capital structure with medium term target leverage of 2.0-2.5x while retaining flexibility to execute on sustainable growth opportunities as they arise. The majority of the Group's indebtedness is targeted to remain asset-backed financing secured against maritime vessels with back-to-back contracts and limited recourse to the Group.

For the dividend declared with respect to the year ending 31 December 2020, Tristar paid $29.6 million to the Selling Shareholders, $10 million as an ordinary dividend for the year ending 31 December 2020, and the rest as special pre-IPO dividend.

The Selling Shareholders will pay all offering expenses (estimated to be $19.6 million), of the IPO.

For the dividend to be declared with respect to the year ending 31 December 2021, Tristar targets a pay-out ratio of 60-70% of net income. Tristar intends to pay $12.5 million dividend in the third quarter of 2021 as an interim dividend, with the remainder expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2022 as a final dividend. Thereafter, Tristar intends for dividends to be paid on a yearly basis at a pay-out ratio of up to 60% of net income.

Environmental, Social and Governance

As a responsible business, Tristar has adopted the Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") framework for a holistic and long-term sustainability approach to its business in line with its mission to be a "Business for Purpose".

Operating in 21 countries including conflict zones, in its daily operations the Group cultivates and reinforces the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact (the "UNGC") which focus on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. In line with these principles, the Group takes an active approach to address social issues including access to education, clean water and good health in the communities where it operates, since becoming a signatory of the UNGC in 2011.

As a participant and board member of the Global Compact Local Network UAE, the Group actively engages and encourages its stakeholders to adopt sustainable business practices.

Tristar's commitment to sustainability is publicly disclosed to its stakeholders through its annual Sustainability Reports published since 2012. As part of its sustainability strategy and ESG initiatives, the Group recognises its responsibility to protect the environment and to reduce its carbon footprint through the adoption of latest technology, resource efficiency and the use of renewable energy.

The Group strives to engage with local communities and foster a relationship of trust and collaboration to work towards the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ("United Nations SDGs"). The Group supports the United Nations SDGs through the adoption of local projects and the engagement of employee-volunteers in order to address community needs in the 21 countries and territories in which it operates.

Additionally, in 2019, the Group signed the Women Empowerment Principles by reaffirming its commitment towards diversity and Gender Equality.

Corporate Governance

The Group has established a framework of corporate governance policies, rules and practices which comply with the requirements of the Code of Governance issued by Decree of the Ministry of Economy No. 518 of 2009 and the Chairman of Board of Directors of SCA Decision No. 3 of 2020 concerning the Approval of Joint Stock Companies Governance Guide and take into consideration international best practices as appropriate.

The Board of Directors (the "Board") will consist of seven members and is vested with the power to manage Tristar and conduct its business in accordance with the Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning commercial companies of the UAE as amended. The Board will comprise six non-Executive directors and one Executive Director, and four of its members are independent non-Executive directors. An elected Chairman will preside over the Board. The board members are elected for a term of three years and will meet at least every three months.

There are currently two permanent Board Committees: the Audit and Risk Committee and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Offering Subscription

Information on how to subscribe for the IPO can be found on Tristar's IPO website (https://ipo.tristar-group.co).

The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Group.

The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. The information in this announcement is subject to change. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. This announcement and any subsequent offer of securities may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons receiving this announcement or any subsequent offer should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This announcement 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 Offer Shares or any other securities nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any shares referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the international offering memorandum (the "IOM") in its final form expected to be published by Tristar in due course in connection with the proposed initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market. Before subscribing for or purchasing any Offer Shares, persons viewing this announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks which will be set out in the IOM when published.

This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Offer Share or any other securities into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The Offer Shares referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The offer and sale of Offer Shares referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Offer Shares may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of any national, resident or citizen of Australia or Canada. There will be no public offering of the securities described herein in the United States, Australia, Canada or Japan.

No offer of the Offer Shares to the public is being made in any member state of the European Economic Area (each, a "Relevant State") that would require the publication of the prospectus or any other offering document in such other Relevant State.

This announcement is only being distributed in member states of the European Economic Area , and is only directed at, persons in the European Economic Area that are qualified investors ("qualified investors") within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1120 (the "Prospectus Regulation") or to other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated without the requirement for a prospectus to be approved by any EU competent authority. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available, in any member state of the European Area, only to such persons.,

This announcement and any offer subsequently made is, and will be, addressed to and directed only at persons, in the United Kingdom, who are (a) both "qualified investors" within the meaning of the UK version of the EU Prospectus Regulation (2017/1129/EU) which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation") and either (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) who are high net worth entities falling within Article 49 of the Order; or (b) other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons under (a) and (b) together being referred to as "relevant persons") Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available in the United Kingdom only to relevant persons.

Exempt Offer Statement (DIFC): This announcement relates to an Exempt Offer in the DIFC in accordance with the DFSA Rulebook. It is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in those rules. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this announcement nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it and has no responsibility for it. The securities to which this announcement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers and subscribers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this announcement, you should consult an authorised financial adviser.

Exempt Offer Statement (ADGM): This announcement is an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Market Rules of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority. This Exempt Offer document is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Market Rules. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has not approved this Exempt Offer document nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and has no responsibility for it. The securities to which this Exempt Offer relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this Exempt Offer document you should consult an authorised financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: This document may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations (the "Saudi Regulations") issued by the Board of the Capital Market Authority (the "Capital Market Authority") pursuant to resolution number 3-123-2017, dated 27 December 2017G, based on the Capital Market Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/30 dated 2/6/1424H (as amended by Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market Authority number 1-7-2021 dated 14 January 2021G).

The Capital Market Authority does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this document, and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of this document. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult an authorised financial advisor.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations or beliefs, as well as assumptions about future events. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. In addition, forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", "is confident", or in each case, their negative or other variations or words of similar meaning, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Undue reliance should not be placed on any such statements because they speak only as at the date of this document and reflect Tristar's current view with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, subject to known and unknown risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Group's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results, and Tristar's plans and objectives, to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (i) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (ii) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (iii) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares to be issued in the Offering have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or substantially all of their investment; the Shares to be issued in the Offering offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares to be issued in the Offering is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target Market Assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK MiFIR Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK MiFIR Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares to be issued in the Offering have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, as respectively defined in paragraphs 3.5 and 3.6 of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels (the "UK Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares to be issued in the Offering offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares to be issued in the Offering is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, the underwriters will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapters 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA Handbook Conduct Business Sourcebook; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own UK Target Market Assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Each of Merrill Lynch International, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, Societe Generale and Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. (the "Managers" and each, a "Manager") and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Any purchase of Offer Shares in the proposed Offering should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the final IOM to be issued by Tristar in connection with the Offering. The information in this announcement is subject to change.

The date of Admission may be influenced by things such as market conditions. There is no guarantee that Admission will occur and you should not base your financial decisions on Tristar's intentions in relation to Admission at this stage. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the Offering. The value of shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the Offering for the person concerned.

Merrill Lynch International and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, each of which are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, are acting exclusively for Tristar and the Selling Shareholders and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than Tristar and the Selling Shareholders for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

In connection with the Offering of the Offer Shares, the Managers and any of their affiliates, may take up a portion of the shares in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such shares and other securities of Tristar or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references in the IOM, once published, to the Offer Shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the Managers and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the Managers and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the Managers and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of shares. The Managers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

Moelis & Company UK LLP ("Moelis UK") is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Moelis & Company UK LLP DIFC Branch ("Moelis Dubai" and together with Moelis UK, "Moelis & Company") is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Moelis & Company is acting exclusively for Tristar and no-one else in connection with the IPO and it will not be responsible to anyone other than Tristar for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the IPO, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

None of the Managers, Moelis & Company or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to Tristar, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1471744/Tristar_Founder__CEO_Eugene_Mayne.jpg
Meeting a challenge is what business is all about. Challenges are beneficial to any company, providing a valuable learning opportunity and a means to demonstrate expertise, skill, and an approach to solving a problem in a unique or innovative way.

Working in partnership with Oslo Airport to install the RTT110 EDS system presented Rapiscan Systems with not just one, but two unique challenges.

Challenges faced by Rapiscan

The first was creating a proprietary water cooling system that worked in tandem with the airports green initiatives, and the second a Level 4 review option running in parallel to the traditional baggage screening process.

Both would be challenges enough for a well-established technology, but the Oslo Airport project came at a formative time in the RTTs history.

A key step for RTT110

We had a machine that was very much in its infancy, that still had its fair share of teething problems, explains Craig Chitty, Head of International Aviation Programmes. It was a big undertaking at a very early stage of our experience installing the RTT out in the field.

Steve Revell, Senior Director of Aviation CT at Rapiscan explains that the Oslo Airport project was a key step for the RTT. The first major airport in Western Europe to take on the RTT was Oslo Airport. Its a very prestigious and forward-thinking airport, and the operators were not afraid to take pioneering risks.

Eco-friendly system

Rapiscan's water-cooling solution would allow the RTT to integrate with Oslos eco-friendly concept

The standard throughout the industry is for EDS and baggage scanning systems to employ Air Conditioning to cool machinery and manage the thermal load. However, as a result of Oslo Airports commitment to environmentally responsible construction (the first Oslo Airport terminal was considered the greenest in the world at the time construction finished in 2017), Rapiscan was tasked with designing an entirely unique water-cooling solution that would allow the RTT to integrate with Oslos eco-friendly concept of operations  to think outside the cooling box.

The curveball was that ordinarily, you would use air conditioning, but Oslo wanted to use chilled water to help reduce carbon emissions, Steve Revell explains.

Integrating water cooling system

This was a challenge that sent the Rapiscan design team back to the drawing board, as Craig Chitty recalls. We had to work with our supplier to come up with a solution that met the airports requirement to use reclaimed snow, which is melted down and pumped around the airport. We had to design a method of integrating this water cooling concept into our system, meeting some very stringent criteria that the airport set.

It was incredibly challenging because the original design of these water-cooled ACs needed a specific pressure and temperature, which the airport couldnt provide us with as their supply fluctuated too much. We had to go back to the drawing board, to redesign our system to make it more robust.

Worlds first RTT system

Rapiscan's flexible RTT technology became the world's first such technology

This innovation put Rapiscan at the forefront of flexible RTT technology, resulting in a world-first; To this day we are the only company who can provide the RTT as an externally water-cooled system, or an internally cooled air-conditioned system, Steve Revell summarises.

This example of NRE, or Non-Recurring Engineering, was not the only instance of Rapiscans commitment to working alongside partners to develop bespoke solutions to the challenges of each application. Oslo not only necessitated an original approach in terms of product design but also process implementation  recurrent Level 4 image analysis.

Security screening for baggage

As baggage travels through an airport, it is subjected to multiple levels of security screening and imaging, both by human operators and computer algorithms. Baggage that is deemed to contain a potential security threat is escalated to higher levels of scrutiny by multiple operators, balancing the consistent throughput of baggage and passengers against ensuring constant levels of safety.

Oslo required an extra level added to the normal flow of screening. If a bag is rejected by a Level 3 operator it goes into a Level 4 area within the BHS (Baggage Handling System) of the airport, explains Craig Chitty. It shows up on a screen. It is a concept of operations that we dont employ in any other airport even now; it is still very unique to Oslo.

Concept of operations

Rapiscans Director of Business Development for EDS, Martin Zborovjan, explains further, We had to do some development to allow that concept of operations to happen. They decided they wanted to re-screen baggage for a second time using the same machine.

Usually this would rely on a machine decision, but in this case but the operator sees the second image automatically, right next to the image from the first screening, and the machine does not make a decision. Its a very unusual concept.

Benefits of Level 4 function

The Level 4 function enabled processing bags more quickly and more correctly

Steve Revell is quick to identify the benefits the Level 4 function provides both the airport and the passengers, We were the first to establish a Level 4 system in Oslo. If technology is able to produce a machine decision very quickly, and if thats a reject decision to get that image off to an operator very quickly, the only two things it can do are to process bags more quickly and more correctly.

By default, more bags are getting onto the right airplane, people are standing in queues for less time and the airside customer experience is much improved.

Going an extra mile

While many companies will consider a project as job done' when equipment is installed and running, for the Rapiscan team the Oslo project was a committed partnership from the initial tender phase, through the design process, and on into the future.

Oslo was effectively our first competitive tender, Martin Zborovjan explains. We were willing to listen to Oslo and to go the extra mile. This behaviour was the underlying theme of the interaction with Oslo. The project was more than just a sales opportunity; Complex projects allow us to learn something.

Forming a partnership

The working partnership between Rapiscan and Oslo is something Steve Revell is very proud of. It [was] and is a very long-established partnership; from the start of engaging with us at contract award, through to going operationally live was just under three years, he explains.

There was lots of testing, analysis, and development, lots of joint agreements with the government. We agreed on the final solution which we very much wanted to do as a partnership.

Delivering a successful project

There were also problems, which gave us an opportunity to showcase our most important tool which is how we behave when things are going wrong. We never shied away from our responsibilities, we took every problem presented to us and worked together to find the solution.

A strong working partnership developed; we were always on the end of a phone with the Oslo team, or on a plane for face-to-face meetings. This partnership continues today and is the backbone to delivering this complex but successful project, Revell summarises.

Adopting new technology

The aviation industry thrives on partnerships, on service providers working to meet challenging requirements through innovation and cooperation. Taking a technology that was, at the time, still in its infancy and working to adapt this technology to a stringent set of requirements is a clear example of Rapiscans dedication to working with its partners  a commitment the company makes to every project, both now and into the future.
For weeks at a time, John Sughrue and other Vermont prison inmates were locked in 8-by-10-foot cells in near-total isolation. They ate meals a few feet from their toilets, had no visitors, and spent as little as 10 minutes a day outside cells.

It was not punishment for anything they had done or for any trouble at the prisons. The isolation was meant to protect the prisoners from Covid-19.

While precautionary lockdowns  which prohibit almost all inmate movement  have been common across the country throughout the pandemic, Vermont took more extensive precautions in its prisons than other states did. And its strategy worked: Relatively few of its inmates have tested positive, and Vermont is the only state where not a single inmate has died from Covid-19.

But those measures have also taken a heavy toll on many inmates mental health, and driven some to psychological despair.
The police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd and the prosecutor who initially charged the officer both sold their Minnesota homes last year in the aftermath of the notorious incident. Floyd's death sparked racial justice protests around the world and led to protesters gathering outside of the homes of the officer and prosecutor.

Derek Chauvin, the policeman fired from the force after kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes, sold his home in the Minneapolis suburbs over the summer. Chauvin was fired shortly after Floyd's death last May. He is currently on trial, charged with manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder.

After Floyd's last minutes went viral, riot police were called to Chauvin's home to protect against angry protesters. The word "MURDERER" was chalked on his driveway, which was splattered with red paint, according to media reports. The sides of the garage were also vandalized, says real estate broker Jason Jernell. His brokerage represented the buyer of the property.

The former police officer and his ex-wife (who filed for divorce days after Chauvin was charged with murder) sold their three-bedroom, two-bathroom, split-,level home for $279,000 in late August. The nearly 1,700-square-foot home on just over a third of an acre in Oakdale, MN, was originally listed for $305,000 in June, according to realtor.com data. The final sale price was about 8.5% less than the initial asking price.

The lower sale price is a reflection of the perceived taint on the home, says estate appraiser Orell Anderson, of Strategic Property Analytics. He specializes in distressed properties.

"This discount alleviates the stigma of owning the home," says Anderson. It also may help the buyers justify the purchase. "They didn't buy at market rate; they bought at discount because that's what the [owners] deserve."

After the price cut, the home did receive multiple offers, says Jernell. It was built in 1986 with an attached garage and is across the street from a park.

Chauvin and his ex, former beauty queen Kellie Chauvin, who earned a real estate license, purchased the home for $270,000 in 2017. Their divorce was finalized in February.

Protesters also gathered outside of the Chauvins' second home in Windermere, FL, about 20 minutes southwest of Orlando. The home was purchased in 2011 for $210,900, according to realtor.com data. Kellie had asked for both homes in the divorce, but the residence was listed under both her and her ex-husband's name as of last month, according to property records.

Derek Chauvin is now out on $1 million bail, living in an undisclosed location.

The disgraced officer wasn't the only one who sold a home as a result of the outrage following the tragedy.

The prosecutor who charged Chauvin for Floyd's death sold his home as well in December. The South Minneapolis house of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman was repeatedly targeted over the summer by protesters fed up with the favorable treatment of police and a lack of action against police killing civilians, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The crowds reportedly swelled to more than 1,000 people.

Freeman's office initially charged Chauvin. The Minnesota attorney general then took over the prosecution of the case.

Freeman's three-bedroom, three-bathroom home on almost a quarter of an acre went on the market in July for $749,000. However, the century-old, cottage-style house didn't sell until December for $600,000. That's just under 20% less than the asking price and about 4.6% less than the $629,000 he and his wife bought the property for in 2007.

"There's a negative attachment toward those houses," says estate appraiser Anderson. "The taint of being affiliated with this tragedy is so significant that buyers are afraid of being linked to it because they bought these houses."

The post Why Derek Chauvin, Charged With Killing George Floyd, Sold His Minnesota Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
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PRESCOTT, Ariz.  Yavapai Countys administration building in Prescott has been closed to the public for up to two weeks because of an alleged threat by a person described as a disgruntled former employee.

County spokesman David McAtee said the threat was one of violence. He declined to elaborate but a county news release said officials were taking the alleged threat seriously, The Daily Courier reported.

The closure that began Monday would last five to 10 business days, the news release said.

No arrest had been made but the county likely would seek a restraining order to keep the person from the premises, Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said Monday.

The recent rash of mass shootings around the country did not enter into the decision to close the building, Brown said. This would have been standard operating procedure.

The building was closed just weeks after the county reopened it after about a year of being closed to the public due to the pandemic.

County services will continue to be available to the public during the closure, including by arranging by telephone to meet a county employee outside the building, according to the news release.

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Tesla finally apologized after a car owner went viral by climbing on top of a Model 3 sedan at an auto show to protest what she said was her cars malfunction.

In videos circulating on social media on Monday, a woman, wearing a white T-shirt printed with the Chinese characters brake failure, climbed on a red Model 3 in Teslas booth at the Shanghai Auto Show and shouted Teslas brake failed to the crowd.

She was dragged away by security guards. On Tuesday, Shanghai police said the 32-year-old woman had been ordered into five-day detention for disrupting public order. Police said a fellow protester, a 31-year-old woman, received a warning.

Many internet users expressed sympathy toward the protesters. Struggling to get their voices heard through government channels, Chinese consumers sometimes feel compelled to resort to public stunts.

And Teslas harsh response following the incident only brought more trouble to the American carmaker.

On the microblogging site Weibo, Tesla said the woman was in a car accident in February due to speeding, but blamed it on the vehicle to ask for a refund. The company said the woman refused to have her car examined and declined other solutions proposed by Tesla.

Its impossible for us to meet her demands, because the demands are unreasonable, Teslas Vice President Grace Tao told Chinese outlet Caijing following the protest. I think she is quite professional. There should be someone behind.

She contributed to all the negative [publicity] recently, Tao said, adding that Tesla is receiving increasing positive feedback from Chinese customers.

The uncompromising tone prompted strong backlash, as internet users attacked Tesla for failing to respect Chinese consumers. In a commentary on Tuesday, state-run news agency Xinhua added fuel to the row with an official warning to Tesla.

The arrogant response from a Tesla executive does not make one feel their sincerity in solving the problem, Xinhua said. No matter which car company, they must treat the Chinese market with reverence, and sincerely accept the supervision of consumers.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Wentworth Resources PLC - Tanzania-focused natural gas producer - Revenue for 2020 rises 1.9% to USD19.0 million from USD18.6 million in 2019, while pretax profit surges to USD2.2 million from USD987,000. Profit growth outstrips revenue increase as cost of sales falls 7.1% to GBP9.4 million. Says performance was "strong and resilient" against challenging backdrop. Declares dividend of 1.0 pence per share, bringing total dividend for year to 1.5p, up 27% on 2019. Adds that it has seen a record first quarter performance to date, with average production volumes for the first quarter of 2021 84.7 million standard cubic feet per day per day versus 63.6 million a year ago.







Distribution Finance Capital Holdings PLC - Manchester-based bank providing personal savings products - Total operating income for 2020 GBP2.3 million, nearly half the GBP4.4 million achieved in 2019. However, pretax loss broadly steady at GBP13.6 million from GBP13.5 million. Distribution Finance booked GBP2.1 million in exceptional costs in 2019 which did not repeat in 2020. Loan book growth was "constrained" during the year, ending 2020 at GBP113 million, down 46% on 2019 - though exceeded GBP193 million as at March 31, 2021. Says well-capitalised and has sufficient regulatory capital to enable growth in its loan book up to around GBP550 million, a milestone it hopes to achieve by 2022-end. "Whilst we are buoyed by the positive signs we are seeing across the markets in which we operate, it is undoubted that the economic environment remains uncertain. We expect to maintain a cautious approach to lending as dealers and manufacturers continue to work their way through the worst of this pandemic and the new administrative burden following Brexit," company says.







Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust PLC - aims to achieve long-term returns in excess of the total return from the MSCI All Country World index - Says net asset value per share total return for financial year ended January 31 was 20%, outpacing benchmark which returns 12%. "This level of return could be labelled 'strong' in any year, but in the circumstances it was exceptional," company says. NAV per share ends year at 358.2p, up from 301.9p at end of January 2020. Company says: "The board believes that the company is well placed to continue to deliver attractive investment returns and that this should enable us to grow the size of the company over time."







Gunsynd PLC - UK-based investment firm - Invests GBP50,000 into Media Tech SPAC PLC, a special purpose acquisition company formed to make acquisitions in the media & technology space. Subscribes for 1.3 million shares at 4 pence each. Gunsynd's investment is a part of a of GBP1.6 million capital raising. "I have been particularly impressed with the high-profile board of directors that has been assembled at MTS, which aims to deliver an exciting acquisition for shareholders. With the depth of experience on offer, I feel confident on the MTS team's ability to execute and generate tangible value via a future acquisition(s)," says Gunsynd Director Peter Ruse.







Fulcrum Utility Services Ltd - Sheffield-based multi-utility infrastructure and services provider - Secures two new contract awards at Fairham, Nottinghamshire. The two initial contracts, worth GBP5.9 million, are expected to be delivered over a period of two years and will supply the electricity, gas and water "spine" infrastructure and a primary substation at Fairham's major new 606-acre neighbourhood in Nottingham. Fairham is a joint venture between Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments and Homes England, the government's housing accelerator. "The group expects that there will be considerable opportunities to supply additional utility works on the development as part of a new utility infrastructure agreement entered into between Fulcrum and Fairham, in which Fulcrum has been specified as preferred utility partner for home builders constructing on this development," firm says.







ADM Energy PLC - UK-based natural resources investing company - Enters into non-binding collaboration agreement with OES Energy Services Ltd, Nigeria's largest swamp rig services provider, and 4Mation Drilling Services Ltd, a solution provider in the energy sector. The three plan to explore opportunities to develop Barracuda Field in OML 141 and associated work-related activity in Nigeria. "It is the intention of the parties, together with the risk sharing consortium in respect of Barracuda Field, that a formal agreement will be entered into in advance of any work commencing. The CA may be terminated by mutual consent," ADM says.







Galantas Gold Corp - Northern Ireland-focused gold producer - Receives strong demand for private placement, and this has resulted in a potential over-subscription. Placement's maximum increased to 26.7 million units from 22 million previously. Each unit comprises one common share and one warrant. The minimum gross proceeds expected to be raised remain as CAD5.1 million - equivalent to around USD4.1 million - with maximum proceeds of CAD8.0 million, previously CAD6.6 million. "The net funds raised will be mainly used for bringing the Galantas Gold Mine into full commercial production and for exploration to expand the high-grade gold resources. An increase in the maximum gross proceeds will permit the planned exploration program to be accelerated," company says.







Panther Metals PLC - company focused on mineral exploration in Canada and Australia - Completes private placing for total of 1.7 million shares at price of 12 pence each "following an unsolicited approach from two high net worth investors", raising a total of GBP200,000. Price represents discount of 7.7% to closing price on Monday, the date on which the placing price was agreed. "This placing, with experienced investors, demonstrates confidence whilst the additional capital will help underpin the business and advance our plans in some key areas. I look forward to updating the market on those steps in the very near future," says Chief Executive Darren Hazelwood.







Spectra Systems Corp - Rhode Island-based authentication technology provider - Executes agreement with its central bank customer, in addition to the sensor agreement announced in February, to include a new capability in those sensors to detect "exotic counterfeits". The new contract will result in an additional USD1.2 million of development funding to begin immediately. This contract increases the total development funding to USD8.7 million and could increase the sensor sales revenue by USD7.5 million to USD41.5 million, depending on the total order size. "This is a significant development which underpins the central bank's confidence in our technology capbilities and further bolsters the case for cash going forward," says Chief Executive Nabil Lawandy.







President Energy PLC - oil and gas company focusing on Latin America - Says Well LB-1001 in the Las Bases field has now been placed on stream. Initial production results demonstrate a "better than expected" level of gas production with no associated water and good pressure. "So far the results of LB-1001 are both pleasing and encouraging and we are moving on to the next stage of managing the well with confidence," says Chair Peter Levine. Adds that gas prices in Argentina are showing marked signs of increase, and it has within the last month "effectively hedged part of its production to effect a baseline of steady income" with the company having the flexibility to sell the balance either at spot or at opportunistic rates should they arise.







ADES International Holding PLC - MENA-focused drilling oil and gas wells company - Says takeover offer from Innovative Energy Holding Ltd now unconditional in all respects after acceptance condition satisfied. Cancellation of ADES shares in London expected to take effect on May 21.







Argo Blockchain PLC - London-based cryptocurrency miner - Engages Navier Inc to co-develop its mining facility in Texas. Navier, a specialist in the design and construction of cryptocurrency mining facilities, will provide a range of consulting services related to the design and construction of the new Argo facility. Under the agreement, Argo will pay a monthly retainer and will issue Navier warrants. "We are delighted to have Navier on the team to help us develop our new mining facility in West Texas. Argo intends to build state-of-the-art mining infrastructure which will not only provide greater control over our operations but also meaningfully expands our mining capacity," says Argo Chief Executive Peter Wall.







Air Partner PLC - aviation services provider based in West Sussex - Says private jets division has seen a "significant" year-on-year increase in JetCard deposits in both the UK and US in February and March. The US Private Jets business, which benefits from a large domestic market, sold 500% more new JetCards in the period year-on-year and recorded a 450% increase in deposits from new customers. In the UK, the number of JetCards sold and renewed in February and March increased by 15% year-on-year, with GBP750,000 worth of JetCard deposits secured from new customers. "Air Partner has seen demand recover faster for its JetCard product than ad-hoc flying. The JetCard programme allows clients to plan their travel for the year ahead by buying private jet flying 'hours' in advance," it says.







By Lucy Heming;A lucyheming@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Kristin Smart's body was once buried in the backyard of the California home owned by murder suspect Paul Flores' father but was recently moved, prosecutors allege.

Smart's body, which still hasn't been found after nearly 25 years, was allegedly recently moved from the home owned by Ruben Flores, authorities said in a court document filed on Monday.

Ruben Flores, 80, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of accessory after the murder for hiding Smart's body after his son allegedly killed her in 1996 during an attempted rape in his California Polytechnic State University dorm room.

Paul, now 44, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

He was the last person seen with Smart, who witnesses say was drunk at the time, after he offered to walk her home after an off-campus party.

Kristin Smart's body was once buried in the backyard of the California home owned by murder suspect Paul Flores' father but was recently moved before investigators searched the property again, prosecutors allege

Paul and Ruben were both arrested last week and were arraigned on Monday.

The court document, which was filed prior to bail arguments and first reported by a The Tribune of San Luis Obispo reporter, alleges that investigators have biological evidence that proves Smart was once buried on Ruben's property.

Kristin Smart was last seen on May 25, 1996, with Paul Flores while returning to her dorm at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo after an off-campus party

Investigators searched the home again last week following the arrests and could be seen dismantling a deck that leads underneath the house.

'The excavation below his deck... showed damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved,' prosecutor Christopher Peuvrelle said.

Smart's remains still haven't been found but authorities had recently disclosed they believe they know where she was buried.

The arrests of the father and son came a month after investigators used ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs during a search for Smart's remains at Ruben's home.

They have not disclosed what was found during that search but returned to the yard to dismantle the deck after the arrests.

Nikki Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the court, said the documents were not supposed to be public.

The judge in the case has issued a gag order preventing lawyers, investigators, witnesses and others from speaking about the case or releasing documents.

Ruben Flores, 80, (right) has pleaded not guilty to a charge of accessory after the murder for hiding Smart's body after his son allegedly killed her in 1996. Paul Flores (left), now 44, has pleaded not guilty to murder

Despite being a suspect from day one, investigators say they never had enough evidence to charge Paul Flores over Kristin Smart's disappearance until Tuesday when he was taken into custody (above) on suspicion of murdering the 19-year-old

Peuvrelle, who said Ruben has helped cover up the crime for nearly a quarter century, argued in the documents that he would continue to do so if freed on bail.

'Due to the evidence gleaned from the excavation, it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores currently knows the location of Kristin Smarts remains,' Peuvrelle said.

'Should he be allowed bail, it is a virtual certainty that he would use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart prosecution in this case and continue to hide her remains.'

Defense lawyers have criticized the evidence used to arrest both men last week.

Attorney Harold Mesick said Monday that the evidence against the father was 'so minimal as to shock the conscience'.

The defense attorney has questioned why investigators needed to keep searching for evidence after making arrests. At the time of the April 13 arrests, the sheriff said he believed that had enough evidence to win convictions.

Mesick argued there were many innocent explanations why soil had previously been dug up in the yard. He said a backhoe had excavated a trench to dump soil that was removed to lay a nearby foundation.

Paul Flores was ordered to be held without bail but his father's bail amount is yet to be set.

The arrests last week followed significant developments in the case in recent years as new witnesses came forward, investigators monitored Paul's cellphone and text messages, and searches were conducted at separate homes where Flores, his father, mother and sister live.

Investigators, who launched a renewed search last week at his father's property (above) in nearby Arroyo Grande, believe they know where the body was buried but have not yet found it or publicly disclosed the location

The case dates back to May 25, 1996 when Smart was last seen returning to her dorm at the Cal Poly University campus at about 2am after an off-campus party.

A then-19-year-old Flores, who was a fellow freshman at the school, had offered to walk her home from the party.

The younger Flores, who has long been a suspect in Smart's 1996 disappearance, was a former classmate and the last known person to see Smart the night she vanished. He has never been charged over her disappearance

Smart was not reported missing to the Cal Poly Police Department until three days after she was last seen.

Her dorm mate at the time said police were initially reluctant to take a missing persons report because it was Memorial Day weekend and she might have left the campus.

As the last person to see Smart alive, Flores was under suspicion from the start.

During the investigation, four different search dogs trained to pick up the smell of human remains led police to Flores' dorm room. No evidence was ever found in Flores' room.

Smart was officially declared dead in 2002.

Various search efforts have been carried out over the years, including the excavation of three different hillside locations near the campus in 2016.

Investigators served over 40 search warrants at 16 locations over the years, collected nearly 200 new items of evidence and used modern DNA techniques to test more than three dozen older pieces of evidence.

Flores has remained silent over the decades-long investigation.

He has previously invoked his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions before a grand jury and in a deposition for a lawsuit that was brought against him in relation to the investigation.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly hit on President Joe Biden's United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for her "reprehensible" anti-America comments and called for her resignation.

As per Breitbart, Pompeo called on Thomas-Greenfield to resign during a radio guesting with WABC 770AM's "The Cats Roundtable" program. Pompeo expressed his disagreement on Thomas-Greenfields "white supremacy" remarks to the radio's host John Catsimatidis.

"I heard our Ambassador to the United Nations this week talk about our founding as fundamentally corrupt and flawed and not noble and good. I couldn't disagree more. And I think frankly, I think it's disqualifying to have a U.N. Ambassador who expresses a moral relativism and doesn't understand the exceptional nature of the country in which we all live," Pompeo said.

"People around the world get it. You see people wanting to immigrate here. You see people attracted to this shining city on the hill, and to have our American ambassador to the United Nations denigrate the founding principles of the United States and America the way that she did this week is truly reprehensible," he stressed, "and, in my view, if she truly believes that, she ought to resign and allow someone who believes in the greatness of the United States of America to take her place."

Last Wednesday, Thomas-Greenfield remarked in the National Action Network event that racism is "woven into" the founding documents of the United States. "White supremacy is weaved into our founding documents and principles," she said.

During the radio guesting, Catsimatidis raised the issue on "the Asian front" and "is the world good" to which Pompeo stated that the United States remains in control against the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. He cited the CCP's propaganda, invasion of telecommunications, and "releasing the Wuhan virus" the CCP has undertaken among other tactics in their "desire to be a global power."

Pompeo called what is happening in Hong Kong as "tragic" while stressed the need to approach the issue with China different with the issue with Russia such that areas of undertaking positive transactions with the latter country could be undertaken. He stressed the America is a noble place before he expressed his sentiments on Thomas-Greenfield's remarks about America and its history.

In an interview with the Independent Women's Forum last April 16, Pompeo gave a state of freedom in the world and of the U.S. Foreign Policy. He told Beverly Hallberg during the said interview that the Biden administration "just flipped the switch" of everything the Trump Administration has worked hard for in so far as the U.S. Foreign Policy is concerned that has now caused "chaos", particularly zoning in on the "devastating humanitarian crisis that is at our borders."

He said that the Biden Administration has also taken away the "leverage" they built with Iran in terms of dissuading them on having their own nuclear program.

Pompeo also shared how he "made clear" to the world that America's founding "was wonderful." This is totally different to what Thomas-Greenfield projected in her recent remarks. He actually tweeted about the interview the day before his radio guesting.

"When I represented our country around the world, I wanted to be sure America would be a force for good. I made it clear that our founding was a wonderful, important example of democracy every place I went," he said on Twitter.
The harassment campaigns allegedly began in May 2016.

Ramajana Hidic Demirovic, a 46-year-old woman who lived in San Francisco at the time, went to a 14-year-old boys high school and threatened him in front of other students.

Documents filed in California federal court allege that Demirovic told the boy that she would rip [his] fing heart out. The boy had dated a girl connected to Demirovic for a few days in February that year.

Nearly five years later, Demirovic, who now lives in Brentwood, was charged in federal court Monday for two counts of conspiracy and cyberstalking in an effort to sabotage the personal relationships, social reputation, academic life, and work prospects of the teenage victims, per the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California. She was arrested last Friday.

The charges were announced Monday in a statement from Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Hinds and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair.

The connection between Demirovic and the underage co-conspirator remains unclear, but it appears that their close ties motivated Demirovic to allegedly engage in a harassment campaign against three boys from 2016 to 2019.

Soon after the initial incident, court documents allege Demirovic began targeting another boy who her co-conspirator dated for about two months. In August 2016, she allegedly sent a barrage of text messages, calling him an awful human being and telling him that she would file a false restraining order against him in an effort to affect his college applications.

Months later, Demirovic and the teen girl reportedly called the boys employer and school principal to falsely report claims of physical abuse, drug use and alcoholism. The principal prohibited Demirovic from entering the campus following the suspicious contact.

The onslaught of harassment against him continued on Instagram, the documents say. Demirovic, using taunting Instagram handles, reportedly teased the boy because his parents were divorced. A selection of the messages read: Daddy left you so you have to be a fkup, What a sad piece of st you are, and Do you cry every night because your daddy didnt want you.

A third victim was targeted in 2018 after he and the co-conspirator broke up following a ten-month relationship.

Demirovic reportedly contacted that boys school to complain in May 2018, which an assistant principal found strange and worrisome. But in perhaps the most targeted array of attacks, Demirovic reportedly began to impersonate and harass the boy on Instagram using at least three different accounts. A girl he went to prom with was also reportedly subject to months of harassment.

She purportedly contacted thousands of individuals, including family, friends and strangers, using these names to circulate false messages. Using one of these accounts, they allegedly published insults against the co-conspirator ex-girlfriend, calling her a cheating bitch and a fing whore.

And nearly a year after the relationship ended, Demirovic and her underage affiliate sent Instagram messages to people connected to the boy, falsely alleging sexual predation. She also filed a Title IX sex discrimination complaint against him to the school, falsely alleging harassment and stalking.

Impersonations of the victim also continued unabated: At least 21 women received messages in March 2019 from the accounts reportedly controlled by Demirovic and the co-conspirator, in which he solicited dates and hook-ups, made lewd suggestions and described the boys supposed drug abuse.

The effects on these boys were staggering, court documents say. The first victim grew anxious, depressed and began skipping classes and field trips. The second had to change his phone number, lost friendships and continued suffering panic attacks four years after the onslaught of alleged harassment.

And the third, who was allegedly subject to years of abuse by Demirovic, had his life altered. Faulty rumors began floating of his impropriety at his college to the point where one student refused to be his roommate. He began suffering panic attacks, and says that her alleged conduct permanently damaged his personal relationships and reputation.

His parents and younger siblings, also allegedly subject to online and in-person harassment by Demirovic, had to move out the Bay Area due to the ceaseless attacks.

If found guilty of these charges, Demirovic, faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $500,000. She was released on bond Monday, and is scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
Caldwell Traffic Stop Leads to Meth, Gun Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

CALDWELL COUNTY - A Princeton man is facing gun and drug charges following a traffic stop Tuesday night.The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said a deputy on patrol witnessed a reckless driver and conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Cadiz Road and KY 1272. The deputy arrested 43-year-old Billy Waynick of Princeton.Waynick was charged with reckless driving, no license, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO. He was also served an active Christian County District Court Warrant for failure to appear and failure to maintain required insurance.Waynick was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.
 Flash

China is planning to dispatch another batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Gabon to help the African country defeat the pandemic as soon as possible, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.

In a telephone conversation with Gabonese Foreign Minister Pacome Moubelet-Boubeya, Wang said that since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has offered strong support for Gabon to fight against the pandemic, sent multiple batches of medical supplies and shared its anti-pandemic experience with the country.

China thanked the Gabonese side for including Chinese citizens in Gabon in its vaccine inoculation programs, and will vaccinate Gabonese nationals in China, Wang said.

Wang noted that Tuesday marks the 47th anniversary of the establishment of China-Gabon diplomatic relations. Over the past 47 years, Wang said, traditional friendship between the two countries continue to deepen as they treat each other as equals with sincerity and friendship and remain committed to win-win cooperation and common development.

China thanked the Gabonese side for offering strong support on issues concerning China's core interests and will always view Gabon as a trustworthy cooperation partner, Wang said, adding that his country firmly supports Gabon in pursing a development path that suits its national conditions.

China is willing to strengthen coordination with Gabon on multilateral occasions to earnestly safeguard the common interests of China and Gabon, China and Africa, as well as developing countries and uphold international equity and justice, Wang said.

China is also willing to seek greater complementarity with Gabon within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), fully implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, and make contribution to the opening of a new session of the FOCAC later this year, Wang added.

For his part, Moubelet-Boubeya congratulated China on its decisive victory against COVID-19 and thanked China for offering supplies and vaccine assistance to Gabon.

Moubelet-Boubeya also voiced warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 47th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, saying China's success is encouraging all developing countries and shows that poverty is not the destiny of underdeveloped countries.

China's development experience is well worth learning, Moubelet-Boubeya said.

Stressing that Gabon highly values its ties with China, Moubelet-Boubeya noted that his country firmly supports China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests and will make every effort to push forward Gabon-China relations and Africa-China relations to new levels.
An early-stage police report describing George Floyds death as a vague medical incident went viral on Tuesday, the same day former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering Mr Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest last May for a counterfeit $20 bill.

In the original police bulletin that went out to the public, heres how the Minneapolis police department categorised the gruesome murder millions of people would later see on social media video:

He was ordered to step from his car. After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance where he died a short time later.

The report did not mention that the source of his medical distress, according to the unanimous jury verdict on Tuesday, was Chauvins knee being driven into his neck and back for minutes on end.

John Elder, the Minneapolis Police Departments director of public information, authored the bulletin. He told The Los AngelesTimes last summer he was working from information he got from officers on the ground, who didnt log any use of force initially.

This had literally zero intent to deceive or be dishonest or disingenuous. Had we known that this [situation] was what we saw on the video, that statement would have been completely different, Mr Elder told the paper.

During the three-week long trial of Chauvin, jurors were tasked with answering what ultimately caused Mr Floyds death.

On the witness stand, Dr Andrew Baker, the county medical examiner who performed Mr Floyds autopsy, reiterated his original findings that the death was a homicide. Police restraints were the main cause of death, he concluded, while other factors like Mr Floyds heart disease and drug use played a role without being direct causes.

Mr Floyds use of fentanyl did not cause the subdual or neck restraint, he said. His heart disease did not cause the subdual or the neck restraint.

Outside experts called by the state reached similar conclusions, ruling out a drug overdose or heart disease. Dr Martin Tobin, a lung specialist, compared police treatment of Mr Floyd to a vice that squeezed the air out of his body.

A healthy person subjected to what Mr Floyd was subjected to wouldve died as a result, he said.

Another, Dr Bill Smock, argued that officers shouldve carried out their legal duty and career training to provide medical care to someone in their custody much sooner, rather than waiting for the ambulance they called for Mr Floyd.

As soon as Mr Floyd is unconscious, he shouldve been rolled over, Mr Smock said. We have documentation on the video that the officer says, I cant find a pulse. Thats clearly, when you look at the video, it shouldve been started way before.

One paramedic testified that Mr Floyd was dead by the time the ambulance arrived.

The defence, meanwhile, suggested Mr Floyds underlying health conditions and drug use ultimately killed him, not the knee on his neck.

Dr David Fowler, a former Maryland chief medical examiner and an expert witness for the defence, argued a confluence of different factors  fentanyl intoxication, pre-existing heart disease, potential exposure to carbon monoxide from a police cars tailpipe, and officers restraints  all had an impact on Mr Floyds death. As a result, he said, the cause of death shouldnt be considered a homicide, but rather be understood as undetermined.

When you put all of those together, its very difficult to say which of those is most accurate, Dr Fowler said, as part of his day-long turn on the witness stand. I would fall back to undetermined in this particular case.

But it was clear to the bystanders who testified that they were witnessing a murder.

Its been nights I stayed up, apologising and apologising to George Floyd for not doing more, and not physically interacting and not saving his life, said Darnella Frazier, 18, whose live-streamed cell phone video of the arrest was shared widely. When I look at George Floyd, I look at my dad, I look at my brothers, I look at my cousins, my uncles, because theyre all Black, she added. I have a Black father. I have a Black brother. I have Black friends.

Another bystander, Donald Williams, who had extensive martial arts training, recalled telling Chauvin his restraint amounted to a blood choke that could kill someone, prompting him to berate officers and eventually call 911.

I believe I witnessed a murder. I felt the need to call the police on the police, he said. He just pretty much killed this guy that wasnt resisting arrest, he added.
Bill Wright, 64, attended the Royal Exhibition Building after unsuccessfully trying to secure an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination with his local GP. There were no vacancies, the Greensborough resident said. I thought this would be quicker. He was surprised so few people attended the mass vaccination clinic. Mr Wright said the vaccination would give him peace of mind. Its not over yet, he said.

Steve Bassili, who received his first shot of AstraZeneca at the Royal Exhibition Building on Wednesday, said he was shocked to see so few people at the mass vaccination centre. I was surprised to see that people are not interested in walking in and taking that first step, the 71-year-old said. We owe it to our country. He said blood clots were an incredibly rare side effect of the vaccine and this should be taken into consideration. I could walk across the road and get hit by a car, he said. Steve Bassili after getting his shot. Credit:Meredith OShea Eligible Victorians, which include those aged 70 and over and people with medical conditions or disabilities, are being urged to make appointments to get their AstraZeneca jabs. Walk-in options are available, but those with appointments will get priority.



Health authorities said the more than 1000 people vaccinated at the mass clinics on Wednesday was a tenfold increase from a week ago. Booking interest also went through the roof this morning, with 1000 calls made in one two-hour period, a spokeswoman said. These bookings are being spread over the coming days and weeks, based on what individuals choose. The state has the capacity to immunise between 50,000 and 60,000 people each week and expects to scale up to 100,000 a week within a fortnight. Victorias COVID-19 response commander, Jeroen Weimar, said on Sunday that options for expanding the mass-vaccination approach to other parts of the state would be considered in coming weeks.

Western suburbs GP and Australian General Practice Alliance director Mukesh Haikerwal said many Victorians were still unsure whether they were eligible for the vaccine, particularly those under 70 with underlying health conditions. He was not surprised that the Royal Exhibition Building vaccination centre was quiet on Wednesday. At the moment, demand is not high because confusion abounds, Dr Haikerwal said. He called for more encouragement for eligible people to come forward. If we dont want to lock down, which is the alternative, we need to go and get vaccinated.

Michelle Mackintosh, who has an autoimmune condition, had to wait for 30 minutes after receiving her shot. The nurses were lovely. It was very smooth, she said. Ms Mackintosh is planning to travel to Japan for work in July, so she was keen to get her first shot on Wednesday. I was seen almost straight away.

Michelle Mackintosh after her shot. Credit:Meredith OShea Heading to the mass vaccination clinic was an easy choice for Bill Paterson. A sting in the arm or 12 weeks in intensive care? I know what I choose, the 59-year-old said. The nurse and policy worker, who works with people with HIV, rated the experience a nine out of 10. It wasnt busy, and the nurse had a great sense of humour, he said.

Mr Paterson said having the vaccine would not make him any less vigilant when it came to COVID-safe practices. I will still keep my distance and sanitise my hands. He said he didnt have any qualms about getting the vaccination, despite news of the AstraZeneca vaccine being linked to a possible rare side effect causing blood clots. Theres a remarkable number of unknowns, but when theres a pandemic situation you have to act because when we know, its often too late, he said. David Hirst, 68, received his first shot after he was unable to get one from his GP. He has a cardiovascular condition and was keen to get vaccinated.

Members of Fire Rescue Victoria arrive at the Royal Exhibition Building for their vaccine. Credit:Getty Images Mr Hirst said mass vaccination centres were far more efficient than doctors for administering the jabs. The move to go to mass vaccination centres like this is the right move and the way they should have gone right from the get-go, he said. Larry McNicol said the vaccination clinic was quiet and could have dealt with a lot more people. But the 71-year-old retired anaesthetist said the experience was as smooth as silk and he felt absolutely fine following his jab.

He made a booking on the phone earlier on Wednesday and simply walked into the clinic. We need to get as many people vaccinated from a public health point of view, he said. Sandra Nelson, 74, took the chance to be immediately vaccinated after struggling to get one from her GP. She planned to relax for the afternoon to see if there were any side effects.

Loading Im happy now that Ive had it done, she said. Australian Medical Association Victorian president Julian Rait said GPs would appreciate that mass vaccination centres were opening to the public, and would hope they picked up the majority of people aged under 50 who are eligible. But he expected GPs would have to vaccinate most people with complex health needs who may speak different languages or need prolonged explanations about the vaccines. Three new cases were recorded in Victorian hotel quarantine on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in the system to 17. The wider community remains virus-free for the 54th day.
On Tuesday, 20 April, the jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin found him guilty on all charges relating to the killing of George Floyd. The charges included second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, or second-degree manslaughter, which carry a maximum sentence of forty, twenty-five, or ten years in prison, respectively.

George Floyd killer Derek Chavin: what happens next?

After the verdict was read, Mr. Chauvin, who had been out on bail, was taken into police custody. In the coming weeks, the judge in the case, Peter A. Cahill, will review the decision made by the jury and determine a sentence.

The maximum sentence for the most severe crime Mr. Chauvin was convicted of, unintentional murder in the second degree, is forty years, but it is unlikely that he receive that sentence. Based on Minnesota sentencing guidelines, a person like Mr. Chauvin, who has no past criminal record, should receive around 12.5 years for the crime.

However, these guidelines are not written in stone and judges have leeway when determining sentences. A factor that could inform the Judge Cahills decision are documents filed by the prosecution in August 2020, wherein they informed the judge that State would seek upward-sentencing departure. In the letter to Judge Cahill, signed by Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, Mr. Ellison stated that There are at least five bases for an upward departure including the particular cruelty Mr. Floyd was subjected to and that the crime was committed in the presence of children.

Based on this additional information and the circumstances around the case, Judge Cahill could increase the sentence beyond 12.5 years.

Why arent the sentences cumulative?

Although Mr. Chauvin was found guilty of violating three criminal statutes in Minnesota, each count is related to one crime, the murder of George Floyd. According to Vox News, since prosecutors only brought forward charges on one criminal act, Mr. Chauvin is likely to serve his sentences for all three crimes concurrently, meaning that those sentences will all run at the same time.

When can we expect a decision?

According to the New York Times, the sentencing hearings for Derek Chauvin are expected to begin in eight weeks, a little over a year since the murder took place.
"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
New York City health officials estimate that nearly a quarter of adult New Yorkers were infected with the coronavirus during the catastrophic wave of last spring, and that the toll was even higher among Black and Hispanic residents.

The estimates, based on antibody test results for more than 45,000 city residents last year, suggest that Black and Hispanic New Yorkers were twice as likely as white New Yorkers to have had antibodies to the coronavirus  evidence of prior infection.

Hispanic New Yorkers had the highest rate, with about 35 percent testing positive for antibodies, according to the study, whose authors include officials and researchers at the city Health Department and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Among Black New Yorkers, 33.5 percent had antibodies. Among Asian New Yorkers, the rate was about 20 percent. For white New Yorkers, the rate was 16 percent.

Antibody surveys of segments of the population have become a useful way to gauge what percentage of people were infected and what groups were most at risk, especially since there was limited testing for the virus during the first wave.
A medic inadvertently broadcast herself giving a butt injection to a man while appearing before a virtual court on grand theft charges.

Niurka Aguero shared a live stream of herself injecting the substance into the man's backside during a Miami-based hearing held over Zoom on Wednesday.

Miami State Attorney's Office spokesman Ed Griffith told DailyMail.com that the injection took place while Aguero was waiting for her case to be called.

He said: 'It seems that during the waiting period prior to the case being brought before the judge, Niurka Aguero was involved in some kind of procedure involving a male receiving an injection in the buttocks, which she appears to have inadvertently broadcast (via Zoom).

'Needless to say, it appears that everyone involved in the Zoom court call was surprised.'

A Miami, Florida virtual court hearing took an unusual turn on Wednesday after one of the participants performed a butt injection that was plainly visible to everyone watching on Zoom

Miami Herald reporter David Ovalle was among those who witnessed the bizarre moment.

Someone appears to be getting a butt injection while appearing in a virtual court hearing, he tweeted.

Further details of the case against Niurka Aguero have not been shared. She was appearing for a status hearing - a procedural appearance where prosecutors and defense attorneys update a judge on the status of a case.

The cheeky faux pas was reminiscent of an incident in February in which a lawyer accidentally left a kitten filter on during a Zoom hearing.

Someone appears to be getting a butt injection while appearing in a virtual court hearing, tweeted Miami Herald reporter David Ovalle

The amusing mishap happened to Presidio County attorney Rod Ponton during a live streamed hearing on February 9 for the 394th Judicial District Court of Brewster.

The video begins with presiding judge Roy Ferguson telling Ponton: 'I believe you have a filter turned on in video settings and you might want to turn it off.'

Ponton is then heard letting out a panicked 'aghh', as the cat filter over his face begins shifting its eyes back-and-forth and moving its mouth in unison with his voice.

'Can you hear me judge,' the feline-emblazoned Ponto is heard asking, his voice quivering.

The hilarious video from February 9 begins with presiding judge Roy Ferguson telling Ponton: 'I believe you have a filter turned on in video settings and you might want to turn it off'

The amusing mishap happened to attorney Rod Ponton during a live streamed hearing on February 9 for the 394th Judicial District Court of Brewster

Ferguson confirms that he can hear Ponton and reiterates that he believes he has a filter switched on.

'It is [a filter]', Ponton hastily interjects. 'And I dont know how to remove it. Ive got my assistant here, shes trying to, but ahhh Im prepared to go forward with it Im here live, Im not a cat.'

At this point, the two other people present at the hearing, H. Gibbs Bauer and Jerry L. Phillips, begin to laugh.

Judge Ferguson, however, manages to keep a straight face, offering a deadpan response of, 'I can see that.'

The judge then begins calmly offering Ponton a step-by-step guide for how to remove the kitten filter, before the video abruptly cuts out.

Ponton has since revealed that he was using his secretary's computer at a remote office in Presidio, telling the San Antonio Express that this is the first time something like this has happened in the eight months he's been using Zoom amid the pandemic.

'It was certainly not an intentional thing to put the cat image up there but s*** happens,' he laughed. 'If I can make everybody laugh for a moment at my expense, I'll take it.'
[April 21, 2021] Full Measure Acquires Adora, A Mobile Tour Company Founded By Princeton Students

WASHINGTON, April 21st, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Measure Education, a leader in higher education technology, announced the acquisition of Adora Experiences, a digital college tour startup. Founded in 2019 by Princeton undergraduates Ron Miasnik, Raya Ward, and Joseph Rubin, Adora enables students to take personalized tours of college campuses both virtually and in-person. Since winning Princeton's startup competition in February 2020, the company has become the best-in-class solution for universities and partnered with a variety of schools including Stanford, Pitzer, and Colorado State University. "Adora has done for campus visits what Full Measure has done for other parts of the student lifecycle -- made them accessible and personalized," explains Greg Davies, CEO of Full Measure. "We have been closely following the campus tour space for years, and Adora is the first technology that actually improves the tour experience." The Adora platform leverages student stories, augmented reality geotags, and multimedia content to create engaging virtual tours and enhance the on-campus visit exerience. As part of the acquisition, Adora's technology will integrate with Full Measure's mobile content platform, which has quadrupled in size to reach over 1.5 million students and 320 colleges.



"We're thrilled to leverage Full Measure's scale and experience to reach more students," adds Adora Co-Founder and CEO Ron Miasnik. "Students have taken over 14,000 tours on the Adora platform and we expect to reach half a million students by December." The Adora team will join Full Measure and begin offering their solution to colleges immediately. Miasnik became interested in college tours after his friend -- a prospective physics major -- shared that he didn't hear the word "physics" once on his Princeton tour. After connecting with Princeton's admissions office, Miasnik set out to build a customizable solution, enlisting classmates Ward and Rubin.

"A virtual tour not only showcases a campus but also bridges the socioeconomic barrier caused by the cost of travel," adds Raya Ward, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Adora. "Technology-enabled tours increase access to this important part of the college process. And the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of long-overdue technologies that will help close this gap." In its most recent State of College Admissions survey, NACAC reports that 85.1% of students indicate that a campus visit is of "considerable importance" to their college search. "I spent a decade working in college admissions, and it's stunning to consider that the campus tour that I took as a prospective student in 2006 is the same tour I trained my student tour guides to give in 2020," explains Ashleigh Spatt, Product Marketing Manager for Full Measure. Full Measure's acquisition of Adora will further redefine how colleges and universities engage prospective students, bringing a world-class campus visit experience to hundreds of institutions and millions of students. About Full Measure Education

Using mobile-first technology and curated experiences, Full Measure Education enables colleges, universities, and schools to guide, support and celebrate students through the student lifecycle. From admission to enrollment to graduation, the Full Measure platform turns pivotal moments into opportunities for deeper, more meaningful engagement. In 2020, in collaboration with over 300 partner institutions, Full Measure celebrated 35,000 graduates and 275,000 newly admitted students - with over 5 million moments of social and mobile engagement. Media Contact:

Ashleigh Willis Spatt

marketing@fullmeasureed.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/full-measure-acquires-adora-a-mobile-tour-company-founded-by-princeton-students-301273617.html SOURCE Full Measure Education

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-Acquisition Drives Clinical BPO Long-term Strategy and Builds on Market Expansion-

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Maximus (NYSE: MMS), a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that it signed an agreement to acquire the parent company of Veterans Evaluation Services, Inc. (VES) for a purchase price of $1.4 billion, subject to certain adjustments. Privately held VES serves the U.S. Federal Government and has established a strong reputation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a leading provider of Medical Disability Examinations to determine Veterans eligibility for compensation and pension benefits. The proposed transaction is subject to U.S. antitrust filing requirements and customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the Companys third fiscal quarter.

The acquisition furthers a core element of Maximus' long-term corporate strategy to increase revenue attributable to providing independent and conflict free clinical business process outsourcing (BPO) services at scale. The acquisition also supports the Companys ongoing strategic priority of expansion into the U.S. federal market. Further, the acquisition complements the previously announced Attain Federal combination by expanding the Companys support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and creating new opportunities to apply digital solutions to improve citizen services.

We welcome the employees of VES, who are leaders in serving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and, together with Maximus, will continue to support our nations heroes, through programs and services targeted at addressing the personal, health, and employment needs of Veterans and their families, commented Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maximus.

We are pleased to enter into this transaction with Maximus, an organization that shares the unwavering commitment to Veterans that has always been the core of the VES mission, said VES Founder George Turek. We admire the Maximus organizations high-quality reputation and track record of operating and managing large complex programs and performing mission critical functions for government agencies. Maximus brings additional resources, scale, and technology innovation that will position VES to provide enhanced service to our nations Veterans while maintaining industry-leading medical disability examination services.

As a leading global provider of customer contact center operations, and case management services to governments and their citizens, Maximus also recognizes macro-trends driving demand for BPO services with a more clinically based dimension. The Company reported $535 million of revenue from assessments and appeals or 15% of total revenue in fiscal year 2020. With the addition of VES the portion of assessments and appeals revenue is expected to increase to approximately 25% of the Companys total revenue on a pro-forma basis.

Caswell continued, In May 2018, we established a goal to increase the portion of our revenue driven by value-add services led by credentialed health professionals and to demonstrate our ability to provide independent clinical BPO solutions at scale. The addition of VES to Maximus delivers on that commitment, and also enables us to pursue new opportunities with a wider set of federal and state customers seeking independent and conflict free clinically based services.

The VES business will be part of the U.S. Federal Services Segment of Maximus and is expected to generate revenue of $160 million to $175 million for the last four months of fiscal 2021. This implies an annual run rate in the range of $480 million to $525 million. The impact to earnings is dependent on the valuation of acquired intangible assets and the resulting amortization. This valuation work is in process. Due to the nature of the acquired entity and underlying contract types, the addition of VES will blend up the Companys average margin. The transaction will have one-time expenses, including financing charges, and ongoing interest charges. As a result, the transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and should be accretive in future periods.

Outlook

Maximus will provide updates to guidance on the next earnings call which is planned for May 6, 2021. This is concurrent with the reporting of the Companys results for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 ending March 31, 2021.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Maximus will host a conference call this morning, April 21, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. (ET).

The call is open to the public and available by webcast or by phone at: 877.407.8289 (Domestic) / +1.201.689.8341 (International)

For those unable to listen to the live call, a recording of the webcast will be available on investor.maximus.com.

Raymond James served as exclusive financial advisor to VES.

About Maximus

Since 1975, Maximus has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. Maximus delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability, and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 34,000 employees worldwide, Maximus is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Companys confidence and strategies, and the Companys expectations about revenues, results of operations, profitability, future contracts, market opportunities, market demand, or acceptance of the Companys products are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including but not limited to:

The possibility that anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected

The possibility that costs related to the Companys integration of VES operations may be greater than expected and/or that revenues following the acquisition may be lower than expected

The effect of the transaction on the ability of the Company and VES to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, including the U.S. Federal Government

Responses from customers and competitors to the acquisition

Results from the acquisition may be different than those anticipated

The ultimate duration of the COVID-19 pandemic

The threat of further negative COVID-19 pandemic-related impacts

Delays in our core programs returning to normal volumes and operations

The potential impacts resulting from budget challenges with our government clients

The possibility of delayed or missed payments by customers

The potential for further supply chain disruptions impacting IT or safety equipment

The impact of further legislation and government policies on the programs we operate

These risks could cause the Companys actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. A summary of risk factors can be found in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2020, and found on maximus.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005266/en/

James Francis 703.251.8526

JamesBFrancis@maximus.com

Source: Maximus
Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the third day of her Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 14, 2020. (Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images)

Democrats Demand Justice Barrett Recuse Herself From Campaign Donations Case

Three Democratic lawmakers are demanding that Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett recuse herself from an upcoming high-profile donor privacy case because one of the litigants spent money in support of her confirmation to the nations highest court.

Nominated by then-President Donald Trump, the constitutionalist-conservative Barrett was confirmed by the U.S. Senate just before Election Day 2020. She replaced the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Sept. 18, 2020.

The case, Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Rodriquez, and a companion case, Thomas More Law Center v. Rodriquez, have been consolidated and will be heard together by the court on April 26.

Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) and its sister organization, Americans for Prosperity, are influential libertarian-conservative nonprofits funded by businessman Charles Koch and his late brother, David Koch, that have chapters throughout the nation. The Thomas More Law Centernot to be confused with the Chicago-based public interest law firm, the Thomas More Societyis a conservative Christian public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

California regulations require charities to file a copy of their IRS Form 990, an informational return for tax-exempt organizations, annually with the state. Schedule B to the form contains the names and addresses of the top donors. While the form is made available to the public, Schedule B donor information must be kept confidential, under pain of federal civil and criminal penalties.

When a Schedule B is released to the public, identifying information about the donor is redacted.

Since about 2005, California has demanded that charities file with the state unredacted Schedule B documents, giving state officials the names of donors. The states policy is to keep the information confidential, but there are no legal penalties for breaching confidentiality.

The charities concerned refuse to file their unredacted Schedule B documents with the liberal, Democratic Party-dominated California government because they dont trust its officials to keep the information secret. They say that their donors have in the past been harassed and been the victims of reprisals when their names became public.

A U.S. district court agreed with the charities and preliminarily enjoined California from requiring petitioners to submit their Schedule B forms. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit reversed.

All Americans should be free to organize around deeply held beliefs, Emily Seidel, CEO of AFPF, previously said. Stripping citizens of their privacy is a tool wielded by some in political power to silence their opposition and stifle individuals from engaging in educational and charitable efforts.

Americans for Prosperity told The Hill newspaper in September of last year that it planned to spend somewhere in the seven figures on an advertising blitz to build support for Barretts nomination.

In a three-page letter dated April 16, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), suggested this expenditure may cause Barrett to be biased in favor of AFPF.

Statute, constitutional case law, and common sense all would seem to require your recusal, they wrote. At a minimum, there should be a public explanation as to why you think recusal is not required under federal law.

During your recent confirmation proceedings, you were asked in written questions whether you would recuse yourself from Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Rodriquez  then pending on the Courts certiorari docket. You declined to do so, answering that as a sitting judge and as a judicial nominee, it would not be appropriate for me to offer an opinion on abstract legal issues or hypotheticals, and that such questions can only be answered through the judicial process.

Because the Supreme Court has since granted the case, these questions are no longer abstract or hypothetical, so we renew the request.

Curt Levey, president of the Committee for Justice, told The Epoch Times the recusal request is absurd.

Thats news to me that if a group supports you, that creates a conflict of interest. Thats not normally how its thought of and under normal precedent, conflict of interest would arise from if she had given money to AFPF, or she served on their board. You could even make a caseit would be a weak caseif she had spoken at one of their meetings, by that fact that they supported her. You dont get to choose who supports you, Levey said.

In fact, if you want to take it to its logical conclusion, an organization could strategically force a judge or a justice to recuse themselves simply by supporting them.
Members of the so-called progressive 'squad' of House Democrats reacted to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdicts on Tuesday by calling for further actions toward racial equality and claiming 'this is not justice.'

Chauvin was found guilty on all counts - second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter - in the death of Floyd on Tuesday afternoon after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation.

Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, gave a press conference with fellow members of the Black Caucus following the Chauvin verdict in which she simply called it a 'step' to further racial equality.

'This verdict is a step. It's a popping of the lock to be able to get to the place where we can open the door and really start to do the work to save lives,' Bush said.

'And so, this egregious murder that happened, we can call it murder now, this egregious murder that happened it should not be that it has to look like that in order for us to have some type of semblance of what people call justice.'

Bush continued: 'This was accountability, but it is not yet justice. Justice for us, it's saving lives.'

Scroll down for video

WASHINGTON D.C.: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), center, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) walk with their arms around each other as members of the Congressional Black Caucus walk to a news conference following the verdict in the Derick Chauvin murder trial

WASHINGTON D.C.: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), center, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) walk with their arms around each other as members of the Congressional Black Caucus walk to a news conference following the verdict in the Derick Chauvin murder trial

WASHINGTON D.C.: Progressive Democrats Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley hug after hearing the verdict for Derek Chauvin

WASHINGTON D.C.: Progressive Democrat Cori Bush gives a press conference about the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin

Ayanna Pressley was filmed in a pink blazer crying as she hugged Bush after the two heard the announcement of the verdict.

'The moment we heard the verdict, we held each other. This feeling is not easy. But all of us will carry each other through this,' Bush tweeted.

Pressley tweeted: 'Black men, I love you, and you deserve to grow old.'

Ilhan Omar, whose district covers Minneapolis, said that the verdicts felt 'different for our community' and that 'justice feels new and long overdue.'

'Rejoice, my beloved community. Grateful to @AGEllison, jurors, and everyone who made this possible. Alhamdulillah! [Praise be to God],' Omar tweeted.

However, Omar called the verdicts a 'minuscule step on the path to justice' and wrote a list of a series of police reforms and other goals she hopes can be met towards racial equality.

Among those goals, Omar called for an 'independent agency to investigate police misuse of force' and to 'criminalize violence against protesters,' as well as calling on officials to 'demilitarize police departments' and 'disband and deconstruct failed police departments.'

Ilhan Omar, whose district covers Minneapolis, said that the verdicts felt 'different for our community'

Omar also tweeted about a number of steps and goals to addressing racial inequalities and police injustices

Progressive Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted about hugging Ayanna Pressley after hearing the verdict announcement on Tuesday

Progressive Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley also responded to the verdict announcement on Tuesday

Progressive Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib also responded to the verdict announcement on Tuesday

Omar also called for a number of other measures and police reforms including: ending traffic stops for minor equipment violations, federal investigations into departments who utilize practices like arrest quotas, banning all racial profiling, restoring felony voting rights, and end mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez went onto Instagram Live to address the verdict.

'This is not justice, and I'll explain to you why it's not justice,' Ocasio-Cortez said.

'It's not justice because justice is George Floyd going home tonight to be with his family. Justice is Adam Toledo getting tucked in by his mom tonight.'

She added: 'Justice is when you're pulled over, there not being a gun as part of that interaction because you have a headlight out. Justice is your school system not having or being a part of the schools-to-prison pipeline.'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez went onto Instagram Live to address the verdict

Ocasio-Cortez said that 'it's not justice because justice is George Floyd going home tonight to be with his family'

Rashida Tlaib said that 'George Floyd was murdered by a police officer, and our country must not look away from that fact' and that the 'fight for justice continues.'

'This verdict is relief & accountability for the murder of George Floyd. But the fight for justice continues,' Tlaib tweeted.

'Justice would be Gianna having her father today. Justice is investing in our communities, not police. Justice is no more Black lives lost to police violence.'

Jamaal Bowman gave a 'huge shout out to all of the organizers who have over the last several years demanding justice.'

'This is a good day, obviously,' Bowman said.

He added: 'Accountability usually doesn't happen. You know, we constantly die at the hands of police and rarely do you see accountability.'

'To see accountability here is exactly what needed to happen.'
Something buzzy is happening in San Marcos.

On April 19, Atlanta-based cannabis operators Parallel announced the creation of a $25 million cannabis cultivation, production, and retail facility in city, expanding access for medical marijuana patients in San Antonio.

The company says the 63,000-square-foot facility is expected to bring hundred of jobs to the region, specifically in the cultivation, manufacturing, analytical chemistry, formulation science, marketing, customer support, and retail sectors.

A Parallel rep said the company is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and expects a limited number of job positions to become available soon, with the remainder of the positions opening in the following months.

READ MORE: San Antonio Zoo breaks ground on one-of-a-kind jaguar skywalk

According to a release, the Parallel facility is designed to "meet the growing patient demand for medical cannabis products in the Lone Star State."

That demand will likely grow rapidly if the Texas Legislature passes HB 1535, a bill that would dramatically expand the number of Texans who qualify for medical marijuana. The bill was unanimously voted out of committee last week and is expected to pass when it hits the House floor before the end of the 2021 session.

Along with its new facility, Parallel announced it is changing the name of its retail brand from Surterra Texas to goodblend Texas. Goodblend offers virtual clinic services, as well as a line of cannabis-infused goodies such as gummies, lozenges, and tinctures.

"We are thrilled to break ground today on our new facility in San Marcos. We look forward to creating economic empowerment opportunities in this community through new jobs and cannabis career-building programs," said Marcus Ruark, President of goodblend Texas. "We are encouraged that there is a growing recognition, trust and demand for our medical cannabis products in Texas. While our customers will now know us as goodblend Texas, we will continue to offer registered patients with the state's largest assortment of cannabis-based product formats."

Currently, goodblend Texas has a partner clinic in San Antonio where registered patients can pick up the brand's cannabis products. It also has outposts in Plano, Fort Worth, and Houston.
Prime Minister Florin Citu met with representatives of religious denominations on Wednesday, to whom he conveyed that no additional measures are being considered on the occasion of Easter and the religious holiday specific to Ramadan, stating that the movement of persons on the night of the Resurrection, respectively May 1 - May 2, as well as on the night of May 8 - May 9 will be allowed.

"Today we had a new meeting with representatives of the religious denominations in Romania, in the perspective of the Easter Holidays and other important religious moments in the following period. We pointed out that the Government does not intend to interfere with the traditional unfolding of the religious holidays and does not consider the introduction of additional measures to the existing ones. As we have established in the Government following the consultations with the representatives of religious denominations, the movement of persons will be allowed on the night of the Resurrection, respectively May 1 - May 2, 2021, as well as on the night of May 8 - May 9, 2021 (the religious holiday specific to Ramadan), for the participation of believers in religious services. These can be organized inside and outside the places of worship or simultaneously, in the sanitary requirements context known for protecting people's health," Florin Citu specified in a post on Facebook.

At the same time, the Chief Executive expressed his appreciation and thanked the availability of all the religious denominations present at this meeting to support the efforts of the authorities in combating the spread of the new coronavirus.

"We are all concerned about people's health and we want to make sure that the measures in place are understood and respected. We all agreed that compliance with distancing measures, wearing masks and ensuring disinfection conditions, if they are respected, are the solution. Only if we follow these rules and, in parallel, we get vaccinated in large numbers, will we be able to overcome this difficult period as soon as possible and return to a normal life. The vaccination campaign is not a wimp or an ambition of someone, it is essential for the protection of people's lives and health," said Citu.
Turkey declared that the US-backed Afghan Peace meeting, which is supposed to promote peace in Kabul, Afghanistan, is postponed. The cause of the stopping is an incident of violence in the capital of Afghanistan.

Afghan peace meeting is shutdown

The abrupt end of the conference came when it should have started in Istanbul, Turkey, which shows the US administration's problems to allow the US to exit the country from the battle-scarred nation. Plans to begin leaving the country that should start by May 1 and end on September 11, on schedule, reported the Epoch Times.

Obama Administration Allotted Money to an Al-Qaeda Affiliate From 2014 to 2015

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a TV interview that the conference would be canceled until after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in mid-May.

Less than a few hours later, after Cavusoglu's announcement, there was an attack by a suicide bomber on a convoy of Afghan security personnel. The attack wounded about five people in Kabul; the interior ministry mentioned both civilians and security personnel got injured.

The violence was the first in the capital in weeks, even though targeted killings rise and Taliban insurgents continue attacking Afghan security forces. In recent months, government bombing raids on suspected Taliban positions have increased, as have Afghan special forces raids. No one claimed that they did the unprovoked assault.

According to the Turkish official who said the conference should be underway y Saturday, the attack stopped the talks. He said that an Afghan peace meeting is possible if parties cannot agree on anything.

Pompeo Agrees with Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal, Warns Biden to Get it Right

Even if their leadership council stays in Pakistan, Taliban insurgents won't attend the conference, but they have failed to stop the Taliban from attacking civilians and government assets.

One of the reasons the Taliban is not abiding by the agreement signed under Trump is that US forces are expected to be gone by early May.

However, President Joe Biden, who inherited the Taliban agreement from his predecessor, remarked last week that the remaining 2,500 troops would be gone by May 1. By September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States that sparked the US-led invasion to find al Qaida's leader Osama bin Laden, all American and NATO troops will be gone.

Last Sunday, the Taliban sent out a statement in English on their Al Emara site, saying they will pass attending the conference.

On Sunday, the Taliban issued an English-language statement on their Al Emara site, indicating they were not ready to attend the conference. They said that a powerful propaganda campaign had been launched, pumping up hopes that the conclusion of the 10-day meeting would reach a peace deal.

According to the Taliban, they were getting pushed to accept the agreement by force and claim that Americans were causing it. They were alleging that the conference's goal is to 'complete a for-show road map before the withdrawal of foreign troops before foreign armies leave Afghanistan.

The Afghan government remarked that they expected something to happen or a cause of delay, as none got a formal invitation to Turkey and no Turkish visas for some Afghan officials.

The Washington U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the delay in the Afghan peace meeting would not end attempts to make the peace deal work.

Taliban Support for Al Qaeda Terrorists Is Against US Agreement to Sever All Ties

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Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, joined her husband, Prince William, for the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday, April 17. William and Kate were two of 30 guests at the service, which was limited due to COVID restrictions.

During the events of the day, cameras captured a tender moment between Kate and her father-in-law, Prince Charles. The images also highlighted Kates subtle tribute to Princess Diana.

Kate Middleton | Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton shared a kiss on the cheek with Prince Charles

As the royal family exited St. Georges Chapel at Windsor  where Prince Philips funeral took place  Kate consoled Prince Charles over the loss of his father.

Photos show the Duchess of Cambridge placing her hand on Charles shoulder for comfort. Then, she kissed her father-in-law on the cheek.

Later, Kate walked with William and Prince Harry outside of the chapel. The estranged brothers got the chance to have a brief conversation before William and Kate returned to Kensington Palace.

Was she playing peacekeeper?

When Kate and William exited the chapel, it was the Duchess of Cambridge who was initially chatting with Prince Harry. But as they began walking, Kate appeared to hang back so that the brothers could have a chat without her.

Even though state cars were ready to take them from the chapel to Windsor Castle, many family members opted to walk. This last-minute decision gave photographers the chance to get some images of William and Harry walking together. During the processional, the brothers were separated by their cousin, Princess Annes son Peter Philips.

Queen Elizabeth had to keep her distance from the family

According to The Daily Mail, Prince Charles left his usual residence at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire to stay in London to visit his father in the hospital before his passing. He arrived at the funeral separate from his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

RELATED: When Kate Middletons Gains 1 Particular Title She Will Never Have to Curtsy to Other Members of the Royal Family Again

Queen Elizabeth was also spotted sitting alone in the chapel before leaving in a Bentley to return to Windsor Castle. Due to COVID rules, Her Majesty was not able to mix with her family during the emotional farewell.

Queen Elizabeth met Prince Philip when she was a young girl. They married when she was in her late teens, and their marriage lasted more than 73 years.

Kate Middleton paid a subtle tribute to Princess Diana

According to Elle Magazine, the photos from the Duke of Edinburghs funeral also revealed that Kate paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, in a very subtle way.

For the service, Kate wore a fitted Roland Mouret black coat dress with a veiled fascinator hat. For an accessory, Kate chose a four-stranded pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeths personal collection.

This piece of jewelry  which was a gift from the Japanese government  was a subtle nod to Diana. The Princess of Wales wore the necklace at a state dinner in November 1982.

This isnt the first time that the Duchess of Cambridge has worn the piece. She wore the choker to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips 70th wedding anniversary celebration in 2017.

Kate Middletons earrings were a tribute to Prince Williams grandparents

To match the choker, Kate wore dangling pearl earrings as a subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips love story. The earrings were part of a wedding gift to the couple from Hakim of Bahrain back in 1947.

Kate has often worn Dianas jewelry during public appearances. Or, at least, pieces that the Queens collection previously loaned to the Peoples Princess. In 2015, the duchess wore the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara for the first time since Dianas death. The piece was a favorite of the late princess.
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While it can be legitimate to hold Pantami for views expressed nearly two decades ago, it is only fair to also consider more recent views like his debate with the Boko Haram leader, Muhammad Yusuf, and other lectures in the past few years in which he condemned extremism to the extent that he became a prime target of Boko Haram, as declared by its present leader, Abubakar Shekau.

I read some of the recent commentaries in the social media that describes Nigerias Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as an extremist who is in support of terrorism, judging from his past utterances as an Islamic cleric and preacher of several decades. In truth, Muslims around the world, and many in Nigeria, including those in the North and South, held controversial and divisive views like Pantamis, especially in the early 2000s. In higher institutions of learning across Nigeria, there were many members of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) who subscribed to those views. Even local Imams in various mosques around the country held those views, which they voiced out publicly from the pulpit. Those resentments were out of the overall anti-Bush, anti-invasion, and anti-America sentiments that prevailed at the time.

Even some non-Muslims, and academic scholars, held views that appeared to be sympathetic to Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Many Islamic scholars thought they were truly fighting for Islam against its enemies. With the Iraq and Libya invasions, anti-America sentiments were pervasive in Nigeria and many parts of the Muslim world. Today, many Muslim scholars and everyday Muslims in Nigeria have evolved and reviewed their positions, especially in view of the evils perpetrated by Boko Haram. This is possibly why Pantami campaigned against the Boko Haram ideology in his subsequent sermons. While it can be legitimate to hold Pantami for views expressed nearly two decades ago, it is only fair to also consider more recent views like his debate with the Boko Haram leader, Muhammad Yusuf, and other lectures in the past few years in which he condemned extremism to the extent that he became a prime target of Boko Haram, as declared by its present leader, Abubakar Shekau.

These days, many Muslim scholars in Nigeria might even be of the view that America is more accommodating of Islam and Muslims than say, its competitor, China, as more recent events would suggest. But unlike Pantami, the trick here is that others who held those views at the time and have now revised them may be fortunate to go scot-free because the views of the early 2000s were not all publicly documented, as they would be today. Yet, for those advocates of controversial and divisive views who are today consequential, like Pantami, it does not matter to cynics that there is evidence that Pantami no longer holds those views. If he held those views, he would have been barred from the United Kingdom, especially as he was the Chief Imam of the Robert Gordon University mosque at the time he was studying for a doctoral degree, which he completed in 2014. Pantami also delivered sermons in several city mosques and was a discernable and strident voice in conferences organised by the Nigerian Muslim Forum of the United Kingdom (NMFUK).

Earning a doctorate in the West would undeniably have broadened Pantamis mind and moderated his views. Once more, the popular Pantami-Yusuf debate, where the former continuously pointed out the misguidance of the latter is considerable proof of a moderated view, especially as it happened before Yusuf went out of hand in 2009

I attended the NMFUK conference of December 2012, which was held in Leicester, with the theme, Poverty Alleviation and Good Governance as Tools for Conflict Resolution. At that conference, several speakers put forward brilliant ideas for improving the livelihoods of Nigerias poor and Pantami discussed extensively on the need for Nigeria to bring forth strong institutions that promote justice, equity, and fairness for all citizens. He reiterated the fact that although the worlds great religions, such as Islam and Christianity, promote justice and equity and encourage leaders across all spheres of the society to be just and equitable toward their subjects, however the belief in and worship of God, on its own, alone, without recognising and inculcating the interest of justice within our devotions, would not yield a just society. Taking instances of Nigeria and the U.K., Pantami compared the religiosity of the two countries vis-a-vis the subsistence of justice.

What is more? Earning a doctorate in the West would undeniably have broadened Pantamis mind and moderated his views. Once more, the popular Pantami-Yusuf debate, where the former continuously pointed out the misguidance of the latter is considerable proof of a moderated view, especially as it happened before Yusuf went out of hand in 2009, by transforming his sect into a murderous one. Due to how much of a problem Pantami became for Boko Haram, his blood was declared halal or lawful, necessitating the award of a foreign scholarship by the Nigerian government to take him out of harms way. But with all the traceable evidence, it is interesting how opponents selectively promote a narrative by the convenient cherry-picking of events. Even though one divisive evidence held against Pantami was more of a disapproval of extrajudicial killings than a support for Boko Haram; yet, in the heat of politics, the nuances do not seem to matter as perceptions become either black or white, rather than different shades of gray. Many of Pantamis present views are remarkably progressive for a Muslim scholar. Thus, for any neutral person, there are enough grounds to believe that Pantami no longer holds controversial and divisive views. It is also important to state that Boko Haram has always been a fringe extremist group with Kharijite tendencies and was opposed at the very beginning by many Muslim scholars in Nigeria, such as Jaafar Mahmud Adam, Muhammad Auwal Albani Zaria, etc.

Many moderate people who have spent their lives fighting immoderation were young extremist radicals in the past and some of them were expelled as students of Ahmadu Bello University on Zakzakys inspiration. Should any of these people be judged by views held as teenagers over four decades ago, without an attempt to revisit what later became of their lives and subsequent views?

After the Iranian revolution in 1979, which overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty, many young Muslims in Nigeria were to various degrees radicalised; seeing the Islamic State as a third force to capitalism and socialism, especially as this coincided with the Cold War era. Many Muslims in Nigeria not only idealised Iran, they equally hero-worshipped its political and religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. In time, many people realised that Iran was less interested in improving the development of African nations or Muslims, but more interested in spreading a specific Shiite doctrine across the Sunni world. Many of those who idealised Iran later became its strongest opponents. For example, some of the staunchest defenders of Sunni Islam in Nigeria today were disciples of the Shia Muslim leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky. Many moderate people who have spent their lives fighting immoderation were young extremist radicals in the past and some of them were expelled as students of Ahmadu Bello University on Zakzakys inspiration. Should any of these people be judged by views held as teenagers over four decades ago, without an attempt to revisit what later became of their lives and subsequent views?

It is not in doubt that Pantami is one of the most powerful ministers in Nigeria today; being part of the exclusive group close to the centre of power. Therefore, those who think that the concerns of extremism pertaining to him are raised at this moment because Pantami might have stepped on some powerful toes or is considered a political threat, may not be altogether wrong. The extremism campaign has done a significant harm to Pantami, which is what it might have been premeditated to do. But where it goes from here depends on what direction the narrative takes. The menace is that beyond Pantami the man, the opposition can make him an epitome of the Buhari administration. Thus, there is a real risk of the campaign being appropriated to depict the government as a supporter of extremism, which could feed into an earlier and discredited narrative. Perhaps instances like this reminds us of the need to take a step back and reflect on the threat of the social media, where matters could easily spin out of control, far beyond where it started. All being well, Pantami can deal with this and move on.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu is an Assistant Professor of Petroleum Chemistry at the American University of Nigeria. He can be reached via mohd.aminu@gmail.com.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A police report revealed the name of a DEA agent who shot a 20-year-old Cleveland man April 14 during an undercover investigation in the citys Hough neighborhood.

A Cleveland police report released Wednesday lists Ryan Schumacher as the victim in the incident in which authorities charged Trayvon Johnson with carrying a concealed weapon and menacing by stalking.

The report lists Schumachers address as an East 9th Street office building that houses the DEAs Cleveland office.

The report, filed by an officer who responded to the scene after the shooting, does not include any details about the shooting itself.

Schumacher shot Johnson in the abdomen about 3:50 p.m. April 14, after Johnson approached an unmarked SUV that Schumacher was sitting in front of Johnsons house as part of the undercover operation. Johnson and his home were not part of the operation, officials said.

A security video from a nearby school building parking lot obtained by cleveland.com shows someone in an SUV pulled up in front of the agents vehicle and dropped off Johnson, who approached the SUV. Schumacher then stepped out of the vehicle as Johnson continued to approach him and fired a shot. Johnson ran to his front yard and collapsed.

Cleveland police homicide detectives who are members of the use of deadly force investigation team are investigating the shooting and said in a complaint filed Monday that Johnson pulled his jacket open to reveal he had a handgun tucked into his waistband as he approached Schumachers SUV.

Johnson is not accused of pulling the gun out of his pants or reaching for it or knowing that Schumacher was a law enforcement officer.

Johnson was transferred from University Hospitals to the Cuyahoga County Jail on Monday and charged in the incident. According to court records, a Cleveland Municipal Court judge set his bond at 10 percent of $10,000, and Johnson posted the bond on Tuesday.

An initial incident report also released Wednesday says that State Highway Patrol troopers who responded to the scene called for an ambulance to take Johnson to a hospital but were told it would be at least five minutes before one could arrive. They drove Johnson to the Cleveland Clinic in the back of a cruiser. Johnson was then transferred to the trauma center at University Hospitals and went into surgery, the reports say.

The DEA had repeatedly declined to release the name of the agent who shot Johnson or comment on discrepancies between the initial statement that Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin gave to reporters about three hours after the shooting.

Martin said during the news conference that gunfire was exchanged during the incident. In a written statement released two days after the shooting, the DEA said that the agent shot a man who was actively brandishing a weapon.

Johnsons mother, Dianna Johnson, previously told cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer that her home and family members have been targets of gun violence in the past, and Johnson was trying to find out who was sitting in the car parked outside their home when the agent shot him.

Johnsons attorney, Stanley Jackson Jr. of The Cochran Firm Cleveland, said on Monday that the agent should have done more to de-escalate the situation.

Read more stories

Cleveland man shot by DEA agent did not pull gun from waistband, arrest records say

Surveillance video of DEA agents shooting of Cleveland man released, mother calls it very disturbing

Undercover DEA agent shoots 20-year-old man police say was armed on Clevelands East Side
As the hate crimes bill got its first hearing in the South Carolina Senate, some religious groups continued their push against parts of the legislation.

The religious leaders pushed lawmakers Wednesday to remove provisions of the bill that would extend protections for members of the LGBTQ community.

They ultimately failed to convince a panel of lawmakers, made up of two Democrats and three Republicans, but could get more support as the bill moves through the Senate, in which Republicans have a two-to-one majority.

The move is part of a conservative segment of the religious communitys ongoing effort to shape South Carolinas hate crime bill, which if passed would remove the Palmetto State from the list of just two states without an existing hate crimes law on the books.

In its current form the bill, which lawmakers voted 3-2 to send it the full Judiciary committee Wednesday, would allow prosecutors to seek additional penalties for certain crimes committed against victims targeted for their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin or physical or mental disability. For violent crimes such as murder, assault, armed robbery or criminal sexual misconduct, the penalties could be increased by up to five years imprisonment and an additional fine of up to $10,000.

Currently, South Carolina doesnt have its own hate crimes law. Instead, prosecutors have to rely on their federal counterparts to pursue hate crime charges under the federal hate crimes law, but that rarely happens except in the case of high-profile crimes.

Some members of the religious community specifically asked lawmakers to remove enhanced penalties for crimes targeting victims based on sexual orientation and gender, arguing that language would create newly recognized protected classes under South Carolina law.

Bringing a new level of definition of sex and gender into South Carolina code is a concern of ours, said Dave Wilson, the President of the Palmetto Family Council, adding that he had a letter signed by other religious leaders and organizations echoing his concerns.

Story continues

S.C. Baptist Convention Public Policy Director Tony Beam said adding definitions for sexual orientation and gender identity into the code could create a slippery slope. While the current hate crimes bill does not contain any provisions related to hate speech, Beam said religious leaders worry that the current bill later could lead to a law used to prosecute Christians, specifically Christian Evangelicals, for talking about their stances on homosexuality and transgenderism.

Sexual orientation, gender identity is being used to turn believers into people who are portrayed as haters if they uphold to a biblical understanding of sexuality, Beam said.

Im afraid that this will lead to the extension in other areas, he added.

Subcommittee chairman Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, pushed back on the request to remove sexual orientation and gender identity, explaining that the hate crimes bill would only apply to people who commit violent crimes against people because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

For gender identity, is it OK to beat those people up? Hutto asked.

Were against hate thats based on how someone is, who we are, Hutto added.

Ultimately, lawmakers opted not to remove the enhanced penalties for crimes targeting people based on sexual orientation or gender.

However, Wednesdays efforts were not the first time that lawmakers have considered stripping protections for the LGBTQ community. In early March, House members voted to remove those protections in subcommittee, saying the bill could not pass the House in a timely manner with that language included.

In committee, however, Democrats spearheaded a successful push to add LGBTQ protections back into the bill. The bill ultimately passed the full House with no debate.

Religious leaders have been granted many of their requests for changes to the bill as it moved through the state House.

Some religious groups have argued that parts included in early versions of the bill could be used to persecute someone trying to proselytize or preach. Their misgivings about the bill got two sections taken out of it: one section that would have allowed victims of hate crimes to sue their persecutor in civil court and a section that would have allowed the prosecution of harassment, stalking and property crimes.

Democrats specifically pushed back against the removal of the harassment, stalking and property crimes portion of the bill, arguing that most hate crimes that are committed fall under those categories. If those were removed from the bill, they said, judges couldnt add additional penalties to cases, citing the specific examples of people spray painting racial or ethnic slurs on an African Methodist Episcopal church or a synagogue.

While South Carolina Democrats have been pushing for a hate crimes law for years, the GOP only recently began supporting the bill.

That may be due, in part, to the support of the move from the business community. Pushed to action by the Black Lives Matter protests that exploded across the country last summer, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and dozens of businesses began advocating for hate crimes bill passage in December 2020. The bill also has the support of the law enforcement community whose leaders have spoken out in favor of the bill multiple times this year.
An independent, bipartisan advisory body has reiterated its call for the U.S. State Department to add Russia to its register of the world's "worst violators" of religious freedom, a blacklist that already includes Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and six other countries.



The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), created by Congress to make recommendations about global religious freedom, proposes in its annual report released on April 21 that Russia, India, Syria, and Vietnam be put on the "countries of particular concern" list, a category reserved for those that carry out "systematic, ongoing, and egregious" violations of religious freedoms.

The blacklisting paves the way for sanctions if the countries included do not improve their records.



Countries recommended for the State Department's special watch list, meaning there are still "severe" violations of religious freedom there, include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.



The USCIRF report says that "religious freedom conditions in Russia deteriorated" last year, with the government targeting religious minorities deemed to be "nontraditional" with fines, detentions, and criminal charges.



A total of 188 criminal cases alone were brought against the banned Jehovahs Witnesses, while there were 477 searches of members' homes, with raids and interrogations including "instances of torture that continue to go uninvestigated and unpunished."

For decades, the Jehovah's Witnesses have been viewed with suspicion in Russia, where the dominant Orthodox Church is championed by President Vladimir Putin.



In 2017, Russia outlawed the religious group and labeled it "extremist," a designation the State Department has called "wrongful."
Astro Sponsors SPAC Focused on Space Economy, Technology and Transport Industries

Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Astro Aerospace (OTCQB: ASDN) ("Company" or "Astro"), a global leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles and drones, announced today its sponsorship of Parsec Capital Acquisitions Corp. ("Parsec"), an emerging SPAC investing in businesses within the space economy, technology and transport industries. Last month, Parsec CEO and Board member Patricia Trompeter was appointed to Astro's Board of Directors. The Parsec sponsorship is a huge development in driving Astro's mission to introduce greater environmentally and economically sustainable solutions to the aerial vehicle industry.

Parsec is ideally positioned with an offering size of $50 million. The SPAC focuses on smaller mid cap size targets allowing much greater freedom for asset selection. Parsec's three target industries continue to welcome more and more innovative technologies, pushing space economy towards a $1 trillion evaluation by 2040, the artificial intelligence market toward $390.9 billion by 2025, and the sustainable aviation fuel market toward $15.3 billion by 2030.

Parsec offers a calculated and strategic approach when sourcing opportunities due to its high-level expertise across its management team and Board of Directors. CEO Patricia Trompeter's career spans more than 16 years in mergers and acquisitions and over 15 years in financial management. Her financial competencies are matched by her breadth of knowledge in the aviation industry which she acquired throughout her career including positions at GE Capital Aircraft Services (GECAS) with the acquisition of Guinness Peat Aviation.

Ms. Trompeter's leadership makes Parsec part of a growing representation of female minority-led SPACs, which according to Bloomberg only half of the SPACs they reviewed had women present on their board.

Ms. Trompeter commented, "I have always had an obsession with aircraft industry and by nature space travel. Astro's vision for the future of transportation is a huge inspiration to Parsec. Astro's sponsorship will help us grow emerging businesses that will make a true impact on the environment and the way society functions. Astro can fully relate to our efforts as an emerging pioneer in the growing $46.7 billion eVTOL aircraft market."

Parsec's executive team also includes CFO, Paul Haber who brings 25 years in corporate finance and capital markets. Mr. Haber and Ms. Trompeter are also active on the SPAC's Board of Directors. They are joined by world-class Board.

"Astro's sponsorship of Parsec is a natural fit," said Astro CEO, Bruce Bent. "Parsec's vision and goals align with Astro's objectives, and the Parsec team brings decades of experience to successfully grow companies while increasing shareholder value. Astro had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Trompeter to our Board last month, and we could not be happier to invest in a SPAC under her leadership."

About Astro Aerospace

Astro Aerospace is the developer of the world's most advanced, autonomous, short haul, eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aerial vehicles. Our mission is to make self-flying unmanned and manned vehicles available to anyone, at any time, from anywhere, and to turn this new and exciting aircraft into a mainstream mode of transportation. Our vision is "Flight Made Easy".

Visit www.flyastro.com for more information.

About Parsec

Parsec Capital Acquisitions Corp. is an emerging SPAC investing in businesses within the space economy, technology and transport industries launched April 2021.

Parsec is ideally positioned with an offering size of $50 million to allow a much greater freedom for asset selection. Parsec's three target industries continue to welcome more and more innovative technologies, pushing space economy towards a $1 trillion evaluation by 2040, the artificial intelligence market toward $390.9 billion by 2025, and the sustainable aviation fuel market toward $15.3 billion by 2030.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements," which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as "may," "might," "will," "will likely result," "would," "should," "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "continue," "target" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: the Company's reliance on one key customer for a substantial percentage of its revenue; the Company's ability to consummate any proposed financing, acquisition or transaction, the timing of the closing of such proposed event, including the risks that a condition to closing would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all, or that the closing of any proposed financing, acquisition or transaction will not occur or whether any such event will enhance shareholder value; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to attract, maintain and increase the number of its customers; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants; the Company successfully implementing its growth strategy; management's relationships with industry stakeholders; the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the businesses of the Company's subsidiaries; and other risks, uncertainties and factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligations to update these statements, except as may be required by law. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1993

This document does not constitute an offer to subscribe for, buy or sell the securities mentioned herein or any other securities in any jurisdiction, including the United States of America, its territories and possessions (the "United States"). The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be 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 exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

Investor Contact

For inquiries contact:

Kevin McGrath

kevin@tradigitalir.com

Astro Aerospace Ltd

320 W. Main Street

Lewisville, TX 75057

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81172
Tonto Dikeh took to Instagram to lend her voice in calling for Ghanaian actress Akuapem Poloo to be freed after she was sentenced to 3 months in jail. Akuapem was sentenced last week for posing naked in front of her 7-year-old son to wish him a happy birthday.



After her sentencing, a number of people began campaigning for her to be freed and they created a hashtag. Tens of thousands have signed a petition, calling for her sentence to be reduced.



Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh weighed in, asking the Ghanaian authorities to temper justice with mercy because Akuapem's son needs his mother.



She acknowledged that Akuapem did wrong but said she should be given a lighter sentence.



Read Full Story .... lindaikejisblog.com >>> :

















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WASHINGTON  A day after a white Minneapolis police officer was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, a Black man, lawmakers in both parties said they were cautiously optimistic that the verdict could provide new momentum in Congress to overcome the hurdles that have thwarted a far-reaching police overhaul.

In a speech on Tuesday night at the White House, President Biden formally called on lawmakers to resurrect the bill known as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Democrats expansive measure to address the use of excessive force and racial discrimination, pledging to sign it into law as quickly as possible. The bill, co-written by Vice President Kamala Harris when she was a senator, has languished for almost a year amid partisan differences.

Were going to stay at it until we get it done, the president assured Mr. Floyds family in call after the verdict.

On Capitol Hill, key lawmakers in both parties said on Wednesday that the conviction may have opened a rare window of opportunity to break the stalemate. In the clearest sign of progress, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Republicans lead emissary on the issue, said that a bipartisan group of lawmakers was on the verge of a compromise in the coming weeks, although the details were murky.
FREMONT, Calif. and OXFORD, United Kingdom, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerus Endovascular Ltd., a privately held, commercial-stage medical device company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to conduct a U.S. trial for the Contour Neurovascular System, indicated for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The IDE approval follows the receipt of Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA in February 2021.

"We are eager to move ahead with this important trial and anticipate patient enrollment beginning within the next three months," stated Dr. Stephen Griffin, President of Cerus Endovascular. "The IDE study protocol closely aligns with protocols of other intra-saccular aneurysm repair devices that have received FDA approval. Given the real-world patient outcomes we have experienced in Europe, where the Contour Neurovascular System has had CE mark approval since March 2020, we are hopeful that we will see similar, strong results from this trial."

The study, is designed to develop a robust data set to support the safety and efficacy of the Contour Neurovascular System for the endovascular embolization of wide-necked, bifurcated, saccular intracranial aneurysms. Study results will be submitted in a Premarket Approval (PMA) application to the FDA.

Dr. Sam Milstein, Cerus' Chairman, noted, "International demand for the System has been strong. Since obtaining CE Mark last year, we have completed cases in 121 new partner institutions within 12 countries across Europe and Asia. During this time, we have accumulated substantial additional clinical data as well as 12-month post-operative follow-up, all of which indicates that the Contour Neurovascular System is well positioned to meet the requisite endpoints of the U.S. study."

Dr. Lori Adels, Chief Compliance Officer of Cerus Endovascular, added, "Seven of the leading interventional neurovascular sites in the U.S. have already agreed to be active contributors to this study, a testament to the importance of this innovative device."

About the Contour Neurovascular System

The Contour Neurovascular System, composed of fine mesh braid, represents a unique intrasaccular advancement in the market, as it targets the neck of the aneurysm, away from the vulnerable dome. The System is designed to be self-anchored for stability, re-sheathable for precise placement, and because it is deployed across the neck, sizing criteria are less restrictive than other commercially available intrasaccular devices, making it easier to use in the clinical setting.

About Cerus Endovascular

Cerus Endovascular is a privately held, commercial-stage, medical device company engaged in the design and development of highly differentiated and proprietary interventional neuroradiology devices and delivery systems for the treatment of acute, life-threatening neurological conditions, specifically, intracranial aneurysms. The Company's CE Marked products, the Contour Neurovascular System and the Neqstent Coil Assisted Flow Diverter, expand the number and types of treatable intracranial aneurysms. For more information, please go to: www.cerusendo.com.

Contact:

Melody A. Carey

Rx Communications Group, LLC

917-322-2571

[email protected]

SOURCE Cerus Endovascular Ltd.

Related Links

https://www.cerusendo.com/


As 4/20 dawned at Golden Gate Park, the scene Tuesday was mostly calm  characteristic for a weekday morning, but not for the international cannabis holiday in San Francisco.

Like last years 4/20, which rolled around just one month into the first pandemic lockdown, this years holiday was anything but typical in the city.

For the second year in a row, Mayor London Breed and other city officials declared 4/20 canceled. They stationed park rangers to patrol the area around Robin Williams Meadow and Hippie Hill, Golden Gate Parks infamous 4/20 gathering spots which in past years have drawn thousands. The areas were fenced off so revelers couldnt get in.

San Francisco park rangers were patrolling the fenced-off area on four-wheelers and bikes, but as they said themselves, there wasnt much to patrol.

Its just been really quiet, business as usual, one ranger said. Other years, you know how it gets, completely off the wall.

Several minutes later, a woman appearing to record video on her phone walked past the park rangers, both disgruntled and resolute. I feel like its a personal attack against us that they literally just closed off this area, she said, speaking into her phone. I wonder why they would purposely do such a thing, intentionally closing off Hippie Hill and our Meadow. Fascism, maybe? Communism?

Stephen Lam / The Chronicle

The mood along Haight Street, however, was a little more upbeat. By 11 a.m., dozens of customers were already filing into Berners on Haight, a popular dispensary started by Berner, the San Francisco rapper and marijuana mogul.

Its a very positive holiday, not too many fights today, said a Berners employee, who added that the holiday is the best day of the year for business. Its all about being happy and smoking up.

He added that he was seeing orders come in at a minimum of $500, mostly from customers who were ordering for themselves and friends. Theyre stocking up for the day, he said, before helping a customer figure out what edible gummy hed recommend taking before a flight.

Though 4/20 had been deemed canceled in San Francisco, by noon Dolores Park already was crawling with its own brand of celebration  and the smell of freshly rolled grass.

Small groups of mostly young people could be found picnicking, smoking and listening to music alongside several large groups of schoolchildren who had gathered in the sun to eat their lunch.

Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain
This industry is changing daily due to advancing technology, and this evaluation will help CHS identify the most accurate and effective tools for multiple marine research and navigation safety needs.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) contracted with Woolpert Canada to collect aerial topographic and bathymetric lidar data and high-resolution, four-band imagery at select sites along the southwest coast of British Columbia. These data, collected with associated oceanographic and ground survey information, will support the missions of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). The data will be used to update nautical charts and provide vital information for marine research and to support indigenous communities.

Woolpert is flying this project with its dual port Cessna 404 with the firms Leica Hawkeye 4X lidar sensor, navigating water clarity, tide levels and weather conditions. Data are scheduled to be delivered to DFO by the end of June.

Woolpert Vice President and Hydrographer Ben Hocker said as part of this project, additional data are being collected over portions of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This region will be used as a reference surface to evaluate emerging geospatial and hydrographic technologies. The information collected by Woolpert will complement data collected by CHS using satellite, multibeam, sonar and vessel-mounted mobile laser scanners.

The intent is to develop an area where multiple types of data will be collected using various platforms and sensors to evaluate and compare their effectiveness for marine research and charting, Hocker said. This industry is changing daily due to advancing technology, and this evaluation will help CHS identify the most accurate and effective tools for multiple marine research and navigation safety needs.

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 in Dayton, Ohio, 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.
OTTAWA, ON, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, will host a panel discussion with young farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to discuss climate-smart agricultural practices and highlight investments in Budget 2021.

Date

April 22, 2021

Time

1:30 pm (EDT)

Location

Virtual

Participation details

To join by videoconference



Media are invited to observe the Minister's speech and panel discussion @ 1:30pm

https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAgriculture

Media are invited to participate in a Q&A with Minister Bibeau and the panelists @ 2:30pm

https://canada.webex.com/canada/j.php?MTID=mc43d443f279533a56238f818cc64ca4e

Meeting number: 129 406 3226

Meeting password: [email protected]

*** The event will be recorded. Participants may decline to have their likeness recorded by turning their camera off. This will not impact the audio or visual transmission of the event. Please select "use computer audio" when opening the meeting in the application. ***

Access to telephone line for the WebEx Q&A session

Please contact the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Media Relations team to register and obtain instructions.

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information: Jean-Sebastien Comeau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected], 343-549-2326; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca


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OK! I admit it. Im a breakfast dinerholic and the only 12-step program that has succeeded with me was last years pandemic when we could only order take out. Otherwise, I am at one of my favorite diners at the crack of dawn almost every day of the week, chowing down on whatever my WW point counts will tolerate and savoring delicious flavors of eggs, pancakes or oatmeal.

But what makes my diner experiences really enjoyable are the special waitstaff folks, who put up with my quirky ordering style, share conversation and really make my day. Without them, Id be doomed to be miserable in my classroom or after a WW meeting when Ive gained.

Over the years that weve lived in Fairfield and now Stratford, Ive frequented Penneys, Circle Diner and more recently Colony Diner and Frankies in Bridgeport and Flyer Diner in Devon. And Ive identified many favorite waitresses or waiters. Each has been part of my life events, happy and sad  jobs Ive had or lost or breakfasts with friends. And they have all been part of my holiday gift lifts for the amazing service theyve provided.

Take Burt, for instance, from Penneys. Over the five-plus years, I substituted in Fairfield Schools, Burt patiently listened to stories about family and students and knew my breakfast routine inside and out. Aside from being a terrific waiter, he was and still is a caring human being. Sadly, I dont get to Penneys that often these days unless I have an early appointment at Massage Envy nearby, and I rarely see Burt, who had some health issues and comes in a bit later.

Because of my work at Fairfield University Bookstore, I usually get to Circle Diner in Fairfield on Sundays. I was so glad when Circle re-opened for eating late last spring because I reconnected with several favorite wait staff. If I arrive very early, Jimmy is my go-to guy and eventually he could read me like a book. He is quick and responsive and pretty much gives me the choices of what I might be ordering. He is a super guy.

Karen and I go way back to days when she was working in Stamford at a diner I used to frequent and over the years Ive been coming to Circle, weve become good friends. In addition to being a wonderful waitress, shes a great person, loves our grandkids and always makes my eating experience enjoyable.

What I really appreciated was when Karen shared the sad news, soon after Circle reopened about the passing of another favorite wait staffer, Angel, who succumbed to COVID early in the pandemic. She told me she wished she had my contact information so I wouldnt have found out so late. Whenever Im in, we always find extra time for catch-up conversation about the family and the dog  shes a dog owner and shes asked to get copies of the column.

Juan, another super waiter at Circle, took to our first grandson Lucas right away when we returned with him from China. And he is thrilled whenever we bring Lucas and Caleb, our second miracle, into the diner.

Sadly, one of the casualties of the pandemic was another favorite diner, Colony in Bridgeport. From the time I started teaching at Bridge Academy nearly eight years ago, I was at my favorite booth, second from the front, behind the manager Dina. But, as Dina told me, her nephew, thought it best to close.

I had two favorites at Colony. Julio was truly the best. Every morning, my coffee was waiting and he had even memorized my daily entrees, except on mornings when I opted to change things up. Julio was also a great listener and, even at 6 a.m., he was always happy to chat.

Over the years, I learned that Julio was also a terrific handyman and painter and he completed many projects in our new home, including helping us move in many of the heavy boxes and painting our sewing room and alcove after a flood and restoration.

Candy was my other favorite and she was also terrific about making great conversation or sharing stories. She was also very supportive throughout our daughters adoption process and her pregnancy with Caleb. Ironically, I discovered through Dina from Colony that Candy had moved over to Frankies Diner near Bridgeport Hospital after Colony closed. My wife and I finally saw her one Saturday when we went to Frankies for breakfast.

My friend and amazing dentist, Mark, had taken me to Frankies several years before I started going there for breakfast. But when Colony closed and I realized Frankies was right on my way to work at school, I started eating breakfast there everyday. Since I had to be in our school building everyday by 6:30 to handle the desk, my two favorite wait staff people, Elsa and Mr. Ray were kind enough to let me in before the diner actually opened. Theyve been great to me ever since.

Brenda at Flyer Diner in Devon and one of the best waitresses Ive come to know, waited on me one morning about three years ago and she was a breath of fresh air  upbeat, chatty and all about great customer service. At first, we chatted occasionally, but we didnt really start longer conversations until she shared that her destination wedding, someplace warm, had to be postponed due to the hurricane in Puerto Rico, I believe.

After that, I saw Brenda periodically during school vacations and over the summers, but she waited on me the morning our daughter Stacey went into labor and I got the call at the diner. That morning broke the ice and its been super conversation ever since. I learned when I was having breakfast with a friend that she and her husband have houses here and in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.

More recently weve talked about her sisters, mom and grandkids. But most of all, Brenda continues to be a bright spot in my morning breakfast and really makes me feel that shes glad I came in.

And I have to say that all my other favorite waitstaff people have meant the same to me over the years. And as long as I remain a dinerholic, I will continue to appreciate the great waitstaffers who always make my day.

Steven Gaynes is a Fairfield writer, and his In the Suburbs appears each Friday. He can be reached at stevengaynes44@gmail.com.
It was reported late yesterday that a ransomware crew demanded that Apple pay a ransom to avoid having confidential information leaked on the dark web.

The REvil crew claims it came into possession of Apple product data after breaching Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese company that is the biggest laptop manufacturer in the world and which is also one of the companies that assemble official Apple products based on pre-supplied product designs and schematics.

In a message posted on a dark web portal where the ransomware gang usually threatens victims and leaks their data, the REvil gang said that Quanta refused to pay to get its stolen data back and, as a result, the REvil operators have now decided to go after the companys primary customer instead.

The REvil gang posted 21 screenshots depicting MacBook schematics and threatened to publish new data every day until Apple or Quanta paid the ransom demand. For more on this, read the full report by The Record.

In a Bloomberg report on the matter they noted that "Quanta Computers information security team has worked with external IT experts in response to cyber attacks on a small number of Quanta servers," the company said in a statement. "Weve reported to and kept seamless communications with the relevant law enforcement and data protection authorities concerning recent abnormal activities observed. Theres no material impact on the companys business operation."

By the time Apples Spring Loaded event was over yesterday, REvil had posted schematics for a new laptop, including 15 images detailing the guts of what appears to be a MacBook designed as recently as March 2021, according to the documents reviewed by Bloomberg.

REvil attempted to engage Quanta in ransom negotiations last week inside a chat-room on the attackers darkweb page, according to a transcript thats been reviewed by Bloomberg News. The REvil operator started the interaction by claiming to have stolen and encrypted all local network data while demanding $50 million for the decryption key to unlock their systems.

Quanta told Bloomberg that its information security defense system was activated immediately, and it has resumed internal services affected by the incident. The company is upgrading its cybersecurity infrastructure to protect its data  after the incident. For more, read the full BNN Bloomberg report.
[April 21, 2021] Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF Breaks Through USD 500 Million in Assets

DWS's Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF (NYSE Arca (News - Alert) : SNPE), has broken through USD 500 million in assets as investor money continues to move into the product amid rising investor interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) ETFs. The increasing popularity of the product, which currently registers USD 545 million in assets under management (AUM)1, is driven by investor demand for sustainable solutions to supplement their investment strategy, while also seeking to generate attractive returns. DWS, one of the world's leading asset managers, is also one of the largest ESG ETF providers globally, with $14bn AUM in dedicated ESG ETFs. The firm's Xtrackers suite of funds has an AUM of $21bn in the U.S., and $178bn globally.2 The Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF tracks large US stocks, with similar risk and return characteristics to the S&P 500 Index, but with a weighting towards companies with the strongest ESG characteristics relative to sector peers. It has a net expense ratio of 0.10% (0.11% gross).3 Amanda Rebello, DWS Head of Passive Sales, US onshore, commented: " Momentum (News - Alert) into Xtrackers ETFs, and in particular into our ESG suite, continues. We expect to see even higher levels of investor interest with the Biden administration's focus on climate policy, including the Paris Agreement, and also as the economy continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic." Listed options on SNPE began trading on the NYSE last month, providing an additional route for investors to gain exposure to the product, as well as potentially hedge existing positions. The Xtrackers ESG range spans US- and international, as well as corporate- and emerging market bond exposures, and was awarded 'ETF Suite of the Year' at Fund Intelligence's Mutual Fund Industry and ETF Virtual Awards 2020.4 The Xtrackers ESG range was expanded earlier this year with the launch, in February, of the Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (NYSE Arca: MIDE) and Xtrackers S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (NYSE Arca: SMLE). 1 Source (News - Alert) : DWS, 13 April 2021

2 Source: DWS, Xtrackers AUM of $14bn in dedicated ESG ETFs; $21bn in the U.S.; and $178bn globally, current as of April 15, 2021.

3 The Advisor has contractually agreed through December 17, 2021 to waive its fees and/or reimburse fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest expense, taxes, brokerage expenses, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.10% of the fund's average daily net assets. This agreement may only be terminated by the fund's Board (and may not be terminated by the Advisor) prior to that time.

4 Xtrackers ESG ETF product portfolio was named 'ETF Suite of the Year' at the 27th annual Fund Intelligence's Mutual Fund Industry and ETF Virtual Awards 2020. These industry awards are meant to recognize people and organizations whose excellence, achievements and contributions to the mutual fund industry have stood out. In addition, Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) won the 'Newcomer ESG/Impact ETF of the Year' accolade. For more information on methodology and judging process for the awards, please visit: https://mutualfundindustryawards.awardstage.com/#!/home-of0eb3nc9stuglc7mkd. The Top ETF Suite award is given to the most successful suite of ETFs as determined by a combination of several elements, such as flows, performance, innovation and fund objectives. About DWS Group DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with US 969bn of assets under management (as of 31 December 2020). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.



We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management - as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus - complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically. DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors - entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients' future.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ETF shares are not individually redeemable, and owners of shares may acquire those shares from the Fund, or tender such shares for the redemption to the Fund, in Creation Units only. Consider each fund's investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other important information can be found in the fund's prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-855-DBX-ETFS (1-855-329-3837) or by viewing or downloading a prospectus at www.Xtrackers.com. Please read it carefully before investing. Xtrackers ETFs are managed by DBX Advisors LLC (the Advisor), and distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS). The Advisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, and is not affiliated with ALPS. Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investing in securities that meet ESG criteria may result in the fund forgoing otherwise attractive opportunities, which may result in underperformance when compared to funds that do not consider ESG factors. Stocks may decline in value. Stocks of medium-sized companies involve greater risk than securities of larger, more-established companies. Funds investing in a single industry, country or in a limited geographic region generally are more volatile than more diversified funds. Various factors, including costs, cash flows and security selection, may cause the fund's performance to differ from that of the index. Performance of the fund may diverge from that of the Underlying Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, use of sampling strategies or operational inefficiencies. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. An investment in this fund should be considered only as a supplement to a complete investment program for those investors willing to accept the risks associated with the fund. Please read the prospectus for more information. Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF: ESG criteria in a fund's investment strategy does not guarantee a return or protect against a loss. This fund is new and has limited operating history. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Stocks may decline in value. Stocks of medium-sized companies involve greater risk than securities of larger, more-established companies. Performance of the Fund may diverge from that of the Underlying Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, use of sampling strategies or operational inefficiencies. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in securities that meet ESG criteria may result in the fund forgoing otherwise attractive opportunities, which may result in underperformance when compared to funds that do not consider ESG factors. An investment in this fund should be considered only as a supplement to a complete investment program for those investors willing to accept the risks associated with the fund. Please read the prospectus for more information. Xtrackers S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF: ESG criteria in a fund's investment strategy does not guarantee a return or protect against a loss. This fund is new and has limited operating history. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Stocks may decline in value. Small company stocks tend to be more volatile than medium-sized or large company stocks. Performance of the Fund may diverge from that of the Underlying Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, use of sampling strategies or operational inefficiencies. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in securities that meet ESG criteria may result in the fund forgoing otherwise attractive opportunities, which may result in underperformance when compared to funds that do not consider ESG factors. An investment in this fund should be considered only as a supplement to a complete investment program for those investors willing to accept the risks associated with the fund. Please read the prospectus for more information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions. Such statements represent management's current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events. NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED  MAY LOSE VALUE  NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT  NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. R- 082722-1 (4/21) DBX004882 (4/22) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005344/en/

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Endurance Gold Corporation (TSXV:EDG) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the first phase of drilling has commenced at the Reliance Gold Property (the "Property") in southern British Columbia. The Property is located 4 kilometres ("km") from the village of Gold Bridge with year-round road access, and 10 km from the historic Bralorne-Pioneer Gold Mining Camp which has produced about 4 million ounces of gold.

The 2021 program is designed to follow-up on the exploration success of the 2020 program that returned near surface drill intersections such as 12.2 metres ("m") of 9.70 grams per tonnes ("gpt") gold at the Eagle Zone and 4.6 m of 7.23 gpt gold at the Imperial Zone. The 2021 program will also test for the bedrock source of coincidental soil and biogeochemical targets including soil sample values of 5.55 parts per million ("ppm") and 8.42 ppm gold at the Senator-Diplomat showing, and 11 ppm gold at the Crown showing.

The reverse circulation ("RC") drilling has now commenced with the exploration focus on several targets along the 1.2 km trend of the Royal Shear and nearby Treasure Shear. The current RC program is budgeted to complete 30 to 40 holes with a maximum drilling depth of 70 m at each hole over 6 weeks. Drilling will commence at the Senator-Diplomat area and progress systematically to the Treasure, Imperial, Crown, Eagle South, and then test the interpreted strike extension of the Eagle Zone. At the Eagle Zone the estimated average true width of the nine (9) holes drilled in 2020 is 16 m with a weighted average grade of 4.63 gpt gold. The target location map is appended below.

The Company is proud of its efforts to engage and inform the local communities including the First Nation communities. Engagement and dialogue continue with the affected First Nation communities to determine how we may be able to dovetail opportunities for mutually beneficial participation. As part of this effort, the Company has engaged Tsal'alh Development Corporation ("TDC") to assist with the 2021 exploration program commencing with the planned RC program. In 2020, TDC provided the Company over 130 man-days of high-quality manpower that was instrumental in contributing towards a successful 2020 exploration season.

Endurance Gold Corporation is a company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective North American mineral properties with the potential to develop world-class deposits.

ENDURANCE GOLD CORPORATION

Robert T. Boyd, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Endurance Gold Corporation www.endurancegold.com

Toll Free: (877) 624 2237, info@endurancegold.com

RC samples were collected under the supervision of a geologist at the drilling rig. Drilling was completed using a 3.5 inch hammer bit and rock chip samples were collected using a cyclone. Sample size were reduced to 1/8th size with a riffle splitter at the drilling rig. A second duplicate split and coarse chips were collected for reference material and stored. All RC samples were submitted to ALS Global in North Vancouver, BC, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, where they were crushed to 70% <2 mm then up to 250 gram pulverized to <75 microns. Samples were then submitted for four-acid digestion and analyzed for 48 element ICP-MS (ME-MS61) and gold 30g FA ICP-AES finish (AU-ICP21). Over limit samples returning greater than 10 ppm gold were re-analyzed by Au-GRA21 methodology and over limit antimony returning greater than 10,000 ppm Sb were re-analyzed by Sb-AA08 methodology. The work program was supervised by Darren O'Brien, P.Geo., an independent consultant and qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. O'Brien has reviewed and approved 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. This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results.

Reliance Property B.C. - 2021 Exploration Targets



Reliance Property B.C. - RC21-018 - The Initial 2021 RC Drill Hole



SOURCE: Endurance Gold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641537/Endurance-Commences-2021-Drilling-Program-at-the-Reliance-Gold-Property-BC
As he sat at his computer on a recent Sunday afternoon preparing for the workweek ahead, Jonathan Frostick, a program manager at an investment bank in London, said he could not breathe. His chest tightened and his ears started to pop. He was having a heart attack.

His first thoughts were of how this would disrupt his work life.

I needed to meet with my manager tomorrow, Mr. Frostick, who works for HSBC, wrote in a post on LinkedIn. This isnt convenient.

Later, as he convalesced in a hospital bed, Mr. Frostick began to examine his life, he wrote. Beneath a photo of himself in his hospital bed, he posted new vows for his life going forward:

Im not spending all day on Zoom anymore.

Im restructuring my approach to work.

He would no longer put up with workplace drama. Life is too short, he wrote.

Lastly: I want to spend more time with my family.

Since he described his epiphany a week ago, his post has been liked over 200,000 times. It has received more than 10,000 comments from readers describing how their own brushes with death had led them to step back from work and take stock of the way they had been living their lives.
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The Las Vegas Raiders are under fire for tweeting 'I Can Breathe' after Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd, but team owner Mark Davis is defending message, saying he was echoing a comment from the victim's brother.

The tweet, which Davis said was his idea, was sent by the team's official account on Tuesday: 'I CAN BREATHE 4-20-21.'

Floyd told officers 'I can't breathe' more than 20 times before he was killed when Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd's neck last May. Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday for causing Floyd's death. He faces a maximum of up to 40 years in prison.

Despite the criticism, Philonise Floyd, George's brother, issued a statement through the family's attorney on Wednesday, saying he doesn't have any ill feelings about the Raiders' post.

The Las Vegas Raiders are under fire for tweeting 'I Can Breathe' after Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd

Team owner Mark Davis (pictured) is defending message, saying he was echoing a comment from the victim's brother

The Raiders' tweet was slammed on Twitter by commenters who saw it as a premature celebration. 'The police shot a 15 year old black girl while the jury was reading Chauvin's guilty verdict,' read one comment, referring to the fatal police shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. 'It's not time to breathe easy yet'

'On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our nation's ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all,' Philonise Floyd said.

'Now, more than ever, we must come together as one and continue on in this fight. For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that goes for so many across the nation and globe, as well. Let's take this breath together in honor of my big brother who couldn't. Let's do it for George.'

The tweet from the Raiders drew backlash on Twitter. The phrase 'I can breathe' was used by supporters of police in New York after the death of Eric Garner in 2014. Davis said he wouldn't have used that phrase if he knew the history but chose not to delete the tweet.

'It's a tough situation,' Davis said in a phone interview Tuesday night. 'I feel bad it was taken in a way it wasn't meant to be done. That can only be my fault for not explaining it.'

'The police shot a 15 year old black girl while the jury was reading Chauvin's guilty verdict,' read one comment, referring to the fatal police shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. 'It's not time to breathe easy yet.'

'Bro how is this not deleted yet,' one Twitter user asked.

The post remained pinned to the top of the team's Twitter account for several hours. Davis said he won't delete the tweet because it is already out there but he is sorry if it offended anyone in Floyd's family.

Davis said he was driving when the verdict was announced and heard Floyd's brother, Philonise (pictured), make the statement that 'we can all breathe again' and decided to make that message the team's response. 'I thought that said a lot,' Davis said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. 'It said a lot about everything. I thought it was something where we could all breathe again. Justice was served'

Davis said he was driving when the verdict was announced and heard Floyd's brother, Philonise, make the statement that 'we can all breathe again' and decided to make that message the team's response.

'I thought that said a lot,' Davis said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. 'It said a lot about everything. I thought it was something where we could all breathe again. Justice was served.'

Davis did stress that he knows inequality remains a major issue in the country.

'We still have a lot of work to do on social justice and police brutality,' he said. 'But today, justice was served.'

The reaction on Twitter was unforgiving.

'Communications department approved this,' read one tweet. 'PR department approved this. Digital team approved this. Legal, too, probably. Unreal.'

'I sincerely hope the Raiders go 0-16 this season,' read another.

However, Davis said he is unconcerned with the reaction on Twitter.

'It was taken negatively by 99 percent of the people,' Davis said. 'That happens. That's part of social media.'
MOUNT PLEASANT, MI  The Mount Pleasant Public Schools administration has offered its take on a 7-year-old student having large amounts of her hair cut off by a staff member, an incident that has drawn public outcry.

Jurnee Hoffmeyer on March 24 arrived home from Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams St., with the hair on one side of her head cut off. Jurnee told her father, Jimmy Hoffmeyer, that a female student had cut her hair on the bus, doing so with scissors she had taken from a classroom. Hoffmeyer took his daughter to a barber, who provided Jurnee with an asymmetrical cut.

Two days later, Jurnee returned home a second time with nearly all her hair cut off down to a few inches from her scalp. Jurnee told her father her library teacher had cut off her remaining hair.

Jurnee is biracial and had long, curly hair prior to it being cut. Hoffmeyer is Black and white and Jurnees mother is white. The school staffer who cut Jurnees hair is also white.

The evening of Tuesday, April 20, the school administration sent a letter to parents sharing its perspective on the incident.

At Mount Pleasant Public Schools, we strive to ensure all our students can learn and achieve in an inclusive, safe environment free from harassment, discrimination, bigotry or intolerance, begins the letter, authored by Superintendent Jennifer Verleger. We work hard each day to foster a culture of respect, compassion and kindness so all our students, families, staff and visitors feel welcome and supported.

Verleger goes on to say the district is reviewing the incident, conducting interviews, and watching videotaped evidence. In the interest of transparency, Verleger detailed some of the findings of the ongoing internal review.

Verleger wrote that Jurnee had asked a fellow student to cut her hair at school. The friend removed scissors from a classroom without permission and cut Jurnees hair as they rode home on a bus. The next day, Ganiard Principal Marcy Stout met with both students to discuss the matter.

Jurnee grew unhappy and dissatisfied with the way her hair looked after the other student cut it and asked a school library employee to help fix her hair during a classroom visit to the library, Verleger wrote. Rather than declining this request or consulting with the students parents or school administrators, the library employee  who is also a cosmetologist  agreed to even out the students hair to make her feel better. She brought in professional shears and special barrettes.

Jurnees teacher was also aware of the library employees plan to cut the girls hair, Verleger wrote.

The library employee cut Jurnees hair on March 26, without obtaining permission from the Jurnees parents or consulting with school administrators.

Regardless of their good intentions, these actions are unacceptable and show a lack of judgement on the part of our two employees, Verleger wrote. Both employees have admitted their actions and apologized. Both are being reviewed for further disciplinary actions in accordance with our school policies and procedures.

Verleger added she has personally apologized to Jurnees family on behalf of the school district.

This undated photo provided by Jimmy Hoffmeyer shows his daughter Jurnee Hoffmeyer, 7, before a classmate and a teacher cut her hair on separate occasions. (Jimmy Hoffmeyer via AP)

Verleger concluded her letter by stating more updates will be provided as the investigation gathers more information.

Hoffmeyer in mid-April contacted the National Parents Union, self-described as a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents. Our family advocates improve the quality of life for children across the United States and define the education conversation.

Bernita Bradley, NPUs Midwest delegate who is working with Hoffmeyer, said the incident left Jurnee traumatized.

Bradley also likened the incidents to modern-day scalping and said the matter is racially motivated.

Thats exactly what it is, she said. It equates to the fact that you dont like something that naturally grows out of my body and to ostracize me, you scalp me.

Christina Laster, NPUs director of policy and legislation, issued a response to Verlegers letter the morning of April 21. In it, Laster wrote NPUs formal position is in support of the Hoffmeyers and that Jurnee was too young to consent for her hair to be cut in such a manner.

The implication by Mount Pleasant Public Schools that Jurnee asked for the haircut and was being done a favor by all parties isnt consistent with her story, the familys understanding, and not within legal parameters, Laster wrote. Jurnee Hoffmeyer loved her hair that she grew from birth and did not seek out a haircut at school.

Laster also stated that adults have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to care for children in their care.

Treat our children as you would treat your very own is the way to offer care, Laster wrote.

Laster added that NPU does not believe placing blame on Jurnee is the best way to offer remorse and accountability. The way to move forward in authenticity, real meaningful progress and change, combat systemic racism, and hold school systems to task is by offering an apology, restitution, and viable solutions to ensure this type of situation never happens again.

The Hoffmeyers are pursuing what is within their civil, criminal, and federal rights to address the situation, Laster wrote. The NPU is also petitioning Congress and President Joe Biden to support and pass Crown Act legislation, which would ban hair discrimination on the federal level.

The acts name is a backronym for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. States including California, Washington, New York, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut have adopted the Crown Act as law.

On the state level, a Crown Act bill was sponsored by state Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing and reintroduced in February. Ingham County on March 23 passed a resolution to become the first county in the state to ban hair discrimination against public employees.

We believe this would be a timely response to what happened to Jurnee Hoffmeyer and multitudes of other children of color, Laster wrote. If this nation is serious about combating and eradicating systemic racism, the way we protect our children from it will be the greatest determining factor.

The haircutting incident has sparked outrage, as was showcased during a Monday, April 19, meeting of the Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and went until about 11:30 p.m. due to the influx of speakers during the public comment stage. People from as far away as Texas, California, and Australia voiced their opinions to the board.

During the meeting, board President Amy Bond said the board is aware of the allegations but cannot comment on it. She added reports the board has reviewed are inaccurate.

On social media outlets, the matter has gained traction via the hashtag #JusticeForJurnee.

Read more:

Michigan girls haircut by school staffer modern-day scalping, says National Parents Union

Prosecutors: Police justified in shooting death of Michigan man during meth raid

City Markets grocery in Bay City may close due to pandemics effect on business
Farmers on the Liverpool Plains will demand a future ban on coal and gas mining in the region as the Berejiklian government announces a $100 million payout for a Chinese company to exit its coal mine lease.

As the Herald reported yesterday, Chinas state-owned Shenhua corporation had reached an agreement to give up its plans for its Watermark open-cut coal mine at Breeza, south of Gunnedah, ending a 13-year battle with local farmers.

Shenhua will receive $100 million to leave the Liverpool Plains but local farmers say the battle against mining is not yet over. Credit:Kate Ausburn

Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Planning Minister Rob Stokes announced the plan to pay $100 million to Shenhua at an event at Breeza, close to the proposed mine site.

Shenhua will withdraw its mining lease application and surrender its development consent for the project. The government will also cancel Exploration Licence No. 7223, releasing Shenhua from its obligations under the licence.
I was standing outside of the Ferguson, Missouri, police department on a chilly night in November 2014 when a St. Louis County grand jury declined to indict former officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Weeks later I marched in Staten Island alongside Erica Garner, who dramatically lay down in the spot where New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo fatally choked her father Eric Garner for selling cigarettes. A day later, a grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo in Garners killing. The next December, I sat in a downtown Baltimore courthouse when the first trial of a police officer charged in connection with the death of Freddie Gray ended in a mistrial. Three more officers involved in Grays death were later acquitted, and the rest had their charges dropped the following summer.

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This is what I was thinking about when I saw Courteney Ross on TV on Tuesday. Amid the teeming throng of protesters and reporters in downtown Minneapolis, a news crew found Ross walking down the street with her friends, arms wrapped tightly around each others waists. It had only been a few minutes since former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for murdering Ross boyfriend, George Floyd.

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Since Floyds death in May, Ross has been one of the many people projecting and articulating the suffering Floyds family and friends were experiencing to the rest of the world. Ross, called to testify in Chauvins trial earlier this month, was also the first witness to give the jurors a glimpse of Floyd as something other than a martyr or a suspect. Floyd is what I would call a mamas boy, she said before dissolving into a puddle of tears.

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Tuesday afternoon was different. Ross wore a red T-shirt and face mask with Floyds image emblazoned across the front, and she could barely conceal her relief as reporters gathered around her in the street.

Theres going to be change in the future, Ross told the crowd. We still have a lot of reparations to be made from the past.

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Ross optimism was almost charming, and also understandable for someone who had no reason to believe her boyfriends killer would ever be held accountable. For once, a law enforcement officer accused of wrongdoing was being punished, criminally, for his callous indifference to Black life. Tuesdays verdict was, in fact, unprecedented: It was the first time a white police officer was convicted in the killing of a Black man in Minnesota, according to the states ACLU chapter.

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But after years of crisscrossing the country to write about yet another viral tragedy caused by yet another police officer using excessive force against yet another Black man, I cannot call what happened in a Minneapolis courtroom on Tuesday justice. All I can say is that it was definitely preferable to the alternative.

Chauvins conviction was the best-case scenario amid an array of wildly unsatisfying outcomes: The jury didnt even need a full day to reach a guilty verdict, and Chauvin will go to prison for fatally pinning Floyd beneath his knee. He now faces decades in prison when he returns for sentencing in eight weeks.

But even as we waited for news of the jurys decision on Tuesday, it appeared an officer in Columbus, Ohio, had shot and killed a 16-year-old Black girl. That may seem like a macabre coincidence, but actually its just another dayanother death at the hands of police in a long line of them. Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Atatiana Jefferson, Breonna Taylor, Adam Toledo, and on and on. In city streets and courts across the country, there continues to be little proof that Black lives truly matter. Tuesdays verdict doesnt change that.

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I wouldnt call what happened today justice, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in the post-verdict news conference. Justice implies full restoration. Ellisons words echoed those of Katie Wright, mother of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was killed last week by a police officer during a traffic stop in suburban Minneapolis. His killer, former Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, police officer Kim Potter, was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

That Potter is facing any charges is unusual, as fatal shootings by police rarely result in them. There are about 1,000 fatal police shootings reported annually in the U.S., but as Vox noted recently, the arrest rate is around 1 percent, never higher than 2 percent.

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Again, this is better than the alternative. But regardless of what happens to Potter, Katie Wright intuitively understands what Ellison was saying, and what I was thinking watching a hopeful Ross just two days before Wright will bury her son: that the legal system could never restore what it had already taken.

In May 2015, when I was sitting with Freddie Grays family as prosecutor Marilyn Mosby announced that the six police officers involved in Grays death would face felony charges, the prospect of justice was still on the table. Mosbys decision felt like a watershed moment. Grays mother, Gloria Darden, cried, and so did the familys attorney, Billy Murphy. I feel good because we got all six of them, Darden told me that afternoon. You can rest, Freddie. You can rest. You can be in peace now.

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Alone in a room with Freddie Grays family that day, we all allowed ourselves to believe, if only for a moment, that that might be true. That things were finally changing, starting that day. But six years later, even with a guilty verdict for Chauvin, the only change I see is that a woman whose son was just killed by police is no longer under such delusions.

Everybody keeps saying justice. But unfortunately, theres never going to be justice for us, Katie Wright said at a press conference last week. Justice would bring our son home to us, knocking on the door with his big smile coming in the house.  Justice isnt even a word to us.

In my six years at Slate, Ive written about multiple national elections, social movements, and major cultural phenomena. With support from Slate Plus members, Ive also gotten to dive deep into stories and angles no other outlets were covering, and that Slate wouldnt have otherwise had the time or resources to tackle. Christina Cauterucci, senior writer
Members of Parliaments of Poland and Lithuania, who arrived in Donetsk region on April 21, have again expressed their support for Ukraine.

They said this during a meeting with Ukrainian MPs in Mariupol on Wednesday, the press service of Donetsk Regional State Administration reports.

In particular, Deputy Speaker of the Polish Sejm Magorzata Gosiewska and Deputy Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Paulius Saudargas visited Donetsk region. The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Polishchuk, Head of Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko, and representatives of the Joint Forces Command.

Gosiewska noted that the decision to visit Ukraine was made as soon as the alarming news of the aggravation of the situation in Donbas began to reach Poland.

"We fill the Lublin Triangle (Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania) with practical content Yes, we stand together because, as the old saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Ukraine is not only the closest neighbor and economic partner, but also a friend. And now the most important thing is solidarity with Ukraine and support for it," she said.

In turn, Saudargas also expressed solidarity with Ukraine and his Polish counterpart. "We will continue to support Ukraine, support sanctions and continue our mission to help Ukraine," he said.

In the end, Stefanchuk thanked the deputy speakers of the parliaments of Poland and Lithuania for their solidarity with Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. "Ukraine always knows that Poland and Lithuania are our reliable allies, and I believe that by joint efforts we will stop Russia's armed aggression," he said.

Stefanchuk also stressed that the Crimean Platform is opening today and called on representatives of the international community to join it.

As Ukrinform reported, European officials will pay a working visit to Donetsk region on April 21 to personally see and assess the situation in eastern Ukraine, discuss issues of inter-parliamentary security cooperation and countering Russian aggression.

The Russian armed forces have recently been building up troops near the state border of Ukraine in the north, east and south, as well as in occupied Crimea. In addition, the number of ceasefire violations by the armed formations of the Russian Federation in eastern Ukraine has increased; there are losses among the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian Federation is conducting a propaganda campaign to justify possible aggression against Ukraine.

The Lublin Triangle is a trilateral format of interaction among Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, created by the foreign ministers of these countries in July 2020. The purpose of the format is to support Ukraine's integration into the European Union.

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Armed with shovels, gloves and headlamps, the team followed their map to the dig site. The vibe was very piratey, Dr. Weber said. Dr. Telewski set to digging a neat, squared-off hole.

But as they carved deeper and wider, there were no bottles to be found. The birds were starting to chirp, Dr. Weber said, and the sun threatened to blow their cover. Morale was low.

When Dr. Beal first buried the seed bottles, he planned to have one dug up every 5 years, and for the experiment to last a century. But as time passed, those in charge extended the span between digs to 10 years, then 20. Two have been slightly delayed: 1919s was moved to the spring of 1920  which Dr. Telewski suspects may have been related to the 1918 flu; and 2020s was moved to this year, because of Covid-19-related campus shutdowns.

To avoid losing the thread across these decades, a sort of ministry of seed-keepers has developed at Michigan State, with each generation of botanists passing the torch to younger colleagues.

Dr. Telewski  a professor of plant biology at the university, and the seventh person in charge of the experiment  dug up his first seed bottle in 2000 with his predecessor, Jan Zeevaart, who died in 2009. A couple of years ago, mulling his own mortality, he gave a copy of the map to David Lowry, an associate professor of plant biology who had expressed interest in joining up.

Just a couple of months later, Dr. Telewski suffered a stroke. While he has since recovered, it just showed me how delicate it is to hand these things off while keeping them secret, Dr. Lowry said. Soon after, Dr. Telewski invited Dr. Weber, who is an assistant professor at the university, and Dr. Brudvig to get involved as well.

Over the years, what were purely practical decisions by Dr. Beal have developed a patina of mystique. Dr. Beal excavated each new bottle under cover of darkness not to be dramatic, but simply to protect the other bottled seeds from sunlight, which might cause them to germinate before their time, Dr. Telewski said. (The team uses green bulbs in their headlamps for the same reason.)
The clinched a deal in the early hours of Wednesday on a law that commits the bloc to more than halving its net greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.

The deal arrives just in time for a summit of world leaders hosted by the U.S. government on Thursday and Friday, where the EU and other global powers will promote their pledges to protect the planet.

The European climate law sets the framework that will guide EU climate-related regulations in the coming decades, steering it towards reaching zero net emissions by 2050. That is a pathway which, if adopted globally, would limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and avoid the worst impacts of

After months of wrangling and a full night of negotiations on Tuesday, negotiators representing the European Parliament and the 27 EU governments finished the law. The deal still needs formal approval from parliament and national governments.

The target to cut EU-wide net emissions by at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels, replaces a previous goal for a 40% cut. By 2019, EU emissions were already 24% lower than in 1990.

EU lawmakers had wanted to go further to 60% by 2030. Environmental campaigners had said the cut should be 65%.

Negotiators agreed to limit the amount of emissions removals that can be counted towards the 2030 target, to 225 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

That aims to ensure the goal is met by cutting emissions from polluting sectors, rather than relying on removing CO2 from the atmosphere through carbon-absorbing forests and wetlands.

The 2030 target sets the stage for a major package of EU regulations due in June to cut emissions faster this decade. They will include proposals to revamp the EU carbon market, tougher CO2 standards for cars, and a border tariff to impose CO2 costs on imports of polluting goods.

The climate law requires Brussels to create an independent body of 15 climate science experts, to monitor and advise on EU climate policies.

It must also calculate a greenhouse gas budget to confirm the total emissions the EU can produce from 2030-2050, without thwarting its climate goals.

"This is a landmark moment for the EU. We have reached an ambitious agreement to write our climate neutrality target into binding legislation, as a guide to our policies for the next 30 years," Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said in a statement.

(Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by John Chalmers and Philippa Fletcher)
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MINNEAPOLIS - Intracerebral hemorrhage is a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding within the brain tissue. Survivors are at high risk of having another bleeding stroke. Most of these strokes are caused by changes in the narrowest blood vessels in the brain, a condition known as cerebral small vessel disease. A new study has found that differences in the extent of one type of cerebral small vessel disease may contribute to differences in people's risk for a second bleeding stroke. The research is published in the April 21, 2021, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Cerebral small vessel disease is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that involve changes in the smallest blood vessels in the brain. These changes become more common with age and can lead to stroke. One type of cerebral small vessel disease is hypertensive arteriopathy, which is arterial degeneration resulting from high blood pressure.

"While Black and Hispanic bleeding stroke survivors in the United States display greater hypertension severity and higher blood pressure variability, these differences in hypertension control do not fully account for disparities in bleeding stroke recurrence risk," said study author Alessandro Biffi, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study looked at 922 people who had survived a bleeding stroke. Of the group, 655 identified as white, 130 Black and 137 Hispanic. People were interviewed three months after their first stroke and every six months afterwards for an average of 18 months to about two years to determine if they had had a second stroke. Medical records were also reviewed.

During that time, 111 people had a second bleeding stroke, including 64 white people, 24 Black people and 23 Hispanic people. After researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect stroke risk such as age and sex, they found that on average, Black people were 60% more likely to have another bleeding stroke than white people. Hispanic people were 50% more likely to have another bleeding stroke than their white counterparts.

Researchers looked at the people's brain scans for markers of cerebral small vessel disease and subtypes, including hypertensive arteriopathy. For this subtype, they rated the severity of four markers on a scale of zero to four. For example, one point was given for the presence of a certain type of white matter hyperintensities, which are brain lesions that are signs of brain damage; another point for a kind of cerebral microbleeds, which are small deposits of blood in the brain.

The average score for white people was 1.5 points compared to an average of 2.5 points for Black people and Hispanic people.

Researchers found that people who had more small vessel disease markers right after their first stroke were at higher risk for a second stroke. They also found that people with greater severity of hypertensive arteriopathy were at increased risk of second stroke.

"In the United States, people who are Black or Hispanic often do not have the same access to preventive and curative health care as white people do," Biffi said. "That may explain why in this study, Black and Hispanic people were more likely to have changes show up on their MRI that are markers for cerebral small vessel disease, particularly one associated with high blood pressure. This may also explain why those groups have a higher risk of a second stroke."

A limitation of the study is that most participants were from care centers with expertise in stroke care. As a result, the study may have included more people with more severe strokes and greater amounts of cerebral small vessel disease than the general population.

###

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more about stroke at BrainandLife.org, home of the American Academy of Neurology's free patient and caregiver magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health. Follow Brain & Life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

When posting to social media channels about this research, we encourage you to use the hashtags #Neurology and #AANscience.

The American Academy of Neurology is the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with over 36,000 members. The AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit AAN.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Call it by its name. Murder. For 11 months now, its been clear that what former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd on May 25 wasnt mere negligence. It wasnt a tragic accident. It wasnt a mistake, misunderstanding or mere manslaughter. It was murder.

Now its official. On Tuesday, a Hennepin County jury finally returned guilty verdicts on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and third-degree manslaughter.

America let out a collective breath, from Minneapolis to the streets of Third Ward, Floyds old neighborhood where cars honked and drivers with raised fists yelled Floyd out their windows.

Yet, we know there is so much work to be done to make the killing of unarmed Black men and women at the hands of police stop. It is a pathology that has not abated in the year since the deaths of Breonna Taylor in Louisville and Floyd in Minneapolis shocked the nation. Since 2015, when the Washington Post began keeping count, hundreds of Black men have perished at the hands of police officers, many of them unarmed. Since January of last year, at least 21 men known to be unarmed were killed.

Even so, the convictions represent a powerful moment, one Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg called a defining moment in American criminal justice.

For so many long years, the killings of Black men in the custody of white police officers in cities all over America have routinely resulted in acquittals, excuses and, at best, secondary or lesser charges. This time, prosecutors, the courts and the jury all did the right thing in convicting Chauvin, whose extraordinary callousness was on display for all to see on the viral video of him kneeling for minute after murderous minute on Floyds neck as the former Houston resident lay face down on the pavement, handcuffed, and repeating 27 times I cant breathe.

Questions about his sentence remain  and appeals are expected  but those issues are for another day. On Tuesday, America got something that approximated justice, and thats worth saluting.

George Floyd mattered, lead prosecutor Keith Ellison said after the verdict. He mattered because hes a human being.

The verdict was bittersweet for some in Houstons Third Ward, where Floyd grew up and where many old friends had gathered Tuesday. Were still mad hes gone; thats our brother, Christopher Hutchins, 39, who knew Floyd since he was 5, told the editorial board just after the verdict came down. Hes not here. But Lord gave him justice.

Justice in a sense, but Ellison, Minnesotas attorney general, cautioned against the word because no jury can restore Floyds life. But accountability, he said, and accountability is the first step toward justice.

The verdict is the latest example of a slow shift in the way prosecutors, courts and juries are responding to cases involving police killings of unarmed victims, which disproportionately involve Black men or boys and white officers.Dallas County juries have twice convicted police officers on murder charges in the past four years. Another officer is awaiting trial there, and so is one in next-door Tarrant County. And last month, a grand jury indicted an officer in Austin on two counts of murder, the first such case in the departments history.

Two officers in Houston await their own murder trials, charged in the death of a married couple whose Harding Street house they raided in 2019.

These kinds of indictments, never mind convictions, used to be all but unheard of.

This was the trial of the century for us, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, who was in Minneapolis with the family for closing arguments earlier this week, told the board. When the news broke in Washington Tuesday, she said members from all over the country cried on the House floor.

The House has already passed a bill Jackson Lee co-sponsored, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act  but its prospects in the Senate remain cloudy. She said shes working with Sen. Cory Booker to bring a Senate version to the floor. There should be no excuse for anyone, for Republicans, for my fellow Democrats, for my two senators from Texas in not voting for a bill that enhances police-community relations as my bill does.

The reform efforts underway in Austin are no closer to yielding concrete results.

State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, told the board Tuesday efforts at a broad-based bill named in honor of Floyd were dead on arrival this session but that he and state Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, and others have pushed standalone measures, three of which West believes will pass the Senate. They would ban choke holds, require officers to intervene when they see a colleague endangering someone in custody, and create a statewide duty for police to render aid when someone is in medical crisis.

He offered no prediction on whether theyd pass the House, saying only, Ive got to be optimistic.

Such needed legislation shouldnt require optimism to pass, only a clear-eyed look at reality  specifically the 9 minutes and 29 seconds of horrifying video that showed the world what Black people have endured for more than a century at the hands of law enforcement sworn to protect them.

Leaders, in Washington, Austin and here in Houston, must seize this moment to give some meaning at least to the tragic deaths that have galvanized the nation. The vast majority of reforms suggested by Mayor Sylvester Turners task force have yet to become policy or even get a full hearing by City Council.

It was a murder, in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see, President Biden said Tuesday evening.

What we saw was horrifying. What we saw is reality in America  until we change it.
With just over $50 billion still available in the Paycheck Protection Program, Senate lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a new bill that would make good on a Biden administration promise to get more money into the hands of solopreneurs.

The bill, dubbed the PPP Flexibility for Farmers, Ranchers, and the Self-Employed Act, would allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and the self-employed to retroactively apply for more money through the forgivable loan program. This proposed revision to the PPP follows the Biden administration's February 22nd request that the Small Business Administration change the formula these borrowers use to calculate their PPP loans. Rather than using net income, which removes taxes and other expenses, these borrowers may now use gross income, which allows them to book higher loan amounts.

But the SBA concluded in a March 3 notice that those who applied for a loan prior to the change would not be eligible for retroactivity. This bill would counter that.

According to a summary of the proposed law, retroactivity would go back to December 27, 2020, the date of enactment of the Economic Aid Act. SBA administrator Isabel Guzman would be required to create a process to allow eligible applicants to request a recalculation of the amount of a covered loan and receive a payment that is equal to the difference between the amount of the covered loan originally received by the eligible applicant and the amount of the covered loan.

The summary also notes that borrowers would be eligible for retroactivity only on one loan and the $2 million limit on second-draw loans would apply. Guzman, according to the bill, could decide to make supplemental payments as a new loan if it helps expedite implementation of the program.

The bill would also allow some farmers and ranchers to use gross income rather than net income when applying for PPP. And it gives more flexibility to those attempting to calculate their revenue losses. Rather than letting them just look year over year--that is 2020 over 2019--or quarter over quarter to show a revenue loss of at least 25 percent, borrowers could use any contiguous 90-day period to determine eligibility for second-draw loans.

"The Biden administration has taken steps to make PPP more useful to farmers, ranchers, and sole proprietors, so making the changes retroactive is a matter of basic fairness," Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, who introduced the bill, said in a statement. "Congress must pass this bill as quickly as possible so eligible small businesses have time to secure the aid they need before PPP closes on May 31."

After relaunching on January 11, the PPP has guaranteed more than 4.73 million loans for more than $240 billion.
The challenge of communication is an eternal one, not yet resolved really. Whether 50 years ago, or ten years from now, the challenge will continue, because communication begins at birth and ends with death.

When I worked as a pharma medical representative (MR), I visited Bagalkot, in Karnataka state. Dr Kop had one of the largest medical practices there. For over 20 years he was a compounder (pharmacist) and then got himself registered as a medical practitioner; and developed a very large practice. Patients would begin to line up to see him since 7am.

There was no special consideration for MRs; they too had to wait in the Q.

On this, my first visit, I was at no. 15. When I was close to the open door, I saw Dr Kop applying the stethoscope to a patients head, or knee or calf- in addition to the chest.

My turn came and then I met him and introduced myself. We spoke a mix of Hindi and English (he did not know enough of either language).

But he took the time to explain to me that most of his patients were illiterate villagers. They could not understand why a doctor applies the stethoscope to the chest when the pain was in the head or wherever!

Dr Kop was the only doctor in town who demonstrated that he is attending to the problem, where the problem is located. Hence his high reputation!

It was then my turn to explain to him that our iron/vitamin tablets (I opened a strip to show him) in some ways symbolized solidified blood.

They were sugar coated blood- red coloured tablets. When swallowed, the ingredients helped in the formation of blood, with iron, folic acid and Vit B12, thus preventing anaemia.

It was too much to explain all the technical terms through the language barrier between us.

However, we had both communicated to each other.

The large crowds of patients for Dr Kop  and the very high sales of iron/vitamin tablets in Bagalkot  among the highest in the country for a Tier 3 town, was proof enough that we had!

Soon after that I began to make calls on senior doctors in Bombays Opera House area.

One of them, Dr JC Patel, was a scion of the medical consulting physicians in the city. His receptionist would wait till there were 6 MRs in the waiting room  and then send them all in together.

They all lined up as they were not asked to sit. Each one was allowed to talk for only four minutes, and only about two products! (in later, more sophisticated times, this was called an elevator pitch).

One had to be careful to bring out the outstanding pluses of your product in this short time  and also be careful not to have direct conflict with any of the other MRs present there.

If you went beyond 4 minutes, Dr JC would stop you abruptly.

This communication was a far cry from the style in Bagalkot!

It would take a good 30 minutes of preparation to effectively speak for four minutes at Opera House!

When I went beyond Bagalkot and Opera House in Bombay, communication became even more complex. Across the globe, it is an even greater challenge today.

One had to know that using the first name in conversation with a European, in initial meetings, is a mark of uncalled for familiarity, which is unwelcome.

This may be fine with Americans  where in fact, continuing to address him as Mr May sound strange and formal, and be a barrier to good communication  specially, after he has been calling you Walter (first name) right through the morning!

I did not know for a long time that even inadvertently pointing a toe at an Arab was an insult (silently observed, but not ignored) and can ruin any chances of a successful business negotiation.

And I did not know that one cannot force the pace of negotiations in the first meeting, but wait for three or four meetings before you come to business, because you must first become a friend in order to do business.

In the West, however, you may only become a friend after you do business together.

In spite of all that I may say or write and the care that we may take, we could still go wrong, as when I was making a presentation on a range of cosmetics to a big buyer from Hong Kong. The meeting seemed to have gone off extremely well.

The buyer group of three women seemed to be impressed with the quality, the packaging, and the prices. Until I came to talking about hair removers (depilatories) I could see that they had lost all interest.

Sensing this, I ventured to ask WHY?

Had they no interest?

The leader of the group then told me. Dont you see that we do not need hair removers in this market? Then I did.

I had not thought enough about the target audience before speaking- and then made a foolish mistake. It was misdirected communication!
2 1 of 2 Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Bexar County Sheriff's Office Show More Show Less



The mother of a toddler missing since January is scheduled for trial June 16, according to court records.

DLanny Reaneille Chairez, 20, initially faced a charge of abandoning or endangering a child when she was arrested March 15. However, the District Attorneys Office replaced the abandonment charge Tuesday with two counts of tampering with evidence. Court documents state Chairez intentionally and knowingly concealed her son, James Avi Chairez, from two investigations  one involving the San Antonio Police Department and the other involving Child Protective Services.
Derek Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd

Morry Gash/AP People pose for pictures in front of a mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Tuesday after a guilty verdict was announced in the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin in Floyds 2020 death. Derek Chauvin

MINNEAPOLIS  A jury on Tuesday convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, nearly a year after a viral video of the Black man gasping for breath pinned beneath the White officers knee sent millions into the streets demanding justice and forcing a national reckoning on race and policing.

Jurors found the former Minneapolis police officer guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, sending a powerful message about police violence.

Chauvins conviction, in a rare case without modern precedent, was called historic by Floyds family and legal team, who said it symbolized that justice is attainable for all Americans.

Lets pause for a moment to proclaim this historical moment, not just for the legacy of George Floyd, but for the legacy of America, the legacy of trying to make America for all Americans so that George Floyds victory and Americas quest for equal justice under the law will be intertwined, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Floyd family, said at a news conference after the verdict was announced. This is a victory for those who champion humanity over inhumanity, those who champion justice over injustice, those who champion morals over immorality.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office oversaw Chauvins prosecution, praised the bouquet of humanity that tried to intervene at the scene on May 25 and recorded Floyds final moments, providing much of the evidence for the states case.

They didnt know George Floyd. They didnt know he had a beautiful family. They didnt know that he was a proud father or had people in his life who loved him, Ellison said after hearing the verdict. They stopped and they raised their voices because they knew what they were seeing was wrong. They didnt need to be medical or use-of-force experts. They knew it was wrong, and they were right, Ellison said.

He changed my world. He changed our world. He changed the world, said Floyds girlfriend Courteney Ross, whose heart-wrenching testimony about the couples struggle with opioid addiction moved some jurors to tears.

After the verdict was read, Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody. He faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in about eight weeks.

The jury of 12 people  six white, four Black and two multiracial  agreed with prosecutors who argued that Chauvin betrayed the badge and his training when he pressed a knee into Floyds neck and back for 9 minutes and 29 seconds during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25.

Much of downtown Minneapolis came to a standstill ahead of the reading of the verdict, as hundreds of office workers left the area and were replaced by throngs of people who gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center, where the trial was held.

Inside the courtroom, Chauvin, dressed in a gray suit, wearing a blue surgical mask, sat stoically as he had for weeks  showing no visible reaction as Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill announced each verdict of guilt and then polled the jurors one by one to affirm their individual decisions.

Chauvin avoided eye contact with the jurors, even as his $1 million bail was revoked and he was handcuffed. But just before he was taken away, Chauvin briefly glanced back at Floyds younger brother, Philonise, who had held his hands clasped above his head in prayer as the verdicts were announced and began weeping as the man who was convicted of murder in his brothers death was led away.

I was just praying they would find him guilty, Philonise Floyd said afterward. As an African American, we usually never get justice.

For many, the trial was about more than Chauvins guilt or innocence. It was a barometer of the racial change in a country where Floyds death sparked what many have described as a new civil rights movement. Some viewed the Chauvin trial, the highest-profile police brutality case since the 1991 beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles, as a referendum on what justice means in a country where so many police officers have been acquitted or have gone uncharged in the deaths of countless Black Americans and other people of color.

Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyds family and the community here in Minneapolis, but todays verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world, Crump said in a statement. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America.

The jury deliberated for about 10 hours after a three-week trial in which graphic video of Floyds death, captured on the cellphones of numerous bystanders and police body cameras, was played again and again. Floyds final moments, punctuated by his cries for breath and appeals to his dead mother, echoed throughout a socially distanced courtroom largely empty of spectators but beamed through television cameras to viewers around the world.

Nearly all the jurors said during jury selection that they had seen the still image or a video clip of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd, hands at his waist and sunglasses sitting undisturbed atop his head. But several said they had not watched the viral Facebook video in its entirety or any of the other footage. All appeared stunned and shocked at the video when it was played open court. And prosecutors used it repeatedly throughout their case, showing Floyds final moments from various angles as they argued that Chauvin could have lifted his knee or rendered aid to the 46-year-old man but did neither.

Believe your eyes, prosecutor Jerry Blackwell repeatedly told the jury of the video, from the beginning of the states case until the end. Its murder.

Although video was the central evidence in the case against Chauvin, prosecutors called more than three dozen people to testify, including numerous eyewitnesses who delivered searing and anguished accounts of coming across the scene of Floyd being held to the ground by Chauvin and two other officers and how they tried  without success  to intervene.

Several spoke about living with trauma and guilt because they had not been able to save Floyd. Among them was Darnella Frazier, who was 17 when she pulled out her phone and began recording the now-famous video that not only challenged the initial police account of Floyds death but also sparked the largest sustained protests in American history.

With tears streaming down her face throughout her testimony, Frazier told the jury of the intense guilt she feels looking at her father, her brother, her cousins, and knowing it could have been one of them that day. Its been nights I stayed up apologizing and apologizing to George for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his life, Frazier said, as jurors looked on with sympathetic expressions.

Echoing months of legal strategy in the run-up to the trial, Chauvins defense tried to raise doubts about whether the officers actions had played a role in Floyds death. Defense attorney Eric Nelson pressed jurors to consider the totality of the circumstances. He argued that Floyd died because of a combination of drugs in his system  including fentanyl and methamphetamine  and preexisting health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure, not from the pressure of his clients restraint.

Nelson argued that Chauvin, 45, was following department policy and his training and had acted as any reasonable officer would by keeping Floyd on the ground after the man had resisted being placed in a squad car.

Derek Chauvin did exactly what he had been trained to do over his 19-year career, Nelson told the jury. The use of force is not attractive, but it is a necessary component of policing.

But anticipating the defense case, prosecutors called several Minneapolis police officers to the stand, including Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, who one by one impeached Chauvins behavior. In a shift from other police trials, where officers have been reluctant to testify against one of their own, veteran officers, including Chauvins former supervisor, testified that Chauvin broke department policies on use of force, used a restraint that was unsanctioned and against training, and had violated his sworn duty as a police officer to serve and protect.

While Chauvin could face up to 40 years in prison, state sentencing guidelines on each murder charge suggest roughly 11 to 12 years in prison for someone with no criminal history. The manslaughter charge carries a presumptive sentence of roughly four years in prison. But prosecutors have asked for what is known as an upward sentencing departure or tougher sentence, citing several factors including the fact that Floyd was killed in front of children.

Chauvins conviction sets the stage for a trial for the other three officers charged in Floyds death  Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao  who are charged with aiding and abetting murder. Prosecutors are likely to push to reinstate a third-degree murder charge against the men, which Cahill rejected in February before it was added back to Chauvins case. That trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 23.
The intensive training will up-skill and re-skill New Hampshire workers, advancing their careers into one of the world's fastest growing industries.

The 480-hour, online program will launch July 1, 2021, and will offer flexibility to allow employees of businesses from sole proprietorships to the state's largest companies to participate while maintaining workplace attendance and productivity.

The cybersecurity field has grown more than 3,000 percent over the past decade. The pandemic-accelerated growth of the remote workforce has led to even greater demand, and cyber job growth is expected to increase by 350 percent through 2021. Entry-level cybersecurity positions start as high as $80,000 annually.

As of October 2020, there were more than 1,000 vacant cybersecurity positions in New Hampshire alone. In the past decade and through the depths of the economic downturn, the field has had a near zero percent unemployment rate. Skilled professionals readily gain access to lucrative existing roles and dynamic future opportunities.

Center for Cybersecurity at Plymouth State University participants will gain the expertise needed to expand their horizons and become cybersecurity professionals. The initiative is being met with enthusiasm and several local firms have already committed to enrolling employees for the inaugural cohort in February.

"This program is a homerun for students looking to advance their careers and businesses looking for a skilled workforce right here in New Hampshire," said Governor Chris Sununu. "I encourage Granite Staters to take advantage of this awesome opportunity for cybersecurity careers."

Senate President Morse noted, "As a small business owner, I am keenly aware of the rapidly increasing number of cyber threats and ransomware attacks targeting New Hampshire businesses, public institutions and residents. As a Plymouth State alumnus, I am proud of the university's efforts to protect our citizens and businesses by offering this cutting-edge training, which will allow us to keep more graduates in New Hampshire while protecting our state."

"Our collaboration with Cybint is a great example of the public/private partnerships that thrive in New Hampshire," says Plymouth State University President Donald Birx. "It will help employers fill critical, open positions, while providing pathways to promising careers."

"Partnering with educational institutions is one of the best ways to fill the talent shortage in cybersecurity," says Roy Zur, founder and CEO of Cybint. "We are excited to have Plymouth State University join with us as a cyber center."

For more information about the Center for Cybersecurity at Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu/cybersecurity/.

About Cybint: Cybint is a global cyber education company with a commitment to re-skilling the workforce and up-skilling the industry in cybersecurity. With innovative and leading-edge education and training solutions, Cybint tackles cybersecurity's two greatest threats: the talent shortage and the skills gap. The Cybint team is comprised of military cyber experts, industry professionals, and educators united under the vision of creating a safer digital world through education, training, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.cybintsolutions.com.

About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Learning Model is organized around seven dynamic, theme-based hubs called "Integrated Clusters," which emphasize open, integrative and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.

SOURCE Cybint

Related Links

http://www.cybintsolutions.com




Exploration Strategy Overview - Olympic Domain Tenements

Melbourne, April 21, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cohiba Minerals Ltd ( ASX:CHK ) s pleased to update the market with the following summary of its Exploration Strategy for 2021 on its Olympic Domain tenements in the Gawler Craton, the world's premier address for Iron Oxide - Copper - Gold (IOCG) deposits.Highlights- Cohiba's tenement package in the Gawler Craton contains substantial potential for IOCG deposits and is to be explored aggressively.- The Company has budgeted for a proposed $3.5m exploration program across its Olympic Domain tenements beyond existing activity.- Exploration drilling accounts for ~77% of planned expenditure with up to 19,000m of drilling planned.- Horse Well remains a primary target area with up to for 12,000m of proposed additional drilling.- Portfolio expansion opportunities to add fresh IOCG targets to the project pipeline currently being pursued.- The Company is well capitalised to pursue its exploration strategy for 2021 with a cash balance of ~$7m at 31 December 2020.Cohiba's Andrew Graham commented: "The Company's recent exploration activities at its Olympic Doman tenements, particularly at Horse Well, confirm the exciting potential for IOCG discoveries there. The Company is planning an extensive program of exploration activity, including up to 19,000m of drilling, to further test for this potential. Financially, we are in a very strong position to pursue this objective over 2021 as well as take advantage of opportunities to grow our portfolio in the Gawler Craton."IntroductionFollowing the exploration drilling undertaken in late 2020 over the Horse Well area, Cohiba has planned an extensive Program of Work (PoW) over the Horse Well, Pernatty C and Lake Torrens tenements ('Olympic Domain tenements') in 2021. Horse Well remains one of the Company's primary exploration target areas.The approvals received from the Department of Energy and Mining, SA (E-PEPR) and the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (Heritage Survey) in 2020 still allow limited drilling to occur over the Pernatty C area and this is currently being pursued.However, additional drilling over the Pernatty C and Horse Well areas and initial drilling over the Lake Torrens area will require the generation and submission of another E-PEPR document and a further Heritage Survey under the guidance of the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation and their nominated anthropological consultant. The Company intends to pursue this in 2021 to facilitate its additional proposed exploration activities.In relation to the completed exploration drilling (2020 PoW) there are a number of technical investigations still underway, including:- Extensive re-logging of the drill core in HWDD_03 and HWDD_04;- Petrographic analysis of selected rock types in HWDD_03 and HWDD_04;- Re-interpretation of the gravity and magnetics data over the Horse Well area; and- Investigation into the potential of downhole electromagnetics at HWDD_04.Given the deep-seated nature of the IOCG targets within the Olympic Domain tenements and associated drilling costs it was determined that additional technical investigations will be undertaken in conjunction with the drilling to optimise future target generation. These technical investigations will include:- Detailed geophysics comprising gravity and/or magnetic surveys;- Detailed analysis, interpretation and modelling of the gravity and magnetics data;- Petrographic / petrological work;- Whole rock geochemical analysis;- Age dating of key rock types encountered during drilling; and- Detailed logging of all drill core (additional to logging conducted at the drill site).Where possible, corresponding documentation covering all three target areas (such as EPEPR, Heritage Survey etc.) will be incorporated and submitted jointly in order to manage costs as effectively as possible.Strategic RationaleCohiba Minerals' intent is to discover IOCG deposits through the systematic exploration of the Olympic Domain tenements and through the acquisition of additional IOCG target areas within the Gawler Craton (SA). The Gawler Craton remains the premier district to search for IOCG deposits globally and exploration activities to date have confirmed the Company's landholding in the Gawler Craton contain substantial exploration potential.Horse Well (Pernatty C)The Horse Well area is a key strategic component within the Olympic Domain tenement package given its close proximity to BHP's Oak Dam West discovery where drilling has confirmed the presence of significant IOCG mineralisation. Drilling at the Horse Well Project has shown the presence of persistent, low-level copper mineralisation with some high-grade copper-gold intersections, hosted by a typical IOCG package of rocks.Further detailed investigation is required over the Horse Well area to gain a better understanding of the current drilling results and to define additional target areas for further drilling. One of the drivers behind the detailed investigations (i.e. petrology, petrography, age dating etc.) is to define future drilling targets more effectively given that they are deep-seated (>900m) with associated higher cost.Pernatty CThe Pernatty C area is typically considered as having prospectivity for stratabound, copper-cobalt-silver mineralisation consistent with the nearby Mt Gunson mining area directly to the west. These historic deposits have, more recently, been considered as analogous to the extensive copper deposits found in the Zambian copper belt (ZCB) and exploration efforts from neighbouring companies are heavily focussed in this area. Cohiba intends to investigate the potential for ZCB-style mineralisation over the Pernatty C area but is also aware that there is still potential for IOCG deposits to occur at depth. The initial intent is to investigate the ZCB-style potential whilst also assessing geophysical, geological and drill hole data (stratigraphy, petrology etc.) for potential IOCG markers.Lake TorrensThe Lake Torrens area is considered to have prospectivity for IOCG deposits and the work completed to date by Cohiba shows a number of coincident gravity and magnetic anomalies that warrant further investigation. A number of possible targets are also associated with a major interpreted structural lineament which is also postulated as a bounding structure for the massive Olympic Dam IOCG deposit (BHP). The IOCG potential at Lake Torrens is compelling and as such Cohiba will pursue all avenues necessary to gain approval for a PoW over this area.Portfolio Expansion OpportunitiesThere is a huge amount of exploration activity in the Gawler Craton focused on IOCG mineralisation. Cohiba has the opportunity to acquire interests in a number of additional IOCG target areas within the Gawler Craton and is currently assessing these opportunities as they would significantly underpin Cohiba's intent to become a major IOCG player in the region.These potential target expansion opportunities are designed to provide diversity and optionality in Cohiba's portfolio. As these discussions / negotiations progress and targets are ranked there may be a shift in the exploration priorities which may impact on the proposed PoW (i.e. potential reduction in exploration expenditure on existing Olympic Domain tenements for example). However, these discussions are still in the preliminary stage.Programs of Work (PoW)The proposed PoW for the Olympic Domain tenements comprise the outstanding activities at the Horse Well and Pernatty C areas and additional exploration activities across the entire Olympic Domain tenement package. The Company has planned for over $3.5M worth of exploration activity across the tenement package, with up to $2.4M earmarked for the Horse Well Project. Olympic Domain Pty Ltd, will contribute 20% of actual expenditure as part of its obligations under the Farm-In Agreement.Horse Well AreaThe key zones of interest at Horse Well are those adjacent to drill holes HWDD_03 and HWDD_04 where persistent low-level copper mineralisation was encountered within a package of rocks consistent with an IOCG environment. In HWDD_04 there were also discrete, high-grade copper-gold intersections (up to 12.15% Cu and 2.26 g/t Au) worthy of follow-up.Cohiba is planning to build on its exploration efforts, by undertaking additional drilling in areas adjacent to these drill holes and over other potential target areas as shown in Figure 1*.Pernatty C AreaThe Pernatty C area is prospective for Zambian Copperbelt (ZCB) mineralisation (Cu-Co-Ag) and lies directly east of the well-known Mt Gunson copper mining district. The current limited drilling program (aiming at commencing in near future) is targeting ZCB-style mineralisation within 200m from the surface. Figure 2* shows the location for potential future drilling over the Pernatty C area.The Pernatty C area is also prospective for IOCG mineralisation and as such provision has been made to extend one of more of the drill holes to test for possible IOCG markers beneath the current ZCB-style target zones.Lake Torrens AreaThe Lake Torrens area shows significant prospectivity for IOCG type deposits with both gravity and coincident gravity and magnetic anomalies being identified (Figure 3*). There is also a strong correlation over part of the target area with a major postulated structural lineament which intersects the giant Olympic Dam IOCG deposit (Figure 4*).*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Cohiba Minerals Limited

Cohiba Minerals Limited (ASX:CHK) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the primary focus of investing in the resource sector through direct tenement acquisition, joint ventures, farm in arrangements and new project generation. The shares of the company trade under the ticker symbol CHK.

The Company recently acquired 100% of the shares in Charge Lithium Pty Ltd, which holds exploration licences in Western Australia.
The OPEC+ group is unlikely to make any material changes next week to the plans to ease the production cuts over the next three months, Russias Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters in Moscow on Wednesday.

OPEC+, which decided on April 1 to gradually return over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) on the market between May and July, has the next meetings of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) and the ministers scheduled for April 28.

We have a meeting planned at the end of April to review the market situation once again. We made our plans a month ago, so if nothing out of the ordinary happens in the meantime, next weeks meeting will confirm those plans or tweak them, Novak said.

In early April, OPEC+ decided to gradually increase collective oil production by 350,000 bpd in each of May and June and by more than 400,000 bpd in July. Additionally, Saudi Arabia will also gradually ease its extra unilateral cut of 1 million bpd over the course of the next few months, beginning with monthly production increases of 250,000 bpd in each of May and June.

Currently, the market is balanced, Novak said today, adding that if a deficit occurs, OPEC+ could always decide to pump more.

The ministers of the alliance are discussing a short format for next weeks meeting by scrapping the meeting of the ministers and leaving only the monitoring committee meeting, an OPEC source told Russias TASS news agency.

Currently, both meetings are planned to be held on April 28, Novak said today.

I think the next meeting will be just monitoring the market, an OPEC+ source told Reuters on Wednesday, suggesting that the gathering next week would only be a formality and a technical meeting to take stock of the market balances and compliance with the cuts.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Derek Chauvin is led out of the courtroom in handcuffs after a guilty verdict is read during the trial of Derek Chauvin of the death of George Floyd at the courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Court TV/Handout via USA TODAY NETWORK

On Tuesday afternoon, not even 24 hours after starting its deliberations, a multi-racial Minneapolis jury of seven women and five men found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death 11 months ago of George Floyd, a 46-year-old resident of the Twin Cities.

Chauvins legacy is certain: He was a white cop who responded to a report of a nonviolent minor crime at a small neighborhood grocery and within about 20 minutes of arriving at the scene had suffocated to death a Black man who used a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.

If Chauvin had been found not guilty, his legacy would be the same  with the added footnote that not only did he do this but he also got away with it. Statistically, it would not have been unusual. Law enforcement personnel in the U.S. are rarely charged for actions taken during on-duty interactions and are even more rarely convicted.

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In this case, by the time Chauvin got to the store, Cup Foods, two cops who had arrived before him had taken Floyd into custody and handcuffed him behind his back.

They had put Floyd into the back seat of their squad car, but Floyd cited claustrophobia and became fearful and agitated. As various videos made by businesses and bystanders recorded, Chauvin intervened at that point, pulled Floyd out of the police car and placed him face down in the street next to the vehicle. Chauvin then pushed his right knee into Floyds back while three other officers used their arms and knees to press Floyds torso and legs against the pavement, severely compromising Floyds ability to draw breath.

Simultaneously, Chauvin used his left knee to grind into the right side of Floyds neck, substantially reducing the flow of blood to Floyds brain. Chauvin kept this up for nine and a half minutes.

For the first four or so of those minutes, Floyd moaned desperately in pain, begged Chauvin to let him breathe and tried in vain to squirm into a position that would allow his body to take in enough oxygen to survive. In gasps, he cried out to his dead mother.

Chauvin and the other officers ignored Floyds pleas, except for the couple of times that the kneeling Chauvin responded to the cries by raising his own body up on the toes of his shoes and used the additional leverage to press down even more forcefully on Floyds neck and back.

As the minutes ticked by, Floyds outcries gradually faded into silence, his body movements ceased and he became unresponsive. But Chauvin kept his knee in Floyds neck for several minutes more. Neither he nor his fellow officers tried to revive Floyd.

Derek Smith, an EMS paramedic who arrived a few minutes later with an ambulance crew, testified at Chauvins trial that he found Floyd without a pulse and with dilated pupils. Treatment Floyd got in the ambulance on the way to a hospital was unable to restore his pulse, Smith said.

Watch the video.

If youve seen it before, watch it again. You know the video Im talking about, the one that shows much of what Ive described above. A courageous young woman named Darnella Frazier, then 17 years old, recorded it on her phone. Its 10 minutes of George Floyd  his face, neck and body compressed against a grimy Minneapolis street  slowly being killed by Derek Chauvin.

Frazier and her 9-year-old cousin had walked to Cup Foods to buy some snacks and just happened upon Chauvin and his fellow officers dealing with Floyd in the street in front of the grocery. Concerned for her cousins well-being, Frazier made sure the girl went inside.

In her testimony at Chauvins trial, Frazier said she didnt want her cousin to have to see what Frazier had noticed as they approached the store: A man terrified and scared, begging for his life, she said.

And why did Frazier then walk the 30 feet or so back to where Chauvin and the other officers were crushing Floyd against the pavement? It wasnt right, she testified. He was suffering. He was in pain.

She began recording.

Cops caught on video using force, sometimes excessive force, in pursuing, subduing and arresting people are not a rare phenomenon. Tragically, such footage has become all too commonplace, thanks to the widespread ownership of cell phones with recording capability, the universal distribution of clips through the Internet and social media and the frequency of violent incidents. Some 1,000 people are shot and killed in the U.S. each year by on-duty law enforcement officers, according to an independent database created by the Washington Post. Thats an average of about three per day.

But Fraziers video is different, both in content and in impact.

It is utterly lacking, for example, in the kind of action moments that invariably spread and build online attention.

There is no high-speed vehicle chase in Fraziers video, for example, and no breathless foot chase down a dark alley, either. Nobodys screaming, Show me your hands! There are no punches thrown, no shots fired, no panicky radio calls for help. And Floyd, handcuffed and immobilized, poses no threat to anyone.

Yet Fraziers video of his absolutely needless death has shocked the conscience of decent people around the world, including decent members of law enforcement. No matter how many times I watch it, it evokes in me a profoundly disturbing combination of emotions: anger, shock, bewilderment, fear, hopelessness and aching sorrow. The idea that, at some point, Floyd knew he was going to die in the street as his life was squeezed out of him is almost too much to bear.

That Floyds killer showed not the slightest trace of human decency as he did these horrific acts  whatever a jury had determined about their legality  ensures the eternal shamefulness of his legacy, assuming history makes a record of his name at all.
The White House's new deputy political director is a familiar name in San Antonio's political sphere.

Natalie Montelongo, who worked as political director on former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's 2020 presidential campaign, announced Tuesday that she will be heading to the White House to serve in the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach.

RELATED: Three UTSA grads appointed to serve in Biden Administration

"Personal News: Ive joined the @WhiteHouse as Deputy Director at the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach," the Brownsville native tweeted. "In true People First form, Im ready to build a national coalition of stakeholders, centering voices on the ground. From @JulianCastro to @emmyruiz  Im very lucky."

Castro, who served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama administration, commended Montelongo on her new role.

"Natalie was at the heart of so many of the issues we fought for on our campaign and behind so much of the good work we have done at People First Future," he told MySA. "She's a talented, thoughtful leader who I know will bring experience, creativity and a unique perspective to the Biden-Harris administration."

READ MORE FROM MADALYN: 'Let this be a turning point for our country': Texas leaders react to Derek Chauvin verdict

Before joining Castro's campaign the St. Mary's University graduate worked as political director for Hillary for America under the direction of Emmy Ruiz.

The two South Texas natives will reunite in the White House. Ruiz, a University of Texas at San Antonio graduate, assumed the role of White House political director in January.
MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:CJC)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB:CJCFF) ("QPM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced "best efforts" private placement financing, the Company has agreed to increase the size of the offering. Under the revised terms of the offering, the Company has agreed to issue 12,404,545 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") for gross proceeds of $2,729,000 at a price of $0.22 per Share (the "Offering").

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay in respect of certain subscriptions a finders' fee of 8.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering on the closing and will also issue to finders for certain subscriptions, non-transferable compensation warrants equal to 8.0% of the number of Common Shares issued, with each such warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.30 per common share of the Company for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering.

The Common Shares shall be distributed in Canada pursuant to private placement exemptions in each of the provinces of Canada and the Shares may be distributed in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements pursuant to Rule 144A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in a manner that does not require the Common Shares to be registered in the United States. The Common Shares may also be sold in such other international jurisdictions as the Company may agree.

The Common Shares will be subject to a four-month "hold period" commencing on the closing date pursuant to National Instrument 45-102 - Resale of Securities and Regulation 45-102 respecting Resale of Securities (Quebec) and the certificates or DRS advices representing such securities will bear a legend to that effect. The net proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares will be used for exploration expenditures as well as for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The private placement is expected to close on or about April 30, 2021, and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

QPM is a gold explorer with a large land position in the highly-prospective Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. QPM's flagship project is the Sakami project with significant grades and well-defined drill-ready targets. QPM's goal is to rapidly explore the project to advance it to the mineral resource estimate stage.

For more information please contact:

Jean-Francois Meilleur

President

Tel.: 514 951-2730

jfmeilleur@qpmcorp.ca

Normand Champigny

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: 514 979-4746

nchampigny@qpmcorp.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641568/Quebec-Precious-Metals-Upsizes-Private-Placement-Offering-of-Common-Shares-to-27-Million
[April 20, 2021] Kloudspot Redefines The 'Hybrid' Work Experience with KloudHybrid (TM)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kloudspot, Inc., makers of the first network-enabled and cloud-based Situational Awareness and Intelligence Platform, today introduced KloudHybrid(TM) a new solution that redefines hybrid work as an enriched experience that goes beyond providing employees with physical work location flexibility. KloudHybrid enables workers to virtually join colleagues in a physical workspace for real-time collaboration experiences that transcend both video meetings and traditional work management and digital workspace solutions.

This last year, theres been a dramatic and accelerated shift in how we work and collaborate,  said Guillermo Diaz, Jr., CEO, Kloudspot. The world has changed. Every experience now has a digital component and every individual now has a flexible perimeter space that allows each of us to feel safe and provides the flexibility to work from anywhere, said Diaz. We developed KloudHybrid so organizations can deliver immersive and engaging experiences that transcend boundaries, so the work experience itself is consistent regardless of where employees are physicallyor virtually located." Work is fundamentally social, and human connection is an important part of the work experience, notes sociologist Tracy Brower. KloudHybrid delivers that simulated connection to alleviate the stress, isolation and fatigue that often sets in with remote work, so employees feel good and are more productive. Additionally, today, the NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation (NESIC) of Japan, announced plans to migrate from a 100% remote work style to a hybrid model with 50% of employees working from home and 50% back in offices. To enable this transition, and prioritize the health and safety of our employees with real-time enforcement of our social distancing and PPE policies, we deployed the new KloudHybrid solution, said Osamu Kikuchi, Head Of Business Development at NESIC. Creating a work culture where employees feel safe and exited to come to the office again, and also feel connected and included when they decide to work remote is a key priority for us, said Kikuchi-san. And with KloudHybrid, we can deliver this experience to our employees and maximize the investments weve already made in our IT tools and applications. Now our employees can safely come back to the office and feel connected and productive when they choose to work remotely.



Traditional work management and digital workspace solutions provide easy remote conference room scheduling, workspace booking, wayfinding, virtual check-in and desk management features, but they stop there. KloudHybrid combines these features with location-based data and analytics, AI-driven intelligence, and integration with standard collaboration and communication tools to deliver immersive, engaging and safe office experiences. Heres how it works:

Via mobile app, tablet or laptop, employees can book a specific seat or conference room to attend a meeting live, or remotely from anywhere in the world, selecting the site, date, time-slot and workspace. Knowing when employees will show up lets organizations plan for capacity and social distancing. A QR code allows for contact-less check-in. Once in the meeting, attendees enjoy the virtual experience of being together again in a virtual reality, 3D-type experience. Integration and real-time access to contacts, calendar, company news feeds, conferencing APIs and chat tools create a single pane of glass experience for employees. In addition, 360 degree views of office plans deliver a walk-through simulation so remote workers can once again roam the halls and visit the breakroom. With all the data captured, its easy to run productivity analytics to deliver business impact. Introduced in 2017, the Kloudspot Situational Awareness and Intelligence Platform is a cloud-based SaaS platform that ingests data from connected IoT devices such as WiFi, BLE, environmental sensors and connected cameras, and analyzes the data applying ML and AI concepts to drive engagements and interactions with the people and devices in a defined perimeter space. KloudHybrid and the Kloudspot portfolio are available through the certified partner channel. For more information, or to request a demo or find a partner, visit www.kloudspot.com. Follow Kloudspot on Twitter, or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn. Contact: Holly Hagerman, Connect Marketing, 801-373-7888. holly@connectmarketing.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ee5d6f8-7326-42ba-bec2-a7dfb60107bc



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Residents of the southern Armenian town of Meghri in the Syunik region greeted today the visiting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with whistles and insults.

Pashinyan made a surprise visit to Syunik on April 20, having visited several villages, on Wednesday morning, he headed for Meghri.

In Meghri, Pashinyan was booed by the locals who shouted insults, including 'Nikol the traitor'. Pashinyan walked through the crowd flanked by his bodyguards as police officers were trying to push back the crowd. As Pashinyan moved along the street, there were small clashes between the protesters and the police.

The residents of Meghri tried not to let Pashinyan go to the central square of the town, ARKA reported

Last December, residents of Syunik did not allow Pashinyan to enter the region, blocking the highway near Goris.
Members of the Alma College chapter of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) competed in the virtual State Leadership Conference for Michigan event last month. The five Scots in attendance brought home nine awards, finishing in the top three of every event they entered.

It felt really good to see how many people won awards at the state competition, particularly for first place, said Kasidey Easlick of Gladwin, president of the student organization. To represent Alma College at the state level is great and to do well is even better. Im very proud of the group and looking forward to representing Alma again at nationals.
Several people who received their shots earlier this spring in Kane County said the state-run sites were efficient and fast to navigate through. Some posted in the Chicago Vaccine Hunters Facebook Group with troubles on booking a second appointment in Kane after their first dose. Originally, they were given a voucher to use to make an appointment after a certain set date. Now, Isaacson said second dose appointments are scheduled when people get their first dose.
Opposition parties in Wales have accused the First Minister of using a planned Welsh Government coronavirus briefing to unfairly influence the forthcoming Senedd election.

The Welsh Conservatives said a planned press conference for Friday, in which Mark Drakeford will set out his plans to ease restrictions, represents naked electioneering while Plaid Cymru said it was completely inappropriate.

The Tories have called for Wales chief medical officer to front the briefing, and Plaid leader Adam Price has written to the Welsh Governments Permanent Secretary Dame Shan Morgan asking her to intervene.

Welsh Labour leader Mr Drakeford has already announced six people from different households will be able to meet outdoors from Saturday and outdoor hospitality can reopen from Monday, having also recently brought forward dates for outdoor activities and the reopening of gyms by a week.

He is expected to announce a number of other measures at Fridays 21-day review announcement and is expected to give a proposed date for the reopening of indoor hospitality.

On Wednesday, Welsh Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders said Mr Drakeford had ample opportunity to provide a detailed road map before the Senedd was dissolved but had deliberately chosen not to do so.

It is therefore questionable that at this most sensitive stage of the Senedd election, he has decided to make a number of surprise lockdown announcements, she said.

Welsh Conservatives believe pandemic-related announcements could and should be fronted by senior civil servants such as the chief medical officer, and this should be the case on Friday.

She said Mr Drakefords comments to the BBC on Tuesday that he would use the briefing to set out what a Labour government would do in the three weeks following the election demonstrates these announcements are nothing other than naked electioneering and livelihoods were pawns in his political games.

Mr Price said in his letter that it would be completely inappropriate for a party to use government resources and communications to make party political announcements less than two weeks before polling day.

The people of Wales rightly expect us as political leaders to continue working together and to support the efforts to control the virus given the unique public health context which underpins this election campaign  as Plaid Cymru has largely done throughout the pandemic, he said.

However, voters will rightly expect the resources of the state to be used properly and fairly during this period.

Mr Price asks Dame Shan to intervene to ensure that any communication through this platform upholds the letter and spirit of the guidance which is in place to ensure parity and fair play for all.

Pre-election guidance documents for officials state that Welsh Government premises and resources should never be used for campaigning purposes and that government communications must not be seen or perceived to be influencing, or potentially influencing the outcome of the election on behalf of any political party.

But the guidance grants an exception for announcements with public health implications, the outcome of the 21-day reviews, or significant changes to regulations in the interim.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: Mark Drakeford remains the First Minister making important decisions to keep Wales safe.

We are aware that Mr Price has sent another letter, we understand this will be responded to in due course.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: The First Minister will be undertaking the press conference on Friday.
BOSTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced that its Ultracast Viva release paper has won the Green Product Award 2021 jury prize in the fashion category. The award program recognizes companies and start-ups that have distinguished themselves by their sustainable practices and product results. Over a thousand applicants from 51 countries were screened for this year's nomination.

Ultracast Viva is a textured release paper made specifically for high-fidelity PVC, PU, semi-PU and solvent-free casting systems that are used in the manufacturing of coated fabrics. This first-of-its-kind product embodies Sappi's forward-looking sustainability practices in alignment with the company's global goals for environmentally-friendly manufacturing.

"On behalf of the entire Sappi organization, we are honored to receive the Green Product Award this year," said Mark Hittie, Director of Release Strategy at Sappi North America. "We're proud to see Ultracast Viva making an impact on the fashion industry and advancing sustainability standards. Our focus remains on creating innovative products that support environmentally-conscious manufacturing."

With Sappi's nearly 80 years of experience creating textures, Ultracast Viva brings to market performance improvements that are more compatible than ever with green chemistry systems, including benefits from its increased reusability and easier handling with expanded temperature limits. This release paper is designed for companies who are dedicated to using sustainable alternatives when creating high quality coated fabrics and textured materials.

"Ultracast Viva is most certainly a positive example for coatings with its scalable technical solution and high potential," said the Green Product Award organizers.

To learn more about Sappi North America, please visit www.sappi.com. To read more about Sappi's Ultracast product line, click here.

About the Green Product Award

The international Green Product Award is rewarding products and services, good in design, innovation and sustainability since 2013. The aim of the award is to share good examples for the public and to provide feedback and networking opportunities for the participants. The Award showcases 11 categories of Architecture & Tiny Houses, Building Components, Circular Materials, Consumer Goods, Fashion, Handicraft, Interior & Lifestyle, Kids, Mobility, Sport and Workspace.

The Green Concept Award  held in cooperation with IKEA-Stiftung - strictly focuses on concepts, materials and prototypes, not on the market yet. The yearly nominees represent the upcoming trends of sustainable innovations.

About Sappi North America, Inc.

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. The success of our three diversified businesses  high-quality graphic papers, pulp, and packaging and speciality papers  is driven by strong customer relationships, best-in-class people and advantaged assets, products and services. Our high-quality graphic papers, including McCoy, Opus, Somerset, and Flo, are the key platform for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of dissolving pulp with our Verve brand, a sustainable fiber, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable packaging and speciality papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands, Spectro and Proto, and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers, LusterPrint and LusterCote. We are also one of the world's leading suppliers of casting and release papers with our Ultracast, PolyEx and Classics lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries. Customers rely on Sappi for high technical, operational and market expertise; products and services delivered with consistently high quality and reliability; and, state-of-the-art and cost-competitive assets and innovative spirit.

SOURCE Sappi North America, Inc.

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Vladimir Putin has slammed the West for 'picking on Russia for no reason' and warned against any country crossing his 'red lines' as he gave his annual state-of-the-union address on Wednesday.

The president, 68, told lawmakers that Moscow will always respond to provocation amid escalating military action on the border with Ukraine where he continues to amass thousands of troops.

He said: 'I hope that no one will think of crossing a red line with Russia. And we will decide ourselves where it will be.

'Russia's response will be symmetrical, fast and tough. The organizers of any provocations threatening our core security interests will regret their actions more than they've regretted anything in a long time.'

The warning comes at a time of heightened tensions at home and abroad amid claims 120,000 Russian troops are stationed on the border with Ukraine.

Protests were also planned today in 100 Russian cities in support of Alexei Navalny to coincide with the address.

The jailed Kremlin critic, who is in 'poor health' in prison hospital, was not mentioned in Putin's speech, as authorities closed off city centres across the country to disrupt demonstrations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual state of the nation address in Manezh, Moscow

Hundreds of protesters chanted 'Russia without Putin' as they marched through the country's Pacific capital Vladivostok as dozens were arrested throughout Russia, including Navalny's aides.

Putin's 'red line' threats come a day after more than 20 Russian warships staged naval exercises in the Black Sea as satellite images revealed a build up of army helicopters and fighter jets in Crimea.

The US has condemned Russia's plans to blockade the Crimea as 'yet another unprovoked escalation' but Russia insisted that it has the right to restrict foreign naval ships' movement in the region, rejecting both the US and Ukraine's complaints.

The Russian strongman said today: 'Russia has its own interests, of course, which we are defending and will defend within the framework of international law.

'And if others refuse to understand this obvious thing, do not want to engage in dialogue, choose an egotistical and arrogant tone, Russia will always find a way to defend its positions.'

He added: 'In some countries, they have started an obscene custom of blaming Russia for anything. It's some kind of sport - a new kind of sport.

'We want good relations... and really don't want to burn bridges.

'But if someone mistakes our good intentions for indifference or weakness and intends to burn down or even blow up these bridges, they should know that Russia's response will be asymmetrical, swift and harsh.'

The president said his military is constantly being developed as he reminded lawmakers of Russia's formidable weaponry

Tensions have soared between Moscow and the West over Russia massing troops on Ukraine's northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula it annexed in 2014.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that more than 20 Russian warships participated in joint exercises with air force fighter jets on Tuesday.

The ships included frigates, missile ships and anti-submarine vessels, and were accompanied by squadrons of fighter jets flying 'at extremely low altitudes in difficult weather conditions.'

The defence ministry also said that more than 50 fighter jets were moved to Crimea, and satellite images taken over two Crimea airbases - Kirovskoye Airbase and Saki Airbase - appeared to confirm this.

They showed a large force of Russian military helicopters and fighter jets sitting on the runways on April 16, April 14 and earlier at Russian airbase Morozovsk last month.

Saki Airbase, Crimea: At least 26 Russian fighter jets can be seen sitting on the tarmac. Russia's defence ministry has said that more than 50 fighter jets were moved to Crimea amid escalating tensions in the region

Russia, which has deployed more than 120,000 troops along the Ukrainian border, has begun massive naval exercises in the Black Sea involving more than 20 vessels, including landing craft

Kirovskoye Airbase, Crimea: At least 13 Russian military helicopters could be seen at Kirovskoye Airbase, Crimea April 14, 2021. Russia's escalation in military exercises come as tensions have soared between Moscow and the West over Russia massing troops on Ukraine's northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula it annexed in 2014

Kirovskoye Airbase, Crimea: View of Kirovskoye Airbase with Russian military equipment, in Crimea April 14, 2021

Morozovsk airbase, Russia: Russian Sukhoi Su-34 military aircraft are pictured at Morozovsk Airbase, Russia March 27, 2021

In pictures from the Saki Airbase on April 16, at least 26 fighter jets can be seen sitting on the runway. In the image taken from above Kirovskoye Airbase on April 14, 13 military helicopters are shown on the tarmac. In another view of Kirovskoye Airbase, more fighter jets and helicopters are shown in position.

An earlier satellite image taken of Morozovsk airbase in Russia on March 27 showed a row of 15 fighter jets lined up. It is unclear if they are the same fighter jets that were later pictured at Saki Airbase on Friday.

Video on Tuesday showed frigate Admiral Essen launching cruise missiles after Putin defied Western demands to ease tensions in Ukraine.

The warships were joined by 50 Su-25SM3 fighter jets flying low across the water, which Russia claimed was routine defensive drilling, despite the presence of landing craft used for offensive amphibious action.

A military spokesman said 'three squadrons of the Southern Military District's attack aircraft held drills to attain positions for an attack.'

Satellite images of an area next to Kachyk Lake in Crimea have revealed a new Russian military camp (right) and sub-camp (left) which have been constructed between March 15 and April 13 amid a wider troop build-up on the Ukraine border

Moscow has rejected Ukraine and Western concerns, arguing that it's free to deploy its forces and charging that they don't threaten anyone. Pictured: Satellite view of the Pogorovo military training area near Voronezh, Russia on April 10

Tensions have risen in recent weeks with increasing violations of a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine and a massive Russian troop buildup along the Ukrainian border. Pictured: Satellite image showing tanks and equipment at Pogorovo training area near Voronezh, Russia on April 10

They practised using missiles against an enemy and dodging strikes from naval air defence systems, he said.

In a separate statement, the Russian defence ministry said that the Russian Black Sea Fleet had conducted manoeuvres, which involved an anti-sabotage detachment and included 'underwater combat training missions'.

The exercises come after Russian news agencies citing the defence ministry reported last week that Moscow intends to close parts of the Black Sea to foreign military and official ships for six months.

Such a move could affect access to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov, which is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait on Crimea's eastern tip.

The US State Department on Monday described the plan as an 'unprovoked escalation in Moscow's ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilize Ukraine'.

A new video shows Russian frigate Admiral Essen launching cruise missiles in the Black Sea as Vladimir Putin defies Western demands to ease tensions with Ukraine

The European Union called it a 'highly worrying development,' while NATO also expressed 'concern' and called on Russia to guarantee 'free access' to Ukrainian ports.

Also in his address, Putin accused the West of ignoring claims that Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko's security services had thwarted an alleged US plot to assassinate him, and were instead focusing on Ukraine.

He said: 'Everyone pretends that nothing is happening at all.

'What would have happened if the coup d'etat attempt had been actually undertaken? How many people would have suffered?'

Lukashenko said on Saturday that Russian authorities had helped derail a plot to overthrow the Belarusian government and arrested two Belarusian nationals in Moscow.

He claimed senior US politicians were involved in the alleged plot, saying no one but top leadership 'can assign the task of eliminating a president', and the allegations were broadcast on Russian state TV.

The Admiral Essen launched cruise missiles as part of exercises which saw some 50 warplanes were involved in the major exercises, which Russia portrayed as routine training

A Ukrainian solider inside a machine gun turret of a light vehicle near the Ukrainian Azov Sea port of Mariupol on Monday. It is feared the Russian blockade could prevent access to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov, which is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, on the eastern tip of the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014

The claims were rubbished by opposition leaders in Belarus who said: 'Information released by state institutions and announced by Lukashenko on April 17 has all hallmarks of a provocation by the security services of Russia and Belarus.

'It is necessary to refrain from hasty conclusions and decisions which can damage Belarus's national interests, sovereignty and independence.'

Earlier in his speech delivered to lawmakers, he spoke about issues at home as he aimed for herd immunity from Covid by autumn.

The speech will be followed by nationwide protests in 100 cities in support of the hunger striking opposition leader who is 'very weak' and being denied treatment in prison hospital, his lawyers claim.

The president said in his opening remarks on Wednesday: 'I'm appealing to all citizens of Russia: get vaccinated. There's no other way to defeat the pandemic.

'Vaccination is now of paramount importance... to allow herd immunity to develop in the fall.'

He added that the three vaccines produced in Russia are a 'direct embodiment of our country's growing scientific and technological potential'.

Manezhnaya Square is blocked by law enforcement officers ahead of President Vladimir Putin's annual address to the Federal Assembly

Putin also said that he wants life expectancy to increase to 78 by 2030 as he thanked the various frontline workers who helped during the pandemic.

The president proposed new incentives to help the economy overcome the blow from the pandemic and new social payments to the population.

Later, Putin vowed that Russia, one of the world's oil and gas producing giants, would do its part to fight climate change and develop carbon recycling.

'We must respond to the challenges of climate change, create a carbon recycling industry,' Putin said in his address.

His comments, some of his strongest on climate change which also vowed to slash greenhouse gas emissions to the same level as the EU, come a week before a virtual climate summit hosted by Joe Biden.

Alexei Navalny's doctors were again denied access to the jailed Kremlin critic on Tuesday despite growing concern over the hunger-striking Russian opposition figure's failing health

Just hours before his speech, Russian police swept in on supporters of Navalny and detained his aides and stormed their offices.

Two close aides were detained by police in Moscow while monitors reported police raids on Navalny's offices in Saint Petersburg and arrests of his supporters across the country.

At last year's state of the nation address, Putin announced his plans to overhaul the constitution, allowing him to effectively rule until 2036.

This year's speech comes as the president faces sharp criticism at home and abroad.

In recent weeks, sanctions and diplomatic expulsions between Moscow and the US have worsened relations between Putin and the new Joe Biden administration.

The new president recently asserted that his Russian counterpart was a 'killer' and also accused the Kremlin of interfering in the 2020 election and launching cyber attacks on US government agencies.
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey has granted bail to actress Rosemond Brown, popularly called Akuapem Poloo.



Akuapem Poloo has been granted an GHC 80000 bail and is to report to her case investigator every two (2) weeks.



Shes also ordered to leave her passport with the court registrar and will only travel with the permission of the court.



The decision of the High Court comes after some celebrities and loved ones made a petition for her release and her lawyer filed an appeal following the 90 days jail sentence to Akuapem Poloo.



The Criminal Court Division of the High Court will hear the appeal today, April 21, 2021.



An Accra Circuit Court sentenced the actress to 90 days in prison concurrently after she was slapped with three charges over the publication of her nude picture with her son on social media last year.



There was an uproar by some Ghanaian celebrities music legend Reggie Rockstone, comedian DKB, Nigerian movie star Tonto Dikeh and American music superstar Cardi B among others to free Akuapem Poloo or mitigate her sentence, hence resulting in the High Court appeal.



Her lawyer, Andrews Kudzo Vortia on Monday, April 19 filed the notice of appeal and an application for bail against their actress custodial sentence.

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.

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Christian university sues to block HUD order forcing male student placement in female dorms

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A Missouri Christian university is suing the Biden administration over a federal directive that its lawsuit claims requires religious schools to open their dormitories and showers based on "gender identity.

The College of the Ozarks, a four-year liberal arts college in Point Lookout, filed a lawsuit in response to a February order from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that forces any entities that receive federal dollars covered by the Fair Housing Act to place transgender-identified biological males into female dormitories and assign them as females roommates.

The lawsuit argues that the rule forces religious schools to violate their religious beliefs and states that the order was issued "without notice or the opportunity for public comment." The lawsuit contends that the policy was issued without considering alternative policies that "respect the interests of private religious colleges."

Representing the school is the legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, which argues that the directive violates both women's sex-based rights and the school's religious liberties.

The government cannot and should not force schools to open girls dorms to males based on its politically motivated and inappropriate redefinition of sex, ADF senior counsel Julie Marie Blake said in a statement.

Women shouldnt be forced to share private spaces  including showers and dorm rooms  with males, and religious schools shouldnt be punished simply because of their beliefs about marriage and biological sex. Government overreach by the Biden administration continues to victimize women, girls, and people of faith by gutting their legal protections, and it must be stopped.

The federal order instructs organizations and agencies that receive grants through HUDs Fair Housing Initiative Program (FHIP), in carrying out activities under these grant agreements, must interpret sex discrimination under the Fair Housing Act to include discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Violators of this directive will potentially face fines and punitive damages.

The lawsuit was filed in the southern division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis believes the Biden administration's action constitutes a violation of the most basic freedoms outlined in the founding documents of the United States.

Religious freedom is under attack in America, and we wont stand on the sidelines and watch, Davis said in a statement.

To threaten religious freedom is to threaten America itself. College of the Ozarks will not allow politicians to erode this essential American right or the ideals that shaped Americas founding.

College of the Ozarks is colloquially known as "Hard Work U" as all students work while they are students on campus and receive tuition-free four-year degrees.

In a statement on its website about the lawsuit, the liberal arts college said that it "holds to the Christian belief that biological sex is not changeable, and it operates its dorms accordingly."

"The Colleges sincerely held religious beliefs influence their policies, including dormitory policies, which prohibit male students from living in female residence halls, and vice versa."

Commenting on the lawsuit on Twitter Friday, evangelist Franklin Graham praised the school for its "bold stand" and asked, "Can you believe this government overreach?"

The HUD directive that reinterprets "sex" to include gender identity follows the Biden administration's executive order signed on his first day in office  "Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation"  which directed federal agencies within 100 days to adjust their policies to do likewise.

The Jan. 20 order cited the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that firing someone on the basis of "transgender status" was a form of sex discrimination that is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the section pertaining to employment. The high court ruled only on workplace discrimination and did not speak to other areas of public policy, such as housing or education.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 05:38:33|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The president of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Volkan Bozkir, pledged on Tuesday that efforts must be made to make progress on the "Road to Kunming," reaffirming his strong support for boosting biodiversity.

"We must continue to make progress on the 'Road to Kunming' and the goal of a 2020 Framework on Biodiversity," the UNGA president, or the PGA, said in his remarks addressed to the high-level event of Raising Ambition for Nature, organized by the Group of Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries, a group of countries that harbor the majority of Earth's species.

The PGA said that biodiversity is very important and "the plain truth is we have not done enough to protect the environment and we need to do more," while calling for "the most pressing and urgent actions needed now for transformative change."

"Member states clearly expressed support for this in September 2020 at the UN's first Biodiversity Summit and through the Leader's Pledge that was released concurrently. This call has only been emphasized in the period since. We must continue to push for action and utilize the upcoming COP-level summits on climate; biodiversity; and desertification, land degradation and drought to underscore the importance of this issue," said the UNGA president.

"All these areas are interconnected, and we cannot miss the opportunity to tie them together," he added.

The PGA also called for efforts to "utilize the opportunity presented by COVID-19 and the largest socio-economic recovery the world has ever undertaken to strengthen our relationship with the natural world."

"For all its tragedy, COVID has also opened a window of possibility in the public and political spheres and given us the chance to push for transformational change. Let us use this and ensure that our recovery efforts are guided by the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, and help protect both 'life on land' and 'life below water,'" he stressed.

"We must undertake broad efforts to raise awareness of this issue. While each of us here is aware of the interconnected nature of these issues, most people have little knowledge of zoonotic diseases, or extinction rates, or of the linkages between climate, desertification, and biodiversity," said the PGA, noting that "this is an oversight that will harm our progress."

"Biodiversity loss and the loss of ecosystems are not merely environmental issues; these losses affect our health, our wealth, and our resilience. Some estimates put the value of ecosystem services at more than 33 trillion U.S. dollars. Clearly, we must move to tackle these issues together, and everyone must understand why," said the UNGA president.

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity said in a March statement that COP15, the biggest biodiversity summit in a decade originally scheduled to take place on Oct. 15-28, 2020 in Kunming, China, had been moved to October this year due to delays related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Countries are expected to reach an agreement over targets to protect the natural world, including proposals to conserve 30 percent of the world's oceans and land by 2030, introduce controls on invasive species and reduce plastics pollution. Enditem
RTHK: US hits Myanmar timber, pearl firms with sanctions

The Biden administration on Wednesday ramped up pressure against Myanmars military government by imposing sanctions on two state-owned companies responsible for significant amounts of foreign income.

The State and Treasury departments announced they were targeting Myanmars main timber and pearl exporting firms with penalties aimed at reducing the junta's resources after a coup in February that has been followed by a harsh crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

The sanctions freeze any assets Myanmar Timber Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise may have in US jurisdictions and bar Americans from doing business with them.

Our action today reinforces our message to the military that the United States will continue to target specific funding channels and promote accountability for the coup and related violence, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that used the country's former name, Burma.

"We will continue to support the people of Burma in their efforts to reject this coup, and we call on the military regime to cease violence, release all those unjustly detained, and restore Burmas path to democracy. Blinken said.

Wednesday's step follows a similar move taken earlier this month against a government-run gem company that is another major source of income for the military. The US and other nations have steadily ramped up sanctions pressure against the junta since it seized power from a civilian-led government in the February 1 coup. (AP)

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey has announced a massive clean-up exercise in the Region tomorrow.



The clean-up, which will be held on Thursday, April 22, is aimed at keeping the Capital City neat and clean.



The exercise will be conducted in places like Nima, Asylum Down among other areas.



Speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, the Minister explained that the exercise feeds into his bigger picture of making Accra work again by setting the Capital City as an example to other cities and towns in the country.



The Minister pledged his full commitment to the course in hope to make the residents adopt the attitude of practicing good hygiene and also all bad habits.



"I've lobbied the national security to supervise the exercise. So, we will get some soldiers, Police and Immigration personnel to join in the exercise. Zoomlion is providing all the logistics. The assemblies, Ayawaso North, East, Central and West Wuogon are coming together with their taskforce and logistics," 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.

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Nicholas Latifi is having a very unlucky Formula 1 season. In the opening race in Bahrain, he was forced to retire early. At Imola, he was forced to retire early as well after crashing into Nikita Mazepin.

The track was very slippery due to the rain, so the drivers had to watch out for accidents from the start. Latifi didn't manage to do so for long, as he slid off the track in the early stages. The Canadian rejoined the track, but then failed to notice Mazepin next to him. He then steered into Mazepin and went off the track himself.

"I was at the bottom of the Acque Minerali, but managed to get back on the track," he explained to Motorsport.com.

"I then tried to stay on the left side of the track as much as possible, but it was very slippery there. I saw Vettel pass me and thought I was the last car. I honestly didn't see Nikita at all. There was so much spray. I wasn't aware that he was sitting there, I only discovered that much later when I looked back at the footage of the incident."

Poor visibility for Latifi

Latifi blames the weather for that. "The visibility was extremely bad. I don't think I've ever experienced such poor conditions at the start of a race. I think that was partly due to the age of the circuit. Old asphalt doesn't drain rainwater as well. But anyway, so it was completely impossible to see anything and I got off the track because my rear tyres locked up slightly." Mazepin did reach the finish, but finished in last place.

Read more Latifi and Schumacher cause trouble in the rain at Imola
A woman has been charged in connection with a twisted revenge killing plot that resulted in the death of California rapper Cutty Banks, whom police say the suspect wrongly identified as the person who had shot dead her boyfriend during a road-rage incident.

Amanda Young, 29, was arrested last week in Torrence, California, on charges of conspiracy and murder for the December 2020 shooting death of San Mateo-based rapper Melota Lasi, 30, better known by his stage name, Cutty Banks.

Isaiah Reupena, 34, the brother of Young's late boyfriend, was arrested in Oklahoma earlier this month on a homicide charge for allegedly firing the shots that killed Lasi.

Isaiah Reupena, 34, is pictured, left, being arrested in Oklahoma on April 1 for the December 2020 mistaken identity revenge murder of California rapper Cutty Banks, right. Two weeks later, police in Torrence, California, arrested Amanda Young (not pictured) in connection with the killing

Investigators say Reupena and Young wrongly believed that Cutty Banks was responsible for the road-rage killing of Lewis Reupena (pictured), who was Young's long-time boyfriend

According to the San Mateo Police Department, the saga began unfolding on August 29, 2020, when Lewis Reupena, a 27-year-old local musician known as 'Looce,' was shot dead in a road-rage incident on the 405 Freeway in Southern California.

After Reupena's death, police say his girlfriend teamed up with his family and friends and launched a 'street investigation,' which wrongly concluded that Lasi was the culprit.

Prosecutors said Young and Lewis' family thought that he had been targeted over a confrontation outside a marijuana dispensary in Compton, California.

'The California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigated Lewiss homicide and confirmed Lasi was not involved,' police said in a press release announcing Young's arrest.

According to investigators, Young then convinced Isaiah Reupena of Lasi's guilt, which prompted him to drive to San Mateo and confront the rapper.

Police say Young conducted her own 'street investigation,' which led her to wrongly conclude that Lasi (left) was the person who shot and killed Lewis (right) on 405 Freeway on august 29, 2020

At around 9.25pm on December 19, Isaiah allegedly cornered Lasi in the parking lot of a Wells Fargo bank on West Hillsdale Boulevard and fired at least five shots at him, before fleeing in a white Mercedes. The rapper was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say Young convinced Isaiah of Lasi's guilt, and he shot and killed him, before moving to Oklahoma (pictured in custody)

Isaiah briefly returned to Southern California and subsequently moved to Blanchard, Oklahoma, where he was taken into custody before dawn on April 1 following a three-month investigation.

He is currently awaiting extradition back to California to face a charge of homicide.

His defense attorney told The Oklahoman: 'There is considerable doubt that he committed the crime.'

Young, who had moved to Oklahoma with the Reupenas for a short time after Lasi's murder, returned to Southern California, where she was arrested on April 15.

She is being held in the San Mateo County Jail without bond pending her next court appearance, which is scheduled for May 10.
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WASHINGTON  The Biden administration is taking steps to protect the countrys electricity system from cyberattacks through a new 100-day initiative combining federal government agencies and private industry.

The initiative, announced Tuesday by the Energy Department, encourages owners and operators of power plants and electric utilities to improve their capabilities for identifying cyber threats to their networks. It includes concrete milestones for them to put technologies into use so they can spot and respond to intrusions in real time.

The department is also soliciting recommendations from electric utilities, energy companies, government agencies and others for how to safeguard the energy system supply chain.

Innovative partnerships like these are essential to addressing the urgent cybersecurity challenge because much of our critical infrastructure is owned and operated by the private sector, Emily Horne, a spokeswoman for the White Houses National Security Council, said in a statement.

The effort, which also involves the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, underscores the heightened concern about the prospects for cyberattacks that disrupt the power supply. Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, said in an interview with The Associated Press this month that the administration was undertaking a new effort to help electric utilities, water districts and other critical industries protect against potentially damaging cyberattacks.

A Government Accountability Office report last month found that the U.S. grids distribution systems, which transport electricity from transmission systems to consumers, are increasingly at risk. It said hackers can use multiple techniques to gain access, including compromising the supply chain by manipulating software or hardware or exploiting virtual private network connections.

The report recommended that the Energy Department, the primary federal agency for the energy sector, do more to address those risks.

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Perhaps the most notable cyberattack on an electric supply in recent years was attributed to Russia and knocked parts of Ukraines power grid offline in 2015 and 2016. The Justice Department last October charged six Russian hackers, all suspected military intelligence officers, in connection with that attack and a spate of others.

The U.S., meanwhile, faces a well-documented and increasing cyber threat from malicious actors seeking to disrupt the electricity Americans rely on to power our homes and businesses, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement announcing the new effort.

Its up to both government and industry to prevent possible harms  thats why were working together to take these decisive measures so Americans can rely on a resilient, secure, and clean energy system, she added.

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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP.
Court TV via AP, Pool In this image from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, center, is taken into custody as his attorney, Eric Nelson, left, looks on, after the verdicts were read at Chauvins trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, on Tuesday, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn.
Daily Mail Owner Files Lawsuit Against Google for Monopoly Over Digital Ads

The parent company of the Daily Mail and Mail Online is suing Google for alleged anti-competitive behavior by manipulating search results and ad auctions that cause harm to online publishers.

The lawsuit, which was filed in a federal court in Manhattan, alleges that Google built a dominant position in the digital advertising market and is using that market power to eliminate competition. It states that the technology behemoth now controls the tools used by publishers and advertisers to buy and sell online ad space.

Google represents that its publisher ad server, as a tool for publishers, maximizes the yield for publishers inventory. But Google operates under a conflict of interest, the lawsuit states (pdf).

With its control over publisher ad serving, Google controls how publishers solicit and evaluate real-time bids for their inventory. Meanwhile, by operating the dominant exchange and dominant buy-side software, Google is the most powerful buyer of that inventory.

The mechanics of Googles conduct have evolved over time, but the result has remained the same: Google manipulates the process of real-time bidding to exclude rival exchanges, underpay for publisher inventory, and ultimately reduce the quality and quantity of online news.

Among the tactics Google uses is to manipulate search rankings to punish publishers that do not submit to its practices, the lawsuit claims.

A spokesperson for the Daily Mail told The Wall Street Journal in a statement that the papers concerns stem from its assessment that coverage of the British royal family in 2021 had been downplayed in Google search results.

Google disputes the allegations in the lawsuit, saying that the Daily Mails claims are are completely inaccurate.

The use of our ad tech tools has no bearing on how a publishers website ranks in Google Search. More generally, we compete in a crowded and competitive ad tech space where publishers have and exercise multiple options. The Daily Mail itself authorizes dozens of ad tech companies to sell and manage their ad space, including Amazon, Verizon, and more. We will defend ourselves against these meritless claims, Google said in a statement to The Epoch Times.

This is the latest in a series of suits filed against Google that allege anti-competitive behavior. In January, a West Virginia media company that operates several newspapers filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to determine whether Google and Facebook had violated antitrust laws. The lawsuit claims that Google has unlawfully exercised monopoly power of the digital advertising market, preventing newspapers from competing in the market and causing them to lose their primary source of revenue.

The Silicon Valley company is also facing multiple antitrust lawsuits brought by the Justice Department and attorneys general in several states.

Meanwhile, Google is also facing pushback from governments around the world that are concerned over the power these companies yield over public discourse and business competition. Australia is the latest country to pass legislation making Google and Facebook pay for news content. The law backs public-interest journalism and aims to provide a level playing field between these platforms and media companies, which have been losing advertising revenue to these platforms. Other countries have signaled an intention to follow in the footsteps of Australia.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a similar law, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, which provides a four-year safe harbor from antitrust laws to allow small news publishers to negotiate collectively with large tech companies such as Google and Facebook over the distribution of their content.

The Daily Mail is asking the court to declare that Googles actions violated antitrust laws, to grant injunctive relief to restore competition, and for damages.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:04:53|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, April 21 (Xinhua) -- With the local job market under great pressure due to a sluggish economy hit hard by pandemic, more young people in Hong Kong have turned to mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to realize their ambitions and dreams.

Graduating from a U.S. university last year, a job seeker surnamed Lam, who majored in media and communications, has submitted her resume to quite a number of companies in Hong Kong over the past months, with few replies.

But a recent career fair brought her new hope.

She found herself qualified for multiple job vacancies from marketing to advertising and has decided to seize the opportunity in mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area.

The job fair was held under the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme introduced by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The scheme came as part of the effort of the government to ease a worsening unemployment situation and encourage youth to pursue a career in vibrant mainland markets.

Secretary for Labor and Welfare Law Chi-kwong of the HKSAR government said young people will accumulate more experience and broaden their horizon by working in the mainland, as well as gain a deep understanding of the development of the nation.

According to the scheme, businesses recruited new graduates to work in mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area with a monthly salary of no less than 18,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 2,300 U.S. dollars). The government will subsidize the employers by 10,000 Hong Kong dollars a month for every graduate they hire.

The scheme has gained warm response from job seekers.

Over the first three months since the scheme was launched on Jan. 8, 275 businesses, including Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, have provided over 2,000 job vacancies covering a wide range of areas from finance to education, and nearly 6,000 people have filed their applications.

The salary is very attractive, a job applicant surnamed Chow, who graduated in 2019 with a major of marketing, said.

While finding a job is really difficult for college graduates in Hong Kong due to the dual blows of the social unrest and the COVID-19 epidemic, neighboring mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area are developing rapidly and can create good job opportunities, Chow said, adding that he aims to find a job in a tech startup.

Another job hunter surnamed Leung, who majored in finance, was also optimistic about the mainland markets.

Having received an offer from a local business, Leung said if hired under the scheme, he will give up the job opportunity in Hong Kong and choose to work in the mainland, where the development room is broader.

Hong Kong young people have language advantages and global visions, thus being chased by employers, analysts said. When working and living in the mainland, they will also receive multiple favorable policies from transport subsidies to tax breaks.

"With a gross domestic product of nearly 1.7 trillion U.S. dollars, the Greater Bay Area is one of our country's most open and vibrant regions and has great potential," Law said, adding that the government will continue to help young people pursue a career in mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area. Enditem
NORWALK  Mayor Harry Rilling took time during the city Health Departments weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Bow Tie Cinema on North Main Street on Wednesday to thank pandemic volunteers.

Without volunteers like you, we wouldnt be able to do this, Rilling said. If it werent for people like who you come and give selflessly of their time.
Police are urgently searching for three missing children who disappeared in Lancashire last night.

Leona Derbyshire, 14, Matej Bulander, 14, and Allyx Queen, 16, were last seen in the Chorley Road area of Withnell, Chorley, at 8.30pm yesterday.

They are believed to be together and have links to Blackburn, Coventry and London.

Lancashire Police fears for the teenagers' safety and is appealing to the public for information.

Leona Derbyshire, 14, (left) Matej Bulander, 14, (centre)and Allyx Queen, 16, (right) were last seen in the Chorley Road area of Withnell, Chorley, at 8.30pm yesterday

PC Mark Price, of South Police, said: 'We are concerned about the welfare of these three children and we need to find them as soon as possible.

'I would ask anybody who sees them or has information about their whereabouts to get in contact with police straight away.

'I would also appeal to Leona, Matej and Allyx, if they see this appeal, to get in contact with police to let us know you are OK.'

Leona is described as white, 5ft 5ins, of a slim build with long brown straight hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing grey North Face bottoms, a grey Adidas top, a black padded coat with a fur hood and white Nike Air max trainers with a black tick.

Matej is white, 5ft 1ins, of a slim build, with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey Nike tracksuit top and bottoms, a dark grey body warmer and white Nike trainer boots.

Allyx is white, of a medium build, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing grey bottoms, a darker grey Nike top, and black shiny Alexander McQueen shoes.

Anybody with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1545 of April 20, 2021.
GoDaddys newly-launched Website Design Services allows small businesses to have a unique, professional website that can establish a strong online presence.

GoDaddy launched its Website Design Services (WDS) in Australia today to cater small enterprises and entrepreneurs for them to start and scale their online business with a custom-built website.

WDS, tailored to the unique requirement of each business, delivers a modern, professionally designed WordPress website in just few weeks.

With the launch of WDS, GoDaddy has expanded its products to provide digital services for Australian small businesses to suit their budget and expertise level.

According to GoDaddys research of Australian small businesses, 18% of surveyed respondents said they didnt have a website because they felt it was beyond their technical expertise, while 15% said they didnt have the time to create and manage a website.

According to GoDaddy, its WDS design experts have built over 30,000 websites worldwide, with four plans currently offered to suit a variety of business types:

Starter Website Design - A basic one-page website, optimised for mobile phones. A fast, straightforward solution perfect for an online business card, coming soon page or special event.

Standard Website Design - A more advanced small business website with up to four pages and optimised for mobile. On top of the Starter package, Standard includes search engine optimisation (SEO) tools and attractive designs tailored to each business and advanced design features such as video headers, image sliders and galleries.

Premium Website Design - Stunning designs and advanced functions, including all features of the Standard package, up to 10 pages, blog capabilities, and functionality for scheduling, client forms, passwords and more.

Premium Web Store  For online entrepreneurs, Premium Web Store is built on WordPress and WooCommerce. It includes all the features of Premium Website Design, plus up to seven pages and 25 products and free one-year SSL certificate. Web Store allows businesses to accept online bookings and appointments, track and manage inventory, display customer reviews, apply discounts and coupon codes, and supports a variety of shipping and payment options. Web Store also has access to a library of over 75 WooCommerce extensions.

For a monthly fee, the WDS Care can help fix technical issues and maintain and update the website and help set up email sign-up forms to help with digital marketing.

According to GoDaddy, WDS Care can assist with updating, adding, and removing text or images; modifying navigation; setting up blog posts and adding new ones; and offer proactive recommendations to help keep your websites fresh.

Marcus Bradbery, founder of MB Barefoot Training, comments: I love the freedom and autonomy of running my own business, but it can be very time-consuming, and I needed a professional website urgently.

He says as a business owner, the more time he spends on building and managing his business, the less time he spends on doing what he loves: interacting with my clients.

He adds that by using Website Design Services, I could focus on my business while GoDaddy experts builds me an eye-catching and sophisticated website to promote my business to prospective clients.

Bradbery testifies how the process was seamless and says the results were fantastic.

On using the service, he says: All I had to do was speak with a GoDaddy designer online, share imagery, text and logos, then they brought my vision to life. The pandemic has drastically altered the way the fitness industry operates, highlighting the crucial importance of having a digital presence.

Today, I have a website that Im proud of, and one that can evolve as my business continues to grow and add new products and services, Bradbery adds.

As many industries and businesses pursue digital-first strategies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving consumer demand, GoDaddy says, a professional website has gone from a nice-to-have, to essential.

Besides designing websites, GoDaddy also offers Websites + Marketing, its flagship do-it-yourself website builder tool, an easy-to-use and affordable website builder and digital marketing suite integrated tool, to help small businesses worldwide grow and create and manage their business online.

Tamara Oppen, Managing Director at GoDaddy Australia, comments: The Website Design Services is the latest solution in our growing ecosystem of products designed to digitally empower Australian entrepreneurs and small businesses.

While building a professional website is easier and more affordable now, feedback from some small business owners say they either didnt have the time or would prefer to enlist the help of an expert designer, she adds.

GoDaddy, Oppen says, listened to the needs of Australian business owners, and WDS is the result.

With more entrepreneurs and small business owners creating a digital presence for their ventures, GoDaddy WDS, Websites + Marketing, and our additional integrated set of online products and services, along with expert customer support, offers a variety of online solutions to help a small business succeed online, Oppen concludes.

Every WDS plan currently includes:

Access to a dedicated team of website design experts to assist in each step of the way

Free consultation to understand the business and set goals for the website design

Free website domain name and Microsoft Office 365 email for the first year

Advanced website built on WordPress, the worlds most popular website building platform

Modern, multi-page, mobile-friendly designs customised for each business

Access to an online Owners Manual, with training videos and resources

Professionally written content for the site

WordPress Security plug-in

Further updates and maintenance available for a low monthly fee (or self-maintained)

For more information, visit the GoDaddy WDS page.
(Alliance News) - Liontrust Asset Management PLC on Wednesday posted an increase in net inflows in the final quarter of its financial and appointed a new non-executive director.

The London-based asset manager reported net inflows of GBP1.0 billion in the three months to March 31. This takes net inflows for its full financial year to GBP3.5 billion and assets under management and advice to GBP30.9 billion, up 5% from the previous quarter and up 92% from GBP16.1 billion as at March 31, 2020, respectively.

Assets under management and advice have risen further so far in April, to GBP32.5 billion as at April 16.

"Our robust investment and working processes have enabled Liontrust to deliver strong long-term performance, first-class service and reliable administration. Also pivotal to our continued growth has been the power of the Liontrust brand. This was demonstrated by Liontrust being ranked as the 8th best asset management brand in the UK by Broadridge's annual survey in March 2021," said Chief Executive John Ions.

Additionally, Liontrust has appointed Quintin Price as non-executive director with effect from July 1, succeeding Mike Bishop who will retire after the company's annual general meeting.

Price is currently a senior adviser at Actis LLP, a private equity, real estate and energy & infrastructure company. He is also a non-executive director of New York-based fund manager Aperture Investors LLC and also of London-listed F&C Investment Trust PLC.

Shares in Liontrust were down 1.3% at 1,562.00 pence in London on Wednesday.

By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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GRUNDY CENTER, Iowa (AP)  A man charged in the shooting death of an Iowa Highway Patrol trooper has been moved from the hospital to a jail.

Michael Lang, of Grundy Center, was released Wednesday from Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he was recovering from wounds he suffered in a confrontation with law enforcement officers on April 9.

Patrol Sgt. Jim Smith was killed while trying to arrest Lang.

Lang was taken to the Grundy County Sheriffs Office, where he made his initial appearance. He was charged with first-degree murder and two other counts.

He is now being held on $3 million cash bond at the Black Hawk County Jail.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 15:23:28|Editor: huaxia

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Cai Jingxiang moves a tree root collected from the beach at his exhibition hall of sea drifts in Jinjiang City, southeast China's Fujian Province, on April 19, 2021. Cai Jingjiang, a career advertisement designer, returned five years ago to his hometown at Tangdong Village, Jinjing Township of Jinjiang City. He found inspiration from the sea drifts washed ashore near his village, many of them in unique shapes. One day after another, Cai searched through the beach and brought home drifts with artistic potential, and turned them into pieces of artwork and domestic decorations. Cai converted an old house passed down in his family into an exhibition hall where he displays and illustrates his artistic creations from what used to be garbage in the sea. In this way, he wishes to call people's attention to environmental protection. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei)
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Imeglimin Japanese New Drug Application (J-NDA) under review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) following submission by Poxel's partner, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma in July 2020, with product launch anticipated in 2021 1

Poxel regained Imeglimin rights from Metavant for US, Europe and other countries not covered by its agreement with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and is pursuing next steps to advance its development including partnering activities

Poxel continues to prepare for initiation of Phase 2b trial with PXL770 in patients with biopsy-proven NASH and pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, expected to commence in H2 2021

PXL065 Phase 2 study ongoing with completion of recruitment expected in mid-2021 and topline data readout in mid-2022

Imeglimin and PXL065 preclinical and clinical data published in peer reviewed journals; PXL770 data accepted for oral and poster presentations at an upcoming scientific conference

As of March 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 32.8 million (USD 38.4 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 provided a corporate update and announced its cash position and revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

"Closing the first quarter of 2021, we remain on track with our corporate and clinical timelines and objectives. We look forward to the completion of the J-NDA review of Imeglimin, and based on a typical 12-month review by the PMDA, we believe Imeglimin could be approved in mid-2021 with an anticipated product launch by our partner Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma in Fiscal Year 20211. Further, having regained Imeglimin rights from Metavant in the US, Europe and other countries not covered by our agreement with Sumitomo, we are pursuing various opportunities to advance its development including partnering activities," commented Thomas Kuhn, CEO of Poxel.

"Our NASH candidates, PXL770 and PXL065 continue to move forward. For PXL770, we are actively preparing for a Phase 2b trial in biopsy-proven NASH patients with a focus on patients with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and anticipate initiating this clinical trial in H2 2021. For PXL065, the enrollment of our DESTINY-1 trial in biopsy-proven NASH patients is moving along well and we anticipate completion of recruitment in mid-2021 as planned, with topline data expected in mid-2022. Moving forward, we remain focused on developing our clinical candidates and showcasing their value in the metabolic disease space. In parallel, we continue evaluating our AMP-kinase (AMPK) and deuterium-modified thiazolidinedione (d-TZD) platforms in preclinical studies targeting a range of metabolic disorders including specialty and rare diseases," concluded Mr. Kuhn.

Clinical Development Updates

Imeglimin (Type 2 Diabetes)

Poxel continues to work closely with its partner, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, regarding the J-NDA, with the approval anticipated in Fiscal Year 2021 2 . The approval would trigger a JPY 1.75 billion (approximately EUR 13.8 million, USD 16.9 million) 3 milestone payment as well as the ability for Poxel to draw down EUR 13.5 million from the Company's debt facility with IPF. The target product launch date is anticipated in 2021 2 which would trigger the potential for sales-based payments and escalating double-digit royalties on sales.

. The approval would trigger a JPY 1.75 billion (approximately EUR 13.8 million, USD 16.9 million) milestone payment as well as the ability for Poxel to draw down EUR 13.5 million from the Company's debt facility with IPF. The target product launch date is anticipated in 2021 which would trigger the potential for sales-based payments and escalating double-digit royalties on sales. In February, Poxel announced it had regained the rights to Imeglimin from Metavant for US, Europe, and other countries not covered by the Company's agreement with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Metavant has returned all data, materials and information, including FDA regulatory filings, related to the program and is not entitled to any payments from Poxel as part of the return. Poxel is pursuing next steps for the development of Imeglimin in these geographic areas including partnering activities.

Throughout the first quarter, the Company published several papers describing Imeglimin's innovative MoA and Phase 2b/3 results from Japan in peer reviewed journals.

PXL770 (NASH)

Poxel is preparing a 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 type 2 diabetes expected to commence in H2 2021.

The PXL770 program was presented and discussed at the 2021 NASH-TAG conference in March.

Clinical results for PXL770 were also selected for presentations at the upcoming EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver) in June 2021.

PXL065 (NASH)

The recruitment for DESTINY-1, a Phase 2 study in biopsy proven NASH patients remains on track and is expected to be completed in mid-2021, with topline data available in mid-2022. The results of this trial will be used to help identify the dose or doses for a Phase 3 registration trial.

In March, recent PXL065 Phase 1 clinical results, drug metabolism data and PK-PD modeling were presented at the 2021 NASH-TAG conference.

A publication in Hepatology Communications journal entitled Deuterium-Stabilized (R)-Pioglitazone (PXL065) Is Responsible for Pioglitazone Efficacy in NASH yet Exhibits Little to No PPAR? Activitywas released in April 2021. The study highlights the potential of PXL065, the deuterium-stabilized R-stereoisomer of pioglitazone, to provide a safer and more effective treatment for NASH than pioglitazone in its racemic mixture form.

Additional Development Opportunities

In addition to the clinical studies for PXL770 and PXL065, the Company is also conducting preclinical combination studies with its NASH drug candidates to explore the potential to show additive or synergistic benefits to treat the root causes of NASH with other agents in development.

The Company is actively planning further pipeline growth and conducting additional preclinical studies to evaluate its next generation direct AMPK activators and d-TZDs, as well as considering external opportunities, with a focus on metabolic disorders, including rare diseases.

Corporate Updates

In March, Poxel released its Universal Registration Document (URD).

In February, Poxel announced the resolution of the arbitration procedure with Merck Serono.

First Quarter 2021 Financial Update

As of March 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 32.8 million (USD 38.4 million), as compared to EUR 40.2 million (USD 49.4 million) as of December 31, 2020. Cash and cash equivalents net of financial liabilities were EUR 9.8 million as of March 31, 2021, as compared to EUR 17.2 million as of December 31, 2020.

EUR (in millions) Q1 2021 Q4 2020 Cash 18.5 15.6 Cash equivalents 14.3 24.6 Total cash and cash equivalents* 32.8 40.2 Unaudited data *Cash and cash equivalents net of financial liabilities were EUR 9.8 million at the end of Q1 2021 and EUR 17.2 million at the end of Q4 2020.

First Quarter 2021 revenue

Poxel reported no revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, as compared to EUR 1.5 million during the corresponding period in 2020.

The revenues for the first quarter of 2020 included 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 were recognized based on the percentage of the completion of this program. This program has been fully completed in 2020, and led to no revenue for the first quarter in 2021.

EUR (in millions) Q1 Q1 2021 3 months 2020 3 months Roivant Agreement Sumitomo Agreement 1.5 Other Total revenues 1.5 Unaudited data

Planned Presentations and Participation at the Following Upcoming Virtual Events

Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Development Summit, April 27-29

Kempen Life Sciences Conference, May 5

The 64 th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Diabetes Society, May 20-22

Annual Meeting of the Japanese Diabetes Society, May 20-22 Jefferies Healthcare Conference, June 1-4

JMP Securities Conference, June 16-18

Raymond James Human Health Innovations Conference, June 21-23

EASL ILC, June 23-26

Next Financial Press Release: Second Quarter 2021 Financial Update, July 21, 2021

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 Year noted is Fiscal Year from April 2021 to March 2022, which is Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's Fiscal Year.

3 Based on the JPY/EUR exchange rate on July 28, 2020.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005414/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
WASHINGTON (AP)  Employees of the two main U.S. immigration enforcement agencies were directed Monday to stop referring to migrants as aliens, a dated term that many people consider offensive.

Memos issued by Customs and Border Protection, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, tells employees to use the words non-citizen or migrant." The change reflects guidelines set by the Biden administration, which is reversing many of the anti-immigrant policies of former President Donald Trump.

IN TEXAS: Ted Cruz says Biden staffer stopped him from filming migrant facility in Texas

Instead of illegal aliens, which was still being used by some government officials in press releases and elsewhere, the employees of CBP and ICE should instead use undocumented noncitizen or undocumented individual, according to the memos.

Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said the directives were necessary to set a tone and example at an agency that includes the Border Patrol.

We enforce our nations laws while also maintaining the dignity of every individual with whom we interact, Miller said. The words we use matter and will serve to further confer that dignity to those in our custody.

Administration critics dismissed the new language guidelines.

We use the term illegal alien because theyre here illegally, said Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas. This kind of weakness and obsession with political correctness is why were having a crisis on the border in the first place.

As recently as last Thursday, CBP issued a press release out of Texas that described a Border Patrol operation in the Rio Grande Valley "resulting in the apprehension of ten illegal aliens.

But a release Monday seemed to comply with the memo, describing the rescue of a lost undocumented noncitizen near Ocotillo, California.

IN TEXAS: Abbott wants Freeman Coliseum shelter closed amid complaints children were allegedly abused

The change in language comes as the Biden administration deals with a record number of children and teens, mostly from Central America, seeking to enter the U.S. at the southwest border.

Under the new guidelines, unaccompanied alien children would be referred to as unaccompanied noncitizen children, according to the memos. Employees are also directed to describe the assimilation of refugees and immigrants as civic integration.

CBP is turning away most adult migrants attempting to enter the U.S. under a public health order issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Biden administration is allowing unaccompanied minors and some families to remain, at least temporarily, while authorities determine whether they can stay through the asylum process or under some other legal category.

Biden administration officials blame the rising number of migrants at the southwest border on a number of factors, including two recent hurricanes that struck Central America and the economic ravages of COVID-19 in the region.

Critics blame the administration's moves to reverse some of the hundreds of measures taken under President Donald Trump to curb both legal and illegal immigration and support for legislation that would enable some already in the country to remain.
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the St. Bernard Parish Council have come out against the proposed $2 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, calling it a threat to commercial and recreational fishing, bottlenose dolphins and the economies and cultures of St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.

Councilwoman Kerri Callais said the estimated 21 square miles of new land created by the diversion over 50 years is not enough to offset the potential loss of revenue from fisheries or the effects on the area's heritage.

"We all know the consequences this diversion will have on both of our parishes, the economic consequences, the consequences to our culture, to our tourism thats so important to St. Bernard, Callais said. Its part of our identity. Its who we are."

The Parish Council's unanimous vote on Tuesday came a week after a similar vote of opposition by the Plaquemines Parish Council to the project, a key element in Louisiana's $50 billion to rebuild its fragile coast.

Chip Kline, chairman of the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, said he was not notified in advance that the issue would come up during the St. Bernard meeting but sent a note urging the council to delay its opposition vote until after concerns raised by its members and the public are addressed in the final version of the project's environmental impact statement.

The diversion would send some Mississippi River water and sediment through a weir and channel at Myrtle Grove into Barataria Bay, rebuilding marsh there. But George Ricks, president of the Save Louisiana Coalition, said the damage caused to the fishing industry by the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in 2019 was an example of the damage that could be expected from the diversion.

+4 Huge Louisiana coastal project receives positive report from the Corps of Engineers Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion could create 28 square miles of marsh in rapidly eroding Barataria Basin

Citing a discussion he had with a U.S. Navy dolphin trainer, Nungesser dismissed the Mid-Barataria draft environmental impact statements estimate that the diversion would kill 34% of the Barataria basins bottlenose dolphins. The dolphin trainer predicted close to 75%, he said.

And he questioned why state officials agreed to let Congress exempt the diversion from compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which forbids projects such as this from harming or killing dolphins. The exemption requires five years of dolphin monitoring after the diversion is completed; Nungesser called that inadequate.

Proposed diversion could kill 34% of bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, new report says Up to a third of the bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay could die because of dangerously low salinity levels when the proposed Mid-Barataria

He also questioned how the diversion could be paid for with money from the BP Deepwater Horizon natural resources restoration settlement. He said that disaster's money was supposed to address its damage to dolphins and fisheries.

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The potential effects of the diversion on dolphins were the subject of several studies conducted in support of the environmental impact statement. They concluded that as much as 34% of the 2,000 dolphins living in the Barataria basin could die because of dangerously low salinity levels when the diversion begins operation.

Nungesser also charged that the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority was improperly spending money on a publicity campaign in support of the diversion, pointing to several full-page newspaper advertisements and opinion columns. The ads actually were listed as sponsored by Greater New Orleans Inc. and nonprofit environmental organizations.

He said his opposition began when he was president of Plaquemines Parish, a position he held from 2006 through 2014. He said he instead recommended building wetlands and ridge projects that used sediment pumped by pipeline from the Mississippi River into open water as ways to buffer sea level rise and rebuild coastal habitat.

Louisiana's current coastal Master Plan sets aside $17.8 billion for such dredge-and-pump projects, out of the $25 billion it proposes for coastal restoration.

In a Wednesday interview, Kline disagreed with almost everything Nungesser said at the meeting, including the allegations that coastal authority had coordinated recent publicity about the diversion.

"The information that was relayed to the St. Bernard Parish Council by Lt. Gov. Nungesser was blatantly false and is a grave disservice to the public," Kline said.

He said the ads and opinion pieces were not requested or arranged by state officials. A video that Nungesser played for council members and said was produced by the state was actually produced by the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition, an organization of national and state environmental groups, Kline said.

Kline also said it was the state that requested the congressional change in the marine mammal law, that its request was publicized before the change occurred and that the state is still required to mitigate for any effects on the dolphins.

The restoration plan includes $40 million to fund programs aimed at other threats to dolphins, including fishing gear, illegal feeding, noise issues and human predators. And the state also is increasing the size and funding for a new statewide stranding network aimed at responding whenever a dolphin beaches or is identified as ill, and additional money for responding to dolphin die-offs.

The coastal authority contends that the diversion mimics the Mississippi Rivers historic construction of new wetlands before levees were built, and that it also will help preserve existing wetlands, including those built by mine-and-pump projects. Without the diversion, the amount of wetlands remaining in the Barataria basin in 50 years will be significantly less, said the impact statement, published by the Army Corps of Engineers.
On April 19, Yale University announced that it will be requiring all students entering campus to have the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the fall 2021 semester. Yale joined Wesleyan University as the second university in Connecticut requiring the vaccine for students.

As other colleges seek further direction from the state, many have opted to wait to announce their plans regarding vaccines ahead of the incoming fall semester.

Scroll below to see the current plans of Connecticut's colleges regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Plans are subject to change and this list will be updated as more information becomes available.
MANKATO, Minn.  A murder charge is pending after a drug overdose death in Blue Earth County.

Mankato police and Mayo Ambulance were called to the home of Travis Gustavson, 21, on February 24. Authorities say Gustavson was found unconscious by a family member and first responders could not revive him. The cause of Gustavsons death was suspected to be a drug overdose and an investigation was launched.

Investigators say they found residue in Gustavsons home that tested positive for heroin and fentanyl and messages and photographs exchanged between Gustavson and Max Leo Miller, 21 of Mankato, related to the sale of illegal drugs.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner eventually ruled that Gustavsons cause of death was from mixed drug toxicity, to include fentanyl and morphine. The Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force arrested Miller on Wednesday and booked him into the Blue Earth County Jail for third-degree murder.
Especially as we recover from the pandemic, we want to stay very engaged with the corporate community on issues that can make Chicago more attractive to continue that growth, Mayekar said. We felt that corporate identity should be able to be part of the skyline, if it fits within our planning and design guidelines.
BERLIN (AP)  Slow out of the gate, the European Union has ramped up its COVID-19 vaccination efforts, with the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot product this week adding to the momentum amid doggedly high infection rates on the continent.

The EU's vaccine drive still lags far behind that of Britain or the United States. Only about 1 in 5 of the blocs 450 million inhabitants have received their first shot  approximately half the U.S. share. But European officials say they have turned the corner.

In the first quarter of 2021 only 10% of Germans were able to receive a first vaccination due to the shortage of vaccine, German Health Minister Jens Spahn said this week. We achieved the next 10% in just three weeks.

France celebrated several vaccine milestones recently, including dispensing at least one dose to practically 100% of the country's 700,000 nursing home residents.

And Italy, the Netherlands and other countries are pressing ahead with plans to begin dispensing the J&J shot, or are already doing so, after the EU's drug regulatory agency Tuesday gave the green light for its use amid concerns over a rare type of blood clot seen in an extremely small number of recipients in the U.S.

The numbers now are encouraging, said Manfred Weber, a German member of the European Parliament, adding that the EU should be able to offer every citizen a vaccine by the end of the summer.

If that works out, then I believe many Europeans will say, OK, it was a bumpy ride and things didnt work out at the start. But in the end we Europeans will be the first continent to be fully vaccinated,' he said.

The uptick comes as countries across Europe grapple with a rise in infections that has pushed the EUs overall number of coronavirus cases close to 30 million, while deaths recently passed 660,000, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Hospitals in many European countries are again under strain, treating increasingly younger patients with severe COVID-19 as older age groups benefit from the vaccinations.

Story continues

Officials have said more contagious variants of the virus now dominate, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel warning recently: We basically have a new pandemic.

The vaccination drive on the continent has been dealt repeated setbacks, including production delays, concerns about the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca shot, and the clotting scare, which also involved the AstraZeneca vaccine. Both vaccines now been cleared for use in Europe, with regulators saying the benefits of getting inoculated against COVID-19 far outweigh the risks.

Merkel said Wednesday that the EUs decision to jointly purchase vaccines for all its 27 members  fiercely criticized in some quarters as an abdication of national responsibility  had prevented a brutal competition by larger, stronger and perhaps richer countries against smaller ones.

There would have been enormous potential for destruction" within the EU, she said.

In Germany, Spahn said the pace of vaccinations will keep picking up through the second quarter. The country of some 83 million people is administering about a half-million doses on weekdays, or about five shots every second, and it recently started offering vaccinations in some 55,000 doctors' practices, meaning people arent required to go to special centers anymore.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was accused of stoking skepticism about the AstraZeneca vaccine after initially calling it quasi-ineffective, this week urged citizens to set aside their reservations about the shot after the European Medicine Agency deemed it safe.

There have been scattered signs that the AstraZeneca vaccine is struggling to regain the trust of some of those eligible to receive it  in France, those 55 and above.

French media reported that a vaccination center in the Mediterranean city of Nice had 4,000 AstraZeneca doses available for last weekend but attracted only 58 takers and closed early on Saturday. Health Ministry officials insist such examples are the exception.

Italy on Wednesday started releasing 184,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson shot held in storage to regional vaccination centers. Poland and Luxembourg have begun administering the shot, while the Netherlands and the Czech Republic are expected to do so this week.

With stubbornly high numbers of new infections, EU member nations are taking a range of approaches to curb the virus's spread while waiting for vaccinations to reach a critical threshold.

German lawmakers Wednesday approved uniform emergency brake restrictions for when the virus is spreading too quickly, replacing a patchwork of measures across Germanys 16 states.

Areas where there are more than 100 weekly new cases per 100,000 residents will face a curfew, stricter limits on person-to-person contact and the closing of stores, museums and sports facilities.

Thousands protested against the plan outside Parliament in Berlin.

Other countries gave in to demands to ease pandemic restrictions amid growing lockdown fatigue.

We really see the tension between the grim reality in the here and now in the hospitals and at the same time that cautious, optimistic outlook, Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday, in announcing that a curfew will be lifted next week and bars and cafes will be allowed to reopen outdoor terraces in the afternoons for the first time since mid-October.

In Italy, schools can reopen for full-time, in-person learning and restaurants and bars can open for sit-down, outdoor service starting Monday in all but the highest-risk zones.

Sitting in the post-shot waiting room at a vaccine center in Romes Cinecitta film studios, where La Dolce Vita and other gems of Italian cinema were made, Patrizia Centa expressed relief upon receiving a first dose.

Undoubtedly a positive experience, Centa said, surrounded by posters of movie stars and inspirational messages from the likes of Sophia Loren and Roberto Benigni. It was, well, something incredible. It was a nice experience, a nice experience.

___

Sylvie Corbet and John Leicester in Paris, and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this report.
[April 20, 2021] CGTN: China's voices at Boao: Multilateralism, openness and BRI

BEIJING, April 20, 2021 /CNW/ -- With the world in the midst of a coronavirus-induced economic and health crisis, China has called on all countries in Asia and beyond to uphold multilateralism, embrace openness, and enhance Belt and Road cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the messages in a keynote speech via video link at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 on Tuesday morning. The theme of the conference  "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation"  is most opportune and relevant under the current circumstances, said Xi. Justice not hegemony The Chinese president noted that the call for upholding multilateralism has grown stronger as we live in an age rife with challenges. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021, April 20, 2021. /Xinhua "The future of the world should be decided by all countries working together. We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world." "What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony. Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility," he underscored, calling for all countries to safeguard the UN-centered international system. China has been demonstrating its role as a responsible major country in international affairs. On pril 13, it paid in full all assessed contributions to the UN regular budget and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for the year 2021. Over the past 30 years, China has sent over 40,000 peacekeepers to 25 UN peacekeeping missions.



Openness "Openness holds the key to post-COVID economic recovery," Xi pointed out. "We need to promote trade and investment liberation and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains, with a view to building an open world economy."

The economic integration in Asia has been accelerating since the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in November 2020. The trade dependence of Asian economies among each other was about 50 percent in 2019, with bilateral trade volumes continuing to grow, said Lin Guijun, vice president of the University of International Business and Economics. Attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles. They would hurt others' interests without benefiting oneself, Xi noted. People's lives above anything else "We must put people and their lives above anything else, scale up information sharing and collective efforts, and enhance public health and medical cooperation," Xi said. He called for boosting international cooperation on the R&D, production and distribution of vaccines and increase their accessibility and affordability in developing countries so that everyone in the world can access and afford the vaccines they need. So far, China has provided anti-epidemic materials to more than 160 countries and international organizations around the world and is providing urgently needed vaccines to more than 100 countries and international organizations. BRI a public road open to all The Belt and Road Initiative is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party, Xi noted, adding that all interested countries are welcome aboard. Vowing to build a closer partnership to promote health cooperation, Xi said Chinese businesses have already started joint vaccine production in BRI participating countries. Xi added that China will build a closer partnership for green development and build the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and growth. A total of 126 countries, including developed and developing nations, and 29 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China on the BRI. China's foreign trade with countries along the Belt and Road went up by one percent to settle at 9.37 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) in the past year, according to China's Ministry of Commerce. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-20/China-s-voices-at-Boao-Multilateralism-openness-and-BRI--ZBO4YRbHfW/index.html View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-chinas-voices-at-boao-multilateralism-openness-and-bri-301273362.html SOURCE CGTN

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Reuters

Venezuela has reached a deal to purchase doses of Russia's EpiVacCorona vaccine, as well as manufacture the inoculation locally, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said late on Friday. The South American country has to date received three million doses of vaccines against the novel coronavirus, namely the Sputnik V and Sinopharm shots from political allies Russia and China. Venezuela launched a mass inoculation campaign earlier this week, though the government has not provided details on how many people have received shots in the crisis-stricken OPEC nation, which is lagging behind other South American countries in vaccinating its population.
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PHOENIX  Prosecutors are urging a judge to approve a request to extradite a Phoenix driving school owner to Iraq on allegations that he participated in the killings of two police officers nearly 15 years ago in the Iraqi city of Fallujah as the leader of an al-Qaida group.

They said the evidence provided by Iraqi authorities meets the standard for an American judge to certify an extradition request for Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, an Iraqi native who came to the United States as a refugee in 2009 and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. Prosecutors said witnesses saw Ahmed at the scene of the 2006 killings and that another person who claimed to have been part of the al-Qaida group had implicated Ahmed in both deaths.

Lawyers for Ahmed asked the judge in a filing Friday to reject Iraqs extradition request, saying his defense team hasnt been able to adequately investigate the allegations because of the shutdown of international travel during the pandemic. They also said Ahmeds extradition isnt allowed under a U.S.-Iraq treaty provision that bars extraditions for offenses that are political in nature.

Ahmed, whose extradition hearing in Phoenix has been scheduled for May 25, has denied involvement in the killings and being a member of a terror group.

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His attorneys said the violence and turmoil in Iraq traumatized Ahmed and prompted him to flee to Syria, where he lived in a refugee camp for three years before moving to the United States. Authorities said Ahmed spent time in a Syrian prison, though they couldnt determine what landed him behind bars.

Defense attorneys say Ahmed volunteered in Phoenixs refugee community and worked as a military cultural adviser, traveling to bases in other states to help personnel as they prepared to deploy to the Middle East to fight the Islamic State. He bought a home in Surprise on the northwestern edge of metro Phoenix and operated the driving school serving largely Middle Eastern immigrants.

In both attacks on the two Fallujah officers, armed men who were wearing masks jumped out of cars, fired on the officers and fled.

In the first shooting, an attacker held a gun to a witness head in June 2006, while another attacker who started to fire on a police officer experienced a malfunction with his gun. Another attacker then killed police Lt. Issam Ahmed Hussein. The witness later identified Ahmed, who wasnt wearing a mask, as the groups leader, according to court records.

Four months later, Iraqi authorities say Ahmed and other men fatally shot Officer Khalid Ibrahim Mohammad as the officer was sitting outside a store. Witnesses told authorities that they recognized Ahmed, whose mask had fallen off, as one of the assailants, according to court records.

Prosecutors say the American courts role in the extradition is limited to determining whether there is evidence of probable cause to support each charge. They say ultimately the decision on whether to send Ahmed to Iraqi will be up U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinkens office. Under the rules of the extradition proceeding, prosecutors said Ahmeds ability to put on evidence is limited, noting he cant attempt to establish an alibi or present a defense, according to court records.

Defense attorneys have disputed that Ahmed has been charged with crimes in Iraq. Instead, they said their client is the target of an arrest warrant in which hes wanted for questioning by an Iraqi investigative court, which functions more like police and prosecutors than a trial court.

Prosecutors said Ahmeds arrest warrant shows he is wanted for prosecution in Iraq for violations of a law barring premeditated murder. A State Department official said in court records that the United States has regularly extradited fugitives wanted in other countries, even though they havent yet been formally charged.

Shortly after Ahmeds January 2020 arrest, one of his lawyers said the case emerged from information provided by informants who had everything to gain by delivering the Trump administration a supposed terrorist refugee in an election year. His lawyer also said there has never been a successful extradition of anyone to Iraq in the more than 80 years that the extradition treaty between the United States and Iraq has been in place.
New Delhi:

A police constable from Ahmednagar district has been suspended after he allegedly shared a defamatory post on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a WhatsApp group, police said on Sunday.

According to the reports, Ramesh Shinde was serving as bodyguard to former revenue minister and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat.

Police also stated that complaints against Shinde have been registered in the past too for showing political inclination and favouring political persons.

Read more: Trump tweet on Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi asks Modi to 'hug US president'

"The action was taken against Shinde yesterday after a detailed inquiry by the district police's cyber cell," Ranjankumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar, told PTI.
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with Chadians over the death of their president, Idriss Deby.

Mr Jonathan, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, described Mr Deby as a leader who made considerable contributions to stabilise the Sahel region and bring peace to the continent.

The former president said he was saddened by the sudden death of Mr Deby.

He said that as a leader, Mr Deby made great efforts to stabilise the Sahel region and bring peace to the continent.

Through the Multinational Joint Task Force, the late President Deby, and the Republic of Chad, partnered with Nigeria and our neighbours to address issues of terrorism and other challenges affecting the Lake Chad Region.

He played a prominent role on the African continent, and his chairmanship of the African Union, saw the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which the Republic of Chad ratified under his leadership.

I will remember him for the role he played in helping our two nations build positive cooperation that mutually benefited our people; and his death is mourned, Mr Jonathan said.

He further prayed for the government and people of the Republic of Chad, and for peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

(NAN)
Mason Dixon is finally back open, after being shut down by the NYPD for alleged underage drinking violations April 8th. But the mechanical bull party on Essex Street appears to be coming to an end. Grub Street spoke with Mason Dixon owner Rob Shamlian about the ordeal and the future of the nortorious nightlife establishment.

The bar will only be open on Friday and Saturday nights, Shamlian said, because he cant afford to hire five bouncers every night of the week (something the city insisted on in settlement negotiations). He hopes to sell Mason Dixon to a group led by LES nightlife operator Matt Levine and real estate developer Michael Shah. Shamlian added:

LES bar owners are united in feeling persecuted and chased out of the LES by recent police raids. Its overkill and its destroying small bars, he told us in a phone conversation, adding that he and fellow bar owners fear continuing stings and entrapments. Were very stringent about underage drinking, Shamlian, a non-drinker, told us. But these people are professionals and theyre able to able sneak their people in. Bottom line, its hard to keep out people who want to get in. The police cadets bribe the bouncers, so youre serving the police.

In a recent community meeting 7th Precinct Captain David Miller said, No bar owner whos ever had a problem can tell you I did not walk in there first and talk with them personally. He also told residents that bouncers at some bars (he was not specific about which ones) are asking for bribes from underage drinkers in exchange for admittance.

Another Shamlian venue, Los Feliz, was also shut down but it reopened a week ago. Shamlian told Grub Street he wants to sell Mason Dixon for $300,000. Shah owns the building where the bar is located. Residents in the condo units above Mason Dixon are involved in a protracted legal battle with Shamlian over noise complaints and other issues.
A police officer told a crowd gathered at the scene where a Black teenage girl was killed by police in Ohio that blue lives matter, just moments after the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial was reached.

At a news conference on Tuesday, the Columbus Police Department released body camera footage which showed the moment 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant was killed.

They said officers were responding to a 911 call in which a member of the public reported a female suspect was trying to stab them and then hung up. Bodycam footage released by police shows a woman lunging towards two women with a knife. A police officer then fires at her, and she collapses to the ground.

MaKhia was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said.

Andrew Ginther, Columbus mayor, said at the conference: We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community.

A crowd gathered at the scene where the girl was shot, and police officers there told the group that blue lives matter, according to Raw Story.

The Telegraph said a group of people gathered shortly after the shooting started shouting no racist police and "enough is enough. A video showed one of the officers yelling back blue lives matter.

The shooting occurred just 20 minutes before former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering Floyd.

Ben Crump, the lawyer representing the Floyd family, tweeted that as we breathed a collective sigh of relief today, a community in Columbus felt the sting of another police shooting.

Another child lost! Another hashtag, he added.

Protesters also gathered at the citys police headquarters, shouting say her name! and she was just a kid. Officers pushed them back and threatened to deploy pepper spray on the crowd, according to the Associated Press.

Paula Bryant told local 10TV that her daughter was shot dead in the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

Neighbour Ira Graham III told The Washington Post that one police officer on the scene was wearing a blue lives matter face mask. We know police lives matter, because you know why? When police are killed, the person is brought in and justice is served, Mr Graham said.
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) ("NiSource") today announced that the company will host a conference call at 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. CT) on May 5, 2021, to review its first quarter 2021 financial results, and to provide a general business update.

NiSource will release its first quarter 2021 earnings before U.S. financial markets open on May 5.

All interested parties may listen to the conference call live on May 5 by logging onto the NiSource website at www.nisource.com. A link on the home page will provide access to the webcast and earnings release.

A replay of the call will be available beginning at 4 p.m. ET on May 5 through 11:59 p.m. ET on December 5, 2021. To access the recording, call (800) 585-8367 and enter conference ID 9689272. For international participants to hear the replay, please dial (416) 621-4642, and enter the same passcode as above 9689272. A recording of the call will be archived on the NiSource website.

About NiSource

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.2 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across six states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, NiSource's approximately 7,500 employees are focused on safely delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers and communities we serve. NI-F

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:11:56|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Somalia is bracing for record levels of displacement in 2021 due to severe drought which is ravaging parts of the country, leaving many people without water and livelihoods, a global charity warned Wednesday.

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said more than 1 million people were displaced by floods, conflict and drought in Somalia last year, the highest figures since 2016, citing data from the UNHCR-led Protection and Return Monitoring Network (PRMN).

Mohamed Abdi, NRC country director, said the drought will most likely be the driving factor displacing a large number of Somalis this year due to the poor performance of seasonal rains.

"Our staff on the ground are reporting that more than 50 districts are currently experiencing moderate to severe drought levels and it is expected to get worse," Abdi said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

Abdi said water and pasture resources are depleting every day and resulting in people abandoning their homes with their livestock to search for better conditions.

"We are worried that drought coupled with conflict could see record levels of displacement this year," he said.

So far, 112,000 have been displaced in the first three months of 2021, of whom 34 percent were uprooted because of drought, NRC said.

The last time more than 1 million people were displaced in Somalia was in 2017, when drought ravaged the country and caused widespread suffering and uncertainty.

The charity said the impact of drought in Somalia runs parallel with the impact of flooding in other parts of the country.

The UN's 2021 aid appeal for Somalia seeks 1.09 billion U.S. dollars to assist 4 million people in dire need, as a result of widespread insecurity, recurring climate disasters and the indirect economic impact of COVID-19.

Abdi, however, said around 13 percent of Somalia's aid appeal has been donated so far, nowhere near enough to sustain the population as it battles drought and multiple other crises.

"The international community must not turn their back on Somalis, particularly pastoralist communities, who are impacted the most. We must do all we can to prevent another cycle of suffering in Somalia," he said. Enditem
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A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors newswire

( ) revealed that it has signed a contract with Navier Inc, a specialist designer and builder of cryptocurrency mining facilities, to co-develop the companys new facility in Helios, Texas.

( ) said it has seen an encouraging start to 2021 and anticipates more growth in the second half as business confidence returns.

( ) said it raised 10.3mln, before expenses, through an oversubscribed placing and direct subscription and that the net proceeds will mainly go towards progressing its flagship Mina do Barroso project in Portugal.

( ) revealed that its subsidiary, PhytoVista Laboratories, has been granted accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

( ) said it has executed an agreement with a central bank customer to include a new capability for its sensors to detect exotic counterfeits, with the new contract resulting in an immediate US$1.2mln of development funding.

( ) has confirmed that its deal to be acquired by Innovative Energy Holding Ltd has now been declared unconditional  and, as of yesterday, there had been acceptances representing 95.98% of the companys shares.

PLC ( ) said it has opened its second mine in Madagascar at the Vatomina project, where it remains on track to start commissioning the first 9,000 tonnes per annum processing plant in the second quarter.

( ) announced it has raised 200,000 in a private placing. The company has sold 1.66mln new shares priced at 12p each.

Galantas Gold Corporation ( ) increased the ceiling on its proposed private placing to C$8mln from C$6mln, due to strong investor demand.

( ) said the government of Azerbaijan approved the first of two five-year extensions of the production sharing agreement for its Gedabek contract area, while it is also in talks to obtain an extension of the territory of the existing contract areas and for new contract areas in the country.

( ) has inked agreements with two service providers which may collaborate in the future development of the Barracuda field.

( ) announced that its subsidiary SLE has received regulatory approval from the National Medical Products Administration to sell the enhanced version of the SLE6000 in China.

( ) said its portfolio company and advisory client Indorse is planning a public alpha release of Nifty Scanner, a digital asset analysis software solution for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

(LON:APF, ) announced the timetable for dividends to be paid in 2021 and gave notice that its annual general meeting will be held at 10am on 26 May at the company's registered office in London. Shareholders will not be permitted to attend the AGM in person and should therefore vote by proxy, including on the proposed 3.75p final dividend.

Improvements in battery technology are helping drive the electric vehicle industry but increasing demand for battery metals is turning the spotlight on ESG issues in mining, according to a webinar discussion between Hamad Ebrahim, head of research at and Mark Copley, associate professor at the WMG department at the University of Warwick.
The picture wasn't perfect, though. BJ was a flawed husband earlier on, the daughters say. A recovering alcoholic who got sober in the 70s, he spent the rest of his life making it up to Ramona. He never forgot that she stuck by him.



In many ways, they were opposites. He was a boisterous storyteller. She was quiet, preferred to listen and would raise a finger when she had something to say. She was content, while he  a self-described stubborn hillbilly from West Virginia  was prone to complain.

The family moved around some, with time spent in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut, but the couple lived most of their later years in Ohio. Then, one day, after a fall they took together down a flight of stairs left them battered and shaken, they decided to move closer to one of their children.

Meyers, who lives five minutes from Greentree Manor in southeast Connecticut, jokes that she drew the short straw. The couple first stayed in an independent-living apartment along the Thames River, where Navy vet BJ could look across the water and see submarine manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat. Meyers moved them into the nursing home six years later, when a couple of strokes left Ramona in a wheelchair and needing more assistance.

'Can't wait till I can hug you again'

BJ grew less interested in socializing before COVID hit, but Ramona still enjoyed attending bingo games, musical performances and ice cream socials. He preferred to take his meals in their room, while she dined at a table of women. He remained largely independent, while starting to rely more on a walker and wheelchair  which he propelled himself  when neuropathy in his feet made walking more difficult.

If the couple rolled by each other in a hallway, they would stop to hold hands, recalled Ruple, the admissions director. BJ would insist on pushing Ramona in her wheelchair, even as he wheeled himself.

Family would gather in their room for holidays, birthdays and for the couple's anniversary. If they were to all gather today, this would have included three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, including one they never got to meet.

BJ liked the idea of hitting age 100, and the two anticipated the day when Al Roker would give them a TV shout-out in celebration of their 75 years of marriage. Each Thursday, after work, Meyers would visit with her parents, bringing bags of requested old-fashioned hard candies and stories about her latest genealogical research findings. His long-term memory faltered, but Ramona, who couldn't remember what she had for lunch, Meyers said, and often struggled to express herself after the strokes, was by his side to help correct him.

Before the November outbreak ended socially distanced visits outside, Meyers recalls her father saying, I can't wait till I can hug you again. They were six feet apart, so close, and the vaccine was just around the corner.

For Cass Frasher, who called often but hadn't seen her parents in well over a year, their loss doesn't yet seem real. My dad used to say, Cremate me, and just put me in any body of water. If you can't find a body of water, flush me. I'll find it myself,' Frasher said with a laugh. Mom said, No, I want you to be buried with me. And he said, OK, burn me and stick me in her casket.'"

She suspects that her grief won't fully sink in until she, her sister and their older brother can safely gather to stand graveside outside Marion, Ohio, where the couple that never wanted to be apart went into the ground together, just as they wanted.
House Democrats are pushing the Senate to take up the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the wake of the guilty verdicts in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of killing George Floyd Tuesday.

"It's not just about one officer and one department, it's about the system of systemic racism that we have to address," said Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada.

"And that's why we need to pass the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act now."

"Black folks in America just want to be treated the same as everyone else, not better, not worse, the same, and for at least this day, we've got a just verdict where the equal protection under the law appears to be applicable," said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

The legislation Democrats are pushing would create national standards for the use of force, such as eliminating chokeholds, and create a national registry, so police officer who abuse their power aren't able to move from department to department.

The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days.

Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He could be sent to prison for decades.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The words we speak take us by the hand; in some moments they restore appetite and awaken even the sleepiest of hearts; they stir memories of forgotten feelings. And above all they are the only ones, in a sure way, that direct the questions that He wants to hear to God.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Prayer is "dialogue with God" and spontaneous spoken prayer is an "anchor" to cling to, remembering that when the apostles who saw Jesus in silent prayer asked him how they should pray, he taught them to recite the Our Father, in which "there is everything". Therefore "do not fall into arrogant pride and do not despise spoken prayer, the prayer of the simple".

Spontaneous vocal prayer was the subject of Pope Francis general audience continuing his series of catechesis on prayer.

Speaking again from his private library he said: Prayer is dialogue with God; and every creature, in a certain sense, 'dialogues' with God. In the human being, prayer becomes word, invocation, song, poetry ... The divine Word became flesh, and in the flesh of every man the word returns to God in prayer.

In the Bible we learn to ensure that everything comes to the light of the word, that nothing human is excluded, censored. Above all, pain is dangerous if it remains covered, closed inside us. A pain closed within us, which cannot express itself, simmers, it can poison the soul: it is fatal".

The first human prayer - Francis later said - is always a vocal recitation. Lips always move first. Although we all know that praying does not mean repeating words, yet vocal prayer is the safest and it is always possible to practice it. Feelings, however noble, are always uncertain: they come and go, abandon us and return. Not only that, even the graces of prayer are unpredictable: at some moment consolations abound, but on the darkest days they seem to evaporate completely. Prayer of the heart is mysterious and at times hidden. The prayer of the lips, the one that is whispered or recited in a choir, is always available, and necessary like manual labour.

He continued: "we should all have the humility of certain elders who, in church, perhaps because their hearing is no longer sound, recite in a low voice the prayers they learned as children, filling the aisle with whispers. That prayer does not disturb the silence, but testifies to fidelity to the duty of prayer, practiced throughout an entire lifetime, without ever failing. These prayers of humble prayer are often the great intercessors of the parishes: they are the oaks that from year to year spread their branches, to offer shade to the greatest number of people. Only God knows when and how much their heart was united to those prayers recited: surely these people too had to face nights and moments of emptiness. But one can always remain faithful to vocal prayer. It's like an anchor."

The words we speak take us by the hand; in some moments they restore appetite and awaken even the sleepiest of hearts; they stir memories of forgotten feelings. And above all they are the only ones, in a sure way, that direct the questions that He wants to hear to God. Jesus did not leave us in the fog. He told us: 'You, when you pray, say this!'. And he taught the prayer of the Our Father (cf. Mt 6: 9).

Pope Francis concluded in the greeting to the Arabic-speaking faithful: "Do not be afraid if the graces of prayer seem to have vanished in a moment of darkness, rather insist on reciting even a simple Christian prayer, so that it becomes part of our breath that makes us perceive the presence of the Kingdom of God, here, among us.
Restaurants rode a wave of usage of food delivery services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats and DoorDash in the last year, discovering new revenues and ways to connect with diners to offset the fact that in-person trade for many of them had disappeared overnight. But they also discovered something less appetizing: dealing with the mess of apps and hardware that they need to use to manage orders from their various services is a nightmare, worse than a deflated souffle or a botched Beef Wellington.

A startup out of Belgium called Deliverect, which has built a platform to manage all of that through one seamless app, is today announcing a big round of funding.

Underscoring the demand for its technology and the bumper year it's just had, the company has raised $65 million -- funding that it will be using to expand its business. That will include the services and integrations that it provides with a wider range of physical point of sale terminals and third-party service providers, and targeting more customers -- restaurants, dark kitchens and consumer goods companies building direct-to-consumer strategies -- in a wider range of markets.

The funding is being co-led by Redpoint Ventures and partners of DST Global, with OMERS, Newion, Smartfin and the founders also participating. It brings the total raised by Deliverect to $90 million, and while the valuation is currently not being disclosed, it comes on the heels of big growth. In the last year, the company processed some $1 billion across 30 million orders for its customers, with business growing almost 750% in the last year.

Customers number 10,000 and include the likes of chains like KFC and Pret a Manger, smaller restaurants like Dishoom (an Indian restaurant in London, for readers outside of London), a dark kitchen startup called Casper and consumer goods giant Unilever.

For some further context on valuation, Toast, a company that provides similar SaaS out of the U.S., but also sells an all-in-one product that includes the point-of-sale hardware, is reportedly working on an IPO right now that would value it at $20 billion.

Story continues

Zhong Xu, the CEO who co-founded Deliverect with Jan Hollez (CTO), Jelte Vrijhoef (CIO) and Jerome Laredo (CRO), recalled in an interview that the idea for the company stretches back to a time when his dad, an Asian transplant to Belgium who had built a point of sale system that he sold to Chinese restaurants, had hoped that his son would take over the family business. He had the entrepreneurial itch, however, and also saw that the problem was bigger than just the range of businesses that his dad was targeting. (His dad is still in business, and they still talk, Xu confirmed.)

That first led Xu and Hollez, also friends outside of work, in 2010, to found POSiOS, which was the first iPad-based point of sale solution in Europe. That business four years later was acquired by Lightspeed, to spearhead its move into POS for restaurants just ahead of its IPO.

That wasn't the end of the line for these two, though. "We saw that tens of thousands of customers were using our iPad system, but they were asking for something else. They wanted to remove all their tablets altogether," Xu said.

What he is referring to is a pretty big issue for the typical ready-made food provider. Be it a restaurant, a chain, a dark kitchen or a food company itself, the market for taking and filling food orders is traditionally very fragmented. You will have one proprietary system that is used to manage orders in your restaurant itself, and another for orders that people call in to come pick up and takeaway and a third for delivery orders taken via third-party platforms.

And that third can be more than one, depending on how many delivery networks your restaurant is using. All of these could feasibly require their own pieces of hardware, and these customers wanted that simplified down to one device alone.

"Just try to imagine being in a restaurant: there could be people there, others calling in and between 5 and 10 tables screaming for attention," Hollez said in an interview. "It is just not possible to manage this."

The solution that Deliverect, founded in 2018, has built essentially brings all of that into a single SaaS platform that manages all of these different channels in one place. (Pricing for the service starts at $69 per month and goes up based on how many orders are processed through the system.)

This gives the food provider a way of adequately monitoring and managing what stock is being used up and which dishes are subsequently off the menu, which orders are coming in and where and how to better manage that across their operations, and critically to update their customers on what they can actually order and how long it might take to fill that order (a provider like Deliveroo will then also use that data to calculate how long it will take to not just make the order but to pick it up and get it to a customer). Deliverect also provides some analytics that can help its customers figure out how to manage all this better in the future.

While this state of affairs has been a problem for years, it definitely escalated in the last year, Xu said, with between 10% and 30% more orders coming from delivery platforms. The company claims that using its software helps its restaurant customers work significantly more efficiently, leading to an average increase of 25% in revenues and -- importantly -- an 80% decrease in order failures that resulted from all that chaotic fragmentation.

The work it's doing with FMCG companies is also interesting. The idea here is that brands themselves have been in a bind that has only tightened in the last year, with usually only a very indirect relationship with customers -- perhaps a strong bond in terms of marketing, but not when it comes to actually selling food items to customers (its sales typically involve intermediaries such as stores or restaurants).

But as the D2C trend has taken off in food, those big brands are leaving a lot on the table for competitors to pick up, and that's even more of an issue when the restaurants and stores are being shut or just seeing less footfall due to COVID-19. So many of them have started to explore what they might do to bridge that gap. Xu said that by and large the focus at the moment is really about running marketing campaigns and getting physical items to people as a part of that, but it does present some very interesting ideas about how Deliverect might develop in the future.

For example, a new wave of ultra-fast grocery delivery startups are emerging, and those could represent a new wave of customers for the company and be a tool for helping the Unilevers of the world supply those platforms with steady streams of its products, or indeed the FMCG companies could leverage those to become direct sellers of their fizzy drinks, pretzels and chocolates (or whatever items they want to sell). Xu noted in fact that Spain's Glovo, one of these startups, is already a partner.

All of this spells an interesting future, despite the many other companies also chasing the opportunity, one reason why these founders and this startup out of Ghent have been backed by these high-profile international investors.

"The explosive rise of online food delivery is forcing restaurants to change how they operate," said Elliot Geidt, managing director, Redpoint Ventures, in a statement. "Zhong and the Deliverect team are building the tools and infrastructure to help restaurants thrive in a world where navigating online food delivery is a matter of success or failure. Zhong has a unique empathy for restaurant owners, an unmatched technical understanding of the food delivery tech stack, and a raw ambition and vision that leaves us very excited."

Restaurants, consumer goods companies and other businesses increasingly want to enable on-demand ordering by their customers," added Tom Stafford, managing partner, DST Global Partners, in his own statement. "But many do not have the tools or technology to efficiently work with on-demand delivery providers. Deliverect is providing key software and integrations to enable these businesses to integrate on-demand offerings seamlessly. We are excited to partner with the Deliverect team as they continue to roll out their technology globally and further develop their product offering.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a proclamation Wednesday that declares a targeted drought emergency in Sonoma and Mendocino counties and the Russian River watershed to address the acute conditions in the region north of San Francisco.

While the entire state has seen below-normal precipitation, Newsom said the order focuses on the region where the situation is most urgent. He said additional counties can be added as needed.

"We're taking a sequential approach based on actual conditions on the ground," said Newsom, speaking from an extremely low Lake Mendocino at a press briefing.

The governor didn't specify how the order will effect residents in the two counties, but he said that there won't be any mandatory water-use restrictions at this time.

The proclamation directs the State Water Resources Control Board, which oversees the allocation of the state's water resources to various entities, "to consider modifying requirements for reservoir releases or diversion limitations to ensure adequate supplies for critical purposes," according to a statement from the governor's office. "The regional state of emergency also enables flexibilities in regulatory requirements and procurement processes to mitigate drought impacts."

California's major reservoirs are at half their total capacity, as the state moves out of a second consecutive rainy season marked by dry conditions. The 2020-2021 winter was the third driest on record, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

The Russian River watershed that usually records some of the highest annual rainfall totals has particularly been in a dry rut.

The National Weather Service measures seasonal totals using the "water year," running from October to September, and the Santa Rosa Airport gauge, in the heart of the region, records on average 33.69 inches from Oct. 1 to Sept. 31. Since Oct. 1, 2020, it has received 12.73 inches. In 2019-2020, there were 19.35 inches recorded at the gauge, or 57% of normal.

"Mother Nature was not kind to that area for two years in a row," Jeanine Jones, the state's drought manager with the California Department of Water Resources, told SFGATE. "They have a very low two-year total in terms of precipitation to date."

Jones added that while many communities across the state are "in a place where an emergency response is not needed," the Russian River watershed is made up of small, fractured water systems and isolated from the state's larger water systems.

"Much of the area is a fractured ground water source," she explained. "Its not the Sacramento Valley where you have a large alluvial basin where you can store a lot of water."

Grant Davis, the general manager of Sonoma Water, said Lake Mendocino, a key water source in the region, is at 43% of capacity.

"With no additional rain, we anticipate the real possibility of not being able to release water from this reservoir from fall," said Davis, speaking at the press briefing.

Davis added, "Drought is here in Sonoma and Mendocino counties."

Newsom's proclamation also includes executive actions to bolster the state's "water resilience." He directed state agencies to partner with local water suppliers to promote conservation tips and messages.
HEADFORD, Ireland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 60 years ago, John Fitzgerald Kennedy did what many said couldn't be done: be sworn in as President of the United States by placing his hand on an Irish-Catholic Bible.

Kennedy's Irish roots make him a beloved figure in the country of his heritage, which is why to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that seminal moment in U.S. (and Irish) history, Euro Note Souvenir has printed 10-thousand limited edition JFK Zero Euro Notes. The notes will be printed in the same facility in France that prints the Euro, and Euro Note Souvenir is the exclusive license-holder to print commemorative notes such as these in Ireland. The note features Kennedy at his most presidential, with the words "America's First Irish-Catholic President" emblazoned beside him.

"President Kennedy won the hearts of Ireland when he won the presidency, and again in 1963 when he made his presidential visit to Ireland," says Euro Note Souvenir Founder Peter Schneider. "As students of history, we want to make sure that those who we honor with these special commemorative notes embody the strength and the courage of Ireland, and what better 'profile in courage' could we pick than JFK?"

The notes will be available for sale in both Ireland and the United States. To purchase one of the notes, collectors can go to www.euronotesouvenir.com while supplies last. Schneider says that those who want to purchase this limited-edition note may want to hurry, as he is expecting considerable demand for the presidential currency.

"While JFK is no stranger to being on currency, the vast majority of it is U.S.-based," says Schneider. "It's a rarity to have a U.S. president on the Euro, and as such, we think these will go fast. That's why we doubled our typical limited-edition run and did 10,000 notes, rather than 5,000. JFK's global popularity demands it."

Peter Schneider is available for interviews about the new Euro Note, and about the growing popularity of Zero Euro Notes as souvenirs. To schedule an interview, contact Euro Note Souvenir at [email protected].

About Euro Note Souvenir:

Euro Note Souvenir is the exclusive license-holder for zero Euro banknotes in Ireland. These popular souvenir notes have the look and feel of real money, and are printed in the same facility in France that produces real Euro banknotes. More information is available at www.euronotesouvenir.ie.

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[April 21, 2021] College Consensus Publishes Composite Ranking of the Best Online Colleges for Veterans for 2021

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- College Consensus (https://www.collegeconsensus.com/), a unique college ratings website that aggregates publisher rankings and student reviews, has published its annual ranking of the Best Online Colleges for Veterans for 2021 at https://www.collegeconsensus.com/rankings/best-online-colleges-veterans/ Many veterans are looking to receive an education and enter the civilian workforce once they have returned home. In most cases, these veterans have families and other obligations, leading them to seek out the Best Online Colleges for Veterans. These are the schools that will work with their benefits and their schedule. The flexibility that comes with online degree programs allows veterans the ability to work at their own pace and gives them the ability to restructure their life to fit their personal needs.



To select institutions to highlight as the best online colleges for military veterans, College Consensus editors had a set of criteria for determining military-friendliness. Institutions must have: At least 3 online bachelors degree programs to qualify

least 3 online bachelors degree programs to qualify Servicemember Opportunity Colleges membership

Recognized Student Veteran Organization

Yellow Ribbon Program participation

A staff/faculty support member for veterans and their families

Transfer credits for military service and training Colleges and universities that met these standards are ranked according to their Consensus Score, using the unique College Consensus methodology. That process should give veteran students confidence that they are choosing a college that not only understands their needs, but have a track record of quality and return on investment.

The 2021 top three Best Online Colleges for Veterans are 1) Citadel Military College of South Carolina, 2) Rutgers University--New Brunswick, and 3) University of Iowa. The remaining top-ranked schools are listed in descending order. University of Arizona

University of Massachusetts--Amherst

Syracuse University

Radford University

University of Central Florida

George Mason University

Webster University

Rutgers University--Newark

University of Utah

Colorado State University--Fort Collins

Washington State University

University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point

Saint Louis University

University of South Florida

University of Oklahoma--Norman Campus

Westfield State University

LeTourneau University

University of Kansas

Loyola University Chicago

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of Idaho

Drexel University

http://www.collegeconsensus.com/

https://www.facebook.com/collegeconsensus/

TW: @CollegeConsens

IG: @CollegeConsensus View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/college-consensus-publishes-composite-ranking-of-the-best-online-colleges-for-veterans-for-2021-301274313.html SOURCE College Consensus

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S. Korean court dismisses "comfort women" case against Japan

Xinhua) 16:09, April 21, 2021

SEOUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean court on Wednesday ruled against the South Korean sex slavery victims during World War II demanding damages from the Japanese government, contradicting a ruling rendered by the same court three months earlier.

A judge at the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the case brought by 20 wartime sex enslavement victims, euphemistically called "comfort women," and their bereaved families, citing a sovereign immunity that allows a state to be immune from civil suit in foreign courts.

The court ruled that if any exception of the sovereign immunity is accepted, a diplomatic conflict can be inevitable, saying the 2015 agreement, reached by South Korea and Japan, met diplomatic requirements though opinion was not collected from the victims in the process of negotiations.

Seoul and Tokyo agreed in December 2015 to "finally and irreversibly" settle the issue on Korean women, who were forced into sexual slavery for the Imperial Japan's military brothels under the 1910-45 Japanese colonization of the Korean Peninsula.

A Japan-funded foundation for the comfort women was launched in Seoul in July 2016, but it was dissolved three years later under harsh criticism from the victims and civic activists who demanded sincere apology and legal responsibility of the Japanese government.

The Seoul court's ruling was in a stark contrast to the verdict handed down by a different judge at the same court, which ordered the Japanese government in January to pay reparations of 100 million won (about 90,000 U.S. dollars) to each of 12 plaintiffs.

The 12 plaintiffs filed a petition for dispute settlement with a court in August 2013, but the damages claim suit was referred to the Seoul court in January 2016 as the Japanese government declined to officially receive the civil case petition. The first hearing was held in April 2020.

When the Seoul court ruled in favor of the 12 victims, it said the sovereign immunity cannot be applied to the case as the illegal acts, which the plaintiffs suffered from, were crimes against humanity committed by the Imperial Japan deliberately, widely and systematically.

Lee Yong-soo, one of the few surviving South Korean comfort women victims and also one of the 20 plaintiffs who lost the damages claim suit against the Japanese government, was quoted by local media as saying the ruling was "ridiculous."

The 92-year-old in wheelchair told reporters, "All I can say is 'let's take the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).'"

"Today's ruling is a major disappointment that fails to deliver justice to the remaining survivors of this military slavery system and to those who suffered these atrocities before and during WWII but had already passed away, as well as their families," Arnold Fang, Amnesty International's East Asia researcher, said in a statement.

"More than 70 years have passed since the end of WWII, and we cannot overstate the urgency for the Japanese government to stop depriving these survivors of their rights to full reparation and to provide an effective remedy within their lifetimes," Fang noted.

In South Korea, the number of surviving wartime sex slavery victims was only 15 among the 240 officially registered with the government.

Historians say hundreds of thousands of Asian women, mostly from China and the Korean Peninsula, were kidnapped, coerced or duped into sexual servitude for Japanese troops before and during the Pacific War.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
President Armen Sarkissian and Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan visited Chakaten village of Armenias Syunik Province, the ombudsman informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

During the visit, locals informed that due to the presence of the Azerbaijani military on the motorway leading from Kapan town to Chakaten, Shikahogh and some other villages, they avoid traveling on that road, especially in the evening.

The Azerbaijani military threatens the physical safety of these villagers.

Also, there are road signs and flags along this motorway, and they serve as a pretext for the deployment of troops.

Moreover, according to villagers and community officials, Azerbaijani shootings continue in the immediate vicinity of these villages, and they aim to intimidate the civilians.

The staffs of the President and the Human Rights Defender will sum up the results of this joint visit to Syunik Province, and appropriate steps will be taken in accordance with jurisdiction.
1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them.

2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first.

3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services.

4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding.

5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget.

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Capitol Office Brian Sicknick was reported to have died of natural causes, particularly from two strokes, based on medical examiner findings.

The Gateway Pundit reported that Sicknick, one of the people who died in the U.S. Capitol riot incident last January 6, actually died of natural causes and not as purportedly claimed by mainstream media of the violence that took place during the riot.

"The mainstream media, with The New York Times leading the charge, lied about Sicknick's death and falsely claimed he died from injuries suffered after being hit in the head with a fire extinguisher during the Capitol riot on January 6," the report said.

The report cited the Washington Post interview with the medical examiner Francisco Diaz who said that the autopsy report revealed Sicknick did not suffer such injuries.

"[T]he autopsy found no evidence the 42-year-old officer suffered an allergic reaction to chemical irritants, which Diaz said would have caused Sicknick's throat to quickly seize. Diaz also said there was no evidence of internal or external injuries. The medical examiner noted Sicknick was among the officers who engaged the Capitol mob and said 'all that transpired played a role in his condition'," the Post reported.

In addition, The Gateway Pundit highlighted that the medical examiner announced a month earlier Sicknic's cause and manner of death of the four people reported to have died in the US Capitol riot. The examiner said two men died of natural causes, the woman who died was an accident, and Ashli Babbitt's was homicide.

The report stressed that with the official autopsy report out, the claims of mainstream media "has crumbled" to nothing but "another lie" and their own claim that Sicknick "may have died from a stroke" has been proven "right." The media outfit said that a source told them that Sicknick had a "medical emergency" during the US Capitol riot from which they based their claim. However, no one believed them.

It was previously reported here that Sicknick was not "killed by bludgeoning" based on the statements of the police officer's mother. At that time authorities were still quiet on the details of Sicknick's death. Although his mother has already divulged that he died of a stroke.

Sicknick was a supporter of former President Donald Trump but his death was politicized by the Left along with mainstream media. Sicknick was made a "martyr" by the Left to serve their cause.

Filmmaker and author Dinesh D'Souza said the official autopsy reports reveal that Trump supporters did not kill anyone.

"Three and a half months after the massive media hoopla, the number of people killed by Trump supporters on January 6 can now be tabulated: Zero!" D'Souza tweeted on Monday.

The Post said the official ruling on Sicknick's death was released on Monday and that the prosecutors did not tie the two men accused of assaulting him with a powerful chemical irritant that allegedly led to his death. The media outlet explained that the "stroke actually happened at the base of the brain stem caused by a clot in an artery that supplies blood to that area of the body." However, privacy laws prevented the medical expert in stating if Sicknick had a history of stroke.

As per The Post, The New York Times have already updated their story on Sicknick from having been struck with the fire extinguisher to having "no evidence of blunt-force trauma." Sicknick's death was cited during Trump's failed impeachment.
This is part four of a multipart series of articles featuring interviews with US educators. Read part one here, part two here, and part three here. We encourage all educators, parents and students to share your stories and describe conditions in your district with educators@wsws.org.

The reopening of schools has been one of the top domestic priorities of the Biden administration and the American ruling class. Three months into Bidens presidency, more than 90 percent of K-12 schools are now open to some form of in-person instruction. According to Burbio.com, 62.4 percent of K-12 students are now attending traditional in-person class every day, while 28.2 percent of K-12 students now attend hybrid schools that combine in-person and remote learning.

The deadly reopening of schools has been aided and abetted by the teachers unions at every level, whose fundamental interests lie with the Democratic Party and the financial elite. This has been spearhead by the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA), and implemented by the local unions across the US, from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City to the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in Chicago, Illinois, to the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) in Los Angeles, California. All of the unions have promoted the lie that schools can be reopened safely amid the deepening pandemic and have actively suppressed genuine opposition among rank-and-file teachers to unsafe and deadly working conditions.

Adam Alvarado, 6, gets his temperature checked on the first day of in-person learning at Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School in Maywood, Calif., Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

To further accelerate the reopening of schools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has manipulated science to fit as many kids into classrooms as possible by allowing for social distancing to change from the previously dangerous six feet to three feet. AFT president Randi Weingarten endorsed the CDC s change in social distance guidelines in schools, generating an outcry from teachers on social media. Despite their false claims to represent the interests of teachers, the unions have made abundantly clear that they will not fight to keep schools closed.

The World Socialist Web Site spoke with teachers across the US on their experiences with the unions pushing teachers and students back into unsafe classrooms over the past year.

A teacher in Norfolk, Virginia, noted the betrayals of the unions throughout the US saying, I think Randi Weingarten has shown us that we cant trust our unions and that theyre just another extension of the capitalists. I dont know what else it could be because theyre certainly not here for their members. I think they showed us that in Chicago. I think weve all been duped. Were paying an exorbitant amount of money, and for what? I followed the WSWS coverage of the Chicago teachers, and I think you are right that we have to go back to grass roots and rebuild because our union isnt what it was 100 years ago.

Following a mandate by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, schools throughout Virginia reopened starting last month. Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) reopened elementary schools on March 15, followed by middle schools on April 12, while high schools are set to reopen April 26.

As the teacher in Virginia noted, the betrayal by the CTU in Chicago laid the groundwork for districts and unions to reopen every other major school district throughout the US where students had been learning safely from home. Despite overwhelming opposition from teachers and parents, the CTU accepted the reopening of schools in mid-February.

Since Chicago schools reopened, the city has seen a 17 percent rise in daily new cases and K-12 schools have continued to be the number one source of COVID-19 infections throughout Illinois at 21.5 percent. Despite such damning figures, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently reached a deal with the CTU that allowed for high schools to reopen this week.

The WSWS also spoke with teachers in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) on reopening and their experiences with the UTLA, which utilized the same tactics as the CTU to suppress teacher opposition and push through the reopening of schools. Elementary schools began reopening on April 12, with middle and high schools set to open in the next two weeks. All teachers were required to be back in their classrooms on April 12.

Shawn, a special education teacher for 6th-8th graders in LAUSD, said he has been teaching online so far, but his school will be opening up next week. All of my students are engaged, and they love to discuss issues. Its one of the best classes that Ive had in all my years of teaching.

He also remarked on his opposition to the reopening plans pushed by the union, saying, I voted NO on every agreement so far. Its only about politics and money. Im not going back into that school because its going to be chaos and too many protocols. Its just that there are so many variables, and as teachers, they like to be organized. They like to know whats coming, and we cant wrap our heads around all this. So it causes a lot of anxiety and stress.

So Im not going in, and none of my students are going back. They will remain remote. Ive had an FMLA [Family and Medical Leave Act] on file for four years, so it was very easy for me to get reasonable accommodations, and so is my paraprofessional because she had an FMLA on file for six years.

Brett, a middle school teacher with 17 years in LAUSD, remarked on the CDC change in social distancing guidelines and Weingartens endorsement, stating, Its abominable. Its an arbitrary number to manage the spread, but it has no basis in an elimination strategy. Its sound-bite science to manipulate the many. Only socialism can solve the societal ills that a craven, capitalistic political class creates.

A teacher in Tennessee also commented on the AFTs role in facilitating the push to reopen schools. She recalled their treacherous role in the 2018-2019 teacher strikes, noting, It did not take Randi Weingarten standing shoulder to shoulder with Biden calling for all schools to return to in-person instruction during a pandemic for me to lose faith in teachers unions. Like every educator in America, I watched as teachers in West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Arizona went on strike in 2018-19. I also watched as the AFT went behind the backs of the rank-and-file to shut down the strikes against the wishes of the teachers.

She added, My own NEA local affiliate stood by and said nothing last summer as teachers were told we would be returning to classrooms like normal. Aside from receiving a very nice tote bag from the union, teachers were forced to scramble on our own to make sense of the betrayal from our leaders as we went back into classrooms armed with our wits and common sense to guide us in classrooms full of students during a deadly pandemic.

A teacher in Volusia County, Florida, stated, Even if you wanted to reopen schools, it would be more effective to shut down schools for a bit and then once cases dropped significantly to maybe start reopening schools in a safe way. This just shows where the district and unions priorities are if theyre not even willing to shut down schools for a limited amount of time. The WSWS has explicitly said that the reasons why schools are reopening are so parents can work. The unions were always trying to reopen schools as quickly as possible.

I have a friend who works at a public school in Miami-Dade county and when I asked how the unions are reacting to the crisis, shed say they arent doing anything and would even threaten teachers, creating a really hostile environment. She was also saying the union was applauding going fully in-person for the school she was in, even though most teachers were against it. This was shortly after Biden was elected into office. She also said that people are constantly having to quarantine in her school and there are cases that are reported often while quarantining teachers and students. This is a regular thing, which is insane.

Under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, Floridas K-12 schools have been open since last summer. The majority of COVID-19 restrictions have also been lifted throughout the state, resulting in a recent alarming surge in cases.

Michael Hull, a former history teacher in Texas and founder of the Facebook Group Teachers Against Dying said, What other time in history did teachers need a union to fight for them more than now? Yet, they have not only been ineffectual, but have actually worked against our interests!

Weingarten, a wealthy Democratic National Committee chairperson and superdelegate, is a bona fide oligarch who wants the schools open for the same reason as any other oligarch. Namely, to support the profits of the wealthy and protect a few handsome stock portfolios. The average worker being represented by someone of this socioeconomic status is a blatant conflict of interests.

Resistance has come from local and rank-and-file members, but the major disconnect between local chapters and the national bureaucrats has become glaringly apparent. That is the problem, and why were seeing this bizarre narrative about union resistance from right-wing media, even as the union bosses struggle alongside the elite against the workers. In the final analysis, the national union administration represents a controlled opposition, fully grafted into the establishment wing of the Democratic Party, and so it only makes sense for the rank-and-file to mount resistance independently.

During a recent town hall event hosted by the Facebook group Badass Teachers Association (BATs) and featuring Randi Weingarten, Hull spoke directly to Weingarten on the major dangers associated with reopening schools. Once Hull began raising the class interests underlying the drive to reopen schools, Weingarten interrupted to say, Were not going to fight to keep the schools closed.

Hull also recently wrote a statement opposing Weingartens endorsement of the CDCs three-foot spacing recommendation and support for reopening schools.

Kuhea, a public school teacher in Hawaii, commented, The unions are complicit because the leadership is connected to the powerful and wealthy. Nothing is perfect, and there will always be corruption unless we act differently to limit that corruption. Having said that, I believe in independent rank-and-file committees and rank-and-file ownership of unions that truly serve the interests of workerssafe and decent working conditions.

To be continued
Kolkata, April 21 : Covid takes its toll again. Famous poet, literary critic and social activist Shankha Ghosh died of Covid at the age of 89 at his residence on Wednesday morning. He was in isolation at his home after he tested Covid-19 positive on April 14.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her condolence message to the family said, "I am deeply mourned at the death of noted poet, literary critic and an authority in Rabindranath Tagore, Shankha Ghosh. 'Shankha Babu' has taught in universities like Jadavpur, Delhi and Viswa Bharati... I had a very good relationship with 'Shankha Babu'. His death is a huge loss in the world of literature. I express my heartfelt condolences for his family members." Sources in the health department said that Shankha Ghosh was advised home isolation after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 on April 14. He had several comorbidities, including sugar and hypertension and was admitted to hospital a few days back due to his deteriorating health condition. Ghosh is survived by his daughters Semanti and Srabanti, and wife Pratima.

Born in Chandpur (now in Bangladesh) on February 6, 1932, Shankha Ghosh did his B.A. in Bangla language and literature at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata) and subsequently received his Master's degree from Calcutta University. He taught at various colleges affiliated with the Calcutta University for many years and later moved to Jadavpur University, retiring from there in 1992. In between, he had spent time at the Iowa Writers Workshop, the US (1967-68), Delhi University, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla and Viswa Bharati. He is widely considered to be an authority on Rabindranath Tagore and has been a prolific poet and critic. His books include "Adim Lata-Gulmomay" (Ancient vines and trees), "Murkha Baro", "Samajik Nay" (A fool, not social), "Kabir Abhipray" (The poet's intention) and "Babarer Prarthana" (Babar's prayer).

Ghosh, known for being vocal on various social and political issues, was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and conferred the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 2016. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977 for his book 'Babarer Prarthana'. His works have been translated into several languages, including English and Hindi. He has perhaps been one of the rare intelligentsias who has not compromised his ethical and philosophical being on the platforms of political ideology and that is well expressed in his reactions to the political movement of the state. The man who resigned from 'Bangla Academy' protesting against the killings of Nandigram by the then Left Front Government and supported the cause Mamata Banerjee's fight for preservation of agricultural land in 2007 trained his gun against the Trinamool congress government in 2018.

In one of the couplets of 'Mukto Ganatantra' says: "Dekho khule tin nayan, rasta jure kharag haat e dariye ache unnayan (open your three eyes and look, development is blocking the road with a weapon). The line refers to one of Mondal's controversial speeches during the nomination phase when he had remarked that the Opposition had failed to submit their nomination forms because 'unnayan' (development) stood on the streets. The lines sparked controversy and he was criticised brutally by the party leadership but this undeterred poet stood by what he wrote.

In the world of Bangla literature, Shankha Ghosh's persona is shrouded by a mystique because of the gravitas that he exudes and the creativity and depth that his poetry and thoughtful prose contain. His writings are full of well thought out and wonderfully articulated ideas as well as social stances, but he has not allowed himself to be straitjacketed within the confines of one single political ideology or social philosophy. That's why, when on rare occasions he speaks, Bangla literary world in West Bengal and Bangladesh listens to him with awe and respect.

He is a man who has been well described in a poem by a young Bengali poet Sirjata'. He says - 'Tumio Manus, Amio Manus/ Tafat sudhu Sirdarai (You are also human being, I am also human being/ Difference is only in the spinal cord).

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The three community leaders, who went missing after an attack in Southern Kadunas Zangon Kataf area a month ago are still not found and the community has presumed them dead amid renewed tensions in the area.

The leaders  Pate Usman Kurmi, the Wakilin Fulani of Atyap Chiefdom; Muhammadu Anchau, an Ardo from Bauchi State; and Yakubu Muhammadu  are of Fulani extraction.

On Tuesday, a Fulani ardo, Tanko Yero, led his kinsmen to the palace of the Agwatyap, Dominic Yahaya, to commiserate with the monarch over the presumed passing of the Wakilin Fulani, Mr Kurmi.

The Agwatyap is the paramount ruler of Atyap Chiefdom and has a member of his council the Wakilin Fulani, who represents the Fulani population of the chiefdom.

PREMIUM TIMES saw the Fulani mourn with the monarch on Tuesday. He received other mourners and had earlier visited the family of the Wakilin Fulani to sympathise with them.

People already considered the three persons, prominent individuals, dead one month after they are not found, said Ismaila Abdallah, a Fulani youth leader, who also visited the monarch, and assistant secretary of the chiefdoms peace and security committee.

The attack

PREMIUM TIMES findings, based on disclosures by official and community sources, revealed that the Fulani delegation, formed of the three missing leaders and two others, had, on Sunday, March 21, visited the Gora District of Atyap (Kataf) Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf, to pay compensation to secure the release of their cattle, which had destroyed crops  a typically common occurrence in Nigerias outdated open grazing system.

On their return to Zonkwa, also in Zangon Kataf, in a car driven and owned by an Atyap local leader, Ayuba Bungon, they were attacked by armed persons. The car (in which they were travelling) was later found vandalized and empty, said Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs.

The location of the attack was Masat, an ethnic Bajju area, said John Bala, the chairman of the Atyap Chiefdom Community Peace and Security Partnership Committee (CPSP), which has been working towards peace and common understanding among the Hausa, Fulani, and Atyap communities.

Three persons were separately found within 24 hours of the attack  Mr Bungon and two Fulani men, namely Yusuf Dauda and Gomma Audu. But the three Fulani leaders remain missing.

Police spokesperson for Kaduna, Jalige Mohammed, told PREMIUM TIMES, that the force had not declared the missing persons dead.

Investigation is still ongoing and we have three suspects in our custody, he said. One of them is the Ayuba Bungon because he was the one that assured that he was going to take them to Zonkwa and insisted that the military should not bother to escort.

Months after a peace summit was convened to halt a wave of violence last August, tensions are rising again in Zangon Kataf, with tit-for-tat killings and massive slaying of cows recorded since January.

The peace summit birthed the chiefdoms peace and security partnership committee, praised for helping to make peace in the historically crisis-ridden area  before the fresh threats.

It extremely sad peace is threatened again, said Mr Bala. But we are not discouraged. Only a few dont want peace. Peace is a process.
We have a brand-new public health crisis -- gun violence. Now that the last pandemic is dying out, President Asterisk has decreed that people shooting each other is our next pandemic. It turns out murder is not a morality problem, its a health problem. Its no wonder we havent dealt with this crisis effectively -- we didnt really understand it. It seems to me that our political rulers just need to have another dance with their new-found emergency powers. Perhaps Dr. Two-Mask Fauci can lead us out of this crisis. He can use science to address gun violence with the same effectiveness that he flattened the COVID curve -- or was it the GDP curve -- I forget.

The first contributor to this pandemic is ghost guns. These are guns that have been assembled from kits, have no serial number, and are thus much more lethal than guns with numbers. Theyre used by hobbyists and lawbreakers. We probably dont need to worry about the hobbyists. Theyre the folks that build their own guns because they want to hit the head of a nail from 100 yards away. Theyre not planning their next heist. Theyre too busy trying to tighten their grouping by  inch at the range.

That brings us to the lawbreakers. They build (or buy from illegal sources) ghost guns because they cant legally buy guns. Its already illegal for lawbreakers to carry guns, but Im sure if we make it more illegal the lawbreakers will stop breaking the law. So, heres what weve come to: Everyone (lawbreakers included) are required to wear masks, but their firearms better be clearly identifiable. Whats more dangerous, an untraceable gun, or an untraceable criminal? I guess Joe thinks its the gun. As an alternative solution to ghost guns, perhaps we should require that lawbreakers remove their masks before they break the law. Then the gun serial numbers (or lack thereof) wont matter as much.

Lunch-bucket Joe is also demanding that gun manufacturers be liable for the harm caused by their products. Theres no word yet on whether this liability would only be for criminal acts or would also include accidental damage done by firearms. Since were opening the door to hold tool manufacturers liable for their tools, will GM be liable for only vehicular manslaughter -- or will their liability also include accidental damage done with cars? Im sure tort lawyers would prefer the latter. GM has much deeper pockets than a 16-year-old driving a 20-year-old Cavalier. As long as were holding the tools responsible, maybe we should hold the FBI, CIA, and IRS liable for the crimes the Democrats used them for.

Joe also wants to use his public health emergency powers to address the mental illness of gun ownership. Hes asking that we implement red-flag laws. Red-flag laws would empower family members or other concerned Karens to report mentally unstable gun owners to the authorities. Local law enforcement would then confiscate the owners firearms pending a court review. Those empowered to report gun owners would include parents, spouses, and children. Would it also include ex-spouses, schoolteachers, and neighborhood association presidents? For the sake of public health, we should probably include all of them. As a side benefit, this will be a boon to the divorce industry as about 100% of child custody conflicts will involve one or more red-flag reports.

What level of mental instability would necessitate confiscation of firearms? Would a gun owner need to be clinically insane -- or is being a Republican considered unstable enough? Dont worry, if your firearms are confiscated, youll get a chance to prove youre stable before a judge. Someone with the same legal training as Emmet Sullivan will provide a fair and unbiased assessment of your eligibility for the 2nd Amendment.

Obviously, Joe will be placing field hospitals in Chicago. After all, thats where all the shooting is happening. After the gun violence curve is flattened, Kamala can use the hospital tents to house the immigrant children shes caring for.

What other emergency powers might this health crisis empower our rulers to use? Being an out of the box thinker, Im sure Joe has some novel ideas. Maybe gun owners should be subject to contact tracing -- like the pathogens they are. Gun shows could be designated as super-spreader events subject to social distancing and attendance restrictions. Perhaps gun owners could be required to carry a proof of mental health certificate. I can keep it in my wallet next to my COVID vaccine passport. Of course, gun ownership would probably invalidate any mental health certificate -- as no sane person would own a firearm. We currently have a critical shortage of ammunition. Maybe Joe can use the lessons of Operation Warp Speed to fix that.

Im all for gun control. Particularly the type of control learned at the range. Perhaps our next pandemic relief package could include vouchers for NRA training and range time. I wonder how much my gun-violence pandemic relief check will be? Theres a sweet .45 Ive got my eye on.

John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Star, Idaho. He is a retired engineer with over 40 years of experience in the areas of product development, quality assurance, organizational development, and corporate strategic planning. He can be reached at greenjeg@gmail.com.

Image: PxHere

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
National Search and Rescue Agency members prepare for a search mission for the Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala-402 at Benoa harbor in Bali, Indonesia April 21, 2021.

The Indonesian military is searching for a Navy submarine carrying a crew of 53 that went missing during an exercise off Bali on Wednesday, officials confirmed.

The German-made KRI Nanggala-402 disappeared about 95 km (59 miles) north of the island at about 3 a.m. after being cleared to dive, Navy spokesman Julius Widjojono said, adding that an electrical failure could have caused the crew to lose control.

The submarine was about to simulate a torpedo attack, but it failed to report back and we lost contact, Julius told BenarNews. At least 53 crew members were in the submarine.

The Associated Press reported the submarine was carrying a crew of 49 along with its commander and three gunners.

The result of a temporary analysis shows that there is a possibility of an electrical failure resulting in the crew losing control of it and not being able to carry out emergency procedures, Julius said.

Late Wednesday, the Defense Ministry said that a helicopter conducting surveillance of the area where the submarine was last seen had reported an oil slick in the water.

The oil spill may have resulted from possible damage to the subs fuel tank caused by water pressure, Julius said.

In addition to the helicopter, the military deployed several ships equipped with sonar technology to locate the submarine. The military also reached out to Singapore and Australia, which have rescue vessels, to assist in the search, officials said, adding that navies from those countries and others, including India, have offered to assist.

Last year, the Indonesian military said it had five submarines, including two built by South Koreas Daewoo  while noting only three were operational.

The Nanggala-402 was built by German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in 1979. The diesel-powered submarine can dive for three months at a maximum depth of 500 meters (1,640 feet), is armed with 14 torpedoes and has a firing range of up to 2 miles (3.2 km), according to the Indonesian military.

The submarine was in Bali waters to prepare for a war exercise scheduled for Thursday. Indonesian National Armed Forces chief Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Yudho Margono were expected to attend.

Hadi planned to hold a media briefing on Thursday in Bali regarding the missing submarine, a military spokesman told Reuters news service.

The crew and officers of the KRI Nanggala-402 participate in a ceremony aboard the submarine at the naval base in Surabaya, Indonesia, Feb. 20, 2019 [Indonesian National Armed Forces handout via AFP]

Maritime security

Connie Rahakundini Bakrie, a military analyst at the University of Indonesia, said losing a submarine would be a big blow to the Indonesian Navy and the nations maritime security.

Submarines are an important element of a large and strong navy, she told BenarNews.

Ideally, Indonesia should have 12 submarines to protect its territorial waters, she said.

If it is lost, our armament will be even less strong, she said. It will be even more difficult to realize our dream of becoming a maritime fulcrum.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo vowed to enforce the countrys sovereignty over South China Sea waters, during a visit to a military base in the Natuna Islands in January 2020.

Just days before the president visited the base, military officials said about 30 Chinese ships had been sighted in Indonesian territory, accompanied by two Chinese Coast Guard ships and a fishing surveillance vessel. The previous month, the Foreign Ministry had summoned Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian to protest the presence of at least 65 Chinese ships in Indonesias exclusive economic zone off the islands.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its own while five other governments  Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam  have claims to territories that overlap with Beijing. Indonesia does not regard itself as party to the South China Sea dispute even though China claims historic rights to parts of the sea overlapping its EEZ.

Indonesia previously had a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union, according to local media and wire reports.

In March, South Koreas Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) handed over the KRI Alugoro submarine to the Indonesian Navy.

It is the first submarine assembled locally in Indonesia by the state-owned shipbuilding company PT PAL, the government said.

Dave Laksono, an MP, urged the Indonesian military to audit its equipment and review standard operating procedures for training.

We need to ensure that all TNI equipment is in prime condition to carry out operations and exercises, he said using an acronym for the armed forces.

Tria Dianti in Jakarta contributed to this report.
PEOPLE with disabilities say it appears the province no longer considers them to have a high risk of catching COVID-19.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ryan Chan, executive director of Exchange District Pharmacy, with a vial of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

PEOPLE with disabilities say it appears the province no longer considers them to have a high risk of catching COVID-19.

On Monday, the province suddenly allowed all Manitobans 40 years of age and older to jump ahead of people with disabilities and medical conditions it had prioritized as high risk a few weeks ago, when the first doses of AstraZeneca were shipped here.

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES David Kron, executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba: It comes down to how we value people.

David Kron, executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, who has cerebral palsy, said he is disappointed.

"Are we a priority or are we not a priority?" said Kron. "The numbers keep changing. All of a sudden folks with cerebral palsy were a priority and then all of a sudden they are not.

"It comes down to how we value people."

Currently, anyone over the age of 52 in the general population and 32 and older for First Nations people, is eligible to get a shot at a super site or pop-up clinic.

Last month, when the first 18,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived, the province piloted a program where only people in a high-risk category could get it. It included people with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, Manitobans with major cardiac problems and respiratory issues, or people who had transplanted organs, as long as they were age 50 to 64. Shortly after, the age was raised to 55 to 64, and then, earlier this month, people aged 69 and over were also allowed to get it.

Then on Monday, only for AstraZeneca, the province followed the lead of Ontario and Alberta and suddenly dropped its eligibility to Manitobans aged 40 and older regardless of their health.

The sudden move, which caught pharmacists by surprise, prompted people to scramble to get the shot at pharmacies and medical clinics.

Kron couldnt find a place with shots still available.

"They should have worked with Doctors Manitoba and did it just with patients," he said.

Janet Forbes, of Inclusion Winnipeg, which represents Winnipeggers with developmental disabilities, said, "we know of many young adults with intellectual disabilities under the age of 40 who are ready for their shot, and we also know of many parents who would be willing to give up their shot for their children."

"We also know that people with Down syndrome often show signs of premature aging. For example a 30-year-old may have the physiology of someone much older, and may have specific underlying health conditions related to the heart and respiratory system.

"Other provinces and countries have recognized this and have made vaccines a priority for young adults with intellectual disabilities and, in Manitoba, our most vulnerable citizens are counting on us to get this right."

A provincial spokeswoman said while the National Advisory Committee on Immunization makes recommendations on priority populations, each province can adapt them.

"Manitoba has identified its next steps in terms of prioritization, based on evolving vaccine authorizations and recommendations for use, expected shipments (timing and volume) and epidemiology," said the spokeswoman in a statement.

"This includes responding to variants of concern by immunizing people aged 18-plus living in specific communities and people who work in those communities in specified public-facing roles, as they are at increased risk of getting COVID-19.

"People with underlying medical or health issues that puts them at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 continue to be part of our planning, and we will continue to update Manitobans as eligibility expands."

Meanwhile, Ryan Chan, a pharmacist at the Exchange District Pharmacy, said the first he knew about the provinces change to AstraZeneca eligibility was when his phone started ringing on Monday.

"We have three lines and all were just non-stop," said Chan. "We didnt know about the movement until it came out. The province didnt call us."

Chan said his pharmacy had five vials of AstraZeneca, which can be divided into 50 doses of vaccine, and spots to get them were snapped up in minutes.

"We had at least 200 phone calls during the day," he said. "It just tied up the phone lines more than anything. The hard part was it interfered with our normal patients."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
[April 21, 2021] Flinn Foundation Selects 20 Excelling Arizona Students as 2021 Flinn Scholars

Twenty of Arizona's highest-achieving high-school seniors have been awarded the prestigious Flinn Scholarship and will receive a full ride at one of the state's public universities. Now in its 36th year, the Flinn Scholars Program is supported by the Phoenix-based Flinn Foundation in partnership with Arizona's three state universities. The merit-based scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, study abroad, and many other exclusive opportunities-a package valued at more than $120,000. The 20 Flinn Scholars representing the Class of 2021, many of whom turned down offers from elite out-of-state universities, will attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona beginning this fall. "There are so many great stories within this new class of Flinn Scholars," said Anne Lassen, Flinn Scholars Program director. "As is always the case, these are astonishingly intelligent and high-achieving students. But academic success is only the beginning. They're characterized by perseverance, engagement with their schools, peers, and families, and a dedication to improving the world around them." The 2021 Flinn Scholars Highlights from the Class of 2021 include: Three schools are celebrating their first-ever Flinn Scholar: BASIS Ahwatukee in Phoenix, Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, and Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. The Flinn Scholar attending Navajo Preparatory School is a resident of Chinle, Arizona.

Five high schools from outside the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas have produced Flinn Scholars in 2021: Bradshaw Mountain High School, Navajo Preparatory School, Nogales High School, Page High School, and Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande.

BASIS Ahwatukee and Gilbert Classical Academy each have two 2021 Flinn Scholars.

For three high schools, 2021 marks their second Flinn Scholar: Lierty High School in Peoria, Vista Grande High School, and Westview High School in Avondale.

The Scholars represent public district schools as well as charter and private schools.



Flinn Scholars are selected based on academic rigor and performance, as well as leadership and service, communication skills, and personal characteristics.

The 2021 Flinn Scholars plan to study a wide range of fields at their respective university honors colleges, including biochemistry, computer-systems engineering, finance, nursing, English, hotel-and-restaurant management, applied physics, computer science, law and policy, economics, and physiology and medical sciences. "The Flinn Foundation is proud to partner with Arizona's three public universities to offer this special program that attracts a diverse group of Arizona's brightest students, intent on discovering new ways to improve the lives of all Arizonans and people around the world," Flinn Foundation President and CEO Tammy McLeod said. Flinn Scholarship Benefits The Flinn Scholarship, in addition to enabling recipients to graduate without debt, offers: An extraordinary community of more than 670 current and alumni Flinn Scholars, including about 80 Scholars studying at the three universities at any given time;

of more than 670 current and alumni Flinn Scholars, including about 80 Scholars studying at the three universities at any given time; Membership in a university honors college , with amenities including small classes, access to top researchers, and guest lectures;

, with amenities including small classes, access to top researchers, and guest lectures; Personal mentoring from top faculty, and exposure to Arizona and global leaders in business, government, science, and the arts;

Intellectual, cultural, and social activities developed exclusively for Flinn Scholars by both the Flinn Foundation and the universities; and

Funding for a three-week summer seminar after the Scholar's freshman year and for at least one additional study-abroad experience. The Flinn Scholars Program, established in 1986, is operated by the Flinn Foundation Scholarship Program LLC and supported by the Flinn Foundation, a Phoenix-based private, nonprofit, grantmaking organization that aims to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. The foundation also supports the advancement of Arizona's bioscience sector, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership. Meet the 2021 Flinn Scholars View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005929/en/

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We at Stellar Solutions have built our reputation on the collective well of expertise drawn from some of the best minds in the industries we serve. We are proud to offer our clients both the extraordinary talent and breadth of this team. -- Stellar Solutions CEO Michael Lencioni

Stellar Solutions, a global aerospace and systems engineering leader, has announced a leadership restructure across its multiple sectors further enhancing its boundary-crossing core value and drawing upon the collective strength of its long-standing leadership team in solving some of the most complex issues facing its commercial and government clients.

Effective May 1, 2021, Janet Grondin, Vice President of Defense Programs, will assume leadership of the Intelligence Programs Sector; Walt Eilers, Vice President of Intelligence Programs, will assume leadership of the Civil Programs Sector, and Jennifer Luce will be promoted to Vice President and will assume leadership of the Defense Programs Sector.

At the same time, the company reinforced the remarkable strength of its broader leadership team whose members are continuing in their Business Sectors: Vice President and head of Commercial Programs, Melissa Farrell; Vice President and head of Government Programs Kevin Girkins; Vice President and head of Defense Support and Cyber Strategies (DSC) Punch Moulton, and Stellar Solutions Executive Vice President Richard Rogers who remains in the crucial integration role across all of Stellar Solutions' Sectors.

We at Stellar Solutions have built our reputation on the collective well of expertise drawn from some of the best minds in the industries we serve. We are proud to offer our clients both the extraordinary talent and breadth of this team, said Stellar Solutions CEO Michael Lencioni.

Stellar Solutions was founded with the core value of enabling clients to cross boundaries across sectors to access the range of industry perspectives and knowledge that together drive innovation. Founded 26 years ago, the companys mission was to deliver high-impact solutions while satisfying customer needs by ensuring that Stellar Solutions highly trained experts are in their dream jobs.

Even as we have grown substantially across the nation and globally, we are an agile, entrepreneurial company at our core. Its thanks to these talented leaders and our teams of outstanding engineers that we can anticipate industry change and position our clients to succeed in their missions, Lencioni added.

Janet Grondin was promoted to VP of Defense Programs in 2020, becoming responsible for Stellar Solutions' technology, management, and expert solutions for Department of Defense customers related to space and missile systems for national protection and security. She joined Stellar Solutions in 2018 from Northrop Grumman, following 25 years in the Air Force in senior leadership positions.

Walt Eilers, VP of Intelligence Programs since 2018, has managed strategic, business and operational performance of global national security space programs, joining Stellar Solutions in 2004. Prior, Walt retired from the United States Air Force in 2004 following a distinguished 23-year career serving in a variety of leadership positions.

Jennifer Luce was previously Director of Space Systems at Stellar Solutions. She joined Stellar Solutions in 2013 as a Senior Systems Engineer from the U.S. Air Force, where she retired after a distinguished 20-year career as a program manager for a wide variety of Air Force and NRO space and launch systems.

About Stellar Solutions, Inc. Stellar Solutions is a global aerospace and systems engineering services provider to commercial, defense, intelligence, civil and international sectors. Stellar Solutions provides rapid-response capabilities related to global surveillance and cyber-security, space exploration, risk management, and technology optimization. These solutions to clients critical needs involve satellites in space, sensors on Earth, and intricate technology connections across multiple frontiers. With physical operations in California, Colorado, the greater Washington DC area, London and France as well as employees throughout the U.S. and the globe, Stellar Solutions has become a recognized leader in delivering end-to-end critical expertise and problem-solving skills to dozens of significant programs. QuakeFinder, Stellar Solutions humanitarian R&D division, pursues earthquake prediction models. http://www.stellarsolutions.com
NEW LONDON  A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries during a crash Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

First responders were dispatched around 3:30 p.m. to a reported motorcycle accidents with reported injuries in the area of Perry Street and Montauk Avenue.

Police said the motorcycle operator sustained substantial injuries and was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital by ambulance for treatment. There was no indication any others involved in the crash were injured.

First responders secured the crash site and the police accident re-construction team responded to investigate. The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 860-447-5269, extension 0, or submit tips anonymously by texting NLPDTip and the information to TIP411.
[April 20, 2021] ROMEO POWER SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Romeo Power, Inc. - RMO

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until June 15, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Romeo Power, Inc. (NYSE: RMO) f/k/a RMG Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: RMG), if they purchased the Company's securities between October 5, 2020 and March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Romeo Power or RMG Acquisition and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-rmo/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by June 15, 2021.



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

On December 29, 2020, Romeo announced that it completed its business combination with RMG and the next day began trading its common stock and warrants on the NYSE under the new ticker symbols "RMO" and "RMO.WT". Then, on March 30, 2021, post-market, the Company shocked investors when it announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, disclosing that production had been hindered by a shortage in supply of battery cells and therefore its estimated 2021 revenue would be reduced by approximately 71-87%. On this news, shares of Romeo plummeted almost 20%, from a closing price of $10.37 per share on March 30, 2021 to close at $8.33 per share on March 31, 2021. The case is Nichols v. Romeo Power, Inc., No. 21-cv-03362. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006229/en/

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:36:14|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey, Qatar, and the United Nations will "resolutely continue their earnest efforts" to achieve peace in Afghanistan, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The trio had planned to co-convene a high-level conference in Istanbul, from April 24 to May 4, with the participation of the Afghan government and Taliban.

The ministry said in a joint statement that the conference was agreed to postpone to a later date when "conditions for making meaningful progress would be more favorable."

The decision was taken after extensive consultations with the parties "in view of recent developments," the statement added, without revealing further detail.

The previous day Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that the conference was postponed to after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends in mid-May. Enditem
Highlights The new Oxygen OS 11.2.4.4 update is about 350MB in size.

It bumps the monthly security patch to April.

The new update also fixes the battery icon issue in the status bar that displayed as abnormally.

OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9 users are now receiving the fourth update since launch, and this one claims to fix a few issues and bumps to the April Security patch. The OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 update is now rolling out for both the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9 smartphones. The company is gradually pushing out the update via over-the-air (OTA), which means that if you haven't received it yet, don't worry. It will be available on your device in the next few days.

As per the changelog, the all-new OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 brings charging stability improvements for both the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9. The new update also improves the sensitivity of the keyboard in the edge area and improves the temperature control strategy, and fixes the issue where the battery icon in the status bar is abnormally displayed. The new update also fixes a small probability issue that the Google Fi SIM card cannot accept incoming calls. The latest OxygenOS update also fixes known issues that haven't been described in the changelog. The update also bumps the Android Security month patch to April.

In terms of camera-related enhancements, the OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 changelog says it improves the image purity and ambience performance, improves the white balance consistency of the rear camera, and improves image over-sharpening of the rear camera.

In case you haven't got a pop-up notification on your OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro smartphones, then head to the Settings > System > System Updates. The Oxygen OS 11.2.4.4 update is about 350MB in size and isn't a very massive upgrade.

Notably, this is the fourth update that's being rolled out to the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9 within a month of launch. This tells you how focused the OnePlus team is to ensure the right experience for consumers in India.

The last OxygenOS 11.2.3.3 update was rolled out for both the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9 in the second week of April. The update was mostly about resolving the overheating issues that were reported by OnePlus 9 Pro and the OnePlus 9 users who were extensively using the cameras.
Google and Facebook have 'sucked all the money' out of the advertising which funds news, a senior executive at the Daily Mail has said, as the newspaper's owner takes legal action against the search engine giant.

Peter Wright, editor emeritus of DMG Media, which publishes the newspaper, speaking yesterday said 'it's time to call this company out' when asked about the anti-trust lawsuit which has been filed against Google in the US.

Appearing on Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Wright said the news publishing industry around the world was 'in a state of crisis' because of Google and Facebook's grip on online advertising for news. He said news was vital to democracy but that providing high-quality and diverse reporting on events could not happen without the revenue to support it.

It was revealed on Tuesday that the owner of the Mail has launched a legal action against Google, alleging the company 'manipulates' search results to 'punish publishers'.

The news provider this week said the lawsuit aimed to 'hold Google to account for their continued anti-competitive behaviour'. The legal action, filed in New York by Associated Newspapers and Mail Media, also alleges that the tech giant has manipulated advertising auctions.

Google and Facebook have 'sucked all the money' out of the advertising which funds news, a senior executive at the Daily Mail has said, as the newspaper's owner takes legal action against the search engine giant

Google, which is already facing legal action in America from the US Justice Department and a number of attorney generals from different US states over alleged anti-competitive practices, has dismissed the claims.

Mr Wright told the programme: 'We think it's time to call this company out.

'The news publishing industry in the United States and in Britain and in nearly every other country in the world is in a state of crisis because Google and Facebook, the other dominant player, have sucked all the money out of the advertising revenue which funds news. News is fantastically important to democracy, it's important that it's researched and written to a high quality and it's important that there's a diversity of voices.

'That can't happen unless revenue is there to support it and that's why we're doing this.' A key part of the lawsuit is the claim that the US tech giant 'punishes' publishers on search rankings if they do not sell enough advertising space through Google's own exchange.

Mr Wright pointed out on the BBC programme how in June 2019 the news provider saw its search visibility drop by 50 per cent overnight.

This is thought to be connected to the news organisation's success in diverting advertising traffic away from Google to other rival ad exchanges which gave better revenue for ad space. Despite proving hugely popular with readers, Mr Wright said MailOnline's stories about the royal family were getting very low prominence on the search engine. He pointed out how on Facebook, which has different algorithms from Google, the news company had its largest ever readership on the day of Meghan Markle's Oprah interview.

But on Google, measurements showed that it was only getting between 1 and 2 per cent of UK 'search visibility' for Harry and Meghan stories, with similar figures for Prince Philip's funeral.

A Google spokesman has said of the legal action: 'The Daily Mail's claims are completely inaccurate.

'The use of our ad tech tools has no bearing on how a publisher's website ranks in Google Search. More generally, we compete in a crowded and competitive ad tech space where publishers have and exercise multiple options.

'The Daily Mail itself authorises dozens of ad tech companies to sell and manage their ad space, including Amazon, Verizon and more. We will defend ourselves against these meritless claims.'
[April 21, 2021] Plymouth State University and Cybint Partner to Launch Cybersecurity Center

PLYMOUTH, N.H., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse, and Plymouth State University (PSU) President Donald Birx are pleased to announce the Center for Cybersecurity at Plymouth State University. The center's program has been developed by global cybersecurity education leader Cybint and will be taught by PSU faculty. The intensive training will up-skill and re-skill New Hampshire workers, advancing their careers into one of the world's fastest growing industries. The 480-hour, online program will launch July 1, 2021, and will offer flexibility to allow employees of businesses from sole proprietorships to the state's largest companies to participate while maintaining workplace attendance and productivity. The cybersecurity field has grown more than 3,000 percent over the past decade. The pandemic-accelerated growth of the remote workforce has led to even greater demand, and cyber job growth is expected to increase by 350 percent through 2021. Entry-level cybersecurity positions start as high as $80,000 annually. As of October 2020, there were more than 1,000 vacant cybersecurity positions in New Hampshire alone. In the past decade and through the depths of the economic downturn, the field has had a near zero percent unemployment rate. Skilled professioals readily gain access to lucrative existing roles and dynamic future opportunities.



Center for Cybersecurity at Plymouth State University participants will gain the expertise needed to expand their horizons and become cybersecurity professionals. The initiative is being met with enthusiasm and several local firms have already committed to enrolling employees for the inaugural cohort in February. "This program is a homerun for students looking to advance their careers and businesses looking for a skilled workforce right here in New Hampshire," said Governor Chris Sununu. "I encourage Granite Staters to take advantage of this awesome opportunity for cybersecurity careers."

Senate President Morse noted, "As a small business owner, I am keenly aware of the rapidly increasing number of cyber threats and ransomware attacks targeting New Hampshire businesses, public institutions and residents. As a Plymouth State alumnus, I am proud of the university's efforts to protect our citizens and businesses by offering this cutting-edge training, which will allow us to keep more graduates in New Hampshire while protecting our state." "Our collaboration with Cybint is a great example of the public/private partnerships that thrive in New Hampshire," says Plymouth State University President Donald Birx. "It will help employers fill critical, open positions, while providing pathways to promising careers." "Partnering with educational institutions is one of the best ways to fill the talent shortage in cybersecurity," says Roy Zur, founder and CEO of Cybint. "We are excited to have Plymouth State University join with us as a cyber center." For more information about the Center for Cybersecurity at Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu/cybersecurity/. About Cybint: Cybint is a global cyber education company with a commitment to re-skilling the workforce and up-skilling the industry in cybersecurity. With innovative and leading-edge education and training solutions, Cybint tackles cybersecurity's two greatest threats: the talent shortage and the skills gap. The Cybint team is comprised of military cyber experts, industry professionals, and educators united under the vision of creating a safer digital world through education, training, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.cybintsolutions.com. About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Learning Model is organized around seven dynamic, theme-based hubs called "Integrated Clusters," which emphasize open, integrative and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plymouth-state-university-and-cybint-partner-to-launch-cybersecurity-center-301272265.html SOURCE Cybint

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A high-profile Eels player who allegedly had sex with a woman in a toilet may be sanctioned by the NRL for bringing the game into disrepute.

The NRL launched an investigation into the incident on Wednesday after a four-second video made its way into the public domain. The footage appears to have been filmed over the toilet door.

The NRL has launched an investigation after a Parramatta Eels player was allegedly filmed having sex with a woman in a toilet.

The NRL integrity unit interviewed the player on Wednesday who said the footage was taken without his consent. The player was made aware the video was circulating and alerted the NRL on Sunday.

The Eels released a statement on Wednesday confirming they were aware of the footage, which was taken over the weekend.
LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new program from the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) is putting former at-risk youth on a fast track to careers in one of the state's fastest growing industries.

Energy efficiency is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States, currently employing more than 2.35 million Americans with more jobs being added each year. But despite this growth, more than 75% of employers report difficulty in recruiting qualified workers, due to a lack of experience, training, or technical skills.

SoCalREN's Green Path Careers Program is designed to train former at-risk youth between the ages of 18 and 24 for an energy efficiency career. The Program is free to participants.

"Through our Green Path Careers Program, participants will receive a comprehensive package of training and support that includes personal enrichment training, technical training and education, and paid work experience with local companies working in energy efficiency," said Wendy Angel, Regional Director at the Emerald Cities Collaborative. "The Green Path Careers team will also assist participants in developing a professional resume, preparing for interviews, and search support during the job application process."

To learn more about the opportunities available with Green Path Careers, visit SoCalREN.com/gpc.

The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Public Agency Programs believe in the power of public agencies to lead their communities toward a safe, secure, resilient, affordable, and sustainable clean energy future. SoCalREN offers a suite of customizable, no-cost services to remove barriers to achieving energy savings. They also offer programs for residents and businesses which public agencies can leverage for the benefit of their communities. SoCalREN is here to help public agencies save energy, save money, and lead their communities on the pathway to zero net energy and overall greater sustainability. Learn more at SoCalREN.org.

SOURCE SoCalREN

Related Links

https://socalren.org


The UK deciding not to give AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine to under-30s has not put people off getting vaccinated, a survey has suggested.

Regulators said concerns about extremely rare blood clots being triggered by the jab meant it would be safer to give young adults a different one where possible.

In Europe clotting fears spooked some people into turning down the jab or asking for different ones. Denmark refused to use the vaccine at all.

But the University of Stirling in Scotland did a survey that found almost nine out of 10 people in their 30s  close in age to those affected but old enough to still be given the AstraZeneca jab  are still happy to get a vaccine.

The survey of 300 people did not ask specifically about the AstraZeneca vaccine but about jabs in general, and found no increase in hesitancy.

Among 30 to 40-year-olds, 85 per cent said they were still planning to get jabbed. This was a slight dip from 87 per cent in the previous survey but the proportion saying they would refuse a jab also fell, from 9.9 to 9.8 per cent.

Brits put a lot of trust in vaccines compared to people in Europe and a fast rollout and high uptake mean the UK is now one of the best protected countries worldwide.

The reputation of AstraZeneca's vaccine has taken a hit in Europe and Africa amid concerns about the CVST clotting condition, and former prime minister Tony Blair today called for the UK to counter this by publishing data showing how few people get Covid after a jab.

Surveys of between 230 and 330 people found that the UK regulator's announcement that it wouldn't give the AstraZeneca vaccines to people younger than 30 did not make people significantly more likely to refuse a jab

Britain's drug regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued its new advice about the AstraZeneca vaccine on April 7.

It recommended that people aged 18 to 29 should be offered the Pfizer or Moderna instead because there is a possible link between the AstraZeneca jab and extremely rare blood clots.

WHAT IS CVST? Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an extremely rare type of blood clot in the brain. It may also be abbreviated to CSVT or just CVT  they are all basically the same. It occurs when the vein that drains blood from the brain is blocked by a blood clot, resulting in potentially deadly bleeding or a stroke. Symptoms can quickly deteriorate from a headache, blurred vision and faintness to complete loss of control over movement and seizures. John Hopkins University estimates it 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. Britain's regulator said CSVT is so rare they aren't even sure how common it is in the general population. Advertisement

The most concerning clots are part of a condition called CVST  cerebral venous sinus thrombosis  that can raise the risk of stroke.

And medics have also seen other types of blood clots develop alongside low platelet counts, which they said was unusual, particularly among young people who they have seen it in after vaccination.

Although cases of this are still vanishingly rare, the risk of healthy under-30s dying of Covid is also tiny.

For this reason the MHRA said the balance of risk was not in favour of the vaccine as obviously as it was for older people, who were more likely to die of Covid.

Up to March 31, the MHRA in the UK received 79 reports of blood clots accompanied by low blood platelet count, all in people who had their first dose of the vaccine, out of around 20million doses given.

The MHRA has said the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine still outweigh the risks overall.

In spite of the saga, people in their 30s did not seem to be put off vaccination in general, the Stirling study found.

It asked 71 people aged 30 to 40 for their views on vaccination on March 17  before the MHRA announcement  and found 87.3 per cent were in favour.

After the announcement, on April 9, 85.3 per cent of a group of 102 people were in favour.

This was a slight dip but the after figure matched the 'baseline' level of confidence picked up in a survey earlier in March before the situation developed in Europe.

The proportion of people who said they would refuse a jab fell throughout, from 10.3 per cent at baseline to 9.9 per cent in mid-March to 9.8 per cent after.

'I was surprised  I thought we would see a change in response following the UK regulator's new guidance,' said Dr David Comerford, who ran the study.

'Perhaps not from the under-30s, who would be offered different vaccines, but if you were 31 to 35, say, we would have expected hesitancy.

'This is not to say that people were not concerned by the news. Google Trends data shows increasing search activity for the terms "vaccine" and "safe" coinciding with the headlines.

JUST 32 BRITONS HAVE BEEN HOSPITALISED WITH COVID AFTER GETTING JABBED Just 32 people in the UK were hospitalised with Covid after receiving a vaccination for the virus, according to 'extraordinary' real-world data. Figures due to be handed to Government advisers today show inoculated people made up a tiny fraction of the thousands of people admitted with the virus in recent months. The research by the UK Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium included patients who were given their first dose and had enough time to build up immunity. Scientists said the findings highlight the jabs are performing 'extraordinarily well' at squashing Covid hospitalisations and deaths. Fewer than 2,000 Covid patients are now being treated by the NHS  down from a peak of almost 40,000 at the January peak. Admissions have dropped to below 200 a day. The statistics will raise more questions about why Britain is still living under tough lockdown restrictions, given that 33million people have now been jabbed. Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to speed up his roadmap out of lockdown, with the next relaxation not due until May 17, when pubs and restaurants will open and foreign travel is earmarked to resume. But the PM told a Downing St press conference yesterday that while the vaccination programme was 'making a big difference', he would not deviate from his 'cautious but irreversible' plan. Quizzed about why No10 has not published data on the jabs' effect on hospital and death rates, Mr Johnson said 'we simply don't know that data', but added that he 'suspected the number was very small'. Advertisement

'Also, on April 9  the day of our data collection  the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Katherine Henderson, reported that all A&E departments witnessed an increase in the number of people reporting concerns after having the AstraZeneca vaccine.

'These concerns did not translate into mistrust of the vaccination programme in the UK, however.'

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has today called for more data to be released about how few people are catching Covid after getting a vaccine.

He hoped this could boost faith in the AstraZeneca jab, particularly in Europe and Africa, if people could see exactly how well it works.

'I think the full dataset would show that AstraZeneca is a highly effective vaccine, it will save huge amounts of lives, hospitalisation and people getting "long Covid",' he told Sky News.

'We have, as a country, a huge interest in this because even if we get ourselves vaccinated... the risk is still there that you get a mutation that comes back into the UK that vaccines may be less effective against'.

The number of vaccinated Britons who have been hospitalised or died with Covid is thought to be tiny.

The Telegraph today reported just 32 jab recipients have been admitted to NHS wards three weeks after being inoculated.

Mr Blair spoke today after publishing his report 'Restoring Confidence in the Workhorse Covid-19 Vaccines' which calls on the Government to release more data on the effectiveness of the jabs.

'We have done really well on vaccination in this country and we are almost in a unique position having vaccinated large numbers of people with both Pfizer - which is an mRNA vaccine - and AstraZeneca - which is an adenovirus vaccine,' he said.

'Therefore we have data on both vaccines, how they worked, how many people after each vaccination have still been diagnosed with Covid, how many of these have been hospitalised, how many of those have died.

'My view is that if we publish that data... it will have a major impact on restoring the credibility of AstraZeneca worldwide.

'We don't have problems with AstraZeneca here but worldwide countries are either refusing AstraZeneca for certain categories of people or you even get countries in Africa now refusing the vaccine. This is completely unjustified.'

The University of Stirling research is published on the Open Science Framework (OSF) website and hasn't yet been reviewed by other scientists.
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New Delhi, April 21 : India Inc seems undeterred by the second wave of Covid pandemic and feels that the current times presents ideal investment opportunity, both for financial and industrial investors.

In his address at the the 6th National Leadership Conclave of the All India Management Association (AIMA), Hero Enterprises Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal said that it is a tremendous opportunity to invest in India now, both for the financial investors and the industrial companies.

The capex cycle, which was slow for 12-14 quarters, is reviving and companies are making serious capex commitments for the next few quarters, he said.

According to Munjal, the domestic investors are getting more adventurous during a crisis while money is flowing in from overseas in search of returns. Also, he pointed out, the last quarter showed that demand will come back once Covid was under check.

"There is a belief that this is a start of a long-term investment cycle that will go on for a decade or more," he said.

AIMA President and JK Paper Ltd Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Harsh Pati Singhania, qualified his optimism about industrial investment, saying that where capacity utilisation is nearly full, there it is time to invest. He reminded that many sectors and companies are still in difficulty and will not invest. However, he argued, a lot of investment will go not into producing more of the same but into digitalisation and enabling better customer experience.

AIMA's Immediate Past President and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kirloskar said that the business models are changing and his companies' investment have been targeted more at the backend than at capacity.

"I have to ask myself if my manufacturing business is going to turn into a subscription business. I have to prepare for that," he said.

Kirloskar informed that his group has invested in 3D printing, augmented reality, virtual reality etc. He reminded that business leaders have to choose the suitable technologies from among the many coming through and get the best return on those before those become obsolete.

The business leaders were unanimous that the industry is better prepared for the second wave of Covid than it was for the first one last year.

Singhania said that last year, companies did not know how the lockdowns would affect them. According to him, last year, the manufacturing facilities continued to produce till they ran out of raw materials and supplies whereas this time they are tracking consumption in different states and areas and working backwards on the supply chain. Producing for markets under lockdowns would only block money in inventories, he said.

Kirloskar said with the second wave of Covid, his company has brought back the protocols of the initial Covid situation. The people in the factory have been reduced, the offices have been closed for work from home, and only the design work that requires high-end computers is being done in office, he said.

Manufacturing plants are mostly in the rural areas and companies are working with the local administration to help the local community while keeping the operations going. Singhania said that the bigger challenge is the expansion work, which cannot be stopped overnight. A lot of people working there are migrant labourers and companies need to ensure that they do not panic and run away en masse.

From an investors' perspective, Munjal said that stress testing businesses is essential. "We invest in many companies and we have asked them to show us cash flows and not business plans. We have asked them how long can you last with 50 per cent of the revenues and how long with 0 per cent revenue," he said.

Munjal said that digitalisation and automation is becoming essential to keep the business running and planning for the unimaginable. "One should take advantage of the downturn to do things that one could not do otherwise," he said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Earth Day 2021 is on Thursday, April 22, and theres no end to the ways you can celebrate and pitch in, whether you want to get your hands dirty and pick up trash around the neighborhood, or just take some time to get educated about climate change or sustainable living.

One easy way to get in the eco-friendly spirit? Watch one of these new, educational (and entertaining) TV specials about our planet. Dive deep into the mysterious world of whales, or find out what celebrities like Matt Damon and Jane Fonda are doing to keep the world green and healthy.

Here are five new TV specials to check out for Earth Day 2021:

Secrets of the Whales (Disney Plus) - This four part National Geographic documentary narrated by Sigourney Weaver explores the secret world of whales, and how they communicate. National Geographic explorer Brian Skerry goes underwater with orcas, belugas and more.

Our America: Climate of Hope (Hulu) - Episode 3 of ABCs Our America series features trusted meteorologists from ABC stations across America and focuses on the impacts of extreme weather, and how to solve the climate crisis.

 Subscribe to the Disney Plus Bundle for $13.99 per month and save on Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu

Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World (PBS) - Premiering April 22 on PBS, this three-part documentary follows the young activist on the front lines of the battle against climate change.

Cher & The Loneliest Elephant (Paramount+) - The worlds loneliest elephant, Kaavan, was languishing alone in a Pakistani zoo when Cher intervened, and became involved with a relocation effort to bring the animal to a Cambodian rescue sanctuary.

Action Planet (Discovery+) - Join high-profile changemakers, from political figures like Kamala Harris to celebrities like Matt Damon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and learn about their work to fight climate change.

Bonus: Earth Day Eve Virtual Concert (NatGeo) - On Wednesday, April 21, head to National Geographics YouTube channel for an inspirational concert with performances by Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Yo-Yo Ma and more. Cant catch it live? The whole concert will be available the next day on Disney+.

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Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation has condemned the attack on Enugu police station by unknown gunmen. The gunmen attacke...

Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation has condemned the attack on Enugu police station by unknown gunmen.

The gunmen attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters, Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Two of the police officers on duty were reportedly killed, while others were injured, with the police station burnt.

Fani-Kayode on Wednesday via his Twitter handle described the attack as shameful.

Accoridng to him, it would be a tragedy for anyone to turn Enugu which is a peaceful State to a theatre of war.

His tweet read: The attack on an Enugu police station and murder of two policemen by unknown gunmen is shameful, shocking  I condemn it.

Enugu is a peaceful State with a God-fearing and God-sent leader and it is a tragedy that anyone would want to turn it into a theater of war or haven for crime.

In the past few weeks, gunmen have attacked Police stations in the South East and some states in the South-South

The latest incident took place on Monday, April 19 as unidentified hoodlums razed the zone 13 police headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra state.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has kept its capital expenditures for 2021 at 80 billion, similar to last year.

The integrated property developer will be focusing on its mall and residential segments with due consideration to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a disclosure published in the local bourse on Wednesday,

The listed company noted it is slated to open three new malls nationwide provided quarantine rules are relaxed coupled with utmost concern for the publics safety. Also in SM Primes pipeline this 2021 is the launch of 15,000 to 20,000 residential units under its residential arm SM Development Corp.

We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge many companies around the globe, including SM Prime, but we remain committed to enhance the value of your Company for the benefit of all our stakeholders, said SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim.

SM Prime logged earnings of 18 billion in 2020  less than half of its consolidated net income the year prior.

Three newcomers join board of directors

The company likewise announced the election of three independent newcomers to its board of directors for 2021-2022.

Among them is Amando Tetangco Jr., most known for being the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor from 2005 to 2017.

Tetangco is currently an independent director of Belle Corporation, which specializes in the development of tourism and leisure destinations in the country.

He is joined in the SM Prime board by fellow independent directors Darlene Berberabe and Carlitos Cruz.

Berberabe, who served as chief executive officer of the Pag-IBIG fund in 2010, holds directorates in corporations like Palm Concepcion Power, PA Alvarez and Katapult Digital.

Cruz, meanwhile, is currently an independent director at Transnational Diversified Croup, Federal Land, and Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings.

All three will replace SM Primes outgoing independent directors Jose Cuisia, Gregorio Kilayko and Joselito Sibayan.

Tetangco, Berberabe and Cruz join SM Prime chairman Henry Sy Jr., director and executive committee chairman Hans Sy, directors Herbert Sy and Jorge Mendiola, and Jeffrey Lim, who also serves as executive director.
[April 21, 2021] Bank of America Announces Floating Rate Notes Issuance Referencing BSBY

Bank of America, N.A. announced today that it issued a $1 billion six-month floating rate bank note referencing the one-month tenor of the Bloomberg (News - Alert) Short-Term Bank Yield IndexSM (BSBY) to multiple investors earlier this week. BSBY adheres to the International Organization of Securities Commissions' (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks and measures the average yields at which large, global banks access U.S. dollar unsecured wholesale funding. It is dynamic, credit sensitive and reflects marginal funding cost at overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month and twelve-month tenors. "We are pleased to be in a position to help lead the market's transition away from LIBOR," said Bank of America Treasurer Andrei Magasiner. "The development of a robust alternative term rate, such as BSBY, is an important development for traditional banking products and for our clients." "We are continuously looking for ways to innovate and provide creative solutions to the market," said Andrew Karp, Head of Investment Grade Capital Markets. "We have seen interest from US market participants for a credit sensitive rate alongside SOFR in the transition away from LIBOR. We believe BSBY is a viable alternative and we expect to see more transactions referencing credit sensitive rates going forward." 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 forard-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.



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 40 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. 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.

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Arizona AG Mark Brnovich sent a letter to Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), asking them not to support a court-packing proposal by the House Democrats. They want to add four more judges to the present nine in the supreme court.

Arizona AG Brnovich is against court-packing

The Arizona AG asked the Arizona Democrats in a letter to help stop a bill from expanding the Supreme Court, which is nothing more than another power grab having more partial Democrat judges to push Biden'sBiden's agenda, reported the Epoch Times.

He was quoted on the matter.

"The principle that authority is divided between separate branches of government is at the heart of our Constitution. He went on to say, "This unique system creates checks and balances-an essential safeguard against any form of tyranny."

His response came after the packing proposal last week when he approaches the two Democrats of Arizona.

The Judiciary Act of 2021 will have four seats more to the nation's top court, having the effect of flipping the balance from six to three in favor of conservative-appointed justices or seven to six in the opposite direction.

Liberals have been trying to pack the courts, but they have stepped up after failing to stop the appointment of then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

Democrats who forwarded the bill are Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), with Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), and Mondaine Jones (D-N.Y.). Their ultimate goal is to place judges who are not impartial but willing to agree to any whim of the Democrats.

Nancy Pelosi Does Not Agree with Court Packing Bill, Says She Won't Push It

Arizona AG Brnovich remarked to Sinema and Kelly that the move in the Lower House would be allowing a bill court-packing is unconstitutional; it will make the Supreme Court of the United States a shadow of itself.

Asking them if they knew the stakes, both Arizona Democrats must not allow such a destructive bill to pass.

Brnovich added," History it seems that when elected officials propose laws to address the Supreme Court's makeup, their real motives are less than honorable. In fact, in their search for more influence, these misguided acts have almost always attempted to circumvent the Constitution's values."

It is a veiled attempt at a power grab to control an independent judiciary.

He said that the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2019 that any attempt to pack the court is not good, former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attempted the same thing.

The Arizona attorney general said the Supreme Court must be independent for any government component but uphold the United States Constitution. Judges in the highest court have no term limits; they will concentrate on the law, nothing more. No Republican or Democrat should attempt to co-opt the Supreme Court.

"I strongly urge you to speak out against any attempt to actively undermine the Constitution and the autonomy of our judiciary," Brnovich said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told in an interview with a conservative outlet that the attempts of Democrats to pack the court are a reckless and dangerous precedent for breaking the judiciary.

Arizona AG Mark Brnovich is against reckless court-packing as several Democrats like Nancy Pelosi. President Biden said he wouldn't do it as a candidate, but he is now.

Sen. Graham Says Attempts to Pack the Supreme Court Assaults Rule of Law

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President has said the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd can be a giant step forward" for the nation in the fight against systemic racism.

Biden spoke from the White House hours after the verdict alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, with the pair calling for Congress to act swiftly to address policing reform.

It's not enough," Biden said of the verdict. "We can't stop here.

Biden spoke after telephoning Floyd's family, telling them, We're all so relieved.

Before Tuesday's guilty verdicts were read out, Biden said he was praying for "the right verdict in the trial of Chauvin.

Telephoning Floyd's family later, he said of himself and Harris: We're all so relieved.

Chauvin was convicted of two counts of murder and one of manslaughter in the death of Floyd, a case that sparked a national reckoning on race and policing.

Biden said he hoped the verdict would give momentum to congressional police reform efforts.

Floyd family attorney Ben Crump posted video on Twitter of a phone call from Biden and Harris to the family.

Asked by a family member how he was doing, Biden said, Feeling better now. Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there is some justice.

This is a day of justice, Harris told the family after joining Biden to watch the verdict in the private dining room off the Oval Office.

Speaking hours ahead of the verdict, while the jury was deliberating in Minneapolis, Biden said he called Floyd's family on Monday to offer prayers and could "only imagine the pressure and anxiety they're feeling.

They're a good family and they're calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is, Biden said a few hours before the verdicts were announced.

I'm praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it's overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn't say that unless the jury was sequestered now.

Biden said he was only weighing in on the trial into the death of Floyd, who died with Chauvin's knee on his neck, because the jury in the case had already been sequestered.

The president has repeatedly denounced Floyd's death but had previously stopped short of weighing in on Chauvin's trial, with White House officials saying it would be improper to speak out during active judicial proceedings.

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly refused to explain Biden's comments, doing nothing to dispel the impression that he thought Chauvin should be found guilty.

Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, told NBC's Today show that Biden knows how it is to lose a family member ... so he was just letting us know that he was praying for us and hoping that everything would come out to be OK.

On Capitol Hill, Republicans as well as Democrats said they were relived at the verdict and predicted it could give momentum to policing reform legislation that has been proposed in both the House and Senate.

I think the verdict just reinforces that our justice system continues to become more just, said Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican senator.

This is a monumental day in many ways, in my opinion.

The Congressional Black Caucus watched the verdict together in the Capitol, and members hugged and fist pumped after the verdict was read.

The room was filled with emotion and gratitude, said Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson. Black lives mattered to this jury. And I'm very gratified at the verdict, very happy at the swiftness of the verdict. ... It's a vindication of justice in America.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the Black Caucus shortly afterward at a news conference outside, where she said she had spoken to Floyd's family just before the verdict.

She said she called to say to them, Thank you, God bless you, for your grace and your dignity, for the model that you are appealing for justice in the most dignified way.'



Thank you George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice, Pelosi said. Because of you, and because of thousands, millions of people around the world who came out for justice, your name will always be synonymous with justice.

The verdict and the aftermath will be a test for Biden, who has pledged to help combat racism in policing, helping African Americans who supported him in large numbers last year in the wake of protests that swept the nation after Floyd's death and restarted a national conversation about race.

But he also has long projected himself as an ally of police, who are struggling with criticism about long-used tactics and training methods and difficulties in recruitment.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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[April 21, 2021] JB Kendrick Appointed President of Kapsch TrafficCom North America

Kapsch TrafficCom AG (Kapsch) has appointed JB Kendrick as President of its North America business unit as of April 19, 2021. Ms. Kendrick joined Kapsch in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development, a role in which she was instrumental in growing the tolling, traffic management, and connected vehicle business for Kapsch TrafficCom North America. "It is my pleasure to announce JB Kendrick as the new President Kapsch TrafficCom North America," says Georg Kapsch, Chief Executive Officer of Kapsch TrafficCom. "JB has a successful track record in growing business in North America. She is known for building strong client-centric teams through collaboration, effective internal and external communication, and advancing Kapsch employee engagement initiatives." JB Kendrick succeeds Chris Murray, who is leaving Kapsch TrafficCom. In the last 10 years, he managed the successful transformation of the North America business into a leading provider of end-to-end tolling, traffic management and connected mobilit systems. "I would like to thank Chris for all of his contributions to Kapsch. I wish him the very best."



JB Kendrick's appointment will help to deliver sustainable business performance and to support a successful next chapter for our company. She has built a successful 25 year career delivering back office and payment processing solutions with leadership roles in multiple functional areas including sales, operations, business development, marketing, and client relations. Prior to joining Kapsch, JB spent 13 years with Conduent (and formerly Xerox/ ACS (News - Alert) , Inc.) selling to and supporting emerging payment services for more than 30 US states as well as the federal government. JB Kendrick has served on the Board of Directors for the Electronic Funds Transfer Association (EFTA) and has been actively engaged with the National Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA), W.net, and The Women's Alliance (TWA). She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama and is a member of the "Women in Tolling" group of the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) as well as several local philanthropic organizations. She will continue to be based in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Kapsch TrafficCom

Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility.

For additional information: www.kapsch.net/ktc?lang=en-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005464/en/

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Luckily for those looking to get a better deal from MINI , the company has just announced the dealership order availability of the MINI Oxford Edition Hardtops for the 2022 model year. As per the brands own words, these aim to continue the popular offering of these nicely equipped, value priced special editions.Basically, MINI USA has come up with a neat way to lower the base price point for the 2-Door and 4-Door Hardtops, which usually kick off at $22,900 and $23,900, respectively. Anyone looking to own a 2022 Oxford Edition , on the other hand, will have to shell out at least $19,750 or $20,750 (2-/4-Door), effectively delivering the powerful marketing tool of having a MINI dip below the $20k threshold.Thats without taking into account the $850 Destination & Handling fee, of course, but its still a sensible offer, nonetheless. Besides, one doesnt have to give up any of the novelties to get the special pricing, since the 2022 MINI Oxford Edition Hardtops still get all the updates to the exterior, interior and infotainment and driving safety features that were part of the recent enhancement procedure.And, in case anyone else keeps track of pricingjust like MINI didthe Oxfords actually come with the same MSRP as 2018MY models, allowing the company to claim total value savings of no less than $6,150.That is thanks to some $3,000 bundled with the series as additional standard equipment. The highlights are the leatherette upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Sirius/XM satellite radio, as well as a digital instrument cluster.
Putin does not touch on subject of Ukraine addressing to Federal Assembly as not relevant for Russians before elections  political scientists

During an annual address to the Federal Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not touch on the Ukrainian agenda, since it is not relevant for Russian voters on the eve of the elections to the State Duma in September 2021, as well as amid the current social and economic situation in Russia, political scientist, co-founder of the National Platform "Dialogue on Peace and Safe Reintegration" Oleh Sahakyan said.

"First of all, this is connected with the elections in Russia. There are low ratings. The internal agenda is much more relevant. It is obvious that the Ukrainian subject is not mobilizing for the Russian voter. It is likely that it has already 'set the teeth on edge.' I can assume that in Russia made a simulation of the current situation and saw that Putin should not touch it when addressing the Federal Assembly," Sahakyan told Interfax-Ukraine.

He also said "the Ukrainian agenda is not relevant either amid an unfavorable social and economic situation in Russia and because of geopolitical uncertainty."

"Russian troops on the Ukrainian borders are also uncertainty. Now to say something concrete is to give an opportunity to grab onto it and get a reaction. I think that Putin is still onpause and will hold out at least until the climate summit, where it is possible he will say something," the political scientist said.

Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov said that "Putin is pursuing a policy of ignoring the modern Ukrainian government, since he does not consider it competent and capable of dialogue."

"Putin ignores Zelensky. He speaks with [Emmanuel] Macron, [Angela] Merkel. As we already remember, about Ukraine without Ukraine; or at a possible meeting, he can hold talks with [Joe] Biden. This is a continuation of the policy of ignoring the Ukrainian government and the policy of not recognizing it. He does not consider Zelensky or [Dmytro] Kuleba competent. Therefore, Putin says, and will speak with those with whom, he believes, it is possible to negotiate and whom he considers equal in status," Karasiov said.

In turn, Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko said that "the absence of Ukrainian themes in the address of the President of Russia to the Federal Assembly is tied to dates and historical events."

"This message in terms of its political status is much lower than in the political culture of Russia on May 9, that is, Victory Day. We must also proceed from the fact that on April 20, Hitler's birthday, it is undesirable for Putin to speak. Everyone understands that there will be a direct analogy. He will not give messages on April 21, the day when he addresses the Federal Assembly, where he immediately outlined the internal Russian agenda," Nebozhenko said.

At the same time, the political scientist believes that "Putin will pay attention to Ukraine in May."

"Closer to May, Putin's threats against Ukraine may go. The intensive will start somewhere from May 15, and before that, there is no need to wait for any statements on Ukraine," he said.

According to expert of Hardarika Strategic Consulting Corporation Kostiantyn Matviyenko, "since 2015 and 2016, the Ukrainian narrative has been less and less present in Putin's annual addresses."

President Putin on Wednesday delivered his annual message to the Federal Assembly, urging fellow citizens not to lose vigilance over coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and also proposed new measures to improve the health of Russians and outlined ways to solve the demographic problem. Putin also warned the West against crossing the "red line" with regard to Russia, recalling its leadership in creating a new generation of combat systems.
Ministers have dropped plans to block investigations into historical war crimes involving British troops following an outcry. Pictured: Baha Mousa

Ministers have dropped plans to block investigations into historical war crimes involving British troops following an outcry.

Critics said the Overseas Operations Bill would have granted de facto immunity against prosecution for UK soldiers accused of genocide, torture and claims against humanity.

Last night the Government said these crimes would now be exempt from the legislation, which proposes a presumption against prosecution in cases that are more than five years old.

The climbdown is a victory for opponents of the Bill, including formers military chiefs such as Lord Dannatt.

They feared it would have breached international law and could have encouraged rogue states to dodge human rights cases.

And the United Nations suggested it risked undermining the UKs human rights obligations.

The Government denies the Bill ever represented an amnesty for British troops and insists its aim was to protect innocent veterans from vexatious legal claims.

After the Iraq War British troops faced 1,400 human rights abuse claims, the vast majority of which were bogus.

The most prominent case was the 2003 death of Iraqi hotel receptionist Baha Mousa, who was being held by troops from the Queens Lancashire Regiment. Five years later, the Ministry of Defence admitted breaching Mousas human rights.

Responding to the climbdown, Lord Dannatt said: It is only right and proper that the UK stays within international law and sets an example internationally.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 21, 2021 - 20:37 | World, All, Japan

A South Korean court on Wednesday dismissed a damages lawsuit brought by a group of former "comfort women" against the Japanese government over their treatment at Japanese military brothels during World War II.

The Seoul Central District Court ruling follows a contrary one in January by the same court that ordered the Japanese government to compensate 12 women, including those who have died since filing the suit. Wednesday's ruling was given by a different panel of judges.

Another ruling in favor of former comfort women would have dealt a further blow to Japan-South Korea ties, which have already sunk to their lowest level in decades after a series of South Korean top court rulings in late 2018 that ordered compensation from Japanese firms for wartime forced labor.

In dismissing the suit, the court in Wednesday's ruling applied sovereign immunity to the case -- a concept under international law that a state is immune from the jurisdiction of a court in a foreign country, judging South Korea has no jurisdiction over the case.

Saying there is "no change in customary international law" on the application of sovereign immunity to illegal acts, the court stressed that making an exception in this case would cause great uncertainty.

The court also showed a concern, saying "diplomatic conflicts can occur" with Japan if the court accepts the case by not applying sovereign immunity to the country.

The January ruling had dismissed the application of the principle, saying that the Japanese government committed "intentional, systematic and wide-ranging criminal acts against humanity" by making the plaintiffs work at military brothels.

Wednesday's ruling also noted that some of the plaintiffs in the latest case had received money from a foundation set up in South Korea with Japanese contributions following a December 2015 deal between the two countries.

The court said the deal, which was struck to resolve a dispute over the comfort women issue, can be seen as a remedial measure and still effective.

"Though the agreement was just a political one, it was not struck between individuals but nations. We cannot deny the fact that a remedial measure was prepared for the victims, including the ones involved in this case," the court said.

The court also urged the South Korean government to make efforts "internally and externally" to resolve the comfort women issue, including diplomatic negotiations with Japan.

The Japanese government declined to be involved in both cases throughout while criticizing the January ruling as violating international law. The ruling, which ordered the Japanese government to pay the 12 plaintiffs 100 million won ($89,500) each, has since been finalized.

Lee Yong Soo, a former comfort woman and one of 20 plaintiffs in the latest case, rejected Wednesday's ruling, saying, "Nonsense." The 92-year-old told reporters that she would take the case to the International Court of Justice.

Lee Sang Hee, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the ruling "absolutely hard to accept," adding that any appeal would depend on consultations with them. If the ruling is appealed, a higher court would examine whether sovereign immunity should be applied.

In Tokyo, Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, said the government has yet to obtain the text of the ruling. But he added, "Japan had repeatedly said the case needed to be rejected as the Japanese government cannot be subjected to South Korean jurisdiction under the principle of sovereign immunity."

"If the latest ruling is based on the Japanese government's stance on sovereign immunity, we deem it appropriate," Kato said at a regular news conference.

Kato said Japan will "continue to strongly demand an appropriate response from the South Korean side" to restore healthy bilateral relations.

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui Yong said after the ruling that his country has always sought realistic solutions that would satisfy the women, including through the December 2015 deal.

The Foreign Ministry also said in a statement the government will continue to make maximum efforts to recover honor and dignity of the victims, while urging Japan to take a stance that accords with apologies it made in the deal.

The latest case was brought by 20 plaintiffs, including the bereaved families of some former comfort women who have died, in December 2016. They sought a total of 3 billion won from the Japanese government.

The Seoul court was originally scheduled to rule on the case on Jan. 13, but postponed it after the Jan. 8 ruling, on the grounds that a few points raised by plaintiffs' lawyers needed further review, in addition to a change in judges that made up the panel.

Japan has taken the position that all claims related to its 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula were settled "completely and finally" under a 1965 bilateral agreement under which it provided financial aid to Seoul.

With no sign the Japanese government would ever agree to pay compensation in the earlier case, the 12 plaintiffs filed a request with the Seoul court last week to compel disclosure of a list of assets owned by the Japanese government in South Korea.

But assets such as the Japanese Embassy in Seoul are thought to be difficult to seize because they are protected under a provision in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which stipulates the premises of a diplomatic mission are inviolable.

In connection with the same case, the court also decided not to approve seizure of Japanese government assets that was sought to pay legal costs, citing the possibility that doing so could violate international law.

Under the deal struck in December 2015, the Japanese government contributed 1 billion yen ($9.25 million) to the foundation set up in South Korea to help the women financially.

Nine of the 20 plaintiffs in the second case subsequently received cash from the foundation, but a lawyer for them says the money cannot be considered as proper compensation as it was not based on a legally binding bilateral agreement.

Related coverage:

South Korea court to rule on "comfort women" suit against Japan in April

South Korean former "comfort woman" asks gov't to bring issue to ICJ
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Marco Mendicino solemnly opened the first founding meeting of the Ukrainian-Canadian working group on mobility.

"Ukraine pays special attention to the Ukrainian-Canadian dialogue in the migration and visa spheres. Today we open a new page in the history of Ukrainian-Canadian relations and start a new format of bilateral interaction," the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said, citing Kuleba.

Representatives of relevant ministries and departments of Ukraine and Canada, who took part in the meeting of the working group, discussed the areas of effective interaction between governments in migration and mobility.

"They paid special attention to the possibilities of increasing the temporary mobility of Ukrainian and Canadian youth, current challenges in the migration sector, promising areas of cooperation between migration and border agencies," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine said that the Ukrainian-Canadian Working Group on Mobility is an effective tool for communication between the competent authorities of both states and intensifying bilateral dialogue to improve mobility.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey will resume flights from the United Kingdom and Denmark, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi said on Wednesday.

Eksi said on Twitter passengers will need to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the flight, citing a decision by authorities.

Turkey had temporarily suspended flights from the two countries in December due to the new strains of the coronavirus.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Chris Reese)
Mumbai, April 21 : In a unique suggestion, the Maharashtra Congress on Wednesday demanded Covid-19 'Vaccination At Home' - on the lines of the polio campaign - for all eligible people as they cannot reach the inoculation centres owing to the ongoing lockdown restrictions.

State Congress President Nana Patole said that the common masses have to travel considerable distances, wait in long queues and then get vaccinated.

"The problem is acute in rural areas owing to the smaller number of vaccination centres and the longer distances, at time over 40 kms, for the people to get their life-saver jab," he said, in a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Instead, he said these problems could be easily resolved if the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government can take the vaccination drive directly to peoples' homes and include them in the process.

Moreover, from May 1, even persons above 18 years age shall be eligible for the jab, meaning more crowds and adding to the risks of spreading the infections, he noted.

Since a large number of manpower may be required to go door-to-door for the vaccination, he urged the CM to requisition the help of trained volunteers, private hospitals or NGos, etc for the purpose.

Patole said that the state government machinery is fighting the Corona war admirably on all fronts and has successively achieved the highest inoculation in the country with 1,29,45,000 doses administered till date.

"Globally, vaccination is proving to be the most effective weapon against Covid-19 and is taken up on a mass-scale by small countries like Israel to big ones like the US. In India, the polio scourge was eradicated by a door-to-door campaign by the Indian government in the past few years," he said.

This was especially necessary, said the state Congress chief, given the fact that the ongoing second wave is spreading faster resulting in massive shortages of medicines like remdesivir, oxygen, isolation facilities, oxygen beds, ICU beds and ventilators across Maharashtra.
ATLANTA, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis Risk Solutions announced that it won four accolades at the 2021 Global Banking & Finance Awards. The recognition came in the Business Technology category with LexisNexis Risk Solutions winning Best Anti-Fraud/Security Solutions Provider in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, United States and Western Europe regions.

The Global Banking & Finance Awards has spotlighted companies of all sizes across the financial industry for innovation, achievement, strategy and inspirational change since 2011.

Fraud and identity management solutions from LexisNexis Risk Solutions utilize passive and active fraud controls to help customers optimize the consumer experience at every touchpoint. Its solutions provide organizations a complete view of identity by incorporating physical, digital, device and behavioral intelligence for successful risk mitigation and fraud prevention.

"The past year forced the banking and finance industry to greatly accelerate digitization plans and our solutions helped our customers mitigate fraud risk during this time of rapid change," said Stephen Topliss, vice president, global fraud and identity strategy at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "We must constantly work to innovate our solutions to keep pace with fraudsters that are continually changing their tactics. Winning Best Anti-Fraud/Security Solutions at the Global Banking & Finance Awards after such a challenging year and across four regions is a testament to the strength and versatility of our fraud and identity solutions."

LexisNexis Risk Solutions continued to innovate its fraud and identity solutions through the launch of several new products and solutions in the past year:

LexisNexis Emailage is a fraud risk scoring solution fueled by email intelligence to help companies balance a seamless user experience with fraud detection and prevention capabilities.

LexisNexis Behavioral Biometrics integrates the way a user interacts with their device with information relating to the trustworthiness, integrity and authenticity of that device to improve the detection of high-risk fraudulent activities.

LexisNexis Fraud Intelligence is a non-FCRA solution that helps organizations mitigate new account fraud risk by bringing together identity assessment and consumer application activity to arrive at a comprehensive non-FCRA score that offers a more complete view of an identity.

Learn more about the company's suite of fraud and identity management solutions.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com and www.relx.com.

Media Contact:

Marcy Theobald

678.694.6681

[email protected]

SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Photo: The Canadian Press

A GOP-backed bill introduced Monday would change the name of an Ohio state park to honour former President Donald Trump.

The bill primarily sponsored by freshman state Rep. Mike Loychik to rename Mosquito Lake State Park to Donald J. Trump State Park is the latest attempt by Ohio Republicans to honour the former president.

This legislation is meant to honour the commitment and dedication that our 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, bestowed upon the great people of Trumbull County, Loychik wrote in an initial statement.

He added, This enthusiasm for our former president was also historic throughout the state of Ohio last November as he pushed for initiatives and policies that was very well-received with my constituency and the state."

While Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, he won Ohio with more votes than any candidate in state history.

The state park proposal is just the latest indication of Trumps influence in politics over the GOP party in Ohio  whether in the measured approaches of it over establishment Republicans like Gov. Mike DeWine, who is expected to run for reelection next year, or in the many right-wing candidates vying for the partys nomination for Sen. Rob Portmans seat.

In Trumbull County, where the Mosquito Lake State Park is located, Trump won nearly 55% of the vote in November.

The state park is located in Cortland, Ohio, with more than 7,000 acres, and one of the largest lakes in the state. Loychik had initially announced his plans for the bill in mid-March, resulting in a wave of criticism from Democratic colleagues.

Ohioans are struggling with an addiction crisis, economic disruption, and a pandemic that the other guy said would disappear just like magic, Democratic Rep. Rich Brown tweeted on March 12. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, Ohio House Republicans are spending their time flattering the Insurrectionist in Chief.

The state would need $300,000 allocated to change the signs in the park, according to the bill language.

A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Loychik.

Also in response to the bill, the state Department of Natural Resources defended the name of the park.

The name has withstood the test of time. Mosquito Creek Lake was formed by damming Mosquito Creek back in 1944, the statement read. Since then, Mosquito Lake State Park has become one of Ohios best state parks, best fishing lakes, and has one of Ohios most important wildlife refuges.

The first proposal introduced by Republican legislators in honour of Trump sought to declare his birthday, June 14, as Donald J. Trump Day in Ohio.

While it is not uncommon for states to turn the birthdays of former presidents into paid holidays or days of significance, that designation is usually bestowed after death. More than 40 states, including Ohio, recognize Ronald Reagan Day.
Three employees of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) were on Wednesday kidnapped by suspected ULFA(I) militants from its Lakwa oilfield in Sivasagar district along the Assam-Nagaland border.

The PSU, in a statement, said that the three employees have been abducted by unknown armed miscreants in the early hours of Wednesday from a rig site of in Lakwa field of Sivasagar.

The three employees have been identified as M M Gogoi and Ritul Saikia -- both junior technicians (production) -- and Alakesh Saikia, a junior engineering assistant, an spokesperson told PTI.

"The abducted employees were taken by the miscreants in an operational vehicle belonging to Later, the vehicle was found abandoned near the Nimonagarh jungle close to the Assam-Nagaland border," the statement said.

A senior official of the Sivasagar district administration said that suspected ULFA(I) militants are behind this kidnapping and they escaped through Nagaland.

"These are very preliminary findings. We can talk about it after some investigation," he added.

No demand for ransom or anything else has been received so far.

ONGC said a complaint has already been lodged with the local police and higher officials have reached the site.

"Local administration has been informed about the incident and ONGC is in constant touch with the higher authorities," it added.

The company stated that it has been exploring and producing oil and gas in Upper since the early 1960s.
With the addition of Fredericksburg Ranch Broker Mark Harman, Live Water Properties brings their national ranch real estate platform to Texas With such a rich history of land stewardship and a seasoned broker who understands the treasures and production Texas ranches have to offer, we are excited to launch Live Water Properties in Texas. Alex Maher, President/Founding Partner

One of the countrys top ranch brokerages, Live Water Properties is pleased to welcome Fredericksburg Broker Mark Harman and officially bring Live Waters national platform to Texas. Harman brings over eight years of experience in ranch brokerage, after transitioning into ranch real estate in 2013 following a career as a petroleum landman.

Its been impressive watching Mark Harman invest in and grow his ranch brokerage career with determination, class, and professionalism, says Live Water founding partner Alex Maher. Last year, we worked together on a buyer representation for a Hill Country ranch, and Marks maturity and resourcefulness shined through with a successful transaction and thrilled clients.

Live Water is built upon a client-centric, relationship-first approach and places the highest value on their privileged client relationships. Beyond teaching his clients and leading them to ideal property investments, Mark has the ability and open-mindedness to learn reciprocally, says Macye Maher, founding partner/CFO. He listens to his clients, exercising his expert communication skills. Additionally, he has a relentless work ethic to contribute. We look forward to Marks engagement on the Live Water Properties Team.

Since getting into the ranch real estate business my philosophy has always been about connecting high character folks and putting relationships first, says Harman, My decision to join Live Water Properties is based on our vision and values being perfectly aligned. From the moment I met Alex Maher some two to three years ago, I could sense Live Water Properties was a highly professional and sophisticated ranch brokerage. His commitment to excellence was crystal clear to me, adds Harman.

Harman, like all the Live Water Brokers lives the lifestyle he sells. He is a Director for the Texas Alliance of Land Brokers and supports his love for the outdoors as a member of the Coastal Conservation Association Texas, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Texas Dove Hunters Association and the NRA. Hes a competitive clays shooter, member of the National Sporting Clays Association and an avid 28-gauge bird-hunter.

The addition of Texas builds upon Live Water Properties momentous start to the year with $293M already closed and pending in 2021. Alex Maher adds, With such a rich history of land stewardship and a seasoned broker who understands the treasures and production Texas ranches have to offer, we are excited to launch Live Water Properties in Texas.

###

Live Water Properties is a ranch brokerage company specializing in premier fly fishing, hunting, ranching, timberland, recreational and conservation land. With $2.2 Billion in closed deals, they are uniquely qualified to assist in all aspects of ranch ownership. Since their inception in 2001, Live Water Properties has grown into a 27 person, 13-state land brokerage firm. They are represented throughout the United States with Brokers in Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Texas. The team at Live Water Properties is distinctly qualified to connect clients with their dream properties.
New York, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Bedroom Furniture Market Research Report by Product Type, by Distribution Channel - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06063005/?utm_source=GNW



Market Statistics:

The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. This helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available.



1. The Global Bedroom Furniture Market is expected to grow from USD 22,948.68 Million in 2020 to USD 32,353.24 Million by the end of 2025.

2. The Global Bedroom Furniture Market is expected to grow from EUR 20,121.83 Million in 2020 to EUR 28,367.93 Million by the end of 2025.

3. The Global Bedroom Furniture Market is expected to grow from GBP 17,888.35 Million in 2020 to GBP 25,219.15 Million by the end of 2025.

4. The Global Bedroom Furniture Market is expected to grow from JPY 2,449,205.67 Million in 2020 to JPY 3,452,910.53 Million by the end of 2025.

5. The Global Bedroom Furniture Market is expected to grow from AUD 33,324.53 Million in 2020 to AUD 46,981.20 Million by the end of 2025.



Market Segmentation & Coverage:

This research report categorizes the Bedroom Furniture to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:



Based on Product Type, the Bedroom Furniture Market studied across Beds, Chairs and benches, Dressers & Mirrors, Nightstands, Wall shelves, and Wardrobe & Storage.



Based on Distribution Channel, the Bedroom Furniture Market studied across Offline and Online.



Based on Geography, the Bedroom Furniture Market studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region surveyed across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region surveyed across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region surveyed across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.



Company Usability Profiles:

The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Bedroom Furniture Market including Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., Century Furniture LLC, Durian Furniture, Godrej Interio, Heritage Home Group, Herman Miller, Inc., HNI Corp., Home Depot, Inc., Ikea, INTERIO International Limited, Knoll Inc., L. and J. G. Stickley, La-Z-Boy, Mattress Firm Inc., Nitori Co., Ltd, Rooms To Go, Stanley Furniture, Target Brands, Inc., Vogue Furniture 4U, Wayfair Inc., and Williams-Sonoma, Inc..



Cumulative Impact of COVID-19:

COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:

The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Bedroom Furniture 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 Bedroom Furniture Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Bedroom Furniture Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Bedroom Furniture Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Bedroom Furniture Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Bedroom Furniture Market?

6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Bedroom Furniture Market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06063005/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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ALPENA COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man has been charged after a road rage incident in a Walmart parking lot.

Robert James Hundley, 38, of Alpena, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after the incident which occurred in the parking lot of the store on Chisholm Street in Alpena at approximately 5:30 p.m. on April 3.

According to Michigan State Police, the confrontation began. when a 67-year-old man from Alpena brake checked Hundley, setting of a road rage incident between the two that ended in the Walmart parking lot.

RELATED: Road rage between neighbors ends with Michigan man being stabbed multiple times

Witnesses at the scene told police that Hundley assaulted the victim by hitting him with the handle portion of a knife, which was later recovered from his vehicle, according to police.

The victim was treated at the scene by EMS for a facial injury. Hundley was arrested and lodged in the Alpena County Jail.

Hundleys attorney waived his arraignment in the 88th District Court in Alpena on Tuesday. His bond was set at $25,000 and his next scheduled court appearance is at 2:30 p.m. on April 29.
Iowa progressive groups said that while they're heartened a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, more work needs to be done to ensure this never happens again.

State of play: A jury on Tuesday found Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, write Axios Twin Cities' Torey Van Oot and Nick Halter.

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Why it matters: This rare conviction of a police officer may come to be seen as a defining moment in America's collective reckoning with issues of race and justice.

Video of Chauvin holding his knee to Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes as Floyd pleaded that he couldn't breathe sparked global protests.

Iowa Democratic Party Leader Ross Wilburn shares his thoughts on the verdict. Screenshot via Twitter

Between the lines: The verdict brought further attention to proposed Iowa legislation that Democrats say are retaliatory to the calls for justice that ignited following Floyds death.

Among them:

The "Back the Blue" bill would make rioting a felony instead of a misdemeanor and increases penalties for blocking roads.

Another bill would increase protections for officers against lawsuits.

What they're saying: "Too many Iowa politicians seem intent on making it easier for police violence to occur and less likely that guilty verdicts like the one announced today will happen in our state," Progress Iowa Director Matt Sinovic told Axios.

The other side: Republicans have said the Black and Blue bill "minimizes risks" for police officers who are responding to protests and ensures "they make it back home to their families safely," according to the Des Moines Register.

Whats next: A vigil is being held Thursday "in support of the central Iowa Black community" at Evelyn Davis Park at 6pm.

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Local

Early voting off to slow start

Stallings

Early voting got off to a slow but steady start this week as voters began to trickle into the polls to decide local elections including a Nacogdoches City Council seat and a $13 million bond proposal from Garrison ISD.

Monday at the courthouse annex, 79 voters cast ballots while 45 did so at Garrison ISD. An additional 15 voters turned out for the Chireno ISD Election.

Chireno ISD does not include any voters from San Augustine County, Nacogdoches County elections administrator Todd Stallings said.

A small portion of the district lies within the neighboring county.

The hotly contested race between incumbent Garth Hinze and challenger Kathleen Belanger in Nacogdoches Northeast Ward drew the highest tally with 56 voters.

The race centers mostly around an ongoing dispute between Logansport Street residents, including Belanger, and the City Council over a zoning change that allows for high-density housing development on the north end of the street near the entrance to Pecan Park.

Hinze supported the change, but residents of the surrounding neighborhood say they were not properly notified of zoning hearings.

City officials have since changed the way residents are notified of zoning changes.

Nacogdoches ISDs District 5 school board contest between incumbent Mindy Winslow and challenger Tammy Spake unsurprisingly drew the second most voters of any race  48. The district encompasses part of the most of the city councils Northeast Ward as well as a portion of the Northwest Ward. It also includes a small number of voters outside the city limits.

In the Northwest Ward, the election is moot though incumbent Amelia Fischer has a challenger on the ballot. City officials declared Albert Thomas Lasater ineligible to hold office after discovering his permanent address is outside the city limits. Lasater chose not to challenge the decision. Only 23 voters cast a ballot in that race. Voters may still cast a ballot in favor of Lasater, but he will not be able to serve on the City Council.

Early voting in the Nacogdoches and NISD elections continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the week in the elections office at the courthouse annex, 203 W. Main St., Room 113. Early voting Monday and Tuesday will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Garrisons bond proposal and school board race drew 45 voters. The $13 million bond package includes the construction of a new high school and multi-purpose facility.

GISD board candidates are Jennifer Honea, Matt Harris, Jackson Sheffield and Bart Reneau. Voters may select up to two candidates on the ballot. Reneau and Sheffield are incumbents, and Reneau currently serves as board president.

Early voting in Garrison continues from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the week at the Garrison ISD administration building, 459 U.S. 59 North. The same voting hours are set for Monday and Tuesday.

The first day of early voting in Chireno drew 15 voters. There voters will decide on two seats on the school board and may select up to two candidates. Candidates are Gerrie Dee Lockett, Michael Sanford, Jake Higginbotham and David Smith. Smith and Sanford are incumbents, and Smith currently serves as board president.

Early voting in the race continues from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of the week at the Chireno Community Center, 715 Main St. Voting also takes place during those hours Monday and Tuesday.
The vice-chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Michael Ologunde, is set to step down from his position.

This is despite the government breaching the universitys autonomy law on the appointment and dismissal of the embattled VC.

An official of the institution made this known to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Tuesday evening.

This newspaper reported that the state governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, ordered Mr Ologunde to step aside over reasons not stated in a letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

According to the letter signed by the states commissioner for education, science and technology, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the VC was asked to hand over to the principal officer next to his rank.

The directive has triggered controversy on campus as major unions like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have called on Mr Makinde to reverse the VCs removal.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that Mr Makinde violated the provisions of the University Miscellaneous Act as amended, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Law 2020 and the university conventions that if there is any perceived misdemeanour on the part of any officer appointed by the law in the University, due process, according to the law, must be followed to address such.

Also, the universities autonomy law, which has been domesticated across state universities, did not give the power to remove a VC to the Visitor.

The power to suspend or remove him resides in the governing council of the University, who will recommend such to the visitor. In the absence of the Governing Council (like LAUTECH), the Senate of the university takes charge.

VC agrees to step down

This newspaper reached out to the embattled VC but he did not respond to calls and text messages on the subject matter.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the institution, Lekan Fadeyi, told PREMIUM TIMES that the VC is set to step aside.

If the government has said he should step down, he would be glad to step aside for investigation of allegations against him.

Asked what the allegations were, he simply said I dont know the allegations because I dont have a copy of the letter.

On the failure of the government to follow established rules, Mr Fadeyi said I am not in the position to blame the government or the VC. The step aside order is enough opportunity for the VC to clear himself. The law-abiding VC we have, has complied.

What the law says

The universities (Miscellaneous provisions) (AMENDMENT) ACT 2003 gives details on how a VC should be appointed and removed.

Section 3 of the law, states as follows:

The Council shall select and appoint as the Vice-Chancellor one candidate from among the three candidates recommended to it under subsection (3) of this section and thereafter, inform the Visitor.

The Vice-Chancellor may be removed from office by the Visitor after due consultation with the Council and the Senate acting through the Minister of Education.

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When the proposal for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor is made, the (Governing) Council shall constitute a joint committee of Council and Senate consisting of 

(i) three members of the Council one of whom shall be the Chairman of the committee, and (ii) two members of the Senate, provided that where the ground for removal is infirmity of the body or mind, the Council shall seek appropriate medical opinion.

The Committee shall conduct investigation into the allegations made against the Vice-Chancellor and shall report its findings to the Council.

The Council may where the allegations are proved remove the Vice-Chancellor or apply any other disciplinary action it may deem fit and notify the Visitor accordingly provided that a Vice- Chancellor who is removed shall have right of appeal to the Visitor.

There shall be no sole administration in any Nigerian University. In any case of a vacancy in the office of the Vice- Chancellor, the Council shall appoint an acting Vice- Chancellor on recommendation of the Senate.

An acting Vice-Chancellor, in all circumstances, shall not be in office for more than 6 months.

In the case of LAUTECH, the school has no governing council that could recommend the institutions VC removal to Mr Makinde.

The Senate, which should take charge by convention, did not also recommend such.

Even when confronted with this, Mr Makinde justified his actions through his spokesperson, Taiwo Adisa who told PREMIUM TIMES that the Visitor takes over the affairs of LAUTECH to strengthen things. There is nothing that says the Visitor is powerless as a governor.

He, however, said the VCs offences are not meant for public consumption. He knows what he did wrong.
Editors note: In the weeks leading up to the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, April 25, Time Warp will feature stories related to films nominated this year and other local connections to the annual film event.

May 18, 1950: Scranton native and award-winning songwriter Ned Washington came back to his hometown to present his latest work.

At the Strand Theater, Washington introduced the latest film to which he contributed, My Foolish Heart, which featured a song of the same name with lyrics by Washington and music by Victor Young. Based on a J.D. Salinger short story, Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut, the film starred Susan Hayward and Dana Andrews. It premiered in Los Angeles on Dec. 25, 1949, and had just made it to Scranton several months later.

Before the evening premiere at the Strand, Scranton Mayor James Hanlon presented Washington with the key to the city in a short ceremony at City Hall. Next, Washington, a former Scranton Republican and Scranton Times newsboy, visited the Times newsroom and performed on the Open House Show on the Times radio station, WQAN.

At the premiere, Washington told the crowd of 1,700, No matter where you go, how far away, or what you do, theres always something that pulls your heart back to the place where you were born.

Washington and Youngs song became a hit and earned them a nomination for best song at the Academy Awards (they lost to Frank Loessers Baby Its Cold Outside). But by that time, Washington was pro on the awards scene.

At the Academy Awards for 1940, Washington, along with Leigh Harline and Paul J. Smith, won the Oscar for best score for Walt Disneys Pinocchio, and Washington and Harline won the award for best song for When You Wish Upon a Star, which went on to become a Disney legend. Washington and Harline also wrote the lyrics for other songs in Pinocchio, such as Give a Little Whistle and Ive Got No Strings.

The following year, Washington was nominated for best song for Baby Mine, part of another Disney classic, Dumbo. He lost to Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II for The Last Time I Saw Paris from the film Lady Be Good.

A few years later, Washington was nominated for the song Saludos Amigos from the Disney animated short of the same name, and then for Rio De Janeiro from the film Brazil. In 1952, he picked up his third Academy Award for best song for High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin) from the film High Noon. He shared the award with Dimitri Tiomkin.

Washington collected several other Oscar nominations for best original song through the years, for Sadie Thompsons Song (Blue Pacific Blues) from Miss Sadie Thompson (1953), the title song from The High and the Mighty (1954), Wild Is the Wind from the film of the same name (1957), Strange Are the Ways of Love from The Young Land (1959) and Town Without Pity from the film of the same name (1961).

Before working in Hollywood, Washington also wrote songs for three Broadway musicals, Earl Carrolls Vanities, Murder at the Vanities and Blackbirds of 1933.

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers database, Washington has more than 500 songwriting credits. He served as its director from 1957 to 1976 and vice president from 1964 to 1976.

Washington died on Dec. 20, 1976, at 75. He was survived by his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Catherine Hinen; two granddaughters and two sisters.

Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribunes expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
New Delhi, April 21 : Delhi is gasping for oxygen for a second day running as several hospitals are left with a few hours' stock.

With the alarming surge in the number of Covid cases in the national capital, if the oxygen quota gets depleted in these hospitals, Delhi will stare at a catastrophe, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government said in statement on Wednesday.

The statement came after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the "Centre has increased Delhi's oxygen quota".

"The Centre today (Wednesday) announced that it will supply 480 metric tonnes of oxygen to Delhi, which will take almost 72 hours to reach. The city is running out of time. A total of 140 MT of oxygen, which was supposed to reach Delhi, has not reached the capital so far," the statement said.

It added that the Delhi government has repeatedly appealed to the Centre to increase its oxygen quota and has also informed it that the suppliers are facing obstructions from district authorities of neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi government has been demanding oxygen supply from the Centre of up to 700 MT per day. However, it received around 240 MT oxygen on Monday and 365 MT on Tuesday, according to the statement.

Lacking with its own source of oxygen, Delhi's supply comes mainly from the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

According to the Delhi government, the national capital will get more supply of oxygen from sates like Odisha, West Bengal and Uttarakhand, apart from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"What remains a matter of grave concern is that of the 480 MT, 100 MT oxygen will come from Odisha and West Bengal, which will take almost 72 hours to reach Delhi. Delhi is in dire need of oxygen to save thousands of people battling with the virus. Our citizens, our hospitals, our city is running out of time," the statement read.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is also the nodal minister for Covid-19 management in the national capital, had said that the power related to oxygen supply lay with the Central government, which decides which state will get how much oxygen.

"This morning (Wednesday), several Delhi hospitals ran out of oxygen because it was supposed to come from a plant in Faridabad, Haryana. However, a district official reached the plant and stopped the life-saving oxygen vehicles from entering Delhi, claiming instead that going forward, this oxygen will stay with Haryana. When the Centre decides on the issue of oxygen, no state government should have the authority to stop its supply," Sisodia said.

The state government also shared a list of hospitals facing oxygen shortage: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: Currently it has only 10-12 hours of oxygen supply available for all its patients with no other alternative. This level is dangerously low, with supply chain disruptions and delays being regularly witnessed over the week.

Manipal Hospital: Around 230 Covid patients are admitted to the hospital, which has an oxygen backup of merely 12 hours.

Max Hospital, Patparganj: It has around 262 Covid patients and oxygen for about three hours while the oxygen backup for the 285 Covid patients at the Max Shalimar Bagh will last for only about two hours.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the Carbonate market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Carbonate 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.

Insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers.

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 2.00%-4.00%.

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Evonik Industries AG

Solvay SA

Imerys SA

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

Excalibar Minerals LLC

Omya AG

J.M. Huber Corp.

SCHAEFER KALK GmbH & Co. KG

Minerals Technologies Inc.

Mississippi Lime Co.

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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

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  The Philippines is mulling to procure the coronavirus booster shot candidate made by American firm Moderna, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said on Wednesday.

Moderna offered to sell five million more doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines, according to Galvez, chief implementer of the National Task Force Against Covid-19., .

Galvez, however, said the Philippine government could buy the booster instead. He noted it can be mixed and matched with "any (coronavirus) vaccine."

"Ang balak po namin iyong five million," he said in a House hearing on the country's vaccination program. "Instead na ang bibilhin namin ay iyong vaccine, we might buy the booster already."

[Translation: We intended to purchase the five million doses. Instead, we will buy the booster shots.]

Moderna announced last month it began giving its booster vaccine to the first Phase 2 clinical trial participants. The study plans to enroll 60 volunteers who have previously received Moderna's vaccine, it added.

The Philippines earlier signed a tripartite agreement with the American drug manufacturer to receive 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine.

An initial shipment of nearly 200,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine is scheduled to arrive in the country on June 15, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Tuesday.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Showers and thunderstorms. High 79F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
Plans were shelved for many years because of various infrastructure bottlenecks, limited connectivity of the Southern region with the City center, and the Hiep Phuoc port cluster due to sedimentation of the Soai Rap river bed.

Facilities in Ganh Rai Bay

Now, the regional landscape is starting to change. East of Can Gio, along the Thi Vai river and the East bank of Ganh Rai Bay in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, a leading port-heavy industry-energy hub is being formed. It will have the largest deep-water port in Vietnam, a heavy industrial cluster in Phu My, a Long Son petrochemical center which is under construction, and a maritime industrial cluster in Vung Tau. There will also be naval industrial facilities and an aquaculture cluster around Go Gang Island. A marine economic center there will also serve as a foundation for Vietnam to become a great maritime nation.

To the west of Ganh Rai Bay, on the side of Can Thanh, the district capital of Can Gio is still a quiet town which is facing many difficulties. The reason is that the traffic connection from Can Gio to the center of Ho Chi Minh City is rather limited, and the land is not suitable for agriculture either. Furthermore, the land bank is meagre due to natural conditions, but if you look at what is happening in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, you can see another future shaping it as the most important bay area in the South.

Possibly, Ganh Rai Bay could someday become like the San Francisco Bay Area in the US, which is now a world-leading education and technology center, but still retains nearly 18,000 hectares of natural reserve South of the bay. Ganh Rai Bay can also become like IJmeer Bay, East of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where Almere is completely rebuilt on an artificial island of Flevoland to become the greenest city in the Netherlands. Ganh Rai Bay could also possibly one day be like Shenzhen Bay, between the economic zone of China and Hong Kong, one of the most prosperous bay areas with financial centers, technology zones, and a large deep-water port, which has still retained nearly 2,000 ha of waterfront nature reserve.

Slow response

Looking at the past history of Saigon, the new Ho Chi Minh City has always been hesitant in moving towards the sea. In its 150 year history, Saigon was a trading port since Admiral Page opened up international trade. The development of this trading port has always been constrained by indecisions of authorities. The first was the delay in transferring Saigon port from a river port to a sea port such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Then there was the failure to expand the railway network to the whole of Indochina and towards Bangkok, as originally planned by the Governor-General of Indochina, Paul Doumer.

During the Doi Moi period, Saigon port still inched slowly from Tan Cang to Khanh Hoi then Cat Lai and Hiep Phuoc ports, where the location in the City and the navigation channel were not deep enough for long-term development opportunities. In the century when island ports welcomed super-tonnage ships, Singapore encroached on the sea to build the Tuas super port in the West of the island nation, while Rotterdam encroached on the sea to build the Rotterdam World Gateway port that stretches nearly eight kilometres off the coast. The boldest move was made by Shanghai when it made Duong Son port by connecting three islands 33 kms from the mainland to become the world's largest port with capacity for 43 million containers, which is twice the volume of all Vietnamese seaports combined.

It is clear that the Southern region of Can Gio will serve Ho Chi Minh City as a better choice in international maritime connectivity, than Hiep Phuoc. Even the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port area along 13 kms of the riverbank does not have much land to expand and will not be able to accommodate super-tonnage ships.

Looking to the future, a cluster of ports in the South of Can Gio will no longer be alone between a vast area of forests and water. However, proposals for extremely large infrastructure systems have caused controversy and concern because of risk of socio-economic activity, environmental pollution and corruption. Planning does not mean that it will build in a day, but which requires a farsighted vision of twenty to thirty years, or even a hundred years. Every option should also be considered in protecting and optimizing opportunities for the future.

Farsighted planning

Can Gio has all the requirements to become more than just an eco-tourism hub because of its location in the West of Ganh Rai Bay and close to the main channel leading to the Long Tau and Thi Vai rivers. There is possibility to develop it as part tourism urban area, while the land South of Can Gio has not been fully exploited. We must look at Can Gio with a greater vision and greater aspiration.

We can learn from the development experiences of large-scale sea reclamation projects like Hulhumale in the Maldives. Can Gio can certainly become a maritime economic hub, and in the future, Can Gio will have a population of more than 300,000 people, equivalent to a grade-1 city like Vung Tau or My Tho. With such a population size, Can Gio needs to be planned as a future city, and not just a real estate project. The economy of Can Gio then should not and cannot rely solely on a few economic sectors such as tourism or real estate.

Can Gio has the natural conditions for a biosphere reserve, and has protected forest areas in the Southeast, which can be the basis for developing an economy based on environmental conservation for tourism, fisheries, real estate, and sustainable research. However, it must be a place that does not become alien for the existing local community, and hence must develop sustainably, uniquely, retain its identity, but also remain attractive to investors.

The challenges in the future are sure to be enormous. Not only are resources becoming scarcer by the day but also much more expensive, such as sand for levelling, which can make encroachment projects less attractive in terms of investment efficiency, but also create environmental challenges. Rising sea levels and increased intensity of storms caused by climate change will increase the cost of coastal protection and the cost of maintaining coastal structures.

Countries with solid coastal protection systems, such as the Netherlands or the United States, have now changed their approach and are shifting from reliance on hard infrastructure to integration with soft infrastructure and natural ecosystems. The Netherlands gradually accumulated sand dunes and planted more coastal forests to withstand the North Sea storms, while the US pumped more silt into the Mississippi estuary to expand existing mangrove areas which formed an effective shield for inland cities.

Can Gio development also needs a combination of hard infrastructure solutions that will be immediately effective, with natural solutions that are sustainable and long-term. Urban development now requires a combination of a diverse ecosystem that will create a unique landscape, and an attractive city in real estate.

Planning for a big vision takes a lot of effort. There will be many challenges in the proposed urban development and sea encroachment planning in Can Gio for experts, who will also have to decide what scale and development model would be suitable to adapt to the geological conditions, the sensitivity of the ecosystem, freshwater supply capacity, and sand leveling source. The geo-economic strategic position may explain the direction of development, but a new thorough and transparent research will help a rational strategy towards sustainable reality, including economics for investors.

Similar to what the Japanese did in Tokyo Bay, and what the South Koreans did in Incheon Bay, Can Gio can also do the same in Ganh Rai Bay. This is a great national opportunity in which just one investor cannot stand alone. There is now a greater need for coordination between regional governments, local governments, as well as the support of all communities and experts in the field of planning and implementation.

Mr. Nguyen Do Dung, Founder & CEO of EnCity
A Brisbane-based couple are on track to become the next Atlassian after a New York venture capital fund invested $221million into their blossoming tech company.

Octopus Deploy CEO Paul Stovell founded the software company back in 2011 before turning the 'nights-and-weekends project' into a business a year later with his wife Sonia, who is the CFO.

Jump forward a decade later and the married couple have now secured a large investment from American venture capital firm Insight Partners.

'Insight Partners is one of the largest and most successful venture funds in the world,' Mr Stovell said on Tuesday as he announced the partnership.

Octopus Deploy CEO Paul Stovell (right) founded the software company back in 2011 before turning the 'nights-and-weekends project' into a business the year later with his wife Sonia (left), who is the CFO

'Their scale and expertise will be essential to our continued growth and success.'

Octopus Deploy is a deployment automation tool that allows teams to manage releases, automate deployments, and automate the runbooks that keep software operating.

The Stovells, who are based in Brisbane and parents to three children, could find themselves ranked on Australian rich lists after closing the multi-million dollar deal.

Mr Stovell, who is originally from Whyalla, South Australia, held a day job at Credit Suisse in London while building Octopus Deploy on the side before making the leap and focusing solely on the bootstrapped company.

'In 2012 when Sonia and I turned Octopus from a nights-and-weekends project into a business, we wanted to solve deployments for as many companies as we could, but our aspirations were modest and we didn't have plans to grow particularly big,' he said.

'We went from milestone to milestone - the first release, the first sale, the first hire, the first office.'

In the years the followed, Mr Stovell said they grew 'astonishingly' and ended up being 'a lot bigger than we ever expected'.

A New York venture capital fund have invested $221million into the Brisbane-based couple's tech company (pictured together)

They have helped 25,000 companies to automate 180 million deployments and more than 350,000 people use Octopus Deploy.

Octopus Deploy employs 109 people across Australia, the US, and the UK.

Mr Stovell said they were approached by Insight Partners in October 2020 and after a lot of thinking the CEO realised the company's 'long-term plan would be more achievable with them than without them'.

Mr Stovell taught himself to code while in high school and moved to Sydney in 2004, where he got himself a job at a software company.

He was one of five children and described his hometown, Whyalla, 'a bit of a depressing place'.

The Brisbane-based married couple are on track to become the next Atlassian. Pictured: Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes

'Growing up there, the aspiration of everyone is to work in the steel mill or a related industry and I think software was really attractive because the raw inputs for building it are just a computer, a lot of imagination and nothing else,' he told Australian Financial Review.

He met Ms Stovell in 2010, when she was working in financial planning.

The couple have kept a close eye on the movements of Australia's biggest tech success story, Atlassian, while running Octopus Deploy.

'Not just because they are also an Australian company, but the models are really similar in terms of how the product has been adopted. We also had no sales team for a really long time,' he explained.

'Being bootstrapped, being profitable and reinvesting most of it back into the product to make it better, rather than having 100 account executives; I think there is a lot that has come from their model.'

Atlassian, founded by Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar. is valued at around $50billion after being launched in 2002.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After announcing in 2019 that Red Lobster would be opening a restaurant in The Boulevard in New Dorp, the developer for the new $180 million project said the popular seafood chain has since pulled out of the deal.

Known for various dishes, such as Creamy Lobster Alfredo, Wood-Grilled Sea Scallops and Garlic Shrimp Scampi, the popular chain seafood retailer headquartered in Orlando, Fla., was supposed to make its debut on Staten Island in the new Boulevard shopping center.

Red Lobster informed the Long Island-based Kimco Realty about its decision to back out of the lease agreement amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, said Joshua Weinkranz, president of the Northern Region of Kimco.

As a mainly table service type restaurant, the pandemic was a challenge for them, he said. We dont know what drove their decision to pull out of our project ... but we suspect it had to do with the overall pandemic.

However, a spokesperson for Red Lobster said they also pulled out of the deal due to development delays.

I can confirm that Red Lobster pulled out of the original development plans due to delays with the property development and COVID-19 impacts on the business. We are currently looking for another location in Staten Island, the spokesperson said.

APPLEBEES COMING INSTEAD

Weinkranz said the space earmarked for Red Lobster will now house Applebees, which shuttered another New Dorp location amid the pandemic.

Fortunately, we were quickly able to pivot to Applebees. They have a long history in this trade area, and we are looking forward to them opening at the Boulevard later this year, he said.

Applebees is expected to open late summer of 2021. The new Applebees will have a larger, open concept dining room, and an enhanced bar area with state-of-the-art TV screens, said a company spokeswoman. There also will be an outdoor seating area.

[I] love the New Dorp area. Applebees saw this as an opportunity to maintain a presence in the neighborhood, said Zane Tankel, CEO of Apple-Metro, N.Y. Area Franchisee for Applebees.

THE BOULEVARD

While the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have delayed many national and local retailers from renovating individual stores in The Boulevard in New Dorp -- formerly known as Hylan Plaza -- exterior construction of the new shopping center is just about complete, said Weinkranz.

Following the launch of ShopRite in the Boulevard in October, PetSmart recently opened in the shopping center. LA Fitness and Marshalls are slated to open soon, said Weinkranz.

Some of the stores at The Boulevard shopping plaza in New Dorp are gearing up to open in the next coming weeks. April 9, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) - - Alexandra SalmieriAlexandra Salmieri

OTHER STORES OPENING

According to Kimco, other stores that will be opening in The Boulevard include:

Ulta Beauty, Angelinas Kitchen; Astor Barbers; Bath & Body Works, Chase; Cigar Emporium; Corniche Cleaners; CVS, Diamond Braces; Hawaii Poke Bowl; JPMorgan Chase Bank; LArtigiano Coffee Shop; Hawaii Poke Bowls; On a Roll, Angel Tips Nail Salon; Ashton Hall; Le Peep; Red Lobster; Mattress Firm; Michaels Jewelry; Modern Acupuncture; Napoli Pizza; New China Buffet; New York Man; Reliance Wine & Liquor; Salon Illusion; Sese Nail Spa; Sushi Hibachi Buffet; Spectrum; Quest Diagnostics; The Hop Shoppe; Urban Planet.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 20, 2021) addressed the nation on the prevailing COVID-19 situation and urged state governments to use lockdowns as the 'last resort' to contain the spread of the second wave of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Modi also asked citizens to stay indoors, not spread panic about the virus and form local groups to ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols. He informed that the Centre is working with states and private companies to ramp up the supply of oxygen, as well as the production and distribution of vaccines.

Save country from COVID-19-induced lockdown

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the address to the nation, said that in today's circumstances, we have to save the country from lockdown. He asked the state governments to treat lockdown only as a measure of the 'last resort'. "We have to concentrate on micro containment zones and have to try our best to avoid lockdown," Prime Minister Modi said.

PM Narendra Modi praises people involved in essential workers

PM Narendra Modi praised the doctors, medical staff, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, ambulance drivers security forces and police force for their contribution in the fight against coronavirus.

Government is working with speed and sensitivity to meet increasing demand of oxygen

Prime Minister Modi said that the Government is working with speed and sensitivity to meet the increasing demand for oxygen in the various parts of the country. He stated that the Centre, State Governments and private sector are trying that every needy person gets oxygen. He also informed that the efforts to increase oxygen production and supply are on at various levels. Measures like installing new oxygen plants, providing one lakh new cylinders, diverting oxygen from industrial use, Oxygen Rail are being undertaken, PM Modi said.

Addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation. https://t.co/rmIUo0gkbm  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2021

50% of COVID-19 vaccines produced in India will go directly to states and hospitals

PM Narendra Modi said that that the Indian scientists came out with the COVID-19 vaccine in a very short time and today, India has the cheapest vaccine in the world which is compatible with the cold-chain available in the country. He said that due to this team effort, India has embarked upon the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive with two 'made in India' coronavirus vaccines.

He stated that India gave the first 10 crore, 11 crore and 12 crore vaccine doses in the shortest time in the world. The Prime Minister said that after May 1, every person above 18 years of age can be vaccinated and that half of the vaccine produced in India will go directly to the states and hospitals.

Need to also save economic activities

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that along with saving lives, the effort is to save the economic activities and ensure a minimum adverse impact on the livelihood of the people. He said that by opening vaccination for 18 years and above population, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available quickly for the workforce in the cities.

State governments should boost confidence of labourers

As several states and UTs have imposed a lockdown and night curfew, Prime Minister Modi requested the state governments that they should boost the confidence of the workers and convince them to stay wherever they are. "This confidence by the states will greatly help the workers and labourers and they will get the vaccine wherever they are and their work will also not suffer," PM Modi said.

PM Narendra Modi calls upon youth to help in maintaining COVID appropriate behaviour

Prime Minister Modi called upon the youth to help in maintaining COVID appropriate behaviour in their areas and neighbourhood. He said that this will help in avoiding containment zones, curfews or lockdowns. He also asked children to create an atmosphere where their family members avoid going out unnecessarily.

PM Narendra Modi expresses condolences for lives lost due to COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the lives lost to the pandemic in recent times. "I am with you in this time of grief as a family member. The challenge is huge, we have to overcome it collectively with determination, courage and preparation," said the Prime Minister.
PRAGUE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Czech President Milos Zeman on Wednesday appointed Jakub Kulhanek as the new foreign minister of the country.

"I congratulate you on your appointment as head of the Foreign Ministry and wish you success in this responsible work for the good of the republic," Zeman said, as quoted by the Czech Television broadcaster.

Kulhanek previously headed the Interior Ministry.
By Olesya Astakhova and Gleb Stolyarov

MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he wanted Russia's total net greenhouse gas emissions to be less than the European Union's over the next 30 years, a goal he described as tough but achievable.

Russia is the world's fourth largest greenhouse gas emitter. Putin is set to deliver a speech at an online climate change summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday.

"Over the next 30 years, accumulated net greenhouse gas emissions in Russia must be lower than in the European Union," Putin told top officials and lawmakers at his annual state-of-the-nation speech.

"This is a difficult task, given the size of our country, its geography, climate and economic structure. However, I am absolutely certain that this goal, given our scientific and technological potential, is achievable."

Russia's greenhouse gas emissions are around half of the total of the 27 EU countries, which combined have more than three times the population.

The EU has announced aggressive targets to reduce its emissions over the next three decades, aiming to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2050. Russia's targets so far have been more modest.

CHALLENGES

Russia's economy is heavily reliant on exports of oil, gas and mineral resources, and the push to combat climate change poses serious challenges for the Kremlin.

"Construction of green infrastructure by using oil and gas revenues could better prepare Russia for the energy transition. However, the green projects are still perceived in Russia with big scepticism," said Dmitry Marinchenko, a senior director at Fitch.

He added that Russia is still aiming to make use of its vast oil reserves over the next decade by launching massive projects, such as Vostok Oil, designed by the oil giant Rosneft.

Putin has said Russia is warming at 2.5 times the world average and that it would be a disaster if the permafrost melts in its northern cities.

Story continues

The Russian leader, who has questioned whether human activity is the sole driver of warming climate cycles, has lately cast himself as a defender of the environment.

Russia joined the 2015 Paris Agreement to fight climate change in September 2019. Putin ordered the government last November to work towards an emissions cut by 2030 of up to 30% below 1990 emissions levels. The EU is aiming for a 40% cut by 2030, on its path to carbon neutrality by 2050.

(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov, Olesya Astakhova, Vladimir Soldatkin, Andrew Osborn, Tatiana Voronova; writing by Tom Balmforth and Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Peter Graff)
Amid the rise in the complaints of shortage of medical across several hospitals in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister on Wednesday thanked the Centre for increasing the quota of for the national capital.

"Central government has increased Delhi's quota of We are very grateful to centre for this," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

This came a day after the Chief Minister had flagged about 'oxygen crisis' in Delhi.

Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, Delhi reported 249 deaths and 24,638 fresh infections. There are currently 85,364 active cases in the national capital.

(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.)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The jury has reached a verdict at the murder trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. The verdict is to be read late Tuesday afternoon.

Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a white officer, pinned his knee on the 46-year-old Black mans neck for about 9 1/2 minutes in a case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

The jury deliberated over parts of two days in a city on edge against another outbreak of unrest.

The racially diverse jury  anonymous and sequestered from the outside world  resumed deliberations in the morning as lawmakers and fellow citizens alike delivered their own opinions about the combustible case that triggered protests, scattered violence and a reckoning over racism in the U.S.

It shouldnt be really even questioned whether there will be an acquittal or a verdict that doesnt meet the scale of the crime that was committed, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, said in Brooklyn Center, a suburb just outside Minneapolis. The congresswoman said the Chauvin case looks open-and-shut.

Guilty verdicts could mark a turning point in the fight for racial equality, she said.

We are holding on to one another for support. Hopefully this verdict will come soon and the community will start the process of healing, Omar said.

In Washington, the president said that he had spoken to Floyds family on Monday and can only imagine the pressure and anxiety theyre feeling.

Theyre a good family and theyre calling for peace and tranquility no matter what that verdict is, Biden said. Im praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think its overwhelming, in my view. I wouldnt say that unless the jury was sequestered now.

The president has repeatedly denounced Floyds death but previously stopped short of commenting on the trial itself.

Prosecutors argued that Chauvin squeezed the life out of Floyd last May when the white officer knelt on or near the 46-year-old Black mans neck for 9 1/2 minutes. The defense contended that the now-fired white officer acted reasonably and that a heart condition and illegal drug use led to Floyds death.

The jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial spent just a few hours on their task Monday after the day was mostly consumed by closing arguments. They will remain sequestered until verdicts are reached.

Chauvin, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

Ahead of a verdict, some stores were boarded up in Minneapolis, the courthouse was ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and National Guard troops were on patrol. Last spring, Floyds death set off protests along with vandalism and arson in Minneapolis.

The city has also been on edge in recent days over the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright, in Brooklyn Center on April 11.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott joined a group of residents Tuesday to call for transparency and accountability in policing.

The mayor said he has met with Wrights family several times and vowed to do all thats within our power to make sure that we are implementing the kind of changes that would prevent another Daunte.

What this community is saying is that his life is going to continue to matter, Elliott said.

Doris Rendell, who is Black, burst into tears as she was standing in front of a memorial set up at the site of Daunte Wrights death. She says the Wright case and the Floyd case reminded her of her own negative interactions with police when she was young.

Its terrible, its terrible to be black, to say that... It is. Theres so much racism out here, its pathetic ... Its like theres no justice in the world for us. Its like were a piece of a bean in a pie just getting picked off, just no one cares.

After the jury got the Chauvin case Monday, Judge Peter Cahill rejected a defense request for a mistrial based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters, who said weve got to get more confrontational if Chauvin isnt convicted of murder.

The judge called her comments abhorrent and disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and told Chauvins attorney that Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.

Still, two defense attorneys in Minnesota said they consider a successful appeal over remarks like Waters or Bidens extremely unlikely.

Anybody who thinks undue publicity is going to get a case reversed in this day and age is just wrong, said Joe Friedberg, who is unconnected to the case. Just from a pragmatic standpoint, with social media, I dont think it can ever be done again.

Brock Hunter, past president of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said a successful appeal would be unlikely unless there were direct evidence that Waters statements affected jurors.

___

Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. Associated Press video journalist Angie Wang in Atlanta and Associated Press writers Doug Glass, in Minneapolis, Mohamed Ibrahim in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed.
John Davenport, STAFF / San Antonio Express-News

While Earth is on Thursday, we know of an event you can connect with all things nature this weekend. Plus, it's free and comes with plant giveaways (I mean, score).

The Headwaters at the Comal site is hosting its third annual Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at its location 333 E. Klingemann St. Fans of nature can explore its native prairie restoration, stroll along the spring run and see where the Comal River begins.
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Work continued on a building site far, far away on Wednesday as a not so futuristic set was methodically assembled for the next instalment in the Star Wars franchise.

Tucked away in a secure location in Essex, which appeared to be Shell Haven Creek, a large production team prepared the green screens upon which the film's CGI generated battle scenes will play out in a project that is understood to be spin-off Rogue Squadron.

Offering a telling insight in what to expect from the new film - which has been slated for a Christmas Day 2023 launch - a series of battle weary spacecraft were seen being built around the sprawling set perimeter.

The force is strong in this one: Work continued on a building site far, far away on Wednesday as a not so futuristic set was methodically assembled for the next instalment in the Star Wars franchise in Essex

Crew were seen busily working on building a number of space ships for the shoot, with what appeared to be the top of a Y-wing Starfighter visible on one part of the site.

A larger, partially built space ship was also seen with a battered silver and red livery on the cockpit, while rockets had also been placed around the location.

Patty Jenkins was unveiled as its director in December 2020, becoming the first woman to helm a Star Wars movie in the franchise's 44-year history.

Rogue Squadron will focus on the X-Wing Resistance fighter pilots featured prominently throughout the franchise, with Jenkins admitting she was keen to develop their story after growing up in an Air Force family.

Exciting: Rogue Squadron will focus on the X-Wing Resistance fighter pilots featured prominently throughout the franchise, with director Patty Jenkins admitting she was keen to develop their story after growing up in an Air Force family

Hard at work: Tucked away in a secure location in Essex, a large production team prepared the green screens upon which the film's CGI generated battle scenes will play out when spin-off Rogue Squadron goes on general release

Looking good: Offering a telling insight in what to expect from the new film - which has been slated for a Christmas Day 2023 launch - a series of battle weary spacecraft were seen being built around the sprawling set perimeter

Almost ready for lift off: Crew were seen busily working on building a number of space ships for the shoot, with what appeared to be the top of a Y-wing Starfighter (L) visible on one part of the site

Speaking at a Disney earnings presentation, she said: 'I love to move fast, and speed of any kind. I think that that's because I grew up the daughter of a great fighter pilot.

'And every day, I would wake up and go outside and look up, and see my father and his squadron taking off in their F-4s, whirring across the sky. And it was the most thrilling thing, still, I've experienced in my entire life.'

Jenkins' father William T Jenkins was an Air Force captain who earned a Silver Star in the Vietnam War and died during a NATO mock dogfight when she was seven years old.

What could it be? A larger, partially built space ship was also seen with a battered silver and red livery on the cockpit, while rockets had also been placed around the location

Underway: Green screens were being held up by cranes all around the set

In good hands: Jenkins was unveiled as its director in December 2020, becoming the first woman to helm a Star Wars movie in the franchise's 44 year history

She continued: 'So, when he lost his life in service to this country, it ignited a desire in me to turn all of that tragedy and thrill into one day making the greatest fighter pilot movie of all time. But try as I might, and look as I did, I couldn't find the right story ever.

'I kept looking and looking, but I just couldn't find the right one... until now. Now, I've found a movie about two things I love. So, I'm gonna see you very soon.'

In Star Wars canon, the Rogue Squadron were founded by Luke Skywalker and named after Jyn Erso's team of rebels who sacrificed themselves to get the plans for the Death Star during the Battle of Scarif, which was the focus of spin-off film Rogue One: A Star Wars story.

Origins: In Star Wars canon, the Rogue Squadron were founded by Luke Skywalker and named after Jyn Erso's team of rebels who sacrificed themselves to get the Death Star plans, and who were the focus of spin-off film Rogue One: A Star Wars story

Inspiration: Speaking at a Disney earnings presentation about the film, Jenkins said: 'I love to move fast, and speed of any kind. I think that that's because I grew up the daughter of a great fighter pilot'

Family: Jenkins' father William T Jenkins was an Air Force captain who earned a Silver Star in the Vietnam War and died during a NATO mock dogfight when she was seven years old

Doing him proud: Following her father's passing, Jenkins said she was keen 'to turn all of that tragedy and thrill into one day making the greatest fighter pilot movie of all time'

However, Patty previously revealed to IGN that her film will be a completely new and original story, and will also not be related to the Rogue Squadron video game.

While Patty was announced to direct the hotly-anticipated feature film no cast members have been revealed yet, and in typical Lucasfilm fashion details of the plot remains tightly under wraps.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is set to be released on December 22, 2023.

Something new: Patty previously revealed to IGN that her film will be a completely new and original story, and will also not be related to the Rogue Squadron video game
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Sylvia Maldonados father woke up on April 15 to bring her children to school, but he immediately noticed something unusual about his 2003 Honda minivan  it was making more noise than usual.

He left the vehicle on Van Name Avenue in Mariners Harbor and returned back to it later to figure out what was wrong. Looking under the car, he was stunned to find a piece of the minivans underbelly had been ripped out entirely.

When my dad got home from work, he was checking the car out and lifted it up, said Maldonado in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com, and he realized somebody cut a piece of it.

Her family began asking neighbors to take a look at their security camera footage  and what they saw was shocking, she said.

The video  from right in front of her home and just hours before her father left for school  shows two masked people in a dark-colored Honda Accord parked near the minivan around 3:40 a.m. with the vehicle propped up.

Then, one of the people appears from behind the minivan with a large object that is placed in the trunk of the Honda Accord before the pair drives away.

Police confirmed the cars catalytic converter was stolen early Thursday morning.

The incident is part of a nationwide surge in catalytic converter thefts fueled by a pricey metallic element hidden within the piece of aluminum.

Reports indicate that catalytic converter thefts over the past year number in the thousands  a crime wave sparked by the rise of the price of rhodium, a silvery-white element that has the specific ability to filter out toxic pollutants from exhaust.

Rhodium began the year at a price of around $6,000 an ounce, according to Mining.com, before jumping to over $14,000 an ounce due to a litany of factors. The Washington Post reported rhodium is now worth 15 times the price of gold.

Busts of massive troves of catalytic converters have sprung up across the country in recents months, from California to New Hampshire.

For Maldonado and her family, she said the theft of the car part has left the vehicle unable to be driven because a replacement part can cost over $1,200.

Its out of commission until were able to fix it up, said Maldonado.

No arrests have been made in the case, and the investigation remains ongoing.
John Turner and Rick Caccia Join from Google to Lead Sales and Marketing

DENVER, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Canary, a leading provider of SaaS-based security operations solutions, today announced the addition of two new executives to accelerate global go-to-market operations. Industry veterans John Turner and Rick Caccia, both most recently with Google Cloud, will lead sales and marketing as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, respectively. Both have extensive security industry experience and each has led their functions at companies during successful IPOs.

Most recently, Turner was head of sales for Google Clouds Security business unit, including both security products and security capabilities within the Google Cloud Platform. He previously spent seven years at Symantec, where he was vice president of the technology sales organization. Prior to Google, Turner served as the senior vice president of sales at TriNet, both up to and after TriNets IPO in 2014. During Turners tenure, Selling Power Magazine selected TriNet as one of the Top 100 Sales Organizations to Sell For.

Caccia was the head of marketing for Google Clouds Security business unit, covering product marketing and demand generation for security products and Google Cloud Platform security functionality. Prior to Google, he was CMO for Exabeam, a SIEM and User Behavior Analytics leader. Earlier, he was the vice president of product marketing at ArcSight, another SIEM market leader, from pre-IPO through its acquisition by HP in 2010.

Following record growth in 2020 and our recent Series C fundraising of $81 million, Red Canary is expanding rapidly, said Brian Beyer, CEO and co-founder. JT and Rick will help us expand our global go-to-market capabilities as the company scales to the next level. We have previously worked with both as partners and are excited to welcome them as co-workers.

Throughout my career, I have looked for companies with strong winning cultures, great teamwork, and products that customers love, and Red Canary certainly fits that profile, said Turner. In addition, Rick and I have worked together previously to build effective teams. I look forward to helping Red Canary expand its winning sales culture globally.

Having worked in security analytics in some form for over a decade, I understand how hard the task is for customers, said Caccia. Red Canary stands out as a company that is truly focused on making life better for customers and being a security ally. I am excited to work with JT and the Red Canary team to help customers get better outcomes, around the globe.

About Red Canary

Red Canary is the leading security ally enabling every organization to make its greatest impact without fear of cyber-attack. The company provides outcome-focused solutions for security operations teams, who rely on Red Canary to analyze and respond to endpoint telemetry, manage alerts across the network, and provide cloud environment runtime threat detection. With Red Canary, security teams can make a measurable improvement to security operations within minutes. To learn more, visit RedCanary.com.

Two photos accompanying this announcement are available at :



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c19b9d41-4046-4e0b-9324-66f434b1908a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9efc41b9-a795-48b2-ad8f-6e291d19a2ce
Increase in demand for renewable power sources, higher capacity factor than that of other wind turbines, and reduced carbon emission fuel the growth of the global floating wind turbine market

PORTLAND, Ore., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled,"Floating Wind Turbine Market by Foundation (Spar-buoy Foundation, Tension-leg platform (TLP) Foundation, Semi-submersible Foundation, and Others), Depth (Shallow Water (less than 60 m Depth) and Deep Water (higher than 60 m Depth)): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027." According to the report, the global floating wind turbine industry was pegged at $3.2 billion in 2019, and is expected to hit $30.6 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 32.5% from 2020 to 2027.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities-

Increase in demand for renewable power sources, higher capacity factor than that of other wind turbines, and reduced carbon emission fuel the growth of the global floating wind turbine market. On the other hand, high installation and maintenance cost curb the growth to some extent. However, advancements in wind turbine structure are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the key players in the industry.

Download Sample PDF (255Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/7963

Covid-19 scenario-

Limited availability of spares and manpower for maintenance affected the global market for floating wind turbine during the first phase of the lockdown. Also, cancellation of orders and project delays impacted the market negatively.

However, with the implementation of digitization, remote monitoring of projects has now been possible, and the market is expected to recoup soon.

The Spar-buoy foundation segment to retain its dominance by 2027-

Based on foundation, the spar-buoy foundation segment contributed to more than half of the global floating wind turbine market share in 2019, and is expected to lead the trail by the end of 2027, due to its simple design which can be fabricated easily. Simultaneously, the semi-submersible foundation segment would also register the fastest CAGR of 33.9% throughout the forecast period, owing to its flexible design with regard to water depth.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Floating Wind Turbine Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/7963?reqfor=covid

The deep water segment to rule the roost-

Based on depth, the deep water segment accounted for around three-fifths of the global floating wind turbine market revenue in 2019, and is anticipated to retain its dominance by 2027. The installation of deep water turbine offers large area with no constraint of water depth which aids in selecting the best site for power generation. This, in turn, drives the segment growth. The shallow water segment, on the other hand, would manifest the fastest CAGR of 33.3% during the forecast period. This is attributed to new developments such as polymer spring mooring technology, which enable shallow mooring of floating wind turbine.

Europe, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America, to dominate in terms of revenue-

Based on geography, Europe, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America, held the major share in 2019, garnering more than three-fifths of the global floating wind turbine market. Rise in investments in countries like France, UK, and Norway fuels the market growth. At the same time, the region across Asia-Pacific would register the fastest CAGR of 33.9% from 2020 to 2027. This is due torise in concern from governments across emerging nations, such as China, India, and South Korea, regarding zero emission norms.

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Frontrunners in the industry-

Siemens Gamesa Renewable

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind

Senvion SA

ABB group

GE Renewable Energy

NORDEX SE

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It is just three months since former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during his final day in office, branded Chinas actions against the Muslim Uyghur minority in western Xinjiang as genocide. He provided no evidence for the accusation and made no attempt to justify the use of the term genocide which implies a deliberate policy of extermination applied to Uyghurs.

Indeed, as Foreign Policy reported in February, lawyers involved in a US State Department review during the final weeks of the Trump administration concluded that there was insufficient evidence to designate the Chinese Communist Partys measures in Xinjiang as genocide. The lawyers warned that wielding the g-word without a solid legal basis also carries the risk of politicising and eroding the power of the designation, given its application to the worst cases of mass killings including of millions of Jews murdered in Nazi concentration camps.

All of these objections were rapidly swept aside by Pompeo, then the Biden administration as it came to office. Indeed, during the presidential election, Biden attacked Trump for being too soft on China, including on so-called human rights. His campaign team issued a statement in August 2020, concluding that the unsubstantiated claims of mass internment of Uyghurs constituted genocidea designation subsequently confirmed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

With astonishing speed, the US media has swung into action churning out a growing deluge of propaganda with lurid horror stories of life in the detention camps in Xinjiang, calls for the US to boycott the Winter Olympics in Beijing, and demands for tougher measures against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime. The hue and cry about Uyghur genocide is aimed at stampeding public opinion behind the Biden administrations escalating confrontation with China and its military build-up for war.

A commentary published on Monday in the Washington Post entitled China is intensifying the third phase of its genocide denial exposes the lack of substance to the US allegations. After dismissing out of hand Beijings denials, the Post baldly asserts, without a shred of evidence, the litany of claims: one million in brutal camps, mosques destroyed, women sterilized, Uyghur children sent to state institutions. The Chinese Communists are attempting to wipe out a culture, a way of life, a people, it declared.

Undoubtedly, the CCP regime in Beijing uses police state measures to suppress opposition in Xinjiang, as it does throughout China, particularly against the working class. For two decades, it has carried out its own war on terrorism against Uyghur separatists who have perpetrated violent attacks inside China. Beijing did so with the support of Washington, initially by the Bush administration, which was looking for international support for its own criminal activities under the banner of the global war on terror.

No one, however, should give any credence to US claims to be concerned about the democratic rights of the Uyghurs, or anyone else for that matter. Washington has a long history of turning on and turning off human rights to fit the strategic interests of US imperialism. With the support of the Bush administration, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a Uyghur separatist group, was designated as a terrorist organization. Last year, as the Trump administration ramped up its propaganda on Uyghur rights, the State Department quietly removed the ETIM from its terrorist list.

What then is the basis for the Washington Posts list of atrocities? We know this thanks to Radio Free Asia reporter Gulchehra Hoja and her colleagues, to a few dogged academics and to dozens of survivors and exiles who have bravely given testimony, it declared. Nothing else. No evidence is provided. Nothing is substantiated. The remainder of the article is devoted to the glorification of Hoja, who, it claims, has been designated a terrorist and whose family in China has suffered as a result of her activities.

None of the basic questions are asked let alone answered.

Who is Gulchehra Hoja? For two decades, she has worked for Radio Free Asia, a propaganda arm of the US State Department, after leaving China where she worked as a journalist for the state-run media. She is intimately connected to Uyghur exile groups, including the World Uyghur Congress and the American Uyghur Association, which call for the formation of an independent East Turkestan.

Gulchehra Hoja wahrend eines Treffens mit Ex-US-Auenminister Mike Pompeo im Marz 2019. (Quelle: Auenministerium/D.A. Peterson)

Hoja is clearly trusted, and feted, at the highest levels of the US state apparatus. In March 2019, she was the hand-picked Uyghur exile who met with Secretary of State Pompeo as a representative of those whose family members are detained in Xinjiang camps. In November 2019, she was given the Magnitsky Human Rights Award for her reporting on the human rights crisis in Xinjiang and has been included in Jordans list of the worlds 500 most influential Muslims.

What is Radio Free Asia? RFA was set up and funded in the 1950s by the CIA to beam American propaganda throughout Asia. The same essential function is played by RFA today, even though with the exposure of the CIAs dirty operations around the world, it was placed under the State Department and while nominally independent is funded and supervised by the US Congress.

The RFA and Hoja operate in close collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) established in 1983 as a means of continuing activities vital to US imperialism that had been tarnished by the CIAs notoriety. The NED quickly developed a notoriety of its own for funding right-wing, pro-US outfits around the world and for engineering the so-called colour revolutions in the former Soviet republics.

The NED has funnelled millions of dollars into the World Uyghur Congress since its inception in 2004 and the American Uyghur Association established in 1998. Both are part of an interconnected network of Uyghur exile organisations in the US, Europe and Asia backed by Washington and its allies aimed against China. A significant base of operations is Turkey, with which the Turkic-speaking Uyghurs have a historic affinity. The AUA reportedly has connections to Turkeys fascistic National Movement Party (MHP) and its Grey Wolves paramilitaries, which espouse a pan-Turkic nationalism that encompasses the Turkic-speaking ethnic groups of Central Asia,

It is this fetid, right-wing milieu in which Gulchehra Hoja operates and functions as a useful tool for US imperialism. Significantly, even as the Washington Post holds up Hoja as proof of Chinas genocide and oppression of the Uyghurs, it is forced to acknowledge that Chinese officials earlier this month released a video of her mother and brother showing they were free, not detained. The Post, however, does not miss a beat, dismissing the video as propaganda, and declaring that no one can doubt the hell in which Uyghurs suffer in the Xinjiang detention campsciting as proof another lurid account by a Kazak exile in the New Yorker .

There is every reason to doubt all aspects of the self-interested accounts of a small number of well-connected and often wealthy Uyghur exiles. A word should also be said about the Posts few dogged academicsthe most prominent being Adrian Zenz, a right-wing German commentator and born-again Christian, who has declared he has been led by God to his work on Chinese minorities. He is associated with a network of right-wing, anti-communist European and American think tanks including the far-right Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Yet Zenzs highly tendentious research forms a large component of the so-called evidence for allegations of Uyghur detentions, forced labour and sterilization of Uyghur women. His research is widely quoted, including in official US documents, he has given testimony in the US Congress, and is associated with right-wing Republicans and Uyghur exiles. When the Chinese government last month threatened legal action against him for damages to Chinese companies in Xinjiang, the Washington Post came to the defence of this dogged academic on whom the claim of Uyghur genocide largely stands or falls.

The rapidly escalating US-led campaign on Uyghur genocide recalls the big lie exploited by the US and its NATO allies to initiate the murderous bombing of Serbia in 1999. The Clinton administration justified its humanitarian intervention as a mission to prevent the massacre of Kosovos ethnic Albanian population by the new HitlerSerbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. A thoroughly pliant and corrupt American and international media immediately fell into line with sensational stories of Serbian atrocities.

Lurid claims that 100,000 ethnic Albanians had been slaughtered proved utterly false in the aftermath of the war. The actual death toll was around 2,000 and most of those killings were committed by the armed separatist group, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Washington had previously branded the KLA as a terrorist organisation due to its ties with Al Qaeda, but rapidly reversed course, provided money and arms, and declared it to be the sole legitimate representative of Kosovos population. KLA head Hashim Thaci, who became the head of the US-backed Kosovo mini-state, is currently facing charges of war crimes in the Hague.

The NATO war on Serbia was part of the efforts of US imperialism and its allies to take advantage of the break-up of Yugoslavia along ethnic and religious lines.

On a far broader scale, the US campaign on Uyghur genocide is aimed at weakening and breaking up China along ethnic lines as part of the determined efforts by American imperialism to prevent China from challenging US global dominion. In the past, Washingtons focus has been on the Dalai Lama and allegations of Chinese oppression of the Tibetan population. The switch to the Uyghurs has nothing to do with concern for their democratic rights, but rather is determined by the strategic position of Xinjiangadjacent to Central Asia and its energy supplies and essential to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative linking the Eurasian landmass with roads, rail, pipelines and telecommunications.

As in 1999, the media has fallen into line. It is as if an orchestral conductor tapped his baton, and all the instruments have sounded in turn. The White House has declared that what is happening in Xinjiang is genocide and the media across the political spectrum is blaring out the same allegations in lockstep, in a manner that closely resembles the Stalinist police state in Beijing they claim to be opposing.
This story was updated with comment from the Michigan State Budget Office.

LANSING, MI - Michigan has only used about half of its previously allocated $5.6 billion in federal COVID-19 relief.

House Republicans want to combine the rest of that unused amount with about $10 billion in new federal relief and state funds to allocate $13 billion towards pandemic relief.

The plan, proposed Tuesday, April 20 by House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, would fund a variety of programs, including vaccine distribution, COVID-19 testing, food assistance, remedial school education and road repairs.

It also ties $6 billion for roads, schools and hazard pay for front-line workers to a measure that would limit Gov. Gretchen Whitmers ability to shift funds through the State Administrative Board.

Related: Whitmer carves out priorities for Michigans $18.8 billion in stimulus funds

Alberts plan uses $3.2 billion from federal relief approved in January, $8.6 billion approved in March and $1.3 billion from the state fund, according to a release from the lawmaker.

The second federal relief package gave Michigan $6.3 billion in non-discretionary spending, said Gideon DAssandro, spokesman for the House Republicans, as well as $2.3 billion in discretionary spending. Together, thats $3 billion more than projections provided by the state Department of Treasury early last month.

The plan targets relief where its needed most, said Albert in the release.

First and foremost, this plan continues our commitment to Michigan families decimated by COVID-19 and the governors pandemic orders, he said in a statement. Were targeting relief where its needed most, helping kids catch up on lost learning, and providing resources to workers and communities struggling to stay afloat after this devastating past year.

The Michigan State Budget Office told MLive that Alberts plan comes before guidance on how to spend the new federal money has been given by the U.S. Department of Treasury. He added that he hopes this is the start of negotiations with the Legislature with two sides of input.

Our primary goal remains the same, said Kurt Weiss, budget office spokesman, making sure that the federal funding available to Michigan is used in a way that best helps our state emerge from the pandemic in a better and stronger position...so that our small businesses and our residents can thrive when this pandemic is over.

The plan would send $743 million in supplemental food assistance and $481 million in rent, utility and energy bill assistance. There would also be $400 million to help people move off unemployment and return to work, according to the release announcing the legislation, though it was unclear how exactly that money would be spent.

Other measures without strings attached include $180 million for vaccine distribution, $558 million for COVID-19 testing, $668 million in direct payments to local governments and about $1 billion to pay down debt, replenish the states rainy day fund and settle the Flint Water Crisis lawsuit.

These are important steps for Michigan taxpayers and families, Albert said. It will save money and improve state services over the long run  while making sure our kids arent asked to pay our bills down the road.

Nearly half of the Republican proposal is contingent on allowing Whitmer to transfer just $200,000 through the State Administrative Board without legislative approval. This is to prevent her from appropriating money into her politically preferred programs unless the Legislature allows it, Albert said.

Whitmers administration shifted roughly $600 million in inter-department budget transfers using the board process in 2019. The little-used procedure allows the State Administrative Board - made up of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, state superintendent and the Department of Transportation director - to transfer appropriated funds between departments.

Read more: In rare move, Whitmer administration shifts roughly $600 million in budget funds

If the legislation in its current form were approved by the Legislature and power-limiting measures were vetoed by Whitmer, large swathes of the proposed appropriations would also be nixed.

The largest chunk of the overall plan addresses education, where House Republicans would send $6.65 billion for remedial education to address learning lost during the pandemic, COVID-19 testing in schools, early childhood care and improvements on school building ventilation systems.

There is also $1.2 billion proposed for road repairs and an unspecified amount of hazard pay for state employees working on the front lines of the pandemic.

We want to make sure money intended to help kids is used to help kids, and money thats intended to help roads will help roads, Albert said.

Republican lawmakers have repeatedly tried to tie pandemic relief spending to some limitation of Whitmers executive powers. A $4.2 billion relief plan passed in March tied about $1.5 billion to policy bills that would limit the Department of Health and Human Services authority to issue pandemic-related orders.

Related: They keep trying, but lawmakers have been unable to limit Michigan health departments authority

Whitmer vetoed those power-limiting bills, as well as $652 million sent back to her days later from the Legislature. She cited a lack of negotiation between her office and the House and Senate.

I remain ready and willing to negotiate regarding the more than $2 billion in federal money now sitting idle in the Michigan treasury, she wrote in the veto letter for the bills. Thats money that could immediately be put to work supporting kids, families and small business.

The new measures will be discussed in the House Appropriations Committee in a 9 a.m. hearing Wednesday, April 21.

Read more from MLive:

Michigan Republicans back $4.2B COVID-19 spending plan tying certain funding to limits on administrations authority

Whitmer vetoes $652 million in COVID-19 spending again, citing lack of negotiation

Whitmer vetoes bill aimed at limiting health departments emergency powers

Whitmer signs bulk of coronavirus aid package, but vetoes limits on executive authority
A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors US and Canada newswires

One World Lithium Inc (CSE:OWLI) (OTCMKTS:OWRDF) announced it had started drilling the third hole of a four-hole drill program as part of its Phase Three program at the Salar del Diablo lithium brine property in Mexico. Drilling at DDH-3 (diamond drill hole) will occur 24 hours a day, the company said in a release. DDH-3 is 50 kilometres south of DDH-2. Depending upon the results, OWL said it may sink more diamond drill holes in the immediate area.

Recruiter.com Group Inc ( ) has announced a partnership with WeWork, the global flexible workspace provider, to bring Recruiter.coms on-demand hiring services to the WeWork startup ecosystem. Through the partnership, Recruiter.com Flex will help WeWork's community of early and growth-stage organizations scale effectively, while Recruiter.com's customers will be able to benefit from WeWork All Access. Finding and hiring the best talent is essential for fast-growing companies, but, they typically don't have the resources to leverage traditional recruiting services nor the capacity to build out a full-scale recruiting arm to handle sourcing and screening candidates, Recruiter.com Group CEO Evan Sohn said in a statement. By providing an on-demand platform that delivers incredible candidates (with AI matching) at record speeds, we could impart significant impact to the top and bottom line for these companies, Sohn added.

Aion Therapeutic Inc ( ) has revealed that its proprietary and patented combinatorial mushroom preparations, AION F7 and AION F8, showed high efficacy in killing multiple types of breast cancer cells. In a series of recent third-party independent studies performed at BIOENSIS laboratories, the company said, the preparations demonstrated direct killing of HER2+ breast cancer cells, ER+/PR+ breast cancer cells, and triple-negative breast cancer cells by direct cytotoxicity. This suggests that AION F7 and AION F8 may be effective in treating each of those cancer types, including the notoriously difficult to treat triple-negative breast cancer, it added.

Nextleaf Solutions Ltd ( ) ( ) (FRA:L0MA) has reported that its subsidiary, Nextleaf Labs Ltd has completed an inaugural bulk-CBD distillate delivery to a US-listed, Canadian-based global cannabis company. The company added that it anticipates similar orders on an ongoing basis. While the Canadian cannabis sector continues to mature as the world's largest federally legal cannabis jurisdiction, Nextleaf said the global demand and acceptance of CBD-based products continues to increase.

( ) ( ) - formerly, Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. - has announced that it is now producing cannabis shatter products for the Canadian market after wholly-owned subsidiary Adastra Labs Inc.'s commissioning of new hydrocarbon extraction equipment ahead of schedule. With the arrival of the ExtractionTek Solutions MeP XT70 system, a high-performance hydrocarbon extractor, the team at Phyto Extractions can now process over 400 kilograms (kg) per day of cannabis biomass into a variety of hydrocarbon cannabis concentrate products, the company said. Focused on shatter production currently, this translates into over 50kg of high-quality product output per day, it added.

Proactive mining analyst Ryan Long has initiated coverage on Golden Minerals (NYSEAMERICAN:AUMN) ( ), which is currently ramping up production levels at its open pit Rodeo Gold-Silver Mine, located in Durango State, Mexico. Long noted that at present Rodeo has a short mine life, of 2.5 years, but with a 2,000 drill programme currently underway, testing near-surface targets located immediately adjacent to the current open pit, Golden Minerals is confident that the mine life will be expanded.

( ) (OTCMKTS:INOTF) (FRA:71TA), a software and solutions provider in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, said it has sold and installed multiple ThermalPass temperature scanning systems in one of North Carolinas largest school districts. The Toronto-based company said that in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) new in-person reopening mandate, the ThermalPass touchless temperature screening system has been installed in multiple locations at Iredell-Statesville Schools in the heart of North Carolina, where over 20,000 students attend classes across 37 campuses. We were very impressed with the ease of use of the product and are thrilled to have implemented it as another layer of protection within our health and safety protocols, Kenny Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Planning, at Iredell-Statesville Schools, said in a statement.

XPhyto Therapeutics Corp ( ) ( ) FRA:4XT) said it has taken a step towards commercializing its 25-minute coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test called Covid-ID Lab in Germany, striking a deal with an established wholesaler and service provider in the country. The unnamed distributor will store and deliver Covid-ID Lab test kits according to the product specifications and all applicable regulations to XPhyto's customers. It will also fulfil any reporting and notification obligations and process any returned products. "With this agreement, we have secured a strong partner with an established medical distribution network throughout Germany," Hugh Rogers, the CEO of XPhyto, told investors in a statement.

( ) (FRA:2RJ) said that it has released its Data Software Development Kit (SDK) for Apple iOS and Google Android on GitHub so third-party mobile applications can reward consumers with PhunCoin for their data. The company said this important milestone, in support of the broader launch of its Mult reen-as-a-Service (MaaS) blockchain-enabled Customer Data Platform, helps brands empower consumers to take control of and be compensated for their data. By integrating this lightweight SDK, Phunware said that any mobile application publisher can monetize and reward their audiences by signing them up to be compensated any time their data is purchased by brands.

Empress Royalty Corp ( ) ( ) announced that it has closed and fully funded the C$2 million purchase of a 2.25% royalty on the Manica hard rock gold project in Mozambique, operated by Mutapa Mining & Processing LDA (MMP). The royalty deal, initially announced in February, will pay Empress 2.25% of revenue from gold sales until 95,000 ounces (oz) have been sold. Then, the royalty percentage will reduce to 0.75%, the company said. Manica is located in the Odzi-Mutare-Manica greenstone belt and comprises several deposits on s ( ) (FRA:R9XN) mining concession licence 3990C, which includes four deposits. The main deposit, Fair Bride, has a SAMREC-compliant resource statement that Empress is currently in the process of updating to NI 43-101 requirements.

( ) (FRA:B003) announced the full commercial launch of CNSide, the companys cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay designed to better detect and manage the treatment of metastatic cancers involving the central nervous system (CNS). The company said the assay, which was initially introduced in January 2020, has the ability to offer a timely and accurate method to diagnose disease, identify actionable biomarkers, and assess response to therapy, potentially impacting life expectancy and quality of life.

Energy Fuels Inc (NYSE:UUUU) ( ) and Hyperion Metals Limited (ASX:HYM) have announced the execution of a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will supply Energy Fuels with natural monazite sands from Hyperion's Titan Project in Tennessee. Energy Fuels plans to produce mixed rare earth element (REE) products from processing the monazite at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, the company said. Hyperion's Titan Project covers a large area of heavy mineral sands properties in Tennessee prospective for titanium, zircon, monazite and other valuable minerals, such as high-grade silica sand and other refractory minerals.

KULR Technology Group Inc ( ) is to launch high capacity lithium battery packs targeting the multi-billion commercial drone market in June 2021, it told investors. The move by the tech group is part of its overall strategy to target markets, which complement its established battery safety and thermal management products. It aims to expand into additional e-mobility markets in the coming year.

Silver Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:SLRRF) (FRA:8SR) announced it had acquired a new high-grade gold property in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada. The Opulent property in Lyon County hosts gold occurrences along a shear zone system consisting of two parallel structures, Silver Range said in a statement. Grab samples from the property returned assays of up to 37.2 grams per ton (g/t) gold, while a chip sample across a shear zone exposure returned 2.9 g/t gold.

Altamira Gold Corp ( ) (OTCPINK:EQTRF) (FSE:T6UP) announced it had received its environmental approval for its Apiacas gold project in Brazil. The permit allows the Canadian junior to complete drilling and trenching over the target area. In a statement, Vancouver-based Altamira said that the environmental department of the State of Mato Grosso had approved the environmental permit covering the central area of the Mutum target.

( ) (OTCMKTS:NWRCF) (FRA:3WQ0) has announced plans for surface exploration during the 2021 summer field season at the 161,025-hectares Chebistuan project in the northern Abitibi greenstone belt of Quebec. The company said the 2021 follow-up surface work will include about 800 infill B-horizon soil samples (glacial till substrate) along with 220 C-horizon till samples, which will be analyzed for gold grain counts. Sampling will be carried out within 15 areas of interest (AOIs), covering broad multi-element geochemical anomalies that the company identified from its property-wide regional till sampling program in the fall of 2020. The approximate budget for the planned surface program is C$400,000 and the exploration will be funded by Newmont Corporation (under an exploration agreement with a venture option. Kenorland will remain the operator of the project

PsyBio Therapeutics Corp. ( ), a biotechnology company pioneering the next generation of targeted psychoactive medications, has announced the appointment of Bob Oliver to the company's board of directors, effective immediately. The company, which is developing a platform technology that produces tryptamines, such as psilocybin and its intermediates, for intended therapeutic use, noted that Oliver has extensive experience in launching pharmaceutical products into global markets offering invaluable depth to its team.

Information Services Corporation ( ) said it has filed its notice of meeting and management information circular for its Wednesday, May 12, 2021, annual meeting of shareholders. The meeting will be held at 1.00pm EDT (11.00am MDT) at Innovation Place, 6 Research Drive, Regina. Due to ongoing restrictions related to coronavirus (COVID-19), and in order to mitigate potential risks to the health and safety of its shareholders, employees and other stakeholders, is encouraging shareholders and others not to attend the meeting in person. Instead, shareholders should vote their shares prior to the Meeting as per the voting instructions in the management information circular by no later than 1.00pm EDT on Monday, May 10, 2021, and listen to the meeting online by way of a live audio webcast and audio conference call that will be available on s website at https://company. .ca/investor-relations/events/. The company noted that Scott Musgrave has decided not to seek re-election to its boarded and it thank him for his contribution to the board and 's Audit Committee. It added that its Governance and Nominating Committee has identified two new nominees, Jim Roche and Roger Brandvold, who have agreed to stand for election to the board. Both are experienced business leaders and are expected to contribute significantly to ISC in years to come.

(CVE:AGRA) said it has entered into a mutual release agreement with certain consultants under which the consultants have agreed to terminate previous contracts and obligations arising out of those contracts. As a result, Agraflora's board of directors has approved a settlement in the amount of $613,600 through the issuance of common shares, under which it issued an aggregate of 12,272,000 common shares of the company to the consultants at a deemed price of $0.05 per share. The consultants are unrelated to and unaffiliated with Agraflora and are all arm's length to the company.

Gevo, Inc. ( ) has announced that it will host a conference call on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 4.30pm EDT (2.30pm MDT) to report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, and provide an update on recent corporate highlights. To participate in the conference call, investors should dial 1 (833) 729-4776 (inside the US) or 1 (830) 213-7701 (outside the US) and reference the access code 6295166# or through the event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ocbho96s. A replay of the call and webcast will be available two hours after the conference call ends on May 13, 2021. To access the replay, investors should dial 1 (855) 859-2056 (inside the US) or 1 (404) 537-3406 (outside the US) and reference the access code 6295166#. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo's website at www.gevo.com.

QC Copper and Gold Inc ( ) said the TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation relating to the participating interest acquisition agreement dated April 1, 2021, between QC Copper and Gold and Pasofino Gold Ltd., whereby the company has agreed to acquire a 50% ownership interest in the Roger gold-copper project, located in the Chibougamau district of Quebec. SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, holds the remaining 50% ownership interest. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will make a $1 million cash payment and issue 5.5 million common shares at a deemed value of 18 cents per share to the vendor in exchange for the 50% ownership interest in the Roger project.

( ) said the TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to its non-brokered private placement announced on March 29, 2021, March 30, 2021, and April 13, 2021, which will see the issue of 8,484,500 shares at a purchase price of 9 cents per share, together with 8,484,500 share purchase warrants with an exercise price of 15 cents for a three-year period with 18 placees.

. ( ) ( ) (FRA:6F6) has announced that it will be featured as a presenting company at the H.C. Wainwright Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & FinTech Conference which is being held virtually on April 27, 2021. Shafin Diamond Tejani, the company's chief executive officer, and Vahid Shababi, its chief growth officer will provide an overview of the company's business during the presentation. Institutional or retail investors can listen to the presentation by registering for the conference via the following link: www.hcwevents.com/crypto. In addition to presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase Virtual Event on April 22, 2021, and H.C. Wainwright Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & FinTech Conference on April 27, 2021, the company said it has also engaged Clarkham Capital Ltd. to run investor awareness programs across various European platforms and the United States. Clarkham has been paid 139,000 Euros.

( ) (FRA:BK2P) (OTCQB:GBMIF) said it has applied for and received an OTCQB Markets Group symbol, and to be eventually traded on the OTCQB Market under the new ticker symbol (GBMIF). The company also said its CEO and president, Tom Yingling will present at the Planet MicroCap Showcase VIRTURL 2021 showcase being held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 2.30pm Eastern Time (11.30am Pacific Time) via the following webcast URL link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2059/40906. Investors can book 1on1 investor meetings with and to watch Tom Yingling's presentation, can register for the virtual event here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup. If investors cannot make the live presentation, all company presentations webcasts will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab Agenda: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda

Genprex, Inc ( ) has announced that its president and chief executive officer, Rodney Varner, will be participating in a webinar series with CEO Roadshow to provide a company overview to investors on a weekly basis each Thursday from April 22 through June 10, 2021, from 11.00am-11.30 a.m. EDT via the following webinar link: https://bit.ly/3eoHeie. The company said Varner will be available for questions following each company presentation. The webinars will be recorded and available for replay on Genprexs website for a period of time. Replays will also be available on CEORoadshow.com following each webinar

( ), the operator of financial markets for 11,000 U.S. and global securities, has announced that ( ) (OTCQX:MMDDF), an in-content advertising company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market and has upgraded today from the OTCQB Venture Market. "Congratulations to Mirriad Advertising on qualifying for the OTCQX Best Market," said Jonathan Dickson, vice president of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "We are pleased to support entrepreneurial international companies seeking to strengthen transparency and trading for U.S. investors. Cross-trading on OTCQX in the U.S. will enable Mirriad Advertising, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM Market, to further expand its engagement with a wider base of global investors." Stephan Beringer, CEO of Mirriad Advertising commented: "Mirriad Advertising aim to play an important role in the world's growing $500 Billion advertising ecosystem. We're at an historic moment in Media & Advertising, and with the end of cookie-based targeting and the unstoppable rise of ad-free and ad-light streaming environments, the marketplace is in upheaval and in need of new solutions," said "With a $135 Billion total addressable market, upgrading to OTCQX marks a valuable step in Mirriad's strategic plans in the US to provide more global investors access to join our journey, trading with every major US broker, in US hours, in US dollars."
By Wei Dongxu

A screengrab of US Strategic Command's Twitter post

US Strategic Command issued a posture statement preview on Tuesday, saying "The spectrum of conflict today is neither linear nor predictable. We must account for the possibility of conflict leading to conditions which could very rapidly drive an adversary to consider nuclear use as their least bad option." This is not only a warning signal meant for US policymakers, but also a tactic to try to trap its "adversaries," such as China and Russia, into a nuclear arms race.

This posture statement preview is mainly aimed at Russia because it has updated its nuclear weapons with brand new nuclear strike approaches. For instance, the Petrel, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile, is claimed to have virtually unlimited range. And Poseidon, a massive nuclear torpedo, can reportedly carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 100 megatons to most parts of the world while remaining extremely deep beneath the surface.

As the US does not possess weapons with such capabilities, it is anxious.

The preview sends two messages. The US hopes to promote its defense capabilities to counter Russia's new weapons as well as boosting its own innovation in nuclear weapon development. Meanwhile, it shows that the US attaches great significance to its own nuclear power, and it will keep investing in and upgrading its nuclear arsenal. This is a warning toward the outside would.

As a matter of fact, the possibility of an outbreak of direct nuclear conflict between the US and Russia is very low, as both countries have a considerable number of powerful nuclear weapons. If there is a nuclear clash, it will be catastrophic for both countries. Therefore, the US will definitely not make a nuclear threat against a major nuclear power. It might only aim at small- and medium-sized regional military powers. The US will probably use tactical nuclear weapons rather than weapons of mass destruction.

However, the Pentagon, including US Strategic Command, is exaggerating the possibility of a nuclear war with its rivals. They are hyping that such a nuclear war is just around the corner to get more funds to build up the US' nuclear arsenal and develop new weapons.

Nevertheless, ties between the US and Russia do confront challenges, and the biggest stems from the breakdown in military communication. Washington has withdrawn from agreements such as the Treaty on Open Skies and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. That being said, there is basically no military communication mechanism between Washington and Moscow. As the hostility and suspicion toward each other spirals up, some senior officials from the Pentagon consider Russia to be increasingly dangerous. In their opinion, some of Moscow's innovations regarding nuclear weapons are directed against Washington, and the weapons may even be used against the US at any time.

So this preview is made based on mistrust and suspicion toward Russia. Such sentiment could lead to a nuclear arms race.

Besides, the US Strategic Command has also been hyping up the possibility of a nuclear war with China. In February, head of the command Charles Richard warned that "there is a real possibility that a regional crisis with Russia or China could escalate quickly to a conflict involving nuclear weapons." As China develops its conventional military power and Moscow restores its, Washington's conventional forces are losing their overwhelming advantage compared with the other two.

Out of fear that the US could be defeated in a future large-scale conventional war, the country is turning to focus more on nuclear options. This reflects the US' lack of confidence in its conventional military forces.

The US does want to provoke a nuclear arms race. The cost of a full-scale nuclear upgrade is astronomical. If more advanced nuclear weapons are produced, maintenance and security costs are also high. The US has enough budget, plus it enjoys its dollar hegemony and can print money at any time when needed, so it hopes to provoke the race and draw China and Russia in. Such a race will consume a large proportion of their military spending, and might even undermine their economic strength.

However, China and Russia are not buying it. Taking China as an example, its nuclear weapons are designed for defense. It is not interested in competing with the US in terms of quantity or performance of the nuclear weapons. This US strategy once wore down the Soviet Union during the Cold War. China will not be fooled by the same trick.

The author is a Beijing-based military analyst.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy in 2019. Mark Thiessen/AP Photo

Florida announced on April 8 that it would be suing the CDC to bring cruises back "immediately."

Now, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy says the state will be joining Florida's lawsuit against the CDC.

Alaska lost $3 billion when the CDC canceled the 2020 cruising season due to COVID-19, according to Dunleavy.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on April 20 that Alaska will be joining Florida in suing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to bring cruising back.

The CDC has maintained its pause on the cruise industry - via its no-sail order and recently updated Conditional Sailing Order (COS)- since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when cruise ships around the world initially became inundated with coronavirus outbreaks.

In an effort to "fight back" against this halt on cruising, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on April 8 that the state would be suing the CDC to bring cruise ships back "immediately." Now, Alaska will be joining this cause in an effort to push the CDC to either remove or revise its order.

Alaska has lost $3 billion due to the 2020 cruise halt, and is projected to continue this loss as the 2021 cruising season remains in limbo, Dunleavy said in a news release.

"Alaskan families and small businesses need fast action to protect their ability to work and provide for their families," Dunleavy said."We deserve the chance to have tourism and jobs."

According to the news release, the CDC doesn't have the authority to continue this "job-killing" pause, and its COS hasn't acknowledged that cruise ships have already been operating successfully outside of the US. The release also noted Alaska's high vaccination and "low" hospitalization rates.

"Through this lawsuit, Alaska seeks to protect its citizens and its interests by forcing the CDC to act within the limited authority Congress granted it," Treg Taylor, Alaska's attorney general, said in the news release. "CDC simply does not have the authority to arbitrarily shut down an entire industry."

Read the original article on Business Insider
SINGAPORE and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings today announced that it has joined the US$ 80 million Series C financing in Halodoc, an Indonesia-based healthtech platform, which was led by PT Astra Digital Internasional, a subsidiary of PT Astra International Tbk (Astra) and joined by existing and new investors including Temasek, Telkomsel's TMI, Acrew Diversify Capital Fund, Bangkok Bank, UOB Venture Management, Singtel Innov8, BliBli, Allianz X, and Openspace Ventures. This is the first investment by the Novo Holdings Asian life sciences team in Singapore following set up in 2020.

Founded in 2016, Halodoc is a digital healthcare platform that includes a mobile app and website allowing customers across Indonesia to have live consultations with more than 20,000 licensed doctors in the country at any time regardless of where they are. In 2020, the company launched an appointment service that connects over 2000 providers (hospitals, clinics, laboratories) to patients in over 180 cities across the country. Halodoc's proven track record, led the Ministry of Health appointing it to help roll out Indonesia's national vaccination program. Halodoc vaccinated over 50,000 citizens across two islands in the first 23 days of the vaccination program, making it one of the country's leading vaccination facilitators.

Dr Amit Kakar, Senior Partner, Head of Novo Holdings Asia, said: "We are very pleased to invest in Halodoc alongside this stellar group of investors. Over the last year, telehealth has been transformational for patients throughout the world. We believe Halodoc is Indonesia's foremost telehealth platform. We are seeing numerous exciting life sciences and healthcare investment opportunities in the Asia region which have the potential to deliver new treatments, access to healthcare and dramatically improve outcomes for patients. We believe Novo Holdings' global track record of investing in life sciences and healthcare combined with our long-term approach, partnering mindset and leveraging our global expertise will enable us to build a strong presence in the region."

Jonathan Sudartha, Halodoc CEO, said: "We are very pleased that Novo Holdings, one of the most experienced life sciences investors globally, has invested in Halodoc. Halodoc has grown to be Indonesia's leading healthtech provider. Today, we provide over 20 million users with convenient and reliable healthcare services monthly. We are also proud to be at the forefront of Indonesia's fight against COVID-19. The Halodoc technology that powers our Appointment system pre-pandemic is now being used to provide a safe and efficient patient journey for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. We are excited to extend our vision, and we appreciate the continued support given to us by our investors, industry partners, and patients we serve across the country."

The funds will be used to deepen Halodoc's penetration in key healthcare verticals across Indonesia, improving patient experiences with technology-based solutions for the country's most pressing healthcare problems.

About Novo Holdings A/S

Novo Holdings is recognized as a world-leading life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life sciences investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. For more information: https://www.novoholdings.dk/

About Halodoc

Halodoc is an online-based integrated health application that provides complete and reliable health solutions to meet the users' health needs. Halodoc application is equipped with three main features, which are Health Store a service that can help users in buying supplements, vitamins and drugs along with doctor's prescription quickly, safely & comfortably from 4,000+ trusted pharmacy partners; Chat with Doctor, a service that facilitates users to directly interacting with 20,000+ complete doctors selections through voice calls, video calls or chat; and Appointment, where users can book appointments with doctors in 1,000+ partner hospitals, and schedule for walk in or drive thru COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations.

Halodoc has received several International recognitions: In 2019 and 2020 Halodoc was listed as the one and only healthtech startup from SEA in CB Insights' Digital Health 150; while in 2018, Halodoc received "The Most Innovative Start Up" award from Galen Growth Asia and hand-picked by Forbes Indonesia as its "Choice Start Up" for the year.

SOURCE Novo Holdings
Each hospital in Boone County will provide a daily report of either green status, yellow status or red status.
Firefighters extinguished a fire that fully consumed a house in Clinton Township on Tuesday afternoon.

First responders were dispatched to a fire at a residence on Old Mountain Road at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon, according to Chris Sloss, chief of the Annandale Hose Company.
The Bachelor #21 Nick Viall enjoyed an al fresco lunch date with his girlfriend Natalie Joy at Joan's on Third in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

At 40, the Natural Habits CEO is 18 years older than the surgical technologist, with whom he went 'Instagram official' on January 28 after two years of dating.

Nick made sure to protect himself and others from the coronavirus by wearing a colorful face mask.

Still going strong! The Bachelor #21 Nick Viall enjoyed an al fresco lunch date with his girlfriend Natalie Joy at Joan's on Third in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Starting last Thursday, all Californians over age 16 are now eligible to receive the vaccine and Natalie got hers back in December.

As of Tuesday, there have been 1.2M confirmed COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles leading to 23,668 deaths - according to Johns Hopkins University.

Viall's street sighting came hours after he declared on TikTok to Joy that he cannot be friends with any exes, especially her.

'If she broke up with me and broke my heart of course I'd be desperate to want to keep her in my life because she's wonderful,' the former software sales executive - who boasts 1.6M social media followers - explained.

Half his age: At 40, the Natural Habits CEO is 18 years older than the surgical technologist, with whom he went 'Instagram official' on January 28 after two years of dating

Mandatory: Nick made sure to protect himself and others from the coronavirus by wearing a colorful face mask

When Harry Met Sally theory: Viall's street sighting came hours after he declared on TikTok to Natalie that he cannot be friends with any exes, especially her

The former software sales executive explained: 'I don't want to be your friend if you break up with me. I don't want the crumbs of a friendship. I don't watch you do whatever it is you want to do as not my girlfriend. I'd eventually get sad and I'd do toxic things and be like, "Why you gotta do that?" And, "Friends don't, like, do that to friends"'

'And I'd be like, "Maybe we could just be friends." But, like, I don't want to be your friend if you break up with me. I don't want the crumbs of a friendship. I don't watch you do whatever it is you want to do as not my girlfriend.

'I'd eventually get sad and I'd do toxic things and be like, "Why you gotta do that?" And, "Friends don't, like, do that to friends."'

The Southern belle replied: 'You know what? You're right. You cannot handle me as a friend. Same.'

Nick - who previously dated January Jones and Rachel Bilson - stressed: 'No, I could not.'

Joy replied: 'You know what? You're right. You cannot handle me as a friend. Same'

Beige creation: Before changing into ripped blue jeans, the Southern belle - ever the Insta-model - showcased her sheer nude top with matching cut-out pants on TikTok

'I talked to Cassie after all that news broke': Tuesday also marked Nick's new episode of his podcast The Viall Files, in which he discussed The Bachelor #23 Colton Underwood (not pictured) coming out as gay

Before changing into ripped blue jeans, Natalie - ever the Insta-model - showcased her sheer nude top with matching cut-out pants on TikTok.

Tuesday also marked Viall's new episode of his podcast The Viall Files, in which he discussed The Bachelor #23 Colton Underwood coming out as gay.

'I messaged Colton. I said, "Congratulations. I hope you've found your happiness." At the same time, all the decisions that he's made leading up to this that you're still grappling with, I grapple with it even more because I talked to Cassie after all that news broke,' the University of WisconsinMilwaukee grad said.

'You don't want people to get to know you too well because they may notice something and bring it to your attention to make you uncomfortable, they may force a conversation with yourself that you are not ready to have.'

Five-month engagement: Viall first found fame with his four stints in the Bachelor Nation franchise - Bachelor in Paradise, After Paradise, The Bachelorette, and The Bachelor (pictured)

Horrible track record: It's worth noting that out of the 25 seasons of the ABC dating competition only three couples are still happily married - most notably Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici (pictured April 4)

Earlier this month, Nick signed a deal with podcast production company Kast Media to launch his owned audio network - according to Deadline.

Viall first found fame with his four stints in the Bachelor Nation franchise - Bachelor in Paradise, After Paradise, The Bachelorette, and The Bachelor.

It's worth noting that out of the 25 seasons of the ABC dating competition only three couples are still happily married - most notably Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici.
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Few, including me, really understand what President Joe Bidens signature $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan contains.

We know it included those sweet $1,400 stimulus checks. And it had a $86 billion bailout of union pension funds, which Ive written about.

It also sparked a kerfuffle about states rights, the subject of todays column.

Although passed in March with zero GOP votes, the COVID-19 stimulus package is popular with a swath of Republican voters, though not a majority, according to polls.

One group very much not happy with at least one provision of the law is Republican attorneys general from 21 states. They claimed in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that it contains a tax provision that is the greatest attempted invasion of state sovereignty by Congress in the history of our Republic.

Those are some fighting words right there.

Its worth digging into their claim a bit to see if the attorneys general are right.

(Brief aside: Its possible I wrote this entire column so I could continuously write the plural attorneys general. I love plurals like that. Like surgeons general. Noms de guerre. Culs de sac.)

We start with the fact that a big part of the stimulus bill involves a transfer of federal dollars to states, counties and cities in grants totaling $350 billion. The aim was to cover budget shortfalls resulting from COVID-19s impact on local economies through 2024.

A key provision  the part that had the 21 attorneys general in a high dudgeon  says that the same cities, counties and states may not use the funds for tax cuts.

On the face of it, that seems entirely reasonable. We Americans wouldnt like to award Oklahoma an extra $20 billion in federal dollars to cover its budget deficit, only to have the state turn around and cut state taxes by $20 billion. That seems patently unfair. (Unless youre from Oklahoma. In which case, its totally fair!)

States or local governments that violate the law would have to refund their grant money to the federal government. Reports on uses of funds are meant to ensure compliance with the law.

The prohibition on state or local governments doing a tax offset starts out fair. But it also includes a reference to indirect tax offsets  which, the attorneys general claim, possibly would make any tax reduction between now and 2024 impossible. Thats the part that, in their words, would represent an unprecedented and unconstitutional infringement on the separate sovereignty of the States.

Basically, if state legislatures cannot set tax policy, including lowering taxes at times, then the federal government has usurped state policy. The federal government, in their view, overstepped its bounds, wielding undue power over states.

Conservative columnist George Will weighed in with a history lesson on how the Supreme Court has jealously guarded states rights to set their own fiscal policies, in light of the 10th Amendment. It states that the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

As Will explains, Congress has at times used fiscal coercion: over the national drinking age (against South Dakota) and sometimes over a states right to dispose of radioactive waste (against New York). In this fight, Will sides with the attorneys general, seeing in the provision a progressive drive to increase the size and scope of the federal government against the states.

On the other side, however, is the reasonable expectation that its not fair to beggar the federal government to reward certain state residents with tax cuts. And in the past, the Supreme Court has backed Congress ability to set limits and restrictions on federal grants, as long as the conditions are closely linked to the purposes of the funds. Theres a reasonableness versus coercion standard that the Supreme Court references in these cases.

Bitter fights over state versus federal power are as old as the union. Historically, states rights claims have been used to justify the worst racist policies. States rights was the principled-sounding claim of slaveholding states in the decades before the Civil War and when they formed the Confederacy. States rights sounded like a reasonable constitutionalist argument for post-Reconstruction Jim Crow laws. To forget that context for states rights arguments is to forget our history.

And yet, state and local leaders should jealously guard their right to set fiscal policy in this scenario. Unlike many historical states rights fights, this one truly seems to be about money  and who gets to set up rules for its use.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen replied to the attorneys general and attempted to lower the rhetorical temperature.

Her promise is that Treasury will be careful in weighing whether state tax policy specifically offsets the stimulus money. Further, Treasury will consider the limits of tax offsets, meaning a small tax cut does not require a full refund of the states stimulus money.

The rhetoric is heated. But Im pretty sure nobody called each other demeaning names over Twitter. For my part, I prefer this kind of wonky fiscal policy fight to the scorched-earth, tribal wars weve witnessed in Washington in recent years.

Michael Taylor is a columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and author of The Financial Rules for New College Graduates.

michael@michaelthesmart

money.com |twitter.com/michael_taylor
Despite a grim economic outlook amid a worsening Covid-19 crisis and lockdowns in major cities, government officials have ruled out any fiscal support to industry for now.

They say that a stimulus package may not be necessary because, unlike last years total lockdown, public transport, including the railways and airlines, is running and the restrictions on movement are localised and, in some cases, are partial rather than total. It is premature to think of a fiscal stimulus package. In fact, it wont be necessary as the impact is nowhere close to what it was ...
GEICO Indemnity Co.s refusal to settle a bodily injury claim for $30,000 will cost it more than $2.7 million, under a ruling Monday by the Georgia Supreme Court.

The high courts 7-0 decision answered three certified questions posed to it by a federal appellate court, effectively finding that GEICO is liable for bad faith under Georgia insurance law. The ruling clears the way for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to order GEICO to pay a jury award in favor of an injured bicyclist.

In February 2012, Bonnie Winslett struck Terry Guthries bicycle while driving her friend Karen Griffis Ford Explorer to a store, causing back and neck injuries. GEICO insured Griffis vehicle. The insurer wrote a letter to Winslett stating that she was insured by the policy and that GEICO was responsible for the accident, but didnt give her any other instructions.

Guthries attorney demanded that GEICO settle his clients claim by paying the $30,000 limit of Griffis policy. GEICO offered $12,409.

Guthries lawyer never responded to that offer. Instead, he filed a lawsuit against Winsett. A paralegal for the lawyer told her to notify GEICO about the suit, but Winslett never did. She discarded the summons and failed to appear in court.

That decision set in motion a series of events that brought Guthries bodily injury claim right back to GEICO.

The Muscogee County Superior Court entered default judgment of $2,916,204 against Winslett. Guthrie filed a petition that forced Winsett into involuntary bankruptcy. The bankruptcy trustee, Fife Whiteside, filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that GEICO negligently or in bad faith failed to settle Guthries claim against Winslett.

A jury for the U.S. District Court in Columbus found that GEICO acted in bad faith by failing to pay Guthries $30,000 settlement offer and assigned 70% of the liability for the default judgment to the carrier. Winslett was blamed for the remaining 30%.

Under Georgia law, a carrier that refuses to accept a reasonable settlement offer can be held liable for damages in excess of the policy limit. With interest, the judgment in favor of Winsletts bankruptcy estate is worth $2.7 million, according to the Supreme Courts opinion.

GEICO appealed, which prompted a panel of the 11th Circuit to ask the Georgia Supreme Court three questions. In summary, those were:

When an insurer has no notice of a lawsuit against its insured, does Georgia law relieve the insurer of liability from a follow-on suit for bad faith? If the notice provisions do not bar liability for a bad-faith claim, can an insured sue the insurer for bad faith, when after the insurer refused to settle but before judgment was entered against the insured, the insured lost coverage for failure to comply with a notice provision? Does a party have the right to contest actual damages in a follow-on suit for bad faith if that party has no prior notice of or participation in the original suit?

GEICO argued that it should not be held liable because it received no notice of the lawsuit against Winslett, but the Supreme Court said the carrier should have paid better attention.

GEICOs adjuster did not advise Winslett to notify it of any legal documents she received, even though its claims manual advises adjusters to do so, the court said. Whats more, the carrier could have foreseen that Winslett was unstable. She had been cited for driving without a license and was living in an apartment with no electricity and no furniture, other than a mattress on the floor.

The Supreme Court answered the 11th Circuits first and second questions with a qualified yes. The court said the the questions may have been answered differently under a different set of facts.

The Supreme Court answered the third question with a firm no. Georgia law clearly makes insurers that wrongfully refuse to settle a claim liable for damages equal to the amount of any judgment, regardless of whether that amount exceeds policy limits, the opinion says.

The ruling allows the 11th Circuit to issue a final ruling in the lawsuit filed by Winsletts bankruptcy estate, which was filed by Columbus attorney Fife Whiteside. Whiteside declined to comment on the ruling.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 15:41:10|Editor: huaxia

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SEOUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea voiced "deep disappointment and regret" Wednesday over Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's ritual offering to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of the colonial and militaristic past of Japan.

The Seoul foreign ministry said in a statement that the government expresses deep disappointment and regret over the repeated ritual offerings and visits by the Japanese government and parliamentary leaders to the shrine, which beautifies Japan's colonial plunder and war of aggression.

The ministry urged the Japanese leaders to squarely face the history, and to humbly reflect on and show by action their repentance over the historical past.

It noted that Japan should bear in mind that this would be the foundation for the future-oriented development of Seoul-Tokyo relations.

Suga allegedly sent a "masasaki" tree offering to the controversial shrine on the occasion of an annual spring festival. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid his visit in person.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A convicted war criminals among 2.5 million Japanese war dead from World War II.

Visits and ritual offerings, made by Japanese leaders and officials, to the infamous shrine have consistently sparked strong criticism and hurt the feelings of South Korea and other countries brutalized by Japan during the war.

The Korean Peninsula was colonized by Japan from 1910 to 1945. Enditem
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.
Republican prospects to take majority control of the House of Representatives in 2022 just got a big boost, as Democrats united to prevent passage of a censure resolution for Maxine Waters over her threats of violence if George Floyd were not found guilty (even of first-degree murder, for which he was not charged).

House Democrats defeated an effort by Republicans on Tuesday to censure Rep. Maxine Waters (D., Calif.) over her remarks related to the high-profile trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd. In a party-line vote held shortly before Mr. Chauvin was convicted of murder, the House voted 216-210 to table a vote on a resolution censuring Ms. Waters. The dispute centers on comments Ms. Waters made over the weekend at a protest in the Minneapolis area. Ms. Waters said she would urge a more confrontational approach over the U.S. legal system's treatment of Black people if the jury didn't return a guilty verdict.

It's official: the Democrats are the party of Waters. She and her incendiary, confrontational rhetoric are the face of the House majority. Or, as Steve Scalise put it:

"Every single House Democrat just voted to stand with Maxine Waters," Mr. Scalise tweeted. "They made it clear: Democrats are fine with Democrat politicians inciting violence and chaos."

Scalise no doubt will be available to film campaign commercials for GOP candidates running against Democrat incumbents in districts that are not safe seats for Democrats. He can describe how he was shot and almost killed by a leftist  James Hodgkinson  enflamed by violent political rhetoric, and how Democrat Incumbent X voted down censure of Maxine Waters after she threatened violence and intimidated the Chauvin jury. He's already made the connection:

Let's be clear: Maxine Waters knew her rhetoric would incite violence in Minneapolis  but she doesn't care, she just requests police escorts for herself. I was shot because of this kind of dangerous rhetoric. Where is the outrage from Dems & the media? They need to condemn this.

If the Chauvin convictions are reversed, at least part because of Waters's loud-mouthing, as Alan Dershowitz says they should be, and the predictable violence erupts, the issue will be even hotter in November 2022.

Keep in mind that so far, nine House Democrats have returned contributions from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over fears of being identified with her. A public vote to support Maxine Waters is, if anything, even more toxic to swing district Dems than money from AOC.

The Democrats are now being held hostage by the radical left, both its racialist and socialist wings, who will turn on any of them who publicly deviates from its radical prescriptions. Even the insecure swing district Dems shoved aside the censure resolution. They knew that if they voted against Waters, and if three of them supported the resolution moving forward, they would have had demonstrations and accusations of racism hurled at them.

Image: Maxine Waters calls for violence. Twitter screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Two statues in Brisbane have been defaced with Black Lives Matter graffiti on the same day a U.S. cop was found guilty of George Floyd's murder.

A monument celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns in Centenary Place, Fortitude Valley, was graffitied with the word 'genocide' following the police officer's conviction this week.

A tribute dedicated to 'Scotland's immortal bard' has been crossed out with black spray paint and Black Lives Matter has been written on the back of the monument.

A statue for Scottish poet Robert Burns in Brisbane, Queensland, was defaced as a police officer was found guilty of George Floyd 's murder

A statue dedicated to Queensland's first Roman Catholic premier Thomas Byrnes was also subject to the graffiti. 'Genocide occurred here,' it read

The statue was erected in the park in 1929, dedicated to Brisbane by the Burns Club.

Burns, who was born in 1759 and died in 1796, was famous for his rebellion against orthodox religion and morality.

A statue for Queensland's first Roman Catholic premier Thomas Byrnes was also subject to graffiti.

The graffiti appeared after a a U.S. cop was found guilty of George Floyd 's murder. Floyd is pictured

'Genocide occurred here,' was scribbled across the monument and appeared on Wednesday.

Derek Chauvin, 45, was on Tuesday found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter following a three-week trial in Minneapolis.

Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes last May.

Footage of Floyd's arrest was widely circulated and sparked Black Lives Matter rallies around the U.S. and the globe.

Monuments were also defaced as demonstrators protested against police brutality targeting African-American men.

Burns was named the 'The Greatest Scot' of all time in 2009 following a public vote by TV series.

A monument in Brisbane is graffitied with a Black Lives Matter hashtag and the word racists

But a leading historian quickly questioned the title and claimed the poet was actually a 'racist, misogynist drunk'.

Peter Westwood, the director of the Robert Burns World Federation, dismissed the criticism.

'There was no way he could have produced the great work that his did during his 37 years if he was always drunk and chasing women,' he said at the time.

A Scottish Government spokesman also leapt to the defence of 'one of Scotland's favourite sons'.

'He was both a man of his time and of all time. He wouldn't have been human without flaws, and his egalitarian ideals have helped cement his universal and timeless appeal,' the spokesperson said at the time.
Kabul, April 21 : As many as 15 militants were killed as fighter aircraft struck Taliban positions and hideouts in southern Kandahar province, the Defence Ministry said in a statement here on Wednesday.

Five militants have been injured in the sorties, which covered parts of the restive Panjwayi district, the statement added.

The ground forces backed by the combat aircraft will continue to strike the enemy hideouts elsewhere in Kandahar and its vicinity, the statement said.

A total of 310 anti-vehicle and anti-personnel mines have been recovered from Panjwayi and the neighbouring Arghandab district and defused, the statement asserted.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of Kandahar province with Kandahar city as its capital, 450 km south of Kabul, are yet to comment, Xinhua reported.
The highlight of the new chart is a wake of stars, stirred up by a small galaxy set to collide with the Milky Way; the map could also offer a new test of dark matter theories

Astronomers using data from NASA and the ESA (European Space Agency) telescopes have released a new all-sky map of the outermost region of our galaxy. Known as the galactic halo, this area lies outside the swirling spiral arms that form the Milky Way's recognizable central disk and is sparsely populated with stars. Though the halo may appear mostly empty, it is also predicted to contain a massive reservoir of dark matter, a mysterious and invisible substance thought to make up the bulk of all the mass in the universe.

The data for the new map comes from ESA's Gaia mission and NASA's Near Earth Object Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE, which operated from 2009 to 2013 under the moniker WISE. The study, led by astronomers at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and published today in Nature, makes use of data collected by the spacecraft between 2009 and 2018.

The new map reveals how a small galaxy called the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - so-named because it is the larger of two dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way - has sailed through the Milky Way's galactic halo like a ship through water, its gravity creating a wake in the stars behind it. The LMC is located about 160,000 light-years from Earth, and is less than one quarter the mass of the Milky Way. Though the inner portions of the halo have been mapped with a high level of accuracy, this is the first map to provide a similar picture of the halo's outer regions, where the wake is found - about 200,000 light years to 325,000 light years from the galactic center. Previous studies have hinted at the wake's existence, but the all-sky map confirms its presence and offers a detailed view of its shape, size, and location.

This disturbance in the halo also provides astronomers with an opportunity to study something they can't observe directly: dark matter. Though it doesn't emit, reflect, or absorb light, the gravitational influence of dark matter has been observed across the universe. It is thought to create a scaffolding on which galaxies are built, such that without it, galaxies would fly apart as they spin. Dark matter is estimated to be five times more common in the universe than all the matter that emits or interacts with light, from stars to planets to gas clouds.

While there are multiple theories about the nature of dark matter, all of them indicate that it should be present in the Milky Way's halo. If that's the case, then as the LMC sails through this region, it should leave a wake in the dark matter as well. The wake observed in the new star map is thought to be the outline of this dark matter wake; the stars are like leaves on the surface of this invisible ocean, their position shifting with the dark matter.

The interaction between the dark matter and the Large Magellanic Cloud has big implications for our galaxy. As the LMC orbits the Milky Way, the dark matter's gravity drags on the LMC and slows it down. This will cause the dwarf galaxy's orbit to get smaller and smaller, until the galaxy finally collides with the Milky Way in about 2 billion years. These types of mergers might be a key driver in the growth of massive galaxies across the universe. In fact, astronomers think the Milky Way merged with another small galaxy about 10 billion years ago.

"This robbing of a smaller galaxy's energy is not only why the LMC is merging with the Milky Way but also why all galaxy mergers happen," said Rohan Naidu, a graduate student in astronomy at Harvard University and a co-author of the new paper. "The wake in our map is a really neat confirmation that our basic picture for how galaxies merge is on point!"

A Rare Opportunity

The authors of the paper also think the new map - along with additional data and theoretical analyses - may provide a test for different theories about the nature of dark matter, such as whether it consists of particles, like regular matter, and what the properties of those particles are.

"You can imagine that the wake behind a boat will be different if the boat is sailing through water or through honey," said study co-author Charlie Conroy, a professor at Harvard University and astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics. "In this case, the properties of the wake are determined by which dark matter theory we apply."

Conroy led the team that mapped the positions of over 1,300 stars in the halo. The challenge arose in trying to measure the exact distance from Earth to a large portion of those stars: It's often impossible to figure out if a star is faint and close by or bright and far away. The team used data from ESA's Gaia mission, which provides the location of many stars in the sky but cannot measure distances to the stars in the Milky Way's outer regions.

After identifying stars most likely located in the halo (because they were not obviously inside our galaxy or in the LMC), the team looked for stars that belong to a class of giant stars that have a specific light "signature" detectable by NEOWISE. Knowing the basic properties of the selected stars enabled the team to figure out their distance from Earth and create the new map. It charts a region starting about 200,000 light-years from the Milky Way's center, or about where the LMC's wake was predicted to begin, and extends about 125,000 light-years beyond that.

Conroy and his colleagues were inspired to hunt for LMC's wake after learning about a team of astrophysicists at the University of Arizona in Tucson who make computer models predicting what dark matter in the galactic halo should look like. The two groups worked together on the new study. One of the models by the Arizona team, which is in the new study, predicted the general structure and specific location of the star wake revealed in the new map. Once the data had confirmed that the model was correct, the team was able to confirm what other investigations have also hinted at: that the LMC is likely on its first orbit around the Milky Way. If the smaller galaxy had already made multiple orbits, the shape and location of the wake would be significantly different from what has been observed. Astronomers think the LMC formed in the same environment as the Milky Way and another nearby galaxy, M31, and was on a very long first orbit around our galaxy (about 13 billion years). Its next orbit will be much shorter due to its interaction with the Milky Way.

"Confirming our theoretical prediction with observational data tells us that our understanding of the interaction between these two galaxies, including the dark matter, is on the right track," said University of Arizona doctoral student in astronomy Nicolas Garavito-Camargo, who led work on the model used in the paper.

The new map also provides astronomers with a rare opportunity to test the properties of the dark matter (the notional water or honey) in our own galaxy. In the new study, Garavito-Camargo and colleagues used a popular dark matter theory called cold dark matter that fits the observed star map relatively well. Now the University of Arizona team is running simulations that use different dark matter theories, to see which one best matches the wake observed in the stars.

"It's a really special set of circumstances that came together to create this scenario that lets us test our dark matter theories," said Gurtina Besla, a co-author of the study and an associate professor at the University of Arizona. "But we can only realize that test with the combination of this new map and the dark matter simulations that we built."

###

Launched in 2009, the WISE spacecraft was placed into hibernation in 2011 after completing its primary mission. In Sept. 2013, NASA reactivated the spacecraft with the primary goal of scanning for near-Earth objects, or NEOs, and the mission and spacecraft were renamed NEOWISE. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California managed and operated WISE for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The mission was selected competitively under NASA's Explorers Program managed by the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. NEOWISE is a project of JPL, a division of Caltech, and the University of Arizona, supported by NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

This article was originally written for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and the Smithsonian designed to ask--and ultimately answer--humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. The Center for Astrophysics is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities across the U.S. and around the world.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  Health authorities in northern Chile have fined two veterinarians they say were giving or promoting canine vaccines as false protection against COVID-19.

Roxana Diaz, deputy health secretary for Antofagasta province, said her agency's workers had gone to the veterinary practice of Maria Fernanda Munoz in the city of Calama over a report that people there weren't using masks and were told it was because they were vaccinated.

In an interview Tuesday with the government's 24 Horas television channel, Munoz acknowledged giving herself and several people in her office a vaccine aimed at canine coronavirus, and argued she hadn't become ill. That occurred last year, before any COVID vaccines had been approved in Chile.

The truth is, its very dangerous," Diaz said. "There are studies that say the effects can be local  irritation caused by the medications it has  or systemic. But we havent done a study of what happens inoculating a person with canine vaccines because that would be unethical.

The U.S. based VCA veterinary hospital chain includes a reference on its website warning against confusing the new human coronavirus  one of a broad family of viruses that affect many species  with the one that causes an intestinal ailment in dogs that is targeted by canine vaccines.

Diaz said another veterinarian, Carlos Pardo, had been falsely promoting use of the canine vaccine for humans.

The health department fined Pardo the equivalent of about $9,200 and Munoz about $10,300. Both have appealed.

Chile has now vaccinated 7.7 million of its 19 million people with at least one dose of legitimate COVID-19 vaccines.
Scientists have spotted the largest flare ever recorded from the sun's nearest neighbor, the star Proxima Centauri.

The research, which appears today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, was led by the University of Colorado Boulder and could help to shape the hunt for life beyond Earth's solar system.

CU Boulder astrophysicist Meredith MacGregor explained that Proxima Centauri is a small but mighty star. It sits just four light-years or more than 20 trillion miles from our own sun and hosts at least two planets, one of which may look something like Earth. It's also a "red dwarf," the name for a class of stars that are unusually petite and dim.

Proxima Centauri has roughly one-eighth the mass of our own sun. But don't let that fool you.

In their new study, MacGregor and her colleagues observed Proxima Centauri for 40 hours using nine telescopes on the ground and in space. In the process, they got a surprise: Proxima Centauri ejected a flare, or a burst of radiation that begins near the surface of a star, that ranks as one of the most violent seen anywhere in the galaxy.

"The star went from normal to 14,000 times brighter when seen in ultraviolet wavelengths over the span of a few seconds," said MacGregor, an assistant professor at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) and Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) at CU Boulder.

The team's findings hint at new physics that could change the way scientists think about stellar flares. They also don't bode well for any squishy organism brave enough to live near the volatile star.

"If there was life on the planet nearest to Proxima Centauri, it would have to look very different than anything on Earth," MacGregor said. "A human being on this planet would have a bad time."

Active stars

The star has long been a target for scientists hoping to find life beyond Earth's solar system. Proxima Centauri is nearby, for a start. It also hosts one planet, designated Proxima Centauri b, that resides in what researchers call the "habitable zone"--a region around a star that has the right range of temperatures for harboring liquid water on the surface of a planet.

But there's a twist, MacGregor said: Red dwarves, which rank as the most common stars in the galaxy, are also unusually lively.

"A lot of the exoplanets that we've found so far are around these types of stars," she said. "But the catch is that they're way more active than our sun. They flare much more frequently and intensely."

To see just how much Proxima Centauri flares, she and her colleagues pulled off what approaches a coup in the field of astrophysics: They pointed nine different instruments at the star for 40 hours over the course of several months in 2019. Those eyes included the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Five of them recorded the massive flare from Proxima Centauri, capturing the event as it produced a wide spectrum of radiation.

"It's the first time we've ever had this kind of multi-wavelength coverage of a stellar flare," MacGregor said. "Usually, you're lucky if you can get two instruments."

Crispy planet

The technique delivered one of the most in-depth anatomies of a flare from any star in the galaxy.

The event in question was observed on May 1, 2019 and lasted just 7 seconds. While it didn't produce a lot of visible light, it generated a huge surge in both ultraviolet and radio, or "millimeter," radiation.

"In the past, we didn't know that stars could flare in the millimeter range, so this is the first time we have gone looking for millimeter flares," MacGregor said.

Those millimeter signals, MacGregor added, could help researchers gather more information about how stars generate flares. Currently, scientists suspect that these bursts of energy occur when magnetic fields near a star's surface twist and snap with explosive consequences.

In all, the observed flare was roughly 100 times more powerful than any similar flare seen from Earth's sun. Over time, such energy can strip away a planet's atmosphere and even expose life forms to deadly radiation.

That type of flare may not be a rare occurrence on Proxima Centauri. In addition to the big boom in May 2019, the researchers recorded many other flares during the 40 hours they spent watching the star.

"Proxima Centauri's planets are getting hit by something like this not once in a century, but at least once a day if not several times a day," MacGregor said.

The findings suggest that there may be more surprises in store from the sun's closest companion.

"There will probably be even more weird types of flares that demonstrate different types of physics that we haven't thought about before," MacGregor said.

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Other coauthors on the new study include Steven Cranmer, associate professor in APS and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at CU Boulder; Adam Kowalski, assistant professor in APS and LASP at CU Boulder, also of the National Solar Observatory; Allison Youngblood, research scientist at LASP; and Anna Estes, undergraduate research assistant in APS.

The Carnegie Institution for Science, Arizona State University, NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Sydney, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Space Telescope Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and the University of British Columbia also contributed to this research.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 06:07:29|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Tuesday that he would leave Russia temporarily to discuss bilateral ties with colleagues in Washington, days after Moscow suggested him to return home for consultations amid tensions between the two countries.

"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said in a brief statement.

The envoy said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters later Tuesday that Sullivan is "returning at an opportune time to undertake consultations here to see his family," noting that his return was not an expulsion by Russia.

He added that Sullivan had been deeply engaged in "our new approach to Russia," which aims at a stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.

Sullivan's leave follows recent diplomatic clashes between the two countries.

Last Thursday, the Biden administration announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sweeping sanctions against individuals and entities in response to Moscow's alleged election interference and cyber activities.

Russia on Friday said that it would expel 10 U.S. diplomats, bar eight incumbent and former American high-ranking officials from entering Russia indefinitely, among other restrictions.

"This extremely tense situation objectively requires the ambassadors of our countries to be in their respective capitals to analyze developments and hold consultations," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has been summoned back to Moscow for a month amid the deteriorating ties.

While authorizing punitive measures against Russia, Biden also called for de-escalating the tensions and proposed a summit with Putin in Europe this summer to address a range of bilateral issues.

Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Russian counterpart on Monday and discussed the prospect of the summit.

Relations between Washington and Moscow have been adversarial in recent years. The two were bitterly divided over Ukraine, human rights, and cybersecurity issues, and they mutually accused the other of domestic political interference. Enditem
Fewer than 2% of frail and elderly people admitted to hospital after a Covid-19 vaccine experienced coronavirus symptoms three weeks after a single dose of the jab, data shows.

The findings were described as very good news by Professor Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), who worked on the academic paper.

It comes as Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol and a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said the UK should expect another wave of coronavirus cases this summer.

Watch: Don't bank on summer of freedom as scientists predict third wave at height of holiday season

Describing the findings of the vaccine study, which was published in March, Prof Semple told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that there was a sharp drop off in the number of vaccinated people experiencing Covid symptoms 21 days after a single dose of a vaccine.

(PA Graphics)

This is the point at which experts believe maximum immunity from a single dose becomes apparent.

In the study, most vaccinated people who displayed symptoms of Covid and went to hospital had become infected before their immune system had a chance to respond to the jab.

The paper looked at more than 74,000 hospital admissions between September and early March, of which just under 2,000 people had received the vaccine.

Prof Semple said experts then looked at how many days there were between receiving the vaccine and the onset of their Covid symptoms.

Now if the vaccine didnt work, that number of days would stay relatively constant over time, but instead, what you see is most people who were admitted had caught their infection within a week of vaccination  either side of the vaccination  but then there was a really sharp drop off in numbers, he said.

Three weeks after being vaccinated, we could only count 32 people out of the 2,000 that had been vaccinated and thats a tiny, tiny number  thats less than 2%.

And thats just after the first vaccine, and thats in your frail, elderly population.

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So this is really good real world data showing that this vaccine works and that one dose works really well.

I think the message here is that when you come away from clinical trials, we can still show that the vaccine is working in the real world.

Asked about the Governments road map and the next set of easing of restrictions on May 17, Prof Semple said that provided we get the vaccination rollout on time then I can see no reason why the road map isnt adhered to.

He added: The problem is if further sections of society choose not to be vaccinated and then we get a second outbreak perhaps later in the summer, which is what has been predicted.

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The size of that will be very much dependent on how many people dont get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Professor Finn said the Prime Minister was right that the UK will see a further wave of Covid-19 cases.

He told BBC Breakfast: Im afraid he is right yes. The models that weve seen on JCVI clearly point to a summer surge in cases as the lockdown is relaxed, because there are still many people in the adult population whove not been immunised and who will therefore start to transmit the infection between each other.

He said there was quite a wide range of uncertainty over how big the wave will be because it depends on how quickly the vaccine rollout continues forward, the supplies of vaccine and so on, and how many people come forward to receive vaccination, and also it depends on how people behave as the lockdown is gradually relaxed.

If people move too far forward with that too fast, well see things start to come up earlier, he added.

The sense that the problem is all over, Im afraid is a flawed one, were still in a vulnerable situation, and there are still significant numbers of people who potentially could be harmed by this infection if this happens.

Asked if the further easing planned for May 17 may need to be adjusted, Prof Finn said: This is a balancing act, isnt it?

People want to have some kind of certainty and businesses want to know how to plan, but on the other hand I think its always been presented as as a provisional timetable, based on what actually happens.

I think if we do start to see significant rises in cases in some parts of the country, they may need to adjust back those dates in order to avoid the situation coming into effect. Its a bit hard to be definite about this because, by definition, its uncertain.

The leading expert said he was somewhere in between on what he thought would happen with vaccines and their effectiveness against variants.

I dont think that were going to see a complete collapse and back to square one situation, he said.

I think that the immunity that weve got already from infection and vaccines will continue to be useful, but it will get eroded and there will come a point where we need to reformulate vaccines to keep up with changes in the virus.

He said real-world data from Israel and the UK where there are a lot of people whove been immunised will show whether jabs work against variants.

Experts will be looking very hard to see if there are any cases occurring among people whove been immunised and whether these particular variants are more likely to show up in that context, he added.

Watch: What UK government COVID-19 support is available?
SEOUL  President Moon Jae-in of South Korea has a message for the United States: President Biden needs to engage now with North Korea.

In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Moon pushed the American leader to kick-start negotiations with the government of Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, after two years in which diplomatic progress stalled, even reversed. Denuclearization, the South Korean president said, was a matter of survival for his country.

He also urged the United States to cooperate with China on North Korea and other issues of global concern, including climate change. The deteriorating relations between the superpowers, he said, could undermine any negotiations over denuclearization.

If tensions between the United States and China intensify, North Korea can take advantage of it and capitalize on it, Mr. Moon said.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union plans to facilitate supply chain improvements in Africa through the construction of industrial parks to improve the manufacturing of agricultural products, a senior AU Commission official has said
Protons are the next big thing when it comes to fuel cell technology. The subatomic exchange produces power on a scale that challenges contemporary solid-state fuel cell technology, used to help power space shuttles. To realize the proton-based technology sooner, an international team of researchers have developed a hybrid material that effectively transports protons at high temperatures and humidity -- two major challenges in past attempts.

The results were published on April 19 in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, a journal of the American Chemical Society.

The team, led by the University of Tokyo in Japan, focused on a material called polyoxometalates (POMs), which they previously fabricated into a composite with another polymer and compounds to help provide structural stability.

"POMs are attractive as building blocks for the design and synthesis of new materials with desirable properties and functions -- they can efficiently transport protons, for example, but only at low temperatures and in low humidity," said paper author Masahiro Sadakane, professor in the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University. "Unfortunately, a huge problem remained to be solved is that our composite decomposed at higher temperatures and humidity."

To solve this problem, the researchers investigated how to better tune the composite by encapsulating positively charged ions in the material's internal cavities. Positive ions, known as cations, help balance negatively charged ions, known as anions, to stabilize conductivity in a material.

They settled on incorporating europium, a metallic element that is solid at room temperature, into the material. Europium is particularly attractive to water molecules, which brings external oxygen into the material. Protons move through the system by attaching to the oxygen. The more oxygen, the more proton-conductive the process is.

"Our goal is to produce stable high proton-conductive materials," said paper author Sayaka Uchida, associate professor in the Department of Basic Science, School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo. "Through fine control of the components, we produced such a material."

The material continued to demonstrate high proton conductivity at temperatures of 368 degrees Kelvin (202.73 degrees Fahrenheit) and 50% humidity. The researchers plan to increase the stability and proton conductivity further.

"We plan to increase the stability and proton conductivity so that this material can be used as an electrolyte in fuel cells, enhancing their performance," Sadakane said. "This work could provide guidance for the design of solid-state proton conductors."

###

Co-authors include Tsukasa Iwano, Naoki Ogiwara and Masanari Okuno, Department of Basic Science, School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Kota Shitamatsu, Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University; Yuji Kikukawa, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University; Satoru Ikemoto, Sora Shirai and Satoshi Muratsugu, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; and Paul G. Waddell and R. John Errington, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University.

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the International Network on Polyoxometalate Science at Hiroshima University funded this work.

About Hiroshima University
Demi Lovato says haircut enabled her to break free of southern Christian gender, sexuality norms

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Pop star Demi Lovato, who just last year said she was attending church again and then came out as a pansexual, has revealed that her short haircut is her way of breaking free of the gender and sexuality norms imposed on her by southern Christian culture.

Lovato shared her thoughts about hair and Christian culture in the South while on the The Drew Barrymore Show."

She explained that she chose to cut her hair really short after she grew weary of trying to be the stereotypical sexy feminine pop star and the models she said were placed on her as a Christian in the South.

And when I cut my hair, Lovato explained, I felt so liberated because I wasnt subscribing to an ideal or a belief placed upon me to be something that Im not.

The interview promoted Lovatos new YouTube series and latest record, both titled Dancing with the Devil.

The expression is her description of her journey with and recovery from drug addiction.

I was dancing with the devil, out of control / almost made it to heaven / it was closer than you know / playing with the enemy, gambling with my soul / its so hard to say no / when youre dancing with the devil, the former Disney star sings in the chorus of the song. Praying for better days to come and wash this pain away / Could you please forgive me? / Lord, Im sorry for dancing with the devil.

In the interview with Barrymore, Lovato revealed she was the happiest she has ever been.

If you dont like it, fine, she maintained. But if this provokes a conversation and raises awareness, takes away the stigma about the topics Im talking about, then thats what I want, is to just open peoples perspectives and to change the conversation around recovery, too.

In early 2020, Lovato announced that she was attending church and growing her relationship with God since she nearly died from an overdose in July 2018.

The 28-year-old was also baptized in 2019 in the Jordan River and celebrated her experience on Instagram.

There is something absolutely magical about Israel. Ive never felt such a sense of spirituality or connection to God  something Ive been missing for a few years now, Lovato wrote. To be baptized in the Jordan river  the same place Jesus was baptized  Ive never felt more renewed in my life.

In a recent appearance on Joe Rogans podcast, she came out as a pansexual who is attracted to anything, really." She said she hid this identity for many years because of her Christian upbringing.

I felt a lot of shame because growing up in Texas as a Christian, thats very frowned upon, she said, referring to her sexual attraction to women. Any attraction that I ever had toward a female at a young age, I shut it down before I even let myself process what I was feeling.

Lovato, who broke off an engagement in 2020, told Rogan that she is now too gay to marry a man and is unsure if that will change.
Chicagoans care more than most, I think, about getting the geography, look and feel of their hometown a little bit right, at least, on screen. This is why a Netflix romcom such as Holidate or a slew of Hallmark Chicago-set, Atlanta-filmed heartwarmers tend to stick in the craw en route to the heart. Theyre about as Chicago as a peach tree. The sun looks ridiculous. The accents, if the actors go whole hog with their idea of a Chicago vowel sound, are enough to provoke a class-action defamation suit.
Elliot Page kept a low profile while out and about in Toronto, Canada last Sunday, spotted for the first time since coming out as transgender late last year, ahead of news he and wife Emma Portner were divorcing.

The Umbrella Academy star, 34, stayed under the radar with some choice accessories, hiding his face with a mask, hat and sunglasses as he walked his dog Mo around town.

The actor went for pure comfort during the chilly outing where he bundled up in a black hoodies, jeans and a pair of boots, later tossing on a brick-hued flannel for extra warmth.

Out and about: Elliot Page was seen out for the first time since sharing he is transgender back in Decemeber 2020 during a Sunday outing in Toronto, Canada

Page carried his things in a backpack, which was looped to Mo's leash at one point.

The star looked happy and healthy while hanging out in Toronto, where they are currently shooting their Netflix hit The Umbrella Academy.

Elliot publicly game out as transgender and non-binary in December 2020 in a statement on social media, writing: 'Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.

'I feel lucky to be writing this. To have arrived at this place in my life.'

At the time, Elliot asked his followers and fans for 'patience', admitting that he was 'scared' of the 'invasiveness, the hate, the jokes, and of the violence' in the wake of his announcement.

'My job is real, but it is also fragile,' the actor said, adding: 'The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared.'

Unattached: The Umbrella Academy star's outing also comes in the wake of his divorce from wife Emma Portner, filed in January 2021

Low-key: The 34-year-old talent stayed under the radar with some choice accessories, hiding his face with a mask and sunglasses as he walked his dog Mo around town

Comfy: The actor went for pure comfort during the chilly outing where he bundled up in a black hoodies, jeans and a pair of boots

Not long after he and wife Portner filed for divorce, though his reps told DailyMail.com the pair 'separated last summer', before the actor came out.

'After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer,' the statement said. 'We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends.'

Last month Elliot made history as the first trans-masculine person to cover Time magazine.

(The magazine previously featured actress Laverne Cox on the cover in May 2014 and had an issue covering non-binary people in March 2017.)

Layers: Later on during the walk he tossed on a brick-hued flannel for extra warmth

Thriving: The star looked happy and healthy while hanging out in Toronto, where they are currently shooting their Netflix hit The Umbrella Academy

Practical: Elliot carried his things in a backpack, which was looped to Mo's leash at one point

Elliot told Time that his transition and non-binary identity is a 'complicated journey and an ongoing process.'

According to the feature's writer, Page referred to himself as a 'transgender guy' during the interview 'repeatedly,' although GLAAD initially advised when he came out that he not be called a 'man', and instead be referred to as a 'transgender person'.

In the profile Elliot said he first 'felt like a boy' when he was nine years old and was allowed to cut his hair short for the first time.

'I wanted to be a boy. I would ask my mom if I could be someday,' he remembered.

Truth: Elliot publicly game out as transgender and non-binary in December 2020 in a statement on social media, writing 'I feel lucky to be writing this. To have arrived at this place in my life'

But just months after he cut his hair short for the first time, Elliot landed his first professional acting job in Canadian TV movie Pit Pony, which required him to look and act like a stereotypical little girl, forcing him to grow his hair out again.

'I became a professional actor at the age of 10 and pursuing that passion came with a difficult compromise,' he shared. 'Of course I had to look a certain way.'

The actor said that he was encouraged to act like a girl by his mother, Martha, who is the daughter of a minister and felt that she was 'doing what was best' for her child by urging her to behave in a particular way.

Martha is, however 'fully supportive' of Elliot's decision to come out, with the actor revealing: 'She wants me to be who I am and supports me fully.

'It is a testament to how people really change.'




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - American Airlines is planning to resume hiring pilots this year to meet a rebound in travel demand in the summer season, reports said citing a company memo.



The airline is expected to add 300 pilots by the end of the year and double that in 2022.



Chip Long, American's vice president of flight operations, wrote in a staff note, that the return to flying of so many American's pilots and the addition of hundreds more, the resumption of many old routes and the introduction of new destinations are hopeful signs for the company.



The carrier had announced last week its plans to fly more than 90 percent of its 2019 domestic schedule this summer.



The Fort Worth, Texas-based company earlier had stated that it experienced softness in its bookings at the beginning of the first quarter, due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order to require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the U.S. at the beginning of 2021.



However, American recently experienced strength in domestic and short-haul international bookings, as infection and hospitalization rates have materially declined and vaccine distribution has increased during the first quarter.



In late March, American disclosed in a regulatory filing that it expected its first-quarter system capacity - total available seat miles- to be down about 40% to 45% from first quarter 2019, compared to previous guidance of down 45%.



As of March 26, the company's seven-day moving average of its net bookings is about 90% of the level experienced in 2019, with a domestic load factor of approximately 80% during that same period.



The company now expects the strength in bookings to continue through the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter.



American Airlines in a filing in March had stated that it would send notices to around 13,000 U.S.- based employees regarding possible furloughs, including 1,850 pilots.



American is expected to detail its demand and hiring outlook along with its first-quarter results announcement on Thursday.



United Airlines on April 1 had said it plans to recall its pilots ahead of the summer vacation season, while low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines began training for new pilots in March. JetBlue Airways also announced plans to start hiring pilots later this year.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Conduent Transportation has announced the implementation of a new system in Bergamo, Italy, to monitor the maximum number of passengers on buses and trams. The system will enable ATB and TEB to easily comply with government regulations in place to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The regulations, issued by the Italian Ministry of Transport in response to the pandemic, limit the number of bus and tram passengers to 50% of the maximum capacity, as determined by the vehicles registration certificate. The automatic passenger counting system allows ATB and TEB to monitor the load, or load factor, of each individual vehicle in real time.

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After the impact of the Covid-19 emergency on the area, the Bergamo community wants to return to normalcy. Public transport is an essential part of this restart, said Gianni Scarfone, general manager of bus operator ATB and CEO of tram operator TEB. The maximum limit of passengers on board, currently set at 50%, allows citizens to travel in compliance with required health regulations. Conduents system is essential in order to allow us to monitor the load factor in real time and communicate appropriately with our customers.

How the System Works

Conduent Transportation has installed automated, infrared-camera passenger counting devices on all ATB buses and TEB trams operating in Bergamo and the 29 surrounding municipalities, serving a population of approximately 380,000 residents.

The infrared cameras count passengers boarding and disembarking buses and trams and feed this data into new, Conduent-developed software that reports, in real time, on the number of available seats to the drivers onboard console and on bus external displays.

The number of seats also displays on ATB and TEB operations center terminals, which show the location of each vehicle on each line, and at passenger stops. The data will also be exported to the ATB mobile app, making the information easily available to citizens.

At Conduent, we recognized the importance and urgency of implementing this important system for the city of Bergamo. ATB and TEB are the first public transport operators in Italy to have a complete solution for the management of passenger counting and related information for citizens, says Jean-Charles Zaia, general manager of public transit at Conduent Transportation. Working with ATB and TEB, we have developed a powerful tool that provides passengers with essential information to use the public transport service safely.

Conduent Transportation is a leading provider of automated and analytics-based transportation solutions for government agencies. These solutions, spanning road usage charging, parking and curbside management, and advanced transit and public safety systems, enable streamlined and personalized services for citizens and travelers who use them. The company has been helping transportation clients for more than 50 years and operates in more than 20 countries.
The Rahova Penitentiary parole committee gave a favorable opinion for the early release of former Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea, finding that all the legal requirements are met, his lawyer Flavia Teodosiu announced on Wednesday.

In a statement for AGERPRES, Teodosiu said that Dragnea would have qualified for the committee's assessment in February, had his right to work not been "violated".

The former leader of the Social Democratic Party applied with the Bucharest Sector 5 Court to be released on parole from the 3 year and 6 month sentence he is serving in the case of fictitious employment at the Teleorman Social Assistance and Child Protection Directorate General.

According to the court portal, Dragnea applied for release on parole on April 12 and the settlement deadline was set for April 27.

Liviu Dragnea has been in prison since May 27, 2019, when he was definitively convicted by the Supreme Court for inciting abuse of office.
A European Union regulator has suggested that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should list blood clots as a "rare" side effect of the vaccine, including a warning about unusual blood clots with low platelets.

However, the European Medicines Agency safety committee said that the benefits still outweigh the risks.

"The reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects," the agency was quoted in a Fox News report.

Meanwhile, the United States is expected to release its decision on the single-shot vaccine on Friday. Europe's vaccination campaign involving the J&J vaccine was delayed after the U.S. regulator paused the rollout.

EMA's safety committee said that it found a possible link of blood clots to the vaccine.

This was after reviewing isolated cases of clotting among people who received the vaccine, according to an AFP News report.

EMA chief Emer Cooke said that blood clot is a very rare effect.

"But it also makes it very important for doctors and patients to be aware of the signs so that they can spot any concerns," Cooke was quoted in a report.

READ MORE: CDC Reviews Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Death Report





Blood Clot Cases

The cases of blood clots have been reported among women between the ages of 18 and 48, with their symptoms emerging six to 13 days after vaccination.

The acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Janet Woodcock, earlier said that there is not enough information on whether any particular group is more vulnerable, according to an NPR report.

The FDA says that the clots are rare and severe type. This happens in the blood supply that drains the brain.

Medical experts call it cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or CVST. Its symptoms include headache, blurred vision, fainting or loss of consciousness, loss of control over movement in part of the body, and seizures.

The CDC said on Tuesday six women were reported to experience severe blood clots. One was fatal and another patient is in critical condition.

The World Health Organization advises that if one experiences a severe side effect four to 20 days after vaccination, the patient should go to the doctor, according to an Insider report.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

The FDA's analysis found that J&J was 72 percent effective at preventing all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., while 86 percent effective at preventing severe cases of the disease.

Meanwhile, researchers found that the J&J vaccine is slightly less effective at preventing the illness in South Africa, but was still 82 percent effective at preventing severe disease.

It offers protection against other variants such as the British variant and the COVID variant found in Brazil.

J&J can be stored at much warmer temperatures as compared to other approved vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, which are both mRNA vaccines.

These kinds of vaccines should be shipped and stored at below-freezing or subzero temperatures, while the J&J vaccine can be stored for at least three months in a regular refrigerator.

READ NEXT: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Doses Delayed After a Batch Was Ruined

WATCH: Johnson & Johnson vaccine review follows blood clot cases | Coronavirus Vaccine |Latest English News - from WION
RALEIGH, N.C., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2019, the Ibuprofen market size was estimated at around $573 million. The high production cost and comparatively lower margin level in Ibuprofen API resulted in lower sales in 2019 due to a 2030 percent price spike in final drug production.

Beroe, which is based in North Carolina, further stated that procurement experts can access this report on its recently launched market intelligence platform Beroe

LiVE.Ai: https://www.beroeinc.com/beroe-live-ai/

As an over-the-counter drug, Ibuprofen is a popular painkiller that is also used to treat fever. The demand for Ibuprofen is seeing a steady rise. It has been observed that the developed geographies, like the U.S. and Europe, have a higher demand for Ibuprofen than the developing side of the world. Even though scoring low in demand capability, developing nations are leading the supplier market, becoming global Ibuprofen exporters. As the world's major manufacturer of API, China supplies 90 percent of the U.S.'s Ibuprofen requirements. Whereas India exports around 493 tons of Ibuprofen API to the UK and Ireland.

India and the U.S. are the leading supply centers for Ibuprofen API. All the major key stakeholders with bulk supplying and manufacturing capacities are located in these regions, capturing 70 percent of the global market.

Though COVID-19 had stagnated the production of API, affecting the ibuprofen market industry, manufacturers are growing their production capacities to bridge the demand-supply crunch globally. China has now resumed manufacturing APIs of the top-selling drugs, including Ibuprofen. The high cost of raw material in 2020 has led to an elevation in the price of Ibuprofen across the global ibuprofen market. The increasing API drug shortage has pushed China to increase the prices of these APIs by 22 percent.

Upscaling the production capabilities is the main strategy defined to ease the increasing demand for the Ibuprofen API. In addition to this, the manufacturing-friendly regulatory provision and lower taxation policies promote establishing Ibuprofen API manufacturing businesses and are fueling the growth of the Ibuprofen API market in East and South Asia. Further, the low labor cost and easy availability of raw materials for Ibuprofen API are also enabling the growth of the Ibuprofen market in the South Asian regions. With the rise in the number of patients in the South and East Asia region consuming non-controlled drugs, these supplying markets are soon to gain strong buying power.

Key Findings:

In 2019, the revenue of the global Ibuprofen API market was $573 million . It is estimated to grow by $645 million with a CAGR of 23 percent by 2023.

. It is estimated to grow by with a CAGR of 23 percent by 2023. North America , with its matured market, is the 2nd largest manufacturer of Ibuprofen. Europe has a strong buying power and lacks manufacturing capability, resulting in mostly importing Ibuprofen from other regions. China and India are major suppliers for Ibuprofen with low buying capability.

, with its matured market, is the 2nd largest manufacturer of Ibuprofen. has a strong buying power and lacks manufacturing capability, resulting in mostly importing Ibuprofen from other regions. and are major suppliers for Ibuprofen with low buying capability. India supplies 40 percent of the Ibuprofen API to Europe , and the U.S. gets 90 percent of its Ibuprofen demands met by importing from China .

supplies 40 percent of the Ibuprofen API to , and the U.S. gets 90 percent of its Ibuprofen demands met by importing from . The Ibuprofen API market is a consolidated market with the leading manufacturers accounting for around 90 percent of the market value.

COVID-19 has had an adverse impact on the Ibuprofen market . China has elevated the price of Ibuprofen by 22 percent due to the pandemic.

. has elevated the price of Ibuprofen by 22 percent due to the pandemic. The price for APIs of Ibuprofen is expected to see a rise in 2020 owing to the increase in the cost of raw materials, the pandemic's impact on the global supply chain, and the crunch in supply and demand for Ibuprofen.

Manufacturers and suppliers in the country are going through logistical nightmares due to the shortage in the task force as well as the scarcity of transportation options.

As India is dependent on China for raw materials, the pandemic has led India to decrease its dependency on China .

is dependent on for raw materials, the pandemic has led to decrease its dependency on . India has adequate production of the API and is currently exporting to the developed nations, like the U.S., the UK, Italy , Germany , and Canada , with their high demand for Ibuprofen.

has adequate production of the API and is currently exporting to the developed nations, like the U.S., the UK, , , and , with their high demand for Ibuprofen. India has enough stock to manufacture Ibuprofen tablets for the next three months.

The report from Beroe includes:

Demand and Supply Market Outlook

Impact of COVID-19 on Ibuprofen

Market Monitoring Insights

Feedstock Analysis

Ibuprofen Market Analysis

Supplier Analysis

About Beroe Inc

Beroe is the world's leading provider of procurement intelligence and supplier compliance solutions. We provide critical market information and analysis that enables companies to make smart sourcing decisionsleading to lower costs, greater profits, and reduced risk. Beroe has been providing these services for more than 15 years and currently works with more than 10,000 companies worldwide, including 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. For more information about Beroe Inc., please visit https://www.beroeinc.com/ .

Media Contact:

Debobrata Hembram

[email protected]

SOURCE Beroe Inc.
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Political Science Degree Programs.

Intelligent.com analyzed 126 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 10 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Political Science Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-political-science-degree-programs/

2021 Online Masters in Political Science Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order):

American Public University

Eastern Illinois University

Liberty University

Sam Houston State University

Sul Ross State University

University of Illinois Springfield

University of Nebraska

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To the Editor:

How shallow can you be? In reference to your editorial on not allowing local police to have radar, you show how misinformed you are when it comes to helping make sure our communities are safe for all our citizens.

Here are some facts to help you understand radar use by police departments. Pennsylvania is the only state that does not allow local police the use of radar. Radar is just another tool for our local police to calm down the exceedingly fast traffic that travels through our communities. As far as speed limits go, the common practice for many police to pull over speeders is when the speed is 10 mph over the limit. So, it isnt very likely that police will be citing drivers for going 23mph in a 15 mph speed limit zone. And the legislation addresses this issue by stating that 10 mph and less of the posted speed limit will not be allowed. Studies show that the slowing of traffic will save many lives.

Most of the roads in our communities are through residential areas where we have children playing and people walking and riding bicycles. For example, in Pine Grove the highest speed limit posted is 35 mph and that is on the two main PennDOT roads of routes 443 and 125 that go through town. And it happens way too much when speeds on these roads exceed 45-50 mph. All the other roads are posted at 15 mph and they are in residential areas. Currently local police may use the ENRADD (Electronic non-radar device) which requires two police officers to operate. In many of our smaller communities due to funding capabilities there is only one officer on duty, and he/she cannot be everywhere even in a small town. Just the posting of Radar in Use signs can have a positive effect to slow traffic.

Do you really think it is OK for motorists to go through residential areas at over 35 mph, which happens a lot? And when speeders are ticketed, the infraction must be credible or the magisterial district judge will throw out the case. Your point is very weak in that you are worried that municipalities are only going to use radar to raise money. The legislation to grant radar use to local municipalities is capped at no more than 10% of their annual budget. I know from living in several other states and traveling around the country there are some cases, but very few, where speed traps are excessively used.

What is important, responsible and best for all our residents, controlling excessive speed from motorists or being worried about the occasional speed trap? Your point that Pennsylvania has more local governments than any other states besides Texas and Illinois has no relevance to the use of radar. If a speed trap appears you can bet it will be noticed and between our too much government and the many lawyers who will take the cases it will be addressed. In the end, what matters most to citizens is being able to have safe communities, especially in residential areas.

Will Shiffer

Mayor

Pine Grove
Well, this is certainly new. With the second wave of the novel coronavirus especially affecting the state of Maharashtra and with film and television shoots coming to a halt, vanity vans are being used by the Mumbai police. According to media reports, these bans which ferry stars to and from their sets are now being used by the cops who are on the job, day in and day out. Ketan Rawal, the owner of these vanity vans has diverted these vanity vans to the police. I have diverted vans from Rohit Shetty's Cirkus, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Aanand L Rai's Raksha Bandhan in service of the Mumbai police, he told ETimes.



I have a large number of vanity vans in service of the Mumbai police, they are the frontline workers; last year we offered it to the women officials who are field duty and needed to rest, use washrooms while doing their duties and of course change before going home, he added. Having received a call from the Thane Police Commissioner, Rawal will be sending another 10 vanity vans to the police officers and constables. Once the lockdown is lifted and shoots are allowed, these vans will be sanitised and return to Bollywood celebrities.
India's top oil producer Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd said three of its employees were kidnapped by gunmen from a rig site in the eastern Assam state on Wednesday. The employees were kidnapped in a company-owned vehicle from the state-run firm's Lakwa field in Assam's Sivasagar district, where the exploration company has been operating for nearly six decades.

"The vehicle was found abandoned near the Nimonagarh jungles close to the Assam-Nagaland border," ONGC said in a tweet. Assam is among the top three oil-producing states in the country, and production delays due to safety issues could hamper India's efforts to reduce oil imports by 10% by 2022.

ONGC did not comment on whether oil production would be impacted by the incident but said it had filed a complaint with local officials. Local police said they suspected the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), an armed separatist group in the region, to have carried out the abduction.

"Based on the region and the way this incident happened, we suspect the ULFA-I could have carried out the abduction," Amitava Sinha, the top police officer in the district told Reuters. Two employees of Quippo Oil and Gas Infrastructure Ltd, a private exploration firm, were kidnapped in December in Arunachal Pradesh state, located on India's far east, according to local media reports.

Two ONGC engineers were infamously shot dead in Assam by ULFA-I in the early 90s, and an engineer from Oil India Ltd, another state-run firm, was abducted in 2006. "Higher officials of the State Police are on the site," ONGC said, adding that it was "in constant touch with the higher authorities."

Indian markets were closed on Wednesday. ONGC had closed marginally lower at 102.85 Indian rupees on Tuesday.

Also read: Stock market shut today due to Ram Navami, trading to resume on Thursday
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Meghan Markle's friend Omid Scobie today reported that Prince Harry met the Queen privately 'at least twice' and spoke to his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William after the Duke of Edinburgh's emotional funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

MailOnline's Dan Wootton first revealed yesterday that Charles and William preferred to meet with the Duke of Sussex face-to-face together within the grounds of the castle after Prince Philip's funeral so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards.

That meeting came after the royal brothers had taken 'baby steps' towards healing their fraught relationship while walking back to the Queen's home from St George's Chapel after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Today journalist Mr Scobie, co-author of the Finding Freedom biography about Harry and Meghan's bombshell decision to quit royal life and strike out on their own in California, reported that the duke met with Her Majesty after he flew to Britain for the funeral.

It comes as the Duke of Sussex was photographed returning home to Montecito from London yesterday to reunite with his pregnant wife Meghan.

The Duchess of Sussex, who stayed in America due to her pregnancy, and son Archie Mountbatten Windsor reportedly spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral.

Harry's return yesterday means he misses his grandmother's 95th birthday today, as the monarch marks the day without her 'strength and stay' of 73 years.

However, Mr Scobie reported that Harry had in fact been able to speak with Her Majesty 'at least twice' during his time back in the UK - which would be the first time the duke had spoken to his grandmother in person since his and Meghan's explosive Oprah interview.

The Finding Freedom co-author quoted sources in Bazaar.com who said: 'The love and respect he [Harry] has for his grandmother will always be unwavering.

'This trip was to honour the life of his grandfather and support his grandmother and relatives. It was very much a family-focused period of time. Saturday broke the ice for future conversations but outstanding issues have not been addressed at any great length. The family simply put their issues to one side to focus on what mattered.'

Mr Scobie also confirmed today that Harry stayed at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle while he was in the country and saw a number of family members including Princess Eugenie and her newborn son.

Harry also had the first face-to-face conversations with his father Charles and brother William since he and Meghan stepped down as senior royals last year.

Mr Scobie reported that while no plans have been officially confirmed, the duke is expected to come back to the UK in July for the unveiling of a statue of his late mother, Princess Diana. He is thought to be planning to join the Duke of Cambridge for a ceremony at Kensington Palace.

The duke is understood to have flown into Los Angeles on an American Airlines flight from London Heathrow shortly after 1.30pm local time yesterday. His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm.

In Windsor, the Queen was today seen driving through the estate on her way to take her dogs for a walk as she marked her 95th birthday without Philip, the nation's longest serving consort who died at Windsor Castle on April 9 two months shy of turning 100.

Meghan Markle's friend Omid Scobie today reported that Prince Harry met the Queen privately 'at least twice' last week

Harry's car was seen arriving at his home in Montecito at around 4 pm to return to wife Meghan and son Archie

He had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor

Prince Harry pictured with his brother Prince William and his father Prince Charles at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral

Prince Harry's chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm

The royal, 36, is understood to have flown into LAX on an American Airlines flight that arrived in Los Angeles shortly after 1.30pm local time

His car was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX minutes after the plane landed and was spotted again arriving in Montecito around 4pm

Harry's return to the U.S. means he will miss the Queen's 95th birthday tomorrow. She remains in mourning following the death of Prince Philip but will resume official duties on Friday

William had joint meeting with Harry because they were too scared to meet him individually Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together at Windsor so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed. A senior royal insider said: 'Obviously after the worldwide fallout of the Oprah interview trust has to be rebuilt. 'There was no official wake after the funeral, but Charles, William and Harry took the opportunity to speak and catch-up face to face after many months apart. 'They were only able to spend a short time together outdoors given Covid restrictions and also without staff, including senior courtiers, overhearing what was being said. 'It was important to Charles and William that they were both there together. It means nothing spoken about can be misconstrued in the future.' Kate also attended parts of the talks, some of which took place at Frogmore Cottage, Harry's home within the grounds of Windsor Castle, according to The Sun. Given the tensions, sparked by claims of racism and uncaring behaviour by the Royal Family when Meghan says she was suffering from mental health issues, a full rapprochement did not occur. Another senior royal insider said: 'There is much pain and hurt on both sides, so this reconciliation will take place in baby steps. 'First, they need to decide on some ground rules as to how they conduct business going forward in a way that makes all parties feel safe and protected.' Crucially, Charles and William have the Queen's support to deal with the situation. The source explained: 'The Queen has made it clear to senior advisers that she is united with Charles and William, and was disappointed with aspects of Harry and Meghan's interview.' Advertisement

In other royal news today:

The Duchess of Cambridge had a go on a flight simulator cockpit on a visit to an air cadet centre with Prince William;

A 'security scare' at Windsor which saw a woman walk into Prince Andrew's house after bungling guards were impressed by her 'polished appearance' was revealed;

Prince Andrew was named as the person behind a gift of two new corgi puppies to help the Queen cope when Prince Philip was ill in hospital;

The New Zealand Governor General described the Duke of Edinburgh as one of the 'unchanging stars of the sky' in a memorial service;

Research found the Queen is a bigger 'global brand' than Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, David and Victoria Beckham and Oprah Winfrey;

Philip's biographer Gyles Brandreth said Philips' 'only complaint' about the Queen during their 73-year marriage was that she was 'always on the phone';

Mike Tindall said Prince Ph ilip's socially-distanced 'no-fuss' funeral was 'eerie' but 'how he would have liked it' as he praised the Queen for 'leading by example' by sitting alone

The monarch was pictured leaving Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar Estate after hosting a visit from family members during the 'low-key' celebrations.

Earlier today, in her first comments since Philip's death, the monarch thanked well-wishers across the globe for the tributes paid to her husband which have 'deeply touched' the royal family.

The Queen said she and her family were in a 'period of great sadness' but were comforted by words of praise for Philip.

Her Majesty said in a statement: 'I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

'While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

'My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days.

'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.'

Earlier today, Buckingham Palace shared a photo of the steadfast monarch at a royal engagement with a message wishing her happy birthday. Instead of sharing their own posts, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Instagram accounts re-posted the radiant photo of Her Majesty.

Celebrations will be a subdued this year with no traditional gun salutes while the Queen observes a two-week mourning period following the death of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.

Meghan Markle and son Archie 'spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral' Meghan Markle and son Archie Mountbatten Windsor spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, a royal source told People magazine. The Duchess of Sussex, 39, also spoke with her husband before his grandfather was laid to rest, and 'knows the trip to England has been difficult for him'. Prince Harry, 36, returned home to California from London yesterday, missing the Queen's 95th birthday today and with the Windsors' family row unresolved after meeting only once with his father and Prince William following the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Montecito mansion he shares with Meghan, who is pregnant with their second child, at around 4pm. The source told the publication: 'Meghan and Harry have been in touch every day. She knows the trip to England has been difficult for Harry. He didn't want to leave Meghan and Archie alone. Meghan has insisted to him every day though that they are fine. She hasn't wanted him to worry.' Advertisement

The Queen is expected to be visited by family today but grandson Prince Harry will not be among them.

He returned home to California from London yesterday, just 24 hours before his grandmother's birthday and two days after his grandfather's funeral.

It comes as a royal source told People Magazine that the Duchess and son Archie Mountbatten Windsor spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday.

The 39-year-old also spoke with her husband before his grandfather was laid to rest, and 'knows the trip to England has been difficult for him'.

The source told the publication: 'Meghan and Harry have been in touch every day. She knows the trip to England has been difficult for Harry.

'He didn't want to leave Meghan and Archie alone. Meghan has insisted to him every day though that they are fine. She hasn't wanted him to worry.'

Family members living closest to the Queen, who may be able to see her, including Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. There will be no traditional gun salutes or birthday photo due to the monarch remaining in mourning.

Harry had been widely reported to have been planning to stay for the Queen's birthday, although sources said he was 'conflicted' about the decision and wanted to get home to Meghan.

He had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Father-of-one Harry will now begin a second 10-day quarantine  a requirement for international travelers journeying to the US, although it is not mandatory unlike in the UK.

CDC guidelines recommend travelers get a Covid-19 test prior to departure and self-isolate for 10 days after they return.

California also has its own travel advisory, with visitors and residents required to fill in a form that includes their contact details on arrival at LAX.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath

The monarch said in a statement: 'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life'

The photo, released on the official Royal Family Instagram account this morning, shows the Queen smiling in a burgundy ensemble at a royal engagement

The monarch was pictured leaving Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar Estate after hosting a visit from family members during the 'low-key' celebrations

The Queen's full birthday statement thanking public for their 'kindness' 'I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate. 'While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world. 'My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.' Advertisement

The LA guidelines also say travelers should quarantine, although that advice includes exemptions for those traveling for work or for urgent family matters.

Harry's brief visit to the UK for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was his first trip back to Britain in a year.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath.

The trip also marked the first time he has seen his family since making explosive allegations about royal racism during an interview with Oprah last month and claiming his father and brother are 'trapped in the system'.

Sources told the Mail on Sunday Harry received a frosty reception when he appeared at Philip's funeral on Saturday and was largely ignored by senior royals, among them Princess Anne and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

His presence also caused problems for courtiers  although the Duke of Edinburgh had wanted military uniform to be worn for his funeral, Harry is not entitled to wear it having given up his military roles as part of the Megxit deal.

Instead, the Queen decided to spare Harry's blushes by having the royal party wear morning suits to the funeral.

He reportedly texted with his father and brother beforehand but didn't see them in person until shortly before the service began.

Although William and Harry's interactions initially looked frosty, they were pictured chatting together after the service as they made their way back to the castle.

Prince Charles and his two sons are then reported to have spent three hours 'clearing the air' immediately after the funeral.

Although William and Harry's interactions initially looked frosty, they were pictured chatting together after the service as they made their way back to the castle

But Page Six and The Telegraph both reported that Harry and Charles did not have a one-on-one due to fears of a misunderstanding.

The pair were said to be unlikely to meet again before the Duke of Sussex headed back to the US, reported The Times.

Sources told the outlets that both Charles and William wanted each other present for any meeting for fear that a 'twisted version of events' would leak out from Harry's camp.

Harry is due to return to the UK again at the end of July for the unveiling of a memorial to his mother Princess Diana.

The Queen today said she was 'deeply touched' by the 'support and kindness' shown by the public following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as she marked her 95th birthday without her beloved husband of 73 years.

In her first comments since Prince Philip's death, the monarch thanked well-wishers across the globe for the tributes paid to her husband which have 'deeply touched' the royal family.

The Queen said she and her family were in a 'period of great sadness' but were comforted by words of praise for Philip, who died peacefully at Windsor aged 99.

Her Majesty said: 'I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

'While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

'My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days.

'We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.'

It comes as the Duchess of Cambridge reconnected with her family's long history in aviation today as she tried her hand on a flight simulator during a visit to a cadet centre while Prince William held her handbag.

William, who learnt to fly with the RAF and piloted the service's search and rescue helicopters, joked 'this is going to be interesting' as he watched Kate, 39, take the controls of the light aircraft simulator during a visit in east London.

The prince, 38, said, 'I'll hold the handbag!' and then stood leaning against a wall with Kate's elegant clutch in his hand.

Kate, wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana coat, struggled to fit her tall frame inside - particularly in her vertiginous heels - but managed to do it elegantly and was handed a headset to wear by Corporal Stephanie Andre, 16.

Today was the Cambridges first public engagement since Saturday's funeral at Windsor Castle.

During the event, William took 'baby steps' towards healing his relationship with his brother, Prince Harry, as they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Later there was a face-to-face meeting within the grounds of the castle between the brothers and their father Prince Charles, but, in an unprecedented development that lays bare the depth of their rift, Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed yesterday.

Kate's father, Michael, 71, worked as a commercial pilot and flight dispatcher British Airways while her mother Carole, 66, was a BA flight attendant.

Meanwhile, in a striking coincidence, the Duchess of Cambridge's paternal grandfather, Peter, accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh during his royal flying tour of South America in 1962.

One image from the time showed, Prince Philip, then 41, seen disembarking a plane at Heathrow Airport, while Peter, then 42, stands at the bottom of the plane stairs in RAF uniform.

During today's visit to an air cadet centre Kate tried her hand at a flight simulator - a Grob Tutor used by the RAF for elementary flying training - while William held her handbag

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laughed as they viewed a problem solving exercise during this afternoon's visit

The Cambridges were both wearing black as a mark of respect following the recent death of the Duke of Edinburgh

William on July 13, 2016, giving his grandparents a tour as they opened the new East Anglian Air Ambulance base at Cambridge Airport

In 1962, the Duchess of Cambridge's paternal grandfather (on the left in the hat) accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh during his royal flying tour of South America. In a recently resurfaced image, Prince Philip, then 41, can be seen disembarking a plane at while Peter, then 42, is seen standing at the bottom of the plane stairs in RAF uniform

Kate grandfather (left, in the hat) received a thank you letter and a pair of gold cufflinks from Philip (right) after their trip

The Duchess of Cambridge was dressed in a black Dolce & Gabbana coat, which sells for around 2,349

Today was the Cambridges first public engagement since Saturday's funeral at Windsor Castle. During the event, William took 'baby steps' towards healing his relationship with his brother, Prince Harry, as they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together after being pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge

The couple, who are officially still in royal mourning, had been given special permission by the Queen to visit the centre in honour of her husband, who served as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps for 63 years.

The Duke passed the military patronage to The Duchess of Cambridge in 2015. She is known as Honorary Air Commandant because of her civilian background.

On the command 'three cheers for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh', the cadets gave a rousing 'hip, hip hooray'.

William and Kate's visit was designed for them to hear more about how the Air Cadets supports young people to develop vital life skills.

Established in 1941, the Air Cadets is a UK-wide cadet force with more than 32,000 members aged between 12-19 years old.

Security scare at Windsor: Woman, 44, who claimed to be engaged to Prince Andrew walks into his house after bungling guards impressed by her 'polished appearance' paid her cab fare then allowed her to wander around grounds for 20 minutes

By Emer Scully for MailOnline

A 44-year-old woman who claimed to be engaged to the Duke of York was let into his official Windsor residence by bungling security guards, it has been revealed.

Security officers were so taken in by the Spanish national's polished appearance they even paid her cab fare before waving her into the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at 11am on Monday.

The woman, who has now been sectioned under the 1984 Mental Health Act, spent 20 minutes wandering the grounds before heading inside the Grade II listed building to ask a member of staff where the duke was, reported The Sun.

Security officers were so taken in by the Spanish national's polished appearance they even paid her cab fare before waving her into the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at 11am on Monday

Police were called and she was held in the lobby after she told the staff member she was engaged to Prince Andrew, her name was Irene Windsor and she lived there with the duke.

In the woman's handbag maps of the Royal Lodge and other Royal Family residences were found, alongside a self-defence key ring in the shape of a cat that featured two sharp prongs.

She was originally arrested on suspicion of burglary before being sectioned and a security review has now been launched.

Prince Andrew's police protection was scaled back last year as part of cost-cutting measures as he withdrew from Royal duties because of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

He still has Met Police personal protection but his officers are no longer routinely armed.

Private Security at the Royal Lodge, which Andrew shares with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, is provided by the Privy Purse, The Queen's private income.

It is understood the intruder flew into the UK from Spain on Saturday, the day of Prince Philip's funeral three miles away at Windsor Castle.

Despite security forces being on high alert for the funeral, the woman was allowed through the front gate to the Royal Lodge, apparently without being asked to show any proof of identification.

She claimed to have a lunch appointment with the duke, and demanded security officers pay her cab fare.

Police were called and she was held in the lobby after she told the staff member she was engaged to Prince Andrew, her name was Irene Windsor and she lived there with the duke. Pictured, houses on the Windsor estate

A source said: 'She was apparently very smartly dressed, in suit trousers, a yellow blouse and peach jacket, and had her hair done up and full make-up.

'She cut quite a glamorous figure and the guards were completely taken in by her.

'The woman demanded they pay her cab fare as she was a close friend of Prince Andrew, and they obliged before helpfully pointing her on her way towards the Royal Lodge.'

Prince Andrew and Fergie have lived at the Royal Lodge since 2004, two years after its former occupant, the Queen Mother, died.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, who had their baby boy August in February, have also been living at Royal Lodge during lockdown.

Sources said Prince Andrew was home at the time of the intrusion, but it is not known if he was aware of it at the time.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: 'Thames Valley Police were called to the Royal Lodge at Windsor Great Park on Monday morning to reports of a female trespasser.

'The woman, aged 44, was intercepted and arrested. She was subsequently de-arrested and has been sectioned under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

'The investigation into the incident continues, but there was no risk to any individual on the site. Due to the female being sectioned, we will not be commenting further at this time.'

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
The 12-week long virtual program is designed to help learners understand how to become successful, data-driven decision-makers

BOSTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Learning , a leading global ed-tech company for professional and higher education, announces the launch of MIT Professional Education's Applied Data Science Program with curriculum developed and taught by MIT faculty, and delivered in collaboration with Great Learning. The comprehensive curriculum for the twelve-week program will be delivered on weekdays, followed by sessions over the weekends by Great Learning mentors and industry experts.

As per QS World University Rankings for 2019-2020 , MIT was named the world's top university for the eighth year in a row based on factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, proportion of international faculty, and proportion of international students

The curriculum for the Applied Data Science Program starts with basics such as Statistics and increases in complexity as it moves into Graph Neural Networks. It is designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs aspiring to learn contemporary and advanced Data Science topics. After successful completion of the program, learners with prior experience in programming and statistics should be able to understand various Data Science techniques and their applications to real-world problems, and how to implement various Machine Learning techniques to solve complex problems and make data-driven business decisions. The program offers hands-on exposure to industry-relevant projects created by Data Science and Machine Learning experts via live and personalized mentored learning sessions.

Speaking about the collaboration Mohan Lakhmaraju , Founder and CEO, Great Learning said, "We started Great Learning 7 years ago with a vision of making high-quality, outcome-driven, impactful learning accessible to all. We are excited to collaborate with MIT Professional Education in the delivery of this program. Collaborations with prestigious institutions such as MIT, assist us in realizing our vision of enabling access to high-quality education and impressive learning outcomes for anyone willing to work hard and upskill."

"The Advanced Data Science Program offered by MIT Professional Education brings together cutting-edge content and teaching from MIT faculty, while reflecting the educational ideals of MIT's founders who were focused on, above all, education for practical application," said Malgorzata Hedderick, Director of Short and International Programs at MIT Professional Education. "We look forward to collaborating with Great Learning on the delivery of the program, and the additional benefit participants will receive from Great Learning's program mentors."

The program will help prepare professionals for sought-after roles including Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Analytics/Data Science Manager. It will also help aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to build and lead impactful organizations and businesses in tackling complex business problems. Upon successful completion of the program, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from MIT Professional Education.

Interested professionals and practitioners are invited to learn more about the program from Prof. Devavrat Shah, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Great Learning experts at a webinar on April 21st, 2021, at 11:00 am (ET) by registering at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3440095220363437325?source=pr

About MIT Professional Education

For 70 years, MIT Professional Education has been providing technical professionals worldwide a gateway to renowned MIT research, knowledge and expertise, through advanced education programs designed specifically for them. In addition to industry-focused, two-to-five-day live virtual and on-campus Short Programs, MIT Professional Education offers professionals the opportunity to take multi-lingual online-blended learning courses and programs through Digital Plus Programs, attend courses abroad through International Programs, enroll in regular MIT academic courses through the Advanced Study Program, or attend Custom Programs online and in-person designed specifically for their companies. For more information, please visit: professional.mit.edu .

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. Great Learning's programs are developed in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions, and are constantly reimagined and revamped to address the dynamic needs of the rapidly evolving business landscape. Relying on its vast network of expert mentors and highly qualified faculty, Great Learning has delivered an unmatched learning experience for over 1 million learners from over 160 countries around the world.

Media Contact:

Rishita Chiranewala

[email protected]

PR Head

Great Learning

SOURCE Great Learning
There's up to 1.5 million bubbles in a glass of gently-poured lager, a new study reveals.

French scientists say their estimate is for a 250 ml (nearly a half-pint) glass of commercial lager with a 5 per cent alcohol content.

The experts calculated the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles in lager  which accounts for its creamy white froth  and imperfections in a glass that make the CO2 bubbles form.

Lager still doesn't fizz up quite as much as champagne, however  research shows there are more bubbles in the sparkling wine than lager when comparing the same volume of both drinks.

After pouring beer into a glass, streams of little bubbles appear and start to rise, forming a foamy head. As the bubbles burst, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which gives the beverage a desirable tang as we take a gulp. As this image shows, 100 ml of champagne has 1 million bubbles; 250 ml of lager has up to 1.5 million bubbles. But this is dependent on tiny crevices in the glass that causes the bubbles to form (x axis)

This is because champagne and other sparkling wines contain about twice as much dissolved CO2 from extra sugar.

The study has been conducted by Gerard Liger-Belair and Clara Cilindre, scientists at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France.

'Of course we enjoyed the remaining lagers we had left to celebrate these findings, which may mean I have one of the best jobs in physics,' Dr Liger-Belair told the Daily Mail.

'Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the world, it has been drunk for millennia, and its foam and bubbles are its hallmark, so it seemed important to know more about their formation, size and total number.

ALE OR LAGER? Beers are generally made out of four ingredients - grain, hops, water and yeast. All beers can be classified as an ale or a lager. Ales use top-fermenting yeasts - yeasts with cells that are carried to the top of the fermenting liquid. Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts - yeast cells collect at the bottom of the fermenting liquid. Bottom-fermenting yeasts work effectively at lower temperatures than top-fermenting yeasts. Advertisement

'It is the bubbles which help convey the aroma of the lager straight to someone's nose.'

Beer is prepared using four basic ingredients  water, malted cereal grains (such as barely or wheat), yeast and hops.

All beers, by definition, are either an ale or a lager, depending on what type of yeast they use.

Lager is the most widely consumed and commercially available style of beer, and generally tend to be light-gold in colour (although jet black lagers do exist).

Ales, meanwhile, include styles like stouts (including the world-famous Guinness), bitters and barely wines.

For their study, researchers focused on lagers, which tend to froth heavily when poured into a glass.

Lagers are produced through a cool fermentation process, converting the sugars in malted grains to alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2).

During commercial packaging, more carbonation can be added to get a desired level of fizziness.

That's why bottles and cans of beer hiss when opened and release micrometre-wide bubbles when poured.

These bubbles are important sensory elements of beer tasting, similar to sparkling wines, because they transport flavour and scent compounds.

German wheat beers  which are ales  tend to have the most bubbles out of the many beer styles, because its extra fermentation creates more dissolved CO2.

Lager is the most widely consumed and commercially available style of beer - often favoured for its drinkability

When you open a bottle of beer, the sudden drop in pressure encourages dissolved CO2 to escape from the beer.

Most of this CO2 escapes in bubbles that form at the sides and bottom of a glass, where microscopic cracks and imperfections known as 'nucleation sites' serve as starting points for the gas to gather.

When the CO2 at a nucleation site reaches critical volume, a bubble detaches from the glass and launches itself toward the beer's head.

For their study, the researchers first measured the amount of CO2 dissolved in Heineken, the commercial lager, just after pouring it into a glass.

Researchers tilted the glass as they poured, just like a waiter at a fancy beer bar would do to reduce its surface foam and make sure it doesn't spill.

Two photographs from the research - a) shows the network of tiny crevices responsible for bubble 'nucleation' in glasses. b) shows a particle with a micrometric gas cavity trapped inside, acting as a bubble nucleation site in a glass poured with champagne

Using this CO2 value and a standard tasting temperature of 42F (6C), they calculated that dissolved gas would spontaneously aggregate to form streams of bubbles wherever crevices and cavities in the glass were more than 1.4 micrometre in width.

A single micrometre equates to one millionth of a metre, or one thousandth of a millimetre.

Then, high-speed photographs showed that the bubbles grew in volume as they floated to the surface, capturing and transporting additional dissolved gas to the air above the drink.

As the remaining CO2 gas concentration decreased, the bubbling would eventually cease and the drink would start to get flat.

CO2 bubbles grow in volume as they rise towards the surface. Here, high-speed photographs showing ascending and growing bubbles in a glass of beer (a), as compared with bubbles ascending and growing in a flute poured with champagne (b)

This image shows the number of CO2 bubbles likely to form in a glass poured with 250 ml of lager at 42F (in blue) and a 100 ml glass of champagne at 50F (in red). x-axis shows the size of cavities at the bottom of the glass that cause CO2 bubbles to form. 100 ml of champagne has 1 million bubbles; 250 ml of lager has around 1.5 million bubbles

There could be between 200,000 and 1.5 million bubbles 'nucleated' before a 250 ml glass of lager would go flat, the team estimate.

Professor Liger-Belair had previously determined that about 1 million bubbles form in a 100 ml flute of champagne, but they didn't previously know the number created and released by beer before it turns flat.

'In our previous study with champagne, we served only 100 ml (as usually done in champagne tasting,' Professor Liger-Belair told MailOnline.

'So, for a specific volume, the number of bubbles likely to form will be higher in champagne than in beer  mainly due to more dissolved CO2 in champagne than in beer.'

Surprisingly, defects in a glass will influence beer and champagne differently.

More bubbles form in beer compared with champagne when larger imperfections are present in the glass, the researchers also found.

The study has been published in the journal ACS Omega.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:16:15|Editor: huaxia

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LAGOS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Police on Wednesday confirmed an attack by gunmen on a university in Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria, on Tuesday evening, with an unknown number of students kidnapped.

A group of unidentified gunmen attacked Greenfield University, which is located along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway in Chikun local government area, at about 8:35 p.m. local time on Tuesday, state police spokesperson Mohammed Jalige said in a short statement.

Some students were abducted, but "the number of students kidnapped have not been ascertained," he said.

A search and rescue operation has been launched, Jalige said.

Northern Nigeria has seen a series of armed attacks in recent months, including assaults on schools. Enditem
Bratislava plans to upgrade 25 public spaces this year

The city is working on a manual for public spaces to set unified principles for maintaining and developing public spaces in the capital.

Bratislava plans to renovate 25 public spaces in the city for 14.3 million under the Zive Miesta (Living Places) scheme this year.

We have been working on these changes for several months, said Bratislava Mayor Matus Vallo when introducing the scheme in late March, adding that the city wants to implement the first 25 projects by the end of this year.

Some projects are at the design stage while others are going through the process of public procurement or getting permits, specified the mayor. Among the first is a skatepark under the SNP Bridge, which is to be implemented in the near future.

The second part of the Living Places scheme is the standardisation of public spaces.

We have been working on the Manifesto of Public Spaces for a year now, said Vallo, adding that it includes novelties as well as principles for handling greenery. The manual should be introduced later this year.

The third part of the project is grant support for public spaces from the Bratislava City Foundation. It will support organisations but also citizens joining in improving public spaces with a total of 100,000.

Living Square project

The revitalisation of three central squares of Bratislava, SNP, Velvet Revolution and Kamenne Namestie will take place under the umbrella of the scheme, too.

Related article German architects design the new look of Bratislava's three central squares Read more

Under the Zive Namestie (Living Square) project, SNP Square, Neznej Revolucie (Velvet Revolution) Square and Kamenne Square will merge into a unified public space without cars and with greenery meeting climatic requirements, the Bratislava authorities announced as they introduced the winning design by a German team of architects on April 7.

The proposed design offers a better space for people to meet, addresses the complicated traffic situation, which has always existed here, to the detriment of pedestrians, and deals with new climate demands, said Vallo.

The three interconnected squares totalling almost 35,000 square metres make up the largest public space in the centre of the capital. No reconstruction has taken place since the 1970s, with the exception of Klobucnicka Street and the surroundings of the Old Market Hall.

Following the planned reconstruction with an estimated price tag of 20 million, the three squares will create a loop following the course of the former moat that surrounded the historical city centre, extending the pedestrian area in the city centre.

Still too little

Public space revitalization projects are implemented by the municipality in cooperation with the Bratislava Metropolitan Institute (MIB).

14.3 million is a record sum compared to the past, when no investment was made in the renewal of public spaces, but at the same time it is a small amount compared to the investment that Bratislava deserves for its public spaces, said the mayor.

The first phase of the renovation of public spaces to be implemented this year, includes, for example, Krizna - Karadzicova public park, Zilinska park, Legionarska park, the multifunctional park in Karlova Ves, Dunajska park, Husova park, the former ammunition depots, the Maly Slavin complex, the buffet on Partizanska Luka meadow, the park on Radlinskeho Street, Komenskeho Square, Namestie Slobody Square and the public space under the SNP Bridge.

The projects under preparation are the Krasnany depot, the public space around the house of services in Dubravka, the public space on Odborarske Square, the public space on Kazanska Street in Vrakuna, revitalisation of the park on Mudrochova, the Staromestska rest area and the city walls, the new park by Rohlik lake, the Zochova zone and Dullovo Square.

16. Apr 2021 at 14:51 | Compiled by Spectator staff
FORMER mayor Maria Byrne will be hoping its a case of third time lucky with counting set to commence on a by-election to Seanad Eireann today.

A vacancy has arisen on the Upper Houses agricultural panel following the resignation of former Wexford TD Michael DArcy to become chief executive of the Irish Association of Investment Management.

Having missed out on re-election to Seanad Eireann 12 months ago, the Fine Gael woman, who lives in OConnell Avenue, is the her party's to fill the vacancy. The two other government parties are not running candidates.

She faces competition though from Independent unionist candidate Ian Marshall, a farmer by trade, and Kildare county councillor Angela Feeney, who will fly the Labour flag.

Mr Marshall has the backing of Sinn Fein.

Sorting of the votes on the agricultural panel will get under way from just before noon, before the count proper commences.

Ms Byrne would be considered favourite to secure most of the 218 votes on offer in the by-election.

Unlike regular Seanad elections, where the electorate is wider, those voting in by-elections must be a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Another vacancy has arisen on the industrial panel, with counting here to get under way once the agricultural panel is compete.

Here, the high-profile mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu will seek to secure a seat in the Seanad.

Ms Byrne also missed out on election to Limerick City in the general election of February 2020.

There is currently just one Limerick senator - Sinn Fein's Paul Gavan, who is based in Castleconnell.

For updates, stay with www.limerickleader.ie
New Delhi, April 21 : India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations.

"The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified.

The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter.

With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines.

The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic.

Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi.

The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis.

A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister.

The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required.

Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required.

He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.

There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer.

The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

(Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) --IANS

sk/arm

(Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in)IANS SK

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Regards

Sumit Kumar Singh

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Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authorities in Vietnam are to inspect the construction of a Statue of Liberty replica after photos of it have gone viral on social media over its peculiarity.

Officials in the tourism hub of Sa Pa, located in the northern province of Lao Cai, have put together a cohort to appraise a Statue of Libert replica built in the town.

Photos of the statute have been circulated on social networks for its outlandish look and off-kilter proportion.

The Statue of Liberty imitation in question is a 30-meter-tall work made from reinforced concrete and plaster.

It is situated in a two-hectare tourism complex called AnSaPa in Phansipan Ward of Sa Pa Town.

Discussing the issue with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Hoang Thi Vuong, head of the culture-information office of Sa Pa, said the cohort will examine whether the investment and construction of the tourism complex are lawful.

The inspection unit will also take copyright issues into consideration, as the complex replicated the Statue of Liberty and the sculpture of the United States founding fathers on Mount Rushmore, both are iconic structures of the North American country.

The statue is one of many structures that have been erected as photo ops for visitors to Sa Pa Town in recent years.

As the culture-information office stated, photo op structures in the area must undergo appraisal and obtain permits before construction.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Xi shares vision for BRI cooperation

China Daily) 08:30, April 21, 2021

President Xi Jinping delivers the keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi says BRI a public road open to all, not private path

'All interested countries' welcome to help form partnership for common good

President Xi Jinping outlined on Tuesday a new vision for the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that China will endeavor to build a closer partnership for health cooperation, connectivity, green development, openness and inclusiveness.

In the keynote speech delivered via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021, Xi reiterated China's commitment to make the BRI "a public road open to all" instead of a "private path owned by one single party".

"All interested countries are welcome aboard to take part in the cooperation and share in its benefits. Belt and Road cooperation pursues development, aims at mutual benefits and conveys a message of hope," he said.

It was the fifth time Xi has attended the forum held at the coastal town in China's southern Hainan province, which was also attended virtually by leaders from 14 nations and two international organizations.

The president elaborated on China's vision for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits and championing the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation.

The goal is to make the cooperation high-standard, people-centered and sustainable, he said.

With Chinese businesses already launching joint COVID-19 vaccine production in nations participating in the BRI, such as Indonesia and Brazil, China will expand cooperation with various parties in infectious disease control, public health, traditional medicine and other areas to jointly protect the lives and health of people in all countries, he said.

In building a closer partnership for connectivity, China will work together with different nations to boost connectivity in infrastructure, enable better alignment in rules and standards, ensure unimpeded channels for trade and investment cooperation and actively develop Silk Road e-commerce, he said.

To boost green development, Xi highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation on green infrastructure, green energy and green finance, and improve the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road Development.

China stands ready to make the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and a way to grow in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, he said, citing a World Bank report suggesting that by 2030, Belt and Road projects could help lift 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty across the world.

The president also expounded on China's appeal for all nations in Asia and beyond to fight the pandemic through solidarity, strengthening global governance, and pursuing a community with a shared future for mankind.

"Humanity is facing a growing governance deficit, trust deficit, development deficit and peace deficit. Much remains to be done to achieve universal security and common development," he said.

However, Xi said that there has been no fundamental change in the trend toward a multipolar world, with economic globalization showing renewed resilience and the call for upholding multilateralism and enhancing communication and coordination growing stronger.

He emphasized the importance of consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits, saying that global affairs should be handled through extensive consultation, and the future of the world should be decided by all countries working together.

"We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world," he said.

He underlined openness as the key to post-COVID economic recovery, saying that it is important to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains.

The president stressed the need for stronger international cooperation on the research, development, production and distribution of vaccines and to increase their accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that we must reject the Cold-War and zero-sum mentality and oppose a new Cold War and ideological confrontation in whatever forms," he said.

Xi also announced that China will host the second Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations once the pandemic comes under control.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said in a speech via video link that the importance of solidarity between countries remains constant in a world of change.

"We welcome China's commitment to reach net zero (carbon emissions) by 2060and other major economies are making similar pledges. The green investments needed to get there can be a quadruple wingood for people, for our planet, for growth and for jobs," she said.

Xi's quotes

 What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony.

 Attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles.

 Bossing others around or meddling in others' internal affairs would not get one any support.

 The Belt and Road Initiative is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party.

 We may at times encounter stormy waves and dangerous rapids, but as long as we pool our efforts and keep to the right direction, the giant vessel of human development will stay on an even keel and sail toward a brighter future.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
[April 21, 2021] Alliant Announces Definitive Merger Agreement with Personal Lines Insurance Leader Confie

Alliant has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Confie, the largest personal lines insurance distributor in the U.S. The agreement includes Confie's robust family of leading personal insurance brands and more than 1 million customers. Confie and its more than 3,500 employees is currently a portfolio company of Abry Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. "Confie and its diverse team of insurance professionals have set the standard for excellence in personal lines insurance and have carried the company to the top of the market," said Tom Corbett, Chairman and CEO of Alliant. "We are excited to be able to further empower them to do what they've always done well." Founded in 2008, Confie serves customers through its "click, call, come-in" approach to full-service convenience. As an innovative, technology-focused independent agency, Confie has unique data-driven insight into buying behaviors through its patent-pending technologies. The company serves its customers nationwide via online purchasing, a national virtual call center, and walk-in personal support at more than 750 local community stores. Confie has seen its continuous digital transformation as an addition to, not a replacement for, the way customers want to access insurance services. Confie brings in excess of 150 national and regional carrier partnerships to offer auto, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, life, health, and various other insurance products through its brands, including Freeway Insurance, InsureOne Insuranc, Bluefire Insurance, OneSource (News - Alert) Dealer Services, Cost-U-Less Insurance Center, Baja Auto Insurance, and U.S. Agencies.



"Confie is proud to be the largest personal lines agency, and joining forces with Alliant will further enhance our growth and expand our market opportunities," said Cesar Soriano, CEO of Confie. "Alliant's long-standing legacy of strength and growth, combined with Confie's culture of service, make this an extraordinary growth opportunity for both of our firms. Thanks to our amazing employees and our winning culture, we are ideally positioned to successfully execute on our growth strategy and continue supporting our customers and our communities." Soriano and the entire team will continue to provide their trusted brand of service and insurance expertise to customers under the Confie brand.

"We have been proud to be investors in Confie since 2012 as the company grew into the largest personal lines agency in the country. Cesar Soriano and the entire Confie management team have built an innovative and industry-leading business, and we are excited to watch their continued success," said Brent Stone, a Partner at Abry Partners. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. J.P. Morgan served as financial advisor to Abry and Confie, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel. Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP served as legal counsel to Alliant. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nation's leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit us at alliant.com. About Confie Established in 2008, Confie is the nation's leading personal lines insurance distribution company. Today, Confie meets customers wherever they are via a "click, call, come-in" approach supported by over 750 retail locations in 23 states, the Bluefire general agency, and telephone and online service in all 50 states. With flexible insurance options, outstanding value, and convenient service, Confie's goal is to be the most trusted source of insurance solutions so its customers can have peace of mind. For more information about Confie visit confie.com. About Abry Partners Abry is one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding in 1989, the firm has completed over $82 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity or preferred equity placements. Currently, the firm manages over $5.0 billion of capital across its active funds. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005938/en/

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Filmmakers have recalled how an actress was 'so convincing' in low-budget horror film where she shot a man dead - only for her to be arrested days later for killing her uncle in an 'insanely similar' manner

Aisling 'Tucker' Moore Reed, 31, who has written for Cosmopolitan magazine and the Grants Pass Daily Courier, was initially arrested and charged with manslaughter in 2016 after she shot and killed her uncle Shane Patrick Moore, 63.

At the time she claimed it was self-defence, and posted the necessary 10 per cent of her $200,000 bail, before auditioning for and filming indie movie From the Dark, in which she played the lead role of Valerie Faust.

Speaking on Dateline's Killer Role podcast, Matthew Spickard, Executive Producer for the film, said the parallels between the killing and the plot of their indie film were 'like a sick joke', saying: 'In the movie, her character defends herself with a fire arm and she thinks she is doing it out of self defense.'

Meanwhile her co-star Meg Windows recalled her being incredibly convincing, revealing: '[During rehearsals] I could hear she had absolute panic in her voice. At first I thought something had happened. We thought, "Oh my god is everything okay over there?" But no - they just sold it so well, we thought they were in trouble over there.'

Days after the film wrapped in September 2018, video footage of the crime emerged and Reed was rearrested. She was sentenced to six years and three months in prison in May 2020.

Filmmakers have said there were 'insane similarities' between their horror movie plot and the crimes of their main actress, Aisling 'Tucker' Moore Reed, 31, who was charged with shooting her uncle dead and arrested days after she filmed a scene similar to the real life killing (pictured, in the film)

Reed was initially arrested and charged with manslaughter in 2016 after she shot and killed her uncle Shane Patrick Moore, 63

Prior to the crime, Reed was best known as a blogger, author, and one-time reporter at the Grants Pass Daily Courier.

She was known by her pen name, Tucker Reed, under which she co-authored the young adult novel, Amber House, published in October 2012 and its sequel, Neverwas, which was released in January 2014.

She had a restraining order against her uncle Shane, who she claimed was abusive, but in June 2016 received a phone call from her grandmother who said she was 'scared'.

During police interviews shared on the podcast, Reed claimed Shane had been trying to intimate her grandmother Lore into signing a revised will.

She claimed the family stayed and 'barricaded the doors' but her uncle kept 'circling the house and threatening her mother.'

She continued: 'My mother said if we called the police, he would go berserk - set fire to the police, cause damage. That's why nobody called in.

Reed initially claimed the crime was in self defence, but mobile phone footage of the shooting was later uncovered (pictured, her uncle Shane Moore moments before he was shot dead)

'I saw Shane come around, he was on the porch, five feet from the glass. He was watching and I verbally warned everybody, "Shane's right there."'

With Shane peering through the window, Reed said her mother picked up the document he wanted signed and tore it into pieces, all within his eyesight.

She continued: 'As soon as my mom tore up the document, he ran towards the front door which was unlocked. I ran, I started screaming, I picked up the gun.'

The timeline of Aisling 'Tucker' Moore Reed's crimes 2012 - Tucker Reed publishes young adult novel, Amber House 2014 - Tucker publishes the sequel to the novel, Neverwas July 16 2016 - She shoots and kills her uncle Shane Patrick Moore, 63, at her grandmother Lore's home She was arrested and charged with manslaughter but claims it was self defence. At the time she posted the necessary 10 per cent of her $200,000 bail and was released. She auditions for the independent film, From the Dark, which features a scene in which her character shoots and kills someone August 2018 - police obtained video footage of the shooting Reed filed a civil rights lawsuit claiming that she was 'trapped into answering questions' about her uncle's shooting death. September 2018 - The film wrapped and days later she was rearrested and indicted on the murder charge by a grand jury January 2019 - Jackson County Circuit Judge Lisa Greif ordered Reed back to the Jackson County Jail where she will be held without bail until the start of her trial after reviewing the cellphone footage of the shooting January 2020 - Reed faces additional charges for possession of drugs in prison May 2020 - Reed was sentenced to six years and three months in prison, which she is currently serving at Jackson County Jail Advertisement

She told police there was a life or death struggle and she was forced to act, saying: 'I was absolutely sure he was going to kill my mother.'

She said she 'warned him', but never made a conscious decision to fire a gun, and that she didn't even know how to.

Reed posted the necessary 10 per cent of her $200,000 bail and was released.

Reed went on to audition for the independent film while she was out on bail under the pseudonym 'Wyn Reed'.

Filmmakers said Reed 'blew it out of the water' when she auditioned for the main role of Valerie, who was a young tour guide at a lodge in an Oregon forest celebrating her last day when things take a sinister turn.

Matthew said: 'She was such a phenomenal actor, we absolutely adored her.'

'She was the most responsible and professional one out of everybody. She had her lines down.'

Meanwhile Meg explained: 'There was something about the way she read, the way they reacted to her reading, she nailed it.'

But despite her talent, none of the theatre scene knew about Wyn, and had never heard of her before.

The filmmakers stated that because of the movie's low budget, they weren't able to perform background checks.

Matthew said: 'When I did my background search, I did a Facebook profile search. She had a Wikipedia page. Why wouldn't we have trusted her?'

The plot of the film sees Valerie along with other stranded staff of an abandoned lodge slowly realise there is a killer amongst them.

During one scene, Valerie shoots someone and struggles to determine if it is self defence.

However during filming, a classmate said Wyn looked a lot like an old school friend Tucker and the filmmakers started researching her background.

It was then they discovered she had been involved in the shooting of her uncle.

Matthew explained: 'At that point, we were like "Oh my god, this is absolutely crazy. Who do we even ask, what their opinion or what do we do?"'

The movie cinematographer, who was dating Reed at the time, then confessed he had known her story for a while but hadn't mentioned it.

Matthew said: 'We called a meeting and talked to him about it, and he said the uncle had assaulted her and broke her nose and almost blinded her.

'He ended up trying to break into her grandmother's house because they were fighting over the house and started beating her mother.

'At that point, she went to where her grandmother kept her defense weapon and she had accidentally shot him.'

In the movie, Reed plays Valerie Faust, a young tour guide at a lodge in an Oregon forest celebrating her last day when things take a sinister turn. Her character is involved in a fatal shooting in the film. Pictured: Reed in a still from the movie

But the tale arose suspiscions for Matthew, who felt the account sounded a lot like the plot of their film.

Matthew said she was well aware the plot before they started filming the movie, revealing: 'We had the read through and she said it was fantastic - she said it shed a light on mental illness.'

They continued with production and, in August 2018, police obtained video footage of the shooting which surfaced a year and a half after the shooting when detectives got the family to unlock Reed's iPhone.

In the video, Reed's uncle could be seen approaching the home as she, her sister, her mother, Kelly Moore, and her grandmother discussed deed documents that Shane wanted his sister to sign.

In the video, Reed could be heard screaming: 'He's coming into the house, goddammit! You son of a b***h! Get out of here!'

In video, Reed (right), her sister, her mother, Kelly Moore (left), and her grandmother, Lore Moore (center), are discussing deed documents that Shane Moore wanted his sister to sign

The phone continued to record through the panic and confusion until the sound of a gunshot was heard moments later.

Court documents revealed that Moore suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

As the camera becomes covered, the uncle could be heard agonizing in pain in the background.

'He wasn't supposed to be around me!' Reed yelled, as her family members screamed 'Jesus' and 'Oh God' in the background.

While the camera was covered, the phone picked up the sound of Reed becoming ill in a bathroom and sobbing.

In the background, her mother Kelly Moore told her that Shane Moore was still alive, but bleeding.

'He's not dead?' Reed asked her mother, then, seeing he was still alive, yelled: 'F**k!'

She then claimed she only meant to fire a bullet past his ear as a warning shot.

Authorities said the family members unsuccessfully administered CPR on the victim after he was shot. Shane Moore died a short time later.

In September 2018, in light of the new video footage uncovered by police, Reed was re-arrested and indicted on the murder charge by a grand jury.

Reed (pictured in court in January 2019) is currently being held in jail with a trial date set for December

Prosecutors argued that the recording had been hidden from authorities, according to the Tribune.

During the trial, it emerged Shane reportedly called 911 and claimed Reed 'had fired off a gun here this morning'.

He asked for a sheriff's deputy to be present during his visit to the home to collect the property deed, according to the Tribune.

Reed's mother had previously said the shooting was an act of self-defense.

Reed is known by her pen name, Tucker Reed, under which she co-authored the young adult novel, Amber House, published in 2012 and its sequel, Neverwas, published in 2014

Like Reed, Kelly also testified that her brother, who she claims was addicted to meth, and made death threats before the shooting.

Kelly shared details of him attacking Reed by throwing an oil can at her through a screen door, which knocked her daughter to the ground.

In August 2018, Reed filed a civil rights lawsuit claiming that she was 'trapped into answering questions' about her uncle's shooting death.

Reed said that she was sleep-deprived, malnourished and suffering from withdrawals from a potent prescription medication while being questioned by Medford police and Jackson County sheriff's detectives following the shooting.

She initially told detectives that she was physically and mentally unfit to answer their questions.

Reed said in the lawsuit that she was pressured to make a statement after authorities showed her 'an inflammatory and shocking document' and demanded an explanation.

At the time she didn't elaborate on what the document contained. However, it was later revealed to be the dispatch log showing shots had been reported fired at the property that day.

The complaint, filed without the formal aid of a lawyer, sought 'economic damages not to exceed $50,000'.

US Magistrate Judge Mark D. Clarke denied the complaint, writing that it did 'not clearly allege that the statements Moore Reed made to the detectives were incriminating, nor is there any allegation that the statements were later used against her in a criminal proceeding'.

In May 2020, Reed was sentenced to six years and three months in prison, which she is currently serving at Jackson County Jail.
New policyholders coming into Floridas insurer of last resort will not face higher rates than existing insureds under an order issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The regulators decision comes after Citizens Property Insurance Corp. President & CEO Barry Gilway said at its rate hearing last month that it is receiving about 5,000 new policies per week as the Florida market continues to tighten.

OIR instead established lower rate increases than what Citizens recommended for its 2021 personal and commercial property insurance policies.

Under the order signed by Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, Citizens homeowners multi-peril policy rates will increase by an overall statewide average of 3.2% while commercial residential multi-peril policies will increase by an overall statewide average of 4.8%. Citizens filed increases for these lines of 6.2% and 7.8%, respectively.

OIR did not approve Citizens recommendation that new business policyholders be charged actuarily indicated rates while still allowing renewing policyholders to receive increases subject to the 10% statutory glidepath.

[OIR] finds the justification for this provision to be insufficient and that all policies, whether new or renewal, should be subject to the same capping under  Florida [law], the order states.

OIR further noted that when the glidepath was initially recommended by the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Mission Review Task Force in 2009, there was no distinction between new and renewal rates in the final report of the task force.

The recommendation would have increased rates for new business by an average of 21%, Citizens said previously.

Citizens recommendation that decreases for new business policyholders be capped at 0% and that new business rates in Monroe County be capped at 10% above approved rates was also not approved. OIR said rates for policies in Monroe County should be subject to the same rating methodology and statutory glidepath as for all other counties.

Also disapproved by OIR was the inclusion of a risk factor provision, described by Citizens as an estimate of an extra amount the insurer should charge for the cost of catastrophic risk the insurer is assuming. OIR said the justification for including a risk factor in Citizens rate filings was insufficient.

The effective date for the approved rates for both new and renewal policies is Aug. 1, 2021.

Citizens submitted its filing for a statewide average rate increase of 7.2% for personal lines policyholders  homeowners, condominium unit owners, mobile homeowners, dwelling, and renters to OIR in January. The recommended commercial lines increase was 9.5%.

Citizens is required by law to recommend actuarially sound rates while complying with a legislative glide path that caps individual rate increases at 10%. The insurers uncapped 2021 rate indication is 25.9% for homeowners and 85.6% for commercial lines.

The proposed rate recommendations came after the Citizens Board deferred action on a slate of rates in December that called for an average 3.7% increase in personal lines coverage, including a 2.2% increase in homeowners coverage. The board directed Citizens actuarial staff to work with OIR to address the growing disparity between Citizens rates and those charged by private insurance companies in many areas of the state.

OIR held a virtual public rate hearing on March 15, 2021, to receive testimony from Citizens in support of its rate recommendations and provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on the rate filings.

At the hearing, Gilway painted a dire picture of the Florida domestic market, noting that five years of sustained losses from excessive litigation, contractor schemes, major catastrophes and the increasing cost of reinsurance has led to diminished insurance capacity and higher costs for consumers. Florida carriers net underwriting losses for 2020 will exceed $1.6 billion, Gilway said, with income losses totaling nearly $840 million.

As a result, Florida insurers are taking significant steps to reduce their exposure in areas where litigation rates and reinsurance costs are high, he said, which is leading to an increase in Citizens policy count.

The reality is the marketplace in Florida is shutting down, he told regulators.

Citizens is growing by 5,000 new policies per week, Gilway said, and is expected to reach a policy count of 700,000 by the end of the year as carriers continue to raise rates and cut back on capacity.

The insurers rate of growth is further exacerbated by the competitiveness of its rates, Gilway said, noting that Citizens homeowners policies are priced lower than the average private market rate 91% of the time.

The capacity in the marketplace has shrunk to the point where unfortunately Citizens is becoming not the market of last resort but, in many cases, the market of first resort, he said, adding that is never the intention for a residual market mechanism.

Citizens has experienced operating losses since 2015, but has offset those losses with investment income earned from its $6.4 billion reserves, the company said. Since 2013, Citizens combined operating losses have approached $690 million. That figure was offset by $726 million in investment income during the same period.

Citizens presented a set of recommendations for 2021 rates that reflected efforts to make Citizens rates more competitive with private carriers and maintain its position as Floridas insurer of last resort, said Michael Peltier, Citizens spokesman. As it does every year, the Office of Insurance Regulation, reviewed those recommendations, made changes, and issued its final order following that review. We respect the decision.

*This story has been updated to include comment from Citizens

Topics Florida
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At an intimate dinner last July at Chequers, the Prime Minister's official country residence in leafy Buckinghamshire, the wine and the conversation  a mix of high politics, policy, Covid, and Westminster gossip  were flowing freely between old friends and colleagues.

That night Boris Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds were hosting Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata, and the high-flying media couple Allegra Stratton, a former BBC/ITV correspondent, and her husband James Forsyth, political editor of The Spectator magazine.

Just three months earlier, Stratton had joined Sunak at the Treasury as director of strategic communications. She was being widely credited with turning the new Chancellor into one of the government's most popular and effective media figures as the pandemic took hold.

Pictured: Boris Johnson at a media briefing in Downing Street yesterday

Now Boris, still recovering from his own brush with the virus, wanted Stratton to reinvigorate No10, and it was at that dinner that he sprang an unwelcome surprise on Sunak.

'Allegra, you're coming to work for me. I'm really looking forward to it,' Boris announced. Turning to Sunak, he mumbled sheepishly: 'I hope you don't mind Rishi?'

Not only did the Chancellor mind, he was furious. He'd had no inkling that Stratton and Boris had even discussed her interest in the post of Downing Street press secretary to present daily televised briefings. It was a newly-created role and inspired by the daily White House press conferences as a way for the Government to present its message directly to the public in a new purpose-built 2.6million media centre at No9 Downing Street.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top aide Dominic Cummings leaves 10 Downing Street, London

Allegra Stratton would be Britain's answer to the legendary CJ Cregg in the hit TV series The West Wing  and one of the most recognisable faces in Britain as she sparred with ex-colleagues as they scrutinised government policy.

Yet on Tuesday that dream  both for No10 and for Stratton  came crashing down when it was announced that the daily briefings were being axed  before even the first broadcast. And in what is widely seen as a demotion, Stratton, 41, is now out of No10 and will head up communications for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in November.

While she is said to be putting a positive spin on the new post  based in No9 with Alok Sharma, the Cabinet minister in charge of the conference  she had set her heart on the West Wing role and is bitterly disappointed that the idea has been dropped.

Allegra Stratton, Boris Johnson's Press Secretary, in Downing Street

'Losing the Downing Street role is the first setback in her career,' according to a Westminster insider. 'She's taken it very hard.'

So how, when hopes were so high on all sides, did it come to this?

The prestigious new post had yet to be advertised formally when Boris dropped his bombshell that summer evening. It was over late night glasses of wine with her friend Carrie in the Downing Street flat that Stratton is reported to have pitched hard to get the job  which was being widely talked about in journalistic circles. Carrie told Boris she believed Stratton was the right candidate. 'You used to be the most popular politician in Britain,' Stratton told the PM. The mother of two argued a female-friendly face leading the Downing Street briefings would help revive his popularity which had been hit hard by his Government's handling of the pandemic.

Jack Doyle has been appointed as the new Downing Street Director of Communications

Boris's initial choice was, reportedly, the BBC's Riz Lateef with Sky's Sophy Ridge also in the frame. But he was soon persuaded of the merits of Allegra Stratton.

The PM had been irritated by polls showing Sunak was easily the most popular Tory politician.

He saw Stratton, a Cambridge graduate who had enjoyed a stellar career in newspapers and broadcasting, as key to Sunak's slick media performances and social media.

She reportedly came up with the slogan 'Eat out to Help Out' (the successful Government scheme to support the hospitality industry launched last August) and the nickname 'Dishy Rishi'.

James Slack, then Boris's official spokesman, director of communications Lee Cain, pictured, (who came up with the West Wing briefing idea), and Helen Bower-Easton (now director of communications at the Foreign Office) made up the interview panel

The PM knew, however, that Sunak felt deeply betrayed. The Chancellor had been at Winchester with Stratton's huband and was best man at their wdedding. The two couples were not just close friends but godparents to each other's children.

'Allegra hadn't mentioned a word about the new job,' a Whitehall source said last night. 'Rishi was livid. He thought Boris had behaved badly. As for Allegra it damaged his relationship with her. But Boris wanted some of the 'Rishi magic' to rub off [on him]'.

When the 125,000-a-year job was formally advertised later that summer Stratton applied. She underwent the interview and audition process, along with other candidates.

According to sources, however, she was not judged to have out-performed her rivals. In a mock press conference, Stratton allegedly got into a muddle over proposed Covid vaccinations. 'If the press conference had been for real and her comments made public, it could have had a negative impact on a vaccine programme,' said one Whitehall source.

But what followed was a bitter power struggle behind the scenes as Cain and Dominic Cummings, then the PM's chief adviser, found themselves at odds with Stratton and a powerful coterie of supportive women, including Carrie Symmonds and Munira Mirza (pictured), head of the Downing Street policy unit

Then the interviews were tested on focus groups of floating voters, the majority of whom reportedly thought that Stratton was too 'combative and aggressive'.

James Slack, then Boris's official spokesman, director of communications Lee Cain (who came up with the West Wing briefing idea), and Helen Bower-Easton (now director of communications at the Foreign Office) made up the interview panel. And, insiders claim, all three thought BBC correspondent Ellie Price had performed best, while Angus Walker, an ITN correspondent, was also judged to have fared well.

Allegedly, Allegra Stratton's name was already on the dressing room door of the pristine new studio because the PM was adamant he wanted her. When Cain argued that she should not have the job Boris reportedly exploded: 'Forget the process. I am giving the job to Allegra. I've got to do this because if I don't, Carrie will go f****** crackers about it.'

Prime Minister Official Spokesman James Slack in Downing Street

And come October, when she started at No10, Allegra Stratton was raring to make political history with the briefings scheduled to start in the New Year.

But what followed was a bitter power struggle behind the scenes as Cain and Dominic Cummings, then the PM's chief adviser, found themselves at odds with Stratton and a powerful coterie of supportive women, including Carrie Symmonds and Munira Mirza, head of the Downing Street policy unit.

I was called an oik, says spin doctor Mr Cain, who left Downing Street last November By Claire Ellicott Political Correspondent for the Daily Mail BORIS Johnsons former communications director has described how he was branded an oik and a bruiser because of his thick northern accent and shaved head. Lee Cain, who was a senior adviser to the PM for four years, said class-based bias still exists at the heart of government. He said he got the distinct feeling that senior officials thought he shouldnt overreach himself and should be content simply to be in the room. My experiences in Westminster made it easy to see why young working-class women and men struggle to get ahead. Class-based bias still exists, he wrote in The Spectator. I lost count of the times I was branded a bruiser, thuggish or even an oik for the twin crimes of having a strong northern accent and shaved hair. Luckily I have a skin thicker than my accent... If men and women with thick accents and poorer backgrounds are kept quietly away from the top roles, or undermined when they reach them, then political parties and business leaders will find themselves ever more baffled and out of touch with the people they seek to lead. Mr Cain, who left Downing Street last November at the same time as the Prime Ministers chief adviser Dominic Cummings, stressed that Mr Johnson judged him on his abilities, rather than his background. But he added: When I first entered Downing Street I got the distinct feeling that some senior officials thought I should be content simply to be there. The clear message was: youve come a long way, dont overreach now. Mr Cain wrote that those in the capital often failed to understand that not everyone wanted to move to London or become a City trader. Reflecting on the new red wall working-class constituencies that the Tories are seeking to keep at the next election, he said Mr Johnson would have to focus on trying to improve their prospects. He added that had more of those in Westminster been eligible for free school meals when they were children, the Marcus Rashford saga may not have happened. The Government was forced to continue to provide free school meals over the summer holidays after the footballers intervention. Advertisement

The three joined forces to persuade Boris to abandon plans to make Lee Cain, who revelled in his 'thuggish' reputation, the Downing Street chief of staff.

When Cummings and Cain quit in November, Stratton said: 'The country does not want to be run by people in No10 who treat people discourteously and unpleasantly.'

It was an important but short-lived victory for Allegra Stratton.

After Britain went into lockdown again in December, the TV briefings were postponed, although both Boris and Carrie were still set on Stratton as the telegenic, softer face of the Government.

'He thought she was a detoxifying presence,' says one observer of the ongoing drama.

So in January, Stratton was put through her paces in a series of practice sessions with James Slack who'd been promoted to be head of communications. Generally opposed to the concept of the TV style briefings, Slack was not impressed and began to lobby the PM to drop the entire idea.

The PM did not, it seems, need much persuading. Riding high in the polls and with a successful vaccine rollout, advisers saw no reason he should not represent his own Government. In the last few weeks, Stratton has taken part in conference calls with the media but, according to some participants, has more than once added to the Government's difficulties.

Last month, a Labour-supporting tabloid ran an interview with Jennifer Arcuri, the American tech entrepreneur who revealed lurid new details of what she claimed was a four-year extramarital affair with Boris when he was London Mayor. When asked about the reports, instead of side stepping the issue, Stratton insisted that: 'There is no case to answer. He [Boris] acted with honesty and integrity.' The comments triggered incredulity and mirth  and made unwelcome headlines.

In another incident, when challenged about unsubstantiated reports that she had fallen foul of Carrie Symonds, instead of parrying the question, Stratton replied: 'I love Carrie and would do anything for her. When we all go out for a drink she is just the best fun imaginable. We are all a nest of singing birds.' Those bizarre comments  even though she claimed they were off the record  gave the story another lease of life.

A final straw was her response to Dame Louise Casey, a former government poverty adviser who accused the Tories of being the 'nasty party' in a row over benefits during the pandemic. The 'nasty party' tag was first used by Theresa May nearly 20 years ago at a Tory conference. It's a label that successive Conservative leaders have tried to escape and one that Boris certainly did not want revived.

But Allegra's reply astonished many Tory MPs, especially those who'd always been suspicious of her long-standing friendship with former Labour leader Ed Miliband. 'There is no way this Government or this party could be called the nasty party', she said. That a senior figure in Downing Street had even used the phrase gave the controversy new momentum.

James Slack has now left No 10 and his replacement as director of communications Jack Doyle, who started last week, is said to believe that the televised briefings are the wrong vehicle for the Government.

Last night a Downing Street source said that while the pandemic dominates the news cycle 'Doyle thinks detailed questions about Covid variants and vaccine efficacy must be answered by experts. By the scientists.'

On the wall of her kitchen in Islington, North London, Allegra Stratton has a photograph of Anthony Scaramucci, who lasted as Donald Trump's communications director for 11 days. It had long been the joke in her family about whether she would make it to 12 days. As it happened she never even got to day one to shine in front of the cameras in the role specially created for her.
Marie Watson wanted to be among the first in line when she and other essential workers became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine  and with good reason.

The maintenance parts buyer for a Mission Foods tortilla plant in Pueblo, Colorado, had lost her father to COVID-19 in the fall and was told by a doctor last year that she herself almost certainly had the virus.

So when her union, the United Food Workers and Commercial Workers, secured appointments for the plants 200 workers, she jumped in her car and drove to a nearby drive-thru clinic for the first of two doses.

There was this sense of relief, Watson said. This was more confirmation that Im on my way to being normal.

A growing number of labor unions and companies are securing shots for their employees as eligibility widens. Some large companies such as Amazon are offering workplace vaccinations through licensed health care providers, while smaller outfits are booking appointments for workers at outside locations.

For employers, the vaccines are a critical step toward restoring normalcy at a time when they expect a spike in demand for their services as more people get inoculated. They are also betting that employees who did not initially trust the vaccine will have a change of heart when they see co-workers receiving it.

For workers, employer assistance with the vaccine eliminates hurdles, including transportation issues or maneuvering through a patchwork of websites to find appointments. That access could help to narrow the racial and socioeconomic gaps that have opened in the countrys vaccination drive.

While many essential workers have spent weeks trying to get time slots, Watson got her shot days after Colorado extended eligibility to food workers.

Iliana de la Vega, owner of the Mexican restaurant El Naranjo in Austin, Texas, said she secured appointments for all 12 of her employees out of gratitude that they stuck with her through shutdown orders and capacity restrictions that ate into their pay.

Some workers hesitated at first but were quickly persuaded with the promise of a day off, De la Vega said.

A couple of them said, `We are not sure. I said, Thats not an option. Take it or leave it. Who knows when you will be able to get it again?' de la Vega said.

Losing Interest

Despite the growing number of companies offering on-site vaccinations, there are signs that some may have lost interest. In March, when vaccine eligibility was widening and distribution efforts improving in the U.S., a survey by the consulting firm Gartner found 30% of companies planned to bring vaccines to their employees. That was down from 42% in January, when distribution was still spotty and obtaining appointments was still extremely difficult for most people.

The speed of the rollout has exceeded their expectations so companies are realizing they can take a back seat, said Brian Kropp, chief of research at Gartners human resources practice.

Vaccinating employees is also less urgent for a growing number of companies that are adopting permanent remote-work policies, Kropp said. While nearly two-thirds of companies plan to reopen their workplaces by the end of this year, the majority say they will allow many employees to keep working from home at least some days, according to Gartner, which surveyed 300 companies.

Nonetheless, prominent companies continue to join the list of those offering on-site vaccinations.

Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers opened up on-site vaccinations Monday in Michigan, Kansas and Ohio. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine had initially put a stop to workplace clinics out of concern they would tie up supply, but he allowed them to resume last week as demand dropped at the states mass vaccination sites.

Amazon launched its long-anticipated on-site vaccinations last month in Kansas, Missouri and Nevada. Warehouse and other front-line workers can sign up for shots at kiosks or through Amazons employee app.

Yogurt maker Chobani, which employs 2,200 people in the U.S., partnered with a local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of its employees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, according to the companys chief People and Culture Officer Grace Zuncic.

Airlines and Agriculture

American Airlines, Subaru, chicken producer Mountaire Farms, and agricultural equipment maker Vermeer are among 40 companies that brought vaccines to their employees through partnerships with Premise Health, a direct health care provider. American Airlines is administering vaccines at airports in Chicago, Charlotte, Tulsa and Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the company.

At least 25,000 people have been vaccinated through the partnerships, said Premise President Jami Doucette. He expects that number to climb into the millions.

Tyson Foods, one of the worlds largest food companies, said it has vaccinated nearly 40,000 employees _ nearly one-third of its workforce _ at vaccination events in 16 states. Tyson also expanded its on-site event last week to include eligible family members of employees.

Bob Reinhard, who is leading Tysons vaccination effort, said a minority of employees have refused to get vaccinated while some others are interested but want more information and dont want to go first.

That secondary group is now coming around, Reinhard said.

Employer-organized vaccination events, along with incentives such as bonuses or paid time off, allow companies to keep track of how many employees get vaccinated. Employer are legally allowed to require the vaccine, but the vast majority have shied away from doing so; some say it doesnt make sense to do so until everyone is eligible and there is sufficient supply.

Still, the idea is gaining some traction. While Gartners March survey showed just 8% of companies planned to require employees to show proof of vaccinations, that number was up from 2% in January.

Chobani, which says it has avoided outbreaks at its plants and has seen few positive cases among employees, has not ruled out requiring the vaccines, Zuncic said. The company plans to assess how many of its workers have been vaccinated by midyear.

Its a discussion that continues, Zuncic said. We want to get a pulse and sense of how far along we are.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics COVID-19 Talent
In a push to dominate global financial technology, the Chinese government is aiming to roll out the world's first state-backed digital currency.

Why it matters: China's new currency could set global standards for the use of national digital currencies  and give Beijing unprecedented visibility and control over domestic financial transactions.

At least 60 countries are exploring the use of an official digital currency, but China is furthest along in making those plans a reality, while the U.S. has largely sat on the sidelines.

What's happening: The Chinese government has started pilot programs in Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities that give small amounts of the currency, known as the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), to residents on a lottery system, with a limited number of retailers participating.

Chinese officials have stated they hope DCEP is ready for wider use in time for the Beijing Olympics in February 2022.

Some officials also hope DCEP could help internationalize China's currency, though China's tight capital controls have made the renminbi less attractive for international transactions.

The big picture: Rolling out a national digital currency offers several advantages.

Improving efficiency in the financial system. Cash and coins are inefficient and expensive to store.

Cash and coins are inefficient and expensive to store. Reducing systemic risk. The existing system is owned by private companies. Should Alipay or WeChat pay [go] bankrupt, which is extremely unlikely, it creates systematic risk, Trivium China analyst Linghao Bao told CNBC. A government alternative would provide a layer of security.

The existing system is owned by private companies. Should Alipay or WeChat pay [go] bankrupt, which is extremely unlikely, it creates systematic risk, Trivium China analyst Linghao Bao told CNBC. A government alternative would provide a layer of security. Spurring innovation. A state-backed digital currency could potentially provide a host of new opportunities for businesses, tech companies, and trade.

But it isn't just about efficiency and innovation. Chinese officials have made it clear that they view the digital currency as a key staging ground for global geopolitical competition, according to a January report by Yaya Fanusie and Emily Jin of the Center for a New American Security.

Fintech is the commanding heights of future global financial competition," Chinese central bank vice-governor Fan Yifei said in November 2019. Whoever grasps this advanced productive capability will possess the strongest core competitiveness in finance."

Background: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum exist on a decentralized ledger and are intended to skirt controls by governments or companies. But DCEP would be managed directly by China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC).

Chinese officials have said DCEP offers "controllable anonymity"  meaning payments could be anonymous to companies and other users but not to the government.

In the hands of an authoritarian government, a digital currency also offers unprecedented surveillance and control. Never before has a government ever had access to individual user transactions directly. Technology hasnt allowed that, Fanusie told Axios.

"DCEP offers a direct route for the government to cut a person off from payments, from their funds, from their accounts. Right now, the government has to go through a private company or a bank to do that."

This capability could be used to reduce criminal abuse of the financial system, but also in theory to monitor and shut down the accounts of dissidents, human rights activists, persecuted groups such as Uyghurs, and others engaging in non-criminal behavior that the Chinese Communist Party may want to suppress.

What to watch: Though DCEP could help internationalize the renminbi to a moderate degree, it's unlikely to challenge the U.S. dollar any time soon.

But international DCEP transactions could bypass SWIFT, the most widely used international payments system, making it easier for people and governments to evade U.S. financial sanctions.

Go deeper: What central bank digital currencies mean for crypto
The jury returned a guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin, but the former police officer will retain his pension. Derek Chauvin was dismissed from the police department and was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of George Floyd. The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association reported to Newsweek that he would continue to be eligible for retirement benefits.

Dereck Chauvin found guilty but will keep his pension

"Derek Chauvin is already eligible for a pension, regardless of today's result. He will start a monthly benefit reduced for early retirement at the age of 50 or an unreduced benefit at the age of 55," according to an email sent by spokesperson Doug Anderson. Last month, Chauvin marked his 45th birthday.

According to a CNN analysis of police payroll, salary, and contract details, Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in taxpayer-funded pension benefits during his retirement years. The former police officer will be eligible for state pension payments of up to $50,000 a year. While certain state statutes call for the revocation of benefits for employers accused of felonies relating to their employment, no such relinquishment is required in Minnesota.

Employees dismissed in Minnesota, whether willingly or for cause, are entitled to future benefits until they agree to surrender those benefits in exchange for a refund on all contributions made during their employment. If they want to get a rebate, they will not be eligible for any employer-funded benefits. In the event of death, there is an exemption for pension members.

Indianapolis FedEx Shooting Suspected as Hate Crime Against Sikh Community

These benefits are complicated to strip away from employees who have contractually guaranteed coverage. Police unions have worked tirelessly to keep these pensions financed by various taxpayers, workers, and investment returns.

Pensions will be stripped away from police officers who have been accused of a crime in less than half of the states. Some states allow pensions to be revoked for specific crimes, such as sexual crimes, but not for convictions by officers who use excessive force.

According to Newsweek, the former cop was found guilty of all three charges of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter by a jury in the Derek Chauvin trial on Tuesday. Floyd's daughter, Gianna, and Gianna's mother, Roxie Washington, have also pushed for changes to police pension policies in the past.

Police Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Mistakenly Fired Gun Instead of Using Taser, Police Chief Claims

Derek Chauvin expected to file an appeal of a guilty verdict

Derek Chauvin, who was fired after being found guilty of the three charges against him, can still file an appeal, as per USA Today. However, given that 90 percent of petitions in the United States are rejected, the chances are skewed against him.

It is also inevitable that the lawsuit will be appealed. But criminal defense analysts say it is unclear what questions Derek Chauvin's lawyers would bring before the appeals court. The case's huge exposure and the judge's rejection of lead defense counsel Eric Nelson's repeated attempts to move the case out of Minneapolis or sequester the jury during the trial to protect them from any news or mention of the case are the possible grounds for appeal.

Judge Peter Cahill, a meticulous jurist, declined to approve Nelson's appeals, which he made at the start of the case and during the trial, especially after the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Black motorist by a white cop in nearby Brooklyn Center. Daunte Wright, who was killed just 10 miles from the Chauvin courthouse, triggered widespread demonstrations and violence in the predominantly blue-collar, diverse neighborhood of 30,000 people.

Another possibility is Chauvin alleging ineffective legal representation. According to experts, it would be a less likely appeal to prosper, but one might end up in defensive materials. Nelson did not raise several questions, which may have been a deliberate strategy to avoid upsetting the jury or prolonging the evidence and memorializing it.

Daunte Wright, George Floyd Come From Same Minneapolis Area, Have Lots in Common

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A U.S. Customs and Protection vehicle stands beside a sign reading that the border is closed to non-essential traffic at the Canada-United States border crossing at the Thousand Islands Bridge, to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada on September 28, 2020. (Lars Hagberg/File Photo)

Canada-US Land Border Restrictions, Hotel Quarantine Extended

OTTAWACanada and the United States on Tuesday extended a land-border closure for non-essential travelers, and air passengers arriving in Canada will continue to be tested for COVID-19 ahead of a hotel quarantine period, authorities said.

The land-border restrictions, imposed in March 2020, have been extended to May 21. Now in place for 13 months, they are being renewed month by month. Mexico said late on Monday it was maintaining some of its border curbs too.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it was engaged in discussions with Canada and Mexico about easing restrictions as health conditions improve.

The restrictions have hit many border communities and businesses hard. Many U.S. lawmakers have urged loosening the restrictions or setting a road map to resuming normalized travel.

But Canada lags the United States on vaccinations against the coronavirus, and much of the country is now fighting a virulent third wave of the pandemic with school and business closures.

Canadas mandatory three-day hotel quarantine following testing at airports, which was introduced as a temporary measure to discourage spring break travel, was also extended to May 21, health authorities said.

In February, Canada began testing and requiring international air arrivals to pay for a three-day hotel quarantine, a measure criticized by airlines squeezed by the pandemic. More flight restrictions may be coming.

We are continuing to look at more (measures), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a news conference. I have asked our officials to look carefully at, for example, what the UK has done very recently on suspending flights from India.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault also expressed concern on Tuesday about international flights from India and Braziltwo of the worlds worst hot spots for the coronavirus.

Air travelers to Canada are required to have had a test within three days of departure, and then again on arrival. If the airport text comes back negative, they can finish a 14-day quarantine at home.

However, data obtained by Reuters showed that more than 1,000 passengers, or 1.5% of those who arrived from Feb. 22 to March 25, tested positive for COVID-19, raising doubt about a broad easing of restrictions before the summer travel season.

By Steve Scherer
"Apple AirTags vs. Tile" is one of the most searched queries in Google and other social media platforms as the new object tracker from the Cupertino company debuted for people to prevent losing things. However, some speculations claimed it was a copy from Tile, as part of the "monopolistic" and antitrust approach of Apple, known to be caught up in this.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been gunning for the different Big Tech companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and others for the Antitrust laws which they allegedly breached. These companies' growth, ventures, and products were all under review from the FTC to determine if they have violated any laws of commerce and business.

The Antitrust presents a fair and level playing field for all American businesses for all of the industries, and it does not matter if it is big or small as it aims to promote equity among all. Recently, Apple was caught in an antitrust issue in France, saying that its recent iOS 14.4 have been running personalized advertisements without people's consent.

Read Also: Apple iMac, iPad Pro M1, Purple iPhone, AirTags, and MORE-Round-up of Spring Loaded Event and All Releases

Apple AirTags vs. Tile

According to a report from The Hill, while it was a joy for Apple to release its awaited AirTags to the public, it is not something to be marveled upon, as it was a "copy" from a Bluetooth tracker company called "Tile." This venture from Apple was rumored and speculated since last 2020, and has been awaited from the company.

The harsh words against Apple for the AirTags-Tile copy came from the Coalition for App Fairness, which targets the Cupertino company's products and performance in the industry. Here, they release different statements which give new perspectives on Apple's releases and innovations that are allegedly violating the antitrust laws.

 THREAD: on Apple #AirTags Announcement at #AppleEvent 



Apple AirTags are the latest example of technology ripped off from a competitor after years of harmful and monopolistic tactics.  Coalition for App Fairness (@appfairness) April 20, 2021



Being a massive company that has established itself worldwide, Apple has the power to sell almost anything, despite being rip-offs or copies from other companies, says the Coalition. They have been appealing to different authorities regarding Apple's releases, and the most recent attack of the group was against the AirTags.

Apple Antitrust Again?

Currently, there is no FTC enforcement on the Antitrust laws against Apple regarding the release of the AirTags that were said to be "rip-offs" from Tile or other companies that released recently. However, the Coalition has already been pushing for petitions against the Cupertino company, with regards to the April 20 released Bluetooth trackers.

Apple has a pending antitrust case with FTC, going alongside Google, which requires them to send witnesses to the hearing with several senators.

Related Article: French Antitrust Investigators Looking Into Imposing Penalty on Google After Failure to Follow Negotiation Procedures

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Australia has been enlisted by Indonesia to help in the desperate search for a missing military submarine with 53 sailors on board.

The German-made KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters about 96 kilometres north of the island of Bali on Wednesday, but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said.

Officials fear the vessel sank to the bottom of a trough with a depth of 2,300ft during the torpedo military exercise. The navy has deployed a number of warships to search for the missing crew.

'After permission was given according to the procedure, the submarine lost contact and could not be reached,' Indonesia's Defence Ministry said.

The ministry confirmed Australia has responded to requests for assistance, along with Singapore and India.

An aerial search by a helicopter later found an oil spill in waters where the submarine was thought to have submerged. The navy deployed two vessels with sonar capability to assist the hunt, the ministry said.

The search continues for a missing Indonesian submarine. Pictured is a a search and rescue ship involved in the search on Wednesday night

The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402 (file photo of the submarine), has gone missing with 53 people on board

The navy requested help from other nations with submarine rescue vessels and Australia, Singapore and India have responded, the ministry said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia would provide assistance in whatever way possible.

'We are obviously very concerned about these reports. It's very distressing for families and particularly for the Indonesian Navy,' she told AM.

'We've indicated that we will help in any way we can. We operate very different submarines from this one, but the Australian Defence Force and Australian Defence organisation will work with defence operations in Indonesia to determine what we may be able to do.

Australia has responded to Indonesia's request for help in the search mission (pictured Wednesday night)

The submarine was conducting a torpedo drill in waters about 96 kilometres north of the island of Bali

'We will go to the support of our neighbour in any way we can.'

Independent Australian senator Rex Patrick, who is a former submariner, said it was a 'chilling reminder' of how dangerous submarine service can be.

'You never know what can eventuate in these situations. I wish our Indonesian friends the very best in their endeavours to quickly find the submarine and I know that the RAN and RAAF will offer all available support in assisting the Indonesian Navy,' Senator Patrick said.

TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said contact with the submarine was lost at around 4.30am local time on Wednesday morning.

The Indonesian navy spent Wednesday night searching for the KRI Nanggala submarine that went missing north of the resort island of Bali with a number of people on board

'We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles from Bali, (for) 53 people,' military chief Hadi Tjahjanto told Reuters in a text message.

Missing Naggala 402 Age: 44 years after being built in 1977 Top speed: 25 knots (46 km/hr) Range: 8,200 nautical miles (15,200 km) Maximum diving depth: 843ft Weight: 1,395 tons Length: 65 yards Fuel: Powered by four electric deisel engines Armaments: 14 torpedos located in eight tubes. It is also equipped with a CSU-3-2 suite type sonar Built in: Lubeck, Germany Advertisement

He added: 'Tomorrow I will immediately go to the location.'

Military analyst Soleman Ponto said it is too early to determine the fate of the submarine conclusively.

'We don't know yet whether the communication equipments were broken or the submarine has sunken. We have to wait for at least three days,' he said.

The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1977, according to the defense ministry, and joined Indonesian fleet in 1981. It underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012.

Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago.

But now it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels.

Indonesia has been seeking to modernise its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents in recent years.

In 2016, an Indonesian air force transport plane crashed into a mountain, killing all 13 people board, during a training exercise in the remote region of Papua.

In 2015, an Indonesian military transport plane crashed into a northern residential area two minutes after takeoff, killing more than 100 people.

An aerial search by a helicopter found an oil spill in waters where the submarine (file photo) was thought to have submerged

While the Southeast Asian archipelago has not previously suffered a major submarine disaster, other countries have been struck by accidents in the past.

Among them was the horrific sinking in 2000 of the Kursk, the pride of Russia's Northern Fleet.

The submarine was on manoeuvres in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000 when it sank with the loss of all 118 aboard. An inquiry found a torpedo had exploded, detonating all the others.

In 2018, authorities found the wreckage of a missing Argentine submarine that had gone missing a year earlier.

Crushed from an implosion, the ARA San Juan was located at a depth of more than 900 metres (3,000 feet) in a desolate area of undersea craters and canyons 400 kilometres (250 miles) off the coast of Argentina.

The accident took the lives of 44 sailors.

Then, in 2019, a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean over 50 years ago was found.

The diesel-electric Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 27, 1968.

The Minerve was on a training mission in bad weather when it went down while returning to its base in Toulon, France's main Mediterranean naval port.

Experts have speculated that the disaster was caused by a problem with the Minerve's rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems.
Last May, following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, the police department released a press statement headlined, Man dies after medical incident during police interaction. The statement said that officers responded to a forgery and that the suspect seemed under the influence; he resisted arrest, fell suddenly under medical distress, and died in a hospital. It said no weapons were used and no officers were harmed. Hours later, a video, shot by seventeen-year-old Darnella Frazier, revealed the interaction: Chauvin kneeled on Floyds neck, as Floyd cried out that he couldnt breathe and onlookers pleaded with Chauvin to stop, until Floyd became unresponsive.

Yesterday, in the late afternoon, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. CNN broadcast the final moments of Chauvins trial live, next to footage of a celebratory scene outside the courthouse. Lets get immediate reaction from Don Lemon, Wolf Blitzer said. Lemon responded, Justice has been served. You can see the reaction from the crowd, how America feels. On MSNBC, Jason Johnson, a regular contributor to the networks coverage, told anchor Nicolle Wallace, What this says to me is that in order to get a nominal degree of justice in the country is that a Black man has to be murdered, on air, viewed by the entire world That doesnt make me feel happy. Michael Steele, another commentator and the former chair of the Republican National Committee, disagreed, saying at one moment, the system worked.

To agree with Lemon or Johnson or Steele is beside the point. After years of American popular protests, cable news still turns away from the grassroots, not only when seeking policy solutions but even when documenting reactions. As Alden Woods, an Arizona Republic reporter, put it, Why have news networks chosen more airtime for pundits over listening to the people of Minneapolis, who are literally on the screen right now.

Much news coverage of the verdict channeled a sense of jubilancethrough punditry, and through the views of those figures media organizations chose to highlight; police unions, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Reverend Al Sharpton, among others, all praised the outcome of the trial. Such a ubiquitous focus on the verdict, filtered through familiar figures, narrowed the scope of justice to a single trial and its outcomeas though to suggest, if all these people can agree that the verdict was just, whats not to celebrate? Its an odd tension for newsrooms that spent last summer debating the merits of abolitionism. What if we were to grapple with what it means to not rely on policing? Josie Duffy Rice asked last year in CJR, in a conversation about media coverage of police abolition. I think that when this feels theoretical to you as a journalist, those conversations seem too big and too unnecessary and too leftist and too pie-in-the-sky. Theyre not. Theyre actually crucial for us to evolve as a country.

Many of the simplistic notions of justice relayed by news outlets were betrayed by coverage of how law enforcement had prepared for the possibility of protests last night. The Times, for example, wrote that police chiefs are urging protesters to be peaceful, despite reporting which showed that police officers had acted violently last summer during the protests that followed Floyds murder. As the writer Alex Pareene noted, the coast-to-coast police and military buildup in advance of this moment shows precisely how far we are from any true justice.

The concerns that powered protests and broad efforts at police abolition persist beyond one trial. News media reported at least three fatal police shootingstwo in Colorado, and one in Ohioin the day before jurors delivered Chauvins verdict. Much of the early coverage of those shootings hinged on statements from law enforcement officials, despite reportingfrom CJR and otherswhich details how the police have lied to the public through the press. No surprise, then, that many wondered, after Chauvins verdict arrived, how the trials outcome might have looked if Frazier hadnt filmed the fatal encounter.

In the moments that the press turned to Floyds family, the scope of the story expanded. This is a pivotal moment in history, Philonise Floyd, Georges brother, said to CNNs Sara Sidner. All I can think about is Emmett Till. I think about Sandra Bland, I think about Ms. Carr, Eric Garner. Its so many people. We have new people being killed, Daunte Wright. I think about Jacob Blake. I think about Philando Castile. All of these people, theyre all dead. We all need justice, were all fighting for one reason, and its justice for all. I think today has been an occasion where people can celebrate. But tomorrow its back to business.

Below, more on police violence and the Chauvin verdict

MaKhia Bryant: Last night at a press conference, police in Columbus, Ohio released body camera footage after an officer fatally shot MaKhia Bryant, a Black teenager. The Columbus Dispatch called the near-immediate release of the video unprecedented. The states Bureau of Criminal Investigation will lead the investigation into the killing, the Dispatch reported, as is typical in instances of police shootings in Columbus.

Last night at a press conference, police in Columbus, Ohio released body camera footage after an officer fatally shot MaKhia Bryant, a Black teenager. The Columbus Dispatch called the near-immediate release of the video unprecedented. The states Bureau of Criminal Investigation will lead the investigation into the killing, the Dispatch reported, as is typical in instances of police shootings in Columbus. Doxxing and the jury: On Monday, Abby Simons, an editor with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, tweeted the papers article about who comprised the jury. Thousands of people responded, many of whom accused Simons of doxxing the jury; in reality, the court released this information on television. Andy Mannix, a courts reporter for the Star Tribune, tweeted, This is perpetuated by people with large platforms who know/should know better but still are putting local reporters safety at risk for bonus likes, linking to a tweet from Jesse Kelly, a conservative talk show host, promising to track down and publish the information of any journalist who doxxes one of these jurors. Mark Vancleave, a photojournalist with the paper, tweeted, My colleagues are being dragged by an internet mob for doing their job of sharing useful and timely information with our communityand doing it well.

On Monday, Abby Simons, an editor with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, tweeted the papers article about who comprised the jury. Thousands of people responded, many of whom accused Simons of doxxing the jury; in reality, the court released this information on television. Andy Mannix, a courts reporter for the Star Tribune, tweeted, This is perpetuated by people with large platforms who know/should know better but still are putting local reporters safety at risk for bonus likes, linking to a tweet from Jesse Kelly, a conservative talk show host, promising to track down and publish the information of any journalist who doxxes one of these jurors. Mark Vancleave, a photojournalist with the paper, tweeted, My colleagues are being dragged by an internet mob for doing their job of sharing useful and timely information with our communityand doing it well. The local view: The pages of the Star Tribune covered elation and relief felt among the people of Minneapolis after the verdict arrived. Minneapolis Public Radio led with the response among local officials, who promised further systemic change. The Pioneer Press in the Twin Cities also reported on celebration in the air and spoke with Valerie Castile, Philando Castiles mother, who told the paper, I was elated, just ecstatic. And the Sahan Journal called the verdict a long-delayed reckoning with racism and police violence, in a piece published alongside an article questioning why there hasnt been a federal investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.

Other notable stories:

The Village Voice, New Yorks famed alt-weekly, is back. Peter Barbey ended editorial production in 2018; two years later, Brain Calle acquired the paper. He told the Los Angeles Times in January that he saw the Voice fulfilling a vital rolein its muckraking investigations and its nightlife coveragein a post-Covid world. Calles tenure at the LA Weekly has been marked by layoffs, disinvestment from investigations, and a rightward turn. Still, the new Voice went live, in print, on Saturday.

Today, shareholders of Tribune Publishing will vote on whether to accept Alden Global Capitals purchase officer, the Washington Post reported. After a small number of billionaires showed interest in saving some of the countrys best newspapers from a hedge fund notorious for cutting resources, they appeared to have changed their minds. It seems the hedge fund may still win in the end. Stewart Bainum, the hotel magnate who had worked to challenge Aldens bid, said he was still seeking to put together a group of investors to buy the company, owner of the Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun and other papers, the Post wrote. And Tribune signaled this weekend it would be open to hearing any such proposal, should it emerge.

NBC Newss Dylan Byers reported on shakeups at the top level of network morning shows. They betray a larger trend: In the era of streaming and social media, when the audience for broadcast news is in sharp decline and the companies are navigating a tricky transition to digital, the entire industry faces an unsettled future. Last week, Jon Allsop wrote for CJR about the current high level turnover in journalisms leadership posts and what it says about the state of our industry.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Savannah Jacobson is a contributor to CJR and a reporter and writer based in New York.
OKLAHOMA CITY, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E), a subsidiary of Oklahoma City-based OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE), announced today that it will expand its Choctaw Nation/OG&E Solar Energy Center in Durant, Oklahoma by an additional 5-megawatts (MW), bringing the total solar capacity to 10 MW. OG&E will construct, own and operate the additional 5MW expansion, which is expected to come online by the end of 2021.

"We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Choctaw Nation with this expansion of the Solar Energy Center in Durant," said OGE Energy Chairman, President and CEO Sean Trauschke. "OG&E remains an industry leader in reducing its impact on the environment, while at the same time maintaining some of the lowest rates in the nation. With this addition, we continue to advance our popular customer driven renewable energy offerings."

"The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma welcomes the opportunity to expand our commitment to renewable energy. We are excited to grow our partnership with OG&E and give back to our Mother Earth by utilizing a safe, reliable energy source that is environmentally friendly and will further reduce our carbon footprint in Southeast Oklahoma," said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

OG&E is also currently building a 5 MW solar facility in Branch, Arkansas which should be completed in the second half of 2021. This will be the company's first universal solar offering to Arkansas customers.

As with wind, OG&E built the first solar facility in the state and was the first in Oklahoma to offer universal solar energy to customers with the construction of its solar installation at Mustang Energy Center, located in Mustang, Oklahoma. Universal solar provides higher solar output and the opportunity for all customers to add solar energy to their personal energy portfolios without the upfront expense or the long-term maintenance costs of rooftop solar. A portion of the Durant solar expansion will be available for all OG&E's Oklahoma-based customers. To sign up for OG&E solar and be added to the solar wait list customers can go to oge.com/solar.

About OG&E

Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE), is Oklahoma's largest electric utility. For more than a century, we have provided customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes with the nation's lowest electric rates, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Our employees are committed to generating and delivering electricity, protecting the environment, and providing excellent service to nearly 867,000 customers. OG&E has 7,120 MW of electric generation capacity fueled by natural gas, low-sulfur coal, wind, and solar. OG&E employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve. For more information about OG&E, visit us at http://www.oge.com or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ogepower and Twitter: @OGandE.

About Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with close to 200,000 tribal members and more than 10,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.

SOURCE OGE Energy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.oge.com






[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

Guardian Games returns to Destiny 2 today, allowing Guardians everywhere to compete for glory as their favorite class. During a cease fire with the Cabal Empress Caiatl, Vanguard leader Zavala raises class banners and the spirits of Guardians as he calls for the class competition to commence once more.



Hunters, Warlocks and Titans will go head-to-head in challenges that will test their bravery, skill, and resolve. These challenges will award laurels from Eva Levante as the Guardians complete Contender Cards and Triumphs during the Guardian Games. Each week is a new chance to be recognized as the top class. Check out the Destiny 2 Guardian Games trailer below:



UK [PEGI]: https://youtu.be/MUlOopP7Ddw

US [ESRB]: https://youtu.be/RbvCFxOVqno

Guardians can earn several rewards through the course of Guardian Games, such as the Heir Apparent Exotic Machine Gun and catalyst, an Exotic Sparrow, Legendary class items, two emblems and two shaders. Eververse will have a new Guardian Games Universal Ornament Set with glowing class items, a new weapon ornament for Heir Apparent, sporting Exotic emotes, and more on offer. Bungie Rewards will also be available for Guardians who have finished the opening quest, allowing them to pick up the Guardian Games track jacket. Players who participate in the Guardian Games Closing Ceremony can pick up a gold pin commemorating winning class.



At the end of each week, podium ceremonies will grant gold, silver and bronze auras to each class that will last for the following week. The winning class will be recognized at the Guardian Games Closing Ceremonies May 7-9, along with a trophy displayed in the Tower to showcase the winning class for the next year.



Starting today, Guardian Games is a free event for all players, with Closing Ceremonies taking place from May 7th to May 11th.

For more on Guardian Games click here.

For more on Season of the Chosen click here.

For more on Destiny 2: Beyond Light click here. FOLLOW DESTINY

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A Gumtree scammer with a passion for fashion who conned men online and ran over one of her victims should escape prison time because she has an intellectual disability and a low IQ, her lawyers have argued.

Brylie Stratton, 22, showed off her expensive taste for designer labels when she arrived at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday sporting a $1,200 Givenchy jumper.

She has pleaded guilty to a string of charges including theft, car theft, willfully damaging property, failing to comply with a court order, and attempted theft.

The court heard Stratton targeted Melbourne sellers on the popular classified website posing as a potential buyer using the fake alias of 'Molly Sue.'

She would then arrange to meet up with the sellers before driving off with their goods without paying.

Gumtree scammer Brylie Stratton (pictured) could avoid jail time, despite pleading guilty to a string of serious charges including theft, car theft, wilfully damaging property, failing to comply with a court order, and attempted theft

In one incident in June last year, Stratton bashed a man's face with the MacBook Pro laptop she was trying to steal as he tried to stop her from driving away by reaching into the car window before he lost his grip and fell from the car.

The victim spent two days in hospital, where he underwent surgery for a badly injured foot and received stitches for a gash above his eye.

The court also heard Stratton met up with two sellers within hours of each other on July 30.

Stratton met one victim in Melbourne CBD to inspect his iPhone before snatching it from the passenger seat of the car she and an associate stole and fled.

The father-of-four rushed to hospital with serious leg and arm injuries after he was run over and dragged 50 metres down Little Bourke Street.

Just hours before stealing the iPhone, Stratton had done a runner on another man in north-east Melbourne by stealing his $1400 Apple MacBook Pro laptop.

Brylie Stratton (pictured) wore a $1,200 Givenchy jumper as she arrived at court in Melbourne on Tuesday

Stratton's shocking crime spree ended after police raided her Coburg home a week later.

Officers found a treasure trove of luxury goods, including three Louis Vuitton bags, a Louis Vuitton purse, a Gucci purse, an Apple Watch and a Kathmandu jacket, along with $450 cash.

Stratton's lawyer claimed she could be rehabilitated in the community and that she should be considered for a court treatment program because she has a low IQ of 68 and struggles to remember scheduled appointments.

The lawyer also argued Stratton had a intellectual disability and suspected ADHD, NCA NewsWire reported.

Magistrate Angela Bolger agreed Stratton was a suitable candidate while offering a stern advice.

She warned the program was Stratton's 'one and only' chance to avoid time behind bars and that she must attend every court-ordered appointment and assessment

She warned the program was Stratton's 'one and only' chance to avoid time behind bars and that she must attend every court-ordered appointment and assessment.

'Don't think for a moment I'm not serious when I say to you  if you don't take up this opportunity, if you continue to do what you were doing - you will end up in jail,' the magistrate told the young woman.

Stratton will be sentenced next month.

She left court shielding her face with her hands and made no comment while surrounded by a media scrum.

A co-accused, 17, also linked to the crime spree remains on bail awaiting trial.
[April 21, 2021] DSS's Premier Packaging Subsidiary Expands Operations with New 105,000 Sq. Ft. Facility to Meet Growing Customer Demand

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Document Security Systems, Inc. (DSS or the Company) (NYSE American: DSS), a multinational company operating businesses in consumer packaging, brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, renewable energy, and securitized digital assets, today announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Packaging Corporation (Premier), will move its operations into a new 105,000 square-foot facility to meet growing customer demand. Premier expects to be operational in the new space, located in the Town of Henrietta, NY, approximately 15 miles from its current operations in Victor, NY, by the end of 2021.

For over 25 years, Premier has been a market leader in providing solutions for paperboard packaging from heavy mailing envelops and photo sleeves, to sophisticated custom folding cartons and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. Premiers innovative designs deliver functionality, marketability, sustainability, and anti-counterfeiting technology. Since taking over in July 2019, the DSS management team has accelerated the transformation of Premiers operations, investing in new manufacturing equipment, people, and processes to increase its capacity, improve quality and delivery, and ensure it has the horsepower it needs to support its growing customer base and their evolving demands. Premiers continued success is the result of our teams dedication and commitment to quality and customer care. Leading with this customer-centric approach has paved the way for expansion through new business opportunities and continues to strengthen our organizations culture. We look forward to the next phase of expanding and investing in our products, service, and team, said Premier President and DSS Chief Operating Officer, Jason Grady. We are grateful to Empire State Development (ESD), Greater Rochester Enterprise, and New York Power Authority for providing Premier with an opportunity to advance our business. As a multinational company we had several options when considering a new location, but with the help of ESD and New York State, we are able to continue to call this area home. The Upstate NY and Finger Lakes region is an ideal place for us to operate our business, service our customer base, and further expand our offerings, continued Grady. ESD is assisting Premier by providing up to $700,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments, with additional assistance commitments to support continued growth from Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise. Todd Macko, interim-CFO of DSS, stated, This is a key move to support the continued growth and market leadership of Premier. The added benefits of tax credits and other incentives make this an economically advantaged deal as well. We continue to build on our momentum amidst growing customer demand, added Bruce Stratton, VP of Operations at Premier. We will be able to increase staffing by more than 50% when we begin operations at the new facility later this year. With greatr access to major interstates nearby and a closer proximity to the strong Rochester workforce, the new manufacturing operation is well suited to support our aggressive growth plans.



About Premier Packaging Corporation

For over 25 years Premier has been a market leader in providing innovative and secure solutions for printing and packaging. Premier is the Packaging, Security and Commercial Printing division of DSS. With operations based in Victor, NY (moving to Henrietta, NY) and nationwide distribution, Premier services a variety of both nationally and regionally based customers. Premiers client list includes customers in the direct marketing, medical device, consumer goods, photo marketing and food industries. Premier differentiates itself by being a full service, end-to-end solution provider that is large enough to be a complete resource to its largest clients while still remaining nimble enough to react to ever changing market and customer demands when necessary. For more information, visit https://www.dsssecure.com/packaging/index.html.

About Document Security Systems, Inc. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses focused on brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets. Its business model is based on a distribution sharing system in which shareholders will receive shares in its subsidiaries as DSS strategically spins them out into IPOs. Its historic business revolves around counterfeit deterrent and authentication technologies, smart packaging, and consumer product engagement. DSS is led by its Chairman and largest shareholder, Mr. Fai Chan, a highly successful global business veteran of more than 40 years specializing in corporate transformation while managing risk. He has successfully restructured more than 35 corporations with a combined value of $25 billion. For more information on DSS visit http://www.dsssecure.com .

Investor Contact:

Dave Gentry, CEO

RedChip Companies Inc.

407-491-4498

Dave@redchip.com Safe Harbor Disclosure This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's intended use of proceeds and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of development activities; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; our need for substantial additional funds; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, our reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations, and beliefs. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.



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While for many of us stripping off in front of an entire audience is the stuff of nightmares, for others, it's a chosen reality.

Melissa Edden, from the UK, stripped completely starkers on Channel 4 show Naked Attraction two-and-a-half years ago in the hope of meeting her match based initially on physical attraction.

The former contestant, who had a 'normal office job' at the time, has now spilled the beans on how the show gave her the 'confidence' to make a career move into the adult industry.

Speaking to Metro about returning to work after her episode aired, Melissa said: It was extremely awkward. Everyone was silent when I walked in the office the day after it aired.

'I just had to laugh it off. I dont know how I did it.

Melissa Edden, from the UK, stripped completely starkers on Channel show Naked Attraction two-and-a-half years ago in the hope of meeting her match based initially on physical attraction

The former contestant (picured), who had a 'normal office job' at the time, has now spilled the beans on how the show gave her the 'confidence' to make a career move into the adult industry

Melissa was working in a 'normal office job' when she applied for the show. Pictured, on the Channel 4 show

For most, they couldn't be paid enough to bare all in front of the nation, so it may come as a surprise that contestants don't get paid much for appearing on the show.

'You dont get paid for the show, you only get paid for expenses and for taking days off work,' explained Melissa. 'I got almost 500, but I only really wanted to go on it for the experience.

'I was a reserve at first so I was there for three full days. For the days youre not used they pay you 75.

Melissa admitted that she was reluctant to go on the show at first but after receiving a message a few weeks later confirming she had got through to the interview stage and a train ticket had been booked, she headed on her way.

Melissa (pictured) admitted that she was reluctant to go on the show at first but after receiving a message a few weeks later confirming she had got through to the interview stage and a train ticket had been booked, she headed on her way

Melissa (pictured on the show) explained that guests are put up in a hotel and woken up at 7am, where they are then asked to meet in a lounge area - with two episodes set to be filmed in one day

Melissa explained you dont get paid for the show, only for expenses taking days off work. Pictured, one the show

There, she found herself stood in front of two women where she was expected to engage in conversation as normal.

'They asked me loads of questions,' she explained. 'Then halfway through, they were like: Right, get completely naked! It was so random.

Melissa got through, and told how guests are put up in a hotel and woken up at 7am, where they are then asked to meet in a lounge area - with two episodes set to be filmed in one day.

She went on to explain that even if you're not in the first episode, the early wake-up call still applies.

Melissa (pictured) was surprised by how strict it was when it came to going to the toilet, with staff members having to lead contestants there separately to ensure they are kept away from those they were filming with during the day

Melissa (pictured on holiday) said that the studio is kept 'cold probably one reason'

Melissa, who says the studio is kept 'cold probably one reason,' added contestants are encouraged to wait in a chill-out area which has Netflix until their name is called, at which point they're taken down for hair and makeup.

But Melissa was surprised by how strict it was when it came to going to the toilet, with staff members having to lead contestants there separately to ensure they are kept away from those they were filming with during the day.

But while has praised the show for chasing her life 'massively,' others have received negative comments which have impacted their mental health.

'It just depends on peoples personalities and attitudes towards it, Melissa explained. You need to be able to brush off comments if you can. If you can do that, then anyone can go on there.
Virgin Atlantic is expecting to resume all of its flights by November, its chief executive announced today after the embattled airline secured a 1.2billion rescue deal and cut nearly half of its workforce.

Speaking at an online conference, Shai Weiss cautioned 'we are by no means out of this situation' and said the company 'will only be satisfied' when 'all our planes are in the sky', which he predicted to be this winter.

Virgin Atlantic is planning for an extra 10 planes to reenter service by November, meaning that all 37 aircraft within the embattled airline's fleet should be in the skies by the end of the year, it is understood.

It comes as wealthy fliers prepare for a summer of international travel by topping up their private jet travel cards, according to one of the industry's big players.

Air Partner said new UK customers added 750,000 worth of deposits to their so-called JetCards with the company in February and March in the hope that foreign holidays can begin again from next month.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We welcome the adoption of a risk-based traffic light framework and that progress is being made towards the resumption of international travel at scale from May 17.

Shai Weiss cautioned 'we are by no means out of this situation' and said Virgin Atlantic 'will only be satisfied' when 'all our planes are in the sky', which he expects to be by November. Virgin Atlantic was founded by multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson in 1984

Virgin Atlantic ncut nearly half its workforce despite completing a 1.2billion rescue

Sir Richard Branson and Virgin airlines Virgin Group boss Sir Richard Branson Virgin Atlantic was founded in 1984 by Sir Richard Branson, who continues to have a 51 per cent stake alongside US airline Delta with 49 per cent. The billionaire Virgin Group boss launched a range of businesses from Virgin Atlantic and his space tourism venture Virgin Galactic, to Virgin Money, Virgin Radio, Virgin Trains, Virgin Cola and Virgin Cosmetic. By 2014, his empire had interests in 200 companies across 30 countries. Sir Richard came under fire last April after he asked for a taxpayer bailout to save sister airline Virgin Australia from collapse during the pandemic. However, in an open letter to staff, he insisted he was not asking for a handout, but a commercial loan, believed to be 500million, after the airline went into administration. Virgin Atlantic then filed for bankruptcy in the US in August, after laying off 3,550 staff and closing its base at London's Gatwick airport. The airline secured a 1.2billion rescue package in September, designed to see it through at least the next 18 months. The package includes a pledge of 200million from Virgin Group, the airline's biggest shareholder, and creditors agreeing to reduce and defer its debts. Advertisement

'Taking into account the UK's successful vaccination programme and declining hospital admissions, travel to and from 'Green' countries should be unrestricted without testing or quarantine needs sufficient time to plan for re-start, including preparing our crews and readying our fleet, so it is it's essential we're provided with a timeline and 'green' list destinations as soon as possible, in order to ramp up operations in line with demand.'

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Weiss predicted Virgin Atlantic is 'getting closer to the resumption of travel at scale'.

'Virgin Atlantic was one of the deepest impacted initially and we took dramatic measures, with tremendous sacrifices for the livelihoods of so many of our excellent people who had done nothing wrong but have lost their jobs,' he said.

'But because we completed the privately-funded recapitalisation on September 4, 2020 and, after that, two further rounds of equity, I believe we're getting closer to the resumption of travel at scale.

'Actually everything we've done throughout this pandemic has been about saving Virgin Atlantic and saving as many jobs as possible.' When asked if that meant there would be no more job losses, he replied: 'I think so.'

Virgin Atlantic reopened its stores in England on April 12 under the Government's roadmap out of lockdown. 'I think we may see a pick-up in bookings in anticipation of the summer months that are coming,' he said.

Mr Weiss joined other airline bosses in criticising the 'traffic light' system to restart global travel. 'For travel between green countries it should be absent quarantine and absent testing,' he told BBC Radio earlier this month.

'There are better ways of doing what the government has set out to do.' He added that the more expensive PCR tests required for travel would put off some customers.

It comes as Air Partner said it saw a 15 per cent rise in sales and renewals of JetCards year-on-year, the company said today. However, this figure is when compared to February and March 2020, when Covid-19 had already started to weigh on international travel.

In the US, sales and renewals were up 54 per cent, and deposits from new customers rose more than five-fold, to 300,000.

'The US private jet market is one vast, domestic market so it has not been subject to the types of restrictions and national lockdowns that we have seen in the UK and Europe,' Air Partner chief executive Mark Briffa said.

'As a result, the skies have remained open and we have seen sustained private leisure flying from high-net-worth individuals in the region.'

He said it was 'no surprise' that the demand continued in February and March with significant deposits for travel in the future.

'In a very encouraging sign, this has also been the case in the UK as confidence returns to this market ahead of the anticipated easing of restrictions.'

JetCard customers charge their cards with flying hours and are able to book a private jet with just one day's notice using the hours on their card.

'The pandemic has really shone a light on the benefits of our JetCard product: for those who are able to reserve private flying hours in advance, it offers unparalleled flexibility and access to a private jet at very short notice,' Mr Briffa said.

'This means it is proving very popular among customers who want to know they can travel easily and safely when lockdown restrictions lift.'

The Government is set to make an announcement soon on whether it will allow international holidays to start again next month.

However, even yesterday Boris Johnson insisted it was 'premature' to speculate on which countries could be on the UK's foreign travel 'green list'.

Virgin Atlantic started using the vaccine passports app on flights to Barbados from April 16

Malta (pictured) is one country that sources say could be included on the travel green list

What are jet cards and how do they work? JetCards by Air Partner Travellers can prepay for flights by setting up an exclusive debit card-style private jet travel programme. Customers can prepay to use different aircraft at a fixed hourly rate, rather than at market prices. This means frequent travellers don't have to shop around for each new trip. Jet cards usually start at between 10 and 25 hours, with deposits ranging from around 50,000 to 150,000. Advertisement

The Prime Minister apologised to holidaymakers and urged them to be patient as he said the Government will provide an update 'as soon as we possibly can'.

Non-essential international travel is due to resume from May 17 at the earliest under the Government's lockdown exit roadmap.

The Government earlier this month unveiled a new traffic light system which will see countries categorised as red, amber or green based on criteria like vaccination levels and coronavirus case numbers.

Travel to green countries will be quarantine-free although passengers will still have to take expensive PCR coronavirus tests.

Travel from red countries will require a stay in hotel quarantine while returning from amber countries will require 10 days of self-isolation at home.

The Government's plans for resuming non-essential international travel were slammed by travel chiefs who said there was a lack of detail and too much uncertainty. There has also been a furious backlash over the testing requirement for travel from green countries.

It is expected the vast majority of returning holidaymakers will be required to take PCR tests - which cost around 120 - a move that risks pricing families out of a summer break. It would cost the average family of four an extra 600 on top of flights and accommodation.

Airline bosses including easyJet's Johan Lundgren have warned the current testing requirements could make travel prohibitively expensive, with Covid tests costing more than the flight itself in some cases.

They have argued that families would be reluctant to book if they were forced to find an extra 600 to pay for the tests on top of the cost of the holiday.

Ministers have vowed to drive down the cost but holiday firms fear the testing rules will price many families out of a trip abroad this summer.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said earlier this month that it is now possible for Britons to start thinking about booking a foreign holiday.

He said: 'My advice today would be moving on from where we were before, I am not telling people that they shouldn't book summer holidays and that is the first time that I have been able to say that for many months.

'But I think everybody doing it understands there are risks with coronavirus and of course actually I think people would want to be clear about which countries are going to be in the different traffic light system.

'People will predominantly of course be looking to book in a green country. So there is only two or three weeks to wait before we publish that list itself.

'But yes, tentative progress, for the first time people can start to think about visiting loved ones abroad or perhaps a summer holiday but we are doing it very, very cautiously because we don't want to see any return of coronavirus in this country.'
Lucknow, April 21 : The Yogi Adityanath government has set up 73,000 monitoring committees in the rural and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh to collect door-to-door details of Covid-infected persons and also create awareness for vaccination along with effective prevention.

Following this mantra, 59,000 monitoring committees are working in rural areas and 14,000 in urban areas of the state.

People are being made aware with the help of a public address system to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour -- social distancing, wearing of face covers/masks and hand hygiene.

The chief minister has laid emphasis on the importance of monitoring committees.

"Keeping a regular check on the works of monitoring committees should be done in every district. Their activation is necessary to control the spread," he directed officials.

Yogi Adityanath has launched a test, trace and treat system to curb the corona infection.

The purpose of this basic mantra is to first identify the infected person, then test him and give a proper treatment.

The chief minister has further directed that the vaccination campaign should be intensified in Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Agra, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Varanasi that have a high virus load.

The monitoring committees of these cities are also identifying the Covid infected persons and motivating them to get vaccinated. These committees are also clearing the misconceptions formed in the minds of people regarding the benefits of the vaccine.

In Lucknow, a total of 110 ward monitoring committees have been formed by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.

These are visiting the homes of people in each ward daily and submitting their health information.

The city commissioner informed that the ward committees inquired about the condition of the people coming from places outside Lucknow and experiencing influenza-like symptoms such as cold, cough, fever.

On Tuesday, as many as 50 persons were inspected by the ward monitoring committees, out of which 45 people were found healthy and only 5 people were found to have mild symptoms such as cold, cough, fever.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide updated coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the agency's SpaceX Crew-2 mission with astronauts to the International Space Station. The launch now is targeted for 5:49 a.m. EDT Friday, April 23, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, due to unfavorable weather conditions forecast along the flight path for Thursday.

This is the second crew rotation flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the first with two international partners. The flight follows certification by NASA for regular flights to the space station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program.

The Crew Dragon is scheduled to dock to the space station about 5:10 a.m. Saturday, April. 24. Prelaunch activities, launch, and docking will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.

The Crew-2 flight will carry NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur  who will serve as the mission's spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively  along with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who will serve as mission specialists to the space station for a six-month science mission.

The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: [email protected].

All media participation in the following news conferences will be remote except where specifically listed below, and only a limited number of media will be accommodated at Kennedy due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please note that the Kennedy Press Site facilities will remain closed throughout these events for the protection of Kennedy employees and journalists, except for a limited number of previously credentialed media.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern):

Friday, April 23

1:30 a.m.  NASA Television launch coverage begins. NASA Television will have continuous coverage, including docking, hatch opening, and welcome ceremony.

7:30 a.m. (approximately)  Postlaunch news conference with the following participants:

Steve Jurczyk , acting NASA administrator

, acting NASA administrator Kathy Lueders , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

, associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters Hiroshi Sasaki , vice president and director general, JAXA's Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate

, vice president and director general, JAXA's Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate Frank de Winne , manager, International Space Station Program, ESA

, manager, International Space Station Program, ESA SpaceX representative

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 7 a.m. Thursday, April 22.

Saturday, April 24

5:10 a.m.  Docking

7:15 a.m.  Hatch Opening

7:45 a.m.  Welcome Ceremony from the International Space Station with the following participants:

Steve Jurczyk , acting NASA administrator

, acting NASA administrator Kathy Lueders , associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

, associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters Hiroshi Yamakawa , president, JAXA

, president, JAXA Josef Aschbacher , director general, ESA

NASA TV Launch Coverage

NASA TV live coverage will begin at 1:30 a.m. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/live

Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135.

On launch day, a "clean feed" of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel. Launch also will be available on local amateur VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz and UHF radio frequency 444.925 MHz, heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast.

NASA Website Launch Coverage

Launch day coverage of NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 mission will be available on the agency's website. Coverage will include livestreaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 1:30 a.m. Friday, April 23, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog at:

http://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

Public Participation

NASA invites the public to take part in virtual activities and events ahead of the launch. Members of the public can attend the launch virtually, receiving mission updates and opportunities normally reserved for on-site guests.

NASA's virtual launch experience for Crew-2 includes curated launch resources, a digital boarding pass, notifications about NASA Social interactions, and the opportunity for a virtual launch passport stamp following a successful launch.

Register for email updates or RSVP to the Facebook event for social media updates to stay up-to-date on mission information, mission highlights, and interaction opportunities.

Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual launch passport. Stamps will be emailed following launches to all virtual attendees registered by email through Eventbrite.

Engage kids and students in virtual and hands-on activities that are both family-friendly and educational through Next Gen STEM Commercial Crew.

Watch and Engage on Social Media

Stay connected with the mission on social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #LaunchAmerica. Follow and tag these accounts:

NASA will provide a live video feed of Launch Complex 39A approximately 48 hours prior to the planned liftoff of the Crew-2 mission. Pending unlikely technical issues, the feed will be uninterrupted until the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA TV, approximately four hours prior to launch.

Once the feed is live, it will be available here:

http://youtube.com/kscnewsroom

Make sure to check out NASA en Espanol on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more Spanish-language coverage on Crew-2.

Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Kristina Irastorza 321-607-4073 y Antonia Jaramillo 321-501-8425.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program has delivered on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars.

For NASA's launch blog and more information about the mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


SINGAPORE, Apr 21, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Anacle Systems Limited ("Anacle") has been selected by the Singapore Energy Market Authority ("EMA") to develop and testbed Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) enabled advanced electricity meters. The future meters will be based on Anacle's leading edge Tesseract series of hyper-smart meters.

This initiative is a collaboration between the EMA, Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) and utilities provider SP Group. The testbed will eventually be rolled out across 1.4 million consumer accounts (mainly households) in Singapore by 2024, as part of the national drive towards digitalization and greater efficiency.

Launched in 2017, the Tesseract opens up a world of possibilities. An end product of many years of rigorous research and development, the Tesseract is currently the world's most powerful edge device for electricity monitoring and analysis. It has more than 40 times more computing power than the next nearest device, FeRAM-based persistent memory that is more than 6 million times more durable than traditional EEPROM-based memory, 10GB in-device storage, built-in digital signal processing and data encryption capabilities, as well as supporting both Linux and Android operating systems, opening up infinite possibilities for applications.

"This is a huge step towards Singapore's sustainability goal as more businesses and households are now able to take charge of their own energy use. By providing consumers with detailed analysis of their energy consumption patterns, they will be able to save energy more effectively and contribute to the national sustainability efforts," said Mr Alex Lau, CEO of Anacle Systems Limited.

The Tesseract hyper-smart meter is familiar to many, especially to the residents of Teck Ghee, Ang Mo Kio. In late 2019, the Tesseract was installed at 1,450 household units as part of the Housing Development Board (HDB)'s Smart Green Homes Initiative program. Besides receiving the Tesseract hyper-smart meter, residents were equipped with a smart home mobile application and three smart plugs, with which they can use to monitor their household consumption and remotely turn on and off the smart plugs.

With the limitless capabilities of the Tesseract, businesses and households in Singapore can look forward to reap greater benefits from the consumption data that they obtain. The Tesseract hyper-smart meter will continue to empower and bring about greater energy efficiency to the Singapore nation.

About the Energy Market Authority



The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The main goals of EMA are to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. For more information, please visit https://www.ema.gov.sg/

About Anacle Systems Limited

Anacle is a leading provider of asset and property management software, as well as smart utilities management systems. Headquartered in Singapore with research centers in Pune, India and Hangzhou, China, we are accredited by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) under the Accreditation@SG Digital program which provides an independent and rigorous third-party evaluation of the company's core capabilities such as product functionality, financial management, and operations. The accreditation affirms the quality, business sustainability and scalability of our products. For more information about Anacle, please visit https://www.anacle.com.





For any media enquiries, please contact:

Wendy Lim

wendy.lim@anacle.com

+65 6914 2666

Source: Anacle Systems LimitedCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
MINNEAPOLIS (WTVA) - The jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges

The verdict was read Tuesday afternoon.



The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 sparked global outcry and protest. The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 sparked global outcry and protest.

He was convicted on second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.

The former police officer was on trial for the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

The sentencing will take place in approximately eight weeks.

His bail was revoked.
Amid rising coronavirus cases, Air India on April 21 announced that it has cancelled flights to London from April 24 to 30 after the UK included India in its red list of countries. The list restricts the entry of passengers, barring UK and Irish nationals and permanent residents. While taking to Twitter, Air India informed that as many as 13 flights will be cancelled between London, Delhi and Bengaluru in this period.

#FlyAI : Passengers who were to travel between India and UK, may kindly note that in view of recent restrictions announced by UK, flts from/to UK stand cancelled from 24th to 30th April '21. Further updates regarding rescheduling, refunds & waivers will be informed shortly.(2/2)  Air India (@airindiain) April 21, 2021

#FlyAI : Due to restrictions implemented by UK authorities, following flts scheduled between 24th to 30th April'21 stands cancelled.



AI131/AI130

Mumbai-London-Mumbai



AI161/AI162

Delhi-London-Delhi



AI131/AI178

Mumbai-London- Bengaluru



AI177/AI130 Bengaluru-London- Mumbai  Air India (@airindiain) April 21, 2021

The UK announced the decision to put India on the travel red list after the country detected nearly 103 cases of coronavirus variant first identified in India. Now, according to the UK government norms, if one arrives in the UK from India before 4am (local time) Friday, then they must self-isolate for 10 days and take the COVID-19 test on day two and day eight. But from 4am Friday, if one has been in India in the previous 10 days, they will only be allowed to enter the UK if they are British, Irish or third-country national with residency rights.

With the number of coronavirus cases in India on an upsurge, the international community is drawing the line when comes to travel from here. Apart from the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Pakistan and New Zealand have released fresh travel advisories for their citizens, asking them to avoid travelling to/from India.

The United States

On April 20, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put on an advisory saying travellers should avoid all travel to India. The US has put India in the Level 4 category which says Very High Level of COVID-19 in India. In a statement, the US CDC added, Because of the current situation in India, even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India.

New Zealand

Earlier this month, New Zealand also imposed a ban on any travel from India after it detected 23 coronavirus cases among passengers arriving from outside. According to reports, 17 of the 23 cases were found positive for the Indian variant of SARS-CoV-2, prompting authorities to put a ban on travel from India.

Honk Kong

On Sunday, the Hong Kong government activated an emergency circuit breaker and banned passenger flights from India for 14 days, starting April 20, raising concerns over the mutated coronavirus variant. As per reports, the decision was taken after some Indian passengers from Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival at the Hong Kong airport. It is worth mentioning that Hong Kong has also prohibited flights from Pakistan and the Philippines.

Pakistan

On Monday, Pakistan imposed a ban on travellers from India for the next two weeks, citing the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus in the neighbouring country. In a statement, the national Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said that the decision was taken during a meeting of the forum, which decided to place India in the list of Category C for two weeks. The statement further added that the ban will be on inbound passengers coming from India via air and land route.
It will be possible to vaccinate 70% of Russias population against the coronavirus infection by November 2021, director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry Alexander Gintsburg said.

"If the entire global immune-biological industry is mobilized to manufacture any particular vaccine, say, Sputnik V, all production facilities in the United States, Europe, Asia, Russia will be able to manufacture 12%, 15% at the most of the necessary amount of the vaccine in a span of one year. Miracles dont happen," he said in an interview with the Dok-Tok program on Russias TV Channel One.

We must work in all directions to vaccinate some 70% of the population by November," TASS cited Gintsburg as saying.

By today, three anti-coronavirus vaccines have been registered in Russia. They are Sputnik V (Gam-covid-vac), developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, the worlds first vaccine against the novel coronavirus; Epivaccorona, an epitopic vaccine developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology; and CoviVac, developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Science. All the three are two-component vaccines.
Through modeling and discussions, parents can pass on love of liberty and country to their children. (PEPPERSMINT/Shutterstock)

Saving Liberty One Child at a Time

Teaching our children and grandchildren to embrace good values begins at home

Aesop long ago told the story of the wolf and the dog.

The wolf is starving, thin as a rail, when he meets a well-fed, strong dog. When the dog learns the wolf is barely surviving, he invites him to come and live with him on the farm. Youll get plenty of food and treats of all kinds, the dog says. And all you have to do is bark at strangers and make a fuss over the farms owners and children. Its an easy life.

The wolf is salivating at this prospect when he notices the dogs collar. Whats that around your neck?

Oh, that, the dog replies. Its nothing. Its just used when they chain me up.

You have to wear a chain? You arent free to do what you want or go where you please?

Not all the time, the dog says. But who cares?

Thank you very much, the wolf says, but Ill keep my freedom!

And with that, he turns and runs off into the forest.

The Battlefield Today

Aesops fable serves as an excellent metaphor for the turmoil in todays body politic. Some Americans want to preserve their traditional liberties and to live as much as possible without government interference in their affairs. Others, like Aesops dog, are willing to wear a collar if their masters care for them. This difference in values is at the core of todays political battles.

That collectivism has gained favor among 21st-century Americans cannot be doubted. A 2019 Gallup poll, for example, shows an increase in those who have positive views of socialism, but reports as well that American views on socialism are complex and nuanced and multifaceted.

I suspect one reason those views are complex and nuanced stems from ignorance, particularly among our younger citizens. According to the group Victims of Communism, a third of millennials believe more people were killed under George Bush than under Joseph Stalin. Nearly half of the older members of Generation Z, those born in 1997 and later, report they would vote for a socialist, and 1 in 5 would vote for a communist. If true, we must assume these young people know absolutely nothing of the dark underbelly of collectivist movements of the past 100 years, the murders of millions of people around the world, the imprisonment of millions more, and the suppression of the most basic of freedoms.

But positive views of socialism or communism come not just from brainwashing or ignorance of collectivisms history. These same young people are also ignorant about capitalism, the Constitution, and traditional American liberties.

Our Lost Love of Country

In his 1995 book The End of Educationthe title is a double-bladed swordNeil Postman examines a report assessing educational goals involving the New York Board of Regents. Included in the report were 41 goals aimed at what children should be, know, and be able to do. Postman then notes that one goalacquiring and/or deepening a love of ones countryis absent in the report. He then writes that this omission isnt unusual, but that this reluctance to include patriotism as a value is typical of school systems around the country.

And that was 26 years ago.

Many Americans of all political stripes are angered by cancel culture, political correctness, and a collectivist mentality among our mainstream news reporters, our academics, and some of our politicians, but we forget that these people are only echoing what others have taught them. They apparently never learned the virtues of America, the beauty of the American Dream, and the accomplishments and ideas that made this nation a land of opportunity. Proof that many still see America as a land of opportunity may be seen on our southern border, where masses of immigrants are asking for entry. No one is hammering at the gates to get into North Korea, Cuba, or China.

We Stand in the Gap

So what can we as individuals do to thwart this turn toward socialism and promote a love of America and free enterprise among our fellow citizens?

We can begin, as with so many good things, in our homes and with our families, particularly with our children and grandchildren. In those citadels, we can teach and practice independence, responsibility, free enterprise, and patriotism.

Independence

We must loveand love with a passionthe freedoms found in our Bill of Rights and our other liberties bestowed by natural law. The right to our own thoughts, the freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly, the right to own firearms, and all of natures other endowments: These arent dispensations given by any government but are the God-given rights of the human person.

Americans have died, bled, and suffered for the maintenance of these rights. To surrender them casually to any government or political movement is to spit on the past, bring ruination to the present, and jeopardize our future. Instead, we must treasure that liberty and teach its principles to our children.

Responsibility

With liberty comes responsibility.

Responsibility means bearing the weight, good and bad, of our actions. When we take command of our circumstances, we are then obliged to take command of ourselves as well.

We can teach our children about responsibility less through words than through our actions. When they see us accepting the repercussions of decisions weve made rather than pointing a finger at fate or at other people, we are leading them one step farther into adulthood.

Let me offer as an example my own children. They grew up watching my wife and me working hard: operating a bed and breakfast and a bookstore, carting books around the Southeast to sell at homeschooling book fairs, and working outside the home at various part-time jobs to make ends meet. Kris and I were, I freely confess, terrible at business and personal finance, but thats not what my four kids saw. They witnessed their parents working hard and independently, and all of them have copied that example with, I am proud to say, much greater success than I ever achieved.

Free Enterprise

Capitalism and free enterprise, not collectivism, have enriched the world. In the years just before the pandemic brought lockdowns and failed businesses, world poverty was declining, and unemployment in the United States was also on the wane, with significant gains in the job market among blacks and Hispanics.

We must teach our children the great good that free enterprise brings to the world and to the human spirit. We must show them as well that collectivist governments such as Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea result in misery and poverty for the citizens of those countries.

We dont need a classroom or textbooks to pass on these lessons. Our dining room table can serve as a classroom, and discussions during a meal can be the lessons for the day.

Patriotism

Despite all the attacks on the United States from within and without in the past few decades, the fact remains that our country has done more good for its citizens and for the world at large than any other nation in history.

Are we perfect? By no means. Have we made mistakes? Of course.

But the prosperity of our citizens over time and the foreign aid we have distributed around the globe are proof of the fruits of our ideals and values. Rather than denigrate the United States, we should teach our children to honor this country for its many successes and to understand its failures.

In Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story, a book I recommend to everyone, Wilfred McClay writes, One of the worst sins of the presentnot just ours but any presentis the tendency to condescend toward the past, which is much easier to do when one doesnt trouble to know the full context of that past or try to grasp the nature of its challenges as they presented themselves at the time.

All too often, our students are taught the negatives about our countrys past. Our textbooks and our teachers should instead offer a balanced take on our history. We can help with this task by introducing our children to books such as Land of Hope and through family discussions.

Collectivism: A Positive View

Of course, we cant be Robinson Crusoe, living on a desert island and looking out only for ourselves. We live in communities and in a country with a long history of volunteers and associations to promote the public good. Most of us believe in providing education for our young, helping the poor and the elderly, making our streets and cities safe, defending our shores from foreign invaders, and working together to build a better society.

This too is collectivism. The difference is that we enter into these endeavors through elections and free choice. Until recently, the government didnt impose its will on Americans. Those who worked for the governmentpoliticians and bureaucratswere regarded as servants of the people. We have now flipped that idea on its head.

Its time for a change, and we can again start by teaching our children the dangers of a government that acts as a dictator.

Remembering Who We Are

On April 19, 1775, American tradesmen and farmers fired the first shots of the Revolutionary War at the battles of Lexington Green and Concord. Fighting both as individuals and as a collective force against British troops, they were battling oppression and taxation without representation. Eventually, they would be fighting for freedom.

Lets keep the memory of those patriots alive as we too fight to keep our liberties. Lets remember all the men and women whose sacrifices and dreams helped build this country, and make sure our children know their names and deeds as well. Lets remember that we are still the land of the free and the home of the brave. Lets remember that we are the heirs and lovers of liberty.

Lets remember that we are Americans.

Jeff Minick has four children and a growing platoon of grandchildren. For 20 years, he taught history, literature, and Latin to seminars of homeschooling students in Asheville, N.C. He is the author of two novels, Amanda Bell and Dust on Their Wings, and two works of non-fiction, Learning as I Go and Movies Make the Man. Today, he lives and writes in Front Royal, Va. See JeffMinick.com to follow his blog.
The Under the Southern Stars festival has been cancelled at the last minute for the second year in a row - with the organisers blaming the government's 'mismanagement of the Covid-19 situation' in a furious statement.

Festival organisers announced on Wednesday the concert series, which was to feature Cheap Trick, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots around the country in April and May, would be postponed until 2022 to 'protect' patrons, artists and crews during the pandemic.

'Given the disappointingly slow roll-out of the vaccine by the Government, there is no confidence that we can keep all safe and proceed as planned at our festivals this May,' they said in a statement.

The Under the Southern Stars festival has been cancelled at the last minute for the second year in a row (pictured, the festival in 2019)

'The continuing mismanagement of the Covid-19 situation at all levels of government has led to numerous inconsistencies and on-going broken promises by officials that ultimately affect the safety of our patrons, artists and our crews, both domestic and international.

'So much so that the situation presents too much to risk to go forward with the dates as planned at the end of April and into May 2021.'

The organisers said the eleventh-hour cancellation of Byron Bay's Bluesfest by the NSW government was 'an incredibly disheartening display of what could possibly happen'.

'We wish to protect all, and avoid a situation such as this,' they explained.

'This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, but the safety of all is our motivation.'

The festival was expected to be Australia's first big international arena tour since the pandemic caused chaos just over a year ago.

It was scheduled to kick off in Wollongong, south of Sydney, on April 30 before moving to Newcastle, Gosford and Sydney.

There were also shows in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

Festival organisers announced on Wednesday the concert series would be postponed until 2022 to 'protect' patrons, artists and crews during the pandemic

Under The Southern Stars promoter Andrew McManus asked ticketholders to 'continue to believe in us'.

'We must protect our artists and patrons. We get it ... how many times can the Australian system force another postponement?' he said.

'So we are making the hard decision to reschedule Under The Southern Stars to the first quarter of 2022 and ask that all our valued supporters hold on to their tickets and in return we will be announcing some truly exciting additions to the line-up and festival circuit.

'We sincerely apologise for the situation and ask once again for our loyal patrons to keep your ticket and stay tuned.'

The rescheduled dates, as well as additions to the line-up, will be announced in the coming weeks.

All tickets already purchased will be valid for the new shows when they are announced.
Besides, it will increase the impact and efficiency of initiatives aimed at combating illegality, strengthening forest governance and the relationship with the private sector, as well as promoting an inclusive market.

Peru, a megadiverse country

"We are the second country with the most Amazonian forests in the world after Brazil, and we are the ninth country on the planet in terms of forest extension in general," she highlighted, indicating that 60% of Peru's territory is covered by forests.

Unfortunately, there is a constant threat to this valuable natural resource, which is deforestation, Bermudez indicated.

"We know that between 2001 and 2015 Peru has lost more than 1.8 million hectares of forests, this means an average of 120,000 hectares per year," she said.

The Cabinet chief explained that in order to face the loss of forests coordination among the various sectors of the Executive Branch is required, also at the national level (local and regional governments) and involving the private sector.

In this sense, she highlighted the signing of the MoU, underlining its objective of boosting the development of Peru's forestry sector through economic, sustainable, inclusive, responsible, and profitable growth based on the legality and competitiveness necessary for the efficient use of forest resources.

Indigenous communities

According to the Prime Minister, it is essential to strengthen the relationship with indigenous communities, as well as with other communities that inhabit forests or that depend on them, promoting participatory processes which guarantee that all people are actors and beneficiaries within the forest value chain, through alliances as well as with public and private sectors.

Partners to protect the Amazonia

The diplomat added that this goal is only possible with the intensive cooperation of the government, academia, indigenous peoples, the private sector, and civil society.

This type of progress shows a dedication to the conservation of biodiversity, she concluded.

?? Ahora | Peru y Estados Unidos suscriben un memorandum de entendimiento para combatir la ilegalidad, fortalecer la gobernanza forestal y promover un mercado inclusivo con acciones conjuntas para la modernizacion del sector forestal peruano. ?????????? pic.twitter.com/YKr1eZB114

El memorandum fue firmado por la presidenta del Consejo de Ministros, los titulares del @MEF_Peru, @MinamPeru y @midagriperu, y el @USAIDPeru, representando a Estados Unidos. Lisa Kenna, embajadora de @USEMBASSYPERU, transmitio el apoyo de alto nivel de su gobierno. pic.twitter.com/iscYjp1Mmy
Russian defense chief concerned about NATO "provocation" in Black Sea

Xinhua) 09:55, April 21, 2021

MOSCOW, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continue "provocative activities" in the airspace and waters of the Black Sea, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday.

At the same time, Kiev sticks to its path to destabilize the situation in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region, Shoigu said at a meeting of the Defense Ministry's Board.

The military and political situation in Russia's southwestern strategic direction remains tense largely due to attempts made by various countries to increase their military presence along Russia's southern and western borders, he said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Pennsylvania Rep. Jessica Benham. (David Kidd/Governing)

Jessica and her chief of staff, Moira Kaleida, head off for a Saturday morning pancake breakfast in the basement of a nearby church. (David Kidd/Governing)

Ravi the cat is a fixture in Benhams Capitol office. When he interrupts me while Im doing a live video, people are like bring back the cat! (David Kidd/Governing)

Virtual meetings take place in a back corner of the district office and are often shared with constituents. I try to bring in as many folks whose lives are impacted by a given policy as possible. (David Kidd/Governing)

Benham reviews the days events with her chief of staff. (David Kidd/Governing)

When Jessica Benham talks to her fellow members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she avoids eye contact, focusing instead on their foreheads. Thats not just a personality quirk. Its a function of autism. Some of the things that I do to cope are not noticeable to other people, she says. Or they might think are a little odd. Even so, she manages not to feel entirely out of place in the Legislature. I dont think you can look at state legislators, she jokes, and think these are the most socially graceful people ever.Im not disabled because Im autistic, she insists. Im disabled because of the way the world treats autistic people. I often have to overcome peoples preconceptions before I can do other things. Thats my life. And Im good at it. When she took the oath of office as a freshman Democrat earlier this year, Benham became one of the few openly autistic people to serve in any legislature in the United States. I didnt run to be the first of anything, she says. I ran to make a difference.She is distinctive from her colleagues in one other way: She is bisexual. A 30-year-old bisexual autistic female might seem to many an unlikely candidate for office. There was a time when Benham would have agreed. People do not often look at a queer disabled woman and see leadership, she says.The first time someone asked me to run, I was like okay, thats a funny joke, she recalls. Tell the queer autistic girl that she should run for office. Yeah, thats hilariousIts hard to envision yourself running for office when you dont see other people like you in positions of power.Benham grew up in a small Pittsburgh townhouse where her parents still reside. Among the poor folks, she says, who lived in the area. Her mother teaches piano and her father, a retired minister to two congregations, teaches music education at Duquesne University. The Sundays of her youth were filled with church, first at what she refers to as an English-speaking American church, followed by a two-hour service with Ukrainian Baptists. Her father still speaks to her in Ukrainian, but she answers in English.Politics was not often a topic of conversation in the Benham household. With huge glasses, braces and a questionable haircut, Jessica remembers herself as the most awkward 15-year-old ever, a quiet wallflower who felt more comfortable around adults. I was also growing up as a queer kid in a very conservative religious context, she says. And that was hard. Closeted until she left home to attend a Christian college in the Midwest, she came out to her mother and father just three years ago. I dont think it was easy for them, she says.The pastors daughter avoided church for 10 years after leaving home, something she and her father never really talked about. Theres a lot of pain there, she says. I still consider myself deeply religious. Its very much a part of who I am. To bring to fruition a society that demonstrates we truly value everyone. I think thats what my call is. And so much of that comes from what I believe about God. Today she is active in a church that makes a point of welcoming all. LGBTQ people can serve in leadership, can be a pastor, all of those things.After earning degrees in political science and communication studies from Bethel University in Minnesota, her mothers alma mater, Benham went on to receive an M.A. in communication from Minnesota State, and an M.A. in bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also taught for several years.Her experience as a graduate student teacher drew her to labor issues. Spurred on by what she thought were unfair working conditions, Benham joined an ongoing movement to unionize Pitts graduate student teachers. Although the efforts to organize ultimately failed, she has kept up her interests in workers rights. That was pretty formative for me, she says.As a disability rights activist, Benham co-founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, an LGBTQ and autistic-led group advocating on behalf of adults on the autism spectrum. She served for a time on the board of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, an organization promoting equal access, rights, and opportunities for people with autism. She was a constant presence at community meetings, writing grants, addressing water management issues, and organizing neighborhood trash pickups. She wasnt thinking about running for office. I was going to be an academic and an activist, and that was the plan.But the plan changed. Even before her predecessor, a 24-year incumbent, announced he would not seek re-election, Benham began her campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Touting her experience as a community organizer and advocate, she ran on issues that resonated with the citizens of the heavily Democratic 36th District: education, the environment, workers rights, and health care for all. I always thought I would be on the other side of the desk, she says. Advocating to legislators about decisions that needed to be made for the good of our community. And then holding them accountable. But she turned out to be an impressive candidate. She was elected in November with nearly 63 percent of the vote.Due to concerns over the coronavirus, the state Capitol in Harrisburg is closed on a Tuesday in late March, as it has been since early December. Even though the Legislature is in session, the collection of buildings that make up the Capitol Complex is eerily quiet. A few officers are at their post by the main entrance and a lone soldier, dressed in camouflage fatigues and heavily armed, stands in the shadows of the rotunda, its ornate Beaux Arts dome 250 feet overhead. Two women are behind the counter in the empty snack bar downstairs, the unused tables and chairs stacked against a wall.Rep. Benhams office is at the end of a glass-lined hallway, across from a small communal kitchen. Most of the members in this part of the building have plastered their hall-facing walls with signs and posters: RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE, PEOPLE NOT PRISONS, END GUN VIOLENCE, PRE-K FOR PA, HELP STOP PUPPY MILL CRUELTY. But there is just a single handwritten note taped to the door of Benhams office. Ravi (cat) is visiting. Please avoid him escaping. Five-year-old, brown-and-white Ravi has the run of the small suite that includes Jessicas office and that of another freshman, Rick Krajewski, a longtime friend and fellow activist from Philadelphia. Their shared legislative assistant is working from home. With the exception of a single brass lamp and a calendar still turned to the previous month, the office is devoid of decoration. A lone nail is barely visible on one wall, having once held something belonging to the previous occupant. The wall clock by the door is an hour behind.Im a working-class kid who grew up poor, says Benham, surveying her designated space. You could not pluck a regular person from my district and bring them to Harrisburg and have them feel comfortable, she says. So why should I, a regular working-class kid from South Pittsburgh, feel comfortable? She doesnt offer an answer. Nevertheless, shes happy with her assigned space, mainly because its a short walk to the House floor.She may not have a fondness for furniture, but clothes are another matter. Today, the freshman representative is outfitted in black pants that literally sparkle, and a red tunic top, both purchased at a thrift store. Mandated face coverings present another opportunity to accessorize. At a certain point, the mask makes the outfit, she says through a swatch of black cloth decorated with large pink roses. People sometimes think about style and fashion as frivolous. I think about fashion as political, she says. I am not here to wear a black suit and fade into the background.With coffee, tea or Red Bull always close at hand, Benham typically begins her workdays in Harrisburg at 7:30 in the morning. Its often close to 9:00 at night when she and Ravi head back to their budget hotel by the Susquehanna River, less than a mile away. In between, when she isnt making intermittent trips to the chamber to vote, or reading up on the issues, she is answering email, engaging on social media or attending virtual meetings. Every vote she takes is immediately followed with a tweet explaining her position, and she regularly posts Facebook and YouTube videos, updating her constituents about the goings on in Harrisburg.Still, comfortable at virtual meetings as she is, Benham longs for the time when people can literally work together again. I do lots and lots of virtual meetings, she says. Theyre definitely useful. But it is much easier when were able to do in-person meetings and in-person organizing.Today is the last day the Legislature will meet this week, and a flurry of bills have passed, some to the great dismay of the freshman from Pittsburgh. At the end of a long day, she delivers a 10-minute video rundown of the days events, beginning with a vote she wished had gone the other way. Absolutely unacceptable and just incredibly frustrating, she says into the camera. This is followed by news on the governors back-to-work plan, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and her thoughts on a recent shooting incident. She talks about hyperlocal details as well. We have our community cleanup, which is coming up very soon, from 10 a.m. until noon. Well be socially distancing, masks, all of that good stuff. Im really looking forward to cleaning up the neighborhood with you all. With that, she and Ravi head out the door for another virtual meeting at the hotel. Early tomorrow morning they will be on their way back to the district.If Benham sometimes feels ill at ease at the ornate state Capitol, she is right at home in her district office, a century-old storefront located on a busy but slightly rundown corridor lined with pizza shops, a candy store, bridal salon and tattoo parlor. A pair of massive old churches and a brand-new library are across the street. A jumble of power lines hangs over the narrow sidewalk.A proper sign has been ordered for the front, but for now, the only indication this is a state representatives office is Benhams name on a piece of paper taped to the front door, and a map of the 36th District on display in the window. For the time being, walk-ins are discouraged, in accordance with current COVID-19 guidelines.At the back of the room, away from the display windows and behind a flimsy folding screen, Benham works at a small wooden table with barely enough room for a computer, phone and her ever-present planning book. A narrow wingback chair occupies a dimly lit corner, the centerpiece of an eclectic array of mismatched furnishings and decorations. With everything sourced at area thrift shops, the look is decidedly shabby chic.Hiring personnel and balancing the office budget are tasks new to Benham. She often finds it difficult to reconcile her political beliefs with the fiscal realities of running an office. One of the things I find a little frustrating is that the budget is just not big enough to have everyone on full time, she says. I think thats not necessarily living our values as a Democratic caucus. She does pay everyone more than minimum wage; the lowest paid of her part-time staffers earns $17 an hour.Covering southern parts of Pittsburgh and adjacent suburbs, Pennsylvanias 36th District includes some 60,000 people all across the economic spectrum, nearly 90 percent of whom are white. The most common problems facing Benham and her staff these days involve unemployment and access to vaccines. A host of perennial issues still need attention, though, regardless of the needs of the moment. In a district of steep hills and valleys, landslides and flooding are a constant threat. So is aging infrastructure. We have huge water main breaks, she says. So thats what I dealt with waking up this morning, an enormous water main break. Those are the issues that Im fighting for.The surroundings may be different, but just as she does from her office in Harrisburg, Benham relies on her phone and computer to connect virtually with colleagues and constituents alike. Every weekend she makes random calls to people in her district, taking their names from voter rolls. The calls where youre asking people for their votes are not nearly as fun as the calls where Im just saying Hi, this is State Rep. Jessica Benham calling for so-and-so. How are you doing today?Sometimes people dont know what to make of me, Benham reflects. Certainly, on the other side of the aisle, there are people who will not work with me. Not so much because Im autistic, but because Im queer. Maybe they believe its catching, she says. But for the most part, people are kind and welcoming. If anything, theres a bit of benevolent paternalism. Republican Speaker Bryan Cutler was one to reach out early, wanting to discuss disability policy.As the first and only openly autistic, LGBTQ person elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, Jessica Benham is understandably concerned with issues related to her lived experience. All policy issues are disability policy issues, she says. Every single policy that we decide on in this place impacts disabled people. Proud of who she is, Benham is nevertheless wary of being defined by her disability or sexual preference, and quick to point out the broad range of interests she has advocated for in the first few months of her term. Ive prime-sponsored bills about health care, bills about education, and bills about the environment, she says. Ive co-sponsored loads and loads of bills on a variety of different topics. Its hard for people to paint me as oh, she only cares about disability issues, when they see me advocating on so many different topics.Folks with disabilities are underrepresented at every level of government and in every kind of leadership position that there is, Benham says. Against the odds, she has taken a personal disadvantage and turned it to her favor. I think that having overcome difficulty, having overcome peoples preconceptions of me and doing that over and over and over again, makes me a better legislator.An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Jessica Benham was the first openly autistic person to serve in a state legislature. In fact, she is one of several autistic lawmakers in the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the major trends in the market?

Growing employment rates is a major trend driving the growth of the market.



Growing employment rates is a major trend driving the growth of the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow?

The market will accelerate at a CAGR of almost 4% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be $ 14.64 bn .



The market will accelerate at a CAGR of almost 4% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be . Who are the top players in the market?

Alelo, Axis Bank Ltd., Cinqo Group, Edenred SA, Finnew Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Monizze NV SA, Sodexo Group, SPENDIT AG, The Up Group, and VR Beneficios, are some of the major market participants.



Alelo, Axis Bank Ltd., Cinqo Group, Edenred SA, Finnew Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Monizze NV SA, Sodexo Group, SPENDIT AG, The Up Group, and VR Beneficios, are some of the major market participants. What is the key market driver?

The tax benefits of meal vouchers is one of the major factors driving the market.



The tax benefits of meal vouchers is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the Europe market?

The Europe region will contribute to 35% of the market share.

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Automotive Audio Speakers Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025- The automotive audio speakers market has the potential to grow by USD 6.38 billion during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.29%.

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The automotive audio speakers market has the potential to grow by during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.29%. Spa Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025- The spa market has the potential to grow by USD 22.08 billion during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.15%.

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View market snapshot before purchasing

The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Alelo, Axis Bank Ltd., Cinqo Group, Edenred SA, Finnew Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Monizze NV SA, Sodexo Group, SPENDIT AG, The Up Group, and VR Beneficios are some of the major market participants. The tax benefits of meal vouchers will offer immense growth opportunities. In a bid to help players strengthen their market foothold, this meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the leading market vendors. The report also empowers industry honchos with information on the competitive landscape and insights into the different product offerings offered by various companies.

Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market 2021-2025: Segmentation

Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market is segmented as below:

Application

Meal Vouchers



Employee Benefits

Geography

Europe



South America



APAC



North America



MEA

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Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market 2021-2025: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market report covers the following areas:

Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market Size

Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market Trends

Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market Industry Analysis

This study identifies the growing employment rates as one of the prime reasons driving the meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market growth during the next few years.

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Meal Vouchers and Employee Benefit Solutions Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market across Europe , South America , APAC, North America , and MEA

, , APAC, , and MEA Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of meal vouchers and employee benefit solutions market vendors

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Five Forces Analysis

Five forces summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Application

Market segments

Comparison by Application

Meal vouchers - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Employee benefits - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Application

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Overview

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Alelo

Axis Bank Ltd.

Cinqo Group

Edenred SA

Finnew Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Monizze NV SA

Sodexo Group

SPENDIT AG

The Up Group

VR Beneficios

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

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Lehigh University announced on Wednesday that students planning to participate in on-campus programs and activities in the fall will be required to have a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Bethlehem private university joins Drexel University in Philadelphia in becoming the first Pennsylvania universities to adopt a COVID mandate. Both allow for students to request an exemption from the policy for medical or religious reasons.

In making the announcement, Lehigh said all undergraduates living in university housing after June 1 will be required to be vaccinated. That rule will be extended to graduate students living in campus housing starting on July 1.

The university plans to have all but a small number of classes offered in-person in the fall with all residence halls and Greek housing at normal capacity.

The safety and well-being of the Lehigh community are our highest priority as we strive to provide the best possible educational opportunities for our students. We look forward to a return to a more typical campus experience, according to a university statement about the policy.

Lehighs statement indicates that its vaccination policy will change as more people are vaccinated.

According to an updated list of colleges requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 maintained by The Chronicle of Higher Education, there are nearly five dozen American colleges and universities that have made that decision as they look toward the fall. The first was Rutgers University followed soon after by Cornell University.

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolfs administration encouraged college students to get the COVID-19 vaccine before they head home for the summer.

As of April 13, anyone over 16 is eligible for the vaccine  regardless of occupation, health conditions, residency, or citizenship. The administration said students do not have to be a Pennsylvania resident to receive the vaccine here.

There are safe and effective vaccines available, and we encourage all students to get vaccinated today, said Acting Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson in a statement released last week. Even if students are concerned about not getting their second dose while at school, it is important to seek out the vaccine now and to later find the second dose if needed.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
New Delhi: The Central government acted on Remdesivir shortage crisis in certain regions by announcing that production capacity of the anti-viral drug will be ramped up from a current level of 38 lakh vials per month to 74 lakh vials per month.

The Union Health Ministry in a statement said that the manufacturing capacity of domestic Remdesivir manufacturers has been ramped up keeping the sudden surge in demand in the country for COVID-19 therapy in mind, It also said all support is being extended to manufacturers by the government in this endeavour.

"The production capacity is being ramped up from a current level of 38 lakh vials per month to 74 lakh vials per month, and 20 additional manufacturing sites have been approved. Export of Remdesivir has also been prohibited on April 11 in order to shore up domestic supplies," the press note read.

#Unite2FightCorona Union Government allocates supply of #Remdesivir to 19 States/UTs with High Burden of COVID cases. Manufacturers mapped to States to smoothen the Supply Chain. NPPA and National Regulator to monitor movement & demand. https://t.co/CvsD2dCcBm pic.twitter.com/nDAkxenDeU  Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) April 21, 2021

Manufacturers have been directed to manufacture and dispatch the supplies as per the agreed state allocation and mapping. They may be asked to balance supplies to the government and distribution channels.

Also, interim allocation of the key drug has been made for 19 states/Union Territories for the period up to April 30.

It is for states like Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand.

States not covered by the above-mentioned allocation will be considered for allocation when their supply orders are placed with the manufacturers.

A Control Room set up by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) shall be responsible for monitoring the operations as per the allocations. A Whatsapp group comprising nodal officers of states to coordinate unhindered movement of Remdesivir within the country is also being created.

"Liaison Officers of the Remdesivir manufacturers and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dept of Pharmaceuticals, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) would be part of this Group for day to day monitoring and coordination," the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, India recorded 2,95,041 new coronavirus cases and 2,023 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest ever. The country's total tally has now climbed to 1.56 crore (1,56,16,130), of which, 21.57 lakh (21,57,538) are active cases. India has also witnessed 1.82 lakh (1,82,553) coronavirus-related deaths.
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China administers over 200 mln COVID-19 vaccine doses

Xinhua) 16:25, April 21, 2021

A health worker shows the information on the box of COVID-19 vaccine at a community health center in Malu Town of Jiading new city, east China's Shanghai, April 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China has seen over 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide, a health official told a press conference Wednesday.

Authorities have taken into account the demand for the second dose in the allocation of vaccines to localities, said Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission (NHC).

Mi urged local efforts in precise vaccine distribution and supply to ensure that people get their second dose within eight weeks following the first one.

China has prioritized COVID-19 vaccination for medical workers since last year. So far, the vaccination rate among health workers has exceeded 80 percent, said another NHC official Li Dachuan.

Meanwhile, the pandemic keeps spreading across the world, with the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases rising for eight weeks in a row, said Mi.

There were 5.26 million new cases reported globally last week, the highest weekly rise since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Mi said.

As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, China still faces challenges in preventing imported cases and domestic resurgence, he added.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
A Vineland man has sued an employee and manager of a local Dunkin Donuts after he says he was burned by a cup of coffee that spilled on his lap last year while he was going through the restaurants drive-thru, according to the suit filed earlier this year.

The man, Leonard Allen, is also suing Dunkin Donuts Inc., in addition to the manager and employee of the Vineland coffee shop located at 709 E. Chestnut Ave.

The incident happened on Aug. 25 when an unnamed female employee without any due caution served him a scalding hot medium coffee in a manner as to spill the entirety of the liquid on Plaintiffs lap and causing immediate and agonizing pain to Plaintiffs thigh and groin area, according to the suit, which was filed in Cumberland County Superior Court on Feb. 18.

The suit claims the employee acted in a negligent and careless manner as she failed to properly secure the cup and lid of the beverage.

Allen suffered second degree burns to his persons and other personal injuries of both temporary and permanent nature, the suit claims. As a result, he will be compelled to expend large sums of money for physicians and medical treatment in an attempt to cure himself of said injuries and has been prevented from attending to his normal business and affairs, and has suffered various other economic and noneconomic damages, it claims.

The suit asks for compensation to reasonably and properly compensate Allen, including interest and court costs.

A spokeswoman for Dunkin Donuts said the company had no comment as the outcome of the suit was still pending.

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.
Boris Johnson mounted a furious defence today as he came under fire over leaked private texts in which he promised Sir James Dyson he would 'fix' a tax rule so the tycoon's staff could help make ventilators for the NHS.

Mr Johnson roared back as he was berated by Keir Starmer over 'sleaze' at PMQs, saying he made 'no apology' for pulling out all the stops at the height of the crisis.

The premier said he had been moving 'heaven and earth' to get as many ventilators as possible amid dire warnings the health service would be overwhelmed with patients who needed them.

Mr Johnson also suggested he is willing to release his full private communications with the billionaire inventor, who had volunteered to help at no profit.

But Sir Keir said: 'Every day there are new allegations about this Conservative Government: dodgy PPE deals; tax breaks for their mates; the Health Secretary owns shares in a company delivering NHS services.

'Sleaze, sleaze, sleaze, and it's all on his watch.'

The angry clashes came as MPs raised the alarm about civil service sabotage, with a molehunt ongoing.

One former ministers pointed out Mr Johnson would have been obliged to disclose the messages to officials, and highlighted the slew of recent leaks over alleged cronyism and the Greensill lobbying row.

Another MP told MailOnline: 'There is a horrible leaker in the Cabinet Office or No10.'

The PM's spokesman insisted he had 'complied with the ministerial code' - which states that if discussion are held without officials present 'any significant content should be passed back to the department as soon as possible'.

Downing Street said there is no official hunt going on for the culprit, although informal efforts are thought to be in progress.

A government source insisted the origin of the leaks might not be straightforward. 'It could be several places not just the obvious one,' the source said.

Treasury sources dismissed suggestions Mr Sunak was concerned about the text exchange, and denied the leak had come from his allies.

Sir James wrote an official letter to the Treasury asking for the tax status of his staff to remain the same if they moved from Singapore to the UK to produce vital ventilators during the pandemic.

But in a private text seen by the BBC, Mr Johnson told Sir James that he 'will fix it' himself.

He then added 'Rishi says it is fixed!! We need you here'.

Just two weeks later, Rishi Sunak told MPs that those coming into the UK to offer help during the pandemic would not see a change in their tax status.

It is the latest in a string of cronyism and lobbying questions facing the Conservative Party, after accusations that David Cameron used his influence and contacts to lobby ministers and officials behalf of his financier boss Lex Greensill.

This included texting Mr Sunak in an unsuccessful effort to secure coronavirus loans.

Last month WhatsApp messages between Matt Hancock and a former neighbour who supplied the NHS with test tubes emerged, sparking questions over how they had come into the public domain.

Boris Johnson mounted a furious defence of his efforts to ramp up the pandemic response as he was berated by Keir Starmer at PMQs

Boris Johnson (right) promised Sir James Dyson (left) that tycoon's staff would not have to pay additional tax if they came to the UK to make ventilators for the NHS, reports claim

Two weeks after the text exchange, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs that those coming into the UK to offer help during the pandemic would not see a change in their tax status

Text exchange between Boris Johnson and Sir James Dyson over the tax status of his employees Dyson: 'We are ready. But nobody seems to want us to proceed. Sadly, James' Johnson: 'I will fix it tomo! We need you. It looks fantastic' Johnson: 'Rishi says it is fixed!! We need you here' Dyson: 'Thanks! I will give the ventilator our all. James' Dyson: 'Dear Boris, I'm afraid that we need a response to our letter below from Rishi please? We really need Rishi to answer the letter we sent (attached) - now. Or to make the position clear. Rishi has fixed the Country Day Count issue but not Work Days. The former is now covered under an 'Exceptional Circumstances' umbrella, Work Days are not. So, he has freed up your ability to be in the UK but not to work there - even in support of this National emergency.' Johnson: 'James I am first lord of the treasury and you can take it that we are backing you to do what you need.' Just two weeks later, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs that those coming into the UK to offer help during the pandemic would not see a change in their tax status. Advertisement

The former-PM denies breaking any rules, but conceded he should have made approaches to ministers using more 'formal' channels.

The Treasury Committee has launched an inquiry into the government's dealings with failed finance firm Greensill Capital - with Mr Cameron, Mr Greensill and Mr Sunak all set to be grilled by MPs in person.

Dyson played a key role during the pandemic, working with scientists and a Cambridge-based Technology Partnership to produce 10,000 ventilators for hospitals across the country.

In messages between the PM and Sir James, the former writes: 'We are ready. But nobody seems to want us to proceed. Sadly, James.'

Mr Johnson replied saying he will 'fix it tomorrow' adding: 'We need you. It looks fantastic.'

Sir James replied saying: 'Thanks! I will give the ventilator our all.'

He then adds: 'Dear Boris, I'm afraid that we need a response to our letter below from Rishi please?

'We really need Rishi to answer the letter we sent (attached) - now. Or to make the position clear.

'Rishi has fixed the Country Day Count issue but not Work Days.

'The former is now covered under an ''Exceptional Circumstances'' umbrella, Work Days are not.

'So, he has freed up your ability to be in the UK but not to work there - even in support of this National emergency.'

Mr Johnson reassured him, writing: 'James I am first lord of the treasury and you can take it that we are backing you to do what you need.'

Sir James said: 'When the Prime Minister rang me to ask Dyson to urgently build ventilators, of course I said yes. We were in the midst of an national emergency and I am hugely proud of Dyson's response - I would do the same again if asked.

'Our ventilator cost Dyson 20million, freely given to the national cause, and it is absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people  in UK and Singapore  worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.

'Mercifully they were not required as medical understanding of the virus evolved.

'Neither Weybourne nor Dyson received any benefit from the project, indeed commercial projects were delayed, and Dyson voluntarily covered the 20m of development costs.

'Not one penny was claimed from any Government, in any jurisdiction, in relation to Covid-19.'

In bruising clashes in the Commons, Sir Keir suggested it was 'one rule for those that have got the Prime Minister's phone number, another for everybody else'.

'What does the Prime Minister think is the right thing to do if he receives a text message from a billionaire Conservative supporter asking him to fix tax rules?'

Mr Johnson responded: 'If he's referring to the request from James Dyson, I make absolutely no apology at all for shifting heaven and earth and doing everything I possibly could, as I think any prime minister would in those circumstances, to secure ventilators for the people of this country.

'And to save lives and to roll out a ventilator procurement which the Labour-controlled Public Accounts Committee themselves said was a benchmark for procurement.'

After Sir Keir jibed that it was 'sleaze, sleaze, sleaze... and all on your watch', a clearly infuriated Mr Johnson retorted that he was 'proud' of the government's efforts on ventilators. 'I am proud of the decisions we took,' he said.

He renewed his attack on 'Captain Hindsight' Sir Keir, insisting the Labour leader had appeared at the time to be in favour of securing more ventilators.

In a blow to Sir Keir's stance, former PM Tony Blair also expressed sympathy for Mr Johnson and Sir James, saying he found it hard to get 'worked up' about the issue.

He said: 'We were in the middle of a pandemic. And after all, we were actually asking James Dyson to step forward and start making ventilators.

'I find it hard to get worked up about this, and I also don't know the details...'

Mr Blair went on: 'I think there's got to be a certain degree of understanding if you're in the middle of a huge crisis like this.'

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that Sir James had been been seeking assurances from the Prime Minister his people would not be 'disadvantaged' in coming to the UK to help with the ventilator drive.

He told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday: 'I believe what happened in this case was that Dyson was seeking an assurance that people from his company that came to the UK to help were not disadvantaged.'

When asked if the Prime Minister's text messages should be covered by transparency rules Mr Dowden said: 'We have robust transparency rules.

'The point here is this was not normal times, this was not business as usual as a Government in peace time.

'We were essentially at war with this virus, people expected us to move very rapidly, the Prime Minister moved rapidly, and the result of this was that it helped us to meet this ventilator challenge.

'It has to be viewed in this context.'

It is the latest in a string of lobbying questions facing the Conservative Party, sparked by accusations that David Cameron (pictured) used his influence and contacts to lobby ministers and officials behalf of his financier boss Lex Greensill

The Treasury Committee has launched an inquiry into the government's dealings with failed finance firm Greensill Capital - with Mr Cameron , Mr Greensill (pictured) and Mr Sunak all set to be grilled by MPs in person

Under the ministerial code - a list of rules laying out the conduct expected by ministers - 'a private secretary or official should be present for all discussions relating to government business'.

Should a conversation happen without an official, 'any significant content should be passed back to the department as soon as possible after the event'.

It also states that ministers should 'act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner' and 'must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias'.

Shadow business minister Lucy Powell said the text messages were 'jaw-dropping'.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It stinks, really, that a billionaire businessman can text the Prime Minister and get an immediate response and apparently an immediate change in policy.

'It seems like the country only works for people who are rich enough or influential enough and, frankly, donors to the Tory Party, who have the personal mobile number of the Prime Minister and Chancellor.'

When it was pointed out that the texts had been exchanged during a 'desperate situation' at the start of the pandemic, Ms Powell said: 'It's about fairness of access here.

'Government needs to work for everyone, not just for the privileged few and those who happen to have the phone number of the Prime Minister and who happen to sit next to him at some Tory glamour ball.'
April 21 : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. While the couple was away from each other as they were in two cities, they celebrated the special day over a video call.

Aishwarya took to her Instagram handle and shared a screenshot of their virtual anniversary celebrations. Their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan can also be seen in the picture. Aishwarya captioned the post with love-struck and heart emojis.

Many fans congratulated the couple on the comments section. While they wished the couple with heart and fire emojis, one fan wrote, Happy Anniversary to both of you May each new day you share be ever more beautiful than the last. Love you & Miss You. Another fan wrote, You are a woman with a unique gift try to nourish it.

Aishwarya and Abhishek tied the knot on April 20, 2007. They started dating during the shooting of their film Umrao Jaan in 2006. Abhishek reportedly proposed Aishwarya in 2007 when they were in New York. The couple was blessed with Aaradhya on November 16, 2011.

Meanwhile, Aishwarya, who likes to stay away from the limelight, will be seen next in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan. In January this year, Aishwarya was spotted arriving in Hyderabad airport to start shooting for the film. She was accompanied by Abhishek and Aaradhya. In the film, the Guru actress will play a double role. Ponniyin Selvan also stars Chiyaan Vikram, Trisha, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Sobhita Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lekshmi among others.

On the other hand, Abhishek is currently in Lucknow, shooting for his upcoming film, Dasvi. Earlier this month, his film The Big Bull released on Disney+ Hotstar amidst mixed response. Currently, the film is doing well on the streaming platform. Junior Bachchan was last seen in Ludo and his performance in the film was lauded by the critics.
The United States clearly defines the Russian Federation as an aggressor, despite all attempts by Russian propaganda to justify the buildup of its forces on Ukraines border and accuse Kyiv of provocations.

Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Ned Price said this at a briefing on April 20, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

So let me be clear: Russia is the aggressor, the spokesperson said.

He stressed that the United States was "deeply concerned" about Russias ongoing aggressive actions and rhetoric against Ukraine. However, according to him, there are no signs that Ukraine is engaging in provocations or escalating tensions, as the Kremlin claims.

What we have seen is a Russian disinformation campaign designed to falsely blame Ukraine for the Kremlins own actions, Price said.

He recalled that this was one of the primary discussions in Brussels last week at NATO Headquarters, where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was on a visit. The Secretary made clear that the United States Government stands by Ukraine.

We will continue to support the government and the people of Ukraine in the face of what appears to be intimidation, he summed up.

As reported, the Russian armed forces have recently been building up troops near the state border of Ukraine in the north, east and south, as well as in occupied Crimea. In addition, the number of ceasefire violations by the armed formations of the Russian Federation in eastern Ukraine has increased; there are losses among the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian Federation is conducting a propaganda campaign to justify possible aggression against Ukraine.

ish
OAKLAND (BCN)

A federal jury in Oakland convicted a 38-year-old man of aiding and abetting an environmental crime and of obstruction of justice in connection with the intentional dumping of oily bilge water from a commercial tanker into the ocean in in February 2019.

Gilbert Fajardo Dela Cruz, a Philippine national, was an engineer on the commercial tanker Zoa Galaxy and therefore responsible, the court found, for the actions of his crew dumping the bilge water and then covering it up by submitting bogus paperwork to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Zao Galaxy was operated by Dela Cruz's employer, Unix Line PTE Ltd., a Singapore-domiciled company.

Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the Zao Galaxy, like all such large oil tanker vessels, generates oily bilge water when traveling. The procedure such ships are to follow has this water treated with chemicals to remove the oil before being discharged into the ocean.

During a Feb. 19, 2019, examination while the boat was moored in Richmond, Coast Guard officials found the ship discharging untreated bilge water.

Dela Cruz's employer admitted guilt on Feb. 26, 2020, to one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. A judge ordered the company to pay a $1.65 million fine and to serve probation for four years.

Dela Cruz, however, denied responsibility and went to trial, prosecutors said. The jury found him guilty on three counts -- including obstruction of justice -- and he faces a maximum of 31 years in prison for the combined counts and a fine of up to $750,000.

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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially thought to be a respiratory infection, but further research has revealed that the coronavirus can infect and damage multiple areas in the body. Previous work has shown that SARS-CoV-2 can bind to ACE2 receptors in the kidneys, heart, lungs, and more. The virus has also been shown to infect the brain as some people experience neurological complications during and after COVID-19 infection. However, the mechanism as to how the coronavirus infects the brain remains poorly understood.

A recent preclinical study led by Anja Kipar of the University of Zurich and the University of Liverpool found evidence of the virus infecting and eventually provoking cell death in microglia and immune cells  but not neurons. The viral-induced apoptosis in these brain cells may explain why some long-haulers experience brain fog months after recovery.

The study Viral neuroinvasion and neurotropism without neuronal damage in the hACE2 mouse model of COVID-19 is available as a preprint on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

How they did it

The researchers used the transgenic K18-hACE2 mice that have been verified as a reliable model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mice were placed intranasally infected with low or high SARS-CoV-2 doses followed by influenza A virus infection. The virus entered the brain seven days after intranasal administration.

Proposed pathway for viral entry into the brain

Because of the low intranasal dose, the brain was not entirely infected by SARS-CoV-2. The virus occupied the frontal brain regions, including the caudoputamen, the hippocampal area, and the thalamus/hypothalamus area. At low levels, the virus did not spread to the spinal cord. The researchers observed viral spread in the brain and spinal cord at higher doses, indicating infection is dose-dependent.

The virus likely enters through the olfactory bulb. The researchers made this deduction when they found brain areas infected with SARS-CoV-2 included the olfactory epithelium and neurons in the olfactory bulb. Neurons with secondary or tertiary connections to the olfactory bulb were also infected with SARS-CoV-2.

However, the team did note that the virus occupied brain areas with no direct connection to the olfactory bulb, suggesting multiple viral entries into the brain.

The front-to-back viral spread observed in the study suggests SARS-CoV-2 likely proceeds through a direct invasion of the brain starting at the front. The front of the brain has several cortical areas involved in memory, attention, and executive function  abilities that may become impaired during COVID-19 infection. The findings could also explain other COVID-19 related symptoms.

In mild COVID-19, infection of the brain via the olfactory bulb and possible other neurogenic routes could occur. This would then lead to exclusive neuronal infection and only a mild inflammatory response. It might be this scenario that explains the loss of taste and smell and severe headaches reported in patients with mild disease.

Brain and spinal cord, K18-hACE mice, day 7 post intranasal SARS-CoV-2 infection (104 PFU as single infection or 103 PFU after initial infection with IAV (102 PFU IAV strain A/X31) as double infection). A) Double infected animal, main olfactory epithelium (MOI), cribriform plate and olfactory bulb. Viral antigen is detected in olfactory neurons and basal cells of the MOI and in granule layer, inner and outer plexiform layer, mitral layer as well as glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb. Bar = 20 m. B) Double infected animal, examples of viral antigen expression in different brain regions. Top: frontal cortex with viral antigen expression in almost all neurons = 20 m. Bottom: patchy virus antigen expression in the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3; left; bar = 50 m.) and strong expression in the medulla oblongata (right; bar = 20 m.). C) Single infected animal, medulla oblongata and cerebellum. Viral RNA is abundantly expressed in neurons in the medulla oblongata (vestibular nuclei). The cerebellar cortex exhibits a few positive Purkinje cells (see also inset). Bar = 50 m. D) Single infected animal, thoracic spinal cord. The grey matter exhibits numerous neurons that express viral antigen (large image and bottom inset) and viral RNA (top inset) in cell body and processes. Bar = 50 m. E, F) Double infected animal, thoracic spinal cord. There is extensive viral antigen expression in neurons in the grey matter (E). Consecutive section showing scattered apoptotic (cleaved caspase 3 positive) glial cells (F, arrowheads), among intact neurons and in the absence of an inflammatory reaction. * - central canal. Bars = 20 m. Immunohistochemistry and RNA-ISH, hematoxylin counterstain.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple brain cell types

SARS-CoV-2 infected neurons, and researchers observed an increase in viral protein in the cells cytoplasm. But the virus never caused neurons to die, which suggests either the virus provides no direct cytopathic effect on neurons or the dosage was too low to cause significant damage. There was no evidence of demyelination, which would shorten the speed of neurotransmission between cells or axonal damage.

There were instances of mild encephalitis in mice with the viral antigen, and the immune system induced it. This was dose-dependent again, with a higher viral dose increasing the severity of infection. The encephalitis was mainly driven by T cells and macrophages, and the researchers also observed increased neuronal inflammation in infected mice.

Neurons didnt undergo cell death with the viral intrusion, but other cells infiltrating lymphocytes, capillary endothelial cells, and macrophages/microglial cells were not as fortunate. Despite undergoing apoptosis, none of the cells were directly infected by the virus.

This result is in line with recent findings in SARS-CoV-2 infected human brain organoids which provided evidence that infected neurons do not die but can promote the death of adjacent uninfected cells, wrote the researchers.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
New Delhi: Actress Hina Khans father passed away on Tuesday (April 20) and the actress who was shooting for a music video in the valley immediately rushed back to Mumbai and was clicked by the paparazzi.

The alleged cause of death of the actress's father was cardiac arrest. Many industry friends paid condolence to the 33-year-old through their social media account, confirming her fathers death.

However any statement from Hina Khan is yet awaited.

Hina Khans Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai co-star Kanchi Singh took to her Instagram stories to share her condolences to Hina. Unbelievable! RIP uncle. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family," wrote Kanchi.

Bigg Boss 14 contestants Eijaz Khan and Nikki Tamboli also shared the sad news and offered their condolences to Hina.

I was so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. No matter wherever he is, hell always be watching over you. He will stay with you forever My deepest condolence to you and your family, wrote Nikki Tamboli.

I was so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family.

No matter wherever he is, hell always be watching over you. He will stay with you forever

My deepest condolence to you and your family @eyehinakhan  Nikki Tamboli (@nikkitamboli) April 20, 2021

While Eijaz Khanexpressed his sorrow with a dua and wrote, sorry for your loss Hina. Inna lilla hi wa inna ilayihi rajioon. Khuda unko jannat naseeb farmaaye. .@eyehinakhan.

sorry for your loss Hina. Inna lilla hi wa inna ilayihi rajioon. Khuda unko jannat naseeb farmaaye. .@eyehinakhan

 Eijaz Khan (@KhanEijaz) April 20, 2021

Hina Khan participated in Bigg Boss 14 as a senior in which Eijaz and Nikki were contestants.

Actor Hiten Tejwani also expressed his sorrow and simply wrote, "Condolences @eyehinakhan".

Hina Khan has often claimed to be a daddys girl and her instagram stories and reel also used to feature her father. She has Dad pep talks as one of the highlights on her Instagram account.
As a new administration takes over leadership of Americas commitment to religious freedom worldwide, Gayle Manchin believes President Joe Biden is very aware of its importance.

But given global developments, the watchdog work of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which she chairs, sometimes feels like treading water.

Others agree. For example, an 800-page study released this week by Aid to the Church in Need concludes that 1 in 3 nations of the world do not respect religious freedom.

And in 95 percent of these, the situation is growing worse.

USCIRF, created to provide recommendations to the US government, released its 22nd annual report today. Its analysis identifies significant problems in 26 countries, down from 29 last year. It also marked a surge in worldwide antisemitism.

Following the commissions advice, last December then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the designation of Burma [Myanmar], China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

USCIRFs 2021 report recommends that new Secretary of State Anthony Blinken add India, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam.

And where the US State Department under the Trump administration added Cuba and Nicaragua to a Special Watch List (SWL), this year USCIRF recommends also including Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, the commission recommends that three nations finally come off the watch list: Bahrain, the Central African Republic, and Sudan.

Shielded from US foreign policy concerns, USCIRF says its mandate allows it to unflinchingly criticize the records of US allies and adversaries alike on religious freedom. This is meant as oversight and advice for the State Department, which is not required to accept the commissions recommendations.

Created as an independent, bipartisan federal commission by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), USCIRF evaluates the degree to which nations engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.

CPC status requires meeting all three descriptors, while SWL status requires two.

Todays report notes, however, that even when the State Department designates a nation as a CPC, there is regular violation of the IRFA requirement to compel presidential action. Often a simple national security waiver is applied to exempt allied or strategic nations.

USCIRF urges the federal government to stop this practice, and to take concrete action.

Following four commission field visits (limited due to COVID-19), seven hearings, and 33 published reports, USCIRFS 2021 report calls attention to religious freedom violations against all faiths, including:

1 to 3 million Turkic Muslims in Chinese concentration camps

130,000 Muslims in government-run internment camps in Burma

50,000 Christians held in North Korean prison camps

2,500 Yazidi girls and women missing in Iraq

2,000 religious prisoners in Uzbekistan

477 raids conducted against homes of Jehovahs Witnesses in Russia

240 religious prisoners released on bail in Eritrea

15 houses of worship attacked by non-state actors in Nigeria

9 Yazidi shrines destroyed by Turkish-backed militias in northern Syria

5 targeted killings of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan

This years report includes a new section highlighting key USCIRF recommendations that the US government has implemented, including: 14 religious freedom violators have been sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act; key religious freedom staff positions have been filled at the State Department and the National Security Council; and Chinas abuse of its Uighur population has been designated as a genocide.

But it also notes positive developments, including the three nations removed from SWL status:

Bahrain, a Sunni Muslim kingdom, took steps to improve treatment of its majority Shiite population, allowing commemoration of the Ashura holiday.

The Central African Republic, a Christian-majority nation, successfully implemented a peace agreement that curbed sectarian violence targeting both Christians and Muslims for their religious identities.

And Sudan, a Muslim nation emerging from an Islamist dictatorship, passed several laws to improve religious freedom conditions.

Gains are also noted in Egypt, where 388 churches were approved for registration, and in Eritrea, where 240 religious prisoners were released on bail.

USCIRF additionally commended the 32 national members of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, as well as the 7 countries that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances Working Definition of Antisemitism.

CT spoke with Manchin about USCIRFs most controversial discussions, how violating nations can improve their standing, and whether the Biden administration will continue the religious freedom emphasis given by former President Donald Trump:

Last year, Nigeria was added as a CPC by the State Department. How did USCIRFs work contribute to the decision?

USCIRF has a unique ability to focus on religious freedom, while the State Department looks at the relationship with a country in balance. But they take our work very seriously, and know the research and credibility behind it. They watch, and when the information is overwhelmingand when they are comfortablethey will join us in a recommendation.

But I never question when they dont. There may be details going on that we are not aware of.

So how do you interpret the State Department additions of Cuba and Nicaragua to the SWL? Maybe they are not the most egregious violators of religious freedom, compared to others on the USCIRF list?

Both of these countries are continuing to trend worse. When we are able to travel again, these are nations we will reach out to for a visit, to get a clearer picture of what is going on. There is always a political aspect, from the governments perspective.

But now that Cuba is without a Castro for the first time, there are things happening that may change. Of course, it could also be toward the negative, so we will continue to monitor.

What nations generated the most controversy and discussion among USCIRF commissioners?

India, which has trended poorly this year. Our discussions are not so much of disagreement, only of understanding. Last year, when we put India on the CPC list, there was controversy within our commission, because some of us believed it did not belong there.

This year, there was total agreement.

China [has] so many areas of discussion. We have to have a very clear understanding of exactly what is happening, that we can verify and validate. It is not only so egregious, but they [Chinese officials] are trying to spread among other nations that what they are doing is okay.

With Chinas overall goal of global power, it is very frightening.

The only controversy in our discussions was how far we can move our discussions from the religious issue, to ask corporations to not do business with products made in that Xinjiang region. But it all ties back to the Uighurs and their forced labor camps.

Tell us more about your discussions about Azerbaijan, especially in light of the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan has been one of those countries that has approached a border line of not being on the SWL. But there were some unfortunate trendings this past year, [where] we sensed a hesitancy. There was disagreement. There were some commissioners who thought it was ready to be taken off the list.

But my personal opinion is that when we remove a country from the CPC or SWL, there is a fear that the first reaction will be, Great, everythings fine.

But everything is not fine. Azerbaijan has not proven that it is headed in the right direction, nor that it will continue to raise the level of becoming better. The majority of the group felt this way.

The positive thing is that they [Azerbaijani officials] continue to work with us, and want to dialogue.

Three countries were removed by USCIRF from the watch list. How did they demonstrate that they had crossed the border line?

Bahrain has worked with us every year. They [Bahraini officials] read our report word for word, and come back with a report that attempts to answer every question and issue we raise. But they also realized what they needed to do. We felt that their progress needed to be expounded upon, so we removed them from the SWL.

But we told them: We will continue to monitor. We dont want you backsliding.

Many of these countries dont have nice neighbors. They feel threatened every day, so power is very important to them. So the steps they take are very brave. What we impress upon them is that allowing freedom of religion builds a stronger country, with people more loyal and steadfast to support them.

There are two thought processes. Does a government tolerate what is going on, or is the government the perpetrator? At USCIRF, we denounce a nation that tolerates it. The State Department focuses more on if the government itself is doing it.

In the Central African Republic, we see that the government is not tolerating what these groups have done to harass minorities. That is very good, we want to showcase and applaud when a government stands up to rebel groups that burn down churches and harass villages.

They [CAR officials] also have worked with us to know what they must do to get off the list.

And Sudanwhat a major example of a total turnaround in their government. You just have to applaud what they are doing, in the part of the world where they exist.

The 2021 report notes a positive development in Eritrea, a major violator of religious freedom for a long time. Are Eritrean officials starting to listen?

Our inability to travel because of COVID has complicated the work and the thought process. But Eritrea is one of the countries that do nothing to make things better, and in fact, everything they [Eritrean officials] do makes them trend more poorlyand they dont seem to care whos watching.

This is a problem with all our CPCs.

We are asking countries to release prisoners of conscience because of COVID-19, and that did happen in a few cases. The release in Eritrea is a good thing, but you have to look to see what the motive was. It may have been lifesaving for them.

The countries that care reach out to usvia Zoom this yearto keep us informed and show the information they give us is valid. But these types of nations, who dont want you to visit, see a time when you cant visit as a better way to spread misinformation.

How do you view the commitment of the Biden administration? Secretary Blinken has stated there was an unbalanced emphasis on religious freedom under President Trump.

I believe that President Biden is very aware of religious freedom as a basic human right, and that he supports it. He has had a lot of issues on his plate since the beginning of his administration, and the situation at the border is hampering him on the refugee numbers, to bring them up.

But I believe he will. I believe he will appoint an ambassador for religious freedom. He will have people in the State Department who will work very closely on the issue, with USCIRF and the countries we deal with.

I think Secretary Blinkens comment was that the United States is a great believer in all human rights, in the international understanding. But he was not so much bringing down religious freedom, but that we will uplift all human rights, for all people. Religious freedom will still be one of the very basic ones we supportbut there will be others.

You and Sam Brownback, former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, will be hosting a religious freedom summit in Washington this summer, even as the official ministerial meetings moved to Poland last year and to Brazil this year. Do you fear there will be a loss of momentum without direct government involvement?

We are hopeful. We have had bipartisan sponsorship from both the House and the Senate. This has been a crazy time for the president, trying to get settled. But having said that, I think there will be participation from the Biden administration.

The importance of this summit was to keep it going, especially as COVID-19 kept it virtual last year. Where we have had countries coming together to support religious freedom, we want to hang on to it. This summer will have a virtual component, but also in person.

It is a transition between the administrations, holding things together, so that next year the Biden administration can take a stronger role.

Last year as chair, Tony Perkins said it was a time of tremendous progress for international religious freedom. How do you describe the current moment, one year later?

The elevation of USCIRF and our work has raised the level of awareness both in America and globally. Yes, I agree with Tony, that with this has come progress.

There are also countries that dont care. But we have made it a bigger issue.

So it is critical that USCIRF and the State Department remain committed. It will make a difference to people around the world.

Awareness has increased, but this almost sounds more like treading water. Is that too negative?

There is always Did you see this, or that, in this country. So yes, many times it does feel like you are treading water. The global surge in antisemitism has been horrificwe have to focus on it more. But it has to be balanced with what we are doing.

In many ways, this world is not trending in the way we want it to, for religious freedom.

And yet, you were able to take three countries off the recommendations list.

Yes [smiling]. And we are very happy about this.

We say: We are not Big Brother, watching over you. We are working with you, to maintain and continue to improve religious freedom in your countries.
The funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021, an emotional if muted affair, arouses mixed emotions. It was a sad personal family farewell but also an event of public significance, political and military, and a spectacular display of pageantry. The setting itself was symbolic of British history: Windsor Castle, where ten kings have been laid to rest. The royal procession proved a collaboration of the various branches of the armed forces, military bands, royal marine buglers, and an honor guard from all the armed forces. Symbolically, the naval cap and sword of Philip, a gallant officer, were laid on his coffin.

Because of precautions concerning COVID-19 this was not a large-scale military procession, and to avoid family tensions, the Royal Family did not wear military uniforms. Nevertheless, pomp and ceremony were in evidence with ceremonial gunfire at nine locations across the UK and Gibraltar while a minute of national silence was observed.

The funeral was elegant, dignified, poignant, soiled only by reminders of the dissension between the princes William and Harry and the virtual self-inflicted isolation of Harry in his own country. This ceremony, with its roll call of history and duty, was a stark contrast to the petty, vulgar, self-serving, and mean-spirited character of the so called interview in which Harry and Meghan Markle participated with its egregious accusations of racism and bullying by unnamed members of the Royal Family. The contrast between the Sussex duo was especially pronounced in comparison to the grace exhibited by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge: confident, self-composed, with calm capability, apparently acting as a family peacemaker.

Yet the funeral was also the illustration of a fading epoch with its touching memories of the British Empire, the lament played by a pipe major from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Last Post by buglers from the Royal Marines, the Reveille by state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. The ruling generation, including Philip at 99, the unusual mixture of German, Danish and a touch of Russian, forged in and after World War II is passing. Queen Elizabeth at 95 in April 2021 remains, but royalty has gone from Russia, Germany, Austria, Greece, Portugal, and Italy.

The British Empire, which once ruled the waves, and on which the sun never set, was increased by conquest and by trading posts in Africa and Asia. By World War I it was the largest empire that has ever existed, on about a quarter of the worlds surface and with over 20% of the world population. Winston Churchill in the House of Commons in November 1942 remarked, I have not become the kings first minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire. But Churchill, like King Canute, could not turn back the tide, nor stop the inexorable decline of the Empire. Two main factors accounted for the decline; one that wars bankrupted the UK ; the more pressing one was development of independence movements, partly because parts of the Empire contributed troops and resources to the wars and took an increasingly independent view but mainly because of arguments for decolonization, calls for freedom from alien rule , and for popular sovereignty of peoples as the basis of political community.

Decolonialization began with independence of the 13 colonies in America, then, two centuries later, with independence of the Indian subcontinent, settler colonies, and some protectorates.

Limited self-government by colonies began in Canada in 1847 and then was extended to other colonies which gradually gained complete control over their own affairs. In 1907 they were granted the status of dominion, and then became part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

What was crucial was the emergence of nationalism: in Africa 33 colonies became independent between 1957 and 1966. By 1963 all of Africa, except Rhodesia, had achieved independence from the UK. This ended the collaboration of indigenous elites, who were exposed to and accepted ideas and institutions of the West. British rule had been largely indirect with local autonomy, one of association, a relationship different from the French concept of assimilation.

Today, little remains of the British Empire across the globe, a few islands and other territories, Bermuda, Falklands Islands, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, but at the same time 15 states besides the UK, still have the British monarch, now Queen Elizabeth, as head of state, a purely symbolic and personal position, with no political authority.

In any objective assessment, historical figures and the periods in which they lived should not be judged by modern values or sensibility, though it is desirable to evaluate the dark side as well as the bright side of characters. For centuries the West has dominated history: the Enlightenment, the Renaissance, and the forces of modernity were key factors in producing the intellectual, technological, economic and political organizations, industrialization, that led the world. Other areas of the world are catching up. It is one thing to deny that western culture can have universal validity. It is quite another to attack the West as hypocritical and oppressive, particularly because of benefits obtained from the slave trade, which is tantamount to rejecting the vital contributions of western culture.

The absurdity of this stance of cancel culture or wokery has been shown once again in April 2021. In 2021 there has been controversy over the anti-racism focus in the curriculum in three schools in New York City -- Dalton, Brearley, Grace schools -- all with very expensive tuition fees. The London secondary school Pimlico Academy was vandalized with graffiti accusing the school of racism. This stance appears as an anti-intellectual, illiberal attitude, and as an assertion that people should be judged by the color of their skin. Critics of the schools spoke of the harmful impact of antiracism instruction.

Even more fatuous is the launching by the Jane Austen House Museum of a BLM-inspired historical interrogation of the celebrated novelists link to the slave trade and colonialism, not because of her novels but because she drank tea, used sugar, and wore cotton clothes, all products brought to UK from colonies in Africa. Her father, George Austen, rector for a parish in Hampshire, was for a time a trustee for an Antigua sugar plantation. Although it is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen was one of Englands great 19th-century writers, not a colonialist, the curators of the museum are planning a display, Black Lives mattered to Jane Austen.

Undeniably, the British Empire provided wealth for the metropolitan economy and had a strategic value in maintaining lines of communication for security and expansion. However, because of its primacy in modernity, the British Empire was more than conquest, exploitation, and oppression. It was, despite mistakes and injustices, the initiator of the process of modernization and of liberal imperialism, not a cruel or inhumane force. As historian Niall Ferguson wrote, no organization has done more to impose Western norms of law, order, and governance around the world. Its system of law, values, and morals, and intellectual leadership has influenced the world.

All this is denied by advocates of cancel culture and by concepts of postcolonialism which reject the universalisms associated with Enlightenment thought, democracy, liberalism, objectivity, and which characterize all Enlightenment values as Eurocentric, and categorize groups of people according to essential qualities.

The British monarchy is going through a period of turmoil and must adapt to present-day post-Brexit Britain with political unrest in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is not as popular as in the past. Yet the funeral of Philip illustrated it was still a symbol of unity and continuity, proving a kind of national solidarity. Other royal dynasties have collapsed while the British monarchy has survived, headed by the 95-year-old, politically neutral Queen Elizabeth, the center of stability. The funeral, because of the pandemic, was necessarily austere but the future of the monarchy, whatever future changes are contemplated, is not. Philip, himself a complicated figure, symbolized the contributions the monarchy and the country has made to the world, in language, commerce, political representation, and notions of freedom.

Britain, with all its mistakes and injustices and inherited privilege, was in the vanguard of the narrative of human progress, not the embodiment of shame or racism. Prince Philip took part in more than 22,000 solo royal engagements and was a modernizer. It is now up to Prince Charles, after his long apprenticeship for the role of king, to further that narrative. He will have to elucidate what it means to be British in a multi-ethnic society.

Image: Carfax2

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(CNN) -- The former Minneapolis Police officer who kneeled on George Floyd's neck for over 9 minutes last year was found guilty Tuesday of all three charges against him in one of the most consequential trials of the Black Lives Matter era.

Derek Chauvin, 45, was convicted on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days in coming to their decision.

Statement from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker No courtroom can ever replace a life, but it can and should deliver justice. Today, the jury in Derek Chauvins murder trial honored that truth. My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd, who deserve to have him alive today. Im also thinking of all our Black communities and other communities of color who see their children or their parents or themselves in George Floyd, and Daunte Wright, and Adam Toledo, and Breonna Taylor, and Laquan McDonald. This verdict marks an important milestone on the journey to justice, but the fullest measure of progress is how we deliver accountability, safety and meaningful change. In Illinois, we are addressing law enforcement reform, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, educational equity and health care. We can and must make progress every day until we have a state and a nation and a justice system that truly serve everyone. And as long as theres more work to be done, thats what well do.

Chauvin, wearing a mask inside the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, had no apparent reaction to the guilty verdict. Afterward, his bail was revoked and he was placed in handcuffs and removed from the court through a side door.

The second-degree murder charge said Chauvin assaulted Floyd with his knee, which unintentionally caused Floyd's death. The third-degree murder charge said Chauvin acted with a "depraved mind," and the manslaughter charge said his "culpable negligence" caused Floyd's death.

Chauvin could face up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for manslaughter. However, Minnesota's sentencing guidelines recommend about 12.5 years in prison for each murder charge and about four years for the manslaughter charge. His sentencing is set for eight weeks from now.

The verdict comes about 11 months after excruciating bystander video showed Chauvin impassively kneeling on the neck and back of Floyd, handcuffed and lying prone on the street, for 9 minutes and 29 seconds on May 25, 2020. Under the officer's knees, the 46-year-old Black man gasped for air, repeatedly exclaimed "I can't breathe" and ultimately went silent.

His final moments illustrated in clear visuals what Black Americans have long said about the ways that the criminal justice system dehumanizes Black people, setting off mass protests across the country as well as incidents of looting and unrest.

Over about three weeks of testimony in court, Minnesota prosecutors have repeatedly told jurors to "believe your eyes" and rely on that video.

"This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first, when you saw that video. It is exactly that. You can believe your eyes," prosecuting attorney Steve Schleicher said in closing arguments. "This wasn't policing. This was murder."

The defense called seven witnesses of its own -- but not Chauvin himself, as he invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify. Defense attorney Eric Nelson argued that Chauvin's use of force was reasonable, that he was distracted by hostile bystanders and that Floyd died of other causes.

Tears of joy in and out of court

In a first for Minnesota, the trial has been broadcast live in its entirety to accommodate Covid-19 attendance restrictions, giving the public a rare look into the heart of the legal system.

Tensions have been high throughout the Twin Cities region, and authorities ramped up security in anticipation of a verdict. The Hennepin County Government Center has been surrounded by fencing and barricades since jury selection began in March. More than 3,000 Minnesota National Guard members have also been activated in the Twin Cities, while businesses in Minneapolis have boarded up windows.

But the all-guilty verdict led to cries of joy and sighs of relief among those in Minneapolis, including outside the Cup Foods store where Floyd took his final breath.

Inside court, Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's younger brother, clasped his hands over his head in prayer as the verdict was read, according to pool reporters, including CNN's Josh Campbell. During the third guilty verdict, his hands shook back and forth and he kept his head down and eyes closed as his head nodded up and down, the report said.

After court concluded, Philonise Floyd was seen crying as he hugged all four prosecutors.

"I was just praying they would find him guilty," he explained. "As an African American, we usually never get justice."

In a statement, attorney Ben Crump and the Floyd family praised the verdicts.

"Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyd's family and the community here in Minneapolis, but today's verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world," Crump said in a statement. "Justice for Black America is justice for all of America. This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state."

President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he was praying for the "right" verdict in the case, noting that the evidence was "overwhelming." After the verdict, he and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on the phone with the Floyd family and their attorneys, according to video posted by Crump.

"Nothing is going to make it all better," Biden told them, but "at least now there's some justice."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office prosecuted the case, cautioned that the verdict was not the end of the road.

"I would not call today's verdict justice, however, because justice implies true restoration. But it is accountability, which is the first step toward justice," he said.

Prosecutor says trial is 'pro-police'

Prosecutors called 38 witnesses over the course of three separate phases of the trial.

First, bystanders at the scene testified about their fear and horror as they watched Floyd slowly die under Chauvin's restraint. Next, a series of police supervisors and use-of-force experts -- including Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo -- criticized Chauvin's continued kneeling as excessive and unreasonable, particularly after Floyd had passed out, stopped breathing and had no pulse.

Finally, five separate medical experts explained that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen when Chauvin restricted his ability to breathe in what's known as "positional asphyxia."

In the state's closing argument, Schleicher said Chauvin kneeled on Floyd for so long because of his pride and his ego in the face of concerned bystanders.

"He was not going to let these bystanders tell him what to do. He was going to do what he wanted, how he wanted, for as long as he wanted. And there was nothing, nothing they can do about it because he had the authority. He had the power, and the other officers, the bystanders were powerless," he said. "He was trying to win, and George Floyd paid for it with his life."

He contrasted Chauvin's "ego-based pride" with the proper feelings of pride in wearing a police badge and praised policing as a noble profession. He insisted the state was prosecuting Chauvin individually -- not policing in general.

"This is not an anti-police prosecution; it is a pro-police prosecution," he said. "There is nothing worse for good police than bad police."

In response, Nelson said Chauvin acted as a "reasonable officer" would in that situation and said there was no evidence he intentionally or purposefully used force that was unlawful.

"You have to look at it from the reasonable police officer standard. You have to take into account that officers are human beings, capable of making mistakes in highly stressful situations," Nelson said. "In this case, the totality of the circumstances that were known to a reasonable police officer in the precise moment the force was used demonstrates that this was an authorized use of force, as unattractive as it may be. This is reasonable doubt."

The three other former officers on scene -- Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao -- are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. They have pleaded not guilty, and their joint trial will be held this summer.

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A writer said that Joe Biden betrayed Christians who believed his promises in the campaign trail.

In her article in The Federalist, Mary Vought criticized Biden for failure to fulfill his commitment on the country's refugee policy when he was still campaigning for presidency. She also pointed out a number of the administration's regulations that showed disregard to human life and religious freedom.

"Believers who care about values, life, and religious liberty continue to find that the new administration has let them down time and time again. While Biden may attend Mass regularly, many of his policy positions raise questions of how diligently he practices his Catholic faith outside the four walls of his church," she said.

Vought mentioned about Wall Street Journal's Sheila Joiner who wrote about her frustration over Biden. Joiner described herself as "a committed Christian in a conservative Texas church." She said that even though her decision was not popular in her social circle, she voted for Biden in her belief that the Democratic presidential candidate would be true to his promise to raise the annual refugee ceiling to 125,000.

But his action last Friday violated his pledge.

Biden's administration claimed last week that the refugee cap of 15,000 for the year will not be raised. The decision was heavily criticized. Thus, the White House was forced to change its stance and announced that it would try to raise the cap before May 15.

"On top of the betrayal many pro-Biden evangelicals feel over the refugee fiasco, the White House's egregious actions on human life and religious liberty add insult to injury for all those of Christian faith," she continued.

Vought said that the National Institutes of Health announced the reversal of ban on fetal tissue research last week. She also disclosed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) resumed its support to the Planned Parenthood by allowing federal funding on abortion.

Further, she revealed that Congress approved the $34.2 billion subsidy increase for Obamacare plans, which she said "contain 'restrictions' on funding of insurance plans covering abortion". She added that the $35.1 billion subsidy for COBRA coverage also covers abortion with no restrictions.

Moreover, Vought noted of the "record number of illegal crossings" and overflow of children in detention facilities. She said that Biden promised to close those detention centers but instead overturned some of Trump's effective immigration policies.

"The damage to human life and religious liberty won't just end there, of course," she further stated.

She went on to say about Biden's reversal of support for the Hyde Amendment, just to win the "far left" during his presidency campaign. This, she said, would repeal the pro-life protection policy, enabling "taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand."

She also predicted that HHS' Xavier Becerra will withdraw the "conscience protections" that Trump has put in place in 2019.

The writer said that Biden will continue with his "moves" and warned that Christians must never trust him again.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 02:30:55|Editor: huaxia

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VALLETTA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Malta has identified three cases of the coronavirus variant first found in Brazil. All three cases were isolated and are currently in quarantine, Health Minister Chris Fearne said on Wednesday.

Addressing the media during the opening of a new podiatry center, Fearne did not provide details of the cases, but simply said that the three and all those who might have been in touch with the infected persons were placed in isolation.

The minister said that now that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had given its green light to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, it will be used in Malta and added to the vaccines already being administered on the island.

The first consignment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived in Malta over the weekend but had been placed in storage until the EMA review was concluded.

In view of concerns about its possible links to blood clots, Fearne said that health authorities will monitor closely any warnings issued by the EMA and will act accordingly.

The minister also announced that the government would soon announce further relaxation of restrictive measures. On April 26, non-essential business and service providers will be reopening their doors after having been forced to shut at the beginning of March.

Legislation over the use of vaccination certificates will also be published soon, he said.

According to the health authorities, Malta detected 24 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to 30,063. The death toll rose to 411. Enditem
To build back the public trust, said Andrea McMillian, an IT manager and podcast host, when asked what her main reason was for wanting to be on the board. I respect the role of law enforcement. Its not an easy job to serve and protect. But with great power comes great responsibilities. Accountability cant come from within, alone.
Elite universities yesterday vowed to fight cancel culture to protect the diversity of ideas after the Government threatened to intervene.

The Russell Group, which represents the top 24 universities, said disagreement is a fundamental part of debate and pledged to always defend free speech.

The body, which includes Oxford and Cambridge, said it already robustly challenges censorship.

Elite universities yesterday vowed to fight cancel culture to protect the diversity of ideas after the Government threatened to intervene. Pictured: Two Oxford University students walk underneath Hertford Bridge over New College Lane in Oxford, England

Its statement comes in response to government proposals to guard academic freedom, including allowing staff or students to sue universities for compensation for infringements of freedom of speech.

A number of feminists, Conservatives, Christians and other speakers with unfashionable views have been blocked from speaking over fears they may cause offence.

Often the cancellations have been prompted by militant Left-wing student groups launching vicious social media campaigns and storming venues.

Ambers no-platform fury Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd was no-platformed by Oxford students in March last year just 30 minutes before she was due to speak. She was down to appear at an International Womens Day event to encourage women into politics but a university society cancelled the event because of her role in the Windrush scandal. Miss Rudd said it was badly judged and rude of the students to pull their invitation, adding: They should stop hiding and start engaging. Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd was no-platformed by Oxford students in March last year just 30 minutes before she was due to speak After the furore, the charity to which the student society had been affiliated said it would no longer be associated with it. Oxford University also deregistered the society  UN Women Oxford  and demanded an apology from students. But the society stood its ground, saying having Miss Rudd speak would offend ethnic minority students and other communities affected by her policies. Miss Rudd resigned as Home Secretary in 2018 after at least 83 people living legally in the UK were detained and deported. Advertisement

The proposals have worried universities as it could see them dragged through the courts and paying out millions in compensation.

Yesterday, Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said: Free speech and academic freedom are core values for our universities.

Disagreement is a fundamental part of debate and has been key to advancing knowledge and gaining different perspectives on everything from ethics and history to genetics and theoretical physics.

Our universities will always champion the importance of free speech, uphold the legal protections already in place and, if government feels it is necessary to enhance protections further, we will work with them to find proportionate solutions.

This statement underlines our determination to ensure campuses remain places where students and staff are exposed to a diversity of ideas and views.

The Governments proposals were launched in February and legislation to bring them in is expected in the Queens Speech next month.

At the time, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned against a chilling effect of unacceptable silencing and censoring on campuses.

Under the plans, universities which fail to protect free speech could also face fines. In addition, the duty to protect free speech would apply directly to student unions, which are often responsible for blocking  or no-platforming  speakers.

Yesterday, Mr Williamson said: Free speech underpins our democratic society. I welcome these principles from the Russell Group as a positive step in the right direction.

The Russell Groups vow came as it emerged that City, University of London has renamed its prestigious business school over concerns that its old name was linked to the slave trade.

Cass Business School was named after Sir John Cass, a 17th century MP and philanthropist who was also a member of the Royal African Company, which traded in slaves.

Yesterday, the university unveiled the Bayes Business School, which is named after Thomas Bayes, the statistician and theologian, who is buried close to the City campus.

The decision to end the 20-year association with Cass was made last year during the Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd.
A keen camper has claimed she was told to 'get a life' after hitting out at the 'blatant sexism' in an advert for a pop-up tent that said it was even 'easy for women' to use.

Eve Gilmour, 38, from Edinburgh, was planning a camping trip with her friends when one showed her a snap of the 'appalling' listing.

The advert, posted by a seller on Amazon, showed a picture of three women struggling to put up a tent and claimed that 'women can easily get it done' with their pop-up tent.

Eve immediately posted a question on the listing asking 'can you see your blatant sexism in your ad?', before an unknown commenter told her to 'get a life'.

Eve Gilmour, 38, from Edinburgh, has claimed she was told to 'get a life' after hitting out at the 'blatant sexism' in an advert for a pop-up tent that said it was even 'easy for women' to use

The bus driver said: 'It's just appalling, quite frankly. It's blatant sexism.

'It's a 1950s "women should stay in the home" attitude.

'The sellers need to realise what they are doing and how that is completely inappropriate for this day and age.

'This company has gone to the bottom of my list now. I'll make sure I'm not buying from them. They need to realise that it's not on.'

Eve has vowed to shop locally instead after highlighting the 'completely inappropriate' marketing strategies used by one of Amazon's sellers.

After checking out the tent listing, Eve initially wrote a review pointing out the perceived sexism in the advert, but it appears to have been blocked.

Bus driver Eve (pictured) was planning a camping trip with her friends when one of them showed her a snap of the 'appalling' listing posted by a seller on Amazon

The advert listing (pictured) showed an image of three women struggling to put up a tent and claimed that 'women can easily get it done' with their pop-up tent

Aside from her own question, a second customer also mockingly commented, asking: 'Can men easily get it done? Also, what year is it?'

Eve described the anonymous response to her comment as 'unbelievable', and slammed the marketing strategy as 'dated'.

She continued: 'The reply is unbelievable. It's a complete disregard for the sexist advertising they're using. They're alienating their target market.

'The response online from all women [they] are completely angry and can't believe this is happening in this day and age. It's very dated.

'I submitted a review but that gets processed and reviewed before it gets posted. It was a blanket "this isn't appropriate" thing.'

Eve also said she reached out to Amazon on social media to ask them about the 'blatant sexism', but claimed that she has not yet received a response.

She explained: 'I tweeted Amazon, put it on their Facebook page, but I've not had a response. I tagged them in a tweet and said, "Are you going to do anything about this blatant sexism?"

Eve posted a question on the listing asking 'can you see your blatant sexism in your ad?', before finding a reply from an unknown commenter telling her to 'get a life'

Eve (pictured) has vowed to shop locally instead after highlighting the 'completely inappropriate' marketing strategies used by one of Amazon's sellers

'I don't know if the seller is somebody who's clearly got no background information on the fight and struggle that women are still going through to be seen as equal.

'I think Amazon should definitely have a team that takes a look at the advertising of the products before they're listed.

'For a big company like Amazon, that's very poor that it's got past them.'

Amazon confirmed that they had removed the image from the product advertisement and taken appropriate action against the seller.

An Amazon spokesperson said: 'All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who don't will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.

'The content in question has been removed.'
Jennifer Dorsey is chief copy editor and Business section coordinator. She worked in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before moving to the Tetons.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwanese electric scooter maker Gogoro has partnered with India's Hero MotoCorp to offer its battery-sharing infrastructure in the world's largest motorcycle market, top company officials said on Wednesday.

Gogoro, which sells motorcycles in Taiwan and known for its battery distribution network for riders, will build battery swapping platforms in India's scooter market in a joint venture with Hero, the world's largest producer of two-wheelers.

The two companies will also launch Hero-branded two-wheelers powered by Gogoro's battery sharing infrastructure, which would be available in multiple cities in India.

Hero chairman Pawan Munjal told Reuters in an interview electric vehicles are one of the priorities for Hero, which currently does not offer any products that run only on electricity.

"We will set up a joint venture between the two companies to bring Gogoro's swapping technology into India and set up swapping infrastructure across the country, and then we will take it to the rest of the world," Munjal said in a joint interview with Gogoro founder and CEO Horace Luke.

"We know the landscape, we know the customers, we know the requirements ... We will move very, very fast," Munjal said, referring to the company's position as the market leader in India.

Munjal declined to provide details about the partnership plans such as timeline, sales target or how many battery swapping stations would be built, saying the two companies are working on the specifics.

Partly funded by investors including Singapore's Temasek and Japan's Sumitomo Corporation, Taipei-based Gogoro in recent years has launched scooter-sharing services in Europe and battery sharing infrastructure in Japan.

At home, albeit being the largest electric scooter maker, Gogoro has for years trailed major players such as Kymco and Sanyang Motor in a competitive market long dominated by lower-priced petrol scooters despite government subsidies on electric vehicles, market data shows.

Story continues

Gogoro's Luke acknowledged the challenge, saying it would take time for consumers to adopt electric vehicles. But with the scale of Hero, he said, pricing and supply chain complexity would be reduced.

"That certainly can change the market and flip the market over," he said.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee; editing by Jason Neely)
Bunnings has offered to transform its car parks into vaccination hubs to speed up the Covid jab rollout.

The Australian government has faced heavy criticism about the botched vaccine program that fell three million jabs short of the four million target by the end of March.

In a further blow, health authorities announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine - the backbone of the rollout - should only be given to people above 50 due to the risk of blood clotting.

While Covid-19 vaccines are currently only available at medical centres, Bunnings' chief operating officer Deb Poole said on Thursday that the hardware giant would offer its facilities to the government if requested to hasten the process.

Bunnings car parks (pictured) could be used as vaccine hubs to help the Australian government's rollout

Experts say using the hardware giant's facilities to administer vaccines could help normalise the jab (pictured: a nurse getting the vaccine at a medical centre)

'We've previously supported the government and the community by hosting Covid-19 testing in some of our store car parks and we're always open to discussing further support directly with the government,' Ms Poole told The Guardian.

Health experts backed the proposal and suggested that hosting mass vaccination centres in busy hubs like Bunnings - which also hosts community sausage sizzles in its car parks - could encourage more people to get the jab.

'Everyone in the population seems to end up at Bunnings with some frequency they're convenient for people to get to,' La Trobe University epidemiologist Hassan Vally told the publication.

'Most people haven't seen a vaccination occur in person, so if you're going into a Bunnings a few times and you keep passing the vaccinations, then the next time you're on your way out with your potting mix, you'll go up and ask.'

Bunnings also uses its car parks to host sausage sizzles. Pictured: The line at a Bunnings sausage sizzle

Professor Catherine Bennett, who is the chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, said using the popular car parks as vaccine centres would help normalise the process for people living in suburban areas.

For the plan to be viable, she said health authorities would need to section off a sterile environment and provide an area for people to wait before and after the needle.

Bunnings car parks have also been used as drive-through Covid testing centres throughout the pandemic.

An inquiry heard this week only 6.5 per cent of disability care facility residents have received their jab, despite them being included in the first priority group of the vaccine rollout.

Bunnings car parks have also been used as drive-through Covid testing centres throughout the pandemic. Pictured: A Bunnings sausage sizzle

Chandi Piefke, from disability service provider Able Australia, accepted it was a massive task for governments, but the low figures were concerning.

'We need to ensure our clients do receive the vaccine,' she said.

'Should they contract Covid they would be one of the groups highest at risk in terms of mortality rates.'

Victoria has moved to boost the initial phase with a number of large facilities, including Geelong's former Ford factory, providing AstraZeneca shots for anyone over 70 with or without bookings as part of phase 1a and 1b of the national rollout.

Queensland says it won't shift to mass vaccination centres until bulk supplies can be guaranteed, which it does not expect until the final three months of the year.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan is in Europe for talks on fast-tracking supplies of vaccines ordered by Australia, but yet to be delivered

Trade Minister Dan Tehan is in Europe for talks on fast-tracking supplies of vaccines ordered by Australia, but yet to be delivered.

The hold-up on deliveries, as well as public concern about AstraZeneca vaccine links to blood clots, have been blamed for the slowness of the rollout.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, being imported and made by CSL in Melbourne, is being diverted to use in the over-50s group, while Pfizer will be used in the younger cohort.

While the federal government has commissioned a business case for a cutting edge mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Australia, Victoria announced on Wednesday it would spend $50 million to get such a project up and running.

'Twelve months ago would have been the best time to have done this, but the next best time is right now,' acting premier James Merlino said.

The Australian Medical Association says national cabinet should take specific action to reset the vaccination program.
This is the third week of Lauderdale County's pop-up coronavirus vaccine clinics, and they've only given out 500 vaccines. Officials said the issue is many people aren't showing up like they thought they would be.

"We've given out probably an excess of 500, which we could easily do 500 per site a day if the demand was there," said Project Manager, Mike Melton.

Melton is the project manager over the two vaccination sites. One is at Joe Wheeler State Park at the upper boat ramp and the other at Cornerstone Church of Christ. Melton said he thought they'd be giving out more vaccinations and thinks there's a few reasons why they aren't.

"I think a little bit of it is trying to get people to realize that we're here. It's a drive-thru and you do not make any appointments," said Melton.

North Alabama Medical Center's administrator, Casey Willis, said they don't really know why the public hasn't been lined up at these clinics, but some of it could be vaccine hesitancy or that a bulk of people who wanted the vaccine have been able to get it.

"I'm not sure if people are worried about long lines we've seen historically. You can see here, that's not an issue. Even if we have a bit of a line, it moves so quickly," said Willis.

Willis said whatever the reason is, the less people that get vaccinated, the more time we will spend fighting the virus.

"If you look at the Covid numbers right now across the nation, they are trending up slightly, and that's not something anyone wants to see. If vaccination is a step we can take to keep that at bay, especially here in Lauderdale and surrounding counties, we want to encourage people to do that," said Willis.

The clinic at Joe Wheeler will be open Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday, the clinic will be off of Highway 20 in Florence at Cornerstone Church of Christ from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All of the clinics only use the Pfizer vaccine.


A jury of five men and seven women found a former Minneapolis officer guilty of murder and manslaughter Tuesday in the death of George Floyd.

The jury, including six white people and six people of color, spent about 10 hours to reach the verdict from the three-week trial. They found Derek Chauvin, the former police officer, guilty of all three charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin could face up to 40 years in jail for the second-degree murder charge alone.

Floyd, a Black man, died last May after Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed a knee on his neck for about 9 minutes 29 seconds. Floyds death led to nationwide protests against racism and policing in the United States. Some of the protests turned violent and led to property damage and injuries.

George Floyds family released a statement through their lawyer. It said, This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state. They also shared a video of their phone call with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after the verdict.

Speaking from the White House later in the day, Vice President Harris said, "Today we feel a sigh of relief. Still, it cannot take away the pain. A measure of justice isn't the same as equal justice. She added, This verdict brings us a step closer, and the fact is, we still have work to do. We still must reform the system.

President Biden called the verdict "a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America." He compared the knee on Floyds neck to the knee on the neck of justice for Black Americans.

Outside the courthouse and at the street corner where Floyd was killed, people cheered the news with calls of justice and Black Lives Matter. Others ran through the streets waving signs and cars sounded their horns.

Across the nation, officials had been concerned about the possibility of violence. Armed National Guard and law enforcement had been activated to guard against a repeat of last years riots in some areas including Minneapolis.



In its closing arguments, the government showed video of Chauvin with his knee on Floyds neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. In the video, Floyd could be heard repeatedly saying, I cant breathe... A government lawyer told the jury, This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first, when you saw that video."

The defense asked the jury to consider that Chauvin was answering an emergency call about a male suspect who used fake money and appeared to be under the influence, of drugs. A defense lawyer said, All of the evidence shows that Mr. Chauvin thought he was following his trainingHe was following Minneapolis police department policies. He was trained this way.

Speaking to reporters, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison thanked the witnesses who recorded the video and testified in the case. He said they raised their voices because they knew that what they were seeing was wrong, and then told the whole world what they saw.

After the verdict was announced in the courtroom, a court officer asked the former police officer,  Mr. Chauvin, please place your hands behind your back. He then handcuffed the former Minneapolis police officers left hand, then his right hand, and led him away.

Im Caty Weaver.

Hai Do wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

verdict n. the decision made by a jury in a trial

accountability n. responsibility for something

horn n. a device that makes a loud sound

fake n. meant to look real or genuine but not real

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Fitch Learning has formed a strategic alliance with the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) to deliver a Certified Investment Financing Professional (CIFP) training programme.



Working together with the SIDF Academy, Fitch Learning has designed a program to invest in human capital that allows CIFP participants to keep pace with the vital Saudi economy, and also offers them a pathway to building global expertise and qualifications. The CIFP aims to raise the capability of employees in the fields of finance, credit and investment.



The program includes three levels with 18 distinct training modules, including financial accounting, financial analysis, lending, business development, and financial modelling. It is part of the Academy's efforts to become the primary knowledge hub building human capabilities in priority sectors essential to achieving the Kingdom's industrial evolution.



Andreas Karaiskos, CEO of Fitch Learning, said: Saudi Arabia is a key strategic market for the Fitch Group and we are delighted to play a key role helping the Kingdom enriching financial training skills across the Kingdom, and delivering exactly the right international financial certification opportunities via our CIFP program to set its professionals on the fast track for success.



Dr Kholod Ashgar, SIDF Academy Director, commented: We are proud to be working together with Fitch Learning, a leading global provider of professional development courses for the financial services industry, to deliver this CIFP program via SIDF Academy. Building on the Fund's experience that has exceeded 47 years in training national cadres, the Academy is keen to provide the best training programs for employees of the Fund, industrial ecosystem and private sector in the fields of finance, technology, industry, mining, energy, and logistic services.



This collaboration represents a major step on our path to train and develop our keen talent to stimulate future prosperity, jobs and growth in this vital sector of the Saudi economy.  TradeArabia News Service
A tractor-trailer carrying produce became engulfed in flames on Interstate 495 in Massachusetts early Wednesday, authorities said.

Norfolk firefighters were working shortly before 5:45 a.m. to help extinguish the fire on I-495 in Wrentham, the towns fire department said in a Facebook post.

The fire in the tractor-trailer was reported on the southbound side of the highway at the Plainville-Wrentham town line, WHDH reported.

According to the news outlet, the fire led to traffic delays during the Wednesday morning commute.

No additional information, including whether anyone was injured in the tractor-trailer fire, was immediately available.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 20, 2021 - 23:16 | All, Japan

The Japanese and U.S. governments are planning to jointly monitor e-commerce giant Rakuten Group Inc. for fear of customer data falling into the hands of Chinese authorities, sources with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday.

A group company of Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. has become Rakuten's major shareholder with a 3.65 percent stake, apparently raising alarm among Japanese and U.S. authorities for national security reasons.

Based on a law on foreign investment, the Japanese government is expected to conduct interviews regularly with Rakuten, and share the information with the U.S. government, the sources said.

Among check points for the Japanese government would be Tencent's involvement in Rakuten management and the Japanese firm's handling of private information of its customers in Japan and overseas, according to the sources.

Rakuten told Kyodo News that the Tencent group company's acquisition of the stake is purely for investment purposes and rejected the possibility that shareholders would gain access to customer data.

Japan's foreign exchange and trade control law limits investments by foreign companies and foreign investors in Japanese companies in sensitive areas such as telecommunications due to national security reasons.

In the face of China's growing influence, a revision to the law that took effect last year requires investors planning to take a stake of 1 percent or higher in such areas to seek prior approval from the Japanese government. The ratio was previously 10 percent or higher.

Such prior approval is not necessary if taking a stake is solely intended to seek investment returns, not to influence management.

The Tencent group company, Image Frame Investment (HK) Ltd., needs to show to Japanese authorities by mid-May that it has no plan to send anyone representing the Hong Kong-based firm to Rakuten's board and meet other requirements.

Concerns that Chinese authorities will gain access to personal information prompted former U.S. President Donald Trump to issue an executive order in January banning transactions with Chinese software applications, including those provided by Ant Group Co. and Tencent.

Established in 1997 as an online shopping mall operator, Rakuten has developed into a major IT company whose business portfolio includes mobile phone and financial services.

To bolster its financial base following massive investments in mobile phone infrastructure, Rakuten last month received a combined 242.35 billion yen ($2.2 billion) in investment from Image Frame Investment, Japan Post Holdings Co. and Walmart Inc. of the United States. Some 65.7 billion yen came from the Tencent subsidiary.
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Picture the scene: You are in the back of your family car on a very long, hot journey to the beach. Without a seatbelt, it is only the sticky vinyl seat stopping you from sliding around.

The car is slow and noisy and could breakdown any minute. It is painted a peculiar shade of brown, orange or maybe green. Splashed across the radiator grill are the words Morris, Austin, Hillman, Vauxhall, Wolseley, or perhaps Humber.

These are priceless memories from a bygone era of British motoring. Now, thanks to businessman Richard Usher, 62, Britons can get a taste of the past once again.

Mr Usher, who made his money selling repair firm Auto Windscreens in 2001 for 110million, has launched the Great British Car Journey, where visitors can pay to see a range of classic cars.

In addition to the 130 cars which are on permanent display, a further 32 vehicles can be driven by visitors for a fee.

The cars were bought by Mr Usher and fellow backers of the project over a period of around four years.

They are all at the firm's base in Ambergate, Derbyshire. Stunning images show cars including the Austin Allegro, a 1961 Morris Minor and an incredibly rare 1982 Vauxhall Chevette.

The attraction, which will open on May 22, tells the story of British car design and production from 1922 - when Herbert Austin produced the Austin Seven, the first commercially accessible car to a mass market - through to the present day.

A collection of 132 cars which tell the story of British motoring are set to go on display for the public to enjoy in Ambergate, Derbyshire, thanks to businessman Richard Usher. The Great British Car Journey lets visitors pay to see a range of classic cars. Pictured: A 1982 Vauxhall Chevete, which was the hardest car to source for the collection. Even though more than 415,000 were sold in Britain, only a handful remain today. Pictured: Jason Jones, the project's marketing manager

In addition to the 130 cars which are on permanent display, a further 32 vehicles - which cover Britain's rich motoring history - can be driven by visitors for a fee. Pictured: A 1980 Austin Allegro, which was considered a dismal failure. It never met sales predictions, earned a terrible reputation in the press and with buyers, and its fame far exceeded its influence in the automotive industry. Despite being a flop, the car was in production for six years

Mr Usher made his money selling repair firm Auto Windscreens in 2001 for 110million. He said the final sale figure did not all go to him. Speaking of his idea for the Great British Car Journey project, he said: 'I had this idea as a lifelong car nut, most of the cars I remembered as a child have just completely disappeared'

Mr Usher spent most of his working life in the windscreen industry, where he rose to become the owner of Auto Windscreens.

Along with other investors, he sold the firm in 2001 to the RAC. The company was sold for 110million, though Mr Usher said that he only took an unspecified cut of that amount.

The businessman went on to build the Blyton Park racing circuit in Lincolnshire, where amateurs and professionals can pay to drive cars during track days.

He told MailOnline: 'The idea was to build a track which you could go fairly quickly on.' Mr Usher then sold the circuit to race car manufacturer Ginetta in 2017.

Speaking of his idea for the Great British Car Journey project, he said: 'I had this idea as a lifelong car nut, most of the cars I remembered as a child have just completely disappeared.

'There's not even a few left, there's hardly any left at all. I got a bit fascinated by these ordinary cars that I remembered so well.

'Even the little Mini, we made 5.4million, but now if you see one 'ooh there's a mini'.

The businessman said he was 'never really engaged' by traditional car museums. He said that his venture will allow visitors to take a tour of British motoring history, from 1921 through to the newest car in the collection - a Mclaren 650s, which was released in 2016. Pictured: Cars including a Range Rover, Ford Fiesta and Mini are seen covered in dust sheets

Included in the collection is a 1992 Rover 214 SI. The car was part of a series of small family cars produced by the British firm throughout the 1990s and early 2000s

The quirky electric Sinclair C5 is seen alongside a DMC DeLorean. Though its production was short-lived, the latter vehicle became famous when it featured as a time machine in the classic 1985 Hollywood film Back to the Future

This US advert boasted that firm Consolidated International had bought every 1983 model and were offering them for $13,000 off the list price. The advert's strapline said the car was the 'Vanishing Breed'. Despite its film fame, it is true the car had a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfying driving experience

Marketing manager Jason Jones is seen with the 1961 Morris Minor Million. This is arguably the first limited edition car produced - 350 of the models were made to celebrate the production of the millionth Minor

'You just don't see them any longer. They're such a big part of your life aren't they, I sort of had this idea to see "can I find any of these cars, can I put a story together behind it?"'.

The businessman said he was 'never really engaged' by traditional car museums. He said that his venture will allow visitors to take a tour of British motoring history, from 1921 through to the newest car in the collection - a Mclaren 650s, which was released in 2016.

Many of the cars have their own story - a 55-year-old Mini with 7,700 miles on the clock, the last MG Metro ever produced showing less than 400 miles, and one of 360 Morris Minor 'Millions' produced in 1961 to celebrate a production record.

'Your journey is a timeline which starts in 1921 when Austin nearly went bust and ends in the present when we all take the car completely for granted,' Mr Usher added.

Mr Usher said he owns around half of the cars himself - the rest are owned by his fellow investors.

'The centre of the tour is Austin and Morris. You're taken on this tour on an audio device. You're free to access as much as more information as you want,' he said.

'We've got some very nice cars, some Rolls Royces but we've also got the popular cars of the day.

The Allegro's bloated looks, poor build quality and reputation for unreliability saw it nicknamed the 'flying pig' and the 'all agro'. Pictured: The car's drab black and beige interior is a sight for sore eyes

An advert for the Allegro boasted how it was the 'new European car'. The promotional words claimed that models of the car were 'fast becoming firm favourites' across Britain. It added that the car featured 'extra ingredients that are all British', including 'increased leg room' and 'British value for money'

The Morris Minor Million was painted lilac and had a special Minor 1,000,000 badge, which was adapted from two 'Minor 1000' badges, the '1' being milled off the rear one and a hole drilled to take the rear fixing peg of the first badge

This 1967 Humber Hawk was previously owned by Fenton Atkinson, the judge who oversaw the trial of the Moors murders, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, in 1966. Traumatised by the trial, he retired to Scotland shortly after and purchased the car

The Hawk on display is painted in a dark green colour. The Hawk was the first Humber car to be launched after the Second World War

The stunning interior of the Humber Hawk comes complete with wooden dashboard and retro steering wheel which visitors will be able to enjoy

An advert for the Humber Hawke said how it was 'incomparable', as well as 'distinguished', 'luxurious', 'powerful' and 'safe'

A 1989 Austin Maestro - The car that started off the project. It was acquired by Mr Usher when he owned and operated Blyton Circuit. This was the car that got him thinking that these cars have disappeared from Britain's roads, yet British marques like Austin and Morris not only once dominated them but arguably positioned the UK as a worldwide leader in vehicle design and production

Austin's advert for the Maestro and Metro, which were released at the same time, boasted how buyers could 'make a splash for just 4,960'. Both cars came with 'reclining front seats, head restraints and heated rear windows'. The cars also came with '1,000 air miles'

The inside of the Maestro was a fairly grey, plastic affair. The above model, which is among the cars on display as part of the Great British Car Journey, has been restored by Mr Usher's team

Mr Usher said he owns around half of the cars himself - the rest are owned by his fellow investors. 'The centre of the tour is Austin and Morris. You're taken on this tour on an audio device. You're free to access as much as more information as you want,' he said. Pictured: A Sinclair C5 is seen next to a Lotus Esprit on the left and DeLorean on the right

An advert for the Lotus Esprit, which famously featured as an amphibious vehicle in 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, boasts that its 0-60mph time of 5.5seconds makes it 'one of the fastest-accelerating cars you can buy'

The above Mini has never even been registered. It is seen above sitting in a plastic bubble to protect it from damage

'Believe me it has been very hard to find some of them. The Vauxhall Chevette was very popular in the 70s. In the end we have paid 10,000 for one. 'We've got a mini that's never been registered.

'We've got the last MG Metro to come off the line.'

As well as the cars on static display, visitors can pay to drive a further 32 cars through Mr Usher's parallel venture which he had named Drive Dad's Car.

'When you drive even a car of the 80s it feels different to today's cars. We've got 32 cars on the drive dad's car fleet. Everything from an Austin 7 right up to a Rolls Royce,' Mr Usher said.

'[And we have] everything in between, the Cortinas, the Avengers, the Hillman Imp, the Morris Minor.

'The idea is you drive them on a closed road with an instructor. It's just a nostalgia trip. it's just gonna take you back to when you had to pull a choke out to turn away.'

Mr Usher said that whilst he has owned a range of supercars, including 'a couple of Mclarens', he likes his Austin 7 'best of all'.

Great British Car Journey staff member Anna Melton takes the covers off a 1952 Standard Vanguard. The car was produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry, England, from 1947 to 1963

Mr Usher said that when he thought of the project, 'everyone' thought he was 'crazy'. 'Any money that I've got is just being plunged into this because I'm passionate about it,' he said. Pictured: A 1973 Triumph Toledo

The advert for the Triumph Toledo boasted how it could do more miles to the gallon than the Ford Cortina, Ford Escort and Vauxhall Viva, as well as its Volkswagen rival. The advert promised that buyers would be 'surprised' by the amount of room inside, adding that 'being six-foot is no handicap'

Above, a Jaguar XJS is seen alongside the rather more humble Ford Fiesta. When on display, each car will be accompanied by a sign a and QR code, where visitors can read more about each one

The advert for the Jaguar XJS boasted how the firm had 'truly earned' its heritage. They said the car had been designed to be a 'definitive Jaguar', making it the 'definitive high-performance luxury car'.

'We cover virtually every significant British make of car is represented. Everything from Bristol, Daimler, Bentley, Hillman, Humber, all those great British brands that have sadly mostly disappeared,' Mr Usher said. Pictured: A classic Mini Clubman

This 1973 advert for the Mini Clubman shows the car in an English village, being driven past a shop selling antiques

He said that when he thought of the project, 'everyone' thought he was 'crazy'. 'Any money that I've got is just being plunged into this because I'm passionate about it,' he said.

The project will be 'completely different' to other standard car displays, he added.

Each car is accompanied by a sign a and QR code, where visitors can read more about each one.

'Our tag line for Great British Car Journeys is when Britain ruled the world. We were the biggest exporter in the world. Bar none. It's an era that probably will never come back,' Mr Usher said.

'We cover virtually every significant British make of car is represented. Everything from Bristol, Daimler, Bentley, Hillman, Humber, all those great British brands that have sadly mostly disappeared.

'We spent nearly four years putting this collection together. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done.'

'The heroes of our journey are the cars, not a random selection of old vehicles but a carefully chosen selection of cars made in Britain which changed the world for good.'

'It features success and failure both mechanical and human, and charts the rise and demise of an industry which was once vital to our economy.'
A group of female protestors demand safe passage home for their relatives, who are missing, jailed or trapped in China's Xinjiang region outside the Chinese consulate in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 9, 2021. (Abduaziz Madyrovi/AFP via Getty Images)

China Presses Foreign Governments, Companies to Disregard Human Rights: US Report

WASHINGTONChinas religious freedom violations, and its growing influence and activities beyond its borders, were the most troubling developments of last year, according to an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission.

In its 2021 annual report released on April 21, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called out China as one of the worlds egregious violators of religious freedom, saying that conditions in China further deteriorated in 2020.

This years report highlights not only Beijings abuses targeting its own people, but also its growing international influence on religious freedom and human rights.

The commission found that Beijings economic and geopolitical influence overseas had negatively affected rights and freedoms in other countries.

Tactics include harassment, intimidation, and detainment of human rights activists, ethnic and religious minorities, and other critics and dissidents, it stated.

Countries including Turkey have yielded to Beijings pressure by silencing critics and even repatriating Uyghur refugees to China, the report stated.

Religious freedom violations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its growing threats and intimidation overseas represented the most troubling developments that we saw in 2020, Tony Perkins, USCIRF vice chair, said at a virtual press conference on April 21.

The Chinese regime is also forcing international companies, including U.S. firms, to disregard human rights abuses in China, threatening company executives to choose between complying with U.S. laws and Chinese laws, according to the report.

Perkins told The Epoch Times that its reprehensible for U.S. companies to benefit from products or services that are coming from forced labor in Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang.

We do not think the United States should do anything that would elevate China in the eyes of the international community, when in fact they are one of the worst, if not the worst abusers of this fundamental human right: religious freedom, he said in the interview.

He criticized the companies and the U.S Chamber of Commerce for opposing the bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

These things should not even be in question, Perkins said. They need to get their act together.

Beijing has repeatedly denied allegations of forced labor abuses and recently encouraged a nationwide boycott over Western apparel and footwear brands that have distanced themselves from sourcing materials from Xinjiang.

Alarmingly, China also has been exporting both its internet governance model and advanced surveillance technology and equipment to countriessuch as Belarus, Venezuela, and Zimbabwewhere repressive governments actively persecute and oppress human rights activists and political opponents, the USCIRF report stated.

Repressive regimes worldwide that seek to replicate a China model and import the regimes digital authoritarianism are using Chinese technology companies such as Huawei and ZTE to implement and deploy such technology, according to the report.

Speaking at the virtual press conference, USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel said that countries in Central Asia such as Kazakhstan and Tajikistan increasingly use Chinese methods for political repression and religious persecution. A number of other countries, such as North Korea, Venezuela, and Iran, are also using Chinese surveillance technology to repress religious and ethnic minorities, he said.

USCIRF Vice Chair Anurima Bhargava added that Chinas influence is also playing out in places such as Burma, Vietnam, and other neighboring countries.

Human Rights Watch, a leading advocacy group, in January declared that China remained the biggest threat to global human rights in 2020.

Forced Organ Harvesting

The regimes more than two-decade-long persecution of adherents of the spiritual discipline Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, was also highlighted in this years report.

According to reports, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners were harassed and arrested during 2020 for practicing their faith, and some likely died due to abuse and torture while in custody, the commission stated. Credible international reports also suggested that organ harvesting, including from Falun Gong practitioners, likely continued.

Evidence of organ transplant crimes continues to emerge in China, with investigative reports indicating that the number of organs harvested continues to surge and that organs are available on demand, with short waiting times.

According to Turkel, the CCPs forced organ harvesting practice has reportedly expanded to Uyghur prisoners, including those detained in concentration camps.

They are even marketing Uyghur organs in the Muslim majority countries. They have a special hospital in Beijing. They promote that hospital through video messages, saying that the Muslim organs are available, he said at the press conference.

Based on reports, he added, the wait times for some organ transplants have shortened significantly, to only 48 hours.

In early March, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in the House and the Senate introduced the first legislation to combat Chinas state-sanctioned practice of forced organ harvesting, called the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act.

Foreign Policy Priority

Last year, the Trump administration prioritized religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy. In February 2020, the United States launched the first-ever International Religious Freedom Alliance, which now has 32 member countries. And in June 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on advancing international religious freedom and integrated the issue into the U.S. foreign policy and foreign assistance programs.

In January, the Trump administration declared the CCPs abuses of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang genocide.

The Biden administration also declared Chinas treatment of Uyghur Muslims genocide and sanctioned Chinese officials over human rights abuses in March. The new administration, however, hasnt made international religious liberty a foreign policy priority.

We still really dont know exactly where this administration will land when it comes to religious freedom in our foreign policy, Perkins told The Epoch Times.

Perkins criticized Beijing for using the United Nations Human Rights Council as a platform to whitewash their image, and push other countries to follow their repressive policies.

Chief among a whole set of human rights is religious freedom, Perkins said. His hope is that we dont see religious freedom lumped in with everything else but there is a concerted effort to focus on that freedom, he said.

USCIRF was created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act to monitor religious freedom conditions in foreign countries.

This year, the commission designated 14 countries including China as countries of particular concern as they are severe violators of religious freedom. The list includes Burma, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.

The commissions report also highlighted the global reach of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted international religious freedom.

While governments took sweeping action to protect their citizens from the spread of the virus, restrictions have deepened religious divides and intensified religious persecution and violence in some countries, according to the commission.
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I applaud the House of Representatives for passing the Paycheck Fairness Act.Closing the gender pay gap is more than just an economic imperative  it's a moral imperative as well. Twelve years ago, when President Obama and I came into office, the very first law that we enacted was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It was, and is, an important tool for helping women seek justice for pay discrimination  but we are still a long way from achieving pay equity in America. In nearly every job  more than 90 percent of occupations  women are still earning less than men. For every dollar the typical man who works full-time full-year earns in America, a woman earns 82 cents. For AAPI women, it's 87 cents for every dollar a white man earns. For Black women, it's 63 cents. For Native American women, it's 60 cents. And for Hispanic women, it's 55 cents. Those gaps are an affront to our values as a nation  they are unacceptable to me, and they should be unacceptable to every single American.The Paycheck Fairness Act addresses wage gaps by closing loopholes that have allowed employers to justify gender pay disparities, strengthening provisions for holding employers accountable for systemic pay discrimination, and helping level the playing field for women and people of color by making it easier for workers to challenge pay disparities as a group. It bans the use of salary history in hiring and setting wages  a practice that only perpetuates disparities. And it promotes pay transparency by requiring employers to report pay data and protecting workers from retaliation for discussing their wages with co-workers  critical barriers to equality, given that pay disparities often persist because workers are kept in the dark about the fact that they aren't being paid fairly.Equal pay is about justice, fairness, and who we are as a nation  it makes all of us stronger, and it represents what America is truly about. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act is an essential step, but we still have a lot more work to do to ensure that our daughters have all of the same rights and opportunities as our sons. I urge the Senate to act swiftly to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and help us build an economy that rewards the hard work of every American.
President Xi Jinping delivers the keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua] 'All interested countries' welcome to help form partnership for common good President Xi Jinping outlined on Tuesday a new vision for the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that China will endeavor to build a closer partnership for health cooperation, connectivity, green development, openness and inclusiveness. In the keynote speech delivered via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021, Xi reiterated China's commitment to make the BRI "a public road open to all" instead of a "private path owned by one single party". "All interested countries are welcome aboard to take part in the cooperation and share in its benefits. Belt and Road cooperation pursues development, aims at mutual benefits and conveys a message of hope," he said. It was the fifth time Xi has attended the forum held at the coastal town in China's southern Hainan province, which was also attended virtually by leaders from 14 nations and two international organizations. The president elaborated on China's vision for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits and championing the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation. The goal is to make the cooperation high-standard, people-centered and sustainable, he said. With Chinese businesses already launching joint COVID-19 vaccine production in nations participating in the BRI, such as Indonesia and Brazil, China will expand cooperation with various parties in infectious disease control, public health, traditional medicine and other areas to jointly protect the lives and health of people in all countries, he said. In building a closer partnership for connectivity, China will work together with different nations to boost connectivity in infrastructure, enable better alignment in rules and standards, ensure unimpeded channels for trade and investment cooperation and actively develop Silk Road e-commerce, he said. To boost green development, Xi highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation on green infrastructure, green energy and green finance, and improve the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road Development. China stands ready to make the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and a way to grow in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, he said, citing a World Bank report suggesting that by 2030, Belt and Road projects could help lift 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty across the world. The president also expounded on China's appeal for all nations in Asia and beyond to fight the pandemic through solidarity, strengthening global governance, and pursuing a community with a shared future for mankind. "Humanity is facing a growing governance deficit, trust deficit, development deficit and peace deficit. Much remains to be done to achieve universal security and common development," he said. However, Xi said that there has been no fundamental change in the trend toward a multipolar world, with economic globalization showing renewed resilience and the call for upholding multilateralism and enhancing communication and coordination growing stronger. He emphasized the importance of consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits, saying that global affairs should be handled through extensive consultation, and the future of the world should be decided by all countries working together. "We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world," he said. He underlined openness as the key to post-COVID economic recovery, saying that it is important to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains. The president stressed the need for stronger international cooperation on the research, development, production and distribution of vaccines and to increase their accessibility and affordability in developing countries. "The COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more clear to people around the world that we must reject the Cold-War and zero-sum mentality and oppose a new Cold War and ideological confrontation in whatever forms," he said. Xi also announced that China will host the second Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations once the pandemic comes under control. Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said in a speech via video link that the importance of solidarity between countries remains constant in a world of change. "We welcome China's commitment to reach net zero (carbon emissions) by 2060and other major economies are making similar pledges. The green investments needed to get there can be a quadruple wingood for people, for our planet, for growth and for jobs," she said. Xi's quotes  What we need in today's world is justice, not hegemony.  Attempts to "erect walls" or "decouple" run counter to the law of economics and market principles.  Bossing others around or meddling in others' internal affairs would not get one any support.  The Belt and Road Initiative is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party.  We may at times encounter stormy waves and dangerous rapids, but as long as we pool our efforts and keep to the right direction, the giant vessel of human development will stay on an even keel and sail toward a brighter future.


he Supreme Court on April 15, 2021 declared a UAH 80 million fine imposed on British American Tobacco Sales and Marketing Ukraine LLC by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) for allegedly violating the laws to protect economic competition groundless, the company has said on the website.

"Finally, we found out the truth in the case and defended our image as a law-abiding and one-of-the-largest taxpayer. We had no doubts that we were right, but we had to make a lot of efforts and spend time for the truth to triumph," British American Tobacco General Manager in Ukraine Kakhaber Benidze said.

He said that this decision of the Supreme Court is an important achievement for the entire Ukraine, demonstrating the ability of its judicial system to defend the rights of foreign investors working in the country.

As reported, the Pivnchny (Northern) Economic Court of Appeal on February 23 upheld a complaint of PJSC A/T B.A.T.  Pryluky Tobacco Company owned by British American Tobacco (BAT) against the decision of the court of lower instance and the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine regarding a fine of UAH 450 million.
A woman died in her husband's arms after an ambulance was sent to the wrong location for the third time.

Diane Couder passed away in her home, which is only a five minute drive from Logan Hospital in Loganlea, a town half an hour south of Brisbane.

Ms Couder's husband Stephen said ambulances from Queensland Health got lost on the way to their house on three separate occasions from December 2020 to February 2021.

Diane Couder (right) died in the arms of her husband Stephen (left) when an ambulance got lost for the third time

Diane suffered from renal failure and lived only five minutes away from Logan Hospital

'I don't know what to do without her. There's too many empty chairs, I don't know how to deal with it to be honest with you. I cry myself to sleep every night,' Mr Couder told 9 News about his wife's death.

She suffered from renal failure and was being prepared for dialysis.

Ms Coder often needed emergency help when fluid rapidly built up around her heart.

Her husband said they moved to Logan so they could be five minutes away from the hospital to help manage the illness.

When Ms Couder started to struggle with her breathing on December 15 last year, her husband ordered an ambulance to their house Edwards Street, but it was sent to Elizabeth Court - formerly known as Edwards Court.

Stephen Couder said 'I cry myself to sleep every night' after his wife Diane's death in February

'When they did eventually get her to hospital, she was very, very near death,' he said.

The grandmother-of-seven was discharged after a hospital stay but had another attack on January 2 this year, when Mr Couder said the ambulance got lost again.

'I accompanied her in the ambulance in the front seat, I saw on their monitor the address they'd been sent to, and it wasn't this address,' he said.

Finally on February 21, Mr Couder said his wife died in his arms when the third ambulance got lost on the way to the house.

'So, she ended up passing away in my arms right there, and I can't get that vision out of my head,' he said.

'If they got held up because of a traffic jam on the gateway or whatever, I could understand that, I could accept that. But to not get there on time because you're suffering a glitch in the system ...'

Ambulances from Logan Hospital (pictured) got lost on the way to Diane and Stephen's home

Queensland Ambulance said the fault lay with Council mapping, which would direct emergency vehicles to Elizabeth Court, formerly Edward Court, instead of Edward Street.

'They was no technical issue with the QAS IT system,' they said.

'An Ambulance arrived within 30 minutes of the original call in all three instances.'

Logan City Council said they have 'never changed the name of Edward Street, Loganlea' in their mapping system.
Cyber

Nakasone deflects senators' invitations to seek domestic spying powers

Senate lawmakers on Wednesday continued to press Army Gen. Paul Nakasone for solutions that might prevent another massive cybersecurity intrusion into federal networks, but the director of the National Security Agency and head of U.S. Cyber Command insisted the answer cannot be boiled down to a single authority or investment.

Senator, Im not seeking legal authorities either for NSA or for U.S. Cyber Command, Nakasone told Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) during a hearing with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Nakasone was testifying along with several other intelligence agency chiefs about the ICs new worldwide threat assessment report, which, among other things, notes that all of the United States primary adversaries are ramping up their activities and capabilities in cyberspace.

The general has been a fixture at most congressional hearings where the breach into nine federal networks involving SolarWinds has been either a primary or tangential topic of discussion. During previous hearings and the one today, lawmakers have repeatedly offered Nakasone a chance to make his case for expanded surveillance powers.

Despite several senators extending that invitation, Nakasone declined. Instead, he re-iterated that foreign actors are exploiting the well-known blind spot in the United States laws. Hostile actors can use U.S. digital infrastructure to conduct operations because they know it will take time before law enforcement can obtain a warrant to surveil domestic networks, Nakasone explained.

He also noted that those in the intelligence community has struggled to gain visibility over the full scope and scale of the problem because the laws in place have created an environment in which the private sector does not always choose to share information.

While there is no one solution to whats going on, I think we have to understand the program in totality, Nakasone said.

The generals comments seemed to frustrate lawmakers, who for months have pressed law enforcement and cybersecurity officials for direct and expedient answers on how to prevent another intrusion similar to the one discovered in December.

I dont like hearing that we have blind spots, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said before asking Nakasone what new authorities he needs. She acknowledged his previous remarks to Burr, but added, I am not willing to accept that we are going to have blind spots.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) took exception to Nakasones suggestion that the need for a warrant hampered the governments ability to detect and stop the intrusion involving SolarWinds.

My understanding is that the government has the ability now to watch every bit of data going in and out of a federal network, including the SolarWinds malware, and yet the hacking of nine federal agencies somehow went unnoticed, said Wyden -- an apparent reference to the Department of Homeland Securitys Einstein program.

Before seeking new powers to surveil the domestic internet, we all ought to be working together  so that more can be done to detect hacking thats going on in our own network, Wyden continued.

Einstein, managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is one of the governments foundational cybersecurity programs and is designed to monitor the data flowing in and out of federal networks.

However, CISAs leadership has made clear at public events and during congressional hearings that Einsteins capabilities were never intended to prevent the techniques used in the campaign against SolarWinds.

That admission has spurred some lawmakers to seek significant changes to the program when it comes up for reauthorization in December 2022.

This article first appeared on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site.
We've heard the announcement by the Tourism Ministry that cultural workers are to get priority access to vaccines and travel exemptions.
Gang violence has once again become rampant in Mexico as the mid-term elections in June are inching closer.

According to local civilians, a series of political assassinations and forced disappearances of thousands have started, with state and federal security forces actively colluding and even fighting alongside warring groups.

This was told by civil society activists and gunmen from various factions, according to The Guardian report. Mexican criminal factions are also confronting each other on the electoral field.

"All the [criminal] groups are trying to make gains right now," a Michoacan political consultant said in the report. The said political consultant has first-hand information on how arrangements are made between organized crime and political candidates.

The western state of Michoacan has faced much of the recent fighting where the Jalisco New Generation cartel has increased its presence. The Jalisco cartel is stepping up its conflict with an alliance of local groups dubbed the United Cartels, Observer reported.

It has caused more than a thousand people to seek asylum in the United States, adding to the current number of people arriving at the southern border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection preliminary data showed that Mexican nationals accounted for 42 percent of all apprehensions at the border in March.

"They are leaving because they get caught in the crossfire because their homes have been destroyed, [and] because the main roads into [the area] have been carved up to stop the advance of the Jaliscos," Gregorio Lopez, a Catholic priest, said in the report.

Lopez has housed refugees in the nearby Apatzingan city. He said livelihoods become unsustainable and basic goods are not getting through anymore, causing a shortage of fresh food.

The priest added that almost everything has also become more expensive, with gasoline costing three times as much as before.

READ NEXT: Ex-Jalisco Cartel High-Ranking Member's Body Found Wrapped in Plastic on Park Bench

Drug Cartels and Mexican Election

In 2018, more than 100 politicians were murdered in Mexico just before the election day.

Fernando Puron, a former congressional candidate in the border city of Piedras Negras, was taking a picture with a supporter when a gunman shot him in the head from behind, CNBC reported.

May 2018 was considered one of Mexico's deadliest months since the government first released homicide data 20 years ago. The data showed that 2,890 people were killed in a month, which counts as 93 victims per day or four per hour.

Rafael Elias, an analyst at emerging markets bank Exotix Capital, said that politicians are particularly vulnerable targets of organized crimes.

It happens when they do not show support for illegal activities in the municipalities or territories they are running to govern.

This year, a judge from the southern state of Chiapas who ran for mayor with the Morena party died in March after armed criminals opened fire at them and later burned the vehicle the victims were using.

The judge was killed with his eight-year-old son and a third person, according to an Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting project report.

The 6 June polls are the largest in Mexico's history, with more than 21,000 posts, including 500 federal congressmen, 15 governors, 30 state legislatures.

Since campaign season officially started on Sept. 7 last year, 69 politicians, including 22 candidates, have already been assassinated in Mexico.

READ MORE: Man With Ties to Jalisco Cartel Arrested For Drug Trafficking In Massachusetts

WATCH: Violence Surges Ahead of Mexico's Mid term Election - From CGTN America






Jeopardy! just hasnt been the same since Alex Trebeks final episodes  and neither have its ratings.

OK, so thats a little unfair. The Jeopardy! ratings were of course boosted by interest in seeing Trebek off. And they stayed high due to the intrigue of seeing someone other than Trebek  initially, legendary champion Ken Jennings  host the popular quiz program.

While the Nielsen numbers for the Sony Television game show have since tapered off a bit from there, Jeopardy! has still topped all other syndicated series almost every week since Trebeks final bow.

Video: Fan favorite LeVar Burton will guest host 'Jeopardy!'

Also Read: Aaron Rodgers Trolled by 'Jeopardy!' Contestant Over NFC Title Game Loss (Video)

TheWrap has ranked all the Jeopardy! guest hosts by their average rating. This, too, is a bit unfair, as the highest ratings of 2021 were all pretty frontloaded for the first guys. Again, thats just the nature of public fascination after Trebek iconically hosted the show for 36 years.

See the rankings below.

Rank: 5

Host: Dr. Oz

Dates: March 22, 2021  April 2, 2021

Average Rating: 5.1

Rank: 4

Host: Katie Couric

Dates: March 8, 2021  March 19, 2021

Average Rating: 5.5

Rank: 3

Host: Aaron Rodgers

Dates: April 5, 2021  April 16, 2021

Average Rating: 5.6*

*Just one week so far

Rank: 2

Host: Mike Richards

Dates: Feb. 22, 2021  March 5, 2021

Average Rating: 5.9

Rank: 1

Host: Ken Jennings

Dates: Jan. 11, 2021  Feb. 19, 2021

Average Rating: 6

Anderson Cooper, youre next. After Cooper, Bill Whitaker, Savannah Guthrie, Mayim Bialik, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Joe Buck will take their own turns.

Also Read: Ratings: 'Pooch Perfect' Rolls Over in Week 2

Alex Trebek died in November following a long and very public battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old.

News of Trebeks diagnosis came just months after the beloved Canadian renewed his contract with Sony Pictures Television to stay on as host of Jeopardy! through 2022. After undergoing treatment, Trebek announced in May 2020 that he was in near remission.

He returned to hosting Jeopardy! that August, but announced in September that he was undergoing chemotherapy again after revealing that he lost a large amount of weight and his numbers went sky high.

Read original story Jeopardy! Guest Hosts Ranked by Ratings: From Ken Jennings to Dr Oz (Photos) At TheWrap
As in Togo in 2005, the army imposes the son of Idriss Deby Itno on the Chadians

"The Marshal is dead, long live the General" one might exclaim. According to the army spokesman, General Azem Bermandoa Agouna, who was reading a press release on Tele Tchad on April 20, Idriss Deby Itno has just experienced his last breath defending the territorial integrity on the battlefield. This is an announcement which is immediately followed by further military news announcing the dissolution of the government and the National Assembly and the establishment of a transition.

If in Togo in February 2005, the imposed, Faure Gnassingbe, is not of the army but the offspring of the late president, the late General Eyadema Gnassingbe, and that it is sleight of hand in the Assembly that have allowed to dress the masquerade, which will ultimately be rejected, in Chad, it is without detour that the son of Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, Mahamat Idriss Deby, is parachuted at the head of the country to lead this transition, which, says t -on, will last 18 months and led by a military council headed by the son of the late president, himself general of the Chadian army. The only real information is that before, he had headed for many years the General Directorate of the Security Service of State Institutions (DGSSIE), of which the Presidential Guard is a party.

Sacred Africa ! How does this relate to the countrys constitution ? In any case, as someone would say, "I dont see the connection."

T228
LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearl , the leader in AI solutions for efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in dental care, today announced that the United States Patent Office has issued Pearl U.S. Patent No. 10,937,108 entitled "Computer Vision-Based Claims Processing." The patent covers the novel computer vision technology underpinning the company's Claims Review and Pearl Protect solutions for automating dental insurance claims adjudication. This is the second patent recently awarded to Pearl for machine learning innovations developed to eliminate waste and improve productivity within essential dental industry processes.

The dental insurance industry's core cost management apparatus  utilization management  is also its largest cost center. Despite prodigious investment in claim adjudication infrastructure and headcount, insurance carriers succeed in reviewing fewer than 10% of the billion-plus dental insurance claims  amounting to $85 billion in industry-wide payouts  submitted annually in the United States. To maximize the impact of claim adjudication resources, carriers focus almost exclusively on high value claimsthose requiring radiographic evidence of treatment need. Still, the teams of accredited clinicians that carriers employ as claims examiners are capable of evaluating only a tiny sample of radiograph-supported claims. The claims they review are selected on the basis of cost alone, without any governing logic to identify claims with higher likelihood of denial or to increase claims routing efficiency. When claims are denied, the subjectivity of examiners' findings offers little transparency into the rationale for denial. And because dental examiners are as prone to human diagnostic inconsistency as practitioners are, a certain portion of claims are denied in error. Incomplete, labor-intensive, nontransparent, imperfectuntil recently, dental insurers have been obliged to accept these deficiencies in the utilization management enterprise.

Last year, however, Pearl introduced two products Claims Review and Pearl Protect to solve carriers' claims adjudication woes. These products are built around a pioneering technological process: The application of computer vision machine learning algorithms to automatically validate insurance claims based on radiographic claims evidence. Pearl's latest patent grants the company an expansive and exclusive license to apply computer vision algorithms for this purpose.

"We've given carriers the ability to process claims in seconds and, because a carrier's unique decision making matrix is defined in the system, its decisioning is totally transparent," says Pearl's CEO Ophir Tanz. "The carrier plugs the software in and instantly goes from reviewing a tiny fraction of radiograph-supported claims to programmatically reviewing every claim. Their adjudicators go from wasting time on claims destined for approval to focusing only on questionable claims where their expertise is most useful."

The patented technology automates claims processing using a range of machine learning models to diagnostically assess radiographic claim evidence, then cross-references the diagnostic findings with the claimed treatment codes. If the AI diagnosis accords with a carrier-approved treatment, the claim is automatically accepted. If not, the claim is routed to a human claims examiner for manual review.

"From the carrier's perspective, this technology is extremely simple to integrate and put to work, but under the hood it is complex," explained Cambron Carter, Pearl's CTO. "Before a claim reaches our decisioning engine, the radiographs run a machine learning gauntlet where fingerprinting and image recognition models mitigate malicious behavior like radiograph doctoring, GANs intelligently correct image quality, segmentation models and detectors conduct anatomical orientation and diagnosis, then all findings are combined using clinically-informed heuristics to measure the severity of conditions like decay, bone loss caries, etc. This all happens in the blink of an eye, but when you understand everything that's going on in that blink, you can understand why, as a team, we're particularly proud to receive this patent."

Echoing those sentiments, Tanz added that the company's recent patent successes signal Pearl as the predominant innovator and trusted partner in the dental AI ecosystem.

"AI adoption is approaching an inflection point in the dental industry. We expect all dental insurance carriers to be powering their claims review with AI within the next five yearsand when that happens, it will be thanks to a technology that Pearl introduced."

About Pearl

Pearl is shaping the future of dental care by delivering AI and computer vision solutions that advance efficiency, accuracy, transparency and patient care. Founded in 2019 by Ophir Tanz, Pearl is backed by Craft Ventures and other leading venture capital firms. For more information or to request a demonstration, please visit http://www.hellopearl.com .

Media Contact

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SOURCE Pearl
Identity politics and the immigration crisis

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Editor's Note: The word "Anglo-Protestant" has been removed from the Samuel Huntington quote in an earlier version of this opinion article at the author's request.



Oh, how we need the wisdom and voice of Samuel Huntington in the midst of todays immigration chaos.

Huntington died in 2008 after 50 years at Harvard University, much of that as director of its Center for International Affairs. Huntington also served as Coordinator of Security Planning for the National Security Council during the Carter Administration.

Samuel Huntington had almost unequaled insight into national and international affairs, as seen in two of his major books: The Clash of Civilizations, and Who Are We? The Challenges to Americas National identity.

That latter book especially is why we need Huntingtons voice midst the present immigration morass. His wise counsel is available for anyone who will bother to read and reflect on his views.

I think of Huntington and recall an experience I had one night in the 1980s.

During a flight from Singapore to the United States I had to change planes in Tokyo. The walk from my arrival to my departure gate was a labyrinthine journey through the Narita airport terminal, past many other gates,

The sight at one of them brought me to a stop. A long line of Cambodian refugees from a displaced persons camp in Thailand were in the boarding process for a Seattle-bound flight.

I scanned their faces and was deeply moved by the excitement and anticipation I saw.

A teen-age boy stood right at the end of the line, holding a small bag given him by the Red Cross, and wearing a tee-shirt bearing the name of the Thai camp. Our eyes locked, and I smiled. He smiled back and suddenly gave me a thumbs up.

That action brought tears to my eyes: tears of happiness for him and the other refugees on their way to America, but also tears of sadness that so many Americans had lost their love and appreciation for their own country, and grief over the fact that there were forces at work in the United States to turn America into the type of nation those refugees were fleeing.

The years have passed, and the national identity crisis has intensified in the United States. The new nation is falling victim to subtle tyrannies, stripping away freedoms under the guise of progress.

At this moment we urgently need Huntingtons wisdom for ourselves... and immigrants who fix their hopes on America. In Who Are We? he wrote:

Americans should recommit themselves to the ... culture, traditions, and values that for three and a half centuries have been embraced by Americans of all races, ethnicities, and religions and that have been the source of their liberty, unity, power, prosperity, and moral leadership as a force for good in the world...

Huntington was prescient, seeing the danger of the collapse into identity politics. I believe one of the greatest achievements, perhaps the greatest achievement, of America is the extent to which it has eliminated the racial and ethnic components that historically were central in its identity and has become a multiethnic, multiracial society in which individuals are judged on their own merit.

But this is what identity politics is now destroying, and why the America many immigrants believe they are entering is being changed into something else... something more akin to what they are fleeing.

Huntington is deceased, but thankfully Joshua Mitchell, Georgetown University Professor of Political Theory, is alive and giving us the same kind of wise counsel as did Huntington. Mitchells book is American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Times. There he writes that, identity politics is a very loud public affair that is making constructive public life increasingly difficult if not impossible.

Like Huntington, Mitchell laments the loss of Americas spiritual roots. We are living in the midst of an American Awakening, without God and without forgiveness because the nation lost sight of Christianity, and so the awakening through which we are now living ... has no place for the God who judges or the God who forgives, and has brought America to a dead end, beyond which no one can see.

One of the most concerning outcomes of the abandonment of the Judeo-Christian worldview is that Americas worldview is now up for grabs.

I think of all those people on the southern borders trying to flood into this nation. Some no doubt are foreign plants, wanting into the United States to bring its downfall. Others are desperate people who have no reason for hope back home. Some seek reunification with family. Many look northward with hope, willing to sacrifice almost anything to cross the Rio Grande and other barriers while many Americans take this nation for granted, and disdain the very worldview that produced their liberties, opportunities, and prosperity. Some Americans view the immigrants as a fresh labor force, or a new voting bloc that will support the very progressivism that is altering the nation where they seek refuge.

We should weep for those who look longingly across the border with anticipation, because we know there are hordes of Americans waiting on the other sidesome in strategic leadershipwho cant wait for the opportunity to tell them how corrupt, racist, and evil we are.

The irony and irrationality of it all is that while the unceasing critics broadcast our alleged shortcomings, they want to make it easier for the immigrants to get here.

Oh, how we need the sobering voice of Samuel Huntington... and the contemporary wisdom of Joshua Mitchell.

Considering their writings, they might say that there is One far greater than either of them, and it is to that One that we should look.

And they would be right.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 89F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy during the evening followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.
[April 21, 2021] MDxHealth Provides Q1-2021 Business Update

NEWS RELEASE - REGULATED INFORMATION

21 APRIL 2021, 07:00 A.M. CET IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM  April 21, 2021  MDxHealth SA (Euronext: MDXH.BR), a commercial-stage innovative molecular diagnostics company, today provided a business update for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Michael McGarrity, CEO of MDxHealth, commented: We believe our results support our positive view forward as we come through the effects of the pandemic on our business and patient flow in our U.S. market. We remain confident that the fundamentals we have driven into our operating discipline and commercial execution will continue to be demonstrated and reflected in our results going forward. Our sequential growth in unit volume for ConfirmMDx for the third quarter in a row, coupled with 23% sequential growth in revenue is clear evidence of our recovery from the pandemic-induced decline in patient flow and screenings for prostate cancer, as previously noted, to be down roughly 50%. As expected, our ConfirmMDx results reflect an opening of patient flow and we expect SelectMDx to follow as restrictions ease, vaccinations roll out, and our inclusion in the NCCN guidelines continues to take hold. All of these leading indicators point to a turn to sustainable growth and we look forward to providing additional guidance with our mid-year results in August. Highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 Successful completion of a EUR 25 million (approximately $30.4 million) capital increase in January 2021, with broad support from U.S. and European investors including continued support from our Reference shareholders, MVM, Valiance and BioVest

Total revenue of $5.1 million, down 14% from $5.9 million in Q1-2020, and up 23% sequentially from Q4-2020

Sequential growth of 6% in ConfirmMDx units compared to Q4-2020

Cash and cash equivalents of $38.2 million as of March 31, 2021 Summary of billable test volume by product Products



Quarter Ended March 31, 2021 2020 % Change ConfirmMDx 3,913 4,532 (14)% SelectMDx 3,529 4,383 (26)%



Subsequent events On April 19, 2021, MDxHealth and Kreos Capital executed an amendment to the 2019 loan facility, extending the interest-only period from 18 months to 27 months. As a result of this amendment, repayment of principal has been extended from May 2021 to February 2022. As part of the amendment, the Company agreed to increase the end-of-loan fee by an additional 67,500 (approx. $80,000) as well as to provide for an additional 202,500 of the 9 million loan to be convertible into shares of MDxHealth at a 25% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price 10 days prior to signing the amendment. If exercised, this amount will be reduced from the principal amount due under the loan agreement.





About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. The Companys European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information, visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on social media at: twitter.com/mdxhealth, facebook.com/mdxhealth and linkedin.com/company/mdxhealth. For more information: MDxHealth



info@mdxhealth.com



This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the companys control, and may turn out to be materially different. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of MDxHealth in any jurisdiction. No securities of MDxHealth may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. securities laws. NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, and SelectMDx are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA.

Attachment MDxHealth



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New international student numbers have plunged by as much as a third at universities in NSW and Victoria this year compared with pre-pandemic levels, fuelling warnings the sector faces a shakeup as other countries aggressively market their open borders to students.

Melbournes Monash University recorded a decline of 32 per cent in new overseas student commencements, and the University of Technology Sydney recorded a decline of 35 per cent, for semester one this year compared with semester one 2019.

Monash University and the University of Technology Sydney experienced declines of more than 30 per cent in their international student intakes compared with semester one 2019. Credit:Joe Armao

But the University of Queensland grew its cohort of Chinese students by 40 per cent on 2020 levels, as it defied the industry trends and enrolled a record number of 18,000 overseas students this year.

Australias closed borders and hotel quarantine caps have kept international students out of the country, forcing universities to scramble to offer online-only courses in a bid to keep their existing high-fee paying students and sign up new ones. Many institutions slashed jobs and froze capital spending in 2020, with peak body Universities Australia estimating universities operating revenues collectively fell 4.9 per cent, or $1.8 billion.
MINERVA, Ohio -- Like many in Ohio, my family is weighing our desires for independence and financial stability as we chart the future of our small farm. We want a property plan that puts our land to good use and turns a reasonable amount of work into a stable income. Building a community solar farm provides the future were hoping for, but families like mine cant do so without a change in Ohio law.

To see why, its helpful to understand what it would take to create a community solar installation on my familys property. An energy supplier would lease a section of our farm for 20 years (a little less than the lifetime of a solar panel). Beyond our written agreement and an occasional meeting, they would handle the entire process, from the paperwork, to the installation, to the final removal of the panels. In fact, the lease would include a legal guarantee that they would remove the solar equipment when it expired, so our land could be returned to whatever use we saw fit. At a going rate of $800 to $1,000 per acre per year in other states, leasing property for a community solar installation is a financially sound choice for our family.

There is one problem, though: Ohio utilities law does not allow other homeowners to buy the power produced by a solar farm on our land. Under current state law, my parents can only produce as much power as they consume. Those who want to reap the benefits of clean, cheap, local power, but dont have the means to produce it themselves, are usually out of luck. This legal state of affairs hurts not only the farmers and others who host community solar, but also the individuals and businesses who benefit from the power source, as well as the electricians who work to bring the solar farms to life.

Ben Moran, a Ph.D. student at Stanford University, also manages forestry on his family's farm in Minerva, Ohio. (Photo by Angela Fan)

The restrictions on solar are even worse when compared to the lack of production controls on other energy sources. Many landowners enjoy the benefits of unlimited consumption and sale of oil and gas from their land. In contrast, current law limits solar installations based on past electric bills in a way that discourages people from becoming truly energy independent. If a homeowner wants to change their heating source to rely on only the electricity they generate themselves, they cannot install the solar panels in advance. Ironically, one solar provider suggested increasing our allowed solar capacity by installing air conditioning and wasting electricity! That ridiculous logic is a sign of a system in need of reform.

While several legal frameworks could fix this problem, perhaps the most flexible is virtual net metering. With virtual net metering, our neighbors take credit for the power produced on our farm and the equivalent amount of power usage is subtracted from their energy bill. If the community solar power is cheaper than the going rate of electricity, then up to a thousand houses in our area could benefit. If not (an unlikely scenario, given the dropping price of solar power), nobody is forced to join the program.

Utility companies certainly deserve compensation for the use of electricity infrastructure, since transmitting power from our property to others requires the use of their power lines. Those costs can easily be factored in through fixed charges or minimum bills, eliminating any fears that the cost of the lines would shift to others on the grid.

Twenty states have virtual net metering or another community solar framework. By joining them, Ohio could provide revenue to farmers, savings to homeowners, and work to electricians and solar installers. At the same time, they would increase the independence, resilience, and efficiency of our energy system. As they ponder replacements for the shame that was House Bill 6, I hope our lawmakers pursue the changes needed to make community solar farms a reality in our state.

Ben Moran is a Ph.D. student in biology at Stanford University where he studies how human land-use choice affects the health of wildlife. He also manages forestry on his familys property in Minerva, Ohio.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Isracann Biosciences Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (XFRA: A2PT0E) (OTC: ISCNF) (the Company or Isracann) an Israel-based company focused on becoming a premier low cost, high quality cannabis producer/distributor is pleased to announce it has been granted a Foreign Owners Cannabis License by the Israeli Minister of Health. This important event paves the way to conclude a number of outstanding key partnership and regulatory considerations in preparation for commercial operations.



In a press release issued on March 24, 2020, Isracann announced its entry into a joint venture (JV) agreement as part of a phased partnership of two near-term farm operations located in Ein Hahoresh, Israel. The agreement included an equitable sharing arrangement of both operating costs and revenue through participatory agreements comprising construction services, growing services, land lease agreements, IMCA licenses, and a number of sub agreements establishing and defining the various rights of all parties. Todays announcement represents the removal of regulatory ownership barriers in order to fully execute the terms of the JV plan.

The highly sought-after foreign owners license significantly legitimizes the Companys presence in Israel. There are only a small number of foreign owned sector participants who have obtained similar licencing, and Isracann is now favourably positioned to leverage certain advantages. Ownership licensing allows for greater access to domestic partnerships, increased participation in state-sponsored initiatives, and enhances access to financing. It also simplifies the Companys ability to undertake domestic acquisitions, including the conclusion of its planned purchase of a third-party participant in the JV which would result in Isracann increasing its ownership position to 50%.

In related news, the Company has concluded all requisite construction and infrastructural installations in preparation for the commencement of planting and subsequent production at its Hefer Valley-based Ein Hahoresh Farm. Largely due to COVID-19 related delays, Isracann has a final regulatory hurdle to conclude which appears to be moving closer to conclusion. Based on discussions with our regional consultants, we are waiting for an inspection by law enforcement officials and concurrent Ministry of Health approvals. It is our understanding that scheduling for the inspection is imminent. Upon receipt, Isracann will have full approval to begin planting.

Regarding the recently announced medical cannabis import partnership LOI, Isracann is working diligently with the Israeli partner to conclude the agreement for the importation of Canadian products on an expedited basis. Additionally, Isracann is finalizing an agreement with its Canadian partners to secure high-grade genetic material for introduction into its Israeli-based genomics program. While regional strains have certain inherently excellent traits, Isracann aims to broaden product diversity, and through expert agronomy to achieve a selection of world-class offerings.

Isracann CEO, Darryl Jones states, We continue to push ahead on multiple fronts. From product importation to new genetics programs on the one hand, today we also celebrate our official approval as foreign owners in this exciting sector. Now we can truly dig in to finalize matters and accelerate our efforts to fully enter the commercial marketplace. Weve been in communication with all the relevant parties and now with the licensing in-place, a number of initiatives will be triggered almost immediately and should result in an accelerated pace towards revenue generation. We have to admit that we always thought the pandemic would create a delay, and it could have been worse. In the meantime, we have by no means been standing still and have used the opportunity to invest in added value and develop our relations throughout the region. Once again we thank our Israeli team of consultants and stakeholders who have proven to be invaluable at representing our interests so effectively and who share our vision for success.

Further to the Companys news release on January 11, 2021, the Company has issued 6,123,563 warrants pursuant to its incentive program. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional common share of the Company at $0.50 per share for 24 months from the date of issuance.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Darryl Jones

Darryl Jones

Chief Executive Officer and President

About Isracann Biosciences Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (XFRA: A2PT0E) (OTC: ISCNF)

Isracann is an Israeli-based cannabis company focused on becoming a premier cannabis producer/distributor offering low-cost production targeting undersupplied, major European marketplaces. Based in Israel's agricultural sector, Isracann will leverage its development within the most experienced country in the world with respect to cannabis research. The Company has secured agreements within Israel for medicinal marijuana cultivation. For more information visit: www.isracann.com.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, would, project, should, believe and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply and demand trends in the cannabis industry, will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, materially from the Companys expectations are disclosed in the Companys documents filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Exchange, the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission, and the Alberta Securities Commission.

Contact

Empire Communications Group

Phone: +1 (604) 343-2724

Email: inquiries@isracann.com

Web: www.isracann.com
Autonomous aerial robot searching for fires in a building facade during the MBZIRC20 competition. Top: Picture of the robot in front of the facade. Bottom: 3D map of the environment used for localization. Credit: Caballero & Merino.

To enable the efficient operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in instances where a global localization system (GPS) or an external positioning device (e.g., a laser reflector) is unavailable, researchers must develop techniques that automatically estimate a robot's pose. If the environment in which a drone operates does not change very often and one is able to build a 3D map of this environment, map-based robot localization techniques can be fairly effective.

Ideally, map-based pose estimation approaches should be efficient, robust and reliable, as they should rapidly send a robot the information it needs to plan its future actions and movements. 3D light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems are particularly promising map-based localization systems, as they gather a rich pool of 3D information, which drones can then use for localization.

Researchers at Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Spain have recently developed a new framework for map-based localization called direct LIDAR localization (DLL). This approach, presented in a paper pre-published on arXiv, could overcome some of the limitations of other LIDAR localization techniques introduced in the past.

"The main objective of the approach we presented is to build a 3D localization system based on a 3D maps of the environment," Fernando Caballero, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told TechXplore. "The method is especially designed to work with aerial robots, although it could also be applied to other systems. Map-based localization is essential for many robotics applications, such as monitoring, logistics or inspection working in GPS-denied areas, such as warehouses, urban canyons and indoor environments."

Most existing state-of-the-art LIDAR techniques utilize the geometric features of objects to align data collected by sensors with a map of the surrounding environment. While these approaches to 3D LIDAR registration have their advantages, they often do not perform well in all scenarios.

DLL, the approach developed by Caballero and his colleague Luis Merino, implements a point cloud to map registration based on the non-linear optimization of the distance between individual points and a map. This means that it does not rely on specific features or point correspondences. Given an initial pose, the framework can track the pose of a robot, simply by refining its predicted pose based on data gathered by motion sensors.

"Assuming that the robot carries a 3D LIDAR that enables sensing of the distance to obstacles in the robot's vicinity, the objective of DLL is to estimate the position of the robot into a 3D map," Caballero said. "Based on such information, DLL finds the best alignments of the 3D LIDAR information into the 3D map."

Caballero and Merino evaluated DLL in a series of trials and compared it to other pose estimation techniques. They found that while its accuracy was similar to that achieved by other state-of-the-art pose estimation methods, DLL is approximately ten times faster than other methods and could thus be used to estimate a robot's pose in real-time.

"DLL is also robust against noisy odometry (which is very usual in aerial robots) and we demonstrate that it is able to deal with significant errors in robot odometry, with little impact on its overall accuracy," Caballero said.

DLL is already publicly available and can be accessed by developers worldwide on GitHub. In the future, it could be used to localize aerial robots quickly, accurately, and reliably, particularly in environments where GPS technology does not work.

"We believe that DLL can help to achieve autonomous navigation in areas where GPS signals are not available," Caballero said. "In our future work, we will consider improving the space efficiency of our method. One of its main drawbacks is the amount of memory required by the 3D map, so we will consider more efficient structures."

Explore further A technique that allows robots to estimate the pose of objects by touching them

More information: DLL: Direct LIDAR localization. A map-based localization approach for aerial robots. arXiv:2103.06112 [cs.RO]. DLL: Direct LIDAR localization. A map-based localization approach for aerial robots. arXiv:2103.06112 [cs.RO]. arxiv.org/abs/2103.06112

 2021 Science X Network
A federal prosecutor and an FBI agent met Tuesday with a West Linn community group to explain why the U.S. Attorneys Office didnt pursue charges against any officers involved in the bogus 2017 arrest of Portland resident Michael Fesser.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Gabriel said the office found it couldnt prove a number of potential crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. Those included, he said, conspiracy to commit a civil rights violation, public corruption, making false statements in the course of a sworn civil deposition and obstruction of justice.

The evidence did not support a criminal prosecution in federal court under existing statutes, he said.

Three members of Congress in February 2020 called for federal prosecutors to examine the actions of West Linn police in building a questionable theft case against Fesser, who is Black, after The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed that West Linn had paid $600,000 to Fesser to settle his discrimination and wrongful arrest lawsuit.

West Linn police arrested Fesser in an investigation instigated by then-Police Chief Terry Timeus as a favor for a friend. The police chiefs friend was Fessers boss, Eric Benson, a West Linn resident and owner of A&B Towing Co. in Southeast Portland.

Benson targeted Fesser because Fesser had complained about racist comments and harassment at work. All theft charges against Fesser were dismissed, and Benson paid Fesser $415,000 to settle a separate civil suit.

Gabriel noted that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, now before Congress, would lower the criminal intent standard for proving an officer violated a persons constitutional rights. It would strike language that an officers alleged misconduct occurred willfully and replace it with knowingly or recklessly.

Federal prosecutors dont determine if someones behavior is racist, repugnant or immoral, Gabriel said. We just say whether it is a crime, in our opinion of course, or whether its not a crime, he said. Declination (to prosecute) should in no way be confused with an exoneration.

FBI agent Caryn Ackerman, the lead agent in the inquiry, added, If I had seen evidence and put together facts that I gathered through that thorough investigation that I thought we could support a federal prosecution, I would have pushed for that to the best of my ability.

Ackerman and Gabriel addressed about 40 people in a video conference meeting organized by the West Linn Community for Police Reform and the Urban League of Portland. Their presence was significant because FBI agents and federal prosecutors rarely publicly explain a decision not to pursue a prosecution.

The community group formed because of the Fesser case and is focused on seeking better police accountability in West Linn and in the state. Fesser and his civil attorney Paul Buchanan also attended.

Residents vented their frustration about the lack of any civil rights charges.

Martha Boyce, the community groups co-chair, and Urban League of Portland President Nkenge Harmon Johnson both said the federal decision not to prosecute was infuriating and hard to understand.

There is no question the chief of police colluded with a private citizen and his other police officers to arrest a man who was innocent, Boyce said.

Several residents expressed incredulousness over the still-unresolved matter of Mike Stradley, a former West Linn police lieutenant.

Stradley went on to work as a police training supervisor for the state but has been on paid leave for more than 14 months while the state Department of Public Safety Standards & Training has looked into his role in the Fesser case.

Buchanan called it indefensible that Stradley has remained on leave for so long with no consequences for his actions in the Fesser case. Stradley has been paid $131,844.91 from Feb. 13, 2020, through Feb. 28 of this year, according to the state agency.

Stradley had enlisted Portlands gang enforcement officers to help West Linn police arrest Fesser on Feb. 25, 2017. Fesser was accused of stealing money from A&B Towing.

Stradley told West Linn and Portland officers that Fesser was a gang associate. He also warned his Portland colleagues that Fesser was potentially dangerous.

But Stradley later admitted in a sworn deposition that he hadnt had contact with Fesser for more than 20 years and had no direct knowledge that Fesser was tied to a gang. Stradley also acknowledged that he knew only that Fesser had been seen with gang members two decades earlier and had attended trials of known gang members.

In November 2017, after an indictment was obtained against Fesser, Stradley further told Portland police that Fesser had made threats to his boss at A&B Towing and co-workers. But Stradley again later, in a sworn deposition with Fessers civil attorney, directly contradicted that. Benson also said Fesser never made any threats to him.

Stradley and his lawyer Sean Riddell have declined comment.

At the community meeting, Fesser thanked Gabriel for talking and meeting with him more than once, but told those gathered: You guys know theyre going to protect these Mike Stradleys.

He said he respected the groups interest in the meeting but said hes tired of the continued talk with no action.

Jerry E. Granderson, the new director of the Department of Public Safety Standards & Training, said by email that the review of Stradley is still in an investigation mode.

Mr. Stradley remains on administrative leave until this investigation has concluded, he wrote.

Granderson later added, Please let me assure you that my office has placed this matter as a priority. Beyond that, I cannot respond to this matter until its conclusion.

Gabriel said he couldnt detail the information obtained in the federal investigation and recognized that people are dissatisfied with the outcome.

It was important for us to show up in the community to personally hear the communitys frustration and explain as much as we can lawfully explain, he said.

Since the case was publicized, West Linn fired the lead investigator in the case, Sgt. Tony Reeves, and West Linn Police Chief Terry Kruger, who took the job in June 2018. Fessers notice of intent to sue West Linn police arrived on the first day Kruger started as chief.

Last May, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said it would no longer call Reeves as a witness after finding he colluded with Timeus to pursue an unsupported arrest of Fesser for a personal friend of the chiefs.

There has been significant accountability and I think a lot of that has to do with the communitys response, Buchanan told the group.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
I was then, and am now, ashamed and deeply sorry that my words caused pain and hardship to her, the pastor wrote in the letter, now posted on the parish website. I pray that my accuser accepts my sincere apology and that it provides her with healing.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") (TSXV:SM) is pleased to announce an update on its 100% owned Tepic Silver-Gold Project (the "Project"). The Tepic Silver Gold Project hosts low-sulfidation epithermal silver and gold mineralization lying within the Sierra Madre Geologic Province. Significant expenditures in exploration and engineering were completed by previous operators.

Tepic Gold-Silver Project

Sierra Madre's Tepic Silver-Gold Project lies 22 kilometres southeast of the city of Tepic, Nayarit State, Mexico. The Project has seen a significant amount of previous exploration and drilling which is detailed in a Technical Report titled Technical Report on the Tepic Property, dated March 29, 2021 and available on SEDAR. The Company initiated exploration activities in late 2020.

Exploration and Property Development Team

Sierra Madre has hired Luis Saenz as Director of Exploration and Development. Luiz has 31 years of experience and worked closely with the company's COO Greg Liller on the exploration and development of the Magistral Mine (part of McEwen Gold's El Gallo Mine Complex), the exploration, development, construction, and early production phases of both the open pit and underground mines at Ocampo (sold to Frisco for $750 million) and the expansion project for the La Guitarra mine (sold to First Majestic for $125 million). Luis has extensive contacts throughout the Mexican mining industry and more recently was Subdirector of Exploration and Special Projects for Minera Frisco.

Luis has put together a team of senior geologists for the Company with +90 years of exploration and project development experience. They are backed up by a support group of computer literate junior geologists with excellent field skills, along with field technicians and administrative personnel.

Comprehensive Project Mapping

The senior geologists have begun a phased project wide mapping program. This program began with the core area which was the focus of previous drilling, as well as small scale historical mining activity. Field work has now expanded to include mapping to the west and north and additionally on the eastside of the Project. Preliminary indications are the hydrothermal system responsible for the silver and gold mineralization is more extensive than previously known.

Topographic Map and Satellite Imagery

Real time Satellite Imagery was captured in the final weeks of November 2020 following the placement of survey control points on the ground. The Orthophoto imagery and topography maps, which include topographic contour lines with  30-centimeter accuracy, were delivered the end of December. These detailed maps provide an invaluable toll for accurately locating and plotting previous drill holes, historical mining works, and outcropping veins and mineralized structures which has already led to updated interpretations and the identification of previously undocumented zones and targets.

Historic Data Compilation

Incorporation of historic data, including the majority of the 31,000 metres of drill core, into Sierra Madre's GIS data base began in January 2021. An inventory of the historic core has been completed and a photographic library of all core is underway.

The core photos will be valuable in planning and executing the upcoming reverse circulation drilling program.

Qualified Person

Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Director and Vice President of Exploration of Sierra Madre, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release.

About the Company

Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. is a mineral exploration company, currently focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of the Tepic Property in Nayarit, Mexico. The Company has an experienced management team with a proven track record of wealth creation in Mexico through project discovery, advancement and monetization. Sierra Madre's key objective is to advance exploration on the Tepic Property to determine whether it contains commercially exploitable deposits of precious or base metals.

On behalf of the board of directors of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.,

"Alexander Langer"

Alexander Langer

President, Chief Executive Officer 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 news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance of the Company, the Company's plans regarding future exploration activities and benefits arising from the listing of the Company's common shares on the TSXV. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's final long form non-offering prospectus dated March 31, 2021 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641496/Sierra-Madre-Provides-Exploration-Update
Mining giant BHP appears on course to hit the top end of its full-year iron ore target, posting a record-breaking nine months at its West Australian mines just as the price of the key steel-making ingredient tests an all-time high.

During the March quarter, BHP shipped 66 million tonnes of iron ore from WAs Pilbara, 2 per cent less than the same period last year. But the result was largely in line with analysts forecasts and brings BHPs year-to-date output to a record of 211 million tonnes, according to the miners latest figures.

Booming iron ore prices are set to boost the coffers of Australias top mining companies. Credit:AP

Australia's largest miner said the strong output reflected record-high production volumes from its Jimblebar mine and placed the company on track to achieve the upper end of its full-year iron ore target range of 276-286 million tonnes.

We are reliably executing our major projects, bringing on new supply in copper, petroleum and iron ore, BHP chief executive Mike Henry said.
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's SpaceX Crew-1 astronauts will answer media questions at 12:30 p.m. EDT Monday, April 26, about their upcoming return to Earth from the International Space Station. The news conference will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.

NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi, will participate in the crew's final news conference aboard the microgravity laboratory.

Media wishing to participate by telephone must call NASA's Johnson Space Center's newsroom at 281-483-5111 to RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 23. Those following the briefing on social media may ask questions using #AskNASA.

Departure from the space station is planned for 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 28. NASA and SpaceX are targeting 12:40 p.m. for the splashdown and conclusion of the six-month Crew-1 mission.

The successful launch of the agency's SpaceX Crew-1 in November 2020 was the first flight of a NASA-certified commercial human spacecraft system in history.

Crew-1 worked on a number of experiments as part of Expedition 64 to the International Space Station, including tissue chips that mimic the structure and function of human organs to understand the role of microgravity on human health and diseases, and translate those findings to improve human health on Earth. Astronauts also grew radishes in different types of light and soils as part of ongoing efforts to produce food in space, and tested a new system to remove heat from spacesuits.

See full mission coverage, NASA's commercial crew blog, and more information about the mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/crew-1

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


COPPER HARBOR, MICH. -- The historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigans remote Keweenaw Peninsula is pursuing being named an International Dark Sky Park.

Coordinators at the lodge began the rigorous application process a few months ago. Approval could happen as early as this summer, making the lodge and its 177-acre property the first International Dark Sky Park in the Upper Peninsula.

It just seemed like a natural thing for us to do up here, said Mariah Summers, the lodges events department lead. Were so far from any light pollution. Were basically surrounded by the lake. Itll be a really cool thing to add to the Keweenaw.

The lodge already had been working on dark-sky protection measures, such as swapping out outdoor lighting for night-sky friendly options, when it began the rigorous application process to to be named an International Dark Sky Park  an exceptional distinction that can only be awarded by the Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association.

Other steps required to apply for dark-sky park status include taking dark-sky readings, developing a lighting management plan, and creating public educational programming about the importance of dark skies and the harm that light pollution causes humans and wildlife. The lodge already offers stargazing events such as star parties and astrophotography workshops.

The lodge also has had to obtain support letters from the local community and beyond  which hasnt been difficult, Summers said.

When we first started this process we didnt really know how many people would be so appreciative of what were doing, she said, adding that everyone from local businesses to the Michigan Nature Association and Pure Michigan are backing their efforts. We have a pretty good, strong support system and theyre all rooting for us.

If the application is approved, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge will become Michigans third International Dark Sky Park. The other two are the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, located near Mackinaw City, and Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park in the southwest Lower Peninsula.

For updates and more information on the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and its night-sky offerings, visit keweenawmountainlodge.com/activities/stargazing/ or follow the lodge on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

RELATED:

Michigan dark sky park announces 2021 stargazing dates
With the anniversary of Spc. Vanessa Guillen's death just two days away, the slain Fort Hood soldier's two sisters traveled Tuesday to Austin, Texas, to continue fighting for laws meant to protect military members from sexual abuse.

Speaking from inside the Capitol, Lupe Guillen, a 17-year-old Houston native and the youngest of the three Guillen sisters, said that instead of mourning her sister Vanessa privately, she wants to continue being outspoken during this heartbreaking week to help prevent other families from feeling the same pain.

The Guillen family has alleged that the 20-year-old soldier was sexually harassed by multiple soldiers at Fort Hood before she was killed last year. Those same allegations sparked the "I Am Vanessa Guillen" movement online, in which hundreds of military members openly shared their experiences with sexual assault within their ranks.

"I wish every family member out there will fight the same fight that we are today because in two days, in two days, it's one year," Lupe Guillen said. "My frustration, my anger is the same because it's not fair my sister was murdered the way she was. She had to be murdered for everyone to realized all of these issues. This has happened for decades."

What happened to Vanessa Guillen?

Authorities suspect a fellow Fort Hood soldier, Spc. Aaron Robinson, beat Guillen to death with a hammer on post the morning of April 22, 2020. Robinson fatally shot himself July 1 as authorities tried to question him just hours after Guillen's remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, according to Killeen police.

An independent investigation into Fort Hood last year revealed that leaders created a permissive environment that allowed for a culture of crimes to exist at the Central Texas military installation, especially sexual assault.

As of now, sexual assault cases are investigated by someone in a victim's direct chain of command. Many say this process is problematic because the investigators almost always have a direct connection with both the suspect and the victim.

Under a new bill called the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, those not in a victim's direct chain of command would be allowed to investigate cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the military.

The hope is that the legislation would encourage more victims to come forward without fear of retaliation from their superiors, while also helping lead to more prosecutions because the outside party would not have the biases of someone in the suspect's and victim's chain of command.

On Wednesday, the Texas House is going to take up House Concurrent Resolution 51, "urging the United States Congress to pass the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act."

A Texas Senate committee will also hold a hearing Wednesday on its version of the resolution. If the committee decides to approve the resolution, it will go to the full Senate for consideration.

"For a year, our community has been calling for change," state Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston, said Tuesday. "For a year, Spc. Vanessa Guillen's family has been calling for change. Our community is strong and our resilience unwavering. We will not stop calling, marching and mobilizing until there is real change. We will always remember Vanessa Guillen."

Texas lawmakers are considering legislation to memorialize Guillen. Included in those bills is a measure that would name part of a highway after her and designate Sept. 30, Guillen's birthday, as Vanessa Guillen Day in Texas.

The Guillen family will travel to Washington on Thursday to continue urging lawmakers to vote in favor of the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act. In honor of the anniversary of the soldier's death, her relatives will hold a candlelight vigil in D.C. on Thursday evening.

"What I realized yesterday is that it's not only the Army's job to fix this issue, but it's our job as the people, as someone who is here today alive and in spirit, to speak up about this issue," said Lupe Guillen, who on Monday was at Fort Hood for a ceremony to name a gate in her sister's honor. "And for Congress, the Senate, and the president of the United States, it's their job as well because these legislations that are presented should pass with no doubt. The same goes for the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act."

This article is written by Heather Osbourne from Austin American-Statesman and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
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Nikki Grahame's ex-boyfriend Pete Bennett has shared the heartbreaking final text she sent him before checking into an eating disorder clinic.

The Big Brother star was found dead at home on April 10 in her London home, a day after she was discharged from Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester after a three week stay to treat her anorexia.

Pete, who dated Nikki in 2006 after they rose to fame on the seventh series of Big Brother, revealed they had danced to Kate Bush's song Babooshka not long before she tragically died aged 38.

Devastated: Nikki Grahame's ex-boyfriend Pete Bennett has shared the heartbreaking final text she sent him before checking into an eating disorder clinic (pictured on GMB)

In an interview with Heat Magazine, Pete, 39, shared his final text from Nikki, which read: 'Hey Petie, all good my end. Starting a clinic on Monday, which is good. And the sun is shining today!'

The Big Brother star also said he was hoping to organise a special message from Kate Bush to boost Nikki's spirits during her time in hospital.

He said: 'I was looking to contact Kate Bush to see if she could send Nikki a message as I honestly thought that giving her a boost from her hero would help her start to feel more positive and recover.

'But then we got the news that she was gone. And it was too late.'

Close friendship: Pete, who dated Nikki in 2006 after they rose to fame on Big Brother, revealed they had danced to Kate Bush's song Babooshka not long before she tragically died

During the interview, Pete touched upon their brief relationship and said it was 'really hard to maintain a relationship out of the house'.

The television personality said there was too much pressure on their romance and joked she was 'too much for me to handle'.

Pete said when they split up 'it was quite raw', but the pair formed a close friendship a year later and went on to be friends for 15 years.

Nikki was pictured with Pete in one of her final images, as she cuddled up to her ex-boyfriend in the poignant snap.

The reality star had struggled with anorexia for much of her life and was first admitted to a psychiatric hospital at age 12.

Last week, Nikki's friends reactivated her fundraiser to help her heartbroken family pay for her funeral and help others with eating disorders.

The fundraiser was initially set up a month ago by Nikki's friends and raised 65,000 for the Big Brother star to have specialist treatment for her eating disorder.

Her friends posted a message reading: 'We just wanted to let you know that we are turning donations back on for anyone that would like to make a donation in Nikki's memory, as lots of people have been asking if they can still donate.

Lost love: Big Brother 7 winner Pete and Northwood native Nikki fell for each other in the house and enjoyed a brief romance after leaving the show

'An amount will be used for the funeral costs and the remaining funds will be used to go towards an organisation that helps those suffering with eating disorders...

'The crucial funding that has been lacking to help people in these awful situations has not been addressed, we will use this money to the best of our ability to try and stem this horrific, debilitating illness.'

After Pete's interview it was revealed that health chiefs launched an investigation into Nikki's death on Tuesday, after claims by her family that she was released too early from hospital, having weighed just five stone when she died.

And sources close to Nikki later claimed the star would 'still be alive today if she wasn't discharged too soon'.

Now Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust, the trust which runs the hospital where the star had received treatment prior to her death, have launched a review into the case, according to the Sun.

A spokesperson for the hospital told the paper: 'Staff at the Trust were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Miss Grahame, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Miss Grahame at this very difficult time.

'A full internal investigation into the circumstances of Miss Grahame's death is currently underway. This is in line with standard procedures following any sudden death.'

It comes after family members raised fears about Nikki's release from hospital earlier this month.

A source told The Sun: 'Those close to Nikki feel she would be alive today if she wasn't discharged so soon. Her family feel she wasn't strong enough physically to care for herself. It's left them shocked and heartbroken.'

For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk.
As India grapples with the second wave of COVID-19, reports of double mutation are coming to the fore. At a time when the dangerous surge in COVID-19 cases is taking a toll on the health infrastructure, a triple mutant of COVID-19 has been found in West Bengal which is said to be an immune escape variant.

Vinod Scaria, a Scientist at CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) on Tuesday took to his Twitter handle to elaborate on the new variant of Coronavirus which has been found in increasing numbers in West Bengal.

B.1.618 - a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2 predominnatly found in India and characterized by a distinct set of genetic variants including E484K , a major immune escape variant. pic.twitter.com/dtfQJp2S2B  Vinod Scaria (@vinodscaria) April 20, 2021

New mutant, a reason for surge in COVID-19 cases in West Bengal?

Citing a report he said, B.1.618 is a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2 with a distinct set of genetic variants including E484K, responsible for the immune escaping quality in the new variant. Members of this lineage are found in other parts of the world including the US, Switzerland, Singapore and Finland.

The Scientist asserted that E484K can escape multiple mAbs as well as panels of convalescent plasma. This means the infection through this variant makes plasma therapy ineffective.

He said the COVID-19 variant B.1.618 is growing significantly in West Bengal, where assembly elections are underway with the remaining three of the eight phases to be held on April 22, 26 and 29. The political parties have now decided to either stop political rallies or hold them virtually or limit the crowds in a particular rally so as to follow sufficient physical distancing.

Vinod Scaria has further added that not much is known about this strain of the virus at the moment with regards to its ability to cause reinfections and its strength against the vaccines. Although Vinod Scaria said there is no conclusive evidence that this mutant is the reason for the epidemic in West Bengal apart from the fact that the numbers and proportions of this strain have been significantly increasing in recent months, more focused epidemiological investigations would address these questions.

The proportions of B.1.618 has been growing significantly in the recent months in the state of West Bengal, India pic.twitter.com/49Q4sTMfzM  Vinod Scaria (@vinodscaria) April 20, 2021

There are many unknowns for this lineage at this moment including its capability to cause reinfections as well as vaccine breakthrough infections. Additional experimental data is also required to assess the efficacy of vaccines against this variant.  Vinod Scaria (@vinodscaria) April 20, 2021

This raises alarm after the B.1.617 (double mutant strain) was found in Maharashtra which according to state officials was likely the reason for the alarming increase in the cases in the state. A National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune study showed that more than 60 per cent of Covid cases in Maharashtra have the double mutant variant. The study has been made out of the data recorded from January to March. According to the study, the genome sequenced had the double mutation E484Q and L452R, now classified as B.1.617 lineage.

It is important to note that a virus is bound to mutate when it multiplies and goes from one individual to another over a period of time. Dr Nitin Nagarkar, director of AIIMS Raipur has stated that some amount of mutation will either make a virus stronger or weaker, but with COVID-19's mutation, it has been found that even the youngsters, who had less impact with the previous strain of COVID-19, were affected by the mutation of the virus.
Turkey expects to receive its first LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) amphibious assault ship in mid-2021. Turkey now has a new, and novel, plan on how use this ship. Construction began in 2016 after Turkey decided, in late 2013 to buy an LHD from Spain. Turkey was following the example of Australia which, in 2007, held an LHD supplier competition and also selected the Spanish Navantia class LHD design. This is a 27,000-ton ship that is very similar to the U.S. San Antonio class LPD. Both LHDs and LPDs look similar. The main difference is that LHDs are designed more to land troops via helicopter while LPDs put more emphasis on using landing craft. Both classes of ship can carry out helicopter and beach landings.

The Turkish LHD, called the Anadolu (Anatolia) is basically the Navantia design with one important difference. The Anadolu can quickly be reconfigured to operate as a troops transport or as an aircraft carrier. The Navantia is 230 meters (713 feet long), has a crew of about 240, and can carry 1,100 troops, 100 vehicles, landing craft, and up to 12 helicopters. Landing craft often include two LCVPs (mainly for carrying about 40 infantry) and four LCMs (can carry 80 infantry or a tank or two smaller vehicles) and several dozen AAVs (amphibious tracked infantry carriers). There is also a 40-bed hospital.

The Navantia has a ski-jump flight deck that will enable it to use vertical takeoff warplanes like the Harrier or F-35B, which can carry more flying off the ski jump deck instead of taking off straight up. Armament usually consists of four 20mm autocannon and four 12.7mm machine-guns. The Anadolu is armed with five 25mm autocannon, two Phalanx 20mm CIWS (close in weapons system) for missile defense and RAM (Rolling Airframe Missiles) for anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense.

In the carrier configuration Turkey planned to use twelve F-35B STOVL (short take off and vertical landing) aircraft and twelve helicopters. The modifications were few and the main one was allowing for the hangar deck (below the 5,440 square meter fight deck) to be quickly expanded from 990 square meters to include the adjacent 1,880 square meter cargo deck. The cargo deck is also adjacent to the flooded dock in the rear of the ship, which hold up to four landing craft to transport troops or vehicles, including up to 29 tanks or a larger number of smaller armored vehicles or trucks.

Merging these two spaces enables the LHD to handle twelve F-35Bs and twelve helicopters. After 2019, when Turkey was removed from the F-35 buyers list for buying a Russian S400 air defense system and other moves deemed harmful to NATO, Turkey had to rethink how to use its LHD. A solution was agreed on in early 2021 and it involved quickly developing and building an improved version of the existing Turkish Bayraktar TB2 for use as a combat UAV on a carrier.

The 650 kg Bayraktar TB2 was introduced in 2014 as an unarmed surveillance UAV. It could be armed and soon was with up to 100 kg of laser guided missiles. TB2 had a max payload of 150 kg which meant vidcams and laser designator could also be carried to find and aim the lightweight laser-guided missiles Turkey was producing. TB2 has a wingspan of 12 meters (39 feet), a top speed of 220 kilometers an hour but cruises at 130. Max ceiling is 8,200 meters (27,000 feet) and endurance is 27 hours. Max control range is 150 kilometers.

Bayraktar TB2 has proved very effective in combat over the last few years. Bayraktar TB2s have been used in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Armenia. The manufacturer was already working on an upgrade, the TB3 that has a more powerful and reliable engine that also provides more electricity for onboard equipment. Bayraktar TB3 was close enough to delivery to be proposed as the naval combat UAV for the new the LHD. If the TB3 comes with folding wings in addition to salt-water corrosion proofing, it will be carrier-ready. Sort of. The LHD could carry and operate over thirty of them. The problem with the TB2/3 is that it does not have the payload capacity to carry anti-ship or air-to-air missiles and a more powerful radar for targeting and fire control. Apparently the 700 kg TB3, with the same dimensions and capabilities of the TB2 is the largest UAV than can take off and land using the Anadolu ski-ramp deck.

There is a much larger UAV in development, the Bayraktar Akinci. This is 5.5-ton twin-engine aircraft with a 20-meter wingspan and 1.35-ton payload with 65 percent of that carried internally. Cruising speed is 220 kilometers an hour, max ceiling is 12,200 meters (40,000 feet) and endurance is 24 hours, Akinci uses satellite communications for the operator and a range limited by its endurance. Akinci is too large to land and takeoff from the Anadolu, so the TB3 is the apparently the only carrier capable UAV the Turks have for now and operating it on the Anadolu may be more difficult than expected.

The Australian versions of the Navantia, the 27,800-ton Canberra class, cost about $1.2 billion each. The first of two Turkish LHDs should be fully operational by mid-2021 and ready for UAV experiments by the end of the year. Turkey has an option buy a LHD from the Spanish builder on demand. In other words, once the Turks have some experience with Anadolu and a list of changes that it can afford, the second ship will be ordered. Both LHDs give Turkey the ability to quickly send troops to any hot spot in the neighborhood. This makes some of Turkeys neighbors (like Greece, Cyprus and Israel) nervous because of strained diplomatic relations.
By David Fickling

Covid-19 is going to kill more people in 2021 than it did last year. If you want to see why, look at whats happening in India.

Cases have been surging in the country of 1.37 billion people. On Sunday alone, 261,500 new infections were recorded. Thats as bad as the US during all but the worst five days of the pandemic in December and early January. Case counts are rising far more quickly, too. Average infection numbers over the past seven days have run at nearly three times the level two weeks ago, a pace of growth that the US last saw in the early days of the outbreak a year ago.

The real numbers may be yet higher. The city of Bhopal used Covid-19 protocols to cremate or bury 84 people last Tuesday, according to the Hindustan Times, while declaring only five Covid deaths. The B.1.617 variant, which isnt well understood yet, has features associated with higher infection rates and lower antibody resistance. It's turning up in more than half of viral samples taken in India.

Read | For India's poor, lockdown policing adds to pandemic hardships

As caseloads push medical facilities toward capacity, the health system itself is starting to crack. Vaccine stocks, hospital beds and even oxygen supplies are running short, leading to bitter arguments between the states and the federal government. In some places, the dead are being transported by truck because cities have run out of hearses. Elsewhere, crematoria have started to break down because of the sheer number of bodies being burned. The government Monday promised to open up vaccines to all people over the age of 18.

Also Read | India's crematoriums struggle as Covid-19 victims pile up

If things dont change soon, the country will be facing 3,000 deaths a day  twice its current level, and 10 times what was being seen through most of this year  Bhramar Mukherjee, a biostatistician at the University of Michigan, wrote last week.

As Mihir Sharma has written, arrogance, hyper-nationalism and incompetence helped foster a fatal sense of complacency amid Indias apparent success against the outbreak earlier this year. Until a few weeks ago, lockdown restrictions had been progressively loosening for months. Cinemas were allowed to open to full capacity Feb. 1. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan declared the country in the endgame of the Covid-19 pandemic in early March, at almost precisely the point that cases started to surge again.

Read | Indias Covid-19 crisis has a familiar culprit

Worryingly, the clear signs of a second wave havent prompted much course correction since. With elections underway in the states of Assam and West Bengal, the Twitter feed of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been interspersing updates about the virus with Trump-style footage of him, unmasked, addressing mass rallies:

     ,                   ,         pic.twitter.com/ZPc4plugNW  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021

The other side isnt necessarily doing much better, either. West Bengals chief minister only got around to canceling her campaign rallies Sunday.

Worse may be to come.

The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage festival thats normally the largest mass gathering on earth, is now underway on the banks of the Ganges, attended by an estimated 3.5 million people. Thats well down on the numbers in a normal year, and even Modi, far too late, urged over the weekend that the event be purely symbolic rather than physical. Still, its far above the mere thousands allowed to other mass events like last years Hajj in Saudi Arabia and Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq.

Read | PM Narendra Modi says Kumbh Mela participation should now be kept symbolic amid Covid-19

Even held outdoors, such events carry a profound risk of spreading the most infectious variants to every corner of the country. Close to 10% of people returning to Gujarats largest city, Ahmedabad, from the festival tested positive for Covid over the weekend, PTI reported Monday. Hitherto, the coronavirus has mostly hit the relatively affluent, urbanized parts of the country that are best able to cope with it, such as the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka, the capital Delhi, and Maharashtra, home to Mumbai. If the Kumbh Mela seeds it in rural districts, where the majority of Indias population lives, the death toll could be higher still.

Theres a lesson in this for the world. The 1.2 million people whove died from Covid so far this year already represent about two-thirds of the 1.8 million fatalities in 2020. Yet people are behaving as if its already over. That's removing the sense of unified urgency that led many nations to make such strides in turning around the pandemic last year.

Also See: Covid-19 chokes India | Bodies, grief pile on as nation stares at biggest crisis

Vaccine supplies for the richest (and, thanks to global initiatives, poorest) countries are relatively ample. Yet those for middle-income nations, where the majority of the planets population lives, are grossly inadequate, blocked by restrictive patent rules. India, with one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical industries, is far better placed than most midsize economies to cope, but even it is crumbling under the strain.

The more people infected in emerging countries while the rest of the world looks away, the more opportunities Covid-19 will have to develop into fresh strains and prolong this death and misery. We must do better. The globe is still under attack, but our defenses are in disarray.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  After three weeks of testimony, the trial of the former police officer charged with killing George Floyd ended swiftly: barely over a day of jury deliberations, then just minutes for the verdicts to be read  guilty, guilty and guilty  and Derek Chauvin was handcuffed and taken away to prison.

Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades when he is sentenced in about two months in a case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

The verdict set off jubilation mixed with sorrow across the city and around the nation. Hundreds of people poured into the streets of Minneapolis, some running through traffic with banners. Drivers blared their horns in celebration.

Today, we are able to breathe again, Floyd's younger brother Philonise said at a joyous family news conference where tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened.

On Wednesday, Philonise Floyd described his thoughts while watching Chauvin being handcuffed. He recalled to ABC's Good Morning America" how it appeared a lot easier on Chauvin than when his brother was handcuffed before his death, but said it still represented "accountability.

It makes us happier knowing that his life, it mattered, and he didnt die in vain," he said.

The jury of six whites and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. The now-fired white officer was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin's face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom. His bail was immediately revoked. Sentencing will be in two months; the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

Story continues

Defense attorney Eric Nelson followed Chauvin out of the courtroom without comment.

Chauvin was booked soon after the verdicts were read into Minnesotas only maximum-security prison, Oak Park Heights, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Minneapolis. He is being held in a single cell under administrative segregation for his safety, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald said.

President Joe Biden welcomed the verdict, saying Floyds death was a murder in full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see systemic racism.

But he warned: Its not enough. We cant stop here. Were going to deliver real change and reform. We can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen again.

The jury's decision was hailed around the country as justice by other political and civic leaders and celebrities, including former President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a white man, who said on Twitter that Floyd would still be alive if he looked like me. That must change.

At a park next to the Minneapolis courthouse, a hush fell over a crowd of about 300 as they listened to the verdict on their cellphones. Then a great roar went up, with many people hugging, some shedding tears.

At the intersection where Floyd was pinned down, a crowd chanted, One down, three to go!  a reference to the three other fired Minneapolis officers facing trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd's death.

Janay Henry, who lives nearby, said she felt grateful and relieved.

I feel grounded. I can feel my feet on the concrete," she said, adding that she was looking forward to the next case with joy and optimism and strength.

Jamee Haggard, who brought her biracial 4-year-old daughter to the intersection, said: Theres some form of justice thats coming."

The verdict was read in a courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire and patrolled by National Guard troops, in a city on edge against another round of unrest  not just because of the Chauvin case but because of the deadly police shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb April 11.

The jurors' identities were kept secret and will not be released until the judge decides it is safe to do so.

It is unusual for police officers to be prosecuted for killing someone on the job. And convictions are extraordinarily rare.

Out of the thousands of deadly police shootings in the U.S. since 2005, fewer than 140 officers have been charged with murder or manslaughter, according to data maintained by Phil Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University. Before Tuesday, only seven were convicted of murder.

Juries often give police officers the benefit of the doubt when they claim they had to make split-second, life-or-death decisions. But that was not an argument Chauvin could easily make.

Floyd, 46, died May 25 after being arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He panicked, pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car. They put him on the ground instead.

The centerpiece of the case was the excruciating bystander video of Floyd gasping repeatedly, I cant breathe and onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as the officer pressed his knee on or close to Floyds neck for what authorities say was 9 1/2 minutes, including several minutes after Floyd's breathing had stopped and he had no pulse.

Prosecutors played the footage at the earliest opportunity, during opening statements, and told the jury: Believe your eyes. From there it was shown over and over, analyzed one frame at a time by witnesses on both sides.

In the wake of Floyds death, demonstrations and scattered violence broke out in Minneapolis, around the country and beyond. The furor also led to the removal of Confederate statues and other offensive symbols such as Aunt Jemima.

In the months that followed, numerous states and cities restricted the use of force by police, revamped disciplinary systems or subjected police departments to closer oversight. On Wednesday morning, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis.

The narrative of Floyds death began with a late-night Minneapolis police news release that said Floyd appeared to be suffering medical distress after he resisted arrest and was handcuffed. Once teenager Darnella Fraziers bystander video surfaced, a department spokesman said it became clear the statement was inaccurate, and the Blue Wall of Silence that often protects police accused of wrongdoing rapidly crumbled.

The Minneapolis police chief quickly called it murder and fired all four officers, and the city reached a staggering $27 million settlement with Floyds family as jury selection was underway.

Police-procedure experts and law enforcement veterans inside and outside the Minneapolis department, including the chief, testified for the prosecution that Chauvin used excessive force and went against his training.

Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died of asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, because his breathing was constricted by the way he was held down on his stomach, his hands cuffed behind him, a knee on his neck and his face jammed against the ground.

Chauvin's attorney called a police use-of-force expert and a forensic pathologist to try to make the case that Chauvin acted reasonably against a struggling suspect and that Floyd died because of a heart condition and his illegal drug use. Floyd had high blood pressure and narrowed arteries, and fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in his system.

Under the law, police have certain leeway to use force and are judged according to whether their actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

The defense also tried to make the case that Chauvin and the other officers were hindered in their duties by what they perceived as a growing, hostile crowd.

Chauvin did not testify, and all that the jury or the public ever heard by way of an explanation from him came from a police body-camera video after an ambulance had taken the 6-foot-4, 223-pound Floyd away. Chauvin told a bystander: We gotta control this guy cause hes a sizable guy ... and it looks like hes probably on something.

The prosecutions case also included tearful testimony from onlookers who said the police kept them back when they protested what was happening.

Frazier, who shot the crucial video, said Chauvin gave the bystanders a cold and heartless stare. She and others said they felt a sense of helplessness and lingering guilt from witnessing Floyds slow-motion death.

Its been nights I stayed up, apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more, and not physically interacting and not saving his life, she testified.

___

Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. Associated Press video journalist Angie Wang in Atlanta and writers Doug Glass, Stephen Groves, Aaron Morrison, Tim Sullivan and Michael Tarm in Minneapolis; Mohamed Ibrahim in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed.

___

Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
Jaipur, April 21 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday urged the Central government to vaccinate people of 18 and above years of age free of cost.

"We welcome the decision of the Central government of announcing vaccination for people over 18 after the Congress and other states raised the demand in this matter. However, the government should announce to vaccinate these people free of cost or else youths will develop resentment against the Central government," he said.

Noting that the same machinery (medical staff) will vaccinate all age groups in the states, he said that it would not be appropriate to take money from the youth. The Central government should adopt the same policy for vaccination for people above 60 years, 45 years and now 18 years of age, he said.

"This deadly coronavirus is spreading rapidly and the death rate is also high. In such a situation, the Central government should not burden the youth and vaccinate them free of cost," Gehlot said.
April 20, 2021





Instagram has now become a necessity for many brands as it drives profitable traffic to the landing pages. The platform has helped to increase the social media presence of brands, growing conversions, and building an engaged audience.

If you find that your account is not doing well, its time to understand the strategy and try to incorporate them. It might take some time for you to understand the strategies. But doing so will help you engage more users and enjoy better visibility. Here are a few steps to consider for increasing Instagram followers.







Optimizing your account

Before you know how to gain Instagram followers, the first thing to always keep in mind is to have a fully optimized account. The account will represent your brand, so it has to be perfect. Consider the brands Instagram bio as the homepage. If your profile does not have a proper username, bio, image captions, profile image, how will you know about your brand? The image and bio on Instagram will help in forming the foundation of the brand identity.

Scheduling the posts in advance

Even though the algorithm of Instagram has changed over the years, posting content at the correct time will help in getting more visibility and engagement. It helps in raising visibility and enjoying more views on your page. Scheduling Instagram content is the newest tool to help your brand enjoy success. With that, the entire team can see the upcoming events and campaigns. It also helps in having a consistent flow of content and reaching more audiences.

Maintaining a consistent content calendar

The worst part that people do is uploading the content randomly on your profile. It is one reason why brands lose customers even after gaining some. To combat that, you have to maintain a consistent content calendar. It is better to avoid posting images quite a lot of times on the profile. If you do not do this, it leads to spam. Maintaining a calendar will help in getting more views and shares on your page. In fact, according to research, it is the best thing to always keep in mind.

Using high-quality images

While posting images on your Instagram profile, ensure they are of high quality. If the pictures are not good, even your audiences wont like to follow your site. Thus, ensure that you are cross-checking the site before uploading any content.

Get brand advocates to post your content.

While you learn to get more Instagram followers, its essential to understand the value of the business. As your followers' count grows, you gain more customers interested in your brand. The right way to do that is to present before them the things that wish to buy. Additionally, try to sponsor user-generated content to get more feeds. Holding Instagram contests will help in showcasing your brand in front of a larger audience. It builds social proof by investing enough republish the content through fans.

Showing your profile everywhere

How will people find an account if they are not aware of it? In this instance, you have to promote the brand across other social media platforms and websites. Creating awareness and visibility is the right thing you must do to get discovered among the massive crowd. So, promote your profiles across all networks, following which you can increase your business.

Eliminate fake followers

A huge difference lies in the Instagram account of legitimate and fake followers. It may look tempting while buying followers, but you should get from the right company. Fake followers, Instagram bots, inactive accounts will never help you at any point. They also have a bad impact on real followers and returns on investments. Thus, if you are interested in paid followers, here are a few tools you should approach.

1. Twicsy

It is one of those tools that have been in this field for years and has learned to adapt all the new things related to Instagram. They are more than a brand from where you can buy Instagram likes and followers from Twicsy. Not only will it help in increasing your followers but groom your online presence also.

For different companies, they have launched some exclusive social media platforms boosting your business. It helped in growing social media following and at a price difficult to negotiate. The easy-to-use and simple platform ensure quality leads, assuring on-time delivery of results.

2. Buzzoid

The most-talked and first option about this platform is they help in buying real Instagram followers. It adds more value to your profile, giving more value to your profile. The followers will be free of spammers, and the platform is a highly safe network. They will never ask for your password, and it shows they maintain privacy.

Before you buy Instagram followers from Buzzoid, you can look at the different packages available at the site. They are budget-friendly, and you have several choices to pick from. If you fail to receive optimum results, you will get your money refunded. It is the best part of the scheme and is a safe platform. They are offering speedy delivery results, giving the most premium following. No robots or spammers are present, and it helps in gaining more likes.

3. iDigic

It is the right destination you should be visiting if you are interested in enjoying some followers on your page. The deals aim to bring more followers to your page and make your company more popular. A diverse range of packages are available and also offer round-the-clock customer support.

They are known for ethical practices and when it is about buying followers, they are driven to attract more eyeballs to your site.

The things might seem magical to you, but you can enjoy all the perks after availing the right package. It will help push your content to more people and increase visibility. With that, your account will look much better than an inactive Instagram profile. In short, better content means more revenue for your business.
Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter @JosephVMicallef.

The Biden administration has announced that all U.S. combat troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021. Presumably, this also applies to troops supplied by America's NATO allies.

The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center is an odd choice for a final pullout date.

The Trump administration also declared that all U.S. troops were going to leave Afghanistan. Declaring a pullout is not the same as actually doing one. Still, regardless of whether America meets the September deadline, it's clear that the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan is in its final chapter.

What happens to Afghanistan after the pullout and who will benefit from it?

Afghanistan After the Withdrawal

Afghanistan is another long, expensive war whose outcome is at best inconclusive and at worst a failure. That's consistent with the historical record.

Between 1839 and 2021, Afghanistan has been invaded four times: first by the British in 1838 and again in 1878, in the First and Second Anglo-Afghan wars; by the Soviet Union in 1979; and by the U.S. and its allies in 2001.

"All four invasions," according to Arwin Rahi, "have had four things in common: first, an initial quick military victory for the invader; second, that victory turning into a stalemate; third, an eventual face-saving withdrawal; and fourth, Afghanistan's becoming an economic liability for the invader."

The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001, to destroy al-Qaida and its training camps. Initially, Washington asked the Taliban government to expel al-Qaida from Afghanistan and to allow the U.S. to intervene to facilitate it. The Taliban, beholden to al-Qaida for its assistance in helping them consolidate their control over Afghanistan, refused. Had the Taliban acceded to the U.S. request, the trajectory of U.S.-Afghan relations would have evolved along a very different track.

Other than their support of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida, the Taliban did not pose any significant threat to the U.S. By siding with al-Qaida, the Taliban forced the U.S. to go to war against both al-Qaida and the Taliban, and ultimately to find a replacement for the deposed Taliban government. What began as a mission to destroy a terrorist organization and its training camps morphed into an exercise in nation-building. The former was a straightforward mission, the latter a near impossibility.

Some $1 trillion; 3,502 killed in action, of which 2,355 were Americans; and more than 20,000 additional U.S. casualties later, America and its allies have little to show for two decades of effort.

The Afghan military has been rebuilt. Its effectiveness has steadily improved, but it is still rife with corruption and -- despite U.S. training -- most, though not all, of its leadership remains questionable. The major cities are in the hands of the government, though Kabul's ability to prevent terrorist attacks is haphazard. Much of the countryside is in the hands of the Taliban, though that control is often transient.

The cities boast an emerging middle class, a phenomenon that Afghanistan hasn't seen since the 1960s, but it's debatable how long that will last when the money spigots from the West are finally turned off. Still, Afghan society is different now than it was two decades ago. The urban population has little desire to see the Taliban return to power.

In the north, the Afghan Tajiks have carved out a separate enclave. They have their own militia and armaments, and they are backed by a Russia that is far more able to render assistance today than it could in 2001.

The Taliban, too, is different. It has morphed into an insurgent-criminal enterprise, a common evolutionary path among insurgent organizations, which reaps billions of dollars each year from the control of the Afghan heroin trade, about 90% of the world's supply, and from other illicit activities.

The jihadist landscape has changed also. Whereas once there was just al-Qaida and its Taliban allies, there are now scores of groups challenging it for the jihadist mantle -- some of which, like the Islamic State, spend as much time fighting other jihadist rivals as they do attacking Afghan and U.S.-led coalition forces.

For that matter, al-Qaida, too, has changed. In 2001, it was dependent on Afghanistan to house it and its training camps. Since then, it has metastasized into an international franchise with scores of affiliates around the world and no shortage of places where it can set up camps.

In fact, in the last decade, most of the al-Qaida-linked threats have come from al-Qaida affiliates outside of Afghanistan. Even if Afghanistan were to revert to its pre-2001 state, the threat posed by al-Qaida to the U.S. would not be substantially greater than it is now, although its leadership would have an easier time operating without the constant threat of a U.S. attack.

The most likely outcome in Afghanistan is a continued stalemate with the Afghan government continuing to control, more or less, the major cities; the Tajiks in the north effectively self-governing; the Taliban holding sway in rural areas, especially in the regions that were historically Pashtun (Pashtunwali); while western Afghanistan falls under the control of various groups loosely aligned with Iran. The Taliban may eventually end up in control of Afghanistan, but probably not for a while.

Russia, Pakistan and China in Afghanistan

Russia and China have both benefited from the U.S. preoccupation with Afghanistan over the last two decades. Moreover, both Pakistan and, to a lesser extent, Russia, were able to parlay their assistance to coalition forces in logistics and intelligence-gathering to their advantage.

Moscow will be as concerned about a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as it was about the collapse of its communist ally 40 years ago, even if a takeover is far less damaging to Russian interests than it was to Soviet interests.

Russia will use its long-standing ties to the Tajik community in northern Afghanistan to create a buffer zone between the Taliban and Tajikistan. Although no longer a Soviet Republic, Russia still has strategic and military interests there and maintains a major air base in the country -- Dushanbe. That base is a linchpin of a broader Russian military buildup in Central Asia over the last several years. Moreover, Moscow now can better assist the Tajik-led Northern Alliance, officially the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan, than it could in 2001.

Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan revolve around the long-standing issue of the Durand Line. It marked the demarcation of the border between Afghanistan and British India. It was negotiated by Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat, and the Afghan government of Amir Abdur Rahman Khan in 1893, and subsequently reaffirmed by Anglo-Afghan treaties and agreements in 1905, 1919, 1921 and 1930.

As a result of the treaty, Afghanistan lost the province of Balochistan, its outlet to the Arabian Sea; control of the Khyber Pass, the traditional invasion route from Afghanistan to India; and the Pashtunwali, the historic region inhabited by the Pashtun people, was divided between Afghanistan and British India.

The agreement was only a page long. Durand insisted that the English version was the official document, but there were also copies produced in Pashto and Dari. The Afghan signatories could not read English so they relied on the Dari and Pashto versions.

Successive Afghan governments have long maintained that the English version differed significantly from the Dari and Pashto version and, most significantly, that the seceding of Balochistan was only for 100 years and not permanent. On July 26, 1948, the Afghan government declared that the Durand Line and subsequent treaties recognizing it were void because they had been imposed on Afghanistan by British coercion. Kabul has not been able to produce the Dari and Pashto versions of the agreement, and the British Foreign office has insisted it cannot find its copies.

Following the dissolution of British India, the Durand Line became the new border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The region in dispute represents around 60% of Pakistan's sovereign territory.

Return of the territories seceded by the Durand agreement has been a touchstone of every Afghan government since 1948. Even the Taliban have declared that they do not recognize the Durand demarcation, and that the territory in question should be returned to Afghanistan.

It's questionable if Pakistan could be a viable state, especially given its long-standing military rivalry with India, if it had to relinquish the territory covered by the Durand agreement. Hence, it has been in Pakistan's self interest to ensure that a strong Afghan government capable of regaining its ancestral lands did not emerge in Kabul. From Islamabad's perspective, the continued instability created by the ongoing fighting between the Afghan government and the Taliban is in its best interest.

The withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Afghanistan eliminates for Pakistan an ongoing conflict it had with the U.S. over its de facto support of the Taliban. It also eliminates the gravy train of funding the U.S. gave Pakistan for its logistical and intelligence assistance. On the other hand, neither is it in Pakistan's interest to see a Taliban takeover of the country. For now, it's likely that Pakistan, or at least elements in its military and intelligence communities, will continue to support the Taliban but at the same time try to ensure that the Taliban isn't ultimately successful in taking control of the country.

The Durand agreement altered one other border: It created a narrow corridor separating Tajikistan from Pakistan and Kashmir. The Wakhan corridor is 210 miles long and between 8 and 39 miles wide. It's wedged in between the Pamir Mountains in the north and the Karakoram range in the south. At an elevation ranging from 10,000 to around 16,000 feet above sea level, it connects China's Xinjiang province with Afghanistan.

The rationale for creating the Wakhan corridor was to separate the encroaching Russian empire from British India. At the time, this was a wild, rugged region whose border had never been surveyed. It hasn't changed much. Historically, the region connected Badakhshan and Yarkand, and was one component of several routes that traversed Central Asia -- collectively called the Silk Road. There is still a road that traverses the region, although calling it a road is being extremely generous. The border crossing, the only one, at the South Wakhjir Pass, has been closed by the Chinese government since at least the 1970s.

China has been only tangentially involved in the Afghan military conflict. Beijing pledged several hundred million dollars in aid toward Afghan reconstruction and has signed various agreements with the Afghan government to train police and military forces, especially in anti-drug smuggling efforts. The Wakhan corridor has historically been used to smuggle Afghan opium into China.

China's main objectives in Afghanistan are twofold. The first is to tap into Afghanistan's mineral wealth; that objective so far has been problematic. The second is to ensure that jihadist extremism does not destabilize Central Asia in general and China's Xinjiang province in particular. The first objective has yet to be realized in a meaningful way, and the second, in light of growing unrest among Xinjiang's indigenous Uighur population, is becoming more important.

The U.S. Geologic Service has estimated that Afghanistan's mineral resources are worth approximately $1 trillion and contain, among other minerals, world-class deposits of copper, iron and rare earths. In 2008, China Metallurgical Group and Jiangxi Copper, both state-owned companies, signed a 30-year, $2.9 billion lease to develop the Mes Aynak copper mine. The deposit, believed to be the world's second-largest copper ore body, also contains significant amounts of chromium and cobalt. The mine was supposed to be operational by 2013. It has been repeatedly attacked by Taliban insurgents and, as of 2021, little development work has been done.

Chinese companies have invested in other mining ventures, as well as other sectors -- most notably by building fiber optic networks. They have committed to roughly $1.2 billion of investments, although the status of many of these investments is unknown. China's National Petroleum Company has, since 2018, been extracting oil from Afghanistan's Amu Darya basin.

China is Afghanistan's second-largest source of imports, second only to Iran, at $2.3 billion, and its third-largest export destination after Pakistan and India, although its exports are a modest $50 million or so. Chinese consumer goods are ubiquitous in Afghanistan, as they are in many parts of Central Asia. On the whole, however, the economic relationship has been insignificant so far.

Beijing has had a minor, although ongoing, role in Afghanistan's security. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Beijing supplied training and several hundred million dollars of armaments to the Afghan mujahideen. The People's Liberation Army, or PLA, also set up training camps in Xinjiang to train the Afghan fighters.

Since then, Beijing's security concerns have revolved around the activities of jihadist groups in Xinjiang, their links to other international jihadist groups, and the potential for jihadist-induced instability in Afghanistan destabilizing Central Asia and, in particular, Xinjiang.

The Chinese province of Xinjiang represents one-sixth of China's land mass. It also contains 34% of China's natural gas reserves, 40% of its coal and 30% of its oil. It's sparsely settled. Notwithstanding years of ethnic Han Chinese migration into the region, the majority of its population is made up of ethnic Uighurs.

The Uighurs are a Turkic people drawn from the same ethnic stock as the Tajiks of neighboring Tajikistan and northern Afghanistan. Outside of their common Sunni religion, they have little in common with the predominantly Pashtun population of Afghanistan.

There has been a low-level insurgency in Xinjiang for at least the last three decades. The Chinese government has identified four different jihadist groups operating in Xinjiang: East Turkistan Islamic Movement, or ETIM; East Turkistan Liberation Organization, or ETLO; United Revolutionary Front of East Turkestan, or URFET; and the Uyghur Liberation Organization, or ULO. The PLA believes that members of these groups have received training or operated camps in either Afghanistan or Pakistan.

The composition of these groups is very fluid. They are also prone to changing their names, so it is not always clear whether a new group is genuinely new, a splinter group of an existing group or just an old group changing its name. The groups have not articulated a common position between them beyond a general call to end the Sinification of Xinjiang, which they refer to as East Turkmenistan, and for China to leave the region. It's also unclear to what extent they collaborate with one another. There have been dozens of attacks within Xinjiang and several elsewhere in China, including Beijing's Tiananmen Square and Kunming.

What is particularly worrisome to Beijing are the growing international links between the Uighur jihadist groups and the international jihadist movement. Both Ayman al-Zawahiri, the functional head of al-Qaida, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former head of Islamic State, have voiced their support for the Uighur jihadist groups and their aim to expel China from Xinjiang. There are also long-standing ties between jihadist groups in Xinjiang and Tajikistan.

The Chinese government believes that al-Qaida has provided training and armaments to ETIM. A contingent of Uighur jihadists did deploy to Syria during the civil war. It's not clear if they are still there.

Beijing has responded to the unrest in Xinjiang with a crackdown on the Uighur population, banning public meetings and demonstrations, conducting mass arrest of separatist sympathizers and interning more than a million Uighurs in what it describes as re-education camps. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have condemned Chinese actions as genocidal.

Beyond the Taliban, it's hard to see anyone benefiting from the withdrawal of American and coalition troops from Afghanistan. For Pakistan, it removes what has been a sore spot in its bilateral relations with the U.S. On the other hand, it creates a potentially bigger problem for Islamabad if a strong government eventually emerges in Kabul, regardless of its ideological stripe. Moreover, less dependency on Pakistan's assistance for logistics and intelligence will make it easier for Washington to continue its tilt, at Pakistan's expense, toward New Delhi.

In the short term, neither Russia or China will be much affected by the U.S. withdrawal. In the long term, they may have to deal with new jihadist threats emerging from Afghanistan. That gives both countries ample reason to support the present Afghan government. While that support will stop well short of deploying troops, it will likely manifest itself as a step up in military aid and/or training for the Afghan military.

With the American withdrawal, another chapter in Afghanistan's long and tumultuous military history is ending. The next one is about to begin.

-- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
BEIRUT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) A shooting between Kurdish forces and paramilitary units allied to Syria's government occurred near a checkpoint in the downtown of the Syrian northeastern city of Qamishli, Kurdish media reported on Wednesday.

According to Firat news Agency (ANF), Syria-backed militia National Defense Forces (Difa al-Watani) attacked Kurdish security forces (Asayish) at Al Wahda Street, using heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades. The assault resulted in the death of one Kurdish militant.

Kurdish armed groups control the whole city, except for the airport area and several downtown streets. Syria's official authorities operate in Qamishli along with unrecognized Kurdish structures that duplicate their functions.
Field team canvassers, screeners and an administrative assistant will earn $15 and hour, while field team supervisors will earn $25 an hour. Special consideration will be given to applicants if they have at least their first vaccine shot.
[April 21, 2021] First Eagle Investment Management Establishes New Small Cap Team

First Eagle Investment Management, LLC ("First Eagle") is pleased to announce the establishment of its new Small Cap investment team, effective April 21, 2021. A distinct investment capability alongside First Eagle's Global Value and Alternative Credit teams, the new Small Cap team expands the range of differentiated investment solutions available to retail and institutional investors globally. First Eagle's new Small Cap team consists of Portfolio Manager Bill Hench, Associate Portfolio Managers Suzanne Franks and Rob Kosowsky, and Senior Research Analyst Adam Mielnik. The team is well-established within the investment industry. All four were previously employed by Royce Investment Partners, where Hench was listed as one of the portfolio managers of the Small Cap Opportunistic Value strategy (including the Royce Opportunity Fund) as of 2004, becoming lead Portfolio Manager in 2013; Franks and Kosowsky were listed as Assistant Portfolio Managers as of October 2018; and Mielnik served since 2014, most recently as a Senior Analyst. The team is located primarily at First Eagle's New York City headquarters, with the Head of Small Cap Bill Hench reporting to Mehdi Mahmud, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Eagle. "The universe of small cap stocks is not well covered by the investor community and therefore remains particularly inefficient. It presents a compelling opportunity for skilled, active investors to potentially generate attractive returns in excess of passive indexes through stock selection," said Mahmud. "Bil and his team bring a proven philosophy and process in the small cap space and have a long history of delivering attractive results for investors. Together with strategies managed by our Global Value and Alternative Credit teams, our new Small Cap capability extends First Eagle's range of compelling and differentiated investment products available to clients."



The Small Cap team at First Eagle takes an opportunistic, bottom-up approach to identifying undervalued small cap US companies that have a potential catalyst for improved fundamentals. First Eagle intends to make its new Small Cap capability available to retail and institutional investors in the US and globally through a variety of product structures. The firm has filed a preliminary registration statement to launch a new mutual fund managed by the team and expects this fund to be available in the third quarter. ABOUT FIRST EAGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

First Eagle Investment Management is an independent, privately owned investment management firm headquartered in New York with approximately $109 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021. Dedicated to providing prudent stewardship of client assets, the firm focuses on active, fundamental and benchmark-agnostic investing, with a strong emphasis on downside mitigation. Over a long history dating back to 1864, First Eagle has helped its clients avoid permanent impairment of capital and earn attractive returns through widely varied economic cycles-a tradition that is central to its mission today. The firm's investment capabilities include equity, fixed income, alternative credit and multi-asset strategies. For more information on First Eagle, please visit www.feim.com. For information on the Alternative Credit team at First Eagle, please visit www.feac.com. First Eagle Investment Management is the brand name for First Eagle Investment Management, LLC and its subsidiary investment advisers. First Eagle Alternative Credit is the brand name for those subsidiary investment advisers engaged in the alternative credit business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005638/en/

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Refreshing to see comments from intelligent readers like Paul, Don and Bill. If Cal Thomas and Fox News are your source for info you could do better. Sue from Matteson says we need to get Biden out of office to get our country back. I have to ask what exactly did we lose? If large corporations should shut up as suggested, then what about corporate political donations to the Republican National Committee? Trump lies, cheats, steals and even tried to overthrow our democracy to get reelected and you are willing to defend him? Why?
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Increasing adoption of phototherapy as a safer option for treatment of skin disorders has propelled the sales of phototherapy lamps across the globe. According to a recent research report by FMI, the global phototherapy lamps market is anticipated to expand robustly at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The report projects that by the end of 2026, more than US $ 4.1 Bn worth of phototherapy lamps will be sold across the globe.

Regional insights from the report reveal that North America will dominate the global phototherapy lamps market in terms of revenues throughout the forecast period. The healthcare marketplace in the US and Canada has shown considerable rise in adoption of phototherapy as a safer treatment option for skin disorders. Consumer lifestyles in North America will continue to propel the incidence of common skin diseases, which will be mostly treated by the use of phototherapy lamps. In addition, robust infrastructure for adoption of phototherapy lamps has also supported the dominance of North America in the global market. The report reveals that in 2017, phototherapy lamps sold in the US and Canada will bring in nearly US$ 700 Mn in revenues.

View Report Preview at Phototherapy Lamps Market segmentation by Product Type- LED, UV LIGHT, Halogen Lamps; End User- Hospital, Skin care clinics, Home care Setting, Other End Users; Application- Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Acne, Neonatal Jaundice, Other Application https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/phototherapy-lamps-market

LED-based phototherapy lamps to register highest sales

The study reveals that LED-based phototherapy lamps are the top-selling products in the global market. Low risk of burns, cost-effective production, and easy installation will continue to drive the demand for LED-based phototherapy lamps in the foreseeable future. By the end of 2026, nearly US $ 1.6 Bn worth of revenues procured in the global phototherapy lamps market will be accounted by the LED segment. The study also reveals that the demand for UV-based phototherapy lamps will be impressive, while halogen lamps will lose traction towards the end of the forecast period.

Request to View Sample Report - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5834

Skin care clinics to emerge as the largest end-user of phototherapy lamps

The report further reveals that hospitals will initially witness high traction in terms of end-users, but skin care clinics are projected to record the highest revenue share in the global market. By the end of 2026, phototherapy lamps used in skin care clinics is expected to bring in more than US $ 1.6 Bn revenues.

Request Report TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5834

Growing effectiveness of phototherapy in psoriasis treatment to drive the sales of phototherapy lamps

On the basis of their applications, phototherapy lamps will be predominantly used in the treatment of psoriasis. In 2017, phototherapy lamps sold for treatment of psoriasis across the globe are expected to bring in over half a billion dollars. Over the forecast period, the applications of phototherapy lamps in treatment of neonatal jaundice are likely to register fastest CAGR of 8.1%.

Leading manufacturers of phototherapy lamps have been profiled in the report. Koninklijke Philips NV, General Electric Company, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Bistos Co. Ltd., TSE SPOL. SRO, The Daavlin Company, Fanem Ltda., Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co. KG, Natus Medical Incorporated, and Schulze & Bohm GmbH are expected to actively partake in the expansion of the global phototherapy lamps market through 2026.
There have been quite a few cases where people claimed to have survived without food. These people call themselves breatharians for they purportedly live on air and light alone. Breatharianism is a hoax, and it is impossible to believe in anything otherwise. The human body needs nourishment to survive, and many practitioners of breatharianism secretly eat food. Others have died attempting to follow a food-free lifestyle. One of the most fascinating and tragic of these cases date back to the time before breatharianism was a fad.

"Sleeping girl", a painting by the Armenian-Georgian artist Lazar Artasoff (18571924).

Sarah Jacobs was born on 12 May 1857 to Evan and Hannah Jacob on a farm just outside the village of Llanfihangel-ar-Arth in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Her father, Evan Jacobs, was a deacon in the local chapel. Sarah was known to be a healthy, energetic girl, with good intelligence and who spoke English pretty well and read it pretty well. In February 1867, a few months before her tenth birthday, Sarah fell gravely ill and slipped into a coma. When she recovered her consciousness one month later, Sarah had completely lost her desire to eat. The first few weeks, she ate a little rice, or oatmeal, or milk. Later, she seemed to survive only on a few pieces of fruit per day. Finally, she stopped taking food altogether. Sarahs parents became upset about her illness but they did not force her to eat.

As the fasting went on Sarah became something of a local celebrity. Newspapers were full of the miraculous story of the girl who defied the laws of nature, and people came to see her from far away places, to touch her face, her hands as she recited verses from the books of Scripture. Her parents pimped her up for the audience, with trinkets and trappings, and about her plump white neck a victorine with a wreath and books and flowers strewn about the coverlet.

The people who came to visit her really believed they were witnessing a miracle, but Sarah was secretly feeding herself, unknown to her parents, perhaps slipping out of the bed at night when the house was asleep. What caused the child to refuse food has never been clear. Sarah was furiously religious and her actions might have had spiritual undertones, or she might have been a genuine case of anorexia. Whatever the cause, Sarah soon began to see the value in what she was doing.

As Sarahs fame grew, suspicions arose and the vicar organized a vigil to see whether her family was feeding her in secret. The watch lasted two weeks, but not throughout the clock, so the findings were inconclusive.

In November 1869by then, two years had passed since Sarah allegedly ate her last meala more thorough watch was proposed and agreed to by Sarahs parents. Four trained nurses would sit with Sarah night and day to see whether she could really violate the laws of nature. The nurses were instructed not to withhold food from Sarah if she asked for it, but to observe whether she received nourishment of any kind.

Sarah felt trapped, but pride would not allow her to admit to fraud or lying. So she allowed the watch, hoping that somehow she would be able to pull off without eating for fourteen days, the intended duration of the fatal experiment.

As the days passed, Sarah became weaker and weaker, but still she did not ask for food. Alarmed to see the girl dying, one of the nurses approached Sarahs parents and told them to give her some food. But this only enraged Evan and Hannah Jacob. They asked the nurses to continue the watch but on no account should they give the girl any food. By the eighth day of the watch, Sarah was delirious. She thrashed her limbs about and fell into unconsciousness from which she ever woke up.

An inquest was held and the post-mortem examination showed that the sole reason of death was starvation. Sarahs parents were charged with manslaughter. During the trail, the Lordship addressed the Grand Jury, dwelling upon the facts of the case:

It was the duty of all parents to supply food to their children of tender age, and this was the duty of the prisoners. They neglected their duty, and the death of one of their children was the result. There was no question whatever about the means of the prisoners to supply food, and it was clear that, up to the time the watching commenced, the child was in good health, having, indeed, all the appearance of a child enjoying excellent health. He should scarcely think it could be denied that the girl had been fed to the time that the watch commenced; and the question would naturally arise - ' By whom had she been fed ?' Both the father and mother had waited upon her, making her bed, and were continually about her person; and she appeared to have for some time slept in the same room with them. Assuming, then, that she had been fed, it would be for the jury to consider whether the parents were in any way cognizant of the feeding. If they thought they were, then,whether the parents themselves fed her. If they thought they were not, then whether anybody else fed her, and whether the parents knew anything about it. If they came to the conclusion that she had been fed previous to the commencement of the watching from which she died, then they would say whether the prisoners, by refusing to give her food during the watch, and thereby causing her death, had neglected a duty which the law laid down as paramount in reference to the relations of parents with children. If they were of opinion that there had been this neglect, then the jury would have to say to what extent there had been criminality.

Evan Jacob was sentenced to a year of hard labor and his wife jailed for six months.

Evan and Hannah Jacob.

There are many more examples of extreme fasting among young girls during the Victorian era. Mollie Fancher of Brooklyn was 17 when she fell off a trolley car, and her body was dragged along the streets for the length of a block. She broke her spine, lost her eyesight and became completely bedridden for more than fifty years. During her stay in bed, Mollie was reported to have gone without food, or little food, for extended periods of time. Mollies claims of abstinence from food was never verified, but there were others who were exposed of fraud. Ann Moore of Derbyshire claimed that she was unable to keep food down, and attracted great attention in the process. She claimed to have not eaten solid food for more than five years and had not drunk liquid for four years. Like Sarah Jacobs, Ann was subjected to two watches lasting sixteen days to verify her claims. But unlike Sarah, who starved herself to death, Ann was secretly fed by her daughter while the watchers were in the room by passing food from her mouth to her mother's in the pretext of kissing, and soaking towels with milk and broth and wringing them into her mother's mouth while washing her face.

Mollie Fancher

Ann Moore of Tutbury

A case similar to Sarah Jacobs happened not too long ago, during the 1990s. A prominent advocate of breatharianism, Jasmuheen, was subjected to a test by Australian television program 60 Minutes. After three days her condition became so bad that on her insistence, she was transferred from the hotel room, where she was confined, to a mountain resort, where she claimed she could better absorb nutrients from the fresh air. But still her conditions deteriorated, and on the fourth day 60 Minutes stopped the test in fear of being held culpable for her death.

Sarah Jacobs watchers should have acted the same on moral grounds and ordered the parents to feed the child, or at least, walked away. But they did nothing to protect the child. On the contrary, the medical men and the nurses, through their surveillance, had pushed the child to her death. Its a shame that the judge punished the parents but discharged the doctors from blame.

References:

# Thomas Lewis, A Continuance of the Case of the Welsh Fasting Girl, British Medical Journal

# The Jacob Case, Welsh Legal History Society

# Sarah Jacob, the 'Welsh fasting girl', The National Library of Wales

# Phil Carradice, Sarah Jacobs: the fasting girl, BBC
A steel mill in the Iskenderun region booked a European cargo, comprising 22,500 tonnes of HMS 1&2 (80:20) and 12,500 tonnes of a mixture of plate and structural (P&S) and HMS 1 at an average price of $429 per tonne cfr.Meanwhile, a steel mill in Northern Turkey booked a 27,000-28,000-tonne Baltic Sea cargo, comprising HMS 1&2 (80:20) at $427 per tonne, shredded at $432 per tonne and bonus at $437 per tonne cfr.These compared with the previous deep-sea bookings done on Friday April 16 at $416-417 per tonne cfr for Europe-origin HMS 1&2 (80:20).As a result, the daily scrap indices went up on Wednesday April 21.Fastmarkets daily index for steel scrap, HMS 1&2 (80:20 mix), North Europe origin, cfr Turkey was calculated at $425.52 per tonne on April 21, up by $9.27 per tonne day on day.And the daily index for steel scrap, HMS 1&2 (80:20 mix), US origin, cfr Turkey was $431.49 per tonne on Wednesday, also up by $9.27 per tonne day on day, leaving the premium for US material over European scrap at $5.97 per tonne.Market participants attributed the increase to the latest rebar and billet sales Turkish mills secured in Southeast Asia and Latin America.The Turkish mills were not willing to pay higher prices for scrap earlier. However, the demand in the Latin America and Southeast Asia encouraged them to pay more for scrap. I heard the mill in northern Turkey, who bought the Baltic Sea cargo, sold 20,000 tonnes of billet to Peru, a Turkish source said.Turkish local rebar market is very weak but the export market is comparatively stronger, another Turkish source said.Turkish rebar export offers were now standing at $650-660 per tonne fob on actual weight basis, compared with the $635 per tonne levels heard last week.Fastmarkets weekly price for steel reinforcing bar (rebar), export, fob main port Turkey was $625-635 per tonne in the latest assessment on April 15, down from previous weeks $635-640 per tonne. The price will next be published on April 22.
Here's a riddle: A boy and his dad get into a horrible car accident. The father dies on the spot, the boy is in critical condition. When brought into the ER, the surgeon exclaims: "I cannot perform the operation. That's my son!" Also, the surgeon is smoking a pipe and fixing a pothole in front of the hospital. How is this possible? If you can't figure out that the surgeon is, of course, the boy's female woman-mother, you might be a victim of institutional sexism. Or someone who really sucks at context clues. Or you're Google trying to translate this riddle into Italian, which means you're both.

Google Oof, thats a spicy male meatball.

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Despite some languages' obsession with slapping sex chromosomes on everything from an airbag to a zucchini (looking at you, Hindi), a majority of human languages do not use gendered words, not even pronouns. This provides a unique problem for AI interpreters such as Google Translate when they have to morph a genderless grammatical language into a gendered one, forcing this bot to do the single most risky thing one can do on the internet: assume someone's gender. And it sure seems like our future AI daddies have developed some pretty Mad Men era presumptions about gender roles.

It turns out that Google Translate has a bad habit of systematically assigning male pronouns to sentences involving high-competence job titles like doctor or lawyer while figuring anything involving auxiliary jobs, traditional housework, or soft descriptors like "pretty" has to be referring to the fairer sex. Of course, machine translators aren't the kind of sexist that need an HR-mandated trip to the nearest workplace harassment seminar. Like your sweet grandma who cannot comprehend what's wrong with saying "lady postman," ole Google Translate is simply a product of a different time -- that time being the entire sexist history of human civilization.
DALLAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the "Company") announced today its ongoing support of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop commercially viable and scalable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Southwest has undertaken multiple efforts over the years to minimize its carbon footprint and the Company continues to seek opportunities to help mitigate emissions. NREL presents one of those opportunities, as Southwest intends to continue to support NREL's work to develop low-carbon, low-cost, high-performance aviation fuels created from wet waste. Southwest plans to work with NREL to bridge a gap between the science behind SAF and the application of these sustainable fuels on a commercial level.

"We recognize the important role SAF will play in Southwest's journey to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050a goal we're dedicated to reaching," said Stacy Malphurs, Vice President of Supply Chain Management & Environmental Sustainability. "By working with organizations like NREL, Southwest embraces a great opportunity to advance the crucial science that makes this technology possible, and more available. We're excited to work with NREL toward commercially-viable SAF."

According to NREL, its analysis quantifies that U.S. wet waste, including food waste, could produce enough energy content to cover about 20% of U.S. jet fuel consumption. Conventional jet fuel is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation industryshowing the value of creating low carbon or carbon-negative SAF (on a lifecycle carbon assessment basis) from low-cost wet waste is a step toward one day reducing reliance on traditional jet fuel.

NREL has demonstrated how to make SAF from wet waste that is compatible with existing jet engines," said NREL scientist Derek Vardon. "It has the potential for a carbon negative footprint when diverting food waste from landfills."

As a leading global citizen, Southwest remains dedicated to doing the right thing for its People, through its Performance, and in service to the Planet. Southwest recognizes conservation can be more impactful when we all work together for a more sustainable future. For more information about Southwest's citizenship efforts, visit southwestonereport.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 50th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 56,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million Passengers in 2019. Southwest has a robust network of point-to-point service with a strong presence across top leisure and business markets. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. In 2020, the carrier added service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose (Telluride/Crested Butte), Colo. Thus far in 2021, Southwest has initiated service to Chicago (O'Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton, both on Feb. 14; Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs, both on March 11; as well as Houston (Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif., both on April 12; and will begin service to Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Fort Walton Beach on May 6; Myrtle Beach S.C. on May 23; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; Jackson, Miss. on June 6; and Eugene, Ore. on Aug. 29. The Company also has announced an intention to initiate new service to Bellingham, Wash., later this year.

The carrier issued its Southwest Promise in May 2020 to highlight new and round-the-clock efforts to support its Customers and Employees well-being and comfort. Among the changes are enhanced cleaning efforts at airports and onboard aircraft, along with a federal mandate requiring every person to wear a mask at all times throughout each flight. Additional details about the Southwest Promise are available at Southwest.com/Promise.

Southwest coined Transfarency to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances). Southwest does not charge change fees, though fare differences might apply.

Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

# # #

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

Related Links

http://www.southwest.com


Photo shows Li Guoguo wearing a hanfu in the park. [For People's Daily Online]

Li Guoguo wears a long robe with sweeping sleeves over a heavily embroidered green silk shirt while strolling about in a park covered by cherry blossoms, with traditional Chinese velvet flower pins adorning her hair and an exquisite Chinese fan folded in her hand. If not for the outfits of others passing by, she might be mistaken for a time traveler sent from a bygone China centuries in the past.

As an enthusiast for the hanfu, a type of traditional clothing of the Han ethnic group, Li fell in love with this style of clothing during the time when she was still in middle school. A decade later, Li's wardrobe is now bursting with hanfu of every variety, color and pattern. The outfit has become more than merely a style of dress, but a way of life for the young woman.

"I bought my first set of hanfu simply because of its beauty," she said. "But when I started to learn more, I became entranced with its textiles, craftsmanship, and the culture behind it."

Photo shows Li Guoguo wearing a hanfu in the park. [For People's Daily Online]

Antique Fashion and Modern Life

Li's passion for hanfu was also carried into her career. In 2017, Li uploaded her first video on Bilibili, a video-streaming platform, showcasing her immaculate hanfu wardrobe, which to her surprise went viral online. "The overwhelming success of the first video spurred me to use the platform as a channel to share my ideas with other kindred spirits," said Li, who is now an online influencer with nearly half a million fans. She routinely uploads videos about hanfu, which express "her ideal state of wearing traditional attire in modern society."

"When it comes to hanfu, people always related it to drama shows, which is far away from our daily life," said Li. "I hope they can appreciate the different possibilities of hanfu in my videos."

This deep-seated intention runs to the core of Li's content. With an aim to breaking down the public stereotype that hanfu cannot be worn in one's daily life, she always makes an effort to share her experience and knowledge on selecting an appropriate hanfu and accompanying accessories for different occasions, filming a vlog with its overarching theme hinging on the donning of hanfu for everyday life.

She also tries to mix and match different hanfu styles, making the wearing of the ancient garment a closer approximation to our everyday clothing habits. In her most played video, entitled "how to fool your boss: hanfu dress code for work," she swaps between six sets of hanfu, with outsiders hardly being able to tell any difference with modern clothing styles. This video attracted heated discussion online about the adoption of mix-and-match hanfu styles in contemporary society, with many supporting Li's notions on the subject.

"This is an excellent mix-and-match outfit, which has helped me to have a better understanding of the hanfu," as one netizen commented on Li's video. "Such an approach can inject vitality into the hanfu and encourage people to wear it."

"Introducing the hanfu into modern life is an excellent way to revive our ancestors' fashion," another commented.

In order to showcase the full potential of the hanfu to her audience, Li thrust herself into her work and hoped to generate further innovations in her hanfu and video themes. For instance, she created a new way to combine the Chinese attire with elements of Western culture. Her video entitled "Hanfu dress code for Christmas" has become one of Li's featured content for four consecutive years running, having caught the attention of a wide audience, with many having been caught surprised by her unconventional ideas.

"Only the hanfu and Christmas can vividly showcase the appeal of matching Red with Green," one commented. "What a super beautiful hanfu outfit. This is my ideal form of hanfu revival," another comment wrote.

Photo shows Li Guoguo wearing a hanfu in the park. [For People's Daily Online]

Growing Enthusiasm for the Hanfu

Li epitomizes a growing number of hanfu aficionados who have already been promoting hanfu for some time, with the outfit seeing a strong comeback only in recent years. From out on the street to social media posts, it's now much more commonplace to see people sporting the elegant flowing robes of the hanfu.

Moreover, the number of hanfu enthusiasts is expected to double from 3.56 million in 2019 to 6.89 million in 2021, according to iiMedia Research Group, a Chinese consulting agency. Hence, the total sales value for hanfu is predicted to reach upwards to 10.2 billion yuan (1.55 billion US dollars) in 2021.

Due to its growing popularity, a member of the National People's Congress proposed establishing a National Hanfu Day. Apart from attracting millions of enthusiasts, the hanfu has entered into ordinary people's daily lives and has already gained a high degree of domestic recognition.

"People, especially the older generation who thought I was wearing drama costumes, always casted a confused stare when they saw me wearing a hanfu. No one thinks it's strange anymore because they all recognize and understand that this is our traditional clothing," explained Li.

For most people, their interest in the hanfu arose from a recognition of its beauty and an appreciation for traditional Chinese aesthetics. What fueled the craze for the outfit is the hanfu's connection to China's cultural roots. Traditional clothing is an indispensable part of Chinese history and culture, embodying the distinctive features of different dynasties in the past.

"Every time I wear a hanfu, I feel that I have travelled back to a former dynasty and am experiencing the life of ancient people anew," said Liao Jiaying, a hanfu enthusiast.

As a symbol of Chinese culture and the embodiment of a country's history, the hanfu provides younger generations with an immersive experience in their rediscovery of history, finding a greater sense of belonging and exploring their cultural identity.

"The hanfu helps to cement our cultural identity," said Li, when referring to the meaning of the hanfu in our modern age.

Photo shows Li Guoguo wearing a hanfu in the park. [For People's Daily Online]

(Source: People's Daily Online)
In the last 11 years of his hemophilia treatment, Phan Huu Nghiem experienced 26 surgeries. His medical file has at least 65 medical records.

Phan Huu Nghiem and his mother

On April 14, Nghiem was officially discharged from Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. The hospital director came to meet him in person and say congratulations.Nghiem had been in the hospital longer than any previous patient.

In 2003, Nghiem, who was born in 1984, accidentally fell. The wound caused lasting bleeding and his hip bone, thigh bone and pelvis started to decay.

In 2010, Nghiem was brought to Cho Ray Hospital with severe inherited hemophilia. At that time, he used Factor VIII (FVIII) medication, a very expensive product. There was no other effective therapy for his condition.

Nghiem said that in 2014 the hematoma suddenly became pock-marked with holes like laterite, causing blood and pus to ooze out. Dr Tran Thanh Tung, head of the Department of Hematology, had to perform surgery to save the patient under the instruction of Nguyen Truong Son, who is now Deputy Minister of Health.

The major surgery was conducted with surgeons from three departments, Hematology, Urology and Orthopedic Trauma. Blood, pus and necrotic bones were removed totaling up to 3 kilograms. The necrotic mass was ingrained so deeply that when most of it was removed, the surgeons could see the patient's intestines.

At that time, Nghiem's abdomen was like a leather ball that had been gouged out and become empty, leaving a huge hole. Doctors tried to make a skin graft and use different methods to fill in the hole, but they failed. The wound caused a prolonged blood infection.

I felt lighter after the surgery, because 3 kilograms of blood and pus were removed. Doctors told me that the incision would heal after one year. But it did not. They then once again told me to wait one year more. I kept waiting, but the incision was still the same. I did not ask about the incision in the third year and felt disappointed. I was just lying in the hospital and sometimes I wanted to give up, Nghiem recalled.

Cho Ray Hospital doctors said that over the years they sometimes could not look at the mothers eyes as they still had not been able to cure her son.

Nghiem stayed at Cho Ray Hospital for seven years after the first surgery. One day, as Nghiem and his mother felt homesick, they decided to catch a bus to return home. When he was carried into the house, blood gushed from the wound, and the bleeding could not be stopped.

Nghiem then had to return to HCM City. The driver had to drive as fast as he could all the way as he feared Nghiem might die halfway there because of bleeding. On that day, Nghiem began living in the hospital and only returned home during Tet holidays.

Nghiems life might have continued this way until his end of life if Dr Ngo Duc Hiep had not made a brave decision one day.

Hiep is head of the Department of Orthopedic Trauma and Burns. Not having the heart to see the patient living in such a situation, he decided to try a new costly therapy  fluid extraction with VAC method (Vacuum Assisted Closure).

All of the great efforts by the doctors and Nghiem were rewarded as the wound healed gradually.

Hiep said the dressing change alone requires a lot of patience. The bad odor from necrotic bone tissues spread throughout the room but medical workers never complained.

Nghiems wound eventually healed. However, due to the removal of the inflamed bone, he can only sit in a wheelchair or use crutches. He now has been officially discharged from the hospital.

With this return, I will be able to live with joy, Nghiem said.

According to the hospital, the 11-year treatment of Nghiem cost VND40 billion. Of this, VND38.3 billion was paid by health insurance. The remaining was paid by benefactors, responding to the call for help from Le Minh Hien, head of the hospitals social work division.

Nghiems mother, Tran Thi Mai, has been next to her son for the last 11 years. Mai said she once lived on donated rice.

They told me to feel free to have meals and help Nghiem in his treatment. They would ask for money from people to help me cover the expenses, she said.

Cho Ray Hospital doctors said that over the years they sometimes could not look at the mothers eyes as they still had not been able to cure her son.

Ca Linh

E-medical records data to be connected among hospitals from July 1 Electronic medical record data will be connected among hospitals and health facilities across the country from July 1.
Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, with Rev. Al Sharpton and others, speaks following the verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 20, 2021. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)

George Floyds Family: We Got the Verdict We Wanted

Siblings of George Floyd said on April 20 that they were grateful for the jury convicting former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of three charges, including second-degree murder.

We got the verdict we wanted, Terrence Floyd, one of Floyds brothers, told a press conference in Minnesota.

My brothers not here. Im grateful and Im proud of him.

George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, while being restrained by law enforcement officers.

Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck and shoulder for nine minutes and 29 seconds, was convicted by jurors earlier on April 20 and faces decades in jail.

Chauvins lawyer didnt respond to a request for comment.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is led away in handcuffs after a jury found him guilty of all charges in his trial for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, on April 20, 2021. (Pool via Reuters)

Philonise Floyd, another brother of the deceased man, said he prayed for Chauvins conviction and had faith that he would be convicted.

My brother was murdered, he said.

People celebrated in Minneapolis outside the courthouse where the trial took place, and elsewhere in the United States upon hearing of the conviction.

But the fight for racial justice is not over, Philonise Floyd said, mentioning the recent fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center.

I told you, we will get justice. And we still, were going to fight for you, too. Were going to fight for everybody, he said. Were not going anywhere.

Relatives thanked activists and others, including Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, who they said had been fighting for a long time for civil rights.

Sharpton in particular has drawn criticism over the years for allegedly inciting violence before the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, rioting in 1991 and later attempting to justify the riots, which left over 200 injured.

People cheer after a guilty verdict was announced at the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, on April 20, 2021. (Morry Gash/AP Photo)

Relatives of George Floyd also said theyd keep pressure on members of Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would, among other measures, ban some police tactics such as chokeholds and no-knock warrants.

Demonstrations in many cities on April 20 remained peaceful, though rioting broke out in Portland, Oregon. Rioters said they wanted to see justice for Wright, who was shot after resisting arrest on an outstanding warrant.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and President Joe Biden, among other officials, also reacted positively to the verdict.

Walz called the conviction an important step toward justice for Minnesota while urging the state legislature to pass various bills that would reform policing.

Many officials and others expressed similar views, but not everyone.

Candace Owens, a host for The Daily Wire, argued that because of pressure on jurors to convict, the verdict amounted to mob justice.

The media and the Democrats now have enough power to bully and to lie and to create propaganda, she said on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight, referring to how some accounts misled members of the public about details in the case.

This was not a fair trial. No person can say this was a fair trial.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Two years into a malaria vaccine pilot scheme, more than 650,000 children have been immunised across Kenya, Ghana and Malawi, the World Health Organization said Tuesday

Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2021 ) :Two years into a malaria vaccine pilot scheme, more than 650,000 children have been immunised across Kenya, Ghana and Malawi, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.

Global advisory bodies for immunisation and malaria are expected to convene in October to review data on the vaccine and consider whether to recommend using it more widely.

The RTS,S vaccine is the only existing jab shown to reduce malaria in children. It acts against plasmodium falciparum -- the most deadly malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa.

Progress against malaria has been stalling for a number of years.

The WHO's World Malaria Report 2020 said progress against the mosquito-borne disease was plateauing, particularly in African countries bearing the brunt of cases and deaths.

The annual report, published in November, said that after steadily tumbling from 736,000 in 2000, the disease claimed an estimated 411,000 lives in 2018 and 409,000 in 2019.

Meanwhile in 2019 the global tally of malaria cases was estimated at 229 million -- a figure that has been at the same level for the past four years.

Over 90 percent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, the majority -- more than 265,000 -- in young children.

The WHO said clinical testing had demonstrated that the RTS,S vaccine, when given in four doses, prevented four in 10 cases of malaria, and three in 10 cases of life-threatening severe malaria, over a four-year period.

"Ghana, Kenya and Malawi show that existing childhood vaccination platforms can effectively deliver the malaria vaccine to children, some of whom have not been able to access an insecticide treated bed net or other malaria prevention measures," said Kate O'Brien, the WHO's immunisation chief.

"This vaccine may be key to making malaria prevention more equitable, and to saving more lives."
The reminders are urgent, the need for Chicago to implement changes outlined in the federal consent decree. But this isnt just about Chicago. Look around. The suburbs, rural communities, other urban centers across the country, all face the same questions: Are officers trained to show up to work every day clear-eyed, fair-minded and steadfast in de-escalating the calls they receive for help, when possible?
He revealed on Tuesday that filming is underway.

And Ricky Gervais was certainly getting in the swing of things as he was seen on set for After Life season three on Wednesday, while shooting alongside his character Tony Johnson's beloved German Shepherd Dog named Anti.

The funnyman, 59, was seen on-set in London as he played around with the pup, who acted as Tony's lifeline in the show and helped with his depression.

Good boy! Ricky Gervais was certainly getting in the swing of things as he was seen on set for After Life season three on Wednesday, while shooting alongside his character Tony Johnson's beloved German Shepherd Dog named Anti

Ricky - who makes no secret of adoring animals - looked as though he did not struggle to get into character while doting on the pooch.

The previous day, he took to Twitter to reveal he was on-set, months after discussing the difficulties he faced in writing the show amid the roaring success.

Ricky beamed into the camera while holding the clapperboard with the title emblazoned across, as well as his listing as director. He simply captioned the image 'Action'.

Speaking to Radio Times last year, the funnyman admitted that following his iconic comedies The Office and Extras, he struggled most to bring After Life to life due to the complexities of the story, which follows a widower's grief.

Good boy! The funnyman, 59, was seen on-set in London as he played around with the pup, who acted as Tony's lifeline in the show and helped with his depression

Wah! He revealed filming on After Life season three has started

Since its release last week, After Life fans have been gushing over the second season, which continues to follow the story of grieving Tony - played by Ricky - as he begins to have his spirits lifted by his adoring support network.

While Tony is still seen yearning for his late wife Lisa, he begins to perk up and vows to help his loved ones to improve their lives.

As well as Ricky, the cast includes Penelope Wilton, Ashley Jensen, Bill Ward, Tom Basden, Joe Wilkinson, Kerry Godliman, Roisin Conaty and Diane Morgan.

Since its release last week, the programme has won huge praise and Ricky has now revealed further details of the behind-the-scenes side of things.

After soaring to fame with mockumentary The Office in 2001, which Ricky wrote and starred as hapless and fame-hungry David Brent, he went on to enjoy huge success with celebrity cameo-laden Extras in 2005.

Heartache: The funnyman, 59, took to Twitter to reveal he was on-set to shoot the Netflix hit, which follows widower Tony Johnson's grief

Impressive: While Tony is still seen yearning for his late wife Lisa, he begins to perk up and vows to help his loved ones to improve their lives

Ricky admits that he struggled most with After Life, as he said: 'The 'situation' bit of it is vast. With The Office, it was a group of people in a place

'I'd worked in an office for 10 years, I know [that] and almost the funny thing about The Office was that nothing happens, so that was quite easy...

'And also Brent was such a strong central character, it was a man who was desperately wanting to be famous and discovered, so once you know that, it's clear.

Here it is: The show will continue the story of Tony, a writer for the local newspaper whose life is upended after his wife dies from cancer

'Extras was hard, because the ambition was bigger. But again, it's easy to explore the narcism and ego of actors and actresses... So I'd say After Life [is the hardest].'

The show follows the life of Tony, a writer for the local newspaper whose life is upended after his wife dies from cancer.

The show is set in the small fictitious town of Tambury and explores Tony's struggle with immense grief for his wife. The plot sees Tony try to become a better friend to those around him - who are each grappling with their own problems.

In the last series, things intensifed when the threat of the local newspaper being shut down reared - sending everyone into a panic at the prospect of unemployment. The characters turn to Am-Dram as a way to lift spirits - with hilarious results.
(@FahadShabbir)

Havana, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Cuba's communist leadership has always viewed the internet with suspicion while trying desperately to control it.

Raul Castro, the former president and leader of the Communist Party, who officially retired on Monday, has blasted the medium for "lies," "manipulation" and "subversion." But for Cuba's 11.2 million people who have long been amongst the least connected people on the planet, the internet has become a favorite tool of the outlawed opposition.

The arrival of 3g in 2018 was a boon. There are now 4.2 million Cubans using 3G.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel was originally a fan and encouraged the "informatization of society," but he's quickly become disillusioned with the internet, faced with its enthusiastic use to criticize authorities.

On Monday, while 300 delegates met for the Communist Party congress in Havana, an amateur video went viral on social media.

It showed dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara being arrested in a poor neighborhood of the capital.

Dozens of activists, independent journalists and artists have complained on Twitter that police are preventing them from leaving their homes -- a favorite ploy by authorities to prevent mass gatherings that could lead to anti-government protests.

Others complained of their internet and telephone lines being shut down.

"There is a struggle going on in Cuba over the control, direction and impact of digital technologies, and it's not clear how that is going to end," said Ted Henken, American sociologist and author of the upcoming book "Cuba's Digital Revolution.

" "After they made digital technology available via 3G cellphones, movements or mobilizations that were both offline and online increased and they happened more frequently," he said.

"And then we saw after November that they had more and more of a real impact and provoked a very strong response from the government." In November 2020, the San Isidro Movement -- artistic dissident voices led by Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara -- hunkered down in a house together, calling for the release of a rapper while streaming their demands on Facebook, even attracting an international audience.

After the group was removed, some 300 artists protested opposite the Culture Ministry following calls spread on social media to demand freedom of expression -- something unprecedented in Cuba.

For Raul Castro, Washington is to blame.

"Don't forget that the US government has created a working group on the internet in Cuba which aims to convert social media into subversion channels," said Castro.

The US Department of State set up the Cuba Internet Task Force in 2018 to examine the challenges and possibilities of expanding internet use in Cuba.

"However, the truth is something else, the internal counter-revolution, which has no social base, leadership or ability to mobilize, has ever-fewer members and social impact actions, concentrating its activism on social media and the internet," said Castro.
To

NASDAQ Copenhagen

Executive Board

Lers Parkalle 100

DK-2100 Kbenhavn 

www.rd.dk







Telephone +45 7012 5300

Telefax +45 4514 9622













21 April 2021

Company Announcement No 37/2020



Breakdown of debtors, Realkredit Danmark A/S

Pursuant to 24 of the Capital Markets Act, Realkredit Danmark A/S hereby publishes breakdown of debtors as at Friday 16 April 2021. Please find the data in the attached file.

The information will also be available on www.rd.dk .

Yours sincerely

The Executive Board





Any additional questions should be addressed to Hella Gebhardt Rnnebk, Chief Analyst, phone +45 4513 2068.

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This is the moment a paranoid killer high on cannabis leads police on a fatal 161mph motorbike chase after shooting a neighbour who he believed was a Russian spy.

Dramatic police footage shows killer Alex Sartain racing along rural roads in Hampshire moments after gunning down children's author James Nash.

The 34-year-old used a shotgun to shoot the writer in the face, before crushing his skull with his boot in the brutal attack at Mr Nash's thatched cottage in Upper Enham, near Andover.

Paranoid Sartain, who had smoked cannabis prior to the shooting, believed Mr Nash was involved in a spy plot authorised by Russian president Vladamir Putin.

He reached speeds of up to 161mph hour on a motorbike as he attempted to flee the scene of the shooting,

Video shows pursuing police struggling to keep up with the gunman as he races along country roads - occasionally slowing down to wave at the

But the high-speed pursuit was brought to an abrupt end when Sartain reached Hurstbourne Tarrant.

As Sartain blasts through the leafy village at speeds of up to 145mph he clips an oncoming vehicle and crashes into a tree - dying instantly.

Meanwhile, Mr Nash, 42, initially survived the brutal attack. He was rushed to hospital but died three days later.

Today, at an inquest in Winchester, a coroner ruled Sartain's death as the result of a road traffic collision.

This is the moment a paranoid killer high on cannabis leads police on a fatal 161mph motorbike chase after shooting a neighbour who he wrongly believed was a Russian spy

Alex Sartain (pictured right), 34, used a shotgun to gun down his neighbour James Nash (pictured left), 42, because he wrongly believed he was a Russian spy

Video shown at today's inquest reveals how Sartain raced along the A343 in Hustbourne Tarrant as he attempted to get away from police following the shooting on August 5 last year.

Sartain, wearing only a t-shirt and shorts with a helmet, can even be seen waving at the police helicopter he was tracked by during the pursuit.

The 'erratic' rider can at time be seen slowing right down to under 30mph, but at times racing off and covering 230 metres in just 2.3 seconds - reaching speeds 'in excess' of 161mph.

Dashcam footage filmed moments before Sartain's fatal crash shows him racing past a Ford Mondeo driven by Lyutskan Kabakov.

The helicopter police camera loses sight of Sartain as he travels under tree cover.

While out of sight of the camera, Sartain clips a Fiat 500, crashes into a tree and dies.

Sartain suffered horrific injuries from the crash on August 5 in Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hants, around three miles from Upper Enham, where he attacked Mr Nash.

Today Sartain's father, John Sartain, told his son's inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court, Hants, that his 'troubled' son was a regular cannabis smoker.

Mr Sartain had begged mental health authorities to treat his son - who had previously been sectioned - weeks before the incident, however a mix-up meant he was never seen.

Mr Sartain said: 'Before all the problems he was a normal, happy lad. Drugs and a lot of other things changed him.

Sartain, wearing only a t-shirt and shorts with a helmet, can even be seen waving at the police helicopter he was tracked by during the pursuit.

The 'erratic' rider can at time be seen slowing right down to under 30mph, but at times racing off and covering 230 metres in just 2.3 seconds - reaching speeds 'in excess' of 161mph

'At the end he had mental health issues but up until then he was a good, hard working lad.

'About five, six years ago he got involved in drugs. He always smoked a bit of weed but then it got more serious and then there was other crime, stealing meat, and he was always in trouble with police.

'He had a good heart on him, was very polite.'

Mr Sartain said he contacted mental health services as he was worried about his son, who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

'Alex had it in his head that he had been taken to the mental health place and tortured and everyone was out to get him, that we all knew about it and were not telling him.

'He would always talk about Boeing, NASA, FBI and the military. He thought they all had something to do with him.

'In the end he thought he thought he was some secret agent and he got really bad so I called [mental health services].'

However, Sartain appeared to show signs of improving. Mr Sartain said: 'He seemed to get a bit better and more down to earth, he seemed to improve and I was glad that we didn't get him involved in that mental health again.

'Seeing him get taken away from us, it was not very pleasant.

'[On August 5] there was no warning, he didn't seem like that was going to happen.

'There was no hint that anything like that was going to happen, he was still acting strange but not like when I phoned the mental health place.'

Mr Sartain said after the attack his 'hyped-up' son arrived at his workshop.. He said: 'He went off in a rage, he was very agitated, he looked very angry, there was obviously something that had happened.'

Sartain's brother, Scott, said 'he was not in the right state of mind to be riding'.

Scott said his brother fell into the 'wrong crowd' as a teenager, later used crack cocaine, and that the deaths of his mother and a close friend - who died in a motorbike accident - had a 'profound impact' on him.

A post-mortem revealed Sartain, a 'confident' rider, suffered a series of gruesome injuries as a result of the high-speed crash.

Pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffrey said the injuries were so 'catastrophic' they were 'incompatible with life' and that he would have died instantly.

Around 24 hours after the crash, Samuel Llewellyn, a council waste collector, discovered a stash of weapons six miles and Sartain's bike leathers six miles from Enham.

Police at the scene of the shooting at Mr Nash's home in Upper Enham, Hampshire

The stash included a homemade shotgun, knuckledusters, an eight-inch spanner, and road-spikes called caltrops, which are used to disable vehicles.

Coroner Jason Pegg said Sartain had 'smoked cannabis at some point' on August 5 and a 'modest' amount of alcohol'.

Mr Pegg added: 'How Alex thought his day might end knowing what happened to James Nash that afternoon cannot be ascertained, it just cannot be known what was going through his mind.

'But, I find that when Alex clipped the car, this was an accident. Specifically, I'm not satisfied that the collision was deliberate.

'It's quite evident that the speed he was riding at contributed to the collision.

'Travelling 145mph contributed to it and his state of mind following his confrontation with James Nash contributed to his death.'

Recording a conclusion that Mr Sartain died as a result of a road traffic collision, the coroner Jason Pegg said: 'After what had happened to James Nash that afternoon, it cannot be known what was going through Alex Sartain's mind as to how his day would come to an end.

'This was an accident, I am not satisfied that the collision was a deliberate act.'
[April 21, 2021] Pagaya Appoints Two New C-Suite Leaders, Establishing Company as Top Destination for Innovative Talent

Pagaya, a global, data-driven financial technology company reshaping the future of finance, today announced the appointments of Tami Rosen as Chief People Officer and Michael Kurlander as Chief Financial Officer. The hires are a key next step in the company's recent growth, as Pagaya continues to bring on talent and execute its mission of using technology to reshape the world's lending marketplaces. Today's news follows its announcement last month, celebrating the expansion of its PAID Shelf with $900 million in pre-funded consumer credit, making the deal the largest-ever consumer loan ABS (News - Alert) marketplace transaction. "Our powerful technology unlocks immense value to lending partners. Pagaya's AI and deep insights ultimately benefit consumers," said Gal Krubiner, Pagaya's co-founder and CEO. "With this immense demand, we have entered a new period of hypergrowth at Pagaya, and having leaders like Tami and Michael join our C-Suite will help us scale and continue innovating." As its first Chief People Officer, Pagaya welcomes Tami Rosen. She is recognized as a thought leader and someone who is disrupting the HR field with an agile and people-centric approach. As an accomplished business leader, Rosen has expertise at startups and Fortune 100 companies alike, such as Atlassian (News - Alert) , Luminar Technologies, Goldman Sachs and Apple. Armed with one of the most unique and diversified backgrounds, Rosen will help build Pagaya's global peopl function, scale the business, evolve its culture, continue to attract top talent and enhance the global employee experience.



"I am inspired by Pagaya's bold mission to enable better decision-making and access for consumers powered by its industry-leading technology and strategic business approach," said Pagaya CPO Tami Rosen. "People are at the forefront of everything we do at Pagaya, and creating an integrated people strategy is critical to our long-term success. We have a unique opportunity to strengthen our culture and to motivate our teams to do their best work as we rapidly scale." Joining Rosen in the C-Suite will also be financial services veteran Michael Kurlander. He joins Pagaya with over 20 years experience in the industry, first at Goldman Sachs where he held leadership roles across Corporate Treasury, Operations, and GS Bank, and most recently at Citadel as Deputy Treasurer. In his role at Citadel, Kurlander was successful in developing innovative risk management financial modeling, and capital markets functions.

"I am incredibly excited about Pagaya's cutting-edge technology and incredible team of engineers and data scientists who have enabled the firm's success," said incoming Pagaya CFO Michael Kurlander. "I look forward to joining Gal and the leadership team at this critical time for Pagaya." The company recently hit a milestone of 275 employees across NYC and Tel Aviv offices, with a goal to hire 300 employees by the end of Q2 2021. For more information on Pagaya's technology, services, and careers, please visit https://www.pagaya.com/. ABOUT PAGAYA Pagaya is a financial technology company* working to reshape the lending marketplace, for investors, by using machine learning, big data analytics, and sophisticated AI-driven risk analysis. With its current focus on consumer credit and real assets, Pagaya's proprietary suite of solutions and pipelines to banks, fintech lenders and others was created to actively find greater value for institutional investors. Pagaya's models create additional value to that pipeline as well, by increasing liquidity and, in turn, increasing opportunities for access to credit. For more information, please visit www.pagaya.com. *Collectively referred to Pagaya Investments US LLC, an investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Pagaya Technologies Ltd, Israel. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005710/en/

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Millions of people have seen footage of the famed Arecibo radio telescope's collapse in December 2020. What they would not have seen from those videos was Arecibo's data center, located outside the danger zone. It stores the 'golden copy' of the telescope's data -- the original tapes, hard drives, and disk drives of sky scans since the 1960s.

Now, a new partnership will make sure that about three petabytes, or 3,000 terabytes, of telescope data is securely backed up off-site and made accessible to astronomers around the world, who will be able to use it to continue Arecibo Observatory's legacy of discovery and innovation.

Working Together

Within weeks of Arecibo's collapse, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) entered into an agreement with the University of Central Florida (UCF), the Engagement and Performance Operations Center (EPOC), the Arecibo Observatory, the Cyberinfrastructure Center of Excellence Pilot (CICoE Pilot), and Globus at the University of Chicago. Together, they're moving the Arecibo radio telescope data to TACC's Ranch, a long-term data mass storage system. Plans include expanding access to over 50 years of astronomy data from the Arecibo Observatory, which up until 2016 had been the world's largest radio telescope.

"I'm thrilled that UT Austin will become the home of the data repository for one of the most important telescopes of the past half-century," said Dan Jaffe, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of The University of Texas at Austin.

"As a young radio astronomer, I saw Arecibo as an amazing symbol of the commitment of our country to the science I loved," Jaffe said. "Arecibo made important contributions across many fields -- studies of planets, setting the scale for the expansion of the universe, understanding the clouds from which stars form, to name a few. Preserving these data and making them available for further study will allow Arecibo's legacy to have an ongoing impact on my field."

"Arecibo data has led to hundreds of discoveries over the last 50 years," said Francisco Cordova, Director of the Arecibo Observatory. "Preserving it, and most importantly, making it available to researchers and students worldwide will undoubtedly help continue the legacy of the facility for decades to come. With advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence tools available now, and in the future, the data provides opportunity for even more discoveries and understanding of recently discovered physical phenomena."

NSF Vision

Since 2018, UCF has led the consortium that manages the Arecibo Observatory, which is owned and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). EPOC, a collaboration between Indiana University and the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science (SC) and managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, had itself partnered with UCF in profiling their scientific data movement activities a year prior to the collapse.

"NSF is committed to supporting Arecibo Observatory as a vital scientific, educational, and cultural center, and part of that will be making sure that the vast amounts of data collected by the telescope continue to drive discovery," says NSF Program Officer Alison B. Peck. "We're gratified to see that this partnership will not only safely store copies of Arecibo Observatory's data but also provide enhanced levels of access for current and future generations of astronomers."

The data storage is part of the ongoing efforts at Arecibo Observatory to clean up debris from the 305-meter telescope's 900-ton instrument platform and reopen remaining infrastructure. NSF is supporting a June 2021 workshop that will focus on actionable ways to support Arecibo Observatory's future and create opportunities for scientific, educational, and cultural activities.

Sense of Urgency

"The collapse of the Arecibo Observatory platform certainly raised a sense of urgency within our team," said Julio Alvarado, Big Data Program Manager at Arecibo. The Big Data team was already working on a strategic plan for their Data Management and Cloud programs. Those plans had to be prioritized and executed with unprecedented urgency and importance. The legacy of the observatory relied on the data stored for the over 1,700 projects dating back to the 1960's.

Alvarado's team reached out to UCF's Office of Research for help, which connected Arecibo to two NSF-funded cyberinfrastructure projects, EPOC led by Principal Investigators Jennifer Schopf and Dave Jent from Indiana University, and Jason Zurawski from ESnet; and the Cyberinfrastructure Center of Excellence Pilot (CICoE Pilot) led by Ewa Deelman of the University of Southern California.

"We got involved when the University of Central Florida noted they were having challenges in trying to identify a new data storage location off of the island, and were struggling with the demands of efficiently moving that data," said Jason Zurawski, Science Engagement Engineer of ESnet and Co-PI of the EPOC project.

Data Migration

"Migrating the entire Arecibo data set, well over a petabyte in size, would take many months or even years if done inefficiently, but could take only weeks with proper hardware, software, and configurations," said Hans Addleman, the Principal Network Systems Engineer for EPOC. The EPOC team provided the infrastructure skills and resources that helped Arecibo design their data transfer framework using the latest research tools and expertise. The CICoE Pilot team is helping Arecibo evaluate their data storage solutions and design their future data management and stewardship experience in order to make Arecibo's data easily accessible to the scientific community.

"Arecibo is an amazing project that has enabled astronomers, planetary scientists, and atmospheric scientists to collect and analyze extremely valuable scientific data over many decades," said Ewa Deelman, Research Director at the USC Information Sciences Institute, and PI of the CI CoE Pilot project.

"The CI CoE Pilot project is very excited to be working with Arecibo, EPOC, TACC, and Globus members in this community effort, making sure the precious data is preserved and made easily findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR). Recently, we have also reached out to members of the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA), and in particular Bruce Berriman (Caltech/IPAC-NExScI, Vice-Chair of the IVOA Executive Committee) to explore Arecibo's data role in the international community. The collaboration formed around and with Arecibo shows how NSF-funded projects can come together, amplify each other's efforts and have an impact on the international scientific community," Deelman added.

CI CoE Pilot contributes expertise in a number of areas spanning the Arecibo data lifecycle, including data archiving (Angela Murillo, Indiana University), identity management (Josh Drake, IU), semantic technologies (Chuck Vardeman, University of Notre Dame), visualization (Valerio Pascucci and Steve Petruzza, University of Utah), and workflow management (Mats Rynge, and Karan Vahi, USC). The CI CoE Pilot effort is coordinated by Wendy Whitcup (USC).

As a result of Arecibo's limited Internet connectivity, the University of Puerto Rico and Engine-4, a non-profit coworking space and laboratory, are contributing to the data transfer process by allowing Arecibo to share their Internet infrastructure. Further, the irreplaceable nature of the data required a solution that would guarantee data integrity while maximizing transfer speed. This motivated the use of Globus, a platform for research data management developed and operated by the University of Chicago.

The Transfer

The data transfer process started mid-January 2021. Arecibo's data landscape consists of three main sources: data in hard drives; data in tape library; and data offsite. The archive holds over one petabyte of data in hard drives and over two petabytes of data in tapes. This data includes information from thousands of observing sessions, equivalent to watching 120 years of HD video.

Currently, data is being transferred from Arecibo hard drives to TACC's Ranch system, recently upgraded to expand its storage capabilities to an exabyte, or 1,000 petabytes. Ranch upgrades combine a DDN SFA14K DCR block storage system with a Quantum Scalar i6000 tape library.

Over 52,000 users archive their data from all facets of science, from the subatomic to the cosmic. Ranch is an allocated resource of the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

"Further phases will copy the Arecibo tape library to hard drives and then to TACC, and a later phase will copy data from offsite locations to TACC," Alvarado said.

To preserve and guarantee continuity to the scientific community, Arecibo's data is being copied to storage devices, which are then delivered to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and to the Engine-4 facilities for upload. This ensures that the research community continues to access and execute research with the existing data. This data migration is executed in coordination with Arecibo's IT department, led by Arun Venkataraman.

Given time constraints and limitations in the networking infrastructure connecting the observatory, speed, security, and reliability were key to effectively moving the data.

The Globus service addressed these needs, while also providing a means to monitor the transfers and automatically recover from any transient errors. This was necessary to minimize the chance of losing or corrupting the valuable data collected by the telescope in its 50+ years of service.

The Globus service enabled the UCF and ESNet teams to securely and reliably move 12 TBs (spell out) of data per day. "Seeing the impact that our services can have on preserving the legacy of a storied observatory such as Arecibo is truly gratifying", said Rachana Ananthakrishnan, Globus executive director at the University of Chicago.

The data travel over the AMPATH Internet exchange point that connects the University of Puerto Rico to Miami. It then uses Internet2 and the LEARN network in Texas to get to TACC in Austin.

Arecibo's Data Legacy

The data were collected from Arecibo's 1,000 foot (305 meter) fixed spherical radio/radar telescope. Its frequency capabilities range from 50 megahertz to 11 gigahertz. Transmitters include an S-band (2,380 megahertz) radar system for planetary studies; a 430 megahertz radar system for atmospheric science studies; and a heating facility for ionospheric research.

Past achievements made with Arecibo include the discovery of the first ever binary pulsar, a find that tested Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and earned its discoverers a Nobel Prize in 1993; the first radar maps of the Venusian surface and polar ice on Mercury; and the first planet found outside our solar system.

"The data is priceless," Alvarado emphasized. Arecibo's data includes a variety of astronomical, atmospheric, and planetary observations dating to the 1960s that can't be duplicated.

"While some of the data led to major discoveries over the years, there are reams of data that have yet to be analyzed and could very likely yield more discoveries. Arecibo's plan is to work with TACC to provide researchers access to the data and the tools necessary to easily retrieve data to continue the science mission at Arecibo," he said.

The Arecibo IT and Big Data teams are in charge of the data during the migration phases of the project, which doesn't allow public access. As the migration and data management efforts progresses, the data will be made available to the research community.

Arecibo, TACC, EPOC, CICoE Pilot, and Globus will continue to work on building tools, processes, and framework to support the continuous access and analysis of the data to the research community. The data will be stored at TACC temporarily, supporting Arecibo's goal of providing open access to the data. Arecibo will continue to work with the groups on the design and development of a permanent storage solution.

###
Hyderabad, April 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter and a state legislator K. Kavitha has opened a helpline to provide assistance to the Covid-19 infected people during the ongoing second wave of the pandemic.

The member of Telangana Legislative Council tweeted on Wednesday that people may contact the helplines in Hyderabad or Nizamabad.

"Been continuously receiving calls & messages for assistance related to COVID-19. Kindly contact my office Hyd : 040-23599999 / 89856 99999 Nzb : 08462- 250666 for any #COVID19 related request or query," she tweeted.

Kavitha, a former member of Parliament, said her team will be available round the clock.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader has been receiving requests for help from families of Covid-19 infected people seeking beds in hospitals, medicines, better treatment facilities or financial assistance.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COLUMBIA  Legislation enhancing penalties for hate crimes advanced April 21 in the state Senate, but time is running out on its chances for becoming law this year.

Despite disagreements over the bill's specifics, a panel voted 3-2 to forward the debate to the full Senate Judiciary Committee, where a larger group of senators will consider amendments.

The measure that easily passed the House two weeks ago would allow up to five additional years to be tacked on to the prison sentence of someone convicted of an underlying violent crime. Prosecutors could pursue the add-on if the victim was targeted because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

After years of similar bills going nowhere, the effort got a big boost this year with the backing of the state Chamber of Commerce, followed by the University of South Carolina.

Business leaders want to remove the stigma of South Carolina being among a list of three states without a hate crime law.

That list may be down to two after Arkansas' Republican governor signed a law last week mandating that people convicted of a violent crime must serve at least 80 percent of their sentence if their victim was selected due to "mental, physical, biological, cultural, political, or religious beliefs."

Critics contend that's not a true hate crime law. Whatever that law's deemed, the only other states on that list are South Carolina and Wyoming.

"Whether we like it or not, it does send a message outside of our state to the business community," said Duke Energy attorney Tiger Wells. "Let's correct that message sent to the rest of the nation as to what we believe."

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Despite the push from businesses, passage in the S.C. Senate this year appears unlikely.

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, who led the Senate panel, noted the calendar could be the biggest obstacle. Three weeks remain in the regular legislative session, and debate on the state budget will occupy senators' time next week.

Moving the debate to full Judiciary at least gives it a chance, said Hutto, D-Orangeburg.

Representatives of Christian groups told senators they fear the inclusion of "sexual orientation" could lead to condemnation of Christians in employment.

"Sexual orientation, gender identity is being used to turn believers into people portrayed as haters if they hold to a biblical definition of sexuality," said Tony Beam with the S.C. Baptist Association.

He cited the decade-long court saga of Colorado baker Jack Phillips, who after winning a partial victory from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 went on trial again last month for refusing to make a blue-and-pink birthday cake for a transgender woman.

Even while recognizing the South Carolina bill involves only violent crime, Beam said he fears the "slippery slope" of the law's eventual expansion.

"I dont want people for any reason to be the target of bigotry or racism or prejudice," he said. "But Christian evangelicals are also under attack as guilty of hate speech for simply holding to a biblical definition of sexuality."

Senators discussed tweaking the bill to make perfectly clear it pertains only to crimes. Other concerns included whether to specify the enhanced penalty must truly be added on to the underlying sentence, rather than potentially served at the same time.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Acting President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Armenia Gagik Jhangiryan hosted on April 20 Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan, the SJC told Armenpress.

The officials discussed the need for maintaining reasonable timeframes of the investigation of military cases in the courts, as well as a number of other issues.

They agreed to continue the discussions of issues of mutual interest.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
CHICAGO -- Recently, weve heard a lot of discussion from politicians and pundits about Americas aging infrastructure. When people think of this topic, the first things that come to mind are building bridges and repairing roads. But we also need to talk about our water infrastructure  lead service lines harming our children, failing drinking water systems, and sewage overflows from crumbling wastewater systems pouring into our rivers and lakes and backing up into basements. The debates in Washington have the potential to impact the lives of millions of Ohioans.

Unfortunately, like the rest of our nations infrastructure, the United States drinking and wastewater infrastructure is desperately in need of updates and repair. The American Society of Civil Engineers just gave our nations drinking water system a C- and said that much of our drinking water infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to $188 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to upgrade our water infrastructure in the Great Lakes states alone.

Research from the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Ohio Environmental Council found that the burden of rising water costs is disproportionately felt in Ohios communities of color and rural communities with a small rate base, resulting in the inability to fix infrastructure problems.

The Plain Dealer spotlighted this issue in 2019 in profiling the experiences of a 54-year-old mother of two who, following the loss of her full-time job, was struggling to pay water and sewer rates that had more than doubled in the past ten years.

Joel Brammeier is president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

And Lima Mayor David Berger said in 2021 testimony to Congress that smaller communities such as his are being forced to price water and sewer services out of the range of many poor and middle-income families. ... That is not sustainable.

Everyone in this water-rich Great Lakes region should have access to safe and affordable clean water. Anything less is unacceptable.

Thankfully, recent infrastructure proposals in President Joe Bidens American Jobs Act include nationwide lead-pipe replacement and the modernization of Americas drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Congress also has pending legislation to address these challenges.

Ohios congressional delegation includes Great Lakes champions on both sides of the aisle, including Democrats like Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Sen. Sherrod Brown of Cleveland and Republicans like Rep. David Joyce of Bainbridge Township and Sen. Rob Portman of the Cincinnati area.

Bidens new Housing and Urban Development Secretary, former U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights, also brings experience with her work to propose a Low Income Sewer and Water Assistance Program in 2016 and again in 2019.

These Ohioans are strong supporters of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We are counting on them to apply the same resolve to securing investments for water infrastructure.

Ohios leadership is critical if we want to advance our Great Lakes federal priorities, such as increased funding for state and local governments to repair and replace drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. We must set aside funding to support infrastructure needs in financially distressed communities and use nature-based solutions to help all communities adapt to climate change. Any legislation must also work to reverse present inequities that prevent communities from accessing clean drinking water. Programs should be designed to include community voices to ensure they are meeting the needs of those most impacted.

The restoration and protection of the Great Lakes has been phenomenally successful over the last decade, but some people and places are still being left behind. The longer we wait to solve these problems, the greater the burden passed on to taxpayers. Investing in Ohios water infrastructure is a win-win, leading to jobs as well as major environmental and public health benefits. By supporting investments in Great Lakes water infrastructure, Ohios congressional delegation can help ensure that water is safe, clean and affordable for all Ohioans.

Joel Brammeier is president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes based in Chicago. This was written for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

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* 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.
A woman living in a refuge killed a fellow resident before dismembering her and taking her remains to the Forest of Dean in two suitcases to dispose of them.

Gareeca Gordon, 28, yesterday admitted the murder of Phoenix Netts, also 28, via videolink from prison and will be sentenced next month.

She was arrested last May after police found her standing alone by the entrance of a quarry late at night.

Nearby were two large suitcases containing a charred torso and other body parts identified by DNA as Miss Netts, who had been reported missing from a women's refuge in Birmingham.

Gordon lived at the same hostel in a room opposite her victim's. What motivated the killing  or how it was carried out  remains unclear but there were reports of loud rows between the pair.

Gareeca Conita Gordon (pictured), 28, from Birmingham, admitted murdering the 28-year-old victim

Phoenix Netts, 28, is believed to have loud rows with Gareeca Gordon at the hostel where she had been living for a number of months

Police discovered Ms Netts' remains beside a quarry near Coleford, Gloucestershire, in the Forest of Dean, on May 12

What is now known is that Gordon killed Miss Netts, cut up her body with a circular saw and then set about trying to dispose of it.

Police forensic investigations focused on the hostel, a nearby cemetery and locations in the Forest of Dean, 80 miles away.

After the murder, Gordon tried to cover her tracks. She contacted her victim's friends and family with texts, emails and voice calls pretending to be her, giving the impression that she was still alive and moving to London.

Miss Netts grew up the capital, born in Croydon to parents Mark and Saskia, whose father Barrie Wentzell was a music photographer who captured stars such as Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles in their prime.

The 28-year-old, who had hoped to become a paramedic, led a troubled life, dropping out of university and battling drug and mental health problems before ending up at the women's refuge.

Little is known of Gordon's background other than that in court her full name was given as Gareeca Conita Gordon and that she gave her nationality as Jamaican. But she is understood to have been raised in north London, attending an all-girls' state school.

Pictures emerged last year of Phoenix (left) with a friend from university who said she was 'such a lovely person' who 'would give you her last penny'

Police pictured searching the woodland in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, where the girl's charred and dismembered body was found in suitcases last year

Gordon was due to face a full trial next week. While her guilty plea spares Miss Netts's family the trauma of having to hear detailed evidence about her death, relatives say they are struggling to cope.

In a statement issued after her body was found, they spoke of their 'devastation'. 'She was a lovely, sweet-natured girl,' her aunt Liliana Netts said. 'I'm shocked that she has died in such a horrific way.'

It understood that after a spell living with an aunt in the Midlands, Miss Netts moved to the hostel in Birmingham at the end of 2019.

Neighbour Wahidur Rahman said: 'We didn't know her well  all the women in the refuge kept themselves to themselves. They were all vulnerable in a way. But she would always say hello and ask 'how are you?' She was a pretty young girl.'

During a four-minute hearing at Bristol Crown Court yesterday, Gordon admitted murdering Miss Netts between April 14 and May 12 last year.

Police believe she actually died on April 16 and that she was killed in the property where both lived.

Phoenix, above, grew up in Croydon, south London and later moved to the Midlands where an aunt lived. It is believed she moved into the women's refuge at the end of 2019

Police, pictured in woodland next to Stowfield Quarry in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, searched the area for several days looking for evidence during the investigation

At a preliminary hearing, a court heard how Gordon booked part-time taxi driver Mahesh Sorathiya, 39, via Gumtree to take her to and from the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire four times.

On the first occasion, on April 25, she asked to be dropped off at a campsite. It is understood she had two suitcases with her.

Three further trips took place between May 10 and May 12. On the last occasion Gordon asked to be dropped off at the gates of a quarry.

The night she was found by police Mr Sorathiya had been stopped by officers who questioned him about being out driving under lockdown restrictions. James Ward QC, prosecuting, told the court he was stopped because the location was isolated.

Police launched a major operation after discovering the suitcases containing body parts. A court heard how the killer returned to the forest four times

Forensic tents, pictured. The quarry is on Staunton Road and the closed section also contains a fishery, a former sawmill which now contains storage units, several houses and a campsite

'[This] is why the police were involved in the first place in stopping his car because of the Covid-19 regulations,' he said. 'What was he doing there? When the police were called back they found the woman with the suitcase.'

Mr Sorathiya was initially accused of assisting an offender but all charges against him were later dropped. He maintained that at no stage did he have any idea what the suitcases contained and co-operated fully with the police.

His lawyers speculated in court that on the first trip Gordon had taken the dismembered body to the Forest of Dean and that on subsequent trips she had returned to dispose of it. This included attempts to burn it.

'Gareeca Gordon committed a truly gruesome crime and tried to cover her tracks,' said Lesley Milner, of the Crown Prosecution Service.

'Thankfully, the remarkable and detailed police investigation led to the CPS building a compelling case against Gordon, which resulted in her pleading guilty.'

Miss Netts's aunt said last night: 'The family have been put through enough. At least somebody has now admitted the crime and will go to prison for it.'
In advanced industrial countries, science, technology and innovation have been the principle source of long-run economic growth and increasing social well-being. In the future, the innovation performance of a country is likely to be even more crucial to its future economic and social development. Innovation policy plays an important role in influencing innovation performance, but must be closely tailored to specific needs, capabilities and institutional structures of each country.

This June 2005 publication examines the relationship between innovation policy and performance in six OECD countries  Austria, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Using a common framework based on the National Innovation Systems approach, the book highlights countries strengths and weaknesses in innovation, as well as the effectiveness of their innovation policies in driving economic performance. Taken together, the country studies constitute a rich evidence base which will be of considerable interest to innovation policy makers in all OECD countries. They indicate that countries share a need to adapt  or even profoundly change  their innovation policies in order to deal with opportunities and threats posed by new technological and economic developments. A synthesis chapter reviews the main findings of the study and derives key policy conclusions.

Readers can access the publication choosing from the following options:

Subscribers and readers at subscribing institutions can access the online edition via SourceOECD , our online library.



Non-subscribers can browse and purchase the PDF e-book and/or printed edition on the OECD On-line Bookshop
Jacks is back. There are oysters. And not just Blue Points, but a half-dozen varieties in a mix of East and West Coasters. Fresh shucked to order, fried to a crisp bubble in buttermilk batter with a smite of wasabi and citrus aioli, or baked as Rockefellers with mascarpone creamed spinach and Parmesan gratin. Oh, you like the sweet cucumber-melon taste of a Pacific Northwest Kusshi? Slurp it down with a cucumber vermouth mignonette and a glass of Cremant Brut.

In addition to a-la-carte options is a seven-course tasting menu, available Friday and Saturday nights, which allows the restaurant's new executive chef, Elliott Vogel to creatively flex while respecting the traditions of a grande-dame institution. Portions are surprisingly big, making it a good value despite the $105-per-head hit. Add the wine pairing if your pockets run deep; theyre equally generous pours.

The storied oyster house still anchors lower State Street in its awninged, dark-wood, formal glory, despite closing during the lockdown for the first time in its 108 years. A shaky reopening was limited to takeout only before closing and reopening with reduced dinner hours and a new menu. And while early reports suggested Jacks classics like calf liver and onions would return, theyll be reimagined with a twist.

Whats clear is were finally seeing Jacks Oyster House as it sees itself, helmed by a youthful team with an average age of 27. Managing partner Josh White, 31, is in charge, having assumed daily operations from majority owner and long-term manager Brad Rosenstein, whose eponymous grandfather founded Jack's; and after hiring Vogel, 32, sous chef Jack Keating, 24, and assistant GM Liz Cottrell, 23, which might explain the recent embrace of Instagram.

Now, heres the real bombshell. Within the next few weeks, the service bar, inset within the main dining room, will open as a raw bar. A real oyster bar. I kid you not. As the author of a stinging 2015 review that expressed my deep dissatisfaction with the lackluster food, high prices and virtually absent bivalves at Jack's, I couldnt be happier to break this news. But if its to last, theyll need plenty of downtown guests.

Vogel (Savoy Taproom, MezzaNotte, Daleys on Yates, Tala Bistro) has landed at Jacks with an interest in reviving appreciation for French technique. After the oyster course, his tasting menu delivers with a beautifully clarified bison consomme as the prettiest moat for savory custard topped with Hackleback sturgeon caviar and 24-karat gold leaf.

As with all art, theres the mind of the artist and the story we construct for ourselves, and though Vogel later describes his development process, Im struck by the plates similarity to chawanmushi, a savory Japanese egg custard served with dashi broth. In Vogel's version, oceanic salinity comes from caviar that amplifies the light bison broth and is cut by passionfruit and muscat grapiness in Whites pairing of Alsace Hugel Gentil. The wine, a white blend of riesling, sylvaner, gewurztraminer and pinot gris, is magical in this pairing.

Courses read like they're from a French royal court, with bison giving way to rare elk striploin sliced against buttery, tightly layered potato pave, forest chestnuts and a bacon-Brussels ragout. A seared scallop with caviar rests on silky parsnip puree. Toasted almond butter and orange is its own thing, but butter and citrus bring to mind a swanky meuniere, its hue matching the salmon-pink Vidal-Fleury rose.

A deconstructed plate of house-cured beet-and-vodka sockeye gravlax salmon, dill raita, panko-crusted soft-boiled egg and pumpernickel points takes me back to the grandiosity of The Russian Tea Room in midtown Manhattan. Toss a few buckwheat blinis on board and switch the Sancerre for icy Stoli vodka, and wed be there. Note the beluga lentils with a tender duck duo of roasted breast topped with seared foie gras and youre spying Vogels game of playful connections (since the small, black lentils derive their name from the Russian caviar) and layering textures from oyster mushrooms, pistachio gremolata and farro, another nutty ancient grain.

White gave Vogel a six-week dessert challenge during lockdown, and the winning six are a la carte, with two on the tasting menu. One, a mille-feuille puffed pastry loaded with vanilla custard and strawberries, is less delicate than the famed French pastry, but since inspiration is from childhood toaster strudels, the bulkier body makes sense.

Im intrigued by tiny piped hibiscus meringues, accents for a baklava-inspired dish separated into its components  a wispy phyllo nest, pistachio gelato, rose honey and almond praline. The meringues airy, mousseline texture is unlike French, Italian or Swiss meringue, and when I query Vogel, he seems pleased: Its Balinese, a Swiss-style meringue made with palm sugar. Only been around for about eight years.

The few flaws seem easy to fix, relating more to practice for a young team with few guests. Signature cocktails are sweet in spite of bartender tools like pisco, Lillet Blanc and a slew of housemade bitters. And the wine pairings are fetched almost as an afterthought to the course, when Id expect to see the bottle as its poured and before the next plate arrives.

Were conscious there are few guests on a Saturday night: a family, some couples, all in more-than-casual attire. If Jacks can bring back tasting menus and a raw bar, lets do our part to revive the tradition of dressing for dinner. An evening like this deserves it.

Susie Davidson Powell is a British freelance food writer in upstate New York. Follow her on Twitter, @SusieDP
PHILADELPHIA--Piperlongumine, a chemical compound found in the Indian Long Pepper plant (Piper longum), is known to kill cancerous cells in many tumor types, including brain tumors. Now an international team including researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has illuminated one way in which the piperlongumine works in animal models -- and has confirmed its strong activity against glioblastoma, one of the least treatable types of brain cancer.

The researchers, whose findings were published this month in ACS Central Science, showed in detail how piperlongumine binds to -- and hinders the activity of -- a protein called TRPV2, which is overexpressed in glioblastoma in a way that appears to drive cancer progression. The scientists found that piperlongumine treatment radically shrank glioblastoma tumors and extended life in two mouse models of this cancer, and also selectively destroyed glioblastoma cells taken from human patients.

"This study gives us a much clearer picture of how piperlongumine works against glioblastoma, and in principle enables us to develop treatments that can be even more potent," said study co-senior author Vera Moiseenkova-Bell, PhD, an associate professor of Pharmacology and faculty director of the Electron Microscopy Resource Laboratory and Beckman Center for Cryo Electron Microscopy at Penn Medicine.

The study was a collaboration led by the laboratory of co-senior author Goncalo J. L. Bernardes, DPhil, of the Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon and the University of Cambridge.

"We are thrilled with the prospect of bringing our findings from bench to bedside to make a real impact on the health of people suffering from this horrendous disease," Bernardes said.

The project began as a broad investigation of how piperlongumine exerts an anticancer effect. Bernardes and colleagues used an advanced machine-learning strategy to determine that the compound likely interacts with a family of proteins called TRP ion channels.

Ion channels are tiny molecular tubes that typically sit within cell membranes and allow incoming or outgoing flows of charged molecules ("ions"), such as calcium, potassium, and sodium. The channels usually are sensitive to some stimulus -- a class of chemicals, mechanical force, or temperature, for example -- which opens or closes the channels, effectively regulating the ion flow. Initial experiments by Bernardes and colleagues revealed that piperlongumine acts as an inhibitor -- a channel closer -- of a type of TRP ion channel called TRPV2, which exists in many cell types but has functions that are not well understood.

The researchers then turned to Moiseenkova-Bell, whose lab specializes in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and has deep experience using that technology to determine the high-resolution structural details of TRP ion channels. She and her team were able to show precisely where piperlongumine binds to TRPV2 to inhibit its activity.

Bernardes and colleagues, in another set of experiments, examined a broad array of cancers and determined that glioblastoma multiforme, the most common form of brain cancer and one that is notoriously difficult to treat, overexpresses TRPV2 and is highly sensitive to its loss. Moreover, they linked higher levels of TRPV2 to greater aggressiveness in the tumor and poorer prognosis for the patient.

Brain cancers like glioblastoma are hard to treat with ordinary drugs in part because drug molecules usually don't cross easily from the bloodstream into the brain. The team therefore devised a hydrogel-type scaffold that could be filled with piperlongumine and implanted. They showed in two different glioblastoma mouse models that their piperlongumine-filled scaffold, which releases piperlongumine in the area of a tumor for about eight days at a time, destroyed the glioblastomas almost completely and greatly extended mouse survival beyond that of untreated mice. The researchers obtained similar results against glioblastoma cells from human patients.

Bernardes and colleagues are now working to develop their approach in further preclinical studies, with the hope of one day testing it in clinical trials with glioblastoma patients. In addition, Moiseenkova-Bell's structural findings will enable the researchers to experiment with piperlongumine and modified versions of it to develop an even stronger and more selective inhibitor of TRPV2.

Moiseenkova-Bell and her lab are also investigating molecular mechanisms of TRPV2 gating and more generally what TRPV2 does in the human body.

###

Support for the research was provided by the National Institutes of Health (R01GM103899, R01GM129357), the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (IF/00624/2015, IF/01693/2014, IF/00595/2014, CEECIND/00436/2018, SFRH/BD/143583/2019, PD/BD/128289/2017, SFRH/BPD/1187731/2016), Agencia Estatal Investigacion of Spain (AEI, RTI-2018-099592-B-C21), European Molecular Biology Organization (Installation Grant 3057), the Medical Research Council (MR/N010051/1), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (630731, 675007, 807281, 743640), and the Royal Society (URF\R\180019).

Editor's Note: Bernardes and co-authors Tiago Rodrigues and Joao Conde are co-founders of Targ.Tex S.A., a company that develops TRPV2 antagonists.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $8.9 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $496 million awarded in the 2020 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center--which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report--Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; and Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional facilities and enterprises include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Penn Medicine at Home, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, among others.

Penn Medicine is powered by a talented and dedicated workforce of more than 44,000 people. The organization also has alliances with top community health systems across both Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, creating more options for patients no matter where they live.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2020, Penn Medicine provided more than $563 million to benefit our community.
Clariant and Polygal's joint venture, Plantasens Biogum Tara, achieves lusciously smooth, spreadable natural leave-on creams with less stringiness, a pleasant feel and reliable stability compared to other natural rheology modifiers.

MUTTENZ, SWITZERLAND: Clariant and Polygal AG have joined forces to expand Personal Care formulators access to high-performing natural and readily biodegradable solutions for sensory and rheology modification.

The new partnership focuses on developing superior natural rheology modifiers to support brands in embracing consumer calls for skin care products with a smaller carbon footprint and good biodegradability.

This new partnership will be an exciting force in empowering natural cosmetic formulations. Renewable-based ingredients are key but effectiveness is crucial to their acceptance. With Polygal, we are looking forward to challenging common obstacles to formulating with naturals. Strengthening Clariants naturals portfolio over the coming years with plant-derived, readily biodegradable ingredients that combine excellent performance with superior sustainability. We want to equip formulators with both the inspiration and the tools to make the switch from synthetic formulation staples to naturals an easier step to take, said Fabio Caravieri, global marketing segment leader Personal Care at Clariant.

Polygal AG has wide-ranging, world-leading expertise in research and utilization of vegetable hydrocolloids and natural polymers in industrial and food applications. Our comprehensive portfolio successfully supports customers in keeping up with consumer trends. We are thrilled that through our partnership with Clariant and their expertise in skin care formulation, well help their teams explore and overcome barriers to the use of renewable, biodegradable raw materials in cosmetics, said Simon Diezi, technical director of Polygal AG.

The new partnership has already answered its first formulation challenge. Clariant expands its Plantasens naturals portfolio with ethical labels compatible Plantasens Biogum Tara, addressing the need for a better-performing natural rheology modifier. The new 100 percent Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and readily biodegradable rheology modifier, based on food industry ingredient Tara Gum, succeeds in elevating the consistency and texture effect possibilities of natural skin care formulations.

As per the statement released by the companies involved, it outperforms popular natural benchmarks through its thickening power and light, non-stringy texture to overcome traditional drawbacks of formulating with natural rheology modifiers. Plantasens Biogum Tara avoids the otherwise typical low viscosity, stringiness and unpleasant feel, achieving a superior smoothness in look, and a pleasant touch and application feel for natural leave-on skin care creams, lotions and masks.

Plantasens Biogum Tara supports formulators with a high-performing solution that not only meets the naturals trend but also ingredient reduction too, doing more with less. It is proven to thicken quickly at significantly lower dosage concentrations than with other natural rheology modifiers  up to 5 times higher viscosity at 1 percent use level compared directly to Xantham Gum  and formulation stability over a wide pH range is not compromised.

 Worldofchemicals News
The current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), underscores the importance of understanding the evolution of ribonucleic acid (RNA) genomes.

Scientists Zachary W. Kockler and Dmitry A. Gordenin, from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, USA, reviewed the current knowledge of key mechanisms and causes of RNA genome instability in a recent paper posted to the Preprints* server.

Mechanisms underlying instability of RNA virus genomes are important for better prediction of their evolution, new pathogen emergence, and the development of antiviral drugs.

Genetic variation (i.e., mutation and other types of genome instability) and natural selection are the two significant factors that interplay in creating a new species. It is known that the remarkably high instability levels of RNA genomes accelerate speciation - enabling us to witness evolution. However, this also presents a threat to the species hosting RNA viral genomes, including the ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2.

The reviewers draw attention to smart survival interplay of the viral RNA genome: 1) striving a balance between a stable genome, which is necessary for transmitting viable genetic material to progeny and to prevent the extinction of species, and 2) instances of genome instability, which are instrumental for accumulating beneficial variants to prepare a species to meet the challenges of ever-changing environments and allow for downstream evolution.

In fact, among all the biological species, the highest mutation rates per nucleotide are found in viruses. The instabilities in the RNA genomes could be due to special features of RNA genomes, RNA virus replication machinery, high selection pressure, and the susceptibility of viral RNA to environmental and/or endogenous lesions.

The reviewers note that these instabilities of RNA virus genomes should speed up their evolution; these insights are important now during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the RNA coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

How SARS-CoV-2 evolved to become transmissible between humans is not yet known, but a jump from an infected animal to humans would require the introduction of variants. This may happen through non-catastrophic events of genome instability to gain an evolutionary advantage, the researchers explain.

Simplified schematic of mutations accumulation in virus population. Mutations are identified by comparing a sequence of a viral isolate with a reference sequence (RefSeq). Positions in which mutations are found in at least one isolate are shown by rectangles. Blue rectangles are positions same as in RefSeq. g0  A genome of virus quasispecies starting a population that may already have some differences from RefSeq. g1  g9 rounds of replication generating additional mutations, which are numbered same as the generation in which a mutation event had occurred. Mutations occurring in later generations would be present in smaller fractions (reflected by the decreasing yellow color density) within the population. The entire set of independent mutation events would be described by the list in which every mutation is represented only once, regardless of the number of genomes where it is found. In this population, such a list is represented by the g9 genome.

The authors elaborate on the possible and likely sources of genome instability that generated the variants and highlight vital questions relating the RNA world to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, how these key variants were introduced remains unclear.

Under primordial conditions, the RNA in protocells can be a carrier of genetic information which continued through generations - the reviewers discussed different theories associated with this. They also hypothesized that the existing viral pathogens are the remnants of the protocells, though there is no evidence of this.

However, it seems plausible because they rely on cellular transcription and translation systems for the necessary proteins, even though most of the RNA viruses encode for some of their proteins.

The authors discuss the single-strand (includes positive and negative sense) and double-strand RNA virus genomes - these viruses being maintained differently requires different modes of replication.

The viral RNA genome rearrangements are possible because every time the RNA genomes replicate, errors are often introduced. This is repaired by viral recombination. They point out that if these recombination events include new beneficial genes, it may result in increased fitness of the virus. It is to be noted that such an increase in fitness can be a significant driver of evolution and may create new viral diseases.

The review paper also discusses the RNA replication errors that primarily depend on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The elaborated on the RdRps sequence variation effect on the replication fidelity and the RdRps replication fidelity impacts viral evolution.

Further, environmental and endogenous lesions also occur in viral genomic RNA and cellular RNA. These may be lost or may participate in recombination events. In the review, they also summarized the RNA base modification in a table. They detailed the base substitution mutagenesis in RNA viruses, summarizing that these events generate diversity that can lead to new viruses.

The advanced technologies currently available enables scientists to understand the RNA virus mechanistic processes. Single-molecule sequencing applied to RNA virome in the environment and single organisms, coupled with bioinformatics with metagenomics addresses intra-host variations and identifies the content of multispecies virome.

The paper emphasized the importance of studying the impact of RdRp misincorporation and proofreading on viral mutation rates. They also questioned: Are there RNA repair mechanisms besides AlkB direct reversal?

The scientists raised further important questions and compared technological applications that are anticipated in context to the SARS-CoV-2.

"Besides that, understanding biological and molecular mechanics that allows this group to flourish rather than be washed away with catastrophic error rates represents a fundamental question related to general mechanisms of evolution.

Overall, the paper presents a comprehensive review on the subject, peppered with valuable perspectives and concludes with insightful technical developments in this field.

*Important Notice

preprints publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
[April 21, 2021] DeFi Technologies and HIVE Blockchain Technologies Complete Share Exchange

TORONTO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJR) (OTC: RDNAF) is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated March 25, 2021, it has completed the share exchange transaction (the "Transaction") with HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd ("HIVE") (TSXV: HIVE) (OTCQX: HVBTF) (FSE: HBF). Pursuant to the Transaction, DeFi Technologies issued ten (10) million common shares of DeFi Technologies to HIVE in exchange for four (4) million common shares of HIVE. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Transaction and all securities issued under the Transaction are subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period. In addition to the Transaction, HIVE and DeFi Technologies have created a partnership surrounding the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem with specific applications around Ethereum and Miner Extractable Value (MEV). The new partnership, which follows three months of discussions, will enable HIVE with a strategic stake in DeFi Technologies and a broader partnership surrounding the DeFi ecosystem with a specific focus on the Ethereum based MEV space and developments surrounding it. MEV refers to the amount of profit miners can extract from reordering and censoring transactions on the blockchain. It has become an important issue over the past year as the DeFi space has grown from US$3B to US$71B in market capitalization. Of the $347.3M of Extracted MEV, 88% comes from DeFi activities (see graph below). As can be seen from data by Coin Metrics, over half of all ETH miner revenue currently comes from transaction fees. By partnering together to take on these activities, individuals get a more capital efficient market to play in, while distributing greater returns to miners for acting more altruistically.





Source: Flashbots.net The DeFi sector has appreciated dramatically since 2020 and has reached a tipping point with institutional investors and large enterprises showing increased interest in the decentralised finance sector. In Q3 2020, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published guidance clarifying national banks can provide services to stablecoin issuers in the U.S. This and other interest from venture capital and financial institutions in the decentralized finance sector is a major step in widespread adoption of DeFi. This new strategic partnership presents a significant opportunity to create more value per deployed mining infrastructure for HIVE by leveraging MEV applications. For DeFi Technologies, the partnership gives exposure to one of the largest miners of Ethereum, which is the backbone on which DeFi applications are built and thus serves as a critical component supporting the sector. About DeFi Technologies: DeFi Technologies Inc. is a Canadian company that carries on business with the objective of enhancing shareholder value through building and managing assets in the decentralized finance sector. About HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. is a growth oriented, TSX.V-listed company building a bridge from the blockchain sector to traditional capital markets. HIVE owns state-of-the-art green energy-powered data centre facilities in Canada, Sweden, and Iceland which produce newly minted digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum continuously on the cloud. Our deployments provide shareholders with exposure to the operating margins of digital currency mining as well as a portfolio of crypto-coins. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Transaction, the strategic partnership with HIVE and the potential for synergies and growth as a result of the partnership; the pursuit by DeFi Technologies of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. THE NEO STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defi-technologies-and-hive-blockchain-technologies-complete-share-exchange-301273445.html SOURCE DeFi Technologies, Inc.

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President Vladimir Putin warned foreign rivals on Wednesday against crossing the red line with Russia, as he gave a key speech amid deep tensions with the West and arrests of opposition protesters.

Addressing lawmakers and senior officials in his annual state of the nation address, Putin said Russia would respond swiftly and harshly to moves against its interests and condemned what he said had been a coup attempt in ally Belarus.

The organisers of any provocations threatening the fundamental interests of our security will regret their deeds, more than they have regretted anything in a long time, Putin said.

He hailed Russias battle against the coronavirus and development of vaccines and, with parliamentary elections due later this year, announced a raft of populist social spending measures.

As Putin spoke, protesters gathered for a series of nationwide demonstrations called in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is on hunger strike in a Russian penal colony.

Several thousand people gathered in parts of eastern Russia ahead of evening demonstrations in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, with police moving quickly to make arrests, including of two of Navalnys key aides.

Putin unsurprisingly made no mention of Navalny in his speech  he has always refused to use the name of his most prominent opponent.

 New kind of sport 

He did however hit out at rivals abroad, with Moscow and Western capitals at loggerheads over Navalny, a Russian troop build-up on Ukraines borders and a series of espionage scandals that resulted in diplomatic expulsions.

Putin said it had become a new kind of sport in some foreign capitals to blame Russia for anything.

He said Russia wanted good relations with everyone, but warned of an asymmetrical, swift and harsh response if that was seen as a weakness.

I hope that no one will think of crossing the red line in relation to Russia. And where it will be  we will determine that ourselves, Putin said.

 Belarus coup attempt 

Putin also backed claims by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that his security services had thwarted an alleged US plot to assassinate him, suggesting there had been a coup attempt and accusing the West of pretending that nothing is happening.

Putin is due to meet Lukashenko  who has faced down historic protests since a disputed re-election last summer  in Moscow on Thursday, amid speculation of a major announcement on Russias policy towards its ex-Soviet neighbour and ally.

Putin began his speech by hailing the countrys response to the Covid-19 pandemic, describing Russias development of three vaccines as a real breakthrough and saying the country was aiming for herd immunity by autumn.

Much of the address was devoted to new social spending, as Putin looked to shore up support for his deeply unpopular United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections in September.

The main thing is to ensure the growth of citizens real incomes, he said, announcing new financial support schemes for families.

Navalnys supporters were hoping to steal Putins thunder on Wednesday with a series of mass protests starting from 7 pm in cities across the country.

Demonstrations took place in cities including Vladivostok in the Far East, and Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Tomsk in Siberia.

OVD Info, an NGO that tracks arrests at opposition rallies, said at least 198 people had been detained across the country.

Security was tight in Moscow, where Navalny ally Lyubov Sobol and his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh were detained in the morning.

 Fears for Navalnys life 

Navalnys team called for the demonstrations to coincide with Putins speech, after the opposition figures doctors said he was suffering from a range of ailments in prison and could die at any minute.

Navalny was detained when he returned to Russia in January after months recovering in Germany from a near-fatal nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin  an accusation it rejects.

He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years on old fraud charges his supporters say were politically motivated and has been serving time in a penal colony about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Moscow.

His health has been failing since he launched a hunger strike three weeks ago.

The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on Russia over Navalnys poisoning, and on Monday threatened Moscow with further penalties in the event of his death.

During his speech last year, Putin set out a series of constitutional reforms that were eventually approved in a referendum and reset presidential terms so he could run twice more after the end of his current six-year term.

SOURCE: AFP / TOE
Around the country, as celebrations erupted Tuesday after Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, those on the front lines of fighting for racial justice said the verdict represents a likely boon for the movement, an impetus for systemic change on par with major events of the 1960s.

This is our Selma moment, NAACP President Derrick Johnson said, citing the event in which Alabama marchers headed to the state Capitol in Montgomery were attacked by state troopers with nightsticks and tear gas, an incident that sparked passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Floyds death last year, along with the killing of Breonna Taylor, led to a national reckoning on race that in Tuesdays verdict marked a moment of catharsis for a country wracked by division. A jury found Chauvin, 45, guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The moment, Johnson said, has the potential to galvanize support for the George Floyd Police Reform Act, a 2020 measure targeting misconduct, excessive force and racial bias in policing.

This should be a catalyst, Johnson said. It is an opportunity for Congress to do whats necessary to make sure our communities can have trust in police agencies and feel safe.

President Joe Biden said the decision could be a moment of significant change, calling for passage of the reform bill.

For some, the verdicts felt empowering and vindicating  a reassurance that the activism they devoted themselves to had been worthwhile, even as they had had their occasional doubts.

Derek Chauvin trial: Across the USA, cheers fill city streets after Derek Chauvin is convicted in the death of George Floyd

Sometimes it felt like we were even smaller than a David facing Goliath, said Melina Abdullah, co-director of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. There were times when wed demonstrate, and thered be, like, five of us, and we felt like it might be insurmountable. But what the last year has taught me is that there are moments of awakening where the entire world wakes up.

Story continues

As she watched the verdict at home with her kids, Abdullah said, her emotions took her by surprise: not just relief and elation, but a sense of faith in the people who helped make it possible.

Its an affirmation of the work thats been put in over the last year, she said. Since the moment George Floyds life was stolen, people have taken to the streets and issued demands, and what we have seen in this moment is that that bears fruit, that organizing works. We can not only reform but transform the system.

Brianna Raine, left, and her mother, Marvalyn, both of Chicago, embrace outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis immediately after the verdict was announced April 20.

As the news broke in New York Citys Union Square, Chivona Newsome, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York, had a similar reaction.

It used to feel hopeless, she said. But the George Floyd movement solidified everything I believe: that the power truly belongs to the people. To every single activist, anyone who went to a rally or blacked out their social media: Know that you are powerful.

Cries of Guilty! Guilty! swelled around her as she spoke.

Today, a Black life truly mattered, Newsome said. It showed the police that they cant go on killing, that they can no longer hide behind a badge.

In Rhode Island, Ray Rickman watched from his couch and waited for that very long hour before the verdict was read, frightened the jury would serve up a half-serving of justice and fail to convict Chauvin of the most serious charge of second-degree murder.

'We are able to breathe again': George Floyd's family relieved, thankful for guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin.

And when the judge read it  guilty  I got tears in my eyes, said Rickman, executive director of Stages of Freedom, an organization supporting Black youth through cultural activities in Providence, Rhode Island. This is an individual going to jail, but the truth is that this is a blessing for the nation. Weve seen this a hundred times  police dont get indicted, much less go to trial.

Rickman said the decision represents a small but consequential rupture in the proverbial Blue Line that cuts through a broken criminal justice system.

I believe the American people have been educated that its not OK for cops to kill someone just because they feel like it, Rickman said. And thats what George Floyd has done for us.

Adi Armour, 50, cries watching the verdict being read on CNN on April 20 in Milwaukee. Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd's death.

The real victory here is not the incarceration of Derek Chauvin, said Donna Murch, an associate professor of history at Rutgers University. Putting another person in a cage is not how we change the world. But stopping the killings of Black people with complete impunity, saying that Black lives matter  this sends that signal.

For Cephus Uncle Bobby Johnson, whose 22-year-old nephew, Oscar Grant, was killed in 2009 by a Bay Area Rapid Transit officer who said he mistook his gun for his Taser, the moment was in many ways a release.

Oh man, I was full of emotions, said Johnson, who helped found the Love Not Blood Campaign, an agency that advocates for police changes in Oakland, California, after Grant's death. Im extremely glad that it came down the way it came down, and Im hopeful that some changes are finally beginning to take place.

Related: What are the odds Derek Chauvin is successful in appeal of guilty verdict in George Floyd murder?

A not guilty verdict, he said, would have prolonged the implosion of a nation he sees divided among racial lines.

Theres a lot of pain that Black people have been enduring for years without feeling that justice was done, he said. This allows people to take a breath and have some hope that maybe the tide is turning, that police officers who witness this will act in a more conscionable way. But we still have a way to go.

'We still have a lot of fighting to do'

Activists and leaders cautioned that the path toward racial justice remains long.

This gives us some hope for the movement, said Utah state Rep.Sandra Hollins, a Democrat. But we still have a lot of fighting to do. Theres still a number of people out there who are hashtags, who need justice.

Hollins, Utahs first Black female representative, watched the verdict from her kitchen table with her husband and daughter, so overcome at the outcome that she teared up, her anxiety over the case relieved. She sponsored a state bill in 2018 to remove references to slavery from the constitution, an effort that intensified as protests raged around the country last summer and passed overwhelmingly as a ballot measure in November.

The events of the past year, though difficult, she said, have filled her with hope as shes seen youths embrace activism and political action. Tuesdays verdict, she said, can only help the effort.

Young people are contacting me, wanting to talk policy change, Hollins said. This movement has grown and turned into more than just a moment. We have seen people across all cultural and racial lines come together and say, Enough. What has been happening can no longer happen.

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, activist Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, a member and leader of the Movement for Black Lives, said that although she was glad the justice system finally functioned as it was meant to, she felt an overwhelming sense of grief.

What justice should have looked like was George Floyd not being murdered in the first place, she said. Its not just putting away one bad apple when we know the system is rotten to the core.

That means much work still lies ahead, Henderson said.

We have a racist and unjust system," she said. "Police continue to harm our communities, using tear gas on peaceful protesters, and without systemic change, were bound to repeat the cycle again.

That isnt possible, she said, when Congress is pushing 1990s band-aid solutions to 2020 problems. We have to divest from policing and invest in healthy, equitable communities.

Rashad Robinson, president of New York racial justice organization Color of Change, said activists and leaders need to hold accountable the corporations that in the fervor of last summer pledged to change how they operate and to make sure lawmakers go beyond speechmaking to pass meaningful legislation.

The work ahead is about the structural changes necessary to deal with a racist and corrupt system of policing that had us all worried that what we saw with our own eyes would still not lead to accountability, Robinson said.

Domingo Garcia, national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said he hopes the victory inspires Congress and state legislatures to enact uniform police training and procedures and to eliminate institutional racism.

George Floyds screams were really screams for police reform, so I hope this sends a strong message that its time, Garcia said. Hopefully every police officer in America knows that youre just one video away from ending up like this.

John Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, said racial justice proponents need to continue not only to recognize white supremacist elements of society but to call them out.

We have to work hard to dismantle that, Yang said. And its important to name that in the struggle for racial justice. Sometimes were too fearful of using certain terms, and in this moment, we have to be more bold.

Murch, the Rutgers University professor, said the verdict is important for her and her generation, born in the late 1960s at the tail end of the civil rights movement, as one of very few civil rights victories that they've experienced.

Dig deeper on race and identity: Subscribe to This Is America, USA TODAY's newsletter

Maybe the election of Barack Obama, though thats complicated by his legacy, she said. But this is on that scale. It points toward the United States not being impervious to protest.

Because nothing builds momentum like victories, she said, she hopes this is just the start.

Its not just, Oh, Chauvin is going to jail, everybody can go home now, she said. This is going to empower people to fight for more structural change, stopping the mass criminalization of Black and brown men. It will inspire people to take on more intractable problems.

Thats why, she said, she found herself so moved by the verdict and filled with pride for the country.

It showed the power of organizing and mass mobilization, Murch said. Those 16 to 25 million people who went out into the streets, I firmly believe thats why we have this verdict. The work done by prison abolitionists, by Black Lives Matter, the Dream Defenders, all these many organizations, this is what made those protests possible. Thats what made the change.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chauvin verdict fuels racial justice movement, BLM activism
In this role, Tang will oversee the company's global markets, including efforts to drive consumer growth and loyalty and create opportunity and empowerment for brand affiliates and sales leaders. She will also lead a dedicated CX Team, integrated across the company's markets and business functions to create a globally aligned customer experience that impacts every customer touchpoint.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented leader join our team," said Ryan Napierski, president and CEO-elect. "I have known Connie for many years and am confident that her skills, experience and reputation in beauty and wellness are perfectly aligned with our vision and strategy. Throughout her career, Connie has focused on the needs of the customer first, driven transformative digital customer experiences and led global growth and expansion. She has long been an advocate and prominent thought leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, which will be a significant addition to our Nu Skin team. On top of all that, perhaps her most valuable attribute is her ability to inspire and lead others toward greatness."

About Connie Tang

Tang has spent the majority of her career in both the beauty and direct selling industries including executive management positions such as vice president of special markets at BeautiControl, president of the U.S. division of JAFRA cosmetics and president & CEO of Princess House along with board positions at several other companies. She was born in Hong Kong, raised in New York City and is fluent in Cantonese, Spanish and English.

Tang has served as an inspiration to many women around the world, mentoring women at all professional levels, from company founders to corporate executives. She was named one of the Top 50 Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Development Center and is a five-time recipient of the Top 100 Women-led Businesses in Massachusetts as well as a four-time honoree as one of The Most Influential Women in Direct Sales by Direct Selling News.

About Nu Skin

Founded more than 35 years ago, Nu Skin develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. The ageLOC brand has generated a loyal following for such products as the ageLOC LumiSpa skin cleansing and treatment device, ageLOC Youth nutritional supplement, the ageLOC Me customized skin care system, as well as the ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping system. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin International is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (NYSE: NUS). More information is available at nuskin.com.

Nu Skin Social Media Channels

fb.com/nuskin twitter.com/nuskin instagram.com/nuskin fb.com/ForceForGood

SOURCE Nu Skin
Yanbu Cement provides update on line modernisation

21 April 2021

Saudi Arabia-based Yanbu Cement Co has delivered an updated related to its project which required the shutdown of its fourth line in February.



The line modernisation has reached 90 per cent completion, but the projects expected 60-day timeline has been affected by a delay in receiving spare parts. The company has stated that the financial impact will be limited to the increase in production costs incurred since the shutdown date.



Sales are not expected to be impacted due to its sufficient supply of clinker stocks.

Published under
Nepals former King Gyanendra Shah and former Queen Komal Shah have tested positive for the coronavirus on their return from India after participating in the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, according to a media report on Tuesday. The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwars Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh -- a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, according to the Health Ministry.

Their samples for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test were confirmed positive for the COVID-19 infection, The Himalayan Times reported. According to the report, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home.

Contact tracing initiated

The authorities have also initiated a contact tracing to test anyone who came in contact with the royal couple. Shah was crowned as the king of Nepal in 2001 after his elder brother Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and his family were killed in a massacre at the Royal Palace. An investigation blamed Birendra''s son Dipendra, who was among the dead, for the massacre.

Shah stepped down in 2008 after a popular revolt forced him to abdicate, and the centuries-old monarchy was abolished, turning the country into a republic by the Constituent Assembly. He became deeply unpopular when he seized direct control of the nation in 2005, claiming mainstream parties had failed to tackle the deadly Maoist insurgency.

He has kept a low profile and has occasionally made public appearances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week appealed to the sadhus to observe the remaining duration of the Kumbh only in a symbolic manner in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Maha Kumbh formally began in Haridwar on April 1 with several restrictions imposed on devotees coming to attend the event amid rising cases of COVID-19 in various states including Uttarakhand. A negative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test report not older than 72 hours before arrival was made mandatory for devotees gathering for the event.

It was for the first time in the history of the grand religious congregation held on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar once in 12 years that its duration was curtailed to just one month due to the pandemic. In normal circumstances, the Maha Kumbh is held for nearly four months. Its last edition was held in Haridwar from January 14 to April 28 in 2010.

(Image credits: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Singapore: Indonesias military chief says the country has asked the Australian Defence Force to try to help locate a submarine that went missing north of Bali with 53 sailors on board.

Contact was lost with the German-built submarine early on Wednesday morning after it undertook a torpedo training exercise about 100 kilometres north of Bali.

The KRI Nanggala-402 submarine - pictured during a naval drill in 2017 - is missing north of Bali. Credit:AP

An oil spill was discovered during aerial surveillance of the area several hours after the vessel disappeared.

Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, the commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that Indonesia had requested assistance from Australia and Singapore in an effort to find the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine, which is feared sunk.
News:

An activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was brutally attacked by miscreants in Keralas Kannur a few hours after Vengara assembly bypoll results were declared on Sunday.

The Kerala BJP unit has claimed that the attack was carried out by Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI-M suuporters, at Muzhuppilangad near Thalassery in the politically volatile Kannur district of Kerala.

Police has identified the victim as 28-year-old Nidesh.

His condition is critical. The injured has been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College hospital. The RSS cadre has suffered injuries on his hands and legs, police said.

Kannur is the home district of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The district has a history of political violence between the CPI-M and BJP party workers.

According to police records 44 BJP party-workers have been killed since 2000 in the district. While, CPI-M has lost 45 cadres in the same period due to the political killings.

BJP earlier this month had taken out a rally Jan Raksha Yatra claiming to create awareness among people of Kerala against 'red terror'.

On the first day of Jan Rakhsha Yatra BJP President Amit Shah had said that If they dont come forward, the ruling party CPI (M) would continue political murders in Kerala.

Amit Shad then had said 13 workers have been brutally murdered in a short span of time.

We chose Kannur as most of the political murders took here, Shad had said.
'Captured alive on May 8, killed on May 17 in alleged clash with Sabah police' FIVE ABU Sayyaf terrorists were killed following an a...
Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-founder, Newton School recently joined NewsX for a special conversation as part of NewsX India A-List. Newton School aspires to provide affordable education that is in line with industry standards, so that its students can be quickly absorbed into the system and contribute to an organisations success from the start.

Speaking about the inception of Newton School, Siddharth Maheshwari said, We started Newton school around October 2019. Me and our co-founder Nishan, are friends from our IIT Roorkee days. We have been passionate about education since then. Nishan, in fact, is so passionate about education, that he left his, very lucrative, consulting job after his MBA from IIM Calcutta to join Unacademy as an intern. Just because it was in the education space. We did a startup together before Newton School, where we got a chance to talk to hundreds of students across India. During this time, we realised that while the students are really motivated, they lacked the skills, which are actually required by the industry. On the one side, there are millions of students who want to get into the industry and get into high paying jobs and, on the other side, there are hundreds and thousands of jobs that are like lying vacant in the industry side. There is a very big gap. The industry is not able to hire these students because they do not have the skills. Thats why we decided to fill this gap up.

When asked about how Newton School is bridging the gap between industry and students, he responded, We talk to hundreds of people in the industry, from software developers, CTOs to founders. We have designed a curriculum that suits the industry completely and is designed in such a way that a student, who joins an industry, is able to contribute from Day 1. That is how we have able to design a curriculum that is completely geared towards the industry.

Read More: Shahpura Hotels & Resorts is known for providing heritage with luxury: Digraj Singh Shahpura

Talking about the competition in the education space, Siddharth said, I think that education is such a big market in India and it is completely underserved so there is a supply constraint. There are not enough companies in this space. On the other side, we have a very strong USP, in the sense that we basically do not charge our students anything upfront. We are so sure about our curriculum and our education that we only charge students once they get into the industry at a job of at least five lakh per annum and that makes us really stand out in the industry. No one else in the industry is following a model like that. This has allowed us to keep our marketing costs to zero and has also allowed us to get you the best and most motivated students to study and become the best developers.

He further emphasised that the students of Newton School are working with more than 175 companies, including top MNCs. Our students are contributing to pretty much every sector. In fact, our students recently also got into the top media organisations in the tech role. Our students, you can say, today are contributing in every sector of the economy.

Underlining the courses offered at Newton School, Siddharth said, We have primarily three courses. One is a course, which is designed for those who are in the final years of their undergraduate. It can be any kind of undergraduate, could be a BTech, it could be a bachelors in art. We offer a minimum guarantee of five lakhs per annum, that is, you pick up a course which is completely online. It will range from four months to eight months, so this particular course that Im talking about is six months long, where we teach students to be full-stack developers.

Before signing off, Siddharth highlighted the companys vision and future plans and said, Most of the top leaders, especially in the tech sector, are from colleges like IITs. Our vision is to make sure that people from tier two, tier three colleges also get into the industry and, in some years, become the industry leaders, become the founders and become the CTOs

So, as an entrepreneur, its really important to understand your users better and know your users inside out, to be able to think like them, empathise with them a lot. If you understand your users really well then you understand their problems. You understand how to solve it for them and understand every small detail about it. What I say is, for every company, it is very important to be obsessed with your users, he added.
El Nino

The 3,800 metre drill campaign completed in 2020 from underground drilling stations demonstrated the ability to extend mine life at depth with numerous high grade intercepts (previously released) including 26.76 g/t Au across 18.3 m, 17.11 g/t Au across 39.6 m and 5.73 g/t Au across 100.6 m. Additional highlight results from new results received from the 2020 program are provided below. Following up on the success of this drill program, more than 8,000 meters of exploration drilling are planned in 2021 focused on extending mineralization further down dip at the Lower El Nino and Cloud Nine targets.

Highlight assay results for previously unreleased intercepts from the 2020 drill program include:

19.8 m of 12.20 g/t Au (SEC20012)

(SEC20012) 29.0 m of 6.20 g/t Au (SEC20014)

(SEC20014) 25.9 m of 14.05 g/t Au (SEC20015)

Development of a ramp to access the deeper mineralization is under way and is expected to be completed in Q1 2023. Production of orebodies accessed from the ramp is expected to begin in Q2 2022.

Phase 1

More than 3,500 metres of drilling was completed on the near surface portion of the planned Phase 1 open pit to increase confidence in the ore reserves and upgrade mineral resources. This drilling returned higher than expected grade-thicknesses and Barrick has moved heap leach material from Phase 1 into their yearend 2020 mineral reserves. In 2021, the joint venture plans to complete further metallurgical work in advance of mine construction.

Phase 3

2020 drilling completed in the Phase 3 project area also returned favorable results and the joint venture partners have commenced trade-off studies to optimize the economics of the project as an underground versus open pit project, or a combination scenario. Initial work on the underground option has been encouraging and 3,500 metres of exploration drilling is planned to test the Hendrix target located between the El Nino and Phase 3 deposits.

"El Nino continues to deliver excellent results as demonstrated by the latest intercepts of our 2020 drill campaign. Multiple holes intersected zones of impressive grade over a mineable width", stated Matt Gili, President and COO of i-80 Gold. "We expect to see these results incorporated into an updated mineral resource model expected later in 2021. The deposit remains open at depth and along strike".

Figure 1  El Nino isometric view  Drilling from underground platforms

Table 1  New 2020 Drill Results from El Nino Hole ID Type From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (g/t Au) Length (ft) Grade (oz/ton Au) SEC20012 Core 108.2 128.0 19.8 12.20 65 0.356 SEC20014 Core 76.2 105.2 29.0 6.20 95 0.181 SEC20015 Core 53.3 79.2 25.9 14.05 85 0.410 Table 2  Collar Coordinates UTM Project Hole ID North m East m Elevation m Azimuth Dip Nad83 Zone 11 El Nino SEC20012 4543500 549513 1479 294 -79 El Nino SEC20014 4543509 549451 1483 031 -83 El Nino SEC20015 4543510 549452 1483 303 -77





























About i-80 Gold Corp.

i-80 Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status. In addition to its producing mine, El Nino at South Arturo, i-80 is beginning to plan for future production growth through the potential addition of the Phases 1 & 3 projects at South Arturo and advancing the development of the Company's Getchell and McCoy-Cove Projects.

Qualified Person

Tim George, PE, Manager of Engineering Services, is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. The primary assay laboratories for the South Arturo Mine are ALS Minerals and American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada. For a complete description of sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, refer to the technical report dated January 25, 2021 (effective date December 1, 2020), titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the South Arturo Mine, Elko County, NV" located on i-80's website and at www.sedar.com.

Abbreviations used in this press release are available by following this link (click here).



Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, commencement of trading of i-80 Gold on the Toronto Stock Exchange and completion of the acquisition of the Getchell Project. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp

Related Links

www.i80gold.com


Richmond: A prominent Republican candidate for Virginia governor said the guilty verdicts against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin this week made her sick and that jurors didnt acquit because they feared a violent backlash.

Friends, todays verdict makes me sick, state Senator Amanda Chase of Chesterfield told a gathering in King William County, Virginia on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) _shortly after a jury found Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.

Virginia state Senator Amanda Chase. Credit:AP

I am so concerned about our law enforcement right now quitting. And you should be, too.

Her comments, captured in a video she posted to Facebook, drew rebukes from state and national Democratic groups. American Bridge 21st Century, a liberal super PAC, circulated video of the remarks on Twitter, drawing about 150,000 views.
[April 21, 2021] BlackNorth Initiative Applauds Federal Budget Investments Into Black Communities

The BlackNorth Initiative welcomed several investments and commitments in the 2021 Federal Budget presented by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. It represents an acknowledgement of the work that needs to be done and proposed concrete investments to start addressing issues critical to Black Canadians and the communities where they live. The government's $30 billion commitment to childcare is transformational and will give working mothers, particularly those of colour, more support and pathways to success in today's economy. The additional investments and changes in Black community support programs, enhanced collection of race-based data, public service recruitment, mental health supports, and Black entrepreneurialism are sorely needed. "We are pleased with these investments and look forward to Black community-led organizations working closely with the federal government to roll-ou and execute on these investments." said Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, Executive Director of the BlackNorth Initiative. "The Canadian Coalition of Black Communities, comprised of over 220 Black-led organizations, came together to advocate for more support from government. This success shows what we can do when working together."



Specifically, BlackNorth would like to highlight the following initiatives: $200 million in 2021-22 to Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a new Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, which will be led by Black Canadians, to help combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes. $100 million in 2021-22 to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative at Employment and Social Development Canada. Amendments to the Public Service Employment Act to affirm the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce and avoid biases and barriers in hiring. An additional $51.7 million over four years, starting in 2021-22, for the Black Entrepreneurship Program. The commitment of both the private and public sector are critical to our efforts in dismantling anti-Black systemic racism in Canada. Budget 2021 signals a significant commitment in the beginning of this journey.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005776/en/

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[April 21, 2021] Basilea shareholders approve all proposals of the board of directors at the annual general meeting

Basel, Switzerland, April 21, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) reported today that shareholders approved all proposals of the board of directors at todays annual general meeting (AGM) for the financial year 2020. In accordance with the ordinance issued by the Swiss Federal Council (COVID-19 Ordinance 3, extended until December 31, 2021) and the protective measures against the coronavirus that currently apply, the board of directors of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. had decided to hold the AGM 2021 without the physical presence of shareholders. Accordingly, shareholders exercised their voting rights exclusively via the independent proxy. At the AGM, a total of 3,997,434 shareholder votes, equivalent to 30.9 percent of the share capital and 53.5 percent of the shares entitled to vote, were represented by the independent proxy. Domenico Scala, Chairman, commented: We thank our shareholders for the broad support of the proposed motions. We regret that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we again had to run our AGM without the physical presence of shareholders, but hope that we will be able to hold the AGM 2022 under normal circumstances and again welcome our shareholders in person. At the AGM, the shareholders approved the annual report, the financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2020. They also endorsed carrying forward the accumulated deficit and approved the discharge of the members of the board of directors and the management committee. Domenico Scala was re-elected as Chairman and Dr. Martin Nicklasson, Dr. Nicole Onetto, Ronald Scott, Steven D. Skolsky and Dr. Thomas Werner were re-elected as members of the board of directors. In addition, Dr. Nicklasson and Dr. Werner were re-elected and Dr. Onetto was newly elected to the compensation committee. The term of all board members lasts until the end of the AGM 2022. The shareholders also approved the proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the board of directors for the period to the AGM 2022, and the maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the management committee for the financial year 2022. In a non-binding advisory vote, the shareholders endorsed the comensation report for the financial year 2020.



The shareholders also approved the proposed amendment of the articles of association to renew the authorization of the board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum of CHF 1000000.-- by issuing a maximum of 1000000 registered shares having a nominal value of CHF 1.-- each until April 2023. Finally, the shareholders re-elected Dr. Caroline Cron as independent proxy until the end of the next AGM and re-elected PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd, Basel, as auditors for the financial year 2021.

At the time of the AGM, 64.9 percent of the share capital were registered in Basileas share register. About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. Attachment Press release (PDF)



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[April 21, 2021] FiVerity Launches New Cyber Fraud Intelligence Webinar Series to Educate Financial Services Industry About Emerging Cyber Fraud Threats and Ways to Fight Them

FiVerity, Inc., a leading provider of cyber fraud detection and threat intelligence, announced today that it is launching a new, cyber fraud-focused webinar series specifically designed for executives and operational leaders at banks, credit unions, and credit card processors. The Cyber Fraud Intelligence Series will help attendees to understand and adapt to emerging, identity-based and fraud-driven cyber threats. Each of the series' sessions will feature industry experts and leaders who are at the forefront in the battle against cyber fraud. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005894/en/ Cyber Fraud Intelligence Webinar Series - sponsored by FiVerity (Photo: Business Wire) The first session will feature an interview with Carole House, a cyber security and emerging technology policy expert formerly with the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This inaugural session of this new series is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27th at 2 PM (ET). Cyber Fraud on the Rise: Industry and Government Collaborate to Educate Market on Rising Threat

One of the biggest operational risks facing financial institutions today is the rise of sythetic identity fraud (SIF). The Federal Reserve has reported that traditional fraud detection models failed to flag as much as 85 percent of potential (SIF) applicants. To combat the growing problem, earlier this month the Federal Reserve announced an industry-standard definition for synthetic identity fraud (SIF), developed by a focus group of fraud experts in response to the widespread issue.



"Industry and government have to collaborate to bring greater awareness and help better educate the industry on the rise of sophisticated cyber fraud. As a top provider of machine learning-based cyber fraud solutions, we're able to bring together the best and most knowledgeable people from industry, government regulators, and law enforcement to address this tough issue," said Greg Woolf, founder and CEO of FiVerity. "These cyber fraud schemes were rising steadily before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has only made the situation worse. Now is the time for industry leaders to gain a clearer picture of what they're up against, and to arm themselves with more effective defenses. Our webinar series will highlight a path they can take to achieve those goals." FiVerity is partnering with the renowned financial services strategic consulting firm, Sievewright & Associates to produce the online sessions. Mark Sievewright, the company's founder and CEO, will host the first session of the series. Sievewright is a financial services industry veteran, recognized thought leader, credit union expert. In his more than 30 years of experience, Sievewright has held senior positions at HSBC, MasterCard (News - Alert) International, Payment Systems Inc., TowerGroup, and Fiserv where he served as president of the company's Credit Union Solutions division. In addition, Sievewright has joined FiVerity's Advisory Board.

"There's a virtual gold rush to digital going on right now among banks, credit unions, and other retail credit providers," said Mark Sievewright. "They're re-imagining how they do business with always-connected members. Being among the first to get it right pays huge dividends, so the competitive pressure is intense. But underestimating these cyber fraud threats can be an Achilles heel for any of these firms. The Cyber Fraud Intelligence Series launching this month with FinCEN provides new and compelling information that will help these organizations to avoid the operational and reputational problems these threats can cause." About FiVerity

FiVerity, Inc., is a groundbreaking cyber fraud detection company, utilizing machine learning and secure identity management to prevent sophisticated forms of cyber fraud. The company's SynthID platform is focused on thwarting cyber fraud threats at financial institutions in real time, including synthetic identity fraud (SIF), one of the fastest-growing financial crimes. FiVerity delivers actionable, proactive threat intelligence to banks, credit unions, and credit card providers helping strengthen and scale their consumer lending, customer onboarding and payments processes. For more information, visit http://www.fiverity.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005894/en/

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The government has been accused of wasting taxpayers money after a multinational company headquartered in Dubai was paid 38.4m for a test and trace contract that was dropped soon after it had been awarded.

Ecolog International, which offers supply chain services in a number of industries, was originally approached last summer to help the UK meet its testing targets.

The government issued a letter of intent (LOI) with Ecolog in September 2020, with the company due to provide laboratory units to provide diagnostic testing for Covid-19 to meet targets for numbers of tests performed.

An LOI is a written agreement under the terms of which a supplier will start to conduct certain work for a buyer  such as a private business or government  before a final contract is signed.

However, according to an award notice published on 23 April on the governments contracts finder website, the decision was later made to cancel the arrangement  which was formally ended on 24 March  and reimburse Ecolog for costs incurred.

The company, which provides services in almost 20 countries, was handed 38.4m for equipment that it had already delivered to the UK, laboratory tests that had been undertaken pending the execution of the contract and mobilisation costs.

It is not known whether the 38.4m figure covered the original costs agreed between the two parties on top of the reimbursement fees that were paid out by the government.

An NHS head of procurement, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he suspected the government made upfront purchases for equipment and services that it didnt later require, some of which were never delivered by Ecolog.

38m of taxpayers money was just wasted, he told The Independent. Sloshed up the wall by very poor programme management and contracting.

Looks like they gave a letter of intent to Ecolog, to cover upfront purchases which were then not needed. They gave 38m to a company which they then didnt bother using, and at taxpayers expense.

It is not known which of the services provided by Ecolog were integrated fully into the UKs test and trace system, while the Department of Health and Social Care has refused to explain why it chose not to proceed in negotiating a finalised contract with the company.

It said it cannot provide specific breakdowns of government contracts and costs, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Ecolog was awarded the preliminary contract without prior publication of a call for competition, the DHSC said.

38m of taxpayers money was just wasted. Sloshed up the wall by very poor programme management and contracting NHS procurement head

It said: There was undoubtedly a risk to public health and DHSC was reacting to a global emergency that was changing on a daily basis.

The need for the tests was immediate, with scientific forecasts at the time warning of daily cases of Covid-19 rising to as many as 50,000 per day in the coming weeks.

Throughout the pandemic, many contracts have been awarded without competition, some of which have been handed to companies with links to government ministers, leading to allegations of cronyism.

Critics have asked why such an approach was still being taken, six months into the pandemic, with regard to the procurement of test and trace services.

Labour said it was another example of outrageous waste from a government that has completely lost a grip of the public finances.

Shadow health minister Justin Madders told The Independent: This contract was signed more than six months into the pandemic, so the government has no excuse that they didnt know what they were getting into.

This contract was signed more than six months into the pandemic so the government has no excuse that they didnt know what they were getting into Justin Madders, shadow health minister

Ministers need to urgently explain what this contract was for, who authorised it and and why it was cancelled almost straight away.

The NHS procurement source also questioned the governments decision to engage with Ecolog via a letter of intent, which is generally seen as a high-risk mechanism within the procurement industry.

If used properly, an LOI can be a useful solution where two parties are still concluding contract negotiations but certain work or services are required immediately. However, failure to make the terms clear can lead to uncertainty and expose those involved to risk.

In the very rare circumstance we need to issue a letter of intent, we always minimise our commercial and delivery risk prior to signing the final agreed contract, the source said.

I find it extraordinary that the buyers  the government  allowed themselves to be exposed to many millions in costs if the supplier successfully claimed the letter was a binding, contractual commitment.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, 5m project to conserve York Minsters South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2021 Dark rain clouds above an oast house at Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst in Kent during one of the rainiest Mays on record, with the UK seeing 131 per cent of the usual months rainfall already PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2021 The Premier League trophy with the Manchester City club colour ribbons on, at Etihad Stadium, prior to the last Premier League match of the season. City will finally pick up the trophy after they won the league on 11 May Getty UK news in pictures 22 May 2021 Gary Kenny lifts the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy after Warrington Rylands won the FA Vase Final against Binfield at Wembley Stadium Getty UK news in pictures 21 May 2021 A family buffeted by the wind whilst crossing the the Millennium Bridge in London, with wind and rain forecast to ravage the UK on the first Friday that people have been allowed to meet in large groups outside in England PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2021 Devon And Cornwall Police Demonstrate Their Skills For Policing The G7 Summit Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Londons Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Womens Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London. The Blues won the game 4-1, (and the tie 5-3 on aggregate) sending them through to their first Champions League final AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 1 May 2020 Demonstrators during a march through London during a 'Kill the Bill' protest Angela Christofilou UK news in pictures 30 April 2021 Shoppers queue outside Primark in Belfast as shops reopen and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2021 Specialist operators at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, near Telford, Shropshire, clean the Hawker Hunter aircraft displayed within the museum's National Cold War Exhibition, during annual high-level aircraft cleaning and maintenance PA UK news in pictures 28 April 2021 Millions of tulips in flower near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, as Belmont Nurseries, the UK's largest commercial grower of outdoor tulips, offers socially-distanced visits to its tulip fields at Hillington to raise funds for local charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2021 Paula Laughton checks one of the newly installed Lego models in the new Lego Mythica land at Legoland Windsor Resort PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2021 A red panda rests on a tree at Manor Wildlife park, which reopened its doors as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, in Tenby, Wales Reuters UK news in pictures 25 April 2021 Sheep climb the hillside as flames from a moor fire are seen on Marsden moor, near Huddersfield AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 April 2021 Supporters protest against Manchester United's owners, outside English Premier League club Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in Manchester AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 23 April 2021 People enjoy the warm weather at City Hall near Tower Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 22 April 2021 Uyghurs during a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, which is being held ahead of a House of Commons debate, bought by backbench MP Nus Ghani, on whether Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2021 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Orchard in Alnwick REUTERS UK news in pictures 20 April 2021 People stand in front of anti Super League banners outside Anfield as twelve of Europe's top football clubs, including Liverpool, launch a breakaway league Reuters UK news in pictures 19 April 2021 Women enjoy sunny weather in Greenwich, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain, Reuters UK news in pictures 18 April 2021 Stephen Maguire (right) of Scotland interacts with Jamie Jones of Wales during day 2 of the Betfred World Snooker Championships 2021 at The Crucible, Sheffield PA UK news in pictures 17 April 2021 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburghs coffin, covered with His Royal Highnesss Personal Standard arrives by Landrover Defender at St Georges Chapel carried by a bearer party found by the Royal Marines during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Getty Images UK news in pictures 16 April 2021 Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, checks the teeth of "Dentosaurus" during a visit to the Thornliebank Dental Care centre in Glasgow, as she campaigns ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 April 2021 Myanmar's former ambassador to the UK, Kyaw Zwar Minn, outside his residence in north west London. The ambassador has been barred from entering the Myanmar embassy in Mayfair after he was removed from office PA UK news in pictures 14 April 2021 People take part in coronavirus surge testing on Clapham Common, south London. Thousands of residents have queued up to take coronavirus tests at additional facilities set up after new cases of the South African variant were found in two south London boroughs. 44 confirmed cases of the variant have been found in Lambeth and Wandsworth, with a further 30 probable cases identified PA UK news in pictures 13 April 2021 The core of the Milky Way becomes visible in the early hours of Tuesday morning as it moves over Bamburgh Lighthouse at stag Rock in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 12 April 2021 Rebecca Richardson (left) and Genevieve Florence, members of the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, during a practice session in the swimming pool at Clissold Leisure Centre in north London, which has reopened to the public. Many facilities have reopened in the latest easing of lockdown include pubs and restaurants who can serve outside, non-essential shops, indoor gyms and swimming pools, nail salons and hairdressers, outdoor amusements and zoos PA UK news in pictures 11 April 2021 A pub staff pins up a sign announcing the reopening of the Fox on the Hill pub on Denmark Hill in London EPA UK news in pictures 10 April 2021 The Death Gun Salute is fired by the Honourable Artillery Company to mark the passing of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the The Tower of London AFP via Getty

The DHSC said it is always looking at ways to mitigate financial implications and recuperate any costs for scaling down or not proceeding with contracts.

A spokesperson said: To fight this global pandemic and save lives we built from scratch the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history. The UK is now established as a testing juggernaut, with over 148 million Covid tests completed so far  more than any other country in Europe.

In order to tackle the myriad challenges created by this crisis  including ramping up our testing capacity  we drew upon the diverse skills and experience of the public and private sectors. Our focus last year was to build a network of diagnostic testing facilities to support immediate demand.

It is only sensible that we keep all of our contractual arrangements under continuous review to ensure we have the right system for the long term and proceed with contracts which fit the needs of service. We thank all of those who have made a valuable contribution to the programme so far.

The Independent has approached Ecolog International for comment.
Lidia Zambrano-Madera has big dreams. I want to be the empanada queen of upstate, she said. As owner of Lidias Empanadas, based in Troy, she is well on her way.

Zambrano-Madera sells on average 300 empanadas over the three hours she runs her empanada and flan pop-up at 518 Craft in downtown Troy. She fries each empanada fresh on site to the delight of a hungry crowd, but rarely does anyone ask her what an empanada is.

People definitely dont know what it is, Zambrano-Madera said. As a Latina with Colombian and Guatemalan heritage, she said she has always known how to make an empanada, but, most of my audience is white, and few understand the origins and culture of an empanada before they purchase and enjoy it.

Empanadas are part of the worlds pocket food recipe book, where a filling is nestled inside a dough and cooked. Empanadas (and their brethren, calzones) are thought to originate from Arabic influence throughout Europe. Sfeehas, the Arabic hand-held meat pies are still popular in Lebanon, were likely brought into northern Spain and Portugal when Moors (a term for Muslim and Berber people living in Europe) from northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula occupied Sicily, Malta and the Iberian peninsula. Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609, but their influence on culture was too thick to be weeded. Libre del Coch, a 1520 Spanish cookbook by Ruperto de Nola, is the first known mention of empanadas in print.

Empanadas are designed for travel, and while the empanadas of northern Spain  called empanada gallega  are large dough-encased pies cut into wedges, the evolution of the dish led to smaller versions that are crimped around the seams to keep vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and fruit secured for transport, then baked or fried. Spanish influence on the rest of Europe, Southeast Asia and the Americas brought empanadas to foreign shores and today, empanadas are a core culinary offering for Latin America and the Philippines. (D&L Hospitality of Cohoes is the only known restaurant in the area to regularly offer Filipino cuisine, including empanadas, as a catered option only.)

Empanadas are growing in popularity around the Capital Region, available in restaurants as highbrow as Seneca, in Saratoga Springs, to the most meager bodega and gas station, like Stewart's Shops and Cumberland Farms. With ideas of appropriation in food and culture rampant, people like Zambrano-Madera question the etiquette of who gets to make and eat an empanada.

Empanadas are an umbrella term. Each Latin American country has their own empanada, she said, and the versions she makes focus on a gluten-free corn dough in the Colombian style and pastelito-style empanadas famed in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Zambrano-Madera learned to make empanadas through constant exposure to the process in her youth. (Her grandmother owned a smokehouse in Colombia that served lunch to local laborers, and her sister owns bakeries in Jackson Heights, Queens.) Empanadas seemed like a great way to build her own brand in this area. I dont feel there is that much culture here in the Capital Region. This is a virgin area, theres not much Colombian culture, she said. The popularity of her empanadas is driving her to open a brick and mortar location this year.

Zambrano-Madera uses the term authentic to describe the flavors of her empanadas. While the doughs have clear points of origin, her filling flavors are dictated by her inspirations more than strict guidelines of her personal heritage. If someone who is making an empanada is Latino, then it is authentic, she said.

For me, its the culture behind it. Its the sweat behind it, Zambrano-Madera said. To her, the struggle of being Latino in America is offered and materialized in the form of an empanada.

Food Networks website offers many empanada recipes, but only one comes from a Hispanic network personality. Marcela Valladolids picadillo-style Spanish empanadas are found when scrolling through the websites archives, but more easily found are empanada recipes from white chefs Tyler Florence, Ina Garten and Jeff Mauro. A Google search for empanada recipe offers pages of results from mostly white authors. Empanadas have become shorthand for hand pies, bastardizing the phrase to mean a filling stuffed into some sort of dough. The nuance of culture is nearly voided from recipes, and the unique qualities of regional empanadas (the thin-dough pachuqenos of Mexico, Venezuelas cheese and black bean filling, the sugar-tinged delights of Ecuador) are lost.

Convenience stores have embraced empanadas centuries-long history as a grab-and-go option. Independent bodegas, like White Street Deli in Cohoes, serve hot empanadas alongside regional giants, like Stewarts. Erica Komoroske, director of public affairs for Saratoga Springs-based Stewarts Shops, says 198 of the companys 340 stores have been selling beef empanadas from the hot case since July 2019. In the last 12 months, more than 374,000 empanadas have been sold.

Rashee Crindelle opened her Alotta Empanadas restaurant as a stand-alone eatery in March 2020 inside a gas station in Schenectady. She often has Hispanic neighbors stop into her shop expecting her to be of Latin heritage. Once they learn that shes Black, they are dubious of her ability to make a good empanada. I get it from both ends, theres a lot of doubt, Crindelle said, as people are equally surprised that she makes great empanadas. Here, everyone can be accommodated. I dont want to have an empanada spot that just accommodates one group of people, she said. Crindelle's 115 flavors of empanadas (ranging from a soul food-inspired filling, to sesame chicken, to garlic Parmesan, to traditional Latin flavors) make that possible. My goal is that when someone tastes our empanadas, its something that theyve never tasted before, she said.

No one looks at me as a Latin cuisine, Crindelle said, but her approach to empanadas is no different than the Moors in Iberia who took a concept and adapted it to use available ingredients, just as Spanish colonizers did in Latin America, giving each country its own empanada identity that traveled north into U.S. towns and cities. (Some of those cities have developed their own empanadas.)

The claim held by Zambrano-Madera that the Latin history of empanadas should be honored and respected has merit, as food is a cultural element that becomes a stand-in for certain types of power that are stripped from minority and marginalized communities. One way to honor that culture is to support the people keeping it alive, including their businesses.

Good food is good food and people should enjoy it, Zambrano-Madera said. And when I try new foods, I try it because it tastes good.

MORE INFORMATION Alotta Empanadas 1309 Altamont Ave., Schenectady; 518-982-1010 Lidia's Empanadas Currently serving empanadas most Saturdays at 518 Craft (200 Broadway, Troy); Begins selling every other Sunday at the Schenectady Greenmarket To preorder and see the week's menu, follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lidias_empanadas See More Collapse

Deanna Fox is a freelance food and agriculture journalist. www.foxonfood.com, @DeannaNFox
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Despite the coronavirus pandemic the Armenian community of France is planning to gather a lot of people on April 24 for the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Co-Chair of the Coordination Council of the Armenian Organizations of France, ARF Bureau member Murad Papazian told Armenpress, adding that currently event preparations are underway.

We are in touch with French President Emmanuel Macron. We should work to properly hold the Armenian Genocide commemoration events. We take actions so that the event will be attended by the government representatives, the Paris Mayor, the representatives of the regions, MPs. Of course, we will keep all the coronavirus-related rules. By respecting the laws we must organize the demanding events of April 24th. We couldnt stay silent on April 24, 2021, he said.

According to him, what has taken place against Armenians in Artsakh in 2020 is unacceptable, and the events organized by the French-Armenian community will also focus on this. He says Turkeys participation to the recent war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, Turkeys expansionist policy should be voiced so that the international community will condemn President Recep Tayyip Erdogans actions.

Azerbaijan recorded success in the war because Turkey was standing by it not only with specialists, equipment, but also with jihadists. We should continue to raise, criticize this in order for the international community to condemn Turkeys actions. We should continue our fight for our fallen heroes. We should work for the restoration of Artsakh. This is important, Artsakh must re-find its Armenian borders, he said.

An Armenian Genocide commemoration event will be held in Paris on April 24 near the statue of Komitas. Various rallies are expected to take place in different cities, including outside Turkeys diplomatic representations.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
This is the second of a series of articles on films screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival, held April 9-18. The first part was posted April 13.

The recent San Francisco film festival had an almost inevitably schizophrenic character. Many of its official pronouncements, and this is the case at every festival at present, speak to the current obsession with identity politics in sections of the middle class. To a certain extent, however, the best filmmakers suggest the source of our problems lies elsewhere, in the harshness of life imposed on men and women of every ethnicity and gender by global capitalism.

Valley of Souls

Valley of Souls

Valley of Souls (Tantas Almas) by Nicolas Rincon Gille, one of the most important films screened at the festival, is set in Colombia in 2002, in the midst of the decades-long civil war in that country. A bloody counter-insurgency campaign financed and backed by American imperialism has already led to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

The horrors depicted in the film are perpetrated by the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), a right-wing death squad that operates in cooperation with Colombias armed forces. It has been blamed for three-quarters of the massacres and assassinations of civilians in the civil war, as well as threats to wipe out entire villages.

In Valley of Souls, a wizened fisherman, Jose (Jose Arley de Jesus Carvallido Lobo), returns home to find that his two sons have fallen victim to the AUC. His daughter is weeping and the AUCs slogan Death and Purification is sprayed on the family shack. Jose must now fish for the bodies of his sons in the tangled brush of the river bank.

Dodging the militias who forbid anyone removing corpses from the water, he finds the body of one son caught in the weeds. In his search for the second son, he is taken prisoner by one of the fascist paramilitary units. After his escape, he learns of a woman in a nearby village who documents the missing dead and catalogues body parts. Jose resorts to desperate measures to mourn his martyred sons.

Valley of Souls is deeply affecting. The performers are non-professional, but the films meaning is clearly embedded in every cast members bone and marrow. They did not, as the director put it, stray from their true nature. The lead character, Jose, is played with an extraordinary degree of strength and pathos. When a young soldier points a rifle at his face, he stares him down: If your bullets strike me and take my life, I swear I will take revenge. My soul will return and suck on your eyeballs. Day and night, I will suck out your brains.

Valley of Souls (from Colombia)

He speaks for an unsubdued population that refuses to be the passive victim of the Colombian oligarchy and its sponsors in Washington. The population is prepared to do battle, as noted, even beyond the grave, bolstered by an environmentbeautifully captured by the filmmakerswhich it belongs to and reveres and in which the military and their accomplices are hated, alien invaders.

According to the movies production notes, the AUC started to attack the peasant population and any progressive civil organization, with the unofficial support of the government through the president of the time, Alvaro Uribe. Their systematic killings and the horror of the survivors eventually created the largest internal displacement of population in the world (9 million people according to UN). The lands left behind were recovered by a warrior elite who saw and keeps seeing in the mining and the exploitation of the biofuel new business opportunities.

Gilles film is brave and welcome.

Holler

Holler and Home

Three films deal, with varying degrees of success, with working-class locales in the US hit by factory closures, layoffs and punishing economic decline.

In southern Ohios rust belt, teenage Ruth (Jessica Barden) and her older brother Blaze (Gus Halper) are in the process of getting evicted. They are the central characters in Holler, directed by Ohio native Nicole Riegel. Life is bleak and does not correspond to the promises made by the imbecilic voice of President Donald Trump coming over the radio: Three very simple but beautiful wordsjobs, jobs, jobs.

The siblings drug-addicted mother Rhonda (Pamela Adlon) languishes in the county jail. The major local factory is closing, and Ruth and Blaze find themselves working for the shady boss (Austin Amelio) of a scrapyard crew, illegally collecting metal from the towns industrial carcasses.

While the movie has a certain feeling for working class life, best represented by Linda (Becky Ann Baker), who empathically tries to hold the dying community together, the only solution hinted at or suggested is to escape to supposedly greener pastures.

And what of those left behind? Overwhelmed by the dimensions of the problem, and generally lacking historical or social perspective, many filmmakers today would prefer not to hear that question, or merely shrug their shoulders in response.

Home, written and directed by German actress Franka Potente (Run Lola Run, two of the Bourne franchise movies), features Marvin Hacks (Jake McLaughlin), recently released from prison after serving a 17-year stretch for homicide. Skateboarding his way into his hometown, he is met with hostility, including initially from his mother Bernadette (Kathy Bates), who is dying of lung cancer.

Home

Bernadettes African-American nurse, Jayden (Lil Rel Howery), is one of the few sympathetic faces, besides Marvins childhood friend Wade (Derek Richardson), who was present at the time of the murder. The latter feels such remorse for not having stopped Marvin that he lives on drugs stolen for him by Delta (Aisling Franciosi), a single mother, and the granddaughter of the murdered woman.

Despite the efforts of her backward and genuinely violent brother, Delta is drawn to Marvin, aided by the local priest, Father Browning (Stephen Root), who preaches love and redemption, the movies central message.

Potentes movie, with its dilapidated houses and dilapidated lives, is less about social realism than the filmmakers own confused impressions about an animalistic existence she mistakenly identifies with a blue-collar community.

If only the movie had been more concrete and attuned to the reality it describes in its production notes: In the US alone, more than 600,000 prisoners are released every year ... On average, US prisoners have to exist in a seven square meter cell and their general living conditions are similarly constrained, beginning with the available food, access to information sources and social contacts. When they are finally released, they are completely overwhelmed  Especially in times that are marked by a refugee crisis, unemployment, poverty, racism, and increasing gun violence.

Potente may well be genuinely affected by the terrible social ills she sees in the US, but she doesnt make sense of them in a useful way. She merely promotes the empty, moralizing remedy of a generous dose of forgiveness, trust and otherness.

I'm Fine (Thanks for Asking)

Im Fine (Thanks for Asking)

Danny (Kelley Kali), a recently widowed hairdresser, and her eight-year-old daughter Wes (Wesley Moss) are homeless, living on the side of the road in a tent in Im Fine (Thanks for Asking), directed by Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina.

Kali as the lead character, first of all, shows remarkable skills as a roller skater! She navigates through Pacoima, California, in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, an area damaged by job losses over the past several decades, desperately trying to scrape together enough money for a deposit on an apartment.

This is the COVID era. There is no direct reference to the pandemic, but Danny and a few others wear masks. The movie has a certain charm and the characters are endearing. The affection between mother and daughter is the movies emotional high point. In general, however, the film does not register sufficient social anger towards the trials and tribulations Danny must endure simply to put a roof over the heads of her and her child.

Millions of people like Danny may be in survival mode and find it hard to look up, but the artist does not have to confine his or her work to the raw, immediate circumstances. Unlike the makers of Im Fine (Thanks for Asking), he or she can adopt a broader, more informed and more intensely insightful view.

In the Same Breath

In the Same Breath

Nanfu Wangs In the Same Breath, is an ideologically driven documentary. It recounts the earliest days of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. The bulk of the film is an indictment of the Chinese Communist Party for its handling of the virus.

In Wuhan, Wang takes note of the crisis situation in which the Beijing government initially lied and jailed whistleblowers to conceal the outbreak, while people were dying, hospitals were overwhelmed, and there was inadequate protection for medical personnel.

When Wang, who is Chinese-born and now lives in New Jersey, turns her cameras to the US, she is shocked by the response of the government and tries to compare the failures of the Chinese and American governments.

Without idealizing at all the role of Chinese officials, it is absurd at this point, more than a year into the pandemic, to suggest that the US situation is comparable to that experienced in China. The thoroughgoing lockdown in Wuhan and accompanying measures contained and suppressed the virus.

China has fallen to 57th on the list of countries ranked by number of deaths and lies 95th in total cases. The US, with one-fourth the population, ranks number one in total deaths, with nearly 600,000, thanks to the homicidal government policy. Wangs film seeks to obscure or gloss over this unavoidable reality. As Lenin once noted, however, facts are stubborn things.

To be continued
Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG), an award-winning international design architect, has officially established a permanent studio located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Riyadh studio becomes the fourth location in which BSBG has permanently established a presence, following on from its headquarters in Dubai in 1976 followed by Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in 2016 and London in 2017.

BSBG had delivered its first project in Saudi Arabia almost a decade ago, and has since witnessed a continued demand among developers in the kingdom for its own brand of creative design and technical delivery expertise as a means of realising the ambitious targets set out in the Saudi Vision 2030, said the company in a statement.

BSBG has now received its Investment and Trade Licences to provide architectural and engineering solutions throughout the kingdom, it stated.

"We have made a long-term commitment to the kingdom, and I am certain we will make significant contributions to the ambitious projects planned as part of the Saudi Vision 2030," remarked Managing Partner Alistair McMillan.

This was mainly because of the current project schedule, coupled with future projects currently in the pipeline, which warranted the establishment of a permanent studio to be located in Riyadh, noted McMillan.

"Our mission is to significantly participate in positioning the Kingdom as one of the worlds leading international destinations for generations to come. We have the local knowledge and expertise necessary to play a key role in the development of world class architectural solutions that serve the national interest, and celebrate the rich culture of Saudi Arabia," he added.

BSBGs current schedule of live projects within the Kingdom includes a confidential educational facility located in Riyadh, set to be one of the regions largest schools, as well as a five-star hospitality and residential development and a boutique retail and entertainment district.

With more projects in the pipeline, Alistair confirmed that the BSBG strategy for KSA ensures the group is fully prepared, with the resources in place to meet the unique demands of the current activity across the kingdom.

"A number of senior representatives and partners with local expertise are now on the ground in Riyadh, actively working on our existing projects. We are looking to exponentially grow the team, employing national talent and ensuring that the BSBG standard of design and delivery is upheld and adapted for the Saudi market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A Texas teacher was arrested on Saturday after her former student contacted authorities and reported that she was sexually abusing him for three years.

Marka Lee Bodine, 31, who taught middle school students at Tomball Intermediate School, was charged with "continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14," Crime Online reported.

An investigation started on Apr. 11 after the now-16-year-old boy called the police and complained of an ongoing, inappropriate sexual relationship with the former Texas teacher.

Tomball Police Chief Jeff Bert said that it was a cry out for help.

"He had reached out to a school, and he reached out to the police department as well, so I think he just became overwhelmed with it and reached out to us," Bert said in the report.

Authorities learned during the investigation that the former Texas teacher had reportedly been sexually assaulting the boy after years of grooming him. This means that Marka Lee Bodine has been accused of spending time with the boy, trying to build rapport to have an emotional connection with the victim.

Bodine was taken into custody and was booked into the Harris County jail. She was released after posting a $100,000 bond, according to a Daily Mail report.

She made her first court appearance on Monday and was required to wear a GPS monitor as one of the conditions of her release.

READ NEXT: ICE Cancels Operations Targeting Illegal Immigrants with Sex Crime Cases

The Investigation

Court documents showed that Marka Lee Bodine allegedly told the principal that her former sixth-grade student was harassing her and threatening to harm itself. The principal then contacted the police.

Later on, Bodine reportedly admitted that she had a sexual relationship with the same boy and that he got access to her phone and manipulated photos.

The student claimed the opposite and said that he was just 13 years old when the former Texas teacher started sexually abusing him.

The boy noted that they initially started chatting through a video game, and soon after, they began exchanging explicit photos and videos and hooking up in person for sexual reasons.

He said they have once had sex in her classroom and sometimes in her car. The student added that the former Texas teacher moved into his apartment complex after her divorced, according to a Law & Crime report.

"Our big concern from the police department right now is to ensure that we have all the evidence of this case, but to ensure that there's no other children involved," Bert said.

Bodine's LinkedIn profile stated that she had taught English at Tomball Independent School District (ISD) for about six years.

In a statement, Tomball ISD said that Bodine was placed on administrative leave and then resigned when the allegations surfaced.

The school district noted that "any and all employee misconduct allegations" were taken seriously and investigated promptly and thoroughly.

Tomball ISD added that they value the safety of their students and consider it their number one priority, People reported.

Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, Florida, Denzel Bonner, 30, was charged with sexual assault of a minor and used a two-way device to facilitate a felony and engage in prostitution.

According to a Tallahassee Demo report, Bonner is a physical education and health instructor at the preK-5 school who was arrested last week on charges of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old runaway girl.

READ MORE: White House Investigates Sexual Assault On 55 Campuses Including Harvard, USC: NotAlone.gov PSA Includes Daniel Craig, Steve Carell Against Title IX Gender Discrimination, Violence [Video]

WATCH: Former Tomball ISD Teacher Charged With Continuous Sexual Abuse of Child - From KPRC 2 Click2Houston






With the Manitoba government poised to expand COVID-19 vaccination criteria to include people living or working in communities hit hardest by the disease, the province is relying on residents to be honest about their eligibility.

With the Manitoba government poised to expand COVID-19 vaccination criteria to include people living or working in communities hit hardest by the disease, the province is relying on residents to be honest about their eligibility.

On Tuesday, a government spokesman confirmed Manitoba does not track how many people who booked a shot at mass vaccination or pop-up clinics were turned away because they were deemed ineligible for immunization.

Once at the immunization centre, staff only ask for a Manitoba health card to confirm identity and people must complete a consent form that specifies the reason for immunization. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

People who do not meet the age criteria but are eligible because they work in congregate living settings or other prioritized sectors do not need to provide proof (such as a pay stub or employment record) at provincially-run clinics to receive their shot.

As such, the province said it does not know how many people may have taken advantage of the system and jumped the COVID-19 immunization queue by lying or booking an appointment in error.

"Eligibility of the individual is self-declared," a provincial spokesman said Tuesday. "We are confident the majority of Manitobans will respect the parameters as set within our eligibility rules."

The province did not make a member of the COVID-19 vaccine task force available for an interview.

"Eligibility of the individual is self-declared. We are confident the majority of Manitobans will respect the parameters as set within our eligibility rules."  Provincial spokesman

Arthur Schafer, a professor at the University of Manitoba and founding director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, said rules set out by public health officials to administer the COVID-19 vaccine need to be enforced.

When consequences for breaking the rules are lacking or unclear, public trust in the campaign can be threatened, he said Tuesday.

"If our government doesnt establish eligibility criteria that seem fair to people, and if it doesnt distribute the vaccine  this scarce, life-saving resource  honestly and according to those criteria, if it allows people to take advantage then it risks undermining social cohesion and eroding public trust," Schafer said.

"So the stakes are high."

To be immunized in Manitoba, in general, a person must book an appointment online through the provincial portal or by calling its vaccine hotline.

If they do not meet age criteria, the applicant is asked if they work in a congregate setting or other prioritized work place, or if they self-identify as First Nations. Specific details about employment are not collected through the online portal.

A person must then declare the answers provided in the screening process are accurate and truthful. There is a notification providing false information is an offence, though the regulation is not specified and no penalties are listed.

Given that the stakes are now higher, there should be regulations... there should be enforcement, even if its a small minority of cases. Arthur Schafer

Once at the immunization centre, staff only ask for a Manitoba health card to confirm identity and people must complete a consent form that specifies the reason for immunization. Vaccinations are also offered by pharmacists and physicians, who are expected to confirm the eligibility criteria of their clients.

The provincial spokesman said there will be no changes to the eligibility verification process moving forward, even as the province said it will begin offering immunization to select professionals and people living in communities where the COVID-19 risk is higher.

Schafer said he believes it is unlikely more than a small group of people would make a fraudulent statement to gain early access to the vaccine.

"I think overwhelmingly, people will have behaved responsibly and ethically and will continue to do so, but an anti-social minority can, if their antisocial conduct becomes public, trigger a cascade and it could become a problem," he said.

"Given that the stakes are now higher, there should be regulations... there should be enforcement, even if its a small minority of cases."

On Tuesday, the provincial government was unable to specify what penalties exist for members of the public who provide false information in order to book an immunization appointment.

The province was also unable to say what regulation or law it is referencing when it states providing false information during the screening process is an offence.

However, in early March, the province introduced an emergency order that allowed Shared Health to conduct an audit of health-care workers to see if anyone had received the vaccine before they were eligible. The order expired April 15, and was not renewed.

The immunization records of more than 2,000 health-care workers were scrutinized.

According to the order, Shared Health had the right to pass on information about workers who were found to have misrepresented their eligibility to police, the governing body for their health profession or their employer.

"The audit found some instances of health-care workers who had likely received their dose of the vaccine slightly in advance of their age bracket," acting deputy chief public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal said last week. No numbers were released.

"However, none of these instances were identified as being blatant attempts to jump the vaccination queue, and no further action will be taken."

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
A Lake Ariel man is in custody after state police at Honesdale said he stole about $1,000 from a gas station safe in the township last year.

Brian A. Pongracz, 43, 102 Big Hills Road, is charged with burglary and related counts after state police identified him as the man who burglarized the Country Trails General Store, 2159 Easton Turnpike, at about 11 p.m. on Nov. 12, according to a criminal complaint.

Pongracz pried open the rear door of the building, stealing the money from a safe below the cash register, troopers said. The store manager told troopers he left the key in the safe.

State police at Dunmore informed the Honesdale barracks that a person matching Pongracz's description had broken into VFW Post 817, 846 Cortez Road, in Jefferson Twp. about four hours later. A person called the barracks identifying Pongracz as the burglar, according to the complaint. Pongracz was arraigned March 29 and remains in the Wayne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Similar charges were pending Tuesday in Lackawanna County, according to court records.
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Starting April 26, Kazakhstan will cut air travel with Turkey due to the surge in coronavirus cases in Turkey, announced the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development.

The decision was made by the nations interdepartmental commission.

The number of flights will be cut from 20 to 9 per week. The flights will be resumed as the epidemiological situation in Turkey improves.

Turkey has reported around 60,000 cases daily. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a two-week curfew from April 14 with a weekday curfew from 7 pm until 5 am and a weekend curfew from Fridays at 7 pm until Monday mornings at 5 am.

Kazakhstans Tourism Committee urged the citizens to limit their travels to the country. "We ask the citizens of Kazakhstan to abstain from travelling to this country until the situation stabilizes. If travelling, observe epidemiological safety measures as much as possible, try not to leave the area around the hotel and avoid crowded places," the committee said.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Stable operational situation with no incidents has been maintained along the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact of the Armenian state border overnight April 20-21, the Defense Ministry of Armenia told ARMENPRESS.

According to the information provided by the Armenian National Security Service, no border incidents were registered in Vorotan-Davit Bek section of the Goris-Kapan inter-state road which is under the responsibility of the NSS border troops.

The Armed Forces of Armenia and the NSS border troops confidently control the border situation along the entire borderline.
The State Commission on Environmental Safety, Manmade Disaster and Emergency Response removed Chernivtsi region from the "red" zone of epidemiological danger at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleh Nemchinov said.

"The State Commission decided to cancel the 'red' level of the epidemic danger of the spread of COVID-19 in Chernivtsi region from 00:00 on April 22, 2021 and apply restrictive anti-epidemic measures on the territory of Chernivtsi region, provided for the 'yellow' level of epidemic danger," Nemchinov wrote in the Telegram channel.
TEL AVIV - The number of new infections in Israel continues to remain low after almost all activities were reopened and the obligation to wear masks was scrapped outdoors. According to health ministry data, over the past 24 hours a total of 148 new infections were recorded in the country out of over 54,000 tests, with a positivity rate of 0.3%. There are 2,100 infected people, including 288 who have been hospitalized, but Covid wards have emptied in hospitals.



If this trend is confirmed - despite concern over the possibility that vaccines may not offer protection against the Indian variant - the health ministry is evaluating the possibility of allowing concerts this summer with a public of over 50,000 people.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  Authorities are not allowed to conduct any form of profiling in areas where community pantries are established. But how can organizers and volunteers protect themselves from potential security threats?

Interior Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on Wednesday told CNN Philippines' The Source that community pantry organizers may take videos of approaching cops to establish evidence against those violating orders.

"Sa panahon ngayon ganoon na di ba?" he said. "Everybody has a cellphone. Kung totoong may nangyari na ganyan, kunan nila ng picture. Kahit patago, kunan lang ng video, that could establish it."

[Translation: Nowadays, that's how it works, right? Everybody has a cellphone. If something like that really happened, they can take a photo. Even discreetly, take a video, that could establish it.]

Malaya said they are already looking into the truth behind the allegations of some community pantry organizers against "red-tagging" activities by authorities in various areas.

However, he said a more solid proof would help them address the matter further. He said even police from Camp Crame headquarters want to find out what really happened, since there were no pictures provided by those who say they were visited by police officers.

"Walang description kung naka-uniporme ba, naka-civilan clothes, kung ano ang pangalan," he added. "For all we know this could have been an impostor. But nonetheless, since may report na ganito, we have directed the PNP kung merong nagprofile."

[Translation: They did not provide descriptions whether the men were in uniform, in civilian clothes, or what their names were. For all we know, this could have been an impostor. But nonetheless, since we have this report, we have directed the Philippine National Police to check if someone conducted profiling.]

Community pantry organizers do not need to secure permits with their local government units nor fill out forms to start their operations. Malaya said they only need to coordinate with their respective barangays and ensure that the minimum health protocols are being followed among residents getting basic goods.

"Any police officer or local official who will undertake a similar profiling will be made accountable by the DILG and the PNP," Malaya added.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Free Legal Assistance Group chair Chel Diokno also gave some tips on what to do when law enforcement agents drop by your community pantry. Here are some of them:

- If they are uniform, take note of their names. If they are in civilian clothes, politely ask for their government ID, their name and affiliation. If they refuse, politely say that you cannot accommodate them.

- Do not allow law enforcers to come in without a search warrant if the community pantry is on private property. If they insist, assert your right. If the community pantry is on public land, make sure you are not obstructing traffic, littering, or violating any local regulations.

- You are not obligated to fill out any form or provide personal information. Do not sign any document which potentially contains a waiver of rights. Take a photo of the document and consult with a legal counsel before signing.

- If law enforcers attempt to demolish or dismantle your community pantry, politely and firmly object, but do not physically resist. Do not ask for their consent when taking a photo or a video of what they are doing.

- If possible, set up CCTV cameras in the area that can record 24/7.

- Assert your rights if law enforcers attempt to arrest or search you, others, or the community pantry. Know more about them here.

On Tuesday, Maginhawa Community Pantry halted its operations after lead organizer Patricia Non said some police officers started asking for her affiliation after days of manning the area.

She also raised concern about the "alarming" social media post of the Quezon City Police District linking them and other community pantries to rebel groups.

The QCPD and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict shared a post from anti-communist group Peace Philippines which compiled photos of various community pantries and warned against those which could be using these initiatives for supposed recruitment of potential members.

Malaya said they will also look into the matter.

READ: Maginhawa community pantry halts operations due to 'red-tagging'

Maginhawa community pantry resumed its operations on Wednesday. Non said they are able to serve over a thousand residents per day by giving free canned goods, rice, vegetables, and other essential items.

Other makeshift community pantries inside and outside Metro Manila have also popped up in the past days and replicated its operations.
Investors lost their appetite for shares in Just Eat and Deliveroo as fierce competition and questions over labour issues plagued the two takeaway giants.

Just Eat tumbled after rival Uber announced it would launch in Germany, which would break the FTSE 100 companys stranglehold on the German market.

Over the next few weeks Uber Eats will start operating in Berlin before potentially moving to other cities. Just Eat  now known as Just Eat Takeaway after its 6billion merger with a Dutch rival last year  has been the main player in Germany since Deliveroo pulled out in 2019.

Just Eat tumbled after rival Uber announced it would launch in Germany, which would break the FTSE 100 companys stranglehold on the German market

Things got catty over Twitter, with Just Eat boss Jitse Groen accusing Ubers Dara Khosrowshahi of trying to depress his companys share price. Khosrowshahi replied that Groen should pay a little less attention to your short term stock price and more attention to your tech and ops.

Last week Just Eat said order growth had been strong in Germany in the first three months of the year. Orders across all countries rose 79 per cent to 200m.

The threat to Just Eats dominance in a key market shaved 2.7 per cent off its shares, which closed 214p lower at 7716p.

Stock Watch - Argo Blockchain Shares in Argo Blockchain jumped after it signed a deal with a specialist builder to develop its cryptocurrency mining hub in Texas. Navier will consult on the design of the facility, which will be filled with computers that will use algorithms to unlock new bitcoins. This process is called mining. Navier will receive a monthly fee but will also be able to buy up to 223,821 Argo shares. Argo rose 26.9 per cent, or 39p, to 184p  and is up more than 460 per cent this year.

Deliveroos stock hit its lowest level yet, falling 4 per cent, or 9.8p, to 233p, a whopping 40 per cent below its 390p listing price.

Its float on March 31 has been described as the worst ever on the London Stock Exchange.

As well as its shares being overpriced, it has suffered because of major concerns around its working practices and treatment of its staff. It was a mixed day for the two main indexes, with the FTSE 100 rising 0.5 per cent , or 35.42 points, to 6895.29, while the FTSE 250 fell 0.1 per cent, or 22.82 points, to 22085.73.

It was boosted by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, which climbed 2.8 per cent, or 67p, to 2445p after it resumed the launch of a generic version of a Glaxosmithkline asthma drug in the US.

But business supplier Bunzl slid 3.2 per cent, or 80p, to 2424p. Bunzl specialises in selling products that companies need but do not sell directly on to customers such as toilet rolls and cleaning supplies.

Turnover grew by 5.4 per cent in the first three months of the year.

But much of this was driven by Covid-related orders for PPE such as gloves and gowns  which Bunzl warned will start to fall.

Trading platform Plus500 received a lukewarm reception for its first move into the US, rising 0.6 per cent, or 9.5p, to 1505.5p, by buying a group called Cunningham.

Mining giants BHP (up 0.5 per cent, or 11.5p, to 2178.5p) and Antofagasta (flat at 1841p) also failed to make much of an impression with production updates.

BHP reassured the market by posting a 4 per cent rise in iron ore production during its third quarter, and said it is on track for a strong finish to its financial year.

Copper behemoth Antofagasta, on the other hand, said production and cost performance had been in line with guidance.

On AIM, investors piled into Catena Group after it announced it will move into the artificial intelligence sector.

It has proposed launching a reverse takeover of a company called Insight, which offers niche services to asset managers.

This includes using computer algorithms to study the language companies use when talking about their environmental, social and governance goals, and then evaluating whether or not they are actually following through on their pledges.

Shares in Catena, which will change its name to Insig AI and raise 6.1million to fund the deal, closed 31.4 per cent higher, up by 18.5p, to 77.5p.
I'm definitely going to miss Mina. She was great. And I'm glad that she's off the show because Shaunette wanted to leave. Hopefully it was not the result of any drama or discriminatory behaviors behind the scenes.

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I didnt know she wanted to leave! Did she make a comment?

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click the spoiler tag, mi amigo

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I'm having a hard time watching lately.

Nic isn't working just following Conrad around?? That was the last ep.



Ohh nooo not Mina!!!!



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I wonder if its because Emily was busy with F&TWS

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She has had like 5 scenes on FATWS so far.

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I thought so but yeah maybe it's the travel for those marvel so she really has no story but the baby.

Irl is she preg?



Anyway Nic and Conrad hour is getting to be a bit much. She's not head of nursing so why is she in everyone's room/case. Conrad needs an intern to bounce treatment ideas off of.

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i stopped watching a few seasons ago, but any interest in returning to watch was centered around Mina. Whelps! No more interest at all now. (Sorry, Cary, I love you, but yeah... not enough to endure what this show turned into.)

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me too. I came for Conrad, and started for Mina. Now Conrad is not enough to keep me interested.

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Four seasons? Didn't this just start this year? Wtf.

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Thank goodness I gave up on this show this season when I just couldn't get into the first two episodes. Mina was my fave character anyway, so now I definitely have no reason to try to marathon the season.

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Also, Cain is the worst.

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omg noooo, I adore Mina!! WHY SIS :'(



I hope it's for bigger and better opportunities but wow I'm bummed

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Nooooo

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Aww, I love her character!!

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NOOOOOO I hadnt finished this episode and now Im devastated  Im so sad shes not coming back, Mina was such a light

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She was without a doubt my favourite character so I'm so sad she's leaving.



And if they seriously try to redeem Cain, I might give up the show completely.

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I had no idea she was going to leave, until this episode I was sure the situation was gonna resolve and then... welp. Shes one of my faves so its going to be sad from now on.



This show is going downhill though, I dont know how much of an unpopular opinion it is but it was at its best when it was about batshit medical supervillains. I hate that they redeemed Bell, I loved to hate him, and now theyre doing it to Cain? Season 1 remains the best tbh, that oncologist was an A grade villain.

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I'm sad Mina is leaving, but I'm glad the writers left the door open if Shaunette ever wants to return. I feel like a lot of showrunners could take note - you don't have to kill off a character because the actor wants to leave. I hope she's able to get even bigger and better opportunities because she's a fantastic actress.

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I'm sad she's leaving. Mina was my favorite on the show. I'm glad they were able to write her off in a way that she can come back for an episode or two if she wants to.

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Mexico began mass vaccinations of school teachers Tuesday, in hopes of reopening classrooms in states with lower rates of COVID-19.

The country is in a race against time to get its population vaccinated as case numbers have begun to rise again and the country's estimated total death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 336,000.

So far, only the southern state of Campeche has reopened schools after teachers were vaccinated there as a priority group.

In Boca del Rio, Veracruz, teachers lined up before dawn at a convention center to get the single-dose CanSino vaccine.

Teacher Anabel Caballero Mora said she was worried about keeping her students and their families safe.

Most saw the vaccinations as a positive step, but some expressed concern about the conditions of their schools.

Teaching assistant Cristina Cortes Suarez, said she was happy to receive the vaccine, but worried that her school and others were far from ready to welcome students back to their classrooms after a year of closure.

Some schools were broken into and vandalised during the lockdown.

Mexico has so far given about 14.4 million vaccine doses, a small number for a country of 126 million.

The government has approved seven different vaccines and is currently using five, including the Pfizer vaccine, two Chinese shots and the Sputnik V from Russia.

Mexico has reported more than 2,300,000 cases and has suffered almost 212,500 test-confirmed deaths from COVID-19.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Author Shin Kyung-sook speaks about her new book "I Had Gone to My Father" at a press conference, March 3. Courtesy of Changbi Publishers



A new novel by Shin Kyung-sook, the author of the Korean bestseller "Please Look After Mom," will be translated and published in the United States, her publisher said Wednesday.



Shin recently signed a contract to publish the English version of her novel whose title roughly translates to "I Had Gone to My Father" with U.S. publishing house Astra through literary agency KL Management, according to Changbi Publishers.



Shin's new novel, her eighth novel and first published novel in 11 years, centers on a father whose life goes through the ups and downs of the country's modern history. After losing his parents at the age of 14 due to an infectious disease, he fights in the war as a teenager and faces democracy movements after moving to Seoul.



Last month, the writer made her first public appearance in years since 2015, when she was accused of copying passages from the Korean translation of "Patriotism" (1961) by the late Japanese writer Yukio Mishima in one of her short stories.



Looking back over the past six years, Shin said it was a time that became a "stepping stone" for her to move on.



"I was alone but I was most deeply embedded in literature, and I diligently found and read new pieces by new authors to not let go of writing," she said. "Those times have become a stepping stone for me to move on."



She also vowed to "write on" as a novelist.



"I will write on with new pieces while carrying the heavy burden of my past faults and negligence on my back," the author said at the March 3 event. (Yonhap)


- The booming construction industry and the overwhelming demand for paints and coatings across the construction industry will prove to be prominent growth generators for the specialty zeolites market

- Specialty zeolites market expects to expand at a CAGR of 3.2 percent during the tenure of 2019-2027

ALBANY, N.Y., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The construction industry is witnessing tremendous advancements across a large number of regions around the world. The rising disposable income of people across the globe and the expanding number of construction activities due to the magnifying prevalence of rural-to-urban migration will bode well for the growth of the specialty zeolites market. Thus, all these factors are indirectly responsible for the growth of the specialty zeolites market.

Specialty zeolites are used extensively across the construction industry to create and develop lightweight and high-performance concrete. The absorbing properties of zeolites help in increasing the strength and curing time. Thus, the properties attached to specialty zeolites bring good growth prospects.

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The industrialization boom across various regions, especially in countries like India and China will also bring immense growth opportunities. The growing influence of foreign direct investments in developing economies is also playing a pivotal role in increasing the growth rate of the specialty zeolites market.

As per the findings by the Transparency Market Research (TMR) team, the specialty zeolites market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 3.2 percent across the forecast period of 2019-2027. The global specialty zeolites market was valued at US$ 44 mn in 2018.

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The rising focus of many construction companies toward constructing green and sustainable buildings will bring profitable growth opportunities for the specialty zeolites market. Furthermore, the growing focus of a large number of government bodies on reducing the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and coatings will also bring immense growth prospects.

Key Findings of the Report

Varied Government Initiatives on Green Buildings to Bring Good Growth Prospects

The government bodies of various countries are increasing their focus on promoting sustainability across every aspect. The construction industry is no exception. The government bodies are encouraging all the builders to embrace sustainable practices in construction activities. Furthermore, the growing popularity of green buildings among a large number of countries and regions will also prove to be a vital growth-generating factor. Thus, all these factors will bring promising growth opportunities.

Growing Demand for Plastic Usage to Invite Promising Growth

The demand for plastic has increased intensively. Specialty zeolites are used as additives in plastics to eliminate the odor and adsorb volatile compounds. These properties make them ideal for use in plastics. The use of plastics has increased considerably over the years. Thus, the expanding demand for plastic is directly proportional to the growth of the specialty zeolites market.

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Developing Economies to Accelerate Demand for Specialty Zeolites

Developing economies like India and China are witnessing a high tide in terms of urbanization and industrialization. The increasing number of construction activities across different areas in these countries will help in boosting the growth prospects of the specialty zeolites market. Furthermore, developed economies also contribute considerably in context of growth to the specialty zeolites market.

Specialty Zeolites Market: Growth Drivers

The construction sector is witnessing a boom due to the rising urbanization and industrialization across various regions. This factor will prove to be a considerable growth factor for the specialty zeolites as it is used in various materials related to construction.

The rising usage of specialty zeolites in paints and coatings will also invite exponential growth

Specialty Zeolites Market: Major Players

Zeolyst International

BASF SE

Albemarle Corporation

Honeywell International Inc.

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Noida: A man was arrested by Noida Police on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in black marketing of anti-viral Remdesivir drug as shortage of the crucial drug has been reported due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The accused, Rachit Ghai was held by officials of the Crime Branch team and the Sector 20 police station on Tuesday. As many as 105 vials of Remdesivir injections and Rs 1.54 lakh cash was recovered from him.

The accused was arrested from near DPS School, Noida. The consignment was being sold from Noida to Delhi and Chandigarh.

According to the police, Ghai would sell the Remdesivir medicine for Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 to people in need of the medicine for COVID-19 treatment.

An FIR has been lodged registered against the accused under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, Epidemic Diseases Act and under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Misfits Market, a Delanco, N.J.-based online grocer that offers quality, sustainably sourced food at a value, raised $200M in Series C funding.

The round was co-led by Accel and D1 Capital, with participation from existing investors Valor Equity Partners, Greenoaks Capital, Sound Ventures, and Third Kind Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Accels Ryan Sweeney will join Misfits Markets Board of Directors.

The company intends to use the funds to expand into every major grocery category and distribute across every underserved area nationwide.

The oversubscribed round brings the companys total funding to $301.5M to-date. The only D2C online grocery service delivering quality products discounted up to 40% compared to those offered by premium, on-demand/in-store grocers has officially surpassed unicorn status. The funding unlocks its ability to expand into every major grocery category and distribute across every underserved area nationwide to push forward its goal of eliminating food deserts in America by 2025. In tandem with its Series C funding, Accels Ryan Sweeney will join Misfits Markets Board of Directors.

Led by Abhi Ramesh, Founder and CEO, Misfits Market delivers fresh organic produce, sustainably sourced pantry staples, and other grocery items. The company leverages direct relationships with growers and producers to reduce food waste at scale and eliminate inefficiencies in the food system. Misfits Market reaches consumers in every nearly zip code within the states that it serves. Currently, Misfits Market delivers to Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grocery boxes can be purchased on a weekly/biweekly basis at www.misfitsmarket.com.

FinSMEs

22/04/2021
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As American businesses reopen, forward-thinking companies are leveraging DailyPay, the leader in on-demand pay, to gain an advantage over their competitors and maintain successful operations. This news comes out of a recent study of over one million employees across 10 industries that play a key role in America's economic comeback.

A new study from the Mercator Advisory Group, "Modernizing Payroll Through Earned Wage Access," reveals the true transformative power that DailyPay, the recognized gold standard in Earned Wage Access (sometimes called "on-demand pay"), has on a company's bottom line.

The Mercator Advisory Group examined 10 industries and found that average tenure improved by as much as 73% for workers in nursing homes using DailyPay's earned wage access solution. These notable improvements vary by industry. Some other industry results highlighted in the research include transportation +68%, call centers +51%, caregivers +27%, and retail +24%.

Longer employee tenure benefits employers in many ways. Employees who stay longer at their jobs are more engaged, more knowledgeable and can execute their tasks more effectively, ultimately providing better service to customers. It also means that employers need to replace employees with less frequency, saving multiple millions of dollars in the administrative costs associated with turnover. It is estimated that the costs range from 1.5 to 2 times the average annual salary of the position needing to be replaced. That could equate to hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

"The cost of high employee turnover is detrimental to organizations of all sizes. Small improvements in employee tenure can make a big difference to a company's bottom line. Our review of the data comparing employees with and without the benefit of access to DailyPay, clearly demonstrates that earned wage access helps to retain workers," said Sarah Grotta, director, debit and alternative products, Mercator Advisory Group.

"The findings in the Mercator Study confirm just one aspect of the tremendous value DailyPay brings to our client partners on an on-going basis," said Jason Lee, CEO and founder of DailyPay. "We're committed to delivering a comprehensive financial system for all. With DailyPay, companies can hire faster, reduce turnover and deliver a more powerful employee experience, all without changing the way they currently run payroll. We've intentionally architected a system that is different from others in the on-demand pay space, keeping the employee experience at the center. When that happens  it is a win-win for everyone."

The DailyPay benefit has an equally positive financial impact for employees, providing them with the flexibility to pay monthly bills or unexpected expenses on their own schedule and avoid payday loans or late fees to make ends meet. A separate DailyPay internal study shows that employees who use the DailyPay benefit save $1,205 per year as 78% say they are avoiding late fees and 70% say they no longer have to take out predatory payday loans.

"Staffmark Group began our partnership with DailyPay in 2020 to give our employees more control over their paychecks, and we now have over 9,100 enrolled in this program," said Wendy Reiner, vice president  operational processes, Staffmark Group. "Our hope is that by having more immediate access to their pay, they are able to meet those urgent financial needs, which will translate into more satisfied and fulfilled employees  both at work and at home. This recent data shows that our average tenure of employees using DailyPay increased, so we definitely feel that the offering is meeting needs and making a difference in our employees' lives."

For more information on the report and to learn more about DailyPay, click here.

About DailyPay:

DailyPay is the award-winning, recognized gold standard on-demand pay platform offering a comprehensive pay experience platform to world-class companies and their millions of employees including Adecco and Berkshire Hathaway. DailyPay has created an ecosystem with the most advanced, modern technology stack in the industry and delivers the most secure, compliant and seamless on-demand pay benefit in our rapidly growing marketplace. DailyPay is headquartered in New York City with operations based in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.dailypay.com/press

Contact: Sehrish Sayani

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dailypay.com/

SOURCE DailyPay

Related Links

www.dailypay.com


[April 21, 2021] $5 Billion Advisor Team Joins UBS Private Wealth Management in South Florida

UBS Private Wealth Management announced today that a six-person team managing $5 billion in assets has joined the firm in UBS's South Florida market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005206/en/ UBS Private Wealth Management announced today that a six-person team managing $5 billion in assets has joined the firm in UBS's South Florida market. Pictured from left to right: Brian Beraha, Alexis Audisio, Jared Pillar, Michelle Gonzalez, Horacio Aguirre and Vicente Del Rio. (Photo: Business Wire) The team is led by Financial Advisor's Brian Beraha and Vicente del Rio, and also includes Financial Advisor, Horacio S. Aguirre, Senior Wealth Strategy Associates, Jared Pillar and Alexis Audisio, and Client Service Associate, Michelle Gonzalez. The team will report to Karl Ruppert, South Florida Complex Director at UBS Private Wealth Management. The team will also work closely with Richard Suss, Downtown Miami Branch Manager at UBS Wealth Management USA. "Miami continues to attract wealthy families and their business interests from across the U.S. as well as the rest of the world, said Karl Ruppert. "Our culture of collaboration across the organization provides world-class solutions that differentiates UBS from its competitors. I'm confident that Brian, Vincente and their team will do a great job helping clients reach their goals."



Brian Beraha and Vincente De Rio join UBS following a decade at J.P. Morgan Private Bank where together, they built a successful business focusing on ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals in South Florida. Prior to his tenure at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Brian was with Merrill Lynch's Private Banking and Investment Group. Brian's areas of expertise include family office structuring and governance, complex credit, multi-generational wealth transfers, philanthropic giving, and assisting entrepreneurs in exit planning.

Vincente serves as the team's Portfolio Manager, leading the strategy and due diligence process on all investments. His areas of expertise include analysis of traditional and alternative asset classes, creating structured investment vehicles, and addressing concentrated wealth issues through traditional and nontraditional methods. In his prior role, Vincente was a member of J.P. Morgan's U.S. Private Bank Advisory Council, and a member of its Opportunistic Investment Committee. He graduated summa cum laude from Emory University with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Spanish. For nearly a decade, Horacio Aguirre has been working with ultra-high-net-worth families, advising them through long-term wealth planning, liquidity events, and optimal balance sheet structuring. Before joining UBS, he was an Investment Specialist at J.P. Morgan's Private Bank, where he focused on building customized investment portfolios. Horacio earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Finance from Florida International University. Notes to Editors About UBS Global Wealth Management As the world's largest wealth manager, UBS Global Wealth Management provides comprehensive advice, solutions and services to wealthy families and individuals around the world. Clients who work with UBS benefit from a fully integrated set of wealth management capabilities and expertise, including wealth planning, investment management, capital markets, banking, lending and institutional and corporate financial advice. About UBS UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS's strategy is centered on our leading global wealth management business and our premier universal bank in Switzerland, enhanced by Asset Management and the Investment Bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook. UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 regions and locations, with about 30% of its employees working in the Americas, 31% in Switzerland, 19% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 20% in Asia Pacific. UBS Group AG employs over 68,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).  UBS 2021. All rights reserved. The key symbol and UBS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005206/en/

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 20, 2021 - 17:14 | All, Japan

The Japanese government on Tuesday welcomed the European Union's decision to craft an Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at reinforcing the bloc's strategic engagement in the region, where China's rise has stoked concern among its neighbors and tensions with the United States.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference that Japan wants to boost cooperation with the EU for the stability and prosperity of the region, noting that the bloc's policy has "many similarities" with the free-and-open Indo-Pacific initiative promoted by Tokyo.

EU foreign ministers on Monday adopted a document on the planned strategy, in which the bloc pledged to play a more active role in promoting democracy, human rights, the rule of law and international law in the region.

The document, which will serve as the foundation for the first such EU strategy for the region, said the bloc will work closely with like-minded partners to ensure its economic and political interests.

As Asia has become the major engine of world economic growth and with China's clout increasing, France, Germany and the Netherlands have already adopted their own Indo-Pacific policies.

Outside the EU, Britain said last month in a defense review document that it should engage more heavily in the region.

The EU plans to work out its Indo-Pacific strategy by the first half of next year.
Pope Francis sends medical and surgical equipment to Colombia, which is struggling to treat Covid-19 patients.

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has made another donation, consisting in life-saving respirators and other equipment, to hospitals struggling to cope with the covid-19 pandemic.

Through the channels of the Apostolic Nunciature in Bogota, four respirators and several containers of PPE equipment needed to treat patients infected with the coronavirus have been distributed to hospitals in Colombia.

Medical supplies distributed in poor areas

According to the Colombian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, has sent the Pope's gifts to some of the worst-hit areas of the country, in order to assist those in need who have difficulty in gaining access to medical care.

With the help of the Colombian Air Force and in collaboration with the Military Ordinariate of Colombia, the medical supplies have been delivered to the Bishop of Quibdo, Juan Carlos Barreto Barreto, for the city's health- care centers, namely the San Francisco de Asis Hospital and the Santiago Clinic.

"This gesture highlights the continuous solicitude of Pope Francis for Colombia in many areas, and expresses his concern for all the Churches," the Bishop said in a note, reiterating his gratitude and affection for the Holy Father.

A new gift from the Pope to struggling communities

This is not the first time that the Pope has made concrete gestures of help to countries struggling to cope with the Covid-19 emergency. One year ago, on the feast of Saint George the Martyr, the Pope donated respirators and medical supplies to hospitals in Italy, Spain and Romania, the countries worst-hit by Covid at the time.

The distribution of the Popes gifts is coordinated by the Apostolic Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. On some occasions he has been able to personally deliver the gifts.

Popes donation of respirators to Brazil

Last year Pope Francis sent eighteen Draeger ventilators for intensive care and six Fuji portable ultrasound scanners to Brazil, where the virus has killed many vulnerable people, including members of indigenous populations in the Amazon.

The delivery of the medical equipment to Brazil was made possible thanks to the efforts of a non-profit association called Hope, which is specialised in humanitarian health and education projects and has made every effort to procure high-tech life-saving equipment through various donors. Hope also provided for the transportation and installation of the equipment in the receiving hospitals.
French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs visits BLiSC with emphasis on Indo-French scientific collaborations in bio-health

Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) welcomed Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs to its campus. The minister made it a point to visit the Cluster for talks with the directors and CEO of NCBS, inStem, and C-CAMP respectively. The delegation made its way to the campus on April 15, 2021, for discussions focused on strengthening Indo-French scientific collaborations in bio-health.

Prof Apurva Sarin, Director, DBT-inStem, said, Science is a shared endeavour, and the many collaborations between the Bangalore Life Science Cluster with laboratories in France are now poised to expand their footprint and build longer-term sustainable partnerships, involving both industry and academia in our countries.

A discussion of Indo-French efforts was led by the Minister, focusing on the combined research activities of industry and academic partners on campus. At the forefront of the discussion were key questions on how to improve scientific cooperation between Cluster scientists and French organisations as well as preparedness to jointly tackle future epidemics.

Members of the delegation included VIPs and science attaches, including Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, Marjorie Vanbaelinghem, Consul General of France to Bengaluru, Nicolas Gherardi, Deputy Counsellor for Science and Technology, Bertrand Lortholary and Camille Petit, Counsellors of the Minister, Dr Francois Xavier Montreuil, Attache for Science and Academic Cooperation.

A more in-depth discussion between representatives of French companies and Cluster scientists followed this meeting. Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO of C-CAMP, and Prof Sarin led the discussion with Anil Mavila of Urgo, Dr Nita Roy of LOreal, and Dr Villoo Patell of Avesthagen. Dr Saiyed remarked, With strong research capabilities backing us, this is the right time to build partnerships with a long-term view to answer societal problems. To this end, BLiSC provides the right mix of fundamental and translational research, along with innovation when joining hands with the French scientific community.

The visit marks a burgeoning connection between BLiSC scientists and infrastructure with French academia and industry.
The trial of a 29-year-old man charged in connection with a fatal crash on the N2 in County Louth three years ago, is to be given priority in the Circuit Court list.

Paul McCleave with an address at Gort na Mona Court, West Belfast is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Tom Begley, at Aclint, Ardee on April 28th 2018.

The 64-year-old from Reaghstown died the following day in Beaumont hospital where he had been airlifted to, following a collision involving his car and a van allegedly driven by the accused.

The case was listed for mention last Friday and after being told the date of the alleged offence, Judge Martina Baxter put back the matter to a date in July, saying it would require priority.
A mutant South African strain of Covid has jumped across rooms at the Mercure Hotel on George St in Sydney's CBD, with three people contracting the same strain of the virus.

NSW Health said in a statement on Wednesday that the three travellers have come down with the South African B1.351 variant.

The trio arrived on the same flight on April 3 before going into isolation at the quarantine hotel.

The three travellers were staying on the 10th floor of the Mercure Hotel on George St in Sydney's CBD

'All three people, two of whom are members of the same family, tested negative on their day-two swabs in hotel quarantine, before subsequently testing positive for Covid later during their quarantine periods,' NSW Health said in a statement on Wednesday.

'The two family members stayed in connecting rooms on the 10th floor of the hotel, while the third person was in an adjacent room.

'The family members tested positive on days seven and 10 of their stay, while the person in an adjacent room tested positive on day 12.'

The three returned travellers have been transferred to the Special Health Accommodation, where they will remain until no longer infectious.

NSW Health said it was now contacting returned travellers who had been staying on the same floor of the hotel between April 7 and April 12.

They will be directed to get tested and self-isolate until 14 days after they left quarantine at the Mercure Hotel, as will relevant hotel staff.

It comes after Covid spread between three family members while in quarantine in the Adina Apartments at Town Hall.

The three cases are all members of the one family who had been staying on the 12th floor.

All three people, two of whom are members of the same family, tested negative on their day-two swabs in hotel quarantine, before subsequently testing positive later during their quarantine periods, NSW Health said

They are believed to have been infectious for four days while staying at the hotel - from April 8 to April 11. They were then moved into Special Health Accommodation.

NSW recorded zero new locally-acquired cases of Covid in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, as well as eight cases in hotel quarantine.

The state government completed more than 3700 vaccinations over that time.

Health authorities also said that a separate case of Covid transmission between hotel rooms at the Adina Apartment Hotel at Town Hall was ongoing, and all contacts located to date have tested negative.

One COVID-19 patient in NSW is currently in intensive care and on a ventilator.
Ivorian soldiers killed three gunmen and injured another while repelling an attack on an army post in Ivory Coast's largest city of Abidjan on Wednesday, the defense ministry said

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Ivorian soldiers killed three gunmen and injured another while repelling an attack on an army post in Ivory Coast's largest city of Abidjan on Wednesday, the defense ministry said.

According to the army, a group of gunmen opened fire on an military base in Abobo, a northern suburb of Abidjan, at around 1:00 GMT.

The armed forces responded to the shooting, forcing the attackers to flee.

"The provisional assessment shows one person was slightly wounded on the friendly side, three were killed and one was wounded and arrested on the enemy side; many materials were seized," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that the security situation was under the control of the army, which is currently searching for the attackers on the run.
A Conversation With Lisa Britt Lisa Britt

Chief Human Resources Officer and SVP at Thermo Fisher Scientific CliftonStrengths Top 5: Strategic | Responsibility | Relator | Arranger | Activator

When the pandemic hit, Thermo Fisher Scientific sent everyone who was not responsible for production or essential activity support home to work -- bouncing the company's remote rate from less than 20% to nearly 60% overnight. Today, about 30% of that pandemic-related "work-from-home workforce" is back on-site, which is significantly lower than the post-pandemic in-house rate Thermo Fisher is aiming for. "You have to come back together when it is safe to do so," says Thermo Fisher's CHRO and SVP, Lisa Britt. "There are some critical things that are better done together." One of those critical things, Britt says, is efficient collaboration. "Our 80,000 colleagues deliver an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services. Customers depend on Thermo Fisher's innovative, fast, high-quality solutions." And that, according to Britt, requires trust and collaboration -- and proximity is key to both. Still, Britt says expectations for greater flexibility are the norm, so Thermo Fisher is actively working to enable flexible and hybrid work opportunities where appropriate, and in the company's and employees' best interests. But as she relates to Gallup Managing Director Larry Emond in this CHRO Conversation, "We are a team. Teams must come together at times, and purposeful proximity matters."

Emond: Thermo Fisher Scientific kept an unusually high number of employees on-site. What are your plans now?

Britt: That's right, the essential work performed by our company was necessary and the additional colleagues who have returned to the workplace have done so in a safe and thoughtful manner. We support our customers to accelerate life science research, improve patient diagnostics and solve complex analytical challenges through our products and services, and it requires what we call "purposeful proximity." In March 2020, we reduced our on-site workforce to those who were critical to meeting customer needs, which represented about half our workforce, at first. Today, between 30% and 40% of the work from home population are engaging with their work site on a weekly basis and in compliance with government density mandates. We're very, very careful and are working with experts and continuing to invest significantly in health and safety protocols to make our sites safe for our colleagues, as you would expect from a company like ours. Post-pandemic, we'll have more flexible work opportunities than we had pre-pandemic. It's not our goal to immediately restore full capacity -- but proximity is absolutely part of our secret sauce. It enables people to build trust, which is very difficult to do effectively while working virtually, and as we continue to grow rapidly, hiring people as fast as we need to, things slow down when you're not able to build trust the way you are accustomed to.

Emond: What factors lie behind that return-to-work decision?

Britt: We are a rapidly growing company, and that means we are constantly hiring to support our growth. With many new hires expected, we need to join them into the company thoughtfully so they can understand our mission, understand what we're doing, be able to prioritize and quickly feel like they belong here. Proximity is a critical component of that for us. We have more remote work now than in the past and we will continue to have remote workers, perhaps more so than pre-pandemic. That's definitely part of our "future of work" design. We're affording flexibility where it makes sense and supports colleague work-life balance, but we're not sacrificing the things that have made us successful over the years. We have many work teams whose effectiveness would certainly be diluted over time in a sustained remote environment. R&D, marketing, and business-enabling partners are just a few examples of groups whose impact is reduced when remote. And there are customer-facing roles in our sales organizations for which it's not just about coming back to work, it's about getting back out to work. We've enjoyed the new access through virtual channels, and we will operationalize the things that have proven even more effective than before. However, it's not the same as being able to sit with a new customer, walk through the product or capabilities story, and demonstrate that product and its efficacy in the client's environment. Virtual reality can only provide so much. Nothing really replaces the ability to collaborate in a room and build trust and confidence.

It's not our goal to immediately restore full capacity -- but proximity is absolutely part of our secret sauce. It enables people to build trust, which is very difficult to do effectively while working virtually, and as we continue to grow rapidly, hiring people as fast as we need to, things slow down when you're not able to build trust the way you are accustomed to.

Emond: And those things build trust 

Britt: Yes, and when you have trust, you can have speed. So, we're purposefully selecting where proximity absolutely matters within our organization for our culture now and in the future. A company culture should be purposeful, rather than happening by chance. The faster we can acclimate a new colleague to Thermo Fisher and ground them in our mission -- why we exist, why we do what we do, why we act the way we act, why we value the things we value -- the sooner that colleague will be able to make meaningful contributions. I have found that proximity matters significantly more for new colleagues than those who have established relationships, organizational agility and trust. One point I want to make, and it likely represents the way many companies feel, is that over the past year, we've really drawn down on what we've called the "trust bank." We've been depositing in the trust bank based on proximity-driven, cultivated workplace relationships for years. We knew how to get things done in the company based on our experience in the company. We've been withdrawing from that account over the past year, without making as many necessary new deposits. We were equipped to be successful -- arguably, as successful as we've ever been -- in this past year, but the questions we ask ourselves are "How long can you sustain it before experiencing a negative impact, and could we repeat it? Could we do so if 10%, or perhaps 20%, of our people were new, people who don't yet know how to operate efficiently and quickly, in our environment?" That's compelling for us because we don't want to take culture and experience for granted -- we don't want to say if we did it once, we could do it twice. I'm very sensitive to that and to the concern that, before we know it, we could lose what makes us such a special company. Negative cultural impact will be much harder to recoup if we're not able to recognize it before there's potentially some negative impact on our culture, our business, our future, our ability to innovate, to meet our customers' expectations. I'd rather be the outlier on the future of long-term remote work than to take that risk.

Emond: How are you deciding the stages of return?

Britt: We're watching the data carefully, and the answer depends on certain variables. Our back-to-new-normal plan will be driven at a very local level and depends on local government orders, community infection rates, internal incident rates, vaccine prevalence and colleague testing. Right now, beyond the essential workers, those who have continued to come to work are generally the people who want to be on-site. We've created safe, clean spaces for those who want or need more proximity and a direct connection to the culture or are involved in innovation activity. As the data supports it, we will continue to safely increase density in our sites. So, unless by a preapproved flexible work arrangement or perhaps a medical accommodation, colleagues will be expected to return to the workplace. That's the key -- when the data supports it, we need our colleagues to connect back to the workplace in a purposeful way. Right now, as an example, 30% to 40% of the site workforce is connecting at our corporate headquarters for at least two days a week to stabilize and scale support services, such as cafeteria, security, cleaning and sanitation. If incidence rates internally and in the local market remain low or further decline, we will adjust to three days a week, and so on. Eventually, we will look far more like we did before COVID-19 than we look today. That's not to say we won't also deliberately embrace flexible and remote options where proven effective, where our colleagues really want it, and where it makes us more competitive. However, we won't do it at the expense of the company's future.

A company culture should be purposeful, rather than happening by chance. The faster we can acclimate a new colleague to Thermo Fisher and ground them in our mission -- why we exist, why we do what we do, why we act the way we act, why we value the things we value -- the sooner that colleague will be able to make meaningful contributions.

Emond: Where is Thermo Fisher going with [COVID-19] testing for the long term? Where do you think other companies are going to go?

Britt: In the U.S., we're generally testing at least once a week in every site with more than 50 people, in states that support surveillance or diagnostic workplace testing. Europe is a bit more challenging given the strict data privacy laws and testing thus far has been more driven by local governments. Testing in our Asia Pacific and China geos has also been governmentally driven where COVID-19 cases have remained very low for several months now. So, until there's no need for it, we'll continue to provide colleague testing in the U.S. We, and many other employers, will likely use testing to safely bring large groups together, even when the infection rate is sustainably low, and the vaccination rate is up -- just as an additional safeguard. We'll follow the science, as you would expect, and right now incidence rates, testing, vaccination rates and local density mandates drive our plans. As soon as those points coalesce, hopefully sooner than later, we'll be back to a more normal environment. That will probably be our approach until we see a full societal recovery.

Emond: So, at the end of the day, you'll mostly be together in person, yes? What do your employees think?

Britt: The short answer is yes. However, I think if you told our workforce that they have to immediately come back to exactly what work was, there would be disruption and unnecessary turnover, so we will adapt in line with our cultural values and needs. I also think people who choose to do the work that we're doing recognize the value of proximity when it's clearly articulated. Many of our colleagues, probably most of them, self-select into this industry and understand the power of a collaborative culture. We will continue to strive to be one of the world's most admired companies and to create great work experiences, and all that entails, for our colleagues.

Emond: Good point. Scientists are accustomed to working in a team environment.

Britt: Absolutely. Teams, in general, are an accelerator for us, and if you have to learn everything by making mistakes on your own, life's hard. We create value by transforming collaborative knowledge into products and services for customers. It's really very hard to do that just working on your own. We learn something from every colleague and from every idea. So we're making appropriate changes for our future, and it's not one-size-fits-all but, for us, proximity is important.

Emond: Are there particular types of roles that don't require so much proximity?

Britt: Yes, there are many roles in information technology and data science, and our U.S. customer service support teams who have previously been based in call centers, those can be performed from anywhere.

We create value by transforming collaborative knowledge into products and services for customers. It's really very hard to do that just working on your own. We learn something from every colleague and from every idea. So, we're making appropriate changes for our future, and it's not one-size-fits-all but, for us, proximity is important.

Emond: Not many companies are bringing their call center people back to shared service centers.

Britt: For this business, space constraints and the nature of the varied external interactions made the customer service team a great option for "anchored remote work." This means they work remotely regularly but, when required, have easy access to their local work site and the broad team for on-site collaboration and professional development.

In some cases, such as the information technology example, we would have more access to talent in lower-cost areas of the country, access to more diverse candidates, and colleagues who could cover across more time zones. They could come to a work site on a routine basis for things that we need them to do together -- purposeful proximity.

Emond: The space consideration can be a challenge. How are you planning to enable flexibility?

Britt: Well, there isn't a single answer we've found, but we have reinforced that flexibility must work for both the colleague and the company. For example, if you are approved for a schedule that supports remote work for more than two workdays per week, then you'd sign up for hoteling space instead of having a dedicated workspace. In that way, we prioritize our physical footprint for those who need it or prefer it. But that brings up the question of leadership capability.

Emond: How so?

Britt: For many managers, managing a variety of proximity wants and needs is a real challenge and a capability requiring more development. Whether their workforce is fully distributed -- which is an extreme -- hybrid, or flexible, or all of the above, managers are required to lead differently than they did a year ago. Investing in this development is important and we must equip managers with the tools necessary to support the evolving needs within our culture. Further, colleague wellbeing is at the forefront and managers need to be attuned to work-life balance challenges to ensure colleagues are "working from home," not "living at work." It's clear that creating and sustaining balance has been a real challenge this past year; managers must be more aware and address colleague needs more than ever before.

Emond: So how are you, yourself managing?

Britt: While still in pandemic recovery, I'm trying to role model what I'm asking other people to do. I go to the workplace regularly, and I work from home at least once a week to demonstrate my commitment to the safety of our workplace as well as the needed flexibility. Many executives share this approach including our CEO, and this reinforces that it can be done well. I do look forward to the time -- hopefully soon -- when we can safely bring our teams together more fully. Delivering on our company mission -- enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer -- has never been more essential.

In the end, our future of work may look a little different than we expected it would back in 2019, and we are committed to being an even better company from 2021 forward. To do so, we need to build on who we are. Our success is driven by great talent working interdependently -- transforming the best ideas into new innovations. We will carry this fundamental forward with purposeful proximity, while recognizing that, in many cases, proximity is powerful.

Larry Emond

Managing Director, Global Leadership Advisory, Gallup

Jennifer Robison contributed to this article.
A man and a baby girl have fallen to their deaths from a 36 metre high dam in South Australia's Barossa Valley.

Police and ambulances were called to the Whispering Wall in Williamstown, 50km north-east of Adelaide, at about 4.30 on Wednesday afternoon.

A witness raised the alarm after seeing the pair go over the wall and fall to the ground.

Police and ambulances were called to the Whispering Wall in Williamstown, 50km north-east of Adelaide , at about 4.30 on Wednesday afternoon

A man and a baby girl over the 36 metre high Whispering Wall in South Australia 's Barossa Valley

The man was already dead when emergency services found him, while the infant was unresponsive. Paramedics tried to revive her but she died at the scene

The man was already dead when emergency services found him, while the infant was unresponsive.

Paramedics tried to revive the baby but sadly she died at the scene.

At this stage police are not looking for anyone in relation to their deaths.

Detectives from Barossa CIB, forensic investigators and the Major Crime Branch are on the scene looking into what caused the tragedy.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Detectives from Barossa CIB, forensic investigators and the Major Crime Branch are on the scene looking into what caused the tragedy

The Whispering Wall is the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir, and in recent years has become a tourist attraction for carrying sound from one side to the other.

'What draws visitors to the Whispering Wall is its unique acoustic effects: words whispered at one side can be clearly heard at the other, more than 100 metres away. Children in particular love visiting the wall and testing its abilities,' the Barossa website says.

'Children in particular love visiting the wall and testing its abilities.'

Built between 1899 and 1903, the dam was a revolutionary engineering feat for its day and has attracted tourists from all over the world.
By Supantha Mukherjee

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Dish Network on Wednesday signed a deal with Amazon to build its 5G network on Amazon Web Services' (AWS) cloud platform and said it will launch its first network in the United States in Las Vegas later this year.

Dish, racing to build a 5G network in the United States by 2023, has chosen a new technology called Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) that uses software to run network functions on the cloud, reducing the use of physical equipment.

As part of the collaboration, Dish and Amazon will help develop 5G applications, such as low-latency augmented reality gaming experiences, serve contextual advertising, or orchestrate the movements of a robot at a disaster site.

"We have exposed our ambition and our technology to a number of enterprise customers and we are in deep discussions," Dish Chief Network Officer Marc Rouanne said in an interview.

AWS Vice President David Brown said the partners had discussed working together for around 18 months ahead of the deal signed on Wednesday.

It is not exclusive and AWS has an existing https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/industries/verizon-and-aws-deliver-mobile-edge-computing-to-customers-in-boston-and-the-bay-area partnership with telecom operator Verizon.

"If AWS and Dish were to partner on going after the enterprise opportunity together  leveraging Dish's network and AWS' enterprise services infrastructure and sales force  that would be exciting," Jonathan Chaplin, an analyst at New Street Research, said.

Dish, with its new network built on the latest technologies, could become a threat to traditional telecom operators, such as Verizon and AT&T.

"They will have a lower cost than Verizon and so will be able to undercut on price," Chaplin said.

Rouanne said Dish is on track to reach its goal of covering 20% of the U.S. population by June next year, and at least 70% of the population by mid-2023, as part of its commitments to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

(Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee, European Technology & Telecoms Correspondent, based in Stockholm; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Mike Antonuccis Union Report appears most Wednesdays; see the full archive.

For the last 45 years, teachers unions have been the predominant political force in California, using their clout from the governors office down to the states 1,037 school districts.

Except for one: the Clovis Unified School District, just north of Fresno.

While there are a number of tiny districts in California without a teachers union, Clovis is unique because it has more than 2,100 teachers but has never unionized. When collective bargaining for California public school teachers became law in 1976, Clovis educators decided they preferred to form a faculty senate rather than organize a teachers union.

The senate performs many of the same duties of a union, but with a clear difference: Most decisions regarding pay, working conditions and other matters are made by joint committees composed of senate and district representatives. If theres a committee, were on it, said Duane Goudy, the faculty senate president. If theres a meeting, we are part of it.

School support workers have since been unionized by the independent California School Employees Association, but the teachers have stuck with the senate. And there are no dues.

Now the California Teachers Association has launched an effort to unionize this last bastion of resistance. Efforts to drum up support have been underway since July, getting some local press attention. But nothing all that organized appeared until early this month, when the Association of Clovis Educators emerged, complete with a logo, website, multiple social media accounts, a podcast, a press release and an open letter announcing its intention to form a union.

The letter was signed by 72 Clovis employees who constitute the organizing committee. If a majority of the districts teachers sign a petition collected by the union, it will be submitted to the state governments labor relations board. Once the signatures are verified, the union would be declared the exclusive representative and no secret ballot election would be held.

Story continues

The vision of the faculty senate is quaint, said association spokeswoman Kristin Heimerdinger. When the district was smaller, it was a more viable model of representation that doesnt work now that the district is larger.

A typical union organizing drive has only one adversary to deal with: the administration or management. But the Clovis union and its state union backers will have another: Clovis Teachers for Clovis.

While not nearly as sophisticated and wide-ranging as their counterparts, this group of school district employees wants to save the faculty senate and reject the union.

Their job is not to do whats best for kids, said Joni Sumter, one of the groups organizers. Their job is to be the union. Its our job to do whats best for kids, and at every level in this district, thats what weve done  all these years thats what weve done.

Clovis Teachers for Clovis also has a list of supporters. Of the 477 people who have put their name to the list, 228 are certificated professionals who would be in the proposed bargaining unit. Remarkably, another 41 support employees, who are covered by a union contract, also support retaining the faculty senate.

The California Teachers Association does not find it cost-effective to organize small groups of employees. That is why it tends to target large charter school networks in an effort to unionize an entire network under a single contract. Clovis is the last district in the state where the union can potentially add a couple of thousand new members in one fell swoop. Since the U.S. Supreme Courts Janus ruling in 2018, the unions efforts require recruiting new members one by one. It can no longer rely on agency fees from non-members.

The state unions membership hasnt recovered since the secession of the 19,000-member California Faculty Association in 2019. If it can organize Clovis teachers, not only would it add to union rolls, it would eliminate a model for nonunion representation that has stood for 45 years.

Related: Sign up for The 74s newsletter
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Tuesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC - surgical and advanced woundcare specialist company - Receives CE mark approval for its laparoscopic gastrointestinal sealant device, Seal-G MIST. In addition, the existing CE mark for the Seal-G open device has been extended to include a blue colourant that aids visibility for the surgeon during product usage. Patient enrolment for the first human clinical study of Seal-G and Seal-G MIST began in Israel in February 2021 with a small number of patient procedures and successful follow-ups already completed. The 160-patient study will also recruit patients in the UK and Italy with final study results expected in early 2022. The open-label trial will collect clinical evidence on the usage, safety, performance and usability of Seal-G and Seal-G MIST.







PetroTal Corp - Peru-focused oil and gas development and production firm - Notes remaining 1.4 million barrels of oil in the North Peruvian Pipeline now been hedged by Petroperu, thereby securing future total true-up revenue payments of about USD31 million for the original 1.8 million barrels. Says now over 1.2 million barrels in total are now hedged, representing 32% of forecast oil production for April 2021 to December 2021. About 338,000 barrels have been hedged, representing 9% of forecast oil production covering August 2021 to December 2021, in a Put structure with a USD60 per barrel strike.







Water Intelligence PLC - provider of precision, minimally-invasive leak detection and remediation solutions - Buys intellectual property assets from US firm FastDitch Inc. The IP assets will be used to launch a new subsidiary of the company's core American Leak Detection unit, dedicated to providing water infrastructure solutions. The subsidiary will operate under the tradename Intelliditch. "As set forth in a recent market communication, the group is accelerating its growth plan given the anticipated increase in market demand for water infrastructure solutions stimulated by the Biden Administration's American Jobs Plan," company says. The IP will be used to manufacture proprietary lightweight HDPE lining solutions for earthen or concrete water channels enabling cost-effective reduction of water loss, it adds. The purchase price for the IP is a 25% equity stake for FastDitch in Intelliditch and options for 100,000 shares of Water Intelligence at an exercise price of 822.5 pence.







Savannah Resources PLC - lithium project in Portugal and heavy mineral sands project in Mozambique - Plans placing of up to 258.0 million shares at a price of 4 pence each to raise up to GBP10.3 million. "Alongside Savannah's existing working capital, the majority of the net proceeds raised are to be allocated to progressing and enhancing Mina do Barroso the company's flagship asset. This includes expanding the project's team in preparation for the upcoming development phase, conducting further exploration on the project to increase its resources, and evaluating opportunities to maximise its ESG credentials," company explains.







Ariana Resources PLC - exploration and development company operating in Europe - Continues to work with its legal advisors and is advancing court proceedings over proposed reduction of share capital via a cancellation of the company's share premium account, the cancellation of the deferred shares, and the authority for the company to buy back shares. "Any delays pertaining to the legal process have now been overcome and the company is close to completing the submissions required by the court process," company says. It adds: "Although the company has no control over the process and respective timelines, the board remains confident that court proceedings will still be completed and will notify shareholders as soon as practicable."







Ethernity Networks Ltd - Israel-based networking and security solutions provider - Receives notice of payment of fourth investment, for GBP400,000, under the investment agreement, signed last September, with 5G Innovation Leaders Fund LLC, a US-based specialist investor. 5G Fund will make the investment of GBP400,000 by way of prepayment, in the next five days, for new shares, valued at GBP438,000. The proceeds from the investment will be used by the company for general corporate and working capital purposes.







Galantas Gold Corp - Northern Ireland-focused gold producer - Proposes private placement of a minimum of 17 to 22 million "units" at CAD0.30 per unit, where each unit comprises one common share and one warrant. The minimum gross proceeds expected to be raised are CAD5.1 million, about USD4.0 million, with maximum gross proceeds of CAD6.6 million. Each warrant will be exercisable into one additional share at an exercise price of CAD0.40 for 24 months from the closing date of the placement. There will be a 4-month hold period on the trading of securities issued in connection with this offering. "The net funds raised will be mainly used for bringing the Galantas Gold Mine into full commercial production and for exploration to expand the high-grade gold resources," company explains.







Landore Resources Ltd - Canada-focused minerals explorer - Finds presence of Bonanza grade gold on the BAM Gold Deposit, Junior Lake property, Ontario, Canada. Chief Executive Bill Humphries says: "This significant Bonanza gold discovery in the footwall of the BAM Gold Deposit has further demonstrated its potential to become a multi-million ounce open pit resource with significant underground mining potential." Bonanza grade gold reporting 432.0 grams per tonne gold over 0.32 metres has been intersected in drill hole 0421-785 from 191.5 metres on cut grid line 2850E in the footwall below the currently defined East pit of the BAM Gold Deposit. The gold is hosted in a quartz vein in a deformation zone.







Team PLC - Jersey-based active fund management firm - No longer plans to proceed with takeover of Berkshire-based investment manager Tavistock Investments PLC. "The basis and rationale for a possible combination of the two companies was set out in the TEAM announcement of March 23. Since that date, TEAM have engaged constructively with shareholders of Tavistock but have not been able to fully engage with the board of Tavistock. As a consequence, the board of TEAM believes that other growth and acquisition opportunities are more compelling at this time and in the best interest of its shareholders to pursue," company explains. On March 23, Team announced a possible all-share offer for Tavistock worth GBP15.2 million, or 2.5 pence per share. Tavistock believes offer undervalues Tavistock and feels there is no commercial logic to justify a combination of the two businesses.







Kistos PLC - London-based energy sector investor - Raises GBP52.5 million through issue of 33.9 million shares at 155 pence each via placing, subscription and PrimaryBid offer. Proceeds will go towards its EUR222.8 million acquisition of Tulip Oil Netherlands BV. Company announced plans for the deal back in March. Tulip Oil Netherlands is focused on offshore gas field exploration in the Dutch North Sea. The EUR222.8 million deal with sellers Tulip Oil Holding BV includes EUR60 million in cash and the issue of EUR15.8 million of shares to Tulip Oil Holding. The deal will also see Tulip Oil Netherlands issue EUR60 million worth of bonds to Tulip Oil Holding, while a EUR87 million bond refinancing makes up the rest of the acquisition fee. Tulip Oil will become a shareholder and debt holder of Kistos, upon completion of the deal.







By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Newcomb Sex Abuse, Drug Case Continued to May

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - A Paducah man facing numerous sex and drug-related charges was in court Monday.Nineteen-year-old Joseph Newcomb appeared for a pretrial conference. The McCracken Circuit Court Clerk said the hearing was continued to May 14.He was arrested in September after someone reported seeing two people in a vehicle smoking marijuana. Newcomb reportedly told authorities the girl with him was his 14-year-old cousin but later admitted they were not related. The girl told police she was 12-years-old.Officers say Newcomb exchanged marijuana for sexual contact with the girl.Newcomb is facing charges of second-degree sexual abuse, promoting a minor in a sexual performance, use of electronics to procure a minor for sex, second-degree sodomy, unlawful transaction with a minor, tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia possession, and failure to use a turn signal.
The Bay Areas burgeoning Singaporean food scene is heating up with a new restaurant from Singapores oldest cafe chain, which is coming to Walnut Creek with creative dishes like laksa raviolo.

The effort comes from Killiney Kopitiam, which debuted in Singapore in 1919 and is well-known for traditional eats like kaya toast and laksa, and chef Nora Haron, who has gained a local following for her modern approach to Singaporean and Indonesian flavors. The new restaurant, Table at 7, is set to open in June in the former Prima space downtown.

Its not going to be authentic Singaporean-Indonesian food. Its my take on it, Haron said. Itll be very California forward, but flavors of home.

Killiney Kopitiam, which opened its first U.S. location in Palo Alto last year, also runs an upscale restaurant in Singapore called Table at 7. After the casual Singaporean cafe debuted to long lines, the company wanted to bring a version of Table at 7 to the U.S., too. In Singapore, Table at 7 has earned favorable write-ups in local publications, with a Bangkok magazine ranking the restaurants tender Indonesian-style pork as one of 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die.

Killiney Kopitiam tapped Haron, previously the chef of Oaklands Singaporean-inspired cafe Drip Line, which closed after just a year despite its popularity, and partner at San Franciscos Local Kitchen, where she brought Southeast Asian flavors to a longstanding pizza spot. They already have big plans, with a potential second location in the works in the South Bay.

Nora Haron

To get the new gig, Haron impressed Killiney Kopitiam with laksa raviolo: handmade pasta streaked with green rau ram and a prawn filling, spicy and funky from sambal. Finished with lemongrass-rich laksa broth and lime zest, the raviolo will be a staple on the Table at 7 menu.

Wanting to offer a bridge from Prima, an Italian restaurant that closed after more than 40 years during the pandemic, Haron plans to serve other dishes with Italian influences as well. Shes thinking about polenta, for example, topped with rendang, a rich coconut beef stew.

Shell also introduce some dishes from her Oakland pop-up, IndoMex, which fuses flavors from Indonesia, Singapore and Mexico. Most will likely appear as one-off specials, but she expects to regularly serve her take on Singapore chicken rice. It features crispy chicken instead of poached, and is paired with caldo de pollo (a Latin American chicken soup), sambal and salsa. (The pop-up will continue monthly, and is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a party on Sunday.)

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle 2019

Otherwise, Haron is buying produce from farms in nearby Brentwood and from Asian American farmers in the Sacramento area  and bringing her background as a pastry chef to brunch. At Drip Line, she drew regulars for options like sweet sourdough waffles with kaya and black rice porridge with coconut cream and seasonal fruit.

Table at 7. Opening in June. 1520 N. Main St., Walnut Creek.

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
KEHUA has full-scenario energy storage solution covering generation-side, transmission and distribution side and behind-the-meter. With rich and complete leading energy storage product line, KEHUA can provide customers with high-quality product solution according to local conditions. By virtue of the safety, reliability, energy saving and flexibility of KEHUA products, KEHUA has won the trust of many countries, such as with our recent energy storage project in Malaysia, which is in progress in Johor state. KEHUA installed behind-the-meter energy storage inverters for this project. While making full use of Malaysia's NEM preferential photovoltaic policy, this scheme reduces the power consumption of the plant. Moreover, the investment can be recovered in just three years or so. It is a solution centered on green energy + green factory, and it can effectively reduce carbon emissions.

About KEHUA

Established in 1988 and went public in 2010, KEHUA is a world-leading power conversion expert, with the commitment to provide cutting-edge solutions in Critical Power, Renewables Energy and Could Infrastructure. Business involves UPS, solar inverter, energy storage, IDC construction and O&M.

For more information:

Web: www.kehua.com

Email: [email protected]

Name: Jon Zhang

Tel: +86 (0592) 516 5883



SOURCE Kehua Data Co., Ltd.
ADELANTO, Calif., April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated National Resources (INR) wants to thank its investors and fans for their continued support of their company and new WeedGenics California grow facility.

Cannabis plants grow at Integrated National Resources' WeedGenics Manufacturing Facility in Adelanto, California.

2020 was an exceptional year in anomalous times. As INR sees a reshaping of the competitive environment, it is on the threshold of a transformation in the cannabis industry that will be unlike anything experienced before, presenting challenges, but also boundless opportunity. INR is strengthening its focus and efforts to create ever-increasing value. For the company's new 150,000 square foot WeedGenics manufacturing facility in Adelanto, California, INR is investing in science, innovation, and capabilities to build new platforms to secure long-term objectives.

During 2020 INR confirmed its "Health and Wellness" strategic direction with a newly articulated purpose that echoes the motivation of the company: enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. INR's co-founders are pioneers and entrepreneurs, methodically gaining scientific knowledge and conquering challenges with expertise and determination. The past decade has presented constant change, thus INR will continue implementing measures to safeguard the company's ongoing success and to ensure INR thrives in this new environment.

Through innovation, INR helps people to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Innovation is the foundation on which the company was built and is essential to future success. The strength and depth of INR's Research and Development differentiate the company from the competition to help adapt quickly to changes in society. INR is invariably gaining a deeper understanding of science and developing products and services with the potential to help people via premium cannabis natural medicine as an alternative to perpetually rising healthcare costs.

Again, INR would like to thank their current and future investors for their continuing support, confidence, and above all, trust. Rest assured that INR's passion for health, wellness, and quality will continue to generate sustainable, profitable returns you rightfully expect from us. As cannabis acceptance and legalization expands throughout the United States, INR's new WeedGenics California facility expansion is rapidly gaining visibility and interest amongst consumers and investors alike. For more information, visit WeedGenics.com. Stay up to date by following the WeedGenics social media accounts at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weed_genics



Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weed_genics



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedgenics



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weedgenics



Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/weed_genics

Contact:



Deanna Rilling



WeedGenics



[email protected]

Related Images



cannabis-plants.jpeg

Cannabis Plants

Cannabis plants grow at Integrated National Resources' WeedGenics Manufacturing Facility in Adelanto, California.

SOURCE Integrated National Resources (INR)

Related Links

http://WeedGenics.com


For the past couple of years, Apple has relied primarily on Samsung Display to provide OLED panels for its iPhones. As the worlds leading OLED manufacturer, Samsung supplied 78% of all iPhone OLEDs in the past year but a new report from South Korean outlet The Elec claims that Apple is looking to further diversify its OLED supply through LG Display and Chinas BOE.

Based on data from industry sources and Omdia Research, Samsung will remain the number one supplier of OLED panels for the upcoming iPhones with 65.1% of the total orders but its two rivals will see increased shares. LG Display is projected to bring in 29.6% of all panels while BOE will fill in 5.3% of orders. Apple is expected to source 169 million OLED panels in total for its new iPhones and 110 million of those will be supplied by Samsung which leaves 50 million for LG and 9 million for BOE.

Source (in Korean) | Via
New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): Amid the COVID-19 surge, Air India has cancelled all its flights from and to the United Kingdom from April 24 to 30 after the UK added India to its travel "red list".



In a statement, Air India said, "Passengers who were to travel between India and UK may note that in view of recent restrictions announced by the UK, flights from or to the UK stand cancelled from April 24 to April 30."

Further updates regarding rescheduling, refunds and waivers will be informed later, it added.

It said, "Between April 24 to April 30, we are in the process to schedule once a week flight to the United Kingdom from Delhi and Mumbai." The information regarding the same will also be updated on the website of Air India and social media channels, they said.

The United Kingdom added India to its travel "red list" on a precautionary basis after reporting 103 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, health minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

The British High Commission in India said that the decision is to help prevent the spread of variants of concern and protect the most vulnerable. (ANI)


The Joberg Foundation, a non-governmental charity organization in Ghana has undertaken to construct a special-purpose hospital ward at the Amanfro polyclinic in the Ga South municipal hospital in the Greater Accra region.



The project is necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and it is estimated to cost about GH 300.000 Ghana to be completed in three months.



It will serve as a special purpose ward that will also serve the people even after the pandemic has ended. Although Joberg Foundation is the main sponsor of the project, it is at the suggestion of the MP for Bortiano Nglishie Amanfro constituency Sylvester Tetteh.



Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony to commission the construction on Tuesday, April 20th 2021, C.E.O of Joberg Foundation Joseph Magmus Marteye stated that the mission of his foundation is based on his personal values of charity, empathy, social and economic empowerment and sustainable development through social enterprise and self-help community projects.



He added that although Joberg Ghana Foundation is the main sponsor of the many charity projects, Joberg Construction Ltd, his private real estate company, is funding most of these projects in different parts of the country with support from other organizations and individuals in and outside of Ghana. He stressed that there is a non-partisan approach to the Joberg Charity projects.



We do not discriminate in our charity work except that we target the poorest and most vulnerable communities in need of social intervention. He added it is important to note that our organization works through non-partisan proposals made to us by our honorable members of parliament, assembly members, chiefs, religious bodies and other local government authorities



He called on other individuals and organization in and outside of Ghana to join hands with Joberg Foundation to help needy communities.



The MP for Nglishie Amanfro constituency Hon. Silvester Tetteh commended Joberg Ghana and its founder for their generous initiatives. He pledged to contribute GH 100.000 from the MPs common fund out of the total cost of GH 300.000 of the project undertaken by the Joberg foundation. The foundation is expected to fund the remaining GH 200.000.



Joberg Ghana foundation is currently undertaking many other such charity projects in other constituencies in Ghana. They include market sheds in Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East constituency at the request of MP Dominic Akuritingayine, Dressmaking factory in Teshie in Accra, boreholes in Navrongo constituency, Accra as well as donations of items and cash worth GH 8000 to the communities of Ametafor and Saihe.



The chief of Amanfro Nii Kwashie Gbolo thanked Joberg Ghana Foundation for undertaking such a project in his traditional area. He also underscored the fact that governments cannot solve all the social and economic problems for the people.



Joberg Ghana Foundation is a non-profit non-governmental organization founded in 2017 and based in Ghana.

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.

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By Ashley Junkunc 21

The Ohio Music Teachers Association named Stefanie Acevedo, University of Dayton assistant professor of music theory and technology, its 2021 commissioned composer chair and a state board member  a role where she oversees an annual project to commission a new composition by a selected Ohio composer.

Acevedo oversees the annual Ohio search by selecting a three-person judging panel, asking for nominees, curating composition portfolios and serving as a liaison between the commissioned composer and OhioMTA.

The winner is commissioned to compose a piece to be premiered at the OhioMTA annual conference. This years winning commissioned composer was HyeKyung Lee, associate professor of composition at Denison University, whose piece will be premiered at the OMTA State Conference in October at Northern Kentucky University. The commissioned piece is then submitted for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Distinguished Composer prize, scheduled for March 2022.

Acevedo heard about the opportunity from Patrick Reynolds, a previous commissioned composer chair and University professor of conducting. When the OhioMTA position became available, Reynolds recommended Acevedo to the board.

Its really exciting to have a colleague think of you for such a role, Acevedo said. For me, its humbling and encourages me to introspect and use the leadership position to make a change in the world, the field of music and others careers.

The OhioMTA is a chapter of the MTNA, an organization dedicated to building a vital musical culture and an enlightened musical public through teaching and support for music educators and students. Part of this mission includes encouraging the creation of new works by American composers through collaboration with state associations in the generation and performance of music through its national composer commissioning program.

As the commissioned composer chair and a state board member, Acevedos goal is to make decisions that maximize diversity and representation of gender, background, and musical style. She has demonstrated this in her selection of the three commissioned composer of the year judges.

Our judges panel consisted of two men and one woman, and I tried to find judges with diverse racial identities and musical backgrounds  including training in and performance and composition of Western classical, American folk, popular, electroacoustic, and non-American musical traditions to emphasize the fact that compositional quality is not limited to a specific musical style, Acevedo said. I can throw my voice in the hat as far as making these decisions, especially because little things like this really count in shaping peoples careers and for diversifying representation in academic music circles.

Julia Randel, associate professor and Department of Music chair, is excited for Acevedos opportunity to support diverse Ohio composers and promote the creation of new music. Randel believes Acevedo will bring some of these experiences back into the classroom.

Dr. Acevedo will connect with composers writing exciting and innovative new music, which she will be able to introduce to our students and faculty. This is valuable for our students as performers, composers and all-around musicians, Randel said. We have a growing number of students studying composition, and Dr. Acevedos involvement with this program will make them more aware of how to seek out opportunities like this and get their own work out there. This is especially important for women and people of color who have historically been underrecognized as composers.

In addition to her work as the OhioMTA commissioned composer chair and state board member, Acevedo is also the media and communications chair for the Society for Music Perception and Cognition, a member of the Society for Music Theory IT/Networking committee and faculty advisor for the Universitys student chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, National Fraternity for Women in Music. She served as the student member of the Society for Music Theorys Committee on the Status of Women (2013-2016), a board member for the International Alliance for Women in Music (2009-2015) and member of the student advisory board on Yale Universitys Title IX committee. All of these roles showcase her commitment to diversity and inclusion in academia and the music industry.

One of my main platforms is this idea of expanding diversity through access to resources and representation, Acevedo said. Its a problem in the music academy that we dont have equal representation. This is something we need to make sure we address.

Acevedo fell in love with making music and performing it for others as a young girl. She started playing the trombone for her middle school band and now, while in her third year at the University, she is making an impact on the field at large. She also performs with the University Javanese Gamelan ensemble and studies carillon.

Its rare to be able to get paid for doing something that you love  Im listening and geeking out about music all the time, and its really neat that I can share that with my students at the University of Dayton, Acevedo said.

For more information, visit the Department of Music website.
Utilis has launched an Impact Calculator that shows the amount of damage water leakage has on the environment. Tweet this

"Utilis doesn't just provide a product to our customers, we provide the full solution, which includes helping them lower their environmental impact on the planet," said Elly Perets, CEO of Utilis. "This Impact Calculator shows water utilities everywhere the impact they can impart by finding and repairing leaking pipes."

The Utilis Impact Calculator linked here contributes to the three of 17 goals set forth by the United Nations, all related to sustainable global development.

Utilis also contributes to the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Climate change from increasing CO2 is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. The Utilis L-Band SAR analytics help customers identify leaks so they can be repaired, lowering the excess electricity used to pump and treat the water (as well as associated CO2).

With Utilis' technical innovation, including the Impact Calculator, Utilis is able to assist both public and private sectors to overcome major water challenges. Since the average leak remains underground and unreported for 18 months (per AWWA), rapid detection and resolution are of critical importance. Any environmental damage can be viewed and addressed. Resolution of leaks save water, CO2 and electricity.

For more information or to use the Utilis Impact Calculator, visit our website at https://utiliscorp.com/products/.

***

ABOUT UTILIS

Utilis provides data driven solutions for water utilities, government agencies, and the greater infrastructure industry. They use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from satellites and turn it into large scale decision support tools. The proprietary algorithms and highly educated staff of scientists and engineers are the key to the company's mission, to which advance planet Earth's resource resilience through SAR analytics. Successfully commercializing their first leak detection product in 2016, Utilis' projects are saving more than 7000 million gallons of potable water and 17,000 MWH of energy per year, all in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Headquartered in Israel, with offices in the United States and United Kingdom, Utilis currently provides innovative data solutions in multiple verticals around the globe. For more information on Utilis and to learn more about their technology visit https://utiliscorp.com/

Media Contact

Karen Dubey

Corporate Marketing Director

[email protected]

(858) 798-6709

SOURCE Utilis Corp.

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The climate summit that Biden is hosting is among his first international actions since the United States officially returned to the Paris accord. The U.S. withdrawal from the global pact under former President Donald Trump was part of Trumps effort to step away from global allegiances in general and his oft-stated but false view that global warming was a hoax or at least an overstated claim by the worlds scientists.
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 21st Apr, 2021) The UAE has strongly condemned the murder of Chads President Idriss Deby Itno, describing it as a cowardly act against a brave friend who has worked sincerely over the past decades for the sake of the stability and prosperity of his country.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UAE expressed its deep condolences to the family of the late President and to the friendly Chads people, stressing its support and solidarity with the Chads people in these circumstances.

The UAE called for a peaceful transfer of power to achieve the security and stability of Chad and the region, and to provide the atmosphere for a peaceful political dialogue that would enable Chad to achieve this peacefully.

The statement also referred to the close UAE-Chad relationship, stressing the UAEs support for sincere efforts to preserve Chads security and stability, which is considered a cornerstone of security and stability in the Sahel and Sahara region in Africa.
RTHK: Indonesia loses contact with submarine off Bali

Indonesia's military said it was searching for a submarine with 53 crew aboard after losing contact with the vessel off the coast of Bali on Wednesday.

"The KRI Nanggala 402 lost contact early this morning," said First Admiral Julius Widjojono.

"(The navy) is currently searching for it. We know the area but it's quite deep."

Indonesia's military chief Hadi Tjahjanto told AFP neighbours Singapore and Australia had been asked for help.

The navy had dispatched warships to the area off the northern coast of Bali to search for the submarine, he said.

He added there were 53 crew aboard the vessel, which was believed to be in waters about 700 metres (2,300 feet) deep. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Benson joined by state and local leaders denouncing voter suppression bill package

Benson joined by state and local leaders denouncing voter suppression bill package

APRIL 21, 2021

Analysis of bills finds they harm election administration and voting rights.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was joined at a press conference today by organizational leaders and elected officials from across the state to denounce Michigan Senate Republicans' 39-bill voter suppression package.

"The bills that make up the majority of this legislative package do nothing to advance the integrity of our democracy, they simply undo many of the policies that made last year's election the most accessible and secure in our state's history," said Secretary Benson. "Instead of working across the aisle to listen to clerks, the state Bureau of Elections, or voters, those behind these bills choose to ignore the data, truth and best practices and promote policies that will silence the voices of all voters. Their actions are an embarrassment and an affront to every citizen they are sworn to serve."

Benson was joined by Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, State Senator Paul Wojno, the Democratic vice chair of the Michigan Senate Elections Committee, the Reverend Dr. Steve Bland Jr., President of the Council of Baptist Pastors, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The speakers addressed specifics of the bill package and the obstacles it would create to voting access for Michigan citizens.

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum: "The bills in this package show no trace of the expertise, insight and data that have been shared with legislators in good faith by election administrators on both sides of the aisle. Sensible improvements to our election processes are needed, but those reforms should make our elections more inclusive, more efficient and more secure. Instead, these bills amount to a willful malicious attempt to strip voting rights away from Michigan's citizens."

State Senator Paul Wojno: "These proposed bills on election reform are scattershot solutions to imaginary problems, and they would construct deliberate barriers to voting for many, including our seniors. We should make voting easier, not harder, and I remain committed to working with Secretary Benson and my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the voices of hardworking residents of all ages can cast their ballots when, where, and however it best suits them."

Rev. Dr. Steve Bland: "After historic voter turnout last year, it is shocking and disgraceful that some of our state's elected officials, who are here to serve the people, would attempt to pass legislation that disenfranchises them. While millions of Michigan voters have made their voices clear, these bills seek to silence them. The people of this state deserve better, and we will continue to fight back against any attempt to make it more difficult or less safe to vote."

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan: "Despite what the sponsors of these bills claim, the true intent of these bills is clear: to make it harder for people in Detroit and other communities like it to vote. The arbitrary requirements and restrictions in these bills will do nothing to make elections more secure, they will disenfranchise voters and cost us all in the long run."

A full analysis of the bill package can be found here.

# # #

For media questions, contact

Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876.

We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page.

Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to

speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
Joanna and John Milkay My dad passed away in October and, after seeing what my family went through and everything my mom had to deal with, I saw a clear need for Caring Transitions in our area. There really arent any other companies like this anywhere in our region. - Joanna Milkay

Local couple John and Joanna Milkay are pleased to announce the launch of their new senior-focused relocation and estate clearing company  Caring Transitions of South Birmingham.

Caring Transitions is the professional and compassionate choice for senior moves, downsizing and online estate sales. Caring Transitions specially-trained professionals handle every detail of their clients transition including decluttering, cleanouts, packing, move management, unpacking, resettling into your new home with both in-home and online estate sales. Caring Transitions of South Birmingham works with clients in Birmingham, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Vestavia and the surrounding communities.

Caring Transitions is different because of our focus on the customer experience. What we do isnt just about helping you pack or resettle or clear out a home  its about helping relieve the stress of you doing any of that alone so you can focus on your life and the people and things that matter most. Our goal is to build trust with our clients and the community so you feel comfortable leaning on us in your time of need, John said.

Caring Transitions services are perfect for managing the many aspects of a senior move, including assisting with the process of downsizing to provide a safer living situation, as well as for busy families and people clearing out the home of a loved one who has moved into assisted care or passed away. All of Caring Transitions services are customizable, so clients choose the solution that best fits their needs.

John retired from US Steel and then worked as a plant manager before a second retirement. Joanna, who has lived in the Birmingham area her whole life, is a counselor with her own practice. The two were looking for a new adventure they could pursue together when they found Caring Transitions. While there are more than 200 Caring Transitions locations throughout the country, Caring Transitions of South Birmingham is only the second franchise in Alabama.

My dad passed away in October and, after seeing what my family went through and everything my mom had to deal with, I saw a clear need for Caring Transitions in our area. There really arent any other companies like this anywhere in our region and the only other Caring Transitions franchise is in Mobile. We are looking forward to bring Caring Transitions to the Birmingham area, Joanna said.

Caring Transitions of South Birmingham is bonded and insured and all employees are background checked. For additional information, call 205-749-8455, email JMilkay@CaringTransitions.com or visit http://www.caringtransitionssbham.com/.
Smith College announced Wednesday that all undergraduate and graduate students must be fully vaccinated for coronavirus to return to the Northampton campus for the fall 2021 semester.

The schools president, Kathleen McCartney, shared the news in an email to the campus community, noting that requests for medical and religious exemptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that help will be offered to international students or others who cant get a U.S.-approved vaccine.

Since March of last year, members of the Smith community have acted to protect each other and minimize the spread of COVID-19, and continue the teaching and learning that is at the core of our mission, McCartney wrote. While this past year has been stressful, it has also proven how undaunted we are in the face of challenges, and how resilient we can be.

The college also announced it has secured enough doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to vaccinate all students currently participating in Smiths on-campus coronavirus screening program.

Eligible students can participate in on-campus vaccine clinics later this month. The program will allow students to get fully vaccinated before leaving campus for summer break and also reduce the impact on local vaccination clinics, according to Smith.

The school said it hopes to secure additional doses to vaccinate more members of the community in the future.

For now, we are prioritizing the need to vaccinate our students before they travel home. By providing an on-campus option, Smith will reduce the burden on local vaccination clinics and give students the opportunity to schedule and receive both vaccine doses prior to the colleges move-out date, McCartney noted. We continue to encourage all members of our community to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.

The announcement about the vaccine requirement for the upcoming semester comes on the heels of the school saying earlier this month that it plans to have all students return to the campus this fall for in-person classes.

The decision was informed by Smiths spring semester experience so far, the increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccine and current public health guidelines, McCartney wrote in another email to the campus community.

Fall classes at Smith are scheduled to kick off Thursday, Sept. 2. They will be taught in classrooms, labs, studios and other facilities, according to the school. Depending on the state of the pandemic this coming semester, there may be times when classes will have to temporarily move to remote instruction, the college noted.

Housing is also expected to return to traditional capacity, according to Smith. All students will be able to live on campus unless they are given an exception through the off-campus lottery system or the normal petition process.

I look forward to meeting our new students and to celebrating the joys of living, learning and working together in this remarkable community, McCartney wrote in her email. I hope you are as encouraged and energized as I am by what awaits us this fall.

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One of them is beyond repair, as you can tell from the attached photographs. Crashed very hard and damaged by fire to boot, this GT was originally painted black, according to Copart . The vehicle auction website further mentions primary damage as "burn" and $239,479 as the estimated retail value.That kind of greenback for a pile of twisted metal is wishful thinking at best, more so if you analyze the pictures in detail. Its almost impossible to tell the front of the vehicle apart from the rear; every single wheel is damaged, the powerplant is done for, and the six-speed manual cant be fixed.Offered with a California title and currently located in Montana, the mid-engined supercar may be turned into a glorified piece of furniture by whoever bids the most. A coffee table from the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 would be glorious, although not as glorious as the said engine on full tilt.Not only does it bring up memories of Le Mans domination, but the GT was one of the fastest production vehicles you could buy in the mid-2000s. The Ford Motor Company combined a four-valve-per-cylinder V8 with a screw-type supercharger for 550 horsepower (558 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 500 pound-feet (678 Nm) at 4,500 rpm, figures that eclipse Italian exotics that include the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and V10-engined Lamborghini Gallardo.One of the most celebrated production vehicles from the Blue Oval, the GT also received a roadster iteration with the help of the aftermarket. Ford and Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group replaced the fixed-head roof with a three-piece removable hardtop that can be swapped for a soft top. Only 38 examples were produced in total, and one of them was sold for a whopping $595,900 by RK Motors Charlotte earlier this year. For reference, the GT typically changes owners for more than $265,000, while the 2021 model starts at $450,000 before destination charge and optional extras.
[April 21, 2021] Announcement of Intention to Float on the Dubai Financial Market

DUBAI, UAE, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tristar Transport (PJSC  under incorporation) ("Tristar" or the "Company" or, with its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings, the "Group"), a leading global integrated liquid logistics solutions provider headquartered in Dubai, UAE, today announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (the "IPO" or the "Offering") on the Dubai Financial Market ("DFM"). Established in 1998 as a road transport service provider for the petroleum industry in the UAE, Tristar has evolved into a leading integrated energy logistics company serving a diversified customer base of "blue-chip" investment grade companies. The Group has operations in 21 countries and territories across three continents and has over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels, including the operation of 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites, providing a wide spectrum of integrated service offerings. With a strong reputation for quality, built over two decades of operations and a commitment to safety and operational excellence, Tristar has become a trusted brand in the global logistics industry. The Group is a partner of choice for leading International Oil Companies ("IOCs") and National Oil Companies ("NOCs") in the energy sector. Tristar's diversified and integrated offering spans fuel logistics services to support Intergovernmental Organisations ("IGO") peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in remote geographies (remote fuels) as well as commercial enterprises (commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. Tristar has a unique position as an integrated, end-to-end energy logistics solution provider to an enviable blue-chip global client base. The Group has a strong track record of growth demonstrated by a 12.4% CAGR in operating cash flows between 2018 and 2020 and a consistent EBITDA margin between 20.1% to 22.8% in the years 2018 to 2020. In the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group had a consolidated revenue of $453.4 million, and EBITDA of $103.6 million. This record is underpinned by a strong business model, operational excellence and rigorous financial management. Commenting on today's announcement, Eugene Mayne, Group CEO of Tristar said: "I am proud to have witnessed the evolution of Tristar from a local road transportation business into a global world-class integrated energy logistics solutions provider serving blue-chip clients, with an offering that spans road and maritime transportation, specialized warehousing, fuel farms, and fuel supply operations. "Our business, which enjoys a strong reputation, developed through years of operational excellence, underpinned by a customer centric model, and a commitment to the highest quality and safety standards, has become a trusted logistics partner for major oil companies globally. "Tristar has always been a 'Business for Purpose' with the ambition to make a positive impact on our communities and to keep our corporate responsibility at the core of everything we do. In 2011, we signed on to the United Nations Global Compact supporting the advancement of Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Labour and Environment, demonstrating the extent of our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. "Tristar's IPO marks an exciting milestone in the Group's story as we continue to grow, innovate and shape the future of the logistics industry." Offering Highlights Intention to list on the DFM

Offer size is expected to represent up to 24% of the total issued ordinary shares after the Offering in the capital of Tristar (the "Shares).

The Offering is expected to comprise new shares issued by Tristar (the "New Shares") and shares to be sold by existing shareholders (the "Existing Shares") (collectively the "Offer Shares"). Tristar expects to receive between $120 to $160 million of gross primary proceeds from the Offering.

to of gross primary proceeds from the Offering. Admission of Shares on the DFM is expected in April 2021 , subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE (the "SCA").

, subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE (the "SCA"). The Offering will be made available to qualified investors. Five percent of the Offering will be reserved for offer to the Emirates Investment Authority (the "EIA").

The Offering is expected to be declared Sharia compliant, subject to confirmation by the Sharia Supervision Committee, on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering and upon the use of a portion of the proceeds to repay around AED 197 million in loans and payables due to related parties. About the Offering If all of the Offer Shares are allocated, the Offer Shares will represent up to 24% of the Shares. The Offering will comprise a primary issuance of 199,000,000 New Shares in addition to a secondary offering of up to 88,760,000 Existing Shares by the existing shareholders. The Existing Shares are being offered by Agility Tristar SPV Ltd (of which Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P. is the sole ultimate beneficial owner), Star Holdings Ltd (of which Gulf Investment Corporation is the sole ultimate beneficial owner), and Diamond SPV Limited (of which Mr. Eugene Mayne is the sole ultimate beneficial owner) (the "Selling Shareholders"), who currently own 65.12%, 19.61%, and 15.27% of the Shares of the Company respectively. The Offering comprises an offering of the Offer Shares to qualified investors in the United Arab Emirates and in a number of jurisdictions. The Offering is expected to be allocated to certain types of juridical persons and high net worth individuals and who are qualified investors as defined by SCA , with a minimum application size of AED 500,000 (for further details please see the FAQs set out in Tristar's IPO website  https://ipo.tristar-group.co). In addition, the EIA has the right to subscribe for 5% of the Offer Shares in accordance with the requirements of article 127 of the UAE Federal Law No. 2 for the year 2015 with regard to commercial companies, and its amendments. If the EIA does not exercise its preferential rights to apply for Offer Shares, then those Offer Shares will be made available. The completion of the Offering is currently expected to take place in April 2021, subject to market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals in the UAE, including from the SCA. Furthermore, the Offering is expected to be declared Sharia compliant, subject to confirmation by the Sharia Supervision Committee, on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering and upon the use of the proceeds to repay around AED 197 million in loans and payables due to related parties. A syndicate of banks has been appointed for the Offering comprising BofA Securities and Citigroup Global Markets Limited as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC as Joint Regional Coordinator, Lead Manager and Joint Bookrunner, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited as Joint Regional Coordinator and Joint Bookrunner, Societe Generale as Joint Bookrunner and Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. ("Markaz") as Co-Lead Manager. BofA Securities, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, Societe Generale and Markaz are herein referred to as "Managers". Moelis & Company is acting as Independent Financial Advisor to Tristar. Overview of Tristar Tristar is an integrated energy logistics solutions provider. Its services include fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing and fuel farms. The Group is headquartered in Dubai (UAE) and operates in 21 countries and territories across three continents. With over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels and a wide spectrum of integrated service offerings, including the operation of 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites, the Group has built a global and scalable platform, which enables it to provide an integrated logistics offering to the energy industry. Key Investment Highlights Tristar has a differentiated investment proposition as a leading integrated liquid logistics solutions provider to the energy industry globally. The Group's competitive strengths include: Its trusted brand with a proven track record of established partnerships with a diversified, blue-chip client base . In the year ended 31 December 2020 , approximately 67.2% of the Group's consolidated revenue was derived from investment grade customers and only 0.1% were non-investment grade, with 32.7% of customers unrated.

. In the year ended , approximately 67.2% of the Group's consolidated revenue was derived from investment grade customers and only 0.1% were non-investment grade, with 32.7% of customers unrated. Its reputation for quality with a track record of safety and operational excellence . The Group's well-established safety systems and best practices have contributed to the Group consistently bettering the UK road fatality benchmark indicator of 0.00487 (fatality rate per million KM).

. The Group's well-established safety systems and best practices have contributed to the Group consistently bettering the UK road fatality benchmark indicator of 0.00487 (fatality rate per million KM). Its unique integrated and scalable capabilities with high barriers to entry . The Group's diversified service offering includes fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. The Group's operations are extensive and well invested across emerging markets, including Africa and the Middle East .

. The Group's diversified service offering includes fuels (remote fuels and commercial fuels), maritime logistics, road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. The Group's operations are extensive and well invested across emerging markets, including and the . Growing end verticals with emerging market exposure underpinned by logistics outsourcing trends. The Group's business model is supported by a continued global outsourcing trend, further embedding the Group in its clients' supply chains and thereby increasing customer retention.

The Group's business model is supported by a continued global outsourcing trend, further embedding the Group in its clients' supply chains and thereby increasing customer retention. Its customer-centric business model with strong expansion and diversification potential . The Group's service offerings have expanded from one business segment to four, creating further customer penetration potential and further embedding the Group within its customers' supply chains. This is highlighted through multiple diverse long-term contracts secured by the Group with key customers.

. The Group's service offerings have expanded from one business segment to four, creating further customer penetration potential and further embedding the Group within its customers' supply chains. This is highlighted through multiple diverse long-term contracts secured by the Group with key customers. Stable cash flow profile, with a history of consistent profitable growth and attractive financial returns , as indicated by revenues derived from long-term contracts consisting 78.9% of total for 2020, operating cash flows at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2018 to 2020 and a 21.0% average EBITDA margin between 2018 to 2020.

, as indicated by revenues derived from long-term contracts consisting 78.9% of total for 2020, operating cash flows at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2018 to 2020 and a 21.0% average EBITDA margin between 2018 to 2020. A founder-led management team driving a business for purpose. Led by Eugene Mayne , the Group has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest privately-owned liquid logistics company, since its inception in 1998. Group Strategy The Group developed a business model which places its customers at the centre of what it does and a strategy with multiple growth opportunities arising from: intrinsic organic growth from the Group's existing assets; in-market expansion from the launch and ramp-up of newly signed contracts; and the potential to expand existing capabilities and into adjacent areas as well as consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. The execution of the Group's strategy relies on the following principles: Continuing to deliver high quality services and maintaining the Group's position as partner of choice.

Widening its client base in existing segments and expand into adjacent segments.

Deepening its range of core services / capabilities and expanding into adjacent offerings.

Strengthening its position in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and Africa and enter new markets across the Middle East and South and East Asia .

and enter new markets across the and South and . Maintaining attractive and susainable profitability and returns through disciplined financial management.

Remaining a responsible and respected business in its local communities.



Capital Structure and Dividend Policy The number of primary shares offered in the Offering is expected to be fixed, as required by the SCA. As such, the amount of primary proceeds to be received by Tristar will depend on the final offer price and is expected to be in the range of $120 to 160 million. The Group is targeting a reduction in the ratio of consolidated net debt to EBITDA (as at 31 December 2020) to approximately 2.2-2.5x as compared to the reported 3.5x.

The Company undertakes to repay AED197 million in loans and payables due to related parties on the date of the receipt of the net proceeds of the Offering, with the balance of the net proceeds used for general corporate purposes including the funding of planned capital expenditure. The Group intends to maintain a conservative capital structure with medium term target leverage of 2.0-2.5x while retaining flexibility to execute on sustainable growth opportunities as they arise. The majority of the Group's indebtedness is targeted to remain asset-backed financing secured against maritime vessels with back-to-back contracts and limited recourse to the Group. For the dividend declared with respect to the year ending 31 December 2020, Tristar paid $29.6 million to the Selling Shareholders, $10 million as an ordinary dividend for the year ending 31 December 2020, and the rest as special pre-IPO dividend. The Selling Shareholders will pay all offering expenses (estimated to be $19.6 million), of the IPO. For the dividend to be declared with respect to the year ending 31 December 2021, Tristar targets a pay-out ratio of 60-70% of net income. Tristar intends to pay $12.5 million dividend in the third quarter of 2021 as an interim dividend, with the remainder expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2022 as a final dividend. Thereafter, Tristar intends for dividends to be paid on a yearly basis at a pay-out ratio of up to 60% of net income. Environmental, Social and Governance As a responsible business, Tristar has adopted the Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") framework for a holistic and long-term sustainability approach to its business in line with its mission to be a "Business for Purpose". Operating in 21 countries including conflict zones, in its daily operations the Group cultivates and reinforces the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact (the "UNGC") which focus on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. In line with these principles, the Group takes an active approach to address social issues including access to education, clean water and good health in the communities where it operates, since becoming a signatory of the UNGC in 2011. As a participant and board member of the Global Compact Local Network UAE, the Group actively engages and encourages its stakeholders to adopt sustainable business practices. Tristar's commitment to sustainability is publicly disclosed to its stakeholders through its annual Sustainability Reports published since 2012. As part of its sustainability strategy and ESG initiatives, the Group recognises its responsibility to protect the environment and to reduce its carbon footprint through the adoption of latest technology, resource efficiency and the use of renewable energy. The Group strives to engage with local communities and foster a relationship of trust and collaboration to work towards the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ("United Nations SDGs"). The Group supports the United Nations SDGs through the adoption of local projects and the engagement of employee-volunteers in order to address community needs in the 21 countries and territories in which it operates. Additionally, in 2019, the Group signed the Women Empowerment Principles by reaffirming its commitment towards diversity and Gender Equality. Corporate Governance The Group has established a framework of corporate governance policies, rules and practices which comply with the requirements of the Code of Governance issued by Decree of the Ministry of Economy No. 518 of 2009 and the Chairman of Board of Directors of SCA Decision No. 3 of 2020 concerning the Approval of Joint Stock Companies Governance Guide and take into consideration international best practices as appropriate. The Board of Directors (the "Board") will consist of seven members and is vested with the power to manage Tristar and conduct its business in accordance with the Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning commercial companies of the UAE as amended. The Board will comprise six non-Executive directors and one Executive Director, and four of its members are independent non-Executive directors. An elected Chairman will preside over the Board. The board members are elected for a term of three years and will meet at least every three months. There are currently two permanent Board Committees: the Audit and Risk Committee and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Offering Subscription Information on how to subscribe for the IPO can be found on Tristar's IPO website (https://ipo.tristar-group.co). The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Group. The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. The information in this announcement is subject to change. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. This announcement and any subsequent offer of securities may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons receiving this announcement or any subsequent offer should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement 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 Offer Shares or any other securities nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any shares referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the international offering memorandum (the "IOM") in its final form expected to be published by Tristar in due course in connection with the proposed initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market. Before subscribing for or purchasing any Offer Shares, persons viewing this announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks which will be set out in the IOM when published. This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Offer Share or any other securities into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The Offer Shares referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The offer and sale of Offer Shares referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Offer Shares may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of any national, resident or citizen of Australia or Canada. There will be no public offering of the securities described herein in the United States, Australia, Canada or Japan. No offer of the Offer Shares to the public is being made in any member state of the European Economic Area (each, a "Relevant State") that would require the publication of the prospectus or any other offering document in such other Relevant State. This announcement is only being distributed in member states of the European Economic Area , and is only directed at, persons in the European Economic Area that are qualified investors ("qualified investors") within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1120 (the "Prospectus Regulation") or to other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated without the requirement for a prospectus to be approved by any EU competent authority. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available, in any member state of the European Area, only to such persons., This announcement and any offer subsequently made is, and will be, addressed to and directed only at persons, in the United Kingdom, who are (a) both "qualified investors" within the meaning of the UK version of the EU Prospectus Regulation (2017/1129/EU) which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation") and either (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) who are high net worth entities falling within Article 49 of the Order; or (b) other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons under (a) and (b) together being referred to as "relevant persons") Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available in the United Kingdom only to relevant persons. Exempt Offer Statement (DIFC): This announcement relates to an Exempt Offer in the DIFC in accordance with the DFSA Rulebook. It is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in those rules. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this announcement nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it and has no responsibility for it. The securities to which this announcement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers and subscribers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this announcement, you should consult an authorised financial adviser. Exempt Offer Statement (ADGM): This announcement is an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Market Rules of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority. This Exempt Offer document is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Market Rules. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has not approved this Exempt Offer document nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and has no responsibility for it. The securities to which this Exempt Offer relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this Exempt Offer document you should consult an authorised financial advisor. Notice to Prospective Investors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: This document may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations (the "Saudi Regulations") issued by the Board of the Capital Market Authority (the "Capital Market Authority") pursuant to resolution number 3-123-2017, dated 27 December 2017G, based on the Capital Market Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/30 dated 2/6/1424H (as amended by Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market Authority number 1-7-2021 dated 14 January 2021G). The Capital Market Authority does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this document, and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of this document. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult an authorised financial advisor. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations or beliefs, as well as assumptions about future events. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. In addition, forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", "is confident", or in each case, their negative or other variations or words of similar meaning, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Undue reliance should not be placed on any such statements because they speak only as at the date of this document and reflect Tristar's current view with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, subject to known and unknown risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Group's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results, and Tristar's plans and objectives, to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (i) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (ii) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (iii) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares to be issued in the Offering have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or substantially all of their investment; the Shares to be issued in the Offering offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares to be issued in the Offering is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target Market Assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels. Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK MiFIR Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK MiFIR Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares to be issued in the Offering have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, as respectively defined in paragraphs 3.5 and 3.6 of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels (the "UK Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares to be issued in the Offering offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares to be issued in the Offering is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, the underwriters will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapters 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA Handbook Conduct Business Sourcebook; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own UK Target Market Assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels. Each of Merrill Lynch International, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, Societe Generale and Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. (the "Managers" and each, a "Manager") and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Any purchase of Offer Shares in the proposed Offering should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the final IOM to be issued by Tristar in connection with the Offering. The information in this announcement is subject to change. The date of Admission may be influenced by things such as market conditions. There is no guarantee that Admission will occur and you should not base your financial decisions on Tristar's intentions in relation to Admission at this stage. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the Offering. The value of shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the Offering for the person concerned. Merrill Lynch International and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, each of which are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, are acting exclusively for Tristar and the Selling Shareholders and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than Tristar and the Selling Shareholders for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein. In connection with the Offering of the Offer Shares, the Managers and any of their affiliates, may take up a portion of the shares in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such shares and other securities of Tristar or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references in the IOM, once published, to the Offer Shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the Managers and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the Managers and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the Managers and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of shares. The Managers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so. Moelis & Company UK LLP ("Moelis UK") is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Moelis & Company UK LLP DIFC Branch ("Moelis Dubai" and together with Moelis UK, "Moelis & Company") is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Moelis & Company is acting exclusively for Tristar and no-one else in connection with the IPO and it will not be responsible to anyone other than Tristar for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the IPO, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein. None of the Managers, Moelis & Company or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to Tristar, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1471744/Tristar_Founder__CEO_Eugene_Mayne.jpg

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 19:48:55|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A head-on collision between a passenger van and a bus on Wednesday has left at least 12 people dead and over 20 others injured in the Khairpur district of Pakistan's south Sindh province, local media reported.

According to the reports, the passenger bus coming from Sukkur city collided with the van coming from Nawab Shah district near the Shah Abdul Latif University, some 10 km away from Khairpur city.

The police and rescue teams had to cut the body of the van to pull out the deceased and the injured.

The bodies and the injured were shifted to a public hospital in Khairpur where three of the injured were reportedly in critical condition. The deceased include a woman and two children, said the hospital officials.

Police told the media that reckless driving by the van driver caused the accident. Enditem
| By Charles Schelle

Among the most treasured gifts of family are the stories passed down from generation to generation. The spoken tales and traditions woven through time can resonate so deeply that they personify someones heritage.

National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier receives her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from Isabel Sangiorgi, a University of Maryland School of Nursing student who is volunteering as a vaccinator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Vaccination Clinic. MATTHEW PAUL D'AGOSTINO/UMB

COVID-19 has posed a grave threat to stop that flow of cultural richness in the Native American community across the country, where in some areas they have faced the highest COVID-19 mortality rate compared to any other ethnicity. The community is encouraging each other to protect themselves by getting a COVID-19 vaccine and practicing all the public safety measures.

If somebodys the last person that knows a ceremonial song and they get COVID and pass away, that ceremonial song goes with them, said Kerry Hawk-Lessard, executive director of Native American LifeLines of Baltimore, a federally designated Urban Indian Health Program that helps Indigenous people with access to culturally centered health care. There are some things that you cant replace.

Thats why youll see Francys Crevier, JD, wear a mask with the phrase: Be A Good Relative.

Crevier, who is Algonquin, received her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Vaccination Clinic at the SMC Campus Center on Friday, April 16. She also is the chief executive officer of the National Council of Urban Indian Health.

Native people, we are dying at the highest rates. Its important for our community, Crevier said. Its our livelihood here. We have a Be A Good Relative campaign because its important that our families are being taken care of, and this is how we get that done through being vaccinated.

Crevier was able to get her vaccine, provided exclusively for Native Americans, thanks to a partnership among UMB, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and Native American LifeLines of Baltimore.

Its so surreal, Crevier said.

American Indians, Alaskan Natives, tribal employees, employees of Indian agencies, and people living with Native Americans are all eligible to receive the vaccine at the UMB clinic. This is the only clinic of its kind in the region, accepting Native Americans from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Registration can be made at GetTheVaccineBaltimore.org. Native Americans who need technical help for scheduling, transportation assistance, or other information can call Native American LifeLines of Baltimore at 410-837-2258. Tribal enrollment cards and alternative forms of identification are being accepted at the clinic, and Native American LifeLines can assist in securing identification.

It will take all of us working together to end COVID-19. The University of Maryland, Baltimore has been involved in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and is now administering those same vaccines, said UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. We want to do our part to get as many people vaccinated as possible  and especially those who are disproportionally affected by the illness or have difficulty with access.

More than 65,000 Native Americans live in the Baltimore-Washington-Northern Virginia metropolitan region, and 70 percent of Native Americans live in urban regions in the United States. While vaccine eligibility in general is open to anyone age 16 and older, this joint effort sponsored by a federal agency is an example of vaccine equity distribution to reach populations disproportionally affected by COVID-19, providing another access point to get Native Americans vaccinated as soon as possible.

UMB is dedicated to vaccine equity and making sure that all individuals who want access to the vaccine are provided access, said Jonathan Bratt, MS, NRP, executive director of the UMB Office of Emergency Management. Were doing that through a number of initiatives: partnerships with the Esperanza Center reaching out to Spanish-speaking populations; through the Indian Health Service reaching out to Native American populations; and with our Community Engagement Center to go door-to-door in the West Baltimore community to make sure people understand where they can get vaccinated.

Native Americans have a dedicated federal agency, IHS, to protect their health through culturally competent public health programs and services through three arms: IHS-operated facilities, and tribally operated and nonprofit organizations that are designated Urban Indian Health Programs such as Native American LifeLines. IHS has a number of partnerships that ensure access to health care for American Indians and Alaskan Natives no matter where they live, with the UMB partnership being the latest one by providing COVID-19 doses directly to the UMB Vaccination Clinic for the population served by IHS.

There are many American Indians and Alaska Natives who live and work in urban areas without close access to Indian health system clinical services, including those who serve tribal communities through public service in the federal government and our many partner organizations, acting IHS director Elizabeth Fowler said. Providing equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines continues to be a priority as we work to achieve community immunity.

Protecting the culture is a key part of this endeavor. Hawk-Lessard said she got the vaccine to protect others and to show that it is safe and effective.

Im glad that I am able to be protected and continue language learning, learning the Indigenous language of my relatives who werent able speak it. Im able to speak it and learn it now. If I were to get ill, that journey would stop, and I dont want that to happen.

UMB is committed to recognizing the Native American heritage and sacrifice in Baltimore. Its fitting that the clinic is housed at the SMC Campus Center, where UMB has acknowledged the land that the center sits on through a land statement that is adorned on the second-floor wall: The SMC Campus Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore would like to recognize the Indigenous Peoples who lived on the land where our building stands. Through this effort we aim to promote Indigenous visibility and encourage support of Indigenous communities.

Rose Weahkee, PhD, director of the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs at IHS, oversees the 41 urban Indian organizations in 22 states across the country. Ensuring access to all tribes is important, she said. Baltimores Lumbee tribe is the largest in the area and has met barriers without being a federally recognized or state recognized tribe. For Weahkee, who is Navajo, the endeavor is personal.

Youve probably heard in the news how devastating the pandemic has been on our reservation, she said. To me, its really an emotional experience to see our relatives in Baltimore have access to the vaccine and save more lives.

There is some hope in the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Department of Health reported no COVID-19-related deaths for nine consecutive days. Recently, it reported certain days without a single new COVID case. Lately, Navajos averaged 11 cases a day, a significant drop from the peak of 250 a day in November among its 300,000 members.

The UMB Vaccination Clinic partnership could help pave the way to ensure more tribes can go a day without a COVID case and a COVID death.
YEREVAN, 21 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 21 April, USD exchange rate up by 0.34 drams to 522.23 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.35 drams to 626.94 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.06 drams to 6.79 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.24 drams to 727.62 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 75.65 drams to 29850.25 drams. Silver price down by 3.49 drams to 434.53 drams. Platinum price down by 607.87 drams to 19896.25 drams.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Empress Royalty Corp. (TSXV:EMPR)(OTCQB:EMPYF) ("Empress" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed and funded the previously reported 2.25% royalty (the "Royalty") on production from the Manica hard rock gold project in Mozambique ("Manica" or the "Project") operated by Mutapa Mining & Processing LDA ("MMP").

"The Manica gold project Royalty marks an exciting milestone for Empress," stated Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President of Empress. "Once MMP completes construction, Manica is expected to be our first revenue generating African investment. The successful closing and funding of this royalty demonstrates Empress' commitment to creating new royalties to help bring projects into production."

THE INVESTMENT & TRANSACTION

On February 22, 2021, Empress executed a Royalty Purchase Agreement for the creation of a royalty on gold sales from Manica for an aggregate consideration of US$2,000,000. Payments to Empress under the Royalty Agreement are based on 2.25% of the revenues generated from the sale of gold from the Project until a total of 95,000 oz of gold have been sold. Thereafter, the percentage shall reduce to 0.75% and shall continue into perpetuity. The Royalty is secured by a first ranking security interest in certain assets of MMP. On April 20, 2021, Empress fully closed and funded the US$2,000,000.

THE PROJECT

Manica is located in the Odzi-Mutare-Manica Greenstone Belt of Mozambique and comprises of several deposits on Xtract's Resources Plc mining concession license 3990C (the "Concession") which includes four deposits being Fair Bride, Guy Fawkes, Boa Esperanza, and Dots Luck.

Image 1. Manica Gold Project - Existing Mill and Grinding Circuit

MMP and Xtract have entered into a collaboration and profit-share arrangement whereby MMP will build, finance and operate a carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant to process ore mined from Xtract's concession.

Minxcon Pty Ltd ("Minxcon"), an engineering and consulting firm from South Africa, prepared a technical report (the "Technical Report") entitled "NI43-101 Technical Report on the Fair Bride Gold Project, Mozambique, Mineral Resource Report" dated February 1, 2021 by U. Egelmann B.Sc. (Zoo. & Bot.), B.Sc. Hon. (Geol.), Pr.Sc.Nat., MGSSA (a copy is available at www.sedar.com under Empress' profile).

The Technical Report provides a Total Mineral Resource estimate for Fairbride at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t. The Mineral Resource estimate is further subdivided into a Surface Minable Mineral Resource ("Open Cut Mineral Resource") and an Underground Mineable Mineral Resource. A cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t was use for the Open Cut Mineral Resource and higher cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t was used for the Underground Mineable Mineral Resource. The tables below summarise the resources as set out in the Technical Report.

Total Mineral Resource for Fair Bride

(at 0.5% g/t cut-off grade as at February 1, 2021)

Mineral Resource Category Tonnes Gold Grade Gold Content Mt g/t kg koz Measured 9.764 1.86 18,163 584.0 Indicated 4.239 1.59 6,757 217.2 Total M&I 14.003 1.78 24,920 801.2 Inferred 12.930 1.65 21,313 685.2

Notes: 1) Mineral Resources are declared at indicated cut-offs. 2) No geological losses are accounted for. 3) A gold price of USD$1,650 /oz was used for the cut-offs. 4) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Minerals Reserves (no Mineral Reserves declared). 5) Mineral Resources are reported as 100% attributable.

Open Cut Mineral Resource at 0.5 g/t cut-off grade and final depth of 280m below surface as at 1 February 2021

Mineral Resource Category Tonnes Gold Grade Gold Content Mt g/t kg koz Measured 9.750 1.86 18,130 582.9 Indicated 3.310 1.62 5,368 172.6 Total M&I 13.060 1.80 23,498 755.5 Inferred 0.894 1.17 1,049 33.7

Notes: 1) Mineral Resources are declared at indicated cut-offs. 2) No geological losses are accounted for. 3) A gold price of USD$1,650 /oz was used for the cut-offs. 4) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Minerals Reserves (no Mineral Reserves declared). 5) Mineral Resources are reported as 100% attributable.

Underground Mineral Resource at 1.5 g/t cut-off and depth from 280m below surface as at 1 February 2021

Mineral Resource Category Tonnes Gold Grade Gold Content Mt g/t kg koz Measured 0.005 4.40 24 0.8 Indicated 0.307 2.61 801 25.8 Total M&I 0.312 2.64 825 26.5 Inferred 5.350 2.59 13,874 446.1

Notes: 1) Mineral Resources are declared at indicated cut-offs. 2) No geological losses are accounted for. 3) A gold price of USD$1,650 /oz was used for the cut-offs. 4) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Minerals Reserves (no Mineral Reserves declared). 5) Mineral Resources are reported as 100% attributable.

A mineral reserve estimate was prepared for Fair Bride in 2016 as part of a SAMREC-compliant Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"). However, significant changes to the mine plan and strategy since the DFS mean this reserve estimate is no longer current and does not comply with the requirements of NI 43-101. MMP plans to exploit the Open Cut Mineral Resource at Fair Bride without updating the DFS or its reserve estimate or completing further studies.

MMP has advised Empress that it intends to mine and process the oxide and transitional ore at Fair Bride and other deposits on the Concession by installing a processing plant utilising a CIL process capable of processing up to 42,000 tonnes per month. An existing grinding circuit is already in place and MMP is advancing the engineering, fabrication and installation of the CIL plant and preparation work for associated infrastructure.

Empress will provide a further update on Project progress in due course.

Image 2. First Fill and Compaction in CIL Area

Image 3: Tailings Storage Facility Works

ABOUT EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.

Empress Royalty is a new precious metals royalty and streaming company focused on the creation of unique financing solutions for mining companies. Empress has a portfolio of 16 investments and is actively focused on finding industry partners with development and production stage projects who require additional non-dilutive capital. The Company has strategic partnerships with Endeavour Financial in London, Terra Capital in Australia and Accendo Banco in Mexico which allow Empress to not only access global investment opportunities but also bring unique mining finance expertise, deal structuring and access to capital markets. Empress is looking forward to continuously creating value for its shareholders through the proven royalty and streaming models.

ON BEHALF OF EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.

Per: Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President

For further information, please visit our website at www.empressroyalty.com or contact Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President, by phone at +1.604.331.2080 or email at info@empressroyalty.com .

Richard Mazur, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has read and approved the technical and scientific information contained in this press release. Mr. Mazur is a Director of the Company.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements about Empress' expectations regarding the Royalty Purchase Agreement and Royalty which are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "anticipates", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Although Empress believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and success of MMP in constructing its plant at the Project and bringing the Project into production. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and Empress undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Empress Royalty Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641479/Empress-Closes-and-Funds-Manica-Gold-Project-Royalty
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By David Shepardson and Karen Pierog

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Taiwan electronics manufacturer is drastically scaling back a planned $10 billion factory in Wisconsin, confirming its retreat from a project that former U.S. President once called "the eighth wonder of the world."

Under a deal with the state of announced on Tuesday, will reduce its planned investment to $672 million from $10 billion and cut the number of new jobs to 1,454 from 13,000.

The Foxconn- deal was first announced to great fanfare at the White House in July 2017, with Trump boasting of it as an example of how his "America first" agenda could revive U.S. tech manufacturing.

For Foxconn, the investment promise was an opportunity for its charismatic founder and then-chairman, Terry Gou, to build goodwill at a moment when Trump's trade policies threatened the company's cash cow: building Apple Inc's iPhones in China for export to America.

Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronic devices, proposed a 20-million-square-foot manufacturing campus in that would have been the largest investment in U.S. history for a new location by a foreign-based company.

It was supposed to build cutting-edge flat-panel display screens for TVs and other devices and instantly establish Wisconsin as a destination for tech firms.

But industry executives, including some at Foxconn, were highly skeptical of the plan from the start, pointing out that none of the crucial suppliers needed for flat-panel display production were located anywhere near Wisconsin.

The plan faced local opposition too, with critics denouncing a taxpayer giveaway to a foreign company and provisions of the deal that granted extensive water rights and allowed for the acquisition and demolition of houses through eminent domain.

As of 2019, the village where the plant is located had paid just over $152 million for 132 properties to make way for Foxconn, plus $7.9 million in relocation costs, according to village records obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio and analyzed by Wisconsin Watch.

Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said the new agreement gives it "flexibility to pursue business opportunities in response to changing global market conditions." The company said "original projections used during negotiations in 2017 have at this time changed due to unanticipated market fluctuations."

After abandoning its plans for advanced displays, later said it would build smaller, earlier-generation displays in Wisconsin, but that plan never came to fruition either. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-foxconn-wisconsin-exclusive/exclusive-foxconn-reconsidering-plans-to-make-lcd-panels-at-wisconsin-plant-idUSKCN1PO0FV)

Prior to Tuesday's announcement, Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way told reporters in Taipei that the company currently makes servers, communications technology products and medical devices in Wisconsin, adding that electric vehicles (EVs) have a "promising future" there. He did not elaborate.

Liu had previously said the infrastructure was there in Wisconsin to make EVs because of its proximity to the traditional heartland of U.S. automaking, but the company could also could decide on Mexico.

Hon Hai shares fell as much as 1.6% on Wednesday morning, underperforming the broader Taiwan market which was down 0.7%.

INCENTIVES

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the new agreement will save Wisconsin taxpayers "a total of $2.77 billion compared to the previous contract, maintain accountability measures requiring job creation to receive incentives, and protect hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state infrastructure investments made in support of the project."

Evers said under the deal negotiated between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Foxconn, the Taiwan company is eligible to receive up to $80 million in performance-based tax credits over six years if it meets employment and capital investment targets. He stressed that the incentives were in line with those available to any company.

The state will reduce the tax credits authorized for the project to $80 million from $2.85 billion.

The original Wisconsin package also included local tax incentives and road and highway investments by state and local governments, which brought total taxpayer-funded subsidies to more than $4 billion.

Foxconn noted that since 2017, it has invested $900 million in Wisconsin, including several different facilities in the state.

The state has already spent more than $200 million on road improvements, tax exemptions and grants to local governments for worker training and employment, according to the records obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Taipei; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Muralikumar Anantharaman)

(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.)
An Aurora man said he was one of the patients who received a mismatched two-dose regimen at this Marianos location; his vaccine card indicates that he was given the Moderna vaccine there for his first shot in late March but then the same pharmacy gave him the Pfizer vaccine for his second dose on Tuesday.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Gold Corporation (Aris Gold or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (OTCQX: ALLXF) received a request from the OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTC Markets) on April 19, 2021 to comment on recent trading and promotional activity related to Aris Gold's common shares. The Company believes the increased trading volume on April 19, 2021 prompted the OTC Markets to contact the Company. Aris Gold cannot predict with any certainty whether its active investor relations and outreach program, a summary of which is provided below, or its new corporate branding, disclosed growth strategy, investor marketing programs or activities, may have materially affected the recent trading activity in the Company's common shares.

Following the launch of Aris Gold on February 4, 2021, management embarked on an active investor marketing program to build brand awareness, increase visibility and importantly, increase share trading activity. The marketing program has included numerous calls and meetings with US and Canadian shareholders, bank analysts, bank and brokerage house sales desks, newsletter writers, and media. Since February 4, 2021 the Company has also attended a number of mining investment conferences including the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference and the Red Cloud Pre-PDAC Conference in March, and the World Gold Forum during the second week of April. Finally, there has been significant public disclosure, both in press releases and in the Company's Canadian regulatory filings, summarizing the Company's successes, plans and strategy.

As part of its investor relations program, Aris Gold retained Red Cloud Financial Services, a full-service broker/dealer offering investor outreach, non-deal marketing, research coverage, and investment banking/advisory services to Canadian mining companies. Aris Gold management has made several presentations to Red Cloud's team and clients, including a webinar on April 15 that was widely viewed by retail and institutional shareholders. Red Cloud also published a research report on Aris Gold on April 5, 2021 which summarized the Company's annual financial results and was exclusively distributed to Red Cloud's client base which includes over 300 institutional accounts, 1,500 retail brokers, 150 private equity groups and 250 strategic mining investors.

Aris Gold also engaged Wealth Research Group LLC, an independent media company, to provide marketing services with a one-time media campaign. On April 15, 2021, Wealth Research Group, through other third-party service providers, commenced a one-time media campaign that includes written materials containing information from Aris Gold's public filings and publicly available investor presentation, together with discussions with management about the Company and its strategy. Management understands that on April 19, 2021 Wealth Research Group sent an email, through Future Money Trends and NAI, to its subscribers summarizing the Company's public disclosure and publicly available investor presentation. Wealth Research Group prepared the materials used in the media campaign from the Company's public filings and maintained editorial control over content. Aris Gold did not have any editorial control over the content other than to confirm factual matters related to the Company were correct.

In Aris Gold's opinion, none of the statements of fact related to Aris Gold made in the promotional materials distributed by Red Cloud or Wealth Research Group are materially false and/or misleading.

In addition, Aris Gold retained Renmark Financial Communications, a full-service investor relations firm representing small, medium and large cap public companies trading on all major North American exchanges. From its four offices in North America, Renmark's team of 30 investor relations professional reaches over 800 influential financial advisors per day.

In conjunction with the above-mentioned corporate changes the Company's new board of directors and management team led a C$85 million private placement financing. The financing was announced by the Company on November 23, 2020 and was priced at C$2.25 per unit with each unit comprised of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant convertible to one common share at a price of C$2.75 until July 29, 2025. The purchase price for a unit represented a 14% premium to the closing price of the Company's common shares on the date prior to announcement. The common shares and share purchase warrants were subject to a four-month statutory hold period which expired on April 4, 2021 at which time approximately 37.8 million of the Company's common shares and the share purchase warrants became free trading.

Separately, on July 29, 2020, the Company completed a bought deal financing for aggregate gross proceeds of C$50 million. A total of 22,222,222 special warrants of the Company were sold at a price of CA$2.25 per special warrant. Each special warrant entitles the holder thereof to receive one unit of the Company on the exercise or deemed exercise of the special warrant, with each unit comprising one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant convertible to one common share of the Company until July 29, 2025 at a price of C$2.75 per common share (subject to adjustment in certain events). The price of the special warrants represented a 15% discount to the closing price of the Company's common shares on the date of issuance.

Since February 4, 2021, and to the knowledge of the Company, prior to that time, Aris Gold has complied with its reporting requirements in Canada and disclosure requirements of the OTCQX, including press releases and updates on the status of its business and operations at the Marmato Mine.

Following an inquiry with management, the directors, and control persons, Aris Gold can confirm that other than participation of certain directors and officers in the above-described C$85 million financing, none of its officers, directors or shareholders owning 10% or more of the Company's securities, have bought or sold shares since February 4, 2021 when the new board of directors and management team were appointed. To the best of the Company's knowledge, none of the third-party service providers mentioned above have sold or purchased the Company's securities in that time frame either.

Aris Gold routinely responds to inquiries from shareholders, potential investors and investment analysts and prepares its own investor relations materials. As such, Aris Gold urges its shareholder base and followers to review the Company's website (www.arisgold.com) and its filings on SEDAR. Any investor seeking to verify whether a publication was disseminated by Aris Gold can email [email protected].

About Aris Gold

Aris Gold is a Canadian mining company listed on the TSX under the symbol ARIS. The Company is led by an executive team with a demonstrated track record of creating value through building globally relevant gold mining companies. Aris Gold operates the Marmato mine in Colombia, where a modernization and expansion program is underway, and the Juby project, an advanced exploration stage gold project in the Abitibi greenstone belt of Ontario, Canada. Aris Gold plans to pursue acquisition and other growth opportunities to unlock value creation from scale and diversification.

Additional information on Aris Gold can be found at www.arisgold.com and www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Aris Gold Corporation
But Europe is no longer alone in pushing for tougher oversight. The largest technology companies are now facing a broader reckoning from governments around the world, each with its own political and policy motivations, to crimp the industrys power.

In the United States, President Biden has filled his administration with industry critics. Britain is creating a tech regulator to police the industry. India is tightening oversight of social media. China has taken aim at domestic tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent.

The outcomes in the coming years could reshape how the global internet works and how new technologies are used, with people having access to different content, digital services or online freedoms based on where they are.

Artificial intelligence  in which machines are trained to perform jobs and make decisions on their own by studying huge volumes of data  is seen by technologists, business leaders and government officials as one of the worlds most transformative technologies, promising major gains in productivity.

But as the systems become more sophisticated it can be harder to understand why the software is making a decision, a problem that could get worse as computers become more powerful. Researchers have raised ethical questions about its use, suggesting that it could perpetuate existing biases in society, invade privacy or result in more jobs being automated.

Release of the draft law by the European Commission, the blocs executive body, drew a mixed reaction. Many industry groups expressed relief that the regulations were not more stringent, while civil society groups said they should have gone further.

There has been a lot of discussion over the last few years about what it would mean to regulate A.I., and the fallback option to date has been to do nothing and wait and see what happens, said Carly Kind, director of the Ada Lovelace Institute in London, which studies the ethical use of artificial intelligence. This is the first time any country or regional bloc has tried.
Once again, we are locked down. And migrant workers are leaving out of fear of being abandoned. How did we get here?

India now has the worlds fastest-growing Covid-19 caseload, adding more than 250,000 new infections every day for the past week or so. (Photo: PTI)

The fear is back. The images on television, the gut-wrenching stories of death, devastation, despair and a gnawing sense of helplessness evoke an eerie feeling of deja vu  one has been down this road before.

New Delhis cremation and burial grounds are changing. Nigambodh Ghat, one of the largest cremation grounds in the city, has stepped up its capacity from 36 to 63 pyres to accommodate the swelling numbers of the dead. More than one year into the coronavirus pandemic, ordinary Indians are once again flooding the social media to save the lives of their loved ones. They are turning to strangers for help as they grapple with acute shortages of medical oxygen, ventilators, and hospital beds that offer intensive care for Covid-19 patients.

Once again, we are locked down. And migrant workers are leaving out of fear of being abandoned. How did we get here? What does this tell us about our pandemic preparedness and the lessons not learnt?

The oxygen crisis comes as Delhi, and the country, faces a terrifying spike in new coronavirus infections and deaths, signalling a second wave of Covid-19. India now has the worlds fastest-growing Covid-19 caseload, adding more than 250,000 new infections every day for the past week or so.

The total tally of Covid-19 cases in the country has crossed 15 million; the death toll is over 1,80,530 and there is worrying news about new mutants of the virus, including B.1.167, an Indian-origin double mutant strain of the coronavirus that some experts say could be behind the dramatic surge in new infections.

Arguably, this year, some of us are a little better prepared. Some of the recent steps taken by the government are steps forward. We have the vaccine  three, in fact now, to combat the new coronavirus. The Centre has just given the green signal for vaccinations to be open to all above 18 from May 1. We have a little better health infrastructure in some parts of the country, and we are better equipped in areas like personal protective equipment, compared to the early days of the pandemic last year.

As Gautam Menon, professor in the departments of physics and biology at Ashoka University, who has a long-standing interest in the modelling of infectious diseases, puts it: Opening up vaccines is a genuine step forward, supporting Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech in ramping up production is a good idea and expanding vaccinations to anyone above 18 is a good step.

But many of us remain ill-prepared. On many fronts, we dont seem to have learnt any lessons. The second wave is hammering us because both the political class and the people lowered their guard.

We forgot that mixed messaging never works in public health. While official advisories continue to extol the virtues of Covid-appropriate behaviour, large religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela and multi-phase state elections were allowed. Politicians, cutting across party lines, have been addressing huge rallies. Ministers without masks have addressed crowds. Ordinary people took the cue. Late last year, when infections were going down, there were parties, weddings. birthday celebrations.

Now, the virus has struck back with a vengeance. We never learnt things can get progressively worse in a pandemic, that we cant afford to assume a best-case scenario and go slow on contingency planning, and most important, that openness and data transparency are musts.

Take the case of medical oxygen, critical for Covid-19 patients whose condition becomes serious. As is amply clear, India is ill-prepared on this front. Faced with a sharp spike in Covid cases and the soaring demand for medical oxygen, the Centre has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except in nine specified areas.

But what was the extent of preparations for this eventuality over the past year? In October, the government took a decision to install oxygen-generating plants on-site in 162 government hospitals across India to support Covid-19 treatment. Funds were sanctioned early this year but according to one recent media report, only 33 such plants have come up so far. Meanwhile, states jostle for depleting medical oxygen reserves.

The oxygen crisis is not just about increasing capacity but also transport. Availability of oxygen is also about enough cryogenic (tank) trucks, cylinders, refilling facilities and so on. But India is ill-equipped on this front too. Saket Tiku, All India Industrial Gas Manufacturers Association president, says that while it is possible to ramp up oxygen output, there is the issue about not having an adequate number of trucks for oxygen transportation.

Take the issue of genomic sequencing and information about the new mutants. There is not enough data on the subject in the public domain and we dont know how many samples in India have shown the so-called double mutation (B.1.617). Recent media reports suggest that the double mutant was first detected last October through genome sequencing of a virus sample. However, the genome sequencing exercise has been running at a slow pace. Not enough resources appear to have been invested in it. The sluggish pace could be due to complacency because of the steadily falling Covid-19 curve at the end of 2020.

As Prof. Menon points out: Getting adequate genomic sequencing in place was actually crucial and should have been well in place by December. There are other lessons we have not learnt. Last year, migrant workers walked down highways in a desperate attempt to get back to their villages hundreds of miles away as the nationwide lockdown kicked in.

As Covid cases spike, and several states announce a slew of restrictions including night curfews and weekend lockdowns, migrant workers are, once again, staring at an uncertain future.

A parliamentary standing committee report has recommended that the government should ensure a decent minimum wage, food security and safe living conditions to all workers employed in both the formal and informal sector by including them in health services, cash transfers and other social programmes. The committee also suggested the launch of a national database on migrant workers as it will help in the identification of migrant workers and in delivering ration and other benefits to them.

Nothing much has moved on the ground till date. And migrant workers are boarding buses and trains to get back to their villages. Much of this could have been avoided. There must be mechanisms which enable the government to listen to and incorporate independent voices in its decision making.
Schoolchildren and hospital patients may be eating from 'low welfare menus' containing food imported to lower standards than the UK, the RSPCA has warned.

The charity has today (21 April) called for higher public sector food sourcing standards as animal welfare rules remained 'baseline at best'.

It said the Government's Buying Standards (GBS) needed a 'major overhaul' to ensure food provided in public sector institutions was produced to higher standards.

The GBS benchmark for animal welfare is currently set 'very low', the RSPCA noted, and in sectors such as eggs, meat and chicken, welfare standards were set 'no higher than the baseline'.

The animal charity said it was 'essential' that procurement rules guaranteed quality, particularly when it came to animal welfare standards.

It warned that low welfare imports could undercut UK farmers and find their way onto the menus of public sector organisations.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said an overhaul of GBS was 'long overdue' as the animal welfare rules were 'baseline at best'.

"Its unacceptable that school children or sick hospital patients may be served food that has been produced to low welfare standards," he added.

The government made a promise to the public to maintain or improve the UKs high animal welfare standards after Brexit.

"Government should ensure that its GBS, which even allow products to be imported that are below British minimum welfare standards, should be improved, audited and this crucial loophole closed."

He added that UK producers producing to higher standards could be undercut, potentially putting them out of business and leading to a race to the bottom.

Government has a pivotal role to play to show that it really is serious about increasing animal welfare standards and due to its high procurement spend, it is in a great position to drive the marketplace forward.

The government promised that UK animal welfare standards would be maintained or improved post-Brexit, with public opinion is in favour of higher standards.

But with no government auditing since GBS were introduced in 2014, there is no way of knowing whether even those baseline standards are being met.

For example, it is thought only 54% of hospital food is to GBS standard, according to a recent report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee.

In addition, buyers are allowed to opt out of the GBS and buy from below GBS and UK baseline standards if money is tight.

Mr Sherwood added: This is an opportunity for government to set the bar when it comes to sourcing high-quality, higher welfare food for public institutions.

"An overhaul of these standards is long overdue and will ensure the government keeps its promises to the public about maintaining and improving the UKs animal welfare standards.
Saudi Women's Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul Wins Top European Human Rights Award

On Monday, April 19, womens rights champion Loujain al-Hathloul, 31, was awarded with the top European rights award for her womens rights activism in Saudi Arabia.

The Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize, named after the former Czech dissident and later president, is awarded annually for civil society action in defence of human rights by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

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Hathloul "is one of the leaders of the Saudi feminist movement, having campaigned to end the male guardianship system, as well as the Saudi ban on women driving, and for greater protection for women facing abuse in the Kingdom," PACE said in a statement.

According to Business Recorder, in May of 2018, Al-Hathloul and eight other women were detained in Saudi Arabia, weeks before the driving ban was lifted. Hathloul was sentenced to five years in prison for terrorist-related crimes. This year in February, she was released early, but is prohibited from leaving the country and speaking to the media. Unfortunately, some of other women who campaigned with her still remain in prison.

During her time in prison, Al-Hathloul claimed she was beaten and sexually abused. The Saudi government denies these claims due to lack of evidence. This isnt the first time Saudi Arabia has been caught violating human rights. Theyve also imprisoned anyone who opposes their government, for example: intellectuals, clerics, and womens rights activists, NBC reported.

According to Barrons, al-Hathlouls sister, Lina, accepted the award on her sisters behalf and spoke about the injustice in her home country.

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"International support is the only way we can expose the injustices in my country and protect the victims," her sister Lina said as she accepted the prize and its 60,000 euros ($72,000) at a virtual ceremony.

"For years now, the Saudi regime has been trying to tarnish her image, to erase any support for her, and to make her forgotten," she added. "But the more time passes, the more Loujain proves to the world how incredibly brave, resilient and attached to her values she is."

Top photo screenshot from YouTube

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STOCKHOLM, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RhoVac AB ("RhoVac"), a Swedish cancer immunotherapy company, announces today, April 21st 2021, that the prestigious Mount Sinai hospital in New York is initiated today as the latest addition to US trial centres in RhoVac's clinical phase IIb study, "BRaVac", in prostate cancer.

Mount Sinai Hospital, founded in 1852, is one of the oldest and largest teaching hospitals in the United States, and it is widely recognised and one of the leading hospitals in the US, and indeed in the world, and as such RhoVac is extremely proud to declare its participation in the BRaVac trial.

The participation of Mount Sinai was directly caused by the FDA approval of RhoVac's Fast Track Designation. Immediately after the news on the Fast Track Designation was made public, Mount Sinai contacted RhoVac via its Scientific Advisory Board member, Professor Per-Anders Abrahamsson, who brokered the connection to RhoVac management. It is an honour for RhoVac, and a recognition of the potential of its drug candidate, that such a world leading hospital spontaneously seeks to join its clinical trial.

The site initiation visit is held, today, April 21st , and the study will be supervised at Mount Sinai by Professor Ash Tewari. In the trial, RhoVac's drug candidate, RV001, will be used in prostate cancer patients that have previously had a prostatectomy or definitive radiation therapy, but that now have suffered a "Biochemical Recurrence" (rising PSA) but who still have not developed detectable metastases. The objective of the development of RV001 is to prevent/delay the recurrence of cancer and its progression to a metastatic state. If a clinical proof of concept is obtained in prostate cancer, several other cancer indications would also be candidates for development.

RhoVac CEO, Anders Mansson, comments: "I was of course delighted when I learned that Mount Sinai wanted to join our study. I regard this as yet another example of the recognition that the Fast Track Designation has brought us already, and I am happy that we could get started so quickly. I wish Mount Sinai welcome on board the trial team, and I look forward to our collaboration".

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Anders Mansson  CEO, RhoVac AB

Phone number: +46 73-751 72 78

E-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/rhovac/r/mount-sinai-hospital-in-new-york-joins-rhovac-s-phase-iib-study-in-prostate-cancer,c3330109

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/13747/3330109/1404955.pdf PM_210421- Mt Sinai ENG_FINAL

SOURCE RhoVac
A seven-year-old boy has become one of the youngest pilots in Britain after completing his first ever flying lesson.

Jacob Newson, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, had his first flying lesson at White Waitham Airfield, in Maidenhead, under the watchful eye of his father Andrew, 53, who is an advanced emergency medical technician, and instructor Mark Green.

After tragically losing his mother Andrea, 49, to breast cancer in December, Jacob decided he wanted to go on his first flying lesson with his father, who conquered his fear of flying to help his son achieve his dream.

Jacob, who has loved planes and flying since he was a toddler and has previously fundraised for charities including the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, bravely took the controls of a Piper PA-28 Cherokee during his exciting first lesson.

Scroll down for video

Jacob Newson, seven, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, has become one of the youngest pilots in Britain after completing his first ever flying lesson (pictured during lesson)

Jacob had his first flying lesson (pictured) at White Waitham Airfield, in Maidenhead, under the watchful eye of his father Andrew, 53, and instructor Mark Green

His father Andrew explained: 'I have always been terrified of flying, so the plan was always for Andrea to go with him. But she passed away at the end of last year so I decided to take him myself.

'All the way down there he was so excited and he loved the entire experience.

'He was fascinated and mesmerised by being so high up in the air and looking down at the people and landmarks; he was a bit apprehensive when Mark said he could take the controls. But he held on to them for a little while with a big smile on his face.

'We got up to about 3,000ft (914m) and he just put the controls in his hands and told him to be really gentle.

'He thought he had officially become a pilot and as soon as we landed, he asked when we could go up again.'

Andrew said Jacob has always loved planes, explaining that he and Andrea visited the RAF Warrington air show while she was pregnant with Jacob and they joked that he would become a pilot after he 'kicked' when a plane flew past.

Jacob, who has loved planes and flying since he was a toddler (above), bravely took the controls of a Piper PA-28 Cherokee during his exciting first lesson

After losing his mother Andrea, 49, to breast cancer in December, Jacob (above) decided to go on his first flying lesson with his father (left), who conquered his fear of flying to help his son

Andrew said Andrea (both pictured), who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2019, would have been 'blown away' by Jacob's achievements if she was still alive

He continued: 'Before Jacob was born, we used to visit the RAF Warrington air show every year and when we visited whilst Andrea was pregnant with Jacob. She said he was really kicking when the plane flew, so we joked from that moment that he would become a pilot.

'When he was born, we got him a little flying suit and he just became more and more interested in aviation from there.

'He first began fundraising in 2019 and he managed to raise 6,500 for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, which led to him being invited to a lot of different RAF air bases.'

Andrew said after his first fundraiser they had offers from private pilots to take Jacob flying, but they wanted to wait because they were worried that he was 'too young' and it would 'scare him'.

'We wanted to wait a while but over the past few weeks, he's been really keen on doing it,' he said.

Due to his son's persistent interest, Andrew finally agreed to take the seven-year-old on his first ever flying lesson, which has made Jacob one of the youngest pilots in the UK.

And Jacob shows no signs of slowing down as he plans to climb Yorkshire's three highest peaks - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - with his father later this year.

They are taking on the challenge to raise money for St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds following the death of Jacob's mother Andrea in December last year from breast cancer.

Andrew gushed that Andrea, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2019, would have been 'blown away' by Jacob's achievements if she was still alive.

Andrew said they had offers from private pilots to take Jacob flying, but they wanted to wait because they were worried that he was 'too young' and it would 'scare him'

Andrew said he and Andrea visited the RAF Warrington air show while she was pregnant with Jacob and they joked that he would become a pilot after he 'kicked' when a plane flew past

Andrew admitted that he was 'really nervous' to take Jacob to the airfield and face his fear of flying, but said his joy for his son quickly distracted him

He continued: 'We have always been so proud of Jacob's achievements and everything he has done.

'If his mum was still alive, she would have been blown away by it all and so proud that he managed to complete his first ever flying lesson.

'She was so proud of him and was amazed by his love for the RAF.'

Andrew admitted that he was 'really nervous' to take Jacob to the airfield and face his fear of flying, but said his joy for his son quickly distracted him.

He explained: 'I was really nervous driving to the airfield because it's one of my biggest fears, but the whole event took over and I was just so happy for Jacob that it distracted me from being worried.

'Since this journey started, we have become a lot closer and I'm so happy I get to watch him complete all of these amazing things that Andrea dreamed of him doing one day.'

To donate to Jacob's campaign, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/jacob-newson1
FLINT, MI -- Nearly five dozen objections to the Flint water crisis settlement have been logged in U.S. District Court this week, including two from former mayors Karen Weaver and Woodrow Stanley.

Stanleys form-letter objection to the settlement was filed with the court Wednesday, April 21, and part of it says he plans to appear at a July 12 fairness hearing on the $641-million settlement, which has received preliminary approval in federal and state courts.

In his objection, the former mayor says he received Flint water during the water crisis, that the registration period to opt-in or opt-out of the settlement was too short, and that the proposed settlement is not fair, reasonable, and/or adequate.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Stanley for further comment on the settlement.

In addition to Stanley, former Mayor Karen Weaver, who has called the settlement a slap in the face for residents, also had her objection and request to speak at the July 12 hearing added to the federal court docket Wednesday.

In a section of her objection form that asks for additional comments, Weaver wrote three words: Justice for Flint.

U.S. District Court Judge Judith E. Levy, who is overseeing the settlement process, has said she will listen to all objections to it during a fairness hearing before she gives the deal her final approval.

If approved (preliminarily), there will be an opportunity for anyone who could be a claimant under the agreement to attend a future hearing and be heard, Levy said during a court hearing in December. If that hearing takes two or three or more days, that is how long it will take...

The water crisis was triggered in Flint nearly seven years ago when the city, while being run by state-appointed emergency managers, changed Flints water source to the Flint River.

The resulting elevated levels of lead, bacteria and chlorination byproducts in city water led to local, state and federal emergency declarations and required the replacement of all lead and galvanized water service lines in the city.

Stanley last served as Flint mayor in 2002 when he was recalled by voters. He went on to be elected as a Genesee County commissioner and state representative, representing Flint residents in both positions.

Weaver was elected as the first woman mayor of the city in the aftermath of the water crisis in November 2015. She was defeated in the 2019 mayoral election by current Mayor Sheldon Neeley.

Neeley has joined the Flint City Council in requesting an expert, independent review and analysis of a request for more than $200 million in attorney fees from the water crisis settlement fund.

He urged the City Council to approve Flints participation in the water crisis settlement because in exchange for $20 million provided by a city insurance carrier, the city and its employees are in line to be excused from more than 100 lawsuits filed against it and them.

Read more on MLive:

Attorney Geoffrey Fieger says 25 clients wont be strong-armed into joining Flint water settlement

Woodrow Stanley says term limits might not spell end of political career

Federal judge says she will meet for days if necessary to hear from residents about Flint water settlement

Former Flint mayor says $600M water crisis settlement insulting to residents
OTTAWA - Governments are looking at new limits for travel both into and within Canada, as the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to set heartbreaking records.

Pharmacist Barbara Violo arranges empty vials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that she has provided to customers at the Junction Chemist, an independent pharmacy in Toronto, Monday, April 19, 2021. Younger Canadians in several provinces are now able to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

OTTAWA - Governments are looking at new limits for travel both into and within Canada, as the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to set heartbreaking records.

On a positive note, Canada hit a new milestone for vaccinations, with 25 per cent of the population vaccinated with at least one dose, as the number of people climbed over 9.5 million Tuesday afternoon.

Generation-X Canadians flocked to make appointments for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as several provinces lowered the eligible age, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

But even as vaccinations were flowing, Ontario's scientific advisers warned the province's hospitals are "buckling" as hospitalizations and critical care loads continued to grow.

Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, reported record numbers of active cases, hospitalizations and patients in critical care across the country.

An average of almost 1,200 people are now in intensive care daily with COVID-19, about half of them on ventilators. On April 12, the most recent single-day statistics available, there was a one-day record of 599 people on ventilators due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 deaths also grew in the last week, to an average of 44 deaths per day, after sitting close to 30 people a day over the last two months.

Much of it is being driven by new variants, with more than 66,000 confirmed variant cases in Canada now, 96 per cent of them B.1.1.7. That is twice the number of confirmed variant cases just one week ago.

In a bid to keep even more variants from entering Canada, Trudeau said Tuesday the use of quarantine hotels for international air travellers will continue until at least May 21, as will testing requirements for air and land-border arrivals.

He defended the government against criticism it didn't move fast enough to enforce quarantines for travellers, but said they are considering additional measures.

"We are continuing to look at more and I have asked our officials to look carefully at, for example, what the U.K. has done very recently on suspending flights from India," he said.

Although Canada's borders are officially closed, thousands of people, mostly Canadians, still cross into the country every week. Health Canada says about one per cent of international air travellers are testing positive for COVID-19 during their three-day quarantine, but can't yet provide data for how many tested positive after 10 days.

India has reported more than 250,000 new cases of COVID-19 daily this week and doctors are investigating whether another new variant, known as B.1.617, may be part of the reason.

Last December, Canada suspended flights from the U.K. for just over two weeks due to concerns about the COVID-19 variant that first emerged there.

In the last two weeks, 117 international flights arrived with at least one passenger who later tested positive for COVID-19, including 29 flights from Delhi, 20 from the United States and 24 from Europe.

Provincial governments are also moving to restrict travel within Canada. Ontario and Nova Scotia are barring entry to non-essential travellers who aren't residents, while British Columbia is looking at doing periodic police roadblocks at ferry terminals and Vancouver-area highways to discourage recreational travel even within the province.

Ontario reported almost 3,500 new cases Tuesday, the first time since April 12 the number was below 4,000. But hospitalizations, critical care admissions and patients on a ventilator all rose overnight, prompting new warnings from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table that hospitals are on the brink. The advisers said essential workers needed to be vaccinated faster and offered sick leave.

Public health chiefs in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region moved on their own to order any workplace closed that has had five or more positive cases in the last two weeks.

Late Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's office said he was isolating in Toronto after a member of his staff who was in close contact with him tested positive for COVID-19.

The statement said the premier has tested negative and will follow all public health advice for close contacts.

It said Ford will continue leading his government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic while in isolation, including briefings with officials and communicating with the public.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province is examining what it can do to handle "gaps" in federal sick pay.

Elliott received her vaccine from AstraZeneca weeks ago, and now that Ontario is among the provinces that lowered the eligible age to 40, Trudeau and other federal leaders can now follow suit.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization cancelled a planned briefing to update its guidance on what age groups should get the AstraZeneca doses, as more information on the risk of very rare blood clots has now emerged. NACI is still deliberating on what advice to provide.

Three Canadians, including one newly reported in New Brunswick Tuesday, have now had the blood clots, out of more than 700,000 doses given. All three -- a woman over 55 in Quebec, a man in his 60s in Alberta and a woman in her 30s in New Brunswick -- are recovering at home.

Several provinces didn't wait for NACI. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. all cut the age from 55 to 40, although Saskatchewan said it has already used up much of the AstraZeneca supply it has received. Quebec is cutting it to 45 on Wednesday.

Albertans under 55 lined up at mass vaccination clinics in both Calgary and Edmonton.

"It's about time," said Jody Dewaal, 52, who was lined up at Expo Centre in Edmonton. "We've been waiting. I have senior parents and I have a child who has asthma, so we just like to have some kind of protection."

Trudeau, 49, told pharmacists during a virtual meeting Tuesday morning that he intends to be vaccinated at a pharmacy, publicly, as soon as his office can work out the details.

While Freeland was busy becoming the first female finance minister to table a budget in the House of Commons this week, she dispatched her kids to go online and find her an appointment.

"My daughter said we're on a wait-list, so I have to check on that after this," she said. "But as soon as I can, I'll get mine too and I hope at a local pharmacy."

O'Toole said he was booked for Saturday, while Singh is being vaccinated Wednesday.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna appeared to be fastest on the booking button, posting photos on social media Tuesday of herself getting the AstraZeneca shot in Ottawa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.

-- With files from Fakiha Baig in Edmonton.
TOKYO (AP)  Japans government is preparing to announce a third state of emergency in Tokyo and the western metropolitan area around Osaka following requests from local leaders who say current measures are failing to curb a rapid rise in coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and key ministers met late Wednesday to discuss details before deciding on a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and neighboring Kyoto and Hyogo expected later this week.

Osaka, the worst-hit area in the latest upsurge beginning in March, reported 1,242 new cases Wednesday, a new high for the prefecture and exceeding Tokyos 843.

Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura on Tuesday said the current focus on shorter hours at bars and restaurants is not effective and requested a state of emergency that would allow him to issue tougher measures, including business shutdown orders.

Kyoto and Hyogo requested a renewed emergency Wednesday, and Tokyo is expected to follow suit.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike is reportedly seeking an emergency period covering Japans annual Golden Week holidays from late April to early May to stop people from traveling.

The current alert measures started on April 5 in Osaka and have since been expanded to 10 areas including Tokyo through early May. The requests for a state of emergency underscore the failures of steps that Sugas government has promoted as an alternative to an emergency with less economic damage.

Suga told reporters that he will decide by the end of the week.

Medical experts urged Suga, who has already faced criticism for being slow to act on earlier waves of infections, to quickly switch to a state of emergency.

Time is limited," Dr. Shigeru Omi, head of a government taskforce, told a parliamentary session. Obviously, people are not responding to the ongoing measures."

The current alert measures allow prefectural leaders to issue binding orders to bars and restaurants in specific areas to operate shorter hours in exchange for compensation, with penalties for violators.

Story continues

A new state of emergency, under a law toughened in February, would allow authorities to order shutdowns of businesses and take other steps. Measures for the general public, including mask wearing and staying at home, would remain non-mandatory requests.

Nationwide, Japan has recorded 541,496 cases including 9,710 deaths as of Tuesday  results that are good by world standards but worse than in some other Asian countries  without any enforced lockdowns. But people are becoming impatient and less cooperative to virus measures.

Japans inoculation campaign lags behind many countries, with imported vaccines in short supply while its attempts to develop its own vaccines are still in the early stages.

On Wednesday, local media reported that Japan will sign an agreement with Pfizer Inc. to supply 50 million doses of vaccine to Japan by September, in addition to the 144 million doses they have already contracted. That, along with an existing contract for 50 million doses from Moderna Inc., would be enough to cover Japan's adult population amid uncertainty over the AstraZeneca vaccine's rare blood clotting issue.
The U.S. is reaching a 'tipping point' in the number of people willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, a new report published on Tuesday finds.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), vaccine supply will outpace demand within the next two to four weeks.

Most experts say that at least 70 percent of the population have to be immunized or have to have natural immunity from infection to achieve herd immunity.

However, only 40.5 percent of Americans have received at least one dose and 26.4 percent are fully immunized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If the pace of vaccinations slow down before herd immunity is reached, it could lead to the spread of variants and delay the return to normalcy even further.

At the current pace of vaccinations, with about 1.7 million first doses being administered a day, vaccine supply will outpace demand in 15 days (far left) with 51.5% of adults have received at least one dose and about 61% in total planning to do so

If between one-third and one-half of adults who plan to 'wait and see' decide to get the shot, it will take about four weeks to reach the 'tipping point.' Pictured: Walmart pharmacy technician Amber McGowan (left) gives James Williams the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Jackson Medical Mall in Jackson, Mississippi, April 15

'While timing may differ by state, we estimate that across the U.S. as a whole we will likely reach a tipping point on vaccine enthusiasm in the next [two] to [four] weeks,' the report reads.

'Once this happens, efforts to encourage vaccination will become much harder, presenting a challenge to reaching the levels of herd immunity that are expected to be needed.'

According to a recent poll from KFF, 61 percent of adults, about 157 million, have either received one vaccine dose or want to get vaccinated as soon as they can - an increase from 55 percent the month before

As of Wednesday afternoon, 51.5 percent, or 133 million, have already done so, CDC data show.

This means that 24 million adults will still need at least one dose before the so-called 'enthusiasm limit' is meant.

The KFF report found that with an average of 1.7 million first doses being administered each day, it will take 15 days - or two weeks - administered each day to vaccinate everyone who wants one.

About 17 percent of adults - representative of 38.4 million - said they plan to 'wait and see' before getting vaccinated.

If about a one-third of that group gets vaccinated, then it will take 22 days to reach the 'tipping point.'

If half of the 'wait and see' group move, it will take about 28 days to reach the point where supply outstrips demand.

Several counties and clinics across the U.S. are already starting to see fewer people sign up for a shot.

MaryEllen Pratt, CEO of St James Parish Hospital, in Louisiana, told USA Today that when vaccinations first rolled out, about 500 people a day were given their shot.

Currently, about 200 people per day are being vaccinated, despite all residents above age 16 being eligible.

'We always felt the vaccine was like gold and it was precious,' said Pratt said.

'We're having more trouble filling our schedules...more people can get it, but we're finding less people interested in getting it.'

Additionally, the number of counties with unfilled vaccine appointments at chain retailers such as Walmart and CVS and Rite Aid increased 30 percent from 847 on April 5 to 1,139 as of Tuesday , according to an analysis from GoodRx.

Experts say that until enough Americans get vaccinated, fully immunized people shoyld keep following measures such as mask-wearing.

'If you are vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and you probably won't get sick but we don't know how long the virus is going to live in your respiratory system after you catch it,' Dr Jorge Rodriguez, and internal medicine specialist told CNN.

'So therefore, you are potentially contagious to others.'
North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
After months of conflict and controversy, the San Francisco school board, looking for stability, agreed Tuesday to new contract terms with Superintendent Vince Matthews that require commissioners to act in a dignified and professional manner while focusing solely on reopening.

The addendum to the superintendents contract is part of the deal he made with the school board to stay on another year after announcing his retirement in March.

The language in the superintendents addendum is unusual, appearing to address an embattled school board facing controversy and a series of lawsuits, which includes board member Alison Collins suing five of her colleagues and the district for $87 million, as the district works to reopen schools to in-person learning following the coronavirus shutdown.

Matthews, early in the meeting, clarified his thoughts on the language in his contract, saying it was not intended to be a reprimand of our board commissioners, but rather a recommitment to shared values.

We, the governance team, myself and the board, are a team bound by a shared vision and a commitments to our students, he said. The board and I are in agreement and have agreed that we will govern better together.

The agreement does not increase Matthews $329,000 annual salary, but rather makes it a contractual obligation for the seven-member board to be prepared for public meetings and refrain from creating new programs or mandates unrelated to reopening schools, the budget or safety issues until they are fully back to in-person learning.

During the meeting, parent Chanel Blackwell urged the board to approve the contract language, with its focus on reopening.

My ninth-grader has given up. He thinks hes been forgotten, she said. Hes really upset and he wants to go back to in-person. ... I just urge you to allow us to get back to work reopening schools.

Matthews will now also have greater authority over hiring and firing of senior staff, with board votes on staff contracts made in public rather than behind closed doors.

We have to be able to work together, said board member Jenny Lam, as she spoke in support of the superintendent. We really need to have our students at the center ... and were serving all of our students.

The contract addendum requires board members to specifically adhere to their own rules and policies, which include treating everyone with civility and respect.

In addition, the board must refrain from performing management functions that are the responsibility of the Superintendent and staff, according to a board policy cited in the contract.

The contract also requires that board members be well read prior to public meetings, which often have lasted eight or more hours.

Board members will endeavor to raise questions and concerns with staff regarding agenda items in advance of the meeting in order to both ensure that commissioners are fully informed on matters before the board and to enable meetings to proceed in an orderly fashion, according to section D of the addendum.

The vote was 6-1, with board member Kevine Boggess against, saying he believed it was unnecessary.

Earlier in the meeting, the board selected Faauuga Moliga as the new vice president after stripping Collins of the role and her committee assignments in March over racist tweets against Asian Americans she made in 2016.

Collins has sued five board members and the district over the decision to remove her from those positions. She was the lone vote against Moligas appointment as vice president, after accusing him of undermining women on the board.

He denied her accusations.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Jilltucker
[April 21, 2021] Coway's Award-Winning Air Purifiers Now in Germany

SEOUL, South Korea, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading environmental home appliances company, Coway has announced its innovative air purifiers are now available in Germany through Amazon. Consumers can also explore Coway products through its new dedicated German website (de.coway.com/). A high-quality air purifier is now a must-have home item. After spending more time indoors, people have realized better indoor air quality leads to a higher quality of life. More and more people are looking for air purifiers that are effective, efficient, and also aesthetic. Coway is launching five select award-winning air purifiers from the Coway Airmega lineup. These are the Airmega 150, Airmega 300S, Airmega Jet, Airmega Mighty (Also well-known as the AP-1512HH), and Airmega Hue&Healing (Humidifying air purifier model). Each product boasts the highest quality standards and fits seamlessly with consumers' unique lifestyles and varying needs. They cover spaces of all sizes and improve air quality to reduce allergy symptoms, create a more pleasant home office environment, and allow for a better night's sleep. Coway Airmega air purifiers feature innovative technology that is ideal for those looking to reduce allergens. The industry-leading advanced filtration system removes up to 99.999% of fine particles from air down to nano-sized particles as fine as 0.01 microns[1] which are smaller than bacteria and viruses. The core of the filtration is consisted of the washable pre-filter to filter large dust and hair, the active carbon filter to remove bad smell and VOCs (volatile organic compound), and the HEPA filter to remove the extra fine particles like dust, allergen, bacteria, mold, virus and more. For European market, Coway is certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) for sensitive allergy control. One innovative feature applied to the HEPA is the GreenHEPA Technology which is double safe protection from virus and bacteria. This is applied to the HEPA filter and has undergone external laboratory testing specifically for viruses, bacteria, mold and pollen. This technology ensures the HEPA filter to effectively capture up to 99.99% of the virus[2], bacteria, mold and pollen[3] from the air and also prevents the captured particles from growing any further making it neutralized[4] for consumer safety. All Coway Airmega air purifiers show current air quality via an indicator and are equipped with a smart auto mode that detects the surrounding air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. One of the most desirable points of Coway Airmega air purifiers is their design. The sleek form of Coway Airmega blends seamlessly into even the most minimalist home and space. The iconic Airmega 150 model is a triple design award winner from Good Design Award, iF Design Award and the IDEA Award. The Airmega 150 has a sleek, modern design and comes with 3 stunning colors of Dove White, Saige Green and Peony Pink. Coway Airmega 300S is another design awarded model and also the most powerful air purifier out of Coway's 5 launching products. The 300S is a unique model with a strong dual suction power and delivers CADR(Clean air delivery rate) of 575 m/h covering large spacious spaces up to 149 m. The 300S is compatible with Google, Amazon devices and also with Coway's mobile app(IoCare App) for Wi-Fi remote control and filter alerts. Coway Airmega Jet was named "Europe's Best Air Purifier" in December 2020 by Testfakta, a prestigious Swedish international product testing laboratory. The Airmega Jet went through extensive testing with 13 air purifiers to prove its quality and performance. Its unique MegaJet technology supports optimal dynamic airflow. This rare function lets consumers choose whether the clean air comes out from the top or front of the product. The launch lineup also includes the Coway's best-selling Airmega Mighty, also well known as the Coway AP-1512HH in US. This product received rave reviews in the US and has been named on the New York Times' Wirecutter's "Best Air Purifier" list for seven consecutive years from 2015 to 2021. Wirecutter runs its own real-life based product testing with over 45 air purifiers. The Coway Mighty has been awarded as the "Overall Best Pick" since 2015 and has been rated as the "Best-Performing," "Most Durable," and "Most Economical," air purifier. All five Coway Airmega air purifiers can now be purchased in Germany through Amazon. Coway, the Best Life Solution Company, brings an air purity solution to Germany. Dedicated to making life healthier and more comfortable, Coway is South Korea's leading environmental home appliances company renowned for its innovative air and water technology, including award-winning air and water purifiers. Coway has been the unrivaled market leader in South Korea since being founded in 1989 and successfully expanded to the US and throughout Asia. Its innovative products and aesthetic design continue to receive international recognition. The brand has Asia's largest research and development center for water and air technology. It's dedicated to using this resource to provide clean air and water to people around the world. "We've had years of success with our products in the Asian and North American markets. We're dedicated to reaching the highest quality standards, and our countless awards confirm that. We would now like to bring these products to European consumers, too," says Jihun Ryu, general manager of Coway's America & Europe Team. After winning over the USA and Asia, Coway is ready to capture Germany's heart with its high-quality products. For more information about Coway Airmega air purifiers, visit de.coway.com.







[1] Coway air purifiers have been tested by KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard(SPS-KACA 002-132:2018) on a particle size of below 0.01? and on maximum fan speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers. [2] Coway air purifiers have been tested with MERS-Cov by Korea University and resulted 99.99% removal rate. Even though MERS-Cov is one of the coronavirus, Coway has not tested with SARS-Cov-2 so Coway does not claim to capture, remove, or kill SARS-CoV-2. [3] The removal of 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, fungi/mold and pollen from the air were verified for GreenHEPA applied Coway air purifiers based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard. [4] Influenza A virus (H1N1) and Staphylococcus aureus were proven to be inactivated and stop growing within 24 hours by Japan Food Research Laboratories (JFRL).

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway is a leading environmental home appliances company making people's lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the environmental home appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, the USA, Thailand, and China, based on the business success in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ SOURCE Coway Co., Ltd.

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We need to be guided by the value of peace and dialogue between states, Chairman of the State Duma Viacheslav Volodin said today in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, answering a question about Russian policy towards post-war processes in Nagorno-Karabakh and around it.



"Our country is pursuing a very balanced policy, and this policy is based on respect for all partners which are building relations with us today. The principles of friendship and dialogue are important for us," Viacheslav Volodin said.



In this regard, the Chairman of the State Duma noted the friendly relations between the leaders of Russia and Azerbaijan. "As for contacts with Ilham Aliyev, he and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin have always had a good relationship," he said.



"In general, there are different situations - but the main thing is nothing is more important than peace and everything must be done to maintain it," Viacheslav Volodin concluded.
The Irish Prison Service says it is working closely with staff in Portlaoise and other jails to manage Covid-19 and is engaged with the Government on the order of vaccination.

The IPS issued a statement in response to the withdrawal of goodwill by prison officers this week in protest at the vaccination rollout.

"The management of the Irish Prison Service has worked closely with all staff, and in close collaboration with the Prison Officers Association, to successfully manage the unique challenges posed by Covid-19 in the prison system.

"The Irish Prison Service has been and continues to engage with Government, with regard to access to the Covid-19 vaccination for both prison staff and prisoners in line with the Vaccine Allocation Groups published by Government," said the statement.

The HSE said the issue would be a matter for the Department of Health as the provisional vaccination allocation list a matter for the Government.

The Department of Health has so far not commented.

The incidence of Covid-19 in jails has been largely contained through cooperation and strategies adopted by prisoners and prison officers which has been praised by the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and previously Laois Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan when he was the minister responsible for prisons.
by Camille Nous1,#

1 Cogitamus laboratory, France

# Correspondence to: camille.nous@cogitamus.fr

Camile Nous is a collective author intended to embody the collective dimension of scientific research. The sense of collective work has been devalued and forgotten for two decades in academia, through various neoliberal research policies that prioritize competition over cooperation, and thereby favor individualism at all levels. Many issues in academia worldwide, regarding any kind of fraud or misconduct, stem from these ill-conducted policies and their deleterious emphasis on individuals as competitors. In this manifesto, Camille Nous, recently portrayed in Science Magazine, calls for resistance against the pervasiveness of individualism in science and its nefarious consequences upon the reliability and quality of research.

I was Socratess master as well as Hypatias student. I wondered why apples fell while the moon did not, long before Newton proposed that they both did. I was Lavoisiers better half and Darwins ship mate, Giordano Brunos publisher and the Curies assistant, Hardys collaborator and Leibnizs rival, Einsteins contradictor and Hobbes disciple, Freuds patient and Arendts penfriend. I am the nameless reviewer who read your work and suggested a control experiment that led you to reconsider your model. I am this discussion around the coffee machine that you joined with your mind a shamble and left with two key parts of the puzzle assembled. I am the former adviser or the new colleague who encouraged you to test a daring hypothesis. I am the tricky question that drove you to push your thoughts further. I am the unseen hands that maintained the environment needed for your work. I represent the sum of findings that were cited by the authors you cited, the chain of thoughts that, seamlessly, gave way to your own. I will also be the scientists who later read, debate and use your work as a basis for theirs.

You who work in research know me of old. And yet, only last year did I start co-authoring your publications. You and I, who search for a living and often dedicate our lives to science, are fully aware of what our results owe to collective construction, to the timely collegial process that shapes the landscape of knowledge by accretion and erosion, seldom disturbed by earthquakes. Indeed, although genius is a convenient fiction, science relies on the strength of its probation process much more than on the personality of its enunciator; it would be nothing without a complete state-of-the-art and, above all, without disputatio.

However, in the past decades a myth has propagated, among our institutions and then among us, that research is essentially a matter of individual performance. Far from maintaining a healthy research environment where collegiality drives us ahead, production indicators that we are each expected to satisfy corrupt the quality of scientific interactions, and the fear of concurrence precludes sharing information and building collaborations so as to secure ones own success. These enticements also constitute the primary cause of scientific misconduct due to the direct benefits of cutting corners.

Recent concerns on the multiplication of scandals for fraudulent research publications, or on the trend to wrap-up stories into tabloid science, descend from a strain that has been undermining trust in the principles upon which modern science was founded for years. The ethos of collective knowledge building and probation between scientists of various institutions and various countries has been replaced by a lust for personal branding, intimately paired with a desperate search for political and industrial leverage ensuring sufficient funding, in times when long-term public spending for research is decreasing in most OECD countries.

Such an evolution forsakes the legacy of critical rationalism  claiming independence of research from religious, political and economic powers  that the academic community has long adopted as its standards. This statement ought not to be too quickly dismissed as a dusty ideal; the highly positive view of science held by most of the public also stems from the assumption that scientists do follow these standards. Notably, citizens swiftly detect potential conflicts of interest. Henceforth, a growing number of them rejects a version of science that appears obsessed with catching attention, with gaining personal fame and funding.

This evolution also increases our dependence on non-scientific traditional media or social networks to excessively promote our publications. This shift of gratification from a legitimation acknowledged in the long run by the scientific community, towards an immediate recognition by the media, plays into the hands of political manipulators. Political instrumentation of science publishing here comes in two bitter flavours: on the one hand, driving research funding towards topics that match their immediate interests; on the other hand, luring public opinion with so-called science-based evidence into making decisions that engage society out of pieces of data that address only a fragment of a broader problem.

Surely, scientists alone do not have the power to remodel all social, economic and political constraints affecting their activity. But we do have a collective responsibility: it is our duty to state that we do not only reject fraudulent science. We also firmly oppose its structural causes, including our own growing mania with individual ranking, short-term impact factors and publication metrics insofar as they are no longer used as indirect measurements of how scientific fields evolve, but as tools of branding and intellectually destructive competition for resources.

The issue we raise is not totally overlooked. The world of scientific publishing is conscious of dangers, although it gets bogged down in a paradox since it depends on bibliometrics and altmetrics for maintaining its notoriety and securing profits. Research institutions are also mindful of the damage caused by fraud, but often forget that sanctioning ill-behaviour is insufficient when the systemic triggers of misconduct are ignored. As an attempt to tackle causal issues, the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) stands as a remarkable example of a world-wide public display of good intentions. However, we are left to judge these good intentions as hypocritical  or at best only half-hearted  as long as DORA signatories (research institutions, science publishers and academics) persist, in their daily practice, in promoting a research framework that rewards short-term visibility and individual success stories. Signing is not enough; we need acts.

The whole model, from funding, to publishing, to funding again, is deviating our path towards the atomization of the scientific collective habitus into a set of workers to whom bureaucratic and self-promoting activities take over research practice, reducing the latter to a sheer executing part. This loss of autonomy is further aggravated by a gradual blurring of frontiers between the science and business spheres. At all levels, thinking in the box has become the main message that institutions send to individuals, motivating them to quantitatively enhance their personal score as their only hope for a future. Accordingly, the division of scholarly work is commonly impersonated by the figure of the Project Manager who, instead of contributing to research, is in charge of conducting task forces  armies of assistants, hence of specialized, dependent workers who are sometimes treated as pawns and denied a brain, whether they are students, postdocs, or technicians on short-term contracts.

In sharp contrast, I  we! , Camille Nous came to life as a constant reminder of who we are as a research community, where we come from, which common values we share, and what principles we need to enforce for the sake of science integrity. Since March 2020, authors from all disciplines have freely and knowingly acknowledged our collegial contribution to research articles by co-authoring with Camille Nous 180 publications. Thereby, they formally recognize the we (nous, in French) among contributors, together with the Greek  (mind, reason). Through this act, they are showing the way towards a re-appropriation of research publication norms by the academic community, which has been dispossessed of its own production too long.

Camille Nous unifying character is here to embody a science that focuses on establishing elements of knowledge, protected from influences driven by self-interest. As such, we call researchers willing to enforce those basic principles to name Camille Nous among their co-authors, both as a deontological statement and as a manifesto for the collegial way of doing research that we embrace.

I am not Camille alone. You are. We are.
Vice President Kamala Harris: Chase the Dream is now available across VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime. The film explores how the Indian American vice president became who she is today. (Legacy Distribution photo)
High Court proceedings brought by Vet Daniel McCarthy against the Veterinary Council of Ireland, over a finding of alleged professional misconduct against him, have been resolved.

The court heard that following discussions between lawyers for Bandon, Co Cork-based Mr McCarthy and the Veterinary Council, which regulates the profession in Ireland, it was agreed that the findings and recommendations against the vet, contained in a 2019 report, be quashed.

The report had concluded that Mr McCarthy had engaged in professional misconduct that rendered him unfit to practise as a vet, and the FTP committee recommended that his name be removed from the register of veterinary practitioners.

As part of the settlement the allegations against Mr McCarthy are to be remitted back for a fresh hearing before the council's Fitness to Practice Committee.

He had been the subject of a disciplinary hearing conducted by the committee over allegations including that between 2009 and 2011 he dispensed prescription only animal medication in respect of animals not under his care.

It was also alleged that he issued prescription-only medications without prescription and failed to produce documentation to an authorised official.

The disciplinary process, was initiated in 2012 was stayed pending the resolution of a criminal prosecution against Dr McCarthy concerning animal medicines, for which he was fined 2,500, until 2018.

In his action Mr McCarthy, represented by Mark Harty SC, with Eoin O'Shea Bl instructed by solicitor Barry Creed, claimed that the report of the council's Fitness to Practise Committee, was flawed and should be set aside.

He argued that the report contained a finding that he had dealt with a drug called Oxycontin in significant units.

This was an error and it was claimed that the report should have instead referred to a drug called Oxytocin, which is used as a relaxant during animal birth.

Mr McCarthy had never dealt with or prescribed Oxycontin, which is a highly addictive opioid used in the treatment of chronic pain in humans, including palliative care, it was submitted.

An allegation of dealing with oxycontin without prescription would be a matter of ultimate seriousness by any doctor, pharmacist or vet, to have engaged in, it was claimed.

It was also submitted that there was nothing in the report to show that the committee when reaching its conclusions was aware that the drug allegedly dispensed was oxytocin rather than oxycontin.

His lawyers argued that nowhere in the witness statements was there any mention of Oxycontin.

Mr McCarthy also argued that a finding by the committee that he provided prescription medication without a prescription on an industrial scale was wrong, unsafe and unsound

He further argued that the council had acted outside of its jurisdiction regarding the sanction it recommended.

Mr McCarthy's judicial review application was opposed. The council had claimed that the error had no material bearing on the recommended sanction.

The case opened before Mr Justice Garrett Simons on Tuesday, and was adjourned, following a recommendation by the judge, to allow discussions between the parties.

On Wednesday Eileen Barrington SC for the Council told the court that the talks had been productive.

It had been agreed that the findings in the report could be quashed, and that the matter was to be remitted back to a differently composed Fitness to Practice Committee for a fresh hearing.

That hearing is to be expedited, counsel said. The sides had also come to an arrangement regarding the legal costs of the action, the court also heard.

Mr Harty told the court his side were consenting to the settlement, and added that his client will comply with all agreed measures to ensure that the fresh hearing takes places as soon as possible.

The judge welcomed the settlement and praised the sides for the "pragmatic approach" they had taken in relation to the action.

He said that at the centre of the case was "an error" which he said could "happen to the best of us," adding that it was unfortunate that the legislation did not allow for such a mistake to be rectified.
[April 21, 2021] Yelp Economic Average Finds New Business Openings in Q1 2021 Hit Highest Level Since the Pandemic Began

Yelp (News - Alert) Inc. (NYSE: YELP), the company that connects people with great local businesses, today released first quarter 2021 data for the Yelp Economic Average (YEA) report, a benchmark of local economic strength in the U.S. The Q1 2021 YEA shows strong signals of local economic recovery with more new businesses opening than at any other period over the last 12 months and business reopenings at the highest level since Q2 2020. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005384/en/ Nearly every state in the U.S. saw an increase in new openings in Q1 2021, according to data from the Yelp Economic Average. (Graphic: Business Wire) YEA found that more than half a million new businesses opened in the U.S. in the last year (April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021), down by only 11% year-over-year (YoY). New business openings spiked in Q1 2021, with restaurant and food business openings, as well as home, professional, local and auto services openings above Q1 2020 levels. Business reopenings are also rising across the country with reopenings in each month of the first quarter the highest they have been since Q2 2020. Yelp data also finds evidence of the pandemic home buying frenzy through new business openings and consumer interest changes in real estate and home services categories. "After a challenging year, 2021 is off to an encouraging start for the local economy, with Yelp data signaling a recovery as new business openings and business reopenings soar in the first quarter," said Justin Norman, Yelp's vice president of data science. "Yelp data shows a sharp increase of business reopenings in Q1 - with reopenings hitting its highest levels since August 2020. New business openings also spiked between January and March 2021, with new openings for many categories above prior year levels. Along with a downward trend of nationwide COVID-19 cases and an increase in vaccinations, these are all promising signs of rebounding local economies." More Than Half a Million New Businesses Open in the Last Year In the last 12 months, Yelp data reveals there were 516,754 new business openings in the U.S. (April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021), down by only 11% YoY. Of the newly opened businesses, 69,001 were restaurant and food businesses, down by 14% YoY. In professional, local, home and auto categories, 272,749 new businesses opened in the last 12 months, up by 2% YoY. Home services openings were 165,006 for the year (up 5% YoY), local services openings were 54,369 (up 3%), professional services openings were 51,839 (up 2%), and auto openings were 34,282 (down 4%). New Business Openings Spike in Q1 2020, Comparable to Prior Years Though local businesses are still experiencing continued challenges and capacity restrictions, Yelp data shows that more new businesses opened in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2021 than at any other period over the last 12 months. With 146,486 total business openings in Q1 2021, the level of new openings is comparable to years prior, down by only2% year-over-year (YoY) and up by 4% from Q1 2019.



During the first quarter, restaurant and food business openings (18,217) were up by 5% from Q1 2020 and down by only 4% from Q1 2019. Professional, local, home and auto sectors also saw a significant number of new business openings (79,332), up by 5% from Q1 2020 and up by 23% from Q1 2019. Of those, home services had the highest number of new openings in Q1 (48,592 up 4%), followed by local services (16,602 up 16%), professional services (14,134 up 2%) and auto services (9,790 up 10%). Nearly every state in the U.S. saw an increase in new openings in Q1 2021, compared to Q4 2020. States with the largest increase in new openings in Q1 2021 compared to Q4 2020 were Mississippi (979 openings, up 39% quarter-over-quarter), Alabama (1,921 openings, up 35%) and Maine (450 openings, up 32%). The largest counts of openings in the quarter tend to be in larger and more heavily populated states, including California (22,157 openings), Texas (14,860 openings), and Florida (14,793 openings).

Business Reopenings Rise Across the U.S., Reach Highest Level Since Q2 2020 As COVID-19 cases continue a downward trend in most states across the U.S., business reopenings have accelerated. The total reopenings since March 1, 2020 climbed to 258,191 up from 230,209 as of Dec. 31. Reopenings in each month of the first quarter were the highest they have been since August 2020. As heavy restrictions lifted, national reopenings picked up early in the quarter. January saw the highest number of reopenings in the quarter, and while reopenings slowed in each subsequent month of Q1 2021, March reopening levels still remained high. Due to the wide-ranging nature of COVID-19 responses throughout the nation, the following states experienced over 65% of their reopenings in Q1 2021, since August: Arkansas (302 reopenings), Delaware (140 reopenings), Mississippi (287 reopenings), Maryland (951 reopenings), Tennessee (872 reopenings), and Texas (5,331 reopenings). Yelp Data Shows Evidence of Pandemic Home Buying Frenzy Yelp data reveals insight into the recent home buying frenzy, as many businesses related to moving preparations opened within the home and local services sectors in Q1 2021, such as truck rentals (378 openings, up 26% quarter-over-quarter), dumpster rentals (857 openings, up 21%) and junk removal (6,181 openings, up 19%). Consumer interest changes on Yelp also indicate that people across the U.S. have been focused on their homes - whether buying a new property or improving their current space. Every state in the U.S. saw more than a 90% increase in consumer interest for real estate agents compared to Q1 2020. In preparation to move or declutter, consumer interest for junk removal services was up by more than 100% in every state. Consumers are also taking on larger, more intensive home renovation projects, as consumer interest in architects was up 100% compared to Q1 2020 in every state except Nevada. Consumer interest increased by more than 100% for electricians in every state except for Washington, D.C., and interest in handymen increased by more than 100% in every state except for Michigan, which saw a 68% increase. Read the full report, as well as previous YEA reports, at yelpeconomicaverage.com. Assets and images from the Q1 2021 YEA report can be found here. For more information and Yelp's latest company metrics, visit: https://www.yelp-press.com/company/fast-facts/default.aspx Methodology New Business Openings

Openings are determined by counting new businesses listed on Yelp, which are added by either business owners or Yelp users. Openings are adjusted year-over-year, meaning openings are relative to the same period of time in the previous period for the same category and geographic location. This adjustment corrects for both seasonality and the baseline level of Yelp coverage in any given category and geography. Business Reopenings

On each date, starting with March 1, 2020, we count U.S. businesses that were temporarily closed and reopened through March 31, 2021. A reopening is of a temporary closure, whether by using Yelp's temporary closure feature or by editing hours, excluding closures due to holidays. Each reopened business is counted at most once, on the date of its most recent reopening. Openings and reopenings are based on when they're indicated on Yelp, as such, the data may lag slightly from the true opening or reopening date due to a delay in reporting from consumers and business owners. Consumer Interest By Business Category

We measure consumer interest, in terms of U.S. counts of a few of the many actions people take to connect with businesses on Yelp: viewing business pages or posting photos or reviews. Consumer interest for each category is based on the Q1 2021 year-over-year change in the category's share of all consumer actions in its root category. Baseline levels of interest for changes from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021 were measured between December 1 and December 31, 2020, corresponding to the announcement of FDA approved vaccinations. We now measure consumer interest levels normalized by their average value over the baseline through March 31. As such we measure consumer interest in these categories - relative to the December, "start of official recovery", baseline level of interest. This is a good general indicator of consumers' path towards reverting to the norm and becoming more active economically and socially. To measure seasonally adjusted daily consumer interest we start with the biggest U.S. categories by consumer actions. Among those, we select the biggest gainers and biggest decliners in terms of their share of all root category consumer actions since December 1. Then we choose representative ones to show the trend, which we're charting from December 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. About Yelp Inc. Yelp Inc. (www.yelp.com) connects people with great local businesses. With unmatched local business information, photos and review content, Yelp provides a one-stop local platform for consumers to discover, connect and transact with local businesses of all sizes by making it easy to request a quote, join a waitlist, and make a reservation, appointment or purchase. Yelp was founded in San Francisco in July 2004. Since then, Yelp has taken root in major metros in more than 30 countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005384/en/

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[April 21, 2021] Mavenir Announces $500 Million Private Placement with Koch Strategic Platforms

Koch Strategic Platforms ("KSP"), a subsidiary of Koch Investments Group, announced today it has signed an agreement for a strategic minority equity investment in Mavenir (the "Company"). Affiliates of Siris Capital Group, LLC ("Siris"), a leading technology focused private equity firm, will remain majority equity holders. Mavenir is the only U.S. based provider of end-to-end, cloud-native software to meet the growing demand for 5G digital transformation by communication service providers ("CSPs") and enterprises. KSP, which focuses on growth equity through four thematic sectors-computing and connectivity, industrial automation, energy transformation, and health care-is a natural partner for Mavenir's 5G transformational efforts. KSP aims to be a partner beyond capital investment by leveraging the resources and capabilities of Koch Industries to accelerate growth for companies in which it invests, as well as identifying new platforms for Koch. "We have built a next-generation software platform that has driven, and will continue to drive, the digital transformation of mission-critical networks. Together with KSP and our service provider customers, we expect to bring innovation and 5G to revolutionize industries such as energy, industrial automation, and health care," said Pardeep Kohli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mavenir. "Not only do we have the only end-to-end, cloud-native, 5G software platform in the world, but we also have strong and extensive relationships with CSPs and proven deployments of our technology around the globe. With 5G here, Mavenir is well positioned to build the future of networks." "We are extremely proud of what Mavenir has achieved to date and excited about partnering with KSP to drive continued innovation," said Hubert de Pesquidoux, Siris Executive Partner and Executive Chairman of Mavenir. "The combination of Mavenir's 5G software platform and Koch Industries' presence in relevant industry verticals will accelerate the Company's participation in the massive digital transformation opportunity." David Park, President of KSP, said, "We're taking material minority equity positions in innovative, disruptive companies with strong management teams that operate in industries with significant tailwinds. We want to artner with companies that can transform Koch Industries for the future. Mavenir checks all the boxes."



Frank Baker, Co-Founder of Siris, said, "We have been anticipating the transformation of mobile networks, and that time has arrived. Mavenir is uniquely positioned to lead the 5G transformation given its investment in disruptive products, like OpenRAN, and extensive relationship with over 250 CSPs. We are excited about the partnership with KSP and the strategic growth opportunities that we will tackle together." Michael Hulslander, Managing Director at Siris, added, "By strengthening Mavenir's balance sheet, this investment allows the Company to accelerate innovation in CSP (News - Alert) and enterprise networks. We look forward to partnering with KSP to enhance Mavenir's already exciting trajectory."

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Guggenheim Securities, LLC acted as financial advisors to Mavenir. Sidley Austin LLP provided legal counsel to Mavenir and Jones Day LLP provided legal counsel to KSP. About Mavenir: Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud. As the industry's only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, Mavenir is focused on transforming the way the world connects, accelerating software network transformation for 250+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world's subscribers. For more information, visit www.mavenir.com About Koch Strategic Platforms: With offices in Atlanta and Wichita, KSP desires to be the preferred investment partner of growth focused, strategic companies who are innovating in "new economy" industries. Created in 2020, the KSP team pursues public and private investments with companies where long-term mutual benefit can be realized. About Koch Industries, Inc.: Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with estimated annual revenues as high as $115 billion, according to Forbes. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining, chemicals, and biofuels; forest and consumer products; fertilizers; polymers and fibers; process and pollution control systems; electronics, software and data analytics; minerals; glass; automotive components; ranching; commodity trading; and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested nearly $133 billion in growth and improvements. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com. About Siris: Siris is a leading private equity firm that invests primarily in technology companies with mission-critical products and services. Siris' development of proprietary research to identify opportunities and its extensive collaboration with its Executive Partners are integral to its approach. Siris' Executive Partners are experienced senior operating executives that actively participate in key aspects of the transaction lifecycle to help identify opportunities and drive strategic and operational value. Siris is based in New York and Silicon Valley and has raised nearly $6 billion in cumulative capital commitments. For more information, visit www.siris.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005355/en/

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CHICO, Calif. - Chico High has announced a tentative plan and schedule for the fall. The plan is for the school to move forward with an 8-period block schedule.

An indefinite agreement is in the process of being finalized. More details about the block schedule will be announced within the next few weeks and months.

The school will start at 8:30 a.m. per the new state of California guidelines, and there will be four 90 minute classes on standard days.

The alternating schedule below would continue with alternating red and gold days. After two weeks, a student would complete a full sequence.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  For Nikki Archuleta, an organizer with the local Black Lives Matter group, seeing Derek Chauvin convicted of the murder of George Floyd was emotional.

But, she said, she is grateful to have something to celebrate for once.

Were not coming together to express rage and anger and sadness and trauma; it was kind of unbelievable, Archuleta said.  With the consistency of what normally happens, we were ready for disappointment.

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Chauvin, a former Minneapolis Police Department officer, is one of few officers nationwide to be convicted of killing someone while on duty.

In Albuquerque, the 2016 trial of two police officers who were charged with murder ended in a hung jury when jurors could not decide whether they were guilty. Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez shot and killed James Boyd, who was camping in the Sandia foothills, in 2014. Boyds death sparked protests and calls for reform around the city.

On , local leaders responded to Chauvins conviction by saying it brought some measure of justice to communities that have been working for change.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement that although no verdict will ever bring George Floyd back to his family, the conviction does give us all hope that our system is capable of achieving some measure of accountability.

Mayor Tim Keller said Floyds murder has weighed heavily on his mind since last May.

Although this murder took place in Minneapolis, the impact of this verdict goes far beyond Minnesota, Keller wrote in a statement. Anti-Blackness and racism have a long history in every city across our country. There are no exceptions. While we can hope that this verdict offers some semblance of justice, we still have a long way to go before we have fully addressed the ongoing racial injustice in this country that is embedded in every institution around us.

The Albuquerque Police Department is in the midst of a yearslong reform process after a federal investigation found that officers had a pattern and practice of using excessive force. And in the aftermath of Floyds death, Keller said his administration intends to create a department to respond to some calls involving poverty, addiction and mental health challenges.

Police Chief Harold Medina said that in Albuquerque, we often come short when it comes to practicing what we preach with racial justice.

When you take the time to listen to our Black neighbors and community leaders, you will hear about the very real experiences of injustice at the hands of police, Medina said.  I am fully committed to ensuring that we build the proper culture that respects diversity and the equal treatment of all residents. Its not an easy process.

And its not as simple as rewriting policies and training officers. We have to get everyone in the department to buy into this culture. We have to be open-minded and willing to have uncomfortable conversations.

Shaun Willoughby, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, said the criminal justice system worked, even when the accused was a police officer.

This trial proves conclusively that officers can be, and in fact are held to the same standards of justice as all other citizens, as they should be, he said in a statement. The public should view this case as proof that due process rights, do not prevent the investigation, trial or conviction of a police officer, and neither does qualified immunity. We should never let the bad acts by one, cast a shadow across all that serve this country with valor, honesty and integrity.

Raul Torrez, the 2nd Judicial District Attorney, said he was not surprised the jury found Chauvin guilty of murder in a case that shocked the conscience of the country.

Torrez said he hopes the case further encourages police departments to review their use-of-force policies and update their training to those joining law enforcement.

My hope is that we dont look at this moment and have a verdict and go back to just the normal way of doing business  because its not going to suffice  there are too many people that have been hurt and killed, Torrez said.

For New Mexico Chief Public Defender Bennett Baur, the Chauvin trial was a rare case in which he welcomed a conviction.

As public defenders, we know there is rarely real justice or healing that comes from the criminal courts, Baur said.  Still, I do feel a little hope with this verdict. I hope it is some vindication of and relief to the communities and people who have been the victims of systemically racist policing practices for generations.

Professor Finnie Coleman, who teaches English and Africana Studies at the University of New Mexico, said we should not be giving the criminal justice system a pat on the back for doing what it should have done in hundreds of cases in the past.

Should people be relieved that this is the verdict they came to? I think so. Because weve averted what looked like to be a powder keg in America, he said, adding that the optimism shouldnt go overboard.

Theres a lot more work to get done, and its very complex work, Coleman said.

He said people also need to be careful not to paint every law enforcement agent as a Derek Chauvin.

Its tempting to do that  (but) to do that is to miss an opportunity to reach out to the forces that are supposed to guard our communities and for them to have an even hand with all citizens in our community, he said.

BLM can celebrate a win , but the work begins again, Archuleta said, pointing to the recent police shooting deaths of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, a Black man, and 13-year-old Adam Toledo, a Latino boy.

Its a victory, but it also means we need to work harder and demand (more) than crumbs, because this is like the very least they could have given us, she said.

Well see how Daunte Wright and Adam Toledos (case) goes.  I hope this gives us a little push and energy and hope.
Nigeria produced far less sugar in 2020 than it did in 1990 and repeatedly failed to meet its production targets, allowing massive importation to flourish for decades as domestic demand grew, government data show.

The data, generated by the Nigerian Sugar Development Council (NSDC), show that despite the governments professed efforts to boost local production of sugar, and claims by Dangote Plc and BUA Group to have substantially invested in that programme, the nation has relied almost entirely  over 98 per cent  on the importation of raw sugar for the last 30 years.

The figures show that successes recorded by industry leaders like Dangote, BUA, and Flour Mills of Nigeria have been anchored more on bringing raw sugar into the country where it is refined and sold, an economically costly model with negative implication for the Naira, job creation, and government revenue.

While Nigeria produced 41,478 metric tonnes of sugar in 1990, the figure fell to 38,597 metric tonnes in 2019. Imports rose astronomically from 603,000 metric tonnes in 1990 to 1.6 million metric tonnes during the period, according to the data.

SUGAR WAR

Nigerias sugar production crisis came to the fore in early April after two of the industrys biggest merchants, Dangote and BUA, squabbled over import quotas and the construction of a new refinery.

Official correspondences show the row started in January when Dangote Sugar Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc accused the BUA Group, led by one of Nigerias richest men, Abdul Samad Rabiu, of undermining the governments national sugar masterplan by setting up a sugar refinery in Port Harcourt when it has not invested enough in sugar cane plantations.

The National Sugar Development Council mandates sugar companies to invest in sugar farming and increasingly use locally produced extracts for their refineries, a process called backward integration. In the meantime, the companies are allowed to import extracts based on the scale of their plantation investment.

In a January 28, 2020 letter to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, Dangote Sugar Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc said BUA did not fulfil the governments Backward Integration Policy (BIP) requirement to build a new refinery.

Under the revised guidelines released by the NSDC, it makes it absolutely clear that the allocation of quotas henceforth, shall be based on quantitative and verifiable improvements in the Backward Integration Programmes of players in the industry, they wrote.

The mid-term review conducted by the NSDC was clear in its conclusions  BUA has failed to invest substantively in local production or comply with its undertakings under its BIP.

The letter, signed by Mr Dangote and John Coumantaros, chair of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, alleged that BUAs only intention was to use its claimed backward integration achievements to obtain importation quota.

The impunity with which BUA has contravened the provisions of the NSMP has placed the other players, who are abiding by the regulations, not only at a significant disadvantage but has discouraged them from undertaking the huge investments that would deliver the desired objective of 100% local production of sugar, unless of course, the ministry wades in and addresses the situation, the document said.

Dangote Sugar said its backward integration programme began with a 10-year sugar development plan to produce 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum of sugar from locally grown sugarcane. The project commenced with the acquisition of a large expanse of land in strategic locations such as Taraba, Adamawa and Nasarawa States.

To this end, three (3) BIP sugar companies; Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited were incorporated, it said.

The BUA Group denied the claims, saying the company has invested well in the local production of sugar cane, citing its three sugar holdings in Nigeria: a 720,000 metric tonnes sugar refinery in Lagos, a 20,000-hectare Lafiagi Sugar Plantation and Ethanol Production Complex and an 850,000mt export-focused sugar refinery in Port Harcourt.

BUA argued that its project in Port Harcourt was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, under Nigerias free trade zone law, the NEPZA Act, and accused Dangote Sugar and Flour Mills of attempting to sabotage the country and its institutions to get rid of the competition.

The company said its Port Harcourt refinery is focused on exports, not the Nigerian market. It, however, said it would intervene if Dangote and Flour Mills try to increase prices with wanton abandon locally.

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PRODUCING LESS THAN 2%

However, data from the NSDC analysed by PREMIUM TIMES show that investments by these firms in sugar plantations and local production have not made a significant impact on the sugar market in the country.

Between 1990 and 2020, the country produced only less than two per cent of the sugar it consumed.

Importers of raw sugar received presidential approvals to ship in up to 1.6 million metric tonnes of raw sugar yearly, while domestic production plummeted. For some years, the quantities approved and imported outpaced national demand.

As imports rose to millions of metric tonnes, local production of raw sugar in the country fell to 9,850 metric tonnes in 1998, and to zero between 2001 and 2005.

Production restarted in 2006 at 50,000 metric tonnes and fell again to 5,000 in 2011 and 2013.

As local production collapsed, importation rose to 1.5 million metric tonnes in 2020, the highest in four years.

In the last two decades, importation figures were lowest only in 2003, 2004, and 2010, when they fell below the million metric tonnes mark.
Australians should consider putting their money in their superannuation instead of property as fund balances are now growing faster than house prices.

Analysis by Chant West showed median growth-orientated retirement balances surged by 12.2 per cent since July 1 - something unthinkable only a year ago.

The double-digit growth in just nine months, to the end of March 2021, was even stronger than the 7.7 per cent surge in Sydney's median house price during the past year.

Australia's share market was this week close to reaching a record high, with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 just 1.5 per cent below the all-time peak of 7,197 set in February 2020 shortly before the Covid shutdowns.

Superannuation fund balances are now growing at a faster pace than house prices. A Chant West analysis showed median growth-orientated retirement balances had surged by 12.2 per cent since July 1, something unthinkable only a year ago. Pictured is a stock image

Chant West senior investment research manager Mano Mohankumar said a continued rebound in the ASX this month was likely to add 2.2 per cent to median share returns that were 61 to 80 per cent geared towards growth assets like shares.

Though the share market is yet to peak, super balances are generally 7 per cent higher than January 2020.

'Remarkable given the health concerns, disruptions, and economic damage caused by Covid-19,' Mr Mohankumar said.

In June 2020, in the middle of different lockdowns, median super balances stood at just $59,900 for all age groups, Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed.

Average superannuation balances stood at $151,500.

That is well below the $535,000 figure recommended by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia for a moderately comfortable retirement.

New figures released on Wednesday showed those who accessed their superannuation early, twice, took out an average of $17,441.

The double-digit growth pace in just nine months, to the end of March 2021, was even stronger than the 7.7 per cent surge in Sydney's median house price during the past year. Pictured is Bellevue Hill in Sydney's eastern suburbs

When can Australians access their super? For those born before July 1, 1960, it's 55 The rises to 56 for baby boomers born between July 1, 1960 and June 30, 1961 It's 57 for those born between July 1, 1961 and June 30, 1962 It's 58 for those born between July 1, 1962 and June 30, 1963 It's 59 for those born between July 1, 1963 and June 30, 1964 It's 60 for anyone born after July 1, 1964 Source: moneysmart.gov.au Advertisement

Average first withdrawals were $7,728, with second withdrawals slightly below that at $7,536.

Australians were granted early access of up to $10,000 from their super one before and after June 30 last year to cope with the Covid shutdowns.

Most of the money was used to pay household bills or rent.

Former Labor prime minister Paul Keating, the architect of the compulsory superannuation system that debuted in 1992, was opposed to Australians being allowed to withdraw from their super at a young age to cope with the worst economic downturn since the 1930s Great Depression.

But Superannuation Minister Jane Hume said it was an economic lifeline.

'The success of this program proves that it was an effective measure,' she said.

'The scheme was a flexible option and more than three million Australians weighed up the decision, and decided that withdrawing their super was the best financial decision for them.'

From July 1, compulsory employer super contributions are increasing from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent.

Compulsory super is climbing in half a percentage point increments at the start of each financial year until it hits 12 per cent by 2025.
Services Australia has been ordered to apologise and pay compensation to a domestic violence victim after it disclosed her new address to her former partner.

The agency breached the Privacy Act when it failed to separate the woman's records from her former partner's then updated his online account with her new address, Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk has ruled.

The woman was alerted to the privacy breach when her ex-partner posted a picture of her new house from Google Maps to Facebook, with the comment 'Change your MyGov', in 2017.

She had moved hundreds of kilometres to escape the decade-long abusive relationship, and avoided telling anyone where she was going to ensure her safety.

The woman was alerted to the privacy breach when her ex-partner posted a picture of her new house from Google Maps to Facebook, with the comment 'Change your MyGov', in 2017

'My heart just sank. I felt sick,' the woman said. 'I did everything right when I had the strength to leave him and he found me through no fault of my own.'

Within months, her ex had relocated interstate to live near her.

'Services Australia acknowledges its processes failed to protect the privacy of this customer. We apologise deeply and unreservedly to the complainant for the stress and pain caused,' Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said in a statement.

The woman notified Centrelink in June 2016 that she had separated from her partner. But the agency considered the separation was not verified because she had not included full address details for two referees.

She had earlier provided Centrelink with a copy of an apprehended violence order issued against the man. The partner was imprisoned for violating the order after he punched her in the face while driving.

Centrelink did not register the separation until January 2017.

By that point she had updated her address. Unbeknownst to her, the accounts were still connected and the man's address was updated to her new one.

'I consider that more rigorous steps were required to ensure that individuals fearing domestic violence do not have their updated addresses disclosed to their former partner,' Commissioner Falk wrote.

She found that Services Australia committed four breaches of the Privacy Act.

Services Australia has been ordered to hire an independent auditor to look at its practices around unauthorised disclosure of private information.

The agency must also issue a written apology to the woman and pay her legal costs as well as $10,000 for her pain and suffering, the commissioner ruled.

Mr Jongen said Services Australia 'fully' accepts all the commissioner's declarations and would implement them as soon as possible.

Services Australia has been ordered to hire an independent auditor to look at its practices around unauthorised disclosure of private information

The woman has been diagnosed with PTSD. Her symptoms eased when she moved away from her ex-partner, and then flared up when she learned he knew where she lived.

She is now uncomfortable in public places, won't leave her house overnight, and sleeps with a metal pole next to her bed.

The privacy complaints process has run for over three years.

'The process has been drawn out and difficult,' she said. 'At every turn with the department and their lawyers...I've been disbelieved and doubted.'

But she wanted to persevere with the case so Services Australia would change it processes and to help other women.

Mr Jongen said Services Australia was 'acutely aware' of the heightened risks of separation for customers when family and domestic violence is a factor.

The agency has proactively improved its processes to help those impacted by family violence, he said.

'We have changed our process to require that we de-link a customer's Centrelink record from their partner's as soon as they tell us they've separated, without the need for paperwork,' he said.
Facebook is subject to another breach with a tool that a researcher has demonstrated to show the vulnerabilities of social media in gathering e-mail addresses and links to millions of accounts. The social media has been shown its vulnerability in the past months, especially as leaks and breaches that threaten user safety has appeared.

The social media platform has been one of the largest and most used worldwide, but it does not show itself to be one of the safest as back-to-back reports of its vulnerabilities have been proven time and again. The recent data hack within the social media has the company scrambling, especially as there were insider reports that Facebook does not plan on notifying affected users.

Read Also: Facebook Hack: Mark Zuckerberg's Phone Number Links to a Signal Messenger Account-Boycotts WhatsApp?

Facebook Email Breach by Researcher Demo

According to Ars Technica, a researcher has forwarded a video on how a tool called "Facebook Email Search 1.0" works to get different email addresses and links it to millions of user accounts online. The tool and the researcher said that it can gather and discover up to 5 million user accounts per day, and effectively cover almost everyone on the platform.

The researcher asked to remain anonymous but has provided an exclusive video and transcript to Ars, asking for the public to remain in private and only use it for dissemination processes. Recently, the Facebook hack has resulted in 500 million users having their private information and other details taken from them without their knowledge.

Facebook Vulnerabilities

Facebook is a widespread and massively used social media worldwide, meaning that it has a ton of areas that are missed by moderators and the social media's security team in keeping the peace and safety. Facebook has always assured users of the different security measures it takes to keep the platform safe and usable by the public.

Facebook's Response?

Recently, Facebook talked about "Scraping" and how the company solves those problems to ensure the safety and convenience of everyone using the platform. The company has also addressed several problems regarding the spread of fake news and other phishing campaigns which endangers the users from everyday encounters in the social network.

Related Article: Facebook Tagging Issue is Phishing Scam, Clicking Malicious Video Could Trigger Malware: How to Solve This?

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah A.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Qureshi thanked UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating that UAE's help "reflected the warm and brotherly ties between the two countries".

The UAE's support came during the visit of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to the Gulf nation.

Qureshi has also raised the issue of visa restrictions for Pakistanis in his meeting with the Emirati Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh.

During the visit, Qureshi also highlighted the contributions made by the Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE for both the countries.

"He emphasised the need for nurturing and strengthening people-to-people linkages, as well as removing the impediments that hamper travel between the two countries," maintained the Pakistan foreign office.

It is pertinent to mention that the UAE had put a ban on work visas for Pakistani nationals, creating a major impact on Pakistan as it relies on remittances from the Emirates.

While the restriction was attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, many believe that the move came after Pakistan started showing inclination towards the formation of a joint consortium with Turkey and Malaysia to represent the Muslim world, which would be a direct opposing and challenging entity to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), led by the Arab world.

Moreover, Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process and a cold shoulder support by the Arab world to Pakistan on its stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with India, were also among the reasons why the relations between the two countries hit a bump.

But the recent intervention by the UAE in initiating and facilitating backdoor secret talks and meetings between top level intelligence officials of India and Pakistan resulted in imposition of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), delegation level talks on water dispute and signs of opening of trade through the Wagah border.

On the other hand, a massive number of Pakistanis are employed in the UAE, who send remittances back to their home country, playing a pivotal role in supporting the country's crippling economy.

Pakistan has stressed the need for an early resolution to the visa restrictions for its citizens, apprising the UAE of the difficulties being faced by the Pakistani community in the UAE.

--IANS

hamza/arm
DUSSELDORF, Germany, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA) a leading global IoT cloud platform today concluded the seventh of ten virtual events for the AI+IoT Business Conference Europe series. Today's event featured experts from the UK and Europe who shared insights on trends and outlooks for the UK smart home industry. Remaining in the Europe series are conference days dedicated to Turkey, Greece and finally to the German IoT and smart home market.

During the speaker presentations, Ella Yuan, Tuya Smart's Regional Director of Western and Northern Europe, Eurasia pointed out that the UK, Germany, and France are the largest IoT markets in Europe. In fact, the UK might be considered one of the fastest growing markets for smart security solutions. Smart speakers, which are often one of the first purchases a household makes in the smart home segment, are popular products in the UK.

Kevin Nolani, General Manager of Operations & Sales for Technical Consumer Products (TCP), an energy efficient lighting company, commented that four key segments are driving smart home adoption in the UK: businesses driving industry adoption, small businesses looking for ease of use, first time buyers trying out small home products, and more mature consumers fully integrating smart home products throughout their household.

Nigel Callaghan, CEO of Link2Home, a UK-based smart home firm, remarked that security and utility management are expected to become the two largest smart home segments in the UK. While currently around 56% of the UK smart home market is comprised of single device users, future development will come from users adopting multiple devices to create an interconnected smart home.

Jon Harros, Director of Certification and Testing Programs at Zigbee Alliance, an organization dedicated to creating open standards for IoT products, shared some industry figures in his conference speech. He remarked that currently 57% of homes in the UK have smart devices, with smart meters and smart speakers the most popular smart home devices.

To view the conference presentations, please register at https://www.tuya.com/event/abc/eur. The next event will come on April 22 and relate to the development of smart home market in Greece.

For more information, please visit:

Tuya Smart'swebsite, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
MIDDLETOWN  Motorists this past week were surprised and reassured to see a modicum of normalcy return as the Coleman Brothers carnivals rides and midway attractions made their way from storage to Palmer Field.

The pandemic forced a years hiatus for the much-anticipated annual event. The local, family-run operation, a veritable carnival dynasty that began in 1916, launches the season in late March in the parking lot off Route 66/Washington Street.

Mary (Coleman) Oakes, secretary/treasurer of the organization, said the event will follow strict COVID-19 protocols, including hand sanitizer stations throughout, cones marking off six-foot distances for those queuing up for their turn on rides, and 24-hour antimicrobial foggers being employed on each ride once a day.

Balls, water guns and other frequently used items will also be cleaned in between customers, and rides will be wiped down during breaks in the action, she said.

This year, the event is opening about three weeks later than usual, something patrons have asked for in the past, to take advantage of increased capacity limits for outdoor events in Connecticut, Oakes said. One advantage is the weather will be warmer, she said.

Known by fans as The Rainmaker, the carnival always seems to herald precipitation of some sort, which included snow in 2019 and downpours in prior years. Dont worry, well bring the rain, Oakes said with a laugh.

With severe thunderstorms in the forecast Wednesday, crews, working under sometimes darkened skies and intermittent showers, were out putting finishing touches on a colorful array of amusements for both adults and children, getting things set for Thursdays inspection.

The weather looks promising Friday and Saturday, with the forecast calling for a 96 percent chance of rain Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Oakes noted the past year has been a difficult one, especially with the family living down south in the warmer months, uncertain whether they should head back to Connecticut for the 2020 season. Its been pretty much stagnant. We havent turned a dime since October 2019  not one penny, she said.

The show has never shut down, Oakes said, even during the Depression.

In Florida, festivals went on as usual this past summer and winter, she said. She visited Disney World and Seaworld, which were at about 40 percent capacity. Its almost like a different country.

The biggest challenge has been finding enough help, a situation she believes arose from laid-off employees getting unemployment compensation along with an extra boost, which was was originally $600 a week, and now $300.

The decision to reopen was made about a month ago. We said, lets try it, Oakes said.

All workers were to be vaccinated Wednesday at Cross Street AME Zion Church. They will be required to wear masks even after May 19, when Gov. Ned Lamont will be allowing people to go without them outdoors. They will also undergo temperature checks before every shift, Oakes said.

The midway, where games of chance and food trucks are stationed, is much wider this year to allow free passage of festival goers with plenty of space in between, she said. Visitors can expect fewer vendors because of lack of help.

The family patriarch, Robert E. Coleman, known as the big-hearted boss of the midway, died at 91 in 2017, and his wife passed away this January at the same age, Oakes said.

Two new attractions are featured this year: the Music Express and Bear Affair, the latter of which allows multiple family members to nestle into each cart. They join the Ferris Wheel, funhouse and other beloved attractions.

Wristbands, which allow unlimited rides, will be offered every day for $30. The entry fee is $1 at the gate. The fun starts Friday and runs through May 2, weekdays beginning at 6 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m., at 1 Bernie ORourke Drive. Masks are required, and there will be a limited number of face coverings at the gate.

The fair will next head to Shelton, and then hit the New England circuit.
Lina Khan, a Democratic nominee to the Federal Trade Commission, outlined strong concerns over competition in the tech industry during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Ms. Khan, a law professor and a former staffer at the F.T.C. who President Biden nominated to the agency in March, warned of the cascading power of tech companies that has allowed them to easily expand their reach across markets.

At the Senate Commerce committee hearing, Ms. Khan, 32, said she was seeing whole range of potential risks. One that comes up across board is that the ability to dominate one market gives companies, in some instances, the ability to expand into adjacent markets.

She also focused on the online advertising market and how the consumer data mining that fuels it poses potential harms for consumers. The business model, she said, incentivizes more and more data collection.
'Hope': 10 Christian reactions to Derek Chauvins conviction for murder of George Floyd

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Some wept. Some cheered. Some stood in silent reverence, absorbing the moment when it was announced that a jury had found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the death of George Floyd Tuesday.

Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, who traveled to Minnesota to pray with Floyds family and offer support, was recorded in a video clip declaring wow! as they heard the outcome of the highly charged case that had for months captured the worlds gaze.

On Wednesday morning Bryant thanked all the people who helped to create the moment that blanketed many communities across America with hope and exultation.

Good morning to all the activist, protestors, prayer warriors, marchers, t-shirt wearers, petition signers, fist raisers, meme posters, barbershop philosophers, agitators, rabble rousers and candle lighters, Bryant wrote in a statement on Instagram. Take a moment and breathe! This couldnt have happen without YOU! We made history! All 3 counts and he going to jail. Give yourself a minute. I know the fight continues but dont let your gloves get tattered! ... Im praying for you, proud of you and cheering for you!

Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died in police custody on May 25, 2020, after he was restrained for several minutes by Minneapolis Police Department officers. Chauvin was caught on video kneeling into Floyds neck as he begged for his life until he stopped breathing.

The Minneapolis Police Department said in a statement that officers had responded to a call about a man suspected of forgery. Authorities were told someone tried to pay with a fake $20 bill at Cup Foods. The video of Floyds death sparked international protests and calls for justice from many Christian leaders.

For the Rev. Willie Bodrick of the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, the verdict on Chauvins actions on Tuesday was cathartic.

For us to get the guilty verdict, I believe it restores hope, he told CBS Boston. It lets people know that their protest, their voices have been heard.

In remarks Tuesday, practicing Catholic, President Joe Biden, called Floyds killing a murder in the full light of day and the verdict a step forward.

It was a murder in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism the vice president just referred to  the systemic racism that is a stain our nations soul; the knee on the neck of justice for black Americans; the profound fear and trauma, the pain, the exhaustion that black and brown Americans experience every single day, Biden said.

Lets also be clear that such a verdict is also much too rare. For so many people, it seems like it took a unique and extraordinary convergence of factors: a brave young woman with a smartphone camera; a crowd that was traumatized  traumatized witnesses; a murder that lasts almost 10 minutes in broad daylight for, ultimately, the whole world to see; officers standing up and testifying against a fellow officer instead of just closing ranks, which should be commended; a jury who heard the evidence, carried out their civic duty in the midst of an extraordinary moment, under extraordinary pressure, he said.

George Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, who said he prayed Chauvin would be convicted, said he was relieved by the verdict and compared his brother to Emmett Till, a 14-year-old who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955. The difference between the cases, he said, was technology.

"I feel relieved today that I finally have the opportunity ... for hopefully getting some sleep," he said.

"Today, you have cameras all around the world to see and show what happened to my brother, ...I could do nothing but watch, especially in that courtroom over and over and over again, watching my brother get murdered," he added.

Here are 10 reactions from Christian groups and leaders on Tuesdays verdict.
[April 21, 2021] AppGallery to showcase Huawei ecosystem new features at WN China Online 2021

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2021 /CNW/ -- AppGallery will participate in one of the largest game industry conferences, WN China Online 2021, that will take place online from April 26 until May 14, 2021. AppGallery will sponsor the event and speak with key audience about the platform's benefits. WN Conference takes place four times a year and gathers around 4,500 professionals offline and 20,000 participants online. Its main goal is to bring together gaming industry experts from all over the world to talk with a wide audience about relevant cases and to create a platform for sharing experiences. On April 26, WN China Online 2021 speakers will conduct lectures in an AppGallery branded virtual studio, including Huawei Global Gaming Business Development Director Alexandre Salem and Senior Business Growth Manager from Huawei Mobile Services Europe Alisa Nikitina. Alexandre will talk about the latest AppGallery advances and share interesting cases. Alisa will tell about the marketing opportunities of the integrated advertising platform Huawei Ads. Their presentations will start at 09:00 (CET) and 13:30 (CET) respectively. Users will be able to ask questions in a real time in the streaming chat. Alexandre Salem has over 13 years of experience in banking, strategy consulting and operational management with an expertise in media and technology. Prior to joining Huawei, Alexandre led Gaming Strategic Partnerships at Google in EMEA.



Alisa Nikitina is a tech professional with over seven years of experience in advertising, sales and marketing, focusing on mobile apps. She created digital marketing strategies for thousands of clients in different verticals. AppGallery offers participants of the conference special bonus for their advertising campaign in Huawei Ads. All is needed for submitting the application is to fill out a form on the conference's online platform.

Virtual AppGallery booth will work from the beginning until the end of the conference. All visitors will be able to ask questions about the platform to Arseniy Khlebtsev, Huawei Ecosystem Development Manager. About AppGallery AppGallery is a smart and innovative ecosystem that allows developers to create unique experiences for consumers. Our unique HMS Core allows apps to be integrated across different devices, delivering more convenience and a smoother experience  and this is part of our wider "1+8+N" strategy at Huawei. AppGallery's vision is to make AppGallery an open, innovative app distribution platform that is accessible to consumers, and at the same time, strictly protects users' privacy and security while providing them with a unique and smart experience. Being one of the global top three app marketplaces, AppGallery offers a wide variety of global and local apps across 18 categories including navigation and transport, news, social media, and others. AppGallery is available in more than 170 countries and regions with over 530 million monthly active users. Huawei has partnered with 2.3 million developers across the globe, and the total downloads from AppGallery have reached 384.4 billion times within 2020. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appgallery-to-showcase-huawei-ecosystem-new-features-at-wn-china-online-2021-301273945.html SOURCE Huawei

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Long View Equity (the "Company") announced today the recent acquisition of a three-building warehouse portfolio leased to Shearer Supply, a leading distributor of residential and commercial HVAC equipment. The buildings total over 120,000 SF and are well-located within the important distribution markets of Fort Worth, Lubbock, and Oklahoma City.

The transaction is the fifth for the Company's recently launched fund, Long View Equity Partners IV. Building on the success of its prior funds, with Fund IV the Company seeks to construct a diversified portfolio of industrial, office, and retail properties located predominately in major metro markets in Texas.

Daniel Campbell, managing director, commented, "Long View is pleased to acquire this off-market portfolio of industrial assets in three markets poised for long-term growth. Our new tenant, Shearer Supply, is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 35 years and we are excited to begin our relationship together."

Long View Equity

Long View Equity, LLC, founded in 2010, is an Austin, Texas based investment management company that oversees investment decisions and operations of real estate investment funds and other syndicated investment vehicles. Long View Equity's core purpose is to create long-term value for its 100+ investors by making well-thought-out investment decisions, exercising diligence in management, and continually seeking out opportunities to create value. The Company pursues strategies involving the direct acquisition of core-plus and value-added investments and has a proven 10+ year track record of operating over 50 office, retail, or industrial real estate properties located primarily in metropolitan markets in Texas.

For more information about Long View Equity, please visit: www.longviewequity.com

Contacts:

Long View Equity

Daniel Campbell

(512) 377-9395

[email protected]

SOURCE Long View Equity

Related Links

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A rare trial during the coronavirus pandemic got underway Tuesday after a group of inmates at the Cumberland County Jail filed a lawsuit alleging they have been held under inadequate conditions at the facility amid the health crisis, putting them at risk to the deadly effects of the virus.

At the core of the civil bench trial, which is being held virtually before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman, is whether the jail implemented policies to safeguard inmates during the pandemic, as well as if they were routinely tested for the virus. County and jail officials argue they have provided the necessary protective equipment to prisoners, and have followed the protocols set by health professionals.

Dozens of inmates have tested positive for the virus, and at least one correctional officer and one inmate have died from COVID-19.

It is an issue jails and prisons across the country have been grappling with since last year, as correctional facilities often have poor ventilation, cannot comply with social distancing protocols and provide substandard medical care.

In their lawsuit, Raymond Lamar Brown, John Clark, Desmond Rodgers and Todd Ford, Jr., who have been detained at the jail during the pandemic, allege they have been denied masks, refused cleaning materials, unable to socially distance from infected inmates and denied COVID-19 testing.

The lawsuit is being proposed as a class action case to include all detainees held at the jail during the pandemic.

Because (the jail administration) have not taken adequate measures to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, an ongoing crisis at the Cumberland Jail continues to threaten the lives of the inmates, the health and safety staff (nurses and doctors), correctional officers, and other staff living and working at the Cumberland Jail, the lawsuit says.

The inmates are suing the jails warden, Charles Warren, and the Cumberland County Department of Corrections.

The Cumberland County jail currently houses around 250 inmates, most of them pre-trial detainees. Throughout the course of the pandemic, inmates and officers at the jail have publicly denounced the jails handling of the virus.

And during the pandemic, county officials and correctional officers have clashed over an effort to close the jail, which has been halted as a court battle plays out.

Protesters carry signs to support members of PBA Local 231 Cumberland County Corrections during a rally at the Cumberland County administration building to protest the planned closure of the county jail and the layoff of officers, Tuesday, September 22, 2020.Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media

On Tuesday, two correctional officers  one former and one currently employed  took the stand to testify on behalf of the inmates that the jail did not have a policy to fight the virus outside of CDC guidelines. The jail did not have a concrete policy to fight infectious diseases, like COVID-19, until Feb. 1  nearly a year after the virus was first in New Jersey, said attorney Jeffrey Pollock, who is representing the inmates.

In comparison, Pollock showed that the Passaic County jail had an in-depth policy on the virus by April 2020.

The two officers said Tuesday that the jail did not have protocols in place to properly separate infected inmates from non-infected ones, did not have masks or proper cleaning supplies for inmates at times during the pandemic and didnt offer tests to symptomatic inmates in certain cases.

Donald Carter, a longtime officer who was infected with COVID-19 and missed a number of months of work due to the virus, said shortly after he returned from work in February, an inmate complained about being held with another inmate who was positive with the virus.

They still dont get it, Carter said. They still dont care.

Ian Gross, who resigned as a correctional officer in February, described how the officers union never learned from the jail that Luis Andujar contracted the virus and that no contract tracing was done.

Gross was asked where Andujar was Monday.

Hes buried, Gross said of his former colleague who died in January from the virus.

Around a month later, an inmate tested positive for the virus at the jail, and after his severe COVID-19 symptoms were not addressed by the jail, he arrived at a local hospital intubated, and died soon thereafter, according to Pollocks pre-trial brief.

The threat at the jail is real and pressing, the attorney wrote in his brief.

Gregg Zeff, whose representing the jail, used his time to question Gross and Carter by running through a number of memos sent by jail leadership to officers from early March 2020  and in the months after  that showed officers and inmates were given masks, mandated they been worn, provided a third-party to test officers, and to follow CDC guidelines and to use universal precautions at all times.

The memos were marked that they were supposed to be read at seven consecutive roll calls, though Gross said the memos werent read in full and not in consecutive days. Carter admitted he often didnt attend roll call.

Neither Gross nor Carter, who were both on the unions executive committee, could recall if anyone from the union ever wrote to the jail leadership about concerns the inmates had.

In his pre-trial brief, Zeff the evidence will show that the County and Jail worked diligently and together with medical provider CFG to obtain appropriate testing and PPE and implemented all procedures advised by the health professionals.

Inmates have acknowledged that testing is more frequent now at the jail and masks are more readily available, though Pollock wrote in his pre-trial brief that given the jails history of indifference there is no reason to believe that once his conduct is no longer being scrutinized conditions will not again deteriorate for the inmates.

On Wednesday, multiple inmates will testify from the jail.

The trial is expected to last into next week.

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The government will speed up its target in cutting the UK's carbon emissions, including a new focus on reducing meat and dairy consumption.

New radical climate change commitments mean emissions will potentially fall 78 percent by 2035, the government announced this week.

This means the present UK target for slashing emissions will be brought forward by 15 years.

Achieving the targets would mean the roll out of electric cars, low-carbon heating and reducing intake of meat and dairy.

According to the Climate Change Committee, meat consumption will have to decline by up to a third.

The non-departmental public body recommended that meat intake should fall by 9 percent by 2025, 20 percent by 2030 and 35 percent by 2050.

And dairy consumption should decline by a fifth over the coming decade.

While farming groups have welcomed new measures to combat climate change, some have called for a need to push back against the anti-meat narrative.

The Sustainable Food Trust, a group advocating sustainable food systems, said stopping the consumption of all meat 'is not the answer'.

Instead, the charity said the public should be buying local British meat produced sustainably and to high-standards.

CEO Patrick Holden said: "Grass fed livestock, rotated with crops, are part of the solution to climate change, building soil heath and helping sequester carbon.

"It makes sense then, that sustainable meat-eating should be a key part of emissions reduction planning."

He said the public should be using their buying powers to support those farmers who were 'doing the right thing for the environment'.

"That means buying locally where possible, and opting for high-welfare, mainly grass fed meat," Mr Holden added.

It comes ahead of Boris Johnson's address to the opening session of the US Leaders Summit on Climate, hosted by President Biden on Earth Day on Thursday (22 April).

The prime minister will urge countries to raise ambition on tackling climate change and join the UK in setting stretching targets for reducing emissions by 2030.
The BBC has published details of an agreement reached between the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union (RMT) and South Western Railway (SWR) management that removes door operations from train guards and imposes these on the train driver. The BBC reports, SWR has ordered 90 new trains designed to work without a guard and the RMT has accepted drivers will operate the doors.

The RMTs deal with SWR is a grotesque betrayal of a four-year struggle by its 900 guards and 40 drivers against Driver Only Operated trains (DOO). The union intends to push through similar and worse deals against their members as part of its participation in the Conservative governments Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG).

Guards at SWR, which operates commuter services from London Waterloo to south west London and south west England, held 74 strikes between 2017 and 2020. December 2019 saw the longest strike in railway history, lasting 27 days. The RMT then entered talks that soon collapsed with no agreement. To comply with anti-strike laws, SWR workers voted repeatedly to renew strikes that are only legal if re-balloted every six months.

RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary Steve Hedley (third left) on a picket line at Londons Waterloo station of South Western Railway workers who were fighting plans to impose Driver Only Operated trains. June 18, 2019 (credit: Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union)

More broadly, the RMT has betrayed a five-year struggle by 6,000 guards and thousands of drivers at eight different private rail franchises across the UK against various forms of DOO that watered down control over the safe operation of train doors. At each franchise, the RMT agreed a significant weakening of the role of the train guard in preparation for their ultimate removal.

Continued strikes at SWR were called off when the pandemic hit in March 2020. For the next 12 months, via tripartite forums uniting the government, rail companies and unions, rotten deals were cooked up that paved the way for ramped-up exploitation and cuts across the rail network.

According to the BBC, the SWR agreement states that guards will spend more time on customer service while the union is dropping previous claims that this [removal of door controls from the guard] compromises safety.

The RMTs decision to put their sellout deal to the voteunder the guise of a referendum on the companys offerwas a cynical operation aimed at providing a veil of legitimacy to their rotten agreement with SWR executives. It follows a four-year campaign by the rail unionsincluding the RMT and ASLEFto wear down workers opposition. In the end, 648 ballots were cast, with 516 voting in favour and 132 against.

It is unclear whether guards and drivers have received a copy of the full text of the RMTs agreement with SWR. The RMT refused to provide a copy to the World Socialist Web Site .

The BBCs transport correspondent claimed the deal was welcome news for passengers. Nothing could be further from the truth. The deal is a major attack on passenger safety. Guards have more than 32 safety functions. They are trained to safely put out fires or evacuate trains where this is not possible; prevent trains from colliding following an accident; take charge of all emergency situations where the driver is either dead, seriously injured or incapacitated; coordinate with emergency services, and take a lead role in emergency situations on trains, from passenger illness to crime prevention.

Over the last five years, the government and the rail companies have sought to end guards control of door operation travelling in and out of stations. Since 2015, the rail unions official position has been to insist that the driver should concentrate on signals and driving and the guard concentrates on the operation of the doors.

The RMTs deal with SWR has elicited widespread condemnation among rail workers, with many denouncing it as a total sellout. The vote in favour is fundamentally a vote of no-confidence in the RMT with workers believing they could get nothing better as the union will not lead a fight against anything.

As news of the deal broke on the BBC, rail workers took to social media. A guard from the north of England commented, I worry for us guards at Northern. We are still in dispute. Another wrote, People keep saying we won because we aren't striking anymore, but I fear it is the calm before the storm. Especially with Southern and now SWR pushed into a corner. One guard commented, It's a difficult situation for the members down there who let's not forget have taken 70+ days of action. However, this could have implications for all other [Train Operating Companies] whose members have also taken difficult action and the [RMT leadership] has let those members down by agreeing to put this item to a vote.

Similar agreements have been pushed through by the RMT at other train operators to water down the safety-critical role of guards. At ScotRail, the RMT declared a victory after forcing through a deal to have drivers release doors and guards close them. This is only a prelude to removing door operation completely from the guards and then slashing jobs.

On Southern Trains, the majority of guards had door controls taken from them and were transformed into On Board Supervisors (OBS). Guards in 2017 were threatened with a deadlineaccept the OBS role or lose your job. The RMTs General Secretary, Mick Cash, pressured workers into accepting, saying it was the only way to protect their jobs.

A similar deal was done at Merseyrail where drivers in the ASLEF train drivers union refused to cross RMT picket lines. The RMT broke up this united struggle and ended the strikes after agreeing a deal like the one at ScotRail.

Conductors at West Midlands Trains mounted strikes against DOO in November 2019. They manned pickets across the network and faced off an organised strike breaking operation with trains manned by managers and supervisors who were members of the TSSA union. Drivers honoured the picket lines and brought the entire region including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Coventry and Crewe to a standstill.

As with every other strike against DOO, from this position of strength the RMT negotiated and pushed through a driver opens doors, conductor closes settlement.

The RMTs deal takes place in the middle of elections for a new general secretary, following Mick Cashs decision to step down. Steve Hedley is being promoted as a left-wing candidate by pseudo-left groups such as the Socialist Party and Socialist Workers Party. Yet Hedley, who is the unions Senior Assistant General Secretary, has uttered not a word of opposition to the unions deal at SWR.

The Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG) emerged out of the corporatist Rail Industry Coronavirus Forum (RICF) that suppressed strikes throughout the first 12 months of the pandemic. In the face of a collapse in passenger revenues, the RIRG has sought to shore up taxpayer subsidies to the franchise owners and recoup losses from the backs of rail workers. The RMTs participation in the RIRG has seen a national two-year pay freeze demanded by the government, the sabotage of the four-year fight at SWR, and demands for thousands of jobs cuts, including cuts to rail safety maintenance at the government run rail infrastructure company Network Rail.

The RMT is a trusted ally of the herd immunity government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Rail workers need new organisationsaction committees that are independent of the unions and which unite workers in struggle across the UK and internationally against the transnational transport corporations.
Six people convicted of Nazism rehabilitation in Russia in 2020

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:25 21/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 21 (RAPSI)  Six people were convicted of whitewashing Nazism in the Russian Federation last year, according by the official statistics presented by the Supreme Courts Justice Department.

The convicts were sentenced to fines totaling to 475,000 rubles ($6,200).

Moreover, one person was fined 150,000 rubles for the publicly committed violation of the Russian military honour symbols.
(Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) Cybercriminals Make Fake Microsoft Store Tricking Victims Into Downloading Malware

While Microsoft has been providing security updates again and again fixing possible vulnerabilities that users might suffer, cybercriminals are now taking advantage of people's reliance on Microsoft by making a fake website to lure victims. Cybercriminals create a fake Microsoft Store identical to the official store in order to trick victims into actually downloading malware.

Cybercriminals Make Fake Website

Despite the consistent update releases, Windows is still reportedly vulnerable to quite a lot of malware. According to the story by SlashGear, It is actually way too easy to simply infect a Windows PC just by downloading a basic malicious application. The infection can happen even if users have an official app store.

Microsoft generally urges its users to only install and download the apps and softwares from the company's official channels. Despite providing the general warning, hackers were able to take advantage of the advice given by Microsoft. Since the company urged users to download only those apps on the Microsoft Store. Hackers have now created a fake website pretending to be the real Microsoft!

Can you get viruses from Microsoft store?

Just like all of the other app stores out there, it is really possible to browse through the fake Microsoft Store on any web browsers. When using a Windows machine, clicking directly on an app's given Install button will then launch the Microsoft Store app in order to complete the whole process. The difference with the fake website is that in any circumstances, it won't actually download anything at all.

Unfortunately, there are some people that are really used to downloading certain installers and other ZIP files from the internet without knowing the risk of doing so. When something looks like a legitimate Windows app page would start downloading something suspicious, the infection is so smooth that some people reportedly aren't aware that they are being infected.

Read Also: New DearCry Malware Found in About 7,000 Microsoft Exchange Servers

Microsoft Store Virus

Unfortunately, what the fake Microsoft Store would download would be a variant of Ficker or the FickerStealer info-stealing malware. According to the article by Bleeping Computer, this particular malware is actually very capable of stealing passwords directly from documents, taking screenshots of the victim's desktop, and even stealing digital cryptocurrency wallets!

The pieces of data are all packed into a simple ZIP file then easily sent back to the attacker for them to process. The cybersecurity firm known as ESET now notes that the whole campaign would also use other fake Spotify pages in order to trick people into downloading malicious malware.

It should also be very evident in the whole address bar, however, that these particular fake websites are not for real and that the apps and services they offer could be that of malware infection. Unfortunately, not a lot of people pay attention to the website address itself which should be enough to indicate whether a certain website is suspicious or not. Generally, most official websites are very direct with their URL and those with really messy URLs could be ripoff websites.

Related Article: Microsoft Office Files Now Used by Hackers to Spread Malware: IoT Under Attack

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A senior Chinese diplomat has blamed Australia for 'hurting' the relationship between the two countries in a bizarre speech in Canberra.

Deputy head of mission Wang Xining, rattled off a diatribe of Communist Party propaganda at the National Press Club on Wednesday, warning Australia that China is 'like an ox, not a cow'.

The 'Wolf Warrior' diplomat told the confused crowd that in Chinese tradition the ox represents 'strength, resilience and perseverance' and is a sign of good fortune.

'We, Chinese, love to present and describe ourselves, as hardworking cattle  like ox,' Mr Wang said.

'We like to share our yoke with all partners to plough through the difficulties caused by Covid-19... but at the same time China is not a cow.

'And I don't think anybody should fancy the idea to milk China when she's in her prime and plot to slaughter it in the end.'

Deputy head of mission Wang Xining, rattled off a diatribe of Communist Party propaganda at the National Press Club on Wednesday, warning Australia that China is 'like an ox, not a cow'

Australia's relationship with its largest trading partner has been on the rocks since April last year.

Scott Morrison's call for an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic - which first appeared in Wuhan at the end of 2019 - inflamed tensions between the two countries..

The plea for transparency infuriated Beijing who retaliated by imposing arbitrary bans and tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Australian goods including barley, wine, cotton, seafood, beef, copper, and coal.

Mr Wang told the room 'normal ties can be resumed' if Australia can 'refrain from interfering' in China's affairs.

'We have done nothing intentionally to hurt this relationship. We have seen too many incidents over the past few years that China's interest has been hurt,' he said.

Despite Beijing not adhering to the two country's 2015 free trade deal, Mr Wang said China has 'played by the rules'.

'I think China represents the positive force because we adhere to science, adhere to radical thinking and practice to building social solidarity domestically, and resorting to international collaboration,' he said.

At the core of Mr Wang's gripes with Australia was Canberra's decision in 2018 to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from participating in critical infrastructure projects.

The telecom firm is the world's largest 5G infrastructure builder, but in August 2018 Canberra hit the brakes on its involvement in Australia's National Broadband Network, citing national security concerns.

At the core of Mr Wang's gripes with Australia was Canberra's decision in 2018 to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from participating in critical infrastructure projects

What is a Wolf Warrior Diplomat? Chinese diplomats around the globe have made headlines in recent years by making aggressive public statements against democratic nations - often in to the contrary of all available evidence. Political observers say such statements are made to impress Communist Party bosses back home in Beijing so they get noticed. The term Wolf Warrior is actually a Chinese action film franchise launched in 2015. The plot of the 80s-style action films centre around a patriotic Chinese soldier who takes on enemies from all over the world and is fearless in the face of danger. Advertisement

Mr Wang said Australia conspired with the US in a 'very unethical, illegal, immoral suppression of Chinese companies'.

'Australia has no glorious role in this regard Australia was among the first to forcefully accuse Huawei of possible security threat,' he said.

'The US has mobilised a state power to suppress a particular Chinese company in order to prevent any challenges to traditional businesses.'

'They (the US) even went so far as framing and detaining senior executives such dirty tactics took place in France and also from Toshiba in Japan.'

Although Huawei claims to be free of government control, all Chinese companies are bound by law to abide by the wishes of the Communist Party.

Citing those reasons, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull pulled the pin on Huawei's NBN involvement.

'Not all companies are fronts for the Chinese Communist Party but the problem is, under Chinese law the government can compel any company to hand over any information or perform any act that is in the interest of national security or national intelligence, which is extremely broad,' security analyst Dr John Lee from the US Studies Centre previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'So even if a company is not a front for the Chinese Communist Party it can be used as a front for the Chinese Communist Party at any time.'

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull pulled the pin on Huawei's NBN involvement over security concerns, and Beijing refuses to let it go

Mr Wang said Australia conspired with the US in a 'very unethical, illegal, immoral suppression of Chinese companies'

In 2020, the Washington Post reported that Huawei was testing facial recognition software on the orders of Xi Jinping's Communist Party that would act as a 'Uighur alarm'.

The artificial intelligence technology condemned by human rights groups is designed to track members of the oppressed Muslim minority group who have been subjected to a brutal crackdown at the hands of Chinese authorities.

Mr Wang said Australia acted 'against market rules and professional or business ethics' by banning Huawei.

The diplomatic fallout also had disastrous implications for Australian journalists working in China.

ABC's Bill Birtles (right) and AFR's Michael Smith (left) were told they were not free to leave China as they were part of an investigation into Cheng Lei - an Australian citizen working for China's CGTN English business news

On Tuesday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei (pictured) is suspected of 'endangering China's national interests'

ABC's Bill Birtles and AFR's Michael Smith - the last two remaining Australian correspondents - were forced to flee China in September last year.

Cheng Lei - an Australian citizen working for China's CGTN English business news was locked up around the same time and still remains under arbitrary detention cut off from contact with friends and family.

'Those journalists who we have been reprimanded failed to present a truthful image of China,' Mr Wang claimed.

'We never discriminate against any journalists. We only hope foreign journalists in China will present a truthful view of China.

'It's amazing to see how the western journalists love to see more trouble and more unrest in China, where my party, my government, my people, look forward to a peaceful influence in society and in the country.'
Lucknow, April 21 : Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that the health services in Uttar Pradesh have completely 'collapsed' and the situation is worse in villages, as compared to cities.

Uttar Pradesh has registered a record increase in Covid-19 cases during the past seven days.

"Health services in the state have collapsed. The situation is bad in cities but it is worse in villages, where there is no one to address the problems of the poor," he said in a statement.

Yadav further said, "Chief minister Yogi Adityanath is allergic to the work carried out during the SP's regime, and is playing with the lives of the people. He could have easily converted buildings made in our regime into Covid facilities but he did not do so. Now the government has decided to convert cancer hospital, Haj House, Awadh Shilpgram built during the SP's regime into Covid centres." Akhilesh further said that, "The priority of the BJP government and its chief minister is to remain in power and win elections without caring about the spread of coronavirus at his rallies. There is no value of people's lives for the BJP." Yadav alleged that the BJP government has been fooling people for the last four years.

"Due to the lack of coordination among administrative officers, the situation is worsening day by day," he claimed.

"The Yogi government has handed over the state to vultures who are targeting the common man by realizing fines and black marketing essential commodities," he alleged.

The SP president said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath 'scratched the back of each other' where the Prime Minister complimented the Chief Minister for winning the battle against corona and Yogi Adityanath hailed Modi as a global leader leading the battle against the pandemic.

He said that there was a sense of complacency in the ruling BJP which had worsened the second wave of the pandemic.

He added that the lack of coordination among the different government agencies had further aggravated the situation.

Meanwhile, in another statement, leader of opposition in the state Assembly and senior SP leader, Ram Govind Chaudhary, demanded the withdrawal of a state government order to impose a fine of Rs 10,000 on those found without masks for a second time.

"The party, whose Prime Minister and chief minister attend rallies without wearing masks, does not have the moral right to penalize the common man for not wearing a mask," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
(@FahadShabbir)

Russia handed over to Bart Gorman, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Moscow, a note declaring 10 embassy's employees personae non gratae, they must leave Russia by the end of the day on May 21, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Russia handed over to Bart Gorman, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Moscow, a note declaring 10 embassy's employees personae non gratae, they must leave Russia by the end of the day on May 21, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Gorman was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"On April 21, the deputy chief of mission of the US in Moscow, Gorman, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, he was handed a note declaring 10 employees of the US Embassy in Moscow personae non gratae. These persons were ordered to leave the territory of our country by the end of May 21," the statement says.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that this measure is a mirror response to "the hostile actions of the US side against a number of employees of the Russian Embassy in Washington and the Russian Consulate General in New York, who were unfoundedly declared personae non gratae."

"In the near future, further steps will follow, announced in the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry on April 16, in the framework of the set of responses to the latest 'wave' of illegal anti-Russian sanctions by the United States," the ministry added.
New Delhi: Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in the country, there are still many people who are quick to lose their temper when asked to follow safety guidelines such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Such behaviour has led to immense harm in the countrys fight against the pandemic. It is costing innocent lives.

What is needed is that people follow COVID appropriate behaviour to deal with the crisis.

On the occasion of Ram Navami, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary urged people to take lessons from Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram in modesty, self-righteousness and doing the right thing in these trying times.

Today (April 21) is Ram Navami. According to religious beliefs, Lord Rama, son of King Dasharatha and Mata Kaushalya, was born on the navami date of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month.

People can learn a lot from Lord Ram today. He spent 14 years of his life in exile. He did not once deviate from his decision. He made this sacrifice with dignity. Today, we also need to make a similar sacrifice to fight against the pandemic.

Today it is important that you do not unnecessarily go out of the house. Do not go out to attend birthdays, parties and other occasions for a few days. Avoid meeting with your friends and relatives. And most importantly, do not stop wearing masks. Just like Lord Ram spent years in isolation, people need to do it for some time.

There are many people in the country who do not follow the COVID guidelines. Recently, a Delhi couple misbehaved with the police when they were asked to wear masks. In another incident, doctors in Bhopal were abused by miscreants. These incidents happen because such people have forgotten their limitations. They could learn the importance of restraint from Lord Ram.

In Ramayana after Ravana took Sita to Lanka and Ram had to cross the sea to get there, he could have dried the sea in a moment. But he did not do so. Instead, he chose to act with restraint and pleaded with patience. Had he dried up the sea, millions of marine animals would have died.

Today we have to follow the limits. We have to remember that if we cross our limits and remove the mask or do not follow social distancing, then it can threaten the lives of people around us. Today, our country needs decent behavior and temperament from all its people.

Lord Ram used to treat everyone as equal. But today the VIP leaders in our country and people who have a lot of wealth are using their clout to get oxygen and beds in hospitals. This should not be done.

At present, there is a crisis of oxygen shortage in many states of the country. In such times, people should not unnecessarily over-burden the hospitals. If your body's oxygen level is between 94 to 100 percent, then you do not need to visit a hospital.

When the amount of oxygen in a patient's body decreases by 85 percent, then in such a situation, the patient needs oxygen and seriously ill people also need ventilator.

So until there is really a need for oxygen support, people should not ask for it as it could deprive the needy and risk other peoples lives.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio  The Ohio Senate has approved a bill that would require November ballots to list party affiliations for state Supreme Court candidates, a move that could reverse Democrats recent string of victories for seats on the court.

Senate Bill 80 also would move state Supreme Court races higher up on the ballot to be with other statewide candidates, instead of near the bottom of the ballot where they currently appear. Candidates and measures that appear at the end of the ballot often receive fewer votes. In 2020, there were nearly 1 million fewer votes in Supreme Court races than there were for candidates at the top of the ballot.

Senators approved the measure 24-9 on Wednesday, with Republicans voting yes and Democrats voting no.

Bill sponsor Sen. Theresa Gavarone, a Wood County Republican, described her legislation as promoting judicial transparency, saying it helps better inform voters, particularly since judicial races arent often closely followed. Even though their party affiliation doesnt appear on the ballot in November, Ohio Supreme Court candidates still run through party primary elections in the Spring.

Why should voters have to ask around for information instead of having it readily available on the ballot? Gavarone said.

Opponents, which include professional associations representing attorneys and outgoing Chief Justice Maureen OConnor, a Republican, say it will increase the perception that the court system is politicized.

The partisan affiliation requirements also would apply to state appeals court seats.

Democrats who opposed the bill didnt directly reference the implications the bill may have on Supreme Court races. Instead, they criticized the bill for not applying to all judicial races, like a similar bill did that passed the house in December, but died after the Senate failed to act before the legislative session ended at the end of the year.

Whatever we need to do, it needs to be consistent across the board, said Sen. Tina Maharath, a Columbus Democrat.

After Wednesdays session, Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, said voters often know more about local judges, who are less restricted in campaigning than statewide judicial candidates are. But he said hed be open to including local judges.

I do think though that suggestion that we continue to look at these local races and how theyre identified is an important one, he said.

The bill still requires approval from the House and Gov. Mike DeWines signature to become law.

If approved, the bill could have major ramifications for state judicial races. While losing most other statewide races in recent years, Democrats have had recent success gaining seats on the state Supreme Court, with Republicans now holding a narrow 4-3 majority. Republican judges, meanwhile, routinely win appellate races in areas with heavy Democratic majorities, including in Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton counties. If partisan affiliations were listed on the November ballot, it would be much less likely that either would happen.

The House has reintroduced its own version of the bill, which also only applies to Supreme Court and state appellate court races, and its currently going through committee review.
Police: Fatal stabbing might have been result of 'robbery gone wrong'

A stabbing victim taken to a Berkeley County hospital Friday night died. Police think the stabbing might be the result of a 'robbery gone wrong.'
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Residents of Region F have urged the City to address the housing backlogs, illegal backyard housing structures, abandoned and derelict buildings and highjacked building in the inner city.







This emerged during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation meeting for Region F at Joubert Park on Wednesday, 21 April 2021.





We are concerned that there are people who are on the 96/97 Housing Waiting List and have not been allocated houses. What is the citys plan in fast-tracking the building of RDP houses? We have been renting for years in backyards and derelict flats with major maintenance and structural issues, said Yvonne Mohlauli from Ward 123.





Another resident Brian Pali said the city furnished people informal trading permits at the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 and this contributed to illegal trading in the inner city. He asked what the city is doing to address illegal informal trading as there is no demarcation in terms of areas where people are allowed to trade.





Responding to some of the questions raised, MMC Masuku said: We will look into the matter of informal trading and demarcating the stalls for the informal traders. The city recently approved the draft Informal Trading Policy, which is aimed at creating a well-managed informal trading sector, along with its needs. It is also consistent with the Growth and Development Strategy 2040 and the priorities of the Government of Local Unity.







The Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonceba Molwele, who was the programme director, was accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, MMC for Group Corporate & Shared Services Cllr Loyiso Masuku, Ward 59 Councillor Cllr Tjitjila Mashao, Acting Group Head CRUM Irene Mafune and Acting Regional Director Roger Ganhes.





Cllr Molwele encouraged them to engage in the discussions towards enhancing the draft IDP and Budget as well as proposed tariffs. She emphasised that the city cannot plan alone it needs community participation.





She thanked residents and stakeholders for attending, saying it shows interest. Cllr Molwele urged residents to engage meaningfully with the government and influence development decisions.





Some of the projects being undertaken in Region F include the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange which is expected to be completed in two months, the Johannesburg Inner City Transport Master Plan, the upgrading of Jack Mincer Taxi Rank, the construction of Selby Depot, the Our City, Our Block community partnership project in Hillbrow, to mentioned a few.

MMC Mabaso said: It is important for residents to input and engage the city so that you take ownership of these documents as these are the documents we are going to use in terms of responding to service delivery challenges.













Written by Dudu Lushaba
[April 21, 2021] Stonehill Strengthens PACE Platform with Key Appointments to Meet Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Stonehill, a leading direct hospitality lender, announced new leadership appointments supporting its growing Stonehill PACE lending platform. The commercial property assessed clean energy ("PACE") focused unit has extended its leadership role by financing commercial loans to companies involved in renewable energy, energy-efficient components and seismic retrofitting. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005112/en/ Jared Schlosser - SVP and Head of Stonehill PACE (Photo: Business Wire) Over the past year, Stonehill PACE has completed more than $171 million in commercial PACE loans for clean energy measures and seismic retrofitting, primarily in California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada and Texas. With approximately $75 million of the $171 million funding seismic improvements, Stonehill PACE has become the largest seismic-improvement lender in the country, helping owners protect their buildings and occupants against natural disasters. To support this growing industry and Stonehill PACE's leadership position, Stonehill promoted Jared Schlosser to senior vice president and head of Stonehill PACE, Lisa Nordel to vice president of operations and Allison Neary to senior analyst. Also, Stonehill PACE recently hired Gabrielle Arieno and Robert Loeb as business development associates and Jadah Quick as a senior asset management analyst. "These associates are an integral part of the company's overall success; their appointments relect our acknowledgment of their ability and contributions to Stonehill PACE," said Mat Crosswy, president and principal of Stonehill. "Jared has exceeded our every expectation, and we are extremely confident he'll continue to excel and lead his high-performing team."



The U.S. PACE Program, launched in 2010, which the U.S. Department of Energy oversees, completed approximately $530 million of commercial PACE financing in 2020. "Given the trend toward broader environmental, social and corporate governance concerns, more building owners and senior lenders are taking advantage of PACE financing and overcoming the challenges that have hindered the adoption of energy efficiency and related projects in their buildings," Schlosser said.

Nearly half the energy consumed and three-quarters of the electricity generated in the United States heats, cools, lights and otherwise operates buildings. Most of this energy is created by burning fossil fuels. If 15% of eligible buildings across the country utilized the commercial PACE program, it would abate 352 million metric tons of carbon, save 991 billion kilowatt-hours and add 3.2 million jobs annually, according to PACENation, the industry's nonprofit association. About Stonehill Stonehill primarily focuses on funding permanent loans, bridge loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity investments backed by limited- and select-service and compact full-service hotel assets. Since its founding in 2013, Stonehill originated more than $3.0 billion in loans for hospitality projects seeking capital to complete acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancing and renovations. Stonehill PACE, a direct lender for Property Assessed Clean Energy (News - Alert) (PACE) financing, is a division of Stonehill specializing in providing PACE funding for all commercial asset classes. For additional information, please visit www.stonehillsc.com. About Stonehill PACE Stonehill PACE, a division of Stonehill, is a direct lender for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. The group specializes in providing PACE funding for all commercial asset classes. Its depth of experience in sourcing, underwriting and closing real estate transactions is unparalleled in the PACE industry. The team at Stonehill PACE has earned a reputation for providing a professionally managed, efficient execution. For additional information, please visit www.stonehillpace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005112/en/

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[April 20, 2021] InventHelp Inventors Develop Fashionable Monitoring Device for Alzheimer's Patients (LUV-154)

PITTSBURGH, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "We wanted to create an improved location monitoring system to safeguard Alzheimer's patients," said one of two inventors, from Harvey, LA., "so we invented the ALZHEIMER'S ALERT. Our stylish design encourages Alzheimer's patients to wear the monitoring device on a daily basis." The invention provides an effective way for a caregiver to monitor the location of an Alzheimer's patient. In doing so, it offers an attractive alternative to tradtional medical-style bracelets and devices. As a result, it increases precision and it provides added safety and peace of mind. The invention features a fashionable and functional design that is easy to wear and use so it is ideal for Alzheimer's patients, caregivers and care facilities. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available.



The original design was submitted to the Louisville sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-LUV-154, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventors-develop-fashionable-monitoring-device-for-alzheimers-patients-luv-154-301273295.html SOURCE InventHelp

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A Russian flag is seen on a laptop screen in front of a computer screen displaying cyber code. (Reuters/Kacper Pempel)

Australia Officially Calls Out Russia Over Cyber Attack

The Australian government has taken a rare step to support the United States and attributed the SolarWinds cyber attack to Russia.

In a statement on April 15, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Defence Minister Peter Dutton, and Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that the Australian government joined with international partners to support the United States in holding Russia to account for its harmful cyber campaign against the U.S. software firm, SolarWinds.

In consultation with our partners, the Australian Government has determined that Russian state actors are actively exploiting SolarWinds and its supply chains, the joint statement said.

Russias campaign has affected thousands of computer systems worldwide. Australia acknowledges the high costs borne by the US private sector.

Payne, Dutton, and Andrews also acknowledged that in the past 12 months, the Australian government had witnessed Russias use of malicious activity to undermine international stability, security, and public safety.

Australia condemns such behaviour, the statement said.

Australia welcomes private sector and government responders efforts around the world to expose and mitigate this threat and uphold the international norms of responsible behaviour in cyberspace.

The Australian government has previously shied away from attributing cyberattacks to foreign state actors, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June last year refusing to name the sophisticated state-based actor that was targeting Australian organisations.

At the time, Morrison said that the threshold for the federal government to publicly attribute a cyber attack to any organisation from a technical level is extremely high.

Australia doesnt judge lightly in public attributions and when and if we choose to do so; it is always done in the context of what we believe to be in our strategic national interest, Morrison said.

What I simply can confirm is there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity, and it is clear, based on the advice that we have received, that this has been done by a state-based actor with very, very significant capabilities.

However, naming and shaming a state-based cyber actor has very little real-world consequences, Matthew Warren, director of RMITs Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation, said.

Warren told The Epoch Times that attribution of a cyber attack by the federal government will make no difference to Russia.

Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran have all been linked and named as being responsible for cyberattacks upon Western countries and there have been a number of examples of economic sanctions and criminal cases against representatives from those countries, Warren said. The public attribution of countries does not stop cyber attacks.

Warren also warned that there was a possibility of increased cyber attacks but he said it was unlikely given that Russias focus is on the Northern Hemisphere, in particular Europe and the United States.

This is the second time in three weeks that Australia has confronted Russia over its behaviour.

On March 30, Payne announced Australia would apply targeted sanctions and travel bans on five Russian officialsincluding President Vladimir Putins envoy to the region and two Russian colonel-generalsand several Russian companies involved in the construction and operation of the Kerch Strait Railway Bridge.

The bridge connects Russia to the annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, which was formally incorporated into Russia on March 30, 2014.

Payne said the Kerch bridge is an attempt to consolidate Russias control over the Crimean Peninsula and that these individuals and the companies were complicit in legitimising Russias annexation of the region and have supported separatist activities in eastern Ukraine.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. Australia continues to urge Russia to return Crimea and Sevastopol to full Ukrainian control, Payne said. Australia rejects Russias illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol and will continue to call out its ongoing intervention, interference, and provocative actions in eastern Ukraine.

We are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining pressure, including by way of sanctions, on individuals and entities who seek to facilitate Russias unlawful attempts to integrate Ukraines territory into Russia, Payne said.

The sanctions came on the seventh anniversary of the illegal annexation and were coordinated with Canada. They bring the number of targeted sanctions taken by Australia on Russians and Russian entities involved in the dispute to 168 individuals and 52 entities.
With strict regulatory policies implemented on usage of hydrofluorocarbons, manufactures are focusing on advanced and alternative technologies for the production of hydrofluoric acid.

DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / The global hydrofluoric acid market grew at a moderate paced until 2020. In 2021, the market is forecast to gain from the rising demand for aqueous hydrofluoric acid, evaluates ESOMAR-certified consulting firm, Future Market Insights. According to the report, the global hydrofluoric acid market is expected to exceed the mark of US$ 5.73 Bn by 2031.

According to the study, the market is expected to gain from the increasing use of hydrofluoric acid in the production of fluorocarbons. Applications of fluorochemicals in several end-use industries such as chemicals, pharmaceutical and healthcare is fuelling the demand. Usage of fluorochemicals as solvents, refrigerants in chemical industry and aluminum industry is accelerating the demand for hydrofluoric acid among manufacturers.

However, several countries are phasing out the usage of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), restricting the growth of hydrofluoric acid. India and the United States are among those few countries who have imposed strict regulations on the usage of HCFC and CFC, due to the adverse effects on environment, suppressing the growth of hydrofluoric acid market.

"Regardless of the strict policies on the usage of fluorocarbons, demand for hydrofluoric acid in semi-conductor industry is creating growth opportunities. Applications of HCFC in pharmaceutical and herbicides industry will enable growth in the coming years," remarks the FMI analyst.

Request a report sample with 250 pages to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6176

Key Takeaways

Anhydrous grade expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period

Stringent regulations for fluorochemicals usage due to environmental concerns is decelerating the segment growth

China is expected to lead the market backed by the abundance of raw materials reserves in the country

U.S. is expected to be the key consumer for the market, however strict regulations for use of fluorocarbon is expected to limit the growth in country

Fluorochemicals application will lead the hydrofluoric acid market in Germany, accounting for 2/3 rd of total market share

of total market share Rise in aluminum production is the key driver for growing hydrofluoric acid demand in India

Brazil is anticipated to lead the hydrofluoric acid market in Latin America

Prominent Drivers

Burgeoning demand for hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroelfins as refrigerants in chemical industry is propelling hydrofluoric acid demand

Soaring demand for fluoropolymer from electronics & semi-conductors and automotive industry is accelerating the market growth

Increased usage of fluorine compounds in several end-use industries such as manufacturing and healthcare is driving the hydrofluoric acid market

Key Restraints

Due to the adverse effect of fluorocarbon refrigerants on atmosphere, government and regulatory bodies are imposing regulations to limit the use, hampering the growth

Several countries such as India and U.S. agreeing to phase out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) is restricting the growth of hydrofluoric acid

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Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers profiled by FMI include Gulf Fluor, Laxness AG, Solvay SA, Honeywell International, Buss ChemTech AG, Sinochem International Corp., Tanfac Industries Ltd., Fubao Group, Navin Fluorine International Limited, Merck KGaA, SRF Limited, and Morita Chemical Industries Co. Ltd. among others. Key players are strategizing by launching new high quality products to generate new proceedings. New and innovative products, solutions and technologies for industries seems to be the key focus area for leading players.

For instance, in November 2020, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, Archroma, announced an increase of up to 20% in the selling prices of its Nuva N and Fluowet fluorocarbon polymers.

Also in 2019, Engineered Floors, the only leading carpet manufacturing company, announced that they will not be using Fluorocarbons for PureColor, solution dyed polyester products.

More Insights on FMI's Hydrofluoric Acid Market

Future Market Insights, in its new offering, presents a detailed analysis of the global hydrofluoric acid market. The study divulges essential insights on the hydrofluoric acid market on the basis of grade (anhydrous and aqueous), application (fluorochemicals, steel pickling & metal treatment, petroleum catalyst, glass etching, electronics & semi-conductor, and others), and across major regions of the world (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa).

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage on Chemicals & Materials Domain

Nitric Acid Market: FMI's comprehensive analyses on the nitric acid market offers readers with a bird's eye view of the entire landscape. The analysis sheds insight on key information regarding future growth drivers, opportunities and threats in the upcoming years. The report delves on the strength and weaknesses of the key-players with a detailed analysis.

Global Acid Orange Market: The global acid orange' market report published by Future Market Insights offers a detailed study on multiple market trends for the present and upcoming decade. The study entails analyses about the prominent growth trends present across key geographies and major segments, along with information about key manufacturers operating within the landscape.

Trimer Acid Market: FMI offers a comprehensive analysis on global trimer acid market for the market trends, opportunities and challenges. It delves into the key player's insights and multiple growth trends for the forecast period. The study reveals key restraints and drivers for the upcoming years for the product.

Table Of Content

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Global Market Outlook

1.2. Demand Side Trends

1.3. Supply Side Trends

1.4. Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Overview

2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy

2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations

3. Key Market Trends

4. Key Success Factors

5. Global Hydrofluoric Acid Market Demand Analysis 2016-2020 and Forecast, 2021-2031

5.1. Historical Market Volume (Tons) Analysis, 2016-2020

5.2. Current and Future Market Volume (Tons) Projections, 2021-2031

5.3. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis

6. Global Hydrofluoric Acid Market - Pricing Analysis

6.1. Pricing Analysis By Product Form

6.2. Global Average Pricing Benchmark

6.3. Global Hydrofluoric Acid Market cost structure Analysis

7. Global Hydrofluoric Acid Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ Mn) Analysis 2016-2020 and Forecast, 2021-2031

7.1. Historical Market Value (US$ Mn) Analysis, 2016-2020

7.2. Current and Future Market Value (US$ Mn) Projections, 2021-2031

7.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis

7.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis

8. Market Background

8.1. Macro-Economic Factors

8.1.1. Global Economic Outlook

8.1.2. Global GDP Growth Overview

8.1.3. Global Electronics production share by region

8.1.4. Global consumer electronics Industry overview

8.1.5. Global Semiconductor Industry overview

8.1.6. Global Fluorspar production & consumption by country

8.1.7. Other Macro-economic Factors

8.2. Value Chain Analysis

8.3. Impact of COVID - 19 Crisis

8.3.1. Introduction

8.3.2. World Economy / Cluster Projections

8.3.3. Potential of Impact by Taxonomy

8.3.4. Recovery Scenario (Short, Mid and Long term)

Download Complete TOC Of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6176

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, 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

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Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/hydrofluoric-acid-market

SOURCE: Future Market Insights

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641529/Increasing-Application-in-Fluorochemicals-to-Push-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Sales-FMI
Brynn Anderson

The Times Union editorial ("An attack on voting rights," April 15) grossly misrepresents provisions in the recently enacted law in Georgia concerning voting access. It is outrageous that the editoral attributes these changes to a deliberate effort by Republicans to disenfranchise African American voters.

In fact, the Georgia law does not diminish hours for early voting. Early voting is expanded to include a second Saturday prior to the election. Hours must be at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with counties able at their discretion to expand hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Georgia provides 17 days of early voting; New York provides nine.
Monique Cullars-Doty speaks at a protest rally in downtown Minneapolis on the day jurors began deliberating in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who faces murder charges in the death of George Floyd.

Breaking news this Tuesday afternoon: The jury has found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd last May. Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

As the nation awaited a verdict in the trial of Chauvin, President Joe Biden called the family of George Floyd to let them know he was praying for them.

Meanwhile, California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters faced backlash for recent comments on the trial.

It's Mabinty, with the news to know.

Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for OnPolitics newsletter here.

How are politicians reacting to the verdict?

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks later this evening on the Chauvin verdict, per the White House. Biden and Harris called the Floyd family after the verdict: "Nothing is going to make it all better. But at least now there's some justice," Biden told the family.

Following the guilty verdict, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic leadership held a press conference outside the Capitol. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio and chairwoman of the CBC, said it was the message of the caucus that this was just the first step. We clearly know that justice has been delayed.

Elsewhere in the political world:

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn. , said she "heaved a huge sigh of relief" upon hearing the verdicts.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. : "Hopefully this is the beginning of a turning point in our country where people who have seen this trauma over and over again, will know that that we have equal protection under the law."

Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif. : "Relief. I can exhale. I can feel like justice was done. I could not have imagined it turning out any other way, but now we need to see what the sentencing is. The sentencing should be the absolute maximum. Forty years sounds good."

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. : "I am pleased. There's nothing about this that pleases me. But the jury recognized it for what it was ... It's not one verdict that will win trust back but takes a step towards justice."

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.: The jury's verdict delivers accountability for Derek Chauvin, but not justice for George Floyd. Real justice for him and too many others can only happen when we build a nation that fundamentally respects the human dignity of every person. The trauma and tragedy of George Floyds murder must never leave us.

What's going on with the Maxine Waters drama?

Story continues

Here's what happened: Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., joined protests in Brooklyn Center, Minn., on April 17, where she told the press "we are looking for a guilty verdict" in Chauvin's trial. Her following comments are where things got interesting.

"If nothing (happens), then we know ... we've got to not only stay in the streets, that we've got to fight for justice. That I am very hopeful, and I hope that we're going to get a verdict that is a guilty, guilty, guilty. And if we don't, we cannot go away," Waters said, according to video by WCCO-TV.

Waters encouraged demonstrators to "get more active," "more confrontational" and "to make sure that they know that we mean business" if Chauvin is acquitted.

In the aftermath, the judge presiding over the murder trial said "disrespectful" statements made by Waters may give the defense grounds to appeal and overturn the trial.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy introduced a resolution to censure the congresswoman. House Democrats defeated the effort in a 216-210 vote along party lines.

How is Waters responding? She's not backing down. Waters told theGrio I am nonviolent."

More news to know today:

Please take it easy on yourself.  Mabinty

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Derek Chauvin reaction: President Joe Biden, lawmakers weigh in
Ontario Premier Doug Ford prepares to speak at Queens Park in Toronto on Jan. 12, 2021. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Tests Negative After Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

TORONTOOntario Premier Doug Ford is isolating in Toronto after a member of his staff who was in close contact with him tested positive for COVID-19.

A statement from Fords office late Tuesday says the premier has tested negative.

It says Ford will follow all public health advice for close contacts.

The statement says members of the premiers office staff who were close contacts of the individual who tested positive will also isolate.

Fords office says it is seeking additional guidance from Toronto Public Health on all precautions that the premier and isolating staff must follow.

The statement says Ford will continue leading his governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic while in isolation, including briefings with officials and communicating with the public.
The Akyem Oda Police has arrested three (3) suspects who allegedly killed the Aeronautic Engineer of African World Airline (AWA) on April 1, 2018, at Akyem Asuboa in the Eastern Region. The suspects are Joseph Kwasi Effah alias Kwasi Tailor, Kwabena Akwaah, 45, and Kwasi Bosompem Mensah, 58, all members of the local community watchdog committee.



The prime suspect  Joseph Kwasi Effah alias Kwasi Tailor has allegedly admitted to shooting to death Kwabena Kumi, the Aeronautic Engineer with his locally made single barrel gun.



According to him on the night of March 31, 2018, at about 9:00 pm he was assigned together with his colleague Kwabena Akwaah, 45 to patrol Asuboa bungalow to Cannan junction as community watchdog members.



He stated further that, at about 1:35 am their patrol took them to Dabiso junction but he heard the sound of a pig in a nearby bush where he shot in the direction but he later discovered that he had rather shot a human being.



The two of them abandoned the body out of fear and failed to disclose the incident to any other person. On April 19, 2021, at about 10:00 am, Kwabena Akwaah the accomplice was also arrested.



He also mentioned Kwasi Bosompem Mensah as a colleague who was on duty with them when Kwasi Tailor shot and killed the Engineer.



The suspects were put before Oda Magistrate Court on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, and have been remanded into Police Custody.



The body of Prince Kwabena Kumi was discovered with gunshot wounds, few meters from his home after a search was mounted by his family who had gone days without hearing from him.



An autopsy conducted on the body confirmed he was shot at close range.



The deceased was en route from Accra to Akyem Asuboa on one Saturday to celebrate the Easter Holidays with his family.



Some suspects including a commercial driver were arrested but discharged for lack of evidence.







Source: starrfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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It is a truth only grudgingly acknowledged at times, but a truth nonetheless: Elections have consequences.

Texas Republican leaders were abruptly reminded of that Friday, when the Biden administration announced it was rescinding an 11th-hour waiver extension issued by the Trump administration relating to the Medicaid program. The waiver has continued the flow of federal dollars to Texas to prop up hospitals that treat low-income, uninsured residents even as the GOP-led state has refused to expand Medicaid through Obamacare.

To hear Republicans such as Gov. Greg Abbott tell it, the president cruelly yanked the rug out from under some of the states most vulnerable Texans  while were still in a pandemic, no less. Biden is deliberately betraying Texans who depend on the resources made possible through this waiver, the governor said in a statement.

Thats a bit rich, considering that Abbott is a longtime critic of the Affordable Care Act who continues to reject some of the resources it might make available to Texans. The Biden administration is pushing to expand Medicaid to 1.27 million Texans who would be eligible for coverage under expansion and included a temporary financial incentive to do so in the coronavirus relief measure passed this year. Federal funds already covered 90 percent of the cost of Medicaid expansion, which might explain why some Republican-led states recently signed on.

In any case, the Biden administration has every right to review the previous administrations decisions.

It is not just commonplace but routine that when a new administration comes in, theyre always going to be looking at last-minute actions by the last administration, said Anne Dunkelberg of Every Texan, formerly known as the Center for Public Policy Priorities, in a Zoom summit with journalists Tuesday.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Biden 'has all the cards' as he pushes Texas to expand Medicaid

At issue is a Jan. 15 decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve a request from Texas to extend a waiver initially granted as an alternative to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, known as a 1115 waiver. The approval came five days before President Joe Bidens inauguration.

The federal funds issued to Texas under the agreement support the Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Project, which provides some indirect support to uninsured Texans by reimbursing hospitals and other providers for uncompensated care and funding various community projects.

Texas, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, had requested that the waiver be extended without the usual public notice and comment periods. The Trump administration was sympathetic to this request and extended the waiver for 10 years.

Not so fast, Bidens team said.

Upon further review, we have determined that CMS materially erred in granting Texas request for an exemption from the normal public notice process, wrote Elizabeth Richter, now the CMS acting administrator, in an eight-page letter to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission dated Friday.

The determination changes nothing in the short term. Prior to the Trump administrations last-minute intervention, the waiver in question had already been approved through September 30, 2022. That approval remains in effect, meaning that the state now has 18 months to get its act together and resubmit its application for an extension of a waiver.

Still, state leaders, as noted, are crying foul.

By rescinding this waiver extension, the Biden administration is obstructing health care access for vulnerable Texans and taking away crucial resources for rural hospitals in Texas, Abbott argued.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, also a Republican, alleged that Biden had grossly betrayed those who rely on our assistance the most, adding that he would use every legal tool available to regain the assistance Texans need.

Paxton, of course, is seeking to have the entire Affordable Care Act, which extended health care to millions of Americans, struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Richters letter has revived a debate over Medicaid expansion in Texas  one that was languishing in the Legislature.

Texas is one of just 12 states that has continued to reject Medicaid expansion in the 11 years since the ACAs passage, despite having the highest rate of uninsured adults in the country  18.4 percent, according to the United Health Foundation.

Several Republicans have joined Democrats in calling for the Legislature to consider Medicaid expansion this year.

A recent survey found as many as 69 percent of Texans are supportive, as this would bring over $10 billion in annual federal funds and millions more in annual programs savings, said a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a recent call for action.

Still, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has expressed skepticism that Medicaid will be expanded, telling the Texas Tribune in January that the votes didnt seem to be there. Last weeks news doesnt necessarily change the legislative arithmetic, even if it has elevated the discussion.

Some within the body will take the decision as an indication that the federal government is not acting in good faith, and others will view the decision as a fulcrum to advance the expansion conversation, said Enrique Marquez, Phelans communications director.

Whos not acting in good faith here, though?

Biden, a Democrat, has long been a strong supporter of the ACA, memorably remarking to President Barack Obama that its passage was a big (expletive) deal at a 2010 White House bill-signing ceremony where the remark was picked up by live mics.

And Bidens enthusiasm for the ACA has remained undimmed, even as some progressives have pushed for him to embrace a more expansive single-payer program, like Medicare for All. He even sought to further incentivize Medicaid expansion in the American Rescue Plan Act passed earlier year, boosting the federal match rate for two years for states that decide at this point to implement the expansion.

That may seem like strong-arming, to Republicans. A more fair assessment, however, is that Biden is attempting to use the leverage he now wields as president to encourage holdout states to consider a deal that would extend Medicaid coverage to more uninsured adults  including more than a million in Texas. One could argue that an additional $5 billion or so a year in federal dollars is a good deal.

In any case, the revocation of the 10-year waiver is rooted in the states goof; its hard to see how Biden is responsible for that.

erica.grieder@chron.com
UPDATE: South Whitehall Township man identified as Wawa gunman, coroner says

A truck driver killed in a senseless shooting at Wawa leaves behind a wife and three children, the company he worked for said on Wednesday.

Ramon Ramirez, 31, was driving for A. Duie Pyle and was hired in 2019 to work out of the Hoover Avenue terminal near Airport Road, said Peter Dannecker, the companys vice president of risk and integrated resources.

Ramirez was well-liked and did a good job; Its a tragic loss of a working dad, Dannecker said.

District Attorney Jim Martin said the victim was pumping gas when the gunman, who had earlier shot at a woman driving on Route 22, began shooting at the Wawa at Route 100 and Schantz Road in Upper Macungie Township.

Another person in a Jeep was shot and wounded, Martin said.

The gunman then ran down Route 100 to a nearby daycare center, where he shot himself in the hand and chest, according to Martin.

Authorities have not identified the gunman or the victims. Dannecker released the information after Ramirezs next of kin were notified.

A. Duie Pyle is a family-owned and run business, family means a lot to us and employees were still in shock and digesting the news, Dannecker said.

The company will make sure Ramirezs wife and family are supported, and will be providing mental health resources for Ramirezs co-workers

Its just a senseless tragedy, Dannecker said. Theres no solving it. We want to help people cope with it, but the seemingly random nature of the crime means I doubt very much we will have any answers.

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

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
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With the massive second wave of Covid threatening to overwhelm lives, health and livelihoods across the country, the present is deeply depressing. So, let me avert my gaze to indulge in a small historical anecdote, with a personal twist. Fifty years ago, we were living in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

I was in the final year of my PhD at Harvard, while my wife was doing hers at nearby Tufts University. In January 1971, we had just returned from a few weeks in Islamabad where my father was then the Indian High Commissioner. So, we were well-briefed on the momentous events taking place in the two ...
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 20:44:17|Editor: huaxia

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PARIS -- Demand for renewables is set to increase in all key sectors in 2021 and China, which "alone accounts for about half of the increase in global renewable electricity generation," plays a critical role, chief of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said.

"We expect this year the share of renewables in the world electricity generation comes to 30 percent, the highest in the history. This is mainly the result of the achievements in a few countries but China plays a critical role," Fatih Birol said in an interview with Xinhua.

- - - -

NEW DELHI -- India's federal government Wednesday announced that it has waived off the import duty on Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, to provide affordable medical care for the COVID-19 patients, officials said.

"Considering the immediate requirement on the recommendation of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Department of Revenue has waived customs duty on Remdesivir and its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)/Key Starting Material (KSM). This step will further augment domestic availability of Remdesivir injection," Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers D. V. Sadanand Gowda said.

- - - -

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- New Zealand enterprises expressed continued interest in participating in the 2021 China International Import Expo (CIIE), as an overseas promotion for the event was held in Auckland on Wednesday.

At the opening speech via video, Ma Fengmin, CFO of China International Import Expo Bureau, said: "More than 150 New Zealand enterprises participated in the past three expos. The exhibition booths have covered nearly 20,000 square meters. Even during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, nearly 50 New Zealand enterprises participated in the exhibition, and achieved positive results on site.

"The fourth CIIE will be held offline in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2021. Hundreds of enterprises have signed contracts to participate in the Expo up till now. Fonterra, Zespri, Comvita, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and other companies have signed the participation agreements," Ma said.

- - - -

WINDHOEK -- Namibia has allocated 20 million Namibian dollars (1.4 million U.S. dollars) to fight a locust outbreak that has so far invaded seven regions and destroyed over 700,000 hectares of land, an official said Wednesday.

"Two weeks ago they invaded five more regions, destroying over 700,000 hectares of crop fields and grazing land in five of the seven regions," said Mildred Kambinda, director of agricultural production, extension and engineering services at the Agriculture Ministry. Enditem
Imagine that you woke up with weakness in your right arm and difficulty speaking. Youre a Spanish speaker and you go to the emergency room, where the doctor attending to you took Spanish in high school. Because the ER is busy, he decides he can get by without an interpreter. You tell him about your symptoms, and that you are worried you might be having a stroke. The doctor understands the Spanish word for arm but is not clear about the rest. After a quick physical exam, he sends you to get X-rays to rule out a broken arm. Meanwhile, your condition worsens.
The Russian military on April 20 said that its airstrike killed about 200 militants and destroyed 24 vehicles in eastern Syria. According to the Associated Press, Rear Admiral Alexander Karpov, who is the head of the Russian militarys Reconciliation Center in Syria, said that the Russian warplanes hit two militant hideouts northeast of Palmyra and destroyed 500 kilograms of ammunition and explosives. He also added that the militants base had served as a staging ground for terror attacks across Syria.

Russia's military intervention in Syria

Back in September 2015, the Russian Federation formally had entered the Syrian civil war as President Bashar al-Assads rule was increasingly under threat. Since then, Russia has waged a military campaign and has been helping al-Assads government retake control over most of the country after a devastating 10-year conflict. Russias intervention stopped the advance of the opposition, which was backed by the West, Turkey and the Gulf, and effectively preserved the Baathist regime in Damascus.

Why Russia conducts airstrike?

Some experts have attributed the Russian decision to intervene formally in Syria to a 2015 visit to Moscow by General Qassem Soleimani, the late commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, who was assassinated by the US in Baghdad in 2019. The Iranian general reportedly convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin to send Russian troops to save the Syrian government. However, the Kremlin did not need any convincing as the fall of al-Assad would have threatened Russias interests and eliminated another regional ally.

It is also reasonable to assume that the Kremlin feared that, after defeating al-Assad and coming to power, international jihadist groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda, which both had followers in Russias North Caucasus, would target Russia and attempt to start wars of secession in Muslim-majority provinces of Russia. This fear may have presented the immediate impetus to intervene. The collapse of the al-Assad regime would lead to the loss of a trade partner and long-time buyer of Russian arms and machinery as well.

Moreover, tense relations with the West had also motivated Moscow to put troops on the ground in Syria. Additionally, the rise of ISIL provided an opportunity to wrap the intervention in anti-terror rhetoric, ensuring domestic support, while the United States reluctance to get involved more heavily in the Syrian conflict - to avoid an Iraq repeat - reassured Moscow that there would be no direct clash with the US.

Impact of the Russian intervention

Now, nearly six years after Russia conducted daily operations expanded permanent bases in Syria and regularly conducted airstrikes, al-Assads position has greatly improved. Most of the threats posed to Russia by the potential collapse of al-Assads regime have also been mitigated. IS no longer controls significant amounts of territory, although it reportedly holds enough land to continue a coordinated military campaign. However, Russia still maintains a firm presence in Syria with about 4,000 soldiers, 20-40 airplanes, a similar number of helicopters and fleet facilities for 11 naval vessels.

(Image credits: The Associated Press)
Speaker / Lectures

Liberal Arts Faculty Colloquium: From Awareness to Activism - Enhancing Commitment to Social Justice Among Liberal Arts Students

Liberal arts students from a comprehensive midwestern university were sampled about their commitment to social justice along three dimensions: recognition that inequality exists, determination that something must be done, and a willingness or propensity to engage in actions aimed at reducing inequality.

The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts will host its final virtual Faculty Colloquium presentation of the Spring Semester, "From Awareness to Activism: Enhancing Commitment to Social Justice Among Liberal Arts Students." The article that the presentation is based on was written by Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, Dr. Anne Statham, Dr. Erin Gilles, Dr. Melinda Roberts, and Dr. Wendy Turner. The presentation will be given by Dr. Anne Statham and Dr. Erin Gilles at 3 p.m. CST Friday, April 23. The public can attend by going to USI.edu/lafc to find the webinar link.

Liberal arts students from a comprehensive midwestern university were sampled about their commitment to social justice along three dimensions: recognition that inequality exists, determination that something must be done, and a willingness or propensity to engage in actions aimed at reducing inequality. Differences in these dimensions of social justice were examined between students in freshmen and capstone courses in six disciplines: criminal justice, sociology, psychology, communications, social work and gender studies. Capstone students consistently showed increased commitment to social justice compared to freshmen students, with the greatest changes occurring in propensity to take action and the least change in recognition of inequality. Patterns differed significantly within the six disciplines, and consideration is given to the emphasis placed on social justice within the six disciplines, as partially explaining the differences. These disciplines also tend to attract students with differing levels of commitment to social justice in the first place. These results suggest some modification to the notion in the literature that a principal-implementation gap exist among adults in their commitment to social justice that tends to increase with maturation.

This presentation is part of the Spring 2021 Liberal Arts Faculty Colloquium. Each fall and spring semester, USI faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts present individual, free public lectures featuring their current research. To see the current lineup of speakers for this semester, visit USI.edu/lafc.

These virtual colloquia will be live streamed to the USI College of Liberal Arts Facebook page and recorded.
An Instagram star cat has died from injuries suffered during an altercation in a New York City park, which sparked a huge brawl which left his owners battered and bruised.

Ponzu, who has 23,000 followers on the social media site, died of a heart attack following the incident in McCarren park earlier this month.

The famous cat was being walked in the park by owner Chanan Aksornnan, 34, and her boyfriend along with her other pets - a dog, another cat and a bird - on April 4.

At some point, a boy aged around 12 is understood to have tripped over Ponzu's leash.

Aksornnan claims the boy intentionally pulled on the leash, dragging the cat along the ground and ripping out its claws before flinging him into the air.

Ponzu, who had a heart condition, suffered a heart attack and died at the scene.

That led to an altercation between Ponzu's owner and the boy's large family, which soon turned violent.

Ponzu, who has 23,000 followers, died following the incident in McCarren park

Footage from the incident appears to show his owner - identified as Chanan Aksornnan, 34 - being punched and kicked on the ground

Chanan Aksornnan and her boyfriend had been out walking their dog, two cats and bird on April 4

Cellphone footage from the incident shows Aksornnan being punched and kicked on the ground by a crowd of people.

One man in the video also appears to pull her dog's tail.

Police have confirmed they are hunting for one suspect, described as 'a white female Hispanic, 57, 200 lbs., with red hair and a pony tail'. No arrests have been made.

The cat owner's boyfriend - who has not been named - is also said to have been injured during the assault.

Aksornnan said the suspect told her: 'This is what you [get] when you walk you f*****g cat b***h.'

Aksornnan told Greenpointers: 'The family not only did not offer any apology nor remorse.

'They immediately began a verbal abuse which escalated into a physical assault.'

Footage from the incident appears to show his owner - identified as Chanan Aksornnan, 34 - being punched and kicked on the ground. No arrests have been made and police are hunting the suspect, described as 'a white female Hispanic, 57, 200 lbs., with red hair and a pony tail'

A young boy, who had been with the suspect, is understood to have accidentally tripped over the leash Ponzu was being walked on. Ponzu is said to have then suffered a heart attack and had his claws ripped out as a result of the incident

A spokesperson for the NYPD told DailyMail.com: 'On Sunday, April 4, 2021 at approximately 1651 hours police responded to a 911 call of an assault inside of McCarren Park within the confines of the 94th Precinct.

'Upon arrival police were informed by a 34 year-old female that she had a dispute with an unknown Hispanic female suspect when the suspect punched and kicked the victim causing cuts and bruises.

'A 50 year-old male intervened in the dispute and was struck with a closed fist to his face causing a laceration to his nose. The suspect then fled the location.'

In a statement announcing his death, Ponzu's owners wrote: 'Dear Friends  it is with an immense sadness and anguish that we bring you this tragic news: our beloved Ponzu died on Easter Sunday after suffering shock and injuries from an incident in our park.

In a statement announcing his death, Ponzu's owners wrote: 'Dear Friends  it is with an immense sadness and anguish that we bring you this tragic news: our beloved Ponzu died on Easter Sunday after suffering shock and injuries from an incident in our park'

His owners noted that the gentle, caring, loving, playful, and handsome' cat has a 'fragile heart but said they had 'learned how to keep him in a good health'

'We are traumatized, lost for words, heartbroken. Our family got physically assaulted that day and there is a pending police investigation to find and charge the perpetrators who showed no empathy for animals nor humans.

'We feel robbed. Ponzu was taken away from us way too soon. He was only 3 years and 4 months old. We lost our beloved boy.

'Ponzu was one of a kind, special. We fell in love with him from the first sight. He was gentle, caring, loving, playful, and handsome. He was curious and loved outdoors. He was well travelled. And he brought joy and smile to millions across the globe.'

They noted that the gentle, caring, loving, playful, and handsome' cat has a 'fragile heart but said they had 'learned how to keep him in a good health'.
Total giving to Albany Law Schools We Rise Together campaign has reached nearly $32 million eclipsing the $30 million goal four months early.

We Rise Together: The Campaign for Albany Law School launched on January 17, 2019 when President and Dean Alicia Ouellette 94 announced an anonymous, but transformational, $15 million gift to endow The Justice Center at Albany Law School. The gift is one of the largest ever to a law school.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room and Hospitality Cart are back in service to the public. Located inside the Bernard & Millie Duker Childrens Hospital at Albany Med, both programs extend the comforts of Albanys Ronald McDonald House in a hospital setting. In March of last year, the Family Room program was suspended in the height of the pandemic. The charity worked closely with Albany Medical Center to repurpose the space so hospital personnel could have access to the Family Room for their own respite and comfort. Also the Hospitality Cart remained in service through the worst of the pandemic, providing refreshments, comfort items and other resources to more than 1,000 children, families and medical professionals.
A close encounter between SpaceX and OneWeb satellites in orbit that could have ended in disaster was reported earlier this month, but the Elon Musk-owned company states the publicized event never took place.

In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission, SpaceX accuses its rival of sounding the alarm when there was no potential danger.

'Despite recent reports to the contrary, the parties made clear that there was no 'close call' or 'near miss,' writes David Goldman, SpaceX director of satellite policy, suggesting both SpaceX and OneWeb came to the same conclusion.

When asked about SpaceX claiming it was never an issue, Chris McLaughlin, OneWeb Chief of Government, told Daily Mail: 'They would say that wouldn't they,' adding 'they are now trying to cover their tracks, saying it is a pre-arranged maneuver.'

He continued to explain that when OneWeb contacted SpaceX's team they said it would 'make a manual maneuver to ensure our satellite doesn't interfere with your satellite,' but then suggested it would be best not to do anything and let OneWeb fly its satellite.

Scroll down for videos

In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission, SpaceX accuses its rival of sounding the alarm when there was no potential danger

On April 9, The Verge reported that two satellites from each firm came within 190 feet of each other in orbit April 4, which sparked several 'red alerts' from the US Space Force's 18th Space Control Squadron.

The close call, according to The Verge, was due to OneWeb's recent launch on March 30th, which sent 36 satellites into orbit and had to pass through a sea of Starlinks to hit its targeted orbit.

SpaceX designs each Starlink device with an AI-powered collision avoidance system that McLaughlin said OneWeb asked the firm to turn off so they could 'arrange a safe fly by.'

'We applauded them for their coordination but pointed out we both have different protocols and waiting 12 hours to see what their automated system would do is not acceptable to OneWeb,' he continued.

Elon Musk's SpaceX designs each Starlink device with an AI-powered collision avoidance system that Chris McLaughlin (right) said OneWeb asked the firm to turn off so they could 'arrange a safe fly by'

On April 9, The Verge reported that two satellites from each firm came within 190 feet of each other in orbit April 4, which sparked several 'red alerts' from the US Space Force's 18th Space Control Squadron

'About 25 hours before the possible coalescence, the US air force space command flagged a red flag that must be acted upon, indicating a coalescent of 193 feet between our satellite and a Starlink satellite.'

'Our engineers immediately tried to contact SpaceX via email to say 'what do you want to do about this' and were told 'don't bother us and in 12 hours we will look at this, as that is our policy.'

'We can't do that as OneWeb, as we are required to take action up to 72 hours before, certainly up to 24 hours and so we asked 'can we have a phone call?'

According to McLaughlin, OneWeb kicked it into gear when SpaceX said 'it might be better if we do nothing and you fly your satellite.'

'We programmed in the move, executed overnight through Saturday morning and as we were programming in the process we noticed the SpaceX automated collision system has never been demonstrated and nor have they ever disclosed to other operators how it works,' he said.

McLaughlin continued to explain that when OneWeb (pictured) contacted SpaceX's team they said it would 'make a manual maneuver to ensure our satellite doesn't interfere with your satellite,' but then suggested it would be best not to do anything and let OneWeb fly its satellite

'We had a situation where it was like two people walking in the street - one goes one way, another goes the same way and they laugh. Well in space that could have led to a collision, with both satellites trying to dodge in the same direction.'

ONEWEB: UK-OWNED SATELLITE OPERATOR OneWeb was founded in 2012 by Greg Wyler in London England to bring satellite broadband to remote areas of the world. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US in 2020 after backers Softbank pulled its funding. A rescue deal by the UK Government and Bharti Enterprises worth $1 billion, allowing them to restart operations. They plan to have 650 satellites in orbit as part of their constellation, to bring global broadband coverage by 2022. Unlike main competitor Starlink, the Elon Musk owned SpaceX project, they don't plan to sell directly to consumers. The firm aims to become a new broadband backbone for most of the world, leasing network space to existing telecom companies that 'already know their market'. It hopes to launch 36 satellites per month throughout the next two years, each about the size of a fridge. They are being placed in the Polar Orbit at 750 miles above the Earth and have built in de-orbit capabilities, as well as 'hooks' to allow them to be removed if anything goes wrong. Advertisement

Goldman's timeline in the filling states SpaceX initially volunteered to manually maneuver the Starlink satellites, but both companies decided to wait.

'The probability of collision never exceeded the threshold for a maneuver, and the satellites would not have collided even if no maneuver had been conducted,' he added.

The filing goes on to say officials from both SpaceX, OneWeb, and the FCC held a call on Tuesday to discuss the situation. Goldman then claims OneWeb offered in the meeting 'to retract its previous incorrect statements' on the incident.

According to the report from The Verge, Space Force had said the probability of the two satellites colliding was 1.3 percent and if they would have hit, it would have added hundreds more pieces of space junk into the orbit.

Millions of pieces of debris are littering space and can travel as fast as a speeding bullet, which can destroy satellites, telescopes, spacecraft - and one NASA scientist fears they could eventually create the Kessler syndrome.

This theoretical scenario was proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978, which says the density of objects in low-Earth orbit could increase to a point where collisions occur that generates more space debris to the point that it is dangerous for humans to venture off the planet.

OneWeb has 146 satellites in orbit, while SpaceX has 1,378 Starlinks  and the Elon Musk-owned firm has come under fire for flooding the heavens.

The communications company Viasat petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites in December, claiming the constellation poses environmental hazards

The document cites a number of grievances including SpaceX's satellites failure rate to devices colliding in orbit and re-entry pollution risks.

However, Musk caught wind of the petition and did what most billionaires do  he took to Twitter.

Musk shared a tweet on his page saying: 'Starlink 'poses a hazard' to Viasat's profits, more like it.'

John Janka, Viasat's chief officer for global government affairs and regulatory, told DailyMail.com: 'There has been strong concerns raised among a wide number of players in the industry this summer about the satellite's orbital debris, space safety and interference issues.'

'It is not just SpaceX, these concerns are about mega constellations in general - anyone proposing to send thousands and tens of thousands of satellites into orbit.'
China preparing development plan to boost manufacturing prowess

Xinhua) 14:15, April 21, 2021

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China is formulating the development plan for its manufacturing sector for the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) and medium- and long-term period, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Tuesday.

The plan will focus on key areas such as industrial base and scientific and technological innovation, as well as key industries including major technical equipment and raw materials, said Huang Libin, spokesperson for the ministry, at a press conference.

Last year, China unveiled a development plan for its new energy vehicle industry for the 2021-2035 period.

To promote high-quality manufacturing, China will accelerate the improvement of manufacturing innovation capability and elevate the modernization of the industrial and supply chains, said Huang.

The country will also promote the high-end, intelligent and green development of manufacturing industry and fully open up its general manufacturing sector, he added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
By mid-2021 the European Commission plans to propose a bill for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), often referred to as a carbon border tax. It would reflect the amount of carbon emissions attributed to goods imported into the European Union, reducing and regulating the import of goods with high carbon footprint from countries that do not have a carbon pricing system.

This is likely to be a game-changer for global value chains and climate policy, putting significant decarbonisation pressure on EBRD countries of operation and spurring more climate ambition outside Europe as the EU seeks to ensure a level playing field for its industrial sectors.

Exporting countries to the EU will need to consider the CBAM implications for their own climate policies in order to remain competitive.

Turkey, the EUs sixth largest trading partner, is already considering the potential impact on its industries. Turkeys iron, steel and cement production - among the worlds top ten - and its glass, ceramics and plastics industries  which rank in the top five of the EU in terms of trade  may be affected.

Carbon pricing and related carbon market activities could act as an important risk management tool in anticipating these developments with greater urgency. The EBRD is working with Turkey in multiple ways to strengthen Turkish interest in carbon pricing and contribute to an enabling environment for a scaled-up domestic carbon market.

To foster an informed debate about the monetary implications and transitional risks for Turkish exporters to the EU, the EBRD is supporting the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation with an impact assessment study. The results of the study are expected by mid-2021.

To strengthen Turkish interest in carbon pricing and contribute to an enabling environment for a scaled-up domestic carbon market, the EBRD, a pioneer in climate finance, is providing capacity-building support.

The EBRDs Mid-size Sustainable Energy Financing Facility (MidSEFF) Carbon Market Development Support Programme offers three levels of support.

On a national level, this means policy dialogue. The programme supports carbon market development in Turkey by promoting initiatives that can further increase participation of sovereign and private sector actors in the national and international carbon market, including advising the Turkish government on the impacts of CBAM.

At bank level, the support consists of helping Turkish banks develop carbon market services. Banks are well positioned to help existing and new clients manage the risks and opportunities created by carbon markets. The programme trains Turkish partner banks across a range of carbon market activities, including project origination and finance, and trading and brokerage of carbon credits.

Finally, at project level, the EBRD programme is supporting the carbon asset development process. The programme delivers technical assistance to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects financed under MidSEFF that are eligible for carbon financing.

As of 2021, the programme has supported the development of several carbon projects registered under independent carbon standards such as the Verified Carbon Standard the Gold Standard.

Projects include the Sena hydropower plant  two run-of-river hydroelectric generators, expected to generate 68 GWh per year of renewable energy. Replacing fossil fuel energy sources will save an estimated 38,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The project, in a poor region, will provide financial and other support to local communities.

At the Edincik plant on the Sea of Marmara, 23 wind turbines will generate 180 GWh of renewable energy a year, saving 106,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The project will also aid social and economic development through education, sanitation, job creation, technology transfer and improved agricultural production.

As part of the bank-wide carbon neutral initiative, the EBRD purchased carbon credits from both projects to reduce its annual environmental footprint and offset GHG emissions resulting from its Annual Meeting in 2016 and business operations in 2017.

In addition to this support, the EBRDs updated turkishcarbonmarket.com website provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of play of Turkish carbon market developments. It covers the role of carbon markets in the COVID-19 recovery as well as the implications of the EUs CBAM innovation.

It discusses the impact of the international carbon offsetting scheme for airlines, CORSIA, which aims to curb aviations impact on climate change by making airline operators buy carbon credits from the carbon market, on a voluntary basis from this year but becoming compulsory by 2027.

And it highlights opportunities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It also contains a library with a wide range of publications and presentations on carbon markets with the aim of providing a central point for information for the Turkish carbon market community and abroad.

The Turkish Carbon Market Development Support programme is supported by the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund.
An LSU special committee Wednesday picked eight candidates to interview next week for the universitys top job, including Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, who runs the day-to-day operations of state government, and University of Louisiana system President Jim Henderson, who heads the states largest public university system.

Also to be interviewed are:

Laurence Alexander, professor and chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Army Maj. Gen. Ronald Clark, chief of staff of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii

Kelvin Droegemeier, former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Rustin M. Moore, professor and dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University

Mary Ann Rankin, professor and former senior vice president and provost of the University of Maryland, College Park

Retired Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, president and CEO of The P3i Group.

Twenty-three candidates submitted their applications for the post of president of a system with about 45,000 students that includes colleges, medical schools, a law school and research institutions across the state, coupled with being chancellor of Louisianas flagship university in Baton Rouge.

LSU Search List Applicants for the LSU president/chancellor

The LSU sexual misconduct scandal affected the numbers of those applying. The university has been buffeted during the past two months over its cover-ups and mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints lodged by students over the years. For much of 2020, LSU struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as fallout from the schools racist history and fraternity hazing.

Some members of the LSU search committee had debated whether to postpone the search in hopes of attracting academic administrators unwilling to wade into the issues surrounding the university at present. Ultimately, the panel decided to continue the process, which will lead to a selection in May, with a new president-chancellor taking office sometime over the summer.

The committee plans to livestream the virtual interviews of all eight semifinalists Monday and Tuesday. A small part of the interviews will be behind closed doors, but much of the conversation will be in public.

Addressing rumors and innuendo over who had applied, who should have applied, which candidate was favored, and the like, the panels chair, James Williams, of New Orleans, said only the work of committee members is driving the search process.

Were not going to do anything on the back of a napkin in the dark of night, Williams said. No one is here for show.  Everybody here has invested a lot of time, effort to pick the next president of LSU.

Any candidate applying now would still have to be interviewed Monday or Tuesday, if the committee approves. Williams said the plan is to pick finalists on April 30, to submit to the LSU Board of Supervisors.

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Williams said each of the members will be asking their own questions, which he expects to include conversations about the handling of the sexual harassment claims.

Mr. Galligan has us on the right path to setting up the proper processes and rules, Williams said, referring to interim LSU President Tom Galligan. But Id be surprised if there wasnt questions designed to elicit how a candidate approaches that issue.

+2 LSU Interim President Tom Galligan withdraws from permanent presidential search Though Tom Galligan had been thinking about withdrawing his name from consideration of LSUs top job since visiting his grandson a month ago, 

The job became open in late 2019 when President-Chancellor F. King Alexander announced he was taking a similar post leading Oregon State University.

The two positions  president and chancellor  were merged into one under Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal after the LSU board fired the previous president, followed swiftly by the previous chancellors resignation.

Alexander was hired after a process so secretive that the faculty Senate unanimously voted no confidence in the search.

Alexander had a rough time with some major donors who opposed his giving essays and personal histories more weight in admissions decisions than the traditional college board tests scores. Bad behavior by the fraternities haunted his six-year tenure. And Alexander irritated many of the states other higher education officials who were competing for decreasing state funding for colleges and universities.

+3 Key figures in LSU's sexual misconduct report get reassigned; here's what they're doing now More than a month after LSU released the report by the law firm Husch Blackwell on the university's past failures in handling complaints of se

Upon Alexanders resignation in December 2019, a new LSU Board of Supervisors, a majority of whom had been appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, considered whether to split the position, requiring the hiring of two people, or to keep the duties consolidated, requiring the hiring of one.

LSU has been led on an interim basis by Galligan, the former law school dean, since January 2020. Galligan has been LSUs face and endured much wrath as the university tries to navigate through problems that came to a head during the past year but began long before he became interim. Galligan announced Tuesday that he withdrew his name from consideration of taking the job full time. He wants to return to teaching at the law school once the new president is seated.
[April 21, 2021] Insurity Acquires Instec, Accelerating Solutions for the $40 Billion Program Business and Further Empowering Mid-Size P&C Carriers and MGAs to Rapidly Grow Through Bureau Content-Enabled Software

Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for P&C carriers, brokers, and MGAs today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Instec. Already a proven leader in providing core systems and analytics software to more than 300 P&C carriers, the addition of Instec to the Insurity family enables Insurity to further increase in-depth ISO-support to mid-size P&C carriers, enables it to expand into the $40 billion program business, and broadens its offerings for MGAs. Instec is a market leader in providing cloud-based software and enterprise solutions to mid-size P&C carriers, MGAs, and specialty writers. Instec's unique approach to insurance solutions enables mid-size P&C carriers and MGAs to migrate, launch, or expand complex commercial offerings from project initiation to first quote in as little as four weeks. Insurers realize that the program market is highly profitable, with specific risks known for each insured group. However, the program business is also highly competitive, with many P&C carriers competing each year to retain each risk group. The need to move quickly is further accelerated as new risks - such as cyber, shared economy, gig economy, etc. - dynamically emerge and create a need for coverage. Instec has the capability to flawlessly address the unique needs of the program business and enables P&C carriers to rapidly onboard new programs - often in just 45 days, half the time that is typically required. Instec delivers mid-size P&C carriers a SaaS (News - Alert) -based policy administration platform that P&C carriers and MGAs can leverage to build out new insurance products, refresh existingones, or acquire new books of business. Instec's out-of-the-box ISO and NCCI content, delivered 90 to 120 days ahead of the effective date, enables P&C carriers to rate, quote, and issue policies faster than competitors. As a part of Insurity, Instec policy administration customers will now be able to access Insurity's cloud-based billing, claims, data, and analytics solutions.



"We are pleased to welcome Instec to Insurity," said Chris Lafond, CEO of Insurity. "This is a win for P&C carriers and MGAs as they are focused on rapidly introducing innovative insurance products. Instec's strong experience and offerings, and Insurity's proven solutions will empower insurers to cut the time to introduce new types of coverage across diverse risks. P&C carriers and MGAs will be able to introduce new products in half the time. Quickly offering coverage for new risks will accelerate innovation by providing insurance for a wide group of new and emerging businesses." "We are thrilled to join a team who shares our values and are dedicated to innovation on behalf of P&C carriers," said Ray Simon, CEO of Instec. "Instec customers will benefit from Insurity's comprehensive ecosystem, including its $100 billion data consortium, advanced analytics, and digital products, in addition to our shared focus on serving the MGA market. Further, Instec customers will also benefit from more than 1,100 team members at Insurity who are dedicated to innovating on behalf of P&C carriers. We are excited for this new chapter in Instec's journey."

The acquisition was completed on April 14, 2021. The terms of the acquisition were undisclosed. About Insurity Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software and analytics for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 15 of the top 25 P&C Carriers in the US and has over 200 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform and with unrivaled industry experience and thought leadership, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners. For more information, visit www.insurity.com. About Instec Instec's unique approach to systems for the insurance industry enables P&C carriers, MGAs, and MGUs to launch programs and specialty offerings from project start to first quote in as little as four weeks. With built-in bureau content and reusable business rules, Instec systems provide a platform for innovation with reduced risk. In addition, cloud-based deployment and subscription-based pricing enable insurers to test new programs at a low cost of entry and scale up affordably as the business grows. To learn more, visit instec-corp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005759/en/

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices fell for a second day running on Wednesday amid concerns that climbing Covid-19 cases in India and further restrictions to limit the spread will dampen the demand outlook. India is the world's third biggest oil consumer. Brent crude futures for June settlement fell 91 cents, or 1.4 percent, to 65.66 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for June delivery were down 79 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $61.88. The May contract expired on Tuesday down 1.5 percent at $62.44. India is currently being hit hardest by the pandemic, reporting a record number of infections and deaths. Health ministry data on Wednesday showed a record 2,023 fatalities and 295,000 new cases in 24 hours. Medical oxygen, a crucial resource in treating critically-ill coronavirus patients, has been in short supply with the second wave of the pandemic resulting in tremendously high demand across the country. Industry data showing a build in crude oil inventories also weighed on oil prices. The American Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday reported a build in crude oil inventories of 436,000 barrels for the week ending April 16, while analysts had predicted a draw of 2.860 million barrels for the week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration will release its inventory data later in the session. 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.
THE DISSIDENT 

M, 117 minutes

The Dissident is about much more than who killed the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. We already know that. A Turkish prosecutor, speaking for the first time, makes the mechanics of it pretty clear.

A team of 15 Saudis flew to Istanbul in October 2018, taking advantage of the fact that Khashoggi had to return to the Saudi consulate to collect a document. He went there about lunchtime on October 2, 2018 and never came out. His fiancee Hatice Cengiz waited outside for 12 hours, not wishing to believe that the worst might have happened. She alerted some of his friends in journalism, who began a campaign to force the Saudis to explain.

A mural of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Credit:AP

Khashoggi had hesitated about going. He was already in exile, having fled the country a few years earlier to avoid arrest. His Saudi wife had been forced to divorce him. He needed documentary proof of that divorce in order to remarry.
[April 21, 2021] Battelle Funds Internships for HBCU Students

Battelle is expanding its long-standing commitment to increasing diversity and fostering inclusion within Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers by investing $200,000 over two years to provide students from Bowie State University and Morgan State University research opportunities as they progress from the classroom to employment. It is the first phase of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Consortium, a Battelle program established to build meaningful, long-term collaborative relationships with the country's leading HBCUs. "Battelle recognizes the critical importance of representation in STEM," said Batelle Vice President of Philanthropy and Education Wes Hall. "With the creation of the Consortium, we seek to equip students with the workplace experiences and personal networks that they need to successfully pursue employment in scientific fields."



The HBCU Consortium initially will be seeded by student externship opportunities that will evolve to include joint seminars, mentorship opportunities, participation on thesis committees and research collaborations and employment at Battelle. Students from Bowie State in Bowie, Maryland and Morgan State in Baltimore, Maryland will be the first to work with Battelle scientists and engineers and within the government programs Battelle supports. The intention is to expand the program to other HBCUs in the future. Administrators from the two universities will match students to internships. Bowie State will draw students from their programs in Computer Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology and Security. Morgan State has committed to select students from the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences and the School of Engineering.

"Diversity drives innovation and we are proud to invest in the future scientists and engineers studying at HBCUs," said Storm Woods, Battelle's Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "We look forward to working with and learning from these incredible scholars." Battelle is committed to diversity and inclusion and is focused on expanding educational and career opportunities for students who may have experienced barriers to success in the past. As a non-profit philanthropic trust, Battelle is guided by the mission to leverage science and education for the benefit of society. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005635/en/

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TORONTO, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This Earth Day, the Animal Protection Party of Canada is calling on the federal government to make the necessary legislative changes to stop animal and environmental exploitation and address the global climate breakdown.



Liz White, Leader, states: I think its not an exaggeration to say human behaviour has brought the climate crisis to our planet, from extreme forest fires and floods to zoonotic diseases and pandemics. Canada has never, and will never, meet its modest climate targets if governments continue to subsidize animal agriculture, one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gasses. Trying to curtail carbon emissions is a good step, but its not enough. Governments around the world must curtail all greenhouse gasses, including methane and nitrous oxide, and must begin to transition from intensive animal agriculture to smaller, organic plant-based farms.



According to Statistics Canada, from 2006 to 2011, despite the overall decrease in farms and area, the average size of farms increased since the previous census1. The average size of a Canadian farm is 778 acres, well above the average size of a U.S. farm, which is 444 acres2.

White continued, Is all of this acreage being used to grow crops for Canadians? No, its mostly being used to grow crops as animal feed. What an inefficient use of resources. We need to create a self-sustaining, ecological and stable food supply instead of focusing on animal agriculture, which is causing so much environmental destruction.

Jordan Reichert, Deputy Leader, says: The government has failed to acknowledge the systemic exploitation of animals in Canada and the consequences are significant. Over 800 million animals killed each year, significant habitat destruction, negative health consequences, and major GHG contributions. We can no longer pretend that animals are not a part of our social and political world. This Earth Day we are calling on the government to acknowledge animals as sentient beings, end subsidies to animal agriculture, and use these funds to transition the industry to plant-based agriculture.

Story continues

Liz White

Leader

c) 416-809-4371

liz@animalprotectionparty.ca

Jordan Reichert

Deputy Leader

c) 250-216-0562

jordan@animalprotectionparty.ca

1 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/95-640-x/2011001/p1/p1-01-eng.htm

2 https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/fnlo0220.pdf




Seoul: A Hyundai Motor showroom in Seoul is seen in this photo taken Oct. 25, 2018. The country's biggest auto manufacturer announced its third-quarter performance on the day showing a 67 percent plunge in net profit from a year earlier. The automake Image Source: IANS News

Seoul, April 21 : Hyundai Motor has stopped the production of the Kona Electric for the domestic market in a move to phase out the model undergoing recalls over battery fires and shift its focus to Ioniq 5 EVs, company officials said on Wednesday.

The Kona EV is Hyundai's bestselling EV model launched in April 2018, but the compact SUV's image has been tainted by a series of battery fires, which prompted the automaker to recall over 75,680 units in February jointly with battery maker LG Energy Solution Ltd.

Hyundai will only sell Kona EVs in stock for the domestic market, while continuing to export them to overseas markets, company officials said.

"The production of Kona EVs has been halted since March in consideration of the domestic demand and to realign the assembly line for new EVs," a company spokesperson said. "(The company) will continue to export Kona EVs to overseas markets." In October, Hyundai launched facelifted versions of the Kona for gasoline, hybrid and high-performance, except for the EV trim.

Hyundai sold over 10,000 units of Kona EVs in South Korea in 2018 and 2019, but sales dropped to about 8,000 units last year following a series of fires in its batteries and the automaker's mishandling of the recall programme, reports Yonhap news agency.

The automaker sold only 984 units in the domestic market in the first quarter, a 40 percent drop from a year earlier, while its overseas sales fell 17.9 percent on-year to 7,428 units, its financial reports showed.

The Kona EV faces retirement as Hyundai pins high hopes on its first all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover for its EV transition. The Ioniq 5 has received strong responses in the domestic market, drawing over 40,000 preorders so far, according to the company.
Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles Brandreth has revealed that the Channel 4 show's cunning producers use takeaway food to relax the participants ahead of filming.

The programme makers send a Deliveroo order timed to coincide with the moment they settle down in front of the screen, to make them forget that they're being filmed by remote cameras.

Gyles has joined a slew of stars who have appeared in a star-studded version of the Channel 4 show, including Laura Whitmore, Susanna Reid and Martin and Roman Kemp.

Inside secrets: Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles Brandreth has revealed that the Channel 4 show's cunning producers use takeaway food to relax the participants ahead of filming

Gyles, 73, passed on the trade secret to Esther Rantzen on her That's After Life podcast after being asked why there was always so much food on display on the show.

The writer and humourist also joked that sitting next to him on the Gogglebox couch was a guaranteed gateway to becoming a Dame, having shared the famous sofa with friends Maureen Lipman and Sheila Hancock.

Esther asked him: 'Do the production team put eclairs and meringues and Danish pastries in front of you before sit down with whichever glamorous woman you invite (never me, I notice!) sit down?'

Dinner time! The programme makers send a Deliveroo order timed to coincide with the moment the stars settle down in front of the TV, to make them forget that they're being filmed

Brandreth replied: 'Let me tell you the truth about this. The reason you've not been asked, Esther, is that you're already a Dame. People see this as the gateway to becoming a Dame of the Order of the British Empire.

'First it was Sheila Hancock, plain Ms Sheila Hancock. She does Gogglebox with me: They make her a Dame.

'I then do it with Maureen Lipman, plain Ms Maureen Lipman. She does Gogglebox with me: They make her a Dame.

'I said ''what about Esther Rantzen?'' They said ''She's already a Dame!''

Hilarious: Gyles has starred on Celebrity Gogglebox alongside Sheila Hancock (pictured) and Maureen Lipman since the show's inception in 2019

Gyles then turned to behind the scenes secrets of Gogglebox, telling Esther: 'To answer your question, this is how it's done.

'They come to your house at the beginning and they set up the camera in the room and then go away for two months. The cameras are permanently in the room and you genuinely forget they are there, they're small discreet cameras.

'Then as set times you go in and you press the button and they don't give you a choice over the programmes, you watch the ones they select for you, but you're alone in the building and that lulls you into that false state of relaxation

'They sent round Deliveroo with different treats: fish and chips, indeed the chocolate eclairs, the crisps and all of that. So these little sweetmeats arrive and they like you to be seen bringing it in and you can hear that little chit-chat and then you have the snacks together. It's great fun. '

Snacks included! Gyles said: 'They like you to be seen bringing it in and you can hear that little chit-chat and then you have the snacks together' (Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev pictured)

Gyles, a friend and biographer of the Duke of Edinburgh also said he thought Prince Philip would have delivered a blunt response to Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, telling them: 'Don't talk about yourself, -- nobody's interested'.

The brutal assessment stemmed from Prince Philip's keen interest in the philosophy of Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and father of analytical psychology, said Brandreth.

Jung found that the happiest of his patients were those who looked outwards, rather than inwards, said Brandreth, in a veiled reference to Harry and Meghan's Californian-style navel-gazing and pursuit of self-fulfilment and emotional meaning.

The writer and broadcaster was asked by Esther's co-host Adrian Mills in a captiveminds.com podcast recorded before the Duke's death, on his view on Meghan and Prince Harry, and he said Philip was 'saddened' that the Royals had become a 'soap opera.'

He said: 'My hope is that it all ends happily, but having interviewed the Duke of Edinburgh and written about him a great deal, I know that one of his rules, and a piece of advice that he gave to his own children, and I imagine would have given to his grandchildren, is 'don't talk about yourself'.

Truth: Gyle passed on the secret to Esther Rantzen on her That's After Life podcast after being asked why there's so much food on the show (Nicole Appleton and Melanie Blatt pictured)

'That's the general rule in life. He was interested in so many different things than you'd expect from the caricature of you people have of him, but he was interested for example.. in well-being and mental health, and he read a lot of Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology.

'Jung looked at the history of his patients towards the end of his career and came to the conclusion that the happiest of them were the ones who are outward looking --people who didn't look down and in but up and out.

'And the Duke of Edinburgh's philosophy is look up and out, take an interest in the world around you, be interested in art, nature and science in the world around you.

'Don't think too much about yourself, don't brood about yourself. Indeed, the Duke of Edinburgh said, 'Don't talk about yourself, nobody's interested'.

'And though he pioneered interviews, he was the first member of the royal family to be interviewed on television for example, as he said he was always talking about what he was doing not about who he was.

'So I think he would see risks in talking about yourself, both for yourself, and also because it then begs the next question once you begin talking about yourself -- where does it end?

'And I know because he told me that he regretted in recent years that the way the Royal family had become they were portrayed as a bit of a soap opera and that saddened him.'

That's After Life podcast on captiveminds.com, available from Wednesday.
Giving birth and raising a child is difficult under normal circumstances, but doing so during a once-in-a-century global pandemic as an essent
Fewer than one-third of aged care facilities have administered both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to their residents eight weeks into the program, as logistics companies fail to deliver the vaccines, health providers fail to show up and the vast majority of workers have no clear access to vaccinations.

The aged care workforce will be a key focus at the meeting of national cabinet on Thursday, following complaints from the aged care sector there is no clear plan for their workers to be vaccinated in a rollout described by one major provider as an absolute debacle.

Holy Family Services resident Jane Malysiak appeared with the Prime Minister after she became the countrys first COVID-19 vaccine recipient. Credit:Edwina Pickles

The federal government has indicated to state officials that it will now be seeking state assistance in speeding up vaccination of under-50 aged care workers.

Barely 10 per cent of the countrys 330,000 aged care workers have been vaccinated, though they are classified in the 1a group for the highest priority frontline staff. It was originally planned for them to be vaccinated at the same time as residents, but this was changed on medical advice that around 20 per cent of people felt unwell following the vaccine.
PORT LUIS, Mauritius, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the whole month of Ramadan, internationally acclaimed multi-asset broker HotForex offers its clients the opportunity to carry on with their trading while helping those in need with a special limited time activity.

From 13th April to 12th May, for every lot traded (1 standard lot) on forex, gold and silver from trading accounts participating in the activity, HotForex will be donating 1 USD for the well-being of children in Islamic countries. Participants in the Ramadan activity will have the chance to enter three exclusive lucky draws for a chance to win great prizes.

A HotForex spokesperson commented: "At HotForex, we largely focus on social responsibility and always look for ways to support and give back to our surrounding community. With respect to our clients' traditions, we are very pleased to announce this new initiative and we welcome all traders to celebrate Ramadan by joining a good cause with the chance of winning special tech prizes."

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An NYPD detective is suing a man who allegedly hurled racist slurs about the veteran officers Asian ethnicity, the New York Post reported.

The incident allegedly was captured on video, showing the man spewing racist slurs at the detective, according to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court. The documents were filed by the Detectives Endowment Association on behalf of the complainant, Det. Vincent Cheung, who is assigned to the 5th Precinct in Manhattan.

The suit alleges Terrell Harper harassed Cheung repeatedly during a demonstration on March 11, calling him a goddamn cat eater and asking if he can see right, according to the report.

Cheung said hes seeking an explanation for the rant and an apology, adding that if any money is awarded hell donate it to an Asian aid society or anti-Asian hate society.

Harper has not been charged with a crime for the incident.
New Delhi:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the centre of conspiring to destablise the state on Monday during a press conference the state secretariat in Kolkata after an all-party meeting on the Darjeeling situation.

Banerjee told the media that she has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh not to pull out central forces from Darjeeling hills.

The West Bengal CM has accused BJP's Darjeeling lawmaker and Union minister S S Ahluwalia of helping fugitive GJM supremo Bimal Gurung to create trouble in the region.

Banerjee added that BJP is allowing the hills to burn for the sake of seat.

She said, BJP is talking to people who have cases under UAPA cases against them but not will to talk to people who are looking forward to resolve the issue.

The West Bengal CM further added, "I wrote to the prime minister and home minister asking them not to withdraw the forces from the hills.

She further added, I hope we will receive a positive response.

Banerjee further added, If any untoward incidents happens in the hills, BJP-led Central government will be responsible for it."

Also read| Darjeeling unrest: Sub-inspector shot dead as clashes erupt between Gorkha JanMukti Morcha and Police



She described the withdrawal of central forces from hills as unilateral and unfortunates.

Also read| Gorkhaland stir: BJP leaders take shelter in police station after attack in Darjeeling



Currently 15 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) popularly known as the paramilitary force are deployed in Darjeeling. The central government is planning to withdraw 10 companies out of the hills.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Chennai, April 21 : The Union Territory of Puducherry has decided to impose lockdown from April 23 (Friday night) till April 26 (Monday morning) amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

The decision to impose lockdown in the Union Territory was taken by a high level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Additional Charge), Tamilsai Soundararajan held at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday late night.

All shops will remain closed after 2 p.m. from Wednesday onwards and in restaurants only takeaways are permitted from 2 p.m. onwards. The UT has imposed a night curfew from Tuesday onwards between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Puducherry reported 4,692 active cases till Tuesday, according to the health department officials.

It may be noted that the fatality rate of the Union Territory has touched 1.5 per cent on Monday which is above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Puducherry headquarters has the maximum number of deaths with 572. Karakkal has 84 deaths followed by Yanam with 45 deaths and Mahe with 12.

Interestingly the recovery rate of the Union Territory is 88.8 per cent which is above the national average of 86 per cent.

a total of 48,336 cases were reported from Puducherry Union Territory of which 42,931 patients recovered from the disease.

Health department has sent 7.33 lakh swab samples for testing of which 6.66 lakh samples turned negative and more than half of the population of the Union Territory of Puducherry underwent Covid test. Puducherry has a population of 14 lakh people.

A press release from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare states that it has so far administered Covid 19 vaccines to 30,202 healthcare workers, 17,961 frontline workers and 1,08 lakh others taking the total of people who were administered vaccine to 1.55 lakh people.
President Joe Biden is calling on US employers to offer paid sick leave for people to receive a Covid-19 vaccine to encourage Americans to get their shot.

The administration will propose tax credits for small- and medium-sized businesses for any time off needed to get vaccinated and for any time it takes to recover after receiving a shot, the White House said Wednesday.

The paid leave tax credit will be offered to businesses with up to 500 employees for up to $511 per day. It will be offered through 30 September as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Providing paid time off for vaccinations is an investment in the safety, productivity and health of an employers own workforce and their community, the White House announced. No working person in this country should lose a single dollar from their paycheck to take time to get the shot or recover from it.

The announcement comes as the administration is set to reach 200 million shots within Mr Bidens first 100 days in office. The landmark is likely to be reached by Thursday, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

What were trying to do now is address what we see are the barriers after a decline in demand among Americans who are hesitant or who do not plan to get vaccinated, Psaki said on Wednesday.

Only 43 per cent of working adults are vaccinated, compared with more than 80 per cent of senior Americans, according to federal data. The White House has also pointed to a February survey from the Society for Human Resource Management that found that nearly a quarter of employees who did not plan to get vaccinated would get a shot if their employer offered time off to do so.

More than 213 million vaccine doses have been administered in the US, with a daily average of shots topping more than 3 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Roughly 133 million people have received at least one dose, and more than 86 million people are fully vaccinated, having received both required doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As of Monday, every person in the US aged 16 years and older is now eligible for vaccines in every state.

Deaths from the coronavirus crisis in the US have reached more than 564,000.
Individual islands in Spain, Portugal, Greece and elsewhere could earn green list status when the government reveals its traffic light categories next month.

At present arrivals to the UK from all overseas countries except Ireland must take a pre-departure test and self-isolate for 10 days with two post-arrival PCR tests.

But the government says that from 17 May at the earliest it will given destinations green, amber or red status depending on the perceived risk of importation of coronavirus.

A green rating means arrivals will need to take only one pre-departure and post-arrival test, and will not need to quarantine.

Until now ministers have talked only of whole countries and refused to say whether islands could be in a different category to the mainland.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has now said that he wants to continue the islands approach that was eventually adopted by the UK in September 2020.

Until mandatory quarantine for all arrivals was brought back, it meant visitors to some Spanish, Portuguese and Greek islands did not need to self-isolate on return to the UK.

I want to do that again, Mr Shapps told an online ConservativeHome event. I dont want to go backwards, I want to go forwards.

Paul Charles, chief executive of the travel consultancy The PC Agency, and a campaigner for opening up international travel, said: This is precisely the level of detail we need to see from government within the new traffic lights system.

It is a welcome step forward and will be music to the ears of airlines flying direct to the likes of the Balearics, Canaries and Greek islands.

Germanys Robert Koch Institute, which advises the government in Berlin on risk areas, has adopted a granular approach throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Its latest advice excludes the Balearic islands  principally Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza  from the risk area status applied to most of Spain.

In addition the communities of Valencia and Murcia on the Mediterranean coast, and the Atlantic community of Galicia, are regarded as sufficiently safe by the German organisation.

Case numbers in the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, are higher than in the Balearics but falling  with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura significantly lower.

The outlying island of El Hierro, visited by very few tourists, has seen a surge in cases over the past month.

The Portugal directorate-general of health indicates that parts of Madeira and the main Azores island, Sao Miguel, currently have high levels of coronavirus. The eight other Azores islands are regarded as low risk.

The latest Covid map produced by the Greek government rates several islands as very high risk, including Chios, Evia, Kos, Lesbos, Poros, Thassos and Zakinthos.

But warnings for Mykonos and Hydra have been eased to high risk, which applies to much of the rest of Greece.

The only part of Greece rated low risk is the Mount Athos peninsula in the north of the country.

Last autumn some of the most popular Greek islands, including Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, were awarded quarantine-free status.
Pakistan government has placed over 100 clerics of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) on the list of terrorism and sectarianism suspects as the country continues to be rocked with violence by groups supporters. News agency ANI reported citing Pakistan media that a top official of the Punjab Home Department confirmed that the decision was taken on the suggestion of the District Intelligence Committees. He reportedly said that more than 100 TLP clerics have been placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The official also stated that the number of Fourth Schedulers could be increased as the Home Department is receiving recommendations from all deputy commissioners of the province. As per the report, the assets of the TLP clerics have been seized under the law along with blocking their national identity cards and bank accounts. Their names were also placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) by the Interior Ministry.

The Fourth Schedule is a list in Pakistan on which the suspects of terrorism and sectarianism are placed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997. Further, the names of those who are on the list are referred to the local police and agencies for monitoring. A Fourth Scheduler has to inform the police even before changing places with assets being probed by the Counterterrorism Department.

"After this letter, the TLP would not be able to sell properties including seminaries, agriculture land, etc...Sealing of offices of the banned TLP would be decided by the Ministry of Interior," said the official, as per ANI before adding that all DCs have been directed to restrain the movement of TLP workers towards Islamabad.

The Pakistani government on April 14 banned the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) whose leader, Saad Rizvi had called for the expulsion of the French ambassador. As per reports, Rizvi was detained for hours after making his demands promoting anti-French sentiments and bringing thousands of TLP supporters to the streets across the nation. This triggered his supporters to flood the streets and demonstrate violently. On April 20, Rizvi was released from the Kot Lakhpat jail, public relations officers of the Punjab prisons department told Pakistans local broadcaster, Dawn.

Pakistan PM Imran Caves To Radicals

The banned party, TLP had five key demands including the resignation of Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, expelling French ambassador to Pakistan, the release of TLP leader Syed Saad Hussain Rizvi and other workers. Even though the government initially rejected TLPs demand and halted the talks, Rashid later announced on April 20 that the government will be presenting a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in the National assembly later in the day. He released a video statement elaborating that the decision was taken after the talks with TLP.

(Image credits: PTI/AP)

(With inputs from ANI)
China in Focus (April 20): Asylum Seeker: I Love Hong Kong But Had to Leave

A Hong Kong family seeks asylum in the United States. The longing for freedom pushed them to flee their home in search of a better life without suppression.

A U.S. resolution condemns Beijing for suppressing freedom in Hong Kong. It comes just days after nine prominent pro-democracy figures were sentenced there.

A human rights lawyer known as Chinas conscience has been missing for over three years. Now his wife worries he may have already been murdered by the Chinese communist regime.

Japan and China are accusing each other of releasing nuclear wastewater into the sea.

Another alliance counters Beijings threat. The United States and Japan are investing billions of dollars into 6G networks, in hopes of defeating Chinese telecom company Huawei.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
(Natural News) A veteran emergency department doctor in Australia said he was shocked by the adverse effects of a second jab of Pfizers Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

Dr. David Caldicott is an emergency doctor at Calvary Hospital in the Australian capital city of Canberra. When Australia began its coronavirus vaccine rollout, Caldicott was among the first people in the country to receive the jab. (Related: PLAGUE PROFITS: Pfizer executive admits the company wants to profit off vaccines and will soon raise prices.)

Caldicott claims hes had more vaccines than most people in Australia. Besides completing his childhood immunizations, he also receives the flu vaccine every year. In addition, Caldicott is given various shots whenever he is deployed overseas as a member of a disaster response team.

Despite his extensive experience with vaccines, Caldicott said none of them have affected him quite like the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

This is the most entertaining experience Ive had post-vaccination so far  this was vigorous, said Caldicott, who received his first dose in February. He described his experience with the first shot as fairly normal with no side effects of any kind. Then, things got interesting.

Listen to the March 31, 2021 episode of Situation Update, a special breaking news episode of the Health Ranger Report podcast by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he talks about how the push to vaccinate entire populations is a massive money-laundering scheme designed to enrich pharmaceutical corporations like Pfizer.

Caldicott and many of his colleagues experienced severe side effects from Pfizer vaccine

On March 19, Caldicott received his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine precisely 21 days after his first jab. Several days later, Caldicott said that his arm felt sore, but he thought nothing of it as it is considered normal for any kind of vaccination.

Caldicott managed to work all day at the hospital without much trouble. But when evening came, Caldicott began to experience the vaccines side effects. He recalled feeling a bit unpleasant and generally uncomfortable. The next morning, he felt extremely exhausted.

Saturday was a blankey and Netflix day, he said. I had plans for the weekend, but didnt feel like executing on them, so stayed at home.

Caldicott said he did not have a fever like other people who had received the same vaccine, but he did feel incredibly thirsty, tired and a little nauseous. The veteran emergency doctor said he was very surprised by the Pfizer vaccines strong reaction because he ordinarily does not feel exceptionally unpleasant after a jab.

According to Caldicott, he was not the only one who experienced adverse effects. As an emergency doctor, you dont want to look weak, he said humorously. I was very relieved to find out many of my colleagues were feeling the same thing  Ive had colleagues of mine that have had to take time off work.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the main regulatory body for drugs and medical devices in Australia, some of the common side effects of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine are pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, nausea, muscle pain, chills, fever and joint pain.

Caldicott recommends that people take the day off after getting the second dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, just in case they need time to deal with its side effects.

It sounds like a bit of overkill, said Caldicott. Think about changing your shift or your jab, maybe give yourself a day to recover.

Learn more about how different coronavirus vaccines affect people at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ABC.net.au
LEHI, Utah, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DigiCert, Inc ., the world's leading provider of TLS/SSL, IoT and other PKI solutions, today announced DigiCert Automation Manager, a containerized enterprise solution for on-premises, high-volume TLS certificate automation. Automation Manager is another addition to DigiCert's industry-leading platform, built on a modern, cloud-native architecture that allows for flexibility and secure automation behind the enterprise network firewall.

Automation Manager paves the way for secure, complete certificate management behind the firewall and on-premises to complement DigiCert's current cloud offerings. DigiCert will offer continuous innovation of Automation Manager features in 2021 to provide its customers with solutions enabling crypto-agility while reducing brand-damaging downtime and certificate management costs.

"Lifetimes for public certificates are decreasing at the same time that organizations are deploying rapidly growing volumes of digital certificates, making automation a necessity," said DigiCert CEO John Merrill. "Automation Manager is designed to meet our customers' need to become more efficient and effective in managing their certificates at scale. The architecture provides secure certificate automation on-premises  for any distributed environment."

Automation Manager utilizes DigiCert's modern cloud-native architecture and deployment strategies to allow customers to make use of existing cloud infrastructure for a new era of on-premises deployment. It also:

provides a lightning-fast, standards-based deployment mechanism.

simplifies certificate administration through a single pane of glass for both public and private certificates.

reduces network complexity, requiring only a single, secure API connection on port 443 back to DigiCert, for all your servers.

currently supports popular load balancers (i.e., F5, AWS, A10), with support for popular web servers such as Apache, Nginx and IIS coming soon.

Certificate automation is becoming increasingly important. Organizations continue to suffer service downtime from expired or misconfigured certificates. Changing industry standards and reduced certificate validity are requiring more frequent certificate management activity. According to a 2021 State of PKI Automation survey, in the past six months, 26% of organizations have experienced more than five instances of site downtime due to certificate expiration. Survey participants stated that challenges managing digital certificates lead to compliance issues (54%), security issues (53%) and cost issues (53%). Organizations require tighter security controls on all infrastructure and applications.

"Automation Manager deploys in a customer's environment quickly with our innovative use of cloud-native architecture, making provisioning certificates in your network fast, while our single secure connection can meet the most stringent security requirements," said DigiCert Senior VP of Product Brian Trzupek. "With this release, we are focusing on load balancers and network appliances, and soon will be expanding capabilities to support web servers, including the ones placed behind firewalls."

Future features will greatly expand lifecycle notifications to tightly integrate with a customer's ITSM environments. Automation Manager users will have access to more powerful cloud and on-premises discovery capabilities, and richer management of certificates, extending automation into additional server and cloud environments with third-party CA imports and operations.

The new service is fully compatible with the CertCentral Automation Wizard, an intelligent tool that guides administrators to select and configure the right automation solutions for their specific use cases.

CertCentral Enterprise customers may get access to Automation Manager by contacting their DigiCert account representative. Others who are interested in learning more may request a demonstration and read more about Automation Manager on the DigiCert Blog.

About DigiCert, Inc.

DigiCert is the world's leading provider of scalable TLS/SSL, IoT and PKI solutions for identity and encryption. The most innovative companies, including 89% of the Fortune 500 and 97 of the 100 top global banks, choose DigiCert for its expertise in identity and encryption for web servers and Internet of Things devices. DigiCert supports TLS and other digital certificates for PKI deployments at any scale through its certificate lifecycle management solution, CertCentral . The company is recognized for its enterprise-grade certificate management platform, fast and knowledgeable customer support, and market-leading security solutions. For the latest DigiCert news and updates, visit digicert.com or follow @digicert .

SOURCE DigiCert, Inc.

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www.digicert.com


Relay For Life Kickoff Celebration Thursday

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The Relay For Life of McCracken County Kick-off Celebration will take place Thursday at Heartland Worship Center starting at 5:30 p.m.Come out to learn the date and location of this year's Relay, the single biggest fundraiser of the year for the American Cancer Society. You can also learn how to start up your own team for this year's event.There will also be food and prizes, too.Get more details by contacting Cindy Malray at 270-441-5325.
The U.S. administration says it is working with Congress to provide "nearly $300 million" in additional civilian assistance for Afghanistan in 2021 to promote economic growth, help fight corruption, and support "women's empowerment," civil society, and independent media, among other initiatives.



Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on April 21 that the new aid from both the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development was intended to "demonstrate our enduring support for the Afghan people."



The funding "will be targeted at sustaining and building on gains in the past 20 years by improving access to essential services for Afghan civilians," according to Blinken.



The move follows President Joe Biden's announcement last week that the United States plans to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by September 11.



The previous administration under Donald Trump in November 2020 pledged $600 million in aid for Afghanistan, but it withheld half the funds, making their release conditional on progress in intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar.



The talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, aimed at ending decades of war in the country, have been deadlocked for months.



Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Washington to commit to expanded support for human rights in Afghanistan amid what it calls "fears of increased insecurity" fueled by its declared plan to withdraw its troops from the country.



The Biden administration "should boost assistance for education and health, especially for girls and women, and for independent media given the threat of a widening conflict that undermines human rights gains and exacerbates the country's humanitarian crisis," the New York-based human rights watchdog said in a statement.



But HRW said that previous U.S. administrations "have not made human rights in Afghanistan a sufficient priority," and noted that U.S. assistance to vital aid programs in the country has been "shrinking."

With reporting by Reuters
In what is a landmark judgment to save the rare Great Indian Bustard, the Supreme Court has directed the governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat to replace overhead power cables with underground ones, as per The New Indian Express.

Several Great Indian Bustards have died due to collisions with high-voltage power lines. Chief Justice SA Bobde said steps will be taken to prevent electrocution.

Britannica

The petition was that the Great Indian Bustard is large and so finds it difficult to change direction in flight leading to such accidents.

The numbers have declined recently.

TOI

"We will study the court's judgment in detail and then decide what can be done. I think we will not have any major problem in replacing the smaller 132 KV lines but for the rest, we will need the Power Ministrys clearance for any action," said Mohan Lal Meena, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan.

The Great Indian Bustard is on the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a critically endangered bird.


Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has defended a trip she made to Florida last month despite advising others not to travel saying she was visiting her unwell father.

Defending herself against accusations of hypocrisy she said: 'It is saddening. It is a two-day trip. I wasn't partying in Miami.'

The 49-year-old said the trip was to 'check-in' on her father who is suffering from chronic illness: 'It was certainly not spring break.'

It came weeks after the governor warned the public about spring break trips, particularly to Florida, amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Two of her top aides, including Michigan's health director, vacationed in southern states despite the state recommendation to avoid travel.

The Michigan Republican Party seized on Whitmer's trip, which occurred before she was vaccinated, after it emerged this week, accusing the Democratic governor of hypocrisy.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has responded to attacks after she flew to Florida last month amid the pandemic, saying that she was visiting her unwell father

Two of her top aides, including Michigan's health director, vacationed in southern states despite a state recommendation to avoid travel. Tricia Foster (pictured), the governor's chief operating officer, posted photos of herself holidaying in Siesta Kay earlier this month.

Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said he didnt have a problem with the governor visiting her father, but noted that she seemed to contradict her own travel advisories.

He said: 'If you or I did those same exact actions, this governor would scold you and say that you are the problem.

'The issue here today is the gross hypocrisy that comes from this administration.'

Spokesman Ted Goodman called it an 'insult to every single Michigander impacted by her lockdown orders and travel warnings.'

'Not only did Whitmer and her top staffers vacation to Florida, but they tried to keep it secret because for Whitmer, it's: 'rules for thee, but not for me,' Goodman said.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, a Lowell Republican, said he understands the desire to visit an ill relative.

'But I have heard countless stories of heartbroken Michiganders who wanted to visit sick family members during this pandemic and haven't been able to do so,' he said.

'I don't understand how the governor thinks it's OK for her and members of her administration to travel out of state, while issuing recommendations to the rest of us that we stay home.'

Tricia Foster, the governor's chief operating officer, posted photos of herself holidaying in Siesta Kay earlier this month.

Whitmer's spokesman called the story at the time 'a partisan attack from a garbage white nationalist site.'

He said that Foster was 'fully recovered from COVID and fully vaccinated.'

The governor's newly-appointed health chief travelled to Alabama in April, shortly after Whitmer discouraged travel.

Elizabeth Hertel stayed at Gulf Shores, a popular resort on the Gulf of Mexico.

The state says it is safest to avoid out-of-state travel. But if it is unavoidable, residents should get fully vaccinated and, if they cannot, be tested three to five days after returning and self-quarantine for seven days even if the test is negative.

The governor's newly-appointed health chief travelled to Alabama in April, shortly after Whitmer discouraged travel. Elizabeth Hertel (pictured) stayed at Gulf Shores, a popular resort on the Gulf of Mexico.

Whitmer's spokesman Bobby Leddy earlier said that it was Whitmer's third trip out of state in the past six months.

She went to President Joe Biden's inauguration in January and visited National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., in March.

'All trips were very brief, two full days or less, closely followed public health guidelines, and were made when Michigan's daily positivity rate was in the low single digits,' he said.

Whitmer, who got her first vaccine shot April 6, was not vaccinated when she visited her father but is regularly tested for COVID-19.

Her father, 81-year-old Richard Whitmer - a retired president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - was fully vaccinated.

Whitmer said early in the pandemic that her father was a snowbird in Florida with 'compromised lung function, and I'm worried about him.'

Michigan has faced worst-in-the-nation COVID-19 positivity rates in recent weeks, and Whitmer has laid blame on spring break travelers going to Florida. Whitmer urged people returning from the Sunshine State to work from home for a week or have their children learn remotely for a week.

On Sunday Whitmer told NBCs Meet the Press that cases in her state could be beginning to slow down. Health officials said Friday that the seven-day average positivity rate had dropped in recent days to 17.1%, but remained above a December peak of 14.4%.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian together with Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan visited Kapan town during his working visit in Syunik province, the Presidents Office told Armenpress.

President Sarkissian met with Mayor of Kapan Gevorg Parsyan, Mayor of Meghri Mkhitar Zakaryan, Deputy Mayor of Kajaran Zohrab Arakelyan, leaders of Nrnadzor and Yeghvard communities Aleksan Boyajyan and Spartak Zakaryan at the Kapan Municipality.

Armen Sarkissian told the meeting participants that he has visited a number of bordering communities, met with the locals and the community leaders, got acquainted with their problems. Every village, that has become a bordering village, has its own problems. There is a village which has been divided, the half of it has been left on the adversarys side. There are villages which have a problem with heating, water supply and others. However, all are concerned about one very important issue  that is the security issue. It concerns all, the President said, adding: This problem is much deeper than we imagine. The security issue has a clear picture  there are the Azerbaijani servicemen or their positions, flags. In fact, there is a deep feeling of absence of security. I have come here first of all to listen to you, the villagers, to see how I or the Presidential institute can help. The opinion of individuals is very important, but the coordinated opinion of the people, who are responsible and lead, is also important.

The community leaders presented the post-war situation, as well as their views and approaches over the security-related matters.

President Sarkissian and Ombudsman Tatoyan also visited the airport of Kapan, got acquainted with the conditions and capacities, as well as with the issues relating to the launch of the airport.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
An incredibly well-preserved crocodile head shot by Prince Phillip has been listed for auction with a starting price of $10,000 after being gifted to a New Zealand family 60 years ago.

Susanna Clark, of Napier, inherited the relic which was originally given to her famous grandfather Sir Percy Wyn-Harris by the Queen's husband in 1957.

In the decades since the stuffed reptile has been proudly displayed in Ms Clark's home - sometimes serving as a table centre piece for dinner parties.

But after the Duke of Edinburgh's death on April 9, Ms Clark has decided to put the artefact up for bidders on TradeMe for loyal royalists to buy a piece of history.

A well-preserved crocodile head (pictured) that was shot by Prince Phillip has gone up for auction with an opening bid of $10,000

Susanna Clark (pictured), of Napier, inherited the artefact which the Duke of Edinburgh gifted to her famous grandfather Sir Percy Wyn-Harris

'I have three children - so which child was I going to choose to give the famous crocodile head to? It was a very difficult choice,' Ms Clark told Stuff.

'They're all young and in their 30s, starting out in their lives, and I thought financial help would be more beneficial to them than having a crocodile head as a centerpiece for their dinner table.'

Sir Percy, an English yachtsman and mountaineer who climbed Everest, served as the Governor of Gambia for the Colonial Service in Africa.

During Prince Phillip's first royal visit to the African nation in 1957 the pair quickly built a rapport and on one occasion rode a small boat up the Gambia River, where they shot a few crocodiles.

The royal later gifted one of the beast's heads to his politician friend as memorabilia of their trip, inscribing 'shot by his Royal Highness Prince Philip' under its jaw.

The collectible was passed down from Sir Percy at the time of his death to Ms Clark's father, an only child, before spending many years in the Wyn-Harris family home on the back step, pinned to the side of the house.

A photo of Prince Phillip's Gambian river safari that appeared on the cover of French magazine Paris Match in 1957

Ms Clark (second from the right) pictured with her siblings Steve (far left), Trace (second from the left), and Jeremy (far right), the grandchildren of the famous Sir Percy Wyn-Harris

When her father died, all of the bits that he inherited from her grandfather were distributed and Ms Clark ended up with the crocodile head in her possession.

Steve Wyn-Harris, Ms Clark's brother, said the Prince and Sir Percy immediately struck up a friendship and his grandfather and later travelled the globe helping the royal, set up The Duke OF Edinburgh Award.

'I think he was quite taken with my grandfather, [who] had been quite an adventurer,' Mr Wyn-Harris, a regular rural news contributor revealed in RNZ earlier this week.

'He'd climbed to within 900 feet of the top of Everest in 1933, and found George Mallory or [Andrew] Irvine's ice axe up there, and done that sort of thing, and they got on pretty well.'

Ms Clark sought her family's permission before putting it up for sale, where she believes it would most likely be snapped up by a royal devotee.

The decision came after her brother, Mr Wyn-Harris, revealed the extraordinary tale about the crocodile and their grandfather's friendship with the Prince on RNZ last Thursday, sparking a flurry of interest in the curio among local media outlets.

'I've got eight watchers. I can't believe how many hits I've had. So there has been a bit of interest,' she said.

However, the mother-of-three is not 'fussed' as to whether or not it is bought and will hold onto the prized heirloom if it does not meet the reserve price.
tvN's forthcoming drama "Doom at Your Service" has another update!

The upcoming drama just dropped a fun sneak peek, giving a glimpse of the loud and clear chemistry between stars Park Bo Young and Seo In Guk!

"Doom at Your Service" New Teaser Drops

"Doom at Your Service" is a fantasy-romance series revolving around the Myul Mang, who has the curse/blessing of making everything he touches, vanish. The role is will be taken on by Seo in Guk.

He will be meeting and falling in love with a woman named Tak Dong Kyung, played by Park Bo Young. In this juicy story, Tak Dong Kyung will be placing her life on the line just to avoid a fate she does not want.

In the newly released teaser for the upcoming drama, anticipating fans can see Tak Dong Kyung being openly skeptical of Myul Mang's seemingly far-fetched claims of his powers.

When Myul Mang-whose name can be translated into "ruin" or "destruction"- introduces himself as a supernatural being with his uncanny ability of making things disappear, Tak Dong Kyung replies with complete disbelief. She even asked, "So you're saying you're Myul Mang?"

Park Bo Young, Seo in Guk Chemistry Loud and Clear

The clip then showed Myul Mang deliberately misunderstanding what Tak Dong Kyung is asking. "I know I'm handsome, but I'm busy, so..." he said. This is where it is clear that the two certainly look good together as a budding couple, after they stop annoying each other first.

Afterwards, an obviously unexplainable supernatural event started to take place around the pair, which shocked Tak Dong Kyung. Upon saying what was happening made no sense, she made the accusation that Myul Mang is just flirting with her.

"This guy is bringing out the pickup tactics again," she said, which offended Myul Mang, who naturally felt undermined by Tak Dong Kyung.

ALSO READ: Kim Tae Hee Relationship Status 2021: 'Stairway to Heaven' Actress and Rain Are Still in Marital Bliss

Finally, the trailer concluded with Tak Dong Kyung making sure Myul Mang does not like her in any romantic way. Giving him a scrutinizing glare, she asked "You don't happen to like me, do you?"

The whole exchange might be full of tension, but in a good way. It shows how great the chemistry between the characters/actors are, certainly.

Even without this new teaser, the two's chemistry was already clear on the recent poster released of them holding hands. The poster even had a statement that read, "Let's pray for destruction. Love is here." Romantics would certainly swoon at the thought of seeing this play out in the drama.

"Doom at Your Service" drops on May 10 at 9:00 p.m. KST. Fans worldwide can access it with English subtitles on Viki.

In the meantime, view the "Doom at Your Service" teaser below!

Owned by Kdramstars.

Written by Annie Dee
Yves here. Its remarkable to read that the US military has been caught flat-footed with the retreat of Arctic sea ice. They got the global warming memo; various highly respected and widely read experts have been warming of mass migrations and geopolitical destabilization since the early 2000s. The retreat of the polar ice cap and the coming of a Northern passage has also been extremely well covered (cue photos of starving polar bears). Yet the arms merchants missed this selling opportunity? Stunning!

By Rockford Weitz, Professor of Practice & Director, Fletcher Maritime Studies Program, The Fletcher School, Tufts University. Originally published at The Conversation

For decades, the frozen Arctic was little more than a footnote in global economic competition, but thats changing as its ice melts with the warming climate.

Russia is now attempting to claim more of the Arctic seabed for its territory. It has been rebuilding Cold War-era Arctic military bases and recently announced plans to test its Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed torpedo in the Arctic. In Greenland, the recent election ushered in a new pro-independence government that opposes foreign rare earth metal mining as its ice sheet recedes  including projects counted on by China and the U.S. to power technology.

The Arctic region has been warming at least twice as fast as the planet as a whole. With the sea ice now thinner and disappearing sooner in the spring, several countries have had their eyes on the Arctic, both for access to valuable natural resources, including the fossil fuels whose use is now driving global warming, and as a shorter route for commercial ships.

A tanker carrying liquefied natural gas from northern Russia to China tested that shorter route this past winter, traversing the normally frozen Northern Sea Route in February for the first time with the help of an icebreaker. The route cut the shipping time by nearly half.

Russia has been building up its icebreaker fleet for years for this and other purposes. The U.S., meanwhile, is playing catch-up. While Russia has access to more than 40 of these ships today, the U.S. Coast Guard has two, one of them well past its intended service life.

As an expert in maritime trade and Arctic geopolitics, I have been following the increasing activity and geopolitical tensionsin the Arctic. They underscore the need for fresh thinking on U.S. Arctic policy to address emerging competition in the region.

The Problem with Americas Icebreaker Fleet

Americas aging icebreaker fleet has been a persistent topic of frustration in Washington.

Congress put off investing in new icebreakers for decades in the face of more pressing demands. Now, the lack of polar-class icebreakers undermines Americas ability to operate in the Arctic region, including responding to disasters as shipping and mineral exploration increase.

It might sound counterintuitive, but diminishing sea ice can make the region more dangerous  breakaway ice floes pose risks both to ships and to oil platforms, and the opening waters are expected to attract both more shipping and more mineral exploration. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that about 30% of the worlds undiscovered natural gas and 13% of undiscovered oil may be in the Arctic.

The U.S. Coast Guard has just two icebreakers to manage this changing environment.

The Polar Star, a heavy icebreaker that can break through ice up to 21 feet thick, was commissioned in 1976. It is usually posted to Antarctica in the winter, but it was sent to the Arctic this year to provide a U.S. presence. The crew on the aging ship has had to fight fires and deal with power outages and equipment breaks  all while in some of the most inhospitable and remote locations on Earth. The second icebreaker, the smaller Healy, commissioned in 2000, suffered a fire on board in August 2020 and canceled all Arctic operations.

Congress has authorized construction of three more heavy icebreakers at a total cost of around US$2.6 billion and has funded two of them so far, but they take years to produce. A shipyard in Mississippi expects to deliver the first by 2024.

An Icebreaker Solution

One way to add to the icebreaker fleet would be to have allies jointly procure and operate icebreakers, while each still builds up its own fleet.

For example, the Biden administration could collaborate with NATO allies to create a partnership modeled on NATOs Strategic Airlift Capability of C-17 airplanes. The airlift program, started in 2008, operates three large transport planes that its 12 member nations can use to quickly transport troops and equipment.

A similar program for icebreakers could operate a fleet under NATO  perhaps starting with icebreakers contributed by NATO countries, such as Canada, or partner countries, such as Finland. Like the Strategic Airlift Capability, each member country would purchase a percentage of the shared fleets operating hours based on their overall contributions to the program.

Using the Law of the Sea

Another strategy that could boost U.S. influence in the Arctic, buffer looming conflicts, and help clarify seabed claims would be for the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Law of the Sea took effect in 1994 and established rules for how the oceans and ocean resources are used and shared. That includes determining how countries can claim parts of the seabed. The U.S. initially objected over a section that limited deep seabed mining, but that section was amended to alleviate some of those concerns. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all urged the Senate to ratify it, but that still has not happened.

Ratification would give the U.S. a stronger international legal position in contested waters. It also would enable the U.S. to claim more than 386,000 square miles  an area twice the size of California  of Arctic seabed along its extended continental shelfand fend off any other countrys overlapping claims to that area.

Without ratification, the U.S. will be forced to rely on customary international law to pursue any maritime claims, which weakens its international legal position in contested waters, including the Arctic and the South China Sea.

Relying on International Cooperation

The Arctic has generally been a region of international cooperation. The Arctic Council, an international body, has kept eight countries with sovereignty over land in the region focused on the Arctics fragile ecosystem, the well-being of its Indigenous peoples, and emergency prevention and response.

Over the past few years, however, near-Arctic countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Britain and many European Union members, have become more engaged, and Russia has become more active.

With the rising tensions and expanding interest in the region, the era of cooperative engagement has started to recede with the melting sea ice.
Emotional Gemma Collins has reflected ex-boyfriend James Argent's struggle with addiction while offering advice to those in a similar position.

The TV personality witnessed first-hand the wider impact of addiction while helping Argent, who recently underwent gastric band surgery, through cocaine dependency during their tumultuous three-year relationship.

Discussing her own experiences without mentioning her former partner by name, Gemma, 40, admitted the disease ultimately 'destroys lives, rips through families and left her in a really distressing situation.'

Speaking out: Emotional Gemma Collins has reflected ex-boyfriend James Argent's struggle with addiction while offering advice to those in a similar position

Responding to someone with similar issues while hosting The Gemma Collins Podcast, she said: 'This is going to sound harsh but it is something I have dealt with in my life. As much as you love them, they really need help and addiction is a very serious illness.

'I am going to tell you now, if you carry on like this things are going to get very out of control and you are going to end up in a really distressing situation. I can speak from my heart on this one because I have been there.'

Gemma also advocated the abstinence based 12 step program favoured by Alcoholics and Narcotics anonymous groups as a useful means of staying clean and sober.

Devastating: The TV personality witnessed first-hand the wider impact of addiction while helping Argent through cocaine dependency during their tumultuous three-year relationship

She added: 'People do get the right help, people do work on the steps. I've been where you are, you want to help and you believe them but once cocaine and addiction grabs hold of someone, you are powerless to do it.

'You are not the professional, I've been there myself and it's going to really break your heart. I've seen it, I've been there, I've got the T-shirt and I found it too distressing and impacting on my own life.

Touching on her own situation with Argent, she said: 'I have been in this position myself, it will destroy lives, it will rip through your family, it will rip through your friendship groups, it is a really awful situation.

'I look back now and I did it from love but it really can break your heart in the end.'

Fresh start: Argent is now clean and sober and recently had gastric band surgery as he embarks on a battle to lose weight after receiving a stark warning from doctors

Discussing the impact Argent's addiction issues had on her mental state during an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in February, the former TOWIE star admitted she'd even contemplated taking her own life.

She said: 'For anyone who ever thinks about taking drugs, or just trying it for one night, you can end up getting addicted.

'I was really happy with James. We did get on, but the drugs changed him as a person. I fought every day for three years to get him well."

Candid: Discussing her own experiences without mentioning her former partner by name, Gemma, 40, admitted addiction ultimately 'destroys lives and rips through families'

'I have felt suicidal I think when my relationship broke down with Arg, that affected me. I just thought, I don't wanna be here anymore. I can't take it.'

Gemma also admitted her personal rock bottom came in December 2019, when she pulled Argent from the brink of death on three occasions.

She said: 'Christmas was an all-time low. I saved his life three times, I had this insatiable love for him - I never wanted to give up on him.'

Argent is now clean and sober as he embarks on a battle to lose weight after receiving a stark warning from doctors.

Tearful: Gemma broke down while discussing the impact Argent's addiction issues had on her mental state during an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in February

Appearing on Good Morning Britain in March, he said: 'They've [doctors] basically been saying, the size I am at the moment, it could be fatal. If I was to catch Covid, I could be a goner. It has been worrying. It's been difficult putting on so much weight and obviously the fact I've got so big.

'It kind of shows I haven't been in the greatest of places. But I'm sitting here this morning, I'm feeling super positive.

'I've got life-changing surgery, which is going to be taking place in the near future, it's all booked up. I really feel like I'm making positive steps and I can't wait to get back to my very best.'
The Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed Wednesday that most of the recent travel-related COVID-19-positive cases in the government quarantine facility were from the Philippines.

And a number of residents who were vaccinated against COVID-19 still tested positive for the virus that causes the disease, but symptoms were not severe.

A Public Health representative to the Governor's Tourism Reopening Task Force shared this information during their Wednesday meeting.

"If we let these people come in and go straight home, we would have had 23 clusters now on the island. So that's our major concern," DPHSS medical operations chief Chima Mbakwem told fellow task force members.

Guam is poised to reopen tourism if 50% or 62,500 adults are fully vaccinated by May 1, the COVID-19 area risk score remains below 2.5 and the hospitalization rate stays low.

Free COVID-19 testing also continues.

A total of 29 recent travel-related COVID-19 cases have been identified.

Of that number, 23 traveled from the Philippines. They complied with the required negative polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test result no more than 72 hours prior to flying to Guam, but they tested positive during quarantine on Guam.

GVB officials and other task force members raised the issue of whether the more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines should be a concern for Guam, now that its tourism is poised to reopen and post-travel quarantine may be lifted.

Mbakwem said it's a concern for Public Health.

"If you look at our numbers, theres an increase in Philippine travelers coming to Guam who tested positive. What is scary is that they got the test before they got on the plane," he said, in compliance with CDC recommendations.

Mbakwem said Public Health has been catching a lot of the COVID-19-positive travelers in the quarantine facility.

At the meeting, GVB officials weren't able to get clarification on whether the recent travelers also were considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Philippines has implemented new rounds of lockdowns as new COVID-19 cases have gone up, breaching the 10,000-mark new cases daily. There were also reports of fake PCR tests in the Philippines.

13 new cases

Public Health has counted 13 new cases of COVID-19 out of 530 tests performed on Tuesday, reflecting an increase following recent days with zero to just a few new cases a day.

Three cases were identified through contact tracing. To date, there have been a total of 7,897 officially reported cases of COVID-19 with 136 deaths, 61 cases in active isolation, and 7,700 not in active isolation. Guam's COVID-19 Area Risk Score is 0.8.

Vaccinations working to reduce severity

Mbakwem, responding to GVB officials' questions, also said there's been "a lot" of residents on Guam who tested positive for COVID-19 even after they got their COVID-19 vaccination.

But he emphasized that Guam's hospitalization rate has remained so low, which shows that the vaccination has been working.

Getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 does not prevent anyone from getting or transmitting the virus - but infections are typically mild or symptom-free among those fully vaccinated.

As of Tuesday, there were three people hospitalized for COVID-19, an increase from one COVID-19 admission to the hospital one day earlier.

Tourism officials said some people may have a "false sense of security," so they stopped observing protocols such as social distancing, wearing masks and frequent sanitizing after they got fully vaccinated.

But overall, Guam's daily rate of new infection has been low, hovering at less than five a day for months now.

3 strategic initiatives

GVB and other agencies in the reopening task force have been ramping up preparations to reopen Guam tourism, which has been upended by pandemic travel restrictions since early 2020.

Gerry Perez, GVB vice president, emphasized the three strategic initiatives to reopen tourism:

Scaled up vaccinations.

Preparing the destination

Ability to strategically communicate the reopening efforts to island residents and the source markets of Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

By the time military and federal vaccination rates are added to the overall tally, Guam will be able to meet its Path to Half goal, he said.

On American soil, Guam's full vaccination rate is among the highest.

The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association and partners will have another vaccination clinic at Hyatt Regency Guam on April 27, and the 600 slots are already fully booked, GVB officials said.

Another 1,800 will have a chance to get vaccinated at future outreach clinics, which are outside of those held in villages and at the University of Guam Calvo Field House, GVB said.

Instead of paying for tourists' PCR test before returning to their country of origin, GVB is looking at acting as a mere intermediary between tourists and private providers such as American Medical Center or Guam Regional Medical City. In this role, GVB will make sure tourists have immediate and easy access to reliable PCR tests.

Each PCR test costs about $120, they said, which could be costly if GVB had to pay for at least the first few hundred tourists who visit.

The Maldives, an island destination like Guam, plans to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to international visitors as an incentive to reopen travel, once all local residents have been offered a vaccine. GVB officials said Guam will continue to look at what other destinations such as Maldives have been doing to reopen tourism.

Islandwide cleanup

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio's Islandwide Beautification Task Force, in partnership with GVB, is doing a massive cleanup on Saturday, April 24, GVB officials said.

The task force continues to invite volunteers to join the cleanup of beaches and roadways.

GVB's Perez also lauded the Department of Public Works' efforts in addressing dilapidated or abandoned buildings.

The number of businesses that have been approved for the Guam Safe Certification and World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travels stamp has doubled in about two weeks, from 25 to 55 as of Thursday, GVB's Perez said, out of 75 that so far applied.

This means these participating tourism-related businesses have met world standards for pandemic health and safety protocols.

GVB, with assistance from Public Health, serves as the official organization to issue the certification and stamp to local businesses.
Skoltech scientists in collaboration with researchers from the University of Arizona and the Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed an approach that allows power grids to return to stability fast after demand response perturbation. Their research at the crossroads of demand response, smart grids, and power grid control was published in the journal Applied Energy.

Power grids are complex systems that manage the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to consumers, also called loads. As it is not possible to store electrical energy along the transmission lines, grid operators must ensure, ideally at all times, the balance between production and consumption of electrical energy, i.e. the stability of power grids. While it is essential to guarantee the provision of electricity to consumers and meet their needs, random events, such as electric faults, fluctuations due to renewables penetration or a sudden excessive demand, may perturb the grid stability, possibly leading to brownouts or worse, blackouts. An illustrative real-life situation is when the electricity demand for air conditioning is high in case of heat waves, and cannot be met. If the electrical power reserve is insufficient, rolling blackouts may be implemented on a part or the whole of the distribution network; this management strategy, or worse, failures that lead to non-controlled blackouts profoundly affect the customers' comfort and well-being, as well as the utility companies' operation and profitability.

Careful scheduling by electricity providers is crucial to manage peaks of demands. To avoid contingencies, solutions exist: generator reserves, ancillary services, and demand response. The latter solution involves the customers who may reduce or shift their electricity consumption at suitable times for the company in exchange for lower prices. Companies may also leverage direct load control programs acting on, e.g., air-conditioners' and water heaters' switches.

"Demand response is a low-cost and flexible solution that relies on the customers' tolerance to a temporary perturbation of their comfort, but it may also cause problems such as the parasitic synchronization of individual devices. Put simply, after some demand response operation like turning all devices on, the devices will all be in the same state, consuming energy; then after some time they will all be off, and then on again almost simultaneously, and so on and so forth, if no action is taken to avoid such a kind of collective behavior. In other words, if all devices become synchronized, the power grid has to bear the stress of consumption oscillations possibly causing instability, and certainly delaying the ensemble's availability for a subsequent demand response period," professor Henni Ouerdane comments.

In the new study, the scientists analyzed the relaxation of the energy consumption dynamics of an ensemble of thermostatically controlled loads (air conditioners) after a demand response perturbation. Relaxation must occur rapidly enough to ensure energy efficiency, grid stability, and return to the consumers' "comfort zone".

"The focus was on a discrete model that captures the actual discrete dynamics of the system as information and control signals are sent over discrete time intervals. While it was shown previously using a continuous in-time model that relaxation may be accelerated through mean-field control, it is essential for practical load management to rather rely on discretized control models. The study demonstrates that super-relaxation is a genuine feature of discretized models, but also how these models based on a few control parameters provide energy systems operators with an efficient way to effectively manage the consumption dynamics of aggregated loads", adds lead author of the study and Skoltech PhD student Ilia Luchnikov.

"Our work essentially deals with the optimal use of energy resources and the sustainability of power systems, but the scope of demand response extends beyond power systems management, as it may be applied in other settings like the water sector, the oil industry, and waste management," professor Ouerdane concludes.

###
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Suspected bandits have attacked Greenfield University, a private university in Kaduna State, and kidnapped many students.

According to Channels Television, the bandits attacked the institution in the early hours of Wednesday.

PREMIUM TIMES could not verify the exact number of students kidnapped.

Greenfield University is located along the KadunaAbuja Highway, some few Kilometers to the Olam feed factory which is about 30km from Kaduna town.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.

Meanwhile, a call to both Mr Aruwan and the state police spokesperson, Mohammed Jalinge, by PREMIUM TIMES were not answered at the time of this report.

A former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned the attack.

The fresh report that bandits have attacked and kidnapped many students at the Greenfield University along Kaduna-Abuja road is yet another tragedy. Proprietors of schools within this axis need to read the signs. Even most of us have abandoned our farms to the care of God, the former lawmaker wrote on Twitter.

A man who lives close to the university, Abdul Umaru, said he heard gunshots in the early hours of Wednesday, but did not know what was happening.

With the way things are happening on that Abuja-Kaduna road, I cant expect a university operating at that area. We see the signboard and one police van always, but it is dangerous. Police have cordoned the whole area, Mr Umaru told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday morning.

Earlier in March, 39 students where kidnapped from a Forestry college also in Kaduna State.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said his government will not pay ransom to bandits as that encourages the criminals. Only five of the students of the forestry college have been released by the bandits while about 30 are still with the bandits.

Kidnapping for ransom has become rampant in many parts of Nigeria while mass kidnapping of students from their school is becoming a norm in the northern part of the country.

Apart from Kaduna, other Nigerian states that have witnessed mass abduction of students include Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe and Niger.
KINGSTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV:FMS) (the "Company" or "Focus Graphite") announced today that it plans to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 16,666,667 flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.12 per FT Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $2,000,000 (the "Offering").

The proceeds of the Offering will be used to support the exploration program on Company's Tetepisca Graphite Project located southwest of the Manicouagan reservoir in the Cote-Nord administrative region of north- eastern Quebec.

The Offering is expected to close in tranches, with the first tranche to close as soon as possible subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The FT Shares will be sold on a private placement basis to accredited investors pursuant to the "accredited investor" exemption or other available and agreed upon exemptions from prospectus requirements. The FT Shares will have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issue.

The Company may pay finder's fees equal to 7% of the gross proceeds from a portion of the financing in cash, and 7% finders warrants equal to the number of FT Shares issued as part of the Offering (the "Finder Warrants") in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each Finder Warrant entitles the finder to purchase one (1) non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.12 per common share for a period of 24 months from closing of the Offering.

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 these 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.

About Focus Graphite

Focus Graphite Inc. is an advanced exploration company with an objective of producing flake graphite concentrate at its wholly owned Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca flake graphite projects located in the Cote-Nord administrative region of Quebec. In a second stage, to meet Quebec stakeholder interests in developing second transformation industries within the province and to add shareholder value, Focus is evaluating the feasibility of producing value added specialty graphite products including battery-grade spherical graphite.

Focus Graphite is a technology-oriented graphite development company with a vision for building long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Focus also holds a significant equity position in graphene applications developer Grafoid Inc. For more information about Focus Graphite, please visit www.focusgraphite.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without limitation, the closing of the Offerings, statements pertaining to the use of proceeds, and the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. 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 information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Focus Graphite's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Focus Graphite Investor Contact:

Scott Anderson

Investor Relations

(858) 229-7063

sanderson@nextcap-ir.com

Focus Graphite Inc.

Judith Mazvihwa-MacLean

CFO

(613) 581-4040

jmazvihwa@focusgraphite.com

SOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641539/Focus-Graphite-Announces-Non-Brokered-Private-Placements-of-Flow-Through-Shares
While the lines blur between myths, truisms and rules of thumb, its a good idea now and then to examine some of the most prevalent assumptions, including a cluster of related maxims that keep appearing whenever politicos and pundits bend elbows to talk state politics.
Virus Outbreak Vaccine Tourism FILE - In this April 17, 2021, file photo, people check in for a flight to Miami at Silvio Pettirossi Airport, in Luque, Paraguay. Vaccine seekers who can afford to travel are coming to the United States to avoid the long wait, including people who have come from as far as Paraguay. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File)

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP)  They travel thousands of miles by plane from Latin America to the U.S., in some places taking a shuttle directly from the airport to COVID-19 vaccine sites. Their ranks include politicians, TV personalities, business executives and a soccer team.

People of means from Latin America are chartering planes, booking commercial flights, buying bus tickets and renting cars to get the vaccine in the United States due to lack of supply at home.

Virginia Gonzalez and her husband flew from Mexico to Texas and then boarded a bus to a vaccination site. They made the trip again for a second dose. The couple from Monterrey, Mexico, acted on the advice of the doctor treating the husband for prostate cancer. In all, they logged 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometers) for two round trips.

Its a matter of survival, Gonzalez said of getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. In Mexico, officials didnt buy enough vaccines. Its like they don't care about their citizens.

With a population of nearly 130 million people, Mexico has secured more vaccines than many Latin American nations  about 18 million doses as of Monday from the U.S., China, Russia and India. Most of those have been given to health care workers, people over 60 and some teachers, who so far are the only ones eligible. Most other Latin American countries, except for Chile, are in the same situation or worse.

So vaccine seekers who can afford to travel are coming to the United States to avoid the long wait, including people from as far as Paraguay. Those who make the trip must obtain a tourist visa and have enough money to pay for required coronavirus tests, plane tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and other expenses.

In Mexico, business is booming for chartered flights to Texas.

Gonzalez and her husband were inoculated in Edinburg, Texas, a city about 160 miles (254 kilometers) from their home. But with land entry points closed to nonessential travel, the couple decided to take a commercial flight to Houston and then travel by bus.

Story continues

Earlier this month, 19 players with Monterrey's professional soccer team known as Rayados flew to Dallas to get the vaccine, local media reported. In Peru, Hernando De Soto, an economist running for president, faced a backlash after he admitted he traveled to the U.S. to get vaccinated.

Television personalities have posted on social media about their trips, attracting the scorn of many viewers who accused them of flaunting their privilege. Juan Jose Origel, a Mexican television host, tweeted a photo of himself receiving the shot in January in Miami. Argentinian TV personality Yanina Latorre also traveled to Miami for her elderly mother to receive a vaccine and posted a video to Instagram. Shortly after, Florida officials began requiring proof of residency for those seeking a vaccine.

But about half of U.S. states, including Texas, Arizona, and California, have no such requirement and will accept any official form of identification with a photograph.

Many of those traveling have friends or relatives who live in the U.S. and can help them navigate the appointments system or seek a leftover shot. Some have second homes in the U.S., but others borrow a U.S. address. Some said they have read that many Americans do not plan to get vaccinated.

Alejandra, a dentist who also lives in Monterrey, said she decided to seek a vaccine in the U.S. shortly after losing her mother to COVID-19 in February. She registered online at a CVS pharmacy in Texas by using the address of a friend who lives there.

This past weekend, she flew to Houston and on Monday drove to receive her second Moderna shot in Pasadena, Texas. She asked that her full name not be published because she is afraid of retribution after seeing reports that those who traveled to get vaccines in the U.S. could lose their visas.

Alejandra said she felt a sense of calm after receiving the booster shot and thought of her mom.

What would have been if only my mom had had the opportunity to get the vaccine in the U.S., she said.

She knows there is criticism that foreigners like her are taking advantage of American taxpayers by getting inoculated in the United States, but she said she is trying to protect herself and her family.

The pharmacies are saying that it doesn't matter if you don't have documents ... and they are saying it because they are seeking the common good of society, she said.

The U.S. government is paying for the vaccines and for the cost of giving the shots to anyone who does not have insurance.

Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Health Services, said the vaccine in Texas is intended for people who live in, work in or spend a significant amount of time in Texas," and that more than 99% of people vaccinated were state residents.

Wealthy countries around the globe have been able to acquire the largest vaccine supplies, including the U.S., which has been criticized for not doing more to help poorer countries.

Inequality fuels vaccine tourism, said Ernesto Ortiz, senior manager of programs at Duke Universitys Global Health Innovation Center, in North Carolina, which keeps track of distribution of coronavirus vaccines worldwide. In Peru, for instance, only 2% of the countrys 32 million people have received a dose.

I dont blame them at all, they are desperate, the Peruvian-American scientist said in an email.

Geovanny Vazquez said he and a friend plan to take a commercial flight on May 3 from Guatemala City to Dallas, where another friend offered to help them find a coronavirus shot.

They were seeking the immunization to feel safe while working in their home country, where they manage apartment buildings that they rent out to visitors, Vazquez said.

He said he can spend up to 20 days in the United States to try to get a shot. If he cannot get inoculated in Texas, he plans travel to other states such as Louisiana or Arizona.

If he were to get infected with COVID-19, Vazquez is confident that he would recover. "But I also work with people, and that is the main reason why I would like to seek the chance" to get the vaccine in the U.S., he said.

___

Rodriguez reported from San Francisco.
New Delhi: The United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (April 21, 2021) expressed that the 'verdict is a step forward' after a jury found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd.



"The verdict is a step forward. And while nothing can ever bring George Floyd back, this can be a giant step forward on the march towards justice in America," the US President said on Twitter.

Today, a jury in Minnesota found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd. The verdict is a step forward. And while nothing can ever bring George Floyd back, this can be a giant step forward on the march towards justice in America.  President Biden (@POTUS) April 20, 2021

While addressing the nation, Joe Biden said, "No one should be above the law. Today's verdict sends that message, but it is not enough. We can't stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform, we can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this ever occur.

"There's meaningful police reform legislation in George Floyd`s name, but it shouldn`t take a year to get it done. I assured the Floyd family that we're going to continue to fight for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so I can sign it into law right away," Biden added.

The US President further said, " 'I can't breathe' -- those were George Floyd's last words. We cannot let them die with him. We have to keep hearing them. We must not turn away. We cannot turn away."

Live: President Biden and Vice President Harris address the nation on the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. https://t.co/wNeoPOcvwM  The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 20, 2021

He said that this can be a moment of significant change and expressed, "Let there be a legacy of peace, not violence. Those who see to exploit raw emotions of the moment, fan the flames of division, we can't let them succeed. This is the time to unite as Americans and fight racial prejudice."

US Vice President Kamala Harris said, "We are all part of George Floyd's legacy. And now our job is to honor itto honor him.

She added, "Today's verdict brings us a step closer to making equal justice under law a reality. But the verdict will not heal pain that has existed for generations. It will not take away the pain felt by the Floyd family. That's why we must recommit to fight for equal justice."

Todays verdict brings us a step closer to making equal justice under law a reality. But the verdict will not heal pain that has existed for generations. It will not take away the pain felt by the Floyd family. Thats why we must recommit to fight for equal justice.  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 21, 2021

Biden and Harris also spoke to George Floyd's family.

"We're all so relieved, not just one verdict but all three. Guilty on all three counts. It's really important," Joe Biden said to the family.

Former US President Barack Obama also released an official statement and said that the jury did the 'right thing, but true justice requires much more'.

"Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied," Obama said.

Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021

The former 45-year old Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was charged with killing George Floyd, a black man, by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd's death had triggered worldwide protests (Black Lives Matter movement) against racism in the US.


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VTOL

One concept that I personally feel needs some attention because of its level of versatility is the Aeros from Lee Rosario, a conceptual designer from Orlando, Florida. If you look at Mr. Rosarios webpage , youll meet designs that range from architecture to Formula 1 cars, blimps, motorcycles, drones, rovers, and air taxis like the Aeros.The Aeros is an air taxi that is a bit different from other designs you may have seen. That's because, unlike other renderings that float around the WWW, this one has been given a decent amount of thought and does include some technological ideas.That is one of the beautiful things about renderings and concepts such as these; they sometimes capture a future that society is aiming for , and one that sometimes becomes a reality.Upon first sight, the renderings reveal an air taxi that may be different from the current drone-like vehicles under development. Only one rotor is visible on the taxi, but that one rotor is large enough to lift the entire vehicle off the ground or landing pad.Once in the air, part two of the propulsion system kicks in. At the rear of the taxi, the designer states that there's a Rolls Royce Hybrid Electric Jet powerplant that releases a jet exhaust. Basically, youll be riding around on a jet powered e-, and as far as I'm aware, Rolls Royce isnt officially in on the action.Since the rear controls thrust, the rotor is meant to control lift, but what about lateral movements and fine adjustments? As odd as what I'm about to tell you may sound, theres a method to the designers madness.Looking at the Aeros from above, youll notice two dome-like structures. The first dome, the one at the front, is simply meant to house passengers, while the smaller dome at the rear, the one with all the holes in it, is meant to stabilize the vehicle laterally. How? The holes you see are small channels or blow jets activated via computer-controlled software. These small thrusters are just enough to keep the body stable. A few more of these blow jets are also found on the rear's underside for the same purpose.Now, for the most important feature of the Aeros: its amphibious! Thats right. Unlike other air taxi designs available on the market and currently being researched, as far as I'm aware, this one is just as comfortable in local waters as it is soaring through the skies.Lets say youre island hopping in the Maldives. No longer will your trip be limited due to the lack of a landing surface. Even more, the Aeros doesnt just land on water but can also operate in depths up to 20 feet (6.1 meters). The cockpit is pressurized to ensure this ability is carried out safely.To do so, the same propulsion system used for flying can be used in water as similarities between air and water, in terms of fluid mechanics, do exist. Check out some of Da Vincis studies if youd like to get a good start in fluid mechanics.Sure, its not so simple, but water could very well be used if the engine includes some secondary function that uses water as a jet stream. I believe jet skis function on a similar principle to the one I'm describing.As for you, the passenger, youll be sitting in a cabin that offers no view of an outside world except via a sophisticated environmental camera that projects your surroundings inside the cabin via a curved plasma display. No, wait, wheres my popcorn!?Sure, it may seem like a long shot, but think about it for a minute. Its only a matter of time before somebody takes an e-VTOL and straps a jet engine to it. Then its only a matter of time before another lab-crazed designer creates a system that allows for amphibious abilities. Wont be long now.
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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, has ordered an immediate withdrawal of senior police officers attached to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The development signals a simmering hostility between the two law enforcement agencies with a longstanding history of collaboration that has helped the anti-graft agency to meet its personnel needs since inception.

This newspaper, late Tuesday, obtained a copy of the IGPs letter dated April 15, 2021 asking the EFCC chair, Abdulrasheed Bawa, to release all senior officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), and above, attached to the commission.

The letter, signed on behalf of the IGP by his Principal Staff Officer, Idowu Owohunwa, an acting commissioner of police, cited the current operational requirements as the reason for the withdrawal of the police officers.

The correspondence (with reference number, CB: 3380/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.3/547) which was said to have been received with shock by the commission, also directed the affected officers to report to Mr Owohunwa by 10a.m. on Wednesday for further instructions.

I write to extend the warmest regards of the Inspector General of Police and to inform the Chairman that the Inspector General of Police has directed the withdrawal of all Senior Police Officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and above attached to your agency.

This decision is informed by the current operational requirements of the Force. You are accordingly requested to kindly direct the immediate release of the concerned Officers who are to collectively report to the undersigned on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 1000hrs for further instructions, the read in part.

In addition, the IGP also requested the EFCC chair to avail this office (IGP office) the comprehensive nominal roll of all police personnel attached to the EFCC to include their date of transfer and designations in the agency for the purpose of updating our records.

Wide gap in EFCC?

PREMIUM TIMES understands that 25 CSPs performing crucial operational roles at the EFCC are affected by the IGPs directive which is bound to have an immediate negative impact on the commissions operations.

The development is coming barely two months after Mr Bawa assumed office as EFCC chair and less than two weeks after Mr Alkali was appointed acting IGP.

The anti-graft agency, which was said to have been shocked by the IGPs directive, is worried that the development came at a time when it has yet to take full benefit of the resources it expended on training the officers.

These are officers holding crucial positions at the EFCC. A lot of resources have been expended on them to train them to work for the commission, and the commission has not taken full benefit of its investment on them.

They are sectional heads in the commission with many detectives under them receiving training from them. Some of them are even currently handling crucial national assignments on behalf of the commission. This is going to create a wide gap within the commission, a top EFCC official, who asked not to be named because of lack of authority to speak to the media on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES.

There has been a longstanding collaboration between the police and the EFCC in the area of deployment of police officers to the commission as detectives and for other operational roles.

All previous EFCC chairpersons since inception had policing background.

Mr Bawa, a pioneer cadet officer of the commission, is the first chair of the anti-graft agency without policing background.
The winning team will receive a monetary prize of $10,000 and further potential funding, strategic collaborations to help scale the venture, locally and outside of India

Medix Global has announced the list of finalists that will be progressing to the final round of the Medix Globals Digital Health Innovation Challenge in India.

The five finalists have been selected from a diverse pool of over 110 applicants working on digital health solutions for enhancing accessibility & implementation of quality medical care, promoting health literacy, optimising costs, providing patient engagement, driving medical adherence & compliance and improving health outcomes benefitting stakeholders from across the health, insurance and pharma sectors.

The finalists will present their innovative solutions and ideas to the independent jury comprised of eminent business leaders, CEOs, renowned innovators, entrepreneurs and academics with the aim of raising funds, and gaining traction through strategic partnerships and relationships. The virtual event will be hosted on April 29, 2021.

The jury will further evaluate the teams for their potential to increase accessibility to care, reduce unwarranted healthcare variations and advance sustainability of the Indian healthcare ecosystem and the ability to make a real difference in people's lives.

The winning team will receive a monetary prize of $10,000 and further potential funding, strategic collaborations to help scale the venture, locally and outside of India. The three runners-up will also receive three months of mentorship by Medix Globals expert team.

Speaking on the occasion, Sigal Atzmon, Founder & CEO, Medix Global said,  After careful evaluation, we are pleased to announce the five teams of finalists and congratulate them for making it to the final round.

The five teams that have been selected to compete in the finale of the Medix Global Digital Health Innovation Challenge are:

1. Wellthy Therapeutics - Wellthy Therapeutics designs clinically validated digital health interventions for chronic disease management which are deployed through a cloud-based technology stack.

2. Fitterfly Healthtech Pvt Ltd - Fitterfly is a health tech start-up challenging the status quo in diabetes.

3. Metamagics (GridSense) - GridSenseHealth is a complete, connected, proactive and preventive platform for pre and post-transplant care, designed to save lives and saving the cost of saving lives.

4. State of Mind.ai - By understanding employee's functional and emotional needs, they aim to help companies become employee experience powerhouse - a place where individuals can feel happier, healthier, engaged, and productive.

5. Stamurai  Stamurai is a speech therapy app for stuttering and speech impairments.
Credit: Pavel Odinev / Skoltech

Skoltech scientists in collaboration with researchers from the University of Arizona and the Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed an approach that allows power grids to return to stability fast after demand response perturbation. Their research at the crossroads of demand response, smart grids, and power grid control was published in the journal Applied Energy.

Power grids are complex systems that manage the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to consumers, also called loads. As it is not possible to store electrical energy along the transmission lines, grid operators must ensure, ideally at all times, the balance between production and consumption of electrical energy, i.e. the stability of power grids. While it is essential to guarantee the provision of electricity to consumers and meet their needs, random events, such as electric faults, fluctuations due to renewables penetration or a sudden excessive demand, may perturb the grid stability, possibly leading to brownouts or worse, blackouts. An illustrative real-life situation is when the electricity demand for air conditioning is high in case of heat waves, and cannot be met. If the electrical power reserve is insufficient, rolling blackouts may be implemented on a part or the whole of the distribution network; this management strategy, or worse, failures that lead to non-controlled blackouts profoundly affect the customers' comfort and well-being, as well as the utility companies' operation and profitability.

Careful scheduling by electricity providers is crucial to manage peaks of demands. To avoid contingencies, solutions exist: generator reserves, ancillary services, and demand response. The latter solution involves the customers who may reduce or shift their electricity consumption at suitable times for the company in exchange for lower prices. Companies may also leverage direct load control programs acting on, e.g., air-conditioners' and water heaters' switches.

"Demand response is a low-cost and flexible solution that relies on the customers' tolerance to a temporary perturbation of their comfort, but it may also cause problems such as the parasitic synchronization of individual devices. Put simply, after some demand response operation like turning all devices on, the devices will all be in the same state, consuming energy; then after some time they will all be off, and then on again almost simultaneously, and so on and so forth, if no action is taken to avoid such a kind of collective behavior. In other words, if all devices become synchronized, the power grid has to bear the stress of consumption oscillations possibly causing instability, and certainly delaying the ensemble's availability for a subsequent demand response period," professor Henni Ouerdane comments.

In the new study, the scientists analyzed the relaxation of the energy consumption dynamics of an ensemble of thermostatically controlled loads (air conditioners) after a demand response perturbation. Relaxation must occur rapidly enough to ensure energy efficiency, grid stability, and return to the consumers' "comfort zone."

"The focus was on a discrete model that captures the actual discrete dynamics of the system as information and control signals are sent over discrete time intervals. While it was shown previously using a continuous in-time model that relaxation may be accelerated through mean-field control, it is essential for practical load management to rather rely on discretized control models. The study demonstrates that super-relaxation is a genuine feature of discretized models, but also how these models based on a few control parameters provide energy systems operators with an efficient way to effectively manage the consumption dynamics of aggregated loads," adds lead author of the study and Skoltech Ph.D. student Ilia Luchnikov.

"Our work essentially deals with the optimal use of energy resources and the sustainability of power systems, but the scope of demand response extends beyond power systems management, as it may be applied in other settings like the water sector, the oil industry, and waste management," professor Ouerdane concludes.

Explore further Smart devices to schedule electricity use may prevent blackouts

More information: I. Luchnikov et al. Super-relaxation of spacetime-quantized ensemble of energy loads to curtail their synchronization after demand response perturbation, Applied Energy (2021). I. Luchnikov et al. Super-relaxation of spacetime-quantized ensemble of energy loads to curtail their synchronization after demand response perturbation,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116419
Coaldale

The Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association will have its second quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, 121 W. High St. All delegates are invited; association members should have at least one delegate attend. For more information, email SCVFA recording secretary Leroy Boyer at pubsportsboss@gmail.com.

Cressona

Bethany Christian Fellowship, 102 Front St., will have a takeout-only turkey dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. For more information, including pricing and menu, call 570-385-0609.

Mar Lin

Due to rain in the forecast, Schuylkill Technology Center, Mar Lin and Frackville, has moved its open house to 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 28. For more information, visit www.stcenters.org or contact Stacey Minahan at minas@stcenters.org or Chris Groody at cgroody@stcenters.org.

New Ringgold

Char Wills Kennel, 2 E. Railroad Ave., will have pet first aid/CPR from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including fee, call 570-943-2624 or email diane@charwillkennel.com. Char Wills also will have its Making it Pawsible barn/rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 and May 1-2, with a variety of items on sale. Proceeds will help make available reduced-cost spay and neuter services in Schuylkill and Carbon counties. For more information, use the aforementioned contacts. Char Wills, according to its website, is nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for German shepherds in need.

Pottsville

A program called Breakout the Superheroes Escape Room will be held at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, for ages 6-11. It is free, but with limited spacing, so registration, masks and social distancing are required. For more information, or to register, call 570-622-8880.
PHILADELPHIA, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global consumer products company, Just Play, has pledged to donate one million Children's Face Masks to various organizations across the U.S. that protect and enhance the health and livelihood of children. To date, the company has donated over 620,000 face masks to recipients including children's hospitals in Texas, Colorado, Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation in South Florida, Virtua Voorhees Hospital in New Jersey, Ronald McDonald House Charities in Philadelphia, the First Responders Children's Foundation, and school systems across the country, with more donations planned to bring the total to one million by the end of 2021.

Just Plays Childrens Face Masks feature characters and properties that kids know and love, including Barbie, Batman, Blues Clues & You!, DreamWorks Animations Trolls World Tour, Hello Kitty, and Ryans World. The single use masks feature a contouring nose strip and three layers of protection and are sold in family-sized packs of either 14 or 24 masks.

Now available at major retailers, Just Play donates a portion of proceeds of every box of licensed face masks purchased towards providing masks to those in need. The company launched the collection of Children's Face Masks last year to address a need they identified in the market: comfortable, fashionable, and effective face masks that fit kids well and feature characters and properties that they know and love, including Barbie, Batman, Blue's Clues & You!, DreamWorks Animation's Trolls World Tour, Hello Kitty, and Ryan's World. The single use masks feature a contouring nose strip and three layers of protection and are sold in family-sized packs of either 14 or 24 masks.

As one of the largest toy manufacturers in the U.S., Just Play always strives to bring smiles and joy to children.

Charlie Emby, Co-President of Just Play, explained, "We were excited for the opportunity to bring happiness to children while helping to keep them safe. When creating this line with our licensing partners, it was always imperative that we give back to those vital organizations that have cared for so many of us during this difficult time. We expect, and are humbly proud, to reach the goal of one million masks donated through the efforts of our team and partners."

"We are incredibly thankful for Just Play's donation of face masks for our children and their families," said Sharon Truske, Director of Major Gifts at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation. "It's so touching to see the kids light up when they recognize their favorite characters  it makes the necessity of mask-wearing so much more enjoyable for them."

BATMAN and all related characters and elements  &  DC Comics. (s21)

About Just Play, LLC

Just Play is a passionate toy company and global leader across a broad range of children's consumer goods including figures, playsets, dolls, plush, role-play and dress-up. They create unique and innovative proprietary lines, as well as award-winning products based on popular children's entertainment brands with best-in-class licensing partners. Just Play was founded by two toy industry veterans, Charlie Emby and Geoffrey Greenberg, in 2010 and since then has become the #6 toy company in North America, according to NPD. To learn more about Just Play's products, please visit www.justplayproducts.com or follow the company on Twitter (@JustPlayToys) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JustPlay).

SOURCE Just Play
[April 21, 2021] Education Technology Keeps Crucial Tests and Exams Going

Online tests and assessments dramatically cut down on marking time and can successfully guard against cheating, according to a new study by digital leader Fujitsu and one of the leading universities in Japan. The results demonstrate how learning institutions can keep crucial tests and exams going when physical assessments are not possible or preferable. The lessons will impact how institutions can manage assessments during Covid-19 and beyond by moving tests online with Questionmark, the online assessment provider. The study found that: Marking time was reduced by 90% - the Questionmark automated marking feature made the grading process more efficient.

- the Questionmark automated marking feature made the grading process more efficient. Cheating was prevented - the Questionmark Record and Review feature adequately detects suspicious activities.

- the Questionmark Record and Review feature adequately detects suspicious activities. Students need a clear explanation of the detection system in advance - it is important to explain the detection system and how it will be used. Students need examples of the suspicious behvior it will detect.

- it is important to explain the detection system and how it will be used. Students need examples of the suspicious behvior it will detect. The assessment operated smoothly - every participant was able to complete the exam from home without major difficulties.



News - Alert) and one of the leading universities in Japan. They wanted to explore how learning institutions could keep crucial assessments going during Covid-19. Together they arranged for students to take a test from home through the Questionmark platform. To guard against cheating and ensure that the results could be trusted, Questionmark Record and Review was used to supervise the assessment. Record and Review records the assessment taking place. It flags any signs of suspicious behavior for future review. This behavior could include unusual head movement or signs that a candidate is talking to someone else.

After the assessment, the candidates completed a survey to express how they felt about being recorded during the assessment. Lars Pedersen, CEO of Questionmark, said: "Social distancing has forced learning providers to rethink how they assess student progress. As this study shows, exams and tests can be moved online while still guarding against cheating. "The study also shows how online assessments can create efficiencies for the future. Now that institutions are confident in delivering online exams, there is no need to return to laborious, time-consuming and inefficient physical assessments." www.questionmark.com 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005154/en/

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In the coming weeks we will be announcing our comprehensive plan, and it will explain how were thinking about spending this money over the next few years, Jackson said. ... This is short term, and it is directly given to address the pandemic. And so we are trying to be fiscally responsible while also paying close attention, laserlike attention to the needs that we know that our students have as a result of being out of school for a year due to the pandemic.
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Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for unity as the country marked 41 years of independence on Sunday. But the president also accused the opposition leader of being destructive, and the opposition fired right back, saying the president and his party are violent against the people.

In a wide-ranging interview aired on national television to mark the countrys independence, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to unite so that the country can prosper.

Asked about Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, the 78-year-old leader said, Well, you have mentioned this one Zimbabwean, you forget that him and his vice president [Tendai Biti] went to America to ask for sanctions to continue to be imposed on Zimbabwe. So, before they cut that cord with the Americans it is difficult to be proper Zimbabweans! I still believe that Mr. Chamisa is a young Zimbabwean, he still has that opportunity to positively contribute to his country if he puts aside the vision for violent demonstrations against his country, being destructive.

Independence celebrations were muted this year with most of the usual festivities canceled due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Clifford Hlatshwayo, the spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, dismissed the remarks by Mnangagwa saying his party was more peaceful than the ruling ZANU-PF.

MDC Alliance has been the victims of violence. The people of Zimbabwe are victims of violence perpetrated by ZANU-PF! Orchestrated, organized and sponsored by ZANU-PF government! It is an open secret that Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF are the archbishops of violence, theyre archbishops of causing harm within the Zimbabwean communities, Hlatshwayo said.

For the past two decades, Zimbabwes government has often used force to shut down opposition rallies and protests and intimidate MDC supporters ahead of elections. The violence triggered Western sanctions against Zimbabwean officials and their allies that have yet to be lifted.

There were varying reactions to Mnangagwas accusation of the opposition as a violent party. Twenty-seven-year-old Stallos Sithole dismissed the call for unity.

So, for Emmerson in my view to say that we want unity he has been the center of violence. For the past 41 years Zimbabwe has never seen peaceful elections, has never had an uninterrupted decade without violence, so we have always been engaged in these vicious cycles of violence. For Emmerson to operate as a peace builder and someone who can unify aggressive forces is utter dross and hogwash for me as a young person, Sithole said.

Lameck Shiri is a vegetable vendor in Harare.

Shiri said, So, the presidents interview, the independence interview to me it shows that Zimbabweans are a diverse people because there are some issues, he discussed which are generally full of loopholes but at the same time, there are other issues which he addressed which show that there have been some strides that have been made by the ZANU-PF government under Mnangagwa though on the little political freedom and expression of free speech has been curtailed.

Mnangagwa, who took over from the late Robert Mugabe in 2017, says Zimbabweans are now enjoying more rights and freedoms than under his predecessor. In his Independence Day address, Mnangagwa promised a brighter and more prosperous Zimbabwe.
By Kim Ji-soo





As the day of the 93rd Academy Awards Ceremony (April 26, 9 a.m. KST) approaches, there is heightened awareness of whether film "Minari" by the Korean American director, Lee Isaac Chung, will grab awards based on six nominations, including one for veteran Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung.



Youn was nominated in the category of Best Supporting Actress, based on her heart-warming portrayal of the character of the grandmother in the film.



In the movie, the plant known as "minari" in Korean, is planted by the grandmother, Soonja, as she adjusts to life in Arkansas, the United States. As many already know, the Korean American director has said that the movie is loosely based on his own family's story.



In the film Youn shares a number of scenes with the character of her grandson at a creek bed she identifies as ideal for growing minari. The plant is one of the things through which they bond with one another and even sing together about it. She tells him that while he has been living in America, he hasn't had the chance to taste the vegetable. So she attempts to explain:



"But it's the best food. It grows like weeds, so anyone can have it: a rich person, a poor person. Anyone can pick it and be healthy. You can put it in kimchi, or in soup. When you are sick, it is medicine. Minari is truly wonderful. Wonderful."



The film doesn't, however, show us any dishes containing the vegetable. In Korean cuisine, minari is often used in side dishes, as marinated "banchan" or grilled alongside with pork, or boiled with fish stews, including blowfish stew. Juiced and packaged minari extracts are considered good supplements to those with a weak liver. It can additionally perhaps stand alone in "jeon," a popular savory pancake.



These days, one of the most popular versions of minari used in Korean cooking is as a vegetable cooked and eaten alongside Korean "samgyeopsal," or pork belly. One new samgyeopsal restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, shows that popular dishes featuring minari include: minari ramyeon, minari jeon, and minari bibimbap, or rice mixed with various vegetables, including minari. With minari sourced from a friend's farm in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, the restaurateur said that their minari is fresh enough to eat raw, especially the stems, while the upper part, with the leaves, should be grilled together with pork.



Also, he said that by presenting minari as the main vegetable on their menu, it allows customers to eat it with chopsticks, freeing them from having to use their hands to make "ssam," or wraps with lettuce, as Koreans usually do with leafy green vegetables.



Tasting like a mix of cilantro, mint, and parsley, minari is also used in Korean temple cuisine.



"The minari at the temple grows in the waters flowing down from the mountain, so it is clean. So we eat it fresh, place it on a bowl of rice, amounting to perhaps more than the rice, then spicing it up with fermented hot pepper sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds," said the Venerable Seon-jae, a leading figure in temple cuisine and former chief of the Korean Food Promotion Institute. "It's fresh minari bibimbap, and only possible with clean-grown minari," she said.



"You can also eat it in minari pancakes, putting in about the same amounts of minari and potatoes, with a small amount of flour," said the Ven. Seon-jae.



As Buddha's birthday approaches on May 19, the Ven. Seon-jae said that, as a special treat, they plan to prepare "minari ganghoe." This treat is an oyster mushroom, topped with a jujube, wrapped with ribbon-like minari.



Asked whether minari, with its slightly pungent, herbal flavor, can readily be accepted as tasty, the Venerable Seon-jae answered, "Since there is an abundance of minari here, and I eat it a lot, it has become delicious to me. Don't dismiss its distinctive flavor. "





Kim Ji-soo is the managing editor of The Korea Times' print edition.


Hyderabad, April 21 : Telangana's Industry and Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday said that four lakh remdesivir injections will be made available in all the government hospitals within the coming one week.

On the directions of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Rama Rao held a meeting with the pharma companies producing remdesivir injections.

Keeping in mind the increased demand for injections, KTR, as the minister is popularly known, asked the pharma companies to increase their production and ensure four lakh remdesivir injections are supplied to the government hospitals within the next one week.

In wake of the Covid spike in the state, the hospitals are seeing a shortage of remdesivir injections. Both the inflow of patients and the demand for the injections are increasing. The patients suffering from breathing problems are being given oxygen and also remdesivir injections which are yielding good results.
Mahindra Lifespace Developers today announced that it has finalised the terms to purchase approximately 3.2 acres of land in Pimpri, Pune, from Mahindra & Mahindra. The purchase is expected to be concluded in around six months, subject to the fulfillment of agreed conditions by both buyer and seller.

The land parcel is strategically located in the residential area of Nehru Nagar.

This new project will offer approximately 3.25 lakh sq. ft. of carpet area. When it is launched, this will be Mahindra Lifespaces' fourth residential project in the micro market. Its last project in that market, Mahindra Centralis, was sold out at launch in 2019.

The said land parcel is about 1KM away from the upcoming metro station opposite the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation office.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Wednesday reported



67,468 fresh cases, taking its tally beyond the 40 lakh mark, while 568 more patients succumbed to the infection, said a state health department official.

The tally of 67,468 infections, the second highest single-day count so far, pushed the COVID-19 caseload of to 40,27,827, he said.

The highest statewide daily count so far - 68,631 - was reported on April 18.

The 568 new fatalities pushed the statewide toll to 61,911, the official said.

Out of the 568 fatalities, 303 occurred in the last 48hours and 160 last week, while 105 deaths took place in period before the last week, but were added to the toll now, the official said.

Also, 54,985 patients were discharged from hospitals during the day, raising the number of recovered cases to 32,68,449, he said.

With this, Maharashtra's active caseload increased to 6,95,747, the official said.

Mumbai recorded 7,654 new cases and 62 fatalities, taking the tally to 6,01,713 and the toll to 12,508.

With 2,72,744 new tests, the number of samples examined so far in has gone up to 2,46,14,480, the official said.

Currently, 39,15,292 people are in home quarantine, while 28,384 are in institutional quarantine in the state, the health department said.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 recovery rate stood at 81.15 per cent, while the fatality rate was 1.54 per cent, the, department said.

The state's positivity rate (percentage of people who test positive out of those tested) stood at 16.36 per cent, it said.

The Mumbai division, including Mumbai city and its satellite towns, recorded 16,491 cases and 150 deaths, taking the count of cases to 12,52,334 and the fatalities to 22,057, he said.

After Mumbai, Raigad district reported the most deaths in the division at 40, the official said.

The Nashik division reported a jump of nearly 3,000 cases from Tuesdays count of 8,601 to 11,578 on Wednesday. The main contributors to the tally were Nashik city (4,469), Ahmednagar district (2,096) and Jalgaon district (1,003).

Out of 98 fresh deaths in the division, 25 were from Nashik, 24 Nandurbar district, 19 Ahmednagar and 11 from Jalgaon district.

The Pune division saw 13,962 fresh infections, including 5,538 in Pune city and 2,316 in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Out of 68 deaths in the division, Satara and Pune city reported 24 and 21, respectively, the official said.

The Kolhapur division added 2,445 new cases, while Aurangabad division reported 3,145 infections. The Latur division reported 4,740 cases and 62 deaths.

Out of 62 deaths in the Latur division, 17 were from Osmanabad district and 12 from Beed, he said.

The caseload of the Akola division increased by 2,760, while 38 more patients succumbed with Amravati city (13) and Buldhana district (10) contributing to most of the fatalities, the official said.

The Nagpur division registered 12,347 new cases of COVID-19, including 5,160 in Nagpur city. The division also reported 94 deaths, of which 32 were in Nagpur city and 23 in Bhandara district, the official said.

As many as 146 COVID-19 patients from other states have been treated in Maharashtra so far. Of these, 114 have died, he added.

Maharashtra's figures as follows: Total cases 40,27,827, new cases 67,468, deaths 61,911, recoveries 32,68,449, active cases 6,95,747, people tested so far 2,46,14,480.

(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.)
Singlewire Software wins Platinum Govies Award for InformaCast Fusion with IPAWS We are honored that nearly twenty years later, InformaCast continues to be recognized as an industry leader for the safety and communication benefits it offers government organizations. - Pat Scheckel, Singlewire Software

Singlewire Software, a leading mass notification service provider, has won a 2021 Platinum Govies Award from Security Today Magazine in the Emergency Communication Systems category for its InformaCast Fusion with IPAWS solution. An independent panel of judges from the security industry selected the InformaCast based on a variety of criteria, including features, innovation, user friendliness, interoperability, quality, design, market opportunity, technical advances, scalability, and overall impact in the security industry.

Our InformaCast software was born out of a need from a government agency following the September 11th attacks, said Pat Scheckel, executive vice president of product management for Singlewire Software. We are honored that nearly twenty years later, InformaCast continues to be recognized as an industry leader for the safety and communication benefits it offers government organizations.

InformaCast Fusion with IPAWS uses Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) mass notification functionality via its InformaCast Fusion and InformaCast Mobile software offerings. IPAWS provides public safety officials (federal, state, local, tribal, etc.) with an effective way to alert and warn the public about serious emergencies. This new functionality within InformaCast utilizes the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to broadcast messages. WEA messages can reach any cell phone within a geographic area, and EAS allows users to set a screen crawl across TV screens for local TV stations. The goal is to provide organizations with the best possible options to reach everyone about critical emergency events. Utilizing these two methods helps extend InformaCast notifications beyond devices that are connected to the system.

It is apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic had very little affect upon product development and deployment in the government security sector. We have seen a tremendous response from manufacturers who support the government vertical, said Ralph C. Jensen, editor in chief, Security Today magazine. We appreciate all the manufacturers who labor diligently to ensure security in the government space, including federal, state, local and Native American jurisdictions. Were pleased to honor these winners and thank all those who participated in this amazing process.

For more information about how InformaCast can enhance safety and communication, visit http://www.singlewire.com/informacast.

About Singlewire Software

Singlewire Software, based in Madison, Wis., is the developer of InformaCast, a leading software solution for fast and reliable emergency notifications. More than 7,000 organizations in over 85 countries use InformaCast for emergency mass notifications. Whether its an active shooter, severe weather, or another crisis situation, InformaCast helps reach the right people, with the right information, to increase awareness, safety and security. To learn more, visit http://www.singlewire.com/informacast.

About 1105 Medias Infrastructure Solutions Group

1105 Medias Infrastructure Solutions Group includes several leading industry media brands that provide new product and technology solutions for security professionals: Security Today, securitytoday.com, GovSec, Campus Security & Life Safety, and campuslifesecurity.com. The brands print, digital, custom media and research products integrate physical and IT security coverage and provide the smartest, most cost-effective solutions for reaching security decision makers.

###


Mumbai, April 21 : Actress Narayani Shastri, who is currently seen on the show "Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha", says that she loves being part of the television industry.

Narayani adds that actor says that she has is happy with all that the small screen industry has given her, and would choose it over films, ads and theatre.

"I believe in hard work. The kind of work that I have done, I have made a place in the TV world. I love my industry and will choose it over movies or ads or theatre any day," she told IANS.

She adds that people in the television industry are aware of the kind of work she likes to do.

"It's been 20 years that I have been working, people get an idea as to what kind of work I would do," she says.

Meanwhile, the actress adds that while she is eager to take on good work, she has no qualms about waiting for the right project.

"It is not easy to wait between two projects. As an actor, you feel like you want to do something, but your gut says no -- and then you will not be happy and neither will the audience," she says.

The actress is known for her show such as "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi", "Piya Ka Ghar" and "Namak Haraam".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Generally cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
People vaccinated with Russias Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine will certainly not develop long-term after-effects such as cancer, the head of the vaccines developer said on Tuesday.

"Nucleic acids that are administered to us together with the vaccine cannot replicate. Since they cannot replicate, they have no ability to influence on our eukaryotic cells. As it has no such influence, it technically has no ability to cause hereditary diseases, or oncological diseases, or diseases in future generations. There are no mechanisms that can make this possible," Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, told the Dok-Tok program on Russias TV Channel One.

The Russian scientist went on to say that the platform used to create Sputnik V is being studied for many years.

"The platform for this vaccine <> has been in development for the past 25 years, and is being used to create other vaccines starting from 2014. Possible health effects, including long-term consequences, have already been examined. There are protocols about it," TASS cited Gintsburg as saying.

Russia was the first in the world to register an anti-coronavirus vaccine on August 11, 2020. The jab, developed by the Russian Health Ministrys Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, was dubbed Sputnik V. It is a vector vaccine based on the human adenovirus.

Sputnik V has already been registered in 60 countries and is the worlds second most popular vaccine in terms of approval by national governments. A research on 3.8 million vaccinated Russians revealed that the vaccines efficacy is 97.6%.
Bengaluru, April 22 : In a rare move, the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch has arrested a person under the provisions of the Goonda Act for running illegal gambling dens across the city, the police said on Wednesday.

According to the police, this was the first case in Karnataka in which a gambling den operator has been arrested under the provisions of the 'Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders, Slum-Grabbers And Video Or Audio Pirates Act, 1985', which is popularly known as Goonda Act in common parlance.

According to the police, the arrested person has been identified as Hariraj Shetty, 58, a resident of Bengaluru.

A police officer told IANS that Shetty has been booked for more than a dozen times since 2014 for running gambling dens at various places in Bengaluru.

"He played a role in setting up illegal gambling dens and video game parlours across Bengaluru and is the mastermind behind many crimes associated with gambling, such as extorting money from both the losers and the winners," the officer said.

The police have registered a case and further investigation is on.
The Decatur Police Department is asking the public to help it identify three people suspected of stealing debit and credit cards from vehicles near Point Mallard Park on April 12.

Police said the suspects were caught on surveillance footage at a Target store.

Anyone has any information about this incident or the identity of the subjects is asked to contact Detective Tony Vest at 256-341-4637 or email at tvest@decatur-al.gov.
Caritas Philippines and several bishops are decrying the lifting of the moratorium on mining in the country, saying it will have a devastating effect on marginalized communities.

By Robin Gomes

Caritas Philippines, the social arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as well as several bishops have criticized President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to lift a nine-year moratorium on new mining deals. They say the move will likely have a catastrophic effect on poor and marginalized communities.

Duterte signed an Executive Order on April 14, lifting a 9-year moratorium on new mining deals imposed in 2012 by former President Benigno Aquino III, who called on government authorities to check and renegotiate contracts with mining firms in cases of environmental abuse. Aquinos moratorium also provided a respite to the environment to regenerate its depleting flora and fauna.

The moratorium had been imposed while the government worked on legislation to boost the state's share of mining revenues. Since 2018, the excise tax on minerals has doubled to 4%. The Philippines became the top supplier of nickel ore to China and a major producer of copper and gold after Indonesia banned exports of unprocessed ore.

Dutertes spokesman Harry Roque explained that the nation said is expecting about US$4 billion in capital investments from three major mining projects. They are expected to generate $800 million in local taxes and $400 million worth of social development projects. He told the Business World newspaper that indigenous groups are also expected to benefit with around $310,000 in royalties from the major mining projects.

Profit vs peoples welfare

Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, the national director of Caritas Philippines, denounced Dutertes move saying, The decision will only favour business interests, not the people, especially the poor and marginalized communities. The government has once again chose vested interests and profit over suffering people and the ecology, he said in a statement at the weekend. The government must reconsider lifting the mining moratorium. We are in the countryside, and we are seeing no economic improvement in the lives of the people from mining, he said.

Mining is a highly contentious issue in the Philippines after past cases of environmental mismanagement fuelled a strong lobby against the industry led by local governments, legislators, advocacy groups, anti-mining activists and the Catholic church.

The Philippine Catholic Church and numerous civil society groups have entered into a partnership dubbed Eco-Convergence to promote the teachings of Pope Francis encyclical Laudato si on the care of our common home, the earth. Several Philippine bishops have reiterated the position of Caritas Philippines.

Bishops raise voices

Archbishop Ricardo Baccay of Tuguegarao, who leads the Caritas Eco-Convergence Hub in Luzon, said that the off-shore mining in Cagayan province, which was devastated by massive flooding in 2020, is likely to bring more harm than good once it will be fully operational. The magnetite mining, he said, is projected to exacerbate flooding, and cause massive erosion in coastal and near shore areas, which might again cause the loss of lives. he said.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, who leads of Eco-Convergence Hub in the Visayas, reiterated their stance against the proposed coal mining in Negros Occidental province. We challenge our government officials, to restore the dignity of your office by siding with our people and the ecology. Let your legacy be in the defense of ecology and justice, he said.

According to Bishop Allan Casicas of Marbel who heads Eco-Convergence Hub down south, while the Tampakan mines in South Cotabato might garner billions of dollars in export earnings along with two other mining operations in Mindanao, it will also exponentially destroy the Mindanao River Basin and severely affect nine provinces with more than 3.5 million population.

The Catholic Church, through Caritas Philippines, the Eco-Convergence and the CBCP National Laudato si Program strongly enjoin President Duterte to reconsider the lifting of the mining moratorium, Bishop Bagaforo said.

Harm to communities and environment

The Catholic Church, through Caritas Philippines, the Eco-Convergence and the CBCP National Laudato si Programme, Bishop Bagaforo said, strongly enjoin President Duterte to reconsider the lifting of the mining moratorium. He said the governments decision, which is a sign of desperation to solve the ginormous economic gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, is unsustainable, destructive and extremely detrimental to the Filipino communities in the peripheries, and the Philippine ecology. He pointed to the provinces of Marinduque and Albay provinces, saying the mining companies have left but the ill-effects to the local ecosystems still threaten communities who gained nothing from the operations.

Ahead of Earth Day, April 22, dioceses in coal-affected provinces of Quezon and Negros urged Philippines banks to withdraw their financial support to the coal industry by simultaneously displaying banners calling on them to Restore our Earth, which is the theme of this years Earth Day.
The vaccination of the age groups most vulnerable to Covid-19 is racing ahead. According to the latest report by the Spanish Health Ministry, released Tuesday, 45.4% of people in the 70-79 age group have received at least one dose of the vaccine. This is more than double the figure reported last week, when it stood at 21.4%. Up until recently, vaccination of this demographic had been sidelined: the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine was prioritized for the 80-and-over age group and the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca shots was restricted to people aged between 60 and 69 due to concerns over very rare blood clot cases in younger patients.

Now that 98.8% of the 80-and-over population has been given the first dose of the vaccine, Pfizer and Moderna shots are being prioritized for the 70-to-79 population. Around 66% of the 1.4 million Pfizer and Moderna doses administered in the last week went to this age group. The rest were used to provide the second shot to the 80-and-over population and frontline health workers, and the first dose to people with serious conditions that make them especially vulnerable to the virus, such as cancer or transplant patients.

The vaccination of the 60-69 age bracket is also picking up speed, with 38.5% having now received the first dose of the vaccine. But the overall number remains low. According to the latest report, 20% of the Spanish population has received the first dose of the vaccine while 7.3% have received the complete two doses needed for full protection.

Despite this, experts say the vaccination drive is already having an impact on transmission rates. While increased social activity and movement over the Easter break were expected to lead to a surge in new coronavirus cases, this has not happened. The latest Health Ministry report on the epidemiological situation, released on Tuesday evening, showed that the rise of the fourth wave is starting to stabilize. According to the data, the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants stands at 231  the same figure reported on Monday. If this trend is confirmed, the fourth wave will be much smaller than the second and third, when the incidence rate reached 500 and 1,000 cases, respectively.

The vaccination is affecting the curve because we are seeing that the impact of Easter week was much smaller than the long weekends in December [which marked the beginning of the third wave], for example, said Jose Luis Barranco, the spokesperson from the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene (Sempshp).

Barranco, however, warned that Spain cannot let its guard down. We cant let ourselves get carried away by emotion or get used to such high incidence rates because Covid is continuing to overwhelm the entire healthcare system and affects everything, he said. An incidence rate of 250 cases per 100,000 is extreme risk.

According to the latest Health Ministry report, the number of people being treated in hospital with Covid-19 fell on Tuesday to 10,345  a drop of 102 from Monday. Admissions to intensive care units (ICUs), however, rose by 13, with 2,289 Covid-19 patients currently in ICUs across the country. Madrid has the highest ICU occupancy rate of all the regions, with 45% of beds taken up by Covid-19 patients, followed by La Rioja (45%) and Catalonia (38%). The report added 114 fatalities to the official death toll, which now stands at 77,216.

Janssen vaccine

The rollout of the vaccination drive is expected to speed up further after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave the green light on Tuesday to the Janssen vaccine from US pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson. The European rollout of the Janssen vaccine was suspended last week while the EMA examined serious blood clot cases in the United States that occurred within three weeks of the person receiving the shot. While the regulator found a possible link between these cases and the Janssen vaccine, it said that its benefits outweighed the risks.

Thousands of people are still dying every day of Covid-19 and these vaccines play an immensely important role in combating this pandemic, said Emer Cooke, the EMAs executive director. The EMA did, however, recommend that a warning be added to the vaccines product information.

People in the 70-to-79 age bracket line up to be vaccinated in Barcelona. MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI

According to Barranco, the Janssen vaccine  which, unlike AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer, only requires one dose for full protection  will be a very strong push for the vaccination drive. Spain is expected to receive 300,000 doses of the Janssen vaccine this week, and a total of 5.5 million in the second quarter. There may be two odd weeks until everything is clarified and the vaccination strategy is updated, but when May begins, the situation will change radically: we will vaccinate much more and much more quickly, said Barranco.

Under Spains current vaccination strategy, the Janssen vaccine is reserved for people in the 70-to-79 age group. But several regions  which are in charge of the vaccination drive as well as controlling the pandemic in their territories  have asked the Public Health Commission to allow the shot to be administered to other priority groups.

Several regions have asked for the strategy to be made more flexible so that, although the elderly are prioritized, this vaccine can be used on other groups, independently of age, one regional leader told EL PAIS.

The Public Health Commission has also decided against delaying the second shot of the Pfizer and Moderna dose in order to administer more people with the first dose  a request made by the regional governments of Catalonia, Madrid and Andalusia. Instead, the second dose will be administered between 21 and 28 days after the first, as outlined by the usage guidelines for each vaccine.

Despite the temporary pause of the Janssen vaccine, the Spanish government is confident it will still be able to reach its goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population by the end of summer.

With reporting by Oriol Guell and Guillermo Abril.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
I'm sure the attack on him/her would be not unlike the attacks the pollies are now protecting themselves from. Gordon Fyfe, Kambah Keep a weather eye I think perhaps that Bruce Wright (Letters, October 22) is trying to have "two bob each way" in his criticism of the Bureau of Meteorology. While showing off his knowledge of how the BOM forecasting system works, he is quick to criticise it for getting the rainfall figures for last Wednesday so wrong. If he is so clever as to understand the forecasting system, he should have been smart enough to check the BOM radar website, which clearly showed very large weather cells passing within 20 kilometres to both the east and west of Canberra, and which were streaming down from the north-west for most of the day.

Any one of these cells could easily have passed over Canberra and delivered the forecast rainfall in a flash. The BOM does a magnificent job in providing very accurate seven-day weather forecasts. No doubt if the bureau had only forecast the 0.5mm that fell in Bruce's rain gauge and it so happened that 20mm fell, he and his ilk would still be criticising the bureau for not giving an advance warning. Jeff Day, Greenway Transports of madness The front page article ("Govt told to ditch Barton team link", October 23, p1) stating the ACT government's intention to use the Barton route for its stage 2 section would leave many of us shaking our heads.

Taking a logical view the idea of replacing a good bus service that takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from Woden interchange to Civic with an already outdated tram that will take 40 minutes is economic and financial irrationality. Our bus network already covers Barton and, in fact, all of Canberra very efficiently. New transport systems being developed in China can move people more efficiently than trams and at half the cost. The Barr government was advised about them when it first floated the idea of light rail for Canberra. Infrastructure Australia advised it against light rail for Canberra. Unbelievably the government has pursued light rail in a lemming-like rush to jump over an economic cliff.

If you drive into Civic from either north or south you will be getting a taste of what lies ahead. The increasing centralisation of Civic even without light rail is leading to gridlock. With light rail and its priority over cars at 10 sets of traffic lights on the way in and the same 10 sets on the way out will be the final straw that snaps the patience of people who have Civic as a destination. Howard Carew, Isaacs Consider with care

As the ACT government is reconsidering the route of the light rail extension to Woden ("Govt told to ditch Barton team link", October 23, p1) in response to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report, it should also reconsider the appropriateness of the project. The government has failed to demonstrate the project is superior to busway and "trackless" tram alternatives, both of which would be considerably cheaper and likely to provide similar urban renewal benefits. It also needs to assess whether the funds being allocated would be more effective in reducing car dependency, and associated greenhouse emissions, than extending the frequency and coverage of the bus network and providing policies to bus use and encourage employment at locations that support the bus network. There are urgent education, health, housing and disability services issues facing the territory and concerns about the levels of rates. A competent and independent reassessment of the project would help restore the community's confidence in the government.

If the reassessment indicates the project is a poor use of public funds, kudos would be obtained by the government abandoning the project. The Barr government needs to be particularly responsible given the ineffectiveness of the conservative Liberal opposition. Mike Quirk, Garran Desolation Mo If I was a cartoonist I would draw a picture of Scott Morrison sitting on a pile a rubbish in a desolate landscape. "Well, at least we lowered electricity prices!" would be the caption.

Gary Frances, Bexley, NSW Not so inviting Why would refugees, who have been so badly treated by Australia, ever want to leave NZ to come here? Why is this country fearful, when most in previous generations have come here in a similar way? We are not as unfortunate as the First Australians. Sandra von Sneidern, Mongarlowe, NSW Fractious route to rout

The 23 years the ALP spent in federal opposition between 1949 and 1972 was brought about partly because the party was embroiled in infighting between its factions. The Liberal Party of 2018 looks like replicating that. For the past three years, Tony Abbott and his lieutenants have devoted most of their energy to dragging down Malcolm Turnbull, leaving little time for fighting Labor and no willingness to listen to the concerns of the wider electorate. They have failed to appreciate that the electorate's attitude to climate change, gay marriage, and asylum seekers has changed. It was this tin ear to the concerns of the Wentworth voters that contributed to the byelection rout. Unfortunately, the hard right in the Libs give no sign of learning from their mistakes. Most of the lifelong Liberal voters that voted for Kerryn Phelps mentioned inaction on climate change and asylum seekers for their decision to switch. But the right-wingers (and the Murdoch press) are blaming Malcolm Turnbull's absence for the Wentworth defeat rather than listening to what exit polls could tell them. Instead of trying to flush out any vestiges of progressive thought that persists in their party, Mr Abbott and the rest should listen to the concerns of ordinary Australians and adopt policies that are appropriate to 21stcentury realities. Mike Reddy, Curtin

Centre cannot hold It might serve as a motherhood statement to wrap yourself in the cloak of the so-called sensible centre of the right or left variety as our current leaders do. However, whether such a posture is fit for the purpose of dealing with the 21st-century challenges and opportunities facing Australia and the world is another matter. The politics, policies and culture of the sensible centre have dominated local and global electoral politics for decades and look where that has got us. Intensifying inequalities and unacceptable levels of poverty blight our economy. Climate change remains out of control. Terrorism and the increasing threat of war are the new normal. At best the sensible centre adopts policies that are too little too late to effectively deal with any of the issues, small, medium or large that we face. We are faced with a unique trifecta of changes and challenges and more of the sensible centre is doomed to fail. Capitalism-induced climate change is real and does pose an existential threat to planetary sustainability and survival. Frankly, relying on the narrow ambit of policies deemed to be "sensible" is delusional and dangerous. Nero fiddled while Rome burned; this time it's the planet that's at stake.

Stewart Sweeney, North Adelaide, SA Think of now not then I have just been listening to Fran Kelly on Radio National interviewing, among others, a Maningrida father whose three children were all suffering from rheumatic fever. It was claimed the incidence of the illness among Indigenes is 55 times that among non-Indigenes and a major factor is overcrowding, with up to 15 people in a two-bedroom house. When Fran asked what was being done, there was much talk of how the seriousness of the problem was recognised and mention of a "road map" but no concrete, useful measures were discussed. Is it beyond the wit and initiative of our Indigenous leaders, celebrities, activists etc to ease up on reminding us of murders that occurred a 100 or more years ago and usefully direct their endeavours to hound the federal government for the immediate issuing of tents to Aboriginal communities likely to have high levels of rheumatic fever? Nauru's unsolicited migrants seem to be existing comfortably in theirs.

Bill Deane, Chapman Military blindside Why is there a man wearing an Australian military uniform attending a meeting of farmers, being referred to as a drought co-ordinator? (ABC 7.30, October 18, 2018). Australia is a civilian society and the military has no role in the political management of the nation. Our military defends us against external threats. This nonsense follows a military person holding Scott Morrison's hand as he pursued his war on refugees. It was always likely to get out of hand and it did very quickly with military excuses for not telling the voter what was being done in their name: "on-water security"; "operational matters". Pure nonsense! How was the press blindsided? How did a civilian operation collect such arrogant management?

We knew more about America's military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan than about our civil servants' operations against boats probably carrying refugees. Australia has drought experts within agricultural departments and they should be allowed to apply their expertise. Warwick Davis, Isaacs Grim life of the fowl As we celebrate National Bird Week (October 22-28) please spare a thought for the millions of Australian birds who never get to enjoy  even glimpse  the beautiful world in which they live.

They are never permitted to feel the warmth of the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air. Their lives are short and painful and their deaths are brutal and terrifying. I'm referring, of course, to the millions of birds reared in Australia each year for their flesh and eggs. The million "broiler" chickens, the 9 million "battery" hens and the 12 million "useless" male chicks who are minced up alive on day one of their lives. Each year, worldwide, more than 50 billion chickens are condemned to this life of severe deprivation inside grim, cramped sheds, turning into a joke our expression "as free as a bird'.

Jenny Moxham, Monbulk, VIC Prudence in delay The article "Govt told to ditch Barton tram link" (October 23, p1) shows that the second stage of the light rail is still alive. Would it not be prudent to delay a decision on the Woden route until passenger usage of the Gungahlin line has been recorded for an appropriate time to allow for any new toy, novelty bounce, and holidays such as Christmas and New Year holidays, to be taken into consideration, along with any detrimental effects on other forms of public transport. The issue of the Woden route running through totally different demographic areas without kilometres of apartments along its route to boost numbers is totally beyond my capabilities.

Paul O'Connor, Hawker TO THE POINT NOTHING TO SEE HERE It's ever so comforting to hear the Wentworth wipeout was solely due to Malcolm Turnbull and there are no implications whatsoever for the Coalition vote in the general election, voters still believe climate change is a hoax, people don't care about illegals on Nauru, pigs fly and the tooth fairy appears outside the GPO at midnight. Thos Puckett, Ashgrove

MALCOLM IN THE MAIL The Liberals won't know whether they have any chance of scraping across the line in Wentworth until after Malcolm's postal vote is counted. Ironic, isn't it? Nigel Thompson, Queanbeyan, NSW NON SEQUITUR An expression by voters of protest against the Liberals is all very well; the bugger is that it doesn't follow that there's acceptance of Labor.

M. F. Horton, Adelaide, SA EAT TEETH, REPUBLICANS! That grinding noise, interspersed with muffled choking, is the sound of anguished republicans watching Australia's favourite royals, Meghan and Harry, on their triumphant Invictus Down Under visit! Christina Faulk, Swinger Hill ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

If the government and opposition agree to ban refugees from Nauru and Manus who settle in New Zealand from ever entering Australia, we have another example of the overreach of our policies. According to official websites, it takes five years' residency before you can be granted NZ citizenship, so it will already be a long time before any refugee can come to Australia. Surely that is enough. David Purnell, Florey ET TU, DAVID David Teather (Letters, October 23) recalls the performance of Julius Caesar earlier last week. Perhaps no coincidence his letter was published on the anniversary of the suicide of the leader of the plot to assassinate the said Caesar in 42BC! Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook NSW

BLACK AND WHITE Australia's most aggressive magpies are surely in Wentworth, not Parliament. Dr John Doherty, Vienna, Austria GROWTH CORRIDOR Those dastardly Canberra tram constructors have planted healthy and appropriate eucalypts along Northbourne Avenue and other parts (where they weren't) of the light rail route. They've also planted native grasses and laid mulch where once was just plain old weeds and dodgy scrub. Must rattle the tram NIMBYs who reckoned the world would end when the old, inappropriate, unhealthy trees came down.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) - San Miguel Corporation, through its power arm SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., is spending $1 billion to simultaneously build 31 new battery storage facilities nationwide.

SMC President Ramon Ang said the battery storage facilities are nearing their completion and these facilities would make renewable energy more viable for the country.

The battery storage facilities have a rated capacity of 1,000 megawatts. "Our country's challenge with renewables is that it is intermittent, because of its nature. But with strategically located battery storage facilities, this can be mitigated and renewables can become more viable. This will help the transition to more renewable sources of energy in the future," Ang said in a statement.

Ang added that the facilities, which will make up the company's total committed capacity of over 1000 MW, will be located in several strategic sites from Luzon to Mindanao where power quality mitigations are needed.

"Our ongoing investment into battery energy storage facilities will greatly benefit power consumers all over the country, because this will mean that even faraway provinces or areas, can have the same stable and good quality power supply as everywhere else," Ang said.

"This means that provinces and islands will have better and more equal opportunities for industrialization and economic growth. If previously some areas could not attract investments because of unstable or poor power supply, battery energy storage will make power supply more stable and reliable. Battery storage will significantly reduce imbalances in the grid that cause power interruptions and brownouts," he added.

Ang explained the technology will boost flexibility of the power grid and improve power quality by removing excess power and injecting required power at strategic areas within the grid within millisecond level.

"This can even support equal-opportunity industrialization in many provinces where historically, no industrial plants would locate because of poor power quality," he said.

The battery energy storage projects will be used as regulating reserve type of grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, to specifically mitigate grid frequency fluctuation and voltage issues.
CANAJOHARIE - From pea puree to pot - that's the direction that the abandoned Beech-Nut Foods factory looks to be headed with Tuesday's agreement with Montgomery County officials.

At a meeting of the County Legislatures Economic Development and Planning Committee, members advanced a deal to allow E29 Labs, commercial cannabis producers, to explore redeveloping the old baby food factory. In a statement from the county, officials said the step moves the factory one step closer to becoming "an economic engine for the region" by putting the property back on the tax rolls and creating manufacturing and white-collar jobs.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have an experienced team of investors who are interested in bringing this manufacturing industry here," County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said in a statement Tuesday. "The team at E29 Labs is well positioned to be a market leader in New Yorks new commercial cannabis growth and processing industry, bringing years of knowledge, best practices and commercial success to this operation. Redevelopment of the site, with a focus on creating good-paying manufacturing jobs and new tax revenue has been a priority for my administration and were excited to take this exciting step forward and continue to work through the next phases in the redevelopment process for this site."

County Legislature Chairman Michael Pepe said it would create jobs across sectors and skill sets.

This new investment is another testament to the work weve done as a community to show were open for business," Pepe said. "Commercial cannabis is expected to be a major growth sector for New Yorks economy, and we are excited to be taking the first step in a process that could lead to tens of millions of dollars in additional investment, jobs creation and tax revenue. As we do every project in the county, we will be working very closely with the company to advance a meaningful plan that maximizes the jobs and revenue coming into our community."

Under the terms of the agreement with E29 Labs, Montgomery County will receive a non-refundable deposit against a $550,000 purchase price for the land, located just off a Thruway exit. E29 Labs would then have exclusive rights for up to 12 months to do the necessary reviews of the property including environmental testing and inspections related to the proposed facility. The company has committed to conduct additional site prep work and any necessary remediation at its cost and is also negotiating a larger community benefit package as part of the sale as well, officials said.

E29 Labs vision is to create their new facility within a park-like setting on the site that includes a public recreation area. The project will be constructed in accordance with Canajoharies Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. E29 Labs would still need to present their redevelopment plans to the villages Planning and Zoning Boards, prior to construction getting under way.

The abandoned Beech-Nut Foods plant has been closed since 2010 when the company moved to a new plant in the town of Florida, a few miles east.
The fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex (T. Rex) enjoyed a 'leisurely' stroll at just 2.8 miles per hour (4.6km per hour), a new study reveals.

Scientists in the Netherlands developed a new method to estimate the preferred walking speed of T. Rex, based on analysis of a preserved specimen called Trix.

They say their new speed estimate is a rate similar to the natural walking speed of emus, elephants, horses and humans  and lower than previous estimates.

Scroll down for videos

Side view of animated reconstruction of Trix the T. Rex. Using a 3D tail reconstruction and biomechanical model, Dutch researchers estimated the rhythm of T. Rexs swaying tail, and combined with its stride length they calculated a preferred walking speed'

WHAT WAS T. REX? Tyrannosaurs rex was a species of bird-like, meat-eating dinosaur. It lived between 6866 million years ago in what is now the western side of North America. They could reach up to 40 feet (12 metres) long and 12 feet (4 metres) tall. More than 50 fossilised specimens of T.Rex have been collected to date. The monstrous animal had one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom. An artist's impression of T.Rex Advertisement

The study has been led by Pasha van Bijlert, an MSc Student at VU Amsterdam and anatomist at Museum Naturalis.

Previous studies estimated the walking speeds of T.Rex and other 'bipedal' dinosaurs (ones that used two legs for walking) to be between 2 to 3 metres per second, or around 4.5 to 6.7 miles per hour, he told MailOnline  around double this new estimate.

'These were walking speed estimates of large bipedal dinosaurs  including, but not limited to T. Rex,' he said.

'Unlike our study, these previous studies weren't setting out to estimate the preferred speed.

'As a whole those estimates are higher than our own.'

Key to the study was Trix  the 6-tonne, 43-foot-long (13 metre) female T-Rex whose complete and excellently-preserved skeleton was excavated in 2013 in Montana.

Trix  currently on display at Museum Naturalis  lived 66 million years ago in what is now western North America, on what was then an island continent known as Laramidia.

In 2016, she was transported from Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport by Dutch national airline KLM.

Trix shared the remarkable flight with around 250 passengers  and she was even given a passport by the Dutch authorities.

Using a 3D tail reconstruction of Trix and a biomechanical model, van Bijlert and colleagues estimated the rhythm of T. Rex's swaying tail combined with its stride length.

Tail structures of Trix the T. Rex. Trix lived 66 million years ago in what is now western North America, on what was then an island continent known as Laramidia

Dinosaurs that walked on two legs such as the T. Rex had tails suspended by spring-like ligaments, meaning they swayed gracefully up and down with each step.

By matching their walking pace to this natural swinging frequency, the legendary species was able to reduce the amount of mechanical work required.

T. Rex had a 'preferred walking speed' of 1.28 metres per second (2.8 miles per hour), the researchers found.

Animals tend to walk in ways that minimise energy expenditure, by using resonance of their body parts. While walking, bipedal dinosaurs relied on their tail muscles, but the tail was suspended by spring-like ligaments. The tail would sway up and down with each step, and would resonate when stepping in sync with the tails natural frequency

'It looks like T. Rex wasn't a very fast walker,' said van Bijlert, whose study has been published in Royal Society Open Science.

'You just have to look at the tail to understand how important it is for its walking,' he said. 'It's more than half of its length.'

'There's no animal alive that uses its tail in the same way.'

T.Rex had a tail that weighed almost 1,000 kilograms  but it was suspended at no energy costs, thanks to powerful ligaments between each tail vertebrae.

This was akin to a rubber band running along the length of the tail, according to van Bijlert.

'The entire tail, by our reconstruction  almost 1,000 kilos  was really just a mass supported by a rubber band,' he said.

'And with every step, it would slightly bounce up and down.'

Study author Pasha van Bijlert, an MSc Student at VU Amsterdam and anatomist at Museum Naturalis, with Trix

Trix (the original fossil) is mounted for display at Museum Naturalis in Leiden, the Netherlands

Trix is a a 6-tonne, 43ft (13 metre) long female T-Rex whose complete skeleton was discovered in Montana, and remains extremely well-preserved

Van Bijlert was recently involved with producing a full-sized 3D printed replica of Trix weighing about 300 kgs (660 lbs).

The replica has just been shipped to the Dinosaur Museum in Nagasaki, Japan, which is going to have to assemble the printed parts themselves, aided by Naturalis through online video meetings.

'We were planning to travel to Japan together with the replica and help put it together there, but the travel restrictions due to the coronavirus make the journey impossible', said project leader Hanneke Jacobs at Naturalis.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer has stepped up to get the AstraZeneca jab to convince wary Australians to do the same - but it's what his rolled-up shirt has revealed that's got people talking.

Dr Brett Sutton, 51, received the jab - which is not recommended for people under 50 over fears of links to blood clots - on Wednesday morning after Victoria continued its roll-out for older patients.

While the aim of the highly-publicised vaccination was to encourage others to get the jab, it was his secret tattoos that became the hot topic of conversation.

During Victoria's lockdown, Dr Sutton became a star of the state's daily press conference, earning him an unlikely legion of online fans - including dedicated Facebook groups.

'So jealous. Wish I was the person giving the needle,' a lustful Twitter user replied.

Brett Sutton received the controversial AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday morning (pictured) in a bid to encourage other Australians to do the same

His ambition was to get out in front of the program's continuation to encourage others to seek the vaccine, but instead it was his tattoos that became the hot topic of conversation

Sutton is a former triathlete and boxer who shot to fame during Victoria's prolonged lockdown in the second half of 2020 - earning himself a legion of online fans

Sutton is a former triathlete and boxer who shot to fame during Victoria's prolonged lockdown in the second half of 2020.

He's become an icon of the pandemic for many admirers, with a Facebook page being created called 'Brett Sutton is HOT' boasting 13,000 followers.

'Did the nurse say "don't faint now?" And look how carefully she rolled down his sleeve.... phwoar...' one person replied to the footage of the doctor receiving his jab.

Another group of fans used the opportunity to discuss Dr Sutton's secret tattoos, usually hidden under a suit in press conferences.

'And we still didn't see the tattoo,' one commented, while another explained 'tribal band on left, eagle/bird on right.'

One simply added: 'Do I see a hint of 90s ink?'

'So jealous. Wish I was the person giving the needle,' a lustful Twitter user replied to the footage of the Victorian Health Officer receiving his jab

Sutton shows his confirmation after receiving his first AstraZeneca jab on Wednesday morning

Earlier this month he urged Victorians to donate blood, before his social media post was inundated with a different kind of support.

'I'd donate but all my blood has raced to my heart after seeing Dr Luscious again,' one woman replied.

'Seeing my future husband donating means I better book to donate also,' another responded.

Speaking after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday, Dr Sutton urged everyone within expert advice to seek the jab.

'I know it will protect me - and with the second dose in 12 weeks time - that will be really substantial protection,' he said outside the Royal Exhibition Building on Wednesday.

He's become an icon of the pandemic for many admirers, with a Facebook page being created called 'Brett Sutton is HOT' boasting 13,000 followers (pictured in a selfie after getting his jab)

'You do it for yourself, but we're doing it for everyone ultimately and it's going to make Australia a different place.'

It's hoped Dr Sutton's vaccination will boost public confidence in Victoria in the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been linked to a very rare blood clotting disorder.

Earlier this month, the national vaccine advisory group recommended people under the age of 50 get the Pfizer vaccine instead.

Dr Sutton reiterated the risk of blood clots was incredibly low and urged anyone eligible for the jab to 'step up' at the state's mass vaccination centres, which opened on Wednesday.

'You are more likely to get a clot at whatever age you are on a long-haul flight to Europe or North America than getting this jab,' he said.

'It's the risk we accept because it's really small.'

People eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination line up outside The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Wednesday morning in Melbourne

Mass-vaccination hubs have opened in Melbourne and Geelong today, open to people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is among three new hubs created to expedite the nation's delayed vaccine rollout

Victoria has resumed its rollout of the AstraZeneca shot to the over 50s after a pause on April 9. Patients will be required to sign a consent form outlining the risks of getting the vaccine.

The state is receiving about 14,000 Pfizer doses per week, which are being sent to hospital vaccination hubs. It is hoped a further 10,000 doses will soon be made available by the federal government each week.

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Geelong's former Ford factory in Victoria opened on Wednesday morning to solely administer the AstraZeneca vaccine for anyone eligible in phases 1A and 1B.

The Convention and Exhibition Centre hub alone can hold 2,400 people per day to receive their jab and no appointment is required.

The NSW government has also announced it will establish a 'mass vaccination hub' in Homebush located in Sydney's inner west to administer around 300,000 jabs.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the facility at Sydney Olympic park would be open within the next few months and will hopefully deliver 60,000 jabs a week.
Ciclope Africa's streamed special of the 2021 Ciclope Africa Awards, recognising the best crafts in film in Africa, celebrated Giant Films as the Production Company of the Year for 2021. Joe Public United was recognised as Agency of the Year.

Giant Films tops Ciclope Africa finalist list With the 2021 Ciclope Africa Brand Content Category and Special Category finalists announced recently, Giant Films tops the company list with 12 Ciclope Africa Brand Content finalists...



Category



Title



Agency



Client



Director



Best Music Video



Moonga K Whos It Gonna Be



N/A



N/A



Paul Ward



Best Cinematography



Caitlin



King James Group



Sanlam



Paul Ward



Best Production Design



Feliz Navidad



N/A



Glo



Ian Gabriel



Best Original Music



Caitlin



King James Group



Sanlam



Paul Ward



Best Adapted Music



Street Football



N/A



Glo



Ian Gabriel



Ciclope Africa showcases the continents best in film craft across a broad spectrum of film formats, including commercials, short films, digital content and music videos. After scoring a record 14 finalists, Giant Films were recognised as the continents top production house with winners across five diverse categories.This included Paul Ward for Best Music video for Moonga K Whos It Gonna Be and Best Cinematography and Best Original Music for Sanlam Caitlin. Ian Gabriels work received the Best Production Design accolade for Glo Telecoms Feliz Navidad. Best Adapted Music score was awarded for Ian Gabriels Glo Street Football. Paul Wards Karcher Bring Back The Wow, for Antoni Berlin through Stink Films, was awarded Best Editing.The shows award selections were made after two rounds of online judging, followed by a video conference sitting. The final winners were decided by top producers and creatives from across Africa who comprised this years panel.The winners of the Ciclope Africa Awards automatically qualify to compete as finalists at Ciclopes celebrated International Award Ceremony to be held in Berlin in November.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a committee under its former executive director Sudarshan to examine role of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) in stressed debt resolution and review their business model.

The six-member committee includes Vishakha Mulye, executive director, ICICI Bank; PN Prasad, former deputy managing director of State Bank of India (SBI); Rohit Prasad, professor of economics at Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon; Abizer Diwanji, partner of Ernst & Young and R Anand, a chartered accountant.

The committee will review of existing legal and regulatory framework applicable to ARCs and recommend measures to improve efficacy of ARCs. It will also review of role of ARCs in stressed asset resolution under Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and suggest means of improving liquidity in and trading of security receipts.

Lenders sell stressed loans to ARCs at a discount (either in all cash deals or a mix of cash and security receipts). These receipts are redeemable as and when the ARC recovers the specific loan.

The committee will submit its report within three months from the date of its first meeting.

Two weeks back, RBI had announced a review of ARC regulations in its April monetary policy review. After enactment of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act in 2002, regulatory guidelines for ARCs were issued in 2003 to enable development of this sector and to facilitate smooth functioning of these companies. Shaktikanta Das, RBI Governor had acknowledged that since then, ARCs have grown in number and size but they are yet to realise their full potential for resolving stressed assets.

"It is, therefore, proposed to constitute a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the working of ARCs in the financial sector ecosystem and recommend suitable measures for enabling such entities to meet the growing requirements of the financial sector," Mr Das had said then.

The move is especially important as industry experts predict that bad loans are expected to surge, and asset turnaround companies like ARCs will be in higher demand than ever before to revive companies and keep the economy afloat.
The Los Angeles mayor plans to increase his police department budget by three percent to $1.76 billion this year as the city struggles with an uptick in shootings and murders.

Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed to increase the LAPD budget this coming fiscal year, which starts July 1, by allocating $1.76 billion of the city's $11.2 billion budget.

It is a three percent increase to the $1.71 billion the Los Angeles City Council had agreed upon last summer when they decided to slash the police budget by $150 million amid the BLM and defund the police protests.

Garcetti's move to increase the budget goes against defund police advocates who have been pushing for money to be diverted to provide services and programs for communities of color.

Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed to increase the LAPD budget this coming fiscal year, which starts July 1, by allocating $1.76 billion of the city's $11.2 billion budget

According to LAPD crime statistics for last week, shootings are up 80 percent compared to the same period last year. Homicides are up 28 percent and and aggravated assaults have increased by 14 percent compared to this time last year

The slight budget increase coincides with a big rise in crime across Los Angeles.

According to LAPD crime statistics for last week, shootings are up 80 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.

Homicides are up 28 percent and and aggravated assaults have increased by 14 percent compared to this time last year.

Car theft has also spiked 24 percent compared to 2020.

An aide for Garcetti linked the police budget increase to the recent spate of rising crime, the LA Times reports.

The mayor, however, said the LAPD needed the budget to hire more officers given a wave of retirements.

The proposed budget for 2021 would provide for a police force of 9,750 officers.

Due to a wave of retirements and resignations, the LAPD is expected to only have about 9,489 officers by June 30.

It is a three percent increase to the $1.71 billion the Los Angeles City Council had agreed upon last summer when they decided to slash the police budget by $150 million amid the BLM and defund the police protests

Garcetti released the details of his plan, which he dubbed the 'Justice Budget', on Monday night. His plan now needs to go to the City Council for approval

Garcetti released the details of his plan, which he dubbed the 'Justice Budget', on Monday night.

His plan now needs to go to the City Council for approval.

He did not mention the increase to the policing budget in his statement announcing the spending plan.

Garcetti did say his 2020-21 policing budget was based on the $1.85 billion budget for last year, prior to the cuts being introduced.

It comes after city leaders voted last July to slash the LAPD budget by $150 million, reducing the number of officers to a level not seen for more than a decade, amid nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd's killing.

It represented an eight percent decrease from the almost $1.8 billion in last year's budget.

About two-thirds of the funding was earmarked for police overtime.

It was going to be put towards services and programs for communities of color, including a youth summer jobs program.

Protesters met outside of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's home on Tuesday to protest his proposed funding of the Los Angeles Police Department

Extra LAPD officers deployed around the Los Angeles Civic Center following the guilty verdict against Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin on Tuesday

Garcetti had initially proposed increasing it in April 2020 in a bid to reach a goal of 10,000 officers before facing intense pushback after Floyd's death invigorated a nationwide campaign to 'defund' police.

New York City's police budget was just slashed by a billion dollars and the police department in Minneapolis was abolished by its city council around the same time.

Elsewhere in his spending plan, Garcetti proposed allocating a billion dollars to help advance racial and economic justice across LA and $150 million to help residents in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faced with an out-of-control homeless crisis, he also proposed spending nearly $1 billion to get people off the streets, build housing and clean up squalid encampments that have spread into nearly every neighborhood in the city.

When Garcetti took office in 2013, the city was spending about $10 million treating homelessness.

He said on Monday that he would propose spending $955 million this coming year, funded partly by federal dollars.

"We know the key to ending homelessness is homes. Let's rent them. Let's buy them. Let's build them brand new," the mayor said.
CORONA, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ikanik Farms, Inc. (CSE: IKNK.U) (FSE: DFMA) (the "Company" or "Ikanik") is pleased to announce the Company has received approval from the Borse-Frankfurt Exchange (the "Borse-Frankfurt") for its subordinate voting shares to commence trading under the symbol "DFMA", beginning April 21, 2021.

"We are excited to expand our exchange offering into the European market, providing broader access for our investor base." said Brian Baca, CEO of Ikanik Farms.

"We have seen increased interest from the international investment community, and we look forward to expanding our investor awareness campaigns which are underway." said Borja Sanz de Madrid, President of Ikanik Farms International, Inc.

About the Borse-Frankfurt

The Borse-Frankfurt is the world's third largest organized exchange-trading market in terms of turnover and dealings in securities. There are over 3,000 international companies listed on the exchange and investors directly connected to the Borse-Frankfurt represent 35% of the world's investment capital.

About Ikanik Farms

Ikanik Farms is a California based, Multi-National Operator (MNO) who is building a dynamic portfolio of brands, inspired by its passion for health and wellness, action sports, and supported by its vertically integrated retail, distribution and cultivation in CA and its medical grade cultivation and laboratory in Colombia. The company's leadership brings decades of expertise in R&D, cultivation, retail, branding, and corporate finance. Ikanik Farms' operation in Colombia, through its pharma division Pideka, holds both GMP-PHARMA and (GACP) Good Agricultural and Collection Practice certifications for its Casa Flores operating facility.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, "forward-looking information). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future is forward-looking information. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should", and similar expressions, are forward-looking information.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: changes in laws, a change in management, the inability to obtain additional financing, increased competition, hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and, regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in the forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and the Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Ikanik Farms Inc.

SOURCE Ikanik Farms Inc.

Related Links

https://ikanikfarms.com/


Xu Lei (C), retail chief executive officer of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, poses for photos during a ceremony to mark company's listing on the Hong Kong stock market, at JD.com's headquarters in Beijing, June 18, 2020.

The Hong Kong government's recent decision to restrict access to public records marks a huge blow to journalists and others who want to investigate official wrongdoing.

The new rules will make it harder for journalists to hold those in power accountable, said a reporter for a major American newspaper who tracks the wealth of Chinese elites.

Right now, Hong Kongs corporate records are some of the most transparent in the world, he said.

Reporters can track company directorships for individuals using their Hong Kong ID number, he said, adding, They can even get their home addresses.

This information is invaluable when documenting the accumulation of wealth by the families of the Communist Partys elite, who have been parking their money in Hong Kong for decades.

According to a Hong Kong Legislative Council panel report, the Hong Kong government now wants to mask the identities of people trading with the privilege of limited liability, incentivizing fraud and corruption.

Masks may protect people from infections, but sunshine is the best disinfectant in the Companies Registry, the report said. Keep the masks off the HK IDs.

On March 30, Hong Kongs Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that the amendments regarding the Companies Registry were designed to protect personal privacy.

And she said that she didnt see a need to include journalists in the list of individuals allowed to obtain company records.

In a Facebook post, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) described the governments decision as another blow to Hong Kongs press freedom.

But journalists are not the only ones concerned.

Some observers, including business people, believe that the decision will also have a negative economic impact in Hong Kong.

David Webb, who has been described as Hong Kongs most activist investor, said that the governments proposed changes will facilitate corruption, fraud, and other crimes.

Webb runs a free database of publicly available information in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

On April 6, Simon Cartledge, former editor-in-chief of the Economist Intelligence Unit, said that the assault on the citys long-standing freedoms might be the most visible, but its economy is also suffering.

Battered first by anti-government demonstrations, then by COVID-19, Hong Kongs economy has shrunk two successive years, said Cartledge, who is the author of a book on Hong Kong.

Growth will return this year between 3.5 percent and 5.5 percent, according to Hong Kongs Financial Secretary Paul Chan.

But the rebound will be subdued, said Cartledge, whose comments were carried on the Nikkei Asia website.

According to Cartledges calculations, the Hong Kong economy wont regain its 2018 size until 2023.

Unemployment, now at 7 percent, will remain high for at least three years, according to Hong Kongs Labor and Welfare Secretary Law Chi-Kwang.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, David Webb, who may be the most articulate critic of the changes announced by Carrie Lam, said that her move will go against an international push for greater transparency.

He added that Hong Kong should drop the paywall on its information, such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom have done.

Also speaking with The Journal, Kenneth Leung, a former legislative councilor who represented the accountancy sector before China disqualified him last year, said that Carrie Lams proposed changes are bad news for bankers, lawyers, and other professionals working in the financial industry.

That would include those working on mergers and acquisitions, he said, adding, It means more money, more delays, and sometimes missing the deal.

A visitor walks in front of Andy Warhol's 'Mercedes Benz W 196 R Grand Prix Car' at "The Loaded Brush" display by auction house Christie's in Hong Kong, Nov. 23, 2016. Credit: AFP

Sweetening Hong Kong for the rich

Hong Kongs authorities have been offering incentives to the citys wealthiest citizens in an effort to keep them investing in the city and provide employment to many citizens.

The New York Times recently described this as an attempt to sweeten Hong Kong for the rich.

Even as it strips civil liberties in Hong Kong, China is trying to charm the financial class, aiming to keep bankers and financiers from other business-friendly places like Singapore, The Times said.

The newspaper reported that Hong Kong has proposed a program called Wealth Management Connect that would give mainland Chinese residents in Chinas southern region the ability to invest in Hong Kong-based hedge funds and investment firms.

Pandemic-driven travel restrictions have slowed the programs momentum, but it remains a top priority, according to King Au, the director of Hong Kongs Financial Services Development Council.

The Times said that mainland money has already helped Hong Kong look more attractive to investors. New offerings have already raised $16 billion, including $5.4 billion for Kuaishou, which operates a Chinese video app.

The record start was helped in part by Chinese companies that have turned to the Hong Kong market to avoid raising money in the United States amid deteriorating trade and political ties.

Dan Southerland is RFA's founding Executive Editor.
The company has secured debt funding for its Tanzanian graphite project and is restructuring to best position itself for the next phase of development.

The company has identified several senior roles that will be recruited as soon as companion equity funding is completed.

( ) (FRA:N6D) has made changes to the board and senior management as part of its strategy to position itself for the next phase of development and operations at its Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania after recently securing debt funding.

Allan Mulligan will step down from the board and assume a new role of chief operating officer primarily charged with delivery of the Lindi Jumbo project.

Walkabout believes the safe, on-time and within budget delivery of mine construction is a corporate priority and that the company needs a dedicated chief operating officer with deep African Mining experience.

The board is delighted that Mulligan has chosen to focus on this vital, direct role at a time when execution is paramount.

In addition, Andrew Cunningham has been appointed chief executive, having been intimately involved with the Lindi Jumbo project since its inception.

Structuring for development, operations and growth

Mike Elliott has been elected as non-executive chair of the board and expressed deep appreciation for the contribution that Mulligan has made to the company as an executive board member.

He said: Most of the heavy lifting to get Lindi Jumbo to development was from the outstanding teamwork of Andrew and Allan.

On behalf of shareholders and staff, I would like to thank them both for their contributions to date.

As we reconfigure for new challenges the company will benefit from Andrew having overall executive responsibility and managing our exciting portfolio of growth opportunities.

We will also greatly benefit from Allans narrowed focus in making Lindi Jumbo the success we know it will be.

Given the unique aspects of developing and operating a project in Tanzania and in the graphite sector, it is a major risk mitigant that our executive team has strong continuity from the exploration, evaluation and design phase.

Elliott has more than 34 years of experience working with mining and metals clients around the world, has been a non-executive director of Walkabout since 2018 and provided guidance to the executive management team during the difficult process of debt funding through the COVID pandemic

Extensive African experience

Cunningham is a resource sector executive and geologist with extensive cross-discipline technical and management experience predominantly in Africa and Australia.

During the last 20 years, he has managed all facets of exploration and development projects with a considerable amount of time spent in Tanzania including new-mine development.

He has been working with Walkabout since 2013 and brings a wide range of exploration, resource development, feasibility study management, new mine development in open-pit and underground operations, stakeholder engagement, and management experience to the company.

Importantly, he is based in Africa which will a major advantage to the company as COVID travel restrictions make it difficult for any Australian-based management to regularly visit Lindi Jumbo.

Board reorganisation

As a result of Mulligans exit from the board, the company will take the opportunity to reorganise its board composition such that it is more in line with Australian best practice in terms of governance, strategy and operational capacity.

This will entail the appointment of two additional non-executive directors with a selection process already underway.
Men Arrested On Mayfield Drug Charges, Warrant

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - Two Mayfield men were arrested Saturday after a traffic stop in Mayfield.The Mayfield Police Department said officers arrested 37-year-old Michael Mills after officers found illegal drugs and a gun in his vehicle.Mills was booked into Graves County Jail on the charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on DUI suspended license, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Officers also arrested a passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old David Burton, who had a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear.
Former NRL WAG Phoebe Burgess has posted a heartbreaking tribute to the young Queensland mum allegedly set alight and killed by her estranged husband.

The badly burnt body of Kelly Wilkinson, 27, was discovered in the backyard of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Her estranged husband Brian Johnston, 35, was found two blocks away in a semi-conscious state also with burn injuries and was later charged with her murder.

The couple's three young children aged from two to nine were inside the home at the time of the alleged attack but were all safe.

Ms Wilkinson's death has reignited the national discussion about domestic violence.

Ms Burgess, who separated from former rugby league star star Sam Burgess in October 2019, weighed into the trending discussion on Wednesday with a powerful Instagram story.

Phoebe Burgess (pictured) shared a tribute to Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson on Wednesday

'I will light a candle for you Kelly and your babies who had their mummy taken from them,' the mum-of-two and former journalist posted.

'#HerNameWas Kelly Wilkinson. Don't be mistake, domestic violence is a national crisis.

'I am thinking of every other woman and victim who has also been triggered by this tragedy. Be safe, please.'

Former footy WAG Phoebe Burgess (pictured) said she would light a candle for Kelly Wilkinson and her three children left behind

Ms Wilkinson's estranged husband remains in a serious condition under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

His case was mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was formally remanded in custody until June 4.

Earlier on Wednesday, a devastated Sue Clarke issued a heartfelt message to Ms Wilkinson's family.

Ms Clarke's Hannah, 31, was burned to death along with her three young children by her estranged husband outside her home in the Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill in February 2020.

Ms Clarke said the latest tragedy brought back painful memories.

'I'd just like to say to Kelly's family, I'm so terribly sorry,' an emotional Ms Clarke told Sunrise.

'(What allegedly happened) should never happen to any family. Not ever.'

Ms Clarke continues to raise awareness about 'coercive control' - which slowly strips victims of power in a relationship.

'I would love to see a story on one of the soapies like Home and Away that the children watch with coercive control on it so they can understand what it is,' she said.

She said families of domestic violence victims need to 'to listen to what they tell us' and 'let them know we are there for them'.

If you or anyone know needs help or support, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (pictured) was found dead with burns to her body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-U.S. marine accused of setting his ex-wife alight and killing her in front of his three children feared being 'kicked out' of Australia before horrific attack - as neighbour reveals her terrifying final moments

Mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson (left) was found dead with burns to her body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home on Tuesday morning. Her ex-husband Brian Johnston (right) has been charged with her alleged murder

By Michael Pickering on the Gold Coast and Daniel Piotrowski for Daily Mail Australia

A shell-shocked neighbour of the woman allegedly set alight by her ex-husband has revealed the harrowing moment he found her body - and her three children crying on the front driveway.

The neighbour, who would only give his first name 'Benny', said Kelly Wilkinson's alleged attacker, an ex-U.S. army marine who is now in hospital under police guard, had previously described his fear of being 'kicked out' of Australia.

Kelly, 27, had sought a police restraining order against Brian Earl Johnston, 34, before her body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel, Gold Coast home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Johnston has been charged with his wife's alleged murder and breaching a bail condition.

On Wednesday Benny told Daily Mail Australia he often spoke to Johnston when he was still living at the Spikes Court address with Kelly and the three children.

'The last time I spoke to him, I backed out one day and I saw him in the yard and wound down the window and asked, 'How are you going Brian?' He said, 'I'm getting kicked out.

'He mentioned there was the chance of him being deported so in hindsight he was in a bad mental state.

'Now I think I should have hopped out of the car and had a chat to him.'

Local resident Louise Christy sunk to her knees outside the Arundel crime scene on Wednesday afternoon to mourn Ms Wilkinson. Neighbours reported seeing a 'huge fireball'

Ms Christy broke down (left) to grieve the loss of Ms Wilkinson, a 27-year-old mother of three and was visibly emotional while speaking to media about the tragedy (right)

Benny recalled the moment yesterday when his wife heard the explosion in the backyard of the house next door.

'There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard,' he said. 'My wife heard it. I have hearing aids and didn't hear a thing.

'We raced through our garage and there are the three kids on the driveway next door.

'The children were totally distraught, one of them was in a nappy.

There was a huge eruption of a fireball in the backyard Neighbour Benny

'My wife said, I'll take the kids, you go. I went through the house and out the back and saw this huge fireball.

'I went around the corner of the house looking for the hose because I thought the house was on fire.

'The neighbour at the back came with a hose too and it wasn't until we got the fire down that I saw there was a body in there. I rang the police straight away and waited in the driveaway until they came, which happened quickly.

'We brought the kids inside. We have a room in there for our grandchildren and the two older children came in and upended the Lego container.

Ex-U.S. Marine and Ohio native Brian Johnston moved to Australia and told a fellow veteran friend he 'had no one' there

The couple holding one of their children during a holiday in the US. Johnston (right) is in a serious condition under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

'We fed them, clothed them, and then child safety arrived to take them.

'We still have their dog Riley in our backyard.'

Police said they had found a melted red plastic jerry can, three knives and duct tape in the backyard of the house.

Benny said the family had been at the house for about 18 months but Brian's dual cab ute had recently not been seen at the property.

'He was a normal guy, he loved to talk, sometimes I had to tell him to go home,' said Benny.

'We never saw or heard arguments or anything so it was strange. But he was obviously distressed.'

Benny said Johnston had established a successful business on the Gold Coast as a marine hydraulic engineer, even fixing one of the Victorian cruisers that had attempted to evade Queensland's border closure during the height of the pandemic.

Benny, a retiree, said he saw Kelly walking her kids to school every morning and afternoon, bringing along their youngest in a pram.

'She didn't drive. I think they've got her a car and her mother was giving her driving lessons before she [the mother] passed away in February.

'He actually came over and told me that the mother-in-law had died.'

Alleged killer's 'worrying' call to friend

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Johnston served two tours of duty in Iraq with the aviation division of the US Marine Corps - but did not see combat.

A fellow marine said he last spoke to the alleged killer about three weeks ago in a call where he expressed concerns about his life in Australia.

'Last time I talked to Brian his biggest fear was he had nobody in Australia but his wife and kids,' the friend said.

'All his family was in Ohio and she (his wife) was making accusations against him.

'He told me he was living in his office and didn't know what to do.'

Pictured: A family photo of Ms Wilkinson from 2016 showing her smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls

The friend said Johnston had met his wife in Ohio after his time in the military and he understood they had separated.

'Brian was struggling with the fact Kelly did not want to be with him,' the friend continued.

'He only expressed concerns about how much he missed Kelly and his kids and they were everything to him.

'He said they were all he had over there. My concern was making sure he knew it would be OK and he was strong enough to get through all this (the separation).'

The friend said he was struggling to come to terms with the allegations against his mate.

Alleged killer's family in mysterious GoFundMe

Kelly Wilkinson's body was discovered in the back yard of her Arundel home on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Police were called to her home at 6.40am after reports of an explosion and screams coming from the home.

Johnston was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state'. He was charged with murder on Tuesday night.

Tuesday's alleged attack came seven years after the couple shared photos of their wedding, surrounded by their loved ones.

The estranged couple on their wedding day. Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen died in February in a tragic double blow for the family

Other photos showed Mr Johnston holding one of their children next to Ms. Wilkinson during a holiday in the US, and Ms Wilkinson smiling during a trip to Niagara Falls.

Ms Wilkinson's mother Karen, who died in February in a tragic double blow for the family, had also shared images on Facebook of her daughter and her young family visiting his native Ohio.

On April 6, exactly two weeks before the alleged murder, Mr Johnston's sister Kelly Kruft created the 'Help Brian and his Children' GoFundMe page.

'I'm Kelly, Brian's sister. This is all I know to do to help my brother currently since he is in Australia! He needs our help! Please and Thank you! God Bless,' was the only message on the fundraiser, which did not say why he needed help.

A day after creating the crowdfunding page, which featured a photo of Johnston's three children, Ms Kruft took to Facebook to plead for donations.

'We are asking for your help and most definitely your prayers please! I can't go into details currently but Brian needs his family and friends!!!!' she wrote.

On Tuesday night, Ms Wilkinson's heartbroken sister Danielle Carroll lashed out at Ms Kruft for posting about the fundraiser.

Ms Kruft took down her Facebook page late on Tuesday night after being bombarded with thousands of abusive messages directed to her brother, but the GoFundMe page is still active.

Ms Wilkinson's body was found in the backyard of her Gold Coast home early on Tuesday morning

Police were called to the area at 6:40am and immediately cordoned off the street

The house where police say Johnston was found unconscious with burns to his hands and airways

A separate GoFundMe was created by Ms Wilkinson's sister Natalie on Tuesday afternoon asking for help in paying for the funeral of her 'beautiful angel'.

'Unfortunately Kelly has passed away... we are trying to raise money to pay for the funeral, the kids schooling and all other costs,' she wrote on the page.

The GoFundMe has already seen donations totalling more than $50,000 in less than a day.

Ms Wilkinson's sister asked for friends and family to 'help the children' through the difficult period.

Several people responded to Ms Wilkinson's sister's post, expressing their condolences and devastation at the news.

Det. Insp. Ahern said he did not know if the man was the father of the children and could not comment as to whether he was known to police for earlier domestic violence incidents

Police examined bins in Spikes Court in case the man had left anything as he fled the scene

'Thinking of you and your family,' one friend replied.

'Oh babe... my heart reaches out to you all... If u need anything we are only a call away,' another said.

'I am so so so sorry Natalie,' another said.

Johnston was formally refused bail during a brief mention at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

His solicitor Chris Hannay said Johnston was expected to apply for Supreme Court bail in the coming months.

Mr Hannay said outside court that he had met with Johnstone on Sunday, less than 48 hours before he allegedly attacked and murdered Ms Wilkinson.

'On Sunday, I got some instructions from him in relation to some other fairly serious matters that he has been charged with, and I haven't spoken to him since,' Mr Hannay said.

Johnstone did not appear distressed or agitated for the weekend conference, Mr Hannay said.

'Obviously, no one expected this to happen, but everyone thought that they were just chugging along as a normal process.'
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INDIANAPOLIS  Ajeet Singh had to steel himself for a return to work at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday for the first time since a former employee shot dead eight people, including four members of Indianapolis tightly knit Sikh community.

Ive been scared to go back, Singh said. I dont know why this happened still. Was it random, or was it because of who I am?

While the motive for last weeks rampage remains under investigation, leaders and members of the Sikh community say they feel a collective trauma and believe more must be done to combat the bigotry, bias and violence they have suffered for decades in the country. Amid intense pain, theyre channeling their grief into demands for gun reform and tougher hate crime statutes, and calls for outsiders to educate themselves about their Sikh neighbors.

We are time and time again disproportionately facing senseless and often very targeted attacks, said Satjeet Kaur, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, a New York-based group that has urged investigators to examine bias as a possible motive in the shootings.

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The impact on the community is traumatic, she continued, not just particularly the families that face the senseless violence, but also in the community at large because its community trauma.

In the days since the shootings, the coalition facilitated a call with federal officials in which Sikh leaders in Indiana asked for the appointment of a Sikh American liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement, among other requests.

A monotheistic faith founded more than 500 years ago in Indias Punjab region, Sikhism is the worlds fifth-largest religion with about 25 million followers, including about 500,000 in the United States.

Kaur said that as a relatively young faith with a low population in the Western world, Sikhism is generally not taught in schools to the same extent as other global religions or integrated in policy-making, resulting in misunderstanding and ignorance. Anti-Sikh discrimination can manifest itself in everything from schoolyard bullying to verbal attacks to shocking acts of violence.

Last year a man accused of running over the Sikh owner of a suburban Denver liquor store after reportedly telling him and his wife to go back to your country was charged with a hate crime and 16 other counts including attempted murder.

The latest killings dredged up painful memories for Rana Singh Sodhi, an Indian immigrant living in Arizona. He has spent nearly two decades preaching love and tolerance after his brother was shot dead four days after 9/11 by a man who mistook him for a Muslim because of his turban. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first of scores of Sikhs who were the target of hate crimes in the aftermath of the 2001 terror attacks.

Its very painful, Rana Singh Sodhi said. I hope one day  people will love each other and enjoy the life and working together and living together in this beautiful country.

There are between 8,000 and 10,000 Sikh Americans in Indiana, where they began settling more than 50 years ago and opened their first house of worship, known as a gurdwara, in 1999.

Most of the employees at the FedEx warehouse are members of the community. Gurinder Singh Khalsa of the Indiana-based Sikh Political Action Committee said many Sikhs live on Indianapolis west and south sides, making the facilitys airport location a convenient place to work.

On Monday his committee said it had set up a task force to seek answers about the shooting and to press government officials to take action. An important goal, Khalsa said, is to help people returning to work feel safe.

That would be a relief to people like Gaganpal Singh Dhaliwal, who said two of his aunts had just arrived for their shift at the warehouse Thursday night when the shooting started. His mother also works there. They all survived, but hes mourning colleagues and friends.

Dhaliwal expressed hope that the tragedy will inspire others to better understand the religion and cultural practices: To all my fellow Americans, whether Republicans, Democrats, Muslims, Jewish, non-religious people, everyone: Google the word Sikh today.  Devote five minutes of your time to be aware about another people around you who may not look like you.

Already hes starting to see some signs of raised consciousness, notably in the flags flying at half-staff outside homes and businesses across Indianapolis and an outpouring of support to fundraisers for victims families. He urged more people to build bridges to his community.

If you see a person like me wearing a (turban) on the head, in your street, in your grocery shop, at your workplace, go talk to them, Dhaliwal said. Tell them you know who Sikhs are, or give them a hug and say, Hey, youre welcome in the U.S. Right now were a community that needs a lot of support, and to know that we have a place in this place called America.

The killings have reverberated nationwide. Pardeep Singh Kaleka, executive director of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the son of one of seven fatal victims of a 2012 mass shooting at a gurdwara in the suburb of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, said there are concerns about an escalating threat of violence.

Small communities traumatized by violence are left to wonder, Was I targeted for my race? Kaleka said. Was I targeted for my ethnicity, for my religion? Was I targeted for something I cant control?

And in California, Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, a Stockton Gurdwara Sahib member and student of early Sikh American history, said hes grappling with a range of emotions including anger, hurt, hopelessness and a feeling of not belonging. Frustrating, he said, is that much of the public focus has been on the shooters mental state rather than the community he wounded so deeply.

I am tired of the same old narrative, said Bainiwal, who was born and raised in the U.S. but has been told to fit in.

In Indianapolis, the Sikh community is focusing on helping the bereaved, who are hoping to secure roughly two-dozen fast-tracked visas so relatives overseas may travel for funeral rites set to take place in the next two weeks. The proceedings will begin with cremation and then be followed by up to 20 days of reading of the 1,400-page Guru Granth Sahib scripture, Dhaliwal said.

Earlier last week the home of Sukhpreet Rai bustled with happy chatter and kitchen activity amid celebrations of Vaisakhi, a major Sikh holiday festival, and an upcoming family birthday. Now it has fallen silent in mourning for two of her relatives, Jasvinder Kaur and Amarjit Sekhon.

We were supposed to be celebrating a birthday and being together as a family, Rai said. Were together, and we have one another, but its for something different  its for a funeral.

___

Associated Press writers Anita Snow and Gary Fields contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

___

Casey Smith 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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20)  There are a number of options available, and war is never one of them.

This is how former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, lawmakers and maritime experts see the recent pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte saying that only war or bloodshed can take back the West Philippine Sea from China.

"You know the cost of war and if we go there and really to find out and assert jurisdiction, it will be bloody, it will result violence that we cannot maybe win," Duterte said in his public briefing on Monday.

Del Rosario disputed this and said that there was no need for a war to assert the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"As we have said before, neither war nor bloodshed is an option for the Philippines to assert its rights over the West Philippine Sea," Del Rosairo said in a statement.

The former DFA secretary who defended the Philippines' case in the arbitral court in The Hague in 2016 said that the country was able to put pressure on China recently over its continuous presence in the Julian Felipe Reef.

"In the past few days, we managed to pressure China to disperse its vessels in Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, not through war or bloodshed, but through the courageous assertion of our rights by our officials and soldiers," he said.

Del Rosario also brought Duterte's move in the 75th United Nations General Assembly invoking the arbitral ruling which did not trigger any war from China.

"This should have put to rest the utterly inane notion that invoking the arbitral ruling and standing up for our rights are equivalent to waging war against China," he added.

"Asserting our rights also encourages allies to support us against Beijing's move to control the South China Sea," he said.

"Because we asserted our rights against China in Julian Felipe Reef, our allies in the world like the US and Japan supported our position against the massing of Chinese vessels. Moreover, the US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Australia have already formally supported the arbitral ruling," Del Rosario explained.

The former DFA chief also identified two options that the Philippines can do amid China's continuous incursion. First, the country can raise the arbitral ruling again at the UN General Assembly this September 2021 to gather more support from other countries; and secondly, under a multilateral approach, taking other concrete steps to consolidate support from allies, which includes engaging in joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea to protect the country's waters.

"We respectfully urge the President to reject this Chinese narrative of war, because it is intended to scare countries to submit to China's will of illegally occupying the South China Sea," Del Rosario said.

Giving China the 'upper hand'

University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law Professor Jay Batongbacal also supports the move to bring the matter to the UN.

He said indicating that the country cannot do anything is an act of surrender when in fact the government can still exhaust all available options. The recent statements made by the President are also giving China the upper hand despite the country's win in the arbitral court, he added.

"The whole reason for having the arbitration is to generate options and those options were for purposes of negotiation and diplomacy. The arbitration is a source of leverage because it is supported by the international community," Batongbacal said.

Do not surrender, wave the white flag

Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson on the other hand said that Duterte's stand on China is sending the wrong signal to the armed forces who are at the forefront in defending the West Philippine Sea.

"He is the leader of the country and commander in chief of all armed forces. He can think and speak about anything except surrender. We have an arbitral ruling in favor and it's permanent. There are so many things to talk about except surrender. We cannot wave the white flag," Lacson said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on the other hand slammed the President's remarks seemingly allowing China to take what belongs to the country.

"Sinusuko na ng Presidente ang soberanya ng Pilipinas. Nakakahiyang marinig na mismong ang Commander-in-Chief ng Pilipinas ang pasimuno ng mistulang pagbigay ng ating teritoryo sa China. Sabi niya dati mag-jejetski siya papuntang West Philippine Sea, hindi naman ginawa. Wala pa rin nga siyang ginagawa, tapos surrender na kaagad?" Hontiveros said in a statement.

[Translation: The President is surrendering Philippine sovereignty. It's embarrassing to hear that the country's commander-in-chief himself seems to be giving up our territory to China. He previously said he will ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea, but this did not happen. He has done nothing, and he's already surrendering?]
The terrified animal jumps away to avoid the reptile's jaws before making escape

An unsuspecting wildebeest had a lucky escape when a huge crocodile shot up from a watering hole and tried to drag it below.

Video of the shocking attack was captured in the Djuma Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

In the footage, the blue wildebeest approaches a pool of water to take a drink in the sweltering African heat.

But moments later a stealthy Nile crocodile bursts up from below the surface and launches itself at the animal.

The terrified 500lb wildebeest jumps up in fright and stumbles over a fallen tree before dashing clear of the reptile's jaws.

The footage was taken by a WildEarth TV camera crew who had set up a live-stream static webcam at the watering hole.

'We were watching the Djuma Dam Cam - a static webcam that live-streams safari content - when we noticed a Nile crocodile sneak through from the dam into a small pan of water,' said WildEarth co-founder Emily Wallington.

'As we saw the crocodile hide itself under water, we knew that it was waiting for a herbivore to arrive at the dam for some water in the blazing hot heat.

Shocking footage shows a terrified wildebeest leaping away from the crocodile's jaws at the Djuma Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

'Within moments, we saw a blue wildebeest arrive from the grassland area nearby and as he bent down to take a sip, the crocodile launched itself and tried to grab the wildebeest.

'Luckily, the wildebeest had a quick reaction and as the water was very shallow, the crocodile was unable to gain enough momentum to successfully catch his lunch.

'The wildebeest knocked against a log where we thought for a moment that it wouldn't make it, but it managed to gain its balance and ran off into a nearby grassland.

'We believe the mission of the crocodile was to grab the wildebeest by the nose and drag it underneath the water where it could drown it like they do in the Masai Mara River during migration season.

The blue wildebeest had approached a pool of water to take a drink in the sweltering African heat, but moments later a stealthy Nile crocodile shot up from below the surface

'The entire incident happened in less than two seconds and due to our integral Dam Cam, we were able to catch this incredible sighting that would have been missed otherwise.

'It was an amazing sighting to see, as seeing events like this in the African bush are very rare.

'I was happy that the wildebeest got away, but I am honoured to have seen this action play out in real-time.'

The blue wildebeest is native to Africa and is a species of antelope that can reach up to eight-feet in length at full adult size.

The Nile crocodile can reach up to 13-feet at full adult size and is one of Africa's most feared predators due to it having one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, as well as being able to stay underwater from anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours.
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The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has trained 40 rice farmers in the rice value chain in Edo to boost production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the ministry also distributed 40 bags of 25kg faro 44 rice seedlings to the rice farmers across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The ministry also distributed two litres of glyphosate chemical each to the farmers.

Declaring the training open on Tuesday, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, Frank Kudla, said the training was targeted at the youth and women.

Mr Kudla, represented by the ministrys Director of Agriculture in Edo, Wellington Omoragbon, said the capacity building of the youth on rice farming was a concerted effort aimed at improving rice production in the state.

We all know that over the past years rice has become one of the leading staple foods in Nigeria and the consumption has increased faster than the production resulting in growing dependence on imports. To curtail these, the ministry through the department is empowering women and the youth on rice production along the value chain, he said.

All the move was to reduce poverty, increase food security, create jobs, and accelerate income generation and economic growth in an inclusive and sustainable basis.

The ministry, through the department, is organising this training on rice production, processing and marketing with the objective to enhance productivity, create jobs, as well as develop rice enterprises in Nigeria, Mr Kudla said.

According to him, the efforts to improve and increase rice production will invariably contribute to the attainment of President Muhammadu Buharis desire to ensure easy access to quality rice.

The Programme Manager of Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, urged the participants to take advantage of the training to improve rice production and create wealth in the state.

The programme manager was represented by the Director of Technical Services, Sub-Programme, ADP, Fidelia Aikhuomobhogbe.

Mr Aikhuomobhogbe noted that the ministry had trained extension agents in the state to assist the farmers on modern agricultural practices.

Monday Nana, a rice farmer from Illushi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state, thanked the Federal Government for the training.

Mr Nana said the training and the rice seeds received would help the farmers to improve rice production in the state.

(NAN)
EDWARDSVILLE  The Madison County Health Department hosted a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wednesday in the Student Fitness Center on the Edwardsville campus.

Appointments were available for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and are open to SIUE faculty, staff and students age 16 and older. Second dose appointments will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 12. Students who are unable to schedule their second dose at the SIUE clinic and need assistance in scheduling a second dose in their home area should connect with SIUE Health Service via cougarcare@siue.edu for direction and assistance.

We value our partnership with the Madison County Health Department (MCHD), and appreciate the opportunity to host a vaccine clinic on our Edwardsville campus, said SIUE Health Service Director Riane Greenwalt.

Hosting this clinic on campus will allow many faculty, staff and students to receive both doses of the Pfizer vaccine prior to returning to their hometown, enjoying the local community or embarking on safe travel this summer.

Pfizer is an mRNA vaccine and is considered 80% effective after the first dose. The completed series, including two doses, offers more than 90% effectiveness for prevention of infection.

SIUE School of Pharmacy Associate Dean Jessica Kerr emphatically recommends receiving the vaccine. She noted that vaccines are an important way to prevent the transmission and decrease the severity of the COVID virus and related hospital stays.

As a practicing pharmacist and professor in the School of Pharmacy, I am thrilled about the opportunity for our students to receive the vaccine on campus, and to potentially complete the vaccination series just after finals week, Kerr said. This action will lead to a greater campus population becoming fully vaccinated by the end of May.

College student personnel administration graduate student Lindsy Perry received the Pfizer vaccine.

I got vaccinated so I can help us get back to normal, and to protect my family and friends, Perry said.

SIU System Student Trustee Jacob Graham, a senior economics and management double major, plans to get his vaccine on campus.

Receiving the vaccine will help me do my part in keeping my community and myself safe, he said.

Senior early childhood education major Avalyn Mosby is getting vaccinated for the protection of herself and her community.

I chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine because I will be in contact with various children and their families; therefore, I want to protect the students, their parents, as well as myself, Mosby said. The vaccine will give me added protection to safely visit my family in Illinois and travel to Texas to see my grandpa. Thank you to Health Service and the Madison County Health Department for providing this on-campus clinic.

School of Nursing Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Ann Popkess, who also is a registered nurse, said she is grateful for SIUEs partnership with the MCHD in providing the on-campus clinic.

Vaccination of our campus community means we can continue to offer in-classroom teaching experiences, utilize our School of Nursing Simulation Learning Lab to its fullest capability and continue to provide clinical patient experiences in our partner agencies, Popkess said. All of this supports our mission to educate exceptional nursing graduates at SIUE.

Complete details related to the on-campus vaccine clinic, including requirements and health advisories, are available at siue.edu/coronavirus in the Campus Updates and Status section.
Apple unveiled a series of new products on Tuesday that showed how it continues to center its marketing pitch on consumer privacy, at the potential expense of other companies, while muscling into markets pioneered by much smaller competitors.

In an hourlong infomercial that was streamed from its Silicon Valley headquarters, Apple showed off a new high-end iPad and an iMac desktop computer based on new computer processors that Apple now makes itself. The company also said it was redesigning its podcast app, which competes with companies like Spotify, to enable creators to charge for their shows. And it revealed the AirTag, a $29 disc that attaches to key rings or wallets so they can be found if lost.

But after its product show, Apple made other news that could have far more significant, industrywide implications. The company said in a news release that it planned to release highly anticipated iPhone software next week with a privacy feature that worries digital-advertising companies, most notably Facebook.

The feature will require apps to get explicit permission from users before tracking them across other apps. As a result, when opening many apps next week, owners of iPhones will see pop-up windows that ask them whether to allow that tracking. Companies that rely on digital advertising are expected to gather less data about users as people decline that tracking.
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Keva Landrum, the former Orleans Parish criminal court judge who lost in a December runoff against Jason Williams for district attorney, is the Biden administration's choice to serve as U.S. Attorney in New Orleans, a source with knowledge of the nomination said.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Landrum, 48, would oversee an office that prosecutes federal cases across the Eastern District of Louisiana, which includes 13 parishes in the state's southeast. She would succeed Peter Strasser, who left office Feb. 28 in a purge of remaining Trump-era U.S. attorneys.

Kenneth Polite, who held the post in New Orleans before Strasser over the last 3 1/2 years of the Obama administration, was tapped last week to head up the Justice Departments criminal division, a top-level job that also requires the Senates consent. He has not been confirmed yet.

Landrum was among the leading names that were floated for the job even before Strasser left the office 17 floors above Poydras Street. She did not respond Wednesday to a message seeking comment about the nomination.

Though U.S. senators hold an informal veto power over such choices, Louisianas two Republican senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, were expected to hold little influence over the selection this time around. Kennedy typically meets one-on-one with key federal appointees to Louisiana, while Cassidy generally has an outside committee vet the nominees.

Sources have said New Orleans-area Rep. Cedric Richmond, now among Bidens closest White House advisors, held the cards this time for filling the top posts at all three U.S. attorneys offices in the state.

Brandon Fremin also resigned in February as U.S. Attorney for the Baton Rouge-based Middle District, as the Biden administration followed a longstanding custom across 94 federal districts when the White House changes political parties.

An interim U.S. attorney has been in place in the Lafayette-based Western District of Louisiana since July, when Trumps appointee, David Joseph, was confirmed as a federal judge.

Landrums connection with Richmond is close; they are friends from Tulane Law School, where Landrum was a year ahead of the former congressman.

Landrum grew up in New Orleans East, attended Ursuline Academy and Washington University in St. Louis before rising as a line prosecutor in Orleans Parish. She became first assistant to then-DA Eddie Jordan, assuming the interim post from 2007 to 2008 when Jordan resigned after a series of controversies.

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Landrum parlayed that position into a Criminal District Court judgeship that she held for nearly two terms until she stepped down last year to run for district attorney.

She won the primary handily but lost badly in a runoff against Williams. Landrums support from the traditional New Orleans political establishment proved a liability as Williams tapped into a groundswell of support for bold criminal justice reform.

Landrum chafed at the image, portraying herself as a vehicle for reform from within.

She touted her work as chief judge  the first Black woman to serve in that role -- in reducing the use of cash bail.

Landrum also pledged to reduce the use of the states habitual offender law and forgo the death penalty, but New Orleans voters werent swayed. Williams won the runoff 58% to Landrum's 42%.

Landrum, who in February joined the New Orleans-based Deutsch Kerrigan law firm, hopes to receive a better reception in a tightly divided Senate.

Among other names cast as contenders for the seat were former state Rep. Walt Leger; St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut; and Duane Evans, the interim U.S. Attorney following Polite, and now following Strasser.

Biden is also expected to name a veteran prosecutor known for his no-nonsense style to be the next U.S. attorney in Baton Rouge, the source said.

Ronald Gathe Jr., who has spent two decades working as a prosecutor for parish district attorneys, would become U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana if confirmed by the Senate. He would be the first Black person nominated by a president to hold the position.

Gathe would succeed Brandon Fremin, who had been the Trump administrations nominee until he resigned at the end of February.
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The Police Command in Kaduna State, has confirmed attack by gunmen on Greenfield University on Tuesday evening.

The university located on Kaduna-Abuja highway, was attacked at about 8:35p.m on Tuesday.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kaduna, that some of the students were abducted.

Mr Jalige, an assistant superintendent of police, however said that the number of students kidnapped had not been ascertained.

He said security operatives have been deployed to the general area for search and rescue operation.

Greenfield University is located along the KadunaAbuja Highway, some few Kilometers to the Olam feed factory which is about 30km from Kaduna town.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.

(NAN)
[April 21, 2021] PlatON Announces the Community Acceptance Process for the Mainnet Launch: The Mainnet Pre-deployment Starts on April 25

SINGAPORE, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The privacy-preserving AI computing network PlatON officially announced the community acceptance process for its mainnet launch today. The first phase of the mainnet pre-deployment will be completed at 12:29 on April 25, followed by the final review and initial allocation of LAT inside the pre-deployed network in phases. At 12:29 on April 29, PlatON will invite contributors of community members from all walks of life to accept and vote on the pre-deployed network. As of 12:29 on April 30, if voted through, the current pre-deployed network will officially become the PlatON mainnet under the consensus decision of the entire community. Vote with NFT in the Community As a privacy-preserving AI computing network with decentralization as its core feature, PlatON's mainnet will be released in strict accordance with a model led and promoted by the community, the most important part of which is community acceptance and voting for permission. A community of contributors composed of nodes, developers, media, enthusiastic users, and investors will conduct full-scale acceptance of the network pre-deployed on April 25, and, after the acceptance, vote to determine whether to officially qualify the network as the PlatON mainnet. The voting process will go on the PlatON meta-network Alaya. Each ballot is a separate NFT. Sending the NFT to the voting address will be deemed as a vote in favor of the current pre-deployed network to be the PlatON mainnet. After the voting ends on April 30, the current pre-deployed network will become the PlatON mainnet if voted through. Then nodes can access the network as formal validators of PlatON, responsible for generating blocks. At the same time, all members of the community can transfer, delegate, receive rewards, and enjoy other functions on the mainnet. If the mainnet is voted down, it needs to go through a new round of pre-deployment, community acceptance and voting at a later date. Network Pre-deployment After two and a half years of iterative R&D, eight-month technical testing of the testnest of Baley's World, six-month business verification of the Alaya meta-network, and three rounds of internal exercises and tuning, PlatON is fully prepared for the official launch of the mainnet on all fronts such as technology, operation, maintenance, and services. At 12:29 on April 25, the pre-deployed network of the PlatON mainnet will go online with the support of foundation nodes and start to generate blocks. The foundation nodes are seed nodes supported by the LatticeX Foundation. Thy will generate blocks when the network is launched, yet without receiving any rewards.



When the pre-deployed network is launched, ATON, PlatON's mobile wallet client, and PlatScan, a blockchain explorer, will be released simultaneously. The two platforms will provide all community members with access to the pre-deployed network. On April 25, the NFT contract for community voting will be deployed on Alaya.

On April 25, a new version of PlatON's official website will be launched at the same time as the pre-deployment network generates blocks. From April 26 to April 27, the final internal audit and acceptance of the pre-deployed network will be conducted to ensure that everything, from the underlying layer to the peripheral tools, is technically qualified for the launch. On April 28, the initial allocation of LAT will be completed, and community contributors can also start comprehensive acceptance of the pre-deployed network that has been fully prepared. On April 28, NFTs for voting will be sent to the Alaya wallet address of each community contributor. At 12:29 on April 29, community contributors will start voting on the pre-deployed network. A vote is deemed an affirmative vote, and a waiver is deemed a negative vote. The voting lasts for 24 hours. At 12:29 on April 30, the current pre-deployed network will be officially launched as the PlatON mainnet if voted through; if the mainnet is voted down, it needs to go through a new round of pre-deployment, community acceptance and voting at a later date. 12:29 PMThe Origin of the Launch Time 7.29/12.29 The core mission of PlatON is to explore the way humans survive in the digital space. Based on the evolution of privacy-preserving AI and the distributed economy, PlatON has successively offered multiple possibilities of humans poetically living in the "land" of the digital space. In this sense, PlatON can be traced back to Plato's "The Republic"the blueprint of human order constructed by The Republic. The most important figure in this book is "729", which represents a possible structure of a good ruling model. 4/25 April 25 is the birthday of Wolfgang E. Pauli, a well-known theoretical physicist and one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics research. He successfully predicted neutrinos and gave a guess about the exact structural constant of the universe, which was about 0.00729 and was approximately valued at 1/137. In response to the commitment and historical origins, we choose 7:29 Athens time on April 25, which is 12:29 Singapore time, as a key time point to formally start all the important processes, as a salute to the great fathers and pioneers who led the development of science and technology. 4/30 On April 30, 1777, Gauss, the "Prince of Mathematics", was born. Besides being frequently mentioned in mathematics stories for children, this legendary figure also invented the first telegraph machine in the world, and even introduced the lattice theory around 1840. His great discoveries those days have laid a foundation for today's lattice codes and the corresponding theoretical and practical explorations. That also constitutes the original intention of the LatticeX Foundation, which is to build grid-based cyberspace in the future. More interestingly, on the same day in 1492, Christopher Columbus obtained an expedition commission issued by Queen Isabella I of Spain. We also believe that 529 years later, under the strict acceptance of community members and decentralized voting, PlatON will eventually win the consensus from the entire community to launch the mainnet safely and stably, embarking on a new journey of the privacy-preserving AI computing network. About PlatON PlatON was initiated and promoted by the LatticeX Foundation. Based on the basic properties of the blockchain and supported by a privacy-preserving computing network, PlatON provides the next-generation Internet basic protocol featuring "computing interoperability". It builds a computing system jointly assembled by cryptographic algorithms such as verifiable computing, secure multi-party computing, zero-knowledge proof, homomorphic encryption, and blockchain technology to provide public infrastructure under an open-source architecture for global artificial intelligence, distributed application developers, data providers as well as various institutions, communities and individuals with computing needs. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/platon-announces-the-community-acceptance-process-for-the-mainnet-launch-the-mainnet-pre-deployment-starts-on-april-25-301273640.html SOURCE PlatON

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Decades-old aerial photos of Yudong District, Datong City in Shanxi Province, Northern China have helped researchers in their search for a fault hidden underneath the city's buildings and cement roads, researchers said at the Seismological Society of America (SSA)'s 2021 Annual Meeting.

Analyzing these photos from the 1960s and 1970s allowed Junjie Ren and colleagues to reconstruct a digital elevation model along the Shuiyu fault, helping them identify the fault trace as it passes through Datong City.

Trenching along the revealed fault trace found evidence of five previously unknown earthquakes along the fault, ranging in age from 9930 years ago to 23,550 years ago, said Ren, a researcher at the National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China.

"Our work is the first to determine the fault trace in the city area and find evidence of the past five surface-rupturing earthquakes in the latest Quaternary," he said.

"Given the elapsed time of about 10,000 years, the Shuiyu fault beneath the Yudong District will increase the risk of a large earthquake in the future," Ren added.

Previous mapping showed that the Shuiyu fault crossed the city, which is at the center of a basin bounded by several Holocene-age normal faults. But studies suggested the fault had not been active since 20,000 years ago, and landforms such as fault scarps that might have marked its extent had disappeared under rapid urbanization beginning in 2000.

"Generally, shallow seismic reflection imaging and drilling are used to explore the location of a potentially active fault beneath a city," Ren explained. "But these techniques are costly and time-consuming."

Aerial photos of the city from the 1960s and 1970s, however, revealed a much less densely populated and built area. Ren and his colleagues applied a technique called stereophotogrammetry to the images, using measurements from the photos to calculate the 3D coordinates of features on the landscape.

In this way, the scientists were able to recreate a digital elevation model of part of Datong City as it was before urbanization, making features like fault scarps visible again.

Ren recommends the technique for uncovering similar "invisible" potentially active faults in other densely populated and built urban areas. "A big earthquake beneath a big city will bring a massive loss to the economy and significant casualties," he said.

###
Vanessa Hudgens showed off her assets in a skimpy bikini while splashing around in the ocean in Miami on Instagram this week.

The 32-year-old High School Musical star opted for a walnut brown swimsuit, accessorizing with jewelry and a white bucket hat.

She put on a fake accent while channeling wildlife documentary presenters for a jokey new character called 'Outback Nessie.'

Looking fab: Vanessa Hudgens showed off her assets in a skimpy bikini while splashing around in the ocean on Instagram this week

Vanessa glammed up her two-piece with a necklace, earrings and several rings, adding a fashionable flourish with shades.

Introducing herself as 'Outback Nessie' she vamped: 'We are in new territory, were in the ocean - and if you look over here, you will see pelicans.'

She gestured over to one side and the camera panned over to show several pelicans floating around in the shallows near her.

Theres fish all over the water here and, you know, were trying to make contact with these guys. We might just make them our best friends. Just you wait!' she crowed.

'Oh outback Nessie': The 32-year-old High School Musical star opted for a walnut brown swimsuit, accessorizing with jewelry and a white bucket hat

Goofing around: She put on a fake accent while channeling wildlife documentary presenters for a jokey new character called 'Outback Nessie'

What a look: Vanessa glammed up her two-piece with a necklace, earrings and several rings, adding a fashionable flourish with shades

In a recent Insta Stories selfies Vanessa showed off one of the unfortunate side effects of her days out at the beach.

She could be seen wearing a sleeveless white top that allowed her to demonstrate how sunburnt her shoulders had become.

'I DON'T NEED SUNSCREEN I SAID,' wrote Vanessa alongside the selfie which showed her wearing a mask in the car. 'LOL SMH.'

Vanessa's upcoming movie releases include the musical Tick, Tick...Boom! directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield.

Having a ball: Introducing herself as 'Outback Nessie' she vamped: 'We are in new territory, were in the ocean - and if you look over here, you will see pelicans'

Wow: She gestured over to one side and the camera panned over to show several pelicans floating around in the shallows near her

'Just you wait!': Theres fish all over the water here and, you know, were trying to make contact with these guys,!' she crowed

The original stage piece was written as a one-man off-Broadway show by Jonathan Larson who went onto achieve national fame for Rent.

Tick, Tick... Boom! is Lin-Manuel's first turn at film directing since the 1996 comedy Clayton's Friends, which was only 59 minutes long.

Production on the film was shut down last March on account of the coronavirus lockdowns but it resumed in the autumn.

Lin-Manuel announced the wrap of the shoot in late November and the movie is now slated for a Netflix release on an undisclosed date this year.
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PM Modi speech Highlights: 'Lockdown last resort; focus on micro-containment'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Tuesday and spoke about the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. He said the situation in India was under control until some weeks ago, but the second wave of COVID has come like a storm. The prime minister said India is currently fighting a very tough battle against coronavirus and urged people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to refrain from imposing lockdowns and treat it as the last resort. He instead asked them to focus on micro-containment. He also assured that the efforts are going on to ensure an ample supply of medical oxygen across the country, with contribution from both public and private entities.

Bharat Biotech scales up Covaxin manufacturing capacity to 700 million doses per year

To support vaccination campaigns in India and across the globe, Bharat Biotech has ramped up the manufacturing capacity of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, to 700 million doses per annum, the vaccine maker said on Tuesday. Manufacturing scale-up has been carried out in a stepwise manner across multiple facilities at Hyderabad and Bangalore, the company said in a statement. Inactivated vaccines, while highly safe, are extremely complex and expensive to manufacture, resulting in lower yields when compared to live virus vaccines, it noted.

COVID-19 crisis: Need 'complete trust' between industry and govt, says FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, April 20, said that there should be absolute trust between the industry and the government to support growth in the wake of the COVID-19 situation in the country. Addressing a seminar organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce & Industry, FM Sitharaman stated that the government has taken myriad steps to ensure that the economic revival continues despite the raging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.



'Heartless', 'lacks vision': Chidambaram slams Centre's revised COVID-19 vaccine policy

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday slammed the government over its revised vaccine policy. Chidambaram has stated that the new vaccine policy is "heartless" and "lacks vision". Under the revised policy, vaccine manufacturers will be allowed to release 50 per cent of doses to the open market. The former finance minister attacked the new vaccine policy saying that it has "no price of vaccine fixed for below 45 years category." He added that young people have been left to the mercy of state governments and private hospitals. Chidambaram stated that the new vaccine policy has no provisions for the migrant workers who have been the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

India doubled oxygen exports to 9,301 MT in Apr-Jan FY21, earned Rs 8.9 crore

India sold twice as much oxygen to the world during the first ten months of fiscal 2020-21 as compared to the entire financial year before it, shows data from the Department of Commerce. This happened despite the fact that India was one of the three worst-affected nations from the coronavirus pandemic for a substantial portion of this period. Between April 2020 and January 2021, India exported 9,301 metric tonnes of oxygen across the world, earning Rs 8.9 crore from the trade. In contrast, the country had exported only Rs 4,514 crore during the financial year 2019-20, raking in Rs 5.5 crore.

UP govt to administer COVID-19 vaccine for free to all above 18 from May 1

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to administer the COVID-19 vaccine free of cost to all those above 18 years of age from May 1. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Cabinet also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing the administering of the coronavirus vaccine to those above 18 years of age.
The top TV picks for Wednesday 21 April.

If you've ever wanted to go behind-the-scenes of the pre-owned luxury market, you're in luck tonight with Second Hand for 50 Grand.

The Channel 4 show takes a look at a small business selling on high-end watches and handbags and meets a few of those in search of such goods.

Over on BBC One, the Sewing Bee continues to test its competitors with Summer Week.

Read more: Alex Reid jailed over car insurance fraud

Meanwhile, Paul O'Grady's looking out for more lovable pooches in For the Love of Dogs.

The Repair Shop - 8pm - BBC One

Donkey Arrival Julie Tatchell, Lorraine Thomas, Amanda Middleditch. (BBC/Ricochet)

Jay Blades and co have a new of cherished heirlooms to restore to their former glory.

Painting conservator Lucia Scalisi hopes to bring a historic portrait of Charles II back to life, while goldsmith Richard Talman reunites the broken pieces of an engagement ring that symbolises two grandparents love.

Other items brought into the Repair Shop tonight include a special toy donkey and a wooden chest all the way from Oman.

Paul OGrady: For the Love of Dogs - 8pm - ITV

Paul O'Grady with a Bichon called Pooch. (ITV)

This week at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home the presenter trains a lively beagle cross puppy and spends some time occupying a Bichon who is used to a busy home.

Watch: Martin Compston shares Line of Duty pranks with co-star Vicky McClure

Read more: Boy George looking for 'brave' actor to play him in biopic

He also helps out with a shell shocked staffy who was left tied to the gates and gets caught up in an outbreak of parvo virus which staff try to contain.

Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty - 9pm - BBC Two

Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty - Laurie Manifold. (BBC/Bohemia Films/Laurie Manifold)

The second episode of the documentary exploring real-life police corruption focuses on the underbelly of Soho in the second episode of the three-parter.

Viewers are taken to the early 1970s where the large amount of pornographic bookshops in the London area provide ample opportunity for corrupt officers to take advantage of their position.

The Great British Sewing Bee - 9pm - BBC One

Story continues

Sewing Bee's Patrick Grant and Esme Young with contestant Andrew. (BBC/Love Productions)

The charming competition has already said goodbye to one contestant and another must sadly go tonight in Summer Week.

Read more: Line of Duty fans think spelling error points to H's identity

Paperbag shorts must be made for the Pattern Challenge before the sewers make a woman's outfit out of second-hand men's swimming gear in the Transformation.

The final challenge of the day, the Made to Measure, sees them whip up button-down sun dresses.

Second Hand for 50 Grand - 10pm - Channel 4

Rose, Joe and Reece in Second Hand For 50 Grand (Channel 4)

This Channel 4 programme looks behind the curtain of the pre-owned luxury market via Xupes, a business tracking down second-hand high-end goods to sell on.

Grant, a window cleaner, wants a Cartier watch while Rebecca is on the hunt to replace a stolen Prada bag.

Watch: How James Nesbitt covered up Line of Duty role
Prince Mashawana, known as SuperMash, is Africa's first Black child superhero. He has already inspired thousands through his work with other kids and through his social media platforms, where he motivates kids to be their own heroes. He will become the youngest person in the world ever to do a TEDx talk...

Congratulations on being chosen as the youngest person in the world ever to do a TEDx talk. How do you feel?

You're known as SuperMash. Tell us more

7-year-old social entrepreneur brings hope to Mzansi Prince Mashawana, aged seven years old, has created a compelling new superhero - SuperMash...

You've already inspired thousands through your work. What inspires you?

I want to see other children respect each other and help each other. I want to remove bullying from our schools and the minds of children.

I am a Superhero and so are you. Never doubt yourself #SuperMash pic.twitter.com/5eV71wRuw4  Super Mash (@SuperMash4) March 29, 2021

You were asked to prepare a speech on the topic "Can the youth change the world?" What are the things we can expect to you hear from your TEDx talk?

What more can we expect from you in the future?

Ishita Katyal is a child author born in the year 2005 and has been the youngest TEDx speaker at the age of 10.

I am really excited, all my friends at school know about my Tedx talk and so does the teachers. I am really excited. I cant wait!SuperMash is the first Black child superhero in Africa. SuperMash brings awareness to issues affecting children such as domestic violence, bullying and substance abuse etc.I turn into SuperMash when I wear my super wristband. I was bullied at school, so my parents encouraged me to become my own hero to build my confidence. When I became more confident, I automatically started inspiring other kids who were going through the same thing or issues that we linked to what I was going through. I encourage kids to become their own hero.My parents saw the need for this in South Africa and Africa and encouraged me to inspire children on a bigger scale.I just really want to see fellow superheros achieve their goals and dreams.All of these goals inspire me.I cant share too much, but what I can say is that I will be celebrating other young people, I will be sharing their stories and showcasing them.I will be releasing my first book calledby the end of 2021. I am super excited for this!
GREENVILLE  The Greer man charged in relation to the U.S. Capitol riot pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment April 20, and the judge in the case ordered him released to home detention in Spartanburg County.

William Robert Norwood III, 37, was indicted March 19 with seven charges in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, including theft of government property; obstruction of Congress; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct in the Capitol building; parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building; and entering and remaining in certain rooms in the Capitol building, specifically House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office.

Norwood was arrested Feb. 25 and had an initial detention hearing the next day at the federal courthouse in Greenville. The magistrate judge at the time ordered him held due to some of the statements Norwood allegedly made in a family Facebook chat about assaulting police officers at the Capitol and because he didnt find Norwoods testimony reliable.

Norwood has been held in a Washington, D.C., jail since then.

In its evaluation of Norwoods motion for pretrial release, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hava Mirell said despite Norwoods boasts to family members, the government has not found evidence that Norwood assaulted anyone inside or outside of the Capitol.

Aside from participating in the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol in an apparent attempt to subvert a democratic election and prevent the peaceful transition of power, defendant also led a pack of rioters through the inner sanctum of Speaker Pelosis office space, Mirell said.

He kept a souvenir from Pelosis office, a drink coaster that says "United States Congress," Mirell said in the document.

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The evaluation also said Norwood admitted to FBI agents that he packed a knife, bear mace and a green tactical vest when he left South Carolina, which the government said showed some level of planning was involved.

The fact that defendant packed these items in the first place suggests that he was not just caught up in the frenzy of the crowd, but instead came to Washington, D.C. with the intention of causing mayhem and disrupting the democratic process,  Mirell said in the evaluation.

Norwood was charged with theft of government property after FBI agents found a U.S. Capitol Police helmet and tactical vest in a storage container after they arrested Norwood. He previously told agents he left the items in a hotel room in Washington.

That charge, and obstruction of an official proceeding, are each felonies and carry a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.

Senior U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said it would have been an interesting hearing if the government had opposed release because some of the statements attributed to Mr. Norwood are very disturbing.

Sullivan granted release to home detention with electronic monitoring and stipulated Norwood could not have contact with any co-conspirators or with his estranged wife, who may be a victim or witness.

At his initial detention hearing, Norwood said he traveled with his wife to former President Donald Trumps speech at the Ellipse and then they walked to the Capitol building, where he said they got separated and he went inside. She has not been charged in the case.
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SEOUL, South Korea  A South Korean court on Wednesday rejected a claim by victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery and their relatives who sought compensation from Japans government.

The Seoul Central District Court based its decision on diplomatic considerations and principles of international law that grant countries immunity from the jurisdiction of foreign courts. This appeared to align with the position maintained by Tokyo, which boycotted the court proceedings and insists all wartime compensation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty normalizing relations between the two nations.

Activists representing sexual slavery victims denounced the decision and said the Seoul Central District Court was ignoring their struggle to restore the womens honor and dignity. They said in a statement that the plaintiffs would appeal.

It wasnt immediately clear how the ruling would affect relations between the estranged U.S. allies. Their feud escalated in public for years over issues stemming from Japans brutal occupation of Korea through end of World War II, before receiving pressure from the Biden administration to mend ties and coordinate action in the face of threats from China and North Korea.

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Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katunobu Kato noted the decision conflicted with a previous ruling in a separate case that found the Japanese government responsible for compensating sexual slavery victims.

Kato said he wouldnt comment on the new ruling before examining the details more closely, but added that Tokyos stance on the sexual slavery issue remains unchanged. He said the previous ruling violated international law and was unacceptable.

Japan continues to strongly ask South Korea to take appropriate steps in order to correct the state of international violation, he said.

The 20 plaintiffs, who sued the Japanese government in 2016, include four women who were forced to work at Japanese military brothels during World War II and relatives of other women who have since died.

The court said international law and previous rulings from South Koreas Supreme Court make it clear that foreign governments should be immune from civil damage suits in respect of their sovereignty.

If we go against the (principles) of current customary international law regarding the immunity of states and deny immunity for the defendant, a diplomatic clash with the defendant will become unavoidable following the verdict and the process to forcibly execute it, the court said.

The court also noted that the countries never officially withdrew from a 2015 agreement that attempted to settle their long impasse over the issue, and that some Korean victims accepted payments from a Japanese-funded foundation created by the deal. This shows its possible for the countries to settle their dispute diplomatically, the court said.

South Koreas Foreign Ministry said it wouldnt make specific comments on Wednesdays ruling before analyzing its details. The ministry urged Japan to act in line with its past apologies, including a landmark 1993 statement in which it first acknowledged forcing women into military brothels.

One of the plaintiffs  92-year-old Lee Yong-soo  has been campaigning for South Korea and Japan to settle the sexual slavery issue by seeking a judgment from the U.N.s International Court of Justice.

She says it has become clear the issue cannot be resolved through bilateral talks or rulings by South Korean courts that have been repeatedly rejected by the Japanese government, and that the friction between the governments has hurt friendships between civilians.

Regardless of the verdict, we will go to the International Court of Justice, she told reporters after Wednesdays ruling.

The same court in a largely symbolic ruling in January called for the Japanese government to give 100 million won ($89,000) each to a separate group of 12 women who sued in 2013 over their wartime suffering as sex slaves.

Tens of thousands of women across Japanese-occupied Asia and the Pacific were moved to front-line brothels used by the Japanese military. About 240 South Korean women registered with the government as victims of sexual slavery by Japans wartime military  only 15 of whom are still alive.

Japan insists compensation issues were settled under the 1965 treaty, in which Tokyo provided $500 million in economic assistance to Seoul.

Amnesty International in a statement called Wednesdays ruling a major disappointment that fails to deliver justice to the remaining survivors of this military slavery system and to those who suffered these atrocities before and during World War II but had already passed away, as well as their families.

Referring to the January court ruling, Arnold Fang, Amnesty Internationals East Asia researcher, said, What was a landmark victory for the survivors after an overly long wait is again now being called into question.

The 2015 deal was widely unpopular among South Koreans, who accused Tokyo of trying to silence the victims with money. After taking office in 2017, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the deal negotiated by his conservative predecessor lacked legitimacy because officials failed to properly communicate with victims before reaching it, and took steps to dissolve the Japanese-funded foundation.

In a major shift in tone, Moon said in a news conference in January that he recognizes the 2015 deal as a valid agreement between governments. He also described that months ruling on the sexual slavery survivors as honestly a complicating development for Seouls efforts to improve bilateral relations.

Some analysts say Moon may have felt that American pressure to reconcile with Japan was coming and wanted to appear as a reasonable ally by extending Tokyo an olive branch. In a speech last month, Moon said his government was eager to build future-oriented ties with Tokyo.

President Joe Biden has been stepping up efforts to bolster three-way cooperation with the U.S. regional allies, which declined under former President Donald Trumps America first approach, to coordinate action in face of Chinas growing influence and North Koreas nuclear threat.

Besides the impasse over sexual slavery, South Korea and Japan have feuded over South Korean court rulings that called for Japanese companies to compensate Koreans who were forced to work in Japanese factories during the war.

___

Associated Press journalist Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
People show support for the people living in Gaza during Solidarity Fridays at Pliny Park, in Brattleboro, Vt., on Friday, June 4, 2021.
[April 21, 2021] Unlocking Blockchain ROI: UT Study Examines Opportunities, Limits

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain has been one of the most hyped technologies of the last decade, predicted to lead a revolutionary change in the way businesses operate. Gartner estimates it will generate $3.1 trillion in new business value by 2030, addressing the real, oft-discussed problems and opportunities of end-to-end information sharing. A new study from the Global Supply Chain Institute (GSCI) helps companies determine whether blockchain is right for them. "Determining the ROI of blockchain can be challenging for many supply chain management professionals, who usually haven't" "The only thing certain today is that uncertainty will continue," Alan Amling, GSCI fellow at the University and Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business, says. Amling co-authors "When Is(n't) Blockchain Right?"



This uncertainty manifests in many areas. As supply chain leaders pursue network resiliency and flexibility, they often add new, relatively unknown supply chain partners. Blockchain's unique capabilities can ensure commercial trust for transactions within these increasingly distributed networks. GSCI conducted dozens of case studies and interviews with leaders from a broad range of industries to discover the current benefits and limitations of blockchain. The paper breaks down the terminology and structure of the technology and helps supply chain management professionals understand how blockchain can be used, how organizations are using it and how to know if it will support their organization.

"Determining the ROI of blockchain can be challenging for many supply chain management professionals, who usually haven't fully explored its capabilities and compared them to their business models," co-author Randy V. Bradley, associate professor of supply chain management at Haslam, says. "Too many businesses waste time and effort on blockchain archetypes for problems that already have solutions in the market." The study found that the interoperability of blockchains through standards being set by organizations such as the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) could be a significant benefit. Executives interviewed consistently called it a game-changer. At present, blockchain is helping solve specific organizational challenges, such as establishing the provenance of products and invoice reconciliation. While the number of applications with a definitive ROI currently is limited, early adopters feel that learning the technology and required process adaptations now will give them a market advantage later. For companies examining blockchain feasibility, this research can serve as a toolkit. Best practices from blockchain pioneers, such as requiring a value proposition for every member of the blockchain and making sure business professionals are involved in pilots, can save companies time, money and frustration. The paper also provides a blockchain screener and blockchain decision support framework to assess the relevancy of and resources required for blockchain investments. "When Is(n't) Blockchain Right?" is the Global Supply Chain Institute's 25th white paper. Copies of GSCI's previous white papers also are available for download. About the Global Supply Chain Institute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business The Global Supply Chain Institute is the hub of a global network of supply chain professionals, corporate partners, students, and academics. GSCI shares industry insights and best practices by producing some of the field's most cutting-edge white papers and industry research, giving its partners access to the ideas, network and education they need to stay ahead of supply chain trends and bring their organizations to the forefront of the industry. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unlocking-blockchain-roi-ut-study-examines-opportunities-limits-301274001.html SOURCE University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business

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PHOENIX  Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday he is sending 250 National Guard troops to the states southern border with Mexico amid the increased arrivals of migrants.

The announcement came the day Customs and Border Protection held an open house at a new tent-like migrant processing center in the border community of Yuma. It is the first of two planned in Arizona to help agents process and temporarily shelter a growing number of asylum seekers arriving at the border. A similar structure is opening later this month in Tucson.

The Republican governor has quarreled with the administration of President Joe Biden over immigration policies, and he calls the situation on the border a crisis.

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If this administration isnt going to do anything, then we will, Ducey said.

There was no immediate response from Customs and Border Protection officials.

The American Civil Liberties Union in Arizona said Duceys actions do nothing more than further militarize our border communities and stoke unnecessary and unjustified fear.

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat whose district includes Arizonas southern border, said the deployment was purely political and will do nothing to resolve backlogs, improve care of unaccompanied minors, or help border communities.

The governors office said $25 million will initially be set aside to help local and state law enforcement officers such as state troopers.

Guard members could help with medical operations at detention centers, install and maintain border cameras, collect data from public safety cameras and analyze satellite imagery for current smuggling trends, the announcement said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who also is a Republican, last month deployed about 500 members of his states National Guard to the border in Texas, which is seeing the largest share of current arrivals

Ducey said in his announcement he will travel Wednesday to Yuma to meet with local officials and law enforcement agencies.

Officials in small Arizona border towns including Yuma, Ajo and Gila Bend have called on the federal government to help them manage small groups of asylum seekers being suddenly released in their communities by CBP officials who say they dont have capacity to hold them. The towns dont have the resources to transport the migrants to larger cities where they can get temporary shelter and logistical help reuniting with relatives elsewhere in the U.S.

An earlier statement from Customs and Border Protection said the Yuma and Tucson shelters will be similar to a soft-sided, 90,000-square-foot (about 8,360-square-meter) processing center for migrants that recently opened in Eagle Pass, Texas. One like it was temporarily erected in Yuma in 2019, when a large number of migrant arrived during the Trump administration.

The soft-sided processing centers are separate from shelters that Health and Human Services operates for unaccompanied children, who are housed separately from other migrants after processing.

CBP is turning away most adult migrants attempting to enter the U.S. under a public health order issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Biden administration is allowing unaccompanied minors and some families to remain, at least temporarily, while authorities determine whether they can stay through the asylum process or under another legal category.
The Biden administration announced the start of a 100-day initiative to strengthen the cybersecurity of the nation's electricity infrastructure.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced the start of a 100-day initiative to protect the electric grid from cyberattacks. The Biden administration's strategy was developed in collaboration with the Energy Department and the Cybersecurity and Incident Response Agency. The plan aims to assist electricity industry operators in modernizing their security processes and implementing emerging technology to identify and counter threats.

Biden administration starts rolling out a plan for cybersecurity improvement

The electric industry is subjected to cybercriminal threats regularly. During the pandemic, hackers, researchers, and government officials have had even more chances due to the transition to remote jobs, as per Washington Post via MSN.

Recent attacks on SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange software, both of which impacted the electric industry, have reignited the need to modernize and protect the country's electric grid. Any owners and operators who continue to rely on equipment that is decades old and was not built with new cybersecurity threats in mind.

Officials and industry analysts have long warned of the possible destruction that a concerted assault by international adversaries on America's electric grid might cause. A Russian attempt on Ukraine's power grid in 2015 resulted in a massive outage and significant economic damages.

The administration's proposal could pave the way for further collaboration between the electricity company industry and the government. NERC's Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center is currently used by the industry to exchange risks.

However, others in the electric sector have expressed fears that the federal government does not support crucial vulnerabilities. Last year, the National Commission on Grid Resilience, a joint body of former government officials and electricity industry experts, called for increased hazard information declassification and a real-time threat monitoring center for owners and operators.

Biden Administration Backpedals, Says 'Crisis' Referred to Central America Problems, Not US Border

The US unveils plan to protect the electric grid against foreign hackers

The plan's announcement comes weeks after the administration was chastised for failing to include cybersecurity measures in the president's $2.25 trillion infrastructure package. In a statement to The Hill earlier this month, an administration spokesman teased the proposal, stating that the administration is committed to safeguarding the cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure from ongoing and advanced attacks.

The Energy Department's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESAR) will advance innovations to secure the electric grid as part of the program. And it is issuing a request for information (RFI) to enable the energy industry to weigh in on potential supply chain security recommendations.

After a 90-day suspension by the Biden administration, the Department of Energy declared that an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump last year to protect the grid would retake effect. It declared a national emergency in grid protection and took measures to protect the grid from foreign invasion. In a statement released Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the importance of collaborating with the private sector to combat "growing" cyber attacks.

Trump: Afghanistan Withdrawal Is 'Wonderful and Positive Thing to Do,' Mocks Biden's Timeline

The Edison Electric Institute, representing all investor-owned electric companies in the United States, applauded the White House strategy and the Biden administration's cybersecurity priority.

"Given adversaries' sophisticated and ever-changing challenges, America's electric companies remain dependent on protecting the industrial control systems that run the North American energy grid," said EEI President Tom Kuhn.

While an earlier draft suggested that the federal government assist small utilities and rural cooperatives in paying for the latest monitoring, the final version is less clear about whether the funds would come from the federal government or be passed on to consumers in the form of increased energy bills. Large utilities often have special security teams and invest in cutting-edge monitoring technology, but it is unknown how eagerly smaller utilities would accept the expense of increased security.

According to specifics of the plan outlined by a source familiar with it, the government will take input from utilities within 21 days on how to incentivize involvement in the voluntary effort. The final plan also abandons the draft's initiative to improve grid component supply protection by requiring a list of recommended equipment vendors. The Biden administration now intends to solicit suggestions for development from utilities.

Experts believe attempts to secure the U.S. electric grid are years behind more well-known efforts to protect data centers and corporate systems. At the same time, hackers from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are ramping up their attacks on American power companies in the hopes of harming them with malware that would leave cities and towns in the dark, as per Bloomberg via MSN.

President Joe Biden's Aim For Bipartisan Cooperation Applies Stealthy Pressure

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Todd OMalley believes former Vice President Walter F. Mondale should be remembered as a great public figure for a simple reason.

He was someone who always did the right thing, said OMalley, a Scranton attorney active in Democratic politics.

As the nation mourns Mondale, who died Monday at age 93, he was remembered locally Tuesday as a hardworking but mostly low-key politician and public servant.

Mondale, a former U.S. senator from Minnesota, made multiple visits to Northeast Pennsylvania in between helping Democrat Jimmy Carter win the White House in 1976, and then making his own ill-fated bid for the presidency eight years later.

In the 1984 race, Mondale chose Rep. Geraldine Ferrario of New York as his running mate, a pivotal turn in American politics as he became the first major-party nominee to put a woman on the ticket.

OMalley met Mondale at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, which the attorney attended as part of the Pennsylvania Democratic chairmans staff.

I was a great fan of Mondale, OMalley said. I thought the world of him, and I was really, really sad when he lost.

Several commentators said Mondale forever changed the role of the vice presidency, and that was a testament to his work ethic, OMalley said.

Its telling that when Barack Obama asked Joe Biden to be his vice president, Mondale was the first person Biden called for advice, he said.

Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty believes it was during one of Mondales campaign stops in 1980 that she first met him. At the time, she was active in the Young Democrats, and the incumbent Carter was trying to fend off a challenge from Republican Ronald Reagan.

Maybe it says something about her age at the time, she said, but she didnt find Mondale to be particularly outspoken.

It was a different time then, I guess, McNulty said. You spoke what you felt and you stood by your convictions.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey recalled Mondales work on social issues both as a senator and vice president, saying he was grateful for his life of distinguished public service to our nation.

Vice President Walter Mondale was a champion for working people and an advocate for investing in our nations children, Casey said. He led with a belief that government can and should fight on behalf of the youngest and our seniors.
A Colombian grandfather and his two grandchildren drowned while they were trying to cross a river from Venezuela to Colombia.

Pedro Ascanio, 65, left the Venezuelan town of Pedro Maria Urena on Monday afternoon with Anderson Perez, 10, and Yadira Perez, 15, heading to the Colombia border city of Cucuta. Ascanio was seeking information about taking a trip to get groceries and supplies.

About 700 people cross the border river daily to purchase food and medicine due to its scarcity in Venezuela, which at one time was one of the most prosperous economies in Latin America, Carlos Correa, a Cucuta resident, told Colombian outlet RCN Radio.

Juan Perez told Colombian newspaper La Nacion that Ascanio had asked him if his daughter could join him, but was unaware that Ascanio also received permission from Perez's wife to take his son too.

Colombian grandfather Pedro Ascanio (pictured) drowned with his grandchildren Anderson Perez, 10, and Yadira Perez, 15, while they were trying to cross from Venezuela to Colombia through the Pamplonita River on Monday.

A search for Anderson Perez was postponed Monday night due to darkness, but the fire department from the Colombian city of Cucuta and his family recovered his body Tuesday, a day after he drowned with his sister and grandfather

Colombian officials carry the remains of one of the three family members who were recovered after they drowned in the Pamplonita River, which divides the borders of Colombia and Venezuela

Ascanio and the children left the the Perez home in Santa Rosa around 3pm local time and when they had not returned around sundown, Perez crossed the river to check on the trio.

When a resident told him that the body of a young girl was found in a shallow part of the river, Perez rushed down the river and found Yadira Perez unresponsive between the rocks and the water.

'I took it out of the river myself. I tried to revive her, to do everything for her to come back to me, but it was too late,' Perez said. 'Her little body was stiff. I cleaned her cheeks and hugged her.'

Yadira Perez drowned while trying to cross from Venezuela to Colombia on Monday as she accompanied her grandfather and younger brother on an errand

A woman receives aid after learning that her niece drowned in a river on the border of Colombia and Venezuela on Monday. The remains of her father and nephew were found Tuesday

Colombian authorities from the city of Cucuta lift the body of one of the three members of a family who drowned Monday after they were swept by a rip current in the Pamplonita River

Authorities aided the family searching for Ascanio and Anderson Perez, but stopped Monday night due to darkness.

When the search resumed Tuesday morning, the Cucuta Fire Department located the remains of Ascanio and Anderson Perez, which were spotted near each other.

Neighboring Colombia has opened its borders to Venezuelans fleeing social and economic destruction.

The United Nations high commissioner for refugees estimates at least 5.4 million Venezuelans have been displaced and are now living in other Latin American countries.

More than 1.7 million Venezuelans reside in Colombia, which is set to grant most of them 10-year legal status.

On Monday, the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) and Venezuelan officials said they reached a deal to supply food to school children.

The program is expected to reach 185,000 children in the crisis-stricken country this year, and aims to expand to 1.5 million by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

'The children and the schools will be at the centre of our operation,' World Food Program executive director David Beasley said in a statement. 'We believe the school is the most appropriate platform for WFP to reach communities in an independent manner.'
Islamabad, April 21 : Pakistan continues to remain as one of the most unsafe countries for journalists, as targeted attacks, abductions, killings and assassination attempts on senior scribes continue unabated.

In a latest tragic incident in capital Islamabad, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (PEMRA), Absar Alam, was shot at in broad daylight by unknown attackers.

In a video message shared on social media, Absar Alam could be seen stating that he was shot at outside his house.

"I have been shot in my ribs," said Absar Alam while being taken to the hospital after being shot at.

"My message to those who did this is that I am not going to be scared by such tactics," he added.

Alam was rushed to the hospital immediately where his condition has stabilised.

The incident prompted immediate response rom the Islamabad Police, which stated that the capital police chief has constituted a special team under the command of the SSP (investigation) to probe the attack.

Federal Minister for Interior, Sheikh Rasheed, also took notice of the attack and ordered the Islamabad IG to investigate the matter with immediate affect.

"Those involved in the firing should be arrested as soon as possible," he said.

"Those who fired at Absar Alam will not be able to escape the law. Very soon they will be within the ambit of the law," he added.

The deadly attack on Alam attracted condemnation from journalists and politicians alike.

"Silencing the voice of dissent is a cancer that has plagued this country for many years. Absar Alam Sahab is the latest victim of this cruel & barbaric crime. May Allah SWT heal his wounds and the wounds of this country. Ameen," tweeted Maryam Nawaz, the Vice President of opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also lashed out at the government, stating that it seems like the deep state is at large against the journalist community.

"It seems that the deep state is at large against the journalist community who are victims of rising crime and terrorism in the country," PFUJ said in a statement.

"Such incidents cannot deter the journalist community from raising the voices against lawlessness and for freedom of press in the country," it added.

The PFUJ has demanded that a judicial commission be set up to investigate the attack on Alam and crimes committed against other journalists, calling on parliamentarians and politicians to raise their voices for the protection of journalists.

Mediapersons in Pakistan continue to become targets of threats, abductions, torture, arrests and murders. In 2020, at least 10 journalists were murdered while several others were threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested, while performing their professional duties.

As per the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, "No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity." "It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," the report stated.
Coca-Cola Amatil CEO Alison Watkins will leave the company once Coca-Cola European Partners acquires the Australasian bottler.

A spokesperson for CCA confirmed to just-drinks today that Watkins will step down on completion of the purchase, which is expected on 10 May. Peter West, currently MD of Coca-Cola Amatil Australia will become GM of a newly-created Australia, Pacific & Indonesia (API) business unit.

Watkins has lead Amatil for nine years, leading the Australasian bottler through challenging times and spearheading the sale to CCEP. The spokesperson added there are no available details on Watkins next steps.

Meanwhile, CCEP is to change its name to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners post-purchase, in a move designed to reflect the greatly increased footprint of the new entity, which combines territories across Europe with CCAs Oceanic and Indonesian markets. The transition to a new company name means CCEP will only have had its current title for less than six years: The group took on the Coca-Cola European Partners name in August 2015 following a merger between Coca-Cola Enterprises, the German unit of the Coca-Cola Co and Coca-Cola Iberian Partners.

Watkins took over as CCAs CEO in March 2014, joining from Australian agribusiness GrainCorp. Seven months later she implemented a cost-cutting plan in a bid to stabilise falling profits from soft drinks in Australia. The plan included selling a US$500m stake in CCAs Indonesian business to The Coca-Cola Co amid a downturn in beverage demand in the country.



Over the following years, Watkins made further changes, including selling off the struggling SPC fruit and vegetable processing unit. In one of her final acts at the company, she helped negotiate a higher price for CCA in the CCEP takeover after arguing that improved trading and net debt position had increased the companys value.

Are hard seltzers paving the way for soft seltzers?  Click here for a just-drinks comment
New Delhi:

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's elevation to the post of party chief would give him the right entitlement to lead the alliance that takes on the BJP in the 2019 polls, senior party leader Salman Khurshid has said amid strong indications of the Gandhi scion's promotion.



Khurshid also told PTI in an interview that Rahul Gandhi's taking over as the party's president would be a psychological boost, which would attract more youngsters and give an additional splurge of energy to the party.



Asked about his earlier comments that Congress president Sonia Gandhi would continue to play a major role in the country's politics even after the transition, he said, "It is more of a hope than a definite assertion or fact."



"She wouldn't want to crowd the new leader. They will work out, I am sure, a very interesting and a very useful relationship in terms of political presence," Khurshid said.



On whether the Congress should go it alone or strike an alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the former Union minister told PTI "the practical view should be that sensible adjustment, accommodation and alliances should be considered" while noting that the next general elections would be a clash of ideologies.



However, he warned that alliances can be damaging if not done properly and should be struck with an objective and in a manner that strengthens the party.



Asked if Rahul Gandhi was the best choice to lead an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019, Khurshid said when the Congress vice president takes over as its chief, he will represent a party which would be the largest contributing part to an alliance.



"Therefore, I think he has the right entitlement or if you like, the right reason to be leading an alliance," he said.



Khurshid also cited the Congress' pan India identity and said this will play a very significant role in this matter.



"But frankly, it will be his way and his decision, I don't think we should venture to speak too much about this," the senior Congress leader said.



Asked if some regional parties and leaders may oppose Rahul Gandhi's leadership for such a coalition, Khurshid said, "I hope not, but it will be negotiated amongst the leaders and he (Rahul) will be among the top leaders there."



He said the leaders forming the coalition will finally have to take a decision keeping in mind what is best while finding an alternative to the BJP.



"I see no reason why anyone should have a problem with a leader in Rahul Gandhi. He is experienced, people might think he has not been in government but I think that does not matter so much," the former external affairs minister said.



"We have had a prime minister who had not been in government. Chandra Shekhar was the prime minister, who had not been in government before," Khurshid said.



Congress workers and leaders are waiting in anticipation and with "some element of anxiousness" for the announcement of Rahul Gandhi's elevation, he said.



Sources in the party have already indicated that Rahul Gandhi could take over as the party chief after Diwali.



Asked if the Congress would announce the prime ministerial candidate for 2019 polls in a departure from tradition, Khurshid said "it goes without saying" that Rahul Gandhi's taking over the leadership role implies that he would be the prime ministerial candidate.



"He would be the boss, he would be the number one and that is a clear and obvious indication," he said.



The 64-year-old leader said the Congress has already started to change its position on the issue by naming the chief ministerial candidate for the Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh.



Rahul Gandhi has announced that Virbhadra Singh would be the chief ministerial face of the party in the polls.



"I hope that what is implicit will become explicit because that is the kind of politics that we are dealing with nowadays," Khurshid said.



About Rahul Gandhi's leadership style, he said, "It seems his ideologies are more attuned to Indira ji's, I think. (Also) If you see his visionary approach to politics that has a lot of his father in it."

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The U.S.-Mexico border wall is seen in Organ Pipe National Park south of Ajo, Ariz., on Feb. 13, 2020. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images)

Arizona Governor Issues Declaration of Emergency, Will Deploy National Guard on Border

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency (pdf) and announced hes deploying the Arizona National Guard to the states southern border to assist law enforcement dealing with the growing amount of illegal crossings.

The situation in our border communities is just as badif not worsethan the coverage weve been seeing, Ducey, a Republican, said on Tuesday.

Its become evidently clear that Arizona needs the National Guard, and the White House is aware of that. Yet, to this day, there has been no action from this administration, and it doesnt look like they are going to act any time soon. If this administration isnt going to do anything, then we will.

More than 172,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in March along the Southwest border, a 71 percent increase over February, according to a Customs and Border Protection operational update earlier this month. In March, 18,890 unaccompanied minors from Central America apprehended, a 100 percent increase over February, the agency said.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks at a MAGA campaign rally in Prescott, Ariz., on Oct. 19, 2020. (Caitlin OHara/Getty Images)

Up to 250 National Guardsmen will go to the states border communities to support law enforcement agencies with medical operations in detention centers, the governors office said in a news release. Up to $25 million in state funding will go to the mission.

The Guardsman will also help with the installation and maintenance of border cameras, collect data from them, as well as from satellite imagery, to looking for current smuggling trends.

This drastic surge is a direct result of the bad policy coming out of Washington, DC. And yet, we still havent received an adequate response from the Biden administration. Its clear that they have no plan. They cant even agree on whether this is a crisis or not, Ducey said, referring to the increase in illegal border crossings.

One day, the President himself says it is the next day others in the administration take it back. I said last month that the Biden administration is totally divorced from reality. Now at times, it seems like they fully understand the reality, and theyre putting their heads in the sand and trying to ignore it anyway.

About a month ago, the mayor of an Arizona town said he will declare a state of emergency over the border crisis.

Gila Bend Mayor Chris Riggs told Fox News he is placing the blame on the Biden administration for transporting illegal immigrants on buses to his town, noting that, particularly due to the ongoing CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, they dont have the necessary resources to handle the influx.

Border Patrol let us know that they were going to be dropping migrants that had been detained for 72 hours in our town, which we really didnt understand because we have nothing here, Riggs told Fox. We have no charity organizations that can help, no non-governmental organizations that a lot of the larger cities and towns do have to assist these people.

He said the town, which is near the U.S.-Mexico border, hasnt received any federal or state assistance and that illegal immigrants being dropped off in his town cant get food, lodging, or COVID-19 testing.


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Ministers want Heathrow to dedicate a terminal to passengers arriving from 'red list' countries amid fears the airport has become a Covid 'breeding ground'.

The Home Office is keen for Terminal 4  which has been shut since last year  to process travellers from coronavirus hotspots with troublesome virus variants.

Officials are bracing for a huge influx of red list arrivals after India was added due to the emergence of a new variant and spiking infections in the country.

Up to 5,000 passengers are expected to fly back to the UK over the next 48 hours as part of the rush to beat Friday's 4am deadline, after which British nationals arriving from India will need to isolate in a quarantine hotel at their own expense.

No10 wants Heathrow to prevent red list arrivals from mixing with passengers from low risk countries, with travellers complaining of queues of up to six hours with little social distancing.

Between 8,000 and 10,000 passengers are pouring into the airport each day, with up to 1,000 thought to be from countries already on the red list.

Heathrow shut terminals 3 and 4  primarily for long-haul and European travel  last May during the first national lockdown, with all flights being redirected to terminals 2 and 5. It has led to thousands of passengers from high and low risk countries being funneled into the same arrival and departure lounges.

Rules at border control also mean every passenger has to show forms proving which country they've come from and their reasons for visiting the UK.

Lucy Moreton, of the Border Force union, said it had led to arrivals from red, amber and green countries mixing in a confined space for hours. Asked if this meant it was a breeding ground for infection, Ms Moreton told MPs: 'Yes, very much so.

Rules at border control mean every passenger has to present forms proving which country they've come from and their reasons for visiting the UK, leading to queues of up to six hours in arrival halls. Pictured: Long, winding queues with little social distancing at Heathrow on April 12

The Covid variants circulating in the UK: Officials fear allowing passengers from red list countries to mix with those from low risk nations could fuel the spread of dangerous variants

No10 only announced India was being added to the UK's travel 'red list' yesterday, and the measures won't come into until 4am on Friday. India is currently battling a second wave of cases, but the numbers per capita are nowhere near levels seen during the UK's winter peak

The UK's hugely successful vaccination programme and brutal four-month lockdown has squashed deaths to double-digits. But India's fatalities have started to climb on the back of a spike in infections

'When it's so slow and the queues are so bad, then absolutely it's a significant risk to the border force staff that are doing it, and to the travellers that are standing in those queues.'

E-gates are still shut and every form needs to be checked by hand, which has slowed the rate at which staff can process passengers.

Cases of Indian Covid variant may have DOUBLED in a week India's troublesome Covid variant has been spotted more than 200 times in Britain, MailOnline can reveal  amid warnings Number 10 was 'weeks too late' with its travel ban. The most up-to-date data from the Government's official coronavirus variant tracking programme shows 103 infected people have had the mutant strain. But separate figures published by the same group of experts show the B.1.617 variant has actually been spotted 215 times  with it making up around one in every 200 positive swabs that are analysed. Scientists said it was a 'very troubling' number and that it was proof the variant was spreading, with 85 per cent of samples detected in the past month. However, health chiefs say some of the cases will be duplicates because the majority are linked to foreign travel. Everyone flying in to England from India  and anywhere abroad  currently has to take two Covid tests while quarantining at home for 10 days. British experts are currently managing to sequence the majority of positive tests because cases are so low. The development comes after other scientists and senior Labour politicians slammed the Government for allowing thousands of travellers from India to pour into the UK every week despite knowing about the variant for nearly a month. Advertisement

A Government source confirmed ministers were in talks with the airport about the proposal, adding: 'It has been put forward to Heathrow.'

Heathrow shut Terminal 4 last May during the first national lockdown and announced plans in December to keep it closed until the end of 2021.

The terminal was mainly used for long-haul and European flights, with AirFrance, Etihad Airlines, and KLM being some of the major airlines which operate out of it.

A Heathrow spokesman said: 'Heathrow has remained open throughout the pandemic at great cost to ensure the UK's supply lines are protected and UK citizens can return home, and we will work with Government to ensure that remains the case.

'We will explore with ministers the possibility of an economically viable dedicated arrivals facility for passengers from red list countries.

'Our main concern is that UK Border Force is able to provide an acceptable level of service to all arriving passengers.'

So far at least 103 people in the UK have tested positive for the Indian variant which sparked the travel ban to the country this week.

But the variant itself has actually been spotted more than 200 times in the UK.

It is feared B.1.617 spreads easier than older strains and has mutations which help it evade vaccines  but to what degree remains unclear. Scientists do not believe it is any deadlier than the strains currently circulating in Britain.

The Government was widely criticised for allowing thousands of travellers from India to pour into the UK every week despite knowing about the variant for nearly a month.

But Boris Johnson last night denied there had been an unnecessary delay in adding India to the red list.

He highlighted that the Covid variant was still 'under investigation' rather than a strain of concern.

Being on the red list means anyone who is not a UK or Irish resident or a British citizen will be banned from entering the country if they have been in India in the last 10 days.

British nationals will need to isolate in a quarantine hotel at their own expense, costing up to 1,750 per person.

The Indian variant has 13 mutations that separate it from the original Covid virus that emerged in China  but the two main ones are named E484Q and L452R.

Scientists suspect these two alterations can help it to transmit faster and to get past immune cells made in response to older variants.

The L452R mutation is also found on the Californian variant (B.1.429), even though the two evolved independently. It is thought to make the American strain 20 per cent more infectious.

The E484Q mutation is very similar to the one found in the South African and Brazil variants known as E484K, which can help the virus evade antibodies.

The South African variant is thought to make vaccines about 30 per cent less effective at stopping infections, but it's not clear what effect it has on severe illness.

Professor Sharon Peacock, of PHE, claimed there was 'limited' evidence of E484Q's effect on immunity and vaccines. Lab studies have suggested it may be able to escape some antibodies, but to what degree remains uncertain.
Americas largest investment banks have been enjoying a bumper earnings season, with many easily besting top-and bottom-line expectations. JP Morgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), Citigroup (NYSE:C) and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) have all posted better-than-expected results over the past week.

Yet, the same can hardly be said about their stock performance, with some recording significant declines as investors cant seem to make up their minds about their trajectories.

To be fair, these giant banks have not exactly been covering themselves in glory thanks to slow processes, high fees, and sometimes questionable lending practices.

Still, there are some compelling reasons why an investment into the nations biggest banks might be a good bet at this juncture.

Dirt cheap valuations

Wall Street banks are not exactly beacons of innovation or growth, and this is mostly reflected in their valuations. However, its possible for the pendulum to swing too far--and right now there are indications it could have.

Goldman Sachs reported earnings of 18.60 per share, way above Wall Streets consensus of $10.22 per share while revenue of $17.1B greatly exceeded the consensus for $12.6B.

JPMorgan reported earnings of $4.59 per share vs. the Wall Street consensus of $3.10 per share.

Wells Fargo earnings of $1.05 exceeded the 70 cents a share expected, according to Refinitiv while revenue of $18.06 billion was better than $17.5 billion expected.

Citi was equally impressive with earnings of $3.62 a share vs. $2.60 a share expected while revenue of $19.3 billion vs. $18.8 billion expected beat on the upside.

Meanwhile, Bank of Americas EPS of 86 cents a share outpaced expectations of 66 cents a share while revenue of $22.9 billion was better than $22.1 billion expected.

The Streets Jim Cramer has turned overwhelmingly bullish on Wall Street banks because he believes they are grossly undervalued based on their latest earnings.

Betting on banking stocks

For years, many investors have been shunning these giant banks due to their perceived cutthroat and unethical business practices.

But lately, Wall Street banks have been gradually moving past their dark past.

Case in point is Wells Fargo, a bank that has earned itself the dubious distinction as one of the most scandalous financial institutions in the land after it emerged that it had systematically opened millions of fake accounts for its clients. Former Wells Fargo CEO and President Timothy J. Sloan quickly became the fall guy before being replaced by Charles Scharf in 2019.

Wells Fargo executives have struggled to extricate themselves from a culture that allowed such grievous misdeeds to thrive as well as hostile lawmakers who felt they were not doing nearly enough to fix the deep-rooted malaise at the 168-year old bank.

Meanwhile, the company remains under an asset-cap constraint by the Fed which prevents it from increasing its assets beyond its 2017 level until it can adequately address its past missteps. Consequently, lending and deposit growth have lagged behind that of rivals Bank of America and JPMorgan.

Yet, WFC has been among the best performing banking stocks this year, boasting a 40% YTD return, an indication that investor confidence in the bank is returning. BAC has returned 27.8% over the timeframe while JPM is up 19.8%.

The biggest reason why Wall Street banks are thriving is that they have been releasing the large chunks of money that had set aside to cushion themselves from losses due to the pandemic.

As the coronavirus raged economies across the country, the banks were anticipating economic devastation and set aside billions of dollars to gird against the huge losses that could follow. But thankfully, the worst-case scenario failed to materialize thanks to unprecedented stimulus packages that left consumers flush with cash and itching to spend.

With the U.S. economy poised for a strong recovery thanks to the government unrolling the most successful vaccination program, theres a good chance that Wall Street banks will continue outperforming over the next few quarters.

This, coupled with their relatively cheap valuations in a market saturated with expensive stocks, makes a strong case for Wall Street banks.

By Michael Kern for Safehaven.com
Hundreds of police officers are currently being sent from Yerevan to Syunik Province. Armenian News-NEWS.ams correspondent taped scenes of buses of police officers in Yeraskh.

During a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am, ex-governor of Syunik Province Vahe Hakobyan said according to his information, Pashinyan has instructed to detain him and his wife, as well as the heads of enlarged communities of Syunik Province. During a consultation at the regional governors office of Syunik Province, Chief of Police Vahe Ghazaryan instructed Director of the National Security Service Armen Abazyan to hold those guilty of the incident in Meghri liable through drastic and special actions. During the consultation, he was told that a criminal case has been launched in regard to the events that took place today, under the elements of hooliganism and use of force against a government official.

PM Nikol Pashinyan, who on Wednesday visited Syunik Province, was greeted by the residents of Meghri, Agarak, and Kapan towns with insults, and calling him a traitor, a Turk, and a capitulator. Also, Pashinyan could not enter Kajaran because the locals had blocked the motorway leading to this town.

Armenian News-NEWS.am had reported Tuesday that the PM had left for Syunik Province in top secrecy.

Armenian News-NEWS.am had reported that, according to its information, under Pashinyans instruction, the National Security Service is preparing a list of people who will be detained in relation to the incidents in Syunik Province.
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Its interesting it took a case involving the son of Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina to put things in motion, but the move to develop a safe harbor provision to protect domestic-violence victims from being arrested on misdemeanor warrants or unrelated minor charges when they call for help is the right thing to do.

City Councilor Pat Davis put forth the plan after Medina and his wife approached him on a case involving their son  now under investigation by the Civilian Police Oversight Agency to determine whether Medinas son got preferential treatment. Harold Medina was a deputy chief at the time.

To recap, Medinas son, accompanied by his parents, went to a police station in September 2019 and reported he had an altercation with his boyfriend the night before. He asked for a police escort to get his belongings from the mans apartment, showed officers bruises and scratches on his ribs and APD went to the scene to sort things out. On the alleged domestic abuse, the officers report said he was unable to determine a predominant aggressor, therefore I was unable to issue a summons or effect an arrest.

But officers could have arrested Medina, whose ex-boyfriend informed them Medina had an outstanding warrant for failure to comply with court-imposed conditions of probation after a DUI arrest in 2017. They didnt  and the younger Medina cleared his warrant by surrendering to the court and paying a fee three days later. Thats the kind of resolution Davis says should be the goal as APD works with community partners to develop a new policy.

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Were not saying were not enforcing the warrant, Davis said. Were going to deal with it in another way. The first priority is to get out of the situation and get you help, and then well contact the court or public defender and work out a time for you to appear in court to deal with the issue.

Its an important step, even as we hopefully come out the other side of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions that made a serious domestic abuse problem even worse.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reports significant increases in abuse since COVID hit, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. Stay-at-home orders, coupled with job losses and business failures, have led to increased drug and alcohol use, fueling domestic tensions. Being cooped up at home with your abuser is a dangerous thing.

Jessie Fierro of the Domestic Violence Resource Center says they get about 500 calls a week; about twice a week we hear from people who say they were arrested by APD officers or BCSO deputies after calling for help in a domestic violence situation. A safe harbor provision would be a wonderful thing.

Careful crafting and compromise will be needed. Councilor Brook Bassan speaks to the importance of protecting not only victims but dealing with crime. While no one should have to endure abuse because they have an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and are afraid to call for help, no officer should have to ignore an outstanding violent felony.

And how about the case of Medinas son? If his ex-boyfriend had a warrant, should officers have arrested him though they couldnt determine who was the aggressor? There are many thorny questions. But councilors should approve this resolution so work can begin on a policy to protect victims that doesnt unduly handcuff officers and exacerbate the citys horrific crime problem.

Councilors should get a chance to sign off on that; the elected council, not city bureaucrats, answer to the voters.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 09:58:29|Editor: huaxia

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TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the notorious Yasukuni shrine, seen as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, on the occasion of its spring festival.

Suga will not, however, visit the controversial shrine in person during the two-day festival through Thursday.

The Japanese leader took the same approach for the shrine's autumn festival last October when he also sent a ritual "masakaki" tree offering. His cabinet members also refrained form visiting the shrine during the last autumn festival.

Suga's ministers have said they will also refrain from visiting the war-linked shrine in the upcoming days, although health minister Norihisa Tamura and Shinji Inoue, the minister for the world exposition in Osaka, also sent ritual trees to the spring festival.

Yasukuni shrine, which honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead including 14 Class-A convicted war criminals in World War II along with its historically inaccurate museum, is a testament to Japan's past militarism. The Shinto shrine has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.

Visits and ritual offerings made in person or by proxy to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders, officials and lawmakers have consistently sparked strong criticism from and hurt the feelings of China and South Korea and other countries brutalized by Japan during WWII.

Suga's predecessor, ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe was the last prime minister to visit the controversial shrine in person in December 2013, when he was strongly condemned by China and South Korea, as well as the United States, who said at the time that it was disappointed with Abe's decision.

Abe sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine during its spring and autumn festivals every year since he launched his administration in 2012. Enditem
MASON CITY, Iowa - According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men in the U.S. have experienced or attempted rape at some time in their lives. Last year in Iowa, there were nearly 3,000 convictions for sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

Throughout the month of April, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are bringing awareness of a program aimed to protect survivors of sexual assault. The 'Safe at Home' program provides a legal substitute address, mail forwarding and confidential voter registration. So far, about 660 participants in over 60 counties are enrolled in the program.

Throughout the pandemic, nurse examiner coordinator Katy Rasmussen says that convictions have been fairly low.

"We want to make sure people are aware that sexual assault is a medical emergency, and that people have the right to be seen and get the medical care they need, and to get treatment and support after that assault."

Pate hopes the program can shake off the stigma behind reporting such an incident.

"They're already a victim of a rape. Then they internalize the guilt part of it, and don't report it to get the help they need to get past it to resume some sense of normalcy. It also it makes it harder for us to get convictions and send a message on that front as well."

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the program, click here. To report an incident, call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.




Hyundai Motor Co. has stopped the production of the Kona Electric for the domestic market in a move to phase out the model undergoing recalls over battery fires and shift its focus to Ioniq 5 EVs, company officials said Wednesday.







The Kona EV is Hyundai's bestselling EV model launched in April 2018, but the compact SUV's image has been tainted by a series of battery fires, which prompted the automaker to recall over 75,680 units in February jointly with battery maker LG Energy Solution Ltd.







Hyundai will only sell Kona EVs in stock for the domestic market, while continuing to export them to overseas markets, company officials said.







"The production of Kona EVs has been halted since March in consideration of the domestic demand and to realign the assembly line for new EVs," a company spokesperson said. "(The company) will continue to export Kona EVs to overseas markets."







In October, Hyundai launched facelifted versions of the Kona for gasoline, hybrid and high-performance, except for the EV trim.







Hyundai sold over 10,000 units of Kona EVs in South Korea in 2018 and 2019, but sales dropped to about 8,000 units last year following a series of fires in its batteries and the automaker's mishandling of the recall program.







The automaker sold only 984 units in the domestic market in the first quarter, a 40 percent drop from a year earlier, while its overseas sales fell 17.9 percent on-year to 7,428 units, its financial reports showed.







The Kona EV faces retirement as Hyundai pins high hopes on its first all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover for its EV transition. The Ioniq 5 has received strong responses in the domestic market, drawing over 40,000 preorders so far, according to the company. (Yonhap)


A black teenage girl was reportedly shot dead by a police officer in Columbus, United States, on Tuesday  the same day verdict was delive...

A black teenage girl was reportedly shot dead by a police officer in Columbus, United States, on Tuesday  the same day verdict was delivered on George Floyds murder trial.

According to The New York Times, the girl was identified as MaKhia Bryant, 16, by a spokeswoman for Franklin County Childrens Services.

On Tuesday night, the Columbus division of police, in a news conference, said the police officer who killed the girl was responding to a 911 call about an attempted stabbing around 4:45pm in the south-eastern part of the country.

Police officials said the body camera footage of the officer showed that the teenager was charging at two other females with a knife as the officer arrived at the residence.

According to the police, the officer then shot several times at the girl, killing her.

The police authorities said the girl was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital and that she died from her injuries.

Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, confirmed the incident in a tweet, noting that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) will conduct an investigation since there is body-worn camera footage.

Ginther asked residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather facts on the incident as protests have begun in some part of Ohios capital over the killing.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details. There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible, the Mayor said.

 as they do with all CPD-involved shootings. We will share information that we can as soon as it becomes available. Im asking for residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather the facts.  Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) April 20, 2021

The incident came on the same day Derek Chauvin, former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted of the murder of George Floyd.

The jury at a Minnesota state court found Chauvin guilty on the three counts of murder levelled against him.

In May 2020, Floyd, an African American, died after Chauvin pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck.

The video of the incident in which Floyd pleaded, I cant breathe, went viral and sparked major protests within and outside the US.
When it comes to the Best Actor race at this year's Oscars, a posthumous win for Chadwick Boseman has seemed all but guaranteed for months. But could a massive upset actually be in the cards?

Boseman has long been considered the Best Actor frontrunner for his performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the final film he completed prior to his death, and the late actor has already won at the Golden Globe Awards, the Critics' Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

But also in the mix is Anthony Hopkins, whose performance in The Father was hailed as one of the best of his career, and Hopkins recently won over Boseman in an upset at the British Academy Film Awards. Pundits generally chalked that up to the BAFTAs, the British equivalent of the Oscars, simply favoring a celebrated British actor, and most experts are still predicting Boseman will win the Academy Award.

But days ahead of the big night, Variety reports that based on conversations with some Academy voters, the Best Actor race "may not be as clear as it once seemed." Indeed, the report quotes one voting member as saying that even though they believe Boseman will win, they personally voted for Hopkins. That's a sentiment that Variety's Clayton Davis writes has been expressed by "multiple voters over the past few days." Might voters perceive Boseman's win as such a slam dunk that they think backing Hopkins won't make a difference, only for this to tip the scales?

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A Hopkins upset would call to mind Olivia Colman's shock Best Actress victory over frontrunner Glenn Close at the 2019 Oscars, though this situation is clearly much different given this will be the Academy's last chance to award Boseman an Oscar following his tragic death. Ultimately, Boseman's win is still quite likely, but for a race that has appeared all locked up, there might be a bit of unexpected suspense involved after all.

More stories from theweek.com

7 cartoons about Derek Chauvin being found guilty

Joe Manchin lives on a boat in Washington  and protesters are reportedly headed there

Digital Underground frontman Shock G dies at 57


ATLANTA, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RAM Partners LLC, a full-service real estate management company overseeing approximately 50,000 apartments throughout the United States, is the top company in Chatmeter's "Local Brand Report: Top Multi-Family Brands 2021," an analysis of the top 50 multi-family brands, groups and companies across the country.

RAM ranked No. 1, highlighting its status as the industry leader in Online Reputation. The company also landed in the top 10 for Local Brand Visibility.

"RAM provides a consistently high level of service to all of our clients, ranging from luxury, AA-rated high rises to challenged or maturing properties," said Bill Leseman, president of RAM Partners. "We want to thank Chatmeter for this recognition, which is a reflection of our managers, our employees and our clients."

Chatmeter's "Local Brand Report: Top Multi-Family Brands 2021" analyzes key data and findings from thousands of customer reviews, local listings and rankings to understand the renter experience in 2020.

The report reveals which brands were able to successfully pivot during COVID-19 to create a leading multi-family experience. The findings highlight the role reputation management plays in a seamless customer experience today.

RAM Partners specializes in multi-family community management for a variety of third-party owners. From its inception in 1989, RAM Partners has established an excellent track record of successful apartment management, as well as an unsurpassed reputation for its commitment to quality customer service.

J Turner Research, a premier multifamily housing industry research firm, has ranked RAM Partners in its Elite category for ORA (Online Reputation Assessment) for six consecutive years. RAM manages the highest percentage of communities in the top 1% compared to other National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 Largest Managers. As of March 2021, RAM had one of the highest ORA scores of the Top 50 Management companies, according to J Turner analysts.

For more information, visit www.rampartnersllc.com.

SOURCE RAM Partners, LLC

Related Links

https://www.rampartnersllc.com


AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KindHealth, an Austin-based, all-in-one digital health insurance platform, is proud to announce that it is taking aggressive measures to expand its team. The platform has experienced major growth in 2021, and this upward trend in hiring has laid a strong foundation for exponential growth.

KindHealth seeks to create innovative ways to allow customers to choose the best insurance plans for their needs. The company has always had a keen focus on developing and improving the user experience through technology and finds the best way to do so is to understand the end-user and engage with customers in creative ways. Using what they've learned in creating unique solutions to their customers' needs, KindHealth is now expanding their enterprise efforts by integrating with partners to service their employees, offering custom tools to help them navigate new market opportunities.

KindHealth relies on a strong team of passionate and compassionate individuals to achieve these ends. To further these goals, the company will continue adding compatible members to its team.

Andrew Tomasik and Albert Pomales, who are two of the four co-founders of KindHealth, have significantly grown the company's engineering team with 12 new hires. The duo is actively recruiting new product, marketing and design employees to round out their team and add to KindHealth's excellence and expertise.

Each employee who works for KindHealth has an enormous impact on the overall culture of the company. Employees are motivated self-starters who believe deeply in KindHealth's mission and find pride in increasing people's access to insurance. There are no employees acting as spectators who fade into the background or only focus on the day-to-day work. Instead, the company will continue to foster a culture of ownership, creativity and innovation.

"We are energized by the prospect of growing KindHealth while keeping the company customer-centric, open-minded, and adaptive," says Albert Pomales.

When Tomasik and Albert Pomales realized how difficult it is for many Americans to find quality, affordable health insurance, they set out to fight for people and make the world better along the way. KindHealth has already helped thousands of Americans get insured and save hundreds of thousands of dollars on their medical bills, helping save money on prescriptions and making smart recommendations for health insurance.

KindHealth offers health, dental, vision, life, accident, injury, cancer and Medicare insurance on a digital AI-powered marketplace that includes more than 250 insurance carriers and important Healthcare.gov policies. "Consumers need better, more intuitive ways to manage their healthcare spending, and KindHealth is ready to answer the call and fill that need," says Tomasik.

KindHealth is effective at what they do because the company was built to be more than just a health insurance company. KindHealth is also a brand, an agency, a tech platform, and a health insurance consumer's best friend, providing crucial resources and information to find and enroll in a health insurance plan that best suits each consumer's needs and lifestyle.

About KindHealth

KindHealth is an insurance discovery platform launched in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas. KindHealth's platform is powered by cutting-edge technology which recommends the best insurance plan for consumers' needs and budget allowing KindHealth to better understand its customers and offer the right insurance plan. Additionally, KindHealth's Marketplace Builder makes it simple for companies in any category  from leading technology brands to insurtech startups  to offer white-labeled digital insurance solutions to their customers. https://www.kindhealth.co.

Contact Information

Alexis Quintal

[email protected]

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KindHealth

SOURCE KindHealth
Nashik : , April 21 (IANS) In a horrific incident, at least 22 Covid-19 patients died on ventilators in a Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) hospital after an abrupt drop in pressure due to leakage in the oxygen supplies, officials said.

The invisible tragedy took place in the Dr. Zakir Hussain Hospital run by the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled NMC, which is among the biggest civic bodies and one of the worst Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

Following certain technical issues which caused a variation in the pressure of the oxygen being administered in the ward, the 22 patients gasped for breath and succumbed on the ventilator beds.

At least 150 patients were undergoing treatment on oxygen beds and another two dozen on ventilator beds when the tragedy struck.

"It's a very serious incident... coming due to a drop in pressure of the oxygen being administered to the patients," Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.

Even as stunned relatives slammed the civic authorities, NMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Jadhav termed it as "a very sad tragedy" and ordered a probe into the incident and assured action against all found guilty of lapses.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was stunned to learn of the Nashik hospital tragedy and expressed his condolences to the kin of the victims.

Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray expressed sorrow over the tragedy and assured that the incident would be probed.

Nationalist Congress Party's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar condoled the tragedy and assured a high-level investigation.

Congress State Spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded a thorough inquiry into the tragedy and punishing all those found guilty.

"The hospital is managed by NMC which is under the BJP-rule. BJP must take responsibility. Where are the BJP Mayor and 3 BJP MLAs absconding?" Sawant said sternly.

Tope, his cabinet colleague Chhagan Bhujbal and other senior political leaders have rushed to Nashik for a spot assessment of the situation.

BJP's Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Darekar attacked the MVA government and demanded lodging of cases under culpable homicide against the NMC Commissioner Jadhav, accusing him of being 'solely responsible' for the incident.

To control the outrage among the bereaved relatives and an uproar building up after the incident, the Nashik Police tightened security in and around the hospital premises to prevent any untoward situation.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Ugandan tech startup, Tugende has managed to secure $3.6million in the Series A financing extension round. The new funding campaign follows the $6.3 million raised last year in November led by Toyotas Tsusho Investment fund. The amount collected in the new funding round brings Tugendes total financing to $9.9 million in the Series A financing.

Tugendes new financing round was led by Paris and San Francisco-based VC company Partech, Enza Capital and other unmentioned angel investors involvement. The money will be used to grow Tugendes business in the region and help them satisfy the growing demand for their services. It will also support the closure of its new debt capital to support its robust portfolio in Kenya and Uganda. These services demands grew in the country, alongside other types of services, such as online casino games, games, with sites like Betway increasingly becoming popular thanks to tech advancements and the growing gaming industry.

Tugende was launched in 2012 by Michael Wilkinson, leveraging technology, asset finance and customer support to help SMEs (small and medium enterprises) own income-generating assets. The company is currently based in East Africa, although its striving to bridge the $331 billion credit gap affecting small and medium businesses across the continent.

The companys main product is targeted at motorcycle riders in Uganda and Kenya, with hire-purchase and lease-to-own options. The riders get training, life and medical insurance, safety equipment and support from the first step of riding the motorcycle to owning it.

When asked what inspired Tugendes business model, Wilkerson explained that he used motorcycles for their efficiency and flexibility when he worked as a researcher and journalist in Kenya between 2006 and 2010. Wilkerson found the motorcycles very effective to the point of developing a list of go-to motorcycle riders that hed call whenever he needed a ride. That was way before ride-hailing rose in popularity in the continent.

These bodaboda riders would earn enough to survive and pay for motorcycle rent, but not enough to build wealth. These little amounts paid for renting a motorcycle would be enough to service a loan, but traditional banking systems required high down payments and significant collaterals.

Wilkerson launched a for-profit organization striving to help these riders own their own motorcycles starting from 2010. The company began with informally handwritten contracts and progressed into technological solutions in 2013, when the company picked the brand name, Tugende.

According to the companys CEO, motorcycle riders in the region can double their take-home profit to $10 from $5 after joining their platform. Besides motorcycle taxis, the company has expanded the assets they finance to include cars, boat engines, retail shop equipment, refrigerators and other equipment that generates income. The company is currently helping Africans leverage technology to benefit commercially. Once people are able to make some money for themselves, they are then able to support themselves and their families as well as take time off to have fun at betway and other online bookies.

Tugende is among the few East African companies using a unique model to empower the locals into acquiring income-generating assets while offering the support necessary for economic growth. The new equity-based funding will assist the company to scale its operations and continue offering the necessary services to East Africans.

This story is sponsored by Betway
MOSCOW  An American astronaut and two Russians have returned to Earth after six months aboard the International Space Station.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register.

A Soyuz space capsule carrying NASAs Kate Rubins, who was raised in Napa, and Russians Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov landed at 0455 GMT (12:55 a.m. EDT) Saturday in the steppes of Kazakhstan.

Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Russian space agency Roskosmos, said all three were feeling well after they were extracted from the capsule and began reacclimating to the pull of gravity.

Aboard the space station for six months, Rubins performed scientific work some 250 miles above the Earth, working on a cardiovascular experiment and dealing with materials ranging from supercold gases to stem cells. And unlike during her first journey in 2016, Rubins expected to get to work quickly, without the awkward introduction to moving about in microgravity.
1. The Justice Department is opening an investigation into whether the Minneapolis police routinely uses excessive force, a move that signals changes in the works.

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the investigation a day after a former officer, Derek Chauvin, was convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd. Mr. Chauvins guilty verdict represented a rare rebuke of police misconduct and could send him to prison for decades. He is being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day because of fears for his safety, as he waits to be sentenced.

Our analysis from June found that the Minneapolis Police Department used force against Black people at seven times the rate of white people. Above, a memorial for Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis yesterday.
Patrick Nolen and Javonnie Shearn

Nolen previously served on the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing and was homeless off and on for two decades due to untreated health issues. He lives in Portland. Shearn chairs the Oregon State Hospital advisory committee and is the mother of an adult Black son with severe mental illness. She lives in Clackamas.

We are saddened and outraged by the killing of Robert Delgado by officers of the Portland Police Bureau. He was the 29th person killed in an encounter with Portland Police  by shooting, in a fire or in custody  since 2010. On behalf of the Mental Health Alliance, we share in the grief of his tragic death, and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at the end of his long painful journey.

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice found Portland Police has a pattern and practice of using excessive force against people with mental illness, prompting a settlement with the city to enact police reforms. Nine years later, the police bureau is still not in compliance, putting the dispute on the path to unilateral resolution by a federal judge.

Our city has failed to create systems of safety for people with mental illnesses who encounter police. Robert Delgados tragic death is yet more proof. Of those killed by Portland Police since 2010 most seem to have been undergoing a mental health crisis. Because homelessness is a predictable result of untreated mental illness or addiction, many of those killed were homeless or on the verge of homelessness.

We are outraged, because what led to Delgados death remains in place to endanger others. Portland is home to thousands of people without shelter who frequently experience mental health crises. Social service resources for mental illness are so thin that police have become the default responders to crisis, and this is often lethal. Little has been done since 2010 to change these facts.

Members of the alliance, which formed in 2018 to track the justice department settlement, understand the anger of the community with police. Solutions to reduce lethal use of force  primarily by reducing contact between police and people in mental health crisis  are well known by policymakers at the federal, state, county, city and public health insurer levels. They must be prioritized.

People in mental health crisis are everyones business - ours and yours. Our grief and anger come from our shared and fundamental belief that our citys policies should care for the vulnerable. We should care more. Instead, weve left thousands of friends and family members outdoors, sick and without care.

Robust and effective outreach services can be fully funded to be the first and single point of contact for persons in crisis. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has recently made this a federal funding priority.

Immediate shelter and voluntary sanctuary should be provided for all people in mental health crisis - and not with tents or temporary shacks. Sweeps and destruction of belongings must end.

Our public health system is misaligned, undermanaged and under-resourced, leaving most people in need without effective and sufficient treatment for mental illness and addiction. That leads to more sickness, more drug and alcohol use, more death by suicide, by accident and, inevitably, at the hands of police.

Finally, our district attorneys have not held a police officer to account for a fatal shooting since 1969. Its time for someone else to conduct these crucial prosecutions. We call on the Multnomah County district attorney to arrange for an independent attorney, Oregon Justice Department, or other district attorney to present Robert Delgados case to a local grand jury. Its time for a change.

Sign up for our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email:


Texas lawmakers and activists portrayed Tuesdays guilty verdict in Americas most closely watched trial of a white police officer in a generation as a step toward justice  but said there is more work ahead to reform police behavior and the criminal justice system.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd, a Black man, for putting his knee on the mans neck for several minutes. Jurors found Chauvin, guilty of all three charges he faced: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

RELATED: Texas leaders react to Derek Chauvin verdict

Floyds murder sparked nationwide Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. and in Texas during the summer and prompted renewed calls for police reform. And Texas police departments garnered criticism for their use of force during those protests. Before this years legislative session began, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveiled the George Floyd Act that would ban chokeholds and limit police use of force in an effort to protect Texans from police brutality.

Members of the caucus celebrated Chauvins conviction by pumping their fists and hugging during a Facebook Live stream. Many state legislators, including multiple caucus members, responded to the verdict with public calls to pass the caucus police reform bill, or House Bill 88, which was left pending in committee in March following a debate over a provision that would remove police officers' legal shield against civil lawsuits.

A just verdict, but this is only one step, and it can never bring George Floyd back, state Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin, wrote on Twitter. Now we must pass the George Floyd Act and other reforms so that we never have to do this again.

Before moving to Minneapolis, Floyd, a 46-year-old, was a resident of Houstons Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood. Texans across the state, including Floyds friends, family and residents of the Third Ward, had varied responses to the verdict, including sighs of relief or applause, according to The Houston Chronicle.

During a press conference, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called for reflection, and he said he and the Houston Police Department would be announcing police reforms next week. Turner said reform is a constant process that also includes investing in underserved communities, like the Third Ward, in a real and tangible way.

RELATED: Here's how Houstonians reacted to the Derek Chauvin verdict

Justice has been served, Turner said. The Floyd family has waited for almost a year for this verdict, but I will quickly say that they will experience the loss of their loved one, George, for the rest of their lives.

At least two white former Texas police officers have been convicted for killing Black people in recent years. In 2018, Roy Oliver was sentenced to 15 years in prison for fatally shooting 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, though Texas' highest criminal court plans to review that conviction. In 2019, Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing 26-year-old Botham Jean in Dallas.

Christopher Taylor faces a first-degree murder charge for fatally shooting Michael Ramos in Austin last year. And Shaun Lucas faces a murder charge for killing Jonathan Price in Wolfe City in October.

Multiple U.S. Congress members representing Texans also shared their responses to the verdict Tuesday, with some calling for the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The federal bill, which passed the U.S House in March, would ban the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants and set other national standards for police conduct.

Some of the Congressional representatives also made calls for reform and noted that a verdict wouldnt bring Floyd back to his family. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, tweeted that the verdict was a step toward justice for Floyd, his family and the people who have called for justice for victims of police violence and encouraged people to remain dedicated to police reform.

ASTROS: Dusty Baker on Chauvin verdict: 'Maybe this will help us heal'

This verdict is not justice  its accountability. Justice is George Floyd still being alive today, raising his children and spending time with his family, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, said on Twitter. I hope that they can find peace knowing that his life inspired a generation, sparked a movement, and changed the world.

Republican U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn did not respond to a request for comment about the verdict.

Many activists in the state said they were grateful for the verdict, and others stressed that a verdict will not eliminate racism in the U.S. Chas Moore, the executive director and founder of Austin Justice Coalition, said he was relieved, but there are still much needed changes, including reimagining the role of police and expanding the definition of public safety to include neighborhoods with access to lighting, education and healthy food.

I hope this verdict sends a message that, you know, there are going to be some changes in policing, Moore said. I want to see a change in police culture, to where we can limit or completely cancel the George Floyds, the Breonna Taylors, the Sandra Blands, the Daunte Wrights, and the Mike Ramos. I really hope this serves as a catalyst for culture change amongst law enforcement departments around the country.

Disclosure: Facebook 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 Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Six Poster Presentations Will Include New Analyses on ARAZLO, DUOBRII and SILIQ

LAVAL, Quebec, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health") and its dermatology business, Ortho Dermatologics, one of the largest prescription dermatology health care businesses, today announced the presentation of six posters during the virtual American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, which takes place April 23-25, 2021.

One presentation will feature new analyses of ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045%, including new topline efficacy results from a post hoc analysis of two Phase 3 studies on participants with moderate-to-severe acne. Approved for patients nine years of age and older, ARAZLO has been commercially available since 2020. Two other presentations will highlight DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%. Both will focus on new efficacy data, with one also providing an overview of the profound effect of psoriasis on quality of life for patients. The three remaining presentations will include analyses evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety profile of SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection. Please see below for warning about suicidal ideation and behavior with SILIQ.

"Ortho Dermatologics is committed to conducting research that further demonstrates the clinical benefits of our product portfolio," said Scott Hirsch, president, Ortho Dermatologics, and senior vice president and chief strategy officer, Bausch Health. "At this year's AAD meeting, we look forward to the opportunity to connect with dermatologists virtually to share new data on our latest acne medicine, ARAZLO, as well as new analyses on two of our prominent psoriasis medicines, DUOBRII and SILIQ."

The complete list of poster presentations that will be presented is as follows:

ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion

"Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Efficacy of Three Topical Acne Treatments in Patients with Moderate-to-severe Acne." Cook-Bolden et al.

DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion

"Fixed-Combination Halobetasol Propionate 0.01%/Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis in Patients with 3-5% Body Surface Area (BSA) and Poor Quality of Life (QoL)." Stein Gold et al.

et al. "Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on the Efficacy and Safety of Halobetasol Propionate 0.01%/Tazarotene 0.045% (HP/TAZ) lotion in patients with Plaque Psoriasis." Lebwohl et al.

SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection

"Achievement of Body Surface Area Treatment Targets in Clinical Trials of Brodalumab." Strober et al.

Strober et al. "Patient-Reported Psoriasis Symptoms Stratified by Sex and Level of Skin Clearance in Clinical Trials of Brodalumab." Hebert et al.

Hebert et al. "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index Component Scores in Clinical Trials of Brodalumab." Lebwohl et al.

About Acne Vulgaris

Acne is the most common skin problem in the United States, which occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and skin cells, often causing whiteheads, blackheads or pimples to appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.1,2 Up to 50 million Americans have acne.2 Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin.2

Important Safety Information for ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045%

What is ARAZLO?

ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat people 9 years of age and older with acne, which can include blackheads, whiteheads, and other pimples.

It is not known if ARAZLO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age.

Important Safety Information

ARAZLO is for use on skin only. Do not use ARAZLO in your eyes, mouth, the corners of your nose, or vagina.

What is the most important information I should know about ARAZLO?

ARAZLO may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.

You must not be pregnant when you start using ARAZLO or become pregnant during treatment.

Use effective birth control during treatment.

Stop using ARAZLO and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before using ARAZLO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

have eczema or any other skin problems.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you use ARAZLO while breastfeeding, use it for the shortest time needed. Do not apply ARAZLO directly to the nipple and surrounding area to avoid exposing your child to the medicine.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight; ask your healthcare provider for a list of medicines if you are not sure. Especially tell your healthcare provider about other products you use on your skin (such as benzoyl peroxide), including moisturizers, creams, lotions, or products that can dry out your skin.

What should I avoid while using ARAZLO?

You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ARAZLO.

Minimize exposure to sunlight; you could get severe sunburn.

If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.

Avoid using ARAZLO on skin with eczema or sunburned skin because it may cause severe irritation.

ARAZLO may cause side effects, including:

Skin irritation. ARAZLO may cause irritation including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to use a moisturizer, adjust the dosing, or completely stop treatment with ARAZLO.

These are not all the possible side effects of ARAZLO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576, FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form raised, red, scaly patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.3 People with psoriasis are also reported to be at increased risk of developing other serious clinical conditions such as cardiovascular and other noncommunicable diseases and to suffer substantial impairment of physical and psychological quality of life.4 Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.5

Important Safety Information for DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%

What is DUOBRII Lotion?

DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%, is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat adults with plaque psoriasis. It is not known if DUOBRII Lotion is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

DUOBRII Lotion is for use on the skin only; do not use it in your mouth, eyes, or vagina.

What is the most important Information I should know about DUOBRII Lotion?

DUOBRII Lotion may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.

A negative pregnancy test must be obtained before females of child-bearing age start using DUOBRII Lotion and they must use effective birth control during treatment. Begin treatment during a normal menstrual period.

Stop using DUOBRII Lotion and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while using DUOBRII Lotion.

Before you use DUOBRII Lotion, tell your healthcare provider if you:

have eczema or any other skin problems, including skin infections, which may need to be treated before using DUOBRII.

have diabetes, adrenal gland problems or liver problems.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you use DUOBRII and breastfeed, do not apply DUOBRII to your nipple area.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take corticosteroids by mouth or injection or use other skin products that contain corticosteroids.

Ask your healthcare provider for a list of medicines that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

What should I avoid during treatment with DUOBRII?

To avoid a severe sunburn, avoid sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, as much as possible, and use sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat while in sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider if you get sunburn, and do not use DUOBRII Lotion until your sunburn is healed.

Avoid using DUOBRII on skin with eczema because it may cause severe irritation.

DUOBRII may cause side effects, including:

If too much DUOBRII passes through your skin it can cause adrenal glands to stop working

it can cause adrenal glands to stop working Cushing's syndrome, a condition from too much exposure to the hormone cortisol

a condition from too much exposure to the hormone cortisol High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

(hyperglycemia) Effects of growth and weight in children

Skin irritation. If you get too much skin irritation at the site of application, your healthcare provider may tell you to interrupt or stop using DUOBRII or to use it less often.

If you get too much skin irritation at the site of application, your healthcare provider may tell you to interrupt or stop using DUOBRII or to use it less often. Vision problems, including an increased chance of developing cataracts and glaucoma. Tell your healthcare provider about any vision problems during treatment.

The most common side effects of DUOBRII Lotion include: redness, itching, swelling, burning, stinging, application site pain, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis), thinning of the skin (atrophy), peeling and rash. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ortho Dermatologics at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

Important Safety Information for SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection

What is SILIQ?

SILIQ injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis:

who may benefit from injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light treatment) and

who have tried another systemic therapy that didn't work or stopped working

It is not known if SILIQ is safe and effective in children.

What is the most important information I should know about SILIQ?

Suicidal thoughts or behavior: Some patients taking SILIQ have had suicidal thoughts or ended their own lives. This risk is higher if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or depression. It is not known if SILIQ causes these thoughts or actions. Get medical help right away if you or a family member notices that you have any of the following symptoms:

new or worsening depression, anxiety, or mood problems

thoughts of suicide, dying, or hurting yourself

attempt to commit suicide, or acting on dangerous impulses

other unusual changes in your behavior or mood

Your healthcare provider will give you a SILIQ patient/wallet card about symptoms that need medical attention right away. Carry the card with you during treatment with SILIQ and show it to all of your healthcare providers.

Serious Infections: SILIQ may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections:

Your healthcare provider should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with SILIQ and may treat you for TB before starting SILIQ if you have TB or a history of it

You and your healthcare provider need to watch closely for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with SILIQ, including fever, sweats, chills, shortness of breath, stomach issues, muscle aches, cough, sore throat or trouble swallowing, warm/red/painful skin sores, burning while urinating or more frequent urination

Who should not use SILIQ?

Do not use SILIQ if you have Crohn's disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop diarrhea, bloody stools, stomach pain or cramping, sudden or uncontrollable bowel movements, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, fever or tiredness as these may be symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Before starting SILIQ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

have a history of mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or mood problems

have an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back

have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB

have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid getting live vaccines while being treated with SILIQ

are or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to do so. It is unknown if SILIQ can harm your unborn or newborn baby

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use SILIQ?

See the detailed "Instructions for Use" that come with your SILIQ for information on the right way to store, prepare, and give your SILIQ injections at home, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used SILIQ prefilled syringes. Use SILIQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

What are possible side effects of SILIQ?

SILIQ may cause serious side effects. See "What is the most important information I should know about SILIQ?" and "Who should not take SILIQ?"

The most common side effects of SILIQ include:



Joint pain Muscle pain

Headache Injection site reactions

Tiredness Flu

Diarrhea Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

Mouth or throat pain Fungal infections of the skin

Nausea



Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to Bausch Health at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Click here for accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about suicidal ideation and behavior, and Medication Guide.

About Ortho Dermatologics

Ortho Dermatologics is one of the largest dermatology businesses dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas, including psoriasis, actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio is further complemented by Solta Medical, the maker of Fraxel, Thermage, Clear + Brilliant and Vaser ultrasonic assisted liposuction for aesthetic applications. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com.

About Bausch Health

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. More information can be found at www.bauschhealth.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. They also include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties caused by or relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of that pandemic and its potential effects, the severity, duration and future impact of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, and which may have a material adverse impact on Bausch Health, including but not limited to its project development timelines, and costs (which may increase). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch Health undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

References

American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Skin conditions by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-conditions-by-the-numbers. Accessed March 1, 2020. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Acne. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047. Accessed March 1, 2020. Mayo Clinic. (2019). Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840. Accessed March 1, 2020 . World Health Organization. (2016). Global Report on Psoriasis. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/204417/9789241565189_eng.pdf;jsessionid=81463A56 C4318AF777E56018DB67B563?sequence=1. Accessed March 1, 2020 . National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis. Accessed March 1, 2020 .

/TM are trademarks of Ortho Dermatologics' affiliated entities.

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[Follow our live coverage of 2021 Oscars.]

When the Academy Award nominations were unveiled last month, the news that Lakeith Stanfield, seemingly the lead actor in Judas and the Black Messiah, was up for best supporting actor puzzled many of us, including Stanfield himself. He wrote on Instagram, Im confused too, adding, lmao. Warner Bros. campaigned for Stanfield in the best actor category, but academy voters treat that as a mere suggestion, not a mandate.

This categorization pits Stanfield directly against his Judas co-star Daniel Kaluuya, the 20th time a film has scored multiple nominations for supporting actor. But does the fact that Stanfields role is arguably bigger than Kaluuyas give him a leg up in the Oscar race?

The data from past Oscars can shed some light on this question  not just from the previous 19 times that two co-stars have appeared on the supporting actor list, but all 71 times it has happened in any acting category. In 48 of those instances, none of the nominees won the award, so they dont help answer the question of whether bigger parts have an advantage. But the other 23 offer some insight.
To avoid runaway global warming we need to stop deforestation efforts immediately and begin a massive reforestation program of planting a trillion trees. Trees are our first line of defense.

If recent calculations are correct then we have just about five years left to tame climate change enough to avoid mass extinction.

The only thing that is worse than mass extinction is total extinction. We are on the trajectory to risk the extinction of our own species by 2070 if it warms up enough to release a massive disassociation of methane in the frozen tundra of Siberia and shallow seas around the world.

Thats just 49 years from now! To avoid any chance of that, we need to implement a worldwide climate emergency plan to reduce the use of fossil fuels by as much as 80% in five short years and then get to carbon neutral by 2035.

If we miss this opportunity to put climate change in check then we also risk triggering 25 crucial ecological tipping points that could start a domino effect of collapsing eco systems,that are essential to the survival of most species on the planet, including our own.

To avoid runaway global warming we need to stop deforestation efforts immediately and begin a massive reforestation program of planting a trillion trees. Trees are our first line of defense.

We need to ease up on the ever increasing population problem by having just one child per family. That single thing could reduce the population by half in just one generation. We are on course to have 9.7 billion human beings on the planet by 2050 and 11 to 12 billion by 2100. The carrying capacity of the planet, our ability to feed the people on the planet is projected to drop by 15 to 20% by 2040. Even the most optimistic contrarian cannot imagine a world forced to live on the equivalent of 1 bowl of rice a day.

Excess consumption by the richest countries has to be brought under control. Capitalism needs to re-imagine how it defines success. Demanding quarter after quarter of unbridled growth no longer fits our current situation. Infinite growth on a finite planet is simply not possible and a recipe for ecological disaster.

We need to quickly pivot and make a paradigm shift in how we choose to live on this planet with better management of our precious resources and do whatever we can to save our polluted, dying, and overfished oceans. If the oceans go, we will not be far behind, the oceans are the cradle of life.

Mars gets 70 degrees Fahrenheit below zero at night and 220 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. You would last only 15 seconds without a space suit on. Earth looks pretty good in comparison.

We will have exhausted most all of our natural resources by the middle of this century including all known exploitable oil reserves by 2068. Living in a world of 10 billion people, with rapidly dwindling resources is a perfect storm for starvation, conflict, mass migration, chaos and war. The consequences of peak everything by 2050 on a depleted planet will be like going from a paradise to living hell.

For examples you only need to look at Haiti, Africa and many of the islands in South East Asia that have cut down their forests, killed off their wild life and allowed overfishing; they lead impoverished, difficult lives from then on.

Surviving In a world warmer by 5.6 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than today, will be much more difficult. Most of the grains that supports humanity cannot handle the stress of temperatures above 7 degrees Fahrenheit. It interrupts their reproductive cycle and yields can be reduced, by as much as 80 to 90% from normal temperature harvests. Grains like rice, wheat, corn and soybeans are in for big trouble.

We have already triggered 9 essential tipping points out of a total of 25; Left unchecked, they eventually could become positive feedback loops, feeding upon themselves, spiraling up higher and higher, until they are outside of our ability to control them in any time frame that would be relevant to a human life span.

As of 2021, the Atlantic ice shelf is now irreversibly doomed to melt away no matter what we do now. The heat thats built up in the oceans will take several decades to dissipate. This is just one essential tipping point that will adversely affect millions of people around the world as sea levels rise 3 meters or more.

We are not treating this as the planet wide, life and death emergency that it actually is? One reason is that slow moving invisible threats do not trigger our natural flight or fight response, so it can keep edging closer and closer until ultimately its too late to escape.

We are at the start of the 6th mass extinction event in Earths History, if not tamed in the next five years you will have a better chance of dying from mass extinction than from dying in a car crash.

Politicians or the media will not let you know how bad it really is. Theyll say this may or could happen but its unlikely to occur in our lifetime, unless of course youre planning on living another 15 years. Climate change is here now and causing over 250,000 casualties a year and it will only get worse.

The United Nations is holding a climate conference on Nov 1st 2021, a very important meeting on Climate Change they have already held 21 such meetings and still fossil fuel use and Co2 emissions have increased every year since the first meeting in Kyoto in 1997 that failed to reign in emissions because there were just too many exemptions from developing countries that did not require any Co2 reductions at all.

After 35 years of unproductive discussions, we are at the point of no return with nowhere to run.

The most recent Paris Climate Agreement failed because it lacked any penalties for the 180 countries that ratified it, Even France failed to meet its own Co2 reduction goals. None of the 21 meetings on Climate Change has produced an effective workable plan to reduce Co2 in any significant way whatsoever. In 2018, Co2 emissions increased by 2.8%. In 2019, humanity dumped a record 43.1 billion metric tons of Co2 from human activity into the atmosphere. It finally fell in 2020 due to the Covid 19 Pandemic that forced immobility, reduction of mass transportation and reduced personal consumption patterns. Daily global Co2 emissions actually fell by 17% daily and 7% total for the year. We are back on track to rebound to 2019 levels. We are not on track to achieve the huge cuts necessary to save us.

Politicians are still getting their election funding from oil, gas and the coal industry with the understanding that they will fight tooth and nail to protect and preserve their 3.3 trillion dollar a year business. We continue to subsidize them with 5.2 trillion dollars a year or 6.5% of the worlds total GDP.

Unfortunately, that is why we cannot expect our governments or business leaders to save us. They will skillfully, persuasively and very politely, side step any real action that jeopardizes the oil, gas and coal business.

When civilization is crumbling, they will blame the last administration for doing nothing to stop climate change, its the nature of the beast.

When we passed 386 ppm in 2015, we locked in 2 degrees Celsius or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit in additional warming. We are now at 417 PPM and you can add another 25 ppm of other GHG gas emissions, like Nitrous Oxide and Methane so really we are at about 442 PPM and growing at 3 PPM per year. Scientists agree that passing the crucial 450 PPM mark will trigger numerous new tipping points that could lead to runaway Global Warming. We are very quickly running out of time. We have maybe 5, to a maximum of 10 years, if we are very lucky, to mount a worldwide effort to combat climate change. To tame global warming in that time frame we would need to mobilize a WW2 kind of Marshall Plan to meet climate change head on and then we could turn it around. The good news is we have the technology now and the resources to do it. It would cost around 23 trillion dollars to solve the problem now, and 72 trillion later, if we wait to deal with all the calamities caused by global warming in the future.

Humans are especially vulnerable, we are large, warm blooded animals that need a lot of food and do not handle ecological disruptions well. We would be far better off tackling it now while we still can, rather than deal with the worst-case scenarios of dangerous climate change in the future. Mother Nature has a 99.9% successful extinction rate and will not capitulate or retreat for thousands of years, before the atmosphere returns to normal; a blink in ecological time.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference meeting will be on Nov 1st 2021 in the UK. This will be our last best chance to tame Global Warming in time to make a difference for future generations.

Billions of people around the world need to raise their collective voices and demand action now from their representatives to implement the changes necessary for civilization to have the best chance of survival. A plan with real teeth to reduce Co2 emissions all the way down to carbon neutral, before its too late.

The plan should require strict adherence to aggressive carbon reduction goals. A carbon use tax could certainly help ratchet down carbon emissions much more quickly, in order to reach our Co2 reduction goals.

We are much further along and far more vulnerable than we have previously thought. The Last 10 years have been the hottest on record. We broke 120,000 extreme weather records with stronger more frequent Tornadoes and bigger more destructive Hurricanes. Wildfire season is on average, 2 months longer and forest fires are now much more frequent, burning 3.2 million acres in the US alone in 2020.

The bottom line is ultimately we can only save ourselves. We are all riding on the Titanic and everything still looks pretty good and we are all just waiting to see what happens next.

What can be done before its too late? Thats really the question isnt it?

We need a Grand Action Plan!

We certainly have the right technology available to use now, but we lack time. We need to implement a good plan very quickly to meet the tremendous challenge before us.

A solid, workable, and affordable plan, that if implemented aggressively will get the job done. It will take a worldwide commitment but for about 2.5 % of the worlds GDP, we would have an Earth that we would sustain us and future generations as well.

We would need to build 30,000 Co2 extraction plants capable of extracting 1 million tons of Co2 a year each.

By mitigating 30 billion tons a year of Co2, out of the 56 billion tons a year emitted annually, it would get us over a 50% reduction of Co2 and a whole lot closer to where we need to be.

With a strong push towards electric cars, wind and renewable solar energy, we could get closer to net zero emissions and wean ourselves off dependency of oil, gas, and coal, for good.

Then, by using Princetons wedge strategy to ratchet down emissions in the four major sectors in 15 different categories, responsible for most all emissions, we could get down to carbon neutral by 2035.

Combine that with a grand reforestation program and then set aside 30% of the oceans around the world for 5 years or even longer, to let the worlds oceans replenish and regenerate and we could actually get to where the world needs to be in order for us and other species to thrive on it. However, it needs to get started now before we get so far behind the Climate Change eight ball, that there is nothing we can do about it.

Thats The Grand Action Plan.

It is a workable, viable and affordable plan and incredibly it would actually be profitable and not cost, but make money and create millions of good paying jobs.

These new Co2 extraction plants are compellingly profitable and make some of the most important high growth products that the world needs, like carbon fibers and the ultra low carbon fuel of the future.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in the UK is our last off ramp.

The world needs to send a very powerful message to the U.N conference on Climate Change in Nov. The Billion Man March; on Oct 2nd, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in all the time zones of the world. Citizens of every country will pour out into the streets in mighty masses peacefully protesting with cell phone lights, flashlights candles and torches to light up the world. A spectacular worldwide demonstration to let their leaders and representatives know that the people are very concerned about our environment and the direction that we are headed and we want them to take action now on Climate Change, before its too late. Let them know the entire world is watching and wants real, verifiable, effective results this time. A billion strong army of concerned citizens around the entire world sending a powerful, urgent message to our leaders. EXTINCTION MATTERS!

37% of all species projected to go extinct by 2050. This is our last best chance to avoid Ecocide. The doomsday clock has already been moved up to midnight. The only way to reset the clock is to take the action necessary to change our current trajectory and change how we live our lives, whatever it takes. We changed everything during the Covid19 crisis and we can do it again, whatever is necessary to do to tame climate change. We can certainly do it.

There is nowhere to run and rich and poor will be affected alike. Our leaders wont get the job done in the time unless the people demand it. Nows the time for everyone that cares about Mother Earth and the millions of incredible species that live on it, to raise their collective voices; or like the Titanic, the technological marvel of her time, that slipped beneath the waves in 1912, our Paradise Planet could just slip away from us, forever.

Millard Bennett, nephew of the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, wrote this poem about the tragedy of the Titanic that appeared in the New York Times. First to the ankle and then to the chin and with one grand swirl they sank within, while the band played that sweet, sweet melody nearer, nearer my God to thee.

C.S Goldsmith Author: Book Uninhabitable: A Case for Caution and host of the podcast, Goldsmith Weighs In The Harsh Truth Climate Change. For more information on the Billion Man March, visit http://www.billionmanmarch.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 23:26:26|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya announced on Wednesday it is currently in talks with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations' International Civil Air Organization (ICAO) to roll out vaccine passports for its citizens in 2022.

Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry for Tourism and Wildlife told journalists in Nairobi that the discussions with the two UN bodies will focus on how to implement the passport in the most effective way.

"We will have a vaccination card for COVID-19 and probably you need to be vaccinated every year," Balala said during the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for all frontline workers in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Balala said that at the moment vaccination against COVID-19 cannot be a requirement to travel into and out of Kenya because most countries have not inoculated their population.

He noted that currently, the vaccine passport is not viable as only a few countries have achieved high vaccination rates for their populations.

"We are concerned in Kenya and Africa that some countries have over-ordered their requirement than what they need for vaccines and this makes it difficult for some countries to find the vaccines," he added. Enditem
Social grooming plays an important role in vervet monkey society, helping concrete social bonds and increase an animals chances of reproduction. However, anthropologist Brandi Wrens research reveals that monkeys suffering from certain gastrointestinal parasites may not participate in grooming as much as infection-free monkeys. (Purdue University photo/Brandi Wren)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Brandi Wren was studying social distancing and infections before masking tape marks appeared on the grocery store floor and plastic barriers went up in the post office.

Wren, a visiting scholar in the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University, spent a year studying wild vervet monkey troops in South Africa while a doctoral student at Purdue working with her advisor Melissa Remis, head of the Department of Anthropology.

The team, which included Joseph Camp, professor emeritus in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology; Ian Ray, an ecologist at the University of South Africa and Thomas Gillepsie, an ecologist at Emory University, tracked both the monkeys social interactions and their parasite load.

Their results, some of which were published in April in PLOS ONE, showed evidence that monkeys carrying certain gastrointestinal parasites do not groom others as much as those without the parasite, and that routes of transmission may not be as clear-cut as biologists think.

There are some individuals you watch and you think, Gosh, this guy is such a jerk! He always lets everybody groom him, but he doesnt groom anybody else! Wren said. What were attributing to personality or attitude could just be because he has a gut full of parasites.

Wren draws parallels between the troops behavior and human behavior during the pandemic. Like the monkeys, humans crave social contact, though more in the form of handshakes, high-fives and hugs. Like the monkeys, humans can spread diseases through social contact and tend to withdraw a bit during an illness. Unlike the monkeys, however, humans understand about contagion, about hygiene and about the importance of reducing contact or increasing cleanliness.

All these social behaviors affect health on a practical level, Wren said. We know COVID-19 is spread through close social contact. A fascinating thing about studying other species, and one reason to observe and understand them, is that we are always learning new things. There is always more to learn. Even when were looking at previous research, even when we thought we understood the results, we still may not know the whole picture.

With implications for both animal behavior and human health, Wrens results open new avenues for research and new ways to consider old research. Vervet monkeys share surprising similarities with humans. In addition to sharing more than 90% of human DNA  something that is true of all primate species  vervet monkeys have also been known to exhibit conditions more familiar in humans than in other animals, including anxiety and hypertension. Biologists have found that studying vervet monkey physiology, genetics and behavior can shed light on some aspects of human biology.

We have so many behavioral similarities; the roots and nuances of social behavior tend to be similar across all of the primates, especially from monkeys to humans, Wren said. This study shows some of those similarities down to, when we feel sick, we dont want to talk to anybody. You can rub my back, whatever, but I really want to be left alone. We see a lot of similarities in how humans and monkeys interact within their own groups.

Wild animals typically carry a nominal load of parasites. Biologists have long assumed that many of these infections are mostly innocuous  that they are asymptomatic and dont significantly affect either the animals health or prospects. Even more interesting is that the parasites Wren was studying whipworm, or Trichuris  are not parasites that are typically spread through social contact. These are gastrointestinal parasites that are usually spread through contaminated soil or substances in the environments. But Wrens research suggests that they may be spread through social contact and that they can significantly affect an individuals social behavior and alter group dynamics.

Infected individuals show a little bit of lethargy, but the interesting thing is that they still let other individuals groom them; they just dont groom others, Wren said. They also dont cuddle with the other monkeys as much. It appears they just dont feel well.

During her dissertation field work, Wren and her team followed three troops of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus pygerythrus, throughout their range in the Loskop Dam Nature Preserve in South Africa. By exhaustively cataloging individual monkeys interactions and grooming habits and by cross-referencing that with infection information from fecal samples, the team was able to disentangle that monkeys infected with whipworm spent less time grooming other monkeys. They accepted grooming  when it was offered  but did not offer to groom their troop-mates back.

Wren notes that this difference in behavior is not so stark that it is noticeable just by observing the monkeys. Only by rigorously observing grooming behavior, exhaustively studying fecal samples and analyzing those results in relation to each other, were they able to decode this relationship.

Theres no way we would have been able to tell which monkeys were infected just from observation, Wren said. There are no other signs of the infection, other than the social behavior. And the change is often so hard to detect. It takes following one individual for a substantial time and collecting the data to see it. The effect is hidden in this complex web of interactions.

Wren and Remis posit that this discovery is important for animal researchers to bear in mind. As studies of animal personalities begin to gain popularity, Wren stressed the importance of incorporating information like parasite load and hormone profiles into those studies. Otherwise, biologists might misattribute behaviors to personality traits, when really the culprit is an active infection.

This study shows us that it is important to consider how parasite infections affect energy levels and behavior, Remis said. In humans, whipworm is known to cause anemia, chronic dysentery and poor growth. Among the monkeys, these infections may well have resulted in low energy, low levels of interaction or interest in behaviors like social grooming. The study has broad impacts for our efforts to understand the effects of parasites not only on health, but also on behavioral and social interaction with longer-term costs. Low levels of social contact and networking could lead to less integration in social groups. For the monkeys, this could result in fewer allies, lower social rank and poorer access to resources, all of which would further contribute to declining physical condition.

This research was funded by the LSB Leakey Foundation and the Wennergren Foundation for Anthropological Research. The Department of Anthropology is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Writer, Media contact: Brittany Steff; 765-494-7833; bsteff@purdue.edu

Source: Brandi Wren, brandiwren@gmail.com

Journalists visiting campus : Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.

To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.

Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.

ABSTRACT

Social contact behaviors are associated with infection status for Trichuris sp. in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

Brandi Wren, Ian S. Ray, Melissa Remis, Thomas R. Gillespie and Joseph Camp

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240872

Social grooming in the animal kingdom is common and serves several functions, from removing ectoparasites to maintaining social bonds between conspecifics. We examined whether time spent grooming with others in a highly social mammal species was associated with infection status for gastrointestinal parasites. Of six parasites detected, one (Trichuris sp.) was associated with social grooming behaviors, but more specifically with direct physical contact with others. Individuals infected with Trichuris sp. spent significantly less time grooming conspecifics than those not infected, and time in direct contact with others was the major predictor of infection status. One model correctly predicted infection status for Trichuris sp. with a reliability of 95.17% overall when the variables used were time spent in direct contact and time spent grooming others. This decrease in time spent grooming and interacting with others is likely a sickness behavior displayed by individuals with less energy or motivation for non-essential behaviors. This study emphasizes the possible links between host behavior and parasitic infections and highlights the need for an understanding of a study population's parasitic infections when attempting to interpret animal behavior.
Alexei Navalny is at deaths door. The 44-year-old politician was poisoned with a nerve agent on August 20 last year. The attempted assassination was botched, and the seriously ill anti-corruption activist was flown to Germany for treatment. While abroad, the authorities put him on their wanted list.

Despite this fairly clear warning, Navalny returned in January and was promptly arrested at the airport. A court then sentenced him to two and a half years in prison, because he had violated his parole: while fighting for his life abroad he had not checked in with Russian police.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has begun a hunger strike. Credit:AP

After this Kafkaesque verdict, Navalny was transferred to one of the harshest prison colonies of Putins Russia, where his health quickly deteriorated. He went on hunger strike on March 31, in order to gain access to his own doctors, a right he enjoys under Russian law.

The authorities have moved him to a prison infirmary for vitamin treatment but otherwise refused to budge. Navalny might not survive this latest confrontation with the Russian state.
Scott Disick and his teenage girlfriend Amelia Hamlin couldn't keep their hands off each other before visiting one of Los Angeles' best hair salons in Beverly Hills.

Before walking into Meche Salon on Monday, the lovebirds, who have an 18-year age gap, packed on the PDA as they playfully touched each other's rears while waiting to head inside.

After being affectionate with the 19-year-old daughter of actors Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, the father-of-three, 37, took off his yellow bucket hat and showed off his new pink mohawk haircut.

Affectionate: Pink-haired Scott Disick, 37, packed on the PDA with girlfriend Amelia Hamlin, 19, as they wrapped their arms around each other outside a hair salon in Beverley Hills on Monday

For their date, Disick kept his look simple by teaming a white hoodie with orange sweatpants and a purple t-shirt.

Meanwhile, Amelia showed off her model physique in a cropped white tank top, which showcased her toned abs, and she wore a pair of fitted trousers.

The couple made sure to both wear face masks in the parking lot amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the Talentless founder eventually took his off once when they got inside a building.

Handsy: Before walking into Meche Salon, the lovebirds, who have an 18-year age gap, packed on the PDA as they playfully touched each other's rears

Fresh hair: For their date, the father-of-three kept his look simple by teaming a white hoodie with orange sweatpants and a purple t-shirt

Disick and Amelia were accompanied by a bodyguard, who stayed close while they enjoyed some quality time together, just weeks after she was introduced to his kids Mason, 11, Penelope, eight and six-year-old Reign.

Since meeting his brood, who he shares with ex Kourtney Kardashian, Amelia has been seen on shopping trips with him and his little girl as well as a family vacation in Miami, Florida.

The duo were first linked last October when they were seen together at Kendall Jenner's Halloween party.

Romance: The duo were first linked last October when they were seen together at Kendall Jenner's Halloween party

They went Instagram official around Valentine's Day this year, and Amelia called Scott her 'dream man' later the same month.

Amelia previously dated Mercer Wiederhorn, and Scott's past relationship with Kourtney is still a storyline on Keeping Up With The Kardashians as he co-parents his three children with him.

The former couple dated for nearly 10 years before calling it quits on their relationship in 2015, after having their three children together.

Scott was most recently linked to Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia Richie, 22.
NWS Weather Alert NOTE: This information is provided by the National Weather Service. Forecast may differ from local information provided by our own 69News Meteorologists

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR SUNDAY JUNE 6... The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange air quality alert Sunday for The Lehigh Valley/Berks County area. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children...people suffering from asthma... heart disease or other lung diseases...and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles...visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. During and after the April 20 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) the delegates of various countries emphasized in conversations with their Armenian counterparts that the Armenian prisoners of war held in Azeri captivity must be repatriated as soon as possible, the member of the Armenian delegation to PACE Vladimir Vardanyan told ARMENPRESS.

Almost everyone, except the delegations of Azerbaijan and Turkey, were clearly saying one thing, with Austrian delegate and co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan Stefan Schennach having described it in the most accurate way  no ifs or buts, the prisoners of war must be repatriated. This is the approach with which the Council of Europe and PACEs opinion and viewpoint on the matter can be described briefly, Vardanyan said.

Vardanyan says that their private conversations with delegates also showed that all the lawmakers are collectively saying that Azerbaijan must quickly return the Armenian POWs.

He said the mounting international pressure on Azerbaijan will sooner or later force it to release the Armenian captives.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
The car spun out of control, then went airborne, hitting a southbound vehicle. A fourth car was somehow involved, but he wasnt sure when or how it got hit, he said.
A word that was invented in Central New York has been added to the dictionary  for Words With Friends, that is.

Mobile game company Zynga, Inc., announced Monday that it added orbisculate to the in-game dictionary for its popular word game, Words With Friends. The Scrabble-like app also made it the Word of the Day, and detailed its full etymology on the WWF Definition page.

Neil Krieger, who died of complications from Covid-19 last year, created the word orbisculate for a class assignment while he was a student at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., during the late 1950s. According to the official website orbisculate.com, the word means to accidentally squirt juice and/or pulp from foods, such as a grapefruit, into ones eye, or onto someones body, clothing or elsewhere.

Kriegers children, Syracuse University alumnus Jonathan Krieger and Cornell alum Hilary Krieger, said their father used it so often they thought it was a real word for most of their life. After his death, they launched an effort to get the word added to official dictionaries in honor of his memory.

Our dad would have gotten a huge kick out of his creation being played in Words With Friends. Being part of a game thats played by millions will help add our fathers word to the vernacular, and ultimately, the English language dictionary, Jonathan said in a statement.

From left to right: Neil, Susan, Jonathan and Hilary Krieger. The family is trying to get "orbisculate," a word invented by Cornell University alumnus Neil Krieger, added to the dictionary.Provided

The Kriegers have since gotten the word used by multiple celebrities, including TV host Ellen DeGeneres, Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish, CNN anchor Jake Tapper, comedian Sarah Silverman, and chef Jose Andres.

Yeah, the problem with making yourself a drink that has some kind of like twist of lemon in it is - the risk is that the lemon could orbisculate into your eye, Silverman said, imitating a squinting face during an Ellen Show segment earlier this month. And that always causes you to kind of do that. This is like a good reaction of orbisculation.

Jonathan, who graduated from SUs Newhouse School in 2007, and Hilary, who graduated from Cornell like their dad, are also trying to raise money to benefit Carsons Village, a Dallas non-profit that helps families after the loss of a loved one.

For more information on orbisculate and their efforts to get it in the dictionary, visit orbisculate.com.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Three men appeared in the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday night in connection with the fatal shooting of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016.

The three Dublin men, one in his 60s and the other two in their 50s, were arrested by gardai in Ballymun earlier on Tuesday and brought before an out-of-hours sitting of the non-jury Special Criminal Court

The arrests came as the issuing of a European arrest warrant for Gerry The Monk Hutch was described as a huge statement by the State of its relentless pursuit of those behind the Regency Hotel attack and the Kinahan-Hutch feud, a retired Garda chief has said.

Former assistant commissioner for Dublin Pat Leahy said the warrant sent out a message to other feud bosses, including Kinahan gang leader Daniel Kinahan, that this isnt over and their time will come.

Mr Leahy, until his retirement last July, oversaw a number of feud murder investigations, including the shooting dead of Kinahan lieutenant David Byrne at the north Dublin hotel in February 2016.

The issuing by the High Court of a European arrest warrant for Gerry Hutch followed an application by the Garda investigation team in Ballymun on foot of a direction from the DPP to bring charges against the 58-year-old.

This is a huge statement by An Garda Siochana and the State, said Mr Leahy.

They are delivering on their commitment of the relentless pursuit of those involved in the Regency and the murders that followed.

It sends out a message to others  that this isnt over and their time will come.

Daniel Kinahan and other senior cartel figures continue to live in the United Arab Emirates, but Garda sources have said their stay is dependent on the ongoing tolerance of Dubai authorities.

Youd assume that Daniel Kinahans first emotion [on hearing about the Hutch warrant] is delight, but then he will think Jesus, Im next," said one senior source.

"Daniel Kinahan and others are depending on the UAE for their safety  they will cough him up at some stage.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Royalty Advocate, a software company whose cutting-edge platform helps owners of oil and gas holdings maximize the value of their portfolios, today announced the close of a $3 million Series A funding round from Merit Advisors LLC.

The investment by Merit Advisors represents the first external funding for Royalty Advocate, which launched its industry-changing cloud-based mineral management platform in 2020. Royalty Advocate will use the funding to accelerate growth, including the continued development of its SaaS platform and the build-out of its engineering, sales and customer success teams.

"We believe Royalty Advocate has the most powerful technology in mineral rights management," said Will Presson, Founder and Managing Partner of Merit Advisors. "They looked at a cumbersome, resource-intensive process and applied impressive technology, advanced automation and data analytics to make it streamlined and cost-efficient. This software adds tremendous value for mineral owners, and we're excited to introduce it to our clients and the Merit Mineral Management team."

There are an estimated 12 million oil and gas mineral owners in the U.S. and Canada. Together, these owners collect some $50 Billion in annual revenues. However, many of these mineral owners aren't getting paid properly for the assets they own. That's because management of mineral rights remains largely a complex, data-intensive and manual process. The process takes so much time and effort that many smaller mineral owners don't manage their assets at all, and simply accept whatever royalty payments arrive. For larger ownerseven those using legacy mineral management systemsthe process is labor-intensive and expensive. Royalty Advocate solves these challenges with cloud-based technology that automates much of the work.

"Whether you're an E&P company, a large foundation, a mineral fund or a family-owned business, Royalty Advocate will help you recover lost revenue, identify payment inaccuracies, decrease costs and maximize the value of your portfolio," said Jarrett Parker, Royalty Advocate Co-Founder.

About Royalty Advocate

The Royalty Advocate ( https://www.royaltyadvocate.com ) platform provides mineral owners with complete, real-time visibility into their portfolios. Using automated workflows, data aggregation and analytics, Royalty Advocate creates digital maps and shapes based on legal descriptions, and allows users to instantly see what assets they own, which companies are operating the wells, what those operators are reporting to the state, and whether owners are getting paid the correct amount for all their assets. The Royalty Advocate solution also helps users minimize portfolio costs by tracking charged deductions and costs, as well as property taxes.

The Royalty Advocate SaaS model is entirely scalable, meaning that it is robust and cost-effective for both big organizations in need of an enterprise solution and individual or family mineral owners. For large organizations, Royalty Advocate's automated system reduces legwork and manpower requirements, allowing them to save costs.

About Merit Advisors

Based in Gainesville, Texas, Merit Advisors ( https://meritadvisor.com ) is a team of expert consultants committed to crafting holistic solutions that improve cash flows and add profit back to its clients' bottom line. With a track record spanning over 20 years, Merit offers deep experience in energy, heavy industry and construction, and works with companies across the commercial sector.

Merit's integrated approach helps its clients minimize tax exposure, maximize cash recoveries and capitalize on economic incentives by analyzing opportunities and liabilities across its five practice areas of property tax, sales and use tax, credits and incentives, severance tax, and appraisal and valuation.

Merit Advisors recently added Merit Mineral Management to its diversified services. Created to maximize the value of mineral and royalty portfolios, the Mineral Management team consists of experienced attorneys, certified landmen, CPAs, tax specialists, certified appraisers and software developers who work with clients to create customized solutions that streamline the complex mineral management process. With clients and assets throughout the US, Merit Mineral Management applies its expertise and innovative technology to maximize portfolio value by recovering lost revenue, securing better lease terms, and lowering property taxes.

SOURCE Royalty Advocate
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Rain City Resources Inc. (CSE: RAIN) ("RAIN" or "Rain City" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that is has entered into an option agreement with an arm's-length party to acquire an undivided 100% interest in the Bro Property, Yukon.

The Bro Property (the "Bro") is four (4) claims totalling 73 ha located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Whitehorse and 50 kilometers southwest of Ross River, Yukon and is completed surrounded by Archer Cathro. The Bro lies in the St. Cyr range of the Polly Mountains, southwest of the Tintina Fault. Situated within the Pelly-Cassiar Platform which is comprised mostly of moderately faulted and folded Paleozoic miogeoclinal elastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks that were deformed during Mesozoic arc-continent collision, and by mid-Cretaceous intrusions of intermediate compositions. The Ketza-Seagull District is bounded on the northeast by the Tintina fault which has postulated right lateral strike slip displacement in excess of 450 km. The Bro property is located just north of the Seagull uplift between the Seagull Thrust to the north and the Pass Peak Thrust to the south. Structures within the window are characterized by steeply dipping normal faults.

The H-zone is a brecciated gossan zone containing pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite and sphalerite mineralization. The mineralization identified on the H zone consists of a wide stockwork breccia zone probably related to steep-dipping fault structures. Massive sulphides of pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite and minor sphalerite and arsenopyrite and oxidized equivalents occur in open space boxwork textures. The main trench has exposed a gossan zone 40m wide. Surface grades of mineralization are hard to predict because of the oxidized nature of mineralization.

With a VMS target in mind, the stockwork breccia mineralization could be interpreted to represent post-depositional remobilization of exhalative base and precious metals into a structural zone. Historically, Noranda's drilling only tested the up-hill portion of this breccia zone and assumed a shallow west-dip of the surface zone which they interpreted to be a thrust fault. Noranda interpreted the sulphide mineralized breccia intersected is a flat lying extension of the mineralization in the Trench gossan. However, structural measurements in the trench suggests the zone is steeply dipping and hence has not been adequately drill tested.

The Company finds the Bro Property compelling as it's an excellent VMS target in VMS country. The H-zone is a classic example of a change of geological interpretation which could lead to new discovery.

Terms

The Bro Property can be acquired for aggregate consideration of CAD$3,000,000 over 3 years, with a 3% NSR reserved to the Vendor. The royalty can be bought out at a rate of CAD$2,000,000 per 1% at any time.

Payments in cash or stock to comprise a total CAD $2,500,000 as to the following:

CAD$500,000 payable within 30 days of signing

CAD$500,000 on first anniversary

CAD$500,000 on second anniversary

CAD$1,000,000 on third anniversary

Payments in cash to comprise a total CAD $500,000 as to the following:

CAD$100,000 payable within 30 days of signing

CAD$100,000 on first anniversary

CAD$100,000 on second anniversary

CAD$200,000 on third anniversary

The Company will be increasing and amending our non-brokered private placement (see News Release dated April 14, 2021) from 10,000,000 units up to 15,000,000 units of securities of the Company ("Units") and amending our purchase price to $0.05 per unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-full Common Share purchase Warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.075 at any time up to 60-months following issuance.

Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Derrick Strickland P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

"Christopher Reynolds"

Christopher Reynolds

President and Chief Executive Officer

Rain City Resources Inc.

Telephone: 604 681 3170

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/81271
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Justice Department is taking new aim at ransomware after a year that officials say was the most costly on record for the crippling cyberattacks.

The formation of a task force of FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors is an acknowledgment of the growing threat posed by ransomware attacks, in which hackers lock up computer data and demand ransom payments in order to give it back. The force is part of a broader government effort to combat cyberattacks that target vital infrastructure, including a 100-day Biden administration initiative to bolster the digital security of electricity in the nation.

Ransomware attacks have impeded hospital operations, led to the temporary closure of school classes, and caused other chaos. Last year was the worst to date in terms of the economic toll, with ransom demands to victims averaging over $100,000 and in some cases totaling tens of millions of dollars, according to the Justice Department.

Ransomware can have devastating human and financial consequences, Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin wrote in a staff memo dated Tuesday and provided Wednesday by the Justice Department. When criminals target critical infrastructures such as hospitals, utilities, and municipal networks, their activity jeopardizes the safety and health of Americans.

The Justice Department has brought indictments related to ransomware attacks, including a 2018 case against two Iranian nationals whose many victims included the cities of Atlanta and Newark, New Jersey and resulted in losses of $30 million. Federal prosecutors have also accused North Korean computer programmers of launching a global ransomware campaign dubbed WannaCry 2.0.

But the threat has grown more sophisticated. As it imposed sanctions on Russia last week for election interference and the hacking of federal agencies, the Treasury Department said Russian intelligence had enabled ransomware attacks by cultivating and co-opting criminal hackers and giving them safe harbor.

Against that backdrop, the task force is designed to enhance the departments ability to disrupt ransomware attacks and prosecute the hackers responsible for them, including through more training and resources. Another purpose is to improve partnerships with the private sector, including by encouraging victim companies to come forward and report attacks, and with international partners.

The group will include representatives from the Justice Departments criminal and national security divisions, among others.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the creation of the task force.
Press Release

April 21, 2021 Gatchalian on schools as isolation facilities: build more quarantine centers, field hospitals While there are more than a thousand public schools currently serving as isolation facilities, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the national government to accelerate the construction of quarantine centers and field hospitals to ease the burden on the country's health care system. According to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, using schools as isolation facilitiesor evacuation centers in times of natural disastersis not sustainable and does not foster a culture of safety in the basic education system. He pointed out that before the pandemic, the prolonged use of school facilities in times of disasters tends to delay the resumption of classes. In other countries, field hospitals are installed to strengthen health care systems' capacity in managing COVID-19 cases. Thailand recently announced plans to put up 10,000 field hospital beds following a new surge of COVID-19 infections. Last year, up to 13,000 patients were treated in 16 temporary hospitals in Wuhan, China, which used to be the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Valenzuela City also put up centralized isolation facilities at the Balai Banyuhay and Valenzuela Astrodome, which has modular tents and military cots for patient use. Balai Banyuhay is a drug rehabilitation and treatment facility in the city. "Ang mabilis na pagpapatayo ng mga field hospitals at mga quarantine centers ang isang paraan upang mabigyan natin ng agarang atensyon ang mga kababayan nating nagkakasakit. Imbes na masanay tayong gumamit ng mga paaralan bilang isolation facilities o evacuation centers, ang dapat nating tiyakin ay ang pagkakaroon ng sapat at angkop na mga pasilidad para sa mga nangangailan ng tulong medikal," said Gatchalian. The lawmaker also pitched anew his proposal to build an evacuation center in every city and municipality in the country, which is the objective of Senate Bill No. 747 filed in 2019. Under the proposed measure, these evacuation centers will provide temporary accommodation for people who have been evacuated or displaced from their homes due to emergencies, including the outbreak of illnesses and diseases.
The Biden administration and Democrats all over the country now promulgate the charge that systemic racism permeates our country and that this racism is woven into our founding documents. Earlier this week, for example, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter quoted from the Supreme Courts ignominious Dred Scott case to make the point. Democrats have essentially taken up the mantle of Chief Justice Taney in Dred Scott. They approve of Taneys teaching regarding the meaning of the Declaration and the Constitution.

We fought a great Civil War that derived from the debate over this teaching. It resulted in the adoption of the Civil War amendments to the Constitution and other civil rights laws. Yet ignorance rules the day. In this post I want to collect just a few resources for interested readers.

By contrast with the Democrat orthodoxy trashing the United States, we note that the United States is alone in the history of the world in its foundation on the principle of equal rights. We are proud of our founding documents and our history. We dispute the contentions of Taney et al. as self-evident lies.

In the 1980s Supreme Court Justices William Brennan and Thurgood Marshall undertook the resurrection of the old Taney argument with a focus on the Constitution. Harry Jaffa took up the argument in Original intent and the American soul. Jaffa wrote (I have added paragraphing in the interest of readability):

In 1987 Justice Thurgood Marshall refused to celebrate the bicentennial of the Constitution because, he said, it was a racist document that enshrined slavery. Quoting Chief Justice Taney in Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), he said that the original Constitution regarded black people as so far inferior that they had no rights that white people were bound to respect. It is this view of the Constitution that has justified liberals, in their own minds, in rewriting the Constitution to conform to their own opinions of what it ought to be. The original Constitution, and hence original intent jurisprudence, can only be defended if one distinguishes the principles of the Constitution from the compromises of the Constitution. The framers made concessions to slavery because they believed that the Constitution would not be ratified without them. Had the Constitution not been ratified, slavery would have been in a far stronger position. Instead, the new Constitution created a government strong enough to deal with slavery when the crisis finally came. Moreover, the future of the Union as a guardian of the cause of human freedom throughout the world depended upon this distinction between the Constitutions principles and its compromises. But the Constitution itself does not make this distinction. Although it guarantees to every state of the Union a republican form of government, it does not say what the principles of this form are. These principles are spelled out in the Declaration of Independence, which the United States Code lists as the first of the Organic Laws of the United States.

Twice a year in Remembering Mr. Lincoln we publish the heart of Abraham Lincolns great speech of July 10, 1858 explicating the meaning of the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Lincolns explication remains incomparable.

Lincoln expressly addressed Taneys opinion in Dred Scott in his speech on the decision (I have broken the excerpt below into paragraphs in the interest of readability):

Chief Justice Taney, in his opinion in the Dred Scott case, admits that the language of the Declaration is broad enough to include the whole human family, but he and Judge Douglas argue that the authors of that instrument did not intend to include negroes, by the fact that they did not at once, actually place them on an equality with the whites. Now this grave argument comes to just nothing at all, by the other fact, that they did not at once, or ever afterwards, actually place all white people on an equality with one or another. And this is the staple argument of both the Chief Justice and the Senator, for doing this obvious violence to the plain unmistakable language of the Declaration. I think the authors of that notable instrument intended to include all men, but they did not intend to declare all men equal in all respects. They did not mean to say all were equal in color, size, intellect, moral developments, or social capacity. They defined with tolerable distinctness, in what respects they did consider all men created equal-equal in certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This they said, and this meant. They did not mean to assert the obvious untruth, that all were then actually enjoying that equality, nor yet, that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. In fact they had no power to confer such a boon. They meant simply to declare the right, so that the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances should permit. They meant to set up a standard maxim for free society, which should be familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated, and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence, and augmenting the happiness and value of life to all people of all colors everywhere. The assertion that all men are created equal was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, nor for that, but for future use. Its authors meant it to be, thank God, it is now proving itself, a stumbling block to those who in after times might seek to turn a free people back into the hateful paths of despotism. They knew the proneness of prosperity to breed tyrants, and they meant when such should re-appear in this fair land and commence their vocation they should find left for them at least one hard nut to crack.

The nut is cracking, but the point remains.

Lincoln explored the thinking of the Founders on slavery in his Cooper Union speech of 1860. Harold Holzers Lincoln at Cooper Union takes up the story of that speech. Holzers book was reviewed by Allen Guelzo in the Claremont Review of Books in Lincolns audition. Holzer et al. subsequently persuaded Sam Waterston to provide a reading of the speech at Cooper Union (video below, beginning at about 15:00 with the introduction of Lincoln).

Frederick Douglasss relationship with Lincoln also bears on the subject. I cant do justice to it here, but I refer readers to Douglasss 1876 Oration in memory of Abraham Lincoln.

Tom Wests Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America is an invaluable resource. Tom takes up the question of slavery in chapter 1 at pages 1-37. By contrast with Tom, the Democrats are vindicating Dred Scott. Sick, sick, sick.

Also valuable is Richard Coxs Four Pillars of Constitutionalism: The Organic Laws of the United States. Coxs long introduction takes up more than half the book and is historical in nature. Following Jaffa, Cox shows that the foundational documents of the United States are the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and the Constitution.

Under Article 6, the Northwest Ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory. Why would they do that?

My interest in the subject was triggered by reading Harry Jaffas Crisis of the House Divided some 50 years ago. Its the great book on the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Justice was done.

And that, perhaps, is the single most shocking thing about the George Floyd verdict.

We all knew Derek Chauvin killed him, because we all saw it with our own horrified eyes for the nine minutes and 29 seconds that Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyd's neck.

But America's justice system has a long, grim, shameful record of failing to hold criminal police officers to proper account when they kill black people, even when we've all witnessed what they did.

So, when the unanimous jury verdicts came in of 'GUILTY', 'GUILTY', and 'GUILTY' I felt the same wave of relief that ricocheted around the world.

As GOP Senator Tim Scott put it: 'This is a monumental day in many ways. I think our justice system is getting more just.'

Yes, I agree with him.

But let's be under no illusion this verdict single-handedly solves anything.

Scroll down for video

Derek Chauvin is pictured in court on Tuesday as the jury found him guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd

The cold, hard truth is that we would never have known what Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd if it hadn't been for a heroic 17-year-old black girl named Darnella Frazier who stopped to record it all on her cell phone and then uploaded it to Facebook.

If she hadn't done that, Chauvin would have got away with murder and the world would have been none the wiser as to what really happened.

The official Minneapolis Police report of May 25, 2020 into the incident was headlined: 'Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police Interaction.'

It went on to state that officers were called to the scene to investigate a 'forgery in progress' and the suspect 'appeared to be under the influence'.

It continued: 'Two officers arrived and located the suspect, a male believed to be in his 40s, in his car. He was ordered to step from his car. After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance where he died a short time later. At no time were weapons of any type used by anyone involved in this incident.'

The police narrative was clear: an intoxicated, or drugged criminal resisted officers, who never used a gun, and he had some medical issue that later caused his death.

That narrative was a lie.

Or rather, it was a woefully disingenuous misrepresentation of the facts because it neglected to mention that Chauvin kneed Mr Floyd's neck for nearly ten minutes, continuing even when his victim cried 'I can't breathe' 20 times, even when he had clearly lost consciousness, and despite the desperate pleas to stop from several appalled bystanders.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., talks on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday ahead of the verdict

If Biden's predecessor Donald Trump had spoken out like this before a big nationally watched trial was finished, the Democrats would have screamed their outrage. Biden is pictured above on Tuesday

It was Chauvin's knee that caused the 'medical distress' and it was Chauvin's knee that killed George Floyd.

But if Darnella Frazier hadn't filmed it all, we wouldn't have known this, there would have been no trial, and Mr Floyd's death would have been just another crime statistic.

That young woman's courage went much further than filming the murder.

She also ignored threats, intimidation and abuse to give evidence in the court case as a key witness.

And what powerful testimony she gave.

Darnella, now 18, said she has spent many nights 'apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his life.'

But what more could she have possibly done?

If she had tried to physically pull Chauvin off George Floyd, what would have happened to her? I dread to think.

No, what Darnella Frazier did ensured that justice was done.

Her motivation was simple.

She wept in court as she explained: 'When I look at George Floyd, I look at my dad, I look at my brothers, I look at my cousins, my uncles, because they're all Black. I have a Black father. I have a Black brother. I have Black friends. I look at how that could have been one of them.'

Yes, it could.

The worst thing about Derek Chauvin's murder of George Floyd was his total disregard for what he was doing.

He didn't care that Mr Floyd couldn't breathe, or shouted out for his mother, or that witnesses begged him to stop.

Chauvin, 45, was accused of killing Floyd by pinning his knee on the 46-year-old black man's neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds, as he lay face-down in handcuffs after being detained for using an alleged counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes

He didn't care about any of it.

Instead, Chauvin just carried on pressing his knee down, sneeringly oblivious to the life being snuffed out under it.

The most powerful line of prosecutor Jerry Blackwell's closing argument came when he said to the jury: 'You were told that Mr Floyd died because his heart was too big. The truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is because Mr Chauvin's heart was too small'.

Nothing more perfectly illustrates what happened than that.

And that's why I'm not just relieved that Derek Chauvin was convicted  I'm delighted.

This callous monster betrayed everything the police are supposed to represent and deserves to rot in prison for a very long time.

But there are many other issues surrounding this case that should disturb everyone who genuinely cares about justice.

Not least the extremely unedifying and dangerous politicisation of it.

I thought it was totally wrong for Democrat-dominated Minneapolis City Council to agree to pay $27 million to settle a civil lawsuit from George Floyd's family while jury selection for Chauvin's trial was still going on.

The family's lawyer Benjamin Crump said the settlement was a way 'to help shape what justice looks like' rather than wait for a result from a legal system that many distrust.

'The one thing we know as Black people,' he said, 'is there is no guarantee that a police officer will be convicted for killing a Black person unjustly in our country. That's what history has taught us.'

I understand his sentiment, but for a city council to admit culpability and pay vast sums of money to a victim's family BEFORE a massively important criminal trial isn't an attempt to secure fair justice, it's an attempt to unbalance the scales of justice.

Even worse was Democratic congresswoman Maxine Waters' outrageous clarion call on Saturday night for violent protests should Chauvin be found not guilty.

'We've got to get justice in this country,' said Waters, who is black, 'and we cannot allow these killings to continue. We've got to stay on the street, and we've got to get more active, we've got to get more confrontational. We've got to make sure that they know that we mean business. I hope we're going to get a verdict that will say guilty, guilty, guilty. And if we don't, we cannot go away.'

Waters said all this before final arguments had even been heard in court, prompting the presiding Judge, Peter Cahill, to brand her comments 'abhorrent', say it was 'disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch' for elected officials to comment on the outcome of the case, and tell Chauvin's defence counsel: 'I'll give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.'

It's hard to imagine a more stupid, reckless, reprehensible or incendiary thing for a sitting member of Congress to do, and who knows what horrific damage Waters may have done to justice if this case now goes to appeal?

I don't think for a moment that Chauvin will be acquitted altogether if he appeals, but if he were to subsequently get off any of the charges, and serve a lesser sentence as a result, than that will be on Maxine Waters.

And what was President Biden doing speaking out before the verdicts came back?

On Tuesday, he said he was 'praying the verdict is the right verdict' and made it clear what he thought that should be, adding: 'It's overwhelming, in my view. I wouldn't say that unless the jury was sequestered.'

He shouldn't have been saying it at all.

If Biden's predecessor Donald Trump had spoken out like this before a big nationally watched trial was finished, the Democrats would have screamed their outrage.

And what's the difference, frankly, between Maxine Waters inciting protestors to get 'more confrontational', or President Biden effectively saying a guilty verdict was the only acceptable one and giving protestors moral justification if they didn't get the result they wanted  and what they both accused Trump of doing before the Capitol riots on January 6?

These senior Democrats weren't just playing to the gallery with these reckless remarks, they were playing with justice.

No juror should ever hear elected officials talk like this before they deliver their verdict, and let's not be so naive that we don't think some of them may have done so even while sequestered.

Nor should any black person in America have to endure House Speaker Nancy Pelosi preposterously saying after the verdict: 'Thank you, George Floyd, for sacrificing your life for justice.'

He did no such thing.

His life was taken from him by a murderous police officer in an incident that horrified the world and sparked extraordinarily powerful Black Lives Matter global protests.

It also prompted many to 'take the knee' as a protest against racial injustice.

But that's not enough to effect real change.

The answer to George Floyd's killing is not to 'defund the police' as radical liberals keep suggesting.

The answer, I believe, is for America's police forces to all be given MORE funding, enough to ensure that every other heartless scumbag cop like Derek Chauvin gets rooted out, and that those who replace them understand what justice actually means.

Chauvin was led out of the court in handcuffs after the verdict came down on Tuesday afternoon. He had reportedly scribbled his lawyer's phone number on the palm of his hand (right) before he was escorted out

Justice should mean the right for every American, of any colour, to experience a fair and equitable legal system.

Justice should also mean the right to a fair trial for every American - even for horrible human beings like Derek Chauvin.

It's great that he's been convicted.

But how many other vile lying police officer snakes like him have got away with it?

Darnella Frazier, the true hero of this horror story, asked this question last month on her social media: 'What else got covered up if it was no evidence to see what really happened?'

The Minneapolis police tried to hide how George Floyd really died, because they knew it would confirm what most black people in America feel  that the scales of justice are unfairly tilted against them.

The irony is that by masking the truth, only for it to then emerge on social media for the public to watch it for themselves, these same police officers exposed just how far they were prepared to go to thwart justice, especially against black people who statistically suffer far worse from this kind of unequal treatment than white people.

Last night, thanks to a brave young woman doing the right thing and a jury that did its job, justice fought back.

Most police officers are good people, but Derek Chauvin was the worst cop in America.

Let's hope his conviction is a catalyst for real lasting reform of a shockingly unfair and racially biased US legal system and let's also hope that dumb Democrat political pandering doesn't come back to haunt us all in the appeal court.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 14:22:08|Editor: huaxia

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Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks via video link with Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy Ali al-Gebaly, in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu on Tuesday held talks with Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy Ali al-Gebaly via video link, pledging to consistently develop bilateral relations.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said since China and Egypt established diplomatic relations 65 years ago, their bilateral relations have stood the test of the changing international landscape, maintained healthy and steady development, and set a fine example of China-Arab and China-Africa relations featuring sound cooperation and mutual benefit.

Egypt holds an important position in China's overall diplomatic policy, Li said.

China stands ready to work with Egypt to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen the traditional friendship and practical cooperation across the board, and continue to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

Li called on the two countries to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and coordination, keep supporting each other on issues regarding core interests and major concerns, promote world multi-polarity and economic globalization, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

He said China is actively building a new development paradigm that will provide more space for bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting Egypt as an important part of China-Africa and China-Arab cooperation, Li said China stands ready to work with African countries and Arab countries, including Egypt, to coordinate on jointly building the Belt and Road and promote economic and social development to further develop cooperative relations between the two sides.

Li called on the NPC of China and the Egyptian House of Representatives to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges between special committees and friendly groups, promote youth exchanges and nurture forces of the new generation for friendly relations, and approve, amend and enact laws that are beneficial to bilateral relations in a timely manner.

He also called for the two legislative bodies to carry out experience exchanges on rule of law and economic development, and closely coordinate and cooperate in multilateral affairs.

Gebaly offered his congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and said Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle.

Egypt is willing to work with China to enhance cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road to secure further achievements, Gebaly said.

Gebaly highlighted China's success in fighting the pandemic and expressed the expectation of deepening anti-pandemic cooperation between the two sides.

The Egyptian side is willing to enhance cooperation between the two legislative bodies to promote the development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, Gebaly said. Enditem


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San Antonio Zoo in Texas has started work on a $1.4million (1million) new jaguar enclosure that features a reinforced see-through walkway, allowing park-goers unimpeded views of the big cats from below.

The zoo described the unique 'catwalk' as a 'world first', with an opening date set for this fall.

Overland Partners, the architecture firm that designed the catwalk, says: 'Without a solid barrier, visitors get the thrill of proximity, as if the jaguars were almost on the loose.'

Scroll down for video

San Antonio Zoo in Texas has started work on a $1.4million (1million) new jaguar enclosure that features a reinforced see-through walkway (rendering above), allowing park-goers unimpeded views of the big cats from below

A second rendering of the new enclosure shows a huge jaguar face on one of the pathways created from tiles

The designers add: 'The bridge is designed to mimic a pathway through the tree canopy, but with unprecedented visibility for visitors.'

Two renderings have been released showing what the cutting-edge habitat will look like, with one depicting visitors looking up as jaguars roam above on the walkway - called the Jaguar Skywalk on the zoo's signage - and another a huge jaguar face on one of the pathways created from tiles.

San Antonio Zoo is currently home to four jaguars, Arizona, B'alam, and their two cubs, Liam and Milan.

Commenting on the new enclosure, the zoo's president and CEO Tim Morrow said on Monday: 'We are incredibly excited to bring this one-of-a-kind habitat to San Antonio. In the wild, jaguars are natural climbers as they explore tree canopies and are skilled hunters on river edges.

'This new habitat provides jaguars opportunities to be overhead in the treetops as well as near the river inside the Amazonian Aviary.'

The catwalk - made from a fibreglass product moulded to resemble the texture of bark - will connect the existing jaguar habitat to another habitat, expanding it significantly.

The zoo's president and CEO Tim Morrow (fourth from left) with other staff members, celebrating the launch of the catwalk

There are approximately 15,000 jaguars in the wild, and they have a 'near threatened' conservation status on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species

The enclosure will also feature 'multiple terrain options that closely match [the jaguars'] native surroundings'.

Jaguars are mainly confined to the rainforests of the Amazon basin, and in the nearby Pantanal wetlands, and they often live near lakes and rivers.

In a bid to mimic this environment the new enclosure will include 'multiple waterfalls, and increased vegetation'.

Fundraising for the enclosure started in 2016, but the zoo was forced to shift focus to other projects, including introducing southern white rhinos to an expanded savanna habitat in March 2019.

The building work was further delayed by rising construction costs and financial pressures caused by the pandemic, but the much-anticipated project is now underway.

There are approximately 15,000 jaguars in the wild, and they have a 'near threatened' conservation status on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Several reasons have contributed to the species' decline, including poaching and habitat loss.
In a televised speech on April 7, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez echoed the concerns voiced earlier this year by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally. She promised that Venezuela would not repeat what is happening in rich countries where only those who have money to get vaccinated are vaccinated.

Venezuela participates in the model of universal and free access to health, Rodriguez said, adding that this will also be the case with the vaccination process.

Her claim that people in wealthy nations must have money to get a vaccine is false.

Disparities in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines are indeed real. According to UNICEF, 130 nations had not started vaccinating their populations as of February. Meanwhile, the U.S. has vaccinated more than 22% of its population and bought enough doses for 750 million people, far more than needed.

But those receiving the COVID-19 vaccines do not have to pay for them, particularly in countries with free, universal healthcare systems.

Japan, for example, passed a bill last December saying the government would cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs for Japanese citizens. However, its vaccine rollout has lagged, with only 0.5% of its population fully vaccinated, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

In France, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced in December that COVID-19 vaccines would be free for all in the country's social security system, and that the government had earmarked some 1.5 billion euros ($1.82 billion) of next years social security budget to cover the cost, Reuters reported.

In the U.S.  which lacks free, universal health care  Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, requiring insurance companies to pay the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. In October, a federal regulation further clarified the vaccine coverage mandate.

This IFC implements a number of measures intended to further the Administrations commitment to ensure that every American has timely access to a COVID-19 vaccine without any out-of-pocket expenses, no matter their source of coverage, or whether they are covered at all, the regulation states.

It requires health plans and insurers to cover vaccines even if they were administered by an out-of-network provider. (In the U.S., when doctors, hospitals or providers accept a health insurance plan, they are in-network. If they do not accept a plan, they are out-of-network).

For those who are uninsured, the U.S. federal government has, through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund (PRF), supplied funding to reimburse medical providers for the millions of doses bought in advance. Once those are exhausted, the U.S. Congress will have to authorize additional funding.

In the United Kingdom, vaccination is only being administered through the National Health Service  the public healthcare system  and is also free. To date, the U.K. has vaccinated almost 13% of its population.

Although citizens and residents in these countries are not paying when they get their vaccines, it is important to understand that, in a way, no vaccine is free. Taxpayer money is paying for the administration and distribution of vaccines. Still, Rodriguez was wrong to state that people can be vaccinated only if they have the money to pay for it.

In early April, Venezuela's National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences urged renewed efforts to vaccinate the country's population considering a spike in infections.

To date, Venezuela has received 750,000 doses of vaccines from Russia and China, Reuters reported. Authorities say the doses have been given to health personnel.

Bloomberg reported on April 14 that the Venezuelan government is restricting Covid-19 shots to people with a state loyalty card, effectively excluding many government opponents from getting vaccinated.

The news agency wrote that last week, as Venezuela's elderly population began being vaccinated, recipients were selected from a registry used by the Nicolas Maduro administration to keep tabs on voter loyalty and grant state subsidies.

According to official figures, Venezuela currently has nearly 179,400 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,800 people in the country have died of the disease.
AVIS DE VACANCE DE POSTE

Titre du poste: Lagent de suivi, d'evaluation et d'apprentissage (S&E), Projet MOMENTUM de resilience sanitaire integree (MIHR)

Nombre de poste vacant : 01 (un)

Base a: Goma, Nord Kivu, RD Congo

Rend compte au: Lagent principal de suivi, d'evaluation et d'apprentissage (S&E)

Contexte organisationnel

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), une organisation a but non lucratif, fondee en 1979, travaille pour ameliorer la sante des personnes mal desservis et les communautes dans le monde entier, et de creer un environnement ou les personnes passionnees et engagees peuvent poursuivre cette cause.

JSI travaille dans une gamme complete de domaines de sante publique et communautaire, renforcant les systemes de sante pour ameliorer les services et, en fin de compte, la sante des personnes. Nous travaillons en partenariat avec nos clients pour developper des approches flexibles et innovantes qui resolvent des problemes de sante publique complexes. Des systemes de gestion solides rendent nos programmes plus effectifs durables et rentables.

Description du poste

Ce poste vacant est pour le projet MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience (MIHR) en RDC, mis en oeuvre par IMA World Health avec JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., GOAL USA Fund, et Pathfinder International.

Lagent de suivi, d'evaluation et d'apprentissage (S&E) pour MIHR au RD Congo soutiendra la mise en oeuvre des activites de S&E liees au programme, y compris la surveillance de la collecte et de la qualite des donnees du programme, en etroite collaboration avec les equipes de S&E locales et du siege du MIHR aux Etats-Unis. Ce poste sera base a Goma, au Nord-Kivu en RDC et reportera a lagent principal de S&E.

Responsabilites specifiques

Soutenir la mise en oeuvre des activites de S&E du projet, y compris 1) le suivi des indicateurs de projet; 2) la mise en oeuvre des etudes de base et de suivi des projets en cours; 3) coordonner et renforcer la collecte de donnees, le nettoyage des donnees, la qualite des donnees et l'analyse des donnees (quantitatives et qualitatives); 4) synthese des donnees et rapports sur les resultats des etudes; et 5) assurance qualite et verification des donnees

Soutenir la mise en oeuvre des activites devaluation du projet qui peuvent inclure des evaluations de performance, des enquetes, des recherches formatives, des etudes qualitatives et des etudes rapides / speciales

Contribuer aux plans de travail annuels, les rapports trimestriels et annuels, les rapports financiers, les autres rapports et papiers resumant les resultats et les preuves du projet

Mener des formations et autres efforts de renforcement des capacites du personnel et des partenaires en S&E, collecte et gestion de donnees, et methodes d'apprentissage

Assurer que des donnees du sont collectees, analysees et utilisees par les parties prenantes pour l'apprentissage et l'elaboration de politiques et actions correctrices continues

Assister a la diffusion d'informations sur les approches reussies et prometteuses, les enseignements tires et les autres resultats du projet aux organes intergouvernementaux locaux, nationaux et regionaux, aux donateurs, aux partenaires et aux autres parties prenantes

Promouvoir des forums qui facilitent la collaboration, l'apprentissage et l'action grace a ces informations

Qualifications

* Formation:

Licence en sante publique, demographie, sociologie, epidemiologie, bio statistique ou dans un domaine connexe

* Experience:

4 ans d'experience principal dans le S&E et la recherche liee a des grands projets de planification familiale, sante reproductive, sante maternelle, neonatale et / ou infantile

Experience demontree et familiarite avec une gamme de methodologies de suivi et de recherche qualitatives et quantitatives, telles que l'utilisation de donnees secondaires, les enquetes de surveillance comportementale, etc.

Experience de lassurance de la qualite des donnees et / ou de la realisation d'examens d'assurance de la qualite des donnees (AQD)

Experience de travail avec DHIS2/SNIS prefere

Experience de l'analyse de donnees quantitatives / statistiques et qualitatives, des methodes d'echantillonnage

Experience dans la mise en oeuvre de systemes de suivi de projet dans des contextes de pays en developpement

Experience de travail en RD Congo, en particulier dans la province de Nord-Kivu

Experience avec des projets finances par l'USAID prefere.

* Connaissances / competences

Capacite exceptionnelle dans la collecte, l'analyse et l'interpretation des donnees

Excellente connaissance des protocoles de collecte de donnees pour la collecte et la verification de donnees de qualite

La capacite prouvee de travailler comme un membre de l'equipe

La capacite de travailler et voyager dans RD Congo

La capacite de parler et decrire en francais

Connaissance de la langue locale parlee dans Goma (Swahili)

Informations sur la maniere de postuler

Les candidats interesses qui remplissent les conditions ci-dessus doivent soumettre une candidature en ligne sur notre site Web a https://careers.jsi.com/JSIInternet/Careers/jobpostings.cfm et referencer le titre du poste MEL Officer  MIHR DRC.

Les candidats interesses doivent soumettre une candidature au plus tard le 3 mai 2021.

Remarque : seuls les candidats preselectionnes seront contactes. En raison de l'urgence de cette vacance, JSI se reserve le droit de combler ce poste avant la date de cloture.

---------------------------------------------

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Post Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer, MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience (MIHR) Project

Number of Vacancies: 01 (One)

Based in: Goma, North Kivu, DRC

Reports to: Senior MEL Advisor

Organizational Background

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) a nonprofit founded in 1979, exists to improve the health of underserved people and communities throughout the world, and to provide an environment where people of passion and commitment can pursue this cause. JSI works across a full range of public and community health areas, strengthening health systems to improve servicesand ultimately, peoples health. We partner with our clients to develop flexible, innovative approaches that solve complex public health problems. Strong management systems make our programs more effective, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Position Description

This position is for the MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience Project (MIHR) in DRC, implemented by IMA World Health, with JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., GOAL USA Fund, and Pathfinder International. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer for DRC MIHR will support the implementation of program-level MEL activities, including overseeing program data collection and quality, in close collaboration with the local and headquarters (HQ) MEL teams. The position will be based in Goma, North Kivu, DRC and will report to the Senior MEL Advisor.

Key Responsibilities

Support the implementation of the projects MEL activities, including 1) monitoring of project indicators; 2) implementation of baseline and routine project monitoring activities; 3) coordinate and strengthen data collection, data cleaning, data quality, and data analysis (quantitative and qualitative); 4) synthesizing data and study outcomes for presentation in reports and presentations; and 5) quality assurance and auditing of data

Support the implementation of the projects assessment, and evaluation activities, which may include performance evaluations, surveys, formative research, qualitative studies, and rapid/special studies

Contribute to work plans, quarterly and annual reports, financial reports, and other reports and papers summarizing project results and evidence

Conduct trainings and other capacity building efforts for staff and partners in MEL, data collection and management, and learning methods

Ensure that data from the project is collected, analyzed and used among stakeholders for learning and policy development and on-going course correcting

Assist in the dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned, and other project results to local, national, and regional-level intergovernmental bodies, donors, partners and other stakeholders

Promote forums that facilitate collaboration, learning, and action because of this information

Qualifications

* Education:

Degree in public health, demography, sociology, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field

* Experience:

Four years experience in M&E and research related to large scale MNCH/FP/RH programs

Demonstrated experience and familiarity with a range of qualitative and quantitative monitoring and research methodologies, such as, use of secondary data, behavioral surveillance surveys, etc.

Experience in assuring data quality and/or conducting data quality assurance (DQA) reviews

Experience working within DHIS2/SNIS desirable

Experience conducting quantitative/statistical and qualitative data analysis, sampling methods

Experience implementing project monitoring systems in developing country contexts

Experience working in DRC, preferably within the North Kivu region

Experience with USAID funded projects desirable

* Knowledge/skills:

Exceptional skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data

Excellent knowledge of data collection protocols for quality data collection and verification

Proven ability to work as an effective team member

Ability to work and travel within DRC

Written and oral communication skills in French

Knowledge of a local language spoke in Goma preferred (Swahili)

Contact

Interested candidates who meet the above conditions should submit an online application on our website at https://careers.jsi.com/JSIInternet/Careers/jobpostings.cfm and reference the job title MEL Officer  MIHR DRC.

Interested applicants should submit an application no later than May 3, 2021.

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this vacancy, JSI reserves the right to fill this position prior to the closing date.
On April 19, Dispatch picked the idols who rock the school uniform look on their official Instagram account, @koreadispatch.

Keep on reading to see who made it on the list!

1. IZ*ONE's Minjoo

Minjoo is IZ*ONE's vocalist, rapper, dancer and visual. Born on February 5, 2001, she attended the Seoul School of Performing Arts and later graduated at 20 years old (in Korean age) in February 2020 alongside other idols.

2. BTS's Jungkook

BTS's golden maknae, Jeon Jungkook also studied at the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where he graduated in 2017 at the age of 21 years old (in Korean age). Jungkook was only 15 years old when he made his debut with BTS, which led him to enter high school a year later to focus on group activities. Because of his busy schedule, Jungkook couldn't go to school often and missed some exams. However, despite all this, he was able to graduate with amazing grades!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Producer Na Young Suk Announces Collaboration with BTS & 'Run! BTS'

3. ITZY's Ryujin

Ryujin is ITZY's lead rapper, dancer and center. Born on April 17, 2001, she graduated from Hanlim Arts School in 2020 at the age of 20 (in Korean age). During her time in high school, Ryujin was part of the school's Department of Practical Dance.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: South Korean Rapper Under Fire for Making Sexually Inappropriate Comments About ITZY Ryujin

4. ITZY's Chaeryeong

ITZY's Chaeryeong also attended Hanlim Arts School! Born on June 5, 2001, she graduated in 2020 alongside fellow member Ryujin. Unlike Ryujin's department, Chaeryeong joined the school's Department of Musical Theatre.

5. IZ*ONE's Chaewon

IZ*ONE's lead vocalist and resident fairy, Chaewon, attended Hanlim Arts School and graduated in 2020 at the age of 21 (in Korean age). Although Chaewon and Minjoo attended schools that were rival with each other, Minjoo showed her support by attending Chaewon's graduation!

6. TWICE's Tzuyu and Chaeyoung

TWICE's young members, Tzuyu and Chaeyoung, both went to Hanlim Arts School at the same time and graduated in February 2019. Tzuyu and Chaeyoung, who were both born in 1999, graduated when they were 21 years old (in Korean age).

7. Jeon Somi

Another idol who graduated from Hanlim Arts School is former I.O.I member turned soloist Jeon Somi. Born as Ennik Douma on March 9, 2001, Somi graduated in 2020 alongside ITZY's Ryujin and Chaeryeong, and IZ*ONE's Chaewon at the age of 20 (in Korean age).

8. THE BOYZ's Haknyeon

Born on March 9, 1999, the The Boyz member attended Hanlim Arts School and graduated in 2018 at the age of 20 (in Korean age). Did you know? When Haknyeon went to Seoul to take an entrance exam for Anyang Arts High School's theater and film department, he got casted on his way out after the exam!

9. Park Ji Hoon

Former Wanna One member turned soloist Park Ji Hoon was born on May 29, 1999. Ji Hoon attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where he majored in broadcasting arts and graduated in January 2018 alongside other idols such as NCT's Mark, Weki Meki's Doyeon, and more. After his graduation, Ji Hoon got accepted into Chung Ang University's Department of Theater.

10. AB6IX's Daehwi

Another former Wanna One turned AB6IX member, Daehwi attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where he majored in the Department of Stage Arts and graduated in February 2019 at the age of 19 (in Korean age).

Is your bias on the list?

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Robyn Joan
People from around the world have been left scratching their heads over three 'simple' primary school maths questions.

The questions have been collated by collated by Chris Hogbin, education leader at mathematical software solutions company, 3P Learning, from New South Wales.

But despite being geared towards children, the problems are trickier than they initially appear.

Try your hand at the questions below and scroll down to check the answers and see how you fared.

Adults are scratching their heads over three primary school maths questions (stock image)

Q. 8+2x42

While the first equation reads '8+2x42', mathematicians have said the key to solving it is to read it as '8 + ((2 x 4) / 2)'.

The wrong answer will be reached if you mix up the order of operation, which is the method used to solve mathematical equations.

Puzzlers can remember the order needed to solve the solution by learning three simple methods: PEMDAS, BEDMAS and BODMAS.

These methods are conventional ways in to solve problems and must be followed from left to right.

BODMAS stands for brackets, order, division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.



PEMDAS, on the other hand, stands for parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. It is often expanded to the phrase, 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally'.

In this case, 'exponents' is the same as 'order'.

BODMAS stands for brackets, order, division, multiplication, addition and subtraction

PEMDAS stands for parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. It is often expanded to the phrase, 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally'

BEDMAS changes the 'P' for 'B', which stands for brackets and means the same thing.

The interchanging of the D and M doesn't hold any actual value in the order of operation.

An important note in the order of operation - and a major reason why so many arrive at the wrong answer - is that you must do either multiplication and division followed by addition and subtraction based off which occurs first from left to right.

So in all three orders of operation, multiplication has the same precedence as division while subtraction has the same as addition.

2. How many triangles do you see?

The second problem shows a photo of a triangle segmented by lines and asks puzzlers to identify how many triangles you can see in total in the diagram

The second problem shows a photo of a triangle segmented by lines and asks puzzlers to identify how many triangles you can see in total.

Most see four triangles, while others see 12 and a few six, 16, 18 and 22.

But can you figure out the correct answer? Scroll to the bottom to find out.

3. How many pieces of fruit are you left with?

The third and final question involves four simple addition problems where numbers are represented by types of fruit, with numeric values hidden

Poll How many of these questions did you answer correctly? None One Two Three How many of these questions did you answer correctly? None 143 votes

One 282 votes

Two 731 votes

Three 1573 votes Now share your opinion





The third question involves four simple addition problems where numbers are represented by types of fruit, with numeric values hidden.

The answers to the first three equations have been given, which allows you to work backwards to reveal the numeric value of each fruit: apples, bananas and cherries.

Three apples equal 60, while two bananas plus one cherry equal 20.

One apple and two bananas equal 38.

These answers must then be used to solve the fourth and final equation, which reads: apple + banana + cherry = ?

World Maths Day will kick off on 5 May and run for 48 hours. You can register now at www.worldmathsday.com
Jimmy Kimmel failed to ask Ellen DeGeneres a single question about the allegations of her 'toxic behavior' in the workplace during her first interview since the claims surfaced last year.

Instead, the pair's conversation on Tuesday centered around numerous jokes and games, including one in which they tried to remember strange things they had done on their talk shows over the years.

The fact that the allegations against DeGeneres didn't come up at all during the interview was first reported by The Daily Beast, which noted that the host's appearance shows how much celebrities 'tend to give their celebrity friends cover when low-level staffers suffer abuse'.

Kimmel also asked DeGeneres about her charity work and she revealed how she was 'stoned' when she rushed her wife, Portia de Rossi to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy in March.

'It's probably not safe, I shouldn't be saying any of that,' she told Kimmel of the emergency situation.

Jimmy Kimmel failed to ask Ellen DeGeneres a single question about the allegations of her 'toxic behavior' in the workplace during her first interview since the claims surfaced last year

Instead, the pair's conversation on Tuesday centered around numerous jokes and games, including one in which they tried to remember strange things they had done on their talk shows over the years

Last year, dozens of staff on The Ellen DeGeneres Show claimed that racism, bullying and sexual harassment was rife at the Hollywood studio.

The claims cost DeGeneres 1.1 million viewers who stopped watching the show over the last year, according to Nielsen data released in March. Her viewership was up to 2.6 million at one point but is now down to 1.5 million viewers.

Former workers said the show has a high turnover of staff because of the pressure which DeGeneres applies but that fear of her 'power' had prevented complainants from coming forward earlier.

The show's parent company WarnerMedia in July 2020 launched an investigation after the employees went public with their grievances.

The interview with Kimmel was likely an attempt to throw a positive spotlight onto DeGeneres ahead of the premiere of her new show, Ellen's Next Great Designer, on HBO Max on Thursday

Comeback: She returned to air with the season 18 premiere in September with a six minute monologue in which she addressed the controversy

At the time, DeGeneres sent her staff a memo in which she wrote she was 'taking steps... to correct' issues with her employees after several complaints and an internal investigation into the supposed toxic working environment was launched.

'On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry,' DeGeneres said in the memo.

In September, DeGeneres used her opening monologue of the new season of her daytime talk show to address allegations of a toxic work environment, apologizing for things 'that never should have happened'.

'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' started its 18th season in Los Angeles in September with the host on stage for the first time in months after taping from DeGeneres's home during quarantine.

'We have had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks about the show, our workplace, and what we want for the future,' she said. 'We have made the necessary changes and today we are starting a new chapter.'

'I take that very seriously, and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected,' she said. 'I know that I'm in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.'

The Ellen DeGeneres started shooting again in September, without an audience, because of the coronavirus pandemic, but fans were allowed to attend virtually

Social distancing: There was no audience due to COVID-19. Instead, an audience on screens laughed along and applauded her

In mid-August, three top producers of the Ellen DeGeneres Show were fired as a result of allegations of a dysfunctional workplace that harbored misbehavior, including sexual misconduct and racially insensitive remarks behind the scenes of the daytime chat show.

Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman were let go, while executive producers Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner, and Derek Westervelt are staying on.

The host also addressed the allegations that the off-camera DeGeneres is very different than her sunny on-air personal in her address in September.

'The truth is I am that person that you see on TV,' she said. 'I am also a lot of other things,' she said. 'I get sad. I get mad. I get anxious. I get frustrated. I get impatient. And I am working on all of that.'

Since then DeGeneres has kept a low profile with Tuesday night's interview being her first since the claims made headlines.

The interview with Kimmel was likely an attempt to throw a positive spotlight onto DeGeneres ahead of the premiere of her new show, Ellen's Next Great Designer, on HBO Max. The show begins streaming on Thursday.

DeGeneres, 62, launched her chat show in 2003, five years after her sitcom Ellen went off the air after five seasons

The claims of a toxic workplace first made headlines in mid-July when BuzzFeed News published a report in which former and current employees claimed they had encountered racism, fear and intimidation during their time on the show.

The show then faced additional accusations about sexual misconduct in a second BuzzFeed News article on July 30, in which dozens of men and women accused Leman, Glavin and Norman of sexual harassment, misconduct or assault.

As a result of the allegations, DeGeneres and the studio announced a series of changes to employees contracts in August.

Going forward, staff will be given five paid days of leave plus a paid day off on their birthday and paid time off for doctor's visits and family matters.

DeGeneres, 62, launched her chat show in 2003, five years after her sitcom Ellen went off the air after five seasons.

In April 1997, the comedienne and actress made headlines when she came out as gay on an episode of the show. A year later, ABC pulled the plug on the sitcom.

In 2008, she married actress Portia de Rossi and in addition to her successful daytime chat show on NBC, she has hosted the Academy Awards, the Emmys and the Grammy Awards.
Tinsley Mortimer looked like the single life was serving her well as she shared her first Instagram since news of her split from fiance Scott Kluth last month.

The Real Housewives Of New York darling, 45, was notably ring free, flashing her slim legs and stunning smile instead of a sparkler.

'Happy in Palm Beach,' the reality star wrote in her Florida vacation snap. 'Love to everyone!!!'

Glowing! Tinsley Mortimer beamed as she showed off her Palm Beach vacation outfit in a new Instagram photo. She appeared without an engagement ring in the snap, which was her first post since their split was rein March

Tinsley was radiant in the snapshot, where she sported a short, white lace dress with long sleeves and a high collar

She got bold with her accessories, adding colorful Christian Louboutin heels and a tiny pink clutch by Versace.

It didn't seem like the Bravo beauty was worrying about her ex Kluth, who reportedly 'blindsided' Mortimer when he broke up with her last month.

'She's on the floor heartbroken and devastated,' an insider told People.

'She left everything for him because she didn't think he'd ever call off the engagement,' the source went on, adding: 'She trusted him that this time was going to be different.'

Heartbroken: It didn't seem like the Bravo beauty was worrying about her ex Kluth, who reportedly 'blindsided' Mortimer when he broke up with her last month

But the CouponCabin CEO's camp is telling a different story, who told Page Six he tried to 'communicate' things were over before things sunk in for Tinsley.

'Her perception of when they broke up is clearly different from Scott's, but Scott communicated to her that they were broken up months ago.'

Tinsley seemed utterly devoted to Scott, even leaving her role on RHONY behind to move to Chicago to be with her fiance.

Mortimer reflected on the relationship last year, saying: 'With Scott, so much has happened so fast.'

'I know that if I don't take this moment right now, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I have to listen to myself and what I want and nobody else.'

On bended knee: Kluth proposed to Mortimer in November of 2019 on the steps of the Chicago Water Tower

'It's been a great ride and I'm just so happy for where I am right now and for my future,' she said of RHONY.

Mortimer and Kluth were introduced in February of 2017 when Carole Radizwill set the pair up on a blind date.

They dated on-and-off for several year before Scott popped the question in 2019, getting down on one knee on the steps of the Chicago Water Tower while Christmas carolers sang behind them.

Things looked like they were going strong for the couple as recently as February, when Mortimer shared a Valentine's Day tribute to her fiance and their two rescue dogs Strawberry and Shortcake.
Aerial photo shows the magnificent view of the peaks of Jiulong Mountain in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, April 17. [Photo by Liu Yucai]

Jiulong Mountain (literally "Mountain of Nine Dragons") is located in the central region of Dabie Mountain, a famous old revolutionary base area in the history of China. The name of the mountain derives from the shape of its nine closely linked peaks. Surrounded by water on three sides, they look like nine dragons roaming around in a cirlce formed by lakes and 72 other peaks.

The site of CCP's well-known "Lixia Festival Uprising", Dawang Temple, is located right beside Jiulong Mountain. This uprising which happened at the central area of Dabie Mountain launched the first shot against the Kuomingtang authority at the time. It contributed greatly to the establishment of revolutionary bases in South Henan as well as West Anhui and the development of the Chinese Red Army. Today this place has been transformed into a patriotic education base.

(Translated by Li Yuxin, Feng Fanxi)

Aerial photo shows the magnificent view of the peaks of Jiulong Mountain in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, April 17. [Photo by Liu Yucai]

Aerial photo shows the magnificent view of the peaks of Jiulong Mountain in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, April 17. [Photo by Liu Yucai]

Aerial photo shows the magnificent view of the peaks of Jiulong Mountain in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, April 17. [Photo by Liu Yucai]
The members of the jury, seven women and five men, took about 10 hours to reach their verdict. Six of the jurors were white, four were black and two were multiracial. People cheer after a guilty verdict was announced at the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minneapolis. Credit:AP Turning point Ben Crump, the Floyd familys lawyer, reacted to the verdict by saying: Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyds family and the community here in Minneapolis, but todays verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world. Justice for black America is justice for all of America.

This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state. Floyds brother Rodney told MSNBC: Im feeling tears of joy, so emotional. Another brother, Philonise Floyd, later said: Today, we are able to breathe again. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video In public comments after the verdict, US President Joe Biden called the death of Floyd a murder in the full light of day and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism.

The systemic racism is a stain on our nations soul. Todays verdict is a step forward. Vice-President Kamala Harris, accompanied by President Joe Biden, speaks on the verdict. Credit:AP Biden said nothing could ever bring back Floyd but this can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America. We cant stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform, we can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen and occur again, he said.

Kamala Harris, the first black vice-president in US history, said, Black men are fathers and brothers and sons and uncles and grandfathers and friends and neighbours. Their lives must be valued in our education system, in our healthcare system, in our housing system, in our economics system, in our criminal justice system. In our nation. Full stop. Gail Russell, 68, falls to her knees and proclaims Thank you, Jesus at Glorias Corner Store in New Orleans, as she listens to the verdict on TV. Credit:AP Immediately after the verdict was handed down, Biden phoned Floyds family and said of himself and Harris: Were all so relieved. Asked by a family member how he was doing, Biden said, Feeling better now. Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there is some justice.

This is a day of justice, Harris told the family after joining Biden to watch the verdict in the private dining room off the Oval Office. A cacophony of celebration broke out in downtown Minneapolis, as a Hennepin County judge read the guilty verdicts. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Hundreds gathered outside the courthouse, which had been enclosed in razor wire, many playing live feed from inside the courthouse on their phones. The crowd fell silent as Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict, and members pressed ears against their phones to hear the stream. As the news swept over the group, they erupted in jubilation. Guilty! they roared. All three! All three! shouted Dominic Powell, 33, who hopped on the back of a pick-up truck and waved a Black Lives Matter flag. Drivers listening to the news on their radios joined in by blasting their horns.

Loading Im just shaking, said her friend Prisca Diyoka, 26. It was overwhelming all last summer, processing this. We fought for something and we got what we fought for. Earlier in the day, Biden said he had spoken to the Floyd family and was praying the verdict is the right verdict. I think it is overwhelming in my view, he said, stressing that he had not commented on the trial until the jury had been sequestered. Outside the courtroom Courtney Ross, who was Floyds girlfriend, said: He was funny and silly and prayerful and a man of God.

Loading He was out of this world. Ongoing case At the federal level, Attorney-General Merrick Garland said in the statement the Justice Departments investigation into Floyds death remained ongoing, suggesting it was still possible that Chauvin and others could face federal civil rights charges. Garland said the jury in Chauvins trial on state charges had fulfilled its civic duty and noted, while the states prosecution was successful, I know that nothing can fill the void that the loved ones of George Floyd have felt since his death.

The Justice Department has previously announced a federal civil rights investigation into the death of George Floyd, Garland said. The Justice Department often investigates incidents in which police officers kill those in their custody as possible civil rights violations, though state manslaughter, murder or assault charges are generally easier to prove. The Minnesota Department of Corrections said on Tuesday night that Chauvin was at the states maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights, due to an arrangement with the county sheriff and the Department of Corrections. Thats the same prison where Chauvin was moved after his arrest for security reasons. Mohamed Noor

Chauvin is only the second known police officer in Minnesotas history to be convicted of murder for an on-duty killing. The first was Mohamed Noor in 2019, the police officer who shot dead Australian woman Justine Damond outside her Minneapolis home two years earlier. Second-degree murder, the most serious of Chauvins three charges, required prosecutors to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Chauvin caused Floyds death while committing or attempting to commit another felony  in this case, a physical assault. It is not necessary for the state to prove the defendant had an intent to kill George Floyd, the judge told the jury. But it must prove that the defendant committed, or attempted to commit, the underlying felony. The third-degree murder charge required the prosecution to prove that Chauvin had unintentionally caused Floyds death while acting with reckless disregard for human life. The second-degree manslaughter charge required proof that Chauvin had created an unreasonable risk by consciously behaving in a way that could cause death or great bodily harm to someone else.
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An operative of the Oyo State Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun, has reportedly been killed by gunmen in Oyo State.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the operative, Suleiman Quadir, was killed in an ambush at Living Farms in Fiditi, on Tuesday.

This incident was confirmed in a statement to our correspondent by Olayinka Olayanju, Commandant of Amotekun in the State.

One of our operatives in Amotekun Oyo State, Suleiman Quadir 25 years old of Atiba Local Government was killed in an ambush by a group of armed bandits numbering 11 at Living Farms in Fiditi on Tuesday, 20th April 2021.

Amo Quadir and his colleague Amo Bello Yisau were escorting the staff of the farm to the farm when it was invaded by the armed bandits.

Amo Yisau too was caught by rounds of bullets but he survived and is receiving treatment at the General Hospital Owode Oyo.

The gallant Amo, Suleiman Quadir left behind an aged father, a wife and a son. He has since been buried according to Islamic rites, the statement read.

Nigeria has been battling with a series of kidnap cases and killings that had led to the birth of Amotekun and other regional security outfits.
[April 20, 2021] Hyundai Motor and BTS Jointly Celebrate Earth Day with New Hydrogen Campaign Film

Hyundai Motor today revealed a video themed 'For Tomorrow We Won't Wait,' featuring BTS, to celebrate Earth Day

In the video, Hyundai Motor and BTS suggest eco-friendly practices in daily lives, highlighting Hyundai Motor's vision for a sustainable future

The video will be uploaded on Hyundai Motor's official YouTube and other SNS channels SEOUL, South Korea, April 20, 2021 /CNW/ -- Hyundai Motor Company today released a video themed 'For Tomorrow We Won't Wait,' featuring pop icon BTS for Earth Day 2021 (April 22).



This is Hyundai Motor's second Earth Day video starring BTS, the first of which was released last year, generating over 100 million views on YouTube. Hyundai Motor has collaborated with BTS on its global hydrogen campaign since last year to spread awareness on the importance of sustainable practices and the future of hydrogen as a source of clean energy under the slogan 'Because of You.'

"Hyundai Motor and BTS have continued to work together to spread the values of sustainability to the world," said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor. "The MZ generation's growing awareness of how their lifestyle choices and purchasing decisions are impacting the environment has led them to seek greener solutions for their daily needs." The video shows BTS members taking part in simple eco-friendly activities that can easily be incorporated into everyday routines, in an effort to encourage others to do the same. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Company believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-motor-and-bts-jointly-celebrate-earth-day-with-new-hydrogen-campaign-film-301272202.html SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company

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Video showing a truck driving into a crowd celebrating the guilty of verdict of Derek Chuavin on Tuesday in Minneapolis (Samantha Hendrickson/Twitter)

A truck appeared to drive into a crowd in Minneapolis celebrating the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

Video of the delivery truck showed it driving towards a crowd and attempting to turn the corner before then coming to a stop on Tuesday.

The truck was immediately surrounded with demonstrators who climbed on the vehicle. Others were videoed banging on the windows of the drivers cabin and confronting the driver of the truck.

One demonstrator was forced to jump off the hood of the truck, causing further outrage among bystanders.

Then, sounding the horn, the driver continued to move forward in the truck, causing the crowd  of more than a dozen  to stand-down and run from it, to screams of oh my god.

Hes still driving, commented another, as the truck drove off, down 3rd avenue.

Grace Morgan, a witness, wrote on Twitter that the truck tried to aggressively drive through the crowd.

Another, Samantha Hendrickson, added that a truck drove into the crowd on 7th St as people were celebrating.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The truck appeared to belong to a delivery firm, 10 Roads Express, who told Newsweek that the driver was afterwards addressed about the incident in Minneapolis.

The conviction of Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, for the murder of Mr Floyd in May 2020 caused celebrations in the city  and throughout the US on Tuesday.

Chauvin was convicted after a year of campaigning and demonstrations for kneeling on the neck of Floyd until he could no longer breathe. The jury in the court in Minneapolis took 11 hours to deliberate on their verdicts.

The truck incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between anti-racism demonstrators and drivers, with officials in Los Angeles investigating an alleged car ramming against Asian Americans.

Read More

Watch live as jury reaches verdict in Derek Chauvin trial

Ten-year-old witness at Derek Chauvin trial says shes proud of her role

Biden news  live: Bernie Sanders unveils free college plan as Merrick Garland launches police review
Vodacoms new super app is making good progress and will allow users to pay their bills, buy products, and apply for financial services through a single platform.

Last year Vodacom Financial Services partnered with Alipay to build a super-app to manage your entire life and business through your smartphone.

Vodacoms super app will offer a marketplace of goods and services to South Africans through a digital payments ecosystem.

Vodacom already offers digital financial services products, but the partnership with Alipay will enable them to reach the same level as leading global digital counterparts quicker.

We see this as an opportunity to reinvent the mobile fintech ecosystem for consumers and merchants in South Africa, said Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub.

Vodacom spokesperson Byron Kennedy said the super app technology allowed them to develop significant client-centric features.

The platform will enable clients to buy Vodacom airtime and data and pay their bills such as electricity.

They will also be able to access all the consumer and business products currently offered by Vodacom Financial Services like payments, lending, insurance, and trading business services.

The Vodacom super app will be expanded to incorporate a host of new functions.

The super app resembles a massive digital mall built with a host of mini apps which is has full payments functionality, Kennedy said.

Through the app consumers will be able to access special offers from their favourite brands that are tailored to their personal needs.

Joosub explained the new super app will give merchants the ability to sell their products to Vodacoms 44 million customers in South Africa.

Kennedy added that the app will help people to use less data, less storage on their devices, and access a world of endless possibilities all in one place.

Kennedy said more information on the development of the app will be shared with the public soon.
Paul Rossi was a math teacher at the prestigious Grace Church school in New York. However, when he suggested that the school's deep dive into a woke "anti-racist" curriculum was racist and students were being silenced, the school shut him down. Rossi then wrote an open letter that went deservedly viral, leading to his being fired. Rossi next pointed out that the head of the school had agreed with him that the Critical Race Theory operating in the school was anti-White. When the school head denied saying that, Rossi had the receipts to prove he was lying. It's time to call all these people to account.

Grace Church High School in Manhattan charges parents $57,330 per year to *ahem* "educate" their children. Of late, education in woke enclaves has gone by the wayside. Instead, it's Critical Race Theory (CRT) all the way down. As with all these leftist schools, you can see how extreme it is by looking at its "Statement on Inclusive Language," which it wrote after it decided to purge language to meet leftist demands, and its statement about "Antiracism, Equity & Belonging," which reflects its obsession with and abasement before CRT.

Upset by the way in which CRT is demonizing Whites, warping reality, and shutting down critical thinking, Rossi wrote an open letter describing the essentially Maoist struggle sessions taking place in the school. In the letter, he explained how, when he politely challenged the anti-white racism inherent in this thinking, the head of the school insisted that he had "harmed" students, and

created "dissonance for vulnerable and unformed thinkers" and "neurological disturbance in students' beings and systems." The school's director of studies added that my remarks could even constitute harassment.

Grace Church High School then did what all leftist institutions do when they are intellectually and ideologically challenged: it fired Rossi. That was a mistake, since Rossi doubled down on his attacks. The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) published the letter Rossi wrote to the head of the school, George P. Davison, upon receiving word that he'd been terminated:

Paul Rossi stood up to neo-racism at Grace Church School. But the school doesnt see it that way. The school relieved him of his teaching duties and claims he now threatens the "well-being" of students. We stand firmly behind Paul. Heres his response: https://t.co/laExNH21rU pic.twitter.com/woArymrzB5  Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) (@fairforall_org) April 19, 2021

In the letter, Rossi quoted Davison on several points. The most pertinent for this post was that Rossi says Davis "admitted to me that Grace Church is, in fact, 'demonizing white people for being born,' and that the school is making white students 'feel less than, for nothing that they are personally responsible for.'" In other words, Davison understands how perniciously racist the school's anti-racist activities are, but he continues engaging in them and fired Rossi for challenging them.

Davison denied uttering those words:

You misquoted me and attributed to me things that I had never said nor would ever say in the press. Your actions were unprofessional and I still defended your right to have a point of view. I will not in an email get into a point by point rebuttal because I know that you are not trustworthy given your past performance.

It seems that Davison didn't pay attention to himself when he was speaking. In fact, Rossi had recordings and he was quoting Davison exactly:

This is the immorality of the woke leftists: they know that what they're doing is racist, indecent, and harmful, and they do it anyway. Whether they hope the alligator will eat them last, or they'll do anything for power, or they are simply faddish cultists doesn't matter. They're knowingly engaged in evil acts that will hurt individuals and tear this nation apart. Kudos to Rossi for waging this war. We need more like him.

(Incidentally, New York is a "one-party consent" state when it comes to recording telephone conversations. In other words, Rossi was perfectly within his rights to record a telephone call in which he participated.)

Image: Grace Church High School by Beyond My Ken. CC BY-SA 4.0.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
As leaders in reproductive care, San Diego Fertility Center (SDFC) has been at the forefront of fertility technology for over two decades. Now SDFC is the first fertility clinic in the San Diego Area to offer one of the most innovative fertility treatment options currently available  INVOcell. In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week, the center is showcasing INVOcell as part of its commitment to provide flexibility to patients in terms of treatment and financial options.

INVOcell is an intravaginal culture (IVC) device system that can be used as an alternative to traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). The system utilizes a unique device, which allows a woman to use her own body as a natural incubator for embryo fertilization and culture to take place. INVOcell works by combining eggs and sperm in the culture device and then the device is placed inside a womans vagina. After the incubation period, the device is removed, and viable embryos are then transferred to the recipients uterus or frozen for a later embryo transfer.

INVOcell is like IVF, without IVF. The IVF process involves taking the eggs and sperm outside of the body so that they can be combined in a laboratory and then transferred back into the womb. With INVOcell, a woman is able to care for her early embryos inside her own body. It is also a lower-cost option that requires less monitoring and bloodwork.

INVOcell is an attractive alternative to IVF for many individuals, including:



Patients who are interested in more natural approaches to fertility care

Lesbian couples, including those who wish to share in carrying an embryo and baby

Single moms by choice

Cost-conscious fertility patients

It is important to note that INVOcell will not be an ideal option for all individuals. Every persons body is different, and every family-building story is unique. INVOcell is just one of many options available.

Backed by a state-of-the-art facility and IVF andrology lab, San Diego Fertility Center takes a high-tech, high-touch approach to fertility diagnosis, testing, and treatment. Their fertility specialists work closely with each intended parent to develop personalized fertility treatment plans that are tailored to each patients unique circumstances and needs. For patients interested in using INVOcell, San Diego Fertility Center is currently offering free consultations.

To learn more about INVOcell and San Diego Fertility Center, visit their website or contact them directly at (858) 794-6363.
A Black teenage girl was shot and killed by police in Ohio on the same day the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial was reached.

Family members identified 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant as the victim of the shooting in the city of Columbus.

Paula Bryant told local 10TV that her daughter, whom she described as an honor roll student, was shot dead in the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

The shooting took place when officers were called to a disturbance on the southeast side of the city after reports of an attempted stabbing.

Police responded after they received a 911 call where a person reported a woman was trying to stab them and then hung up, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The shooting occurred at 4:45 pm, around 20 minutes before Derek Chauvin was found guilty of George Floyds murder.

Hazel Bryant told the newspaper that she was the aunt of the teenage victim, and that the youngster had got into a fight with another person at the home.

Authorities have confirmed that the victim was shot by an officer and transported to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but died from their injuries.

Police showed bodycam footage at a news conference on Tuesday night of the officer shooting the girl as she appeared to attempt to stab two people with a knife.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said: We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community.

Earlir on Twitter he urged the community to remain calm.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details, he tweeted.

There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible. BCI is on the scene conducting an independent investigation as they do with all CPD-involved shootings.

We will share information that we can as soon as it becomes available. Im asking for residents to remain calm and allow BCI to gather the facts.

Member of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children and other protestors gathered in the area of the shooting, with one person reportedly carrying a sign that read enough is enough.

Protestors with Black Lives Matters signs later joined the crowd on onlookers at the scene.

We dont get to celebrate nothing, K C Taynor said through a megaphone of the verdict in the George Floyd trial, according to The Dispatch.

In the end, you know what, you cant be Black.

The shooting caught the attention of the Floyd familys lawyer, Ben Crump.

As we breathed a collective sigh of relief today, a community in Columbus felt the sting of another police shooting @ColumbusPolice killed an unarmed 15yo Black girl, Mr Crump posted on Twitter.

Another child lost! Another hashtag.

 With additional reporting from The Associated Press
The friend of a T2 Trainspotting actor killed in a shooting incident pleaded for police not to attend his home after being attacked with an old-fashioned sword, a court has been told.

Bradley Welsh, 48, who appeared in the 2017 film, died after a shooting at a flat in the west end of Edinburgh on April 17 2019  one month after the alleged attack on his friend David McMillan.

Sean Orman, 30, appeared by video link at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all 15 charges against him, including murder, attempted murder and firearms and drugs offences.

He is alleged to have used a loaded shotgun to kill Mr Welsh in Chester Street.

Defence counsel Ian Duguid QC lodged a special defence for charges relating to the death, which is that Orman was cycling near Kirknewton, West Lothian, at the time of the incident.

Orman is also charged with attempted murder relating to an incident on March 13 2019.

He is accused of assaulting Mr McMillan in Pitcairn Grove, Edinburgh, and allegedly did repeatedly strike him to the head and body with a machete or similar instrument to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life.

Emma McMillan, his wife, told the court she had seen three masked men pull up at her home in a black Audi and her husband approached the front door.

It was heard he then fell back into the hallway and one of them began to attack the 50-year-old on the floor.

She said: The door was open and there were now three men standing in my kitchen with knives and balaclavas.

I started to shout and scream  one of them leaned over my husband and started to hit him with a knife.

It wasnt a stabbing action, it was more like he was hacking at him.

Floral tributes were left at the scene where Bradley Welsh was shot (Jane Barlow/PA)

To me, it looked like an old-fashioned sword.

The 46-year-old cafe owner said her son  also named David  came down the stairs with a plastic bat, described as a piece of Walking Dead memorabilia, to confront the attacker.

It was heard the 25-year-old managed to stun the attacker and the three men then fled.

The court was told two phone calls were made to emergency services, and during one a male voice in the background could be heard saying no police, no police  which Mrs McMillan said must have been her husband.

He had visited his friend, known as Mark, at Saughton Prison earlier that day, jurors heard.

Mr Duguid lodged a special defence that Orman was not involved in any offences committed against Mr McMillan and his son and claims they were carried out by someone else.

The lawyer asked Mrs McMillan why police statements given at the time of the assault contradicted evidence given in the courtroom, such as the number of people she had seen during the incident.

She said: I was suffering from shock and nothing more and not even read it properly.

My husband was in hospital at the time.

It was heard there was nothing distinctive about the attacker.

Orman is also accused of driving at speeds up to 123mph on the Edinburgh bypass on April 22 2019  where the limit is 70mph  and failing to stop for uniformed police officers.

He faces an accusation of having driven on the opposing side of the carriageway of Clovenstone Road in excess of 92mph, where the limit is 30mph.

Another charge alleges he drove without insurance and was in possession of the class A drug diamorphine and class C drug diazepam.

The trial, before judge Lord Beckett, continues on Thursday and is expected to last around four weeks.
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 21 (ANI/SRV Media): Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad has started its admission procedure for B.A. L.L.B and B.B.A. L.L.B for the academic year 2021. Students will be selected for the above courses through their joint entrance exam -- SLAT 2021.

Symbiosis Law Admission Test is a national level examination that is mandatory for every student applying for SLS, Hyderabad. This exam tests students' ability in various aspects and selected candidates will be shortlisted for further procedures before rewarding admission.

Students willing to be a part of SLS, Hyderabad can apply and register themselves for SLAT 2021 as well as they must select SLS, Hyderabad as their campus till the deadline, 4th of June 2021. To register themselves, students can directly apply by visiting the website of SLS Hyderabad and fill up the admission form through the link provided.

Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad was established in 2014 focusing on teaching law through various friendly and innovative ways to meet the current needs of the judiciary and corporate sector. Every year, thousands of students go through Symbiosis' rigorous selection process to learn Law from the best faculties available in the nation. Although the criteria for the selection of students can be demanding, the procedure to apply is simple and quick.

A nominal fee of rupees 1950/- is to be paid for registering for SLAT 2021 followed by a payment of Registration Fee, rupees 1000/- for either B.A. L.L.B or B.B.A. L.L.B admission in SLS Hyderabad. The payment for SLS Hyderabad registration can be made by the 7th of July.

SLAT 2021 takes place in the month of June, along with SAT general. After filling the registration form and completing the payments for SLS, Hyderabad, students will receive their admit cards for SLAT 2021 on 14th June. The list of shortlisted candidates will be released on 8th July. On the subsequent dates i.e. on the 12th of July SLS Hyderabad will shortlist the candidates for Personal Interview. Students are requested to keep in mind that only those candidates who choose the Hyderabad campus by paying the aforementioned fees during registration can appear for Personal Interaction for admission to the Hyderabad campus.

SLS, Hyderabad has a curriculum that exposes students to various judges, eminent lawyers, International jurists, and industry experts to understand the law and its functioning at a practical level. Students are taught by the best faculties and nurtured with the value of justice in whatever field they take up as their career option.

SLS, Hyderabad not just believes in educating students but also plays a vital role by providing them with the opportunities to work at various law firms, corporate houses, Judiciary, Civil Services, banks, insurance companies, NGOs, and many more through internship programs and placement opportunities. SLS, Hyderabad aims at the holistic development of the students in a rational and skilled manner to make them legally sound professionals.

To apply, visit (https://set2021.ishinfosys.com/SETY2103/Register/Index.aspx) SLS Hyderabad

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| 2021-04-21 04:27:42|Editor: huaxia

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Libya's Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah (R) and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attend a press conference in Tripoli, Libya, on April 20, 2021. Libya's Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah on Tuesday met with visiting Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Libya's Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah on Tuesday met with visiting Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation.

The two officials talked about regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed on the importance of enhancing political coordination and consultation on such issues, said a statement issued by the Libyan government's information office.

They also discussed other issues, including resuming the Egyptian embassy's operation in Tripoli, facilitating the people's movement, supporting trade, and starting direct flights, the statement said.

The two sides signed a number of partnership agreements in various fields, particularly electricity, communication, infrastructure, technical cooperation and investment.

"Political, economic and security circumstances in the region require strategic partnerships in various areas so that we can be real partners in development," Dbeibah said.

Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt's support for Libya, including the unity of Libyan institutions, Libya's development and national reconciliation.

The two officials also stressed the need of holding the 11th session of the Higher Joint Egyptian-Libyan Committee, and completing the procedures for the cooperation agreements between the two countries, the statement revealed.

Dbeibah's Government of National Unity was selected by the UN-backed Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), ending years of political division in Libya.

The government's main task is to prepare for the upcoming elections later this year as agreed by the LPDF. Enditem
(Natural News) Emails obtained by Judicial Watch show that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been using American taxpayer dollars to purchase mutilated body parts from babies that were murdered through late-term abortion.

The FDA purchased the body parts from the California-based firm Advanced Bioscience Resources (ABR) during Obamas reign from 2012-2018. After getting elected, President Donald Trump shut down the program.

ABR would ship the body parts with labels such as fresh or on wet ice, indicating that they had just been harvested from a murdered baby. Some of the parts came from babies as old as 16-24 weeks gestation, meaning they could have lived outside the womb.

While the FDA preferred to receive the mangled tissue of murdered baby boys, the agency told ABR that undetermined sex or female is better than no tissue.

Now that Resident Joe Biden has been installed back into the White House, many believe that the FDAs body parts trafficking operation will once again resume. It continues to this day with Planned Parenthood, which made an entire business out of trafficking aborted baby body parts.

Federal judge orders pro-life whistleblowers to pay $13.6 million in damages to Planned Parenthood

Almost unbelievably, a federal judge ordered the pro-life whistleblowers who exposed Planned Parenthoods illegal operation to pay $13.6 million in damages to the abortion provider.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick III, who was appointed to the bench by Obama, told David Daleiden and his associates at the Center for Medical Progress (CMP) that they violated the privacy rights of Planned Parenthood by filming the abortion providers illegal activity undercover.

Orrick believes that Daleiden and CMP violated the privacy rights of Planned Parenthood and [its] affiliates to cut up little babies and sell their body parts without the public being aware of [its] operation, reported Big League Politics.

Before Orricks ruling, a jury determined that Daleiden and CMP violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) by filming Planned Parenthood executives cavalierly discussing how they chop up baby body parts for extra cash to buy things like Lamborghinis.

As it turns out, Orrick is the founder of a Planned Parenthood of Northern California clinic located in San Francisco. Daleiden revealed this during a recent appearance on SiriusXMs Breitbart News Tonight program.

Planned Parenthood, very intentionally and very strategically and with a lot of gamesmanship, filed this case specifically to get it in San Francisco in front of Judge William Orrick, who is an Obama appointee, who was a bundler for the Obama campaign for hundreds of thousands of dollars, is best friends with Tom Steyer, Daleiden further explained on the show.

Daleiden and his supporters are now challenging the ruling with an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court. The hope is that this court will do the right thing by vindicating Daleiden and CMP for bravely exposing the horrors of Planned Parenthood satanism.

America is a country that revels in its Satanic practices, writes independent reporter Shane Trejo.

Sacrificing childrens souls to Moloch has been the norm for decades, and now it is practically a religion to young empowered feminist women. May God have mercy on this wicked and depraved nation.

Several commenters agreed, with one adding that Gods wrath will soon be poured out on America like never before, for that reason and many others. Another asked why grand juries have not yet been opening to get the indictments needed to arrest the necrophiliacs who are engaging in and profiting from these horrific practices.

More of the latest news about how abortion is big business can be found at Abortions.news.

Sources for this article include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

NaturalNews.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  A federal judge in California refused Wednesday to allow the extradition to Iraq of a man accused of committing a killing for the Islamic State, saying cellphone evidence shows he was in Turkey at the time of the slaying.

The U.S. Justice Department has tried since 2018 to return Omar Abdulsattar Ameen to Iraq under a treaty with that nation.

He fled to Turkey in 2012 and in June 2014 was granted status as a refugee in the United States on the grounds that he was a victim of terrorism.

But prosecutors said that he returned to Iraq that same month to kill a police officer in the town of Rawah after it fell to the Islamic State. Five months later, Ameen traveled to the United States to be resettled as a refugee. Ameen had been living in the Sacramento area.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Edmund Brennan said Wednesday that Ameen's cellphone records appear decisive on the most salient point: Ameen was in Turkey, not Iraq, on the day of the murder.

He rejected prosecutors' request that he rule that Ameen was eligible for extradition. That would have forwarded the matter to the U.S. State Department for a final decision.

There is no appeal from the ruling, and Brennan ordered Ameen released from custody barring any criminal or immigration charges in the United States.

The U.S. attorney's office in Sacramento did not immediately comment.

Were hoping the government is going to realize, not only is there no strong case against Omar, but theres no sense in prosecuting an innocent man or pursuing an innocent man any further," said Benjamin Galloway, one of Ameens public defenders.

The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force had been investigating Ameen since 2016 and independently corroborated Ameens involvement, according to an earlier court filing.

But Ameen passed a lie detector test and immigration sign-in sheets showed he was in Turkey within days on either side of the killing 600 miles away across a war-torn border, the judge noted.

Story continues

Given the defense evidence, the government's theory that he was quickly in and out of Iraq to commit murder is simply not plausible, Brennan wrote, calling it a dubious account. He said he had serious doubt on the reliability of witnesses who placed Ameen in Iraq at the time.

The case at the time drew criticism from the Trump administration of the resettlement programs vetting process under the Obama administration for not doing enough to keep out terrorists.

The Iraqi government said Ameen was part of a four-vehicle IS caravan that opened fire on the home of the Rawah police officer, Ihsan Abdulhafiz Jasim. Ameen killed him with a shot into the mans chest as he lay on the ground, according to Iraqi documents. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the slaying on social media.

Brennan called it regrettable that the allegations against Ameen took more than two years to resolve.

"The record before the court, taken in its entirety, does not establish probable cause that he was responsible for Jasims murder," Brennan ruled.

U.S. officials alleged that Ameen kept his membership in two terrorist groups a secret when he applied for refugee status, and later when he applied for a green card.

Galloway met with Ameen in jail shortly after the ruling and said he was very emotional and incredibly relieved. He said it would be difficult for the government to now bring charges that Ameen made false statements on his immigration documents, given the judge's decision.

If he were returned to Iraq, Ameen could face execution, according to Iraqi documents filed in U.S. federal court.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 21:52:29|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Britain is likely to see a "summer surge" in coronavirus cases as many adults are not immunized, a British government advisory scientist said Wednesday.

Prof Adam Finn, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an independent expert advisory committee that advises Britain's health departments on immunisation, said modelling shows coronavirus cases will rise in the summer as lockdown is relaxed.

"The models that we've seen on JCVI clearly point to a summer surge in cases as the lockdown is relaxed, because there are still many people in the adult population who've not been immunized," he told the BBC.

Finn, from the University of Bristol, said Britain is still "vulnerable" and the dates for easing restrictions may need adjusting.

"Quite a wide range of uncertainty" remains over how big the wave would be "because it depends on how quickly the vaccine rollout continues", he said.

It also depends on whether people will stick to the rules as lockdown is eased, he said.

"If people move too far forward with that too fast, we'll see things start to come up earlier," Finn said.

"The sense that the problem is all over, I'm afraid is a flawed one, we're still in a vulnerable situation, and there are still significant numbers of people who potentially could be harmed by this infection if this happens."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that as Britain continues to make progress in the fight against coronavirus, "we cannot delude ourselves" that the virus has gone away.

He noted that the majority of scientific experts are of the view that there will be another wave at some stage this year and Britons must learn to live with the virus.

However, he said there was nothing in scientific data to suggest Britain would have to deviate from the roadmap out of lockdown.

Another 2,524 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,393,307, according to official figures released Tuesday.

The country also reported another 33 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain stood at 127,307. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

More than 33 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures.

Experts have warned that despite progress in vaccine rollout, Britain is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants, particularly those first emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India, and the third wave of pandemic on the European continent.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the United States as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Enditem
04/21/2021

Photo (c) Joao Paulo Burini - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 31,802,046 (31,741,301)

Total U.S. deaths: 568,572 (567,759)

Total global cases: 143,128,250 (142,252,661)

Total global deaths: 3,047,754 (3,033,225)

FDA criticizes conditions at plant making Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a report that is critical of the conditions at a Baltimore plant where a subcontractor has produced Johnson & Johnsons coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The report said the plant failed to maintain sanitary conditions.

In late March, the FDA announced that 15 million doses of the vaccine produced by Emergent BioSolutions had to be discarded after workers reportedly mixed up two vaccine dosages.

Use of the vaccine is currently suspended for unrelated reasons. Health experts are reviewing data after six women who received the vaccine later developed serious blood clots and one woman died.

COVID-19 cases fall but deaths rise

The latest data published by The COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University shows that new cases of the coronavirus are down, but deaths are up slightly.

There were more than 54,000 new cases reported on Tuesday, an improvement from the day before when there were nearly 68,000 new cases of the virus. The increase over the last four weeks has concerned health officials, but they note that the rise in U.S. cases is far slower than in many other nations.

There were 767 reported deaths from the virus on Tuesday, nearly double Mondays total. Health experts say deaths from COVID-19 are a lagging indicator of the virus, sometimes rising four weeks after an increase in reported cases.

Vaccination pace is increasing

When eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine was opened to adults 16 and older this week, the people administering the shots were busy. Figures supplied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the U.S. has administered 3 million shots a day for the last two weeks.

Since late December, when the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine rolled out, the U.S. has vaccinated more than 40 million people with at least one shot. About a third of adults are fully vaccinated.

While young people are only now able to receive inoculations, seniors 65 and older -- the first group to receive the vaccine -- have an 80% vaccination rate, with 65% fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vaccine supply quickly outpacing demand

A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation warns that the U.S. is reaching a tipping point between supply and demand for the coronavirus vaccine. Supplies have been limited since the December rollout, and not everyone was eligible for the shots.

The report says there will be more supply than demand in the next two to four weeks. So how is that a bad thing?

Once this happens, efforts to encourage vaccination will become much harder, presenting a challenge to reaching the levels of herd immunity that are expected to be needed, the reports authors write.

Researchers say COVID-19 is making HIV/AIDS worse

With COVID-19 being the focus of health care over the last 13 months, other areas havent gotten the attention they have in the past. Patients have put off everything from cancer screenings to minor surgeries.

Researchers say HIV/AIDS research has also suffered during the pandemic. They say the coronavirus has caused profound disruptions across the spectrum of HIV/AIDS research and treatment. Routine HIV screening is down sharply at clinics and hospital emergency rooms.

"This is a major derailing," Dr. Carlos del Rio, a professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, told NPR. "There will be damage. The question is, how much?"

Around the nation
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) announced today that George Goncalves has joined the firm as Head of U.S. Macro Strategy.

The addition of Mr. Goncalves builds on MUFG's strategic expansion of its fixed-income platform. Within the past year, the bank hired Mitchell Nadel as a Co-Head of Flow Products, leading Macro Trading.

Mr. Goncalves will be reporting to John Karabelas, Head of Institutional Investor Sales for the Americas. Aligning Mr. Goncalves macro strategy expertise with the Flow Products platform will further drive MUFG's business and client servicing. Mr. Goncalves' mandate will be to formulate U.S. Fixed Income views, market strategy thought leadership, and actionable trade ideas for clients.

"As we continue to reposition MUFG's fixed income platform to better serve our institutional clients, and look to expand our connectivity to the Japanese market, we are excited to have George join our team," said Mitchell Nadel, Co-Head of Flow Products, MUFG. "George's strong reputation in the industry and experience in the U.S. and with Japanese investors, along with his thorough market-based views, will benefit our client franchise and the Bank."

Additionally, Mr. Goncalves will work in tandem with Tom Joyce, Head of Capital Markets Strategy, to leverage synergies between the two teams to more tactically support clients.

An industry veteran of more than 20 years on the sell-side and buy-side, Mr. Goncalves spent nearly a decade at Nomura Securities, first as the chief U.S. Rates Strategist and later as the Head of Fixed Income Strategy for the Americas. Prior to that, Mr. Goncalves was the Head of Fixed Income Strategy at Cantor Fitzgerald and a senior research analyst at both Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. Mr. Goncalves started his career in the Fixed Income markets on the buy side at the formerly known Merrill Lynch Asset Management division in institutional separate accounts, analyzing and co-managing portfolios of Treasuries, short-term credit and mortgage-backed securities as an assistant portfolio management analyst.

About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.'s U.S. Operations including MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation

The U.S. operations of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), one of the world's leading financial groups, has total assets of $344 billion at December 31, 2020. As part of that total, MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (MUAH), a financial holding company, bank holding company, and intermediate holding company, has total assets of $168 billion at December 31, 2020. MUAH's main subsidiaries are MUFG Union Bank, N.A. and MUFG Securities Americas Inc. MUFG Union Bank, N.A. provides a wide range of financial services to consumers, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. As of December 31, 2020, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. operated 348 branches, consisting primarily of retail banking branches in the West Coast states, along with commercial branches in Texas, Illinois, New York, and Georgia. MUFG Securities Americas Inc. is a registered securities broker-dealer which engages in capital markets origination transactions, domestic and foreign debt and equities securities transactions, private placements, collateralized financings, and securities borrowing and lending transactions.

MUAH is owned by MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUFG Bank, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Canada. Visit www.unionbank.com or www.mufgamericas.com for more information.

About MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.)

About MUFG Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with around 2,600 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has over 180,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.

For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english

Press contact:

Oksana Poltavets

(518) 332-4173

[email protected]

SOURCE MUFG
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh

This month, Vietnam is for the second time acting as rotating president of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the 2020-2021 tenure. This is the first multilateral important task that Vietnam undertakes after the organisation of the recent 13th National Party Congress which has set out a major vision and direction for national development, including the path for external relations in the upcoming period.

Partaking in the UNSC for the second time in the context of the worlds complicated developments with a rising competition among major nations and hotspots with disputes, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has been effectively implementing UNSC activities, with the accomplishment of a big volume of work in the first year of the tenure.

This has marked a Vietnamese imprint at the United Nations most important organ which is aimed to maintain international peace and security.

The imprint reflects the colour in diplomacy of peace-loving Vietnam which protests all forms of wars and use of force, enhancing the UN Charter, and complying with international law. Vietnam has clearly demonstrated its responsibility as an UNSC member to always push up common consensus and efforts to seek peaceful solutions for all disputes.

We have persistently stuck to our principle of independence, self-reliance, and protection of national interests in a manner harmonious with the common interest of the international community, actively contributing to, building, being responsible to, and satisfactorily tackling complicated issues in the UNSCs agenda.

At the same time, Vietnam always enhances its efforts and experiences in national reconstruction and development.

Fostering solidarity

Vietnam has actively proposed initiatives and played a pivotal and leading role in some important issues.

During the first time of its acting as UNSC president in January 2020, we successfully hosted an open discussion on pushing the compliance of the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security, and a meeting on the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN.

This for the first time created a dialogue forum between the UNSC and ASEAN, bringing about the connectivity and promoting the countrys dual role as UNSC president and ASEAN president in 2020. This has contributed to fostering the solidarity among and role of ASEAN, and strengthening the connectivity between ASEAN with the UN and the UNSC.

Vietnam has also succeeded in organising an international conference on women, peace, and security, which was partaken in by over 400 delegates from nearly 90 nations, as well as many important intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

Countries have given special support to and highly appreciated Vietnams strong efforts and determination in hosting this meeting in the context of COVID-19. They have also done so for Vietnams role as host for the compilation of the Hanoi Action Commitment aimed to promote womens role in all processes of peace, sponsored by 75 nations worldwide, and circulated as a formal document of the UN.

In addition, Vietnam has also made specific and practical contributions to maintaining, reconstructing, and reestablishing peace via its increased participation in the UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Our forces at the UNs missions have been operating professionally and completed all assigned tasks. They have received high appreciation from the UN and the international community and won trust from the local countries.

These positive outcomes have contributed to maintaining and strengthening a peaceful, stable, and favourable environment for Vietnams development.

This has helped raise the countrys prestige and status in the international arena, and continue to further develop the quality of Vietnams multi-facet cooperation with countries and important partners, creating the spillover effects and closely linking the countrys multilateral and bilateral foreign policies.

Embarking upon the second year of the UNSC tenure and undertaking the role as UNSC president, Vietnam has been strongly deploying the diplomatic policy set out by the 13th National Party Congress, especially enhancing the pioneering role of diplomacy and increasing multilateral diplomacy and comprehensive international integration.

Strategic orientations and new mindset in external relations, along with successes made in the first UNSC year for Vietnam, have been a favourable foundation for the country to further enhance its role as UNSC president for the second time in April.

As the president, Vietnam is organising, hosting, and monitoring about 30 UNSC meetings, and act as the UNSC representative in the relations with non-UNSC nations, United Nations organs, international organisations, and the media in the spirit of activeness and responsibility, ensuring both the objectivity and transparency in flexibly, harmoniously and equally dealing with interests of nations in discussed issues, while also pushing cooperation and consensus at the UNSC.

We will also boost priorities and hallmark events which are also Vietnams commitment in this tenure to develop partnership for sustainable peace, meaning the country will seek satisfactory and sustainable solutions for disputes and boosting dialogues, with the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, while strengthening the role of regional roles, putting the public in a central position, with humane policies for vulnerable people.

High-level discussions

In this spirit, Vietnam is organising three important events in its April UNSC president, with significant themes. The key event is an open high-level discussion session on April 19 on enhancing cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organisations in confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution.

This follows our priority in strengthening the role of regional organisations, and is also an opportunity for Vietnam and other nations to share experiences and lessons, and propose solutions to further strengthen the cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations in addressing global challenges and preventing and tackling disputes in regions in particular  a very practical theme which is suitable to our countrys interests and meets the concerns and expectations of the international community.

We also organised a ministerial-level meeting under the theme of Mine action and sustaining peace: Stronger partnerships for better delivery on April 8. Being a nation seriously affected by consequences of bombs and mines and explosives left from the wars, Vietnam has shared experiences and lessons, and contributes to boost and attract the attention of the UNSC to this issue.

At the same time, Vietnam together with countries affirm humane and humanitarian support for victims, and also underline the need for further international cooperation in activities of overcoming bomb and mine aftermath.

On April 27, Vietnam will also organise an open ministerial-level discussion session with the theme of Protection of objects essential to the survival of civilian populations in armed conflicts.

Protection of civilians in armed conflicts, especially protection of essential establishments for the livelihood of the public, such as production establishments, food distribution, provision of water and electricity, and hospitals are issues of concern which are often discussed at the UNSC and at many other mechanisms and multilateral forums.

With high determination in quickly and effectively carrying out the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, and with the countrys strength, outlook, and status which are on the rise in the international arena, we do believe that Vietnam will be able to accomplish its role as UNSC president this month, with new contributions and imprints.
Abu Dhabi Ports said its offshore logistics service provider, Offshore Support and Logistics Services Company (Ofco  Offshore International), said it has signed a strategic agreement with Mammoet UAE, a branch of the global engineered heavy lifting and transport services company.

As per the deal, Ofco will be working closely with the heavy lift and transport specialist Mammoet to create a unique integrated package of on and offshore turnkey transport and installation solutions for projects in the GCC.

Launched early this year, Ofco operates under Safeen Group, Abu Dhabi Ports marine services arm, and is one of the largest cost-efficient providers of onshore and offshore integrated logistics solutions and subsea services in the GCC.

Holding extensive experience in marine service solutions and a diversified fleet with experience in offshore logistics and supply chain management, the companys one-stop-shop offering is ideal for meeting the complex logistical requirements of customers within the oil and gas, energy, and offshore markets.

Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer and Head of Maritime Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: "The newly-announced collaboration marks a critical milestone in Abu Dhabi Ports ongoing efforts to foster an integrated logistics ecosystem catering to our commercial and industrial customers every need."

"By combining each organisations expertise and resources, we can complement each others service offering and explore potential operational and logistical synergies, which would allow us to create an integrated, cost-effective solution for the major project market within the GCC and beyond," he added.

Initially targeting UAE-based projects with future ambitions to venture further into the GCC, Ofco and Mammoet will leverage their respective maritime, engineering, and logistical expertise, together with strategic positioning, infrastructure, and in-house assets, to create a joint value proposition that is both flexible and competitive.

This in turn will not only provide customers with a streamlined, flexible, and cost-effective solution for handling their heavy cargo transport needs but will also enable them to partner with a single service provider, rather than having to rely on several subcontractors to meet their supply chain requirements.

Mammoet CEO Paul van Gelder said: "At Mammoet, we always look for ways to improve the efficiency of projects for our customers. The strategic alliance with Ofco is a testament to that, as our collaboration will reduce the number of interfaces within the logistics chain of projects, enabling the planning and operations to be streamlined, and therefore realising the most efficient and cost-effective approaches."

Having launched a regional head office in Dubai back in 1974, Mammoet has been delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions for engineered heavy lifting and transportation projects across the Middle East for almost 50 years.

"Mammoet maintains the largest fleet of heavy lifting equipment in the world, and so is well-positioned to scale its service in response to any challenge," stated van Gelder.

"We look forward to bringing this enhanced offering to clients in the GCC, as part of this strategic partnership," he added.
Kansas budget officials said Tuesday there is cause for cautious optimism as the states revenues and economic indicators are beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The newly-released Kansas Consensus Revenue Estimates projected the state would bring in $361 million more in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 than predicted in November. That nearly doubles the estimated surplus in the legislatures 2021 budget from $618 million to $1.16 billion.

Overall things are going much better but we still have a long way to go, said J.G. Scott, director of the states non-partisan Legislative Research Department.

Were up to where we were in 2019 for estimates, I think things are looking for the economy pretty solid but .. theres always storm clouds out on whats going to happen with COVID.

Despite Scotts caveat, Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman said the revised surplus strengthens the case for the legislature to override Gov. Laura Kellys veto of a tax bill that would cut $94 million from the state budget.

The resulting balances show our state has more than enough resources to give Kansans the tax relief they have been entitled to since 2017, Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said.

The bill would permit multinational companies to bring money from overseas back to Kansas without paying state taxes. It would also increase the states standard deduction and allow Kansans to itemize state tax returns whether or not they itemize their federal taxes. It offsets some of those costs by imposing state sales taxes on goods sold online to Kansans.

Kelly urged continued caution in a statement Tuesday that did not directly address the tax proposal.

Kansas has been through a lot and we need to allow adequate time to recover and rebuild by continuing to invest in our schools, our infrastructure and the economic development tools that helped bring in a record amount of capital investment last year, Kelly said.

Kelly vetoed the bill last week, saying it would bring the state back to the era of budget shortfalls seen after expansive tax cuts under former Governor Sam Brownback.

Story continues

Even ahead of the new estimates, Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate tax committee, pointed to the states revenue consistently over performing estimates as evidence that the state could afford the bill and bring relief to Kansans after the pandemic.

All you have to do is look at the revenue that has come in over the last seven months, Tyson said last week.

Scott and Adam Proffitt, the states budget director, cautioned that the budget estimates had been calculated without the tax cut in mind. Even with the higher revenue estimates, Kansas is expected to spend $337 million more in fiscal year 2022 than it brings in. The year would end with an $820 million surplus because of excesses carried over from previous years.

Were just now getting back to where we thought we would be a couple of years ago even with all this new money that were adding to the forecast, Proffitt said.

While prospects for a veto override remain uncertain, it is not an insurmountable task for Kansas Republicans. The Senate approved the bill with the required two-thirds majority and the House only fell three votes short.

Representatives Trevor Jacobs and Michael Houser, both Republicans, said they voted no on the bill because of concerns over provisions that increased some taxes.

Maybe instead of expanding government, government should become less burdensome and more efficient and save taxpayers their own hard-earned money, the representatives said in a statement written in the House journal.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is trying to secure 35 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines from two or three companies this year on top of existing orders of around 65 million doses, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday.

The government push comes amid growing public frustration about the slow vaccine rollout, with only 604,947 people inoculated so far, less than 1% of its population.

Of the new shots sought, the private sector will help source 10 to 15 million doses, Prayuth said in a Facebook post.

"I have ordered that we distribute and administer all the vaccines that we can find by December," he added.

Prayuth did not name the brands, nor specify whether the 35 million included the five to 10 million doses of Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine that he announced were being sought on Tuesday.

After early success in containing COVID-19, Thailand is fighting a new wave that includes the highly transmissible B.1.1.7 variant.

The new outbreak has accounted for more than a third of Thailand's 46,643 cases, of which 110 were fatalities. It reported 1,458 new infections and two deaths on Wednesday.

Its mass vaccination plan has been centred on 61 million doses of locally-made AstraZeneca vaccine, the first batches scheduled for June.

For initial inoculations, Thailand has received 2 million doses of Sinovac Biotech's vaccine and has ordered a further 1.5 million doses, with 500,000 to arrive on Saturday and the rest next month. It has also imported 117,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine.

The private sector, which had been for months seeking permission to import vaccines, welcomed its inclusion.

"This is the race. We have to be fast and have volume, but we haven't had any other vaccines," Chalerm Harnphanich, president of the Private Hospital Association, told Reuters.

Health experts also questioned the government's decision not to use the COVAX international vaccine-sharing facility, which has provided vaccines to 100 countries including the Philippines, Vietnam and South Korea.

Story continues

"We missed an opportunity by not joining COVAX," said Thiravat Hemachudha, head of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Centre.

The government has argued joining COVAX risked higher costs and uncertain delivery times.

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng and Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Martin Petty)


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A 47-year-old woman who lived in an apartment above the Five Acres Flea Market at 421 Route 46 in White Township lit the fire Monday morning that damaged the second-floor residence, authorities charge.

Jennifer L. Lammond is charged with arson, a second-degree crime which could land her a 10-year-prison sentence if she were convicted, Warren County Prosecutor Jim Pfeiffer said.

Lammond, who was eventually rescued by firefighters after Good Samaritans tried to get her out, was hospitalized and has yet to make her first appearance in Superior Court, Pfeiffer said.

A gasoline can was found in the apartment, Pfeiffer said. Lammond was alone in the apartment at 8 a.m. when the fire was reported, Pfeiffer said.

The blaze remains under investigation and Lammonds alleged motive is not clear, Pfeiffer said.

It has yet to be determined if the prosecutors office will request she be held in jail awaiting further court action, Pfeiffer said.

The prosecutors offices Major Crimes Unit, New Jersey State Police, the Warren County fire marshal and a New Jersey state fire marshal have handled the probe, a news release said.

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.
Carphone Warehouse has announced it is to close its business in Ireland, including all its stores and website.

The company employed almost 500 people in Ireland and has 69 standalone stores, including in Tullamore and in Edenderry.

In a statement on its website, the company said the move was part of a broader transformation of its parent business Dixons Carphone.

"Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles," it said.

Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time. However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support. This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.

It continued: Well continue to offer our Irish customers a market leading range of top branded mobile handsets and accessories through our Currys PC World stores and on Currys.ie.

The statement also added: Footfall in our Carphone Warehouse stores is down significantly, and we dont expect many customers to sign new contracts with us during this time; our stores will therefore close immediately. Well continue to help our customers via our central customer support team and will also ask some colleagues to provide operational support over the coming days.

As part of Dixons Carphones broader transformation, of one joined up and profitable business, it has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Carphone Warehouse in Ireland, in line with its decision to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK in 2020.

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(Alliance News) - Moody's Investors Service on Monday downgraded Coca-Cola European Partners PLC's long-term issuer rating and the senior unsecured debt instrument ratings to Baa1 from A3.

The credit ratings agency also affirmed the Prime-2 short-term rating of the largest independent bottler by revenue in the Coca-Cola Co system.

The outlook has been changed to stable from ratings under review.

Moody's said the downgrade follows the acquisition of Sydney-based bottling peer Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.

CCEP is paying AUD13.50, about GBP7.59, per share in cash for the 69% of Amatil owned by independent shareholders. CCEP will then buy the remaining 31% held by US brand owner Coca-Cola Co for a lower price. The deal valued Amatil at AUD9.77 billion, about GBP5.40 billion.

Ernesto Bisagno, Moody's vice president and lead analyst for CCEP, added: "The downgrade to Baa1 from A3 reflects the significant debt that CCEP will incur in to fund the acquisition of CCA, which will result in a material increase in leverage and a deterioration in credit metrics.

"While the rating is initially weakly positioned in the Baa1 category, the stable outlook reflects our expectation that CCEP will de-lever towards 4.0x by 2023 from 5.6x in 2021."

Moody's said it has factored into its decision to downgrade the ratings the governance considerations associated with the company's financial strategy and risk management.

"The deterioration in CCEP's financial profile reflects a more aggressive financial policy which indicates a higher leverage tolerance," Moody's said.

It added: "This is partially offset by the company's public commitment to deleverage towards 2.5x to 3.0x."

CCEP operates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal, the Benelux region, and Sweden and Norway, while Amatil operates in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

"While the acquisition of CCA will weaken CCEP's financial profile, Moody's said, it will almost double its consumer reach creating a broader footprint with exposure to the mature markets of Australia and New Zealand, growth markets such as Indonesia and the potential to expand into new geographies in Asia," Moody's added.

Moody's also assigned a Baa1 senior unsecured rating to Coca-Cola European Partners proposed note offering - which will be used to pay for the Coca-Cola Amatil deal, alongside existing resources.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Fresh off the police brutality trial of Derek Chauvin, business is booming for the racial grievance industry, this time in a southeast Colombus, Ohio residential neighborhood.

Here are the headlines that ran, starting with NPR:

Columbus Police Shoot And Kill Black, Teenage Girl

Here's the SEO of the same headline, and likely an earlier version of the headline above:

16-year-old-black-girl-who-called-for-help-fatally-shot-by-police-ohio-family-sa(ys)

There's this from the New York Times:

Teenage Girl Is Fatally Shot by Police in Columbus, Officials Say

This from the Columbus Dispatch:

MaKhia Bryant: Columbus police release body camera footage in shooting of 16-year-old

Got it? The narrative has been set: Predatory white police on the prowl for black people find a blameless 16-year-old girl minding her own business and shoot her dead in cold blood.

The protestors are out, and already race-hustler lawyer, Benjamin Crumb, is out front, spreading a phony narrative about an 'unarmed' teen:

Part 8  the worst lie yet. Ben Crump claims MaKhia was unarmed. pic.twitter.com/6tcvuct1o5  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) April 21, 2021

Guess a knife held in the stab position isn't a 'weapon,' is that it?

There is also the sudden appearance of 'relatives' who have swarmed to the cameras, telling us about how 'maternal' and 'peaceful' the deceased was:

The Columbus cops, recognizing that the race hustlers have the media in their tree and are already starting up with the riot and bad-cop narrative, swiftly moved to release the police cam coverage, which told a different story.

Here are a couple of videos from the police cams showing what actually happened:

I see a knife. Do you see a knife? Are we all just imagining it? pic.twitter.com/Vl1ZWZbRYS  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) April 21, 2021

Everyone missing this foot to the dome. pic.twitter.com/SOAWwTNaG7  jj (@JarretCF) April 21, 2021

The Columbus cops, responding to a 911 call about someone with a knife at a foster-child group home, arrived to find a fighting melee, yelled to the participants to stop, and then shot one of the teenage girls with a knife in her hand poised to stab another girl as she ignored the cop's orders and carried on with what she was doing to another girl rammed up against the hood of a car. The 16-year old, identified as Ma'Khia Bryant, who was a resident of the foster home, was given swift medical treatment at the scene, rushed to the hospital, and died.

It was a split-second decision from a cop with limited information to halt a killing less than a second before it happened. One of those people were going to die, and with no other information, the cop made it the perpetrator rather than the victim in pink pinned to the car or the second woman or girl whose head was being kicked like a melon.

Well, what was the cop supposed to do? Was he supposed to call in a social worker to try to talk the knife-wielding teen out of killing the person in front of her? Was he supposed to say 'not my ass' and let the killing go on and make arrests after it happened? Was he supposed to let the threatened girl in pink become a black-on-black crime statistic? Was he supposed to rely on an unreliable taser at a split-second time in a life-or-death matter, assuming he had one? Based on what's seen in the videos, the cop appeared to be a hero, saving someone from certain death from an assailant with a knife who was so blinded by rage she could't even follow police orders to stop doing what she was doing in front of the cops.

All the AP could say to this was that the assailant who died "appeared" to have a knife. "Appeared," as Townhall columnist Matt Vespa noted.

And already the fake media narratives are building up that the cop is the bad guy. The lawyers are out, the relatives are out, the protestors are threatening to loot and riot, and all we need now is Joe Biden to step in with some lies and make it all truly fraudulent.

But blaming the cop for the split-second decision to save a second girl from stabbing is nothing more than leftist projection. There is a victim all right, she is the 16-year-old who died, and there were killers, all of whom came a lot earlier in her life than the cops who stopped her from stabbing the girl in pink.

Number one, where were this girl's parents? Somehow, she ended up a throwaway in a foster group home with absolutely no parents and probably no trustable adult anywhere in her life as she grew up.

It's not surprising that she acted the role of someone who grew up without any adult role models and was left by herself with maybe just gangsta rap, violent videos, and zero education except for critical race theory. Where were her parents?

Number two, where was the state? Some kids do get stuck in foster homes, often bounced from location to location, with some in prison-like 'group homes' as apparently this teenager did, but the kids are put there to give them some kind of ethics system, some kind of serious upbringing, some kind of moral character formation, some kind of capacity to delay gratification in order to benefit later. Where was the state on that? It could well be that some disgusting social worker, so vaunted by Democrats as 'the answer' to all social ills, didn't bother to do her job and just let the kids live with zero guidance. And let's hear about how the 16-year old got access to that knife. Knives left lying around in the kitchen maybe, when there are kids who think solving their problems means getting one out? Someone may need their foster home license yanked at a minimum, and jailing wouldn't be a bad idea for all that collecting of state money that resulted in absolutely nothing for the kids who are meant to be the beneficiaries.

Number three, where were her teachers? Any role models there in the age of Zoom? No word so far.

Number four, let's hear about these relatives rushing before the cameras now, telling us what a great kid this was. Why didn't they take her in and raise her properly? Was it because they were unable, or because a court system told them 'no,' or because they didn't want her, save when she died and became a lively prop for a lawsuit payout from the city?

A lot of questions, and we know that the media, in throes of its bad-cop narrative, is never going to bother to ask. They're just cranking up the same old "narrative" in order to have some fiery pictures for the evening news, the police defunded, and everything blamed on conservatives and President Trump. They're whipping up another round of lies, yet the narrative is stretching thin, very thin, with the public with this case in Columbus. Fool us once, shame on you, fool us again, shame on the rest of us.

Image: Screen shot, Twitter

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
(Natural News) The Chinese government has unveiled a new website and phone app that will encourage the countrys citizens to report people who express mistaken opinions on the internet.

The new platform was unveiled by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the countrys main internet regulator and censor. CAC officials have proudly spoken about how authorities are going to encourage regular citizens to play an active role in helping identify people who are malicious, as well as those who are confusing others and distorting facts. (Related: China imprisoning citizens for critical Twitter posts even though the website is banned in the Mainland.)

The app, which also comes with a hotline, will allow and encourage internet users in China to report others in order to create a good public opinion atmosphere.

Offenses the CAC has highlighted include revising history that has been approved by the Chinese Communist Party, criticizing the countrys political and military leaders and their policies, defaming national heroes and historical figures and denying the excellence of advanced socialist culture.

For a while now, some people with ulterior motives  have spread historically nihilistic false statements online, maliciously distorting, slandering and denying Party, national and military history in an attempt to confuse peoples thinking, said the CAC during its announcement.

Historical nihilism is a phrase regularly used in China to describe any kind of doubt or skepticism regarding the CCPs version of history.

We hope that most internet users will play an active role in supervising society  and enthusiastically report harmful information, continued the CAC.

New platform another avenue for controlling Chinese populace

Scott Kennedy, a senior adviser and trustee chair in Chinese business and economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, said the CCP and the CAC are not really concerned with history. This new platform, Kennedy argued, is more about control.

Its simply an effort of the current leadership to control the conversation about Chinese history and to limit any debate about interpretations of different events, all with the goal of putting the current leadership and [President] Xi Jinping in the most positive light, said Kennedy.

There is plenty of evidence to prove that Chinese authorities dont need this app to control people who supposedly revised Chinese history. Chinas internet is already infamous for being one of the most rigidly censored networks in the world.

For example, authorities in the eastern province of Jiangsu recently arrested a 19-year-old after the man posted insulting comments online regarding the Empire of Japans 1937 occupation of Nanjing, when Japanese soldiers massacred thousands.

Kennedy says the CACs new hotline is part of the Chinese internets new environment, wherein the scope of what is permissible debate is progressively shrinking.

It is not certain how the people of China will react to the availability of the tip line. Kennedy does not expect massive engagement with the line, with people only using it to demonstrate that they are zealous advocates of the party and Xi. The platform might also be used to report others for perceived lack of commitment to the party, or even to settle personal grievances.

Domestically within China, this is probably going to be ignored by most as just something that they dont want to get involved with, said Kennedy. That type of demand for political expression is not something that Chinese want [because] its highly risky.

The CAC did not explain what the punishment would be for people found violating the law through the app and hotline. But legal amendments released earlier this year stipulate that people found insulting, slandering or infringing upon the memory and public image of Chinas national heroes and martyrs can face up to three years in jail.

People can also already be jailed for posting content online that either questions or criticizes the policies and leadership of the CCP.

Learn more about how the Chinese government is restricting the speech of its citizens by reading the latest articles at Censorship.news.

Sources include:

Summit.news

DailyMail.co.uk

Newsweek.com
RADNOR, Pa., April 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS) (Credit Suisse) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Credit Suisse American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") between October 29, 2020 and March 31, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period).



Investor Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired Credit Suisse ADRs during the Class Period may, no later than June 15, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or click https://www.ktmc.com/credit-suisse-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=credit_suisse

Credit Suisse is a global financial services company based in Zurich, Switzerland. Greensill Capital (Greensill), who for filed for insolvency protection on March 8, 2021, was a financial services company based in the United Kingdom and Australia focused on the provision of supply-chain financing and related services. Archegos Capital Management (Archegos) is a family office investment fund run by Sung Kook Hwang. Archegos investment holdings are primarily in the form of total return swaps, a financial instrument where the underlying securities are held by the banks that broker the investments.

On March 1, 2021, Credit Suisse froze $10 billion in funds that were invested in Greensills financial products and held by its supply-chain investment funds. On March 8, 2021, Greensill filed for insolvency protection, as it found itself unable to repay a $140 million loan to Credit Suisse. According to the Financial Times, more than 1,000 investors in the Greensill funds marketed were unable to exit their positions. By March 10, 2021, media reports revealed that Greensill investors had retained counsel and intended to sue Credit Suisse for their losses because Credit Suisse continued to market the biggest of the funds as a fully insured, low-risk product despite a decision by insurers during the summer of 2020 not to renew coverage. As the market digested this news, the market price of Credit Suisse ADRs fell from its close of $14.70 per ADR on March 1, 2021 to close at $12.85 per ADR by March 12, 2021, a decline of almost 13%.

Then, on Friday, March 26, 2021, several of the large banks offering prime brokerage services to Archegos  including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and UBS  suddenly began liquidating billions of dollars worth of shares that Archegos had swap positions on at fire sale prices after Archegos had failed to meet a margin call. By the time Credit Suisse tried to liquidate its own holdings of stocks underlying Archegos swap contracts over the ensuing weekend, prices had already collapsed and Credit Suisse quickly racked up billions of dollars in losses. Credit Suisse issued a press release on March 29, 2021 conceding that the loss resulting from this exit . . . could be highly significant and material to our first quarter results. The Financial Times then pegged Credit Suisses estimated losses at between $3 billion and $5 billion, more than a years worth of Credit Suisses net profit. The Wall Street Journal reported on March 31, 2021 that Credit Suisse had a core capital buffer of 12.9% at year-end and [i]f the Archegos hit is $4 billion, that ratio could fall by roughly 1 percentage point to well below the 12.5% minimum targeted by the lender. The market price of Credit Suisse ADRs fell another nearly 20% following this news, declining from a close of $13.21 per ADR on March 25, 2021 to close at $10.60 per ADR on March 31, 2021.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants concealed material defects in Credit Suisses risk policies and procedures and compliance oversight functions and efforts to allow high-risk clients to take on excessive leverage, including Greensill and Archegos, exposing Credit Suisse to billions of dollars in losses.

Credit Suisse investors may, no later than June 15, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class members claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

James Maro, Jr., Esq.

Adrienne Bell, Esq.

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

(844) 887-9500 (toll free)

info@ktmc.com
For the 14th month in a row, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that restrictions will remain in place for non-essential travel at land ports of entry between the U.S. and Mexico.

And there are no plans nor metrics in place to indicate when this might change.

Two weeks ago, Laredos Rep. Henry Cuellar met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to talk about ending these restrictions and finally allowing non-essential travelers to cross the border again. However, Mayorkas said they cannot open up yet due to the lingering health concerns, and they wont say when these concerns will be assuaged.

Do they just wet their finger and say, OK, the wind is blowing this way, lets go ahead and open up? Theres no strategy, no goals, no timetable, nothing at all, Cuellar said.

With the Trump administration, Cuellar and Sen. John Cornyn had discussed letting local border communities decide when they should open their borders again. But now that the COVID-19 positivity rate, hospitalization rate and vaccination rates continue to improve along the border, there is no discussion on when would be best to reopen, Cuellar said.

Im just a little disappointed and a little frustrated, because if somebody wanted to find a solution, we would find a solution. I think (Mayorkas) lacks understanding and focus on what it means to the border, he said.

These travel restrictions were put in place on March 21, 2020 in order to help curb the spread of COVID-19. While commercial trade, students traveling to school and professionals traveling to work were permitted to cross the border, anyone traveling with a tourist visa or for the purpose of visiting family has been barred from crossing at land ports.

However, anyone who tests negative for COVID-19 may fly from Mexico to the U.S., even for non-essential purposes.

Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz hopes that a similar policy could be utilized at land ports too.

But for there to be no measuring stick for when bridges could reopen seems arbitrary and even capricious, Saenz said.

I realize theres higher politics involved with Mexico, Canada and, of course, Washington. But unfortunately, were the one paying the price here on the border. Its been way, way too long, the mayor said.

Since the fall, when COVID metrics had begun to improve, border leaders have been pleading the federal government to allow all travel to resume at land ports. Saenz said hes afraid these restrictions will last up to July 4, President Bidens target date for most Americans to be vaccinated.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
EDWARDSVILLE  A San Diego man was charged with two counts of money laundering after being found with more than $90,000 in cash.

Yilkal B. Assefa, 36, of San Diego, California, was charged April 19 with two counts of money laundering, both Class 2 felonies.

The case was presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.

According to court documents, on April 16 Assefa was found to be carrying approximately $93,000 in cash in a motor vehicle. The case included $10,000 in bundles with rubber bands, $79,960 in bundles contained in four vacuum-sealed bags, and $4,400 in a manila envelope.

No bail was noted.

Other felony charges filed April 19 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Joseph H. Tappel, 34, of the 2400 block of W. 23rd Street, Granite City, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on April 16 Tappel was found to be driving a 1998 GMC Sierra while under the influence of alcohol. Tappel was involved in an accident resulting to injuries to a 14-year-old passenger. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Scott A. Wilson, 36, of the 4100 block of Pershing Avenue, Wood River, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on April 17 Wilson was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Valerie A. Reed, 26, of the 500 block of Wood Thrush Street, Troy, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on April 18 Reed was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Tayler F. Maddalino, 30, of the 5900 block of Galli Lane, Collinsville, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. According to court documents, on April 17 Maddalino was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Michael D. Bass, 35, of the 2100 block of Wykoff Street, Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; and retail theft, a Class A misdemeanor. The case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. According to court documents, on April 18 Bass was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine; and took a Scosche Bluetooth transmitter phone charger, mens bikini underwear and an Onn charging cable from the Collinsville Walmart, 1040 Collinsville Crossing. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Alisa R. Stone, 22, of the 3200 block of VFW Lane, Collinsville, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on April 18 Stone was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000
New Sonic the Hedgehog Collection Rumoured to be in the Pipeline, According to Leaked Store Listing
EDWARDSVILLE  Three Granite City residents face felony DUI charges after separate incidents.

All three cases were presented by the Illinois State Police, and charges were filed April 20 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office.

Steven M. Kondrich, 44, of the 2600 block of Carolyn Boulevard, Granite City, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 2 felony; and aggravated driving under the influence while license is revoked/suspended, and aggravated driving under the influence, both Class 4 felonies.

According to court documents, on Dec. 3 Kondrich was found to be driving a Chevrolet while under the influence of alcohol. It was noted his drivers license was revoked because of related incidents, and that he had been under court supervision in 2003, and convicted of related crimes in 2019.

Bail was set at $25,000.

In a separate incident, Clifton D. Hibbler, 46, of the 2000 block of Bryan Avenue, Granite City, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 2 felony; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

According to court documents, on Nov. 20 Hibbler was found to be driving a 2005 Lincoln while under the influence of drugs. It was noted that he had been convicted of or received court supervision for a related violation in another state twice in 2013.

He was also found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Alberto Galindo-Carrillo, 37, of the 1600 block of Maple Street, Granite City, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence.

According to court documents, on Nov. 8 Galindo-Carrillo was found to be driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and had previous convictions for similar violations in Hidalgo County, Texas in May 2015 and September 2016.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Other drug-related felony charges filed April 20 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 William C. Hutchison, 40, of the 100 block of W. Fifth Street, Roxana, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. According to court documents, on Jan. 28 Hutchison was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Derris W. Company, 27, of East St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on March 20 Company was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Matthew W. Goewey, 31, of the 200 block of Rohm Place, Wood River, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. According to court documents, on Nov. 21 Goewey was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Alejandro J. Hawk, 34, of St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on Jan. 28 Hawk was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Christopher R. Douglas, 43, of the 600 block of Whitelaw, Wood River, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. According to court documents, on Dec. 29 Douglas was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Breanna R. Beckham, 20, of the 2700 block of Maryville Road, Maryville, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. According to court documents, on April 20 Beckham was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Joshua Barnes, 39, of the 1300 block of Meridian Avenue, Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on March 5 Barnes was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Joshua J. Butkovich, 40, of the 1900 block of Jersey Street, Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, in two separate incidents filed on April 20. Both cases were presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court records, on Dec. 27 Butkovich was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine; and on Dec. 2 was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $20,000 for each separate charge.

 Brandi M. Wieners, 27, of St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on Jan. 28 Wieners was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Dakota R. Chrismer, 24, of the 2100 block of State Street, Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on Feb. 28 Chrismer was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Amyla A. Sloan, 25, of Belleville, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Venice Police Department. According to court documents, on April 10 Sloan was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of Phentermine. Bail was set at $20,000.
Pope Francis highlights the need for solidarity in the face of the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic in a message to the participants of the 27th Ibero-American Summit taking place on 21 April.

By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis on Wednesday sent a message to the Secretary-General of the Ibero-American Secretariat, Rebecca Grynspan Mayufis, and to all the Heads of State and Government participating at the 27th Ibero-American Summit.

The summit, which is taking place on Wednesday in Andorra, will see leaders from Latin American countries gather for discussions under the theme: Innovation for Sustainable Development  Objective 2030.

In his message, the Holy Father noted that the meeting falls in these particularly difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has demanded sacrifices from nations and their citizens, yet calls upon the entire international community to commit itself, in a spirit of responsibility and fraternity, to face the many already-existing challenges, and those yet to come.

All affected by the pandemic

Pope Francis drew attention to the millions of people who have died as a result of the pandemic, and those who are sick, noting that the health emergency has made no distinctions, affecting people of every culture, creed and socio-economic class.

We all know and have felt the loss of someone close to us who has died from coronavirus, or who has suffered the effects of the contagion, the Pope said, further highlighting the pain of families who have not been able to be close to their loved ones to offer them comfort, and the tragic impact the pandemic has had on children and young people.

In this regard, the Pope hailed the work of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, as well as chaplains and volunteers who, at the risk of their lives, have treated the sick and have also been the families and friends of those missing their loved ones.

Equal access to vaccines

Pope Francis went on to acknowledge the efforts in search of an effective vaccine against the Covid-19 virus in a short time. At the same time, he reiterated the appeal that extensive vaccination should be considered as a universal common good  a notion that requires concrete actions that inspire research, production and distribution of vaccines.

He also encouraged initiatives that create new forms of solidarity at the international level, with mechanisms that ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, not based purely on economic benefit, but rather considers the needs of all, including the vulnerable and the needy.

International debt reform

The Pope also seized the opportunity to point out the need for particular consideration to be given to reforming the international debt architecture as an integral part of our response to the ongoing pandemic.

On this issue, he called for the renegotiation of the debt burden of the poorer countries in order to help them to develop, and to have access to vaccines, health, education and employment.

The Pope insisted, however, that such a gesture must be accompanied by the implementation of sound economic policies and good governance that reaches the poorest.

Pope Francis also highlighted the urgency of taking measures that allow access to external financing through special drawing rights which call for greater solidarity among countries, so that the funds can be used to promote economic development and ensure that everyone can emerge from the current situation with the best chance of recovery.

Towards a better post-pandemic society

On several occasions, I have pointed out that we must emerge from this pandemic better, Pope Francis stressed, because the current crisis is an opportunity to rethink the relationship between the person and the economy to help overcome the short-circuit of death that lives everywhere and at all times.

To achieve this, the Holy Father called for a model of recovery capable of generating new, more inclusive and sustainable solutions aimed at the universal common good, as well as a horizon of expectations where the protection of human life is at the center, as opposed to economic profit.

At the same, he notes that none of this will be possible without a strong political will that has the courage to change things, especially priorities in order to ensure that the poor do not pay the highest cost of the challenges facing the human family.

Concluding his message, Pope Francis expressed his wishes for the success of the Ibero-American summit and invoked Gods blessing on its participants, as well as the people they represent.
Nigel Farage has been spotted socialising once again on a Caribbean island while insisting he is on a business trip.

MailOnline revealed last week the former UKIP and Brexit Party leader had slipped away from coronavirus restrictions in the UK.

Exclusive pictures taken on April 10 showed him with an American businessman in the St Maarten Yacht Club Bar and Restaurant on the Dutch territory of St Maarten.

Mr Farage, 57, has been snapped again in the same bar, swigging craft beer and tucking into a Cajan chicken wrap with chips while puffing cigarettes and chatting to three British people.

Dressed casually in shorts, he was wearing the same pink-striped polo shirt which he had on when he was first spotted in the bar eight days earlier.

Nigel Farage has been pictured for a second time socialising at St Maarten Yacht Club Bar and Restaurant on the Dutch territory of St Maarten

The latest sighting of Mr Farage was by British yachtsman Carl Grice, 54, who photographed him at his table in the bar on Sunday lunchtime.

Former IT company boss Mr Grice from Dublin, who is currently on his 36ft yacht in the Caribbean, said: 'He seemed very happy and was enjoying himself over a lazy lunch.

'I saw him with an English man and a woman who seemed to be a couple aged in their 50s and a young guy in his early 20s.

'They were talking English and generally socialising. I could see that he was drinking imported craft beer because it is darker than lager, and he was lighting up cigarettes.

Mr Farage, 57, was swigging craft beer and tucking into a Cajan chicken wrap with chips while puffing cigarettes and chatting to three British people

'I was not close enough to hear what they were saying, but there was a group of five Dutch guys at the bar and one of them recognised Farage.

'I saw him pointing over his shoulder, and saying: ''They are talking Brexit. That's the Brexit guy''.

'Farage was there when I arrived at around 11am and he and his friends were all picked up together and taken away in a silver 4x4 at around 1.30pm.'

Pubs in the UK were still closed due to coronavirus restrictions when Mr Farage was first seen in the bar enjoying the late afternoon sunshine on April 10.

He told MailOnline last week he knew it was illegal for British citizens to be on holiday, but he insisted he was on a lengthy business trip which is legal.

Mr Farage said: 'I'm away for some time. There are all sorts of restrictions you have to go through at the moment like quarantine restrictions or whatever.

'But most of the Caribbean islands at the minute are very, very low on Covid and are acceptable destinations to travel to from other countries. I am away for several weeks.'

When asked to elaborate on the type of business trip he was on, he added: 'I've got one or two speaking engagements coming up, and all will be revealed.

'It is a business trip, I'm here and I'm working. The hours are pretty antisocial, I can tell you. You have to start at four in the morning.

'I'm here for a couple of weeks, I'm nearly done actually, and then I will be off doing some public speaking engagements which are yet to be announced.

'I'm not going to say where right now, but it doesn't take much working out.'

Mr Farage denied he had been staying on a superyacht, but refused to elaborate about where he was staying.

He was accompanied on April 10 by a grey-haired American businessman, his partner and her two young children who were playing on tablet screens as they sat under a Heineken parasol in the bar.

Mr Farage seemed in good humour, cracking jokes and talking loudly while soaking up the party atmosphere.

He declined to identify his companions in the bar other than saying he was with an American businessman who had his partner and her children with him.

The latest sighting of Mr Farage was by British yachtsman Carl Grice, 54, who photographed him at his table in the bar on Sunday lunchtime

The territory of St Maarten on the southern side of the island of St Martin has few British visitors and is a popular retreat for rich Americans and Russians who are often ferried to shore from their superyachts.

British yacht engineer Ray Godsall, 60, said: 'It was quite a surprise to see Nigel Farage sitting there. He was talking quite loudly. He was not drunk, but he had clearly had a few drinks.

'I recognised him and his voice immediately. He was certainly in a very good mood and was very jovial.'

Mr Godsall, who is originally from Arundel, West Sussex, said he arrived in the bar at 4pm when Mr Farage was already at his table with his dining companions.

He added: 'He was with a man who appeared to be an American businessman. There was also an attractive woman who appeared to be the American's wife or partner.

'She was definitely Slavic or Russian. The bar served American type food and it is not too expensive with a beer costing about $4 US.

'Nigel was dressed very casually and the American guy was a bit more dressed up. The Slavic woman was dressed to the nines as they usually are.

'People usually get brought from the yachts by tender to have a drink or meal on shore. lot of business gets done on yachts

'It is a very popular spot. There must currently be around 20 superyachts on the dock. It is a real millionaire's playground.'

Mr Farage was pictured just after sunset in the same bar as he posed for selfie with a drinker from Birmingham.

Visitors who arrive in St Maarten after having been in the UK must show a negative PCR test result for coronavirus taken within the previous 72 hours.

But there is no requirement to quarantine, even though the authorities on St Maarten consider the UK to be a 'high risk' country for Covid-19.

Visitors from the UK are instead only required to self-monitor themselves for high temperatures and 'possible flu like symptoms' for 14 days while in the territory.

Mr Godsall added: 'It is all very relaxed compared to other islands. There are no direct airline flights from the UK  but you can fly direct by private jet. The airport is full of private jets.'
A Limerick councillor has called for crosses to be installed on railings at Steamboat Quay in the city centre to prevent the danger of youngsters falling into the River Shannon.

Fianna Fail councillor Azad Talukder, who lives in the adjacent apartment complex, said he has been approached by many concerned parents whose children enjoy playing by the riverside.

Ive had a lot of complaints from the local residents in Mount Kennett Place and Steamboat Quay. They came to me, especially those with children, who would come here and it would be too risky for them to walk. The gap between the railings is just too big at the moment, he said.

The deputy mayor has made his request to Limerick City and County Council.

Cllr Talukder has welcomed a special new grip which has been placed on the boardwalk at Steamboat Quay.

The measure has been put in place as part of the councils taking in charge of this part of the riverside.

It can be very bad when it's raining. There are a lot of residents coming to me, and they are very happy with this resurfacing. Local residents in Steamboat Quay are delighted. But its not only great for residents. Lots of people want to use the area, he added, That's why we want to see more development, and more improvement in this area.
The main thread of Vietnams UNSC presidency this month is on enhancing cooperation in conflict prevention

In its capacity as president of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for April 2021, Vietnam on April 19 will organise an open high-level debate regarding enhancing cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organisations in confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution. It will take place under the agenda item entitled Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organisations in maintaining international peace and security.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Vietnamese newly-elected State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc will host and deliver a keynote speech at the event.

The MoFA stated that this debate was very important to both Vietnam and the UNSC as this will be the first time a Vietnamese top leader hosts an event at the UNSC.

The online debate will help Vietnam to continue boosting the role of regional organisations and the cooperation between the UN and regional organisations including ASEAN in a bid to maintain peace, stability, and socioeconomic development, and to prevent conflicts, said a MoFA statement on the event.

Moreover, the event will help Vietnam materialise its foreign policy set out in the recent 13th National Party Congress, affirming the countrys policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralisation of external relations and active international integration. This will also inherit success reaped by Vietnam in 2020 when it acted as ASEAN chair, with its initiative in organising the UNSCs first meeting on boosting cooperation between the UN and ASEAN.

Sharing experiences

On March 25, the permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN sent a letter to the UN secretary-general saying the debate would aim to continuously strengthen cooperation between the UN, particularly the UNSC, and regional and subregional organisations, in conflict prevention and resolution; and to highlight the need for further enhancing and constantly renewing confidence-building measures and dialogue in order to contribute to conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

It will also share experiences and illuminate recent best practices on collaboration between the UN and regional and subregional organisations as well as among various regional organisations in this regard; and to renew shared commitments and further explore measures to promote the role of regional and subregional organisations in conflict prevention and resolution, in conjunction with the work of the UNSC and other UN bodies.

According to the permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, there are many reasons behind this fresh significant Vietnamese initiative at the UNSC.

Specifically, the international communitys efforts towards the maintenance of international peace and security continue to be seriously challenged. The scourge of war still plagues the world today as many regions and countries still experience tensions and instability, often caused by ethnic and racial conflicts, inter-state disputes, transnational organised crime, activities of armed and terrorist groups, among others.

Even five years ago, the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations plainly put it that the international community is failing at conflict prevention. Since 2015, the total number of fatalities resulting from conflicts has reached over 488,000.

Furthermore, the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on peace and security is of growing concern. It has not only killed millions, but has also been adding more difficulty to the worlds efforts of maintaining peace and stability in various corners of the world.

Also, The protraction and the risk of resurgence of conflicts in many areas are putting on display the fact that our current prevention efforts are being seriously hindered. A great number of preventive measures unfortunately have not been able to show their full potential owing to the absence of political will on various occasions. In pursuing such measures as conducting fact-finding missions or issuing early warnings, it is not always the case that the parties concerned show their full readiness, read the letter to the UN secretary-general.

The United Nations bodies, especially the UNSC, have held discussions with various regional organisations, including the African Union, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the League of Arab States, and ASEAN. These regional organisations have established various mechanisms to promote confidence-building measures in order to establish trust and avoid tensions among regional countries as well as to assist individual member states in this regard.

According to the MoFA, the relations between the UNSC and regional organisations can be featured in many formats, such as periodical provision of information, dialogues to share information and strategies, and working together to build up shared approaches toward issues in order to increase capacity in coordination and response to threats against security and peace.

This will in turn help boost mutual support between the UNSC and regional organisations, and tap into the full potential and comparative advantages of each other.

Based on the importance of the partnership between the UN in general and the UNSC in particular with regional organisations, Vietnam has considered the relations between the UN and these organisations as one of its prime priorities in its programme on running for a UNSC seat, said a MoFA official.

Clearly understanding the relations between the UNSC and regional organisations will be an efficient tool for Vietnam to not only well perform as a UNSC non-permanent member, deserving high confidence from the international community, but also well accomplish the task as president of the UNSC. This will also be a practical contribution to implementing the Party Secretariats Directive No.25-CT/TW dated August 2018 on enhancing the multilateral diplomatic work until 2030.

Vietnam is of the view that the cooperation between the UN and regional organisations should aim to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-interference, said Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Charge daffaires ad interim of Vietnam to the United Nations.

Fostering UN-ASEAN cooperation

With its second presidency this month, Vietnam has indicated that it will continue to promote cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, including ASEAN.

Denny Abdi, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam, told VIR that one of Vietnams priorities as a non-permanent member in the UNSC is to foster the connection and cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, including ASEAN. During its term, Indonesia also sought to strengthen partnerships between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations.

I believe that the effort to strengthen cooperation between the UN and ASEAN is an excellent attempt to promote confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution. ASEAN has maintained peace and stability in the region, turning Southeast Asia from a war-torn and divided region into an area of peace and cooperation, Abdi said.

Any problem arising in the region must be addressed through dialogue, and ASEAN is the ideal forum for facilitating the conversation to promote reconciliation. In this regard, I also hope that Vietnam can continue its efforts as ASEANs voice in the UNSC in 2021, especially during its presidency this month.

Last November, the UN General Assembly adopted the ASEAN-UN cooperation resolution with the backing of 110 countries, the highest number of co-sponsors for the resolution since it was first introduced in 2002.

As the ASEAN chair 2020, Vietnam represented the group in drafting and negotiating for the resolution.

Compared to the 2018 version, the 2020 version updates outstanding cooperation outcomes between the UN and ASEAN since 2018, including the achievements of the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action for the 2016-2020 period, and the first-ever discussion of the UNSC on the role of ASEAN in maintaining international peace and security, and the adoption of the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action in the 2021-2025 period.

The importance of cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations has been recognised since the very first day of the UN as articulated in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. We express our strong support for deepening such cooperation and are pleased to see substantial progress in cooperation between the UN and ASEAN, said Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations.

For the UN, ASEAN is a very important, active and reliable partner with outstanding achievements in the field of peace and security. If the UN marks its success in saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, ASEAN is recognised for its success in turning Southeast Asia into a region of friendship and cooperation and its crucial role in maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. We believe that ASEAN, with its devotions, efforts and experiences in more than five decades, could make greater contributions to the work of the UN.
[April 21, 2021] InfluxData strengthens leadership team with three new Vice Presidents

InfluxData, creator of the leading time series database InfluxDB, today announced three leadership promotions - Barbara Nelson to Vice President of Applications, Rick Spencer to Vice President of Platform and Marc Kaplan (News - Alert) to Vice President of Technical Services. The promotions support InfluxData's commitment to growing and strengthening every element of the product and support teams. "As a product-led company, it's critical to have strong leaders guiding our technical teams," said Evan Kaplan, CEO of InfluxData. "Barbara, Rick and Marc are not only accomplished experts in their fields, but proven leaders at InfluxData who exemplify our corporate values. Their commitments to building great products and supporting our customers will further our business expansion and continued category leadership." Barbara Nelson, Vice President of Applications: Nelson has vast experience leading globally distributed engineering teams that design, develop, deploy and support cloud-based products and services. As head of the applications team, she will deliver the user interface and e-commerce platform for InfluxData's cloud service. Her team is also responsible for the development of the Telegraf product and community. Nelson joined InfluxData in October 2019 and has led the applications engineering teams since. Prior to InfluxData, Nelson led engineering at several companies, including as a Principa Architect at eBay (News - Alert) , and CTO/VP Engineering at iPass and Cirrent.

Nelson has vast experience leading globally distributed engineering teams that design, develop, deploy and support cloud-based products and services. As head of the applications team, she will deliver the user interface and e-commerce platform for InfluxData's cloud service. Her team is also responsible for the development of the Telegraf product and community. Nelson joined InfluxData in October 2019 and has led the applications engineering teams since. Prior to InfluxData, Nelson led engineering at several companies, including as a Principa Architect at eBay (News - Alert) , and CTO/VP Engineering at iPass and Cirrent. Rick Spencer, Vice President of Platform: As InfluxData's head of platform, Spencer is responsible for the core storage engine, developer tooling and running InfluxDB Cloud 2.0 on Kubernetes in multiple clouds and regions. Spencer has been with the company since September 2019, and has been instrumental in the hardening and running of InfluxData's cloud platform, as well as engaging directly with customers and users. Before joining InfluxData, he served as VP of Engineering at Bitnami and Canonical, and worked at Microsoft (News - Alert) before that.

As InfluxData's head of platform, Spencer is responsible for the core storage engine, developer tooling and running InfluxDB Cloud 2.0 on Kubernetes in multiple clouds and regions. Spencer has been with the company since September 2019, and has been instrumental in the hardening and running of InfluxData's cloud platform, as well as engaging directly with customers and users. Before joining InfluxData, he served as VP of Engineering at Bitnami and Canonical, and worked at Microsoft (News - Alert) before that. Marc Kaplan, Vice President of Technical Services: Kaplan oversees pre- and post-sales technical services and technical support, helping the sales team to drive revenue growth and retention through customer-facing consultation. In this new role, he will advance core capabilities across sales, professional services and support, with a focus on accelerating product adoption and customer satisfaction. Kaplan joined InfluxData in April 2020. He formerly worked in technical leadership roles at SENT, Tempered Networks (News - Alert) and F5 Networks.



www.influxdata.com/careers. About InfluxData

InfluxData is the creator of InfluxDB, the leading time series platform. We empower developers and organizations, such as Cisco (News - Alert) , IBM, Lego, Siemens, and Tesla, to build transformative IoT, analytics and monitoring applications. Our technology is purpose-built to handle the massive volumes of time-stamped data produced by sensors, applications and computer infrastructure. Easy to start and scale, InfluxDB gives developers time to focus on the features and functionalities that give their apps a competitive edge. InfluxData is headquartered in San Francisco, with a workforce distributed throughout the U.S. and across Europe. For more information, visit www.influxdata.com and follow us @InfluxDB. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005246/en/

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Today, Armenia assumes the Chairmanship of the Forum when the security, peace, and stability in the OSCE area is being challenged like never before due to several factors. This is what Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ara Aivazian stated in his speech at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation. The full speech reads as follows:

"Mr. Chairman,

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today I am delighted to launch the Armenian Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation.

Let me start by thanking Germany as it leaves the FSC Troika, congratulating former FSC Chair U.S. for successful leadership of the Forum in the last trimester and welcome Austria as the new member of the Troika.

Armenia is taking over the Chairmanship of the Forum for the second time after 17 years. Back then FSCs preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of armed conflicts and the threat of such conflicts set the tone of our Chairmanships agenda.

Today, Armenia assumes the Chairmanship of the Forum when the security, peace, and stability in the OSCE area is being challenged like never before due to several factors.

Firstly, the security map of Europe had always covered wider geography than Europe itself and this logic is embedded in the OSCE extending from Vancouver to Vladivostok. After 46 years of establishing geography of the European security, we have to acknowledge that its current map does not entirely reflect the realities. New threats to the European security emerged particularly from the South - Mediterranean and Middle East regions. These threats especially the phenomenon of the foreign terrorist fighters have been on the radar of our Organization since 2014. However, too little was done to create effective capacities to counter these security risks. As a result, in 2020 we had the first case of massive use of foreign terrorist fighters from Syria and Libya in the OSCE area amid complete inaction of our Organization.

Inability to sustain indivisibility of the European security has been reflected in its mapping as well. The OSCE area seems to be fragmented into the core and periphery of the European security. This phenomenon is well observed in the disproportional attention towards different conflict and crisis situations in the OSCE area.

Secondly, OSCE mechanisms designed to strengthen security have been questioned due to the growing disagreements on essential arms control regimes and CSBMs. And here I am primarily referring to those who formally remain in those regimes and undermine their credibility by systematically, intentionally and massively violating them for many years. As a result, the integrity of the arms control regime had been seriously damaged which allowed certain participating States to create capacities for war.

Thirdly, the global decline and erosion of multilateralism, which did not bypass the OSCE, is reflected here by clear shortcomings to utilize early warning and conflict prevention toolbox.

Last but not least the very idea of the Security and Co-operation in Europe whether within Conference or Organization has been inadmissibility of war and use of force.

The Helsinki Final Act revealed the determination of the participating States to cooperate and engage in an inclusive dialogue with the aim to reduce the risks of war, inter alia by seeking mutually agreed ways to resolve the disputes peacefully even in the event of failure to reach a solution.

It was 46 years ago. Last year the massive use of force by Azerbaijan with direct involvement of Turkey and its supported foreign terrorist fighters took 44 days and led to thousands of casualties, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, tens of thousands of displaced in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan has not been merely justifying the use of force but claiming that through the force it resolved the conflict and created new realities on the ground. Realities created by the use of force cannot be legitimate as they generate environment conducive to war in each and every conflict and crisis situation.

The mere fact that the use of force occurred within the conflict addressed by the OSCE clearly indicates that the Organization has not been able to defend its key values, principles and commitments.

Thus, the relevance of the OSCE as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and as a primary organization for the peaceful settlement of disputes within its region, has been questioned.

Apparently, our Organization today does not meet requirements set up by the Helsinki Final Act. It failed to prevent, undertake early actions or respond to conflicts particularly through the work of executive structures. The successful conflict related missions are exception rather than rule and we risk to turn the OSCE into a single conflict related arrangement.

In a situation when a large portion of the OSCE commitments particularly those related to the politico-military dimension is not implemented, we need to reassess the role of the executive structures initially designed for assisting participating states to implement those commitments.

The genuine dialogue among participating states on the implementation of the OSCE commitments should be our first priority. In our view, we need to be driven by the spirit of dialogue which prevailed in Helsinki and led to the establishment of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The current security environment in the OSCE area requires joint efforts, commitment, and political will to uphold the OSCE concept of comprehensive, indivisible and cooperative security. The programme of the Armenian Chairmanship derives from the urgent need to protect the OSCE principles and commitments to prevent further erosion of the OSCE security environment. Armenia is committed to lead these efforts during the second trimester of the FSC Chairmanship under the motto of Rebuilding trust and confidence through implementation of the Politico-Military Commitments.

Dear colleagues,

The Armenian Chairmanship will launch a Security Dialogue on the compliance with international humanitarian law which will provide an opportunity for the participating States to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law as embodied in the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.

We believe that the OSCE as the largest regional security organization should be resolute in protecting its principles and combating terrorism particularly the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. It requires consolidated and comprehensive efforts and a cross-dimensional approach given the nature of the threat. The role of the OSCE in combating terrorism in all its forms and implementation of the existing commitments will be at the focus of a joint FSC-PC meeting.

Arms control and disarmament issues have always been in the center of the OSCEs activities as they are key in ensuring security and stability. Since the early 1990s, the OSCE has gone beyond a modest set of confidence-building measures introduced by the Helsinki Final Act and developed the conventional arms control regime in Europe which is considered as the cornerstone of European security. The CFE Treaty, Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures, Open Skies Treaty, and other confidence- and norm-setting measures have for years proved their effectiveness in enhancing military transparency and predictability. Yet it is unequivocally clear that today we are experiencing a crisis in this field as many participating states believe that those regimes no longer serve their interests.

Thus, we need to stand back and assess the very foundation of the comprehensive and cooperative security upon which all arms control regimes were hinged. Without clear commitments of all participating states to non-use of force and collective efforts to prevent use of force everywhere in the OSCE area, the efficiency of legally and politically binding mechanisms will be elusive.

With this in mind, the Armenian FSC Chairmanship will initiate a number of Security Dialogues dedicated to arms control and confidence-and security-building measures, new generation warfare, military exercises, small arms and light weapons, and UN Security Council Resolution 1540 enabling the participating States to engage in dialogue on the future of these measures and their role and relevance in enhancing European security.

The evolving security threats require coordination of efforts and cooperation among relevant organizations. Similar activity areas of the OSCE and CSTO establish a solid foundation for interaction between the two organizations. The Security Dialogue of the Armenian Chairmanship on regional security arrangements will be aimed at discussing the role of the CSTO in enhancing regional security and addressing the contemporary security challenges and threats, and the perspectives of strengthening cooperation between the OSCE and CSTO towards a common and indivisible Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community.

Distinguished colleagues,

Peace is not sustainable without protection and promotion of human rights, including human rights of women. Women, peace and security is among our priorities and will remain high on the agenda of the Armenian FSC Chairmanship. Armenia firmly believes that women have a key role to play in all stages of conflict cycle and peace is more sustainable with full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

In conclusion, let me commend the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship for its leadership and dedication. Armenia will continue to cooperate with the OSCE Chairpersonship, as well as the members of the Troika and stands ready to work with all the participating States who are willing to support our efforts in renewing respect for shared principles and commitments.

Thank you.
Ghanaian music producer Mark Okraku-Mantey has been nominated by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for the position of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.



When approved by Parliament, he will deputise for Awal Mohammed, the substantive Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.



Mark Okraku-Mantey, who is the interim President of the Creative Arts Agency, is also the Head of Programme at Hitz FM.



About Okraku Mantey



Mark Okraku Mantey started music production in 1996 as the Chief Executive Officer of Slip Music.



He worked with artistes such as Kojo Ashakan, Felix Bell, Ohene Kissi, Lord Kenya, Daasebre Gyamena, Adane Best, Akyeame, Okuraseni Samuel, Bless, and Kumi Guitar.



Others include Nana Yaw Asare, Jamson, Kudjo Sasu, and Nana Quame, Swazzy B. Joe Frazier, among others.



Marks love for the arts goes beyond just music. At a time, he was the executive producer of Efiewura a comedy series that is aired on TV3.



He has also been involved in organising some of the biggest events that the country has ever seen.



The Politics



For the past years, Okraku-Mantey has been actively involved in politics, after openly declaring his support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and championing creative arts activities through the Creative Arts for Change, a group of NPP creatives that rallied behind the party.



In 2017, when the New Patriotic Party assumed power, he was appointed as the President of the Creative Arts Council, an institution that was instrumental in the passage of the Creative Arts Bill.



Upon their re-election for their second term in office, some people in the creative arts industry mooted that an arts-inclined person is made (at least) a Deputy Minister of the sector.



Some names that came up apart from Mark Okraku Mantey for the position were Bice Obour Osei Kuffour  former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and 2020 NPP parliamentary aspirant at the Asante Akyem South constituency, Akwasi Agyemang  Chief Executive Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority and Juliet Asante  Filmmaker and Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority.



Others were Kojo Frimpong  broadcast journalist, Kwabena Okyere Darko  Member of Parliament for the Takoradi constituency and James Korsah Brown  talent manager and 2020 NPP parliamentary aspirant for Mfantseman Constituency.



Expectations from the Creative Sector



A lot of creatives have reposed so much hope in their own holding at least the Deputy Minister position.



For most of them, someone from the industry would help project the creative sector of the Ministry which has for the past years not received enough push and attention.



With Mark as the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, he will be expected to make sure that a lot (if not all) of the manifesto promises made by the New Patriotic Party for the creative industry be fulfilled.



He is also expected to help make the arts feature prominently in the scheme of things as far as activities of the Ministry, Arts and Culture, is concerned.















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European Super League: Arrest and beer can thrown at police as Chelsea fans protest outside Stamford Bridge

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Chelsea fans opposing the clubs plans to join the new European Super League protested outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening (April 20). Footage shows police arresting one fan and what appears to be a can of beer being thrown as police take the man away.
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PA residents are now eligible for healthcare savings through Pennie, the states' health insurance marketplace where Pennsylvanians can shop for health insurance plans, thanks to the recently passed American Rescue Plan which includes provisions to make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.

Through 2022, Pennsylvanians who buy individual health plans through Pennie will receive increased financial assistance to offset the cost of insurance premiums. Previously, only people who earned less than 400% of the federal poverty level were eligible, but now anyone can qualify for one. In addition, a provision of the American Rescue Plan caps the amount an individual pays for health insurance in the marketplace at 8.5% of income for two years.

This provision went into effect April 1, overlapping with a special enrollment period which was designed to help people who lost their employer-based health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The special enrollment period ends on August 15.

"These changes will provide significant savings for Pennsylvanians who otherwise do not have access to healthcare," states Joanne Grossi, AARP Pennsylvania State President. "The increased subsidies, along with the special enrollment period to help with COVID-19 relief, could help close racial disparities in health insurance coverage."

Among Pennsylvanians age 50-64, 12.2% of Hispanic/Latino adults are uninsured, as are 9.3% of African American/Black adults, 8.2% of Asian American adults, and 5.1% of White adults.

Find out more about Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace, at Pennie.com or call 844-844-8040.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/PA or follow @AARPPA and @AARPAdvocates on social media.

CONTACT:

Jacklyn Isasi, 609-902-6242, [email protected]

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

Related Links

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India: Italian Marines compensation: Centre says yet to get Rs 10 crore from Italian govt

April 21,2021 | Source: India Legal Live

The Central government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that a transfer for compensation amount has been initiated by the Italian Government, but they were yet to receive it, during the hearing of a case, in which two Italian marines had allegedly shot two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in 2012. The bench of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, said, We will keep it for next week, that is what we told you last week, we know how fast you are! The CJI asked the Centre, You are supposed to deposit the money, where is the money? To which, Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for the Centre, submitted that the transaction has been initiated by the Italian government. The court had said that the case will be closed, only after hearing the victims families and once the adequate compensation is paid to them.



The Supreme Court had directed the Solicitor General to provide the bank account details of the Indian government within 3 days in which the Italian government will transfer the money. The case pertains to February 15, 2012, when two Indian fishermen returning from a fishing expedition near Lakshadweep islands onboard fishing vessel St Antony were gunned down by two Italian marines on board oil tanker Enrica Lexie. The incident occurred around 20 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala. Shortly after the incident, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted Enrica Lexie and detained the two Italian marines Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre. An SLP was filed in the Supreme Court by the Marines, challenging a Judgement of the Kerala High Court, which held that the State had the jurisdiction to try these marines. Earlier on April 9, the apex court had refused to pass any order on the Centres plea seeking closure of the case. The court had said that the case will be closed, only after hearing the victims families and once the adequate compensation is paid to them. The SC had directed the SG to provide the bank account details of the Indian government within three days in which the Italian government will transfer the money.
PERTH, FRIDAY  The S.S. Australind, which has been engaged by the Government, left Cossack at 5 oclock this morning for the purpose of cruising for dismantled pearling boats. Ninety-mile Beach, where the fleet was stationed, is situated, about 200 miles north of Cossack. There are no means of communication existing, except by sea: consequently details of the disaster are slow in coming to hand. Several private telegrams have been received which confirm the news of the catastrophe, all placing the loss of life at about 500. Thirty-five bodes have been picked up.

The S.S. Australind sent to look for survivors of the pearling fleet.

Captain Redden, of the schooner Ethel, which has arrived at Cossack, reports as follows:On 27th April we experienced a heavy hurricane, for the space of 12 hours, off Roebuck Bay. We lost two ships boats and a large quantity of deck cargo. We had also in company three luggers, with six men on each, for the pearling grounds. We parted company during the gale, and I believe all are lost. I think all the Ninety-mile beach pearling fleet must be lost.

When the hurricane struck the pearling fleet several boats made for Gourdon Bay, at the north end of Ninety-mile Beach, for shelter, and a number reached there. Amongst the boats missing are the following: Venture, Lady Loftus and several luggers, Dairy Maid and 6 loggers, 3 luggers belonging to the Mairs, 1 lugger belonging to the Lady Denison, 3 luggers belonging to the Herald, 1 lugger belonging to Annie, the Osprey and 1 lugger. Several other luggers are also known to be lost. Of the West Australian boats, the Expert, Dawn, Myra, Jessie, Water Lily, Gipsy and Harriet are all lost or missing. The Dawn had 30 tons of shell on board.

Very little hope is now entertained of finding more boats, although the Australind is out searching. It is supposed, if the boats had been driven to sea, they must be in the neighborhood of Scotts Reef, in a north-westerly direction.
Haque confessed to the police that he used to provoke people against non-Muslim people, open thinkers and progressive leaders as well as the Awami league and PM Sheikh Hasina to grab the power of the country.

Hefazat-e-Islam group staged a nationwide violent protests in March over Modi's visit to Bangladesh. At least 16 people were killed in the incident.

"If Sheikh Hasina's government falls, no one can come to power without the support of Hefazat," said Haque.

"Haque, who is on a 7-day remand, divulged the information along with other shocking revelations during interrogation," Harun Ur Rashid, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metrapalitan Police (DMP), Tejgaon Division, told IANS.

Haque has drawn scrutiny over the massacre, vandalism and violence perpetrated by the Hefazat supporters as well his multiple marriages after being caught with a woman, who he claimed is his second wife, at a resort in Sonargaon on April 3.

Police arrested Haque on Sunday from the capital's Mohammadpur in a case filed with Mohammadpur Police Station in 2020. On Monday, a court issued a remand order allowing police to grill him for seven days.

Haque was grilled on the allegations made by the plaintiff in the case, and he was also shown the video of the attack that day.

He said that most of the Hefazat members are the leaders of Jamat-e-Islam, the war criminals of 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh.

Haque further said that he tried to provoke them by branding Shahriar Kabir (president of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee) a 'chicken thief' as a writer Begum Mushtari Shafi wrote in her Biography about Shahriar Kabir.

He also called for JSD leader Hasanul Haque Inu and former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik to be beaten with shoes on sight.

Asked about the remarks, Haque said he made those out of passion.

"If anyone is found to be using him for a political purpose, he or she will also be brought to justice," police said.

"Haque and his supporters are basically followers of Zubair Hasan, another Tablighi faction. So, Haque thought that it would weaken Saad's faction if they were beaten and kicked out of the mosque," Rashid said.

Meanwhile, officials of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested Ataullah Ameen the assistant organising secretary of Hefazat's central committee from a madrasa in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area early morning on Wednesday.

Police have since arrested more than 15 top leaders of the militant outfit and Jamat-e-Islam in various cases. However, BNP leaders and some left political leaders have demanded release of the militant leaders.

--IANS

sumi/sdr/skp
Not since the late 1800s have whooping cranes nested in Texas  until now.

A pair of the magnificent birds are nesting in Chambers County on private land about 65 miles east of Houston off Interstate 10. Theyre not part of the migratory flock from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge but are instead from of an introduced, non-migratory flock at Louisianas White Lake Conservation Area.

Think about it. A pair of whooping cranes nesting in Texas for the first time in perhaps 140 years. The Chambers County landowner, who will remain anonymous so the nest is not disturbed, told me the cranes have been nesting on his property for the last four years. (Birders who found out about the cranes this year flocked to the nesting site.)

Whooping cranes Whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America at 5-feet tall with a snow-white body, red crown, black face, red cheeks, black wingtips and a long, spear-like beak. Juveniles have a mix of tawny and white feathers. Adults weigh about 16-pounds and fly on an 8-foot wingspan at speeds reaching 35 mph. They utter a reverberating bugling call, hence the name "whooping." The migratory population can fly 400 miles a day along their 2,600-mile route between nesting grounds in Canada and wintering grounds at the Texas Aransas refuge. See More Collapse

The majestic snow-white cranes numbered more than 1,400 birds after the Civil War; they ranged from the Arctic coast down through North America and Mexico. They nested mostly in prairie marshlands throughout the Great Plains.

They migrated from the Great Plains to winter homes on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, while a non-migratory population resided in southwestern Louisiana. But the cranes rapidly declined in the late 19th century as breeding grounds were converted to agriculture and as shooters hunted them.

In 1937, a remnant population of about 15 to 18 migratory whooping cranes arrived at the Aransas refuge from their nesting ground at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canadas Northwest Territories. The non-migratory flock in Louisiana had died out by 1950.

BIRD SAFETY: Millions of birds die crashing into Houston buildings. A darker skyline could save them

Meanwhile, massive recovery efforts were underway to restore the crane population. Those efforts included captive breeding programs to reestablish the birds in Florida and Louisiana, plus training captive-bred birds to migrate to Florida from restored breeding grounds in Wisconsin.

Most urgent was the restoration of a viable population of the only self-sustaining population of whooping cranes that migrate between Northwest Canada and the Aransas refuge. While their population reached 506 birds this past winter, a thousand birds would be self-sustaining.

But restoration depends on the Aransas Refuges brackish marsh, where the cranes must fatten up on blue crabs for reproductive capability on breeding grounds. Potential disasters like oil spills and hurricanes could alter the habitat and reduce the crabs, threatening the cranes vitality.

In his book A Haven in the Sun, B.C. Robinson wrote, We should not necessarily call the saga of the whooping crane recovery a success story, for the cranes survival is far from over.

Gary Clark is the author of Book of Texas Birds, with photography by Kathy Adams Clark (Texas A&M University Press). Email him at Texasbirder@comcast.net.
Photo: BC Gov Flickr

Highlights of the British Columbia budget presented Tuesday:

Full stories on the budget's spending on social programs, business support, and economic recovery.

 $26.4 billion capital plan over three years to build hospitals, schools, transit and roads while creating 85,000 jobs.

 $500 million for mental health and addictions services, including targeted funding for youth, 195 treatment and recovery beds for substance users and an expansion of overdose crisis response programs.

 $11 million to more than double the number of $10-a-day child care spaces with 3,750 spaces offered through 75 additional ChildcareBC Universal Prototype Sites.

 $1.6 billion for poverty reduction strategies, including a record increase of $175 per month increase for income and disability assistance rates, and the first increase of $50 to the Senior's Supplement since it was introduced 34 years ago.

 $506 million to support CleanBC, including the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations, electrification of more school buses and ferries, and the elimination of the PST on e-bike purchases.

 Additional revenue and lower spending puts the deficit for 2021-22 at a projected $9.7 billion, lower than the $13.6 billion forecast in December.

 $26 million to make transit free for children ages 12 and under, with the first phase launching in Metro Vancouver in September.
[April 21, 2021] Smart lampposts tackle Covid response and recovery according to new report

LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A NEW GENERATION of smart lampposts that can read body temperatures and detect overcrowding could stop the spread of Covid-19 and regenerate cities, according to a new report. These 21st century lamp columns go beyond street lighting by incorporating sensors that can receive and transmit information about crowd density, and even the body temperature of individuals. They can also incorporate CCTV, air quality sensors, flooding monitors, digital signage, and 5G wifi hotspots. Shining a Global Light  commissioned by city transformation experts UrbanDNA, Hydro, Itron, Lucy Zodion, Signify and the Smart City Infrastructure Fund  draws on case experiences from Barcelona, Copenhagen, LA, London, Munich and Singapore, to demonstrate how smart lampposts are being used to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. In Barcelona, the City Council has developed a camera-based solution attached to lampposts in the Las Ramblas area to ensure public health on beaches and implement crowd control measures to help tackle Covid. Marc Perez-Batlle, innovation manager at Municipal Institute of Information and Technology at Barcelona City Council, said: "We used scanning devices to get the images and a bit of artificial intelligence to analyse them to find out what portion of the beach was free in terms of lack of people. We analysed the proportion of sand rather than identifying people's faces. This enabled us to look at the capacity that was free. Due to privacy concerns we anonymised the images." Westminster City Council in London is looking at ways of using lighting to nudge people away from potentially crowded tube exits around Oxford Street to help with crowd safety management. A street lighting London



Los Angeles already has more than 400 smart street lights, equipped with electronic vehicle chargers, and the city is looking to pilot air quality sensors, fire spotters, gunshot locators and earthquake sensors. Although LA is not yet using smart lampposts to tackle Covid, its street lighting department maintains that smart lampposts could help them to detect if someone has a high temperature. James Quigley, Senior Engineering Manager, at Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) Los Angeles, said: "Are people congregating where they shouldn't be and how many of these people are exhibiting symptoms? A temperature sensor that is mounted on a lamppost is something that could be easily done. If your temperature is above 100 you can flag it up."

Globally, there are 326 million street lights. A quarter of these have been converted to run on energy saving LEDs, with more than 10 million lamp columns already set up as smart lampposts. A street light column, by definition, has electricity running to it, which can power additional sensors, mounted alongside the lamp. Street lights naturally follow where people and businesses are, and therefore are ideally placed where gathering sensor data is most useful to the provision of 'Smart Applications'. After more than a year of restrictions, coronavirus is still thriving as many countries try to tackle their third and fourth waves. Lockdowns have cost Europe 2 billion per day[1], equivalent to the cost of investing in 2 million smart lampposts every day. Richard Perry, Lucy Zodion's Smart Cities Head of Business Development, said: "The pandemic has been highly revealing regarding smart city infrastructure, and the need to improve our way of working to drive further efficiencies. The key takeaway from the report is the amount of untapped potential that exists. We have seen forward-thinking cities such as London, Barcelona, and Copenhagen leading the way, and individually they are only accessing a small proportion of what the 'humble lamppost' can offer. Imagine the potential for other cities. With this new alliance, we are learning all the time and discovering new initiatives in which the lamppost can play a role in our recovery. "We don't know when we will be finally Covid-free, but as we slowly ease restrictions, new measures will be needed to keep everyone and the economy safe. By using their existing infrastructure, local authorities can smarten their lighting assets making their public spaces safer, healthier and bag the bankable financial savings that result from smart lighting upgrades  which typically exceed 50%." Graham Colclough, founding partner of UrbanDNA, said: "The paper highlights the progressive cities that are leading the way in using smart technologies to tackle Covid. It highlights a second group that have implemented the technology. However, they have not yet fully exploited its potential to address Covid recovery. The real opportunity lies with the third larger group that can reap huge energy and cost savings from installing LED smart lights, and benefit at the same time by making those lights 'smart' to address Covid-related needs. Our report shows how they can do so to best effect." [1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/eu-faces-100-billion-euro-price-tag-for-bungled-vaccine-rollout

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"At Casados we have stepped out 200 metres along strike and have intercepted high grade mineralization of more than a kilo of silver equivalent," said Brad Langille, President and CEO. "Again we see at Casados, like other areas of Los Ricos North, kilos of silver equivalent enveloped in broad zones of good grades, potentially bulk mineable. These broad zones of strong mineralization help to build resource ounces quickly."

Table 1: Drill Hole Intersections

Hole ID Area From To Length1 Au Ag AuEq2 AgEq2



(m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) LRGCS-21-012 Casados  Multi3 102.0 153.5 51.5 0.26 56.1 1.00 75.4

Casados Vein 1 102.0 120.7 18.7 0.54 88.5 1.72 129.0

including 115.1 120.0 5.0 1.71 280.4 5.45 409.0

Casados Vein 2 129.0 153.5 24.5 0.12 49.5 0.78 58.5

including 143.8 153.5 9.7 0.20 86.5 1.35 101.3 LRGCS-21-016 Casados Vein 1 99.7 123.0 23.4 0.69 139.7 2.55 191.5

including 117.0 118.0 1.0 4.94 820.3 15.87 1,190.8

Casados Vein 24 135.0 151.5 15.0 0.69 151.4 2.70 202.8

including 141.8 144.0 2.2 3.70 797.4 14.33 1,075.1 LRGCS-21-017 Casados  Multi3 152.7 201.9 49.2 0.23 51.7 0.92 68.8

Casados Vein 1 165.0 173.3 8.3 0.36 128.0 2.07 155.3

Casados Vein 2 183.0 201.9 18.9 0.37 62.7 1.21 90.7

including 188.4 190.7 2.3 0.77 213.3 3.61 270.8 LRGCS-21-019 Casados Vein 1 50.9 53.1 2.2 0.41 135.4 2.21 165.7

Casados Vein 2 113.0 114.4 1.5 0.83 325.2 5.17 387.7

including 113.7 114.4 0.8 1.59 620.4 9.86 739.6 LRGCS-21-022 Casados Vein 1 170.1 185.0 14.9 0.32 116.0 1.86 139.9

including 182.1 184.1 2.0 1.40 663.7 10.24 768.3 LRGCS-21-023 Casados Vein 1 91.5 93.0 1.5 1.89 0.2 1.89 141.9 LRGCS-21-024 Casados Vein 15 108.0 131.1 21.0 0.44 116.4 2.00 149.6

Including5 111.8 123.2 9.3 0.77 210.7 3.58 268.3

including 121.5 123.2 1.7 1.66 391.9 6.88 516.2

Casados Vein 2 152.1 164.0 12.0 0.37 115.5 1.91 143.4

including 157.1 160.3 3.2 1.11 355.3 5.85 438.7 LRGCS-21-025 Casados Vein 1 40.5 57.3 16.8 1.40 201.3 4.08 306.2

including 53.0 54.5 1.5 8.28 699.7 17.6 1,320.4





1. Not true width 2. AqEq converted using a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 at recoveries of 100%. 3. Multi values include combined results from both Casados Vein 1 and Casados Vein 2 4. Excludes 1.5m of historically mined void 5. Excludes 2.1m of historically mined void 6. Holes LRGCS-21-015 and LRGCS-21-018 were abandoned due to technical difficulties. 7. Holes LRGCS-21-020 and LRGCS-21-021 are excluded due to insignificant mineralization. These holes are available on the Company's website.

These are the third set of drill holes released on the Casados deposit in Los Ricos North, and these holes extended mineralization over 200 metres to the east from the previously released holes. Mineralization is open both along strike and at depth on the target.

The Casados Veins strikes nearly E-W, dips 45o to the north and is hosted in andesitic tuffs and is exposed on surface for about 400 metres along strike. In the 7 metres of old stope that is above the water level at the Casados mine, the vein shows as a zone of quartz stringers about a meter wide, but at other places it is more than 2 metres wide. A zone of silicification up to 50 metres wide envelopes the vein and this resistant outcrop forms a steep ridge along the strike of the vein, particularly on the north or hanging wall side.

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Length LRGCS-21-012 583487 2337809 661.0 185 -45 216.0 LRGCS-21-016 583510 2337792 670.0 180 -45 237.0 LRGCS-21-017 583404 2337835 685.0 180 -45 306.2 LRGCS-21-018 583763 2337662 700.0 180 -50 234.0 LRGCS-21-019 583695 2337689 690.0 180 -45 171.2 LRGCS-21-020 584096 2337605 868.0 180 -50 205.0 LRGCS-21-021 583969 2337657 790.0 180 -50 243.0 LRGCS-21-022 583350 2337855 719.0 180 -45 240.0 LRGCS-21-023 584138 2337621 865.0 180 -45 197.0 LRGCS-21-024 583510 2337792 670.0 180 -60 259.5 LRGCS-21-025 583720 2337687 705.0 180 -45 162.8 LRGCS-21-026 583705 2337734 741.0 180 -45 240.0

VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation

VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps.

Access the GoGold Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com

The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for GoGold can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/explore/decks/9404 and on the Company's website at: www.gogoldresources.com.

Los Ricos District Exploration Projects

The Company's two exploration projects at its Los Ricos property are in Jalisco state, Mexico. The Los Ricos South Project began in March 2019 and an initial resource was announced on July 29, 2020 which indicated a Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource of 63.7 million ounces AgEq grading 199 g/t AgEq contained in 10.0 million tonnes, and an Inferred Resource of 19.9 million ounces AgEq grading 190 g/t AgEq contained in 3.3 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on January 20, 2021 indicating an NPV 5% of US$295M.

The Los Ricos North Project was launched in March 2020 and includes drilling at the El Favor, La Trini, Casados and El Orito targets. During 2020, GoGold's exploration team identified over 100 targets on the Los Ricos North properties, demonstrating the significant exploration potential. The Company plans to drill 10 of these targets as part of its 2021 drilling program which is planned to exceed 100,000 metres of drilling and will be one of the largest in Mexico.

Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification

The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full core is sawn with a diamond blade core saw with one half of the core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work.

The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the ActLabs facility in Zacatecas, Mexico. ActLabs crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106m). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 50-gram charge by fire assay (Code 1A2-50) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code 1A3-50). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code 1F2 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code 8-Ag FA-GRAV Ag).

Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified standards, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed GoGold's QA/QC protocols.

Mr. David Duncan, P. Geo. is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information of this release.

About GoGold Resources

GoGold Resources (TSX: GGD) is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North exploration projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any of GoGold's securities in the United States.

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Los Ricos South and North projects, and future plans and objectives of GoGold, including the intention to undertake further exploration at Los Ricos North, and the prospect of further discoveries there, constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of GoGold and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices, the accuracy of mineral resource estimates, and the performance of the Parral project. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from GoGold's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with GoGold's projects, the failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. For additional information with respect to risk factors applicable to GoGold, reference should be made to GoGold's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with securities regulators, including, but not limited to, GoGold's Annual Information Form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release.

SOURCE GoGold Resources Inc.

Related Links

http://www.gogoldresources.com/


The Taliban claim that they are upholding the deal, which still stands post-Biden announcement. The United States often denies any responsibility for the violations that the Taliban identify, as they are usually said to have been committed by Afghan forces. Meanwhile, the Americans see the insurgents repeated attacks on villages and towns, unclaimed targeted killings and brazen offensives in the countrys south as clear infractions.

In at times contentious meetings, both sides have thrown accusations at one another, one U.S. official said, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Still, some American officials believe that the months of disputes  which took place quietly twice a week, sometimes on WhatsApp and other times in luxury Qatari hotels  can still be the foundation to further negotiate a reduction in violence that would last 90 days. The plan is a last-ditch attempt to stave off a deadly summer insurgent offensive and stabilize the battlefield as the last American forces leave  if the Taliban are willing to come back to the table.

By announcing the withdrawal, the Biden administration has given up much of the United States negotiating leverage, but it still has one last carrot and stick up its sleeve that could get the Taliban onboard: U.S. envoys could agree to push for the release of 7,000 Taliban prisoners (though the Afghan government is likely to refuse to comply, especially in the wake of the announcement) and the removal of United Nations sanctions against the insurgent group.

It seems possible that the end of Americas longest war on foreign soil will not end in a bang, or a whimper, but instead with representatives from an insurgent group and those of a superpower sitting across a table, debating spreadsheets.
ROME, APR 21 - Two suspects in the beating of a 17-year-old boy in Colleferro at the weekend on Wednesday obtained house arrest. Lorenzo Farina and Christian Marozza have been charged with the savage beating, which revived memories of the beating death in the same town near Rome last year of a 21-year-old Cape Verdian-Italian cook, Willy Monteiro Duarte, who became a symbol of the youth street violence sweeping Italy. Duarte was beaten to death in Colleferro on September 6 after stepping in to defend a friend. Duarte's alleged killers, a pair of brothers who are expert mixed martial arts fighters, have been charged with his murder. On October 8 President Sergio Mattarella awarded one of Italy's top honours, the gold medal, posthumously to Duarte and another person also recently killed while trying to help others, 51-year-old priest Father Roberto Malgesini. Malgesini, who worked to help the poor and marginalised, was stabbed to death in central Como by a homeless migrant with mental-health problems. Duarte's brutal alleged murder sparked calls for police to crack down on youth street violence, after a spate of other episodes. Among the responses was the 'Willy DASPOban', which carries penalties of stiff fines and jail terms between six months and two years. Youth street fights are becoming more common in Italy. Another big street fight took place in Rome on the night of January 4, when a 29-year-old man was arrested for going and getting a handgun to defend one of the two rival groups. In December several youths, some with criminal records and some minors, were identified after a mass street fight involving hundreds of young people on Rome's Pincian Hill on a Saturday night. The dust-up, which featured gangs of youths without face masks or with their masks lowered, was reportedly arranged on social media by two girls, Rome daily Il Messaggero reported. There was another major confrontation between two rival youth gangs in Gallarate north of Milan, also in January. At least 100 youths took part, some of them wielding sticks and chains. MIlan minors' prosecutor Ciro Cascone said the episode was a "full-blown brawl that verged on urban guerilla warfare". A turf war and jealousy spurred by a visit to two local girls sparked the street fight in central Gallarate for which the youths have now been arrested and placed under investigation. Witnesses cited by local La Prealpina daily said two boys from Malnate went to see two girls from Cassano Magnago near Gallarate after meeting them on social media, sparking the jealousy of two local boys who were interested in them. The four had an initial fight which then led to a showdown in the centre of Gallarate that youths showed up for after being alerted on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, the daily said. (ANSA).
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 20, 2021) - Cuda Oil and Gas Inc. (TSXV: CUDA) ("Cuda" or the "Company") is pleased to release the results of its December 31st, 2020 Oil and Gas Reserves Evaluation ("2020 Reserves Report") for Wyoming and Alberta. Cuda recorded significant progress in maturing its major asset at Barron Flats Shannon Secondary Recovery Unit ("SSRU") in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.

In the 2020 Reserves Report, Ryder Scott has identified significant increases to the Company's estimated Proven Developed Producing ("PDP") reserves, increasing by 77% as compared to December 31st, 2019. This third-party validation of the Company's asset confirms the positive performance of the miscible gas flood project and remarkable accomplishment by the Company to dramatically increase PDP reserves in an extremely volatile environment.

Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 and the volatile price environment, gas flood injection volumes exceeded over 1 billion cubic feet of gas equivalent into the SSRU with eight gas injection wells online at year-end 2020. Initial production response has been notable in 19 of the 33 total producing oil wells in the gas flood area with the two most advanced injection patterns in the south eastern section of the pool (the William Valentine and BFU 11-26 Patterns) receiving almost 50% (500 million cubic feet) of total injection volumes. Supported by the reservoir simulation projections, production in these patterns have increased sharply, from 167 bbls/d in January 2020, to 456 bbls/d in January 2021. This represents an increase of 289 bbls/d or 173% year over year incline excluding new production drilling. The SSRU joint venture partners are planning an aggressive injection ramp up starting April 2021, should oil prices gain upward momentum.

Cuda emphasizes that oil production continues to increase in wells proximal and adjacent to the injection wells. These results and bookings align the SSRU project to ultimate recovery results of the adjacent analogue field, the Sand Dunes Miscible Gas Flood ("Sand Dunes"). Over its project life, Sand Dunes recovered approximately 50% of the 48 MMbbls of OOIP or 25 MMbbls. For perspective, the Company's SSRU Project was assigned 121 MMbbls of OOIP in the 2020 Reserves Report, volumetrically 60% larger than Sand Dunes. Current simulation modeling by a third-party expert indicates up to 51 MMbbls, based on 100% WI, could ultimately be recovered in a full field development scenario inclusive of future development capital.

Story continues

Reserves Report Highlights

All reserves information contained in this press release is based on the 2020 Reserves Report and includes reserves attributed to the SSRU, the Cole Creek Unit and Alberta assets. Unless specifically indicated, all financial and operational information in this press release is based on estimates and is unaudited and accordingly, such financial information is subject to change based on the results of the Company's audit.

Proven Developed Producing Reserves ("PDP")

The Company's PDP reserves grew 77% over 2019 reserves to 3,843 Mboe (90% oil and liquids).

NPV10 of $40.7 Million.

Reserve Life Index ("RLI") of 18.2 years, based on Q4 2020 production.

Total Proved Reserves ("1P")

The Company's 1P reserves decreased by 2% from 2019 reserves, to 7,440 Mboe (89% oil and liquids).

NPV10 of $62.3 Million.

RLI of 35.3 years.

Proved plus Probable Reserves ("2P")

The Company's 2P reserves decreased by 3% over 2019 reserves, to 14,396 Mboe (91% oil and liquids).

NPV10 of $111.8 Million.

RLI of 68.2 years.

Future development costs associated with the 1P and 2P categories are $64.5 million and $121.7 million, respectively.

Other Definitions

bbls Barrels of oil bbls/d Barrels of oil per day MMbbls Million barrels of oil BOE Barrel of oil equivalence Mboe Thousand barrels of oil equivalent NPV10 Valuation based on discounted value of the reserves after all capital development, operating, costs, and royalties before taxes, discounted to present day dollars WI Working interest

Oil and Gas Reserves

The 2020 Reserve Report represents Cuda's oil and gas properties in Alberta and Wyoming and was prepared in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51 - 101") by Ryder Scott, the Company's independent reserves evaluator. The following table summarizes certain information contained in the 2020 Reserve Report:

Reserves Category



Light and

Medium Oil Natural

Gas Natural Gas

Liquids Total BOE 1

31-Dec-20 Total BOE 1

31-Dec-19 Reserves Category

(Mbbl) (MMcf) (Mbbl) (Mboe) (Mboe) Proved Developed Producing 3,226 2,366 223 3,843 2,169 Proved Developed Non-Producing 43 1,171 14 253 1,020 Proved Developed 3,269 3,537 237 4,096 3,189 Proved Undeveloped 2,971 1,184 176 3,344 4,410 Total Proved 6,240 4,721 413 7,440 7,599 Probable 6,080 3,137 353 6,956 7,273 Total Proved Plus Probable 12,320 7,858 766 14,396 14,872



Notes

1. BOEs are derived by converting gas to oil equivalent in the ratio of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf:1 bbl).

Reserve Category



Summary of Net Present Values of Future Net Revenue (Before Tax)3

(based on forecast price and costs)



At December 31, 20201 At December 31, 20192 Discount Rate 10.00% 10.00% Reserves Category (M$) (M$) Proved Developed Producing 40,651 28,284 Proved Developed Non-Producing 1,404 12,625 Proved Developed 42,055 40,909 Proved Undeveloped 20,288 54,047 Total Proved 62,343 94,957 Probable 49,462 83,208 Total Proved Plus Probable 111,805 178,165



Notes

1. Forecast pricing based on Ryder Scott published price forecasts effective December 31, 2020.

2. Forecast pricing based on Ryder Scott published price forecasts effective December 31, 2019.

3. Estimates of future net revenue do not represent fair market value.

About Cuda Oil and Gas Inc.

Cuda Oil and Gas Inc. is engaged in the business of exploring for, developing and producing oil and natural gas, and acquiring oil and natural gas properties across North America. The Cuda management team has worked closely together for over 20 years in both private and public company environments and has an established track record of delivering strong shareholder returns. Cuda will continue to implement its proven strategy of exploring, acquiring, and exploiting with a long-term focus on large, light oil resource- based assets across North America including significant operational experience in the United States. The Cuda management team brings a full spectrum of geotechnical, engineering, negotiating and financial experience to its investment decisions.

For further information please contact:

Glenn Dawson

President and Chief Executive Officer

Cuda Oil and Gas Inc.

(403) 454-0862

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. In particular, forward-looking information included in this news release includes: (i) Cuda's exploration and development plans, which assume accuracy of technical and geological information and analysis and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labour and contractor availability; (ii) future development costs and reserve life, which assume foreign exchange rates and accuracy of production estimates, and may be impacted by unexpected maintenance, the need to hire external resources and accelerated capital plans; (iii) reserves which are forward-looking statements by their nature involving the implied assessment that the reserves can be profitably produced, and may be impacted by energy prices, future drilling results and operating costs; and (iv) anticipated increases in production volumes and revenue. Risk factors that could prevent forward looking statements relating to Cuda and its operating activities from being realized include ongoing permitting requirements, the actual results of current exploration and development activities, operational risks, risks associated with drilling and completions, uncertainty of geological and technical data, market conditions, the availability and nature of alternative sources of energy, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of oil and natural gas. Although Cuda has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Oil and Gas Advisories

This news release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as "future development costs" and "reserve life index". These oil and gas metrics have been prepared by management and do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included in this news release to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate Cuda's performance and to compare Cuda's operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon.

Future development costs are estimates of capital expenditures required in the future for the Company to convert proved developed non-producing reserves and probable reserves to proved developed producing reserves.

Reserve Life Index or RLI is calculated based on the amount for the relevant reserves category, divided by current production.

"BOEs" may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (6 Mcf: 1 bbl) is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

This news release provides certain information relating to recovery results from gas-injection operations on properties in close proximity to the Company's properties, which is "analogous information" as defined by applicable securities laws. This analogous information is derived from publicly available information sources, which Cuda believes are independent in nature. Estimates by engineering and geotechnical practitioners may vary and the differences may be significant. Cuda believes that the provision of this analogous information is relevant to its activities and forecasting, given its interest in properties in the area; however, readers are cautioned that there is no certainty that any forecasts provided herein based on analogous information will be accurate.

Original Oil In Place ("OOIP") is used by Cuda in this news release as an equivalent to Discovered Petroleum Initially-In-Place ("DPIIP"). DPIIP, as defined in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (COGEH), is that quantity of petroleum that is estimated, as of a given date, to be contained in known accumulations prior to production. The recoverable portion of DPIIP includes production, reserves and contingent resources; the remainder is unrecoverable. The OOIP/DPIIP set forth in this news release has been provided for the sole purpose of highlighting the recovery factors used by Cuda's independent engineers in attributing reserves to Cuda effective as of December 31, 2020. It should not be assumed that any portion of the OOIP/DPIIP set forth in the news release is recoverable other than the portion which has been attributed reserves by Cuda's independent engineers. There is uncertainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the OOIP/DPIIP other than the portion that is attributed reserves.

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/81131
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

Chauvin now faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder, and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter, per a CNN report.

Floyd grew up in Houston's Third Ward. Houstonians shared their reactions after Chauvin's verdict was read.

REFLECTIONS IN MUSIC: Jim Jones' new project explores social justice, police brutality and George Floyd

Rapper and activist Trae tha Truth has supported the Floyd family throughout the case, and attended the trial in person. He shared a video after the announcement of the verdict.

"Guilty Of All Counts...Only the beginning.... #Justice4GeorgeFloyd," he wrote.

Rapper Slim Thug also shared a video of himself watching the verdict, with a caption that read, "we can smoke to that."

Megan Thee Stallion also shared a reaction to the verdict. She writes in the caption, "JUSTICE #georgefloyd."

Floyd graduated from Jack Yates High School. In a statement released after the verdict was announced, Houston Independent School District interim superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan wrote:

"On this day we say his name: George Floyd. His face is seared into our memory, and his final words have pierced our hearts. His image is emblazoned on murals from all over the world to Jack Yates High School, his alma mater. An HISD alum awakened not only the moral consciousness of a nation, but the world."

IN HIS HONOR: George Floyd honored with street mural in front of Jack Yates High School

Mayor Sylvester Turner said during a press conference that this is a "time for reflection" and "as a country we have a lot of work to do."

"This is not a jump up and down moment," Turner said.

New Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said during the press conference that "regardless of race, it's good to see justice being served."
Indigenously developed Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, demonstrated overall interim clinical efficacy of 78% in Phase 3 trials, said Bharat Biotech and ICMR on Wednesday.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin has received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 treatment in India and in several countries across the globe with another 60 in the process.

"The second interim analysis is based on accruing more than 87 symptomatic cases of Covid-19. Due to the recent surge in cases, 127 symptomatic cases were recorded, resulting in a point estimate of vaccine efficacy of 78% against mild, moderate, and severe Covid-19 disease," said Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in a statement.

The efficacy against severe Covid-19 disease was 100%, with an impact on reduction in hospitalisations. The efficacy against asymptomatic Covid-19 infection was 70%, suggesting decreased transmission in Covaxin recipients.

"Safety and efficacy results from the final analysis will be available in June, and the final report will be submitted to a peer-reviewed publication. Based on the achievement of the success criteria, placebo recipients have now become eligible to receive two doses of Covaxin," the company further said.

The Phase 3 study enrolled 25,800 participants between 18-98 years of age, including 10% over the age of 60, with analysis conducted for 14 days post second dose. Covaxin was developed with seed strains received from the National Institute of Virology, and the phase 3 clinical trial was co-funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Biotech, said, Efficacy against SARS-Cov-2 has been established. Covaxin has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in usage under emergency use. Covaxin is now a global innovator vaccine derived from Research & Development from India. The efficacy data against severe COVID-19 and asymptomatic infections is highly significant, as this helps reduce hospitalizations and disease transmission, respectively.



Covaxin neutralises multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively works against the double mutant strain as well, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said earlier on Wednesday.



Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, said, I am very pleased to state that Covaxin, the first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine developed by ICMR and BBIL, has shown the efficacy of 78% in the second interim analysis. The tireless efforts of our scientists at ICMR and BBIL have resulted in a truly effective international vaccine of the highest standards and efficacy. I am also happy to note that Covaxin works well against most variants of SARS-CoV-2. These findings together consolidate the position of our indigenous vaccine in the global vaccine landscape.
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MIDDLETOWN  The Middletown Public Schools $92.6 million 2021-22 spending proposal would mean a 2.67 percent rise in spending  entirely due to raises, employee benefits and other operating costs.

The coronavirus pandemic necessitated a new, bold vision in education, Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner said in his presentation to Common Council members Monday night, one that will challenge the status quo and change the status quo.

Conner said he was hopeful the relatively flat fiscal plan will be funded. I think we made a compelling and profound presentation explaining the why, he said. For us to get to the how we do this, there will be resources needed to support this.

Mayor Ben Florsheims $213 million budget proposal would contribute 84.9 percent of the Board of Education funding, supplemented by $16.5 million in grants, according to Conners presentation.

Last year, the school districts $90.15 million request was fully funded.

Any federal money will be used to create new systems for acceleration and learner growth and recovery, Conner said. The monies that are being allocated are only for one time. We cant supplement contractual obligations. We have to look at how we create opportunities to increase teacher learning, as well as social/emotional learning conditions for our students.

Barring any uptick in coronavirus cases between now and the start of the next academic year, students will return full-time to classes five days per week. They presently attend four days.

The district is in the final year of the Middletown 2021: Keys to Innovation & Equity operating plan. The next three-year vision is called Middletown 2024: Elevating Innovation, Creativity, and Equity.

The focus moving ahead will be on innovative practices, including the regionally award-winning aerospace program at the high school, and collaboration with Middlesex Community College associate and certificate pathway, which allows students to work toward a two-year degree or certificate before they graduate, Conner said. A computer science program is also in the works.

The districts part-time early childhood education system, which now separates 3- and 4-year-olds into different classrooms, will become mixed-age units with students attending full-time, he said. They will then enter kindergarten well-prepared for the rigors of elementary school, Conner said. That is closing the opportunity and preparation gap, he said.

The superintendents vision includes a systemic equity framework. Every request we have is aligned to one or more elements within this framework. If were asking for X dollars to support one area, its going to close the preparation gap and the quality gap, he said.

The district will be applying its federally allocated Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Funds for summer education, Conner said. When we say were going to develop curriculum and leadership institutes, thats directly closing the quality gap, because we want to improve the quality of services our teachers are delivering, he said.

Conner experienced the honor of my lifetime when he was chosen in November for the Learning 2025 Commission along with 24 other education leaders throughout the country  a whos-who in education, he said.

Data was presented earlier this month to the National Governors Association, U.S. Secretary of Education and former Connecticut education commissioner Miguel Cardona, Council of Chief State School Officers and National School Boards Association, Conner said. The group was charged with reimagining what public education will look like nationally in the future.

Florsheim was satisfied with the school administrations efforts, which are similar to what hes doing on the city side: recognizing how tight the economy is, peoples finances are, and to try make sure the cost of living is not going to go up too much. I think they achieved that, he said.

Overall, were trying to achieve the same things, which is good outcomes at the lowest expense we can to the taxpayers, the mayor said.

Common Councilman Ed McKeon, who formerly sat on the school board, was pleased with what he sees, including the investment in summer education. However, he acknowledged the district is facing a huge challenge in closing the learning gap caused by the pandemic. We are in a precarious moment in history. We are OK as a city, he said. We seem to be coming out of the pandemic, but there are still a lot of individuals and businesses hurt by it.

He plans to fully support the spending proposal. They did a very thorough job indicating what money is being spent and where the results are, McKeon said. Its very hard to deny its needed.

The councilman was pleased to see the district moving away from grade- and grading-based education, which can contribute to the learning gap for many children. Its designed so every student meets their own success on their own abilities and individual program, something that may seem impossible, McKeon said.

For kids who are not good learning in the traditional methodology of go to class, take a test, get a grade, they will be able to have more student-centered, student-directed progress. You basically dont move forward until you succeed, until you reach the competency level, he said. Under that model, no one ever fails.

The council is expected to adopt a budget June 14, taking advantage of the governors extension.

To watch the full video of Mondays meeting, go to bit.ly/2QhVykp. The final hearing, for public feedback, will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. on WebEx. For information, visit middletownct.gov.
"We don't just take our members' health seriously, we also take the health of the planet we live on just as seriously" Tweet this

According to Eat Right's President Sergio Valentin, "We don't just take our members' health seriously, but we also take the health of the planet we live on just as seriously. Eat Right has always used biodegradable products to help Mother Earth, but this year we wanted to do more."

For every meal a customer has, they get the chance to help the planet by donating money to Eden Reforestation Projects. As part of their tree-planting projects, trees will be planted with the guidance of local villagers. They hire people in the local villages to offer them a consistent income to provide for their families. As the reforestation effort goes on, healthy forests start to develop, and the dangerous impacts of deforestation start to vanish.

Eden Reforestation Projects is a leader in global forest restoration. Since 2005, the organization has planted hundreds of millions of trees in multiple nations across three continents. They employ hundreds of community locals and send their children to school and pay for food, clothing, and medical care.

Since its inception, Eden has planted over 485 million trees globally in Central America, Kenya, Mozambique, Indonesia, Haiti, Nepal, Madagascar, and Ethiopia.

Eat Right strongly believes that protecting the environment and establishing a sustainable community are corporate citizens' responsibilities. The company shows its care for the community by making the best efforts in tree planting.

About Eat Right



Eat Right is a nationwide, veteran-owned lifestyle meal company that offers an array of customizable products, including conventional meals, ketogenic collations, plant-based alternatives, healthy protein doughnuts, and breakfast to satisfy all lifestyles.

For more details about Eat Right and the services they offer, call Sergio Valentin at (813) 500-9339 or send him an email at [email protected]. Visit the company's official website at https://www.eatright.life to learn more about their meal plans.

Contact: Sergio Valentin

Company: Eat Right

Address: 1006 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Contact Number: (813) 500-9339

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.eatright.life

SOURCE Eat Right Meal Plans

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Oleanna will run in the West End from 21 July to 23 October after a UK tour from June.

David Mamet's piece is directed by Lucy Bailey and stars Rosie Sheehy and Jonathan Slinger, with the production first premiering at Theatre Royal Bath last winter.

Oleanna first debuted 30 years ago and follows a meeting between a college professor and a female student, with the student filing a sexual harassment claim against him. You can read our review from the winter production here.

The show will play at the Arts Theatre in the West End from 21 July to 23 October 2021, with tickets on sale later today.

It is designed by Alex Eales, with lighting by Oliver Fenwick and sound by Jon Nicholls.

The tour will open in Cambridge on 8 June before visiting Bath, Southampton and Malvern.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the fatal police shooting of a Black teenage girl in Columbus on Tuesday afternoon.

The big picture: The shooting of the girl, identified by family members as Ma'Khia Bryant, 16, occurred just before the verdict was announced in the Minneapolis murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin, and as the nation grapples with police reform.

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Community members gathered at the scene into the night, some shouting "enough is enough," according to local news reports.

Mayor Andrew Ginther urged residents in a Twitter post "to remain calm" and allow investigators to "gather the facts."

Details: Law enforcement responded to reports of a disturbance about 4:45 p.m., police said.

The Columbus Division of Police released bodycam footage at a Tuesday night news briefing they said indicated a girl was trying to stab two people with a knife before she was shot. She was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Police did not name the officer involved in the shooting but said he had been "taken off the streets."

Ginther said at the briefing, "We know based on this footage the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community."

For the record: Hazel Bryant, who identified herself to media as the teenager's aunt, said her "niece had a knife, but maintained that the girl dropped" it before she was shot "multiple times" by the officer, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Franklin County Children's Services told the New York Times the teenager "had been in foster care" when the shooting happened.

What they're saying: City of Columbus public safety director Ned Pettus said at the briefing that "no matter what the circumstances," a family was "in agony."

Story continues

"They deserve answers, our city deserves answers, I want answers," he added. "But fast, quick answers cannot come at the cost of accurate answers."

Ben Crump, the attorney for the family of George Floyd, who was killed by Chauvin, tweeted: "As we breathed a collective sigh of relief today, a community in Columbus felt the sting of another police shooting. ... Another child lost! Another hashtag."

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details from the briefing and comment from the Franklin County Children's Services.

More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
The Simply NUC Chimney Rock is intended for embedded and IoT usages, and is the world's first Intel-based NUC with a 7-year commitment to supply

AUSTIN, Texas and BELFAST, United Kingdom and DUNLEER, Ireland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini computer integration company, today announced a new Simply NUC branded mini PC product line called Chimney Rock. The ultracompact Long Life NUC is positioned for embedded, edge, and IoT applications. Chimney Rock is the first 4x4 Long Life NUC available on the market and is designed to take on demanding workloads providing long term reliability. Simply NUC is currently taking orders on Chimney Rock with units expected to ship beginning in May.

"For many years our embedded customers have been asking for an Intel-based NUC with greater than three years of committed supply" said Aaron Rowsell, Simply NUC CEO, "And we're thrilled to deliver to that requirement with Chimney Rock."

Four new Chimney Rock Long Life NUC SKUs are being added to the Simply NUC roadmap with pricing starting at $499 USD. The Simply NUC i7 Chimney Rock (LLN11CRv7) based on the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7E vPro processor and the i5 Chimney Rock (LLN11CRv5) based on the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1145G7E vPro processor are intended for usage where higher performance is most essential.

To fit within a variety of budgets, more cost effective, performance options are also supported with 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4E (LLN11CRi3) and Intel Celeron 6305E (LLN11CRC). More information on the Chimney Rock family can be found at: https://simplynuc.com/chimney-rock/ .

Chimney Rock offers a total of up to six super high-speed (10Gbps) USB ports, up to four 4K video ports, dual Ethernet supporting GbE and 2.5GbE speeds, and Intel Wi-Fi 6 for robust wireless connectivity in cluttered environments. Additionally, Chimney Rock includes TPM (Trusted Platform Module) down for secure communications where encryption is required. With numerous processor, memory, storage, OS, and mounting options, Chimney Rock can be customized to meet a wide array of edge computing and IoT needs. And Simply NUC is also offering board SKUs for deeply embedded usages that require other form factors.

Enhanced specifically for IoT capabilities, Chimney Rock excels with optimized performance at every end point, can provision practical ways to use artificial intelligence, and offers broad connectivity options to help ensure reliable and secure communication. In addition, Chimney Rock provides the ability to create dynamic display installations via four high-performance video ports supporting a single 8K display or up to four 4K displays simultaneously. Some intended usages for Chimney Rock include digital signage, kiosk, surveillance, audience/object analytics, industrial computing, and edge server to name a few. And as always, Simply NUC will customize your Chimney Rock with memory, storage, OS, and accessories; and have it built and shipped within 48 hours.

Formed in 2015 and headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, Simply NUC, Inc. is a global systems integrator specializing in mini computers. Simply NUC provides fully configured, warrantied, and supported mini PC systems to businesses and consumers, as well as end-to-end NUC project development, custom operating system installations, and NUC accessories. For more information about Simply NUC visit www.simplynuc.com .

Contact:John Deatherage, CMO johnd@simplynuc.com

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfUQjRdwEBc

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1492750/Simply_NUC_Chimney_Rock.jpg
Yet another section of North Major Drive could be cleared for an expansive retail and housing development on Beaumonts far northwest corner at the same time the city is planning to address the growing traffic off the Northwest Parkway.

A development with a proposed 36 condominium-style rental units and 10,700 square feet of retail space was approved unanimously at the Monday meeting of the Beaumont Planning Commission and could get final approval as soon as next week at the regular City Council meeting.

The project, dubbed Citrus Plaza, would have two retail centers at the entrance of the property and a drive that would lead to a partially secluded community of 1,600-quare-foot condos.

Related: Beaumont to see $134M in apartment projects during the next year

If approved, the more than 5-acre development would be next to the existing Breakwater Bay Apartments and across the street from Northwest Parkway and the Stoneleigh on Major complex.

The stretch of North Major Drive just north of its intersection with Delaware Street already has hundreds of existing rental units, and even more are on the way on both ends of the Northwest Parkway as developers continue to line-up projects aimed to take advantage of the areas under-served rental market.

But  as development has increased  so has traffic, prompting the city to plan a traffic light for the parkway.

Chris Boone, Beaumonts planning and community development director, said the city is in the process of engineering a plan for creating a signalized intersection, but the best solution might involve collaboration with the developer and another property owner.

There is an intervening property where the driveway would intersect with the parkway, Boone said. The idea is to get the developer to push the driveway further south it would meet with the intersection.

Related: Northwest Parkway opens, linking North Major and Parkdale Mall area

LBF Investments, the firm behind Citrus Plaza, is currently trying to purchase the small sliver of property between its boundary and Breakwater Bay on North Majors frontage, but hasnt been able to reach the owner, according to a representative.

There is a house on the property, but Boone said the structure had been condemned and may potentially be demolished without intervention from the property owner.

Hani Tohme, principal engineer with Golden Triangle Consulting and Engineering, said the development company is still hopeful it can acquire the property, and the plans for the project would obviously adjust to help the citys goals of creating the intersection if and when the plot is purchased.

If that happens, we will make sure that the driveway and the parkway are matching and work with each other well so we can get two birds with one stone, Tohme said.

The Northwest Parkway was designed to bridge North Major Drive and Old Dowlen Road, while opening up around 600 acres of undeveloped land to possible investments.

The city began construction on the $10 million project in 2017 and it was largely completed at the end of 2018.

Firms like LBF Investments have been watching the growth on the citys west side and adjusting accordingly.

A representative of the company told the Enterprise on Monday that the project originally was going to consist of climatized storage and maybe some retail space but quickly changed after developers reviewed the needs in that area.

Since then, the project grew from just 17 buildings and 23,080 square feet of retail proposed and approved at the end of 2020, to the current iteration.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
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PHOENIX  Arizona National Guard troops being sent to the border region will focus initially on the Yuma area but could eventually expand to other areas, Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday.

The Republican governor traveled to Yuma to renew his frequent criticism of Democratic President Joe Bidens administration, which he says isnt doing enough to address an increase in migration or help local communities.

I am going to support the federal government and the administration, Ducey told reporters. We want to partner with them. So I am saying we are here in good faith to partner with you. This is federal land. This is a federal responsibility.

Ducey on Tuesday said hes calling in 250 members of the Guard at the states expense to free up law enforcement officers. The Guard can help with medical operations at detention centers, install and maintain border cameras, collect data from public safety cameras and analyze satellite imagery for current smuggling trends.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is turning away most adult migrants attempting to enter the U.S. under a public health order issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Biden administration is allowing unaccompanied minors and some families to remain, at least temporarily, while authorities determine whether they can stay through the asylum process or under another legal category.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Quality of officers, police department performance, and community interaction has been brought to the public eye recently amid nationwide unrest. News 10 spoke with an Indiana State Police officer as well as the Vigo County Prosecutor to learn more about officer training and when force of any kind is deemed necessary in Indiana.

Sergeant Matt Ames says the Indiana State Police Academy is a bit different than the regular police academy. The state police academy is 24 weeks long. Ames says it teaches you the basic skills of what it takes to become a police officer in Indiana.

They cover firearm training, tactical intervention, culture diversity, first aid, and emergency vehicle operation among other training. Ames says it covers everything you need to know to become a successful police officer and provide the best service for citizens.

After graduation, police officers are assigned to a district. They then go through a 14-week field training program. Ames says they are evaluated every single day on everything they do. Officers also collaborate with City and County police agencies as well as the local prosecutor to go over expectations.

Ames says he believes that training for police officers has improved a lot. He says the process gives all officers a better understanding of what the public expects of them.

The most important thing about training is that if you have great training and good leaders that are running your organization, then that training will allow that individual officer to be the best officer that he or she can be out here serving the public, Sgt. Ames said.

Ames says Indiana State Police go through 80-120 hours of additional training each year. This updates them legally and goes through de-escalation and culture diversity training.

I think that we would be one of the top states as far as training to law enforcement. I really do, Vigo County Prosecutor Terre Modesitt said.

Modesitt says police training in Indiana has certainly ramped up recently. He says there have been several discussions between the Prosecutors Office and local law enforcement agencies. The discussions are to ensure that officers understand what policies, procedures, and laws are in effect when it comes to using any forcelet alone deadly force.

Modesitt says there are two statutes in Indiana that are relevant in making the determination to use deadly force. The first is self-defense. Self-defense applies to police officers and regular civilians.

The second statute is titled use of force relating to arrest or escape. This stature applies to police officers. Force of any kind is deemed necessary when imminent physical harm to you or anyone else is present, or if it hinders police officers from doing their job. Modesitt says this is why training is so important.

These things happen spur of the moment, Modesitt said, An officer has to make a very quick split-second decision while understanding that his life or a member of the publics life might be at risk depending on how this situation is handled and what happens with it.

Modesitt says he believes Indiana has made positive strides to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community and making sure that officers not only understand what they can and cant do, but what they should and shouldnt do.

I think everybody has the right intent and all understand the dilemma that we are facing, Modesitt concluded, People need to come together and work on solutions as opposed to trying to pull everyone apart.
Two teenagers have been found guilty of kidnapping two brothers aged two and four whose family car was stolen as their father dropped off food at a friend's home.

One of the youths, who were both aged 15 at the time of the offence, told Birmingham Magistrates' Court how he crashed into two other cars at high speed, before being arrested by armed police.

The defendants, one now 16, both claimed they did not notice the children were in the vehicle when they saw it with its engine running in the Selly Park area.

The boy who drove the car, who is still 15, claimed he took the vehicle to settle a 40 drug debt, after mistaking the youngsters' father for a delivery driver.

The youth insisted he did not realise the siblings had been strapped into the rear of the Nissan Note until police arrested him on suspicion of kidnap.

But District Judge Shamim Qureshi accepted the evidence of the boys' father - who told the court he shouted to alert the youths to the fact his sons were inside the vehicle minutes before the crash on Birmingham's busy A38 Bristol Road.

One of the youths, who were both aged 15 at the time of the offence, told Birmingham Magistrates' Court (pictured) how he crashed into two other cars at high speed, before being arrested by armed police

Finding both defendants guilty of two counts of kidnap, Judge Qureshi said: 'The only issue in this case is whether the defendants took the children without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

'Their defence in this case is that they were unaware that the two children were in the car.'

Ruling that the younger youth had decided to steal the Nissan and the other boy 'went along with' the theft, the judge said common sense meant the children would not have remained quiet during the entire journey.

Both defendants admitted aggravated vehicle taking, incorporating dangerous driving, at a previous hearing, but had denied kidnap.

The court heard the children's father was left crying hysterically in the street after his vehicle was stolen on Saturday February 20.

Although the older child was uninjured in the crash, the two-year-old suffered a cut to his mouth and a bruised shoulder caused by the straps of his car seat.

District Judge Shamim Qureshi accepted the evidence of the boys' father - who told the court he shouted to alert the youths to the fact his sons were inside the vehicle minutes before the crash on Birmingham's busy A38 Bristol Road (general view)

Giving evidence as his mother watched from the public gallery, the boy who drove the car told the court he was equipped with bolt cutters and looking for a bicycle to steal when he saw the Nissan with its engine running.

Claiming his intention was to sell the car to pay off a debt, the youth said he crashed after being pursued by a police van and seeing oncoming squad cars.

Describing the moment of impact, the 15-year-old went on: 'I sandwiched the car between two other cars and then ran off.

'The very second I have crashed, the airbags went off in my face. It was smoky in the car and I have blacked out for a quick second. My ears were ringing and then I ran off.'

The older youth was bailed until sentencing at the same court on May 17. The other defendant was remanded into youth detention and will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on May 19.

Neither youth can be named because of his age.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 05:07:07|Editor: huaxia

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A policeman checks the license and ID card of a motorcycle driver at a checkpoint in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, April 22, 2021. Four people were killed and over a dozen others injured when an explosive-laden vehicle exploded inside the parking of Serena hotel in Quetta, capital city of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province Wednesday night, the country's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said. There was a threat alert in Quetta and other major cities after some suspicious calls were intercepted, and security was on high alert including cities in Balochistan, Rasheed told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

ISLAMABAD, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and over a dozen others injured when an explosive-laden vehicle exploded inside the parking of Serena hotel in Quetta, capital city of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province Wednesday night, the country's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said.

There was a threat alert in Quetta and other major cities after some suspicious calls were intercepted, and security was on high alert including cities in Balochistan, Rasheed told Xinhua.

He said that despite the security measures, the vehicle carrying explosives managed to enter the parking lot from the main gate of the hotel, which is a matter of big concern and the responsible people will be taken to task for creating security lapse which gave terrorists a chance to carry out the attack.

Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal hinted at involvement of some "foreign hand" in the attack and said that the elements which do not want to see Pakistan prospering are in search of a loophole in the security of the province, and launch attacks when they succeed in finding any.

Proscribed organization Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed the attack in a text message to journalists saying a suicide bomber launched the attack targeting locals and foreigners, but the claim has not yet been officially confirmed.

The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital whose spokesman Waseem Baig told Xinhua that two of the injured people are in critical condition and a state of emergency has been declared at the hospital by the provincial government.

Intelligence sources from Quetta told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that one security guard was killed and two policemen were injured in the attack.

Soon after the blast, the hotel's parking area located in its premises was sealed by the counter terrorism department of police who also restricted media to access the site for reporting, Inspector General Police of Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Rai said.

Home minister of Balochistan told media that a bomb disposal squad reached the blast site to investigate into the incident, and according to initial investigation, some 40 kg of explosives were used in the attack.

Fire erupted in several vehicles following the blast, badly destroying five to seven of them, he added.

Talking to Xinhua, intelligence sources, who were close to the hotel when the incident happened, said that the loud blast was heard many miles away from the blast site and fire erupted in the hotel's parking following the explosion.

Security has been beefed up in other cities including Islamabad following the blast and all sensitive government buildings and installations are being guarded, according to local reports. Enditem
Joey Bunch: "Nobody I know of has accused the bill signer from Boulder of trying to burn down one of the states most important industries, though many on the left would gladly give him the matches. Regulate it? Sure. Frustrate its profiteers? You bet. Tell it that renewable energy is way, way better? That's one of the governor's favorite things."
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters In Organizational Leadership Degree Programs.

Intelligent.com analyzed 172 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 60 making it to the final list for Online Masters In Organizational Leadership Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-organizational-leadership-degree-programs/

2021 Online Masters In Organizational Leadership Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order):

Baker University

Belhaven University

Brandman University

California Baptist University, Online

Campbellsville University

Champlain College

Charleston Southern University

Colorado State University Global

Colorado Technical University

Columbia Southern University

Cornerstone University

Creighton University

Crown College

Duquesne University

Eastern University

Florida Institute of Technology

Fresno Pacific University

Geneva College

George Washington University

Gonzaga University

Goodwin College

Indiana Wesleyan University

Jacksonville University

Johns Hopkins University

LeTourneau University

Lewis University

Lincoln Christian University

Lindenwood University

Medaille College

Mercer University

Mercy College

Messiah College

Michigan State University

National University

Neumann University

Northcentral University

Norwich University

Pfeiffer University

Point Loma Nazarene University

Quinnipiac University

Regent University

Regis University

Robert Morris University

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Louis University

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Southern New Hampshire University

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

St. Bonaventure University

The University of Alabama

Trevecca Nazarene University

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Kansas

University of Northwestern, St. Paul

University of Saint Francis

University of South Dakota

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Western Governors University

Western Kentucky University

Winona 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/.
New Delhi, April 21 : Designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla recently treated customers in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to their diffusion collection, ASAL, at Amiraah, the city's biggest multi-designer store. ASAL by Abu Sandeep carries forth the design philosophy of its parent brand, couture with meticulous embroideries, accented with handmade craftsmanship in a range of styles.

Pooja Gupta, FICCI FLO Vice Chairperson, Kanpur Chapter and founder of Amiraah, hosted the duo at the store which is largely Indian in appeal with a beautiful swing and Ganpati idol stationed at the entrance. The store is divided into three sections: Indian wear, Indo-western and a bridal section. The space spread across 5,000 sq ft., curates haute selections of some of the biggest names in the fashion industry like Tarun Tahiliani, AM-PM, Namrata Joshipura, Anushree Reddy, Kavita Bhartiya, Joy Mitra, and many more.

On the sidelines of the event, IANSlife caught up with the designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla to find out the fashion forecast for Summer 2021.

Read excerpts: Q: Revenge dressing, yay or nay and why?

A: Never give anyone that sort of importance. Dress fabulously for yourself. This is our personal philosophy. The best revenge is to live freely and fully with no regard for those who don't matter. Especially those who have hurt you or let you down. But if it gives you a high to revenge dress... go for it with gusto. Everyone must choose their own form of revenge and dressing.

Q: The smaller the wedding the more opulence required, do you agree and why? A: We don't care for the word opulence. We see weddings as a moment for joyous celebration, an occasion to treat yourselves and your loved ones, including family and friends to beauty. Clothes and events that are refined, rare and original with an acute devotion to detail. Go for the finest to create the most wonderful and unforgettable experience. And yes... small is an opportunity to make it even more fabulous and custom.

Q: Destination weddings a boon or a curse in the times of Covid and why? A: Covid has been a reality since March 2020. This current time sees a crisis of health and safety like never before. The pandemic is raging. Any wedding is best postponed or kept small and local if postponement isn't possible. Destination weddings mean travel for multiple guests and vendors, from multiple locations. Unless one Covid tests everyone and keeps attendees contained it is a huge and highly avoidable risk.

Q: WFH fashion needs an update do you agree? A: Home means comfort above all else. However, the comfortable can be fabulously stylish too. When one feels good one looks good. When one looks good, you feel confident and joyous. We recommend our label Gulabo by Abu Sandeep for putting WFH on your personal style map. Separates that can be mixed and matched to put some serious style into your life.

Q: Fashion trends you are just hating this season? A: Any trend which feels alien to your personal style should be ditched. You don't need to feel and look like a victim just because magazines and designers tell you a garment/look is the flavour of the month. Nothing trendy is worth forgoing your own taste.

Q: The retail experience in smaller towns like Kanpur? A: We just held our first event in Kanpur with a two-day exhibit of our labels Asal, Mard and Gulabo by Abu Sandeep at Amiraah. We were delighted to bring our creativity and new collections to the city. We believe there is a huge interest and passion for style outside the metro cities. We routinely expand our reach to bring the world of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla to aficionados across India including Raipur, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and now Kanpur. And we are blessed to always find savvy and enthusiastic audiences and clientele wherever we go.

(IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)
Chinas military is thought to have instructed a hacker group to conduct cyber attacks on nearly 200 Japanese research institutions and firms, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing unidentified people in a police investigation.

The investigators found a member of Chinas Communist Party made contracts under a false name for rental servers in Japan that were used in the attacks on the Japanese space agency JAXA in 2016, the broadcaster said Tuesday.

Investigators believe the cyber attacks were carried out by a group known as Tick under the instruction of the Peoples Liberation Army. Two men involved with contracts for the servers have left Japan, NHK said.

The cyber-security firm FireEye Inc., which characterizes Tick as a suspected Chinese espionage group with attacks dating to at least 2009, has seen it target hundreds of Japanese organizations. These include research institutions and government agencies, said John Hultquist, vice president of intelligence analysis at the firm.

Ben Read, a director of analysis at FireEye, said Tick has a primary focus on industries within the Asia-Pacific region that make significant investments into research and development, offering the opportunity for theft of sensitive intellectual property, to include organizations in defense, heavy industry, aerospace, technology, banking, health care, automotive and media industries.

In addition, the cyber-security firm ESET documented that Tick conducted a hack in late February in which the group used a flaw in Microsoft Corp.s Exchange software for email, which was patched days later, to target an IT company in East Asia.

In the recently reported incident, a Chinese systems engineer in his 30s, who is a Chinese Communist Party member, was referred to prosecutors over his alleged involvement in the attacks, according to Kyodo News, which cited unnamed investigative sources.

The reported allegations, the latest in a series of similar incidents, come amid increasingly difficult relations between Japan and its biggest trading partner. The topic of ties with China dominated the agenda at Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugas summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington last week.

Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato declined to comment on the investigation. He told a regular news briefing Tuesday cyber attacks on infrastructure were becoming more organized and the government saw responding to such incidents as an important issue.

Responding to a question on the NHK report about the alleged suspect at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said he wasnt aware of the case. Wang later added cyberspace is made up of many actors whose origins are difficult to trace and warned against making accusations in cyber-security cases.

In designating an incident, there must be ample evidence. It cannot be based on presumption, he said. We are against other countries smearing us on cyber security or using this issue to serve its despicable political agenda.

Cyber attacks are a common threat to all countries and China too was a victim, he added.

A JAXA spokesperson confirmed it was the subject of an unauthorized access that seemed to be a cyber attack, but suffered no damage, according to NHK. Japan has been seeking to beef up its cyber defenses in recent months.

With assistance from Go Onomitsu and Colum Murphy.

Photograph: A member of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) stands as flags fly above the National Museum of China in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Photo credit: Giulia Marchi/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber China Japan
A proposed housing and retail complex in West Berkeley can be built in a parking lot at the site of an ancient shellmound burial ground of the Ohlone tribe, a state appeals court says, because it would not destroy any structures in the underground site.

The proposal includes 260 apartments, half of them priced for lower-income households, in what is now the parking lot of Spengers restaurant at 1900 Fourth St. The plan was rejected in 2018 by Berkeley officials, who said the site was a landmark. It was first occupied 4,900 years ago, according to a UC Berkeley anthropologist, and was in use as a sacred burial ground for at least 3,700 years. Human remains were unearthed from the site in 1950.

Berkeleys decision, supported by the Ohlone tribe Confederated Villages of Lisjan, was upheld by an Alameda County judge in November 2019 but overturned Tuesday by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. The court said the development would serve the urgent public need for affordable housing and would not harm the historic site.

California lawmakers have concluded that the lack of affordable housing in the state is a crisis, Presiding Justice J. Anthony Kline said in the 3-0 ruling. He said the states intrusion into local authority over land use was justified in light of the Legislatures long history of attempting to address the states housing crisis and frustration with local governments interference with that goal.

Under a 2018 state law, Kline said, a local government that has failed to provide its share of regional housing needs must approve multifamily residential projects in properly zoned urban areas. Approval is not required if the development would require the demolition of a historic structure, but the court said this project would not have that effect.

While tribal representatives and the developers disagree on whether any of the proposed project overlaps the original shellmound site, the citys report found that the heart of the West Berkeley Shellmound was west of the project site, Kline said. He said remnants beneath the development site, most likely deposited there by creeks or other projects, consisted of a thin layer of crushed shell rather than any actual structures that would be destroyed by further development.

There is no evidence in the record that the shellmound is now present on the project site in a state that could reasonably be viewed as an existing structure, nor even remnants recognizable as part of a structure, Kline said.

The court also rejected arguments that the law interfered unduly with Berkeleys self-governing status as a charter city and that a new state law gives Indian tribes the power to veto developments on sacred land.

That law took effect last September, Kline said, and did not specify that it would apply to development plans that had already been submitted. Interpreting the law as applying retroactively, he said, would require (the developers) to start the application process anew.

Jeffrey Anhalt, a lawyer for the property managing company Ru-Ell Enterprises, said the ruling recognizes that Berkeley violated state law and wrongfully denied a property owner its statutory and constitutional right to proceed with an affordable housing development that is badly needed to help alleviate the states and indeed Berkeleys own affordable housing crisis.

Tom Lippe, attorney for Confederated Villages of Lisjan, said the tribe disagrees with the courts view that the West Berkeley Shellmound is not a historic structure. The tribe and the city could appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The memory of Cian Neary is well and truly alive on social media this week following the launch of Cians Kennels new Hi5 challenge to raise funds for the very worthy charity.

Cian Neary passed away in September 2019 after a battle with cancer. While he was in hospital, his parents did their best to bring his beloved dog, Cooper, to Dublin to cheer him up and it worked a charm.

Since the 15-year-old Killashee boy passed away, his family have worked tirelessly to get a charity up and running in his name.

When in hospital, Cian pined for Cooper. With the support and goodwill of many people and organisations, his parents managed to bring Cooper to Dublin and base him in kennels near the hospital.

Cian visited Cooper most days and it had a huge positive impact on the local teenager.

Cian remained in hospital and on treatment until the last week of his life and having Cooper based near the hospital allowed him to enjoy many occasions and outings in Dublin, knowing Cooper would be safe nearby.

Cians family now hopes to bring that same joy to other sick children and their families via Cians Kennels, which will see the charity work to house beloved pets near the hospital so that the children can see them and experience the same comfort that improved Cians final weeks.

Covid-19 has obviously had a huge effect on the types of fundraising events that can be held in aid of Cians Kennels or any other charity but has seen a huge surge in virtual events.

One of those events is taking place online this week to celebrate Cians upcoming birthday.

Cians family have put a call out to pet owners across the country to recreate the high five featured in the Cians Kennels logo, and pictured here, with their own dogs. If you havent got a pet, grab a stuffed toy and join in.

The rules are very simple: do the high five with your pet, donate 5 via GoFundMe, post the video on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok and challenge five of your friends to take part by tagging them. Dont forget to tag Cians Kennels and use the #CiansHi5 tag in your posts.

You can donate via Cian's Hi5 Challenge on GoFundMe.
NEW YORK  Yankees manager Aaron Boone was watching when the judge read the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.

In my eyes, Boone said, it looks like justice was served.

Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter after he used his knee to pin the neck of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, to the pavement for more than nine minutes last May, setting off protests globally and increased scrutiny of police and racial injustice in the U.S.

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The manager called it the key tragedy or incident over last summer that sparked so much of the uprising. He added that he hadnt yet spoken to any of his players about it.

Boone was speaking after the Yankees 3-1 win over the Braves at Yankee Stadium.

Last week, center fielder Aaron Hicks took himself out of the lineup for a game in the wake of the police killing of Daunte Wright in Minneapolis.

I know the nation watched holding their own breath, wondering what was going to happen, Boone said.

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Boone, who has two adopted children from Haiti, has sympathized with the Black Lives Matter movement and even abruptly left a press conference, overcome with emotion, after the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, in Kenosha, Wisc., in August.

Hopefully from this there becomes a little bit of closure and hopefully continued progress, Boone said.

The jury in the Chauvin trial deliberated for about 10 hours over two days. He was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 75 years in prison.

Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now.

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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Having unused apps is quite a common occurrence among Android users. To reduce the impact of these apps on the device, Google is reportedly developing a feature in Android 12, where the temporary files stored by the app would be deleted, freeing up storage.

The feature was spotted within a leaked build of Android 12, and has not yet been released to the Developer Preview yet. In the leaked build, an Unused apps page was activated and when the user navigates to SettingsAppsUnused apps, any app that has been hibernating will show up. In this page, there is a description that mentions Temporary files are removed to free up space.

There is also a toggle in the App Info page of a particular app, where the user can choose whether or not remove permissions and free up space.

When the feature does work, it will remove all the temporary files such as the apps cache and some compilation data. Users with higher-end devices will not notice much difference, users of lower-end devices will likely benefit more.

It is unclear whether Google will release this feature officially in Android 12. We will be sure to keep an eye out in the upcoming Developer Preview and in the Android 12 public beta that is expected to launch later in the year.

Source
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolute Capital Partners ("Resolute Capital"), the private equity firm which helps facilitate the growth of proven and early-stage companies across various industries, announced it has expanded its reach into the international marketplace. To achieve this Resolute Capital appointed Midshore Consulting Limited ("Midshore Consulting"), the award-winning, Guernsey-based regulatory consultancy, to create the architecture for and orchestrate the implementation of its new international feeder fund.

"Together with our distribution partner, Beacon Global Group, we at Resolute Capital resolved to internationalize our operations in order to better serve our non-U.S. investors," said Thomas J. Powell, Resolute Capital's senior managing partner. "We are very excited to have the opportunity to work together with Midshore Consulting, a recognized leader in the international fund space with more than 25 years of experience. Working together with Midshore Consulting, we performed extensive research to find the right combination of regulation and structure to match both the design of the underlying funds and our own international aspirations. We found that Guernsey appears to provide the right regulatory environment to offer a potentially beneficial solution for our international investors."

Guernsey, an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, is a well-established fund domicile and a leading offshore financial center. By establishing feeder funds which can be sold to clients across many international jurisdictions, Resolute Capital can allow its investors outside of the United States the opportunity to invest in Resolute Capital's core U.S. offering in a manner that is much more tax efficient.

"Midshore Consulting is pleased to have worked with Resolute Capital Partners on the first stages of their internationalization project," said Christopher Jehan, Midshore Consulting's founder, managing director and principal consultant. "Midshore's decades of specialist international fund experience was complemented by Resolute Capital's drive and ambition to break out of their domestic market. The two firms worked together to design and then implement the best structure to meet Resolute Capital's ambitions. The resulting feeder fund structures can be sold internationally, accessing new markets under Midshore's CompassFunds service as Resolute Capital's global reach continues to extend."

Working together, Resolute Capital, Beacon Global Group and Midshore Consulting will continue to work to identify subsequent marketing jurisdictions. In addition, Midshore Consulting will provide advice regarding the regulatory and legal requirements of accessing these new markets.

About Resolute Capital Partners

Resolute Capital Partners ("Resolute Capital") is a private equity firm with offices in San Francisco, Dallas, and Minneapolis. Having placed more than $3 billion in institutional-grade and private securities investments throughout their careers, its seasoned executive team has vast experience managing investments during distressed markets. Resolute Capital contributes professional expertise and multi-level support to companies, helping them realize their vision and creating the potential for flexibility and opportunity. Since its founding in 2010, Resolute Capital has raised over $560 million in its various energy, technology, and real estate funds. By partnering with issuers beyond Wall Street, Resolute Capital is bringing capital to worthy projects.

For more information, please visit www.resolutecapitalpartners.com.

About Beacon Global Group

Based out of Atlanta, Beacon Global Group helps individuals and businesses navigate the complexities that occur with global mobility and expansion. Uniquely positioned at the center of a wide network of global relationships with banks, accountants, lawyers, tax specialists and international financial planners, Beacon Global Group helps to enable professional service groups to grow their business by connecting and serving the needs of Americans, wherever they may be located.

For more information, please visit www.beaconglobalgroup.com.

About Midshore Consulting Limited

Founded on September 1st, 2016 and led by a principal with over 25 years of experience, Midshore Consulting Limited ("Midshore") is an award-winning Guernsey-based regulatory consultancy with a vision to help its clients grow and adapt to constant change. Midshore's core services relate to domestic, cross-border and international regulation, as well as professional and bespoke training solutions. Our team are also able to offer marketing, web, desktop and app development along with search engine optimization. Midshore also operates a number of sub-brands, allowing for assistance for financial services with cross-border business offerings, online training, and more. In late 2019, Midshore expanded its geographic presence with a joint venture in Florida, Midshore Consulting USA LLC.

Visit www.midshoreconsulting.com to learn more.

Contact: Rebecca Cleary

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1462

[email protected]

SOURCE Resolute Capital Partners

Related Links

http://www.resolutecapitalpartners.com


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, violating all accepted norms, decided to comment on the recent remarks by the president of its own country.

At the request of RIA Novosti, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Leyla Abdullayeva stated that there is no threat to Armenia's territorial integrity in Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs words of about the Zangezur corridor.

Aliyev on Tuesday threatened Yerevan "by force" to resolve the issue of building the Zangezur corridor via Armenia if the latter refuses to do so voluntarily. Aliyev calls Zangezur and Yerevan "historical lands" of Azerbaijan and declares that the Azerbaijani people have the right to return there.

In fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan is between a rock and a hard place. Denying the words of their "chief" is fraught not only with dismissal, but also with criminal prosecution, whereas its confirmation would mean a further decline in the country's already severely damaged standing.

"As always, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has expressed his views quite clearly and concretely," Abdullayeva told RIA Novosti.

According to her, "this is not a threat to Armenia's territorial integrity, as the Armenian Foreign Ministry claims, but an indicator of our determination to respond to any threat by Armenia to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."

Abdullayeva added that in his interview, Aliyev said also that, "Azerbaijan is ready for cooperation," stressing that "we must look to the future."

The Azerbaijani side, not fulfilling the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 and not stopping its aggressive rhetoric, still accuses Armenia which is trying to defend its rights.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 12:54:35|Editor: huaxia

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On Monday, the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol) criticised that municipalities would have to pay 10% more for the services of the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) in the near future.

Minister for Home Affairs Taina Bofferding stated on Wednesday that she had been "surprised" when she first heard of Syvicol's criticism.

After all, Bofferding explained, the municipalities should know that "nothing is for free". In addition, the state and the municipalities agreed to a common goal in the National Plan for the Organisation of the Emergency Services (Pnos), namely that the emergency services should be able to reach the site of an accident within no more than 15 minutes, no matter where it occurs in the country. Bofferding pointed out that she had never hidden the fact that this would entail additional costs.

The draft bill on the organisation of civil security was passed unanimously by the Chamber of Deputies in March 2018. Thus, there is a general consensus regarding the project, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, after it was revealed that municipalities would have to pay 10% more for the services of the CGDIS, Syvicol stated that a few unanswered questions remained, for example the number of professional firefighters that still need to be recruited. Michel Malherbe, Mayor of Mersch and in charge of issues related to the emergency services within Syvicol, also questioned whether the number of administrative workers could be lowered.

Upon enquiry, the CGDIS revealed that the number of administrative jobs has in fact decreased since 2018. Back then, 175 people worked in administrative positions, compared to 169 today. As for professional firefighters, 488 were employed in 2018, a number that has increased to 560 today.

Bofferding stressed that while voluntary service still remains the bedrock of the emergency services, it is completely normal that the CGDIS continues to recruit additional personnel in order to turn the promise made in the Pnos into a reality.

However, the Minister added, the state and the municipalities must be in agreement that they actually want to reach that goal. If so, it must be understood that it is not attainable without an increase in costs.

Luxembourg's municipalities are currently still in a consultation phase. Within the next three months, they can submit an official opinion.
There is no retirement age for writers  penned Ruskin Bond in one of his recently published books. Sharing his passion for writing and spirit for life, the beloved childrens author has joined an initiative by Columbia Pacific Communities to encourage positive ageing and community living amongst senior citizens.

As a part of the Columbia Pacific Communities initiative Positive Ageing with Ruskin Bond, the celebrated author, through a video message, shared his belief in the concept of positive ageing and how people entering the golden years of life should feel invested in living up to the fullest.

Through the second video message, Ruskin Bond professes the importance of community living for senior citizens, and the need to be in a community, such as The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, which fosters positivity, active living and a socially engaging lifestyle.

Excited about the association, Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Columbia Pacific Communities, said We are delighted to have Ruskin Bond on-board to talk about positive ageing. Living an active and engaged life at the age of 86, Ruskin Bond is a true emblem of positive ageing, and is an inspiration to many across generations. We feel his message about positive ageing and our offerings at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences will resonate deeply with seniors.

A signature project of Columbia Pacific Communities, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, Bengaluru embodies an environment designed to promote positive ageing. Specially designed for senior citizens and their needs, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences offers a complete ecosystem of protected, active, healthy, and socially connected living.

Being a living example of positive ageing, Ruskin Bond truly believes that age is just a number. Way into his golden years of life, the prolific writer agrees to be writing more now than ever before. Not only that, he is active on social media and visits his bookstore at least once a week to interact with people.

Having lived his life amongst the local communities in Dehradun, Mussoorie and Shimla, Ruskin Bond resonates with Columbia Pacific Communities philosophy of community living fostering active and positive ageing amongst seniors.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks during a ministerial meeting to discuss the real estate market at the Government Complex Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap



Land ministry unveils supply plan of 30,200 new homes



By Lee Min-hyung



The government is accelerating moves to revamp its real estate policies in order to increase the supply of housing and ease regulations to alleviate market concerns and regain the public trust, following the ruling party's failure to win in the April 7 by-elections for mayors in Seoul and Busan, the country's two largest cities.



In a ministerial meeting to discuss the housing market, Wednesday, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki hinted at the possibility of revising the government's regulation-driven real estate policies.



"The government will hold negotiations with parties to review a series of real estate-related issues here as soon as possible, with a view to clearing away lingering market uncertainties," Hong said.



The government has introduced a series of tightened housing policies in recent years, but these resulted in the driving up of property prices nationwide. With apartment prices rising, more non-homeowners jumped into a panic buying spree, which has kept housing prices rising.



After the by-election losses, the government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) indicated that they could modify the regulation- and tax-oriented policies.



In addition, a nationwide scandal surrounding real estate speculation by some officials from the Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH) has escalated public anger, which pushed the government to swiftly change its housing policies.



Hong said during a recent National Assembly interpellation session that the government was considering easing rules on the comprehensive real estate holding tax. Under current tax regulations, those who own property valued over 900 million won ($805,000) should pay the tax, but Hong told lawmakers that the government was reviewing whether to raise this amid the ongoing apartment price hikes.



To offset the public's discontent on a lack of housing, the Ministry of land, Infrastructure and Transport unveiled plans Wednesday to supply 30,200 pre-subscription apartments this year in areas designated as the nation's third new town development project.



It expects the pre-subscription to help prevent the market from overheating further and provide more chances for non-homeowners, particularly in the younger age groups and newly-weds, to obtain homes at a reasonable price.



About half of the apartments will be supplied to newly-married couples, and their sales price will be set at around 70 percent to 80 percent of the market value in the surrounding area. The land ministry plans to supply a total of 62,000 units by the end of next year under the scheme.



The government is focusing on relieving housing problems among the younger generation, as the ruling party's crushing defeat in the by-elections clearly showed it was losing votes particularly among the younger age groups who feel a growing sense of frustration over the administration's botched housing policies.



The finance minister also mentioned specific areas and measures for restructuring of the state-controlled LH.



"The renovation measures will be centered on three key areas  an organizational reshuffle, internal anti-speculation control measures and management reform," Hong said.



Myongji University professor of real estate Kwon Dae-jung urged the government and the authorities to devise specific measures to block LH and government officials from engaging in illegal real estate speculation using "borrowed names."



"The pan-governmental investigation of the LH fiasco will not bring about visible outcomes unless specific measures are introduced to prevent officials from investing in land or properties with borrowed names," he said.


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Altamira Gold Corp.'s (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTC PINK: EQTRF), ("Altamira" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that environmental process LOP No 324020/2021 within the Mutum gold target at its 100% controlled Apiacas gold project in Brazil has been approved. This permit allows Altamira to complete trenching and drilling over the target area.

Highlights

The environmental department of the state of Mato Grosso, SEMA/MT has approved the environmental permit LOP No 324020 covering the central area of the Mutum target

The permit allows Altamira to trench and drill the Mutum target at the Apiacas project and is valid until 06/04/2024

The previously announced IP survey is expected to commence by the end of April 2021 and will guide the subsequent trenching and drill program. The IP survey will help to define the limits of the altered and mineralized intrusive rock with disseminated pyrite and gold

Line cutting and topographic surveying has now begun over the 38.5km line grid and detailed geological mapping and sampling will be conducted over these lines to help site the initial drill holes planned for mid-2021

Michael Bennett, President & CEO commented "We are extremely pleased to have been granted the environmental permit at Mutum which allows us to drill and trench the central part of the Mutum target. A dedicated geological team is now onsite mapping and sampling the grid lines which are being opened ready for the ground IP survey in May 2021. The IP work should show us the limits of the disseminated gold-pyrite mineralisation and allow Altamira to define the initial sites for the drill program in mid 2021."

Granting of Environmental Licence at Mutum

The environmental department of the state of Mato Grosso, SEMA/MT has approved the environmental permit LOP No 324020 covering the central area of the Mutum target which allows Altamira to trench and drill the Mutum target at the Apiacas project. The permit covers part of the ANM 846.947/2018 exploration permit and is valid until 06/04/2024. This is a significant milestone in testing the potential of the Mutum target.

IP Survey at Mutum Target

Line cutting and topographic surveying for the previously announced IP survey (see press release dated April 13, 2021) has now begun over the 38.5 kilometer line grid and detailed geological mapping and sampling will be conducted over these lines to help site the initial drill holes planned for mid-2021 (See Figure 1). The IP survey will be completed by AFC Geofisica Ltda and is expected to commence by the end of April 2021.

The IP survey will help to define the limits of the altered and mineralized intrusive rock with disseminated pyrite and gold, and will guide the subsequent trenching and drill program.





Figure 1: Map showing historic alluvial and colluvial gold workings and limited of disseminated pyrite-gold mineralisation, as well as recently identified high-grade veins, and location of IP survey at the Mutum target, Apiacas project

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/81149_15e49ae45492db58_001full.jpg

The Mutum target is part of the Apiacas Project area is located 50km west of Altamira's Cajueiro gold project which hosts 43-101 compliant indicated resources of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz and inferred resources of 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000 oz.

An estimated 1Moz of colluvial gold was historically recovered from the Mutum target, suggestive of the presence of a significant underlying hard-rock deposit.

In 2019, geological mapping outlined an area of pervasive disseminated-style gold mineralization over at least 4 km2 at Mutum. A total of 93 surface rock samples of disseminated and altered rocks collected on surface over this area returned gold values of up to 406.6 g/t gold (see news release dated September 11, 2019). Recent exploration has also identified four high-grade vein structures with channel samples returning values up to 3m @ 10.39 g/t gold. Silver assays have also returned high grade values up to 871 g/t silver (see March 8, 2021 news release for more information).

Qualified Person

Guillermo Hughes, P. Geo., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's 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 Altamira Gold Corp.

The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold projects within western central Brazil. The Company holds 8 projects comprising approximately 190,000 hectares, within the prolific Juruena gold belt which historically produced an estimated 7 to 10Moz of placer gold. The Company's advanced Cajueiro project has NI 43-101 resources of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000oz in the Inferred Resource category.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

ALTAMIRA GOLD CORP.

"Michael Bennett"

Michael Bennett

President & CEO

Tel: 604.676.5660

Toll-Free: 1-833-606-6271

info@altamiragold.com

www.altamiragold.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81149
A majority of the public in Northern Ireland believe it will split from the UK within 25 years, according to a new poll.

Some 37 per cent of people said they believe Northern Ireland will still be part of the UK in a quarter of a century but 51 per cent believe it will not be.

In the Republic of Ireland just 26 per cent of voters believe Northern Ireland will still be part of the UK in 25 years compared to 54 per cent who believe it will not be.

However, if a border poll was held today some 49 per cent of people in Northern Ireland would vote to remain in the UK while 43 per cent would support a united Ireland.

The poll findings come amid heightened community tensions in Northern Ireland which have been inflamed by disruption caused by post-Brexit trade checks.

Just 37 per cent of people said they believe Northern Ireland will still be part of the UK in a quarter of a century but 51 per cent believe it will not be

The Lucid Talk poll, which had a sample size of 2,845 and a 2.5 per cent margin of error, was conducted for BBC NIs Spotlight programme between April 5-7.

Spotlight commissioned a similar poll in the Irish Republic as part of a special programme reflecting on the centenary of Northern Irelands foundation.

In the Irish Republic, 51 per cent of people said they would vote for a united Ireland while 27 per cent would vote against it.

That poll was conducted by Lucid Talk/Ireland Thinks between April 6-9. The sample size was 1,008 with a 2.5 per cent margin of error.

The poll also asked people for their views on the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol that governs post-Brexit trading arrangements between the region and the rest of the UK.

In Northern Ireland, opinion was sharply divided, with 48 per cent wanting it scrapped and 46 per cent thinking it should be retained.

In the Irish Republic, 74 per cent said the protocol should be retained, with 10 per cent saying it should be scrapped.

In terms of Northern Irelands constitutional position in the longer term, the survey also asked people if they thought the region would still be within the UK in 10 years.

On the 10-year timeframe, 55 per cent of people in Northern Ireland felt it would still be in the UK, with 32 per cent believing a united Ireland would be achieved by then.

In the Irish Republic, 59 per cent felt Northern Ireland would still be in the UK in 10 years, with 26 per cent predicting Irish unity would have been achieved by then.

if a border poll was held today some 49 per cent of people in Northern Ireland would vote to remain in the UK while 43 per cent would support a united Ireland

The results were significantly different for 25 years. In Northern Ireland, 37 per cent felt the region would still be part of the UK in 25 years, with 51 per cent believing it would not.

In the Irish Republic, 26 per cent felt Northern Ireland would still be part of the UK in 25 years, with 54 per cent saying it would not.

The poll, which was taken in a period when disorder was flaring in certain areas of Northern Ireland, asked people if they thought violence could return to the region.

In Northern Ireland, 76 per cent said yes. In the Irish Republic, 87 per cent feared a potential return to conflict.
has cancelled all its flights to London from April 24-30, following the UK governments decision to include India in the red list of countries.

The inclusion of India in the red list restricts the entry of all passengers except citizens of the UK and Ireland. Permanent residents of the UK are allowed to travel, too.

In all, thirteen flights will be cancelled between London and Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru during this period.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Vistara operate flights between India and London too, but so far have not announced any changes in schedule.

said that the flights were being cancelled in view of recent restrictions announced by the UK government.

Further updates regarding rescheduling, refunds and waivers will be informed shortly, said in a tweet.

Post the uplifting of restrictions, flights schedule from Delhi and Mumbai to UK are being planned. Information regarding this will also be updated on our website and social media channels, it added.

Were currently reviewing our schedule of India operations from 23 April and recommend that any customers booked to travel to or from India with us check their flight status on www.virginatlantic.com. Any customers who made their booking through a third party or travel agent, should contact them directly with any questions, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said.
TEL AVIV, Israel (PRWEB) April 21, 2021

CYREBRO, the unique SOC as a platform solution by CyberHat announced today it has secured a $15 million in Series B funding, led by Prytek, with participation from InCapital, Mizrahi Bank, and previous investor, Mangrove. This brings the total company funding raised to date to $22M.

Backed by a team of cyber experts, CYREBRO is democratizing access to best of breed cybersecurity resources, transforming how businesses today run their security operations to quickly respond to and mitigate cyber threats. CYREBRO is the first technology-agnostic cloud-based security operations center (SOC) that is pioneering the SOC-as-a-Platform model. CYREBRO applies comprehensive enterprise-level data protection to organizations against new threats that have arisen from the remote work environment, including under-resourced small businesses that have become prime targets for cyber attacks.

The new funds will be used to expand CYREBRO's SOC-as-a-Platform to meet the exploding demand for robust, scalable, transparent and simple security operations solutions. Bringing to bear expertise and delivering bespoke solutions to enterprises across industries, the funding will accelerate roll-out of its offering to the small-to-medium sized (SMB) market, breaking down barriers to accessing essential cybersecurity solutions previously out of reach to the SMB customer. Over the past year alone over 47 percent of small businesses have experienced a data breach or cyber attack, and these incidents have the potential to bring down an entire company.

CYREBRO enables companies to centralize online operations of the entire security stack, putting the power of enterprise-grade SOC into the affordability and flexibility of a cloud-based service.

"CYREBRO is the next step in the evolution of operating cyber security and we are proud to be pioneering the SOC as a platform market," explained Nadav Arbel, CEO of CyberHat. "Securing this round with our new and existing investors, will enable us to expedite the development of CYREBRO and strengthen our reach in the SMB market. We have made it our mission to enable first grade security operations for organizations of any size and any technology stack, and as such, we are very excited to see the tremendous growth in CYREBRO clients across the globe."

CYREBRO's SOC platform is backed by a team of advanced cyber analysts and forensic investigators at the ready, 24x7. The platform integrates with any existing security systems, tools and software, including all cloud based platforms and internal network devices. CYREBRO offers a "turnkey" solution for SOC requirements, including the SIEM technology (if required), threat hunting, threat intelligence, full tier analysts, investigative capabilities and a world class IR on call. Hundreds of globally established companies have already chosen CYREBRO as their cyber operations platform to defend against data breaches and attacks. This includes SMBs as well as critical infrastructure and industries like casinos, global retailers, banks, insurance companies, and other Fortune 500 companies. Now every SMB will have access to these same enterprise tools and cyber protection resources.

"Prytek group, through our corporate venture arm, is excited to invest in CyberHat. Cyberhat's solution will give to our managed services arm additional SOC capabilities per demand," said Arnon Shiboleth, Prytek Co-CEO. "We look forward to partnering with the team as they continue to expand the technology into new markets to meet global demand."

About CYREBRO

CYREBRO was founded in 2013 by CyberHat to help companies take cyber protection to new and unprecedented heights. Today, our mission is to completely revolutionize cybersecurity operations by putting the power of a full-fledged Security Operations Center (SOC) in the hands of any user in any organization. Our team of premier cybersecurity experts has developed the industry's first online, technology-agnostic SOC-as-a-Platform. From strategic monitoring to proactive threat hunting, accelerated incident response, and enhanced compliance, we cover the full scope of security needs.

About Prytek

Prytek invented a news concept of Business Operating Platform as Service allowing banks to outsource entire operations. Prytek operates in education, financial service, cyber and HR sectors.

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/cyberhat_secures_15_million_to_expand_its_cyrebro_enterprise_level_cybersecurity_protection_to_small_and_medium_sized_businesses/prweb17881777.htm
Police in Brazil arrested a fugitive international weapons dealer who was wanted for walking out of a local jail with early release documents that had been forged.

Joao Barbieri was apprehended without incident at his hideout at a slum in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area on Wednesday afternoon.

Barbieri had only served three out of the 27 years he had been sentenced to in 2017, and somehow managed to obtain a forged court document that permitted him to leave the Gericino Penitentiary Complex in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2020.

Surveillance video from the jail shows Barbieri carrying a document and being escorted out of the prison by a guard.

International weapons dealer Joao Barbieri was apprehended without incident at his hideout at a slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday afternoon. Barbieri had only served three out of the 27 years he had been sentenced to in 2017, but was able to obtain a forged court document that permitted him to leave the Gericino Penitentiary Complex in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2020

Barbieri was initially arrested in August 2017 and had only served three years of a 27-year prison sentence for his role in the smuggling of rifles from Miami to Rio

Brazilian authorities launched a manhunt for the arms smuggler in January after a federal court in Rio de Janeiro first learned of Barbieri's early release following a request made by judge Marcelo Granado - who presided over the trial - for additional information on Barbieri.

Granado also requested information on Joao Roza, an associate of Barbieri who was also being held at the same prison and who also managed to leave on October 14, 2020 through the use of a fake court document.

Investigators discovered the forged documents used by Barbieri and Roza contained the same code and processing number. The identification number for the release permits was also not valid.

Investigators also learned that the civil police officer who signed the documents and the bailiff who sent the papers to the jail did not exist.

At least five people suspected of producing the forged documents were arrested in March.

Authorities were also granted four arrest warrants for suspects that included lawyers and 16 search warrants.

Police chief Mauro Cesar told Brazilian online news portal G1 that Barbieri evaded capture by moving between the states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo.

Barbieri then finally settled in Rio de Janeiro, where drug smugglers owed him at least $90,000.

Surveillance camera shows the moment Joao Barbieri walked out of prison with a fake court document that granted his early release in November 2020 despite serving only three years of a 27-year sentence

Police chief Mauro Cesar told Brazilian online news portal G1 that Joao Barbieri evaded capture by moving between the states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. Barbieri then settled down in Rio de Janeiro, where drug smugglers owed him at least $90,000

After several missed attempts, on Monday law enforcement acting on an anonymous tip detained Roza at a residence in the Rio de Janeiro city of Belford Roxo.

Authorities were also tipped off about Barbieri's location and apprehended him at a home in Niteroi.

'The recapture of these two federal prisoners proves to be extremely important. In addition to contributing greatly to the prestige and effectiveness of criminal executions in the State of Rio de Janeiro,' Attorney General Eduardo Benones said, according to digital news outlet Metropoles.

'It opens up new possibilities for federal investigations into arms trafficking and the consequent war supply of organized crime.'

Barbieri's stepfather Frederick 'Lord of the Arms' Barbieri (pictured) in July 2018 received a 13-year prison sentence in Florida for smuggling more than 1,000 firearms from Miami to Rio de Janeiro

Pictured is a shipment of rifles that were seized at Galeao International Airport after agents discovered them inside four water heaters that had been shipped from Miami to Rio de Janeiro in May 2017

A scanner at Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro displays some of the 60 AR-15 and AK-47 that were seized in a shipment sent from Miami to Rio de Janeiro by a firearms smuggling ring

Barbieri, who was initially arrested in August 2017, is the stepson of Frederick 'Lord of the Arms' Barbieri, who in July 2018 received a 13-year prison sentence in Florida for smuggling more than 1,000 firearms from Miami to Rio de Janeiro.

Federal prosecutors learned that the senior Barbieri, a Brazilian national who later became a naturalized American citizen, shipped military-style rifles with their serial numbers removed and that guns were also sold to drug traffickers and gangs in favelas or slums.

Frederick Barbieri drew the attention of U.S. federal agents after a shipment of four water heaters with 60 AR-15 and AK-47 rifles was busted at Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro in May 2017.
ALBANY, N.Y., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Government funding in synthetic biology has been very high in the last few years, as per Science X, a news site. Public agencies in many nations, including EU countries, Finland, the UK, China, the US, and Singapore have formed road maps and other related developmental frameworks. Private funding in synthetic biology is also continuing to grow at a considerable rate, as per the Science X news portal. Rising investment and growing prominence is likely to foster development of the global synthetic biology market over the forecast timeline, from 2019 to 2027.

Synthetic biology is a rapidly expanding field with great potential in many fields of application, according to an article published in 2019 in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology Journal titled "Biosafety and Biosecurity in Synthetic Biology: A Review." It is, however, linked to significant threats to health of the human beings and the environment, which must be expected in order to establish successful management and prevention strategies. While no biosafety or biosecurity incidents related to synthetic biology have been recorded, a study published in 2019, titled "Synthetic biology: Recent progress, biosafety and biosecurity concerns, and possible solutions" suggests that governance or regulation at the levels of countries, institutions, individual scientists, and the global community should be regarded to avoid disruptions in the future.

Request for Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Synthetic Biology Market  https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/covid19.php

The global synthetic biology market is estimated to observe stellar growth rate of 26.3% CAGR over the forecast timeline, from 2019 to 2027. In 2018, the market was valued around US$ 4.96 Bn and is projected to reach US$ 39.7 Bn by 2027.

Key Findings of Market Report

Development of New DNA Editing Tools to Revolutionize the Treatment of Genetic Illnesses

The novel DNA editing tool recognised as prime editing could be used to search as well as substitute functions of the DNA. It can also be utilised to fix any of 75,000 documented mutations, which cause hereditary illness in human beings. Scientists reported all of these information in an article published in the Nature Journal in October 2019. The CRISPR (clustered regularly spread short palindromic repeats) refers to a method utilised to modify genomes, which has revolutionised synthetic biology. It enables researchers to easily change gene function and DNA sequences, making gene editing methods easy and effective. It, thus, opens up new avenues for biological science and technological advancement. This, in turn, is likely to work in favor of the global synthetic biology market in the years to come. It is utilized for different purposes, for example genetic defect correction. Synthetic biology comes with the potential to cure an extensive variety of illnesses, including cancer. It can be used to develop rigorous and appropriate adaptive cancer therapies that kill cancer cells specifically while leaving healthy cells alone.

Request Brochure of Synthetic Biology Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/brochure.php

Dominance of North America and Promising Opportunities in Asia Pacific to Attract Market Participant

It is anticipated that North America is likely to play a leading part in the global synthetic biology market, thanks to a significant rise in the patient populace. In addition, the increasing number of well-equipped research and development laboratories, the existence of established health infrastructure, and rising number of important players are likely to work in favour of the global synthetic biology market in near future.

Due to increased research and development activities and a rise in geriatric populace, the global synthetic biology market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly throughout the projected timeline, from 2019 to 2027. Furthermore, a rise in the prevalence of chronic illnesses and increased government interventions in the healthcare industry, and a rise in key players' plans to expand their business presence in the region is likely to augur well for the synthetic biology market in Asia Pacific.

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Synthetic Biology Market: Growth Drivers

Synthetic biology has the potential to treat a wide spectrum of illnesses, including cancer. It can be used to develop robust and successful adaptive cancer therapies that kill cancer cells specifically whilst leaving healthy cells alone.

As per a 2019 research titled, "Synthetic biology: Recent progress, biosafety and biosecurity concerns, and possible solutions", whilst no biosafety and biosecurity occurrences related to synthetic biology have been documented, governance or regulation at the levels of the global community, countries, institutions, and individual scientists need to be taken into account to deter disruptions in the future.

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Global Synthetic Biology Market: Key Competitors

Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

ATG:biosynthetics GmbH

OriGene Technologies, Inc.

Bayer AG

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Healthcare Industry:

DNA Test Kits Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dna-test-kits-market.html

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/oligonucleotide-synthesis-market.html

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A majority of people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland believe Northern Ireland will have left the UK within 25 years.

However, if a border poll took place today, 49% of people in NI would vote to remain in the UK, while 43% would back a United Ireland. Some 8% were undecided.

The results of the new poll, commissioned by BBC NI's Spotlight programme, highlight the views of people both sides of the Irish border as Northern Ireland prepares to mark the centenary of its foundation.

The Lucid Talk poll was conducted in Northern Ireland over April 5 to 7 and had a sample size of 2,845 and a 2.5% margin of error.

A parallel poll took place south of the border by Lucid Talk/Ireland Thinks with a sample size of 1,008 with a 2.5% margin of error.

There was strong support for a united Ireland south of the border, with 51% for and just 27% against the prospect.

A separate poll commissioned by European Movement Ireland and carried out during the week beginning 19 March found a majority of Irish people do not believe a united Ireland will be achieved within ten years.

The poll, which had a sample size of 1,000, found that 43% disagreed with the statement that there would be a united Ireland within ten years, while 32% agreed. A quarter of those polled said they were unsure.

Northern Ireland Protocol

The poll also asked people for their views on the Northern Ireland Protocol which governs post-Brexit trading arrangements between the North and the rest of the UK.

In Northern Ireland, people's views were split. Some 48% want the Protocol scrapped while 46% believe it should be retained.

In the Republic, those surveyed were overwhelmingly in favour of the Protocol with just 10% saying it should be scrapped.

In an interview with BBC NIs Spotlight programme, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government was currently working on sandpapering the Protocol to address some of the issues.

Mr Johnson said he did not envision a border poll for a very, very long time to come."

Read More Johnson vows action on NI Protocol over absurd trading arrangements

Long term future

Pollsters also asked people on both sides of the border about the future of Northern Ireland and its place in the UK.

In Northern Ireland, a majority of people (55%) feel they will still be part of the UK in the next ten years, with a third (32%) believing a united Ireland would be achieved by then.

Asked the same question, those in the Republic felt similarly, with 59% stating they believe Northern Ireland will be a part of the UK in 10 years while just 26% believe a united Ireland would be achieved in a decades time.

However, when asked whether they believed they will be a part of the UK in 25 years time, just 37% said they believe it will be.

The PSNI use a water cannon on youths on the Springfield road, during unrest in Belfast.

In the Republic, only 26% believe Northern Ireland will still be part of the UK in 25 years.

The poll, which took place at a time in which violence had returned to parts of the North, also asked whether people believed violence could return to the region.

In Northern Ireland, 76% said yes. In the Republic, 87% feared a potential return to conflict.

Marking the centenary

The survey also asked people if they believed the formation of Northern Ireland 100 years ago is an achievement that should be celebrated this year.

In the North, 40% believe it is an achievement and should be celebrated.

In the Republic, celebrating the formation of Northern Ireland was extremely unpopular with just 12% agreeing with the proposition.
A drug dealer accused of dismembering the corpse of a murdered jazz musician says he cannot remember taking a taxi trip with his body parts stuff in a suitcase in the boot, the Old Bailey heard.

William 'Blaise' Algar, 53, who had mental health problems, was 'cuckooed' by drug dealers who took over his tiny cluttered flat in Barnes, southwest London, to use it as a base for their trade, the prosecution alleges.

He was stabbed to death by a 19-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when the teenager 'went mad' after discovering, Mr Algar had been using his supply for recreational use, it is claimed.

William 'Blaise' Algar, 53, who had mental health problems, was 'cuckooed' by drug dealers who took over his tiny cluttered flat in Barnes, southwest London, to use it as a base for their trade, the prosecution alleges

Simon Emmons, 40, allegedly joined the teenager in cutting off the victim's head and torso on his bathroom floor before packing his limbs into a suitcase.

The remains were then taken to Hounslow Heath and buried in a shallow grave while his head and torso were found wrapped in a bedsheet at the flat.

The prosecution claimed at an early hearing Mr Algar's house had been taken over by the drug dealing gang by exploiting his vulnerable nature in a practice known as 'cuckooing'.

The 19-year-old insists he had nothing to do with the murders - but did help clear up Mr Algars flat and dispose of his body.

He said he did not see the corpse until Emmons called him to the musicians flat in Nowell Road and asked him to help clean up.

The 19-year-old said he saw Emmons chopping up Blaise as he went to the bathroom.

He said Emmons had suggested different ways of getting rid of the body - including throwing it in the river, burying it, and dissolving it acid.

Emmons, the teenager, along with Zimele Dube, 33, allegedly murdered a second victim, 35-year-old Ebrima Cham, also known as Brim, just days later.

But Emmons claims he had nothing to do with dismembering Mr Algars body or murdering Mr Cham.

He claims when he got in a taxi with the teenager and 44-year-old Marc Harding he had no idea the suitcase they were carrying was stuffed with Mr Algars limbs.

David Etherington, defending the 19-year-old, asked Emmons: In the cab now with the suitcase, does that jog your memory? Do you remember what you were doing there?

Mr Algar was stabbed to death by a 19-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when the teenager 'went mad' after discovering, Mr Algar had been using his supply for recreational use, it is claimed. Pictured is the road where his flat was located

Emmons replied: I cant remember.

Jurors have heard Emmons, the teenager and 44-year-old Marc Harding, travelled together in the taxi with a heaving suitcase stored in the boot of the vehicle.

Mr Etherington continued: You remember the suitcase but it didnt stand out, and the suitcase had gone in the boot. And you are going where?

Emmons said: Going to the Montrose House, to drop off money or something like that.

We were supposed to be going back to mine but all of a sudden Marc started giving the cab driver directions.

The 19-year-old ordered Emmons to wait by a bus stop as he lifted the suitcase out of the boot and wheeled it away as Mr Harding tailed behind, it was said.

Mr Etherington asked: I bet you watched what happened. Now thats really weird because theyre going with a suitcase. Why were you waiting for them?

Emmons replied: Because we were going back to Montrose House.

Mr Etherington probed: You must have been interested as to what all this was about. Why Marc Harding is there and being allowed to go and not you, and why (the teenager) is holding a suitcase.

You must have noticed it was heavy getting it out the cab? My focus wasnt on the suitcase, replied Emmons.

Asked why he was present at Mr Algars flat that day, Emmons told jurors the teenager didnt want to be blamed for dismembering the body.

Forensics officers at the scene of the Barnes flat while carrying out their investigation last year

Emmons said: He just doesnt want the jury and judge to think he cut Blaises legs up.

Fingerprint evidence matching that of Emmons was found on pieces of bin bag in Mr Algars bathroom as well as a small drawstring found loose on the body of the jazz musician.

Emmons claims the fingerprint evidence is linked to his presence at the flat six months earlier.

The teenager, along with Dube, 33, and Emmons are said to have murdered Mr Cham weeks later on 19 December.

Mr Cham is believed to have stolen drugs from the defendants, who are alleged to have knifed him 11 times in a ferocious and frenzied assault.

Prosecutors claim the teenager targeted the two men over an ongoing drugs feud.

Jyano Lucima, 19, allegedly joined the teenager and Emmons in returning to the flat to clean up the blood, buying bleach and J-cloths and running errands for the two alleged accomplices.

The 19-year-old, of no fixed address, denies two counts of murder.

He has admitted perverting the course of justice by attempting to dispose of Mr Algars body.

Emmons, of no fixed address, denies perverting the course of justice and murdering Mr Cham.

Dube, of Wembley, also denies murdering Mr Cham.

Lucima, of Isleworth, denies perverting the course of justice.

Jurors have heard Marc Harding also admits perverting the course of justice and is not standing trial.

The trial continues.
Answering President Joe Biden (D)'s prayers, the jury delivered the "right verdict," finding Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the death of petty thief and substance-abuser George Floyd. And thus most of the U.S. was apparently spared the mostly peaceful riots accompanied by looting and destruction that followed Floyd's unfortunate demise. But the daily routine of murder and crime that particularly affects Black and Hispanic neighborhoods continues without protest.

For instance, in Chicago, as some Americans still shed their crocodile tears over the death of 13-year-old gangbanger in training Adam Toledo, who ditched his loaded gun a split second before being shot by a policeman as he was running down an alley, his full-fledged violent gangbanger mentor, 21-year-old Ruben Roman, was freed on bail offered by a "charitable community bond fund."

While CCBF's publicity materials say it posts bond for people who "cannot afford to pay the bonds themselves and who have been impacted by structural violence," court records show the group does not shy away from winning release for people who are accused of violent crimes. A leader at the bond fund told CBSChicago yesterday, "We often prioritize cases that are connected to social justice movements  especially the movement to end police violence."

Although at the time of his death Toledo had been away from his home for a few days without his mother knowing  or seemingly caring about  his whereabouts, she had made no police report, so apparently his disappearances were common. And acceptable. And so she may not be able to profit from his death by suing the city.

And the bond fund's leader concept of "social justice" against "structural violence" does not extend to innocents killed or wounded, presumably by other Hispanics, as there have been no community protests mourning the death of a 17-year-old Hispanic girl, for example, who died after being shot in the early evening while a passenger in a car about a mile from where Toledo and Roman had been firing their guns a few days earlier. As the police couldn't be blamed and the shooter was probably another Hispanic, community "activists" remained silent, their professional victim of racism narrative inoperative.

The same situation is true in Chicago's predominantly black neighborhoods. As this crime site so graphically illustrates, the city's shootings disproportionately occur in Black neighborhoods with Black victims shot and killed by...no, not the police, but by other black shooters. And except for a particularly unusual case, as when a 7-year-old little girl is shot and killed in a car driven by her 29-year-old father while in a McDonald's drive-thru, perhaps in a gang-involved murder directed at the father  so very common in Chicago  there is no widespread protest, only a small vigil. Again, the victim of racism or police violence narrative was nonexistent.

But that is so not newsworthy. Even Reverend Jesse Jackson doesn't dare speak against his neighbors about their criminal behavior; he escaped instead to Minnesota to desperately gain some publicity while remaining silent on the daily deadly plight of his community.

As for the police, they understandably become cynical, understandably wary of extending themselves for fear of being accused of "violence." And so the overwhelmingly decent people in these neighborhoods continue to suffer from violence. That's the real neighborhood narrative for many.

Photo credit: Scott Davidson CC BY 2.0 license.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Munich Airport and the SOF Connect consortium  consisting of the French investor Meridiam and the Austrian developer Strabag  have taken over the full responsibilities and business activities related to the operation of Bulgarias capital airport. SOF Connect says is committed to investing at least 624m (US$749.5m) over the life of the concession and building a new Terminal 3 for the airport within the first 10 years of the concession.

Our mission is to transform Sofia Airport into a top modern and competitive European airport and to make Sofia Airport an engine and impetus for social, economic, environmental and inclusive growth for Sofia, its region and Bulgaria, said Dr Ralf Gaffal, managing director of Munich Airport International.

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Marcus Spahn, chief commercial officer of SOF Connect, added, We have a clear vision for the commercial development of Sofia Airport. Our team will be introducing best-in-class shopping and dining concepts and is excited to work with local partners to bring the best of Bulgaria and downtown Sofia to the airport.
Buckingham Palace has shared a photo of the Queen as she celebrates her 95th birthday without Prince Philip.

The photo, released on the official Royal Family Instagram account this morning, shows the Queen smiling in a burgundy ensemble at a royal engagement.

Instead of sharing their own posts, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Instagram accounts re-posted the radiant photo of Her Majesty.

Celebrations will be a subdued this year with no traditional gun salutes while the Queen observes a two-week mourning period following the death of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.

The Queen is expected to be visited by family today but grandson Prince Harry will not be among them. He returned home to California from London yesterday, just 24 hours before his grandmother's birthday and two days after his grandfather's funeral.

Buckingham Palace has shared a smiling photo of the Queen to mark her 95th birthday as she celebrates without Prince Philip

The photo, released on the official Royal Family Instagram account this morning, shows the Queen smiling in a burgundy ensemble at a royal engagement

The Queen later shared this message thanking royal fans for their well wishes, as well as their condolences following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Sussex, 36, is understood to have flown into Los Angeles on an American Airlines flight from London Heathrow shortly after 1.30pm local time yesterday.

His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion at around 4pm.

The Queen will spend the day quietly and is expected to go for a walk with her dogs, who have been a huge comfort in the days since Prince Philip's death.

In keeping with the pared back celebrations, the palace scrapped plans to release a new photo of the Queen to mark her birthday, as is customary, and instead release one from a previous royal engagement.

The Queen has worn the outfit on a number of previous occasions including a visit to the MI5 headquarters last year and to the Commonwealth Day Service in 2018.

The simple caption read: 'Today is The Queens 95th birthday.

'The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Celebrations will be a subdued affair this year with no traditional gun salutes, as the Queen remains in mourning for her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh, who she has called her 'strength and stay'. Pictured, the couple in 2003

The Queen and Prince Philip wave to guests attending celebrations for the Queen's official 90th birthday on The Mall on June 12, 2016. Today marks the Queen's actual birthday. Her official birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday in June with the Trooping the Colour parade.

'This year Her Majesty remains at Windsor Castle, during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.'

Hours later the account posted a message thanking royal fans for their birthday messages and condolences following the Duke of Edinburgh's death.

In a bid to keep Her Majesty company, the family have agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to ensure that she is not left alone.

Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are reported to be among the Queen's first visitors.

'The Queen will not be alone. She will have others who care about her deeply and want to be there to support her in her most pressing hour,' a source told The Mirror

'In typical fashion the Queen has insisted she is coping and despite the suggestion she had prepared herself for this day to come, everyone is well aware there is nothing like the experience when it comes.'

The Queen has worn the outfit on a number of occasions, including a 2020 visit to the MI5 headquarters (pictured) and the 2018 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, writing a message on Twitter

Typically the Queen's birthday is marked with a 21-gun salute fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

This year it will not take place, marking the second year in a row the monarch has eschewed the tradition.

The Queen last year decided the celebratory display of military firepower would not be 'appropriate' as the UK was in lockdown with thousands dead from the coronavirus outbreak.

Trooping the Colour, which is usually held in June to mark the Queen's 'official' birthday, will also not go ahead for the second year due to the Covid pandemic.

Instead, courtiers are considering an 'alternative parade' in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, similar to an event dubbed 'mini Trooping' that was held last summer.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today lead tributes to the Queen, saying: 'I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.

'I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth. I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.'

Poignant images of Her Majesty bowing her head and watching the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin from behind a mask in St George's Chapel moved millions in Britain and around the world

The Queen, who was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street, central London, grew up not expecting to become queen. Her father, George VI, only took the crown when his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Pictured: The newly-born Princess Elizabeth with her mother and father

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born at 2.40am on April 21 1926.

She was the first child of the then-Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was born by caesarean section at 17 Bruton Street, the Mayfair home of her mother's parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

She was never expected to be a monarch when she was born, but the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII in 1936 put her father on the throne, and changed her destiny.

She wed Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947, and became Queen at the age of 25 when George VI died from lung cancer in 1952.

Elizabeth II, who has been monarch for more than 68 years, is Head of State, the Armed Forces and the Commonwealth.

She will celebrate her platinum jubilee of 70 years on the throne in 2022.
[April 21, 2021] HomeServe Enters the Pittsburgh Plumbing and HVAC Market With Acquisition of Mark Allen Plumbing and Heating

HomeServe USA (HomeServe), a leading provider of service plans, repair, and installation services for the home, today announced the acquisition of Mark Allen Plumbing and Heating (Mark Allen). Based in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Mark Allen provides plumbing and HVAC services to residential and commercial customers in the greater Pittsburgh area. Mark Gillece founded the Mark Allen business in 1985 and has served as its leader ever since. He's grown this business to include a team of 21 skilled trade plumbing and HVAC professionals dedicated to serving their neighbors in and around the Steel City. "Growing HomeServe's HVAC and plumbing segment means bringing customer-focused, ethical companies into our business. That's exactly what we've found in Mark Allen Plumbing and Heating," said Rob DiPietro, Managing Director, HVAC at HomeServe. "Mark Gillece and his team have built an exceptional locally admired business, one that's well known throughout Pittsburgh. Now with HomeServe, we'll work together to ensure that reputation and Mark's legacy endures." The entire Mark Allen team keeps customer satisfaction and business ethics at the forefront of what they do. Mark Allen has been an A+ rated Better Business Bureau company for 20 years. In 2019, it was the recipient of the Western Pennsylvania BBB Torch Award for Ethics, which underscores their commitment to doing right by their customers every day. "When I started Mark Allen decades ago, my vision was to be 100% customer focused. I wante to deliver the best possible professional experience to all our customers," noted Mark Gillece. "In looking toward our future, it was critical to me that we find the right partner, one that shares our values and would help us continue our vision while ensuring that the culture within our organization would not change. We found that perfect partner in HomeServe. Partnering with HomeServe will enable us to deliver an even better experience to our customers while leveraging HomeServe's support to continue to proudly serve the greater Pittsburgh market."



Mark Allen joins a growing number of Pennsylvania-based companies acquired by HomeServe in recent years. HomeServe's acquisitions in the Keystone State include: UGI Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, the digital agency Vincodo, and Utility Service Partners, a home repair service plan provider. Leading HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses throughout the U.S. interested in exploring the opportunity to join HomeServe should visit the HomeServe Transition website or email Rob DiPietro, Managing Director, HVAC. For more information about HomeServe, visit www.HomeServe.com. About HomeServe

HomeServe USA Corp. (HomeServe) is a leading provider of home repair and installation solutions serving more than 4.5 million customers across the U.S. and Canada under the HomeServe, Home Emergency Insurance Solutions, Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA), and Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) names. Since 2003, HomeServe has been protecting homeowners against the expense and inconvenience of water, sewer, electrical, HVAC and other home repair emergencies by providing affordable repair coverage, installations, and quality local service. As an A+ rated Better Business Bureau Accredited Business, HomeServe is dedicated to being a customer-focused company supplying best-in-class repair plans and other services to consumers directly and through over 1,000 leading municipal, utility and association partners. HomeServe has teamed up with executive producer, host, and best-selling author Mike Rowe, best known as the creator and host of the hit TV series Dirty Jobs, to work together to provide homeowners expert advice on maintaining, enhancing and protecting their homes. For more information about HomeServe, a Great Place To Work certified winner and recipient of thirty 2020 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, or to learn more about HomeServe's affordable repair plans, please go to www.homeserve.com. Connect with HomeServe on Facebook and Twitter (News - Alert) @HomeServeUSA. For news and information follow on Twitter @HomeServeUSNews. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005291/en/

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Phenomenal Vision: Eyesight to Life Sight: a thought-provoking consideration of how our perceptions shape our lives. Phenomenal Vision: Eyesight to Life Sight is the creation of published author, Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnson, Optometrist, a passionate Christian who seeks to help those in need through medical mission trips to Africa.

Dr. Johnson shares, Visionwhat is it? Vision is a physical, mental, and spiritual phenomena of enlightenment. Phenomenal Vision: Eyesight to Life Sight is an intriguing exploration of Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnsons pioneering insight into the relationship between eyesight and the various ways we view and process information in life. The aim of this book is not only to help teach how to process information about our world that encompasses a biblical worldview but also to help develop a biblically sound decision-making strategy. According to him, 'next to life itself, Gods most precious gift is sightthe window to this thing called life.' Poor life sight is a preventable tragedy. Why view life through a dirty or fogged-up window? Poor life sight is correctable. Dr. Leonidas has spent a lifetime helping people to see. In these last days, he has written this book to help you to see. To live a phenomenal life, you must have phenomenal vision. To have phenomenal vision you must have phenomenal life sight. How is your eyesight and more importantly how is your life sight? For an answer read this book, its key!

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnsons new book is a distinctive musing on the key components of sight and our outlook of life and faith.

With a straight-forward approach, Dr. Johnson offers an appeal to readers to seek a higher vision of their worlds.

View a synopsis of Phenomenal Vision Eyesight to Life Sight on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Phenomenal Vision Eyesight to Life Sight at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Phenomenal Vision Eyesight to Life Sight, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The national lockdown has made it clear to South Africans that they need high-speed, reliable Internet at home.

This assists with remote working and also makes it possible to stream your favourite movies and series online.

The best Internet option for your home is fibre, and Dashfibre is dedicated to getting you connected quickly and affordably.

The founders

The story of Dashfibre starts with CEO, Jared Wessels.

He got involved in the Fibre industry in early 2016, and was passionate about making an impactful difference with internet connectivity in South Africa.

He has a vision where customers are not just a number, but are given the best possible experience and affordable pricing.

Mitchell Cameron, General Manager and Network Architect of Dashfibre from the beginning, has been in the IT industry for just over 2 decades.

He comes with great depth and breadth of experience in enabling business through technology, ranging from Enterprise to SME, across over 15 industries in South Africa.

Being in the service industry for many years means he has become a champion of excellence and customer delight, and is passionate about delivering world class service to customers.

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These two men were key to the founding of Dashfibre in 2017 as a reseller ISP because both Wessels and Cameron could see where service levels were lacking within the fibre industry.

It therefore aims to provide a full fibre ISP offering that improves upon the service many South Africans are currently receiving from their ISPs by providing superior customer satisfaction and great products at competitive prices.

In fact, Dashfibre focuses not on customer satisfaction, but customer delight  as it believes that simply being satisfied with your ISP is not good enough.

Dashfibre has big visions and goals to change the way Internet services are provided to consumers all across South Africa, the company said.

We aim to provide some of the best services, efficient and friendly support, as well as quality fibre and Internet connectivity to our customers.

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There are several reasons why you should choose Dashfibre as your fibre ISP.

The first is their prioritisation of customer delight.

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If your internet is working well, you dont even know its there.

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BERLIN (Reuters) -Police clashed with protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown, as parliament approved a law to give Chancellor Angela Merkel's government more powers to fight a third wave of the pandemic.

Merkel drew up the law after some of Germany's 16 federal states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Her government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign.

Police said on Twitter they would break up the protest because many in the crowds of demonstrators were not wearing face masks or keeping a distance from one another. Up to 2,200 officers were on duty in Berlin to manage the protests.

Some 150 people were detained after they attacked officers or disregarded distancing rules. Police had to use pepper spray against other demonstrators who threw bottles and tried to climb over barriers.

"Peace, freedom, no dictatorship!" some protestors chanted, many waving German flags and banners which said the coronavirus lockdown undermines values enshrined in the constitution.

Germans are sensitive to any measures which threaten their freedom due to the country's Nazi and Communist past, and demonstrations against the legislation have been staged in the last few weeks in towns across the country.

The new law enables the national government to impose curfews between 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) and 5 a.m. (0300 GMT), as well as limits on private gatherings, sport and shop openings. Schools will close and return to online lessons if the virus incidence exceeds 165 cases per 100,000 residents.

The law was approved with the backing of 342 lawmakers while 250 voted against and 64 abstained.

Alexander Gauland, parliamentary head of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, said the government was fighting the pandemic with the wrong measures. "They are stuck in their trenches," he told the Bundestag debate on the law.

Story continues

Ralph Brinkhaus, parliamentary leader of Merkel's Christian Democrats, said politicians had to balance civil liberties with the need to save lives. "We are in a situation where too many people are dying," he said.

Germany reported a rise of 24,884 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to nearly 3.19 million. Some 80,634 people have died and doctors have warned that unless action is taken, intensive-care units may struggle to cope.

However, in the last few days the seven-day incidence rate has inched down and is now at 160.1 per 100,000.

The legislation is due to go to the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, on Thursday.

(Reporting by Madeline Chambers and Alexander RatzWriting by Emma ThomassonEditing by Mark Heinrich and Diane Craft)
Legislation that would make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana cleared its first hurdle Wednesday when the Senate Education Committee approved it 5-1.

The measure, Senate Bill 10, next faces action in the full Senate and enjoys the support of superintendents, teachers, early childhood advocates, school boards and others.

"Any message the state can send to parents on the importance of early childhood education is important," said Sarah Vandergriff, legal and policy director for the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, which backs the legislation.

"It is that first building block," Vandergriff said of kindergarten.

Existing state law requires school districts to offer kindergarten but enrollment is not required. Children are required to attend school starting at the age of 7.

SB10 would require children who turn five years old by Sept. 30 to attend kindergarten starting with the 2022-23 school year. The sponsor is Senate Education Committee Chairman Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge.

+8 Why a battle is shaping up in Louisiana over the latest push for mandatory kindergarten The bid to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana, which has been tried before and failed, is about to spark controversy again.

Fields said studies show children who skip kindergarten do not fare as well in the first grade.

Vandergriff said she routinely sits in education meetings where the message is children need to be in a learning setting by the age of three.

Sen. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe and vice-chairwoman of the committee, said keeping children out of kindergarten carries long-term consequences.

"At some point that child will feel like an outsider," Jackson said. "That is why I am very supportive of this bill."

Louisiana schools leader decries plunge in reading scores: 'I am alarmed' A new report shows reading scores for Louisianas youngest students have plunged for three consecutive years, raising red flags over arguably 

Advocates for homeschooling and the Louisiana Family Forum urged the committee to reject the proposal.

Jessie Leger, director of legislative affairs for Homeschool Louisiana, said the state's 2009 children's code says education and religious training are decisions for parents.

"We think it needs to stay with parents as optional," Leger said of kindergarten.

She said that, in some cases, children who are five-years-old "should be outside digging dirt" rather than in school five days per week.

The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

"Some of them just aren't ready for that," Leger said. "Just like children walk and talk and sit up at different ages."

"It is just another government overreach, which we are not super happy with," she said of the bill.

Fields added an amendment to the bill that would allow homeschoolers to meet the kindergarten requirement at home.

Dale Hoffpauir, chief operating officer for the Louisiana Family Forum, said his group opposes the measure.

"Parents should make the decision and the role of the state and government is limited," he said.

The Family Forum says it advocates for traditional family values.

Rise in Louisiana homeschooling is part of a national trend. Why did some make the switch? Already on the rise, the ranks of homeschooled students in Louisiana is getting another boost because of families disgruntled with how public 

Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, cast the lone "no" vote on the committee.

"I am a big proponent of expanding early childhood (education)," Mizell said. "It is voluntary. It is not mandatory."

She added, "I never went to kindergarten. I didn't know I was missing anything."

Groups that endorsed the measure include the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Stand for Children, Louisiana School Boards Association, Child Care Association of Louisiana and the Council for a Better Louisiana.

The new rules would affect about 2,800 children, officials said.

More than 54,000 students were enrolled in kindergarten in Louisiana in 2020, according to the state Department of Education.

Bills like the Fields' measure have been tried and failed before, including 2012, 2008 and 2005.

Voting "yes" on the bill were Sens. Jackson; Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles; Bodi White, R-Central; Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge and Robert Mills, R-Minden.
Press Release

April 20, 2021 CNN News Night Interview of Sen. Win Gatchalian with Rico Hizon on Community Pantries Q: This is how the government refaced the Filipino Bayanihan spirit, red tagging, securing permits and filling up information sheets? SEN. WIN: Actually, this is the single best news that we have in the last three weeks, especially after the surge. If you remember after the surge, every day we would say condolences, we'll see friends and families, some of their loved ones would pass away. This is actually the single best good news that we ever had after the surge and we should encourage this type of Bayanihan spirit because it's the private sector, people helping other, people without government intervention, without even asking a single centavo from the government. And we shouldn't be treating these people this way. Q: What about the red tagging, securing of permits and seeking information sheets from these organizers of community pantries? They should stop, because if it all started in the first place, this was started by the government. SEN. WIN: I don't understand this, because why the need to red tag? I know, like for example here in Valenzuela, I know some friends who started their own community pantries, they're not connected to any groups. These are just pure ordinary citizens who want to help, they're not even connected to the government, actually. So, it's quite disturbing that the government, the police, even the task force is looking for loopholes discouraging people from doing this. And I'm discouraged because this is happening to people who are doing their own part to help other people. Q: So, Senator, you mentioned a key word there, loopholes. Is the government you think is looking for loopholes because it has mishandled the COVID-19 response and it is doing very poorly? SEN. WIN: Actually, I want to shy away from connecting this to any response, COVID response, amelioration response, social response. This is pure volunteerism and the intention of the volunteers or the intention of the proponent, is just to help. I don't think they did this to criticize government. I don't think they did this to connect this to the pandemic response. So let's leave it at that. I don't think it's right for politician or proper for any politicians to connect this to any response because it will be politicized. In fact, we should leave them alone, because this is pure volunteerism, pure kindness of heart, and it should stay that way. Q: So there's really no place in this modern day Bayanihan and spirit initiative, Senator for red tagging, securing permits and filling up information sheets for these community pantry organizers. This has to stop now. SEN. WIN: I don't even understand the permits. I was a Mayor before and this type of micro volunteerism, does not need any permit. First of all, it doesn't make money so you don't need a permit. You only get permit if it's for profit. But this is pure volunteerism. It's out in their backyard so it's not as if their setting up a store to help one another. So in short, let's leave the private sector alone, they're doing their help. This is micro volunteerism to help our poor constituents. And the last thing we want is to discourage people from doing so. In Valenzuela, we've seen three of these sprouting in the city and we encourage that. In fact we want more, and this is a venue for other donors to give their goods and to help other people. Q: Senator, you've been quoted in a statement saying that this kind of initiative should encourage more participants, particularly from the private sector to join this kind of community pantries, but hasn't the private sector done its part, or even more during this pandemic and the private sector is hurting because of the flip flopping of policies of government. SEN. WIN: Actually, this type of community pantries I saw it's a micro venue for donors and not all donors can donate millions. Not all donors can donate hundreds of millions. So if you have a small amount, if you want to donate in kind, this is a venue to do so. So the private sector yes it's doing their part, in fact, during the lockdown last year the private sector has done tremendously donating straight to the local governments. Now, donating straight to our constituents and again we should encourage that. Again, I would shy away from connecting this to any pandemic response because it will just be politicized, and if that happens, people will just be turned off. Q: But don't you think with all of this red tagging and all of this negative news, impacting these community pantries, it will discourage individuals to donate and eventually they'll just say, forget about it. I will just stay away from it because I could be red tagged and, you know, why should they still donate? I've already given so much. SEN. WIN: You're absolutely correct. In fact, before this call, I was talking to one of our constituents in Venezuela, and their friends started their own community pantry, and to my surprise, the police went there to ask questions. And of course the police right now they're all wearing their outdoor camouflage gear and it doesn't send a good signal. I was actually quite surprised that the police even went to them. This is just one or two tables. We're not talking about the whole store of donated goods. This is just a very small donation. So my point here is the government should back off. They should stay off this community pantries and encourage more of this to sprout in our cities.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday called the government's vaccine strategy an "abject failure." She slammed the Centre's alleged lack of preparedness in dealing with the second wave of COVID-19 in the country. Gandhi said that the BJP-led government cannot shift the blame as Jawaharlal Nehru isn't in charge, Narendra Modi is.

"Today I do not think that there is any opposition leader who is not giving constructive and positive suggestions. And all the political parties are saying that we are with you (Centre)," said Gandhi.

She also criticised the Centre for not taking the opposition into confidence even when the nation is facing an unprecedented health crisis. Stressing that this is a moment for the entire country to stand together, Gandhi hit out at Modi's government for allegedly ridiculing his predecessor Manmohan Singh's recommendations.

Gandhi, in an interview, said, "Manmohan Singh Ji was Prime Minister for 10 years. Everyone knows how dignified a person he is. If he is giving suggestions... then suggestions should be taken up with the same dignity with which they were offered."

Gandhi said PM Modi must stop his "public relations exercise" and talk to the people and opposition parties over the COVID crisis.

The Centre was willing to talk to even Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, but not to Opposition leaders, said Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.

Constructive suggestions from opposition parties are being dismissed as politicisation rather than being accepted in the spirit that India is in crisis and, therefore, "all of us must stand together and do whatever we can to save lives regardless of our politics," the Congress General Secretary added.

Gandhi said, "They (government) are wasting time engaging in pettiness, making a minister respond to a letter addressed by a former prime minister who served this nation selflessly and with dignity to the present Prime Minister, Union Ministers are blaming state governments for increased oxygen consumption and central government press releases are targeting Opposition governments."

Thanks to 70 years of forward-thinking governance, today India is the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world, said Gandhi.

She added, "The Union government enabled the export of 6 crore vaccines between January and March 2021. A huge PR exercise was conducted with photos of vaccines arriving in countries like Mauritius, Guyana and Nepal being circulated. During this same period, Indian citizens received only 3-4 crore doses."

"Why didn't the government prioritise Indians first? Why did the prime minister place self-promotion above the nation? In a state like UP with a 22 crore population, only 1 crore doses have been administered," the Congress General Secretary said.

Gandhi's remarks come two days after Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to former PM Manmohan Singh's suggestions on COVID-19 management, and alleged that the second wave of COVID was fuelled by Congress-ruled states as they were busy raising doubts about vaccines instead of vaccinating people.

The Modi government's lack of foresight has compelled India to become an importer of vaccines today and even now, their "vaccine strategy is flawed and discriminatory", Gandhi said.

"Why are free vaccines not being made available to 18-45-year-olds? The new variants are supposedly even more virulent, and many young people are affected. And why is the government allowing middlemen into the equation without price controls?" she said.

Gandhi said that foreign agencies purchased COVID vaccines from Indian manufacturers much before the Modi government. Several large countries have placed advance orders for vaccines twice the size of their population, she said, while adding that India placed its first order in January 2021. This is not a coherent strategy, it is an "abject failure", Gandhi said.

She asserted that Congress is firm in its commitment towards India to remain constructive and supportive during the COVID pandemic.

"We have not and will not politicise this unprecedented human tragedy under any circumstances. We will, however, continue to push the government to act, we will continue to raise issues that need to be addressed urgently to save lives, they can label us in whichever terms they like," Gandhi asserted.

"We fully understand our responsibility towards our country. Manmohan Singh Ji, the Congress President (Sonia Gandhi) and Rahul Ji have all offered our party's constructive cooperation to the prime minister time and again," she added.

India reported nearly 3 lakh COVID-19 cases in the highest single-day spike, with 2,023 deaths reported in the 24 hours. India's active caseload - with 2,95,041 fresh infections - has crossed the 21 lakh mark. India's tally of COVID-19 cases stands at 1,56,16,130 while the death toll has reached 1,82,553, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's data on Wednesday.

(With agency inputs)

Also Read: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin 78% effective; works against most COVID-19 variants

Also Read: 22 patients die in Nashik hospital after oxygen leak from tanker

Also Read: COVAXIN effective against UK, Brazil variants of SARS-CoV-2: ICMR
"Spider-Man: Far From Home" Sony

Sony and Disney have struck a US licensing deal for its theatrical movies beginning next year.

The movies will move to Disney after their theatrical, home-entertainment, and Netflix runs are complete.

The Netflix window is expected to last 18 months.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Netflix isn't the only streaming giant that Sony is striking deals with.

Sony and Disney announced on Wednesday that Disney had landed the US streaming and TV rights to new Sony theatrical releases beginning in 2022 until 2026.

The deal means that Disney will be able to stream new Sony theatrical releases on Disney Plus and Hulu, and air them on its linear networks like ABC and FX, but only after the movies complete their theatrical, home-entertainment, and Netflix runs.

The agreement also gives Disney the rights to Sony library titles that include franchises like "Spider-Man," "Jumanji," and "Hotel Transylvania."

Netflix and Sony announced their own five-year licensing deal earlier this month. Netflix will stream new Sony movies beginning next year after they complete their theatrical and home-entertainment runs. Then they'll go to Disney after the pay-one TV window with Netflix expires, which is typically after 18 months.

Sony's 2022 theatrical slate includes "Morbius," about a vampire who is a frequent Spider-Man villain in the comics; "Uncharted," based on the hit video-game series; and a "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" sequel. The studio is expected to make "Jumanji" and "Bad Boys" sequels in the future, as well.

Sony owns the movie rights to Spider-Man and 900 related Marvel characters. Disney, which owns Marvel, and Sony struck a deal in 2019 for Spider-Man to star in one more Marvel Cinematic Universe solo movie and appear in another MCU film. That solo movie, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," hits theaters in December.

The "Spider-Man" movies aren't currently streaming on Disney Plus, but this new agreement between Sony and Disney means that could change. Disney noted in its announcement on Wednesday that Hulu will have access to a "significant number" of library titles beginning as early as June.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Non-destructive Testing Market Growth & Trends

The global non-destructive testing market size is anticipated to reach USD 22.9 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The growth is ascribed to the increasing manufacturing in the developing as well as developed nations.

The use of non-destructive testing (NDT) helps in detecting the faults precisely, reducing the product/component failure probability as well as costs incurred in the repairs of the components. The use of NDT also speeds up the process of manufacturing as the possible faults are eliminated beforehand. The key factor expected to drive the market is the technological advancements in non-destructive testing methods. Improvements in the techniques have ensured deviation-free fault detection and have reduced the complexity involved in the testing procedures considerably.

The ultrasonic testing segment is expected to witness significant growth. This growth is ascribed to the ease of handling the equipment, availability of skilled technicians, and precise fault detection. The manufacturing segment is expected to deploy NDT techniques extensively over the forecast period owing to the increasing awareness regarding their use.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Non-destructive Testing Market Report

Non-destructive Testing Market Report Highlights

The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.7% over the next eight years owing to a rise in manufacturing-related activities, globally

The services segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 73.0% in 2020. The high upfront cost of non-destructive equipment coupled with technical complexities involved in their deployment/installation is the major reason influencing end-users to outsource their non-destructive testing operations

Rapid industrialization, especially in developing economies has significantly contributed to the growth of the market

The ultrasonic testing segment is expected to witness a significant CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period owing to the benefits such as ease of handling and precise results

The manufacturing vertical segment was the dominant segment in 2020 and is expected to witness a healthy CAGR of more than 7.6% over the forecast period owing to the increased manufacturing activities primarily in Asia Pacific

North America dominated the market in 2020 and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 35.0%, owing to the extensive adoption of NDT techniques in the region

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-non-destructive-testing-ndt-market

Non-destructive Testing Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the non-destructive testing market based on offering, test method, vertical, and region:

NDT Offering Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Services

Equipment

NDT Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Visual Testing

Magnetic Particle Testing

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Eddy Current Testing

Ultrasonic Testing

Radiographic Testing

NDT Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Oil & Gas

Manufacturing

Aerospace and Defense

Construction

Automotive

Power Generation

Others

NDT Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe Germany UK. France

Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea

Latin America Brazil Mexico

Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa



List of Key Players of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Market

Ashtead Technology Ltd.

Eddyfi

Fischer Technologies Inc.

General Electric

Nikon Metrology Inc.

Mistras Group, Inc.

Olympus Corporation

Sonatest

YXLON International GmbH

Zetec Inc.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
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.
Zeldin, Ment said, has "the chutzpah and the clout to take this fight directly to the voters."

With a slew of endorsements this week, Zeldin has emerged as the front-runner for the GOP and Conservative gubernatorial nominations. He has been backed by 16 county GOP chairs representing 37% of the weighted vote. He needs at least 50% of the weighted vote to become the endorsed GOP candidate for governor.

On Wednesday, Zeldin's campaign announced that he has been endorsed by the GOP chairs in Allegany, Livingston, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties.

"New York state government has been plagued by Andrew Cuomo's lies, abuse and coverups," Seneca County Republican Chairman Tom Fox said. "New Yorkers have lost faith in their government and their leaders. Today, I am proud to endorse Congressman Lee Zeldin to be our next governor. Lee Zeldin has proven himself to be a man of integrity that New Yorkers can trust to do the right thing for our state."
New Delhi, April 21 : As India battles the acute Covid crisis, the monthly Refinitiv-Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) for India, in April, has shown a downward slide of 1.1 percentage points, over March 2021.

The monthly PCSI is driven by the aggregation of the four weighted sub-indices.

An Ipsos said that the PCSI Employment Confidence Sub-Index is down by 0.6 percentage points, the Current Personal Financial Conditions Sub-Index has fallen by 1.5 percentage points.

The Investment Climate Sub-Index has declined by 0.9 percentage points and the Economic Expectations Sub Index is down by 0.8 percentage points.

Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India, said: "The second wave of the corona virus is in full swing and it is already starting to impact normalcy and livelihoods." He noted that businesses had started recovering post the first wave and now the new wave has already started to negatively impact the sentiment around jobs, finances for daily running of households, savings and investments and the economy.
Perth airport has the highest solar power-generating potential of all Australian government-owned airports, which if all given solar panels could together light up a whole city.

While state governments ply homeowners with rebates and incentives, kilometres of prime solar panel space sit unused on federal land despite their capacity to dwarf household solar energy production.

Perth Airport is a wasted opportunity, according to the reports authors. Credit:Google Earth Pro

RMIT University researchers have calculated the potential production of the countrys 21 leased federal airports and found Western Australias Perth and Jandakot airports had the highest and fourth-highest potential, respectively, with Melbourne and Brisbane coming second and third.

The study published in the Journal of Building Engineering showed potential electricity production in each airport was affected not just by geographic location but also by panel arrangement and tilt.
(Newser)  Derek Chauvin will await sentencing in solitary confinement at a Minnesota prison, allowed out of his cell for an hour a day for exercise. The former Minneapolis police officer, convicted Tuesday of murder in the death of George Floyd, will be kept away from other inmates for his safety, the New York Times reports. Chauvin had been out on bond since October, but the judge ordered him to be held after the verdicts were read. Less than an hour later, he was at Minnesotas only maximum-security prison, in the St. Paul suburb of Oak Park Heights. The prison has him in its Administrative Control Unit, a spokesperson said, per the Star-Tribune, "the state's most secure unit." His sentencing is scheduled for the middle of June.

story continues below

Chauvin is spending his days in a small cell equipped with a bench with a mattress pad, a combination toilet and sink, and a small shower, the Times reports. Inmates can bring a few items, such as toothpaste and soap, pen and paper, and clothing. They can have reading material if it's approved by officials. Guards are to check him every half-hour, and cameras watch the cells. About one-tenth of the prison population is in the isolated unit. While Chauvin is in the prison, a presentencing investigation will take place and the report turned in to the court before his hearing. (Read more Derek Chauvin stories.)
Jen Psaki dodged a reporter's question Wednesday and cut him off abruptly when she was asked if President Joe Biden plans to address his role in systemic racism while a senator for more than three decades.

'To what extent does President Biden acknowledge his own role in systemic racism and how does that inform his current policy positions?' New York Post reporter Steven Nelson asked Psaki during her briefing Wednesday.

He noted that Biden is 'an architect of multiple federal laws in the 1980s and 90s that disproportionately jailed black people and contributed to what many people see as systemic racism.'

Instead of noting any of his potential role in exacerbating the issue in the past, Psaki decided to list his steps toward relieving that.

'One of the president's core objectives is addressing racial injustice in this country, not just through his rhetoric but through his actions,' Psaki deflected. 'And what anyone should look to is his advocacy for passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, for nominating leaders to the Department of Justice to address long outdated policies, and to ask his leadership team here in the White House to prioritize these issues in his presidency, which is current and today and not from 30 years ago.'

The reporter tried to push Psaki on the issued with: 'Do you believe it's important for him to accept his own culpability '

But he was cut off.

'I think I've answered your question,' Psaki tersely quipped before calling on another reporter to ask a question.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dodged a reporter's question on Wednesday on if Joe Biden should own up to his role in perpetuating 'systemic racism' as a U.S. Senate for 34 years

New York Post reporter Steven Nelson tried to push for an answer: 'Do you believe it's important for him to accept his own culpability '

Psaki cut him off saying: 'I think I've answered your question,' before moving onto another question

The back-and-forth came the day after the jury found former Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charge in the murder of George Floyd during an arrest gone awry last May.

Many civil rights activists lauded the ruling as a major win for black Americans.

During a speech after the jury revealed its verdict on Tuesday, Biden said it had helped 'rip the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism in the United States.'

The question of Psaki on Wednesday was likely referencing several different policies, but notably in the mid 1970s, Biden was one of the Senate's biggest opponents of race integration by way of busing.

Biden's constituents in Delaware harshly opposed the proposal and he called it a 'bankrupt idea' that violates 'the cardinal rule of common sense.'

Biden said Tuesday the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict helped 'rip the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism', but he supported some policies that contributed to this during his early Senate career

In May 1974, Biden voted to table an anti-busing and anti-desegregation measure until it included a provision that made sure the judiciary's power to enforce the 5th and 14th Amendment was upheld.

A year later, he supported a bill preventing the Departments of Health, Education and Welfare from cutting federal funds to districts refusing to integrate. As a Democrat opposing the bill, Biden said at the time that it would then be easier for other liberals to follow suit.

Biden and Kamala Harris, who is now his vice president, got into a heated back-and-forth over busing at the Miami Democratic primary debate in June 2019.

In a terse exchange that had her starring down the stage at the 76-year-old senator who represented Delaware, she reminded him that she was a beneficiary of busing.

'You also worked with them to oppose busing,' Harris said of Biden and some pro-segregation lawmakers in the 1970s. 'And, you know, there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day.'

'And that little girl was me,' Harris said.

'So I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats. We have to take it seriously. We have to act swiftly. As Attorney General of California, I was very proud to put in place a requirement that all my special agents would wear body cameras and keep those cameras on,' she asserted.

During the June 2019 presidential debate, Kamala Harris, who is now Biden's VP, got into a heated back-and-forth when she called him out on stage for opposing integrated busing and praising segregationist lawmakers

Harris, who is Jamaican-American, said during that debate where she was still running for president that it was 'hurtful' that Biden had praised two notorious, Democratic segregationists who he served with in the Senate in the 1970s.

One, James Eastland, from Mississippi, called African-Americans 'flesh eaters'; the other, Herman Talmadge, ran for the Senate on a pledge to stop blacks and whites eating together in the Capitol itself.

Biden revealed at a private fundraising event that Eastland 'didn't call me boy,' and said of their time in the Senate: 'At least there was some civility.'

During the confrontation of the debate state, Harris told Biden, 'I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you, when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground.

'But I also believe  and it's personal, and I was actually very  it was hurtful, to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country,' she said.
A recent clinical trial of deep-brain stimulation for severe obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers has led to researchers calling for the procedure to be made more widely available.

A team from the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer designed the trial to test how well deep-brain stimulation could treat people with severe forms of OCD.

A 3D model of the small implants used to stimulate portions of the patients brain. Credit:University of Queensland

Study lead author Philip Mosley said, of the nine people who underwent the procedure for the trial, seven had very good responses, including one of the participants who almost totally turned his life around as a result.

One man who participated had been suffering from crippling OCD for over 20 years, since hed been in primary school, Dr Mosley said.
US attorney general Merrick Garland (REUTERS)

Merrick Garland has announced a probe into the Minneapolis Police Department after former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted for murdering George Floyd, according to a report.

The investigation will be carried out by the Department of Justice, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday, citing an anonymous official.

It follows the conviction of the former Minneapolis officer for the murder of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May 2020, causing demonstrations and calls for reform of police departments throughout the US.

In Minneapolis, the citys police department is already the focus of attempts to reform it, including the creation of a commission to manage it  instead of the citys mayor, Jacob Frey.

On Wednesday, Mr Frey admitted to a litany of changes that need to happen for trust to be resorted in the Minneapolis Police Department.

I dont think anybody entirely agrees on the issue, Mr Frey told WCCO, but I think there are several core principles that we can agree on,

We need deep structural change in the way our police department operates, the mayor went on to say. We need a full-on culture shift to get the right officers in and the wrong officers out.

The justice department investigation, the AP reported, is known as a "pattern or practice" and is a more sweeping probe of the entire force.

Tactics and the departments oversight of allegations of misconduct and discrimination will be examined by the probe, the official told the AP. It could also result in major changes to policing in the city.

Following the guilty verdict against Chauvin on Tuesday night, President Joe Biden promised to address calls for reform of policing in the country, and said that more needed to be done on the issue.

"'I can't breathe.' Those were George Floyd's last words," Mr Biden said. "We can't let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can't turn away."

Story continues

Mr Garland, who announced the review on Wednesday, said on Monday that he was shocked by the video of Mr Floyds murder. The attorney general, in an interview with ABC News, added that racism is an American problem.

Former attorney general Bill Barr was thought to have turned-away from the idea of a pattern or practice investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department soon after Mr Floyd's death in May 2020, despite nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press.

Read More

Watch live as families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright pray outside Minneapolis courthouse

Biden news  live: Bernie Sanders unveils free college plan as Merrick Garland launches police review

Upbeat assessments buoy hopes for revival of Iran nuclear deal
SARASOTA, Fla., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Insuretech, RecovX Health announced the next phase of its rollout out of their Universal Injury Claim Filing App, InjuryClaimsExpress. This version is the Insurance Company Personalized Web Portal for insurers who want to offer their own customized insurance company portal for injured third-party claimants.

Filing an Injury Claim Navigating the Claim process

Lee E. Fogle the founder & CEO of RecovX Health said, "We brought ICE to market to bridge a gap that exists for injured third-party claimants. Today all the major insurance companies offer a cool app to their own policyholders, but their policyholders sometimes cause accidents that injure others. That creates an injured third-party claimant who must file a claim against an insurance company where they have no relationship.

Continued Fogle, "Since they are not policyholders, they don't get a cool app or technology solution which leaves injured claimants feeling disenfranchised, alone and in the dark about collecting a fair compensation for their injuries. That's why most of the 3 million injured claimants each year feel they must hire an attorney to represent them even if their claim is simple, and that means they give up 1/3 of their own personal injury compensation for attorney fees."

According to Bill Kratch, Chief Claims Officer of RecovX Health and former Liberty Mutual claims executive , "InjuryClaimsExpress is fulfilling its mission of becoming the only open industry standard & objective method for valuing injury claims using our Patent Pending medical science approach. It enables claimants to file their injury claims directly with an insurance company using the ICE App for claims that don't require an attorneywhich are 90% of all injury claims."

"As we have brought our solution to market over recent months it has become apparent that insurance companies want their own customized version of InjuryClaimsExpress. That enables them to customize the communication with the claimants, brand the claims portal under their company name and provide a completely new level of customer service to claimants without incurring the cost of building all the technology necessary to create their own site. On top of that they save significant administrative expenses

Said Fogle, "InjuryClaimsExpress is a multi-tenant, cloud-based, secure and HIPPA compliant solution. It is a complete claims Platform as a Service (PaaS), bringing economies of scale to insurance similar to how SalesForce.com did years ago in multiple industries."

"I've been developing insurance technology since the 1980's, and I know that Insurance companies would spend hundreds of millions of dollars and years of development time if they each attempted to build an application like InjuryClaimsExpress. Insurers can start using InjuryClaimsExpress today with no upfront fees and quick customizations to insert their own branding--they can immediately take their claims customer service to a new higher level."

"The only resistance we see to InjuryClaimsExpress is the normal resistance to change that some insurance companies still have, but the digital age has made insurance companies smarter and more agile, and we find that smart leaders are embracing our innovative product and concept."

www.injuryclaimsexpress.com

Contact: Lee Fogle

813-440-7033

[email protected]

SOURCE RecovX Health
Col. Jennifer Pritzker

Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), announced a $2 million gift to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, bringing her total contributions towards pandemic relief efforts in Illinois to more than $4 million. Prior gifts were made during the past year to various organizations providing humanitarian and social services.

The pledge will be paid over the next year, with the first disbursement scheduled for May, 2021. Funds will support the priorities of the IL Commission to End Hunger, positioned to boost COVID-19 hunger relief efforts across Illinois. These priorities include leveraging technology to connect people with benefits, harnessing innovation to help programs reach more people, and working more collaboratively across agencies and community-based organizations.

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans face food insecurity for the first time. The Food Depository continues to provide food for those in need across Chicago and throughout Cook County and plays a vital role in a vast network that strives to address hunger every day.

A hunger crisis existed in Illinois long before the COVID-19 pandemic reached our state, but the events of the last year have pushed the need to new heights, said Kate Maehr, CEO of the Food Depository and co-chair of the IL Commission to End Hunger. Public and private stakeholders from across Illinois are embarking on an ambitious strategy to meet this elevated need while building long-term solutions to address the root causes of poverty and hunger. This generous gift from Col. Pritzker will make a tremendous impact on our work, ensuring more Illinoisans have access to food and opportunity.

These difficult times call for collaboration and action. The hardships experienced by Illinoisans due to the global pandemic are still very real, states Col. Pritzker. I applaud the initiatives and hard work of our Governor throughout this crisis, and I am committed to continuing to support organizations across Illinois. This contribution to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to support the the initiatives of the IL Commission to End Hunger will make an important difference in the lives of many.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, cousin to Col. Pritzker, recently announced his focus on this program to help end hunger in Illinois. Col. Pritzker is proud to work with her family on this initiative and to continue to protect the health and welfare of residents throughout Illinois from the spread of COVID-19.

Hunger can make or break a childs ability to learn, a parents ability to work, a persons ability to be their whole self  so one of the most important things we can do for our residents is work to end hunger, and the root causes that lead to it, said Governor JB Pritzker. Im so grateful for Col. Pritzkers generous gift in the name of that mission. As the Illinois Commission to End Hunger demonstrates, our impact is greater when public and private institutions work together, and Col. Pritzkers commitment will go a long way in ensuring Illinois families can access the nutrition they need to live their best lives.

Were not in the clear yet, and everyone can do something to help their community, Col. Pritzker adds. Whether you are making a financial contribution or donating your time, it is necessary for all of us to come together and take proactive and voluntary measures to help all of us get through this crisis.

###

About Col. Jennifer Pritzker

COL (IL) Pritzker is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army and upon her retirement in 2001, was promoted to the rank of honorary Colonel in the Illinois National Guard. A historian, businesswoman, investor, developer, and philanthropist; she founded TAWANI Enterprises in 1994. The company offers back-office services to all internal owned companies, including TAWANI Property Management and Hospitality, TAWANI Property Development, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, TAWANI Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center, Master Wings Publishing, and Aurum Trading, a gold coin trading market maker.


A proposed lynching memorial meant to call attention to the areas dark racial history has left some in Sarasota, Florida frustrated, angry and fearing that it would dredge up the past.

Two times this month, scores of Newtown residents urged city leaders to block the project, saying that such a marker in Newtown would incite division, anger, violence and backlash in the Black community.

This is like a stick of dynamite waiting for somebody to put a match to it, said Sarasotas Living Hope Worship Center Pastor Ruby Robinson, who on Monday urged city commissioners to instead to find a way to commemorate Black history in a more positive light.

We are supposed to forgive our ancestors for what happened back then, Robinson said. We dont need to drag this up now and leave it in our childrens face for the rest of their lives.

For years local activists, organizations and historians have worked to unearth and find a way to honor local victims of racial terror. There were at least six known victims of lynching in Manatee County ( Sarasota was part of Manatee County until 1921).

Its a tough history, said Vickie Oldham of Newtown Alive, who has conducted a city-contracted research into the history of Sarasotas Black community and hosts regular trolley tours. Its not easy to get on a trolley tour and share it. But we do it because you know what? Today, in this country, people want to hear what happened in America and in communities just like Sarasota all over this country.

Oldham and a number of other local advocates have been soliciting broad-based support from local organizations and individuals for the memorial. Oldham and others already have installed more than a dozen memorials around town commemorating Sarasotas rich Black history and its leaders. Lynching is mentioned only briefly on one of them and is also featured on trolley tours.

The effort to bring a lynching memorial is buoyed by the citys recent agreement to move the historic Leonard Reid house to Newtown to become the first home of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.

The memorial was inspired by the nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative, which has established a National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. The memorial and museum commemorates the nearly 4,000 people who, by conservative estimates, were lynched in the South from 1877 to 1950.

The Equal Justice Initiative encourages counties represented there to document their lynching histories, gather soil from the actual lynching sites and build community support for a local memorial. In return, the nonprofit promises to provide a replica marker to each county strongly committed to using it both to memorialize those lost and educate present and future generations about this tragic chapter in America history.

Oldham and others are hoping to win the support of the Equal Justice Initiative for the memorial and have garnered the support of 80 organizations, including the city of Sarasota and the NAACP of Sarasota County.

Opponents who spoke on Monday felt that such a memorial would be disrespectful and make a mockery of the Black people and force generations of residents to relive hundreds of years bitterness and anger.

Most pointed to the graphic monuments featured at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. One sculpture at the museum in Alabama depicts naked enslaved people in chains.

I dont want my children coming down that street watching something like that, said one speaker. I dont want to have to explain to them about what happened in the past. We want to let the past go and go on to the future.

Let us heal, let us forget and forgive and let that go, said another.

Valerie Buchand, a longtime resident and Newtown Nation president, said she feared that Newtown residents werent involved in the planning process and would be overlooked.

Buchand also took issue over the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition site, fearing that the museum would feature pictures that are not so inviting. That history  we dont need to experience that again.

Proponents of Sarasotas memorial say the local monument will have no resemblance to the sculpture in Alabama and would likely be similar to the memorial erected in Martin Luther King Park. Proponents said they have repeatedly spoken to Newtown Nation. They also felt that the scope of the memorial was misunderstood. Its message, they said, would honor and memorialize victims of racial terror.

Who opposes honoring the memory of these lynching victims? Oldham said. Should the ugly past of this beautiful area be forgotten? Do we choose the parts that we remember and hide the rest that we dont want to remember or do we review all of it soberly and learn from it? Or teach it to the next generation, not repeat it?

Walter Gilbert is the former president of the Sarasota chapter of the NAACP who now serves as community engagement director for Newtown Alive and Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.

As far as forgetting the past, you dont want to forget the past, Gilbert said. Somebody said if you forget your past, you dont know where youre going.

Timothy Fanning covers Sarasota government for the Herald-Tribune. Reach Timothy at tim.fanning@heraldtribune.com or on Twitter: @timothyjfanning.

___

(c)2021 Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla.

Visit Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla. at www.heraldtribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin earlier this week signed an executive order creating the citys first Civilian Review Board to investigate complaints of police misconduct.

The five-member panel - Birmingham attorney Victor Revill, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Joyce Vance, former Birmingham Police Chief Annetta Nunn, the Rev. Lawrence Conoway, senior pastor at Fellowship Bible Church and T. Marie King, a Birmingham activist, speaker and facilitator for change  beginning in early July will look at complaints lodged by citizens.

What the CRB will do, experts say, is provide an avenue for citizens to voice any concerns about actions taken by the police department.

What it wont do is simultaneously investigate actions that have already been taken through the traditional routes, such as the Birmingham Police Departments Internal Affairs, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or the citys Department Human Resources.

An officer-involved shooting, for example, per state law will be investigated by the ALEAs State Bureau of Investigation, with the completed findings turned over to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office.

Once that process is complete, the CRB could then take up the case.

A citizen who has a complaint about an officer, perhaps during an encounter on a traffic stop or during an arrest, that citizen could register a complaint either with the Internal Affairs Division or the Civilian Review Board.

He or she could actually file a complaint with both, but if that is done simultaneously, an IAD investigation would taken precedence.

Its important to note, experts say, the Civilian Review Board isnt just about punishment but also about policy.

Perhaps an officer is investigated on a complaint and found that he or she didnt violate any law or department policy. The CRB would look at the matter and determine whether a policy should be implemented or somehow changed.

Brandon Johnson, who heads the citys Office of Peace and Policy, said the CRB is the first of its kind in the state and will evolve as time goes on.

Were literally pioneering in the state of Alabama,' Johnson said.

We have maximized the mayors powers under the Mayor/Council Act, but I think when you think about the limitations on the powers of this board, you should think about it in the same context as when the city tried to pass a livable minimum wage and because we dont have home rule, it was overturned.

This is a transparency and accountability issue tailored to Alabama law and designed to increase visibility, data and trust mechanisms, he said. The bottom line is we are deeply constrained by Alabama law. The same mechanism that affected us with a livable minimum wage as a city is the same mechanism that is in play here.

Whats more important than what the mayor can or cannot do his leadership on this issue and exhausting all of his powers to address it,' Johnson said.

Additionally, Johnson said, the city is heavily confined by the governance of the Jefferson County Personnel Board.

Because this is a protected position ultimately all disciplinary actions go through the Jefferson County Personnel Board,' he said. Any action requires review by the Personnel Board and ultimately they get that decision.

Here are some answers provided by the Office of Peace and Policy:

What are some of the benefits of community oversight?

- Citizens are given an independent venue to voice their concerns

- Citizen-led oversight gives police departments an independent line of sight into officer misconduct and provides a venue for holding officers accountable

- Citizen-led oversight board can help improve the quality of the departments internal investigations of alleged misconduct by serving as a supplemental resource on police misconduct

- Citizen-led oversight can help increase the publics understanding of the departments policies and procedures

- Citizen-led oversight agencies can improve their department by making policy recommendations regarding misconduct that identify areas of concern and offer recommendations to improve policing

- Citizen-led oversight can help to reduce costly litigation by identifying problems and proposing corrective measures before a lawsuit is filed.

What is the complaint process?

- Community members can make complaints directly to the Civilian Review Board or the Office of Peace and Policy

- Once a complaint is received, the Office of Peace and Policy will carry out a review and investigation

- Once a complaint filed, there will be a 30-day review period unless the Office of Peace and Policy gets an extension from the CRB to complete the investigation.

- Once the investigation is complete, the CRB will have a public hearing if necessary

Where can I make complaints?

Digital complaint forms will be available on the Office of Peace and Policys website. Paper forms will also be available in the Office of Peace and Policy. Residents can begin making complaints in early July.
EnergyNet, one of the leading event organisers in the African Energy market, announced last week that the 7th Powering Africa Summit will now be hosted as a digital event over 5 days from 24th June  1 July 2021. After discussions with stakeholders and partners, the decision to move the event onto a digital platform was felt that it would contribute further to the success of the event, by better 
Editor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The daily column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events.

China has an old philosophy when it comes societal governance: Wang Dao (), rule by virtue; and Ba Dao (), rule by force. The two strains complement each other  try to influence and persuade, but hold the bottom line with force if necessary.

On April 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2021 via video link. During the speech, he said that the world has no need for bullies or imposers, and major powers need to behave as such, and shoulder more responsibility. China pledged never to seek hegemony, expansion, sphere of influence, or engage in an arms race.

The world's sole superpower, the United States, regardless of administrations or party differences, has collectively taken a turn to hegemonic behaviors at the expense of truth and justice. What the world saw in the Trump administration  the unilateralism, the refusal to lend a hand to anyone and geopolitical-oriented thinking  is living within its successive administration. The weaponization of the U.S.' financial system, the hoarding of vaccines and using other countries' domestic affairs as a pressure point have marked Biden's less-than-100-day tenure.

Meanwhile, global COVID-19 infections have surpassed 140 million, and more than 3 million people have died.

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated many of the existing problems in the world. In particular, the inequality existing within and between countries has been widened. The World Bank projects the virus could push as many as 150 million people into extreme poverty by the end of this year. David Malpass, president of the World Bank Group, said that "the pandemic and global recession may cause over 1.4 percent of the world's population to fall into extreme poverty."

A COVID-19 patient on a stretcher is sent on board a helicopter from the French army during transfer operations from Strasbourg to Germany and Switzerland, in France, March 30, 2020. /Reuters

During Xi's speech, he said that the Belt and Road Initiative, China's flagship international development project, could raise 7.6 million people around the world out of extreme poverty, while 32 million will be able to escape mid-level poverty.

Every country is different. Some are large and equipped with better economic and military strength, some aren't; some are relatively young, while others have thousands of years of history; some are active on the global stage, some are just tending to domestic business.

This diversity, Xi said, is the hallmark of this world and where human civilization is rooted. Enforcing a standardized set of values, systems or way of life is an attempt to snuff out the fundamental feature that drives human progress. Just because a country is big and powerful, it doesn't mean it gets the right to dictate how other countries should operate or how other people should think.

That dictation is rule by force employed to its extreme. It might work for a moment, but it won't be able to ensure a long-term, sustainable global order is maintained. As the world is facing widening deficits in governance, trust, development and peace, it is up to all participants in global affairs to protect the fruits we labored over for the past decades. In the end, it is virtue that would bring about the happiness that people desire and the development the world seeks.
[April 21, 2021] Red Canary Adds New Executives to Expand Global Operations

John Turner and Rick Caccia Join from Google to Lead Sales and Marketing DENVER, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Canary, a leading provider of SaaS-based security operations solutions, today announced the addition of two new executives to accelerate global go-to-market operations. Industry veterans John Turner and Rick Caccia, both most recently with Google Cloud, will lead sales and marketing as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, respectively. Both have extensive security industry experience and each has led their functions at companies during successful IPOs. Most recently, Turner was head of sales for Google Clouds Security business unit, including both security products and security capabilities within the Google Cloud Platform. He previously spent seven years at Symantec, where he was vice president of the technology sales organization. Prior to Google, Turner served as the senior vice president of sales at TriNet, both up to and after TriNets IPO in 2014. During Turners tenure, Selling Power Magazine selected TriNet as one of the Top 100 Sales Organizations to Sell For. Caccia was the head of marketing for Google Clouds Security business unit, covering product marketing and demand generation for security products and Google Cloud Platform security functionality. Prior to Google, he was CMO for Exabeam, a SIEM and User Behavior Analytics leader. Earlier, he was the vice president of product marketing at ArcSight, another SIEM market leader, from pre-IPO through its acquisition by HP in 2010. Following record growth in 2020 and our recent Series C fundraising of $81 million, Red Canary is expanding rapidly, said Bian Beyer, CEO and co-founder. JT and Rick will help us expand our global go-to-market capabilities as the company scales to the next level. We have previously worked with both as partners and are excited to welcome them as co-workers.



Throughout my career, I have looked for companies with strong winning cultures, great teamwork, and products that customers love, and Red Canary certainly fits that profile, said Turner. In addition, Rick and I have worked together previously to build effective teams. I look forward to helping Red Canary expand its winning sales culture globally. Having worked in security analytics in some form for over a decade, I understand how hard the task is for customers, said Caccia. Red Canary stands out as a company that is truly focused on making life better for customers and being a security ally. I am excited to work with JT and the Red Canary team to help customers get better outcomes, around the globe.

About Red Canary

Red Canary is the leading security ally enabling every organization to make its greatest impact without fear of cyber-attack. The company provides outcome-focused solutions for security operations teams, who rely on Red Canary to analyze and respond to endpoint telemetry, manage alerts across the network, and provide cloud environment runtime threat detection. With Red Canary, security teams can make a measurable improvement to security operations within minutes. To learn more, visit RedCanary.com. Two photos accompanying this announcement are available at :

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c19b9d41-4046-4e0b-9324-66f434b1908a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9efc41b9-a795-48b2-ad8f-6e291d19a2ce

Media contact: Paula Brici Eskenzi PR +1 949 677-6527 paula@eskenzipr.com

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NEW DELHI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report reveals how laws on rape in South Asian countries are insufficient, inconsistent, and not systematically enforced, putting women and girls at heightened risk of sexual violence. Survivors and victims' families frequently face further victimization, resulting in extremely low reporting rates for rape, long delays within the criminal justice system, and withdrawal of cases.

Photo by Shiv Ahuja

Released jointly by international women's rights organization Equality Now and Dignity Alliance International, Sexual Violence in South Asia: Legal and Other Barriers to Justice for Survivors focuses on six countries  Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, India and Sri Lanka  and calls on their governments to take urgent action to address sexual violence, improve access to justice for survivors, and end impunity for perpetrators.

Analysis of country-specific laws and policies relating to sexual violence found gaps in laws, failures in implementation, and governments not fulfilling their commitments and obligations in international law regarding the protection and promotion of women and girls' human rights.

Survivors, activists, and lawyers reported numerous obstacles experienced by rape victims. For the small minority who do manage to file police complaints, it is only the start of a long, arduous quest to access justice. Impediments include:

Conviction rates for rape are extremely low throughout South Asia - in Bangladesh , it is only around 3%;

- in , it is only around 3%; Long delays in police investigations, medical examinations, prosecutions and trials;

Police officers refusing to file complaints or failing to investigate allegations; in Bangladesh , India , Nepal and Sri Lanka  stakeholders spoke about justice system officials being susceptible to bribery and corruption;

, , and  stakeholders spoke about justice system officials being susceptible to bribery and corruption; Overly burdensome or discriminatory evidence required in rape cases; for example, Bangladesh , Bhutan , Nepal , Maldives and Sri Lanka all permit evidence about the sexual history of rape victims;

, , , and all permit evidence about the sexual history of rape victims; In India , Nepal and Sri Lanka , the "two-finger test" - an unscientific, intrusive and retraumatizing vaginal examination performed on the wrongful premise that it can determine a victim's sexual experience and which is often used to imply she is lying  is conducted in medical examinations of women and girls who've been raped;

, and , the "two-finger test" - an unscientific, intrusive and retraumatizing vaginal examination performed on the wrongful premise that it can determine a victim's sexual experience and which is often used to imply she is lying  is conducted in medical examinations of women and girls who've been raped; Rape survivors and their families frequently face extreme pressure to withdraw criminal complaints and stay silent; this includes being forced into informal community mediation, and subjected to social stigma, victim blaming, threats, bribery, and retaliation including loss of employment, eviction, and further violence;

Survivors are coerced into dropping legal cases and accepting extra-legal settlements or compromises with perpetrators;

Marital rape is not criminalized in Bangladesh , Maldives , India and Sri Lanka ;

, , and ; Support services for survivors are lacking, with minimal access to safe houses, counselling or other types of psychosocial care; poor provision of victim and witness protection schemes puts survivors and their families at risk of coercion and further harm;

Survivors from socially excluded communities face even greater barriers to accessing justice as a consequence of ethnic, religious, caste, and tribal prejudice and persecution.

Report co-author Divya Srinivasan, a human rights lawyer and Legal Advisor for Equality Now, says: "Our research reveals how governments across South Asia need to take urgent action to provide women and girls with better protection against sexual violence and end widespread impunity for perpetrators. This requires closing gaps in laws, addressing flaws in criminal justice systems, and investing in holistic responses to ensure access to justice and support for survivors."

The report calls on South Asian countries to implement comprehensive and inclusive measures that effectively address sexual and gender-based violence. This includes:

Addressing protection gaps in the law

Improving police responses to cases of sexual violence

Ensuring survivor-friendly medical examinations

Improving prosecution procedures and trials of sexual offences

Designing and funding holistic interventions to improve access to justice for survivors

Reviewing laws and policies to ensure the specific needs of all marginalised communities are met

Evlyn Samuel, report co-author from Dignity Alliance International, says: "The report reveals a multitude of barriers that survivors of sexual violence experience at different levels while accessing the criminal justice system across these countries. This calls for a dire need on the part of governments to adopt a more comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach in addressing issues of sexual violence against women and girls to bring systemic and transformative changes."

Contact:

Tara Carey

+44 (0)7971556340

[email protected]

SOURCE Equality Now
What just happened? After seeing record growth in subscribers throughout 2020, Netflix has reported a drastic slowdown in the number of people signing up for its service. The news saw its shares fall as much as 13%, despite reporting revenue and profit that exceeded analysts expectations.

Netflix added 4 million new subscribers during the first quarter. That was lower than its own expectations of 6 million and fewer than half the 8.7 million Wall Street expected. The current quarter is predicted to be even worse; Netflix believes only about 1 million people will sign up in Q2, much lower than the 5 million it previously predicted and 9 million fewer than the same period last year. It would also mark the companys slowest quarterly growth to date.

The pandemic has been responsible for both the growth in Netflixs subscribers and the slowdown. With much of the world under stay-at-home orders, more than 36 million people signed up last year to take Netflixs global membership numbers to over 200 million.

But Covid-19 also impacted production of Netflixs original shows, leaving a lighter-than-usual content slate that it believes is slowing growth. The other factor is that as vaccines roll out around the world and restrictions lift in many countries, people are opting for outdoor activities after being stuck inside for so long.

Netflix is also facing increased competition from streaming rivals such as Disney+. It took just 16 months for the Walt Disney Company to attract 100 million subscribers to its service, thanks to shows including The Mandalorian and WandaVision.

Despite the slowdown, Netflixs revenue was up 24% YoY to $7.16 billion during the three months ending March, but that didnt stop shares falling 13% to $484.35 in after-hours trading, wiping $25 billion off its market cap.

Netflix believes its growth will pick up pace again during the second half of the year when new seasons of The Witcher, You, and Money Heist arrive, along with star-studded features including Red Notice and Dont Look Up.
On the surface, The Post and Couriers latest Uncovered installment exposes a school superintendent whose bad behavior went unpunished in a small, poor school district whose high school and middle school and one of its three elementary schools are ranked among the worst in South Carolina.

But the investigation by Stephen Hobbs and Thad Moore points to the larger problems of school boards whose primary interest is something other than serving the public and a State Board of Education thats fixated on punishing teachers who move in the middle of a school year  think about that for a moment, if youve ever had to relocate because, say, your spouse got a job in another state  and has no interest when the bosses become abusive to employees and taxpayers.

And those problems in turn help explain why South Carolina struggles to provide a decent education to all children.

Wanda Andrews underlying misdeed might seem small  a missed deadline, a technical oversight. But she covered up her oversight and in so doing transformed a paperwork problem into a fraudulent action.

Contemporaneously, the superintendent of the Lee County School District engaged in petty, tyrannical behavior  having critics kicked out of school board meetings and using tax money to install spy equipment in offices of employees she thought might be complaining about her. And if you don't think that kind of behavior drives off good employees, well, you've never worked around it.

While she was missing legal deadlines on her own job, she was getting paid as a consultant for another school district  while paying the superintendent of that other district to do consulting work for her. That feels a whole lot like a quid pro quo arrangement, and the State Law Enforcement Division has been investigating it for more than two years.

The state Education Department concluded that this all added up to unprofessional behavior and recommended that she be banned from the profession for three years, much as teachers routinely are for smaller offenses.

But as Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Moore report, the state Board of Education declined to suspend Dr. Andrews for what it agreed was unprofessional behavior, opting instead for a slap-on-the-wrist public reprimand. This was nothing new. Only one of the seven superintendents who faced board review over the past decade was suspended. The board similarly punted on a superintendent who told an employee shed slit her throat at a staff meeting if she talked to the school board and one who traveled on district time to paid out-of-state speaking engagements, in violation of the state ethics law.

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That track record raises long-running questions about why we even have a State Board of Education  a purely political body whose members are appointed by small groups of legislators and who usually serve as a rubber stamp for the state education superintendent, except when they make ridiculous decisions like this.

Of course, the Board of Educations inaction didnt prevent the Lee County School Board from firing, suspending or in some other way disciplining Dr. Andrews. Instead, the school board came to her defense.

And that raises long-running questions about the value of local school boards, some of which do an excellent job, and some of which dont.

Poverty is a big part of South Carolinas education problem. Its much more difficult to teach children who are raised in poverty, whose parents cant or dont provide the foundation they need to start school ready to learn and the encouragement and support they need to succeed. These kids can learn, but they need great teachers who can spend time bringing them along  which poor school districts often cant afford, even with the extra funding the Legislature provides to help compensate for their small tax bases.

But some poor districts do a great job against all odds. The difference almost always is leadership: school boards that are willing to hire good superintendents who are able to hire good principals who are given the freedom and resources to hire good teachers, and get rid of bad ones.

Too many school board members are more interested in providing jobs and business opportunities for their friends and family than in educating the children in their communities. This creates a variety of pathologies, from districts that have a tough time hiring and keeping good superintendents to boards that dont worry about what their superintendents do, as long as they dont rock the boat.

Theres no silver bullet for fixing education in South Carolina, but one essential part of the solution is protecting students from bad leadership. When the local school board wont do that, the state superintendent of education needs to be able to intervene. So ultimately, the story of unprofessionalism in Lee County is yet another reminder that the Legislature needs to pass either S.201 or H.3610, which would give Education Superintendent Molly Spearman  and her successors  more tools to bypass local school boards that arent getting the job done.
ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) - Voters in Ward One went back to the polls Tuesday for yet another election in Aberdeen.

The reason behind this election is evidence of voting irregularities and fraud.

Robert Devaull won the election with 102 votes, Nicholas Holliday had 86 votes.

There was a total of 188 ballots cast, including 3 absentee ballots.

The investigation leading to the election started after Holliday beat Devaull during the runoff elections last June.

Devaull contested the results three different times, alleging voting irregularities.

After an investigation, a judge stated that nearly 138 ballots cast were not handled or processed correctly, and should not have been counted.

The document also stated that there were several violations at the polling precinct, including one witness claiming Holliday campaigned within 150 feet of the precinct.

Meanwhile, the court also ordered the arrest of a notary, Dallas Jones, for voter fraud.

Two others had to pay fines totaling $75.
Julianna Margulies and George Clooney's ER characters had one of the hottest onscreen relationships of the 90s.

And it turns out the chemistry was real between the heartthrob, 59, and Margulies, who said the actors were definitely crushing on each other while shooting the medical drama.

'That can't happen if you don't have a crush on each other," Margulies told People of their steamy on-camera connection. 'And with George and me, it was so organic.'

Chemistry! Julianna Margulies said she and George Clooney actually had crushes on each other while playing an on-screen couple on the 90s medical drama ER

Margulies said her whole experience on the medical drama was an adventure, revealing how she was originally meant to be a one-episode guest star on the series pilot.

'I was supposed to die,' she joked. 'I was just a guest star. I had to drive my cranky little rental car to Crenshaw at this abandoned hospital.'

But while she was nowhere near a star yet, Julianna said George 'could not have been kinder or sweeter' to her.

'I was just supposed to be a guest star, number 39 on the call sheet. But he treated everyone the same,' the Good Wife lead later recalled.

She would go on to play nurse Carol Hathaway for six seasons, enjoying more than a few makeout scenes with George's Dr. Doug Ross through the years.

'Organic': 'That can't happen if you don't have a crush on each other," Margulies told People of their steamy on-camera connection. 'And with George and me, it was so organic.' They're seen in 2008 above

Couple: She played nurse Carol Hathaway for six seasons, enjoying more than a few makeout scenes with George's Dr. Doug Ross through the years

And while their on-screen connection was pure romance, Margulies said she found Clooney actually becoming a 'mentor' of sorts during the production.

'I followed and watched how he conducted himself on the set,' she said of ER, which was her breakout role.

'When you create an environment that people feel safe in, then you do your best work. And George taught me that,' she said. 'I felt so safe with him.

'I mean, I never thought, "Well, why would I be in the bathtub and he's coming in?" I was like, "Okay, I'll be in the bathtub. Yeah, great."'

The TV couple will reunite later this week when they'll join Gloria Reuben, Noah Wyle, Laura Innes, Anthony Edwards and more for a live ER cast virtual reunion on the web-series Stars In The House.

Reunion: The TV couple will reunite later this week when they'll join Gloria Reuben, Noah Wyle, Laura Innes, Anthony Edwards and more for a live ER cast virtual reunion on the web-series Stars In The House

Julianna told People she's thrilled to reunite with her castmates, adding that she's regularly in touch with Wyle, Clooney and Eriq La Salle.

'I think I'm just as excited as the fans are to see them all,' said the star, whose memoir Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life comes out May 4th.

'In fact, I literally just was emailing with George because I said, "I've written this book and you're in it, and it's not a tell-all, it's just that I have to give credit where credit is due and you should have it. And where do I send it, under what name and what country?"'

Clooney spends most of his time living in Lake Como, Italy with wife Amal and their twins.

Margulies has been married to attorney Keith Lieberthal, 48, since 2007. The couple share at 13-year-old son.
[April 21, 2021] Cedar Gate Technologies Achieves HITRUST CSF Certification to Manage Risk, Improve Security Posture, and Meet Compliance Requirements

GREENWICH, Conn., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Gate Technologies (Cedar Gate), a leading value-based care performance management company, today announced its ISAAC system hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), iClaims, iConnect, and iRCM platforms hosted at iLand datacenters in Reston, VA and Dallas, TX and the SFTP Server have earned HITRUST CSF v9.2 certification. HITRUST CSF Certified status demonstrates that the organization's ISAAC system, iClaims, iConnect, and iRCM platforms have met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and is appropriately managing risk. This achievement places Cedar Gate in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. By including federal and state regulations, standards, and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST CSF helps organizations address these challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls. "Companies, like ours, are under more pressure than ever to meet complex complianc and privacy requirements that include technical and process elements such as NIST, ISO, and COBIT," said Michael Galvin, Chief Operating Officer at Cedar Gate. "We are pleased to demonstrate to our customers the highest standards for protecting sensitive data and information by achieving HITRUST CSF Certification."



"The HITRUST CSF Assurance Program is the most rigorous available, consisting of a multitude of quality assurance checks, both automated and manual," said Bimal Sheth, Vice President of Assurance Services, HITRUST. "The fact that Cedar Gate has achieved HITRUST CSF Certification attests to the high quality of their information risk management and compliance program." About Cedar Gate Technologies

Cedar Gate Technologies is a leading value-based care performance management company founded in 2014 by David B. Snow Jr., a nationally recognized Fortune 50 CEO, in partnership with GTCR, a leading Chicago-based private equity firm. Ascension Ventures, a strategic healthcare venture firm, and Cobalt Ventures, the investment subsidiary of BCBS of Kansas City, have subsequently invested as well. Cedar Gate provides high-performance analytic, technological, administrative, and advisory services to providers, payers, and self-insured employers to exceed performance thresholds of value-based care contracts, networks, and programs. Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, Cedar Gate leverages its deep healthcare expertise and nationally-recognized platform to deliver end-to-end systems and services empowering any healthcare organization, at any point on the value-based care continuum, to excel at value-based care. To learn more, please visit cedargate.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-gate-technologies-achieves-hitrust-csf-certification-to-manage-risk-improve-security-posture-and-meet-compliance-requirements-301273838.html SOURCE Cedar Gate Technologies

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's foreign ministry on Wednesday summoned the deputy head of the U.S. embassy in Moscow, the RIA news agency reported.

On Tuesday, U.S. ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan said he would travel to the United States this week for consultations, four days after the Kremlin suggested that Washington recall him amid a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Alex Richardson)
AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today is making its trusted GoldenGate technology available as a highly automated, fully-managed cloud service that customers can use to help ensure that their valuable data is always available anywhere they need it and analyzable in real-time. The new Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) GoldenGate service provides customers with a real-time data fabric platform to design, execute, orchestrate, and monitor their data replication and streaming data events. OCI GoldenGate is the first cloud service of any major cloud provider to offer an elastic, pay-per-use solution for general purpose database replication, data integration, real-time data ingestion to cloud, and support for time-series analytics while data is in flight.

The new OCI GoldenGate service uniquely addresses event-based data integration for operational databases and analytic data stores. Conventional tools specialize in operational data integration or data engineering for analyticsbut not both. With OCI GoldenGate, the exact same technology can be applied to mission-critical operational data stores as well as for real-time data warehouses, data lakes and streaming analytics. Unifying the operational and analytic data integration fabric helps customers to simplify their data architecture, avoid fragmented, complex tooling and ensures that the data being used for analytics is both timely and trusted. A unified approach aligns the operational systems of record to the business analytics more closely than possible with legacy batch processing tools. OCI GoldenGate is an ideal solution for modern, decentralized and multi-cloud data.

"Oracle GoldenGate is a highly trusted data integration solution for thousands of customers worldwide, including 84 percent of Fortune Global 100 companies," said Juan Loaiza, executive vice president, mission-critical database technologies, Oracle. "Oracle is now delivering the enterprise-hardened GoldenGate technology as a cloud-native elastic service to provide customers a simple-to-use, integrated, operational and analytic real-time data fabric. It cuts both the time and cost of creating a data integration solution in half compared to the options provided on competing clouds."*

The new OCI-native GoldenGate service automates many functions, including configuration, workload scaling, and patching while maintaining high availability. Its intuitive interface empowers non-DBA users to drive digital transformation, simplifying on-premises to cloud integrations, multi-region data synchronization, data pipelines, and multi-cloud database replication. The new service is seamlessly integrated with GoldenGate Stream Analytics for OCI, providing multi-cloud streaming data analytics with AI/ML, geo-spatial and time-series data. OCI GoldenGate's web-based console application removes the complexity associated with deployment, providing easy setup and ongoing monitoring.

"In our transition to a cloud-first business and an always-on analytics solution, Oracle GoldenGate has been an instrumental part of ensuring that we have trusted and correct real-time transactions for analytical reporting," said Bill Roy, senior director of BI and EPM, Western Digital.

"Broad market adoption by the world's leading companies demonstrates Oracle GoldenGate's proven capabilities in helping enterprises protect their most important, high-value data on-premises," said Carl Olofson, research vice president, Data Management Software, IDC. "Oracle's introduction of the OCI GoldenGate managed service should enable customers to integrate operational and analytic data into a single data fabric in the cloud. This, combined with pay-per-use billing, auto-scaling, and greatly reduced administrative overhead, gives OCI GoldenGate a level of usability and affordability that will be hard to match by other cloud-based or on-premises solutions."

"Wikibon has always admired Oracle GoldenGate's unique ability to deploy fault-tolerant database replication combined with real-time operational analytic insights, with support for both Oracle and non-Oracle data sources. The downside is the complexity and cost of providing and maintaining these capabilities," said David Floyer, CTO & Co-Founder, Wikibon. "The latest OCI GoldenGate release is a managed cloud service, which solves the complexity and cost problems and extends these capabilities to every company size. OCI GoldenGate enables enterprises to establish a real-time coherent data mesh with distributed data and databases on-site or in a cloud. This architecture is a major improvement compared to just a historic distributed cloud-only data-mesh provided by vendors such as Snowflake."

"Customers have long appreciated the fact that Oracle GoldenGate gives them a single pane-of-glass to manage events in their data ecosystem in real-timecovering a wide range of data sources and delivery points," said Richard Winter, CEO, WinterCorp. "The new OCI GoldenGate managed service further simplifies this process, while providing security options like private encryption keys and IP addresses to protect the data. This integrated customer experience goes well beyond what is available from vendors such as SAP and cloud providers such as AWS and Azure."

"Whether organizations are moving data from on-premises to cloud or from cloud-to-cloud, the new OCI GoldenGate service significantly simplifies the user experience with no-code processes," said Bradley Shimmin, chief analyst, AI Platforms, Analytics and Data Management, Omdia. "With an extensive range of supported topologies and the ability to get started for $0.67 per hour with full elastic computing functionality, this new service expands the addressable market for GoldenGate technology and elevates Oracle's competitive position in the market race to embrace hybrid, multi-cloud deployment opportunities."

"OCI GoldenGate provides a proven architecture supporting business-critical capabilities like replication, data migration, data ingestion, high availability, and disaster recovery for companies that operate next generation applications that span across multi-cloud environments and on-premises," said Holger Mueller, vice president and principal analyst, Constellation Research. "Good to see Oracle providing GoldenGate now as an elastic cloud service that, managed by Oracle, lowers overall costs compared to managing on-premises and is a highly competitive offering compared to other IaaS vendors."

"Oracle has transformed the most comprehensive, utilized database replication, data pipelining, and stream analytics toolknown as GoldenGateinto an automated fully managed, intuitively simple, finely granular, pay-for-what-you-use cloud service," said Marc Staimer, president of DS Consulting and Wikibon analyst. "The Oracle GoldenGate Cloud Service is an answer to those enterprises that typically find moving their databases to the cloud too daunting. Not anymore."

"Data-driven enterprises differentiate themselves based on what they can do with the data they can collect, not by how they collect and manage it," said Mark Peters, principal analyst and practice director, ESG. "Put simply, data-driven leaders prioritize data-driven action; having a fully managed cloud service like OCI GoldenGate allows them to reduce their data mesh management efforts, for example by avoiding unnecessary transformations and focusing their efforts on extracting value from their streaming data in real-time. Business-wise, this translates to taking the right actions faster, more often, and more holistically than competitors."

"Oracle GoldenGate has been a one-stop shop for enterprise customers to address their real-time data replication needs for years, replacing traditional ETL processes with scalable and highly available synchronization between heterogeneous sources, even between clouds," said Alexei Balaganski, lead analyst, KuppingerCole. "Now, by providing it as a fully managed cloud service, Oracle is not just making multi-cloud data integration substantially more affordable, but offering a consistent and stress-free experience for a multitude of use cases."

The new service runs on the latest GoldenGate 21c micro services architecture, which allows for a global mesh of connected data resources. OCI GoldenGate's fully encapsulated microservices enable customers to seamlessly integrate the service into their dev-ops CI/CD pipeline as a first-class, infrastructure-as-code service. OCI GoldenGate is architected to integrate with on-premises Docker and Kubernetes "mesh" deployments of GoldenGate with no shared framework dependencies and no shared repository, enabling superior manageability with lower TCO. With a single click, developers and DBAs can set the service for 3x auto-scaleproviding a scalable way to start small and grow as workloads increase.

Oracle GoldenGate

For more than a decade, Oracle GoldenGate has provided business continuity solutions to thousands of customers worldwide, including 84 percent of Fortune Global 100 companies. Oracle GoldenGate replicates databases and valuable transactions to keep data highly available and processes data streams to allow that data to be acted on while in motion. More recently, GoldenGate customers use it to help move data into data lakes, transform it in streaming pipelines, perform time-series analytics on streaming data, as well as to provide alerts on real-time data events.

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.

Additional Resources

Trademarks

Oracle, Java and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Oracle

Related Links

https://www.oracle.com/


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LAS CRUCES  A lawsuit accusing a Dona Ana County medical equipment sterilizing facility of releasing a known carcinogen into the environment is back in state court.

The Sterigenics company, which has operated its plant in Santa Teresa since 1989, sought to move the case to federal court, but federal judge Kenneth Gonzales ruled last week that the case did not present a substantial question of federal law and centers on a public nuisance claim which is typically of a state nature and traditionally tried in state court.

This week, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas office is once again seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in New Mexicos Third Judicial District that would prevent continued uncontrolled emission of ethylene oxide from the facility.

The Sterigenics plant is on Airport Road next to the Pete V. Domenici Highway, in an industrial park near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry and within miles of residential communities in New Mexico and West Texas.

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The company, a subsidiary of Sotera Health, came under intense scrutiny in 2018 after a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency detailed cancer risks from industrial ethylene oxide emissions. Lawsuits were subsequently filed in several communities harboring Sterigenics operations.

Ethylene oxide is a flammable gas used by Sterigenics to sterilize medical equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam. The company claimed in a court filing that it sterilizes 2.5 million medical products daily, consisting largely of surgical equipment and tubing as well as other equipment.

The chemical has been linked to numerous cancers even at low levels of exposure, per EPA data which the company claims overstates risks from EtO.

Although the company has reported emitting several tons of EtO per year in Santa Teresa, the Attorney Generals Office argued in its original complaint last December that it was not accounting for emissions from allegedly leaving doors open up to days at a time, hosing off equipment into an ordinary drain and off-gassing of the chemical from equipment shipped by road from the companys San Diego, California facility.

Last summer, the EPA reported that Sterigenics reduced emissions of the chemical by 83% between 2014 and 2016.

However, the state maintains that it gathered air samples within a four-mile radius showing concentrations of EtO exceeding federal cancer risk levels. It also claimed county residents in one census tract with the greatest exposure were exposed to risk far greater than the national average: 214.6 per 1 million since 2014, compared to a 30 per 1 million average.

In a 400-page response, the company denied it was releasing excessive uncontrolled emissions and argued the attorney general was seeking to regulate the facility beyond requirements set by the state Environment Department and the EPA.

In an affidavit, Sterigenics General Manager Steve Ortiz denied the states claims about off-gassing practices and said the plant does not receive sterilized equipment from other facilities for aeration.

A preliminary injunction hearing has been set for May 26.
Carphone Warehouse has announced it is to close its business in Ireland, including all its stores and website.

The company employed almost 500 people in Ireland and has 69 standalone stores, including one in Longford.

In a statement on its website, the company said the move was part of a broader transformation of its parent business Dixons Carphone.

"Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles," it said.

Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time. However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support. This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.

It continued: Well continue to offer our Irish customers a market leading range of top branded mobile handsets and accessories through our Currys PC World stores and on Currys.ie.

The statement also added: Footfall in our Carphone Warehouse stores is down significantly, and we dont expect many customers to sign new contracts with us during this time; our stores will therefore close immediately. Well continue to help our customers via our central customer support team and will also ask some colleagues to provide operational support over the coming days.

As part of Dixons Carphones broader transformation, of one joined up and profitable business, it has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Carphone Warehouse in Ireland, in line with its decision to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK in 2020.
THE 13th edition of the annual Limerick Voice newspaper has once again showcased the talent pool of young journalists this country possesses.

The publication, produced by Journalism Students at the University of Limerick, which has won a number of National Student Media Awards including Newspaper of the Year, is distributed with this weeks edition of the Limerick Leader newspaper.

The multi-media news project involving 25 final year Journalism and New Media Students and the Master class in UL had its most successful year to date despite students working remotely.

Over 300 stories were published across multi media platforms; 100 podcasts were broadcast along with a number of TV and radio news bulletins. The Limerick Voice Twitter platform had 165,000 Twitter impressions in April 2021.

The project reached over 200,000 people on Facebook and over 335 hours of video reports were viewed.

Limerick Voice social media platforms contributed to the projects largest audience reach this year. The Limerick Voice podcast series had over 90 episodes with a wide range of guests, individually gaining up to 16,000 Twitter impressions and reaching 4,600 Facebook users.

The websites editorial in response to Forbes controversial article shaming Limerick, gained 9,672 Twitter impressions and as a result became the fourth most linked website to the hashtag #LimerickandProud campaign.

Limerick Voice provided us with hands on experience of what it's like to work for a real-life news project. And doing it all remotely during a pandemic was even more demanding explained Christine Costello, Limerick Voice Editor 2021.

This has been an extraordinary year for both Limerick Voice and the people of Limerick. It has been a privilege to give a platform to all of Limericks triumphs over the past seven months. Our team rose to the challenge in their kitchens and bedrooms across Ireland to produce a paper that is every bit as professional as its predecessors

UL Lecturer in Journalism and New Media, Kathryn Hayes, who oversaw the project said the experience of working on Limerick Voice website newspaper provides vital real life experience for students entering the highly competitive journalism jobs market after graduation.

Now in its thirteenth year, Limerick Voice is a multi-media news project which continues to grow and has become an integral part of journalism education in UL, which is very much rooted in experiential learning. We are extremely proud of what our students have achieved this exceptional year when they rose to the challenge of remote learning and working. These skills will really stand to them as they prepare to enter the highly competitive work force.

Make sure to see the tabloid section of this week's paper for your copy of the Limerick Voice.
SPRINGFIELD  There are still rows of cushioned seats and wall-to-wall carpeting, but the former Cinemark theaters at the Eastfield Mall are taking on a more judicial look.

Renovations should be completed this week, allowing the use of the complex for jury trials beginning in May, a Massachusetts Trial Court spokesperson said Wednesday. The specific date is not yet determined.

The state is moving all jury trials from the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse downtown to the former theater complex at the mall on Boston Road due to continuing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

We thought this was a good site for the jury functions because of the space it provided allowed us to space out all the jurors, the public, the court staff, attorneys and everyone that will be in the courtroom, said James Harding, chief of construction services for the Trial Court.

In addition, the site has a suitable air conditioning, heating, ventilation system for the court needs, he said.

We had trouble finding spaces across the state and this one checked all the boxes so it worked out for us, Harding said.

The state court system has authorized 12-member jury trials for criminal cases to resume May 1, as well as some six-member jury trials for noncriminal cases. The downtown courthouse will continue to be used for nontrial functions such as clerical offices.

The Republican took a short tour of the Eastfield Mall site on Wednesday, seeing some of the COVID-19 safety features such as seats being sectioned off with tape for social distancing and plexiglass dividers in key locations.

The changes in decor also include the disappearance of all the giant white movie screens.

Court officials said the mall site provides plenty of space, safety and parking. It has three courtrooms established in three theaters. It also has jury pool rooms, jury deliberation rooms, staff workplaces and holding cells. Four prefabricated holding cells were installed by the Trial Court, the spokesperson said.

Paul Alvarado, regional director of security for the Trial Court, assisted with the tour, and said some features such as the holding cells were not being shown for security reasons.

The mall ownership was completing the renovations in Springfield, with the final work including lighting and HVAC system upgrades, the state court spokesperson said. The court system is responsible for voice, data, electronic security and digital recording systems.

The court will use the same main entrance as the former cinemas to the rear of the mall. The entrance is outfitted with the usual screening area, and then the public then enters a carpeted hall that once served as a concession area.

The area being leased is 58,985 square feet. The state court system has a one-year lease with the Eastfield Mall, costing $480,000, a state court officials said. The state will also pay for utilities estimated at $235,800 annually.

The Trial Court is also in the process of providing alternate sites for trials in Boston, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Randolph and Hyannis.
[April 21, 2021] New product for energy companies automates critical accounting and IT tasks with full audit trail

ATLANTA, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PowerPlan, Inc. today announces the availability of their newest SaaS solution, Workflow Process Automation, which automates repeatable tasks critical for accounting and IT teams in the energy industry and provides transparency for Sarbanes-Oxley auditability.

For more than 25 years, PowerPlan has helped North American energy companies make the right financial decisions. Working in tandem with our customers, we created Workflow Process Automation to reduce the burden of month end and other repetitive processes top of mind for the office of the CFO, while at the same time strengthening the necessary controls. The solution helps minimize manual tasks, reduces the risk of error, improves communication and increases the ease of audits for both accounting and IT teams. Workflow Process Automation allows users to create and schedule processes based on data availability and desired delivery time of results, eliminating the need for constant monitoring, including weekends and overnight, and manual intervention. Notifications allow all stakeholders clarity into current status and ensure the right people are alerted to successes, as well as anything needing attention. This criticl knowledge was previously available only to the individual monitoring the steps.



We are truly excited to present this solution, built and tested by our customers and our experts, said Suzanne Ward, Senior Vice President of Product Management. It is just one of the many solutions demonstrating our commitment to deliver innovation to meet the needs of the energy market. In an increasingly complex industry, PowerPlans solutions deliver transparency and lower risk through automation. Current PowerPlan customers on supported on-premise and cloud hosted versions, as well as new customers, are eligible to license Workflow Process Automation. The new solution is hosted on PowerPlans secure cloud environment, allowing customers to access and implement the solution quickly.

For more information about PowerPlans Workflow Process Automation, please visit: https://info.powerplan.com/l/107062/2021-03-18/586fzp. About PowerPlan For more than 25 years, PowerPlan has helped North American energy companies make the right financial decisions which improve lives and powers the world. Through our industry-leading expertise, innovative technology and vast experience listening to and working in tandem with our customers, PowerPlan software sets the standard that CFOs can count on. For more information, email info@powerplan.com or visit www.powerplan.com. For more information, contact:

pr@powerplan.com



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Feedstock from Vatomina will be stockpiled over the next four to six weeks for the company's 9,000 tonne-per-year Vatomina processing plant, which is due to be commissioned in the second quarter of this year.

Tirupati plans to explore expanding its calculation of the estimated mineral resource at Vatomina, but...
Hyderabad, April 21 : In the biggest daily spike, Telangana reported 6,542 new Covid-19 cases during 24-hour period.

The period which ended 8 p.m. on Tuesday also saw 20 deaths, the highest single-day toll in the second wave so far.

The state continued to see a massive surge in new infections while the government imposed night curfew till April 30 to contain the virus spread.

The fresh cases pushed the state's cumulative tally to 3,67,901 while the death toll has mounted to 1,876.

According to a bulletin by the state health department, the case fatality dropped marginally to 0.50 per cent against the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Indicating the huge surge, 12 out of 33 districts reported 200 or more cases. Ten districts saw a daily spike of 100 or more cases.

Greater Hyderabad and surrounding districts remained the worst affected along with the districts bordering Maharashtra.

The state capital broke a new record with 898 cases. Medchal Malkajgiri and Rangareddy district adjoining Hyderabad reported 570 and 532 cases respectively.

Nizamabad district bordering Maharashtra saw 427 new cases followed by 320 in Sangareddy, 285 in Nalgonda, 263 in Mahaboobnagar, 246 in Khammam, 244 in Warangal Urban, 235 in Kamareddy, 230 in Jagtiyal and 203 in Karimnagar.

The number of active cases in the state climbed to 46,488 from 42,853 the previous day.

A total of 2,887 people recovered from the virus during the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries to 3,19,537.

The recovery rate has slipped further to 86.85 per cent against the national average of 85 per cent.

The health authorities tested 1,30,105 samples, taking the total number of tests to over 1.20 crore. Samples tested per million population jumped to 3,24,371.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pfizer Inc. says it has identified in Mexico and Poland the first confirmed instances of counterfeit versions of the Covid-19 vaccine it developed with BioNTech SE, the latest attempt by criminals trying to exploit the world-wide vaccination campaign.

Vials seized by authorities in separate investigations were tested by the company and confirmed to contain bogus vaccine. The vials recovered in Mexico also had fraudulent labeling, while a substance inside vials in Poland was likely an anti-wrinkle treatment, Pfizer said.

About 80 people at a clinic in Mexico received a fake vaccine going for about $1,000 a dose, though they dont appear to have been physically harmed. The vials, found in beach-style beer coolers, had different lot numbers than those sent to the state, and a wrong expiration date, said Dr. Manuel de la O, the health secretary of Nuevo Leon state.

Polish authorities said no one there had received the counterfeit vaccine, which was seized at a mans apartment.

The findings are the latest in an effort between law enforcement and drugmakers such as Pfizer, Moderna Inc. and Johnson & Johnson to stem criminal activity related to the Covid-19 vaccines. The global rollout of shots has provided criminals a fresh opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting people.

Everybody on the planet needs it. Many are desperate for it," said Lev Kubiak, Pfizers world head of security. We have a very limited supply, a supply that will increase as we ramp up and other companies enter the vaccine space. In the interim, there is a perfect opportunity for criminals."

The U.S., Mexico and other countries have seized and taken down dozens of websites fraudulently claiming to sell shots or an affiliation with vaccine makers such as Moderna and Pfizer, according to government officials and records. The fake, company look-alike websites appeared to be seeking consumers personal information to be used in identity-fraud schemes, government and industry officials say.

Police in China and South Africa last month seized thousands of doses of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccines in warehouses and manufacturing plants, arresting dozens of people, according to the international police agency Interpol. Mexico also is investigating a shipment of some 6,000 doses of purported Sputnik vaccine from Russia, which were seized from a private plane headed to Honduras. Authorities havent determined whether the vaccines are genuine.

For months, agents from the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, an investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, have been investigating fraud related to the Covid-19 pandemic globally, recovering $48 million worth of phony masks, personal protective equipment and other products. Last fall, investigators shifted their focus to include Covid-19 vaccines that were nearing potential clearance by regulators, beginning with online scams. They have removed 30 websites and seized 74 web domains, according to IPR officials.

So far, no counterfeit vaccines have been discovered in the U.S., according to the DHS. But limited supply of Covid-19 shots and their high demand can steer people to seek vaccinations outside official channels, particularly in countries such as Mexico and Brazil, where Covid-19 cases are high and there is a history of counterfeiting prescription drugs, industry and security experts said.

Whenever you see this mismatch between demand and supply in certain areas, there are people who are willing to fill that difference with counterfeits," said Tony Pelli, a consultant with BSI Group who focuses on drug security. For new drugs, its usually just a matter of time before you see people trying to counterfeit them."

Counterfeiting prescription drugs has grown more lucrative in the past decade, industry and security officials say. The counterfeit prescription drug market is valued at more than $200 billion annually, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Distributing fake Covid-19 vaccines also is easier than stealing and selling legitimate shots because of extreme security measures taken by countries and drugmakers during the pandemic, said Mr. Pelli. With counterfeits, you kind of can just show up, and say, Heres Covid vaccines, weve got some, dont ask how, and start distributing them," Mr. Pelli said.

Big drugmakers such as Pfizer employ security teams consisting of former law-enforcement officials who help train government agencies and help with investigations related to counterfeit prescription drugs. Pfizer in recent years worked with law enforcement to find sellers of fake doses of erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra and antianxiety drug Xanax.

One tactic used by IPR Center agents is searching the clear and dark web with keywords related to vaccines provided by their manufacturers.

Weve never seen so much fraud and misinformation and schemes," said Steve Francis, director of the IPR Center, which has opened more than 35 cases related to Covid-19 vaccine scams.

Mr. Franciss agents and Pfizer began meeting weekly last fall to prepare for scams and counterfeiting. During one presentation, company officials said they didnt initially release images of the vials authentic labels partly as a means of staying ahead of criminals.

Pfizer is also working with local law enforcement on counterfeit-vaccine cases like those recently uncovered in Mexico and Poland.

Polish police in January seized a number of vials filled with a liquid and labeled as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from a mans apartment, according to Pfizer and Polish authorities. No one is believed to have received a fake shot, according to Polish prosecutors leading the investigation. Polish police arrested the man, who has been charged with fraud, Polish authorities said.

Pfizer suspected the vaccines were fake because they werent in the vials the company uses for its Covid-19 shot, Mr. Kubiak said. They were identical to containers police recovered in the mans apartment that had a label for another companys anti-wrinkle treatment.

Pfizer tested the liquid in the vials purported to be its Covid-19 vaccine at its laboratory in Groton, Conn., finding it lacked key ingredients and instead contained hyaluronic acid, which is used in skin products.

In early February, Mexican police raided a clinic in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, where alleged fake vaccines were administered to people. Mexican police detained six people.

People were injected with distilled water," said Dr. de la O in a telephone interview. A spokesman for Mexicos attorney generals office, which is carrying out the investigation, declined to comment.

Pfizer, which is working with DHS officials to support Mexican authorities on the case, confirmed the vaccine was fake after using special light and microscopic analysis to find the adhesive label on the vial wasnt authentic. Mr. Kubiak declined to provide additional details but said Pfizer may conduct more tests on the liquid.

Mr. Kubiak said he expects counterfeiting to worsen as the rollout continues. Right now, consumers are easily fooled," he said. They are desperate for the vaccine."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Louisiana Tech University is reviewing its ties with a Ruston-based training center for the blind following multiple allegations of sexual abuse, racism and other misconduct at the center.

We are currently reviewing the terms of our relationship with the Louisiana Center for the Blind, said Louisiana Tech spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith in a statement to Gambit.

Founded in 1985, LCB was established to provide blind and visually impaired children and adults training in life skills ranging from reading braille to traveling with canes.

Louisiana Tech has a longstanding intertwined relationship with LCB. LCB founder Joanne Wilson also founded the universitys Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, where students learn how to teach blindness skills. Between 2014-2019, Louisiana Tech paid LCB more than $230,000 as part of its immersion program, during which university students sit in on LCB training programs.

One former student at the Louisiana center said they were sexually abused multiple times by a then-Tech immersion student.

Edward Bell, who heads the institute at Louisiana Tech, also previously worked as an instructor at LCB. Bell is the treasurer and secretary of the National Blindness Professional Certification Board, which shares the same Ruston mailing address as LCB. NBPCB certifies people to work at LCB and other similar facilities around the country. Wilson also sits on the NBPCB board.

In Gambits April 4 cover story, former students at the center described a toxic culture of sexual misconduct, abuse and assault by both instructors and students at the center. Some said when they reported alleged sexual abuse to leadership at the center, including to LCB director Pam Allen, little to nothing was done to punish their alleged abuser or to prevent abuse from reoccurring.

Some former students also said they witnessed staff at the center use racial slurs and make what they considered to be racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic comments during classes. Others said they experienced instructors use harsh teaching methods during training that resulted in traumatic incidents.

Earlier this month, the Ruston Police Department launched an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse against a former instructor at LCB. Allen, who also serves as Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind, has previously said LCB and NFB are conducting an investigation into allegations involving the Ruston center, as well as similar complaints at facilities in other parts of the country.

+12 Former students allege 'toxic culture' of racism, abuse and assault at Louisiana Center for the Blind The Louisiana Center for the Blind was supposed to help blind people learn vital life skills. But many students say there was a 'toxic culture' of abuse, racism and assault.

Ruston Police investigating abuse allegation at Louisiana Center for the Blind The Ruston Police Department has launched an investigation into an alleged incident of sexual abuse that occurred by a worker or former worke
UW Native American Ceremony Canceled, Summer Student Institute to be Virtual

Even though UWs Native American and Indigenous Studies spring graduation ceremony has been canceled, graduating students will still receive traditional gifts, such as Native blankets. (UW Photo)

The University of Wyomings Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) spring graduation ceremony has been canceled, while the Native American Summer Institute (NASI) will be offered virtually to high school students.

Both events have been changed for the safety of all families and students involved.

Plans are to recognize Native graduates for their achievements and excellence throughout the academic year, including giving each student gifts from NAIS and UWs Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center (NAERCC). Blankets are from the Native-owned company Eighth Generation.

While this saddens everyone involved in the program and the NAERCC, the program has deemed the threat to the Wind River Reservation elders and culture bearers -- who often play a central role in graduation -- too great to justify holding graduation on campus, says Caskey Russell, NAIS director. The pandemic has hit our Native communities hard. The mortality rate among Native Americans is much higher than any other group in America. It is not inconceivable that holding the NAIS graduation this year could potentially spread COVID-19.

For more information, email Russell at ccaskey@uwyo.edu.

This summers Native high school institute is June 7-11. NASI, a summer pre-college program, is designed to familiarize Native American high school students from the Wind River Indian Reservation and surrounding communities to the UW campus and to the town of Laramie. NASI also collaborates with other teams to host an advanced health track for college students, specifically from Central Wyoming College. The advanced health track will have a more hands-on experience on the Wind River Indian Reservation this summer.

NASI is going virtual for the first time in five years, but we are excited to provide a virtual NASI pre-college experience for our Native American high school participants and teams, says Reinette Tendore, director of the NAERCC and Native American Program adviser. By going virtual, it now allows us the opportunity to reach more Native American high school students from other Native communities in our region -- that is what I am most excited about.

The virtual program is new for her team this summer, Tendore adds, but the team is looking forward to a new experience as well.

It also allows for the advanced health track to do more of the sessions on the reservation and reach more of our Native students as well, Tendore says.

Each day of the summer institute -- for up to three hours -- activities for all students will be offered, including workshop sessions, team-building activities and engagement, virtual learning skills and cultural activities. A special evening with a cultural guest speaker will be open to NASI participants and their families.

Current Native American high school students can apply for NASI at www.uwyo.edu/naercc/nasi. For the NASI advanced health track registration for college students, email Jill Fabricius Keith at jkeith5@uwyo.edu or Tarissa Spoonhunter at tspoonhu@cwc.edu.
Squadron leader Andrei Criste, the pilot of a MIG 21 LanceR plane that crashed on Tuesday in Mures County who was flown to the Dr Carol Davila Hospital in Bucharest, has been examined by a team of doctors specialising in emergency medicine, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, anesthesia and intensive care, and general surgery for a diagnosis and surgical and therapeutic treatment.

"After specialist examinations and the clinical and para-clinical examinations performed, squadron leader Andrei Criste was admitted to the special care unit with an initial diagnosis of multiple trauma sustained while he ejected himself from the crashing aircraft. The pilot is conscious, cooperative, has a good temporal and spatial orientation, hemodynamically and respiratory stable. The Ministry of National Defence and the medical team are in permanent contact with the family," reads a press statement released by the Defence Ministry (MApN).

On Tuesday, a MiG 21 LanceR aircraft from the 71st Cimpia Turzii Air Base piloted by squadron leader Andrei Criste, crashed near Dedrad, Mures County.

The aircraft that crashed had taken off at around 14:00hrs from the air base at Cimpia Turzii for a training flight jointly with two other aircraft of the same type.

During the performance of the mission, the pilot reported an emergency and ejected himself as the aircraft came crashing down in the area of Dedrad, Mures County, outside the inhabited areas. The other two aircraft returned to base safely around 15:00hrs, according to MApN.

Initially, the pilot was admitted at the Targu Mures County Emergency Clinical Hospital, where he was examined by a medical team who found that his life was not in danger and authorised the transfer of the patient to the Dr Carol Davila Hospital in Bucharest, for specialist treatment and recovery.
Well-received K-drama "River Where the Moon Rises" finally closed its curtains. Did the characters live happily ever after?

One Last Fight for the Freedom of Goguryeo Palace

When On Dal (Na In Woo) took out Princess Pyeonggang (Kim So Hyun) in the palace. King Yeongyang (Kwon Hwa Woon) became worried about his sister. Even though he was rude to her, he still cared. She's his sister, at bottom.

To bring Pyeonggang back, he gathered all his guards and went to where On Dal was.

On the same day, On Dal's tribe received a message from the King of Silla, Jinheung (Kim Seung Su), threatening them to kill if they didn't surrender themselves and their weapons to them.

On Dal prohibited Pyeonggang from joining their upcoming battle against the Silla Tribe. He wanted her to go back to the palace safely. But when the Princess was already on her way home, she went against On Dal's wishes.

At night, she went to the Kingdom of Silla to assassinate King Jinheung, but General Go Gun was quick to block her, making the King wake up in devastation.

Go Gun and On Dal Sacrificed Their Lives in Saving Princess Pyeonggang

Because of what she did, Pyeonggang was sentenced to death by the King, but Go Gun wouldn't let it happen. With the help of Lady Hae Mo Yong (Choi Yu Hwa) the two were able to save the Princess, but they didn't expect to face a group of men from Silla.

Go Gun, Pyeonggang, and Hae Mo Yong started to fight against the Silla guards. Lady Hae Mo Yong got wounded in the middle of their battle, Go Gun was stabbed by the men, killing him.

On Dal arrived where the Princess was and saw the bloody fight. He took Pyeonggang and went to spend precious moments with her near their tribe. They were happily talking about building their own family, but not until a battalion of men threw arrows at them.

On Dal shielded Pyeonggang with his body - the young warrior died while saving the Princess.

Princess Pyeonggang Found Out On Dal Wasn't Dead

Years after the battle, Pyeonggang decided to leave the palace for good. With all the tragic memories she had in the past, the Princess wanted to have a simple life in the mountains where she had the best memories with On Dal.

She finally arrived at the house where she used to live, and to her surprise, she saw On Dal right in front of her eyes.

A door suddenly opened and saw Wol Gwang (Cho Tae Kwan). He told the princess everything. Before the battle began, On Dal asked him a favor to save him if he dies. He confessed the rituals they made to bring On Dal back to life.

Then, she escorted On Dal to the special place where they used to hide. Pyeonggang relived all their moments together and made On Dal realize who he is and the kind of relationship they had. The two shared a passionate kiss.

After years of battles, On Dal and Pyeonggang reunited again. They celebrated their new life together and are ready to face the highs and lows.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here is the Complete List of Nominees for the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards

Have you watched "River Where the Moon Rises" finale? What are your thoughts about it? Don't forget to share it with us 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
VANCOUVER, BC, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") reminds investors that the Company's annual and special meeting of shareholders ("AGM") will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 commencing at 1:30 pm Vancouver time.

Equinox Gold will also announce its first quarter 2021 financial and operating results on May 5 during market hours and will discuss the results during the corporate update immediately following the AGM.

Unless you intend to vote during the meeting, registered shareholder proxy forms must be received by 1:30 pm Vancouver time on May 3, 2021. The deadline for non-registered shareholders may be earlier. Meeting materials and information regarding how to participate in the virtual meeting have been distributed to shareholders and are also available for download on Equinox Gold's website at www.equinoxgold.com.

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

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, first quarter results and activities underway at the Company's projects. All participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of Equinox Gold's Chairman, CEO and executive team. The webcast will be archived on Equinox Gold's website until November 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

SOURCE Equinox Gold Corp.
The Bulk Power Supply Point (BPS) being constructed at Pokuase in the Greater Accra Region is 95 per cent complete and on schedule for handover to the government at the end of July 2021.

According to the site engineers, all other ancillary facilities to support its full function have also been completed.



The Technical Controller of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Mr William Amuna, gave the assurance when he led a team working on the project, to conduct the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh around the project Tuesday (April 20, 2021).



He said but for the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Ghana which forced the suspension of work for a while and supply of materials from China, the project would have been completed earlier.



The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh who was accompanied by officials from the ministry as well as a team of journalists, was on site to assess the progress of work on the 580 megawatt project (580MW).



The project



The project is under the Power Compact Two agreement signed between Ghana and the United States of America being supervised by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA).



The $60-million project, which is among a number of Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC)-funded interventions, will fill a vital infrastructural gap and improve the distribution of electricity to support the financial and technical turnaround capabilities of the (ECG).



Mr Amuna said when the project was completed, it would help improve reliable power supply in Accra and its environs.



He said the Pokuase BPS would also improve the voltage capability in its catchment areas, noting that due to the overload on the existing substations in Accra, many customers complained about low voltages particularly during the peak hour, that is, from 8pm to 10pm.



The Minister and his entourage were conducted round the facility.



Game changer



The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Mr Amoakoh Baah, giving some background information about the project, said it is very critical to stabilising power in the country.



He noted that the Accra BPS substations supplied communities as far as Akropong, Nsawam, Weija and Kasoa.



He explained that the rationale for putting up the Pokuase substation was to enable GRIDCo take some of the loads off the existing substations in Accra onto the new one in order to help improve power supply in Accra and its environs.



He noted, for instance, that in the 1980s, the total load for Accra was about 100 MW, but currently, the load is in the excess of 800MW which is more than a quarter of what we generated for the whole of Ghana.



For Mr Baah, Accra alone was consuming more than 25 per cent of the total energy generated in the country.



He noted that because some of the BPS substations were overloaded in Accra sometimes, we need to take some people off in order not to destroy peoples equipment, a situation which often leads to power outages, popularly called dumsor.



Investments



Dr Opoku Prempeh expressed the optimism that the project would help stabilised power supply in the Greater Accra, noting that the government was investing in the power sector to boost the reliability of the countrys power supply efficiency.



He said it was not only the Pokuase BPS substation that the government had initiated and that there were other projects that the government was working on to improve power supply in the Greater Accra region and in the country as a whole.





Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says a planned load shedding exercise is expected to take place from May 10 to 17, 2021 within some areas in the Greater Accra Region.



The eight-day exercise has become necessary due to ongoing works at the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point.



The project, when completed, is expected to serve 350,000 households.



But speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' program, the Public Relations Officer for the Electricity Company of Ghana, Mr. William Boateng has appealed to Ghanaians to bear with as the load shedding won't be long.



According to him, the exercise when completed will ensure a stable power supply in the affected areas for consumers.



"We are not deliberately undertaking this exercise because there's not enough power supply but rather we will want to increase the current power supply in the country and also ensure that there's enough power supply for consumers".



The Electricity Company of Ghana has grouped some areas into four. It has been scheduled in such a way that no single customer will see the outage throughout for eight days. They will see probably 12 hours outage in the daytime; the next three days they will experience the outage in the nighttime.



Ghanaians have, in the past few months, been experiencing intermittent power outages, sparking fears that the country may be returning to the days of unstable power supply, popularly known as dumsor.





Watch Video Below





Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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[April 21, 2021] AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of Members of Old Republic Title Insurance Group; Affirms Credit Ratings of Other Subsidiaries of Old Republic International Corporation

AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) to "aa-" from "a+" of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company (Tampa, FL) and American Guaranty Title Insurance Company (Oklahoma City, OK) (collectively referred to as Old Republic Title Insurance Group [ORTIG]). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of "aa-" of members of Old Republic Insurance Companies (Old Republic). (See below for a detailed list of companies.) At the same time, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a+" of Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada (Old Republic Canada) (Hamilton, Ontario). In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of "bbb+" of Old Republic Life Insurance Company (ORL) (Chicago, IL). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. All companies are subsidiaries of Old Republic International Corporation [NYSE: ORI]. The rating action reflects ORTIG's strategic position and importance within the Old Republic International Corporation enterprise. The title group continues to be integral to the overall organization, with common branding and talent synergies, as well as complementary enterprise risk management (ERM) programs. In addition, the group is a consistently strong driver of revenue and profitability for the organization. The ratings of Old Republic, which is considered the lead rating unit in the Old Republic International Corporation enterprise, reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate ERM. Old Republic is the flagship group for the Old Republic Insurance enterprise and one of the top 35 property/casualty insurers in the United States. The group is made up of commercial lines insurance carriers that focus predominantly on providing liability insurance for specific sectors of the North American economy. Major lines of business include workers' compensation, commercial auto and general liability. Old Republic benefits from its expertise within the alternative risk transfer market and specialty commercial segments, as well as historically solid profitability, expertise in its respective individual business specialties and well-recognized franchises. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is some variability in prior accident-year reserve development. In addition, Old Republic maintains an elevated exposure to common stocks within its investment portfolio; however, it remains within established tolerance levels. The company continues to have a very modest exposure to asbestos liabilities. The ratings of Old Republic Canada reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings of Old Republic Canada recognize the synergies it gains as an affiliateof Great West Casualty Company, as well as its accident and sickness business. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company's limited product offering and challenging market environment in Canada.



The ratings of ORTIG reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings of ORTIG also reflect the implicit support the group receives from its position in the Old Republic enterprise and its strategic role within the organization. The ratings of ORTIG recognize its modest leverage measures and strong reserving practices. The majority of ORTIG's premiums and fees are generated through independent agents. This enables ORTIG to manage down cycles better, as fixed costs generally are lower for that distribution channel. An offsetting rating factor is the group's higher underwriting leverage measures due to the rapid increase in premium volume over the past five years. However, AM Best expects that ORTIG will continue to generate underwriting and operating results that are in line with its title competitors, but which are significant contributors to the overall profitability of the Old Republic International Corporation enterprise, while maintaining the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization in the intermediate term, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).

The ratings of ORL reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings of ORL also reflect its risk-adjusted capitalization, which is assessed as strongest, as measured by BCAR. Invested asset holdings are of good credit quality, as the portfolio is designed to minimize credit default risk rather than maximizing yield. Earnings have been positive in recent years. Due to the small size of the reserves, any increase in claims or mortality will cause large fluctuations in earnings. Premiums have declined over the past several years, as the closed term block premiums run off, and the occupational accident premiums trend lower. The company's business profile consists of a closed block of term life insurance and the actively marketed occupational accident line. Despite its modest size, ORL is important strategically to the Old Republic organization. The FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of "aa-" have been affirmed, each with a stable outlook, for the following members of Old Republic Insurance Companies: BITCO General Insurance Corporation

BITCO National Insurance Company

Great West Casualty Company

Manufacturers Alliance Insurance Company

Old Republic General Insurance Corporation

Old Republic Insurance Company

Old Republic Lloyds of Texas

Old Republic Surety Company

Old Republic Union Insurance Company

Pennsylvania Manufacturers Indemnity Company

Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association Insurance Company This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005926/en/

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TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - In old sedans and late models, SUVs and compacts, hundreds of drivers waited in long lines Wednesday morning at the Tupelo Funiture Market.

It was all about need as people waited for food at a drive-through hosted by the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi.

Family Resource Center food giveaway in Tupelo on April 21, 2021. Family Resource Center food giveaway in Tupelo on April 21, 2021.

The Center partnered with a group called Farmers to Families, which donated around 1,400 boxes of food to meet needs.

Wednesday's drive-through saw more than 500 vehicles.

Open this link to find information about future drives.

WTVA spoke with Operational Coordinator Alicia Asters. Watch the interview in the video above.
(Natural News) Stuart Robert, Australias Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, has proposed shackling returning travelers with ankle bracelets  assuming the country opens its borders this year  to help limit the spread the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) to others.

Speaking to journalist David Speers during a recent interview, Robert explained that even if traveling Australians are fully injected with vaccines for the Chinese virus, they should still be forced to stay at home in quarantine for a few days because this is the only way to keep everyone safe against the novel virus.

According to Robert, Australia already has the infrastructure needed to enforce mandatory stay-at-home quarantines. All that needs to happen next is that returning travelers be marked and tracked like cattle to keep tabs on them at all times.

All of that will need to be worked through before a policy prescription goes live, Robert told Speers when asked how the proposal would work logistically.

Upon returning home from foreign travel, vaccinated Australians would be given an ankle bracelet to self-quarantine at home rather than be forced to stay at a hotel quarantine as is currently the case in Canada.

Canada, by the way, is the location where some believe the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) may have initially been stolen by Chinese spies and brought back to the communist homeland. Others say it originated at a biosafety level-four laboratory in Wuhan.

The police would turn up at random times to your house, they would call, Robert told Speers. The Department of Health from various jurisdictions would call.

The Chinese virus is infecting the world with communism

In Australia, the borders are currently closed to outside travelers, and residents are also not allowed to leave the country. With that possibly soon to change, the countrys politicians are drumming up ideas about how to track and trace Australians like livestock.

Home quarantines will remain mandatory on return even for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, reports indicate.

This would not be the first time that ankle bracelets have been proposed as a way to keep track of returning travelers. Back in January, conservative member of the British parliament Jeremy Hunt called on the government to tag people with GPS tracking devices to ensure that they remain in compliance with government edicts.

Daily contact with those asked to self-isolate  using GPS tracking to monitor compliance, if necessary, as happens in Taiwan and Poland, Hunt stated at the time.

To be clear, Australia is pretty much back to normal for the people who live there and do not travel outside the country. Reports indicate that Australians are currently living a nearly coronavirus-free lifestyle and want to keep it that way.

This is in stark contrast to United States living, which is still heavily masked, and in some areas restricted or closed. In many areas of the country, Americans are not allowed to do much of anything unless they are masked.

In Australia, meanwhile, everyday life is basically normal like it was before the plandemic was declared back in early 2020. The only exception is that residents are unable to travel internationally except to New Zealand, and foreigners are currently not allowed to travel to Australia.

Australia is in no hurry to open those borders, I assure you, stated Prime Minister Scott Morrison. I will not be putting at risk the way we are living in this country which is so different to the rest of the world today.

Morrison says vaccinated Australians could be able to travel overseas for essential purposes and return via home quarantine possibly by mid-2021, but such a possibility is only in the planning stages.

More related news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) tyranny can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

Newspunch.com

NaturalNews.com

AlJazeera.com
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Recently, I appeared before a House subcommittee to discuss legislative proposals for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells. This bipartisan effort, supported by the Biden administration, both houses of the U.S. Congress, and many states, would provide environmental benefits while getting thousands of laid-off oil field workers back on the job.

During my testimony, I urged lawmakers to work together in formulating smart public policy. Stemming greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.5 million cars per year while creating jobs should draw widespread support.

Members of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council provide energy in the most safe, efficient, clean and responsible way possible. Our sector leads development of technology that will drive the energy transition. The council represents 700 companies employing more than 600,000 energy workers. Our membership includes large oil field services companies with global operations, as well as small family-owned well servicing companies that operate locally.

Our members are already leading the way in resolving orphaned wells around the United States through existing state programs. We are ready to partner with federal lawmakers in completing this vital task.

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One example of these companies is A-Plus Well Services based in Farmington. A-Plus employs 62 people, 70% of which are Latino or Native American. Their workforce includes recent immigrants and first-generation Americans. Many of their employees dont have high school degrees but earn $60,000 to $80,000 a year.

A-Plus works in Colorado and New Mexico, plugging orphaned wells through the states programs. A-Plus owner, Randy Pacheco, says he could quickly expand his plugging operations and hire new employees if federal money is used to bolster existing state programs.

A-Plus is not unique. The average salary in the OFS sector is $100,561. For the people with the expertise and experience to plug orphaned wells, the average is $80,860. Like A-Plus, hundreds of well servicing companies are ready to expand, to bring back workers laid off during the pandemic, and to create new jobs all over the country.

Over the past year, our sector lost 86,000 jobs. These men and women have the experience, skills and expertise to begin remediating wells once funding is available. Putting them back to work will benefit the environment and their communities.

We believe legislation should meet a three-part test. First, it should be bipartisan. Second, federal money should encourage new states to participate and expand the existing state programs. Third, the program should be funded to address the true scope of the problem.

The good news is theres a clear bipartisan consensus to address this problem. Democrats and Republicans have proposed legislation, including Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Sens. Ben Ray Lujan and Kevin Cramer. While their approaches must be harmonized, a bipartisan beginning is a great start in these politically polarized times.

More good news: Many states have robust plugging systems in place. They simply need more funding to address the scale of this problem. Rather than delaying remediation by creating a new federal program, lets leverage existing state programs without adding complex federal mandates.

The bipartisan proposals form the basis for an excellent federal initiative that will put energy workers back to work and provide the American people with a cleaner environment. We look forward to working collaboratively with all interested parties on a workable solution.
Minneapolis: The 12 jurors who convicted Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd had three counts to consider and returned guilty verdicts on all three.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Jurors could have convicted him of only some of the charges, or none.

The case came down to two key questions  whether Chauvin caused Floyds death and whether his actions were reasonable  and each charge required a different element of proof as to Chauvins state of mind.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, speaks to the judge during his trial. Credit:Court TV Pool

Heres an explanation of the charges:
The unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic were not enough to deter 18 countries from carrying out executions in 2020, Amnesty International said today in its annual global review of the death penalty. While there was an overall trend of decline, some countries pursued or even increased the number of executions carried out, indicating a chilling disregard for human life at a time when the worlds attention focused on protecting people from a deadly virus.

2020 executioners included Egypt, which tripled its yearly execution figure compared to the previous year; and China, which announced a crackdown on criminal acts affecting COVID-19 prevention efforts, resulting in at least one man being sentenced to death and executed. Meanwhile the Trump administration resumed federal executions after a 17-year hiatus and put a staggering 10 men to death in less than six months. India, Oman, Qatar and Taiwan also resumed executions.

As the world focused on finding ways to protect lives from COVID-19, several governments showed a disturbing determination to resort to the death penalty and execute people no matter what, said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

The death penalty is an abhorrent punishment and pursuing executions in the middle of a pandemic further highlights its inherent cruelty. Fighting against an execution is hard at the best of times, but the pandemic meant that many people on death row were unable to access in-person legal representation, and many of those wanting to provide support had to expose themselves to considerable  yet absolutely avoidable  health risks. The use of the death penalty under these conditions is a particularly egregious assault on human rights.

Covid-19 restrictions had concerning implications for access to legal counsel and the right to a fair trial in several countries, including the USA, where defence lawyers said they were unable to carry out crucial investigative work or meet clients face-to-face.

Top five executing countries

China classifies the total number of its executions and death sentences as a state secret and prevents independent scrutiny. Therefore, Amnesty Internationals figures for all known executions do not include executions in China. However, China is believed to execute thousands each year, making it once again the worlds most prolific executioner ahead of Iran (246+), Egypt (107+), Iraq (45+) and Saudi Arabia (27). Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounted for 88% of all known executions in 2020.

Egypt tripled the number of yearly executions and became the worlds third most frequent executioner in 2020. At least 23 of those executed were sentenced to death in cases relating to political violence, after grossly unfair trials marred by forced confessions and other serious human rights violations including torture and enforced disappearances. A spike in executions occurred in October and November, when Egyptian authorities executed at least 57 people  53 men and four women.

Although recorded executions in Iran continued to be lower than previous years, the country increasingly used the death penalty as a weapon of political repression against dissidents, protesters and members of ethnic minority groups, in violation of international law.

Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region continued to violate international law and standards which prohibit the use of the death penalty for crimes that do not involve intentional killing. Yet, the death penalty was handed down for drug offences in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam; for corruption in China and Viet Nam; and for blasphemy in Pakistan. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, death sentences were imposed by courts established through special legislation and which usually follow different procedures from ordinary courts. In the Maldives, five people who were below 18 years of age at the time of the crime remained under sentence of death.

The USA was the only country in the Americas to carry out executions in 2020. In July, the Trump administration carried out the first federal execution in 17 years, and five states put seven people to death between them.

Executions reach lowest number in a decade

Globally, at least 483 people were known to have been executed in 2020 (excluding countries which classify death penalty data as state secrets, or for which limited information is available  China, North Korea, Syria and Viet Nam). Shocking as this figure is, it is the lowest number of executions recorded by Amnesty International in at least a decade. It represents a decrease of 26% compared to 2019, and 70% from the high-peak of 1,634 executions in 2015.

According to the report, the fall in executions was down to a reduction in executions in some retentionist countries and, to a lesser extent, some hiatuses in executions that occurred in response to the pandemic.

Recorded executions in Saudi Arabia dropped by 85%, from 184 in 2019 to 27 in 2020, and more than halved in Iraq, from 100 in 2019 to 45 in 2020. No executions were recorded in Bahrain, Belarus, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore and Sudan  countries that carried out executions in 2019.

The number of death sentences known to have been imposed worldwide (at least 1,477) was also down by 36% compared to 2019. Amnesty International recorded decreases in 30 out of 54 countries where death sentences were known to have been imposed. These appeared to be linked in several cases to delays and deferrals in judicial proceedings, put in place in response to the pandemic.

Notable exceptions were Indonesia, whose 2020 recorded death sentences (117) increased by 46% compared to 2019 (80); and Zambia, which imposed 119 death sentences in 2020, 18 more than in 2019 and the highest recorded in sub-Saharan Africa.

Time to abolish the death penalty

In 2020, Chad and the US state of Colorado abolished the death penalty, Kazakhstan committed to abolition under international law and Barbados concluded reforms to repeal the mandatory death penalty.

As of April 2021, 108 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and 144 countries have abolished it in law or practice  a trend that must continue.

Despite the continued pursuit of the death penalty by some governments, the overall picture in 2020 was positive. Chad abolished the death penalty, along with the US state of Colorado, and the number of known executions continued to drop  bringing the world closer to consigning the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment to the history books, said Agnes Callamard.

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With 123 states  more than ever before  supporting the UN General Assembly call for a moratorium on executions, pressure is growing on outliers to follow suit. Virginia recently became the first US Southern state to repeal the death penalty, while several bills to abolish it at US federal level are pending before Congress. As the journey towards global abolition of the death penalty continues, we call on the US Congress to support legislative efforts to abolish the death penalty.

We urge leaders in all countries that have not yet repealed this punishment to make 2021 the year that they end state-sanctioned killings for good. We will continue to campaign until the death penalty is abolished everywhere, once and for all.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. While delivering his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has also touched upon Russias role in stopping the recent war in Nagorno Karabakh.

Russia is always open for broad international cooperation. We consistently support preserving and strengthening the UNs key role in international matters, seek to assist solving the regional conflicts and have already done a lot for the stabilization of the situation in Syria and the establishment of political dialogue in Libya. As you know, Russia played a major role in stopping the armed conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, the Russian President said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Intensive care workers in Uruguay are at their wits' end. While they work day and night to save the lives of coronavirus patients, the population at large, they say, seems unperturbed by the mounting health crisis.

"Unfortunately, people do not seem to comprehend," said Carla Romero, a nursing assistant at an ICU unit in Montevideo.

"That's how it is. Until the dead are your dead... until it happens in your family, it is hard for people to comprehend."

Tiny Uruguay, with its population of 3.5 million, has gone from a shining example of Covid-19 control to a nation in pandemic crisis.

Figures collated by AFP show a two-week infection rate of 1,331 per 100,000 inhabitants -- by far the highest in the world.

In absolute numbers, the country wedged between Brazil and Argentina, is registering about 3,000 new cases per day, and almost 60 daily deaths.

With 2,022 in total, Uruguay has had fewer deaths as a percentage of its population than most Latin American countries, and many in Europe, but in the last two weeks, it had the region's highest death rate.

The country has never had a lockdown, and restaurants and bars remain open.

A major contributor to Uruguay's fast-spreading outbreak has been its proximity to hard-hit Brazil and its more contagious P1 virus variant, which has spread across the border.

The government has steadfastly rejected calls for a national lockdown, and observers and health personnel complain of a laxness that has taken hold of society.

"You see it on the street: almost everyone without masks. People don't believe, that's it. Until you have a relative in here, you don't believe," intensive care worker Francisco Dominguez told AFP.

Nearly 75 percent of Uruguay's 978 intensive care beds are occupied -- more than half by coronavirus patients, according to the SUMI medical society.

"We are at the end of our strength," said Dominguez of the ICU workload and mental burden of seeing so many patients die.

All hopes are on Uruguay's immunization campaign, which has so far provided a first dose for nearly a third of the population, and two doses for 10 percent.

gv/rsr/dga/mlr/bgs
Transmission electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, emerging from human cells. Credit: NIAID

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott caused a stir recently when he said his state was "very close" to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19, that much-discussed but often-misunderstood goal that we've all been anticipating for months. If so, other states would be even closer, to judge by the numbers who have been infected, vaccinated, or both.

Could Abbott be right?

The short answer, in most places: probably not yet. And it might not even be the correct question to ask.

In a very small way, I helped researchers start to solve this puzzle last year, pricking my finger and sending in a blood sample for an antibody study at the National Institutes of Health. Thousands of other volunteers across the country did so, too, and the results are in, providing a preliminary estimate of how many have been infected with the coronavirus.

In theory, you could add that figure to the number of people who have been vaccinated, and get an idea of whether enough of the population is immune that the virus can no longer spreadthe definition of herd immunity. For this virus, epidemiologists estimate that figure needs to be above 80%, and we're not there yet.

More on the numbers below, but for a variety of reasons the answer is not simple, said Matthew J. Memoli, one of the NIH study leaders.

"I'm not a big fan of the term herd immunity," he said. "The real question is: When can we stop worrying about this?"

Among the key remaining questions: How is natural immunity different from the level of protection that comes with a vaccine? What about people who underwent both things, a case of COVID followed by a shot (or two) in the arm? And how long does each type of immunity last?

Finally, people should not expect that when we reach 80%, the pandemic disappears overnight, he said. COVID-19 could remain a serious seasonal problem like the flu, blamed for thousands of deaths each year. Or perhaps it fades into the background.

Still, much of the country could be in good shape by the start of summer, he and other infectious-disease experts say.

And the NIH study offers a snapshot of how far we've come, while documenting a phenomenon that continues to puzzle physicians: why some people become gravely ill from COVID-19, yet others suffer mild symptoms or none at all.

Needles in the mail

Last spring, when the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases announced it was conducting a nationwide study of antibody levels, the response was enormous. The pandemic was young and anxiety was high, and more than 400,000 people volunteered to send in blood samples.

Memoli and his colleagues, who worked with partners at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, winnowed that number down to 11,382, attempting to get a representative sample of age, gender, race or ethnicity, and geographic location.

I was one of them, apparently needed to help fill the quota for 50-something white guys from the Northeast. A staffer called me to confirm my consent and to make sure I understood the study goals. A box with spring-loaded needles and swabs soon arrived on my front porch. I pricked my finger, dabbed blood on the swabs, and sent them back in a protective package.

The preliminary results confirm what smaller studies have been suggesting for months: that many more people have been infected with the coronavirus beyond the numbers in official case counts.

The authors estimated that as of mid-July, for every confirmed case of COVID-19, an additional five people had been infected but not diagnosed, give or take. Some may have been unaware of infection due to a lack of symptoms, while others may have suspected they had it but failed to get tested.

Yet that covers only the first phase of the pandemic, when nasal swab tests were in short supply in some areas. What about now?

Where we are today

Analysis of a second batch of samples, covering the period from October to February, remains underway, Memoli said. These things take time.

But he said it was reasonable to assume that the true number of cumulative infections remains several times higher than the official U.S. totalnow at 30 million and counting.

"There easily could be twice as many, if not three times as many," he said. "If you told me there were 60 or 90 million, I wouldn't be shocked by that."

If it's 90 million, that means 27% of the population has been infected at some point. Meanwhile, close to 40% of people have gotten at least one dose of vaccine; one in four is fully vaccinated. But there is overlap: Some unknown number of people who were infected also have gotten a vaccine. You can't simply add 27 and 40.

And even if you did, the total would fall short of that 80% "herd" figureespecially considering that some of the 40% have only partial protection. What's more, the immunity resulting from many infections may have waned, as the first ones occurred a year ago.

Still, it's likely that in much of the country, at least half of the population has some level of immunity, said Maciej Boni, a Pennsylvania State University biologist who studies infectious disease.

In Pennsylvania, that figure might be as high as 60%, said Boni, who was not part of the NIH study but has modeled the spread of COVID-19 in Northeastern states.

Are we seeing the impact yet? Almost certainly. While COVID-19 cases are now on the rise, they would have risen even more without the vaccines and the protection from past infection, he said.

"If you're slowing down infections with immunity, but at the same time speeding up infections by opening up restaurants, they cancel each other out," he said.

But within a few weeks, as vaccinations continue, he predicted that infections will, at long last, decline.

"You'll be able to plan a Memorial Day barbecue," he said.

What will happen next winter, on the other hand, remains unclear.

Next winter

The NIH study is valuable due to its large size, say those who were not involved. Once the thousands of samples from October through February are analyzed, another round of blood tests is planned six months later.

But the authors' approach has a drawback, said Jennifer Beam Dowd, an associate professor of demography and population health at the University of Oxford, in England. Study participants were not selected at random.

Those who volunteered may have been different from the general population in various ways. Perhaps they were more likely to be health-conscious, and thus less likely to have been infected, she said. (I am pretty sure I have not been infected, thanks to a job that allows me to work from home, but study participants were not told of their individual results.)

Memoli, the study author, agreed that using a random sample of people would have been better. But in the interest of getting faster results in an ongoing pandemic, researchers decided to use the volunteer approach, he said. Researchers then weighted the results from various subgroups to match the population at large.

Though imperfect, the result is useful, said Dowd, a member of Dear Pandemic, a group of women physicians and scientists who have been writing COVID-19 guidance for the public since the spring of 2020.

"This is helpful at giving us some kind of ballpark of how many infections we were underestimating," she said.

As this study and others continue, researchers will get a better idea of how antibody levels wane with time, depending on whether someone has been infected, vaccinated, or both. Variants of the coronavirus are likely to complicate matters.

This summer should be OK. But continued vaccination will be essential to keep COVID-19 in check next winter, said Boni, the Penn State scientist.

"We're going to see another epidemic," he said. "It's up to us to ensure that it's a small one."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A 12-member jury in Minnesota found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the brutal murder of African-American George Floyd in May last year.



The 46-year-old black man died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis during his arrest. 'I can't breathe!', George Floyd's final words as he lay dying under the weight of Chauvin who knelt on his neck for over nine minutes, turned viral in protests across the United States.



Chauvin, 45, was fired from service. He was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.



The murder of George Floyd had sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis and across the United States. The summer of protests that the country hadn't seen since the Civil Rights era in the 1960's prompted the National Guard to be deployed in more than a dozen states.



At the conclusion of a highly-charged, three-week trial, the jury announced its verdict after nearly 10 hours of deliberating. Chauvin has been out on bail since last fall, and the court revoked it immediately.



He was led away in handcuffs and will remain in police custody. Sentencing is expected in two months, and Chauvin could get up to 75 years in jail as per the Minnesota criminal rules.



President Joe Biden called Tuesday's verdict 'a much too rare' step forward for Black men. 'Nothing can ever bring George Floyd back, 'But this can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America,' he said at the White House in response to the court verdict.



'It was a murder in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism the Vice President just referred to - the systemic racism that is a stain our nation's soul; the knee on the neck of justice for Black Americans; the profound fear and trauma, the pain, the exhaustion that Black and brown Americans experience every single day.'



The President commended a brave young woman who recorded the action of crime in her smartphone camera, police officers for standing up and testifying against their fellow officer, and 'a jury who heard the evidence, carried out their civic duty in the midst of an extraordinary moment, under extraordinary pressure.'



Today's verdict sends the message that those few police officers who fail to meet the standard must be held accountable, and that no one should be above the law, according to Biden.



Biden said he spoke with the Floyd family, and assured them that his administration is going to continue to fight for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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I think that the U.S. could work with Africa, either under the auspices of the African Union or indeed through individual countries like Nigeria, to build a better world. Africa should not be seen or used as a pawn in great power games nor as an arena in the contest to secure strategic minerals and natural resources but rather as a partner in building a more secure, a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The timing of this conversation is auspicious for a number of reasons. First, President Bidens speech in February to African leaders at the African Union (AU) summit signaled a new and more robust partnership, to quote him, in solidarity, support and mutual respect.

Second, at the top of the new administrations foreign policy agenda are two topics of crucial importance to African states  the COVID-19 pandemic, its fallouts and what to do going forward, and climate change.

Third, are the positive signals from the U.S. Congress. The Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, George Meeks, in his first public statement, called for a new Africa Policy, which he said would be his top priority.

Fourthly and more broadly, is a view expressed by many who have given the matter some thought, that the 21st century will be the African century.

In other words, for good or ill, the fate of Africa will impact on the rest of the world in this century because of its increasing share of humanity and because of its indispensable contribution to managing the global commons, be it to improve human security, to avert pandemics, or indeed to tackle the crises caused by climate change.

Let me expatiate on this. It is estimated, for instance, that Africa will account for 25 per cent of global population by 2050, up from about 17 per cent today; that is an 8 per cent increase.

Indeed, my own country, Nigeria, is projected to be the third most populous country in the world by that date (2050), after India and China. If this increasing share of the global population is reflected in economic productivity and increased material well-being, then it surely augurs well for the world.

If, however, it brings about increased poverty and misery, then Africa could become a hotbed of restive youth who are vulnerable to the negative promptings of maniacal populists and religious radicals. And, also, for the other global concerns such as climate change, distractions such as worsening poverty, violent extremism and dysfunctional governance, these can only worsen matters.

As such, I think that a resetting of the U.S. policy agenda with Africa should promote a partnership that brings about economic prosperity, increases security, combats disease, improves governance and mitigates the effects of climate change.

Africa is in many ways the last frontier for economic development and it has the potential to be a global growth pole. Indeed, as other parts of the world are looking inwards, Africa is moving confidently to integrate its economies through the African Union Agenda 2063, as well as the recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

As Asian countries move to producing more sophisticated goods and services and as labour becomes more expensive there, Africa has a good chance to become the new factory of the world. This would require investment in machinery, skills and technologies to improve productivity and increase returns.

So, I think the United States is well placed to lead trade and investment ties with Africa. And it has a good leg-in with the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). The legislation, which removed all tariffs on 6,400 products available for export to the U.S., saw some African countries benefiting considerably.

South Africas auto exports to the U.S. under AGOA have created thousands of jobs in that country and in the auto supply value chain in neighbouring countries. Export of garments from other countries, such as Ethiopia, Mauritius, Lesotho, eSwatini and Kenya, have also created large numbers of jobs.

But AGOAs challenges, aside from the small number of countries that have benefited, are the changing dynamics of trade within Africa itself since it was passed 20 years ago. For example, the European Union (EU) has signed several Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with several countries, with implications for tariff disparities that may need to be reviewed in order to create a level playing field. Also the African Continental Free Trade Agreements are set to kick-in and AGOA must now be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the AFCTA. The AGOA expires in 2025. But I believe that a new and improved AGOA that takes these challenges into account can be negotiated before then.

I think that we have a moment now in which on account of the escalation of insurgencies, especially in the West African regions, there is need for a more robust U.S. intervention and I think that this is something that U.S. foreign policy along with African partners should take a second look at.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to coordinate actions to prevent and tackle pandemics, while also building up public health infrastructure in developed and developing countries alike.

The reality, however, is that Africa still bears a disproportionate burden of communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and meningitis, to mention but a few.

The United States has helped to improve health care outcomes in Africa, including through the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief (PEPFAR).

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I think that the same spirit of collaboration with regard to making COVID-19 vaccines available to African countries is now called for. This is not a time for vaccine nationalism and export bans but it is a time of working together towards universal vaccination against the disease.

I believe the U.S. can lead in the effort to ensure that all countries and their peoples can access vaccines, irrespective of the resources available to them. Quite frankly, we have seen some support. The U.S. has rejoined the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and all of these have been very helpful in creating the right environment for cooperation towards increasing vaccine availability and solving some of the problems associated with the difficulty in getting the vaccines.

All too often people outside tend to see Africa as a conflict-ridden continent beset by insurgencies and wild-eyed terrorists. There has, undoubtedly, been increased restiveness in certain parts of Africa, which is driven or aided by poverty, alienation, environmental degradation and poor governance.

In truth, though, the troubles in the main are due to an encroachment of globally known terror groups or their franchises in several parts of Africa.

The U.S. has had counterterrorism presence in about 15 African countries  in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa  combating jihadist terrorist groups operating largely in the Sahel, especially the sub-Saharan Sahel region and the area further southwest around Lake Chad, Nigeria (especially northern Nigeria), Somalia, and also Mozambique.

The U.S.-Africa Command (Africom) has been a very active force in all of the activities of the U.S. in this region. So, while it is evident that the threat of violent extremist organisations is growing, it will appear that U.S. policy (the United States Africa Command) has since 2020 shifted from a strategy of degrading violent extremist organisations in West Africa to simply containing their spread. But the escalation of the attacks and the synergies being created amongst these extremist groups call for a review of that position.

It may be the moment for a more robust intervention along the lines of U.S.-backed operations in clearing terrorists and insurgents in the Middle East. I think that we have a moment now in which on account of the escalation of insurgencies, especially in the West African regions, there is need for a more robust U.S. intervention and I think that this is something that U.S. foreign policy along with African partners should take a second look at.

A key tenet of U.S. foreign policy has been to uphold values and principles such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and public accountability. These issues resonate very strongly with ordinary Africans who believe that improved governance is crucial in ensuring that their votes count, their rights are protected and that state resources are used for the common good.

United States engagement with Africa, I think, should naturally take these matters on board. However, I must say that it should not take the shape of finger-wagging but rather a balanced and joint endeavour to achieve these objectives. To paraphrase President Biden, one based on mutual respect.

Whatever the case, there should be no rush to judgment but an effort to hear the other side and I think we should create more opportunities to hear the other side. Not through lobbying firms and that sort of thing but more direct government types of meetings and interactions that enable both governments to better understand what their points of view are and, I think, we have a perfect opportunity for doing so now.

This does not imply, in my view, turning a blind eye to gross infractions of international law and human rights. It does, however, require a broader and more nuanced perspective on issues, as well as an understanding of local dynamics before taking a stand.

I also believe that the United States could work with partners, including the G20, to establish an international economic system that works for Africa and other developing countries. It is a very encouraging sign in this regard that the U.S. has signaled support for the $650 billion increase in Special Drawing Rights at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

As I said earlier, climate change, including the risk of a perfect storm of population pressure, environmental degradation and pandemics pose a serious threat to African development, in particular, and the world in general.

It seems to be that the United States and Africa must work together to tackle climate change and moderate global warming, including through an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.

African countries have made commitments in this regard towards implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement targets and we are working hard towards achieving them. However, commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has led to a growing trend among development finance institutions to withdraw from fossil fuel investments, including the World Banks decision to cease funding for upstream oil and gas developments and the new restrictions on financing downstream gas developments, which is currently being considered and implemented by some European Union countries. The United Kingdom and the United States have also been considering the defunding of gas projects.

While this may be well intentioned, this move does not take into account the principles of the common but differentiated responsibility and leaving no one behind, which are enshrined into global treaties around sustainable development and climate action. These are principles we all agreed to and that we all accepted.

I think that the move to defund gas projects disregards the importance of gas as a means of urgently addressing energy poverty in a technologically and economically viable manner.

Furthermore, increasing the use of gas, which is a cleaner fossil fuel in power generation, gives African countries the opportunity to phase out more polluting fuels such as coal, diesel and heavy fuel oil (HFO), while bringing onboard more renewables.

The United States should lend its weight to stopping this manifestly unfair trend that can undermine the sense of collective responsibility we all have towards mitigating climate change.

What is required is a just transition to zero emissions, and that expression, which is becoming increasingly popular, in our view, is one in which the developed economies meet the commitment made at COP 15 in Copenhagen, of a $100 billion yearly to assist developing economies to transit to zero emissions.

U.S.-Africa relations need not be uni-dimensional. The United States is a global leader in economic and military terms, as well as through its contributions to the norms that shape the global order.

I think that the U.S. could work with Africa, either under the auspices of the African Union or indeed through individual countries like Nigeria, to build a better world. Africa should not be seen or used as a pawn in great power games nor as an arena in the contest to secure strategic minerals and natural resources but rather as a partner in building a more secure, a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Indeed, rather than view every interaction with Africa through competitive lens, I think that the U.S. can work with other countries to support Africa in its efforts to meet our infrastructural needs. Infrastructure in the form of power stations, ports, rail networks and roads, will spur growth and reduce the time and costs of doing business.

The fiscal constraints of African countries means that there is scope for private capital to fund, operate and own some of these things. Given their technical know-how and financial resources, U.S. companies should engage actively in the provision of infrastructure in Africa and we do expect that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may support such efforts, and as such cooperation and partnerships, rather than competition with other global actors, I believe, can complement these efforts.

I also believe that the United States could work with partners, including the G20, to establish an international economic system that works for Africa and other developing countries. It is a very encouraging sign in this regard that the U.S. has signaled support for the $650 billion increase in Special Drawing Rights at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will go a long way in providing much liquidity in African countries, given the fiscal strains caused by last years economic downturn.

Similarly, the recent initiative of the United States to ensure that businesses are taxed where they make their sales is a major step forward in bringing about a fairer international tax regime. To be effective, however, it should apply not just to a few multinational companies but should be truly global in nature, otherwise African countries may be excluded from getting their fair share of such taxes.

Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is the text of the remarks delivered at the 2021 Johns Hopkins African Studies Programme Conference held on Monday April 19.
ALBANY, Ore.  Two teens were arrested after hate speech escalated into violence, Albany Police Chief Marcia Harnden said.

Three other teens are still outstanding in the case.

Four 16-year-old boys and one 15-year-old girl reportedly assaulted a 13-year-old boy at Swanson Park, 712 Jackson Street SE, at about 6 p.m. on April 13.

Harnden said that the 13-year-old stood up to hate speech.

This crime shows the ugliness of hate that exists in our society today and has no place in the City of Albany or any community. I ask our community and especially the parents of our kids to have honest discussions about treating others with dignity and respect, Harnden said.

One of the boys and the girl have been arrested at this time, police said. They were taken to the Linn Benton Juvenile Detention Center. They both face charges of third-degree assault and criminal conspiracy. The girl also faces charges of coercion and second-degree bias crime, and the boy also faces charges of first-degree bias crime.

Police thanked Greater Albany Public Schools for their assistance with the investigation, which is ongoing.

Detectives are seeking information on an unknown female driver that was involved in the incident.

If you have any information, contact detectives at 541-791-0227.
Jason Yus dream of selling ice cream in San Francisco has officially melted, turning into a sticky mess he just wants to forget.

Yu was featured in this column in October after spending 16 months and $150,000 trying to open Matcha n More at 20th and Valencia streets and having little to show for it. He became a symbol of San Franciscos overly bureaucratic and expensive process for opening small businesses and a reason for voters to pass Proposition H on the November ballot to make it easier for future small business hopefuls.

But sadly, there will be no grand opening for Yu and his ice cream shop  and no sweet ending to his bitter tale. After another six months and another $50,000, Yu has abandoned his plans. And as for Prop. H? It passed, but only two small business owners have received expedited permits in the four months since it went into effect.

This became a nightmare project, Yu told me recently, saying he might open a business elsewhere someday. For sure I will not try to do anything in San Francisco. It just doesnt make sense.

You know what else doesnt make sense? Yu, a 30-year-old San Francisco native and father of two little kids, now has a huge debt to pay off with nothing to show for it.

The space at 3591 20th St. looked exactly the same on Tuesday morning as it did when I met Yu there six months ago. Its still a long-vacant former restaurant with butcher paper taped to the windows, security gates locked up and trash dotting the area outside.

That just broke my heart, said Sharky Laguana, president of the citys small business commission, when I told him of Yus decision. Theres absolutely no reason it should cost that much to open a business in a place thats been vacant for that long. Its outrageous.

Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle 2020

Yus plans sounded sweet back in late 2018 when he decided to open a shop serving green-tea-flavored soft serve ice cream. He spent several months searching for the perfect space and landed on the 20th Street site in June 2019, signing a lease for $7,300 a month. He hired an architect to draw up plans to upgrade the electrical and plumbing systems, build a front counter and install kitchen equipment. He planned no structural changes or modifications to the buildings exterior.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Nope. Nothings simple in San Francisco.

Yu submitted plans to the Department of Building Inspection in November 2019. Then the Planning Department required him to notify neighbors within 150 feet, allowing any one of them to object. And one of them did  a competing ice cream shop. That meant Yu had to hire a lawyer and brave a hearing at the Planning Commission.

The June 11 hearing featured 64 people  mostly friends of both ice cream shop owners  offering their opinions on the great ice cream face-off. Because apparently everybody in San Francisco has way too much time on their hands.

Yu won approval, but then got stuck in the citys never-ending web of securing permits. The Department of Building Inspections online permit tracker shows Yu faced 15 hurdles to secure his permits including getting the sign-off from a host of departments. The last to weigh in was the Department of Public Health, which said in December its review was complete, but that Yu owed more money in permit fees before the department could give the OK.

Thats when Yu started having second thoughts. Even after spending $200,000 on rent, an architect, a lawyer, equipment and fees, hed still need to pay at least $120,000 in construction on his space. And he knew hed have to hold his grand opening in the middle of a pandemic when capacity is still limited.

Was it even worth it? He finally decided it wasnt.

It made him particularly angry that his cousin was able to open a nail salon in Daly City in just a fraction of the time he spent on Matcha n More. Shes painting nails after a few months of effort, but he never did scoop any ice cream.

We were so hyped up, so energized and we had so much excitement to start this project, Yu said. But it faded away.

To be fair, nobodys exactly defending this bizarre system or saying that what happened to Yu is just the way the ice cream cookie crumbles. The bureaucracy doesnt have many fans, but it also doesnt seem easy to dismantle.

Prop. H has made it a lot easier to open a small business  in theory. Now, an owner can visit a city website, answer a series of questions and be presented with a list of permits and applications needed to start their business. The city must process the permits within 30 days, and one pesky neighbor cant thwart the whole thing if the plan is up to snuff.

So far, 50 people have expressed interest, and 40 have been deemed eligible for the streamlined process under Prop. H. Fourteen have submitted their applications, but just two have so far been approved. One is a grocery store, and one is a restaurant. Both are in North Beach.

Mayor London Breed last month introduced legislation to expand the benefits of Prop. H beyond certain commercial corridors to apply citywide, including in Union Square, downtown and the South of Market district. Heres hoping the Board of Supervisors sees this as the no-brainer that it is.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed, said Prop. H and its hopeful expansion will make a big difference in the long-run as more small businesses are expected to try to open after the pandemic subsides.

The mayor is committed to delivering fundamental changes. ... So our small business owners can focus on opening and operating their businesses, not navigating bureaucracy at City Hall, he said.

Thats the hardest part for Yu. He spent so much time, energy and money on a project that never even got started. He spent a whole lot of green for no green tea.

We just burned money. We didnt achieve anything, he said. It shouldnt be that big of an issue to open an ice cream shop.

Its just ice cream.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf Instagram: @heatherknightsf
HARRISBURG - As much as the videos of George Floyds death lit a fuse of anger and protest over repeated instances of Black men dying at the hands of police officers last summer, the instant aftermath of the conviction of Floyds killer Tuesday evening seemed to fall like a balm on Harrisburg and its residents.

Tinny megaphones and throngs of chanting people on the march - here at least - gave way to satisfied smiles on front porches and in church yards Tuesday night in the hours after the news of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvins conviction on murder charges broke.

Thats not to say the reactions to the verdict werent strong.

Finally, finally some justice, said Tina Lowery, a 47-year-old South 17th Street resident as she let the news soak in from her front porch with her husband, Evans.

It (Floyds death) was all on tape. Everybody could see what weve been stating for years about the violence against us. There have been several times where we tried to get a conviction (of a police officer) where it didnt go our way. So, I am elated. I mean, I cried. It was that emotional, Lowery said.

Like many, theyd been following the trial carefully from Day One.

And they admitted that in their view as consumers of the news, there was no way that Chauvin was going to walk. But, African-Americans tortured history with law enforcement allowed a lot of doubt to creep in - would that jury see things the way they did? And unanimously?

I told him, Tina said, I said OK, Im really nervous. My heart right now is in my feet because I dont know how this is going to go. But I pray that for once, everyone can see exactly what weve been talking about.

She wasnt alone.

Karla Bethea DeJesus experienced uncomfortable physical reactions Tuesday while waiting for the verdict.

Is anybody already experiencing stomach flips, tears, anxious feelings?,she posted on Facebook. I am.

Her post got dozens of affirmative responses. She and her friends felt like they have been holding their breath since the day George Floyd died.

And then the verdict came in: guilty on all counts.

Im exhaling because justice does bring comfort. It doesnt bring closure. But it brings comfort, DeJesus said, breaking down into sobs. I dont think some people really understood what was at stake. This was about more than just a rogue cop.

As a balmy spring evening wore on, people who had protested repeatedly last summer in the name of racial justice appeared to want to savor this event either by soaking up the news from whatever screens they had, or just getting on with their lives with a sense of relief on their face.

Its all quiet in the city, and were very happy about that, said Blake Lynch, director of community relations for the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.

Most residents reached by PennLive Tuesday said they werent going to celebrate too much too soon because the Chauvin verdict is still just one episode thats gone the right way, and the former officers actions - egregious as they were - set a pretty low bar for justice in this case after all.

A reporter broke the news to Ahmiere Mumford, a 20-year-old Black man from 16th Street who noted that hed been stopped and searched by city police earlier in the day.

Thats a good thing, he said, nodding his approval at the news while astride his bicycle. Because how often do you see a white cop get charged for committing any type of anything to a Black male, or anybody period? For real, know what I mean?

But Mumford, who is unemployed at the moment, said while he was surprised that the charges based on Floyds death werent dismissed, he didnt want to read into to it anything more than one case turning out the right way.

Thats just one case, Mumford said, noting several other Black men had died at the hands of police across America even during the course of the trial. That type of stuff still is happening so its like, no reason to make a big whoop about it now.

In fact, The New York Times reported on Sunday that since testimony began in the Floyd trial on March 29, at least 64 people have died at the hands of law enforcement nationwide, with Black and Latino people representing more than half of the dead. As of Saturday, the average was more than three killings a day.

It was too early, of course, for assessments of how many of those cases were justified or not.

There were some isolated incidents of exhilaration, however.

One car cruised down Market Street, the driver honking his horn, and yelling out his open window for all within earshot to hear: We Won! It was 6:15 p.m., so he wasnt talking about a Phillies or Sixers game.

But the more prevalent reaction was subdued satisfaction.

I think Ray Charles would have seen this, that the man was guilty, said Otis Harrison, the operator of ODs Fish House on Market Street.

Still, Harrison allowed, he had been taking a wait and see stance on the verdict.

Because of the past, I was concerned about it. And also with coronavirus we couldnt see the jury to see, who was there and what was sticking with them. Thats what scared a lot of people too. But at least it did go the way that we, I think, we all wanted it to, Harrison said, as a wall-mounted television played some commentary in the background.

Harrison, unlike Mumford, did allow himself the hope that the verdict will be a springboard for continued conversation and action on police reforms, or, at the least, a fresh cautionary tale for those who wear the badge to understand that when they enforce the law, they still are not above it.

So hopefully, cops now will see that that this could happen to them if they do something wrong, he said.

The fact that police officials testified against Chauvin at his trial instead of making excuses, gave DeJesus, the nervous Facebook poster, some hope for progress in the fight against systemic racism.

Now the message is hopefully, cops will no longer act like criminals because of the color of someones skin or the place they are in society, she said. Those are the ones that will no longer have free rein. It took the good cops to stand up and say something.

DeJesus stressed she doesnt have anything against police officers. She has close relatives in the profession.

I dont hate cops, but I hate this system that promotes inequality, she said. With this case, there was the hope that America might acknowledge the injustice: Will this matter? For this one it mattered. Black lives have to matter. The system never been for us. Its got to be broken.

In the meantime, as the dialogue on policing and race in America goes forward, the Lowerys said they will continue to advise their kids to be very careful about their encounters with the police.

If youre from here, from Harrisburg, the way we teach our kids is like, dont mouth off or nothing like that, said Evans Lowery.

Just be quiet, and let us get there, added Tina. Because I dont want to have to deal with anything like that.

And were kind of cool with cops too, the Lowerys noted.

Oh yeah, Tina added. Really, there are some really cool police officers. I dont lump them all into one box. There is just right, and wrong. And more often than not, we (African-Americans) get the wrong.
Corporate America, which almost universally declared in statements that "Black lives matter" in the wake of the death of George Floyd, called the conviction Tuesday of the officer who killed him a step forward but said much more was needed to achieve widespread justice.

A jury found Derek Chauvin, 45, guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the killing of Floyd last May. The murder, in which Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, sparked protests across the U.S. and a broader social reckoning on police violence and systemic racism.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the verdicts were "a step in the fight.''

"While the guilty verdicts in the trial seeking justice for George Floyd are a step in the fight against bias and injustice, we must remain determined to drive meaningful, deliberate change on a broad scale," Barra wrote on Twitter. "The past several weeks have been a painful and poignant reminder of the need to support reform and condemn injustice..."

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CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote about the verdict on his Facebook page.

"Right now I'm thinking of George Floyd, his family and those who knew him. I hope this verdict brings some measure of comfort to them, and to everyone who can't help but see themselves in his story," Zuckerberg wrote. "We stand in solidarity with you, knowing that this is part of a bigger struggle against racism and injustice."

Right now I'm thinking of George Floyd, his family and those who knew him. I hope this verdict brings some measure of... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, expressed similar sentiments.

"A small measure of justice was done today. But real justice would be for George Floyd to be alive and in the arms of his family,'' she wrote. "This brutal tragedy is one page in the much larger story of systemic racism, oppression, and injustice in our country."

Story continues

Facebook logo at Nasdaq on March 29, 2018, in New York City.

Kathryn Finney, CEO and founder of Genius Guild, who has helped Black entrepreneurs build companies and raise capital from investors, said the verdict was "historically meaningful" to the Black community but not enough.

She said she created the Genius Guild to address how capitalism has been used against Black communities.

"The racism that still exists in America is unacceptable and it's beyond time that we rethink, restructure and rebuild many of the racist institutions in America," she said. "We are building a world we want to see and live in. To create a world where everyone wins, everyone must own the problem. Everyone must be part of the solution."

Microsoft President Brad Smith said the verdict was a step forward in "acknowledging painful truths."

"Our nation has a long journey ahead before it establishes the justice and equity that Black Americans deserve. The murder of George Floyd is a tragedy and a crime, and no jury can bring him back to life or reverse the pain and trauma experienced by his family and still felt across the country and around the world. Todays verdict is a step forward in acknowledging painful truths and for the continued cause of defeating racism and fighting discrimination. Our company remains committed to the continued path ahead."

The sports community also took note Tuesday.

During the NBA on TNT pregame show, three-time NBA champion Dwayne Wade, who recently became a minority owner in the Utah Jazz, said his heart was pounding when he heard the verdict.

"Today showed to me the power of community. You can't celebrate this, but if there was any win today, to me, it was a win for accountability....We have to continue to pray for healing for the black community across the world."

Candace Parker, a WNBA star and Wade's colleague on the show, noted they were talking about justice on a sports show, calling the verdict a "step in the right direction; we still have so much more to go."

The NFL issued a statement expressing condolences to the Floyd family, and added:

"Even as we identify reasons for hope, we must continue to help move our society toward a more equal and just tomorrow. We are proud to partner with the NFL players and clubs and remain committed to do the important work needed to make positive change in our society."

The Las Vegas Raiders, one of those clubs, posted "I CAN BREATH 4-20-21" on its Twitter account, appearing to play off Floyd's last words of "I can't breath."

The tweet, however, was widely criticized on social media as being insensitive and it garnered more than 15,000 comments in an hour.

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Meanwhile, other companies and business leaders expressed their thoughts on Twitter.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream posted four tweets Tuesday evening, including:

"Justice requires accountability, but accountability alone must not be confused with justice. Derek Chauvin now faces accountability. George Floyd was denied justice the moment Chauvin's knee took his last breath."

Starbucks, in a tweet, said:

"George Floyd should be alive today. We still have work to do to address systemic racism and ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed and thrive. Black lives matter, and we stand with our Black customers and partners."

And Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, wrote:

"As important as it was, this verdict was not justice. If George Floyd had justice, he would be alive today. But this verdict will, I hope, fuel the faith of everyone who believes that justice is possible. This is not the end. Lets insist it is just the beginning."

Institutions ranging from J.P. Morgan Chase to Mastercard to Target have launched or announced initiatives to challenge systemic racism, including investing in Black-owned businesses and broader diversity goals. But critics have said that some companies have done little to back up their words with concrete action.

Chauvin found guilty and nation reacts: Derek Chauvin guilty verdict sparks reactions across the nation

What were the charges?: What are the charges against Derek Chauvin? Here's what the jury is considering for the death of George Floyd.

Despite calls by investors to make mostly white boards of directors more diverse, almost two-thirds of the 3,000 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. don't have a Black board member, according to data analyzed by BoardProspects and shared exclusively with USA TODAY last month.

But momentum began to build in the wake of Floyd's death. Of the more than 420 new Black board appointments between 2019 and 2020, 62% were made in the seven months after Floyd died.

Derek Chauvin is lead out of the courtroom in handcuffs after a guilty verdict is read during the trial of Derek Chauvin of the death of George Floyd at the courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021.

And this month, hundreds of business leaders and companies released a statement decrying the wave of state laws being pushed or passed to suppress voting rights.

Contributing: Nathan Bomey, Jessica Guynn, Craig Harris

Follow Charisse Jones on Twitter @charissejones

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chauvin guilty verdict: Corporate America response to murder judgment
Meghan Markle and son Archie Mountbatten Windsor spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, a royal source told People magazine.

The Duchess of Sussex, 39, also spoke with her husband before his grandfather was laid to rest, and 'knows the trip to England has been difficult for him'.

Prince Harry, 36, returned home to California from London yesterday, missing the Queen's 95th birthday today and with the Windsors' family row unresolved after meeting only once with his father and Prince William following the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

His chauffeur-driven MPV was seen leaving the private terminal at LAX, reserved for celebrities and the super-rich, and was spotted again arriving at the Montecito mansion he shares with Meghan, who is pregnant with their second child, at around 4pm.

The source told the publication: 'Meghan and Harry have been in touch every day. She knows the trip to England has been difficult for Harry. He didn't want to leave Meghan and Archie alone. Meghan has insisted to him every day though that they are fine. She hasn't wanted him to worry.'

Meghan Markle and son Archie Mountbatten Windsor (pictured together in September 2019) spoke to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, a royal source told People magazine

Prince Harry, 36, returned home to California from London yesterday, missing the Queen's 95th birthday today (pictured: Her Majesty at Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday)

They added: 'Meghan spoke with Harry before his grandfather's funeral. Meghan and Archie also spoke with the Queen earlier this week.'

Harry previously revealed during an interview with James Corden that his grandparents 'do Zoom', adding: 'They've seen Archie running around.'

A well-connected royal insider told People the past year has been a 'very difficult time' for the Royal Family, made all the more so by Prince Philip's passing on April 9, aged 99.

'The Duke was the head of the family, and if there were any time they were going to come together, it's now,' they said.

After Saturday's emotional funeral William and Harry took 'baby steps' towards healing their relationship after they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together, having been pushed together by peacemaker Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

After Saturday's emotional funeral William and Harry took 'baby steps' towards healing their relationship after they walked back to Windsor Castle from St George's Chapel together

Later there was a face-to-face meeting within the grounds of the castle between the brothers and their father Prince Charles, but, in an unprecedented development that lays bare the depth of their rift, Charles and William preferred to meet with Harry together so that nobody's words could be misconstrued afterwards, MailOnline's Dan Wootton revealed yesterday.

Harry had been widely reported to have been planning to stay for the Queen's birthday, although sources said he was 'conflicted' about the decision and wanted to get home to Meghan and one-year-old Archie.

He had flown into the UK on an American Airlines flight just over a week ago and spent most of his British trip in quarantine at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Father-of-one Harry will now begin a second 10-day quarantine  a requirement for international travelers journeying to the US, although it is not mandatory unlike in the UK.

Harry's brief visit to the UK for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was his first trip back to Britain in a year.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with him but did send a handwritten note and a wreath.

Pregnant Meghan, who is expecting a baby girl in the summer, was told not to travel with Harry to the funeral but did send a handwritten note and a wreath

The trip also marked the first time he has seen his family since making explosive allegations about royal racism during an interview with Oprah last month and claiming his father and brother are 'trapped in the system'.

Sources told the Mail on Sunday Harry received a frosty reception when he appeared at Philip's funeral on Saturday and was largely ignored by senior royals, among them Princess Anne and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

His presence also caused problems for courtiers  although the Duke of Edinburgh had wanted military uniform to be worn for his funeral, Harry is not entitled to wear it having given up his military roles as part of the Megxit deal.

Instead, the Queen decided to spare Harry's blushes by having the royal party wear morning suits to the funeral.

He reportedly texted with his father and brother beforehand but didn't see them in person until shortly before the service began.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country's extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Japan's government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and several other prefectures, while Indian data showed on Wednesday there had been 295,041 new infections nationwide overnight and 2,023 deaths, India's highest in the pandemic.

Asked about media reports that Suga's trip to the two countries has been cancelled, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: "In order to take all possible coronavirus countermeasures, it has been decided Prime Minister Suga won't take any overseas trips during the Golden Week."

Japan and India are members of a group known as the Quad, which also includes the United States and Australia.

Quad leaders last month pledged to work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to cooperate on maritime, cyber and economic security, issues vital to the four democracies in the face of challenges from China.

Suga's India trip would have enabled him to hold his first in-person summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Suga has already held face-to-face talks with two other leaders from the Quad - U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

(Reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto, Elaine Lies and Ritsuko Ando, writing by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Kim Coghill)
As we learn more about the reaction around the country to former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin being found guilty of murder and manslaughter in death of George Floyd, we're hearing more from people here in North Alabama.

Right now, some people we spoke with are happy with the verdict, but they're looking ahead to change they want to see next.

Derek Chauvin Derek Chauvin

"I think this is an example of justice being served in a way that might not have happened 20 years ago," said Blake Mizzell.

Some people tell us the verdict gives them hope. We spoke with Jaelyn Johnson minutes after the verdict came out. She explained that when she saw the video of the incident last year, she cried.

"I feel like this should've happened earlier. He should've been in jail earlier. We should've been done with this already. It was clear from the jump that what he did was wrong," said Johnson.

She added that she believes the video from last year shows the jury made the right call.

Alabama NAACP President Benard Simelton says the verdict will help their work moving forward.

"I think it will help us when we are out there struggling in the streets fighting for justice and equality," said Simelton.

Nick Lough is a Huntsville attorney. He says his brother who lives in Minneapolis left work early when he heard that a verdict would be announced.

"This is probably the biggest case that the nation's seen since the O.J. Simpson trial," said Lough.

Some people we spoke with didn't want to comment. One woman told us off camera that she believed the verdict was too extreme. She said Chauvin was just doing his job.
Citing recent problems, leaders of more than a dozen publicly owned broadband systems are asking a state tech agency to make the middle mile network more reliable, preventing service gaps that leave people in rural areas without phones as well as internet access.

The state, in response, says towns are in a position to find solutions as well, by working with the networks operator and their internet service provider.

Its going to take some money and some time, we acknowledge that, Jim Drawe, executive director of WiredWest, wrote in a letter this week to Carolyn Kirk, executive director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. WiredWest represents towns that used state money to build fiber networks.

In the letter, Drawe and 15 others call on the state to hire network engineers to examine why parts of the network have gone down  and to recommend steps to prevent them.

WiredWest retools to advance last-mile broadband plans Over the next year, small towns across the region will build their own fiber-optic networks, after demanding the right to decide their digital futures.Standing in the wings is a familiar champion of 

The goal is to make the 1,200-mile fiber-optic network known as Mass Broadband 123 less likely to fail, as it did for six towns March 29, when a tree fell on lines in a Franklin County town. Customers had no internet access for 10 hours, the letter says.

And in New Ashford, customers lost internet access for 15 hours, according to Drawe, when a tree hit lines in Williamstown, caught on fire and melted through the fiber.

Kirk says Mass Tech already is working with the networks operator, Local Linx, and with Westfield Gas & Electric, the utility that acts as the internet service provider for many rural towns that elected to build their own networks with substantial state money.

Each local network currently has options to achieve a level of redundancy when there is an outage, Kirk said in a statement, in response to questions from The Eagle about the issue.

But those options come with clear costs, both financial and from a technical perspective, she said. Collectively we will work with the towns to identify and select the best solutions to help each municipal network reduce downtime resulting from future network outages.

While weather mishaps cant be prevented, the letter argues that the crucial middle mile service, which connects customers with global networks, can be made more resilient.

The towns say that Mass Tech should take greater responsibility for perceived shortcomings in how the network, dubbed MB123, copes with weather calamities.

Washington penny-pinches its way to high-speed internet WASHINGTON  Kent Lew should be out of pencils by now. "I had to do a lot of pencil-sharpening," says Lew, the town of Washington's broadband maestro. When Washington decided to own its 

MB123 should have been designed to be fully redundant and resilient, the letter says. Unfortunately it is not. There are many single points of failure where a break can cause the loss of internet for a single town or for multiple towns.  MB123 has serious design deficiencies which leave people vulnerable to a loss of service.

Without saying so explicitly, Kirks statement suggests that the cost of creating greater resilience in local service must fall, at least in part, to the town-owned networks.

While acts of god cannot be completely avoided, the parties are working together with the goal of improved technical resilience against outages and minimized financial impact to municipally-owned networks, Kirks statement said.

The following Berkshire County residents signed on to the letter: Jim Hall and Peter L. Puciloski, Alford; Bill Hiller, Otis; Kenneth McInerney, New Ashford; Kent Lew, Washington; Doug McNally, Windsor; and Bob Gross, Becket.

In an interview, Drawe said the arrival of broadband has transformed communications in small towns. Now that it has, he said, people depend on it for tools beyond web browsers and telephone service. Some use medical devices hooked into the internet.

If the internet is out for a period of time, those medical devices dont communicate. Lives are at risk here, he said.

One selling point of local broadband is that it has allowed people to drop their Verizon landlines and use Voice over Internet Protocol connections, even carrying over their old phone numbers. That means that when the network is down, people cannot call for police, fire or medical help, the letter notes.

Interruptions in service also hobble efforts to work and study from home. The letter argues that people deciding to locate their businesses to rural areas  its one of the promises of closing the digital divide  need to know they can count on service.

The letter to Kirk acknowledges that, in addition to improved electronics for the network, the MB123 system likely will need new fiber lines that will provide redundancy. For instance, Cummington, where Drawe lives, is served by a MB123 spur line from Plainfield, both in western Hampshire County. If a fiber line breaks on that spur, data cannot be rerouted, as is possible in other parts of the middle mile network.

Stringing more fiber, he said, will create resilience.

So there are not  any points in the network where a break causes everything downstream to be dead, Drawe said. No single point of failure.

The letter says work wont come cheap and might depend on financial backing from the Legislature or federal government.

The State owes it to the customers of Western Massachusetts who are currently paying to use the MB123 network, the letter says. Please start with the engineering study so we all know the scope of the fix that is required. Customers lives and livelihoods are dependent on a reliable network.
There may be no more stark a case of Illinois voters being hoodwinked by their own elected officials than the empty rhetoric from state legislators supporting independent maps. You would be hard-pressed to find one lawmaker out of the 177 in Springfield who hasnt campaigned on, voted for or expressed publicly the need to get politicians out of the process of drawing their own districts.
English French

Rueil Malmaison, 15 April 2021

VINCI Energies to build electricity infrastructures in Benin

1,500 km of power lines and distribution networks and 11 transformer stations

Works lasting three years

Contract worth 292 million

VINCI Energies has signed a contract worth 292 million with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Benin for the construction of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructures. Its financing is supported by the French authorities.

Overall, the works will involve more than 900 people and will last for three years. They cover the construction of 500 km of extra-high and high voltage overhead and underground power lines, more than 1,000 km of medium and low voltage distribution networks and the connection of several thousand homes. Seven extra-high voltage transformer stations will also be built, and works will be done to extend the capacity of four existing high voltage stations.

Local teams will benefit from training and transfer of expertise with the support of VINCI Energies French and Moroccan subsidiaries.

The project, which covers eight of Benins twelve departements, will contribute to the countrys socio-economic development by meeting residents energy requirements and by supplying several economic and industrial activity zones currently under development, including an airport, an administrative city, a hospital and new residential areas. It forms part of Benins Programme for Sustainable and Secure Access to Electrical Energy, which aims to ensure universal, secure and reliable access to electricity both for the population and for industrial and strategic sites.

In addition to our full mobilisation on the ground to ensure the technical success of this project, we have committed to training 300 young technicians while it is being completed. We are very happy to be embarking upon this collaboration with the Benin authorities and with local communities, which will pave the way for a permanent foothold in Benin and will support the local economy with the jobs created. This is in fact the basis of our companies development model, said Arnaud Grison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Energies.

About VINCI

VINCI is a global player in concessions and construction, employing more than 217,000 people in some 100 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, we are committed to operating in an environmentally, socially responsible and ethical manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. Based on that approach, VINCIs ambition is to create long-term value for its customers, shareholders, employees, partners and society in general. www.vinci.com





This press release is an official information document of the VINCI Group

PRESS CONTACT

VINCI Press Department

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 16 31 82

media.relations@vinci.com

Attachment
The Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) sent an open letter to President Biden requesting support for regulatory changes that authorize advanced practitioners and other health professionals to practice to the full extent of their education, clinical competence, and experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter highlights scholarly research that demonstrates the safety and quality of care provided by advanced practitioners, and encourages continued commitment to promoting policies and regulations that maximize the education and skill sets of all health professionals.

The full letter follows:

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO), we congratulate you on winning the 2020 election. APSHO is a national organization representing advanced practitioners (APs) in oncology: nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PA), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), advanced degree nurses, and pharmacists (PharmD), roles critical to maintaining access to care for all patients living with a cancer diagnosis. Like you and your administration, we are committed to the peace of mind that comes with knowing every person in the United States of America has access to affordable, quality health care. To that end, APSHO stands ready to support and fully participate in the legislation and initiatives designed to improve access to quality and state-of-the-art health care across all groups regardless of age, income, place of residence, ethnicity, or gender identity. We endorse building on the Executive Order #13890, Protecting and Improving Medicare for our Nation's Seniors and the Health and Human Services (HHS) report Reforming Americas Health Care System Through Choice and Competition. The HHS report specifically recommends:

a. Extremely rigid collaborative practice agreements and other burdensome forms of physician and dentist supervision are generally not justified by legitimate health and safety concerns, and

b. States should consider changes to their scope-of-practice statutes to allow all healthcare providers to practice to the top of their license, utilizing their full skill set.

APSHO, on behalf of our AP members, has a particular interest in continued work on emerging successfully from the COVID-19 pandemic, improving overall access to quality health care through re-invigorating the Affordable Care Act, extending the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines to improve access to care, and continued work on the Cancer Moonshot initiative. COVID-19 has required enormous individual, team, and institutional agility and adaptability with an immediacy that has rarely if ever been required before. Health care organizations and individual health care personnel have had to quickly adapt and shift priorities. This demand for interprofessional agility requires each team member to work to the full scope of their practice to enhance each role in the team across the entire continuum of care.

The CMS rapid response to the COVID-19 public health emergency was essential to adding options to maximize health care delivery efficiency and to maintaining patient access to high-quality medical care in the early days of COVID-19. APSHO supported the numerous temporary waivers and regulatory changes that authorize APs and other health professionals to practice to the full extent of their education, clinical competence, and experience to meet the needs of our patients. By lifting burdensome and outdated restrictions on nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS and many states demonstrated full confidence in and dependence upon AP practice.

Unfortunately, a leading physician organization, the American Medical Association (AMA), launched the #StopScopeCreep Campaign, suggesting that care given by APs is not safe care. A robust amount of scholarly research refutes this claim. Objective reports across multiple medical specialties and primary care settings have come to the opposite conclusion (Bruinooge et al., 2018; Cairo et al., 2017; Hylton & Smith, 2017; Johnson et al., 2019; McCleery et al., 2011; Patio et al., 2018; Shulman et al., 2017; Yen et al., 2020). APSHO has responded in kind with a campaign to positively emphasize the critical role APs play in the delivery of health care across health care settings: #APCareSafeCare.

Demands for primary care providers continue to be a concern today and even more so in our future. By 2025, at least 37 states will experience serious physician shortages (Streeter et al., 2017). Advanced practitioners contribute significantly to primary care, constituting more than 40% of the workforce (AHRQ, 2020). Physician recruitment to primary care in underserved areas is poor, but the number of APs delivering primary care in underserved areas has increased (Pohl et al., 2014). Team-based care, including expanded AP scopes of practice and development of state compacts for licensure, has been recommended for the past several years as one solution to this problem. Unfortunately, in most of the states with provider shortages, APs have restricted scopes of practice (Streeter et al., 2017).

Similar shortages have been projected for cancer care because the physician supply cannot match the demand of increased numbers of patients with new cancer diagnosis, those undergoing treatment, and long-term cancer survivors (ASCO, 2017; Yang et al, 2014). A collaborative workforce study between APSHO, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (APAO), and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) examined the role of APs in oncology in the United States (Bruinooge et al., 2018). Conclusions from this study note that with the growing complexity of care, an AP independent model in a collaborative practice setting increased access to quality cancer care.

We appreciate your continued commitment to removing unnecessary practice barriers and expanding patient access to needed health care services. By promoting policies and regulations that maximize the education and skill sets of all health professionals, states, and communities are empowered to make informed decisions to improve access to quality health care tailored to their individual circumstances, available resources, and unique patient needs.

Sincerely,

Sandra E. Kurtin, PhD, ANP-C, AOCN

President, Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO)

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). 2018 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. Content last reviewed April 2020. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.

https://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/nhqrdr/nhqdr18/index.html

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. States categorized by type. (2018b).

ASCO. (2017). The State of Cancer Care in America, 2017: A Report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. J Oncol Pract, 13(4), e353-e394. doi:10.1200/JOP.2016.020743

Bruinooge, S., Pickard, T. A., Vogel, W., Hanley, A., Schenkel, C., Garrett-Mayer, E.,... Williams, S. F. (2018). Understanding the Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Oncology in the United States. J Oncol Pract, 14(9):e518-e532. DOI: 10.1200/JOP.18.00181

Cairo, J., Muzi, M. A., Ficke, D., Ford-Pierce, S., Goetzke, K., Stumvoll, D.,Sanchez, F. A. (2017). Practice Model for Advanced Practice Providers in Oncology. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book, 37, 40-43. doi:10.1200/edbk_175577

Hylton, H. M., & Smith, G. L. (2017). Collaborating With Advanced Practice Providers: Impact and Opportunity. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book, 37, e1-e7. doi:10.1200/edbk_175654

Johnson, D., Ouenes, O., Letson, D., de Belen, E., Kubal, T., Czarnecki, C.,Peabody, J. (2019). A Direct Comparison of the Clinical Practice Patterns of Advanced Practice Providers and Doctors. Am J Med, 132(11), e778-e785. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.05.004

McCleery, E., Christensen, V., Peterson, K., Humphrey, L., & Helfand, M. (2011). VA Evidence Synthesis Program Reports Evidence Brief: The Quality of Care Provided by Advanced Practice Nurses. In VA Evidence Synthesis Program Evidence Briefs. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US).

Patio, C., Ali, N., Ketner, J., Young, C., Chou, E., Chong, C., & Su, W. (2018). Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Head and Neck Surgery. Cancer Treat Res, 174, 17-30. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-65421-8_2

Pohl, J., Barksdale, D., & Werner, K. (2014). Revisiting Primary Care Workforce Data: a Future without Barriers for Nurse Practitioners and Physicians. Health Affairs Blog, July 28, 2014. Accessed at https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20140728.040428/full/

Shulman, L. N., Sheldon, L. K., & Benz, E. J. (2020). The Future of Cancer Care in the United States-Overcoming Workforce Capacity Limitations. JAMA Oncol, 6(3), 327-328. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5358

Walling, A. M., D'Ambruoso, S. F., Malin, J. L., Hurvitz, S., Zisser, A., Coscarelli, A.,Wenger, N. S. (2017). Effect and Efficiency of an Embedded Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner in an Oncology Clinic. J Oncol Pract, 13(9), e792-e799. doi:10.1200/jop.2017.020990

Yang, W., Williams, J. H., Hogan, P. F., Bruinooge, S. S., Rodriguez, G. I., Kosty, M. P.,Goldstein, M. (2014). Projected supply of and demand for oncologists and radiation oncologists through 2025: an aging, better-insured population will result in shortage. J Oncol Pract, 10(1), 39-45. doi:10.1200/JOP.2013.001319

Yen, T. W. F., Laud, P. W., McGinley, E. L., Pezzin, L. E., & Nattinger, A. B. (2020). Prevalence and scope of advanced practice provider oncology care among Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 179(1), 57-65. doi:10.1007/s10549-019-05447-x

About APSHO

The Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) is a society for advanced practitionersnurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, clinical nurse specialists, and other oncology health-care professionals. The mission of APSHO is to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer by supporting critical issues in educational, clinical, and professional development for advanced practitioners in hematology and oncology.
PITTSBURGH, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to help women experience a more comfortable mammogram procedure," said an inventor, from Pittsburgh, Pa., "so I invented The New Bra-Shapes Imaging Device. My design better conforms to a woman's anatomy to make mammography less painful."

The invention provides an improved design for a mammogram machine. In doing so, it eliminates the pain of having the breasts compressed between two flat surfaces. As a result, it reduces the discomfort associated with a mammography procedure. The invention features an ergonomic design that is convenient and easy to use so it is ideal for hospitals and medical facilities. Additionally, it can feature different sizes to accommodate different breast sizes.

The original design was submitted to the Pittsburgh sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 19-PIT-1147, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

SOURCE InventHelp

Related Links

http://www.inventhelp.com


Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-22 02:09:43|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were injured when a blast hit the parking area of Serena hotel in Quetta at Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province Wednesday night, security official sources told Xinhua.

It was a loud blast which was heard many miles away. The parking area is inside the premises of the high-class hotel, intelligence sources from the provincial capital told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"Right now the nature of the blast is not determined, nine people have been shifted to Civil Hospital, others are being brought in, and fatalities are also feared. There is chaos in the area and police and rescue teams are rushing to the site," the sources added.

Fire erupted in several vehicles following the blast and window glass of the hotel and nearby buildings also broke due to the impact of the explosion. Enditem
Stolen Motorcycle Case Leads to Drug Arrest

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - A Paducah man was arrested Tuesday on drug charges during an investigation into a stolen motorcycle.The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said that on April 15 they investigated a complaint about several stolen items, including a motorcycle, in the area of Noble Road.On Tuesday, deputies located 32-year-old David Asher. Asher was reportedly found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.Asher was arrested by detectives for possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.Deputies later found the motorcycle at another home and returned it to its owner.Deputies said more charges are expected.
The wife of the Belgian ambassador to South Korea is wanted for questioning by police over allegedly slapping a shop worker in the face after being accused of stealing clothes.

South Korean police said today that Xiang Xueqiu, wife of the Belgian ambassador Peter Lescouhier, is wanted for questioning after a complaint of alleged assault on a member of staff at a clothing store.

Footage of the 'slap' on April 9 taken by security cameras is being shared on social media, with some South Koreans demanding an apology from the Belgian embassy.

Slapped: The shop worker (above) displays the red mark on her face after being allegedly hit by Xiang Xueqiu, who is the wife of the Belgian ambassador to South Korea

The footage shows a woman in a face mask - identified by police as Xiang - trying on clothes and then leaving the store, when a member of staff in an orange shirt follows her out to the street.

The shop worker had suspected Xiang was trying to leave the shop with an item of clothing she had not paid for.

The footage then shows Xiang pursue the shop worker back into the store and angrily confront her, grabbing her by the shirt and wagging her finger.

When a colleague tries to break up the row by standing between them, Xiang appears to slap her hard across the face.

The shop worker was left with a large red mark across the left hand side of her face.

Xiang (above) is filmed by security cameras trying on clothes that shop workers suspected her of leaving without paying for

She returns to the store and points a finger at the shop worker (right) who accused her of stealing clothes as a second shop worker (centre) tries to calm things down

This is the moment when Xiang (left) slaps the second shop worker (centre) across the face, leaving a red mark

Belgian ambassador to South Korea Peter Lescouhier (above) whose wife is wanted for questioning after 'slapping' a shop worker

The footage also appeared to show Xiang Xueqiu speaking with two police officers at the scene.

Since then, police have not been able to contact her, saying it was because Xiang was in hospital.

'Police who were dispatched to the scene identified her as the wife of the Belgian ambassador,' said a police officer at a police station in Yongsan, an area of the capital where the embassy and the store are located.

'We have sought her attendance, but as you see in local media, she cannot be reached since she is in the hospital.'

South Korea's foreign ministry said it had urged the Belgian embassy to cooperate on the matter and that it would take appropriate measures based on further police investigation.

Police from Yongsan, South Korea, (above) visiting the store after the 'slapping' incident

The Belgian embassy in Seoul confirmed that Xiang had been hospitalized, but made no further comment. A spokeswoman for the Belgian foreign ministry declined to comment.

Some South Koreans voiced frustration over what they said were unfair privileges for diplomats and their families.

Lee Hyun-koo, 32, said: 'I do believe that diplomatic immunity is important and should be respected, but considering the incident involves the ambassador's family [...] the ambassador should make an official apology.'
Oregon activists and elected officials reacted in masse Tuesday after jurors convicted a former Minneapolis police officer of the murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died after the officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes.

Floyds death in May, which was captured on video, ignited nearly a year of protests, rioting and political unrest in Portland, and it thrust the issues of police violence and systemic racism into the middle of a tense national conversation.

Derek Chauvin, the officer, was found guilty Tuesday of all three criminal counts brought to trial.

Here are the reactions of prominent Oregon and southwest Washington activists and officials.

ACTIVISTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY POLICE:

Teressa Raiford, director of Dont Shoot PDX: It doesnt mean that our children cant go out and be murdered like Quanice Hayes was, or shot in the park because of a mental health emergency like the person at Lents Park was, Raiford said during a phone call Tuesday with The Oregonian/OregonLive. It doesnt mean that, because they held one officers accountable, we see the violence in the infrastructure that exists in what we call the police is gone.

Black Millennial Movement: This has been an extremely painful process for our communities. We are thinking of the Floyd family. They are our family and we support them.

Right now Black people in America feel let down, but unsurprised. We are not bitter, we are angry. The system that most of the country relies on for justice, we rely on to be the bearer of bad news. Its not a system that was built to prosecute and hold white men accountable, let alone white men who are police officers. We watched the country take it to the streets in support of Black lives throughout last summer; screaming, chanting, pleading, begging for transformative changes to the system that consistently shows us that there are two drastically different standards for those who are Black, and those who are not. Justice is subjective.

Let us be clear, while we are thankful and elated that a guilty verdict was passed down, it is still a failure of he system. A system that chooses capitalism over human life. A system that promotes safety and security for those who can afford it and prison time for those who cant. A system thats only goal is to profit off of the backs of marginalized people (worldwide.) This system is failing all but the few. There is no making up for a life lost. This sentencing is reactive justice. We will continue to see these atrocities happen again and again if we do not dismantle racism.

How many did not get a trial?

Regardless of todays verdict, we need a drastic shift towards nationwide accountability measures. There are still so many Black souls that have been unjustly lost. We need transformative change. We will work to make sure we are protecting Black lives  we hope our allies will do the same.

Lydia Gray-Holifield, activist: Not just as a mom but as a Black mom, being pulled over by the police and having to tell your kids that are 12 and 7 and 8 years old, put your hands in the air and be still. Dont make any sudden moves  thats the worst feeling in the world, Gray-Holifield said. I want (the police) to understand, as a mother, the severity of what happens to us every time were pulled over, or one of our kids are pulled over, or my brother or my uncle. That fear.

These people took an oath to protect us, and instead theyre killing us. And thats never okay. Todays verdict is the beginning, but its not an end. Yes, we can celebrate this victory, but we also have to stay focused and stay wide awake and down for the cause and continue to fight this battle of equity and diversity and inclusion for Black and brown people. This was a victory for us, but its not the end for us.

Mac Smiff, activist and independent journalist: Our goal is still not simply to hold a police officer accountable, but really to change the system of public safety all together. Its a step in the right direction. Its still a historic moment, but its just a step.

Sharon Gary-Smith, president, Portland NAACP: I dont think any of us could be anything less than joyful that justice was served, she said. But the fact that its an unusual verdict given the number of killings of Black men, women and children  its sort of a bittersweet moment.

Juan Chavez, Oregon Justice Resource Center: We mourn with the family of George Floyd as they continue to endure a loss that no verdict can repay. George Floyd should be alive today. Instead, in an extraordinarily rare instance of the legal system naming the harm caused by the police, Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of his murder. We do not say that the legal system is holding Derek Chauvin accountable for George Floyds murder, because it cannot truly do that. Real justice looks like something you mostly will not find inside a courtroom. It demands a remaking of our entire society to dismantle white supremacy which is foundational to how our nation operates today and has been since its beginning. This verdict will not be a wellspring of healing: it may comfort some, a little, but it is rather a sign of the work that needs to be done than a sign that the system is working.

Kevin Peterson Sr., father of Kevin Peterson, man shot and killed by Clark County deputies: Its a victory toward things changing.

Sue Zawacky, mother of Jenoah Donald, man shot and killed by Clark County deputies: We hope Jenoah gets the same justice.

POLITICIANS

Rep. Janelle Bynum: When this nation can confront the demons of the past and overcome its addiction to absolute power over Black lives, all of America will benefit. When we can count on our courts to deliver justice for everyone, all of America will benefit. When we can rely on our police to consistently bring honor to the profession and provide equal protection for community members through their words and deeds, all of America will benefit. Todays verdict was possible because law enforcement professionals were clear and unequivocal in their assessment of the facts. George Floyds death came at the hands of another man. And it could have been prevented.

As a mother, I am processing todays verdict with competing feelings about my own sons and their life expectancies. It is hard to explain to them the urgency I feel about their success and potential, knowing it could be cut short at any time, for any reason. And to lose all of that without a fair explanation or accountability is a hard reality to accept even if I have known this was a possibility all along. Maybe today makes it a little easier for Black mothers to breathe, but I will not stop praying for my babies.

Some may ask if we have turned a corner. I am not really sure because the laws on the books and our justice system work against the poor, the Black, and the disabled. I have devoted my lifes work to turning this around. Lawmakers in Oregon and around the country have heard the cries of millions calling Justice for one, justice for all. Police accountability must be improved and this system of racial superiority must be dismantled. We must do this not only for our children, but our childrens children.

Sen. Lew Frederick: The verdict was appropriate and I hope it reinforces the changes already underway.

Former state Sen. Avel Gordly: We are still left with major transformational work to do. The administration of Justice in the United States needs to be reformed to address the absence of fairness in the application of equal justice under the law. We need to reframe the calls to reform the criminal justice system to calls to reform the administration of Justice. That means transforming policing, the judicial and correctional systems all of which fall under the overall administration of Justice. The absence of fairness is a fatal flaw in our democracy.

Former state Sen. Margaret Carter: It was pretty amazing to me and obviously it was great on all of us who had been watching this and knowing the wrongness of what happened. I am feeling really great about that and I am hoping it will bring about some kind of consciousness-raising on the part of police departments across America. Police have been getting away with the murder of black and brown people too long without accountability and responsibility.

Carter paused to sing a line from Sam Cookes A Change is Gonna to Come.

Its been a long time coming, but I know change will come.

So when I think about that, I think about hope, I think about what it is to be Black in America.

She recalled her childhood in Shreveport, Louisiana and the local sheriff who marked his gun when he shot a Black person.

So I have been waiting for this a long time.

She said she has been upset over the damage done to the city by protesters.

I was feeling quite burdened, she said. But after the verdict, it was like I could breathe again. All of a sudden, my heart didnt feel so heavy.

Portland City Commissioner JoAnn Hardesty: Todays verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial has provided a long overdue sense of accountability in policing, but lets be clear: this is not justice. The guilty verdict is obviously the correct decision and it is historic. We all saw what happened to George Floyd on video. Its rare that police officers are brought to trial over these killings and rarer still that the officer is found guilty. But this verdict does not bring George Floyd back. It does not make his family whole again. It does not make the community whole.

In a just world, George Floyd would never have been unjustly killed by a police officer having a knee to his neck for almost 9 minutes. In the words of Cornell West, Justice is what love looks like in public.

Justice looks like all Portlanders, and particularly those most harmed by police violence, being able to leave their homes without fear of not returning because of a traffic stop gone wrong, a mental health episode, or simply wearing a hoodie. I want a police department that believes everyone involved in a 911 response should be alive at the end of the day. We need police to uphold the value that no one is expendable, even if they are not doing what a police officer has asked.

Today I am inspired to continue doing the work I have done for the last 32 years. To work with community to rebuild policing so that it respects all lives and provides safety equitably.

What happened to George Floyd happens here in Portland. I believe that we are all ready for change, and to really start that process our community needs the opportunity to heal locally. To do that, we must start with PPB admitting to the harm it has caused throughout history in our City, especially to BIPOC and houseless communities. We need to see accountability for their misconduct, including the many incidents of police brutality we witnessed last summer when thousands of Portlanders took to the streets to declare Black Lives Matter. We need a commitment, through policy change, that these incidents wont continue to happen.

We have begun the process of changing our system of community safety locally. We are creating police alternatives like the Portland Street Response (PSR) pilot. Voters overwhelmingly approved a new system of community police oversight last November that is in the process of being set up. We divested from PPBs most racially unjust specialty units and are further planning to set up Portland Street Response for long term 24/7 citywide success. Most recently, council passed a historic investment in community-based organizations to mitigate gun violence, as opposed to the traditional knee jerk reaction of funding more police. That investment also lays out the beginnings of a process to further evaluate and change our system of community safety.

Ill be the first to admit that the above actions are not enough. We have so much further to go. To get there, I need your help. Portlanders have shown that they are hungry to act, and my hope is that we will work together towards transforming our system of community safety, so that we never again have to witness the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Quanice Hayes, or Robert Douglas Delgado.

I am a child of the Civil Rights movement. I believe in and support non-violent protest and direct action. Its necessary to bring the scope of change the moment demands. I want to see that non-violent energy from last summer return, when thousands of Portlanders took to the streets to demand change. The pace of progress is slow and frustrating, but change is happening because of that pressure. Now we must work together to continue our transformation of community safety.

Acknowledging the anger that exists in our community, I continue to plead as the Portland Fire Commissioner for all Portlanders to recognize the extreme danger of lighting fires of any kind with the dry conditions that have led to a Multnomah County burn ban. Whether its at a backyard fire pit or a protest, please consider the potential consequences.

We need to dramatically change policing to ensure its community centered and less aggressive. We need to continue developing alternatives to police to ensure 911 calls get the right response. We need truth and reconciliation and we need culture change from PPB. We need real accountability.

Today was a rare day where our country finally saw a degree of accountability for police violence. I hope this moment continues to elevate the need to transform a broken system. Im fully committed to working with you to make that happen, but for today may George Floyd Rest in Power.

Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio: Todays verdict was one that the community expected and called for, but George Floyds life is still lost. While we recognize that a guilty verdict was delivered in this specific case, it is still not safe for many Black lives because numerous Americans refuse to acknowledge that white supremacy and racism continues to define this country in too many ways. Since the start of this trial, police have killed an average of 3 people per day, nationally. We demonstrate that Black Lives Matter and honor George Floyd, Adam Toledo, Daunte Wright, and the numerous, numerous others when we commit ourselves to thinking and acting intentionally, with love for all, and a commitment to do our internal work and to teach our children to do better. We all must begin to have these conversations with our friends, families and communities, even when it is hard. We are either productive, or counterproductive: there is no neutrality. We cannot work to dismantle structural barriers to racial justice and racial equity if we are unable to work through discomfort, face the truths of our history and present-day actions, and make changes to recognize these truths and value our communities. But this must be followed up with actions. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to listen and act in response to our communitys plea for change, and that move us toward justice. Todays decision will not be an indication that America is changing unless we make it so.

Gov. Kate Brown: George Floyds life mattered. His death, at the hands of Derek Chauvin, shook our nation to its core. My thoughts are with his family today.

Thousands of people last year, including here in Oregon, took to the streets to raise their voices in a clarion call for racial justice and police reform. A call for an America where Black Lives Matter.

Todays verdict is one step towards that goal. But it is only a single step toward police accountability. It is also a reminder of how much work we have left to do. We will dismantle the structures of racism and inequality in this country just as they were built, brick by brick.

As a nation, we grieve for the life of George Floyd. And we will honor his memory by continuing to do the hard work to increase police accountability in this country. As we have seen in the last year, that process is not easy and change will not come overnight.

The path to a more just and equitable Oregon begins with understanding. Understanding our state and our nations deeply racist history, and resolving to work together to build a better future for this generation and those to come.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler: Justice was served today. Derek Chauvin was rightfully declared guilty for the murder of George Floyd. The verdict wont bring back George Floyd, and it wont repair the damage, but it is an encouraging waypoint on the long road to justice and equity. That we live in a world where this can be the outcome gives me hope about the future and our ability to make the reforms we need in Portland. My colleagues on the City Council and I are committed to the hard work ahead.

District Attorney Mike Schmidt: The significance of this verdict cannot be overstated. This trial was vastly more than just a police officer on trial for the murder of a man. It was about humanity and sanctity of Black life. It proved excessive force is a weapon. Although this verdict delivered justice in one case, it will not, by itself, transform the criminal justice system that took the life of George Floyd. We must resist the urge to turn to other matters  this struggle is not over. The verdict will not, by itself, protect the next George Floyd. Now, we must take what we knowwhat weve learned from this trialand find the strength to bring about transformative change in institutions across our country, and to heal and reestablish trust. This moment must serve to remind us of the tremendous gulf between where we are and where we truly must be.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden: Real justice would be George Floyd being alive today. Todays verdict is only one step in the march to justice. That destination will be reached only when accountability like todays verdict becomes the rule of law.

U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio: I am relieved that justice has been served and that the jurors in Derek Chauvins trial, faced with indisputable evidence, found him guilty of all charges.

Chauvins senseless murder of George Floyd last summer sparked a sea change. His death shed light on the legacy of police brutality and racial hate entrenched in American society and committed millions of Americans to the righteous cause of ending systemic racism.

While todays verdict will not bring George Floyd back, nor will it heal the deep mistrust between Black Americans and law enforcement, it is an important step towards justice. We know the work is not done. We must continue to peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights as we work together to reform our broken system by passing essential reforms, like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the CAHOOTS Act, to transform policing in America and reduce violence in our communities. I remain committed to proactively working to dismantle institutional racism and oppression.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici: George Floyds murder is a tragedy and a painful chapter in our countrys history of systemic racism. His family and his community in Minneapolis have experienced heartbreaking anguish. They deserve accountability, and I wish them peace and healing.

Today his family got justice, but this verdict cannot bring back George Floyd. Black Americans have lived in fear for too long. The Senate must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to help end the targeting of Black communities by police. I will continue to work in Congress for everyone to be safe from racial injustice and police brutality.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum: I am thinking of the Floyd family and holding them in my heart. While justice itself can never bring George Floyd backI hope todays guilty verdicts in the case against Derek Chauvin on all three counts will serve as an inflection point.

State Rep. Karin Power: Let this moment of accountability be a turning point in our history, towards a future where its not a surprise when murderers of BIPOC people are held responsible. Its on all of us to continue the work to dismantle structural racism.

Secretary of State Shemia Fagan: The verdict in the murder of George Floyd is one step in a much larger journey on the long arc toward justice. Theres so much work left to do to address systemic racism and policing in this country. My thoughts are with George Floyds family and community.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Portland Police Bureau Acting Chief Chris Davis: The verdict of the Derek Chauvin criminal case is in and there are a range of emotions across the nation and our community in response. I agree with the Minneapolis Chief of Police who said that Derek Chauvins actions were beyond the bounds of the law and what we expect of police officers in the performance of their duties. The encounter with George Floyd that resulted in his death spurred a critical mass across the country demanding police reform and accountability. All community members should be treated with fairness, equity, dignity and professionalism no matter their race.

Many community members will want to make their voices heard and might march and demonstrate, and we encourage and support the lawful exercise of First Amendment rights. Those who think it is acceptable to put others lives and livelihoods at risk through dangerous acts of violence and destruction are not furthering the cause for system change, but setting our entire community back by tearing it apart. This is not advancing any racial justice.

While the Portland Police Bureau has been working for many years on reforms in our pursuit for fair and equitable police service to our training, accountability system, and our practices, our work is not done. It remains a priority for us to continue this work with our community. We are committed to working to find ways to heal, identify areas where improvements are needed, and work toward a better future together.

Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese: Today, by a jury of his peers, former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd. While the verdict will never bring back George Floyd, it provides a measure of closure to his family, friends and the greater community. The systems of accountability worked, holding an individual, who worked within that very system, responsible for their criminal actions.

As I shared with you following Floyds death in May 2020, I condemn the actions of Derek Chauvin and the actions of other officers for failing to intervene. Floyds death should have never happened.

At the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, we believe in the sanctity of life and treating everyone with dignity and respect. We have a moral responsibility to protect people in our custody from harm. The actions by Derek Chauvin and additional officers go against our training and our code of ethics.

As Multnomah County Sheriff, I remain committed to examining our policies and protocols to ensure they are considered best practices and that they reinforce equity now and in the future. In early April, I published an open letter to the community detailing the actions MCSO has taken over the past year to answer your calls for reform and provide the very best public safety services to the communities we serve. This work will continue, because Black lives matter in Multnomah County.

Washington County Sheriffs Office: Earlier today, a jury in Minneapolis, Minnesota found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges related to the murder of George Floyd. This case sparked strong emotions worldwide, including here in Washington County, exposing what can happen when police use-of-force decisions result in a tragic death and the loss of trust in law enforcement.

As your public safety and law enforcement leaders, we recognize the immense trauma and pain this trial and the past year have brought, especially among Black community members and other people of color.

The conviction of Derek Chauvin on second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges is an essential statement of accountability in our justice system. Our nation must acknowledge the harm from inequitable outcomes our justice system has had on Black Americans and demand accountability.

We commit to the hard work of rebuilding trust through effective accountability and transparency. We believe that difficult times demand positive change. Our public safety professionals remain committed to being part of that change while deepening our partnerships with the communities we serve, particularly those historically marginalized by our justice system.

Your public safety and law enforcement leaders are committed to working alongside all our community members, upholding First Amendment rights, and ensuring the safety of our community.

Portland Police Association: A Minnesota jury has imposed justice in finding Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd. This is the first step in our Nations healing as we continue to rebuild trust with the communities we serve.

Nearly a year ago, we wrote that: What happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of a police officer is revolting, incomprehensible, and unacceptable. What we saw in that videoMr. Floyd pleading for his lifeshould send chills down the spine of every law enforcement officer and citizen in this country. This tragedy is inconsistent with our oath to protect and serve, it is inconsistent with the job entrusted to us by our communities, and it is in complete opposition to everything we are trained to do. Those words are still true today.

We have more work to do. As we have done for the past year, we will be steadfast in our commitment to actively participate in the evolution of policing locally, regionally, and nationally.

We have the finest police officers here in Portland, and I am confident in their training, experience, and commitment to public safety. In the coming days, our officers will work hard to preserve our communitys right to peacefully protest. Our officers will also work to preserve public safety if those individuals, intent on violence and mayhem, seek to hijack this historical moment for their own self-serving, political purposes.

To our communities, we are committed to healing with you. To our members, we are proud of your tireless service.

Jayati Ramakrishnan and Noelle Crombie

Catalina Gaitan of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.
Dr. Kingsley Che Soh Facebook

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health says some health personnel working in the region are hesitant to receive the SINOPHARM Vaccine against COVID-19.

On April 19, 2021, the Regional Delegate addressed a letter to the Director of Regional Hospital Bamenda, All District Medical Officers in the North West, All Heads of COVID-19 Vaccination Centers, and All Heads of Health Facilities urging them to counsel their staff on the need to be vaccinated.

Dr. Che Soh says the infection rate of COVID-19 among health personnel in the North West Region keeps increasing, the reason why health personnel should be vaccinated.

I have been reliably informed that some health personnel working in your institution are hesitant to get vaccinated with the SINOPHARM Vaccine against COVID-19, despite the fact that the infection rate of COVID-19 among health personnel in the Region keeps increasing, said Dr. Che Soh.

He called on the Director of Regional Hospital Bamenda, All District Medical Officers in the North West, All Heads of COVID-19 Vaccination Centers, and All Heads of Health Facilities to organize Group counseling sessions with health personnel, so as to get their informed consent for this exercise to enable them immediately receive their first dose of the vaccine. 

The North West Regional Delegate of Public Health furthered: Health personnel who are working in health facilities which are not vaccination centers should go to the accredited vaccination centers and receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

Treat this with utmost importance, and do contact the Regional Delegate directly for any further information.

Some health personnel dodging COVID-19 vaccine (c) Document

For the first phase of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 which targets mainly medical personnel, the North West Region received a total of 11,400 doses of SINOPHARM Vaccine.

Dr. Che Soh says "the SINOPHARM vaccine is very effective and safe against COVID-19."

The North West Regional Delegate of Public Health says on April 18, the region received 23,500 doses of COVISHIELD Vaccine which is another effective and safe vaccine against COVID-19.

"With this consignment of vaccine, we are starting the second phase of the campaign in all 20 health districts in the region within the next couple of days. This second phase will target all persons above 50 years of age, those with other chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and Asthma, as well as other vulnerable groups like security forces and teachers, "said Dr. Che Soh.

As of March 16, 2021, the North West Region had recorded 3,337 COVID-19 cases with 1,600 recoveries and 124 deaths.
Japanese destroyer visits Vietnam

Japanese destroyer JS Akebono arrived in the northern port city of Hai Phong on Tuesday, starting its three-day trip to Vietnam.



The destroyer with 246 crew members on board are having a friendly visit to the city on April 20-24, besides using logistical and technical services.





The Japanese destroyer JS Akebono arrives in Hai Phong





The trip is among activities to deepen defence and security ties between Vietnam and Japan. Such activities between the two sides were affected by Covid-19 pandemic.



During the stay in Haiphong, the Japanese delegation will have a meeting with Vietnam Naval Academy, which will be held online to ensure Covid-19 preventive measures.



On Tuesday, the Japanese crew members also met Yamada Takio, Japanese Ambassador in Vietnam.
MBABANE  A judgment delivered by Eswatini-born Judge Thomas Masuku has come under heavy criticism by some human rights activists, especially those advocating for gay rights.

The judge, on Monday, had the unenviable task in the High Court of Namibia to rule on a case involving a gay couple trying to obtain travel documents for their twin daughters, born to a surrogate in South Africa, after authorities refused to do so on the basis the infants were not citizens. Namibian Phillip Luhl and his Mexican husband Guillermo Delgado had already been fighting for citizenship for their two-year-old son when the twins, born in March, were refused the documents required to enter Namibia. Namibian authorities said Luhl must prove a genetic link to the children.

Separated

Mondays ruling means the family will remain separated, with Luhl in South Africa with the twins and Delgado in Namibia with the couples son, while a judgment in their larger citizenship case is pending according to Times Live. In his summary of the judgment, Judge Masuku said Luhl had approached the court seeking a mandatory interdict compelling the minister of Home Affairs in Namibia to issue temporary travel documents to his children who were in South Africa and born to him and his partner through surrogacy. Luhl had written a letter to the ministers legal practitioners, suggesting that the minister issues the emergency travel documents, pending a matter between the parties which awaits judgment. The minister declined the suggestion and proposed that the parties await the judgment. This prompted the applicant to launch an urgent application compelling the minister to issue the travel documents, in what was a final mandatory interdict.

The judge stated that the applicant ought to have filed an application for the issuance of the travel documents before the minister in terms of the law and then requested him to consider the application on an expedited basis if necessary. Masuku held that to give in to the entreaties of the applicant in the present circumstances, would amount to the court impermissibly violating the doctrine of separation of powers and there arrogating upon itself powers that the law had decreed should rest in the minister.

Although the court appreciates its role as the upper guardian of all minors, it would be precipitous for it and would amount to judicial overreach for it to grant the order prayed for, lying as it does, within the constitutional mandate of the minister, the court being able to intervene on review, said the judge.
The National Science Foundation has awarded coveted Graduate Research Fellowships to several Emory students and recent graduates, including Emory College seniors (left to right) Kim Sharp, Charlotte Wang and Taylor Dover.

Learn more about scholarships The next round of applications for the NSFs Graduate Fellowship Program will open in fall 2021. Students interested in learning more about it and other prestigious awards should contact Megan Friddle in Emory's National Scholarships and Fellowships Program. Find more information or schedule an appointment through the National Scholarships and Fellowships Program website.

The National Science Foundation recently awarded prestigious Graduate Research Fellowships to three seniors in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, 12 recent Emory College alumni and nine PhD students in Emorys Laney Graduate School.

The nations oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the NSF award comes with a three-year annual stipend of $34,000, a $12,000 stipend to fellows graduate institutions and access to programs for professional development and international research. The highly competitive award was offered to 2,074 students this year, out of more than 20,000 applicants.

The Emory College recipients include graduating seniors Taylor Dover, Kim Sharp and Charlotte Wang and the following alumni:

Brandon Chen 19C, biology (now at the University of Michigan)

Raveena Chhibber 18C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now postbaccalaureate researcher in the lab of Emory biology professor Sam Sober)

Lucas Encarnacion-Rivera 20C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now at Stanford University);

Angel Gonzalez-Valero 19C, chemistry (now at University of California, Berkeley)

Kenny Igarza, 19C, neuroscience and behavioral biology and international studies (now at Princeton University)

Fredrick Leon 19C, chemistry (now at University of California, San Francisco)

Olivia Meisner 16C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now at Yale University)

Adelaide Minerva, 16C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now at Princeton University)

David Perlin 18C, psychology (now at the University of Florida)

Jordan Pincus 19C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now postbaccalaureate research assistant at Marcus Autism Center, starting at Georgia State University in the fall)

Chayla Vazquez 19C, neuroscience and behavioral biology (now at Washington University School of Medicine)

Caleb Ziems 20C, computer science and mathematics (now at Georgia Institute of Technology)

Its incredibly exciting to see the impressive research conducted by Emory undergraduates recognized in this way, says Megan Friddle, director of Emory Colleges national scholarships and fellowships program.

Nine doctoral students in the Laney Graduate School received the NSF fellowship:

Retta El Sayed (biomedical engineering)

Thomas Hsiao (biostatistics)

Kendra Ireland (chemistry)

Stacey Jones (chemistry)

Abigail Julian (computer science and informatics)

Yemko Pryor ( genetics and molecular biology )

) Julia Raquel Tanquary (biochemistry, cell biology and developmental biology)

Kyle Anthony Thomas (biomedical engineering)

Sophie Yount (molecular and systems pharmacology)

Learn more about the undergraduate recipients:

Taylor Dover

Dover, a chemistry major and math minor, has worked in chemistry professor Frank E. McDonalds synthetic organic chemistry lab since his second year on campus. His project is part of a collaborative effort with ophthalmology researchers in the Emory University School of Medicine, developing therapeutic compounds for treating blast injuries to the retina.

He earned a Goldwater Scholarship last year for his work to isolate the mirror image forms  known as chiral biomolecules for their right-handedness and left-handedness  of a compound that their collaborators previously discovered.

When the pandemic sent him home to rural Alabama last spring, Dover shifted to researching the potential of fluorinated alcohol solvents to facilitate reactions of otherwise weakly reactive materials. Dover was first author on a review article, his first published work in collaboration with McDonald, that appeared in the open-access journal Arkivoc in February.

He is back in the lab this spring. There, he is completing his honors thesis research, linking some of the articles themes to the challenge of teasing out the chiral molecules that may pave the way for new drug development.

Every challenge presents a new frame of inquiry, Dover says. COVID-19 has really illustrated that point, as well as the importance of being flexible.

Dover, a first-generation college student, is applying that flexibility as he weighs where he will pursue doctoral studies in chemistry. His previous teaching experience, as a learning assistant in several chemistry courses and as a mentor in STEM Pathways and the 1915 Scholars Program, has already convinced him to become a chemistry professor.

I cant speak highly enough of the professors Ive had, and how much help that network and support is, he says. Ive been fortunate enough to work on what Im interested in, the core chemistry that can lead to therapeutics, that I want to share it.

Kim Sharp

Sharp, also a chemistry and math double major and 2020 Goldwater Scholar, had been experimenting with new ways to form carbon-nitrogen and similar chemical bonds at the heart of drug development when the pandemic shut her out of Simon Blakelys organic chemistry lab last spring.

Because she had learned computational skills to analyze similar reactions in a NSF-funded International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) in South Korea in 2019, the shift was fairly simple. Sharp joined on a project in Blakeys lab intended to use machine learning to design macrocyclic molecules with appealing structural motifs for challenging pharmaceutical applications.

Ive always wanted to do something I could clearly see was helpful, and chemistry is that wonderful intersection of theory and application that lets me do that, Sharp says. Its fabulously cool to get to make new things from scratch.

Sharp graduated with highest honors in December and spent this spring looking at graduate schools that will expand her computational and traditional chemistry skills as she continues to research challenging reactivity and synthesis questions.

Its easier to get excited about the research if youre in a collaborative environment with happy people, Sharp says of working in Blakeys lab and getting guidance from Cora MacBeth, a former chemistry instructor who is now an assistant dean in the College.

I have a world of nice things to say about Dr. Blakey, Dr. MacBeth and all of the mentors who took me into that world early, allowing me to become a decent scientist from the clueless freshman I was, she adds.

Charlotte Wang

Wangs research journey began as a standout in her introductory course with Sarah Fankhauser, an assistant professor of biology at Oxford College.

Fankhauser recruited Wang, who had no experience with research, to join her in studying how farming techniques affected the soil microbiome at the Oxford Organic Farm. The project expanded to include other students over time, resulting in a 2020 paper published in the journal PLOS ONE.

She took such initiative, it was like having a first-year or second-year grad student on my team, Fankhauser says. I could not be more proud of her development as a scientist.

Wangs development continued with a chance conference dinner with immunologists. The interaction made her think of the immune-boosting herbal soups from traditional Chinese medicine she grew up with as a child and inspired her to pursue a research position in the field.

Through the National Science Foundations Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Wang landed a summer position in advanced targeted gene editing at the University of California San Francisco after graduating from Oxford in 2019. She spent the summer learning techniques to use CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technologies to screen for immunodeficiencies.

When she moved to the Atlanta campus, Wang sought out more immunology work. She conducted surveillance work on a subtype of T cells for a semester in Jacob Kohlmeiers lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in Emory School of Medicine.

With the pandemic keeping her from lab work, she began working on a computational project that became an honors thesis under the guidance of Rustom Antia, the Samuel C. Dobbs Professor of biology. Her project modeling the auto-reactivity of T cells confirmed her passion for understanding how the immune system works or doesnt.

Wang will pursue her PhD in biomedical sciences at UCSF in the fall.

I never imagined myself in a scientific field until my mentors brought me in and lifted me up, Wang says. Oxford and Emory gave me the freedom to think, to let me develop my identity as a researcher. It feels very powerful to belong to that community.
Bette Midler sang about the wind beneath her wings.

For Redman, that was Method Man helping him put on a cape and fly Tuesday night at the 4/20 Verzuz battle on Instagram.

The Wu-Tang Clan member held up the fabric behind Redman to mimic a strong breeze so the Newark rapper could become Sooperman Lover, the cheeky superhero character he introduced on his debut album in 1992.

This precious moment was one of many gems from the battle. With its high-energy performances, special guests and on-point camera angles, the event was more like a full Red and Meth concert, highlighting the more than 25-year bond between the two artists.

One beautiful, shining moment at the Redman and Method Man Verzuz.Verzuz/Instagram

The Verzuz battle series, founded by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, has produced some of the most watched events of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing friendly showdowns between talents ranging from DMX vs. Snoop Dogg to Teddy Riley vs. Babyface, John Legend vs. Alicia Keys, Patti LaBelle vs. Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The Isley Brothers.

Meth and Red, who have always had an unmistakable chemistry, said from the outset that this would not be like other Verzuz battles, of which there have been many during the pandemic. They would not sit down, and they would not reminisce at length with chit chat and behind-the-scenes stories. There were hardly any songs in the lineup that they did not perform live.

Sooperman Lover was back in action.Verzuz/Instagram

95 till infinity

Redman and Method Man bounced between their early songs  like Redmans Tonights Da Night and Time 4 Sum Aksion, and Wu-Tangs Method Man and Method Mans Bring the Pain  and their music as a duo, like Y.O.U. and 1, 2, 1, 2 from their 1999 joint album Blackout!

Red and Meth didnt want to go too long on stories, but they did offer tidbits like how they wound up on a song on Tupacs 1996 album (Got My Mind Made Up).

Redman, who turned 51 Saturday, joked that he would have to get into a bath of epsom salt after the show (Method Man is 50). Sure, it has been quite a while since the rappers co-starred in the 2001 stoner movie How High  named for their first single together in 1995  but they dont show signs of fading.

The Newark legend dropped to the floor and did a pushup as a warmup for the main event, which saw the two rappers play off one another, dance together and act as hype men for each other.

 Excuse me while I kiss the sky  #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/m1PH4knpCR  Verzuz (@verzuzonline) April 21, 2021

Apart from a short intermission (which Redman said he didnt really need), it was a nonstop show for the two friends and DJ Scratch, who kept the night moving along with a dizzying array of samples and their source material.

The Verzuz showdown arrived just hours after news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd.

You get back what you put out there, said Redman, aka Reggie Noble. He started the night wearing a shirt that said, It goes Reggie, Jay-Z, Tupac & Biggie.

Paying tribute to DMX.Verzuz/Instagram

Meth, aka Clifford Smith Jr., and Red stopped to remember rappers Black Rob and DMX, who died within a week of each other. They paid tribute with a performance of 4, 3, 2, 1, their 1997 song with DMX and LL Cool J.

Redman celebrated A Tribe Called Quests Phife Dawg, who died in 2016, with a performance of their song Nutshell pt. 2. The music video, which also features Busta Rhymes, was released in March, five years after Phifes death.

This being 4/20, Redman also took the opportunity to spread the word about the National Cannabis Party, a marijuana industry group.

The Meth and Red Verzuz became a full-fledged show with appearances from Wu-Tang Clan members, EPMD and more.Verzuz/Instagram

Wu-Tang, EPMD and more

Guest appearances spanned both artists careers, from Def Squads Keith Murray to Wu-Tang members RZA, Inspectah Deck (the 1993 anthem Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuthing ta F*ck Wit) and Cappadonna. RZA used the moment to announce a new album with DJ Scratch and ask for another Red and Meth movie.

Method Man promised there would be a Blackout 3 album on the way, a follow-up to Red and Meths 2009 joint album Blackout! 2. For his part, Redman is teasing the release of Muddy Waters 2 this summer. He released the single 80 Barz April 15 and premiered the music video right after the battle was over.

Wu-Tang Clan's RZA was a special guest alongside Inspectah Deck.Verzuz/Instagram

Redmans longtime friend Dupre DoItAll Kelly from Newarks Lords of the Underground showed up to perform the 1993 song Funky Child. Kelly, who is founder of the Newark nonprofit 211 Community Impact, had his own announcement: hell be running for West Ward councilman (he previously ran for council in 2018).

When Redman was starting out, he was a DJ for Lords of the Underground, which led to his discovery by EPMD. The Long Island hip-hop duo, including longtime Redman collaborator Erick Sermon, made an appearance toward the end of the battle.

DoItAll from Newark's Lords of the Underground made an appearance and an announcement. Verzuz/Instagram

Hardcore, the EPMD song that was Redmans 1990 debut, was one of the first songs that Redman performed in the Verzuz, along with the 4/20-appropriate How To Roll a Blunt from his first album Whut? Thee Album.

Later, he teamed with EPMD and fellow Hit Squad member K-Solo for the 1992 song Headbanger. EPMD went on to perform their 1989 song So Wat Cha Sayin.

This is epic! Redman said, assessing the lineup. With all the 90s golden era excellence on display, it was hard to disagree.

Redman performed songs from his entire catalog, from his debut with EPMD to his solo albums and collaborations with Method Man, Erick Sermon, DJ Kool and Phife Dawg.Verzuz/Instagram

DJ Kool made an appearance for Redmans 2001 song Lets Get Dirty, which Christina Aguilera turned into Dirrty in 2002. He stuck around to deliver a rendition of his calling card, Let Me Clear My Throat (1996).

Method Man revisited his collaborations with other artists, too, like Break Ups 2 Make Ups with DAngelo (1998) and The What (1994) with the Notorious B.I.G.

Red and Meth finished strong with crowd favorite Da Rockwilder (1999), inviting Rockwilder, the producer the song is named after, onstage for the performance. They asked guests and friends in the audience (who had been tested for COVID-19) to join them for the finale.

The scene seemed more like a festival, a far cry from the modest Verzuz setups at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Verzuz featured Hit Squad and Def Squad reunions with EPMD, Redman, Keith Murray and K-Solo.Verzuz/Instagram

Was that ... Russell Simmons?

At one point in the Verzuz, Red and Meth briefly talked about how Def Jam executives Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen first urged them to record an album together. In the process, they thanked Def Jam founder Russell Simmons.

In a moment that was criticized on social media, Red and Meth then got a call from Simmons.

The music mogul appeared on a phone screen, to the dismay of many who pointed out that 20 women have accused him sexual assault or sexual misconduct, including former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, who accused Simmons of rape in a 2017 New York Times story.

Meth and Red answered a call from Russell Simmons during the Verzuz, drawing criticism from those watching on social media. A series of women have accused Simmons of rape, assault and sexual misconduct.Verzuz/Instagram

Simmons has denied the allegations, which were the subject of the 2020 HBO Max documentary On the Record.

Dixon is credited with pairing Method Man with Mary J. Blige for the hit song Ill Be There for You/Youre All I Need to Get By (1995). The track was a reworked version of All I Need from Meths 1994 debut album Tical. That song was also showcased in the Verzuz.

Redman pinpointed the track as one reason why Method Man was a favorite with the ladies.

I wasnt the sex symbol back in the day, Redman said.

Meth demurred.

You had All I Need, Redman said. Thats all it takes!

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

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter.
Texas lawmakers and activists portrayed Tuesdays guilty verdict in Americas most closely watched trial of a white police officer in a generation as a step toward justice  but said there is more work ahead to reform police behavior and the criminal justice system. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd, a Black man, for putting his knee on the mans neck for several minutes. Jurors found Chauvin, guilty of all three charges he faced: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

RELATED: Texas leaders react to Derek Chauvin verdict

Floyds murder sparked nationwide Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. and in Texas during the summer and prompted renewed calls for police reform. And Texas police departments garnered criticism for their use of force during those protests. Before this years legislative session began, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveiled the George Floyd Act that would ban chokeholds and limit police use of force in an effort to protect Texans from police brutality.

Members of the caucus celebrated Chauvins conviction by pumping their fists and hugging during a Facebook Live stream. Many state legislators, including multiple caucus members, responded to the verdict with public calls to pass the caucus police reform bill, or House Bill 88, which was left pending in committee in March following a debate over a provision that would remove police officers' legal shield against civil lawsuits.

A just verdict, but this is only one step, and it can never bring George Floyd back, state Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin, wrote on Twitter. Now we must pass the George Floyd Act and other reforms so that we never have to do this again.

Before moving to Minneapolis, Floyd, a 46-year-old, was a resident of Houstons Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood. Texans across the state, including Floyds friends, family and residents of the Third Ward, had varied responses to the verdict, including sighs of relief or applause, according to The Houston Chronicle.

Elijah Nouvelage, AFP Via Getty Images

During a press conference, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called for reflection, and he said he and the Houston Police Department would be announcing police reforms next week. Turner said reform is a constant process that also includes investing in underserved communities, like the Third Ward, in a real and tangible way.

RELATED: Here's how Houstonians reacted to the Derek Chauvin verdict

Justice has been served, Turner said. The Floyd family has waited for almost a year for this verdict, but I will quickly say that they will experience the loss of their loved one, George, for the rest of their lives.

At least two white former Texas police officers have been convicted for killing Black people in recent years. In 2018, Roy Oliver was sentenced to 15 years in prison for fatally shooting 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, though Texas' highest criminal court plans to review that conviction. In 2019, Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing 26-year-old Botham Jean in Dallas.

Christopher Taylor faces a first-degree murder charge for fatally shooting Michael Ramos in Austin last year. And Shaun Lucas faces a murder charge for killing Jonathan Price in Wolfe City in October.

Multiple U.S. Congress members representing Texans also shared their responses to the verdict Tuesday, with some calling for the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The federal bill, which passed the U.S House in March, would ban the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants and set other national standards for police conduct.

Some of the Congressional representatives also made calls for reform and noted that a verdict wouldnt bring Floyd back to his family. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, tweeted that the verdict was a step toward justice for Floyd, his family and the people who have called for justice for victims of police violence and encouraged people to remain dedicated to police reform.

ASTROS: Dusty Baker on Chauvin verdict: 'Maybe this will help us heal'

This verdict is not justice  its accountability. Justice is George Floyd still being alive today, raising his children and spending time with his family, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, said on Twitter. I hope that they can find peace knowing that his life inspired a generation, sparked a movement, and changed the world.

Republican U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn did not respond to a request for comment about the verdict.

Many activists in the state said they were grateful for the verdict, and others stressed that a verdict will not eliminate racism in the U.S. Chas Moore, the executive director and founder of Austin Justice Coalition, said he was relieved, but there are still much needed changes, including reimagining the role of police and expanding the definition of public safety to include neighborhoods with access to lighting, education and healthy food.

I hope this verdict sends a message that, you know, there are going to be some changes in policing, Moore said. I want to see a change in police culture, to where we can limit or completely cancel the George Floyds, the Breonna Taylors, the Sandra Blands, the Daunte Wrights, and the Mike Ramos. I really hope this serves as a catalyst for culture change amongst law enforcement departments around the country.

Disclosure: Facebook 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 Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
DELANCO, N.J., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Misfits Market, the fastest growing online grocer that offers quality, sustainably sourced food at a value, today announced its $200M Series C funding co-led by Accel and D1 Capital, with participation by existing investors including Valor Equity Partners, Greenoaks Capital, Sound Ventures, and Third Kind Ventures. The oversubscribed round brings the company's total funding to $301.5M to-date. The only D2C online grocery service delivering quality products discounted up to 40% compared to those offered by premium, on-demand/in-store grocers has officially surpassed 'unicorn' status. The funding unlocks its ability to expand into every major grocery category and distribute across every underserved area nationwide to push forward its goal of eliminating food deserts in America by 2025. In tandem with its Series C funding, Accel's Ryan Sweeney will join Misfits Market's Board of Directors.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a state of shock for the entire food supply chain, from sourcing and procurement to distribution and consumer experience, which led to a momentous shift across the industry. Rising to the challenge for consumers, farmers and CPG brands, Misfits Market rapidly became an essential service. Misfits Market tripled its farmer and supplier relationships to rescue food, preventing waste as well as significant losses for farmers and producers. The company saw 5x growth in its active customers and order volume last year, shipping more than 77 million pounds of food to over 400,000 customers across the US. In the first four months of 2021 alone, Misfits Market has rescued the same amount of food as it saved in 2020 as a whole.

"In 2020, Misfits Market found itself in the middle of a global sea change  the food supply chain experienced a once-in-a-100-year disruption, with major institutions and households changing the way they source and consume food," said Abhi Ramesh, Founder and CEO, Misfits Market. "With this capital infusion, we plan to complete our expansion to the west coast, and continue to expand the selection of organic produce and high-quality, sustainably-sourced proteins and pantry items, getting us one step closer to our mission of making sustainable and affordable food accessible to every community across America."

As 68% of grocery shoppers who turned to the safety and convenience of online services during the pandemic plan to continue shopping online, Misfits Market prepares for ongoing customer acquisition and retention while promoting less hassle and more discovery throughout the shopping process. Traditional grocery retailers and delivery providers often create gaps in service due to being either prohibitively expensive or too difficult to execute in select zip codes. Establishing itself as the affordable and sustainable online grocer of the future, with a vision to eradicate food deserts by 2025, Misfits Market is acutely focused on elevating automated grocery fulfillment to bridge those very gaps.

"Direct-to-consumer models aren't anything new in the food industry, but the approach Misfits Market has taken is," said Ryan Sweeney, Partner at Accel and Misfits Market's newest board member. "Instead of focusing only on their end customer, they've managed to create a dynamic solution that also supports food suppliers at every level."

Since Misfits Market's $85M Series B funding announcement in July 2020, the company has expanded its footprint and is launching new offerings, including the following initiatives:

Grocer Category Expansion -- A curated assortment of quality meats, poultry and seafood from sustainable producers of animal-based proteins raised without antibiotics or hormones. From free-range non-GMO chicken and 100% grass-fed beef to wild-caught Atlantic cod, the company will now carry 20 essential cuts and ground packs so customers can tackle even more of their weekly shopping list.

A curated assortment of quality meats, poultry and seafood from sustainable producers of animal-based proteins raised without antibiotics or hormones. From free-range non-GMO chicken and 100% grass-fed beef to wild-caught Atlantic cod, the company will now carry 20 essential cuts and ground packs so customers can tackle even more of their weekly shopping list. Increased Delivery Capacity -- Following the opening of its new 250,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Delanco, NJ , the company was able to more than double its order capacity to the states it serves within the Eastern U.S. Plus, Misfits Market added 10 new states throughout the country to its delivery areas within the last year alone, and currently offers more delivery days than most competitors - up to 7 days per week. Since its founding, Misfits Market's distribution network has reached markets currently underserved by other D2C and chain grocery store delivery platforms.

Following the opening of its new 250,000 sq. ft. headquarters in , the company was able to more than double its order capacity to the states it serves within the Eastern U.S. Plus, Misfits Market added 10 new states throughout the country to its delivery areas within the last year alone, and currently offers more delivery days than most competitors - up to 7 days per week. Since its founding, Misfits Market's distribution network has reached markets currently underserved by other D2C and chain grocery store delivery platforms. Expansion into the West -- Misfits Market established its West Coast headquarters in Utah and is building out a facility in the region with plans to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the area within the next 5 years. Next on its radar is expansion into the Pacific Northwest; the company is taking its first orders in Oregon and Washington on April 21st .

Millions of Americans still do not have access to quality foods today. To continue building and executing the company's unique distribution plans, and ultimately make it easier and more affordable for everyone to eat better across the U.S., Misfits Market has added executives from Walmart, Amazon, Boxed, Casper, Wayfair, Jet and Warby Parker, and aims to double its current team of over 1,000 employees with new hires in the next year across all teams, including product, engineering, marketing, and operations.

For more information on Misfits Market, please visit: misfitsmarket.com .

For company background, assets and more, please check out the media kit .

About Misfits Market

Misfits Market is the fastest-growing grocery service in the U.S. that creates food access, not food waste. The company delivers fresh organic produce, sustainably sourced pantry staples, and other grocery items straight to your door at up to 40 percent off grocery store prices. Driven by its mission to bring affordable, quality food to more people, the company leverages direct relationships with growers and producers to reduce food waste at scale and eliminate inefficiencies in the food system. Misfits Market reaches consumers in every nearly zip code within the states that it serves. Currently, Misfits Market delivers to Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grocery boxes can be purchased on a weekly/biweekly basis at www.misfitsmarket.com .

About Accel

Accel is a global venture capital firm that is the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere, from inception through all phases of private company growth. Atlassian, Braintree, Cloudera, Crowdstrike, DJI, DocuSign, Dropbox, Etsy, Facebook, Flipkart, Freshworks, Jet, Pillpack, Qualtrics, Slack, Spotify, Supercell, Tenable, UiPath, and Venmo are among the companies Accel has backed over the past 35+ years. We help ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses. For more, visit www.accel.com or www.twitter.com/accel .

SOURCE Misfits Market

Related Links

www.misfitsmarket.com


Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is seen in a mugshot released on April 21, 2021. Chauvin, following his conviction in the murder of George Floyd, was booked into jail on April 20, 2021.(Minnesota Department of Corrections)

Chauvin Transferred to Minnesota Correctional Facility After Guilty Verdict

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been transferred to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights.

Chauvin arrived at the facility at 4:55 p.m. CT, shortly after twelve jurors found the 45-year-old guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, Minnesota Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald told The Epoch Times.

The spokeswoman said that Chauvin is at the facility in Stillwater, Minnesota, through an agreement between the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

A new booking photo of Chauvin would be made available Wednesday, Fitzgerald added.

Chauvins most serious charge, second-degree murder, has a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He declined to testify in the trial.

Jurors spent approximately eight hours and 20 minutes deliberating across two days, ultimately deciding that Chauvin caused Floyds death and that his actions were not that of a reasonable officer.

Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck and back for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd complained that he couldnt breathe and eventually stopped breathing. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital where he was soon pronounced dead.

Dr. Andrew Baker, Hennepin County medical examiner, concluded that Floyds death was a homicide as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest in the context of law enforcement. The fentanyl and methamphetamines detected in Floyds body in the autopsy, in addition to his health history, contributed to the death, the medical examiners office found.

It was the stress of that interaction that tipped him over the edge given his underlying heart disease and his toxicological status, Baker told the court.

Prosecutors had to make the case that Chauvins restraint was a substantial causal factor in Floyds death. They also had to make the case that his actions were unreasonable, because Chauvin was authorized to use force as a police officer, as long as that force would be considered reasonable by an objective officer.

Chauvin, 45, joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 2001. He was fired along with three other officers involved in the arrest of Floyd the day after the incident.

Former officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, who are currently free on $750,000 bail, are scheduled to go on trial for aiding and abetting murder charges on Aug. 23.

Aiding and abetting murder carries a prison sentence of up to 40 years, although the maximum sentence can be reduced to 15 years under sentencing guidelines.

Zachary Stieber and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wuhan-Milan train link to boost trade ties between China, Italy

Xinhua) 13:28, April 21, 2021

A China-Europe freight train with 45 compartments of anti-epidemic supplies leaves the Xinzhu Railway Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 12, 2020, to head for Italy's Milan. (Photo by Yuan Jingzhi/Xinhua)

"Trade between China and Italy is already strengthening, and this will add a new option that will make the trade links faster and more efficient," Olivero Fiorini, an economist and trade analyst in Milan, told Xinhua.

ROME, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The newly opened freight-train link between Wuhan, China, and Milan, Italy will add a valuable new option to boost bilateral trade, analysts said.

According to data from TRA Consulting, the new link, launched last month, adds to an already fast-growing network of train links between China and Europe.

According to TRA Consulting, the year 2020 saw 12,406 train runs between China and Europe, up from 8,225 the year before and nearly double the 6,363 runs in 2018. But until last month, none of those trains were regularly scheduled direct freight links between China and Italy.

"Trade between China and Italy is already strengthening, and this will add a new option that will make the trade links faster and more efficient," Olivero Fiorini, an economist and trade analyst with ABS Securities in Milan, told Xinhua.

Even before plans for the Wuhan-Milan link were drawn up, the economic ties between China and Italy were strong. In 2019, Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). That year China was again one of Italy's top trading partners.

Pedestrians linger on Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy, Nov. 6, 2020.(Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

According to the data firm Statista, 7 percent of Italy's imports came from China, trailing behind Germany and France. The World Factbook reported China was the ninth largest buyer of Italian products last year, accounting for 3 percent of the country's total exports.

TRA Consulting's data showed that a tiny percentage of the trade between China and its European partners was transported by train: just 2 percent of the total in 2017, compared to 6 percent by road, 28 percent by air, and 64 percent via sea routes.

But according to Andrea Giuricin, a professor of transport economics at Milan's Bicocca University and the chief executive of TRA Consulting, the popularity of rail transport is just beginning to grow.

"Trains are a midway point between expensive air transport that can have merchandise arrive in a day, and inexpensive cargo ships that take 30 or 35 days to deliver their goods between China and Italy," Giuricin told Xinhua.

According to Wuhan Asia-Europe Logistics Co., Ltd., the freight trains between Wuhan and Milan make the trip in 21 or 22 days. Transport costs, Giuricin said, were far below those of air transport but more expensive than cargo ships.

Giuricin said trains between China and Europe were still too slow to transport perishable goods. But the links were ideal for automobiles, car parts, and electronic goods. He predicted that the rail links between China and Italy and other European ports of call would see strong growth for at least the next six to seven years.

Aerial photo taken on April 19, 2017 shows the pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in Wuhan City, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi)

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
OnSceneTV

A man was shot dead early Wednesday outside a southwest Houston hotel, police said.

Officers responded shortly after 2 a.m. to the Symphony Inn on the 11700 block of Interstate 69, near Wilcrest, where they found a man suffering from a head gunshot wound, OnScene TV reported. Paramedics pronounced the man dead. Officials did not immediately identify him.
LOS ANGELES  In 1893, an itinerant plein-air English painter came to the West Coast to die. At 51, William Lees Judson could look back on a life full of adventure: trans-Atlantic crossings, farming Ontarios plains, fighting under Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War, Beaux-Arts immersion at Pariss Academie Julian. When his wife died suddenly and his own health soured, doctors advised him to take the California cure and spend his last days in the Golden States hot, dry air.

Instead, he lived another 35 years, started U.S.C.s College of Fine Arts in this building, and helped launch the Arts and Crafts movement, his great-great-grandchild David Judson said recently at the stained glass studio the elder Judson founded in 1897.

From the studio in Highland Park, with its views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Arroyo Seco, its original crown moldings, terra cotta portico, light fixtures and over 500 types of colored glass on display  a palette of sorts for the studios artisans to choose from  one can nearly picture Los Angeles as the sleepy cow town it once was.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain Coinvestors, a leading venture fund-of-funds and coinvestment program with a combined portfolio of more than 300 blockchain and crypto projects, including 20 blockchain unicorns, today announced the launch of Blockchain Coinvestors Swiss in partnership with Ordway Selections, part of a Swiss family office.

The team at Ordway Selections has invested alongside Blockchain Coinvestors Managing Partners Alison Davis and Matthew C. Le Merle since their first fund of funds was launched in the blockchain space and is now committing additional capital to capitalize on industry wide coverage into a sector with a unique value proposition, including financial return and positive impact.

"The global transition towards a world of digital monies and assets is gaining momentum and we expect blockchain and crypto companies and projects to benefit from the accelerating value creation in the space," said Alison Davis.

Pierre-Edouard Wahl, partner and co-founder of Ordway Selections, previously head of blockchain at PWC Switzerland and at Credit Suisse, comments: "We view this investment as a great way to participate early with tomorrow's winners, and to secure direct investment opportunities to double down on single companies that are gaining market share."

"We believe that Blockchain Coinvestors Swiss will help us provide access to professional investors who would otherwise not have the global blockchain access that we can provide," added Matthew C. Le Merle.

Ordway Selections invests alongside other like-minded co-investors. Swiss professional investors are welcome to reach out to Pierre-Edouard Wahl at pierre@ordwayselections.com in order to learn more.

About Blockchain Coinvestors

Launched in 2014, Blockchain Coinvestors' goal has been to provide broad coverage of the emerging unicorns and fastest growth blockchain companies and capture superior returns from investing in the leading blockchain venture partnerships. The strategy is now entering its 8th year and has to date invested in 25 pure play blockchain venture funds in the Americas, Asia and Europe; and in a combined portfolio of more than 300+ blockchain and crypto projects including 20+ blockchain unicorns. Headquartered in San Francisco, the investment management firm was co-founded by Matthew Le Merle and Alison Davis. Visit us at www.blockchaincoinvestors.com

About Ordway Selections

Ordway Selections is a private investment firm deploying capital into food & agri tech, health & wellness and blockchain. As investors into both fund structures and direct participations, the firm sources investments with conviction, and welcomes co-investments alongside like-minded professionals.

Media Contact

Matt Yemma, Peaks Strategies

myemma@peaksstrategies.com

+ 1 909-633-9396

Related Links

http://www.blockchaincoinvestors.com



SOURCE Fifth Era/Blockchain Coinvestors
- Rosacea sufferers join forces this Rosacea Awareness Month to bravely share the personal impact essential COVID-19 mask-wearing has on their skin condition

- #RosaceaUnmasked encourages rosacea sufferers to speak with a doctor or dermatologist about the burden of regular mask-wearing on their rosacea

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Galderma is uniting rosacea sufferers from around the globe in an empowering social media awareness movement during Rosacea Awareness Month (April): #RosaceaUnmasked.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made mask-wearing essential in many parts of the world, but for those suffering with rosacea  a skin disease affecting an estimated 415 million people worldwide1  mask-wearing can bring additional challenges by exacerbating rosacea symptoms.

#RosaceaUnmasked is bringing the rosacea community together during these challenging times to share their experiences of essential mask-wearing by posting mask-on and mask-off selfies on social media. Led by top online rosacea patient advocates, including Lex Gillies, Rose Gallagher and Kristin Moras, the campaign contributes to continuing conversations around the true burden of rosacea.

Although mask-wearing is essential for public health, findings from Galderma's recent online survey of rosacea patients, involving 220 respondents* from Canada and Germany, reveal that almost two thirds (63%) are experiencing worsening symptoms related to mask-wearing, including redness (75%), pimples and/or pustules (72%) and more flare-ups (53%). Despite worsening symptoms, more than half (52%) of the people surveyed admitted to using mask-wearing to hide their disease and 40% say they go out less often in order to avoid wearing a mask.2

"During these challenging times, it is important that we highlight both the visible and non-visible impacts of essential COVID-19 mask-wearing on rosacea. For many sufferers, myself included, rosacea is more than just a visible skin disease  it's a constant daily struggle. Rosacea Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to bring the rosacea community together and use our unified voice to confidently shine a light on the realities of living with rosacea during this pandemic. By posting our #RosaceaUnmasked selfies, we can inspire others to proudly speak out about the true challenges of mask-wearing, as well as sharing advice to support each other."

Kristin moras (@Kristinmoras)Texas-based rosacea sufferer

The online survey also showed that nearly half (48%) of respondents have changed how they manage their disease since mask-wearing. More concerning, 51% of those who switched tried a non-prescription product while only 27% received new treatment prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist. Additionally, only a third (33%) of respondents had visited their doctor or dermatologist in person since the pandemic began and only 8% have had a video consultation. Of those who had not booked an appointment, 47% stated they had not wanted to book an appointment, while 21% had been unable to book one.2

"Galderma is committed to gathering insights that enable us to tailor our approach to better support the needs of those patients with rosacea and help improve clinical outcomes in this often under-prioritized disease area. With just a third of rosacea sufferers surveyed booking an appointment with their doctor or dermatologist during the pandemic, there is a huge cause for concern. Our survey suggests that more patients may be self-treating which could mean they are using products that are not specifically tailored for their skin disease. This could, ultimately, do more harm than good. #RosaceaUnmasked is the perfect opportunity for people with rosacea to share their personal experiences of mask-wearing and take action to discuss the visible and non-visible impacts with their doctor or dermatologist."

Aliene NodaGlobal Medical Franchise Lead, Rosacea and Dermato-OncologyGlobal Business Unit for Prescription Medicine, Galderma

A 2020 expert-authored Galderma report, Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face, revealed that regardless of the disease (rosacea (ROS) or psoriasis of the face (PsO)), almost all (90%) of the patients surveyed felt their disease was partially or totally uncontrolled, and more than half felt that their disease significantly affected their daily lives (58% ROS vs 55% PsO).3

*Based on a self-administered survey of www.faceuptorosacea.com and www.stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers run from December 2020 to January 2021. 87% of respondents stated that they had a rosacea diagnosis from a healthcare provider. 13% believe that they have rosacea but had not yet been diagnosed.

About rosacea

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents variable clinical characteristics, of which the most common are flushing, persistent erythema, and inflammatory lesions. It mainly affects the central areas of the face, such as the cheeks and nose. The disease can affect both adult men and women, usually after the age of 30. Additionally, symptoms such as stinging, burning and increased sensitivity of the skin are common. The eyes are often affected, and might present as red, dry or itchy.

Although the cause of the disease is still under debate, various trigger factors are known, including spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, sun/UV-exposure, hot baths and beverages. Demodex  generally harmless mites  can also be found in the skin in an elevated quantity in people with rosacea.

Rosacea may worsen over time if left untreated. People that suspect they suffer from rosacea should visit their dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and discuss what treatment is right for them. Because rosacea is a highly visible disease, it is known to cause embarrassment and anxiety in some patients, which in turn may cause frustration and have a negative impact on their social life.

About Galderma

Galderma is the world's largest independent dermatology company, present in approximately 100 countries. Since our inception in 1981, we have been driven by a complete dedication to dermatology. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of sophisticated brands and services across Aesthetics, Consumer Care and Prescription Medicine. Focused on the needs of consumers and patients, we work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure superior outcomes. Because we understand that the skin we're in shapes our life stories, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

1. Gether L, Overgaard LK, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP. Incidence and Prevalence of Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Br J Dermatol 2018 Feb 25. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16481 .

2. Data on file. Online survey of faceuptorosacea.com and stelldichdeinerrosacea.de email subscribers (220 respondents from Canada and Germany)

3. Steinhoff M, et al. Beyond the visible: rosacea and psoriasis of the face. The BMJ Hosted Content 2020. Available from: https://hosted.bmj.com/rosaceabeyondthevisible. Date accessed: April 2021
The product leverages MoneyMes Horizon technology platform, with high automation and dynamic pricing.

( ) has launched Autopay, a secured vehicle finance solution for dealers with an objective to transform the $12 billion automotive finance industry.

Autopay is a same-day, drive away finance solution for dealers (B2B), brokers and consumers (B2C) with a one-hour approval and settlement process.

The solution uses market-leading speed and capability to disrupt current vehicle finance processes and will leverage MoneyMes existing Horizon technology platform.

Distinct sales advantage

MoneyMe MD and CEO Clayton Howes said: We believe dealers who have access to finance that is settled in minutes and is a same-day drive away product will have a distinct sales advantage.

In the same way that people look to Afterpay for where they shop, we expect consumers will look to Autopay when they purchase their vehicles.

This latest innovation leverages our Horizon technology platform, with high automation, dynamic pricing and best-in-class speed to give dealers and customers an unparalleled experience.

With an addressable market of circa A$ 12 billion, a strong customer use case and our ability to quickly assess and price credit-worthiness, we expect Autopay to be a key driver of MoneyMes growth.

$12 billion market opportunity

The company is making Autopay available to use direct in dealerships, with already more than five dealerships setup in the system to use this immediately.

Adding Autopay to the stable of products will enable MoneyMe to accelerate revenue, build its loan book and further diversify returns with access to a new $12 billion market opportunity.

Built on one platform, it creates seamless advantages to cross-sell to MoneyMes Freestlye, Personal Loans and other products which further increases its operating leverage.

With this solution, the company expect its cost of funds to drop with additional security to the loan assets in the book.

More than 3 million vehicles are financed per year across Australia, with approximately 30% of loans for new cars and 70% for used cars sales, and the average value of the car is $32,000.
Not one but two potential buyers are believed to be doing due diligence on the Whakatane mill.

The mill is poised for closure in July, making 210 workers redundant, but last week the mill's owner SIG announced an interested party had emerged, although it cautioned that the process may not be enough to save the mill.

Stuff now understands there are two parties doing due diligence, one a local entity which was close to finalising the purchase of the mill when an overseas firm threw its name into the ring.

It's believed one of the prospective buyers has interests in the recycling sector.

Union officials say news that the mill might be saved had been received with relief by many staff. Others had prepared themselves for redundancy or were already planning to move on.

Karl Gradon, general manager of strategy for Toi EDA, the Eastern Bay of Plenty's economic development agency, says it would make sense for the mill to head further into recyclable products.

"I think there is definitely a consensus that the products that the mill makes today are going to have to change.

"High value, food service, high growth, biogradeable, single plastic-replacing packaging is the right thing for it to be in. Is the way they are doing it today the most effective and efficient? Probably not and that's where any incoming investor is going to look.

SIG declined to comment.

Local MPs and social services have been trying their best to find new jobs within the region, many of whom are skilled but who might struggle to find work locally.

Mayor Judy Turner: Whakatane is resilient. Rosa Woods/Stuff.

Whakatane mayor Judy Turner said last Thursday that she was heartened by the news that the mill might continue operating.

While it is too soon to know whether this proposal will progress further, it does provide a level of optimism for our continued goal of coming up with a long term, sustainable, profitable and environmentally efficient solution for the mill.

I want to ensure agencies at a local and national level remain focused on working on potential solutions, and that mill workers are supported through this stressful time.

Whakatane is resilient, we are no stranger to challenges, and we will work together to solve this as we always do."

Catherine Harris/Stuff.
Civic authorities in Delhi have started working on a real-time monitoring system and a central control room for crematoriums and burial grounds amid a rise in the number of COVID-19 fatalities.

The rush at crematoriums and graveyards has intensified of late with the death toll due to the viral disease rising steadily.

The situation is "very bad", said Mashqoor Rashid, busy issuing papers to those reaching the Qabristan Ahle Islam near ITO, the biggest Muslim graveyard in Delhi, to bury their family members.

"On an average, we are performing the burials of 18-20 victims every day for the last few days," Rashid, a member of the graveyard's management committee, said.

According to the city government, COVID-19 claimed 277 lives on Tuesday, highest since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year.

The reported number of fatalities was240 on April 19, 161 on April 18, 167 on April 17 and 141 on April 16.

North Delhi mayor Jai Prakash said directions have been given to officials to set up a real-time monitoring system and a central control room for cremation grounds and cemeteries.

"All small and big crematoriums and cemeteries in the jurisdiction of the ??North Delhi Municipal Corporation will be connected to this integrated system. People will be able to know whether space is available for performing the last rites at these places," he said.

Thirty additional platforms for the cremation of COVID victims at the Rohini Sector-16 cremation ground and 50 at the Paschim Vihar cremation ground will be developed in the next two days, he added.

The number of platforms for cremation has been increased from 122 to 150 at Nigambodh Ghat, Suman Gupta, the general secretary of the Badi Panchayat Vaishya Beese Agarwal organisation that manages the crematorium, said.

"We cremated 95 COVID victims' bodies on Tuesday. The figures for Wednesday are yet to be compiled," Gupta said.
Researchers at Texas A&M University identified a variant of the COVID-19 virus they say has genetic markers suggesting potential resistance to antibodies, according to a statement from the university.

We do not at present know the full significance of this variant, but it has a combination of mutations similar to other internationally notifiable variants of concern, Ben Neuman, a chief virologists at the university's Global Health Research Complex, said. This variant combines genetic markers separately associated with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.

The so-called BV-1 is related to the B.1.1.7 variant that caused a surge in the United Kingdom, the university said.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at UCSF, said she's not concerned about this variant yet, as she has not seen the actual peer-reviewed data that it is resistant to antibodies.

"There were reports initially that B.1.351 [the variant first identified in South Africa], and other variants were resistant to antibodies but those were reversed by other reports and the 6 month data on the Pfizer vaccine roll-out which showed 100% efficacy against severe disease, even with the B.1.352 variant," Gandhi explained in an email. "Moreover, variants are covered by vaccines, specifically when considering T cell responses generated by the vaccines that are able to neutralize different variants."

Texas A&M researchers identified a single case of the variant at the university's Global Health Research Complex in a saliva sample taken from a Texas A&M student in early March.

The variant was named for the Brazos Valley, the seven-county region where Texas A&M is located.

As the United States continues to issue vaccines, worrying variants are spreading and triggering surges in some states. California has thus far avoided a significant uptick in cases. The seven-day positivity rate in the state was 1.5% as of Wednesday, among the lowest in the country.
In local TV news, a few names will automatically pop in your head when you think of a certain station.



When it comes to the KENS 5 weather team, Bill Taylor is usually one of the first for me.

As a San Antonio native I watched local newscasts religiously, so I am pretty familiar with local TV personalities, especially the ones considered staples of the TV business. Taylor is definitely one of them.



If you're not from San Antonio or new to the area, a quick Google search of Bill Taylor may land you researching another Bill Taylor, the former ambassador of the United States to Ukraine.



So to avoid the confusion, let me explain why the "real" Bill Taylor has been named "Best Meteorologist" for a few years now.



READ ALSO: KENS-5 meteorologist Bill Taylor transforms into Mother Ginger in 'The Nutcracker'

Taylor's curiosity of weather peaked during a meteorology class while studying at McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana.



"Being from New Jersey and recently moving to South Louisiana, I noticed very quickly how much more important the weather is in that region of the country. It was hardly a story in the northeast, but in the south different story," Taylor said.



He knew a few people at a NBC affiliate KPLC in Lake Charles, so Taylor auditioned for a part-time weekend weather job. While working, Taylor received his degree in communications but his interest in weather continued to grow.



He decided to study meteorology at Mississippi State University.



"Once beginning to learn the science, I wanted more and more," he said. "Its one of those subjects that becomes more and more interesting as you go."



While continuing his studies, Taylor got a job at NBC affiliate WFSA in Montgomery, Alabama.

It wasn't long before his passion for meteorology led him to KENS 5, where he has served viewers for nearly 25 years.



When weather breaks in San Antonio, residents turn to local meteorologists like Taylor for coverage. So what happens behind the scenes during severe weather?



"I first make sure Im in touch with the LIVE National Weather Service Chatroom. A great resource with area emergency managers and seasoned government meteorologists on what is happening," Taylor explained. "Then its time to make sure were getting information out via crawls and live updates on KENS 5 before then setting up a continuous-live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube from our KENS 5 Digital Center."



Back in the day, viewers would get severe weather alerts through a TV bulletin or a live cut-in. Now it's changed with social media and smartphones. You can get urgent weather coverage or even a daily forecast straight to your phone.



"We have additional platforms available to get life-saving information out to viewers and followers sooner! And we have the ability to go deeper," Taylor said.

The weather chief produces segments every weeknight at 9 p.m. on Facebook Live, which have become great forums of discussion.



"It's not just the daily forecast but the science of meteorology," he said. "We have the ability to interact with the viewer, answer questions personally something we could never really do in television."



Taylor shares another important piece of information on social media  the pollen count  which he says has evolved over the years. His creativity flourished with the use of a chalkboard.

READ ALSO: Former KENS 5 daytime host gets candid about life after leaving San Antonio



"I first noticed our chalkboard swine on the door of our home pantry and thought pollen pig Im a big fan of alliteration. Then it just went over to pollen pet when my daughter suggested I use her cute little pug Theo," Taylor said. "Now Im using photos of viewers and social media followers pets. It's been a real treat to see so many beautiful dogs, cats, goats, pigs and even miniature ponies."



Another platform you might see Taylor on? TikTok.



He made his TikTok debut last year with his daughters, even gaining some praise on social media by his fellow colleague Jeff Brady.



"He's a slave to the rhythm," Brady joked on Twitter.

Predicting the rhythms of San Antonio weather isn't easy, and getting it 100 percent right can be tough.



Though it's easy to become jaded by the forecast (we ARE still waiting for some rain around these parts), Taylor takes his predictions to heart.



If it's Taylor's forecast specifically, he says he will gladly explain to viewers what led to inaccuracies.

"If someone wants, and has a moment for a serious answer, I first explain that meteorology remains an imperfect science. Our computer model forecasting system is better than ever before," he said. "But there will be the occasional moment when nature will humble mankind and show us the unexpected."



As San Antonians know first-hand, mother nature can give us catastrophic weather events, like the February winter storm. The nature of the storm even stunned Taylor, who knew a major weather event was coming.



"Whenever we near the end of summer, and get into the first few weeks of fall, a very-popular question is whether or not were expecting a cold winter," Taylor said. "And the other popular question, 'do you think well get snow this winter?'"



Based on La Nina weather pattern, Taylor said he would answer those questions with answers like, no it should be a mild winter with little chance of seeing snow.

But then he says came the February polar vortex  the likes we haven't seen in 40 years.

"A really big piece of humble pie from Mother Nature!" he said. "And as rare as it was it could most-definitely happen again."

While viewers are likely to find Taylor in front of weather map on TV, he "dragged" his way onto another stage.

READ ALSO: 'It was a total surprise:' KENS5 morning anchor Sarah Forgany expecting her first child



Taylor played Mother Ginger in a performance of The Nutcracker at the Tobin Center.



"What a great time in drag! Just to be on stage with such phenomenal talent was a privilege," he said.

Though he's quite open with his viewers  the rapport is unmatched  he keeps a tender side.



"I think the secret side is my softness. Raising three girls has definitely softened my heart."



Taylor admits waterworks are possible if theres an emotional moment in a movie, show or even commercial. "Im watering-up fast!" he joked.

It's Taylor's kind heart that has led him to head one of the most recognizable charity programs, Bill's Elves.



After noticing thousands of children in the Child Protective Service program were not experiencing the gift-giving and cheer of the holiday season, KENS 5 management decided to do something.

More than 15 years later, Bills Elves continues to spread the love and joy of the holiday season.

"Im so grateful for the generosity of South Texas," he said. "And for me to be alongside the unconditional love people pour into children, they dont even know, is such a blessing!"

Another blessing Taylor is grateful for is being able to so many thing right here in the Alamo City.



"When I have moments when Im thinking about how fortunate I am, it really warms my heart," he said. "To have the opportunity to do this for so long, in fact its 25 years this December, I have always felt that is award enough."
THE COLONY, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco Bell Franchisee, North Texas Bells, threw a taco party for the students and faculty of The Colony High School ("TCHS"), located in The Colony, TX.

Throughout the pandemic, North Texas Bells has provided food donations to first responders within the communities their 58 Taco Bell restaurants operate. The pandemic has also brought to light the high percentage of children experiencing food insecurity within the metroplex. North Texas Bells partnered with TCHS, a Title I high school, to feed their students after school, and to ensure no child, on Thursday, April 15th, went home hungry.

North Texas Bells served hot crunchy tacos distributed by a food truck provided by Taco Bell Corporation. The food truck is equipped with its own kitchen, refrigeration system and cleaning facility. North Texas Bells employees staffed the truck and served over 2,000 tacos for the event.

iHeart Radio 106.1 Kiss FM joined the party, thank you to Billy the Kidd, Radio DJs and DJ K-Sparkle for bringing the energy for the event. Thank you to Taco Bell Corporate for providing the food truck, Dr. Pepper for donating canned drinks, and North Texas Bells employees making and serving food for the event.

The event was high-energy, and The Colony High School cheerleaders were on hand to celebrate and throw a great taco party. Peter Allen, Executive Vice President of Operations was on hand to host the event. "It was a great event showcasing the energy and excitement around the Taco Bell Brand."

About North Texas Bells, LLC

North Texas Bells, LLC (NTB) is a Franchisee of Taco Bell Corp. NTB was founded on December 21, 2011 with the acquisition of 13 units in the Dallas DMA. The company was founded and committed to its mission statement, "Consistently, Best on Block." Delivering Great Food and a Great Guest Experience is paramount to the success of NTB. The company has grown to over 58 Taco Bell locations in North Texas and Central Oklahoma. NTB celebrates its culture focused on family and winning in every category. Our people are the foundation of our success and we treat everyone as Family.

For information about North Texas Bells, LLC, visit www.ntbells.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taco-bell-franchisee-throws-taco-party-for-the-colony-high-school-301274156.html

SOURCE North Texas Bells
(Natural News) Two-thirds of disease experts around the world are of the opinion that new coronavirus variants will render currently available vaccines ineffective within a year, according to a new survey. About 66 percent of epidemiologists, virologists and infectious disease specialists shared the opinion that first-generation jabs for COVID-19 will eventually become useless. The surveys findings followed attempts by vaccine manufacturers to create booster shots for their jabs, given the proliferation of new coronavirus strains.

The Peoples Vaccine Alliance  a coalition of more than 50 worldwide public health bodies  conducted the survey from February 17 until March 25 of this year. They interviewed 77 health experts based in 28 countries worldwide.

Out of the interviewees, 66.2 percent believed that coronavirus mutations will render existing jabs useless within one year. The rest of the interviewees, on the other hand, were more optimistic. Around 18.2 percent said it would take at least two years before the vaccines become completely ineffective. Meanwhile, 7.8 percent expressed strong faith that future mutations will not compromise the effectiveness of vaccines. The remaining 7.8 percent were unsure of any time estimates.

Interestingly, the 66.2 percent who believed the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines will decline with further mutations were divided when it comes to time estimates. The majority  about 32.5 percent  surmised that the protective effects of current COVID-19 jabs will drop in nine months or less, while 18.2 percent gave a shorter estimate of less than six months.

University of Edinburgh professor Dr. Devi Sridhar warned of this eventuality. The more the virus circulates, the more likely it is that mutations and variants will emerge  which could make our current vaccines ineffective, she explained.

Meanwhile, Oxfam Health Policy Manager Anna Marriott said that the survey highlights the need for a peoples vaccine. This peoples vaccine should aim for a two-fold purpose of protecting individuals already vaccinated from future mutations and safeguarding those in the worlds poorest countries.

Vaccine manufacturers are working hard to create booster shots

Yale University associate professor of epidemiology Gregg Gonsalves emphasized the importance of urgent vaccinations. He said: With millions of people around the world infected with the virus, new mutations arise every day. These  variants could transmit more effectively and potentially evade immune responses to previous strains.

Sridhar agrees with Gonsalves. As weve learned, viruses dont care about borders. We have to vaccinate as many people  everywhere in the world, as quickly as possible. Why wait and watch instead of getting ahead of this?

Vaccine manufacturers have commenced development of booster shots due to the threat presented by new strains. Some of these so-called variants of concern include the B117 strain from the U.K., the B1351 from South Africa and the P1 strain first found in Brazil. Sinopharm and Moderna are now working on booster shots to address these more contagious strains that could possibly bypass the immune system.

In early March, Moderna began clinical trials for a booster shot of its mRNA Wuhan coronavirus vaccine. The objective of the trials is to determine if the shot provides better protection against the B1351 strain. Previous reports suggest that the South African variant causes a six-fold reduction in the number of antibodies meant to block viral receptors. This finding aroused concerns that the protection provided by Modernas two-dose vaccine might fade sooner than expected.

The pharmaceutical firm nevertheless reiterated that its vaccine remains effective against the British and South African variants, as well as older strains. However, it did not specify if the vaccine provides the same amount of protection against the P1 strain first found in the Brazilian city of Manaus.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started giving a third dose of the Sinopharm Wuhan coronavirus jab to a number of its citizens. During a December 2020 closed-door presentation, health authorities expressed concern that people might need a third dose if the current Sinopharm two-dose regimen fails to stimulate sufficient amounts of protective antibodies. The UAE is among the few countries that use the Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical firms vaccine for COVID-19 immunization.

According to the Abu Dhabi newspaper The National, UAE Health Sector Official Spokeswoman Dr. Farida al Hosani remarked that some people had received a third booster shot but added that the number who did so is very minimal compared to those who only got two.

G42 Healthcare, which coordinated Sinopharm clinical trials in the Middle East, also confirmed the use of a third dose. It said that a select group of people are being administered a third shot to observe the immune system response. When asked, the company refused to give any more details and referred reporters to Emirati health authorities, who also refused to respond.

Visit Pandemic.news for more articles on the effect of new Wuhan coronavirus variants on the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk 1

Oxfam.org

DailyMail.co.uk 2

WSJ.com
Kate Hudson cosied up to her partner Danny Fujikawa at a lavish 42nd birthday party hosted by her mother Goldie Hawn at her Pacific Palisades mansion in LA on Monday.

The actress, who turned 42 on 19 April, took to Instagram to share intimate snaps from the dinner held by her Oscar-winning mother and stepfather Kurt Russell.

Kate looked sensational as she wowed in a $2,190 Gabriela Hearst 'Patricia' denim dress for her special day teamed with sheer socks and heels.

Sweet: Kate Hudson cosied up to her partner Danny Fujikawa, left, at a lavish 42nd birthday party hosted by her mother Goldie Hawn at her Pacific Palisades mansion in LA on Monday

The Almost Famous star styled her blonde locks into a blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of radiant make-up.

Looking every inch the birthday girl, Kate added a diamond headband and delicate gold jewellery.

Kate's famous mother Goldie looked chic in a black pantsuit as she posed for several photos, including for a poolside selfie with jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer.

While the Fool's Gold actress' partner Danny, 34, who she shares daughter Rani, two, with looked dapper in a grey tweed suit with a crisp white shirt.

Thanks mom! The actress, who turned 42 on 19 April, left, took to Instagram to share intimate snaps from the dinner held by her Oscar-winning mother, centre, and stepfather Kurt Russell

Sensational: Kate looked sensational as she wowed in a $2,190 Gabriela Hearst 'Patricia' denim dress for her special day teamed with sheer socks and heels

Kate is also mother to two sons - Ryder, 17, her ex-husband The Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, and Bingham, nine - with her ex-fiance Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

The star's mother Goldie, 75, and stepfather Kurt, 70, went all out for the celebration with a Shibumi and Imari-catered omakase sushi dinner and sake pairing.

The famous couple, who have been an item since 1983, hosted Kate's birthday dinner on their porch outside with a stunning pink dressed dining table adorned with colourful flower displays.

Other details included a stunning outdoor bar where guests and birthday girl Kate were able to treat themselves to refreshing beverages and cocktails.

Smile! Kate's famous mother Goldie looked chic in a black pantsuit as she posed for several photos, including for a poolside selfie with jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer

Celebrations! Looking every inch the birthday girl, Kate added a diamond headband and delicate gold jewellery

Dapper: While the Fool's Gold actress' partner Danny, 34, who she shares daughter Rani, two, with looked dapper in a grey tweed suit with a crisp white shirt

Taking to Instagram to share a collection of intimate photos from the celebration, Kate penned: 'Mama and Pa hosted the best bday din and it was such a treat to safely gather.

'What a joy to be together like this. Thank you @shibumidtla @imari.la for a beautiful Omakase dinner and sake pairing!

'Sending love to everyone who has been so kind as to send me messages and blessings  What a joyful day .'

'What a joy to be together like this...Sending love to everyone who has been so kind as to send me messages and blessings! What a joyful day!'

Dreamy: The star's mother Goldie, 75, and stepfather Kurt, 70, went all out for the celebration with a Shibumi and Imari-catered omakase sushi dinner and sake pairing

Once the sake kicked in, Kate hilariously shared a video of herself deciding whether or not she was 'into' Hall & Oates' 1981 hit song, You Make My Dreams.

The Los Angeles native's Instagram posts received well wishes from her celeb pals Hilary Swank, Kris Jenner, Zoe Saldana, Melanie Griffith, Bear Grylls, Liv Tyler, and Donna Karan.

Goldie also took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter's birthday and shared an old snap of the pair riding a cow statue, which was captioned: 'Happy birthday my precious girl @katehudson. I love you as big as the universe.'

'Post sake pairing': Once the sake kicked in, Kate hilariously shared a video of herself deciding whether or not she was 'into' Hall & Oates' 1981 hit song, You Make My Dreams

Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Watts both shared snaps of themselves with Kate expressing their love for her on their Instagram Stories.

While Demi Moore also sweetly posted a birthday tribute to 'the one and only' birthday girl.

The Golden Globe winner has been hard at work on the LA set of Michael Maren's comedy Shriver alongside the 'amazing talent' Michael Shannon.

In the film, Kate portrays 'creative writing professor Simone Cleary, who's determined to rescue her university's failing literary festival.'

'Happy birthday legend!' The Los Angeles native's Instagram posts received well wishes from her celeb pals Melanie Griffith, Liv Tyler, Zoe Saldana, Hilary Swank, and Bear Grylls

Sweet: Goldie shared an old snap of the pair riding a cow statue, which was captioned: 'Happy birthday my precious girl @katehudson. I love you as big as the universe'

'Everyone needs a friend as fun as @katehudson!' Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Watts both shared snaps of themselves with Kate expressing their love for her on Instagram

'Happy birthday!' And Demi Moore also posted a birthday tribute to 'the one and only' Kate

Kate will also play lifestyle guru Micah Keith in the second season of Apple TV+ true-crime podcast drama Truth Be Told alongside Oscar winner Octavia Spencer.

For her role as drug dealer Kazu in Music, the Almost Famous alum scored a nomination for worst actress at the 41st Golden Raspberry Awards, which will be announced this Saturday.

Sia's dismally-reviewed directorial debut Music is also up for worst picture, worst director, and worst supporting actress (Maddie Ziegler) for her take on an autistic character.
What: The Wharton School is pleased to invite business journalists to apply for the next virtual Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists program. The June 2021 program will feature Wharton professors Katy Milkman, Ben Keys and Mary-Hunter McDonnell who will present on The Science of Behavior Change, Unpacking the COVID-19 Housing Bubble and How Corporate America Responds to Contentious Social Environments," respectively.

Through intensive lectures and expert Q&A the Seminars, led by the Wharton Schools most prominent professors, help reporters gain a better understanding of key business and economic issues. For more than 50 years, the Seminars have offered participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge, network with journalists from around the world, increase their exposure to leading experts and broaden their perspectives in a stimulating environment. View the June 2021 program agenda here.

When: Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 9:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

Where: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seminars for Business Journalists will be delivered online via the Wharton Events Portal.

How: Interested journalists can visit the Seminars for Business Journalists application. Space is limited. The cost of this program is $40.00 USD.

Who: In recent years, journalists from media outlets such as The New York Times, Nikkei, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC India, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, Fortune, Financial Times, CNN, Marketplace, BBC News, Les Echos, Bloomberg, BuzzFeed News and China Central TV have attended the Seminars.

Eligibility: Applications are open to those who are employed full-time as a print, broadcast or online business journalist by legitimate media companies.

Program Benefits: Todays global economy requires business journalists to have a strong foundation in business and economic knowledge. At the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, participants will:



Develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of business strategy.

Network with colleagues from some of the worlds leading business news organizations.

Gain exposure to leading experts and establish new sources.

Learn More: For complete information on the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, visit https://journalists.wharton.upenn.edu or contact Wharton Media Relations at communications@wharton.upenn.edu.

About the Wharton School

Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 99,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit http://www.wharton.upenn.edu.


[April 20, 2021] RS Components Launches Giveaway for State-of-the-Art Fluke Tools

SINGAPORE, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RS Components , global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, announces a giveaway in Singapore with Fluke, a trusted leader in test and measurement for industrial and electronic service installation and maintenance, electrical and temperature, indoor air quality and process calibration. Starting April until 28 May 2021, customers will receive a free test lead for purchase of selected Fluke digital multimeters or clamp meters. RS offers an extensive range of the Fluke product line popularly used in manufacturing, transportation, utilities, education, residential, and commercial industries. Best-selling Fluke products available on the RS website include the Fluke 289 True-RMS Data Logging Multimeter and the Fluke 289 FlukeView Forms Combo Kit , both of which exhibit expanded memory for unattended monitoring of signals over time. Both products also come equipped with TrendCapture, which allows users to graphically display logged data sessions fast to detect anomalies. FlukeView allows users to store up to 15,000 recorded events, which they can then analyze and convert into professional documents. A range of Fluke products such as multimetres and accessories, as well as infrared thermometes are stocked locally for fast delivery within Southeast Asia.



"This giveaway and the wide range of Fluke products available in local stock allows us to provide timely and reliable delivery within the Southeast Asia region and support more engineers, electricians, technicians and contractors working to keep businesses running smoothly. Fluke's state-of-the-art technology enables more customers to operate sustainably and efficiently, minimizing their energy consumption," said Sean Fredericks, President, Asia Pacific at RS Components. Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians and metrologists who install, troubleshoot, and manage industrial electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control.

In addition to the Fluke product line, RS Components offers reliable access to over 500,000 products across the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and electronics range, all at 97% stock availability rates. More details on the RS and Fluke giveaway can be found on RS Components . About RS Components RS Components is a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers who are involved in designing, building or maintaining industrial equipment and facilities. We aim to offer our customers unrivalled choice of product technologies, solve problems with innovative solutions and deliver a world-class customer experience, making it easy to do business with us. We stock more than 500,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers. We solve problems and provide a wide range of value-added solutions to over one million customers. With operations in 32 countries, we trade through multiple channels and ship over 50,000 parcels a day. Electrocomponents plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2020 reported revenue of GBP1.95 billion. Electrocomponents plc has nine operating brands: RS Components, Allied Electronics & Automation, RS PRO, OKdo, DesignSpark, IESA, Synovos, Needlers and Liscombe. For more information on RS, please visit the website at https://sg.rs-online.com . Further information is available via these links:

Twitter: @RSComponents; @designsparkRS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components RS Components

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/ DesignSpark

www.rs-online.com/designspark Electrocomponents plc

www.electrocomponents.com SOURCE RS Components

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BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Guan's Mushroom Co. is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05-ounce packages of Enoki Mushroom citing the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.



The recalled Enoki is a product of China and comes in a clear plastic package with the description 'Enoki Mushroom' in English, Korean and French, and Guan's logo in the front. The UPC code is 810023170303 and product code is RY3428A or RY3434A.



The products were shipped in a white cardboard box with 25 pcs of 200g. They were distributed from CA, NY, PA through produce distributors or wholesalers to retail stores across the United States.



The recall was initiated after the routine testing by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 200g package of Enoki.



Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.



However, the Commerce, California-based company has not received any reports of illnesses to date in connection with the recalled products.



The company has suspended the distribution of the product and urged consumers to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.



Last year, many companies had recalled Enoki mushrooms, which are generally popular in East Asian cuisine, following reports of deaths and hospitalizations due to suspected Listeria contamination.



Guan's Mushroom in March 2020 had called back all cases of 200g/7.05 ounce packages of Enoki Mushroom and Brooklyn, New York-based H&C Food Inc in April 2020 recalled select Enoki mushrooms for the same concerns.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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If you find it difficult getting a good night's sleep, listening to music may help, scientists suggest.

But be sure to tune in to the dulcet tones of Norah Jones or Enya  as soothing music was found to be the most beneficial.

Scientists from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan found that older adults who listen to music before bed experienced better sleep than those who don't.

Melodies with a slow beat worked best, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Scientists from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan found that older adults who listen to music before bed experienced better sleep than those who don't

In an analysis of five trials involving nearly 300 people, researchers found older adults who listen to music experience significantly better sleep quality than those who don't.

The paper reads: 'According to previous studies, 40-70 per cent of older adults are estimated to have sleep problems.

'The results of our analysis revealed that older adults assigned to the group receiving music therapy reported significantly better sleep quality than the control group that did not listen to music.

'We found that listening to sedative music provided a significantly greater improvement in sleep quality than the rhythm-centred music.' They suggest the reason sedative music may be preferable is that it reduces nervous system activity, promoting deep relaxation and calmness.

Melodies with a slow beat worked best, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

In the study, sedative music was characterised by a slow tempo of 60-80 beats per minute, a soft volume and smooth melody.

Meanwhile rhythmic music was classified as having fast tempos, a loud volume and rhythmic patterns.

The researchers, from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, said: 'Music intervention is an effective strategy and is easy to administer by a caregiver or healthcare worker.

'Music therapy might be the first line of therapy to recommend in older adults with sleep disturbances, which would reduce the need for dependence on sedatives and sleeping medication.'
The U.S. Senate is broken. The prospect of urgently needed progressive legislation getting to the Senate floor, let alone passing, is nil. The filibuster is largely to blame for this inertia.

The filibuster is a procedural tool that allows a minority of senators to prevent ending debate so a bill can be voted on. It was first employed by South Carolinian John Calhoun in 1837 to protect the institution of slavery. Throughout history, the filibuster has been employed by southern senators to curtail the rights of African Americans. For example, in 1918, the Anti-Lynching Bill was filibustered; now, 103 years later, while racist violence in this country continues, that bill still hasnt been enacted.

Traditionally, filibustering senators had to keep speaking to delay consideration of a bill. In 1918, the Senate enacted Rule 22, which required two-thirds of the senators to vote to end debate and allow a bill to move forward. Eventually, this procedure was modified so an easier-attained super-majority of three-fifths of senators could end a filibuster. However, senators attempting to hold up legislation were no longer required to bloviate for hours or to even show up. They merely had to let the Senate clerk know of their intent to filibuster; when 41 or more did so, this effectively killed the legislation.

Nothing about the filibuster appears in the Constitution. All the Constitution says about rules governing the Senate is found in Section 5, Paragraph 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings. Because the filibuster is extra-Constitutional it can be modified or eliminated by the party in power. The Senate Majority Leader is empowered to determine Senate operational rules. Accordingly, in 2013, Harry Reid eliminated the filibuster for judicial appointments, except Supreme Court justices. When Republicans ran the Senate, Mitch McConnell eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court appointments as well.

Democrats now control the Senate. At the present time, almost 42 million more people live in states that elected Democrats than those that elected Republicans. An ambitious legislative agenda awaits the Senate, but the filibuster stands in the way. The math behind the filibuster is especially undemocratic. For instance, if or when 41 senators representing the least populous states join a filibuster, they represent a mere 9.5 percent of the population, meaning senators representing less than 10 percent of the American people can stop legislation the vast majority may want.

Since 1816, the filibuster, as constituted, has made an undemocratic body less so. Instead of jettisoning it all together, it could be changed to make the Senate a significantly more democratic institution for the first time in our nations history. As noted: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings.   Therefore, Senator Chuck Schumer, with support from the Democratic caucus, can call for a new kind of filibuster.

Clifford Tasner is an activist and composer. He serves as president of the Southern California chapter of Americans for Democratic Action and national secretary of Americans for Democratic Action. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Saudi-based Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Company (AWPT) has signed a contract with Riyadh Airports Company for the second phase of upgradation work related to the sewage network in King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

One of the leading Saudi utility companies with an excellent track record in the water and wastewater field, AWPT specialises in providing EPC, construction and O&M services. It designs, constructs, operates, maintains and manages all types of water and wastewater projects.

The contract, worth SR37.7 million ($10.3 million), was awarded last month by the Saudi group, said AWPT in its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul.

Once the site at King Khalid International Airport gets handed over, the company will start the upgradation work which will be completed within nine months, it stated.

The financial impact of the project is expected in the first half of 2021, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Photo: The Canadian Press Bloc Quebecois MP Sebastien Lemire rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, March 12, 2021. A Bloc Quebecois MP has apologized for taking a screen shot of a Liberal MP who inadvertently appeared nude during virtual proceedings in the House of Commons last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A Bloc Quebecois MP apologized Wednesday for taking a screenshot of a Liberal colleague who inadvertently appeared nude during virtual proceedings in the House of Commons last week.

Bloc MP Sebastien Lemire rose on a point of order to apologize for breaching parliamentary rules, which prohibit taking photos or video of proceedings.

He did not specifically name the MP involved  Liberal William Amos, a fellow Quebecer who represents the Pontiac riding.

"Today I would like to apologize to the House for breaking the rules by taking a photograph of a colleague during question period on April 14, Lemire said in French.

Lemire said he's already apologized personally to Amos but added: "I nevertheless want to reiterate it publicly, to him personally, to his family, to colleagues and to anyone I may have offended."

"I have no idea how that photo made its way into the media," he added.

Amos declined to comment on Lemire's apology.

He has said he didn't realize his laptop camera was on when he was changing his clothes after a jog.

The image of a naked Amos was beamed to MPs tuned in to the internal parliamentary feed for that day's question period, but it could not be seen on the public feed since Amos was not addressing the Commons at the time.

However, Lemire's screen shot was leaked and circulated on social media worldwide.

House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, who has been asked by the government to investigate the matter, thanked Lemire for his apology Wednesday. He said he'll come back to the House later with his findings.

Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez called for the investigation last week, describing the incident as "mean-spirited and "life-changing" for Amos. He also suggested there could be serious implications for the person who took and shared the image.

"Taking a photo of someone who is changing clothes and in the nude and sharing it without their consent could very well be criminal," Rodriguez said.

In an interview with The Canadian Press last week, Amos said the incident sends a "terrible signal" about the corrosive nature of politics in Canada and to young people about the propriety of sharing of embarrassing, intimate photos that last forever on the internet.

Lemire and the Bloc declined further comment Wednesday.

But New Democrat MP Leah Gazan tweeted her disapproval of Lemire's actions.

"No words. Such a disrespectful and cruel action."
Fighter bombers get ready for combat training

China Military Online) 14:05, April 21, 2021

Fighter bombers attached to an air force aviation division under the PLA Eastern Theater Command carry out flight training under low-visibility conditions on March 30, 2021, aiming to improve the troops' penetration and assault capabilities. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Jun)

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Single mom Aracely Nava said she was constantly afraid of virus contagion while she continued to work at a San Francisco fast-food restaurant during the pandemic.

All the time people were coming in from the street without masks, she said in Spanish through an interpreter. They never put anyone by the door counting the number of people who came in to maintain a certain number. A manager was allowed to work for over a week (while) really sick with flu symptoms.

Similar accounts of lackluster COVID-19 protocols are all too common among lower-paid California workers still toiling during the pandemic. People who make takeout meals, provide home health care, tend to yards and clean schools, homes and hospitals reported a range of unsafe practices, according to a study called Few Options, Many Risks released Wednesday by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Asian Law Caucus and UC Berkeley Occupational Health Program.

The authors surveyed 636 workers and did in-depth interviews with eight workers, finding that they have significant health and economic concerns about COVID-19, and are subject to dangerous practices, such as lack of face coverings, lack of physical barriers and negative interactions with others not following virus guidelines.

A lot of low-wage workers are being left behind, and left on their own to navigate the pandemic at their jobs, said Winnie Kao, head of the workers rights team at Asian Law Caucus and one of the reports authors.

Many of those workers are minorities. Of those surveyed, 41% identified as Asian and 40% as Latinx. Surveyed workers were heavily concentrated in the Bay Area, with 61% from here, 11% from Los Angeles and the rest elsewhere in the state.

One impetus for the report: Essential workers who continued to do their jobs during the pandemic have flooded Kaos nonprofit with calls.

They were just terrified about being exposed, getting sick, what were their rights, she said. We heard some really distressing stories.

Many in the survey said their workplaces lacked COVID-19 protections. A third of all those surveyed and 59% of restaurant workers said they could not physically distance at work. Some 12% said they do not receive face covers or other personal protective equipment from their employers.

Workers said they were uncomfortable voicing concerns about the virus, fearful of retaliation or skeptical that actions would be taken. Among those who did speak up, 44% said their employer either ignored or only partially addressed the problem, while 15% said they or colleagues experienced retaliation.

A third of those surveyed said they were uncomfortable telling their employers if they had COVID-19 symptoms.

Almost one-third had a negative interaction with a coworker, customer or client who were not following COVID-19 guidelines, the report said. About half of restaurant workers experienced this.

Despite state regulations that employers must provide workplace health and safety information and training, about a fifth of respondents said their employer did not give any information about COVID-19 worker protections. Information was even scarcer for the 17% of workers who made less than the states minimum wage, with about two-thirds saying they did not receive COVID guidelines.

When it came to sick leave, 60% said they either received no information from employers about their right to use paid sick leave for COVID-19, may have received misleading or incomplete information, or are unsure whether they can use paid sick leave, the report said.

In the case of Nava, the single mom, she did contract the coronavirus in January, most likely from her ill manager, she said.

She said another manager told her to tell the San Francisco Department of Public Health that she contracted it during the BART commute from her Richmond apartment.

I lied because I was scared they would cut my hours or fire me, she said. I need to support my son.

She was out sick for more than two weeks, huddled at home with her 3-year-old son. She received sick pay for only a little over half that time, she said, highlighting a pay stub that appeared to confirm this.

She and several colleagues have filed a complaint against their employer, the McDonalds at 609 Market Street, saying about 10 workers got sick with the virus because it did not follow health guidelines for COVID outbreaks, such as closing the store for cleaning and disinfection after workers tested positive, enforcing social distancing and cleaning high-touch surfaces. The fast-food chain retaliated against workers for speaking up, the complaint said.

McDonalds disputed those allegations. They do not reflect what is happening in our restaurant and do not align with our commitment to safety, Peter Ou, McDonalds owner-operator, said in a statement. We do not believe in workplace retaliation and any claims suggesting this occurred in our restaurant are false.

The company said it has rigorous policies about health and safety, including immediately closing and sanitizing restaurants after any confirmed coronavirus cases, and that it follows California law about paid sick leave, sanitation and other procedures.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health visited the Market Street McDonalds location on Jan. 14 in response to its coronavirus cluster. After an onsite inspection and interview with the manager, the restaurant was found to be in compliance with health regulations, said Veronica Vien, a DPH spokeswoman. All the necessary protocols and safety plans were on site.

The Few Options, Many Risks report had a range of policy recommendations, including expanding health and safety protections, as well as outreach and education on workers rights; and increasing enforcement and accountability for health and safety violations.

While vaccines certainly provide relief on the horizon, they dont solve the underlying structural issues, Kao said. We need to address those.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
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Big Blue Swim School, one of the nations fastest-growing swim school franchises, has entered 2021 on a high note. The brand saw record growth in 2020 and has plans to sign franchise agreements for an additional 50 units, with five new pools opening this year as well.

Last June, the brand opened a new pool in Johns Creek, GA. In 2020, Big Blue also signed franchise agreements for 62 new units and closed out the year with a large multi-unit deal of 37-units for pools across Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Louisville, Lexington, Miami, Nashville, and Tampa. This was one of the largest financial commitments in the history of the aquatics industry worth $87M.

Big Blue Swim School utilizes an operational model that combines highly trained professional swim instructors, a proprietary technology system LessonBuddy and a proprietary teaching curriculum within exceptional family-centric facilities to create one of the most effective swim school experiences available.

Like many companies, weve had to adjust on the fly to deal with the demands and changes caused by the pandemic, including temporary closure of pools or operating at reduced capacity, said Big Blue founder and president Chris DeJong. I am proud to say the team at Big Blue performed admirably, and we are optimistic as ever about the future. The demand for learning about our concept, from both consumers and prospective franchise partners, has stayed strong throughout the pandemic.

As a business model, swim lessons fill a vital need for safety that cannot be outsourced or automated, making swim instruction less susceptible to downturns in the economy. The state-of-the-art swim school uses both a proprietary enterprise system, known as LessonBuddy, and an advanced curriculum that employs highly trained professional swim instructors, to set children, and the schools, up for success.

To promote pool reopenings following COVID-19 restrictions, the brands corporate pools in Chicago rolled out Back to Big Blue promotions and worked hard to get children safely back in the water.

Our pools were able to reopen by June, all with proper social distancing in place, increased sanitation, masks and face-shields, contactless check-in, and more, said Big Blue CEO Scott Sanders. Weve had incredibly strong feedback from customers about how safe they feel at our stores and the joy of coming back to swim lessons.

According to DeJong, consumer demand for Big Blue is high, making it a great time for franchise partners to invest in Big Blue. Despite the pandemic, we continue to see tremendous demand from parents wanting to enroll their kids in swim lessons, said DeJong. Regardless of what is going on in the global economy, parents know water safety is an essential life-skill that has to be prioritized. We have taken all the necessary measures in relation to COVID-19, meeting and often exceeding the safety protocols recommended by the CDC and local officials. Weve also taken these best practices and applied them to our Dive-in Day to ensure prospects feel safe and confident while learning about the brand.

"2020 was a challenging year, but our recent 37-unit signing is indicative of the value that franchise partners see in what we are building. Big Blue continues to sign new franchise partners because weve learned how to adjust while staying true to our mission, said Sanders. For franchise brands, its important to focus on what makes your brand unique.

Big Blue has signed 122 units in 20 states and with an aggressive growth plan, the franchise aims to reach 150 units by the end of 2021, positioning the brand as a leader in the $3 billion learn-to-swim industry.

We are incredibly excited about 2021, and with additional COVID vaccine progress, we believe there will be a huge pent-up demand as more families plan their beach and lake vacations and prioritize the importance of quality swim lessons, said Sanders. We also see considerable momentum in our franchise business and believe that 2021 will be the strongest year in Big Blues history.

Big Blue Swim School franchise opportunities are still available in key markets across the country. To learn more, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.

ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. In 2020, the brand expanded its presence to Atlanta. Big Blue is currently growing through franchising with plans to have a minimum of 150 pools sold by the end of 2021. Big Blue Swim School's real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.


The Alabama House of Representatives has advanced a bill that would allow wineries to sell their products directly to consumers at special events such as wine festivals.

The House on Tuesday voted 81 to 10 to adopt the Senates version of a bill that would allow wine manufacturers to sell their products directly to consumers at special events without having to use a distributor. The bill was sent Tuesday afternoon to Gov. Kay Ivey to sign into law.

Under current law, wine manufacturers must use a distributor, such as Alabama Crown, to sell their products at special events. The bill would allow wine manufacturers to host special wine festivals or large tasting events without going through a distributor. It would also allow certain organizations to apply for licenses to host wine festivals without having to go through a distributor.

Rep. Becky Nordgren (R- Calhoun County) originally introduced H.B. 568 in March. She presented the bill on the House floor Tuesday before calling for a motion to adopt S.B 167, a companion bill sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones (R- Cherokee County) as a substitute.

Currently in our state, when a winery attends a wine festival, say, six hours away like from my area to Orange Beach, they can take their wine and let people taste it, but they cannot sell their wine. So, this allows for wine festivals throughout the state and allows for the sale of wine at the festivals with limitations on the amount for consumption, said Nordgen.

Neither bill received debate on the House floor.

Under the bill, organizations such as arts councils, main street programs, and downtown developments could apply for a $50 license from the Alabama Beverage Control Board to host a wine festival where licensed wine manufacturers may provide tastings and sell their wine for consumption at the festival or off-premises. Manufacturers would pay a fee no more than $15 to participate in the event.

Other stipulations of the bill: The wine festival may not operate for more than five consecutive days and a wine festival participant may not sell more than one case of wine, or 12, 750-milliliter bottles, to any individual per festival.

This years legislative session has been a productive one for alcohol legislation. There is another bill pending in the legislature that would reduce the role of distributors in wine sales. S.B. 294, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, would allow wineries to sell their products directly to retailers and restaurants without having to use a distributor. The bill is pending a third reading in the House.

H.B.539, a bill progressing through the House sponsored by Rep. Anthony Daniels (D- Huntsville), would remove the daily cap on the amount of beer or liquor breweries and distilleries could sell to customers for consumption off premises. H.B. 437, which is awaiting its third reading in the Senate, would allow wine manufacturers to apply for a license from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to ship their products directly to Alabama residents who are at least 21-years-old.

This month, Gov. Kay Ivey signed S.B. 126 into law, an act that would allow retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers to deliver alcohol directly to customers. The law goes into effect in October.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Why do bananas never get lonely? Because they hang out in bunches. And why did the banana fail his driving test? Wait for it ... he kept peeling out. Its OK to appeal to ones corny side this week since, after all, its National Banana Day on April 21.

Ba-na-na-naaaah.

But seriously folks, when life hands you bananas that could be in six varieties  baby, Burro, Cavendish, Manzano aka apple, red and plantain, the latter which are on the savory side and more starchy. The most commonly consumed in the United States are Cavendish.

Did you know bananas are actually berries? Also, their high potassium can help replenish electrolytes after a workout. And can you guess best way to make a banana split? Well, cut it in half, silly!

Peanut butter and bananas? Perfect together. Here it is on a bowl at Baya Bar in Richmond Valley. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)Staff-Shot

Holistically speaking, banana peels have appeal for their beauty boosts. According to Healthline.com, rubbing the peel on ones face brightens the skin, reduces wrinkles and adds moisture. The folklore also says that putting the peel on closed eyes lessens puffiness. And if that doesnt work in a banan-o-second theres a better place for the peel: Its a popular piece of trash that turns up at the compost collection at the St. George Greenmarket from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, rain or shine.

Super ripe bananas are ideal for smoothies and making a banana bread moist. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

CRAZY FOR BANANAS

Why did the banana go out with the prune? Because he couldnt find a date. And what do you do with a baby banana with brown spots? Maybe theres a diaper punchline in there  somewhere. But for now, the folks at banana producer Dole company are kicking up National Banana Day up another level. On its website, Dole.com, find a find-the-banana contest with prizes; a 7-Day Banana Activity Plan hosted by Doles Bobby Banana and consumer- and retailer-friendly info on the stages of banana ripening. Bonus when you corner the banana market: learn from Dole how to use the peels to make organic fertilizer.

Fertilizer! Well, thats just bananas.

As the producer of Americas favorite banana, we see National Banana Day as an opportunity to thank the tens of thousands of growers, packers, retailers, transportation specialists and others that have kept the fruit at the top of everyones shopping list, said Bill Goldfield, Doles director of communications. And, the company spokesperson also announced that since the past year has slipped on by us with the pandemic, National Banana Day will be extended through April 24.

To keep a banana from turning brown after it's peeled treat it with lemon juice. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Jimmy Collins of West Brighton quipped, When my son was two he told me he knew how to spell banana but he didnt know when to stop.

He added, A study shows humans eat more bananas than monkeys. Ive never eaten a monkey.

Instead, there are bunches of recipes to try.

Can you grill a banana? Yes, you can! Here it is smothere with a pineapple-habanero sauce. (Courtesy of Dole)

RECIPE: GRILLED PINEAPPLE AND BANANA HABANERO SAUCE

(Makes 2 to 4 portions)

INGREDIENTS:

2 (1-inch) thick slices fresh pineapple, preferably DOLE Tropical Gold

1 banana, cut in half lengthwise

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 habanero chili pepper, stemmed and seeded

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Heat grill or broiler to high heat. Brush pineapple slices and flat side of banana with olive oil. Grill for 6 minutes or under broiler for 8 minutes

Coarsely chop pineapple slices and combine with banana, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and chilies in blender or food processor. Cover; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.

 Courtesy of Dole

On the salubrious side: Fruity, flourless muffins made with the berry. Yes, a banana is a berry. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo)

RECIPE: GLUTEN-FREE BANANA CRANBERRY MUFFINS

(Makes 6 to 1 dozen, depending on muffin tin)

INGREDIENTS:

1 egg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup cranberry sauce

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup mashed bananas

1 cup of almond flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tin with 10 regular or 5 Texas size pockets.

Whisk together the egg, sugar, cranberry sauce, vanilla and bananas. Mix the dry ingredients and add to the wet only until combined. Add the chocolate chips. Bake for about 24 minutes for regular muffins or 29 minutes for a larger size. Do not overcook.

 Marie De Simone of Princes Bay from the 2015 Advance Cookbook Contest
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-20 21:10:07|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Zhou Qianxian

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China's wider opening-up will benefit European Union (EU) companies as well as domestic customers, EU Chamber of Commerce in China President Joerg Wuttke told Xinhua.

There's a lot of potential in the Chinese market, in which competition will steer more innovation, he said, expressing the hope that China will take bigger steps in its opening-up.

China's gross domestic product hit 24.93 trillion yuan (about 3.83 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter, up 18.3 percent year on year, recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows.

For this year, China's economic growth will be very strong given its relatively low base, and the government's target should be easily achievable, said Wuttke.

The growth potential basically depends on how domestic consumption gets going and if people are feeling secure enough to spend money, he added.

China has mapped out its social and economic development priorities for the coming five years and beyond. Wuttke said he is happy to see the emphasis on qualitative growth.

Qualitative growth coming from social security and employment benefits people, so that they can spend money and consume more, said Wuttke.

Speaking about the business environment in China, he said that the sense of quality in consumers has risen, and urbanization has helped to create a group of people that are highly demanding when it comes to a product.

In record time, the Chinese government has built up and implemented a regulated and law-based environment, so doing business in China has changed dramatically, he added.

The supply chain is now adjusting and China just has the required products, such as medical equipment and electronic devices fit for countries in lockdown, said Wuttke.

China is currently pushing forward its new development paradigm of "dual circulation." Wuttke said that means the country is engaging not only domestic players in a domestic setting, but also foreign players in the international environment.

"If China wins, we win," said Wuttke. "Doing business in China, we hope it is engaging, open and successful." 
People on computers in an internet bar in Beijing on Dec. 16, 2015. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijing Asks People to Call Hotline to Report Netizens Making Illegal History Comments

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is asking citizens to snitch on online internet users who fail to toe Beijings line when commenting on Chinese history, according to a recent announcement by Chinas cyber regulator.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), in an announcement on April 9, said that its long-existing hotline 12377which allows people to report on online activities such as fraud and rumorswas now open to allow people to report on netizens who distort the CCPs history, attack Party leaders and their thoughts and policies, and defame national heroes.

The CAC said that the objective was to crack down on people who spread historical nihilism ahead of the CCPs 100th anniversary in July this year. It accused these nihilists as individuals with ulterior motives, who maliciously distort, denigrate, and negate the history of the Party, the country, and the military.

Throughout much of its history, the Chinese regime has waged wars against the concept of historical nihilism, which refers to public skepticism about the CCPs narratives of past events. For example, questioning the legacies of former Chinese leaders Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong is considered a dangerous category of historical nihilism that could threaten the Partys right to rule.

The war against historical nihilism continues under current leader Xi Jinping. In April 2018, the communist regime passed a law making it a crime to slander CCP heroes and revolutionary martyrs. Less than a month later, the prosecutors office in eastern Chinas Jiangsu Province invoked the law in a lawsuit against a man who was accused of his online criticism of a fireman who died during a rescue operation days earlier.

In April last year, Xi asked Chinas youth to consciously resist mistaken thoughts, including extreme individualism and historical nihilism.

Most recently, on April 7, Chinas state-run media reported that a 19-year-old netizen was detained in Jiangsu after making insulting remarks on Chinese social media against victims of Japans war crimes committed during its occupation of the Chinese city of Nanjing during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).

In an interview with the Chinese-language Epoch Times on April 12, Feng Chongyi, an associate professor in China Studies at the University of Technology in Sydney, said that the timing of the CACs decision to launch the hotline against historical nihilism was significant.

Feng explained that the communist regime must be in a perilous state, facing problems that challenged the legitimacy of its rule.

He added that Xi himself must be fully aware of some of the dark chapters of the CCPs history on political infighting, including how his father Xi Zhongxun was politically purged after being accused of leading an anti-Party clique.

As a result, Feng said that Xi knew that it would be difficult to control the general populace if these darks chapters became publicly available.

The CACs hotline was not the only recent new initiative by the communist regime to control peoples understanding of the CCPs history.

On March 24, Chinas state-run media Xinhua reported that Beijing launched an official website for people to learn the CCPs history.

Less than a month later, the CAC announced on its website that it held a meeting on April 13, focusing on how to do online promotions on learning the CCPs history. The meeting was attended by regional CAC heads, heads of state-run media, including Xinhua, and heads of regional news websites.

The meeting discussed the importance of creating online content that would generate a strong atmosphere in cyberspace to celebrate the [CCPs] 100th anniversary. Additionally, it said that the content must use internet language so that young Chinese netizens will listen to the Party [and] follow the Party.
YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Co-founder of Galaxy Group of Companies and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ucom, Gurgen Khachatryan, has released a statement today, which reads,

Around this time a year ago, active attempts towards dismantling Ucom began. Illegal activities were aimed at creating an uncontrollable situation in our company by circles that are well-known to everybody, as a result of which they were hopping we would have to alienate the result of our 12 years of daily work, Ucom, and leave it to some dubious entities.

I remember exactly during those days, when my father was deprived of his right to medical care while in detention, our partner of 12 years, all of a sudden, realized that, apparently, we had disagreements and threatened that if we didnt accept his agenda, over 500 employees would resign, leaving the Ucom network hanging. I will remain silent about further details due to business correctness.

Today, almost a year later, I want to state that despite the difficulties, we still managed to overcome the crisis. Our team was able to restore the companys stability with dignity and institutional approach. The staff of Ucom demonstrated exceptional will and responsibility, not compromising the interests of the customers even in the most difficult days.

The business community showed reliable behavior and willingness to support their partner, and our competitorsVivaCell-MTS and Beeline Armeniamaintained exceptional solidarity. I am grateful that collective force and backing was shown in support of an Armenian operator.

I find it imperative to emphasize that in this difficult year, our team overcame the challenge of Covid19, guided by the priority of health security on one hand and maintaining the integrity of the teams on the other. The war set a new agenda: Ucom worked day and night to provide a variety of support to the army through technical assistance, comprehensive communication measures and direct donations. I must say with great sorrow that three employees of Ucom sacrificed their lives for the defense of our homeland. We bow before them and honor their memories.

Today, when many of us have lost a family member to the coronavirus or the war, suffered devastating economic losses, perhaps lost the prospect of future stability, we still cannot afford to give in. Obstacles come to test and challenge our will and endurance.

I am convinced that Ucom will continue to serve Armenia on an even stronger footing, contributing to the restoration and development of the countrys economy through its human potential, strategic infrastructure, international partnership and bringing in new investments.
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Orlando Octave is vibrating on what is for him a new philosophical frequency.

Octave recently embarked on a spiritual journey. The groovy soca artistes open search for truth and enlightenment led him through the teachings of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism then eventually towards the Hebrew Israelites  a group who believe they are the descendants of the ancient Israelites written of in the Torah and Bible.

Octave was introduced to their teachings by a friend in 2014. He developed a deeper understanding for the groups philosophy during a pilgrimage he made to Israel in 2016.
A fire broke out at a market in west Delhi's Kirti Nagar area on Wednesday morning, officials said.

However, no one was injured in the incident, they said.

According to fire officials, they received information regarding the blaze around 3.00 am and 28 fire engines were rushed to the spot.

The fire was brought under control around 6 am, they said.

Further details are awaited.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rau, who made the call to congratulate Son on his recent appointment as Foreign Minister, lauded progresses posted in the Vietnam  Poland friendship and multifaceted collaboration and expressed his belief that Son, in his new post, will continue to work to further deepen the relations.

On his part, the Vietnamese diplomat agreed that both nations should work together to increase exchanges of their high-ranking delegations, ministries, sectors, and localities when conditions allow.

Both ministers said the maintaining of a regular political consultation mechanism at the deputy foreign ministerial level and policy exchanges at department level helps to enhance the two ministries role in lifting the Vietnam  Poland ties and cooperation in the international arena.

They also expressed their delight at robust and effective growth of the countries economic engagements. Currently, Poland is the biggest trade partner of Vietnam in the Eastern Central Europe, with their bilateral trade exceeding US$2.1 billion last year.

FM Son took the occasion to thank the Polish Government for facilitating the Vietnamese community in Poland to stabilise their lives and promote their role in connecting the nations friendship.

He invited Rau to visit Vietnam at a suitable time in the future.
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - Art students hope a collaboration of color will brighten up a concrete wall in Starkville.

The smell of paint filled the air on North Jackson Street in Starkville as students from a Mississippi State University (MSU) art class brought rollers and primer to begin the works of a new city mural.

Art students at MSU prime the concrete wall in preparation for the new mural on North Jackson St. Art students at MSU prime the concrete wall in preparation for the new mural on North Jackson St.

The designer of the colorful mural is MSU student, Emily Harms.

A lot of the students, they arent just on campus and they arent just in Starkville," she explained. "Its a mixture of everything, so we wanted this mural to reflect that.

Harms said the Hub Mural will depict buildings from downtown Starkville leading into buildings on campus, showing unity between both aspects of the town.

She hopes, for everybody, whether they go to Mississippi State or theyre just Starkville residents, to find a piece of their home in the mural.

On Tuesday, students painted the first coat of primer on the concrete wall.

Harms said they plan to be out from 9 AM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 8PM each day to finish the masterpiece.

Rosie Ferguson is among the students racing to get the artwork completed.

When I came back and saw all the murals in Starkville, I was so excited that you know we were making those developments," said Ferguson. "To bring people happiness because of COVID, that was a great inspiration for this mural.

Ferguson works as the outreach leader for the project, calling officials to make sure the art could be displayed for all to see.

She along with her fellow classmates hope this project will leave a lasting impression on the town.

The fact that I was going to get the chance to actually participate in making something thats going to stay here for a while in Starkville, just kinda you know leaving my mark, I was really passionate to get this thing started.

Harms said the group hopes to have the mural done by the end of June.
Charlotte Riley has revealed she has set up a nursery 'for the first time in the history of film', providing childcare for those in the industry.

The actress, 39, who is proud mum to her two children, five, and two, co-founded WonderWorks nursery near Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire last year.

Despite Charlotte and her husband Tom Hardy, 43, having a multi-million pound fortune which would enable them to hire a nanny, the mum-of-two explained the nursery was 'vital' for the film industry.

Childcare: Charlotte Riley has revealed she has set up a nursery 'for the first time in the history of film', providing childcare for those in the industry

Speaking to The Times, Charlotte said: 'We have so many people, particularly women, who've got to their mid-thirties, want to have children but have gone, "Oh my God, I'm literally about to direct my first film." Then they have to choose and that's all kinds of wrong.'

The Press star continued: 'The industry chooses to work those long hours, 15-hour days. It's now time for the industry to take some responsibility for its social impact.'

During the interview, the actress said she hasn't been forced to turn down jobs because she could afford to hire a nanny 'because my partner's working'.

But Charlotte said the nursery is important for those in the industry who aren't commanding huge salaries, who have to work to short contracts and move between studio and location shoots.

Family: The actress, 39, who has two children, five, and two, with husband Tom Hardy, co-founded WonderWorks nursery near Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire (pictured 2012)

Vital: Charlotte said the nursery is important for those in the industry who aren't commanding huge salaries, who have to work to short contracts

The actress said she is starting a campaign that by 2024 all productions have a line in their budget for childcare.

Charlotte said her husband Tom has been 'really supportive' of the nursery and helps out 'with all the bits and bobs that we're doing'.

'He knows how vital this is, he really cares about the teams that he works with, anybody will tell you he's the first person there on set, saying good morning to everybody,' she said.

Going well: And it appears the nursery for those in the film industry is flourishing, with WonderWorks already caring for 30 full-time children and ten part-time

And it appears the nursery for those in the film industry is flourishing, with WonderWorks already caring for 30 full-time children and ten part-time.

Charlotte described the interior of the nursery 'a bit like going to your granny's house' as it boasts an eclectic collections of up-cycled props, costumes and furniture from old movie sets.

The actress hasn't turned her back on starring on the big screen however.

Her next project, science-fiction series The Peripheral, will see her star alongside Chloe Grace Moretz.
Kunal Rawal, the youngest designer to exhibit his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week, recently joined NewsX for a candid interview as part of NewsX India A-List. Kunal has worked for several prominent Bollywood personalities like Anil Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Siddharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan among others, who have come ahead to close the show for him.

Recapping his journey and how Kunal decided to become a designer, he said, I knew pretty early on as my family works in textiles and my dad has an export firm. He used to go to this factory and used to take me and my sister as well to late night drives at the factory. We both used to climb up and shut eyes and play this game and guess the fabric. Pretty early on, I knew textiles and fashion is what I want to do and what my calling is and where my interest lies.

Kunal started his label Kunal Rawal Dstress in 2006. Having graduated from London School of Fashion, his style of design can be best described as one in which traditional Indian clothing meets contemporary designs with an edgy twist. The designer further continued, The more I got into it the more I realised that there were so many things going wrong because a lot of men didnt choose what they wear for the occasion. They didnt dress according to how they felt and had a severe lack of optionality.

Talking about the USP of his brand and label, Kunal said, The idea was to put in elements details to pique mens interest rather than having them just wear something thats given to them. And the more you pique interest, the more the conversation starts, and thats what Ive been consciously trying to put in elements and a design aesthetic that is slightly more relatable, slightly more catering to the user. Today, I am all for traditional clothing, I love it, but I think it needs to be modernised and contemporise to suit the headspace of us today and the lifestyle that we all live globally.

When asked what inspired him to create his first designer collection back then to now, Kunal said Inspiration keeps changing, inspiration, keeps evolving but if I have to pick one or two inspirations. I would say people is what inspires me. I personally believe that the youth in India, the younger generation is far more progressive than the youth of even the strongest first world countries. That is very inspiring.

Sharing some personal lessons learned and challenges faced during lockdown, Kunal said, This last year and a half, has been quite a challenge for all of us and especially for as much for our industry compared to any other. Well, I am a creative person first, and then a business owner. So, both these have called on different different emotions through the year. To be honest, I think weve all learned as much as weve learned our whole life in the last year and a half. Weve been through a gamut of emotions living life. We felt anger, pain, happiness, helplessness we have gone through, the entire cycle of emotion circumstances, and every month, every day actually has been very, very different.

When being a creative person, I have enjoyed bits and pieces of last year as it gave me a good amount of time to go back to how I used to create when I was much younger, finding and chasing a thought and doing R&D and all of that so that was exciting. Creatives have a way of constructively using any emotion. I managed to put out the two big collections last season, you know, we did the India Couture Collection and Lakme Fashion Week so Im glad I got some creative energy out. But, as a business owner things kept changing and its been quite challenging. My biggest learning through last year, is the importance of a plan A, plan B, plan C, he added.
The University of Reading has achieved a strong ranking in its first appearance in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings.

Reading ranked 101-200 out of 1,115 institutions in the world who took part, and 21 among UK universities, with an overall score of 84.5. Reading also ranked in the top 30 in three categories.

The annual THE Global Impact Rankings, now in their third year, scores higher education institutions on their work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs call for action to tackle global issues including poverty, inequality, and environmental threats such as climate change.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: This strong ranking reflects the research strengths and partnerships that we have built over many decades. It is proof of our commitment to engaging with the community, and our active approach to developing policies and procedures to support all students and staff, as well as adopting innovative practices to ensure our campuses lead the way on sustainability.

As encouraging as this ranking is, we must not lose sight of the overall objective of the goals, which is to tackle problems faced by people all over the world. Our work does not stop here. We will continue to not only help improve the worlds understanding of global issues but to do something about them.

Reading used its submission to highlight key areas of impactful research and institutional work on sustainability, including partnerships with the United Nations on climate change, the UK government on humanitarian aid, and local groups in Reading to support education and inequality.

Although institutions could submit evidence for as few as four SDGs, including the mandatory SDG17 on partnerships to support the SDGs, the University of Reading submitted evidence in all 17, reflecting Readings excellence and strength in depth across all areas of sustainability, and to provide a baseline marker to highlight areas to improve.

The overall score is calculated using the three highest-scoring sections, plus the mandatory SDG17.

Reading performed particularly well in three SDGs: SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (ranked 21 out of 685), SDG10 Reducing Inequalities (ranked joint 28 out of 669), and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (joint 13 out of 503). These reflect success in offering secure contracts to employees, providing equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and efforts to make its campuses more sustainable.

The University also ranked strongly in SDG3 Zero Hunger (joint 34 out of 442).

The total of 1,115 institutions that participated in the 2021 rankings was 248 more than in 2020, with 43 institutions from the UK and Ireland taking part last year.

To continue its mission to support excellence, sustainability, community-focused and engaged university, the University of Reading will seek to improve its institutional-level partnerships, to build on the strong relationships held by individual departments and staff, as well as publicly sharing more information on action being taken against individual SDGs.

Reading is also planning further measures to strengthen its institutional support for the SDGs.

The University will also seek to sign the SDG Accord and commit to its associated actions. These include committing to do more to deliver the goals, reporting annually on progress, and sharing information with other institutions, both nationally and internationally.

Professor Mark Fellowes, Chair of the Universitys Environmental Sustainability Committee, said: Taking part in the THE Impact Rankings for the first time this year has confirmed that we are committed to taking action on sustainability, particularly in our impactful and excellent research, and shown us the areas where we can make improvements as an institution.

In many areas, our work is just beginning. We are putting plans in place to bolster our commitments to supporting the UNs sustainable development goals, to create a positive future for ourselves and future generations.

- Look out for the Universitys #PlanetPartners campaign highlighting how Reading forges global links to help sustain societies worldwide. See previous #PlanetPartners stories >>>
Just as e-cigarette ingredients can vary from one region to another, the health effects of vaping can have regional characteristics as well. A new study out of West Virginia University suggests that rural e-cigarette users are older--and often get sicker--than their urban counterparts.

Researchers with the WVU School of Medicine are investigating severe lung injuries occurring among e-cigarette users in rural Appalachia. In a recent study, Sunil Sharma--section chief of pulmonary/critical care and sleep medicine at the School of Medicine--and his colleagues present a case study of patients with EVALI (electronic cigarettes and vaping-associated lung injury) admitted to WVU hospitals from August 2019 to March 2020.

The study, published in Hospital Practice, suggests that EVALI in rural Appalachia results in severe respiratory failure.

"Ours is the first rural study," Sharma said. "One of the real lessons we learned is we can't take data from urban centers and apply them to rural. We could be different, and we physicians need to treat the way that the science is showing in our areas."

Sharma and his team recorded demographics, baseline characteristics, health conditions and vaping behavior for 17 patients admitted to WVU hospitals with EVALI. They also evaluated lung specimens for signs of inflammation and analyzed patient-volunteered e-liquid materials using mass spectrometry to determine chemical composition.

Compared to other EVALI studies performed in urban centers, patients in the rural study were older, had a higher amount of illicit drug use and were much sicker. The median age of patients in this study was 33, compared to 23 in a large national study.

Thirteen patients had a history of cigarette smoking, while four were never smokers. Urine testing determined that nine patients were also consuming THC and another nine were positive for other illicit drugs. Seven of the patients consuming THC required critical care, and four of the 17 had secondary infection of the lungs. Ten patients required mechanical or noninvasive ventilation while two required treatment with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, which pumps someone's blood outside of their body, oxygenates it and returns it to the body.

Sharma's analysis of e-liquids identified toxic volatile organic compounds--such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, propylene glycol and cyclohexane--in addition to nicotine. Higher levels of these VOCs were found in the e-liquids provided by the three most severely ill patients.

"We were the first ones to show that there was high correlation of volatile organic compounds, specifically in patients who were really sick," Sharma said. "Inhaling all these volatile organic compounds into your lungs at high temperatures, producing these really toxic gaseous compounds, can cause chemical burns in your lungs."

Sharma suspects the particularly high levels of VOCs may be due to the production of some e-liquids in local "garage labs." Garage labs are unregulated, and the labs likely use chemicals easily available to them.

"Volatile organic compounds are very common," he said. "They are very easily acquired, and they are cheap. And we found that there's a regional flavor to each one of the e-liquids, depending on what their garage labs have access to, what they think is cheaper and how it's made."

Despite the strong correlation between lung injury and high VOC levels, Sharma said many other factors determine how much e-cigarettes harm the lungs. These factors include the type of device or technique used to vape, the ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycol used as the e-liquid base, what flavors were added, the age of the patient and if the patient uses other drugs.

"Depending on these, you could have a mild chest pain and feeling of discomfort, which might go away once you stopped smoking, or you could get a lung injury so severe that it requires intubation, mechanical ventilation and sometimes even ECMO," he said.

Sharma believes that the age gap between urban and rural e-cigarette users stems from rural areas' relatively older populations. He also believes that older adults may become engaged in vaping as a way to quit smoking and may not know how dangerous it is, as most warnings from regulatory agencies have targeted teens.

Ad campaigns, such as the Food and Drug Administration's "The Real Cost," have been warning teens and young adults of the "real cost" of e-cigarettes and vaping since 2014. The FDA has also banned advertisements for e-cigarette products targeted at minors and banned enticing fruit and mint e-liquid flavors.

The results of Sharma's study indicate that it may be time to target messages about the dangers of vaping to older populations in rural areas.

"All the effort has been directed toward high schoolers and young people, but maybe in rural areas, we should be having awareness campaigns for older populations," he said.

E-cigarettes are commonly thought to be healthier or less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. Results of the study's follow-up interviews emphasize just how untrue this is, especially for older people. Six to 12 weeks after discharge, it was found that 12 patients completely stopped vaping or smoking, but four patients still experienced persistent cough, trouble breathing and wheezing, and two needed home oxygen therapy.

"The older you are, the more dangerous vaping is for you, and you're going to end up in a very bad situation, probably in an ICU," Sharma said.

Three patients reportedly continued vaping after discharge and had persistent cough and trouble breathing.

"All of these are tied," Sharma said. "You have garage labs that are producing all kinds of chemicals--which are adulterants and not authorized by a regulatory agency--and the people who are buying them are a much older population. And I think these two conspired in order for us to see a very, very sick population in West Virginia."

###

Citation: Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): A Rural Appalachian Experience
The end of marijuana prohibition has never seemed closer at hand. The issue enjoys widespread public support, with blue and red states alike greenlighting recreational use, either through ballot initiatives or, as in the recent case of New York, regular old legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has turned into a pro-pot crusader, and has promised to unveil a bill to end the federal ban shortly. Meanwhile, on Monday, the House of Representatives passed the SAFE Banking Act, which would solve one of the cannabis industrys biggest current challenges by allowing banks to do business with marijuana businesses in states that have legalized. Because THC is still federally banned, most large financial institutions wont deal with dispensaries. And while many have found various workaroundslike partnering with regional banks or credit unions and finding roundabout ways to take debit or credit card paymentsmany still do business largely in cash. The bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 321 to 101.

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Yet there are big uncertainties about what happens next. While plenty of House Republicans are warming to weed, its unclear how much support exists among the GOP for ending prohibition. Then, theres the question of whether Congress might try to decriminalize marijuana or fully legalize it. To many that sounds like a befuddling semantic issue, but if you ask most pot advocates, its a distinction with a difference. Decriminalization would end federal enforcement of marijuana prohibition, allowing each state to regulate the industry for itself or ban sales entirely. Federal legalization would create a full regulatory framework that would allow cannabis to grow into a normal, nationwide industry with consumer-protection laws and interstate shipping. President Joe Biden, for his part, has said he supports decriminalization. Possibly in deference to the president, Schumer and his fellow Senate Democrats have rhetorically blurred the difference a bit, saying his bill will decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, while also creating a framework for taxing and regulating it.

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In honor of 4/20, I called up Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Steven Hawkins to ask about the state of play in Congress and the world of weed. A veteran of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and other civil rights organizations, Hawkins is now helping to lead the final push toward the end of prohibition. One of this main points? For the emerging weed industry, decriminalization isnt good enough. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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Jordan Weissmann: First off, happy 4/20. It looks like the House of Representative gave you guys a gift yesterday with the passage of the SAFE Banking Act.

Steven Hawkins: Yes! A day early, but well take it.

I want to start off talking about this before we get to the broader issue of legalization and where its headed. Tell me exactly what the SAFE Banking Act does and why its so important for the industry right now.

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Sure. The SAFE Banking Act, in its simplest explanation, normalizes banking for the cannabis industry, meaning that any cannabis business, large or small, will be able to be a customer, just like any other businesses in the United States and have the full suite of services that a bank offers.

Do most cannabis businesses not have access to normal banking right now?

The bigger operators have arrangements with regional banks. They pay an exorbitant amount for a checking account. I recall one regional bank in Massachusetts was charging $5,000 a month. The larger businesses are able to pay those extra costs. The smaller operators have really suffered.

The other critical piece to all of this, and its hugely important, is that a lot of the small business operators who end up getting licenses through social equity programsso minority business owners, women business owners, people operating smaller businessestheyve been unable to get the financial resources to grow their businesses. They havent been able to get a typical small business loan from the bank. And thats not an issue for a multistate operator, a large business thats raising, you know, a hundred million in a private raise. [The cannabis industry has become popular with venture capitalists and angel investors.] But for the small equity applicant whos won a license, whos trying to run a small cannabis business, they have been crippled. So this will have a tremendously huge impact for those smaller business operators and particularly people of color.

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The House of Representatives has passed the SAFE Banking Act previously. It died when Mitch McConnell was the majority leader, Republicans werent particularly interested in passing it, or at least he wasnt particularly interested in passing it.

He wasnt interested in passing it!

Sherrod Brown, who is the head of the Senate Banking Committee, has said that he is not interested in passing the SAFE Banking Act unless it is also paired with some sort of criminal justice reform. Does that concern you? Do you think that this actually has a chance of passing under the current Senate?

Uh, yes. Theres just overwhelming bipartisan support for the SAFE Banking Act. You know, with the House vote last night, that was over 50 percent of the Republicans in the House. If Sen. Brown wants to see provisions connected with the expungement of records, or redressing the harm done through criminal punishment for cannabis, you know, its certainly something that we would welcome and its something that should garner bipartisan support in the Senate.

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As someone who had worked a bit on the First Step Act and saw people like Sen. Grassley and Sen. Lee and others come to support thatI mean, this would be right within someone like Mike Lees wheelhouse to support something like criminal justice reform with respect to cannabis. I actually think that that could work.

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The SAFE Banking Act is a huge priority for the marijuana industry because the lack of banking services is arguably the main issue that prevents dispensaries from operating like normal businesses. What else is left on its to-do list, beyond straight-up federal legalization?

I mean, certainly, we are awaiting the Booker/Schumer/Wyden bill, which would be a comprehensive bill that would not only deschedule cannabis and end federal prohibition, but also its our hope and expectation that that bill will also establish the federal regulatory overlay.

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Schumer keeps saying that the bill is coming soon, and people have been joking that its sort of a hurry-up-and-wait approach. Are you nervous at all about whats actually going to be in the bill?

Not worried. I mean, curious to see how the bill goes in developing the real pathway forward. Because just descheduling is insufficient, right? There has to some federal apparatus in place and theres multiple agencies that would likely have some jurisdiction over cannabis. So Im more curious just to see how the bill handles all of that.

Joe Biden has said he wants to decriminalize marijuana. He is not for full-on legalization. Thats a distinction he made repeatedly during his presidential campaign. Democrats in Congress have said theyre more interested in full legalization, but the difference between those two things is kind of murky, right? What is the difference between decriminalization, in your view, and full-on federal legalization? Why is it not sufficient for the federal government just to deschedule and say its not going to criminalize the sale or consumption of marijuana in states that have legalized it?

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Cannabis is on its way to being a huge global industry as well. All of that requires federal guidance.  Marijuana Policy Project interim CEO Steven Hawkins

Lets say federal decriminalization means just what you just saidfederal government deschedules, there is no longer the use of federal resources to go after enforcement, and that its really left to the states just like alcohol was. Why thats insufficient is that for any product sold in the United States, there has to be protection for the consumer. There has to be guardrails put in place. If any use of cannabis has a medicinal quality, that requires FDA jurisdiction. Adding cannabis into a food product will ultimately require the FDA to have a role in an interstate commerce setting. So all of this just begs for federal authority. We saw this with hemp, right? Where the Farm Bill passes and all of a sudden hemp is legal. There were no rail tracks laid for what that would mean for the FDA, and theyre still figuring all that out. CBD, its sold in a gas station, but it still is widely unregulated. And we want to avoid that with cannabis.

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You guys want to avoid the Wild West that we have with CBD oil where its sold online and you have no idea what youre really getting. But to play devils advocate, it seems like the states have done a pretty good job regulating and overseeing THC and cannabis. Is the issue that you want lay the groundwork for normal interstate shipments, for national chains to open up?

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Certainly, 80 percent of the regulation, just to throw a number out there, would certainly still be at the state level, just like we see with alcohol. But yes, part of interstate commerce, as well as global commerceI mean, cannabis is on its way to being a huge global industry as well. All of that requires federal guidance.

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So it sounds like decriminalization would allow businesses to thrive on a state level, but theres sort of a limit to how big they can get. For cannabis to become a normal national industry, you need full legalization with federal regulation. I mean, couldnt that end up worrying some kind of old-school legalization advocates, the ones who want more small-scale localism in the pot industry?

Well, as there already is in the industry, there are going to be larger operators and larger brands, but theres going to be niche areas, too. You know, some people are going to want their cannabis grown in Mother Earth and sun-kissed and all of that. Some people are going to want it to have been organically farmed. Like what weve seen with the beer and alcohol industry, we will see with cannabis, were going to see niche markets and places for smaller players. But lets say youre a smaller player and you have your sun-kissed cannabis and grown it in state X

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Youre growing in Humboldt County, the Napa of weed.

Right. And you want the good citizens of New York to be able to sample and enjoy your product. Thats not going to happen without the federal government being involved.

So let me ask the all-important question: Do you think there is a path to full legalization this year, or next? Is there a route to 60 votes in the Senate?

In theory there certainly should be, right? You have a number of Republican senators now who represent states where the electorate has fully legalized. You have senators, whove been concerned about justice reform, and we still have 650,000 people arrested every year for cannabis offenses. So, so there should be right? It certainly will be a major undertaking, but I dont think its impossible.

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Who would be your most important Republican allies in the Senate as you see it now?

Its really hard to fully predict that. What I can say is that those Republican senators coming out of states like Alaska and Montana and South Dakota, just to name a few states, that are red states that have legalized, there are going to be business interests within those states and consumer interests that hopefully will be heard. So thats the work that needs to be done in the Senate. And then the question you havent asked is whether Biden is with us on such a bill, if it got to his desk. And my view is that this president, you know, his brand is bipartisanship. I would think that if we could get him a bill thats bipartisan, that has Democratic and Republican support for legalization, hes signing.

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So what youre telling me is that the fate of legalization right now rests on the shoulders of Lisa Murkowski and Steve Daines.

Well, no, not only them. I mean, we also have the dynamic of states that continue to legalize, right? Weve had seven states legalize in the last five months, which is just record-setting. Four on Election Day and then three others just in this last couple of months. We could still see Connecticut and Rhode Island this year. We could probably see three or four states legalize through a ballot effort next year. This is becoming a matter of major commerce in the United States, and its an industry that is rapidly growing. The U.S. has to think about its market share globally. You have Canada having legalized, Mexico is seriously moving in that direction. So I would not be surprised if we start seeing some other senators that have been quiet you know persuaded to support this emerging industry.

You cant fight the inevitable forever. Thats the message.

That is the message, right? Exactly.
[April 21, 2021] JobsOhio And Stout Street Capital Host First Midwest-based UNMET Conference

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UNMET Conferences , a mission-driven company determined to attract venture capital investment to underserved areas of the United States, will host its first Midwest-focused event, UNMET Ohio 2021, online between June 15-July 12.

Hosted by JobsOhio and Stout Street Capital, UNMET Ohio 2021 will showcase more than 60 of the fastest-growing Seed and Series A startups in the midwest. Presenting companies will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to over 200 institutional venture capital investors from around the world  and have the opportunity to network with peers. "UNMET was created to meet the capital-raising needs of early-stage companies throughout the country, not just on the coasts," said John Francis, founding partner of Stout Street Capital. "By partnering with JobsOhio, UNMET will bring a national spotlight to high-quality Ohio startups and introduce these startups to investors from around the world." During the four-week virtual event, founders can create short-form video pitches, meet one-on-one with VCs and use the video pitching app Thumbraise to expand their networks. UNMET will accept applications from founders until May 25. Registration for investors closes on June 8. "We and UNMET look forward to introducing some of the nation's most innovative venture-backed companies to Ohio," said Aaron Pitts, JobsOhio senior managing director for healthcare. "We also look forward to showing off Ohio-born companies to the UNMET international investor base." In 2020, UNMET Conferences connected over 220 startups with nearly 30 VC funds and facilitated over $150 million in seed and Series A investments. The team plans to expand on that success in 2021 with additional events including:





UNMET Utah - May 4-31

- UNMET Arizona - October 7-8

UNMET Colorado - November 9-10 For more information about UNMET Conferences, including how to join UNMET, please visit https://unmetconference.com/ .

About UNMET Conferences

UNMET Conferences organizes conferences aimed at fulfilling an unmet need for venture capital investments in early-stage companies across North America, particularly in underserved regions outside of the coasts. UNMET allows early-stage VCs operating in underserved regions to showcase their portfolio companies that are poised to raise additional financing. The core focus of UNMET Conferences is to foster collaboration and exposure to startups located in these regions. About JobsOhio

JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion efforts. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth , One Columbus , Dayton Development Coalition , REDI Cincinnati , Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO . Learn more at www.JobsOhio.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jobsohio-and-stout-street-capital-host-first-midwest-based-unmet-conference-301273708.html SOURCE UNMET Conferences

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The Ho Central Prison infirmary has been upgraded to a health centre to properly serve the health needs of inmates and officers of the prison.



To enable the centre operate effectively some members of Parliament, especially from the Volta Region, have presented medical equipment worth GH65,780 to the prison.



The medical equipment, including beds, thermometers, stretchers, stethoscopes, sterilisers and computers were purchased from donations of the members of Parliament from both political divides, led by the Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, Ms Angela Alorwu-Tay.



Health care needs



Speaking during the presentation, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr Patrick Darko Missah, said the health care needs of inmates were important to the government.



It was for this reason that inmates were enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for free medical care.



Over the years the prisons service, he said, had been striving towards the attainment of the globally accepted standard of healthcare management of patients but could not do it alone without support.



He commended the members of Parliament for providing the support to enable the Ho prison to provide quality health care to officers and inmates, indicating that the support would go a long way to reduce the risk officers went through in seeking medical care for inmates.



Dwindling subventions



The Volta Regional Prisons Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons, Mr Andrews Dzokoto, stated that health care provision to inmates had been saddled with challenges as government subvention had dwindled over time, hence funds needed to purchase drugs had become a challenge.



Although the NHIS played an important role in mitigating the cost of treatment to inmates, the management of Ho prison, with the urge to step up its health care provision capacity, decided to upgrade the infirmary to a health centre.



With support from the Ghana Health Service and Ho Teaching Hospital, the health centre would provide improved health care to inmates and officers and their dependents through the use of the NHIS card.



In her speech, Ms Alorwu-Tay said the equipment were valuable because there were even bigger health institutions which lacked them. She called on the management of the prison to take good care of the equipment to serve their purpose, promising she would liaise with pharmaceutical companies to support the prison with medication.



For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ho Teaching Hospital, Dr John Tampuori, promised to support the health centre with doctors to enable it to function effectively. He stated that if the centre was managed properly, it would support the finances of the prison as it offered health care to the public as well.



Background



The Ho Central Prison was originally built to accommodate 150 inmates but currently it has 332 inmates made up of 280 convict prisoners with 52 on remand. The female prison also has seven inmates.



With a staff strength of 248 officers, the management of the prison has embarked on reformation and rehabilitation programmes such as carpentry, masonry, tailoring and weaving, among others, to enable inmates start a living after their release.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Opalesque Industry Update - Geneva-based asset management firm NOTZ STUCKI has appointed Christophe Verbaere as Group Chief Operating Officer. The COO role looks after operations and IT, and has a seat on the Executive Committee. With extensive experience in finance and other sectors, Christophe Verbaere is very well equipped to take forward the Group's digital transformation. Before joining NOTZ STUCKI, he was Chief Technology Officer at fixed income specialist Atlanticomnium in Geneva. Christophe Verbaere began his professional life in 1994 at the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (Paris) as a technical expert on the Ariane series of European space launchers. In 1998, he moved to Geneva to start a new career in financial IT, and has developed his expertise in process optimisation and bank and asset manager digitisation on an ongoing basis. Christophe Verbaere also continued his space activities by helping to develop technology companies specialising in hypersonic drones, microsatellites and image analysis applied to economic intelligence. In addition to a diploma in aeronautical engineering and astronautics from ESTACA (Paris), a risk management and quantitative analysis diploma from HEC (Geneva) and several certificates in finance and portfolio management from ISFB (Geneva), Christophe Verbaere trained in data science and artificial intelligence at ENSAI (Paris). He succeeds Patrick Hamon, who has decided - after 10 years with NOTZ STUCKI - to return to his native Brittany. Along with ability to generate alpha and offer highly personalised investment management, technological innovation is now key to securing the future growth of an asset management company. Moreover, technology plays an essential role at every stage of the value chain, whether at the level of data architecture, IT security, process automation, decision support tools, risk management or the client interface. With CHF 10 billion in assets under management, NOTZ STUCKI is one of Switzerland's largest independent asset managers and naturally has the resources required to make the necessary investments in its future growth, particularly in the area of new technologies. Gregoire Notz commented: "In our industry, we can never stop investing if we want to remain at the cutting edge. Over the last 10 years, we have considerably strengthened and modernised our infrastructure, under the leadership of Patrick Hamon. The new challenge we are facing is the digital transition. Thanks to his extensive professional experience, Christophe Verbaere has all the tools needed to be successful". Christophe Verbaere added: "I'm very happy to be joining NOTZ STUCKI, which has a consistent record on innovation. I'm also delighted to be joining a company with such a strong heritage and which has a real vision for the future and the means to implement it".
Warren Buffett. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, said he wants to talk to Warren Buffett.

He said Buffett's focus on shareholder profitability over the planet may one day backfire.

Buffett has previously said companies should stop making decisions based on social beliefs.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Warren Buffett caught the attention of the World Economic Forum's Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, who said he'd like to "have a discussion" with the billionaire investor.

Last year, Buffett said companies should focus on creating shareholder value, and not invest in social causes like climate change. "This is the shareholders' money," he said.

But Schwab said companies should strike a balance between profit, people, and planet. He said if given the opportunity, he'd tell Buffett, "Look, particularly since you are very heavily exposed in the insurance business, why don't you engage actively into more ESG (environmental, social and governance) responsibility, because it may backfire to you one day in your insurance business."

Schwab said Buffett, who runs Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company whose core business segment is insurance, "may be caught by not having a integrated policy where you pursue profitability, but also you take care of people and the planet."

Read more: Warren Buffett didn't mention SPACs, crypto, or meme stocks in his annual letter. Buffett scholar Lawrence Cunningham explains how the billionaire still managed to warn investors about them.

Schwab, the author of "Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works for Progress, People and Planet," spoke to Insider during the forum "Act to Impact: Keeping Our Promises to the Planet."

Buffett did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Schwab's message. The investor told the Financial Times previously with regard to companies spending on social issues like climate change that, "Many corporate managers deplore governmental allocation of the taxpayer's dollar, but embrace enthusiastically their own allocation of the shareholder's dollar."

Story continues

Insider previously reported Buffett spent about $30 billion on wind turbines and related infrastructure in Iowa, but he said it was only because of a production tax credit.

Schwab said the "art of good management today is to create a balance" between shareholders, and stakeholders, as in society as a whole. He said for companies not buying into the stakeholder concept, they're going to be "on the wrong side of history."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The number of inspections and examination tours to businesses taken by management agencies has decreased significantly, but enterprises are still concerned about them.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) report on the provincial competitiveness index (PCI) showed that the number of businesses receiving inspectors from customs agencies and the police in 2020 decreased by 50 percent compared with 2016.

Even the agencies that most regularly inspect enterprises, such as fire and explosion prevention and taxation agencies, have also cut the number of inspection tours. More than 34 percent of enterprises said they had to receive fire prevention inspectors in 2016, while the figure dropped to 26 percent in 2020. The figures were 43.6 percent and 35.5 percent, respectively, for tax inspections.

Foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) have also reported decreases in the number of inspection tours from 2.85 tours per enterprise in 2016 to 2.1 in 2020.

However, some FIEs complained that they were more inspected than others. The most frequent inspectors were the fire and explosion prevention agency (44 percent), taxation (29 percent), auditing (22 percent), customs (16 percent), environment (14 percent) and labor management agency (13 percent).

The survey also found that enterprises in the agriculture production and manufacturing industry bore the heaviest burden of inspections. The two sectors were also reported as suffering the most from very frequent and overlapping inspections.

The number of businesses receiving inspectors from customs agencies and the police in 2020 decreased by 50 percent compared with 2016.

These are broad business fields related to many different management agencies. They need to be inspected on many issues, such as product origin, business conditions, and environmental and quality standards.

Surveyors concluded that though inspection activities are now less frequent, they remain a burden for businesses.

The number of inspection tours and overlapping inspection tours increased in accordance with the number of years of operation and scale of operation.

Enterprises also complained that state officials exploited inspection tours to harass them and claim for money. The enterprises with less than three years of operation and small operation scale complained more than large enterprises about inspectors harassment. The biggest complainers are construction enterprises.

Heavy burden

Phan Duc Hieu from the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM) at a workshop on reform of state management in the private sector held some days ago pointed out that one of the worst burdens on enterprises is overly frequent inspections.

He cited a survey as reporting that nearly 20 percent of enterprises have been inspected twice a year and during Covid-19 as well.

Businesses are afraid of inspections the most, Hieu said.

A businessman said one day tax inspectors came to his enterprise and inspected the dividend payments made some years before and decided they should pay tax arrears. He said he did not know what to do in this case.

There are about 800,000 businesses in the country, which means that 150,000 enterprises receive inspectors twice a year (20 percent), according to Hieu.

Meanwhile, reform of inspection procedures still do not meet the requirements. Some changes are insubstantial, and principle of risk management has not been applied to inspections.

The burden and fear of inspections explain why many household businesses dont want to be upgraded to businesses, while small businesses dont want to grow into large enterprises, despite the states encouragement.

The surveyors of the 2020 PCI believe there should be a stronger reshuffling in inspection work to ensure that the burden from inspections can be reasonably minimized and fairly distributed.

Hieu suggested that it is necessary to reform the inspection and examination procedure, considering this a key task of management reform. Conducting inspections means helping enterprises observe the laws, and not punish and interfere in business affairs.

He believes that the principles most beneficial to enterprises need to be chosen if the regulations are not clear enough and there are many different ways of interpretation.

Tran Thuy

Over 2,800 public administrative procedures go online More than 2,800 administrative procedures have been available on the National Public Service Portal which was launched in December 2019.
ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / At today's AGM of Molecular Partners AG (SIX:MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics, the shareholders of the company approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors with a very large majority.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation and in line with the applicable Swiss regulation, this year's Annual General Meeting was conducted solely by voting through the independent proxy and without physical attendance of shareholders.

The shareholders of the company elected Agnete Fredriksen and Dominik Hochli as new members of the Board of Directors of Molecular Partners. Both new board members were determined to be independent and add deep scientific and business expertise in immunotherapy, oncology and infectious disease as well as extensive know-how in clinical affairs and marketing to the company, respectively.

The election of the two new board members coincided with the departure of Gwen Fyfe following her wish not to stand for re-election at today's Annual General Meeting.

Bill Burns, Steven H. Holtzman, Sandip Kapadia, Michael Vasconcelles, Vito J. Palombella and Patrick Amstutz were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors for a term of office until the 2022 Annual General Meeting. Bill Burns was also re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The shareholders further re-elected the three proposed members of the Nomination and Compensation Committee - Bill Burns, Steven H. Holtzman and Michael Vasconcelles.

"As we warmly welcome our two new Board members, together with my fellow Board members, we wish to express our deep gratitude for Gwen's invaluable contributions and commitment to our company during her years of service," commented Bill Burns on the evolution of the Board of Directors.

KPMG AG Zurich was re-elected as the Group's statutory auditors for the financial year 2021 and Anwaltskanzlei Keller KLG, Zurich, elected as the independent proxy for a term of office until the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

The shareholders of the company renewed the authorization of the Board of Directors of Molecular Partners AG to increase the share capital of the company within a period of two years. The Annual General Meeting approved all (binding) motions regarding compensation of the Board of Directors and the Management Board. Further, the shareholders of Molecular Partners AG approved the annual report and the annual financial statements for the financial year 2020, the appropriation of the 2020 results, the appropriation of reserves, as well as the compensation report (in a consultative vote). The Board of Directors and the Management Board were granted discharge for the financial year 2020.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company developing DARPin therapeutics, a new class of custom-built protein drugs designed to address challenges current modalities cannot. The Company has formed partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies to advance DARPin therapeutics in the areas of ophthalmology, oncology and infectious disease, and has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development across multiple therapeutic areas.

For more information see www.molecularpartners.com and follow the Company on Twitter at @MolecularPrtnrs.

For further details, please contact:

Investors:

Seth Lewis

seth.lewis@molecularpartners.com

Tel: +1 781 420 2361

Media:

Shai Biran, Ph.D.

shai.biran@molecularpartners.com

Tel: +1 978 254 6286

Thomas Schneckenburger, European IR & Media

thomas.schneckenburger@molecularpartners.com

Tel: +41 79 407 9952

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the company and its business. Although the company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, 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 involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

SOURCE: Molecular Partners AG

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641513/Shareholders-of-Molecular-Partners-AG-Approve-all-Board-Proposals-at-the-Annual-General-Meeting-Agnete-Fredriksen-and-Dominik-Hchli-Elected-New-Board-Members
IRVINE, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Austin Capital General Partner, LLLP ("Austin Capital") announces the launch of Fintech Fund II, LLLP, a $125 million venture fund that will target investments in fifteen to seventeen portfolio companies in the financial technology sector.



The fund will seek to invest in portfolio companies two major categories: First, it seeks firms with approximately three to seven years of business with consumer-facing products and services that have not been able to scale, but possess an experienced management team, revenues, and strategy. Second, it invests in fintech companies assisting financial institutions that utilize legacy systems still relying on manual processes and struggling with digital transformation.

"As fintech continues to shape the future of financial services, we believe the industry is shifting from consumer-facing products and services such as payment and lending apps, towards enterprise-facing and back-end infrastructure solutions. While digital apps and interfaces may have changed how consumers experience financial services, the underlying systems facilitating those products and services have not advanced," said David Park, managing partner and principal of Austin Capital General Partner, LLLP.

Mr. Park continued, "By focusing on companies whose products and services allow financial institutions to transition to the modern digital environment required by market participants, we feel we are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of an industry sea change."

About Austin Capital General Partner, LLLP

Austin Capital is a Southern California-based fintech investment team whose partners have an average of 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, technology development, and operations. Fintech Fund II is the second fund for Austin Capital, with its first fintech fund closing December 2020 with 3.1X return of capital investments. Austin Capital General Partner has committed 50% of the total fund commitment and offers value to the portfolio companies' vision, strategy, and technical needs when necessary.

If you would like additional information, please contact John Alvarez at (214) 624-1022 or [email protected].

CONTACT INFORMATION:

US Daily Journal

John Alvarez, Vice President

(214) 624-1022

[email protected]

SOURCE Austin Capital General Partner, LLLP
[April 21, 2021] Sartorius with first-quarter uptick in sales and earnings

GOTTINGEN, Germany, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Order intake up 89.2 percent; sales revenue up 61.6 percent;

underlying EBITDA margin 33.3 percent

underlying EBITDA margin 33.3 percent 20 percentage points of sales growth influenced by the coronavirus pandemic

Accelerated expansion of production capacities in all regions on track as planned The life science group Sartorius had an exceptionally strong start in fiscal 2021 and grew substantially in order intake1, sales revenue and earnings. Businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic additionally fueled this growth. "Many of our products play an essential role in helping to overcome the pandemic. In addition to a very positive general business performance in the first quarter, we accordingly experienced strong demand for our products and technologies used in the development and production of vaccines as well as of coronavirus tests and achieved a sharp increase in sales. The substantial rise in the company's profit margin was also supported by underproportionate development of costs, such as the low number of business trips as well as fewer new hires in non-production areas. These effects are expected to decrease as the year progresses. In many areas, we are working at the limits of our capacity and are therefore continuing to move ahead with accelerating the expansion of our production facilities and are hiring additional employees," said Executive Board Chairman and CEO Joachim Kreuzburg. In the first three months of the current year, Sartorius has already created some 640 new jobs; the Group now employs around 11,300 people in total. Business development of the Group Group sales revenue surged by 61.6 percent to around 791 million euros in constant currencies (reported: +55.1 percent). The comparative base for these high growth figures, though, is the relatively low prior-year quarter, which was impacted in the Lab Products & Services Division by the lockdown in China due to the pandemic and overall did not yet include an acquisition that was consolidated as of May 2020. In the first quarter, acquisitions2 contributed overall about 12 percentage points to growth while the contribution attributable to businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic was about 20 percentage points. Order intake1 grew even more dynamically than sales revenue, rising to 1,139 million euros (in constant currencies: +89.2 percent, of which a good 30 percentage points were related to the coronavirus; reported: +80.9 percent). Underlying EBITDA1 climbed, due to economies of scale and underproportionate cost development, to 264 million euros, up from 138 million euros a year earlier (+91.2 percent). The corresponding margin rose to 33.3 percent (Q1 2020: 27.0 percent). Relevant net profit1 for the Group soared by 111.8 percent to 122 million euros; earnings per ordinary share were 1.77 euros (Q1 2020: 0.83 euros); earnings per preference share, 1.78 euros (Q1 2020: 0.84 euros).

Business development in the regions Sartorius increased its revenues very significantly in all three geographies. Sales in the Asia?|?Pacific region surged by 71.1 percent to 204 million euros. Revenue in the EMEA3 region totaled 334 million euros, a gain of 63.1 percent. Sales in the Americas amounted to 253 million euros, equating to 53.4 percent growth. (All figures in sales revenue growth in constant currencies) Key financial indicators The Sartorius Group has a very sound balance sheet and financial key figures. Its equity ratio stood at 29.7 percent at the end of the quarter (December 31, 2020: 29.9 percent). Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 was 2.2 on the reporting date, relative to 2.6 at year-end 2020. The ratio of capital expenditures (CAPEX) to sales revenue increased as expected to 10.2 percent due to the Group's extensive investment program (Q1 2020: 8.8 percent). Business development of the divisions The Bioprocess Solutions Division that offers a wide array of innovative technologies for manufacturing biopharmaceuticals expanded in the reporting year at an exceptionally dynamic rate by 61.4 percent in constant currencies to 611 million euros (reported: +54.9 percent), benefiting from the ramp-up in coronavirus vaccine production by many manufacturers. The latter contributed a good 23 percentage points to this increase. Non-organic growth contributed by the acquisitions closed in the prior year was around 9 percentage points. The division's order intake1 increased even more strongly than its sales revenue, soaring 97.1 percent in constant currencies to 953 million euros (reported: +88.3 percent). Part of this high order intake is due to the changed ordering patterns of some customers who in the current situation have been placing their orders further in advance than usual. Underlying EBITDA1 of the Bioprocess Solutions Division was 217 million euros, up 81.1 percent, also very significantly above the prior-year figure of 120 million euros. The division's respective margin climbed year over year from 30.4 percent to 35.6 percent. Economies of scale as well as a cost base that increased only slowly due to the pandemic contributed to this rise in profitability. The Lab Products & Services Division specializing in equipment and technologies for life science research and pharmaceutical laboratories grew just as strongly as the Bioprocess Solutions Division in the first quarter, also against weaker prior-year comparables as described above, by 62.3 percent in constant currencies to 180 million euros (reported: +56.0 percent). While non-organic growth accounted for about 23 percentage points, organic growth was a good 39 percentage points of which around 9 percentage points were impacted by high demand for components used in coronavirus test kits. Order intake1 rose sharply by 56.8 percent (reported: +50.5 percent) to 186 million euros. Underlying EBITDA of the Lab Products & Services Division jumped by 157.9 percent to 46 million euros (Q1 2020: 18 million euros); the division's respective margin reached 25.7 percent (Q1 2020: 15.6 percent). This very substantial margin expansion was based on economies of scale, positive development of the product mix and cost development that was underproportionate due to the pandemic. Forecast raised for the full year of 2021 confirmed Management confirmed its growth forecast for fiscal 2021, which had been raised in mid-March based on very strong order intake and high demand anticipated to continue in the further course of the year. Accordingly, management projects consolidated sales growth of around 35 percent (of which 5.5 percentage points are expected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 16 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). Regarding profitability, an underlying EBITDA1 margin of about 32 percent is forecasted for the Group. Management points out that in the currently very dynamic and volatile situation, forecasts are subject to higherthanaverage uncertainties. For the Bioprocess Solutions Division, Sartorius anticipates that sales will increase by about 40 percent (of which 6 percentage points projected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 18 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). The division's underlying EBITDA1 margin is forecasted at about 34 percent. Expected sales growth for the Lab Products & Services Division is about 20 percent (of which 5 percentage points projected to be contributed by acquisitions and about 5 percentage points by business related to the coronavirus pandemic). The division's underlying EBITDA1 margin is forecasted to reach about 24 percent. The CAPEX1 ratio for the Group is projected at about 14 percent. Sartorius' approximately 400millioneuro investment program especially covers the partly extended and accelerated expansion of production capacities, primarily at sites in Germany, Puerto Rico, China, and South Korea. Net debt to underlying EBITDA1 is expected to be about 2.0 at year-end. Possible acquisitions are not included in these projections. Mid-range targets updated in January 2021 remain unchanged and assume that by 2025, consolidated sales revenue will increase to around 5 billion euros at an underlying EBITDA margin of around 32 percent. All forecasts are based on constant currencies, as in the past years. In addition, the company assumes that the global economy will increasingly recover as the current year progresses and that supply chains will remain stable. Financial indicators of the comparative period partly restated due to the finalized purchase price allocation of Biological Industries 1 Sartorius publishes alternative performance measures that are not defined by international accounting standards. These are determined with the aim of improving the comparability of business performance over time and within the industry. Order intake: all customer orders contractually concluded and booked during the respective reporting period

Underlying EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and adjusted for extraordinary items

Relevant net profit: profit for the period after non-controlling interest, adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization, as well as based on the normalized financial result and the normalized tax rate

Ratio of net debt to underlying EBITDA: quotient of net debt and underlying EBITDA over the past 12 months, including the pro forma amount contributed by acquisitions for this period 2 Acquisitions of selected life science businesses from Danaher Corporation as well as of BIA Separations and WaterSep BioSeparations 3 EMEA = Europe, Middle East, Africa This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future development of the Sartorius Group. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sartorius assumes no liability for updating such statements in light of new information or future events. This is a translation of the original German-language press release. Sartorius shall not assume any liability for the correctness of this translation. The original German press release is the legally binding version. Follow Sartorius on Twitter @Sartorius_Group and on LinkedIn.



Conference call Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of Sartorius AG, and Rainer Lehmann, CFO and a member of the Executive Board, will discuss the company's business results with analysts and investors on April 21, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) in a teleconference. You may register by clicking on the following link: https://78449.choruscall.com/dataconf/productusers/sar/mediaframe/44545/indexl.html The presentation will be available on the same day starting at 3:15 p.m. CEST, for viewing on our website at: https://www.sartorius.com/sartorius/com/group/investor-relations/sartorius-ag Current image files http://www.sartorius.com/en/company/newsroom/downloads-publications Financial calendar July 21, 2021 Publication of the first-half figures (January to June 2021) October 20, 2021 Publication of nine-month figures (January to September 2021) Key Performance Indicators for the First Quarter of 2021 A profile of Sartorius









Sartorius Group1 Bioprocess Solutions1 Lab Products & Services1 In millions of  (unless otherwise specified) Q1

2021 Q1

2020 ? in % Reported ? in %

cc2 Q1

2021 Q1

2020 ? in % Reported ? in %

cc2 Q1

2021 Q1

2020 ? in % Reported ? in %

cc2 Order Intake and Sales Revenue Order intake 1,138.6 629.4 80.9 89.2 953.0 506.2 88.3 97.1 185.6 123.3 50.5 56.8 Sales revenue 791.1 509.9 55.1 61.6 610.7 394.3 54.9 61.4 180.3 115.6 56.0 62.3  EMEA3 334.4 207.0 61.5 63.1 260.3 153.8 69.2 70.7 74.1 53.2 39.3 41.1  Americas3 253.1 180.7 40.1 53.4 197.1 149.8 31.6 43.9 56.1 30.9 81.5 99.6  Asia | Pacific3 203.6 122.2 66.5 71.1 153.4 90.8 69.0 74.0 50.2 31.5 59.5 62.9 Earnings EBITDA4 263.5 137.9 91.2

217.1 119.9 81.1

46.4 18.0 157.9

EBITDA margin4 in % 33.3 27.0



35.6 30.4



25.7 15.6



Net profit for the period5 121.6 57.4 111.8

















Financial Data per Share Earnings per

ordinary share5 in  1.77 0.83 112.4

















Earnings per preference share5 in  1.78 0.84 111.1

















1 Figures for the comparable period partially restated due to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of Biological Industries 2 In constant currencies, abbreviated as "cc" 3 According to customers' location 4 Relevant / underlying EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and adjusted for extraordinary items 5 After non-controlling interest, adjusted for extraordinary items and non-cash amortization, as well as based on the normalized financial result and the normalized tax rate

































The Sartorius Group is a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry. With innovative laboratory instruments and consumables, the Group's Lab Products & Services Division concentrates on serving the needs of laboratories performing research and quality control at pharma and biopharma companies and those of academic research institutes. The Bioprocess Solutions Division with its broad product portfolio focusing on single-use solutions helps customers to manufacture biotech medications and vaccines safely and efficiently. The Group has been annually growing by double digits on average and has been regularly expanding its portfolio by acquisitions of complementary technologies. In fiscal 2020, the company earned sales revenue of some 2.34 billion euros. At the end of 2020, nearly 11,000 people were employed at the Group's approximately 60 manufacturing and sales sites, serving customers around the globe. Contact Petra Kirchhoff

Head of Corporate Communications& Investor Relations

+49 (0)551 308 1686

petra.kirchhoff@sartorius.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sartorius-with-first-quarter-uptick-in-sales-and-earnings-301273397.html SOURCE Sartorius AG

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Today marks the 95th birthday of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

In the past, milestone birthdays such as this were celebrated publicly in Britain, but this year festivities have been curtailed in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the recent death of the queens husband, Prince Philip.

In a message shared on social media, the queens PR team said she will observe the occasion privately.

This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.

The queen normally spends her birthday with her family and there is usually a 41-gun salute in Hyde Park, a 21-gun salute in Windsor Great Park and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. These have been cancelled this year.

Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip at Cork Airport as their visit ended in 2011.

However, the queen generally has two birthdays each year: one on the day she was born and a second in the summer, on the second Saturday of June. The official celebration of the queens birthday in Britain takes place in June.

In a bid to ensure good weather for outdoor celebrations, this official birthday is dictated by a tradition dating from 1748. Over 300 years ago, King George II was born in November and wanted to celebrate outdoors with an annual military parade in the summer.

The Trooping the Colour parade usually marks her official birthday but that has also been cancelled this year. It is the third time in her reign that the parade has not gone ahead: it was cancelled in 1955 due to a national rail strike and in 2020, a modified version took place at Windsor Castle due to Covid-19.

The death of Prince Philip will no doubt have a deep effect on the queen, who has described him as her "strength and stay" during their 73-year marriage. Next year marks her platinum jubilee as queen, a milestone that has never been reached before by a British monarch.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth at The English Market.

Elizabeths reign has seen her travel the world extensively as part of her royal duties and a visit to Ireland 10 years ago at the invitation of then-President Mary McAleese is remembered fondly by the monarch. In May 2011, just one month after the wedding of her grandson Prince William to Kate Middleton, Elizabeth and Philip spent three days in Dublin and Kildare before travelling to Cashel, Co Tipperary and Cork city on their final day in the country.

After her visit to the English Market, she made an unscheduled walkabout along the Grand Parade, where she mingled with members of the public in the street. It was a visit she enjoyed greatly, with McAleese telling The Late Late Show last year that Elizabeth described it as the very best ever state visit she had been on.

She took off from Cork Airport after four amazing days, McAleese said. The minute her plane touched down her deputy private secretary rang us immediately to say that she had said on the plane that it was her very best ever state visit. She was delighted, she was so happy.

Queen Elizabeth II meeting the public in Cork city

In a letter to President Michael D Higgins last month marking St Patricks Day, Elizabeth recalled the visit once more.

This year marks ten years since my visit to Ireland, which I remember fondly, and marks a significant centenary across these islands, she wrote.

We share ties of family, friendship and affection, the foundation of our partnership that remains as important today as ten years ago.
A man and woman from Athens are being held on $255,000 bond on several charges related to an assault on an elderly man last year.

According to the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, deputies received a call on Oct. 17, 2020 reporting an assault on an elderly man.

Billy Joe Carruth, 49, and Brittney Nicole Clem, 42, both of Athens, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Investigators say the two offered the victim $500 in cash in exchange for dropping the charges. However, he refused.

According to authorities, Carruth and Clem then resorted to hiring two people to assault the victim to scare him into dropping the charges.

Investigators say the two hired people attacked the victim on the morning of April 13, and a witness to the assault was also robbed. Following the incident, Carruth and Clem were again arrested.

Carruth and Clem have been charged with bribing a witness, intimidating a witness, and first degree criminal conspiracy to commit assault. They are being held in the Limestone County Detention Center on $255,000 bond.
An Arkansas man pleaded guilty Monday to a tree-chopping spree in a Missouri national forest.

Jamie Edmondson, 46, chopped down 27 walnut and white oak trees from the Mark Twain National Forest in Barry County between June 2019 and January 2020, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors said Edmondson didnt get permission from the U.S. Forest Service to remove the trees.

Hes accused of selling the timber at sawmills throughout the area. The timber was estimated to be worth $20,269, officials said.

Federal agents installed surveillance cameras after the first trees were cut down and taken from the forest. The cameras later caught images of Edmondsons truck, according to officials, and authorities later located the vehicle.

Officials said the ecological damage to the forest and cost to reverse it is estimated at more than $40,000.

Edmondson pleaded guilty April 19 to one count of depredation of government property. He could face up to 10 years in prison without parole.

Officials said Edmondson will be sentenced after an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

Mark Twain National Forest is 1.5 million acres and spans 29 counties in the southern half of Missouri.

Officials across the country say theyve seen an uptick in tree poaching as timber prices soar. White oaks are especially popular.

In March, more than a dozen trees vanished from the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in northern Georgia including several old-growth oaks, McClatchy News reported. One person was arrested and accepted a plea deal.

Read next:

Hunters had 50-pound bag of corn and piles of dead waterfowl, Michigan officials say

A ghost town went viral on TikTok  but dont try to visit, Missouri sheriff warns

Lost the back window! Watch as baseball-sized hail pummels storm chasers in Oklahoma
Troy Carter, runoff candidate to succeed Cedric Richmond in Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District seat, has accepted $19,150 from oil and gas interests despite a campaign pledge to shun the industry's money, a national environmental nonprofit says.

As a result, Oil Change USA removed him from its list of more than 3,200 candidates and officeholders - including his opponent, Karen Carter Peterson - who signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge.

A look at Troy Carter, Karen Carter Peterson's 6-figure earnings -- and how they got them Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter  who are competing to represent the open U.S. House seat centered in New Orleans  earn far more than t

The nonprofit says Carter's campaign reported receiving nine donations from oil and gas sources, including top executives at Entergy Corp., a Chevron Corp. lobbyist and several companies such as Edison Chouest Offshore of Cut Off and Grand Isle Shipyard that service the offshore oil and gas industry.

Collin Rees, a senior campaigner for Oil Change USA, said the nonprofit alerted Carter's campaign April 12 of the contributions, giving it one week to respond and return the donations per the pledge's terms. The nonprofit received no response, Rees said Tuesday.

"As far as we're concerned, they're refusing to respond or refusing to remedy the pledge, and so they're considered in violation," Rees said. In turn, Carter was removed from the pledge list Monday when the week elapsed.

The announcement came four days before the runoff election between Carter and Peterson. Both are Democratic state senators from New Orleans.

The race has seen environmental issues gain prominence in both candidates' campaigns as President Joe Biden, also a Democrat, prioritizes the climate crisis and air pollution in areas such as the 2nd District's industrial corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Both candidates incorporated environmental justice issues to different degrees, with Peterson embracing the Green New Deal, a broad, progressive proposal for addressing climate change, and Carter viewing it as an "aspirational framework."

+3 Environmental justice gains notice in Louisiana race to succeed Cedric Richmond Activists see candidates Troy Carter, Karen Carter Peterson as more vocal than former representative

Rees said it's not unusual for No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers to receive a couple of contributions from lobbyists with what the nonprofit considers to be a problematic client or companies with names not clearly associated oil and gas interests. Typically, signers, once notified, return the money.

"In the vast majority of cases, they do respond and return the money promptly," Rees said. "It's probably single digit out of our 3,200 signers where we've had to remove somebody from the pledge for noncompliance."

Carter's campaign manager, Victoria Short Coulon, said the campaign made "a diligent effort to comply with the pledge" and will continue returning money from oil and gas sources as it has in the past. But the campaign viewed some of the instances under fire as "unfair and extreme."

"Our opponent has taken money from some of the same people and is not being put under the same scrutiny," Coulon said. "She has not returned money from Entergy executives and she has not returned money from [global law firm] Dentons lawyers to name a few."

Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Each candidate received $500 from Entergy executive Roderick West after signing the pledge. Peterson received thousands of dollars of donations from her former colleagues at Dentons, which counts oil and gas among the 26 industries in which it works. Peterson's campaign has stated she herself didn't represent any oil and gas companies while working for the firm.

Sunrise New Orleans volunteer Elon Glickman sees the pledge as a "litmus test" for any Democrat seeking office to show they'll remain independent from fossil fuel interests and address global rises in the temperature and sea level. Since 2017, the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led environmental organization, has helped popularize the pledge to the point that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris signed it during the 2020 campaign.

Glickman worried that Carter's broken pledge not only hurts his trust with voters but also exemplifies why his generation feel disillusioned by elections.

"If he can be so easily bought that he breaks his pledge, how do we know as a voter that he's not going to do it again?" he said.

Rees also flagged two "questionable contributions" to Peterson's campaign totaling $1,700 on April 13 from two lobbyists who had worked on behalf of oil and gas interests such as the American Petroleum Institute. Peterson's campaign responded the same day, stating it would return the contributions.

Hilary Borris, Peterson's campaign manager, called Carter's pledge violation "shameless."

"Its even more evidence that Troy Carter will turn a blind eye when it benefits him the most," she said. "Our campaign returned these two contributions as soon as it was made aware because Sen. Peterson stands with the people, not polluters. Thats the choice voters have this Saturday."

A look at Karen Carter Peterson's time in Louisiana Legislature: Issues she's supported, more In her 21 years as a member in the state House and Senate, Karen Carter Peterson has cast, literally, tens of thousands of votes on legislation.

Progressive vote up for grabs? DA Jason Williams endorses Troy Carter in congressional race Troy Carter snagged a key endorsement in the congressional race Thursday when Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams offered his support.
Job Title: Officer Applications Support (2 Entry Level Jobs)

Organisation: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About URA:

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) was established by the Uganda Revenue Authority Statute of 1991 and set up in September of the same year as a central body for assessment and collection of specified revenue, to administer and enforce the laws relating to such revenue and to provide for related matters. This statute incorporated all the laws that were in force then regarding tax collection. The new organization (URA) amalgamated the three tax administration departments that were responsible for all the taxes collected by the Central Government of Uganda.

Job Summary: The Officer Applications Support will resolve application and system issues that arise across a business area aimed at service availability, improvement of end user capabilities, experience / engagement with critical business applications and implement required system changes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Implement application support based on departmental initiatives, using best practices in IT Service management

Implement the maintenance plan and upgrade schedule including application deployment and release processes, with a focus on quality assurance, testing, production acceptance for a given system

Implement the application support processes for in house and external partners in line with service standards and common systems.

Resolve system(s) critical issues as guided by the supervisor.

Write and execute test scripts to ensure that new products are configured and coded properly for successful integration and operations.

Assess the quality and risks of new products/releases.

Using data analysis and production progress reports, organize a release schedule for a software product.

Assemble data on release metrics, oversee the source code management system, maintain multiple build environments, and document steps relating to the release process.

Implement improvements to processes and systems to increase service availability and reliability.

Perform the day-to-day support monitoring and maintenance of the critical business applications for a business area.

Provide 247 support for event monitoring incident triage and escalation

Implement service enhancements as guided by the supervisor to minimize service disruption

Identify alternative solutions to business issues and recommend new approaches to the supervisor.

Implement all system changes as guided by the supervisor in collaboration with business counterparts

Implement the approved IT Support Service policies and procedures

Implement all changes in compliance with the approved change management policies and procedures

Update technical and standard operating procedures documents.

Conduct regressions tests on the changes implemented to confirm that no function of the application has stopped working as a result of the changes

Deliver cross training of business users on multiple areas of support.

Conduct concept and usability testing and gather user feedback.

Communicate design ideas and prototypes to the software developers

Implement activities designed to Guarantee the Resilience of Critical Business Applications

Prepare an incident an report for every IT disruption on a critical business application across the business area in a timely manner

Investigate and resolve problems in systems/services and ensure full documentation of the same.

Implementation the agreed remedies and preventative measures designed to maintain, restore or enhance customer experience.

Conduct disaster recovery drills for the various applications within the business area.

Work with software engineers to resolve any issues and document fixes for use in future reference materials.

Build test environments and troubleshoot any issues pertaining to the softwares performance

Support Internal and external clients in accessing URA services & Products to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.

Provide feedback to stakeholders and supervisors of any updates on issues raised and resolved.

Conduct engagements of relevant stakeholders and ensure that they are rightly sensitized on the business application support process

Develop the relevant stakeholder awareness, user training and reference materials for the respective business support areas





Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Officer Applications Support job must hold an Honors Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology or Statistics (Computing Option), Engineering and relevant degree.

At least two (2) years experience in Systems Development, System Analysis and Testing or webserver management.

Experience with deploying applications on web servers

Experience with managing data bases

Experience with trouble shooting application errors

Knowledge of DevOps principles

Knowledge of application debugging, containerization and programming languages for example Java, C#, Flutter and Dart, PHP

Knowledge of web server configuration

Secure deployment automation and orchestration of applications in Oracle Web logic, MS IIS, Apache among other applications servers

Application testing including use of automated testing techniques, stress and load testing tools and performance tuning.

Knowledge of carrying root cause analysis for identified incidents

Demonstrated knowledge in SQL based scripting languages and relational database management systems and design Using Oracle, MSSQL, MySQL, OrientDB

Knowledge of application performance metric and interpreting application related error conditions

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Strong conceptual, problem diagnosis and decision making skills

Excellent analytical ability and attention to detail

Demonstrated creativity and innovation capability

A suitable candidate should be a person of demonstrable integrity

Excellent systems analysis as well as knowledge and interest in emerging technologies

Ability to assimilate new support tasks, while retaining and developing established ones

Ability to work within a changing business and technical environment

Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information with tact and discretion

Technical competence and proven troubleshooting skills

Ability to explain complex ideas to those with limited IT and systems knowledge

Ability to troubleshoot and resolve web server related issues (Apache, Tomcat, IIS, Nginx, Web logic)

Desirable Requirements

Certifications in Project Management such as Prince 2 or PMP

Certification in service Management e.g. ITIL

Development Certifications (such as Java Certification Professional, Microsoft Certified Developer (MCSP)) and/or Data Base Certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Microsoft Certified Systems Data Base Administrator (MCSDBA).

Experience of using an IT Service Management system to manage, allocate and monitor support tasks

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join URA should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 1st May 2021

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
This road in Estonia has been partially closed

to help frogs and toads migrate to their breeding grounds

Location: Tallinn, Estonia

(SOUNDBITE) (Estonian) ESTONIAN NATURE FUND VOLUNTEER, KRISTEL SAARM, SAYING:"On Astangu (street), the frogs cross the road, because the ponds they are born in are on one side of the road, and their wintering place is on the other side. So, they are forced to cross the road (to lay eggs)."

Volunteers say the amphibiansare very sleepy after a long winter

and are unable to move quickly out of the way of oncoming traffic

The road will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for a two week period

as the animals are most active at night

(SOUNDBITE) (Estonian) ESTONIAN NATURE FUND VOLUNTEER, KRISTEL SAARM, SAYING:"Usually, when it is really, really warm and good weather, it may be that there are up to 300 frogs crossing the road at the same time. // Unfortunately, it is not possible to solve this problem solely by traffic signs, so the volunteers have to help the frogs as well as educate drivers: make them take into consideration the regulations at least for these nine hours in the twenty-four-hours span."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the fatal cop shooting of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant shows police violence 'disproportionately impacts black and Latino people' during Wednesday's press briefing.

She suggested the shooting was an example of racial bias after Columbus police released bodycam footage showing the teen lunging at another girl with a knife.

Psaki had been asked if President Joe Biden had been briefed about the shooting that took place Tuesday, that happened around the same time as officer Derek Chauvin was rendered guilty on all three murder and manslaughter counts for last year's killing of Minneapolis black man George Floyd.

The press secretary confirmed Biden was aware of the Columbus, Ohio incident - as Columbus police released bodycam footage earlier Wednesday that appeared to show Bryant wielding a knife at another woman before being shot dead.

It comes amid mounting criticism of the White House after President Biden said he was 'praying for the right verdict' before Derek Chauvin was found guilty and days after Psaki also criticized a Chicago cop for shooting 13-year-old boy Adam Toledo dead after he dropped a gun.

'The killing of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant by the Columbus police is tragic,' the White House press secretary said. 'She was a child.'

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant Tuesday in Columbus shows police violence 'disproportionately impacts black and Latino people'

Columbus police have released bodycam footage that appears to show 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant with a knife right before she was gunned down by police

'We're thinking of her friends and family in the communities that are hurting and grieving her loss,' Psaki continued.

'We know that police violence disproportionately impacts black and Latino people in communities and that black women and girls, like black men and boys experience higher rates of police violence,' she added.

Psaki spoke of the 'particular vulnerabilities' children in foster care - like Bryant - face.

'And her death came, as you noted, just as America was hopeful of a step forward after the traumatic and exhausting trial of Derek Chauvin and the verdict that was reached,' Psaki said.

'So our focus is on working to address systemic racism and implicit bias head on and, of course to passing laws and legislation that will put much needed reforms into place in police departments around the country,' the press secretary added.

On Wednesday Columbus police released more graphic footage showing Bryant lunging at another girl with a knife.

Police in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday released additional bodycam video from the officer-involved fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant, which shows her lunging at two women with a knife (pictured above)

A slowed-down version of the video from the body camera of the officer who shot Bryant shows the teen holding a knife in her right hand and raising it toward a woman in a neon track suit. Moments later, four gunshots ring out

During a press conference held by police leaders and city officials, Interim Chief of Police Michael Woods identified the officer who shot Bryant as Nicholas Reardon and revealed that he has been on the force only since December 2019.

Police released three body camera recordings, along with two 911 calls reporting the disturbance that ultimately led to the shooting.

On one of the calls, a frantic young woman is heard begging an emergency operator to send an officer to an address on the east side of Columbus on Tuesday afternoon.

'We got girls out here... trying to fight us and trying to stab us,' she shouts into the phone to make her voice heard above sounds of people screaming in the background. 'We need a police officer here now.'

Relatives have said that it was Bryant herself who called the police, but the chief did not confirm that it was her voice on the call.

Psaki's comments come a day after she spent the bulk of her press briefing taking questions on why Biden weighed in on the Chauvin case before there was a verdict to reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday morning.

'I'm praying the verdict is the right verdict. Which is  I think its overwhelming in my view,' Biden had said.

Psaki also faced questions on why the White House wouldn't condemn remarks made by Rep. Maxine Waters who had said Saturday while participating in a protest in Minneapolis that Black Lives Matter activists needed to 'get more confrontational' if Chauvin was found not guilty.

Republicans accused Waters of inciting violence.

House Republicans went so far as to try to censure the Democratic House member.

The effort failed as Democrats are a majority in the House.

Psaki pointed to Waters' own clarification of her comments that included a vow that she was 'non-violent.'

The victim of the police shooting was identified by her mother as Ma'Khia Bryant on Facebook

In the Wednesday briefing, Psaki confirmed that Biden would use the 'bully pulpit,' as it's called, to address police violence during his first joint Congressional address next week.

'I think he's promising to the Floyd family that he will use the power of his presidency, the bully pulpit, as he intends to do during his joint address next week,' she said.

Psaki made similar comments when asked by DailyMail.com on Friday about the police shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo in Chicago

During a president's first year in office the address is not called a 'State of the Union,' but it serves the same purpose.

Biden is pushing the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which was already passed in the House.

There's a higher hurdle to get it passed in the Senate, despite Democrats' slim majority, because it would need to get 60 votes.

Sen. Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican who offered up his own police reform bill last year, is discussing compromises with Senate Democrats.

'I think we are on the verge of wrapping this up in the next a week or two, depending on how quickly they respond to our suggestions,' Scott told CNN Wednesday.

Psaki's response to the Columbus shooting was similar to when DailyMail.com asked her Friday about the killing of Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old black boy in Chicago.

Psaki said she hadn't spoken to the president before the morning briefing, so didn't know if he'd watched the bodycam footage, but said it served as a 'reminder' that 'too often in this country law enforcement uses unnecessary force, too often resulting in the death of black and brown Americans.'

She said the shooting was unnecessary after Chicago cops released bodycam footage showing the boy had a gun and dropped it just before the officer opened fire.

Photos also show a weapon recovered from the scene.

Columbus Police said that one person was killed in the officer-involved shooting that took place on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon. A woman at the scene - identified on Facebook as Shonnell Kelley - shared a series of videos from the shooting, including one of the officer who allegedly shot the teen

Makhia Bryant - identified by her mother on social media - was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 5.21pm

Authorities said they had been responding to an initial stabbing call at around 4.30pm. The shots fire call was made just 15 minutes later

WARNING: Video contains strong language. A woman near Legion Lane says her niece was killed earlier tonight after an officer involved shooting. Police still havent confirmed victim pic.twitter.com/wpx9Wowtwl  Alexis Moberger (@alexiswsyx6) April 20, 2021

Psaki reiterated Biden's support for the House-passed police reform bill.

'The president, again, has repeatedly said that he believes we need police reform,' she told reporters. 'That's what he says he's calling for Congress to send to his desk.'

Psaki also said the White House was also waiting to see how the independent investigation of Toledo's shooting would play out.

Earlier Wednesday, the Columbus police department released bodycam footage showing an officer shooting Bryant.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Contact Gold Corp. (TSXV: C) (OTCQB: CGOL) (the "Company" or "Contact Gold") is pleased to announce that it is has commenced a process to redomicile as a British Columbia corporation, which is expected, among other things, to significantly reduce the Company's regulatory compliance costs, enhance its ability to access the capital markets and increase the number of potential investors. Completion of the redomicile to British Columbia is also expected to reduce certain U.S. resale restrictions on common shares previously issued by the Company in private placement transactions.

"A successful redomicile into Canada is a significant step in a process we've been working on to simplify the Company's corporate structure. We believe this development will further position Contact Gold as a high-quality exploration company focused on Nevada," stated Matt Lennox-King, CEO of Contact Gold. "Many of the Company's competitors are incorporated in Canada and qualify as foreign private issuers giving them a competitive advantage due to lower costs and administration, and shorter timelines related to raising capital. As a company that will be corporately comparable to peers, with two high-quality advanced exploration projects, we look forward to drilling and making discoveries in 2021."

Following the Repatriation Transaction (as defined below), the Contact Gold common shares will continue to be listed for trading on the TSXV and OTCQB. Shareholders and warrant holders should take note as there are steps they must complete.

Transaction overview

The process to redomicile back to Canada will be achieved by (a) completing a plan of conversion from the State of Nevada to continue into the Province of British Columbia (the "Continuance"), and (b) immediately thereafter completing a plan of arrangement under the laws of British Columbia (the "Arrangement" and together with the Continuance, the "Repatriation Transaction").

In order to complete the Repatriation Transaction, the Company has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, a British Columbia corporation ("BC Co") pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement and the plan of arrangement, Contact Gold and BC Co will complete a vertical amalgamation.

Approval of the Repatriation Transaction is subject to shareholder approval. Accordingly, at the Company's upcoming Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM"), shareholders of the Company will be asked to vote on the Continuance and on the Arrangement. The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Company, and the board recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Repatriation Transaction. All senior officers, directors and certain shareholders of the Company (including Waterton) have entered into voting and support agreements in favour of the Repatriation Transaction.

Completion of the Arrangement is also subject to approval by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and receipt of applicable regulatory, and third-party approvals and consents as may be required to effect and complete the transaction, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Assuming that all requisite approvals are received, the Company expects to close the proposed Repatriation Transaction shortly after the date of the Meeting.

The Meeting and Meeting Materials

The Company plans to file its Management Information Circular (the "Information Circular") and related proxy materials on SEDAR and EDGAR in advance of the AGM to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 2:00 PM (Vancouver Time).

Important Procedure for Holders of Common Shares and Warrants

A "Letter of Transmittal" will be mailed to each person who was a Registered Shareholder on April 20, 2021 (the "Record Date"). A Letter of Transmittal will also be mailed to each Registered Warrantholder.

Each person who is a Registered Shareholder or Registered Warrantholder prior to the Repatriation Transaction taking effect MUST forward the properly completed and signed Letter of Transmittal, along with the accompanying Common Share certificate(s) and/or Warrant certificate(s) as in instructed in the relevant Letter of Transmittal in order to receive replacement securities of Contact Gold. Registered Warrantholders MUST also return the relevant U.S. tax forms attached thereto in order to comply with U.S. federal income tax provisions, including those related to withholding taxes. If the relevant tax forms are not submitted by each U.S. and non-U.S. Warrantholder, withholding taxes will apply to the holder and the Company will be required to deposit 15% of the fair market value of such securities with the U.S. Internal Revenue Services following the closing of the Repatriation Transaction.

It is recommended that Registered Shareholders complete, sign and return the Letter of Transmittal, along with the accompanying common share certificate(s), to Computershare Investor Services Inc. as the depositary, as soon as possible.

In order to receive shares of Contact Gold (the repatriated B.C. company) to which a Registered Shareholder (other than any Dissenting Shareholder) is entitled if the Arrangement is completed, a Registered Shareholder must complete, sign, date and return the Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the instructions set out therein and in the Information Circular.

Shareholders whose Common Shares are registered in the name of a nominee (bank, trust company, securities broker or other nominee) should contact that nominee for assistance in depositing their Common Shares.

It is mandatory that Registered Warrantholders complete, sign and return the warrant Letter of Transmittal, along with the accompanying warrants certificate(s), and relevant U.S. tax forms as indicated in the Information Circular and relevant Letter of Transmittal, as soon as possible.

At the AGM, the Continuance will require the approval of at least 50.1% of all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Contact Gold, and the Arrangement will require approval by at least 662/3% of the votes cast by Contact Gold shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

About Contact Gold

Contact Gold is currently a Nevada-incorporated entity. The Company is focused on advancing the Green Springs and Pony Creek gold projects in Nevada, both of which host extensive and robust Carlin Type gold systems.

Green Springs is located near the southern end of the Cortez Trend of Carlin-type gold deposits in Nevada, east of Fiore Gold's Pan Mine and Gold Rock Project, and south of Waterton's Mount Hamilton deposit. The Green Springs property is 18.5 km2, encompassing 3 shallow past-producing open pits and numerous targets that were not mined.

Pony Creek is strategically located immediately south of Gold Standard Ventures' Railroad-Pinion Project, on the Southern Carlin Trend, and totals 81.7 km2 underpinned by a Carlin-type system with historic gold resources.

Additional information about the Company is available at www.contactgold.com.

For more information, please contact (604) 449-3361 for either:

Matthew Lennox-King, President & Chief Executive Officer mlk@contactgold.com

John Wenger, Chief Financial Officer wenger@contactgold.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to the anticipated completion of the Repatriation Transaction, the, associated receipt of all requisite corporate, shareholder, court and applicable regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSXV and timing therefor.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: failure to obtain the requisite corporate, shareholder, court and applicable regulatory approvals, impacts arising from the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81137
(Newser)  A submarine belonging to Indonesia's Navy has gone missing off the coast of Bali, with 53 people on board. The KRI Nanggala-402 sub was conducting a torpedo drill north of Bali early Wednesday when it vanished about 60 miles from shore, per Reuters and the BBC. The country has requested the help of Australia and Singapore while warships search the area, which is "quite deep," First Admiral Julius Widjojono says, per CBS News. The sub reportedly lost contact after it was granted clearance to dive to greater depths, per the BBC. The Navy believes it may have sank into a 2,300-foot-deep trench, per the AP.

story continues below

Widjojono said the last contact came around 3am local time. The sub was said to be rehearsing for a missile-firing exercise scheduled for Thursday, which military chief Hadi Tjahjanto and other military leaders were expected to attend, per the AP. The subone of only five kept by Indonesia's Navywas made in Germany in 1978 but underwent a two-year retrofit in South Korea before returning to the water in 2012, per Reuters. The outlet notes Indonesia has a habit of using old military equipment. Two military transport planes crashed in the country in 2015 and 2016, killing more than 100 people combined. (Read more Indonesia stories.)
4th CIIE starts 200-day countdown

By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-04-20 15:25

The ceremony of the 200-day countdown to the opening of the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on April 18.

About 150 people, including officials from the consulates in Shanghai of Belarus, Ecuador and Kazakhstan and representatives of trading institutions, attended the event.

With a planned area of 360,000 square meters, this years exhibition will continue to give full play to the functions of international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation.

On the same day, streams of companies signed to participate in the exhibition in the technical equipment exhibition area, the consumer goods exhibition area, the food and agricultural products exhibition area and the auto exhibition area.

This event also arranged an investment environment promotion section. For example, Peng Yihao, deputy head of the Qingpu District of Shanghai, promoted opportunities in the district to exhibitors in terms of location advantages, functional layout, business environment, favorable policies, and industrial cooperation.
DP World, UAE Region in collaboration with the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group recently hosted The Food & Beverages Manufacturing Industry 2021 Dialogue emphasising the significance of the sector to the UAEs economy.

The entitys recently launched F&B Terminal will act as a catalyst for positive change and development in the F&B manufacturing industry.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG), under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG) Annual Report 2020 that highlighted the core competencies of the F&B Manufacturing sector in the UAE that is home to 568 F&B factories with a maximum production capacity of 16,302 thousand tonnes.

With a high inflow of tourists and the presence of globally renowned food and beverage brands, the UAE has been at the forefront of the F&B sector in the region for years. Currently, with the investments already made, the local production has sufficient capacity and headroom for growth, which is testimony of the scope and potential in the sector.

Considering all the growth determinants, the FBMG Annual Report identified opportunities and underlined the significance of maintaining sustainability in the overall F&B sector with a focus on various sub-sectors  dairy products, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, beverages and the snacking industry. It also shed light on production and consumption trends in 2020 and local initiatives that boost business in the sector.

The F&B sector is one of the most important economic pillars in DP World, UAE Regions Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This sector enjoys unique advantages that make establishing an F&B company an unparalleled opportunity for business growth with the highest operational efficiency and economic feasibility.

Jafza features a dedicated food cluster spread over an area of 1.55 million sq m, supporting over 4,700 port customers and hosting over 550 companies from more than 70 countries. The port and free zone complex caters to all segments of the industry including food processing, grain/cereal processing, meat processing, edible oil processing, tea/coffee processing and sugar refining.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza said: The UAE has a well-developed food industry driven by its attractive investment environment. This makes it an ideal hub for F&B brands to thrive. In conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, last year The Emirates Food Security Council, revealed that 568 factories in the UAE produce 5.96 million tonnes of food and beverage products annually, with 2.3 million tonnes comprising essential food items. This is proof of the nations potential and capabilities. Additionally, the countrys various initiatives like the Operation 300bn and the Make it in the Emirates campaign have paved the way for the industry. Over the years, we have created an environment with facilities that can help F&B brands grow. Through our newly-launched F&B Terminal, our ultimate aim is to create a sustainable and diversified economy in the UAE.

Lootah said: Looking at the numbers, we are certain that there is room for growth in the sector also taking into account the ideal business environment in the UAE. The primary goal of FBMG is facilitating growth and excellence in the F&B manufacturing industry, while also encouraging innovation and contributing to the industry and the nation. With the help of partners like DP World, UAE Region, we hope to stimulate consistent progress in the sector, while also enlightening the industry about the various opportunities available in the country.

The UAE is an incubator for large investment opportunities in food manufacturing, that also go beyond, tapping into the halal food and innovative agriculture markets. The country has, over the years, become a major hub for F&B trade in the Mena region.

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President, International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated: According to the Fitch Connect Risk Reward Index released last year, the UAE occupies a leading global position in the F&B industries. The country ranked first in the Mena region and 18th in the world owing to its attractive investment environment in the F&B sector. Additionally, due to its strategic location and a growing tourism sector, the emirate of Dubai specifically offers immense opportunities. This Annual Report is of

considerable importance due to the valuable information it provides, which reinforces the sectors position and its leading reputation locally and globally.

To ensure the progress of the F&B sector in the UAE, DP World, UAE Region has also continually supported and encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), launching three distinct incubation centres, each targeting different categories including halal food companies, Latin American companies, and Indian companies. -- Tradearabia News Service
ROME, APR 21 - Everyone wants to be green without making the necessary sacrifices, Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani told an ANSA webinar on switching to hydrogen use Wednesday. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have significant potential to enable this transition to a clean, low-carbon energy system. "The problem of climate-altering emissions is clear, but the sacrifice that everyone must make is not clear," said the minister. "Everyone wants to be green, but then they don't want a wind-power stanchion in front of their homes, or they want to keep using social media which produce so many emissions. "Everyone wants renewables, but then they don't really want them. "The climate emergency requires sacrifices, and we all must put something into it". Physicist and academic Cingolani, 59, was innovation chief at aerospace giant Leonardo before being named Italy's first ecological transition minister in the Draghi government. (ANSA).
EDMONTON, Alberta, April 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 19, 2021, the Government of Canadas Budget 2021 offered historic investments in early learning and child care across the country including $30 billion over the next five years with initiatives to improve affordability for families in Alberta. YMCA of Northern Alberta applauds the Government of Canada for its commitment to supporting Canadian communities, families and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

YMCA of Northern Alberta is the largest child care provider in western Canada and operates 70 child care programs for infants to children 12 years of age. YMCA of Northern Alberta provides early learning care, Kindercare, and before- and after-school programs for families across northern and central Alberta in four regions: Edmonton, Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Wood Buffalo.

Among the Government of Canadas initiatives announced in Budget 2021 is a plan to reduce fees to an average of $10/day by 2025/26, along with opportunities to strengthen and grow the essential workforce of qualified early childhood educators.

Access to high-quality early learning and child care programs supports the growth and wellbeing of children, families and communities across Alberta, says Nick Parkinson, President and CEO of YMCA of Northern Alberta. We are excited to see federal government initiatives in Budget 2021 that will improve affordability and expand access to quality licensed child care, and before- and after-school care for families in our province.

As the leading early learning and child care provider in western Canada, YMCA of Northern Alberta looks forward to working with all levels of government to support and advocate for accessible, affordable and inclusive child care services for families in communities across the province.

About YMCA of Northern Alberta

YMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness, to providing important community outreach programs, the YMCA of Northern Alberta works to strengthen communities in the Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Wood Buffalo and Red Deer regions. For more information, visit northernalberta.ymca.ca.
Nominee to be Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 9, 2021. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

Senate Confirms Lisa Monaco as Deputy Attorney General

The Senate voted 982 on April 20 to confirm Lisa Monaco as deputy attorney general, the second-highest rank in the Justice Department (DOJ).

President Joe Biden nominated Monaco to the post in early January. Deputy attorneys general oversee U.S. attorneys offices across the nation and handle a large portfolio of high-profile cases. She will also be responsible for developing criminal justice policies on issues such as sentencing and clemency.

Monaco will supervise the massive wave of prosecutions against protesters involved in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The facts about the event, which the establishment media portrayed as an armed and deadly insurrection, are still coming to light. The sole Capitol Police officer who was alleged to have been killed by the protesters turned out to have died of natural causes.

The DOJ has charged more than 410 people in connection with the breach, from minor trespassing to more serious offenses such as assaulting police, obstructing Congress, and conspiring to storm the Capitol.

Monaco also will have to contend with the fallout from an alleged Russian-led hacking campaign that targeted software made by SolarWinds Corp. and compromised government offices including the U.S. Treasury, as well as the Justice and Commerce departments.

Prior to returning to government service, Monaco, 53, worked with the law firm OMelveny & Myers. She has previously served in the DOJ and the White House. She was a prosecutor who served on the governments multi-agency task force that focused on wrongdoing by Enron Corp. in connection with the energy companys 2001 collapse.

Monaco later worked at the FBI advising its former director, Robert Mueller, and served as assistant attorney general in the National Security Division from 2011 to 2013 under President Barack Obama.

She also worked as Obamas Homeland Security and counterterrorism adviser.

She is one of the nations foremost national security experts, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said on the Senate floor, adding that her experience has prepared her to oversee DOJs operations at this critical moment in history.

During her tenure at the DOJ in 2011, Monaco was involved in the drafting of a letter to Congress concerning the Fast and Furious firearms scandal. Two of the key statements in the letter were later found to be false, prompting a congressional inquiry into whether lawmakers were willfully lied to. The DOJ subsequently withdrew the letter.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Season six of Line Of Duty has left fans with more questions than answers, with viewers flocking to Twitter to question what exactly is DCI Jo Davidson is up to, whether Kate Fleming has really left AC-12 and who is H?

Here, MailOnline examines some of the most prominent fan theories

Kate Fleming HASN'T left AC-12 and is working undercover

One of the most shocking discoveries was AC-12's Kate is now working with a new team- with some fans suggesting she could even be the infamous H.

While chatting to her new gaffer DCI Davidson, Kate said: 'I got fed upon nicking coppers, I'd rather go after the psycho who murdered Gail [Vella].'

But despite seeming confident in her new role, some viewers were left wondering if all was at it seems and theorised that Kate could still be undercover for AC-12.

Even after she tipped off Davidson and incurred the wrath of Ted Hastings, fans have continued to speculate that she is so deep undercover that even Hastings is having to keep her true agenda secret.

Kate Fleming HASN'T left AC-12 and is working undercover: Is it true? The jury is still out on this one

DCI Jo Davidson is being blackmailed by an Organised Crime Group

Jo has already survived a grilling from AC-12's top team and appeared to clear her name when it was ex-girlfriend PS Farida Jatri who seemed to have taken part in corruption.

However, Jo was seen hitching a ride with known bent copper Ryan Pilkington and taken to collect a burner phone, making her look suspicious once more.

Fans, however, are convinced the DCI is being blackmailed by an OCG, following her emotional outburst when she was summoned to pick up a new burner.

DCI Jo Davidson is being blackmailed by an Organised Crime Group: Is it true? After her car park outburst it seems increasingly likely

DCI Jo Davidson's mother is Anne-Marie McGillis

Fans speculated over who Jo's mother could be after she was seen in a photograph in the first episode.

Many theorised her mother has something to do with season five character John Corbett's [Stephen Graham] mother Anne-Marie McGillis, who was killed by an Irish Republican paramilitary group sometime after 1989.

DCI Jo Davidson's mother is Anne-Marie McGillis: Is it true? There simply isn't enough evidence yet to determine on way or the other

Gail Vella is still alive

Although season six has centered around the murder of journalist Gail Vella, one obscure theory is that she is in fact still alive.

Craig Parkinson, who played Matthew 'Dot' Cottan in the show, said on BBC Sounds podcast Obsessed with Line of Duty: 'Somebody is in that flat and theres some connection with Gail Vella, the investigative journalist.

'You dont cast someone like Andi Osho and then just have her as little magazine prints and stick them up on a kitchen wall.'

Sarah Millican - who also appeared on the podcast - went on to suggest Vella may have been a former lover of DCI Davidson's.

Gail Vella is still alive: Is it true? It seems unlikely that the scale of police corruption is so huge that they could fake a murder victim

DC Chloe Bishop is Tony Gates' daughter

Bishop is one of AC-12's newest recruits, and as Gates and his wife Jools had two daughters, Natalie and Chloe, viewers have suggested their shared first name 'can't be a coincidence'.

Gates' daughter was last seen in season one in 2012, which means she'd be roughly the same age as Bishop is now.

Fans have suggested that Bishop either took her mother's maiden name or the name of a step-father, so that her true identity remains a secret - for now.

Gates died at the end of the first season when he walked into a busy road after getting a confession from gang leader Tommy Hunter, who had been blackmailing the police officer into covering up their criminal activity.

DC Chloe Bishop is Tony Gates' daughter: Is it true? The dates and facts line up, but there still isn't enough to write it off as a coincidence just yet

DCI Jo Davidson's mystery blood relative is...?

After it was revealed that Jo's DNA matched someone on the Police National Computer, fans theorized who that could be.

The overriding theories suggested that Davidson's relative was either Tommy Hunter, of series one and two, Mike Dryden of series two, John Corbett of series five, or Derek Hilton, killed off in series four.

Tommy Hunter was the leader of the OCG in earlier series of the show, and a paedophile. His character is dead.

Mike Dryden, the former Deputy Chief Constable, was last seen resigning from his post for perverting the course of justice in series two. His Scottish links also suggest he could be related to Davidson.

John Corbett was an undercover cop in series five who had his throat slit, leaving behind a wife, two daughters, and a mysterious link to a woman, Anne-Marie, whom fans claim could also be Davidson's mother.

Derek Hilton was a Chief Superintendent and later the Assistant Chief Constable of Central Police. He was also secretly affiliated with organised crime. He was shot in the mouth in a staged suicide in season four.

Other suggestions were Gill Biggeloe, Jackie Laverty, Lindsay Denton or Terry Boyle.
(Newser)  A California college student missing for nearly 25 years was once buried in the backyard of the home owned by the murder suspect's father, authorities said in a court document filed before bail arguments Monday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. The document was posted on social media by a reporter for the Tribune of San Luis Obispo. The document said investigators at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department had biological evidence indicating Kristin Smart was once buried under Ruben Flores' deck behind his home in nearby Arroyo Grande; his son Paul, 44, was the last person seen with Smart on May 25, 1996. "The excavation below his deck ... showed damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved," prosecutor Christopher Peuvrelle said. More from the AP:

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"Due to the evidence gleaned from the excavation, it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores currently knows the location of Kristin Smarts remains," Peuvrelle said. "Should he be allowed bail, it is a virtual certainty that he would use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart prosecution in this case and continue to hide her remains."

Smarts remains have never been found, but authorities recently said they believe they know where she was buried, though they havent disclosed the location.

Defense attorney Harold Mesick said Monday that the evidence against Ruben Flores was "so minimal as to shock the conscience," and he panned the prosecution's use of an expert with a masters degree in archaeology. "Shes not a soil scientist or a geotechnical engineer in any regard, and if she had been, she would have seen where they discovered their damning evidence in this case, there are many different innocent explanations for why the soil was disturbed, primarily because its between two continuous building foundations."

Mesick elaborated, saying a backhoe had excavated a trench at the home to lay a nearby foundation. "They always deposit the [removed soil] outside the foundation, which is where they claim the soil was a 'hot mess'It was a hot mess, because its been previously excavated, your Honor."

Paul Flores was ordered held without bail Monday. But the judge indicated he would set a reasonable bail amount Wednesday for the 80-year-old father, who has health problems. A trial could be years away.

Nikki Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the court, said the documents were not supposed to be public. The judge in the case has issued a gag order preventing lawyers, investigators, witnesses and others from speaking about the case or releasing documents. The Tribune said it got the public documents from the courthouse.
Navalnys associate Sobol arrested in Moscow - lawyer

 Moscow's Perovsky District Court

12:10 21/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 21 (RAPSI)  An ally of Alexey Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, was arrested in south Moscow on Wednesday, her attorney Vladimir Voronin told RAPSI.

She was apprehended near Avtozavodskaya underground station. Reasons for her arrest are not yet known.

In mid-April, Sobol was sentenced to one-year suspended community service with 10% monthly pay deduction for forcible violation of inviolability of dwelling and ordered to come to a specialized community service body every month and banned from changing her place of work and residence without notification.

Prosecution demanded one-year community service for Sobol with the 20% pay deduction in favor of the state.

Investigators claimed that on December 21 a group of persons, among them Lyubov Sobol, repeatedly attempted to entry into an apartment, where an old woman resided, of a house situated in the Eastern District of Moscow. Those involved illegally used uniforms of Russias consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor.

After two attempts to enter the house had failed, Sobol deceived a delivery man saying she was a abandoned wife with a baby, could enter the building and as the old woman opened the door of her apartment Sobol pushed her back, entered the apartment, took a video of the premises on her phone, and left the place, according to the Investigative Committee.
Limerick people living near the Clare border will be able to visit one of region's most popular tourist sites again from next week.

The Shannon Group has announced that Bunratty Folk Park will re-open to the public next week following the lifting of restrictions for outdoor heritage sites.

The Folk Park, which has remained closed since late last year, will open four days a week initially and only those living in County Clare or within 20 kilometres in Limerick will be permitted to attend.

Set on 26 acres of countryside, there is plenty of space for social distancing and the Folk Parks animators, dressed in 19th century costumes, are looking forward to sharing their stories with visitors.

Shannon Heritage, part of @SNNGroup is delighted to announce the reopening of @BunrattyCastle on April 30th & @MalahideCastleG & @NewbridgeHF on April 29th following the recent government announcement on the reopening of outdoor heritage sites. Read More https://t.co/9jsSt21O7Y pic.twitter.com/g3ooFFcZx3  Shannon Heritage (@ShannonHeritage) April 20, 2021

Despite the fact that Bunratty Castle will remain closed, Castle guides will be on hand to give the history of the Castle from its courtyard.

In compliance with the latest guidelines, Mr ORegans Cafe will be open for takeaway food and drinks only and all visitors are required to pre book in advance of their visit.

To ensure proper social distancing, a one-way system has been designed to guide visitors around the Folk Park.

commenting on the re-opening on April 30, Vanessa McTigue of Shannon Heritage said: This year has been incredibly difficult for everyone and we know that people are looking forward to exploring their county. We are delighted to reopen Bunratty Folk Park and look forward to extending a warm welcome to all our visitors. With the Covid safety measures we have in place at Bunratty visitors can be assured of a safe, fun and memorable experience. We are hopeful that following the next easing of restrictions we will be able to reopen our indoor attractions.

Shannon Heritage has been awarded accreditation from Failte Ireland for its Covid-19 safety measures - click here to read more.
A 69-year-old grandmother wailed 'you're breaking my arm' while police arrested her for posting anti-lockdown stickers around a town centre.

Footage shows pensioner Janie Bailey refusing to give her personal details to an officer after she allegedly caused criminal damage by posting 'anti-coronavirus literature' in Wythenshaw, Greater Manchester.

A second video posted to YouTube shows the retired receptionist screaming as police appear to pin her by her arms to a bench in the town.

She is heard repeatedly shrieking: 'You're breaking my arm, you're breaking my arm' as shocked passersby stop to film the arrest and shout at the officers.

A police watchdog will now probe the incident after footage of the arrest in Wythenshaw Civic Centre last Saturday went viral on social media.

Bystanders can be heard telling the officers to 'Get off her' and 'What are you doing? Why are you doing that?'. The officer putting on the handcuffs replies: 'Go away.'

As crowds look on, Mrs Bailey wails: 'Help me'. As she is stood upright and led away, she insists: 'I haven't done anything. I was just sitting on the bench.'

Greater Manchester Police said the woman was restrained after resisting arrest.

A 69-year-old grandmother wailed 'You're breaking my arm' while she was being arrested after posting anti-lockdown stickers around a town centre

A police watchdog will now probe the incident after videos of the arrest in Wythenshaw Civic Centre last Saturday at 3.30pm went viral on social media

The arrested woman has since claimed that she was detained for nearly seven hours on Saturday before she was released without charge.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mrs Bailey denied posting anti-lockdown stickers around the town centre on April 17 but did admit to doing so last month.

The pensioner denied causing a criminal offence and accused police of hurting her wrist while they made their arrest. She does not know if her wrist has been fractured, but has moaned of 'terrible bruising and swelling'.

Mrs Bailey called the officers 'brutal and aggressive', said her arrest was 'a waste of time' and said she has lost 'respect' for the police.

The 69-year-old also took aim at coronavirus regulations and revealed she had attended a march in central Manchester on March 20 in protest against the Government's proposed Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill.

The law would greatly extend police powers to curtail non-violent protests.

'I couldn't believe what was going on,' Mrs Bailey told MailOnline. 'Eight police officers all gathered to arrest one elderly lady for not committing a criminal offence.

'What a waste of time. I can't get over how brutal and aggressive they were with me. I used to have respect for the police, I used to think they were great, but now I have absolutely no time for them.

The pensioner repeatedly shrieks: 'You're breaking my arm, you're breaking my arm' as shocked passersby stop to film the arrest and shout at the officers

Footage shows Janie Bailey refusing to give her personal details to an officer (pictured) after she was accused of causing criminal damage in Wythenshaw, Greater Manchester

The pensioner repeatedly shrieks: 'You're breaking my arm, you're breaking my arm' as shocked passersby stop to film the arrest and shout at the officers

Asked why she did not comply with police requests for her details, Mrs Bailey said: 'I hadn't committed a personal offence.

'I was sat on a bench with a man talking about how lovely the weather was when the young officer came over with security.

'She asked for my details and I told her I wasn't going to give them because I hadn't done anything wrong. She said I'd committed criminal damage, but I said I couldn't see how putting up flyers could cause damage to property.

'As far as I know, you don't have to give your personal details if you haven't committed a criminal offence.'

She then tearfully recounted the arrest. 'Bigger police came over and arrested me.,' Mrs Bailey said. 'They really hurt my wrist when they put it behind my back.

'I don't have much flexibility anyway, so they really hurt me. When they pinned me down to the bench they had to turn me over, and I banged my head.

'I don't know if it's fractured yet, but I had terrible bruising and swelling.'

She then added: 'I didn't go to the hospital that day because I knew I figured I'd have to wait hours to be seen and even then all they'd want to know is if I had Covid.

As crowds look on, Mrs Bailey wails: 'Help me'. As she is stood upright and led away, she insists: 'I haven't done anything. I was just sitting on the bench'

'I wasn't arrested for breaking Covid rules. I had been putting up flyers the week before which have anti-Covid and anti-lockdown messages on them.

'It was all absurd really, because the young officer had her mask under her chin, and yet there's supposed to be a killer disease around. How does that work?'

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they arrested her as officers wanted to speak about her about a previous allegation of criminal damage which 'related to anti-coronavirus literature being placed around the area'.

They added that the incident has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Branch for further consideration, following a review by a senior officer.

A force spokesperson told MailOnline: 'GMP is aware of a video circulating online of a woman being arrested in Wythenshawe.

'On Saturday 17 April 2021 security officers at Wythenshawe Civic Centre alerted police to a woman police were keen to speak to in connection with an offence of criminal damage that had occurred on 1 March 2021.

'The offence related to anti-coronavirus literature being placed around the area.

'Officers approached the 69-year-old woman and asked her to confirm her identity in order for her to be reported for summons.

'Refusing to give her details, she was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. The woman began to resist arrest and officers are seen to restrain her.

'Following a review of this incident by a senior officer, this incident has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Branch for further consideration.'
YOKNEAM ILIT, Israel, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PixCell Medical, innovator of rapid diagnostic solutions at the point-of-care, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Axonlab, a leader in point-of-care testing in Europe providing the healthcare sector with equipment and services in the fields of medical diagnostics, life science, and software solutions, to distribute the HemoScreen, PixCell's hematology analyzer, in key European geographies.

Axonlab will have exclusive distribution rights in Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

"Collaborating with reputable international supply partners to provide innovative diagnostic systems to clinics, doctors and the research sector is central to our identity as a company. We focus on delivering comprehensive, future-oriented services, and believe that PixCell's HemoScreen is an important tool to enhance a clinician's diagnostic and decision-making capabilities," said Dr Tamara Hensel, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Axonlab. "AI-driven diagnostic tools such as the HemoScreen represent the next evolution of diagnostic technologies. Making this technology available at the point of care for hospitals, medical practices, pharmacies, private laboratories and research organizations can increase patient safety, reduce delays in receiving key diagnostic results, and support clinicians in making informed decisions."

HemoScreen, developed by PixCell Medical, is the only 5-part differential Complete Blood Count (CBC) analyzer that is both FDA-cleared and CE-marked for point-of-care use. HemoScreen delivers lab-quality diagnostic results equivalent to the large and complex lab analyzers traditionally used for hematological testing in significantly less time. Utilizing a disposable cartridge preloaded with all necessary reagents, HemoScreen eliminates the need for routine maintenance and calibration and does not need to be operated by a lab technician. With one drop of blood and within six minutes, HemoScreen delivers CBC results with 20 standard CBC parameters as well as comprehensive abnormal cell flagging for earlier detection of infection and certain cancer types.

"Making HemoScreen widely available enables healthcare organizations to maximize diagnostic resources and helps physicians make faster and more educated clinical decisions. Ultimately, we want to increase efficiency of diagnostics while maintaining the precision of result to help improve patient care and outcomes in a variety of point-of-care settings, including the ICU, emergency departments and oncology wards," said Dr. Avishay Bransky, CEO of PixCell Medical. "We are proud to collaborate with one of the most important distributers of point-of-care testing in Europe, a company known for its uncompromising quality. We are confident that Axonlab will serve as an excellent partner and help to dramatically improve the accessibility of the CBC, the most essential blood test, within the markets it serves."

About PixCell Medical

PixCell Medical provides the only simple-to-use and portable point-of-care blood diagnostic solution. PixCell's FDA-cleared and CE-marked HemoScreen platform shortens diagnostic results delivery from days to minutes. With just one drop of blood and within six minutes, HemoScreen delivers accurate readings of 20 standard blood count parameters, with the high clinical sensitivity of central lab results, saving patients, clinicians and health systems significant time and costs. PixCell leverages their patented Viscoelastic Focusing and lab-on-a-cartridge technologies, along with AI-powered machine vision, to deliver rapid point-of-care diagnostic results anywhere.

For more information: www.pixcell-medical.com. Please follow PixCell Medical on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Finn Partners for PixCell Medical

Lior Feigin

lior.feigin@finnpartners.com

@LiorFeigin

+972 2 589 2016
A British Airways cabin crew member died after shooting himself at a Florida firing range.

An inquest on Wednesday heard that Sam Jones went to the gun range in Orlando in August 2019.

The 27-year-old died from a self inflicted gunshot wound after turning one of the four guns he had hired on himself.

His family told the inquest in Plymouth, Devon that they wanted Jones to be remembered not for his death, but for 'all the beautiful energy he put into his short life'.

They said that they wished he had 'come to us or talked to somebody'.

'We will miss him beyond measure for the rest of our days. He brought so much sunshine into our lives.'

Jones, who came from Exmouth in Devon, was 'determined, brilliantly intelligent and hilariously funny,' his family said.

A British Airways cabin crew member died after shooting himself at a Florida firing range. An inquest on Wednesday heard that Sam Jones went to the gun range in Orlando in August 2019

Jones had a passion for aircraft and travel and had visited six continents. He worked as a cabin crew member for British [Stock image]

He had a passion for aircraft and travel and had visited six continents.

'Every corner of the world was poorer without him,' his family told the inquest.

The senior Plymouth coroner Ian Arrow heard that Jones had died from a gunshot to the head.

A police investigation into the death stated that the reason for Jones' death was unknown, and that he had had 'some relationship issues'.

His family could not afford to pay the 2,500 required to have each of his phones examined following his death, the inquest heard.

The coroner heard that Jones had been able to legally hire the guns - a 9mm gun, a 44 Magnum, a 45 ALP and a 5.7 pistol - at the Oak Ridge range in Orange County Florida and had been instructed on how to safely handle them.

Another patron raised the alarm after finding Jones lying on the floor and attempts were made to help him. The incident was recorded in security footage.

He was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Centre where he was confirmed dead.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here  day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

In the United States, help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can call them for free 24/7 on 1-800-273-8255.
Pittston Area School District will provide a summer program from July 12 to Aug. 5 to help narrow learning gaps and address unfinished learning due to the disruption caused by COVID-19.

District Principal John Haas reviewed the district plans for summer programming at Tuesday's school board meeting. The district can tap into its allocation of federal coronavirus funds to address learning loss.

The program will be Monday through Thursday. The Summer Learning Camp will be for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and will be from 9 a.m. to noon.

Students in grades 7-12 will go the "Credit Recovery  Summer Remediation/Enrichment" program with Session 1 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Session 2 will be from 10:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m.

Transportation will be offered to all students, and bus routes will be determined as the plan progresses. The current plan is to use all school buildings.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the school board approved the 2021-22 calendar with the first day for students on Aug. 30 and graduation on June 3.
Ukraine expects that the development of relations with the Republic of South Africa will contribute to expanding the presence of Ukrainian products throughout the region of the South African Community.

Ukrainian Economy, Trade and Agriculture Development Deputy Minister - Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka said this following his visit to the Republic of South Africa, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Economy Ministrys press service.

"Ukraine is interested in further developing relations with South Africa in the trade and economic sectors and increasing bilateral trade. We consider it promising for both countries to increase exports of Ukrainian agricultural and industrial products to the South African market. It is important for us to deepen relations at the level of business circles, hold B2B meetings and conclude relevant agreements on cooperation at the intergovernmental level, Kachka said.

He stressed that Ukraine considers the Republic of South Africa not only as a promising market, but also as a hub that could contribute to expanding the presence of Ukrainian products throughout the region of the South African Community.

It is noted that the working visit of the Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Minister Taras Kachka was combined with the trade mission of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, which was organized by the Ukrainian Business and Trade Association.

Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation met with the heads of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development of South Africa. Ukrainian officials also joined related events, including meetings with heads of diplomatic missions of South Africa accredited in Pretoria, meetings with representatives of the South African Business Association, a business event at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.

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ALBANY  That brown or bruised banana sitting on the store shelf could be used help light up your house next week. And those misshapen peppers that shoppers have avoided could end up feeding a hungry hog.

Supermarkets have long struggled with the problem of food waste ,which stems from the small amounts of unattractive produce that inevitably end up in some shipments or food such as milk or meat that is past its sell-by date.

Now, the folks at Hannaford supermarkets believe they have come up with the best solution yet, by carefully tracking items which they sent to food banks, farmers who use it for livestock feed or, if those two avenues are closed, to special digesters that create electricity or natural gas from the foodstuffs.

On Tuesday, the supermarket chain highlighted its efforts by marking its first year with zero food waste from the grocer's 183 stores across the Northeast. That milestone was reached in 2020, amid the uncertainty and extra demands of the COVID-19 pandemic that put food banks in overdrive.

Last year was our pressure test, said Andy Willett, the Scarborough, Maine-based companys director of operations.

Willett and others gathered at Albanys Central Avenue store to demonstrate their elaborate system to prevent waste.

He said their efforts last year diverted 25 million pounds of food that otherwise would have gone to landfills.

It starts with software that tracks the food going out onto the shelves each day and items that are removed due to looming sell-by dates, bruising or other imperfections that, while edible, make them hard to sell.

Because they have developed relationships with local food banks, the edible food primarily goes to those organizations including the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and local pantries, said Jessica Cucchi, manager of the North Troy Hannaford.

Her store works with pantries such as Josephs House, Saint Augustines and the Troy Damien Center.

Food that is past its sell-by date or bruised or unedible by humans can be used by farmers such as John Rowland, who uses it to feed the hogs he raises on his farm in Malden Bridge, Columbia County.

The rest gets picked up once a week at each store by Agri-Cycle Energy, a Maine-based firm that runs a large anaerobic digester.

Some of that food goes to the digester near Bangor, Maine, and some in New York goes to a digester run by Oneida County, explained Holden Cookson, Agri-Cycles sustainable waste solutions manager.

Anaerobic digesting is the key to reaching a 100 percent waste-free operation.

Rather than sending what would be unusable to landfills, these food scraps are placed in what is essentially a digester, or large sealed vessel where bacteria breaks it down, releasing methane gas.

The methane becomes biogas that generates electricity for the larger power grid, or it is used as fertilizer.

There is not a whole lot left over, said Cookson.
Built in 1893 by Ernest Coxhead, whose architecture has been described as "bewildering," "fairy magic" and "insane," this Pacific Heights Arts and Crafts home is on sale for the first time in more than 40 years.

Design elements that were Coxhead's signature live on in 2710 Scott St., from intricate details on natural wood-paneled walls and ornate moldings to dramatic beamed ceilings and a curved staircase. That same architectural style is most famously captured in Napa's Churchill House, now the Cedar Gables Inn.

There are also modern details in this home, courtesy of the Frankel family, who has lived there since the 1970s. Mrs. Frankel was an early female law pioneer who attended Yale Law School and began practicing civil rights law in San Francisco in 1956.

"The Frankels, a San Francisco family, purchased this house in 1976 for $205,000, and spent decades preserving its history, but brought it into the 21st century thoughtfully by adding an elevator and a concrete foundation," said listing agent Marianne Schier of Compass.

The Frankels also revamped the kitchen, bathrooms and primary suite.

Today, this piece of history comes with a price tag much higher than when the Frankels took possession - $5.4 million.
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Ungermann strenuously denies the allegations and will defend the charges

Police allege Ungermann sexually assaulted teenage girl in the area in February

Ungermann disappeared from MasterChef: Back to Win without any explanation

His alleged victim will endure a grilling that is expected to go for two days

Ben Ungermann faces three charges of sexual assault allegedly in Melbourne

The child allegedly sexually assaulted by MasterChef's Ben Ungermann had made a previous complaint about him.

The bombshell revelations were aired in a Melbourne court on Wednesday where a two-day ground rules hearing was scheduled to take place.

Daily Mail Australia revealed in May that Ungermann faced three separate charges of sexually assaulting his alleged victim, 16.

Ben Ungermann has appeared in a Melbourne court via video link in Queensland. He is expected to eventually have to return to Melbourne to face child sex allegations

Ben Ungermann continues to post videos and photos of himself to social media flexing his guns to adoring fans

Ben Ungermann was quietly removed from MasterChef last year

Ungermann did not appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and is believed to be holed-up in Queensland where he continues to post videos of himself pumping iron on social media.

The hearing was dramatically delayed after police revealed it intended to make an application to use tendency evidence against Ungermann during his contested hearing in May.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Murphy said the alleged victim had made a statement against the Masterchef star in Queensland 18-months before her alleged attack in Melbourne on February 23 last year.

The court heard the young girl participated in a recorded interview with Queensland detectives, which did not result in any charges being laid against Ungermann.

However, Victorian detectives believe the allegations could prove the former reality star had a 'tendency' to behave in similar ways to the allegations now placed against him.

The alleged victim - now aged 17 - is expected to endure a two-day grilling when she fronts court next month, which is why the 'ground rules' hearing was necessary.

Ungermann has 97,000 followers on Instagram, where he continues to post videos and photos

Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann makes regular Instagram posts

Ungermann's lawyer Ben Bullock appeared in court via videolink from Western Australia after the Masterchef star was forced to ditch Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Lawyers.

Mr Bullock said his firm had only been handed the brief of evidence against Ungermann last week and he had not yet viewed the video police wished to use against his client.

The court heard the alleged victim had participated in four video interviews with police - three directly in relation to the Melbourne charges.

Magistrate Mia Stylianou was scathing of both the police prosecutor and Mr Bullock for failing to come prepared for the two day hearing.

She slammed police for failing to disclose to the defence earlier that it intended to run tendency evidence against Ungermann.

'Did police not think that might be relevant?' she asked.

While the specifics of the earlier allegations remain unknown, Sgt Murphy said the alleged victim's statement 'puts into context' her relationship with Ungermann and the 'nature' of their relationship.

Ungermann continues to post buff photos of himself on Instagram

Ungermann likes to show-off on Instagram where he continues to receive support from fans

We all got problems: Ungermann took to Instagram to declare no-one cares about his problems

Ms Stylianou described the developments as 'substantial', warning it could greatly impact the upcoming contested hearing.

Mr Bullock, who admitted he had only 'glanced his eyes' over the transcript of the girl's earlier statement, said, if allowed, the evidence would prejudice his client's right to a fair trial.

'Certainly I think we'll be objecting to that evidence ... we say it is irrelevant and highly prejudicial with no probative value,' he said.

Court documents state police allege Ungermann intentionally touched his alleged child victim without her consent - and he knew it - at least three times.

One of the charges includes graphic detail of one of the alleged attacks against the young girl.

Police allege the teenage girl states that on Sunday, February 23, Ungermann 'sexually touched her right breast skin-to-skin' against her wishes.

Police intend to call four child witnesses to give evidence against Ungermann - each of them from interstate.

The hearing is expected to take seven days when it gets underway in May.

The court has heard 13 witnesses would be called at the hearing, including five other interstate witnesses, one from Melbourne and three police officers.

Ungermann himself hopes to call a 'civilian witness' from South Africa, who is expected to give evidence via videolink from abroad.

At the time of the alleged offending, Ungermann had been in a relationship with South African TV star and radio personality Leigh-Anne Williams.

Ben Ungermann faces multiple sex assault charges in Melbourne after he was arrested in Docklands in February

Ben Ungermann was quietly removed from the latest season of MasterChef.

Ungermann hit Instagram in late March as police continued to piece together the allegations against him. He will appear in a Melbourne court in May

Ben's Instagram Life On Display February 17: Hits Insta to tell his followers he's with his girlfriend in Melbourne while filming MasterChef February 23: A teenage girl alleges she is sexually assaulted by the MasterChef contestant while at the Docklands February 25: Promotes his appearance in newspapers talking about his appearance on the new MasterChef March 6: Police charge Ungermann with two counts of sexual assault March 13: Ungermann uses a different Instagram account to ask his girlfriend to call him ASAP March 19: Ungermann posts a selfie of himself working out, stating: THE COMEBACK IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN THE SETBACK He also a posts a photo of himself hand-in-hand with Leigh-Anne Williams - sparking reports the couple are engaged March 20: A brooding Ungermann posts: 'You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have' March 20-24: Reports surface that Ungermann has been arrested and had left MasterChef May 1: South African girlfriend posts Ungermann well wishes for his birthday from back in South Africa May 19: Daily Mail Australia reveals Ungermann faces sexual assault allegatons May 20: His Instagram page stops accepting comments Advertisement

All four of the child witnesses are expected to provide their evidence to the court via web cast when the matter eventually returns to court.

Ungermann himself continues to appear on Instagram where he posts buffed photos of himself to adoring fans.

On Tuesday, he posted a video of himself working out under the banner: 'I got a sad story too. But no-one cares. Grind harder. Work harder.'

Daily Mail Australia revealed that Ungermann had been staying in a serviced apartment in Melbourne's Docklands precinct when he put an urgent call out Williams.

His life was quickly falling apart after being charged on March 6 last year with sexually assaulting the teenage girl.

He was about to slip a ring on the South African TV star's finger and was on the verge of being cast into the spotlight again on a new MasterChef show.

But less than a week after being charged, the hulking Ungermann didn't make a phone call to his supposed bride to be and he didn't directly text her phone.

Instead, Ungermann placed a public message on Instagram from an account he does not normally outwardly use.

And it appeared to be a call for help.

'Honey, Leigh please call me asap at Quest New Quay room 1705B,' he messaged her sometime in early March.

The post and its responses have since been removed.

Victorian sexual crime squad detectives had already moved in and charged Ungermann after a report was made alleging he had sexually assaulted a 16-year old girl weeks earlier on February 23.

Ungermann had been filming in Melbourne for the MasterChef: Back to Win program.

In June, Sydney lawyer Adam Houda told Daily Mail Australia his client was completely blindsided by the charges.

'My client is distressed by the charges, which came as a huge shock to him,' he said at the time.

'The allegations, I am instructed, are a complete fabrication and are denied.'

The matter will return to court next month.

Ungermann put out this apparent call for help in the days after he was charged with sexual assault

Engagement rumours: MasterChef Australia star Ben Ungermann's Instagram post sparked rumours he was engaged to his then girlfriend, South African TV star and radio personality Leigh-Anne Williams. Ungermann has suggested she will act as a defence witness in his upcoming trial
National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug raises a hand and smiles during a video meeting with European Parliament President David Sassoli, Tuesday (KST). Courtesy of the office of National Assembly speaker



By Jung Da-min



National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug held a video meeting with European Parliament President David Sassoli, Tuesday evening (KST), the first such meeting between the parliamentary leaders of Korea and the European Union (EU).



Park and Sassoli discussed a wide range of issues including the global supply of COVID-19 vaccines, Japan's recent decision to discharge contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, the "peace process" on the Korean Peninsula and global climate change, according to the speaker's office.



Park specifically asked for the EU's help in procuring a timely supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses for Korea, telling Sassoli that the country was having difficulty in getting enough of these.









"Korea's quarantine measures against the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted smoothly under the three principles of openness, democracy and transparency, but we're having difficulties in securing vaccines," Park said. "I ask for the European Parliament's attention and cooperation so that vaccines produced in Europe could be introduced to Korea in a timely manner."



Sassoli said that the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain in Europe is facing many problems but the European Parliament would try to accommodate Park's request.



On the matter of global climate change, Park said, "While the EU is pushing ahead with its Green Deal, the Korean government is also pushing ahead with its Green New Deal. As the two sides share a lot in common in the direction of environmental policies, there is room for further cooperation."




Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 18:59:07|Editor: huaxia

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People commemorate the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks to remember all the victims killed in the suicide blasts in 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan prime minister and legislators commemorated the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks by observing a two minute silence on Wednesday to remember all the victims killed in the suicide blasts in 2019.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa observed the silence in honor of those killed at his official residence in Colombo while parliamentarians who were all dressed in black observed silence in the parliament complex ahead of the day's parliamentary sessions.

Meanwhile silence was also observed across the country as thousands gathered in churches and attended the events to remember the over 260 killed in the blasts by suicide attackers in the early hours of April 21, 2019.

The events were held under tight security as thousands of police and army personnel were deployed in every church across the country.

Sri Lankan authorities continue to probe the terror attacks and say they have identified the masterminds behind the attack, who have been taken into custody.

Several foreign tourists were also killed in the attacks. Enditem
Retail spending in Houston grew in January over the previous year despite the pandemics effects on the economy, according to a new report from the JPMorgan Chase Institute.

Spending rose 3.7 percent over the year earlier, according to a report released Tuesday by the institute, which tracks monthly spending across a sample of some 40 million cardholders nationwide. The report, the latest in a series of monthly updates on spending in 15 metro areas, places Houstons growth above the national average of 2.7 percent.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Hiring in Texas surges with vaccinations, stimulus

Spending growth in Houston outpaced that of New York (up 1.5 percent year over year) and Los Angeles (down 1.5 percent). Houstons retail growth lagged behind Atlanta and Detroit, which each saw retail sales jump 11 percent.

Retail sales in January typically hit a post-holiday slump, but this year the strong holiday shopping season rolled into the New Year, said Venky Shankar, research director of Texas A&M University's Center for Retailing Studies.

Despte the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, Americans spent more on holiday shopping heading into 2021 than ever before  $789 billion, an increase of 8 percent over the previous years season, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers spent $209 billion online, an increase of 24 percent.

Online shopping drove the spending growth in Houston, said Chi Mac, the institutes small business research lead. Consumers in Houston spent 21 percent more year over year, she said, contributing 7 percentage points to the overall growth in January.

For Houston, offline spending is still negative, but its been compensated by the online spending, Mac said.

Holiday sales were about 25 percent greater the previous year at Diptyque, a candle and perfumery store in River Oaks, said store manager Jennifer Simmons-Lazzari. We blew last year out of the water, she said, citing the promise of vaccinations rolling out and a pandemic-friendly product line. Sales thus far in 2021 have continued to outpace the prior years.

Carol Staley, owner of the childrens store Tomfoolery in Meyerland, said she did more in sales this past holiday season than last year. That pace has continued, she said, as revenues have consistently exceeded her prepandemic baselines so far this year. Easter was fantastic, too, she said.

amanda.drane@chron.com

Twitter.com/amandadrane
Every few years, NASA creates Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI) in areas it believes are going to be strategic for future technology and space missions. Today, that area is electric propulsion - the use of electrical energy to accelerate propellant to create thrust. The technology yields extremely efficient thrusters to power space flight for gateway launches to the moon or even shuttling massive loads of cargo to Mars.

The Georgia Institute of Technology, along with 11 partner universities and 17 researchers, will receive $15 million over five years to fund the Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS) - a new STRI to develop strategies and methodologies to surmount limitations in ground testing of high-power electric propulsion systems.

Mitchell Walker, professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, is the principal investigator and will serve as director of JANUS, leading an interdisciplinary team of researchers from across the country. According to the original proposal, the vision of JANUS is to enable and proliferate the flight of high-power electric propulsion systems.

Beginning in October 2021, JANUS will tackle core challenges to electric propulsion ground testing. Other on-the-ground challenges will also be examined, including pressure in the vacuum facility, material erosion and deposits, and electrical circuits that don't exist in space the way they do on Earth. Walker aims to overcome these infrastructure issues to better understand how researchers can test the engines on the ground and extrapolate that data for use in space.

"The challenge is that in order to get electric propulsion devices big enough to push spacecraft and cargo to their destination fast enough for future NASA missions, the engines will be bigger than what we know how to test on the ground," Walker said. "JANUS will address the infrastructure challenges to ensure accurate ground testing and data translation to create electrical propulsion that powers space travel."

For the last 25 years, electric propulsion researchers have known that ground testing was an issue. Until now, however, there has never been a dedicated group of researchers across multiple fields from different universities working together to solve the problem.

"JANUS is important because we are bringing together the people who are experts in all the pieces of the problem," Walker said. "Together, we as researchers can work side by side to actually have a complete answer and understanding of what to do next. We can then give our electric propulsion testing answers to the community, not just NASA, but the Department of Defense and all the industrial players. If we get this right in the U.S., this is going to be an international standard for how to do the testing. And it's going to move everyone forward."

Serving alongside Walker are four leads who focus specifically on diagnostics and fundamental studies (Joshua Rovey and John Williams), physics-based modeling and integration (Richard Wirz), and pressure electrical facility effects (Benjamin Jorns). Walker has assembled this team to ensure that all researchers are contributing to specific areas of the Research Institute, tapping into everyone's areas of expertise. He also believes this management model will keep them engaged as the research pivots.

For Walker, running JANUS will be a culminating achievement to his 16-year research career in electric propulsion. Before now, he hasn't had the opportunity to work in tandem with some of the most talented researchers in the world on a ubiquitous research challenge.

"JANUS is a dream come true for me," he said. "You get to work with the very best people in the country on the most relevant problems, and the students who come out of this will set the course for the field for the next 20 to 30 years. It's a great time to make a lasting impact and legacy in the field."

Another focus for Walker with JANUS is proactively enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the research enterprise.

"Team members from Clark Atlanta University, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago State bring a unique perspective," he said. "We chose those institutions because of their existing strengths in materials characterization, expertise that we needed. And then we incorporated many different pathways for undergraduate students from those institutions to contribute to the science. They were an inherent part of the value of the proposal."

Over the next three years, Walker's team will use uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis of the overall thruster performance and life models to drive and accelerate the modeling and experimental inquiries.

"We are expecting some really phenomenal results after three years, and in our proposal, we identify that they will help us pivot our research direction based on the true problems and unknowns we discover," Walker said. "These unknowns could be pressure effects, erosion processes, electrical issues, and instability problems."

For the final two years of the grant, the JANUS team plans to deliver new tools, strategies, and guidelines for evaluating existing infrastructure and designing new infrastructure for testing high-power electric propulsion. These include validated models for the response of thrusters to the vacuum facility, new physics-based standards for testing and modeling that encapsulate best practices for mitigating or compensating for facility effects, and new standardized diagnostic techniques for characterizing the effects of the facility on thruster operation.

JANUS partner universities include the Georgia Institute of Technology (Mitchell Walker, Maryam Saeedifard); University of Michigan (John Foster, Alec Gallimore, Alex Gorodetsky, Benjamin Jorns); University of California, Los Angeles (Richard Wirz, Jaime Marian); University of Illinois (Huck Beng Chew, Deborah Levin, Joshua Rovey); Colorado State University (John Williams, Azer Yalin); Pennsylvania State University (Sarah Cusson); Stanford University (Ken Hara); University of Colorado Boulder (Iain Boyd); Western Michigan University (Kristina Lemmer); Clark Atlanta University (Issifu Harruna); Chicago State University (Valerie Goss); and City Colleges of Chicago (Phillip Vargas). Industry partners include The Aerospace Corporation, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Busek.

The work of many Georgia Tech staff and faculty members went into the creation of Walker's proposal, including Ming "Millie" Wang in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Kristal Thompson-Black in the Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, who provided significant support in assembling the budget for this proposal. Rebecca Terns, Ph.D., and Brian James in the Office of Research Development helped managed the assembly and submission of the Institute proposal.

###

The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a top 10 public research university developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

The Institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees. Its nearly 40,000 students, representing 50 states and 149 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning.

As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society.
Egypt fires top railway official after deadly train crashes View Photo

CAIRO (AP)  Egypts transportation minister on Tuesday said he sacked the countrys top railway official, following three train accidents in less than a month that left more than 40 people dead and over 350 injured.

The firing of Ashraf Raslan was part of an attempt to overhaul the rundown railway systems leadership amid public outcry over repeated train crashes.

Raslan, who headed the railway authority since July 2018, was replaced by Mustafa Abuel-Makarm, Transportation Minister Kamal el-Wazir said in a statement.

The personnel changes included the main departments of the railway authority that manages train traffic in the Arab worlds most populous country. The goal is to inject a number of competent professionals as part of efforts to upgrade the poorly maintained network, the statement said.

The firing of Raslan came after a passenger train derailed Sunday north of Cairo. The countrys top prosecutor said Tuesday that the casualty toll had risen to 23 dead and 139 wounded, up from the previously announced 11 dead and 98 wounded.

General Prosecutor Hamada el-Sawy ordered the detention of 23 railway employees, including the train driver and his assistant, pending an investigation into the crash.

He also summoned Raslan and Abuel-Makarm for questioning. Prosecutors have not concluded their investigation, the statement said.

After Sundays crash, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced the establishment of an official commission to investigate its causes. Prosecutors also launched their own probe.

Last week, a train derailed in the Nile Delta province of Sharqia, injuring 15 people. On March 25, two passenger trains collided in the southern province of Sohag, killing at least 18 people and injuring 200 others, including children. Prosecutors blamed gross negligence by railway employees for that crash.

The countrys railway system has a history of badly maintained equipment and poor management.

The government says it has launched a broad renovation and modernization initiative, buying train cars and other equipment from European and U.S. manufacturers to automate the system and develop a domestic rail car industry.

El-Sissi said in March 2018 that the government needs about 250 billion Egyptian pounds, or $14.1 billion, to overhaul the rail system.

Hundreds of train accidents are reported every year. In February 2019 an unmanned locomotive slammed into a barrier inside Cairos main Ramses railway station, causing a huge explosion and a fire that killed at least 25 people. That crash prompted the then-transportation minister to resign.

In August 2017, two passenger trains collided just outside the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, killing 43 people. In 2016, at least 51 people were killed when two commuter trains collided near Cairo.

Egypts deadliest train crash was in 2002, when over 300 people were killed after a fire broke out in an overnight train traveling from Cairo to southern Egypt.

By SAMY MAGDY

Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS -- A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the drive-by shooting of a group of Minnesota National Guard soldiers this week that left two injured.

The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office charged Andrew Thomas with one count of illegal possession of a firearm on Monday. Minneapolis police say they arrested Thomas on Sunday night driving the vehicle caught on camera during the shooting.

On Sunday, at 4:20 a.m., multiple shots were fired out of a light-colored SUV passing the team of soldiers, along with a Minneapolis police officer, near Penn Avenue North and West Broadway Avenue. One of the shots pierced the windshield of a vehicle with four soldiers inside, according to charging documents. One soldier was injured by broken glass; the other sustained "superficial injuries," the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office said.

"I am relieved to know none of our Guardsmen were seriously injured," said Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke earlier this week. "This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now. I ask for peace as we work through this difficult time."

The soldiers are part of Operation Safety Net, a joint effort among the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the State of Minnesota and local jurisdictions that have been activated in response to protests of police violence in the Twin Cities. The protests came after the deaths of two Black men in Minnesota as a result of interactions with police -- George Floyd last year and Daunte Wright this month.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes after he was detained by law enforcement last May, was found guilty of murder on Tuesday.

Many have been critical of the armed military presence in their communities. Popular chants included demands for the soldiers to "Go home" last week in Brooklyn Center, where hundreds of demonstrators turned out multiple nights in a row in response to a police officer killing Daunte Wright, an unarmed Black man in that city.

Hours after the shooting, around 10 p.m. on Sunday, police officers spotted an SUV matching the description in south Minneapolis and pulled the vehicle over. Police found two guns in the car and arrested Thomas, the driver, according to charges.

Thomas, who court records list with a Minneapolis or a Chicago address, was barred from legally possessing a gun based on a 2017 felony third-degree assault conviction in Hennepin County.

Thomas was booked in Hennepin County jail, and was released to the custody of U.S. marshals on Tuesday morning.

This article is written by Andy Mannix from Star Tribune and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

Related: Two Guardsmen Return to Duty After Being Shot at in Minneapolis; 3K Troops Brace for Unrest
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 10:36:03|Editor: huaxia

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SEOUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export grew in double figures in the first 20 days of this month, showing signs of recovery from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, customs office data showed Wednesday.

Export, which accounts for about half of the South Korean economy, came in at 30.99 billion U.S. dollars in the April 1-20 period, up 45.4 percent from the same period of last year, according to Korea Customs Service.

The daily average export, which excludes the working-day effect, surged 36.0 percent in the 20-day period.

It was mainly attributed to the low base effect as the outbound shipment tumbled 26.9 percent in the same period of last year amid the economic downturn from the pandemic.

The country's export advanced 12.4 percent in December last year, 11.4 percent in January, 9.5 percent in February, and 16.6 percent in March respectively, showing signs of recovery from the pandemic.

During the 20-day period of this month, shipment for oil products, auto parts, cars, telecommunication devices and semiconductors soared in double digits.

Export to China, the United States, the European Union, Vietnam and Japan all surged in double figures.

Import expanded 31.3 percent over the year to 33.01 billion dollars in the first 20 days of this month, sending the trade deficit to 2.02 billion dollars. Enditem
Chinese regulators will step up scrutiny of financial institutions shareholding structures and tighten oversight of major shareholders and management to root out risks in the financial system, said Xiao Yuanqi, a vice chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC).

Strengthening corporate governance is key for financial institutions to enhance risk control, Xiao said in an interview on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Financial regulators should keep close watch on institutions to detect problems early and help defuse risks, said Xiao, a former CBIRC chief risk officer who was promoted to vice chairman in February.

Since China initiated a sweeping crackdown on financial market misconduct in 2017, risks in some banking institutions have been successfully removed through restructuring to allow institutions to return to a healthy track, Xiao said. For example, Shandong-based Hengfeng Bank Co. Ltd., which was rattled by executives massive misappropriation, won regulatory approval in 2019 for a restructuring led by the local government. Before that, regulators took over Inner Mongolia-based Baoshang Bank Co. Ltd. and rescued Liaoning-based Bank of Jinzhou Co. Ltd.

But efforts are still going on to combat risks in small banks, trust companies and insurers, Xiao said.

Data from the CBIRC showed that nonperforming loans in Chinas banking industry totaled 3.6 trillion yuan ($552 billion) at the end of March. The ratio of bad loans to total assets stood at 1.89%, down 0.02 of a percentage point from the beginning of the year.

Years of battles to clean up financial risks have shown how large shareholders overwhelming control of financial institutions, mostly through hidden shareholdings and affiliated parties, has brewed risks, Xiao said.

At the same time, flawed corporate governance and weak internal controls allowed management of some institutions to seek illegal benefits while hurting the interests of institutions and customers, he said.

These are the painful lessons we learned from previous efforts to deal with risks, Xiao said. The CBIRC will tighten supervision of financial institutions major shareholders and senior executives, he said.

Moving forward, the regulator will focus on preventing new risks from emerging in financial institutions by enhancing their corporate governance and internal control mechanisms, especially in the rural credit system, the vice chairman said.

As a major part of the fight against financial risks, the CBIRC has pushed banks to reduce shadow banking since 2017, leading to a dramatic decline in off-balance sheet lending, Xiao said.

As banks pared back off-balance sheet assets, regulators have offered more options for banks to replenish capital via equity sales. Xiao said such moves will not only help banks to enhance capital but also will improve their governance by introducing new shareholders.

U.K.-educated Xiao was previously in charge of overseeing joint-stock banks, city banks and large state-owned banks. As the CBIRCs chief risk officer, Xiao talked a lot about defusing and preventing financial risks. In a briefing earlier this year, he said the regulator was continually alarmed by growing risks from shadow banking. He also warned that banks nonperforming loans could rise.

Guo Yingzhe contributed to this story.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

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Mike Schmidt and Carl Macpherson

Schmidt is Multnomah County district attorney. Macpherson is executive director of Metropolitan Public Defender.

As the elected Multnomah County district attorney and the executive director of Oregons largest trial-level public defense services provider, our roles within the criminal justice system are quite different. And due to the adversarial nature of the system, we often find ourselves on opposing sides.

However, we are united in supporting a bill in the Legislature that will make Oregons criminal record expungement system more just, efficient and equitable.

Everyone should have a fair opportunity to make a living, take care of their families and participate in their communities. Even when people make mistakes, they deserve a second chance at freedom, opportunity and a better future. But instead, nearly 1.5 million Oregoniansincluding many who have been accused or arrested, but never convictedare saddled with records that may block their access to jobs, housing, education, starting a business or participating fully in social and civic community life. The impact of that record can be far reaching, impacting the dreams and goals people have created for themselves and their families, including their children.

These old records limit possibilities, causing incredible damage to people and communities. And the costs have a disproportionate impact on low-income and Black and Latinx communities that already face barriers to housing and employment, further perpetuating poverty and racial inequity.

Expungement  sealing official court records from public view, including convictions is a powerful tool to help Oregon families. In fact, a study published in the Harvard Law Review last year found that people who expunged their criminal records were much less likely to commit another crime than the general public. Additionally, they saw their average wages rise by 22% within one year of expungement. As Oregon recovers from the pandemic, getting more Oregonians back to work makes our communities safer and our economy stronger.

However, Oregons current expungement statute is not aligned with best practices. For example, there are lengthy waiting periods even for people who were never convicted. The current statute makes people wait up to 20 years to expunge certain convictionsa timeframe that is far longer than national averages and is out of step with public safety research. On top of a lengthy wait, the expungement process includes expensive fees that dont take into account a persons financial circumstances, meaning that low-income, and Black and brown people are consistently unable to access the second chances that our expungement law should provide. In fact, research shows that less than 6% of people eligible for expungement under Oregons current law actually seek it and successfully get their records cleared  evidence that Oregons current process is inaccessible for the vast majority of people.

Senate Bill 397, now in the Ways and Means committee, aims to transform the system by expanding expungement opportunities. SB 397drafted through extensive collaboration between agencies and organizations representing every part of the criminal justice systemwould eliminate or reduce waiting periods for non-convictions, shorten waiting periods for convictions, and eliminate the standard filing fee. We urge the Oregon Senate to approve the bill and send it to the House for further consideration.

We both strongly believe that after doing everything the court has asked them to do, people have the right to move on from their past mistakes. When our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and community members are barred from fully participating in society and our economy, we all lose. We can do better. A criminal record should not be a life sentence to poverty, exclusion and stigma.

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Lucknow, April 21 : The Justice B.S. Chauhan inquiry commission, set up by the Uttar Pradesh government, has found no evidence of wrongdoing by Uttar Pradesh Police in the encounter killings of gangster Vikas Dubey and his five associates, allegedly staged to avenge the murder of eight policemen in the Bikru carnage.

This is at variance with the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was also set up by the Yogi Adityanath government last year to probe the role of police personnel in the Bikru carnage. The SIT had found that over 50 police personnel had a nexus with Vikas Dubey, the main accused in the carnage.

The inquiry commission headed by former SC judge B.S. Chauhan and comprising former Allahabad High Court judge Shashi Kant Agrawal and former Director General of Police K.L. Gupta, submitted its report to the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday after eight months of intense yet futile search for independent witnesses who could give a version that was different from the police narrative about the encounter killings.

The report is in the process of being filed in the Supreme Court.

While the Bikru armed assault on the police team took place in the night of July 3, the encounter killings of Dubey and his associates happened in broad daylight.

"And yet, there was no independent witness who came forward to depose and give evidence that was at variance with the police version of the encounters," said an official source.

As many as six PILs were filed in the Supreme Court that later approved the UP government's decision to institute an inquiry commission into the encounter killings.

"It is a case of no evidence against the police. The commission gave repeated advertisements in newspapers requesting media personnel who reported on the encounters and termed it as fake, to come forward to give evidence, but no one appeared before the panel," said the official.

The commission had also distributed pamphlets in villages near the encounter sites requesting people to narrate the incidents.

"There were independent witnesses who deposed but they supported the police version," the source said.

The Justice Chauhan Commission lamented in its 130-odd page report that is accompanied by 600 pages of documents relating to dummy enactment of encounters at all encounter sites, questioning of each policeman involved in the encounters and statement of witnesses -- that no person from the media, local resident or even the relatives of Dubey and his killed gang members came forward to testify before the panel despite summons to them.

The commission had served summons on Dubey's wife, relatives and residents of villages to which Dubey and his gang members belonged. "No one came forward," the report said.

Justice Chauhan has reportedly devoted an entire chapter to record the commission's "total disappointment" with the media, which ramped up coverage of the alleged fake encounter, for not coming forward to give evidence or supply footage of the incidents.

The SIT, headed by additional chief secretary Sanjay Bhoosreddy and included additional DG Hari Ram Sharma and DIG Ravinder Goud as its members, on the other hand, had recommended 'strong action' against police personnel who had a nexus with Vikas Dubey and his gang.

The SIT, in its 3,500 page report submitted in November last year, had indicted the then DIG Kanpur Anant Dev Tiwari for his nexus with the gang after which Tiwari was placed under suspension.

The report carried 36 recommendations, giving details of the alleged role of some officers and police personnel in the Kanpur episode.

"It came to the fore that policemen used to give tip-offs to Dubey, and on the night of the ambush he was aware that a police team was coming to Bikru," a senior officer had said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, inviting him to meet "in any part of the Ukrainian Donbas where war is ongoing."

Zelensky said this in a video address posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, April 20, according to Ukrinform.

"The Russian president once said: if a fight is inevitable, you have to hit first. But, in my opinion, today every leader must understand that a fight cannot be inevitable when it is not about the gateway and hooligans, but about a real war and millions of human lives. And that, unlike a fight, all sides lose in a war. And that it is impossible to protect someone by attacking. And that it is impossible to release someone by capturing. And that it is impossible to bring peace on a tank," Zelensky said.

He also stressed that "many people do not understand from whom someone wants to protect and liberate them - and why they can be fired upon and bombed for this purpose."

"Ukraine and Russia, despite their common past, look to the future differently. We are who we are. You are who you are. But this is not necessarily a problem. This is an opportunity. This is at least an opportunity to stop the deadly mathematics of future military losses before it is too late," Zelensky said.

He said that the resumption of the full ceasefire was discussed at meetings of advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Four countries and security subgroups within the Trilateral Contact Group on Monday and Tuesday, but despite the support of all parties, Russia refused to support a joint declaration.

"At the same time, a proposal was made to meet on the contact line in order to see and understand the situation as accurately as possible. What should I understand? I go there every month. Mr. Putin! I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbas where war is ongoing," Zelensky said.

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2 Nebraska towns vote to become Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn

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Two towns in Nebraska have passed ordinances to become Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn, or places where performing an abortion can be criminally punished.

Hayes Center and Blue Hill, both of which have fewer than 1,000 residents, joined several towns in Texas in approving such ordinances, doing so on April 6 and April 13, respectively.

It shall be unlawful for any person to procure or perform an abortion of any type and at any stage of pregnancy in the village of Hayes Center, Nebraska, reads the resolution approved by the village of Hayes Center Board of Trustees, as reported by The Hayes Center Times-Republican.

It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly aid or abet an abortion that occurs in the village of Hayes Center, Nebraska.

Regarding their ordinance, Blue Hill Mayor Keri Schunk told KSNB in an interview last week that while the town doesn't have an abortion clinic, the ordinance was meant to be a preventive measure.

If someone violates, it will be brought to the attention of ... the council and then we will proceed with our attorneys, said Schunk, noting that violators will be fined $500. If you still feel the need for an abortion or feel that there is a reason to have an abortion, there are means to do so  I believe the councils intent was just youre not going to be able to do it in Blue Hill.

Critics of the towns' actions include the Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which might soon challenge the legality of the ordinances.

Cities and villages cannot outlaw or criminalize abortion. It is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution. We are monitoring suspect local ordinances and exploring our options, including litigation if necessary, said Scott Richters of the ACLU of Nebraska in a statement.

Instead of joining in this national, extremist effort to shame others and push abortion care out of reach, the elected leaders of these communities should quickly repeal these ordinances, Richters added.

In 2019, several Texas towns passed ordinances making themselves a Sanctuary City for the Unborn. The first was Waskom, which is near the Louisiana border.

Waskom Mayor Jesse Moore said in a statement at the time that the new ordinance is intended to prevent an abortion clinic from opening in his city.

We decided to take things into our own hands, and we've got to do something to protect our cities and to protect the unborn children, he said in June 2019.

Roswell, New Mexico, the small town famous for being near Area 51, passed a pro-life measure a few months before Waskom, titled A Resolution in Support of the Unborn.
The Alabama Democratic Party announced Tuesday that it supports the legalization of cannabis for recreational and medical use in Alabama.

A bill legalizing medical use of marijuana by Alabama residents is currently moving through the state legislature. That bill would allow people with a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer, epilepsy or a terminal illness, to buy marijuana for treatment after getting a recommendation from a doctor.

Heres more from the partys news release:

Legalizing cannabis is an extremely popular policy that would help repair damage caused by our criminal justice system and create an economic boom for our state.

Nearly 100 years of marijuana prohibition and criminalization has trapped thousands of Alabamians, mostly Black, in our broken criminal justice system, said Rep. Chris England, Alabama Democrats Chair.

Reforming policy surrounding cannabis not only serves our state in producing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues, but is an important step in reducing arrests and expunging records. Nobody should be sitting in jail for carrying a little bit of weed.

Alabama spends millions of dollars annually keeping people locked up for possessing marijuana. Not only could Alabama save this money, but could also bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue, thousands of jobs, and opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs in Alabama to thrive in a new business market.

Weve had the discussions in the legislature about medical marijuana, and thats a good first step, but lets not allow Mississippi or Georgia to legalize recreational sales before we do. Weve seen the progress that other states have made. Alabama could be the first state in the Deep South to legalize cannabis for recreational use. We cant afford to let this opportunity go to another state in our region, England said.

Public opinion surrounding recreational cannabis has also shifted drastically over the past decade.

Legalizing marijuana is not only the right thing to do, its popular, said Wade Perry, Executive Director of the Alabama Democrats.

Recent polling shows that 70% of voters and a majority of people in all demographics and age groups favor legalization. Even two-thirds of Republican voters support legalization. Whether somebody is fishing on Weiss Lake, sitting on their porch in Wilcox County, or relaxing after a long day of work in Birmingham, Alabamians are already smoking pot. Any politician standing in the way of cannabis legalization is holding our state back and making a dumb political calculation.

The Alabama Democrats will continue to roll out facts surrounding cannabis legalization and have launched a new line of merchandise that people can wear to show their support.

Jessica Washington, Political Director for the Alabama Democrats said, Bad policies surrounding cannabis have disproportionately affected communities of color and we need reform. Our party is going to continue having conversations about this issue with not only our legislators, but community leaders, activists, and voters. As we return to in-person campaigning, this will be a big topic of conversations on the doors, over the phone, at events, and on social media all the way through Election Day in 2022.
Japan's glacial COVID-19 inoculation push is prompting some foreign residents to consider flying to other countries to get vaccinated, as the pandemic surges again with no shots in sight for everyday people.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga negotiated with the CEO of Pfizer Inc on Saturday to secure more vaccine doses, now expected to be enough for all residents by September. That's well after the scheduled start of the Tokyo Olympics and far behind the pace of most major economies.

Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to the shots.

It's unclear how many foreigners are flying out of Japan to get shots, but it is a hot topic on social media and in business circles.

Japan has vaccinated about 1% of its population, compared with 2.9% in South Korea, which started later, and at least 40% in both the United States and Britain, according to a Reuters tracker.

Japan bars tourists from entering the country, and it's no easy matter for residents to get vaccinated overseas and come back. A two-dose regimen would take at least a couple weeks, often longer, and Japan operates a two-week quarantine for people coming into the country, even if they have been vaccinated.
Press Release

April 21, 2021 MAGNA CARTA AMENDMENTS

Pangilinan seeks P10,000 monthly hazard pay, raise in OT and night differential for public health workers AIMING to respond to the severe gaps in the already struggling healthcare system revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan files several amendments to the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. "Malinaw na hindi sapat ang compensation para sa ating public health workers lalo na ngayong pandemya. Sila na nga ang nahaharap sa panganib, hindi pa mapunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan upang, unang una, maging ligtas habang nasa frontlines at pangalawa, mabigyan ng katumbas na pasahod ang kanilang serbisyo," Pangilinan said. "Front-line workers ang tawag sa kanila dahil sa giyera laban Covid, sila ang unang nakaumang sa panganib. Deserve nila ang buong suporta at benepisyo mula sa gobyerno, hindi sapat na tawagin silang bayani," he added. Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2142 seeks to amend the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers or Republic Act 7305 by institutionalizing an increase in allowances and additional compensation of public health workers. "The old Magna Carta for Public Health Workers is almost 30 years old. There are needs at the present that cannot be met anymore by the old law. And the pandemic has revealed that it is severely lacking in ensuring our public health care workers are adequately compensated in the face of a global health emergency. It has to be updated to respond to the call of the times," Pangilinan said. Under SBN 2142, the night differential of public health workers will be increased from 10 percent to 20 percent of their regular wage for each hour of night-shift work. Overtime rate will also be increased from 10 percent to 20 percent. "Given the difficulty of compensating our front-liners during this pandemic, we want to make sure that hazard allowances are properly and swiftly distributed. We aim to mandate that public health workers will be paid a hazard allowance of 10,000 pesos per month or more, depending on the need and especially when there's an emergency," Pangilinan said, noting that the base amount of 10,000 pesos can be increased through the mandate of the Secretary of Health. "We also want to provide a subsistence allowance of at least 300 pesos per day, and an additional laundry allowance of 500 pesos (from 125 pesos) that will be reviewed periodically and to be increased as needed. Our front-liners deserve all these and more," Pangilinan said. SBN 2142 also strengthens the anti-discrimination clause in the Magna Carta by further adding that no public health worker will be discriminated against with regard to sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, civil status, age, disability, religious or political beliefs and affiliations, or ethnicity. A recent dialogue between public health workers and the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that there are still unpaid benefits for front-line health workers under the extended Bayanihan Law. According to the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), most hospitals paid these benefits only until December 19, 2020, while some local government hospitals haven't received said benefits until now. Reports in late 2020 indicate that over 16,000 healthcare workers have yet to receive their hazard pay under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. AHW is calling for an increase in Special Risk Allowance of 15,000 pesos per month and Active Hazard Duty Pay of 5,000 pesos per month starting January 2021 until the duration of the pandemic. While the DOH has committed to follow up with the Department of Budget and Management regarding the 16 billion pesos requested for the delayed hazard pay of front-line health workers, Pangilinan said that the amendments to the Magna Carta will lessen, if not eliminate, current bureaucratic roadblocks. "We have to do better now, and do even better next time. Kailangang mabilis kapag usapin ng buhay at kaligtasan. This is but one of the many necessary changes and updating that our health care system needs," Pangilinan said. While the Philippines reported 7,379 additional Covid-19 cases as of April 20, the country moves closer to 1 million with a total of 953,106 reported cases. A total of 1,562,563 vaccines have so far been administered at 3,263 vaccination sites in 17 regions.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As an advocate for a sex-positive lifestyle, sexual wellness brand LELO is all for sexting as it allows people to express things they might not say face to face to another person. The right emoji will easily elevate "wyd" to "come-hither." And yet, there is no sex emoji. Instead, those engaging in sexting have to use numerous substitutes.

The survey on the use of emojis for sex - U.S. results

In light of this, LELO submits the application to introduce the first official #sexemoji to Unicode and believes the creation of such an emoji will usher in a new era of communication, further break the stigma surrounding the talk of sex online and help more people be more satisfied with their sex life. Simultaneously, LELO launches a petition via change.org asking the public to rally behind this cause.

The new normal communication

What originally started as a small, pixelated icon has become a part of modern culture, a universal language and favorite foreplay for many. In light of this, LELO carried out a survey, and some 10,000 participants shared their communication habits regarding the use of emojis for sexting. The survey revealed:

76% say that they use emojis for sexting.

71.5% use them because they are playful.

86% would support LELO's application for a sex emoji.

54% think there should also be an emoji for safe sex and sex toys.

62% say the sex emoji should hint at sex; 29% believe it should clearly portray sex.

With the pandemic making people stay at home for the more significant part of last year and the beginning of this year, even more people's day-to-day activity made its way online. "For the sexual wellness industry, the first lockdown of 2020 completely normalized the discourse on sexual pleasure in the mainstream media. It was proven as a key part of human well-being, and the ability to talk about sexuality in every medium is essential for personal well-being. This prompted LELO to submit an official application for the creation of the first official sex emoji. With sex now being a regular feature in the media, it seems that the time has also come to have the sex emoji. And as an industry leader, we see it as our responsibility to spearhead this cause for the entire industry and general public. We see this emoji's creation as gearing towards free sexual expression on all channels and posting without fear of censorship on social media. Having sex, safe sex, and even sex toy emoji will therefore be the next milestone in fully liberating the discourse on sex," says LELO CMO Luka Matutinovic.

For all PR inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Related Images

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LELO Survey - U.S. Infographics

The survey on the use of emojis for sex - U.S. results

SOURCE LELO

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China's closure of Catholic orphanages for disabled children betrays hope of Vatican Agreement: Priest

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China's mass closure of Catholic orphanages, largely made up of children with mental and physical disabilities, betrays the hope of the controversial 2018 Vatican agreement that promised a better day for the Church, a priest has said.

In a recent article published by Asia News, a Chinese priest who goes by P. Wendao urged the pope and the universal Church to stop the closure of Catholic orphanages after authorities with the Chinese Communist Party shuttered several homes, transferring children  many of them disabled  to other facilities.

It is clear that those government officials are not planning to serve abandoned children, but only to follow their senior officials political orders, namely, to do everything possible to reduce the influence of the Catholic Church in China, the priest writes.

For this reason, at present, the government is relentlessly suppressing and imposing various measures of control on Catholic social services or Church life.

Recently, the CCP shut down two Catholic Church-run childrens homes: St Josephs Disabled Infant Home in Renqiu, Xianxian (Diocese of Cangzhou), and the Liming (Dawn) Home in the Diocese of Zhaoxian, both in Hebei province.

The CCP also shuttered Catholic-run orphanages in Zhangjiakou and Zhengding, both in Hebei. The same happened two years ago to an orphanage in Baoji, Shaanxi province, run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

In his letter, Wendao noted that the services provided by these facilities have been respected and appreciated by Chinese citizens, even government officials.

These disabled childrens homes were respected and deeply loved by many Chinese; many caring people visited and served there, bearing good fruits of love to the Church and society. People learned to care and respect Gods little ones, he said, adding that the children being cared for at these homes are usually among the most neglected by society.

Most of the children cared for by the sisters (nuns) are disabled, some physically, others mentally. They need more care than others; abandoned by parents and society, they are burdened by physical and emotional pain. Against all these injustices, they have only the weakest of voices, and now, in light of such a heavy reality, will the universal Church remain silent and ignorant of their call for help?

By transferring the children to state-run facilities  where other reports claim they are left "emaciated" and "low-spirited"  the government is not only ignoring the beautiful contribution and quality social services provided by the Catholic Church, but wants in fact to destroy them, he said.

The priest added that when the China-Vatican Agreement was signed in 2018, the Church in China felt encouraged, and everyone was waiting for that better day following the signing.

The deal, the details of which have never been published, permits the Chinese government to propose names for new bishops to the Vatican through its state-approved Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, with the pope having veto power on the decision.

But despite the signing of the agreement and renewal last year, the unofficial Catholic Church in China continues to suffer and religious persecution has actually worsened in recent years.

The CCP has used the pandemic to shut down Catholic celebrations and mass, targeted schools to make sure neither teachers nor students adhere to any religion, and closed churches and seminaries, he said.

In the past, when such things happened, the Chinese Church was eager to encourage and support the universal Church. Now, because of this agreement, the pope's voice of justice has been silent, the priest said.

People who believe in Christ are a minority in China. They are often discriminated against and suppressed. It is difficult for the outside world to hear their voices.

The clampdown on Catholic and Protestant orphanages and other church-run institutions across China comes after the passing of the Regulations on Religious Affairs, enforced in February 2018. The new rules stipulate that public interest charitable activities must not be used to proselytize by any organization or individual in China.

According to religious liberty magazine Bitter Winter, in May 2020, the Cangzhou city government in the northern province of Hebei ordered the director of a local Catholic orphanage for disabled children to remove paintings of the Virgin Mary, liturgical calendars, and all other religious symbols from a small church on site.

The director was demanded to sign a statement promising to stop using the church, and childrens religious textbooks were also banned, with authorities claiming that charitable institutions are not allowed to have religious overtones.

In August 2019, over 40 personnel from the Civil Affairs Bureau and other government institutions stormed into a Catholic orphanage in Taiyuan. Authorities removed the children from the facility, threatening to accuse the leaders of the orphanage of illegal adoption practices.

The Communist Party has been trying to restrict our activities, fearing that children would be exposed to religion, a local churchgoer told the outlet. All religious orphanages for disabled children will gradually disappear in the future.

Open Doors ranks China at No. 17 on its World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted.
HAMPDEN  Robert T. Markel has agreed to continue to serve as town administrator until June 30, 2022.

Select Board members signed the 15-month contract this past week.

Markel assumed the role of interim town administrator in September 2019. Following the resignation of the towns first town administrator, Mary McNally, in June 2019, the Select Board opted to wait until spring to recruit for a replacement. McNally assumed the role of interim town manager in East Longmeadow in August 2019 and was named full-time town manager in December of that year.

Finding a full-time replacement has been discussed on multiple occasions throughout Markels time, but was ultimately put on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Last year, the board interviewed two search consulting firms: Bernard Lynch, principal of Plymouth-based consulting firm Community Paradigm Associates LLC, and Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

When discussing the budget-related matters at the end of March, board member Mary Ellen Glover brought up some correspondence received from Markel.

From Mr. Markels communique to us, he sees some instability in his security in the position hes in now, this is how I read it. And hes being actively recruited by other town governments to take a position with them, and I would like to encourage him to reconsider those statements, said Glover, noting that she felt the town has been in transition since hiring the first town administrator in 2019, at the March meeting. I think its time for us to spend more time with Mr. Markel, so we have some history and some stability. It would be in the towns best interest.

Board member John Flynn responded that he felt it was time to go back to the will of town meeting, and referenced when residents voted in 2018 to fund the salary of a full-time administrator, reiterating that he has stated on other occasions as well.

If Bob could be full-time, Id be pleased as punch. But he cant. Hes constrained by state law, said Flynn. ... It was quite clear from the discussion at town meeting that the position was meant to be funded full-time.

Under Markels contract, he is to serve the town until a full-time replacement has been found. As an interim, Markel was limited to 20 hours per week or a total of 960 hours. With the pandemic, Gov. Charlie Baker has loosened some of those constraints to help accommodate the extended needs of municipalities until Dec. 31.

Since March 2020, Markel says he works between 22 and 27 hours per week.

Flynn also questioned why the role of town administrator would be cut back hours when the workload had previously been described as requiring at least 40 hours to complete.

Glover bounced back saying that Markel had expressed several times in the past that 25 hours was a sufficient amount of time to accomplish the work of his current role, and made a motion to offer a contract to Markel as town administrator, effective immediately through June 1, 2022.

Board Chairman Don Davenport seconded the motion, saying that he was pleased with Markels performance and would prefer if he stayed rather than bring a new person on and bring them up to speed with all of the projects the town has undertaken, including shifting its dispatch services transition to Wilbraham.

Flynn said that while he was also pleased with Markels performance, he questioned why an additional contract would need to be signed when the town already has a contract in place that is similar to other contracts that Markel has held with other municipalities as an interim.

Why are we changing it? said Flynn.

Since retiring from a full-time role as town manager for Ipswich in 2011, Markel has served as a professional interim town administrator for a number of municipalities in the commonwealth, including Southampton, Templeton and Stoneham. Markel is also the former mayor of Springfield. Most recently, he has served in the towns of Richmond and Buckland.

Glover said she wanted to change the contract to a town administrator role rather than interim town administrator role to provide security and a vote of confidence in his performance.

I dont see what the reluctance is to do this. I really dont, she said. If were satisfied with the job hes doing, if we know that he has had extensive experience, if he is being recruited by other people because of his stellar reputation within the state, why would we feel like we cant do that 

Davenport interjected Glovers statement, saying that he was hesitant to change Markels contract to be a town administrator rather than an interim as it could affect how many hours Markel would be working.

Flynn reasserted his previous statement and said that the will of town meeting was not about Bob, and that Markel was only asked to be an interim, not a town administrator.

A further back-and-forth ensued between Glover and Flynn, with Glover emphatically repeating that she could not understand why it would be an issue to offer Markel a contract as a town administrator based on his merit and performance to provide him some stability. Flynn reasserted his original point again about the 2018 town meeting vote.

Right now were in a situation if we lose the town administrator, then we dont have anyone as we enter a very critical phase of a lot of projects. In my mind, I would give him a vote of confidence that we want him to stay, said Davenport. His letter was quite clear that he doesnt feel like he has the confidence of the board.

As the conversation appeared to be tense for some board members, Davenport called for a vote on Glovers motion to offer Markel a contract to serve as the towns administrator, which passed 2-1. Flynn dissented.

At the beginning of April, Markel interviewed for an interim role in Williamstown with the towns Select Board and suggested that they go with the other candidate.

I have no desire to leave the town of Hampden. I am pleased to sign on with Hampden for another 13 months, said Markel in an interview with The Republican. The Selectmen and I are working on a wide variety of improvement projects. I dont say that I am going to work. I go to the office. Its not work when you love what you are doing.

The Hampden Board will delay the search for a full time, permanent town administrator until sometime next year, said Markel. The board may advertise next March for the position in an effort for the candidate to start on July 1, he added.
CANTON, MI  A dispute between family members has resulted in a 17-year-old girl facing criminal charges.

Jenna Shi has been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and reckless driving causing serious injury after she allegedly threw her father from the hood of a moving vehicle during an argument in Canton on Monday.

Guangjie Shi allegedly jumped on the hood of a vehicle as Jenna tried to drive away from the scene at Liberty Street and Stanton Road around 4:45 p.m.

Guangjie, 50, was rushed to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti for his injuries where he is reportedly unconscious, according to Fox 2 in Detroit.

The alleged facts in this case clearly reflect a family in crisis, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. Todays times are exceedingly difficult. There is no shame in admitting that you need help. Please seek that help for yourself and/or your family when you need it.

Jenna Shi is being charged as an adult, per Michigan law. Her bond was set at $100,000. She is due back in court April 30.
Glenn Close is a prolific actor who has starred in many peoples favorite works. For example, she was Cruella in 101 Dalmatians. The star is planning to reprise her role in the upcoming film Cruella.

When Close is not playing a Disney villain, she is living like royalty. Well, not exactly. However, she is related to a member of the royal family. By tracking her ancestry, she shares a lineage with Queen Elizabeth II.

Glenn Close grew up in a cult-like movement

Glenn Close | Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Clase Azul

Close was born on March 19, 1947, in Connecticut. She is from an affluent family and has four other siblings.

The actor once opened up about how her parents had joined the Moral Re-Armament when she was 7. The Moral Re-Armament is a religious movement that began in the 30s.

Her family would be involved in the movement for about 15 years. Close ended up moving to the Congo, and she described the MRA as a cult-like group. She recalled them telling her what to wear and say. The star even felt like her first marriage was more of an arranged one.

After high school, Close met an MRA musician named Cabot Wade. In 1969, they tied the knot. However, their marriage did not last long, and the couple separated soon after Close attended college. The actor studied drama and anthropology at Virginias College of William and Mary, hoping to be an actor.

Close has had a few more relationships since her divorce. She had one daughter named Annie Starke with Producer John Starke.

Glenn Close got her start on Broadway

RELATED: Glenn Close: How Many Awards Has the Oscar Nominee Won?

Before becoming a famous actress, Close had a couple of jobs, such as working at a hotels information desk. She started her career in theater soon after graduating from college. The rising star starred in Broadway productions like Love for Love. Close earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Barnum.

Close won her first Tony Award in 1984 for her role in the play The Real Thing. Besides theater, the actress began landing parts in film in 1982. Close portrayed Robin Williams on-screen mother in The World According to Garp. Her performance earned her more critical acclaim and received an Academy Award nomination.

For over 30 years, Close has been in a long list of movies. People may recognize her from Fatal Attraction and Hillbilly Elegy. The star has done plenty of work in television with shows like Damages.

Glenn Close is related to Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II | Bettmann / Contributor Getty Images

RELATED: The Wife: Is the Glenn Close Movie Based on a Book?

There are a few names that come to peoples minds when they hear about the royal family. The main family members include Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Of course, Queen Elizabeth II resides as the reigning monarch.

For some, it may not be too surprising that there are several cousins to the members living in Buckingham Palace. According to Insider, the family tree branches out farther than previously expected. As it turns out, Close is related to the Queen and is a 24th cousin.

The seven-time Oscar nominee is related to the queen through King John. Close is one of many celebrities with a distant relation to the royal family.

According to Britannica, King John was the youngest son of King Henry II. He was born in 1177 and died in 1216 at the age of 46. King John did not begin his reign until 1199, which lasted for 17 years. One of his titles included Count of Mortain, and he had lordship over lands in Ireland.

After King Johns second marriage, the country began to go to war once again with France. Later, he would face a rebellion from the barons. Toward the end of King Johns reign, he sealed the Magna Carta.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 23:40:12|Editor: huaxia

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative would further complement the revitalization of economies, said Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during a special speech via recorded video at the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021 in Boao, China.

According to local media reports on Wednesday, the Sultan was invited by Secretary General of the BFA Li Baodong to deliver the speech as the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2021.

During his speech on Tuesday, the Sultan said that the Belt and Road Initiative is a significant plan that would contribute to regional connectivity and further enhance the economic landscape, which could also present opportunities to work together in many areas and through sub-regional fora such as BIMP-EAGA (The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).

He said that this year is another milestone in the history of relations with China as this year marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei and China.

The Sultan said that during this difficult time, ASEAN countries have shown solidarity and joined hands to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, without losing sight of the integration efforts.

He also said that the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement last year not only demonstrated the concerted efforts of its member countries towards advancing international trade cooperation, but it will also help to strengthen regional recovery efforts.

Before concluding the speech, the Sultan looked forward to the continuous strengthening of ASEAN-China cooperation to maximize the prospects and efforts towards achieving regional sustainable economic growth.

The BFA Annual Conference 2021 was held on April 18-21 and coincided with the 20th anniversary of the forum. This year's forum is themed "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation". Enditem
Bats have gotten their fair share of bad press recently due to the coronavirus. But in South Texas, bats are the unsung, nocturnal heroes of the state's ecosystem. And now that bat season has officially arrived in the Lone Star State, it's time to celebrate.

Settling in from their recent migration to Texas from Mexico that begins each year in February, Mexican free-tailed bats can now be widely seen across the state as spring wanes into summer and their birthing season approaches.

RELATED: You can now enjoy a day of kayaking at Roosevelt Park

In the San Antonio area, they serve important roles as pollinators for dozens of plant species and as insect control, devouring up to two-thirds their weight in insects every night.

But this year, the bats' summer residency is more important than ever as they try to repopulate.

The birth of new members of flocks (female free-tailed bats give birth to their pups in June of each year) will be welcome news after local bat populations were hit hard by February's deep freeze.

Though the exact number is not yet know - and might never be - it's estimated that thousands of bats across the state either froze to death or were killed when their bodies went into shock and they fell from their usual lofty hideouts.

In San Antonio, thousands of bats were rescued by conservation groups and volunteers, who provided them with food and tent shelters

If you're trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive creatures, there are a number of scenic spots to bat watch as flocks take off at dusk or return home at dawn.

Nine bat-watching sites highlighted by Texas Parks and Wildlife are just stone's throw from San Antonio in Hill Country.

The department has also compiled a bat map, so those camping or getting away for a weekend can see if they are staying near large colonies.

According to TPW, bat pups are ready to fly in just four to five weeks after birth, so you might be able to see a few babies, too.

RELATED: Flux: Animal park flourishes during the pandemic

As the cold weather creeps back into the state, new pups and their parents will travel back to Mexico in October and November.

Until then keep an eye out for the newest little guys, give them their space, and definitely don't get between a mama bat and her baby. After all, they're the future of Texas' ecosystem.
Chicago police officers may have to check with their supervisor before chasing suspects on foot after a 13-year-old was shot dead in the city.

The death of Adam Toledo, who was shot in the chest by police on March 29, has sparked fresh debate over law enforcement's use of force.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot strongly condemned the killing and recently said there would be changes to police policy in Chicago as a result.

'No one should die as a result of a foot chase', she said, but later acknowledged there is no perfect solution to the problem.

'I don't want people out there who are dangerous to think, 'Well, if I just run, then I'm safe. I can continue to wreak havoc,' the mayor said. 'We can't live in that world, either.'

Mayor Lori Lightfoot strongly condemned the killing of Adam Toledo and recently said there would be changes to police policy in Chicago as a result

Chicago police officers may have to check with their supervisor before pursuing suspects on foot after 13-year-old Adam Toledo was shot dead in the city

Chicago police already require supervisors permission to initiate a vehicle chase for a suspect (pictured, a police officer chases a protester)

Lightfoot had previously said she wanted the foot pursuit policy reviewed by the summer, after coming under fire for not forcing the change on Chicago Police Department before.

Currently, officers are only provided with a training bulletin on foot pursuits.

It says the safety of the general public, fleeing suspect, and police officers, should be the highest priority factors taken into account when making the decision.

Chicago police already require supervisors permission to initiate a vehicle chase for a suspect.

Asking officers to request permission before pursuing a suspect on foot would simply be extending the policy, city Alderman Brian Hopkins told Fox 32.

But, Hopkins noted officers would likely waste valuable time waiting for approval while the suspect got away making the change 'moot', he said.

He also said suspects are more often using vehicles to escape police because they are aware officers needed permission to initiate a pursuit.

The changes come after the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo on March 29.

The youngster, who wanted to be a cop when he grew up, was shot fatally in the chest by police officer Eric E. Stillman in the 2300-block of South Sawyer.

Police said officers were dispatched to the Little Village neighborhood on the city's West Side shortly after 2am when ShotSpotter technology detected the sound of gunfire in the area.

'Officers observed two subjects in a nearby alley, one subject fled on foot' and the officers began chasing him, department spokesman Tom Ahern said.

The changes come after Adam Toledo was shot fatally in the chest by police officer Eric E. Stillman in the 2300-block of South Sawyer

Police chased Toledo into an alley behind Farragut Career Academy High School, where Stillman shot him once in the chest.

A second suspect, Ruben Roman, 21, was taken into custody.

Shortly after the shooting, police shared a photo of a handgun recovered at the scene.

Chigaco's police review board released body camera footage of the March 29 shooting on Thursday last week.

The video showed that Toledo's hands were empty when he was shot, despite police saying he was holding a gun at the time.

Police say the teen had a handgun on him that morning, and that less than a second passed from when Toledo is seen with a gun in hand and when Stillman opened fire.

The bodycam footage shows the officer shining a light on a handgun on the ground near the teen after he shot him.

The release of police body camera footage of Toledo's death left Chicago on a knife edge, with police on high alert over protests and fears gangs could retaliate over the shooting

Earlier footage also appears to show the boy was carrying a gun in the moments before he was shot, throwing it behind a fence before turning to face the cop.

An attorney for Adam's family said Thursday: 'It could be a gun, Im not going to deny that but its not relevant, because if he had a gun, he tossed it.'

According to the Washington Post, Toledo is the youngest person killed by the police in Chicago since at least 2015.

His death has sparked mass protests in Chicago with demonstrators demanding changes to policing in the city and justice for the youngster.

Police department stats released on April 1 showed there were 131 homicides reported in the first three months of 2021, compared to 98 during the same period last year.

At least 706 people were shot through the end of March. Chicago did not report its 500th shooting victim in 2020 until April.
San Antonio is known for its history and culture, and Fisher Heck Architects has helped preserve, restore and reimagine many of the citys most prominent locales.

That includes the Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, Maverick Plaza, the Bexar County Commissioners courtroom, historic houses at Hemisfair, the Menger Hotel, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower.

The bulk of Fisher Hecks work is in historic preservation and religious architecture, but the firm wants to beef up its higher education projects, President Mark Navarro said. It has renovated facilities at the University of Texas at San Antonio and San Antonio College.

The firm has also worked on projects for Toyota and VIA Metropolitan Transit.

The companys founders, Lewis Fisher and Jim Heck, met in the 1970s at renowned Texas architect ONeil Fords firm, according to Fisher Hecks website. Fisher founded his own company in 1982, and Heck joined him several years later, Navarro said.

In 2015, the pair began preparing to hand the reins to Navarro, along with Marc Johnson and David Hannan Jr., both of whom are vice presidents. Fisher and Heck recently retired but continue to work on projects of their choosing at their leisure, Navarro said.

2 1 of 2 Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer Show More Show Less



The firm is based in downtown San Antonio and employs 14 people, four of whom joined during the coronavirus pandemic to help manage an influx of projects.

Navarro, a San Antonio native and Texas A&M University alumnus, recently discussed his approach to religious architecture, technology advances in the industry and how the pandemic has affected the firm. The following has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Q: What first piqued your interest in architecture?

A: People ask, What was the point you knew? There wasnt a specific time or instance. It interested me because there are very few professions or things in the world itself that we have control over that impact peoples lives every day, and architecture is one of those.

From the home that we live in, the office we work in or the park that we play in, youre experiencing architecture every day and sometimes you dont even realize it. I wanted the opportunity to impact peoples lives in a positive way through architecture, and I believe Fisher Heck has given me the best opportunity to do that.

Im the firm lead in religious architecture. After I present concepts to churches, Ive had people come up to me afterward hugging me and crying. You dont get that after you design an office building. It can be a really emotional experience, and its really gratifying to help people in that way.

Q: Lewis Fisher and Jim Heck started preparing in 2015 to transfer leadership of the firm to you and your partners. What did that involve?

A: Before becoming partners, we didnt have exposure to the inner workings of a business. That was one of the biggest things that we needed to learn quick.

We were learning from Jim and Lewis and our business manager, doing a lot of research and reading, and seeing what works. What is great, what could be improved and how do we move forward in a way where we maintain a great reputation and the high quality work that people come back for?

Something that was difficult to understand before was the current workload for each employee, the backlog and whats on the horizon. Now we have a good grasp of that, which is beneficial, especially when were looking at hiring.

We treat employees as family members. Weve told them to let us know if theres anything they think we can improve on, because we want to make sure were doing the best we can and sometimes, since weve been here for so long, we dont see some of the deficiencies.

I think something thats different about our firm versus others in the industry is that its pretty typical for architects to work 50 or 60 hours a week, but thats not how weve ever operated. Employees do their work in 40 hours. We respect work-life balance, and because of that our employees also respect us and make sure the work can be done in that amount of time.

I think thats led to a lot of cohesion of the team. When people come here they stay because they like the atmosphere, the culture and the morale of the firm. We cant operate as numbers here  these are people.

Q: How do you approach designing a building for a congregation?

A: All churches are different. We tell our clients, We may be your architect, but the ideas are coming from you. We need to hear your vision first. Through the experience the firm has gained, we aim to put that vision on paper with recommendations.

There are many types of religious buildings. Everyone thinks of the worship building, but there are administration buildings, education buildings, gymnasiums, day cares. We encourage our clients to start with a master plan.

A major focus is the pedestrian aspect of the master plan and making a cohesive campus. The experience of going from one point to another shouldnt just be, Im going from this room in this building to this room in that building and who cares what happens in between. We want to create spaces that promote social interaction and activity.

A pathway from point A to B doesnt just have to be a corridor. It can also be a place where people can gather. So how do we design it in a way that people can use it for multiple functions?

Thats really starting to pay off, especially right now with everything thats going on and reduced occupancy in buildings. Many of our religious clients are able to use large plazas between buildings for worship and services.

Q: How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the firm?

A: March and April of last year were really scary months for us.

We didnt think we were going to be hit. We had a good backlog of projects. We hadnt heard anything from our clients, so we just kept pushing forward. Then the first call comes in about a project going on hold. And then another one, another one, another one.

At the lowest point, we could barely put 10 hours a week on a time sheet. It was bad. No one knew what was going to happen or what the economic impact would be. There were difficult discussions: What are we going to do? We only have so much emergency funds and we dont see when this is going to get better.

But our employees are a part of the family, and we cant let our family down. They expect us to be able to find work and put it in front of them for them to work on, and we appreciate the hard work they do. They were doing their part, and we needed to do our part as well. We maintained our full staff, full salary.

A month later or so some of the projects that had been on hold came back to life. Not all of them  were still waiting for some over a year later, but they will come back. Then new projects came along, which was mind-boggling to me. Who wants to build in a pandemic?

Our staff were working extremely hard. We were hitting deadlines, but barely, and it was getting to a point where we didnt want the quality of work that were known for to take a hit. Once again we had a difficult discussion. Are we crazy to hire in a pandemic when six weeks ago we didnt have any work?

But we hired two people and were so happy that we brought them on. Months later it still feels like were trying to catch up, and over the last two months we hired two more people.

Theres no explanation other than our reputation. If people are going to do work during this time and commit hard-earned money toward projects, they want to make sure that the firm thats going to do that work can provide high quality work. We are very fortunate for all of them.

Q: How has technology affected your work?

A: We used to work only in 2D when drafting, but about 10 years ago a 3D program came out. It was different and it was going to take a long time to learn, but we made the commitment to try it because we thought it was going be the future and what was going to keep us relevant. Its hard for clients to visualize 2D, and now were able to provide 3D images to them.

Thats been the last decade, but now things are evolving even more. Its not just about providing 3D perspectives to clients. Its about how they can experience a building before its built. Weve used virtual reality on some projects. In the same program we use for that, we can also do full high definition renderings and animations.

When we started working remotely during the pandemic, we didnt have access to big printers at our houses. With a lot of work, especially when were designing a drawing, you need to put a pencil to paper.

Were looking into digital sketch pads. We can draw digitally on our computer in the same way that we can on paper, and were saving paper. Its a lot easier to organize that way. You make your changes and your design and send it to other team members and they can work on it. Thats something that were going to implement very soon.

Weve looked into drones as well. Being able to see sites from above can help clients understand the site. Its helpful during construction because we can get a more holistic view of whats going on and also for assessments of existing buildings. We work on a lot of historic buildings downtown. How can those drones help us understand the condition of those buildings so we dont have to bill a client for a cherry-picker for us to go up there? Thats cost savings for the client.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Nouveau Monde (TSXV: NOU) (OTCQX: NMGRD) (FSE: NM9A) ("the Company"), a battery materials company working to position itself as a key element in the sustainable energy revolution. CEO of the Company, Eric Desaulniers, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "At Nouveau Monde Graphite, we're building what will be the largest graphite operation in the western world," shared Desaulniers. "We're building two hours north of Montreal; it is in construction mode now and will be fully commissioned by the end of 2023," he continued. "We are also working on the value-added transformation in Becancour, between Montreal and Quebec City, which is one of the largest industrial parks in Canada."

"We are taking the flake concentrate and we are transforming it to anode materials for lithium-ion batteries," explained Desaulniers. "It is quite an exciting project and in a few months time we will commission Phase I of our anode material facility there."

Jolly then commented on the growing demand of sustainable energy solutions, including electronic vehicles which require specific battery metals. "Graphite, amongst all raw materials going in batteries, is the most controlled by the Chinese economy," said Desaulniers. He then elaborated on the potential of the Company's graphite operation, including their low energy costs due to Quebec's inexpensive and clean hydroelectricity systems. "That is a big advantage for the transformation," said Desaulniers. "We provide more value to the customer by being carbon-neutral," he shared. "It's a big advantage to diversify from the Chinese economy and de-risk the supply chain of our customers."

Jolly noted that the Company recently announced the appointment of Advanced Graphite Materials Expert, Dr. Jurgen Kohler, and asked about the significance of this addition. "Dr. Kohler is the 6th PhD in the company, so we do have a strong internal R&D team," shared Desaulniers. "Until 2019, Dr. Kohler was the CEO of SGL Carbon, one of the largest graphite processors in the western world, based in Germany," said Desaulniers. "He's very active in helping us make sure we are qualified with all the large OEMs and that we take all of the right steps to commercialize our product effectively."

The conversation then turned to the possibility of uplisting to the NYSE. "We officially filed an application on the NYSE," shared Desaulniers. "We will work to make sure it happens as soon as possible, but that's the most I can say for now on that topic," he continued. "There's a big momentum for everything related to EV and developing a North American resilient supply chain, so we need to be well positioned on a major exchange to make sure we capture the most we can from the market."

"What are your value drivers and your upcoming milestones for the company that you see here in the next two to three quarters?", asked Jolly. "In two to four quarters, we would like to fully commission and build Phase I of our anode materials facility," said Desaulniers. "That would be a major milestone for the upcoming few quarters," he added. "We are also in construction mode for the mining and concentrators, the Phase II," explained Desaulniers, adding that the Company expects to commission a large scale project in 2023. "These are very exciting times, and every week the market has a new announcement around new potential customers."

To close the interview, Desaulniers elaborated on the Company's potential as they continue to advance numerous projects in the growing sustainable energy sector. "Five years from now, wherever we are will be quite different in terms of growth compared today."

To hear the entire interview with Eric Desaulniers, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7849296-nouveau-monde-discusses-progress-of-battery-anode-materials-facility-and-potential-nyse-uplisting.

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/.

About Nouveau Monde

Nouveau Monde is striving to become a key contributor to the sustainable energy revolution. The Company is working towards developing a fully-integrated source of green battery anode material in Quebec, Canada. Targeting commercial operations by 2023, the Company is developing advanced carbon-neutral graphite-based material solutions for the growing lithium-ion and fuel cell markets. With low-cost operations and enviable ESG standards, Nouveau Monde aspires to become a strategic supplier to the world's leading battery and automobile manufacturers, providing high performing and reliable advanced materials while promoting sustainability and supply chain traceability.

Media

Julie Paquet

Director, Communications

+1-450-757-8905 #140

jpaquet@nouveaumonde.ca

Investors

Christina Lalli

Director, Investor Relations

+1-438-399-8665

clalli@nouveaumonde.ca



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to (i) the positive impact of the foregoing on project economics, (ii) the intended results of the initiatives described above, (iii) the intended project output capacity and (iv) generally, or the "About Nouveau Monde" paragraph which essentially describe the Company's outlook and objectives, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Moreover, these forward-looking statements were based upon various underlying factors and assumptions, including the timely delivery and installation of the equipment supporting the production, the Company's business prospects and opportunities and estimates of the operational performance of the equipment, and are not guarantees of future performance.

Forward-looking information and statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking information and statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, delays in the scheduled delivery times of the equipment, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, the operating performance of the Company's assets and businesses, competitive factors in the graphite mining and production industry, changes in laws and regulations affecting the Company's businesses, technological developments, the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the governments' responses thereto, and general economic conditions. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this Cautionary Disclaimer could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable 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.

Further information regarding Company is available in the SEDAR database (www.sedar.com) and on the Company's website at: www.NouveauMonde.group.

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

(602) 821-1102

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81167
New Delhi, April 21 : Automobile manufacturer MG Motor India has tied up with Devnandan Gases to increase the production of medical oxygen.

MG Motor India will focus on assisting the overall oxygen gas production.

In specific, the company will address specific areas of the manufacturing process such as infrastructure expansion and the elimination of major losses with lean principles.

This will help in increasing the production capacity by 25 per cent in the next two weeks with the vision of increasing it further to 50 per cent in the near future.

Founded in 2011, Devnandan Gases is one of the key medical oxygen gas producers of Vadodara.

"As a part of our care for the communities around us, we are boosting the production of oxygen and providing support wherever possible. We had followed a similar approach last year and stabilised the ventilator production at Max Ventilators plant in Vadodara," said Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India.

"Now, we are focusing on enhancing oxygen production in the region, which is the need of the hour."

-- Syndicated from IANS
A revolutionary study may open the door to regenerating damaged hearts. We took a neonatal heart from a baby mouse and studied it in a petri dish. We studied it under a controlled environment and designed a method to keep the heart alive and keep the regenerative process active long enough to study the biology behind it.

Cardiovascular disease kills more than 650,000 Americans annually.(1) Those who survive myocardial infarction remain at risk of death because the human heart has a very limited ability to repair itself. No one has yet found a method that leads to cardiovascular regeneration for a damaged human heart. But all that may change thanks to a revolutionary medical paper written by Dr. Ian White, President and CSO of Neobiosis, a company that focuses on the science of regenerative medicine.

We took a neonatal heart from a baby mouse and studied it in a petri dish, White said. We studied it under a controlled environment and designed a method to keep the heart alive and keep the regenerative process active long enough to study the biology behind it. This work is unprecedented as it has not been possible, until now, for scientists to keep a whole heart alive long enough in the lab to make significant scientific discoveries about the regenerative process".

Under normal circumstances a mouse heart, as with most mammals, has a very short window right after birth (1-7 days) where it retains primordial regenerative abilities. But Whites new method, which keeps a neonatal mouse heart alive and beating in a controlled environment, extends that regenerative period for up to a month. This gives scientists time to learn how different therapies or drugs can repair or regenerate the damaged organ.

Dr. Keith March, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Florida, emphasized the major clinical implications of prolonging the viability of hearts in the absence of blood flow, such as is experienced by donor hearts on the way to transplantation. We have been excited to discover that novel biological therapies from adult stem cell secretome could markedly improve cardiac transplantation, and Dr. Whites new finding could amplify this therapeutic benefit. We would be interested in testing this concept together with Dr. Whites team.

This study gives us an unprecedented window on how hearts heal and how we can enhance their regeneration, said Dr. Anthony Atala, Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The insights from this work will have a major and lasting impact in the development of new therapies for patients with heart disease.

Whites paper explains that neonatal cardiac repair is mediated by the epicardium, which is a single layer of cells that covers the heart. The cells activate in response to injury by proliferating before actively migrating to the site of damage.

This is the first demonstration that whole, intact mammalian hearts can be cultured long-term without coagulative necrosis and that the innate regenerative mechanisms remain intact when afforded a conducive environment, White stated in his paper.

The breakthrough has huge health implications, especially for those left with damaged hearts due to exposure to COVID-19.

Dr. White and colleagues from the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said the research can be especially useful to those stricken by COVID-19. The virus is known to cause inflammation in the heart. That poses health risks for so called long haulers, who have not fully recovered from COVID-19 weeks or even months after first experiencing symptoms. The research we are doing could be a long-term solution to study the cardiovascular effects of COVID in a way we have not before, White said.

White is eager to share his work with the world. He has called on colleagues to use the same neonatal heart preservation method for their own experiments. The sharing of this research is one example of how Neobiosis leads the way in the field of regenerative science.

Now other scientists can use our methods to employ these technologies and use it for drug interactions and studying COVID in the heart, White said. The more minds on this subject the better. Others can use this tool, apply their own specialties to further the knowledge of the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration to reduce the impact of heart diseases.

White and his fellow researchers at the University of Florida Sid Martin Innovate Biotechnology Institute believe regenerative therapy holds the promises of lasting health and wellness. Those involved with the new laboratory are confident their research, and connection to the University of Florida, will lead to new health treatments, and also encourage the FDA to take a fresh look at this revolutionary field of study.

Benefits of Regenerative Therapy

Regenerative medicine has the potential to fight disease and revolutionize healthcare. The therapies center on treatments that support the body in repairing, regenerating and restoring itself. Some of these benefits include:



Delivering biochemical instructions and raw biomaterials to damaged tissues and organs stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms to functionally heal previously irreparable tissues or organs.

Modulating inflammation to facilitate recovery and tissue repair.

Treating injuries and disease naturally without surgery and opioids.

In Other News:

A great deal of activity, study and cutting-edge research has begun since White opened a Research & Development laboratory at the UF-Sid Martin Biotech Institute earlier this year.

Recent highlights include:

Research into a biologic solution to Dry Eye Syndrome. Neobiosis becomes the exclusive manufacturer of M2 Biologics Stimuleyes allogenic eye drops.

Research into biologic solutions in aesthetics. Neobiosis becomes the exclusive manufacturer of LiliumTM, topical aesthetic biologicals.

Neobiosis hired Dr. Mercedes Kweh as Director of Clinical Transition to assist with IND applications with the FDA. Kweh received her doctoral degree in Immunology and Molecular Biology from the University of Florida.

Dr. White was named to the board of advisors at Onogen, LLC

The opening of a new, c-GMP-compliant, ISO7 manufacturing cleanroom facility within UFs innovate Hub in Gainesville.

Neobiosis breaks ground on second, exclusive building containing state-of-the-art cleanrooms and labs.

Neobiosis publishes three important peer-reviewed articles by Dr. White:

1. Evaluation of Exosome Derivatives as Bio-Informational Reprogramming Therapy for Cancer,(2) which emphasizes the capabilities of specific subsets of extracellular vesicles that can potentially be used for cancer therapy, principally as a source of bi informational reprogramming for malignant cells.

2. Use of Acellular Umbilical Cord-Derived Tissues in Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases,(3) which supports the idea that blood-derived products, particularly UCS eye drops, are a safe and efficient option for the treatment of a wide array of ocular surface disease.

3. Neuregulin-1, in a Conducive Milieu with Wnt/BMP/Retinoic Acid, Prolongs the Epicardial-Mediated Cardiac Regeneration Capacity of Neonatal Heart Explants.(4) This article outlines a technique that will facilitate future studies of mammalian cardiac regeneration and may be useful in cardiac-specific drug testing.

About Neobiosis

Neobiosis, LLC is a clinical-stage contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) run by scientists focused on the science of regenerative medicine. They produce regenerative medicines from perinatal tissues, cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for research and clinical trials. Regenerative medicine taps into the bodys innate ability to heal itself relieving pain without opioids, being more cost effective and safer than many surgical alternatives. Neobiosis is an FDA-registered CDMO operating under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards with cleanroom laboratories located in Alachua and Gainesville. Visit https://neobiosis.com/

1. Webb, Sherrie R. AHA 2019 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics; 19, FEB, 2019; American College of Cardiology; acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/02/15/14/39/aha-2019-heart-disease-and-stroke-statistics

2. Gonzalez MJ, Kweh MF, Biava PM, Olalde J, Toro AP, Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, White IA. Evaluation of exosome derivatives as bio-informational reprogramming therapy for cancer. J Trans.l Med. 2021 Mar 9;19(1):103. doi: 10.1186/s12967-021-02768-8.

3. Tovar AA, White IA, Sabater AL. Use of Acellular Umbilical Cord-Derived Tissues in Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases. Medicines. 2021;8(2):12.

4. Arora H, Lavin AC, Balkan W, Hare JM, White IA. Neuregulin-1, in a Conducive Milieu with Wnt/BMP/Retinoic Acid, Prolongs the Epicardial-Mediated Cardiac Regeneration Capacity of Neonatal Heart Explants. J Stem Cells Regen. Med. 2021 Mar. [Epub ahead of print]
[April 21, 2021] Free Read Marks Earth Day 2021

DALLAS, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tri Global Energy (www.triglobalenergy.com), a leading developer of wind energy, and Sunfinity Renewable Energy (www.sunfinity.com), a provider dedicated to residential and business solar energy, have an earth-friendly offering to celebrate Earth Day 2021 (April 22)  a free Kindle download (valued at $12.99) of Texas Wind Force, a 149-page ebook that provides unique insights into the development of the wind industry in Texas. The e-book will be available for download exclusively at www.amazon.com on Thursday, April 22. Written in cooperation with John B. Billingsley, founder of both Tri Global Enery and Sunfinity, the book begins eight decades ago on the wind-swept landscape of rural West Texas. As a native Texan, Billingsley grew up on a small family cotton farm/ranch, and he realized early on the sheer force of the wind and sun in that environment. Over the course of a lifetime in industries as varied as accounting, banking, real estate and manufacturing, Billingsley gained the knowledge and acumen that perfectly positioned him to reinvent the wind energy business in the early 2000s. (Since its founding in 2009, Tri Global Energy has grown to be one of the top 10 developers of wind power in the United States with most of its early projects currently located in West Texas.)



Wind and solar energy both play an ever-increasing role in America's transition to clean, renewable energy. In March 2021, wind commanded a 38.6% share of the ERCOT electricity market in Texas and claimed the number one spot in total generation. Nationally, the solar industry is expected to grow four times its current size in the coming decade. Texas Wind Force recaps industry insights, such as the way that John Billingsley's reimagined business model banded together family farmers and ranchers to create multiple major wind farms that delivered jobs and tens of millions of dollars in tax revenues to small communities throughout West Texas. (In fact, these wind farms helped many of these families retain lands that had been in the family for generations.) The book also shares fascinating details on what goes into developing a wind farm, from community involvement to wildlife and archeological surveys to erecting hundreds of wind turbines that individually can exceed 300 feet in height, with turbine blades weighing 12-18 tons apiece. The book is richly illustrated throughout.

"With the Biden administration's focus on clean energy, it seems that Earth Day 2021 represents a new era and new hope for renewable energy in America, and the countless benefits it delivers, from jobs to energy independence to a better environment," said Billingsley. "Texas Wind Force reflects a vital era in American renewable energy and sets the stage for an even more significant decade to come." View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/free-read-marks-earth-day-2021-301273655.html SOURCE Tri Global Energy

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The author of "The Art of Human Care," Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh, has launched "The Art of Human Care" Book Series with "The Art of Human Care for COVID-19."

"I fear we will all ultimately be impacted by COVID-19, and know that when we emerge, we will all need inspiration, instruction, and strategies to return to some normalcy and ascend to a higher place."

The Art of Human Care For COVID-19 Dr. Hassan Tetteh

Except from the book Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh

In "The Art of Human Care for COVID-19," Tetteh combines many of his own personal stories with art's healing power. His down-to-earth humanitarianism and unique perspective on what it means to heal inspires readers to learn how they, too, can turn passion into a purpose, work every day to make the impossible possible, and save the world through healing.

The book serves to answer this question: How can we positively change our world through healing? It includes illustrations from artists from around the country.

"The Art of Human Care for COVID-19" can positively change your life. The global COVID-19 pandemic claimed countless lives, impacted the world, and changed our lives forever," Tetteh said

"My book includes my perspective on COVID-19 as a student of medical history and the pandemics of the past, it shares my view as a family member who has suffered significant loss due to COVID-19, and, most of all, I share my perspective as a physician with knowledge gained from treating patients impacted by the current pandemic."

Tetteh was prompted to expand "The Art of Human Care" into a book series because he served on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, experienced loss, and witnessed suffering. Informed by his own life-altering, near-death experience, his approach to healthcare ultimately led to his development of The Art of Human Care theory, and the COVID pandemic inspired an expansion of his theory to The Art of Human Care for COVID-19 book and series.

Foreword author - Estelle Slootmaker, writer, editor, and Second Wave Michigan journalist said, "In The Art of Human Care for COVID-19, Dr. Tetteh invites us to join him in creating a better world on the other side of this pandemic. Hassan points out that COVID-19 has reminded us of what really matters, inspired us to reduce health disparities, and spurred us on to further develop innovations like telehealth."

"Whether you are a ranking physician in a large healthcare system or simply a human being trying to make sense of it all, this [installation in his book series] has the wisdom to guide you through the days ahead," Slootmaker continued.

Tetteh currently serves as the Health Mission Chief for Warfighter Health at the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) in the Department of Defense (DoD), and he is a Thoracic Surgeon for MedStar Health and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also leads a Specialized Thoracic Adapted Recovery (STAR) Team, in Washington, DC, and his research in thoracic transplantation aims to expand heart and lung recovery and save lives.

"Dr. Hassan Tetteh has created and crafted a beautiful, heartfelt book with his deeply personal "The Art of Human Care for COVID-19." This is an excellent blend of the linear and the sublime that moved me on several levels. A fabulous choice for anyone seeking a greater sense of purpose and optimal health." Paul Dolman, the Host of the "What Matters Most" podcast who provided an endorsement of the book said.

For more information about all of Tetteh's books, please visit www.artofhumancare.com and www.doctortetteh.com. Also, join Tetteh for the virtual launch of his book on April 29th at 7:00pm EDT - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-human-care-for-covid-19-virtual-book-event-tickets-151587828275.

Media Contact:

Alee

[email protected]

240-393-3100

SOURCE Dr. Hassan Tetteh

Related Links

https://doctortetteh.com/


A plan to bring forward Covid-19 jabs for Australians aged 50 and over and proposals for state and territory mass vaccination sites are expected to be unveiled on Thursday.

The prime minister will meet with the premiers and chief ministers for national cabinet, which reached an in-principle agreement on changes to the vaccine rollout at Monday's meeting.

While GPs will continue to be the main delivery point for vaccinations for people aged 50 and older, states and territories are considering options to supplement the rollout through expanded state vaccination centres.

As the program topped 1.7 million jabs on Wednesday, there has been broad concern about the speed of the rollout and vaccine supply shortages.

The prime minister will meet with the premiers and chief ministers for national cabinet, which reached an in-principle agreement on changes to the vaccine rollout at Monday's meeting

An inquiry heard this week only 6.5 per cent of disability care facility residents have received their jab, despite them being included in the first priority group of the vaccine rollout.

Chandi Piefke, from disability service provider Able Australia, accepted it was a massive task for governments, but the low figures were concerning.

'We need to ensure our clients do receive the vaccine,' she said.

'Should they contract Covid they would be one of the groups highest at risk in terms of mortality rates.'

Victoria has moved to boost the initial phase with a number of large facilities, including Geelong's former Ford factory, providing AstraZeneca shots for anyone over 70 with or without bookings as part of phase 1a and 1b of the national rollout.

Queensland says it won't shift to mass vaccination centres until bulk supplies can be guaranteed, which it does not expect until the final three months of the year.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan is in Europe for talks on fast-tracking supplies of vaccines ordered by Australia, but yet to be delivered.

The hold-up on deliveries, as well as public concern about AstraZeneca vaccine links to blood clots, have been blamed for the slowness of the rollout.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, being imported and made by CSL in Melbourne, is being diverted to use in the over-50s group, while Pfizer will be used in the younger cohort.

While the federal government has commissioned a business case for a cutting edge mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Australia, Victoria announced on Wednesday it would spend $50 million to get such a project up and running.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan is in Europe for talks on fast-tracking supplies of vaccines ordered by Australia, but yet to be delivered

'Twelve months ago would have been the best time to have done this, but the next best time is right now,' acting premier James Merlino said.

The Australian Medical Association says national cabinet should take specific action to reset the vaccination program.

These included improved distribution of the vaccine to GPs, adjustments to the Medicare system, better explaining of the vaccine benefits to the whole community, and a greater role for the states and territories in administering the Pfizer vaccine.

'We know the government has faced supply constraints, but it is important that the reset sees more of the available supply of vaccine going to general practice so that GPs can deal with the increased demand that will come from those aged 50 and over,' AMA president Dr Omar Khorshid said.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Michigan Medicine is hosting a walk-in clinic for first-dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments at Michigan Stadium on Friday.

The health system has an influx of vaccine supply that allows it to offer the clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on , April 23, according to UMs vaccine website. Michigan Medicine cannot accommodate anyone who has already received a first dose of any vaccine as the walk-in clinic is for first doses only, officials said.

No registration is necessary and people must be older than 16 and present a Michigan Medicine medical record number at the door, according to the website. It will be a two-dose vaccination and requires people to be present for a second dose 21 days later, officials said.

UM is also hosting vaccination clinics at Meijer, 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, on April 22-23. That location requires registration and free transportation is provided by Central Student Government.

Before scheduling a vaccination, people:

Must complete your ResponsiBlue daily screening and present a green checkmark

Should not have an active infection with COVID-19 in the past 10 days

Must not be in quarantine at the time of vaccination

Must not have received any other vaccines for 14 days prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination

Must not have not received monoclonal antibody therapy in the previous 90 days

Must be available in Ann Arbor to receive both doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

All UM students, staff and faculty who have filled out the BlueQueue questionnaire and have not been vaccinated have been invited to make an appointment, university officials said.

More information on UMs vaccine administration can be found here.

READ MORE:

Mandatory COVID vaccination for students, staff, faculty urged by University of Michigan group

One public Michigan university is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for students. Will others do the same?

We cannot be bystanders: University of Michigan leaders issue statements on Derek Chauvin verdict
Law enforcement accountability remains a top concern for Alabama Democrats heading into the final weeks of this years legislative session.

But for Democrats, long saddled with superminority status in the Alabama statehouse, even small victories on issues of criminal justice reform are worth celebrating.

On the day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three charges related to the murder of George Floyd, Alabama Democrats said they will continue rolling out bills aimed at holding police accountable even if major reforms, such as restricting qualified immunity for police, has an uphill climb before the Republican majority.

Other states, like New Mexico, are advancing measures that would eliminate qualified immunity that shields police officers from civil liability lawsuits. Only Colorado and Connecticut have a similar law in place.

We support law enforcement, said state Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, and the chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party during a news conference at the State House Wednesday. However, we believe law enforcement should be held to a higher standard and their actions should be fair and responsible.

Democratic lawmakers highlighted some of their successes this session that includes HB411, sponsored by state Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Linden; and state Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham. The legislation requires the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission to maintain a database that will enable police to run a pre-employment background check and to ween out the bad apples, according to England. The legislation establishing the database recently passed out of the Alabama Legislature, and awaits Gov. Kay Iveys signature.

England also praised the passage of SB117, which provides procedures for someone to have their criminal records expunged under certain conditions. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, allows for criminal expungements of certain misdemeanor offenses, traffic and municipal ordinance violations and some felony offenses.

It offers someone a genuine chance to start over, England said. Its a very small step in a long journey to ensure our criminal justice system is equitable and fair.

Democratic lawmakers also continued their push to oppose HB242, which strengthens the 2017 Alabama Memorial Preservation Act by enacting a $10,000 daily fine for elected officials and institutions, such as universities for each day they have a monument removed. The existing law provides a $25,000 fine against cities or counties that oversaw the removal of monuments that have been in place for 40 years or more.

The legislation was introduced by state Rep. Mike Holmes, R-Wetumpka, who called the new penalties more of a deterrent from removing historical monuments. Black lawmakers argued that the legislation adds protections to emblems of the Confederacy, with some calling it a disgrace.

State Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, said Alabama Democrats want to see the state remove images of the Confederacy on State Trooper patches and abolished state-sanctioned Confederate holidays such as Confederate Memorial Day, held on April 26. Alabama is one of five states that recognize the holiday. Alabama also recognizes Confederate general Robert E. Lees Day on the same day as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s Day.

Alabama state buildings and schools are also closed on June 7 in recognition of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate states from 1861-1865, who was not an Alabama native.

Its time to move forward, said Clarke. Diversity is our greatest strength and its time to move to amore just and equitable future for our state.
(Natural News) California Rep. Maxine Waters on Saturday, April 17, called on Black Lives Matter (BLM) militants in Minnesota to be more confrontational should Derek Chauvin be acquitted in the George Floyd murder trial.

Chauvin is the former police officer charged with the murder of Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25 last year. According to reports, members of the Minnesota National Guard were targeted in a drive-by shooting just hours after Waters made her controversial remarks.

Judge Peter Cahill, who oversaw the murder trial, criticized the comments by Waters. He said that the comments were abhorrent and that her words could be grounds for the defense to appeal a verdict.

Chauvins attorney asked the judge to declare a mistrial over the lawmakers comments, arguing that she had prejudiced the jury. Cahill denied the request but said that Waters may have handed the defense a lifeline anyway.

Ill give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned, Cahill said as arguments concluded Monday, April 19, and the jury began deliberations. (Related: Prepare for leftists to burn cities again, America: Prosecution in Derek Chauvin trial having trouble proving George Floyd was murdered.)

Waters has a history of advocating violent protests

Waters spoke in a Minneapolis suburb not far from where Chauvin was on trial. She told the protesters that if there was a not-guilty verdict then we know that we got to not only stay in the street, but we have got to fight for justice.

Weve got to get more confrontational. Weve got to make sure that they know that we mean business, Waters added.

Of the curfew, Waters said: I dont think anything about curfew. Curfew means I want you all to stop talking. I want you to stop meeting. I want you to stop gathering. I dont agree with that. It was an interesting stance since Democrats are known supporters of lockdowns and social distancing.

Waters explained her side Sunday, April 18, on MSNBC.

I wanted to be there, kind of as Auntie Maxine, to show them that not only do I love them and I support them, but they can count on me to be with them at this terrible time in all of our lives, she said of her trip to Minnesota.

Auntie Maxine is the nickname Waters embraced when she became an early hero to younger progressives opposed to former President Donald Trump. She insisted she was non-violent and argued that Republicans were merely seizing on her remarks to send a message to all of the white supremacists, the KKK.

Waters, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, was first elected in 1991 to represent south Los Angeles. Shes now in her 15th term in Congress.

This is not the first time she has been accused of dangerous rhetoric. At a 2017 charity event in New York City, she told a crowd: I will go and take Trump out tonight. A year later she urged a crowd to, if they ever saw a Trump official in public, get out and you create a crowd. And you push back on them. And you tell them theyre not welcome.

A year after she was first elected to Congress, her district was rocked by rioting after some white police officers who were filmed beating a black motorist were acquitted.

Waters refused to call those violent protests a riot despite leaving more than 60 people dead, more than 2,000 injured and hundreds of millions of dollars in property destroyed.

If you call it a riot, the Los Angeles Times quoted her at the time, it sounds like it was just a bunch of crazy people who went out and did bad things for no reason. I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion. (Related: Left-wing media now changing the definition of riot in order to accommodate Antifa and BLM thugs burning American cities.)

Republicans blast Waters, Democrats defend her

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader of the Democrat-controlled Senate, blasted Waters, saying: Its harder to imagine anything more inappropriate than a member of Congress flying in from California to inform local leaders, not so subtly, that this defendant better be found guilty or else therell be big trouble in the streets.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz slammed officials from the rival party in general for openly inciting riots. The senator from Texas tweeted on Sunday that Democrats are supporting far-left terror groups to tear apart American society.

Todays Democrats are about power. So if the rules stand in the way, the heck with the rules, ignore them, Cruz said.

House Republicans also rebuked Waters.

House Minority Leader and California Rep. Kevin McCarthy tweeted that Waters had incited violence. He pledged to introduce a congressional resolution of censure, though such a move would be largely symbolic as Democrats also run the lower house of Congress.

House Republican Whip and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who was shot in 2017 by a left-wing gunman, urged Democrats and the media to condemn the remarks made by Waters. He tweeted: I was shot because of this kind of dangerous rhetoric.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a resolution to expel Waters while New York Rep. Lee Zeldin called for Waters to be immediately removed from Congress. Other GOP lawmakers called for a sanction to hold her accountable.

Meanwhile, Democrat lawmakers defended Waters. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted on Monday that her fellow California representative had no reason to apologize. Maxine talked about confrontation in the manner of the civil rights movement, Pelosi said.

House Majority Leader and Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer also downplayed the issue, saying on Monday: I dont think she meant violence. He added that Waters is passionate and has never advocated violence.

Follow Rioting.news for more news and information related to violent protests by the liberals.

Sources include:

BBC.com

NBCNews.com

OANN.com
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The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have outlined reforms they want in Correctional Service Centres and the Nigeria Police Force.

These reforms, they said, will enable the agencies to operate optimally in different states and enhance their performance.

They called for police reform as well as the delisting of the Correctional Service Centres from the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution to the Concurrent List.

The duo made the comment at a one-day Roundtable on Reform of the Criminal Justice System of Nigeria in Abuja Abuja on Wednesday. The event was organised by Abubakar Suleiman-led National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Mr Gbajabiamila who was represented by a member of the House, Uzuwagbo Ugonna, said Nigerias Criminal Justice System beginning with the police, the Courts, the Correctional Service, the nations criminal laws and codes, including human personnel that manage its criminal justice institutions, need reforms.

He said National Assembly will not oppose any move to bring the idea to light.

As legislators, we will not be opposed to amending the Constitution to remove the establishment and management of Correctional Service Centres from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. This, I believe, will fast-track and decongest our federal correctional centres and enable willing states to provide better correctional service centres with better living conditions for their people, he said.

Speaking on autonomy for State Judiciary, the lawmaker said the autonomy being advocated by judicial officers across the nation should be granted without delay, to encourage justice without favour.

He also urged the federal government to consider the creation of special criminal courts.

On his part, Mr Lawan who was represented by Solomon Olamilekan (APC, Lagos) noted that no society grows without a productive criminal justice system, considering the additional role the sector plays in maintaining order and in fostering peace.

With rising insecurity, we must be ready to strengthen the justice system and be bold enough to ensure that criminals go through diligent prosecution. This is to serve as a deterrent to others, reduce wrongdoings, promote peace and enhance growth and development.

Earlier, Mr Suleiman called for the separation of the Ministry of Justice from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

This, he said, will allow for easy prosecution of corruption and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.

Their comments come on the heels of the strike by judiciary workers across the country who are demanding the implementation of section 121(3) of the Nigerian Constitution which is being flouted by the governors.

The section states that funds meant for the judiciary should be released to the heads of court in various states directly from the consolidated revenue account.

Despite a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered in January 2014 affirming the constitutional provision, governors have refused to comply. They are the main targets of the strike.
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The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has begun campaign against social vices, including rape, cultism, violence and drug abuse, in tertiary institutions in the South-east region of the country

Garba Abari, the director-general of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday at the commencement of the campaign in Echara, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Mr Abari, represented by the agencys Director in Ebonyi, Desmond Onwo, said the programme known as Campus Focus was for reorientation of students on need to curtail such vices.

He said the emphasis on tertiary institutions was supported by the fact that youth contributed over 60 per cent of the labour force, which drove the process of governance and social-development.

According to him, this is a continuous nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at attitudinal reorientation of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The agency has, over the years, implemented the same in over 50 higher institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The programme has become highly imperative due to the myriads of vices that have bedeviled the Nigerian tertiary institutions, he said.

Mr Abari listed the vices to include cultism, sexual and gender violence, rape, examination malpractices and alarming trend of suicide amongst students.

He described youths as the strength of any nation and noted that the sensitisation was important in the fight against all forms of social vices in the country.

NOA objectives is to reawaken the consciousness of students of tertiary institutions on the need to embrace our national core values.

It is to curtail the rising trend of social vices in higher schools, he explained.

Benedict Mbam, a professor and the provost, Ebonyi College of Education, Ikwo, commended NOA on the programme and pledged support in the nations efforts in curtailing crimes.

Mr Mbam, represented by his deputy, Francis Azunku, described the state of insecurity in the country as worrisome and urged students to take advantage of the programme and make good use of it.

Chukwuma Nwali, president of the Student Union Government of the college thanked NOA for choosing their school for the campaign.

We are happy to witness and participate in the programme. It is a welcome development. I urge every student to support the national values and stay clear of criminality in Ebonyi, South-east and Nigeria at large, Mr Nwali said.

(NAN)
Two days after scores of victims of child sex crimes rallied on the steps of the state Capitol demanding that lawmakers pave the way for them to get justice, the Senate Judiciary Committee delivered on their demands.

By a vote of 11-3, the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday advanced a measure that would establish a two-year retroactive window for time-barred victims to file civil lawsuits against predators or the institutions that ignored their abuse. The measure would allow victims to go to court even if they are years or decades beyond the statutes of limitations.

The measure, which passed the House last week by a solid majority of 149-52, now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, said he supports the legislation. With Senate approval, the bill would go to Gov. Tom Wolf.

The Senate has previously taken up bills that would allow victims of child sex abuse whose legal recourse has long expired to bring their predators to justice. In the past, the chamber has blocked the measures.

This time, the legislation (House Bill 951) has the support of the majority of the judiciary committee, particularly its leadership.

I intend to look victims in the eye and look at myself in the mirror of my own conscience, Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Sen. Lisa Baker, noting that she had in recent years changed her views about the proposal.

Baker previously advocated for a ballot referendum to change the law, not statutory change.

Baker said the time for speeches long pass, and urged the members of the panel to support the measure, saying the brave men and women who had endured years of trauma deserved justice.

Abuse victims have been denied fair remedy for far too long that we are obligated to explore every avenue to deliver a just result, she said.

Baker amended the bill to reinforce the idea that, if approved, the measure would waive the sovereign immunity against lawsuits granted to public institutions such as public schools. Both private entities, such as churches and youth organizations, would be as liable under the law as public institutions.

It is no longer a justice system if victims are denied rights and remedies because of budgetary concerns, Baker said.

Baker acknowledged the presence in the meeting of survivors and the bills two main sponsors, Rep. Jim Gregory, R-Blair, and Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks. Both lawmakers are also victims of child sexual abuse.

The idea of passing a law that would lift expired statute of limitations for some victims has long drawn deep debate in the General Assembly and effectively killed the previous proposals.

State lawmakers and advocates are taking a two-track approach at reforming child sex abuse law. They are pushing to create a window for victims through regular legislation approved by the General Assembly. The governor has said he would sign such a bill.

Last month, lawmakers also took the first step in the lengthy process to amend the state Constitution to create a temporary period for victims to seek court action. Lawmakers must also pass the proposed amendment in the next legislative session before it would go to voters for final approval, meaning it wouldnt take effect until 2023 at the earliest. While this process take longer, some proponents have said this approach would better position the reforms to withstand legal challenges.

Corman noted that while the proposal still draws those same questions about constitutionality, he backed the dual path, advocating that legal challenges will play out in court regardless of the path taken, and ultimately be settled.

Im prepared to have lawyers have their day and and most importantly the victims to have their day, Corman said.

He urged the Senate to do right by victims.

Enough is enough, Corman said. These poor individuals that have suffered these most heinous crimes ...as a father, I cannot imagine. I dont even imagine.

The legislation would fulfill the recommendations handed by the 40th Statewide Grand Jury in 2018, which uncovered systemic and widespread sexual abuse of children at the hands of more than 300 Catholic priests.

Wolf last year signed into law a bill championed by Rozzi that eliminated the statute of limitations going forward. Under the new law, sovereign immunity was eliminated going forward.

University of Pennsylvania law professor Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of CHILD USA, said victims and survivors were breathing a sigh of relief.

She urged the Legislature to act immediately to send the bill to the governors desk.

Survivors have waited decades for justice, and many died waiting for this legislation, Hamilton said. We cannot wait any longer and this bill must be fast tracked for passage now.

The bills main advocates - Rozzi and Gregory - as well as Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who spearheaded the grand jury investigation, have expressed confidence that the measure has enough support in the Senate to advance it to the governors desk within days.

The bill as amended also gives the Pennsylvania Supreme Court extraordinary jurisdiction to hear challenges on the law or render declaratory judgement regarding its constitutionality.

The commonwealth earlier this year was on track to put a ballot question to voters in May, but a blunder by the Department of State kicked the effort back to square one. Earlier this year, the Wolf administration announced it had failed to advertise the constitutional amendment as required.

The Legislature had to restart the lengthy process of amending the state Constitution. The misstep also led then-Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar to resign from her post.

Shapiro commended the lawmakers for passage of the bill out of committee and urged Senate lawmakers to approve it. Shapiro noted that 20 states have passed similar reforms, and 14 others have began their own investigations into clergy abuse.

Todays vote brings these brave survivors the closest they have been to having their day in court, Shapiro said. Now its time to deliver justice and closure for those who spoke up, relived their trauma, and bolstered the system for future victims.

This report has been updated.
Managing the Data Onslaught

Organizations in every industry are grappling with unprecedented data management challengesand state and municipal government entities are no exception. In fact, they have the added burden of addressing numerous electronic discovery (eDiscovery) and compliance issues as they gather, store, and transmit massive volumes of information.Government operations increasingly are providing digital services to citizens, and that means having to manage more data. Theyre also fulfilling a growing number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records requests on a daily basis. And theyre dealing with these difficulties while being heavily regulated; having to abide by court ordered, mandated requests; and facing challenging timelinesall with limited resources.Fortunately, agencies can deploy technology solutions and put in place policies and procedures to significantly enhance the way they manage and protect data. And given the enormous challenges, theyd best begin these efforts soon.Among the biggest challenges state and local governments face are the sheer volumes of information they need to deal with, the ongoing growth of these data lakes, and the variety of data theyre taking in from an ever-increasing number of sources.We have so much dataand so many different kinds of dataand its not all the same when it comes to the security and privacy requirements, says Chris McMasters, CIO of the City of Corona, Calif. Sorting out the types of data and the compliance needs for each type and making information accessible to those who need it is hard, because much of the data resides in silos, McMasters says.Corona is gathering information about citizens, utilities, building and other types of permits, city planningand more recently a growing number of sensors as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). For example, it acquires data from connected infrastructure components such as video cameras, traffic lights, streetlights, smart meters, even lawn sprinklers and trees.The city has seen an average increase in data volume of about 20% per year over the past four years, McMasters says.While Corona wants to maintain as much transparency as possible with information, that strategy can run the risk of invading someones privacy. For example, the city provides a variety of information via online, open portals.We want to be transparent with that data so citizens can see what decisions were making, McMasters says. But we have to make sure were not compromising individuals, such as when police report details are made public on the portals, he says. We need classification and governance around data and this is a big challenge, especially when were ingesting so much data at the same time.Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland has also struggled with managing dataparticularly the need to keep it safe at all times.With emerging concerns with data privacy, protecting data is paramount in our line of work, says Pete Cevenini, CTO. The emphasis has expanded from data backups for business continuity to encrypted data at both rest and in transit. Providing those protections, while remaining compliant with the demands of public information by way of requests for data is like walking a very fine line.As major application providers are moving to the cloud, the challenge of protecting data during transmission and at rest is more challenging than it would be if the data flow were exclusively traversing the school systems own on-premises equipment, Cevenini says.As such, it has required better equipment, technology, configurations, policies, and education, to ensure that we are respectful of protecting data that traverses the Internet to get to and from our end users, Cevenini says. This has been especially true with student data, critical financial data, and employee data, he says. As we need to send data across the Internet, we have to work much harder to ensure [the] highest levels of data privacy and protection.Fortunately, there are practices governments can follow to effectively address the big data management challenges. One is to take a gradual approach to data management, rather than trying to make broad, overnight changes in order to fix what oftentimes are complex problems.Start small; take it one project at a time versus doing the whole thing at once, McMasters says. We started with just fire department data and then built a management structure around that.Government entities also need to deploy technology solutions and cloud-based services designed to help manage burgeoning volumes of data and adhere to compliance and ediscovery requirements.Such tools should enable government IT to take control of the end-to-end ediscovery process and command over data and workflows; effectively collaborate with cross-agency counterparts in real-time; and quickly analyze, review, and collaborate all electronically stored information.IT teams also need the capability of packaging digital evidence and sharing intelligence with cross-agency investigators.Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a vital role in enhancing data management and will only become more important as the technology advances and is made available in more tools.A recent report by the Center for Government Insights at consulting firm Deloitte, Government Trends 2020What are the most transformational trends in government today? says AI has the potential to enhance almost everything government does.Until recently, many governments struggled to understand what AI could accomplish, the report says. Today, more than 80% of early adopter public sector organizations the firm surveyed are using or planning to use AI, and nearly 90% consider cognitive technologies to be of extreme strategic importance for their internal business processes.One reason AI can work well for government is that it needs volumes of dataand governments have plenty of volume, the report says.With data management specifically, AI can help organizations with the task of classifying and tagging data as part of governance, McMasters says. Corona has taken advantage of AI and the cloud to better manage data from 700 video cameras around the city, for example.The tools needed to perform the tasks associated with compliance and ediscovery are improving to the point where the process is less cumbersome, Cevenini says.Some requests [for information] are still time consuming and complex, due to the various source locations of the datacloud, on-premises servers, user workstations, etc., Cevenini says. But improvements have also been made to setting expectations of the need for ready-access to this information, for authorized staff.Another good practice is to seek expert advice on data management from outside the organization. There are lots of universities, businesses, and other organizations willing to help, McMasters says. Dont be afraid to ask for help.Finally, state and local government entities need to ensure that workers understand their role in managing and protecting data.Employee education across all levels has never been more important, Cevenini says. Technology staff must, of course, be the experts in providing the secure pathways for data to travel. But the need for non-technical staff to have access to critical data requires proper protections through rights and permissions, as well as through education about peoples roles in protecting data.Attacks on our critical data are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, especially in our vertical, Cevenini says. While we have spared no expense with the best-in-class infrastructure to protect our precious resources, we need our employees to be educated and vigilant.
Majority Democrats in the General Assembly have targeted about 20 percent of Gov. Ned Lamonts proposed budget for changes, including more funding for nonprofit social service providers, in a two-year $46-billion spending plan that would use $1.7 billion in anticipated federal support.

The legislative Appropriations Committee Wednesday night approved spending increases of 1.8 percent in the fiscal year that starts July 1, then 3.7 percent more in the second year. The tax-writing Finance Committee is scheduled Thursday to vote on revenue items to pay for the spending.

Both packages will become part of the negotiations with Lamont and his staff in the weeks heading toward the June 9 legislative adjournment. Shortly before 7 p.m., Lamont issued a critical statement, warning that the budget would exceed the state spending cap and leave Connecticut in fiscal trouble in mid-2023.

At the same time, state Sen. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, ranking member of the committee, voiced similar concerns on $128 million approved earlier to fund current agency deficits. Democratic committee leaders did not want to include deficiency items, including a $50 million bailout of the troubled University of Connecticut Health Center in the next biennium budget.

Miner noted that he was happy with some things in the budget, like the planned increase of monthly incidental expenses for nursing home residents from the current $60 to $75.

But Miner was deeply concerned about the alleged dodge around the spending cap. Without that deficiency bill, this budget isnt in balance, said Miner, stressing that it reminded him of the budget crisis of several years back. And the state could face sharp budget shortfalls after the biennium, he warned. Today it is not something I can support, Miner said.

Max Reiss, Lamonts communications director, stressed that the states financial standing, including a rare improvement in its bond rating, could be at stake.

The governor has concerns with this Appropriations Committee budget as they relate to the spending cap and built in deficits well into the future, Reiss said just before the committees sharply partisan vote. As the governor has said, this is only the second inning of a nine-inning game, and he is eager to engage with leadership in the General Assembly.

Reiss said that Lamont will soon offer his ideas on the use of funds under the American Recovery Plan, including public-service investments, tens of millions of dollars for distressed communities and educational initiatives.

State Rep. Toni Walker and Sen. Cathy Osten, co-chairwomen of the Appropriations Committee, said the spending plan includes major commitments toward equity for underserved communities, the unemployed and social service agencies.

More support for low-income families, debt-free community college and a new office within the state Department of Labor to help residents navigate unemployment services, are among the initiatives. Possibly the centerpiece of the legislation is a seven-year plan to help the nonprofit providers that the state has leaned on for decades, in housing the states disabled and needy, including the more than 700 group homes licensed by the state Department of Developmental Services.

Osten, D-Sprague, said that about $244 million from the current budget surplus would be used as right away as an infusion for nonprofits.

By doing that, the state has saved a lot of real dollars, but the private nonprofits are now having a hard time making ends meet, Osten said during a morning briefing for State Capitol reporters. Their workers often qualify for food stamps or heating assistance, and often are working two or three jobs.

During the budget year starting July 1, $50 million would go to the nonprofits, while in the two subsequent years $30 million a year would go to the services. In addition $10 million in each year of the biennium for state and federal Medicaid recipients. The pattern would continue for four more years. In addition, once the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan wins approval in Washington, $30 million more would go to the agencies over the next three years.

Nonprofit agencies say they need about $461 million to stay viable after a year of COVID-related expenses.

Gian Carl Casa, President and CEO of CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, in an initial reaction to the budget, called it a remarkable and historic investment that would be felt throughout the state.

Connecticut has increasingly relied on community-based nonprofits to provide a wide range of services since closing state-run institutions more than 30 years ago, Casa said in a statement. But in that time, funding for nonprofits, which contract with the state, has never kept pace with demand and increasing costs.

Our budget responds to this defining moment in history, said Walker, D-New Haven. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vital importance of government investment in our society and safety net, our healthcare system and most importantly the residents who live in this state.

The spending package would total $22.6 billion in the first year and $23.4 in the second year of the biennium, about equal to Lamonts proposal, without counting some additional expenditures in the current fiscal year that Democrats were including in the actions of the Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

When committee members finally began debate on the budget shortly after 6 p.m., Republicans led by Rep. Whitt Betts of Bristol said they were concerned about the levels of funding. Betts, in his sixth term, recalled that previous efforts to create free community college failed for lack of a funding source, and the current source  the planned internet lottery  will take some

time.

The budget would set aside $29 million from online lottery revenue to provide debt-free community college.

I just dont think its fair or smart to make another promise to spend money that were not authorized to do, said Betts, adding that he is also worried about the annual deficit that the UConn Health Center generates. Betts also criticized the planned $50 million bailout of the health center in Farmington. I dont know why we are subsidizing something that loses this much money, Betts said.

According to an analysis of the proposal by the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, the budget would be $2.4 million under the spending cap in the first year and $15.6 million the following year, pending an additional $7.6 million expenditure in the current fiscal year, from accounts that may not be included in the overall budgets bottom line, in another apparent avoidance of the states spending cap.

The budget includes raises for nonpartisan legislative staff equal to unionized state workers. Millions of dollars are included in anticipation of a new adult-use marijuana program, to set up a regulatory structure, including more than 60 new jobs in the Department of Consumer Protection, which operates the states medical cannabis program, which services 50,000 patients.

Under the budget proposal, the formula for local public school funding would include an additional $108 million over the two years, plus an additional $14 million for school systems with poorer students and English language learners. Community colleges would get $45 million to pay down unfunded debt, while, the State University system would receive $17 million and UConn, $15 million.

The six-year-old municipal revenue sharing program, which uses one-half of 1 percent of the sales tax, but which has never been fully funded, would divert $377 million to cities and towns that support tax-exempt property. Bridgeport would collect an additional $6.2 million over the biennium, while New Haven would be given $30.4 million.

The Democrats budget would give local health districts with grants of more than $5 million, and eliminate costly telephone-call charges for state prison inmates. It would provide $15.4 million in the first year and $41.5 million in second to hire more staff for inmate medical services.

Danbury and Norwalk schools would nearly $1.2 million budget to start test programs to attract suburban students to their urban districts. Vocational-Agriculture high schools would get $7.4 million to increase per-pupil grants.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
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LONGMEADOW  The municipality is looking into the possibility of severing ties with its pension system after a deadline calling for resignations of its board and its executive director lapsed.

Last month, Longmeadow Select Board adopted a resolution no confidence in the Hampden County Regional Board of Retirement in the wake of a critical audit. The resolution called for the immediate resignation of the board of directors, Chairman Richard Theroux and Executive Director Julianne Bartley, and set a deadline of April 15. Similar votes have been taken in Agawam and Hampden.

Since then, Theroux told The Republican he is resigning from his role as the retirement boards chairman and treasurer, but has not set an official date. Laurel Placzek said in a letter to Bartley that she is resigning from her role as the Advisory Council member of the retirement board and as the chairperson of the Advisory Council, effective May 3. Members of the Advisory Council for the Hampden County system are treasurers for each of the systems member units and Placzek is Agawams town treasurer.

Although there have been two tentative resignations from the Hampden County retirement board declared, a couple of the member municipalities reinforced their demand for change at a regional meeting of member municipalities hosted by Hampden Town Administrator Bob Markel on Tuesday afternoon. Representatives from Hampden, Longmeadow, Wilbraham and Brimfield attended the meeting via Zoom. Several expressed concern that the retirement board did not comply with their demands for resignations and change.

In its resolution, the Longmeadow Select Board called upon the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission to take over management of the retirement board until a new board, chairman and executive director can be elected and/or appointed. Markel said that he learned through a conversation with PERAC Executive Director John Parsons that PERAC does not have the authority to step in during the selection process. Instead, the remaining members of the board would be selecting the new members.

By statute, both Therouxs and Placzeks roles are chosen by the other four board members and PERAC has no authority to override that statute, Parsons told The Republican. If the board deadlocks and is unable settle the vote with 30 days, then the selection is reverted back to the commission, he said.

With an Advisory Council meeting slated for April 28 to select the new chairperson, Hampden Select Board Chair Don Davenport said he was against Placzek having an opportunity to vote on her successor. He also noted that he didnt think Theroux should have an opportunity to vote on a successor either  whenever that date is.

Prior to this meeting, Davenport had sent out an email, obtained by The Republican, to treasurers within the pension system to express concern to Parsons regarding what he described as Therouxs failure to set a date for his resignation and more importantly Ms.Placzeks attempt to influence the choice of her successor by not resigning prior to the vote for her replacement. Davenport also submitted a letter to Michelle Hill, who is the president of the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association and the town treasurer in Southwick.

You and the other member unit Treasurers have an opportunity to intervene to prevent further abuse of your town employees and retiree funds and begin the process of much needed reform at the HCRRB, Davenport wrote in an email dated April 12. I respectfully ask and urge you as President of the Massachusetts Treasurers and Collectors Association to use your leadership position and available resources to canvas the Hampden County unit members and jointly insist that Ms. Placzeks resignation take affect April 28, 2021 prior to the convening of the scheduled meeting of the HCRRBC and encourage potential candidates committed to reform to step forward.

He also noted that during the last election for Advisory Council chairperson and representative to the retirement board that Placzek was elected, five votes of the potential 35-unit members participated.

This is no time for complacency, the election on April 28 will be crucial not only to reform and protecting the assets of retirees and taxpayers, but the new representative will have a vote as to who the next Chairman/ Treasurer of HCRRB will be, Davenport wrote.

In her emailed response, Hill said she would be reaching out to Parsons.

Thomas Sullivan, who serves as the Wilbraham assistant town administrator for budget & finance, was mentioned several times during the meeting as a potential option to replace Placzek and received offers of support from several municipal representatives. Sullivan, however, was not in attendance of the meeting. Wilbraham Town Administrator Nick Breault said that he would relay information to Sullivan, but wanted to clarify that he needed to speak with Sullivan further to seek if he is still interested.

Markel also suggested penning a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker requesting further state intervention that would be signed by as many local officials as possible. Many agreed to a letter be submitted at a later date.

Later in the evening, the Longmeadow Select Board member Mark Gold spoke at the boards meeting saying that he felt the town needs to do something drastic.

I hate to do this, because its work we dont need to do, is direct our CFO to find out what it would take for the town of Longmeadow to withdraw from the Hampden County Regional Retirement Board. And I think if we did that and if 20 other organizations did that, theyd finally get the message that we have no confidence in them, said Gold.

Paul Pasterczyk, the towns finance director, said that he would need to see if the vote from the 1960s can be revoked to allow the town to cut ties from the system, and then research how to build a retirement system.

Gold said that while it isnt his intent to cut ties, he wants to rally several communities within the system to send a message to the retirement board.

Board member Steven Marantz agreed with Gold, adding that he felt that this may be a point to explore other options.

If the organization isnt going to change, its time to leave. It might not be doable. It might not be feasible, but we need to investigate that. If the organization isnt going to change, then we need to change, said Marantz.

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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks were moving higher on Wednesday after falling sharply the previous day on concerns about climbing Covid-19 cases in Asia. India reported 2.95 lakh new infections and 2,023 deaths on Wednesday, the highest daily tally since the pandemic began. The Japanese government is mulling a state of emergency for Tokyo and Osaka amid surging cases. The U.S. and Canada extended a land-border closure for non-essential travelers due to COVID-19 concerns. The move came following a surge in virus cases in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. Focus now shifts to the ECB rate decision due on Thursday, with investors hoping the meeting will give more clarity about the ECB's stimulus plans. The benchmark DAX edged up 33 points, or 0.2 percent, to 15,165 after tumbling 1.6 percent in the previous session. Metro AG shares advanced 1.2 percent. The wholesale food distributor has updated its revenue and earnings forecasts for the full fiscal year, and said that first-half figures were in line with guidance. 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.
Neighbors organize to oppose Crab Creek Road storage unit development

Fourteen residents of the Crab Creek community opposed to a mini-storage development project attended a meeting of the county Technical Review Committee on Tuesday.

Neighbors are organizing to oppose a 126,000-square-foot storage unit project on 9.5 acres Crab Creek Road across from Curtis Drive.

"The beauty and serenity of our neighborhood is currently at risk of being lost by the proposal to rezone close to 10 acres of picturesque landscape at the foot of Pinnacle Mountain for yet another self-storage facility in a county littered with so many of these units already," a change.org petition started by Randy Doss said.

"The impacts of this proposal are several fold. There is the negative jolt to nature and our wildlife from the proposed 9+ acres being paved over to support rows of storage buildings are obvious. The additional traffic generation for an already busy, single lane residential road along with new and random customers' accessing their units is an unsettling notion for what we consider a serene environment."

Matthew Cooke, owner of Apple Country storage, has asked for Zoning Board of Adjustment approval of a special use permit in an R2R residential zone east of Camp Blue Star and west of Evans Road. Cooke told a county Technical Review Committee that he is working to accommodate neighbors' concerns on lighting, hours and buffering.

Cooke's site plan shows the buildout in four phases of 39,000, 51,000, 24,000 and 10,000 square feet, an office and a gated entrance. The development would leave 9 percent of the site open and would develop 7.5 acres of it.

Fritz McPhail, who owns 160 acres on Crab Creek Road next to Camp Blue Star, helped organize the successful fight years ago against the Glen at Flat Rock senior development.

"One of the horrible things about this," he said, "is that blind hill on Evans. You can't see on the other side of that hill and traffic flies down that road."

"Certainly traffic," he said when asked about his reasons for opposing the development. "Light pollution, water runoff into Crab Creek. There's certainly a lot of damage being done to Crab Creek, this will just add to it. The loss of the sense of a residential community.

"Hendersonville has to decide what it wants to be," he said. "If it wants to be a nice place to retire and ride your bike, that's one thing. If they want to turn it into a commercial area  they tried to do that with this $100 million deal (for the assisted living development)  that's another. But they are in conflict with one another."

McPhail said he has been working with Conserving Carolina on a conservation easement to protect the land he owns.

"We're into protecting nature, protecting species, whether they're green salamanders or French broadleaf or the Mexican bat," he said. "We want to protect the habitat. We don't want commercial out here."

Around 15 neighbors of the development site attended the TRC meeting Tuesday. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to take up the request at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, in the Henderson County building at 100 N. King St.
Jake Whitehead, a transport expert at the University of Queensland, agreed Victorias approach was among the worst. He described Victorias plan as only narrowly better than some of the electric vehicle policies implemented in parts of the mid-west of the United States where governments have a vested interest in fossil fuels. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said incentives will accompany the tax but has not detailed what they will be. Credit:Paul Jeffers Its one of the worst approaches and it is quite short sighted, he said. Mr Whitehead said the government should consider starting with a lower tax rate that increased with sale targets. He also suggested an opt-in approach in exchange for incentives, which would put the onus on the government.

The government has been in negotiations with crossbenchers since it introduced the bill to Parliament last month, when Mr Pallas suggested incentives would accompany the tax package. The legislation is due to be debated next month, but the government has not detailed what new incentives will be included. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten will support the tax if the government offers a satisfactory incentives package. Credit:Justin McManus Labor holds 17 of the 40 seats in the upper house and will need the support of three crossbenchers to pass the bill. Key crossbencher Fiona Patten wrote to Mr Pallas last week indicating she would support the legislation, but only if the government agreed to include a wide range of incentives to entice the public to purchase electric vehicles.

The Reason Party MP offered six suggestions: investing in infrastructure such as charging stations, stamp duty exemptions, a waiver on registration fees until June 2024, discounts or waivers on road tolls, a $15,000 interest-free loan program to buy electric vehicles or charging infrastructure and converting the government fleet into electric cars. The open letter against the proposed tax, which will appear in The Age on Thursday, urges crossbench MPs to vote against the bill when it comes before Parliament. Every other state and territory in Australia has ruled out or delayed plans for a premature new tax on electric vehicles, the letter says. Going it alone will mean Victoria has the worst electric vehicle policy in the world. The letter has also been signed by Doctors for the Environment Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Clean Energy Council.

Another signatory, Australias Electric Vehicle Council  an industry-led group which represents more than 60 companies, including major car makers and all zero-emission vehicles manufacturers  believes the tax will ensure Australia remains at the bottom of the list when it comes to the take-up of electric vehicles. Loading Victoria is already massively behind comparable jurisdictions in the US, the UK and across Europe in terms of electric car uptake. This tax will exacerbate the yawning gap, chief executive Behyad Jafari said. Far from being on track to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, emissions from transport are rising in Victoria. This is the wrong time to tax zero emissions vehicles. Both Ms Patten and Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick  another key crossbencher in negotiations with the government  said they were seeking an incentive package that actively motivated Victorians to take up electric vehicles, rather than one that simply offset the negative connotations of the tax.

Mr Meddick said the road user charge was problematic unless there were substantial incentives for Victorians to make their next car an electric vehicle, including reigniting vehicle manufacturing in Victoria. Loading A key to uptake will be diversity of vehicle models and price points and Victoria has the opportunity to lead the charge, Mr Meddick said. The Age can also reveal that Mr Pallas has been negotiating with Tesla and Nissan, who did not sign the open letter, on how to make their electric models more accessible in Victoria. Addressing the letters criticism, the Treasurer said a tax was necessary because electric cars were destined to dominate motorways in the future given theyll always be more economical to run and price parity with petrol cars was predicted to arrive by the mid 2020s.
MBABANE - The reopening of schools has sparked the COVID-19 infection rate among school-going children.

Following the reopening, there has been a noticeable rise in infection among people below the ages of 18. Since schools opened on March 29, 2021, 10 COVID-19 cases were recorded among people below the ages of 18, which might be school-going citizens. The 10 infections among people less than 18 years were recorded from March 30 to April 18, 2020. Children are known to be carriers of the virus since they are mainly asymptomatic, meaning they do not show symptoms. Most hardly get gravely ill from the virus as well. They are known to contract the virus and spread it among the elderly and family members when they reach home.

Concern

Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi expressed her concern over the few COVID-19 cases in schools. She expressed her worry on Monday, while she was addressing the nation, to be wary of the COVID-19 third wave, despite the low daily infections. We have seen some cases of scholars below 10 years of age getting infected, thus the warning to schools to enforce the COVID-19 prevention measures, said Nkosi. The minister said the Ministry of Health had schools health teams that were increased and trained during the first response to sensitise the schools on COVID-19-related issues to contain the spread of the virus in schools.

They (the trainers) received a refresher course as they prepared for schools reopening. There are standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place. There is a quick response to every identified case, prompt follow-up on contacts and thorough investigation and management of each case. The trainers also do screening and testing of contacts. It is this joint effort between Education and Health that has helped contain infections. This has resulted in the very low infection rate against over 200 000 learners in the country, said Nkosi. Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) President Welcome Mhlanga said head teachers followed the SOPs which were provided by government.

Handwashing

The SOPs include having handwashing stations, adhering to social distancing even in class (1.5 metres apart) and wearing face masks. Some head teachers have gone the extra mile by not allowing parents inside the school premises unless it is necessary. We encourage parents to address issues over the phone, said Mhlanga.
PPG (NYSE:PPG) today launched its 2020 Sustainability Report, highlighting the companys strong, continued progress against key environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas. The report is available at sustainability.ppg.com.

Our unwavering commitment to protect and beautify the world guides our more than 46,000 employees to further advance our sustainability progress each day, said Michael H. McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. We continue to innovate, invest and develop sustainably advantaged products and processes that our customers and other stakeholders count on to create a more sustainable future. As highlighted in our latest Sustainability Report, we have made significant progress within our many ESG-related initiatives, and we continue to drive our ambitious targets forward.

Throughout last year, PPG improved the sustainability of its products, processes and operations, decreasing its overall global environmental footprint. Achievements included:

35% of sales from sustainably advantaged products and processes, including the launch of antibacterial and antiviral products, against the goal of 40% by 2025;

35% of manufacturing and research and development locations with zero process waste to landfill;

34% reduction in waste disposal intensity from the 2017 baseline  above the 25% goal by 2025;

15% reduction in water intensity from the 2017 baseline against the goal of 20% by 2025;

33% reduction in the spills and releases rate from the 2017 baseline; and

24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2017.

PPG people also supported the essential needs of communities around the world; implemented a thorough COVID-19 response plan to protect employees and serve customers in new ways; and took action to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) progress. Actions included:

Committing $20 million from 2020-2025 to further social justice and educational opportunities in underrepresented communities;

Investing $4.5 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts, including the donation of 80,000 masks to hospitals; and

Growing and strengthening the companys focus on DE&I by identifying and taking action on a series of commitments.

New or expanded sections of the report include cybersecurity and data privacy, COVID-19 response, supplier sustainability, climate-related risks, and diversity, equity and inclusion. PPGs 2020 reporting disclosures align with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the chemical industry as well as the Global Reporting Initiative Standards (GRI). PPG was also recently recognized with a Gold Rating from EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings.

To explore the report and learn more about the companys sustainability progress against its 2025 goals, visit sustainability.ppg.com.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $13.8 billion in 2020. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

CATEGORY Sustainability

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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) welcomed news that the World Bank was lifting sanctions on SNC-Lavalin over corruption charges levelled nearly a decade ago. "This should allow SNC-Lavalin to compete internationally for new clients and contracts including for its subsidiary Candu Energy," said Mark Chudak, President of SPEA. We hope that Candu Energy's management will use this as an opportunity to reignite Canada's flagship nuclear technology company."



In the companys most recent proxy statement, they reported a 12.6% increase in spending on executive compensation. "These bonuses were as a result of the hard work from employees, and we look forward to management recognizing that contribution in upcoming negotiations," said Chudak. SPEA's contract with Candu Energy expires later this year.

As the world continues to fight climate change, experts are increasingly recognizing the importance of nuclear in limiting greenhouse gases. The move away from carbon-based production to cleaner electricity production is causing an increase in electricity consumption that cannot be met by green energy like solar or wind alone. Nuclear is becoming more accepted as a safe, reliable source of energy. The Government of Canada and several provinces have signaled their commitment to nuclear with a number of funding announcements.

"If there was ever a time for Canada to promote CANDU technology, which Canadian taxpayers have invested billions, now is the time," Chudak pointed out. "SPEA members hold the knowledge and ability to make Canada a world leader in nuclear power again. We hope that SNC-Lavalin recognizes this and makes the strategic investment in its workforce to make this a reality. As the earning reports demonstrates, Candu Energy is a profitable division that has shown results and promise."

The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates is an independent union representing engineers, scientists, technical and administrative staff, who work for Candu Energy Inc- Nuclear division of SNC-Lavalin (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Candu division) in Mississauga, Ontario and abroad (excluding AECL Chalk River Laboratories). Formed in 1974, SPEA is one of the oldest professional unions in Canada.
GREENVILLE  The coalition of South Carolina religious and independent colleges suing the state for access to public funds is asking a federal judge to force the distribution of tens of millions of dollars in coronavirus relief aid before a looming deadline.

U.S. District Judge Bruce Hendricks will hear arguments May 5 in Greenville on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston's request for a preliminary injunction to bypass what is known as the "Blaine Amendment."

At stake is as much as $34 million that Gov. Henry McMaster set aside in coronavirus aid for religious schools and historically Black colleges and universities, plaintiff attorney Daniel Suhr wrote in a request for a preliminary injunction.

The intervention is necessary now, Suhr argued, because a May 11 deadline looms when money must be spent before the federal government redistributes it to other states.

McMaster is technically a defendant in the legal action, along with the executive director and the budget director of the state Department of Administration.

The lawsuit has broader implications in the debate over school vouchers. In the coming year's budget proposal, McMaster included $14 million in lottery money to be allocated for private school vouchers. However, the ability to do so is in limbo after the state Supreme Court in December unanimously voted to block public funding to private schools.

In March 2020, the federal CARES Act provided discretionary funds to governors to provide education relief during the pandemic. McMaster attempted to give $32 million of the money to private schools on behalf of low- and moderate-income families.

The governor also dedicated $2.4 million to support online education access at the state's eight HBCUs.

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The lawsuit joins those colleges with the diocese and the 33 private schools it represents in challenging the state constitutional provision that bars public money from being spent on private schools.

The action takes aim at former prominent South Carolina politician Ben "Pitchfork" Tillman and the "Blaine Amendment," named after U.S. Rep. James Blaine.

Blaine joined with the American Protective Association to lobby for constitutional changes keeping funds from sectarian schools as part of a broader "anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic campaign," according to the lawsuit.

In 1895, led by Tillman, who was an avowed racist, the state's constitution was amended to achieve what the lawsuit argued is permanent disenfranchisement of Black people following the departure of federal troops after Reconstruction. Part of Tillman's stated goal was to equip Black people only for menial labor and prevent them from being educated, the suit alleges.

Tillman's cause "lined up nicely" with Blaine's campaign, the lawsuit states.

Today, according to the lawsuit, a Baptist food pantry, a Catholic hospital and Muslim mosque can all receive the federal aid, but not private schools.
BOONEVILLE, Miss. ( WTVA ) - Vitalant and Northeast Mississippi Community College's Iota Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society once again teamed up for the annual Spring Blood Drive Wednesday morning at the Haney Union in Booneville.

Blood donation provider Vitalant has seen a significant increase in blood usage at area hospitals.

Blood drive at NEMCC on April 21, 2021. Blood drive at NEMCC on April 21, 2021.

Coupled with fewer mobile blood drives than normal due to the pandemic and decreased high school and college blood drive events, the provider is urging local citizens to donate blood as soon as they can.

For COVID-19 safety reasons, appointments are encouraged and masks are required.

Schedule your donation by calling 877-258-4825.

WTVA spoke with Phi Theta Kappa advisor Andrea Mathis. Watch the interview in the video above.
As Hollywood remains crippled by the ongoing health crisis, Australia is largely free of restrictions. Countless Hollywood film productions have moved here to continue shooting throughout the health crisis, which may have also played a part in Warner Bros. decision to bring Mad Max back home.As fans must know, the first three films , starring Mel Gibson as the titular Max, were all shot in Australia. The fourth one, which brought Tom Hardy as the male lead and paired him with Charlize Therons Furiosa , was eventually shot in Namibia after several delays caused by a heavier rainy season in Australia. You cant have a post-apocalyptic desertland backdrop when everything is green and lush.Mad Max: Furiosa will tell the story before the events of Fury Road, so new actors are on board. Anya Taylor-Joy is a young Furiosa, starring opposite Chris Hemsworth in a yet-to-be-disclosed part.Speaking at a press conference announcing the start of production in New South Wales, director George Miller also said that vehicles for the film are already being built. He also said that the story will stretch across several years, as opposed to the short timeline of Fury Road.Whereas Fury Road essentially happened over three days and two nights, this happens over many years, he said, as cited by the Sydney Morning Herald . You try to make films that are uniquely familiar. This will be familiar to those people who know Mad Max, and in particular Fury Road, but also it will be unique.Miller also said he was eager to see the story in theaters, a sentiment all true movie buffs will undoubtedly relate to. For the time being, Furiosa has a working 2023 release date.
New Delhi, April 21 : Amid oxygen crisis in the capital, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned the Centre why it was not waking up to reality and directed it to immediately provide oxygen to the hospitals in the city.

During the hearing of a plea by a hospital group, which had flagged oxygen crisis in two of its hospitals this afternoon, a bench comprising Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said: "Why Centre is not waking up to the gravity of the situation? We are shocked and dismayed hospitals are running out of oxygen but steel plants are running." The bench said the Centre should find means for transporting oxygen to hospitals, either by creating dedicated corridors or airlifting it from the production facility.

"How is the government so oblivious to the reality on ground? You can't have people die because there is no oxygen," it said.

The bench noted that heavens will not fall if the industries, including steel and petroleum, run on lower capacity till oxygen is imported.

Citing its Tuesday order on the issue of supply of oxygen to the hospitals, the bench added: "This is really ridiculous. You are concerned with the industries... That means human lives doesn't matter for the government." The bench observed that industries like steel and petrochemical are oxygen guzzlers and diverting oxygen from them can meet hospitals' demand. "If Tatas can divert oxygen, they are generating for their steel plants to medical use, why can't others?" "This is height of greed and is there sense of humanity left or not?" it asked.

As counsel for the Union Health Ministry submitted files have started moving, the court retorted: "What is the outcome? We aren't bothered about these files." It emphasised that there is no dearth of resources with the Centre.

The plea was filed by Balaji Medical and Research Centre, which owns and runs various hospitals in the name of Max. The hospital group had submitted that if oxygen demand is not met on immediate basis, then it will impact lives of critical patients.

The High Court said: "We are constrained to direct the Centre to forthwith implement this order and take over supply of oxygen from steel plants and if necessary, also from the petroleum plants, to supply it to hospitals."
The talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko will be held in Moscow on April 22, the Kremlin press service confirmed on Wednesday.

It noted that the leaders could raise issues related to further development of partnership between the two countries, in particular, within the Union State.

"On April 22, Moscow will host negotiations between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko," TASS cited the report as saying.

According to the Kremlin press service, during the talks it is planned "to discuss a wide range of issues related to further development of Russian-Belarusian relations of strategic partnership and alliance along with prospects for cooperation within the framework of the Union State."

For its part, the Belarusian presidents press service noted that joint response to current challenges and threats, exchange of views on international problems, the situation in the region were among the issues due to be discussed during the talks. Cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and further steps to restore full-fledged transport communication are expected be discussed as well. "The two countries leaders will discuss the current agenda of the Belarusian-Russian relations, focusing on topical issues of trade and economic cooperation, including as a follow-up to the previous meetings and telephone conversations," it said.
Kendall Jenner is one of the best models in the world because she can look right at home in any outfit.

And on Wednesday the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star pulled off a futuristic style that made her look as if she fell out of the Matrix - the Nineties film starring Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The 25-year-old Vogue favorite was modeling for Burberry's virtual show which had been postponed due to Prince Philip's death.

Back to the future: Kendall Jenner is one of the best models in the world because she can look right at home in any look. And on Wednesday the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star adopted a futuristic style

Model move: The 25-year-old Vogue favorite was modeling for Burberry's virtual show which had been postponed due to Prince Philip's death

Kendall looked polished to perfection in the stunning images which were shared to her Instagram account.

The TV star linked to Riccardo Tisci - the Chief Creative Officer at Burberry - in her caption.

The catwalk princess wore a black leather coat that belted for the new snaps. There was a dress underneath and she added nude heels.

The sister of Kylie Jenner wore her brunette hair down and stick straight as her makeup was neutral toned and dewy.

Sleek and stylish: Kendall looked polished to perfection in the stunning images which were shared to her Instagram account

Burberry's inspiration? Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves in the 2003 film The Matrix Reloaded

The cover girl was also seen with her dog, a Doberman Pinscher, named Pyro.

A week ago Burberry postponed its Women's Fall 2021 Show following Prince Philip's passing.

The iconic British fashion house has delayed their digital showcase out of respect for the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9, aged 99.

Three decades ago, Prince Charles - Philip's eldest child with his wife Queen Elizabeth - presented

Burberry with a Royal Warrant, while in 1955, Her Majesty awarded the designer label a Royal Warrant as a Weatherproofer.

Black magic: The catwalk princess wore a black leather coat that belted for the new snaps. There was a dress underneath and she added nude heels

The Duke will be laid to rest on Saturday at Windsor Castle.

Meanwhile, Philip was honoured at the EE BAFTAs at the weekend.

The late consort's life and long service to the film community and the wider country was remembered by BAFTA as the awards show kicked off.

Host Dermot O'Leary said of Philip: 'He was the first President of BAFTA, and that goes through all the way to our current President, his grandson, the Duke of Cambridge.'

Woof: The cover girl was also seen with her dog, a Doberman Pinscher

Whilst his co-host Edith Bowman added: 'It was Prince Philip and Her Majesty, the Queen's support throughout the years that in many ways has allowed BAFTA, a leading charity in the arts, to continue to, in difficult times, still be here today in 2021. The Duke of Edinburgh occupies a special place in BAFTA history and our thoughts are with the royal family.'

The Prince passed away 'peacefully' at Windsor Castle, just a few weeks after being hospitalised with an infection and heart condition.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: 'It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course.

'The Royal Family joins with people around the world in mourning his loss.'
Lysa TerKeurst talks forgiveness, 'seeing beautiful again' after walking through heartache

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Lysa TerKeurst, head of Proverbs 31 Ministries, knows firsthand what it means to publicly walk through betrayal, pain and disappointment. Yet, in even the most heartbreaking of seasons, the bestselling author chooses to proclaim hope, forgiveness and grace.

In 2016, TerKeursts world was shattered when her husband of 25 years, Art, had an affair and revealed his struggle with addiction. That same year, she announced she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer and would need to undergo a double mastectomy.

It was, she previously told The Christian Post, an excruciatingly painful time in her life. But after working to restore their marriage, the TerKeursts renewed their vows in a ceremony attended by friends and family.

The road to healing and restoration, TerKeurst readily admits, has been anything but easy  and she shares their journeys in her books, popular blog, and on social media, all with the intention of pointing her readers to Christ.

Her latest book, Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story, offers the reminder that through Christ, life, no matter how painful, can be beautiful again.

The last several books I've written have been in the midst of pain, and Seeing Beautiful Again is no exception, TerKeurst told CP. I've been continuing on this hard journey, and sometimes I just want to go lay in my bed, pull the covers over my head, and just wallow in the hurt and the pain.

But, she added, I know that me opening up the conversation and bringing solid, therapeutic help and wisdom and solid theology and biblical history that really connects right where people are at  I know it helps. I know how desperately I need it. I want to be a light for not just other people, but I want to study this stuff so that I can heal too.

Instead of making much of the hurt" in her writing, TerKeurst said she strives to share the perspectives and life wisdom that shes gained along the way and highlight the evidence of God's faithfulness that shes experienced even in the midst of really deep heartbreak.

Thats a sign of healing, she said. I would just encourage anybody who's walking through stuff  there's someone else who needs to hear your story. ... I think everyone has life wisdom, evidence of God's faithfulness and experiences. ... And I think when we share our stories, if we focus on those things rather than the details of how we were hurt, that's where it becomes really helpful for other people.

Watch Lysa TerKeurst discuss her new book with The Christian Post

Before writing her latest book, TerKeurst invested more than 1,000 hours of biblical study on forgiveness and hundreds of hours in counseling  but it was really out of my own desperation that I did that, she said.

I did that because I was so resistant to forgiveness that it took me studying forgiveness in the Bible to finally get to a place where I was like, OK, I finally see that forgiveness isn't an unfair gift that we have to give to another person. Forgiveness is God's provision to help the hurting heart heal, TerKeurst said.



One life-changing truth she took away from her studies on forgiveness, she said, is that its not based on my determination.

Like, I've determined the other person is sorry, or I determined that they've suffered as much as they need to suffer for what they did, or I determined that they're not going to hurt me again, the North Carolina native explained.

If I wait to forgive until all those things are true, then I'm attaching my ability to heal to choices of another person that I don't have any say-so over. In essence, I'm allowing the same person that hurt me to hijack my ability to heal. I've to sever that source of suffering by detaching my ability to heal from the choices of another person and instead recognize that forgiveness is not based on my determination. Forgiveness is based on my cooperation with what Jesus has already done.

As I let God's forgiveness flow to me, I simply cooperate with it and let it flow through me to other people, she continued. Its really me putting a stake in the ground and saying, I've suffered enough because of what other people have done to me. And it's my choice to forgive so that I can heal and get on with learning to live again.

In Seeing Beautiful Again, TerKeurst encourages readers to decide that they are worthy and come honestly before God with their hurts and struggles. She addresses the damaging nature of bitterness  bitterness is a bad deal that makes big promises, she writes  and why the antidote to bitterness is establishing boundaries.

Staying in an abusive situation, she stressed, does not make you more holy  and boundaries arent meant to shove another person away, but to hold me together and to keep me in a healthy state.

A lot has been said on boundaries, but in the context of forgiveness, what we have to understand is that when Jesus said to Forgive 70 times seven, He didn't mean to stand close enough to that person who's hurt us or abused us. ... He doesn't say, Stay in close community with that person and allow them to abuse you over and over.

I believe Jesus is saying, Establish enough emotional distance to where it's safe enough, that, if this person never changes, and they keep doing what they're doing, you have enough boundaries in place, enough safety and emotional distance in place, that you can forgive that person 70 times seven without being destroyed in the process.

TerKeurst hopes Seeing Beautiful Again is not just going to be another message that people read, but rather something that they can sit with and feel like they have a friend sitting right there with them.

The devotion, designed for daily reflection, includes portions of her books Forgiving What You Cant Forgetand Its Not Supposed to Be This Way, along with content pulled straight from her personal journals.

I feel like that will help give that conversational aspect to the book where it really does feel like we're sitting together and we're processing finding beautiful in your story too, she said. My prayer is that someone reads this, sits with it, and they feel like they're not alone.

Forgiving What You Cant Forget, released last year, debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestsellers' list  an indication, the mother-of-five said, that so many of us, especially coming out of the pandemic, have really been living in some hurt.

I think a lot of people have felt very isolated and lonely and have been dancing with some relational dysfunction that busyness helped us cover up and navigate without having to address, she said.

I think people are desperate for healing and they just don't know how to do it. They don't know how to get there, and I think we're tired of knowing that, as Christians, we're supposed to forgive, but we don't know how to do it and it feels so impossible, it feels slippery.

Forgiveness is a process and journey that may take a long time, TerKeurst said  and its a two-part process. Part one, she said, is forgiving for the fact of what happened, and part two is forgiving for the impact that this wounding had.

Its going to be a process and it's going to take a long time, she said. I don't like it when I hear people say, Forgive, and then walk in that healing, because I think they're misunderstanding. Forgiveness doesn't create instant healing. Forgiveness starts that healing process.

TerKeurst encouraged those struggling to share their story, remember that theyre not alone, and focus on the evidence of God's beauty for their life, from the sunrise to the yellow flower growing in the grass.

I think that we will soon start to discover that even in the midst of hard circumstances, there is still evidence of beauty all around us, she said. The more that we dare to be a noticer of that, the more it'll start to build our confidence that God is with us.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 22:05:51|Editor: huaxia

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WINDHOEK, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Namibian private airline FlyWestair on Wednesday announced one additional scheduled flight per week between Windhoek's Eros Airport and Ondangwa's Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport starting April 28.

This will connect the north of Namibia to the capital of Windhoek and beyond with a flight every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the airline said in a statement.

In addition, FlyWestair will offer scheduled flights from Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport to Cape Town's International Airport weekly Friday and Monday.

"Our airline remains focused on assisting the travel and aviation industry recover in a post-COVID-19 environment," FlyWestair said.

Meanwhile, the airline announced the addition of a 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft.

"This new addition will predominantly be operating on the Windhoek's Eros to Ondangwa route," the airline said while confirming their intention to start with flights between Windhoek and Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Luderitz.

"The current delay in starting with these operations is due to delays with the transportation commission of Namibia not being able to approve these routes," the airline concluded.

FlyWestair has focused on simplifying the travel experience for international travelers amid the liquidation of the country's national airline, Air Namibia. Enditem
Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner today said a time limit on Troubles prosecutions must apply to terrorists as well as former British Army veterans.

However, Ulster Unionist Danny Kinahan denied equating members of the Armed Forces with extremists, adding: 'I never have and I never will.'

His comments came after defence minister Johnny Mercer was sacked by text last night over the Government's failure to prevent elderly veterans being dragged through the courts in Northern Ireland.

In a sensational open letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Mercer tore into Boris Johnson's record on issues affecting the veteran community and accused him of 'abandoning' troops who served during the Troubles.

Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan said a time limit on Troubles prosecutions must apply to terrorists as well as British Army veterans

Defence minister Johnny Mercer was sacked by text last night over Boris Johnson's failure to prevent elderly veterans being dragged through the courts in Northern Ireland

NEW LAW PROTECTING NORTHERN IRELAND VETERANS COMING SOON, MINISTERS INSIST A new law to protect veterans who served in Northern Ireland will be brought forward soon, according to ministers. Johnny Mercer had been leading the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill through the Commons. The Bill seeks to limit false and historical allegations arising from overseas operations by introducing a statutory presumption against prosecution, making it exceptional for personnel to be prosecuted five years or more after an incident. It was developed in response to legal claims made after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does not cover incidents in Northern Ireland. Opening debate on the Bill on Wednesday, new defence minister Leo Docherty told MPs: 'A Bill will soon come forward from the Northern Ireland Office that will protect our Northern Ireland veterans of Operation Banner and address the legacy of the Troubles.' Conservative former army officer Bob Stewart, intervening, said: 'That's very good news.' Mr Stewart said the current situation meant Northern Ireland veterans were treated as 'second class' compared to those who served overseas. Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier told MPs that the Government would be 'bringing forward further measures in due course' when challenged by the DUP to protect Northern Ireland veterans from 'vexatious' prosecutions. Downing Street later said details of the new legislation would be confirmed in the Queen's Speech on May 11. Mr Docherty went on to move a Government amendment to the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill to ensure genocide, crimes against humanity and torture were excluded from future legal safeguards for British troops fighting overseas. It follows the House of Lords voting for a similar amendment to the Bill earlier this month. Mr Docherty told MPs: 'The United Kingdom does not participate in, solicit, encourage or condone the use of torture for any purpose and we remain committed to maintaining a leading role in the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.' He added that the Government had 'listened to the very real concerns' expressed by MPs and peers and opted to make its own amendment, explaining: 'These concerns are that by not excluding other serious offences, the Bill risks damaging not only the UK's reputation for upholding international humanitarian and human rights law - including the UN Convention Against Torture - but also the reputation of our armed forces.' Labour former minister Stephen Timms and Conservative ex-Cabinet minister David Davis questioned why the Government was retaining the presumption against prosecution in the case of war crimes, with both warning it could result in British troops being brought before the International Criminal Court. Mr Docherty said 'nothing in this Bill' would hinder war crimes prosecutions in this country, adding: 'Removing any more categories from the Bill would unnecessarily weaken the reassurance to service personnel and veterans and we must remember it's a high threshold, not a bar.' For Labour, shadow defence secretary John Healey said Mr Mercer had been 'a roadblock to reason' during the passage of the Bill. Labour former minister Kevan Jones also said of Mr Docherty: 'A long overdue promotion, a vast improvement to what went on before.' Advertisement

He said he had 'no choice' but to leave amid frustration at a lack of progress over legislation to protect British troops in their 60s and 70s.

The Prime Minister earlier told MPs that the Government would be 'bringing forward further measures in due course' when challenged by the DUP to protect Northern Ireland veterans from 'vexatious' prosecutions.

Downing Street later said details of the new legislation would be confirmed in the Queen's Speech on May 11.

Speaking to the BBC today, Mr Kinahan said he wanted to see engagement over Troubles prosecutions as he pressed for a way to 'put legacy behind us'.

'We have all got red lines, I don't want to see any veterans going to court that don't have to or shouldn't be, but there are cases that must go there from all sides,' he said, pointing out that 90 per cent of killings were carried out by terrorists or non state forces.

'I don't support anything that stops someone who should be going to court going to court but we do need to put some limit here because you have cases here bubbling on people who served 30/40 sometimes close to 50 years ago and from all the people you talk to, we're not likely to get any prosecutions from it and we're about to spend an absolute fortune going through it.'

Mr Kinahan mooted a limit of 10 years for all cases.

'I think it has to be for everyone,' he said. 'We need to get people to move to pink lines or be ready to bend and let us find a way to look after people the talk was this could cost us as much as a billion, it's going to take seven to 15 years to go through the remaining cases.

'Is that really what we want? We need to minimise the number of cases that are coming up, let society move on and at the same time, try and find a way for families to find out what happened to their loved ones and help them.'

However, both the DUP and Sinn Fein disagreed with Mr Kinahan's position. DUP leader Arlene Foster said there is 'no equivalence between terrorists who go out to murder and maim and those veterans who go out to serve their country and protect'.

'People who stepped outside the law and murdered and did things they shouldn't do should be held to account,' she said.

Mrs Foster said many who lost loved ones still hope for justice. 'They know that the prospects of getting justice for their loved ones is receding, however we cannot take that hope away for justice,' she added.

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard expressed concern that a time limit on prosecutions may mean some families 'would not be able to get justice'.

'There can't be that hierarchy of justice, everybody should be equal in the eyes of the law,' he said.

In statement to PA, Mr Kinahan said he does 'not equate members of the Armed Forces with terrorists'.

'I never have and I never will - there is no comparison between those individuals who put on the uniform of the Crown to protect law and order and those who went out to indiscriminately murder innocent civilians or members of the security services,' he said.

'When it comes to the rule of law, however, everyone is treated equally under the law.

'As the voice of veterans in Northern Ireland, I want to see veterans treated with the respect they deserve as they bore the brunt of terrorism and all its horrors, and did so on behalf of us all.

'It is therefore imperative that veterans have a key role in shaping any future proposals and I will do all I can to ensure that happens.'

Both Mr Kinahan and Mrs Foster spoke of regret at the sacking of Mr Mercer last night. However, Mr Hazzard welcomed his departure, claiming he had 'offered nothing positive or healing or consensus when it comes to dealing with legacy here in the north'.

Mr Mercer, who served multiple tours of Afghanistan as a Commando Engineer, was sensationally fired by text last night over the Government's failure to protect Troubles troops from prosecution.

In an open letter, he claimed that former troops were 'being sectioned, drinking themselves to death and dying before their time' because the Government could not 'find the moral courage' to stop 'appalling injustices'.

Mr Mercer referred to Mr Johnson's 'Veterans Pledge' which he signed in 2019 when he was running to be Prime Minister and accused him of 'abandoning' troops.

Mr Mercer told the Prime Minister: 'I had hoped your premiership would signal a step change in veteran affairs in the UK.

'While we continue to say all the right things, you will understand that if we fail to match that with what we deliver we risk damaging an already bruised veterans' cohort further - as I told you last month in our first face to face meeting, we crossed that line some time ago.'

He went on: 'Perhaps nothing embodies this more than what we are asking our veterans in their 70s and 80s to relive, through endless reinvestigations and inquests, into events often more than 50 years ago in Northern Ireland.

'We have abandoned our people in a way I simply cannot reconcile.

'Whilst endless plans are promised and solutions mused, veterans are being sectioned, drinking themselves to death and dying before their time because the UK Government cannot find the moral strength or courage we asked of them in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, in finding a political solution to stop these appalling injustices.'

Mr Mercer concluded: 'I made promises on your behalf to protect them. No discernible efforts have been made to do so and I can see no prospect of this changing.'

DUP leader Arlene Foster (left) said there is 'no equivalence between terrorists who go out to murder and maim and those veterans who go out to serve their country and protect'. Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard (right) expressed concern that a time limit on prosecutions may mean some families 'would not be able to get justice'

Mr Mercer published his resignation letter which revealed he was 'forced' to leave Government. He said he will lobby on behalf of Northern Ireland veterans in Parliament

10 Downing Street claimed Mr Mercer resigned, but the former veterans minister said he was 'relieved of my responsibilities in Government'

He will now return to the backbenches just as the Overseas Operations Bill, which he championed, returns to the Commons today after being defeated in the House of Lords.

Yesterday, before he was sacked, the Government watered down the controversial Bill, dropping plans which would have made it harder to prosecute soldiers for historic war crimes.

Mr Mercer's sacking comes just days before two elderly Parachute Regiment veterans face a murder trial in Northern Ireland.

Last night, former Life Guards soldier Dennis Hutchings, 79, who faces trial over a separate shooting incident, said: 'Here we have two lads being taken to court 50 years after the event. It's all political.

'As far as I'm concerned, most of our politicians are spineless. I think it's absolutely brilliant that Mr Mercer was prepared to stand up on this issue.

'The Prime Minister hasn't done a bloody thing to enact his promise to help Northern Ireland veterans.

'The big problem is the Northern Ireland Office and their need to appease Sinn Fein.'

Mr Hutchings added: 'It's good to see a politician with principles who is prepared to stand up and show other politicians what they should have been doing.

'This Government has done what Blair did. He sold us out to get peace with Sinn Fein.'

Mr Mercer entered Government as veterans minister in 2019. Last night a Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister has accepted the resignation of Johnny Mercer. He thanks him for his service.'
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Falun Gong practitioners express support for the Global Quitting CCP Service, or Tuidang, as part of a parade through Chinatown in San Francisco, Calif., on May 11, 2013. Tuidang is an international movement that has helped more than 376 million Chinese people renounce their association with the Chinese Communist Party. (Gary Wang/The Epoch Times)

Tuidang: A Movement That Can Dissolve the CCP From Within

On April 20, the number of people who have published their declarations to withdraw from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), its Youth League, and the Young Pioneers exceeded 376 million. This figure has surpassed the number of people who withdrew from the Soviet Communist Party before the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. A China expert said that this grassroots Tuidang (Quit the Party) movement that started in 2004 may also trigger the disintegration of the CCP within five years.

Withdrawing from the CCP, its Youth League, and the Young Pioneers is also referred to as the Three Withdrawals by Chinese people. According to the Tuidang website, where the withdrawal statements are published, as of April 26, nearly 376,368,000 people have posted their withdrawal statements. This number accounts for about 27 percent of Chinas total population.

In other words, at least 1 out of every 4 Chinese people has publicly declared his or her opposition to the CCP and resigned from the CCP-related organizations.

3 CCP Organizations and the Deadly Pledges

Besides the Communist Party, the Young Pioneers and the Communist Youth League are also an integral part of the communist system in China.

In China, elementary school is compulsory. Children start elementary school at age 6 and finish at age 12. The CCP requires almost all elementary school students to join the Young Pioneers, and joining is treated as a badge of honor.

The elementary schools regularly hold a pledge ceremony in which the children raise their right fist to the red Young Pioneers flag and swear, I am a member of the Young Pioneers of China. Under the flag of the Young Pioneers, I pledge to love the CCP, the motherland, and the people; to study well, to exercise well, and to be ready at any moment to contribute all my strength to the cause of communism.

That is to say, under the communist system, children as young as 6 years old are required to swear an oath to be ready to contribute all their strength to communism before they even have an understanding of what it is.

When children enter high school, theyre asked to join the Communist Youth League on a semi-compulsory basis. Again, the students are required to raise their right fist and make a pledge:

I pledge to join the Chinese Communist Youth League voluntarily. I firmly support the leadership of the CCP, abide by the constitution of the Youth League, carry out its resolutions, fulfill its obligations as a member, strictly abide by its discipline, study diligently, work actively, make contributions and suffer hardships before others, let others take the benefits before me, and strive hard for the cause of communism.

The oath of membership in the CCP is also somewhat similar to that of membership in the Youth League, but with a different ending, which vows to sacrifice everything.

The current version, which was established in 1982, goes like this:

I pledge to join the CCP voluntarily, uphold the Partys guidelines, abide by the Partys constitution, fulfill my obligations as a member, carry out the Partys decisions, strictly abide by the Partys discipline, keep the Partys secrets, be loyal to the Party, work actively, strive for communism for my entire life, be ready to sacrifice everything for the Party and the people at any moment, and never betray the Party.

Since the CCP is the ruling party in China, members of the CCP can enjoy many benefits. As a result, the number of people who can be approved to join the CCP is relatively small.

At present, the number of CCP members in China is less than 100 million out of a population of 1.4 billion, so the percentage of Party members in the population is about 7 percent.

However, more than 95 percent of Chinese people have joined the Young Pioneers, which means that out of a population of 1.4 billion, the maximum number of people who can possibly make a withdrawal statement is 1.3 billion.

A Movement Triggered by the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party

The Tuidang movement was triggered by the editorial series Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party, first published in the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on Nov. 19, 2004.

The series comprehensively exposes the bloody history of the CCP and gives an in-depth analysis of the deceptive, violent, cultish, and rogue nature of the Party in different areas of history, politics, economy, culture, and faith.

Part 7, titled On the Chinese Communist Partys History of Killing, states that under the rule of the CCP, 60 million to 80 million innocent Chinese people have been killed, leaving their broken families behind.

This number exceeds the total number of deaths in both World Wars combined.

Since 1949, the CCP has persecuted more than half the people in China.

On Jan. 12, 2005, The Epoch Times published a statement calling for Chinese people to withdraw from the CCP and its related organizations.

On Feb. 22, 2005, more than 10 organizations, including the Epoch Media Group, the Farewell to the CCP Alliance, and the Global Coalition to Bring Jiang Zemin to Justice, joined forces to establish the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP, a nonprofit service organization that assists people with the Three Withdrawals.

For safety reasons, many Chinese people have chosen a pseudonym to publish their withdrawal statement. They believe that God sees peoples hearts and that they can undo their deadly pledges made to the CCP by disavowing them.

When people submit their statements, a unique number is created for them by the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP. People can track the status of their statements by using this unique number.

Volunteers at the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP check the statements to ensure theyre authentic before theyre released online.

After the statement is published, a certificate in both English and Chinese becomes available for the submitter to download and print out.

Senior CCP Members Have Also Quit

A noticeable phenomenon during the early stages of the Tuidang movement was that a significant number of the Three Withdrawals came from the top echelons of the CCP, including officials from the State Council, ministries, the National Peoples Congress, the Central Party School, and provincial and municipal cadres.

For example, a person from the State Council used the name Hua Tianming to submit a statement on Dec. 27, 2004. The statement reads, It was against my will to be a henchman. I want to say sorry to Chinese people. I only hope that the CCP can be ended sooner.

His sign-off stated that he was a member of a certain office of the State Council.

There were also senior cadres of the public security and justice departments, including the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Justice, and the military, including the Navy and the Beijing Military Region.

A statement published under the name of Li Bochun on Dec. 22, 2004, reads: I am a retired technical cadre of national defense with 43 years of military experience and more than 30 years of Party membership. I used to believe whatever my superiors said, but it was only after I retired that I really understood the evil nature of the CCP.

Another statement published on Dec. 22, 2004, under the name of Li Linying, states: I was once a military cadre; I was deceived and believed in the CCP. However, the naked truth of the CCPs evil cult nature has now been completely exposed. I have been following closely this evil cult for over a decade. Although I didnt do anything bad, I nonetheless have also empowered it. Today I finally understand. I hereby solemnly declare my withdrawal from the communist cult.

A statement by a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter reads: Enough is enough. Today I officially disassociate myself from all relations with them. I was a reporter for the TV station for many years, and I see through their hypocrisy.  I have been deceived by the Party under the propaganda of lies, and today I officially disassociate myself from all relations with them.

China Expert: The CCP Will Dissolve From Within

On Dec. 25, 1991, the Soviet Union, the worlds first communist regime, collapsed. The last president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, resigned and handed over power to Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

In late 1989, republic nations that once joined the Soviet Union declared independence, and U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Gorbachev jointly declared the end of the Cold War.

As a result of the long period of autocracy and corruption, there was a wave of resignations from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union before its dissolution, with more than 20 percent of its members eventually leaving the Party.

Similarly, the Tuidang movement in China has so far empowered about 27 percent of the Chinese population to reject the CCP.

The current number of Chinese people who have rejected the CCP is more than the 20 percent of communist members who quit the Soviet Union before it collapsed. So why hasnt the CCP fallen yet? China expert Shan Shi told The Epoch Times that there are many reasons, but the main two are these:

First, the CCP is the most powerful ruling group in the history of mankind in terms of controlling people. No other regime in history or in the world has been like the CCP, which not only controls where people can live through a household registration system, but also controls peoples beliefs and thoughts, their jobs, family life, and even how many children they can have.

With the assistance of high technology, the CCP today uses the most invasive surveillance methods to control everyones daily lives. Communist rule is like a high-pressure cooker, making the people inside unable to move.

Second, the CCP uses the mainland market as bait, linking the economy to politics to draw international capital investment into China, which brings in new nutrients and blood to the critically ill body of the CCP, allowing it to continue to survive.

However, Shan said the tide of the Tuidang movement has already started to dismantle the CCP from within. Although many people didnt openly disclose their true identities when they withdrew and are still outwardly working for the CCP, they have essentially separated themselves from the CCP in their hearts. Once the external environment changes, this internal opposition force will contribute to the rapid collapse of the CCP.

At least 50,000 people are making the Three Withdrawals per day. Shan noted that at that rate, more than 20 million more people will have withdrawn in a year. In five years, more than 100 million more people will have withdrawn. With the current number being more than 376 million, by 2026, the total number of Three Withdrawals could reach 500 million, which would account for 35 percent of Chinas 1.4 billion people.

He said, By that time, the CCP will disintegrate from within, just like the Soviet Communist Party.

Jennifer Zeng and Sherry Qi are freelance contributors to The Epoch Times.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks to reporters prior to the Senate Republican luncheons at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on April 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

Ted Cruz piled on Joe Bidens comments on the Derek Chauvin trial, arguing that the US president speaking on the landmark criminal case could lead to the former Minneapolis police officer going free on appeal.

The senator from Texas attacked the president for publicly discussing the case in the Oval Office hours before the jury convicted Chauvin of murdering George Floyd.

Mr Biden made his comments after the jury was sequestered for their deliberations and said that he thought the evidence against the former police officer was overwhelming.

In the end, the jury agreed and convicted Chauvin, 45, on all three counts in the killing of Mr Floyd last year.

Mr Cruz seized on Mr Bidens comments and also compared them with those of Democratic congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Joe Biden decides that Maxine Waters shouldnt be the only politician foolishly providing grounds for a mistrial or a possible basis on appeal to challenge any guilty conviction, Mr Cruz tweeted before the jury returned their verdict.

Ms Waters sparked controversy last weekend when she spoke at a racial justice rally in Minnesota and urged people to get more confrontational when demanding justice for Black people abused or killed at the hands of police officers.

The jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin is set to be sentenced in eight weeks, when he could face up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder, and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.

Mr Floyds killing on a Minneapolis street last May, which was captured on video by bystanders and went viral, sparking weeks of racial justice protests across the United States.

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O'Dwyers-ranked top financial public relations firm makes strategic hires

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2021 / Caliber Corporate Advisers today announced four key hires appointed in the first quarter of 2021 that bring vast experience in integrated communications and creative storytelling across financial services, fintech, insurtech and proptech, reflective of the firm's momentum during this period.

Kyle W. Kempf, named senior director, joins from Green Century Capital Management, and brings 15 years of experience in communications, advocacy and government relations in both the public and private sectors. Heather Valle assumes the role of account manager, and Philipp Jago takes on the role of senior account executive. Valle and Jago are responsible for executing media relations and social media campaigns, having worked with a variety of clients across financial services, insurance and fintech. In addition, David Yaghutiel joins as an account executive with experience securing media opportunities in the financial, technology, and cybersecurity spaces.

In the second half of 2020, Caliber also announced a series of internal promotions to team members who excelled in their roles and exemplified our culture of leadership in their support to their team and clients.

These appointments come on the heels of Caliber's ranking as the 16th largest financial PR firm according to O'Dwyers, with revenue growth of 83 percent over the past two years.

"We couldn't achieve this growth without our greatest asset - our people," said Grace Keith Rodriguez, president of Caliber. "We've had a strong start to 2021, driven by our talented team who are dedicated to their craft and superior client service, and strategic hires will only continue to enrich our culture and drive our momentum. We are thrilled to welcome aboard Kyle, Heather, Philipp and David, four individuals with a wealth of experience across communications and finance."

Caliber, recently ranked #139 on Inc. Magazine's 5000 Regionals prestigious list of the fastest-growing New York City area-based private companies, had a momentous start to 2021, exceeding revenue goals and cultivating an impressive new business pipeline. The firm continues to deepen its focus on providing strategic public relations, content marketing, social media, and digital marketing counsel to next-generation companies within financial services and fintech. As Caliber matures current client relationships and establishes new ones, hiring talented professionals and providing career development opportunities for current colleagues remains a top priority.

"Last year was challenging for many industries, but we are fortunate to have weathered the storm with our colleagues and clients, serving relentlessly as a supportive partner," said Harvey Hudes, CEO of Caliber. "To nurture our momentum, we plan to uphold an unwavering dedication to providing best-in-class services to financial services, fintech, insurtech and proptech clients, and honor to fulfill a rewarding professional experience for our colleagues."

About Caliber Corporate Advisers:

Caliber is a strategic marketing communications firm that helps companies tell their story and connect with key stakeholders. Since 2010, Caliber has provided counsel to industry leading and rising entrepreneurial organizations within financial services and technology (fintech, insurtech, proptech). Caliber provides best-in-class strategy and tactical execution of public relations, content marketing, social media, digital marketing and intelligence. Learn more: www.calibercorporateadvisers.com

CONTACT:

Heather Valle

heather@calibercorporateadvisers.com

SOURCE: Caliber Corporate Advisers

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/641405/Caliber-Corporate-Advisers-Scales-with-Key-Hires-Marks-Strong-First-Quarter
According to Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, it will be harder to fight terrorism once U.S. troops are pulled out of Afghanistan. He explained to Congress just how hard it will be to find, target, and destroy dangerous militant groups in the area.

U.S. Withdrawing from Afghanistan Will be a Problem

Last Tuesday, general Mackenzie had misgivings about giving up Afghanistan as a listening post in the Middle East. Leaving there will remove one of the most crucial areas, where American must identify threats to its interests, reported the Epoch Times.

He explained to the House Armed Services Committee his sentiments about pulling out as president Biden says. He says that leaving the country will make it hard to do, with the resources at American disposal to make it easier to deal with terror threats. It can be done, even if the U.S. is out of Afghanistan, but it will be double the effort.

Drones that are sent to kill terrorists will have to come from other countries. Instead of placing a drone in a matter of minutes, it will take far longer. Sending a manned raid or launching a long-range precision attack are two other options that are less cost-effective.

Americans are looking for agreements with partners close to Afghanistan to find resources and base assets to launch missions against the Taliban.

McKenzie said the U.S. military is capable of almost anything. He added that the problem is getting studied with all the resources available, in the smartest, no-risk option that are can be considered with the U.S. withdrawing from Afghanistan.

Violence Erupts In Afghan Capital, US-Backed Peace Meeting Postponed

President Joe Biden announced last week that by the time all troops have left, it would be complete by September 11, as set by Donald Trump. He said it was time to go and end "America's longest war."

"We traveled to Afghanistan in response to a horrific attack that occurred 20 years ago. That doesn't justify why we should stay in 2021," Biden was quoted saying.

Top military officials have warned both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Joe Biden against removing all troops from Afghanistan, claiming that this would make it increasingly challenging to safeguard America.

McKenzie expressed his concern about the Taliban's "extreme brutality" during a February speech. A condition of an agreement struck by Trump's administration with the Taliban demanded that violence be minimized, but Biden's administration has dropped that condition.

According to the general, as U.S. forces abandon Afghanistan, countries like Pakistan and China will likely engage in "a range of hedging behaviors." Pakistani leaders are concerned about a flood of refugees trying to escape should civil war explodes again; Pakistan may be the most valuable U.S. partner.

The former Department of Defense official Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said that when America pulled troops out of Iraq, intelligence agencies had trouble getting information and monitoring the threat of ISIS and questioned if things would be identical in Afghanistan.

Mackenzie warned that the Taliban and Isis are not done with the U.S. and should not be taken lightly. He added a valid concern that should be seriously considered and that withdrawing from Afghanistan will leave a dangerous group unmonitored.

Pompeo Agrees with Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal, Warns Biden to Get it Right

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Creasys investment vehicle has exercised 100% of its unlisted options providing APC with a cash inflow of $857,500.

Yandal Pty Ltd now holds 7.8% and is APCs largest shareholder.

( ) is buoyed by a strong show of support from prominent Western Australian mining figure Mark Creasy whose investment vehicle Yandal Pty Ltd has exercised 100% of its unlisted options.

This has resulted in a cash inflow of $857,500 to the company and demonstrates Creasys support for the Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash Project (LSOP) in Western Australia.

It has also seen Yandal Pty Ltd increase its shareholding in APC to 7.8% and is the companys largest shareholder.

Strong sign of support

Australian Potash managing director and CEO Matt Shackleton said: Mr Creasy, with his deep experience across the industry including several commercialised mineral deposits, and a long history of value accretive corporate transactions, has consistently been a supportive shareholder through our development processes.

It is again pleasing to see a strong sign of support for our continued work on the 100% owned Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash Project.

6.86 million options exercised

Yandal exercised 3.43 million options at an exercise price of A$0.10 and a further 3.43 million at an exercise price of A$0.15.

These unlisted options had an expiry date of April 21, 2021.

APC holds a 100% interest in the LSOP, approximately 500 kilometres northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields.

The company is finalising pre-development plans for the commencement of construction with the first production from the LSOP scheduled for mid-2023.
The Navy is investing more than $200 million to configure two of its catamarans to function as high-speed "ambulance ships" for medical emergencies on the water. And the Navy's surgeon general said Tuesday that the service is "enormously excited" to gain the new capability.

The $235 million contract modification was issued in March, allowing Austal USA to develop the Navy's next expeditionary fast transport, or EPF, ships with built-in enhanced medical capability. The 14th ship in the class, EPF-14, to be called USNS Cody after the city in Wyoming, will be the first of these ships; the yet-to-be-named EPF-15 will be the second. The ships are operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command, just like the service's two large hospital ships.

Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, surgeon general of the Navy, discussed the service's plans for the ships in response to questions from Sen. Richard Shelby, an Alabama Republican.

Read Next: Fort Bragg IDs Paratrooper Who Died During Static-Line Jump

"The ambulance ship, as envisioned, will allow us to respond to ships in distress," Gillingham said. "Ships that may have been damaged in combat, [we'll] be able to assist in personnel recovery."

These catamarans with advanced medical capability will have space for a V-22 Osprey to land on board for patient medical evacuation, Gillingham said. The cabin will feature an operating room with two operating tables and space for 18 intensive care unit beds, he added. The ships will also be able to accommodate about 100 medical personnel.

"We're enormously excited," he said. " ... We see this as filling a critical gap in the [distributed maritime operations] environment."

Gillingham said the concept for a high-speed medical ship had come about through a review of medical operations supporting the Marine Corps, with its concept of Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations in distributed regions like the Pacific. The Navy realized that the two hulking medical ships now in service simply could not respond as quickly as the concept required, he said.

"Would you fairly say this is a high priority for naval medicine?" Shelby asked Gillingham at Tuesday's hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"Yes, sir. It very much is," Gillingham responded.

The two planned EPFs with medical capabilities may be only part of the solution, though. Alan Baribeau, a spokesman for Naval Sea Systems Command, told USNI News that, despite their capabilities, the EPFs' mission would not be primarily medical.

"Flight II EPFs will be able to stabilize postsurgical cases for evacuation without the requirement to first route them through a higher facility," he said.

Officials with Austal USA say there's another ship in planning -- the Expeditionary Medical Ship. While still conceptual, this ship would also be based on the EPF and would have a primarily medical mission. It would feature a white hull with red crosses like its hospital ship counterparts.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

Related: Marine V-22 Osprey Makes First Landing on Navy Hospital Ship
Good morning. Its Wednesday, April 21, 2021, the first day after the first trial of police officers charged in the death of George Floyd. RCPs Phil Wegmann and Susan Crabtree offer reporting and analysis on the policy aftermath, particularly regarding law enforcement reforms. With Derek Chauvins sentencing still to come in eight weeks, and the trial of three other officers scheduled for this summer, the issue will remain front and center.

Todays date marks the birth of one literary luminary (Charlotte Bronte in 1816) and the death of another (Mark Twain in 1910). Like her poet-novelist sisters Emily and Anne, Charlotte would make her mark in the publishing world when doing so was enormously difficult for a woman. Also like her sisters, Charlotte would die young -- still in her 30s when felled by pregnancy complications. Fortunately, she left us Jane Eyre and other works, which live on.

The great Samuel Clemens left an indelible footprint on Americas literary and cultural landscape, of course. Much can be said about his legacy, but well leave that for another day.

On that brief note, I'll refer you to RCP's front page. Along with our usual array of poll averages, videos, and breaking news stories, we also offer original material from our own reporters, columnists, and contributors, including:

* * *

Bidens Turning Point on Police Reform. Susan Crabtree has this analysis following yesterdays verdict.

Filibuster Hangs in Balance in Post-Chauvin Reform Push. Phil Wegmann reports on a bills prospects, which remain iffy despite some signs of progress and momentum from the Chauvin convictions.

A Tale of Two California Recalls. Wayne Avrashow compares the prospects of Gavin Newsom and George Gascon withstanding efforts to remove them from office.

The Long Arm of the Law Reaches Into Your Cellphone. Bob Goodlatte and Alex Marthews advocate legislation that would protect privacy rights against unwarranted government data collection.

Forging Bipartisan Climate Policy for Future Generations. At RealClearEnergy, Chris Avila and Jackson Blackwell explain why this defining issue for young Americans can bring people together.

Re-Engineering Americas Cyber Glass House. Also at RCE, Georgianna Shea and Samantha F. Ravich analyze a critical vulnerability in our power grid.

Teacher Pay Gap Is Really About STEM Salary Premium. At RealClearPolicy, Andrew Biggs and Jason Richwine argue that schools will attract better-qualified candidates in science and technology when they stop paying the physics teacher the same as the gym teacher.

Offsetting Moscows Asymmetric Edge. At RealClearDefense, Stephen Blank writes that the Biden administration could make any Russian invasion of Ukraine a permanently non-viable proposition.

Free to Be Greek: Why Freedom of Association Is Essential. RealClearEducation editor Nathan Harden warns colleges against defining inclusivity and diversity in a way that diminishes both.

College Greek Life Report Card. Also at RCEd, Nathan, Evan Ross Smith and Kate Eckerle spotlight the findings of a new survey.

Natural Rights and Religious Liberty: The Founders Perspective. At RealClears American Civics portal, Vincent Phillip Munoz argues that the views of Americas forefathers could help strengthen our fraying societal bonds.

* * *

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
Immunisation may be compulsory

The Minister for Health, Mr Kelly, said that if parents persisted in not having their children immunised against diphtheria he would recommend to Cabinet that immunisation of children be made compulsory. He said about 50 per cent of the children in NSW were not immunised against diphtheria. Mr Kelly was commenting on a report that 10 children had been stricken with diphtheria in Scone since last Friday. Two of the children had died.

40-hour week national mistake

The president of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Mr A. E. Heath, said the 40-hour week was one of the main causes of the fall of France in the last war. He added that it was the greatest strangulating factor in Australia today. Mr Heath was addressing the annual conference of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of NSW. Australia, he said, has made many mistakes, and one of the biggest is the implementation of the 40-hour week.

Blackouts in evenings

The general manager of the Sydney County Council, Mr G. S. Boyd, said blackouts could now be expected in the evenings as well as the mornings and afternoons on dull days. Power interruptions yesterday, he said, lasted throughout the day until after 6.30. The demand was the heaviest since last winter. Blackouts affected more than 60 districts and were severe. The blacking-out of some suburbs more than once during the day could not be avoided.
Apr. 21Wendy Smith, the Vancouver school board's most senior director and a past president, has announced she'll seek a second term as a board director for Clark County's second-largest school district.

Smith teaches social studies at Heritage High School and was elected to the Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors in 2017. She centered her inaugural campaign around how a school board needs more members who truly understand public education, she said in a press release.

"As a lifelong resident of Vancouver, a product of Vancouver Public Schools, the mother of two young children and a classroom teacher of 17 years, I know that our children and community do better when strong local school boards use their leadership to make decisions that best serve the diverse needs of our students," Smith said.

Smith's first term on the board featured several leadership changes, including three board directors elected in 2019, and the hiring of new Superintendent Jeff Snell, who begins his post July 1. The board also recently voted to appoint new board member Sandra Zavala-Ortega to fill the vacant seat left by board director Camara Banfield in January.

"I am incredibly excited about the makeup of our current board and the hiring of our new superintendent," Smith said. "This team is now poised to continue Vancouver's legacy of excellence, while at the same time not afraid to make the necessary changes to meet the ever diversifying needs of our students. This is the work I came here to do, and I humbly ask the community to allow me to serve another four years."
PARIS  Carrefour reported sales rose 4.2 percent to 18.56 billion euros over the first quarter, spurred on by consumption in France, where it has bulked up e-commerce services, as well as fast growth in Brazil.

Our growth model, based on operational excellence, competitiveness and the power of our omnichannel offer, translates into market-share gains in our main countries, said chief executive officer Alexandre Bompard. Under Bompards direction, Carrefour has bolstered its e-commerce through partnerships with technology companies, and increased organic food offers.

More from WWD

Growth in France stood at 3.5 percent, with the company lauding a better performance than competitors in stores of all sizes, ranging from the big-box hypermarkets  a format invented by the retailer in the 1960s  to the smaller stores it has been reinforcing in recent years to meet shifting consumption habits.

In France, where competition in the grocery sector is fierce, Carrefour said that market share-wise, this was its the best quarter in four years, thanks to a 0.2 point increase. Growth in April has been solid on a like-for-like basis, the retailer added, noting less stringent lockdown measures than previous periods.

In Brazil, sales were up 11.6 percent on a like-for-like basis, despite cancelled carnival festivities and a slowdown in food inflation as well as coronavirus lockdown measures, the retailer said.

Citing confidence in its operational performance, Carrefour announced plans to buy back 500 million euros of shares by the end of 2021. The retailer said it was on track to meet 2022 objectives, which include 4.8 billion in sales of organic products and the disposal of 300 million euros of non-strategic real estate holdings.
[April 21, 2021] Clikia Corp. Completes Name and Symbol Change to Maison Luxe Inc. (MASN)

FORT LEE, NJ, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Maison Luxe, Inc. (Maison Luxe or the Company), an emerging leader in the global custom luxury goods marketplace, is pleased to report that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) has approved the Companys official name change to Maison Luxe, Inc. (from Clikia Corp.), and its official stock symbol change to MASN (from CLKA). The effective date of this change is today, April 21, 2021.

As an emerging leader in the high-end luxury goods marketplace with extensive commercial interests and growing cash flows, we are now manifestly active under a business model that has no relationship to the Companys prior name and stock symbol, remarked Anil Idnani, Founder and CEO of Maison Luxe. This shift, while superficial, is significant in that it will allow us to present a more cohesive picture to the investment community, which ultimately plays an important role in delivering shareholder value. The Companys prior corporate name and stock symbol were tied to a former operational model. Since acquiring Maison Luxe in early 2020, the Company has undergone a wholesale management and business model change. Over the past sixteen months, Maison Luxe has expanded in the luxury goods space, with new partnerships and contracts, and revenues have grown sharply. Given these advances, management felt the Companys prior market identity no longer provided a coherent picture to investors. The new corporate name and stock symbol will create a more internally coherent narrative as the Company develops deeper relationships with new partners, clients, stakeholders, and customers, as well as with the wider investment community. About Maison Luxe Maison Luxe offers luxury retail cosumer items that are responsibly sourced and affordable. The Company operates as a niche high-end luxury goods retailer, helping interested consumers obtain rare luxury items that may otherwise not be reliably available due to the nature of the luxury retail marketplace. The Company focuses its efforts primarily within the fine time piece and jewelry segments, both on a wholesale and B2C (business-to-consumer) basis. The Company now also owns its Amani Jewelers subsidiary, which operates in the jewelry marketplace, with a strategic focus on the rapidly growing lab-grown diamonds market. In addition, Maison Luxe holds a significant investment position in Aether Diamonds, which was founded in 2020 as the world's first and only captured carbon lab-grown diamond producer.



For more information, please reference https://www.maisonluxeny.com/investors FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by the Company and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.

Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others. such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for products and services of the company, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report. Corporate Contact:

www.maisonluxeny.com

551-486-3980

anil@maisonluxeny.com Public Relations:

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The plant responsible for ruining 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine has been branded filthy and unsanitary by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Emergent BioSolutions, which owns the plant, must fix a long list of problems including peeling paint, poor sanitation and brown and black substances on surfaces, the FDA said in a 12-page report on the facility, which has paused manufacturing.

The company has been seeking regulatory authorization to make the J&J vaccine there. It stopped production at the plant recently, saying the FDA had asked it to do so after an inspection.

Johnson & Johnson reiterated on Wednesday it was working to establish a global supply chain in which 10 manufacturing sites would be involved in the production of its COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to its plant in Leiden, the Netherlands.

None of the doses made in the facility have been shipped to U.S. states. Distribution of J&J's sot is also paused amid fears it may cause dangerous blood clots, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA are investigating.

FDA officials found dirty floors and walls with peeling paint at the Emergent BioSolutions facility that ruined 15 million doses of J&J vaccine. Emergent will have to fix the laundry list of issues in the 12-page report before it can get FDA clearance to produce vaccine (file)

No doses made at the plant have been shipped in the U.S. and distribution of the shot is paused amid blood clot concerns

The FDA said its inspections were complete and the agency issued a report that detailed a long list of problems to remediate, including failure to train personnel to avoid cross contamination of COVID-19 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, which had also been produced at the site.

Emergent was not immediately available for comment.

Production of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not yet authorized for use in the United States, was previously stopped at the Emergent plant after ingredients from that shot contaminated a batch J&J vaccine, ruining millions of doses.

The FDA also noted that Emergent did not produce adequate reports showing that the vaccine it was producing met quality standards.

The FDA's 12-page report cited Emergent for not properly decontaminating the plant or stepping up cleaning practices after the ingredient mix-up last month

The inspection, carried out between April 12 and April 20, found the building was not of the suitable size or design to facilitate cleaning, maintenance or proper operations.

It described a wall as having a brown substance on it. The FDA also said the equipment used was not of adequate size for proper cleaning and maintenance.

The FDA report cited security camera footage of production staff carrying unsealed bags of medical waste around the facility, bringing it into contact with containers of material used in manufacturing.

Employees also failed to consistently log required showering and gown removal when going in and out of the sterile manufacturing space.

J&J said it will exercise its oversight authority to ensure that all of the observations from the regulator are addressed promptly and comprehensively.

The healthcare company said it was redoubling its efforts to get authorization for the facility as quickly as possible but did not provide a timeline for when it could resume operations.

No vaccine manufactured at this plant has been distributed for use in the U.S.

Distribution of the J&J vaccine has been paused in the U.S. amid fears it may cause dangerous blood clots.

A vaccine advisory committee is expected to announce whether the pause should be lifted on Friday, and will likely give recommendations on which age groups and genders the the vaccine is safe for.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The same group committed eight carjackings in the citys Old Brooklyn neighborhood and surrounding areas during a three-day span, according to Cleveland police.

The group includes three or four armed robbers, who police have not yet identified. No arrests have been made.

Police on Tuesday released photos of the cars  a white SUV and a gray Mazda  used in the carjackings in the hopes the public would help identify the suspects.

The carjackings all happened from Friday through Monday, police said. Officials released details on six of the eight carjackings late Tuesday.

Cleveland police and Cuyahoga County prosecutors have in recent months filed charges against three groups accused of separately committing multiple carjackings across Cleveland surrounding suburbs.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said Tuesday during a news conference the group appeared to drive around looking for people they can easily rob.

Carjacking usually is a crime of opportunity, Williams said. Those folks who want to commit that crime basically drive around until they see what they think is an easy victim and then they perpetrate that crime.

The first in the string of carjackings happened about 1 a.m. Saturday on West 49th Street south of Woburn Avenue. A masked and armed robber pointed a gun at a 20-year-old man sitting in an SUV with his 22-year-old sister.

The robber told the duo to get out of the car, jumped inside and sped away, followed by a white SUV, according to police reports. Police found the stolen SUV two days later on Ovington Avenue in the citys Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood.

About 15 minutes later, three men pointed guns at a 63-year-old man as he checked his mailbox on West 20th Street south of Denison Avenue. The group demanded the keys to the mans SUV and sped away. Police found the SUV abandoned about 40 minutes later.

The next happened about 7 a.m. Saturday on Riverside Avenue near Pearl Road. A 61-year-old man told police he parked his SUV on the side of the road after dropping off his granddaughter.

He got a bag out of his trunk when an SUV pulled up next to him, according to police. Three men got out and surrounded him. One pointed a gun at the man and demanded his keys and money. One robber jumped in the mans SUV and both SUVs drove away. Police found the stolen SUV two days later, but reports do not say where.

About 7 p.m. the same day, the group robbed a 37-year-old woman at gunpoint on Brooklyn Avenue near West 41st Street. The woman told police she pulled into her driveway and opened her door when four men, including one armed with a handgun and one with a shotgun, surrounded her car, according to police reports.

The group pulled her out of her car, jumped inside and sped away. Another SUV, believed to the SUV stolen on Riverside and Pearl, followed. Surveillance video recorded the incident, according to police reports. Authorities recovered the womans purse two days later outside a home on Nursery and Gallup roads on the citys East Side.

A 30-year-old woman reported the next robbery about 9:30 p.m. Sunday on Bucyrus Avenue and West 42nd Street. She said she was sitting in her car talking on her phone when a gunman opened her door, ripped the phone from her hand, ordered her out of the car and threatened to shoot her, according to police reports.

Two others, including one with a sawed-off shotgun, jumped in the car and sped away. The group tossed the womans phone out of the window as they drove way.

The same group about 10 p.m. Sunday carjacked a 19-year-old man on Broadview Avenue near West 36th Street. The man told police he dropped off his 18-year-old friend when three men surrounded his car. One robber pointed a gun at the man and ordered him out of the car, according to police reports. The 19-year-old man ran away. Police tracked his phone, which remained in the car, until they found the car abandoned on West 23rd Street near Calgary Park.

Police officials said two other carjackings happened Monday, but city officials have yet to release police reports or any details of those incidents.

Read more from cleveland.com:

17-year-old boy shot to death in Clevelands Hough neighborhood

Man charged in slaying of 17-year-old girl in Cleveland park

Beachwood police, BCI investigate shooting at Embassy Suites Hotel
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)  The city government of Manila on Tuesday broke ground to start the construction of a 336-bed capacity COVID-19 field hospital at Luneta Park.

During the ceremony, Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso said this is a way to lessen incidents of deaths of coronavirus patients even before being admitted by hospitals that are fully occupied.

The 154-million facility will accommodate mild and moderate patients and is expected to be completed within two months, Moreno said in a statement. Its total capacity may still be expanded by 100 beds when needed, with some 150 medical frontliners monitoring patients in the field hospital, he added.

The mayor said that it will be equipped with inter-communication between patients and medical frontliners, internet connection, and will be air-conditioned.

"We are hoping ma reach natin yung 60 days," Moreno told CNN Philippines on Wednesday when asked when the facility will be completed. [Translation: We are hoping to reach 60 days]

Present during the ceremony were Manila Vice Mayor Ma. Shielah Lacuna-Pangan, as well as some top officials of the government, namely, National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., NTF Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

During the event, Puyat said the department is supporting the construction of temporary medical facilities in tourism sites.

She noted that Morenos request to build a facility in the Rizal Park was approved by the National Parks Development Committee, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Puyat added that the proposal to use Quirino Grandstand as the site of a temporary drive-thru vaccination center was approved. She noted that this can accommodate 350 to 450 persons a day.

The country has been observing a spike in COVID-19 infections since early this year. To date, the total number of cases has reached 953,106, with 127,006 currently sick patients.

As more people get infected, many hospitals, especially those in Metro Manila, get overwhelmed. Based on latest government data, the countrys bed occupancy is at 52.8%. In the capital region alone, occupancy rate is at 66.1%, with 50 facilities classified under the critical level, 22 under high-risk, 17 under moderate, and 66 are still safe.

To address this, the government has been making efforts to construct more modular hospitals and isolation facilities.

Isolation czar and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said they have so far constructed 653 facilities with more than 24,000 beds across the country. By next month, he said they target to complete a total of 816 facilities, with more than 27,000 beds.
Qatars Embassy in the U.S is backing World Central Kitchen (WCK), a global non-profit organization to donate more than 27,000 meals across the country during Ramadan, Business Wire reports.

Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Gulf countrys envoy to the U.S in a statement said the mission will join forces with Chef Jose Andres, WCK founder.

Ramadan is a very special time for the Muslim community. It represents a season of giving and charity. We are honored to partner with Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen to join in their ongoing pursuit of food security for communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Ambassador.

Our hope is that by creating greater awareness of those in need, we will inspire others to do the same and participate in the tradition of giving.

The donations will support communities affected by the covid-19 pandemic which is entering its second year.

At World Central Kitchen, we believe that a plate of food is so much more than just a meal  it is hope and dignity, our way of saying that we care and we will be here for each other in this difficult time. This generous support from the Embassy of Qatar and His Excellency Ambassador Meshal will help us to provide tens of thousands of meals to communities in need as we continue to fight hunger together, said Chef Jose Andres.

Founded in 2010, WCK uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond, the organizations website says.
Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Chris Boyle Published: April 21 2021

Quandale Linton, 26, of Hauppauge, NY, was arrested on March 10, 2021, in the parking lot of 1st District Court in Central Islip.

The knife-wielding suspect in a recent stabbing in New York City was released less than one month earlier on his own recognizance from 1st District Court in Central Islip, NY, in line with New York State bail reform guidelines.

Quandale Linton, 26, of Hauppauge, NY, was arrested on March 10, 2021, in the parking lot of 1st District Court in Central Islip. Linton was circling the parking lot in his car and approached a group of Deputies outside the courthouse. One Deputy approached the car and asked if Linton needed assistance. Linton aggressively opened his car door into the Deputy and attacked him, putting him in a chokehold. Other Deputies responded and Linton was taken into custody. He was charged with Felony Assault with Intent to Cause Physical Injury to an Officer in the 2nd, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd, and Resisting Arrest. Linton was released from court the following day.

On April 8, 2021, Linton was seen wielding a knife, stabbing and chasing a man in the middle of Madison Avenue in East Harlem. NYPD Officers responded and Linton dropped the knife and was taken into custody. He was charged with Attempted Murder.

Linton would still be held in the Suffolk County Correctional Facility were it not for the bail reform legislation enacted by the NYS Legislature last year, said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. This legislation did not make our communities safer, as evidenced by the recent actions by Mr. Linton.

Sweeping reforms that ended cash bail for all misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges in New York State took effect January 1st, 2020. Judges used to have some discretion on whether or not an individual should be held on bail, said Sheriff Toulon This suspect was given a court date and told to come back for court. Instead he got a knife and attacked another person.
Thousands of San Francisco students heading back to their classrooms this month will be carrying their computers to school each day and sitting in front of a screen to learn from their teachers  who will remain at home.

Thats because nearly 500 district teachers and classroom aides scheduled to return to in-person instruction wont because they have a medical exemption, allowing them to continue teaching online even if their students are at school, where they are supervised by a credentialed substitute or other qualified staff member.

Thats an estimated 10% of eligible educators.

Parents call it Zoom in a room, and many are frustrated at the plan for kindergartners or other elementary students showing up to school only to stare at screens.

The arrangement is the latest hitch in a return to in-person learning in San Francisco Unified, which is already among the last large school districts in the country to reopen. The number of teachers and aides on a medical exemption far surpasses that of neighboring districts and is expected to cost San Francisco more than $40,000 per day for substitutes to supervise students in those classrooms, or about $1.5 million before summer break.

Its beyond logic, said parent Kira Gaber, whose kindergarten son returned to his Argonne Elementary classroom in the Richmond District on Monday. It was mostly Zoom for my kid. When he was eating lunch and playing at recess, he was not on the computer.

But otherwise, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., he was either learning at a computer or doing work on his own at his desk or playing with a small plastic bag of toys assigned to him, according to the class schedule posted by his teacher.

In some classes across the city, the substitute teacher or credentialed staff member is doing some of the in-person teaching, but thats up to each teacher, district official said.

The teacher of record is responsible for the instruction thats going on, said district spokesperson Gentle Blythe. So they need to do the lesson planning, they need to support the instruction, but the way in which they are doing that varies from classroom to classroom.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Given the number of teachers who have medical waivers, the district has advised families they might not have the 262 substitutes or other district staff needed to cover classrooms each day, meaning some students might have to stay home. They are actively recruiting new subs.

San Francisco agreed with the union to allow educators to teach remotely if they provided medical documentation  a doctors note  that they are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or cannot safely distance from household contacts who belong to a group at increased risk.

Its possible educators requested the accommodation before there was clear guidance on the effectiveness of vaccines and transmission after vaccination, Blythe said.

Information during this pandemic is very dynamic, and that includes information about how many teachers would be ready to return in person and how many would feel they were not ready for any variety of reasons, and had to request an accommodation, Blythe said. The information is so dynamic, I dont think staff applying for accommodations six weeks ago or a month ago had the same assurances from health officials about how vaccinated people can or cannot transmit COVID.

Given current guidance, teachers with waivers could opt to return to their classrooms, Blythe said.

Other districts required a more formal legal process to designate a disability status or grant leaves to those unwilling to return.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Vincent Matthews provided an update on the tally of medical accommodations, saying 750 teachers or aides requested one and 469 have been granted.

It strikes me as a high number, said Dr. George Rutherford, a UCSF infectious disease expert. If you are personally at severe risk of COVID complications, the way to address that is to get vaccinated.

Currently, all those over age 16 are eligible for a vaccine, and the Centers for Disease Control advises only those at risk of an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine to not get it  or about 1 out of a million people.

Its unclear how many educators are living with a child at increased risk of severe illness  there are no approved vaccines for those under 16  but if the adults are vaccinated in the home, the chance of getting infected and bringing the disease home and infecting a person at home is vanishingly small, Rutherford said.

But its not zero risk, he added. Yet those who want to avoid any risk of COVID-19 for themselves or their family would arguably never leave the house.

Thats the extension of that argument, Rutherford said.

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

In other districts opened since the fall, including Manteca (San Joaquin County), with about 25,000 students, just a handful of educators have a medical accommodation.

During Tuesdays San Francisco school board meeting, a handful of parents questioned the number of teachers with a waiver and expressed concern about a similar pattern in the fall.

I would ask the board to look at this, Supriyia Ray said.

Parent Simon Bertrang echoed her sentiments. I very much want to avoid Zoom in a room next year, he said.

Officials from the United Educators of San Francisco did not return requests for comment on the number of teachers and aides with a medical exemption.

Attempts to contact teachers with accommodations were unsuccessful.

The labor agreement between the teachers union and the district on the reopening of schools this spring generally requires students to remain with their original teacher, whether families choose to return to in-person instruction or remain in distance learning.

Teachers have the option of splitting the day between the two groups or teaching them simultaneously.

Parents said they were shocked when they realized in recent days that also applied to teachers with a medical waiver not returning to the classroom as well  meaning more Zoom whether their child is in a classroom or at home.

I think its terrible, terrible, Gaber said. I think its completely inappropriate.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
Nashik : , April 21 (IANS) In a horrific incident, at least 22 Covid-19 patients on ventilator support died at a hospital in Nashik after a sudden drop in pressure due to leakage in the oxygen supplies, officials said.

The invisible gas tragedy took place at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Hospital run by the BJP-controlled Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is among the biggest civic bodies and one of the worst Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and other senior Central and state leaders cutting across political lines expressed their grief over the tragedy that occurred on the day of Ram Navami.

According to NMC officials and experts, there were certain technical glitches in transferring oxygen from a tank, which caused a sudden variation in the pressure of the oxygen being administered in the Covid-19 ward, and 22 patients on ventilator beds died gasping for breath within minutes.

People were left speechless as visuals of the tragedy were posted on social media with the invisible gas stored in the oxygen tank under extremely cold minus-temperatures suddenly gushing out in snow-white, hissing clouds, with workers and others running around in panic. Some technicians were seen struggling with the controls to curb the deadly outflow.

At that time, around 150 patients were undergoing treatment on oxygen beds and another two dozen on ventilator beds but with the sudden drop in the oxygen pressure, the hospital staff were seen running helter-skelter to save their lives by shifting them to other wards or nearby hospitals.

"It's a very serious incident... coming due to a drop in pressure of the oxygen being administered to the patients," Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said of the tragedy, which happened as the state struggles to beef up its oxygen supplies.

Stunned by the sudden loss of their near and dear ones, wailing relatives slammed the NMC authorities, demanding to know who would take responsibility for the tragedy.

NMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Jadhav termed it as "a very sad tragedy", and ordered a probe into the incident and assured action against all found guilty of lapses.

He said that owing to the leak, the oxygen supply was stopped for around half-an-hour, which culminated in the disaster with the 22 patients dying on ventilators.

Nashik Collector Suraj Mandhare attributed the deaths to the pressure drop in the oxygen tank, which is managed and maintained by a private company.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was stunned to learn of the tragedy, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and his party workers to extend all assistance to the victims' families.

Chief Minister Thackeray said that "the state is numbed" by the sheer calamity in the midst of the Corona war being waged by the state and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar condoled the tragedy and assured a high-level investigation, with condolences also coming from Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray and other ministers. The Leader of Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis, described the incident as "terrible and disturbing".

Hitting out at the BJP, Congress state spokesperson Sachin Sawant said: "The hospital is managed by the NMC which is under the BJP-rule. The BJP must take responsibility. Where are the party's Mayor and 3 MLAs," Sawant asked.

Besides Tope, state ministers Balasaheb Thorat, Rajendra Shingane, Chhagan Bhujbal and other senior leaders from the ruling MVA rushed to Nashik for a spot assessment of the situation.

BJP's Leader of Opposition (Council), Pravin Darekar, attacked the MVA government and demanded lodging of cases under culpable homicide against NMC Commissioner Jadhav, accusing him of being 'solely responsible' for the incident.

The Nashik incident has become the worst Covid-related tragedy in the past 13 months of the pandemic after a fire at a hospital claimed 11 lives, including 6 on ventilator support, at a Mumbai hospital on March 26.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
GUANGZHOU, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yatsen Holding Limited ("Yatsen" or the "Company") (NYSE: YSG), a leader in the rapidly evolving China beauty market, today announced that the Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 21, 2021.

The annual report is available on the Company's investor relations website at ir.yatsenglobal.com and on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov/. The Company will provide hard copies of the annual report, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon written request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations Department, Yatsen Holding Limited, 38F, Poly Midtown Plaza, No.23 East Xuanyue Street, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 510330, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.

About Yatsen Holding Limited

Yatsen Holding Limited (NYSE: YSG) is a leader in the rapidly evolving China beauty market with the mission of creating an exciting new journey of beauty discovery for consumers in China and around the world. Founded in 2016, The Company has launched and acquired seven color cosmetics and skincare brands including Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Abby's Choice, Galenic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom and Pink Bear. The Company's flagship brand, Perfect Diary, became the top color cosmetics brand in China in terms of online retail sales value three years after launch. Leveraging its digitally native direct-to-customer business model, the Company has built a platform with core capabilities which enables it to launch and scale multiple brands quickly while offering a wide selection of products to a growing variety of customers. The Company reaches and engages with customers directly both online and offline, with expansive presence across all major e-commerce, social and content platforms in China.

For more information, please visit http://ir.yatsenglobal.com/ .

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Yatsen Holding Limited

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Emilie Wu

Tel: +86-21-6039-8363

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Yatsen Holding Limited

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Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had just been found guilty on all counts when the family of George Floyd took a phone call in a hallway of the Hennepin County Courthouse. It was the president. He was on speakerphone.

Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there is some justice, Joe Biden told the grieving family before promising that Floyds 7-year-old daughter, Gianna, would ultimately be proved right when she said, My dad is going to change the world.

Changing the world, in this case, means changing policing in America. But to accomplish his goals, Biden needs Congress. The filibuster, the parliamentary procedure that requires 60 Senate votes to pass legislation, could very well hang in the balance.

Democrats are on board and said as much after offering prayers just off the steps of the U.S. Capitol following the verdict on Tuesday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the deceased directly: Thank you, George Floyd, for sacrificing your life for justice. Because of you and because of thousands  millions -- of people around the world ... your name will always be synonymous for justice.

Pelosi was referring to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation that would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, institute a national police misconduct registry, and significantly reform qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. The House passed that bill. It is mired in the Senate, but Rep. Karen Bass has been working with senators to find a compromise.

That California Democrat said as recently as Sunday that the Republicans she is working with are operating in good faith.

I am hopeful, because the group of people where we have been having just informal discussions are very sincere, and it's a bipartisan group," Bass told CNNs Jake Tapper. And I believe that we want to make something happen. The ultimate goal? According to Bass: a solution that will garner the supermajority that is needed to pass legislation in the Senate."

This means Bass needs at least 10 Republicans. While New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker has run point for the initiative on the left, Republican Sen. Tim Scott has been a complete honest broker and remains key, Bass said. The South Carolina Republican signaled a willingness to get reform into law after saying Tuesday that there was no question in my mind that the jury reached the appropriate verdict in the Chauvin trial.

While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers  the vast majority of whom put on the uniform each day with integrity and servant hearts, Scott said.

Senate Republicans have looked to him for leadership on the issue. They backed his police reform bill last year before a Democrat-led filibuster ended that legislations chances of surviving the Senate. But the GOP is in the minority now and Scott is just one senator. Democrats need another nine votes from across the aisle if they are going to make Bass supermajority a reality.

Such bipartisanship might remain beyond reach. There was already ill-will on both sides Tuesday. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy led an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to censure Rep. Maxine Waters after the California Democrat urged Minneapolis protesters to stay on the street and get more confrontational if Chauvin was acquitted.

And after the president told reporters he was praying the verdict is the right verdict, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz reacted by tweeting that Biden had foolishly provided grounds for a mistrial or a possible basis on appeal to challenge any guilty conviction.

Republicans are already wary of what they see as a power grab. For instance, Al Sharpton, who flew on a private jet to Minneapolis to be with the Floyd family, has been busy lobbying moderate Democrats to support voting rights legislation and do away with the filibuster.

The pressure that we are going to put on [Kyrsten] Sinema and [Joe] Manchin is calling it racist and saying that they are, in effect, supporting racism by supporting the filibuster, Sharpton told Politico earlier this week. Why would they be wedded to something that has those results? Their voters need to know that.

With the president saying systemic racism is a stain on our nations soul and insisting a police reform bill is necessary to begin erasing it, conservatives worry that the filibuster might not be long for this world. Progressives have already been clamoring for it to be wiped away as an obstacle to their agenda.

If Democrats had any interest in pushing bipartisan police reform, Sen. Tim Scott did everything humanly possible to get them to the table last year. They dont want to do bipartisan reform, a senior Republican aide told RealClearPolitics on condition of anonymity. They want to politicize the loss of life to get rid of the filibuster and pass their extreme agenda.
Gunmen have attacked a private university in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state, killing one staff member and kidnapping some students, police and officials said Wednesday.

It was not immediately clear how many students had been abducted from Greenfield University during the Tuesday night attack and one official said they were still conducting a headcount.

Two officials at the university told AFP at least 20 students were still missing though it was unclear how many had been taken by gunmen or may have fled the attack.

"There was an attack at about 20:15 (1915 GMT) last night. The suspected bandits infiltrated the university in large numbers," local police spokesman Mohammed Jalige told AFP.

"Some students are said to have been abducted but we are yet to ascertain how many," he added. "We have deployed our men to find the perpetrators and rescue the victims."

Since December, criminal gangs known locally as bandits have increasingly targeted schools and colleges for kidnapping attacks, hoping to squeeze ransom payments out of the authorities.

The Greenfield University attack was the fifth kidnapping assault on a Nigerian school or college since December.

A university staff member was killed in the Tuesday evening attack, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs in the state, said in a statement.

"After search-and-rescue operations, a staff member of the university was confirmed to have been killed by the armed bandits, while a number of students were kidnapped," said Aruwan.

An official of the university, who declined to give his name or say how many students are enrolled, said a headcount was underway.

Schools targeted in northern Nigeria are usually in remote areas where students stay in dormitories with only watchmen for security, making them easier targets.

Recent mass kidnappings have prompted six northern states to shut public schools to prevent further attacks.

Story continues

Gunmen last month seized 39 students from a college in Afaka in Kaduna state, after a gunfight with soldiers. Some of those students have been freed, others are still being held captive.

Since December 2020, some 730 students have been abducted, disrupting the studies of more than five million children, UN agency UNICEF said.

lhd/pma/dl
[April 21, 2021] Paysafe Achieves CarbonNeutral Certification for 2021 and 2022

Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), a leading specialised payments platform, today announces its carbon neutral company status for 2021 and 2022. The milestone forms part of the company's ongoing commitment to offsetting its unavoidable carbon emissions as part of its environmental programme. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005454/en/ Paysafe first announced its commitment to carbon neutrality on Earth Day last year, the 50th celebration of the annual global event. The company's 2020 CarbonNeutral certification was also backdated to cover its carbon footprint for 2019. With today's announcement, extending its certification for a further two years, Paysafe has pledged to offset the impact of its carbon footprint by financing sustainability projects in developing countries. The latest accreditation was achieved following extensive data gathering and independent third-party verification. This included the implementation of new measurements to take account of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on business practice such as a move to remote working. Paysafe's 2021/2022 CarbonNeutral certification, therefore, factors in a 'home office carbon footprint' calculation for every employee and move to more of a hybrid working model by 2022. Paysafe worked with carbon finance and carbon neutral experts, Natural Capital Partners, to conduct the independent assessment and identify suitable sustainability projects. The projects that Paysafe has committed to are Community Reforestation, East Africa; the Acre Amazonian Rainforest REDD+ portfolio, Brazil and Sindh Wind Power in Pakistan. Philip McHugh, CEO at Paysafe, said, "Like many other companies, the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our carbon footprint, however the return to physical office locations and international travel will happen in time an we can expect to see carbon emissions rise again. Meanwhile, we will continue to capture data based on home working carbon emissions and offset that as part of our pledge to sustainability. Bottom line, we are committed to supporting ongoing carbon reduction in the long-term and our environmental programme forms a central part of our approach to corporate responsibility and our commitment to doing business the right way."



Rebecca Fay, Chief Marketing Officer at Natural Capital Partners, added: "We are very pleased to support Paysafe in the achievements of its environment programme as it commits to four years as a carbon neutral business. Even after what the world has experienced over the past year, the need for climate action has not changed. Carbon neutrality is a critical step to achieving the global transformation of our economy and should be a priority for businesses everywhere. It's great to see international companies like Paysafe making and meeting commitments to being environmentally responsible." In addition to carbon offsetting, Paysafe has also embarked on a number of employee engagement initiatives including sharing sustainability tips for the home and providing plant-based cookery courses.

About Paysafe Limited Paysafe Limited ("Paysafe") (NYSE: PFSE) (PSFE.WS) is a leading specialised payments platform. Its core purpose is to enable businesses and consumers to connect and transact seamlessly through industry-leading capabilities in payment processing, digital wallet, and online cash solutions. With over 20 years of online payment experience, an annualised transactional volume of US $92 billion in 2020, and approximately 3,400 employees located in 12+ global locations, Paysafe connects businesses and consumers across 70 payment types in over 40 currencies around the world. Delivered through an integrated platform, Paysafe solutions are geared toward mobile-initiated transactions, real-time analytics and the convergence between brick-and-mortar and online payments. Further information is available at www.paysafe.com. About Natural Capital Partners With more than 300 clients in 34 countries, including Microsoft (News - Alert) , MetLife, Logitech, PwC, Sky and rsted, Natural Capital Partners is harnessing the power of business to create a more sustainable world. Through a global network of projects, the company delivers the highest quality solutions which make real change possible: reducing carbon emissions, generating renewable energy, building resilience in supply chains, conserving and restoring forests and biodiversity, and improving health and livelihoods. Natural Capital Partners was founded in 1997 and has teams in the US, Europe and Central America. It has been recognised as Environmental Finance Best Offset Retailer for the past nine years. The CarbonNeutral Protocol was created and is managed by Natural Capital Partners. It was the first clear set of guidelines for businesses to achieve carbon neutrality back in 2002, and every year since then Natural Capital Partners has continued its commitment to providing a robust framework for clear, transparent and high-quality carbon neutral action. The Protocol is updated annually with input from an Advisory Council of external experts to ensure it reflects the latest industry and scientific best practice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005454/en/

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[April 21, 2021] AirQuality Technology (AQT), One of the Largest Air Purification Solutions Providers, Unveils Indoor Air Purifiers Proven to Kill 99.99% of COVID-19 Virus for North America

As the world races to mitigate the coronavirus crisis, AirQuality Technology (AQT), one of the largest, most innovative providers of air purification solutions, announced the launch of its line of indoor air purifiers built with the company's proprietary MESP technology for the North American market. On the heels of surging demand and an independent research study that verified AQT's Sterilizing Air Purifiers with MESP technology's ability to kill 99.99% of COVID-19 virus, the company is expanding its distributor network for their proven solutions already embraced by tens of thousands of businesses and homeowners around the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005360/en/ AQT's line of commercial MESP Air Conditioning Sterilizing Purifiers is now available for distribution in North America. Top row (L-R) - FAD: MESP Air Duct Sterilizing Purifier, FAH: MESP Air Sterilizing Purifier for Air Handling Unit, FFC: MESP Return Air Sterilizing Purifier for Fan Coil Unit, and FFA: MESP Fresh Air Sterilizing Purifier; Bottom row (L-R) - CAP: MESP Ceiling Central Air Sterilizing Purifier, KJ: MESP Portable Air Sterilizing Purifier, and FSA: MESP Ceiling Mounted Air Sterilizing Purifier (Stand Alone) (Graphic: Business Wire) "As businesses plan re-openings and develop health and safety plans to curb employees' exposure to this life-threatening and contagious coronavirus, many are prioritizing and upgrading current HVAC systems to ensure they can provide all employees with the highest indoor air quality," said Golden Chen, General Manager of AQT. "We're honored to make our products available to the North American market for the first time - and to provide the same level of protection that our global customers enjoy." AQ's products, available as free-standing units as well as MESP filters for current HVAC systems, are in high demand and in use at a large number of projects globally, such as within residential buildings, office buildings, warehouses, industrial buildings, factories, hotels, hospitals, schools, municipal facilities, train stations and more. The company's upward trend aligns with analyst firm Reports and Data's forecast that the Global Indoor Air Purification market will reach US$37.94 billion by 2027.



AirQuality Technology MESP Air Sterilizing Purifiers AQT's line of commercial MESP Air Conditioning Sterilizing Purifiers will be the first products available for North America. These purifiers clean indoor air by working with a building's HVAC system to effectively remove PM2.5 particles, pollen, and other pollutants. They also disinfect by killing bacteria and viruses to deliver quality healthy air. They are designed for use in both new construction and retrofit projects.

In addition to fighting COVID, AQT's MESP Air Conditioning Sterilizing Purifier benefits and features include: Eliminate pollutants: Effectively eliminates air pollutants, including 99+% of airborne particulates, 99.9% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, pollen, allergens, and other harmful matter in the indoor air. Have a "washable" filter: Unlike other washable filters, AQT's MESP filter doesn't generate any harmful by-products including ozone, and can be used over and over again. The unique nano PP-made filter has a lifespan that can exceed 10 years with just a small attenuation effect. Are highly efficient: Differing from traditional media filters, the pressure drop is low with MESP filters because there is no need to force air through a matrix of small air passages. Are safe: No harmful byproducts, and able to work around people. Are nearly maintenance-free: Total running cost are much lower than traditional media filter products. About AQT's MESP Technology AQT's proprietary MESP is a new-generation air-purification technology. Its unique particle collection filter is an innovative dielectric with an intense electrical field which enables the removal of even the tiniest particles with the lowest possible pressure drop. The filter's dielectric material prevents current from flowing between electrodes even though an intense electric field is generated. AQT's MESP technology features a unique volt-ampere characteristic curve: the current gets smaller even as the voltage increases, which prevents potential dangers of electrode damage and electric shock, which are typical disadvantages of traditional ESP technology. AQT's Distributors Network AirQuality Technology has a robust distributors network globally and is currently looking to expand its distributors base in North America. For more information on becoming a distributor, please contact AQT here. Independent Research Study on AQT's MESP Technology's Effectiveness Against COVID-19 Innovative Bioanalysis, Inc., an independent U.S. research laboratory based in Costa Mesa, California, conducted the research study by introducing the SARS-CoV-2 USA-CA1/2020 pathogen to an AQT air purifier built with the company's proprietary MESP technology. The test result showed a significant reduction of pathogen at the downstream collection point and achieved a 99.99% SARS-CoV-2 sterilization rate. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. A copy of the test report is available here. About AirQuality Technology Founded in 2011, AirQuality Technology is one of the largest, most innovative providers of air purification solutions for residential and commercial use in China. Its unique Micro Electrostatic Precipitator (MESP) technology effectively eliminates indoor air pollutants, including 99+% of airborne particulates, bacteria, pollen, allergens, and viruses including COVID-19. Designed to be environmentally friendly, AirQuality Technology's products are used in an array of markets including residential buildings, office buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools, and municipal facilities. The company has received more than 40 patents and completed more than 10,000 projects in China alone. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has offices in major cities in China, and branch offices in Hong Kong, Spain, Norway, Malaysia, and Mexico. For more information, please visit en.airquality.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005360/en/

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Ryanair is planning to operate flights from Cork Airport this summer despite casting doubts over the reopening of its base there this year.

Seats on Ryanair flights from Cork to 10 destinations across the UK and Europe between June and mid-September were for sale online last night.

It is understood the airline is also considering three additional routes. It did not respond to requests for comment last night.

The news came after the airline told pilots and cabin crew of its Cork base, which closed temporarily last October, that it cannot confirm a reopening date before March 2022 pending the outcome of commercial talks with the airport.

The airport is due to close from September 10 to November 22 for a multi-million euro runway upgrade.

It will reopen in time for what it is hoped will be a busy Christmas period.

But Ryanairs people director, Darrell Hughes, said: As you know we temporarily ceased base operations at Cork last October due to Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions and we have been unable to plan for reopening for this summer season due to the runway works and lack of a workable commercial agreement with Cork Airport.

While we have been trying to negotiate with Cork Airport on a deal to secure the reopening of the base  similar to that already in Shannon  unfortunately the uncertainty over the reopening date of the base remains.

A spokesman for Cork Airport said they have devised two new incentive schemes  one for passenger traffic and one for the reestablishment of bases  to help rebuild the airports route network post-pandemic.

Both schemes can be availed of in parallel with the net effect of reducing airport charges at Cork, which have not increased in 15 years, below their previous level, he said.

Mr Hughes also criticised the Governments lack of a recovery plan and its shortsighted focus on pointless and unworkable travel restrictions and quarantines.

"The slow vaccine rollout in Ireland continues to put jobs and critical air infrastructure links at risk," he said.

Meanwhile, Willie Walsh, the head of global airline industry body IATA, has hit out at the high cost of Covid-19 testing, accusing providers of profiteering from travel, and calling for the industry to challenge whether PCR tests are necessary.

He said governments had mandated PCR tests and were then charging VAT on the cost of the testing, a scenario which he said needed to be challenged.

PCR tests, the so-called gold standard test, can cost over 100.
You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

To protect our elders and our community, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect our health. Vaccines work with your bodys natural defenses so you can fight the virus.

Each tribal nation or state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first. Contact your health department or clinic to find out when and where vaccines will be available in your community.

The COVID-19 vaccine can help keep you from getting COVID-19.

COVID-19 can cause serious illness or death. All COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective. Even if you still get the disease after you get vaccinated, the vaccine should protect you from more serious illness.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for you.

The United States government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people in the United States. No one should be charged for the vaccine.

Some COVID-19 vaccines need two shots.

If you are told you need two shots, make sure to get your second shot at the time you are told, so you can get the most protection.

The COVID-19 vaccine will not give you COVID-19.

The authorized COVID-19 vaccines cannot make you sick with COVID-19. They do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. Getting vaccinated may also protect others around you.

After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects.

You may have tiredness, headache, chills, and mild fever for 12 days. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. After getting the shot, you will be asked to wait for 1530 minutes to see that you are okay.

You should still get vaccinated if youve already had COVID-19.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, it is possible although rarethat you could get COVID-19 again. Experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after having COVID-19. Vaccination is the best protection.

If you have recovered from COVID-19, ask your health provider when you should be vaccinated.

You should still take steps to protect yourself and others after getting each shot.

It is important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic and keep our people safe. You should continue to wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public, stay 6 feet apart, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often.

Getting the vaccine and following CDCs recommendations for protecting yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.

The U.S. vaccine safety system monitors the safety of all vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States were tested in clinical studies involving thousands of people, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. These studies were done to make sure the vaccines meet safety standards and protect people of different ages, races, and ethnicities. All authorized COVID-19 vaccines meet the same safety standards as other vaccines used in the United States.

CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe (vsafe.cdc.gov), to help identify any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. Sign up to participate after youre vaccinated!

Unless you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have ever had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get vaccinated. If you have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, talk to your healthcare provider.

You may still get vaccinated if you have severe allergies to oral medications, food, pets, insect stings, latex, or things in the environment like pollen or dust.

If you are pregnant or want to have a baby one day, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are pregnant now or plan to be pregnant in the future, you may receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you. There is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine will not change your DNA.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but the COVID-19 vaccinelike any other vaccinecannot affect your DNA in any way.

It is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have an underlying medical condition.

People with medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Vaccination is especially important for people with these conditions. People with a weakened immune system may not get as much protection from a COVID-19 vaccine as those with a functioning immune system, but some protection is better than none.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) looks on before speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 9, 2018. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images)

An American Repudiation of Tlaib and Waters

Commentary

House Democrats have produced two radical demagogues whose policies would endanger the lives of innocent Americans, lead to the breakdown of society, and undermine the U.S. Constitution.

Specifically, Reps. Maxine Waters and Rashida Tlaib have recently acted in ways that reflect unfavorably on the House of Representatives and betray their oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Congresswoman Waters flew to Minnesota while the murder trial of Officer Derek Chauvin was in progress and said, we are looking for a guilty verdict. If Chauvin is not found guilty of murdering George Floyd in May 2020, Waters said, Weve got to stay on the street, and weve got to get more active, weve got to get more confrontational. Weve got to make sure that they know that we mean business.  We cannot go away.

Demagogically encouraging the rule of the mob over the rule of lawand urging people to mobilize against the court and the police at a time of great tensionclearly is a violation of every member of Congresss responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution.

Congresswoman Waters encouragement to the mob to use confrontational coercion to force society to render the result the mob wants creates an immediate threat to public safety.

However, Waters call for mob rule may be dwarfed in its impact by Tlaibs call to abolish the police and close prisons. If her policies were followed, the years of violence and predatory assault on the innocent would utterly destroy the rule of law and eliminate public safety in ways even Waters incitement couldnt achieve.

Tlaib, who represents Detroit, tweeted No more policing, incarceration, and militarization. It cant be reformed. She was setting a standard that was not merely radical, it was insane. Detroits police chief has called on her to resign.

In 2020, United States had the biggest increase in murders in history. The level of violence from Portlands virtually nightly attacks by Antifa to the looting and street violence which have become the norm in all too many cities is simply intolerable.

In Tlaibs home district, the evidence is devastating. As I wrote last week, according to the City of Detroits 2020 Crime Report, there was 327 homicides in 2020. This is up from 275 the previous year, which is a 19 percent increase. There were 1,173 non-fatal shootings in 2020up from 767 the previous yearwhich is a 53 percent change.

For a member of Congress to propose in the middle of this devastating violence that we should end policing and close down prisons is beyond outrageous. It is a policy which, if followed, would lead to thousands of victims of violent crime.

There should be real consequences for this kind of life endangering, society threatening irresponsibility.

At the very least, Reps. Waters and Tlaib have violated the rules of the U.S. House as described in the resolution to remove Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee assignments:

Whereas clause 1 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives provides, A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House; and Whereas Representative _____ should be removed from her committee assignments in light of conduct she has exhibited.

So, the standard for judging Waters and Tlaibs words is not the right of free speech. At a time when there have been months of riots, buildings burnt, stores looted, and police across the entire country bracing for violence (with some National Guard already mobilized), the standard for members of Congressthose entrusted to lead usis what reflect[s] creditably on the House.

Nothing Congresswoman Greene said was comparable in its potential devastation to everyday Americans as the Waters-Tlaib proposals of letting a mob overturn the U.S. judicial system, abolishing the police, releasing all violent criminals from prison, and allowing murder and violence rates to skyrocket.

Every member of the House of Representatives should be challenged to join in repudiating Congresswoman Tlaibs pro-criminal position by voting to remove her from the committees on which she currently servesthe Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Oversight and Reform (which gives her standing to bring her hostility to bear on federal law enforcement and federal prisons).

Similarly, members should remove Waters from the House Committee on Financial Services, of which she is the chairwoman.

The fight to repudiate Congresswoman Tlaibs anti-police, anti-prison, pro-criminal position; and Congresswoman Waters call for mob rule to replace the rule of law will have five positive results:

The fight will draw attention to the staggering and frightening rise in crime and force the new media to cover the degree to which every American is now endangered by the anti-police, pro-criminal policies of the Left. It will draw attention to the kind of crazy ideas which now pass for legitimate policy proposals on the radical Left. Most Americans do not know the level of radicalism and anti-Americanism which is now acceptable in the Democratic Party. It will highlight the choice every Democrat House member should be forced to make. At a time when crime is rising, more and more innocent people are at risk, and more and more small business owners are threatened with bankruptcy from criminal mob violence Congresswoman Tlaibs and Waters views are a real threat. Will each House Democrat fight for the protection of his or her constituents or tolerate the pro-criminal statements and attitudes of Congresswoman Tlaib and her radical associates in the Squad? Will House Democrats defend the blatant call for mob rule as people shoot at National Guardsmen (as happened shortly after Waters spoke)? Because crime and violence are going to continue to rise under the pro-criminal, pro-illegal immigration, anti-police policies of the Biden administration, these issues of the innocent versus the criminal will continue to grow in importance. Every act of violence and victimized innocent person is another reason to draw attention to Tlaibs and Waters views and call for them to be dropped from their committees. If the fight is sustained for eight weeks or more, the pressure will build and a surprising number of people will call to repudiate Tlaib, Waters, and other members of the radical Left.

This is beyond politics. This is about insisting that members of Congress do not promote mob rule or work to make America less safe. It is about insisting that our leaders protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and act in Americas best interest as they have sworn to do.

From Gingrich360.com.

Newt Gingrich, a Republican, served as House speaker from 1995 to 1999 and ran as a presidential candidate in 2012.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Advertisement

It was the fighter plane that flew in the more famous Spitfire's shadow during the Second World War, even though it downed more Nazi planes.

Armed with cannons and bombs, the Hawker Hurricane was responsible for 55 per cent of the RAF's air victories over Luftwaffe pilots and around 70 per cent of kills during the Battle of Britain.

Now, a new documentary shows the moment the daughter of a World War Two Hurricane pilot takes to the skies in her father's plane.

Eugenie Brooks, the daughter of Flight Sergeant John Brooks, is shown shedding tears as flies in the plane in UKTV channel Yesterday's Warbird Workshop episode, which airs on Thursday evening.

Flight Sergeant Brooks flew the plane on missions over Europe during the fight against Nazi Germany. His service saw him rewarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal.

Narrated by Martin Shaw, the programme charts the project to turn the fighter plane into a two-seater aircraft so that it can carry paying passengers.

The show delves into the difficulty of the feat and reveals how engineers at Hawker Restorations, based in Ipswich, had to effectively cut the plane to pieces to retro fit the second seat and an additional set of controls.

Their work made the plane, which was one of fewer than 25 in the world before the project began, the only two-seater Hurricane in existence.

Ms Brooks said 'Hello Dad' as professional pilot Anna Walker flew her from Biggin Hill, in Kent, towards the wartime airbase where her father was stationed, at nearby Manston, before allowing her to briefly take the controls herself.

A new documentary shows the moment Eugenie Brooks, the daughter of World War Two Hurricane pilot Flight Sergeant John Brooks, taking to the skies in her father's plane

The Hurricane was flown by Flight Sergeant Brooks when he was part of the RAF's 174 (Mauritius) squadron, a fighter-bomber unit formed in March 1942.

The squadron was involved in attacks on German shipping and V-1 flying bomb launch sites from several bases in the UK, before it was disbanded in Germany in April 1945.

Flight Sergeant Brooks, who died aged 73 in 1993, flew Hurricanes and Spitfires over Europe between 1940 and 1943.

The team at Hawker Restorations - who are world leaders in Hurricane restoration - began work on transforming the plane, BE505, in September 2019.

It needed to be ready for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in September 2020, where it was flown.

The project saw the experts, led by chief engineer Peter Johnson, saw through part of the plane's wooden fuselage to make space for the second seat.

Ms Brooks is shown flying in the plane in UKTV channel Yesterday's Warbird Workshop episode, which airs on Thursday evening. Narrated by Martin Shaw, the programme charts the project to turn the fighter plane into a two-seater aircraft so that it can carry paying passengers

The Hurricane was flown by Flight Sergeant Brooks when he was part of the RAF's 174 (Mauritius) squadron, a fighter-bomber unit formed in March 1942. The squadron was involved in attacks on German shipping and V-1 flying bomb launch sites from several bases in the UK, before it was disbanded in Germany in April 1945

The Flight Sergeant, who died aged 73 in 1993, flew Hurricanes and Spitfires over Europe between 1940 and 1943

He later earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Medal

The team at Hawker Restorations - who are world leaders in Hurricane restoration - began work on transforming the plane, BE505, in September 2019. Pictured: The exposed metal frame of the plane, as well as its controls, is seen during the restoration work

The project saw the experts, led by chief engineer Peter Johnson, saw through part of the plane's wooden fuselage to make space for the second seat. Pictured: One of the seats

Team member Andrew Wenman described the first part of the project by saying: 'Essentially we're getting an airworthy aircraft and making it un-airworthy'

The planes altimeter - which measures altitude, is seen on the left, next to an oxygen gauge. The engineers were working entirely using expert knowledge and did not have any plans to refer to

HURRICANE: CHAMPION OF BATTLE OF BRITAIN More than half of the 2,739 German losses in the Battle of Britain were caused by Hurricanes  55 per cent. Despite this, the more beautiful and faster Spitfire became the symbol of the RAFs Finest Hour. Here are some Hawker Hurricane facts: Introduced - 1937 Total number of planes built - 14,533 Wingspan - 40ft Engine - Rolls Royce Merlin 1,185hp at 21,000ft Max speed - 339mph Armament - 4 x 20mm cannons, 2 x 226kg bombs Number of Hurricanes at start of Battle of Britain - 2,309 Planes lost during Battle of Britain - 565 Advertisement

Team member Andrew Wenman described the first part of the project by saying: 'Essentially we're getting an airworthy aircraft and making it un-airworthy'.

Before making any changes to the incredibly valuable plane, which was built in 1940 for 4,000 (around 228,000 in today's money) but is now worth 2.5million, the team tested their innovations on a mock-up frame.

They were working entirely using expert knowledge and did not have any plans to refer to.

The Hurricane's complex control system needed to be redesigned to make space for the new seat and the parallel controls.

However, throughout the work, there was no guarantee that the Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates all aircraft in the UK, would allow the custom plane to fly.

In total, just oer 14,500 Hurricanes were built. In 1940, their number outstripped that of the Spitfire by almost 1,000.

As well as the second seat, a new emergency door was put in the plane and the canopy was extended to cover both the pilot and new passenger.

The plane's landing gear, designed by engineers in the 1930s, needed to support the three-tonne weight of the modified aircraft.

Part of what made the Hurricane so effective was the fact that its fuselage was made from wood and fabric, meaning that enemy bullets could often pass straight through it without doing too much damage.

After months of work, the programme did show how the plane failed to start properly the first time its engine was tested.

The experts then realised that the fuel mix was too lean.

Before making any changes to the incredibly valuable plane, which was built in 1940 for 4,000 (around 228,000 in today's money) but is now worth 2.5million, the team tested their innovations on a mock-up frame

As well as the second seat, a new emergency door was put in the plane and the canopy was extended to cover both the pilot and new passenger. Pictured: The controls

The Hurricane's complex control system needed to be redesigned to make space for the new seat and the parallel controls. However, throughout the work, there was no guarantee that the Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates all aircraft in the UK, would allow the custom plane to fly

They also found that the metal added in the conversion had affected the magnets in the plane's compass.

But once all the small issues were solved, the plane took to the skies for the first time in its modified form when it was flown by veteran test pilot Stu Goldspink.

Then, after it have been taken to Biggin Hill in time for the Battle of Britain anniversary, Ms Brooks was seen climbing into the aircraft.

One of Hawker's engineers works on part of the modifications which will allow the plane to carry a passenger

After months of work, the programme did show how the plane failed to start properly the first time its engine was tested. The experts then realised that the fuel mix was too lean

The internal workings of part of the plane are seen above as the Hurricane looms in the background during the restoration

As the aircraft took off, she was left in tears and said 'Hello Dad'. She was then offered the chance to briefly take control of the aircraft and opted to dip the nose down slightly under guidance from her instructor.

Ms Walker then carried out a 'victory roll' before flying Ms Brooks close to Manston, so she could get a glimpse of the view her father would have enjoyed during the war.

Ms Brooks said after the flight: 'It was amazing. Absolutely amazing to fly in Dads airspace. We flew down [near] Manston airfield. With the waggly wings bit, I was so happy. So, so happy.

'There were three of us up there  me, Anna and good old Dad. He was a man of few words. He would nod his head and say "well done girl".

'I can see why my Dad loved the Hurricane, I really can.'

After months of work, the programme did show how the plane failed to start properly the first time its engine was tested. The experts then realised that the fuel mix was too lean. Pictured: The plane on the runway

The exquisitely restored plane was modified in time for it to feature at events to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
It has completed the building of a 12km road between its two projects: Vatomina and Sahamamy

PLC ( ) said it has opened its second mine in Madagascar at the Vatomina project, where it remains on track to start commissioning the first 9,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) processing plant in the second quarter.

The specialist graphite producer and graphene developer also said it had completed building an interconnecting road between Vatomina and Sahamamy, which will reduce logistics costs and shave about 5% from current operating expenditure.

The opening of the mine marks the beginning of commercial operations at the greenfield Vatomina project, taking us one step further towards our goal of increasing capacity in Madagascar to 30,000 tpa by Q1 2022 and 84,000 tpa by 2024, said chief executive Shishir Poddar.

Furthermore, we are equally delighted that our new road between our two projects, Vatomina and Sahamamy, is now complete, providing them direct access to the National Highway and thereby helping us reduce our OPEX.

Tirupati is also preparing for the start of the accelerated construction of Sahamamy's next plant, which has a planned capacity of 18,000 tpa, for which it raised additional capital last week.

"As demonstrated by the huge support we received for our oversubscribed 10 million placing last week, investors are increasingly cognisant of graphite's role in the green economy and energy transition.

We therefore believe a prolonged supply shortage is likely; the opening of our new Vatomina mine will go some way to plugging the supply gap with our high-quality natural flake graphite.
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out to Resume in Europe Following European Medicines Agency (EMA) Review

Details Category: More News Published on Wednesday, 21 April 2021 09:02 Hits: 943

EMA Confirms Overall Benefit-Risk Profile Remains Positive

Company to update the COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen Summary of Product Characteristics and Package Leaflet to include important information on very rare adverse event

Johnson & Johnson remains committed to supplying 200 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to the European Union, Norway and Iceland

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, USA I April 20, 2021 I Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the Company) today announced that the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has provided updated guidance for use of the Company's COVID-19 vaccine and confirmed the overall benefit-risk profile remains positive. The guidance follows PRAC review of a small number of cases of a very rare adverse event involving blood clots in combination with low platelet counts that can occur within approximately one to three weeks following injection with the Company's COVID-19 vaccine.

As a result, Johnson & Johnson will update its COVID-19 vaccine Summary of Product Characteristics and Package Leaflet to include important information on the diagnosis and management of this very rare adverse event. Healthcare professionals will be alerted to the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism with thrombocytopenia, as well as the appropriate course of treatment.

Following the PRAC recommendation, the Company will resume shipment of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union (EU), Norway and Iceland. The updated EMA and Healthcare Professionals guidance will be available to national healthcare authorities.

"The safety and well-being of the people who use our products is our number one priority. We appreciate the rigorous review of the PRAC and share the goal of raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of this very rare event to ensure the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer at Johnson & Johnson. "We strongly believe in the positive benefits of our single-shot, easily transportable COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health of people everywhere and reach communities in need globally. We are committed to equitable access and to bringing an affordable COVID-19 vaccine to the public on a not-for-profit basis for emergency pandemic use."

Data from the global ENSEMBLE Phase 3 trial demonstrated the Company's single-dose vaccine provided protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death across demographics and geographies, including areas with emerging variants.1

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently are reviewing these same cases.2 On April 14, 2021, the CDC convened a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review these cases and assess their potential significance.2 The ACIP plans to reconvene on April 23, 2021, for further discussion.

Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 Vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, received Conditional Marketing Authorization from the European Commission on March 11, 2021, to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older.2

This decision was based on the totality of scientific evidence, including data from the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE study that demonstrated the vaccine was 85 percent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination.3,4

For more information on the Company's multi-pronged approach to helping combat the pandemic, visit: https://www.janssen.com/emea/our-focus/infectious-diseases-vaccines/respiratory-infections/covid-19.

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.janssen.com/emea/. Follow us at @JanssenEMEA.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension. Learn more at https://www.janssen.com/emea/. Follow us at @JanssenEMEA.

REFERENCES:

1 Janssen. Johnson & Johnson Announces Single-Shot Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Met Primary Endpoints in Interim Analysis of its Phase 3 ENSEMBLE Trial. Available at: https://www.janssen.com/emea/sites/www_janssen_com_emea/files/johnson_johnson_announces_single-shot_janssen_covid-19_vaccine_candidate_met_primary_endpoints_in_interim_analysis_of_its_phase_3_ensemble_trial.pdf. Last accessed April 2021.

2 Johnson & Johnson Single-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Granted Conditional Marketing Authorization by European Commission. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-single-shot-covid-19-vaccine-granted-conditional-marketing-authorization-by-european-commission. Last accessed: April 2021.

3 Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized by U.S. FDA For Emergency Use - First Single-Shot Vaccine in Fight Against Global Pandemic. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-authorized-by-u-s-fda-for-emergency-usefirst-single-shot-vaccine-in-fight-against-global-pandemic. Last accessed April 2021.

4 European Medicines Agency. EMA recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen for authorisation in the EU. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-recommends-covid-19-vaccine-janssen-authorisation-eu. Last accessed April 2021.

SOURCE: Johnson & Johnson
British families were harder hit by the economic shocks of the pandemic than those in France and Germany, a major study has found.

Households in the UK had less cash in the bank and were more likely to have taken on debt while simultaneously cutting back on spending, the researchers say.

The Resolution Foundation report blames Boris Johnson's harsh and prolonged lockdowns as a key reason for the greater financial hardship.

But it also points to underlying frailties such as a less generous benefits system than fellow European powerhouses.

Economist Maja Gustafsson, the lead author, said: 'These holes in UK households' financial resilience have been exposed during the Covid-19 crisis.

'They are far more likely to have suffered a major living standards hit than French and German households, and are far more likely to have taken on debt to cope with these financial shocks.'

Households in the UK are more likely to have had debt during the pandemic than counterparts in France and Germany

British families with lost income were also twice as likely to have turned to loans to cover the cost of living - a proportion of 17 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Germany and 8 per cent in France

Volunteer collecting food for donation in a homeless shelter (file photo). British families were harder hit by the economic shocks of the pandemic than those in France and Germany, a major study has found

Findings reveal that British families have had their wallets battered on several fronts during Covid.

Among UK households where someone has lost their job, 41 per cent have seen their income drop by at least a quarter - twice the level in France (20 per cent) and much higher than Germany (28 per cent).

These British families have struggled more to meet housing costs than counterparts in Germany and France, according to the report.

They were also twice as likely to have turned to loans to cover the cost of living - a proportion of 17 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Germany and 8 per cent in France.

Some 71 per cent of Britons whose income dropped during the pandemic, but did not lose their job - such as those on furlough - are in debt.

This compares to 45 per cent in France and 54 per cent in Germany for those in the same situation.

The Resolution Foundation report blames Boris Johnson's harsh and prolonged lockdowns as a key reason for the greater financial hardship

Fewer trips have been made to British shops, pubs and restaurants as a result, and GDP has plunged deeper, the report adds

The study, which was sponsored by JP Morgan bank, found that Britain, France and Germany all entered the crisis with average household incomes of about 29,000.

But Britain had greater levels of inequality - the poorest fifth are 20 per cent worse off than their French counterparts, exposing them more to economic shocks as they had less savings to fall back on.

The report also lamented Britain's less generous welfare payments, with benefits only a fraction of the amount handed out in France and Germany.

It explained that the income replacement rate for recently unemployed people in France was 64 per cent, in Germany 59 per cent, but in the UK just 17 per cent.

The Resolution Foundation also pinpointed longer and tougher UK lockdowns as an important variable causing financial stress.

The authors write: 'Social distancing measures were ratcheted up across all three countries during the early days of the pandemic.

'But the UK took longer to decide to 'lock down' in early 2020, and this resulted in an eventual lockdown which was tighter and which lasted longer than the lockdowns in France and Germany.

'As France and Germany began to open up over the summer and autumn, the UK's measures remained comparatively strict.'

The coronavirus variant first detected in Kent also meant Britain locked down hard again in January 2021, from which the country is only starting to steadily emerge.

Fewer trips have been made to British shops, pubs and restaurants as a result, and GDP has plunged deeper, the report adds.

But the authors argue that the UK's successful vaccine rollout - 43million doses have now been administered - means 'the end of the Covid-19 crisis for households looks closer in the UK than elsewhere in Europe' which is grappling with a third wave.

Yet Ms Gustafsson still called on ministers to shore up Britain's economic infrastructure in the wake of the pandemic to make the country more financially resilient.

She said: 'It's vital that households' financial position is strengthened as we finally emerge out of the Covid-19 crisis, so that they are less exposed when the next economic crisis comes along.'
Lahore, Pakistan, Pakistan, 04/20/2021 / KISS PR Pakistan News Bureau /

(KISS PR Pakistan News Bureau)  The outlawed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ended its eight-day-long sit-in outside Lahores Masjid Rehmatulil Alameen, as well as other locations around the country, after the Federal Government puts a vote in motion to dismiss the French envoy in National Assembly.

The government, on the other hand, opted not to revoke the TLPs suspension, which had already been levied for the party spreading nationwide chaos for nearly a week. The government further refused to drop the murder charges filed against protesters of the outlawed organization.

The protest began on April 12 following the detention of the outlawed organizations leader Saad Rizvi, which brings an end to a devastating week that resulted in many law enforcement officers getting killed or kidnapped. Hundreds of people got injured during the clashes between demonstrators and police departments as the riot escalated throughout the country.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid and Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri informed the members about the agreement made with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) during a conference of the PTI parliamentary party led by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

As per Minister of Information Fawad Chaudhrys statement, the TLP decided to call off its nationwide demonstration as the government agreed to its insistence that a vote must be passed within National Assembly about whether or not the French envoy should be dismissed.

Today, the National Assembly issued a motion establishing a special commission to oversee the eviction, and the discussion would resume on Friday. The government had delayed the meeting for two days but then unexpectedly announced it, according to PPPs Information Secretary, Dr. Nafisa Shah.

In a tweet, PPPs Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto, said that the ruling government was attempting to take cover behind the National Assembly after mismanaging the matter.

Meanwhile, Shafiq Amini, the TLPs representative, announced the end of the strike, which was witnessed by members of the shura (council).

By proposing the agreement in assembly, the government upheld its commitment, Amini said. At this stage, we dont need to protest anymore. Riots in Lahore and all around the country had been called off, he further added.

Roadways outside the protest site in Lahore became opened to the public as soon as the statement was released. The outlawed organizations members started to scatter.

References:

Source: kissprnews

Release ID: 17869

Original Source of the original story >> Pakistani Religious Party TLP Calls a Halt to Countrywide Fuss as NA puts French Ambassadors Eviction to Vote

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As Point Reyes National Seashore finalizes a plan to continue cattle ranching in the park, opponents are waging a last-ditch effort to rein in the tradition.

Tens of thousands of park visitors, environmentalists and animal-rights activists have recently joined the long-running campaign questioning the use of park land for beef and dairy operations. Many say the practice is wrecking the scenic landscape and is at odds with the parks mission of protecting wildlife, most notably the areas famed herds of tule elk. They want the activity stopped, or at least pared back.

The scrutiny comes as the parks newly updated management plan heads to a final public hearing Thursday at a meeting of the California Coastal Commission. The scheduled review by the state agency is limited in scope, focused mainly on water quality, and the commission has little power to stop the park from moving forward. But park critics say the meeting is one more chance to persuade Point Reyes administrators to pause their far-reaching plan before it takes hold.

I feel like momentum is on our side, said Todd Steiner, executive director of Turtle Island Restoration Network, an environmental group based in Marin County and one of more than 100 organizations petitioning the Coastal Commission to pressure the park to reverse course. I feel like things are changing in our favor.

At issue is an amendment to the parks management plan for 28,000 acres of parkland that have long been leased to ranchers at Point Reyes and part of the neighboring Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The land is an unusual part of the National Park Service because it hosts two dozen commercial dairies and beef ranches as well as more than 2 million annual visitors who come to hike, camp and sight-see in the rolling hills and sprawling coast of western Marin County. The area is also home to tule elk, a subspecies of the North American elk, that lives only in California.

In the updated management plan, Point Reyes administrators detail, among other things, their intention to continue cattle operations, offering new 20-year leases to the ranches and maintaining existing livestock numbers of about 5,500 total cows and bulls. The plan also calls for limiting the population of elk in two of the parks three herds, and controversially killing surplus animals so they wont compete with cattle for grassland.

A lot of people think of national parks protecting natural resources, but we also protect cultural resources, said Point Reyes spokeswoman Melanie Gunn, speaking of the historic ranches that existed long before the park was created in 1962 and were grandfathered in, at least initially. Were trying to balance the care of both. ... It sometimes gets kind of complicated.

Three environmental groups filed a lawsuit five years ago that forced Point Reyes administrators to revisit their ranching policy and update their management plan, with a deadline of July 14, 2021. The organizations contended that the leases were being renewed without evaluating their impacts, such as grazing cows trampling bluffs and dirty feedlots polluting creeks.

The updated plan, however, has not gone over well with the plaintiffs who have called it anti-wildlife and a subsidy for farmers.

Nonetheless, Point Reyes officials have completed their required analysis and public airing of the plan. They need only a handful of clearances from state and federal agencies before the Interior Department makes the document official. The California Coastal Commissions consent is the only clearance subject to a hearing.

On Thursday, the Coastal Commission is scheduled to take up the plan, but only the narrow issue of whether the parks actions under the plan will have spillover effects on neighbors. The state agency does not have direct jurisdiction over what is done on federal land.

Commission staff recommends that the agencys governing board sign off on the document with conditions, the main one being that the park increase water quality monitoring to ensure that runoff from ranching doesnt contaminate waters outside the park.

We have a different type of review when were looking at federal activities, explained Kate Huckelbridge, a deputy director at the Coastal Commission.

But opponents of the parks plan are urging the agencys governing board to withhold buy-in anyway.

Such a move could prompt Point Reyes officials to make concessions, they say, though it wouldnt necessarily stop the park from going forward unilaterally with its plan. The Coastal Commission likely would have to go to court to enforce any terms not welcomed by the park, igniting a state-federal standoff that the agency may not want to pursue, especially with a Democrat now in the White House.

Still, as of Monday, nearly 45,000 public comments had poured into the Coastal Commission, almost all of which urged the agencys board members to object to the parks plan.

The latest group to jump into the fray was the powerful animal-rights group PETA, which last week came out against continuing ranching at Point Reyes. In recent months, the Sierra Club and the popular outdoor clothing company Patagonia have expressed concerns about cattle operations under the management plan.

Weve all teamed up to put some pressure on the park service, said Chance Cutrano, director of programs at the Resource Renewal Institute in Mill Valley, one of the initial litigants in the Point Reyes lawsuit. Overwhelmingly, people are reaching out now to say theyre opposed to the proposed plan.

A report released last month by the park service that showed declines in the number of elk at Point Reyes further galvanized the opposition. Many blamed the population drop, from 747 to 587 last year, on the park refusing to give the animals more room to live and forage.

Park officials said the losses were caused by drought and that the change was within the expected variability of a healthy population.

Its clear from all these comments (to us) that this is an important place to a lot of people, said Huckelbridge. Were interested now to see how the commissioners respond.

The agencys governing board, made up of political appointees, has not given any hint of how it will proceed.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Police shot and killed a teenage girl in Columbus on Tuesday afternoon, according to newspaper reports, just as the verdict was being announced in the trial for the killing of George Floyd.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was at the scene Tuesday night on the citys southeast side, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Officers had responded to an attempted stabbing call when police shot the girl at about 4:45 p.m., the newspaper reported. The 911 caller reported a female was trying to stab them before hanging up, according to the Dispatch.

The girl was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Nobody else was injured, the newspaper reported.

This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther tweeted. We do not know all of the details. There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible.

Hazel Washington is embraced Tuesday after addressing a crowd with her anger at the Columbus Police at the shooting of her niece. (Associated Press)

Police who answered the departments phone and officers on scene were not immediately able to provide details to The Associated Press.

A crowd had gathered Tuesday night at the scene on Legion Lane, which police had partially blocked off to traffic. Others gathered at the citys police headquarters to protest, a mere week after officers pepper-sprayed a group that tried to enter the headquarters over the police killing of a man who had a gun in a hospital emergency room.

The shooting happened about 25 minutes before a judge read the verdict convicting former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the killing of Floyd.
The Socialist Equality Group (New Zealand) (SEG) will hold an online public meeting on Saturday, May 8, at 4PM NZ time, to discuss the political lessons of the Pike River mine disaster and the families fight for justice, in opposition to the ongoing cover-up by the state.

Please click here to register to attend on Zoom.

In November 2010, 29 miners were killed in a series of explosions at Pike River Coals underground mine. This was not a random accident, but the outcome of deliberate decisions to place production ahead of workers safety. The mine was a death trap, with grossly inadequate methane drainage, monitoring and ventilation systems, and no emergency exit.

A placard from the 2016 blockade of the road to Pike River mine (Source: Uncensored Pike Facebook group)

Since then, successive National Party and Labour Party governments, along with the police, the courts and regulatory agencies, have protected the companys chief executive and others responsible for these flagrant safety breaches.

Those complicit in the disaster include the governments that dismantled safety regulations, and the Department of Labour, which knew about Pike Rivers breaches but did not shut it down. The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union also took no action to protect the miners. Following the disaster, union leader Andrew Little defended Pike River Coal, falsely saying it had a good safety record.

Little is now the Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry in Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns Labour Party government. Labour and its allies, the Greens and NZ First, pledged in 2017 to re-enter the mine to search for evidence and bring those responsible to justice.

This promise is now being brushed aside. Little has announced that the government will end the underground investigation and seal the mine, in the face of opposition from the families of those who died. The government is making entirely bogus claims that there is no money to proceed beyond a roof-fall into the mine workings.

Signs blocking the road to Pike River mine, 2016. (Source: Supporting the recovery of our Pike 29 Facebook group)

The Pike River disaster contains urgent lessons for the working class in New Zealand and throughout the worldincluding in countless countries where corporations and unions are forcing workers to risk their lives amid the out-of-control coronavirus pandemic.

The decade-long cover-up is an example of class justice, with parallels internationally including the Moura mine disasters in Australia, Upper Big Branch in West Virginia, the collapse of the CTV building in New Zealand and the Grenfell Tower fire in London. In every case, those responsible for dozens or hundreds of deaths have been protected by the political representatives of big business.

At this meeting, speakers from the Socialist Equality Group (NZ) and the Socialist Equality Party (Australia) will expose the role played by National, Labour and the unions in defending Pike River Coal. They will also outline a socialist perspective and strategy for workers who are fighting to defend their safety and their lives, including the need to form rank-and-file workplace committees that are independent of the pro-capitalist trade unions.

We urge workers and young people to share this announcement widely, attend the meeting and discuss these critically important issues.

Times for this meeting:

New Zealand: May 8, 4:00PM

Sydney: May 8, 2:00PM

US Eastern time: May 8, 12:00AM (midnight)

India: May 8, 9:30AM

London: May 8, 5:00AM
New Delhi, April 21 : Addressing shortages of Remdesivir in certain regions of the country, the Central government on Wednesday made interim allocation of the key anti-viral drug for 19 states/Union Territories for the period up to April 30.

Allocations have been made for Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand.

In a statement, the Union Health Ministry said: "Keeping in mind the sudden surge in demand in the country for Remdesivir injection required for Covid-19 therapy, the manufacturing capacity of domestic Remdesivir manufacturers has been ramped up.

"All support is being extended to manufacturers by the government in this endeavour. The production capacity is being ramped up from a current level of 38 lakh vials per month to 74 lakh vials per month, and 20 additional manufacturing sites have been approved. Export of Remdesivir has also been prohibited on April 11 in order to shore up domestic supplies." According to the Ministry, to further address reports of shortages in certain regions and facilitate smooth inter-state supply, it has, in coordination with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, made this interim allocation.

"The allocation includes bulk purchases made by the states as well as supplies through private distribution channels. This initial allocation is dynamic and will be reviewed constantly in consultation with the states, to ensure all needs can be met within the available supplies," the Ministry said.

States not covered by the above-mentioned allocation will be considered for allocation when their supply orders are placed with the manufacturers.

Manufacturers have been directed to manufacture and dispatch the supplies as per the agreed state allocation and mapping. They may be asked to balance supplies to the government and distribution channels.

All states may place their supply orders to manufacturers, if not already done, either by Government purchase or distribution channel, within the above-mentioned state-wise allocation and manufacturer-wise mapping. In case any state does not require or is unable to fully utilise its allocation before April 30, that would be available for re-allocation to other states as per their requirement.

A Control Room set up by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) shall be responsible for monitoring the operations as per the allocations. A Whatsapp group comprising nodal officers of states to coordinate unhindered movement of Remdesivir within the country is also being created. "Liaison Officers of the Remdesivir manufacturers and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dept of Pharmaceuticals, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) would be part of this Group for day to day monitoring and coordination," the Ministry said.
The trips would not be possible if kids arent ready, especially with no electronics and civilization around, he said. Living in nature, enjoying it at this age is grand for Sita, and I strongly believe she will push herself more to do bigger things, as she is curious and also a thrill seeker.
They say finding yourself in the right spot, at the right time, is the key to success, and this Nigerian homeless man who got the opportunity of a lifetime while sleeping under a bridge is the perfect example.

You could say it was fate that Ali Olakunmi, a young Yoruba man from Nigerias Osun State, found himself sleeping under the same bridge that a creative director had chosen as the backdrop for a fashion shoot. As a homeless man in Ikeja, a suburb of Lagos, he didnt really have any better options, but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Afolabi (AL), the creative director we mentioned above, was waiting under the same bridge for a male model that was running late, and he happened to notice this young man who seemed to have all the features he was looking for in a model, so he approached him about putting on some clothes and posing for some pictures. And thats how Ali the homeless became Ali the fashion model.

I had a shoot today at Ikeja, while were waiting for the model to arrive, we decided to meet with a guy(ALI) who was sleeping under the bridge to model for us, Afolabi twitted on April 2nd. I would like to believe that Ali was born for this . His pose, his body structure and his skin tone was perfect.

I had a shoot today at ikeja, while were waiting for the model to arrive,we decided to meet with a guy(ALI) who was sleeping under the bridge to model for us . I would like to believe that Ali was born for this . His pose , his body structure and his skin tone was perfect. pic.twitter.com/3Dat0A9j9v  AL (@afolabi_lagos) April 1, 2021

The tweet and the photos of Ali Olakunmi wearing stylish clothes and posing for photos quickly went viral, and before long, a TikTok video of Afolabi approaching the sleeping young man also surfaced and drew even more attention to this unlikely story.

my name is Ali and I am born to be great. pic.twitter.com/5EAMZl38nL  ALI (@aliolakunmi) April 5, 2021

After the photoshoot, the young man went back to sleeping under the bridge, but thats not how this story ends. After Afolabis tweet went viral and everyone started inquiring about Ali, a multinational modelling company in Lagos contacted the creative director about the young talent.

How it happened pic.twitter.com/5ZVe6gfTpb  Your Landlord  (@OgaLandlord_) April 5, 2021

Its unclear if this company signed Ali Olakunmi, but what we do know is that the homeless man now has his own social media account, which is currently being handled by management, and has already done several other photo shoots for multiple photographers. Alis Twitter account currently has over 3,200 followers.

Ali is born for this. Look at his face and pose . Everything came easy with him today. I made the outfit also  pic.twitter.com/K5QSzqAVio  AL (@afolabi_lagos) April 1, 2021

I am Ali and I am born to be great, the overnight sensations first tweet read. Its a bit early to tell, but hes definitely odd to a good start, considering where he was just 3 weeks ago
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BayPort Credit Union is pleased to announce it was honored with three Diamond Awards by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council. BayPort won two Diamond Awards in the Complete Campaign category for its Credit Score and Home Equity promotions and one Diamond Award in the Financial Education category for its Credit Checkup Challenge campaign.

In early 2020, BayPort launched Credit Score, powered by award-winning fintech company SavvyMoney, the newest service within its online banking and mobile app. Utilizing a comprehensive digital promotion, BayPort achieved a 30 percent adoption goal within the first eight months of launch, ranking BayPort No. 1 among SavvyMoney partners with more than 25,000 online banking users and No. 3 among partners launched in 2020. Additionally, the adoption rate is two-times that of BayPort's Bill Payment tool.

Analyzing the Credit Score data, BayPort created its 6-week Credit Checkup Challenge. BayPort invited nearly 3,000 members within the 550 to 639 credit score range to participate in a financial education program that included weekly themed email challenges, short videos, and interactive virtual workshops. To actively promote the Credit Checkup Challenge, BayPort launched a targeted email and digital campaign. As a result, more than 500 members signed up for the 6-week financial wellness and education program.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, other major banks and national credit unions were suspending their home equity loan programs. BayPort saw an opportunity to actively promote our Love Your Home 100% campaign through traditional and digital media promotions. Unlike other financial institutions that only allow their members to borrow up to 80 percent of their home's equity, BayPort lets members borrow up to 100 percent.

The most prestigious annual credit union industry competition, the CUNA Diamond Awards, recognize and reward creative excellence and outstanding results. This year, they received more than 1,200 entries from credit unions all over the U.S., but only 350 entries were selected as Diamond Award winners. BayPort is one of only six Virginia credit unions to be recognized with a Diamond Award.

About BayPort

In 1928, nine shipyard workers from Newport News Shipbuilding formed an organization with a specific purpose as a low-interest source of loans and a trusted place to deposit money. Today, BayPort Credit Union is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial, managing $1.9 billion in assets and servicing more than 145,000 individuals and businesses with 25 branch locations across the Virginia Peninsula and Southside communities. Visit us at www.bayportcu.org.

SOURCE BayPort Credit Union

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REDDING, Calif., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meticulous Research, in its latest publication, titled "Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market by Service, End User (Retail, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Construction, Chemicals, Machinery, Transportation, Automotive, Government, Marine, Healthcare), and Region - Forecast to 2027", states that the testing, inspection, and certification market is expected to reach $105.99 billion, at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2020.

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The TIC sector consists of conformity assessment bodies that provide services ranging from auditing and inspection to testing, verification, quality assurance, and certification. TIC companies cater to a diverse range of industry sectors and a variety of standards and legislation. These range from agriculture, automotive, raw materials, IT and electronics, environmental protection, food testing, and oil and gas industries right through to maritime, medicine, education, tourism, logistics, consumer products, and more. The growth of the overall testing, inspection, and certification market is primarily attributed to the strict regulatory standards imposed by governments and the rise in the illicit trade of forged & pirated goods. The surge in consumer awareness about food safety offers lucrative growth opportunities for the growth of the market. However, a lack of testing facilities and skilled resources can obstruct the market's growth up to some extent.

In 2021, many COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer, CoronaVac, Comirnaty and, Moderna vaccines were launched to prevent both mild and severe symptoms of COVID-19 approved by World Health Organizations (WHO). However, companies are still struggling to make informed decisions about their products, supply chains, and regulatory responsibilities amid uncertainty. The outbreak has varied by each industry sector's level of resilience. For instance, the healthcare sector created major interruptions in the supply chain and, at the same time, proved to be a catalyst for driving changes in healthcare products circulation, in turn minimizing the impact of future disruptions and accelerating healthcare operations. COVID-19 is accelerating the trend rend of digitalization in the TIC market.

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TIC providers are focused on new services and delivery models to smartly access the latent demand for increased automation, remotely-performed services, and enhanced digitization. For instance, in April 2020, Bureau Veritas launched specialized digital tools for various sectors to support remote operations and enable the continuity of business activities such as teleworking, remote inspections, and certification audits. In 2020, Intertek Group Plc launched its new innovative Total Sustainability Assurance program in India to provide an industry-leading, independent quality assurance solution. Similarly, in 2020, DEKRA SE and Telefonica opened a new 5G research & development laboratory in Malaga, Spain, to provide a test environment in which components and applications for connected driving (V2X) can be tested and validated.

Furthermore, TIC service providers are focusing on developing and integrating new types of services and delivery models to smartly access latent demand: such as include remotely-performed services, enhanced digitalization, increased automation, and diversification of supply chains. Organizations operating in the TIC market strengthen their IT infrastructures and develop business continuity plans, indicating that the testing, inspection, and certification market still holds considerable potential to bounce back from the decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-COVID-19, several organizations might consider downsizing by cutting non-critical business lines. With economic and industrial activities largely on hold, it is expected that there will be a severe demand-side impact leading to a sharp decline in market growth. However, TIC services are expected to become increasingly important as they enable trade, protect brand reputations, and verify products' safety. Thus, these services are expected to be in high demand after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

In this study, the global TIC market is broadly segmented based on service, industry vertical, and geography.

Quick Buy -TIC Market Research Report: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/44249873

Based on service, the TIC market is broadly segmented into testing, inspection, and certification services. In 2020, testing services segment accounted for the largest share of the overall TIC market. The growth of this market is attributed to the presence of different product standards across different regions, increasing product diversity, high demand for quality & safe product, strong recommendations from regulatory authorities to ensure safety, quality & efficiency of products, and supportive government initiatives to improve the quality of various goods. However, the certification services segment is expected to grow with the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. The growth of this market is attributed to the growing number of specified standards by governments and international standardization institutions, and supportive government initiatives to improve various goods' quality.

Based on industry vertical, the TIC market is segmented into consumer goods and retail, agriculture and food, oil & gas, construction, chemicals, mining, machinery, transportation, automotive, power generation, government, marine, healthcare, financial institution, and others. In 2020, the agriculture and food segment accounted for the largest share of the overall TIC market. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the advancement in the agriculture & food industry, growing demand for organic and processed food, and increasing need to ensure quality and improve the productivity of food products. However, the healthcare vertical is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly driven by the growing medical device industries, the increasing need for validation and verification, and the stringent government regulations and standards across healthcare organizations.

Geographically, the global TIC market is segmented into five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, with a further analysis of major countries. In 2020, Europe accounted for the largest share of the global TIC market, followed by Asia-Pacific. The largest share of Europe is mainly attributed to the rising adoption of IoT devices, increasing mandatory certification and compliances by the government, presence of several industrial control and smart equipment manufacturers in the region. The primary reasons for this rise in demand are the increasing mandatory certification and compliances by the government to trade and to grow awareness about standards of products among the customers. As a result, there is an increasing need for effective testing, inspection, and certification in the region.

The major companies in the TIC market have implemented various strategies over the years to expand their product offerings, global footprint, and augment their market share. The key strategies followed by most companies in the market include new product launches, enhancements, approvals, acquisitions, expansions and partnerships, and collaborations and agreements. Mergers & acquisitions were the most preferred key growth strategy adopted by leading players to strengthen their product portfolios and enhance their geographic reach in the TIC market. The TIC market is dominated by five major players, owing to their strong brand recognition, diverse product basket, strong distribution and sales network, and robust growth strategies. The top five companies include SGS S.A, Bureau Veritas S.A., Intertek Group Plc., Dekra SE, and Eurofins Scientific SE.

Other key players operating in this market are TUV Rheinland Ag Group (U.S.), DNV GL (Norway), British Standards Institution (BSI) (U.K.), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), Applus+ (Spain), TUV Nord Group (Germany), Mistras Group (U.S.), Lloyd's Register Group Limited (U.K.), and Element Materials Technology Ltd. (U.K.), among others.

To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, click here: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/testing-inspection-and-certification-market-5151

Scope of the Report:

TIC Market by Service

Testing

Inspection

Certification

TIC Market by End User

Consumer Goods and Retail

Agriculture and Food

Oil & Gas

Construction

Chemicals

Mining

Machinery

Transportation

Automotive

Power Generation

Government

Marine

Healthcare

Financial Institutions

Others

TIC Market by Geography:

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



U.K.



France



Italy



Spain



Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

Japan



China



India



Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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Amidst this crisis, Meticulous Research is continuously assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on various sub-markets and enables global organizations to strategize for the post-COVID-19 world and sustain their growth. Let us know if you would like to assess the impact of COVID-19 on any industry here- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/custom-research

Related Reports-

Automotive TIC Market by Service (Testing, Inspection, Certification), Sourcing, Supply Chain (Design, Production,), Application (VIS, Materials, Components, EVs, Fuels, Lubricants, Homologation, ADAS, Telematics), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027

https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/automotive-tic-market-4977/

Medical Device Testing Market by Service Type (Testing and Certification) Location, Technology (Active Implant, Active Medical, In-Vitro Diagnostic, Ophthalmic, Orthopedic and Dental, Vascular), Device Class, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027

https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/medical-device-testing-market-5131/

Food Safety Testing Market by Testing Type (Pathogens, Pesticides, GMO, and Toxins), Technology (Traditional and Rapid), and Food Tested (Meat, Poultry, and; Seafood, Processed Food, Fruits and; Vegetables, Dairy Products) - Global Forecast to 2027

https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/food-safety-testing-market-5111

Aerospace and Life Sciences Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast to 2025

https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/Aerospace-Life-Sciences-TIC-Market-4964/

About Meticulous Research

Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth.

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Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is set to charge Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall with two felonies for the 2018 shooting of Laudemer Arboleda, a source told The Chronicle on Tuesday night.

Becton will file charges of voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm, according to a law enforcement source who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Her decision coincides with the verdict in Minneapolis, where a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on three counts  second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter  for killing George Floyd last May.

Hall stepped in the path of Laudemer Arboledas Honda on Nov. 3, 2018, as the 33-year-old Filipino man was slowly driving away from police. Arboleda was steering his vehicle into the gap between Halls cruiser and a sergeants SUV when Hall confronted him and fired 10 rounds through the windshield and passenger side window while backing away.

Police pursued Arboleda after responding to a call about a suspicious person who had been knocking on doors in a quiet cul-de-sac of the affluent San Ramon Valley town. Arboleda had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was acting erratically, refusing to answer residents questions, according to investigator reports.

When police arrived, he did not obey commands.

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston cleared Hall after a nine-month internal investigation that found no policy violations. Danville contracts the sheriffs office to provide policing services. Becton spent two and a half years evaluating the case with a team of attorneys. As she conducted her review, Hall fatally shot another person on March 11  a Black homeless man named Tyrell Wilson.

Hall was on paid leave for several weeks following the second incident, and was expected to return to work with a new assignment related to patrol of waterways, according to his attorney, Michael Rains.

Arboledas mother, Jeannie Atienza, said her daughter had knocked on the door earlier on Tuesday, saying the district attorney wanted to talk.

I said, Its about time, Atienza told The Chronicle, adding that she wishes the charges had been more severe, and that Becton had made her decision sooner.

If they had done something in my sons case, the second one would not have happened, Atienza said.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Enhancing the linkage between domestic and foreign-direct-investment (FDI) electronic enterprises can be an important solution to promote the development of this industry which is now dominated by the FDI sector.

It is necessary for Vietnamese firms to work with FDI enterprises to establish value chains in the electronics industry.  Photo tapchicongthuong.vn

Vietnam was now home to factories of a number of global technology giants such as Samsung, LG, Canon and Intel with investment sums worth billions of dollars.

The country recently emerged as a top destination for FDI in the global production shift.

Oppo was planning to build a plant in the northern province of Bac Ninh while Lenovo was also studying the opportunity for a plant in Bac Ninh or Bac Giang.

Although Apple has not announced plans to assemble iPhones in Vietnam, many of their partners were increasing the production of components in the country.

Foxconn invested in a project producing iPads and MacBooks worth US$270 million in Bac Giang three months ago and planned to expand production in the country with a goal of reaching revenue of $40 billion in the next three to five years.

According to Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there was a significant change in the electronics industry in recent years that Vietnam had original design manufacturers (ODMs).

Still, the electronics industry of Vietnam was still dominated by the FDI sector.

Although Vietnam was one among 12 of the largest electronics exporters in the world and top three in ASEAN, 95 per cent of the countrys electronics export came from FDI enterprises.

Do Thuy Huong from the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association said it was necessary for Vietnamese firms to cooperate with FDI enterprise to establish value chains in the electronics industry.

Three factors must be in place to be able to become suppliers of global technology giants  quality, on-time delivery and reasonable price, she said.

According to Vietnam Industry Agency, the capacity of domestic electronics enterprises remained limited, while the product quality and design had not met market demand.

There were emerging names recently, such as Bphone, Vsmart and Viettel, but foreign names were still dominant.

The local procurement rate was also low, only at around five to 10 per cent. Electronic products in the Vietnamese market were mainly imported or assembled from imported components.

Some companies managed to participate in the industrys supply chains but most could only supply products of low value and technology content.

The Vietnam Industry Agency said that domestic electronic enterprises must improve their capacity to be able to participate in the supply chains of the FDI enterprises as well as being able to take advantage of opportunities arising from new-generation free trade agreements.

Support should be provided to selected enterprises that take the role in promoting the development of the electronics industry, the agency said.

Besides solutions to expand markets, enterprises should focus on identifying their core products and strengths to create breakthroughs.

VNS

Bridging the tech-led links in investment Although Vietnam has been improving its business and investment environment significantly throughout the last four decades, the cooperation between domestic and foreign-invested companies could be much improved.
Gregory Yee covers breaking news and public safety. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine.
Physiological differences between the sexes mean woman are nine times more likely to die from a broken heart than men, scientists claim.

New research by Monash University in Melbourne for the first time uncovered a way to prevent and reverse damage caused by broken-heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

The syndrome causes a weakening of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber and is brought on by stressful emotional triggers often following traumatic events - such as the death of a loved one or a family separation.

One of the most significant findings was how the rare and sometimes fatal heart condition is a much bigger killer of women than men.

Researchers say that feeling that your heart is actually breaking can in rare cases be a potentially fatal heart condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, aka breaking heart syndrome - and yes, extreme grief can be a cause

Data from several studies shows women are nine times as likely to die from broken heart syndrome as men - especially after menopause, Professor Sam El-Osta, from Monash University, told Daily Mail Australia.

'We think thats related to hormonal regulation - our hormones regulate gene expression and have a tremendous impact on causing damage to the heart,' he said.

Professor El-Osta said studies from Asian nations don't show such a big gender split on the condition - meaning it was possible culture as well as gender are influential.

'Women in Western countries are far more likely than men to experience the condition if broken heart syndrome, and far more likely to die,' Mr El-Osta said.

'But in Japan and other Asian countries the rates of Takotsubo are more evenly split between men and women.'

Professor El-Osta said it was 'possible' that cultural norms about men not showing emotion in Western countries could explain why men have lower rates of the condition.

In broken heart syndrome, 'surging stress hormones flood the heart' and stop the left ventricle from contracting as it normally does - mimicking a heart attack, with chest pains and shortness of breath. Experts say during an episode the affected part of the heart enlarges to resemble a 'Japanese octopus trap' (see image)

Experts believe the condition involves 'surging stress hormones flood the heart' and stop the left ventricle from contracting as it normally does.

It can even mimic a heart attack, with chest pains and shortness of breath - and be misdiagnosed.

Most patients recover within two months, but 20 per cent die.

'This mythology that you can die of a broken heart comes from somewhere and we've thought of it as folklore, but its a real physiology - it is really remarkable,' he said.

Broken heart syndrome is also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy and apical ballooning syndrome.

Professor El-Osta's Monash team ran a study, using mice, that shows a drug approved for cancer treatment in Australia 'dramatically improved cardiac health and reversed the broken-heart'.

In the landmark study, Suberanilohydroxamic acid, or SAHA, was used to target genes in the heart.

Suberanilohydroxamic acid is sold in Australia as Zonlinza vorinostat as a treatment for patients with T-cell lymphoma. It is made by Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Research from the United States and Australia shows that women are disproportionately affected - especially after menopause, which typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age

However, it is not approved for sale as a treatment for broken heart syndrome and Professor El-Osta said it was unlikely that would happen.

'However, we are focused on the continued development of compounds like SAHA to improve cardiac benefit and healthier life,' he said.

Professor El-Osta said more research needed to be done on the condition - but also on women's health in general.

'Clearly there is a molecular biology related to cardiac failure and it's well known to be brought on by stressful mental health situations,' he said.

'Including extremely emotional reactions that follow something like separation, divorce or hearing of the death of someone special.

'The mind and the heart are truly connected - genuinely connected. We know this now.'

Professor El-Osta said that it was 'possible' that anyone who feels chest pain after an event such as a break-up could have a mild form of broken heart syndrome, but 'this remains poorly examined and thus poorly understood'.

The syndrome causes a weakening of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber and is brought on by stressful emotional triggers often following traumatic events

Another set of recent research said the condition could also occur with any extreme stress caused by heightened emotions.

'Since this relatively rare condition was first described in 1990, evidence has suggested that it is typically triggered by episodes of severe emotional distress, such as grief, anger or fear, or reactions to happy or joyful events,' the European Heart Journal wrote in March.
Dubai Airshow, in collaboration with the Defence Services Marketing Council (DSMC), held the first meeting of its Advisory Board for 2021 and discussed future strategies that will drive growth for the aerospace sector.

The goal of the Board of Advisors is to help shape the 2021 program and agenda for the Dubai Airshow, in order to elevate the event to a new level of success. After an unprecedented time of global economic downturn and grounding of the global aerospace sector, the Dubai Airshow aims to be the restart and leader in shaping the industrys future. The Advisory Board and its industry network is key to supporting and achieving this direction and goal.

Dubai Airshow will be the first major airshow in the world to safely return during Covid-19. The event strives to reach a new level of strategic importance in 2021 with support from the UAE Government. The Advisory Board covered a variety of important issues facing the civilian and defence aerospace sectors. These included Covid-19 measures for a safe Dubai Airshow 2021, and sustainability and supply chain in line with the new Make it in the Emirates strategy from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The session addressed Tawazuns announcement at IDEX 2021 on research and development (R&D) in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces; the UAEs focus on future energy and investments in Green Hydrogen for zero-emission aircraft as well as Next Generation (STEM) activities in 2021 that will be supported by co-located start-up events on site during the Dubai Airshow. The session also focused on the UAEs advancement into the space sector including the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) Project and the UAE Astronaut Program which has led to a shift in multiple core sectors to drive economic development in the UAE.

Leading the Board of Advisors presentations was Omran Sharaf, Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) Project Director, whose own career path was inspired by the Dubai Airshow and the technology on display. Sharaf outlined the importance of inspiring youth through historic projects that have long lasting impact, saying: The main objective of the Emirates Mars Mission was to create a disruptive mindset in Emirati and Arab youth and create a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. This national project serves as a catalyst for building our capacities, especially considering that several universities across the nation have now introduced new science and engineering programs to engage more youth.

Khalid Al Breiki, President of Mission Support at EDGE, commented on how the Advisory Board can help Dubai Airshow accelerate the speed of recovery and pave the way for the future of the aerospace industry. He said: The majority of industry exhibitors for the upcoming Dubai Airshow bill it as one of the most significant events for the aviation and aerospace sectors. The 2021 Dubai Airshow promises to be crucial in jumpstarting the aerospace industrys recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that wreaked havoc and devastation on the world. Last year, the pandemic was especially hard on the commercial aerospace industry, which had been flourishing before it was suddenly forced to come to a complete halt. Now, the industry is posed for a recovery and we have seen acceleration in the uptake of new technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, touchless solutions, 5G, robotics, and automation. Today AI is being leveraged to deliver more personalised travel experiences to reassure customers and enhance customer satisfaction.

Despite all odds, these solutions have served to create new sector-wide opportunities and enhance safety, operations, productivity and profitability. At the upcoming airshow, leading stakeholders will highlight several of these opportunities and new collaborations and deals will be announced to facilitate and enable rapid recovery of the sector.

We, at EDGE, are excited and keen to showcase our aerospace products and services. As one of the few in-person events of its kind this year, the Dubai Airshow is attracting a lineup of leaders dedicated to the industrys recovery through their actions and new technologies; it promises to be an incredible learning and networking opportunity like no other, added Al Breiki.

Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East said: We look forward to meeting and engaging with colleagues, partners and stakeholders from across the globe. This years Dubai Airshow will be a special event as it coincides with the UAEs 50th anniversary and the Dubai Expo, and it be the first international airshow since the pandemic. It will be an opportunity to analyse the lessons learned from the pandemic, pave the way for recovery and shape the future of the industry. The priority remains to protect health and safety of travellers and keep trust in air travel. Sustainability will be high on our agenda as we take a more robust approach to environmental protection and sustainability. At Airbus our objective is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and we will be demonstrating the latest developments towards this target. We will also be focusing on our commitment towards inspiring youth. This will be key for building capabilities for the future of our industry.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Adel Mardini, the CEO of Jetex, presented the ability of the Board to reach out to industry leaders for feedback on how to move forward and bring the industry back. He also highlighted the opportunity to connect with global networks through Dubai Airshow 2021, which will help bring back optimism for the aerospace industry world-wide.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Tarsus F&E LLC, organisers of Dubai Airshow 2021 added: It is fantastic to welcome the leading minds from across aviation, aerospace, space and defence to discuss the future of these sectors. Dubai Airshow will create a roadmap on a range of key issues including sustainability, digital transformation, youth engagement, innovation and the future of trade in a post Covid-19 world. Through the leadership engagement programme, which will be running until the starting date of the Airshow, we will be working with industry leaders to instill confidence in aviation following the pandemic, and expedite the industrys recovery. The programme will also involve a talent skills gap analysis, which will be conducted in an effort to inspire a new generation of people to join the aerospace sector and shape its future.

In addition, the Advisory Board will influence content and overarching themes in the aerospace industry, delving into key challenges and opportunities in the industry, as well as plan the potential outcomes of Dubai Airshow and its influence on the aerospace and aviation industry.

Members of the advisory board include: Omran Sharaf, Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) Project Director at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Badr Al-Olama, Executive Director of Aerospace at Mubadala; Alan L. Davis, Chief Executive of Raytheon in the UAE; Matar Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer at Tawazun; Mikail Houari, President of Airbus, Africa and the Middle East; Helmut Reichelt, Head of Diehl Defence in the UAE; Sharief Fahmy, member of DSMCs Advisory Board; Khalid Al Breiki, President of Mission Support at EDGE; Adel Mardini, CEO of Jetex; Toshihisa Doi, General Manager at Kawasaki; Dr. Steven Griffiths, Head of Research and Development at Khalifa University; Robert 'Bob' Harward, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin in the UAE; Matthew Cochran, Chairman and CEO of DSMC; Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Tarsus F&E LLC and Nandini Rego, Director of Business Development at Tarsus F&E LLC.

Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence - from November 14-18, 2021. -- Tradearabia News Service
Supplier News

21 April 2021

With COVID-19 vaccine distribution ramping up, travelers are looking ahead to spring and summer travel, and many are continuing to choose car travel as their preferred mode of transportation. A recent Expedia Group trends report found that in 2020, 30% of American travelers opted to drive over other methods of transportation, and car travel is here to stay for the foreseeable future, as road trips continue to eclipse air travel and other transportation methods.

Insights from an Expedia Group Media Solutions study further highlight the car travel trend. For both domestic and international travel to a neighboring country in April to September 2021, survey respondents consider driving a rental car safer than flying, taking a train, or taking a bus second only to driving a personal vehicle. Six in 10 North American travelers took, or would be willing to take, a road trip during the pandemic, and many travelers are in it for the long haul.

U.S. travelers would be willing to drive up to 8.6 hours for a leisure trip during the pandemic  or as many as 13.1 hours for the silent generation (born prior to 1946) and 10.6 hours for baby boomers.

Canadians are willing to drive 6.9 hours for a leisure trip, with Gen Z slightly eclipsing the national average at 7.3 hours.

As of March 1, 2021, Expedia Group data shows that the 0-21 day window accounted for 50% of global travel searches, followed by the 31-60-day window at 15%. On Expedia Group sites in the U.S. and Canada, domestic searches continue to outpace international searches, with some slight variances by country. In the U.S., 80% of searches were domestic, while in Canada, domestic accounted for 65% of searches. This first-party data, along with insights from the custom research, indicates that destination marketers and rental car companies in North America have a timely opportunity to target domestic travelers who may be planning to hit the road for an upcoming getaway. And with travelers willing to take longer road trips, the geographic parameters for drive-market campaigns are expanding  meaning potential audiences are also growing.

To help inform marketing strategies, rental car companies and destinations should also review trending destinations, competitive sets, and traveler trends, and use these insights to further differentiate for travelers who may be considering multiple options. For example, Vrbo found that 63% of families across the globe prefer outdoorsy destinations over urban settings, and 60% want to travel to a new destination, rather than one they've been to before.

Top Drivable Destinations for the U.S. (Vrbo vacation rental demand comparing Jan. 1  June 30, 2021 and Jan. 1  June 30, 2020 as of Dec. 2020)

Broken Bow, OK Boone, NC Naples, FL Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN Miramar & Rosemary Beach, FL

Top Drivable Destinations for Canada (Vrbo vacation rental demand comparing Jan. 1  June 30, 2021 and Jan. 1  June 30, 2020 as of Dec. 2020)

East Kootenay, BC Whistler, BC Canmore, BC Victoria, BC Laurentians, Quebec

As road trip season ramps up for spring and summer travel, and travelers prepare for a much-awaited vacation, now is the time for rental car companies and destinations to review their marketing strategies and take action to capture demand.

For further insights on attitudes, motivations, and influences that will drive future travel decisions in North America, check out the Americas infographic and blog post.
Shmyhal asks Ukrainians to stay at home during May holidays, Easter

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has urged Ukrainians to stay at home during the May holidays and Easter, as large crowds could lead to a new wave of coronavirus.

"We can say that the situation in Ukraine is stabilizing, not only in terms of the number of cases, but also in terms of the load on the medical system. But the fact that we are withdrawing from the next wave does not mean that the coronavirus has disappeared," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Wednesday.

The prime minister noted that the improvement of the situation does not mean a return to mass "celebrations".

In particular, Shmyhal urged to observe special prudence and conscientiousness during the May holidays and Easter.

"These days, we urge people to stay at home," he added.

The prime minister noted that on Friday the issue of holding Easter holidays in compliance with anti-epidemiological measures will be discussed with the Council of Churches.

"Crowds of people can lead to a new wave of coronavirus," the head of the Cabinet of Ministers stressed.
May it please the court. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, good morning. The video evidence, I think, will be very helpful and meaningful to you because you can see it for yourself without lawyer talk, lawyer spin, lawyer anything. You can see it for yourself. Please. Please. I cant breathe. Please, man. Please somebody help me. Please. Im about to die in this thing. Oh my God. What did he say? He said, Im about to die. Oh my God. While watching the George Floyd trial, I noticed the differences and the importance of footage. This corner  When Stephon was murdered, we only had the officers footage. We only had their point of view. Hey, show your hands. You know, when my son was killed being on the platform, there was several bystanders that filmed. And had it not been for the cameras, we wouldnt even be here today because they would have probably said it was justified. Bro, with your feet on his head, man. You knee on his neck. Hes pushing harder. Yeah. I cannot breathe. A little bit more. Right here. I dont watch the footage of my dads incident because its torture. You see the officers giving a trove of blows to his body? Yes. To his arms, to his torso, to his legs. Here it is 30 years later, nothing has changed. Now who are you going to believe? The defendants or your own eyes? I am watching the George Floyd case with my best friend, Tiffany, at her home. Oh my gosh. Wow. And hes still on his neck. Today was the first time I watched the entire video of George Floyd, and it definitely made me think about my dad begging for his life screaming. Check his pulse. Check his pulse. His daughter was the same age I was when my dad was beaten. My name is Lora Dene King. Im the middle child of Rodney Glen King. The world saw the videotape. We thought the video showed excessive force and unnecessary force. With that videotape, if they had two eyes and they werent blind, you could see that it was excessive force. The defense tried to dilute the impact of the tape by dissecting it, frame by frame, in an effort to show that King was a threat to the officers. He kind of gave out like a bear-like yell, like a wounded animal. If he had grabbed my officer, it would have been a death grip. If he had grabbed the weapon, he would have had numerous targets. He didnt grab anybody during these events, did he? No sir, he did not. He couldnt walk. He had 50 broken bones. His skull was permanently fractured. He had permanent brain damage. My dad was never the same after that. You know, and everybody just considered him to be normal. I think if that happened to anybody, they wouldnt be normal ever again. This doesnt just affect the person it happened to. It also affects all those people who are out there watching it. Theyre all affected forever. I was desperate to help. I was just kind of emotional, and I went to the African-American that was standing there on the curb. And I was just like, theyre not going to help them. Oh my God. This man, he witnessed another African-American man getting his life taken. The nine-year-old speaker on the trial. Good morning, [inaudible]. Good morning. Which one is you? Just so happened to be walking down the street. She will never forget that for the rest of her life. You ultimately ended up posting your video to social media, right? Correct. And it went viral? Correct. It changed your life, right? The girl who filmed George Floyd, the fact that there was nothing she can do to save his life. Its been nights, I stayed up apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more. Thats something that will haunt her like George Holliday, who captured my dads video. Without George Holliday, these four officers might not be on trial. He just wanted to test this new camera he had. Like, oh let me take  he stood there shaking, terrified. And he still suffers to this day because that was the right thing to do. What could he have done to deserve that? If I was to see George Floyds daughter today, I wish there was something I can say. But its not easy. Its not easy at all. Because Im sure shes watched that videotape. And thats something that carries in your mental every everyday, just like my dads video tape. For the jury, a difficult decision ahead, knowing that to acquit the four officers could ignite this city. Not guilty of  Chanting: No justice, no peace. No justice, no peace. And damage to the city of Los Angeles running into billions of dollars. Thats what Im saying. The police, they dont pay a cent for this trial. So my mother and I, we was watching the George Floyds trial. And it brought back so many memories of my son Oscars case. Oscars last picture in his cellphone was of the officer who shot him. My name is Wanda Johnson. Im the mother of Oscar Grant. Grant was shot once in the back as he lay face down on the train stations platform. He was unarmed. The 27-year-old officer has said he thought he had drawn his Taser gun   but accidentally pulled out his handgun instead. And the incident was captured on cellphone video. Video speaks for themselves. And the jury will see that and make the correct decision. We knew that we would have a very hard time winning in the court systems because the judicial system was not made for everyone in the society. As the situation went on, the crowd began to grow and grow. Oh my goodness, the same playbook that they used for what happened with Oscar, they used the same thing for George Floyd. Oh, there was a crowd of angry mob people. They were behind them. There were people across the street, people yelling. We dont know if they were going to attack us. I thought about the young man testifying in George Floyds case. You grew angrier and angrier. Calling the police on the police. 911, whats the address of the emergency? How do you have somebody investigate those that they work with? Of course youre going to find that theyre going to believe the people that they work with quicker than they will believe the citizens who are filing the complaint. Would you like to speak with those sergeants? Yeah, Id like to. He was unresponsive. He wasnt resisting arrest or any of this. OK, one second. Murderers, bro. Yall are just murderers, bro. You know, when we was going to jury trial for Oscar, they would ask questions like, Do you know anybody who went to jail? Do you know anybody who had an encounter with the police? And as soon as the person said that, they would strike them from being a juror, right? Having a jury that consists of different backgrounds, it could help with the decision-making of innocent or guilty. The 27-year-old officer   pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. His trial had been moved to Los Angeles over concerns of racial tension and intense media scrutiny. Everybody, lets just pray for one minute. Father God, we come to you and your son named Jesus Christ. Father, we ask the people that see this  Every time I come to my moms house, Im reminded that my son was killed here. My name is Sequette Clark. Im the mother of Stephon Clark. 22-year-old Stephon Clark was fatally shot while running from police. Clark was see evading authorities after allegedly smashing a car window. He was shot eight times in his grandmothers backyard. Police apparently thinking he was holding a gun, now say it was a cellphone. Out of fear for their own lives, they fired their service weapon. And following the incident, officers manually muted their body cameras at times. Move over this way. As we watched the George Floyd trial, I invited particular members of my family because you cant address something in the community or the city or the nation until you address it at home with the family. When Mr. Floyd was in distress, Mr. Chauvin wouldnt help him, didnt help him. So thats just how they left my boy out there. They handcuffed him after he was dead. Excessive force. Excessive force and lethal force after the fact of death. I felt saddened, heavy, drained. I felt as if I was a slave 400 years ago. Just hearing how he was dead, seeing how he was dead. And then to turn around and hear the defenses attempt to bring up the fact that we should not focus on the   9 minutes and 29 seconds   that it took to kill George Floyd. But we should focus on what went on ahead of that. Anything that does not deal directly with the murder of George Floyd is irrelevant in my opinion. Hes 6 to 6 and a half feet tall. You did not know that he had taken heroin. Mr. Floyd did use a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Mr. Floyd put drugs in his mouth. Poppas already dead. George Floyd is already dead. Thats right. Thats right. So now youre resurrecting him just to kill him all over again. Basically. Defame him in order to justify the wrongdoing of your officers, reminded me exactly of what the district attorney did to Stephon. The cellphone examination revealed a domestic violence incident that happened with the mother of his children. Texts and phone calls showing that he was seeking drugs and a photograph of his hand holding 10 Xanax pills. What was on his cellphone has zero to do with the actions of the police officers at the time of his homicide. I feel like its a bittersweet thing thats happening watching the George Floyd trial. Because Im optimistic that this is a piece of justice for the death of my son. We might not be here. Theyre going to get him. Theyre going to get him. Was a crime committed? The answer to that question is no. And as a result, we will not charge these officers with any criminal liability related to the shooting death or the use of force of Stephon Clark. April 14, 1991: King fights emotional and physical scars. So this is basically a photo album book of my dads newspaper articles since hes been in the news. Years and years and years. You throw someone to the wolves and you expect them to be normal. You know, theres no such thing as normal after that. And then, can you imagine how many Rodney Kings there is that never got videotaped? Theres plenty of them. I would have prayed and hoped that Oscars trial would have been televised because America has to really look in the mirror and say, Are all people being treated equally? There was excessive use of force against George Floyd  Were not focused on the videotape, his toxicology, his heart condition. Were focused on the fact that several people witnessed this man get murdered. You can see it with our own eyes. Its crazy. People dont realize what it does to your family. Its bigger than just a trial and this officer. We never get to see them again. We never get to smell them again and kiss them again. Our lives are completely affected forever.
[April 21, 2021] Terra Towers, Corp. File Suit Against Torrecom Alleging 'Squeeze Out Merger' Attempt in Collusion with Minority Shareholders of Continental Towers, Peppertree Capital Management and Goldman Sachs

Majority shareholders of the telecommunications infrastructure firm Continental Towers LATAM Holdings Limited have filed a lawsuit against the Broward County-based company Torrecom Partners, LLC. The lawsuit alleges a conspiracy in coordination with Continental's minority shareholders, Goldman Sachs and Peppertree Capital Management, to depress the company's value and force a merger that would enable Continental's minority shareholders to squeeze its majority shareholder out of the post-merger entity. In their lawsuit, Terra Towers, Corp., majority shareholder of Continental Towers and one of the largest telecoms tower builders in Latin America, accuses minority shareholders of orchestrating the merger with Torrecom as early as 2017. Using Torrecom as a disguised third-party buyer, the complaint alleges, Goldman and Peppertree-appointed board members breached their fiduciary duties to the company and allegedly negotiated and agreed to terms of a sale detrimental to Continental. The complaint also alleges that Goldman and Peppertree systematically blocked multiple growth opportunities, including a lucrative contract awarded by Spanish carrier Telefonica (News - Alert) to build 200 towers in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Torrecom has a growing presence in these markets, and Goldman and Peppertree's alleged attempts to depress the value had the secondary effect of improperly limiting Torrecom's competition. Moreover, the complaint alleges that Goldman Sachs planned to provide Torrecom with the debt financing to acquire Continental, creating a potential onflict of interest, with Goldman acting both as a seller and a lender to the buyer.



"This complaint alleges a series of actions undertaken by the minorities in coordination with Torrecom to deprive the company of numerous profitable opportunities," says Enrique Canton, an executive and spokesperson for Terra Towers. "The minorities have risked their investors' investment in Continental by rejecting thousands of tower development projects. They also violated Continental's shareholder agreement by signing confidentiality agreements and negotiating a sale on behalf of Continental without informing Terra, the majority shareholder of the company. "We are prepared to take all necessary actions to prevent this takeover attempt. We are surprised and disturbed that Torrecom's leadership agreed to collude with Goldman and Peppertree. Like Peppertree, Torrecom is a private equity-backed entity whose leadership has a fiduciary duty to the institutional investors entrusting them with millions of dollars," Canton added.

"We are a family-owned group that has bet on the growth of the markets where we operate for more than 20 years. We are proud of having created thousands of jobs and partnering with carriers so they can offer telecommunications services across Latin America, contributing to our region's sustained economic development. These are outside actors with no real commitment to the long-term development of our region, and when they engage in this kind of ruthless, short-sighted corporate maneuvering, they hinder the economic growth of the emerging markets where we operate by rejecting thousands of projects that would've otherwise enabled carriers to expand their coverage into communities that desperately need better telecommunications services," said Canton. About Terra Towers The plaintiffs Terra Towers Corp. and TBS Management, S.R.L. are respectively incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and Panama. Terra Towers is one of the largest private telecommunications infrastructure providers in Latin America and a pioneer in the development of telecom towers in public spaces the region. Through its majority shareholding in Continental Towers Corp., Terra Towers has more than 20 years' experience partnering with nearly 5,000 municipalities in Central & South America, South Africa, the Philippines and the United States. The company has built more than 4,800 telecom structures and sites with continued growth internationally. For questions about the complaint, Broward County Case Number: CACE21006643, please contact Juan Rodriguez of Carey Rodriguez Milian, LLP at 305-372-7474. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005676/en/

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Just as the common flu virus continually mutates, and a new vaccine must be developed each year, so too will SARS-CoV-2 continue to mutate and therefore circulate, said Shabir Madhi, professor of vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and director of the Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (Vida).

Professor Shabir Madhi

Death rate

Vaccine

Sahpra recommends lifting the J&J vaccine suspension The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has recommended the pause on the rollout of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine be lifted...

Even once vaccines are rolled out successfully in a given country, unless the global community is vaccinated no one is safe, especially as variants have been shown to disperse fairly rapidly including possibly eventually to countries where there is a high level of vaccination. As a result, Covid-19 is not going to simply disappear. In fact, I believe it will be with us for the rest of our lifetimes.Covid-19s rate of mutation caught many scientists by surprise; they werent expecting such rapid mutations especially not in key components of the virus that were targeting with vaccines," he said.Right now, there is another variant that has been identified in Tanzania, which seems to be even more problematic than the SA variant in terms of additional mutations that will probably confer even greater resistance to the vaccines. San Francisco has also identified variants that are relatively vaccine resistant.It is about controlling the magnitude of severe disease and the number of people that die. Between 10,000-11,000 people die from seasonal flu each year in South Africa and Madhi said that if we get to the point where the number of people who die each year from Covid-19 is around the same level, that will be a positive scenario.Madhi said currently the Covid-19 death rate is about three times the official figure.Most South Africans probably think our death rate from Covid-19 is around 50,000 people. But it is likely triple this amount based on South African Medical Research Council modelling.Even if one assumes that only 70% of our excess mortality is due to Covid-19, which would be conservative, South Africa still ranks 11th globally with a mortality rate that is higher than Spain, Italy, the UK and even the US. This shows how potent the virus is, and how unsuccessful our efforts to contain it have been, Madhi said.Speaking about the pause in the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine rollout due to an extremely rare blood clotting disorder, he said the AstraZeneca and Pfizer probably have had similar rates of the described side effects.Those affected range from four to five individuals per million. Mortality rates since the pandemic began in South Africa are at 1,800 of every million assuming only 70% of excess mortality is due to Covid-19. The risk of dying from Covid-19 is nowhere near the risks of the rare occurrence of blood clots from the vaccines. In South Africa, we unfortunately dont have the same luxuries as countries like the US, who can afford to pause a vaccine while another one fills the gap. The lesson here is to truly consider the benefit/risk ratio before taking such a decision.
Workforce

AFGE presses Congress to oppose pay and hiring flexibilities for NSF

The American Federation of Government Employees is concerned that the pay and hiring flexibilities lawmakers are considering for the National Science Foundation could damage the soundness of the merit-based pay system at the agency.

A bill introduced last month by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), chairwoman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, would give the NSF expanded power outside of the civil service system to hire and pay employees as part of a bill aimed at strengthening the agency's research capabilities.

The National Science Foundation for the Future Act would give the NSF director the authority to appoint engineers and scientific and professional employees "without regard to the civil service laws" to the extent that "the director determines necessary for carrying out research and development functions which require specially qualified personnel."

It would also give the NSF director the ability to pay those employees anything up to the basic rate of pay for the Vice President "without regard to civil service laws."

Everett Kelley, AFGE national president, outlined the union's concerns in a letter sent on April 19 to Rep. Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

These sorts of waivers to civil service laws aren't necessary, Kelley wrote, adding that current incentive pay and other special pay rates authorized by the Office of Personnel Management, "would effectively address any pay-based obstacles to hiring that might arguably exist."

The union is also concerned that these proposals would "be damaging to the integrity of the merit-based pay system for the majority of those who work at the NSF," he wrote.

"The waiver of civil service appointment laws on such a vast scale bears a striking resemblance to the Trump administration's attempt to impose a new Schedule F hiring authority on a large portion of the civil service," Kelley wrote. "Given the experience of the Trump era with regard to politicization of the civil service, we urge you not to even consider dispensing with civil service laws."

The union is also concerned about the pay and appointment authorities in a Senate version of the bill introduced last year, called the Endless Frontier Act, although its hiring and pay waivers aren't as sweeping, Kelley wrote.
Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General

The lectures represent the Secretary-Generals personal contribution to the OECDs efforts to support governments in accelerating climate action, and as a leading global champion of strong climate action.



The lectures have conveyed major statements on the global state of play on climate policy and helped to identify key emerging issues, comment on challenging issues (such as the future of coal), and chart the way forward for governments around the world.



The Secretary-General has given five biennial climate lectures to date:





first lecture held in 2013 in London;

second lecture in 2015 in London;

third lecture in 2017 in Toronto;

fourth lecture in 2019, in Geneva;

fifth lecture in 2021, OECD Paris.

21 April 2021 - Conversation on our single most important intergenerational responsibility

This virtual conversation is the last climate lecture of OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria. It is part of the series of Climate Lectures that the Secretary-General has given every two years since 2013. This year, the Secretary-General engaged in a moderated conversation with Ms. Laurence Tubiana, President and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, and Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute.







Panelists:

Mr. Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General

Ms. Laurence Tubiana, President and CEO of the European Climate Foundation

Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute

Moderator:

Ms. Mairead Dundas, Presenter and Reporter, FRANCE 24





Watch the replay





Read the full lecture (PDF)

July 2019 - Climate: Reclaiming our Common Future, Graduate Institute, Geneva

Hosted by the Graduate Institute in Geneva, in his fourth biennial climate change lecture, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria focuses on how countries can overcome the numerous political, economic and social barriers to achieve the rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions needed to safeguard our common future.



Read the full lecture (PDF)





Videos from the 2019 Climate Lecture



> Watch the lecture video highlights





> Watch the full video recording

November 2017 - Climate Action: Time for implementation, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto

Hosted at the Munk School of Global Affairs in Toronto, the third lecture focused on the "tragedy of the national horizon" and addressed the consequences of the insistence of national governments to fashion climate policies primarily, if not exclusively, from a national perspective and the implications for multilateral action on climate.









Read the full lecture (PDF)







> Watch the recording





July 2015 - Climate: Whats changed, what hasnt and what we can do about it - Six Months to COP21, London School of Economics

Hosted by the London School of Economics and Political Science and Aviva Investors in association with ClimateWise, the second lecture drew attention to the fact that coal use generates considerable costs to society from air pollution and adverse health impacts, in addition to being a major source of greenhouse gases. This point resonated with a global community eager to see the need for climate change action set within a broader economic and social context.





Read the full lecture (PDF)



October 2013 - The Climate challenge: Achieving zero emissions, London School of Economics

In association with the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Climate Markets & Investment Association, Norton Rose Fulbright, the Centre for Climate Change Economics & Policy and the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, the inaugural lecture, for example, highlighted that the world must move towards net zero emissions to the atmosphere by the second half of this century. This was a controversial proposition at the time, but one that found its way into the Paris Agreement and is now widely accepted. Read the full lecture.





> Watch the recording

More about the OECD Secretary-GeneraL (cv, speeches, events)
Chandigarh: The Haryana government Wednesday announced summer vacation in schools till May 31, amid surging Covid-19 cases in the state.

"The schools will remain closed on account of summer holidays from April 22 to May 31," Haryanas Education Minister Kanwar Pal Wednesday said in a tweet.

Earlier this month, the state government had decided to close schools till April 30 for students up to class 8, but later they were shut for all classes in the wake of a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.

However, teachers had been attending schools to prepare examination results.

"Teachers have been regularly coming to schools. Along with the safety of the children, safety of the teachers is also our responsibility, so the summer vacations have been declared in advance," the minister further said.

Schools

Haryana has witnessed a sharp increase in coronavirus cases over the last three weeks.

On April 20, the state had recorded 7,811 new cases in its biggest single-day spike so far, while 35 people had succumbed to the disease.

The number of active coronavirus cases in the state is currently over 50,000.
(Newser)  Derek Chauvin will be sentenced in eight weeks after he was convicted Tuesday on all three counts of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The former Minneapolis police officer faces up to 40 years behind bars, ABC News reports. That's the maximum sentence for the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder; third-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 25 years, while the maximum for second-degree manslaughter is 10 years. The presumptive or recommended sentence is 12.5 years for each murder charge and four for the manslaughter charge under Minnesota sentencing guidelines for someone with no prior criminal history. As KARE 11 reports, since the convictions are all for the same crime, Chauvin will be sentenced for the most serious crime, and will not have any sentences to be served consecutively on the other charges.

story continues below

Prosecutors are likely to ask Judge Peter Cahill to impose a sentence longer than that recommended by the state's sentencing guidelines. WUSA 9 reports Cahill does have the authority to go beyond those guidelines, which allow for a sentence of up to 15 years on a second-degree unintentional murder charge with no aggravating factors carried out by someone without a criminal record. (Chauvin, 45, waived his right for a jury to decide his sentence, meaning it will be imposed by Cahill alone.) Prosecutors are likely to cite aggravating factors, however, in arguing for a sentence closer to the maximum; those include the fact that Floyd was handcuffed as Chauvin kneeled on his neck, and the fact that children were present, among other things. A pre-sentencing investigation focusing on Chauvin's background and the crime itself will be carried out, and the findings presented to Cahill. Experts think it's likely Cahill will in fact go above the state recommendations, with one predicting a 20-year sentence. (Read more Derek Chauvin stories.)
JZZ Technologies, Inc. will expand its helpful content geared to the 55 and older audience with the launch of the new Active Lifestyle Media Skill for Google Home Assistant

Calverton, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - JZZ Technologies, Inc. (OTC Pink: JZZI) will add a new Google Home Skill named "Active Lifestyle Media" geared specifically to adults age 55+ with a planned roll out beginning April 26, 2021.

Developed by Google under the Nest brand, the tech giant's device interacts with services using Google Assistant - the voice-activated technology that offers voice commands, voice searching, and voice-activated device control, letting individuals complete a number of tasks after saying the "OK Google" or "Hey Google" wake words.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6844/81151_4965dd680455abd2_001full.jpg

As of late 2018, a total of 52 million Google Home devices, which host the Google Assistant platform were sold, with an estimated 43 million devices in the US alone.

The Active Lifestyle Media skill for Google Assistant will share useful tips and information covering areas of interest to seniors including retirement, health, finances, dating, online security, insurance, travel and much more.

The skill is perfectly suited to the Google information format since people most often use the Home Assistant (68% of the time) to check for quick facts. The unique information will be derived from ActiveLifestyleMedia.com's depth of content on everything from fraud prevention to increased health or topics like the best vacation spots this year. The engaging content will constantly refresh and provide follow up information through the website or app.

"Google is a great place to expand our reach to the 55+ audience and Google Home Assistant is an ever-increasing part of that platform.", says Charles Cardona, Chairman and CEO of JZZ Technologies, Inc. "Together with our access to Amazon's Alexa platform, ActiveLifestylemedia.com content will be available to an estimated 200 million people accessing these devices. We're confident that these combined efforts to increase our audience will translate into significant value for our brand and company."

About JZZ Technologies Inc.

JZZ Technologies, Inc. is a media technology company rolling up projects and partnerships through online media and apps (activelifestylemedia.com), content creation, digital marketing, streaming video content, publishing and free over-the-air television targeted at adults 55+.

DISCLAMER

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Contact:

JZZ Technologies, Inc.

Charles Cardona, CEO

ceo@jzzi.net

www.jzzi.net

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/81151
April 21: A ship named Azor left Charleston, SC on embark on a 42 day trip with 206 Africans to return to Liberia (West Africa), 1878

April 21: A ship named Azor left Charleston, SC on embark on a 42 day trip with 206 Africans to return to Liberia (West Africa), 1878

Brought to you by the Black365 Calendar. Find out more at Black365.com

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Interested in Latinx History? Check out the worlds only Latinx Facts Calendar at LatinxCalendar.com
Discovery Park Military Symposium Begins Friday

By West Kentucky Star Staff

UNION CITY - Discovery Park of America is hosting a Military History and Armed Forces Symposium this weekend.The three-day event will feature reenactments from several different wars, and a display of military vehicles including tanks, Humvees, and a Blackhawk helicopter. There will also be panel discussions with military experts.Lieutenant General John G. Castellaw will provide the keynote presentation on Sunday. Castellaw is a 36-year veteran of the Marine Corps. Other special guests will include retired Major General William M. Maloan with the Tennessee National Guard, retired Commander Leanne Braddock with the U.S. Navy, retired Colonel Ardis Porter with the U.S. Army, and author Cynthia Kent.The park will be open from 10 am until 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, then from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday. You can see the full schedule of events by clicking here.
LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cquestr8, 2020 winners of the Climate-KIC's ClimateLaunchpad "Next Big Thing" prize, has secured funding to develop their unique carbon sequestration solution, leveraging natural processes to safely lock away CO2 as stable ocean bicarbonate. Cquestr8 solutions target hard to decarbonise sectors including cement, lime, and steel production.

Funds will be deployed toward proof of concept development, ahead of customer engagement in 2022. Cquestr8 is working with the University of Malaya, Nottingham University and other partners on extensive validation of the reaction engineering and marine environment benefits.

Steve Willis, co-founder of Cquestr8 said, "The world will need many carbon removal and sequestration channels to keep the atmospheric temperature rise below 1.5 C and yet still keep essential industries operating. We are excited that our scalable solution will deliver 100% measurability, 1000 year+ permanence and significant environmental co-benefits, all at a very low cost. This investment helps us turn 2 years of research and design work into an engineering prototype supported by robust environmental science."

Andrew Shebbeare, Managing Partner at Counteract, said, "We get particularly excited by carbon removal applications with systemic benefits. The Cquestr8 team combines deep chemical engineering expertise with extreme care for the natural environment and is uniquely placed to develop a product not only combating the climate emergency but also helping sustain marine ecosystems. We believe their idea can reach Gigaton scale, with a host of practical customer applications from point source to direct air capture. We're excited to support them in the next phase of their business' evolution."

Paul Ellis, MD, Schaefer Kalk (Malaysia), and President of the International Lime Association said, "Our members always seek safe and effective carbon removal pathways. Mineralisation is one of the most promising sequestration channels, thanks to its safety, scalability and permanence. The drawback can sometimes be lower measurability and higher cost. We believe the Cquestr8 team has cracked that nut thanks to their unique approach and we are excited to work with them as their offer develops."

About Cquestr8

Launched in 2020, Cquestr8 is the first commercial project to graduate from Herculean Climate Solutions, a non-profit research group seeking billion-tonne-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. Cquestr8 was co-founded by Steve Willis and Jerry Joynson, experienced chemical engineers with backgrounds in large scale industrial processes.

About Counteract

Launched in February 2021, Counteract combats the climate crisis through research, development and investment in carbon removal. Counteract gives engineer and scientist entrepreneurs the financial and strategic support to turn fresh ideas into self-sustaining businesses with the potential to capture or store greenhouse gases at gigaton scale.

Counteract was founded by experienced entrepreneurs and investors from the world of digital media, finance, technology, sustainability and consulting, with a shared track record of growing global organizations from startup to global scale and a shared belief that business can be a profound force for good.

Press contact:

[email protected]

+44 020 7041 6474

SOURCE Counteract

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State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised achievements of the Boao Forum for Asia over the past two decades in his video speech at the opening ceremony of the event held in Boao city of Chinas Hainan province on April 20.

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The President said he hopes the forum continue being a communications channel for politicians, scholars, and businesses regarding key matters in the region.

Amid unprecedented challenges facing the world, no country could solve these difficulties by itself, the President noted.

He went on stating that only cooperation and solidarity could bring about success and join actions of nations are needed for inclusive and sustainable growth that ensures safety for the people.

Phuc highlighted a number of issues that require special attention from countries. They included promoting cooperation in disease control and prevention; ensuring opportunities to access vaccines at reasonable costs; maintaining macroeconomic stability and facilitating trade and investment; mobilising resources for sustainable and inclusive economic development towards the realisation of the 2030 sustainable development goals; and building synchronous infrastructure and developing human resources for digital transformation.

On Vietnam  China cooperation, he highlighted the two countries' collaboration in containing COVID-19 and sustaining economic growth to become bright spots in the region and in the world.

The President affirmed Vietnams wish for comprehensive, effective, and equal cooperation with China for mutual benefits so that the two could together overcome the pandemic, maintain an environment of peace and stability, and push for the strong growth of their ties.

The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 (AC2021) is set to run from April 18 to 21 under the theme of A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation.

It consists of six modules - Explore China, Understand the Changing World, Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation, Embrace the Industrial Changes, Dance with New Technologies and Development for All.

Vietnam's President addresses 2021 Boao Forum for Asia

In his speech, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that countries need to join hands to take action for inclusive, sustainable and safe development for all people. He also proposed four solutions to the forum.

Firstly, boosting cooperation in epidemic control and prevention, improving public health system capacity and ensuring countries have equal chances to access vaccines at reasonable prices.

Secondly, stabilizing macro economy, creating favourable conditions in trade and investment, dealing with foreign trade barriers, ensuring the activities of supply chains and strengthening production.

Thirdly, President Phuc stressed the need to mobilise necessary resources for inclusive and sustainable development to implement the UN sustainable development goals by 2030, especially in climate change response, clean energy, natural resource sustainable management and education.

Finally, building infrastructure and developing human resources for digital transformation.

He also welcomed joint efforts to boost regional link and economic connection with the framework of the belt and road initiative, voicing his hope that the initiative will contribute to recovering the economy post pandemic.

Vietnam and China are developing a joint plan to implement a memorandum of understanding on promoting connectivity between the "Two corridors, one economic belt" initiative and the belt and road initiative, President Phuc said./. VNA
Arizona Gov Doug Ducey said Tuesday he is sending 250 National Guard troops to the state's southern border with Mexico amid the increased arrivals of migrants.

The announcement came the day Customs and Border Protection held an open house at a new tent-like migrant processing center in the border community of Yuma.

It is the first of two planned in Arizona to help agents process and temporarily shelter a growing number of asylum seekers arriving at the border. A similar structure is opening later this month in Tucson.

The Republican governor has quarreled with the administration of President Joe Biden over immigration policies, and he calls the situation on the border a 'crisis'.

'If this administration isn't going to do anything, then we will,' Ducey said.

Arizona Gov Doug Ducey said Tuesday he is sending 250 National Guard troops to the state's southern border with Mexico amid the increased arrivals of migrants

The Republican governor has quarreled with the administration of President Joe Biden over immigration policies, and he calls the situation on the border a 'crisis'. 'If this administration isn't going to do anything, then we will,' Ducey said

Ducey said in his announcement he will travel Wednesday to Yuma (pictured on Monday) to meet with local officials and law enforcement agencies

There was no immediate response from Customs and Border Protection officials.

The American Civil Liberties Union in Arizona said Ducey's actions 'do nothing more than further militarize our border communities and stoke unnecessary and unjustified fear'.

US Rep Raul Grijalva, a Democrat whose district includes Arizona's southern border, said the deployment was purely political and will do nothing to resolve backlogs, improve care of unaccompanied minors, or help border communities.

The governor's office said $25million will initially be set aside to help local and state law enforcement officers such as state troopers.

Guard members could help with medical operations at detention centers, install and maintain border cameras, collect data from public safety cameras and analyze satellite imagery for current smuggling trends, the announcement said.

Texas Gov Greg Abbott, who also is a Republican, last month deployed about 500 members of his state's National Guard to the border in Texas, which is seeing the largest share of current arrivals

U.S. Border Patrol Yuma Sector, Chief Patrol Agent Chris Clem speaks to a group touring a facility in Yuma, Arizona, on Tuesday

People touring the US Border Patrol Yuma Sector, soft-sided processing facility, look at the pods inside one of four living areas at the facility during an open house on Tuesday

Shelves inside a storage room are stocked with items for infants during an open house at the US Border Patrol Yuma Sector processing facility Tuesday in Yuma, Arizona

Ducey said in his announcement he will travel Wednesday to Yuma to meet with local officials and law enforcement agencies.

Officials in small Arizona border towns including Yuma, Ajo and Gila Bend have called on the federal government to help them manage small groups of asylum seekers being suddenly released in their communities by CBP officials who say they don't have capacity to hold them.

The towns don't have the resources to transport the migrants to larger cities where they can get temporary shelter and logistical help reuniting with relatives elsewhere in the US.

An earlier statement from Customs and Border Protection said the Yuma and Tucson shelters will be similar to a soft-sided, 90,000-square-foot processing center for migrants that recently opened in Eagle Pass, Texas.

One like it was temporarily erected in Yuma in 2019, when a large number of migrant arrived during the Trump administration.

The soft-sided processing centers are separate from shelters that Health and Human Services operates for unaccompanied children, who are housed separately from other migrants after processing.

CBP is turning away most adult migrants attempting to enter the U.S. under a public health order issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the Biden administration is allowing unaccompanied minors and some families to remain, at least temporarily, while authorities determine whether they can stay through the asylum process or under another legal category.
MIAMI, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Renewable Energy, a leading renewable energy company in the Americas, announced today that it has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Hitachi ABB Power Grids, to jointly develop and execute Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at a utility scale level for Atlas' renewable projects.

This agreement will allow Hitachi ABB Power Grids to assist with the development of the best technical solutions regarding BESS and their interconnection during the development of a new project. Hitachi ABB Power Grids will be invited to participate in the tenders launched by Atlas Renewable Energy for the Engineering Package of the projects.

The main objective behind this agreement is to ensure that these energy storage systems can be successfully integrated into the design of new projects during the early development stage as an add-on to the plant depending on the needs it will serve. To do this, Atlas Renewable Energy has taken a more holistic approach by partnering with a company such as Hitachi ABB Power Grids, known for its capabilities in developing technical solutions regarding BESS and its expertise in rendering assistance for the integration of such technology in utility scale energy projects.

"We are very proud to count on Hitachi ABB Power Grids' team of engineers once again, but this time during the development process of our pipeline. In the past, we worked together on introducing the first digital substation installed for a solar plant in Latin America. Now, we are going a step further into ensuring that all our new projects' design will have the added value of being conceived with the best BESS and interconnection solution," said Fabian Gonzalez, Director of Innovation and Operational Efficiency at Atlas Renewable Energy.

"Through this collaboration, Atlas Renewable Energy guarantees that the most optimal storage system is chosen and adopted into our renewable projects. Usually, choosing and installing the most appropriate BESS solution is an intricate and highly technical process, but if it is formulated from the start with proper planning and led by experts in integrated solutions, we will be able to ensure a more flexible, reliable and efficient battery implementation for our projects fleet," added Gonzalez.

"At Atlas, we strive to be at the forefront of innovation, always looking to explore new ways to achieve the best results. Introducing batteries is an important step in further elevating our projects' technological edge, but our main priority is to have a successful integration. That is why we decided to find an all-encompassing approach with Hitachi ABB Power Grids," said Juan Jose Bonilla, Head of Business Development and O&M at Atlas Renewable Energy.

"We aim to provide an even more tailored solution for our large energy consumer clients, whose energy needs may differ and intermittency of renewables can still be a major concern. Offering clean energy with a unique storage solution for each one of our projects provides a differentiated value that gives significant reliability and efficiency to our clients," added Bonilla.

"We look forward to collaborating on projects together with Atlas Renewable Energy that build on their deep experience with utility-scale renewable projects in Latin America and our own global Grid Edge Solutions footprint of more than 500 megawatts (MW) and 200 references," said Maxine Ghavi, Head of Grid Edge Solutions at Hitachi ABB Power Grids. "Our proven technologies have enabled customers to create economic, social and environmental value by unlocking new revenue streams, maximizing renewable integration and lowering carbon emissions. As we look toward the future, we anticipate more need for more systems that support renewable smoothing and ancillary grid services."

This is not the first time that Atlas Renewable Energy has partnered with a major supplier or technology provider to enhance the quality and efficiency in its projects. Just two years ago, the company announced that it would be the first generator in Latin America to roll-out the TrueCapture system developed by Nextracker throughout most of the company's operating fleet. With the use of TrueCapture, the company's solar plants tracking system has been optimized to the modular level resulting in an increase of the plants' overall performance and efficiency.

Atlas Renewable Energy has also helped advance the region's solar innovation by being one of the first developers to test bifacial modules and to introduce this technology on large scale withing its current projects under construction, which account for almost 1GW of capacity being generated with this cutting-edge panel technology.

These, among other technologies will enable Atlas Renewable Energy to build state-of-the-art renewable energy plants across the Americas and continue elevating the efficiency of solar energy, making this source of energy an even more reliable option to serve large energy consumers throughout the region.

About Atlas Renewable Energy

Atlas Renewable Energy is a renewable energy generation company that develops, builds and operates renewable energy projects with long-term contracts across the Americas. The current company portfolio is 2.2GW of contracted projects in development, construction or operational stages, and aims to expand by an additional 4GW in the next years.

Launched in early 2017, Atlas Renewable Energy includes an experienced team with the longest track record in the solar energy industry in Latin America. The company is recognized for its high standards in the development, construction and operation of large-scale projects.

Atlas Renewable Energy is part of the Energy Fund IV, founded by Actis, a leading private equity investor in the energy sector. Atlas Renewable Energy's growth is focused on the leading emerging markets and economies, using its proven development, commercialization and structuring know-how to accelerate the transformation toward clean energy. By actively engaging with the community and stakeholders at the center of its project strategy, the company works every day to provide a cleaner future.

To know more about Atlas Renewable Energy, visit: www.atlasrenewableenergy.com

Dave Chambers

[email protected]

+44(0)7557-887-405

SOURCE Atlas Renewable Energy

Related Links

www.atlasrenewableenergy.com/en/


Insurance fraud seems like it might be an easy thing to do. Insurance companies are often so huge, one wonders how they might not even notic...
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DENVER  Marijuana deliveries and cannabis lounges will be allowed in Denver under changes to the citys cannabis laws that leaders pushed forward this week.

The City Council voted for the changes Monday, and they will now head to Mayor Michael Hancock, KDVR-TV reported. If signed into law, several of the changes would take effect immediately, but delivery services could take a few months.

More than a dozen Denver Public Schools principals wrote a joint letter to the City Council expressing their concerns that increasing availability could lead to a rise in marijuana use in young people. City officials have cited surveys showing use among young people has remained flat since legalization.

There are strict rules in place in this proposal for deliveries, said Eric Escudero, spokesperson for the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

Escudero said vehicle cameras would be required and drivers must use ID scanners to prevent underage people from requesting deliveries.

The changes also would allow marijuana tour buses to drive around the city while people use pot on board. The driver would be separated from secondhand smoke with a barrier.

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Thats the last thing we want to do is have someone driving around who is high, Escudero said. The measure is geared towards trying to make sure more people have an economic opportunity to benefit from this multibillion-dollar industry.

For the first six years of business license approval, Denver would only license certain people to benefit from the industry through a social equity program, which considered income level, geography and marijuana arrest records to ensure people who were hurt by marijuana prohibition could benefit from the industry.

The measure also would allow for more pot shops and cultivating and manufacturing locations.

Mayor Michael Hancock supports the measures, spokesman Mike Strott told The Denver Post.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-20 22:20:25|Editor: huaxia

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A China-Europe freight train with 45 compartments of anti-epidemic supplies leaves the Xinzhu Railway Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 12, 2020, to head for Italy's Milan. (Photo by Yuan Jingzhi/Xinhua)

"Trade between China and Italy is already strengthening, and this will add a new option that will make the trade links faster and more efficient," Olivero Fiorini, an economist and trade analyst in Milan, told Xinhua.

ROME, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The newly opened freight-train link between Wuhan, China, and Milan, Italy will add a valuable new option to boost bilateral trade, analysts said.

According to data from TRA Consulting, the new link, launched last month, adds to an already fast-growing network of train links between China and Europe.

According to TRA Consulting, the year 2020 saw 12,406 train runs between China and Europe, up from 8,225 the year before and nearly double the 6,363 runs in 2018. But until last month, none of those trains were regularly scheduled direct freight links between China and Italy.

"Trade between China and Italy is already strengthening, and this will add a new option that will make the trade links faster and more efficient," Olivero Fiorini, an economist and trade analyst with ABS Securities in Milan, told Xinhua.

Even before plans for the Wuhan-Milan link were drawn up, the economic ties between China and Italy were strong. In 2019, Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). That year China was again one of Italy's top trading partners.

Pedestrians linger on Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy, Nov. 6, 2020. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

According to the data firm Statista, 7 percent of Italy's imports came from China, trailing behind Germany and France. The World Factbook reported China was the ninth largest buyer of Italian products last year, accounting for 3 percent of the country's total exports.

TRA Consulting's data showed that a tiny percentage of the trade between China and its European partners was transported by train: just 2 percent of the total in 2017, compared to 6 percent by road, 28 percent by air, and 64 percent via sea routes.

But according to Andrea Giuricin, a professor of transport economics at Milan's Bicocca University and the chief executive of TRA Consulting, the popularity of rail transport is just beginning to grow.

"Trains are a midway point between expensive air transport that can have merchandise arrive in a day, and inexpensive cargo ships that take 30 or 35 days to deliver their goods between China and Italy," Giuricin told Xinhua.

According to Wuhan Asia-Europe Logistics Co., Ltd., the freight trains between Wuhan and Milan make the trip in 21 or 22 days. Transport costs, Giuricin said, were far below those of air transport but more expensive than cargo ships.

Giuricin said trains between China and Europe were still too slow to transport perishable goods. But the links were ideal for automobiles, car parts, and electronic goods. He predicted that the rail links between China and Italy and other European ports of call would see strong growth for at least the next six to seven years.

Aerial photo taken on April 19, 2017 shows the pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in Wuhan City, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi) 
New York, Apr 21 (UNI) Hundreds of activists of the Black Lives Matter movement began marching along the streets of New York.

In Brooklyn, a crowd of several hundred people moved along the roadway from the Barclay Center arena, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

The demonstrators, with flags and banners, are moving along the roadway. The police do not interfere, accompanying the protesters.

"Whose streets? Our streets! the crowd is chanting.

Earlier in the day, a US jury in the state of Minnesota found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in connection to African American George Floyd's death last May.

While trying to arrest Floyd who was accused of using a fake $20 bill at a local convenience store, Chauvin, now 45, kneed on the neck of the African American man three times for almost a total of ten minutes. After complaining "I cant breathe" when Chauvins knee was on his neck, Floyd became unconscious during the arrest and died later at a hospital.

Floyds death triggered mass protests in a large number of major cities in the United States, where demonstrators denounced police brutality and demanded justice for African Americans who suffered at the hands of US police officers.

The judge after reading Tuesday's verdicts said Chauvin will be sentenced in eight weeks and will remain in custody. The judge also said Chauvin's bail has been revoked.

Footage from outside the courthouse showed members of the Minneapolis community celebrating the verdict and chanting Floyd's name.

Chauvin faces a maximum of 75 years in prison.

UNI XC-RHK0828
(Natural News) A number of chemicals found in some everyday items have long been determined to be harmful to the environment. But further investigations have revealed that some of these substances also impact the health of human beings. Furthermore, these affect human fertility, especially that of males, by reducing the amount of sperm produced by their bodies and the size of their genitalia.

According to Shanna Swan of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, sperm counts in human males have fallen by almost three-fifths since 1973. The environmental and reproductive epidemiologist warned that unless the trend is reversed, males may no longer produce sperm by 2045. Swan tackles the issue in her book Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race.

The book is based on a study performed by Swan and her fellow researchers some years prior. The 2017 study published in Human Reproduction Update found that men from North America, Europe and Australia experienced a 50 to 60 percent decline in sperm concentration and total sperm count. While the researchers looked at studies from 1973 to 2011, they mentioned that there was no evidence of this trend leveling off in recent years. Swan and her colleagues concluded in the study that there was a significant decline in male reproductive health  [with] serious implications beyond fertility concerns.

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich elaborated on Swans point in a March 2021 op-ed for The Guardian. She quoted a number of excerpts from Swans book  including the fact that the average 20-something woman in some parts of the world today is less fertile than her grandmother was at 35 [years old.] Brockovich also noted Swans finding that a man in the current period will have half of the sperm his grandfather had.

Swan named chemicals called per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances (PFAS) as the substances responsible for diminished reproductive capacity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines PFAS as a group of man-made chemicals  used in a variety of industries around the globe. PFAS can be found in different sources such as food packaging, commercial household products, drinking water and other living organisms. The EPA adds that PFAS are very persistent in the environment and in the human body  meaning they dont break down and they can accumulate over time. It is this quality that earned PFAS the forever chemicals moniker.

PFAS also shrink the size of male genitalia aside from reducing sperm counts

According to the EPA, there is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. Diminished fertility is one of many detrimental effects of these chemicals, as mentioned by Swan. Aside from reducing sperm count, PFAS also caused penile size and testicular volume to diminish. (Related: EPA pledges to regulate PFAS in drinking water.)

Brockovich remarked that this negative effect of PFAS, which Swan noted in her book, mirrors previous research on these chemicals. Earlier findings have noted that these ubiquitous chemicals are correlated to a reduction of  testicular volume and penile length.

The activist noted in her op-ed: Scientists have found these substances in the blood of nearly all the people they tested in the U.S. No country or region on earth is untouched by PFAS contamination: It is a global problem. Brockovich continued that these chemicals are literally killing humans by directly attacking their reproductive capacities. (Related: FDA reports that PFAS, or forever chemicals, are NOT a health concern for customers, but other public health experts arent convinced.)

On a more positive note, Brockovich cited a number of actions to address PFAS in the environment. She mentioned that lawmakers in the state of Washington managed to pass the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act in May 2019. The bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee authorizes state agencies to ban certain cheE[micals and require manufacturers to disclose their use of these.

The act addresses substances that threaten the health of sensitive sectors of the population, such as pregnant women and children. It also targets chemicals that undermine sensitive animal species. Under the law five chemical classes will be addressed for immediate action  PFAS, organohalogen flame retardants, alkylphenol exothylates and bisphenols, phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Toxic-Free Future Executive Director Laurie Valeriano lauded Inslee and the Washington State Legislature for their swift action on passing the law. This landmark legislation gives Washington state agencies the authority they need to turn off the tap on toxic pollution that comes from products, she said.

Even though Washington state made the first step to address PFAS on the government level, Brockovich lamented that this was insufficient. She commented that the U.S. is fighting a losing battle because of weak, inadequate legislation  a similar predicament in other countries.

Visit Chemicals.news to learn more about how toxic substances in everyday products impact human health.

Sources include:

CleanTechnica.com

Academic.OUP.com

TheGuardian.com

EPA.gov

SaferChemicals.org
Being my birthday, April 17 always held a special significance. Over three decades after I was born, it became the commemorative date of a major life decision  moving to Canada  thus adding a new layer of significance.

So, on this date, one also celebrates ones Canniversary

Three years ago, my wife and I gave up who we were for who we could become, said emotional farewells to family and friends, and set out for this beautiful country with mixed feelings of anticipation and apprehension.

For us, the future was not uncertain. We trusted that tomorrow was in Gods hands and therefore, secure. So, we resolved to focus on the things within our control. But being humans, there was always going to be some level of apprehension about what the future held.

Moving to Canada has been a pleasant and rewarding experience. Thank God!

Seeing as supporting the seamless transition of fellow immigrants, particularly immigrant professionals, to Canada has become something of an invigorating engagement, I thought I should share some important lessons that might benefit anyone whos broaching a move to Canada.

1.) The first thing to note is that immigrating to Canada is not for everyone. Be sure its what you want and not something youre being peer-pressured to do.

If youre professionally fulfilled and financially settled in Nigeria or elsewhere, do think it through before upping and leaving behind all youve accomplished to start life from scratch here.

If you are not someone who is wired to handle big changes, you might struggle in Canada as the initial stages of settling can be challenging and overwhelming.

Relocating to a new country where you dont have a job waiting for you is no cakewalk. Finding meaningful employment can take a while, and this could take a toll on your confidence, mental health and even your marriage.

I have seen immigrants marriages fail here because one partner couldnt handle the pressure of the move and got frustrated by not finding Canada as immediately rewarding as anticipated leading to irresolvable friction and broken homes.

I recently read one such story here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNh7c44pD_8/

Dont be pressured by your partner to move to Canada. Be sure its what you want as well. If things dont work out as planned, and you are not the kind of person to take responsibility for your actions and handle adversity with courage and maturity, you will wind up blaming your partner for your perceived misfortunes.

I personally would not advise doctors, dentists etc to move to Canada.

Even though there are obvious labour shortages in Canadas health sector, and the salary prospects are juicy, the re-licensure process is tedious and expensive and you are not guaranteed a residency even after expended effort and finances.

If you are a married International Medical Graduate (IMG), and your spouse works in a non-regulated occupation (which means he or she faces minimal barriers to initial employment since they work in professions that do not require them to be licensed to practice in Canada) then you could consider a Canadian move.

Their income would be able to support your family until you become licensed as a physician and can earn the big bucks$$$

If you are an IMG whos single, then it might make sense to explore the UK first where it is comparatively easier to start practising as a doctor. In fact, as a UK-licensed physician, youll be able to secure a high-paying position in Canada from the UK.

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A friends friend working as a physician in the UK recently landed a $500,000 CAD job in Canada. Meanwhile, there are experienced IMGs here in Canada who are driving Ubers and are unable to practice.

Dont just be excited about the prospects of a Canadian move while being completely oblivious of the imminent challenges/barriers that accompany.

Do your research! Talk to other immigrants with similar professional backgrounds who are already here in Canada to be sure that this is the right country for you.

2.) Quality preparation and planning before relocating makes a world of difference in immigrants employment and settlement outcomes in Canada.

If you are the kind of person who loves to be spoon-fed information and will not take the initiative to search for, and arm yourself with the right information and insights you need to make important life decisions, transitioning to Canada could wind up being a rough experience for you.

Now, independently searching for information can be overwhelming, but Canada has graciously invested heavily in an array of free pre-arrival programmes and supports to help individuals who received approval to come to Canada to prepare for the move.

Some people keep working in their current jobs until a day before travelling to Canada and do not take out time to adequately prepare and educate themselves on the nuances of the Canadian job market, workplace culture, and other useful knowledge that would make settling a little less cumbersome.

Pre-arrival services will provide you with information and referrals that are specific to the city you plan to settle in and that are tailored to your specific needs and specific profession.

Heres the link to two of the best: SOPA (https://arriveprepared.ca/) & Planning for Canada (https://www.planningforcanada.ca/)

3.) Manage your expectations in Canada!

Set high expectations for yourself because, yes, Canada is a land of opportunity, and theres no limit to what you can achieve here if you put in the work. But understand that the benefits of relocating to a new country are often more long-term than immediate.

You might not immediately find initial employment that is commensurate to the role you gave up to move to Canada. If you were a C-Suite executive back home, it might take longer to rise to the same level here.

Its a new environment where employers do not know the stuff you are made of and you also do not have access to the kind of extensive professional and social networks you had in your own country.

But understand that a step back is not always a setback.

Relocating is a gradual process of rebuilding.

Focus on your objectives, but be willing to do what you need to do the moment to get to where you want to go in the future.

Unrealistic expectations will frustrate you if things do not work according to plan within the unrealistic timelines you may have set for yourself.

4.) Timetables and seasons are different for each of us. Dont be pressured by the fact that your peers in Canada are doing and accomplishing things faster than you.

Some find their dream jobs two weeks after arrival, others take six months or more to find their dream jobs.

Dont draw false equivalences between your circumstances and those of others. Find out what worked for others and adapt the lessons to your situation. But truth is, what worked for others may not work for you.

Also, the failures of others do not mean you will fail. There are factors that you might be unaware of that have led to their peculiar situations. Take the lessons and focus on your own goals.

Unhealthy comparison will get you in trouble. Let the successes of your peers inspire you to take positive actions and not pressure you into living a life you cant afford just to put up appearances and keep up with the Joneses.

You will bear the brunt alone.

5.) Be open-minded and flexible.

Moving to Canada will require you to unlearn, learn and relearn. The culture is different. The work culture is different. Cultural adaptation is key.

You already opened the Pandoras box by giving up your old life to start a new one in Canada, why not go all the way?

Focus on developing behavioural skills. The attitudes and habits that got you to where you were in your home country might not be sufficient to get you to where you want to go in Canada.

This doesnt mean you give up your identity. It just means you evolve and your worldview evolves.

6.) Have a solid support system.

Like I mentioned before, moving to Canada or any other country for that matter can be a challenging and overwhelming experience.

We Nigerians are wont to think of ourselves as strong and capable of going it alone without outside help.

Black dont crack, we say. No, Black cracks! You will need all the help you can get from a solid support system.

Remember, at the beginning, you wont have a job, probably no family here, no housemaids to help with the chores and run errands, no gateman to wash your cars, no nannies to help with the kids, no driver to chauffeur you around, no regular parties and social functions like back home.

Add all of these to the biting cold, long winters and a gruelling job search, you will need all the help you can get to mentally adapt and manage these big changes.

Leverage solid religious communities like Calgary Life Church for Christians moving to Calgary, Alberta. Join virtual meet-ups, and take your mental health seriously by accessing free mental health resources provided by the Canadian government like Togetherall and BounceBack.

You need a community around you that will keep you going when youre down and continue to reaffirm you. You will also have the opportunity to support others which will help you to better handle your own challenges.

Surround yourself with positive and optimistic people who are also empathetic and supportive  people who can both pamper and push you.

7.) Focus on the things you can control.

As a newcomer to Canada, dont obsess over things that are out of your control  unfair government policies, racism, discrimination, the discounting of immigrants international experience by Canadian employers. These are things you may be able to change at scale further down the line.

But at the beginning of your life in Canada, acknowledge that these systemic hurdles and barriers do exist, and be real about what you need to do to successfully navigate the system and circumvent the hurdles to your advantage.

Focus on doing those things.

Dont get into a complaining habit. This will only set you back and limit you.

8.) Finding a job is a full-time job.

It can be a gruelling experience getting a job here, but tremendously rewarding once you find one that matches your skills, education and experience.

It is a common saying here that searching for a job is a full-time job. It will take everything youve got.

Use pre-arrival services to prepare yourself for the Canadian job market before landing.

You will have to learn how to write Canadian-style resumes. And youll have to learn how to customise your resume for every new job application. In Canada, you cannot use a generic resume for multiple job applications. Your resume will be bypassed. And resumes are usually just two pages long.

Spray and pray is not an effective job search strategy in Canada  where you spray your resumes randomly to different employers and then pray that you win the lottery It works for some but not for most.

You must develop skills for patiently and strategically connecting with industry peers and mentors who will in turn connect you with opportunities in your field.

9.) Getting a job is just one half of the work equation; keeping the job and advancing in your career is the other half.

Dont rely solely on your technical nous for job retention or career advancement. It doesnt work that way in Canada.

You must develop great behavioural, communication, and relationship-building skills, too!

Once you get a job, next thing is to get a mentor or career sponsor at your workplace or in your industry  a backer in a senior industry organisational role  who will support your career development, put up your name for professional development opportunities and promotions, and defend you when you make mistakes at work.

Trust me, this can be the difference between you keeping your job and losing it, and this can influence how far you go in your career in Canada.

Conclusion:

All said, Canada is a land of possibilities. It is after all now the best country in the world to live in! Not a perfect country  theres no such country in the world!

But more than any other country I have lived in or visited (Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, USA, UK etc), I have never had more people say directly to me or in conversations that I overheard just how lucky and blessed we are to live in this country.

Millions of immigrants are doing exceptionally well here and achieving dreams that their own countries could not afford them. There are more immigrant-owned businesses in Canada than Canadian-owned ones.

So while there are undoubted challenges, there are also numerous successes. It helps to be well acquainted with both sides of the story before deciding to move.

I wish you all the best!

Time to boogie down to Ade Ori Okin by Kwam 1
(@FahadShabbir)

Over 280,000 asylum applicants gained protection status in the European Union in 2020, which is a 5 percent decrease year-on-year, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) Over 280,000 asylum applicants gained protection status in the European Union in 2020, which is a 5 percent decrease year-on-year, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat.

"In 2020, the EU Member States granted protection status to 281 000 asylum seekers, down by 5% compared to 2019 (295 600)," Eurostat said on Wednesday.

Among these asylum seekers, 45 percent were given refugee status. The others were granted either humanitarian or subsidiary protection.

"The highest number of persons who received protection status was registered in Germany (98 000 or 35% of the EU total), ahead of Spain (51 200 or 18%), Greece (35 800 or 13%), France (29 400 or 10%) and Italy (21 300 or 8%).

These five Member States accounted together for over 80% of all protection grants issued in the EU in 2020," the agency continued.

Syrians emerged as the main beneficiaries of protection status, accounting for 27 percent of persons who received it. They were followed by Venezuelans and Afghans, who made up 17 percent and 15 percent of people granted protection status.
Scientists have modified Pepper the robot to think out loud, which they say can increase transparency and trust between human and machine.

The Italian team built an 'inner speech model' that allowed the robot to talk through its thought processes, just like humans when faced with a challenge or a dilemma.

The experts found Pepper was better at overcoming confusing human instructions when it could relay its own inner dialogue out loud.

Pepper  which has already been used as a receptionist and a coffee shop attendee  is the creation of Japanese tech company SoftBank.

By creating their own 'extension' of Pepper, the team have realised the concept of robotic inner speech, which they say could be applied in robotics contexts such as learning and regulation.

Scroll down for video

The study investigates the potential of the robots inner speech while cooperating with human partners, using a modified version of Pepper (pictured)

'If you were able to hear what the robots are thinking, then the robot might be more trustworthy,' said study co-author Antonio Chella at the University of Palermo, Italy.

'The robots will be easier to understand for laypeople, and you don't need to be a technician or engineer.

'In a sense, we can communicate and collaborate with the robot better.'

Generally, a person's inner dialogue can help us gain clarity and evaluate situations in order to make better decisions.

The researchers call inner speech the 'psychological tool in support of humans high-level cognition', including planning, focusing and reasoning.

But previously, only a few studies had analysed the role of inner speech in robots.

To learn more, the researchers built an inner speech model based on a 'cognitive architecture' called ACT-R to enable inner speech on a Pepper robot.

When a robot engages in inner speech and reasons with itself, humans can trace its thought process to learn the robot's motives and decisions. Pepper is pictured here previously being interviewed by MailOnline

PEPPER'S INNER CONFLICT 'Ehm, this situation upsets me. I would never break the rules, but I can't upset him, so I'm doing what he wants' 'The position contravenes the etiquette! It has to stay on the plate!' 'Sorry, I know the object is already on the table. What do you really want?' 'The object is already on the table' Advertisement

'ACT-R is a software framework that allows to model humans cognitive processes, and it is widely adopted in the cognitive science community,' the team explain.

They then asked people to set the dinner table with Pepper according to etiquette rules, in order to study how Pepper's self-dialogue skills influenced human-robot interactions.

With the help of inner speech, Pepper was better at solving dilemmas, triggered by confusing human instructions that went against protocol, the team found.

Through Pepper's inner voice, the humans were able to trace the robot's thoughts and know that Pepper was facing a dilemma  which it solved by prioritising the human's request.

In one experiment, Pepper was asked to place the napkin at the wrong spot on the table, contradicting the etiquette rule.

Pepper then started asking itself a series of self-directed questions and concluded that the user might be confused.

To be sure, Pepper asked the human to confirm the request, which led to further inner speech.

Pepper said: 'Ehm, this situation upsets me. I would never break the rules, but I can't upset him, so I'm doing what he wants.'

Pepper then placed the napkin at the requested spot  prioritising the request despite the confusion.

Graphical abstract from the scientists' research paper shows how Pepper the robots inner speech affects 'transparency' during interaction with humans

PEPPER COMFORTS QUARANTINED COVID PATIENTS Coronavirus patients with mild symptoms were quarantined at hotels in Tokyo staffed by robots back in May 2020. Five hotels around the city used robots to help limit the spread, one being the world's first social humanoid Pepper. 'Please, wear a mask inside,' it said in a perky voice to welcome those moving into the hotel. It also offered words of support: 'I hope you recover as quickly as possible.' Other facilities have employed AI-powered robots that disinfect surfaces to limit the need of human workers who are at risk of being exposed. Kan Kiyota, marketing director of SoftBank, which makes the Pepper robot, said: 'Since patients are infected with Covid-19, it is not possible to have a real person to interact with. 'This is where the robot comes in.' Advertisement

Comparing Pepper's performance with and without inner speech, the scientists found that the robot had a higher task-completion rate when engaging in self-dialogue.

Thanks to inner speech, Pepper outperformed the international standard functional and moral requirements for collaborative robots  guidelines followed by machines ranging from humanoid AI to mechanic arms at the manufacturing line.

'People were very surprised by the robot's ability,' said the study's first author Arianna Pipitone, also at the University of Palermo.

'The approach makes the robot different from typical machines because it has the ability to reason, to think.

'Inner speech enables alternative solutions for the robots and humans to collaborate and get out of stalemate situations.'

Although hearing the inner voice of robots enriches the human-robot interaction, some people might find it inefficient because the robot spends more time completing tasks when it talks to itself.

The robot's inner speech is also limited to the knowledge that researchers gave it.

However, the team say their work provides a framework to further explore how self-dialogue can help robots focus, plan, and learn.

'Inner speech could be useful in all the cases where we trust the computer or a robot for the evaluation of a situation,' said Chella.

'In some sense, we are creating a generational robot that likes to chat.'

The study has been published today in the journal iScience.
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Joe Biden's nominee for associate attorney general after Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski broke ranks and voted for the president's pick.

Vanita Gupta was confirmed for the number three spot at the Justice Department in a narrow 51-49 vote.

Vice President Kamala Harris was on hand for a procedural vote Wednesday morning in case she was needed for a possible 50-50 tie.

Her vote, however, wasn't necessary after Murkowski broke with her Republican colleagues and backed Gupta, first on a vote to move her nomination forward and then on the final confirmation.

Gupta is the first woman of color and first civil rights lawyer to hold to hold the DoJ position.

Other Republicans were united in their opposition to Gupta, citing her history of advocating for progressive policies, but Murkowski said she would give her the benefit of the doubt.

'I asked her point blank, 'Why do you want this? Is this worth it?' Because this has clearly been very hard on her as a nominee,' Murkowski said in a speech on the Senate floor. 'And she paused and reflected a moment, and just spoke to how she feels called to serve in a very personal way that I thought was impactful.'

'I am going to give the benefit of the doubt to a woman who I believe has demonstrated throughout her professional career to be deeply, deeply committed to matters of justice,' Murkowski added.

Her vote also came after groups representing Alaska Native women, survivors of domestic violence and other communities said they supported Gupta's nomination.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski broke ranks and voted for President Joe Biden's nominee for associate attorney general

Vanita Gupta was confirmed for the number three spot at the Justice Department in a 51-49 vote after nearly united GOP opposition against her for her support of progressive policies

Gupta sparked Republican fury for her past statements on Twitter criticizing members of their party and her comments on police reform during Black Lives Matter protests.

Gupta, in her confirmation hearings, denied she ever supported the defund the police movement.

'I do not support defunding police,' she said at the March hearing.

But a Washington Post fact check found that during her time as the head of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights advocacy group, Gupta was a high-profile critic of then-President Donald Trump and recommended a series of police changes during a Senate hearing last year.

She testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee in July 2020 that it was 'critical for state and local leaders to heed calls from Black Lives Matter and Movement for Black Lives activists to decrease police budgets and the scope, role and responsibility of police in our lives' and called for 'shifting our approach to public safety away from exclusive investments in criminalization and policing toward investments in economic opportunity, education, health care and other public benefits.'

The Post found that to match the call to defund the police.

But Gupta was voted out of committee and then approved by the full Senate.

Democrats celebrated her confirmation.

'Not only is Ms. Gupta the first woman of color to ever be nominated to the position, she is the first civil rights attorney ever to be nominated to the position  the third-ranking official in the Justice Department,' Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Biden praised Gupta on Tuesday night in his remarks after Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three counts of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

He said Gupta was one of his Justice Department nominees 'who are eminently qualified, highly respected lawyers who have spent their entire careers fighting to advance racial equity and justice.'

Biden noted Gupta and Kristen Clarke, his nominee to head the DoJ's Civil Rights Division, have the 'experience and the skill necessary to advance our administrations priorities to root out unconstitutional policing and reform our criminal justice system, and they deserve to be confirmed.'

President Biden praised Gupta as one of his Justice Department nominees 'who are eminently qualified, highly respected lawyers who have spent their entire careers fighting to advance racial equity and justice'

As associate attorney general at the Biden's Justice Department, Gupta will play a pivotal role in supervising the department's civil rights work, including an investigation announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday into policing practices in Minneapolis following the murder of Floyd.

She will also be involved with overseeing the department's civil, antitrust and environment and natural resources divisions.

Gupta served as acting assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division during the Obama administration, during which time she oversaw high-profile investigations into systemic abuses by police departments in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri.

She faced a fraught confirmation process amid attacks by right-wing groups.

Republicans also criticized her.

'This nomination has revealed a lengthy trail of radical claims and hasty backtracks,' the Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell, said on Wednesday ahead of the confirmation vote.

'She's levied attacks on members of this body, and during the confirmation process, she employed the loosest possible interpretation of her oath to deliver honest testimony,' McConnell noted.
[April 21, 2021] Mexican fintech Credijusto acquires data analytics platform, Visor

MEXICO CITY, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Credijusto, the leading technology-enabled small business lender in Mexico, announced today the acquisition of Visor, a data analytics and digital factoring platform. Founded in 2015 by Ruben Sanchez Souza and Jean-Bernard Rolland, Visor has analyzed over 15,000 companies in Latin America. Additionally, its services have been used by over 40 financial institutions, marketplaces, and corporations to assess credit risk of the companies they do business with. Furthermore, Visor is an important source of analytics for development banks and supply chain financing firms, who utilize the platform's technology to offer credit solutions to their clients. As part of an international growth strategy, Visor expanded its operations to Brazil three years ago. In this short period of time, the company established itself as one of the leading players in the development of risk analysis tools for the Brazilian SME space, adapting to local business demands and information sources. Visor's competitive advantage lies in its technology and data analytics capacity. "Our platform was built to provide confidence and robust data analysis in credit decision processes as well as to enable dynamic risk assessment, which is key in maximizing portfolio profitability in the SME space.", explains Ruben Sanchez Souza, Visor's CEO and Co-Founder. Since its founding, Visor has been supported by world-class investors, who have closely followed the scaling of the business. "Visor has raised capital from leading US-based tech investors such as American Express Ventures, BlueRun Ventures, Finrebel, Leap Global, Mission Gate and 500 Startups, as well as Latin American-focused funds such as ALLVP, Ignia, Mexamerica and Vincus, raising over $12 million since incption.", detailed Roberto Velarde, Visor's CFO.



For Credijusto, the Visor acquisition is highly strategic as it will enable the company to expand its product suite and offer better solutions to its clients. "Among the disruptive technologies that were of particular interest to us, I would highlight its accounts payables module, its e-invoicing connectivity, its multiproduct-multibank flexibility as well as its digital payments controls which supports superior and more dynamic customer service, ultimately making commercial and credit processes more efficient.", noted Allan Apoj, Credijusto's Co-CEO and Co-Founder. This acquisition supports Credijusto's vision to become the leading financial services provider for Latin American SMEs by offering innovative solutions, including data analysis and digital factoring, which Visor has successfully developed during the past five years. "We have known Visor for many years and have always respected their products, technology and engineering team. This acquisition is highly synergistic with Credijusto's existing technology and will enable us to quickly expand our multi-product offering to better serve the millions of Mexican SMEs.", commented David Poritz, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Credijusto.

For Visor, this transaction represents an unparalleled opportunity to scale its platform and attain significant impact in the market by teaming up with an important partner. "Credijusto's acquisition of Visor is an exciting progression for our company and a great outcome as we have joined forces with a fintech leader in our market. The impact of Visor's technology will be multiplied as part of Credijusto's platform as the future of the combined business is tremendous," said Sanchez Souza. This acquisition by Credijusto reflects ongoing consolidation in the Mexican fintech industry as the largest platforms seek to expand their offerings and establish themselves as important players in the country's financial services space. Via innovative products and services, Mexican fintech players have the opportunity to support the country's 6 million SMEs, which generate over 50% of Mexico's GDP and employ over 70% of the active workforce, while only receiving 20% of the outstanding credit in the banking system. About Credijusto

Founded in 2015, Credijusto is a financial technology company focused on lending to the underserved and rapidly growing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) market in Mexico  via products that are superior in price, speed of delivery and quality of customer experience. The company uses a combination of cutting-edge software design, innovative applications of data science and advanced internal processes for decision making and product structuring. Credijusto is backed by a world-class group of institutional investors, including Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Victory Park Capital, QED Investors, Point72 Ventures, Kaszek Ventures, Thomvest Ventures, Broadhaven Ventures, Ignia, Elevar Equity and John J. Mack. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mexican-fintech-credijusto-acquires-data-analytics-platform-visor-301273501.html SOURCE Credijusto

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Concerning the Improvement of Certain Issues of Military Duty and Military Record Keeping No. 1357-IX, which the Verkhovna Rada adopted on March 30, 2021 at the initiative of the head of state, the press service of the President's Office reports.

"This document improves the requirements for manning the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations with reservists (military-trained persons with combat experience) in a special period without announcing mobilization. This will make it possible to quickly equip the military units of all the defense forces of the state with reservists, which will significantly increase their combat capability during a military aggression, as well as rapidly increase the combat potential of the defense forces and allow timely response to sudden threats to national security," the statement on the website of the President's Office said on Wednesday morning.

The president's office reported that the law introduces a new type of military service - military service for the conscription of persons from among the reservists in a special period.

"So, in a special period, citizens who have entered into contracts for service in the military reserve and/or enrolled in the military operational reserve will be called up for military service. The decision to conduct such a call will be made by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the proposal of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The decision will determine the categories of reservists who will need to be called up, tasks, volumes, terms and procedure for the call and the like," the message said.

The law of Ukraine signed by the president is reforming the military accounting system and the activities of local military command and control bodies, based on European principles and approaches.

"In particular, it is planned to create territorial centers of recruitment and social support on the basis of military registration and enlistment offices; streamlining the issues of military registration of conscripts and reservists. The procedure for the implementation of military registration of reservists is being improved, including with the help of the automated information and telecommunication system Oberig (Unified State Register of conscripts, liable for military service and reservists)," the President's Office said.

As reported, on March 30, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the creation of territorial recruitment and social support centers on the basis of military enlistment offices (bill No. 3553), which will allow reservists to be recruited within 24 hours in a special period without announcing mobilization.

As previously explained by head of the Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Oleksandr Zavytnevych, the law concerns the introduction of a new type of service, which provides for contracts with reservists of the operational reserve [in a special period], allows to involve the already existing reserve promptly within 24 hours, in case of an aggravation of the situation at the frontline or violation of state borders. The reserve will include a small group of citizens who have already served and have combat experience.
Coronavirus antibody rates among black and Hispanic people in New York City were more than double the rates of white people at the beginning of the pandemic, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found more than 30 percent African-American and Latino residents had antibodies against COVID-19.

Comparatively, about 15 percent of white residents had built up an immune response against the virus.

In addition, results showed about one-quarter of people living in the Big Apple were infected with COVID-19.

The team says that the findings affirm disparities reported in other studies and show how minority communities were disproportionately affected by COVID-19, especially following the first wave.

Researchers looked at coronavirus antibody levels among New York City residents between May 13, 2020 and July 21, 2020. Pictured: People register for Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines at the opening of a new vaccination site at Corsi Houses in Harlem, New York, January 15

About 35% of Hispanic New Yorkers and 33% of black New Yorkers tested positive for antibodies compared to 16% of white residents (right chart)

Frontline jobs with mostly minority employees, such as nursing care facilities and home health care service, were the sectors with the highest antibody rates (above)

For the study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers looked at blood samples from more than 45,000 adult New York City residents.

The samples were taken between May 13 and July 21 of last year, immediately following the first wave of the pandemic.

Researchers found that antibody rates were highest among black and Hispanic residents and people in health care or essential worker industry sectors.

Hispanic New Yorkers had the highest antibody rate at about 35 percent and black New Yorkers were close behind with a rate of 33 percent.

Asian New Yorkers had a rate of 20 percent while white New Yorkers had the lowest antibody rate at 16 percent.

Overall, the study found between 23 percent and 24 percent of city residents contracted the virus during the spring 2020 surge.

Certain jobs were also more likely to have a higher percentage of workers test positive for antibodies.

Employees of nursing care facilities and home health care services had the highest rates, above 40 percent.

Additionally, grocery store workers, mail carriers and public transit workers also had high rates, all above 35 percent.

Dr Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health who was not involved in the study, said the majority of workers in fields with high antibody rates are minorities, not whites.

White residents in New York are being vaccinated at higher rates than blacks and Hispanics with 44% receiving at least one shot compared 26% and 31%, respectively

'[The data] show how frontline workers bore the brunt of the first wave of the pandemic,' she told The New York Times.

'These were the people who did not have the luxury of being able to work virtually.'

The findings were released as the mass vaccination effort across the United States, and in New York City, continues to pick up speed.

Despite rates of vaccine hesitancy falling in communities of color, white New Yorkers are still being vaccinated at higher rates.

According to city data, 44 percent of Caucasian residents have received at least one vaccine dose and 31 percent are fully vaccinated.

However, just 26 percent of black residents and 31 percent of Hispanic residents have received one dose and 17 percent and 20 percent - respectively - are fully vaccinated.
New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia on Wednesday (April 21) accused the Haryana government of blocking medical oxygen supply to Delhi. The Haryana government, however, vehemently refuted the allegations, stating that no one in the administration had hampered anything.

Addressing a press conference, Manish Sisodia said the AAP government had been demanding that the Centre increase Delhi's quota of oxygen from 378 metric tonnes to 700 metric tonnes. Notably, several hospitals in Delhi scrambled to save the lives of coronavirus patients amid its shortage for the second consecutive day.

Reacting to it, Haryana Chief Secretary Vijai Vardhan told PTI: "No supply has been stopped to Delhi. This is not true." Earlier in the day, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij alleged that a tanker carrying medical oxygen for COVID patients in hospitals, which was going from Panipat to Faridabad, was "looted" by the Delhi government and said all oxygen tankers will now move with police escort.

The Central government, which decides the quota of oxygen for states, is yet to take a step in this direction, the deputy chief minister said.

Sisodia said, "We again demand that the Centre increase our oxygen quota to 700 MT in view of the increased consumption. Patients from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, are admitted in city hospitals," adding that an official of the Haryana government stopped oxygen supply from a plant in Faridabad.

In a statement, the Delhi government said, "It's indeed unfortunate that states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are curtailing the supply of life-saving oxygen to Delhi." It said, "Just as the Haryana government, the Uttar Pradesh government has illegally captured the oxygen production plants, depriving Delhi of oxygen."

"What's worse is that they're indulging in this insensitive act despite clear orders from the high court," he said, adding that states should get their allotted share of oxygen without others interfering in it.

Several hospitals in Delhi alleged that the Haryana government was not allowing vendors to supply oxygen to them and there was only limited stock left as hundreds of coronavirus patients battled for their lives in these facilities.

The official told PTI, "The vendor, as per its representative, is not being allowed by the Haryana government to supply oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen to Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital, Pusa Road. Supply left is sufficient only for five hours."

A spokesperson of St Stephen's Hospital said: "The Haryana government has not been allowing our vendor to supply oxygen to us. Of the 350 patients in the hospital, around 200 are on oxygen support."

Manipal Hospitals CEO said Pramod Alagharu their supplier was willing to supply oxygen from its Faridabad unit, adding "an officer has taken control over the plant. We have only 12 hrs of supplies left."

Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Garima Mittal denied the allegations, and told PTI, "There is absolutely nothing like that. Some storage tankers of the company were reaching Faridabad plant from Meerut and once they reach, as usual, they will fill and supply."

From the Faridabad plant, the supplies go to 32 hospitals, out of which 25 are in Delhi, Vardhan said, adding that the supply would reach in routine.

Delhi reported a record 28,395 coronavirus cases and 277 deaths on Tuesday, with the positivity rate shooting up to 32.82 per cent -- meaning every third sample came out positive.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to "forthwith" provide oxygen by whatever means to the hospitals in the national capital which are treating serious COVID-19 patients and is facing scarcity of oxygen.

The HC said, "Why is the Centre not waking up to the gravity of the situation? We are shocked and dismayed hospitals are running out of oxygen but steel plants are running."

The High court said heavens are not going to fall if the industries, including steel and petroleum, run on lower capacity till oxygen is imported. It said certainly all hell will break loose with the stoppage of medical oxygen for hospitals.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli, which was conducting the hearing on a holiday, said that the responsibility to ensure oxygen supply is squarely on the Centre's shoulders and if necessary, entire supply of oxygen to industries including steel and petroleum can be diverted for medical usage.

(With Agency Inputs)
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration plans to order U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to stop using terms such as "alien," "illegal alien" and "assimilation" when referring to immigrants in the United States, a rebuke of terms widely used under the Trump administration.

The change is detailed in memos expected to be sent Monday to department heads at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, the nation's chief enforcers of federal immigration laws, according to copies obtained by The Washington Post. It is part of an ongoing effort to reverse President Donald Trump's hard-line policies and advance Biden's efforts to build a more "humane" immigration system.

Among the changes: "Alien" will become "noncitizen or migrant," "illegal" will become "undocumented," and "assimilation" will change to "integration."

The memos also send a clear signal to a pair of law-enforcement agencies - and their associated labor unions that endorsed Trump's candidacy for president - that under the Biden administration, their approach must change.

"As the nation's premier law enforcement agency, we set a tone and example for our country and partners across the world," CBP's top official, Troy Miller, said in his memo. "We enforce our nation's laws while also maintaining the dignity of every individual with whom we interact. The words we use matter and will serve to further confer that dignity to those in our custody."

ICE acting director Tae Johnson echoed those words in a separate memo, saying, "In response to the vision set by the Administration, ICE will ensure agency communications use the preferred terminology and inclusive language."

The new guidance mirrors an earlier directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes green cards and citizenship applications, and applies broadly to agency communications, including internal correspondence and public information. Officials said the changes take effect immediately.

Border Patrol agents and ICE routinely use alien and illegal on social media, in news releases and in memos to refer to people they take into custody for violating civil immigration laws or crossing the border illegally. In the past, officials and some federal judges have defended using "alien," because it is the official definition of noncitizen in federal laws. Officials acknowledge that officials may need to use the terms in "legal or operational documents," such as when filling out required forms.

Noncitizens include immigrants who are in the United States illegally, as well as millions of legal permanent residents, also known as green-card holders, and visitors arriving on visas for work or tourism.

Advocates for immigrants, who have increasing influence on the White House, say the terms are archaic and dehumanizing - "alien," for instance, is more likely to conjure visions of space aliens than people, they say - and should be scrapped in favor of a more civil tone.

Republicans criticized the agencies' new lexicon as imprecise and a sign that the Biden administration is pulling back on immigration enforcement as a large influx of migrants arrives at the southwest border.

"We use the term 'illegal alien' because they're here illegally," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on Twitter. "This kind of weakness and obsession with political correctness is why we're having a crisis on the border in the first place."

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., tweeted: "President Biden is more concerned about Border Patrol's vocabulary than he is about solving the border crisis. These backwards priorities are only making the situation worse."

Democrats and advocates for immigrants praised the new policy. "Words matter," tweeted Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Ill., calling the new terms "a small but important step."

Jose Antonio Vargas, founder of Define American, a nonpartisan organization that has pushed for such changes, said in an interview that Democrats must turn words into actions and pass a bill to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants.

"The Trump administration used language as a weapon," said Vargas, an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines and former Washington Post reporter. "This administration is using language as a bridge - a bridge to what exactly? If you're going to use humanizing language, then how does that lead to policies - specific, tangible, policy changes - that treat immigrants as people?"

Biden proposed eliminating the term "alien" from federal immigration laws in the citizenship bill he sent to Congress on his first day in office. The White House has said that replacing "alien" with "noncitizen" recognizes the United States as "a nation of immigrants" - a phrase the Trump administration had struck from the USCIS mission statement.

Biden proposed eliminating the term alien from federal immigration laws in the citizenship bill he sent to Congress on his first day. The White House has said that replacing alien with noncitizen recognizes the United States as "a nation of immigrants" - a phrase the Trump administration had struck from the USCIS mission statement.

Federal officials say the shifting language is not merely symbolic but part of a broader effort to reorient agencies that became highly politicized under Trump. His orientation of the agencies was widely lauded by Republicans but reviled by many liberal Democrats.

Trump lavished praise on immigration and border agencies during his presidency and urged Congress to dramatically expand their ranks. He allowed ICE to arrest anyone in the United States illegally, reversing Obama-era restrictions that sought to spare undocumented immigrants who had no criminal records from being deported. And he expanded the barrier on the southwest border with the aim of aiding Border Patrol agents.

Biden has rolled back many of Trump's hard-line policies, such as limiting the immigrants ICE is allowed to detain to national security threats, recent border crossers and people with an aggravated felony conviction.

But he has resisted calls from liberal Democrats to abolish ICE, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has praised CBP's efforts to contend with a rising influx of migrants at the southwest border.

Scrapping the term alien has been debated in state and local governments as well as the courts, where some judges have used it in rulings and others have not.

California - where 27% of the population are immigrants, including naturalized citizens - passed a state law in 2015 banning the use of the term alien in the labor code. A Democratic lawmaker filed a bill in February that would forbid the term in all manner of state laws in such areas as housing, education, natural resources and driver's licenses.

The bill says laws should refer to noncitizens in other ways, such as "a person who is not a citizen or national of the United States.
- Achievement forms part of the brand's commitment to eradicating single-use plastic from its MEA operations

- The mobile telecommunications leader also announced a review of its carbon footprint in Saudi Arabia by end of 2021

- Sustainability goals reflect the brand's global commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen

- Over 50 tonnes of single-use plastic have already been eliminated since 2017

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major move towards realising its local and regional sustainability ambitions, Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia has eliminated all single-use plastic from its operations across the Kingdom.

The achievement marks Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia's local efforts in support of Virgin Group's wider aspirations to boost its sustainability credentials globally. These group-wide actions ultimately aim to help realise a number of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as the company moves to reinforce its position as a responsible corporate citizen.

Commenting on the achievement, Yaarob Al-Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia, said: "As a digital trail-blazer, our focus has always been to make mobile better, not just through our services but also by driving positive social and environmental impact through everything we do. As we celebrate Earth Day, we want to highlight our success in completely removing single-use plastic from our operations in Saudi Arabia as a starting point reference for all Saudi companies in telco and beyond. This action not only helps our brand to move closer towards responsible consumption and production, but it also allows us to provide a more environmentally friendly mobile carrier service for every customer in the country."

Several similar initiatives implemented by Virgin Mobile across the Middle East has led the brand to successfully cut more than 50 tonnes of single-use plastic from across its operations.

Such major regional success in support of the brand's global commitment led to Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa being awarded Virgin Group's global annual Sustainability Award in 2019 on the back of the initial pilot project.

Complementing its success in eradicating single-use plastic in Saudi Arabia, the mobile telecommunications leader has also announced a review of its carbon footprint, and a commitment to work with customers, partners, and sustainability experts to explore how it could significantly reduce and/or offset its carbon emissions.

"Reducing the negative impact of our operations on society and the environment and providing the foundation to embed sustainable habits in everything we do is at the heart of the Virgin brand. We look forward to keeping all of our stakeholders posted on our progress and will be sharing more exciting announcements in this space throughout 2021," concluded Yaarob Al-Sayegh.

Notes to Editors:

About Virgin Mobile KSA

Virgin Mobile KSA is changing the rules of the mobile game by focusing on providing the best customer experience, innovative digital products and creating a great place to work. An affiliate of the Virgin Mobile Group, no one works harder to making mobile better in Saudi Arabia. Powered by one of the very best 5G Networks, Virgin Mobile connects more customers to the things and the people they care most about.

About Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa

Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa is part of the Virgin family group of companies. Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa is responsible for all Virgin Mobile operations in the Middle East and Africa region, and is headquartered in Dubai, UAE.



Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa has been in the region since 2009 and operates the two consumer brands of Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi Mobile across the region. Partnering with telecoms operators across the region, the Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa team provides customers with innovative products and packages designed to make their mobile experience better. We work closely with other Virgin companies across the world to make sure we can create experiences for our customer's which surprise and delight them, and which can't be matched.

Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa believes in having the best people on the team, and the management team is made up of senior level team members from a variety of successful regional and global mobile operators, as well as from MVNOs. The company has a strong financial foundation supported by well-respected and global and regional shareholders, including Virgin Group, GIC, ePlanet Capital, Dolphin International, NTEC, and members of the senior management team.



About Virgin Group

Virgin Mobile is one of the businesses of the Virgin Group, a leading international branded investment company and one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony and media to transportation, travel, financial services, hotels, health and fitness, as well as renewable technologies and space tourism.

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Marin County was on a path to become the first Bay Area county to move into the yellow tier, but on Tuesday, county public health officials said the region will remain at the orange level.

At the start of the month, Marin saw a decline in COVID-19 infections, positioning the county to move into the least restrictive tier in the state's reopening plan, but more recently the numbers increased slightly.

"We dont want to move forward until were ready, and clearly were not quite there," the county's Health Director Matt Willis wrote in an email. "A small uptick in cases was enough to keep us from moving forward. At this point, Id rather see a stronger trend of progress before we have a set of less restrictive policies."

Willis told KCBS radio that the county is seeing an increase in cases among teenagers and young adults and he believes this could be associated with spring break travel. Seniors aren't contributing to the surge, and county data shows 81% of Marin residents 65 and over have completed a vaccine series.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier this month the state will fully reopen its economy June 15 and dissolve the so-called Blueprint for a Safer Economy, whose tier levels dictate which businesses can open based on the severity of virus spread in a county.

"We will be moving beyond the blueprint and getting rid of the colored tiers," Newsom said at an April 6 press briefing. "Well be getting rid of the dimmer switch."

The state will track hospitalization rates, vaccine access and vaccine efficacy against variants in the weeks leading up to June 15, and revisit the date if needed.

In the meantime, the state will continue to operate under the blueprint that was adopted in August.

The state's color-coded reopening framework assigns a tier to each county dictating which business sectors and activities can operate. The state announces new tier assignments each Tuesday, and on Wednesday, counties can move forward with reopenings.

The state's system sorts counties into four tiers  "purple" (widespread), "red" (substantial), "orange" (moderate) or "yellow" (minimal)  that measure the spread of COVID-19 and dictate what types of businesses and activities are allowed to open.

To move into the yellow tier, a countys adjusted coronavirus case rate must fall below two cases per 100,000 residents and the positivity rate must hold below 2% for two weeks. As of Tuesday, the case rate in Marin was 2.6 per 100,000 and the positivity rate 1%.

The earliest the county could move into the yellow is May 4, according to the Marin Independent Journal. Advancing into this level will allow for larger gatherings and easing of restrictions on businesses. Bars would be permitted to open indoors.

In the Bay Area, all nine counties remain in the orange tier, except for Solano County, which is still red. Among California's 58 counties, Lassen, Sierra and Alpine are in the yellow tier.
A group of illegal immigrants wait for Border Patrol after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in La Joya, Texas, on April 10, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Biden Administration Abruptly Closes Texas Migrant Facility Over Alleged Unbearable Conditions

Last Saturday, the Biden administration abruptly closed a temporary facility housing nearly 500 unaccompanied illegal immigrant girls in Houston, Texas, a move allegedly due to the unbearable conditions of the facility.

The facility is an emergency shelter of the National Association of Christian Churches (NACC), a nonprofit organization focused on disaster services. Its actually in a warehouse in northern Houston, near the George Bush International Airport. From April 1, NACC opened the shelter as a temporary facility to house unaccompanied girls.

A screenshot of the NACC shelter in Houston, Texas. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times/Google Map)

Immigrant advocates had raised concern about the shelters conditions and questioned that NACC has no prior experience dealing with unaccompanied children. According to the Houston Chronicle, the night before the closing, an adult staffer from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) working at the shelter suddenly died.

[The girls] were more treated like merchandise rather than treated as human beings, Cesar Espinoza, the executive director of migrant civil rights organization FIEL, told ABC News.

Espinoza toured the facility a week after it was opened. He said the shelter was filled just with cots. The girls were not allowed to get up unless it was for a shower or using the restroom. There was no enough dining space, and their meals were brought to their cots. The desperation in the girls faces was unbearable and incredible.

ABC reported that at times the girls, from 13 to 17, were asked to use plastic bags for a toilet because there were not enough staff to accompany them to restrooms.

NACC later explained that it only happened oncewhen it was after lights out.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, the HHS said that the NACC Houston emergency intake site was intended to use as a temporary measure, and the closing was to ensure continuity of care under conditions that meet our strict standards.

HHS continued that about 130 of the 450 girls on-site already have plans to be unified with a sponsor, the rest were moved to the Carrizo Springs Influx Care Facility or emergency intake sites where beds have become available.

HHS didnt respond to other questions from The Epoch Times.

Xavier Becerra, the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, answers questions during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill on February 24, 2021, in Washington, DC. ( Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images)

Jose Ortega, founder and president of NACC, claimed to the Houston Chronicle that HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra personally begged him to take the migrant children and sign the $4 million contract.

Im a pastor. We were not looking for a contract. We were not applying for a contract for us to make moneythis was thrown on us, Ortega said.

The Epoch Times has reached out to NACC for comments.

Biden administration is spending roughly $60 million a week to shelter illegal immigrant children who cross into the United States from Mexico.

More than 18,600 unaccompanied children were apprehended after crossing the border in March. Nearly 18,800 are being housed in HHS facilities.

Over the weekend, President Joe Biden for the first time described the recent surge of illegal immigrants along the southern border as a crisis, a phrase his administration had avoided using.

Jack Phillips and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
VKumar BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Dehradun Posts: 843 Thanked: 6,387 Times

Re: Covid-19 pushes Indias Middle Class toward poverty | Job losses & business closures It is indeed the middle class that aspires for the most, and loses the most! Feeling really sad for this situation.



When it comes to small scale industry, it is really badly hit. My cousin is a decent sized sub vendor for two giant vendors for Hero MotoCorp, and Mahindra. He has been running behind these guys just for the delayed payments since months, still no respite. He has very well summed up the situation once:



This COVID has given the companies a right to arm twist as the Govt. has gone a bit lax.



Actually I do agree with him, I was working with Aditya Birla Group last year when the COVID hit, although nobody lost their jobs, but the kind of work pressure, especially on the lowest rung of the sales team was beyond acceptable - people were staying and working just because of the fear of a job loss, and the organisations have shamelessly encashed on it.



But even more important is the reason behind this attitude or bigger organisations?

The owner wont pay from his pockets. I agree.



But there is a bigger reason, which I could very well see as I was more into a role which was all about liaison in with higher and top level officials of banks and financial organizations. The reason for more of the agony of the middle class today is the lifestyle and aspirations. See, I am not saying that one must not have aspirations; but yes, weighing of the options and growth prospects is extremely important. I am really unable to understand how people keep on taking the risk of accumulating loans after loans, some are paying EMIs which are up to 60-70% of their salaries, and our private banks; they just keep giving even after 40% breach.



Now, if someone has so well trapped himself or herself in a debt trap, then he/she is at the mercy of the employer or the market in case you are into a business. And always remember, one is safe only till the moment their employer or the market doesnt know about them being on the life support. Once they know it, they start treating you with a finger on the button.



Why this situation is bad?

Because this situation makes you conservative. Instead of taking the risks, people either stop taking risks altogether, or they just take the risks of too high a magnitude.



How is it linked to Poverty due to COVID?

It isnt directly. But, when the situation outside is grim, and when you dont have substantial deposits to back you in case things go haywire, then making aspirational purchases or taking the risks of herculean magnitude doesnt make sense either.



I know a few guys who are heading towards the same situation, not because their income is poor, but because they just accumulated a bit too much of the debts when things were rosy, and now they are stuck in a situation between eating and paying. It is over my head that how a few people, just to look cool; end up buying a Creta with a take home of 50-60k without any other source of income or well established financial backing. With just a hope that they will switch the job, get the hike and it will be all good. I belong to the conservative class, and I am feeling immune because probably my inspirations are lesser - I dont see any another reason behind it. EMIs are probably the biggest reason behind the middle class people being pushed towards the poverty.



Small businessmen, once I asked a guy if he has proper life and health insurance cover, and he shrugged the idea off saying its not my need, this is the first thing one needs in a rainy day.



Post COVID pent up demand:

This is the biggest reason IMO. I personally know people who availed all the moratorium for 6 months, and then made another big ticket purchase from the saved money - just in the hope that its gone now and economy is growing, now they are caught in pants down situation. You guys really think that economy actually grew post first wave COVID? I attribute it all to just the pent up demand, it was the held set of requirements, as well as the additional money with the people that they saved due to moratorium and work from home etc, especially the salaried class - they drove the demand; business class was already quite vary. Now the clouds again got darker, business class is not in the situation of spending - salary class will pull their hands back owing to the risk. Result? The domino effect risk!



Our rural economy was already in more or less a jeopardy. Agriculture is a neglected sector, no matter how rosy picture the govt. may try to show. Urban consumption expenditure, and service sector have been our backbone. Household consumption forms over 55% of the GDP.



Now try to imagine the situation when this urban consumption expenditure starts going off track. Service sector is the actual saving grace today, nearly every other sector is moving towards or reporting losses (loss == no tax == lower tax revenue for Govt. too). This is the time for bigger steps. Else as suggested by V. Narayan Sir - India is on the way of becoming a poster boy of how not to have dealt with a pandemic. Last edited by VKumar : 19th April 2021 at 17:33 .
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

N'Djamena, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno has died in combat just a day after securing re-election, opening a period of uncertainty in a country that is a key strategic ally of the West in a troubled region.

His son was immediately named transitional leader as head of a military council and both the government and parliament were dissolved, but the army vowed "free and democratic" elections after an 18-month transitional period.

The army said late Tuesday Deby had died from injuries sustained as he led his troops against rebels who launched an offensive against his regime from Libya last week.

Chad had claimed victory against the fighters, but soon after the announcement of Deby's death, they vowed to pursue their offensive and march on the capital N'Djamena.

The shock news came just a day after the 68-year-old career military man was proclaimed the winner of a presidential election that gave him a sixth term in office.

The army also announced a curfew and border closures, while a state funeral was planned for Friday.

Deby, also known as "marshal," had ruled Chad with an iron fist since taking power on the back of a coup in 1990, and often put members of his family and ethnic group in key positions in government and the military.

He was nonetheless a key ally in the West's anti-jihadist campaign in the unstable Sahel region, particularly due to the relative strength of Chad's military and its ability to supply weaponry and soldiers.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Deby was a "key partner" and had made significant contributions to help "combat terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime in the Sahel".

Both the United States and the European Union offered condolences, urging a peaceful transition of power.

Following the announcement of Deby's death, presidential guard officers in civilian clothes and police dressed in black roamed N'Djamena -- although the military presence was no more intensive than since the rebel offensive began in northern Chad on April 11, the day of the presidential election.

The army said Deby had been commanding his forces at the weekend as they battled rebel group Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT).

Deby "has just breathed his last breath defending the sovereign nation on the battlefield", army spokesman General Azem Bermandoa Agouna said on state television.

He first said Deby had died on Tuesday, but the presidency later gave the date as Monday.

A military council, led by the late president's 37-year-old son and four-star general Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, would replace him, the army said.

Deby's son oversaw his father's security as head of the elite presidential guard and often appeared alongside him.

He signed a decree Tuesday setting out a military council with 15 generals, including himself and 14 others known to have been part of the late president's circle of loyalists.

Some analysts expressed concern that Deby's death could unleash a new round of violence.

On Monday, the army claimed a "great victory" against FACT, saying it had killed more than 300 rebels and captured 150 others, with the loss of five soldiers.

But FACT spokesman Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol told AFP that the rebels would continue the offensive after a short delay for Deby's funeral.

"We categorically reject the transition," he said.

Deby, who had been among the world's longest-serving leaders, had on previous occasions gone to the frontlines as government forces battled rebels.

Provisional results released Monday showed him winning re-election with almost 80 percent of the vote.

His victory had never been in doubt, with a divided opposition, boycott calls, and a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.

Deby was a herder's son from the Zaghawa ethnic group who took the classic path to power through the army.

He had campaigned for the latest election on a promise of bringing peace and security to the troubled region, but his pledges were undermined by the rebel incursion.

The government had sought Monday to assure concerned residents that the offensive in the provinces of Tibesti and Kanem was over.

But much remains unclear regarding the rebel action, which had led several nations including the US and Britain to advise their nationals to leave.

One analyst said the country was "entering uncharted territory".

"A damaging succession crisis is to be feared, while government forces and rebels have been fighting each other in the north and centre of the country," said Richard Moncrieff of the International Crisis Group think tank.
Lucknow, April 21 : Suspended paediatrician of BRD medical college, Dr Kafeel Khan has written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting him to revoke his suspension so that he could use his medical expertise to treat Covid patients.

Dr Kafeel Khan, who hit headlines in August 2017 when he was blamed for disruption of oxygen supply in the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur that led to the death of about 60 children, said that he wanted to serve the country in this emergency situation.

He said that he could be suspended again after the pandemic is over.

Khan is currently working with a group of like-minded doctors -- Doctors On-Road -- spreading awareness on Covid appropriate behaviour and providing relief and treatment to patients in villages and inaccessible areas.

The letter which was sent to the official email ID of the Chief Minister's Office read, "The country is currently embroiled in the second deadlier Covid wave. I have 15 years of medical experience which perhaps could help in saving some lives. I request you to revoke my suspension so that I could serve the nation."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The HSE says vaccination is by appointment only and people will not be vaccinated if you do not have an appointment and photo ID.

Appointments will be spaced out to keep everybody safe. Don't be late for your appointment. If you do not arrive on time, you will not get your vaccine.

People should bring their appointment information to the vaccination centre. This will be on your mobile phone or in a letter. You will also need to bring your photo ID.

This can be your:

 passport - book or card

 driving licence

 Public Services Card

 travel pass

 National Age Card - issued by the Gardai

 identification form with a photograph signed by a member of the Gardai - get this from a Garda station

You will not be vaccinated if you do not have photo ID.

All 65-69-year-olds should register online if you havent already been vaccinated or you havent received an appointment yet. If you have an appointment for vaccination already, through work, or because of a health condition, you dont need to register online. The quickest and easiest way to register is online at www.hse.ie.

It is a new system that will register people, manage appointments, and provide a secure record of your vaccination. This group will be the first to use it and most groups being vaccinated from now on will also use it.

 Register online at www.hse.ie or by phone at 1850 24 1850 for HSE vaccination appointments

 Vaccines will be given during April and May

 Information video explaining how to register is available at https://youtu.be/v1JoC01Omgc

 Privacy statement for the Vaccine Information system https://www.hse.ie/eng/gdpr/ data-protection-covid-19/data- protection-covid-19-vaccine- information-system.html

 HSELive is here to answer your questions, 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. Tel: 1850 24 1850 https://www.hse.ie/eng/ contact-us

Further Information

Who should register for their vaccines?

People aged 65 to 69 are being vaccinated next, please register online or on the phone.

The easiest way is to do it online, but you can ring HSELive if you cant.

When should you register?

To avoid delays when we open registrations this week, we are asking people to register by age:

If you are 69  please register on Thursday 15 April, or any time after

If you are 68  please register on Friday 16 April, or any time after

If you are 67  please register on Saturday 17 April, or any time after

If you are 66  please register on Sunday 18 April, or any time after

If you are 65  please register on Monday 19 April, or any time after and remember, there is no hurry to register today - registering first wont get you vaccinated first.

What do you need to register online?

To register online you will need your PPSN, your eircode, a mobile phone number and an email address. You can use a mobile, computer or tablet.

When and where will you be vaccinated?

Vaccinations for this group will start in HSE vaccination centres around 1 to 2 weeks after registration opens.

What vaccine will you be given?

People aged 65-69 will be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine. You can read all about this vaccine on the HSE website here. www.hse.ie/COVID19vaccine

When will you be in touch with me after registration?

Once you are registered, we will send your appointment details by SMS, 3 to 7 days before your vaccination appointment.

What happens at the vaccination centre?

You can read all about our vaccination centres here. https://hse.ie/vacctr

Can you help someone else to register?

A friend or family member can help you register if you dont have an email address or mobile phone.

You can use a single email address and phone number for multiple registrations.

You can also ring HSELive to register someone else.

Im a healthcare worker aged 65-69

If you have not registered on the HCW portal you should register on this system. If you have an appointment for a vaccine already, through work, or because of a health condition, you dont need to register here.

Im in this age group, but in a different allocation group, do I need to register?

All 65-69 year-olds should register if you havent been vaccinated or you havent received an appointment. If you have an appointment for a vaccine already, through work, or because of a health condition, you dont need to register here.

What about people who cannot or do not want to register online?

Our team in HSELive is here to help and can register you on the phone. Just have your PPSN, Eircode and mobile phone number. If you dont have a mobile phone you can provide us with the phone number of someone you trust to receive your appointment details.

HSELive can also be contacted through the Irish Remote Interpreting Service in Irish Sign Language or by a dedicated text number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Information is available on the HSE website.

Why did we merge allocation group 5 and part of group 6?

This was based on our experience of earlier allocation groups, where identifying people by condition was very challenging and led to delays contacting people. In addition we now have an increase in supply of vaccines  this approach is the most efficient and timely way of vaccinating everyone in this group, including those with high-risk conditions.

What information is asked for when registering  and why?

 Mobile phone number so we can text you your appointment details

 Your email address so you can set up your account

 Eircode and Address so we can assign you to your nearest vaccination centre

The following are needed so we can find your Individual Health Identifier which means we can securely record your vaccination against your health record.

 PPSN

 Mothers birth family name

 Gender

 Nationality

Why do you want the GPs name?

We capture GP information so we can send your vaccination record to your GP.

What if you dont have a GP?

There is an option to say you dont have a GP.

Why do we ask about ethnicity?

Ethnicity is captured so we can make sure there are no communities left out of the vaccination programme, and that we are able to report on the performance of the programme for all our population. If you do not want to share your ethnicity with us you can select this option in the list on this page.

What if I dont have a PPSN, Eircode or mobile phone?

You can call HSELive and they will register you on the phone.

How do we stop people registering out of their turn?

The system will alert anyone not aged 65-69 that is it not their turn to register.

Data Security

Data security is a priority for the HSE. The Vaccination Information System has been designed to ensure only necessary information is captured and stored securely in line with HSE data retention policies. All information is encrypted in transit and at rest. The privacy statement for the Vaccine Information system is available here https://www.hse.ie/eng/gdpr/ data-protection-covid-19/data- protection-covid-19-vaccine- information-system.html

User accounts created on registration use two factor authentication, email and mobile phone number, to provide people with secure access to their own information about their vaccination.

Why we ask for your gender

We ask for your gender as it appears on your passport, medical card or national age card, so we can match your registration to your Individual Health Identifier (IHI).

Your IHI is the number that matches you to your existing health records.

We understand this may not match your current gender or how you self-describe but it is important that we are able to correctly identify you when you come for your vaccine.

Vaxzevria COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is not recommended for those aged under 60 years including those with medical conditions with very high or high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. A second dose of Vaxzevria the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should not be given to anyone who developed unusual blood clots with low platelets after the first dose.

Advice for those who have received a first dose of Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca is

Those aged 60 and older should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled.

 Those aged under 60 years with a very high risk or high-risk medical condition should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled.

 Those aged under 60 years without a very high risk or high-risk medical condition should have the scheduled interval between doses extended to 16 weeks to allow further assessment of the benefits and risks as more evidence becomes available.
Hot on the heels of its pending spin-off of VMware, Dell is now reportedly looking to sell off its Boomi cloud business for $3 billion. Bloomberg first broke the news, citing people familiar with the matter.

Dell is working with a financial adviser on the sale, sources told Bloomberg, and the idea is said to be in the early stages. One thing about Dell, it does not rush these decisions. The VMware spin-off, which has been discussed for years, started last summer and only now is coming to fruition.

Boomi provides an integration platform as a service (iPaaS), which enables the connection of applications and data sources. The platform provides API, lifecycle management, and event-driven architecture features for cloud integration. Dell acquired Boomi in 2010.

Dell has remained fluid in the status of its assets. Last year, Dell sold its RSA cybersecurity business to a consortium led by Symphony Technology Group for more than $2 billion in cash. The VMware spin-out could net Dell $9 billion.

Its the latest in a fire sale as CEO Michael Dell tries to pare down debt. He went through great pains to take Dell private in 2013, but two years later he leveraged the daylights out of the company for its $67 billion acquisition of EMC.

It formed a tech giant and brought VMware into the fold, but it also saddled Dell with debt. so much so that five years after going private, Dell went public again in 2018, and not by choice. It was basically a shotgun wedding to pay off debt. As of January 31, Dell is sitting on $43 billion in long term debt, which is crippling for any company.
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, and the parent company of Allied Electronics & Automation has chosen The Washing Machine Project Foundation as its first global charity partner, pledging to support the project for three years. Support will extend to encouraging the Group's employees, customers and suppliers to contribute through fundraising and volunteering activities.

The Washing Machine Project was set up in 2018 by British engineer Nav Sawhney following a sabbatical in South India, where he witnessed women and children enduring many backbreaking hours washing clothes by hand. He discovered that 70% of the world's population do not have access to an electric washing machine and for many washing clothes in rivers, lakes and buckets is the only solution. Handwashing clothes is recognised as being a major barrier to education for low-income and displaced people around the world. This repetitive, demanding task, which can take upwards of 20 hours per week, often also leads to chronic back and joint pain.

This experience led Nav to develop a prototype for an affordable off-grid manual crank washing machine, the Divya. It is the only machine of its kind to be developed for humanitarian purposes and requires no electricity to operate. It uses a flywheel mechanism with drum-in-drum technology and combines washing and spin-dry functionality. Designed to be made from reusable off-the-shelf components and easily maintainable, it can be operated and fixed anywhere, by anyone. Using the Divya reduces the time spent handwashing clothes by 75% and requires 50% less water. It can handle loads up to 5 kg, despite weighing just 12 kg.

Nav and his team at The Washing Machine Project are working to further improve the design and to broaden its humanitarian, sustainable and educational impact. With multiple modes of activation, such as push, pull and foot, the Divya Two will be easier to use by people with disabilities. It has also been modified to be used while seated, to reduce muscle and joint strain and promote better posture.

Following trials last year, 50 Divyas are now in use in the Jeddah 5 refugee camp in Mosul, Iraq. By 2023, the plan is to have at least 7,500 machines available to disadvantaged families and communities in 10 countries, providing relief to around 100,000 people.

To continue its work the project requires essential funding. The three-year partnership with Electrocomponents will enable the charity to alleviate the burden of washing clothes for thousands of hard-hit families and communities. With an innovative engineering solution at its heart, the mission of The Washing Machine Project resonated with Electrocomponents' own, as both organisations share the ambition of creating a more sustainable world.

"Electrocomponents' support will provide critical funding and components to develop our future machine and build the capacity of our organisation so that we can reach many more people in need," commented Nav Sawhney, Founder, The Washing Machine Project.

"At Electrocomponents we are committed to inspiring a more sustainable world through education and innovative solutions that improve lives," said Lindsley Ruth, Electrocomponents CEO. "That's why we've chosen the Washing Machine Project Foundation as our first global charity partner and will mobilise our people, customers and suppliers in support of this fantastic cause."

Support The Washing Machine Project by making a donation at https://electrocomponents.blackbaud-sites.com.

Video footage available at: https://youtu.be/rlZYj-sl7P8

About The Washing Machine Project

The Washing Machine Project is a registered social enterprise dedicated to designing, developing and distributing low-cost, water-saving, manual washing machines to provide displaced and low-income people with an alternative to handwashing clothes. The Washing Machine Project is supported by The Washing Machine Project Foundation which is a registered charity in England & Wales (No.1193480)

About Allied Electronics & Automation

Allied Electronics & Automation is a high-service distributor of automation and control, electronic, electrical, mechanical, and maintenance products from more than 500 world-class suppliers. With sales offices across the Americas, a focus on digital customer experience, 99 percent ship-to-order accuracy, and more than 3.5 million parts available for purchase online, engineers, designers, maintainers, and purchasers trust Allied to provide a wide range of solutions across the entire product lifecycle. Connect with us at www.alliedelec.com or via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Electrocomponents

Electrocomponents plc is a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers who are involved in designing, building or maintaining industrial equipment and facilities. We aim to offer our customers unrivalled choice of product technologies, solve problems with innovative solutions and deliver a world-class customer experience, making it easy to do business with us.

We stock more than 500,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers. We solve problems and provide a wide range of value-added solutions to over one million customers. With operations in 32 countries, we trade through multiple channels and ship over 50,000 parcels a day.

Electrocomponents plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2020 reported revenue of 1.95 billion. Electrocomponents plc has nine operating brands: RS Components, Allied Electronics & Automation, RS PRO, OKdo, DesignSpark, IESA, Synovos, Needlers and Liscombe.

For more information, please visit www.electrocomponents.com.

Editorial contact:

Lynn Webster-Scott

Head of Group PR

[email protected]

+44 (0)7796 336499

PR Agency Contact:

Janice Fenton

Account Director

Publitek

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7774 725483

SOURCE Allied Electronics & Automation

Related Links

http://www.electrocomponents.com


Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, speaks with U.S. troops while visiting Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Sept. 9, 2019. (Phil Stewart/Reuters)

General: US Withdrawing From Afghanistan Makes Terror Fight Harder

The United States completely withdrawing from Afghanistan will make fighting terror more difficult, a top general said on Tuesday.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, told members of Congress in Washington that conducting counterterrorism requires finding targets, locating them, and eliminating them.

If youre out of the country, and you dont have the ecosystem that we have there now, it will be harder to do that. It is not impossible to do that, it will just be harder to do it, McKenzie said before the House Armed Services Committee.

Drones that are sent to kill terrorists, he added, would have to be sent from nearby countries if the United States no longer has a presence in Afghanistan. Instead of getting a drone in place in a matter of minutes, the length of time will be longer. Other options are sending a manned raid or launching a long-range precision strike. All are inherently dangerous.

Top American officials are looking into reaching agreements with countries next to and otherwise near Afghanistan to locate resources.

I can tell you that the U.S. military can do just about anything. And were examining this problem with all of our resources right now to find a way to do it in the most intelligent, risk-free manner that we can, McKenzie said.

President Joe Biden announced last week that all U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by Sept. 11, months after the withdrawal deadline set by his predecessor.

Biden said that its time to end Americas longest war.

U.S. Black Hawk military helicopters fly over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan on April 19, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo)

We went to Afghanistan because of a horrific attack that happened 20 years ago. That cannot explain why we should remain there in 2021, he added.

Top military officials have cautioned both former President Donald Trump and Biden against removing all troops from Afghanistan, asserting it would make protecting America more difficult.

McKenzie in a talk in February said he remained concerned about the extreme violence the Taliban had carried out. Keeping levels of violence low was a condition of a deal the U.S. government under Trump reached with the Taliban, but Bidens administration has axed that condition.

Countries next to Afghanistan like Pakistan and China will likely display an array of hedging behaviors as U.S. forces depart, the general said on Tuesday. Pakistan could be the most effective U.S. partner because leaders there are concerned about a wave of refugees trying to enter in the event civil war breaks out again.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a former Department of Defense official, said that America had trouble getting intelligence and monitoring the threat of ISIS when it pulled troops from Iraq and wondered how things would be different with Afghanistan.

Groups like the Taliban and ISIS still want to launch attacks against the United States, McKenzie said.

I think that is a reasonable concern. And I share that concern, frankly, he said.

But Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the committees chairman, said that Bidens decision to withdraw from Afghanistan was the right one.

There was no easy, good decision here, he told the hearing. We have accomplished much of what we set out to accomplish in terms of degrading al Qaeda. Certainly, we killed Osama bin Laden, and we have significantly reduced the ability of terrorist groups to operate out of that region. And at between $14 and $20 billion a year, I dont think that investment is justified at this point. I think the president made the right decision in terms of what our current defense priorities are.
People who come from a variety of socioeconomic, religious, and political experiences formed a conservative populist coalition long before Donald Trump descended Trump Towers escalator in June 2015 in New York City. (Shannon Venditti)

Trump Didnt Form a Populist Coalition; He Was the Result of One

Commentary

PITTSBURGHTheyre still there, planted in front of stately homes in wealthy suburban neighborhoods, on flagpoles in middle-class communities, and along the front stoops of inner-city row houses.

Whether they say Trump 2020 or simply Trump, there are plenty of people who have left their sentiments planted on their own personal hill.

It is not just here in Pennsylvania. The signs are not hard to spot as you travel to the Great Lakes, the Midwest, and Appalachia.

The reason is complex. People who come from a variety of socioeconomic, religious, and political experiences formed a conservative populist coalition long before Donald Trump descended Trump Towers escalator in June 2015 in New York City.

Political analysts, who often have little cultural connection to Republican voters, tend to say Trump the man is why his supporters voted for him. So, using that same line of thinking, if they came here and saw the Trump signs, they likely would proclaim these people were Trump cultists and end their curiosity.

They are wrong in two ways.

First, Trump the man did not form this coalition. Rather, he was the result of it. This was evident during the 2006 midterm elections when Republicans lost power. Analysts ignored the fact that Main Street Democrats, Republicans and independent voters were voting against the Republican establishment because they were unhappy with the establishment ignoring their needs, not because they loved Democrats.

The pendulum swung further away from Republicans again in 2008 and then toward them again. By 2016, the voters who were to become Trumps base already knew who they were. Trump was the only one of 17 Republicans and five Democrats who stood out to this group of politically homeless voters. He knew how to tap the aspirations they were looking for from a presidential candidate.

Second, many people who have left their support for Trump visible to others have not left those flags or signs up because they think the election was stolen. Its not a testament to their undying support for one man; theyve left them up because it is their only way to show the political class that they are not going away.

This conservative populist coalition ushered in more Republican elected officials down the ballot in November than any pollster or analyst predicted in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and Arizona. These voters are reminding themselves and others that they are still part of something big.

All you have to do is listen to them. The questions hurled at them, regardless of the subject matter, usually attempt to tie them to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol or begin with, Isnt it racist 

Cultural curators in the media, corporations and the so-called social justice warriors just cant dislodge themselves from their narrow idea that if you voted for Trump or any other Republican, you are part of this thing that needs to become extinct.

These voters are telling you through their signs that that is not going to happen.

Even among the conservatives who found themselves voting for Joe Biden, they might not have Trump signs in their yard, but they certainly voted Republican down-ballot.

Just ask the newly sworn-in Republicans representing the Pennsylvania suburbs of Mount Lebanon, McCandless, or in Oakmont state House and Senate districts, who won seats in the suburbs Trump lost.

Democrats are going to struggle to win these voters back for U.S. House and Senate seats if they decide to pack the courts, make D.C. a state in order to gain partisan power in the Senate, encourage corporations to boycott states, and downplay the crisis on the border.

These voters did not succumb to the pressures of 2020 woke-ism. They are unlikely to bend in less than two years.

The next time you see a Trump sign in someones yard, try to suppress your conditioned impulse and consider that it might be something more nuanced, more complex than the lazy stereotypical hot take anyone can post on social media.

Salena Zito has held a long, successful career as a national political reporter. Since 1992, she has interviewed every U.S. president and vice president, as well as top leaders in Washington, D.C., including secretaries of state, speakers of the House and U.S. Central Command generals. Her passion, though, is interviewing thousands of people across the country. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through the lost art of shoe-leather journalism, having traveled along the back roads of 49 states.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Geneva: UN human rights experts have expressed alarm at the lack of an answer by Dubais government to repeated requests for proof that Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, a daughter of Dubais billionaire ruler, is alive and well.

Evidence of life and assurances regarding her wellbeing are urgently required, the UN analysts said in a statement, which comes two months after friends of Latifa released dramatic video footage in which she said she was being held prisoner in a Dubai palace and feared for her life.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum in her latest video, aired in February. Credit:Screengrab/BBC

The 13 experts, including members of a panel that deals with enforced disappearances, sought to escalate international pressure on Dubais government by calling for Latifas immediate release.

Its now incumbent on world leaders to support the UN and give their backing for her immediate release, David Haigh, a British lawyer campaigning for Latifahs freedom, said in a phone interview.
A 21-year-old man has been identified the victim fatally shot in a Bessemer neighborhood.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the man as Keaderick Terrod Robertson. He lived in Midfield.

It all began about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of 26th Street in Bessemer. Lt. Christian Clemons said it appears there were shots exchanged, possibly from someone in a vehicle and someone else in a house on 26th Street.

Robertson was struck and his Chevrolet Malibu came to a rest against a utility pole, just a few yards from where investigators marked 15 shell casings. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:33 a.m.

A man was shot to death Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in the 1000 block of 26th Street in Bessemer.

A Bessemer detective was just blocks away and heard the shots fired. He drove around the area until someone flagged him down and pointed him to the vehicle. He discovered the victim inside.

Clemons said they have not determined whether anyone else was in the vehicle when the gunfire erupted. A suspect was detained but no formal charges have yet been announced.

There were some threats made though messaging either social media or direct,' Clemons said. Were trying to figure out who was threatening who and how everybody fits in.

The threat, he said, was that somebody was going to come to the location and shoot up the house.

The homicide is Bessemers 18th this year. The city had only 18 in all of 2020.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bessemer police at 425-2411, the Tip Line at 205- 428-3541 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The murder of African-American man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020 sparked a fresh wave of protests to stop Indigenous deaths in custody in Australia.

On Tuesday (US time) Chauvin was found guilty of three charges relating to the murder of Mr Floyd. The result has given some hope to Aboriginal activists but has left others unconvinced the case will create a moment of reckoning in Australia, as they continue their work to address Indigenous incarceration rates and deaths in the criminal justice system.

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald asked activists, academics and political leaders what the verdict would mean for race relations in Australia.

Meriki Onus

Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance organiser Meriki Onus, one of four people who set up Melbournes Black Lives Matter protest in the wake of Mr Floyds death, said she was shocked by the verdict after not expecting Chauvin to be found guilty.
Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication.

This article is adapted from High Conflict by Amanda Ripley. Copyright  2021 by Amanda Ripley. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

On Wednesday, April 28, at noon Eastern Amanda Ripley will discuss High Conflict with former Slate Editor David Plotz. For more information and to RSVP, visit the New America website.

For 200 years, no wolves had been seen in Denmark. Then, in 2012, birdwatchers spotted a wolf trotting along in the countryside, having crossed over from Germany. Soon, a female appeared. Five years later, seven wolf puppies were seen romping across the land, like they belonged there. Now that qualified as a pack.

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Very quickly, people started to argue about the wolves, which were popping up all over northern Europe. Farmers resented the animals for attacking their livestock. So did hunters, who were not allowed, under European Union law, to kill the wolves. Other people, especially (but not exclusively) environmentalists, protested any attempts to harm the wolves. They celebrated their return, pointing out that wolves rarely attacked humans.

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This conflict was, in many places, healthy. Questions got asked. Opinions were complex. People could tolerate hearing one another, even as they continued to disagree. It was what you might call good conflict.

But then, as often happens these days, the wolf conflict began to take on a life of its own.

Conspiracy theories sprang up. In Denmark, a van was said to have crossed the border from Germany and released the wolves on purpose. In France, 50 angry farmers kidnapped the head of a national park in the Alps, holding him overnight and demanding that six wolves in the park be killed. The head of an anti-wolf group called Wolf-Free Denmark quit after receiving death threats.

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One day in 2018, two naturalists were filming Denmarks only female wolf when a man driving by leaned out of his window and shot the animal to death. The resulting video went viral online.

Actual differences of opinion became less important than the conflict itself, which gradually became its own reality. This is whats known as high conflict, the kind with an us and a them. It exceeds itself, as Danish social scientist Hans Peter Hansen describes the wolf controversy. Everything is magnified.

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High conflict is very hard to resist in our current culture, for many reasons. But Ive spent the past four years following people and communities who have found ways to shift out of high conflict into good conflict, and there is hope. It can be done. There is a smarter way to fightand a much less miserable way to live. I followed politicians, activists, former gang members and guerrilla fighters and all manner of people who have made this shift, and there were important patterns, things they all did, despite their very different contexts.

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There are a dozen important lessons, but the story of one rural town in Western Denmark, near the home territory of the wolf pack, captures half of them. About four years ago, Hansen and a couple other social scientists invited everyone in this town to a meeting about the wolves.

Fifty-one locals showed up, including farmers, students, and hunters. There was a mix of opinions and plenty of anxiety and frustration. Things could have gone badly, or nowhere at all (the most common outcome of such meetings, no matter how well-intentioned).

Hansen, who has a white beard, a cheerful smile and a longstanding fascination with conflict over natural resources, thanked everyone for coming. Then he did something strategic: he reminded everyone of their shared identities, alongside their differences.

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We have two things in common, he said. Everyone listened, wondering what these things could possibly be.

First, we have nature in common. We all breathe the same air. No one disagreed.

And the future. The future is something we have in common.

It sounds trivial, but this small stepto acknowledge any common identityis a good way to start such a conversation.

Then, together, they started to investigate the understory of their conflictthe thing that its really about, not the thing everyone keeps talking about. This is another critical step in getting out of high conflict.

What bothered people about the wolf situation, Hansen asked? People called out every complaint they had. The wolves were destroying peoples livelihoods. The politicians didnt understand the hunters. The farmers were exaggerating the danger. Hansen and his team wrote each lament in big letters on posted sheets of paper.

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Instead of avoiding the conflict, we confronted it, he said. Some people said theyd stopped talking about the wolves in public because they didnt want to be labeled one way or another. There was a kind of ambivalence, Hansen said, which was a good sign. No one fit perfectly into one group. No one ever does.

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People may have arrived thinking of the conflict as a binary one, between the wolf haters and the wolf lovers, but the conversation helped to surface real complexity. There were not two sides. There were many. And some of them overlapped.

Slowly, people started to feel heard, so they could listen. Importantly, no experts or politicians were invited to that first meeting. Such people were not trusted, not yet. Regular people are the experts in their own lives, and so they were asked to tell personal stories, not intellectual or political ones.

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Everyone then identified the one or two concerns that bothered them most. This helped clear out some of the noise. Slowly, they felt comfortable enough to start to say more complicated, uncomfortable things. Many were afraid to let their kids play in the woods. Others were afraid for the future. Anxiety and fear were a much bigger issue than we thought from the beginning, Hansen said.

In every high conflict Ive seen, fear is lurking underneath. Until it gets excavated, its hard for the conflict to go anywhere. At a deeper level, the wolf conflict had to do with peoples sense of the world and their role in it. For some, the wolves (and the rules against killing them) undermined not just their income stream but their sense of autonomy. They thought of themselves as self-sufficient people who protected their land, livestock, and family from all manner of natural forces. In their minds, nature was to be controlled by humans, not the other way around. The laws, in this view, represented yet another example of elites telling them what to do, with complete disregard for the realities of their lives. In this way, some people saw the wolves the way others saw mask mandates during the pandemicas an affront to their freedom and even their masculinity. Real men shoot wolves, one bumper sticker declared.

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For other people, the wolves represented the purity of nature, of a lost utopia. The animals return to Europe offered a glimmer of hope, in this view, a sign that Mother Nature may yet recover from human harm. Any attempt to hurt the wolves represented yet another manifestation of human bigotry and destructionan affront to deeply held values about the sanctity of nature.

After that first meeting, most people signed up to continue the conversations, known thereafter as the Wolf Dialogue Project. Before each subsequent meeting, over the course of several years, the group ate dinner together. (This is another baby step out of high conflict, maybe the easiest one.) Food is something we all enjoy, like air. Its an obvious way to create a shock absorber.

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Once theyd shared all of their fears about the wolf conflict, people were asked to imagine a better scenario. Anything was possible! The crazier the better. What would they do?

People came up with wild ideas. Maybe they could create a zip line into the wolf territory and make money off the tourism. Or implant chips in the wolves so all the locals could tell where they were through an app on their phone. Or maybe they could make the wolves vegetarian (my personal favorite). Then everyone would be happy!

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In this way, the group created a little breathing room. In that space, they could get more practical, and they did. People did not have to like one another, Hansen kept reminding the everyone. The goal was understanding, not friendshipnot even agreement. They are not the same thing.

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As they talked, they came up with a list of 50 questions they wanted answeredabout the biology and behavior of the wolves, the details of the relevant laws, and all manner of things. They researched the answers themselves or agreed upon experts who could be trusted to help them find the answers.

This is another key step in shifting out of high conflict: Incite curiosity. It is contagious. Honest questions can make conflict suddenly interesting again.

Six months later, the group presented what theyd found to the wider community. More than 100 people came, including journalists from several TV news outlets. It was very beautiful, Hansen said. Not that everything was just peace and harmony, but wed managed to find a way forward. They were not stuck in high conflict anymore.

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Next, the group invited national policy makers to come meet with them. It took some time, but the officials did eventually make the trip out to this remote town for not one but two meetings. The Danish government began working on a new wolf management plan, and ideas from the wolf project made their way into that national process.

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The conflict and the conversations continue. The wolf project was never meant to change peoples minds. It was about creating a common sense of responsibility for the problem and the solutions. It was about shifting out of high conflict and honoring good conflict.

Amanda Ripley was also a guest on a recent episode of Slates How To podcast, where she coached a woman constantly arguing with her partner through techniques that can help all of us have better fights.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Lance Colston pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jason Orwin (pictured) during a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent. Owin was killed outside his home in Maidstone on July 31, 2020

A 37-year-old man admitted on Wednesday to killing a businessman in a violent assault outside his home.

Lance Colston pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jason Orwin during a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent.

Mr Orwin, a managing director of a financial recruiting firm, died after suffering a head injury and cardiac arrest in the attack in Bower Place, Maidstone, in July last year.

In a cruel twist of fate, the 55-year-old had been robbed just a few weeks earlier in an unrelated incident in which he suffered a fractured hip and had his custom-made, 18-carat, diamond-encrusted gold watch worth 10,000 stolen.

Colston, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, will now be sentenced for Mr Orwin's manslaughter on May 28.

He was originally accused of murder but Judge David Griffith-Jones QC was told the prosecution no longer wished to proceed with that charge.

Mr Orwin, who ran Rochester-based Peritum Associates, sustained his fatal injuries shortly after 6.30pm on July 31 outside his home in Bower Place, Maidstone.

He was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London where he sadly died.

His cause of death was given as subdural haemorrhage.

A second man, in his 30s, was also assaulted at the time and was later treated for his injuries at the scene, according to Kent Live.

Colston, who appeared via prison video link, also admitted assaulting Richard McConnaghie on the same occasion.

He was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing for both offences.

In separate proceedings in January, the same court heard Mr Orwin had been mugged during a post-work evening walk in Maidstone on June 2.

His two attackers were subsequently sentenced to a prison term of three years and seven months, and a two-year community order.

Mr Orwin, who ran Rochester-based Peritum Associates, sustained his fatal injuries shortly after 6.30pm on July 31 outside his home in Bower Place, Maidstone (pictured, Google street)

According to Kent Online, in the earlier attack, Mr Orwin was thrown to the ground. As he lay there in agony, he was told by one of the attackers: 'Give me your watch or I will cut your throat!'

Alan Mulcahy, 29, of Maidstone Road, Chatham was jailed for three years and seven months over the attack after admitting to the robbery.

Jack O'Reilly, 30, of Loose Road, Maidstone, was handed a two-year community order after admitting to causing Mr Orwin grievous bodily harm.

Kent Online reported in August 2020 that Mr Orwin was set to get married some time after he was killed.

Jonathan Purle, a Maidstone Borough councillor, who knew Mr Owin's, told the local newspaper at the time that his friend was a lively character.

'I first met him last year after a long week. He saw me looking exhausted in a corner of the Market House and shouted something like 'Cheer up - it might never happen,' Cllr Purle told Kent Online.

'We then started a conversation and got through a fair few rounds that afternoon.

'He told me in February he was due to get remarried. I'm not sure when it was supposed to happen but I know the coronavirus affected his plans and it had been postponed to the middle of this month.

Before starting his own company based in Rochester, Mr Orwin had spent time in the United States, with his LinkedIn profile saying he studied at Baylor University.
MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio  The driver of a stolen car struck a police vehicle while trying to elude officers before eventually crashing into a residence, police say.

There were no reports of injuries in the incident and the suspect was caught by police after the crash. Police say the suspect is a juvenile but did not release his age.

Officers were called to a Shell gas station at the corner of Warrensville Center and Libby roads about about 10:20 a.m. on a report of a possible carjacking. Police on their way to the station spotted the stolen vehicle on Broadway Avenue near Rockside Road.

Police began chasing the vehicle, which stuck one of the police cars. The stolen car continued onto residential streets, driving through the lawns of homes, before crashing into a residence when it failed to make a turn onto Waterbury Avenue. Police caught the suspect after a short foot chase.

According to police, the owner of the stolen vehicle had left it running and unlocked after he pulled up to a pump at the gas station. The suspect got out of a vehicle in which he was a passenger and drove off in the victims vehicle. It was followed by the other vehicle.

Police are searching for a blue Dodge or Chrysler four-door crossover vehicle with tinted windows, a sunroof and a temporary tag.

Anyone with information can call detectives at 216-587-9624 or at Detectives@mhpd-ohio.com. Tips also can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 216-252-7463 or by texting TIP657 at 274637.

More crime-related content on cleveland.com:

Columbus police show bodycam video from officers shooting of teen girl armed with knife

Womans car stolen at gunpoint in South Akron

17-year-old boy shot to death in Clevelands Hough neighborhood

Man charged in slaying of 17-year-old girl in Cleveland park
An Aussie government minister refuses to rule out electronic ankle bracelets as means to enforce home quarantine orders.



The suggestion was made by journalist David Speers during an interview with Employment Minister Stuart Robert, reports Summit News. Speers wanted to know how authorities can ensure that returning travelers would stay at home.

"What sort of ideas would there be for this? Regular visits, inspections to make sure they're home, ankle bracelets, some sort of monitoring, how do you do it?" Speers asked.

In response, NCA NewsWire reports that the minister did not rule out those prospects.

"He said fully-vaccinated Australians travelling abroad would be a 'logical first step' as the country reopened, but conceded challenges in home quarantine would need to be ironed out," explained the report.

"All of that will need to be worked through before a policy prescription goes live," Robert reportedly said.

The minister also mentioned a number of measures implemented last year which he said would be kept in place. He reportedly went through these measures during his three of four months in quarantine.

"The police would turn up at random times to our house, they would call. The Department of Health from various jurisdictions would call. They were some of the things put in place to deal with that exact issue," he said.

Deliberation on how to enforce quarantine continues as Australia is set to open their borders again. Home quarantines will remain mandatory for returning travelers even after they got vaccinated.

Summit News noted that this is not the first that the use of electronic ankle bracelets was brought up. These bracelets were normally used to track and to keep tabs on suspected outlaws.

In another report by GRIPT, it states that the suggestion was first made last October when Prime Minister Scott Morrison was interviewed about the plan to allow the return of the 30,000 Australian citizens who were stranded abroad due to the country's strict border measures.

The Prime Minister simply stated that he would leave it to the experts to think of innovative solutions.

But when asked specifically about the idea of ankle bracelets, Morrison again pointed to the experts.

"Let those experts who are going to work on these options do their job," he said. "Let them work out what will be most effective and can best facilitate us getting back to a Covid-normal in the future but I expect them to be innovative and think about new ways of doing things."

Meanwhile...

Last year, the Irish government was blasted for making the mobile network "Three" share anonymous movement data of its customers with the Department of Health to monitor compliance with coronavirus restrictions, reports News Talk.

In January, Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt reportedly told the government to consider using GPS tracking technology "to ensure Brits are complying with COVID quarantine measures."

"Daily contact with those asked to self-isolate - using GPS tracking to monitor compliance if necessary as happens in Taiwan and Poland," wrote Hunt in his tweet.

"People need to know how much this matters and if we cannot persuade them to comply at the outset, we should keep trying," he added.
Japan Post Holdings will unload part of Australian logistics company Toll Holdings to an Australian investment fund for around 1 billion yen ($9.23 million), absorbing a massive loss in the deal, Nikkei has learned.

By selling Toll's logistics and home delivery operations in Australia and New Zealand to Allegro Funds, Japan Post will assume several billion dollars worth of debt and log an extraordinary loss of about 70 billion yen -- or roughly $645 million -- for the fiscal year ended in March 2021.

The sale marks the latest chapter in the Japanese postal group's troubled ownership of Toll, which it acquired in 2015 for 620 billion yen in hopes of gaining international logistics know-how for fresh growth. The deal will force Japan Post, which is majority owned by the government, to reconsider its international strategy.

Japan Post, set to make an announcement on Wednesday, does not expect the sale to have a major impact on its net profit, believing most of the loss will be offset by more than 60 billion yen in tax reductions, the result of other factors.

Japan Post picked Nomura Securities and JPMorgan Securities Japan as advisers for the deal and began the process of selecting buyers in November. Toll's lackluster performance made the search difficult.

Toll suffered an operating loss of 10 million Australian dollars ($7.75 million) for the nine months through December, owing mainly to losses in the Australia-focused segment now being sold. This segment's operating loss reached AU$83 million, widening by AU$25 million from a year earlier. - Nikkei
Vaccine manufacturers in the country are drawing up plans to ramp up production. However, they are awaiting Centre and state governments' clarity on pricing of doses. Vaccine supply is expected to increase from June. This move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked vaccine companies on Tuesday evening to scale up capacities. They have also been asked to negotiate prices with hospitals for the private market.

Serum Institute of India's capacity is likely to go up in May. The current vaccines -- Serum's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin -- along with the upcoming Sputnik V imports, will result in a vaccine supply of 200 million in June. Currently, 70 million is being supplied in the country, as mentioned in a report in The Economic Times.

Vaccine manufacturers have also urged the government to price vaccine doses at rates that are globally competitive. Low prices could set a benchmark for unremunerative export prices, they said. Industry sources told the daily that manufacturers are looking at a price of Rs 500-1,000 per dose for the Indian market.

Bharat Biotech that announced that it will manufacture 700 million doses of Covaxin annually has a fixed price of $15-20 per dose in international markets. The company could offer the vaccine for $10 per dose, as mentioned in the daily.

Dr Reddy's plans to import 50 million doses of Sputnik V by May and June. The Russian vaccine will be sold at $9 per dose. Supply of Russian vaccine is expected to increase in June.

Meanwhile, Johnson and Johnson has submitted an application on Monday to Drugs Controller General of India asking for approval to conduct trials for its single-dose Janssen Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

Also read: Covid-19 vaccine: How much can Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech jack up prices?

Also read: 44 lakh vaccine doses wasted; Tamil Nadu tops list with 12.19%: RTI
School & Education, Local News, Press Releases

By Chris Boyle Published: April 21 2021

Congratulations to all of our students on their resilience in making the transition to a virtual learning environment, while excelling in their studies.

Students from Nassau County, NY, have been named to the Presidents and Deans Lists at Berkeley College for the fall 2020 semester.

Congratulations to all of our students on their resilience in making the transition to a virtual learning environment, while excelling in their studies, said Michael J. Smith, President of Berkeley College. Their work ethic and talent will serve them well as they progress toward their future success.

The following students from Nassau County have been recognized:

Presidents List

Yue Chen of Syosset

Antonioni Miguel of Hempstead

Olaseni Olukogbon of Seaford

Marilex Payan of Elmont

Deans List

Alessandra Cavalluzzi of Bethpage

Zodian Clayton of Elmont

Christian Kapata of Hempstead

Gopan Kumar of Elmont

Latisha Massie of Medford

Rohan Mehrotra of Hicksville

Kaina Pasteur of Valley Stream

Ebony Roland of Hempstead

Berkeley College students with a minimum of 12 academic credits who achieve a grade point average of 4.00 for two consecutive semesters in the same academic year qualify for the Presidents List. Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or better with a minimum of 12 academic credits qualify for the Deans List.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Masters, Bachelors, and Associates degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,900 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelors Programs and among the Best Online Bachelors Programs for Veterans, for eight consecutive years. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security had authority to send federal officers to Portland to protect the federal courthouse but not all officers had completed required training, had the necessary equipment or used consistent uniforms, munitions or tactics, a final report from the departments inspector general says.

Homeland Security lacked a comprehensive strategy, according to the report made public Wednesday. Not all officers were trained to respond to riots or on crowd control. Some federal agents even questioned their own involvement in the Portland operation due to their lack of training, the inspector general found.

Radio communication between federal agents from different agencies was poor and different federal officers had inconsistent annual certification training for their use of less-lethal weapons.

Without the necessary policies, training and equipment, DHS will continue to face challenges securing Federal facilities during periods of civil disturbance that could result in injury, death and liability, the report said.

The findings reflect many of the allegations made in multiple lawsuits filed against Homeland Security after former President Donald Trump sent federal agents to bolster Federal Protective Service workers at the downtown courthouse last summer.

The area around the courthouse had become a frequent gathering place for thousands of people protesting police violence and racial injustice after George Floyds killing by a Minneapolis police officer. Some demonstrators targeted the building for vandalism in a running clash that escalated after people tried to barricade the front doors on July 3 and they shattered.

Between June 4 and Aug. 31, the government sent 755 federal officers to Portland at various times from the Federal Protective Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Secret Service, according to the report.

The estimated cost of the federal action in Portland called Operation Diligent Valor as of Aug. 31 was $12.3 million, according to the report. Damage to Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse in Portland was about $1.6 million.

The controversial federal fortifications ended up reviving protests that had dwindled. Mass clashes, clouds of tear gas and injuries to demonstrators continued nightly for weeks. Among the more high-profile confrontations that drew scrutiny, federal officers fired on a peaceful demonstrator July 11, fracturing the mans skull and breaking his facial bones, and used a baton to beat and break the hand of a Navy veteran who was standing outside the courthouse. They were also accused of whisking a couple of people off the streets in unmarked vans for questioning.

The inspector generals office examined one day, Aug. 7, and found that of 222 officers deployed to Portland, 36 didnt appear on a training roster showing they had received a legal briefing on their authority or the criminal laws they could enforce on federal property.

Fourteen of those 36 officers used less-lethal munitions against people in Portland, increasing the departments liability, the report said.

Deploying officers who are not properly trained increases the risk of officers acting outside of their authority, the report said.

In a review of 63 officers, only seven had received riot or crowd control training, according to the inspector generals office. In interviews and survey responses, many officers identified a need for more such training.

Under use-of-force policies governing ICE, Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Protective Service, officers are required to complete an initial certification for each less-lethal device used.

Federal officers in Portland used compressed air launchers, 40mm munition launchers and pepper ball launchers for crowd control, the report said.

While all 63 officers reviewed by the office had obtained their initial certifications in these less-lethal devices, annual recertification requirements varied between the federal agencies.

There was no consistent standard of annual recertification and each federal agency had different policies on the use of their less-lethal weapons, the inspector generals office found.

For example, while the Federal Protective Service and Customs and Border Protection require annual recertification for use of FN303 launchers and pepper ball-launching weapons, ICE doesnt require the renewed recertification for its less-lethal weapons used by its Homeland Security Investigations Special Response Teams or Enforcement and Removal Operations, the report said.

Having a consistent DHS less-lethal training policy may ensure a more effective approach in future operations, the inspector generals office recommended.

There were also inconsistencies in policies between federal agencies on how to use their less-lethal weapons.

For example, ICE classifies the use of the 40mm launcher as deadly force when fired at someone, while Customs and Border Protection only directs officers not to target a persons head or neck.

Some officers questioned the force used by agents from other units, such as when to engage rioters with force, the report said.

Further, neither Homeland Security nor the Federal Protective Service had a written plan, policy or process to coordinate their civil disturbance responses at federal buildings in Portland.

The acting secretary of Homeland Security assigned different responsibilities to each federal unit but no one developed a written strategy to ensure officers were properly trained, had the necessary equipment or consistent uniforms, weapons and tactics, the report found.

Without consistent policies and tactics for multi-component operations, DHS risks confusion, limited coordination, and unintended injuries when protecting Federal facilities, the report said.

There was a lack of equipment among some federal agents and problems with radio communications between officers from different agencies.

Some officers didnt have shin guards, face shields or protective eyewear in Portland, which were important as officers were attacked with lasers, fireworks and Molotov cocktails and struck by projectiles including frozen liquids, unknown chemicals, feces and rocks, the report said.

As of Aug 31, 2020, 755 federal officers had been sent to Portland to help defend the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, according to the Inspector General's office of the Department of Homeland Security.

The federal agencies reported 689 injuries to federal officers between June 13 and July 30, including eye irritation, blurred vision and headaches, temporary hearing loss and wounds from projectiles.

The Federal Protective Service reported a lack of appropriate riot control equipment and inter-agency communication problems.

A senior FPS official noted that since DHS was established, it has not made progress toward improving interoperable communications during emergencies, the report said.

There was limited planning and preparedness in working along with local or state police, the inspector generals office also found.

The Federal Protective Service, for example, didnt have whats called a memorandum of understanding in place with the Portland Police Bureau, responsible for policing the outside of the federal courthouse.

While the report found the federal officers uniforms were properly marked, the different uniforms from each of the federal law enforcement agencies didnt present a unified front. Camouflage uniforms worn by Customs and Border Protection and ICE officers were ditched for alternative ones during the operation after the public and members of Congress raised concerns, the report noted.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers in Portland used these less-lethal weapons, according to the report by the department's inspector general's office.

While the Secret Service agents did limited investigative work, they did not engage with the public, the inspector generals report said.

From May 29 through Aug. 31, 2020, federal officers made 62 arrests, while local police declared 25 riots and made 682 arrests, according to the report.

The inspector generals office made two recommendations: It urged the Homeland Security secretary to adopt a plan, policy and process to improve federal response to future civil disorder at federal buildings that would address training, equipment, tactics and policies. It also recommended the Federal Protective Service create plans with state and local law enforcement agencies on how to work together to respond to such civil disturbances at high-risk federal buildings.

Homeland Security agreed with the first recommendation and said it would work on adopting a policy document for designating its assignments of federal officers at federal buildings during civil disturbances. It will include verification of required legal training for officers, a public order policing directive, additional training and procuring equipment.

The Federal Protective Service also agreed to develop a plan for responding to civil disturbances at federal buildings and estimated it would be completed by March 31, 2022.

In a written response April 7, a Homeland Security official, Jim H. Crumpacker, wrote back to the inspector general, The circumstances in Portland, OR were particularly challenging because of the level of violence directed against law enforcement officers and facilities, the persistence of that violence over time, and the extent to which local law enforcement was prohibited by their political leadership from cooperating with federal counterparts.

Crumpacker also wrote that federal officers hadnt previously seen some of the tactics used by demonstrators, including the use of lasers or commercial-grade fireworks and what he described as unmanned aircraft systems that repeatedly threatened public safety with illegal reconnaissance.

He said DHS is committed to improving its public order policing capability, noting that a wide range of federal, state and local officers attended a Public Order Policing Summit in January.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian




Haiti - Cooperation : Signature of a MoU between Haitian and Spanish Universities





This Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Embassy of Haiti in Spain, in the presence of Ambassador Louis Marie Montfort Salntil, and Jose Manuel Pingarron Carrazon Secretary General of Universities; Jean Robert Charles the President of the Conference of Rectors, Presidents and Directors of Haitian Universities and Higher Education Institutions (CORPUHA) and Jose Carlos Gomez Villamandos President of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) will sign a 4-year collaboration memorandum of understanding, renewable by mutual consent.



The main objective of this Legal document is to define a framework of collaboration where the two parties commit themselves to developing, with the Universities concerned, a partnership in terms of research, training and higher education of quality.



In addition, the Universities adhering to it will have the opportunity not only to share their technical, scientific and human resources in order to carry out common projects, but also to transfer knowledge and know-how in various fields.



Outline of the framework agreement :



Ensure the follow-up of the agreed mechanisms and processes in the planning and execution of the activities of this framework agreement;



Ensure the supervision and control of the application of the clauses of the said agreement;



Seek funding from national and international donors for the financing of projects;



Carry out joint training, research and other projects to contribute to the scientific, cultural and socio-economic development of the two countries.



On the sidelines of this signing ceremony, several activities are planned for the Haitian delegation staying in Madrid, including working meetings with Spanish academic and cultural bodies, with : the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID), the Director of the Diplomatic School of Madrid, the Secretary General of the Ibero-American University Council (CUIS), the President of the Hispano-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and institutional visits to the Campuses of the Universities Camilo Jose Cela and Rey Juan Carlos both located in Madrid.



HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre


















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This is the damning bodycam footage that shows George Floyd first being approached by cops and held at gunpoint, escalating to him being pinned under Derek Chauvin's knee - an act that found the former cop guilty of murder today.

The tapes show minute-by-minute detail how a very distressed Floyd begs 'Mr. Officer, please don't shoot me. Please man,' before the struggle that ended with his death on May 25 and ignited nationwide protests.

It also shows how belligerent cops cursed at and manhandled the sobbing suspect, ignoring his pleas for compassion.

Floyd resisted as the cops tried to force him into the back of the car, telling them he suffers from claustrophobia and anxiety. Chauvin then knelt on his neck for nine minutes, ignoring Floyd's repeated cries of 'I can't breathe.'

Floyd is even heard predicting his own death. 'I'll probably just die this way,' he says.

On Tuesday Chauvin was found guilty on all counts - second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury returned its verdict after just 10 and a half hours of deliberation and after weeks of testimony.

Bodycam footage from two cops accused in the murder of George Floyd shows a rookie officer terrifying Floyd by pointing a handgun at his head and another callously picking a pebble from the squad car tire just inches from the dying man and seconds before he draws his last breath on May 25 in Minneapolis

Derek Chauvin is pictured in court on Tuesday as the jury found him guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd

Chauvin was led out of the court in handcuffs after the verdict came down on Tuesday afternoon

Floyd is seen sobbing as the officers pull him out of the car and handcuff him, as his ex suggests he was undergoing mental problems and was afraid of police. The tapes show in minute detail how Floyd begs 'Mr. Officer, please don't shoot me. Please man,' before the struggle that ended with his death

It also shows how Floyd resisted as the cops tried to force him into the back of the car telling them he suffers from claustrophobia and anxiety and how Officer Derek Chauvin (pictured) knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, leading to his death, ignoring Floyd's repeated cries of 'I can't breathe'

The defense called just seven witnesses over two days of testimony. Defense attorney Eric Nelson began by showing the jury video from Floyd's arrest, in an effort to portray that he had a history of feigning medical distress and rapidly ingesting pills when confronted by police through testimony by an officer and a paramedic involved in that arrest.

MINNESOTA V DEREK CHAUVIN - CHARGES Second-degree murder - GUILTY Possible sentence: 12.5 to 40 years The second-degree murder charge required prosecutors to prove Chauvin caused Floyd's death while committing or trying to commit a felony  in this case, third-degree assault. Prosecutors had to convince the jury that Chauvin assaulted or attempted to assault Floyd and in doing so inflicted substantial bodily harm. Prosecutors did not have to prove Chauvin was the sole cause of Floyd's death - only that his conduct was a 'substantial causal factor'. Second degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, but because Chauvin does not have any prior convictions sentencing guidelines recommend he serve 12.5 years. Second-degree manslaughter - GUILTY Possible sentence: Four to 10 years The manslaughter charge has a lower bar, requiring proof that Chauvin caused Floyd's death through negligence that created an unreasonable risk, and consciously took the chance of causing severe injury or death. Second degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison - sentencing guidelines for someone without a criminal record call for no more than four years behind bars. Third-degree murder - GUILTY Possible sentence: 12.5 to 25 years Third-degree murder required a lower standard of proof than second-degree. To win a conviction, prosecutors needed to show only that Floyd's death was caused by an act that was obviously dangerous, though not necessarily a felony. Third-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 25 years but because Chauvin has no criminal history he would likely end up serving about 12.5. Advertisement

But the prosecution had powerful testimony from several witnesses, including Dr. Martin Tobin who pinpointed the moment when he said he could see Floyd take his last breath - and said Chauvin's knee remained on Floyd's neck another 3 minutes, two seconds.

'At the beginning, you can see he's conscious, you can see slight flickering, and then it disappears,' Tobin said as he highlighted a still image from police body-camera video. 'That's the moment the life goes out of his body.'

The footage includes more than 18 minutes from Officer Alex Kueng's bodycam and 10 minutes from Officer Thomas Lane. They were the first two cops to arrive on the scene after a complaint that Floyd had attempted to pass a fake $20 bill to buy cigarettes at Cup Foods, a store in the Powderhorn Park section of Minneapolis.

Chauvin and a fourth officer, Tou Thao, were called in to assist. All four were fired the day after Floyd's death.

The events led to months of Black Lives Matter protests throughout the country over police racism and brutality.

It is clear from the video that Floyd was not trying to run away - he had plenty of time to leave the scene before police arrived. But instead he decided to sit in his car with two friends, giving the cops the opportunity to approach.

The videos begin with Lane, 37, and Kueng, 26  both in their first week as Minneapolis police officers  entering Cup Foods. A staff member rushes up to them waving the banknote. 'Before they drive off. He's parked right here. It's a fake bill from the gentleman,' he tells the cops.

Lane and Kueng then both approach Floyd's blue Mercedes SUV on the other side of the street. Lane goes to the driver's side where Floyd is sitting at the wheel and Kueng approaches the passenger side, where Floyd's ex, Shawanda Hill is in the back seat and a friend, Maurice Hall, is in the front.

Lane is seen knocking on the car window with his flashlight, but Floyd does not immediately open the door. Once the door is open, Lane immediately pulls out his handgun and points it straight at Floyd's head.

'Hey man, I'm sorry,' Floyd says and apologizes again before Lane gets belligerent.

'Put your f***ing hands up right now! Let me see your other hand,' the cop is heard saying.

Floyd does not immediately put his hands on the wheel. 'Put your f***ing hand up there,' Lane orders him. 'Jesus Christ, keep your f**king hands on the wheel.'

Floyd tells the officer he had been shot before, and Lane replies: 'Keep your f***ing hands on the wheel.'

Lane then tells Floyd to put his foot inside the vehicle. 'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry,' Floyd replies. 'God dang man. Man, I got shot the same way, Mr. Officer, before.'

'Okay. Well when I say ''Let me see your hands,'' you put your f***ing hands up,' Lane responds.

The cop then orders Floyd out of the car. 'Hands on top of your head. Step out of the vehicle and step away from me,' he says.

Floyd replies: 'Okay. Mr. Officer, please don't shoot me. Please man.'

'I'm not going to shoot you,' Lane says. 'Step out and face away.

'I'll look at you eye-to-eye. Please don't shoot me man,' Floyd replies. 'I just lost my mom, man.'

Floyd, 46, is seen sobbing as Kueng and Lane pull him out of the car and handcuff him.

During his testimony, expert witness Dr. Tobin relied on graphics and images that depicted the officers' positions on Floyd to analyze the impact the forces had on his death

A staff member rushes up to the two officers waving the banknote. 'Before they drive off, he's parked right here, it's a fake bill from the gentleman,' he tells the cops

Lane is seen knocking on the car window with his flashlight, but Floyd does not immediately open the door. Once the door is open Lane immediately pulls out his handgun and points it at Floyd's head

'Hey man, I'm sorry,' Floyd says and apologizes again before Lane gets belligerent. 'Put your f***ing hands up right now! Let me see your other hand,' the cop is heard saying

The cop then orders Floyd out of the car, saying: 'Hands on top of your head. Step out of the vehicle and step away from me.' That's when Floyd says: 'Okay. Mr. Officer, please don't shoot me. Please man.' 'I'm not going to shoot you,' Lane says. 'Step out and face away.' 'I'll look at you eye-to-eye. Please don't shoot me man,' Floyd replies. 'I just lost my mom, man'

Floyd, 46, is seen sobbing as Kueng and Lane pull him out of the car and handcuff him

The video obtained by DailyMail.com comes from the bodycams of Lane and Alex Kueng, the two cops who were originally called to the scene by Cup Foods' owners. Chauvin and a fourth officer Tou Thao (left) were called in to assist. All were fired the day after Floyd's death. The videos start with Lane, 37, (right) and Kueng, 26 (center)  both in their first week as Minneapolis police officers  entering Cup Foods. A staff member rushes up to them waving the banknote. 'Before they drive off, he's parked right here, it's a fake bill from the gentleman,' he tells the cops

What's next? Case heads to pre-sentencing investigation Chauvin's sentence will rely heavily on a pre-sentencing investigation during which his character and habits  things not touched on in trial  will be taken into consideration. Ahead of the trial the prosecution lobbied to have eight of Chauvin's prior arrests in which they argue he used excessive force admitted in court. Judge Cahill deemed all but two inadmissible on the grounds that the incidents were not similar enough and that the prosecution were improperly trying to show Chauvin's propensity to resort to unreasonable force. At the time he made his decision Cahill said that the state was simply trying 'to depict Chauvin as a "thumper"'. Ultimately the prosecution decided not to make the arrests part of their case-in-chief but they may be used in any bid to see Chauvin handed down a higher sentence then allowed by sentencing guidelines if convicted. A second ground on which the prosecution could also ask for this applies to 'crimes committed in front of children'. The state called nine-year-old Judeah as a witness possibly with this in mind. According to the Minnesota sentencing guidelines, the presumptive sentence for a person such as Chauvin with no criminal history is the same for murder in the third and unintentional murder in the second; 12 and a half years. But the judge has discretion to sentence anywhere between ten years and eight months to 15 years. If the judge rules that aggravating factors are present and departs from the guidelines, the maximum sentence would be 40 years for second-degree murder, 25 years for third-degree murder and 10 years for second-degree manslaughter. It remains unclear where Chauvin will serve his sentence - and officials may keep the location under wraps due to safety concerns. Because he was convicted at the state level he will be incarcerated at one of the following state prisons: MCF - Faribault

MCF - Lino Lakes

MCF - Oak Park Heights

MCF - Red Wing

MCF - Rush City

MCF - St. Cloud

MCF - Stillwater

MCF - Togo

MCF - Moose Lake MCF - Oak Park Heights would be a likely pick for Chauvin because as the state's only Level 5 maximum-security prison with fewer than 500 inmates it is regarded as one of the safest for high-risk offenders. Advertisement

After getting Floyd out of the car, Lane then starts talking to the passengers, Hill and Hall. 'Why's he being all squirrelly and not showing us his hands and just being all weird like that?' Lane asks.

'Because he's been shot before,' Hill, 45, replies.

'Well I get that,' Lane says. 'But still, when officers say: ''Get out of the car...''

'Is he drunk or something?'

'No, he's got a thing going on,' Hill says, pointing to her head and making a circular movement with her finger as if to suggest her ex had mental problems. 'About the police,' she adds.

The two officers then walk Floyd to the squad car and the struggle really begins when Floyd refuses to get in, saying he has claustrophobia.

He falls to the ground. 'Stand up. Stop falling down,' Kueng shouts. 'Stay on your feet and face the car door.'

'Please man. Don't leave me by myself man, please. I'm just claustrophobic.'

'Well you're still going in the car,' Lane says.

'Y'all, I am going to die in here,' Floyd protests. 'I'm going to die, man. I just had COVID, man. I don't want to go back to that.'

Lane offers to roll the cruiser's windows down to help his phobia but Floyd still struggles. 'I'm scared as f***,' he says.

A bystander tells Floyd to calm down because he cannot win in the situation he is in. 'I don't want to win,' Floyd says. 'I'm claustrophobic and I've got anxiety. I don't want to do nothing to them.'

Prosecutors showed this graphic to remind how police officials testified that Chauvin's use of force was unreasonable

It is clear from the video that Floyd had plenty of time to leave the scene before police arrived. But for some reason he decided to sit in his car with two friends, allowing the cops to approach

After getting Floyd out of the car, Lane then starts talking to the passengers, Hill and Hall (left and right). 'Why's he being all squirrelly and not showing us his hands and just being all weird like that?' Lane asks. 'Because he's been shot before,' Hill, 45, replies. 'He's got a thing going on,' Hill says, pointing to her head and making a circular movement with her finger as if to suggest her ex had mental problems (pictured). 'About the police,' she adds

The two officers then walk Floyd to the squad car and that is when the struggle really begins as he refuses to get in saying he has claustrophobia. He falls to the ground. 'Stand up. Stop falling down,' Kueng shouts. 'Stay on your feet and face the car door.' 'Please man. Don't leave me by myself man, please. I'm just claustrophobic,' Floyd begs

'Y'all, I am going to die in here,' Floyd protests. 'I'm going to die, man. I just had COVID, man. I don't want to go back to that.' Lane offers to roll the cruiser's windows down to help his phobia but Floyd is still seen to struggle. 'I'm scared as f**k,' he says

While still in the car, Floyd says for the first time the line that has become synonymous with his death. 'I can't breathe.' Shortly afterwards Chauvin and Thao arrive on the scene

While still in the car, Floyd says for the first time the line that has become synonymous with his death. 'I can't breathe.' Shortly afterwards Chauvin and Thao arrive on the scene.

The officers finally get him in the squad car and close the rear driver's side door behind him, but for a reason that is not clear from the video, Floyd comes out of the passenger side door still struggling.

Within seconds he is lying on the sidewalk with Chauvin's knee pressed on his neck and Lane and Kueng helping to restrain him.

He says he can't breathe over and over again and calls for his 'momma' but his voice slowly gets weaker as his life drains away.

'Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead,' he says at one point.

Kueng is seen nonchalantly picking a pebble from the squad car tire with his right hand as he restrains Floyd's legs with his left.

As his knee presses the life out of Floyd, Chauvin, the most senior officer on the scene, asks rookies Lane and Kueng if they are okay. 'My knee might be a little scratched but I will survive,' Lane answers.

Thao asks his fellow officers whether Floyd is high.

'I believe so. We found a pipe,' Kueng replies. Lane says: 'We found a weed pipe. There might be something else, there might be like PCP or something.'

When Floyd continues to wail that he can't breathe, Kueng is heard telling him. 'You're fine. You're talking fine.'

Floyd replies: 'I'll probably just die this way.'

'I'm through,' Floyd says. 'I'm claustrophobic. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. I need some water or something, please.'

'Then stop talking. Stop yelling,' Chauvin replies. 'It takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk.'

The officers finally get Floyd in the squad car and close the rear driver's side door behind him, but for a reason that is not clear from the video, he comes out of the passenger side door still struggling

Within seconds he is lying on the sidewalk with Chauvin's knee on his neck. He says he can't breathe over and over again and calls for his 'momma' but his voice slowly gets weaker as his life drains away

When Floyd continues to say he can't breathe, Kueng is heard telling him. 'You're fine. You're talking fine.' Floyd replies: 'I'll probably just die this way.' 'I'm through,' Floyd says. 'I'm claustrophobic. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. I need some water or something, please'

Kueng is seen nonchalantly picking a pebble from the squad car tire with his right hand as he restrains Floyd's legs with his left

As Floyd stops moving Chauvin keeps his knee on his neck, despite complaints from a small crowd that has gathered. 'Check his pulse,' one man says repeatedly. 'You call what you are doing okay?' Pictured: Kueng picking a pebble from the tire

The rookie cop callously picked a pebble from the squad car tire just inches from the dying man and seconds before Floyd draws his last breath

But the other officers do little to stop Chauvin. At one point Lane asks: 'Should we roll him on his side?' But Chauvin replies. 'No, he's staying where we've got him.' 'Okay,' Lane says. 'I just worry about the excited delirium or whatever.' 'Well, that's why we got the ambulance coming,' says Chauvin. By the time EMTs arrive, Floyd is dead

As Floyd stops moving Chauvin keeps his knee on his neck, despite complaints from a small crowd that has gathered.

'Check his pulse,' one man says repeatedly. 'You call what you are doing okay?

But the other officers do little to stop Chauvin. At one point Lane asks: 'Should we roll him on his side?' But Chauvin replies. 'No, he's staying where we've got him.'

'Okay,' Lane says. 'I just worry about the excited delirium or whatever.'

'Well, that's why we got the ambulance coming,' Chauvin says.

By the time EMTs arrive, George Floyd is dead.

Over 15 days of testimony the jury of seven men and five women - six white, four black and two bi-racial - was guided through every facet over Floyd's death through the eyes of 45 witnesses and hundreds of pieces of evidence.

In his opening statement, trial attorney Jerry Blackwell told the jury that Chauvin had betrayed the badge he wore on his heart. He said the former officer had violated police policy and trampled the sanctity of human life.

For Blackwell it all boiled down to the nine minutes 29 seconds of Floyd's subdual restraint and neck compression. 'You can believe your eyes' he said, 'That it's a homicide, that it's a murder.'

Not so, according to defense attorney Eric Nelson, for whom the truth could only be viewed through a far wider lens.

For Nelson this was all about reason, doubt and common sense. Common sense would tell the jury that what they had seen with their own eyes was only one part of a much bigger picture.

He said, 'We have to examine the totality of the evidence. That's what this case is ultimately about, the evidence. It is nothing more than that.'

Prosecutors repeatedly referenced this timeline of Floyd's fatal arrest during the trial and showed it once again on Monday

People celebrate Chauvin's guilty verdict at the site where Floyd was killed on Tuesday afternoon

As Nelson sought to un-pick emotions from the scenes of Floyd's death and the testimony of a host of eyewitnesses brought by the state, a heavy fear of what might happen when the verdict came down gripped the city of Minneapolis.

The downtown area was shored up with boards nailed over the windows of businesses downtown and the concrete blockades, steel fences and bails of barbed wire embracing the court and government buildings.

More than 3,000 members of the National Guard were called in to bolster the 1,100 public safety officers already in place  their armored vehicles parked in serried rank not only at the government buildings but in store parking lots, intersections and sidewalks across the city.

The city was reported to have spent more than $1million on security in a four-stage plan dubbed Operation Safety Net, which kicked off with jury selection and entered its final stage with the verdict announcement.

The screw turned tighter with the April 11 shooting of Daunte Wright - the 20-year-old black man killed in a traffic stop by Brooklyn Center police barely ten miles from where Chauvin stood trial.

Night after night the protests raged and curfews were broken in an unending echo of the civil unrest that followed Floyd's death last May.

The verdict brings to an end a trial that has been riven with drama and threats of derailment that started before the jury was even empaneled - with the city's announcement of their $27million civil settlement with the Floyd family - and continued after closing statements' end.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2020-2021 second phase awardees as follows:

AAEOY Distinguished Awards

AAEOY

Distinguished Leadership in Technology Award

Ms. Anne Chow, CEO, AT&T Business, AT&T Communications, LLC

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder, President and CEO, NVIDIA

Asian American Executive of the Year Award

Ms. Jennifer Zhao, ams

Asian American Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Pratik Gupta, IBM

Col. Danielle Ngo, U.S. Army Inspector General Agency

Dr. Khanh Pham, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

Dr. Xingcheng Xiao, General Motors R&D Center

Asian American Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Indu Shukla, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

The awardee profiles and pictures are posted at www.aaeoy.org

The AAEOY Award is presented each year since 2002 as part of the US National Engineers Week program to honor outstanding Asian American professionals in academia, public service, and industries. It is hosted by the Chinese Institute of Engineers, USA (CIE-USA), and sponsored by corporations and the community.

Traditionally, there is a banquet and award ceremony to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the awardees. However, due to the uncertainty and restrictions brought on by COVID-19, the ceremony has been transformed into a series of online activities including Executive Forum, Talent Meet-up/Career Fair, and Speaker Series. The capstone event, the virtual award ceremony, is scheduled for July 18, 2021, with an online VIP Gala on July 17, 2021.

Chinese Institute of Engineers, USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917 in New York, is a non-profit organization promoting the advancements of science and technology, as well as STEM education. CIE-USA has 7 chapters throughout the US.

Contact:

Wilson Yen

9499237888

[email protected]

SOURCE Chinese Institute of Engineers - San Francisco Chapter
The media dedicate increasing attention to the issue of vaccine distribution and how it affects post-pandemic recovery. Some commentators and outlets have been focusing especially on the inequalities in the allocations of doses amongst different countries. As a matter of fact, a small number of highly developed countries have already booked an excessive number of doses. The UK, Israel and the US are likely to get enough shots to immunise their entire populaces more than once.

Meanwhile, as Modern Diplomacy writes, most of the developing world is lagging behind. Lacking the financial resources and the political might to extoll bounding commitments from vaccine producers, they are losing the race. This is especially the case in Africa and Latin America, but Europes periphery is not in a much better position. However, few countries some South-Eastern Europe have managed to hit the headlines all around the globe for their amazing performances. One of them is Hungary, probably the most riotous EU member State. The other is Serbia, whose relations with the EU, Russia and China are equivocal at best.

The EUs vaccine diplomacy has failed

South-Eastern Europe is a rather variegated area. It comprises 14 countries, half of which are members of the EU: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and Slovenia. The other two, Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, are on the cusp of entering the Union. Whereas the remaining five have little to no concrete membership prospect: Bosnia, the territory of Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia. In an effort to prove itself indispensable, the EU has committed to sending out the vaccine to some non-members. Through Sofia, it promised Skopje to deliver thousands of AstraZeneca shots, and Bucharest shipped several Pfizer batches to Chisinau. Whereas the Commission itself pledged even more doses of vaccines for both Sarajevo and Pristina. According to these plans, the EU should be ahead of its neighbours in rolling out the vaccine across the board. At the same time, friendly relations should allow a few non-members to reap the benefits and boost their performances. However, reality tells a rather different story.

Looking at the data on total vaccinations in the 14 South-Eastern European countries one can identify four groups. Having vaccinated more than 30% of their populations, Hungary and Serbia are the undisputed leaders. Following, a quite compact group comprising the other six EU member States posits between 15% and 25%. Despite their different sizes and approaches, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia have reaped sensible benefits from EU membership. Still, they are far behind the two leaders. Third, between 5% and 10%, there are only Albania(10.57%) and Montenegro (7.85%). Two quite diverse countries, both seem to have enjoyed some help from the EU  but not nearly enough. Finally, way below the 5%-threshold stand Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and MoldovaThese countries were relying almost entirely on the EUs help to acquire enough shots, but Brussels let them down.

These data make up for a rather self-evident indictment of the EUs vaccine diplomacy. The EU missed on the occasion to project influence in its neighbourhood while reinforcing its image as a civilian power.But, often diplomacy in this part of Europe is a zero-sum game where political sway is the ultimate prize. For every metaphorical centimetre, an external actor loses, another foreign power seems to take hold. The EUs missed chance has become Russias great opportunity to score a few points in what once was an area of strategic importance. Yet, taking a better look, one realises that this time around the focus should not be on third parties. In an increasingly multipolar, and even multiplex world, middle-sized states are experimenting with new ways to matter.

Hungary

Hungary has recently registered a substantial surge in the number of contagions and in a hospital for treatments. The government has also taken extremely strict measures to curb the spread of the various in early March. But the strongest endeavour to stop the various came on the vaccination side of the equation. As a matter of fact, Hungary has approved more vaccines and administered more shots than any other European country. Having jabbed already over 2,000,000 doses, Hungary is driving the European vaccine race  by far. The latest data from the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), Pfizer produced about half of these vaccines. Of the remaining million, about 430,000 vials brought AstraZenecas or Modernas labels. This means that other sources accounted for about 570,000 doses or over 25% of the total.

Hungary has taken a few risky bets in its paths toward group immunity. First, it ordered and injected about a quarter of a million of Russias Sputnik V in early February 2021. At the time, there were still many doubts about Sputnik Vs viability, efficacy and security. This came already in defiance of the EUs pressures for a centralised approval of new products. More recently, Hungary went on with the purchase and speedy approval of several Chinese vaccines. Apparently, Budapest has been paying $36 per shot to Beijing  double the price of a Sputnik V dose. Yet, for high the price may have been the bet seems to be paying back. So much, that Hungary has actually acquired newfound output-legitimacy for its unpredictable foreign policies.

Serbia

At the beginning of the pandemic, Serbia was already better-positioned to benefit from Russias and Chinas proactive vaccine diplomacies. Belgrade carries no legal responsibility vis-a-vis Brussels since it is not an EU member State. Moreover, it is less dependent on Germany and other EU countries when it comes to debt financing and trade (Figure 3). True, backtracking on the promise of future membership would have been a strong weapon in the EUs arsenal. But this is not the case anymore. Serbia has no concrete path towards entering the EU and a long history of flirtations with Russia and China. Some have argued that Serbia outpaced the EU thanks to Chinas and Russias vaccines. Yet, the data are not clear and the process not transparent enough. If anything, it seems that the proportions of Western and Eastern vaccines should not be too different from Hungarys.

Still, one thing is certain. Serbia has turned its extraordinary capability to buy vaccines from both the West and the East into a diplomatic stunt. In fact, the EU has miserably failed to provide Belgrades neighbours with shots. Meanwhile, Serbia has opened its borders to foreigners willing to get a jab. Moreover, Belgrade has made up for Sofias failure to send more vaccines to Skopje  putting the EU in a hard spot.

Hands free

South-Eastern Europes vaccine diplomacy, the EU failure and regional powers successes speak volume about how the world is changing. As the US seem to inexorably withdraw from its past commitments, the EU is failing to come of age. Meanwhile, Russia is reasserting itself and has been punching above its weight in Europe and beyond for a while now. Finally, its recovery from the pandemic-induced crisis signals that China has no intention to stop short of overtaking the US. Against this fluid background, South-Eastern Europe is gaining renewed centrality. Hungary and Serbia are just two examples of what this implies  albeit the most successful ones. Nevertheless, their prowess it becoming an example for other small countries to follow. Thus, it is opportune to keep following the events closely as new geopolitical alignments seem to emerge.
In recent days, alumni of the famed comedy theater have been reaching out on social media to Kramer and other long-time employees who have not been asked back, a group that also includes the long-serving manager Alison Riley and the creative producer Beth Kligerman. Many have reacted with shock that the theater would no longer employ its own dedicated night staff, especially since numerous employees who started out washing dishes or serving drinks to tables eventually moved up the ranks (that group includes the longtime Second City executive Kelly Leonard).
Brittany Higgins has revealed her six demands to help stamp out sexual assault, harassment and workplace exploitation in federal politics.

The former Liberal staffer, who claims she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019, wants to meet Scott Morrison next week to discuss her proposals.

The prime minister has previously said he would be 'happy' to meet Ms Higgins but despite numerous discussions his staff are yet to confirm a date.

Brittany Higgins has revealed six demands to help stamp out sexual assault and harassment in federal politics

Brittany Higgins' six demands Change laws around staff employment so they can't be sacked without reason Set up an independent complaints body Set up a parliamentary conduct ombudsman similar to the Independent Parliamentary Expense Authority Reveal the membership of the Government Staffing Committee Reveal who sits on the so-called 'star chamber', a group of ministers and staffers which vets political staff Improved Protocols and Procedures for DPS Employees Source: Ms Higgins' letter shared with news.com.au Advertisement

Ms Higgins' ideas to improve workplace safety include updating rules for parliamentary security to allow them to block drunk staff from entering the building and encourage them to call an ambulance if anyone is found unconscious.

She claims she was sexually assaulted after security let her and a colleague into the building after a boozy night out.

Her attacker then allegedly raped her on a couch in then-defence minister Linda Reynold's office before she was found half-naked and unconscious by security hours later but left to sleep it off.

Ms Higgins' other proposals include setting up an independent complaints body to replace the current system where victims make complaints through the Department of Finance.

She also wants legal changes to give parliamentary staff, who can be sacked without a reason, greater employment rights.

Ms Higgins revealed her proposals in a letter to the prime minister which she shared with news.com.au.

In the letter, Ms Higgins offers to meet Mr Morrison between April 28 and 30 when she's in Canberra for 'personal reasons'.

'As I made clear in my public statements, I consider this an incredibly important opportunity to fix a broken system and ensure no other staff has to experience something similar in Parliament House again,' she wrote.

'Too often, a workplace culture can emerge that enables inappropriate conduct which is exacerbated by the disparity in the power dynamics inside offices, among colleagues, inside political structures more broadly, even among lobbyists and the media who share the same workplace.'

She asked for a 'advocates' to accompany her to the meeting with Mr Morrison for 'support' and assurances that no one 'directly involved' would be present.

Ms Higgins triggered national debate about the treatment of women and the handling of sexual assault complaints.

She has been highly critical of senior ministers' response to her initial complaint, which has been reinstated with police.

The prime minister has instigated an inquiry into whether his office was briefing journalists against Ms Higgins' partner in an attempt to discredit and undermine her.

Linda Reynolds, the minister whose parliamentary office was the site of the alleged attack, told 6PR radio she was assisting police with their inquiries.

'The AFP are investigating her allegations and I am assisting the AFP with their investigation,' she said.

Ms Reynolds said cultural change and improved behaviour was needed in Parliament House.

'Across all parties we have got a lot of work to do to really make some significant change in how our parliament operates.

Earlier this month, Ms Higgins signed a $250,000 book deal to publish a memoir detailing her experience.

Ms Higgins (pictured with Scott Morrison) alleges she was sexually assaulted after security let her and a colleague into the building after a boozy night out

Penguin Random House Australia called Ms Higgins 'a young, brave voice and a pioneer for a new generation' and said it would publish her book in 2022.

'Brittany's story, in her own words, will be a call for desperately needed reform, and a watershed moment for Australian women in public life,' the publisher said.

Ms Higgins said in a statement: 'This book will shine a light on the toxic workplace culture inside the corridors of power and provide a first-hand account of what it was like surviving a media storm that turned into a movement.'

She said half of the royalties of each book will be donated to the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre which helped her during her time of need.

Police are investigating Ms Higgins' allegations.
WOOD RIVER  Citizens waited outside the Roundhouse Monday to say their piece before controversial votes were taken by the city council regarding construction of a new recreation center and an appointment to fill a seat left vacated by a councilmans resignation after the April 6 election, both of which passed 3-1.

Altogether more than 40 public comments were either said in person, via teleconference or emailed comments read aloud by the city clerk. Many comments were scathing toward outgoing Mayor Cheryl Maguire and councilmen, but there were words of support, too. Several people asked Maguire to resign immediately. The severe criticism of Maguires administration did not stop the city council from voting yes to resume spending on the Recreation Center Project or approving Maguires recommendation to appoint Sonya Hagaman to serve on the council to fill the unexpired term of Chris Stanley.

Last week the meeting was changed from an in-person meeting to teleconference due to COVID-19 concerns, officials said, with the amount of people expected to show up. The current administration accepted those making public comments indoors one at a time.

The board was made up of the mayor, Michael Anderson, Leroy Duncan and mayor-elect Tom Stalcup, who voted no to both items. Stalcup also voted no to the approval of an ordinance authorizing execution of a $2.5 million Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) Grant Agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the city of Wood River for construction of the recreation center, slated to be built near the Roundhouse, at 633 Wood River Ave.

Anderson thanked everyone who spoke or submitted a comment.

I appreciate your opinion, he said. Im saddened by the tone of the last year.

Today were going to vote on a few items started in motion before I was a member, he said. In 2018 the city council voted to pass the 1 percent sales tax, to do projects identified and ways to pay for it. Citizens voted to pass that tax, and have the park and rec director apply for the PARC grant. There was the resolution falsely linking the rec center and saving the Roundhouse. Today we have in front of us an agreement to build a rec center for our children, voting on the wishes of a previous council.

He said civic leaders, neighboring mayors and school superintendents overwhelming supported construction of a recreation center in Wood River.

Stalcup moved to table these issues in each case, to no avail. Each time his motions died for lack of a second.

It should be up to the newly elected council to decide, not the outgoing lame duck city council, he said.

Maguire said that resuming spending on a recreation center was on the agenda for a vote because the PARC Grant was awarded specifically for the center project. Wood River was the only downstate municipality of 17 to receive a PARC Grant.

From the IDNR, the timeline will start from the date of the last signature, explained Stalcup when he moved to table the issue. Theres no rush for this outgoing council to sign this document. We have two years to sign this document.

He also moved to table approval of an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget to increase the Rec Center line item within the 1% Non-Home Rule Sales Tax Fund by $414,103.80 to begin the centers design process. The motion died for lack of a second and he voted no on the original motion.

It is up to the newly elected city council to be decided, he said. In November 2020 citizens voted to stop spending.

City Clerk Stacy Ehrman administered the Oath of Office to Hagaman as the last action of Monday nights meeting.

Sonya was recommended by Chris Stanley, Maguire said.

Before adjourning anyone was allowed to make a comment.

At that time, Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells and Stalcup spoke. Wells sent a letter Monday to officials and the media about a perceived threat to his position that he interpreted from Maguire from content of body camera footage.

Its a threat and to the police department, he said. For the record, I do support a rec center and childrens activities, but as a citizen of this town, I feel the decision should be given to the new board.

Stalcup followed.

Im not sure why these items were to be voted on tonight, he said. The current city council doesnt care and Im disappointed in this.
The concept of security is different depending on the perception and culture. No doubt, there are political, social, economic and psychological issues challenging social equilibrium, national independence and national integrity in any place. National characters and values also carry important weight to shape national unity. It is nationalism and patriotism that decide cohesiveness in national unity. In national security, the 3D concept defines the entire gamut worldwide. They are defence, development, and diplomacy.

Defence

Defence is perceived from narrow perspectives in Nepal. It is confined to military responsibilities only. But, border management including people and resource control, media management, good governance, rule of law and human rights are some key issues that help enhance the defence of a country. The burning questions are whether Nepal is capable to effectively manage these, and why it is fragile. Unless the answers to these questions are found, it will be vulnerable to security threats continuously.

Development

From developmental perspectives, unless socio-economic development is rapidly strengthened, security cannot be ensured. It is not only a matter of infrastructure development; it rightly covers entire human security such as health, housing and overall livelihood. In fact, we could not effectively use the UNs Millennium Development Goal opportunity that started from the beginning of 21 century till 2015 and now Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030 without this.

Due to poor managerial capacity, we are failing to meet the goals even in our pride projects one after another. On the social front, we are not able to ensure inclusiveness; gender discrimination is at an all-time high in governmental sectors. Dowry, child marriage, chhaupadi, witchcraft are a few problems that undermine our social behaviours. Corruption has deep-rooted impacts on all sectors of our society. Politico-social-economic structures are ruined and dysfunctional due to corruption. In a true sense, development is paralysed by corruption. Unless Nepali society is fully aware of the need for social exclusion of corrupts, the security threats will not minimise.

Diplomacy

With respect to diplomacy, there are two schools of thought, as per our mythology, to strengthen national security: kuta yuddha and dharma yuddha. Like in the Mahabharat war, the victory went to the practitioners of the kuta yuddha although the war itself was described as dharma yuddha. Lord Krishna did not touch a weapon but used all diplomatic techniques in favour of the Pandavs. His own force was fighting against him and his allies, but his manoeuvre and tactics played a significant role to make the Pandavs winner. This is an example of the highest level of diplomacy regarding sacrificing own troops against the Pandavs to win in the Mahabharat Yuddha.

As per Kautilyas Arthashastra, artha means wealth or power and dharma means political virtue or ethical and moral issues in statecraft that our society has already left. Balancing the wealth power and ethical behaviours of the elites is important. In the materialistic world, all the business is related to profit and loss as the merchant considers, but the state has a superior role to protect its citizens. Kautilyas Matsyanyaya philosophy talks about big fish swallowing small ones. Similarly, big investors exploit petty traders; that is why the government should care for justice and protect all. King Prithvi Narayan Shahs Divya Upadesh is inspired by this philosophy that ensured justice vis-a-vis security in Nepal for a long.

Similarly, Thucydides says, The strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept. For him, international relations allow the mighty to do as they wish and force the weak to suffer as they must. The philosophy is highly regarded as the Thucydides trap.

Geopolitics and security threats in Nepal

King Prithvi Narayan Shah considered British Raj as expansionist and China as a sleeping giant at that time. His understanding of geopolitics was marvellous, but later, the autocratic rulers after him used the south and the north differently.

Of course, geopolitics has pluses as well as minuses in diplomacy as to how the rulers use this tool to strengthen the security of a nation. Although unlike what happened in the recent Suez Canal incident, Nepal is also victimised from the geopolitics of critical infrastructure many times in its history. Suez Canal shortens distance connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, and it was blocked by a vessel for a week halting a billion dollars a day in maritime commerce.

The Koshi, Gandak and Mahakali barrages are constructed by India on Nepali soil close to its border having critical geopolitical constraints, utilising the water resources for mutual benefits. The water distribution is one-sided, but the damp site is in Nepali arable lands. The proposed Koshi High Dam will be another setback on Nepali geopolitical history if we do not safeguard our interest and rights over the Koshi river.

In fact, international relations are dictated by geopolitics. As we know, politics deals with the technique of governing society whereas geography is the study of the earth, its features and lives on the earth. Politics remains very complicated due to its complexities in our relations. Nonetheless, it remains overriding to settle our disputes. And, with geopolitics, it is a relative analysis of influencing forces/powers in society and geographical relevancy.

Scholars agree that geopolitics is not only a science but is also a discipline that analyses various forces on a given territory. Science deals with knowledge, but to understand geopolitics, knowledge is not enough. Geopolitics being a discipline too, we need to have training that makes us willing to follow certain rules or to bear punishment if we break the rule. Misunderstanding geopolitics and lack of knowledge into it have led us to problems many times in our history.

Nepals geopolitics is debatable as a challenge as well as an opportunity from the days of its inception. King Prithvi Narayan Shahs Dibya Upadesh is the first of its kind to define Nepals strategy and national security vis-a-vis foreign policy. Later, King Mahendra adopted a policy of non-alignment in the sixties. Accordingly, King Birendra proposed Nepal as a zone of peace in 1975.

With such a vision, Nepals diplomacy is at the crossroad in the 21st century when the USA and China have emerged as established and rising global powers. India is following them as a major global power inclining towards the quad concept, as the Asian NATO, to counter Chinese aggression in Asia. Nepal, being geopolitically sensitive, has been victimised many times to safeguard its territorial integrity and strengthen national security interest. Unless Nepal carefully revives the 3D concept and applies it creatively in national lives deliberately, its security remains fragile.

Identifying the threats is not enough if we fail to intervene with appropriate policies. Unless the opposition leader is included and the National Security Adviser (NSA) is appointed in the National Security Council, its effectiveness will always be paralysed due to the political parties and their leaders interest. To counter national as well as international meddling into internal security, advice of a qualified NSA and its team should be mandatory before the National Security Council decides at its formal meetings.
(TNS)  A group of North Colonie students is using machine learning to understand how factors like education, the environment, demographics, and infectious disease are tied to a country's level of income inequality.The five Shaker High School students are finalists in the statewide High School Fed Challenge for their research and analysis, which yielded a report that will be among 12 papers to be published in the inaugural issue of the Journal of Future Economists this summer.Their report uses World Bank data from around the world. Their findings are especially timely in a year when virtually every nation has been engulfed by the pandemic."Our main finding was that infectious diseases had the (greatest) effect on inequality. And all this data is pre-COVID-19, so it was very interesting," 11th grader Avi Bagchi said. "We know that the coronavirus was a major cause of inequality and really has exposed inequality in the United States."The annual state contest, which is run by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, has evolved from an in-person competition to an academic paper challenge in which student teams research and analyze an economic theme."We were blown away by the quality of the 66 papers we received," said Heather Daly, director of education programs at the New York Fed. "Just as professional economists produce a mix of qualitative and quantitative analyses, so did the students. Every team that participated did truly outstanding work."The High School Fed Challenge aims to encourage high school students to learn more about economics and promote economics as a subject for study and a career possibility.Bagchi and his co-authors  junior Harrison Fazzone and 10th graders Sahana Vinothkumar, Priya Musuku and Roshni Ramesh  are members of their high school's History, Research, and Competition Club.The club, which started out as a group of friends who competed in the annual Academic World Quest, an international affairs competition, expanded during the pandemic to take on other kinds of contests and challenges. In the last year, its membership has grown to more than 80 members.The students who signed up for the Fed Challenge were self-motivated, collaborative, and rarely asked for guidance, according to Shaker High School social studies teacher and club adviser Andrew Krakat said."I was very impressed with the work this group is doing, especially the higher-level statistical analysis, pulling out the data points beyond GDP (gross domestic product) because a lot of inequality reports are focused on using GDP as an economic measure," Krakat said. "They identify that there are actually these other measures that are much more predictive of economic inequality."The team was unable to meet on school grounds since the pandemic has divided students attending class part-time into different cohorts, and some students are fully remote. Instead, the research happened on Google meets, which was an awkward adjustment at first, according to 10th grader Vinothkumar."It was definitely hard to adjust from a normal in-person collaborative where you bounce ideas off of each other," Vinothkumar said. "We would have late-night ideas and text them in the chat and we would look at them at various hours. It was so wild, but so productive at the same time ... we weren't limited to the boundaries (of set club hours) we would normally be."Students said they were driven by a spirit of competitiveness, but also their passion for the topic of wealth inequality."With the pandemic, we see how the workforce is really important to shaping how conveniently and easily we can live our lives," Ramesh said. "Income inequality we see is such a big barrier to medical care and life expectancy and we felt like really exploring this issue is something that we needed to do."Harrison and Bagchi came up with the idea after Bagchi used machine-learning in another class to analyze invasive species. They used Python programming to collect and organize the data. The data was then run through statistical models that looked at how various indicators impacted a country's income inequality, quantified by a measure known as the "Gini coefficient."Vinothkumar, Ramesh, and Musuku helped with the analysis and pulled the information together into a cohesive report. Another strong indicator of income inequality was the environment; rural communities tended to have greater inequality than urban areas, according to the findings."It was very interesting to see that non-income factors and non-financial factors contributed to wealth inequality. That was what really struck me. it was a bit unusual but it did make a lot of sense when you think about it," Musuku said.
The right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is mounting an all-out offensive to suppress a major strike by some 130,000 public road transport workers. The government has so far arrested over 130 workers, fired hundreds and suspended thousands more.

Led by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, the government is also cynically using the ongoing COVID-19 crisis to pressure the employees to return to work, citing the inconvenience the strike is causing to the local population, which depends upon public transport for daily travel.

Family members of striking KSRTC workers join protest in the town of Hassan on April 12. (Facebook)

The strike began on April 7 and is now entering its third week. It has paralyzed public bus transportation throughout the state. The entire fleet of 26,000 buses has ground to a halt, although the BJP government claims that they have been able to operate a few thousand buses using threats of dismissal and other forms of blackmail to cajole some workers to return to their jobs.

The BJP government took a hardline stance from the outset of the strike. The government will not negotiate any more. Employees should return to work, declared the Chief Secretary P. Ravi Kumar, Yediyurappas top bureaucrat, following a meeting he had with the chief minister (CM) a day prior to the commencement of the strike.

The workers belong to four separately organized state-owned bus transport corporations, abbreviated as KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation), BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation), NWKRTC (North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) and NEKRTC (North Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation).

These brutally exploited workers, whose regular salaries are frequently not paid on time, are demanding that their pay be brought in line with the recommendations of the government-appointed 6th pay commission. In 2018, the commission recommended a 30 percent hike in the pay scales of all government employees.

Even a 30 percent hike for these workers would result in an additional expenditure of little more than 8 billion rupees (Rs.) ($107 million), a mere drop in the bucket compared to the governments total budget expenditure of Rs. 2.4 trillion ($31 billion) in 202021.

The repeated delays in salary payments have imposed an intolerable burden on the workers and their families. This was acknowledged by one of the managers in an anonymous comment to the press. There was a mistake on our part, he said. Salaries of employees were delayed and were paid in installments last year. In fact, they couldnt celebrate last years Deepavali [a major festival] due to the delay.

The workers are demanding that they be formally classified as government employees with a state-mandated pay scale, instead of workers whose pay and working conditions are determined by the vagaries of the autonomous transport corporations financial results. The strikers are also demanding a halt to overwork through the hiring of more workers, solutions to various workplace grievances and government investments to improve the condition of the dilapidated bus fleet.

In addition, the workers are demanding that the government pay the promised compensation of Rs. 3 million ($40,000) to the families of at least 112 workers who have succumbed to COVID-19. So far, according to the union leading the strike, the dependent families of only seven workers have received such payments.

This is the second time workers have resorted to strike action since mid-December. At that time they returned to work after four days when their de facto union leader, Kodahalli Chandraskekar, urged the workers to trust the BJP governments word that it would sincerely consider their demands. True to its character, the government subsequently ignored the workers longstanding demands.

The eruption of this strike comes on the heels of a bitter three-month long struggle by over 3,000 Toyota Kirloskar Motors workers in Karnataka that was systematically isolated and, in March, outright betrayed by the local union leadership and the Stalinist-led labour federations.

The strike also takes place in the context of a five-month long agitation by hundreds of thousands of overwhelmingly small and marginal Indian farmers, many of whom have been camping on the outskirts of Indias capital, Delhi, since late November. They are demanding the repeal of the pro-business farm laws adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP government, which is seeking to consolidate the control of giant global and domestic agribusinesses over the agricultural sector.

The BJP state government is particularly concerned by the unity being displayed by permanent workers, trainees and those on probation. As one official commented to the press, It is surprising that this time, trainees and probationers too have joined the strike. Since youngsters are involved, calming them down and making them understand is a challenge for the government. It is only the experienced employees who can make them see the harsh reality and end the strike.

The wives and children of workers have participated in protest marches throughout the state. This in spite of the government cynically threatening them, citing COVID-19 restrictions. In fact, it is transport workers who have lost their lives due to the authorities ruinous mishandling of the pandemic.

The government is employing two tactics to intimidate the workers. One is to unleash ferocious police repression, dismiss, blackmail and suspend workers. The second is to grant private bus and van companies, who are gouging the riders, special permission to ply the routes normally reserved for public transport corporations.

Last Friday, the government seized on the tragic death of a 59-year-old bus driver, Nabid Rasool Awati, to witch-hunt the strikers. Awati was one of the workers who had returned to work after managers visited his home to convince him to return to duty. He was fatally wounded when stones thrown by unknown persons, described in the press as miscreants, pierced the windshield of his bus.

Immediately following the incident, BJP Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who is also the transport minister, sought to blame the workers. Without a shred of evidence, he said, It is condemnable that the driver's own colleagues caused his death. Some transport employees are neither joining duty, nor allowing their colleagues to join. We will not spare those who have done it.

The following day, the BMTC management suspended close to 2,500 workers, including around 2,000 permanent staff. Other road transport companies such as KSRTC have followed suit, imposing similar repressive measures.

In the first nine days of the strike, 52 KSRTC workers were arrested, including 47 under the provisions of the draconian Karnataka Essential Services Management Act (ESMA). Twenty workers of NEKRTC, six from BMTC and four from NWKRTC were also arrested. The police filed over 130 FIRs (First Information Reports) within these nine days.

In response to a slew of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) instigated by government supporters and other right-wing forces, the Karnataka High Court is also threatening the strikers. It issued a statement telling them to return to work immediately so as not to inconvenience the common man.

The striking transport workers abandoned their previous rotten union, called the KSRTC Staff and Workers' Federation, and last year formed a new organization, the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League. Their most visible spokesperson is Kodihalli Chandrashekar, the right-wing, politically well-connected head of a farmers organization who has become the Leagues honorary president.

What the strikers above all require to secure victory is a new political orientation. They must broaden their struggle to workers throughout Karnataka and working people across India to challenge the low wages and ruthless exploitation enforced by the state and central governments together with big business. The conditions for such a struggle are extremely favourable, as shown by a series of militant strikes and protests over recent months, including the November 26 nationwide general strike against the Modi governments austerity policies.

But as the three-month-long struggle by Toyota Kirloskar Motors workers in Karnataka underscored, workers struggles cannot succeed if they remain under the control of the pro-capitalist trade unions, including the Stalinist-led CITU and AITUC, which isolate them and seek to tie to them to the Congress Party and other right-wing opposition parties.

To prevent this, striking transport workers must establish an independent strike committee to take control of the job action out of the hands of the unions and appeal for a unified struggle by the broadest sections of working people and the impoverished masses for decent-paying, secure jobs for all.
Dorinda Medley and Carson looked chummy on Tuesday when they joined forces to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the pro-marijuana holiday 420 in New York City.

The 56-year-old former Real Housewives Of New York City star kept her look sleek with a black tux jacket, while Carson, 51, pulled out all the stops with a busy candy-colored blazer.

The two pals were attending a celebration put on by the Massachusetts-based dispensary Rebelle to celebrate 50 years of the stoner holiday and the recent legalization of marijuana in New York state.

High time: Dorinda Medley, 56, and Carson Kressley, 51, beamed ear-to-ear as they joined Massachusetts-based dispensary Rebelle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 420 in NYC on Tuesday

Dorinda wore her black tuxedo jacket casually draped over her shoulders with a figure-hugging black tank top on underneath.

She tucked her slim top into a set of high-waisted silver sequined pants for some extra sparkle.

The former reality TV star stood tall in pointy black heels and carried a slim black clutch that matched her ensemble.

She lightened up the look with her blond pixie cut and she sported a pair of black circular earrings.

Sparkler: Dorinda wore a black tux jacket with a black tank top, silver sequined pants and black heels

Splash of color: Carson looked colorful in his blazer, which was covered in an eye-catching collage, as well as gray pants, a white shirt and long black loafers

Carson looked colorful in his blazer, which was covered in an eye-catching collage with bright reds and yellows and a royal blue.

He toned down the rest of his look with a tie-free white dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, plus a shiny pair of black pants and long black loafers.

The two looked chummy on the red carpet, with Dorinda resting her head on the former Queer Eye For The Straight Guy star.

They were also spotted chatting at a table during the event.

Old pals: The two looked chummy on the red carpet, with Dorinda resting her head on the former Queer Eye For The Straight Guy star

Big fan: Dorinda has a personal connection to Rebelle, as she was spotted shopping at the Great Barrington, Massachusettsbased dispensary in February, according to Page Six

Dorinda has a personal connection to the Rebelle dispensary, as she was spotted shopping at the Great Barrington, Massachusettsbased location in February, according to Page Six.

She also posed for a photo with the dispensary's owner around the same time, so she's not a neophyte to the cannabis holiday.

According to KCRW, 420 originated in Northern California around 1971 as a codeword for high school students in the Northern Bay area.

Among a group of high school marijuana users, one student's father was a narcotics officer, so their friends started using codes similar to what police officers used to categorize crimes, and 420 stuck as a way of signaling to smoke marijuana at 4:20 p.m.

New York recently legalized marijuana possession and use, making this the first legal 420 celebration.

Old school: According to KCRW , 420 originated in Northern California around 1971 as a codeword for high school students in the Northern Bay area

Having a blast: Back in 2019, Dorinda hosted Carson for the weekend at her mansion in Great Barrington

On Instagram, Carson shared a photo of himself and Dorinda while tagging Rebelle dispensary.

Back in 2019, Dorinda and her boyfriend John Mahdessian hosted Carson for a weekend at her Great Barrington mansion.

Back in the fall, the RHONY fixture announced she wouldn't be returning for the long-running show's 13th season.

During an October appearance on her former costar Bethenny Frankel's podcast Just B with Bethenny Frankel, Dorinda admitted she was fired from the series.
All licensed vaccines are extremely effective in preventing severe cases of Covid-19, a disease that has killed around three million people worldwide in the space of one year. However, there are still individuals who are more afraid of the vaccine than of the virus. The focus now is on the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines, after dozens of those who were vaccinated  about 1 in 100,000  developed a very rare form of potentially lethal blood clots.

Below is a sample of risk-versus-benefit calculations. While approximate, they are useful for understanding the kind of figures used by drug regulatory agencies. We start by looking at a general scenario of 100,000 adults of all ages over a period of four months with an incidence of Covid-19 that reflects the rates experienced in 2021 in Spain:

Without vaccination With vaccination

100,000 people Without vaccination With vaccination If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 3,800 people will become infected If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 950 people will become infected Fewer infections If 100,000 people get vaccinated, around 2,850 people will avoid catching Covid-19 in this example. And thats without taking into account the fact that getting vaccinated will also put the brakes on transmission. If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 250 will end up in hospital If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 13 will end up in hospital Far fewer hospital admissions: the vaccine will prevent 237 hospitaliza- tions (19 out of 20 or more) If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 2 will be admitted to an ICU If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 25 will be admitted to an ICU The admissions to ICUs will be one or two, if not fewer, instead of 25. If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 3 will die If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 60 will die 57 people (out of 100,000) will avoid death One serious case of thrombosis From a sample of 100,000 people vaccinated, over the space of four months one person will develop thrombosis But around 20 ICU cases and between 50 and 60 deaths will have been avoided Note: In this scenario, we have assumed a 3.8% infection rate in Spain  which is the rate registered between January and now; also that the vaccine is 75% effective. 100,000 people Without vaccination With vaccination If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 3,800 people will become infected If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 950 people will become infected Fewer infections If 100,000 people get vaccinated, around 2,850 people will avoid catching Covid-19 in this example. And thats without taking into account the fact that getting vaccinated will also put the brakes on transmission. If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 250 will end up in hospital If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 13 will end up in hospital Far fewer hospital admissions: the vaccine will prevent 237 hospitalizations (19 out of 20 or more) If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 2 will be admitted to an ICU If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 25 will be admitted to an ICU The admissions to ICUs will be one or two, if not fewer, instead of 25. If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 60 will die If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 3 will die 57 people (out of 100,000) will avoid death One serious case of thrombosis From a sample of 100,000 people vaccinated, over the space of four months one person will develop thrombosis But around 20 ICU cases and between 50 and 60 deaths will have been avoided Note: In this scenario, we have assumed a 3.8% infection rate in Spain  which is the rate registered between January and now; also that the vaccine is 75% effective. 100,000 people Without vaccination With vaccination If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 3,800 people will become infected If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 950 people will become infected Fewer infections If 100,000 people get vaccinated, around 2,850 people will avoid catching Covid-19 in this example. And thats without taking into account the fact that getting vaccinated will also put the brakes on transmission. If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 250 will end up in hospital If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 13 will end up in hospital Far fewer hospital admissions: the vaccine will prevent 237 hospitalizations (19 out of 20 or more) If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 2 will be admitted to an ICU If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 25 will be admitted to an ICU The admissions to ICUs will be one or two, if not fewer, instead of 25. If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 3 will die If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 60 will die 57 people (out of 100,000) will avoid death One serious case of thrombosis From a sample of 100,000 people vaccinated, over the space of four months one person will develop thrombosis But around 20 ICU cases and between 50 and 60 deaths will have been avoided Note: In this scenario, we have assumed a 3.8% infection rate in Spain  which is the rate registered between January and now; also that the vaccine is 75% effective. 100,000 people Without vaccination With vaccination If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 3,800 people will become infected If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 950 people will become infected 2,850 (out of 100,000) will avoid becoming infected Fewer infections If 100,000 people get vaccinated, around 2,850 people will avoid catching Covid-19 in this example. And thats without taking into account the fact that getting vaccinated will also put the brakes on transmission. Note: In this scenario, we have assumed a 3.8% infection rate in Spain  which is the rate registered between January and now; also that the vaccine is 75% effective. If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 13 will end up in hospital If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 250 will end up in hospital 237 (out of 100,000) will avoid hospitalization Far fewer hospital admissions: the vaccine will prevent 237 hospitalizations (19 out of 20 or more) If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 25 will be admitted to an ICU If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 2 will be admitted to an ICU The admissions to ICUs will be one or two, if not fewer, instead of 25. If 100,000 people do get vaccinated, around 3 will die If 100,000 people dont get vaccinated, around 60 will die 57 people (out of 100,000) will avoid death One serious case of thrombosis From a sample of 100,000 people vaccinated, over the space of four months one person will develop thrombosis But around 20 ICU cases and between 50 and 60 deaths will have been avoided

These approximate calculations are also similar to estimates from the British regulatory agency MHRA. They make it very clear that, irrespective of age, the benefits of the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines far outweigh their known risks.

In a scenario such as the above, in which the infection rate is 3.8% over several months, vaccination prevents 50 to 60 deaths and 200 hospital admissions per 100,000 people while triggering just one serious and potentially lethal thrombosis, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

However, the analysis should be carried out according to age as Covid-19 is not as dangerous at 20 as it is at 70. This is why the vaccination campaign was initiated in nursing homes, because the disease is 15 times more deadly at age 55 than at 25.

The following graphic flags up these differences, showing the number of people hospitalized, admitted to intensive care or killed by Covid-19 per 100,000 in each age bracket, assuming, again, that the probability of becoming infected is 3.8% over a given period:

Benefits and risks of the vaccine Assumption: a 3.8% probability of becoming infected with Covid-19 at any given moment (without a vaccine). Without vaccination Age Admissions

(per 100.000) ICU

(per 100.000) Deaths

(per 100.000) 20-29 31 2 0.4 30-39 61 4 0.9 40-49 103 9 2 50-59 190 24 10 60-69 370 62 45 70-79 648 86 156 80+ 928 16 465 With vaccination Age Admissions

(per 100.000) ICU

(per 100.000) Deaths

(per 100.000) Thrombosis

(per 100.000) 20-29 1.6 0.1 0,0 2 30-39 3 0.2 0,0 1.6 40-49 5 0.5 0.1 1 50-59 9 1.2 0.5 0.8 60-69 19 3 2 0.4 70-79 32 4 8 0.4 80+ 46 0.8 23 0.4

For the elderly, the difference between being vaccinated and not being vaccinated is massive. Among the over-80s, deaths with the vaccine are reduced from 500 to 25 per 100,000, with no cases of thrombosis expected. These differences are slightly reduced but remain significant in the 70s, 60s and 50s age brackets. For those in their 40s, the vaccine would prevent two or three deaths per 100,000 people, nine intensive care admissions and 100 hospitalizations, but would trigger thrombosis in one person, according to EMA estimates.

The benefits of AstraZenecas Covid vaccine continue to far outweigh the risks for most people, said the head of the British regulatory body, June Raine, referring to the estimates.

However, their calculations, like those made by EL PAIS, do pose a dilemma for younger people. On account of this, the British agency proposes vaccinating this demographic with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which have shown no similar side effects so far. The virus is much less dangerous for very young people and, if its circulation becomes minimized, the risk posed by Covid-19 for this group is equal to the risk, also low, posed by the thrombosis associated with the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines.

According to EL PAIS approximate calculations regarding people in the 20-to-29 age bracket, the vaccine prevents a couple of admissions to intensive care and half a death per 100,000 people, but it is possible that it could cause one or two cases of lethal blood clotting, according to estimates being used by the different regulators.

It is difficult to know at this point the precise risk of thrombosis associated with the vaccines. The estimates are currently under investigation with the possibility that they will be different based on age, gender or other characteristics. In the United Kingdom, authorities estimate a thrombosis risk of approximately one in 250,000 with the AstraZeneca vaccine. They also believe that the risk is twice as high in younger people as in older people, and, although they have found more cases in women, they have not yet published estimates according to gender. The EMA estimates the risk of thrombosis to be one in 100,000, without yet linking that risk to gender or age. In Denmark, they estimate the risk to be one in 40,000.

This is in connection with the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has just released a report on the Janssen vaccine, which uses the same delivery mechanism as AstraZeneca. The FDA has found six cases of thrombosis, almost all in young women, among the millions who have been vaccinated, so the incidence in that group could be one in 100,000. But, as US epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers explains, more cases could come to light. This uncertainty explains why regulators are doing more studies: it is logical to be vigilant.

What is the risk of contracting Covid-19?

The figures above outline a scenario in which the rate of future infections mirrors the rate recorded over the past four months: 3.8% of the population, or one in 25. But this is only a point of reference. Obviously, the benefit of being vaccinated increases the more at risk you are of infection; if, say, the pandemic lasts for another year.

It is useful to use the 100% case as an example as it shows how the risks and benefits compare if we assume that you will definitely end up getting infected at some point in the future. This graphic charts the risks and benefits in a 100% scenario according to age:

Analysis of risks and benefits Assumption: a 100% probability of becoming infected with Covid-19 at any given moment (without a vaccine). Without vaccination Age Admissions

(per 100.000) ICU

(per 100.000) Deaths

(per 100.000) 20-29 824 43 10 30-39 1,609 110 22 40-49 2,721 249 65 50-59 4,989 643 276 60-69 9,748 1,625 1,175 70-79 17,045 2,260 4,107 80+ 24,412 420 12,230 With vaccination Age Admissions

(per 100.000) ICU

(per 100.000) Deaths

(per 100.000) Thrombosis

(per 100.000) 20-29 41 2 0.5 2 30-39 80 5 1.1 1.6 40-49 136 12 3 1 50-59 249 32 14 0.8 60-69 487 81 59 0.4 70-79 852 113 205 0.4 80+ 1,221 21 611 0.4

In a 100% scenario, the advantages of the vaccine are multiplied. For those over 80, 10,000 deaths would be avoided. And the benefit would be even clearer for younger people: for a young infected person, the risk of ending up in intensive care would be 40 in 100,000, while the risk of suffering a thrombosis would be more like two in 100,000.

The probability of becoming infected in the next few months is unknown. On the one hand, this is because it depends on the individual. But it is also because it is a future prediction. How can we know what the incidence of cases will be in Spain or in any other country next month or in six months time? Or in two years time, for that matter? To explore these possibilities, we have prepared a small interactive graphic of risk and benefit estimates according to different age brackets and the probability of infection.

The biotechnologist Lluis Montoliu finds it concerning that the focus has been placed on the exceptional adverse effects of the vaccines while hundreds have been dying every day from Covid-19. We lack the understanding that drugs are not harmless, that they all carry a certain risk, says Montoliu, president of the Spanish National Research Councils Ethics Committee.

The oral polio vaccine, containing a weakened virus, is a case in point. After giving it to three billion children worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 760 cases of polio caused by the vaccine. But the institution estimates that the vaccination campaign as a whole prevented 13 million cases. The disease is now on the point of being eradicated from the planet.

The situation could be compared to the trolley problem  the famous thought experiment devised in 1967 by British philosopher Philippa Foot: a passerby sees that a streetcar is going to run over five people, but can divert it to a side track where it will only run over one person. With the AstraZeneca vaccine, the streetcar  in this case, Covid-19  will kill 50 or 60 people and leave another 20 in intensive care, but with vaccination, it is possible to switch the streetcar to another track and cause only one potentially lethal case of thrombosis.

But, according to Federico de Montalvo, a lawyer and president of the Spanish Bioethics Committee, vaccination is not done directly for the good of the community, it is done for the good of the individual. De Montalvo recalls a January ruling by a court in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern region of Galicia, where a judge authorized the vaccination of an elderly woman in a nursing home to avoid her individual risk, not the collective one.

The situation is more like the issue of colonoscopies in colorectal cancer screening, says Montalvo, who heads the Spanish governments main advisory body in the field of scientific ethics. A healthy person could get a perforation in the bowel and die while having a routine colonoscopy to rule out a tumor. One of these very rare adverse episodes can occur, but how many deaths from cancer do you avoid? Vaccination, he stresses, not only prevents serious cases of Covid-19, it also reduces the asymptomatic transmission of the virus within society. The vaccine addresses the collective interest, but we do not expose ourselves to risk for the sake of others, but first and foremost for ourselves, he says.

The vaccine minimizes or eliminates the individual risk of dying from Covid-19, but there is another benefit: the social one. The estimates here are individual, but another advantage of vaccination is that it reduces the likelihood of infecting others. When someone gets vaccinated, they are doing their bit to protect everyone, literally.

All the figures in this article are approximate  the precise calculations will be those of the regulatory agencies. But they are an exercise in understanding the kind of dilemmas we face and the kind of analyses that health authorities do.

Sources and methodology

Lethality. Virus lethality  deaths per infected person, or Infection Fatality Ratio (IFR)  was calculated from the data on deaths and age-confirmed cases from the Carlos III Health Institute. Cases were based on an extensive period during the second wave  from October to mid-February  and deaths within that same period with a three-week variation. Cases are based on the assumption of a 75% detection rate (the resulting IFR is, for example, 1.17% for people aged 60-69). If detection were worse at 60% or 65%, the case fatality ratio would be about 10% lower. The results are similar to those obtained in this study based on serology research and the confirmed and excess deaths during the first wave.

Risk of Covid hospitalization. To calculate the risk of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, we calculated the admission rates per death, also using data from the Carlos III Health Institute. The cases are based on the period between October and mid-February; admissions are based on the same period with a difference of one week and ICU admissions with a difference of two weeks.

Vaccine effectiveness. The calculations of deaths, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and infection rates in vaccinated people suggest an effectiveness of 75% against transmission and 95% regarding admissions and deaths. This is an estimate based on a bibliography shared with EL PAIS by the Computational Biology group from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). It is a conservative estimate that does not take into account the additional reduction of transmission achieved by having a vaccinated population.

Thrombosis risk. The figure for the risk of serious blood clots with AstraZeneca is based on estimates from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which calculates one case of thrombosis in 100,000 vaccine recipients. The distribution of these cases by age was made using information from the British regulator MHRA.

Transmission probability. The central scenario used at the beginning of the article assumes that 3.8% of Spaniards will be infected in the coming months. This is an indicative figure that is useful as a reference. It is the same number of people who have been infected since January until now, according to data from the Carlos III Health Institute, again based on the assumption that 75% of real cases are detected.

For the initial calculations, we have taken 100,000 people across all age brackets based on the population structure as registered by the Spanish Institute of Statistics (INE). According to the INE structure, 20-29-year-old make up 13%s, 40-49-year-olds 21% and the over-80s 8% of the 100,000.

Acknowledgments: Miguel Angel Martinez Beneito, statistician at the University of Valencia; Jesus Sierra, pharmacist from the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy; and professionals from the National Epidemiology Center.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Japanese lawmakers on launched a parliamentary alliance aimed at "protecting Mongolian culture from assimilation policies of the Chinese government," Jiji Press reported.



The alliance will be headed by Sanae Takaichi, a former internal affairs and communications minister, with fellow members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the report said.



The cross-party Parliamentary Alliance in Support of Southern Mongolia will aim to "protect the language and culture of Mongolians in China," which is being threatened by the assimilation policies of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the report said.



Temurlun, an ethnic Mongolian currently living in Japan, said the move was a huge boost to ethnic Mongolians from China's northern region of Inner Mongolia, which is referred to by rights activists as Southern Mongolia.



"The ... alliance established by the Japanese parliament is hugely encouraging for Southern Mongolians in exile," Temurlun told RFA.



He said the CCP is trying to "extinguish" traditional nomadic Mongolian culture within China's borders.



The launch of the alliance comes after Japanese lawmakers held a seminar earlier this month on how best to protest Mongolian language and culture in China.



Taken more seriously in Japan

According to Japan-based Mongolian Khubis, the former president of the independent country of Mongolia, which borders China's Inner Mongolia, also put forward suggestions to Japanese lawmakers.



"They were influenced by the response they got from a large number of Japanese members of parliament, but also by what was going on in Xinjiang and Hong Kong," Khubis said.



"That's why they set up [this] alliance."



Xi Haiming welcomed the move on .



"Japanese lawmakers have been taking the persecution and abuse of human rights by the Chinese government much more seriously [lately]," Xi said.



He said policies implemented from by the CCP to phase out Mongolian-medium teaching in the region's schools -- a move that prompted regionwide mass protests and school boycotts -- had been the main catalyst for the alliance.



"Last year we saw cuts to Mongolian-medium teaching, and the lawmakers formed this alliance on their own initiative after many deliberations and much research," Xi said.



Yang Haiying, a professor at Shizuoka University in Japan, said Japan feels a particular affinity with Inner Mongolia, because parts of the region used to be Japanese colonies.



"This is similar to the U.K.'s constructive intervention in Hong Kong ... it is a just use of nationalism," Yang said.



According to the New York-based Southern Mongolia Human Rights and Information Center (SMHRIC), the CCP is stepping up policies of "cultural genocide" in the northern region of Inner Mongolia.



The region's viewers are currently being bombarded with political advertisements about "national unity" and "ethnic harmony," while Mongolian-language content was being replaced with programming about majority Han Chinese culture, the group said in a report last month.



Phasing out Mongolian teaching

Meanwhile, ethnic Mongolian adults are being targeted by Chinese language-learning campaigns, with new programs teaching Mandarin being broadcast in the region since .



The phasing out of Mongolian-medium teaching came as the National People's Congress (NPC) ruled that "minority language-medium education is unconstitutional," the People's Daily reported in March.



The ruling apparently replaces a clause in Article 4 of the constitution, which once stated: "All ethnicities have the freedoms and rights to use and develop their own spoken and written languages and to preserve or reform their own folkways and customs."



It has paved the way for a further purge of any historical or cultural material from classrooms linked to traditional Mongolian culture.



The regional government has barred a number of Mongolian history textbooks from classrooms after they were found to "overemphasize the identity of certain ethnic groups while underemphasizing Chinese nationality and common identity," according to a statement posted on the government's website and cited by SMHRIC.



SMHRIC also cited statements from parents as saying that no mention of Mongolian culture is currently allowed in schools, and even ethnic Mongolian kindergarteners are being taught in Mandarin rather than the Mongolian language, as was previously the case.



Khubis has previously said the move could be linked to plans by the government of the independent Republic of Mongolia to return to the flowing Mongolian script that was taught to Chinese children in elementary schools until recently.



Mongolia had previously written the language using the Cyrillic alphabet, but is now planning to move away from that relic of Soviet occupation, meaning that content written in Mongolia could soon easily be read by ethnic Mongolians across the border in China, bolstering a sense of ethnic and cultural identity.



Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
New Delhi, April 21 : Union Finance Mminister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday praised the Indian industry for its extreme forbearance, patience and perseverance, using Japanese word 'Gamanzuyoi'.

Addressing more than 150 senior industry captains in a virtual interaction organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), she emphasised on the need for adopting micro-containment strategy in dealing with the second surge of the pandemic and acknowledged that the deliberations with CII had helped shaped this strategy.

Explaining the rationale, the Finance Minister said that unlike last time, the government now has important tools such as vaccines and medicines to deal with the pandemic.

On meeting the phenomenal increase in demand for medical oxygen, a critical treatment tool for Covid-19, she assured seamless supply to states. Measures that the government is taking include importing medical oxygen, round the clock working of oxygen filling stations and allowing containers used for nitrogen and argon to be used for oxygen, she added.

Sitharaman also gave details of government initiatives to help ramp up capacity of Remdesivir from 36 lakh vials per month to 78 lakh vials per month. Some of these measures include rapid clearances for new capacities, stopping exports, stopping the exports of APIs and formulations used in the manufacture of this life saving drug, and allowing EoUs and manufacturers located in SEZs to also sell in the domestic market, she said.

During the interaction, CII members manufacturing Remdesivir apprised the Finance Minister that they were in fact working towards exceeding the committed target of 78 lakh vials per month and aiming to reach a production of 1 crore vials per month.

Elaborating on the recent announcements on the vaccination, the Finance Minister said that the CII's suggestions on opening up of the vaccination to all adults, allowing industry to vaccinate its employees and their families and allowing vaccine imports have all been accepted in the policy. The government has also cleared an advance payment of Rs 4,600 crore to the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, to help them ramp up capacities.

Welcoming the CII suggestions on mitigating the impact to the economy to save livelihoods, alongside lives, the Finance Minister assured an examination of the same.

Earlier, CII President and Managing Director & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, Uday Kotak, in his opening remarks, lauded the speed of government's policy action, for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, over the last 72 hours.

Kotak emphasised on the importance of vaccination and doing whatever it takes to ramp up vaccination. He also emphasised on ensuring adequate supplies of oxygen, medicines and beds in the immediate term.

In the medium term, he emphasised on ramping up research to identify and tackle the mutants and to upgrade the vaccines. He also suggested to build India's capacity in terms of supplies and medical infrastructure to address any possible future waves.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 21, 2021

2021/04/21

CCTV: An army spokesperson said that President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad died in the fight with rebels. What's your comment? Will China send a message of condolences? Do you have any comment on the situation in Chad?

Wang Wenbin: President Idriss Deby Itno highly valued relations with China and made positive contributions to promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries. We express deep condolences over his passing and sincere sympathies to the Chadian people and the family of President Deby.

China values the friendly and cooperative ties with Chad and hopes that all relevant sides in Chad can work together to safeguard peace and stability in the country.

Prasar Bharati: India's Ambassador to China recently has said at an India-China dialogue that there was a tendency to sweep the situation at the border under the carpet and characterize it as just a minor issue. He said, this is 'inadvisable'. In fact, it would be tantamount to running away from the problem and in a direction opposite to that where the promise of our closer development partnership lies. Does the ministry has any response or comment to his statements?

Wang Wenbin: China's position on the China-India boundary issue is consistent and clear-cut. We are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the border areas and firmly safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and security. Recently, China and India have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels. On the basis of realizing disengagement in the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Lake area, the two sides have had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on promoting the settlement of the remaining issues in the west section of the China-India boundary. We hope that the Indian side will work with China to meet each other halfway, bear in mind the overall interests of the long-term development of China-India relations, place the boundary issue at an appropriate position in bilateral relations and bring China-India relations back to the track of sound and steady development.

Global Times: Joseph Veramu, a consultant on economic policy planning and development for the Fiji government and scholar at Fiji National University recently published a series of opinion articles in the newspaper Fiji Sun, commending the Belt and Road Initiative and rejecting such allegations as "debt trap" and "geopolitical agenda" behind the BRI. This has drawn much attention from Pacific island countries. Do you have any response?

Wang Wenbin: I noted relevant articles. The author took stock of the fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation between China and Pacific island countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and refuted the groundless accusation and false allegation. He said that the BRI is of important significance to Pacific island countries' economic development, improvement of livelihood, regional integration and integration into economic globalization.

China has signed MOU on BRI cooperation with all of the ten Pacific island countries having diplomatic relations with it. Facts have proved that the BRI is an international public good that meets the practical need of and is truly welcomed by the Pacific island countries, rather than something wishfully imposed by China. The BRI is an open and inclusive initiative for economic cooperation rather than an exclusive geopolitical tool. The BRI is about tangible and practical cooperation projects rather than being white elephant or empty promises. The BRI is about projects that benefit the locals, rather than a "debt trap".

As President Xi Jinping pointed out in his keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 yesterday, "the BRI is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party. Belt and Road cooperation pursues development, aims at mutual benefits, and conveys a message of hope." China will continue to practice the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, achieve high-quality BRI development with other parties including Pacific island countries and build the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and growth.

South China Morning Post: Director-General of the WHO Tedros said that the assessment of the conclusion that "lab leak is highly unlikely" in the joint study report is not enough, which needs further study, and the WHO is planning to send experts in relevant fields to China. An unnamed expert from the joint panel told a Hubei media outlet that he was "surprised and dissatisfied" with the Director-General's remarks. What is China's comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: On March 30, the WHO released the origin-tracing study report of the China-WHO joint mission, drawing a clear conclusion that lab leak is extremely unlikely. The report was co-authored by more than 30 top global experts in various fields. It is widely representative and highly professional. The joint mission has been conducting its research and writing the report independently, following WHO procedures and adopting a science-based approach, thus the report is authoritative and scientific.

I would like to stress that China has been conducting joint origin-tracing study with the WHO at the request of the latter. A number of international experts have stated on various occasions that "lab leak is extremely unlikely" and that there is no such thing as difficulty in obtaining raw data. All parties should respect science and the opinions and conclusions of scientists. This is where the WHO, in particular, should play a leading role.

Yonhap News Agency: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga donated ritual offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine on April 21. What's the ministry's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: The Yasukuni Shrine honors the World War II Class-A war criminals who were directly responsible for Japan's war of aggression. We have all along been firmly opposed to the wrong practices of Japanese politicians. China urges Japan to observe the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, earnestly follow through on the four-point principled consensus, face up to and deeply repent its history of aggression, make a clean break with militarism, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community with concrete actions.

FSN: President Xi will be attending the US-led climate change summit starting on Thursday. Do you have any comment on whether or not this is a sign of Beijing and Washington cooperating with one another on climate change and possibly on other matters as well?

Wang Wenbin: China has released information on President Xi Jinping's participation in the leaders summit. At the invitation of US President Joe Biden, President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver an important speech at the Leaders Summit on Climate in Beijing on April 22 via video link. China hopes this summit can serve as a platform to facilitate exchanges on the global fight against the challenge of climate change, on promoting the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and on jointly advancing global climate and environment governance.

Prasar Bharati: You just said that India and China should keep the relations in a proper perspective, but that is what the Indian ambassador has advised against. He said that it is inadvisable. So can you elaborate a little bit on the difference of perceptions between both countries on the relations?

Wang Wenbin: I stated China's position just now. I'd like to repeat that we hope that the Indian side will work with China to meet each other halfway, bear in mind the overall interests of the long-term development of China-India relations, cherish the hard-won deescalation of the situation in the border areas, uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas with concrete actions and bring China-India relations back to the track of sound and steady development.

AFP: At least two groups of Chinese hackers tried to enter the systems of US defence industry companies, according to a cyber security firm. One of them is believed to operate on behalf of the Chinese government. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: I want to stress three points.

First, given the virtual nature of cyberspace and the fact that there are all kinds of online actors who are difficult to trace, it's importance to have enough evidence when investigating and identifying cyber-related incidents. Groundless speculations should be avoided. As a matter of fact, the US is the biggest empire of hacking and tapping as we all know. China firmly rejects any organization or country throwing mud at China under the pretext of cyber security or using the issues to serve their political purposes.

Second, the Chinese government firmly bans and strictly cracks down on all forms of hacker attacks. This position is consistent and clear. Hacking is a global issue which calls for concerted response from the international community.

Third, in September 2020, China put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security, offering a Chinese solution to the formulation of global data governance rules and getting positive feedback from many countries. Just last month, China and Arab states jointly released the China-LAS Cooperation Initiative on Data Security, making Arab countries in the Middle East the first region to have launched a data security initiative with China. China stands ready to step up communication with all countries and jointly uphold global data and cyber security through dialogue and cooperation.

PTI: One important point you made when responding to the question on the India-China border issues a while ago, you said both sides should cherish the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh, but the problem is that the disengagement is incomplete. It has been taking place from Pangong Tso, as you mentioned, but the disengagement has not taken place in three other areas. Could you outline the reasons why China is still not disengaging from those areas?

Wang Wenbin: I just stated China's principled position on the relevant issues. I want to stress that recently, China and India have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels. On the basis of realizing disengagement in the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Lake area, the two sides have had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on promoting the settlement of the remaining issues in the west section of the China-India boundary. We hope that the Indian side will work with China to meet each other halfway, follow relevant agreements and consensus between the two countries and the two militaries, and uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas with concrete actions.

China Daily: On April 20, ROK Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong said that his country firmly opposes Japan's decision to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear accident into the sea, and will discuss the issue in the international arena. Separately, TEPCO said it plans to submit a detailed schedule as early as May 2021 leading up to the start of the discharging process. What is China's comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: China has noted the report that TEPCO plans to submit a schedule leading up to the discharge of the contaminated nuclear water into the sea as early as May this year. We express strong dissatisfaction and grave concern over Japan's unilateral move to advance the work about discharging the contaminated nuclear water from the Fukushima nuclear accident without full consultation with the international community, especially its neighboring countries. How the contaminated nuclear water is handled bears on the ecological and environmental safety in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large, and concerns the life and health of people in all countries. Naturally, Japan is obliged to have full consultation with all stakeholders, especially its neighbors before making any decisions. The matter also needs to be assessed and discussed within the framework of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Despite doubts and opposition of the international community, and in breach of its international obligations, Japan attempts to dump the contaminated nuclear water into the sea and spread the environmental health and safety risk to the whole world. Japan's move lacks transparency and scientific basis, and is illegal, irresponsible and immoral, which risks universal condemnation.

I have read about quite a few major pollution diseases in Japan that have caused serious harm to people's lives and safety. According to reports, the Japanese government announced on April 19 that it has banned shipments of black rockfish from Fukushima Prefecture after detection of excessive radioactive substances. This is the second time since February this year that fish with excessive radioactive substances were found in the waters off Fukushima. This shows that the disposal of radionuclides is highly complex and difficult. It also proves that the so-called safe disposal claimed by Japan and the authenticity of the information and data it unilaterally provided need to be verified. Japan should draw lessons from past mistakes, rectify its unilateral wrong decision to release contaminated nuclear water into the sea, and avoid asking people around the world to pay the bills for its wrong behavior.

Bloomberg: TikTok is facing a lawsuit in London that accuses the app of violating UK and EU privacy laws. The company says that the suit lacks merit. Does the foreign ministry have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: I'm not aware of this. I want to emphasize that the Chinese government maintains that enterprises operating overseas should strictly comply with international rules as well as laws and regulations of host countries, and fully respect local customs and religious beliefs.
Outdoor mask mandates across the U.S. could be lifted in the coming weeks, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health, said over the weekend.

In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Jha said he expects that states will move to lift requirements for masks while outside, noting that outdoor COVID infections are extremely rare.

Outdoor infections are rare and occur when large groups gather in packed spaces, such as rallies, Jha tweeted. Outdoor mask mandates are likely to be lifted in upcoming weeks. Indoor masking should stay for a bit longer.

Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance states that people should wear a face covering while in public settings, at events or gatherings and anywhere they will be around other people. Experts have long-warned that the virus thrives best in indoor environments with poor ventilation, where viral particles are likely to linger for longer periods.

Really enjoyed speaking with @abbydphillip about outdoor mask mandates



Outdoor infections are rare and occur when large groups gather in packed spaces, such as rallies



Outdoor mask mandates are likely to be lifted in upcoming weeks. Indoor masking should stay for a bit longer https://t.co/biW85dITEk  Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH (@ashishkjha) April 18, 2021

Jha suggested that most outdoor activities are largely safe, except gatherings with large numbers of people in relatively condensed spaces.

More than two dozen U.S. states and territories currently have mask mandates in place. In the Northeast, that includes Massachusetts and the surrounding states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and New York. New Hampshire recently lifted its mask mandate despite concerns over doing so in the middle of the ongoing rise in cases in the region.

Gov. Charlie Baker expanded the states mask mandate in November to require the face coverings when inside or outside  even when able to maintain six feet of distance from others. Bakers mandate is backed by a $300 fine per violation, which the states Department of Public health, with help from local boards of health and other state and local authorities, can enforce.

Baker has not said when he might move to lift the mandate but said last week it would depend on several things: progress in the vaccine effort, a better understanding of the impact of COVID variants and changes in federal guidance.

Writing in a blog post for the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital, said that while providing clear documentation of outdoor transmission has been a challenge, it may be time to reassess the need for masks outside.

Even if I, as a fully vaccinated person, were asymptomatically carrying SARS-CoV-2  already exceedingly unlikely on any given day  the virus would be rapidly diluted by the extraordinary ventilation conferred by just being outside, Sax wrote.

The ongoing debate over whether to lift outdoor mask requirements comes as the U.S. continues to post millions of vaccinations a day while contending with yet another surge in some parts of the country, including parts of the Midwest  prominently Michigan. The country is still averaging roughly 71,000 new COVID cases a day, which is about 16,000 more than last month, according to the New York Times.

A major driver of new cases is the rise of highly infectious variants of COVID-19. The U.K. strain, for example, represents roughly 44% of the COVID-positive samples collected through CDCs genomic surveillance between March 14 and March 27, according to data published last week. The presence of the U.K. variant, also called B.1.1.7, as a percentage of overall cases that have been sequenced appears to be doubling every two-week reporting period, indicating widespread transmission.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-21 21:31:24|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The northern Mongolian province of Khuvsgul has launched a campaign to plant trees to combat desertification, the provincial governor's office said Wednesday.

The campaign called "Let's Build Green Stupas" will last until 2024, during which at least 1 million trees will be planted and cared for, the office said in a statement.

"Taking care of a tree is more difficult than planting it. Therefore, officials of professional organizations will always provide people with knowledge, information and advice on how to take care of trees," it said in a statement.

At least 76.8 percent of the Mongolian total territory has been struck by desertification, the country's ministry of environment and tourism has said.

The frequency of natural disasters such as yellow dust storms has been on the rise in the country due to desertification resulting from climate change, according to the ministry.

The Khuvsgul province is a region that has been heavily affected by desertification and land degradation. Enditem
Tokyo Tech utilizes a portion of the generous contributions made to the Tokyo Tech Fund to organize events for the wider community. One area of focus is science education support, which aims to develop intellectual creativity among elementary, middle, and high school students with the help of resources available at the Institute.

On March 7, ten elementary school students and their guardians joined an online programming workshop hosted by Tokyo Tech High School of Science and Technology. This year's event, the third of its kind, was made possible by the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education for Younger Generations arm of the Tokyo Tech Fund.

Central to the 2021 class was once again micro:bit, an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the British Broadcasting Corporation for use in computer education. Participants were sent micro:bit modules by post beforehand, which they connected to their home computers during the event. Using basic coding, the child-guardian teams created simple devices that involved displaying letters on their microcomputers, using temperature and acceleration sensors, and executing wireless communication.

This year, a staff member was assigned to each child to ensure sufficient support during the online event. Despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19, the children were able to accomplish the same challenges as they did in past face-to-face events. Feedback from participants  both young and slighter older  was once again very positive.

Supporting change in elementary school

Japan is planning gradually to implement programming as part of elementary school education, and the micro:bit workshops are a part of efforts by Tokyo Tech High School of Science and Technology to prepare both children and their guardians for this change. The goal is to have younger and older generations work together and as a result develop a deeper understanding of modern integrated learning.
Alex Galindo of Curd, Galindo & Smith, LLP Court records allege that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean demanded that Plaintiff perform sexual acts.

Court records show that on March 26, 2021 a civil lawsuit was filed naming the County of Riverside and former sheriff deputy Michael Dean, Riverside County Superior Court Case No.: CVRI2101557. Additionally, a criminal felony complaint was filed against former Riverside County Deputy Sheriff on April 1, 2021, Riverside Superior Court Case No.: RIF2101368, which is attached hereto.

The Court records allege that Mr. Galindo's client was held against her will by the Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean's use of intimidation and authority. The court records allege that Deputy Dean forced the client to perform sexual acts by using manipulation and intimidation while in performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer.

The court records allege that on June 6, 2020, Sheriff Deputy MICHAEL DEAN, while in the course and scope of his employment, responded to a domestic violence call in Moreno Valley, California. The court records allege that Riverside County Sheriff Deputies responded to the call and that Deputy MICHAEL DEAN took the Plaintiff away from the home. The court records go on to allege that the Plaintiff got into the sheriff patrol car driven by Riverside County Sheriff Deputy MICHAEL DEAN. The court records allege that Plaintiff asked Riverside County Sheriff Deputy MICHAEL DEAN to drive her to the Greyhound Bus station in Perris.

The court records allege that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean then drove Plaintiff to an area near what Plaintiff believed was the sheriffs station in Moreno Valley. Plaintiff believes they were near Alessandro Blvd and Frederick Street. The court records further allege that Plaintiff told Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean that all she wanted was to get back to Arizona. The Sheriff Deputy started driving again. The court records allege that 10 or 15 minutes later Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean pulled over, stopped the vehicle and got out of the patrol. Michael Dean then opened the rear patrol car door where Plaintiff was sitting. The court records allege that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean demanded that Plaintiff perform sexual acts. The court records allege that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean asked to videotape Plaintiff while she was nude and made her touch herself sexually. The court records allege that Plaintiff again asked that she just be taken to the Greyhound Bus station and that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean told her that he would take her there and give her $20 to perform sexual acts.

Mr. Galindo is a founding member of Curd, Galindo & Smith, LLP which is a full service law firm that represents both corporate and professional clients and those who have been seriously injured or have lost a family member due to an accident, defective product, police misconduct or negligence. The law firm has recovered millions of dollars for its thousands of clients since 1995 by winning complex and challenging business disputes, death and injury cases involving police misconduct, traffic collisions, work place injuries and defective products, including defective automobiles, against some of the world's largest companies and governmental agencies.

Mr. Galindo received his business degree from University of Southern California in 1982 and his law degree in 1985 from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Galindo has been a lawyer and real estate broker for over 25 years. He has won numerous jury verdicts and settlements in the area of personal injury, products liability and civil rights/police misconduct cases. Mr. Galindo is a member of ABOTA which is an organization of attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. All of the attorneys who belong to ABOTA have earned great distinction at trial. Mr. Galindo is a member of Los Angeles County Bar Association, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, NPAP (National Police Accountability Project), National Lawyers Guild, National Association of Realtors and California Association of Realtors.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will move to start making mRNA vaccines locally as the Victorian government announced it was investing $50 million towards building a manufacturing facility.

But that manufacturing capability will not alter the nations vaccine supplies this year, the Prime Minister warned, as the countrys leaders prepare to reset the vaccination program in a national cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The Prime Minister says Australia will develop the capacity to make vaccines like the Pfizer mRNA shot. Credit:Getty

mRNA vaccines had not been used clinically until the pandemic. But the technology has shown huge promise with both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines proving highly effective and evidence so far suggests those vaccines are easier to alter to cover new variants than some other types of vaccines.

Mr Morrison said it was crucial for Australia to have the ability to make those types of vaccines, but not just for COVID-19. mRNA vaccines use genetic code from part of a virus to teach the body to recognise invasive organisms and fight them, whereas adenovirus vaccines use a genetically modified animal virus to do the same thing.
ActiveCampaign, a Chicago, Illinois-based Customer Experience Automation company, raised $240m in Series C financing round at a valuation over $3 billion.

The round was led by Tiger Global with participation from Dragoneer, Susquehanna Growth Equity and Silversmith Capital Partners.

The company intends to use the funds to further invest in product development, ongoing global expansion, and acceleration of partner ecosystem initiatives.

Led by CEO and Founder Jason Vandeboom, ActiveCampaign provides a Customer Experience Automation Platform (CXA) for over 145,000 businesses in 170 countries to engage with their customers. The platform gives businesses of all sizes access to 500+ pre-built automations that combine email marketing, marketing automation and CRM for segmentation and personalization across social, email, messaging, chat and text. Over 100,000 of ActiveCampaigns customers use its 850+ integrations including Microsoft, Shopify, Square, Facebook, and Salesforce.

FinSMEs

21/04/2021
Collins answered questions on a number of subjects, including voting reform, conspiracy theories, social housing, Donald Trumps popularity in northern Maine, and the future of the GOP. The event was the latest in a series of discussions featuring guest speakers called After the Insurrection: Conversations on Democracy. The series was planned in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riot, when protestors stormed the seat of US government in support of then-president Donald Trump.

At the time of the attempted insurrection, Collins, along with other members of Congress, was inside the Capitol preparing to ratify the results of the 2020 presidential election. She said she knew something was wrong when she saw Vice-President Mike Pence being hurried out of the chamber by Secret Service agents

Then I saw the Senate minority and majority leaders also being ushered out before the Sergeant at Arms came to the podium and announced the Capitol had been breached Later, I learned just how close the protestors were, recalled Collins. After first being told to stay put, she and her colleagues were then taken to a secure location, where they spent hours watching events unfold on live television. It was surreal watching people go through my desk on the Senate floor, she said. Nevertheless, Collins said she was determined to return to the Senate chamber as soon it was safe to do so and finish the constitutional duty of certifying the resultssomething she and her colleagues were able to achieve in the early hours of January 7.

What caused so many American citizens to behave this way on January 6 and attack the nations government? Part of the reason, said Collins, is the toxic environment created by social media companies and the cloak of anonymity it affords people, encouraging the spread of misinformation. As a member of the Senates Select Committee on Intelligence, Collins said she found it interesting to see how platforms like Twitter are exploited by Americas foreign adversaries, particularly Russia.

Rose went on to ask Collins for her views on new voting laws in Georgia, where Joe Biden narrowly defeated Donald Trump in Novembers presidential election. Critics say the legislation will suppress Black and brown votes, he pointed out. Theres been a lot of misinformation about this issue, responded Collins, who said an earlier version of the bill, which was judged to be unfair, had been dropped. In many ways, she said, the new law broadens the right to vote and makes it easier. I think we should honor the fact that states have the right to set their own rules, she added.

When asked about the regulation of companies like Twitter and Facebook, Collins said some government oversight is neededright now the companies operate internal oversight. Furthermore, she added, theres a provision of the lawSection 230 of the Communications Decency Act, to be precisethat prevents social media groups from being sued for libel as, for example, a newspaper could be. Seeing as these companies are now more than just platforms and are increasingly responsible for deciding content, Collins said this section of the law needs to be reformed. Collins herself, she pointed out, was the subject of more than 360,000 negative messages generated on social media by the Russian government.

She also holds the view that former president Donald Trump should not have been banned from Twitter. Im not defending the presidents tweets, she said, but it raises important free speech issues when Facebook and Twitter decide who can and cannot have an account and communicate using their platforms. The fact that they allow world leaders with horrible human rights records to use their platforms, said Collins, represents an inconsistent standard.

Why has the GOP become a safe haven for conspiracy theories? Collins was asked. Trump, she responded, did a huge disservice to our nation when he kept repeating the lie that he had won the election. By continually repeating the lie, he convinced many that it was true. Some good people I know firmly believe the election was stolen because the president kept repeating it, she said.

When asked how the US can move away from the big lie and understand the truth, Collins pointed to the US court system. Americans should have faith in the systems ability to protect democracy, she explained, referring to the sixty-two failed lawsuits by Trump supporters seeking to overturn election results and to the ninety individual judges who rejected Trumps lies. Collins said this is why she is opposed to attempts by some Democrats to pack the US Supreme Court, expanding its number of seats from nine to thirteen. This, she explained, is extremely unhelpful in countering the big lie by undermining confidence in the courts and trying to transform them into political entities.

Regarding the future of the Republican Party and where she would like to see it going in the next few years, Collins quoted a former GOP president. Its a big tent party, as (Ronald) Reagan said, united around certain principles, including personal responsibility, opportunity, individual freedom, a belief in the free enterprise system, and strong national defense, to name a few.

I dont think its a cult party about any one person, she added, whether its Donald Trump or anyone. Its a mistake, said Collins, not to consider the many talented leaders who are emerging in the GOP and to recognize that we are a diverse party representing varying views. To me, thats a good sign.

Nevertheless, both political parties are still too polarized, said Collins, who is known for her efforts to work across party lines. I would like to see a move toward the center, where the Democratic Party is center left, and the GOP is center right. The best legislation, legislation that can withstand the test of time, she stressed, usually reflects ideas from both sides. To bring about this return to the center, said Collins, political moderates need to be as fanatical about their beliefs as those on the political extremes.
Thomas Heffernan Sr. / Special to the Times Union

BETHLEHEM  Fire damaged a home on Kenwood Avenue Tuesday afternoon, but police said the homeowner got out without being injured.

Firefighters and police arrived at the 248 Kenwood Ave. home to find smoke coming from the building's roof. Several volunteer fire departments battled the fire. The fire was reported at 4:45 p.m.
[April 20, 2021] The 2nd HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition Kicks Off

BEIJING, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HICOOL 2021 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition kicked off in Beijing on April 16, aiming to foster and showcase the viewpoints on the latest trends in the global innovation and entrepreneurship community among 6 major sectors of artificial intelligence/financial technologies, medicine and healthcare, next-generation information technologies, renewable and sustainable energy/new materials/energy conservation and environmental protection, high-end equipment, and cultural creativity. Witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in the coalescing and expansion of Beijing's technology scene, the event was themed "Connect Startups Worldwide, Innovate Beijing Together", with nearly two hundred guests from within China and abroad attended the launch ceremony. At the ceremony, representatives of last year's winners shared their entrepreneurship story and experience with HICOOL inspired and motivated moments. "This year's competition not only increases the prize money by a further 20 million yuan (approx. $3.1 million), but has also increased the number of awards by 40, in addition to many new initiatives designed to assist global startups to start businesses in Beijing," said Wu Yi, Executive Secretary General of Beijing Overseas Talents Association (BOTA), when introducing the 2021 competition. This year, Beijing Fintech Institute, PICC Finance Services, Tencent Cloud and Deloitte China join hands with HICOOL 2021 Outstanding Startups Acceleration Program, to empower startups and further foster their entrepreneurship. Xiaomi, Meituan, AstraZeneca China, Merck China, The Beijing News, and 36Kr participated in the launch ceremony with HICOOL as the first lineup of partners. The registration for the competition has been officially launched on April 16th. In the next four months, through a series of processessuch as preliminary screening, preliminary, semi-final and final, the winners of 2021 will be selected from the world's outstanding startups.



To further achieve the goal of attracting the best startups worldwide, thousands of entrepreneurial projects from more than 100 countries and regions are expected to compete in six categories, including: artificial intelligence/financial technologies

medicine and healthcare

next-generation information technologies

renewable and sustainable energy/new materials/energy conservation and environmental protection

high-end equipment

cultural creativity 140 projects will finally be chosen, sharing a pool of prize money amounting to 100 million yuan (approx. US$15 million). The scope of eligibility for a project is being expanded this year so that a larger number and wider range of entrepreneurs globally will be able to enjoy the supporting policies provided by HICOOL.

HICOOL's startup ecosystem is in line with the global mainstream technological innovation and incubation accelerating model, which integrates HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, HICOOL Service Manger, HICOOL Business College, HICOOL Industrial Park, HICOOL Fund and HICOOL @Online into one. Projects and talented individuals are identified and brought on board by way of the competition and summit and then nurtured and further empowered by the business college with the eventual goal of forming clusters of entrepreneurial projects at different levels and stages overseen by the stewards. Industrial parks maximize the cluster effect. Fund investment tools help startups access better capital channels and accelerate the time to market for their projects. Online platforms support the ecological chain across the whole cycle of entrepreneurship, helping all parties to quickly access resources and achieve efficient and accurate matchmaking through the entire project lifecycle. The goal is to draw talented startups to Beijing, and generally bring together a pool of talents and other resources to raise the bar in terms of the quality of output that the hub can be expected to deliver. The 20,000 square-meter event will house more than 200 renowned exhibitors from China and abroad. C-suite executives and thought leaders from more than 30 of the most creative firms and organizations are expected to gather together to exchange ideas for the next stage of innovation across the sector from the perspective of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, allowing for the fermenting of new thinking around the building of the international technological innovation hub. The 2021 Summit will be held in late August in Shunyi District, Beijing. The Summit will feature thematic sessions including the award ceremony, theme forum, results presentation, debut of new products and technologies, networking and exchanging of ideas sessions alongside other concurrent activities, to fully demonstrate the step-by-step achievements of building an international science and technology innovation hub in Beijing. For more information, please visit HICOOL. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-2nd-hicool-global-entrepreneur-summit-and-entrepreneurship-competition-kicks-off-301273340.html SOURCE HICOOL

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The targeted company owns 100% of the Bethanga Porphyry Copper-Gold project tenements in northeast Victoria spread over 194 square kilometres of landholding.

( ) has entered into a binding term sheet with Jamieson Minerals Pty Ltd whereby the company has secured an option to purchase 100% of the issued shares from Jamieson shareholders.

Jamieson owns the Bethanga Porphyry Copper-Gold Project tenements in northeast Victoria that comprise 194 square kilometres across two granted exploration licences in Australias premier porphyry copper-gold geological terrain.

The project is in the same geological host as the world-class Cadia-Ridgeway and Northparkes porphyry copper-gold projects further north in central NSW.

Nexus started a review of the Bethanga project in late 2019, however, this was placed on hold in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

Potentially great value add

Nexus managing director Andy Tudor said: The Bethanga porphyry copper-gold project is potentially a great value add for our shareholders and a unique opportunity to secure a significant landholding in a highly sought-after province.

These Bethanga exploration assets are located in the belt hosting the Tier 1 Cadia Valley Porphyry Copper deposits and remain largely unexplored.

Additionally, analysts are predicting a significant rise in copper pricing, noting the critical importance of securing copper as the decarbonisation of the world accelerates.

Project area

The project area is recognised by the Geological Survey of Victoria as a region prospective for porphyry copper-gold and VHMS mineralisation.

Bethanga project is underlain by the Macquarie Arc/Yoeval Tract  a belt of volcanic and intrusive rocks part of the Cowra-Buchan Rift Complex-- which is host to the Tier-1 Cadia Valley, Northparkes and Cowra deposits.

It is defined by a belt of volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks and an endowment of more than 80 million ounces of gold and 13 million tonnes of copper.

The Bethanga Porphyry Copper-Gold Project is in northeast Victoria.

Historical mining

Bethanga was historically mined for copper and gold at the turn of the 1900s and produced 118,000 ounces of gold at 39 g/t and 618 tonnes of copper from selectively mined narrow north-northeast trending quartz reefs developed within shear zones.

The quartz veins are less than 1-metre and were mined at the depth of 30-40 metres.

Proposed work

Nexus work program for porphyry gold-copper fertility assessment includes:

Prospect-wide soil sampling program planning started with an aim to identify pathfinder elements indicative of a magmatic-hydrothermal system at depth;

Geological mapping and lithogeochemical sampling  with specific alteration and geochemical characteristics being sought to indicate Porphyry gold-copper prospectivity; and

Reprocess and 3D inversion of regional aeromagnetic data, followed by detailed ground magnetics survey.

Terms of agreement

Both companies agreed to execute the agreement on the following conditions:
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan speaks to reporters at the Putrajaya Federal Court in Malaysia after it rejected his application to quash contempt charges initiated by the attorney general over readers comments on the judiciary, July 2, 2020.

The Malaysian governments desire for absolute control over information led Reporters Without Borders to drop the nation 18 spots on its World Press Freedom Index released Tuesday  the biggest dip among all counties ranked in the watchdog groups annual report.

Elsewhere in the region, the governments of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand used the coronavirus pandemic to repress the media in 2020, the Paris-based group reported.

Just one year after it jumped 22 notches on the index, Malaysia fell to 119 in the ranking of 180 nations.

Malaysia  embodies the desire for absolute control over information. Its astonishing 18-place fall, the biggest of any country in the index, is directly linked to the formation of a new coalition government in March 2020, Reporters Without Borders said in an analysis of the report on its website.

It led to the adoption of a so-called anti-fake news decree enabling the authorities to impose their own version of the truth.

The report noted that the unelected government of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin revived the Special Affairs Department (JASA) which pumps out political propaganda and was awarded the vast sum of 85 million ringgits (U.S. 206 million) in funding in the 2021 budget.

The government can rely on a draconian legislative arsenal with which to suppress media freedom, an arsenal that includes the 1948 Sedition Act, the 1972 Official Secrets Act and the 1998 Communications and Multimedia Act. Under these laws, which deserve a complete overhaul, the authorities have a strict control over publication licenses and journalists can be sentenced to 20 years in prison on sedition charges, the report said.

Muhyiddins office did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment on the report.

Zaharom Nain, a media and communication studies professor at Malaysias Nottingham University, questioned reviving the JASA.

This is really an overreaction and excessive use of undemocratic power. We dont need JASA under these circumstances, he told BenarNews.

It is most likely going to be abused and misused as a propaganda arm of the PN and not a legitimate instrument of a democratically elected government to genuinely inform and educate the people, he said, using an acronym for the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Zaharom said the government does more than merely charge people under the Sedition, Open Secrets and Communications and Multimedia acts.

Suppression of freedom isnt just about charging in court using any of these laws  which has happened and continues to happen. More than that, it is about the intimidation and fear brought about by threatening the use of these laws. Which then leads to much self-censorship and fear, he said.

Fahmi Fadzil, the spokesman for the opposition Peoples Justice Party (PKR), issued a statement in response to Malaysias 18-spot fall in the rankings.

This is definitely not a positive achievement or something that out country should be proud of. Media that is restrained and fearing the government creates a negative situation, especially when those in power are abusing their powers, corrupt and do not carry out their responsibilities, Fahmi said.

Media that are afraid would surely nod in agreement all the oppression and corruption by those in power.

Fahmis statement included four steps that should be taken to restore media freedom.

He called for the formation of an independent media council and to abolish the emergency ordinance on fake news. He also called the Communications and Media Act to be amended.

His fourth step called for Muhyiddin to inform the king to reconvene Parliament, which was suspended due to a national emergency declared by the monarch in January over the COVID-19 pandemic.

An MP with the opposition, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who was kicked out of Bersatu along with the partys founder, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, in May 2020, noted that the drop occurred after Muhyiddin replaced Mahathir. Three others were dumped from the party as well.

A democratic nation must ensure freedom for its media practitioners in carrying out their duties and deliver news, he said in a statement. When media practitioners can function well without any iron fist treatment from the government, then the public would be able to get information that is true, accurate and correct.

So, what is the response of Perikatan Nasional government regarding this worsening performance?

Pandemic hurts press freedom

Reporters Without Borders noted that Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand had adopted extreme laws or decrees in the spring of 2020 to criminalize criticism of government action.

Indonesia ranked 113 in the report, moving up six spots from the previous year; Thailand ranked 137, up three spots; the Philippines ranked 138, down two spots. Bangladesh ranked 152, down one spot.

In Indonesia, the government took advantage of the COVID-19 crisis to reinforce its repressive weaponry against journalists, who are now banned from publishing not only false information related to the coronavirus but also any information hostile to the president or government even if it is unrelated to the pandemic, the report said.

Thai authorities under Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha took a similar course of action, it said.

The government used the coronavirus crisis to issue a decree making the dissemination of information that is false or capable of causing fear in the public punishable by up to five years in prison and allowing the authorities to correct any published information, the report said.

In the Philippines, the report pointed to the presidents actions.

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the main elements of the authoritarian course taken by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who often threatens journalists that do not follow the official line with death, branding them sons of bitches, it said.

Reporters Without Borders said at least two journalists were facing two-month prison terms for spreading fake news about the pandemic under the Bayanihan Act, enacted in March 2020.

The legislation gives the government powers to prosecute any reporter or news organization publishing a report that displeases the Duterte government, it said.

In South Asia, the report claimed that Bangladesh saw an alarming increase in police and civilian violence against reporters that resulted from the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, adding many journalists, bloggers and cartoonists were prosecuted for reporting on the impacts of COVID-19.

To this end, the government now has a tailor-made judicial weapon for silencing troublesome journalists  the 2018 digital security law, under which negative propaganda is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. As a result, self-censorship has reached unprecedented levels because editors are justifiably reluctant to risk imprisonment or their media outlets closure, it said.
A homicide is under investigation in a neighborhood near the intersection of Statesville and Atando avenues in north Charlotte, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The victim was identified as Harry Marquis Brown, 28, CMPD said in an update.

Police have not said if they have a suspect in the shooting.

Investigators say it happened around 9:15 p.m. in the 1000 block of McArthur Avenue, in the Druid Hills area. A caller told CMPD someone had been shot in the area.

When officers arrived, they discovered a victim who had sustained injuries from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital by Medic and subsequently pronounced deceased, CMPD said in a release.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call CMPD at 704-432-TIPS, or contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
Singapore director Anthony Chen returns after six years with his sophomore feature Wet Season. His first film Ilo Ilo (2013) is a tender, masterfully shot race-class drama set during the 90s Asian recession. It follows a Malaysian native maid and her role in a Singaporean household with precision period detail. In Wet Season the lens is more focused this time 'round, focusing on a unique relationship and power dynamic, far more understated and tender in its critique of ethnic relations in the time of the mid-2000s.

Malaysian-Chinese immigrant Ling (Yann Yann Yeo) teaches Mandarin, looks after her workaholic husbands invalid father (Shi Bin Yang), and has been trying for eight years to conceive a child. Dissatisfied, she rarely shows it, hiding her resentment and sadness under a repressive day-to-day grind as she moves daily between working and living space with no time or energy for interests, hobbies or socialising.

When some of her class need remedial lessons, she develops a unique friendship with a student Wei Lun (Jia Ler Koh), the only one to take the work seriously due to his distant parents' future expectations that he work for a Chinese firm. Ling and Wei Lun form a bond due to mutual respect and basic compassion, but as the monsoon season intensifies, Lings simmering resentments and frustration change everything.

Unsurprising for a Camera dOr winner, Anthony Chen applies the same near-obsessive, yet elegant attention to detail and framing in Wet Season. The day-to-day is vividly brought to life as the heat and rain assault the city, and the fashion, technology and mindset of the mid 2000s instill every scene. There are strikingly composed shots of the banal too.

For example, there are two different scenes of people eating durians, but each is so uniquely framed as to be quite memorable and meaningful. Later, a dramatic moment uses a cars rear view mirror to perfect effect as Chen uses the sequence to build the interior drama throughout the film; focusing on Lings reflected expression of anguish as the rain pelts the car outside. Livelier scenes, such as a Wushu competition and a school fight, use a single-pan camera technique, as well as a brief but captivating dream sequence.

The inherent difference between citizens and the other is a theme Anthony Chen conveys effortlessly yet again also. The repressive downfall of the rain is metaphorically suffocating Ling. She wants a child but her husband's frozen sperm and disinterest prevents this. At other turns she is belittled by society; fellow teachers that look down on her Malaysian background, the Mandarin she teaches not being taken seriously, even her family asks why she hasnt applied for a passport yet. The simmering anger and resentment also defines itself in other ways. Malaysia is caught up in violent demonstrations and in Singapore passive aggressive patriarchal politics play out to disrupt Lings life.

The small cast of characters is excellent in Wet Season. Her husband (Christopher Ming-Shun Lee) is borderline-despicable, and his absence speaks volumes. Small gestures of kindness from Shi Bin Yang as the ailing father who is immobile is another praise-worthy aspect of this film as the actor does a lot with so little.

Likewise, Jia Ler Koh says so much with a dismissive shrug or violent reaction as the conflicted student with absent parents Wei Lun. There is a genuine sense of compassion the cast generates throughout. Friendship is like a warm hand Mrs. Ling teaches Wei Lun to write in Mandarin, and it is this ideal connection that distinguishes Wet Season from the typical coming-of-age or teacher-student relationship tropes.

Regardless of what does eventuate in Wet Season, it arrives there naturally, with the weather, and with enough justification that the resolution brings all themes and unsurfaced drama to a near-perfect high. Ilo Ilo captivated me when I saw it at the time, and Wet Season definitely retains that sense of immersive slice-of-life drama, confirming Anthony Chen as one of the great auteurs, the likes of Edward Yang.

Review originally published during the Melbourne International Film Festival in August 2020. The film will open on April 23 at the Village East by Angelika in New York City, and then expand to theaters, Virtual Cinemas, and Premium Video On Demand in the U.S. on April 30 via Strand Releasing.
UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2021 ) :The guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin, a former white Minneapolis police officer, in the George Floyd murder trial was welcomed by the UN human rights chief, who said Wednesday that "any other result would have been a travesty of justice".

"This is a momentous verdict", said the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in a statement issued in Geneva.

Chauvin, who worked for the Minneapolis Police Department, was convicted on Tuesday of murdering the 46-year-old African American man in May of last year.

Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, sparking mass protests globally against racism.

Bachelet praised the "courage and perseverance of George Floyd's family and many others in calling for justice", but said that for "countless other victims of African descent and their families, in the United States and throughout the world, the fight for justice goes on".

Ms. Bachelet said the battle for justice in cases of excessive force or killings by police "is far from over".

She called for "robust measures" to reform police departments across the US, stating that so far, they had been "insufficient to stop people of African descent from being killed".

Police officers have rarely been convicted  or even charged  for deaths that occur in custody.

The practice of policing in the US and elsewhere must be rethought with a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach to "dismantle systemic racism" she added.

The UN human rights chief called for a critical examination surrounding the context of George Floyd's killing by revisiting the past and probing its "toxic traces in today's society", including the legacies of enslavement and transatlantic slave trade and the impact of colonialism,?which need to be "decisively uprooted".

She added that achieving racial justice and equality also requires "the full and equal participation of people of African descent in ways which transform their interactions with police and in all aspects of their lives".

"If they are not, the verdict in this case will just be a passing moment when the stars aligned for justice, rather than a true turning point", she warned.
Days ahead of when Colorado officials plan to turn much of COVID-19 response over to local authorities, a team of health researchers wrote that the state risks more hospitalizations and deaths if coronavirus restrictions are loosened in the coming days.
Graves Co. Burglary Investigation Nets Two Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - An investigation into numerous burglaries in Graves County led to the arrest of two Mayfield residents on Thursday.Deputies with the Graves County Sheriff's Office have been investigating two burglaries that took place on Printers Alley near the Macedonia and Old Dublin Road area.The first burglary involved the home of an elderly woman that was living in an area nursing home at the time. The suspects had reportedly been taking items from the home and hiding the items in a wooded area nearby. Some of the items included a television and tools.In a separate burglary that took place on November 21, a television and a small amount of money was stolen from another home in the area.As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old April Pettigrew and 34-year-old Jeremy O'Neal were arrested and charged with second-degree burglary.Deputies say both Pettigrew and O'Neal confessed to the burglaries.
In the latest of a series of law and order measures, the Northern Territory (NT) Labor Party government announced last month plans to introduce more stringent bail conditions for children, including those who have been convicted of petty offences. In this, Labor is collaborating closely with the Country Liberal opposition.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner outlined tougher than ever repercussions for children aged 10-17 who breach bail conditions or re-offend while on bail. The government also plans to increase the number of offences for youth where bail may not be granted. Bail is a privilege, not a right, Gunner provocatively stated.

The proposed measures would overturn limited reforms made to the Youth Justice Act and Bail Act in response to the findings of the 2017 Royal Commission into the Detention and Protection of Children in the Northern Territory.

The Royal Commission was called as an exercise in damage control after a 2016 Four Corners program revealed the systemic abuse of children in juvenile prisons, particularly the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

Former Don Dale child detainee Dylan Voller in a "restraint" chair (Credit: ABC)

Footage in the episode showed guards beating detainees. One child was placed in a spit garb for hours, reminiscent of the brutal devices used against inmates at the US military prison on Guantanamo Bay. Guards and police had also responded with brutality to disturbances at Don Dale, which were branded as riots.

The commission came to the conclusion that:

Locking kids up does not stop them breaking the law and does not make the community safer. Many kids that end up in detention suffer from trauma and other social and emotional issues. The current system does not help kids with special needs or problems to change their behaviour.

All the youth detention facilities the Commission looked at in the Northern Territory were not fit for purpose and should be closed.

Detention should be the last option for children who are in trouble with the law. Before locking [up] kids, we should be making sure they can do programs and activities that help fix the underlying reasons for their behaviour.

The report also called for Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12 and only allowing children under 14 years to be detained for serious crimes. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended 14 as the minimum age in 2019, and 31 UN member states called on Australia to increase the age earlier this year.

Only the Australian Capital Territory has indicated an intention to implement this recommendation. A recent Victorian bid was shot down last month by the Labor government of Premier Daniel Andrews.

To head off anger over the Don Dale revelations, the NT Labor government implemented some of the changes recommended by the commission, including the creation of youth-specific bail criteria and the removal of some barriers to diversion programs.

These alterations were largely cosmetic. They dovetailed with the role of the Royal Commission as a whitewash of successive Labor and Country Liberal Party governments in the NT, as well as the ruling elite as a whole, which has responded to a mounting social crisis caused by its pro-business policies with increasingly police-state measures.

The fraudulent character of the hand-wringing at the time is underscored by the fact that the territory Labor government, in office since 2016, has ensured that the inhuman Don Dale facility, where many of the abuses occurred, remains open. Labor this month announced that its measures could require an expansion of Don Dale, due to an anticipated surge in youth incarceration.

The changes would include the automatic revoking of bail for a serious breach such as failure to attend court, reoffending while on bail or failure to comply with a curfew. The increased list of offences where bail may not be granted would include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry and assault. In other words, children who trespass could be locked up without the prospect of bail.

The proposal would allow police to electronically monitor young people who are granted bail. Youth who failed to comply with this would have their bail automatically revoked.

The NT is notorious for having the highest rates of youth detention in the country, with indigenous youth disproportionately represented. Most are detained for petty crimes, such as breaking and entering, theft or drug offences, which reflect the dire social conditions they face.

As of March 29, indigenous youth represented 31 of the daily average of 33 youth in detention centres across the NT.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found there were 693 offenders aged between 10 and 17 years in the NT in 2019-20, a decrease of 9 percent from the previous year. The fall shows that the proposed changes are not a response to increased crime. Instead they are part of a turn by governments to authoritarian measures in response to mounting social tensions.

The proposed changes have been denounced by the principal lawyer of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, David Woodroffe. He stated last month, we know knee-jerk responses to crime dont work.

Amnesty International Indigenous Rights Advocate Rodney Dillon called the proposals reactionary, political and wrong and warned that the denial of bail only entrenches recidivism, which is what all the politicians say they want to address.

State governments across the country are taking repressive measures against youth in detention. In 2016, the Victorian Labor government illegally transferred youth accused of rioting from a detention centre in Parkville to the adult maximum-security Barwon prison.

The social crisis confronting workers and youth in the NT, especially those who are indigenous, is particularly sharp. Poverty and unemployment are endemic, social programs minimal, and the health and education sectors have been gutted.

These conditions are increasingly being forced upon the working class as a whole. The ending of the JobKeeper wage subsidy last month threatens an avalanche of job cuts, on top of the highest levels of unemployment in decades.

Official youth unemployment rose to 15.6 percent last year, but the real figure is far higher. In many working-class areas of the country, it likely approaches 50 percent. Those who have a job are frequently in casual, precarious and low-paid positions that do not offer any certainty or future prospects, aside from a life of poverty.

At the same time, tax cuts, massive cash handouts and other pro-business policies have resulted in a huge increase in the fortunes of the ultra-wealthy during the pandemic. The Australian newspapers Rich List, released in April, found that the 250 wealthiest individuals had a combined worth of $470 billion, up from $377 billion last year, which was almost double the increase from 2019 to 2020.

As seen internationally, this mounting inequality is incompatible with basic democratic rights. As big business governments intensify their assault on the social conditions of the working class, they are adopting increasingly authoritarian measures in a bid to suppress mounting discontent.
by Austin Bay April 20, 2021

Russia and China are conducting multiple probing operations intended to test President Biden's administration as a whole and, to be frank, directly target Joe Biden as the septuagenarian human being who ostensibly leads what China's communist propagandists ritually deride as the U.S.-led "Liberal International Order" but recently scorned as "U.S.-led anti-China cliques."

These cliques include but are not limited to Japan, South Korea, France, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Poland and, in my view, Taiwan.

The ongoing probing operations are classic examples of "power cocktails" mixing what strategists dub the basic elements of power. The Pentagon uses the acronym DIME to sketch them: diplomacy, intelligence/information, military and economic.

The key operational cocktails Russia and China currently serve are Military shows of force (ships, planes, tanks), Diplomatic threats and Information-warfare operations (propaganda and psychological warfare). Military shows of force, like the one Russia is conducting on Ukraine's borders with massed mechanized forces, could result in a sudden attack -- in other words, a drastically escalated war in Eastern Europe.

At the moment, we have reason to doubt that is the Kremlin's intention, but no one really knows. However, it's a slam-dunk guarantee the military demonstrations, diplomatic intimidation and provocative lies are threats of war calculated to achieve a strategic effect: inciting fear that erodes the will to confront the Russian regime, first and foremost in America but also in other powerful democratic states.

China has the same goals, as it targets Taiwan and the Philippines, threatens Japan and confronts India in the Himalayas.

A key assumption this column makes but that is based on experience: Beijing and Moscow are coordinating their probes, at least at the wink and nod level.

This column's bottom-line argument: Without strong leadership by democratic nations, primarily from the powerful U.S., our weaknesses, especially our self-inflicted weaknesses, could quickly become debilitating wounds the authoritarians will leverage, to our great loss.

Credit French President Emmanuel Macron with recognizing that, at least regarding Russia. He told CBS News the democracies must continue discussions with Russia but "define clear red lines" with Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime. He added, "sanctions are not sufficient in themselves, but ... are part of the package."

Macron criticized "a failure of our collective credibility" to respond effectively to Russia's 2014 Ukraine invasion. The "international community" also failed to enforce the Obama-Biden administration's now-infamous August 2012 "red line" forbidding use of chemical weapons by Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad. During the interview, he made this strong statement: "We will never accept new military operations on Ukrainian soil."

Bravo. But Macron knows that making that stick in the Kremlin craw requires U.S. diplomatic, economic and military power.

In August 2013, the Assad government launched a nerve gas attack on a rebel-held suburb of Damascus. The attack killed over 1,200 and clearly violated Obama's red line. He was saying he would not permit a war crime of that magnitude on his watch. But Assad crossed the red line, and he failed to take punitive military action.

The 2014 Russian invasion and annexation of Crimea also took place on the Obama-Biden watch.

The 2021 saber rattling is fueled, figuratively and literally, by the sharp jump in oil prices spurred by Biden administration "green policies" that undermine U.S. energy independence. High oil prices give the Kremlin money to spend on armed troublemaking and strategic spoiler operations. This is a telling example of self-inflicted U.S. weakness.

The Pentagon says Moscow's current military buildup on Ukraine's border exceeds that of 2014. The Kremlin announced that it has closed the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. This denies Ukraine use of two major seaports.

Meanwhile, Chinese strike planes penetrate Taiwan's air space, and Chinese warships probe Japanese islands. China's "sea militia" coast guard and fishing vessels occupy shoals and waters clearly belonging to the Philippines. China's diplomats and propagandists claim the water belongs to China.

The Obama-Biden Syrian red line debacle worries Macron -- for Joe Biden now resides in the White House.
Like all of Europe, Greece is experiencing a fierce third wave of the pandemic. With more than 4,000 new infections daily, a new high was reached at the beginning of April. Nearly 10,000 people have already died from COVID-19about a third of them, around 3,300 people, in the last two months.

A record 847 patients currently need invasive ventilation. Intensive care units (ICU) have already been working at their limits for months and are now overcrowded. In the Attica region of Athens alone, 48 seriously ill coronavirus patients must currently be ventilated outside an intensive care unit because there are not enough intensive care beds. Dozens of patients with other illnesses who need ventilators are also not given an intensive care bed.

Nikos Kapravelos, the head of the intensive care unit at Papanikolaou Hospital in Thessaloniki, described the situation last week as a nightmare, saying there was no more capacity. He stressed to the Open News television station that younger and younger patients are being treated in the hospital. Three young people under 17 years old, 66 people between 18-39 years old and 1,406 between 40-64 years old have already died in Greece.

Students back in class in Glyfada, a suburb of the Greek capital Athens (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)

The government, under the right-wing Nea Dimokratia (ND, New Democracy) party, is responding to this critical situation with the same ruthlessness and contempt for human life as the ruling classes worldwide. Amid the third wave, the government is opening up the economy in the interests of business and the tourism industry.

On April 5 retailers were allowed to reopen, and on April 12, face-to-face classes began in lyceumswith no significant safeguards other than two rapid tests per week. However, as intensive care doctor Kapravelos commented, the self-tests used have low reliability, so many cases are missed.

After one week, almost 200 schools have already had to close completely or partially due to coronavirus outbreaks. After the Orthodox Easter holidays, which begin on May 2, primary and secondary schools are also expected to open. The virus will also find new transmission sites in churches, which are expected to be allowed to open at Easter with minor hygiene measures. A year ago, however, when daily infections were less than 100, they remained closed.

At the same time, preparations are under way for the tourist season, which starts on May 14. Already, rules for entry into the country are being relaxed step by step. Tourism Minister Charis Theocharis claimed in parliament on Monday that the whole of Greece was absolutely hygienically safe and announced that priority would be given to vaccinating tourism workers. Yet only 7.2 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

The pseudo-left opposition party Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) is also in favour of opening up tourism and is demanding that the government reopen outdoor catering.

Under conditions of the current pandemic and the spread of numerous dangerous variants of the virus, the opening up of tourism means one thing, above all: The profits of big business, which depend heavily on tourism, are to be secured at all costseven if thousands have to die. Last year, the opening of tourism in the summer was a major factor in the massive spread of the virus in the autumn. Before that, Greece had comparatively low case numbers due to a quick and severe lockdown, but they then skyrocketed after the holiday season.

As a result, excess mortality in Greece increased by about 7 percent last year. According to media NGO iMEdD, about 8,300 more people died than was statistically expected, an estimated 61 percent from COVID-19, the rest related to the pandemic.

To divert attention from the fatal consequences of its open-door policy, the government is trying to shift responsibility for the spread of the virus onto the population. The so-called coronavirus parties last weekend came just in time, with numerous young people violating the coronavirus measures and partying in public places in Athens despite the high health risks.

Immediately, the ruling class used the parties for a media campaign on state television, portraying the partying youth as the main culprits for the rising infection rates. This dishonest propaganda is designed to pull the wool over the eyes of the working class and hide who is responsible for the many coronavirus deaths and growing numbers of Long COVID sufferers.

The biggest coronavirus parties are taking place every day in factories, warehouses, offices and on public transport, where workers and employees are crammed close together indoors and at the mercy of the contagion without being able to maintain adequate distance and protection. All companies are blithely operating despite the pandemic so that neither supply chains nor the soaring share prices are interrupted.

Information about the spread of the pandemic in the factories is scarce. Companies are exhausting every possible means of intimidating their employees to cover up outbreaks. Here are just a few examples of infection incidents in the workplace that have come to light:

On March 18, a factory belonging to the packaging company Afoi Lalousi in the industrial area of Avlona in the Attica region, where about 85 workers are employed, had to close for five days because of a major coronavirus outbreak. The order from the Ministry of Citizens Protection spoke of a high epidemiological burden and warned of a risk to public health but did not give specific details about the workers affected.

Last week, a worker at the Sklavenitis supermarket chain lost her battle with the virus, bringing to three the number of Sklavenitis workers who have died from COVID-19. Supermarket employees, who have been on the front line of the pandemic since it began, have complained of inadequate protective measures and many workplace accidents due to the heavy workload. In early March, 16 cases also occurred at a branch in Thessaloniki.

According to a local trade union of commercial and service companies in Patras, cases have been discovered in numerous shops and warehouses there this year, spreading because employers refused early testing and quarantine measures. For example, in a warehouse of the supermarket chain Lidl, which employs around 60 workers, a case of coronavirus was concealed for three days. It was only after pressure from the workforce that all staff were finally tested, and 15 positive cases were discovered.

Last year, too, clusters of infections kept breaking out in companies: 30 cases in a meat processing plant in Kavala, 50 cases in an olive processing plant in Halkidiki in August, and 114 cases in a canning factory in northern Greece in October.

The daily spread of the virus in the workplace is an open secret. The iMEdD Lab found that most of the new infections occurred in the workplace, after evaluating data for November and December 2020. Out of 758 cases reviewed, 434 occurred in occupational contexts, such as workplaces and private companies, and 166 in closed facilities, such as nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, camps, and rehabilitation centres, it said.

At a press conference held by the Ministry of Health on April 3, epidemiologist Vana Papaevangelou, who is part of the governments team of advisors, had to admit, It is known that the main spread of the virus is in the workplace and at home. In the same breath, the use of rapid tests was then touted, but this is a smokescreen given the current infection situation. Only a lockdown involving the closure of schools, day care centres and nonessential production, with all affected workers and parents receiving full wage compensation, can contain the pandemic.

The ruling class is not only preventing the necessary lockdown but also refusing to provide any support to the health care system. Based on information from the Greek Intensive Care Association in January and February, out of 51 COVID ICUs surveyed, 40 fall short of government requirements in staffing levels, according to iMEdD.

Despite the disastrous understaffing of hospitals, the government has cut the health care budget by another 572 million euros this year. At the same time, it is obstructing reports on the conditions in the health care sector. In its current assessment on Greece, Reporters Without Borders criticises the fact that journalists must obtain government permission before they are allowed to report on hospitals. The Ministry of Health has also banned its staff from speaking to the press.

Among doctors and nurses, willingness to help and exhaustion are increasingly mixed with anger and indignation. On April 7, workers protested outside several hospitals and the Ministry of Health in Athens. Among the speakers was Doctor Kostas Katarachias, head of a workers council at the Athens hospital Agios Savvas, who had been dismissed after 13 years of working there, in the middle of the pandemic, for denouncing conditions in the health sector.

The Public Hospital Employees Union (POEDIN) is trying to control the explosive atmosphere in hospitals and therefore called for a five-hour work stoppage in Attica and a demonstration outside the Ministry of Health on Thursday, April 22.

POEDIN is working closely with the government and the establishment parties. The general secretary of the union federation, Christos Papanastasis, is also a leading member of the ND-affiliated DAKE union, and the president of POEDIN, Michalis Giannakos, belongs to a union faction close to the social democratic KINAL (formerly PASOK).
Arkansas Legislature passes bill banning Planned Parenthood from public schools

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Arkansas lawmakers have overwhelmingly passed a bill that would, if enacted, prohibit Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from providing resources to public schools.

Known as the Arkansas Student Protection Act, the bill passed the state Senate on Monday in a vote of 27-5, having previously passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 73-18.

Also known as House Bill 1592 and sponsored by Republican state Rep. Mark Lowery, the legislation says that a public school or open-enrollment public charter school cannot knowingly enter into any type of transaction with an abortion provider.

Any school found to be violating the measure will appear before the state board to determine Why this subchapter and division rules were violated and How to prevent the violation of this subchapter and division rules in the future.

The bill has been sent to Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, whose office has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill, The Associated Press reports.

If Hutchinson were to reject the bill, the Arkansas Legislature would only need a simple majority to override the governors veto and make it law.

Jerry Cox of the Arkansas Family Council celebrated the vote, calling it a "good bill" that will help make sure Planned Parenthood and other abortionists dont access Arkansas public schools.

Gloria Pedro of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, the regional body of the abortion provider that includes Arkansas, denounced the legislation in a statement.

Our students' basic education should not be jeopardized because of the Legislature's misguided political agenda, Pedro said.

In March, Hutchinson signed Senate Bill 6 into law, which bans abortions in nearly all circumstances, save in the event of a life-threatening medical emergency for the mother.

Hutchinson said at the time that he would have preferred the law to include exemptions for rape and incest, as such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

I will sign SB6 because of overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions, the governor said at the time.

SB6 is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law.
RTHK: Chauvin convicted of George Floyd's murder

Sacked police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday in the death of African-American George Floyd in a case that roiled the United States for almost a year, laying bare deep racial divisions.

A racially-diverse jury of seven women and five men in the Midwestern city of Minneapolis took less than two days at the end of a three-week trial to find the white officer guilty in unanimous decisions on all three charges he faced.

Chauvin, 45, could be handed decades behind bars for Floyd's May 25, 2020 killing, which sparked protests against racial injustice around the world and is being seen as a landmark test of police accountability.

Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the verdict as a landmark victory for civil rights that could be a springboard to legislation to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities.

"Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd's family. This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement," Crump tweeted.

"Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!"

Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department, faces a maximum of 40 years in prison on the most serious of three charges he faced - second-degree murder.

He was seen on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes as the 46-year-old black man lay handcuffed facedown in the street complaining he "can't breathe."

The harrowing video, which was shown repeatedly to the jury during Chauvin's three-week trial, sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.

The courtroom drama played out before the eyes of the nation as Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black man, was shot dead in a Minneapolis suburb by a white policewoman who apparently mistook her gun for her Taser, and a 13-year-old boy was killed by police in Chicago.

Wright's killing triggered several nights of protests in Minneapolis, and ahead of a verdict in Chauvin's case National Guard troops were deployed in the Minnesota city where shop windows have been boarded up as a precaution, as well as in the capital, Washington.

Among the 38 witnesses who testified for the prosecution were some of the bystanders who watched Floyd's May 25, 2020 arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit US$20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes.

Darnella Frazier, the teenager who took the video that went viral, said Floyd was "scared" and "begging for his life."

"It wasn't right. He was suffering," Frazier said.

Chauvin attended every day of the trial - dressed in a suit and taking notes on a yellow legal pad - but spoke only once to invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to testify.

A conviction on any of the charges - second-degree murder, third-degree murder or manslaughter - will require the jury to return a unanimous verdict.

The racially diverse jury was made up of six white women, three black men, three white men, two mixed race women and one Black woman.

Three other former police officers - Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J Alexander Kueng - also face charges in connection with Floyd's death.

They are to be tried separately later in the year. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-04-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 71F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
A jury of 12 on Tuesday delivered something an all-white jury was unable to deliver in 1955 nor seldom after: Justice for a Black man.

For the men who have been fighting for racial and social justice in Harrisburg for decades, the acquittal 66 years ago in the Emmett Till murder has remained a gaping wound in the fight for justice. Three white men acquitted in less than an hour by an all-white jury of the murder of a 14-year-old Black boy in Mississippi.

On Tuesday, history turned a new chapter as a mixed race jury deliberated for only two days to reach a guilty verdict in the case of Derek Chauvin, the white former Minneapolis police officer accused of killing George Floyd, a Black man.

It lets us know that America is no longer blind to egregious acts of violence, said Joseph Robinson, president of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Development Institute in Harrisburg.

That to me is comforting to know we have evolved; however, this case also says to me we still have more work to do, but this case gives us all hope that America stands for what it says it does in the Constitution.

Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury reached the decision on its second day of deliberating the case of the former Minneapolis police officer.

It gives the world hope that this bastion of democracy is true to what it claims to be, Robinson said. That is a positive. It also says justice, fair trials are possible. African Americans can believe in the justice system and see that it doesnt always work against us.

The head of the Greater Harrisburg chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rev. Franklin Allen, expressed his thoughts for all the communities impacted by police violence.

Allen said he sent his prayers and thoughts for the family and all humanity.

He said he would support the decision reached by the jury, and that he knows this hasnt been the first time nor the last to see justice served.

Its not easy to see so many die, Allen said. We must move forward with working together no matter our color. We are the United States of America. One nation under God.

Joe Robinson, head of the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Initiative in Harrisburg, said the Derek Chauvin verdict shows that justice is possible for African Americans in the United States.HAR

For the Rev. Earl Harris, a community activist and former president of the Interdenominational Ministers Conference, delivered a scathing opinion on the verdict.

Its not historic, he said. It is underwhelming that you have to have film and witnesses to convict a white police officer when he does something to a Black male. It is a low bar to achieve this result. We are celebrating a very low bar.

Harris reiterated the analysis of former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey who has repeatedly said the Chauvin case will resolve little.

He said the entire criminal justice system needs to be re-imagined, Harris said. Not defunded but reimagined. I dont think its achievable in America...because of racism.

Robinson reiterated that the verdict shows that American justice is not blind to police overreach.

I hope this will let everyone know there is more reform needed, he said. While its Officer Chauvin in this case, it could be Officer Friendly tomorrow. We want to be vigilant and work with law enforcement to ensure this police overreach does not continue. My prayers are with the Floyd family as well as the Chauvin family.
In a horrifying incident, a doctor at a government hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra was attacked with a knife by a COVID patient's relative as he looked to resolve a dispute, as per a report in India Today.

India Today

What happened?

The accused's relative was being treated at the COVID ward of the government hospital in Nanded. Bhausaheb Gaekwa is the accused's name and he had gone to meet his relative.

Due to a dispute, the accused got into an argument with other families and when a doctor intervened, he became the target.

PTI

Then he tried to attack the doctor with a knife. He is now in custody.

A complaint was lodged at the Mukhed police station. The matter is being investigated further.



According to latest updates from the Ministry of Health website as on April 21, India currently has 21,57,538 active COVID cases with 1,32,76,039 recovered patients. The death tally stands at 1,82,553. A total of 13,01,19,310 people have been vaccinated so far in the country.


Defra has been warned that the UK's new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme risks failing in its application to common land.

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) and the Foundation for Common Land (FCL) have today highlighted the importance of common land in England.

Over one fifth (21%) of Englands SSSI area is registered common land and 12% of all Scheduled Ancient Monuments are on common land.

This land, extending to around 400,000ha in England, is managed by around 3,900 active commoners with rights on this land in addition to the owners of that land.

But the TFA warned Defra that many tenant farmers, particularly those occupying on Farm Business Tenancies, could be excluded from entry into the new ELM scheme.

This is due to a combination of restrictive tenancy clauses and short terms which will provide landlords with a right of veto on decisions to enter new schemes.

TFA chief executive, George Dunn said: The problem here is that agricultural tenancies and common land are part of the rich tapestry of the way in which agricultural land in England is occupied and managed.

"Defra has never properly grasped this in the way in which it develops policy. Despite the ongoing input from organisations such as TFA and FCL, Defra appears to be unable to put in place the correct measures.

The TFA and FCL argue that there has been 'widespread failure' in the operation of legacy schemes such as Environmental Stewardship and Countryside Stewardship on common land.

The administration of these schemes has relied upon the creation of self-governing Commons Associations to facilitate, administer and confirm compliance with scheme rules.

TFA and FCL believe it is not appropriate for Commons Associations, made up of representatives of the beneficiaries of the schemes, to adequately provide the necessary scheme governance required to ensure that they operate both fairly and deliver the public benefits required.

Dr Julia Aglionby, FCL executive director said: The opportunity for Commons to deliver more for nature, recreation, landscape and carbon storage will be lost if Defra does not strengthen governance of common land ELM agreements.

"Independent facilitation and administration of schemes on commons is essential to both deliver value for money to the taxpayer and reward participants fairly.

"We ask Defra to work more closely with us, value the cultural heritage of pastoral systems and learn from experience to make that a reality in the post-CAP world.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Hours after a bill to legalize marijuana was passed in Albany, a memo sent to all NYPD precincts in regard to vehicle searches was celebrated by some and criticized by others.

Cops were instructed against searching trunks and/or other closed containers, such as backpacks, based only on the smell of burnt and/or unburnt marijuana emanating from the car.

The smell of burnt marijuana in addition to certain other traffic violations, such as running a stop sign, could be considered probable cause of impairment, punishable by a summons. Officers at that point could search the passenger compartment, but not the trunk, unless theres cause to believe the trunk contains evidence of a crime.

Its legal for adults at least 21-years-old to posses up to three ounces of marijuana in New York. It doesnt address how someone younger than 21 would be punished if found in possession of up to three ounces.

COPS WEIGH IN

Some officers on Staten Island told the Advance/SILive.com theyre concerned the new guidelines pose a new challenge in confiscating illegal firearms, amid an increase in fatal shootings across the five boroughs.

Gun arrests on Staten Island during the first three months of 2021 were more than double the same period the year prior.

Its definitely hindering us from doing our job  100%, said one ranking officer who serves the East and North shores.

Another officer on the North Shore described a shared feeling of frustration among his colleagues.

In addition to the guidelines surrounding vehicle searches, street-level sales of marijuana also will be policed differently.

Under the new rules, a person cannot be charged with the sale of marijuana unless an officer eyes money exchanging hands.

NYCs Week 15 Final Shooting Statistics

(2021 v 2020 full week):



Shootings: Up 250%

Victims Shot: Up 263%



Has public safety become an issue in the NYC elections yet? pic.twitter.com/xjC6IOyRUR  NYCPBA Legal (@NYCPBA_GC) April 19, 2021

PROTECTING PEOPLES RIGHTS

Public defenders, social justice activists and some lawmakers have cited controversial car stops as examples of young Black and Latino males being pulled over and/or arrested for marijuana and traffic-related crimes at disproportionate rates.

They say misdemeanors handed out in low-income, minority areas for smoking weed had created criminal records that  when coupled with lack of family assets, healthy living conditions and other resources  contribute to the cycle of socioeconomic inequities and violence.

In 2020, public defenders with the Legal Aid Society called for two Staten Island cops to be fired over body-camera video they alleged to show one of them planting marijuana during a vehicle stop in Stapleton.

I believe this is an important change to protect peoples rights from overstepping by the police and limit potentially harmful police interactions, said defense attorney Emma Goodman, a member of the the Legal Aid Societys Special Litigation Unit and Case Closed Project.

While the vehicle search guidelines were in some cases blurred in the past, the [officers] reach is definitely more explicitly limited to investigating information thats relevant to the actual crime they think may have been committed, Goodman said.

What happens when we don't use trauma informed solutions



Not to excuse actions/evade accountability but to truly try & end the bloodshed



We know police alone doesn't work



As violence increases & on behalf of too many victims let's not repeat mistakeshttps://t.co/LaGB5jkBcY  Jumaane Williams (@JumaaneWilliams) March 29, 2021

In a recent interview with the Advance/SILive.com, NYPD Assistant Chief Frank Vega, borough commander, addressed civilian complaints about being profiled and pulled over repeatedly by officers. He said the department takes the concerns seriously, and its something neighborhood coordination officers would be willing to discuss at regularly scheduled meetings.

If we can start talking to each other as human beings, not, Im a cop, and, youre not a cop,  thats where we start the process of building trust, Vega said.

EMBOLDEN THE BLACK MARKET

New York lawmakers on both sides of legalizing marijuana have acknowledged the challenge in competing with the black market when considering the states 13% sales tax  those in favor of reforms hopeful the benefits of a regulated market over time will outweigh the higher costs.

In the meantime, authorities in other states have noted examples of thriving black markets years after the drug was legalized.

On Staten Island, Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R-South Shore) said he believes the new guidelines will embolden underground marijuana traffickers.

It will have damaging consequences, and I am not referring to possession of small amounts of marijuana, said Reilly, a former NYPD lieutenant. This will embolden the black market street trade and the violence that is often associated with it.
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The practice of foot binding, tightly wrapping the feet of young girls in order to reshape them and prevent them from growing too large, began sometime during the ninth or 10th century in China.

Small feet on women were considered attractive in Han Chinese culture, and, over time, the practice grew increasingly extreme. In fact, by the 16th century, the foot-binding process broke the bones in young girls feet. The goal was to produce lotus feet, with the ideal feet being no longer than 4 inches. Women with lotus feet were able to only manage small steps and would sway as they walked, something considered alluring by Chinese men.

By the end of the 19th century, foot binding was deeply embedded as a cultural norm. Nearly half of all women in China and almost all upper-class Han women had their feet bound. Though a painful, debilitating, and abusive practice, having lotus feet was essential to securing a good marriage.

Yet, in the space of one generation, foot binding disappeared.

The successful campaign against foot binding was jointly led by Western missionaries and native Chinese Christians. John Macgowan, a Belfast-born missionary with the London Missionary Society was a key figure. In 1875, he called a meeting of Chinese Christian women to oppose foot binding. Nine of these women agreed not to bind their daughters feet, not to allow their sons to marry women with bound feet, and to undergo the painful process of unbinding their own. This was the beginning of the Quit-Foot-Binding Society, the first anti-foot binding society in China.

Macgowan also convinced Chinese intellectuals, including the Buddhist reformer Kang Youwei, to oppose foot binding. In 1885, Kang founded the Foot Emancipation Society. In 1898, he wrote a memorandum to the Emperor urging him to abolish foot binding, arguing that it made China an object of international ridicule.

Other anti-foot binding societies developed rapidly, some which were part of Kangs movement while others were led by or inspired by foreign and Chinese Christians. In the end, Chinese Christian women took the lead to end foot binding. For example, Shi Meiyu was the daughter of a Methodist pastor who refused to allow her own feet to be bound. As the first Chinese woman to receive a medical degree from an American University, she founded two hospitals in China and labored tirelessly to abolish foot binding.

The campaigns to end foot-binding were remarkably successful. In 1902, the Empress Dowager Cixi banned foot binding, though her edict was rescinded. Then, in 1912, the newly founded Republic of China issued a ban. By 1949, the practice had stopped completely in all but a few rural areas.

Social scientists have learned crucial lessons from the success of these campaigns. For example, the missionaries that began the fight against foot binding did not try to lead the movement. Instead, they recruited and helped organize local Chinese people to lead the movement.

Though not all of these indigenous leaders and participants in the campaign were Christians, many were. The movement effectively drew in non-Christian intellectual leaders like Kang Youwei by using arguments grounded in the understandable Chinese desire for respect from other nations.

In Shanghai, Alicia Little recognized the importance of basing her work against foot binding on ideas that made sense to non-Christians, instead of simply appealing to her Christian faith. Of course, since Christianity is true, and therefore aligns with reality, Little was able to find appropriate prudential arguments in order to make her case.

Another important lesson from these anti-foot binding movements is how essential it is to form institutions that can preserve and promote core ideals. The success of these campaigns was largely due to the organizations Macgregor and others founded. In fact, establishing institutions might have been the critical factor in this campaigns success, compared to the failures of earlier attempts to end the practice.

And, of course, these campaigns point to something seen repeatedly throughout history. Christians bringing the Gospel to pagan societies have always  always  found themselves defending children from bad ideas and abusive cultural norms. In our pagan times, stopping the assault on children about their God-given sex is a calling. Wed do well to learn from the Christians in China who worked to end foot binding.

Start by making the Promise to Americas Children, pledging to protect the minds, bodies, and the most important relationships of the children in your life.

Originally published at BreakPoint
Fuelling crypto adoption one POS terminal at a time.

STAFFORD, Texas, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - CoinPayments, the world's leading cryptocurrency payments processor, announced today a new strategic partnership with Ovvi, a leading point-of-sale (POS) technology company. The collaboration will enable further use of crypto payments for in-store transactions across industries, and falls in line with both companies' mission to fuel wider adoption of digital currency payments.

Ovvi is best known for its POS hardware, software and payment processing solutions, which is compatible with over 10 payment processors. Ovvi's solutions are used by thousands of merchants including global quick-service restaurants like Arby's and Church's Chicken. Its merchant network comprises restaurants, bars as well as retail, liquor, convenience, and grocery stores. This collaboration will enable merchants across industries and their customers to benefit from seamless, low-cost, in-store crypto payments.

"This partnership with Ovvi is a step in the right direction for the payments industry," said CoinPayments CEO Jason Butcher. "By bringing our easy-to-use global crypto payments platform together with Ovvi's rich POS technology, we look forward to delivering a smooth process for anyone looking to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment at point of sale."

"With the cryptocurrency market growing, there is a rising demand for solutions for these payments. Restaurants and retailers must have solutions to accept cryptocurrency." said Ovvi CEO, Manan Mehta. "This integration with CoinPayments is a step into the future of payments. The user-friendly platform is another great step in providing our customers with a state-of-the-art POS system."

About CoinPayments

CoinPayments is the easiest, fastest and most secure way for merchants worldwide to transact in cryptocurrencies. It is the first and largest cryptocurrency payments processor with more than US $10 billion in total transactions to date, while supporting more than 2,000 coins, and is the preferred cryptocurrency payment solution for merchants and eCommerce platform providers worldwide. Founded in 2013, CoinPayments is dedicated to providing clients with fast, secure and user-friendly crypto payment APIs, shopping cart plugins, digital wallets, and a host of other solutions supporting cryptocurrency payment applications. Learn more at: https://www.coinpayments.net/

About Ovvi

Headquartered in Stafford, Texas, Ovvi is a leading developer of innovative technology for the restaurant, hospitality and retail industries. Ovvi is the go-to-market trademark brand of Ovvi, LLC. Ovvi specializes in complete all-in-one POS (Point-of-Sale) software and hardware systems with comprehensive services to meet the needs of businesses, including Fine Dining Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Pizza Shops, Frozen Yogurt, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores & Liquor Stores to name a few. Ovvi's open architecture and secure proprietary Restaurant/ Retail software makes it possible for business owners to perform business-enhancing functions that provide operational efficiencies, customer-loyalty programs and flexible business reporting, allowing their business to run more effectively. With Ovvi's POS solution, business owners gain relevant insights to make effective decisions that impact their bottom line. Learn more at: https://ovvihq.com/

SOURCE CoinPayments
The Dead Sea Scrolls were most likely penned by multiple scribes who mirrored one another's writing styles 2,000 years ago, AI-powered analysis has revealed.

First found in 1946 in the Qumran Caves of the Judaean Desert, near the Dead Sea, the scrolls comprise some 972 ancient manuscripts in thousands of fragments.

The texts were mainly written on animal skins and include parts of the Hebrew Bible as well as an assortment of extra-biblical documents.

Little, however, had been known about the scribe or scribes who laboured to produce individual scrolls  as the works were not signed.

And examination by eye of the features of characters written on the scrolls typically leads to subjective and therefore often contentious conclusions.

To provide a more rigorous analysis, researchers from the Netherlands trained an AI to isolate and compared all instances of individual characters from the ancient texts.

Demonstrating the principle on the Great Isaiah Scroll, the team were able to show that the scroll was written in two halves, by two different scribes.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were most likely penned by multiple scribes who mirrored one another's writing styles 2,000 years ago, AI-powered analysis has revealed. Pictured: blue colourmaps of the characters aleph and bet as seen within the dead sea scrolls

The scrolls are a collection of more than 25,000 ancient manuscript fragments, among which can be found the oldest known copies of books of the Hebrew Bible. They were first found in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea in 1946

'This is very exciting, because this opens a new window on the ancient world that can reveal much more intricate connections between the scribes that produced the scrolls,' said paper author Mladen Popovic of the University of Groningen.

'In this study, we found evidence for a very similar writing style shared by the two Great Isaiah Scroll scribes, which suggests a common training or origin.'

We are now able to identify different scribes. We will never know their names. But after seventy years of study, this feels as if we can finally shake hands with them through their handwriting.'

'Our next step is to investigate other scrolls, where we may find different origins or training for the scribes,' he added.

In their current work, Professor Popovic, computer scientist Lambert Schomaker and doctoral student Maruf Dhali focussed on a single document  the Great Isaiah Scroll, found in 1947, which is the largest and best preserved of the biblical texts.

The handwriting exhibited on the scroll appears near-uniform, but some experts had contended that it was in fact the work of two different scribes.

According to Professor Popovic, scholars typically look for a 'smoking gun' in the handwriting'  on which, for example, might take the form of 'a very specific trait in a letter which would identify a scribe.'

The issue is that such evaluations are somewhat subjective  and, moreover, it is hard to comprehensively analyse a whole text in this fashion.

As Professor Schomaker explained, the Great Isaiah Scroll 'contains the letter aleph, or "a", at least five thousand times. It is impossible to compare them all just by eye.'

First found in 1946 in the Qumran Caves (pictured) in the Judaean Desert, near the Dead Sea, the scrolls comprise some 972 ancient manuscripts in thousands of fragments

Artificial intelligence, in contrast, is well-suited to analysing such large datasets  and, in the case of handwriting analysis, is able to consider both characters as a whole or smaller features like their individual curvatures.

'The human eye is amazing and presumably takes these levels into account too,' Professor Popovic noted.

'This allows experts to "see" the hands of different authors, but that decision is often not reached by a transparent process.'

'Furthermore, it is virtually impossible for these experts to process the large amounts of data the scrolls provide.'

The team's first step was to train a deep-learning algorithm to be able to separate the ink of the characters from the leather or the papyrus of the underlying scroll in images, as pictured

The team's analysis involved three main steps  the first of which was to train a deep-learning algorithm to be able to separate the ink of the characters from the leather or the papyrus of the underlying scroll in images.

Ensuring that the ink marks were captured precisely was essential, Professor Schomaker explained, because 'the ancient ink traces relate directly to [the scribe's] muscle movement and are person-specific', Schomaker explains.

Next, Mr Dhali conducted an analysis of the text which indicated that the 54 columns of texts contained within the Great Isaiah Scroll could be divided into two groups  with a transition around the halfway point through the scroll  hinting at two writers.

'When we added extra noise to the data, the result didn't change,' commented Professor Schomaker.

'We also succeeded in demonstrating that the second scribe shows more variation within his writing than the first, although their writing is very similar.'

In the final phase of the research, the team produced a visual analysis in the form of 'heat maps' that incorporate all the variants of a given character (pictured)  from which they produced averaged characters for the two halves of the scroll. Even by eye, a comparison of these averaged letters makes it clear that the first and last 27 columns of the text were written by hand  as had been suggested previously, albeit on far less certain evidence

In the final phase of the research, the team produced a visual analysis in the form of 'heat maps' that incorporate all the variants of a given character  from which they produced averaged characters for the two halves of the scroll.

Even by eye, a comparison of these averaged letters makes it clear that the first and last 27 columns of the text were written by hand  as had been suggested previously, albeit on far less certain evidence.

'Now, we can confirm this with a quantitative analysis of the handwriting as well as with robust statistical analyses,' said Professor Popovic

'Instead of basing judgment on more-or-less impressionistic evidence, with the intelligent assistance of the computer, we can demonstrate that the separation is statistically significant.'

The full findings of the study were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
The Church of England must act urgently to root out institutional racism, an internal inquiry has warned.

The Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce has made 47 proposals to end a 'rut of inaction' spanning several decades.

These include the requirement that shortlists for senior clergy should include at least one minority ethnic candidate by September.

The taskforce is also calling for annual reports on recruitment, mandatory training to embed anti-racism practice, and full-time racial justice officers.

It wants to see a plan drawn up to lift representation of minority ethnic people to at least 15 per cent at all levels of governance by 2030.

There are just five minority ethnic bishops and nine deans, archdeacons and senior staff.

All the proposals have a timetable for action and details of which part of the Church is responsible for delivery.

The nine-member taskforce was set up in autumn 2020 after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (pictured), said the Church was still 'deeply institutionally racist' [File photo]

The report says: 'Decades of inaction carry consequences and this inaction must be owned by the whole Church.

'A failure to act now will be seen as another indication, potentially a last straw for many, that the Church is not serious about racial sin.'

The nine-member taskforce was set up in autumn 2020 after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the Church was still 'deeply institutionally racist'.

It considered more than 20 reports and 160 recommendations made to the Church from the mid-80s, and grouped its proposals into key areas where it said 'action had fallen short'.

Rev Arun Arora, a Vicar in the Diocese of Durham and taskforce co-chair, said he hopes the report will 'be a watershed moment in the church's journey towards racial justice'.

He added: 'We hope our report is more than simply a remedial list of actions, it goes back to this being a potential to outdo the promises of the past, and not simply a list of remedial box ticking.'

Co-chair Rev Sonia Barron, from Lincoln diocese, said current culture in the church 'tolerates certain kinds of racism, and it's therefore essential that that culture changes'.

She added: 'There's now a genuine sense of urgency I think, and a need for action, and we cannot let this moment pass.'

In a statement, the Archbishop of Canterbury Mr Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said they would implement five of the recommendations 'immediately'.

They said: 'We have seen, time and time again, people being bullied, overlooked, undermined and excluded from the life of the Church, from the family of God. It breaks our hearts and we are truly sorry.'

Members of the taskforce said 'envelope figures' for the cost of their proposals have been calculated but declined to share them.

There are just five minority ethnic bishops and nine deans, archdeacons and senior staff. Pictured: Dr John Sentamu, who retired as Archbishop of York last year [File photo]

The taskforce also identified seven areas of work for the Church's new racial justice commission, including slavery, history and memory, and complaints handling.

The slavery work area includes assessing the cataloguing of monuments and buildings related to the slave trade or paid for through its profits.

The report notes that deciding what to do with these monuments is not easy, as while 'history should not be hidden, we also do not want to unconditionally celebrate or commemorate people' linked to the slave trade.

Ven Neil Warwick, Archdeacon of Bristol, said there could be multiple options after auditing: 'There can be education and explanation, which says that this is part of history, we don't want to cover it up, we want to explain it, and we want to educate.

'We want also (to) repent of the past where these things happened.

'Then I think there could even be spurs for social action in the now. We saw this happen in the past - what might we do about modern slavery now as a community and as a church?'
Social media is clogged with amateur pundits chattering and bullying their friends & relatives. They're basically just typing the garbage designed for them by CNN & MSNBC

However, tonight, this local scribe pens something just a bit more complex and her argument is worth consideration given that it will inform the local discourse moving forward.

Read more . . .
Published: 21 April 2021

General government deficit 5.4 per cent and debt 69.2 per cent relative to GDP in 2020

Corrected 26 April 2021: The last sentence containing an erroneous interpretation was deleted from the introduction.

According to the revised data reported by Statistics Finland to Eurostat, general government deficit was 5.4 per cent relative to gross domestic product in 2020. The deficit exceeded the reference values of the European Unions Stability and Growth Pact, which is three per cent relative to gross domestic product. General government EDP debt, or consolidated gross debt, was 69.2 per cent relative to gross domestic product at the end of 2020. The ratio of debt to GDP exceeded the reference value of 60 per cent.

General government EDP deficit (-), relative to GDP

In 2020, general government deficit, or net borrowing according to national accounts, was EUR 12.9 billion. The financial position of general government weakened by good EUR 10 billion from the year before. Compared to 2019, the financial position of central government weakened most, by around EUR 10.8 billion, being EUR 13.4 billion in deficit in 2020. Central government's total revenue decreased by EUR 3.2 billion and total expenditure grew by EUR 7.6 billion. The growth in total expenditure was particularly caused by the increase in income transfers to other sectors. According to preliminary data, the local government sectors deficit changed to a surplus of EUR 175 million in 2020.

Social security funds are divided into employment pension schemes and other social security funds. The surplus of social security funds decreased due to a fall in dividend income to around EUR 270 million in 2020, that is, it decreased by around EUR three billion from the previous year. The surplus of employment pension schemes decreased to around EUR 430 million and the financial position of other social security funds changed from being in surplus to being around EUR 160 million in deficit in 2020.

General government EDP debt relative to GDP

Consolidated general government gross debt (EDP debt) amounted to EUR 164.3 billion at the end of 2020. The debt grew by EUR 21.4 billion in 2020. Central government debt grew by EUR 17.6 billion and local government debt by EUR 1.7 billion. The debt of social security funds grew by EUR 2.2 billion. The increase in consolidated items between general government by EUR 96 million contributed to the debt of the entire general government sector growing by said EUR 21.4 billion in 2020. The EDP debt describes general governments debt to the other sectors of the economy and to the rest of the world, and its development is influenced by changes in both the unconsolidated gross debt and the internal general government debt.

Eurostat will publish preliminary data on Member States on 22 April 2021.

About the content and concepts of the statistics

General government surplus/deficit refers to net lending/borrowing according to the sector accounts of national accounts, which is the difference between the total revenue and expenditure. For instance, in the case of local government, the concept differs from the surplus/deficit of the accounting period according to the profit and loss accounts of municipalities and joint municipal authorities included in the sector. The key difference concerns investments, which are recorded in national accounts as expenditure as such.

In general government accounts, the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF is, based on Eurostat's decision, handled so that the EFSF's borrowing is recorded as part of the gross government debt of the countries that have provided guarantees. The loan received by the beneficiary country from the EFSF is recorded as if it had been received from the countries in the euro area that have provided guarantees and these countries in turn owe the corresponding amount to the EFSF. As a result, the EDP gross debt of the countries that provided guarantees grows but the net debt remains unchanged because the countries have a similar receivable from the beneficiary country. The gross government debt to be recorded for each country on the loans granted by the EFSF is calculated by dividing the loan granted to the beneficiary country by the contribution key (based on the share in the ECB's capital of each country participating in the support operations).

At the end of 2020, Finland's general government debt includes EUR 3.4 billion of debt granted by the EFSF to beneficiary countries. Corresponding treatment does not apply to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

Central government's EDP debt differs as a concept from the central government debt published by the State Treasury. Central government's EDP debt includes loans granted to beneficiary countries by the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF, received cash collateral related to derivative contracts, the capital of the Nuclear Waste Management Fund, debts generated from investments in central government's PPP (public-private partnership) projects, and coins that are in circulation. In National Accounts, central government is also a broader concept than the budget and financial economy ( http://www.stat.fi/meta/luokitukset/_linkki/soveltamisp.html ) (only in Finnish). However, the State Pension Fund is classified as a social security fund. The valuation principle for both debt concepts is the nominal value, where the effect of currency swaps is taken into account. When these differences are taken into consideration, we reach the central government non-consolidated gross debt in accordance with the EDP concept (Appendix table 2). In 2020, the State Treasury's central government debt EUR 124.8 billion + conceptual differences of the debt EUR 6.4 billion + differences caused by the sector delimitation EUR 4.6 billion = central government gross debt EUR 135.9 billion. The valuation principle for both debt concepts is the nominal value, where the effect of interest-rate contracts and currency swaps is taken into account.

A list of units belonging to general government and decisions on major sector classification cases (only in Finnish) can be found at https://www.stat.fi/meta/luokitukset/_linkki/soveltamisp.html

Finland updated the EDP inventory concerning the compilation of deficit and debt data in connection with the release. A new updated methodological description can be found at: https://stat.fi/til/jali/men_en.html

Source: General government deficit and debt. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Lotta Sjoblom 029 551 3342, Antti Suutari 029 551 3257, financial.accounts@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (248.4 kB)

Updated 21.4.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): General government deficit and debt [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-5914. 2020. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 6.6.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/jali/2020/jali_2020_2021-04-21_tie_001_en.html
Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Leaders' Climate Summit on Earth Day this week via video and deliver an important speech. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced that he will attend the US-led summit. Washington has ratcheted up efforts to gang up its allies to suppress China and Russia. The attendance of Xi and Putin shows the two countries' responsible attitude in handling the common challenge of mankind.

Tackling climate change is one of the most important agendas of humanity. It should go beyond geopolitics and garner the support of all the countries. As the biggest developing country, China has taken a firm and positive attitude and is known for delivering what it has promised. Last year, China set the goal of having CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. It was not easy for China to make such a decision, and Western opinion spoke positively about it.

It is good enough that the climate summit can be held amid severe geopolitical turbulence. Whether it will succeed depends primarily on whether the US government can set an example as the world's top developed economy and display its credible determination to fulfill its obligations to cut emissions. It needs to see whether the US determination can win wide support from Americans and withstand the times.

According to US media, the Biden administration will pledge to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030, almost twice what the Obama administration vowed to cut. But this pledge was immediately opposed by the Republican Party. As is known to all, the Trump administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement, calling climate change a "hoax" invented by China.

The US' biggest problem is its strategic selfishness and inconsistency. The US regards the arrangement that conforms to its own interests as rules. When its interests or ideas change, the US will overturn the rules it set. When it comes to long-term plans such as reducing carbon emissions, it is a problem to what extent the Biden administration's decision counts. Once a Republican government returns to power, it is entirely possible that Washington may abandon the agreement again.

The climate issue is also a game of interests. Developed countries have taken a step ahead in industrialization and have completed their construction tasks which require high carbon emissions. They have contributed to most emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that has increased due to human activity. But the living standards of many people in developing countries are still very low. At this stage, developed countries should bear more responsibility in the task of reducing emissions. They have become rich first, and they are obliged to offer more funds and technologies to help developing countries shift to a green economy.

The climate summit dominated by the US needs to promote such ideas of emissions reduction among developed countries: Washington wants to play a "leading" role in climate actions, then it must take the lead in implementing such ideas and ensure the country fulfill its commitments.

Now is far from the time to exert strong pressure on developing countries and request them to increase their emissions reduction obligations. The US and Western public opinion advocates fairness and justice, but how emissions reduction obligations are distributed is a matter that concerns the prospects for economic development of various countries and their right to promote industrialization. Whether developed countries are willing to give more room for developing countries to improve people's livelihood through industrialization and whether these developed countries are willing to assume the main task of emissions reduction at this stage will be a test to their loyalty to the concepts of fairness and justice.

Only reasonable things can be promoted sustainably. Only a leading country setting an example will international community not be confused. To host the climate summit, Washington must curb its political or geopolitical selfish calculations. Only when Washington can truly play a responsible role can the meeting have long-term significance.
Britains high commissioner in Australia has been forced onto national TV Down Under to try to smooth over a row over bizarre comments about a possible trade deal which have been branded sledging in Canberra.

The embarrassing development was privately described by one Australian government minister of counter-productive to International Trade Secretary Liz Trusss hopes of striking a deal to partially make up for the UKs loss of trade opportunities due to Brexit.

Anonymous sources in Ms Trusss Department for International Trade were reported to have said she was planning to throw down the gauntlet over the glacially slow progress in negotiations when she speaks to Australian counterpart Dan Tehan in face-to-face talks in London this week.

She plans to sit him down in the Locarno Room [in the Foreign Office] in an uncomfortable chair, so he has to deal with her directly for nine hours, said the source.

The source reportedly described Mr Tehan as inexperienced compared to Ms Truss, adding: He needs to show that he can play at this level.

Australias ABC News said the comments were greeted with a mixture of disbelief and laughter in Canberra.

The inexperience jibe was regarded as all the more peculiar as before entering parliament, Mr Tehan worked from 1995 at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and later as senior adviser to the trade minister, before serving as director of trade policy and international affairs with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He has been minister for trade, tourism and investment in Scott Morrisons government since December.

While Mr Tehans office refused to comment, the broadcaster quoted one minister as saying that the comments appeared to reflect UK desperation to rush through a deal.

A bit of sledging. Its not a very good tactic though, he added.

I would actually think its more likely to be counterproductive. No doubt theyll try to blame it on the media.

UK High Commissioner Vicki Treadell tried to damp down the row, telling Australian TV viewers that Mr Tehan would receive a warm welcome and would not be made uncomfortable during talks.

I know the venue that is being used and certainly the chairs in the room in question are very comfortable, she told ABC.

This is a trade negotiation, so there will be tactics on both sides.

But what we both want and the political ambition between Britain and Australia is there to get a gold-standard deal.

Australia is also engaged in trade talks with the EU, which ministers have previously indicated take priority over negotiations with Britain as the European market represents a much larger export opportunity.

ABC quoted an unnamed Australian minister as saying that London appeared to be trying to shift any blame on lack of progress to us.

The UK still hasnt landed a new deal post-Brexit, just continuity deals, said the minister, referring to deals that have been rolled over from the UKs time in the EU.

Negotiations with the US and NZ continue to be unresolved too, not just us.

Ms Truss said: Im looking forward to giving minister Tehan a warm welcome and building on the good progress we have already made.

We want a gold standard agreement that boosts exports, drives investment, supports jobs, and breaks new ground in modern areas like services and digital trade.

A deal will strengthen ties with one of our closest friends and a fellow pro-trade democracy, and help pave the way for the UK to join CPTPP, a modern trade group of 11 Pacific nations.
Gov. Phil Murphy returns to the Trenton War Memorial at 1 p.m. Wednesday to hold another update on the states ongoing coronavirus vaccination efforts.

The gathering in the George Washington Ballroom will be streamed live on the governors YouTube.com channel.

Murphy will be joined by state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, coronavirus advisor Dr. Eddy Bresnitz and State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan.

Wednesdays gathering comes a day after one of the states vaccination mega-sites said it welcome walk-ins without an appointment from Wednesday to Friday. Also Tuesday, Princeton University said it will require students to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus this fall. Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University previously announced vaccination requirements for students.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, 6,204,767 vaccines doses have been administered in New Jersey. At least 2,575,703 people who live, work or study in New Jersey are fully vaccinated.

There were 2,114 patients in the states 71 hospitals with the coronavirus or a suspected case as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, five more than in the previous 24-hour period. Officials say 455 are getting critical care (three more than a day earlier) with 248 on ventilators (six fewer).

Hospitalizations are down about 8% since the start of the month.

Murphy announced 2,293 COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths on Tuesday.

The state of about 9 million people has reported 25,206 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19  including 22,614 confirmed deaths and 2,592 fatalities considered probable. New Jersey has the most coronavirus deaths per capita among American states.

Murphy has no other scheduled public appearances on Wednesday.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ.

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HUHTAMAKI OYJ PRESS RELEASE 21.4.2021 AT 20:45



Huhtamaki acquires leading manufacturer of paper bags, wraps and folding carton packaging in China

Huhtamaki, a key advanced manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Jiangsu Hihio-Art Packaging Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of paper bags, wraps and folding carton packaging in China. The company currently serves international quick-service restaurants (QSR) as well as national bakery chains. With this acquisition, Huhtamaki continues to strengthen its position as the leading foodservice packaging provider in Asia and expands its product portfolio in China allowing it to better serve its existing and new customers in this exciting growth market.

Jiangsu Hihio-Art Packaging Co. Ltd. currently employs approximately 200 people in its manufacturing unit in Xuzhou city, Jiangsu. Employees will be offered an opportunity to continue to work for Huhtamaki after the transaction is closed. In 2020 the annual net sales of the privately owned business were approximately EUR 20 million. Following the acquisition, Huhtamaki will have altogether four manufacturing units in China: in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Xuzhou.

"I am excited with the opportunities that this acquisition represents for our core business in China. Urbanization, middle class expansion and innovation into more sustainable packaging solutions drive growth across Asia. The acquisition of Jiangsu Hihio-Art Packaging Co. Ltd extends our product portfolio and access to new channels. This enables us to accelerate growth in China in line with our strategy," says Eric Le Lay, President for Huhtamaki's Fiber Foodservice EAO business segment.

The debt free purchase price is EUR 27 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter 2021, following the fulfillment of certain customary closing conditions, after which the business will be reported as part of the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania reporting segment.

For further information, please contact:

Katariina Hietaranta, Head of Media Relations, tel. +358 10 686 7863

HUHTAMAKI OYJ

Global Communications

About Huhtamaki

Huhtamaki is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste. We embed sustainability in everything we do. We are committed to achieving carbon neutral production and designing all our products to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030.

We are a participant in the UN Global Compact and as of 2020, we received an MSCI ESG Rating of A, on a scale of AAA - CCC. To play our part in managing climate change, we have committed to set science-based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative. Huhtamaki has been awarded the Silver medal by EcoVadis for performance in sustainability.

With 100 years of history and a strong Nordic heritage we operate in 36 countries and 81 sites around the world. Our values Care Dare Deliver guide our decisions and help our team of 18,200 employees make a difference where it matters. Our 2020 net sales totaled EUR 3.3 billion. Huhtamaki Group is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and our parent company, Huhtamaki Oyj, is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Find out more about how we are protecting food, people and the planet on www.huhtamaki.com.
A Southern California man is recovering after he was bitten by a rattlesnake when he tried to pick up the poisonous reptile using barbecue tongs, authorities said.

The man spotted the snake Saturday evening near his home in the Sycamore Creek community of Corona and was worried about it coming into contact with children, according to a statement from Riverside County Animal Services.

When he tried to remove the rattler using the tongs, the snake struck and bit him on the hand, Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said. The man, who was not identified, was treated at a hospital and later released.

He told me that he was feeling remarkably well, Welsh said Tuesday. He said he definitely felt that he had dodged a bullet.

Rattlesnake bites are painful and in rare cases can be fatal.

After the man was taken away by ambulance, a crowd gathered as Animal Services Officer Mike McGee removed the snake.

Some of the children were saying, bye, Mr. Snake, " McGee said.

The reptile was later euthanized.

We try to release rattlesnakes within one mile of where we remove it from, but it was highly likely this snake might end up in one of the adjacent homes again, McGee said. I didnt believe a routine release would be safe this time.

Officials said the number of rattlesnake sightings has gone up as the weather has gotten hotter in the area about 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Welsh advised people who spot a snake to call animal services instead of trying to remove it themselves.

More: Rattlesnakes emerging from their winter dens across Pennsylvania
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Monte Hellman, the maverick director of such films as Two-Lane Blacktop, The Shooting and Road to Nowhere, died April 20 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert, Calif., following a fall in his home on April 19. He was 91.

Hellman was a cult director who was widely admired within the industry, earning such fans as Quentin Tarantino; they liked his down-and-dirty storytelling, which featured poetic flourishes amid his genre films.

After working as an editors apprentice at ABC, he made his directing debut with the 1959 Beast From Haunted Cave, produced by Roger Corman. He became part of the Corman stable of veterans who learned how to get maximum impact on minimum budget. Other Corman alumni include Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard.

Hellman worked with Jack Nicholson in the 1960s, including two films shot back-to-back in the Philippines, Back Door to Hell and Flight to Fury. Hellman and Nicholson reteamed on two Westerns, Ride the Whirlwind and The Shooting, which used elements of traditional Hollywood oaters, spaghetti westerns and 1960s counter-culture sensibility.

He also directed The Cockfighter (1974) and China 9, Liberty 37 (1978), both starring Warren Oates. China has the added distinction of a rare acting performance by Sam Peckinpah.

The road movie Two-Lane Blacktop opened in 1971 and the star pairing of James Taylor and Dennis Wilson drew some interest, but it wasnt a huge hit; however, its reputation has grown over the years. Film Talk described it as one of the greatest road movies ever made and it was admitted to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2012.

He directed Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (1989), a rare change of pace with a slasher sequel. He admitted it was probably his worst film, but he was proud of the fact that he started on the film in March 1989 and the final cut was ready in June.

His 2010 noir film Road to Nowhere, scripted by Varietys Steven Gaydos, won a special Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Tarantino was head of the jury and praised him as a great cinematic artist and a minimalist poet. Hellman later said it was the most personal of all his films.

Hellman later contributed a 90-second film to the multi-segment documentary Venice 70: Future Reloaded (2013).

In addition to making his own films, he directed sequences in other films and served in other capacities, such as dialogue director for Cormans 1967 The St. Valentines Day Massacre and did second-unit work on RoboCop. He was credited as an editor on The Wild Angels (1966), Two-Lane Blacktop, and Peckinpahs 1975 The Killer Elite, among others, and did uncredited editing on multiple films including the Monkees trippy comedy Head (1968) and the 1979 Lee Marvin vehicle Avalanche Express.

Hellman was an exec producer of Tarantinos 1992 Reservoir Dogs. He was also a directing teacher at California Institute of the Arts.

Survivors include his daughter, Melissa; son, Jared; and brother Herb Himmelbaum.

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Pipeline

21 April 2021

The company closed the agreement for the 5th hotel in Italy with the acquisition of the historical site ex-Dogana that will bring in the capital the "hybrid" concept of hospitality on 21,000 square meters. A 90 million euro investment.

After openings in Vienna, Bologna and Delft in 2020, The Student Hotel lands in the capital by the end of 2023. With the acquisition of the historic ex-Dogana site in the San Lorenzo area of Rome, TSH Group's total investment in the Italian market reaches 450 million. The new hotel will open its doors in one of Rome's most authentic neighbourhoods, San Lorenzo, home to one of Europe's largest universities and student communities.

The Student Hotel's "hybrid" hospitality concept is confirmed, designed to welcome students, tourists, neighbours and entrepreneurs to learn, stay, work and have fun, all under one roof.

With an investment of around 90 million euros in the city of Rome, TSH San Lorenzo will develop into a 21,000 square metre hybrid structure, including 444 rooms for students, hotel guests and young professionals, as well as spaces for co-working, meetings and events, where guests of all kinds can meet and exchange ideas. In addition, the project includes numerous green areas and areas dedicated to sports, events and recreational activities, which will be completely open and accessible to the public.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor failed to do his duty and recuse himself from a criminal case involving a potential conflict of interest, the Attorney Generals Office decided this week.

The AGs Office of Public Integrity and Accountability on Monday informed the victim in a 2019 case that his complaint alleging Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner should have immediately recused himself was sustained by the offices investigation, according to a letter obtained by NJ Advance Media and first reported by BreakingAC.com.

However, the office also said investigators did not find sufficient evidence to suggest that Prosecutor Tyner acted on any real or perceived conflict involving members of the community in relation to your cases.

The decision pertains to Anthony J. Hargrove, then 37, of Galloway Township, who was charged in two separate cases in 2019 with knowingly spreading HIV through sexual contact.

More than a year and a half ago, one of the victims had complained to the Attorney Generals Office, alleging that the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office was not handling the matter fairly, including ignoring harassment and an assault on him following the filing of the charge against Hargrove.

According to the complaint, he said Prosecutor Damon Tyner disliked him from past dealings and that both Tyner and the offices Victim Witness Coordinator Raymond Royster were close with the defendants father, Bishop Robert F. Hargrove II, president of the Fellowship of Churches in the Atlantic City area.

The Attorney Generals Office confirmed in December of 2019 that its Prosecutors Supervision and Coordination Bureau did step in and reassign the prosecution of the case to the Cape May County Prosecutors Office to avoid any potential conflict or appearance of conflict with Tyners office. Cape May County Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten successfully moved to dismiss the cases in July of 2020.

Requests for comment Tuesday were not returned by the offices of both prosecutors. The Attorney Generals office declined to comment on the decision by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

The complainant had told the AGs office in his 2019 complaint that Hargroves family and friends have used Tyners name in attempts to intimidate him into dropping the charges against Anthony Hargrove. Those attempts, he wrote, included telling him that pressing forward with the charges wont go well for him and that Tyner will get back at [him] and handle him.

The complainant had also claimed that Tyners office retaliated against him for filing the complaint by releasing his name to members of the media, despite the usual practice of not releasing the names of victims in sexual crimes. That accusation was not addressed in the letter by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

The letter did not address whether there would be any sanctions against Tyner and the Attorney Generals Office declined to comment for this story.

The victim told NJ Advance Media Tuesday that the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office has continued to involve itself in dealings related to him, including contacting him about another court matter involving Hargrove in July of 2020. He also believes the office had a hand in pending charges filed against him in May of 2020, alleging he assaulted a child, causing injuries to his neck. The prosecutors office also did not respond to a request for comment on that allegation.

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Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) -- The Philippines does not share overlapping claims with China alone.

This was according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon when he spoke at an online briefing on Wednesday. Contrary to popular belief, Esperon said China does not have the most claims.

Esperon highlighted the claims of other countries in the contested waters: Vietnam controls 21 islands and reefs in the South China Sea, 14 of which are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone; Malaysia has five, Taiwan has one, while China controls seven -- most of which are artificial islands converted into military bases.

The Philippines, meanwhile occupies nine, including Pag-asa Island, the seat of the Kalayaan Island group. It is contesting all the other claims, calling the control of other nations illegal.

"We are not giving up on the EEZ because that has been granted to us by the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea so we have sovereign rights over the waters," Esperon emphasized.

"Then we have our arbitral ruling which defined features, like Pag-asa now, as they say, has a 12 nautical mile entitlement," he also said. "We used to say it has an EEZ but now because of the arbitral ruling, it's a 12 nautical mile territorial sea that it has."

Esperon is backing President Rodrigo Duterte, who said retaking the West Philippine Sea -- especially areas occupied by China -- could mean bloody war that would be difficult for the Philippines to win.

"When the President says we can only retake the West Philippine Sea with force, then that is very correct. if you want to retake Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross and Subi, then you have to use force. And if you do that, then, it will be a shooting war...that's what he says. It will be bloody and I'm sure it will be very difficult to win a war," he said.

Critics have repeatedly said no one was asking the Duterte administration to go to war. They just him to assert the country's claims, they said.

Meanwhile, Esperon is also encouraging fishermen to fish at Bajo de Masinloc as there were Coast guard assets deployed in the area to protect them from foreign harassments or threats.

A statement released by the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea said more assets will be deployed in the WPS.

"To augment the vessels and aircraft currently under the control of the ATFs, the Government has also deployed four Philippine Coast Guard vessels, one PCG aircraft, five Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels for WPS maritime patrols, and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group high speed tactical watercraft and rubber boats for maritime law enforcement in the coastal areas," the statement read.

Detachments in the area also continuously being developed.

"The NTF-WPS is resolute in upholding Philippine sovereignty over our territory as mandated by the Constitution and protecting our sovereign rights over our EEZ in accordance with international law.," it added.

CNN Philippines senior correspondent David Santos and senior digital producer Pia Garcia contributed to this report.
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cyber security solutions, has announced that Qatars Boom Construction Company (BCC) has successfully deployed a comprehensive cloud-based Trend Micro solution to protect the construction companys digital estate.

Part of the Boom Group, BCC is one of Qatars largest construction firms and is a key player in National Vision 2030s goals of environmental development through state-of-the-art infrastructure and mega-projects.

In March last year, amid the Covid lockdown, BCCs head office was hit with a ransomware attack that left more than 200 users without access to business applications and emails.

Downtime was not an option, so in response to the attack, BCC contacted several vendors for support, and found a trusted future partner in Trend Micro, said the statemenrt from the IT group.

Trend Micro engineers on site identified the ransomware and its entry point, and offered continued support to control the damage.

Boom Constructions entire infrastructure was live and stable within 15 days  a fraction of the two months associated with similar attacks. The company estimates that seven more weeks of downtime would have costed around QR5.5 million ($1.5 million), it added.

Mohammed Ali Hosho, Senior IT manager at BCC, said: "We have undergone a security transformation with the implementation of Trend Micro solutions. It has saved us invaluable time and millions of dollars of avoided business downtime."

"We now have full visibility and control over our IT infrastructure, and with real time threat intelligence we are able better prevent attacks, speed up investigation and response, enabling us to better protect our digital assets and workforce," noted Hosho.

The foundation of BCCs security is Trend Micro XDR, which provides detection, prevention, and response across email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks.

"The company has also adopted Trend Micro Apex One for endpoint security and USB device control, Deep Discovery Inspector for 360-degree visibility of traffic monitoring, the Smart Protection Suite, and Trend Micro Cloud One  Workload Security for automated workload protection," he explained.

"We have found a partner we can rely on  who can take care of our security needs, while we focus on growing our business in the digital era," added Hosho.

Assad Arabi, Managing Director, Trend Micro Gulf Cluster, said: "Threat actors continue to take advantage of the vulnerabilities that organizations face in the new normal. As such, multi-layered protection can empower them to better protect, detect and respond to attacks  in the cloud, across networks, and endpoints."

"We were pleased to be able to support BCC in its security transformation, and stand committed to assist every private and public entity in their battles against digital aggression," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
 Flash

The Japanese government banned shipments of black rockfish from Fukushima on Monday, after a radioactive substance was found to be more than five times higher than acceptable levels in the fish caught off the prefecture.

The Fukushima prefectural government said 270 becquerels of radioactive cesium were detected per kilogram of the black rockfish, which had been caught at a depth of 37 meters near the city of Minamisoma, Fukushima, on April 1.

The amount of radioactive cesium is five times more than the limit set by a local fisheries cooperative of 50 becquerels per kg. It is also sharply higher than Japan's national standard in general foods of 100 becquerels per kg.

In response, Japan's national nuclear emergency response headquarters on Monday ordered a ban on the shipment of the fish caught off the waters of Fukushima.

Early in February, radioactive cesium 10 times above permitted levels in Japan were detected in the same area.

Scientific research showed the amount of cesium in foods and drinks depends upon the emission of radioactive cesium through the nuclear power plant, mainly through accidents. High levels of radioactive cesium in or near one's body can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, coma, and even death.

Monday's restrictions came a week after Japan's government decided to release radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the sea despite fierce opposition from fishing crews at home and concern from the international community.

"The (Japanese) government's decision is outrageous," said Takeshi Komatsu, an oyster farmer in Miyagi prefecture, north of Tokyo. "I feel more helpless than angry when I think that all the efforts I've made to rebuild my life over the past decade have come to nothing."

South Korea strongly criticized the decision to release the contaminated water, with its Foreign Ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador. President Moon Jae-in ordered officials to explore petitioning an international court over the issue.
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The heartbroken families of police officers who were killed by a truck driver while in the line of duty have told how they have been 'left with scars that will never completely heal' one year on from their horrific deaths.

Mohinder Singh, 48, ran his truck into Leading Senior Constable Lynnette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney on Melbourne's Eastern Freeway on April 22 last year.

Singh had spent the days leading up the crash on a bender smoking ice and cannabis and downing bottles of booze. He had only slept for five hours over three days.

The four officers had been impounding a Porsche driven by mortgage broker driver Richard Pusey when they were struck and killed by Singh's semi-trailer.

Their deaths were the biggest loss of officer lives in a single incident in Victoria Police's history.

Constable Josh Prestney (pictured) was one of four Victoria Police officers who were killed by truck driver Mohinder Singh on Melbourne's Eastern Freeway on April 22 last year

In a heartbreaking statement one year on from his death, the family of Constable Prestney said: 'Josh's guitars have fallen silent, the music he loved is no longer pumped around the house'

The family of Constable Prestney (pictured) said their world fell apart the night he was killed while in the line of duty

Constable Prestney is pictured at left with his mother Belinda and at right with his father Andrew

Const Prestney, 28, was on his first week on the job when he was killed, having just graduated from the police academy in November, 2019.

He was only working a short stint in the field before he was to be transferred to Kew police station.

In a statement released to mark the one-year anniversary of Const Prestney's death, his mother Belinda, father Andrew and brother Alex said they will never be able to move on from the crash.

'The night we lost Josh our world fell apart. It has now been one year, but the memory of how that night unfolded is as clear and as painful as if it happened yesterday,' the family's statement said.

'As hard it was to lose Josh, harder still has been learning to live without him. We will never get used to this, get over this or move on from this.

'If we are lucky, time may soften the edges of our grief, but the loss of our son and brother has left scars that will never completely heal.

'He was eager to excel in his new career with Victoria Police and we would like to acknowledge the members he trained with and worked with, who are struggling with his loss.'

Left to right: Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Josh Prestney

The funeral procession lines up during the funeral of Constable Josh Prestney on May 4, 2020

Floral tributes before the funeral of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne last April

A tribute to the four fallen police officers outside the Victoria Police Academy in April, 2020

Const Humphris, 32, was another new recruit to the force, having only started his police career in 2019 after graduating from the academy in March of that year.

His partner of four years, Todd Robinson, described Const Humphris' death as 'one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life'.

'Despite the tragic circumstances, I want to use this opportunity to remember Glen as the smiling, bubbly and beautiful man that he was, and the love we shared for each other,' Mr Robinson said.

'He touched many people in his life, and many people cared for him. I want these stories and memories of joy and optimism to be forever remembered.'

Mr Robinson said on the day of the crash, 'I wished Glen a great day and hugged him goodbye as I left for work, not knowing that would be the last time we would ever see each other'.

Victoria Police officers will pause on Thursday to remember and pay tribute to their four fallen colleagues.

STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF CONSTABLE JOSH PRESTNEY Constable Josh Prestney is pictured at right with his brother Alex The night we lost Josh our world fell apart. It has now been one year, but the memory of how that night unfolded is as clear and as painful as if it happened yesterday. As hard it was to lose Josh, harder still has been learning to live without him. We will never get used to this, get over this or move on from this. If we are lucky, time may soften the edges of our grief, but the loss of our son and brother has left scars that will never completely heal. Josh's guitars have fallen silent, the music he loved is no longer pumped around the house and there is no more witty banter across the dinner table or cheering at the footy. Our son was generous, loving, discerning and honest, with a deep love of family and for his partner Stacey. He was eager to excel in his new career with Victoria Police and we would like to acknowledge the members he trained with and worked with, who are struggling with his loss. We all miss him so very much. Josh's story was not finished, there was still so much more to do. We are comforted by the love and support we receive from family, friends, colleagues and strangers, every day. Victoria Police have become our second family, reaching out to us with kindness and respect to help us get through the difficult days, especially in the past few weeks. They truly are extraordinary people. Josh, Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And Missed beyond measure Andrew, Belinda and Alex Prestney The parents of Constable Josh Prestney, Andrew and Belinda, are pictured arriving at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne during Mohinder Singh's plea hearing in March Advertisement

Vigils will be held across the state with a message to be broadcast through police radios at the end of the service and at 5.36pm when the incident occurred, requesting a minute's silence.

Flags at police stations will be flown at half-mast and landmarks across Victoria, including the police academy, will be lit blue in the evening.

'The deaths of four of our own continues to be felt right across the police force,' Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said.

'We know that this date, and the days and weeks surrounding it, will be a particularly difficult time for many.

'The deaths of our colleagues struck at the very core of Victoria Police and brought home the sobering reality of the inherent dangers that come with police work.'

Singh was last week sentenced to a total of 22 years by Justice Paul Coghlan: 12 years for one death and three additional years for each of the other three deaths with the terms partially concurrent.

There was an additional year on the sentence for his drug offences.

STATEMENT FROM TODD ROBINSON, THE PARTNER OF CONSTABLE GLEN HUMPHRIS Constable Glen Humphris I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my heartfelt thanks to everyone that has supported me over the past 12 months. Without the support I have received I could not imagine being here today celebrating the life of Glen. To my family, who showed me great strength and guided me through some of my darkest days; to my FLO Dean Howard; Chaplain Dave Thompson; Police Legacy; Blue Ribbon; Members of VicPol; and indeed the Australian public, who I cannot thank enough for your care and compassion. Today marks 12 months since I wished Glen a great day and hugged him goodbye as I left for work, not knowing that would be the last time we would ever see each other. Each and every day, police officers put their lives on the line for our community, and it is the worst fear of every partner and family member to receive that knock on the door. This was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life, and despite the tragic circumstances, I want to use this opportunity to remember Glen as the smiling, bubbly and beautiful man that he was, and the love we shared for each other. He touched many people in his life, and many people cared for him. I want these stories and memories of joy and optimism to be forever remembered. In loving memory of Glen. The partner of Constable Glen Humphris, Todd Robinson (centre in light blue suit), is picturing arriving at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne in March during Mohinder Singh's plea hearing Advertisement

The non-parole period was 18.5 years, and taking into account the year he has already been behind bars, he could be out in late 2039.

The families of all of the four victims watched on within the Supreme Court of Victoria on April 14 as Singh's sentence was handed down.

The court heard Singh had been told to get some rest before he got behind the wheel on the day of the crash.

For two whole seconds before he ran the police officers down, alarms in Singh's truck warned him to stop.

At 22 seconds past 5.36pm that day, Singh's truck swerved into the emergency lane where the vehicle's front mounted radar sensor detected the stationary police vehicles in front of the truck.

The truck triggered a 'Forward Collision Warning Event', which projected a red flashing light onto the inside of the windscreen.

Mohinder Singh, pictured arriving at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, was sentenced to a total of 22 years in jail

Mohinder Singh's truck careered off the highway and into the car of Richard Pusey, who had been pulled over by the officers for speeding

Richard Pusey has pleaded guilty to four charges - outraging public decency, drug possession, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and speeding - after the crash. He is pictured being taken away from his Fitzroy property by police on April 23, 2020

Crash experts later found Singh never hit the brakes and the only reason the truck stopped at all was because the vehicle itself had done so.

Pusey himself pleaded guilty last month to several charges after filming the crash site and taunting a senior constable as she lay dying. He is awaiting sentence.

Pusey avoided being struck in the crash as he had been urinating off to the side of the road.

He fled the scene and was arrested a day after the crash on April 23.
Ghanaian actress and socialite, Akuapem Poloo has been released following her appeal at the Accra High Court.



Akuapem Poloo has been granted GHC 80,000 with two sureties, suspending her 90-day jail term until her appeal is head.



Poloos came sentence after publishing obscene material on social media.



Following her release, a video celebrating Akuapem Poloos victory has surfaced on social media.



Some Nigerian celebrities; including Nkechi Blessing, and comedian Josh2Funny have composed a song for Akuapem Poloo.



Before Poloos sentencing, she is said to have travelled to Nigeria for an acting project. Her short stay with the celebrities in Naija seems to have won her too many admirers.



Watch the video below;





































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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured that the pump price of petroleum products would not be increased in the near future.

The Interim Secretary of the ruling party, John Akpanudoedehe, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja.

He spoke at an event organised by APC Professionals Forum at the partys national secretariat to showcase the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Mr Akpanudoedehe, who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Interim Chairman at the event, thanked the forum for enlightening Nigerians on the achievements, programmes and policies of the administration.

Another thing we have achieved which is recently, is the issue in the pump price of petroleum, the party said no to it.

It doesnt matter the circumstances, the party says the time is not ripe, that is the position of the party and they listened, Mr Akpanudoedehe said.

He assured the forum that the APC leadership would continue to partner with it, adding that Mr Buhari is a listening president.

Many of the things you complained about, he already knows, once you bring anything or those issues before him, he will take it with commitment, he said.

He charged members of the forum to take advantage of the partys ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise as a way of contesting elections as professionals.

We are looking for educated people to contest for every available position in Nigeria, at this time, if you dont succeed you will be compensated.

ALSO READ: Fuel queues resurface in Abuja as NNPC speaks on price hike

You must contest, women must contest. Disabled people must contest. Young professionals must contest.

Be rest assured that the chairman is a listening man, and what we will do to enhance you, we will do it, Mr Akpanudoedehe said.

He added that everyone was allowed to key into the Buhari-led administrations programmes.

As I am talking with you now, people are collecting loans and COVID-19 palliatives and benefiting from other social programmes of the federal government, he said.

(NAN)
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Liz Truss is scrambling to repair relations with her Australian counterpart after her allies labelled him 'inexperienced' and blamed Canberra for the 'glacially slow' pace of trade talks.

The International Trade Secretary is due to hold face-to-face discussions in London this week with Dan Tehan, the Australian Trade Minister.

The UK Government is frustrated at the lack of progress being made on a trade deal between the two sides, with sources close to Ms Truss warning the Australian government needs to 'show us the colour of their money'.

Her allies said Mr Tehan 'needs to show that he can play at this level' in comments which prompted a backlash in Australia.

One Australian minister told ABC News that the 'sledging' is 'not a very good tactic' and warned 'it's more likely to be counterproductive' amid fears it could sour the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted an Australian trade official who said the comments were 'very disrespectful'.

Ms Truss tried to repair the damage this afternoon as she issued a statement in which she said she is 'looking forward to giving Minister Tehan a warm welcome' and to building on the 'good progress we have already made'.

The International Trade Secretary has texted Mr Tehan to try to smooth things over, according to ABC.

British High Commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell also spoke to the media in Australia, telling ABC that 'this is a trade negotiation, so there will be tactics on both sides'.

Liz Truss, the International Trade Secretary, is due to hold face-to-face discussions in London this week with Dan Tehan, the Australian Trade Minister

Mr Tehan is visiting London for two days of talks, starting tomorrow, and the pressure is on to secure a breakthrough due to the fact he has been allowed to make the trip despite Australia's strict coronavirus travel policy.

Department for International Trade sources told The Telegraph that Canberra needs to show 'some serious movement on their side' if significant progress is to be made.

Talks are said to have stalled since Mr Tehan took the job back in December last year.

Sources accused Australia of being 'slow to move on key UK asks' like on business visas and reducing tariffs on key exports like Scotch whisky.

A source close to Ms Truss told the newspaper: 'She plans to sit him down in the Locarno Room [in the Foreign Office] in an uncomfortable chair, so he has to deal with her directly for nine hours.'

The source added: 'He is inexperienced compared to Liz. He needs to show that he can play at this level.

'Australia need to show us the colour of their money. They're great friends of ours and talk a good game about free trade and wanting a deal, but they need to match those words with action.'

It is estimated that a bilateral trade deal between London and Canberra could increase the value of UK exports to Australia by 900million a year.

Allies of Ms Truss have labelled Mr Tehan 'inexperienced' and claimed he 'needs to show that he can play at this level'

Current British trade with Australia is reportedly worth more than 18billion a year.

Ms Truss said in a statement issued this afternoon: 'I'm looking forward to giving Minister Tehan a warm welcome and building on the good progress we have already made.

'We want a gold standard agreement that boosts exports, drives investment, supports jobs, and breaks new ground in modern areas like services and digital trade.

'A deal will strengthen ties with one of our closest friends and a fellow pro-trade democracy, and help pave the way for the UK to join CPTPP, a modern trade group of eleven Pacific nations.'
As much or more than a professed commitment to democracy and human rights, the United States today is defined by that apparatus. In short, as Washington gears up to confront China, the national security state is eagerly headed back to the future.

Americans should find such a prospect deeply worrying. After all, what weve done so far by way of repurposing Cold War routines has cost the United States dearly, squandering American power and contributing to domestic dysfunction. The wreckage resulting from post-9/11 U.S. military exertions, for example, is yet to be tallied up. But this much we can say for certain: The trillions of dollars wasted and the many thousands of lives destroyed are gone for good, with precious little to show in return. This alone should give Americans pause before accepting a Cold War with China as inevitable.

Recall that at the onset of the original Cold War, the United States occupied an immensely advantageous global position. Apart from Washingtons well-honed capacity for waging war, those advantages have since diminished or disappeared altogether. The Biden administrations stated ambitions, centered on repairing a badly frayed social fabric, amount to a tacit admission of that fact. President Joe Biden can build back better or he can court a showdown with China. The days when the United States could do both are long gone.
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Nigeria ratified the Paris agreement in 2017 and has since, among others, pledged to cut carbon emissions conditionally (with international support) by 45 per cent and unconditionally (without international support) by 20 per cent by 2030 in its first Nationally Determined Contributions. However, Nigeria still lacks the required legal and regulatory provisions to back its climate ambitions, climate activists have said.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the activists therefore called for the passage of the Nigerian Climate Change Bill to foster Nigerias climate actions.

The Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, recently called for the speedy passage of the Climate Change Bill into law. She made this call at the meeting of the National Council on Environment which was held from April 7 to 9. Speaking at the opening of the event, she said the passing of the bill into law is necessary so as to have a legal instrument that would address the myriads of climate change actions and challenges in the country.

The Climate Change Bill, which she noted has passed second reading on the floor of the House, seeks to provide a legal framework for mainstreaming climate change responses and actions into government policy formulation and implementation. An earlier version of the bill was initially sent to President Buhari but was rejected in 2019.

Speaking on the importance of this bill, Olumide Idowu, Co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative, said the bill is supposed to guide our process, it is supposed to guide why we need to be talking about net-zero emissions.

He further argued that the delay in the passage of the bill has effects on Nigerian society and the effort to tackle climate change. According to him, a lot of activities are done in a way whereby people dont know what is guiding them. People just do anything the way they do.

If the bill is passed into law, he said, activities of people and businesses will be checked to avoid damaging impacts on the environment.

In our environment now, when an oil company violates rules, what happens? Nothing really happens. Thats why it [the bill] is very important.

He said without the passage of the bill into law we will continue to put profit over people. Then the people in the grassroot will be sufferingFor me I just felt that it is overdue, it is taking too long for us to have the climate change bill passed into law.

Also Seyifunmi Adebote, an environmentalist and host of Climate Talk Podcast, also called for the passage of the bill.

One thing we know is that the climate change bill is not anything new. Other countries do have the climate change bills, policies and legal structures that help them shape how they respond to climate change and thats exactly what the climate change bill is supposed to do, that is the role it is supposed to play to be able to shape up how the country is responding to climate action and to provide some legal structure when it eventually becomes a law.

Speaking on the impact of the delay in the passage of the bill, he said primarily, it just reflects that Nigeria will be perceived as a country that is not serious when it comes to responding to climate change either through adaptation or through the climate mitigation approach. The reason why Nigeria as a country has not been able to benefit from the so-called available financial instruments and structures to address climate change is because we really do not have that legal structure, we do not have legal backing to really put us in good light when it comes to the countrys position on climate change and gas emission etc.

He argued that if the bill is eventually passed into law, I think it would help Nigeria, sort of put a foundation for us to check the environmental component of all that we do. It will also help to put a very strong legal structure to businesses, its just going to provide a very solid legal framework that will guide the whole climate action for the country.

He also said that the provisions of the bill should be particularly tailored to fit the realities of the Nigerian context. He called for a public and broad consultation on the content of the bill to ensure it meets the needs of the Nigerian society.

As it is very important for us to push for the climate change bill to be passed into law, what is more important is the content of the bill. So as much as possible, the public reading should really be public reading, readings where it is available to the public. The draft of this should not just lie with the ministry or the desk of a particular officer. There should be broad/wide consultation among people who really understand these issues. That way, the bill can really be drafted in a way that can meet a need. Because it will be very sad if the bill is a very shady one that really does not speak to the issues on ground and it is passed.

As much as we are pushing for the bill to be passed, we must also equally push for the content of the bill to adequately capture what we think should be Nigerias response to climate change, he concluded.